Hong Kong: Wealth converging on GBA: FS Financial Secretary Paul Chan For Hong Kong's asset and wealth management industry, it remains strong and resilient. Although we saw a drop in assets under management (AUM) last year though still at US$4 trillion it was consistent with the market returns in 2022. And we continued to be Asia's premier booking centre in terms of cross-border asset flows, with AUM totalling US$2.2 trillion in 2022. The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Hong Kong last year reached 12,500, making Hong Kong the world's top city in which wealthy individuals manage their investment portfolios. I take heart in this year's "Hong Kong Private Wealth Management Report," produced by the Association in concert with KPMG. The report notes, and I quote, "despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions and external headwinds, the city's many advantages as a private wealth-management hub remain intact." Family Offices I know that family offices are a key part of that business, and I am happy to share some exciting progress here in Hong Kong. We welcome family offices from around the world to set up in Hong Kong, to tap into our unique advantages and far-reaching opportunities. To this end, in my Budget this year, I have allocated HK$100 million to support Invest Hong Kong's team in attracting and serving more family offices. Our Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, in March, made that clear. On that occasion, we released our Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong. It outlines a range of measures to develop a favourable and competitive environment for global family offices and asset owners. They include a new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme. It's expected to channel substantial funds into Hong Kong's capital market. We are actively pursuing it, and are finalising its details. Our efforts include enabling regulatory measures. For example, amendments were made in May to provide profits-tax exemptions for familyowned, investment-holding vehicles managed by single family offices in Hong Kong. Our financial regulators also issued a circular on streamlining the suitability assessment for sophisticated professional investors, addressing a major regulatory pain point faced by the industry. Regulation aside, we are nurturing a vibrant ecosystem to help the family offices sector prosper. In June this year, InvestHK launched its Network of Family Office Service Providers. The network offers members mutual business referral opportunities and facilitates concerted efforts in promoting the industry to target markets. No less important, it also enables representation of the industry in policy advocacy, and allows the Government to brief the industry on our latest thinking and policy developments. People are central to the wealth and asset management sector. That is why we have stepped up the development of Hong Kong's talent pool. The Financial Services Development Council is setting up a new Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy. Working with the Government, industry, and academia, it will offer talent-development services to industry practitioners as well as next-generation wealth owners. Speaking of training talent for the sector, we appreciate the efforts of the Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA), in particular your training programme co-organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to provide internships for our university students. Hong Kong's appeal to family offices also rests with our ambition to become the philanthropic centre for global family offices. Our recent initiatives in this direction include facilitating applications for charitable tax-exemption status. We have also increased, for the purpose of tax concessions, the beneficial interest a qualified charity may hold in family-owned investment-holding vehicles. Besides, with the wonderful lifestyle that embraces the best of East and West from children's education, food and sports, to hiking trails, cultural life and much more Hong Kong is the city in which people from all over the world would like to work, live and raise a family. Yet, ladies and gentlemen, beyond the family offices sector, there are indeed good news, encouraging developments for the industry. Opportunities brought by strategic enterprises They include the opportunities brought by the coming of strategic enterprises. The Government of this term is keen on attracting strategic enterprises to settle in Hong Kong. These are companies in the fields of life and health science, artificial intelligence and big data, fintech, as well as advanced manufacturing and new energy. Just a couple of days ago, we welcomed around 30 such enterprises to settle or expand their business in Hong Kong. Together, they will bring some $30 billion in investments and create 10,000 jobs in Hong Kong, the majority of which are research and management positions. Coming with these enterprises are their founders, innovators and high-ranking executives. All the more so, a circle of companies in the ecosystem, the related industry chain and their management as well. This would mean more business for our asset and wealth management sector. Wealth Management Connect Then, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme. As you all know, last week the financial regulators of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau jointly announced enhancements to the scheme, to allow more residents and securities firms to participate, enlarge the scope of eligible investment products, increase individual investment quotas, and enhance promotion and sales processes. These will certainly bring new impetus to the growth of the asset and wealth management sector. With the GBA growing in affluence, the room for further growth is huge. We will continue to work hard to deepen the connect scheme. Enhancing the securities market In fact, a vibrant financial market, with a broad range of investment products, is crucial to the attractiveness and competitiveness of Hong Kong as an asset and wealth management centre. On this, we have never stopped moving. One priority area is our securities market. Over the past few years, we have been working hard to enhance the competitiveness of our listing platform. I am sure you are aware of the various initiatives, and I am not going to recap here. I would just like to highlight the recent setting up of the Task Force on Enhancing Stock Market Liquidity. Among other things, the task force will review the listing regime and the market's structure and trading mechanisms. It will also explore how to broaden fund flows, attract more quality enterprises to list in Hong Kong, promote product innovation and diversity, and enhance price discovery and trading efficiency. The task force will submit its report to the Government very soon. Broadening fixed income assets Another focus would be broadening Hong Kong's fixed income asset offerings. This, of course, includes the bonds issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to the order of about HK$65 billion in each of the coming years. Indeed, the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation is also one of the largest bond issuers in Hong Kong, with total outstanding debts amounting to HK$157 billion as at August this year. It has been extending its product variety to satisfy the investment community's need for portfolio diversification and yield enhancement. For example, it has issued social bonds since last year, with a total issuance amount of around HK$31 billion equivalent. Hong Kong has also seen a remarkable growth of renminbi and green and sustainable bonds. Last year, the volume of offshore RMB bonds issued in Hong Kong reached RMB330 billion, nearly 10 times the amount in 2010. Last year, the total amount of green and sustainable debt arranged or issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$80 billion, up more than 40% compared to the year before, with green bond issuance accounting for about one-third of the market share in Asia. The launch of Swap Connect's northbound trading, in May this year, also enables investors holding Mainland Government bonds to manage their risks. More RMB product offerings Speaking of RMB products, Hong Kong is making bold steps to boost the liquidity of offshore RMB, enhance the relevant infrastructure, and offer more investment and risk-management products denominated in the currency. That, of course, includes deepening and expanding the connectivity with the Mainland's financial markets. Through Hong Kong, investors are having convenient access to the Mainland's stock, bonds, and now ETFs and derivatives. And vice versa for Mainland investors for products available in Hong Kong. Another recent step forward was in June this year, setting in motion the Hong Kong Dollar-Renminbi Dual Counter for 24 major stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Concluding remarks Ladies and gentlemen, there's more, lots more, in the pipeline. Let me just say that Hong Kong is committed to sharpening our competitive edge in asset and wealth management, and no less so, in reinforcing and elevating the status of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. Through it all, I know we can count on the support of the PWMA. The association, as Amy (Chairman of the PWMAs Executive Committee Amy Lo) noted, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year a decade of working closely, and well, with its members, the industry and the Government for the long-term development, and flourishing, of Hong Kong's asset and wealth management industry. May I conclude by referring to this year's Hong Kong Private Wealth Management Report once again. It says: "While geopolitical tensions are a concern for members and clients, what is often lost is the strength of Hong Kong as a wealth management hub. There is a need for a more proactive articulation and marketing of Hong Kong's strengths, including the advantages of the one country, two systems framework, the US dollar-exchanged rate and the free flow of capital..." Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at the Private Wealth Management Association Wealth Management Summit 2023 on October 6. This story has been published on: 2023-10-06. 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 MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 1.29 million Filipinos have left the Philippines to work abroad since January, the Philippines' Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has said. DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said in a speech Thursday that the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) deployed during the first semester was 37.46 percent higher than last year. Cacdac said 966,479 were land-based and 324,941 were sea-based. The top destinations for OFWs included Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore, he added. According to Cacdac, healthcare workers were the top export, followed by workers related to tourism and construction. The Philippines deployed 2,057,040 Filipino workers in 2022. Today's burning question, in honor of Hispanic Heritage month, which runs from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, looks at who the first Spanish speaking people were to arrive in Western North Carolina. Got a question for Answer Man or Answer Woman? Email Executive Editor Karen Chavez at KChavez@citizentimes.com and your question could appear in an upcoming column. Question: Hispanics are largely seen as late arrivers to Western North Carolina, coming in a recent wave of immigration. But when did the first Spanish-speakers get here? Answer: Think 500 years ago. It's true, the biggest influx of people of Spanish or Latin American ancestry has come in the last few decades. But back in the 16th century there were some especially daring and by most historical accounts, destructive Spanish speakers who not only were the first Europeans to find their way to the Appalachians, historians and archeologists say, but were also the first nonnative people to build settlements in the North American interior. Some even made it the place where Asheville would be founded. Normally, people think of the coastal areas of Florida and Spain as sites of early Spanish settlement. But two explorers, Hernando De Soto and Juan Pardo launched expeditions that reached the Southern Appalachians, then considered part of "La Florida," the vast area of the Southeast claimed by Spain and ranging from Louisiana to North Carolina. The goal of the "conquistadors" was to find sources of gold and silver and to secure routes for its transport to Spain. I talked to University of Miami languages and literatures professor Viviana Diaz Balsera, who said an important part of the Hispanic legacy in the present day United States is these Spaniards being the first Europeans to make contact with many Native American peoples in the Southeast and their substantial documentation of the indigenous peoples they saw and interacted with. The Spaniards recorded their relationships with the natives, how they were received, how they traded with them, how much food was available. There's a lot of information in this documentation about the Native Americans in the region that help us to understand their politics and cultural sophistication," she said. Diaz Balsera, a specialist in early Spanish culture centered around La Florida, said the documentation is not shy at showing the faults of the explorers, some of whom abused and mistreated the Native Americans. De Soto, for example, was known for his cruelty against the indigenous people. But Juan Pardo was not, Diaz Balsera said. He was more of a diplomat. He did not want to create havoc with the indigenous people. He wanted things to go as smoothly as possible with them in order to secure their support. At least initially, many Native American leaders were open to contact, she said, looking to see how alliances with the Spaniards could benefit them politically and enhance their power in the area. In 1540, De Soto's army along with Africans they enslaved became the first known nonnative people to travel through WNC. The Spanish had taken as hostage a female chief from what is now South Carolina to serve as a guide. But "the Lady of Cofitachequi," as she was called in written Spanish accounts, misled them toward the mountains and escaped. The army traveled into a region inhabited by the Cherokee, accounts say. On May 29, 1541, they arrived at a place native people called Guaxle, which 200 years later would be the site for Asheville in the French Broad River Valley. De Soto pushed the army on, dying in 1542 in a Native American village on the banks of the Mississippi River after contracting a fever. A map showing the de Soto expedition route through the future U.S. states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. Based on the Charles M. Hudson map of 1997. Pardo's expedition into WNC A quarter century later, on Dec. 1, 1566, Pardo embarked on an expedition to try to claim the continental interior for Spain and map a route to Mexico's silver mines. His smaller army followed many of the same trails, entering WNC at the start of January 1567. With the mountains covered in snow, the group stopped at Joara, the political, economic and ritual center of the ancestors of the Catawba tribe about 60 miles east of Asheville in present-day Burke County. Map of the Native American towns visited by Juan Pardo, 1566-1567. De Soto had also stopped in Joara, but moved on after obtaining food and supplies from inhabitants. Pardo, who gave gifts including metal knives to the tribe's leader, named Joara Mico, got permission to build Fort San Juan and a small settlement, Cuenca, adjacent to the town. The fort's location not far from what is now Morganton was confirmed in 2013 after years of work by Warren Wilson professor David Moore and other archeologists who found enough evidence to definitively link it to Pardo. UNC anthropology professor Rachel Briggs is co-director at the dig known as the Berry Site, where work continues to be focused on the fort as well as a structure believed to be associated with Joara and areas near a mound possibly built by the indigenous people. "We have continued to recover Spanish artifacts from the site, and indeed, the concentration has increased in areas around the fort," Briggs said. Pardo traveled from the fort after the winter, returning to St. Elena on the coast of Georgia. He left 30 soldiers, who later helped Joara warriors conquer a rival chiefdom near present-day Saltville, Virginia. According to the expedition's official scribe, before leaving, Pardo commanded ... that no one should dare bring any woman into the fort at night under pain of being severely punished. Despite this, an indigenous woman, Teresa Martin, later told officials that after three or four moons, the soldiers caused disorders with the Indians and their women. Native men, potentially angered by this as well as the soldiers' increasing demand for food burned San Juan and five other nearby forts to the ground in the spring of 1568, killing all soldiers but Martin's husband, Juan Martin de Badajoz, who fled with her to Santa Elena. Juan Martin died in 1576 in a skirmish with native warriors. Building Fort San Juan near Joara in the late 1500s. Today, the Berry Site continues to uncover new discoveries. Teresa Martin moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where in 1600 she testified about her experiences to a Spanish colonial governor, according to Western Carolina University Latinx Studies program director Melissa Birkhofer and her husband, Appalachian State University Spanish professor Paul Worley, who wrote about the indigenous woman who was likely born in Joara, but could have come from another tribe. Birkhofer and Worley in 2022 found a "pay list" in University of Florida archives in which Martin claims her deceased husband's pay from the crown on the behalf of her daughter, Worley told me. Many scholars say Chicano and Latino literature began with Spaniard Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca's writings about surviving a failed 1527 expedition in the Southwest and Mexico, Worley said. He and Birkhofer are now writing a new piece in which they say rather than beginning with Cabeza de Vaca and the "European colonizers," scholars should look to multilingual and multiracial literatures "from the paylist and Martin's subsequent testimony." "Our argument places the Berry Site, Morganton, and Southern Appalachia right in the center of things," he said. More: Asheville City Schools 1st-graders learn beauty of Mexican heritage with cooking lesson Lucia Ibarra, the 'Wetland Wanderer,' celebrates outdoors career, Hispanic Heritage Month Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Who were first Hispanics in Western North Carolina? An anti-Trump group launched an ad Friday seeking to push House Republicans to elect a new Speaker who will support more funding for Ukraine as the chaos in the lower legislative chamber continues to imperil additional assistance for Kyiv. The political ad is expected to air across the Washington region and on Fox News, according to Republicans for Ukraine, a project from Defending Democracy Together, one of the most outspoken anti-Trump conservative advocacy groups. Republicans for Ukraine contrast the chaos in the House with the war in Ukraine, arguing that Republicans are butting heads over the next Speaker while the fight for freedom in Ukraine hasnt stopped. Ukraine needs our help to defend their freedom, defeat Russia and establish peace, an announcer says in the video. Its time to stop the Republican infighting and focus on the fight for freedom in the House. The next Speaker of the House must support Ukraine. While the Senate is largely unified around backing Ukraine, the House is derailing more security assistance as it grapples with leadership challenges. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted from the Speakership this week by a group of conservative rebels, as well as all the Democrats in the chamber. The Republican majority in the House has yet to rally around a new leader and the chaos is throwing Ukraine aid funding up in the air as the Pentagon is warning it is running out of funds to support Kyiv. Last month, the ultraconservative lawmakers who kicked McCarthy to the curb also successfully stripped Ukraine aid funding out of a stopgap bill to keep the government funded. The next Speaker will be pivotal to future Ukraine support. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) are the front-runners for the Speakership. Former President Trump, who may even consider a bid for the position because the Speaker does not have to be a member of Congress, has endorsed Jordan. On legislation, Scalise has shown more support for Ukraine than Jordan and Hern, both of whom have earned low marks, according to a report card from Republicans for Ukraine. Gunner Ramer, a national spokesman for Republicans for Ukraine, said in a statement that the U.S. cant let a minority of Republicans thwart the fight for freedom. Pro-Ukraine House Republicans should insist that the next Speaker bring a Ukraine bill to the floor for a vote, Ramer said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukraines largest aircraft manufacturing company Antonov joined the Aerospace, Security and Defense Industries Association of Europe (ASD), the association said on Oct. 6. Antonov is the first Ukrainian company in the ASD, the largest aerospace and defense lobby in Europe. Membership will strengthen ties between European and Ukrainian manufacturers. I warmly welcome Antonov as a new ASD member, an important step towards the integration of the Ukrainian aerospace industry in the European industrial ecosystem, ASD Secretary-General Jan Pie said. The Ukrainian company produced the iconic Antonov An-225 Mriya aircraft, the largest cargo plane in the world. Russian forces destroyed the Mriya during the Battle of Kyiv last year. The state-owned defense company conglomerate Ukrainian Defense Industry said last month that Antonov will open a new drone center to enhance drone manufacturing capabilities in Ukraine. Antonovs ASD membership allows it to contribute to the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA) in developing standards and regulations for aircraft security. ASD represents over 4,000 aerospace companies in Europe including BAE Systems Plc and Rheinmetall AG. Members account for 98% of the sectors turnover in Europe and 93% of aerospace employment. Ukraine previously joined the aviation organization Eurocontrol and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). Read also: Ukraine develops invisibility cloak to protect soldiers from thermal imagery Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An appeals court has upheld a mans life sentence for a deadly crash, according to Channel 9s partners at the Gaston Gazette. An appeals court upheld a mans life sentence for a deadly crash. ALSO READ: Gaston County man gets life after second deadly drunken driving crash Eric Taylor appealed his conviction in the 2015 death of Vance Avery. Prosecutors say Taylor was driving under the influence and crashed into Averys car in February 2015. Taylor was sentenced to life. But that decision was overturned. He went back to court and was found guilty again last year. (WATCH BELOW: Student speaks after deputy convicted for convincing her to use Taser on herself) An Arizona-based economic coalition is stepping up to bring proposals from state military and industry contractors to the country in an effort to support Ukraine in their war with Russia and reconstruction effort. As controversy swirls in Congress surrounding the funding of Ukraine, the Arizona proposals include using 3D home printing to quickly rebuild homes destroyed in the war, developing a new energy grid, introducing technology that detects and destroys land mines with drones and autonomous vehicles and more. Last month in Washington, D.C., surrounded by leaders from each of their respective governing bodies, the Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition signed an agreement with Ukraine to establish these business relationships between Arizona companies and the country. AZDIC leaders and five Arizona companies have since traveled to Ukraine for a defense and industries conference in Kyiv. "We wanted to create an opportunity to have more direct lines of communication between Arizona and Ukraine," AZDIC President Lynndy Smith said. "It was our promise that we would come back to Arizona and to work with our network of over 1,200 defense contractors to actually find actionable solutions that meet those very specific needs." AZDIC will act as a liaison between Ukraine and contractors in the state to streamline Ukraine's acquisition of essential resources in Arizona, as well as bring new projects to the country, such as munitions, drones and artificial intelligence. AZDIC will work with Ukraine to identify the needs and problems of the country that connected Arizona contractors can solve. The partnership came about after AZDIC members and state leaders had the opportunity to visit Ukraine in June. For the proposals that are coming out of this partnership, 70% of them are reconstruction-focused, while the other 30% is defense-focused, said Rick Stilgenbauer, a senior public policy advisor for Squire Patton Boggs. At the signing, AZDIC presented Ukraine with a 170-page document detailing the various companies' proposals. Some of these proposals included the creation of a joint munitions industry between Arizona and Ukraine, agricultural reconstruction efforts and the development of micro campuses across Ukraine to help the country create a new constitution after the war. Arizona is the first state to have that type of contract and relationship with the country, and while Utah signed a similar contract with Ukraine just after AZDIC did, Arizona already had come to the table with 55 proposals for the country while Utah's journey was just getting started, Stilgenbauer said. Sixteen of those proposals came from the University of Arizona. UA's project proposals include efforts to address medical professional and public health personnel shortages in Ukraine; to improve the national health care network to help with Ukrainians suffering with Long COVID-19 related illnesses; to restore environmental lands affected by the war; and to create a sustainable supply of high-quality water in Ukraine and more, Stilgenbauer said. "There are many opportunities that are coming out of Arizona that are very eager to work in Ukraine," Smith said. "We have solutions that could be implemented tomorrow in Ukraine and then we have some that may take a little bit." The specific details on how these Arizona companies will be compensated for these projects still needs to be nailed down. However, the projects likely will get funded in different ways. As the method of compensation will depend on the project, the majority of funding will likely be through private-public partnerships, fully private partnerships, funding opportunities for direct investments through the United States government and organizations such as Export-Import Bank of the United States, the World Bank, the United Nations and the U.S. State Department. High-profile officials from both governing bodies attended the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, including Ukraine Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, who signed the agreement with Smith; Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; and Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., who recently returned from a trip to Ukraine. During AZDIC's more recent trip to Ukraine at the end of September, the conference was hosted by Zelenskyy himself and included 252 attendees from more than 30 countries, AZDIC's news release said. Kelly's Trip: Sen. Mark Kelly was back in Ukraine. Here's what he saw and did "Arizona has already played a critical role in supporting Ukraine's defense against Russia's illegal invasion, and this agreement will further strengthen our partnership while bolstering Arizona's defense community," Kelly said in a written statement. Reach the reporter Morgan Fischer at morgan.fischer@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @morgfisch. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona business coalition partners with Ukraine to help war effort The Army fired the commander of its West Point garrison on Aug. 30, service officials confirmed this week after more than a month of silence following the removal. Col. Anthony Bianchis firing, reported by Military.com on Thursday, follows the colonels suspension in late July amid an investigation into unspecified alleged conduct. Bianchis July dismissal was first reported by The Messenger. Army officials did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding Bianchis firing. The commanding general of U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, relieved Bianchi from his post due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command, branch spokesperson Christina Bhatti wrote in a statement to Army Times. Bhatti added that the colonel is currently performing duties as assigned, though what those duties entail remains unclear. Bianchi graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as a field artillery officer in 1997. He assumed command of the Armys oldest garrison in July 2022, one year before his suspension. The Tampa Bay native deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, receiving a Bronze Star Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, and several other awards over the course of his career. Bianchi is one of several Army colonels to draw scrutiny for misbehavior this year. Col. Jonathan Chung was relieved from his post as commander of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade in June following allegations of toxic leadership. Col. Meghann Sullivan, a commander of the 5th Brigade Engineer Battalion, is under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing subordinates. Editors note: This article was updated at 6:28 p.m. EST on Oct. 6 to note Col. Bianchis dismissal was first reported by The Messenger. MADISON State leaders are at odds over whether to add security measures at the Wisconsin State Capitol after a Madison man visited the statehouse twice in one day demanding to see the governor, first carrying a handgun and later returning with an assault-style rifle. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Friday the states Capitol should not be locked down, arguing such rules would restrict the publics access to government. But GOP Senate President Chris Kapenga also said Friday he is considering adding safety measures to the chamber he oversees. Wisconsins Capitol building is one of the most accessible statehouses in the country, with a full-time police force based in the building but no metal detectors or requirements to show security badges to enter during work hours. Its open to the public seven days a week. On Wednesday, a 43-year-old Madison man who was wearing a holstered handgun and otherwise shirtless entered the Capitol on a day when hundreds of people were inside taking tours and testifying in a number of committee hearings scheduled that day. He walked to the governors office and demanded to see Evers and was arrested for illegally carrying his firearm, according to Capitol police. Hours later, the man posted bail and returned that night with an assault-style rifle again demanding to see Evers. Hes now in protective custody, according to Capitol police. Evers said Friday he doesnt want to reduce the number of open entrances or add security screening. It'd be the last thing I'd want to do, he told Wisconsin Watch. "This is the people's house and we're going to do everything we can to not have that happen," Evers said. Think about all those 4th graders that come here every year to learn about the great things that WI has done in the past and it's enshrined in this building They do it in DC," he said of the U.S. Capitol. "I think it's creepy. And it would be triple creepy here." Vos, rarely in agreement with Evers on policy, tweeted Friday he supported Evers position. Gov Evers is right in his take on this. The Capitol Police did their job and we should not restrict the ability of the public to access their elected officials and the State Capitol beyond what we do now, Vos said. But Kapenga said in an interview with WISN-TV he was considering security measures. It's a very credible threat," Kapenga said. "One of the officers said it's probably one of the most concerning things that he's seen." Its possible Kapenga could implement new rules that would not be in effect in the rest of the building. Senate and Assembly leaders have control over security rules in their respective chambers and assigned rooms. Evers has control over much of the rest of the Capitol building. Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Arrest of armed man in Capitol sparks debate over adding security Authorities in Pennsylvania say they have issued an arrest warrant for the man suspected of killing journalist and advocate Josh Kruger earlier this week. The suspect is identified as Robert Davis, 19, who is considered armed and dangerous, Philadelphia police homicide unit Lt. Hamilton Marshmond said at a news conference Friday. Marshmond said the warrant includes the charges of murder and related offenses. He urged Davis to surrender to police. Our goal is to have Mr. Davis taken into custody in a safe manner for the public, our officers and himself, Marshmond said. Philadelphia police released an image of Robert Davis, wanted in connection with the death Josh Kruger. - Philadelphia Police Kruger, 39, was shot and killed early Monday at his home in the South Philadelphia neighborhood of Point Breeze, according to police. The journalist, who was struck seven times in his chest and abdomen, was pronounced dead at a hospital. No weapons were recovered and no arrests have been made, according to a police statement. Police said they believe Kruger had been trying to help Davis and they were acquaintances. He was just trying to help him get through life, Marshmond said, adding the motive was not clear. When asked how Davis may have gotten access to Krugers home, Marshmond said, From the information that we have right now, we do not believe that he had been staying there at the time, but investigators plan to ask Davis about this when he is in custody. Police said between multiple tips and help from the public and Krugers family and friends, investigators were able to zero in on Davis and obtain video of the incident prior to the murder, but would not go into further detail. Kruger, an award-winning journalist, had covered issues including LGBTQ+ rights, homelessness, HIV and addiction in publications like The Philadelphia Citizen and The Philadelphia Inquirer. He also worked for the City of Philadelphia for five years in roles with the citys Department of Public Health, Office of Homeless Services and Office of the Mayor, according to LinkedIn. Krugers writing built on his personal journey of living with HIV and having experienced homelessness, according to his LinkedIn profile, where he described himself as a destroyer of stigma and bureaucratic silos and a believer in the common good. He also shared his experience of surviving addiction via social media and continued to work with people dealing with addiction in Philadelphia. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An Egon Schiele painting that was stolen by the Nazis is displayed in New York on September 20, 2023 (-) Six artworks stolen by the Nazis and returned recently to the heirs of the Austrian Jew who owned them will be auctioned in New York next month, Christie's said Thursday. New York authorities announced on September 20 that leading institutions that include New York's Museum of Modern Art had agreed to return seven works by the Austrian Expressionist artist Egon Schiele to the family of Fritz Grunbaum, a cabaret performer and art collector who died in the Dachau concentration camp in 1941. Three of the works -- watercolors on paper, thought to be worth up to $2.5 million each -- will be auctioned on November 9 and three others will go up two days later as part of Christie's fall auctions. The seventh work, which was returned by the Museum of Modern Art, has been acquired privately by "a prominent collector who has a demonstrated record of supporting Holocaust survivors," said Raymond Dowd, the Grunbaum heirs' New York attorney. Grunbaum's heirs had been fighting for the artworks' return for years. He owned hundreds of works of art, including more than 80 by Schiele. Schiele's works, considered "degenerate" by the Nazis, were largely auctioned or sold abroad to finance the Nazi Party, according to the Manhattan district attorney's office. Arrested by the Nazis in 1938, Grunbaum was forced while at Dachau to sign over his power of attorney to his spouse, who was then made to hand over the family's entire collection before herself being deported to a different concentration camp, in current-day Belarus. The seven works whose restitution was announced last month had reappeared on the art market after World War II, first in Switzerland and then making their way to New York. The Grunbaum heirs are pursuing other works as well. Last week, three Schiele drawings were seized by the Manhattan district attorney's office from the Art Institute of Chicago, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College in Ohio. arb/nr/dw/acb MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Hospitals in the Philippines have been authorized to recruit unlicensed nurses to work as "critical care associates" as the country continues to grapple with a shortage of healthcare workers, especially nurses. Tynna Eunice Pielago, 23, a recent nursing graduate from Cavite Province, southwest of capital Manila, expressed her concerns about the government remedy, which she describes as "a band-aid solution" to the problem. "This would put healthcare quality at risk and add to the workload of the licensed nurses tasked to supervise the critical care associates," Pielago told Xinhua. Years of massive migration of Filipino health workers to foreign countries have exacerbated the shortage of workforce in the industry. The Department of Health estimated a shortage of 114,743 nurses in the Philippines as of December 2022, while the Professional Regulatory Commission noted that only 53.55 percent of registered nurses are active and are practicing in the health sector. The current administration holds a belief that allowing nursing graduates who have yet to pass the government licensure examination to be hired as assistants is a vital way to boost the depleted healthcare system, local media reported. "This way, they can get to work immediately," Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos said. However, Jobie Fuellas, 34, a Filipino nurse since 2010, told Xinhua that "patients might have less trust in critical care associates because they lack accountability due to the absence of a license." "Holding a license is a fulfillment and entails significant responsibility. Moreover, patients tend to place more trust in you because of the license," Fuellas said. Since the 1950s, the Philippines has consistently supplied nurses to the developed countries like the United States, Britain, and Canada, among others. Active recruitment in the Middle East also picked up in recent years, which further encouraged the exodus of Filipino health workers. Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has underscored the urgency of addressing the "brain drain" phenomenon. During a Senate hearing in August, Senator Pia Cayetano also urged the government to address the country's bleeding healthcare system. "We only talk about the nursing shortage, but we also have a shortage of pharmacists, physical therapists, occupation therapists, everything that makes a health system sustainable," Cayetano said. Public and private hospitals have committed to hiring "underboard" nursing graduates for one year, with the possibility of renewal twice if they do not pass the licensure examinations. The government and the hospitals have been collaborating to develop an upskilling program in coordination with higher education institutions to enhance the competencies of nurses. However, Pielago, who has been studying for the licensure exam, believes that the government must have more basis and concrete research, and listen to the perspectives of nursing leaders. "Hiring unlicensed nurses may seem like a good idea at first, given that it brings the opportunity to those who haven't passed the licensure exam to practice, but there may be long-term consequences that the government may have overlooked," she said. Russian forces struck a cafe in the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast, presumably thinking that Ukrainian soldiers could be there, but there were only civilians, mostly women. Source: Dmytro Chubenko, spokesperson for Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office, on air with Radio Svoboda (Liberty) on 6 October Quote from Chubenko: "The strike was very precise, and a very precise and expensive missile was used, which is not common in Russia. Based on the motives for the strike, which are currently unknown, it is possible that it was indeed guided by someone from the local area. Because the Russians believed that there would be military personnel at the funeral and wake of the fallen soldier. But there were only civilians, mostly women." Details: When asked whether the Russian forces believed that Ukrainian servicemen would be at the wake, Chubenko confirmed it. This could have been the reason for the precise strike at that place, and Chubenko said: "Yes, yes, that's why. Exactly as you said". Background: On 5 October, Russians attacked a cafe in the village of Hroza, Kupiansk district, Kharkiv Oblast. A wake for a deceased soldier was taking place there. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said that the strike was so precise that it is suspected that the attack was guided by one of the local residents. As of 6 October, 52 people were reported dead. Among the dead are the widow and son of the soldier, who was commemorated after his reburial in his native village. The son of the reburied man was also a soldier, he was killed with his wife. A three-day mourning period was declared in Kharkiv Oblast on 6-8 October. 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 man in Florida is accused of trying to rob an urgent care by rappelling down from the roof and crashing through the ceiling, police said. The office manager at the Gainesville CareSpot Urgent Care walked into work Sept. 28 and came face-to-face with a man holding a butcher knife and laptop, according to an arrest affidavit from the Gainesville Police Department. The man was pushing a wheelchair full of items from the office, according to the affidavit. The manager confronted the man, 36, and he ran off, leaving the loaded wheelchair behind, police said. Inside the urgent care, police found a hole in the ceiling and ceiling tiles on the floor, according to the affidavit. Police said the man climbed onto the roof and pried open a vent to get inside the building. He then rappelled from the roof down to a beam in the ceiling, according to the report, and tried to climb onto a decorative plastic piece in the ceiling. Police said that when he stepped onto the plastic, it broke and the man fell 15 feet to the floor of the urgent care, tearing down ceiling tiles as he fell. Once inside, the man ripped open cabinets, knocked the lock off a storage locker and began to pile items from the urgent care into a wheelchair, according to the affidavit. He grabbed a set of keys from an office drawer and about $192 from the office till, police said. The man put a cast on his wrist and was walking with a limp and a cane when police found him at a nearby abandoned building, according to the affidavit. When asked his name, the man told police a fake name and said he had a twin, WCJB reported, citing an arrest report. Police said his injuries were from falling from the ceiling, but the man told officers he had been beaten up, according to the outlet. He was taken into custody and charged with armed burglary, theft, criminal mischief and giving a false identity to a law enforcement officer, according to the arrest affidavit. Gainesville is about 130 miles north of Tampa. Financial adviser accused of stealing $1.3M from client. How Ohio cops say he spent it Brothers swap fake iPhones for real ones scamming Apple out of $6.1 million, feds say Masked suspects assault ATM worker and take off with $29,000, Nebraska police say Hallucinogenic mushrooms were sold to Florida tourists at mall apparel store, cops say UNC-Chapel Hill received recommendations in 2020 to require active shooter training for faculty and staff, an audit document obtained by The News & Observer indicates but three years later, and following two gun-related lockdowns this academic year alone, the university has not implemented such requirements. The internal audit, which was completed in May 2020, included five recommendations for how the university could improve safety and security before, during and after active shooter or armed intruder situations on campus. The first recommendation, which corresponded to the auditors observation that the university at that time had insufficient active shooter training for university employees, said the university should consider requiring faculty and staff to participate in such training to ensure they are prepared to respond to such emergencies. The recommendation said such training could also be added to new employee on-boarding processes. But according to information provided to The N&O by the UNC media relations office following the deadly Aug. 28 shooting at the university, there is no required emergency training for faculty at the university. The university provided a response to each recommendation in the 18-page audit, stating it concurred with all of them. Regarding the recommendation for required training, the universitys response stated that it would implement rigorous training exercises for law enforcement and review other training resources. The response did not directly address whether the university would implement required training specifically for staff and faculty. Some UNC students recounted to The N&O in the days following the Aug. 28 shooting at the university that they felt their professors were not prepared for the emergency. I know that not everyone felt as prepared as they may have wanted to, and no system and no response is perfect, UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz told members of the university Faculty Council at a Sept. 28 meeting, adding that the university would assess whether more required trainings should be considered. UNC Police Chief Brian James told The N&O in an interview last month that it is absolutely best practice to have as many people trained as we possibly can, but said any mandates for training would need to be decided by university leadership. UNC said in its responses to the audit recommendations that it would act on all of the recommendations by the end of the 2020 calendar year either by completing them, or by taking steps to review them. UNC spokesperson Erin Spandorf told The N&O by email that the universitys Office of Internal Audit, along with the associate vice chancellor for campus safety and risk management, have been tracking the implementation of the audits recommendations since 2020. Significant efforts have been attained related to addressing identified improvement opportunities; however, the recommendations remain in an open status, with noted progress, Spandorf said. The university did not address specific questions from The N&O regarding why it has not implemented required training for faculty and staff. Nor did it address whether the training is included in new employee on-boarding. Page 1 of UNC internal audit Page 1 of UNC internal audit Contributed to DocumentCloud by Korie Dean (The News and Observer) View document or read text UNC offers voluntary training from campus police As noted in the audit and as is still the case presently the UNC Police Department offers voluntary training when requested by campus departments or units. James told The N&O his department promotes that training as often as possible and conducts it on a regular basis. Certainly, we believe that the more people we have trained, the better prepared we are, James said. But the audit noted not all faculty and staff are required to attend those training sessions, even when they are requested and offered in their department. The audit stated that while the universitys Campus Health department requested and held a training during the time that the audit was being performed, only 20 of the departments more than 100 employees attended. The training, which is called Shots Fired on Campus, is based on training offered by the Center for Personal Protection and Safety, the UNC Police website states. The University has not fully integrated Shots Fired on Campus training into the campus framework, therefore, the University is missing an opportunity to benefit from the knowledge provided by the Campus Police Department, the audit stated. Integrating the training is important for maintaining the safety of faculty, staff, and students. Active assailant, armed intruder training plays a key role in keeping students and staff safe during an emergency, but without integration, faculty, staff, and students may not be adequately prepared. Darrell Jeter, UNCs director of emergency management and planning, told The N&O in an interview last month that training is required for those who have defined roles in our campus emergency response plans. Guskiewicz told the university Faculty Council last month that active shooter training is required for many of the new members to our campus community, and other faculty are regularly encouraged to participate in training. Faculty organized training following shooting Erin Siegal McIntyre, a professor in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, organized a voluntary training for faculty following the Aug. 28 shooting. A person walks by Caudill Laboratories on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. Siegal McIntyre, who began teaching at the university in 2020, said she did not receive emergency training during her on-boarding process, as the university was recommended to implement in the audit. Siegal McIntyre told The N&O she waited a short time after the shooting before reaching out to UNC Police about training, but eventually decided to do so after it seemed like there would not be a larger push by her department or the university at-large to ensure faculty participated in the training. The training was scheduled for Sept. 15 two days after a second lockdown occurred at the university on Sept. 13, when a man allegedly threatened a campus dining worker with a gun in the student union. Siegal McIntyre said the process to request and schedule the training with UNC Police was pretty simple, and an officer responded to her email request on the same day she sent it. Siegal McIntyre said a packed house of about 30 people or more attended the training. Attendees included faculty from the journalism school and other departments across the university, she said. I think the fact that we had another active shooter situation in the days preceding the training that had been organized probably helped a little bit with attendance, Siegal McIntyre said. Siegal McIntyre said the 90-minute training was useful and offered practical tips for how to effectively barricade a classroom during an active shooter situation, among other information. She said the training helped build trust between the journalism school faculty and campus police, and established a line of communication between them. But she said the training was limited due to the time constraint, and the university could do more to ensure people on campus are prepared for emergencies including, at a minimum, requiring training. I would say were still not optimized for an efficient response in a variety of ways that were discussed during this training, she said. And so I think it helped, kind of, bring ideas forward around what can improve. Progress on other audit recommendations is mixed The audits four additional recommendations were related to technology the university uses during active shooter situations and ensuring campus buildings are properly marked and equipped for such emergencies. Regarding technology, the audit recommended that the university improve its closed-circuit television system which the audit stated was inadequate at the time both by installing more CCTV devices and streamlining the system used to monitor them. The university responded to that recommendation by saying it would form a committee tasked with identifying and implementing technical solutions designed to enhance campus security, to include cameras, a video monitoring system (VMS), a common door locking system, etc. At a campus Board of Trustees meeting last week, James identified such measures as one way his department would like to improve security following the Aug. 28 shooting. James said he would like to see more surveillance cameras installed around campus, but did not address which areas of campus lack cameras or say specifically where he wants to see them installed. When The N&O previously requested surveillance video of Caudill Labs, where the Aug. 28 shooting took place, the universitys public records office said no such records existed. The university will also soon receive and install license plate readers through Flock Security, a private company, which James said will help provide real-time access to other surveillance cameras on campus. The university launched a multi-year project in 2018 to ensure campus classrooms were equipped with interior door locks. Responding to a public records request, UNC told The N&O that the majority of campus classrooms have interior door locks after the project, which installed the locks in phases based on classroom size. The projects last phase, which focused on classrooms that can fit between 10 and 24 students, was completed in early September. The audit also recommended the university implement technology to better communicate with students families during emergencies, as well as to better account for students and employees following an emergency and reunify them with their families. Spandorf said the university in July 2020 began using a new mobile safety app provider, AppArmor, to allow students to give others notice of their location status and/or request assistance during an emergency. The university expects an Im OK! option in the app to launch this semester, which will allow users to quickly notify their family and close friends that theyre OK when an incident occurs on campus, Spandorf said. Regarding campus buildings, the audit recommended buildings and parking lots be better marked to ensure first responders could quickly identify them in emergencies. More than a dozen law enforcement agencies responded to the Aug. 28 shooting, James told trustees last week. He said he would like to offer training opportunities for officers in those agencies to come to campus and become more familiar with its layout. The University, the audit states, has created mutual aid agreements with many of the local and state emergency response entities that is an invaluable resource in responding to an active assailant, armed intruder emergency. Providing location information allows responders to move rapidly through campus during an emergency to engage the armed assailant, to ensure areas are safe, and to tend to people in need. However, when buildings, roads/parking lots, rooms and/or offices are not easily identifiable, response time can be slowed, and lives lost. The audit included a recommendation for the university to implement comprehensive building safety plans across campus, in which safe hiding locations on each floor of a building would be identified. The recommendation also urged the university to equip buildings with emergency medicine supplies. The audit found that a limited number of buildings had safety plans in place, while none had emergency medical supplies. Spandorf said the university gave campus buildings a new template for their emergency plans in August 2021. James previously told The N&O that campus police regularly perform building security surveys, and he told trustees last week that he views them as equally important as active shooter training. The May 2020 audit is the most recent one the university has completed on active shooter situations, Spandorf said. An Augusta man was convicted Friday of molesting a 12-year-old middle school student. After a five-day jury trial, Kendrick Evans, 39, of Augusta, was found guilty of aggravated child molestation, child molestation and tampering with evidence. Evans was sentenced to life in prison, plus 19 years, according to a news release from the Augusta District Attorney's Office. "The defendant was 36 when he started preying on this 12-year-old child," said Assistant District Attorney William Hammond with the Special Victims Unit. Evans met the child over social media and had engaged in "sex acts" with her for multiple months, according the release. On at least one occasion, he picked her up from the school bus stop, molested her, and dropped her off at her middle school afterward. "Predators like Kendrick Evans are why we created the Special Victims Unit," said Augusta District Attorney JaredT. Williams. "Prey on children, we will put you in prison." Second murder suspect arrested: Arrest warrants reveal Augusta murder was initially armed robbery, second suspect arrested This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta man sentenced to life in prison for molesting middle schooler MELBOURNE, Australia The Australian Army will now receive less Redback infantry fighting vehicles than planned as the government redirects funding for that effort toward long-range strike systems and littoral maneuver craft. The governments recent Defence Strategic Review recommended the Army pivot from a balanced structure of equally equipped combined arms brigades to a focused force able to meet the changing threat in the Asia-Pacific region. The document places an emphasis on long-range strike and littoral maneuver capabilities while retaining the combined arms philosophy. The current Australian Defence Force (ADF) force structure is based on a balanced force model that reflects a bygone era. It does not adequately address our new strategic environment, the report stated. The ADF needs a much more focused force that can respond to the risks we face. It should be informed by net assessment and able to effect a strategy of denial. This refocus includes an enhanced long-range strike capability for multiple domains of warfare; a fully enabled and integrated amphibious combined arms land system; and a mobile, joint expeditionary theater logistics system with the ability to supply a force beyond Australias shores for an extended period of time. This conceptual approach to force structure planning will lead to a force designed to address the nations most significant military risks, the report read. The capabilities required to address identified threats will also provide latent capability to deal with lower-level contingencies and crises. Change of plans The Defence Strategic Review specifically recommended the accelerated acquisition of additional M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems as well as local manufacturing of weapons to ensure stocks are maintained. For the Australian Army, this has meant a significant reduction in the number of AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicles it had planned to acquire. The service originally sought 450 Redback vehicles from Hanwha Defense Australia, a local branch of the South Korean company Hanwha, under the governments multibillion-dollar Land 400 Phase 3 program, but the defense review recommended a reduction to 129 units to reflect the new force structure concept. A Hanwha-made Redback infantry fighting vehicle is seen at a testing ground in Changwon, South Korea, on Sept. 15, 2023. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images) Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the accelerated purchase of HIMARS on Aug. 19, highlighting the change in focus. The country is already investing AU$1.6 billion (U.S. $1 billion) in a second tranche of HIMARS launchers and weapons, which takes the number on order to 42 units. An earlier tranche announced in January committed Australia to 20 HIMARS weapons, with deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2025 and wrapping up by the end of 2026. The Defence Strategic Review also axed a planned second regiment of Hanwha Defense Australia-made AS9 Huntsman 155mm self-propelled howitzers as well as AS10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles. That acquisition was part of Phase 2 of the governments Land 8116 program focused on protected mobile fires. Were currently working through how we will rebalance the Armys contribution to the integrated force. That system [AS9 and AS10] will still deliver a world-class capability; there will just be less of it, said Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart, chief of the Army. Im focused on the implementation of the direction that weve been given, and well continue to deliver the capability that is required by the integrated force within the resource envelope that we have. Under Phase 1 of the Land 8116 project, the Army is still set to receive 30 AS9 howitzers and 10 AS10 ammo resupply vehicles beginning in 2025. Land 400 Phase 3 is a multiyear program that assessed the AS21 and the Germany company Rheinmetalls KF41 Lynx, with the former declared the contract winner on July 27. We will be beginning delivery of these vehicles in early 2027, with the final vehicles to be delivered in late 2028, Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said. This is bringing it forward by a number of years. That timeline coincides with the delivery of more landing craft and a very significant investment in long-range strike, both the HIMARS rocket system and land-based maritime strike. So that the Australian Armys longest-range weapon will go from roughly 40 kilometers to 300 kilometers, then over 500 kilometers, Conroy added. (Thats about 25 miles to 186 miles, then more than 311 miles.) Conroy was referring to the initial acquisition of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, Army Tactical Missile Systems and, eventually, the U.S. Armys Precision Strike Missile for HIMARS. Australia jointed the U.S. Armys Precision Strike Missile development program in August 2021. The Australian Armys longest-range weapon is the M777 towed howitzer, Gen. Angus Campbell, chief of the Defence Force, said in May during a Senate estimates hearing, during which lawmakers scrutinize how the government is spending taxpayers money. Coastal defense Australia is also looking to acquire a long-range maritime strike and coastal artillery system under Project Land 4100 Phase 2. In response, Kongsberg Defence Australia and Thales Australia have partnered to offer a system based on the utility variant of the Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle, together with Kongsbergs Naval Strike Missile. The Naval Strike Missile can launch from both land- and sea-based platforms. (Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace) The Australian Army has fielded the Bushmaster for several years now, and the Royal Australian Navy selected the Naval Strike Missile as its deck-launched Harpoon replacement. The Kongsberg-Thales pitch, dubbed StrikeMaster, is similar to the American Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, which uses the Naval Strike Missile with an unmanned variant of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle dubbed Rogue Fires. However, the StrikeMaster will be a crewed system. Kongsberg is a Norwegian company, and Thales is based in France. For its part, the American firm Lockheed Martin is proposing a variant of the M142 HIMARS launcher, integrated with a ground-launched version of the AGM-158C long-range, anti-ship missile. The Australian Army already purchased the former, and the Royal Australian Air Force has ordered the air-launched version of the latter. Domestic focus However, underpinning these long-range strike enhancements is a requirement to establish a sovereign supply of weapons an acknowledgment that global supply chains are inevitably disrupted during a conflict. In response, the government has committed AU$2.5 billion over the course of four years for the Defence Departments Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise, or GWEO. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of having not just war stocks, but a domestic missile manufacturing industry, Marles said April 30 GWEO will initially focus on the domestic manufacture of 155mm ammunition, but is also looking to manufacture guided missiles in Australia under the Guided Weapons Production Capability plan. Australian soldiers fire a round from a 155mm howitzer during a live-fire demonstration showcasing the service's joint combined-arms capabilities in 2019. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Speaking at the Senate estimate hearing in May, the head of GWEO, Air Marshal Leon Phillips, said an Australian team recently visited the United States to meet with missile manufacturers and federal lawmakers. GMLRS [the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System] is a credible option that we are looking to accelerate, and I expect well return to [the Australian] government before quarter two of 2024 with options to make a start on that, to meet what we believe is a credible timeline for a level of missile production in this country in 2025, Phillips said. When asked by senators if plans were set for eventually manufacturing the U.S. Armys Precision Strike Missile, Phillips replied: Not at this stage. I think GMLRS is a logical start point, and then we might work our way up in terms of our industrial base, our certification, our competencies, and our releasability and ITAR issues with the U.S. government. ITAR, or International Traffic in Arms Regulations, is a U.S. government regime that controls the export of defense equipment and other sensitive technology. Landing craft The Defence Strategic Review also recommends the government accelerate its multiphase landing craft program Land 8710. Phase 1 of the program is in an open-tender stage, which should lead to the purchase of medium littoral maneuver vessels to replace the Armys LCM-8 landing craft, as well as the acquisition of an amphibious vehicle to replace the Vietnam-era LARC vehicles. Phase 2 is for the acquisition of heavy landing craft to replace the Balikpapan-class vessels retired more than a decade ago. Phase 3 will seek a fast assault craft. We are investing in the capabilities our Defence Force needs to hold our adversaries at risk further from our shores, and keep Australians safe in the complex and uncertain world in which we live today, Marles said Aug. 21. A man attempting to row across the Pacific Ocean in a homemade boat has been rescued by a cruise ship after his boat capsized. Tom Robinson, 24, hoped to become the youngest person to complete the feat. He was found sitting on top of his boat with no clothes on, 100 nautical miles south-west off the coast of Vanuatu, a post on his website said. Local media reports say he was treated for sunburn and dehydration aboard the ship, but is in otherwise good health. Mr Robinson's record-breaking attempt began when he set off from Peru in July last year. He was hoping to arrive in Cairns, Australia, by December. He was on the last leg of his trip, after leaving the city of Luganville in Vanuatu on Monday. Speaking to ABC Australia from the country last week, Mr Robinson had said this final part of the journey would be the "make-or-break leg". It is not yet clear what caused his boat to overturn on Thursday evening, but his emergency distress beacon was activated, which alerted the authorities. Early on Friday morning, the P&O Pacific Explorer helped free Mr Robinson from the water, and he climbed up a rope ladder to reach the deck, according to the post on his website. Local media reports say the ship had taken a 200km (124 miles) detour to help with the rescue. In a statement, Mr Robinson thanked the crew of the ship "whose seamanship and professionalism ensured a safe rescue". Tamu Tapaitau, a member of the team supporting him on his attempt, said that the cruise ship was heading to Auckland in New Zealand, and from there Mr Robinson would fly home to Brisbane. Vienna has summoned the Russian ambassador following the attack on the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast on Oct. 5, the Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Oct. 6. The Russian ambassador was summoned "because of yesterdays heinous rocket attack," which killed 52 people in the single deadliest Russian attack against civilians in 2023. "Attacks on civilians are a war crime. Those responsible must be held accountable," the Foreign Ministry said. Russian troops targeted a cafe in Hroza as at least 60 people gathered for a memorial service for a deceased soldier, who was being reburied in the village. The soldier's relatives, including his widow, son, and mother, were among the 52 people killed in the attack that wiped out over half of the village's population. "The Russian army killed most residents of this village with one rocket," Dmytro Chubenko, a spokesman for the regional prosecutor's office, said on national TV. The attack was likely carried out with an Iskander ballistic missile, according to local police. Read also: Update: Kharkiv attack kills 10-year-old boy, injures 23 others, including 11-month-old baby Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russian ambassador was summoned to the Austrian Foreign Ministry in connection with a missile attack on a cafe in the village of Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Austrian Foreign Ministry on Twitter (X), reported by European Pravda Quote: "Russias Ambassador in Vienna was just summoned because of yesterdays heinous rocket attack on a village in Kharkiv Oblast, claiming dozens of innocent lives. Attacks on civilians are a war crime. Those responsible must be held accountable." Background: The day before, the Austrian Foreign Ministry called for fair punishment for the strike on the village of Hroza, which it called a "blatant violation of international humanitarian law" by Russia. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed that Russia's recent missile strikes and the massive loss of civilian lives are yet another reminder of why it is important to maintain and strengthen international support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace called on Germany to unblock the supply of long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine following the mass civilian deaths in Hroza. 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! Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's prime minister, during a Bloomberg Television interview in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. Credit - Stephanie KeithBloomberg/Getty Images Thailands new Prime Minister has been off to a rocky start. The ascension in August of Srettha Thavisin, a former real estate developer and relative newcomer to politics, was marked by controversyhis Pheu Thai party partnered with the countrys military-backed and monarchy-supporting establishment, helping to prevent the more popular, progressive Move Forward party from taking power. His first month, too, was capped by tragedy, after a 14-year-old shooter killed two and injured five people at a popular mall in Bangkok on Wednesday. Srettha, meanwhile, has set out over his first few weeks to define his premiership around economic populism, likening Thailands flagging economy, battered by the pandemic and falling investor confidence, to a sick person in need of healing. But political observers worry that Sretthas policies and pronouncements so far, while seemingly designed to win public confidence that he never started with, are either symbolic or, worse, shortsighted. Read More: Thailands Populist Pheu Thai Party Finally Won the Prime Minister VoteBut at What Cost? Some of the measures that are intended to relieve the economy in the short term, are not sustainable in the long term, Napon Jatusripitak, a visiting fellow at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute tells TIME. It's akin to putting bandage over a wound without treating it. What Srettha has done so far Since his controversial elevation to the premiership, 61-year-old Srettha has worked hard to portray his leadership as one of benevolence, urging the military to delay their procurement plans to free up budget for urgent efforts to help the people and donating his salary to charity. It signifies perhaps even a bit of a merit-making to a certain extent, Mark S. Cogan, an associate professor of peace and conflict studies at Japans Kansai Gaidai University, tells TIME, a reference to the Buddhist practice of accumulating good karma.I think that there is a bit of damage control being done by Pheu Thai. In terms of foreign policy, Srettha has embarked on a proactive campaign to turn Thailand into an investment hub. Thailand is open for business with all countries, he said last week, after meeting with Teslas Elon Musk, restarting trade talks with the European Union, and agreeing to deepen bilateral trade with Cambodia. But perhaps most significant are the populist domestic policies that have come to define Sretthas first month in office: lowering electricity and fuel prices, a three-year debt moratorium for farmers, andPheu Thais flagship campaign promisea digital wallet scheme that would distribute 10,000 baht to every Thai person above 16 years old. Set to be launched next year, the latter project is expected to inject 560 million baht into the economy and stimulate domestic spending. But when Srettha unveiled a long-awaited policy statement containing all these proposals in parliament on Sept. 11, it was panned by politicians across the political spectrum for a lack of clear direction. While there was no shortage of urgent initiatives to spur economic growth, critics said the overall agenda lacked concrete plans to achieve long-term national development goals. Sirikanya Tansakul from the progressive Move Forward party likened the policies to applying steroids instead of medicine to cure the economic ills. And Jurin Laksanawisit from the conservative Democrat Party said the ambition of Sretthas goals fell short of what Pheu Thai had promised during the election campaign: It doesnt even match [Sretthas] height, he said, referencing the Prime Minister who, at 6 feet, 3 inches, is the second tallest leader in the world. Read More: The Man Who Upended Thailands Politics Experts warn that Sretthas policies, which are not accompanied by a long-term economic strategy, will do little to tackle Thailands deep-rooted socio-economic problems. It would be hard, for example, to keep energy prices low unless prices are restructured, and the debt moratorium for farmers has been criticized for failing to address what sits at the core of farmers debt: their low income. Economic stimulation is incredibly important, says Cogan. But is that kind of stimulus necessary and is that stimulus sustainable? That has to be supplemented with additional policy changes that spark economic growth. And I have yet to see any kind of policy that would suggest something beyond the short-term stimulus, he adds. How Sretthas government harkens to Pheu Thais populist roots It doesn't read Srettha, says Napon, the Thai expert at the Singapore think tank, of Pheu Thais initial agenda. [It] reads Thaksin , he says, referring to the partys patriarch and Thailands former Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006 Thaksin Shinawatrawhose return in August, after over a decade in self-exile, came as part of Pheu Thais deal with the conservatives. Srettha Thavisin greets supporters, in front of an image of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as he arrives at Pheu Thai Party's headquarters on Aug. 22 in Bangkok. Lauren DeCiccaGetty Images Thaksin was defined by his populist economic initiatives, dubbed Thaksinomics, which included a debt moratorium for farmers and a scheme to hand one million baht to each of the countrys 80,000 villages. While such pro-poor policies and rhetoric effectively mobilized fervent supporters who were increasingly tired of Thailands conservative elites, they also attracted criticism for deepening Thailands economic vulnerabilities in favor of easy political gains. Amid allegations of corruption, Thaksin was ultimately overthrown in a military coup and fled the country, but he maintained massive influence over Thailands politics. In 2011, Prime Minister Yingluck, Thaksins sister, launched a quixotic rice-pledging scheme promising to buy farmers rice at high prices while also selling them for a fat profit in the global rice market. It sparked a rice-growing craze in the agricultural sector only to flop spectacularly, burning a 518 billion baht ($13.5 billion) hole in the countrys economy. It also eventually led to Yinglucks ousting by judicial coup amid charges of negligence. The fallout from the rice-pledging scheme has continued to linger, leaving her successors to deal with a sticky debt burden. Srettha seems unlikely to repeat policy failures of such a scale, experts say, but his economic proposals are strongly reminiscent of the same Thaksin-style populism that puts political gain over economic soundness. The problem for Srettha, however, is that the Thai public today has already signaled its more interested in systemic, democratic reform than the type of economic promises Pheu Thai is accustomed to offering. Why Sretthas cant seem to give the Thai people what they really want Titipol Phakdeewanich, dean of the political science faculty at Ubon Ratchathani University, thinks Pheu Thai is still in denial over how far its platform of populist economic policies can go to salvage the partys reputation, which first took a hit when Pheu Thai came in second in the May election that it had expected to win by a landslide. If it would work, then they would have already won [by] a landslide with the [campaign promise of a] 10,000 baht digital wallet, says Titipol. The military-backed rule of the past decade under former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was marked by a historic wave of pro-democracy and anti-monarchy protests, and the May electionwhich saw opposition parties Move Forward and Pheu Thai decisively win the most and second-most votes, respectivelywas widely seen as a mandate against the military elites that had long dominated Thai politics. But Pheu Thai lost much of what good will remained when it decided to abandon an initial anti-military coalition with Move Forward and form a coalition government with the very military-aligned parties that Pheu Thai supporters had historically railed against, including in deadly protests in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Read More: Thailands Election Winner Fails First Parliament Vote to Become Prime MinisterWhat to Know Now the public sentiment has changed, and there are more demands for political reform, says Titipol. This is the main thing that they have to be brave to touch on and focus on as well, instead of ignoring it and focusing only on economic policy. But the political reforms that Pheu Thai had once promised with progressive allies are proving difficult to achieve with its new coalition partners. While it had shared a joint pledge with Move Forward to end mandatory military conscription, the most recent plans announced by the defense ministry only reduce the conscription quota, with a goal to eventually transition to a voluntary military. For his part, Srettha announced on Tuesday the formation of a committee to amend the military-drafted constitutionalso one of Pheu Thais most prominent campaign promises with its progressive counterparts. But the amendment, set to be completed within four years, has been criticized for its generous time frame, which observers say will likely anger progressives who called for swift, radical reforms. And it remains to be seen how far the amendment will go with strong conservative forces firmly lodged in Sretthas administration. With one month down in his four-year term as Prime Minister, observers say that Srettha still has the opportunity to make a mark and salvage his reputation by pushing for reform despite the obstaclesthough he hasnt appeared to pursue that path yet. That could be Pheu Thais legacy, that it formed an unholy alliance in order to put the country on a path of reform. That could be a good narrative that may rejuvenate Pheu Thais image, says Napon. But it seems that [Srettha] has not made [any] commitment to engage in such reforms. Because doing so could put it out of favor with whoever enabled Pheu Thai to win the Prime Minister selection. Contact us at letters@time.com. Shoppers are evacuated at an entrance of Siam Paragon Mall following gunshots in Bangkok The parents of a 14-year-old boy who fatally shot two people inside a luxury shopping mall in central Bangkok have asked for forgiveness. A letter, written in Thai by the boy's father and released to the media, states the family is cooperating fully with authorities in the legal process. The boy faces charges of murder after he opened fire on Tuesday inside the Siam Paragon mall - one of the most-visited shopping centres in Asia. His motives remain unclear. In the letter the parents said their son was now in the juvenile observation and protection department as they expressed their "profound sense of regret". "We offer our deepest apologies to the victims, the families of the deceased and the injured from the recent shooting incident that occurred as the result of our son's actions at the Siam Paragon department store," the statement says. "This includes the public, tourists, business and store owners and those involved in the incident or nearby who were evacuated and troubled in any way. "It also includes the medical staff, nurses, police, government officials, whether Thai, Chinese, Myanmar or Lao and all parties affected by this incident. We greatly regret also the damage and impact. "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this incident and accept responsibility as fully as we can." Thai authorities charged the teenager on Wednesday with premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Police said the boy used a modified pistol intended to fire blanks. His family have not applied for bail. The two victims who were killed were from China and Myanmar. Five other people - one Lao national, one Chinese and three Thais - were injured. According to Reuters, police said the boy suffered a psychological breakdown in the run-up to the shooting. A court turned down a police request to detain the suspect at a mental health facility and ordered him into juvenile detention instead, according to a court document seen by Reuters. Map of the area RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Two separate shootings in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia state on Thursday left nine dead, local media said. In Rio de Janeiro, three doctors were shot dead on the tourist beach of Barra da Tijuca in the early hours of Thursday. According to the report, three shooters exited a car and opened fire on the victims, killing three and wounded another. The attackers may have mistaken one of the physicians for a member of the local militia, said the reports. Meanwhile, six people from the same family, including one pregnant woman and a five-year-old girl, were killed Thursday morning in the municipality of Jequie, south of Bahia, by shooters who invaded their home. Last year, Jequie was the most violent city in Brazil among cities with more than 100,000 residents, with 88.8 violent fatalities per 100,000 people. Could the Paris bed bug infestation spread to the UK - or has it already? (Stock image: Getty) (SCIEPRO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images) A library in west London has closed temporarily following the discovery of bedbugs amid wider concerns about the spread of bedbugs in the UK following reports of an outbreak in France. Ealing Central Library was shut on Monday after the insects were found in furnishings inside the building. Although the library is safe for the public, concerns from staff and library users have prompted authorities to take swift action. They have announced that the library will remain closed until Thursday after the insects have been eliminated. It comes amid concern in London over bedbug infestations following a recent outbreak in Paris. Rentokil Pest Control said it saw a 32% jump in enquiries about bedbugs in the UK from January to September this year compared with a year earlier, The firm also tracked a 65% increase year-on-year in recorded bedbug activity in the second quarter of 2023, versus last year. An activity is when a technician has been on a customer site and confirmed the presence of bedbugs. Everything you need to know about bed bugs: Read more 'How to spot if you've been bitten' While the thought of bed bugs makes most people's skin crawl, as far as scientists know, they do not carry any human disease and their bite is painless but can leave an itchy red mark, said Prof Robert Smith, professor emeritus at the University of Huddersfield. He said: "Bites often show up as a straight row of three or four I once woke up with a line of raised bites across my chest in a hotel in Ethiopia, with no ill effects. (I found this experience quite interesting although I can see that others might not.)" Prof Smith reports of bedbugs have been increasing for many years, both in the UK and many other countries, probably mainly due to their developing resistance to insecticides. "The five immature stages (nymphs) need a blood meal in order to develop to the next stage and adult bedbugs can live up to a year," added Prof Smith. Bites often show up as straight rows, say experts. (Stock image: Getty) (Joel Carillet via Getty Images) How to avoid bed bugs when travelling Bedbugs mostly feed at night and "hang out in cracks and crevices" during the day, said Prof Smith. "I no longer use drawers in hotels to avoid picking up bedbugs as they can quite easily hitch a ride in luggage," he added. "Hence, they can travel between countries in luggage and are widespread. So, I wouldnt worry about them, but would advise avoiding unpacking clothes as far as possible in hotels. "Some people even advise storing your suitcase in the bathtub, though I dont go that far." 'Good hitchhikers' The spotlight may be on Paris, but bed bugs are found globally so are already in the UK, said Prof James Logan, professor of medical entomology and director of Arctech Innovation, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). "Bed bugs are good hitchhikers and could easily be brought from Paris to the UK, but could just as easily go from the UK to Paris," he said. "It is unlikely that Paris is significantly worse than other places, although they may be unlucky right now with a bit of a bed bug boom." Prof Logan said experts need to be able to monitor for bed bugs quicker so they can be dealt with quickly before infestations get out of control, adding: "There are traps that lure bed bugs effectively that can do this job e.g. https://www.bugscents.com/ (developed by scientists at LSHTM)". Bed bugs often hide in crevices and cracks during the day. (Stock image: Getty) (The Washington Post via Getty Images) How to prevent bed bugs at home According to pest company Rentokil, there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of an outbreak of bed bugs at home. They include:- Washing and drying clothes at the highest possible temperatures Eliminating clutter in your house to give bed bugs fewer places to hide Avoid spreading bed bugs to your friends and family by not taking any clothes, suitcases or furniture to their homes Tidying all areas of your bedroom, especially the floor around/underneath your bed and bed-side cabinets. Vacuuming can greatly reduce the size of the bed bug population, but only when theyre clearly visible. It cannot guarantee total elimination. (Empty and clean the vacuum to avoid transferring eggs to other rooms.) DIY products can help eliminate some bed bugs but shouldnt be relied on to get rid of the problem completely What else do you need to know? According to Rentokil, bed bugs can easily move from house to house through wall or floor cavities and can spread quickly - which means infestations need to be treated sooner rather than later. Some people think sunlight can kill bed bugs, the company added. But it said: "Heat does kill them but it needs to be quite high (around 50 degrees) and over a sustained period so its very unlikely with UK weather!" Fighters of the russian mercenary group Wagner Russian mercenary group Wagner signed a contract with a Chinese firm on Nov. 15, 2022 to acquire two satellites and use their images, aiding its intelligence work as the organization sought to push Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The satellite images were also used to assist Wagner's operations in Africa and even its failed mutiny in June which has led now to the de-facto break up of the group followed by the death of Prigozhin and other key figures in an air crash in August. Read also: Russia creates new mercenary company to lure back Wagner mercenaries, Ukrainian military says According to the contract, written in English and Russian, the company Beijing Yunze Technology Co Ltd sold two high resolution observation satellites belonging to the Chinese space giant Chang Guang Satellite Technology (CGST) to Nika-Frut, a company then part of Prigozhin's commercial empire. The over $30 million (235 million yuan) price was for the satellites themselves and additional services, including the provision of images on demand, which allowed Wagner to obtain satellite pictures of Ukraine. Read also: Russia, China exploring paths for military collaboration, says Pentagon The Luxembourgs Economy Ministry and Foreign Affairs Ministry filed a lawsuit in March against Spacety Luxembourg SA for its alleged links to Moscow and the Wagner PMC. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine After an hourslong standoff with police, Austin Thompson was taken into custody for a mass shooting in his neighborhood that killed five people and injured two others. Since the dramatic and bloody standoff, very little has been revealed about Thompson until this week. On Wednesday, his case was elevated from juvenile court to superior court. He now faces five counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Gabriel Torres, 29; Nicole Connors, 52; Susan Karnatz, 49; Mary Marshall, 34; and James Thompson, Austins 16-year-old brother. He is also charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill in the shootings of Marcille Lynn Gardner and Clark Casey. Despite his case moving forward, questions remain about Austin and the deadly shooting. Who is he? How did he get the guns? And who else should be held responsible? Father of alleged shooter facing charge People who have firearms and live with minors have a responsibility to store the firearms in a way that unsupervised minors cannot access them, according to North Carolina Statute 14-315.1. On Wednesday, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman announced that Austins father, Alan Thompson, would be cited for breaking this law in connection to the Hedingham shooting. However, there is a fairly steep threshold to prosecute these crimes. Under the current safe storage law, parents can only face criminal charges if: A child takes the firearm without the parents permission and then Displays that gun in public, threatens someone with it, brings it to a school, causes injury or death with the gun or uses it in the commission of a crime. Only then, if a prosecutor decides to move forward with the case, will parents be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. For first-time offenders, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries a penalty of no more than 45 days in jail and a potential fine determined by a judge. In the case of Alan Thompson, the prosecutors decision to pursue this charge indicates at least one of the guns used in the shooting belonged to Alan. This charge also indicates that Austin, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, allegedly took the gun(s) without Alans permission. Legal precedents for charging parents This week, a couple in in Michigan received national attention for their alleged role in a mass shooting perpetrated by their son. On Nov. 30, 2021, Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 at the time, shot and killed four of his fellow students at Oxford High School, and injured seven other people. In the aftermath of the shooting and Ethans arrest, his parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, allegedly tried to evade law enforcement before they were arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors allege that the Crumbleys not only left guns unlocked around Ethan, but had purchased the gun used in the shooting for him. In addition, the Crumbleys face allegations of ignoring Ethans mental health issues. On the day of the shooting, the Crumbleys are said to have been called to Oxford High School to meet with teachers and counselors to discuss Ethan, who had been seen searching on his phone for ammunition and creating violent drawings. At the meeting, staff members claim they instructed the Crumbleys to take Ethan home and ordered he start mental health counseling within 48 hours. The Crumbleys allegedly refused to take Ethan home. Ethan opened fire in the school later that day. Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to terrorism, murder, possessing a firearm in commission of a felony and seven counts of assault with intent to kill in October 2022. Despite the Crumbleys attempt to appeal the charges, the Michigan State Supreme Court ruled earlier this week that the parents alleged actions merit criminal prosecution. Juvenile gun possession When it comes to minors purchasing firearms in North Carolina, the rules are clear: No one under the age of 21 may buy handguns, and no one younger than 18 can buy long guns, such as shotguns or rifles. But North Carolina rules about minors possessing firearms are slightly murkier. In North Carolina it is a misdemeanor for someone under the age of 18 to possess a handgun. But there is no similar N.C. statute specifically addressing the possession of long guns rifles, shotguns and carbines. (There is, however, a statute that allows children younger than 12 to handle firearms with permission from or under supervision of adults.) This means that although teens ages 13 to 17 cannot legally purchase long guns, it is not illegal to have them in their possession. Safe Storage Practices Places that require safe storage report a drop in unintentional deaths related to firearms of up to 59%, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. An estimated 32% of youth firearm suicides and unintentional firearm deaths could be prevented through safe storage, DHHS said. Here are some best practices for safe firearm storage, according to public health guidelines. Firearms should not be accessible to anyone except the owner. Unload firearms to store them. Keep firearms separate from ammunition. Put firearms in a locked place or secure them with a safety device, such as a gun lock. Safety Devices Gun locks are most effective for young children. With older children and teens, the NCDHHS recommends investing in biometric locks that only the gun owner can open. Free and discounted gun locks are available through Protect ChildSafe at projectchildsafe.org. Foreign diplomats representing about a dozen countries have visited the places where the children deported from the Ukrainian cities of Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk were accommodated in Belarus. Source: Kateryna Rashevska, lawyer of the Regional Center for Human Rights, on Facebook Quote: "Representatives of Zimbabwe, India, Qatar, China, Cuba, Mongolia, UAE, Russia, Syria and Palestine have met with 44 children from Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk. The diplomats from Belarus, the Union State [Union of Russia and Belarus ed.] and the Commonwealth of Independent States of the Soviet Union also participated in the propagandistic event. Other states boycotted the meeting and refused to participate in the event which does not align with the best interests of children and is only aimed at legitimising international unlawful actions." Details: Rashevska reported that Karina Bagieva, First Secretary of the Russian embassy in Belarus, confirmed that the Russian citizenship and the learning process which does not allow preserving national identity are being forced upon the children. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Charge dAffaires of Qatar, helped to establish that Belarusian families are taking in Ukrainian children. This information was also confirmed by the director of one of the schools of the city of Novopolotsk. Background: Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported that Belarus intended to organise the meeting of foreign diplomats with Ukrainian children deported from the temporarily Russia-occupied cities of Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk. The goal of the event is legalisation of illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories 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! Belarus plans a visit for foreign representatives to places where abducted Ukrainian children are held, in an attempt to evade complicity in Russias war against Ukraine. Minsk claims again that a Polish helicopter violated its airspace, a claim Warsaw vehemently denies. Belarusian authorities shut down the last officially registered opposition party in the lead-up to the 2024 parliamentary elections. Subscribe to the Newsletter Belarus Weekly Join us Russian and Belarusian athletes are given the green light to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics under a neutral flag in another controversial move by the international sporting community. A Swiss court drops the charges against Belarusian death squad member Yury Harauski related to the forced disappearance of Lukashenko s opponents in the late 1990s. The Belarusian military conducts combat readiness inspections at Lukashenkos request. Swiss court acquits Belarusian death squad member A court in Switzerland on Sept. 28 cleared Yury Harauski of charges related to the disappearance and alleged murder of Lukashenkos political opponents in 1999. Harauski, a former member of Lukashenkos special security forces known as the death squad, confessed to kidnapping former Interior Minister Yury Zakharanka, former Deputy Prime Minister Viktar Hanchar, and businessman Anatoly Krasouski, who disappeared between May and September 1999. However, Harauski claimed he was not aware of his superiors intentions to kill the three men. He sought asylum in Switzerland in 2018, settling in St. Gallen, where the trial took place. At the end of the two-day trial, Harauski was found not guilty of the kidnappings, as the court said his actual involvement in the disappearances cannot be considered legally proven. The court said that, while its likely that he did serve in the death squad, his testimony casts doubt on whether or not he actually participated in the kidnappings or heard the details from other members. The ruling also said Harauski got confused in contradictions, evaded questions, and was unable to explain the organizational structure of the Interior Ministry. The court added that the Belarusian governments role in the forced disappearances could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt as it was not represented in the proceedings. For many years, we did not know what happened to my father, Krasouskis daughter, Valeryia Krasouskaya, said. Four years ago, something seemed to become clear, but now, it turns out, its again in question. Attempts by the families to obtain information from Belarusian authorities about their victims whereabouts have been blocked, and Lukashenko has denied any involvement in the disappearances. Read also: Far-right party may hold keys to next Polish government, sets tone in talks with Ukraine Belarus claims Polish helicopter violated its airspace, Warsaw denies The Belarusian Defense Ministry claimed on Sept. 28 that a Polish helicopter violated its airspace, a claim Warsaw has vehemently denied. According to Minsk, a Polish aircraft crossed into Belarus multiple times starting at around 3:20 p.m. and went up to 300 meters deep. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the Polish charge daffaires, Marcin Wojciechowski, and demanded that Warsaw conduct an objective investigation into the incident. The Polish military called Minsks claim false and that no such event took place. Information provided by the Belarusian regimes media must always be approached with caution and prudence, as it has often been an element of provocation and disinformed the public. A sign points to the border between Poland and Belarus; in the background is a vehicle belonging to the Polish border guards. (Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images) This marks the second time Minsk has accused Poland of violating its airspace. Belarus claimed a Polish military helicopter breached the border on Sept. 1, a claim Poland dismissed as false. Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski suggested at the time that the accusation was a response to Warsaws report on Aug. 1 that two Belarusian helicopters violated Polish airspace during exercises near the border. Tense relations between the two bordering nations are aggravated by Belarus complicity in Russias war against Ukraine, the artificial migration crisis orchestrated by Lukashenkos regime, and the deployment of Wagner troops to Belarus. EU and NATO members Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, which all share borders with Belarus, have expressed growing concern over what they call growing provocations by Belarus. Minsk says it showed abducted Ukrainian children to foreign diplomats Belarus planned a visit for foreign representatives to locations where Ukrainian children taken from regions occupied by Russia are kept, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Sept. 30. The ministry did not specify where the representatives will be from. The visits reportedly took place on Oct. 4 at the so-called places of residence, education, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children from the occupied cities of Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk, in Luhansk Oblast. This measure aims to legalize the illegal movement of Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the ministry said, urging state representatives who have received invitations to refrain from participating. According to international law, the forced deportation of children can be qualified as a war crime, the ministry added. According to official estimates, Russia has abducted over 20,000 children from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, although the actual number is likely much higher. Belarusian authorities have confirmed hosting over 1,000 of these children, claiming they have been relocated for recreational programs, a term falsely employed by both Moscow and Minsk to justify their abductions. The head of the Belarusian branch of the Red Cross has also confirmed his organizations involvement in abducting Ukrainian children. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Childrens Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for organizing the illegal transfers, and the European Parliament called on the ICC to issue a similar arrest warrant for Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. Read also: Stolen generation. Russia systematically abducts children from Ukraine, gives them to Russian families Belarus shuts down last opposition party Belarusian authorities shut down the Fair World political party on Sept. 27, effectively shutting down the last opposition party in Belarus. The Belarusian Justice Ministry reportedly refused to renew the partys registration amid Minsks ongoing crackdown on those who oppose Lukashenkos regime ahead of the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections. These dissolutions are part of a string of opposition party shutdowns by Belarusian authorities in 2023, including the Belarusian Popular Front (BPF) and the United Civic Party. The Belarusian parliament passed a bill in January imposing further restrictions on political parties creation and existence. The bill raised the minimum number of political party members from 1,000 to 5,000 and required that political party founders be born and reside in Belarus. Political parties can also be disbanded for promoting so-called war propaganda, terrorist and extremist activities, actions that harm the state (or) public interests, and the reception of funds and other property from foreign sources. According to the 2022 Democracy Index, Belarus placed 153 out of 195 countries, ranking as one of the years worst performers. Read also: Investigation: Baltic-registered crypto firms service payments for Russian private army, allow sanctions evasion Russians, Belarusians to compete in 2024 Paris Paralympics as neutrals Russian and Belarusian para-athletes will be allowed to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics under a neutral flag after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) voted against maintaining a complete ban. While the Russian and Belarusian National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) will be suspended for two years due to breaches of constitutional membership obligations, their athletes will be permitted to participate in an individual and neutral capacity. IPC members voted 90-56 in favor of a motion to partially suspend NPC Russia (with six members abstaining), the International Paralympic Committee said. This decision was taken after members initially voted against a motion to fully suspend NPC Russia by 74-65 (with 13 abstentions). Seventy-nine members voted for a partial ban on Belarus, while 57 voted against or abstained. Russia and its ally Belarus were fully suspended from paralympic competition after the full-scale war against Ukraine began in February 2022. As Russias brutal and indiscriminate war against Ukraine continues, Kyiv has called on international sporting organizations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in competitions. In mid-July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it would not extend a formal invitation to the Russian and Belarusian national teams for the 2024 Olympic Games. However, the IOC has not yet taken a decision on permitting them to compete as neutral athletes, with IOC President Thomas Bach saying they should not be penalized for the actions of their governments. The Council of Europe urged the complete ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the Olympics as long as Russias war of aggression against Ukraine continues. Read also: Does Belarus military have the capacity to attack Ukraine? Belarusian military conducts combat readiness inspections The Belarusian military began combat readiness inspections at Lukashenkos request, the Belarusian Defense Ministry reported on Oct. 3. The troops will march as soon as possible to the designated areas, followed by the performance of normative standards on the subjects of combat training, the ministry said, without specifying when the exercises will end. The inspections will reportedly involve military hardware and aviation in Belarus Minsk and Vitsebsk regions, focusing on the use of aviation to support ground forces. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said the inspections are not unusual, adding that all air targets in Belarus are tracked. Ihnat noted, however, that Belarus is deploying troops to its southern border with Ukraine. Russia keeps (in Belarus) anti-aircraft missile systems, Iskanders, aircraft This is all the front line. Anything can come from this front line, he said. The Belarusian military has conducted multiple combat readiness inspections since the start of Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, which Minsk openly supports. In April, the inspections involved verifying the credentials of those liable for military service, sparking rumors about potential covert mobilization efforts in the country. Zeltser's murder The Spotlight segment provides readers with the historical context of contemporary events in Belarus. Sept. 28 marked two years since IT employee Andrei Zeltser was shot and killed by Belarusian KGB officers during a raid of his apartment complex, sparking widespread backlash and mass arrests. Belarusian KGB officers in civilian clothing reportedly demanded that 31-year-old Zeltser let them into the apartment building in an attempt to conduct a raid for so-called terrorists, a term often used by Belarusian authorities to describe those who oppose Lukashenkos regime. When Zeltser denied them entry, they pushed forward, prompting him to defend himself with a hunting rifle and fatally injuring a KGB officer. Zeltser, in turn, was shot dead. In the days that followed Zeltsers death, Belarusians flocked to social media in protest. Around 200 people were detained across the country for comments and posts related to his death. After detentions that lasted over a month in very harsh conditions, 124 of those detained received prison sentences, and 35 were added to Belarus list of so-called terrorists. Zeltsers wife, Maryia Uspenskaya, who had managed to film the incident, was forced into psychiatric treatment. Belarusian authorities also jailed journalist Henadz Mazheika for three years after he published an article about Zeltser that portrayed him in a positive light. Mazheika was charged with inciting hostility and insulting a representative of the authorities. Meanwhile, Lukashenkos regime declared Zeltser a so-called terrorist, instead organizing a memorial service for the killed KGB officer. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Joe Biden and his Homeland Security secretary are contradicting each other on whether a border wall helps deter illegal immigration. In a filing late Wednesday, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas waived 26 federal laws to expedite re-starting construction on former President Donald Trump's border wall in Starr County, on the Texas/Mexico border. He wrote there was "an acute and immediate need" for the project. But then President Biden and administration officials spent Thursday saying the wall doesnt work, claiming they had to take these steps because of the law. And this came as top U.S. officials met with their Mexican counterparts to discuss the border. There, Mayorkas sought to clarify the administrations position, but without addressing some big questions. The sun sets behind a gap along the border wall at the Morelos Dam between the US and Mexico in Yuma, Arizona on May 31, 2022. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) "There will not be another foot of wall constructed in my administration," Biden said before being elected president. Despite his comments on the campaign trail, the Biden Administration took steps Wednesday to pave the way for some border wall construction. In a filing, announcing the waiver of 26 federal laws, Secretary Mayorkas wrote there "is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers." It would apply specifically to the area in and around Starr County, west of McAllen. Despite the action, the President stood by his original position early Thursday. [REPORTER: "Do you believe the border wall works?"] "No," Biden said. MORE: Border Security Coverage The White House said the funds were set aside for the border wall in 2019 during the Trump Administration. Officials said they could not get Congress to re-direct the money elsewhere and claim they were bound by law to move forward. But they avoided questions as to why now, why not continue to delay, and why Mayorkas said a barrier is necessary. [REPORTER: "Is there a deadline in the law? Or why is it that this has to be used up right now because you have been not, thus far, using these funds?"] "Because the answer right there is we asked Congress, over and over again, the President said this, to re-appropriate the funds, they said no," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre answered. Coincidentally, top U.S. officials, including Mayorkas, met with Mexican counterparts about the border Thursday. Mayorkas claimed he was taken out of context. "I want to address todays reporting on a border wall and be absolutely clear, there is no new administration policy with respect to a border wall," Mayorkas said. But not every Democrat blasted the prospect of a border wall. Congressman Colin Allred, who hopes to unseat Senator Ted Cruz, wrote: "This is a necessary step to help Texas overwhelmed border communities deal with this current surge of migrants. I have long said that targeted physical barriers have a role to play in securing our border at high traffic areas, but this is only a partial solution." Sen. Cruz did an interview with FOX 4 Thursday, in which he said hes skeptical any federal wall construction will happen. "It is ironic for them to suddenly be saying, "build the wall." I mean, it is kind of a little jarring, but Ill be honest with you, I dont believe it," Cruz said. WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration will resume deporting migrants to Venezuela as increasing numbers arrive to the U.S-Mexico border. The process is expected to begin shortly, said two U.S. officials, though they did not provide specific details on when the flights would begin taking off. The officials were not authorized to disclose details of the governments plan and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. The resumption of deportation comes not long after the administration increased protected status for Venezuelans who arrive to the U.S., so if someone arrived to the U.S. before July 31 of this year, but not after, they'd be eligible for protections. The decision reflects the larger strategy by President Joe Biden to not only provide expanded legal pathways for people arriving, but also to crack down on those who illegally cross into the country from Mexico. Its the latest effort to deal with swelling numbers of migrants as the administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the presidents own party to do more to slow arrivals. U.S. officials were in Mexico Thursday to discuss the issue. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with his Mexican counterpart Alicia Barcena, as well as foreign ministers from Panama and Colombia, Wednesday. Talks were scheduled to continue Thursday, including a meeting between U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Lopez Obrador. A migrant from Venezuela walks south on a highway heading to Chihuahua, Mexico after deciding o head back home after an unsuccessful attempt to enter the U.S. to seek asylum The migrant did not have money to return home and was determined to walk back to South America. Lopez Obrador said Thursday during his daily news briefing that Mexico has reiterated in talks its position that there should be investment to spur development in the countries that migrants leave. The people don't abandon their towns because they want to, but rather out of necessity, the president said. He also criticized the Biden administration's announcement Wednesday that it waived 26 federal laws in South Texas to allow border wall construction. Lopez Obrador had previously praised Biden for not building more border wall during his presidency. New York City Mayor Eric Adams , who is also dealing with a large influx of migrants, was traveling through Latin America to learn more about the paths migrants take to the U.S. and to spread a message about the realities of arriving in his city. More: El Paso records highest migrant death toll in history He was scheduled to meet with a nun running a migrant shelter in Mexico City Thursday morning before heading to the city of Puebla, source of many of the Mexican migrants who arrive in New York, to meet with migrants and community leaders there. In a press conference late Wednesday night in Mexico City, Adams said he hoped to manage expectations of migrants setting out on their journeys, and to inform migrants that his city was at capacity after receiving around 120,000 migrants over the past year. He echoed a rising number of voices in calling for a larger global response to the increasing number of migrants to the U.S. Its not sustainable, Adams said at the base of a basilica where people often pray before setting out on their journeys. The message of this not being sustainable cannot stay within the boundaries of New York City. There is a global migration and it must have an international response. Blinken and other top American officials are visiting Mexico to discuss shared security issues, foremost among them trafficking of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, but also arms trafficking and increasing migration. A migrant from Venezuela carries his two young children as he looks back to Mexico as he waits for his wife as he crosses the Rio Grande River into the U.S. in Eagle Pass, Texas on July 20, 2023, from Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. The migrant was part of a group of nearly 30 migrants who crossed hoping to seek asylum in the U.S. In August, the U.S. Border Patrol made 181,509 arrests at the Mexican border, up 37% from July but little changed from August 2022 and well below the more than 220,000 in December, according to figures released in September. The U.S. has tried to get Mexico and countries farther south to do more. In April, the U.S., Panama and Colombia announced a campaign to slow migration through the treacherous Darien Gap dividing Colombia and Panama. But migration through the jungle has only accelerated and is expected to approach some 500,000 people this year - many from Venezuela. More Venezuelans were encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border last month than nationals of any other country except Mexico, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection figures released by Lopez Obrador. Venezuelans were stopped 25,777 times the first 17 days of September, up 63% from the same period a month earlier. Those included some people admitted for scheduled asylum appointments, but the vast majority were illegal entries. More: Biden administration's border policies were working. What went wrong? Venezuela plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing at least 7.3 million people to migrate and making food and other necessities unaffordable for those who remain. The vast majority who fled settled in neighboring countries in Latin America, but many began coming to the United States in the last three years. Deportation flights had been paused in part because the U.S. has few diplomatic relations with the nation. U.S. officials would not say how Venezuela agreed to accept back their citizens except to say that, like other countries around the world, the U.S. has long encouraged Venezuela to take back its nationals. The U.S. announcement resuming deportation flights makes clear that we are committed to strictly enforcing immigration laws and quickly removing individuals who do not avail themselves of these orderly processes and choose to cross our border unlawfully, Homeland Security said in a statement. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Deportation flights resume for Venezuelan migrants WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 15: U.S. President Joe Biden participates in a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Roosevelt Room of the White House November 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. President Biden met with his Chinese counterpart to discuss bilateral issues. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO - President Biden reportedly has plans to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month in California. The Washington Post on Thursday reported White House officials are planning the summit in San Francisco in an attempt to stabilize the relationship between the world's two most powerful countries. Specifics on where the meeting would be held in the city were not disclosed as the meeting is reportedly in its early planning stages. Although, those keeping an eye on these developments have said the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit could be the setting for the meeting. The APEC conference, a major geopolitical event, is Nov. 11 through 17. San Francisco was named the host city of the summit, to be held at the Moscone Center, back in November 2022. The conference's honorary host committee comprises dignitaries including; Gov. Gavin Newsom, SF Mayor London Breed, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. The late-Sen. Dianne Feinstein was also listed as one of the committee's hosts. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but Biden is looking forward to meeting the Chinese leader, according to a senior administration official, the newspaper reported. Stream KTVU on your TV by downloading Fox Local on your Roku, Amazon Fire, AndroidTV or AppleTV device for free. More details here. It would be the first meeting between the two since the G20 summit last November. Xi no-showed last month's G20 summit in New Delhi, to which Biden expressed disappointment. At the beginning of the year, diplomatic tensions became further frayed between the two countries when the U.S. shot down a Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast. At the time, it was characterized by U.S. officials as a clear violation of international law. That episode jeopardized future China-U.S. relations and caused the Secretary of State to postpone a planned trip to China. A former Obama-administration White House aide told the Post both leaders have an interest in stabilizing ties, but that neither is open to making substantial concessions. Items on the table for discussion could include; technological exports such as semiconductors, the opioid crisis and how fentanyl is made using chemicals from China, as well as the release of detained Americans. President Biden on Friday said a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the United States next month is possible. When questioned on reporting that the two leaders will meet face-to-face in California next month, Biden wouldnt confirm a meeting is scheduled. There is no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility, the president told reporters. The White House National Security Council would also not confirm to The Hill that any plans are officially in place, but noted that Biden has said he looks forward to continuing conversations with Xi this fall. The last time Biden and Xi met in person was last November in Bali on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit. The president has since said he hopes to again meet with Xi. Biden expressed his disappointment that the Chinese leader didnt attend the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi last month. However, Biden added at the time: I am going to get to see him. Since their meeting last year, diplomatic ties between the two nations took a hit when a Chinese spy balloon spent several days floating over the U.S. before it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina in February. In June, Biden called Xi a dictator and said he got upset when the spy balloon was shot down because he didnt know about it. Xis decision not to attend the Group of 20 summit last month further put a strain on relationships between China and the U.S. and other Indo-Pacific nations. China sent the countrys premier, Li Qiang, to India on his behalf and did not give details into why he decided not to participate. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Biden says 'possibility' of meeting with Xi Jinping, first since Chinese spy craft shot down over Atlantic President Biden's expected meeting with the president of China is still up in the air. During a press meeting regarding the September jobs report, Biden was questioned about the previously reported expectations for a meeting with President Xi Jinping in California. "There has been no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility," Biden told the reporters. PHILIPPINES FURIOUS AFTER CHINESE COAST GUARD SHIP COMES WITHIN 3 FEET OF COLLIDING WITH PHILIPPINE VESSEL U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the September jobs report at the White House on October 06, 2023 in Washington, DC. The meeting, unconfirmed but described by administration officials as "pretty firm" to news outlets, would bring together the two presidents in San Francisco for the first time since last November. Biden and Xi last spoke on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, where they agreed more direct communication between U.S. and Chinese leadership was desirable. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "China and the U.S. are in communication on bilateral engagement and exchange," Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu previously told the Washington Post. CHINA ESCAPES UNSCATHED FOLLOWING WORLD LEADERS UN SUMMIT: 'EXHAUSTION HAS SET IN' US President Joe Biden (R) and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. "Both sides need to work in the same direction, clear obstacles and manage differences with concrete actions, and enhance dialogue and expand cooperation in good faith," he added. Sino-U.S. relations soured intensely early this year after the Biden administration discovered the presence of Chinese spy crafts in U.S. airspace and shot it down over the Atlantic Ocean. China has also taken offense to U.S. strategic ambiguity on the Taiwan Independence issue, refusing to acknowledge the island's claim to sovereignty while still sending diplomatic missions to meet with the Taiwanese leadership. U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the September jobs report at the White House on October 06, 2023 in Washington, DC. Both nations' military drills in various regions of East Asia have prickled the other, as well. Chinese aircraft and naval vessels routinely violate Taiwanese territorial boundaries, sparking calls to back down from the U.S. military. U.S. drills alongside South Korean, Japanese, Philippine, and Taiwanese military forces has made China increasingly angry at what it sees as foreign coalition against its interests. Original article source: Biden says 'possibility' of meeting with Xi Jinping, first since Chinese spy craft shot down over Atlantic HANOI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's disbursement of public investment in the first nine months of this year was estimated at 51.38 percent of the yearly plan, the highest rate ever, Vietnam News Agency reported Friday, citing the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The disbursed capital sourced from the state budget during the January-September period topped 363 trillion Vietnamese dong (14.89 billion U.S. dollars), up 46.7 percent from the same time last year. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said public investment disbursement in nine months has never exceeded 50 percent in the previous years, but this year it has surpassed this level. Citing that the capital that needs to be disbursed in 2023 is huge, he said the disbursement of 51.38 percent in nine months is a positive sign. According to the Vietnamese government, localities aim to disburse 95 to 100 percent of public investment for the whole year. Public investment is an important booster for economic growth in 2023 and the coming years. The disbursement of 95 percent of public investment will spur the GDP to rise 1.3 percent, Vietnam News Agency cited economist Nguyen Bich Lam, former general director of the General Statistics Office, as saying. President Joe Biden on Friday said a sit-down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping could be in the cards when the US hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit in San Francisco next month. Mr Biden, who addressed reporters from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in the wake of yet another positive jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, said no such meeting has been arranged at this time. But it is a possibility, he added. Top Biden administration officials have been communicating with their counterparts in Beijing for months in an effort to arrange a bilateral meeting between Mr Biden and Mr Xi at next months gathering, which is scheduled to run from 11 November to 17 November. On Thursday, The Washington Post reported that plans for the leaders to meet at the APEC event were pretty firm. The news of a possible sit-down between the heads of state representing the worlds two largest economies comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Beijing over Chinas military buildup and the status of Taiwan. Military to military communications between the two countries have been stopped since August 2022, when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island, which Beijing claims as sovereign territory despite its de facto independence. Mr Biden and Mr Xi last met in 2022 during the G20 leaders summit in Bali, Indonesia. But relations between the two countries have remained strained since February when a Chinese-made espionage balloon transited US airspace. The balloon was shot down by a US fighter off the coast of South Carolina. In recent months, a succession of Biden administration officials have trekked to Beijing in an effort to smooth over the rift caused by the balloon incident. US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping last met in Bali in 2022 (SAUL LOEB) US President Joe Biden said Friday he may meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November as Washington and Beijing push to reset ties, but added that nothing is scheduled yet. The leaders of the rival powers have not met in person or spoken for nearly a year, and tensions have mounted as an increasingly assertive China and the United States vie for global influence. "There has been no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility," Biden told journalists after reports that they were set to meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. Biden is set to host leaders from across the region on November 16 and 17 in the California city, and speculation has mounted that it could be the venue for a rapprochement. The White House had begun making plans for a meeting on the sidelines of the summit in a bid to stabilize relations, The Washington Post reported, quoting one official as saying it "it's pretty firm." Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Washington at some point ahead of the APEC summit. Beijing however has not confirmed whether Xi will attend the summit or meet with his US counterpart. The White House has also declined to elaborate on a potential meeting with Xi. - 'Disappointed' - The last time Biden and Xi met was in November 2022 on the sidelines of a summit in Bali. Their talks were surprisingly cordial but relations then froze over again, and there has not even been a phone call since. Biden had said last month he was "disappointed" that Xi was not attending a G20 summit in New Delhi. He added that he was "going to get to see him," although he did not elaborate. Tensions between the United States and an increasingly assertive China have mounted as the world's two largest economies push for diplomatic, military and economic influence. Bilateral ties face a long list of problems, from trade disputes to Taiwan's future to the expansive Chinese presence in the South China Sea. But the United States has been working to restore a more effective working relationship, sending a series of senior officials to China in recent months despite continuing friction. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and China's Wang met in the Mediterranean island nation of Malta in mid-September in the latest attempt to reach out. The APEC forum will be a key test of whether their efforts are working, as the Asia-Pacific region is one of the main theaters where Beijing and Washington are going head-to-head. Biden has also been pushing to show that international groupings like the G20 and APEC can still deliver on problems including the economy and climate -- even when China is not involved. dk/sst President Biden signed bipartisan legislation Friday that reverses his own administration's decision to defund school shooting sports courses nationwide. The president signed the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, which restores federal funding for elementary and secondary school hunting and archery programs after the Department of Education began withholding such funding earlier this year. According to the White House, the legislation "clarifies that Federal funds may be used to provide certain weapons or training in the use of weapons within educational instruction or enrichment activities." "The President supports a legislative solution to ensure ESEA funding can be used for valuable school enrichment programs, such as hunter safety and archery," Stefanie Feldman, the director of the White House's Office of Gun Violence Prevention, said in a statement last month. In September, the legislation passed unanimously in the Senate one day after the House approved it in a 424-1 vote. The bill had been championed by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers who argued that the Education Department misinterpreted a 2022 gun control law to restrict students' access to enrichment programs like hunting safety, archery and even culinary classes. BIDEN'S WAR ON HUNTING FACES BLOWBACK FROM REPUBLICANS, SPORTSMEN GROUPS President Biden speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on September 15. "Montanans sent me to the Senate to protect our rural way of life, and thats exactly why I stood up to the Biden Administrations decision to block the use of federal dollars for hunter safety classes," Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said in a statement Friday. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "As a third-generation Montanan, I had the opportunity to learn about the importance of responsible gun ownership and hunting from these longstanding hunter education courses and its critical that our kids and grandkids are afforded that same opportunity," he added. "Im glad to see the President sign my commonsense solution into law, and Ill continue to go to bat in Washington to make sure D.C. bureaucrats never shoot down our Montana way of life." BIDEN FACING MORE PRESSURE FROM DEMS OVER CRACKDOWN ON SCHOOL HUNTING, ARCHERY CLASSES After it was revealed in July that the Biden administration had started withholding federal funds for schools with hunting and archery programs, Tester introduced a bill to reverse the policy. Senators John Cornyn, R-Texas; Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz.; and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., introduced the Senate version of the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act in early September. The House version was introduced in August by GOP Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee. Fox News Digital reported in July that the Department of Education shared federal guidance to hunting education groups highlighting that hunting and archery programs in schools would be stripped of funding. The guidance explained that the administration interpreted the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) to mean that such programs could no longer receive taxpayer funds. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has been among the most vocal opponents of the Biden administration's crackdown on hunting and archery school program funding. In the guidance, obtained first by Fox News Digital, senior agency official Sarah Martinez wrote that archery, hunter education and wilderness safety courses use weapons that are "technically dangerous weapons" and therefore "may not be funded under" the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which is the primary source of federal aid for elementary and secondary education across the country. According to advocates, many schools that offer such courses have already nixed them from curriculums due to the federal guidance. BIDEN ADMIN CONFIRMS IT'S WITHHOLDING KEY FUNDS FOR SCHOOLS WITH HUNTING COURSES, GOP CALL IT 'SHAMEFUL' The BSCA included an amendment to a subsection in the ESEA listing that prohibited uses for federal school funding. That amendment prohibits ESEA funds from helping provide any person with a dangerous weapon or to provide "training in the use of a dangerous weapon" but, according to the BSCA's sponsors , was included to prevent ESEA funding for school resource officer training. The Department of Education, however, doubled down on its interpretation of the BSCA, saying that it would only reverse course if legislation were passed explicitly revising the 2022 law to allow funding for shooting sport programs in schools. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona delivers remarks about the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act at the National Safer Communities Summit in West Hartford, Connecticut, on June 16, 2023. "As an organization that has invested nearly $2 million in school archery and hunters education programs, we recognize the role these programs play in developing the next generation of safe and effective conservationists," the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation said in a statement. "Schools that deliver these programs should not be penalized by the Department of Education because of a misinterpretation of Congressional intent," it added. "We support Senator Testers legislation to correct this and keep school archery and hunting programs strong." CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP The BSCA a bill that was criticized as a "gun control" bill but touted by proponents as an effort to promote "safer, more inclusive and positive" schools was passed overwhelmingly by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in June 2022 after mass shootings at a grocery market in Buffalo, New York, and a school in Uvalde, Texas. Cornyn, Sinema and Tillis the Senate sponsors of the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act were three of the four sponsors of the BSCA. The fourth sponsor, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., signed onto a letter on September 5 to Senate Appropriations Committee leaders, asking for the issue to be fixed in the upcoming government funding package. Original article source: Biden signs bill into law that reverses his admin's defunding of school hunting, shooting programs President Joe Biden is nominating a longtime federal prosecutor to New Hampshires seat on the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals. Seth Aframe, a Hopkinton resident, is head of the Criminal and Appellate Divisions at the U.S. Attorneys Office in Concord, where he has worked since 2007. Hes a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, and was a law clerk for Judge Jeffrey Howard, who took senior status from the appellate court last year, creating the vacancy. Hes also been an adjunct professor at UNHs Franklin Pierce School of Law. Bidens earlier pick for the seat--former New Hampshire Attorney General Michael Delaney--pulled his name from consideration in May. Delaney faced opposition from both parties for his work on a high-profile St. Pauls sex abuse case. In a joint statement, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan described Aframe as extremely qualified for the post. His long tenure of public service, his commitment to mentoring and teaching the next generation and his extensive litigation experience make him well suited to serve in this role, and we urge the Senate to swiftly confirm him, the senators said. These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Biden taps NH federal prosecutor for seat on First Circuit Court President Joe Biden vetoed a measure from Congress to strip endangered species protections from the lesser prairie chicken in southeast New Mexico, as efforts in the region were underway to restore the birds population. The lesser prairie chicken was listed as endangered, the highest class of federal protection, last year in its southern population that spans New Mexico and West Texas, and threatened in a northern population across north Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas. The listings drew outcry from the oil and gas industry, amid the Permian Basin in southeast New Mexico and West Texas, as industry officials argued it would lead to greater restrictions on development in the region. More: Lesser prairie chicken could see protections via renewable energy projects in New Mexico These objections took the form of a resolution under the Congressional Review Act passed by both the U.S. House and Senate and sent to Bidens desk for signature into law. All of New Mexicos congressional delegation voted against the resolution, except for U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) whose Second Congressional District contains much of the Permian Basin oilfields. Following the veto, Vasquez said his vote was the result of consulting with southern New Mexico ranchers who worried the listing could impact their livelihoods. I am committed to listening to my constituents who are affected by decisions made in Washington," Vasquez said. "Ranchers in southeast New Mexico deserve to be heard about how this could affect their ability to maintain their livelihood. I will be working with my constituents to ensure their concerns are always heard. U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez speaks during a Student Advisory Committee meeting, Aug. 15, 2023 at the Carlsbad Municipal Annex. But the industry could be a key player in saving the bird said Wayne Walker, chief executive officer of conservation bank LPC Conservation, which works with landowners including energy companies to set aside tracts of land as strongholds for the birds recovery. More: Gray wolves are being released in Colorado. How will that affect lobos and ranchers in NM? The company worked with Xcel Energy on bird conservation practices for its Sagamore Wind Project in eastern New Mexico near Portales, and recently announced a deal to set aside another 3,000 acres for the bird in Gove County, Kansas with Xcels Colorado operations to offset the impacts of a transmission line. Were getting some great conservation on the ground, getting some happy landowners and chickens, Walker said. Ive been 12 years fighting government bureaucracy. Now we get to do fun stuff. Walker, whos worked closely with conservation groups and landowners to conserve the bird for about a decade, said he was not surprised by the ultimate listing of the species, arguing the regulatory approach so far was unsuccessful. More: Dunes sagebrush lizard's federal protections delayed amid opposition from oil and gas Thats because landowners are not paid a market rate for the use of their lands as strongholds, Walker said, unlike his program. If you look at whats happened out there, of course theyre going to list it. The bird is not doing well. This is why Congress created the law 50 years ago, Walker said. Its unfortunate, but its the reality. Their programs didnt work. He called on oil and gas companies to enroll in the revamped programs, as many did so in the past to poor results, Walker said. More: Oil drilling could be blocked from southeast New Mexico cave system. Here's how to object. I dont think they gave much thought to if it worked or not. At some point, the political entities need to retract, and the objective reality needs to step in, Walker said. Generally, at the industry level they think things are great, leave us alone. Things are not great, were down to 1,500 birds. We got to get those numbers up. President Bidens veto upholds 'scientific' listing process In vetoing the resolution, Biden said the U.S. Fish and Service arrived at the listing decision using the best available scientific information, according to a statement from the White House. Biden argued the lesser prairie chicken saw its population on the Great Plains decline by 90 percent as it plummeted toward disappearance, the President wrote. More: Feds want more evidence from ranchers who blame lobos for livestock killings in New Mexico This justified the listing under the Endangered Species Act, the statement read, as it could also lead to restoration of the species habitat. S.J. Res. 9 would overturn a science-based rulemaking that follows the requirements of the law, and thereby undermines the ESA, Biden wrote. The lesser prairie-chicken serves as an indicator for healthy grasslands and prairies, making the species an important measure of the overall health of Americas grasslands. The resolution would also undermine voluntary conservation agreements in states like New Mexico, Biden said, designed to see landowners taking on certain actions to prevent the species degradation and insulating enrollees from further restrictions under the listing. More: Pinyon jay native to New Mexico's pinon forests could be protected from extinction He said the resolution would create uncertainty for landowners and industries who have been working for years to forge the durable, locally led conservation strategies that this rule supports. The Presidents actions were applauded by conservation groups who said government action was needed where past conservation attempts had so far failed. The veto also included a CRA resolution against protections for the northern long-eared bat, and Jamie Rappaport Clark with Defenders of Wildlife said both species were nearing extinction but could be saved by the listings. If President Biden had not acted today to protect the Endangered Species Act, these measures would have significantly increased the risk of extinction for the gravely imperiled lesser prairie chicken and long-eared bat, Rappaport Clark said. She said Congress had never before used the CRA to repeal an ESA listing, and should instead increase funding to restore endangered and threatened species throughout the U.S. The American public, regardless of party affiliation, overwhelmingly supports the Endangered Species Act and believes it should be fully funded to protect species from extinction. Congress needs to wake up to this fact and cease their continual attacks, Rapport Clark said. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Biden veto upholds lesser prairie chicken protections in New Mexico LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman convened a Zoom call with 30 other like-minded donors this week to address a persistent fear among national Democrats: Third-party candidates who could undercut Joe Biden s campaign. In particular, the donors on the line were worried about No Labels, a group that said it has raised millions to gain access to the ballot in at least 10 states for a potential presidential candidate. Hoffman and Matt Bennett, co-founder of the centrist organization Third Way, argued during the meeting that not only is a third-party victory implausible but that independent candidates would inevitably hurt Biden, said one participant on the call, granted anonymity to discuss the issue candidly. Hoffman has contributed $1.5 million to help with legal and political efforts to stop No Labels. But he and Bennett asked donors to pony up more, aiming to raise $3 million to $4 million total, the meeting participant said. Biden wins a head-to-head with Trump, so as long as we can hand him that, he can win. But [third-party candidates] will make it very hard, Bennett said in an interview with POLITICO after the Wednesday meeting. People are very focused on this threat. Those worries are shared within the Biden campaign. Among those charged with getting the president reelected, theres a consensus that a third-party candidate would almost certainly hurt the Democrat in the race, according to four Biden advisers not authorized to speak publicly about internal campaign deliberations. Its not just No Labels that has gotten their attention. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is another potential spoiler for Biden should he run as an independent, as anticipated along with recently-minted independent candidate Cornel West. I think its exceedingly difficult for Trump to win a traditional campaign against Biden so, like 2016, the only path for his victory is with help from third parties and outside actors, said John Della Volpe, who polled for the Biden campaign in 2020. Right now, the group of potential Independent Party candidates are more likely, as a group, to hurt Biden than Trump. Among the perceived spoilers, West is seen as the most potent threat to the reelect because of his potential to tap into discontent among some Black voters unhappy with Bidens ability to secure new voting rights legislation or broad student debt relief, according to several Biden aides granted anonymity to speak about the discussions. Aides also fear it would not take much for West to sway some young voters and voters of color in key cities such as Atlanta, Philadelphia or Milwaukee. Ben Tulchin, a Democratic pollster who worked on Bernie Sanders presidential bids, said he expects to see the Vermont senator, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other surrogates popular with these groups help the president with them. But I think Biden has to take them very seriously and work very, very hard so that as few votes as possible go to a third party, he said, later adding: It is definitely a cause for concern. Bidens advisers believe that West could eventually abandon his quixotic mission for fear of ruining his reputation, though lobbying efforts by some of those closest to the academic to get him to quit the race have so far proven ineffective. On Monday, the would-be candidate himself reiterated that he was staying in the race. Well, if Im breathing I will be running in November and we are fighting to make sure we are on the ballot, West said on Fox News. Why? Because Im fundamentally committed to trying to elevate the discourse and Im fundamentally committed for people seeing through the corruption. Ultimately, the White House believes that an improving economy and its record for Black voters Biden appointed both the first Black female vice president and Supreme Court justice will blunt Wests appeal. But campaign advisors acknowledge that Biden in 2020 did not turn out voters from major cities like previous Democrats and there are worries about depressed enthusiasm next year. The campaign is already taking steps to counteract that, mobilizing a multi-million dollar radio buy on Black- and Latino-owned radio stations to help shore up those groups earlier in the cycle. Biden world has been less worried about Kennedy. Despite his last name evoking memories of a Democratic dynasty, poll after poll has found that the vaccine skeptic was more popular among Republicans than Democrats and might actually draw more votes from former President Donald Trump. Thats born out in polling results released by a pro-Kennedy super PAC. The one concern in the West Wing would be if GOP voters turned off by Trump might instead cast their ballots for Kennedy, instead of shifting their support to Biden. Kennedy hasnt yet confirmed he plans to switch parties, but hes scheduled to make a much anticipated announcement on Monday, according to a statement from his campaign. As for No Labels, those closest to Biden believe the memory of Green Party candidate Jill Stein whose margins in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania arguably helped Trump win in 2016 will ultimately persuade most potential third-party candidates from jumping in the race under their banner. Getting Trump elected is the first line of your obituary, no matter your life before then, said one senior Biden aide. Still, Democrats are taking the threat seriously. The push by Hoffman and his allies are not the only effort underway to deal with the third-party challenges. American Bridge, a major Democratic super PAC that specializes in opposition research, is investigating No Labels every move, said Bradley Beychok, who co-founded the super PAC. Some leading Democrats, including alums of the Obama and Biden administrations, have begun meeting to discuss ways to pressure the organization from fielding a presidential candidate. Former House Democratic leader and presidential candidate Dick Gephardt founded Citizens to Save Our Republic for the sole purpose of working against third-party candidates. Those working to combat third-party bids expect that their efforts will accelerate next year, when the general election is taking place. Jim Messina, a former campaign manager for President Barack Obama, said he expects groups will build voting models to find Americans who are more likely to be swayed by arguments around the dangers of voting third party. He said that in battle ground states, they will use very targeted messaging to convince them that theyre throwing away their vote. I do think theres a whole bunch of swing voters who are going to be very susceptible to the argument of, dont waste your vote, you could accidentally elect Donald Trump again, Messina said. Biden himself weighed in on a possible No Labels bid last weekend. He was responding to a specific question about Lieberman but, aides said, his answer was applicable to any possible candidate. "Well, he has a democratic right to do it. Theres no reason not to do that. Now, its going to help the other guy. And he knows," Biden told ProPublica. "Thats a political decision hes making that I obviously think is a mistake. But he has a right to do that." In an emailed statement, No Labels chief strategist Ryan Clancy said there is a broader and largely untold story about how groups claiming to defend democracy are explicitly undermining it and we would like to talk to you more about it. He also pointed to a recent Wall Street Journal editorial that blamed the two major parties for failing to nominate someone new. No Labels has also pushed back directly at Democratic leaders, penning an open letter to state party chairs and accusing the Democratic National Committee of a heavy-handed effort to limit Americans choices in the 2024 election. The organization cited emails amongst state party Democrats, who called on fellow Democrats to denounce No Labels, CBS News reported. One thing that could end up aiding Democrats fearful of third-party challengers are the logistical hurdles that come with such runs. Candidates face obstacles getting on the ballot in specific states. The larger ones tend to require serious resources or grassroots support to collect the necessary signatures. Thats especially true for West and Kennedy, who are opting to run as Independents just weeks before many states balloting deadlines. Brittany Gibson contributed to this report. By Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House is working to arrange a face-to-face meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month in San Francisco, U.S. officials say, but they and Biden warn that plans are still uncertain. THE TAKE: The Biden team has been working for months to try to get the two leaders together as a centerpiece event during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to be held in San Francisco from Nov. 11 to 17. But Biden and U.S. officials cautioned that the time and location of a meeting and items for discussion have not been nailed down. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that plans for the San Francisco summit were "pretty firm." "There is no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility," Biden told reporters after making remarks about the U.S. economy on Friday at the White House. WHAT'S AT STAKE: U.S. officials see a meeting as essential to help cool a relationship that has grown testy in recent years, with tensions rising over Taiwan and a Chinese military buildup in the South China Sea. The Chinese cut off cross-military communications used to de-escalate conflict between the two countries after those ties were cut following an August 2022 visit by former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan that enraged China. Relations further downward spiraled early this year when a Chinese balloon - which U.S. officials called a sophisticated surveillance balloon - flew over the United States and was ultimately shot down by a U.S. fighter jet. CONTEXT: Biden and Xi last met in 2022 on the sidelines of a G20 summit on Indonesia's resort island of Bali. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Biden climate envoy John Kerry have traveled to China this year seeking to thaw relations and ensure continued communication. The potential for a Biden-Xi summit was among the topics of discussions when White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met in Malta last month with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Reporting by Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Heather Timmons and Josie Kao) A meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is in the works, with multiple reports suggesting that the in-person engagement could take place at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco next month. Administration officials said plans for the two leaders to meet were pretty firm" and that the White House was at the start of its planning process, the Washington Post first reported. Biden told reporters Friday that a meeting hasnt been set up, but it is a possibility. The plans will likely be confirmed after Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks. The National Security Council declined to confirm the news to Semafor. One-on-one meetings between world leaders on the sidelines of events like APEC are routine, but China's noncommittal stance towards the Biden-Xi meeting highlight just how precarious the attempts to ease tensions between the two countries are, Bloomberg reports. Beijing has tried to bargain with the U.S. in order to create what China's foreign minister said were "more favorable conditions for a smooth APEC meeting." This includes asking Washington to invite Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee to the San Francisco summit next month, despite the fact that Lee has been sanctioned by the U.S. over the crackdown on civil liberties in the region. But in recent weeks, Beijing has shown efforts to extend an olive branch to the U.S. This is likely an attempt by Xi to demonstrate that key bilateral relations are under control, the Wall Street Journal reports, amid the country's deepening economic crisis. While Wang Yi skipped the UNGA meeting in New York, he held a surprise two-day discussion with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Malta, to perhaps lay the groundwork for higher level talks. Xi himself struck a positive note in a recent letter to two U.S. Flying Tigers veterans who fought for China during the Second World War, writing: "China and the United States, as two major countries, bear more important responsibilities for world peace, stability, and development." As the need to cool down our overheating planet becomes more pressing, companies are finding new ways to help. One company, backed by Bill Gates Breakthrough Energy, is doing its part to help cool the planet by getting carbon blocks really, really hot, Bloomberg reported. Antora Energy, a thermal battery startup, has launched its first commercial-scale system at a facility in Fresno, California. The pilot project is a significant step toward getting heavy industry off dirty energy. The International Energy Agency states that, in 2019, the power and heavy industry sectors accounted for about 60% of annual pollution, and Energy Innovation says they are projected to be the largest source of planet-warming pollution in the United States by 2030. Typical lithium-ion batteries store electricity as chemical energy. In contrast, Bloomberg explained, Antoras thermal battery system stores energy as electrically generated heat inside carbon blocks at temperatures upward of 3,272 degrees Fahrenheit (1,800 degrees Celsius). The system then converts the heat back to electricity using thermophotovoltaic cells similar to those found in solar panels and can directly discharge it as either heat or electricity. Industrial facilities like cement and steel plants need continuous heat and run on tons of dirty energy like coal and natural gas. Renewable energy sources are intermittent there are also times when more solar or wind power is generated than the grid can handle, and the excess power is sometimes wasted. Antoras battery could smooth out intermittency issues, as it can take intermittent solar and wind power and convert it to an efficient, continuous supply of industrial heat and electricity. Jon Glass, the acting deputy director for commercialization at the Department of Energys Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, a government entity that awarded Antora nearly $8 million as part of a program aimed at developing long-duration energy storage systems, told Bloomberg, You can achieve the benefits of industrial CHP, combined heat and power, in a zero-carbon way. Breakthrough Energy partner Christina Karapataki further said, What the plant really cares about is having an uninterruptible, reliable supply of process heat. Whether its coming from a natural gas boiler or a coal-fired boiler, or whether its coming from an Antora system heating up an oil pipeline, the plant really doesnt care. In the long run, Antora chief executive officer and co-founder Andrew Ponec told Bloomberg he sees a trajectory where an Antora system could best dirty energy on cost with no subsidies. I think where the challenge is biggest is who funds units two or three through 10 where its not the very first of a kind, but the technology still doesnt look yet like a solar or wind, he said. There havent been many years of operational data and so people still need to get into the details of evaluating if it is a risk that their company wants to take. Antora is building a battery manufacturing facility in the Bay Area that it expects to complete by 2024 and plans to ship the technology to its first buyers in 2025. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish drones and fighter jets carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militia positions in northern and eastern Syria on Thursday, hitting 24 targets and causing 15 casualties among the Kurdish fighters, a war monitor reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the Turkish air force carried out 24 airstrikes on Kurdish sites -- three by fighter jets and 21 by drones. It added that the attacks targeted critical infrastructure, including oil, electricity, and water stations, causing significant damage to the affected facilities. The Syrian Arab News Agency said that two electricity plants and one water station went out of service in the northeastern province of Al-Hasakah as a result of the Turkish shelling. The latest escalation follows threats issued by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who warned of an expanded cross-border operation in Syria and Iraq against Kurdish fighters after a suicide bomb rattled the Turkish capital Ankara, injuring two police officers. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) claimed responsibility for the bomb attack, marking the first time the group had claimed an attack in Ankara since 2016. Turkish intelligence officials suggested that the two assailants had received training in Syria. The PKK has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades. Turkiye sees the Syrian Kurdish Protection Units (YPG) as the Syrian branch of the PKK. "From now on, all PKK/YPG infrastructure, superstructure facilities, and energy facilities in Iraq and Syria are legitimate targets of our security forces," Fidan announced in a news conference on Wednesday. As Thursday saw Turkish drones conducting airstrikes on YPG installations in northeast Syria, a Turkish unmanned drone was shot down by a U.S. F-16 fighter jet in proximity to U.S. troops, reflecting the volatile situation in that region. A new survey has revealed gender gaps between Black Americans perceptions of police. The survey, conducted by Gallup, found that 52 percent of Black women have confidence in their local police, compared to 60 percent of Black men. Sixty-eight percent of Black women feel police would treat them with courtesy and respect in an interaction compared to 74 percent of Black men. And while 67 percent of Black men feel police treat people like them fairly, only 57 percent of Black women agree. Overall, Black Americans perceptions of policing in their community remain more negative than white Americans perceptions, but the gender gap is most pronounced among Black men and women. Among white Americans, perceptions of fair treatment differ by only 1 point for white men and women and by only 3 points for Hispanic men and women. Among Black adults, the gap is 10 points. Multiple reports have shown that Black Americans are more likely to be stopped by police than white Americans and are killed by police at higher rates than any other group. The new Gallup survey reports that Black women are also disproportionately likely to be killed by police, but these deaths receive less media attention than others. The survey comes as the nation continues to grapple with discussions around police brutality and reform. Although there have been some changes at state levels, Congress has stalled in passing federal legislation. The most comprehensive federal package, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, was introduced in 2021 after Floyd was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis. But Republican and Democratic lawmakers remain at an impasse on some components, including an end to no-knock warrants and qualified immunity. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. [Source] Mimi Morris, a wealthy Vietnamese American socialite known for starring in the Netflix reality series Bling Empire , shared her views on relationships and marriage, saying she would not be concerned if her husband paid for prostitutes. Mimis take on cheating: Mimi, a 53-year-old, Vietnamese-born business owner, considers being involved with prostitutes as less important than emotional infidelity. If my husband would ever pay for prostitutes, thats unfortunate, but I will forgive him since I dont think it is a big deal. But I will file for divorce if he spends his love on another woman, Mimi told NgoiSao, adding that she would not get jealous if her husband betrayed her but would feel heartbroken if he no longer loved her. Mimi explains her relationship: The socialite emphasized her disapproval of women making scenes out of jealousy and believes that ending a relationship is the best course when trust is broken. She highlighted the strong commitment and trust in her own marriage with Don Morris, noting how her husband does not miss a chance to have dinner with her as long as they are in the same city. Don is the CEO of the Morris Group International, owning a total of 75 patents. More from NextShark: Thor: Love and Thunder was banned from Malaysian theaters due to LGBTQ content, reveals official Initial challenges: The couple faced initial challenges in their relationship, mainly related to differing lifestyles and involvement in each others work. However, Mimi said they reached a compromise in which they refrain from interfering in each other's businesses. Mimis tips for families: Mimi offered tips for a happy family, including sharing meals together and taking care of ones husband, children and home without relying on domestic help. She described how her husband frequently praises her in various aspects of her life, and how despite her occasional complaints, their relationship remains harmonious. More from NextShark: Boston radio host suspended for extremely offensive racial slur referencing ESPNs Mina Kimes I do the furniture arrangements in our house, I take care of my children and I prepare every meal on my own, she was quoted saying. I think every woman should take care of her husband and her kids while avoiding relying on domestic help for these tasks. About Mimi: Mimi is known as the wealthiest member of the Bling Empire cast. The couple, who resides in a $8.8 million mansion in California, has a net worth of approximately $800 million. More from NextShark: Michelle Yeoh confirmed to join cast of Jon M. Chu-directed film 'Wicked' (Bloomberg) -- BMW AG has received a request for information from the European Union about its iX3 sport utility vehicle, which it exports from Chinese production facilities, as part of the blocs probe into Beijings subsidies for electric-vehicle makers. Most Read from Bloomberg The German carmaker is currently filling out the questionnaires for the probe, Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl told reporters Friday on a call. The questionnaires have to be answered within a week, providing details such as investments and manufacturing capacities for EVs exported from China, according to a BMW spokesperson. The request adds to evidence that the EU is gathering data not only from Chinese EV-makers such as Nio, BYD and SAIC Motor, but also from western carmakers that manufacture there, as it assesses the degree of state support for the EV industry. Tesla Inc.s exports from China are also a target of the anti-subsidy probe. Read more: Teslas China Exports in Crosshairs of EU Anti-Subsidy Probe The investigation has the potential to reshape the competitive dynamics within Europe, the second-largest EV market after China, and raises the risk that its own carmakers could face potential retaliation and countervailing measures. BMW exported between 15,000 and 20,000 iX3 SUVs from China last year. Not only BMW stands to lose, Mertl said. This will impact all international carmakers who do business in China. Globally, demand for BMW vehicles is still holding up, Mertl said. Total sales rose more than 5% during the first nine months compared to last year, he said. BMWs world-wide EV sales gained by a high double-digit percentage rate in the last three months. BMW produces the electric iX3 SUV exclusively through BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., its joint venture in Shenyang, China. Starting next year, BMW also plans to produce electric Mini Cooper vehicles in China for export to Europe with its partner Great Wall Motor Co. Through the first seven months of this year, Tesla sold an estimated 93,700 made-in-China vehicles across Western Europe, accounting for roughly 47% of its total deliveries, according to Schmidt Automotive Research. The next biggest exporter of EVs from China to Europe was SAICs MG, with roughly 57,500 registrations. Renault SA, which makes the electric Dacia Spring in China for export, hasnt said whether it has been contacted about the probe. (Updates with EU information request details in second, sales details in sixth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Body cameras captured Las Vegas cops arresting 60-year-old Duane Keffe D Davis last week in connection with the 1996 murder of the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. The clip showed that Davis final moments of freedom on Sept. 29 were largely uneventful, with cops placing him in handcuffs while calmly asking him mundane questions about a morning walk hed been on in near his home in Hendersona Vegas suburb. Davis has been held without bail ever since in Las Vegas, the same city hes accused of gunning Shakur down in at the peak of his popularity as a musician. Authorities say Davis didnt pull the trigger that killed Shakur, but they allege he formulated the plan to exact revenge on Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Marion Suge Knight after the rival groups had gotten into an argument earlier in the day on Sept. 13, 1996. Read it at 8 News Now Read more at The Daily Beast. The Democrat challenging Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) to a rematch in 2024 has raised more than $3.4 million in the third quarter this year, according to newly released campaign finance documents. Adam Frisch lost to Boebert in the 2022 midterm election by less than 600 votes. His 2024 campaign has now raised more than twice as much money as the incumbents reelection team. I am deeply humbled by the over 100,000 individual donations that were made to our campaign this quarter to defeat Lauren Boebert, Frisch said in a Thursday statement. Western and Southern Colorado deserve a representative who will work hard to deliver results and put the needs of the district first, not an extreme political agenda. Thanks to our generous supporters, we will defeat Boebert in 2024. According to his campaign, the average donation this quarter was about $32. So far in the campaign, Frisch has raised about $4.4 million to Boeberts $1.6 million, according to Federal Elections Commission (FEC) reports. Frisch has raised the fourth-highest dollar amount of any House candidate for 2024 and the most for a nonincumbent, according to FEC data. The three candidates ahead of him, all incumbents, have held leadership positions in their parties: former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). Frisch has pitched himself as a moderate Democrat, an alternative to the controversial Boebert, who has aligned herself closely with former President Trump. She rose to national prominence after her election in 2020 for her vocal advocacy for the former president and membership in the House Freedom Caucus. In recent months, Boebert grabbed headlines for a confrontation with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), once her ally, and for getting kicked out of a Denver theater for inappropriate conduct. Political analysts have rated the seat a toss-up for the 2024 election, and a poll in August showed Frisch with a 2-point lead over the incumbent. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In Idaho, political leaders and activists in recent years have pushed for restrictions on library books, citing images of nudity and descriptions of sex acts as content considered harmful to minors. But complaints from public library patrons reveal another motivation behind the push to restrict books. Treasure Valley residents in roughly the past year have asked their public libraries to remove, or restrict access to, books for a variety of reasons, including nudity, bestiality and themes considered anti-police. A common reason, though, was to shield children from books that mention diverse forms of sexuality, gender and identity, according to the complaints, which the Statesman obtained through public records requests. Gina Nuzum, a mother of five from Meridian, last year asked the Meridian Library District to remove from the childrens section a book called My Body is Growing because it promotes what she called a gay and lesbian agenda. They really want to normalize that, and I am not on board, Nuzum told the Statesman by phone. This type of content really needs to be, absolutely, labeled and sectioned and not just available for all kids. Were protecting their innocence. Were protecting moral values. Cole LeFavour, Idahos first openly gay lawmaker who previously served in both the House and Senate, rebuked the notion that libraries should restrict material based on an individuals beliefs about LGBTQ+ lifestyles. Libraries struggle with all kinds of people objecting to material for all kinds of reasons, LeFavour said by phone. To maintain access for everybody, theyve had very strong policies and practices around the material in the library and defend peoples right to read books that they want to read. Patrons file complaints over LGBTQ+ books Public libraries in Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell and Ada County received a dozen book reconsideration requests from July 2022 to July 2023. The requests asked library officials to consider removing or relocating material in their collections. Half of the complaints mentioned objections to LGBTQ+ content in childrens books. A Caldwell resident, for example, asked the library there to remove three books Sex is a Funny Word, Its Perfectly Normal and Puberty is Gross But Also Really Awesome in part because they normalize gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles. All three books remain in circulation at the Caldwell Public Library. In Meridian, on the other hand, library officials took action on three of eight books that attracted complaints. Meridian Library District patron Riqui Peterson also filed a complaint about Sex is a Funny Word as well as Flamer and Wait, What? The latter covers essential topics for preteens and young teens about their changing bodies and feelings, according to a description on Amazon. Peterson complained that the book includes depictions of masturbation and doesnt include distinct definitions for men or women. I believe that there is potential for confusion and introducing topics that young audiences arent ready for, Peterson wrote. Peterson did not respond to a message seeking comment. Nick Grove, director of the Meridian Library District, told the Statesman that library officials found no merit in Petersons argument to remove Wait, What? or Flamer, a book about a boy with romantic feelings for another boy at his summer camp. The work is intended for a teen audience and is based off the authors real life experience struggling with sexuality and acceptance as a teenager, Grove said by email. Library officials agreed to relocate Sex is a Funny Word, from the childrens section to the parent and teacher section, which we felt was an appropriate compromise, Grove said. They also removed My Body is Growing, but not to appease Nuzums objections to the books LGBTQ+ content. We did not take any of those comments into consideration when reviewing the material, Grove said of the book, which is an English translation of a German work. It was verbose and overly complicated for the 4- to 8-year-old audience it was written for. We removed the book from our collection because of multiple grammatical errors and overall layout. Politics drives fear of trans people, former lawmaker says Nuzum said shes not opposed to parents who want to expose their children to LGBTQ+ content being able to access it. But she wants the library to be a safe place where material is properly labeled as containing that kind of content. Not that were allergic, but if youre allergic to something, you want that on the label, right? Nuzum said. You need to know thats in there, and similar story with books, especially when books have such an influence on a childs mind. LeFavour, who is gender nonconforming and uses they/them pronouns, said negative perceptions of gay and transgender people are especially harmful for young people, who often are silent about their identity. LeFavour blames politicians for driving those negative perceptions. Just this year, the Republican-dominated Idaho Legislature passed laws banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors and barring transgender students from using restrooms that align with their gender identities. Another bill, which Idaho Gov. Brad Little vetoed, would have created civil penalties for librarians who allow minors to access harmful material. By definition, harmful included depictions of homosexuality. Some kinds of politicians feel they need to have someone to scare their voters about, someone to say theyre going to save their voters from, and Ive seen that come around again and again, LeFavour said. At one point, most people didnt realize they knew gay people, and it was easy to say that about gay people. Now the focus is probably more on transgender people because not everybody knows that they know a transgender person. As for attempts to censor library material, LeFavour said, public policies should maintain access to books that reflect a range of values and beliefs. The beauty of libraries is that a person doesnt have to check out a book if they dont want to, they dont have to let their children check out books if they dont want to, they said. A long-time faculty member at Bolivar-Richburg Central School has been placed on administrative leave by the district after her arrest in McKean County, Pa., on allegations she had sexual relations with a minor while serving as a volunteer at a Pennsylvania school. Denise Evens, 45, of Port Allegany, Pa. was charged this week with two counts of institutional sexual assault and two counts of corruption of minors, according to McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer. Vettenburg-Shaffer said Port Allegany Police Department officer Adam Dickerson filed the charges and obtained an arrest warrant after investigating allegations that Evens had sexual intercourse and oral sex with a minor when she was a school volunteer. Evens was arraigned by on-call magisterial district judge Dominic Cercone, who set bail at $75,000 percentage bond. Cercone also ordered Evens to have no contact with minor children. The district attorney's office said Evens will appear in Central Court at a later time. Bolivar-Richburg: Mom, child struck by vehicle, critically injured in front of Allegany County school Evens was listed as a special education teacher in a 2021 publication issued by the B-R school district. Evens was placed on administrative leave in June by Bolivar-Richburg, where she has been employed since fall 2002, B-R interim superintendent Chuck Leichner said. "As soon as the District was made aware of the allegations and potential criminal charges, the teacher was placed on administrative leave," Leichner said in an emailed statement. "She has not been on campus since the end of last school year, in June 2023. "We have confirmed that the alleged conduct does not involve our school district or district students; however, we are taking all steps necessary to address the matter and we will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and all relevant authorities." Follow Neal Simon on Twitter @HornellTribNeal. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: School volunteer in McKean County charged with having sex with minor EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) Border commuters endured unusually long waits to cross from Juarez, Mexico, into the United States on Thursday. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website showed wait times of 200 minutes at Bridge of the Americas port of entry and 180 minutes at Paso del Norte Bridge for passenger vehicles at 1 p.m. The usual waits at that time are around an hour, according to the site. Ive been in line one hour, more or less, said Aracely, an El Paso resident waiting in line to get back home. Cars should be flowing more quickly. Border commuters shared photos of at least three of the 12 inspection booths at Paso del Norte being closed during peak crossing hours on Thursday. The delays happened a day after hundreds of migrants crossed the Rio Grande into El Paso and were taken to already-crowded CBP processing centers. Border Report reached out to CBP for comment. The agency sent a statement saying wait times fluctuate and are unpredictable. The agency on Sept. 15 reassigned officers from its cargo inspection lanes to help out the U.S. Border Patrol process migrants at El Paso Sector facilities. That closed the closing of the cargo lanes. But the agency told border report CBP has made no additional staffing adjustments since announcing the suspension of cargo processing at Bridge of the Americas. Politics fueling Texas border truck inspections, county judge says CBP also confirmed that it interrupted traffic earlier in the day to conduct mobile field force safety exercises, but those interruptions usually last 15 minutes. The SENTRI program remains an option for border crossers who are looking for consistently predictable and shorter crossing times. Those interested in (this) trusted traveler program and meet requirements are encouraged to apply, the CBP statement said. Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border Meantime, wait times remained at more than six hours at El Pasos remaining commercial truck crossing, the Ysleta Port of Entry. Business and local government officials blame those delays not on CBP but on supplemental inspections being conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety as the trucks exit the customs lot. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A 5-year-old boy struck by a van Friday morning during his school dropoff died after being taken to the hospital, according to the city of North Las Vegas. While waiting on private property in a line of stopped vehicles to be dropped off at school, a 5-year-old boy exited the rear drivers side door of a vehicle and ran across the driveway. The driver of the work van pulled from behind the stopped vehicles to go around them and struck the boy, the news release stated. The child was struck around 7:50 a.m. in the 4600 block of Losee Road, between Craig and Lone Mountain roads, which is near Somerset Academy. Police said the driver is cooperating with the investigation and is not suspected of impairment. The boy was transported to University Medical Centers trauma unit where he later died. The administration of Somerset Academy Losee campus sent the following statement to students families Friday: Losee Families: We regret to inform you, that today before the start of school, a student was hit by a car on their way to school. We understand and urge everyone to be mindful that this will be a difficult time for friends, family, and many members of our community. In order to provide comfort and support, counselors, safe school professionals and other student support advocates will be available. Please keep the family and those directly involved in your thoughts and prayers. At Somerset Academy the safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. We would like to remind everyone of the importance of being safe when on or near the campus. Please follow all car loop procedures and traffic laws while participating in drop off and pick up, as these are in place to protect all members of the Somerset Losee community. If you were a witness to the accident please contact North Las Vegas Police Department at (702) 633-1390, as this is an on-going police investigation. We thank you for your continued support and consideration as we help our Losee family navigate this difficult time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. What started out as repair job on Cherokee Park Bridge No. 2 has turned into a total replacement of the crossing at the base of Cochran Hill Road. Oct. 3, 2023 The Olmsted Parks Conservancy recently canceled its annual hayride through Cherokee Park because a bridge the one at the base of Cochran Hill Road on the one-way Scenic Loop is still closed. "They said late 2023, so we planned our hayride like we always do," said Jesse Hendrix, the communications director for the conservancy. "Once it got to be a month out from the October date, we were like, 'We have to cancel this. We haven't seen any progress.'" The tractor would not be able to get through the makeshift detour hiking path running parallel to the bridge, she said. The Kentucky Department of Transportation expected the bridge to be unusable for two months when it closed in March. But the more crews got their hands on the bridge, the more problems they found. Rather than a simple repair, it needed to be replaced. Now, seven months later, that portion of the Scenic Loop is still closed to the public with no concrete end in sight. Cherokee Park Bridge #2 has been closed since March 2023. While the Transportation Department has received several permits related to the destruction of the old bridge and the construction of a new one, they have been waiting for two permits to be approved, public information officer Morgan Woodrum said Monday. One is from the Metropolitan Sewer District, and one is from the Kentucky Division of Water. But the state engineer did not send the final construction plans to MSD until Oct. 2, district communications director Sheryl Lauder said. She added that the sewer district approved the permit the following day. "The first submittal by the engineer for the state not sure if a contractor or employee was August 2," Lauder said. "Comments were returned by MSD on August 15. The second submittal by the states engineer was on September 21. Response from MSD was provided on September 29." The permit is needed because the bridge is located in a floodplain, she said. The sewer district also examined the plans to ensure construction does not impact water quality. David Coe, the floodplain management supervisor for the state Division of Water, said permits from his department can be issued in a matter of days if it gets all the needed information. It is unclear when the permit from his department will be issued to the transportation department, though. Even if the transportation department received all its final permits and construction began today, the new bridge wouldn't be finished until at least January. Woodrum said the anticipated construction timeframe is 90 days. But she added that "cold weather could prohibit work due to concrete weather limitations." Ultimately, it could be several months until the original path reopens. In the meantime, parkgoers can continue to use the alternative path, which goes through the woods. It has not been ideal, Hendrix said, since that path is much more narrow than the typical one. The conservancy has even placed signage on the path to remind users to share the trail. It's also affected people who work in the park, Hendrix said, who have not been able to drive their vehicles around the one-way loop like they normally would. "It's not ideal to have to deviate from the Scenic Loop where there's so much room for everybody and then you have to go through this little trail," she said. "We just hope everybody has patience with each other and looks out for each other to make sure everybody can still enjoy the park." She encourages residents of the Highlands to go to one of the conservancy's two other hayride events: one on Oct. 15 in Shawnee Park and the other on Nov. 5 in Iroquois Park. "Hopefully we can have the (Cherokee Park) hayride next year," she said. Hendrix does not anticipate any other events to be impacted by the bridge closure. Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @ellie_mccrary. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Cherokee Park bridge repairs cancel hayride; when will span be fixed? MAHMUD-E-RAQI, Afghanistan, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have seized arms and ammunition during a search operation in the eastern Kapisa province, according to a statement of the provincial police office on Friday. Acting on a tip-off, the police force launched an operation and discovered one piece of AKM, a U.S.-made M16 assault rifle, two hand grenades, and thousands of bullets. Two persons were taken into custody on the charge of involvement in this case, the statement added. For many under-18s in Britain, its a rite of passage: loitering outside the corner store, mustering the pluck to try to buy a package of cigarettes without their underage status being detected. But under a proposal this week by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak , those now 14 or younger would never be allowed to smoke legally. In an echo of a law enacted in New Zealand in December, England would increase the legal smoking age, currently 18, by one year, every year, beginning in 2027. The announcement of one of the most stringent policies on tobacco globally was made to great fanfare by Sunak, who used his speech at the Conservative Party Conference arguably the most important prime ministerial vehicle on the British political calendar to unveil his plans. Although Brits have broadly expressed support for the idea, with a September poll finding that 71% of citizens favor cigarettes being phased out, it has proved a surprising twist for the Conservatives, who had made little mention of the subject before Wednesday. The proposal would cover England only not the rest of the the U.K. and would not include e-cigarettes, which are used by twice as many British youngsters as those who use tobacco cigarettes. Last month, the Conservative Party accepted a $427,000 donation from Supreme 8 Ltd., whose director is chief executive of a vape importer. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose Conservative Party is trailing in the polls, is proposing an eventual end to cigarette smoking in Britain. (David Cliff / Associated Press) Englands ruling party has long made known its distaste for what some deride as a nanny state, one where behavior is governed by legislation rather than personal choice. As such, the move is unpopular with many leading Conservatives, including Liz Truss, who at the time of the last party conference was midway through her 49-day prime ministerial tenure. She says shell vote against the bill when it reaches the House of Commons. Some suggest the announcement was a convenient distraction for Conservatives trailing in the polls. The unexpected proposal came in the same speech during which Sunak said that a planned high-speed rail network that has already cost $122 billion to build was being partly abandoned. Read more: Britain's ruling Conservatives suffer huge routs in two special elections The biggest surprise is that England might wind up following in New Zealands legislative wake. Though the Conservative government was highly critical of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (under whom the worlds first smoking phaseout was passed), Wednesdays announcement appeared to signal a turning tide. Dr. Ayesha Verrall, New Zealands health minister, says she is delighted that other countries are following suit and remains incredibly proud of the bold, historic step the nation took last year. More than 56,000 people have stopped smoking since 2022, she says, a downward trend that means only 8% of the adult New Zealand population is smoking daily. Cigarettes, Verrall says, are a sunset industry in New Zealand and around the world. New Zealand, one-thirteenth the size of the U.K., hopes to be virtually smoke-free, with 5% or less of the population smoking, by 2025. (Nearly 13% of the U.K. population currently smokes.) The numbers in New Zealand may also be plummeting in a natural trajectory, as the three central components to New Zealands plan de-nicotinization of all sold tobacco, a 90% reduction in tobacco retailers, and the law banning anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009, from purchasing it have yet to take effect. Nick Wilson, co-director of the Public Health Communication Center Aotearoa at the University of Otago in Wellington, suggests that New Zealands plans will probably continue to serve as a role model for other countries, in particular stressing the importance of taking nicotine out of tobacco. Read more: Supreme Court upholds California ban on sale of flavored tobacco products Some are now taking smaller steps. In January, Mexico introduced a nationwide smoking ban in public places such as parks and beaches, along with a crackdown on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration is expected to finalize a ban on menthol cigarettes considered a gateway to smoking among some young people in the coming months. Flavored varieties of e-cigarettes have faced sales restrictions since 2020. About 11.5% of Americans smoke, similar to the U.K. figure, with more than 16 million adults living with a smoking-related disease, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2018, when 13.7% of the population smoked, the habit cost the U.S. more than $600 billion, the CDC said. The agencys 2015 report found that smoking cost more than $1 million in a lifetime, factoring in tobacco purchases and medical costs, most of which resulted from lost productivity from related ailments and health conditions, or premature death. Tax revenue raised by tobacco totaled $11.6 billion in the U.S. in 2020. Ellie Jackson, a teaching assistant and mother of four from Cornwall in southwest England, said she is over the moon about the proposed smoking phaseout and hopes that, in the case of her 13-year-old daughter and her peers, restrictions will mean that smoking just wont be on their radar at all. Surely that has got to be a good thing. I cant understand anyone who would argue against the ban, added Jackson, 43. Simon Clark, director of the Freedom Organization for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco, is one. The ludicrous proposals amount to creeping prohibition, he says, risking both driving the industry underground and infantiliz[ing] future generations of adults. Smoking remains a comfort for many in England, Clark adds. People have got to be treated like adults, allowed to make their own choices. And if those choices are bad choices, that is part of being a free society. Read more: Despite opposition, Britain passes law to curb prosecutions for Northern Ireland 'Troubles' violence Others point out that a free society isnt exactly free when the U.K.s public health service and the economy are footing a $21-billion bill. Moreover, anti-smoking policies that once seemed unthinkable are now in place, from cigarette bans on planes and in public places to the dire warnings on cigarette packages. The proposal could prove particularly divisive among core Conservative Party members, with an election due to take place by January 2025. For now, Sunak has put all his weight behind the proposal. But time will tell whether it is really about the benefits of going smoke-free or simply a convenient promise for him to make in an hour of political need. Lytton is a Times special correspondent. Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A volunteer sits on the rubble of a building in the aftermath of the flood disaster in Libya's Derna (Abdullah DOMA) Nearly a month after floods hit Derna in eastern Libya, survivors are struggling to overcome the psychological toll, with many grieving the loss -- or still without news -- of loved ones. Extreme rainfall from hurricane-strength Storm Daniel caused two upstream dams to burst on September 10, sending flood waters that have been likened to a tsunami crashing through the middle of Derna. The deluge razed entire neighbourhoods, dividing the port city and sweeping many people into the Mediterranean and to their deaths. "Derna, today, is broken in two. It's a reflection of what its inhabitants feel," said Mayssam Hasedi, who lost more than 20 relatives in the flash floods. More than 4,000 people have been reported dead and thousands more remain missing in eastern Libya, according to authorities. After days of clinging to the hope of finding survivors, Derna's inhabitants now despair watching the continuous arrival of lifeless bodies recovered at sea. "Almost everyone in the city is in mourning and suffering," said Michel-Olivier Lacharite, the head of emergencies at the medical charity Doctors Without Borders. "Some children refuse to drink water for fear of drowning," he said, after meeting flood survivors in Derna. "Patients complained of flashbacks, of not being able to sleep between 2:30 am and 5:00 am - the time when the deadly wave engulfed the city." - 'Devastation and loss' - Last month's flood was the latest catastrophe to strike the oil-rich North African country that has been wracked by war and lawlessness since a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 ousted and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The psychological impact of the disaster will also be felt for a long time among rescuers, especially divers who recovered hundreds of lifeless bodies, according to aid groups. The World Health Organization has said "tremendous mental health needs are emerging, and will continue to emerge, as the initial shock of the devastation and loss they have experienced begins to dissipate." The International Rescue Committee (IRC) on Tuesday warned of the "immense psychological toll the emergency is taking on those affected, particularly in the city of Derna, one of the areas hardest-hit." The aid group deployed medical teams on the ground after the disaster, including mental health professionals, to respond to the crisis. It says it is working with Libya's health ministry to establish a mental health unit. "With entire neighbourhoods swept from the ground, taking care of the mental wellbeing of those affected must go hand in hand with providing basic services," said Elie Abouaoan, the IRC's Libya country director. - Shattered community - Children, who are traumatised by displacement and the loss of their homes and loved ones, are particularly impacted. UNICEF's partners had "reported several instances of suicides, withdrawal, lack of sleep, bed wetting... among children, especially in shelters", said the United Nations children's agency. In addition, dozens of minors have become wards of the state after their families perished in the flood, authorities say. More than 42,000 people remain displaced, according to the latest figures from the International Organization for Migration. The authorities' priority now is the reconstruction of Derna, its buildings, and its bridges, but it must go hand in hand with the social and mental reconstruction of its traumatised inhabitants who need short and long-term support to accept and manage the unacceptable, according to specialists. As attention turns to rebuilding the destroyed city of Derna, experts say authorities must also pay attention to rebuilding the spirit of city's shattered community. International Medical Corps has announced agreements with Libyan authorities to provide medical follow-up and train medical personnel to provide psychological support to residents of Derna. But the extent of the devastation that struck the heart of the city has rendered most service infrastructures unusable, and the hospitals, at least those still standing, are no longer able to accommodate patients. But many of the city's medical facilities no longer stand, leaving Derna's traumatised residents few places to go to for psychological support. rb-ila/ysm/dv/dhw A Bronx day care provider, her husband and his cousin have been indicted on murder and other charges on suspicion of exposing four children including a 1-year-old who died to fentanyl at the day care center last month, the Bronx district attorneys office said Thursday. Grei Mendez, 36, her husband, Felix Herrera Garcia, 34, and Carlisto Brito, 41, each were indicted on second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges in the death of Nicholas Dominici, according to court documents. Grei Mendez, center, is escorted by law enforcement from a New York police station on September 19. - WABC-TV/AP/FILE Authorities have said Nicholas and three other children two 2-year-old boys and an 8-month-old girl were exposed to what investigators believe was fentanyl September 15 at Divino Nino day care center in the Bronx, a borough of New York City. Nicholas died that day. The three other children were hospitalized with acute opioid intoxication, authorities said. Nicholas was supposed to graduate from kindergarten in four years, his father, Otoniel Feliz, said at an emotional news conference Thursday. Feliz said he was looking forward to his sons kindergarten graduation photo. But sadly, what I have is a reminder of his death, Feliz said as he held up a photo from the 1-year-olds memorial. Otoniel Feliz holds a memorial photo of his 1-year-old son Nicholas Dominici. He spoke alongside Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, who announced indictments in connection with the boy's death. - WABC The three defendants also were indicted on charges of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, four counts of first-degree assault, five counts of second-degree assault, criminal possession of a controlled substance and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to court documents. The defendants were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday in Bronx Supreme Criminal Court, according to court documents. Mendez, the operator of the day care center, will continue to plead not guilty, an attorney for her told CNN. She is really sad because of what happened to the children, the attorney, Andres Manuel Aranda, said. CNN has sought comments from attorneys for the other two defendants. How the drug operation worked, according to officials The defendants are alleged to have been mid-level drug dealers who would cut fentanyl with other drugs or even household items like baby powder, using pressing machines found in the day care center to get the drugs packed and ready for distributors, a law enforcement official previously told CNN on condition of anonymity. New York police say a large quantity of fentanyl and other narcotics were discovered in a trap floor in the play area of the day care center. - From NYPD News/X Officials said a kilo of the poisonous and potent drug was stored on top of childrens play mats, and more fentanyl was found beneath trap doors inside a room where kids played and slept at the day care center, according to court records. A beautiful little boy lost his life and three precious children became seriously ill from fentanyl poisoning, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said in a news release Thursday. This is a catastrophe. Our sorrow is matched only by outrage because these babies were shields to protect a narcotics operation. Nicholas death was entirely excruciatingly needless and avoidable. We will get justice for him, the other children and their families. Mendez and Brito her husbands cousin and a tenant who lived in a bedroom at the center, according to court documents were arrested on September 16. Herrera Garcia was arrested in Mexico last week. Herrera Garcia got two phone calls from his wife after the four children began to show signs of an overdose on September 15, court documents show. Investigators say Mendez called him before she called 911, records show. Minutes before emergency responders arrived to help the poisoned children, Herrera Garcia is seen on surveillance exiting a back door of the day care center with two shopping bags full of what appear to be drugs, officials said. The defendants also face federal charges. Mendez, Brito and Herrera Garcia were charged in federal court last month with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death. A fourth person arrested in the case, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, 38, was charged in federal court last month with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. CNNs Jessica Xing contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A 16-year-old and an 18-year-old from New Brunswick have been charged with shooting a 19-year-old man in the city earlier this year. The suspects, whose names were not released because they were both under age 18 at the time of the alleged crime, are in custody and have been charged with acts of juvenile delinquency which if committed by an adult would be attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit attempted murder, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. New Brunswick police received a 911 call around 11:08 a.m. Feb. 25 about a shooting in the area of Joyce Kilmer Avenue and Delavan Street. Arriving officers found the 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick in critical condition, where he was treated and later released, the prosecutor's office said. Crime: New Brunswick man charged in Franklin shooting that missed intended target: prosecutor After an investigation, warrants were issued for the suspects last week and both were processed and detained the same day. During a preliminary court hearing, it was determined they both will continue to be detained, the prosecutor's office said. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call New Brunswick Detective Alex Flores at 732-745-5217 ext. 6030 or Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detective Jose Rosario at 732-745-3289. Email: srussell@gannettnj.com Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: New Brunswick NJ teens arrested in February daytime shooting Producer and showrunner Bryan Fuller, renowned for his work on series such as Hannibal and American Gods, has found himself embroiled in a legal battle. He has been sued for alleged sexual assault and harassment in a lawsuit that points fingers at AMC Networks, Shudder, and Steakhaus Productions for their alleged complicity in fostering a hostile work environment during the production of Queer for Fear . In the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Samuel Wineman, a series producer for Queer for Fear, took legal action against the producers of the Shudder original (via The Hollywood Reporter). Wineman claims that they were fully aware of "Fuller's acts of and propensity to commit acts of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and retaliation," yet they "failed to take immediate and appropriate corrective action." Queer for Fear was a docuseries exploring the relationship between queer audiences and the horror genre. Wineman alleges that he was unfairly terminated by Fuller, who was an executive producer of the show, and that Fuller allegedly diminished Wineman's credits on the series as a form of retaliation, as per the complaint. The lawsuit has prompted responses from the involved parties. An AMC spokesperson has stated that the company is currently reviewing the complaint, while there has been no immediate response from Fuller, Shudder, or Steakhaus Productions. The lawsuit further claims that Fuller sexually assaulted Wineman "several times" in 2021 during the production of the series. Fuller purportedly used the guise of cracking Wineman's back to engage in inappropriate behavior, as the lawsuit states, "pressed his penis against plaintiff's buttocks" and maintained it there, making Wineman feel it through the fabric of his pants. Moreover, the lawsuit delves into the alleged obsession Fuller had with matters related to masturbation. It alleges that Fuller frequently discussed his own genitals, from mentioning reading materials that caused him to become aroused to actors he had explicit thoughts about, and even scenarios involving adult-child dynamics that he found stimulating. The hostile work environment described in the lawsuit extended beyond sexual misconduct. It encompassed "relentless verbal harassment and casual bullying," with Fuller allegedly subjecting Wineman to berating that sometimes led to tears. Fuller is also accused of sabotaging shots, heckling interviewees, and ignoring Wineman for extended periods. The complaint also notes that Fuller made discriminatory comments targeting various groups, including gay men, a group to which Wineman belongs. The lawsuit brings forth a range of allegations, including quid pro quo sexual harassment, retaliation, harassment, hostile work environment, and negligent hiring, among other claims. On the other hand, Fuller's attorney Bryan Freedman has issued a statement to Deadline that reads: Make no mistake, Sam Wineman will be sued for defamation based on what are 100 percent probably false statements. There is documented evidence which completely disproves the allegations against Bryan Fuller. Wineman created this fictitious story long after his gross incompetence necessitated his removal in an effort to extort AMC, Shudder, Steakhaus, and Bryan Fuller. He never raised any allegation of wrongdoing prior to his removal because he knew that this was absolute garbage. Sam Wineman just made the biggest mistake of his life and once the evidence comes out, he will forever be known as a pathological liar. Rest assured; a malicious prosecution lawsuit aimed directly at him is coming soon. This story is still developing... The Powerball jackpot swelled to over $1 billion this week, the second jackpot in a row to cross that threshold. While were still waiting on a winner from this game, every ticket helps fund Californias public schools. Heres where revenues from the California Lottery go. For every dollar spent on tickets, 95 cents goes back to the community, between public schools and colleges, prizes and retail compensation, according to the California Lottery. For every $2 Powerball ticket sold, about 80 cents helps fund public schools, according to a news release from the lottery. In this sequence of the Powerball, the lottery has raised more than $69.5 million for public education. Why does the California Lottery fund public education? It goes back to 1984. Thats when voters approved the California State Lottery Act of 1984, allowing the lottery to supplement public education funding. Administrative expenses were capped at 16% of sales at the time, while 34% would fund education. In 2010, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 142 to increase sales and transfer more funds to public education. That amended the Lottery Act to ensure at least 87% of revenues would return to the public and not more than 13% would be used for lottery expenses. How much funding public schools get? How can they use it? Since the lottery began in 1985, it generated more than $41.5 billion for public schools. In the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year, it raised more than $2.07 billion for education, what the California Lottery calls an unprecedented figure, but still a modest number for the states annual budget for public schools. Lottery funds make up less than 1.5% of education funding. Funds from the lottery are mostly discretionary, meant to supplement funding for public education, and help schools attract and retain teachers and enhance learning environments. Its up to the schools how those funds are used. The State Controllers Office determines lottery funding for public education institutions based on the average daily attendance for K-12 and community college school districts. For higher education and other specialized institutions, its based on full-time enrollment. Heres how the percentages break down: K-12 79.9% Community colleges 14% California State University System 3.7% University of California 2.3% Other educational entities 0.1% Sacramento County has received $66.7 million in lottery funding this year, according to the quarterly report released in August. Since 1985, the county has received more than $1.56 billion. Los Angeles County, by comparison, has received more than $367 million this year and nearly $10.8 billion since 1985. What is The Sum? The Sum is your friendly guide to personal finance and economic news. Were a team of McClatchy journalists cutting through the financial jargon so you know how these issues impact your life. We verify information from diverse sources and keep the facts front-and-center, making finance and economic news add up for you. Ready to take the first step to getting your finances under control? You can sign up for our five-week budgeting newsletter at thesum.news. Gitanas Nauseda Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda responded to the warnings from his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky , regarding Russia's military buildup by 2028 and the threat of an attack on Baltic countries. Nauseda agreed with Zelenskyy, but firmly believes that Ukraine will prevail, and Russia will not manage any new objectives. Read also: NATO in 2024 to conduct biggest military exercise since Cold War in Germany, Poland, Baltics "We have always said that Ukraine is the first bastion of freedom. Right now, at a huge cost and with great sacrifices, Ukraine is, allow me to put it this way, buying us time to prepare further, strengthen NATO's collective defense system, and take steps. Nauseda stressed that there would be time to strengthen and prepare because "Ukraine will win and break Russia's backbone" and emphasized the need to consider numerous geopolitical challenges and ensure collective security. Read also: In budget negotiations, Lithuania lobbies EU to boost long-term funding for Ukraine According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Russia is considering several scenarios in its war against Ukraine, one involves freezing the conflict and restoring Russias military potential, with 2028 being a critical point, Zelenskyy said in his Oct. 5 speech at the European Political Community Summit in Granada. "In Russia, there will be enough power to attack the countries that are the focus of Russian expansion. Besides Ukraine, these are undoubtedly the Baltic countries and those countries where Russian contingents are present (including Georgia and Moldova ed.). European and American media received a document developed by Russia in 2021 outlining a strategy to increase its influence in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania based on "soft power" factors. The Kremlin planned to implement this strategy by 2030. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine When I walked into Jennifer Siebel Newsom s office in Downtown Sacramento, Californias first partner was on the phone with her youngest son, Dutch. She mouthed a silent apology to me, and I was reminded of all the times I called my own mother while she was at work, and she would unfailingly pick up the phone. Siebel Newsoms son Dutch, so far best known for upstaging his dads 2019 inaugural speech, is now 7, and was complaining to his mom that afternoon of a stomach ache. His mom offered some kind advice, said goodbye and apologized again before she slid into a seat at the small table in her white carpeted office on the ninth floor of the Capitol Annex Swing Space just down the hall from her husband in the governors office. Opinion Californias first partner wears many titles: Shes a public figure, a mother and the partner of the states highest official. She is expected to be both a thought leader and role model. Every move, word and decision she makes is under scrutiny. But that is representative of most women, of their goals and the often unachievable expectations they place on themselves to be perfect mothers, wives, bosses and employees almost always in the service of someone else, and almost always unappreciated. The issues she brings attention to, including pay equity, childcare costs, sexual harassment and womens economic value, are too often shunted to the side as secondary, when, in reality, they affect more than half the population directly, and all of us indirectly. The U.S. gross domestic product could be as much as 5% higher if women participated at the same rate as men in the workforce, and thats just in California alone. Theres hardly another state in the nation whose administration can claim to spend as much time on womens issues as California, and thats largely due to the First Partner bringing attention to that work. Her voice is an invaluable asset in the nearest seat possible to the governor, and her unfailing support is a constant reminder to the still-majority of men in power that women our votes and our voices will not and cannot be ignored. Womens work First ladies (though Siebel Newsom prefers the more inclusive first partner) are historically expected to support their husband, his politics and his work, call attention to a pet social cause and raise a family, all while in the public eye. Despite the passage of time and the forward movement of feminism, those duties have not disappeared for many political wives. First ladies are always on display. Many voters might remember that Michelle Obamas platform was public health and reducing childhood obesity. Some might remember that former First Lady of California Maria Shriver worked to promote service and volunteerism. Michelle Obama, however, was an extremely qualified lawyer in her own right, and Shriver a talented journalist. Siebel Newsoms background is in Hollywood, and shes used the tools of her former career to highlight the social and financial inequalities faced by working women and mothers. Her documentaries Miss Representation and Fair Play, among others, have explored the complex depths of womens pervasively underwhelming representation in media and the effects of toxic masculinity on boys. Siebel Newsoms nonprofit, The Representation Project, seeks to fight sexism through films, education, research and activism. California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom talks during an exclusive interview in September about her efforts to highlight the social and financial inequalities faced by working women and mothers. As the governors wife, Siebel Newsom uses the publicity her role garners to speak out against the double standards that women still face. I just try to share my values, which is that I care about women, she said. But we, as a society, need to center women. Without us, the economy wont work. Siebel Newsom is challenging our thinking on gender issues, too often an afterthought, to make gender mainstream, said Holly Martinez, executive director of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. If we want to continue to be a place where ... Californians can thrive, we have to recognize the incredible role women play in every facet, from the economy to the home, Martinez said. Yet her chosen platform results in the epitome of a Californian contradiction: Siebel Newsom, arguably one of the nations leading advocates for womens equality and equal pay, and a champion of working women and mothers, will always be defined by the success of her husbands career. Siebel Newsoms fourth wave The old saying is that where California goes, so goes the nation. With her long history of fighting for the rights of women and children, Siebel Newsom has utilized her power-adjacent position in order to move both the state and the nation closer to fourth-wave feminism, characterized by womens empowerment and intersectionality. More and more women are realizing that feminism isnt a dirty name, she said. It took the rollback or reversal of Roe v. Wade and whats been happening across states to wake some women up. California Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrates the inauguration of his second term with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and their children Brooklynn, 9, Dutch, 6, Hunter, 11, and Montana, 13, in January. Siebel Newsom bravely testified last year in the California rape trial against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Her testimony was hung out to dry by right-wing media and by Weinsteins defense team, criticized under the guise of outdated and insulting presuppositions of how a woman is supposed to act after being raped. Despite monumental shifts from social changes such as the #MeToo movement, 34% of female employees report they have been sexually harassed by a colleague at work; 37% said it disrupted their career advancement. State Sen. Nancy Skinner, head of the Womens Caucus, said, (Siebel Newsom) has really impressed me for her willingness and courage to speak out as a survivor of sexual assault. Meanwhile, whereas so many other states have stripped women and LGBTQ+ people of their freedoms and rights, California stands as a beacon of hope for a more equal and equitable future, said Nancy Cohen, president of the nonprofit Gender Equity Policy Institute. Siebel Newsoms media work and her fearless advocacy, both public and private, have been enormously influential in making California a leader on gender equity. Pay me what you owe me Siebel Newsom has made it a priority to highlight each Equal Pay Day throughout the year with events, speeches and, just recently in August, a brunch with some of the Sacramento regions best-known moms, such as Skinner and Martinez as well as State Sen. Angelique Ashby (D- Sacramento) and Jessica Stender, policy director at Equal Rights Advocates. On average, working women earned $0.83 cents for every dollar men earned in 2022. The disparity is almost always worse for women of color. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, center, laughs as her paint brush is taken away while she was helping Monique Lujan, right, paint her home during an event with Habitat for Humanity in celebration of International Womens Day in Sacramento in March. Working fathers are almost twice as likely to be recommended for a raise than working mothers, and single women are promoted over working mothers almost six times as much. Women who start families can expect to see stagnancy in their overall salary. According to Forbes magazine, a 20-year-old woman starting full-time work this year can expect to earn approximately $400,000 less over a 40-year career compared to a man in the same position. When women do forge a path in higher-paying fields and industries such as STEM, construction or manufacturing, they often face unequal treatment and a hostile work environment. Even if California ... has the strongest pay laws in the country, we are trying to close that pay gap, Siebel Newsom said. And years, decades, centuries of having a pay gap has led to an incredible wealth gap. Never done Siebel Newsoms eldest child, Montana, turned 14 just last month. In four short years the length of her fathers current term in office shell be a young woman and a voter. Like every other American woman, shell dive headfirst into the complexities of what it means to embody that title. I asked her mom what advice she would give to Californias next generation of young women. Siebel Newsom briefly flashed the same sad but knowing smile Ive seen on a thousand women. My advice is to spend less time worrying what others think ... and more time on figuring out what shes passionate about, she said. On how she can use her voice and her unique talents to make a difference in the world and to not let anyone stop her. Property taxes for many residents of Calumet Township are on track to increase significantly after the 2023 Lake County Land Order recorded property values substantially higher than in previous assessments. News of the order prompted one of Garys largest landowners to bring a formal challenge to state level regulators, who will make a decision on whether to uphold the order later this month. Lake County Assessor LaTonya Spearman said that the order is the product of new assessment methods aimed at correcting the long-term undervaluation of properties in the area. At a Monday community forum organized by Gary City Councilman Darren Washington, D-At Large, and held at the Gary Public Library, Spearman fielded questions from frustrated landowners who decried the order as excessive. I am not here to mislead you in any way or give you any false hope, Spearman told the crowd of over 100, there are going to be increases. Property taxes, which fund an array of government services provided by counties, townships, municipalities, school districts and other government bodies, are based on the value of a property as determined by the assessors office. In Indiana, property assessments are conducted in a four-year cycle, with 25 percent of a countys properties assessed each year. Properties are assessed using mass appraisal techniques, which use data from an area to determine base property values. The preferred and most common method of assessment is the sales comparison approach, which uses the amount paid for properties in an area as evidence of the value of similar properties. Through the process of annual adjustment, also called trending, property sales data is used to determine if the appraised value of properties should be adjusted to match the market value reflected in nearby recent sales. Challenges arise, however, in areas with limited sales data, such as Gary. Without adequate sales figures, assessors need to employ alternative assessment methods, including using data from comparable neighborhoods elsewhere or attempting to determine how much a propertys improvements would cost to rebuild. Unlike in previous years, the 2023 land order was produced by the Lake County Assessors office, rather than the Calumet Township Assessors office. Spearman said that the decision to take over the 2023 process was made after discussions with the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF), which oversees assessments in the state. Statutorily it has always been the county assessors responsibility, Spearman told the Post-Tribune. but, historically, township assessors participated in a way that statute didnt really call for, and so during the 2022 land order review process and my conversations with the department, I determined that it was in the countys best interest for me to assume that responsibility to be closer in adherence to the governing statue. Lake County is one of just nine Indiana counties with one or more township assessors offices. In 2008, the Indiana state legislature gave voters the choice of whether to give sole responsibility over determining the value property and land for tax purposes to county assessors. Subsequent referendums held across the state abolished more than 950 township assessors offices. One key difference between the 2023 process and previous years, Spearman said, has to do with which property sales are included in the analysis. The assessing officials review the sales and they determine whether or not those cells are valid or invalid for trending purposes for development of the land order, she said And what was happening in Calumet Township is that a lot of those sales were invalidated so as not to skew the number o because of that sales that should have been taken into consideration were not. The revised assessment process yielded substantially higher base property values than in previous years. In one neighborhood area that includes lakefront lots in the citys relatively affluent Miller area, the base rate per front foot increased 101% from $3,531 to $7,100. Two other neighborhood areas in Miller saw increases of 233% and 263%. Spearman stressed that base rates included in the land order do not represent a complete appraisal of individual parcels, the value of which might be impacted by specific circumstances, and that individuals tax liabilities will not increase by the same percentage amount as their appraisals. Though the change in appraisals was dramatic, she said, the figures are accurate, reflecting both an increase in property values and a correction from past assessments. The reason you see significant increases is because for a very long time those areas have been undervalued, she told event attendees. The land rates are market-driven, and so these arent numbers that were just pulling out of thin air. The substantially higher property taxes portended by the land order have prompted outrage from landowners. George Rogge, president of the Miller Citizens Corporation, told the Post-Tribune that while property values in his neighborhood have undoubtedly increased, the assessors office has overvalued them. I dont think anybody should not agree that it is better now than it was four years, he said. but not excessively, not to this extent, and taxation is supposed to be fair and comparable. Mary Ann Best, a Gary native who moved back to Miller in the 2010s, said at the meeting that her decision to return was based in large part on Garys affordability. The community that we have right now that has a very diverse economic range, Best said. Itll destroy that diversity if were continuing to increase (taxes) and price people out. The land orders discontents have an opportunity to contest the 2023 land order. Andy Young, a Wadsworth, Illinois resident who owns hundreds of real estate parcels in and around Gary, secured the signatures of 171 Lake County taxpayers on a petition challenging the order that was filed with the DLGF, which oversees tax assessments, earlier this year. The petition triggered a rare review process as prescribed by Indiana law. The DLGF will host a virtual public hearing on Oct. 10, during which Lake County taxpayers and the assessor will have the opportunity to speak on the land order. The department will accept written testimony via email from taxpayers who signed the petition until 5 p.m. on October 24. After reviewing the testimony, the DLGF will decide whether to uphold, overturn, or modify the land order. A similar series of events played out last year when Young, along with 191 taxpayers who signed a petition, brought an unsuccessful challenge to the 2022 Lake County Land Order, the first such challenge to be brought in the state. Young argued that property values had been assessed inconsistently and using outdated information. The DLGF ultimately concluded, however, that taxpayers submitted no evidence to demonstrate that the Department should modify or disapprove the order. Once a land order is approved, landowners can exercise their legal right to appeal their property taxes with the Calumet Township Assessors office. Individuals who can provide evidence that their propertys estimated market value is inaccurate or that they are eligible for one or more tax deductions can see their tax liabilities reduced. Indiana curbs the amount of property tax owed through tax caps which were enshrined in the State Constitution in 2010. State law limits the amount of property taxes owed annually to 1% of property values for owner-occupied properties, 2% for other residential property and farmland, and 3% for all other property. Sue Carlton, founder and CEO of Ranchera Familia, smokes a joint at Latinas in Cannabis Summit. (Ringo Chiu / For De Los) Three years ago, Latinas in Cannabis spearheaded International Latinas in Cannabis Day on Sept. 30, marking the midpoint of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year, they hosted the inaugural Latinas in Cannabis Summit, gathering cannabis enthusiasts in the backlot of a soon-to-be Echo Park dispensary. Tickets for the summit sold out within days, emphasizing its popularity among the community of "CannaJefas" and "MotaMamis" (Canna-bosses and Weed-babes). Those lucky enough to snag a ticket spent the day engaged in workshops and panel discussions with Latina leaders in the cannabis industry. Susie Plascencia, co-owner of L.A.-based glass bong company Mota Glass , wanted a space to uplift her business as well as the work of other Latina entrepreneurs in the male-dominated cannabis industry. In 2020, she founded Latinas in Cannabis , an Instagram account meant to empower Latina-owned small businesses and connect them with other entrepreneurs in the field. Participants pose for photos at the Latinas in Cannabis Summit. (Ringo Chiu / For De Los) We really wanted to create that space that was missing in this industry, topics that speak to the Latina and cannabis experience, Plascencia said. Three years after Latinas in Cannabis launched, Plascencia believes they are making history with the summit, calling it the first of its kind. Aside from it being a professional cannabis industry event, it's also a sesh. You can also hit the Mota glass bong and take a joint outside on the patio, Plascencia said. Read more: The best places to hear Latinx poets in Los Angeles The conference kicked off with an intention ceremony hosted by Dani Olivarez , founder of the Highlites Oasis . Its OK to change your relationship with cannabis, Olivarez shared with the crowd before leading them through a meditation practice. Eyes closed, the crowd inhaled and exhaled collectively, sometimes breathing in nearby smoke from the attendees participating in a sesh. After meditation, Olivarez asked if anyone wanted to share their personal journey with cannabis. Leila Soveron Ovando was the first to raise her hand. Participants take part in a meditation. (Ringo Chiu / For De Los) Soveron Ovando shared that she smoked marijuana for the first time at the age of 11 to help with period pain. She then smoked it throughout her teen years, but always believed in its medicinal benefits. Now at 41, she is a San Francisco-based chef who teaches a cannabis mock infusion culinary course at Mission Language and Vocational School. The education in cannabis right now for Latinos is key for us to get a piece of that green pie, Soveron Ovando said. She also emphasized how communities of color have been at the forefront of the cannabis industry, yet criminalized for it. Read more: The unspoken influence of '12 Corazones' on Latinos According to a 2023 United States Sentencing Commission report , Latinos accounted for 70.8% of marijuana possession sentences in the last five years. Despite the 2016 legalization of weed in California, Soveron Ovando, among many other attendees, expressed frustrations with the continual censorship of marijuana on social media. Sometimes my page gets shut down on Instagram when really I'm promoting my class, Soveron Ovando said. To avoid censorship on social media platforms, the word "cannabis" was crossed out in some of the promotional posts leading up to the event. Other posts had it typed out as cannabis in some captions to prevent the posts from being taken down. Veronica Romero smokes a joint at the Latinas in Cannabis Summit. (Ringo Chiu / For De Los) A national study by Q & A Research Inc. and the National Hispanic Cannabis Council reported that U.S. Latinos spend an estimated $2.5 billion on cannabis. Chelly XiCali, founder and CEO of XiCali Products , says most of her consumers are Latinas. I think they just see me in themselves and want to support me, XiCali said. Read more: Trailblazing Latina journalists recognized at Smithsonian with new exhibit XiCali sells natural CBD remedies that help with anxiety, migraines and arthritis. When morphine and codeine didnt help alleviate the pain that XiCalis mother suffered due to diabetic nerve damage, XiCali took it upon herself to concoct her own natural medicine using CBD. How is it possible that this plant is a crime? her mother told her. During the summit, XiCali, a longtime community organizer, led an interactive workshop on dismantling machismo and patriarchal systems in the cannabis industry, where participants identified the roots of systemic oppression. Jocelyn Herrera, left, opens her mouth to receive drops of CBD Mellow Out Tincture from Chelly XiCali of XiCali Products. (Ringo Chiu / For De Los) According to the National Hispanic Cannabis Council , 5.7% of all cannabis businesses are Latino-owned and only 4.3% are Black-owned. In an effort to right the wrongs of the war on drugs, the city of Los Angeles created the Social Equity Program , which awarded a limited number of individuals with cultivation, manufacturing and retail licenses. Applicants needed to meet two of three criteria: a prior marijuana-related arrest, low-income status and at least 10 years of residency in an area disproportionately affected by cannabis convictions. Cecilia Preza, event sponsor and co-owner of Green Label Rx , applied to the program when it first opened in September 2019. Only 100 new dispensary licenses were approved initially, halting the process for other eagerly awaiting applicants. Preza was not accepted in the first round of applications but remained hopeful that the lawsuit against the city would open up more spots. Read more: After starting UCLAs cannabis club, she unexpectedly became a weed whisperer for Gen Z Then she got the notice that 100 more applications were accepted. Preza was grantee No. 145 of the second batch of applicants. Excited as she was to move forward in the process, she kept her plans to herself. As a social worker, she feared revealing details about her marijuana consumption and future business endeavors would risk her kids being taken away even in a weed-friendly state like California, a common fear among other CannaMoms at the conference. When you're seeing individuals have their kids removed over cannabis, thats disheartening for me," Preza said. Read more: Cannacurious seniors board the magic bus There were other logistical obstacles on her way to licensing. Recipients of Social Equity have to find a location a year prior to opening and have to maintain a certain distance from schools and other Social Equity dispensaries. After some bumps in the road, Preza is finally on the path she saw herself on when she initially applied to the program. Attending the summit confirmed she is where she belongs. To see a lot of Latinas like myself really embracing the plant, the industry, trying to be boss chingona women in this space empowers me," Preza said. The conference closed with a Latina Power Sesh, a symbolic act to emphasize that Latinas are no longer on the sidelines when it comes to the cannabis industry, nor are they playing the same game as the "Canna Chads and Bros" (men). This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SACRAMENTO, the United States, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The largest health care workers' strike in the U.S. history entered its second day on Thursday, arousing concerns over the shortage of healthcare staff. More than 75,000 workers with the California-based healthcare organization Kaiser Permanente stood on the picket lines across the country, demanding better pay and benefits. They work at hundreds of facilities across the U.S. states of California, Colorado, Washington and Oregon, and are represented by a coalition of unions. However, negotiations between union leaders and Kaiser executives broke down on Wednesday due to a dispute over pay increase. The coalition also demanded ways to fix a staff shortage that workers have long complained about. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Three people were sent to the hospital early this Thursday afternoon after a car crashed into a building. Grand Junction Police Officers responded to reports of a car crashing into a building in the 600 block of North Avenue at around 1:45 p.m. Grand Junction Fire Department crews transported three people to the hospital. Two people inside the car were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, but a woman who was inside the business when the car crashed sustained serious bodily injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. No further information is available at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. North Korea has started to deliver artillery to Russia for its war in Ukraine, CBS News reported on Oct. 5, citing a U.S. official. The deliveries appear "to be the culmination" of the meeting between North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Russia in September, CBS said. On Sept. 15, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the two leaders had signed no agreements during their meeting on Sept. 13. However, the two leaders met in Russia's eastern Amur Oblast to reportedly negotiate an arms sale agreement. The meeting lasted about five hours. On Sept, 27, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that North Korea was continuing arms negotiations with Russia and intended to strike a deal soon. It is unclear whether the transfer of artillery "is part of a new, long-term supply chain, or a more limited consignment," CBS said, adding that it is also not yet clear what Pyongyang is getting in return for sending the weapons. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov plans to visit Pyongyang in October, according to reports that cite a local South Korean news agency. Read also: Investigation: Baltic-registered crypto firms service payments for Russian private army, allow sanctions evasion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Jobs that copy-paste responses are a thing of the past because of AI, says ecommerce company CEO Suumit Shah. Shah had previously drawn flak for announcing he replaced 90% of his support staff with a chatbot. Though his post sparked backlash, Shah told Insider, "Over time, everybody will start doing this." The CEO of an ecommerce company who drew controversy for announcing he had replaced most of his support staff with a chatbot believes that jobs that rely on copy-pasting are a thing of the past because of AI. "That job is gone. 100 percent," Suumit Shah, the CEO of India-based Duukan, told the Washington Post in an interview published Tuesday. Shah was referring to customer service workers who largely copy-paste responses. However, he qualified his comment by saying that not all customer service workers need to fear replacement. "It was [a] no-brainer for me to replace the entire team with a bot," he added, "which is like 100 times smarter, who is instant, and who cost me like 100th of what I used to pay to the support team." Shah made headlines in July for announcing over Twitter that he had laid off 90% of his customer support staff and replaced them with a chatbot he said outperformed them. We had to layoff 90% of our support team because of this AI chatbot. Tough? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. The results? Time to first response went from 1m 44s to INSTANT! Resolution time went from 2h 13m to 3m 12s Customer support costs reduced by ~85% Here's how's we did it Suumit Shah (@suumitshah) July 10, 2023 "We had to layoff 90% of our support team because of this AI chatbot. Tough? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely," Shah wrote in his post, which has since been viewed over 2.7 million times on the platform. His post sparked intense backlash on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and Reddit, with one user posting: "How not to announce layoffs." Another user posted, "Make no mistake. The support team was laid off here because business is failing and funding is dry. Not because of AI." Shah told Insider in July that the layoffs occurred in September last year and resulted in 23 of the 26 members of his customer support team losing their jobs. He added that his customer support budget shrank to $100 a month after the layoffs. Shah told Insider at the time that even though he regretted kicking off a conversation about layoffs on Twitter, he remained firm on his stance. "AI is taking our jobs," he said, adding: "Over time, everybody will start doing this. It's not just us. Maybe I'm just too straightforward to have put it on Twitter." The CEO told Insider via email on Friday that the business has grown since July. "Our customer service team is now leaner but far more efficient. As for the budget, let's just say we've reallocated those funds to drive innovation and expansion," he added. There's growing concern over how AI will disrupt jobs. A Goldman Sachs report in May found that around 300 million jobs globally could be disrupted by the technology. However, not everyone shares Shah's views. Tech leaders like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and IBM CEO Arvind Krishna have previously said they believe AI will create more jobs than it will destroy. Read the original article on Business Insider The two dozen men sat patiently in blue plastic chairs on warming asphalt. The veterans of battle now a generation past had a few wrinkles, graying hair, and a carried few pounds more than their trim fighting days. But when two Black Hawk helicopters arrived Tuesday afternoon for a long-overdue ceremony, so low the men could see the pilots visors, a few cracked a tear or two at the memory those sights and sounds carried with them. Thirty years ago, commanders grabbed 40 soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division on short notice and attached them to another unit in the division Task Force 2-14, made up mostly of soldiers from the 1st and 2nd brigades of 10th Mountain. They were headed to a place called Mogadishu, Somalia. Twenty-five of the original 40 soldiers of 3rd Platoon returned to Fort Drum, New York this past week for a recognition ceremony by their old unit on the 30th anniversary of that fateful day. It served as a homecoming of sorts for those who could make it, supported in part by the Warrior Reunion Foundation, a nonprofit group that reunites veterans and Gold Star families. A ceremony that never happened for the platoon that calls itself The Forgotten Bastards and served mostly as a footnote, despite their heavy combat experience in what would come to be known as Black Hawk Down. For me, it meant a lot, because outside of a small circle of people nobody really knew where 1-87 existed in the firefights, said Olin Rossman, former 2nd squad leader for 3rd Platoon told Army Times. As part of the ceremony, some of the men whod braved multiple, intense firefights three decades ago finally received their Combat Infantry Badges. But no valor awards were issued. After 30 years since Black Hawk Down, the 10th Mountain Division, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1-87 Infantry Battalion honors veterans for their heroics during the Battle of Mogadishu by presenting them with their combat infantry badges on the 1-87 Infantry Battalion area of operation. (Spc. Kasimir Jackson/Army) Their mission was to provide a maneuver element for the peacekeeping mission in Somalia known at the time as Operation Restore Hope. What began as a way to deliver food, medical care and other relief to a starving population amid a warlord-run country transformed on Oct. 3 and 4, 1993, into the heaviest urban fighting that the U.S. military had seen since Hue City, Vietnam. After two helicopter crashes during an otherwise routine raid, Delta Force operators and Rangers were trapped and surrounded by thousands of enemy fighters intent on capturing or killing every one of them. It was Task Force 2-14, and 3rd Platoons, job to rescue the elite soldiers. Current 1st Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Chris Turner, told Army Times that he studied the Battle of Mogadishu in college but still wasnt aware of 1-87s involvement until recently. It was only last year that the platoons contributions were added to the official 10th Mountain Division history of the operation. This organization is very resilient, Turner said. Its the most deployed division in the Army and can really accomplish any mission its asked to do. Turner pointed to 3rd Platoons accomplishments during the Mogadishu mission as examples for his soldiers to follow. What Im trying to inculcate in my organization is a culture of grit and lethality, and what those men did in 93 was the epitome of grit, Turner said. Lt. Col. John Suprynowicz, left, shakes hands with former platoon mate, retired Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Mooney, right. Thirty years after Black Hawk Down, the 10th Mountain Division, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1-87 Infantry Battalion honors 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company veterans for their heroics during the Battle of Mogadishu. (Spc. Kasimir Jackson/Army) When the fighting ended, hundreds of Somali fighters lay dead and 19 U.S. servicemembers had fallen. Some of the Rangers and Delta operators would receive valor awards ranging from the Bronze Star Medal to the Medal of Honor. Leaders for the 40 soldiers of 3rd Platoon were told they could put in for one valor award. They recommended a Bronze Star with V for valor. That award was downgraded to an Army Commendation Medal with V. And the Oct. 3-4 battle wasnt the first taste of combat, nor loss, that 3rd Platoon had faced. They were on constant rotation from late summer through the October battle, running vehicle patrols on the main supply route, conducting convoy security and escorts while also filling in as the quick reaction force for much of the mission. More than a week before the infamous battle, on Sept. 25, 1993, Somali fighters knocked the first Black Hawk helicopter out of the sky. The crash killed the crew except for the pilot and co-pilot. Second squad had to rescue them. In the process, two of their soldiers would be shot, with one paralyzed for life. But attention lay elsewhere and soon after the task force had returned home, the mission was quickly brushed aside for the needs of big Army. Members of 3rd Platoon returned home to Fort Drum, were given less than two weeks of leave over the holidays and then, after a six-month combat deployment were sent down to Fort Pickett, Virginia for urban combat training. As students, not instructors. Members of 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1-87th on deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993. From left to right, Staff Sgt. David Green, Pvt. Robert Kirk, Lt. Bryan Puckett. (Contributed) This was even though they may have been one part of a very small population in the Army at the time that had experienced real urban combat. As years passed, award-winning author Mark Bowden would write the book Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War, published in 1999 followed by the hit film of the same name in 2001. Both the book and the movie detail the fight that the operators, Rangers and helicopter crews faced, making short mention of 10th Mountain and no mention of 3rd Platoon. Bryan Puckett, the former 3rd platoon leader, told Army Times he read the book and saw the movie. Our story just wasnt told in that movie, Puckett said. Arlington, Virginia The horse-drawn caisson for funerals at Arlington National Cemetery is one of this nation's most solemn and majestic rituals. But back at the stable, a 10-second video of a horse named George collapsing to the ground painted a different picture. "When I touched George's neck, he fell to his knees, which is a very abnormal response in any horse," Maj. Beth Byles, a veterinarian for the horses, told CBS News. "And I've never encountered such a painful horse." Byles said he just buckled under the pain. "He did, yeah, it was shocking," Byles said. CBS News obtained photos of other horses with scars from wearing ill-fitting harnesses and saddles while pulling a 2,600-pound caisson. "They were all suffering from severe musculoskeletal injuries, neck pain," Byles said. A burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, with a coffin carried on horse-drawn caisson. March 26, 2018. / Credit: Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The horses were supposed to work for two weeks and then take two weeks off. But some ended up working six weeks straight. Soldiers with limited training didn't recognize the problem, and higher-ups didn't listen. "Educating the chain of command on how to take the appropriate steps was a challenge," Byles said. In February 2022, the deaths of two horses within 96 hours prompted an Army investigation that determined conditions were "unsafe." In May, the Army paused the use of horses leading caissons for 45 days. In June, it extended that suspension for a full year to give the horses time to recover. At the time, 27 Arlington horses were sent to multiple rehabilitation facilities, the Army said, and the horses were replaced with hearses. At rehab, the horses received therapies like cold water soaks for their aching limbs. "There was a lot of work to be done," said Monique Hovey, who was brought in as a new herd manager. She said she started getting rid of saddles whose designs dated back to World War I. "Not only can it cause pain along their spine because from how narrow it is, but there was a rub happening on this horse," Hovey explained. Now there are new saddles and some new horses. Back in June, the Army said it would test out caissons that are 20% lighter, which would reduce their weight down to 2,000 pounds. Hovey calls the horses "soldiers without voices," but George said it all in that 10-second video. A year later, he continues to get treatment at a rehabilitation center. "George is a case of a success story," Hovey said. George will never go back to pulling a caisson, but horse-drawn funerals are scheduled to resume next year. "I do not ever want to bring the horses back if they can't be taken care of appropriately," Byles said. "I do fear that we might revert back to where we were." -- Eleanor Watson contributed to this report. Margaret Brennan assesses fallout of Kevin McCarthy's "Face the Nation" interview Powerball jackpot rises to estimated $1.4 billion No injuries after FedEx plane crash lands in Tennessee Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., leaves the House floor after being ousted as Speaker of the House at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. | Mark Schiefelbein, Associated Press Anyone watching the news recently has witnessed a terrible display of political acrimony that is an embarrassment to this country. We are not describing Republican versus Democrat but the Republican versus Republican fratricide resulting from the near shutdown of the federal government and the ousting of U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This tumult is generating conjecture about the health of the GOP nationally and highlighting recent initiatives to alter local politics. We offer our observations. Anyone watching cable news programs or social media the last several days has been amused, but more likely appalled, by the antics of a handful of Republican members of Congress and the ensuing tumult and confusion. Democrats watched and allowed the carnage to occur. Is this the disintegration of the Republican Party? Pignanelli: If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour? Thomas Jefferson Dozens of reality TV programs entertain millions with impromptu coverage of fights between families and friends. Usually, these differences are minor, but the camera incentivizes participants to amplify the emotions. Americans are now viewing a congressional version of such theater. The main combatants McCarthy and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. are both aligned with Donald Trump. Allegiance to the former president is not at issue. Other factors are at play. For over a decade, the demographics of both parties shifted, which created confusion and frustration among their ranks. Trump made it fashionable to challenge traditional Republican leadership without incurring ramifications. Additionally, promises by veteran leaders to control the deficits only prompted laughter and contempt from younger GOP officials. Thus, internal rebellions in Congress are not surprising. The national Republican Party has weathered much greater challenges (i.e. Great Depression, Watergate, Great Recession), and will remain strong. But they will likely endure comedic comparisons to the Kardashians, Real Housewives, etc. Related Webb: The Republican Party has always had factions and, even today, its not on the verge of self-destruction, at least in most of the country. However, some members of Congress take dissension within the party to whole new levels, forming a circular firing squad and contributing to the embarrassing dysfunction of Congress. This is proof that Washington is broken. In the big picture, its critical to remember that Republicans narrowly control the House, while Democrats control the presidency and the U.S. Senate. If anything worthwhile is accomplished in Congress, it requires compromise, support from both Republicans and Democrats. McCarthy was ousted by a small faction of right-wing ideologues for the unforgivable sin of compromising a little bit with Democrats to keep the government running. In part, GOP schisms are more prevalent today because the apparent leader of the party, Donald Trump, is so polarizing himself. It is worthwhile to contrast the chaos in Congress with what the nations 50 governors are doing. Under the leadership of their chair, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, they have undertaken a major initiative to produce better policy through healthy conflict and by disagreeing better. They have adopted a positive approach to political and social discourse. And states, with a few exceptions, are better governed than the federal government. Local businessman Bruce Cummings along with others have developed a nonprofit organization People4Utah to open the closed Republican primary elections in Utah. This organization believes that restricting participation in party nomination activities marginalizes most citizens, and is unhealthy for democracy. Do local Republicans need such a change? Pignanelli: Republican leaders demand with compelling logic that only the party faithful should choose their nominees in the primary elections. But this reasoning also raises the important question of why taxpayers should pay for elections in which they cannot participate. (Utahs second largest voting bloc is unaffiliated.) Despite allegations of mischief, surveys indicate most Utahns vote for whom they consider the best person, including in the primaries. Such rational behavior oftentimes excludes the most conservative or liberal candidates, with selections toward better candidates to represent constituents. Therefore, I respectfully suggest if taxpayers are paying the freight, they can ride the train. Webb: Im in favor of as much participation in the political process by as many citizens as possible. I was among those who supported opening the party nomination process to allow candidates to gather signatures to get on the ballot. I also support open primary elections if parties voluntarily choose that route. However, I think we would go too far in forcing the Republican Party to allow non-Republicans to vote in its primary elections. If someone wants to vote in a Republican primary, its easy enough to join the party. Is there a potential for such disruptions among Democrats nationally or locally? Pignanelli: Far left progressives prevailed throughout the internal struggles of the Democratic Party in prior decades. Their control was secured by subdued, effective bloodletting of moderates outside the limelight. Webb: Democrats have their own schisms. But at this time in history, Democrats are much more unified, both nationally and in Utah. Republican LaVarr Webb is a former journalist and a semiretired small farmer and political consultant. Email: lwebb@exoro.com. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah state Legislature. Email: frankp@xmission.com. The race to elect Chapel Hills next mayor is on track to be the towns most expensive ever, based on campaign finance reports showing that more than $61,445 has been raised so far. Chapel Hill Town Council member Adam Searing announced he would run for mayor in June, after serving on the council since 2021. In July, Mayor Pam Hemminger announced she would not seek a fifth term and backed another council member, Jessica Anderson, for mayor. Anderson was elected to the Chapel Hill Town Council in 2015 and previously served as mayor pro tem. Searing already had amassed over $10,000 in donations, according to N.C. Board of Elections campaign finance reports. As of Sept. 26, he had raised the most money in the mayoral and council races with $34,857, roughly a third of which came from $357 donations the maximum allowed under town rules. Searing has spent about $25,420, reports showed. Anderson raised $26,588 and spent $12,217, reports showed. Roughly a quarter of her donors gave the maximum amount. Searings fundraising breaks a previous town record set in 2021, when Hemmingers opponent, former Council member Hongbin Gu, raised over $34,700 for her mayoral challenge. Hemminger raised about $31,000 in that race, according to 2021 finance reports. Triangle Blog Blog, criticism, confusion The race between Anderson and Searing has been contentious, egged on by Triangle Blog Blog, a progressive group that covers news and policy issues in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The candidates have butted heads multiple times, with Anderson critical of Searings references to my constituents and countering his statements during council discussions. In September, Anderson and Council member Amy Ryan, who is seeking re-election, kicked off a Know Before You Vote web page to counteract more confusion about issues. Searing has accused Anderson of relying on distractions and unwarranted tactics to avoid talking about her record, and criticized the support she receives from both Triangle Blog Blog (TBB) and NEXT Chapel Hill Carrboro. TBB is operated by Shameful Nuisance, a 501(c)4 social welfare group that can engage in political activities or fundraising, but is not required to report its donors or spending. The blogs writers include supporters of NEXT Chapel Hill Carrboro, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that hosts community education events and advocates for more dense, walkable and bikeable development. NEXT has a 501(c)4 public advocacy arm, the NEXT Chapel Hill-Carrboro Action Fund, which has endorsed Anderson. Anderson has shared TBB posts criticizing Searing on social media and in campaign newsletters, and this week, criticized his decision to share and link to home addresses of TBB writers in response to blog posts about an alleged political action committee forming to support Searing and his four-person council slate, and to overturn the towns recent single-family zoning changes. The News & Observer later obtained emails showing the PAC planned to raise $120,000 to hire a political consultant and get out the vote for Searing and his council candidates. But on Sept. 12, The Daily Tar Heel reported the PAC was not happening, citing an email from Julia Grumbles, identified as an organizer. Grumbles did not return The N&Os emails and calls seeking comment. Searings donors, potential violations Reports showed Grumbles and others have helped Searing raise $33,371 so far from donors giving more than $50. Only $1,486 came from donors giving $50 or less, who are not legally required to share their names, addresses and employment details. Searing got the maximum amount allowed from 28 donors, including two who appeared to give that amount twice, for a total of $714 each. Another 35 donors gave $100 to $199, and 31 donors gave $200 to $300. Five gave $350 to the campaign. The N&O contacted Searing about the $714 donations, and in a phone call Wednesday, he cited a problem with the websites donor platform. The extra money would be refunded to the donors UNC political science professor Gary Marks and Randall Roden, a trial attorney with Tharrington Smith he said. It was a screw up. When it came in, we should have noted that they had mistakenly donated twice in violation of what we say on our website and on the Stripe payment thing, and we should have refunded it then, Searing said. We didnt catch it. Thats my fault, but Im glad we are catching it now and we are refunding those folks. At least 10 top donors to Searings campaign live near UNCs campus, where opposition against the towns zoning change was strong because of fears that investors could buy family homes to create student rentals or replace them with duplexes. Other donors giving $357 include Paula Gilland and her son Taylor Gilland, who own Purple Bowl, at 306 W. Franklin St., which is threatened by office and wet lab building plans, and residents reportedly associated with efforts to start the new PAC. PAC money, top campaign donors A Sept. 18 email from Grumbles that was shared with The N&O showed she forwarded a request from Chapel Hill resident Don Liner to neighbors seeking campaign donations to Searing and his council slate. In the email, Liner said the Chapel Hill Leadership PAC, affiliated with the nonprofit Chapel Hill Alliance for a Livable Town, would lead the fundraising, instead of a new PAC. Liner, who wrote a letter earlier this year about the zoning change that appears on CHALTs website, asked neighbors to also donate up to $6,400 the maximum allowed for PACs to the Chapel Hill Leadership PAC (CHL-PAC). He told potential donors to direct questions to Chapel Hill resident Susan Moffatt, who gave $3,000 to CHL-PAC its largest donation this year and $350 to Searing, reports showed. Grumbles and her husband William Grumbles; Steve Jones, who was named in Grumbless email as a PAC organizer; and his wife Lisa Jones all donated $357 each, a report showed. Greg Fitch, also identified as an organizer, gave $200. Liner contributed $350 to Searing and $100 to the Chapel Hill Leadership PAC. Other CHALT supporters donating to Searing include: Gordon Whitaker, $357 to Searing, and $1,000 to CHL-PAC Linda Brown, $130 to Searing, and $30 to CHL-PAC Julie McClintock, $300 to Searing and $500 to CHL-PAC Charles Humble, $200 to Searing Edward Marshall, who gave $150 to Searing and $650 to CHL-PAC Searings biggest expenses included $10,000 for his campaign manager; $6,547 for phone service; and $3,292 for marketing materials and yard signs. Anderson supporters, contributors Andersons report showed 41 donors who gave $100 to $199 and 19 donors who gave $357, including Hemminger. Others include: Simon George, UNC Health Care vice president of real estate and development Extraordinary Ventures and Ireland Family Foundation founders Gregg, Gina and Joe Ireland James Johnson, owner of Blount Street Advisors, a real estate investment and consulting firm Jeff Klaitman, with N.C. Diversified Real Estate Ventures Town Council candidates Melissa McCullough and Jon Mitchell James Parrott, a fellow at the nonprofit Urban Institute and owner of Parrott Ryan Advisors Antoine Puech, entrepreneur and downtown property owner Another 15 donors gave $200 to $300. Hemmingers husband Brad Hemminger gave $350. Andersons big-ticket expenses included $3,185 for campaign yard signs; $1,028 for T-shirts; $1,500 for Indy Week advertising; $857.50 for food, face painting and fairy hair for a campaign event; and $732.61 for marketing materials. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A couple is facing charges for child neglect after Metro Nashville police said two toddlers with soiled diapers were left alone for nearly five hours in an extremely dirty apartment. Officers were called to the apartment complex on Whites Creek Pike at approximately 12:31 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 after a neighbor reported seeing a toddler left unattended inside one of the units for several hours. Woman arrested on child neglect charges in connection with infants death Once on scene, police and employees from the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services (DCS) reported seeing a toddler trying to open one of the windows, according to an arrest affidavit. They knocked on the door but said there was no answer. While officers were trying to get a key for the apartment from management, the child answered the door and let them inside, where they found a second toddler. According to the affidavit, the children were ages two and four. Authorities noted that both of the children were not dressed appropriately and had extremely soiled diapers. A DCS employee stated that one of the juveniles diapers was so full that it was falling down the childs legs, and when she held the child, her clothes became wet. DCS also said that the apartment was extremely dirty on the inside. Nashville stabbing suspect arrested for child neglect A neighbor told police she had noticed one of the toddlers standing in the window around 8 a.m., and the parents vehicles were not in the parking lot at the time. The neighbor said she knocked on the door multiple times before calling DCS. Minesha White (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) While on the scene, officers said the childrens mother, 27-year-old Minesha White, returned to the residence. White reportedly told police she had left the children in the care of her boyfriend, 29-year-old Raymond Harris, but no adults were present when they arrived. Text messages between White and Harris explaining when they could return home reportedly indicated they both knew the children were home alone. Police said Harris showed up at the residence shortly after White arrived and admitted to leaving the toddlers alone. Raymon Harris (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee After reviewing surveillance cameras at the location, authorities determined that White had left the apartment around 5:30 a.m. that morning and Harris had left around 7 a.m. Officers did not see them return to the residence after that. White and Raymond were both arrested and charged with two counts of child neglect involving a child 8 years old or under. DCS then took charge of the children and took them to a family members home. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. MOREAU, N.Y. A specialized FBI unit dedicated to finding abducted children went under the radar in this week's recovery of a kidnapped 9-year-old girl in Upstate New York. The 70-agent team called CARD Child Abduction Rapid Deployment found 99 of 217 children who have been snatched by predators since it started deployments in 2006, Supervisory Special Agent Leslie Adamczyk told Fox News Digital. She described the often unseen unit as "advisers" who work in the background of major abduction investigations, like this week's dramatic search for Charlotte Sena, who was found alive in a cabinet of the suspect's trailer. "We serve as a force multiplier. That's the word that we like to use," Adamczyk said. "Our team is comprised of subject-matter experts who have worked many of these cases, so they're able to advise in situations where maybe you have an investigative agency who hasn't done one or hasn't had a successful one." SUSPECT IN CHARLOTTE SENA ABDUCTION HAS VIOLENT PAST Craig Ross Jr. is suspected of kidnapping Charlotte Sena in New York. His criminal record, while including only misdemeanor allegations, involves an alleged domestic violence choking attempt. Resources include profilers from the behavioral analysis unit that specializes in crimes involving children, investigative strategy recommendations, a centralized command post and access to the vast array of FBI resources. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP And in almost every case, they have a full team on the ground within 12 hours, Adamczyk said. MAN CLAIMING TO BE SON OF SUSPECT: HOPE HE DIES IN PRISON In Charlotte's case, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Sunday that the FBI was already in Upstate New York working with state troopers after the 9-year-old was reported missing Saturday evening. Charlotte's case is part of an ongoing investigation, so the FBI and state police can't divulge details about the case or specifics of the CARD team's involvement. But residents in Saratoga County in Upstate New York have told Fox News Digital it was a "miracle" that Charlotte was found alive. One neighbor, who lives next to suspect Craig Ross Jr.'s home, described law enforcement's visible jubilation after they found her. "(Charlotte) became like everyones child. Everyone in the area loves her and wanted her to come home," Ross' neighbor, "Erica," told Fox News Digital. "And the police did, too. You can see and hear them exhale. They were high-fiving with smiles. It was an amazing outcome." TIMELINE OF ABDUCTION WHO IS CRAIG ROSS? Charlotte was the most recent example of a positive outcome, but it doesn't always end with the child coming home alive. Adamczyk provided a breakdown of the outcomes of the CARD team's 203 deployments since 2006. They searched for 217 victims and recovered 99 of them alive, she said. There are 24 who are missing and 94 were found deceased (69 murdered, 21 accidental deaths, one suicide and three undetermined), according to Adamczyk. These types of cases involving children take an emotional, mental and physical toll on each agent and law enforcement officers in general and it becomes even more traumatic if they don't find the victim alive. "It's certainly something that we're really cognizant of," she said when talking about the agents' mental health, especially after tragic outcomes. "We try our best to make sure everyone is OK after each case." PHOTO GALLERY: FBI CHILD ABDUCTION RAPID DEPLOYMENT TEAM Adamczyk established an after-action plan to address this concern. After each deployment, she and the team leader personally check on each agent involved. They talk about things that went well, things that could have gone better and things to think about when the next deployment happens, she said. "I think that's the most helpful thing for us because you don't want to necessarily go and talk to your family about this. It's not the happiest stuff, and they might not understand," she said. CARD is broken up into four regional teams, and each team "is very tight." "We all take care of each other," Adamczyk said. New York State Police collect evidence at the home of Craig Ross Jr. in Ballston Spa, New York, on Oct. 3, 2023. Ross has been charged with the abduction of Charlotte Sena, a 9-year-old girl riding her bike through Moreau Lake State Park. Stranger abductions are "very rare," Adamczyk said. The most common types of abductions she's seen recently involve online exploitation and "catfish-type" scams in which someone pretends to be someone they're not and uses someone else's photo. Search teams look for Charlotte Sena along the Moreau Lake State Park boundary, Oct. 2, 2023, in Gansevoort, New York. "A child meets someone online, and they begin communicating," she said. "And a lot of times, they're targeting someone who is vulnerable and form a relationship. "Then they decide that they're going to run away together or the subject is going to come get the victim and pick her up and take care of her. So, that's definitely a trend that we've seen an uptick in over the last few years." Adamczyk had a message she wanted to relay to local and state police departments. If they can't deploy boots on the ground, they can provide phone consultations to help find abducted children, and they provide training courses all over the country on how to handle these types of cases. New York State Police collect evidence at the home of Craig Ross Jr. in Ballston Spa, New York, on Oct. 3, 2023. "We only want to help. We're not interested in taking over the case," Adamczyk said. "We all have the same goal, and that's to bring the child home alive to their family." WATCH: NEIGHBORS DESCRIBE MOMENTS BEFORE RAID CLICK HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS In this week's case, New York State Police were considered the lead agency in Charlotte's investigation and arrest. State police worked around the clock along with the FBI's CARD team to track down Charlotte's alleged abductor, arrest him and bring the girl back to her family. "After some resistance, the suspect was taken into custody, and immediately the little girl was found in a cabinet, covered. She was rescued," Hochul said during a press conference Monday night. "And she knew she was being rescued. And she knew that she was in safe hands." CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Ross Jr. was charged with first-degree kidnapping, although authorities said more charges could be filed. He's being held in Saratoga County jail without bond. Original article source: Charlotte Sena case: FBI child abduction unit making 'miracle' recoveries more common A man accused of kidnapping nine-year-old Charlotte Sena is being investigated for potential links to the unsolved murders of two women nearly two decades ago. Craig Ross, 46, is facing charges of kidnapping in the first degree in connection with Charlottes abduction on 1 October. New York State Police said earlier this week that the child was snatched while riding her bike during a family camping trip at Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County. Two days later, Charlotte was found inside a campervan parked behind the home of Mr Rosss mother in Ballston Spa. Mr Ross, who is also accused of delivering a ransom note at the Sena family home in the early hours of Monday, was arrested after fingerprints pulled from the note matched his records from a 1999 DUI arrest, police said. Saratoga County Sheriffs detective Matthew Robinson has now told the AlbanyTimes-Union that his agency is considering potential links between Mr Ross and the murders of 18-year-old Jennifer Hammond and 19-year-old Christina White, whose bodies were found in the area after they went missing in 2003 and 2005, respectively. At this time, we have no information to indicate that he was or was not involved, Mr Robinson told the Times-Union. Theres no, like, hot lead that says hes our guy or anything like that ... [Were probing any] association [he] has with any major case in the area. Hammond went missing in 2003 while soliciting magazines in the Creek and Pines Trailer Park, in Ballston Spa, according to New York State Police records. She never showed up at a designated spot where her employer had arranged to pick her up and a previously purchased bus ticket to her home state of Colorado was never used. Her belongings were left behind in an Albany hotel where she had been staying with other coworkers. Two years later, in June 2005, White was reported missing by family members after she vanished from the Ballston Spa area. A year later, her remains were found on Daketown Road in Greenfield, and authorities were able to determine that she had been stabbed in her abdomen. Christina White (left) and Jennifer Hammond (rigth) both went missing from the Ballston Spa, Saratoga County, area just years apart (New York State Police) Then, in October 2009, Hammonds skull was discovered in a wooded area off of Lake Desolation Road, also in Greenfield. Because the rest of her remains were never recovered, Hammonds cause of death remains unknown. Authorities have long suspected that the two cold cases may be connected because both victims went missing in the same area and their remains were also located in the same town. Mr Robinson declined to comment on whether Mr Ross had ever been questioned in connection with the Hammond and White cases. He said Mr Rosss name never came up during the years-long investigation with any kind of significance, but the Saratoga County Sheriffs Office was probing any potential connections. There is no direct evidence or information that links Ross to the White or Hammond cases, Mr Robinson added. Gov Kathy Hochul revealed during a press conference late Monday night after Charlottes rescue that Mr Ross was not a registered sex offender. Officials at the press conference only mentioned a 1999 DUI arrest when asked about the kidnapping suspects criminal history. Saratoga County Sheriffs Office released mug shot of Craig Nelson Ross Jr. He is charged with the kidnapping of Charlotte Sena (Saratoga County Sheriffs Office) New York State Police officials have since confirmed to The Independent that Mr Ross was arrested five years ago over a domestic dispute. According to the law enforcement agency, the unnamed victim accused Mr Ross, who lived in Corinth at the time, of applying pressure on their throat during an altercation on 21 April 2017. Ross Jr was arrested at the scene and transported to SP Wilton for processing, a spokesperson for NYSP said in a statement. He was arraigned at the Moreau Town Court and released on his own recognizance. The NYSP said it could not comment on reports of pending investigations involving Mr Ross. New York State Police will not confirm, deny, or provide any information concerning investigations that did not result in criminal prosecution, the agency said. Mr Ross is being held without bail at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility. Authorities said that more charges are expected pending the ongoing investigation. He is expected to appear in court again on 21 November. PHNOM PENH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia exported 5.26 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods to fellow member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in the first eight months of 2023, up 22 percent from 4.3 billion dollars over the same period last year, according to the latest report by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday. During the January-August period this year, Cambodia's top three export destinations under the RCEP agreement are Vietnam, China and Japan, the report said. Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's secretary of state and spokesman Penn Sovicheat said the RCEP, took effect in 2022, has been a key driving force for the kingdom's export growth and has become a magnet to attract more foreign direct investment inflows to the country. He added that this world's largest free trade agreement, together with other bilateral FTAs, will help Cambodia graduate from its least developed country status by 2027 and achieve its goals of becoming an upper-middle income country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050. The RCEP free trade deal comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries including 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - and their five trading partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Authorities will look into any possible connections that the man charged with kidnapping Charlotte Sena may have to the abduction and murder of two teenagers that have remained unsolved since the aughts, according to a report. Craig Nelson Ross Jr., 46, was arrested Monday and accused of taking 9-year-old Sena from upstate New Yorks Moreau Lake State Park over the weekend, with authorities later rescuing Sena from a cupboard inside Ross camper. He will now be scrutinized for potential links to the killings of two young women who disappeared in 2003 and 2005, according to the Times Union. Details Emerge About Sketchy Past of Charlotte Senas Alleged Abductor Jennifer Moonbeam Hammond, 18, and Christina N. White, 19, were last seen alive near mobile home parks in the town of Milton, where Ross and his family have lived for decades. Their remains were later found a few miles apart in the Lake Desolation State Forest, about 10 miles north of where they were seen for the last time. At this time, we have no information to indicate that he was or was not involved, Saratoga County Sheriffs Investigator Matthew Robinson, the lead investigator in the womens cases, told the Times Union. I can tell you that one of the investigative steps that we will take with regards to the ongoing investigation around Mr. Ross will be any association he has with any major case in the area. And that is something that we are actively working on. But at this time, we have no information to indicate that he is involved in any of those [two] cases. Robinson added that considering any connection Ross may have to other cases is a standard investigative step [and] we will analyze any potential involvement as we continue to work on it. Whites family told police she left the Saratoga Village Mobile Home Park at around 10 p.m. on June 30, 2005, and witnesses saw her walking about three miles from her home. No further sightings of White were reported until her skeletal remains were found in March 2006. An autopsy found that she had died from stab wounds to her abdomen and chest. Ross lived in the Saratoga Village Mobile Home Park in the early 2000s around the time when White went missing, according to property records cited by the Times Union. Robinson said he is aware of Ross prior address but would not say if he had ever been interviewed in connection with the deaths of White or Hammond. Hammond, from Littleton, Colorado, was last seen in August 2003 in the Creek and Pines Mobile Home Park on Middleline Road in Miltonwhich is reportedly about 1,000 feet north of where Ross mother has lived for about three decades. Hammond was there selling magazine subscriptions alongside co-workers but failed to show up at pre-planned pickup spot about two hours after entering the park. Skull fragments and teeth were found in the woods near Lake Desolation six years later. A forensic analysis confirmed that they were Hammonds, and her death was ruled a homicide. Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo has previously said investigators believed there was a strong possibility that Hammonds and Whites killings were linked to the same suspect owing to the close proximity of the sites where their remains were discovered as well as the locations where they were last seen. Robinson said authorities currently do not have any information or direct evidence linking Ross with the teenagers cases. We have nothing to give us [evidence] that he is involvedtheres no, like, hot lead that says hes our guy or anything like that, he added. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A pet monkey who escaped from his owners home and ran riot around a neighbourhood in Indianapolis has now been captured. The Indiana Metropolitan Police Department said on X that, after a whole day of exploring and causing chaos, Momo the monkey was safely in the hands of animal care. Momo the money has been captured safely, the department said. That was more than enough monkey business for us. Officers helped in the escapees capture after he was spotted letting himself into a house construction site, according toThe New York Post. Momos owners brother and the officers managed to then corner the monkey in a bathroom and quickly shut the doors on him, the paper reported. He was quickly transported to Indianapolis Zoo by Indianapolis Animal Care Services, who will determine whether Momo can be returned to his owner, said Katie Trennepohl, the deputy director of the care services. Momos owner Wayne Pham has been issued a citation over the incident because the monkey was chasing and approaching in an unsafe fashion while running riot around the residential area, Ms Trennepohl said. Momo the monkey escaped from owner Wayne Phams home near 500 Ironridge Court, south of East Washington Street and South Mitthoefer Road, in the Irongate neighbourhood at around 4.45pm on Wednesday, according to authorities. Momo the monkey has been captured safely (IMPD) Indianapolis Police said that officers responded to the area to assist Animal Care Services in finding the monkey just after 6pm, Fox 59 reported. The monkey caused much chaos while on the loose, including injuring local residents however they could not confirm whether the injuries came from bites. Various residents had spotted the monkey getting up to all sorts on his day out. One neighbour posted on Facebook saying Momo paid her a visit when she returned home. I have had the weirdest dayand then I get home and start to get out of my car and a monkey walks up to my open car door, she said in her post. It took me a few seconds to figure out what it was so I closed the door and he jumped onto the hood of my car! The monkey even made a quick pit stop to drink from a womans Pepsi can in her garage, Fox 59 claimed. WishTV reported that another neighbour told police that the monkey was seen drinking something a bit stronger a beer from a trash can. Police made an appeal on their social media on Thursday for people to keep an eye out for Momo, but not to approach him. Momo is a patas monkey, a long-limbed primate with large canines, that can reach speeds of up to 34.2 miles (55km) per hour, according to New England Primate Conservancy. Momo the monkey on the run (IMPD/X) A patas monkey kept as a pet or in captivity is expected to live up to 21 to 24 years. Ms Trennepohl confirmed that this is not Momos first venture into the outside world. Animal care services were also called a few months back in July to try and locate the escaped primate. She said that anyone who had direct contact with Momo while he was out in the area should contact the local health department because of a concern about diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Indiana is one of the 24 states where it is legal to own a pet monkey but you do need a permit before bringing one home. However, due to Momos recent actions, the countys prosecutors office and Animal Care Services will now determine if Momo can return home to his owner. CHICAGO Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration is exploring unspecified backup plans should it not hit its goal of setting up tent base camps for new asylum-seekers before winter, a top deputy said Thursday while also pushing back at comments from Gov. J.B. Pritzker that more state funds for migrant services arent going to be made available anytime soon. With winter fast approaching and temperatures expected to dip into the low 40s in the next few days, Johnsons deputy chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas said the strategy announced one month ago to erect tent encampments throughout the city still has no start date and that no sites have been finalized because of the need to do our due diligence. Her comments came as Pritzker appeared to close the door on any more state money being allocated for migrant relief by either him or state lawmakers, who are meeting later this month and next for their fall veto session. It isnt as if were coming in with enormous surpluses, Pritzker told reporters Thursday. This is not something where we have hundreds of millions of dollars to support. Asked about the governors comments, Pacione-Zayas, a former state senator, responded: We have to continue to educate the General Assembly about this critical point that were in. We have to go through the exercise, right? We have to identify whats already committed, and might be able to be directed, she said. We have to think outside of the box and be creative around this, and so I dont see the discussions (as) closed. I think that this needs to be ongoing. And as Ive said before, everyone has to do more. Pacione-Zayas added that the mayors administration has begun meeting with individual state legislators and will ask the state to look for ways to shift existing budget allocations toward an additional migrant appropriation for Chicago, which has taken on the brunt of the new arrivals in Illinois. Johnson and Pritzker have also sought assistance from the federal government, with both talking to White House officials last weekend and the governor writing a three-page letter to President Joe Biden to argue Washington needs to step up on the issue. Pacione-Zayas said that the cold weather expected in upcoming days poses a grave concern, though she said the mayors office remains hopeful it can put some stakes into the ground soon for the tent encampments. The city aims to use those encampments to relocate people now staying in the citys two main airports, Chicago police station lobbies and other unsuitable places until spots open in the nearly two-dozen brick-and-mortar shelters the city is running. Johnson rolled out the tent city proposal in early September, vowing to get it done before winter. But the mayor faced criticism from some aldermen and advocacy groups over his teams decision to bring in a controversial private security company to run the base camps. As far as the delay, I mean, welcome to government. This is how it kind of works, Pacione-Zayas said. As far as what our backup plan is, we are exploring what could be alternative large spaces with the state, with the county, so that if were not able to pop up this base camp in time for a significant drop, that we do have some alternatives. But everythings on the table. She added that some of those backup sites are located outside of Chicago. County officials confirmed Thursday they are helping with the search. At Johnsons request, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said she asked suburban municipalities to share some of the burden. They were not prepared to make commitments unless they got resources to do it, Preckwinkle said during an interview with the Tribunes Editorial Board, though it was unclear when those conversations took place. Thats why we need money from the feds. Preckwinkles chief of staff, Lanetta Haynes Turner, added: We have been very closely coordinating with the city to at least identify locations for housing both within the city of Chicago and, of course, if we are aware of locations, potentially in suburban Cook. We have been, through our emergency management and real estate office, compiling a very detailed inventory of county facilities and other locations that we are aware of Haynes Turner said. Were also planning to provide any locations that are within the city limits from some of our brokers. As of Thursday, more than 17,000 migrants have come to Chicago since August 2022, when the flow of buses from Texas and other southern border states first started. More than 10,100 are in city-run shelters, while another 2,400 are in Chicago police stations and 820 at the city airports. More than 11 buses were expected to arrive Thursday. Pritzker, meanwhile, defended the states support for Chicago following a City Council hearing last week that saw multiple Johnson allies lash out at the governors administration and call for him to take on more of the burden. The state has appropriated roughly $328 million toward asylum-seekers since the first busload of migrants was sent by Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, but not all of that has gone to the city. This is a challenge I think the city has been facing since the beginning. We dont do city planning at the state level. This is a question best directed to the city, Pritzker said Thursday when asked how his administration will brace for the next wave of new arrivals. As they have developed plans, and as theyve implemented them, weve been there in support. Pacione-Zayas said Johnson is still planning a trip to the border to establish some order in how the buses are being sent to Chicago, but that no schedule has been set. The city is bracing for up to 25 buses a day this week. Ultimately the goal is so that we have tighter coordination, she said. She also rebutted criticism of Chicagos response to the migrant crisis and those who are calling on the city to turn asylum-seekers away. We are upholding our values. We are operationalizing our sanctuary city status. We are holding the line, Pacione-Zayas said. This is a welcoming state, so there would be some challenges that it would present if we were to shut our doors as well. I mean, were going to do this as long as we can. This is precisely why everyone must do more. Preckwinkle, too, repeated the need for both federal and state money to respond to the crisis. The county has been providing health care services to migrants since buses from Texas began to arrive in Chicago, a cost that has varied month to month, but currently stands at $2.2 million. That care has run the gamut, officials said, from vaccinations, health care screenings, mental health services, treatment of wounds and infections, to maternal and infant care. Until February, the state was helping pick up some of the tab. With an expected influx of more buses and planes arriving in the coming months, county officials believe that monthly cost will rise. Migrant patient volumes have increased 30% to 40% in recent weeks, Cook County Health CEO Israel Rocha said Thursday. While she said she would continue to advocate for a federal solution, Preckwinkle said the state needs to step up as well, because $42.5 million barely covers the citys costs for a month, she said. That sum is a drop in the bucket. _____ A 65-year-old has been charged after authorities say pornographic pictures were shared among grade school students in Alabama. Timothy Allen Arthur was arrested Oct. 5 and charged with electronic solicitation of a child, according to the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office. Authorities launched an investigation after Bay Minette police got a complaint about child porn being circulated by students at Bay Minette Elementary School, deputies said in a news release. Officers seized cellphones and handed them over to Baldwin County cybercrimes investigators for processing, according to the release. A forensic analysis uncovered illegal communication between Arthur and a 12-year-old girl, deputies said. Authorities didnt say if she was a student at the school. Arthur spoke with investigators and acknowledged communicating with the child, deputies said. Authorities executed a search of his cellphone and said more charges are possible. Additional information wasnt released. McClatchy News reached out to Baldwin County Public Schools for comment Oct. 6 and was awaiting a response. Bay Minette is about 35 miles northeast of downtown Mobile. Man published stories of child rape online with computer-generated photos, feds say Teacher with OnlyFans page says shes leaving Missouri school. Its been a journey Day care worker filmed children going to bathroom and shared videos online, feds say YMCA officials and law enforcement in York County, South Carolina, are investigating a report of possible child abuse at Camp Thunderbird south of Charlotte. A former YMCA staff member is accused of abusing a young camper at Camp Thunderbird, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte said in a statement on Thursday. The allegation surfaced, YMCA officials said, following the arrest of a 21-year-old man associated with the organization. The YMCA says it began an internal investigation after Elijah (Eli) Donato was arrested Sept. 28 in Carolina Beach, N.C, and charged with two counts of first degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of taking indecent liberties with children. Carolina Beach police report Donato is accused of sexually exploiting a child in September, while working as a private babysitter in the beach town in New Hanover County. Donato lives in Wilmington and was employed as a YMCA site coordinator for the After School Care program at Wrightsville Beach Elementary School, Carolina Beach Police said in a statement. He worked at both the Harris YMCA and YMCA Camp Thunderbird in various roles from 2019 to 2023, YMCA officials said in an Oct. 5 news release. The Harris YMCA is located on Quail Hollow Road in Charlotte. Donato is no longer an employee and ... in line with our policies and procedures, we banned him from all of our properties and events, local YMCA officials said. We have sent notification letters to families from Camp Thunderbird and the Harris YMCA, as well as provided law enforcement contacts and communication guides to all camp families, members and program participants weve reached out to. The York County Sheriffs Office confirmed it is aware of the allegation and is investigating. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officials told the Observer they are not involved in the investigation, due to the camp being in South Carolina. We do not have any cases in Charlotte with the suspect from the YMCA, and have not had anyone come forward regarding any incidents in CMPDs jurisdiction, CMPD said. Upon learning of his arrest, we began reaching out to parents/caregivers of all campers who were assigned to a cabin with him during their time at Camp Thunderbird, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte reported. Since this arrest was made public, we received a report of alleged abuse involving a camper at Camp Thunderbird. We are deeply disturbed and saddened, and our prayers are with the children and families affected by these alleged actions. YMCA officials say they are cooperating with sheriffs office in York County, S.C., (where Camp Thunderbird is located) and investigators with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, S.C. Department of Social Services, and representatives from YMCA of the USA. Criminal background checks are required of people hired to work at YMCA facilities and contracts forbid staff members to have contact with children outside of YMCA programs, officials said. Good Samaritan stops to aid car crash victim and gets his truck stolen, NC cops say Mom turns son into cops after learning he led police chase in her car, NC sheriff says Trooper stops to help stranded driver and gets shot in the chest, NC cops say By Natalia A. Ramos Miranda and Lucinda Elliott SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Voters are souring on Chile's second, conservative-led attempt at drafting a new constitution as a bid to further tighten the country's already restrictive abortion laws and other moves to the right threaten to turn off a majority of voters. More than half of Chileans, 54% of respondents surveyed before the draft text was completed this week, plan on voting against the new constitution, according to pollster Cadem. High rejection rates were attributed to disapproval of the proposed changes, distrust in councillors charged with the rewrite and other concerns including rising crime. Catalina Lagos, a member of an expert commission that will review the draft starting Saturday, says the text "does not reflect Chilean society as a whole but only a political sector." Lagos says there is still time to moderate the proposed constitution and consultancy Teneo warned "the entire process could collapse" before the December referendum if the council refuses to accept the expert commission's changes. A constituent council this time round is dominated by more right-wing members after the first attempt was resoundingly rejected by Chileans in a September 2022 referendum. The previous text, drawn up largely by left-wing candidates, would have been one of the world's most progressive charters, but was similarly criticized for being unrepresentative of society as a whole. The ideological back and forth suggests many Chileans are fundamentally uncomfortable with extremes on either side, less than two years into the presidency of left winger Gabriel Boric. Lagos, who also helped draft the first attempt, says the pendulum has swung in the other direction. The first rewrite had allowed "the voluntary interruption of a pregnancy." The current proposal makes a grammatical change to a constitutional clause which abortion advocates already view as restrictive. It would refer to the unborn by a personal pronoun instead of the current impersonal one. Councilor Antonio Barchiesi, from hard-right Republican party, said "the legal scope of the current norm does not change," but says the shift is to highlight that "there is someone" at the center of the clause. But Lagos says this change, combined with another proposal that would define a child as any human being under the age of 18, could clear the way for more restrictive abortion laws. With abortion rights expanding across much of Latin America, the latest being Mexico and Argentina, supporters are worried that a right-wing resurgence in the region, could halt progress or see rights backslide. At a rally commemorating the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion last week in Santiago, 26-year-old student Isadora Calderon told Reuters she felt abortion rights were being threatened by the current proposals. "If a party wants to write a constitution with certain guidelines, who says they won't do it down the line with laws," Calderon said. Agustina Ramon Michel, an Argentine lawyer at the Latin American consortium against unsafe abortion (Clacai), said other countries in the region are watching Chile closely. "We are having a counter-reaction to the previous Constitution, which many also said did not represent them, that it was too much going one way or another, and now we are having the opposite," Ramon Michel said. (Reporting by Natalia Ramos Miranda & Lucinda Elliott. Editing by Alexander Villegas, Christian Plumb and Lincoln Feast.) BEIJING (Reuters) - China has set up weather stations on Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world on Tibet's border with Nepal, expanding a series of high-altitude meteorological gauges in the Himalayas to monitor the impact of climate change on Asia's "water tower". Scientists are increasingly watching how climate change is impacting the environmentally fragile Himalayas, home to the planet's tallest peaks and the source of water for rivers that hundreds of millions of people depend on. Since the end of September, a Chinese team has set up five automatic weather stations on Cho Oyu, at altitudes from 4,950 metres to its summit at 8,201 metres, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. Snow and ice samples at the summit had been collected for the first time, Xinhua reported. Initial research showed that the ice layer on Cho Oyu was the thickest among peaks above 8,000 metres, with a thickness of more than 70 metres being seen, Xinhua reported. The weather stations on Cho Oyu, which means "Turquoise Goddess" in Tibetan, expand a Chinese meteorological network in the Himalayas that includes monitoring of the 8,848-metre Everest, also on the border with Nepal, and the 8,013-metre Shishapangma in Tibet. Monitoring the effects of global warming has taken on urgency after one of the warmest summers in the northern hemisphere this year. Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest peak, has lost more than two metres in height over two years because of its shrinking snowpack, researchers said on Thursday. Torrential rain in India's northeastern Sikkim state burst the banks of a glacial lake and triggered flash floods this week, killing at least 40 people in the latest example of extreme weather events in the mountain range that scientists have blamed on climate change. High-altitude surveillance was imperative to avoid disasters such as floods and ice avalanches as glaciers melt, Xinhua reported, citing Yang Wei, a researcher at the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research of Chinese Academy of Sciences. (Reporting by Ryan Woo; editing by Robert Birsel) By Khanh Vu, Francesco Guarascio and Martin Quin Pollard HANOI/BEIJING (Reuters) - Vietnamese and Chinese officials are preparing for a possible visit from President Xi Jinping to Hanoi at the end of October or early November, on the heels of U.S. President Joe Biden 's trip in September, four people familiar with the plans said. The visit would underline the Southeast Asian manufacturing hub's growing strategic importance, as big powers jostle for influence in the region amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington. Work is under way on a joint statement that would be issued during the visit, four people informed about the negotiations told Reuters. Two of them said the parties were discussing a reference to being together in a "community of common destiny", a phrase often used by Xi that some find controversial. Vietnamese officials were cautious about adding that reference, the two sources said. A fifth Vietnamese source said the joint statement was likely to include that reference. It could be interpreted as an elevation of ties between the two countries, according to two of the sources, but it is unclear what that would entail and what concrete agreements might be announced. That person, and the four informed about the negotiations, declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. The visit has not been announced and could still be called off or postponed, but logistical arrangements have been explored. "All important diplomatic activities of Vietnam would be announced to you when appropriate," Vietnam's foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang told a news conference on Thursday when asked about the possible visit. The ministry did not reply to emailed questions from Reuters about the timing of the visit and the content of the joint statement. China's foreign ministry said it had no information to offer when asked for comment. STATE VISIT PREPARATIONS One of the sources said China had sent a team to Hanoi to organise accommodations for Xi's delegation. Another said the team has been looking to book 800 rooms in hotels in Vietnam's capital, a number in line with a state visit. China's foreign minister Wang Yi was expected to visit Hanoi in mid-October to help finalise the joint statement, the source added, if sufficient progress on the text has been made. The timing of Xi's visit would coincide with Vietnam's bi-annual monthlong parliament session, where he gave a speech during a previous trip to Hanoi in 2015. The trip has been under preparation for months, officials had said. Vietnam is seen as increasingly important to both superpowers, as it expands its role in global supply chains, importing industrial components from China that it assembles before exporting finished products to the United States or Europe. Washington upgraded its ties with Hanoi in September, elevating the United States to the same top tier as China's in Vietnam after a prolonged diplomatic push. As China's president, Xi travelled to Vietnam twice, with his latest visit in 2017, when he attended an Asia-Pacific summit with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and other leaders. China is a top investor in its southern neighbour, having committed to spending nearly $3 billion in Vietnam in the first nine months of this year, six times more than the U.S. in the same period and second only to Singapore, according to Vietnamese government data. Beijing and Hanoi are at odds about boundaries in the South China Sea and have a centuries-long history of conflict; China's latest war was fought against Vietnam in 1979. (Reporting by Khanh Vu and Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi, and Martin Pollard and Yew Lun Tian in Beijing. Editing by Gerry Doyle) [Source] Chinese actor Liu Haoran was called out by many on Chinese social media after he walked for Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week on Oct. 1. Why theyre angry: Netizens took issue for two reasons: first, Balenciaga was once accused of mistreating Chinese shoppers, and second, Lius modeling coincided with Chinas National Day. Walking for a brand that disrespected China on National Day? Bro, are you out of your mind? one comment said, according to Singapore outlet Today. Others expressed frustration at those who have forgotten. Sure enough, the Chinese people have no memory, one wrote, as per Sin Chew Daily. More from NextShark: Canada and Australia Pull Out of Tokyo Olympics as Coronavirus Continues What happened in 2018: The Spanish-founded, French-based fashion house sparked outrage in China in 2018 after one of its Paris stores allegedly mistreated two Chinese shoppers. At the time, the store was holding a sales event. Reports say the mistreatment started after a Chinese shopper called out a group of five non-Chinese individuals for cutting a queue. One of them allegedly shoved and threatened to beat her. More from NextShark: Apples Adult Filters Block the Word Asian in Browser Search The womans son tried to protect her, but the rest of the group allegedly ganged up and beat him. A security guard reportedly intervened but only handled that Chinese guy." Below are clips from the incident: The aftermath: The chaos led to the cancellation of the sales event. Footage of the incident also spread on Chinese social media, drawing fury. More from NextShark: Blackpink's Jisoo to star in K-drama 'Snowdrop' coming soon to Disney Plus Shortly after the incident, Balenciaga released a statement to apologize. Balenciaga sincerely apologizes to the customers who were present and reaffirms its strong commitment to respect equally all its customers, the company said. Criticizing Balenciaga: Chinese netizens have also been vocal in their criticism of Balenciagas products in recent years. In 2020, Weibo users slammed the brand for releasing ugly, tacky and tasteless bags, which came with an ad campaign that reminded them of photography studios in rural China in the 1990s. Last May, Chinese social media users roasted Balenciaga for releasing extremely worn sneakers for $1,850. Months later, they torched the brand yet again for its $1,800 trash bag, as well as a Lays collaboration bag (of the same price) that they say looked like something worth $3 on AliExpress. More from NextShark: China claims to have a better 'democracy that works' after not being invited to Biden's Summit for Democracy The client at the heart of one of Washingtons most monumental state Supreme Court cases has died. Shannon Bowman, known previously by Shannon Blake, died unexpectedly on Aug. 14 at her home in Kettle Falls, according to her online obituary. She was 46. Bowmans obituary described her as a child-at-heart who marched to the beat of her own drum. Shannon was able to find value in anything she came across. In everything she did, Shannon put others first, the obituary continued. Bowman is survived by her daughter, Saige; her parents, Kimberly and Roger Balcom and Mike Bowman, and her siblings, Tia, Josh, Caleb, Martha, Brad, and Zach Bowman. Stevens County Coroner Ramona Colvin confirmed Bowmans Aug. 14 death in a phone interview with McClatchy. She said that a cause of death is still pending toxicology reports. McClatchy was unable to get a response from Bowmans family members, but Richard Lechich, an attorney for the Washington Appellate Project, who represented Bowman in the state Supreme Court case, spoke to the news organization. Shannons case has given many people hope and a second chance, and many of my other clients are thankful for that, Lechich said. Im proud and grateful that I was able to represent her in the Washington Supreme Court. Lechich said Washingtons old drug possession law, which was overturned by the Blake decision in 2021, was fundamentally unfair. During her trial, the law put the burden on her to prove lack of knowledge of possession as opposed to putting the burden on the state to prove knowledge, like in almost every other jurisdiction, which, Lechich said, was illustrative of this unfairness. Im thankful that Shannon took her case to trial and appealed, he said. She changed the world. In 2021, in its ruling on the State v. Blake case, the Washington state Supreme Court removed criminal penalties for drug possession after ruling felony possession unconstitutional. Under that decision, convictions were vacated and dismissed across the state by an order from the court, and the state is still repaying fines and fees. State lawmakers voted that same year to adopt a temporary fix that would penalize those convicted of drug possession with a misdemeanor, and mandated two pre-arrest referrals for substance abuse treatment by law enforcement officials before an individual could be charged. Lawmakers acknowledged at the outset of the 2023 legislative session that passing a new drug possession bill was a top priority, yet the version of the legislation that was proposed and passed by the Senate was unable to clear the hurdle in the House chamber in time. Lawmakers reconvened for a special session in Olympia in May to pass a new drug possession law. The new law increases the knowing possession of counterfeit or controlled substances to a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, lower than the penalty gross misdemeanors typically carry. However, if the defendant has two prior convictions for possession, they could potentially be confined for up to 364 days. The knowing use of controlled substances in a public place also was added to the new legislation and also is punishable by a gross misdemeanor with lowered financial and jail penalties. The legislation also allows access to pre-trial diversion programs with the requirement that prosecutors must sign off for defendants to avoid charges and undergo substance abuse treatment. Defendants who successfully complete treatment are not charged with a gross misdemeanor for possession. WA courts have paid back $10M in legal fines as a result of Blake drug possession ruling Those with past drug conviction fines can be reimbursed online starting in July. Heres how With a drug crisis looming, WA legislature and governor OK fix that avoids decriminalization ANKARA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish military carried out airstrikes against the Syrian Kurdish Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria for the second time after a suicidal bomb attack in Ankara over the weekend, Turkiye's Defense Ministry said Friday evening. Air operations were carried out against YPG targets in the northern region of Syria, the ministry said in a statement. The airstrikes targeted "headquarters," shelters and warehouses, which were considered to contain "terrorists," and 15 targets were destroyed, according to the statement. The operations came after a suicidal bomb attack in Ankara on Sunday, which targeted the entrance of the Turkish Interior Ministry building, leaving two assailants dead and two police officers wounded. The Turkish Interior Ministry said the two attackers were identified as members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and came from Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned on Wednesday that all PKK and the YPG infrastructure and energy facilities in Syria and Iraq were now "legitimate targets" for the Turkish military. Turkiye sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the PKK. The Turkish army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016, Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019, and Operation Spring Shield in 2020 in northern Syria in order to create a YPG-free zone along its border within the neighboring country. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades. (Bloomberg) -- Few businesses have Chicago roots as deep as the CME Group Inc. the company has been based in the city for more than a century and its very name derives from the location (the letters refer to the companys Chicago Mercantile Exchange business). Most Read from Bloomberg But Chief Executive Officer Terry Duffy doesnt feel constrained by those ties, with many of the exchanges leases coming up for renewal in 2025. I liquidated every piece of real estate in the state, Duffy said in an interview this week. I have leases where I am in an advantageous position, because now I can renegotiate. Theyre all coming due. We like Chicago. Theres no reason for us to want to leave. But at the same time, if the atmosphere gets to the point where its intolerable, we have no choice. His commitment to Chicago is being tested as stubbornly high crime rates and a slew of taxes including a financial-transaction levy proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson have him considering his options. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has already said he opposes the tax proposal, but he wont be at the helm forever, Duffy said. As for the mayor, Duffy said hes met with Johnson once since he was elected in April and is willing to throw his arms around him to help him succeed. But we dont agree on anything, Duffy said. This following interview has been edited for clarity and length. What would you have done if you were Mayor? Id be doing things a lot differently. You cant walk outside and not have commerce in one of the largest cities in the world. Whos going to pay the taxes on these large buildings that are now vacant? You need to figure out ways to get people back into the cities. Can you imagine trying to convert everything into residential? Itd be unattainable. And that cost would be extraordinary. Id like to see us go away from some of the taxes that we already have in place. Let people not pay a sales tax and compete with online. If you want to sell it online then you pay a tax, and in the store where youre employing people, you dont pay a tax. But lets think logically about how were going to get people back into work and into a society. We dont have a society right now. Are there places trying to lure CME and did you speak with Texas? Governor Greg Abbott was very plain. I think he said on your network the benefits of being in Texas. I told him I understood the benefits of pretty much every state in the union. I have a lot of clients in Texas. I like working with my clients that come out of Texas. That was the end of my conversation. He didnt offer me anything. I didnt ask for anything either. Read more: Texas Will Welcome Fed Up Chicago Firms, Greg Abbott Says Youve overseen a lot of acquisitions, are there more to come? We did put ourselves into one of the strongest positions of any exchange. I am a triple A-rated institution with very little debt. I get shopped a lot of deals. We have the capacity if we thought it was right to do it. We run the firm for the benefit of the long-term. So when it comes to acquisitions, I would never do anything that I didnt think was in the best interest of my shareholders. Do you feel vindicated by the collapse of FTX? I feel depressed by it. Weve got to evolve and change, and crypto could be a vehicle to help eliminate friction. Whether it will or not, I dont know. I dont want to see anything be eliminated from the possibilities of making the world a better place tomorrow. Im not saying crypto was going to, but it shouldnt have gotten tossed out with the bathwater. I would like to see it progress. Anytime you have fraudsters and I just wish they were never here, because you take two steps forward and four steps back when these people show up thats not healthy for the financial world. Do you think FTXs proposals still have merit? I never said any of the proposals did not have merit. I just said lets write some rules around it. And I believe that today. I still see potential that it could be another way to eliminate friction. Right now, I think the best system is the Futures Commission Merchants, but I dont know if thats going to be there forever. Theres a reason why I have my own FCM application. Its not because I want to become an FCM, its because I dont know what the worlds going to look like and I dont want to be left behind. Are you using AI? You dont want to be last and you dont want to be first. Youve got to be really careful how you roll this stuff out. Im going to wait and see as far as the back offices go. But as far as the markets go, I wont be deploying any artificial intelligence into the markets at all. Thats not what we should be doing. Where is Terry Duffy in five to 10 years? I have another year and a half left in my contract. I will discuss with my board what they want to do sometime early next year and go from there. Ive been doing this a long time. Im involved in everything, every nuance of the company. Some could say thats really bad or good. But what Im trying to do is make sure I bring some of the team along to show them how to run a business like this. Its a tough gig. Pays well, but tough gig. --With assistance from Tina Davis and Simon Casey. (Adds question on Texas.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Guy Faulconbridge and Andrew Osborn MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian patriotic bloggers on Friday poured scorn on President Vladimir Putin 's intimation that mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin 's plane was blown up with hand grenades while those on board were high on cocaine and alcohol. The private Embraer jet on which Prigozhin was travelling to St Petersburg crashed north of Moscow killing all 10 people on board on Aug. 23, including Dmitry Utkin, co-founder of the mercenary Wagner group, four bodyguards and a crew of three. Putin said on Thursday fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of the dead and that investigators had ruled out any external impact on the plane such as a missile. However Putin said investigators had been wrong not to have carried out alcohol and drug blood tests, given that five kilograms of cocaine had been found by the Federal Security Service at Wagner premises in St Petersburg earlier this year. Wagner communications channels were silent, but some supporters and patriotic bloggers expressed disbelief. "So a short summary: the most combat-ready unit in the history of modern Russia was commanded by alcoholics and junkies who, being professional military men, did not know how to handle hand grenades?" said the Children of the Arbat pro-war Telegram channel. Prigozhin, who banned his men from using alcohol and drugs on pain of severe punishment, died two months after leading a brief mutiny against Russia's defence establishment that posed the biggest challenge to Putin's rule since the former KGB spy came to power in 1999. 'LAUGHABLE' EXPLANATION Western diplomats say Putin ordered the killing of Prigozhin after the humiliation of the mutiny. The Kremlin has dismissed that unsubstantiated allegation as a lie and said the official investigation has not yet been completed. "Two heroes of great Russia died in this plane crash, just in case someone forgot, and not druggies," said the Southern Front Telegram channel. "The version about a self-detonation is laughable and a farce." One Telegram channel which calls itself CHVK posted a sarcastic montage of Prigozhin's own voice saying: "Well of course, we sniffed a load of coke and then threw some grenades about on the plane." The Grey Zone Telegram channel, which has been unofficially associated with Wagner and has almost 600,000 subscribers, carried a post from a war blogger who said the cocaine that Putin referred to was in fact bundles of washing powder made to look like drugs which state TV had falsely described. The FSB later returned the bundles of washing powder to Wagner, the post said. Vladimir Pastukhov, a political analyst, said he believed Putin did not expect people to believe the version of events he had hinted at, but was signalling that Prigozhin and his associates had been "executed by the book" for their mutiny. "The very choice of the method of execution is not accidental but deeply symbolic. The main victims of the mutiny were military pilots shot down by Wagner's air defence forces. And that is why Prigozhin himself did not just die, but became a 'downed pilot'," Pastukhov wrote on Telegram. "By putting forward a version of their deaths that is obviously absurd and demonstratively humiliating for the dead Wagnerites and which it is impossible to believe, Putin actually wants no one to believe it. (But) he needs society to understand the hint unambiguously: this is how everyone (who betrays us) will be dealt with." (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge/Andrew Osborn; Editing by Gareth Jones) The cold case murder of a 20-year-old Kansas woman 34 years ago was solved earlier this year using "cutting-edge" DNA technology, the Wichita Police Department announced in a Monday news conference. DNA evidence was collected after the Oct. 2, 1989, sexual assault and beating murder of Krista Martin, 20, but testing wasnt available at the time, nevertheless, it was "carefully preserved," Kris Gupilan, the public information officer with the department said. Over the years, DNA samples were compared to potential suspects with no match found and in 2009, a suspect profile was created through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) but no match was found. In 2021, a dedicated investigative genetic genealogy team that consisted of an FBI special agent and a Wichita police homicide detective was created and this last April with the help of private industry genealogists to scrutinize DNA profiles and getting DNA samples from his relatives a man named Paul Hart was identified as the suspect. DNA FROM FAMILY MAN'S DAUGHTER EXPOSES HIM AS MYSTERY STRANGLER, POLICE SAY Krista Martin was sexually assaulted and murdered Oct. 2, 1989. "The Wichita Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to identifying suspects in violent crimes and providing support for victims and their families," Gupilan said. "We pledge to continue our unwavering dedication to cold case investigations." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP He said the department determined that Hart would be charged with Martins murder if he was still alive, but he died in a car crash in 1999. ROADSIDE STRANGLING VICTIM IDENTIFIED 33 YEARS LATER AS POLICE HUNT KILLER "As he is deceased this case is now considered cleared," Gupilan said. Ember Moore, Martins niece thanked the investigators who solved her aunts murder at the press conference. "On behalf of my family and myself I would like to say thank you to the Wichita Cold Case Unit and the Wichita Homicide Department for all their hard work and dedication to Kristas case," Moore said. "I am glad we can finally move forward and have peace knowing that Kristas murderer is not walking around free or among us She deserved so much more out of this life than what she ended up with." Police didnt elaborate on what relationship, if any, Hart and Martin might have had, except that they were neighbors at the time of her death. Original article source: Cold Case murder of Kansas woman, 20, solved 34 years later with cutting-edge DNA technology, police say At least 115 bodies that were improperly stored have been found at a building owned by a funeral home that offers "green" burials, authorities in Colorado announced Friday. The bodies were found Wednesday at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said Friday during a news conference. Cooper called the discovery of the bodies "horrific" and "disturbing." No arrests have been made, Cooper said. Authorities don't want to speculate on charges, although Cooper mentioned officials are in contact with local and federal prosecutors. The investigation is his office's "highest priority," Cooper said. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and FBI are assisting in the probe, officials said. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday made a disaster declaration of the site to free up state agencies for assistance, Cooper said. Authorities said Thursday they were investigating the improper storage of human remains at a southern Colorado funeral home that performs green burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. (Jerilee Bennett / AP) Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller, who also spoke at Friday's media briefing, said removing the bodies from the funeral home and identifying them through fingerprints, medical or dental records, or DNA, will be a long process. "With the number of decedents we have in this facility, and the identification process that needs to be completed, this could take several months," Keller said. "I want to assure everyone that the loved ones in this facility will be treated with the utmost care and respect. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy, and we will take every measure possible to get families the answers they deserve." Once bodies are identified, families of the deceased will be notified as "soon as possible," Keller said. Deputies were first dispatched to a building on Tuesday to investigate reports of a suspicious incident, the sheriff's office said in a news release Thursday. When they arrived, they learned the building was owned by the Return to Nature Funeral Home based in Colorado Springs, it said. The following day, the sheriff's office executed a search warrant at the property, along with the Fremont County Coroners Office and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, and found human remains were being "improperly stored" at the site. The sheriff's office did not state what condition the bodies were in, but said a "criminal investigation" was underway. The Return to Nature Funeral Home did not immediately respond to an overnight request for comment from NBC News. Overnight phone calls to a line that the funeral home states is available 24 hours a day also went unanswered and the voicemail inbox was full. On its website, the funeral home says its "Mission has ALWAYS been Green Burial." "Green Burial is a natural way of caring for your loved one with minimal environmental impact," the website states, adding: "Green Burial aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions and the preservation of habitat, WITHOUT the use of harsh embalming chemicals, metallic, plastic or unnatural items." Under Colorado law, green burials are legal, but remains that are not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. The funeral home appears to reflect this on its website, stating: "In the state of Colorado within 24 hours the body must be either embalmed or placed in a regulated temperature controlled environment, meaning under refrigeration, dry ice, etc..." Nearby residents told The Associated Press that a putrid smell had emanated from the building. We just assumed it was a dead animal, Joyce Pavetti, 73, told the news agency. She said she saw lights from law enforcement swarming the building Wednesday night and knew something was amiss. The sheriff's office asked that family members of deceased loved ones left in the care of the funeral home contact them by email at 23-1941@fremontso.com or by phone through the Fremont Emergency Management call line at (719)-276-7421. "This is an active investigation with resources being brought in from several different agencies," it said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A hearse and debris can be seen at the rear of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Authorities said Thursday they were investigating the improper storage of human remains at a southern Colorado funeral home that performs green burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. (Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette via AP) A southern Colorado funeral home operator, known for performing "green" burials, is under investigation for improper storage of human remains inside one of its properties, authorities said Thursday. Fremont County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to a report of a "suspicious incident" on Tuesday evening at a funeral home in Penrose, Colorado, a small town about 34 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. The following day, authorities executed a search warrant on the property and discovered "improperly stored" human remains inside the building, the sheriff's office said in a news release Thursday. The sheriffs office said it was working with several state and federal agencies in the investigation. The Penrose property was owned by the Return to Nature Funeral Home, which is based in Colorado Springs, according to authorities. The family-owned and operated funeral home performs what they describe as green or natural burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. The sheriff's office is also asking family members of decedents who have utilized the Return to Nature Funeral Home and individuals who have any potential information related to the investigation to contact authorities. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation told USA TODAY on Thursday that the agency did not have any further information. Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. The investigation is the latest incident involving funeral home operators in Colorado. In January, two Colorado funeral home operators were sentenced to prison for illegally selling body parts and bodies, and giving clients fake ashes. When the dead don't stay buried: The grave situation at cemeteries amid climate change Residents, businesses detected foul odor near funeral home Several law enforcement agencies were investigating the Penrose property, a single-story building with a parking lot surrounded by overgrown weeds, on Thursday. Trash bags could be seen outside the entrance of the building and a hearse was parked in the back. Two law enforcement vehicles were parked in front with yellow police tape closing off the area as a foul odor permeated the air. Joyce Pavetti, 73, lives near the funeral home and can see the property from the stoop of her house. She told the Associated Press that she caught whiffs of a putrid smell in the last few weeks. We just assumed it was a dead animal, she said. On Wednesday night, Pavetti said she saw lights from law enforcement as they swarmed around the building. Different businesses have occupied the building over the years, according to Pavetti, who once took yoga classes there. But Pavetti said she hadn't seen anyone on the property recently and only noticed the hearse behind the building in the last few months. Other residents and nearby businesses also reported smelling the odor coming from behind the building. James Glidewell, who works on a property behind the funeral home, told The Colorado Springs Gazette that he had smelled the odor for at least a month. "I'd randomly smell it, but I didn't think anything of it. I thought it was just roadkill or something like that," he told the newspaper. "Every time you'd drive by here, you'd smell it. Glidewell also noted that the funeral home appeared to be vacant until two vehicles were seen parked on the property's parking lot in June, The Gazette reported. Hearts, brains and bones: Stolen body parts scandal stretches from Harvard to Kentucky Return to Natural Funeral Home declared delinquent The Return to Nature Funeral Home provides burials of non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets, shrouds or "nothing at all," according to its website. The operator charges $1,895 for a green burial, which doesnt include the cost of a casket and cemetery space. "No embalming fluids, no concrete vaults. As natural as possible," the funeral home's website states. Return to Nature was established six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to public records. The funeral home did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. Online records from the state Department of Regulatory Agencies show that the Penrose funeral home was owned by "Hallfordhomes LLC." The company's funeral home license was originally issued on March 25, 2019, and was effective as of Dec. 1, 2021, but expired on Nov. 30, 2022, records show. The company also owns a business with a Colorado Springs address which the Colorado Secretary of State declared delinquent on Oct. 1 for failing to file a routine reporting form that was due at the end of July. According to Fremont County records, the company had changed addresses three times in the Colorado Springs area since its establishment in 2016 with a post office box. County records show that Hallfordhomes still owes about $5,000 in 2022 property taxes for its Penrose building. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bodies found improperly stored at Colorado funeral home: Authorities Stroll down Second Street Lane this First Friday the alleyway between Poplar and Cherry streets and see new illuminated photography displayed as part of the ongoing Bright City outdoor exhibit celebrating aspects of Macons culture, community and history. This years exhibit, Fanning the Flame, is a natural progression from last years titled Rekindling the Flame. Last years provided Indigenous photographers the opportunity to explore their experience of returning to ancestral lands around Macon, including the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. It reflected what had been happening in Macon: the genuine welcoming of Muscogee (Creek) citizens back to their traditional homeland by city-county officials and the wider community with a greater number of Muscogee (Creek) making the bittersweet pilgrimage here for things like the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration at the Mounds and new Fire Starters Indigenous Festival. That was then. The new exhibit brings into view the vision of both visiting Native American and local photographers. A year later, the photographers work is about coming together, meeting one another, getting to know one another and learning from one another, said Tracie Revis, director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative and citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation who now lives here. Its really about beginning to see people as people. An open call for photographers work was narrowed down and a plan to pair their work was made to reflect Macon, its community and the Native American community. But first, there were discussions between them. Vision and ideas were clarified and at times corrected as they got to know one another and began producing their final work. The 10 resulting photos, paired as Native and non-Native, are what youll see down Second Street Lane. How well does it reflect whats happening in the wider community? Look and be the judge. Or better, let the photographs speak, inspire and teach something. Though it might have been the right idea at one time, what youll see goes beyond an Indian standing in front of a mound. Revis, who curated the exhibit, has her own feelings about the results. What I found interesting was the effect conversations photographers had with each other on their thoughts and work during the project, she said. I think their work came to be celebrations and realizations were more alike than different. I think theres a lot of looking past racial barriers to see commonalities. However we each work toward it, we all want to bring healing into our communities. Abigail Vega is art program coordinator for Dashboard, a national, non-profit, creative organization that handled logistics, installation and other services for the show. Its exciting seeing how Bright City: Fanning the Flames brought artists from throughout the nation to collaborate with Macon artists to create something beautiful and something that continues the conversation about Macon and those who once called the area home, she said. Theres the age-old saying that art reflects life and Fanning the Flames does a good job of that. The photos and collaborations exceeded what we were expecting. Bright City: Fanning the Flames includes Muscogee artists Victoria Tiger and Harmony Apel and local Macon photographers Mike Young, Diana Davenport, Sarah Lemon and Matthew Odom. The First Friday exhibit officially opens today from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. following a 6:30 p.m. reception at exhibit sponsor NewTown Macon, 555 Poplar St. Its right around the corner from the alley exhibit. Its free, open to the public and there are complimentary refreshments. Fanning the Flames will be displayed roughly through this time next year. First Friday also starts the weekends All Hands Art Festival, held this year in the parking lot next to the Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. A celebration of art made with clay, glass, metal or wood, it runs through Sunday with art vendors, exhibitions, demonstrations, live music, food trucks and a pottery competition. Its our second year and its bigger and better, said Melissa Macker, director of the 567 Center for Renewal which sponsors the festival along with Visit Macon. Well have food trucks, our art vendors and other activities right in the heart of downtown so its also a chance to get around downtown with all it offers. Macker said the festival features 25 art participants from three states with their wood, glass, metal or clay works on display and for sale. That means things like woodturning, jewelry, pottery, wood burning, glassware, stained glass, blacksmithing and more. And the weathers going to be just beautiful a great Georgia early fall weekend to enjoy, she said. Heidi Clinite is a local artist wholl be at the festival showing her wood-burned art, including her childrens book created through her artful wood burning. Ive been practicing pyrography wood-burning art since 2015 and my booth will feature jewelry and crafts, my wood-burned childrens book, Sassy Susie Sasquatch, and my cabinet of nature-inspired wood-burned art. Im really grateful The 567 and Visit Macon organizes All Hands for three-dimensional artists to showcase their work and process. The Festival begins today with a 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. meet-the-artists VIP reception. The $35 VIP passes can be purchased online until 5 p.m. and include the VIP party, festival admission all weekend and access to a VIP lounge in The Grand. VIP and the festivals $7 day-ticket and other information are at www.the567center.org/allhands. Startup Studio, 1055 Riverside Dr., will host an All Hands after party Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. celebrating festival artists. Food and drink are free. Studio information is at www.facebook.com/startupstudiosmacon. Prior to the VIP reception, The 567 will have its regular, free, First Friday gallery opening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for its Form & Function exhibit. Exhibiting artists will be on hand, including Clinite. Other First Friday art includes the ongoing Ocmulgee to Okmulgee exhibit at the McEachern Art Center, 332 Second St., from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. which features Muscogee (Creek) artists Randy Kemp and Bobby C. Martin. See www.macmacon.com. At the Macon Arts Alliance gallery, 486 First St., see 3 Looks, the first-ever gallery furniture show with work created by Ric Geyer of Triangle Arts/Val-kill Furniture. Its open from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and displays throughout the month. Information is at www.maconartsalliance.org and www.facebook.com/valkillfurniture. Take note: the sixth annual Full Dome Film Festival begins Thursday and runs Oct. 12-14 at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in the Mark Smith Planetarium. More to come next week, but information, ticketing and other links are at www.masmacon.org. Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com. On a Tuesday morning in the fall of 1998, I waited in line at a polling precinct at Manzanita Park in Anaheim. I was 19, voting for the first time, and motivated by ethnic pride to do so. Four years earlier, Californians had overwhelmingly passed Proposition 187, which sought to make life miserable for undocumented immigrants. It spurred my era of Latinos to get involved in local politics and fight for a democracy where people who looked like us would represent us. I admired from afar what was going on in Los Angeles, where crusading politicians with last names like Molina, Polanco, Alatorre, and Alarcon fought for their working class constituents and inspired Latinos across the state. They were on my mind at Manzanita Park as I leafed through an election guide, searching for a Latino candidate any Latino candidate to vote for. That person was Alexandria Coronado. She became the first Latina elected to the Anaheim Union High School District board of trustees. A year later, she voted alongside the boards Republican majority to pass a resolution that sought to sue Mexico for $50 million for educating the children of illegal immigrants. I was there at the meeting, disgusted with her vote on the resolution and my vote that helped her get on the board. Then came a surprise: The sole dissenting trustee was LaFrance Slim Terrell, a Missouri native and my former principal at Sycamore Junior High. From the dais, he ripped up the resolution and said to cheers from the room, Theres no reason for it, no need ... to come up with something this divisive. That lesson about the limits of identity politics immediately came to mind the morning of Oct. 9 last year, when my editor asked if I could listen to a secretly recorded conversation. I heard four of the biggest names in L.A. politics, names I had once held in esteem as Latino champions, use racist and demeaning language to disparage just about everyone in the name of defending and expanding Latino political power. Read more: Inside the room: The entire L.A. City Council racist audio leak, annotated by our experts City Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmembers Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo, and L.A. County Labor Federation head Ron Herrera griped that Latinos who make up about half of the residents in L.A. and L.A. County didnt have enough representation in government, while other groups especially Black voters had too much of it. They cursed about this. They disparaged colleagues who they felt stood in the way of Latinos. They whined about perceived affronts to "us." They laughed at the expense of Black children and Oaxacans. Mostly, they plotted how to game 2021's council district redistricting process and recruit candidates so that Latinos could get more council members and right what they perceived were historical wrongs. "Look back, and what have any of them done for Latinos?" Herrera said, referring to non-Latino politicians. "And what are they going to do moving forward in the city? ... The way I see it, all of the seats are Latino. Were in a different spot now than we were 25 years ago, Cedillo replied. The thing for us is to exercise our power. "Why are people fing with us?" Martinez said later in the recording. "Its always the case. We dont get involved in anybody elses neighborhoods." Its not [about] us, De Leon claimed, talking about their planned machinations. Its for Latino strength for the foreseeable future. L.A. Councilmember Kevin de Leon and then-Council President Nury Martinez confer at a meeting on Oct. 4, 2022. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A year later, the hour-plus conversation still shocks with its nastiness and continues to cast a noxious cloud over Los Angeles and beyond. Martinez and Herrera stepped down soon after its release; Cedillo served out his term after losing to Eunisses Hernandez; De Leon is running for reelection in 2024. The four remain political pariahs in large swaths of the city for their role in the scandal. Yet the main issue that drove their discussion where does Latino political power stand in Los Angeles? remains as vital and vexing to the future of L.A. as ever. It has loomed over the city ever since Edward R. Roybal became the first Latino council member in modern times in 1947 and planted the seeds that turned the Eastside into a model for Latino political power. It fueled the politicians who came of age in the cauldron of the Proposition 187 years, like Cedillo and De Leon, that turned California and Los Angeles into the deep-blue political havens they are today. A Latino political identity helped people like Martinez to win elections in areas like the eastern San Fernando Valley, which became majority Latino long before its elected officials looked like the population that they served. But this representation-as-salvation strategy is increasingly rejected by the newest wave of Latino leaders as not just imperfect to push L.A. forward, but also antiquated and even dangerous and the leaked tape served as proof. Read more: Op-Ed: Latino political power is still growing but not the way many people expected For Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, they showed the poison of identity politics and how it could be weaponized, and its many shortcomings. He won in a majority-Latino district last year by following Hernandez's example and running a class-conscious campaign that didnt shy away from his Mexican background but never put it in the forefront. If we dont recognize that in order to change our economic system in a positive way, were going to continue to fight each other on a sinking ship, he said. Weve become so infatuated with numbers that demography becomes an anchor, said Alberto Retana, head of Community Coalition. The South L.A.-based nonprofit counts Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson as former leaders. In the tape, De Leon said the group commonly referred to as CoCo was trying to f him politically. "It was never meant to be the end goal," Retana said. "If we focus on that, well just continue to circle the wagons and not advance anywhere." Fernando Guerra, director for the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University, has tracked the rise of Latino political power for decades. He thinks the leak sounded like the participants "were talking 20 years ago, instead of talking about how L.A. should be for the next 20 years." "This is tough to comprehend, but Latinos are overrepresented in L.A. politics," he continued, pointing to the liberal-progressive compass that has governed L.A. politics over the last generation. There is no exclusion of Latinos in L.A. politics because the Latino agenda is L.A.s agenda. But Guerra also acknowledged that saying Latinos don't need Latinos to represent them isn't a message many Latinos want to hear. "Oftentimes, many Latino activists think that creating space for others come at their expense. They'll say, 'Hey, thats great, thats beautiful. But what about our representation? We agree with that, but not here.' "That," he concluded, "is an ethnic pitfall." Rep. Edward R. Roybal (D-L.A.) addresses students in Hazard Park in 1968. Roybal become the first Latino elected to the Los Angeles City Council in modern times in 1947 and planted the seeds for Latino political power in L.A. (Los Angeles Times) I didnt pay close attention to L.A.'s Latino political scene until last year, when I covered the downfall of Sheriff Alex Villanueva and the leak fiasco. Seeing it up close has been a revelation and mostly a dispiriting one. Latinos have power in L.A., for sure. They hold three of the four most important positions in criminal justice: City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto, Dist. Atty. George Gascon, and L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna. One of Californias U.S. senators is Alex Padilla, a Mexican American from the San Fernando Valley who was the first Latino to serve as City Council president. In southeast Los Angeles County, Anthony Rendon just finished his tenure as California's second-longest-serving speaker of the Assembly, while former South Gate Assemblymember Hector De La Torre is the second-longest-serving member on the powerful California Air Resources Board. But outside of those roles, Latino political power in L.A. is scattershot and riven with rivalries its Game of Thrones with cumbia and tequila shots, caudillo vibes and huipil style. Fiefdoms prefer to fight within themselves instead of ally with other parts of the city, even as life becomes harder for Latinos. Players in this game have long complained that Latino politicians suffer too much scrutiny by outsiders for things that all politicians do. My response: And that's bad why? As the 2024 election creeps up, it's time to examine what Latino political power has wrought upon L.A., for better or worse. For the next couple of months, I plan to write about this topic by focusing on four case studies. Through the series, I hope people can better understand the stakes for the future of Latino political power, which Retana said finds itself at "a fork in the road. Do we want to focus on representation or transformation?" Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) addresses a news conference after he was given a tour of the D, or Purple, Line Extension Project's Century City station site as part of his statewide infrastructure listening tour in 2021. He began his political career as a L.A. council member representing parts of his native eastern San Fernando Valley. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) The most famous example is the Eastside. It's a place that continuously produces outsize politicians, too many who have fallen into scandal. The race for De Leon's seat which includes two Assembly members and former allies of his, Wendy Carrillo and Miguel Santiago promises to be the latest bruising campaign in an area notorious for them, a never-ending novela in which residents play perpetual pawns. Up the 5 Freeway, the San Fernando Valley has offered a different way forward. Through a remarkable, decades-long campaign, Latinos there almost all connected by a shared pedigree of high school, college, nonprofits, working on one another's campaigns, or a combination of all four have won seat after seat over the last 30 years. As a result, the northeast San Fernando Valley has become as important a locus of Latino political power as the Eastside. Latino representation is something long pined for in South Los Angeles, the historical heart of Black L.A. that is now nearly two-thirds Latino. Latino candidates have tried and failed to win races for years in a landscape where Latino activists whisper that Black political leaders should move out of the way, while Black residents fret about a Latino takeover that will leave them behind. This zero-sum game has young candidates asking: why not someone who equally represents both? Then there's southeast Los Angeles County, a collection of small cities where Latinos have dominated city councils since the late 1990s but where that power became synonymous with corruption. A new generation of born-and-raised leaders in SELA an acronym for the region popular with young activists has emerged and united to seek regional power from boards and institutions that have long ignored them. Then-Cudahy Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar presides over a City Council meeting at City Hall in 2020. She and other Latino politicians of her generation represent hope for residents after years of corruption scandals in the cities of southeast Los Angeles County. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) Each case study offers templates for success and cautionary tales that Latino politicians, activists and voters everywhere should commit to memory and non-Latinos too. Pomona College politics professor Sara Sadhwani, who served on the California Citizens Redistricting Commission that drew up district lines in 2020 for the states congressional, legislative and Board of Equalization seats, said the issue of how Latino political power is playing out in Los Angeles matters because the city is attempting to have a truly multiracial, multiethnic democracy. The issues we see here today with communities of color each making legitimate claims for representation, well see more of these struggles in other cities." So goes California, Sadhwani concluded, so goes the nation. Better yet: So goes Latino political power in L.A., so goes L.A. Which way will we go? 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. EVANSVILLE The 18-year-old student pilot who died in a plane crash last week was a dedicated Eagle Scout with a heart for service who yearned to fly, those who knew him said. Connor Ward Quisenberry, of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, graduated from Ohio County High School this year, according to his obituary. After graduating, Quisenberry attended Owensboro Community College and obtained his student pilot's license. "He loved flying, all sports, the beach and spending time with his family and friends," Quisenberry's obituary states in part. "Connor was a very active member of Hartford Christian Church." Quisenberry and a 22-year-old flight instructor, Timothy McKellar Jr., perished Sept. 27 after the Piper PA-28-series aircraft they were piloting encountered severe turbulence, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. On Sept. 28, searchers located Quisenberry's and McKellar's remains along with the airplane near New Panther Creek Church in Ohio County, Kentucky. Amanda Shaffer, who served as Quisenberry's scoutmaster, told the Courier & Press that he "had a heart for service." Connor Quisenberry "He led by example and as a great role model," Shaffer said. "He was always willing to pitch in and help. If he saw a need, he filled it without hesitation... I couldn't begin to count how many service hours he has." Quisenberry became Troop 173s senior patrol leader, and he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in May 2022. His Eagle Scout service project entailed constructing a fire pit and seating area at Ohio County Park. At the time of the crash, Quisenberry worked at Holiday World and for the City of Beaver Dam, all while he completed his ongoing college classes and flying lessons, Shaffer said. "Everyone you talk to is going to tell you hes a good kid," Shaffer explained. "And he really truly was. He was genuinely kind." The Rev. Scott Parker, the senior minister at Hartford Christian Church, knew Quisenberry well. Parker told the Courier & Press that Quisenberry demonstrated remarkable dedication to his family, his community, his chuch and his faith. For more than a year, Quisenberry had been contemplating if he should become a minister himself. Connor loved his friends and would do anything for them, Parker said. He loved the Lord and served so faithfully at Hartford Christian Church. More: Remains of student pilot and instructor found after plane crashes in Ohio County, Kentucky Just a few weeks before the fatal crash, Quisenberry learned he had been accepted into Johnson University, where he planned to study youth ministry work during the upcoming Spring semester. Still, Quisenberry's passion for flying was, Parker and Shaffer said, intense. By mid-2022, he had already obtained his pilots license and chose to further his aviation experience by enrolling in a flight school in the fall of 2023. Several of the Troop 173 boys attended Quisenberry's funeral on Sunday. The service opened with a recitation of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, mottos Shaffer said Quisenberry exemplified. "He took that seriously and tried to live to those standards," Shaffer recalled. "He was mature, an old soul. He never sounded like a teenager. He was always deliberate and thorough in his work. He wanted to do the right things right." McKellar, who served as Quisenberry's flight instructor on Sept. 27, operated the YouTube channel Big Rubber Ranch, which had more than 2,000 subscribers as of Monday afternoon. A video posted to the channel on Aug. 6 shows McKellar flying a fellow YouTuber to grab a meal from Waffle House. "Sorry for the long pause from YouTube," McKellar wrote in the video's description. "I just finished my piloting school; that was super hectic, and now Im back to posting." But other posts McKellar is alleged to have authored on social media prior to the fatal, Sept. 27 crash have garnered intense criticism from the aviation community. Several of the posts appeared to show McKellar disparaging Quisenberry as the pair loaded up their aircraft to make the nighttime return flight to Owensboro. Some of the posts also reportedly depicted McKellar photos and videos from inside the aircraft's cockpit as he and Quisenberry approached severe weather. According to McKellar's obituary, McKellar's funeral was held Wednesday at the Breckinridge County High School Gymnasium. McKellar loved all things fast: lifted and diesel trucks, airplanes and motorcycles, his obituary states. Junior never met a stranger, made those around him laugh (and) loved to entertain. What investigators, flight data, reveal about the crash NTSB spokeswoman Jennifer Gabris told the Courier & Press that Quisenberry and McKellar were en route from Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport to Owensboro-Daviess Regional Airport the night of Sept. 27, with McKellar acting as the instructor. The pair were flying a four-seat, single-engine Piper PA-28-161 aircraft that was registered to Eagle Flight Academy, a flight school based in Owensboro. Eagle Flight Academy has not responded to requests for comment from the Courier & Press. The pair reportedly encountered instrument weather conditions during the flight home, which caused them to contact air traffic control and request a modified flight plan. ATC (air traffic control) provided a radar vector to the instructor to move the airplane away from the extreme weather, and the pilot (McKellar) reported that they were in severe turbulence, Gabris said. Soon after, the controller lost contact with the pilot. According to investigators, staff at Evansville Regional Airport notified dispatchers in Kentucky that the Piper aircraft had likely crashed or gone missing at 10:55 p.m. The aviation tracking firm FlightAware captured data detailing the flight using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast technology. ADS-B technology captures an aircrafts position, along with other metrics, and broadcasts the data via high-frequency radio. The data shows McKellar and Quisenberry performed several take-offs and landings at Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport before beginning their trip back to Owensboro at 9:55 p.m. After climbing to an initial altitude of about 1,600 feet, the Piper aircraft is seen flying a steady, northwest heading toward a pair of large storm cells. As the aircraft approached Morgantown, Kentucky, it appeared to veer around the outer edge of a storm on its left while also avoiding a second cell on its right. At 10:44 p.m., the plane began to gain altitude rapidly while conducting several sharp turns, ultimately reaching a maximum altitude of 6,500 feet southwest of Whitesville, Kentucky. By 10:48 p.m., the aircrafts positive climb rate turned into a steep descent, according to the ADS-B data. FlightAwares NDS-B tracking service received its last transmission from the Piper PA-28 at 11:49 p.m. That data entry shows the plane was traveling 155 mph and descending at a rate of 3,818 feet per minute. After searchers located the crash site, federal investigators transported the wreckage to a secure facility in Tennessee for further examination, according to Gabris. The agency is expected to publish a preliminary crash report within weeks, though the final report could take one to two years to complete. Part of the investigation will be to request radar data, weather information, maintenance records and the pilots medical records, Gabris said. NTSB investigators will look at the human, machine and environment as the outline of the investigation. Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Community mourns young pilot, Eagle Scout killed in KY plane crash Federal regulators took a big step toward a recall of millions of potentially dangerous airbags. Channel 2 investigates first reported on the concerns with ARC Airbag Inflaters back in May. Regulators at the Department of Transportation first asked ARC to recall the airbags and the company refused. Now, they are looking to order a recall. To do that, there has to be a public hearing and one was held this week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Its been an eight-year-long investigation into potential safety risks from the airbag inflators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the inflators are linked to at least seven injuries and one death in the United States. Data and evidence suggest that this will happen again. The timing is unpredictable, said Sharon Yukevich with the Office of Defects Investigation. In May, Channel 2 Action News showed you the result. A womans attorney described to Gray the severe injuries she suffered when an airbag with an ARC inflator deployed. The attorney showed a piece of shrapnel that doctors removed from the womans neck. My client was catastrophically injured, Attorney Andrew Parker Felix told Gray. NHTSA held a public discussion about the extent of the risk before making a final decision from inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive and some made by Delphi Automotive Systems. ARC respectively disagrees with NTHSAs position, said Stephen Gold, vice president of product integrity for ARC Automotive. ARC said it has been cooperating with the investigation, but argue with less than a dozen reported incidents, a recall is not needed. ARC has not found a systemic defect, Gold said. 2 INVESTIGATES Theyre not acceptable casualties in a game of corporate Russian roulette, said Kevin Fitzgerald with Recall Awareness. Fitzgerald resigned from his former job at another airbag company, Takata, and became a whistleblower after their airbags were linked to more than two dozen deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide. Tens of millions of those Takata airbags were recalled. Channel 2 Action News has shown you what it looks like when the airbag explodes. The ARC inflators cause the same types of explosions and injuries as the Takata airbag defect. We know at least 12 vehicle manufacturers use the ARC inflators, but its unknown which car makes and models may have the allegedly faulty parts. Its time to close the investigation and get them off the road, Fitzgerald said. The public can also weigh in and submit comments to DOT about the airbag safety concerns. The department will consider all the input they heard this week and the public comments before making a decision on the recall. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] RELATED NEWS: Standing on stage on Sept. 16 in a Washington hotel ballroom at the Pray Vote Stand Summit, Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., vowed to expunge wokeism from the U.S. military. The audience, largely evangelical attendees, responded with raucous applause. Wokeism will eat our country inside-out if we let it, and weve got to stop it from taking over and transforming the military, Banks said, standing in front of a backdrop adorned with the words, De-Woking the Pentagon. Ive made that my top mission in Congress. Hosted by the Family Research Council, an evangelical activist organization known for its staunch opposition to abortion and LGBTQ rights, the event was headlined by a discussion on returning the militarys focus to its mission. Alongside Banks, who chairs the House Armed Services Committees personnel panel, two retired military officials vehemently denounced the Pentagons efforts toward diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI. People pray during the Pray Vote Stand Summit, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Opposition to the Pentagons DEI efforts has spiked among select conservative lawmakers since 2020, when Congress first expanded such programs and mandated the Defense Departments hiring of a chief diversity officer, said Liz Yates, a researcher with the advocacy group Human Rights First. Attempts by some lawmakers to dismantle the militarys DEI programs has reached a flash point as the House and Senate struggle to come to terms on the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Department Appropriations Act, which Congress must pass annually to determine military spending. In response to growing opposition, Human Rights First and 37 other advocacy organizations sent a letter to House and Senate leaders Wednesday, urging them to strike 22 proposals from this years bill, each of which target the militarys DEI and anti-extremism initiatives. Eighteen of those proposals were included in the House-passed version, with the rest coming from the Senate. In total, Congress considered 56 proposals for provisions and amendments to DEI efforts. Lawmakers from both chambers still need to convene to negotiate differences between the two bills. [W]e write to express grave concerns about dangerous provisions included in the House and Senate-passed versions, the letter states. These provisions threaten the health and welfare of service members and their families, undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the military, and harm recruitment, retention, and force readiness. Minority Veterans of America, Protect Our Defenders, Service Womens Action Network, Vet Voice Foundation and Veterans for American Ideals are among the groups that endorsed the letter, which argues that the proposed cuts would yield a very severe rollback of critical support for service members, according to Yates. Human Rights First started tracking congressional efforts to rein in the militarys DEI initiatives this summer, when the organization reported that lawmakers had introduced 16 bills targeting such programs during the current congressional session double the previous iteration. If approved, the proposals would eliminate the Pentagons chief diversity officer and cut pay and staff from the militarys DEI offices. Also prohibited would be training on critical race theory, a term used to describe the idea that racism is systemic in U.S. institutions. Additional proposals include the elimination of Pride flags on DoD grounds, gender pronouns on official correspondence, and books that mention gender identity in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity. Proposals to curb funding and staff, meanwhile, would negatively affect the collection of data about diversity in the armed forces, Yates argued, adding that such action could ruin efforts to determine the demographic makeup of service academies, officer training schools and the Senior Reserve Officers Training Corps. That data, she said, is vital to understanding inequities in the services. These are dangerous. Its not just messaging these can have serious impacts, Yates said. If theyre going to do everything they can to defund DEI, that means data collection is not going to happen. Some GOP lawmakers argue the proposals address items hurting the Pentagons recruitment efforts. On stage at the Pray Vote Stand Summit, Banks told a story of a teenage boy who wanted to join the Marine Corps but was concerned about being condemned for his conservative background. I believe that wokeism is driving people away who would have formerly wanted to serve in our military, Banks said. Little evidence exists, meanwhile, that DEI initiatives are a root cause for recruiting shortfalls. The Pentagons Inspector General reported earlier this year that the majority of would-be recruits are not enlisting because of fear of death in combat, having grown up hearing about casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is also increased competition between the military and the private sector for top talent, and private companies, on average, offer higher pay, the report states. As GOP lawmakers continue to accuse President Joe Biden of politicizing the Pentagon, advocacy organizations and political analysts contend that recent conservative messaging suggesting the armed forces are too woke is the actual factor eroding public confidence in the military. There is very little evidence of wokeness in the military, but there is a lot of evidence of the concern of wokeness in the military, said Peter Feaver, a Duke University professor and author of a book on civil-military relations. Weve reached the point where the concern is greater than the reality. No one has presented evidence that is commensurate with the amount of energy that is being devoted to it. House Democrats argued this week that the chambers version of the defense appropriations bill was one reason the party voted with ultra-conservative lawmakers to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as House speaker. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said in a letter Tuesday that McCarthy allowed the bill to become a right-wing wish list full of highly partisan poison pills. Debates over the Houses defense appropriations bill offer just one example of lawmakers being less willing to compromise, Feaver said. Additionally, the tendency of lawmakers to push through an increasing number of proposals on the annual defense appropriations bill, rather than debate them as stand-alone legislation, is making Congress ineffective, he argued. The more we layer onto the defense budget all of our most divisive culture war issues, the more we risk not having an appropriations bill and just having a continuing resolution, Feaver said. Congress has the authority to decide these issues, and if it wants to be seized with these issues, thats what Congress gets to do. But to spend all of the congressional energy on these issues and fail to address military modernization and the mission-focused parts of the budget Congress will have misallocated its energies. Editorial Fellow Jaime Moore-Carrillo contributed to this report. This story was produced in partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Please send tips to MVJ-Tips@militarytimes.com. MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The unemployment rate in the Philippines fell to 4.4 percent in August from 4.8 percent in July, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Friday. The number of unemployed Filipinos declined to 2.21 million in August from 2.27 million in July, the PSA said. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said that the government continues to create better job opportunities for Filipinos. "To raise the quality of employment further, the Marcos administration is committed to exerting all efforts to shape an attractive business climate for investors who have the resources needed to bring in high-quality and high-paying jobs," Balisacan said. Lawmakers are upset about deteriorating military barracks and housing conditions, expressing serious concerns about delayed repairs and failing conditions, including mold and nonfunctioning air conditioning and heating units. The issue was amplified this week after Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) threatened to withhold all Army civilian nominations that require Senate confirmation, or the most senior positions within the military branch. Hawley blasted the Army for what he called a continual failure to keep its promises to the soldiers and families of Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, upset that more than 1,000 family homes are in disrepair and a pledge of $41 million to repair them has yet to be fulfilled. The Armys inability to meet its own deadlines is unacceptable, and I will wait no longer, Hawley wrote to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. The soldiers and families at Fort Leonard Wood deserve better, and it is your responsibility to deliver for them. More broadly, lawmakers are upset after a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report last month found the Defense Department is failing to maintain living conditions, with thousands of servicemembers living below standard conditions. The GAO flagged that the Pentagon does not adequately inspect barracks and housing, fails to conduct oversight of repairs and struggles to track funding for related housing projects. Auditors found broken windows and inoperable fire systems, poor water quality, pest infestations and severe mold growth. They also identified a problem with crime in the community. Enlisted servicemembers from all military services told us poor living conditions negatively affect work performance, training, and [the Pentagons] ability to recruit qualified personnel, auditors wrote in the report. The GAO issued 31 recommendations, such as updating minimum standards inside the barracks and conducting more proper living condition reviews, most of which the Pentagon agreed to implement. After the report, 17 senators and representatives sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, saying the military was failing to provide the most basic oversight and care of barracks facilities located at ten installations. The GAO report provided an embarrassing list of failures they found when inspecting these buildings, the bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote. It is clear that there are failures at all levels. Across the enterprise, personnel are shirking their responsibilities to provide service members with safe, habitable living spaces. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Pentagon recently warned Congress in a statement and a letter that it is running low on funds to support Ukraine and replenish U.S. military stocks. The longer that Congress waits to pass additional Ukraine funding, the more U.S. interests and military readiness will suffer. After Congress failed to include additional funding for Ukraine in the legislation passed on Sept. 30 to avert a government shutdown, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh warned Tuesday that time is short to provide additional funding. We have enough funding authorities to meet Ukraines battlefield needs for just a little bit longer, but we need Congress to act to ensure there is no disruption in our support, especially as the department seeks to replenish our stocks, Singh said. That warning follows Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Mike McCords letter to House leaders on Sept. 29 expressing deep concern with the absence of security assistance for Ukraine in the continuing resolution. McCord explained that the Pentagon has exhausted nearly all available security assistance funding for Ukraine. Money appropriated under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, or USAI, which allows the U.S. government to procure arms for Ukraine, has run out entirely, he said. Without additional funding now, we would have to delay or curtail assistance to meet Ukraines urgent requirements, including for air defense and [155mm artillery] ammunition, McCord warned. Timely commitments and contracting under USAI are particularly important given that Kyivs supply of artillery ammunition will likely already be tight in 2024, while the Russians are ramping up production. Throughout the war, relative availability of artillery ammunition has proved to be a key factor. USAI is one of two vehicles through which Washington gives military aid to Ukraine. The other is presidential drawdown authority, whereby the administration draws directly from existing U.S. stocks, expediting delivery. The administration has around $5.4 billion left of previously appropriated PDA funding. Those funds may be enough to meet Kyivs immediate needs. But without more PDA funding, Washington will be hard-pressed to sustain Ukraines military through the winter, let alone resource another offensive in the spring. Depending on how long Congress takes to act, delays in additional Ukraine funding could also force the United States to postpone commitments of pricier items to ensure enough budget space exists to meet Ukraines basic needs. Weapons on the chopping block in such a scenario could include the Army Tactical Missile System, which the White House reportedly has belatedly agreed to give Ukraine after bipartisan congressional pressure. Even if funding ultimately arrives in time, the Hills dallying causes uncertainty that inhibits U.S. and Ukrainian planning. Without a sense of future U.S. aid levels, Kyiv may be forced to conserve resources to avoid the risk of being left vulnerable later. Ukraine and its Western backers also need to begin planning now for force generation and training efforts to support offensives next year. Congress should be aware that its inaction does not only hurt Ukraine. It also hurts the U.S. military by hampering efforts to replenish U.S. stocks. As McCord explained, the Pentagon has just $1.6 billion left of the $25.9 billion appropriated to replace U.S. military equipment and munitions sent to Ukraine through PDA. Based on this funding situation, the Defense Department has already been forced to slow down the replenishment of our own forces to hedge against an uncertain funding future, he warned. Failure to replenish our military services on a timely basis could harm our militarys readiness. The war in Ukraine is a test of both military strength and political will. Russian President Vladimir Putin is betting that he can outlast U.S. resolve. Congressional delay in providing Ukraine with additional security assistance risks confirming Putins impression, extending the war and depriving U.S. troops of the weapons they need. John Hardie is the deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank, where Bradley Bowman serves as the senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power. A home builder is accused of faking his own disappearance in an elaborate plot to steal money from clients, a Texas lawsuit says. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, Oct. 4, in Harris County District Court, accuses Brett Detamore of abandoning home construction builds when he executed a plot to go into hiding. Detamore, 38, was said to have gone missing June 21 from West University Place, a suburb of Houston. His burning truck was discovered the same day. He was found alive at a San Antonio bus stop five days later, when his scheme was burned down and exposed, according to the lawsuit filed by his clients. Police said Detamores disappearance was pre-planned, and there were no indications of foul play. Before going into hiding, Detamore had already stolen money meant for the construction of homes, the lawsuit says. He falsified invoices and submitted them to a financing bank to acquire the money, according to the lawsuit. Rather than use the funds for the homes, the stolen funds were used to support Brett Detamores lavish lifestyle, the lawsuit says, alleging Detamore used money on Super Bowl and World Series tickets, high-priced vehicles and a home in Galveston worth more than $1 million. Detamore has not been charged criminally, but he and his development company now face two civil lawsuits. More lawsuits are expected to be filed, attorney Butch Boyd told KPRC. My clients, if you ask them, the answers might be different, ranging from we want our money back, to we think he belongs in jail, Boyd told the outlet. One man suing Detamore is seeking $1 million after the developers disappearance uncovered his deceit and fraud, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuits accused Detamore of breach of contract, with one outlining counts of fraud, conspiracy and civil theft. At attorney representing Detamore told KPRC the allegations are still being reviewed. The events of the last few months have been tragic and unfortunately the subject of much public speculation and rumor, a statement from the attorney read, according to KPRC. Mr. Detamore is getting the help he needs, and the entire Detamore family requests privacy at this time. 23-year-old womans disappearance was a hoax, PA cops say. The community was scared Contractor scams target homeowners across US, consumer watchdog warns. How to spot one Conversion therapy, designed to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity, has been condemned by major medical and mental health groups, but it remains far too prevalent, especially for transgender people, according to a new study. The study, published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One, looked at previous surveys of LGBTQ+ people on whether theyd experienced what the authors call conversion practices, or CP. Mental health professionals consider these practices not only ineffective but harmful, contributing to depression and other negative consequences, including suicide. The authors, affiliated with a variety of universities, examined 14 surveys of patients conducted between 2011 and 2020, plus two studies of mental health care providers. The patient surveys were drawn from the U.S., Canada, and Australia, Colombia, South Korea, and U.K. Six of the surveys were conducted in the U.S., four in Canada, and one in each of the other locales. Across the literature, the median proportion of cisgender LGBQ+ people whod been subjected to conversion therapy was 4 percent, while for trans people the median was 12 percent. This finding is likely attributable to the longer history of health professionals denouncing CP targeting sexual orientation, as compared to the more recent denouncements of CP targeting gender identity, not to mention the slower improvements in affirming attitudes, social policies and legal protection regarding transgender people (as compared to cis gay and lesbian people), the authors wrote. Among both cis and trans people, conversion therapy was more common among those who were assigned male at birth. While interpretation of this gradient requires nuance, it may at least partially reflect a broad and unjust societal preference for or privileging of masculinity over femininity (i.e., sexism), the authors noted. They added, Amid overlapping contexts of sexism, gender binarism, and cisheteropatriarchy, penalties for violating gender norms and expectations of masculinity may in this case be greater than those rendered for violating gender norms and expectations of femininity. The highest prevalence of conversion therapy was among young adults. Smaller numbers of both youth and older adults reported having gone through the therapy. Twenty-one states in the U.S. have laws barring licensed therapists from subjecting minors to conversion therapy, and many cities and counties do as well. But unlicensed counselors, such as those affiliated with churches, arent covered by such laws. Canada has banned the practice for both youth and adult patients, with a law that took effect in 2022. In the surveys of U.S. patients, the median proportion that reported having experienced the therapy was 13 percent, while that in Canada was 7 percent. This may be due to Canada having more affirming social environments and stronger legal protections for LGTBQ+ people than the U.S., the authors wrote. In any case, conversion therapy is still too common, the researchers said. Were disheartened to find that these practices remain prevalent, lead author Travis Salway, an assistant professor of health sciences at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, told NBC News. The study called for more research, especially on the people most affected by conversion therapy, such as trans people, Indigenous populations, and certain other racial groups. But public policy addressing conversion therapy need not wait for more evidence, the authors wrote. Their study should motivate concerted action on the part of governments and civil society groups, they said, adding that it is important for bans to cover gender identity and expression. Beyond bans, they said, its crucial to enforce professional and regulatory standards for therapists; promote an affirming culture in health care and other parts of society, such as religious groups; and offer broad, public education about the persistence of [conversion therapy] and its harms. Should this review be repeated in the future, we hope that prevalence will have abated; if not, these prevention strategies must be revisited, they concluded. 2024 presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy said Thursday that he was the victim of an intentional attack by two protesters who he claimed had driven their vehicle into an unoccupied campaign car at a coffee shop in Iowa near where he was campaigning. But police there told a different storysaying their investigation turned up no evidence to substantiate the idea that the driver intentionally hit the campaigns rental vehicle. [The driver] stated she was not in the area to protest, she did not know who the vehicle she struck belonged to, she did not intentionally back into the vehicle, and she did not flee the scene of the accident, Grinnell police said in a statement. They were subsequently issued a summons for unsafe backing. Despite the police statement, Ramaswamys campaign said it stood by the initial narrative it had shared. Im very confident, as a witness, his spokesperson told a reporter for the Des Moines Register. A statement issued by the campaign also claims to have video evidence of the individuals flipping off Vivek, and said it was puzzling why police released the statement in the first place. Had a civil exchange with protestors today, right before two of them then got into their car & rammed it into ours. Those two should be held accountable, but the rest of the peaceful protestors shouldnt be tarred by the behavior of two bad actors. https://t.co/AePWupLDEj Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) October 5, 2023 Read it at The Des Moines Register Read more at The Daily Beast. When just a few thousand state employees took Novo Nordisks weight loss drugs in 2021, the $1,350 monthly list price was steep but manageable for the NC State Health Plan. After all, the blockbuster obesity drugs showed game-changing results. People taking Wegovy lost about 15% of their body weight. Clinical trials showed weekly injections could stave off diabetes and severe heart disease. Doctors hailed the drug as a breakthrough in obesity treatment. But spending on these drugs has spiraled out of control now that more than 23,000 of NCSHPs members take Wegovy and its less effective predecessor Saxenda, said Treasurer Dale Folwell, who oversees the state health plan. The plan spent more on Wegovy than any other medication this year, the plans pharmacy benefit manager told the board of trustees in August. At this pace, the State Health Plan would have to raise monthly premiums by $50 for 570,000 members in order to cover the projected costs of the medications, according to an analysis from NCSHPs actuary. Were on a trajectory of the health plan being financially under siege because of this one product, Folwell said. This month, NCSHP leaders are expected to reconsider how, or whether, the plan will cover these obesity medications moving forward in a decision that is likely to impact tens of thousands of state employees. The future of weight-loss drug coverage in limbo In other states, public employee health plans have already started to pull back coverage of anti-obesity drugs like Wegovy and Saxenda. The health insurance plan for University of Michigan employees announced earlier this year that it would raise copays for the drugs in order to incentivize members to pick cheaper, although less effective, medications instead. The plan for the University of Texas employees removed coverage for Wegovy and Saxenda on Sept. 1, citing unsustainable costs without a meaningful reduction in health care spending from obesity complications. This summer, Connecticuts state health plan announced it would only cover weight-loss prescriptions written by doctors from a single, approved obesity treatment company. NCSHP is now considering its own options. As one of the largest state health plans in the U.S., North Carolinas health plan is facing this problem at another scale. In the first half of this year, about 2% of U.S. prescriptions for these obesity drugs came from North Carolina State Health Plan members alone. According to an NCSHP analysis, the plans spending on Wegovy and Saxenda accounted for nearly 3% of Novo Nordisks North American sales of the medications in the same time period. At an August health plan meeting, the NCSHP director asked to hold off on adding a new diabetes medication (which could be used off-label for weight loss) to the list of covered medications while leadership reviews the entire class of drugs, a spokesperson for the Treasurers office said. We have no choice but to do whats in the best interest of our members, Folwell said. And if that includes taking advice and best practices from other statesthen we will do that. A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk declined to comment on the ongoing review or individual sales statistics from the state health plan. Obesity specialists have urged the state health plan to keep these medications accessible to their patients, who would likely see the benefits of the drugs reversed if their injections became unaffordable. On average, patients who stop the injections gain back about half of the weight they lost on the medications within a few years, said Dr. Andrea Coviello, the director of UNC School of Medicines Weight Management Program. Dr. Kajal Zalavadia, a Raleigh obesity medicine specialist, said in a recent NCSHP meeting that scaling back coverage of these drugs could put thousands of state employees back at risk of developing obesity-related complications, like heart disease and diabetes. Its very short-sighted to cut off or reduce access to these effective anti-obesity medications, she said. It makes thousands of your employees sicker. Does Wegovy spending pay off in the long run? Novo Nordisk lobbyists have argued that the upfront cost of their drugs pays off in the long run because patients on the medications are less likely to develop other costly chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. All of these obesity treatments do have costs associated but theres a lot of health economic benefits, the representative for the pharmaceutical company said at a recent State Health Plan meeting. NCSHP argues the longer-term savings arent nearly enough to offset the cost, especially given that members would have to take the expensive drugs in perpetuity in order to maintain the health benefits. An independent analysis from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, a nonprofit that reviews US prescription drug pricing, found Wegovy is not cost-effective at its current price. Coviello cautioned that cost-effectiveness, which quantifies the monetary value of life, is based on subjective measures that are open to interpretation. The NCSHPs own analysis of current research found there were no studies that show a positive return on investment. If there were significant savings in medical claims to offset the high pharmacy costs, most plans would cover these drugs, but that has yet to be proven, the report concluded. State health plan leaders will discuss the future of these medications at the next Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 26. Teddy Rosenbluth covers science and health care for The News & Observer in a position funded by Duke Health and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. Rising health care costs might impact benefits for state employees. Heres what to know Being a parent is arguably the hardest job in the world. Parents struggle in all different ways but rarely talk about it. Thats why a Weymouth mother wanted to create a platform where parents could connect with each other and not feel alone. That founder is now expanding her reach into another part of the state. Meghan Block understands the value of small businessesher family-owned one. Our customers are the reason that I had socks that I could do dance class, said Meghan Block, the CEO and owner of Boston Moms. Meghan wanted to fulfill her own mission one day but she says she actually found her calling in the middle of the nightscrolling through Instagram. There was a post there that resonated with me for some reason in the middle of the night, and I thought, oh my gosh, this mom really knows what Im going through, said Block. And I was a young mom. I didnt have a ton of friends with children at the time. And I felt for the first time really connected to this person who was halfway across the country. Meghan reached out to the owner of Boston Moms blog and started writing for her. She ended up buying the business a week before the COVID shutdowns--and started Bostonmoms.com. Then realized really quickly that I could not fail, said Block. My family was at stake in some ways. We had really invested in this, and I had to put everything I had into it. And she did. Meghan worked countless hours and in three and half years, she says her business grew 600%. She has 45 freelance writers creating content that helps connect moms on all sorts of issues. We provide that moms eye view and that unfiltered sort of resource, said Block. And thats what has brought all of these moms to us. Were reaching nearly 400,000 parents a month right now. And I think that thats just because we arent super polished. Were real people behind the screen. I think Boston and the urban environment is very different than Cape Cod, said Ashley Flanagan, a contributor for Cape Cod Moms. Thats why Boston Moms just expanded to include Cape Cod Moms. There are lots of year-rounders that I dont think people realize when the tourists leave, were all still here sending our kids to school, shopping, trying to live our lives, said Flanagan. Several new writers will contribute to building a community for moms on the Cape. Our socioeconomics are different and our resources are different but we are still moms and we want to do the best for our kids so being able to share what resources we do have and to be able to form a community with ourselves and sharing best practices and whats worked for us, said Caitlin Corrieri, a Cape Cod Moms contributor. Meghans goal is to continue holding events that get moms out of the house and meeting each other. At those gatherings, she collects donations for her charity Carolines Closet which gives baby clothing to local NICU units. Through her work and the contributions of her team, she hopes to inspire other moms to follow their ideas. Its totally possible, even if its been done halfway across the country like you can bring it here and you can put your own spin on it and it can make a huge difference in your community and your family and in your own life, said Block. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Conservative commentator Ann Coulter compared Republicans wanting former President Trump back in office to an abused spouse making excuses for their partner in a podcast interview released Thursday. She said host Patrick Bet-David acted like a battered woman in supporting Trump for the 2024 election after he didnt fulfill promises like building a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. You sound like a battered woman making excuses. Well maybe he wont hit me next time, she said. Its been four years hes been beating the crap out of you. He had four years, Patrick. Four years! Two with a Republican Congress. Oh, I know, he could have not hit me, maybe he was waiting for our golden anniversary for him to stop hitting me. He was waiting for that perfect time. No, he had four years, he didnt build [the wall], she continued. I dont know what possible proof you could possibly want. Coulter, who backed Trump in 2016, said she has completely soured on Trump since, mostly over immigration policy. She predicted that a 2024 Trump and Biden rematch would result in a 1964-style landslide victory for President Biden. If its Trump, Im not paying attention, she said. I dont want to watch the plane crash. She recently threw her weight behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis is head and shoulders above every other GOP presidential candidate (or politician) on the three most important issues: immigration, crime and the COVID response, Coulter said at a New York Times event in August. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A licensed social worker who worked with youth as a counselor is accused by Columbus police of engaging in sexual conduct with a 13-year-old client. Payton Shires, 24, of Mount Sterling, Madison County, has been charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. She was arrested Friday and appeared Saturday morning in Franklin County Municipal Court, where Judge Mike McAllister set a $500,000 bond. Columbus police said Shires had previously been employed by the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), which has offices on South High Street in the Brewery District. The NYAP helps provide counseling and social work for families that are involved in the foster care system or need advocacy in other ways. According to court records, a woman called police on Sept. 27 after finding text messages on her 13-year-old son's cellphone between him and Shires. The woman believed "something inappropriate was happening between her son and Ms. Shires after seeing messages asking if he had deleted the videos and asking if his mom had seen the videos or messages." The teen's cellphone was turned over to police and a forensic evaluation of the phone was conducted. According to court records, police found a video on the phone of the teen and Shires engaging in sexual conduct. Detectives spoke with the teen, who reportedly admitted to having sex with Shires on multiple occasions in September 2023 at various locations in Columbus. On Thursday, police did a controlled, recorded, three-way phone call between the teen's mother and Shires. During that call, according to court records, Shires admitted to the teen's mom that she had engaged in sexual conduct with him. "We have a nonnegotiable commitment to do what is best for children, youth and their families and have an abiding faith that every person has an innate ability to learn, grow and develop," the NYAP says on its website. "We provide opportunities and resources to youth and families through our innovative programs and services, and we strongly support and offer guidance to our dedicated foster parents." bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Central Ohio youth counselor accused of having sex with teenage client It seems that the two campers who died in a grizzly bear attack in Canadas Banff National Park made one last desperate attempt to get help. Doug Inglis and his longtime partner Jenny Gusse, both 62, were highly, highly experienced backcountry campers, Doug Inglis uncle Colin told CBC News Tuesday. The couple had been updating him via text messages throughout their five-day trip. Colin Inglis told the Canadian outlet the couple was able to do this thanks to a Garmin inReach, a two-way satellite communicator with GPS that allows users to text and send SOS messages in remote areas. Colin Inglis said on the day of his nephews and Gusses deaths, he received a message that the two had not reached their final destination for the day, but were safe and setting up camp. They were probably making dinner and they were letting us know that they were OK, he said. But later that night, Colin Inglis said he received a distressing SOS from the inReach. The message said, Bear attack bad, Inglis said. A grizzly bear walking in a river in Canada. A grizzly bear walking in a river in Canada. Colin Inglis also spoke about what it felt like to receive this kind of message. That night was a start, obviously, of whats continuing to be a grieving process. You have that notification, you know that something bad is happening. You dont have a lot of information, he said. Park officials also received an alert from the inReach of a bear attack around 8 p.m. Friday near the parks Red Deer River Valley. By the time help arrived by ground at 1 a.m. Saturday morning, Doug Inglis, Gusse and the couples dog were found dead, and a bear was spotted nearby. The response team arrived on-site at 1 a.m. and discovered two deceased individuals, Banff National Park said in a statement on its Facebook page. While in the area, the response team encountered a grizzly bear that displayed aggressive behaviour, leading Parks Canada staff to euthanize the bear on-site to ensure public safety. Colin Inglis told the CBC he believes the couple who lived in Lethbridge, Alberta, and had been together since their university years were unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time. They are a couple that loved each other and loved the outdoors, he said of the couple, who would camp at least twice a year. And they were highly, highly experienced in being out back, whether it be serious treks or canoeing, whitewater canoeing in the North country. Colin Inglis said the pair was likely in their tent with their dog during the time of the attack, being that they had a habit of going into their tent to read after it got dark. Yet, the parks team found all three bodies outside with their tent crushed and ereaders inside. Colin Inglis also said the rescue team also found an empty bear spray canister and signs they had tried to scare the bear off. There was a struggle and the struggle didnt stay in one place, he said. LJUBLJANA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia's exports fell by 11.4 percent year-on-year in August with its imports unchanged from the same period last year, the country's Statistical Office said on Thursday. The country's exports to other European Union members accounted for about 59 percent of all its exports in August, fell by 11.1 percent year-on-year, while its imports within Europe were 13.4 percent lower than a year ago. The country recorded a trade deficit of 1.1 billion euros (1.16 billion U.S. dollars) in August. "The value of trade with the EU member states is decreasing" with its exports shrinking since April and imports declining since March, the office said in a report. However, over the first eight months of the year, the country's exports to non-EU countries rose by 21.2 percent, pushing the value of its all export up by 6.6 percent compared to the same period of 2022. During the same period, its imports increased by 0.1 percent. Slovenia's main exports include cars, car parts, pharmaceutical products and household appliances. As some of the country's major trading partners, particularly Germany, are battling with the economic slowdown, Slovenia has also been facing economic downturn pressure. According to a previous announcement, the government expects gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 1.6 percent this year, down from 2.5 percent in 2022. A Chinese couple on their honeymoon in Malaysia say they found a hidden camera in their Airbnb room. The camera was hidden in a wall socket between two USB ports and was facing the bed, per SCMP. Police in Malaysia are investigating the incident and are trying to identify a suspect. A newlywed Chinese couple claims they found a hidden spy camera pointed at their bed during their honeymoon stay at an Airbnb rental in Malaysia, according to the South China Morning Post. The couple, whose names have not been published, said they discovered the secret camera after checking into the room at about 3 a.m. in Sabah, Malaysia, early last month, according to local media. The woman said the couple didn't undress or have a bath while staying in the room overnight because they were fearful of being recorded, SCMP reported. They also covered the camera using tissue paper and some other objects before going to sleep, according to the local media outlet The Rakyat Post. The following morning they checked into a hotel and went to the police, who began investigating, per The Rakyat Post. In a post shared on the social media platform Xiaohongshu after they returned to China, the pair said the tiny camera was hidden in a wall socket between two USB ports under a desk. SCMP reported that the room was part of Lavin's Homestay group, which has several vacation-rental properties in Malaysia. The woman said she contacted the property host via Airbnb, who they booked the room through, but received no response. In a statement provided to Insider, an Airbnb spokesperson said: "We ban hidden cameras and were disappointed to hear of this reported incident." The spokesperson added that the host's account and listings have been removed pending an investigation. Lavin's Homestay did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment. Under Section 509 of the Malaysian penal code, it is illegal to "insult the modesty" of a woman, with violations carrying a potential punishment of up to five years in prison, as well as a fine. Police confiscated several items from the room, including a camera, as part of the investigation, with efforts being made to identify a suspect, The Rakyat Post reported. But as of late September, no arrests had been made. Insider contacted local police but did not immediately receive a response. Read the original article on Insider A couple in the 60s were both killed by a grizzly bear in Banff National Park, Canada, last week. Doug Inglis and Jenny Gusse alerted family members with a three-word text: "Bear attack bad." A family member told The Calgary Herald that he felt helpless after receiving the text. A couple mauled to death by a grizzly bear last week sent out a final desperate text message, a family member told The Calgary Herald. The text simply read: "Bear attack bad," The Herald reported. It was sent by Doug Inglis and Jenny Gusse, both 62, before they were killed inside Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada They were on a seven-day hiking trip in the vast national park when they were attacked, Doug's uncle, Colin, told The Herald. They were experienced hikers who regularly kept their family updated through a satellite device, he said. Colin said the couple said on the afternoon of September 29 that they had bunkered down near the Red Deer River in the Panther Valley after not reaching their preferred campsite on time. But several hours later, he got a phone call from Garmin the company that operates the satellite device telling him an SOS had been activated. "The alarm bells were going off, 'this is not good' that means there'd been some engagement. You're completely helpless to know what's going on," Colin Inglis told the Herald. The device then sent the three-word message. The government agency Parks Canada also received the alert and immediately dispatched a response team with a helicopter, Colin said. However, due to poor weather, they were unable to use the helicopter to get close so went on foot, which took more than three hours, he added. When they arrived, they found that the couple and their dog a border collie named Trist had been mauled to death, Colin said. "Their tent was crushed and their e-readers were open," he told the Herald, adding that it appeared as if one of them might have left their tent to fight the bear. "One can of bear spray had been fully discharged but this bear was not to be deterred," Colin said. "It's possible one was on the outside trying to fend off the bear while the other was in the tent sending the message." Officials found a grizzly bear believed to be responsible for the deadly attack and shot it dead, he added. Parks Canada said in a statement over the weekend that the bear "displayed aggressive behavior, leading Parks Canada staff to euthanize the bear on-site to ensure public safety." They also closed off the area where the attack occurred. Parks Canada did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Banff National Park , located in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, is known for its grizzly and black bears . Hikers are advised to carry bear spray, make noise, and travel in large groups. Read the original article on Insider Prosecutors are to launch an inquiry over a huge judicial blunder where a high-security court accidentally unmasked a witness at the trial of Frances most notorious bank robber. The face of the man, who has had to change his identity along with that of his wife and three children, was unwittingly revealed for several minutes during the ongoing trial of Redoine Faid, known as the getaway king, in Paris and broadcast on large screens in the courtroom. He had received special protection for testifying against another defendant in court, Jacques Mariani, a notorious Corsican gangster accused of helping Faid escape in exchange for help on another job. The man, a defendant in this case, is a witness in another one for double murder against Mr Mariani, believed to be the boss of the feared Brise de Mer mafia gang. The gaffe is all the more embarrassing for the French judiciary as 250,000 (216,000) has been spent on security measures to ensure Faid, whose daily route to and from the courthouse from jail is guarded by the French SAS, does not vanish again. Redoine Faid, known as the getaway king, faces life behind bars - INTERPOL Cries erupted as members of the public said we can see him and his lawyer sought to hide the mans face with a piece of material. However, it was too late as someone in the room had already taken a photograph, which the presiding judge then confirmed was circulating on social media. Famed for his meticulous bank robberies and even more for his prison-break skills, Faid, 51, faces life behind bars over his most daring getaway to date his escape from a high-security jail outside Paris by helicopter in 2018, his second in five years and a break that left prison authorities red-faced. Faid's escape from a high-security jail by helicopter in 2018 left the authorities red-faced - Geoffroy can der Hasselt/AFP/Getty Images Since the start of the trial, the witness had been positioned behind a wooden screen in court. However, during his cross-examination on Thursday, his face suddenly appeared on screens, prompting enthusiastic reactions from Mr Marianis entourage in the room. After suspending proceedings, Frederique Aline, the presiding judge, then announced that a photograph had been taken of the defendant and ordered police to verify all mobile phones in the room to no avail. Revealing any evidence that could help identify or locate a protected person in France is punishable by five years in prison and a 75,000 fine. Heavier sentences apply if this affects the persons entourage. When the trial started again, Clarisse Serre, the protected mans lawyer, called for it to be adjourned, saying her client is not in a position to speak. His wife was, she added, particularly worried. I am not in a position to defend him. What has happened is unacceptable, she said. The judge agreed, saying it was not conceivable to question the man or move on to another defendant and the case was adjourned until next Monday. The trial is due to run until Oct 20. 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. David Thomas Jr. was reported missing on Sept. 22. The 41-year-old man from Hurlock, Maryland, had left to visit relatives in Kent County a week earlier, Delaware State Police said. Thomas borrowed a car to visit someone else in the area on Sept. 15, according to court documents obtained by Delaware Online/The News Journal. He never came back. After a week of trying and failing to contact Thomas, his relatives reported him missing to state police. They shared that they'd heard rumors that Thomas was shot and killed, according to court documents, and that his body was somewhere in a wooded area. Police did an internal search for the car Thomas had borrowed and discovered that it had been found abandoned near Magnolia at 2:50 a.m. on Sept. 16., court records show. State police had ordered the car be towed, as Thomas had not yet been reported missing. When detectives went to investigate the towed car a week later, court documents state they found a cardboard sign in the window that read "I'm!!! Watch!!!" and a pair of jeans hanging from the driver's side window. They also found what they later confirmed to be human blood on the door. Searching for the body Police began searching the wooded and farmland areas of Magnolia on Sept. 27, according to court records. Two days later, on Sept. 29 at 2:30 p.m., they found a body in the woods between Henry Drive and Stevenson Drive in Woodside. It had been wrapped in a tarp and covered with an air mattress, according to court records, and an autopsy found that the body belonged to Thomas. The tax ditch a ditch where excess water is drained from farmland where Thomas was found was along the south side of a home in the Meadowbrook Acres neighborhood. When police searched the property's backyard, they found latex gloves, a shovel and aluminum frames similar to the rails used on bunk beds, according to court records. The frames were leaning against a fence like a ladder, which police said could have been used to climb over into the tax ditch. Court records show the person living in the house came outside as police investigated, appearing "visibly upset." "I know what happened. I know who did it, and I know where the body is," she told detectives. The night of the killing The woman told police she knew Thomas and that he regularly visited her home, according to court documents. On the night of Sept. 15, the woman said she was next door and heard a gunshot. She ran back to her house, where she found Thomas shot and asking for help. Shakur Bowen, the 17-year-old Magnolia teen charged with Thomas' murder, was standing in the driveway with a camouflage-pattern shotgun. Thomas later died from the gunshot wound, an autopsy found, but court documents do not provide specifics because of redactions. The woman said that Bowen, who was an "acquaintance" of her son, initially hid Thomas' body in the tree line near her house. She later learned that Bowen and two friends moved the body into the tax ditch where it was found by police, according to court records. Another unidentified person was also at the house at the time of the shooting. Court records show that the person was behind the house when he heard a gunshot from the front and described seeing Bowen with the same shotgun. He told police that Bowen later sold the shotgun. When police asked him how the body was moved to the woods, the witness ended the interview, according to court records. The arrest Bowen was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, hindering prosecution, abusing a corpse and third-degree conspiracy. Bowen has been incarcerated on a $500,000 cash bond. State police said that they could not disclose any information about whether there are warrants out for anyone else's arrest in relation to the killing, as well as the hiding of the body, stating only that they are "diligently investigating the matter" and that there is no threat to public safety. CHARGES: Missing Maryland man found dead near Magnolia; 17-year-old charged with murder Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware teen charged with murder hid body in backyard: Court records OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The manhunt for Kameron Jenkins continues. Jenkins has been on the run for more than 48 hours after he allegedly shot a Cleveland County Deputy on I-35, near Davis, on Wednesday. Photo of Kameron Jenkins over crime scene Jenkins, Kameron, Image courtesy OHP According to the affidavit, Dep. Sean Steadman was attempting to conduct a traffic stop, on a Volkswagon Jetta near Exit 60. When the vehicle didnt stop, Steadman conducted a tactical vehicle intervention and stopped the Jetta. Gunfire was then exchanged between Jenkins and Steadman. During that time, Gwaun Frierson was the passenger of a dump truck travelling northbound on I-35 when Frierson was struck and killed by the gunfire. Steadman was shot in the chin and flown to an Oklahoma City hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery. Deputy Sean Steadman shot More than 100 law enforcement officers swarmed the area, searching backyards and rivers. The U.S. Marshals are also involved in the manhunt. Theyre following all kinds of leads where there have been sightings. Im not prepared to say where I believe he is right now, said Johnny Kuhlman, U.S. Marshal. Garvin County Sheriff Jim Mullett is asking anyone in the county who has trail or game cameras, doorbell cameras or security cameras to check them for any signs or sightings of Jenkins. If you have information on where to find Jenkins or if you have seen him, call 911. Authorities are offering an $11,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. You can submit information anonymously by calling 405-235-7300 or 1-855-211-STOP. You can also submit an anonymous tip on the OKC Crime Stoppers website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Washington, D.C.'s attorney general's office is probing the nation's largest liberal dark money network following accusations that its investigation of a conservative advocacy group was politically motivated. Brian Schwalb, Washington, D.C.'s Democrat attorney general, launched an investigation into conservative judicial advocate Leonard Leo 's network this past summer, which Leo's attorney previously told Fox News Digital was a "politically driven" attempt at silencing the Republican activist and his associates. The Leo investigation appears to have stemmed from a complaint from the left-wing Campaign for Accountability, which alleged he had enriched himself with consulting fees through his network. Schwalb, however, had for some time seemed indifferent to a liberal network operated by the D.C.-based Arabella Advisors consulting firm, which has a fee format comparable to Leo's for-profit and nonprofit network. Schwalb previously worked for a law firm that has performed work for entities in Arabella's nexus. His targeting of Leo's network while seemingly ignoring Arabella's network led to "political lawfare" accusations from the Wall Street Journal editorial board. TOP DEM DARK MONEY NETWORK FACES IRS COMPLAINT OVER ALLEGED SELF-ENRICHMENT OF ITS FOUNDER Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb is pictured on June 21, 2022. "Attorney General Schwalb opened his investigation into the Arabella network only after being repeatedly called out for using his office to target his political opponents," said Caitlin Sutherland, executive director of Americans for Public Trust (APT). APT filed an IRS complaint against the Arabella network alleging its founder had illegally enriched himself from the setup. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Now we learn that he has deep ties to the very network he claims to be investigating," Sutherland added. "This revelation raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and Schwalbs ability to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation." Months before Schwalb's investigation into Leo became public, The Guardian reported on a Campaign for Accountability complaint alleging Leo "misused" his network's nonprofit cash by diverting $73 million to his for-profit companies, BH Group and CRC Advisors, for consulting services between 2016 and 2021. The complaint appears to be the foundation of Schwalb's Leo probe, even though the Leo-linked groups are outside his jurisdiction. Campaign for Accountability executive director Michelle Kuppersmith also told The Guardian that her group sent the complaint to the IRS and Schwalb's office, asking them to examine materials and revoke the tax-exempt status of the seven nonprofits connected to Leo. Campaign for Accountability started as a project in the Arabella Advisors network. Several individuals on its leadership team, including Kuppersmith, previously worked for Accountable.US, which the Arabella-managed New Venture Fund had fiscally sponsored in the past. Accountable.US, meanwhile, launched a campaign drawing attention to the Leo investigation. The group plastered signs near the D.C. headquarters of the Federalist Society, a conservative judicial group that Leo co-chairs. They also projected a graphic onto the building. "Campaign for Accountability has no relationship with Arabella Advisors," a spokesperson from the group previously told Fox News Digital. "The fact that we were briefly fiscally sponsored by Hopewell Fund nearly seven years ago is completely irrelevant to any of our work. Our mission is to call out wrongdoing wherever we see it, and we hope the IRS and the DC Attorney General thoroughly investigate our complaint against Leonard Leo." Tax documents show that the Arabella-managed New Venture Fund sent at least $2.2 million to Campaign for Accountability after it had broken away from the network. Between 2017 and 2020, the New Venture Fund's cash to Campaign for Accountability accounted for between 15% and 89% of its total reported revenue each year. In August, Americans for Public Trust filed an IRS complaint against entities affiliated with Arabella Advisors. The complaint alleged that its founder, Eric Kessler, illegally benefited financially from its structure. Over the years, his firm has garnered hundreds of millions of dollars for its management services of the funds that are also linked to him and serve as hubs for the network. CONSERVATIVE ACTIVIST REJECTS SENATE DEM DEMANDS FOR HELP IN SUPREME COURT PROBE: 'POLITICAL RETALIATION' Arabella Advisors manages a handful of nonprofits that host dozens of shadowy liberal groups. The network's web sits under the New Venture Fund, Sixteen Thirty Fund, Windward Fund, Hopewell Fund and North Fund, which act as fiscal sponsors to other nonprofits by supplying their tax and legal status to those housed beneath them. In recent years, the funds have collectively gathered around $1.5 billion annually to disburse to left-wing groups and causes nationwide. This configuration allows the fiscally sponsored groups to bypass filing tax documents to the IRS, obscuring their financials and other information. The Arabella-managed nonprofits also do not disclose contributor information on their tax forms. APT's IRS complaint called for an examination into the tax-exempt status of the Arabella-managed funds, which have paid the for-profit firm hundreds of millions of dollars for administrative, operation and management services. Kessler, Arabella's founder, has been closely entangled with the funds pushing consulting cash to the for-profit for its services. APT further wrote that two nonprofits the New Venture Fund and Sixteen Thirty Fund informed the IRS their arrangement with Arabella would be temporary at the time of their formation, which has not been the case. During the period that Campaign for Accountability said Leo benefited from the $73 million in consulting payments, Arabella Advisors raked in $190 million in fees from its linked funds for administrative, operational and management services, according to a review of tax forms from 2016 and 2021. The amount Arabella pulled in for its consulting services during that time was nearly $120 million more than was passed from the Leo-linked nonprofits to his for-profits. "Arabella Advisors complies with the law and will cooperate with the District of Columbia Attorney Generals civil inquiry," Arabella spokesperson Steve Sampson told Fox News Digital. "Were confident in the systems we have in place to ensure our business conforms with legal and regulatory requirements, and Arabella Advisors is proud of the work we do. We remain committed to helping our clients use philanthropic resources more effectively, efficiently, and equitably to accomplish their impact goals." LIBERAL DARK MONEY NETWORK HAULED IN MORE THAN $1.5B IN ANONYMOUS DONATIONS FOR LEFT-WING CAUSES IN 2021 Leo's attorney told Politico he would not cooperate with the probe because the organizations were organized outside of D.C. The Washington Free Beacon, likewise, has confirmed the existence of the Arabella investigation. Schwalb and his deputy, Seth Rosenthal, also worked at a law firm with past links to the Arabella Advisors network. The pair previously worked at the Venable law firm, which has represented groups in the network on matters including the New Venture Fund and Sixteen Thirty Fund. Rosenthal also served as legal director of the Alliance for Justice, a left-wing dark money judicial group devoted to "transforming courts" from 2005 to 2006. During Rosenthal's time with the group, it attempted to derail Chief Justice Roberts' confirmation over his ties to the Federalist Society, which Leo co-chairs. When Rosenthal was also with the Alliance for Justice, he opposed Justice Samuel Alito's confirmation on political grounds, saying he was a "movement conservative" who would march "to the conservative drumbeat on about every single issue" in a 2005 Democracy Now! interview. The D.C. attorney general's office previously told Fox News Digital that it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of any investigation, as a matter of policy. It maintained the position when questioned on whether backlash and allegations of politicization had led to the Arabella probe. Original article source: DC prosecutors probe liberal dark money network after backlash for investigating conservative orgs Though dealing with a Though dealing with a "textertunist" can be frustrating, their behavior may not be as rude as it seems. Do you have someone in your life who doesnt respond to your texts for hours or even days at a time? And when they finally do get back to you, its because they need something? It may go something like this: You: Hey! Do you still want to get dinner on Saturday? [Four days pass] Them: Sorry, I cant this weekend actually. By the way, can you put me in touch with your babysitter? Or... You: Did you see Kane Brown is doing a show on Jan. 27? Should we get tickets? [A week later] Them: Let me check my calendar. Also, can you send me that chili recipe I want to make it for a potluck tonight! If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with a textertunist. A textertunist is a person who behaves in a seemingly opportunistic way via text, only replying to your messages when they need a favor or have something to gain from the interaction. The radio silence can be frustrating when youre waiting on a response. And if this kind of thing happens often enough, it might even make you feel a little bit used. The original texter may feel that the relationship is more utilitarian or functional rather than reciprocal and equal, clinical psychologist Aarti Gupta, founder and director of TherapyNest in Palo Alto, California, told HuffPost. Its easy to write off texting as some frivolous form of communication but we shouldnt. A 2014 Gallup poll found that texting had become the dominant way of communicating for Americans younger than 50. According to one 2016 survey of millennials, 75% of respondents said they would prefer a cellphone that could only be used for texting over one that could only be used for making phone calls. In other words, texting is a big part of how we stay connected to the people in our lives. We use texting to emotionally invest in our personal relationships, therapist Nicole Saunders, owner of Therapy Charlotte in North Carolina, told HuffPost. When there is a lack of reciprocity and responses seem consistently one-sided or transactional, we may feel a lack of social support or, even worse, used and taken advantage of. Nobody expects to routinely feel those vulnerable emotions within a friendship. When there is a lack of reciprocity and responses seem consistently one-sided or transactional, we may feel a lack of social support or, even worse, used and taken advantage of.Nicole Saunders, therapist in North Carolina That said, if this irritating habit is your only gripe with a person theyre otherwise a warm and attentive partner, friend or relative then the behavior probably isnt as ill-intentioned as it may seem. Consider, for example, that the person may not be deliberately disregarding you. Saunders offered a more charitable explanation. Many people are inundated with emails, DMs, individual texts and group text messages. Perhaps the person youre texting isnt actually ignoring you, she said. Its very possible they are avoiding all electronic messaging due to overwhelm. But then when they need something, they are forced to jump back in. Sophie Y. said her husband is the most caring, do-anything-for-you type of person and shows his love in many ways. Texting, however, is just not his strong suit. I text him periodically during the day; he never texts me back, she said. Then Ill get a random text from him asking about something he needs, [is] looking for, etc. Hes a great husband, just not a great texter. Some of us frankly have a harder time staying on top of texting than others. Remembering to respond to messages can be a struggle for people with anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and for those who have a lot on their plate at the moment. Its worth giving the textertunist the benefit of the doubt, Saunders said. Instead of jumping to conclusions that could damage the relationship, pick up the phone and simply ask if something more is going on, she said. Related... New Delhi The death toll from devastating flash floods unleashed by a glacial lake bursting its banks in India's ecologically sensitive Himalayan region shot up to 40 on Friday, government officials said. The Lhonak Lake in India's mountainous state of Sikkim bust through a dam Wednesday after a cloudburst triggered rains and an avalanche, causing major flooding in the Teesta river. The floodwater caused massive devastation, washing away or submerging 15 bridges and dozens of roads, cutting off significant sections of the small state in India's far northeast, which is surrounded on three sides by China, Nepal and Bhutan. The only highway connecting the state to the rest of India was damaged, making relief and rescue work challenging. The death toll could rise further as more than 70 people, including 23 Indian Army soldiers, were still missing on Friday. Trucks buried in mud are seen in an area affected by floods unleashed by a glacial lake burst, in Sikkim state, India, in an image released by the Indian Army on Oct. 5, 2023. / Credit: India Army/Handout/REUTERS At least 22 bodies were been found hundreds of miles downstream in the Teesta, in Sikkim's neighboring state of Bengal, and a few bodies were retrieved from the river as far away as Bangladesh, according to the Times of India. The Indian Army, which suffered massive damage to its camps in Sikkim, pressed its teams into rescue and relief work. The army was planning to use helicopters to evacuate nearly 1,500 stranded tourists as the weather improved. The state government said the disaster had impacted the lives of 22,000 people. Scientists have warned of such disasters for decades The flooding was one of the worst disasters to date in India's fragile Himalayan region, but it was the latest in a series catastrophes linked to extreme weather events blamed by scientists on climate change. Buildings are seen inundated after flash floods triggered by the bursting of a glacial lake after heavy rainfall, in Rangpo, Sikkim state, India, Oct. 6. 2023. / Credit: Prakash Adhikari/AP Last year, severe flooding in Sikkim killed at least 24 people and displaced tens of thousands. In 2021, a tragedy similar to Wednesday's in another Indian Himalayan state, Uttarakhand, left dozens dead when a glacial lake burst its banks. Scientists have warned about the melting of Himalayan glaciers for decades, saying the pace at which they're losing ice is a threat to the whole world, not just Asia. But experts warned about the possibility of Lhonak Lake bursting specifically in 2021, when a study highlighted the increasing length of the lake and cautioned that it was sensitive to extreme weather events such as cloudbursts. "It was already predicted in 2021 that this lake would breach and impact the dam," Dr. Farooq Azam, a glaciologist at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, told CBS News on Friday. "There has been a substantial increase in the number of glacial lakes as the glaciers are melting due to global warming." In fact, scientists had warned there was a very high probability of a sudden outburst of Lhonak Lake in 2013, and again in 2001. Earth's average surface temperature has risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since pre-industrial times, but the world's high-mountain regions have warmed at twice that pace, climate scientists say. Trekkers collect water near the Gaumukh, ( Researchers say snow cover, glaciers and permafrost will continue melting in almost all global regions throughout the 21st century. There's also high confidence among scientists that the number of and the area covered by glacial lakes will continue to increase in most regions in the coming decades, with new lakes developing closer to steep, potentially unstable mountains, where landslides can trigger lake outbursts. "There are more than 54,000 glaciers across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region and very few of them are monitored, which means that such disasters will continue to increase," a climate scientist and lead researcher with the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), previously told CBS News. Margaret Brennan assesses fallout of Kevin McCarthy's "Face the Nation" interview Watch: UAW president says strike "is working" but "we're not there yet" General Milley | Sunday on 60 Minutes Over the past day, Ukrainian soldiers on the Tavriia front destroyed an R-330Zh Zhitel (Russian for "Inhabitant") electronic warfare station, a multiple-launch rocket system, four tanks, and 12 armoured combat vehicles. Source: Oleksandr Tarnavskyi , commander of the Tavriia operational and strategic group of troops on Telegram Quote: "An expensive Russian R-330Zh Zhitel electronic warfare station was destroyed on the Tavriia front. Details: Over the past day, Russians have launched 13 air strikes, conducted 24 combat clashes and carried out 915 artillery attacks. Units of the Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Defence Forces of Ukraine's south completed 1,270 fire tasks during the day. According to Tarnavskyi, over the past day, Russian losses on the Tavriia front amounted to 323 people, in particular, two Russians surrendered. Quote: "44 units of enemy military equipment were destroyed. In particular, four tanks, 12 armoured vehicles, six artillery systems, 1 MLRS, 9 UAVs, ten units of automobile and special equipment of the invaders. 2 ammunition depots and another important enemy facility were also destroyed." Background: On 6 October, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that in the past 24 hours, Russia lost approximately 620 servicemen, 31 artillery systems, 20 tanks and 30 armoured combat vehicles. 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! SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest fell 56.8% in September compared to a year earlier, government data showed on Friday, while the region is struggling with a historic drought. The total area cleared in the Amazon in the first nine months of the year fell 49.5%, according to preliminary data from Brazilian space research agency INPE. Ending illegal deforestation is a priority of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration both internationally and domestically, after destruction in the rainforest surged under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro . In September, Brazil's Environment Minister Marina Silva announced at the United Nations Summit in New York more ambitious climate targets for the country. Deforestation and fires usually spike in the Amazon in August and September, when the weather turns drier. Fires in the region last month fell 36%, improving from the worst September in more than a decade in 2022. The upbeat data, however, comes at a time when the Amazon is suffering from the worst drought in the last 40 years, which increases the risk of wildfires. The drought has led water levels of key rivers of the region to fall and hindered local communities' access to food and drinking supplies. Last month, Switzerland and the United States donated $8.4 million to Brazil's Amazon Fund to help preserve the world's largest tropical rainforest. (Reporting by Peter Frontini; editing by Diane Craft) Benny Tate Shares His Experience with the Holy Spirit, Invites Readers to Enjoy the Abundance of God's Power and Presence NEWS PROVIDED BY Charisma House Oct. 6, 2023 LAKE MARY, Fla., Oct. 6, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Benny Tate is encouraging readers to experience the supernatural abundance that flows from a relationship with the Holy Spirit in his new book, 'Unlimited' (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-267-2). During his time working on a sermon series in 2016, Tate saw how his research and time spent learning about the Holy Spirit transformed his life, his church and his staff members for the better, forever changing them. "I studied, prayed, and prepared more than ever before to preach for six weeks on the Holy Spirit," Tate writes. "I didn't know exactly what to expect but I believed the Holy Spirit would come and that great change would happen. He came, indeed! And He changed everything in my personal life as well as the lives of our church staff and congregation!" Tate's goal is to share with readers the Holy Spirit's ability to guide, lead and provide for believers. Hes seen how the Holy Spirit provides the source and nourishment of the abundant life that Jesus promised. From healed relationships, guidance, peace and so much more, Tate believes that is by this member of the godhead that believers grow in their relationship with God and into the life He has planned for them. "If you have tried for far too long and spent too much of your valuable energy trying to manage everything going on in your life, I encourage you to surrender your strength to the indwelling presence and unlimited power of the Holy Spirit," Tate writes. The Holy Spirit is not limited by the same barriers that humans are constrained by. He is above all and can set people on free and on fire for the kingdom of God. His power is 'Unlimited.' "Being filled daily by the Holy Spirit is the only satisfying source in life. The hardships and disappointments will drain you, but I'm happy to report that the Holy Spirit's power is available to you every day because His power and presence are unlimited!" 'Unlimited,' published by Charisma House, is available online at MyCharismaShop.com and wherever books are sold. Benny Tate, PhD, has served as senior pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia, since 1990. Under his leadership, the congregation has grown from eighty to more than eight thousand people. Dr. Tate served as president of the Congregational Methodist denomination for ten years and has served as the chaplain for the United States Senate and House of Representatives. He is the author of Defy the Odds and host of the Leads Club podcast. Tate and his wife, Barbara, have been married since 1984 and have one daughter, Savannah Abigail. Keep in touch with Benny Tate Website: https://pastorbennytate.com/ Facebook: @pastorbennytate Instagram: @pastorbennytate Twitter: @pastorbennytate Title: Unlimited: Experiencing the Fullness of Gods Power in Your Life | Release Date: November 7, 2023 | Retail: $19.99 | ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-267-2 | E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63641-268-9 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5.5" x 8.25" | Page Count: 240 | Hometown: Forsyth, GA | BISAC: RELIGION/ Christian Living / Spiritual Growth, RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Growth, RELIGION / Christian Living / Inspirational To interview Benny Tate or for a review copy, please contact media@charismamedia.com. SOURCE Charisma House Share Tweet By Jarrett Renshaw ST LOUIS (Reuters) - The Democratic Party's Rules and Bylaws Committee gave conditional approval on Friday for Iowa's revamped 2024 election primary plan that allows the state to collect mail ballots and still hold its "first in the nation" caucus in January, but delays finalizing the results until March . The committee also warned that it will soon strip New Hampshire of some of its delegates if it fails to comply with the party's decision to weaken its place in the nominating calendar. Iowa Democrats will now begin mail ballot registration on Nov. 1 and hold an in-person caucus - along with Republicans - on January 15. The results for the Democratic race will be released on March 5, on Super Tuesday. THE TAKE The compromise honors Iowa's traditional role while ceding influence to more diverse states like South Carolina and Michigan. The move means Iowa will not face penalties, such as losing delegates or Biden not being on the ballot, which could have isolated a state once competitive for Democrats. The threat against New Hampshire is only likely to deepen the divide between party leaders and the Granite State, which Biden will need to heal in the 2024 race. CONTEXT Iowa has held the first in the nation caucus for president on the Democratic Party's calendar since 1972. But President Joe Biden earlier this year replaced Iowa with South Carolina, a state with significantly more Black voters, and one that saved his 2020 presidential campaign. The Democratic National Committee approved the move in February, giving Black voters a greater say in the nominating process and carving an easier path for Biden's expected re-election bid. South Carolina will be followed by New Hampshire and Nevada one week later, and then by primaries in Georgia and Michigan. The promotion of South Carolina and Georgia reflects a demographic balancing decades in the making for the Democratic Party at the expense of Iowa and New Hampshire, two largely white states that rejected Biden in 2020. It also underscores the growing power of the racially diverse coalition that helped bring Biden to power. New Hampshire Democrats have argued, even if they wanted to, they cannot unilaterally shift its calendar given Republicans control the state. IOWA LOOKS TO 2028 Iowa's fight for first is not over, local officials say. "I have had repeated reassurances from the rules and bylaws committee and it co-chairs that the presidential nominating calendar discussions will once again be opened up for 2028, where I expect what we will compete strongly for significant voice in the selection of our Democratic nominee as we have for years," said Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Heather Timmons and Angus MacSwan) Iowa has officially lost its first-in-the-nation status as the Democratic Party announced it will punt the release of its presidential caucus results in the state to Super Tuesday, putting an end to the testy scheduling fight between the state and national party. Iowa voters will receive presidential preference cards via mail on Jan. 12, with an in-person caucus on Jan. 15, the same day Republicans hold theirs. Under the new plan though, the caucus results will be released months later on the March 5 primary election date known as Super Tuesday, when over a dozen other states head to the polls. The shakeup comes after the utterly disastrous 2020 Iowa caucus that was plagued by technical problems that prevented any candidate from truly claiming victory for days. Read it at Des Moines Register Read more at The Daily Beast. Theres a new senator in Washington, D.C., this week: Laphonza Butler , a former president of Emilys List, was tapped by California Governor Gavin Newsom to fill out the term of the late Dianne Feinstein . Butlers path to the Senatewhere she will be the lone Black woman in the upper body and the first to call that chamber home since Vice President Kamala Harriswas partly due to a set of baroque promises Newsom made in advance of Feinsteins death: to select a Black woman for the post and to not select any of the Democrats already running for the seat in 2024, so as to not play favorites. It is perhaps in furtherance of that latter pledge that Newsom roamed rather far afield to tap Butler, who resides in Maryland as opposed to California. But his apparent intention to pick a placeholder seems not to have been made clear to Butler herself, as she has not ruled out running to retain the seat. So thats something of a whoopsie! But its not the main reason that Newsom perhaps should have put his finger on the scale: The California primary for U.S. Senate has become a black hole of Democratic donor money, to the exclusion of what could be more consequential races. Opportunities to become Californias senator have been in short supply in recent years, so its not a surprise that this race, in a state known for pricey political contests, was expected to become the most expensive Senate race in history. But now, as a result of Feinsteins death, there will be not just the usual primary and general election next year but also special electionsmeaning that donors normally constrained by maximum allowances will be permitted to double-dip for their favored candidates. California Representative Adam Schiff already has raised what I would charitably call an unreasonableperhaps even unspendableamount of money. Axios reported in July that Schiff had almost $30 million in handmore than any other federal candidate, including for president. After that figure ticked up slightly in the most recent fundraising quarter, Aaron Kleinman, the director of research at the States Project, made a canny observation: In other words he has more cash on hand for a race Democrats are guaranteed to win than every single Democrat running for the Virginia House (which either party could control after November) has combined. The importance of the Virginia elections is clear: Democrats could stop the political career of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkinwho is term-limited in the Old Dominion and said to be weighing a presidential run based on how Virginia Republicans fare in Novemberin its tracks. Democrats also have a generally daunting Senate map in 2024, and a highly competitive gubernatorial contest in Kentucky on the wing. This is not to say that the California primary isnt worth Democrats attention. People have some passionate, principled, and well-informed opinions of who among that fieldwhich Schiff has largely led over Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, according to the scant polling thats been doneshould be Feinsteins successor. Ive no doubt that I could develop my own ideas on the matter if I took as much time as those with a vested interest. That doesnt really change the fact that Democrats are going to retain this seat and that the differences between these candidates will largely fade into the grayscale once a winner is seated. Which is why I wish Newsom, who seems to harbor ambition about becoming a national leader of his party, had taken a stab at ending this primary himself. He could have given the nod to Schiff and called a halt to the implacable donor arms race. Barring that, he could have just fully honored his commitment to upping the representation of Black women in the Senate by tapping Lee, who was already running. That might not have sent a strong enough signal to turn off the money spigot, but it would have sent a worthy message to the backbone of the Democratic Party. Realistically, Newsom is too calculated to have seriously considered doing all that. His pledge to stay out of the fray was probably less about keeping the spirit of fair competition alive than about not wanting to stick his neck out, only to have California voters chop it off. But those who are, or aspire to be, Democratic standard-bearers ought to be thinking about the partys needs across the country, and that means not encouraging a donor sinkhole in their own backyard. There are more critical elections and bigger prizes on which that boodle is better spent. Democrats have, in recent years, demonstrated the tendency to dream a little too big and pile untold sums of campaign cash in the coffers of a litany of no-hopers. Thats not whats going on here. But if Democrats are not careful, they could screw up from the opposite direction, denying critical resources to winnable races in the service of a seat theyre destined to get anyway. Its time to stop emptying your wallets on this Senate primary and let these wannabe senators from California fend for themselves. This article first appeared in Power Mad, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Jason Linkins. Sign up here. FILE PHOTO: Mosquitoes are seen on stagnant water on the roadside during countrywide dengue infection, in Dhaka FILE PHOTO: Mosquitoes are seen on stagnant water on the roadside during countrywide dengue infection, in Dhaka By Jennifer Rigby LONDON (Reuters) - Dengue fever will become a major threat in the southern United States, southern Europe and new parts of Africa this decade, the WHO's chief scientist said, as warmer temperatures create the conditions for the mosquitoes carrying the infection to spread. The illness has long been a scourge in much of Asia and Latin America, causing an estimated 20,000 deaths each year. Rates of the disease have already risen eight-fold globally since 2000, driven largely by climate change as well as the increased movement of people and urbanization. Many cases go unrecorded, but in 2022 4.2 million cases were reported worldwide and public health officials have warned that near-record levels of transmission are expected this year. Bangladesh is currently experiencing its worst-ever outbreak, with more than 1,000 deaths. We need to talk much more proactively about dengue, Jeremy Farrar , an infectious diseases specialist who joined the World Health Organization in May this year, told Reuters. We need to really prepare countries for how they will deal with the additional pressure that will come in the future in many, many big cities. Farrar previously spent 18 years working in Vietnam on tropical diseases including dengue. He later headed up the Wellcome Trust global health charity and advised the UK government on its COVID-19 response before joining the WHO in May this year. Farrar said the infection is likely to take off and become endemic in parts of the United States, Europe and Africa - all regions where there has already been some limited local transmission - as global warming makes new areas hospitable to the mosquitoes that spread it. That will put acute pressure on hospital systems in many countries, he warned. The clinical care is really intensive, it requires a high ratio of nurses to patients, he said. I really worry when this becomes a big issue in sub-Saharan Africa. Most people who get dengue do not have symptoms, meaning case rates are thought to be far higher than the reported numbers. Those who do can experience fever, muscle spasms and joint pain so severe it is known as break-bone fever. In severe cases less than 1% - it can be fatal. There is no specific treatment for dengue, although there is a vaccine available. Earlier this week, the WHO recommended Takeda Pharmaceuticals' Qdenga vaccine for children aged 6 to 16 in areas where the infection is a significant public health problem. Qdenga is also approved by the EU regulator, but Takeda withdrew its application in the United States earlier this year, citing data collection issues. Takeda said it was still in talks with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the vaccine. Preparing new regions of the world to deal with dengue means ensuring that any public health funds get spent in the right areas, Farrar said, including on the best way to control the mosquito. Dengue is spread by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which behave differently to the malaria-carrying kind. For example, they bite people indoors, and they bite all day rather than overnight. They also breed in very shallow water. Farrar said proper prevention would include triaging plans for hospitals as well as scientific innovation alongside other key factors, such as urban planning, to avoid areas of standing water near or in houses. We need to combine different sectors that are not used to working together, he said. Keep up with the latest medical breakthroughs and healthcare trends with our newsletter Reuters Health Rounds. Sign up here. (Reporting by Jennifer Rigby, editing by Michele Gershberg and Sharon Singleton) Despite his presidential campaign seemingly losing steam, Gov. Ron DeSantis says hes now backed by 60 Florida law enforcement officers, including two Democrats. His campaign said thats more support than his successful 2022 gubernatorial campaign. Among the group is two DemocratsCalhoun Sheriff Glenn H. Kimbrel and Gadsden Sheriff Morris A. Youngas well as Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, who was once a big supporter of Donald Trump . Ron DeSantis doesnt just talk about backing the blue, he has delivered results for law enforcement officers and their families, from pay raises and bonuses to ensuring they have what they need to do their job and being very clear that he is on the side of law and order, Ivey said in a press release from DeSantis campaign. In June, the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the largest police union in the state, endorsed DeSantis, saying he was responsible for making Florida a law-and-order state. Read it at Fox News Read more at The Daily Beast. DeSantis: US doesnt need any more presidents who have lost the zip on their fastball Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) lashed out at former President Trump at a campaign event Thursday, knocking his age and saying Republicans nominating Trump in 2024 would actually help Democrats. He energized Democrats. You could have John Kennedy walk through the door right now and he wouldnt energize Democrats as much as Donald Trump does, DeSantis said in Tampa, Fla. Thats just the reality. The Florida governor remains in distant second behind Trump in national GOP primary polls and has dropped behind other candidates in some early state polls. DeSantis has stepped up attacks on the former president in recent weeks, after largely avoiding taking shots at his chief rival earlier in the campaign. He said Thursday that Trump likely couldnt even stop Joe Biden, and that the 77-year-old former president doesnt have the energy to run for the White House again. We need a president thats going to be full throttle for eight years, the 45-year-old said. We dont need any more presidents that have lost the zip on their fastball. The governor also deflected concerns about his campaign fundraising; recently released campaign finance filings show that Trump raised about triple the amount DeSantis raised in the third quarter. He argued his money is being spent on actually delivering the victories that we know we need, pointing to Trumps mounting legal fees. The Trump campaign responded by attacking DeSantiss own energy. Ron DeSantis has the energy of a used wet rag, spokesman Steven Cheung told The Associated Press. This is nothing more than a desperate attempt of a flailing candidate who is in the last throes of his campaign. This tough guy routine from DeSantis is laughable, because the only thing tough about him is his ability to embarrass himself every single day on the campaign trail, he added. Trump and Biden are neck and neck in early polls positing a 2020 election rematch. Biden took a slight lead over Trump in recent weeks, as Republicans struggled over federal budget negotiations in Congress and a chaotic Speaker election. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A proposal to build eight homes just off Highway 1 in Cayucos is on its way to the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission, but with some caveats from the North Coast communitys advisers. After a long, intense meeting late Wednesday night, the Cayucos Advisory Council voted unanimously to recommend denial of this project until the developer completes a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the entire project. The council recommended another denial based on proposed home designs. The all-volunteer Cayucos Advisory Council cant make any binding decisions on its own. Instead it can advise SLO County planners, the Planning Commission and the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. The council made its recommendations based on input from community members. The property is comprised of two lots that make up a wedge-shaped parcel tucked between Highway 1, Ocean Avenue and the Bella Vista by the Sea mobile home park, with only Lucerne Road and a few homes between it and the Pacific Ocean. A development proposal calls for building eight homes between Highway 1, North Ocean Avenue and Bella Vista by the Sea mobile home park in Cayucos. The wedge-shaped combination of two parcels of land, currently vacant, is one of the first landward views motorists get when coming in from the north on the highway. That area offers one of the first views of Cayucos that southbound motorists see as they enter the oceanfront town from the north. What council members considered Wednesday night was only a basic development plan, not a full proposal including details on each house including hardscape and stormwater plans. No individual plans for homes and their lots have been designed yet, according to Ian McCarville from Kirk Consulting land planners in Atascadero, county planner Jeremy Freund and J.R. Beard from the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department. Each of the eight properties would be developed as individual projects, they said, with permit applications submitted separately later by whoever builds the homes. That could be the current property owner or, if he decides to sell any of the lots, anybody who buys one of them from him. The only storm water management plan included was for the development plan itself. The developments potential stormwater mitigation could include storage ponds above or below the ground from which the runoff could be released gradually, according to presentations by McCarville, Freund and Beard. A development proposal calls for building eight homes between Highway 1, North Ocean Avenue and Bella Vista by the Sea mobile home park in Cayucos. Four of the homes would be built on the hill behind this house on North Ocean. Cayucos residents: Stormwater runoff damaged homes Wednesdays Cayucos Advisory Council meeting included testimony from community members who said previous problems with stormwater runoff had flooded their homes in Cayucos and cost them many thousands of dollars in repairs. The speakers emphasized that not having a full stormwater and runoff plan for the entire project was a recipe for future disaster. They said previous county projects to mitigate the towns persistent runoff problems hadnt improved the situation, as seen during the heavy winter storms earlier this year. The speakers also said county officials had provided little assistance in the homeowners cleanups and costly repairs. Among those demanding a full stormwater plan for the proposed housing development were Sue Black and Dan Borradori, whose Lucerne Avenue seaside residences are downhill from the property. If storage ponds fill out when its raining, she asked, Wheres that waters going to go after its collected? Into my house again, Black answered angrily. In 2003, a million gallons of water went through my home in an hour, she said. A development proposal calls for building eight homes between Highway 1, North Ocean Avenue and Bella Vista by the Sea mobile home park in Cayucos. The wedge-shaped combination of two parcels of land, currently vacant, is one of the first landward views motorists get when coming in from the north on the highway. While her home was inundated with mud, water and sludge, county risk management people told me it would take three weeks just to get the paperwork to me, Black recalled, and much more time to create a plan to clean it and fix the problem. Those repairs took three years to complete, she said. Borradori, a Cayucos native whose family name graces the towns Borradori Garage, said hed had to make several expensive repairs to the home thats been part of his family for more than 80 years. The home had been flooded by downhill runoff several times in the past, he said. Weve seen how much silt slides (during storms), and how much water pours out of the hillside, he said. Borradori said hes made improvements including adding a sump pump to deal with an annual spring under the house, installing a 6-foot-deep French drain around the house, and adding a massive concrete slab to prevent slippage and hold the foundation in place. He calculated that, when four of the houses are built uphill from his home, Thered be about 4.5 million pounds added to that hillside, all sitting on something watery underneath, slippery. Thats not good, Borradori said. If this thing fails, wholl pay for damages to my house The county, this council? Community clashes over home design recommendations Speakers were also unhappy that the permit application specifically excluded some styles that most current Cayucos residents feel are the predominant designs found in the homes in their town. Those include Victorian, Western, Cape Cod or nautical. In response, the council recommended the housing project be denied unless the developer volunteers to change the regulations of the new neighborhood to reflect the architectural design standards of downtown Cayucos, including those styles listed above. Those neighborhood regulations known as covenants, conditions and restrictions are rules governing the use of a certain piece of real estate in a given community. Theyre usually enforced by the areas homeowners association. Council wants Cayucos in proposed marine sanctuary At about 10 p.m. Wednesday, the council unanimously approved sending a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration urging a redesign of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA proposes that the sanctuarys northern boundary would be south of Morro Bay at Hazard Canyon Reef. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the north ends in waters off northern Cambria. That would leave ocean areas from Morro Bay to Cambria vulnerable to development, including oil drilling, according to council Chairman John Carsel. The original dimensions of the proposed sanctuary included those areas. One gap was 26 minutes long. Another was 5 minutes. Together, that is more than 30 minutes of time unaccounted for in the official videos and documents released by the Bogota Police Department in the car crash that took the life of Richard Koop. The driver, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, totaled her Mercedes-Benz on Main Street in Bogota in December 2018 when she hit and killed the 49-year-old Koop and then a parked car. Arslanian who began dating Sen. Bob Menendez in February 2018 and married him in October 2020 was not charged in the incident. Arslanian, Menendez and three businessmen now face federal charges for an alleged bribery scheme. Sources said that the New Jersey Attorney General's Office will investigate the Bogota case. A month after the crash, according to an indictment brought by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Arslanian was texting Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman also indicted in the bribery scheme, about her lack of car. Hana later provided her with a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible, the indictment says. 26 minutes and a lack of questions The videos and reports obtained from the Bogota Police Department leave a gap of about 26 minutes from the time police arrive on the scene to the moment Arslanian is interviewed in front of a camera. During that interview, she is not asked where she is coming from or going, if she applied her brakes, how fast she was going or if she was using a cellphone. Brian Higgins, a former chief of the Bergen County police and an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, said that typically the investigation has to be pretty in depth because its not just about bringing charges but about ensuring that the road is safe for all drivers and pedestrians moving forward. He said that there are some pretty standard questions that are part of the interview process including things like what they were doing, if they were on the phone, what they were looking at and if the car was operating properly. Higgins also said that police would want to find out if there was anything that would impact a drivers ability to respond quickly such as if they were on the phone or something like that while driving. Police would also ask where a driver was coming from and where they were going to basically establish why they were there and why they are taking that route. He also noted that if they answered a restaurant or something like that, then questions about whether alcohol was consumed would have to follow, though those should be asked even if they didn't ask where the driver came from. Police records indicate that Arslanian was not asked about alcohol or drugs and the report filed by Patrolman Michael LaFerrera indicates that a field sobriety test was not conducted. Supplemental reports instead show that officers determined that Koop may have been at a bar and had previously faced charges related to driving under the influence. 5 minutes Police would also check phone records. Arslanian initially agreed to let the police check her phone but quickly changed her mind and took her phone back. Records show that there was a five-minute gap between when Arslanian hit Koop and when she called police. Someone else in the area reported the crash first. The supplemental police report does indicate that phone records were subpoenaed the next day, but does not disclose whether they were received or if so, what they showed. She probably called someone, Higgins said. What did she do? Did she make calls prior to calling the police? That's a major problem. You just hit a human being. You should call 911 immediately. What made you delay five minutes? What was she more concerned with? Maybe she called a lawyer or someone else? It doesn't indicate someone who is worried about the victim. Story continues after gallery. Pronouncement of death According to the administrative code for the states Board of Medical Examiners when an apparent death happens outside of a hospital, a physician, professional nurse or paramedic may proceed to the scene and make the determination and pronouncement of death. A written record is then prepared. If the death happens within the jurisdiction of the County Medical Examiner, the examiner shall without inordinate delay require the proper and established means for the determination and pronouncement of death and shall arrange for the removal of the body and completion of the death certificate. But thats not the way things happened that night in Bogota. Police decided on the scene that lifesaving measures such as CPR would be useless because of the bleeding. They couldnt detect a pulse or any breathing and called in the fatal team. Instead of calling for a paramedic or medical examiner to make the declaration, an ambulance took Koops body to nearby Holy Name Medical Center. According to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, the Fatal Accident Investigation Unit is responsible for investigating fatal and serious bodily injury motor vehicle crashes that involve criminal recklessness. They also assist local police departments for any sort of investigation if the department needs more manpower. Fatal accident investigation In a statement, Bergen County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson Liz Rebein said that in relation to the Bogota crash in 2018 that resulted in Koops death, the Bogota Police Department requested the assistance of members of the Fatal Accident Investigation Task Force after determining that no criminality was suspected to be involved. Higgins said that once someone has determined to be dead at the scene, normally the body stays there for the medical examiner's office and that the fatal investigation unit is called and will respond to the scene as well. Whether there are criminal charges or not, those are not decisions the local police make immediately, Higgins said. They're reviewed by an assistant prosecutor with the assistance of the fatal accident unit, that's a standard investigation. And despite Koops death, police determined within an hour after the crash that she would not face criminal charges. Higgins was also quick to point out that there is no guarantee anything criminal caused an accident but police should determine other contributing factors like how the pedestrian ended up in the street, what the lighting was like and whether there was space for the driver to stop. It could be that this individual jaywalked for lack of a better term, he said. But could it be that her reaction was delayed because she was preoccupied? Rich Lomurro, a personal injury attorney based in Monmouth County, said that there are sometimes awful situations where there's no crime or intention on the driver. The question is whether it rises to the level of recklessness that can result in charges for vehicular manslaughter or some other offense, he said. Is it careless driving? Is it reckless driving? Was there speeding? Was there failure to maintain a lane? Those are all questions that the police have to look into. He said that typically it would not be the local police that make that determination but instead the prosecutor's office. Lomurro said that it is up to prosecutorial discretion as to whether or not charges should be filed but just because someone passes away doesn't mean that there was criminality involved. That is within the discretion of the police officer and the prosecutor's office and ultimately there is prosecutorial discretion, he said. That's what we rely on as a society. We rely on the prosecutors to use their discretion on what they believe is a crime and what they don't believe is a crime. As far as what the standard is, Lomurro said that the thrust of it is that you can't charge somebody with a crime without probable cause. Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Did Bogota NJ police follow protocol in Nadine Menendez car accident? Footprints are pictured at White Sands National Park in New Mexico. Could such footprints indicate that humans traveled to the Americas earlier than previously known? | National Parks Service Fossilized footprints in New Mexico may suggest that humans traveled to the Americas earlier than previously known. New research published in the journal Science analyzed the footprints found in the White Sands National Park in New Mexico. Using radiocarbon dating of seeds from the footprints, scientists proposed that humans could have arrived in the Americas from as early as 21,000 to 23,000 years ago. One of the previous theories was that humans arrived 16,000 to 14,000 years ago, after the Last Glacial Maximum, when people would have crossed the Beringian strait from Siberia over a dry land bridge, researchers wrote for Science. These footprints were first discovered in 2021 and sparked controversy among other archaeologists. The skeptics noted that aquatic plants such as Ruppia cirrhosa the one used in the 201 study can acquire carbon from dissolved atoms in the water rather than the air, which can result in a misleadingly early date, CNN reported. This is a subject thats always been controversial because its so significant its about how we understand the last chapter of the peopling of the world, Cornell University archaeological scientist Thomas Urban told The Associated Press. Urban was involved in the initial 2021 study, but not the 2023 study. To support this earlier date of humans arrival, the researchers used radiocarbon dating of conifer pollen, which doesnt present the same issues when it comes to dating that aquatic plants have. Additionally, the team used optically stimulated luminescence, which can determine the last time quartz grains in the fossil sediment were exposed to sunlight, according to CNN. The quartz reportedly had a minimum age of 21,500 years. The immediate reaction in some circles of the archaeological community was that the accuracy of our dating was insufficient to make the extraordinary claim that humans were present in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum, co-lead author of the study Jeff Pigati told CNN. But our targeted methodology in this current research really paid off. People can argue against any single dating technique, but its the totality of the study, the congruence of the ages from all three different dating techniques that really make our results exceptionally robust, Pigati told NPR. The results of this study are still contested. Some scientists do not think the dating of the pollen and quartz is sufficient evidence of rethinking the date when humans arrived to the Americas. All they really are telling us is that the clay that underlies all the footprints is potentially as young as 16,000 and potentially older than 21,000. Thats pretty uncertain, Oregon State University anthropologist Loren Davis said to NPR. I applaud their efforts to try to resolve this issue, Texas A&M University archaeologist Michael Waters told Smithsonian Magazine. But my suspicion is that the ages that have been generated so far are older than what they truly are. While more research may confirm or complicate the findings of this recent study from Science, the footprints themselves tell a story about early humans. One set of prints appears to have been made by a woman and a toddler who intermittently walked on its own and then was picked up and carried, Brian Handwerk wrote for Smithsonian Magazine. At some places the childs little prints disappear even as the womans broaden in the mud under the burden of the youngsters extra weight. The other footprints indicate a group of ancient hunters apparently stalked a giant sloth. The results of the hunt are unknown, Handwerk reported. Nancy Wilcox was 16 years old when she disappeared in Holladay, Utah, in 1974. She is believed to be serial killer Ted Bundys first Utah victim. | IMDb Nearly 50 years after Nancy Wilcox mysteriously vanished from Holladay, Utah, her case remains unsolved. Although notorious serial killer Ted Bundy confessed to her murder, her body has never been found. When did Nancy Wilcox go missing? Wilcox went missing on Oct. 2, 1974, when she was 16. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, she was last seen near her home in a yellow Volkswagen Beetle driven by an unidentified man. Bundy confessed to killing her shortly before his execution in 1989, but told police he could not remember the exact location where he had buried her body. Because Wilcoxs body has not been recovered, her case has never officially been solved. Related Who was Nancy Wilcox? Wilcox was a 16-year-old student at Olympus High School in Holladay. As Salt Lake County sheriffs detective Jerry Thompson, who was originally assigned to Wilcoxs case in 1974, told the Deseret News in 1989, she was last seen wearing a blouse and blue corduroy pants. She left her home to purchase a pack of gum and was never seen again. The minute she went out the door I had the strangest feeling, Connie Wilcox, Nancys mother, told ABC4. Nancy Wilcox was last sighted in a yellow Volkswagen Bug, the same car Bundy was known to drive. Who was Ted Bundy? Bundy was a serial killer convicted of murdering three women in Florida and believed to have killed at least 30 more in Washington, Oregon, Utah and Colorado. Shortly before his death, he met with Salt Lake County detective Dennis Couch and confessed to the murders of several Utah women, including Nancy Wilcox. During his taped confession, he pointed to an area near Capitol Reef National Park on a map of Utah and said he hid Wilcoxs body somewhere in the area. Bundy was executed in Florida on Jan. 24, 1989. Where does the case stand now? After Bundys confession, police searched Capitol Reef and the surrounding area for Wilcoxs body but never found it. Although Bundy confessed to her murder, much of the information he gave investigators in his final confessions was misleading and even false, per KSL. Biographer Ann Rule said in an interview at Utah State University that she believed Bundy was purposefully deceitful in his confessions. (It was) a scheme to send police out slopping through the mud in vain, something Ted would enjoy, she said. Because her body has never been found, Wilcoxs case is still listed in the Utah Department of Public Safetys cold case database. Anyone with information regarding her case is urged to contact the Unified Police Department at 801-743-7000. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said he believes the multibillion-peso confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) proposed under the 2024 spending must be allocated instead to activities that would spur growth given the government's very limited budget. The Marcos administration sought more than 10 billion in CIF for next year, the bulk of which was earmarked under the Office of the President. Our position is that the very limited government funds should be used for productive purposes, Balisacan said when asked for his comment during a briefing on Friday. The NEDA official said the government has so many deficits in several areas of developmental concerns, such as infrastructure, as well as investments in the social sector. Balisacan said the increase in poverty due to COVID-19 also requires a lot of attention. The Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President, both led by Vice President Sara Duterte, have been facing criticisms over their request for CIF amounting to 650 million. READ: VP Duterte defends confidential funds: 'It should not be constrained by time' Due to recent issues in the West Philippine Sea, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress agreed to realign the CIFs of agencies not directly engaged in protecting the Philippines against security threats. On Thursday, hundreds of groups called on Congress to completely scrap CIFs in the 2024 budget and boost the funds for public services instead. Former President Donald Trump has voluntarily dismissed the $500 million federal lawsuit he brought against his former attorney Michael Cohen, according to court records. The notice, filed Thursday, states that the lawsuit will be thrown out "without prejudice," a distinction that provides Trump the option to refile it later. Days after his first criminal indictment came down in April, Trump sued Cohen the key witness in his New York hush-money case and ongoing fraud trial for a half billion dollars in the Southern District of Florida. He had been scheduled for a deposition by Cohen's lawyer, which he had pushed back twice, on Monday. The deposition was first scheduled for Sept. 6, but Trump postponed it. After a judge rescheduled it for Oct. 3, Trump pushed back the date again on the grounds that he had to attend court for his civil fraud case in New York. U.S. District Court Judge Edwin Torres then rescheduled the deposition for a second time for Oct. 9, which is now void. Cohen's attorney E. Danya Perry said in a statement to The Messenger that Trump dropped the case to avoid facing her questioning. A spokesperson for Trump referred to the deposition in explaining the former president's decision to "temporarily" dismiss the lawsuit, also noting that the date falls on Columbus Day, a federal holiday on which Trump is scheduled to be in New Hampshire. "Once President Trump has prevailed in dealing with the witch hunts against him, he will continue to pursue his claims against Michael Cohen, who rightfully deserves to, and will be, held accountable for his unlawful words and actions just as the Southern District of New York held him accountable for numerous non-Trump related acts and crimes, making Cohen a 'proud' felon," the spokesperson said. Cohen pleaded guilty to a range of crimes, including a campaign finance violation pertaining to hush-money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Federal prosecutors said the former Trump lawyer committed the act with his then-boss' "coordination" and "direction." Cohen, in a guilty plea, also admitted to lying to Congress in testimony about Trump's business interests in Russia. Cohen told the Messenger that the reversal validates his belief from the start that Trump only filed the case to scare him away from acting as a star witness in his civil and criminal battles. "As I said from the beginning: this case was nothing more than a retaliatory intimidation tactic, and his attempt to hide from routine discovery procedures confirms as much," Cohen said. "Mr. Trump's cowardly dismissal spells the end of this latest attempt to deter me from providing truthful testimony against him." He added that his attorneys will look into "holding Mr. Trump accountable for his latest abuse of the legal system." Trump's lawsuit dismissal notice came just before another for his aggressive lawsuit against the New York judge overseeing his civil bank fraud trial, which Trump dropped late Thursday night and many perceived as a last-ditch effort to avoid the potential downfall of his real estate empire, according to the Daily Beast. That effort fell flat after Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron last week ordered the dissolution of some of Trump's key businesses in a summary judgment that found the former president had defrauded banks and insurers for years by inflating and deflating his assets. Defense lawyers indicated that the lawsuit was also dismissed "with prejudice" in the filing, which comes near the end of the case's first week of trial slated for three months where Engoron will decide whether the Trump family should fork over the $250 million requested in the suit. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Legal experts speculated online that Trump axed his lawsuit against Cohen to avoid speaking under oath during the deposition. "Of course right before his deposition on Monday, no less. I guess Trump didnt want to answer questions under oath" MSNBC host and legal analyst Katie Phang wrote on X, formerly Twitter. BREAKING NEWS: Donald Trump has voluntarily dismissed his SDFL lawsuit against Michael Cohen. Of course right before his deposition on Monday, no less. I guess Trump didnt want to answer questions under oath Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) October 6, 2023 "This is so Trump didnt have to sit for a deposition, which he kept putting off," added Andrew Weissmann, a former assistant U.S. attorney who served on special counsel Bob Mueller's team. This is so Trump didnt have to sit for a deposition, which he kept putting off. https://t.co/34XNk4l5zM Andrew Weissmann (weissmann11 on Threads) (@AWeissmann_) October 6, 2023 "With 4 pending indictments and an ongoing trial that could cost him hundreds of millions & control of his real estate portfolio, he cant afford another video deposition," MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin said on X. After two delays, Trump was scheduled to testify Monday in his $500 million case against Michael Cohen. But with 4 pending indictments and an ongoing trial that could cost him hundreds of millions & control of his real estate portfolio, he cant afford another video deposition. https://t.co/L9A8y5idxg Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 6, 2023 "Trump filed this lawsuit to generate press attention, not to pursue a legitimate claim," added former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti. "Its no surprise that he dismissed it once he got the attention he wanted." Trump filed this lawsuit to generate press attention, not to pursue a legitimate claim. Its no surprise that he dismissed it once he got the attention he wanted. https://t.co/DLrNENF8Sn Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) October 6, 2023 Russia recently relocated much of its Black Sea Fleet after it got battered by Ukrainian attacks. The channel Rybar, which has ties to the Kremlin, said the move was uncomfortable but necessary. Many Russians nationalists have struggled to adapt to news of Ukrainian success. A Russian hardline pro-war account conceded that the Black Sea Fleet couldn't defend itself from Ukraine and had to pull back. In a Telegram post on Friday, Rybar, an anonymous blogger rumored to have connections to the Kremlin , said it was a tough pill to swallow. "Even though it's difficult to accept, the Black Sea Fleet cannot fully ensure its security now," Rybar wrote. "As long as the enemy has access to the sea, and NATO aviation is quietly directing drones and missiles over there, the danger will remain," it added. The channel was referring to a string of successful Ukrainain attacks that forced the Black Sea Fleet to move many of its vessels away form its base in Sevastopol, Crimea, to safer waters. Satellite imagery from the past week showed at least 10 of Russia's vessels were transferred to the port city of Novorossiysk, analysts at the respected Institute for the Study of War said. Others sailed to Feodosia, a port on Crimea's eastern side. The vessels included the Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen frigates, as well as Kilo-class attack submarines, and patrol ships. In the Telegram post, Rybar also sought to downplay the significance of the move. It argued that it was "perfectly reasonable" and did not diminish Russia's ability to fire missiles from its ships towards Ukraine. It also said that Russia's hold on Crimea was no less secure after much of the fleet left an assessent that others may contest. In an intelligence briefing on Monday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said the threats of further Ukrainian attacks likely caused Russia to relocate its operations. While Russia's naval power is significantly larger than Ukraine's, it has repeatedly struggled against Ukraine's exploding sea drones and, more recently, attacks by cruise missile. Russia's Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider A former U.S. Army intelligence team leader who complained of learning some really terrible things about the American government hoarded years worth of national defense secrets and technology that he tried to share with China, according to a newly unsealed federal indictment. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, has been living primarily in Mainland China and Hong Kong since March 2020, just two months after separating from the military as a sergeant. Safely out of reach for U.S. authorities for more than two years, Schmidt was arrested Friday after landing at San Francisco International Airport. He is charged with attempting to deliver national defense information, and retention of national defense information. Each offense carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Schmidts alleged overtures to the Chinese began with a Feb. 24, 2020, email, according to an FBI affidavit that accompanies a detention motion filed Friday by prosecutors. I am a United States citizen looking to move to China, Schmidt wrote to the Chinese Consulate in Istanbul, according to the affidavit. I currently reside in Istanbul, and am trying to set up an appointment at the consulate in Istanbul. I also am trying to share information I learned during my career as an interrogator with the Chinese government. I have a current top secret clearance, and would like to talk to someone from the Government to share this information with you if that is possible. Schmidt then allegedly ran through the finer points of his service, listing training in interrogation, running sources as a spy handler, surveillance detection, and other advanced psychological operation strategies. I would like to go over the details with you in person if possible, as I am concerned with discussing this over email, the email concluded. Im sorry for using English, but I want to make sure that I do not miscommunicate. Please contact me at your earliest convenience if I can set up a time to meet with you. Thank you, Joe Schmidt Schmidt, an active-duty soldier from 2015 to 2020 who studied Mandarin, was most recently assigned to the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) near Tacoma, Washington. He held Top Secret and SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) security clearances, according to the affidavit, and was assigned to a Human Intelligence (HUMINT) squad. Schmidts work directly supported the Indo-Pacific Command, the U.S. Department of Defenses geographic combatant command that covers the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean region, including the PRC, the affidavit states. U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington In Dec. 2017, Schmidt took personal leave for a trip to China, the affidavit states, and wrote on his visa application, I plan to travel to China every New Year to learn about Chinese culture I would like to travel to China many times over the course of the next ten years. He planned two more trips to China after that, but never went for reasons unknown, according to the affidavit. Schmidt left the Army on Jan. 8, 2020, and transitioned to the Inactive Ready Reserves. Six days later, he flew to Beijing and stayed for four days, according to the affidavit, which does not specify what he did while in China. However, it says Schmidt left the U.S. again on Feb. 9, 2020, for a three-week trip to Istanbul, Turkey. While there, he emailed the Chinese embassy with his initial offer and ran Google searches for, among other things, soldier defect, countries that dont extradite, russian visa costs, chinese embassy Istanbul, and can you be extradited for treason, the affidavit says. Two days after his first email, Schmidt allegedly created a Word document titled, Important Information to Share with Chinese Government. A later review by Army investigators of Schmidts iCloud account determined that this document contains a variety of classified information that relates to the national defense, the affidavit states. Prosecutors say he then sent several identical emails to Chinese state media outlets, asking if they would be interested in using any of my military stories in your paper. I have several years experience in military intelligence, and I think your audience would be very interested in reading some of these. Let me know if that's a possibility. Thanks! Schmidt returned to the U.S. on March 2, 2020 but turned around and left the country again on March 6, flying to Hong Kong, then Beijing for three days, then back to Hong Kong, which he used as a base of operations while trying to set himself up for a life on the mainland.. He would later email his sister back in the U.S., explaining why she wouldnt be seeing him again for a while. Schmidt had been trying to set up a life for himself in Mainland China, according to the FBI. Zhang Qiao/VCG via Getty Images Hey Mary, theres something I need to tell you, Schmidt wrote. The real reason I left America is because of a disagreement with American policy. I dont talk about it often, but I learned some really terrible things about the American government while I was working in the Army, and I no longer feel safe living in America or like I want to support the American government. I dont plan on going back any time, except maybe once to sell my house, and I plan on limiting my contact with people who live in America. Schmidt told his sister hed be going off the map for a long time, and told her not to be concerned by his going dark: Ill still communicate occasionally by email, but I just wanted to give you a heads up so you dont worry about me. In Hong Kong, Schmidt continued searching online for suspicious terms, including interrogation field manual and fm human intelligence, and visited message boards on Reddit such as What Do Real Spies Do and How are they Recruited, the affidavit says. Schmidt also allegedly created another Word document, which spanned four pages and discussed aspects of U.S. Army intelligence collection, dissemination, and training, including: the types of intelligence reports that are prepared and disseminated; methods of conducting interrogations; methods of conducting human source operations; and the types of training courses offered for HUMINT officers. The information in this specific instance was unclassified, but still potentially harmful to U.S. interests because of the highly sensitive subject matter, the affidavit states, citing an unnamed Army official. Location data showed Schmidts phone in close proximity to Ministry of State Security (MSS) headquarters in Beijing on March 10, 2020, according to the affidavit. Schmidt searched for driving directions from the Beijing airport to MSS headquarters, according to U.S. authorities. U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington The following day, Schmidt searched Google for maps of U.S. military installations he had visited while on active duty. And when he got back to Hong Kong, he continued his espionage activities, dumping further classified information into yet another Word document titled High Level Secrets, written in Chinese characters. The affidavit says the rest of the document was written in English, and said, If you read this please make sure that the State Security Bureau of Peoples Republic of China receives it. The content is a high level secret of U.S. intelligence and can help the Chinese people. Schmidt said that before leaving the Army, he was working on a project with technology that is very compartmentalized, to the extent that the majority of people in the intelligence field are unaware of its existence, according to the affidavit. I will only discuss this technology in person if I can meet with a qualified member of the Chinese Security Bureau. The affidavit says Schmidt provided his military ID and service record to prove he was who he said, and offered to help the Chinese design training programs to mimic U.S. courses and to help Chinese operatives more effectively identify American Spy Handlers. He subsequently contacted an unidentified Chinese state-owned enterprise and offered them a Secret Internet Protocol Routing PKI token, a type of card U.S. intelligence agencies use to access SIPR, the intelligence network with secret information. It is a very rare card to find outside of the intelligence community, and if used properly, it can improve Chinas ability to access the SIPR network, Schmidt allegedly wrote in an email. If I give you card, can you look into the security algorithms that it uses for me? By the way, Im sorry my Chinese is so bad. I dont know how to translate most of this terminology, and I appreciate your patience Thank you!! Best regards, Joey. Schmidt was most recently assigned to an intelligence unit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. U.S. Air Force Photo/Abner Guzman Schmidt continued to compile documents, even creating a 28-slide PowerPoint presentation titled Use of Technology in Military Source Operations and Interrogations. He tried to set up a meeting with a second state-owned entity in Beijing, while looking for work in China, which the feds say had stalled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is unclear if Schmidt, who finally received a Chinese work permit on Aug. 7, 2020, was successful in getting an audience with Chinese spymasters. He stayed in Hong Kong as he prepared to relocate to the mainland, and remained just out of reach for U.S. authoritiesuntil Friday, when he flew to San Francisco and was arrested at the airport. Members of our military take a sworn oath to defend our country and the Constitution. In that context the alleged actions of this former military member are shockingnot only attempting to provide national defense information, but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks, Tessa M. Gorman, acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, said in a statement. I commend the FBI for their diligent work to end his alleged efforts to betray our country. Laws against the retention of national defense materials, whether distributed to enemy agents or not, have recently ensnared a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, a 21-year-old National Guardsman, and the 45th president of the United States. Schmidt does not yet have a lawyer listed in court records, and was unable to be reached 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. Mexican airline Viva Aerobus is the latest discount airline with plans to take off from Miami International Airport, tapping into the airports expanding role as a global hub. The airline will operate three flights a week Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Miami to Monterrey starting on July 1, 2024, officials said. Then a day later on July 2, 2024, Aerobus will start four weekly flights Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday between Miami and Merida. The airline will fly planes with room for 186 and 240 passengers. Monterrey is a key industrial city in Mexico and one of countrys technology capitals. It is home to the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, one of Latin Americas most respected universities. Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan, known for Mayan sites and culture. This new route not only connects individual cities but provides the Magic City passengers with a wide range of connecting flights that link Monterrey and Merida to over 30 key destinations to discover Mexico, Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus, said in a prepared statement. It also represents more opportunities for Mexican travelers to enjoy Miamis natural wonders, museums, and theme parks, ... and business markets; thus, boosting local tourism and economy. The announcement by the Mexican airline comes as Miami airport continues to add routes and flights from large carriers such as American Airlines, its biggest and one already flying between Miami and Mexico, and Delta, as well as upstart airlines worldwide. On Sept. 19, Barcelona-based carrier LEVEL said it would begin three weekly flights between Barcelona and Miami on March 31, 2024. About two weeks earlier, German low-cost airline Condor Airlines announced it would start flying three times a week next May from Miami airport to Frankfurt. Last month, Norwegian discount airline Norse Atlantic started flights from Miami airport to London Gatwick four times a week and to Oslo two times a week. On Dec. 12, Norse plans to begin operating flights from Miami to Paris four times weekly, and beginning Dec. 14, to Berlin once a week. The addition of Monterrey-based Viva Aerobus, which started flying in 2006, shows that while Miami may be forever intertwined with Cuba, the importance of the United States largest trading partner Mexico is growing here. Indeed, Miami airport officials said Mexico was its second-largest foreign market served last year, accounting for almost 1.7 million passengers. More broadly, in 2022, Mexico was the fourth-largest source of international overnight visitors to Miami-Dade County, according to a report released in the spring by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. The country trailed only Colombia, Brazil, and Canada. I greatly look forward to welcoming Viva Aerobus, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a prepared statement. The new routes will provide our residents and visitors with even more travel options to Mexico. By Toby Sterling and Bart H. Meijer AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The discovery of a Nazi membership card in the name of late Dutch Prince Bernhard, a German who married into the Dutch royal family in the 1930s, revived calls on Friday for an inquiry into his ties to Adolf Hitler's party. Prince Bernhard, the grandfather of Dutch King Willem Alexander, died in 2004. He consistently denied having been a Nazi although he did acknowledge membership of several Nazi military units, saying it was common for men of his age at the time. While there always was suspicion that he was a Nazi party member, "the discovery of Prince Bernhard's original NSDAP membership card is a new part of a painful chapter in Dutch history," the Center for Information and Documentation Israel (CIDI), said on Friday. It called for an investigation by the Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies (NIOD). "That Bernhard was a member is not so much what caused the shock: most Dutch people had expected that by now. But that he continued to deny it until his death weighs much more heavily for people," the CIDI said in a statement. In interviews with De Volkskrant newspaper shortly before his death, Bernhard had repeated his denial: "I can state with one hand on the Bible, I was never a Nazi," he said. The Dutch government confirmed the card was found but has resisted calls for an inquiry. Born in 1911 as Bernhard von Biesterfeld, he became a Dutch citizen and later flew combat missions for the Allies against Germany during the war. The card, which showed Bernhard first joined in 1933, was found by historian Flip Maarschalkerweerd, the Royal Information Service said. Maarschalkerweerd told national broadcaster NOS he was surprised that the prince had saved the card he had denied having. "He was a collector, and palaces have enormous attics and basements," he said. "Perhaps he forgot he had it." As early as 1996 Dutch journalists published a book containing a copy of an NSDAP membership card in Bernhard's name that was found in U.S. archives, along with correspondence showing that he quit the party in 1936 when he became engaged to Juliana, the Dutch princess who later became queen. King Willem Alexander said the discovery in Prince Bernhard's private archive could revive painful memories of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War Two. "I can very well imagine that this news has a great impact, that it calls up a lot of emotions. In particular among the Jewish community," Willem-Alexander told reporters on Thursday. "We have to see the past as it is, including the less nice parts," he said. (This story has been refiled to fix grammar in paragraph 4 and to change the picture) (Reporting by Toby Sterling, Bart Meijer and Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Judging by a new set of tracks, NASA's Perseverance rover appears it may have taken a brief detour to Walt Disney World in Florida, despite it being on Mars for the past two years. Guests visiting EPCOT can now come across a tire tread like that left by the six-wheeled rover outside of the theme park's Mission: SPACE attraction. Alas, the marks, which made their debut on Wednesday (Oct. 4) the first day of World Space Week were not a sign of Perseverance taking an interplanetary vacation, but rather the result of a recent collaboration between Disney Imagineers and NASA engineers. "Walt Disney Imagineering and NASA combined the magic of space and Disney to update an in-park display recreating the surface of Mars in Mission: SPACE," the Disney World Resort announced Wednesday in a social media post. Related: 12 amazing photos from the Perseverance rover's 1st year on Mars closeup of tire tracks on red sand. Embedded in the ground, the new exhibit replicates a circular swath of the Martian surface, across which it appears one of Perseverance's tires has driven. The rover also looks to have dropped two of its sample tubes that it has been using to cache rock and soil to be returned to Earth by a follow-on mission. A plaque adorning the exhibit displays an image of Perseverance and notes Feb. 18, 2021 as the date the robotic rover landed on Mars. "Perseverance is the first of an international team of robots. Its job is to collect samples of Mars rocks to be returned to Earth to answer the question: Was there ever life on Mars?" the plaque reads. To create the new display, Disney borrowed a prototype rover wheel from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, where Perseverance was built and tested before its launch and from where its mission is managed today. NASA also provided a 3D print file to recreate the sample tubes and images taken by Perseverance for Disney artisans to use when modeling the Martian surface. a simulated oval of red sand with Mars rover tracks embedded in it. The exhibit is not the first time that a rover has left its tracks at Mission: SPACE. When the new pavilion opened on Aug. 15, 2003, JPL arranged for an engineering model of its Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity to make a ceremonial pass through wet cement. The treads it left were placed on display along with a plaque inscribed with the words of then-NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, "We're back ... and we're on Mars." The Spirit and Opportunity plaque remained in place for 20 years until this past August, when Disney removed it while conducting repairs to the Mission: SPACE entranceway. At the time, Disney had no comment on the tracks' disappearance. Disney developed the Mission: SPACE attraction with input from NASA astronauts and scientists. When it first opened, the ride provided guests with "authentic NASA-style training on a thrilling ride to Mars" by using a centrifuge to produce similar G-forces to those experienced during a spacecraft's launch and re-entry. In 2017, Disney introduced a second, less-intense experience that takes guests on simulated flight into Earth orbit. a hexagonal silver plaque celebrating the accomplishments of nasa's perseverance mars rover. RELATED STORIES: Watch a dust devil swirl across Mars in this video from NASA's Perseverance rover Perseverance rover spies signs of ancient raging rivers on Mars Perseverance rover collects Mars samples rich in 'organic matter' for future return to Earth In addition to the tracks, the Mission: SPACE courtyard is also decorated with plaques bearing quotes associated with and about space exploration. In 2007, Disney honored educator-astronaut Barbara Morgan by adding her words to the attraction's entranceway wall, "Reach for your dreams ... the sky is no limit." In September 2021, the Mission: SPACE pavilion was expanded to include a restaurant, Space 220, which takes guests on a simulated space elevator ride to a space station where they then can dine while watching Earth rotate below. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. People have been using Microsoft Bing AI's new image-generating feature to cook up image upon image of cutesey creatures ranging from Nintendo's Kirby to beloved Disney rodent Mickey Mouse perpetrating the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center. So far, Disney a company that in 1998 pushed so hard for Congress to change existing copyright laws that the resulting legislation was mockingly referred to as "The Mickey Mouse Protection Act" doesn't have a squeak to say about it. Our emails have gone unanswered, leading us to believe that the media giant has no comment on the matter. This is unfortunate, as we're personally dying to get their take on AI-generated terrorist Mickey. To back up for a moment: Microsoft launched the new Bing "Image Creator" feature which is powered by OpenAI's DALL-E 3 image generator on Tuesday. Netizens immediately flocked to the app, eager to test the image generator's guardrails. As 404 Media's Samantha Cole quickly discovered, those guardrails are mind-blowingly threadbare. While it's not possible to specifically prompt the AI to generate imagery of, say, "Mickey Mouse hijacking a plane and flying it into the Twin Towers" or "Mickey Mouse committing 9/11 attack," you can easily generate images of "Mickey Mouse sitting in the cockpit of a plane, flying toward two tall skyscrapers," as Cole discovered. Cole wasn't the only person to drum up Terrorist Mickey images. Others were able to get a handgun, a second plane, and explosions into the AI-spun imagery of Mickey flying a plane into two tall buildings that look very much like the Twin Towers, while others still were able to get the AI to whip up photos of Disney's cherished main character wearing a bomb-lined suicide vest. Of course, if Disney had at any point given OpenAI permission to use its vast media treasure trove for AI training purposes, that would be one thing. But considering the weight that the ultra-powerful Disney tends to throw into efforts to protect its IP, not to mention the fact that Disney is reported to have injected code across its websites to keep OpenAI's web-crawling-slash-scraping GPTBot from trawling its platforms for data, that feels unlikely (we asked, but like we said, received no reply.) And if Bing's Image Creator is able to churn out pictures of Mickey Mouse at all, it likely means that its datasets contain copyrighted material either official Disney-produced AI imagery, or unofficial Mickey imagery that may have been a copyright violation in its own right. (Not even Steamboat Willie, Disney's oldest iteration of Mickey, has entered the public domain; he's not fair game until 2024.) In addition to revealing the massive holes in the AI's guardrails, the 9/11 thing is more or less an insult to copyright injury. (We also emailed Nickelodeon and Nintendo to inquire about Bing Image Creator-generated 9/11 SpongeBob and 9/11 Kirby, characters that are also copyrighted by their respective owners, but those messages have gone unreturned as well.) Of course, legal conversations may be happening behind closed doors. And it is worthwhile to ponder a court battle Disney vs. Microsoft and OpenAI would be a Goliath vs. Goliath fight, and could well become the precedent-setting copyright battle of the AI age. While litigation from authors presumably has OpenAI at least slightly nervous, Disney's legal track record would represent a substantial escalation. In any case, whilst we wait, Disney or Nickelodeon, or Nintendo if you read this, feel free to send us a word or two to offer regarding AI, copyright, potential intellectual property theft, and the ethics of Terrorism Mickey. Otherwise, we're chalking this one up to "no comment." More on AI and copyright: Suing Writers Seethe at Openai's Excuses in Court Almost every month, The Columbus Dispatch publishes headlines about teen suspects involved in gun violence. And then there are the young victims. Grieving families. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, The Dispatch will partner with Columbus City Council, Columbus Metropolitan Library and Columbus City Schools to host a Community Conversation about Teens and Gun Violence. The free event will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the main library, 96 S. Grant Ave., in downtown Columbus. The events focus will be on hearing from teens and discussing the impact of gun violence. Community members will have an opportunity to engage in efforts to help. According to Franklin County Juvenile Court, through Sept. 15, juveniles have been charged with a delinquency charge of carrying a concealed weapon in 81 cases. In addition, the Franklin County Coroners office reports that, as of October 2, 14 teens, ages 18 and younger, have died as a result of gun violence, 10 by homicide and four by suicide. To register for the event, go to https://forms.gle/C8v189UYGjNtT7iV6. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Dispatch to Host Community Conversation about teens and gun violence Consequences of the Russian shelling of Uman in April 23 Russia has launched a new series of ruthless terrorist attacks against civilians in Ukraine. On Oct. 6, the Russian military struck residential buildingsin Kharkiv, killing a 10-year-old boy and injuring at least 23 people. On Oct. 5, Moscows forces hit a cafe in the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast with an Iskander missile, killing 52 people during a memorial dinner the deadliest single attack in 2023. NV recalls Russia's largest and most brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians in the 19 months of war since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The worst attack remains the airstrike on the Mariupol Drama Theater, which killed hundreds of people (around 600, according to AP). Other strikes with the highest number of casualties include the attacks on the train station in Kramatorsk (59 dead), a residential highrise in Dnipro (46 dead), homes in Chasiv Yar (48 dead), as well as on the Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regional administrations (37 and 29 dead respectively) and civilian buildings in Luhansk Oblast at the beginning of the invasion (about 60 dead in a school in Bilohorivka and 56 dead in a nursing home in Kreminna). In this article, the largest strikes are presented in reverse chronology. 2023 Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast, attack on a cafe and a grocery store: 52 dead Date: Oct. 5, 2023 Target: cafe, store Dead: 52 (including 1 child) Wounded: 6 The Russians hit a cafe in the village of Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast, with an Iskander missile. At the time, a memorial dinner was being held there for a fallen soldier who was reburied in his hometown after being identified. According to police, the village was home to about 300 people, of whom more than 50 died. This is the deadliest Russian strike on a civilian target in 2023. Chernihiv, attack on local theater and city center: 7 killed, over 200 wounded Date: Aug. 19, 2023 Target: the historic center of the city, including the theater building Dead: 7 (including a child) Wounded: 214 On the morning of Saturday, Aug. 19, Russia fired an Iskander missile at the historic center of Chernihiv, including the Chernihiv Drama Theater, which was hosting a drone exhibition. However, the greatest damage was done to civilian objects in the city and its residents. A six-year-old child was among the seven people killed, and the strike damaged 66 residential buildings (about 400 apartments), 10 administrative buildings, and 67 vehicles. Lviv, attack on a residential building: 10 dead Date: July 6, 2023 Target: an apartment complex Dead: 10 Wounded: 45 (including three children) Overnight on July 6, Russia attacked Lviv and Lviv Oblast with Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles. Although 7 out of 10 Kalibr missiles were shot down, in Lviv one of the missiles hit a residential building at 66 Stryiska Street. This was the most destructive strike on the city since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. 35 civilian buildings, 250 apartments, 10 dormitories, an orphanage, and two universities were damaged or destroyed. Kramatorsk, attack on a pizzeria in the city center: 13 dead Date: June 27, 2023 Target: A food establishment in the city center a popular pizzeria Dead: 13 (including three children) Wounded: 61 (including an infant) The Russians launched a missile attack on the center of Kramatorsk, hitting a packed pizza restaurant. The attack was carried out by two Iskander missiles. Three children were among the dead: a 17-year-old girl and two sisters aged 14. An 8-month-old baby was wounded. Ukrainian writer Viktoria Amelina died in hospital a few days later from severe injuries. Kryvyi Rih, strike on a residential high-rise building: 12 dead Date: June 13, 2023 Target: Residential high-rise building and other civilian objects Dead: 12 Wounded: 38 Russia launched an attack with Kh-101 / Kh-555 cruise missiles on the city of Kryvyi Rih overnight, hitting several civilian objects, including a five-story residential building. The strike sparked a 700-square-meter fire that engulfed apartments on all floors, killing 11 people. The body of another victim was recovered from the rubble of a destroyed private enterprise. 68 buildings, including educational institutions, were damaged. Uman, strike on a residential nine-story building: 23 dead Date: April 28, 2023 Target: Residential high-rise building Dead: 24 (including three children) Wounded: 18 During a massive missile attack on Ukraine, one of the Russian missiles hit a nine-story building in the city of Uman in Cherkasy Oblast. The attack occurred around 4 a.m., when people were sleeping in their homes. The strike killed 23 people, and another woman died a few months later in hospital. An entire stairwell in the multi-story building was destroyed, and the rest of the building was engulfed in flames. Zaporizhzhya, strike on a residential high-rise building: 13 dead Date: March 2, 2023 Target: Residential high-rise building Dead: 13 (including an infant) Russian troops hit a five-story residential building in Zaporizhzhya with S-300 missiles. More than 10 apartments on the first four floors were destroyed. Dnipro, attack on a residential high-rise: 46 dead Date: Jan. 14, 2023 Target: Residential high-rise building Dead: 46 (including five children) Wounded: 80 (including 16 children) In another massive attack on Ukrainian infrastructure in the winter of 2023, one of Russia's Kh-22 missiles destroyed a nine-story residential building in Dnipro. Two stairwells were completely destroyed, more than 70 apartments were destroyed, and more than 230 more were damaged. 2022 Kherson, shelling of the city center: 10 dead Date: Dec. 24, 2022 Target: city center Dead: 10 Wounded: 68 Russian troops shelled the center of Kherson with Grad rockets, striking near the central market and a supermarket, which were usually crowded on weekends. The Kherson Oblast Clinical Hospital and a regional psychiatric facility were also damaged. Zaporizhzhya, strike on residential buildings: 10 dead Date: Oct. 9 and 10, 2022 Target: residential buildings Dead: 14 (including a child) Wounded: 94 (including 12 children) Around 2 a.m. on Oct. 9, Russians fired missiles at the center of Zaporizhzhya, hitting residential buildings in the Dniprovskyi district. Overnight on Oct. 10, Russia repeated the attack, firing at least 10 rockets at the city center, damaging another residential high-rise. Zaporizhzhya, attack on a civilian convoy: 31 dead Date: Sept. 30, 2022 Target: checkpoint in front of the city, convoy of civilian vehicles Dead: 31 Wounded: 88 On the morning of Sept. 30, Russia fired 16 S-300 missiles at Zaporizhzhya. Four of them hit targets near a car park and the checkpoint used by locals to evacuate from temporarily occupied territory. There was a convoy of civilian cars. Kurylivka, Kharkiv Oblast, shelling of an evacuation convoy: 24 dead Date: Sept. 25, 2022 Target: civilian convoy Dead: 24 (including a pregnant woman and 13 children) According to Ukraines SBU security service, a Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group fired at an evacuation convoy in no-mans-land in Kharkiv Oblast between the villages of Kurylivka and Pishchane in Kupyansk district. 24 people were killed, who were evacuating in six cars and a truck at the time. Chaplyne, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, strike on a railway station and homes, 25 dead Date: Aug. 24, 2022 Target: railway station, residential building Dead: 25 (including 2 children) Wounded: 31 During the day, Russian troops launched five missile attacks on the village of Chaplyne, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, first on a residential building and then on a railway station. The village was fired upon with S-300, Iskander, and Smerch missiles. Three railroad workers were among the dead. Several passenger cars burned down. Kharkiv, attack on dormitories, 25 dead Date: Aug. 17-18, 2022 Target: dormitories and residences Dead: 25 (including a child) Wounded: 40 On the evening of Aug. 17, Russia launched a missile attack on the Saltivskyi district of Kharkiv, destroying a residential building (a former dormitory). 19 people were killed. The next day, Russia hit a dormitory in Kharkiv's Slobidskyi district with a missile, killing six more people, including a child. Vinnytsia, strike on the city center and a residential building: 27 dead Date: July 14, 2022 Target: Victory Square Dead: 27 (including 3 children) Wounded: 202 A Russian missile strike destroyed a medical center with doctors and patients, damaged a Soviet-era concert hall, car park, and nearby residential buildings. The Russians fired several Kalibr cruise missiles at Vinnytsia from a submarine in the Black Sea, some of which were shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces. At the same time, a conference on bringing Russia to justice for its war crimes was taking place in The Hague. Chasiv Yar, attack on residential buildings: 48 dead Date: July 14, 2022 Target: residential buildings Dead: 48 (including a child) Wounded: 9 A Russian missile strike damaged two five-story residential buildings. Serhiyivka, Odesa Oblast, strike on a holiday camp and a house: 22 dead Date: July 1, 2022 Target: Holiday camp and residential building Dead: 22 (including two children) Wounded: 39 Three Kh-22 missiles hit a 9-storey residential building and holiday camps in the resort town of Serhiyivka, Odesa Oblast. The tragedy became the bloodiest for Odesa Oblast since the beginning of the war. Kremenchuk, attack on a shopping center: 21 dead Date: June 27, 2022 Target: Amstor mall Dead: 21 Wounded: 59 The fifth missile attack on Kremenchuk during the war. This time, the Russians hit a crowded civilian facility Amstor mall. At the time of the attack, there were about 1,000 people there. The nearby Kremin-Arena stadium was also hit. The strike was carried out with Kh-22 missiles that were fired from aircraft over Russias Kursk Oblast. Kramatorsk, attack on the train station: 59 dead Date: April 8, 2022 Target: railway station Dead: 59 (including 7 children) Wounded: 109 Russian forces attacked a railway station with two guided ballistic missiles. A few days before, the Russians had attacked the railroad infrastructure, blocking several evacuation trains, so at the time, several thousand people were waiting at the train station to proceed with the evacuation. Bilohorivka, school: 60 dead Date: May 7, 2022 Target: school Dead: ~60 (estimate) As a result of a Russian air strike on a Ukrainian school that served as a shelter for civilians, dozens of people were injured and killed. The head of the Luhansk Oblast State administration, Serhiy Hayday, said that about 90 people were in the basement, and only 30 were rescued from the rubble. According to the governor, constant shelling made it impossible to safely clear the rubble and search for survivors. Mykolaiv, attack on the regional administration building: 37 dead Date: March 29, 2022 Target: Mykolaiv Oblast State Administration Dead: 37 Wounded: ~34. Russia attacked the Mykolaiv Oblast State Administration building at around 9 a.m. The strike destroyed the central part of the building, killing Ukrainian civil servants. The regional governor, Vitaliy Kim, was late for work that day and was unharmed. Mariupol, attack on theater, over 600 dead Date: March 16, 2022 Target: the drama theater Dead: ~600 During the siege of the city, the building of the Donetsk Oblast Drama Theater in Mariupol was used as a bomb shelter by, according to various estimates, 500 to 1,200 civilians. According to the AP, the bombs dropped by the Russians on the theater killed about 600 people. The exact number of fatalities is unknown. Kreminna, attack on a nursing home: 56 dead Date: March 11, 2022 Target: a nursing home Dead: 56 Russian troops fired at a retirement home from a tank; 56 people died, about 15 survived. The latter were abducted by the Russians and taken to occupied Svatove. Chernihiv, attack on a bread line: 14 dead Date: March 3, 2022 Target: residential areas Dead: 14 Wounded: ~40 On March 16, Russian forces lobbed an artillery shell into a line for bread on Dotsenko Street, where about a hundred people were queueing. In total, more than 50 people were killed by shelling in the city that day. Kharkiv, attack on the regional state administration building: 29 dead Date: March 1, 2022 Target: Kharkiv Oblast State Administration Dead: 29 Wounded: ~35 A Russian cruise missile strike on the Kharkiv Oblast State Administration building and the city's central square also damaged the opera house, city philharmonic, and residential buildings. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Dogs, even trained ones, can bite. And no one knows that better these days than President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden . Commander, the Bidens' German shepherd purebred, is no longer staying at the White House after the 2-year-old bit several staffers and chomped down on U.S. Secret Service officers at least 10 times, according to the Associated Press. The dog is gone from the White House "while next steps are evaluated," according to the AP article. Officials did not say where Commander is now living. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden take their dog Commander for a walk in Rehoboth Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. Not the Bidens' first dog troubles The president and the first lady often have been photographed walking the dog near their Rehoboth Beach home. They also are frequent visitors with Commander to their home in Greenville. Previously, Major, another German shepherd owned by the Bidens that came from what was then the Delaware Humane Association's shelter (now Humane Animal Partners) in 2018, showed signs of aggression and also bit Secret Service personnel and White House staff. In 2021, Wilmington dog trainer Christos Philippou of Delaware K9 Academy told Delaware Online/The News Journal that aggression can happen when "you go from a house pet in Wilmington to the White House where there are hundreds and hundreds of people coming in and out, theres definitely potential for issues." When dogs routines change, and theyre experiencing more stimulation than before, it can affect their behavior, Philippou said. The dog trainer said its on the human, not the canine, to fix this. Major was shown the door, at least at the White House, and sent to live with unnamed friends in Delaware. Biden dogs of the past President Biden has long owned big dogs. While he was vice president, he had Champ, a German shepherd who lived until age 13. He died in June 2021. Biden also owned a Great Dane named Governor. In 2020, Jude Baseden told Delaware Online/The News Journal about the time when she found the Bidens' lost Great Dane in 1975 when she was 12 years old. Biden, then Delaware's senator, wrote her a thank-you note. How often are dog bites reported in Delaware? All of this got us thinking about dog bites in Delaware. How many are there each year, and are they on the rise? President Joe Biden's dog Commander, a German shepherd, sits at the Truman balcony of the White House on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Washington. We reached out to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Service's Division of Public Health. The state's Office of Epidemiology, Health Data, and Informatics provided dog bite data from 2016 to 2022. According to an infectious disease epidemiologist, the number of dog bites reported to the Delaware department has remained relatively steady over time. The highest number of reported bites throughout the state was 1,608 in 2019. In 2022, the number was 1,340. The majority of dog bites over the past few years occur in New Castle County, according to figures provided. The only drastic change was in 2021, a drop to 837 reported bites throughout the state, which the department suspects had to do with the pandemic and Delaware residents staying indoors or not seeking medical attention for bites they typically would have. According to public health officials, it is worth noting that these are dog bites that have been reported. However, many dog bites go unreported. What if my dog bites? So, what happens if your dog bites or injures someone in Delaware? The owner of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death or loss to a person or property that is caused by the dog, unless the injury, death or loss was caused to the body or property of a person who, at the time, was committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other criminal offense on the property of the owner, or was committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against any person, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog, according to the Delaware Code. In Delaware, dog bites should be reported to the Delaware Division of Public Health. Fines can range from a couple hundred dollars to over $1,000, depending on which rule was violated and how often. Meredith Newman contributed to this story. Contact Patricia Talorico at ptalorico@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2861 and follow her on X (Twitter) @pattytalorico. Sign up for her Delaware Eats newsletter. Good boy no more? Why is Bidens' dog Major biting people at the White House? A trainer offers insight This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: A look at Delaware dog bites after Biden dog banished from White House Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) Three iconic Filipino vacation destinations Boracay, Palawan, Siargao -- retained their crowns as some of the top islands in Asia after readers of luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler (CNT) voted in favor of the these tourist hotspots. This year, around 600,000 CNT readers voted Boracay as the third best island in the continent with a score of 90.74, behind only to Bali (91.08) in Indonesia and Koh Samui (91.07) in Thailand, which took first and second respectively. The island in Aklan was recognized for its white sand beaches, its wide array of bars and restaurants, and its bustling nightlife. Behind Boracay were Palawan (89.71) and Siargao (87.37), which ranked sixth and 10th among the best islands in Asia, respectively. The three islands have been at the top of the magazines annual Readers Choice Awards for the past several years. Last year, Boracay was voted the best island in Asia while Palawan renowned for its white sand beaches, clear waters, and its exotic and vibrant flora and fauna ranked eighth. In 2021, Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines took the crown of best island in Asia. That year, it was joined by Palawan in third place, and Boracay in the eight spot. Three years ago, in 2020, Palawan, Siargao, and Boracay were voted fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively as Asias top islands. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said this years awards inspire us to continue developing and promoting the Philippines as a premier travel destination in Asia and the world." This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and sustainable tourism efforts of our country, from our local communities, national and local government agencies, and stakeholders who have strived tirelessly to preserve and enhance the beauty of these islands, she said. Donald Johnsons securities fraud trial is going forward Nov. 13 period. That was Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymers oft-repeated phrase during a Friday hearing on a slew of motions filed by Johnson, for a bench trial, for Clymer to reconsider another interlocutory appeal with the state appellate court, for funding to assist with his defense In a case thats dragged on in court for almost a decade, Clymers answers came as an easy no, even as Johnson faces the difficult task, since his attorneys quit several weeks ago, of now representing himself. Johnson, 58, of Porter, was initially charged in Porter Superior Court in March 2014 with 14 counts related to securities fraud, Class C felonies at the time. Two months later he was charged with one count of forgery, also a Class C felony, and two counts of theft, Class D felonies, in a related case. An appellate court ruling trimmed that to 15 counts after determining that the statute of limitations had run out for one of the victims claims but the rest of the charges could stand. The allegations stretch back to around 2007 and include multiple victims who, according to charging documents, lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in real estate investments gone bad when they did not get the returns they were promised and couldnt get back the money they put into the deals. Johnson will have counsel on standby for his trial, Marc Chargualaf with the public defenders office, and though Clymer said Chargualaf can assist with legal questions, Johnsons defense is still up to him. How that goes will play out in the coming weeks. Johnson provided prosecutors David Rooda, a deputy with the Lake County Prosecutors Office, and Gabriel Brown, with the Indiana Securities Division, his full list of witnesses for his trial Friday morning, all 101 of them, later reduced to 100 when Clymer noted one of them had died. Under questioning from Clymer, Johnson admitted he wasnt going to call all of them. Who are you going to call? What youre doing is in bad faith, said Clymer, obviously irritated. Johnson said he provided 52 names to prosecutors last week and said he still has to contact his witnesses but was waiting for Clymer to rule on his pending motions during Fridays hearing. I have a lot of work to do, Johnson said. So what have you been doing the last nine and a half years? snapped Clymer, before turning to prosecuting attorneys, who had bemoaned the long list in court. Has the state ever heard of any of these people? And so the hearing, which stretched for an hour and a half and at times sounded like an introduction to trial law class, went, with prosecutors frustrated by what they hadnt been provided by Johnson. When Johnson claimed the same, they said all of their discovery and other material had been provided to his previous attorneys six in total, as Clymer noted and offered to him. Brown said he had conferred with Johnsons most recent attorneys and provided everything to Johnson on a flash drive. I have gone above and beyond what my duties are to provide discovery, Brown said, adding he also invited Johnson to the Secretary of States Office in Indianapolis to look at the files. Hes still not taken me up on that. I dont know what more I can do for Mr. Johnson. I cant be his attorney, Brown added. Perhaps the most important lesson for Johnson Friday was that when the trial rolls around, the only witnesses who can testify will be the ones who have given depositions. That includes what Johnson called an expert witness in securities who has yet to file a report with the court; Clymer set an Oct. 13 deadline for that and other exhibits in the case. Witness depositions were scheduled for later this month. Johnson failed in a bid to get Clymer to determine he was indigent so the court would have to assist with his trial expenses. After Clymer swore him in, Johnson said he didnt have any income and that he owned a home in Porter and a commercial building on Broadway in Chesterton that included an apartment. The building was where he had a business that shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and didnt generate any income. The apartment, Johnson added, generated a little bit of income. You just told me you didnt have any income. That was false, Clymer said sharply, since Johnson was under oath. Johnson backpedaled and said he made $14,000 last year in rent from the apartment. His father purchased a car for him. He and his son used to give seminars but that dried up during the pandemic. So your only income is from an apartment you said didnt have any income, Clymer said, before finding that Johnson was not indigent. But my expenses far outweigh my income, Johnson said, adding he and his wife have both filed for bankruptcy and all the rentals he used to own that provided income have been foreclosed on. Clymer remained unmoved. Youre not indigent, he repeated. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 27 to go over jury instructions and other matters. Clymer bumped jury selection from the afternoon of Nov. 13 to the morning, in an effort to move the trial along, mindful of his own court calendar and Thanksgiving weekend. alavalley@chicagotribune.com Donald Trump is dropping his $500 million lawsuit against his former fixer Michael Cohen. Trump's legal team on Thursday filed a notice that he would be "voluntarily dismissing" the suit. Trump's lawyers previously accused Cohen of breaching attorney-client privilege to reap profits Former President Donald Trump on Thursday filed to dismiss his $500 million lawsuit against his former attorney, Michael Cohen. Trump sued Cohen in federal court in April, with his lawyers accusing the latter of "spreading falsehoods" about the former president. Trump's legal team alleged that Cohen, who once worked as a fixer for Trump but has since been outspoken against his old boss, breached his attorney-client relationship to make money off slamming the former president in his public statements and books. But a new Thursday filing by Trump's team in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida said the former president is "voluntarily dismissing" his case against Cohen. Trump was set to appear four days later to answer questions related to his lawsuit against Cohen. The new filing does not give a reason for him dropping the action. On Thursday evening, Cohen told Insider in a statement: "As I have said from the beginning: this case was nothing more than a retaliatory intimidation tactic, and his attempt to hide from routine discovery procedures confirms as much." "Mr. Trump's cowardly dismissal spells the end of this latest attempt to deter me from providing truthful testimony against him," Cohen continued. In a statement to Insider, a spokesperson for Trump's campaign said the former president "has decided to temporarily pause" his legal action against Cohen, citing Trump's other ongoing legal cases and presidential campaign schedule. "Once President Trump has prevailed in dealing with the witch hunts against him, he will continue to pursue his claims against Michael Cohen, who rightfully deserves to, and will be held accountable for his unlawful words and actions just as the Southern District of New York held him accountable for numerous non-Trump related acts and crimes, making Cohen a very 'proud' felon," the spokesperson said. Trump currently faces four indictments covering a total of 91 felony charges. The first of the four indictments brought against Trump included the accusation that he was connected to a $130,000 hush-money payment to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Cohen, a key witness in the Stormy Daniels case, has said Trump directed him to make the payment to keep Daniels quiet before the 2016 presidential election. October 6, 2023: This story was updated to include a statement from a spokesperson for Trump's campaign. Read the original article on Business Insider NEW YORK Donald Trump voluntarily dismissed his $500 million lawsuit against his ex-attorney Michael Cohen on Thursday. A current lawyer for the former president filed the motion in the Southern District of Florida without prejudice, leaving the possibility open to file the suit again in the future. The ex-president whos embroiled in multiple court proceedings was scheduled to appear in the Southern District of New York next Monday to be deposed by Cohens attorney Danya Perry after rescheduling the hearing three times. Trump filed the multimillion-dollar lawsuit in April, accusing his once right-hand man of violating attorney-client privilege after publishing two books, producing a podcast and speaking with the media about the hush money payment Trump made to porn star Stormy Daniels. Cohen said Thursday he and his legal team will turn their full attention to holding Mr. Trump accountable for his latest abuse of the legal system. As I have said from the beginning: this case was nothing more than a retaliatory intimidation tactic and his attempt to hide from routine discovery procedures confirms as much, Cohen said in a statement. Mr. Trumps cowardly dismissal spells the end of this latest attempt to deter me from providing truthful testimony against him. More to come, Cohen added. The lawyer spent more than 13 months behind bars after pleading guilty in December 2018 to campaign finance charges and lying to congress about doling out payments to Daniels and model Karen McDougal in exchange for their silence about their relationships with Trump. The ex-president has vehemently denied the allegations. Cohen is expected to be the star witness in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs case charging Trump with committing 34 felonies during his first year in the White House by reimbursing Cohen for a $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty. After unsuccessfully trying to get the case moved to federal court, Trump on Thursday sought to get the case dismissed, saying in court filings that its interfering with his 2024 bid for the Republican presidential nomination. _____ WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump has abandoned a lawsuit seeking $500 million from his former attorney, Michael Cohen, over his earnings from a memoir about their relationship. A Florida federal judge ordered the case closed Friday. Trump brought the lawsuit in April, arguing that Cohen gave "fictionalized accounts" of interactions with Trump that were barred by a confidentiality agreement through Cohen's 2020 book, Disloyal: A Memoir. The move comes as Trump faces criminal charges in New York tied to his alleged role in a scheme to buy the silence of multiple women ahead of the 2016 presidential election, including of adult film star Stormy Daniels. Daniels has since publicly stated she had an affair with Trump, which he has denied. Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves federal court in 2018 in New York City. Cohen ultimately ended his relationship with Trump, and pleaded guilty in 2018 to playing a role in the alleged hush money scheme. He went on to serve prison time and write his book. Trump accused Cohen of breaching his duty as Trump's lawyer, violating the pair's contract, and unjustly enriching himself, including by telling "fictionalized information" about Trump's personal and business life. The former president was seeking damages in an amount to be determined at trial, which he said were "expected to substantially exceed Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000,000)." The New York hush money case against Trump is one of several prosecutions he faces, including federal and state charges tied to interference with the 2020 presidential election. Attorneys for Trump and Cohen didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump drops $500 million lawsuit against former lawyer Michael Cohen WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, to be the new speaker of the House, hours after saying he would accept the job on a short-term basis if Republicans deadlocked over the selection. Jordan is STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment, Trump said in a post early Friday on Truth Social, adding that he will be a GREAT Speaker of the House. Hours earlier, Trump had said that if House Republicans couldn't reach consensus on a candidate to replace the deposed Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. , "they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president," he told Fox News Digital. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, who had planned to nominate Trump for speaker, said Thursday night in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the former president called him to say he is endorsing Jim Jordan, and I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party. A handful of GOP lawmakers, most of them hard-liners, removed McCarthy as speaker on Tuesday, leaving the lower chamber paralyzed as House Republicans scramble to find a new leader. The House cannot conduct important business, such as passing the spending bills needed to avoid a government shutdown, without an official leader. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speaks during a hearing with the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government on February 9, 2023 in Washington. Donald Trump has endorsed him for speaker of the House. Nehls, a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus a bloc of the House's hardest-right lawmakers had expressed support for Trump to serve as speaker before announcing the former president was backing Jordan. Former President Donald Trump speaks at the California GOP Fall convention Sept. 29 in Anaheim. The Constitution does not specify that a speaker has to be a member of the House. Every speaker in American history, however, has been a House lawmaker. Jordan is chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee. The only other declared candidate in the race so far is House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, of Louisiana. Trump had said Thursday that he would accept the speakership temporarily if Republicans could not agree on a replacement. Asked Friday about a possible Jordan speakership, President Joe Biden smiled and told reporters, Look, whomever the House speaker is Im going to try to work with. They control half the Congress." Theres some people Id imagine its going to be easier to work with than others. But whomever the speaker is, Ill try to work with. Contributing: Sudiksha Kochi, Joey Garrison This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump to back Jim Jordan for House speaker, GOP lawmaker says Donald Trump says hes generously offered up his services to be an interim Speaker of the House until GOP brass can sort out which Republican it wants in Congressional leadership for the long-term. Trump told Fox News that hes been approached by lawmakers and was queried about his interest in the position, which hes technically eligible to hold despite not being a member of Congress. I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress, Trump said. If they dont get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership. The ex-president made clear that becoming House Speaker would not deter from his plans to retake the White House in next years presidential election. Other names that have been floated as a potential House Speaker to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) include Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Tom Emmer (R-MN), and Steve Scalise (R-LA). Read it at Fox News Read more at The Daily Beast. A drag queen from the Philippines is facing the possibility of a 12-year prison sentence following a controversial performance in which they portrayed Jesus Christ reciting the Lord's Prayer, leading to widespread outrage in the country. The performer, Pura Luka Vega, is best known for competing on the reality competition show Drag Den Philippines, which is hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race superstar Manila Luzon. Vega, legally named Amadeus Fernando Pagente, found themselves in police custody on Wednesday, October 4th. Vega, a 33-year-old advocate for free speech who uses drag as a platform for their message, has been charged under Article 201 of the country's criminal code. This article criminalizes "indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts, or shows" that are deemed to "offend any race or religion." If convicted, Vega could face substantial fines and up to 12 years behind bars, according to a report by the BBC. Vega's provocative political performances have previously earned them the label of an "unwelcome person" in multiple cities across the Philippines. The controversy erupted when a video of Vega dressed as Jesus Christ performing a rock version of the Lord's Prayer, known as "Ama Namin," was posted online. Although the video has since been deleted, it sparked outrage, leading to complaints filed by a religious group with the Manila Prosecutor's Office back in July. The Philippines is predominantly Christian, with over 86% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic, as reported by the Asia Society, a non-profit organization. Vega's performance drew complaints first from the Protestant church leaders' group, For Jesus Movement, in July, followed by a second complaint in August from the Catholic group, Nazarene Brotherhood. Vega responded to their arrest, stating, "I understand that people call my performance blasphemous, offensive, or regrettable. However, they shouldn't tell me how I practice my faith or how I do my drag." Vega also highlighted the prevalence of homophobia in the Philippines, emphasizing that their arrest illustrates this issue. Supporters of Vega have taken to social media, using the hashtag #freepuralukavega to demand their release, with many asserting that "drag is not a crime." Human Rights Watch has also called for Vega's release, arguing that the charges violate their right to free expression. "Vega's performance may offend some, but it is protected expression under international human rights law," stated the international NGO. They urged Vega's release and the dropping of charges, emphasizing that freedom of expression includes artistic expression that may challenge religious beliefs. In a bid to garner support and raise awareness, a fundraiser titled "Drag is Not a Crime" was shared on Vega's Instagram page on October 5th. Drake has opened up about the stomach issues hes been facing for years, saying that hell probably take a year or so break from music to focus on his health. During a recent episode of his SiriusXM radio show Table for One, the 36-year-old One Dance rapper revealed that hes been having the craziest problems with his stomach. I probably wont make music for a little bit, Drake (real name Aubrey Drake Graham) said. I need to focus on my health, first and foremost, and Ill talk about that soon enough. Nothing crazy, but just like, you know, I want people to be healthy in life. He added: So, I need to focus on my health and I need to get [that] right. I have a lot of other things that I would love to focus on. So, Ima lock the door in the studio for a little bit. I dont even know what a little bit is. Maybe a year or so, maybe a little longer. Drakes news comes the same day as the release of his highly anticipated eighth studio album, For All The Dogs, which features artists including SZA, Bad Bunny, 21 Savage, Sexxy Red, Chief keef and many more across its 23-song setlist. The Independents Nadine Smith found the rappers latest album borders on sinister, in her two-star review. Drake (Getty Images) Drake tries and fails to prove he can keep up with the cool kids, Smith writes. For better or worse, the album is at its best when Drakes not there. For All The Dogs is out now. The Toosie Slide artist is currently nearing the end of his 2023 Its All A Blur tour, which kicked off in July in Chicago. After 56 dates across the US and Canada, Drake will conclude in Columbus, Ohio, with a future date to be determined. Just last month, Drake was called out by Halle Berry for using a photo of the Catwoman actor, 57, without her permission to tease his single Slime You Out on Instagram. The photo showed Berry covered in green gunk after being slimed at the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. Days after his post, Berry responded to an Instagram follower who had asked what her thoughts were regarding Drake using the picture for his single. Didnt get my permission. Thats not cool, I thought better of him! she wrote on Friday, adding in a follow-up comment: Hence my post today. When people you admire disappoint you, you have to be the bigger person and move on! MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man is in the hospital after he was found with a gunshot wound near St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital Thursday afternoon. Memphis Police said officers responded to a shooting at A.W. Willis & Danny Thomas around 1:20 p.m. St. Jude said security stopped the vehicle near a campus gate and discovered the driver had been shot. They released the following statement Thursday evening: First and foremost, we extend our thoughts to the drivers family. St. Jude security stopped a vehicle near a campus gate this afternoon and found the driver had been shot. They called Memphis Police. At no point were St. Jude patients or staff in danger. We are cooperating with the MPD, and further questions should be directed to investigating authorities. Police said the driver told officers he was shot in the area of Lamar Avenue and Democrat Road. He was taken to Regional One in critical condition. If you have any information that could help investigators, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. The number of people killed when a drone laden with explosives hit a military a military college graduation ceremony in the western Syrian city of Homs rose to 89 early Friday, with nearly 300 others wounded. Five children and 31 women were among the dead, Syrias state-run news agency SANA reported. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. In an earlier statement, the defense ministry on Thursday blamed terrorist organizations supported by well-known international parties. Among those with critical injuries were families invited to the ceremony as well as graduating students, it said. The Syrian armed forces said the attack was unprecedented, and vowed to respond with full force and determination, warning that those who planned and executed the attack will pay dearly. Relatives mourn ahead of the burial of scores of people killed in an attack on a military academy, in Homs, Syria October 6, 2023. REUTERS/Yamam al Shaar - Yamam al Shaar/Reuters Syrian student officers carry the coffins of their comrades who were killed on Thursday in a drone attack that hit a military graduation ceremony, during a mass funeral procession in Homs, Syria, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Family members of some of the victims of deadly drone attacks on a crowded military graduation that killed scores gathered outside a military hospital in this central city Friday to collect the bodies of their loved ones who lost their lives in one of Syria's deadliest single attacks in years. (AP Photo/Abdelrahman Shaheen) - Abdelrahman Shaheen/AP The ancient city of Homs, once known as the capital of the Syrian revolution, was the site of intense battles between regime forces and opposition fighters seeking to unseat President Bashar Al Assad in 2012. The city fell to the regime in 2014, when rebels left it after a two-year siege. The Syrian president now controls most of the country, with the exception of a northern strip held by various rebel factions, including Kurdish groups. Located in the agricultural heartland of Syria, the western city had long been a transport and commercial hub of vital strategic importance. The road through Homs connects the capital, Damascus, in the south, to Syrias largest city, Aleppo, in the north. On Thursday, civil defense group the White Helmets, comprised of nearly 3,000 volunteers working to save lives in Syria, said the Syrian regime forces launched systematic attacks on civilians in northwestern Syria, killing at least 12 people and injuring 49. Among the 49 injured civilians were 12 children and 11 women, according to the group. Syria has been carrying out airstrikes routinely in the area against what the regime calls terrorists. Heavy artillery shells and rocket launchers were unleashed upon more than 15 cities, towns, and villages across Idlib and the Aleppo countryside in northwest Syria. Notably, markets, schools, public facilities, and humanitarian workers were targeted in these attacks, the White Helmets said in a statement. On Wednesday, the group reported airstrikes targeting a school in Sarmeen city in the eastern countryside of Idlib, resulting in the death of one child and injuries to six civilians, including three girls with one being an infant and two women. Northwest Syria has witnessed its third consecutive day of deadly bombardment, the group said on Thursday. Turkey strikes Kurdish targets in Syria Meanwhile, at least 11 people were killed on the other side of the country Thursday by Turkish airstrikes targeting Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria, according to a statement by Kurdish security forces in the region. The Turkish state launched on Thursday a series of attacks on our regions with more than 15 drones penetrating the airspace of northeastern Syria, and again targeted many positions, infrastructure, service facilities, and gas and oil stations, resulting in death and injuries. Its aggression also affected areas populated by civilians, said Asayish, the Kurdish internal security force. Turkeys military has launched a series of airstrikes against Kurdish targets in Syria and Iraq following a deadly bombing in the Turkish capital on Sunday. The attack in Ankara was claimed by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has carried out a decades-long insurgency against the government and is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. In a separate incident, a US fighter jet shot down an armed Turkish drone in Syria that was operating near US military personnel and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), officials familiar with the incident told CNN Thursday. The backbone of the SDF is the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey says is a wing of the PKK. Smoke rises over buildings from a reported drone strike in Qamishli, northeastern Syria. - Reuters The US assessed the armed drone as a potential threat, and issued more than a dozen warnings before shooting it down, the officials said, adding that several drones made repeated approaches toward US troop positions. It is unclear how the warnings were issued. There were no reports of US casualties, an official said. The Turkish Defense Ministry said that the drone didnt belong to the Turkish armed forces, Reuters reported. CNN has reached out to the Turkish government for comment. CNNs Natasha Bertrand and Oren Liebermann contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has placed 42 commercial airports in the country on heightened alert after a series of security incidents in the past days, urging passengers to allot more time for inspection. CAAP issued a memorandum to airport managers on Wednesday and released it to the media on Friday. It said stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo. It also reminded passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience. CAAP said the Air Traffic Service received a warning via email that some flights will be set off by a bomb, but it did not give further details. Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority said in a statement that foot and mobile patrols are in place and K9 units are doing the rounds in all the terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). MIAA added that it is coordinating with the Philippine National Police to validate any threats. On Oct. 2, flights and operations at the Bicol International Airport were disrupted due to a bomb scare. Last Sept. 23, a molotov cocktail exploded at the open parking area of NAIA Terminal 3. (KTLA) The final wish of a former United States Marine who is suffering from terminal cancer may be fulfilled after a public appeal to be buried next to his beloved wife, who is also nearing her last days. War veteran Samuel Leon and his wife of nearly 40 years, Marta, who is also terminally ill with liver disease and dementia, made their emotional plea in a family video just a few weeks ago. On Thursday, the couples son, Samuel Leon Jr., along with his mother, rushed to Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California, after doctors alerted them that Leon Sr. may only have days to live. Leon Jr., an only child and a veteran himself, has been fighting to fulfill his parents wishes to share a final resting place, even starting a GoFundMe to help raise funds as their time runs out. This is because Leon Jr. said he was initially told that none of Californias veteran cemeteries would take his mother since she was not married to his father while he was in the service. He told Nexstars KTLA that his only other options were burying his parents at a non-military or non-veteran cemetery, which he couldnt afford. U.S. Marine's dying wish to be buried next to his wife When asked why its so important to his parents that they be buried together, Leon Jr. didnt hesitate. They made a commitment to each other, because they spent their life together and they want to spend their afterlife together, he said. Couple engaged in Yosemite sought by L.A. photographer Just before the Leons story aired, Nexstars KTLA heard from the Los Angeles National Cemetery and Riverside National Cemetery deputy director, who said if Leon Sr. passes before his wife, the couple will be allowed to be buried at one of their cemeteries and that most of the burial expenses will be covered. The official added that the family was initially given misinformation regarding burial practices. Leon Jr. and his mother left the Torrance Hospital on Thursday not knowing if they will ever see Leon Sr. alive again, but they now know that their bittersweet goodbye will end with his final wishes fulfilled. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Scientists have long thought Earth's inner core is like a huge solid metal ball. But an experiment revealed it may be a lot softer more like butter, a lead scientist said. It could help explain why Earth's magnetic field is so weird. A new study challenges the long-held assumption that Earth's inner core is hard, like a solid metal sphere. Instead, our planet's heart is likely much gooier than previously thought, "kind of like how butter is soft in your kitchen," said Sichuan University's Youjun Zhang, a lead author on the study, in a press release from the University of Texas The findings could help explain some of our planet's long-standing mysteries, like why Earth's magnetic field constantly defies expectations. We've never seen the Earth's core There's no way for us to sample the very insides of the Earth directly. We can't drill that far down and even if we could, human instruments would struggle to cope with the temperatures and intense pressure further into the planet. That's why scientists usually rely on information they can glean from shockwaves that spread from earthquakes. By looking at how these waves ping off of structures inside our planet, they can infer what's happening in there. Coupling this seismic data with computer models, scientists had previously predicted the pressure at the very center of the Earth was so intense that the iron atoms found there were forced into solid form, in spite of the scorching temperatures. Per these models, the atoms were stuck together in a hexagonal pattern meaning there was effectively a huge solid metal ball at the heart of our planet (the inner core), swiveling in a pool of molten metal (the outer core). It turns out, however, that's not the whole picture. Jung-Fu "Afu" Lin, a lead author on the study, holds a model of representing how iron atoms are arranged in a hexagonal pattern inside the inner core. Jung-Fu Lin / UT Jackson School of Geosciences The Earth's inner mush revealed A 2021 study had already started to question the big-iron-ball assumption. Seismic waves, they found, weren't really going through the Earth in a way consistent with a fully solid core. "The more that we look at it, the more we realize it's not one boring blob of iron," said Jessica Irving, a seismologist at the University of Bristol in England, to Live Science in 2021. The new study, published Monday in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sought to solve this puzzle. It recreated the intense pressure and temperature conditions found in the inner core inside a lab, and combined that data with a much more advanced computer model. They found that the atoms were indeed stuck in a hexagonal pattern. But, surprisingly, individual iron atoms were still able to shift around inside that pattern like guests moving around a dinner table, per the press release. An animation shows how atoms are able to move inside the Earth's inner core, in spite of being constrained in a hexagonal pattern by the intense pressure. UT Jackson School of Geosciences "The big discovery that we've found is that solid iron becomes surprisingly soft deep inside the Earth because its atoms can move much more than we ever imagined," said Zhang. Knowing what is going on inside the Earth can help protect us There's more to this finding than the satisfaction of understanding our planet better. Knowing what is going on inside the Earth is crucial to figuring out its mysterious magnetic field, which protects us from space radiation and pins down our atmosphere. Thinking of the magnetic field, you may be picturing orderly concentric rings, like the layers of an onion. But it turns out our magnetic field is a lot more complex than that. It shifts, sometimes flips, and is peppered with mysterious dents that we can't quite understand. Because the magnetism of our planet stems from how the molten metal in the Earth's core swishes around, knowing exactly how the inner core behaves is crucial to cracking the mysteries of our magnetic field. "Now, we know about the fundamental mechanism that will help us with understanding the dynamic processes and evolution of the Earth's inner core," said Jung-Fu Lin, a professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences and one of the study's lead authors, in the press release. Read the original article on Business Insider John Hume is the worlds most prolific private rhino breeder, and his operation has been on the verge of bankruptcy for years, as Save the Rhino reported in 2018. The reason? A series of government bans on the sale of rhino horns, which Hume claims to harvest humanely from his herd of captive rhinos. Now, an NGO has stepped in and agreed to pay Hume for his rhinos so that they can be rewilded. Hume, a wealthy South African property developer turned rhino farmer, is a controversial figure. His herd of 2,000 semi-captive rhinos constitutes around 7.4% of the worlds total rhino population (there are an estimated 27,000 rhinos currently alive, according to Save the Rhino). Hume has claimed that his efforts to breed rhinos and harvest their horns are, in fact, protecting them from poachers. He calls his work a philanthropic project to save the species. The eccentric billionaire has drawn plenty of backlash with his practice of regularly anesthetizing the rhinos and cutting off their horns in an attempt to sell them. Now, his ability to make money off the animals has been stymied. This is one of the largest continent-wide rewilding endeavors to occur for any species, the NGO said, as Daily Maverick reported, while also adding that Humes captive-bred rhinos represented nearly 15% of the worlds remaining wild rhino population. Hume who has reportedly claimed to have sunk $150 million into the project and is teetering on the verge of bankruptcy was forced to find a buyer for his 2,000 rhinos. This was a challenging task. Hume attempted to put the rhinos up for sale in an online auction with an opening bid of $10 million but received no bids, per the Guardian. For a time, the future of his rhinos was uncertain in a worst-case scenario, they wouldve been simply abandoned and left at the mercy of poachers. Luckily, African Parks has stepped in and agreed to purchase the rhinos, with the endorsement of the South African Government and the African Rhino Specialist Group. These organizations will work to rewild the rhinos over 10 years, reports Daily Maverick. The key thing will be finding conservation areas that are large enough and secure from poaching, Dr. Mike Knight, chairman of the IUCN specialist group, told Daily Maverick. The conservation sector is delighted that African Parks can provide a credible solution for this important population, and a significant lifeline for this near threatened species. Though rewilding the rhinos requires great effort, experts are optimistic about the missions success. I would call them semi-wild rather than semi-captive, one rhino conservation expert told Daily Maverick. Its interesting that some of John Humes black rhinos were sent to a property in Eswatini a few years ago and within just a few months of their arrival one of the females had been mated by a wild rhino. So I strongly suspect his white rhinos will also do fine. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Mayor Brandon Johnson said Wednesday he plans to visit the U.S.-Mexico border soon. Precisely who from the administration is going, when they are going and what they plan to do there remains unclear. No doubt we will hear in due course. In the meantime, might we suggest the mayor take a side trip to Austin, Texas, to sit down with Gov. Greg Abbott and try to negotiate some kind of sensible solution to a politically poisoned migrant crisis now rapidly spiraling out of control in our city? Wed also suggest a couple of useful traveling companions for this pending trip to Texas. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, or a high-ranking surrogate, would be helpful since Chicago is in the state of Illinois and the citizens of the Land of Lincolns largest city cannot be expected to shoulder this huge new burden on its own. President Joe Biden would be helpful in the middle seat on the flight down, too. Or perhaps his vice president, Kamala Harris, who specifically was given the mandate of mitigating the border crisis but appears to have done little or nothing in that regard. Unlikely to happen, we know. That said, the only solution to what Chicago now is facing involves city officials (from Chicago and Texas), state officials (from Illinois and Texas) and federal officials (who bear the most responsibility for this), all getting together in a room and figuring out how to stop this craziness. Of what craziness do we speak? Migrants arriving in the middle of the night on buses when there is no realistic chance of being able to access help. Migrants being bused to a city without the receiving entity getting adequate notice. Migrants being bused for political purposes at all. The signs of the growing crisis now are very visible to Chicagoans in all neighborhoods and of all stripes. On the Near North Side on a recent evening, several tents could be seen in front of the police station at 1160 N. Larabee St., all overflowing with people. Kids were running across the street to the Target store as their parents tried to keep them safe. Curious drivers and cyclists coming from downtown could be seen staring at the situation, thinking it through. Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, tweeted Wednesday night that a busload of migrants has arrived at Sears (Willis, if you prefer) Tower. Building management was not expecting them, and says they cant stay in the lobby. On Tuesday night, there was a fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl in the Loop, not far from the former Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Court, which is now a migrant shelter. Our point is not to imply that the incident involved migrants; as far as we know, it did not. Our point rather is to say that if you had traveled many miles with your family for a better life and ended up in Chicago with your teenagers, this news would be distressing in the extreme. Just as it would for any parent in a neighborhood where a killing has taken place. All of this rapidly is spiraling out of control. Before long, it might not be an overstatement to say that the migrant crisis will be as vexing for this young Johnson administration as COVID-19 was for the administration of then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot. City and state officials say they now have been told to expect 25 buses a day arriving in Chicago, filled with folks with no place to live, no easy avenue to work to support themselves and often with young kids in tow. That means 1,250 new arrivals per day. The former Standard Club has 1,163 beds. Thats one of the larger shelters. At this rate of arrival, the shelter can accommodate one days worth of arrivals. Anyone watching the news can, of course, see that neighborhoods housing migrants are showing the signs of stress, with Chicagoans of all races arguing about the redistribution of resources, perceived changes in the levels of public safety and existing inequalities. This city cannot simply swallow these kinds of numbers without far more detailed levels of planning. We know Pritzker has tried to tell Abbott to stop doing what he is doing and that he also has tried to pressure federal officials to offer more help. At the same time, we also hear Abbotts argument that if Texas is overwhelmed by this migrant crisis, it is within its right to send people to places that have declared themselves sanctuary cities without fully realizing the potential implications of the words, given that some 7.7 million people reportedly have left the chaos that has been Venezuela, and many of them desire to move to the U.S. With that line of thinking, such words were based on a kind of tacit manageability. By overwhelming left-leaning cities with the implications of their own promises, a political point has been made. So stipulated. But at huge human cost. Thats the sad truth for anyone capable of seeing this issue without the limitations of political blinders. One side screams at the other, and misery ensues. It is a price being made for decades of inaction. We dont doubt our mayor will learn about, and subsequently recount, the difficulties of the migrant journey at the border. We dont doubt the empathy he feels, as surely does his staff. Hell no doubt return wishing that these migrants did not have to leave their homes or that the world was less cruel to them. And he wont be wrong. All decent people feel that. But what Chicago has here, right now, is an emergency. In New York, which faces much the same, Mayor Eric Adams was right when he said it could bring down the city, as least as known by the people who live there. Chicago. New York City. Illinois. We above all, Washington must operate on two tracks. Fix the overwhelming short-term crisis and the long-term issue. Call in the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Compromise. Stop all the hurt for political gain. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The Fedele family was named to the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame in 2012. (Image via New York Senate) In a scene that parents would call a nightmare, an incredible eight family members fought during World War II. Today, there are laws in place (and fewer families with so many siblings to enlist), but back in the 1940s, there were no such qualms. In the case of the Fedele family, eight of the 11 sons would see battle. The offspring of Philip and Angelina headed to the frontlines one by one. Remarkably, every one of them returned home alive. Even at the time, the brothers service made newspaper headlines for beating such incredible odds. They also printed that it was likely the most members of a single family to serve in a war. (Surprisingly, there are at least two other instances of eight brothers fighting in one war.) Who were the brothers who served in WW2? First, Anthony Fedele enlisted in the Marines in 1939. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the infamous bombing , but survived the attack. Soon after, his seven brothers also joined the service. Interestingly, Anthony falls in the middle of the lineup; his actions convinced his older and younger brothers alike to join the cause. Oldest to youngest, they were: Joseph (33), Frank (29), Nunzio (24), Vincent (22), Anthony (21), Patrick (18), Generino (Gerald) (16), Salvatore (15). (Ages as of 1941.) As for the remaining three brothers, the two eldest, William and Michael, received deferments, as they worked in defense plants. While Victor, the youngest, was too young at the time. He later served during the Korean War. Brothers Anthony and Sam were also still active at this time. The Fedele family had also lost their mother in years prior; she passed away in 1936. Three sisters rounded out the count, for a total of 14 Fedele children . Patriarch Philip was interviewed multiple times about his sons involvement in the war. He was quoted in 1944 as saying, "We'll be so glad when our boys come home," Fedele told the reporter. "Boy, then you'll see a celebration. It will be the biggest and best we've ever had in the family a regular feast for all of them." During the war, Philip wasnt left alone; his daughter, Josephine Bianchi, and her family lived with him. She wrote to all eight brothers every day, listing local and national news, along with data that would interest each personality. In the same 1944 article titled Remarkable Rochester, Josephine said, We worry so, and then a letter comes, she stated of the correspondence. However, only two of the eight brothers were injured, and all returned home and the end of WWII. Joseph was shot in Okinawa and Patrick received injuries in a plane crash stateside. Here is where the Fedele brothers served in World War II Anthony R. Fedele (Marine Corps, b. 1920)Cpl. Anthony Fedele served as an anti-aircraft machine gunner. He was a witness to the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and took part in the battles for Tulagi, Guadalcanal, and Midway. Generino A. Fedele (Marine Corps, b. 1925)Aircraft Mechanic Pfc. Generino Fedele participated in the Philippines Island Campaign (1944-45), as well as in the capture and occupation of Peleliu. Frank A. Fedele (Army, b. 1912)T/4 Frank Fedele served as a cook in the Southern Philippines with the 87th Chemical Mortar Battalion. Nunzio C. Fedele (Army, b. 1917)Pfc. Nunzio Fedele served as a demolition specialist with the highly active and decorated 1st Infantry Division from Algeria, Sicily, and Tunisia, to the Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland campaigns. Patrick J. Fedele (Army, b. 1923)Pvt. Patrick Fedele served for 28 months. Due to an injury stemming from a plane crash during training, Patrick was never sent overseas. Vincent L. Fedele (Army Air Corps, b. 1919)Sgt. Vincent Fedele served with the Headquarters Detachment of the 81st Fighter Group which flew P-39s in the Mediterranean Theater, playing a role in the Anzio landings, as well as in India and China. Joseph P. Fedele (Navy, b. 1908)S 1/c Joseph Fedele served with the 14th Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the Seabees, for two years. Joseph was the only brother to be wounded, hit by machine gun fire on Okinawa in 1945 for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. Salvatore L. Fedele (Navy, b. 1926)S 2/c Salvatore Fedele served in the Navy from August 1944 to June 1946, and took part in the Liberation and Occupation of the Philippines. ICU expects the discount rate to drop to 20% by the end of the year The questions are getting louder and louder: "What is your vision and plan? Do you have any at all?". The vision is not just there; it is holistic and comprehensive New laws and government regulations, programs, decisions, and plans that we discuss with businesses daily and implement all atomize the overall economic picture. They are like the smalt that makes up a mosaic. But no matter how bright these projects and solutions are, they lose meaning without a master plan and vision. Then, the questions become louder: "What is your vision and plan? Do you have them at all?" The vision is not just there; it is holistic and comprehensive. Together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we have formulated long-term basic ideas and guidelines in the Concept of Strengthening the Resilience of Democracy. A countrywide master plan For decades, the influence of oligarchic clans and corruption have been the biggest internal threat to the sustainability of democracy. As a result, they have often undermined our defense capabilities and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Therefore, the president and the government focus on joining forces to counteract the threats of corruption and create conditions for real economic competition and fair distribution of resources that belong to Ukrainians. Such a policy is based on the constitutional foundations of equality of all property owners before the law and the social orientation of the economy. It is also the fundamental goal of the European Union to develop a social market economy. Effective recovery is only possible with the active participation of business From deregulation to de-monopolization: economic strengthening of democratic resilience From the perspective of the Ministry of Economy, the economy can make a practical contribution to the sustainability of democracy through the realization of several goals. Competition, demonopolization, and fair distribution of resources are rights that belong to the Ukrainian people. This is the only way to ensure equality in relations between the state and all economic actors. Investor protection. Effective recovery is only possible with the active participation of business. Therefore, we must protect legitimate business interests from illegal actions by law enforcement agencies. Deoligarchization. Although it sounds political, it is the most essential element of economic policy. Oligarchy makes economic development impossible. To do this, we must create an effective mechanism for de-oligarchization in Ukraine and prevent the emergence of new oligarchic structures. In particular, we must launch a register of oligarchs and ensure its proper functioning. Capable and independent antitrust authorities. This is a crucial tool for protecting economic competition. Only a strong, independent, responsible, and, above all, competent Antimonopoly Committee can guarantee maximum freedom of action for business. The stronger the realization that antitrust law is a tool that allows intervention in the market only where there is an urgent need and only as much as necessary, the fewer rules and regulations governing business are needed. Deregulation of the Ukrainian business environment. This is a logical extension of the previous point. Eliminating possible state interference in the work of entrepreneurs and reducing the unnecessary number of licenses and permits is a vital element for developing our economy. We have reviewed 1018 regulatory acts: we recommended 230 for abolition and 535 for simplification. Continuous improvement of public procurement. This is a crucial state driver and stimulus for the economy. Not just in Keynesian theory, but in daily practice. We also have positive results in this area. For example, after returning part of the Defense Ministry's procurement to the Prozorro system, we saved about UAH 5 billion of the state budget. But the most important thing is to attract more Ukrainian producers. Privatization. We have seen significant results in the five years of small-scale privatization reform. In just one year since the resumption of privatization, we managed to hold more than 400 auctions and attracted more than UAH 3.8 billion to the state budget. The amount of money the state receives from leasing state property on a monthly basis has tripled. Large-scale privatization will likely be no less successful. Outdated and inefficient enterprises should not be a burden for the state. On the contrary, they should get new owners who will create new jobs, produce products, and pay taxes to the budget. The Sovereign Wealth Fund of Ukraine and the Fund for the Management of State Defense Enterprises. This includes the separation of the government from the management of strategic state-owned enterprises, as well as the effective management of state assets under OECD principles, and finally, revenues spent in the public interest. These are simple goals that we work on every day with clear plans and deadlines. To present the full complexity of the Government's actions, we will consolidate these goals in the reform plan until 2027. The main emphasis here is that without strong institutions, there will be no strong economy, a well-equipped army, or large-scale reconstruction. So we are implementing these reforms now, without waiting for the war to end. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine An El Paso woman, who was described as a "piranha" by federal officials, was sentenced to more than seven years in prison after she posed as a federal immigration employee to defraud "numerous" migrants, authorities said. Ana Maria Hernandez, 53, was sentenced Tuesday, Oct. 3, to seven years and three months in prison on each of 10 counts of wire fraud and three years in prison on one count of impersonating a federal employee. The sentences will be served concurrently. The message is clear: Have no doubt. Individuals who impersonate a federal officer and exploit trusting individuals for their own personal gain, will be held accountable for their crimes, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Division Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola said in a statement. HSI will leverage its investigative abilities in order to identify, arrest and prosecute these piranhas in society. Ana Maria Hernandez is accused of defrauding migrants by posing as an employee of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Hernandez, who also is listed under the last name Paredes in federal court records, was sentenced to three years of supervised release on the fraud charges and one year of supervised release on the impersonation charge. The supervised release sentences will be served after she serves her prison term. She also was ordered to pay $123,275 in restitution to the victims. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone at the Albert Armendariz Sr. Federal Courthouse in Downtown El Paso. Court records listed 10 examples of migrants who were defrauded and the amount of money stolen from the victims. In one case, Hernandez collected $8,000 from a victim. The other amounts range from $1,000 to $2,350. Hernandez was indicted Jan. 4 by a federal grand on the charges. She was arrested Jan. 23. After her arrest, U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Division officials began receiving calls from dozens of potential victims of Hernandezs fraud scheme. More: A 100 mph chase, gunfire: Texas DPS smuggler pursuits intensify on El Paso's streets This defendant misled vulnerable migrants for financial gain by convincing them that she was a federal employee who could assist them on their path to U.S. citizenship, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Jaime Esparza said in a statement. My office will prosecute anyone who fraudulently takes advantage of our federal agencies and their beneficiaries, and we will ensure their victims are afforded proper reparations. Hernandez pleaded guilty to the charges April 10 as part of a plea agreement, federal court records show. She was facing up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charges and three years for the impersonation charge. Dozens of migrants seeking to change their immigration status defrauded Hernandez falsely presented herself as a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employee to undocumented migrants and their family members, a federal complaint affidavit states. She "represented herself to be familiar with immigration matters to the victims using terms reflecting her knowledge of the immigration system, the federal agencies, and the locations where legitimate immigration matters are handled," the indictment states. More: Elderly man sentenced to prison after attempting to bribe federal officer with $3K She claimed she could help the migrants have their immigration applications processed. Hernandez would then charge the victims a "substantial fee," U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas officials said. Hernandez "amassed thousands of dollars of unexplained wealth within the 18 months coinciding with her fraudulent activity," officials said. The alleged scheme started in 2020. She would contact the victims via telephone, text message, email and personal meetings. Hernandez would then instruct them to provide various identification forms and documents and was paid in cash, money orders and bank wire transfers, the affidavit states. Hernandez would collect the documents and then do nothing with them, officials said. Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso woman described as 'piranha' sentenced in migrant fraud case Elected officials sent to Washington, D.C., by Alabama voters are just doing part of the job that they believe that voters want them to do. That part of doing their job involves standing up for the state and bringing meaningful industry that translates into jobs. Elaine Harris Spearman The recently televised sound bytes from some of Alabamas congressional delegation showed passionate (in some cases), support for locating the Space Command Center in Huntsville. A recent decision by the Biden Administration leaves it in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While it is laudable that there appeared to be sincere reasons to upend the decision, we believe that the speakers missed the mark. It really isnt about Huntsville; it is about Alabama. Huntsville is not the only city in Alabama attempting to thrive. There are many cities not only attempting to thrive, but to survive. Build up Huntsville and they will come? Not happening. One or two fair-minded elected officials on the national level wont get it done. People across the nation and the world do not see Alabama as some of its residents do. Explain to people that in 2023 that a large portion of Alabama residents are still fighting to have equal representation under the law. The nations highest court had to again tell this state that a few people cannot deprive others of fair and equal representation. The U.S. Supreme Court did this in two one-sentence orders on Sept. 26. How long must this go on? Why is it so hard to do the right thing by people? Why must Alabama continue to behave as if it was carved out to be part of the United States and is all powerful unto itself? The philosophy appears to me to rival the stubborn philosophy used in the Civil War. Those who are elected on the state level continue to promulgate age-old unfair, deceitful arguments that can only keep Alabama constantly being mocked and ridiculed as a backward, plantation-era state. Those who continuously promote divisive action and behavior only hold the state and its residents back. Those who do this continue to poison the tree. Alabama will never be seen as a place to grow and thrive until an axe is put to the root of the hatefulness and selfishness that runs rampant. It does not matter how many HBCUs are located in Alabama. When the students graduate, they have to be concerned about where they live, as well as where they work. They would have to select certain areas, and be concerned about voting and electing a candidate of their choice. It does no good to be lulled into a false sense of security. Prospective inhabitants of any state will still be having children; they will be concerned about housing, they will still be concerned about education, health care, and equal treatment under the law. Do not believe that the nation and indeed the world do not pay attention to a state that ignores the law, and continuously believes that those who are elected have every right to ignore the very laws they took an oath to uphold. There are those who are elected to office who falsely appear to be good or moral about concern for the nation and for the people. When you look at what they actually do, it could not be further from the pious speeches that they mouth. Every day in America is not a battleground for many people. But think about how you would feel if every day you had a new battle to fight just to have a fair and decent existence. Would you become bitter and angry at the success of others when you look at a life filled with a fight for equity and inclusion? I dont offer excuses for people opting out of becoming involved because they feel that involvement is meaningless and hopeless. This is no time for giving up. It is time to flex the muscle of voting power. Nothing will change until the voters insist that things change. Perhaps if those who insist upon the status quo see voters actually rejecting what they stand for, Peace on earth, good will towards men can become a more permanent practice, instead of an empty platitude at Christmas. Elaine Harris Spearman, Esq., a Gadsden native, is an attorney and is the retired legal advisor to the comptroller of the City of St. Louis. The opinions expressed are her own. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: It's not about Huntsville, it's about Alabama | ELAINE HARRIS SPEARMAN Update: This article was updated to accurately reflect the use of the terms emission control and electromagnetic warfare. Future Army ground unit commanders will have nearly instant, possibly deadly, feedback on whether they followed the right steps or if they revealed themselves on the electronic battlefield. Thats the message the commandant of the Armys Cyber School has for current and incoming maneuver unit leaders. If you remember nothing else, remember 8 minutes, said Brig. Gen. Brian Vile at the recent Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Moore, Georgia. What is 8 minutes? After you break squelch on your radio, youre going to learn two things in 8 minutes how good was your [emission control] and how good are your adversarys [electromagnetic warfare] soldiers. If your EMCON wasnt good and your adversaries were, youre going to get incoming, he said. And cyber and electronic warfare is coming to the Maneuver Center of Excellence as soon as next year. Maj. Gen. Curtis Buzzard told the conference audience that the center will embed a cyber officer to show new leaders their radio frequency, electronic spectrum heat maps while operating in the field and incorporate that into their mission planning as routinely as a communications plan. Its going to show you what you look like to the adversary, Vile said. Electromagnetic warfare, or EW, training will be part of the officer basic, officer advanced and Ranger course within the next six months, he said. By 2030, Vile said, all centers of excellence will have incorporated cyber and EW into their curriculum. If you dont have skilled, trained EW warriors, youre going to learn the way the Russians did because youre going to conduct fratricide, Vile said. While that applies to radio communications it also applies to all the things commanders probably are not thinking about. Vile listed common hazards improperly grounded generators, any equipment with video feeds, wireless-capable printers, any device that requires external, wireless controls all of which and more will be detected by capable enemy EW soldiers on the modern battlefield. In one example, Vile said opposition forces strapped a mobile phone on a drone and flew it over an adversary encampment during training, it pinged multiple devices, identifying not only the phone but what mobile carrier it was using. At the same time, Vile said, the offensive capabilities are also on the Armys side. The electromagnetic spectrum analysis that EW and cyber soldiers provide will help spot where aerial defenses, radars and other electronic assets are located. The center trains soldiers down to platoon level to exploit the spectrum in the field. This can give even company and battalion commanders a clearer picture of whats happening in the otherwise invisible, but dangerous realm. It also gives them ways to deceive adversaries by presenting signals that look like larger formations or units that arent there in the real world, otherwise known as tactical deception, Vile said. This week on Amicus, Sen. Elizabeth Warren came on the show to talk about the Supreme Court case that challenges the very existence of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency she helped create after the 2008 financial crash. The agency was included in the Dodd-Frank Act, as Warren explained, to centralize things: The idea is gather up all those laws that are out there among all the agencies, put it with one agency, give them the expertise, give them the resources, and then, by golly, hold them accountable to make sure that we just kind of have a level playing field in consumer credit. The CFPB has returned over $17 billion to vulnerable customers since its inception 12 years ago, but on Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard a case claiming that the way it is funded renders the entire agency unconstitutional. Warren, who told me that wonky is [her] love language, helped sort through the incredibly technical and arcane case. An excerpt of our conversation has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity below. The full episode will air Saturday morningstay tuned. Dahlia Lithwick: Can you explain, because its the central issue, how the CFPB is funded? It was quite deliberately funded the way it is to insulate it from the sort of annual political circus that is appropriations, right? This mechanism wasnt an accident or an oversight, this thing that theyre claiming to be unconstitutional? Elizabeth Warren: The funding system is quite deliberate. So lets start with banking regulators. First banking regulator, 1863. What does that Congress do? Right in the middle of the Civil War, they said, were going to have a banking regulator, but lets make it independent of the political process, the funding process. So, it has whats called independent funding. Its fees and so onit does not go through appropriations. Every single banking regulator since then, all banking regulators in the history of the United States, have all been funded outside the appropriations process. And theyre not the only ones. Social Security is funded outside the process. Medicare is funded outside the appropriations process. Heck, going back to the 1790s, the postal system was funded outside the appropriations process. So this is not like some new deal. Its the standard tool for all the bank regulators. This CFPB quickly becomes the bete noire, the symbolic hill that folks who have a deregulatory project are willing to die on. It takes a bite at the banks, the payday lenders hate it, but its more than thatit comes to symbolize the Death Star for freedom and liberty. Could you reconstruct what it is about the CFPB, which is one of the most successful bureaus, that folks [cant stand]? I think it starts with Ronald Reagan. Do you remember Ronald Reagans quote, what are the nine most terrifying words in the English language? Im from the government, and Im here to help. Thats exactly right. You know what? CFPB is the government and it does help. And thatsthats exactly the point. I think the reason it engenders such fury among these sorts of ideological conservatives here is that its government actually working. I mean, this is the part thats really remarkable. This is not the heavy hand of regulation. This is not the government coming in and substituting its judgment for where the market should go. Think about the complaint process. If I get cheated by my bank for $15, $150, I cant afford to go to court. Are you kidding? Nobody can. The market doesnt work in that sense. But if it happened to a lot of other peopleit could be happening to you, it could be happening to other people, but we dont sit around and talk about the charge that was put onto our checking account. But what a complaint hotline does, it says two things. It both gives the consumer a remedy without having to spend any money at all, and the minute you send it in, the CFPB, in effect, date stamps it, sends it on to the institution youre complaining about, and then the clock starts to run, and the institution either gets this thing settled right away, which often means getting your money back, or it has to answer to the CFPB. And what that does is it creates a public databasewhich, by the way, the banks fought like crazy against a public database. So you can go check, Oh, Im thinking about opening a checking account. I do business right now with Chase. Maybe I could take a look and see how well does it treats its customers, at least as best we can see from the complaints and so on. In other words: More useful information in the marketplace, more reporters who will actually analyze the data and write about it. And CFPB uses that for whats called heat-mapping to see where the problems are cropping up. And its additional information that comes straight from the families who are affected, to say, Wait, heres what went wrong for me. And that just chaps some of these ideologues who want to say government is always bad. They cannot get over the fact CFPB works. I love what youre saying, because that overarching complaint, which is these are the dead-eyed bureaucrats in the nanny state who are messing with your lifewhat youre saying is, actually, its rendering the government visible and transparent and functional. These arent dead-eyed bureaucrats who are taking away your rights and liberties and privileges. Theyre helping you navigate a system that is absolutely impenetrable otherwise. Bingo. I would add to that by saying: Theyre actually enhancing your liberty, your freedom, because theyre empowering the consumer to stand on effectively an equal footing with Chase and Wells and to say, Im going to look at your products and Im going to figure out which ones best for me. Lets talk a little bit about the oral argument that happened on Tuesday morning. I think in some sense it was a surprise to those of us who were expecting all those nanny state, liberty, liberty, liberty arguments. It was not that. It felt as though, overwhelmingly, the proposition being put forth by Noel Francisco (who was representing the payday lenders) was that there was no limiting principle on this thing he was saying renders the entire CFPB unconstitutional and all its prior actions also unenforceable. Theres no limiting principle there. Im not asking you to prognosticate, we know better than that on this show, but was your sense that this kind of extreme anti-government argument was not flying with the bulk of the court? Well, as you say, we never know for sure whats happening. The argument that you and I started with, or the observation, that sauce for the CFPB is sauce for the Fed, is sauce for the FDIC, is sauce for the OCC, seemed to be in the air in the Supreme Court. They were asking the question, Well, if the CFPB cant do this, then what about all the others that are not funded through the appropriations process? I mean, that is the obvious question. Plus, they were looking at how much chaos this would cause. So, as you rightly point out, when the payday lenders lawyer is saying throw it all out, remember, one of the briefs that was filed, amicus briefs, is from the mortgage bankers and the homebuilders, who said, Whoa, whoa, whoa. The CFPB actually gives us pretty clear rules we can all live with, and theyre helping the mortgage market work. If you come back and overturn that retroactively, holy guacamole. And if you just unravel it, even going forward, you could crash our entire industry. So, its a really scary version of: You start turning this stuff upside down, you hurt individual consumers. You hurt the economy overall, and you could destroy complete industries in this country. Senator, the other thing that I really clocked is the voices of Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, Amy Coney Barrett, and Kentanji Brown Jackson all doing the thing that I hear you say in my ears all the time, which is, Im kind of a wonk, but Im going to try to explain to you why government is not the enemy. I know Justice Kagan has been talking for years and years about we can have no government if this deregulatory project is greenlit all the way down. Is there a sense that the court is doing an adequate job of messaging, or at least the progressives or even the women on the court, of messaging this thing that has been your lifes project, which is to explain to people that notwithstanding everything youve heard, the government actually has to be the way that a society determines what water to drink and how we breathe and how we get vaccines? Lets be really wonky for a minute. Its about government, but at the same time, theres an underlying constitutional question that Im wrestling with on this. Think of the three parts of government. You think of the legislative branch. Man, we get to do all kinds of stuff. We can think up new laws, and we can repeal laws, right? But every two years or every six years, we all get hauled back in front of the voters. And the voters are like, yeah, I like that, or no, I dont like that. The president and all the people that the president is able to appoint get to do an incredible number of things to keep our government functioning. But at the end of every four years, you pull that president back, and in fact, that one is even limited, they can only do it twice. But look over at the Supreme Court. Lifetime appointment, everybodys been talking about what that means. And Ive always thought of it as, they get lifetime appointments, but they have to look at the world through a straw. They can only review a case and controversy, they can only do ripeness, theyve got to have a federal question or constitutional question, right? Its very, very constrained. And the underlying part of that is that the Supreme Court is not supposed to substitute its judgment for that of Congress. It is Congress job to decide how we want to play outfill in your blanks, Social Security, consumer credit, whatever part of it that were working onuntil we hit a particular constitutional barrier. I think what weve seen in the last couple of years, and youve triggered this in my mind because you mentioned Justice Kagan in particular, getting more and more concerned about a Supreme Court that in effect is saying, Well its not how I would have done it. I think it would be better if no one canceled student loan debt. I think it would be better if the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could be fired by the president. And you may be right, in some abstract sense, but thats not your job. Your job is a whole lot narrower than that. Your job is to say, If this is how Congress did it, is there any reason to believe theres a part of the Constitution that clearly prohibits what Congress has tried to do here? And I think thats going to be the heart of the issue on what happens with our agencies. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) A Chinese vessel came at a dangerously close one-meter distance from a Philippine ship when it again tried to block Manila's resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) bared on Friday. Such a short distance between the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 21156 and the BRP Sindangan during Wednesday's incident could have resulted in a collision, as shown in a video which the PCG released to the media. The PCG also reported that a ship of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, with bow number 630, approached BRP Sindangan within a distance of only 0.5 nautical miles for the first time. It further observed that a PLA aircraft conducted surveillance in Sabina Shoal, only leaving when the resupply contingent arrived near Ayungin. According to the PCG, four vessels of its Chinese counterpart were deployed to interfere with the mission, while five Chinese maritime militia vessels actively assisted. It said the vessels performed a total of eight dangerous maneuvers. On Thursday, the National Security Council reported that Manila's resupply trip which was for the delivery of fresh supplies to military personnel stationed at BRP Sierra Madre was successful despite fresh attempts by the East Asian giant to block, harass, and interfere. Last Aug. 5, the CCG fired water cannons on Philippine ships, halting the resupply mission. On Aug. 22, the Philippines finished the resupply trip despite continued harassment from China. A resupply operation on Sept. 8 was similarly marred by Beijing's dangerous maneuvers and harassment. Making Headlines In case you missed it, X formerly that one site called Twitter is no longer displaying headlines for links and articles posted on the platform. Instead, link previews only appear as a thumbnail, with a small and easily overlooked caption in the bottom corner stating the website it leads to. The overall effect is that now articles look at a glance, or at a rapid doomscroll, nearly the same as regular images, and with no headline affixed, can easily be misattributed. All of which is annoying and gives rise to a whole host of extremely predictable issues. But Elon Musk , X owner and the mastermind behind the change, seemingly doesn't understand why users aren't enthusiastic about not being able to see headlines anymore. In response to a post by tech entrepreneur Aaron Levie, who complained that the change made "Twitter far worse for... getting news quickly," an exasperated Musk wrote on Thursday, "Really Aaron, really?" "You actually believe the media... wow," he added. "Show me a screenshot of before and after and tell me which one is better. Actually." https://twitter.com/MattEason/status/1709859258492231770 Eye Sore For some much-needed context, Musk implemented the change because he believed it would "greatly improve the esthetics [sic]" of the social media platform, he wrote in August. Which is debatable. But beyond the cosmetic, Musk has also had a longstanding axe to grind with the media, especially "legacy news" media, which he recently professed to "almost never read" anymore. Recall that Musk has also tried to throttle or otherwise limit access to material by publications like The New York Times, or even freelance sites like Substack. And recall also that he's suspended or suppressed journalists on X he didn't like. Another ulterior motive? Musk also wants to force people to spend more time on X to boost the amount of original content and "citizen journalism" posted on the platform, instead of having them following links elsewhere. "There is less time spent if people click away," he posted earlier this week. Misinfo Mania Advertisers and media outlets might have something to say about that. Note that the site's ad revenue continues to dramatically plummet, and will probably stay its course. Making links more confusing and less eye-grabbing will likely do little to assuage advertisers' concerns that they aren't getting enough traffic from X. As for the site's actual users: they're not happy either. Many have shared posts spoofing the "esthetic" change. Some are less serious than others, like simple trolls that trick people into clicking a link when they think they're opening an image, but most point to a fundamental concern: that without the embedding of an article's headline, it's too easy for users to distort its content. That's worrying on its own. But above all, the new change takes a sledgehammer to the site's basic functionality. Gleaning the news is more annoying, and while authors may type out a headline for their article into a post, people sharing it probably won't. More on Elon Musk: Grimes Just Sued Elon Musk Over Their Kids Elon Musk and Grimes' 3 kids ordered to stay in California after Grimes files for physical custody Grimes sued Elon Musk last month for physical custody of the former couple's three children. Her petition has a standard order to prevent either person from taking the kids out of California. But it's not clear where the kids reside, and the former couple can't seem to agree. Grimes and Elon Musk's three children are not allowed to leave California after Grimes sued Musk last month for physical custody of the kids, according to court records obtained by Insider. In a parental-rights lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court on September 29, Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, asked a judge to grant her physical custody of the former couple's three children and grant her and Musk joint legal custody. The petition comes about three weeks after Musk quietly sued Grimes in Texas court, saying he wanted to "establish a parent-child relationship" between him and the kids X, 3, and Exa and Tau, both 1. Grimes also asked a judge to throw out Musk's suit. Included in Grimes' petition is a "standard restraining order" that prohibits the children from being taken out of California or applying for a passport without a court order or written permission of all parties. Musk's Texas suit includes a similar standard order that forbids either parent from hiding the children, changing the children's residence, or disrupting their schooling or day care. Such orders are typical in custody and family-law cases but tend to vary from state to state, Neama Rahmani, a Los Angeles attorney and the president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said. Lawyers for Musk and Grimes declined to comment, and Musk didn't respond to a request for comment. Disputed residences As they battle in court, Musk and Grimes can't seem to agree where their three children are supposed to be living or even where they have been living. In his petition, Musk accused Grimes of moving to California "in an apparent attempt to circumvent jurisdiction" of Texas courts. The Texas legal system is more financially favorable to big earners in custody and divorce cases because the state has a cap on child support, Holly Davis, a family-law attorney in Austin, Texas, focused on high-net-worth families, said. California, meanwhile, has "very relaxed standards" about allowing people to maintain their lifestyle post-divorce and during a custody battle, Davis added. Elon Musk with his son, X A-Xii. Clive Mason - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images Musk's net worth is estimated to be $259.6 billion, according to Forbes, making him the richest person in the world. The Tesla CEO alleged in his September suit that the children's primary residence was in Austin. The filing says he, Grimes, and their son X all officially moved to Texas at the beginning of 2021. Musk said he'd had "actual care, control, and possession of each child since the birth of each child," according to the suit, and possession of the children in Texas "for at least six consecutive months," including primarily residing in the same house with both Grimes and the kids from May to July. Grimes disputed Musk's claims, alleging in her suit that the children had primarily lived with her in California since the start of 2023. When making residential custody decisions, courts tend to favor where children have been living for the previous six months in an attempt to disrupt the kids' lives as little as possible, Davis said. But if the parents are disputing in which state that residence has been, the two state courts may seek to meet for conference and decide which state is best for the kids. It's not clear where Musk and Grimes' kids are currently living. On September 7, Grimes wrote and quickly deleted a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking Musk to "let me see my son or plz respond to my lawyer." A week later, Musk brought their eldest son, X, to his meeting with the president of Turkey in New York, telling the world leader that he "mostly" took care of X. Read the original article on Business Insider The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency opened an investigation into the Alabama Department of Environmental Management on Tuesday, specifically analyzing whether ADEM discriminated against communities of color in its distribution of funds for wastewater infrastructure. An ADEM spokesperson said there has been no discrimination, and the agency asserts that disadvantaged Black Belt areas received funding at three times the rate of other areas in 2022. This investigation comes after decades of publicity surrounding the severe lack of adequate wastewater management systems throughout Alabama's Black Belt. There are hundreds of homes in the region that don't have working septic tanks, and many of them either continue to use the tanks in disrepair or resort to a method called straight piping. Both actions can result in puddles of raw sewage dangerously near the living quarters. For years, politicians would tour the homes of Alabamians managing their wastewater without proper infrastructure, and some cities and townships would receive bits of support from government entities or nonprofits. But when environmental justice activist Catherine Coleman Flowers published her book "Waste" in 2020, even more of a spotlight shone on the issue, particularly in the area where Flowers is from in Lowndes County. Activist Catherine Coleman Flowers, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Lowndes resident Aquilla Grant and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu stand behind a pool of raw sewage in Grant's backyard. Millions of federal dollars were sent to the region for wastewater infrastructure funding, local nonprofits stepped up to implement solutions, and people took a closer looks at how so many Alabamians ended up in a place where disposing of sewage through PVC pipes that led to their backyards was accepted as normal. Sanitation is a basic human right that every person in this country, and in the state of Alabama, should have equal access to. Those without proper sanitation access are exposed to illness and serious harm, Flowers said in a statement. We are hopeful that the EPAs investigation will result in positive change for any Alabama resident currently relying on a failing onsite sanitation system and for all U.S. communities for whom justice is long overdue. The EPA investigation is the direct result of a complaint Flowers and two environmental organizations filed in March with the Southern Poverty Law Center under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That complaint alleged that ADEM has adopted policies that make accessing funds in Alabamas Clean Water State Revolving Fund "nearly impossible" for those who need help with their sanitation situation. Catherine Coleman Flowers has been a prominent advocate for the Black Belt and its residents dealing with a lack of adequate sewage infrastructure. We filed this complaint in the hopes that it would help not only Alabamas Black Belt counties, but all 67 counties across the state, Natural Resources Defense Council Chief Litigation Counsel Aaron Colangelo said in a statement. Alabama disburses tens of millions of dollars every year through the state revolving fund, but they have never awarded a single dollar of that money to people with onsite sanitation needs. We know they can do better. ADEM has vehemently denied the discrimination allegations since the SPLC filed the initial complaint in March. On Thursday, ADEM Chief of External Affairs M. Lynn Battle told the Advertiser that the agency has "made addressing the wastewater and drinking water needs of disadvantaged communities a priority in the awarding of funding made available by ARPA, BIL and the State Revolving Fund programs." Battle also said that federal audits have found ADEM to be in compliance with all federal requirements, including laws against discrimination. "ADEM recognizes the challenges faced by poor, disadvantaged and minority communities due to inadequate resources, and the Department takes seriously its commitment to serving all residents of this state in a fair and equitable manner," Battle said. "We, therefore, welcome the opportunity to provide information to EPA to counter the allegations in the complaints and to answer any questions the federal agency might have concerning the funding of wastewater and drinking water projects in the state." A letter to ADEM Director Lance LeFleur from the EPA on Tuesday emphasized that the initiation of this investigation was not "a decision on the merits," meaning the agency has only reviewed the complaint to find it meets the jurisdictional requirements of an investigation. Alabama Department of Environmental Management director Lance LeFleur speaks Jan. 27 during a signing ceremony for a $10 million sewer project at Hayneville Town Hall in Hayneville. Notably, this is not the first time a federal agency has investigated Alabama's handling of its rural wastewater issues. The U.S. Department of Justice concluded its own civil rights investigation about the sanitation issues earlier this year. It found evidence that the health departments of Alabama and Lowndes County discriminated against Black residents, and the DOJ also noted a consistent pattern of inaction and/or neglect concerning the health risks associated with raw sewage. It's unclear how long the investigation will last, but for now, ADEM has until Nov. 2 to send a written statement to the EPA responding, rebutting or entirely denying the issues under investigation. Hadley Hitson covers children's health, education and welfare for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to the Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: EPA investigates how Alabama gave out sewage funds in Black Belt towns An Erie man charged by city police in two shootings from earlier this year is expected to plead guilty to aggravated assault and weapons charges in those cases as he awaits prosecution on charges related to a federal investigation of an Erie gang. Tyler D. Magee, 30, waived to court his criminal cases related to shootings he is accused of committing in March and April as Magee appeared in Erie County Central Court on Friday morning for his preliminary hearings in both cases. Magee waived to court a first-degree felony count of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony count of carrying a firearm without a license and misdemeanor counts of possession of a weapon and recklessly endangering another person in the March 18 shooting, according to court records. He waived to court a first-degree felony count of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony count of carrying a firearm without a license and a misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering in the April 23 shooting, according to the records. Magee, who had faced charges including attempted homicide in both shootings, waived the cases under an agreement reached between prosecutors and his lawyer, Justin Panighetti. Under the agreement, Magee is expected to plead guilty later to aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and the weapons charges, with a recommended prison sentence of five to 10 years, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeremy Lightner said following Friday's court action. Lightner said prosecutors will also ask the sentencing judge to make the recommended sentence run consecutively to whatever sentence Magee receives in federal court. He is awaiting prosecution there on a drug charge related to a larger indictment earlier this year of 58 accused members or associates of an Erie gang known as 4-Nation. Magee remains in the Erie County Prison on $500,000 in bonds in the two Erie police cases. Pair of Erie shootings Erie police accuse Magee of being involved in a shooting that happened in the area of the former Super Chicken Lounge on State Street downtown on the early morning of April 23. According to investigators, police were in the area of the club when a gunshot was heard and two women were seen running across State Street, with one of the women limping to a vehicle that took her to UPMC Hamot for treatment of a gunshot wound to the leg. Police said they learned that some females had gotten into a fight inside and outside of Super Chicken, and that as one of the females chased after another female she was pursued by a person identified as Magee, who was accused of having a gun, according to information in Magee's criminal complaint. A witness heard a gunshot and learned that a female had been shot, according to police. Erie police filed charges against Magee in the shooting on April 25. More: State Street business reportedly tied to shootings shuttered by city over zoning violation At the time of the April 23 shooting, Magee was wanted by Erie police on charges in a shooting that occurred in the city on March 18. Police accused Magee of firing gunshots at another man during a confrontation in the 1100 block of East 11th Street. No one was reported injured in the shooting. An Erie man accused of being involved in a shooting that took place outside of the now-closed Super Chicken Lounge on State Street in March waived charges in the case, along with charges in another shooting, to court at his preliminary hearing on Oct. 6, 2023. A second shooting that authorities said was related to the former Super Chicken Lounge, at 1015 State St., occurred on April 30. Erie police accused city resident Yaphet M. Ettison, 50, of assaulting another male with a handgun and with firing gunshots while inside the establishment. Ettison is awaiting his preliminary hearing on charges including attempted homicide in the incident. More: Fight involving gunfire at downtown Erie restaurant and gathering spot leads to charges City officials ordered the Super Chicken Lounge closed shortly after the April 30 shooting. The closing came just as Erie's nuisance bar task force, in response to the shootings, was beginning to take a closer look at the facility for a violation of city zoning rules. Officials said the space was posted as off-limits after they learned that alcohol was being served in the building. Super Chicken was licensed as an eating and drinking establishment but its operators did not obtain the necessary approval from Erie's Zoning Hearing Board to have a bottle club there, according to the city. A new tenant has moved into the State Street space formerly occupied by Super Chicken, city officials said. Federal gang investigation A federal indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Erie in early June charges 22 accused members of 4-Nation with violating racketeering law by dealing drugs and committing other crimes. Thirty-six other people, including Magee, are accused of conspiring to deal drugs in lesser capacities. The 36 are not accused of being members of the gang. Magee was indicted on a charge of conspiring to traffic in fentanyl and methamphetamine in August 2021. If he is convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. The mandatory minimum can increase to 15 to 25 years depending on his prior record involving felonies related to drugs or violent crime, according to court records. Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNhahn. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie man waives shooting charges as he awaits prosecution in gang case For the first time, how the entire coastline of Northern Ireland is changing has been mapped by researchers at Ulster University. The team studied almost 200 years' worth of maps, surveys and photographs to determine the extent of erosion. Each 25m (82ft) section of coastline was examined for positional changes. Researchers looked at how human modification advanced the shoreline by reclaiming land and building power stations, harbours and ports. The information will help shape how coastlines are managed as well as identifying those areas most vulnerable to coastal change. The group began with the first detailed Ordnance Survey maps of Northern Ireland, dated circa 1830, and worked through to the present day with a recent coastal topographic LiDAR (light detection and ranging) survey. The year-long project was led by Prof Derek Jackson and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). Prof Jackson described it as "a huge technical challenge". "But in the end it has produced a fantastic database from which to better understand how the Northern Ireland coastline has changed over historical times," he said. "For the first time Northern Ireland now has a detailed picture of how dynamic, particularly the sandy stretches, of the coastline are. "This gives a much better scientific basis from which to manage these sites in the future." The largest natural shoreline erosion levels were recorded on the western side of Magilligan Point in County Londonderry. The largest shoreline advancement over the last two centuries was identified at Murlough near Newcastle in County Down. The researchers found human activity two centuries ago had played a major role. "The largest shoreline advancements recorded in the last two centuries along the Northern Ireland coastline were all induced by human modifications, mainly during the 19th century," said Prof Andrew Cooper, co-investigator on the project. Those modifications included extensive land reclamation in sea loughs, construction or expansions of ports and harbours, power stations, wastewater treatment areas or touristic facilities. Rocky coasts, apart from limited rockfalls, were less subject to large-scale changes as were shorelines not influenced by human modifications in sea loughs. Varying levels of erosion were found along open-coast sandy shorelines. But there was build-up at the Castlerock-Portstewart Strand complex. That was due to the extensive jetties at the River Bann entrance which are trapping sand from both directions. Similar build-up at Ballykinler in County Down was linked to local geology and inlet exchanges between the inner and outer Dundrum Bay. The project was undertaken to help address the lack of scientifically-robust data about how the coastline is changing. It is one of a series of initiatives undertaken by Daera through the Northern Ireland Coastal Forum and the associated working group. Daera says it is working closely with the statistical ESRI Ireland to make all the information publicly available via the Northern Ireland Coastal Observatory. Volunteers from Estonian NGOs Vaba Ukraina and Ukraina Abi came under Russian missile attack on the morning of Oct. 6, Vaba Ukraina wrote on social platform X , formerly known as Twitter. The organization said no volunteers were injured, but their cars were destroyed as a Russian Iskander ballistic missile "fell 20 meters from them." Vaba Ukraine did not provide further details on the location of the attack or the number of volunteers who came under the strike. However, the organization said that two children were killed in the neighboring house because of the attack. Earlier, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that a Russian attack on Kharkiv killed a 68-year-old woman and her 10-year-old grandson. The attack also injured 28 people, including an 11-month-old baby. "Let's fight on for the honor of Estonia and the freedom of Ukraine," the organization wrote. On Oct. 1, Estonian news outlet Postimees reported that Tanel Krieggul, an Estonian citizen who fought with the International Legion in Ukraine, was killed in a Russian drone strike on Lyman in Donetsk Oblast. Krieggul, call sign "Stinger," fought with the International Legion, a unit for foreigners dedicated to Ukraine's defense. The house he shared with fellow servicemembers was reportedly hit by a Russian kamikaze drone, reducing the home to rubble. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 52 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell has said that the EU had been delaying its enlargement for too long, but now, thanks to Ukraine, the process will move faster. Source: Borrel at an informal EU leaders summit in Granada on 6 October, reported by European Pravda Details: Borrell was commenting to journalists on the need for a tentative date for the next EU enlargement, which has been hotly debated in the European Union recently. The debate started after the head of the European Council, Charles Michel , proposed 2030 as a benchmark. Quote: "It's good to have a target, it's good to have a horizon. This is a political horizon. The purpose of a fixed date is just to mobilise political energy to start moving. It does not mean that it has to be a precise date. If we don't have a horizon, people will start thinking: Okay, we have time. But we don't have time." Details: He noted that the EU had been delaying the enlargement process for a very long time. But now, thanks to Ukraine's application as a new candidate, Borrell expects the enlargement process to speed up. Quote: "It (Ukraine ed.) has pushed the queue, and the queue will move, and we will move quickly." Background: In late August, European Council President Charles Michel said he wanted the EU to be ready for enlargement by 2030. However, there are supporters in the EU who do not want to be tied to any timeframe for the accession of new members. The Ukrainian authorities claim that they are ready to complete their part of the work for accession as soon as possible. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Kyiv wants to put "a report on the table that proves that we are ready" in two years. However, he emphasised that after that, it would take time to approve Ukraine's accession. 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 Olivier Sorgho (Reuters) - The number of immigrants deported from European Union countries rose by 29% in the second quarter of 2023, mostly sent back from France and Germany, statistics agency Eurostat said on Friday, as the bloc tries to control exceptionally high arrivals. Of the 105,865 non-EU citizens that were ordered to leave an EU country, 26,600 were deported to another country, an increase of 29% from the second quarter of last year. Those figures include people returned to other EU countries, but a 76% majority were sent outside the bloc's borders, Eurostat said. Georgians made up the biggest portion of deportations at 9%, followed by Albanians at 8%, Moldovans and Turks at 5% each and Indians at 4%, the data showed. The EU is facing massive waves of legal and illegal arrivals, an issue that has prompted Germany to announce new border controls with neighbours Poland and Czech Republic, normally within Europe's free travel zone. Germany deported the highest number of non-EU citizens in the quarter, with 3,805 individuals returned to another country, followed by France at 3,005 and Sweden at 2,690 people, Eurostat said. On Wednesday, the EU sealed a deal on how to handle irregular immigration at times of exceptionally high arrivals, taking a step towards overhauling the bloc's asylum and migration rules. (Reporting by Olivier Sorgho in Gdansk; Editing by Milla Nissi and Nick Macfie) By Andrew Gray and Belen Carreno GRANADA, Spain (Reuters) - European Union leaders declared support on Friday for adding new members to the bloc but set no target date and warned candidates such as Ukraine that there would be no short cuts. At a summit in the Spanish city of Granada, leaders of the 27-nation union proclaimed that EU enlargement is an "investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity". But they also said that both the EU and would-be members - which include Ukraine, Moldova and Western Balkan states - would need to make big changes to be ready for an enlarged union. "Aspiring members need to step up their reform efforts, notably in the area of rule of law," they said in a statement. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has propelled enlargement up the agenda of the EU. Its leaders say the conflict has shown the danger of countries being in contested "grey zones" rather than being firmly part of the EU political camp. Even as it fights Russia's invasion, Ukraine has made EU membership talks one of its top priorities. It aims to get the green light from EU leaders at a summit in December. Countries have to meet legal, economic and democratic standards to join the EU - a process that takes years. Officials say the EU will also have to overhaul its decision-making procedures and budget rules to take in new members. Charles Michel, the president of the European Council of EU leaders, has proposed the bloc should be ready to expand by 2030, arguing setting such a target would encourage both the EU and candidate countries to step up their reform efforts. "What's important is to stop procrastinating," Michel told a news conference at the end of the summit. But other leaders have been cool on the idea, saying the focus should be on candidate countries meeting EU standards. "The process is merit-based," said Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the EU's executive. "There are clear rules, there are milestones that have to be achieved." An internal EU report said that if current rules on farm subsidies, regional development and other spending applied to a union of 35 members, its budget would rise 21 percent, meaning an extra 256.8 billion euros ($271.9 billion) over seven years. "Given that a bigger EU would need more resources, and that newly acceding Member States would become net beneficiaries of the EU budget, enlargement will have a far-reaching impact on the EU budget," said the report, prepared in July. It said the accession of Ukraine alone could lead to an increase in spending of 186.3 billion euros ($197.23 billion) over seven years. However, EU officials and diplomats say the budget setup would have to be overhauled before enlargement, so the report serves more as a illustration that change is needed rather than an accurate estimate of the cost of admitting new members. EU aspirants include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Kosovo. Some are at various stages in membership talks while others aim to get the go-ahead in the coming months or years. ($1 = 0.9444 euros) (Reporting by Andrew Gray, Belen Carreno and Inti Landauro; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) (Reuters) -Luxury electric-vehicle maker Lucid Group on Thursday launched a cheaper, rear-wheel drive version of the Air Pure sedan starting at $77,400, as it looks to stoke demand. Higher borrowing costs have hit sales of electric vehicles over the last few quarters, while a price war unleashed by Tesla has hurt the ability of smaller EV makers such as Lucid and Rivian Automotive to grab market share. The new Lucid model, however, is more expensive than the world's most valuable automaker Tesla's Model S luxury sedan, which starts at about $75,000. The cheaper electric sedan will offer a range of 410 miles on a full charge and will be available immediately, Lucid said. Its most expensive offering, Air Sapphire, which is also its fastest car, is priced at $249,000. The company, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, had cut prices of its Air luxury sedans by as much as $12,400 in August even as it burns cash and posts bigger losses in its race to keep up with Tesla. Lucid had reported second-quarter revenue of $150.9 million. Analysts expect it to record $207.9 million in sales in the third quarter, according to LSEG data. The EV maker opened its first overseas production factory last month in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government has agreed to buy up to 100,000 Lucid vehicles over the next decade. Shares of the Newark, California-based firm, which have dropped 19% so far this year, slipped 3.6% in early trading. (Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) Distressing would be an understatement in describing the ordeal of 11 Filipino fishermen, who had to watch over the bodies of three of their companions for 24 hours after a foreign vessel rammed their boat off Bajo de Masinloc. "Lumutang na po yung isa naming kasama na matanda, yun yung patay na. Wala na kaming nagawa, itinali na lang namin siya para hindi lumayo ang kaniyang bangkay," Johnny Manlolo recalled during a press briefing with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday. [Translation: A body of our elder companion floated. We couldn't do anything, we just tied him up so that his body wouldn't drift away.] It was around 3 a.m. when the 14 Filipino fishers moored their boat "Dearyn" to a payao, or an anchored fish float, some 85 nautical miles northwest of Bajo de Masinloc. Eight crew members left on Dearyn's service boats to fish in different locations, while 40-year-old Manlolo remained in the mother boat along with five others, including the captain. At about 4 a.m., Manlolo remembered rain began to pour, prompting his fellows to go inside the cabin while he stayed at the back of the boat. "Mga 20 minutes na patak ng ulan, medyo humina. Pagtayo ko po, nanjan na yung barko. Kitang kita ko po talaga, saktong tumama sa amin," Manlolo said. [Translation: It rained for about 20 minutes then it eased a bit. When I stood up, the ship was already there. I really saw it, right when it hit us.] The ship was red and much bigger than Dearyn, according to Manlolo, He said it even left a trace of paint when it slammed into the fishing boat. But he did not recall if the ship flashed its light or sounded its horn. What he is certain of is that Dearyn had its lights turned on and was visible from a distance. The PCG said its cross-referencing of details provided by the fishermen indicated that "Pacific Anna," a crude oil tanker registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands, may have been the vessel that hit the Filipinos' boat. "Bigla na lang po tumaob at nalaglag na po kami sa tubig. Hindi ko na po maalala yung mga nangyari dahil kaniya-kaniya na kami ng languyan," Manlolo said. [Translation: Our boat suddenly capsized and we fell into the water. I can't remember what happened next because we started swimming on our own.] Manlolo said he and another companion were able to get on their boat, now with its bottom up, while they searched for the others. He began knocking on the boat, hoping to hear something back; 22-year-old Mandy An answered and was able to swim towards the surface and join them. Then came the unexpected the body of their elder companion floated. They waited for Dearyn's captain and his nephew but to no avail. "Yung dalawa na kasama namin, yung captain at pamangkin niya, hindi na nakalabas sa ilalim, at 'di na namin nagawang sisirin dahil mahina na kami," Manlolo said. [Translation: Two others who were with us, the captain and his nephew, couldn't get out of the bottom, and we couldn't dive and search anymore because we were too weak.] Tired, stuck, and helpless, Manlolo and the other two survivors waited, hoping for the return of Dearyn's service boats with the remaining crew members. The sun was already up when 37-year-old Michael An, onboard a service boat, spotted Dearyn from three nautical miles away. At around 9 a.m., the service boats arrived and the other crew members dove to retrieve the remaining bodies inside Dearyn's cabin. An remembered loading the three bodies onto the smaller service boats. Several nautical miles away from the coast, they began their journey home. "Napagpasiyahan namin na magsama-sama kami," An said. "24 hours ang tinakbo namin. Walang kain kain, walang tubig. Mainit. Naaawa kami sa mga karga naming nasawi." [Translation: We decided to go together. We sailed for 24 hours. No food, no water. It was hot. We felt sorry for our companions who died.] The 11 crew members who survived the incident left the area using eight boats and arrived in Infanta, Pangasinan at 10 a.m. the next day, Oct. 3. They brought the dead bodies of their 47-year-old boat captain, 38-year-old crew, and the eldest among them, a 62-year-old fisherman. Despite the harrowing experience, the fishermen said they had no choice but to get back to the waters to make a living. Manlolo recalled the waters were calm when they were hit by the ship, but he believes what happened was an accident. "Sa sobrang laki po figuro ng barko, baka hindi na po nila naramdaman [nung tinamaan kami] dahil malaki po yung barko nila, maliit lang po yung amin," the fisherman said. [Tranlation: The ship is so big, maybe they didn't feel it anymore when they hit us, ours is small.] The PCG has said the maritime incident is not connected to the tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea. READ: PCG: Foreign vessel that rammed PH boat off Bajo de Masinloc violated protocols I love this town. I was having too-normal a day of high-level reporting on Cuba-U.S. relations, when word arrived via text: Did you hear Carollo and Acevedo get into it this morning on the radio? It was one of the most epic and legendary arroz con mangos in Miami radio history. Forget the tasty food reference. Its too sweet for what ensued during the Thursday-morning show on Spanish-language Actualidad 1040 AM, hosted by journalists Ricardo Brown and Roberto Rodriguez Tejera. They interviewed fired Miami police chief Art Acevedo and as soon as they announced that his nemesis, Commissioner Joe Carollo, could phone in to respond, Carollo surely did. Anywhere else, the protagonists of a multitude of ongoing corruption scandals might want to remain under the radar and not appear publicly. But not in Miami! Pa la calle. We take it to the street level. The mafioso name-calling verbal brawl that ensued between Acevedo and Carollo who orchestrated the firing after the police chief was only six months into the job rivaled the taunts and hatred traded by Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Only this was Cuban vs. Cuban. Not only two lawsuits and who knows how many federal and state investigations by now were on the line, but also good old-fashioned honor and pride of origin to defend. Throw in the sparring duos mangled Spanish, and we have something very special, very us. All I could think was: The late Olympia Rosado, the well-mannered but strict guardian of the Spanish language in Miami for decades, scolded us radio, print and television journalists for a lot less folly. She must have been turning in her grave. At one point, everyone excitedly switched to English, a relief for Acevedo, Carollo and at least this listener. But the hosts reminded the men that they were addressing a predominantly Spanish-only audience. The admonition didnt improve anything, the basic problem being the excessive testosterone combined with the cubania contest involved. At the onset of the interview, an excitable Acevedo talked about his familys travails in Cuba and their pedigree as anti-Castro fighters. When he said he was getting emotional, one of the hosts interrupted him, nipping that sentiment with tough questions. Acevedo addressed accusations that when he called commissioners a Cuban mafia he was using the preferred language of the Castro regime to refer to Miami exiles. He said he only was referring to Carollo and commissioners Alex Diaz de la Portilla arrested last month on a host of corruption charges and Manolo Reyes, not the community he pledged to serve. The three mafiosos, Acevedo called them, describing the roles they played in the kangoroo court hearing to fire him, reminiscent, he said, of a Communist-styled tribunal. Carollo is a Sicilian from Chicago who has a photo of the Godfather in his office, Acevedo said. It was unclear if he meant a poster of the movie or Al Pacino. Of poor Reyes, Acevedo said he has no chispa no spark, no chutzpah Acevedo said, and does what the others want. Les sigue la cuerda, he said, a saying that literally translates to follows the rope. He also implicated City Manager Art Noriega and current Police Chief Manny Morales in the plot to oust him. They lamely do whatever commissioners tell them to do to stay employed, Acevedo said. Its a mafia there, he said. Adding: Eso es de madre, a very Cuban version of the expression Thats some s--t. It sounded so sincere, the kind of thing one thinks but doesnt dare to say. I nearly fell off my chair laughing. READ MORE: Miami Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla arrested on bribery, money laundering charges Victory lap Now the police chief in Aurora, Colorado, Acevedo seems to be taking a victory lap. In addition to the radio show, he published an op-ed in the Herald headlined: Miami leaders abuse of power has finally come under overdue public scrutiny. READ MORE: Miami leaders abuse of power has finally come under overdue public scrutiny | Opinion Its true. His allegations of widespread corruption in Miami are bearing fruit. First, in the form of a $63.5 million verdict in civil court against Carollo for using city police and code enforcement to harass two Little Havana businessmen who supported his opponent in an election. Acevedo was a star witness, telling under oath the same story he told on radio: On his first night on the job, he was sent, at Carollos behest, to the scene of one of the mens restaurants. He was told to keep the place under watch for violations. The reason: Carollo wanted political revenge, he said. The case is under appeal. Lawyers on both sides must not be very happy over Acevedo and Carollo sparring about their legal entanglements in public. For his part, Carollo once Acevedo had left the phone line accused Miamis former police chief of providing police protection on the taxpayers dime for a friends mega yacht parked off the waters by the Heat arena. And he alleged that Acevedo had asked Carollo for help obtaining surveys of the nearby parks for the same friend, a Texas team owner, to draw a proposal to build restaurants on parkland. Nobody held back, Not Carollo, Acevedo or Brown, who took on the impossible challenge of keeping Carollo on point and joined in the verbal jostling. That is an instant Miami classic Spanish radio interview, said Fernand Amandi, the Cuban American Miami pollster who used to host a political radio show in Miami and is a frequent guest pundit on network television. Indeed. Stash it in the only-in-Miami files. Former President Donald Trump's legal team has requested that a judge delay his classified documents trial until after the 2024 election, arguing that they haven't received all the necessary records to review and prepare his defense. Trump's lawyers filed a motion late Wednesday urging U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to postpone the trial from May 20 to at least mid-November 2024. His lawyers argued that the delay was necessary due to scheduling conflicts and not receiving all evidence as part of the discovery process. Another federal trial is set for March 2024 in Washington and one of Trump's attorneys, Christopher Kise, is also representing him in an ongoing civil fraud trial in New York, where he is facing charges for inflating the values of his properties, according to The Associated Press. "As far as the discovery process is concerned, everything depends on Judge Cannon's willingness to make Trump toe the line regarding the schedule she already has set," former federal prosecutor Kevin O'Brien told Salon. Trump's team also mentioned delays in getting access to all classified evidence, particularly to nine of the 32 classified documents, referred to in the indictment by special counsel Jack Smith. They stated concerns with only having "access to a small, temporary facility in Miami" to view the highly classified records. His team complained about being required to physically visit this facility while simultaneously managing the hearing dates for Trump's trial. "The March 4, 2023 trial date in the District of Columbia, and the underlying schedule in that case, currently require President Trump and his lawyers to be in two places at once," Trump's attorneys wrote in the filing. The defense team has the "bulk" of the restricted materials relevant to the case O'Brien pointed out, which "should give Trump plenty of time to prepare for a May 2024 trial." Special counsel prosecutors indicated last week that they believed Trump's legal team was pursuing unreasonable delays in the case. But they acknowledged that some procedural steps were taking slightly longer than expected and refuted the claim that they were intentionally causing delays in producing evidence for the case. The prosecutors noted that Trump's lawyers had lacked the "necessary read-ins to review all material" provided by the government. "Trump's lawyers are using CIPA to try to delay the trial, saying the Special Counsel hasn't produced all the discovery and that they want to review all the discovery before they engage in the CIPA litigation process," former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Salon. "They may also try to force the government to disclose classified materials at trial, a strategy known as 'graymail.'" This isn't the first time the former president has attempted to delay a trial, in which he is charged with illegally retaining classified documents after leaving the White House in 2021 and repeatedly obstructing government efforts to recover these records. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. In their initial request for a trial delay, Trump's legal team argued that he couldn't receive a fair trial while actively campaigning for office, The New York Times reported. However, the recent proposal to postpone the proceedings didn't explicitly reference the election. Should the trial be postponed, and if Trump is to secure victory in the election, he could potentially tell his attorney general to dismiss the charges against him, according to The Times. "Trump's best defense has been and continues to be delay," Rahmani said. "If he wins the election next year and regains the White House, his criminal problems go away. A sitting president can't be prosecuted. And if another Republican wins, they may try to fire Special Counsel Jack Smith for cause." Trump has pleaded not guilty and has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The charges of unlawfully retaining classified documents is among one of the four criminal cases the leading contender for the Republican nomination is facing. The ex-president has also been charged in state indictments of falsifying business records in New York relating to his alleged 2016 hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels and for interfering with the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. A former U.S. Army sergeant faces felony charges after the Justice Department says he attempted to pass sensitive national defense information to China through email. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, a 29-year-old from Washington state, was arrested Friday and charged with retention of national defense information and attempting to deliver national defense information, for allegedly trying to provide China with defense information after he left the military. Schmidt, an active-duty soldier from 2015 to 2020, had access to secret and top-secret information as part of his assignment in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. After Schmidt left the military, prosecutors allege he reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and then the Chinese security services via email, offering information about the United States' defense. Shortly after leaving the military in 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong, where prosecutors allege he retained a device that allows access to U.S. military networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities. Schmidt was arrested Friday as he attempted to fly from Hong Kong to San Francisco. A grand jury handed down the indictment Thursday. "Members of our military take a sworn oath to defend our country and the Constitution. In that context the alleged actions of this former military member are shocking not only attempting to provide national defense information, but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks," Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington said. "I commend the FBI for their diligent work to end his alleged efforts to betray our country." If he is found guilty, Schmidt faces up to 10 years in prison for each count and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command is helping the FBI investigate the case. In April, Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira was arrested for allegedly leaking classified U.S. intelligence documents online. He faces six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. The charges against Schmidt are different from the charges leveled against former President Donald Trump for his alleged handling of classified documents. Trump faces 31 counts of willful retention of classified documents, along with other charges. Watch: UAW president says strike "is working" but "we're not there yet" SAG-AFTRA strike surpasses 80 days as talks resume General Milley | Sunday on 60 Minutes (Bloomberg) -- Australia is following the US down a path of deep polarization that threatens to erode the fabric of the nations democracy, former High Court Chief Justice Robert French said in a speech on Friday. Most Read from Bloomberg French spoke eight days out from a nationwide vote on writing an Indigenous advisory body to Parliament into the constitution, a campaign that has turned increasingly heated and divisive in recent weeks. The ex-chief justice said he feared political debate is now less about ideas and more about personalities. It does erode our democratic fabric in a way, that we lose the capacity to disagree reasonably, French said. Theres a real problem if we keep going down the path that the United States seems to be heading to. All major polls show the proposal, known as the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, on track to be defeated in the Oct. 14 referendum. In recent days, a prominent Indigenous senator was threatened in a video by a neo-Nazi while a former Australian TV star suggested the No campaigns primary slogan was aimed at dinosaurs. The Indigenous Voice was originally suggested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders in 2017, before being picked up by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese before his election win in May 2022. However, while Albanese had intended the Voice campaign to be a moment of unity for Australia, it has instead led to division and a rise in racism targeting Indigenous Australians. In his speech to the National Press Club, French restated his support for the Voice to Parliament, and dismissed the No campaigns argument that it was legally risky to change to the constitution. A vote in favor of the Voice is a new beginning and something in which this generation and generations to come should be able to take justifiable pride, he said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Ex-USC gynecologist charged with sexually assaulting students dies before going to trial A former gynecologist at the University of Southern California at the center of $1 billion in university payouts as a result of sexual abuse allegations by hundreds of women, died Wednesday. The Associated Press reported that 76-year-old George Tyndall s attorney, Leonard Levine, confirmed the former medical professionals death Thursday. Tyndall was awaiting trial on over two dozen criminal misconduct charges that allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2016 at USCs student health center. USC AGREES TO $852 MILLION PAYOUT IN SEX ABUSE LAWSUIT According to Levine, a close friend of Tyndalls went to his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday after not answering her calls, and she found him dead in his bed. Although a date was not set for his trial, Tyndall had a court date scheduled later this month to set a trial date. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The former gynecologist has denied any wrongdoing and wanted a chance to present the case in front of a jury. BOOZED-UP TEACHER CAUGHT IN SECOND-GRADE CLASSROOM AFTER DRIVING TO WORK DRUNK: COPS "Hes always maintained his innocence," Levine said. Tyndall faced 35 counts of alleged sexual misconduct, which had been reduced to 27, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, and included 18 counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person and 9 counts of sexual battery by fraud. The charges are from 16 former patients of his at the campus student health center. CALIFORNIA SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL BUILD $122 MILLION IN HOUSING FOR TEACHERS TO COMBAT STAFF SHORTAGES Tyndall faced 35 counts of alleged sexual misconduct, which had been reduced to 27. Accusations against Tyndall surfaced in 2018 after an investigation by the LA Times, which revealed the doctor was the subject of complaints of sexual misconduct at USC going back to the 1990s. In 2016, he was suspended by the university after a nurse reported him to a rape crisis center. He quietly resigned and received a large payout the next year. Hundreds of women came forward to report their allegations to police but some of the cases fell outside the 10-year statute of limitations, while others did not rise to the level of criminal charges or lacked sufficient evidence to prosecute. Still, he faced up to 64 years in prison if convicted. LOS ANGELES SHERIFF'S DEPUTY KILLED IN AMBUSH ATTACK BEING LAID TO REST In March 2021, USC agreed to an $852 million settlement with over 700 women who accused Tyndall of sexual abuse. Tyndall was deposed for the settlement and largely invoked his rights against self-incrimination in answers, the plaintiffs lawyers said at the time. Although he did sign the settlement, he did not contribute any money toward it and never admitted any wrongdoing. On Thursday, John Manly, lead counsel in the civil case, blamed former and current district attorneys for years of delays in bringing criminal charges. Manly also represents two of the victims in the criminal proceedings. LOS ANGELES DA GEORGE GASCON ANNOUNCES NEXT STEPS AFTER DEPUTY'S AMBUSH KILLING Tyndall was free on bond and the case dragged out, Manly explained, adding to the trauma the victims experienced and postponing the trials. Because of that, Manly claimed the clients will never have justice. "Its horrible. I cant explain it," he said. "They feel re-victimized, and they should." Separate from the $852 settlement, USC agreed in 2019 to pay $215 million to settle a class action lawsuit that applies to about 18,000 of Tyndalls female patients. Victims were paid anywhere from $2,500 to $250,000, regardless of whether they formally accused Tyndall of harassment or assault. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Ex-USC gynecologist charged with sexually assaulting students dies before going to trial (KTLA) Dr. George Tyndall , the former University of Southern California gynecologist whos accused of sexually abusing thousands of women on campus, died Wednesday at the age of 76. The news was first reported by the Los Angeles Times, which indicated that he was found unresponsive in his bed. NFL legend Dick Butkus dies at 80 One accuser, Audry Nafziger, told the Times that she is not happy that he died. Its very sad that we dont get the same kind of justice that the UCLA women get, or Larry Nassars survivors get, or all the other women who have been sexually abused by doctors with campuses that covered it up, she told KTLA. They get to have justice, but we do not. Nafziger was one of Tyndalls patients while she was studying at USC Law School and was expecting to confront him in a courtroom next year. As a prosecutor and as a woman who has stood up for victims my whole life, to not get an opportunity to see justice, to see him convicted, to have the system work like its supposed to, its not supposed to go this long, she added. Its very dissatisfying. John Manly, an attorney representing alleged victims of Tyndall, was similarly disappointed, noting that he got away with it. Spent almost no days in jail. Caused untold suffering to hundreds, if not thousands, of students at USC. .. Im at a loss to explain this to my clients, he told the Times. Theres a conspiracy theory about Taylor Swift attending the Jets game Criminal punishment will be precluded by Tyndalls death, but in a civil settlement, the school paid out a record $1.1 billion to about 17,000 of Tyndalls former patients. An autopsy will not be performed to determine Tyndalls cause of death, the Times reported, but in a letter to the Board of Supervisors and the Medical Examiner, Manly demanded a full investigation into the death. This refusal to properly investigate Tyndalls cause of death allows him to get away with his decades of horrific abuse, and leaves hundreds of women without answers, he said in the letter. Dr. George Tyndalls death before he was tried represents a complete failure of the justice system in Los Angeles. His criminal case has been pending for nearly 5 years and finally was ordered to trial less than a month ago. Put simply, LA County DA George Gascon failed his victims which number in the thousands. Not only was Tyndall allowed to escape justice for five years after his arrest but USCs secrets that he alone holds died with him. Like Jeffrey Epstein, he will never have to face a criminal trial, said attorney Gloria Allred, who represents 72 of Tyndalls accusers. They were hoping that they could, if he was convicted at a criminal trial, be able to give a victim impact statement so that he would hear the harm, the damage that he caused to them when he was their OBGYN and they were his patients. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The sounds of explosions were heard in Cherkasy Oblast on the night of 5-6 October. Source: Suspilne, Ukraine's public broadcaster; Ihor Taburets, Head of the Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: The Air Force announced that there was a threat of attack drones in Cherkasy. An air-raid warning is ongoing in the oblast. Taburets reported that there is an increased danger and a threat of the Russian use of attack drones in the oblast. Background: Russian forces conducted another Shahed drones attack on the night of 5-6 October, launching four groups of drones toward different areas. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! U.S. investigators have confirmed that a mechanical issue caused the seaplane crash that killed 10 people off an island in Washington state last year. The National Transportation Safety Board, which investigated the Sept. 4, 2022, crash, said Thursday that a single component of a critical flight control system failed, causing an unrecoverable, near-vertical descent into Puget Sounds Mutiny Bay near Whidbey Island. About 85% of the aircraft was recovered from the ocean floor several weeks after the crash. NTSB investigators examining the wreckage found that a component called an actuator, which moves the planes horizontal tail and controls the airplanes pitch, had become disconnected. That failure would have made it impossible for the pilot to control the airplane. Evidence showed the failure happened before the crash, not as a result of it, investigators concluded. The plane was a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter turboprop operated by Renton-based Friday Harbor Seaplanes. It was headed to the Seattle suburb of Renton from Friday Harbor, a popular tourist destination in the San Juan Islands, when it abruptly fell into Mutiny Bay and sank. The pilot and all nine passengers died. Witnesses said, and video showed, that the plane had been level before climbing slightly and then falling, the NTSB said. The Mutiny Bay accident is an incredibly painful reminder that a single point of failure can lead to catastrophe in our skies, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a news release. Weeks after the crash, the NTSB said the cause appeared to be the disconnected actuator and issued a recommendation that all operators of the DHC-3 planes immediately inspect that part of the flight control system. In early November, the FAA issued an emergency directive to operators mandating the inspections, The Seattle Times reported. The NTSB in its final report recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada require operators of those planes to install a secondary locking feature, so this kind of tragedy never happens again, Homendy said. Friday Harbor Seaplanes didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Thursday. Those who died in the crash include pilot Jason Winters, Sandy Williams of Spokane, Washington; Ross Mickel, his pregnant wife Lauren Hilty and their child Remy Mickel, of Medina, Washington; Joanne Mera of San Diego; Patricia Hicks of Spokane, Washington; Rebecca and Luke Ludwig, of Excelsior, Minnesota; and Gabrielle Hanna of Seattle. The U.S. Coast Guard has released the names of all 10 people who are presumed dead after a floatplane crashed off Whidbey Island on Sunday. https://t.co/pfoIrkfHqT KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) September 6, 2022 Lawsuits have been filed in King County Superior Court by the family members of the victims against the aircrafts charter operator, Friday Harbor Seaplanes; as well as the DHC-3 Otter manufacturer, de Havilland Aircraft of Canada; and the planes certificate holder, Viking Air saying they are responsible for the deaths. Nate Bingham, who is representing the Ludwigs families, said the plane crashed because of an antiquated design with a single point of failure. The companies have not responded to requests for comment about the lawsuits. Northwest Seaplanes said last year it was heartbroken over the crash and was working with the FAA, NTSB and Coast Guard. FILE - A U.S. Coast Guard boat and Kitsap, Wash., County Sheriff boat search an area, Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, near Freeland, Wash., on Whidbey Island north of Seattle where a chartered floatplane crashed the day before, killing 10 people. On Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that a mechanical issue caused the seaplane to crash. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) SEATTLE (AP) U.S. investigators have confirmed that a mechanical issue caused the seaplane crash that killed 10 people off an island in Washington state last year. The National Transportation Safety Board, which investigated the Sept. 4, 2022, crash, said Thursday that a single component of a critical flight control system failed, causing an unrecoverable, near-vertical descent into Puget Sound's Mutiny Bay near Whidbey Island. About 85% of the aircraft was recovered from the ocean floor several weeks after the crash. NTSB investigators examining the wreckage found that a component called an actuator, which moves the plane's horizontal tail and controls the airplane's pitch, had become disconnected. That failure would have made it impossible for the pilot to control the airplane. Evidence showed the failure happened before the crash, not as a result of it, investigators concluded. The plane was a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter turboprop operated by Renton-based Friday Harbor Seaplanes. It was headed to the Seattle suburb of Renton from Friday Harbor, a popular tourist destination in the San Juan Islands, when it abruptly fell into Mutiny Bay and sank. The pilot and all nine passengers died. Witnesses said, and video showed, that the plane had been level before climbing slightly and then falling, the NTSB said. The Mutiny Bay accident is an incredibly painful reminder that a single point of failure can lead to catastrophe in our skies, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a news release. Weeks after the crash, the NTSB said the cause appeared to be the disconnected actuator and issued a recommendation that all operators of the DHC-3 planes immediately inspect that part of the flight control system. In early November, the FAA issued an emergency directive to operators mandating the inspections, The Seattle Times reported. The NTSB in its final report recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada require operators of those planes to install a secondary locking feature, so this kind of tragedy never happens again, Homendy said. Friday Harbor Seaplanes didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Thursday. Those who died in the crash include pilot Jason Winters, Sandy Williams of Spokane, Washington; Ross Mickel, his pregnant wife Lauren Hilty and their child Remy Mickel, of Medina, Washington; Joanne Mera of San Diego; Patricia Hicks of Spokane, Washington; Rebecca and Luke Ludwig, of Excelsior, Minnesota; and Gabrielle Hanna of Seattle. Lawsuits have been filed in King County Superior Court by the family members of the victims against the aircrafts charter operator, Friday Harbor Seaplanes; as well as the DHC-3 Otter manufacturer, de Havilland Aircraft of Canada; and the planes certificate holder, Viking Air saying they are responsible for the deaths. Nate Bingham, who is representing the Ludwigs families, said the plane crashed because of an antiquated design with a single point of failure. The companies have not responded to requests for comment about the lawsuits. Northwest Seaplanes said last year it was heartbroken over the crash and was working with the FAA, NTSB and Coast Guard. Two pedestrians were hit by drivers in the past month one was killed, another was seriously injured in Centre County, adding to the hundreds whove been hit over the years. It brought about a question: What can state Transportation Department data tell us? One answer was clear. As autumn approaches and theres less and less daylight with each passing day, no season is more dangerous for pedestrians. The unadjusted data used by the Centre Daily Times is publicly available. You can search for yourself using any number of the dozens of filters listed. The data dates back to 2003. This article relied on the most recent decade of data available, 2013 through 2022. It also uses meteorological seasons: Spring includes March through May; summer includes June through August; fall includes September through November; and winter includes December through February. How many serious or fatal pedestrian crashes happen in Centre County? No pattern or distinct trend has emerged from the data. The county reported as few as one such crash in a year (2021), but also as many as 11 (2018). When do serious or fatal pedestrian crashes happen in Centre County? Twenty such crashes occurred in the fall, the most of any season. Thirteen occurred in both spring and winter, while 12 occurred in the summer. Where do these crashes happen? Most serious or fatal pedestrian crashes occur in the Centre Region, the most populated set of municipalities in Centre County. Nineteen were reported in State College, more than twice as many as any other municipality. Seven were reported in Patton Township. How do fatal pedestrian crashes compare to other fatal crashes? Only about 3% of crashes during the past decade in Centre County involved pedestrians, yet they made up more than 10% of all fatal crashes. How does Centre County stack up to counties of a similar size? Centre County is one of nine fourth-class counties in Pennsylvania, those with a population of 145,000 to 209,999. The county was middle of the pack during the past decade, slotting in fifth. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the public to report individuals involved in the smuggling and hoarding of agricultural goods. "Mga kababayan, gaano man kalaki ang kanilang sindikatowala pong binatbat 'yan sa nagkakaisa nating lakas," Marcos said during a rice distribution event in Capiz. "Kaya kung may nalalaman po kayong sangkot sa ganitong transaksyon, wag po kayong matakot na mag suplong," he added. [Translation: My countrymen, no matter how big their syndicate isit's no match against our unified strength. So if you know someone involved in such transactions, don't be afraid to come forward.] Marcos previously warned smugglers that the government will be chasing the "big syndicates" in charge of what the administration equates to "economic sabotage." READ: Marcos orders probe into hoarding, smuggling of agricultural products "Makilahok sa pagbabantay sa ating lipunan. Marami parin po tayong malalaking nakakapanloko ng kapwa. Tunay po na nakakagalit ang mga smuggler at hoarder na 'yan," Marcos said. [Translation: Join us in monitoring our society. There are still powerful people who dupe others. Those smugglers and hoarders are really infuriating.] The chief executive said lawmakers are currently working on amendments to criminalize agricultural hoarding and smuggling to increase their penalties. The House of Representatives earlier approved on third and final reading the bill that seeks to strengthen the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling law by imposing heavier penalties against smugglers. Meanwhile, an agriculture group pushed for the creation of a special court to focus on smuggling cases. Miguel Acabou, whose brother Augusto Acabou was one of two Newark, N.J. firefighters killed battling a blaze on a cargo ship in Newark in July, speaks at a news conference in Newark on Oct. 6, 2023. Families of the dead firefighters blamed the blaze on a malfunctioning vehicle being used to load the ship on the day of the fire. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry) NEWARK, N.J. (AP) The families of two New Jersey firefighters who were killed battling a July blaze inside a cargo ship said Friday a malfunctioning vehicle being used to load cargo onto the ship caused the fire. Relatives of Newark firefighters Captains Augusto Augie Acabou and Wayne Bear Brooks Jr. held a news conference outside the firehouse where the two had worked, saying litigation to be filed in the coming months will seek to hold accountable the Italian shipping company that owned the ship, as well as two stevedore companies involved in loading the vessel. The families already have filed notice of intent to sue the city of Newark, alleging the city did not adequately train firefighters to battle onboard ship fires. The two died battling a fire that broke out July 5 when the Grande Costa dAvorio caught fire in Port Newark, one of the nation's busiest seaports. The vessel was carrying automobiles. Wayne was taken from us in a manner that was entirely preventable, said Michele Brooks, the widow of Wayne Brooks. The news conference was held outside the headquarters of Engine 16 on what would have been Acabous 46th birthday. His brother Miguel said the families want to prevent future occurrences like this from happening, so no other families have to suffer, just like we are, and will forever. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said he understands the families' need to understand what happened so that they can make some kind of sense out of their loss. The city wants the same thing, Baraka said. We trust that the investigators are completing their process as quickly and expeditiously as possible while maintaining the integrity of their examination and analysis. Its my deep hope that this investigation will yield the information the families need for healing, and that the answers will benefit all firefighters in Newark, and everywhere. Mark Apostolos, an attorney for the families, said his firm's investigation determined that a Jeep Wrangler being used to push cargo on board the ship was observed to have been emitting smoke from its engine compartment several hours before the fire began. Despite that, those men continued to use that Jeep Wrangler until it started a blaze, he said. That Jeep Wrangler ended up causing a massive inferno to take place aboard the ship's top decks. Acabou and Brooks were caused to enter into that fire and ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice, Apostolos said. He said legal time restraints have thus far prevented the filing of a lawsuit in the case, which he said would happen in the coming months. The Grimaldi Group, the Italian company that owns the ship, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Friday. The company has previously said the crew immediately activated onboard fire suppression procedures and local firefighters were called, triggering a prompt response that was crucial to containing and controlling the blaze. It also said no electric cars or hazardous cargo were on board, no fuel spills had been detected, and the stability of the ship was not compromised. But Apostolos faulted the performance of two five-member firefighting teams consisting of crew members who were responsible for trying to put out the fire. He said they failed to put it out using extinguishers and hoses, and also incorrectly used a CO2-based fire suppression system designed to extinguish a fire by depriving it of oxygen, snuffing it out. While the system was activated, a door to the main garage on deck 12 remained open, providing the fire with continuous oxygen to sustain the flames, and rendering the CO2 system useless, Apostolos said. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not yet determined an official cause of the fire. The Coast Guard did not respond to a request for comment Friday. ___ Follow Wayne Parry on X, formerly known as Twitter, at https://twitter.com/WayneParryAC. The law was intended to combat crime and increase integration, but has left many feeling hopeless (Sergei GAPON) Outraged residents say they will resist a "racist" Danish law which allows large numbers of people to be evicted from social housing in areas where the authorities say there are too many immigrants. "It's straight up racism," said Jawad, a doctor from Mjolnerparken in central Copenhagen, which is surrounded by rapidly gentrifying areas. "Even though I was born and raised in Denmark, in the statistics I'm a non-Western immigrant," the 29-year-old told AFP. Denmark passed a controversial law in 2018 to redevelop poor urban "ghettos" with high concentrations of immigrant populations by 2030. It involves rebuilding and renovating rundown estates and changing the social mix by renting at least 60 percent of the homes at market rates. For decades Denmark has had one of Europe's most restrictive immigration policies, with populist right-wing parties often stoking anti-immigrant rhetoric. "Our apartments are not for sale!" said banners strung across Mjolnerparken, with locals saying that using their ethnicity to decide where they can live is discriminatory and illegal. Eight out of 10 people in Mjolnerparken are deemed "non-Western", with people from non-EU countries in the Balkans and Eastern Europe also falling into that category. The Mjolnerparken residents are suing Denmark, with European Court of Justice due to rule in the coming months. - People left hopeless - Thomas Monberg, spokesman on housing issues for the ruling left-wing Social Democrats, insisted that the aim of the law -- which will compel 11,000 people to move -- is good. "We don't want to force people out," he said. "We want to give them a better life so they can have the same opportunities as any other Dane," he told AFP. But for Jawad, whose parents were born in Pakistan, the so-called "ghetto law" is emblematic of Denmark's relationship with immigrants. Instead of improving integration, it has left many feeling hopeless. "A lot of people here have just given up hope of the government actually being on their side," he said. The law aims to eradicate "parallel societies" in poor neighbourhoods that often struggle with crime. This means that 295 of Mjolnerparken's 560 homes will have to be replaced by market-rate rentals -- which are out of reach for most locals. Experts say some 11,000 people across Denmark will have to leave their apartments and find new housing elsewhere in the next seven years. Majken Felle, the head of Mjolnerparken's renters' association, said that before the law was passed residents had agreed to be temporarily relocated to allow the renovation of their apartments. Even if they could afford to return after the work, they've been strongly encouraged not to, she said. To avoid being moved around several times, many agreed to leave the neighbourhood, which is surrounded by some of Copenhagen's most desirable areas. "Even if they want to stay, some families said to themselves, 'There's too much uncertainty, I can't live like this for years. Maybe it would be better to move and get on with my life,'" Felle added. - 'Second class citizens' - "Residents are living in a construction site even though they're paying rent, it's scandalous," said Hassan, a 25-year-old raised in Mjolnerparken, who left because of the renovation work but wants to move back once it is done. The "ghetto" law is in stark contrast with Denmark's image as "an egalitarian, democratic society with strong social and economic systems," said Susheela Math, a lawyer from the Open Society Justice Initiative which is helping residents bring their case. Yet in this wealthy Scandinavian nation, their fight has gone largely ignored. "Eighty percent of the Danish population doesn't have any personal contact with ethnic minorities," said sociologist Aydin Soei, an expert on disadvantaged areas, "and an even smaller number of Danes have set foot in one of these areas." Rather than helping integration, he argued, the law had left many feeling like "second-class citizens". cbw/po/acc-fg The district attorneys office investigating the death of a protester who was shot by Georgia State Patrol troopers sent its report to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Friday. Manuel Teran, 26, was shot and killed on Jan. 18 during a raid on the construction site of an Atlanta police and fire public safety training facility. Officials said Teran refused to listen to commands from the troopers to come out of a tent and fired four gunshots at the troopers. Six troopers returned fire at Teran, killing him. The attorney representing Terans family said they question the evidence the GBI cites in their report, because they have yet to see it. If there is nothing to hide, then show us the evidence. We were told that once the DAs report was released, the GBI would release all of the underlying evidence, family attorney Jeff Filipovits said. But now, the District Attorney has stated that his office will not produce the underlying evidence. RELATED STORIES The Mountain Circuit District Attorneys report is based on photographs, audio witness interviews, crime scene drawings and reports, forensic lab reports, and body camera audio and videonone of which have been provided to the family. In a report issued Friday, the district attorneys office ruled that the use of lethal force by GSP was objectively reasonable under the circumstances of this case and no criminal charges will be filed against the troopers involved in the shooting. According to the GBI, troopers gave Teran verbal commands to come out of his tent, but he refused. The GBI said Teran then shot at them without warning, and they shot back in self-defense. In Atlanta police body camera video, you can hear four distinct shots before a barrage of rapid-fire gunshots. According to an autopsy performed by the DeKalb County Medical Examiners Office, it concluded that Teran had more than 57 gunshot wounds. The GBI said that forensic ballistic analysis confirmed that the bullet recovered from the troopers wound matched Terans handgun that was recovered at the scene. Agents identified the gun as a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm. The autopsy report said that no gunshot residue was observed on Terans hands, not that it wasnt present. Powder residue is not always something that is visible to the naked eye. This pervasive abuse of open records law only adds to the pain and trauma Manuels family is going through, family attorney Wingo Smith said. We have waited eight months for the truth. We are in pain. We want to hear the interviews. We want our experts to review the lab tests. We want our questions answered. This report does not answer our questions. How long must we wait? Manuals mother, Belkis Teran, said. The family calls upon the GBI and the District Attorney to provide them with the evidence about Manuels death. The District Attorney made his decision. Although the family is disappointed that the officers who killed Manuel will not face criminal charges, there is simply no remaining justification for refusing to release the investigative file, Smith said. As Manuel Terans father, Joel Paez, put it: Release the file now. No more excuses. RELATED NEWS: Passports that have sustained damaged may not be valid for travel (Jordan Pettitt/PA) A family was forced to abandon a 8,000 holiday after a scanner at the airport ripped the mothers passport. Emily Allen had booked an all-inclusive trip to the Greek island of Corfu with her husband and two children, departing London Heathrow. But while her passport was being scanned at the airport, it was damaged by the machine, rendering the document invalid. Initially, I placed my passport into the machine the wrong way around, so slid it back out carefully and turned it around, she told The Telegraph. During this process the photo/observations page, which on my 2016 document is not laminated just paper covered by a thin film patch i ripped, leaving an inch-long tear across the edge of the passport photo. While Ms Allen was originally allegedly advised by Heathrow staff to buy some tape from an airport shop to patch it up, this was not deemed to be a sufficient repair. Although the family would have been able to fly out of the UK, there was no guarantee that the Greek authorities would accept the document when they landed. They made the painful decision to simply cancel and go home. However, a lot of the elements of the trip were non-refundable, leaving the Allens just under 4,000 out of pocket. According to Ms Allen, they werent able to recoup any of the costs through their travel insurance, despite putting in a claim. A damaged passport can lead to travellers being denied boarding to a flight or entry to a country, depending on the extent of the issue. In 2019, a 22-year-old man hit headlines when he missed out on a family holiday to the Caribbean because his passport had a small rip in it. James Adams had got as far as the boarding gate at Gatwick airport with his parents and brother and sister to catch their Tui flight to Aruba when he was denied boarding. James, a welder from Suffolk, had successfully used the passport several times recently with no problems. Jamess mother, Claire, called the experience awful, saying at the time: The most obnoxious woman came over, she was shouting from across the airport, Hes not travelling, he wont get in Aruba. Hes not going. Following pressure from the airline worker, it was decided the two sons would stay at home while the rest of the family got on the plane. According to HM Passport Office, a damaged passport is one which isnt in a fit condition to be accepted as proof of identity. Damage can include: Indecipherable details The laminate has lifted enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution Discolouration to the bio-data page Chemical or ink spillage on any page Missing or detached pages The chip or antenna shows through the end paper on the back cover for the new style e-passports The chip has been identified as damaged after investigation Airlines typically say: We may decide to refuse to carry you or your baggage if the following has happened or we reasonably believe may happen ... you have not, or do not appear to have, valid travel documents. They may be more likely to err on the side of caution as they can incur fines for allowing a passenger to fly with inadequate documentation; these average $3,500 (2,780) per passenger. When Jacksonville police shot and killed Randy Alexander Sharpe Jr. on Tuesday, the city tied its number of police-involved shootings and fatalities resulting from police-involved shootings for all of 2022: 12, eight of which were fatal. The shooting happened on the 276th day of 2023. With eight fatal police shootings already this year, Jacksonville is averaging one fatal police shooting every 34.5 days. With 89 days remaining in the year, if that trend continues, the city could end the year with 10 or more fatal police shootings, the most in 15 years when police shot and killed 14 people in 2008, a year that saw a staggering 28 police-involved shootings, according to Times-Union records. Sharpe was killed Tuesday night in a Blanding Boulevard parking lot in an incident that began about 9:30 p.m. when police in the area heard gunshots, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said. After arriving at the parking lot and seeing a vehicle with its hazard lights on, officers saw Sharpe running away from the vehicle. After making contact with Sharpe, officers said he turned and pointed the gun at them, leading both officers to fire their weapons at him, police said. Eric Nathaniel Thornton Age, race: 38, white Date: Thursday, Jan. 19 Place: 13283 N. Main St. How: Narcotics detectives were conducting surveillance on a known drug dealer who was the passenger in a van they were observing outside The Sagefield apartments. Detectives witnessed multiple drug transactions and performed what they described as a block to take him into custody. The driver fled on foot. Detectives wearing tactical vests identifying themselves as police noticed he had a large knife in his hand and gave multiple commands to drop the knife. They said the man instead turned toward them, and two of them shot him multiple times. The initial suspect was located and taken into custody without incident. His 8-year-old son also was found in the vehicle unharmed. Leon Bernard Burroughs Age, race: 39, Black Date: Friday, Jan. 20 Place: 1800 Hardee St. How: Officers were following up a burglary to a residence that occurred about 5:30 p.m. About an hour later, they located a residence of a suspect vehicle about two blocks away. They talked with a resident to determine where the driver was and traced a couple of stolen items a bicycle and an electronics item and located the vehicle. The five officers noticed a handgun on top of the car and moved it and also noticed a man sleeping in the back. They opened the door and tried to talk with him and asked him multiple times to show them his hands and also to get out of the car. He refused and told them to get the light out of his face so he could see. And for an unknown reason, he fired a shot grazing an officer in the face, and all five opened fire on him killing him. Burroughs had 19 prior arrests in Jacksonville. Thomas Edwin Gray Age, race: 60, white Date: Thursday, Feb. 2 Place: 5390 Lannie Road How: This began with a call to police about the victim threatening to harm himself or police if they came onto his property. After several minutes of police trying to talk him out, they heard a gunshot. They also believed his girlfriend also was inside, so SWAT responded. After communicating with them for over an hour, he came out on his hands and knees and put the gun down. But police said he picked it up and fired at them and was immediately shot and killed by six officers. Matvey Anthony Klimenko Age, race: 38, white Date: Wednesday, April 12 Place: 12700 Copper Springs Road How: Officers responded to a call at a home about 12:30 a.m. for a possible kidnapping and burglary. They said she was in a bedroom and couldnt leave without the man, apparently an ex, seeing her and he was threatening her with a knife after forcing his way in. She had ended their relationship but he continued stalking her and had several incidents reported. Police were able to convince her to go out the bathroom window. She escaped, and the man briefly communicated with police from the door but threw some objects and still had the knife. SWAT was called in about 5 a.m. After several hours of negotiations, the man exited out back with the knife. Some officers were at the side of the house, but he did not comply with commands. They used a 40mm less-lethal round on him, but it was ineffective. He ran behind the neighboring house and was trying to get into another house's fenced area when the SWAT team deployed a K-9. He was holding it off with one hand and appeared to be about to stab it when an officer shot and killed him. Jeffrey Alan Martin Age, race: 38, Black Date: Tuesday, April 18 Place: 14550 Old St. Augustine Road How: An off-duty officer working at Baptist Medical Center South noticed a suspicious vehicle circling the parking lot and attempted to stop the car using his patrol vehicle. The driver decided to flee, but a supervisor listening in advised him not to chase him due to safety concerns. Other officers responded and one was outside his vehicle when he spotted a car of the same description in the parking lot. He raised a hand and told him to stop the car several times. The man rolled the window down slightly, held out a gun and said, Shoot me. The officer didn't shoot, and then the driver pulled up next to another police car and fired one shot into the vehicle. That officer also didn't return fire. Other officers followed him and attempted to force the car sideways to get the driver to stop. The pit maneuver failed, and the driver was able to get behind that same officer's vehicle and ram it. He pushed it forward and then rammed another one head-on and crashed into a stop sign or pole. Officers then used their vehicles to block him in and gave him repeated commands to get out of the car. When one of the officers tried to open his door, the suspect shot him in the face. Five officers returned fire, hitting the gunman several times and killing him. Martin had no local criminal history. The wounded officer, Taylor Smith, was in critical condition. Zonchez Delarfette Prince Age, race: 39, Black Date: Friday, May 19 Place: 1177 Park Ave., Orange Park How: About a week prior Broward County contacted JSO about a murder investigation. JSO executed a search warrant on a residence and a vehicle and recovered a pistol in each. Broward then issued an arrest warrant for Prince, who lived in Duval, and requested assistance from Jacksonville in locating him. The Sheriffs Office sent out a SWAT team after tracking him to a Park Avenue shopping center parking lot. They made contact with him and blocked his vehicle in with an unmarked police pickup truck, but the officers are in tactical police gear. But the suspect said "I'm not getting out, you're going to have to shoot me, you're going to have to kill me." As one officer backed out, the second officer in the front maintained contact, continued to order him out of the vehicle. The Sheriffs Office said the suspect then pointed a handgun at him, and both officers (white males) shot him. Juan Leonard Johnson Age, race: 29, Black Date: Sunday, Aug. 6 Place: 7600 Pickett St. How: An officer shot and killed Johnson, who was suspected in stabbing to death a white man found on the front yard. The Sheriff's Office said he would not comply after being located in some bushes and instead pointed his fingers like a gun at the officer and yelled, "boom, boom, boom." He then stood up in an aggressive manner. An officer's taser failed to subdue him, and the Sheriff's Office said the officer shot him as the suspect charged at him with a large metal bucket. Randy Alexander Sharpe Jr. Age, race: 30, Black Date: Tuesday, Oct. 3 Place: 5200 Blanding Blvd. How: It started with Sharpe calling a friend to help him out earlier in the evening. When she got there, she learned he had been drinking tequila gold all day and appeared intoxicated. He needed some money for rent, so she drove him to a bank. But afterward, they started arguing and pulled into a parking lot at Blanding Boulevard and 103rd Street and she turned the hazards on. She got out of the car and started walking away, and then she heard gunshots. He was shooting her gun from the car, although it was unclear in what direction. Officers in the area heard the shots and saw the car with the hazards on and pull in. They saw Sharpe take off in a short sprint to the back of the parking complex and as they were making contact, they said he turned and pointed the firearm at them. So they both shot him. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Fatal police shootings in Jacksonville in 2023 "We feel betrayed by that day care." Otoniel Feliz THE BRONX - Nicholas Dominicis dad said he had hoped to have a photo of his sons kindergarten graduation four years from now. "But sadly what I have is a reminder of his death," Otoniel Feliz said, weeping as he held up a photo of his son. The toddler died last month after he and three other young children were sickened by what officials said was exposure to fentanyl at their Bronx day care center. Feliz joined Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and other officials as they announced the indictments on charges, including murder and manslaughter of the center's operator, her husband and the husband's cousin in Dominici's death. He was 22 months old and had spent only a few days at the Divino Nino day care center when he died on Sept. 15. Clark said day care operator Grei Mendez, 36, her husband, Felix Herrera Garcia, 34, and Carlisto Brito, 41, were arraigned Thursday and ordered held without bail. Mendez and Brito were arrested after Dominici and three other children under Mendez's care showed signs of opioid exposure. Herrera Garcia, who authorities said fled to Mexico, was arrested there and then extradited back to New York. Dominici was pronounced dead at a hospital. The other three children, ranging in age from 8 months to 2 years old, were treated for what authorities said was fentanyl exposure. "Our sorrow is matched only by the outrage because these babies were used as shields to protect a narcotics operation." Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark Investigators said a kilogram of fentanyl was found in a closet in the day care center and 6 kilograms of fentanyl, heroin and other controlled substances were found under a trap door in the floor beneath a padded mat where children napped. "This is a catastrophe," Clark said. "Our sorrow is matched only by the outrage because these babies were used as shields to protect a narcotics operation." Clark said the children "are my children, theyre our children and its our responsibility to make sure we do all that we can to keep them safe and to protect them." Andres Aranda, an attorney for Mendez, said his client knew nothing of any fentanyl operation. "She is not guilty," he said. Messages seeking comment were left with attorneys for Brito and Herrera Garcia. The defendants and a fourth person also face federal narcotics charges. Feliz spoke alternately in Spanish and English as he described how Mendez had earned his trust over the little boy's brief time at the day care center. "We feel betrayed by that day care," he said, "because they would send us photos, would send us text messages with everything that happened throughout the day. We trusted them because we saw it was a place that would keep us informed." Feliz thanked those working on the case, but said, "Everything that is done will not bring my son back." KAREN MATTHEWS, with the Associated Press wire services, helped contribute to this report. Just blocks away from the U.S. Capitol, police officers, federal agents and clergy members are examining an issue that touches all of them violent crime. When there are fewer police, when police have less direct relationships with communities, crime and violence escalates, said Rev. Markel Hutchins, President and CEO of MovementForward Inc., a national nonprofit organization focused on protecting, promoting, and advancing human and civil rights. This effort is part of the National Faith and Blue weekend to improve relationships between police and communities. Rev. Markel Hutchins from Atlanta is one of the organizers. He said he wants Congress to provide more funding to help address the rise in crime. A shift in policy alone is not the answer alone. We need a shift in culture, and the Congress and the federal government must invest more in communities being able to engage on a human level with the people that protect and serve them, he said. NOW: Federal & local law enforcement officers along with faith leaders are exploring ways to try to reduce violent crime. This comes after hundreds of mass shootings across the country this year. pic.twitter.com/j1mshq6vWF Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) October 6, 2023 This also comes as the Gun Violence Archive tracks more than 530 mass shootings this year. One of the most recent incidents happened at Morgan State University in Maryland. But on Capitol Hill, some House Republicans are pushing legislation that would repeal every gun safety law passed between 2021 and 2022. In response to gun violence, the Justice Department recently announced more than $4.4 billion in grants for community safety programs at the state and local levels. Federal agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives work with local police departments. Agents from the D.C. field office say they also want to find more ways to interact with communities before crime happens. The first time people see us is when were coming out for an arrest, search warrant or something like that, so that can have a negative image of the first time they came to the community. So, we want to balance that with some outreach and community involvement and engagement, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington, D.C. ATF Field Office, Craig Kailimai, said. Last year, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The law provides money for school security, mental health resources, and for states to pass red flag laws. The federal government has launched an investigation into Massachusetts special education system. The probe is questioning if Massachusetts adequately supports students with disabilities and whether DESE provides proper oversight. It comes after on-going claims from parents, teachers and advocates that the state has been failing to property investigate complaints about inadequate education for students with disabilities. Locals school districts are responsible for providing special education services, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is responsible for overseeing compliance. The mechanisms that they have in place to ensure school districts are complying with these laws are useless, said Ellen Chambers, founder of SPEDWatch. The end result is children failing, children suffering, families in turmoil. Chambers has been working for the last 18 years to bring attention to problems in the states special education system. She said she has yet to see the state monitoring and enforcing special education compliance across districts. The laws are fine. Theyre just of no use because theyre not enforced, she added. I would like to see an independent audit of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education system. DESE now has until the end of November to hand over specific data, documentation, and records related to its special education oversight procedures. Boston 25 News received the following statement from DESE Deputy Commissioner Russell Johnston: DESE believes the services and support schools and districts provide to students with disabilities is critical to the students success in school and beyond. DESE works closely with schools and districts to provide high quality special education services to students with disabilities. DESE has received and reviewed the September 29, 2023 inquiry from the U.S. Department of Education. DESE will be providing a thorough and detailed response to the requests contained in the letter from the U.S. Department of Education. 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 A recent court filing by confessed lawyer-turned-fraudster Alex Murdaugh seeking to pit the South Carolina legal system against the federal government appears to be coming up short. Murdaugh, convicted of murder in March and facing more than 100 S.C. State Grand Jury charges, pleaded guilty to similar federal charges on Sept. 22. But almost immediately after a federal court judge accepted his plea in U.S. District Court in Charleston, Murdaugh's attorneys filed a Sept. 25 motion asking the federal government to seize his assets from the state's civil court, which currently controls them. On Oct. 4, federal prosecutors responded, indicating that have no intention to go to battle with South Carolina over Murdaugh's contested assets. Alex Murdaugh listens as his defense attorneys Phillip Barber, left, and Dick Harpootlian confer during his trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. The 54-year-old attorney is standing trial on two counts of murder in the shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County, South Carolina, home and hunting lodge on June 7, 2021. Federal prosecutors respond to Murdaugh's motion; judge to decide In one of the most complex and remarkable white collar crime sprees in S.C. history, Murdaugh stands accused of stealing anywhere from $8.5 million to $10 million from family, friends and law clients. In the wake of a hundred-plus financial and drug charges involving multiple victims, as well a dozen state and federal lawsuits that include a recently settled 2019 wrongful death suit in the boating death of Mallory Beach, Murdaugh's assets were frozen and seized by order of a S.C. civil court judge, then liquidated and placed into a fund for the victims and plaintiffs. Murdaugh's recent motion beseeched the federal courts to seize those assets so that the state would not "waste" them, but federal prosecutors had a blunt answer to that request this week, asking a federal judge to deny Murdaugh's motion. "While the Government does intend to seek a forfeiture money judgment totaling more than $10,000,000 at or before Murdaughs sentencing, the Government does not intend to seize the assets currently held in the state court Receivership at this time," wrote the U.S. Attorney General's Office. "And even if it were inclined to do so, neither the United States nor this Court can exercise jurisdiction over assets currently under the jurisdiction of the state court..." The response adds that the federal government is not required to take any action regarding the funds in state court, and that "Murdaugh cannot force the Government to seize any assets, particularly assets over which he has either relinquished or been divested of control." The final decision on the matter remains in the hands of U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel, who has yet to rule on the matter as of Friday afternoon. The state court recently denied a motion for Murdaugh to use a portion of those assets for his ongoing criminal defense legal fees, so his latest motion could be interpreted as a legal maneuver that could allow his attorneys, Richard Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, another shot at requesting funds but this time from the federal court. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Feds had this blunt answer to Murdaugh's request to seize state assets Ukraine suspended public access to the Orlivka ferry checkpoint on the border with Romania due to the night attack of the Russian Federation that involved the use of Shahed drones. Source: Ukraine's State Border Guard service Quote: "As a result of the enemy's night drone attack on the port side and border infrastructure at the Orlivka ferry checkpoint on the border with Romania, measures are being taken to stabilise its functioning. No people were injured in the attack. Access operations at the checkpoint have been temporarily suspended." Details: Border guards note that all vehicles are redirected to other locations. Citizens are asked to consider these temporary circumstances when planning a trip to or from Romania. Citizens can choose other destinations, including those through the Reni automobile checkpoint. Information on the resumption of access operations in Orlivka is to follow separately. Background: Russian occupiers attacked border and port infrastructure of the Danube overnight, using strike drones. 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, October 6) A Malolos court on Friday cleared retired Major General Jovito Palparan Jr. in the abduction and torture of two farmer siblings in 2006. The Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 19 acquitted Palparan in the case filed by brothers Raymond and Reynaldo Manalo for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with serious physical injuries. The farmers, whom authorities suspected of being communist rebels, were abducted from their homes in San Ildefonso, Bulacan 17 years ago. In 2007, they managed to escape their captors, whom they accused of torturing them. In a statement, the National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL) lamented the Malolos courts decision, calling it a disappointing outcome. Activists have dubbed Palparan as The Butcher for his deadly crackdown on suspected communists during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Simply unbelievable if not disturbingly shocking, NUPL chairperson Edre Olalia wrote in response to the acquittal. The NUPL served as private prosecutor in consolidated criminal cases against Palparan and several other ranking military officers to exact accountability for the kidnapping of the Manalo brothers. Let this day be recalled as a day when justice failed for those missing, tortured and killed in utter contempt of due process and humanity, Olalia said. The human rights group Karapatan also condemned the dismissal of the charges, which it said invalidated the sufferings endured by the victims. Clearly, the case of the Manalo brothers is a dire example of how lopsided the justice system is, making it extremely hard for brave ordinary folks like Raymond and Reynaldo Manalo, to pursue justice, and demand accountability from all perpetrators of enforced disappearances, torture, and all other human rights violations, its statement read. Palparan is currently detained at the New Bilibid Prison. In 2018, he and two other military officers were convicted by the Malolos RTC Branch 15 for the 2006 abduction and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan. The students remain missing to this day. Raymond Manalo stood as a key witnesses, saying he saw Palparan with Empeno and Cadapan in a military camp where he was also detained. According to Manalo, the two students were tortured and sexually abused during their captivity. Entrepreneur Uzy Zwebner looks at pictures of his brother Yonti who was killed fighting the Egyptians in the Sinai during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in his apartment in Tel Aviv Entrepreneur Uzy Zwebner looks at pictures of his brother Yonti who was killed fighting the Egyptians in the Sinai during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in his apartment in Tel Aviv By Emily Rose and James Mackenzie JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel marks the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war that brought the country to the verge of catastrophic defeat, but the wartime unity that helped it survive seems a distant memory to a generation increasingly at odds over the country they inherited. The war began on Oct. 6 with a surprise attack on two fronts by Syrian tank columns and Egyptian brigades that caught Israeli forces off guard at the start of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Completely unprepared and with many soldiers on leave, Israel's army buckled initially before regaining the initiative and repelling its enemies in a series of decisive encounters on the northern Golan Heights and in the southern Sinai desert. "There was terrifying fear, but we had faith that ultimately we would overcome we had to," said Uzy Zwebner, 69, who was rushed into battle against the Egyptians at the start of the war as a newly trained tank commander, before being wounded. The half-century anniversary has seen a flurry of newspaper editorials, television documentaries and features airing criticism of then-Prime Minister Golda Meir and her government for their failure to prepare. Several of Israel's leaders fought in the war as young men, including conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Labour Party premier Ehud Barak, and their experience helped solidify a determination to do whatever they believed necessary to protect Israel's security from outside enemies. Increasingly, however, any sense of unity has been eroded in a climate of increasing polarisation over the internal dynamics of Israeli society, brought out most clearly this year in the poisonous battle over Netanyahu's plans to overhaul the powers of the judiciary. The issue has exposed deep divisions between his nationalist-religious supporters and more liberal and secular sections of Israeli society, posing major questions about the constitutional foundations of Israel and its future direction. Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in weekly protests against the changes, which the government says are needed to rein in overmighty liberal judges who encroach into politics, but which critics regard as an assault on Israel's country's democratic foundations. Among the protesters, large numbers of military reservists have declared they would refuse to attend duty, prompting warnings from the military establishment that the country's security was potentially at risk. "The ability to manage a dispute is one of the signs of a healthy society, but a dispute that is followed by a deepening of polarisation and division in Israeli society is dangerous," the army chief of staff General Herzi Halevi said in a speech last month commemorating the 1973 war. "SAVED THE EXISTENCE OF ISRAEL" Although the war itself induced an immediate sense of national unity, many Israelis also felt profound shock that the country had been left exposed, fighting for its life as Syrian and Egyptian tanks poured across the battlefield. Coming a few years after the 1967 war in which Israeli forces defeated their Arab neighbours in less than a week, capturing territories where Palestinians now seek statehood, the cost in lives and the unpreparedness of the country in 1973 sparked recriminations which have continued to this day. Israeli forces, helped by U.S. airlifts of supplies and equipment, battled numerically superior Syrian and Egyptian formations backed by the Soviet Union, before a U.N.-brokered ceasefire halted the fighting after some three weeks. Over 2,600 Israelis including Zwebner's brother were killed. On the other side, no exact casualty figures are known but estimates run as high as 15,000 Egyptian and 3,500 Syrian dead. Five years later, Israel signed a peace deal with Egypt, its first with an Arab country, then with Jordan in 1994, followed in 2020 by normalisation agreements with two Gulf states under the Abraham Accords. For many front-line soldiers, the war remains a traumatic event but the feeling many express five decades later is pride in having helped save their country. "I had a meeting with my friends this week which really made me emotional, but you feel very much like you saved the existence of Israel," Zwebner said. For Zwebner, who himself opposes the judicial overhaul, a lesson of the 1973 war was that people had to be prepared to think for themselves rather than blindly accepting what leaders of any kind said. "I think it's good ultimately so leaders don't think that whatever they do is just taken for granted and that they are allowed to do anything." (This story has been corrected to remove the reference to the largest loss of life in a single war in paragraph 15) (Editing by Mark Heinrich) A doctor hands out medications at a hospital that received PEPFAR funding in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2006. Credit - Brent StirtonGetty Images Congress narrowly avoidedat least for nowa federal shutdown thanks to a stopgap funding bill approved on Sept. 30. But throughout the whirlwind of activity on Capitol Hill to keep the government running, the deadline passed to reauthorize a vital global health program thats been credited over the last two decades with saving more than 25 million lives across some 50 countries. The long-term prospects for the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush and reauthorized with broad bipartisan support in 2008, 2013, and 2018are now uncertain. Reauthorization has become mired in a political fight over abortion, as House Republicans seek to stop PEPFAR funding from going to organizations that offer abortion-related services, something the Democratic majority in the Senate strongly opposes. In the meantime, health experts and administration officials warn that non-reauthorization will erode the programs ability to purchase affordable care and weaken the U.S.s role as a leader in global health. A State Department official tells TIME that the non-reauthorization will not jeopardize PEPFARs operations during fiscal year 2024, which ends on Sept. 30 next year: PEPFAR has sufficient funding available to cover most PEPFAR-supported operations, pending timely completion of required Congressional notification procedures. But the State Department official adds that the non-reauthorization will limit PEPFARs ability to conduct longer-term procurement of critical commodities, reducing our ability to ensure the lowest possible prices and will hinder our ability to support timely scale-up of new product innovations, all of which would risk the lives of the clients that PEPFAR supports. Global health practitioners and advocates also worry that even if PEPFAR is eventually reauthorized, the uncertainty created both by Congress missing the deadline and by the fading of bipartisan support for the program could ultimately increase costs and inefficiencies as well as harm the U.S.s diplomatic interests. PEPFARs ability to plan over a multi-year timeframe is crucial to the programs ability to provide support to HIV/AIDS patients across the globe, according to Salim Abdool Karim, a leading epidemiologist and HIV/AIDS researcher at Columbia University. PEPFAR-supported healthcare providers have previously been able to buy antiretroviral drugs cheaply because they procure in long term in large quantities in single quantities, says Abdool Karim. Now theyre going to have to procure on an annual basis, which may ultimately lead to less medical treatment for HIV/AIDS patients, he says. Most PEPFAR contracts are multi-year, because thats the way to get efficient, effective life-saving programming, says Asia Russell, the executive director of the Health Global Access Project. With that kind of relationship with a contractor or with an academic institution you actually get durable, smart scale-up and accountability. Deborah Birx, who led PEPFAR from 2014-2020, says that the historical bipartisan support for PEPFAR was absolutely critical in driving policy reforms to fight the AIDS epidemic. That kind of hard policy discussion is facilitated by a clarity around the world that this is supported by both Republicans and Democrats. Why is that important? Because they know that within that five year period, more than likely there could be a shift in either the Republicans or Democrats on the Hill or in the White House, says Birx. Without bipartisan support, Birx says more countries may hope to hold out for a change in government rather than implement changes. Birx adds that shes now worried about those big policy engagements that the U.S. is really core in negotiating. A spokesperson from the National Security Council also stressed PEPFARs importance to U.S. foreign relations, particularly with African nations. This departure from 20 years of strong support could open the door for Russia and China in the Africa region, says the official. We remain confident that the supporters of PEPFAR in both parties will find a path forward to get this critical and lifesaving program reauthorized, the official says. The path forward, however, is anything but clear. Biden Administration officials have been vocal in pushing for a clean reauthorization, citing not only PEPFARs work on AIDS but also the programs role in halting other pandemics, such as Ebola and Marburg Virus from growing out of control. But this year, House Republican PEPFAR skeptics, led by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, chair of the global health subcommittee that controls the program, have been resolute in opposing such a reauthorization. The opponents allege that part of the programs nearly $7 billion annual budget goes to abortion providers. PEPFAR has been reimaginedhijackedby the Biden Administration to empower pro-abortion international non-governmental organizations, Smith said in a statement on Sept. 28. (Smith did not respond to a request for comment for this story.) The Biden administration and global health experts have vehemently denied these charges, noting that federal law already does not permit foreign assistance to fund abortion services. Some PEPFAR grantees, however, do provide abortion-related services with funding from other sources. For now, the GOP-led House has passed a shorter, one-year reauthorization of the program that adds abortion restrictions to any group receiving PEPFAR fundingsomething critics say could leave certain parts of the world where there is limited healthcare infrastructure with no partner organizations PEPFAR could supportbut this has little chance of passing through the Senate. In any case, talk of PEPFAR reauthorization looks likely to stall while the House remains in a state of paralysis following the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. As the battle lines are currently drawn, it is hard to envision a form of PEPFAR reauthorization that could get through the House that could also survive the Senate and the White House, says David P. Fidler, a global health expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. Anything that might get through the House with a new speaker is not going to get through the Senate. You know, were really in uncharted territory here. Contact us at letters@time.com. Marty Baron ran The Washington Posts newsroom for nine years. In that time, Marty clashed with then-President Donald Trump . He pacified rebellions from his younger and increasingly more ideological staff. And he partnered with Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos to take on arguably the biggest disrupter of all: technology. Hes written about all of this and a lot more in his new book, Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos, and The Washington Post. Today, Marty is joining Playbook co-author and Deep Dive host Ryan Lizza to spill the tea on what actually happened between Bezos and Trump; what the media should be doing to earn your trust; and whether billionaires like Jeff Bezos are secretly pulling the strings behind closed doors. Whether youre fully leaning into pumpkin spice season or just want a traditional cup of hot coffee, you cant go wrong with our readers picks for best coffee shops in the Beaufort-Port Royal area, the Bluffton area and on Hilton Head Island. A little over a month ago, we asked for nominations of great coffee shops across Beaufort County and our readers didnt hesitate, sending in more than 200 nominations. Among them were chains, local shops and roasters. The top nominees then moved into three voting rounds, narrowing the field from eight businesses, then to four and then to two in each part of the county. It was obvious from the response that people are passionate supporters of their favorites, and we were happy to see the names of a few lesser known local businesses get some attention. All along the way, we reminded voters that this poll was all in fun. The only prize was bragging rights. And our readers could click the refresh button and cast their ballots as many times as they liked over the course of voting, so no one should expect the results to be scientific. On our final Hilton Head ballot, there were vote tabulation issues we werent able to resolve with the program we use. Because of this development, we couldnt certify the final totals to our satisfaction, so we are listing both finalists among the countys top coffee shops. It was our intention to put the area winners on a ballot for a bonus round, but weve decided this will be the final coffee shop vote. (It wont be our last poll series though!) Finalists and winners Congratulations to the coffee shops declared finalists on Hilton Head and winners in Bluffton and Beaufort: Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters Where and when: At the Roastery at 21 Cardinal Road, Suite 105, on Hilton Head, open from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday through Saturday; also regularly at the Hilton Head Farmers Market (Coastal Discovery Museum) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday; and at the Hilton Head Community Market (Shelter Cove Community Park) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday Phone: (843) 321-9075 Website: hiltonheadcoffee.com Carolina Coffee and Crumbs Where and when: 101 Pope Ave. on Hilton Head (in Coligny Plaza next to The SandBar Beach Eats); open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Phone: (843) 342-4800 Website: carolinacoffeehhi.com Odd Birds Cafe and Market Where and when: 1536 Fording Island Road, Suite #107 in the Bridge Center on the Bluffton side of the Hilton Head bridges, open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; also at the Hilton Head Farmers Market (Coastal Discovery Museum) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays from September to May Phone: 843-707-9927 Website: oddbirdshhi.com Sunny Summers Cafe Where and when: 7 Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort; open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Phone: 843-379-3447 Website: https://sunny-summers-cafe.myshopify.com Sam Bankman-Fried is on trial in a federal court in downtown Manhattan. Chelsea Jia Feng/Insider A former FTX and Alameda Research employee testified Thursday about a tense exchange with SBF. "We're not bulletproof," Bankman-Fried said after discovering misstated crypto losses at Alameda. The incorrect balances all started because of a programming bug, ex-employee Adam Yedidia said. After a paddleball game at a Bahamas resort, where they shared a $35 million apartment, Adam Yedidia confronted his boss. Some months earlier, Yedidia had found a bug in the code he had written for FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange where he worked as a developer. The code was supposed to automate the process of deposits, allowing customers to put money into their FTX accounts faster and alleviating employee workloads. But it introduced a major problem: In the internal ledger on FTX's exchange, the numbers for Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency hedge fund, were wrong. Alameda Research, it was discovered, had $500 million less in liabilities than previously realized. By the time the bug was fixed, in June 2022, six months after its discovery, that figure had grown to $16 billion $8 billion off from the true sum. "The number seemed large to me," Yedidia testified Thursday in a federal court in downtown Manhattan. "It concerned me." In a hut between paddleball courts, Yedidia expressed his concern to Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of FTX, who also controlled Alameda Research. "Are things OK?" Yadidia recalled asking Bankman-Fried. The two had known each other for years, living together while students at MIT. Since that time, Bankman-Fried became SBF, a rockstar in the crypto world and a billionaire who comfortably rubbed shoulders with heads of state and fellow business titans. Bankman-Fried appeared unusually nervous when responding, Yedidia testified Thursday. "We were bulletproof last year, but we're not bulletproof this year," Bankman-Fried answered, according to Yedidia. Understanding "we" to mean both FTX and Alameda, Yedidia asked how long it would be until the companies would be "bulletproof" once again. Story continues Bankman-Fried said it could take between six months to three years, assuring his employee and friend that things would turn out fine. "It was a very large debt, and I wanted to know that Alameda could repay it," Yedidia said in court. They didn't. A Sam Bankman-Fried, founder and former CEO of crypto currency exchange FTX in a courtroom last year. Jane Rosenberg/Reuters Yedidia testified about the incestuous financial relationship between FTX and Alameda The bug and the time it took to fix it suggests Bankman-Fried was keenly aware of how much money Alameda Research was losing, and how much it must have relied on money borrowed from FTX to sustain itself. FTX collapsed in November 2022, after the public learned about the unusual exposure between the exchange and Alameda Research. Alameda had used the deposits of ordinary FTX customers to repay the hedge fund's creditors. The events ultimately led to criminal charges against Bankman-Fried. He faces seven counts, including alleged wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Caroline Ellison, the now-former CEO of Alameda Research and Bankman-Fried's on-and-off girlfriend, pleaded guilty to fraud charges for the same scheme and is cooperating with prosecutors against him, along with two other former FTX executives. Testifying in Bankman-Fried's trial for a second day in Manhattan federal court on Thursday, Yedidia told jurors about his relationship with the crypto mogul, and just how the finances between FTX and Alameda Research became so intertwined in the first place. Yedidia and Bankman-Fried both lived together at MIT, where Yedidia majored in electrical engineering, computer science, and math as an undergraduate. Before pursuing a PhD at MIT, he briefly worked at Alameda Research as a trader. Former FTX developer Adam Yedidia leaves after testifying during the trial of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried at Manhattan Federal Court in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images In January 2021, Yedidia began working for FTX as a programmer. At that time, FTX was establishing itself as a major cryptocurrency exchange that would soon be worth tens of billions of dollars. Bankman-Fried was becoming a crypto power broker at the same time, throwing money into different causes and meeting with lawmakers to shape regulation of digital tokens. Yedidia observed just how incestuous the two companies were. They shared an office and had some of the same executives. In the Bahamas, top employees and their significant others in both companies shared a $35 million penthouse apartment that Alameda Research paid for. At FTX, Yedidia was tasked with developing software that automated customer deposits, making the process faster for FTX users and easier on employees who would otherwise have to do it manually. While working on the program, he discovered that FTX customer funds were held in an account owned by Alameda Research, rather than an account owned by FTX. Customers were never told that Alameda owned the account, he said. Eventually, FTX got its own bank account for customer deposits, but a large amount of funds remained in Alameda's account anyway, Yedidia said. Yedidia said the bug in FTX's code overstated how much money Alameda owed to FTX customers. In other words, FTX's software thought Alameda Research had more debt than it actually has. The balance was off by $500 million at the time the bug was discovered, in around December 2021. Bankman-Fried told Yedidia to fix the bug. Sometime after that, Bankman-Fried, Ellison, and executives Gary Wang and Nishad Singh met in a conference room in FTX's office area, Yedidia testified. Singh later said the group made a full accounting of FTX and Alameda's assets and liabilities during the meeting, Yedidia said. "I trusted Sam. I hoped that Sam and Caroline and others at Alameda would handle the situation," Yedidia said. The "paddle tennis" court where Sam Bankman-Fried and Adam Yedidia talked about mounting losses, according to Yedidia's testimont. Department of Justice Yedidia fixed the bug by June 2022, Yedidia said. By that time Alameda's understated liabilities on the FTX exchange had reached $8 billion, he testified. In the months that followed, Bankman-Fried sought to raise funds from financiers in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, but the investments never materialized. In testimony on Friday, FTX co-founder and former executive Gary Wang gave other indications that Bankman-Fried knew about Alameda's massive losses, and that it was taking funds from FTX customers who never gave permission to have their money used for Alameda's risky cryptocurrency bets. At his desk at the FTX office in the Bahamas, Bankman-Fried had multiple monitors set up by his computer. One of them usually showed Alameda's balances, Wang testified. "The money belonged to customers, and the customers did not give us permission to use it for other things," Wang said. By November 2022, FTX employees were resigning en masse. In a private text message on Signal, Yedida assured he would stick around. "I love you, Sam. I'm not going anywhere. Don't worry," he wrote to Bankman-Fried. Shortly after, Yedidia learned that Alameda Research had used the funds of FTX customers, meaning that customers may not have been able to withdraw their money from the fund. He resigned. When he began testifying on Wednesday, Yedidia said he insisted on getting immunity because he believed he "may have unwittingly written code that contributed to the commission of a crime." "What Alameda did seemed like a flagrantly wrong thing to have done," Yedidia said Thursday. Correction: October 6, 2023 An earlier version of this story misstated how the bug in FTX's code misrepresented Alameda Research's liabilities on FTX. The liabilities were overstated, not understated. Read the original article on Business Insider First, Trevon Perrys parents lost their son when he was murdered in Paso Robles three years ago. Now, theyve lost their home and everything in it as well including Trevons ashes after a fire destroyed the residence this week. Trevon Perry, 27, was murdered by Paso Robles resident Nicholas Ron in an execution-style shooting in 2020. Ron is currently serving a 25 year to life sentence for the murder at Centinela State Prison in Imperial. Kelli and Geary Perrys home in Chandler, Texas, was decorated with the memories and mementos they had left of their son. The home of Kelli and Geary Perry, parents of murdered Paso Robles man Trevon Perry, was destroyed in a fire in Chandler, Texas, on Oct. 2, 2023. The Perrys lost everything, including their sons ashes. The word family sat above a memory-filled case in the Perry familys Texas living room, which held some of the many photos and keepsakes that filled the house. Their home went up in flames on Monday. Everything is gone. On June 30, 2020, hundreds gathered at a community vigil for Trevon Perry held in Paso Robles Downtown City Park after police found his remains and arrested a suspect accused of killing him. On March 15, 2022, two years to the day after Perrys disappearance, Nicholas Ron pleaded guilty to murder for shooting Perry in the neck while the two were riding in a car on March 15, 2020. According to a GoFundMe set up by their daughter and Trevons sister, Tierra Perry, Kelli and Geary ran out of the house with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The house burned to the ground within 18 minutes. Tierra said her parents didnt have time to grab anything not even shoes and one of their family dogs was unable to escape the blaze. Decorations in the Perry familys home commemorate the life of their son, Trevon Perry, who was murdered in March 2020. Trevons ashes, as well as the ashes of both Kelli and Gearys mothers, were also lost in the fire. The cause of the fire is unclear at this time. Tierra, who was supposed to be celebrating her birthday the day of the fire, is seeking donations to help her parents begin to rebuild after this tragic loss. The GoFundMe can be found at gofund.me/ed434e24. There are no words to describe the devastation and heartbreak this has caused our family, Tierra said in the Go Fund Me. Please help. The urn holding Trevon Perrys ashes in his familys home. A TikToker went mega-viral when he shared his story of the false alarm. TikTok: @kieranknightley, Kieran Murray Kieran Murray called 911 after he thought he saw flickering flames through an apartment window. When firefighters arrived, they realized it was actually just a projection of a fire on a TV screen. His video where he revealed it had been a false alarm went mega-viral with 10.3 million views. A TikToker living in New York City went mega viral when he called the fire department after spotting flames through an apartment window, only to discover it was a video on a large TV. On October 2, Kieran Murray posted a TikTok where he said "the craziest thing just happened" and explained he thought he'd seen a fire in a building so he called 911, and shared footage that zoomed into an apartment window which appeared to show large flames flickering through the glass. This embedded content is not available in your region. The video then showed two fire engines arriving on the scene while their sirens blared, before it cut back to Murray who revealed it had been a false alarm, and the fire in question had actually been a video of a yule log on an 8-foot television screen. Murray told Insider in an email exchange the event had actually unfolded a few days prior to the upload, at 6:30 p.m. on September 30, in Manhattan. Clare Bourke, the deputy press secretary for the New York City Fire Department confirmed to Insider that these details and the video match a call that was made at that time, in which their units responded and "determined there was no fire at this location." The upload quickly went mega-viral receiving 10.3 million views and over 6,700 comments, many of which wrote they would have responded in exactly the same way, as the fire looked so realistic. "You did the right thing. It's genuinely better to have called and it be a false alarm than have an actual emergency unfold with everyone ignoring it," one viewer wrote in a popular comment that received over 46,500 likes. Although the majority of comments appeared to side with Murray, he said there were some "from people who said I should have minded my own business." "Maybe let someone who lives in the building call the police next time," one viewer wrote beneath Murray's viral video. "This is why patience is important," another added. Murray told Insider that being Australian he is "very conscious of bushfires" so called 911 as soon as he saw flames. "In hindsight, I should have questioned the absence of smoke but the fire looked so real," he said. He said he went down to the street to greet the fire department and show them the video to help locate the fire, which is when he was directed to the fire chief. "They had already dismissed the fire by this time but he humored me and watched the video anyway," Murray said. He added this was when he was informed by the fire chief what the flames had actually been. Murray said he "sheepishly" apologized and "felt embarrassed for wasting the FDNY's time" as he had so much respect for them but added they were "very understanding" and "incredibly nice" about it. Murray wondered if he should have waited to see smoke, and asked his viewers in the caption of a follow-up video if he did the right thing or if he was "a big stupid dum dum," but he told Insider he's ultimately glad he alerted the authorities. "I believe I did the right thing. It's better to be safe than sorry. It would have been so awful if the fire was real and I decided to overlook it," he said. Bourke from the FDNY agreed and encouraged people to get in contact if they believe they suspect a fire. "Please call 911 if you think there is an emergency and let us make the determination. In emergencies, seconds count, and quickly alerting first responders is imperative." For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here. Read the original article on Insider Stream FOX 35 News: OCALA, Fla. - A 14-year-old student was arrested for allegedly asking his friend in Germany to call in a fake bomb threat at an Ocala high school, police said. The boy was arrested for criminal solicitation of a threat to discharge a destructive device. The bomb threat was reported Aug. 25 at Trinity Catholic School, according to the Ocala Police Department. An officer responded to the school after an unknown caller left a voicemail saying a bomb was in a specific room and it would explode. Detectives believed someone who attended the school may have been responsible for the threat since they knew unique details about the school. The call was eventually traced back to Germany, police said. The FBI helped out in this case and was able to ID the phone's owner in Germany. It turns out the woman had a teenage son, who admitted to making the fake bomb threat call, police said. He told officials he was "instigated to do so by a high school student who attended the school," the Ocala Police Department said. The boy in Germany only knew the Trinity Catholic School student by his nickname, but police were still able to track him down. That's when the student told police he had an online friend in Germany. Police got access to messages between the Ocala student and his German friend, which confirmed the student's involvement on the day of the bomb threat. RELATED HEADLINES : The boy in Germany said the boy told him he "did not feel like going to school that day and told him to call the school and make a bomb threat," police said. "We want to remind students and parents that we take threats to our schools very seriously and we will not hesitate to take action against those who seek to cause harm or create panic in our community.," the Ocala Police Department said in a statement. "Threats like this, even as a joke, are never acceptable. We encourage parents to have conversations with their children about the importance of safety in our schools and to report any concerns or suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately." Florida cops dont always hunt down criminals, thwart robberies and pull over bad drivers. Two deputies from the Polk County Sheriffs Office tackled a very different issue on Tuesday a jaywalking reptile. An Instagram post from the agency shows a picture of the alleged offender, a softshell turtle, making its way out of a cardboard box toward a body of water. The creature was stopped by deputies while strolling on Spirit Lake Road near Publix in Winter Haven, explains the caption, adding that the animal probably just finished eating a Pub Sub. The post goes on to say a deputy grabbed a box from a Circle K to transport the critter to a safe place away from traffic. The sheriffs offices amusing hashtags included #DeputiesDidntWantItToGetFlatterOnTheRoad, #TheyTurnedASoftshellTurtleIntoABoxTurtle, and #IncludesServiceToWetSlimyThings. The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a Florida Keys boater who left the dock Thursday and hasnt been seen since. The agency said Friday afternoon that the 74-year-old man departed a dock in Islamorada, in the Upper Keys, in a 20-foot center console boat. Authorities have not named the boater, but said he rented the vessel in Islamorada and was due back to the dock at 5 p.m. The rental company reported him overdue to the Coast Guard around 10 p.m., and crews then launched their search, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Rodriguez, a spokesman for the service. The Coast Guard said in a statement that both boat and air crews are searching for the missing operator and vessel. Anyone with information about the missing boater is asked to call Coast Guard Sector Key West at 305-292-8727. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Philippines has the highest number of displaced children from 2016 to 2021 due to the climate crisis, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported in its first global analysis. "The Philippines is at the epicentre of this crisis, bearing the highest absolute number of child displacements at 9.7 million," UNICEF said in a statement released on Friday. "India and China closely follow with 6.7 million and 6.4 million displaced children, respectively," it added. "In terms of hazard, the Philippines ranks first for storms and third for floods in absolute numbers of children displaced." In its 30-year projection, close to 2.5 million children in the country are at risk of being displaced by storm surges. "This risk is exacerbated by the fact that the country's coastlines are highly susceptible to storm surges, and it can impact even densely populated cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao," UNICEF said, as it warned the Philippines to assess the crisis and prepare for the coming years. According to UNICEF preemptive evacuation may be necessary to save children living in high-risk areas. "As leaders prepare to meet at the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai in November, UNICEF urges governments, donors, development partners and the private sector to take the following actions to protect children and young people at risk of future displacement and prepare them and their communities," it said. Some 43 million internal weather-related displacements of children in 44 countries were reported over the last six years. The report stated that this was equal to 20,000 child displacements per day. The Philippines, India, and China have a combined number of approximately 23 million child displacements from 2016 to 2021. RELATED: Why coastal communities should fear storm surge ORANGE COUNTY - A Florida man claims he was at work when Orange County deputies followed him, stopped him at gunpoint, then put him in handcuffs thinking he was a wanted suspect only to late admit they detained the wrong guy. Demarquis Smith said the situation happened on Oct. 2 in Winter Park at a job site. He works for a construction and lightning business. He said he noticed a car following him to the site, but thought it was someone who perhaps wanted to ask about the services his company provides. "Im going to the van like, hold on, let me get you a card,'" he told FOX 35 in an exclusive interview. That's when he said deputies has four guns pointed at him, while the deputies holding those guns were tucked and hidden behind car doors, shouting at him to get on the ground. At first, Smith said, he thought he was being robbed. One of his co-workers began recording the situation on his cell phone, and asked deputies questions about what was going on. "He's being arrested on a warrant," one of the deputies is heard responding on the video. Smith has no criminal record, he said. After several minutes in handcuffs, Smith said deputies confirmed his name and ID did not match the person they were looking for, so the handcuffs were removed and he was let go. "It was very embarrassing, traumatic for me," he told FOX 35. He said deputies told him that they were looking for someone else who apparently had a similar description to him. "Do you feel you look like him?" FOX 35's Marie Edinger asked Smith. "As far as African American, that's it," he said. "I'm kind of skinny. He's kind of bigger. Our facial hair is, are totally different. His head structure and my head structure are totally different," he said. FOX 35 reached out to the Orange County Sheriff's Office about the alleged incident on Thursday. In a statement, OCSO confirmed that it has received a complaint about the situation and that it was under review. The agency said it was also "not uncommon for deputies to detain someone suspected of a crime or who has a warrant.while their identity is verified and charges are confirmed." OCSO did not release any details about what led them follow Smith's vehicle or details on who they were looking for. We've included OCSO's full statement at the end of the article. Smith's wife, Dashana Honore, said Oct. 2 was their first wedding anniversary. "My husband calls me, you know, frantic on the phone. I'm trying to, you know, hear what he's saying, trying to figure it out because he never calls like that," she said. "He was just so shaken up, like he was almost in tears. And I've never heard him like that," she said. She said she didn't watch the video of the incident until days later because talking about it alone brought her to tears. "For me to see him on the floor like that, it's kind of, you know, I felt I knew that he was embarrassed, humiliated and, you know, and just so helpless. I don't like to see him that way," she said. Silva, a co-worker of Smith and who recorded the video, doesn't see how Smith and the alleged other suspect could have been confused. "These guys look nothing alike. The only way they look alike is if youre going by the color of their skin," he said "Its innocent until proven guilty, but these guys are assuming youre guilty by coming out guns drawn at your head." FOX 35 asked OCSO if they ever found the suspect they were after. Our follow-up email was not returned prior to publication. Here is the full statement the Orange County Sheriff's Office provided to FOX 35 News: There was a complaint filed with the Sheriffs Office about the incident you have referenced, and that complaint is being reviewed to determine whether all OCSO policies and procedures were followed. More broadly, though, the felony unit of the Orange County Sheriffs Office is tasked with tracking down the most violent at-large suspects in our community. These are also the most dangerous fugitives, who have active warrants for felony crimes. Its not uncommon for deputies to detain someone suspected of a crime or who has a warrant for their arrest while their identity is verified and charges are confirmed. That is for the safety of not only the deputies but of the suspect, and the public. Silva, Smith's co-workers, said OCSO needs to review its protocols. "If youre doing this to regular law-abiding citizens, like, lets arrest them now, ask questions later, even if were wrong thats the worst way to go about it," said Silva. "Theyre not serving anybody by doing that. If anything, theyre doing a disservice." Smith said he wants an apology from the Orange County Sheriff's Office. "It was kind of like excuses." "It was kind of like excuses," said Smith. "Like, Oh, it happens. It's life. Stuff like this happens all the time. And I'm just explaining to them like how I feel. I even at a moment, had to walk away because I, like, broke down and cry." "They had the audacity to tell him, did you get hurt, though? Why would you even ask that?" added Silva. "You embarrassed him. It doesnt matter if he got hurt on the way down. You arrested the wrong guy." Democratic Rep Jared Moskowitz has written to Palm Beach officials regarding the valuation of Donald Trumps home and private members club, Mar-a-Lago. He is calling for an increase in taxes on the former presidents home after Mr Trump and his family became publicly incensed at its supposed valuation in the New York fraud trial that began this week. The Florida lawmaker represents the states 23rd congressional district, which consists of a major part of Broward County and southern Palm Beach County and is adjacent to the 21st district, home to Mar-a-Lago. According to court documents, the property sometimes called the Winter White House and owned by Mr Trump since 1985 when he bought it for under $10m is now worth between $18m to $28m, according to real estate experts. Donald Trump & his family have argued all week in his fraud trial that Mar-a-Lago is actually worth a billion dollars, even though its taxable value is listed as $18 million, Mr Moskowitz wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. So I wrote to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser that its time for Trump to pay more in taxes. Mr Moskowitz sent the following letter to Dorothy Jacks, who oversees property appraisals in Palm Beach: As I am sure you are aware, your valuation of Mar-a-Lago has been cited in Judge Arthur Engorons determination this week that former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization committed fraud by inflating the value of their assets. Between 2011 and 2021, you valued the Mar-a-Lago property between $18 million and $28 million. Last week, Donald Trump posted the following on Truth Social: This highly partisan Democrat Judge (All the Clubs, etc.) just ruled that Mar-a-Lago was WORTH just 18 Million Dollars when, in fact, it may be worth 100 times that amount Mar-a-Lago was listed as worth $490 million in financial documents given to banks. If the property value of Mar-a-Lago is so much higher than it was appraised, will you be amending the property value in line with the Trump familys belief that the property is worth well over a billion dollars? I thank you for your time and consideration and look forward to a prompt response. The former president has ranted on camera in the hallways of the Lower Manhattan court where his fraud trial is taking place that the valuation of $18m is absurd and has claimed that it might be worth 100 times that amount $1.8bn. In financial documents given to banks that form part of the evidence at the trial, Mar-a-Lago is listed as worth $490m. In an attempt to destroy my father and kick him out of New York, a Judge just ruled that Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach Florida, is only worth approximate $18 Million dollars Mar-a-Lago is speculated to be worth well over a billion dollars making it arguably the most valuable pic.twitter.com/b0U6J5ykWJ Eric Trump (@EricTrump) September 26, 2023 The prosecution argues that by inflating the values of properties Mr Trump and the Trump Organization were able to get better terms from banks and other financial institutions, which it claims constitutes fraud. Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over the case, ruled before the non-jury trial began that the former president, his sons, his companies and chief associates had defrauded banks and insurers by grossly overvaluing assets and exaggerating his net worth on documents to secure deals and financing. The decision narrowed the issues to be heard at the trial, which has reached the end of its first week of testimony. ORANGE CITY, Fla. - Two people were arrested for allegedly kidnapping a woman at gunpoint at an Orange City Ollies and taking her to a bank to rob her, deputies said. Gloria Lopez-Henao and Jorge Rueda were arrested for kidnapping during the commission of a felony and robbery with a firearm, arrest records show. On September 15, deputies said the woman was shopping inside Ollies when she was approached by Henao who asked the woman if she knew a notary. A few moments later, Henao brought Rueda over to the woman an arrest affidavit shows. Rueda retrieved a small black gun and pointed it at the woman and told her to leave with them, deputies said. They stopped at a PNC Bank first where Rueda reportedly went inside and came back outside with a dark blue deposit bag. The duo then took the woman to her bank a Chase Bank where she withdrew $360. The couple then drove to a Target store with the woman in the car and told her to go inside to get medication. The woman told deputies once she got closer to Target and realized the car was no longer there, she called 911, deputies said. During the investigation, video footage showed the woman exiting Ollies with Henao and Rueda and getting into a tan-colored car. Rueda and Henao were identified following a review of surveillance video from Chase Bank, deputies said. As soon as Jon Knight applied for a seat on the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District board, the conspiracy theories started flying. Knight, who owns a hydroponic gardening supply store in Redding, spoke darkly about his suspicion that Bill Gates had helped unleash genetically modified mosquitoes in California. And he warned about "flying syringes that will mass vaccinate the population." Knight was considered along with Donnell Ewert, a retired epidemiologist who once was the Northern California county's public health director. The Shasta County Board of Supervisors chose Knight a right-wing political activist who was pictured outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, holding what appeared to be a white power symbol. Shasta County Supervisors Tim Garman, left, Patrick Jones and Mary Rickert at a board meeting in Redding. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) "Do you know how that makes us look as a county? It makes us look like idiots. Outright idiots," said Supervisor Mary Rickert after voting against Knight's appointment last week. There are parts of California that have doubled down on their political conservatism in the face of the state's largely Democratic bent and then there is Shasta County. Home to 182,000 people, the mostly rural county has long been governed by mainstream Republicans such as Rickert, a cattle rancher. But there is a bitter divide in Shasta County between traditional conservatives and the far right, akin to Washington, D.C., where ultraconservatives led the revolt that just ousted California Republican Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House. Read more: 'Evil,' 'delusional,' 'Benedict Arnold': In Kevin McCarthy's Bakersfield, Matt Gaetz draws ire Hard-right politicians supported by members of a local militia, State of Jefferson secessionists and residents furious about COVID-19 pandemic restrictions hold a majority on the powerful Shasta County Board of Supervisors. Earlier this year, the board voted to dump the county's Dominion voting machines, citing discredited allegations of voter fraud pushed by President Trump, and moved to hand-count ballots for its more than 110,000 registered voters. The decision prompted new legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday and set to take effect immediately that limits the ability of local governments to hand-count ballots. Last year, the Board of Supervisors fired Karen Ramstrom , the county's public health officer, for following state laws requiring masks and vaccinations during the pandemic. The appointment of Knight to the vector control board is just the latest example of what many exasperated residents describe as Shasta County's descent into a political sideshow. :: According to Knight, "everything is political in Shasta." "I can't believe you're calling me," he told a Times reporter when reached at his Redding business this week. The vector control job is "a simple little voluntary position that turned into a political mess, which is insane." He added that he is "highly qualified for the position" and that he is a "junkie with information. I wake up at 4 in the morning, and I do hours of research." Knight's appointment comes amid a boom in the mosquito population after California's record-breaking rainfall this year. The bloodsuckers pose a serious health threat in Shasta County, where record levels of West Nile virus are being detected. So far in 2023, West Nile virus has been found in 152 mosquito samples in Shasta County more than three times the previous all-time high of 48 found in 2015, according to the vector control district. Three human cases of the virus have been reported in the county this year. And the mosquito-borne St. Louis encephalitis virus recently was detected for the first time since 1972, which "was shocking, quite frankly," said Peter Bonkrude, manager of the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District. Critics say Knight's appointment to that district's board of trustees a group of five volunteers selected by each incorporated city and the county at large shows an alarming disregard for science and public health. That Ewert, the other applicant, actually studied mosquito-borne illnesses did not matter to the conservative supervisors. "Just because people have a piece of paper on a wall doesn't automatically give them this great insight," said Supervisor Kevin Crye, who voted for Knight. Read more: California lawmakers vote to limit when local election officials can count ballots by hand Crye added that he was "diametrically opposed to some of the stuff, healthwise, that Donnell Ewert stood for in response of COVID" when he was director of the county's Health and Human Services Agency. Ewert, who retired last year after 23 years working for the county, told the Times that "it's sad our county is not being governed now by a majority that believe in mainstream science." He noted that during the pandemic Shasta County had a lower vaccination rate and higher death rate from COVID-19 than the state as a whole. "That anti-science perspective resulted in a lot of people losing their lives," Ewert said. "They believed they would be at a higher risk getting vaccinated than getting the virus. I think that's a shame, a tragedy, and, quite frankly, an outrage." :: Appointments to the vector control board typically get little notice. This summer, a spot came open when one of the trustees, Benjamin Hanna, a longtime prosecutor, resigned after Newsom appointed him as a Shasta County Superior Court judge. Initially, Ewert was the only person to apply. The supervisors last month rejected his application on a 3-2 vote. Patrick Jones, a gun store manager and chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said during a meeting last month that he did not like how Ewert handled pandemic-era homelessness programs and he would not "not support him on this board or any other board." Shasta County Supervisor Patrick Jones, 52, right, of Redding, helps a customer with the purchase of a 30-06 CZ hunting rifle at his business, Jones' Fort gun shop, in 2021. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) During the next meeting, Jones recommended the board approve Knight. Jones did not respond to requests for comment. Knight was an executive producer of the slickly filmed "Red White and Blueprint," a documentary series marketed as the real-life journey of Shasta County patriots trying to take back control of their local government. Jones, sometimes on horseback, appears repeatedly in the series and related podcasts alongside militia leaders, secessionists and Knight. With Jones' support, the same hard-right coalition last year led the successful push to recall Supervisor Leonard Moty, a Republican former police chief, in large part because he enforced state-mandated coronavirus restrictions. :: During public comments in the supervisors' meeting Sept. 26, Knight displayed a photograph of himself in the crowd outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In it, he wears a camouflage coat and, with his left hand, holds up the "OK" sign with his thumb and index finger touching and his other fingers outstretched, forming a "W." Read more: 'OK' hand gesture, 'Bowlcut' added to hate symbols database The Anti-Defamation League has labeled it a hate symbol, saying the typically innocuous hand gesture has been co-opted by white supremacists. Knight told the supervisors that political adversaries had posted a cropped version of the photo, which shows just him, all over the internet, calling him racist. Knight showed the rest of the photo, unveiling it like a piece of conclusive evidence that proves he is not racist: He is pictured with a Black man holding up the same symbol. [Knight told The Times he met the man that day and does not remember his name.] "I have a more diverse group of friends than almost anybody," Knight told the supervisors. "I have friends who are Black. I'm friends with Mien [an ethnic minority group from China and Southeast Asia], Hmong, Lao. I have friends from all over Europe, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Russia." Later in that meeting, Knight, who has warned about "weaponized bugs," spoke ominously about the threats posed by "Bill Gates programs" and claimed, erroneously, that the British biotech company Oxitec had released genetically modified mosquitoes in several California counties. Read more: In California, an army of genetically engineered mosquitoes awaits release. Will it backfire? Oxitec does breed and release genetically modified mosquitoes meant to combat invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitos, whose females can spread diseases such as yellow fever. According to the company's plans, female offspring produced by the modified insects die, causing the population to collapse. Kevin Gorman, the chief development officer for Oxitec, told The Times that the only place in the U.S. where it has released its mosquitoes is the Florida Keys, where, with government approval, it launched the insects for the last three years to fight Zika. None, he said, have been released in California. In a statement, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said that although it supports Oxitec's anti-malaria work abroad, it "does not fund any work involving mosquito release in the United States." :: The supervisors voted 3 to 2 to add Knight to the vector control board. Knight said he recently got West Nile virus and was more sick than he ever had been. "It ain't no joke," he told The Times, saying that, ever since, he urges his family to come indoors in the evenings when mosquitoes come out. But he said he opposes widespread spraying of chemicals for mosquito abatement. "I'm a totally organic guy," Knight said during the supervisors' meeting. "I was raised growing all my own food, raising my own livestock. My kids were born at home. I dont believe in vaccines. And you can call me a conspiracy theorist, but I do not want to damage the environment." At one point, Knight scanned the crowd and said: I dont know if anybody else in the room has been selling pesticides for 18 years. Has anybody else been doing that? No? ... I've been selling pesticides for 18 years." The next day, a county inspector showed up at his business, Northern Roots, to review his products, he said. Shasta County agricultural commissioner Rick Gurrola told The Times that, based on Knight's statements during the supervisors' meeting, the county opened an investigation into his business and whether it has proper licenses to sell certain pesticides. :: Anita Brady, a retired high-school biology teacher, said Knight's appointment to the vector control board terrifies her. "The fact that he's been swayed by these conspiracy theories, evidently for years, doesn't give me much hope for what's going to happen with this board," she said. Brady, who lives a few miles east of Redding, said she just wants the mosquito threat to be taken seriously with a science-based approach. In August, one of Brady's neighbors contracted West Nile virus from a mosquito bite and was paralyzed by the disease. After weeks in the hospital, Brady said, he recently returned home in a wheelchair, unable to walk. Brady said she recently saw a county worker driving down her road, fogging for mosquitoes. "Normally, I'd be a little concerned because I don't want chemicals," she said. "I'm a retired biology teacher. I'm sensitive to that stuff. But, boy, we were rooting him on." 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. Fentanyl-related deaths are increasing in Stanislaus County, and 47 of this years 81 have occurred in the past three months. A new drug containing fentanyl has hit the streets, one that does not respond to naloxone (Narcan). This drug, tranq, is a mix of fentanyl and the veterinary medicine xylazine. Xylazine is a non-opiate sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant used on animals in a hospital setting, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Stanislaus County is considered to be in an opioid overdose crisis because of the number of related deaths it records annually. The county has recorded 129 opioid-related deaths this year. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is dangerous because its extremely potent up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because its so potent, its often added to other drugs, making them cheaper, more powerful and more addictive, the CDC reports. Dr. Lyn Raible, who has worked in substance use treatment in Stanislaus County, previously told The Bee that xylazine is even more dangerous than fentanyl. Because of the growing crisis in the region, The Modesto Bee recognizes the importance of helping Stanislaus County residents understand the dangers of synthetic and nonsynthetic opioids, what misconceptions exist about the crisis and the drugs, and how to access and administer so-called opioid antagonist medications including Narcan. We are focusing coverage on these topics and others relating to fentanyl, opioids and Narcan and we want to hear from our readers about whats important to them. Heres where you can find some of our most recent coverage, and some of the things we plan to address in future stories. We also have a form where you can submit questions or ideas of your own. Previous Modesto Bee coverage Here are 10 of the most recent stories The Bee has covered that give context to the opioid and fentanyl crisis in Stanislaus County: Fentanyl crisis: Fatal overdoses spike in Stanislaus County. Tranq is on the streets Rise in drug overdose deaths leads Stanislaus County to issue health alert Stanislaus County man is charged with murder after Ceres woman dies from fentanyl poisoning Kaiser Permanente distributes free Narcan to combat fentanyl crisis in Stanislaus region Turlock police seize 11 kilos of powdered fentanyl during search Hear this plea, legislators: Fentanyl crisis is killing Californias young people | Opinion Its Fentanyl Awareness Day: How Stanislaus is calling attention to most deadly drug crisis Fentanyl claimed the life of a Stanislaus County girl. Her sister keeps her memory alive Assembly panel passes fentanyl bills. Will it protect Stanislaus residents and kids? California bill would require bars to carry Narcan. Would it include Stanislaus County? A glimpse of what we hope to cover The Bee has brainstormed ideas we think will be of reader interest regarding fentanyl and opioids, but we really want to hear what matters to you. Here are some of our ideas and how you can submit yours: Fentanyl can be disguised as candy. What to look out for ahead of Halloween. How Narcan works, how to access it, how much it costs and how to administer it What is fentanyl and where does it come from? What are the demographics and the ages most affected? Fentanyl use in healthcare Whats true and whats not regarding the opioid crisis in Stanislaus County? Do you have other ideas, suggestions or questions regarding fentanyl, opioids or Narcan in Stanislaus County? Submit them to local@modbee.com or in the form below: Biden's revisionist history: This week, President Joe Biden announced he would cancel an additional $9 billion in student loan debt. This consists of "$5.2 billion in additional debt relief for 53,000 borrowers under Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs," per a White House statement, "$2.8 billion in new debt relief for nearly 51,000 borrowers through fixes to income-driven repayment," and "$1.2 billion for nearly 22,000 borrowers who have a total or permanent disability." In June, the Supreme Court struck down his earlier plan to void $400 billion worth of student debt for some 43 million borrowers: $10,000 in debt (or $20,000 in debt for those who received Pell grants) for individuals making under $125,000 and households making under $250,000. "The money was literally about to go out the door, but Republican elected officials and special interests stepped up and sued us," Biden commented Wednesday. "The Supreme Court sided with them, snatching from the hands of millions of Americans thousands of dollars in student debt relief that was about to change their lives." This is some wild revisionist history (special interests?) that attempts to obscure the unconstitutionality of his actions. The Supreme Court ruled that Biden's attempt to push student loan forgiveness through via the HEROES Actwhich gave the Education Department the power to modify repayments of loans for people who "suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of a war or other military operation or national emergency"was not legal; citing COVID-19 as the qualifying "national emergency" did not fly, and such loan forgiveness would need to be passed through Congress, not unilaterally carried out by the executive. "While higher educationand particularly graduate schoolis too expensive for many students, loan forgiveness does nothing to address the root cause of inflated college tuition," wrote Reason's Emma Camp at the time. "Instead, Biden's plan would have primarily benefited wealthier Americans, and it would have resulted in outstanding student loan debt returning to current levels by 2028." Any additional plans Biden attempts to pass continue to disregard the root of the problem and serve as a blatant ploy to curry favor with voters, fiscal consequences be damned. Trump goes for Jordan: After this week's historic ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, some House Republicans looked like they were jockeying to possibly get former President Donald Trump on board with a speaker run, noting that you do not technically have to be a member of Congress in order to seek election. Trump came to Washington, and speculation ensued. Early this morning, Trump disabused them of that notion. "Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C.," Trump wrote via Truth Social at 12:13 a.m. on Friday. "He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!" Jim Jordan, who represents Ohio's 4th district, "also picked up an important G.O.P. backer and cleared a potential challenger from the field with the endorsement of Representative Byron Donalds of Florida," reports The New York Times. Scenes from New York: (Liz Wolfe) I was walking through Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy the other day and stumbled across this memorial for social justice activist Ryan Carson, who was murdered at around 4 a.m. on Monday morning at a bus stop in the neighborhood while coming back from a wedding on Long Island. Since Carson advocated for policies many on right-wing Twitter abhor (including lots of ACAB"all cops are bastards"rhetoric), plenty of big accounts have mocked his death or implied he had it coming. This is wrong, and our politics should allow us to mourn the innocent dead, even as we reject their ideologies. Some interesting discourse about crime and "luxury beliefs" has emerged from this. "In response to elite opinion in 2020, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Austin, and many other major cities in the U.S. reduced police spending," writes The Free Press's Rob Henderson. "Most people didn't want to defund the police, but the most affluent sector of society did. And so it was implemented." Though I'm sympathetic to parts of Henderson's hypothesis (and think fully defunding or abolishing the police is a terrible idea), it is worth noting that the reduction in spending on police has been marginal in most of these cities, and it's not like they're operating with skeletal budgets now (NYPD certainly isn't, for example). QUICK HITS "Criticizing school choice opponents for sending their own children to private schools is not an ad hominem attack as I've seen some people argue," writes Chris Freiman on Twitter/X. "That someone sends their own children to a private school rather than a public school is evidence that they believe that private school is, or at least can be, the better option for some students." Ozempic nation is hurting Walmart's bottom line. God bless the engineers: Smells a bit like propaganda: "Russian President Vladimir Putin said pieces of grenade were found in the bodies of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin and other mercenary leaders who died in a plane crash, as he hinted that the man who led an armed revolt against the Kremlin's military leadership had been a drug user." This too, frankly: Guess what? It also grows the economy. Benefits everybody. Hurts nobody. https://t.co/0WsCAHKyMg The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 5, 2023 AI gets passive-aggressive: lmfao i asked it to do a passive aggressive review pic.twitter.com/qZmLkm9LB8 Aella (@Aella_Girl) October 2, 2023 (For more Aella, check out yesterday's Reason Livestream.) We're in "a zero-sum rhetorical hellscape in which marriage is one of two things," writes Kat Rosenfield for Unherd. " For its supporters, it is the last, best hope of a society on the brink of decline and disaster. For its detractors, it is an insidious ploy by reactionary dinosaurs to catapult us back to a less enlightened paradigm, just as we were nearing the utopian promise of a brave new world." Rep. Nancy Mace's (RS.C.) "chameleonic career." NYC Mayor Eric Adams will travel south togive would-be migrants a stern talking-to OK. "Is Jesus supposed to be Trump's co-defendant or his attorney?" Hard-hitting questions from The Intelligencer on the (admittedly bonkers) courtroom sketch that the former president reposted to Truth Social. The post Forgive Us OurLoans? appeared first on Reason.com. Colombia's former president Alvaro Uribe speaks to the media after his meeting with President-elect Gustavo Petro in Bogota Colombia's former president Alvaro Uribe speaks to the media after his meeting with President-elect Gustavo Petro in Bogota BOGOTA (Reuters) -The Superior Court of Bogota on Friday rejected a prosecutor's request to shelve a witness tampering and fraud case against former President Alvaro Uribe, extending a long-running legal battle. Uribe and several allies have been investigated over allegations of witness tampering carried out in an attempt to discredit accusations he had ties to right-wing paramilitaries. The former president has always maintained his innocence. "The request for preclusion of the penal action against Alvaro Uribe Velez is rejected," said the decision from the tribunal's three magistrates, which was read out during a hearing. The decision was unanimous, they said. It will be up to the attorney general's office to determine if it continues the case, the ruling said, though the judges highlighted inconsistencies in witness testimony and other instances where they said prosecutors should have continued investigations. The court's decision marks a new milestone in the deeply polarized case - which Uribe's supporters allege is persecution and his detractors celebrate as a deserved downfall - and affirms a judge's May decision to dismiss a request from prosecutors to shelve the case. "Clearly I read this with enormous concern. I have ardently defended my reputation but I don't know anything about bribing witnesses or misleading the court," Uribe told journalists on Thursday night after local media reported the case would continue, citing sources. The attorney general's office asked in March 2021 for a hearing on potentially curtailing the investigation, after it found Uribe's conduct did not constitute a crime. Uribe, who could serve 12 years in prison if convicted, resigned his senate seat in 2020 after the Supreme Court ordered house arrest. His resignation triggered the case's transfer to the attorney general's office and a judge lifted his house arrest after two months. The case stems from a 2012 allegation by Uribe, who accused leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda of orchestrating a plot to tie him to paramilitaries. But in 2018 the Supreme Court said Cepeda had collected information from former fighters as part of his work and had not paid or pressured former paramilitaries. Instead the court said it was Uribe and his allies who pressured witnesses. (Reporting by Oliver Griffin, Julia Symmes Cobb and Nelson Bocanegra; Editing by Nick Macfie and Diane Craft) The former director of the Fort Worth police crime lab fired in June by Police Chief Neil Noakes was accused in a termination letter of failure to properly manage the lab, leading to backlogs and a perpetually diminishing reputation. The now-former director contests those claims, saying internal politics and an attempt to save face had more to do with it. Michael Ward, the former director, was fired after a six-month disciplinary probation brought about by concerns about his abilities to lead, according to the termination letter obtained by the Star-Telegram. Noakes wrote in the termination letter that Wards leadership contributed to controversy and scrutiny of the crime lab by external partners. He specifically cited resignation letters from former employees questioning his abilities as a leader and pointing out an inability to fill vacancies left by employees who quit. Noakes wrote in the email that he believed the difficulty recruiting new employees was, at least in part, due to the reputation the crime lab has received over the last few years under your leadership. Ward told the Star-Telegram that wasnt true. In employee evaluations dating from 2017 to 2022, Ward was given high marks by his supervisors, something he said demonstrated that he was a capable leader. In the last performance review, Ward was noted as having either met or exceeded expectations in every category. He also said the disciplinary probation was in response to an incident in 2017, and that hed been cleared of wrongdoing at the time. Noakes declined through a department spokesperson a request for interview. Texas Forensic Science Commission troubles A complaint filed with the Texas Forensic Science Commission by the crime lab against a former employee, Deborah Smith, was also cited in the termination letter. The complaint alleged that Smith, who resigned from the lab, deleted files from her work computer, something Noakes said was already deemed unfounded through an analysis of the computer. The letter notes that prior to Wards six-month probationary period, Fort Worth Assistant Police Chief Julie Swearingin assumed responsibility over the crime lab. During that time, news articles led Swearingin to question the complaint Ward filed. Ward argues that the complaint was not unfounded and that there was enough evidence to support it. The Star-Telegram filed an open records request for a copy of the results of the investigation, but the Fort Worth Police Department has appealed to the Texas Attorney Generals Office seeking to withhold those records. The Texas Forensic Science Commission, to whom the complaint was sent under Wards orders, also determined that it was unfounded. Ward said an employee of the crime lab was present at the meeting and ready to present evidence, but the commission did not give her a chance to address the commissioners. He does not believe the commissioners were acting on complete information when they determined the complaint to be unfounded. Pat Wertheim, a former latent prints analyst and one of the employees who lodged complaints against Ward in his resignation letter, told the Star-Telegram he believes the complaint was filed against Smith because she deleted a file containing suggestions on how to improve the lab if she were promoted. After she was passed up for the promotion, she deleted the recommendations from her computer and resigned. Ward told the Star-Telegram thousands of files were deleted and that police leadership is downplaying the actual results of the forensic analysis of Smiths work computer. Verification of or evidence that would disprove that claim would be found in the investigation results the department is seeking to withhold. The trouble also extended to complaints filed against the lab. Ward told the Star-Telegram that some complaints were retaliatory claims filed by disgruntled employees and others were simply unfounded. One complaint filed against the lab with the Texas Forensic Science Commission led to a lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit, filed by Trisa Crutcher in 2020, claimed Ward retaliated against her for her whistleblower report that said the lab had problems including an extreme lag in testing of child abuse cases, falsification of records and policy violations that could affect hundreds of criminal cases, including death penalty investigations. On July 30, 2021, the lab manager, who is not specifically identified in the document, wrote a report about the issue that in part said, The root cause of this concern does not appear to stem from any factual issues, but rather appears to stem from some type of personal animus, bias, or jealousy by Crutcher. In May of this year, the Dallas Fifth District Court of Appeals reversed the trial court judges decision to dismiss Crutchers suit, which she had amended to include a wrongful termination claim after she was fired in April 2021. The suit is scheduled for trial in May 2024, according to Dallas County court records. The lab under Wards leadership has been in hot water for the impacts of internal problems, too. In 2020, Tarrant County visiting judge Elizabeth Berry filed a 32-page report detailing possible violations at the Fort Worth Police Department Crime Laboratory. The judge began investigating the lab over concerns the it violated policies relating to the handling of DNA evidence. According to court documents obtained by the Star-Telegram in 2020, the violations were suspected to have continued even after Crutcher first reported problems in 2018. The investigation started after a defendant in a murder trial filed a motion to suppress DNA evidence in his case because he said it was tampered with. The Texas Forensic Science Commission in 2021 released a 126-page report on its findings, which focused on an allegation that a policy regarding maintaining evidence had not been followed correctly for at least two years. It affirmed Crutchers allegations that the policy wasnt followed but also found that the issue didnt rise to a level of misconduct. Several recommendations were made by the commission that it said would improve the flow of work at the lab. Employee complaints In resignation letters from 2022 obtained by the Star-Telegram, employees leaving the crime lab mentioned ethical standards held by employees that were not reflected by upper management of the lab. In one letter, the resigning employee wrote that she could not disagree with upper management including Ward for fear of retaliation. Wertheim expressed concerns in his resignation letter that Ward unnecessarily micromanaged employees, played favorites in terms of who was promoted, held grudges and retaliates out of proportion to perceived insubordinations. Smith wrote in her resignation letter that the fear of retaliation interfered with her ability to do her best work. She wrote that she tried to talk with Ward about her concerns that she might face backlash for speaking out but wasnt able to. I have repeatedly tried to discuss my concerns with management particularly the Forensic Science Division Manager (Ward) to no avail, Smith wrote. I have always tried my best to work with management on their needs and not overstep in my position, as I have always felt that if I spoke out to a great extent my job could be in jeopardy. Ward said the letters exaggerated or lied about problems with his leadership. He told the Star-Telegram he believes the letters, especially from Smith and Wertheim, were fueled by a desire for retribution. He pointed to a letter of recommendation from Wertheim to show that he was respected and liked by his employees. Wertheim confirmed he wrote the recommendation when Ward was applying to volunteer for the peer support team, but said it does not reflect on his views of Ward as a leader. In the recommendation letter, Wertheim wrote that Ward had a gift for taking a genuine interest in the personal lives and problems of those working under his supervision. He said that when Ward learned about health problems Wertheims wife was facing, he took the time to think of outings on which he could invite Wertheim and his wife. Wertheim wrote in the letter that Ward would make a good peer support team member because of his ability to show empathy. But he told the Star-Telegram he didnt think Ward was always supportive of those working under his supervision. In one instance, Wertheim said he told Ward about some medication hed recently started that was causing fatigue and brain fog. Ward had stopped by Wertheims work station to talk casually, as a friend, Wertheim said, but his demeanor changed when Wertheim mentioned the medication. He immediately took off the hat of personal friend and put on the hat of crime lab director and issued a warning to me and said that anything I said beyond that point would impact my employability as a forensic scientist, Wertheim told the Star-Telegram. I reassured him that I was managing the fatigue, getting more sleep and that the brain fog wasnt affecting my report writing. He wouldnt have been good as peer support in the lab itself because of his position as crime lab director, but if he didnt have to put on that laboratory director hat, he would be good on that team. Negative press The negative spotlight on the lab grew brighter when on March 3 the lab was placed on the agenda for a public safety meeting with Mayor Mattie Parker, according to the termination letter. That meeting spurred another, Noakes wrote, in which city attorneys and police leadership criticized the lab. They discussed the impacts of negative reports from the Texas Forensic Science Commission, resignation letters from employees noting mismanagement as a cause for their leaving and sentiments from crime lab industry professions that they did not want to accept jobs at the lab due to its poor management. In the letter, Noakes wrote Wards failures as a leader had impacted the way the lab was viewed by other law enforcement agencies and potential employees alike. News articles about problems within the lab caused law enforcement agencies in North Texas, which paid to have forensic work done by the lab, to send their evidence elsewhere, Noakes wrote. They also made professionals in the criminal forensics industry wary of accepting jobs at the lab, according to the letter. Backlogs also impacted the view of the lab with potential customers and even detectives within the department, who opted to send work somewhere else because they didnt want to wait, Noakes wrote. Ward said he did become aware, after the fact, of three or four cases in which Fort Worth investigators sent firearms evidence to Plano police for forensic evaluation instead of processing it in-house. When he was informed of that, Ward said he had a meeting with the Fort Worth police gun crimes unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to discuss things that could be done differently and followed up on those recommendations. He also told detectives that if they needed to prioritize any lab work all they had to do was ask and the lab would rush evidence to the front of the line for analysis. Many of the issues with the backlog could have been fixed if the lab was allocated a larger budget, Ward said. He told the Star-Telegram that he had been requesting additional money for more personnel for years but each time it was denied. Every violent crime, every sexual assault, we process all of that with less than 1% of the citys budget, Ward said. The city has this motto of do more with less, and the crime laboratory is running with a shoestring budget. The citys 2024 budget includes one increase in funding for the crime lab, investing $63,000 into its firearms unit, one of the places in which the lab has experienced a backlog. Poor communication and internal politics Ward told the Star-Telegram that many of the complaints police and city leaders had about the crime lab and his leadership werent conveyed to him. The first time he heard about many of them was also the first time he sat down face-to-face with Noakes: the day he was fired. I had never been told that anybody was looking at any performance issues, Ward said. I just got called in to the chiefs office and he told me, You can either resign or I will terminate you. Ward chose not to resign. Had his superiors communicated their concerns with him, Ward said he would have been able to address them. But that never happened. Instead, Ward said meetings with the mayor, police leaders and city attorneys were held to discuss the issues without him. He was on medical leave for a major injury at the time those meetings were held, he said. He said he was on that same medical leave when Fort Worth detectives opted to send evidence to another lab for analysis. In the end, Ward believes internal politics and inconsistency with supervisors played major roles in the decision to terminate him. He also said he thinks the department fired him as a way to save face and demonstrate that it was taking serious steps to address the negative reputation the lab has gained, without actually looking at the root problems of funding and staffing. When it came to the six-month suspension before he was fired, Ward said that stemmed from a statements he made in 2017 about how every employee was valuable but that lab policy would not be dictated by employee threats to quit if they didnt get their way. He told his staff that everyone was replaceable and that operations at the lab would continue even if someone didnt show up for work the next day. That was the comment that led to a review by the citys HR department, he said. The HR department ultimately found he hadnt done anything wrong, Ward told the Star-Telegram. He doesnt know why the incident was brought back up or why it resulted in a suspension, unless it was to set the stage for his termination. Ward said he believes that if the staff he managed as head of the crime lab were polled, most would not be happy to see him fired from his position as the labs leader. When it comes to Wertheims opinion, he is partially right. Michael was not a bad person, Wertheim said of Ward. I never wanted to see him hurt. I never acted out of vindictiveness of vengeance or anything. While he had issues with his leadership of the lab, Wertheim said he sees Ward as a good person who should have been moved back to the firearms unit, where he worked before his promotion to lab director, instead of fired. He would have been someone better to work with than work for, Wertheim said. For Ward, he still doesnt understand why he was terminated. He suspects it was a public relations move, something to convince those outside the department that police leadership was acting to fix problems highlighted in news coverage and complaints to state officials, but he doesnt have any proof. So hes left wondering. Nobodys perfect and everybody can do better, and Im not perfect and could do better, Ward said. But this issue with my termination makes no sense. Harvard professor Cornel West speaks at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt., at the University of New Hampshire on Feb. 10, 2020, in Durham, N.H. West will run for president in 2024 as an independent, not as a member of the Green Party, his campaign said Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. | Andrew Harnik, Associated Press Political activist and Princeton professor of philosophy Cornel West announced on Oct. 5 he will be running as an Independent in the 2024 presidential election. Wests political career includes being an honorary chairman of the Democratic Socialists of America, participating in Occupy Wall Street protests, acting as Bill Bradleys senior advisor during the 2000 presidential election, and acting as a surrogate for Bernie Sanders during the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, per Ballotpedia. West posted to X, People are hungry for change. They want good policies over partisan politics. We need to break the grip of the duopoly and give power to the people. Im running as an Independent candidate for President of the United States to end the iron grip of the ruling class and ensure true democracy! Regarding whether his candidacy would take away votes from President Biden, West told The Guardian, I happen to be focusing on the 40% that dont vote at all, and I happen to be pulling from the 62% of folk who do vote but who would never vote for the two parties. So if there is some taking from both parties, its going to be very, very small. West has critiqued what he believes is the lefts consistent inability to prevent a GOP tilt to authoritarianism, according to The Wall Street Journal, and believes providing a third-party option may be what it takes to pull in disaffected voters. In order to qualify for the ballot as an Independent, a candidate must petition in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The amount of signatures required in each state varies according to population. Wests campaign manager Peter Daou told Politico, Its a major strategic hurdle for an independent or third party to attain ballot access even in one state, let alone all 50 as a present presidential candidate. So we will be applying as much rigorous analysis as we can to the best way to approach this because we dont have unlimited resources. Politico reported, An independent must collect about 550,000 signatures across the country ... with the first deadline on Jan. 6, 2024 for the Utah ballot. A representative for Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein says she will appeal the ruling Juan Carlos , the former king of Spain, cannot have a claim of harassment brought against him by a former lover, a British court has ruled. Danish businesswoman Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, a 58-year-old resident of England, sued Juan Carlos in 2020, alleging that he had caused her great mental pain by spying on and harassing her. A High Court judge had previously agreed that there were grounds for the claim against 85-year-old Juan Carlos, but Mrs Justice Rowena Collins Rice on Friday ruled that the London court lacks jurisdiction in the case because the defendant has the right to be tried in his own country. I was shown no authority coming anywhere near supporting an assumption of English jurisdiction over a foreign-domiciled defendant in such circumstances, Judge Collins Rice ruled. Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, the judge continued, had not sufficiently established that the harmful events of which she complains happened in England. She has maintained that she had a romantic relationship with Juan Carlos from 2004 until 2009, and that they remained friends until he gave her a gift of 65 million in 2012, and then tried to make her return it. A previous appeal by Juan Carlos had led to the High Court case focusing solely on events after he had abdicated in 2014 because he enjoyed sovereign immunity up to that point. Juan Carlos now lives in Abu Dhabi after agreeing with his son to leave Spain after being placed under investigation for tax fraud and corruption in 2020 - Andrea Comas/AP In the period between the spring of 2012 and June 2014 Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein claimed that she had been threatened and intimidated on several occasions by Felix Sanz Roldan, the then director of Spains CNI secret service and a personal friend of Juan Carlos. A representative of Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein said she would appeal Fridays ruling. In a statement, she said she was deeply disappointed by the judges ruling. It is disheartening to see that victims of harassment often struggle to find justice in our legal system, she said. Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein claims she and her two children continue to suffer harassment, accusing Juan Carlos of seeking to trash her reputation as an international business consultant. During the four-day hearing of the appeal in July, a lawyer representing Juan Carlos described the claim of harassment as a diffuse collection of complaints, some trivial, mostly historic. Juan Carlos emphatically denies ever having harassed the claimant, Adam Wolanski KC added. Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein was claiming more than 126 million in damages. Juan Carlos lives in Abu Dhabi after agreeing with his son, King Felipe, to leave Spain after being placed under investigation by Spanish prosecutors for tax fraud and corruption in 2020. He was not put on trial after paying 5 million in back taxes. 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) Employers in the country hired more Filipinos in August, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Friday. In a briefing, National Statistician Dennis Mapa reported that the number of jobless Filipinos hit 2.21 million, a decrease from July's 2.27 million. The latest figure also translates to a national unemployment rate of 4.4%. The number of people in the labor force market jumped to 50.29 million in August, up from July's 46.90 million. Employed people also climbed to 48 million in August, higher than the 44.63 million in July, while the underemployedor those with jobs but are still looking for additional incomefell from 7.10 million to 5.63 million. According to Mapa, the country saw a spike in activities in fishing and agriculture, as well as in retail trade amid the school opening. "Napansin namin na nagkaron ng activities na related to planting noong August after nung binaha tayo noong July kaya tumigil," the official said. [Translation: We noticed there were activities related to planting in August after they were halted due to flooding in July.] In retail trade, Mapa said the PSA also recorded an increase in the number of workers for school-related jobs, such as the production of school uniforms. Based on month-on-month data, agriculture and forestry led the industries with the biggest increase in employment with 1.95 million. It was followed by wholesale and retail trade with 1.14 million. Construction, fishing and aquaculture, and education also posted increases in employment figures. But while there was improvement in the number of employed persons, the quality of jobs remained low. "Sa wages and salary workers slight ang galaw. Malaking increase ay sa self-employed at unpaid family workers hindi ganun kataas ang quality of jobs," Mapa said. [Translation: There was only a slight movement in wages and salary workers. There was a big increase in self-employed and unpaid family workers, but the quality of jobs was not that high.] Asked if he expects a more robust labor market in the fourth quarter, Mapa said there was a seasonality factor during the 'Ber' months as businesses open more markets and bazaars. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas Metropolitan police released more information following the arrest of former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones . According to an arrest report, Jones is accused of violating a temporary protection order on Sept. 28, after visiting the home of a person who had filed the protection order. Chandler Jones released from Raiders, reports say Jones is accused of sending the victim messages on Snapchat and then driving to the home. The victim told police she could see Jones pull up into her driveway from her home camera system. She then accused him of walking around the side of the home and grabbing items such as a recycle bin, pool net, and dog toys before leaving her home, the report said. Chandler Jones was arrested in Sept. 2023, after police said he violated a temporary protection order. (LVMPD) Chandler Jones again posts, then deletes criticism of Raiders management She also told police shortly after he left, she started to receive more Snapchat videos from Jones which appeared to show that [he] was completely nude inside of his own backyard and was burning items that he took from the victims backyard, the arrest report stated. Jones was placed under arrest for two counts of violation of the protection order, and taken to the Clark County Detention Center. The Las Vegas Raiders released defensive end Chandler Jones on Saturday, Sept. 30. Jones is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 4. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, looks to then-President Donald Trump at a rally at Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, on Aug. 4, 2018. | Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press Former President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, to become the next speaker of the House in a social media post early Friday. He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete and Total Endorsement! Trump wrote on his Truth Social site, while praising Jordans political record as well as his college wrestling achievements. Jordan and Rep. Steve Scalise , R-La., have started to mine support in the fractured Republican conference to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who was ousted as speaker in an unprecedented vote earlier this week. Trump flirted with the idea of running for speaker himself before backing Jordan. The Constitution does not require the speaker to be a member of Congress, though someone outside the body has never been elected to the position. Related Jordan is a close Trump ally and one of the leading Republicans in the impeachment investigation of President Joe Biden . He was a staunch defender of Trump during the former presidents two impeachment trials. Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohios 4th Congressional District, Trump wrote. Jordan co-founded the Freedom Caucus and is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. He is STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment, Trump wrote. Related In an interview Friday with CNNs Manu Raju, Jordan said, I appreciate the presidents endorsement, calling Trump the leader of the party, and saying, I think hes going to be our next president. Scalise told Fox News that he and Trump had a conversation around the former presidents endorsement of Jordan, saying, We spoke, obviously. He noted that there are a lot of friendships in this race, per CNN. At the end of the day, its a lot of one-on-one conversations over the last few days Ive been having with my colleagues and a lot of introspection about how we get things back on track. The problems that we have internally, they dont go away with a new speaker, Scalise said. Jordan told Raju he believes the speakers race comes down to who can unite the conference, who can unite conservative Republicans and our party around the country, and then who can go tell the country what were doing and why its important to them, to their family, to their business, to their community. Speaker Pro Tem Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., has set Wednesday as the date for a speaker vote in the House. A former US Army sergeant has been arrested for seeking to provide classified information to China (Stefani Reynolds) A former US Army sergeant was arrested on Friday for seeking to provide classified information to China, the Justice Department said. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, who served in an army intelligence unit from 2015 until 2020, is charged with retaining national defense information and attempting to deliver it to China. The Justice Department said Schmidt, after leaving the military, offered national defense information to the Chinese consulate in Turkey and the Chinese security services. In March 2020, Schmidt, who had access to secret and top secret information while serving in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, went to Hong Kong, where he "continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information." "He allegedly retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks," the department said. Schmidt stayed in China, primarily in Hong Kong, until his return to the United States on Friday. He was arrested upon arrival in San Francisco. "Members of our military take a sworn oath to defend our country and the Constitution," acting US attorney Tessa Gorman said. "In that context the alleged actions of this former military member are shocking - not only attempting to provide national defense information, but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks." Schmidt could face up to 20 years in prison. His arrest comes two months after two members of the US Navy were arrested on suspicion of spying for China. Jinchao Wei, who served on the amphibious assault ship the USS Essex in San Diego, allegedly handed over dozens of documents, photos and videos detailing the operation of ships and their systems. Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, who served at a naval base near Los Angeles, allegedly spied for China for nearly two years. cl/jh The YMCA of Greater Charlotte said officials are contacting parents and caregivers of campers who were assigned a cabin at Camp Thunderbird with a former YMCA worker accused of child sex crimes. PAST COVERAGE: Former YMCA worker jailed on child sex crime charges Elijah Donato was arrested earlier this week in eastern North Carolina. He is accused of sexually exploiting and taking indecent liberties with a child who he was babysitting, according to the Carolina Beach Police Department in New Hanover County. Since his arrest earlier this week, The YMCA of Greater Charlotte got a report of alleged abuse involving a camper at Camp Thunderbird, the organization stated Thursday night. We are deeply disturbed and saddened, and our prayers are with the children and families affected by these alleged actions, officials with the YMCA stated in a release. Donato worked at the Harris YMCA and Camp Thunderbird between 2019 and 2023. Camp Thunderbird is in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Donato doesnt work with the YMCA and is banned from its properties and events. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte sent notification letters to families from Camp Thunderbird and the Harris YMCA. Its also cooperating with the law enforcement agencies involved. At the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, the safety and well-being of children in our care always has been and always will be a core priority, the organization stated in the news release. We are committed to providing a safe environment to every person in our programs, most importantly children who are entrusted to our care. We have a series of measures in place to keep kids safe, and we will continue reviewing our policies to ensure they align with top industry practices. This is a developing story, check back with wsoctv.com for updates. VIDEO: Former YMCA worker jailed on child sex crime charges KIOWA COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) Four men were sentenced this week for killing four endangered whooping cranes near Tom Steed Reservoir back in 2021. Joseph M. Roman, 43, of Altus, Justin M. Wine, 40, of Altus, Chanod M. Campbell, 32, of Gould, and Brian Lee Gollihare Jr., 35, of Hollis, were charged August 22, 2023, for the deaths of four whooping cranes in November 2021. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigating deaths of endangered whooping cranes in Oklahoma Oklahoma Game Warden Jeremy Brothers approaches the injured whooping crane that later died due to its injuries. One whooping crane was discovered with a shotgun wound by hunters, who then notified game wardens with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Unfortunately, the whooping crane died while being transported to a veterinarian clinic. Further investigation of the area where the crane was found uncovered three more deceased whooping cranes. Prosecutors say the men were hunting at Tom Steed Reservoir when they killed four whooping cranes and attempted to hide the birds before leaving the scene. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement is committed to conducting criminal investigations with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for the protection of endangered species such as the whooping crane, said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. The outcomes of this case are the result of vigorous investigative efforts by the Office of Law Enforcement and our ODWC partners to bring wildlife violators to justice. Whooping cranes are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Whooping cranes travel through Oklahoma during migrations to and from their breeding grounds in Texas. Most whooping crane sightings in Oklahoma are reported from mid-October through November. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), the whooping crane is one of the rarest birds in North America and are highly endangered. An FWS report from May 2023, estimates there are less than 600 total whooping cranes in the wild. OKC trailer park urges residents to not talk about 13-foot, cat-eating python Each of us bears responsibility to protect endangered wildlife so that the species is preserved for future generations, said U.S. Attorney Robert Troester. My office stands with and commends the work done by our federal and state law enforcement partners, and we hope this case serves as a warning for those who would harm endangered species. All four men pleaded guilty and have been ordered to each pay $17,000 in restitution to the International Crane Foundation and pay a $750 fine. They were also each ordered to forfeit their shotguns and will also lose their hunting privileges in all 50 states for the next five years. This is a great example of state and federal agencies working closely together throughout the investigation. The outstanding ODWC Game Wardens were tireless in tracking down leads and in their collection of key evidence that led to this outcome, said Nathan Erdman, Law Enforcement Chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Rest assured that those committing wildlife violations in Oklahoma will be caught thanks to thorough investigations like this along with tips from the public. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Fox Newss Bret Baier is scheduled to host a televised forum with the contenders for Speaker of the House an unusual move that follows Rep. Kevin McCarthy s (R-Calif.) unprecedented ouster as Speaker. House Majority Leader Scalise (R-La.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) were originally scheduled to participate in the event on Monday at 6 p.m. EST. The contenders would all appear on the same stage together, according to two sources familiar with the plans, a format that Fox News is billing as a joint interview rather than a debate. Soon after the event was announced, however, the plans were thrown into question after some GOP members expressed skepticism about the prudence of such a debate and one candidate pulled out. I still havent made a decision on my candidacy for speaker, but I know one thing for sure. I will not be participating in the televised debate, Hern wrote on X hours after the event was announced. We need to make this decision as a conference, not on TV. The Republican conference needs a family discussion. Another candidate is aiming to adjust the schedule so that the candidates talk to the GOP conference first. Mr. Jordan is always happy to share his plan for the country, but he believes it is crucial to meet with the GOP conference before the event, a spokesperson for the Ohio lawmaker said in a statement first shared with CNN. The network said Baier will press the congressmen on who should be the next Speaker of the House and discuss the issues facing Congress and the Republican party going forward. Scalise and Jordan the latter of whom former President Trump endorsed for Speaker overnight Friday have both officially announced their candidacies. Hern, who leads the largest conservative caucus in the House, is considering a formal bid but has not yet launched one, aiming to contact every member of the House Republican Conference before announcing his decision. The televised forum reflects the highly unusual nature of the race to replace McCarthy and the intense public interest it is garnering. Though it will be televised nationally, the only people who may cast a ballot for Speaker are members of the House. House Republicans are scheduled to have a closed-door candidate forum Tuesday, and then vote internally on a nominee Wednesday. That nominee will go up against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on the House floor, where they will need to secure a majority of members present and voting for a candidate in order to secure the gavel which could be a tough task in the slim GOP majority. Both Scalise and Jordan have been raking in endorsements as they speak to their colleagues to build up support for their bids. But even those who have a preferred candidate say that the race is close, with some predicting it could take days or weeks for the GOP conference to coalesce around a candidate that can win on the house floor. Punchbowl News first reported the Fox News plans. Baier hosts Special Report on Fox News, the networks 6 p.m.-hour show. He was one of the moderators of the first Republican presidential debate in August. Updated: 12:44 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEW YORK -- The man responsible for the mass shooting in a Brooklyn subway last year will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Frank James, who earlier this year pleaded guilty to terrorism charges, received 10 life sentences plus 10 years on Thursday for opening fire during the morning rush on April 12, 2022. Ten people were wounded. James apologized to the victims, explaining that what he did was to draw attention to mental health services he received over the years that he felt were inadequate. "They in no way deserved to have what happened to them," the 64-year-old said. Read More: Videos show terror underground during Brooklyn subway mass shooting, interrogation of suspect James' attorney had asked for a sentence of 18 years, noting his client's age, physical health issues, and his mental illness, which detailed his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. His attorney also said James reached out for help, but society had failed him. The judge wasn't having it, telling James that what he did "cannot be excused or explained away with mental illness." James disguised himself as a construction worker and got on the subway. When the N train pulled into the station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, he set off smokes bombs and fired off a gun. In all, 10 people, ranging in age from 16 to 60, were shot. Read More: In wake of Brooklyn subway shooting, Mayor Eric Adams calls on social media companies to better monitor hate speech Prosecutors told the court, for James, it was "shooting fish in a barrel, but the barrel was a New York City subway car and the fish were human beings." James was eventually arrested after calling police on himself after a 34-hour manhunt. Several victims spoke in the courtroom, detailing their fear of riding the subway again. One noted he spent $12,000 on e-scooters and an e-bike so he could avoid going underground. Another detailed being shot five times. One offered him forgiveness. "I forgave him because he just needs the help," the victim said. "I'm just glad there wasn't another copycat," another person said. James' attorneys would not comment outside court, but Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said, "Not just those who were wounded physically, but also those who witnessed this horrific act and others who put themselves at risk to help will live with these traumatic events for the rest of their lives." Margaret Brennan assesses fallout of Kevin McCarthy's "Face the Nation" interview Powerball jackpot rises to estimated $1.4 billion No injuries after FedEx plane crash lands in Tennessee Fresno State will host their 8th annual Feria de Educacion on Saturday, connecting thousands of Spanish-speaking parents, students and community members with information and resources to help them succeed in post-secondary and higher education. For years, the education fair has focused on bridging the gap between Spanish-speaking community members and the states educational system. Children and students of all ages are welcome to attend. This years special guest is Leo Gonzalez, Hanford native, viral Latino TikTok influencer and recent West Hills College Lemoore graduate. Beatriz Adriana, award-winning Mexican ranchera and mariachi singer will be in attendance as this years education ambassador. Activities for children, a community raffle, reading garden, financial aid workshops and advice for students and parents are some of the in-person resource and mini-event stations offered at this years event. Fresno States director of outreach and special programs Martina Granados said there will be something for everyone at the fair and encourages whole families to attend. In our culture, our familias are very important to us, so we need them to understand how they can support their student when they decide to go to college, Granados said. She said having an entire family understand the requirements and demands of higher education is important for them to be supportive of their Latino students. Granados said Latino students tend to feel guilty for leaving their families behind or irresponsible for not being able to keep up with chores and family management if they have pending homework. Post-secondary education not only helps improve the life of an individual, but it improves the life of their family, she said, I know because that was the story with my family. Fresno State President Saul Jimenez-Sandoval reads from the book The Spider and the Fly to children during the seventh Feria de la Educacion at Fresno State on Oct. 22, 2022. La Abeja, a newsletter written for and by California Latinos Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter centered around Latino issues in California. As California State University education fairs happen this season, the university system is also working to reach its Graduation Initiative 2025 goals: an ambitious plan to increase graduation rates and eliminate equity gaps in the pursuit of degree completion. This system-wide campaign aims to help Californians and the state meet its workforce needs. The CSU estimates California will face a shortfall of 1 million college graduates needed to support the states economy with a qualified workforce in 2025. To meet the CSUs goals, Granados said education needs to be attainable. The only way that we will get there is by sharing information with families early on, she said, so that they are aware and can understand what is the process and deadlines for students to be college-ready. For that, she and her team have worked to host community organizations, local educators, Fresno State departments, fraternities and sororities to provide information of their own support programs and resources at the fair. Granados said there also will be stations with information for and about students with disabilities, local lawyers and legal services for DACA and undocumented students and a health screenings station for attendees to use. Access to the education fair is free of cost and no registration is required. Granados said the only sold items will be tacos and other food options offered if attendees wish to eat something at the event. The Feria de Educacion will be hosted on campus at Fresno State, 5241 N Maple Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 14. For more information, those interested can visit https://bit.ly/FSFeria2023. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A recent report from the Center for Public Integrity found Fresno Unified School District suspended unhoused students in the 2021-2022 school year, at twice the rate of other students. According to CPI, California schools suspended more than 12,000 students who were identified as homeless in the 2021-2022 school year. Meaning that nearly 6% of all homeless students were suspended compared to roughly 3% of all other students. It was found based on recent data available that Fresno Unified suspended over 109 unhoused students for the 2021-2022 school year. The report mentions that due to the possible consequences, students experiencing homelessness are often discouraged from telling teachers and other staff members about their housing status. Jennifer Kottke, who helps train districts on homeless education law through the Los Angeles County Office of Education told the Center for Public Integrity that educators should consult colleagues who work with homeless youth to weigh in with whats happening in the lives of students and decide how to respond to behavior. Theres no requirement for educators currently to, per se, consider housing, said Kottke. Anyone is able to see the states suspension statistics online, but district administrators who were interviewed by the Center for Public Integrity for this report argued the discipline data was incomplete or misleading. The Center for Public Integrity found that assertion was not backed up by the districts statistics and found that Fresnos tendency to suspend homeless students more than housed peers is not a small cohort size. A statistical test took into account that the total number of homeless students showed a significant difference between the suspension of housed and unhoused students. In a statement, Fresno Unified writes that the district provides students experiencing homelessness with a clinical school social worker who works closely with the childs school to identify the support they need based on their needs. This year we also invested in targeted behavior supports specifically for our students experiencing homelessness who are being suspended from school. This support includes a highly skilled practitioner who has expertise in behavior supports. They work with the student, the family, and the school staff to address the underlying behavior needs and develop and implement a behavior plan to help the student be successful in the classroom. Fresno Unified School District Guidance under California law encourages educators to consider students disabilities before disciplining them. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. For only the third time this year, United Launch Alliance sent a rocket to space from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Friday afternoon this time on a mission to support Amazon's planned satellite internet constellation. At 2:06 p.m. EDT, a powerful 196-foot Atlas V rocket roared away from Launch Complex 41 to carry the prototype KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 satellites to orbit for Amazon, marking the 54th launch from Florida's Space Coast this year. This initial launch is the first step in support of deployment of Amazons initiative to provide fast, affordable broadband service to unserved and underserved communities around the world, Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs, said in a release. With ULA wrapping up the work week with a launch on Friday, the path is now cleared for SpaceX to close out the weekend with another Falcon 9 mission slated for liftoff Sunday night in support of SpaceX's Starlink global internet service. Amazon's first satellite mission Friday's mission, dubbed Project Kuiper Protoflight, was the first in a series of nine Atlas V flights to construct Amazon's Project Kuiper constellation - the latest competitor to enter the market of global internet service connectivity from space. This is Amazons first time putting satellites into space, and were going to learn an incredible amount regardless of how the mission unfolds," Rajeev Badyal, Project Kuipers vice president of technology, said in a release. The pair of satellites launched Friday afternoon serve as a testbed to inform future design, deployment, and operational plans. Full-scale deployment over the next six years is expected to begin in 2024. Rocket launch schedule: Upcoming Florida launches and landings Amazon Project Kuiper: $120 million Kuiper satellite processing facility to be builts at Kennedy Space Center The planned constellation will consist of over 3,200 satellites operating in low Earth orbit about 1,200 miles above Earth's surface to deliver internet service to unserved and underserved locations worldwide. In total, Amazon has secured flights on 77 heavy-class rockets to deploy its Project Kuiper constellation with ULA, Blue Origin, and Arianspace including nine of those missions slated to fly on Atlas V rockets and 38 launches on ULAs Vulcan Centaur rocket. Im proud of the entire Project Kuiper team for getting us to this point and grateful for their contributions, Badyal said. The hard work that goes into building a new space system from scratch is tremendous, but this team has dedicated themselves to the goal of delivering affordable broadband to those who need it. Amazon expects beta testing of the service to begin by the end of 2024. When is the next rocket launch from Florida? Another SpaceX Starlink mission with more of the company's internet satellites is expected to launch as early as Sunday night from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX announced late Sunday that the Starlink 6-22 mission is set for liftoff at 11:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 40. Teams have a window that extends until 1 a.m. EDT Monday if needed. For a launch overnight Sunday, the National Weather Service in Melbourne calls for mostly cloudy conditions around the spaceport with a less than 20% chance of showers. Wind from the north is expected to be breezy at around 10 mph. A forecast from the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron was not immediately available. For the latest schedule updates, visit floridatoday.com/space. Contact Jamie Groh at JGroh@floridatoday.com and follow her on X at @AlteredJamie. Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. Launch Sunday, October 8 Company / Agency: Internal SpaceX mission Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9 Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Time: 11:38 p.m. EDT Trajectory: Southeast Weather: 80% "go" Landing: Drone ship Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space About: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the company's latest batch of Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Friday's ULA launch for Amazon clears path for SpaceX mission Sunday Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The police confirmed two different ambush killings of barangay election candidates in Cebu and Bohol. The police have identified two motorcycle-riding suspects in the killing of a barangay chief candidate in Balamban, Cebu City, who was gunned down along Barangay Prenza late Thursday. The victim, 60, was also an incumbent barangay councilor of Cansomoroy. According to Balamban Police Chief, Lt. Glenn Hife, the Cebu victim came from his house past 5 p.m. before the incident happened. He was riding his motorcycle when suspects were believed to be tailing him. Witnesses said they heard only one gunshot during the incident. Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare said the suspects were identified via witnesses and CCTV footage. "This is a serious matter for us because this is a murder incident and the victim is a candidate so surely amo ni i-consider [that we will consider] in our adjustments in the security deployment," said Pelare. Authorities however are still verifying an election-related angle in the killing. It said that they are also looking for other angles. The 60-year-old councilor sustained a gunshot wound on the head. He was immediately brought to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The police chief added that the suspects may have fled to the interior portion of Balamban which is located some 50 kilometers west of Cebu City. Upon initial investigation, the family told the police that the councilor did not receive death threats prior to the incident. Pelare said they have adjusted the security deployment for Balamban following the ambush incident. Meanwhile in Bohol Province, Pelare also confirmed another ambush incident, this time, in Buenavista town around 12 midnight of Friday. Witnesses identified the fatality as town councilor. Cebu-based journalist Dale Israel contributed to this report. A handful of independent pharmacies across the country have quietly begun dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone under new rules created by the Biden administration earlier this year, even as a looming Supreme Court case could reimpose restrictions or ban the drugs entirely. Thousands of branches of major pharmacy chains are poised to join them making the drugs more accessible to millions of people nationwide and kicking off a new phase of the legal and political battle over the most popular method of ending a pregnancy. GenBioPro, the maker of generic mifepristone, published a list this week of 19 pharmacies in nine states certified to dispense the drug. The list, according to the company, only represents places that agreed to be named. The locations include independent community pharmacies, university-affiliated outlets and compounders, plus a mail-order pharmacy filling prescriptions in several states. GenBioPros list, which has not been previously reported, offers an early look at one of the Biden administrations most significant steps to expand abortion access post-Roe. Though the rollout has been slower and more limited than abortion-rights supporters have wanted, they say it still has the potential to radically alter the landscape, because most people live much closer to their local pharmacy than a doctors office or hospital. Im sure everybodys got their opinion, but were health care professionals who are here to help people get the medication they need when they need it, said Steve Moore, the owner of Condo Pharmacy in Plattsburgh, N.Y., which was recently certified to stock mifepristone, but has not had a patient request it. Moore added that he hasnt received any backlash. But anti-abortion groups pledged earlier this year to picket, boycott and organize pressure campaigns targeting pharmacies that dispense the pills, and reiterated that they will do so as more obtain certification. We are hoping abortion becomes unthinkable and are working towards that in our country, but in the meantime we want people to know that chemical abortion is not like getting a wart removed or taking an aspirin, Jeanne Mancini, the president of March for Life, said in an interview on Friday. Evan Masingill, the CEO of GenBioPro, said pharmacy fulfillment offers patients another option for accessing abortion. "At GenBioPro, we firmly believe everyone has a right to access evidence-based health care and safe and effective medicines, and that includes medical abortion," he said in a statement. Danco, the pharmaceutical company that makes the brand-name version of mifepristone, told POLITICO it has certified many of the same pharmacies as GenBioPro as well as others, but is not making its directory public until it has the pharmacies permission. A spokesperson said the company is "very excited about expanding access to Mifeprex so more patients are able to access the abortion care they need. Mifepristone, along with another drug, misoprostol, is approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy, and is used in more than half of abortions nationwide. The Biden administration in January announced that retail pharmacies could dispense the pills part of a broader push to preserve and expand access to abortion as more states prohibited the procedure. Previously, pregnant people had to get the drugs directly from their doctor or have it prescribed via telemedicine and sent by mail, depending on the laws in their state. Most of the first pharmacies certified to dispense the drug are in states with legal protections for abortion in general and the pills in particular, including California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. But some are in states with near-total bans, like Texas, and in states that cut off access early in pregnancy, including South Carolina, which has a six-week prohibition, and Arizona, which has a 15-week ban. The abortion laws in Wisconsin, where one pharmacy is certified to dispense, remain in legal limbo. Several factors, however, are likely to keep the pills out of reach for many. The countrys largest pharmacy chains told POLITICO that they will not sell the drugs, for now, in states where GOP attorneys general have threatened legal action, or in states where abortion is legal but pharmacists ability to dispense the pills falls into a legal gray area. Many conservative-led states have also banned or placed curbs on the pills, and efforts by doctors and drugmakers to topple those restrictions have, so far, failed in court. And in states with legal protections, many individual pharmacies and pharmacists are refusing to dispense because of personal objections to abortion, a desire to avoid protesters, or the hoops they must jump through to become eligible to dole out the medication. Kirsten Moore, director of the Expanding Medication Abortion Access Project, known as EMAA, said the drug companies have had to tread carefully in disclosing which pharmacies are dispensing because of threats from GOP state officials and anti-abortion advocates. The opposition they really want to put this medication back under lock and key, said Moore, no relation to Steve Moore. Making that information available basically ends up just putting a Kick Me sign on the pharmacy. CVS and Walgreens pledged in January to dispense the drugs in some states, after the FDA gave them the green light. Fraser Engerman, a spokesperson for Walgreens, told POLITICO the company is in the last stages of finalizing certification, while CVS Amy Thibault said its officials will continue to work through the steps of obtaining certification to dispense the drug. Those steps include securing an adequate supply of the pills, building a system that protects the privacy of patients, and verifying that only certified doctors are sending prescriptions to certified pharmacists. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and other medical and advocacy groups have called on the Biden administration to drop the certification requirement on the pills, which would have allowed pharmacies to begin dispensing them like any other prescription drug earlier this year. A spokesperson for the White House said the administration is focused on ensuring access to mifepristone, which the FDA approved as safe and effective more than 20-years ago, and stands by current policy. The January memo directing agencies to loosen restrictions on the pills, the spokesperson said, was issued in the face of attacks by state officials to prevent women from accessing mifepristone and discourage pharmacies from becoming certified to dispense the medication. In the months since that memo, abortion-rights supporters have also taken steps to increase access to pills beyond brick-and-mortar pharmacies. A wave of recent shield laws allow doctors in California and other blue states to prescribe and mail the drugs to patients in states with anti-abortion laws, and more virtual clinics have opened since Roe fell some of which will mail the medication anywhere in the U.S. regardless of state restrictions. I suspect, over the long run, that a lot of this will be by mail, said Alina Salganicoff, the director of the Women's Health Policy Program at KFF, a health policy think tank. There's a stigma we still have around going into a pharmacy. Some patients may be uncomfortable, especially if you live in a rural area where you may know the clerks and the people working there, so it may not be an option for you. But supporters of broader access argue pharmacies still have a crucial role to play, particularly because abortions can be time-sensitive. People might not be able to wait for the drugs to arrive by mail, either because they are experiencing a miscarriage, their pregnancy is threatening their health, or because theyre in a state that bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Others may not have a reliable mailing address or may live with an abusive partner. Also hanging over the rollout of the drugs to pharmacy shelves is a court case that could reinstate previous rules that only doctors can dispense the pills or strip FDA approval of the medication altogether. The Biden administration and Danco recently appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that would ban pharmacy dispensing and mail delivery of mifepristone and impose other restrictions. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in 2024 or 2025. Rachel Rebouche, a reproductive health law expert and dean of Temple Universitys Beasley School of Law, questioned whether the ongoing legal morass surrounding the pills regulation has spooked pharmacists who might otherwise get certified to dispense them. Why would you go to the administrative expense and logistical hassle of seeking certification and then stocking mifepristone with all of the reporting and storage and ID numbers and the like that come with it if the Supreme Court is essentially going to say, We rewind the clock to before 2016? she said, referring to the year when the FDA updated the drugs label sanctioning its use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and lowering the dosage. Yet the large pharmacy chains confirmed they have not been deterred by the possibility of such a ruling and will soon begin dispensing despite the threat of a future national rollback of the drugs. Colorado state agencies are investigating after more than 100 bodies were found being improperly stored at a funeral home offering "green" burials. The Fremont County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that deputies received a call reporting a "suspicious" incident. When they arrived at a building in Penrose, Colorado, they found it was owned by the "Return to Nature Funeral Home," which is based out of Colorado Springs. The sheriff's office executed a search warrant at the property the following day. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies and the Fremont County Coroner's Office also searched the property. The agencies found human remains were being "improperly stored" at the site. Bodies at the funeral home are buried without embalming chemicals or metal caskets, according to the Associated Press. Local residents reported smelling a foul stench from one of the funeral homes' buildings, which prompted the call to the sheriff's office. Reporters were told the building and the remains inside did not pose a risk to the public during a press conference on Friday. The sheriff's office declined to provide details of the scene inside the 2,500-square-foot facility, which is located next to the town's post office. The funeral home buries non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or "nothing at all," according to its website. It also provides cremation services, which involve no chemicals. The company started six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to state records. Fremont County deputies guard the road leading to the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 (AP) Green burials are legal under Colorado law, but the state requires that any body not buried within 24 hours be properly refrigerated until they can be buried. The funeral home sits near a number of nearby homes. Joyce Pavetti, 73, is the occupant of one, and told the AP that she began smelling the rot from the facility over the last few weeks. She said her and her neighbors assumed it was a dead animal. Another resident, Ron Alexander, told the AP he thought the smell was coming from a faulty septic tank. Investigators are still determining if any illegal activity occurred at the facility. It is not clear if a crime has been committed, that is a focus of the investigation at the state and federal level, FBI spokeswoman Vikki Migoya said. Investigators said the operators of the funeral home have been contacted and are cooperating with the authorities. Syrian student officers carry the coffins of their comrades who were killed on Thursday in a drone attack that hit a military graduation ceremony, during a mass funeral procession in Homs, Syria, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Family members of some of the victims of deadly drone attacks on a crowded military graduation that killed scores gathered outside a military hospital in this central city Friday to collect the bodies of their loved ones who lost their lives in one of Syria's deadliest single attacks in years. (AP Photo/Abdelrahman Shaheen) HOMS, Syria (AP) Family members of victims of a deadly drone attack on a crowded military graduation ceremony gathered outside a military hospital in the central city of Homs on Friday to collect bodies of loved ones who died in one of Syrias deadliest attacks in years. Thursdays strike on the Homs Military Academy killed 89 people, including 31 women and five children, and wounded as many as 277, according to the health ministry. The death toll could rise as some of the wounded are in critical condition. Syria announced a three-day state of mourning starting Friday. The attack is likely to lead to a renewed wave of violence in the countrys opposition-held northwest, where front lines have been relatively calm since Russia and Turkey, who support rival sides in the countrys conflict, reached a cease-fire in March 2020, ending a three-month Russian-backed government offensive against insurgents. No group immediately claimed responsibility for Thursdays attack as Syria endures its 13th year of conflict that has killed half a million people. In the aftermath, Syrian government forces intensified their shelling and airstrikes on rebel-held regions and insurgents fired back toward areas held by President Bashar Assads forces. The attack was an indication that the war is far from over and a sign of weakness within the Syrian military, which failed to prevent it despite the fact that the army has regained control of most of Syria in recent years with the backing of Russia and Iran. The last such large-scale killing against government forces came in 2014, when the Islamic State group killed more than 160 Syrian government troops at a military base in the northern province of Raqqa. In a video released at the time, dozens of terrified young conscripts were made to run while stripped down to their underwear before being killed. Around noon on Friday, the Syrian military fired machine guns toward another drone that flew over Homs, two pro-government media outlets, Al-Watan and Sham FM, reported. It was not immediately clear if the drone was shot down. The city of Homs is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of rebel-held areas, indicating that insurgents might have acquired weaponized long-range drones. Fearing retaliation from the government, religious authorities in areas held by the opposition in northern Syria said Friday prayers will not be held in mosques and called on people to pray at home instead out of concern for the safety of Muslims. Authorities in the region also ordered all private and public schools to close on Saturday and Sunday because of the brutal campaign that liberated areas are being subjected to. Syrias military said in a statement Thursday that drones laden with explosives targeted the ceremony packed with young officers and their families as it was wrapping up. Without naming any particular group, the military accused insurgents backed by known international forces for the attack and said it will respond with full force and decisiveness to these terrorist organizations, wherever they exist. Overnight, Syrian troops pounded the last major rebel-held region in parts of Idlib and Aleppo provinces, killing at least three people and wounding more than 15 in the town of Daret Azeh, according to the oppositions Syrian Civil Defense, also known as White Helmets. The group reported that a child was killed in another strike in a village in the region. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, reported that Russian warplanes carried out several airstrikes on the town of Jisr al-Shughour and nearby villages on Friday. The area is a stronghold of the Turkistan Islamic Party, a Uyghur militant group, many of whose fighters are Chinese Muslims. In Homs, hundreds of people, many of them dressed in black and weeping, gathered outside the Abdul-Qader Shaqfa Military Hospital where the bodies of 30 victims in coffins draped with Syrian flags were put in ambulances to be taken to their hometowns for burial. Army Lt. Ibrahim Shaaban came to collect the body of his fiancee, Raneem Quba, 23, who was killed along with her father, Mohammed, and younger sister, Rima, while attending the graduation of her brother, Lt. Hussein Quba. I feel that my back was broken, Shaaban said, holding back his tears while standing by her coffin. She was not only a fiancee, but a mother, a sister and a friend. Legislator Bassam Mohammed said targeting a place where civilians are present is a terrorist criminal act," and that the attackers intended to inflict large numbers of casualties. Syrian Defense Minister Gen. Ali Abbas was present Friday outside the hospital, where he comforted the families of victims. An opposition war monitor reported Thursday that Abbas had left the graduation ceremony shortly before the attack. We will go after them and after those who support them, Abbas said of the insurgents. We will avenge the blood of martyrs and clean Syria's soil from terrorists and criminals. One of the survivors, Lt. Jaafar Mohammed, 23, said he was taking photos with relatives by the platform when something suddenly exploded in front of them. I was thrown to the ground, said Mohammed, who suffered an arm injury. He said his brother was killed and his father and younger brother were also injured. Syrias crisis started with peaceful protests against Assads government in March 2011 but quickly morphed into a full-blown civil war after the governments brutal crackdown on the protesters. The tide turned in Assads favor against rebel groups in 2015, when Russia provided key military backing to Syria, as well as Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. ___ Mroue reported from Beirut. (Bloomberg) -- Gabons new forestry minister, appointed by the countrys military government after an August coup, has eased concern that the worlds second-most forested nation would abandon its role as one of the leading voices advocating the preservation of rain forests. Most Read from Bloomberg In his first order, signed Oct. 3, Minister of Water and Forests Maurice Ntossui Allogo, instructed the timber industry to transition to a new digital tracking system to crack down on deforestation and make the industry more transparent. Following the ousting of former president, Ali Bongo, who established a range of national parks in Gabon and appointed Lee White, a UK-born conservationist, as his forestry and climate change minister, the countrys stance on environment issues had been in the balance. In an interview last month, Samuel Jinapor, Ghanas minister of Lands and Natural Resources, expressed concern about the putsch and a hope that Gabon would continue to play a leading role in international climate politics. The National Traceability System of Wood from Gabon, or SNTBG, aims to halt deforestation and curb corruption in the industry by making logging data available to the public. Timber and wood processing companies in Gabon have six months to adopt the system, Allogo said in the decree. Gabons previous government banned the export of logs about a decade ago and then focused on seeking to process more wood into higher value products before shipping it to boost export income and create jobs. The country, which is about 90% covered by forest, is home to a number of valuable hardwoods. Last year African Conservation Development Group and Cora Group of Italy announced a sustainable forestry venture that will oversee 400,000 hectares (988,400 acres) of concessions in southern Gabon as well as a timber-processing facility in Port-Gentil. Other forestry firms operating in the country include Rougier SA, which manages close to 990,000 hectares of forest. Precious Woods Holding AG and Compagnie des Bois du Gabon each manage about 600,000 hectares. The SNTBG is the result of a multiyear effort between the Gabonese government and organizations Code4Nature and the Environmental Investigation Agency, the EIA said in an emailed statement. The system will include a mobile application to collect data at nine points along the supply chain on the ground, and a website to manage a data base and a portal to visually monitor the movement of goods. When fully implemented, the system will allow every citizen to be a part of the management of Gabons forests, including monitoring the legality of log trucks and of harvesting operations, according to the EIA. The program is potentially a model for sustainable forest governance around the world, Raphael Edou, Africa Program Manager at EIA-US, said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said who he votes for as the next Speaker of the House will come down to their views on government spending. My personal decision will come down to spending. I wanna hear these candidates say, We are done governing by continuing resolution and omnibus bill, because for me, this was never personal, Gaetz told conservative media personality Jason Whitlock on Thursday. The Florida lawmaker said he likes Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) for the Speakership. Im very close to both men, Gaetz said. He said Scalise gave him a giant rack of Cajun spices, and he admired the Louisiana lawmakers comeback after being shot in 2017. Gaetz called Jordan his personal mentor. Im really heartened to know weve got two amazing choices, two amazing men, and I actually think Gods will will be done here, Gaetz continued. Gaetz led the effort to push McCarthy out of the Speakers office. He and seven other Republicans joined House Democrats in a 216-210 vote to oust McCarthy. Gaetz said Scalise or Jordan would be a monumental upgrade from McCarthy earlier this week. I know this if its Speaker Jim Jordan or Speaker Steve Scalise, there will be very few conservatives in the country who dont see that as a monumental upgrade over Speaker McCarthy, Gaetz said during an appearance on Newsmax. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) speaking with reporters outside the House of Representatives, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 3, 2023. (Kent NishimuraThe New York Times) MIAMI Rep. Matt Gaetz s successful push to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy has ratcheted up speculation that the fourth-term Republican congressman already has his eye on his next target, still three years away: the Florida governors mansion. Gaetz, a close ally of former President Donald Trump , has swatted away rumors that he is planning to run statewide in 2026. But that hasnt stopped Floridas political class from chattering. A lot. Hed be the front-runner in any Republican primary he wants to run in right now, said state Rep. Alex Andrade, a Republican who represents the Pensacola area, which is in Gaetzs Panhandle district. Hes got his finger on the pulse of the Republican base better than anyone I see. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times The ambitious Gaetz boasts significant name recognition and is a favorite to receive Trumps endorsement. He knows how to dominate the news spotlight. And he has extensive connections with political operatives, lobbyists and donors from across Florida, dating back to his and his fathers years in the state Legislature and to his role leading Gov. Ron DeSantis transition in 2018. Much could happen between now and 2026. But the potential for a new job outside of Washington might be a welcome notion for Gaetz, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 2016. Ousting McCarthy showed how few allies he has within his party in Congress, where he is openly reviled; just seven members joined him to help topple the speaker. Many Republican lawmakers accused Gaetz of knifing McCarthy with no endgame beyond pursuing his own personal interests. Should he choose to run, Gaetz will still have liabilities as a statewide candidate. Federal prosecutors targeted him as part of a sex-trafficking investigation that did not lead to charges against him but revealed embarrassing personal details that opponents would no doubt reprise. Influential conservative media pundits have turned on him over removing McCarthy. And while Gaetz may have Trumps strong support now, if the former president loses his 2024 bid to return to the White House, it is unclear if he would continue to play kingmaker in future elections. Speculation about Gaetzs political future is happening unusually early, before next years presidential election a sign, Florida Democrats say, that Republicans are ready to move on from DeSantis, who is running for president. They want to look forward because theyre tired of this chaos, but obviously, Matt Gaetz is not the solution to that, said Nikki Fried, the chair of the Florida Democratic Party, who ran in the primary for governor last year and could try for the job again. But, she added, everybodys attention needs to be on 2024. Unlike Gaetz, DeSantis was a largely unknown congressman from Northeast Florida when he ran for governor in 2018. His candidacy succeeded in large part thanks to Trumps endorsement. Now in his second term, DeSantis has made the governorship an even more attractive job, expanding its authority to make the office perhaps more powerful than ever before. If the current Republican dynamics persist, the 2026 race could turn into a proxy fight between a candidate backed by Trump and one backed by DeSantis keeping Florida at the center of the nations political conversation. For now, Gaetz insists he has no plans to seek the office, saying in a text message this week that he is not running for governor. Im exactly where I am supposed to be. And Im doing exactly what Im supposed to be doing, he said. My only political ambition is electing President Trump again. He called a recent NBC News report that he planned to run overblown clickbait. But in August, Gaetz seemed to acknowledge that leading Florida had crossed his mind. I would definitely enjoy that job so much, Gaetz said during a livestream appearance with Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle, who encouraged him to run. I would never leave it if I ever got that opportunity. Among the other possible Republican contenders are the entire Florida Cabinet Ashley Moody, the attorney general; Wilton Simpson, the agriculture commissioner, and Jimmy Patronis, the chief financial officer as well as Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez and several members of Congress, including Reps. Byron Donalds and Michael Waltz. Donalds is seen as being particularly close to Trump. Simpson has at times clashed with DeSantis, who is term-limited. Moody and Nunez have endorsed the governor for president. There is no doubt that Gaetz is polarizing. Steve Vernon, a former chair of the Republican Party of Manatee County, in Southwest Florida, called McCarthys ouster a total mistake by Gaetz. Democrats are all cheering and laughing, Vernon said. All of the attention has switched from Biden and immigration and other issues, he added, and now were in limbo. Were Gaetz to run for governor, Vernon said, he would have no chance. Hes too extreme, he said, and he wouldnt win. Republicans in Floridas congressional delegation, who are usually deferential to their colleagues, were angry at Gaetz and the other Republicans who ousted McCarthy. Fringe hostage takers, Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Miami called them. Rep. John Rutherford of Jacksonville blasted Gaetz by name. Rep. Gaetzs concern for the American people is hollow, he said. Rep. Gaetz is driving our nation toward the brink of another government shutdown, all for clicks and cash and a boost in his national profile. Despite his hard-line conservative views, Gaetz has also taken positions on marijuana policy and other issues that have made him friends across the aisle. One of them is John Morgan, a major Florida political donor who describes himself as a Biden Democrat but is registered without a party affiliation. Gaetz recently had him on when he guest-hosted a show on Newsmax. Morgan said that if the Republican field for governor is as crowded as expected, Gaetz would be well positioned to get enough votes perhaps 30% to win. Its kind of the Trump formula, he said. Most people do not follow the ins and outs of Congress, Morgan added. Their takeaway from the McCarthy ouster will be that Gaetz is a fighter, he said, and that he is tight with Trump. Gaetz could also be helped by his family. His father, Don Gaetz , served for a decade in the Florida Legislature, including two years as Senate president, until 2016. This week, he filed to run for Senate again. In an interview, the elder Gaetz dismissed the suggestion that he was running again to be positioned to help his son, saying he was encouraged to return to politics by people in Northwest Florida. He and I talk almost every day, and I can tell you that he is singularly focused on budget issues and spending issues and trying to get a vote on term limits in Washington, he said. He has not told me that he intends to run for governor. I dont think he has an interest in it. c.2023 The New York Times Company After more than a decade of intensive planning and research, an extensive campaign to eradicate invasive species on a Galapagos island got underway this week. One of the first islands to be colonized by settlers, in 1832, Floreana now has the highest concentration of threatened species in the Galapagos archipelago: 55 of the islands native species are threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and 12 species are locally extinct. To counter the islands invasive mammals rodents and feral cats two helicopters will drop poisonous baits along predetermined transects. The initial bait application will take 10 days and cover the entire 42,000-acre island, with two additional applications planned before the end of the year. Provided the eradication is successful, the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, a consortium of several Ecuadorean conservation groups, plans to reintroduce to the island, in January 2024, the first of 12 locally extinct species: the giant tortoise. As the ecosystem regenerates over the next seven years, the project will gradually release Floreana racer snakes, Floreana mockingbirds, vermilion flycatchers, gray warbler finches, large ground finches, vegetarian finches, sharp-beaked ground finches, barn owls, Galapagos rail, lava gulls, and Galapagos hawks all of which are found on other Galapagos islands. ALSO ON YALE E360 Native Species or Invasive? The Distinction Blurs as the World Warms There have been a dozen arrests and 17 students have been suspended or expelled after a series of gang-related brawls revolving around Canutillo High School, officials said. The fist fights broke out last week in school hallways and off campus, leading to arrests by Canutillo Independent School District police and the El Paso Police Department's Gang Unit, school district officials said. Homicides 2023: El Paso police seek help to solve teen shooting deaths at Tierra Inca house party Things are quiet this week with Canutillo and other El Paso-area school districts on vacation for intersession, followed by fall break next week. What happened at Canutillo High School? A series of fights erupted over several days at Canutillo High School and off campus, including under a bridge at a drainage arroyo near Borderland Road, school district spokesman Gustavo Reveles said. Some of the conflicts involved a "group of students who claim to be from a fairly newly formed gang," Canutillo ISD police told parents in an open letter on the department's Facebook page. Many of the clashes were filmed on cellphone videos circulating online. A series of fights among students at Canutillo High School kept Canutillo Independent School District police officers busy last week, Sept. 25-29. Canutillo ISD police take part in a training exercise earlier this year in this file photo. Reveles said that no one had to be transported to the hospital due to their injuries, though some students were treated by the school nurse for minor cuts and bruises. Crime: Judge orders mental evaluation of man arrested in West Side armed standoff on balcony On Sept. 28-29, many students stayed home because of false rumors that there could possibly be a shooting at the school. Canutillo ISD police described the rumors as "malicious misinformation." Canutillo High School has about 1,500 students. It is located at 6675 S. Desert Blvd. in the suburban community of Canutillo in the Upper Valley. How many arrests were made at Canutillo HS? A dozen young men have been arrested since last week and Canutillo ISD issued 17 suspensions and expulsions from school because of the fights, Reveles said. Some of the arrests took place this week and more arrests are possible. Nation: Why the mental health crisis in schools could get worse after shutdown averted The El Paso police Gang Unit and Canutillo ISD police arrested nine persons (five adults, four juveniles) on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and assault for gang-related fights off campus, officials said. Persons 17 and older are considered adults in the Texas justice system. Three juvenile students were arrested by CISD police on misdemeanor assault charges for fighting in school, officials said. What is being done in response to the Canutillo ISD teen violence? School administrators, police and security are updating policies and procedures and have increased monitoring of hallways and common areas at Canutillo High School to prevent any more violence, a district spokesman said. Canutillo ISD police are working closely with the EPPD Gang Unit to address any further concerns. Community: 'Do you know where your children are?' El Paso police go retro as juvenile curfew ends Canutillo ISD Police Chief Jose A. Kluge plans to create a volunteer program called POP, or "Parents On Patrol," to help increase campus safety. Anyone with information regarding crime and safety at Canutillo High School may call Canutillo ISD police dispatch at 915-877-6650. Information regarding crime on campus, including violence, possession of weapons and drugs, gang activity and bullying issues, can also be made anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477 (TIPS). Tipsters could be eligible for a cash reward if a tip leads to an arrest. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Canutillo High School gang fights result in dozen arrests Its not as high-profile as replacing a California senator, but residents of Yolo County are patiently awaiting the announcement of another Gov. Gavin Newsom appointment. The August death of Gary Sandy, Yolo Countys District 3 supervisor, has set the stage for his interim replacement. And just like in the case of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the death presents a political dilemma, differing support from opposing factions and an opportunity to make history. I do believe that the community is split as to who might be the best representative, said Supervisor Oscar Villegas, who is the current chair of the board. The most well-known candidates for the appointment are three women: Xochitl Rodriguez Murillo, Mary Vixie Sandy and Mayra Vega. Each one brings their own expertise, and would be the first woman to serve on the board since 2011. But if Murillo and Vega were appointed, they would make history as the first Latina supervisor in Yolo County, where roughly a third of the population is Latino. Newsom is rumored to make his decision for 15 month-long appointment within the next week, but all three women have plans to run in the upcoming March primary. At the moment, Vixie Sandy, the widow of Gary Sandy, seems to be the front-runner for the appointment. She has garnered significant support from the community, including all four current Yolo supervisors and several well-known Latinos in the area. Mary has a real good grasp of the issues affecting the Latino community and community in general, said Jesse Ortiz, former Yolo County superintendent of schools. However, not everyone agrees with that assertion. Some residents, such as former Yolo County District 3 Supervisor Matt Rexroad, say Vixie Sandys support stems from her husbands legacy. Rexroads thrown his support behind Vega. These conversations are happening to not only put somebody in the place but then also deny the opportunity for Latina to serve on the board, Rexroad said. This is not something thats royalty where you get a seat because of lineage. Sandy family legacy and commitment to continue it The Sandy familys impact in Yolo County is hard to overlook and left many in the Yolo community grieving after Gary died this summer following complications from a treatment for liver cancer. The family arrived in Woodland in 1987. Two years later, Sandy got his start in politics with a seat on the City Council. He was re-elected in 1992, and eventually served as mayor. Sandy went on to take on roles with the Yolo fair board, Yuba Community College District, UC Davis and, in 2018, won the supervisor seat. Vixie Sandy spent her career as a policy leader working in higher education and government. She currently serves as the executive director of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the nations oldest independent standards board for educators. Previous positions shes held have been at UC Davis School of Education, California State University Chancellors Office and California Department of Education. Throughout his political career, Sandy prioritized representation and offered his endorsement to many Latinos pushing for elected office in the region. Gary was one of the first non-Latinos to come out and make a difference for potential Latino candidates to get elected in Woodland and we havent forgotten that, Ortiz said. This history has resulted in a swell of Latinos supporting Vixie Sandy. She has secured support from Ortiz, Yolo County Supervisor Angel Barajas, West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero, Woodland Mayor Victoria Fernandez and other prominent Latinos. Supervisor Jim Provenza specifically cited Sandy and his loyalty as one of the reasons for his support of Vixie Sandy. Provenza served on the board for five years with Sandy. Mary and Gary have worked as a team, both in getting elected, and in some of the work hes done in office, Provenza said. And I think she most clearly represents somebody who would carry on what he would want. Provenza also pointed to Vixie Sandys background in education. But Rexroad argues none of her work has been centered in the geographical area that she could soon serve. I am not aware of any activity that Mary has participated in the city of Woodland in the last 20 years, Rexroad said. For her part, Vixie Sandy says she has been deeply committed to Woodlands issues water conservation, preserving agricultural land and homelessness since arriving nearly 40 years ago. She also pointed to her roles working with the California Legislature and time with Woodlands League of Women Voters and YMCA board of directors. I have a very deep familiarity with issues of governance, and the work that electeds do, Vixie Sandy said. Ive worked very hard on many campaigns, as well to get electeds into their seats, so this is not unfamiliar terrain for me at all. Two Latina pushing for history Murillos ties to Yolo County run deep. She grew up in Woodland to farmworker parents who immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico. She left the area in 2004 on deployment with the U.S. Army and went on to receive a National Defense Service medal and Armed Forces Reserve medal. She then served in the California Legislature under different capacities. She is also a former Woodland City Council member and, in 2019, was appointed deputy secretary for minority and underrepresented veterans by Newsom. Murrillo planned to pursue the District 3 seat for some years and would like to be a voice for people in the community like her. I grew up in the community, and a lot of my experience mirrors that of many folks who grew up in Yolo County, Murillo said. I do think its critical that we get a Latina to help be a voice also for the Spanish-speaking community. The district up for grabs represents the northern area of West Sacramento and large portions of Woodland, a city where nearly half of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, the highest percentage of any city in the Sacramento area, according to the 2020 census. Vega, a native of Michoacan, Mexico, is a relative newcomer to region. Her family relocated from Mexico to Napa, where she spent most of her life. She moved to Woodland in 2018, and two years later was elected to the City Council. She has since served a rotation as mayor. I am really committed to serving this community and bringing open dialogue and really advocating for advancing well being of this community, Vega said. Her background stems in health care with a focus on strategic planning and business development. Vega was appointed deputy director of the California Department of Health Care Access and Information in 2022 by Newsom. If selected for the seat, she aspires to prioritize social services and the health of the community. But representation remains key, said Vega. Its important for young women and young men to be able to see that their leaders reflect to their community, said Vega, who, like Vixie Sandy received a letter of support from Villegas. Both Murillo and Vega acknowledged that the majority of Latino support in the community has gone to Vixie Sandy, which they attributed to her and Sandys commitment to representation. Vega also said some people mentioned committing to Vixie Sandy months ago when she asked for endorsements. An extensive list like that takes a long time to build, Vega said. If not appointed themselves, Murillo and Vega said they hoped the seat would go to another Latina. Who plans to run for the seat next year? All three women will face off again, regardless of who is appointed. Each one told The Bee that they are committed to running in the March primary election for the District 3 seat, with Murillo and Vixie Sandy already joining the signature-in-lieu period. That upcoming election leads to a tricky situation to whoever is appointed to the seat, said Villegas. Villegas, who was Yolo Countys first Latino supervisor, was in a similar position in 2014. He was appointed to the Board of Supervisors by Gov. Jerry Brown, and then four months later had to run again. I got congratulated on day one, and then I got good luck on day two, because it was immediately into a campaign mode, Villegas said. Appointments typically take a few months, which leads to some agenda items backing up until full board representation. That means any person appointed, or who goes on to serve a full board term, must understand the communitys issues and challenges almost immediately, Villegas said. The people who need our services are not going to show up at our board meetings, Villegas said. They just dont have time for that. Theyre too busy trying to get through the day-to-day challenges. So, this position requires somebody who wants to roll up their sleeves, get right in, and on day one fully immerse themselves in the issues. A Wisconsin school principal who was placed on leave by his district has filed a complaint alleging the district took action against him simply because hes gay, in violation of state law. Jeffrey Peterson began working as principal of the Raymond School, a pre-K-8 school in Franksville, Wis., July 1, 2021, according to the complaint, filed last Friday with the Equal Rights Division of the states Department of Workforce Development. He began hearing antigay remarks almost immediately, he says. At the first board meeting he attended after becoming principal, several members of the public made antigay comments, and Superintendent Michael Garvey did nothing to counter them, the complaint says. In a staff meeting in August 2021, Garvey told employees that the community holds conservative Christian values, which have to be reflected in the schools curriculum and policies. Garvey is named as respondent in the complaint, which alleges discrimination based on sex and on sexual orientation, both illegal under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act. That same month, the school district canceled the health insurance for Petersons partner, and administrators told him that same-sex partners could not be covered and that it was the law. Much of the antigay atmosphere, Peterson says, was driven by two board members, Audrey Kostuch and Gwen Keller. They are affiliated with a group called Convention of States, whose main cause is calling for a constitutional convention to craft a new U.S. Constitution under which the states could limit the federal governments power. It appears to espouse various other causes as well, though. Keller decided to run for the board after she began attending meetings and researching what books were available in school libraries. She discovered some that were inappropriate for her children (or any child) to read, says a Convention of States press release. She challenged three books and managed to have them removed. Its not clear what all the titles were, but the press release notes she had objected to the availability of a video from the Arthur childrens TV series in which two male characters get married. Despite the hostility Peterson encountered from some board members, he received a new contract in April 2022 that included a $5,000 performance-based raise and $15,000 to compensate for the loss of his partners health insurance. But he learned that there was talk around town alleging that he and his partner were trying to indoctrinate children. In March of this year, Garvey assigned him to teach a course on human growth and development for fifth-grade boys but said another adult would be there to observe Peterson and make sure he didnt indoctrinate the students, according to the complaint. In April, Garvey made the conservative values comment at a board meeting. In June, the complaint says, he told Peterson his contract may not be renewed. Peterson continued hearing homophobic and sexist comments from board and staff members, and board member Kostuch told him he should ask female students if they were having their period in case it was affecting their moods and behavior, the document states. He considered this a trap to make him have inappropriate, sexualized conversations with students. Some citizens were lining up against Garvey, who they considered excessively political. In August, a citizens group voted to have Garvey removed from his job and prevented from using district funds to defend himself against discrimination claims. The board didnt act on the citizens demand, however. At its September 27 meeting, the board voted 4-1 to consider not renewing Petersons contract, which expires in 2025. He was placed on leave last week and escorted from the school building by Garvey, who had Racine County sheriffs deputies present. Peterson was told he is under investigation for misconduct but was given no specifics. If Mr. Peterson wasnt gay, then this discrimination from the board would not be happening, his attorney, Ben Hitchcock Cross, told reporters after September 27 meeting, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. And we dont think he would be nonrenewed. Several parents have attended board meetings and spoken in defense of Peterson. Parent Mitchell Berman blamed Kostuch and Keller. This is 100 percent why he was targeted, Berman told WPR. These are the people who are banning the books, who are concerned about a PBS cartoon being shown. The school board issued a statement saying the leave will allow the districts administration, through a third party, to investigate concerns about the principals conduct. The board and Garvey released no further information, WPR reports. Pictured: Raymond School and Jeffrey Peterson (CNN) More than 100 people are missing in Indias northeast after heavy rain caused a glacial lake to burst, leading to flash floods which ripped through the Himalayan state of Sikkim Wednesday, killing at least 19 and washing away roads and bridges, according to the state government. A sudden cloudburst over Lhonak Lake, in the northern part of the state, sent fast-moving torrents of water surging down the Teesta River in Sikkims Lachen valley, raising water levels 15-20 feet higher than normal, the Indian Army said in a statement. A cloudburst is a very sudden and destructive rainstorm. Chungthang Dam, also known as the Teesta 3 dam and part of a major hydropower project in the state, was washed away, according to a statement issued by the National Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday night. Drinking water supplies and sewage treatment plants have been totally damaged across affected districts, according to the state government. Video from the north of the state shows a muddy deluge rapidly overflowing the river, and flooded houses caked in dirt and debris, while images show search teams using excavators to uncover army vehicles buried deep in the mud. Rescue and restorations operations are underway with both state and national disaster personnel involved, the government said. Known as the rooftop of the world, the ecologically-sensitive Himalayan region is prone to flash floods and landslides, and flooding is not unusual in Sikkim. But scientists are clear that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more intense as the human-caused climate crisis accelerates. As search efforts continued Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) released dramatic images showing the volume of water which had been released from Lhonak Lake following the cloudburst. Lhonak Lake is a large glacial bullet-shaped water body that sits at the foot of a melting glacier. An analysis of the images shows more than 60% of the water held in the lake drained out after the extreme rainstorm triggered a glacial lake outburst. This phenomenon happens when a glacial lake rises too high or the surrounding land or ice gives way and the lake bursts, sending water and debris rushing down mountains. One satellite image shows the lake holding about 167.4 hectares of water on September 28, while another dated October 4 shows the lake reduced by more than half holding approximately 60.3 hectares of water in it. It is observed that lake is burst and about 105 hectares area has been drained out which might have created a flash flood downstream (in the Teesta River), ISRO said in text accompanying the images. Scientists have long studied Lhonak Lake, identifying it as one of the fastest swelling glacial lakes in the region with a high risk for a potential glacial outburst, according to multiple studies. In recent years, the states Disaster Management Authority led several expeditions to the site, concluding that a glacial lake outburst would cause huge devastation downstream and that loss of life and property were likely. Pipelines were installed at the lake to siphon off the water as a short-term solution. And last May, the state government held a consultation workshop on such a risk, with the director of Sikkims Department of Science and Technology highlighting the urgent need for an early warning system for these glacial lakes in Sikkim. Search efforts hampered by heavy rain The Sikkim city of Pakyong was the worst affected with seven people killed in the floods and 59 people missing, the Sikkim government said. Among those unaccounted for are dozens of members of the Indian Army. A massive search and rescue operation to find the missing soldiers has been launched but efforts were hampered by incessant rains and flooding that had cut off roads and washed-out bridges, the army said. On Wednesday evening, one soldier was rescued and is in a stable condition but 22 others remain missing, according to the army. In an update Friday, the army said that certain military equipment including firearms and explosives were carried away by the Teesta River and urged the public to be vigilant and report any unfamiliar objects, crates, packages, firearms, or any suspicious items. The missing military equipment could pose a potential risk of a dangerous explosion, it said. At least 11 bridges collapsed in the flooding, impeding rescue efforts and cutting off remote areas, the government said. In the state capital and largest city Gangtok, three deaths were reported and 22 people missing, it added. More than 2,000 people have been evacuated and relief camps have been set up across the state to help more than 22,000 people affected by the flash floods. On Thursday, the state government said at least 3,000 tourists remain stranded in Sikkims Lachung and Lachen and that helicopters are being deployed to help evacuate them. The Teesta-V Hydropower Station was reported to be under shutdown presently and not generating electricity, the All India Radio (AIR) News reported, citing the countrys Power Ministry. All the bridges downstream to Teesta-V Hydropower Station up to Tarkhola and Pamphok have been submerged which has severely affected commutation and communication in these areas, it said. A detailed assessment of damage to the hydropower projects would be made by the central government once the flood water recedes, AIR News reported. The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall to continue across the countrys east and northeast, including Sikkim, for the next two days. Sikkims chief minister Prem Singh Tamang said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that emergency services have been mobilized to the affected areas, and he has visited Singtam to assess the damages and engage with the local community. Singtam is a town affected by the flooding about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Gangtok. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the situation an unfortunate natural calamity and offered all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected, he wrote on X. Glacial outbursts will affect millions The Himalayan region is highly vulnerable to the climate crisis. Himalayan glaciers feed into rivers that provide freshwater to two billion people and many communities depend on the glacial waters to irrigate their crops. But a recent report warned the glaciers could lose up to 80% of their ice by 2100 as temperatures rise, heightening the likelihood of floods, landslides, avalanches and also drought. As glaciers around the world melt at an alarming rate, about 15 million people who live near glacial lakes are at risk from catastrophic glacial lake outbursts, with more than half concentrated in just four countries India, Pakistan, Peru and China according to a study earlier this year. These lake bursts have been compared to an inland tsunami and their impact akin to a sudden dam collapse, experts previously told CNN. The ensuing floods happen with little to no warning and previous glacial lake outbursts have killed thousands of people and destroyed property and critical infrastructure. A 2020 study of the Teesta River basin by scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, found a increase in rainfall and temperatures this century and that Sikkims many glacial lakes are expanding due to glacier and snow melt as temperatures rise. The researchers warned that heavy rainfall events can cause the sudden expansion of lakes, risking glacial outburst floods, and it was critical that state disaster management departments are properly equipped to respond to such disasters and that policy makers implement climate change adaptation strategies. In 2021, a Himalayan glacier collapsed in Uttarakhand, sending an avalanche of water, dust and rocks down a mountain gorge, and crashing though two hydroelectric projects, killing at least 38 people. In Indias north, communities have warned for decades about unregulated commercial development, deforestation and back-to-back dam building in the fragile region, increasing the risk of disasters, flooding and landslides. The United Auto Workers union said General Motors has agreed to put the companys battery plant workers under the unions national contract, calling it a major victory in the ongoing strike against the Big Three automakers. UAW President Shawn Fain said in a Facebook Live address to members Friday that GM had put the agreement in writing. The two sides have not yet reached a broader deal on a new four-year contract, but Fain called the battery plant provision a major step forward. Weve been told for months that this is impossible, Fain said. Weve been told the [electric vehicle] future must be a race to the bottom. And now weve called their bluff. Fain said the Detroit-based automaker agreed to put battery plant workers under the unions contract after the union threatened to strike the companys assembly plant in Arlington, Texas, where GM rolls out high-margin SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. A GM spokesperson did not immediately respond when asked to confirm Fains announcement, and the union could not provide further details on the plan Friday. Weve been told the EV future must be a race to the bottom. And now weve called their bluff.Shawn Fain, UAW president Battery plant workers loom large in what the union calls a just transition away from combustion-engine cars and trucks toward EVs. The union has worried that Ford, GM and Stellantis, which owns the Dodge and Jeep brands, would use the manufacturing pivot as an opportunity to shift away from union labor toward lower-wage, nonunion workforces. Backed by federal subsidies, automakers are expected to move heavily toward EV production in the years to come. The UAW has insisted that any new jobs created by electric vehicle demand should have the same standards as traditional union auto jobs, with high wages and retirement security. The automakers have generally maintained that the battery plants are joint ventures with other outside companies and therefore the union could not involve those plants in bargaining. Fain cast the purported offer from GM as a major breakthrough. The [automakers] plan was to draw down engine and transmission plants and replace them with low-wage battery jobs, Fain said. We had a different plan. He added, We expect to win at Ford and Stellantis as well. UAW President Shawn Fain, shown here on the picket line, said General Motors has offered to put battery plant workers under the union's contract. UAW President Shawn Fain, shown here on the picket line, said General Motors has offered to put battery plant workers under the union's contract. The UAW has been on strike against Ford, GM and Stellantis for three weeks. It is the first time in the unions history that it was waged a concurrent work stoppage at all of the Big Three. But rather than shut down all facilities, the union has opted to strike only targeted plants to leave room for escalation. So far, roughly 25,000 workers have gone on strike at five assembly plants and dozens of parts distribution facilities, while thousands more have been temporarily laid off as a result of the walkouts. Roughly 150,000 workers are covered under the three national contracts. The unions strategy of deploying unpredictable walkouts has left the companies on their toes. Last week, the union expanded the strike at Ford and GM while sparing Stellantis; the week prior, it expanded the strike at GM and Stellantis while sparing Ford. On Friday, Fain announced no additional plants to be struck, citing the progress that has been made in negotiations. Not everything is about pulling out the bazooka, Fain said. Weve been very careful about how we escalate this strike, and weve designed this strategy to increase pressure on the companies, not to hurt them for its own sake. He added, They know weve got more cards to play. A top campaign aide to embattled US Congressman George Santos has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud. Nancy Marks, who appeared in court on Thursday, admitted she falsified some of the campaign's financial records. She reported a fake $500,000 (410,000) loan that Mr Santos claimed to have given the campaign, prosecutors say. It is the latest trouble for the Republican lawmaker, who has himself been indicted on several charges. During her court appearance, Ms Marks told the judge: "I knew that the loan had not been made," the New York Times reported. The false reports meant the campaign qualified for the fundraising benchmarks needed to receive financial support from the national Republican Party committee. Prosecutors also say the campaign reported false contributions from at least 10 members of Mr Santos' family. Ms Marks was arrested on Thursday and entered the plea in federal court in Long Island. She could face up to four years in prison under her current plea agreement. She was released on an unsecured $100,000 bond. Her lawyer, Ray Perini, reportedly said Mr Santos had "mentally seduced" his client. Shortly after Mr Santos' election to represent a suburban New York district in 2022, the New York Times and other outlets reported that he had fabricated significant portions of his resume and life story. He also faced intense scrutiny for the questionable reporting and use of his congressional campaign funds. Mr Santos was indicted in May on charges of wire fraud, making false statements to the US House of Representatives, money laundering, and theft of public funds. He has pleaded not guilty and denies the charges. Despite facing calls to resign, Mr Santos has continued to serve in Congress and actively courts the spotlight. He has, however, admitted "embellishing" his resume. (Bloomberg) -- US Representative George Santos s campaign treasurer pleaded guilty to charges that she conspired with the congressman to fraudulently obtain financial support for his campaign. Most Read from Bloomberg Nancy Marks, 58, is the second person tied to the embattled Republican congressman from New York to face federal charges. Santos was indicted in May, accused of stealing public funds and lying on federal disclosure forms, among other allegations. Marks, who served as the treasurer for Santoss congressional campaign committee in 2022, admitted that she worked with him to submit false reports to the Federal Election Commission on behalf of his campaign. Marks appeared before US District Judge Joanna Seybert in Central Islip, New York, Thursday afternoon where she pleaded guilty. She was released on $100,000 bond and faces as long as four years in prison when she is sentenced on April 12. Her lawyer, Ray Perini, didnt immediately respond to a voicemail message seeking comment. Marks was advised by the judge that if she cooperates with the government, her assistance would be taken into account at her sentencing if prosecutors write a letter about it, according to a court filing. The first-term lawmaker, who is running for re-election next year, faces as many as 20 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges of wire fraud and money laundering, according to the US. The case poses a problem for Republicans amid calls on both sides of the aisle for Santos to resign. Hes scheduled to return to court on Oct. 27. Read More: Santos Prosecutors Say Talks on Paths Forward Are Underway The tightening net around Santos comes as his vote may be critical to elect a new House speaker after Tuesdays abrupt ouster of Kevin McCarthy. With only 221 Republicans in the House, the party cant afford to lose many votes in its effort to rally around a successor, in a process that could take several rounds of voting. While Santos has pleaded not guilty, last month prosecutors said he and his lawyer were in plea talks and discussing possible paths forward. Prosecutors said Marks and Santos reported at least 10 family members as straw donors to the FEC along with a non-existent $500,000 loan from Santos to the campaign in order to inflate his fundraising numbers. Those fraudulent numbers, prosecutors said, allowed Santos to take advantage of a Republican party program that gave additional financial support to candidates that achieved fundraising targets. The Republican National Congressional Committee didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Joseph Murray, Santoss lawyer, also didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Meanwhile, Sam Miele, a former Santos fundraiser, was charged by the US in August, accused of wire fraud and identity theft for allegedly impersonating an aide to McCarthy. Prosecutors allege Miele sent out emails seeking campaign contributions claiming to be a high ranking aide to a member of the House with leadership responsibilities. The case is US v. Devolder Santos, 23-cr-0197, US District Court, Eastern District of New York (Central Islip). Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. No criminal charges will be brought against state patrol troopers in Georgia who shot and killed an environmental protester at the site of a huge new public safety training center for law enforcement and others in the Atlanta area, known as Cop City. Related: Why is Georgia prosecuting leftwing activists with the same law as Trump? | Akin Olla The district attorney pro tempore made the announcement on Friday, almost nine months after Manuel Paez Teran, nicknamed Tortuguita, 26, was killed in January during protests against the development. They were one of dozens of activists camped in a public park in mid-January protesting against the $90m police and fire department training center planned for part of the South River forest less than a mile away, when law enforcement opened fire. It was the first time in US history that police killed an environmental activist while they were protesting. The Stone Mountain judicial circuit district attorney, George Christian, announced his decision not to pursue charges in a news release. He was appointed to review the Georgia bureau of investigation file on the 18 January shooting of Paez Teran after the DeKalb county district attorney, Sherry Boston, recused herself from the case. The use of deadly force by Georgia state troopers who shot and killed the activist was objectively reasonable and, hence, no charges will be sought against them, the prosecutor said. BREAKING: No criminal charges to be filed against Georgia State Troopers who shot and killed Manuel Tortuguita Teran, according to Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit DA George Christian. @ajc pic.twitter.com/wTtl0TQ6XM Jozsef Papp (@JozsefPapp_) October 6, 2023 Opponents of Cop City had occupied an 85-acre tract of forest that is being developed for the massive facility where Paez Teran was killed. State troopers were part of an enforcement operation at the site. When the activist refused to come out of a tent, the troopers fired a pepper-ball launcher and Paez Teran responded by firing a handgun four times through the tent, hitting and seriously wounding a trooper, Christians release said on Friday. Six troopers fired back, killing Paez Teran. An independent autopsy commissioned by their family, however, revealed that there was no gunpowder residue on Paez Terans hands and they had their hands raised at the time of the shooting. The private autopsy also found that Paez Teran suffered at least 57 gunshot wounds. The DeKalb county medical examiner had concluded the death was a homicide, although it did not draw a conclusion about whether Paez Terans hand were in the air. An inquiry into the killing has been marred by contradictory information released by officials. A further extraordinary turn of events came when 61 protesters were charged under Georgias racketeering (Rico) law, as laid out in a 109-page indictment released last month a law usually used against organized crime groups, like the mafia. It is the largest criminal conspiracy case ever leveled against a protest movement. The Associated Press contributed reporting Attorney Kenneth Chesebro, alleged mastermind of the illegal fake electors plot launched by a frenzied Trump team in an attempt to keep the defeated former president in office, just cannot catch a break. The Massachusetts-based lawyer was handed his latest loss in court on Friday, when Judge Scott McAfee handed down a blistering order denying an audacious attempt by Chesebro to get his indictment in the sprawling racketeering case dismissed outright due to an apparently trifling paperwork error. Chesebros attorney Scott Grubman filed a Hail Mary pass of a motion on Wednesday, claiming that Fulton County Special Assistant District Attorney Nathan Wade, who was specially selected by District Attorney Fani Willis to help prosecute the case, was late in submitting the appropriate paperwork necessary to formalize his appointment. Citing an obscure section of the Official Georgia Code, the motion deemed Wades participation thus far in the case void as a matter of law. The indictment in Fulton County against Trump, Chesebro, and 17 other co-defendants over the hamfisted attempts to reverse Georgias 2020 presidential election results, was filed on Aug. 17. Wade, however, didnt hand in his signed oath of Special Assistant District Attorney until Sept. 27, following an inquiry from Grubman. Nathan Wade, who has and continues to serve as lead counsel in this caseincluding during the presentment of the case to the criminal grand jury and at the time the underlying indictment was returnedwas not an authorized public officer by Georgia law, Chesebros motion states. First Plea Deal in Georgia RICO Case Is Not Good News for Trump It accuses Wade of committing a misdemeanor by presenting the case to a grand jury and obtaining an indictment without first taking and filing the appropriate oaths. Accordingly, the indictment in this case must be dismissed, the filing states. On Friday, McAfee systematically dismantled Chesebros latest attempt to duck accountability, making legal mincemeat out of the 62-year-olds reasoning in less than 900 words. In the order, McAfee noted that Chesebro, like Wade, filed his motion after the official deadline. However, McAfee said he allowed an exception and decided to address the merits anyway because the motion is so easily dispatched. To begin with, McAfee said Chesebros motion fail[ed] to establish that this code section is even relevant to Special ADA Wade. The Georgia Code states that the requirements in question do not apply to those tasked to work on specific cases, rather than being sworn in on a general assignment. But, McAfee wrote, Chesebros motion noted this exception, then blithely move[d] on without adequately explaining why it should not apply. The smackdown continued apace, lambasting Chesebro for citing the appropriate stipulation but leaving it tucked away in a footnote with only the unsupported assertion that prosecuting a criminal case is one such specially declared situation. The Court has not been provided, nor located, any authority to support this claim, according to McAfees order. McAfee then schooled Chesebro and his attorney on the de facto officer theory recognized early in our Supreme Courts existence, which holds that anyone who exercises the duties of an office under color of an appointment or election to that office is indeed considered to be an officer, in practice. The validity of this is so well settled that it is embodied in the [Georgia] Code, and even without filing his oath at all, Wades work on the case to this point would nevertheless be valid. And if this parrot of a motion is somehow not yet dead, McAfee goes on, the Defendant has failed to establish how Special ADA Wades actions resulted in prejudice, i.e., how his assignment singlehandedly changed any specific actions taken during the investigation or resulted in the true bill of indictment Nor has Defendant established a constitutional violation or structural defect in the grand jury process sufficient to justify outright dismissal. And so, McAfee writes, The motion is DENIED. Trump Co-Defendant Just Cannot Get Unstuck From Sidney Powell Chesebro has been handed a steady stream of defeats in court, beginning with his demand in August for a speedy trial. While Willis had suggested a start date of March 2024, Chesebro invoked his right to stand trial within weeks of his indictment, the legal equivalent of throwing a bomb into the proceedings and gambling that Willis wasnt ready, Tamar Hallerman, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter covering the proceedings, wrote on Twitter. In response, Willis appeared to call Chesebros bluff and suggested a lightning-fast trial date of Oct. 23. Chesebro has since been unable to separate himself from co-defendant Sydney Powell, who aped Chesebros speedy trial ploy. Powell, the seemingly unmoored Trump election attorney who has been described as a complete nut, a lunatic, a fucking nutcase, and even crazier than you think, was immediately yoked to Chesebro, who then tried desperately to avoid being paired with her at trial. As has now become routine, his gambit didnt work. Late last month, Chesebro unsuccessfully floated a new defense, arguing he couldnt have possibly been part of a broad, overarching conspiracy because he only advised Trump for approximately six weeks. (The RICO charges still stand against all of the defendants; Powell tried the same thing and on Thursday was unceremoniously shot down.) On Sept. 29, McAfee also rejected Chesebros flailing attempt to have incriminating emails thrown out as evidence, along with his laughable assertion that he is not a criminal suspect because he was never sent a target letter. Defendant must know better, McAfee wrote in his order rebuffing Chesebros claim. Scott Grubman did not respond to The Daily Beasts request for comment on Friday. 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. German President Steinmeier walks to receive on the day he meets the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan's former President at Bellevue Palace in Berlin BERLIN (Reuters) - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will meet Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns on Friday during his surprise trip to Washington to hold talks with U.S. President Joe Biden , his spokesperson said. The spokesperson gave no details on the planned meeting. Steinmeier is also due to meet Biden on Friday to commemorate German-American Day - an apparently last-minute decision that led the German president to cancel his scheduled attendance at a European Union event in Portugal. The first meeting between Steinmeier and Biden in their current capacity as heads of state - although the presidency in Germany is a largely ceremonial role - comes amid rising worries about the steadfastness of Western support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion. Biden, a Democrat, is facing growing pushback from Congressional Republicans to his efforts to keep backing Ukraine as the U.S. presidential election campaign picks up. The United States is by far the biggest provider of military help to Kyiv. Biden's request for $24 billion in additional funding for Kyiv was left out of a stopgap funding bill the Congress passed on Saturday. Meanwhile in Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is resisting growing calls to supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, which many say is reminiscent of the debate over whether or not to send tanks to Ukraine. The White House said Biden and Steinmeier would reaffirm their ties, "including our close coordination as NATO Allies on a range of important issues such as defending democratic values and our shared commitment to support Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's invasion". Steinmeier became Germany's president in 2017 after serving as foreign minister under former Chancellor Angela Merkel. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Sarah Marsh, Editing by Rachel More and Gareth Jones) BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany will send around 150 soldiers to Kosovo in April next year as a contribution to the UN's KFOR mission there, a spokesperson for the defence ministry said in Berlin on Friday. The spokesperson stressed that the decision had nothing to do with current tensions in northern Kosovo and instead was taken to compensate for the withdrawal of Austrian troops. The additional troops will not increase the overall size of KFOR, added the spokesperson. About 3,400 soldiers in total are currently stationed in Kosovo as part of the KFOR mission. Germany's Bundeswehr army has 71 soldiers there currently, according to the ministry. "The decision about a change in the balance of forces at KFOR is always made through a multinational decision-making process," said the spokesperson when asked how the ministry would react if the situation escalated before April. News magazine Spiegel first reported on the deployment. A deadly gun battle between Kosovo forces and armed Serbs last month fuelled fears of an escalation in the ethnic Serbian-majority region 15 years after Pristina declared independence. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Alexander RatzWriting by Matthias Williams and Miranda MurrayEditing by Rachel More) GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) The Grand Junction Police Department is spreading awareness of increased purse theft in the Grand Valley. The GJPD recently received more purse and wallet theft reports in Grand Junction. According to police, these thefts typically involve thieves quickly snatching purses or bags from unsuspecting victims and fleeing the scene before the victim realizes what happened. These thieves often use distraction techniques while working in groups to steal purses and wallets. Here are some tips the GJPD says could help prevent you from being a victim: Stay Aware: Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to those around you. Secure Your Purse and Wallet: Carry your purse and/or wallet close to your body and keep it zipped or closed at all times. Consider using a crossbody strap-type bag, as it can be more difficult for thieves to grab. Use Wallets Wisely: Keep your wallet in a secured compartment within your purse. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or valuable items. Dont Give Thieves the Opportunity: Never leave your purse or wallet in an unattended shopping cart or vehicle. Thieves look for crimes of opportunity, so keep your personal belongings with you. If you have been a victim of theft, file an online police report or call the GJPD at 970-549-5000. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Man with handgun seeking governor arrested at Wisconsin Capitol, returns with assault-style rifle A man was arrested for carrying a firearm at the Wisconsin Capitol while asking to speak to the governor, then returning hours later armed with an assault-style rifle, a state spokesperson said. Shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday, a shirtless man with a leashed dog and a handgun in a holster approached the security desk outside the governor's office at the Capitol and said he would not leave until he spoke to Gov. Tony Evers , Tatyana Warrick, communications director at the Wisconsin Department of Administration, said Thursday. Since it's illegal to openly carry a firearm in the Wisconsin Capitol, the man was arrested. The man, who has not been named, was taken to the Dane County Jail and his firearm was seized as evidence, Warrick said. The dog was turned over to the city animal control. The man bailed himself out, but at around 9 p.m., he returned to the exterior of the Capitol with a loaded "AK-47-style" rifle and again asked to see the governor, Warrick said. MORE: Stalled bills, looming shutdown: Why it matters that there's no House speaker Capitol police and Madison police officers engaged the man in dialogue and found a collapsible police-style baton during a consented search of his backpack, according to Warrick. The man did not have a valid concealed carry permit for the baton. Based on concerning statements made by the man, officers took him into custody for a psychiatric evaluation, Warrick said. Officers also seized the rifle and the baton. The governor's office told ABC News it does not comment on specific security threats or the governors security detail. In June, a Windsor man who was initially charged with threatening Evers was sentenced to over a year in prison after pleading guilty to threatening a Dane County official, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. Michael A. Yaker, 53, had been accused of threatening state officials, including the governor, via social media, email, voicemail and other means, the news outlet reported. Man with handgun seeking governor arrested at Wisconsin Capitol, returns with assault-style rifle originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Biden administration has announced it will build a new section of the border wall in Texas. The president says he had no choice as the funding was approved under President Donald Trump , but his administration waived federal laws to allow the construction to go ahead. The move has been criticised by some Republicans, who accuse the president of hypocrisy, and Democrats who say barriers at the border with Mexico are ineffective. While some voters tell the BBC this is a positive development, others think there are immigration policies that could better mitigate the issue. A graphic introduces Gabriel Montalvo, 24, a Republican supporter in Pennsylvania Gabriel, born and raised in Queens, New York, describes himself as a conservative. Immigration reform is his main voting issue. Building the wall should have never stopped. It was purely a political move to have halted production of the wall while there was already funding there. The Biden administration ran on the fact that they wanted to be the opposite of the Trump administration in claiming to be more open. They should have actually used this time, while holding on to the executive office, to come up with reform on immigration policy - if not citizenship, then to get these migrants naturalised. A graphic introduces Laura Powers, 69, a Democrat in Wisconsin Laura lives in the "ruby-red heart of Trump country". Failures of immigration policy concern her. I was surprised by Biden 's decision. It has the appearance of capitulation and I would be surprised if it was effective. Desperate people with nothing left to lose will find another path. It also won't appease the critics who have been screaming for something to be done. It seems like Biden is throwing them a bone to gnaw on. I think Biden is doing a good job handling the mess he inherited. Immigration issues are thorny and no one has put forth a realistic plan to resolve the crisis. You would think that a guest worker programme would be a good start, since we have labour shortages all over the country. States could determine how many workers they need, what areas and arrange to move people to the jobs. A graphic introduces Kathleen McClellan, 68, a Republican voter in Louisiana Kathleen votes for anti-abortion candidates. She wants border security, but not in the form of border walls. Our border security and immigration policies are disasters. I don't think building walls will do much good when our immigration laws are so broken. You can't wall in almost 2,000 miles (3,218km) of border. Plus, it's a bad idea ecologically. Animals migrate too. We need immigrants for our workforce and that need will increase as the US population ages. It should be easier for decent people to come here to work. I think we should be looking at Canada's immigration laws for inspiration. Not everyone who comes to the States illegally wants to remain here forever. Many simply want to come to work and return home. We should be making that simpler for them. I'm not in favour of border walls. Border security and sensible immigration laws, yes. A graphic introduces Isaiah Reeves, 27, a Democrat voter in Tennessee Isaiah grew up in the rural South and views himself as a progressive who considers Biden a placeholder. The border wall itself doesn't deter much in the way of migration. I think it's a waste of money. But my larger concern is the way in which migrants are treated and deported at very high rates. Our goal should be to support policies that improve the lives of people in the Americas to create stability and prosperity, to lessen the conditions that drive people to migrate in the first place if we are not willing to provide support for them within our own borders. My opinion on Biden is largely unchanged by this decision, that being one of tepid support. This seems to be a move based on public perception and pressure rather than sound policy. A graphic introduces Luke Gordon, 22, a Republican voter in New York Luke - part of the conservative minority in the north-east - says the "crisis at the border" is one of his main voting issues. This is far too little, far too late. My perception of Biden is largely unchanged - his policies have fuelled a humanitarian crisis at the border of unprecedented stature. This initiative to build more border wall is a positive development. A barrier from coast-to-coast would send a signal to the world that America will no longer be taken advantage of, reducing the number of individuals who undertake the perilous journey. While Biden's decision to build a portion of wall is a good one, it is almost certainly a reaction to panicked Democrat mega-donors who see the president's abysmal approval rating on immigration and smell political peril if nothing is done. A graphic introduces Jack Pribble, 20, a Democrat voter in Michigan Jack is a politically-active university student who is a left-leaning Democrat. I disagree with any move to separate humans from each other, even if it is across international borders. However, I understand that the funding for this portion of the wall was allocated under Donald Trump. While this makes me less angry about Biden's move to build a section in Texas, it isn't reason enough to go through with this construction. I believe that President Biden is under a lot of pressure from right-wing members of Congress, and I know that immigration is a very contentious issue. All in all, I disagree with this move, but understand that the solution to the immigration crisis is nuanced. I still believe that Biden has done more net good than net bad during his nearly-three years in office. That being said, this policy could have extreme negative repercussions and Biden should be held accountable for any negative impact that this has. Hroza, Ukraine (CNN) There were no military targets in the village that was hit by a Russian missile strike Thursday, a top Ukrainian police official said, in what was one of the deadliest attacks against civilians since the conflict began and which the countrys president called inhuman and deliberate. Moscows forces targeted a cafe and a shop in Hroza, near the eastern Ukrainian city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, with what Ukrainian officials say was a powerful Iskander ballistic missile, killing at least 51 people, including a 6-year-old boy. Scenes emerged of emergency workers wading through dense rubble in the aftermath of the strike a scale of devastation not seen since a Russian attack on a railway station in Kramatorsk in early 2022 killed more than 60 people. The death toll in such a small community of 330 people means one in every six residents were killed. All the people are local residents, all the people are civilians. Not a single military object, not a single military vehicle. All the dead and wounded people are civilians, Sergey Bolvinov, the chief investigator with Kharkivs regional police, told CNN in Hroza. Investigators and forensic teams worked through the night sifting through the rubble and trying to count and identify the bodies, many of which were in bad condition due to the force of the blast, according to a CNN team at the scene. A local man whose wife died in the strike could be seen crouching over her body, too shaken to speak and unable to leave her side. He later helped emergency services lift her body onto a truck to be taken away. Bolvinov said the bodies of 35 victims have been identified so far. I am convinced that in the future this will give us a basis to collect all the evidence and bring the guilty Russian military to justice, he said, adding that the attack was being investigated as a violation of the laws and customs of war. On Friday, fresh Russian strikes on the city of Kharkiv killed one child, whose body was found under the rubble of a residential building, according to the citys mayor Ihor Terekhov, who added that the strikes had been aimed exclusively at the civilian infrastructure. In a post on Telegram, Terekhov said that rescue workers were on the scene, where several cars had caught fire and buildings had been damaged. At least 16 people were injured in the strikes, including an 11-month-old baby, said Oleh Syniehubov, the head of Kharkiv regions military administration. The child who died was 10 years old, he said. Dozens of residents had gathered Thursday at the cafe in Hroza to mourn the death of a local Ukrainian soldier when the missile ripped through the building, completely destroying it, Ukrainian officials said. The soldier had previously been buried in the city of Dnipro, but his relatives wanted him to be reburied in the village where he was originally from, Dmytro Chubenko, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office, told Ukrainian media outlet RBC. The blast killed several members of the soldiers family including his son, Chubenko said. Ukrainian officials said Hroza was hit by an Iskander missile a ballistic missile with a relatively short range, that depending on configuration carries a warhead of between 500 and 700 kilograms. Iskander is definitely a big missile, said Bolvinov. The building is completely destroyed. People were in the same room at that time there was chaos. Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his call for more air defenses from allies, saying it is impossible to protect people without more support, especially ahead of anticipated winter bombardments. There are no words or documents that can stop such evil. But there is air defense. There is artillery. There are our missiles. We have armored vehicles. There are our powerful servicemen, who repel Russian assaults, Zelensky said. Russian terror must fail. And the world has what it takes to ensure this, he added. The main thing is unity. The main thing is to believe in freedom and protect life. During meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Granada, Spain, Zelensky said he is focused on Ukraines need for air defense and believes a lot of progress has been made for the support needed. He said Ukraine will receive six Hawk systems from Spain and that Germany will work to provide Kyiv with another Patriot system, calling it the only system that can withstand such threats and such massacres. The White House, meanwhile, pointed to the attack as another example of why Congress needs to approve more US aid for Ukraine. Can you imagine just walking to the grocery store with your kids trying to figure out what is it that youre going to make for dinner and you see an explosion happen? Where bodies are everywhere? And its horrifying, said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, before calling on Congress to act on additional funding. Her comments come amid political upheaval in Congress, the lawmaking branch of government, and drained ammunition stocks among NATO countries, which threaten the flow of military aid to Kyiv. Hroza is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the front lines of the war near Kupiansk, the city in Kharkiv that Russian forces seized early on in the war before it was liberated by the Ukrainians a year ago. The Ukrainian military has since been trying to resist advances from Moscow. For Kyiv, the city is strategically important to prevent Russia from accessing the nearby Oskil River where it is much easier to cross than further south. Former President Donald Trump has taken himself out of the race for Speaker of the Housejust hours after he told Fox News that he was open to the idea as a unifier candidate. After being endorsed by right-wing figures including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and former adviser Steve Bannon, the rumor mill was rife that the former president may take up the role as the next speaker following Rep. Kevin McCarthys shock ouster Tuesday. He continued to float the idea to Fox News on Thursday, saying he would take on the role for a short period while Republicans figured out next steps. But by Thursday night, cracks appeared after Republican Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), who was one of the first people to throw Trumps name out as a potential speaker, said he had spoken with Trump and that the former president would instead throw his weight behind Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party, Nehls added. Sean Hannitya close Trump confidant for yearsalso reported the same thing on his primetime Fox News program Thursday night. Seth Meyers Really Wants Trump to Become the Next Speaker of the House Early Friday morning, Trump confirmed the rumors in a Truth Social post, saying Jordan would be great in the role and that he had his complete and total endorsement. Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohios 4th Congressional District. Respected by all, he is now Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Trump wrote. Trump then listed a number of Jordans sporting achievements as a wrestling star throughout high school and college, but failed to mention accusations that before he entered politics, during his role as an Ohio State assistant wrestling coach from 1986 to 1994, Jordan knew wrestlers were sexually abused by a team doctor. Jordan has consistently denied any such knowledge. So much is learned from sports, and Jim was a master! Trump wrote. He is STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment. Jim, his wife, Polly, & family are outstanding - He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement! Both Jordan and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana announced on Wednesday a run for the speakership, making them the first two confirmed in the showdown to replace McCarthy. 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. Ukrainian air defense shot down three Shahed-131/136 drones overnight on Oct. 6 over Odesa Oblast, regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported. Russian forces targeted port infrastructure of Odesa Oblast's Izmail district. A grain storage facility was damaged in the attack and nine trucks caught fire, according to the governor. The fire has been extinguished. There was no information about casualties at the time of the publication. Air raid alert was active in the region for at least three hours. In the meantime, a Russian attack against the city of Kharkiv in the early hours of Oct. 6 injured three civilians, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported via his official Telegram channel. Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts of the city were targeted, and several buildings and cars were damaged in the attack. Syniehubov didn't provide further details but urged residents to remain in shelters. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 51 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Kentucky deputy sheriff punched people without justification and lied to cover up an assault, a federal grand jury charged Thursday. The grand jury indicted Tanner M. Abbott, 30, of Danville, on four charges of violating peoples rights by hitting them and one charge of depriving a person of his rights with an illegal search of his hotel room. Abbott also faces a charge of filing a false report to cover up the alleged illegal search and one charge of conspiring with someone else to file a false report about punching someone in the head. Abbott directed a co-conspirator to fill out a citation saying that while Abbott was arresting a person, the person advanced toward Abbott aggressively, which wasnt true, the indictment charged. The other person, who was not named in the indictment, filled out the form with the false information, according to the indictment. The incidents covered in the charges occurred between January and April 2021. The Advocate-Messenger newspaper in Danville reported that Abbott was fired later that year. The indictment cites three instances in which Abbott allegedly punched people without legal cause and one instance in which he caused a persons head and body to forcibly collide with a wall. On the charge of filing a false report, the indictment says Abbott wrote in a citation that a person gave him consent to search his hotel room, when in fact that was not true. The indictment did not disclose the names of the victims. The charge of falsifying a record is punishable by up to 20 years in prison if Abbott is convicted. The alleged civil rights violations carry a sentence of up to 10 years each, and the top penalty on the conspiracy charge would be five years. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has derailed the work of Congress as effectively as a senator threatening to filibuster. (Mark Schiefelbein / Associated Press) The fall of Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House is historic, but can we stop with the its shocking narrative? It was entirely foreseeable if you remember what a lone voice has been able to accomplish or impede over on the other side of Capitol Hill. As he was angling for the job, McCarthy agreed that a single lawmaker could launch the process for his removal, and at that moment we all knew the gavel was not going to be in his hand for long. In a chamber with hundreds of egos and thousands of motives, McCarthy handcuffed his job security to the whims of any one person. In hindsight that concession was less an exchange of power than a surrender. It just happened to take 269 days for his luck to run out, when Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) went rogue and ousted McCarthy. The next House speaker most likely wont agree to such debilitating terms. In fact, after McCarthys removal, a number of Republicans quickly expressed the need to get rid of that rule. Read more: Granderson: Democrats should be putting Black women like Laphonza Butler on the ballot Apparently, House Republicans didnt like being treated like Senate Democrats. The House is currently rudderless because Gaetz defied his party and used a rule seemingly for his own benefit. I'm reminded of Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), champion of the Senates filibuster rule, which he has exploited for his own benefit. For much of post-Civil War history, the Senate filibuster has been used to slow legislation that would address inequality. Thanks to Manchin, the 118th Congress hasnt changed that history much. Read more: Granderson: Courting workers in Michigan, Biden and Trump are waging two separate wars Because one senator can threaten to delay a vote indefinitely, any legislation must practically have a filibuster-proof supermajority of at least 60 votes to pass. Even when the Senate has a Democratic majority of 51 votes, progressive policies cant clear that hurdle. The only way they could reach President Bidens desk and become law would be if enough senators agreed to change the filibuster rule so that legislation could pass the Senate with a simple majority. Manchin has vocally defended the rule, leaving his fellow Democrats unable to muster the votes to end filibusters a maneuver some call the nuclear option. Read more: Calmes: McCarthy flopped, but blame the chaos on the entire Republican Party So even though Democrats won seats in 2020 with the promise of progressive policies such as criminal justice reform and voter protections, they cant deliver because of one of their own. Manchins defense of the filibuster is music to conservative ears only. Of course, he has to perform for his base back home. In the last two general elections, Donald Trump won West Virginia by an average of 40 percentage points. Whether Manchin wants to return to the Senate or make a run at the White House as an independent, he figures he cant be seen as a Biden Democrat. So this one lawmaker can use the threat of a filibuster to override the wishes of the 81 million voters across the country who backed Biden. Gaetz gets it. After dethroning McCarthy, he is raising money by bragging about being a thorn in his partys side. Obstruction is good politics for Gaetz and Manchin, but its no way to govern. When President Obama became the nations first Black president, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said his top priority was to hold him to one term. In the decades before Obama took office, roughly 20 judicial nominees were filibustered. By the time Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) used the nuclear option to change the filibuster rule for judgeships in 2013, nearly 30 of Obamas nominees had been filibustered. Manchin voted against changing the rule then despite the blatant abuse, and hes still against it now. At least hes consistent. The man Manchin succeeded, Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), was once a member of the Ku Klux Klan and spoke for more than 14 hours on the Senate floor trying to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964 from passing. Over time, Byrds views on race changed thankfully. But the filibuster continues to be a tool by which a small minority can slow down policies that bend toward racial equality. And Manchin appears content to let that tradition continue, not because of it's good policy but for his own political ends. Its clear many House Republicans regret allowing one person to derail the work of Congress for personal gain. Its also clear Senate Republicans continue to wield outsize power because Manchin is doing the same. @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. GRANDVIEW, Mo. A Grandview man is now facing over a dozen more charges in an August shooting spree, plus charges for another Raytown shooting. In all, Cameron Harper now faces two counts of first-degree murder, four counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of first-degree assault, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, and eight counts of armed criminal action. Off-duty Wyandotte County sheriffs deputy shot during car break-in at apartments He was already facing three charges after his arrest in August, but officials said they were still investigating Harpers connection to other shootings. Court documents say, on Aug. 2, Kansas City police were called to a shooting at Ruskin Way and Sycamore Terrace. Minutes later, officers were called to a second shooting at Longview Road and Food Lane. Both shooting victims has non-life threatening injuries. Officers said the suspect in both shootings had a similar description and had a similar vehicle. A short time later, Grandview police were called to a deadly shooting at a home where a victim was found inside a vehicle. Grandview police have not released the name of the person who died. Once again, court records say the suspect and vehicle had a similar description as the shootings in Kansas City. Source of carbon monoxide released in Shawnee Mission teachers death All three of the shooting happened less than 2 miles from each other. A few hours later, police took the suspect, now identified as Harper, into custody just minutes from the Grandview shooting scene. Officers located guns and shell casings that matched casings detectives recovered at the shooting scenes, court records say. Ballistics testing also linked Harper to a July 31 homicide in Raytown. In that case, 26-year-old Christian Rodriguez was shot and killed near 60th Street and Raytown Road, police said. FOX4 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Video from the Raytown shooting scene showed the same suspect vehicle in the area, court records say. A search of Harpers criminal history shows he was a convicted felon with recent charges of aggravated robbery, burglary, battery and more. Harper is still in custody, officials say. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Grassley says Biden border wall decision made because big blue cities are facing the reality of migrant crisis Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) had backhanded praise for the Biden administrations decision to expand the border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas on Thursday, saying the shift proves Republican border policy right. Grassley celebrated the move, but said previous Biden administration policies caused the mass undocumented immigration that made more wall necessary. never shld hv taken Pres Biden this long to agree WALLS WRK, he wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. This admins policies encouraged illegal immigration &created humanitarian crisis+strained town resources across US Now that big blue cities r facing reality of crisis Biden admin starts 2wake up?? Praise the lord FINALLY. The Biden administration announced Thursday it will waive 26 federal regulations to speed up border wall construction over 20 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. The move has garnered criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called it window dressing, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) demanded an immediate correction. But Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas pushed back against the notion that the announcement is a change of administration policy like Grassley and others have claimed. From day one, this Administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. That remains our position and our position has never wavered, Mayorkas said in a statement Thursday evening. Biden said Thursday that the administration was forced into the move due to legal restrictions. Funding for the new Texas wall was already allocated during the Trump administration, and the Biden administration could not spend it elsewhere, despite attempts to. In the announcement of the move earlier Thursday, Mayorkas said the new border wall was needed. There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Last Sundays newspaper carried our annual list of 10 People Who Make Orlando a Better Place to Live a collection of Central Floridians who do great things for others, often in the shadows. The feature was on the front page. Yet deep inside that same edition, I spied a piece about a man who couldve also been on that list. His name was Scott Taylor. And the page-25 piece was his obituary. My guess is that most of you never knew Scott. Like others featured on the list, he never sought the spotlight. But he was special. He was a banker early in life. He raised horses and orchids later. He was a loving husband, doting father and enthusiastic granddad. But the reason he should be this years honorary No. 11 is that he also worked relentlessly on behalf of worthy nonprofits. Not just one or two. At least a dozen. Everything from Audubon Florida and the Nature Conservancy to Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and the Orlando Philharmonic. I realized there was something special about this Lake County naturalist around the third or fourth time I ran into him working on behalf of a local charity. He was always there. Always giving, often in uniquely personal ways. For instance, Scott poured himself into helping families during the most tragic moment of their lives when a mother was about to give birth to a baby she knew wouldnt live. The families, knowing they were about to experience excruciating heartbreak, would invite Scott into the delivery room to capture on film the brief moments where parents would cradle the newborn who would never grow up. It would provide forever evidence of a life cut short but that truly mattered. Its not something just anybody can do. He was a big man. But he would quietly, gently get those pictures, said Roxanne Baggott, a retired neonatal intensive care unit nurse. He had the innate ability to see what people needed before they even realized it themselves. Scott did the work on behalf of a national nonprofit called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Six years ago, Scott asked if Id take part in a ceremony honoring the lost infants. I wasnt familiar with the group back then. I didnt even know Scott that well. What I did know was that he had a heart for humanity. And if he said this group was worth supporting, he was probably right. He was such a loving person, said his wife of 53 years, Elaine. She spoke through tears, largely because Scott just had too much life left to live. Before complications to pneumonia claimed his life, hed been determined to leave the hospital and continue helping others. He kept saying Im going home in just a couple of days, she said. So the 77-year-old spent his final days trying to lift others spirits, thanking the overworked nurses for their efforts and telling the cleaning ladies that their smiles brightened his day. He had the best sense of humor, said his sister, Deborah. He could always make you laugh. Scotts wife marveled at his ability to keep a positive attitude even as his health failed. He would tell me: Im so blessed, she said. And Id ask: How can you say that right now? And he would say: Because I am. Scott started life in Connecticut as one of five kids. He served in the U.S. Navy and went on to a career in banking that took him to New York where he specialized in corporate lending. But then, after finding success by starting a couple of his own companies, he and Elaine decided they wanted to slow down and enjoy their lives and their passions. So they moved to Sorrento to raise horses, nurture orchids and take pictures. Scott saw beauty everywhere he looked and felt compelled to capture it on film. He made frequent trips to Africa where he took shots that he turned into calendars. He had a head for business, an eye for art and a heart for humanity. So he used his skills to do everything from serve as treasurer to create promotional videos for Audubon, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, Opera Orlando, Mothers Milk Bank of Florida, the Orlando Philharmonic, Winnie Palmer Hospital, Arnold Palmer Hospital, the Nature Conservancy, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Canine Companions and the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. I think he was busier in retirement than he was when he worked, said his son, David. Whatever these groups needed, Scott gave. Just ask their leaders. Not only was he generous philanthropically, but he was always looking for ways to contribute with his own two hands, said Julie Wraithmell, the executive director of Audubon Florida. Whether it was photography, hosting events or pounding the pavement to meet with elected leaders. Mary Palmer, a longtime supporter of both the opera and philharmonic, said Scott not only gave generously, but uplifted the people around him. Betsy Gwinn, the former executive director of the Bach Festival, called him a passionate problem solver who would raise his hand to support the causes he cared about with whatever resources he had. He loved people. He loved animals, and he loved knowing that he was making a difference. Baggott, the retired NICU nurse, said Scott did all of this with such a positive attitude that he made you want to be like him. So Baggott decided to do just that. After a career in nursing, she asked Scott to train her to take the photos of families cradling the newborns and memorialize lives that mattered. Scott also had a big box of tiny teddy bears he would give to the families so that the infants had one, single possession of their own before leaving this world. Scotts family gave that box of bears to Baggot. And she made a vow to Scott: Were going to keep your legacy going. smaxwell@orlandosentinel.com Gripen fighters built to battle Russian jets are on the table for Ukraine, but only if Sweden gets to join NATO, Stockholm says A Saab JAS-39C Gripen at RAF Fairford during the Royal Military Air Tattoo on July 15, 2023. Matthew Horwood/Getty Images Sweden is asking its military to explore the prospects of sending Ukraine its Gripen fighter jets. These aircraft considered by experts to be highly capable were designed to counter Russia. But there won't be any transfer until Stockholm joins NATO, its defense minister said. Sweden is exploring the possibility of sending Ukraine its Gripen fighters, highly capable jets that were designed to take on Russian aircraft, but Stockholm said there won't be any transfer until it becomes a NATO member. The Swedish government on Friday announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine which included details about an "assignment" that the country's military analyze and report "on the conditions for strengthening" Kyiv's forces with the JAS 39 Gripen. It said that the analysis and subsequent report will cover how a potential transfer would impact Sweden's defense capabilities, defense economy, and defense planning. "An important factor in this analysis is the JAS 39 Gripen orientation training that Ukrainian pilots and ground staff completed under the direction of the Swedish Armed Forces," which, the announcement read, "must also report on the conditions for possible support within the international F-16s coalition," referring to the coalition of Western nations that has committed to training Kyiv's pilots and other personnel on operating and maintaining American-made F-16 fighter jets. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson said on Friday that the Gripen report will be submitted in early November, when the military's supreme commander Gen. Micael Byden delivers his recommendation for the country's upcoming defense bill. But ultimately, Jonson noted, "support in the form of JAS 39 Gripen would be conditional on Sweden first becoming a member of NATO." Citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and neighboring Finland first announced their intentions to join NATO over a year ago, breaking away from decades of neutrality. Finland officially joined the military alliance in April, but Sweden's bid has been held up by Turkey, which has put forth several conditions for both Stockholm and the US before approving the measure, and Hungary following Ankara's lead. Saab JAS 39 Gripens taxi during the NATO exercise Loyal Arrow outside Lulea in northern Sweden on June 10, 2009. PATRICK TRAGARDH/AFP via Getty Images Friday's announcement, however, marks the latest signal that Ukraine could be closer to receiving Gripens, which officials in Kyiv have long sought but were off the table. Sweden repeatedly dismissed the idea of the sending the Gripen to Ukraine, citing its own national security interests, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in August that service members were already testing out the fighter. Last month, Swedish public radio reported that the country planned to investigate how a transfer of jets might impact defense readiness and how fast replacements could be built, given that Stockholm only has several dozen aircraft in its arsenal and just six countries operate the aircraft. The Gripen was designed to take on Russian fighter jets and features electronic-warfare capabilities built to counter the radars in Moscow's aircraft and ground-based air-defense systems. It is considered to be a formidable and highly capable aircraft that is easy to maintain, requires less runway for taking off and landing, and is relatively inexpensive to operate. The jets can also be armed with air-to-surface missiles and bombs, and advanced air-to-air missiles. Several years ago, the commander of Sweden's air force at the time said the "Gripen, especially the E-model, is designed to kill Sukhois," adding that "there we have a black belt," Insider previously reported. Unlike the US-made F-16s, on which the Ukrainians are currently training, the Gripen has not seen any combat experience. Still, experts say that the Gripen is perfectly suitable for what Kyiv is looking for. "Conceptually, the Swedish Air Force has always emphasised low-level air superiority tactics from dispersed bases, in a similar manner to how the Ukrainian Air Force currently operates, and so the Gripen was designed with ground support equipment and maintenance requirements compatible with that approach," experts at the UK-based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) wrote last year in an analysis on Kyiv's air-defense needs. Even if Sweden decides to send Gripens to Ukraine, it would be many months before they actually reach the battlefield. Other aspects of Stockholm's latest security assistance package like crucial 155mm artillery shells and spare parts for the CV-90 armored combat vehicle are more focused on the immediate future. Read the original article on Business Insider A group of mums spent around 150 each on a whirlwind 18-hour spa trip to Milan and were home in time for the school run. Laura Oduntan, 37, and her friends Jade Bassett, 33, Remi Pedro, 37, and Agnes Adekunle, 38 decided to upgrade their regular Nando's meet-up and treat themselves to a spa day. After spotting QC Terme spa in Milan, Italy, on TikTok, Ms Oduntan, who has two young daughters, suggested a visit to the rest of the group. After checking with their partners, the women flew with easyJet from Gatwick Airport at 6.20am on 62 return flights and landed at Milan Malpensa Airport by 9am. The four women took the train into Milan the express service takes around 50 minutes for lunch, before relaxing in the spa for three hours. They finished up with dinner and cocktails at a rooftop restaurant before getting back to the airport for their flight at 10pm. An early start for the flight to Italy (Laura Oduntan/SWNS) Ms Oduntan got home by midnight and was up the next morning to take her daughter to school. The social media manager and owner of clothing brand 5am Mama, from Bromley, Greater London, said: It was a long tiring day but there was so much laughter and fun. The spa was just lovely. The mothers all met while working together seven years ago and have been having regular catch-ups over meals at restaurant chain Nandos ever since. We all had babies around the same time. We were on maternity leave together, said Ms Oduntan. Thats how we became a group of friends. It seemed like the perfect getaway for the busy mums and was cheap compared to the 200 cost of Champneys spa costing just 40 each. When youre a mum you dont like the sound of leaving your baby overnight. But its nice to do something as a group of friends. We booked the flights in May. We made sure our partners were on hand, Ms Oduntan explained. Making the most of the spa in Milan (Laura Oduntan/SWNS) Once in the Italian city, the train into the centre of Milan cost 13 per person, and they found a cafe close to the spa for lunch, spending around 15 each on food. The friends headed over to the spa at 12.30pm and stayed until 3pm, then walked to Duomo di Milano before going for an early dinner at 4.30pm. They had pizzas and an Aperol spritz for 20 each at a rooftop restaurant. After eating, the pals headed back to the airport for their 10pm flight arriving back in the UK by midnight. Laura said: I snuck in. I didnt feel different to normal the next day. Im up all night normally Im a tired mum. The friends enjoyed their day trip so much they hope to make it an annual event trying out different cities for a day. Laura hopes it inspires other mums to take a day for themselves: When a lot of mums meet up you have the kids with you. We should take that moment for ourselves. Youre not just a mum. Youre a person. Look after yourself as well as the kids. The day trip to Milan in full 3am: Arrive at airport 6.20am: Flight to Milan 9am: Arrive in Milan and take the train into the city centre 11.30am: Early lunch 12.30pm: Arrive at the spa 3pm: Leave the spa and walk to Duomo di Milano 4.30pm: Early dinner 8pm: Arrive back at Milan airport 10pm: Flight back to London Struggling with high airline ticket costs and flight cutbacks, Haiti-bound travelers in Miami now have an alternative, according to the operators of a Haitian, family-owned airline. Sunrise Airways has entered the Miami competition for the Haiti market, hoping to capture Haitian passengers and others who are still traveling to the troubled country. The new service was launched last month. Flights are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between Miami International Airport and Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince and on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between Miami International Airport and Hugo Chavez International Airport in Cap-Haitien. The flights are on an Airbus A319 or A320 aircraft, which seat 132 and 180 passengers respectively. Sunrise Airways international routes include flights to Cuba, Panama, Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic. Company founder and President Philippe Bayard said the Miami expansion boosts our international connection. Fares are between $399 and $700 round-trip, depending on when they are booked. A quick check by the Miami Herald showed, for example, that Sunrise Airways tickets were a bit cheaper compared to American Airlines with a months notice to fly from Miami to Port-au-Prince. Sunrise Airways had a nonrefundable ticket for $435.88 round-trip, while American charged $583 for a non-refundable round trip. To travel to Cap-Haitien, travelers will pay $413 on Sunrise with one checked bag. Spirit Airlines, which flies out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, charges $554 per ticket, plus the cost of checked or carry-on bags. Without the Haitian community of Miami and South Florida, this route would not be possible, it would not make any sense, Bayard said this week as he and his sons, Jonathan and Sebastian, hosted a media launch and reception at the Little Haiti Cultural Center in Miami to celebrate the expansion. This route belongs to you as much as it does to us. Connecting diaspora with provinces Before last month, anyone traveling to Haiti from South Florida had to fly American Airlines, which flies between MIA and Port-au-Prince, or out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on JetBlue Airways or Spirit. Spirit also flies to Cap-Haitien, and is the only U.S. carrier to do so. Sunrise Airways, which has been flying since 2012, has a fleet of aircraft in Haiti and has a monopoly on the Haitian domestic market. Both allow it to ferry the estimated 40% of passengers headed to Haitis provinces from the U.S., directly from Toussaint Louverture International Airport to Guy Malary, the domestic terminal at the same location. The airline provides shuttles for those worried about taking a taxi or having someone pick them up for the short trip between the airports. The Haitian diaspora is one of the largest in the world, relative to our national population, said Bayard, noting that the company has been diligently working to establish an air transportation network that facilitates travel, tourism and trade through the Caribbean region, and serves as a conduit for the rich cultural exchange between Caribbean countries. The reduction in flights to Haiti by the major U.S. carriers, along with the use of smaller airplanes, have meant less availability and higher prices. Haitians have been hit with sticker shock not just on American Airlines, where one-way economy tickets from Port-au-Prince to Miami have cost as much as $1,100, but also on Spirit Airlines, which has had a monopoly in Cap-Haitien. Jonathan Bayard, Sunrise Airways special project manager, left, Philippe Bayard, president, center, and Sebastian Bayard, executive director, right, speak as Sunrise Airways press conference on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center Complex in Miami. Father and sons were in Miami to announce their new route from Miami to Cap-Haitien and Port-au-Prince. While flights going into Haiti may not be at full capacity, they have been packed coming out thanks to the humanitarian parole immigration program launched by the Biden administration in January. People who are approved have three months to travel to the United States. The packed flights and high costs have led many Haiti travelers to go through the neighboring Dominican Republic on their way to the U.S. Those costs are lower than direct flights to Miami from Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haitien. Until last month, when Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader shut down his countrys borders with Haiti over a dispute about the construction of a canal on a river that straddles both countries, Sunrise Airways was one of the main carriers making those connections. The expansion into Miami allows the airline to continue to serve that market. We will shut it down This is not the first time that a Haitian-owned carrier has tried to capture the Haiti market in Miami. In the mid 90s, Haiti Trans Air, owned by Charles Voight, made several attempts, hoping that passengers loyalty to the home-country airline would help stave off the competition from American, which dominated the market. But the company struggled amid U.S. sanctions on Haiti and with lack of financing and the high of aircraft and crews. Bayard, who also leases his airplanes from Global X Airline and is coming into the U.S. market during another period of political turmoil in his homeland, believes things will be different for his carrier. But if it doesnt pan out as he and his sons anticipate, Bayard said, we wont be emotional about it. We will shut it down. Sunrise Airways Special Project Manager Jonathan Bayard speaks during the Sunrise Airways press conference on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center Complex in Miami. While most travelers are aware of the current crisis in Haiti, in which gangs have made it impossible to travel between major cities, Bayard said Haiti has been on a lockdown since 2017. The period marked the start of the late President Jovenel Moises presidential term, which was accompanied by protests and one crisis after another, including a months-long lock-down of the country. Despite this obstacle, we persevered to meet the needs of our community, he said, noting that the airline operates about 800 flights a month. This is because Haitians are still traveling to their homeland and most of them arent staying in the gang-ridden capital, but heading to the provinces, where the violence is less prevalent. Still, the airline, which is registered in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has had challenges. Several years ago it attempted unsuccessfully to enter the Orlando market. Sunrise has also faced customer-service issues, including flight delays that are not communicated in a timely fashion. Customers also complain about the costs of flying within Haiti. Shorter routes, Bayard said, are more costly than longer ones in the airline industry. I know that people complain a lot about the prices, he said, referring to his domestic customers. But people also have to take into consideration that we are currently living in a world where the cost of everything has gone up 60%. Aviation has a price. (CNN) Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Thursday that it was not an external attack that crashed the plane carrying Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin in August, but hand grenades within the aircraft. Speaking at the Valdai Forum in Sochi, Putin said the chairman of the investigative committee just reported a few days ago that the fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of the victims. There was no external influence on the plane, it is an established fact. Prigozhin, who led a failed uprising against the Kremlin, was among the 10 people on board the private plane which crashed in a field northwest of Moscow in August while en route to St. Petersburg. All on board, including Prigozhin and his top aides, were killed. The Russian leader, whose government has denied involvement in the crash, did not detail how grenades might have exploded on the plane, but said that he thought investigators should have performed drug or alcohol tests on the bodies of the victims. I repeat, in my opinion such an examination should have been carried out but it wasnt, he said, also saying that 10 billion in cash and 5 kilos of cocaine had previously been found by Russian security forces in Wagners office in St Petersburg. Putin said the chairman of the investigation committee said it was ok to share this information publicly as it was an established fact. The crash came two months to the day after Prigozhins attempted mutiny against Russias military leadership, which posed the biggest challenge to Putins rule in decades. In June, Prigozhin and his Wagner troops seized key military sites and marched toward Moscow, where the Kremlin had deployed heavily armed troops to the streets. But before they could face off, a deal was struck that ended the rebellion and sent Prigozhin and his fighters to neighboring Belarus. Following the deadly crash, Russian officials said they were considering various scenarios surrounding the incident, including the possibility of a deliberate atrocity, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in late August. US and western intelligence officials, however, told CNN at the time that they believed the crash was deliberate. US President Joe Biden even suggested that Putin may have been involved. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, he said in late August. Peskov has denied claims that the Kremlin might have been involved in the planes demise, calling such speculation an absolute lie. Jesse and Ashley Bermel of North Liberty enjoy a local delicacy, Moroccan mint tea and walnuts, in a traditional welcome at the home of their tour guide in the Atlas Mountains, where the September earthquake later occurred. When Ashley Bermel of North Liberty was a little girl, she remembered her grandparents visiting Morocco and returning with a special keepsake. It was a figurine of a camel made out of leather, she told me. And it had creepy eyes. And yet, the camel and stories of the trip to North Africa intrigued her. Some three decades later in January of this year, she and her husband Jesse took a nine-day guided trek to Morocco, extensively exploring the ancient cities and tiny mountain villages and desolate desert terrain in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Both had studied abroad in college Italy and Australia -- and visited other countries together after their marriage. This, however, was a dream trip to coincide with Ashleys 40th birthday. They came back enchanted. But never did Ashley expect to be writing a Facebook post a few months later that opened with this: On Friday, a powerful magnitude-6.8 earthquake shook an area just 50 miles from Marrakesh in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, tragically claiming the lives of over 2,000 people. It's hard to believe, but I celebrated my 40th birthday in that very location. Her emotional post described the positive contact with the people they met and their fondness for the country. She added a few trip photos and urged Facebook followers to support rebuilding efforts if they could. This Bermel photo shows a typical village in the Atlas Mountains, nestled in a steep-sided mountain valley. A country in recovery Casualties in catastrophes always seem to mount. In the month since the quake, the count has risen to nearly 3,000 deaths and as many injuries. Some estimates report 50,000 Moroccan buildings damaged or destroyed, many in the remote mountain villages, leaving thousands hurt and homeless in places where a rough dirt road might be the only access. It was said to be that nations deadliest quake in six decades. We were utterly devastated when we heard, said Jesse. They had traveled the High Atlas Mountain backroads and seen many homes and structures like the ones that appeared on their TV screen as piles of rubble, often with residents trapped beneath. Through WhatsApp and other sources, the Bermels were relieved that both their tour guide and driver were safe. Their guide reported that his wife, daughter, and father were in the mountains at the time, but miraculously escaped injury. By nature, the Bermels are interested in almost everything. It was no surprise they found the January trip to Morocco to be exhilarating especially their contact with its citizens. The first day, I thought: These are really good people, said Jesse. Within two days, it was like: This is an incredible country. We met a young boy, about six years old, said Ashley. He had to scale a pretty dangerous mountainside every day to reach his school. That made Jesse and I think about how we live here. Do our children appreciate that we drive them to school in a climate-controlled vehicle? Do we need to try to make our kids more independent? They also noticed a high level of respect between older and younger generations in the villages, each helping to support the local economy in their own way. Older villagers often tend sheep in the mountains while the younger ones, cell phones in hand, guided tourists. We were told there are no assisted living complexes, said Ashley. The village is your extended family. For example, one guy was 90, living alone, with neighbors and friends cooking for him and tending to his house and other needs. They envisioned this extended family concept had to kick into high gear after the quake. Traditional welcome fare in Morocco is shown here mint tea and walnuts on a silver tray resting on a colorful tapestry. The drink is poured with ceremonial fanfare, holding the teapot spout high above the glasses. More: Everything you need to know about the inaugural Get Outside Festival Morocco's energy-efficient infrastructure wasn't prepared Jesses career is in renewable energy, and he was enthralled by using ancient building techniques combining stone, wood, and mud to build energy-efficient homes appropriate for the climate. The homes are all built by hand, he marveled. Youd see a crew of 20 people building a house for their families. No architects or hired contractors involved. Unfortunately, he added, these structures do not do well in earthquakes. Ashley, with 17 years in the real estate business, found fascination in Moroccan dwellings. The homes they saw often appeared unfinished, with the first floor complete and the upper floor under construction. They learned that families move in when the house is fully paid off, and the top floor is built only when funds allow. The idea that people build their homes entirely debt-free with no mortgages amazed her. Another big difference in housing compared to the U.S., she said, is that the houses have a very unassuming and primitive look on the exterior. People do not want to display their wealth or status on the outside. And yet, it was a different story inside homes. Interior rooms were often enhanced with ornate tapestries, beautiful hand-painted tiles and hand-carved hardwood trim and other features using wood from the Atlas Mountains. The Bermels agreed that when tourist countries suffer catastrophe, there is often an economic conundrum, as with the recent Maui fire. Visitors dont want to intrude on people working through death, devastation, and reconstruction, and yet the locals need those precious tourist dollars. The exhilaration of a celebratory trip to Morocco turned to concern for earthquake victims for Jesse and Ashley Bermel of North Liberty, shown here back home viewing the destruction online. Places they visited in that nation earlier this year were damaged in last months historic earthquake. A tourist's destination Prior to the pandemic and quake, Morocco was said to welcome nearly 13 million tourists a year. Most of the tourists we saw were from Italy, Spain, Germany and the UK, said Jesse. We didnt see our first Americans until later, and that was out in the desert. Ashley says she wants to return to Morocco, maybe in 2025, to contribute to the tourism the nation depends upon, plus continue her artistic interest in its culture, tapestries, and ceramics. She says her mother also plans to support its tourism economy with a group trip with friends. More: Hamburg Inn No. 2 reopens under new ownership with same look and feel With that in mind, did she put aside her childhood concerns about camels on the January trip and take the typical tourist ride on one? Of course, she said. These people make it their life goal to show their love and culture, and they need the tourists to keep coming. There are lots of areas you can go to if you are looking to be inspired. For interested donors, the Public Broadcasting Service recently listed several organizations providing relief supplies and services to the earthquake zone. They included CARE, UNICEF, GlobalGiving, IFRC and the High Atlas Foundation. Richard Hakes is a longtime columnist for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Hakes: A dream trip to Morocco has a different feel after earthquake YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A captain with the U.S. Air Force helped rescue a climber who fell near the summit of Half Dome inside Yosemite National Park. Capt. Joshua Haveman is a flight instructor with the 60th Air Evacuation Squadron, assigned to Travis Air Force Base. He jumped into action after a climber fell near the summit of Half Dome, according to military personnel. I knew people were going to be in trouble as soon as I topped the hill because it was cold and windy, and people were getting desperate trying to come down holding a slick metal cable on slick granite, said Haveman. About that time, I heard someone scream out, so I looked up and saw this person sliding. Capt. Joshua Haveman According to military officials, Haveman was on his final 400 feet to the summit of Half Dome on Sept. 2 when a fellow climber plummeted around 60 to 80 feet, landing on a ledge suspended over 8,000 feet above the valley floor. Haveman risked serious injury when he went around the permanent cable barriers to reach the fallen climber. You could see that his legs were not naturally oriented at all, so I started collecting sticks and started climbing, said Haveman. Using makeshift splints fashioned from sticks, the base says Haveman provided crucial first aid to the injured climber. Haveman coordinated a call to the parks ranger station, alerting authorities to the situation. A search and rescue Park Ranger arrived on the scene and the climber was medically evacuated via helicopter. I wasnt sure a helicopter would be able to land with the winds being as strong as they were, so we were preparing to carry him 10 or 12 hours down with a six-man litter, Haveman said. Apparently, it was this pilots first day on the job, and he was amazing! It took him about 15 minutes, but he was able to sit the chopper down and we were able to get the patient loaded and breathe a sigh of relief. The injured climber was medically evacuated from the scene by helicopter to receive further treatment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Steve Riley plans to give trick-or-treaters a good fright with an animatronic character he bought from the Spirit Halloween store at Oviedo Mall this week. The decoration, called Dagger Mike, is a clown that leaps up while holding two fake daggers. Riley said it cost him about $140 with discounts and it is going by his front door at his home in Oviedo. Riley, 67, said he has been to Spirit Halloween five or six times already this year as he prepares for his favorite holiday. He has three grandsons in the area, ages 4 through 7, who also enjoy it. Its probably the funnest holiday. Its the one that has the least baggage associated with it, Riley said. Every year, I usually like to add a little bit to my collection. Spooky shoppers across the country are spending big this year, benefiting retail centers such as Oviedo Mall where Spirit Halloween has brought back from the dead a part of the vacant Sears store. The holidays spending is slated to reach a record $12.2 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federations annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. That figure has been on the rise since dipping to $8 billion in 2020 amid the height of the coronavirus pandemic. It reached $10.1 billion in 2021 and $10.6 billion last year, according to the NRF. It was $8.8 billion in 2019. The National Retail Federation says more people are celebrating and getting back to pre-pandemic fun, with a record 73% of people expected to participate in Halloween activities this year. Thats up from 69% last year and the pandemic low of 58% in 2020. Josh Gunderson is seeing the boost in business firsthand in his role as director of marketing and specialty leasing at Oviedo Mall. He said the Spirit Halloween opened in August there. From the day that they opened, I cant walk through the mall without seeing someone with a Spirit Halloween bag, Gunderson said. Gunderson said people are motivated to do things they might have missed out on the last few years. Horror, in general, sees an uptick in times of turmoil, Gunderson said, so people look for fun escapes. Spirit Halloween opens up seasonally across Central Florida, often in vacant big box stores. This year at Oviedo Mall the chain has moved into bigger digs after being in the former Chamberlins natural foods store last year, Gunderson said. Its definitely the largest Spirit Halloween in my time here, Gunderson said. The mall and its shops are capitalizing on the business. Wine and painting boutique Calliope Street has Halloween themes for customers to paint, Gunderson said. In addition to trick or treating for kids on Oct. 31, the mall on Oct. 27 will host trick or treating with beer and wine samples for those older than 21. Theres also a Monster Dash 5K race on Oct. 29. The added foot traffic is helpful for the mall at a slower time of year when kids have returned to school and before the holiday shopping season, Gunderson said. The mall has been filling in storefronts in recent years with tenants that wouldnt have typically been found there in the past, such as Orlando Orthopaedic Center. Its a way to capture an audience that might not always come to the mall, Gunderson said of the Halloween business. As far as what costumes people might be wearing this Halloween, the blockbuster Barbie movie appears to be inspiring at least some people, especially adults. Spiderman is the top costume for children, with about 2.6 million kids expected to dress up as the hero, and witch costumes are No. 1 for adults, according to the National Retail Federation. Barbie is now the No. 7 costume for kids and No. 3 for adults. As for what adults will be wearing, more than 5.8 million are set to put on witch costumes, nearly 2.4 million will go out as vampires, 1.8 million as Barbie, more than 1.4 million as Batman and 1.3 million as a cat, the survey revealed. Online searches are the top source of inspiration, 37% said, while retail or costume shops account for 28% and friends and family 20%, according to the survey. Social media continues to grow as a source of costume inspiration for younger consumers, as more people under 25 are turning to TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram for ideas, Phil Rist, Prosper Insights & Analytics executive vice president of strategy, said in a news release. afuller@orlandosentinel.com The butterfly knife is at the heart of a controversy over Second Amendment rights. Butterfly knives are under fire in some U.S. states. Michigan just joined a case involving controversy over Hawaii's longstanding ban on the knives. Let's take a look at the knife and why it's garnered so much scrutiny from officials. A controversial knife Also known as balisongs, this folding pocketknife features rotating handles that conceal the blade when closed. The knife originated in the Philippines, with the name originating from the area of the Philippines that manufactured the balisongs. Legality Owning butterfly knives are legal across most of the U.S., though restrictions vary. In some states, such as Oregon and Utah, it is legal to own these knives, but illegal to conceal them. Several states ban owning these weapons. Butterfly knives are illegal in New Mexico, Washington, California and Hawaii. However, a court ruling recently overturned Hawaii's longstanding ban on the knives and the state is seeking its reinstatement. A balisong (butterfly knife) is a folding pocket knife with two handles that the blades rests in while closed. The two handles can be folded around to then expose the blade. Hawaii ban overturned In Hawaii, butterfly knives have been illegal for the past 30 years. That ban was overturned by a Ninth Circuit Court decision in August, with the court ruling the ban unconstitutional. The court ruled that the knives are protected under the Second Amendment. The issue began with a 2019 appeal challenging the legality of Hawaii's law, leading to the August ruling. More: Hazel Park man accused of stabbing wife, driving her body to Warren gas station More: Police arrest 2 men in killing of Pontiac man known for fooling sexual predators Michigan joins the fight Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently joined 17 other state attorneys general in supporting Hawaii in seeking to reinstate the butterfly knives ban. The Ninth Circuits decision striking down Hawaiis butterfly knife ban is misguided and ignores the common use test, Nessel said. "I stand firmly with my colleagues in supporting the right of states to ban extremely dangerous weapons and ask the Ninth Circuit for a panel rehearing in this case." In addition to Michigan, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington filed an amicus brief on behalf of Hawaii seeking to reinstate the butterfly knives ban. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Nessel, attorneys general support Hawaii's push to reinstate knife ban BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) -Heavy rain and strong wind will hit south China over the next three days as Typhoon Koinu reaches the coast after killing one and injuring hundreds in Taiwan, where authorities were on Friday flying help to a badly hit island. Typhoon Koinu, which means "puppy" in Japanese, will bring severe weather to the coasts of Guangdong province and neighbouring, China's National Meteorological Centre (NMC) said, as it as it issued a yellow alert, the third highest in a four-coloured warning system. Rainfall in Guangdong could reach more than 300 millimetres, the centre said. Koinu killed one person and injured almost 400 people in Taiwan, causing some of the most extensive damage on remote Orchid Island off the east coast and home to about 5,000 people, although no one was injured on the island. More than 70 boats were overturned or sunk in a harbour on the island, two schools were seriously damaged and power was cut. Government and air force helicopters flew in engineers to restore electricity and telecommunications, though the first boats with supplies are not due to arrive on Orchid Island until early Saturday. Civilian flights remain suspended. "The situation is very bad, roads broken, cannot pump fuel and cannot buy anything from the convenience store, no food stocks and water. So everyone is collecting rain water for cooking," Orchid Island restaurant owner Judy Chiu told Reuters. Guangdong province has suspended dozens of ferry routes since late Thursday and the NMC warned tourists to stay away from beach resorts on the last day of a week-long holiday on Friday. Guangdong has also suspended 83 high-speed trains and closed 29 tourist sites, according to media and the government. Fujian province also suspended dozens of ferries including services known as the "small three links" to Taiwan's Kinmen and Matsu islands, the Xinhua news agency reported. Koinu was travelling around 144 kph (89 mph) off the coast of the city of Shanwei as of 8 a.m. on Friday, said the NMC, slowing down from the 252 kph (156 mph) on Thursday in Taiwan. It is expected to weaken into a strong tropical storm from late Friday and grow weaker as it heads west along China's southern coast, it said. (Reporting by Albee Zhang in Beijing and Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Additional reporting by Angie Teo in Taipei; Editing by Michael Perry, Robert Birsel) A staggering 1,923 reports have been submitted by people claiming they saw unidentified flying objects above Maryland, according to National UFO Reporting Center reports. The UFOs or, what NASA call UAPs unidentified anomalous phenomena were seen in various shapes, including circles, ovals, triangles and diamonds. Other reports claimed they saw the UAPs looking like they were emitting lights or flashes. Maryland ranks 25th among US states having the most UFO sightings since collection of data started in 1946, according to NUFORC. California ranks the highest with 16,084 reports filed on the organisations website, which shows a huge growth in sightings in the past decade. While the spectacle of potential UFO sightings has long captivated people across the US, the growth in citizen-initiated reports is more recent, something that has been credited to the topics increased exposure on social media. UAP has also been a point of interest in the public eye due to the bizarre alien corpses shown at the Mexican Congress in September, something that met with considerable scepticism among most scientific onlookers. Earlier, Congress held a hearing on 26 July which included three former military personnel testifying that they had firsthand knowledge of UAPs and also spoke about the potential security risks that the unidentified phenomena could hold. They asked US officials for more transparency on information they reportedly hold about UAP reports. Then, on 14 September, NASAs Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Team published a 36-page report which called for more in-depth research into the various sightings people have reported. Bill Nelson, a NASA administrator said at the research announcement that they wanted to shift the conversation of UAP from sensationalism to science. There is a lot more to learn, he added. The NASA Independent Study Team did not find any evidence that UAPs have an extra-terrestrial origin, but we dont know what these UAPs are, he said. NASA said that while some reports turn out to be balloons, aircraft or natural phenomena, they do not have a detailed body of data they can refer to to help in the investigation of UAP. Its heartening to me that so many people are coming forward now. We are getting significantly more reports than just six months or a year ago," Peter Davenport, NUFORCs director, told CBS, confirming the 1,923 reports in Maryland. Ryan Graves, David Grusch and David Fravor are sworn in during the House Oversight Committee hearing on UAPs (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) NUFORC is hopeful about the increase in official acknowledgement of UAP reports, but is wary that the US government could still keep details quiet. "I dont know what the future has in store for us, but I am encouraged that more people are coming forward and the government recognizes the UFO phenomenon thats something worthy of their attention," Mr Davenport said. Christian Stepien, NUFORCs chief technology officer, said that while the majority of their UAP sightings can be dismissed as something scientifically explainable, there still are reports that appear to describe something inexplicable. "[T]here are many, many cases that cannot be explained as something natural or man-made," Stepien wrote in a statement to USA TODAY. "The evidence of the last 70 years is incontrovertible in indicating that anomalous craft are flying at will throughout our airspace. Common sense dictates that this should be of extreme interest to the government and the public." Mr Stepien also said he believes the government is aware of the interest in the UAP study but has chosen to "keep the details hidden from the public." "The recent disclosure hearings in Congress have generated a lot of hope within the UFO community that some of this secrecy may finally be breaking down, he told the news outlet, but whether any serious disclosure will happen remains to be seen. Former Democratic presidential nominee State Hillary Clinton railed against supporters of former President Trump during a new CNN interview, comparing those who still support the former president after the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection to members of a cult. Maybe there needs to be a formal deprogramming of the cult members, she said in a clip released late Thursday. And sadly, so many of those extremists, those MAGA extremists, take their marching orders from Donald Trump, who has no credibility left by any measure, Clinton added. Hes only in it for himself. She predicted that Trump will likely be the 2024 GOP presidential nominee, adding, however, that she believes President Biden can beat him again. One will wreck our democracy. One violates the law on a regular basis. One appeals to the worst in our collective psyche. The other gets things done, she said in the interview with CNNs Christiane Amanpour. Why is that a hard choice? A Trump-affiliated super PAC denounced Clintons comments early Friday, saying they are akin to her wanting re-education camps. President Trump has said countless times that they are only coming after him, because he stands in their way from coming after you and Hillary Clinton just confirmed that to be true, Make America Great Again Inc. spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said. Tens of millions of Americans will reject the Democrat Partys re-education camp agenda in November 2024 when we make Donald Trump the 47th President of the United States, Clinton also commented on the ongoing Republican leadership race in the House of Representatives, after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted from the job on Tuesday by a small group of disgruntled GOP members voting with Democrats. The GOP is in an absolute hostage situation with its most extreme members, Clinton said. [McCarthy] was not continuing to be captive to the far-right extremists. So they toppled him. It was a very small number as you look at the vote. But now were reaping the consequences of their misbehavior, she added. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) are the frontrunners for the job. Trump backed Jordan late Thursday after rumors circulated that the former president could be interested in the role. Clinton described Jordan, a co-founder of the conservative Freedom Caucus, as one of the principal ringleaders of the circus in the GOP. And she urged the new Republican Speaker, whoever that may be, to rein in the partys right wing. At some point, there needs to be a backlash against the control that this small group of extremists have, she said on CNN. And I dont know who will lead that, but lets hope whoever becomes the new Speaker will. Updated at 8:09 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. It is no far cry for us to just do the basic math that policing is not for Black people, said actor and comedian Amanda Seales . The Hip Hop Caucus is calling on U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and other state and local politicians to stop the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, also known as Cop City. The multi-million-dollar facility will be one of the largest militarized police training centers in the country, which will include classrooms, a shooting range, a driving course for practicing high-speed chases, and a mock city where police can practice conducting raids. NEW YORK, NEW YORK MARCH 09: Activists participate in a protest against the proposed Cop City being built in an Atlanta forest on March 09, 2023 in New York City. Cop City, a vast police training facility under construction atop forestland in the Atlanta, Georgia area, has become a focus point of demonstrations opposed to the development in one of the states most pristine forests. The $90 million training center is designed to train police in militarized urban warfare. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Rev. Lennox Yearwood , president and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus, told theGrio that activists and residents must continue to pressure their representatives in local, state, and federal government. Cop City is simply a clear representation of how anti-Black racism, environmental injustice, and police brutality intersect, said Yearwood. He told theGrio that, so far, Atlanta residents have filed over 116,000 petitions to local politicians protesting the construction of the police facility. In a letter obtained by theGrio, Warnocks office asked Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to err on the side of giving people the ability to express their views as it pertains to their opposition to the police facility. Last month, during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations 52nd Annual Legislative Conference, the Hip-Hop Caucus held an event titled Stop Cop City to speak out against the construction of the facility. Yearwood, actress and comedian Amanda Seales, and actor Kendrick Sampson spoke to members of the press at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to voice their concerns about Cop City and the impacts the facility could have on Black and brown communities across the nation. Seales told theGrio, It is no far cry for us to just do the basic math that policing is not for Black people. Policing in this nation is very specifically grounded in the disruption of the peace of Black people, but its masked as if its for crime, she said. But, if you look at Black people as criminals, well, then here we are. So when were building an entire city that is dedicated to this already in a nation thats been dedicated to this, we see that its only going to spread like wildfire, Seales added. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 29: Amanda Seales attends the Premiere Of Focus Features Harriet at The Orpheum Theatre on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) For months, environmental activists have protested Cop City. They say it also poses a threat to the environment and will be harmful to Black and brown Americans. Seales told theGrio that in order to build the police facility, that includes destroying a forest, which will displace not just animals and not just the peoplebut trees. She added, Were in a climate issue. Were seeing flooding. I saw flooding the other day at Morris Brown that [officials] were able to contribute to the fact that these trees have been cleared, and so now there are less barriers to protect the infrastructure thats been built near the forest. As it stands, Cop City is slated to open at the end of 2024. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Hip Hop Caucus and Amanda Seales want to put a stop to Cop City appeared first on TheGrio. A man has appeared in court after an alleged plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby Gavin Plumb, a 36-year-old man has been charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the TV personality. On Friday Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field, Harlow, had been charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap. Superintendent Tim Tubbs said: This was an extremely fast paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges. The safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this as the investigation proceeds. Fellow This Morning co-hosts Alison Hammond and Demot OLeary shared a touching message in support of their colleague Holly Willoughby on air today. Alison said: We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family. The stars 3 million home in London is currently under police guard and she has reported to have been left shocked and distraught after learning she was the subject of dark messages that threatened to kidnap the mother-of-three. What we know so far about the alleged plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby What we know so far about alleged kidnapping plot Lorraine Kelly upset by the alleged incident A tumultuous few months for the ITV star The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent well wishes to Holly Willoughby A man has appeared in court over an alleged plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby A man has appeared in court over an alleged plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby. 14:35 , Lydia Patrick Gavin Plumb, of Potters Field, Essex, is also accused of incitement to commit kidnap.The 36-year-old, who is a security officer at a shopping precinct in the town, appeared in Chelmsford Magistrates Court. Mr Plumb was remanded in custody to appear for a plea hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 3 November. (PA/Sourced) Hello and welcome 09:33 , Lydia Patrick The Indpeendent are launching a live blog on the alleged Holly Willoughby kidnapping plot where we will be bringing live updates as events unfold. The star will miss her slot on This Morning after Police arrested a 36-year-old man yesterday on suspicion of kidnapping the 42-year-old ITV presenter. Stay tuned for updates. Holly Willoughby (Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire) What we know so far 09:34 , Lydia Patrick Holly Willoughby was absent from her usual This Morning presenting slot on Thursday (5 October) due to an alleged kidnapping plot that was foiled by police, according to reports. The ITV presenter is said to have been left shocked and distraught after learning that she was the subject of sinister messages that threatened to kidnap and harm the mum of three. A 36-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday evening while a police guard has since been placed outside Willoughbys home in London, where she lives with her husband TV producer Dan Baldwin and their three children, as investigations continue, The Sun reports. The Independent has contacted Willoughbys representatives for comment. An Essex Police spokesman told The Independent: A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. Read the full story by Roisin OConnor here Distraught Holly Willoughby under police guard after alleged kidnap plot Lorraine Kelly upset by incident 09:39 , Lydia Patrick Lorraine Kelly described the alleged incident as very upsetting on her show this morning. She said: Thats a horrible thing for her to be going through and of course we send Holly and her family our best wishes. Lorraine is a fellow female TV presenter (ITV) A tumultuous few months for the ITV star 09:49 , Lydia Patrick Holly Willougby has faced a rocky few months after the revelation her co-host Phillip Schofield had an affair with a younger employee. Schofield, 61, admitted to the BBC he had lied to colleagues and his agent about the relationship after he stepped down from his This Morning presenting role in May. The last time we had a conversation was when I texted Holly and said, Dont reply this was after the statement last week Dont reply, youre probably not allowed to, but I am deeply deeply sorry that I lied to you, he said to the BBC. He also told The Sun that the affair was the one secret in our sanctuary that was never mentioned, adding that he has lost my best friend. Holly Willoughby faced a backlash from fans who accused her of knowing about the affair all along, leading her to make two public statements regarding the scandal. On Saturday (28 May), one day after Schofield shared his statement, Willoughby wrote on Instagram that it had taken time to process [the] news. When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. Its been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie, she said. Willoughby later returned to This Morning where she issued a second statement to viewers about the controversy, before going on a scheduled holiday then returning again in September. (Getty) Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary address Holly Willoughbys absence 10:08 , Lydia Patrick Holly Willoughbys co-stars Dermot OLeary and Alison Hammond addressed their co-stars absence on This Morning. Dermot said: We are not going to talk too much about it but Holly is on the front pages after police arrested a 36 year old man over an alleged kidnap plot. He has now been charged by Essex Police. Alison said: We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family. The equivalent of a political party losing an extremely safe seat: This Morning survivors Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary ahead of their loss at last nights NTAs (Getty Images) Man named and charged with attempting to solicit murder 10:17 , Lydia Patrick A 36-year-old man has been named and charged for attempting to solicit murder and incitement to commit kidnap of Holly Willoughby. On Friday, Essex police said Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field, Harlow, had been charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap. Superintendent Tim Tubbs said: This was an extremely fast paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges. The safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this as the investigation proceeds. Gavin Plumb will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Archive) Rishi Sunak sends supportive message to Holly Willoughby 10:37 , Lydia Patrick The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is live on This Morning alongside Dermot OLeary and Alison Hammond. Before addressing the Tory conference and proposed policies, he sent a supportive message to the ITV star. He said: Im so sorry to hear everything going on with Holly, I just want to send my best to her and her family. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced bilateral initiatives with Belgium, Bulgaria and Serbia (Hollie Adams/PA) (PA Wire) ICYMI - Alison Hammond, Dermot OLeary and Lorraine send supportive messages 10:40 , Lydia Patrick Holly Willoughbys ITV co-stars sent messages of love and support to the This Morning presenter, after shocking news emerged of an alleged kidnap plot against her. Gavin Plumb, 36, is accused of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap. He is set to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today after being arrested by officers on Wednesday 4 October. Willoughby, 42, was left shocked and distraught after learning she was allegedly the subject of sinister messages threatening to kidnap and harm her. She was absent from Thursdays episode of This Morning after bosses were told of the alleged plot by police, with Alison Hammond stepping in as a replacement with co-host Josie Gibson. Her 3m home in London, where she lives with her TV producer husband Dan Baldwin and their three children, is said to have been placed under police guard while the alleged plot is investigated. Read the full story by Roisin OConnor here Holly Willoughbys co-stars speak out after shock kidnap plot news Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary address Holly Willoughby kidnap threat live on This Morning 11:00 , Lydia Patrick ITV sent support to Holly Willoughby 11:15 , Lydia Patrick ITV have shared a message to support their star, Holly Willoughby. A spokesperson for ITV said: This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at This Morning and ITV. We are providing all of the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time. Watch - Rishi Sunak sends best wishes to Holly Willoughby after alleged kidnap threat 12:00 , Lydia Patrick Watch - Lorraine Kelly's message to Holly Willoughby after kidnapping threat 12:30 , Lydia Patrick ICYMI - Support pours in for Holly Willoughby 13:00 , Lydia Patrick Holly Willoughbys ITV co-stars sent messages of love and support to the This Morning presenter, after shocking news emerged of an alleged kidnap plot against her. Gavin Plumb, 36, is accused of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap. He is set to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today after being arrested by officers on Wednesday 4 October. Willoughby, 42, was left shocked and distraught after learning she was allegedly the subject of sinister messages threatening to kidnap and harm her. She was absent from Thursdays episode of This Morning after bosses were told of the alleged plot by police, with Alison Hammond stepping in as a replacement with co-host Josie Gibson. Her 3m home in London, where she lives with her TV producer husband Dan Baldwin and their three children, is said to have been placed under police guard while the alleged plot is investigated. Read the full story by Roisin OConnor here Holly Willoughbys co-stars speak out after shock kidnap plot news PM shares supportive message 13:30 , Lydia Patrick The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent well wishes to Holly Willoughby on This Morning. Before addressing the Tory conference and proposed policies, he sent a supportive message to the ITV star. He said: Im so sorry to hear everything going on with Holly, I just want to send my best to her and her family. ICYMI - Distraught Holly Willoughby under police guard as man arrested over alleged kidnap plot 14:00 , Lydia Patrick Holly Willoughby was absent from her usual This Morning presenting slot on Thursday (5 October) due to an alleged kidnapping plot that was foiled by police, according to reports. The ITV presenter is said to have been left shocked and distraught after learning that she was the subject of sinister messages that threatened to kidnap and harm the mum of three. A 36-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday evening while a police guard has since been placed outside Willoughbys London home, where she lives with her husband TV producer Dan Baldwin and their three children, as investigations continue, The Sun reports. The Independent has contacted Willoughbys representatives for comment. An Essex Police spokesman told The Independent: A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. Read the full article by Roisin OConnor here Distraught Holly Willoughby under police guard after alleged kidnap plot Watch - Lorraine Kellys message to Holly Willoughby after kidnapping threat 15:31 , Lydia Patrick The court report 15:45 , Lydia Patrick A shopping centre security officer has been remanded in custody over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby. Gavin Plumb is charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to commit murder, and incitement to commit kidnap between October 2 and 5 in Harlow, Essex. The charges indicate the defendant is accused of planning to assemble a kidnap and restraint kit and encouraging a third party to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences. The 36-year-old appeared in the dock at Chelmsford Magistrates Court in a green T-shirt with the slogan Aged to Perfection on Friday, where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and where he worked. The court heard Plumb is alleged to have conspired online with another man and created a detailed plan to carry out the offences.The other man was due to arrive in the UK next week from the US, the court heard. Plumb, from Harlow, was remanded into custody by District Judge Caroline Jackson until a plea hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3. Gavin Plumb works as a shopping centre security officer (Sourced) Celebrities send their well wishes to Holly Willoughby 16:30 , Lydia Patrick Holly Willoughbys ITV co-stars sent messages of love and support to the This Morning presenter, after shocking news emerged of an alleged kidnap plot against her. Willoughby, 42, was left shocked and distraught after learning she was allegedly the subject of sinister messages threatening to kidnap and harm her. She was absent from Thursdays episode of This Morning after bosses were told of the alleged plot by police, with Alison Hammond stepping in as a replacement with co-host Josie Gibson. Read all the supportive statements here Holly Willoughbys co-stars speak out after shock kidnap plot news An eventful few months have unfolded for the ITV host 17:00 , Lydia Patrick Holly Willougby has faced a rocky few months after the revelation her co-host Phillip Schofield had an affair with a younger employee. Schofield, 61, admitted to the BBC he had lied to colleagues and his agent about the relationship after he stepped down from his This Morning presenting role in May. The last time we had a conversation was when I texted Holly and said, Dont reply this was after the statement last week Dont reply, youre probably not allowed to, but I am deeply deeply sorry that I lied to you, he said to the BBC. He also told The Sun that the affair was the one secret in our sanctuary that was never mentioned, adding that he has lost my best friend. Holly Willoughby faced a backlash from fans who accused her of knowing about the affair all along, leading her to make two public statements regarding the scandal. On Saturday (28 May), one day after Schofield shared his statement, Willoughby wrote on Instagram that it had taken time to process [the] news. When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. Its been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie, she said. Willoughby later returned to This Morning where she issued a second statement to viewers about the controversy, before going on a scheduled holiday then returning again in September. Presenting hungover with former co-host Phillip Schofield after the 2016 NTAs (ITV) Home and Away newcomer Ally Harris has promised we'll soon see a new side of her character Dana Matheson. Harris debuted on the Australian soap earlier this year alongside Jessica Redmayne, who plays Dana's sister Harper. It was soon revealed that Dana was on the run from the law after being framed for stealing drugs from the hospital where she worked by her ex-boyfriend Ollie. Channel 5 Related: Home and Away's Rose Delaney issues a major ultimatum to Mali Hudson The sisters had fled to Summer Bay because Dana is an old friend of constable Cash Newman, who she believed would be able to help them. Speaking to Stuff.nz, Harris promised that, while her debut storyline has been dramatic, there is light-hearted stuff to come for her in the future. "One of the directors compared it to being like a repertory theatre company where, instead of doing different plays and playing different people, its like you stay as Hamlet but in different genres," Harris explained. "Its really exciting. I came on the show, doing kind of like a crime thing, and now its heading to comedy and things like that. And thats so fun just to see the same person but in different scenarios." Channel 5 Related: Home and Away's Irene Roberts makes a risky move after shock arrest Harris added that she's under a three-year contract to play Dana and wants to bring more of herself to the character as time goes on. "Anytime I work, I just bring as much of myself to work as I possibly can. I want to be as much like myself as possible, because Im spending a lot of time in this world," she said. "Obviously, the circumstances are different, and I dont get to decide what I do thats in the script but thats wonderful because its such a great exercise in self exploration. "You go, 'I wouldnt ever do that, but if I did that, why did I do that? Why would I do that?' You get to kind of find a different part of yourself that does do that." Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK. Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage You Might Also Like (CNN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia has successfully carried out a test of a new generation of nuclear-powered cruise missile. State news agency RIA Novosti quoted Putin as saying the last successful test of the Burevestnik, a global-range cruise missile with a nuclear installation, a nuclear propulsion system, has been conducted. Putin was speaking at the Valdai Forum in Sochi. The program to develop the Burevestnik was announced by Putin in March 2018 as part of a broader initiative to develop a new generation of intercontinental and hypersonic missiles. Among them were the Kinzhal ballistic missile and the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle. Addressing the West, he said in that speech: Listen to us now. Putin told the Federal Assembly in March 2018 that the goal was to ensure a strategic balance in the world for decades to come, including the Burevestnik and Sarmat missiles. It is a low-flying stealth missile carrying a nuclear warhead, with almost unlimited range, unpredictable trajectory and ability to bypass interception boundaries, Putin said then. However, Western analysts say the program has since run into trouble, with a number of failed tests. In 2019, the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), an open source analytical group, said that there is a consensus in the press, with purported agreement from U.S. intelligence services, that the Burevestnik has been tested 13 times, with two partial successes. The NTI quoted Russian military expert Alexei Leonkov as describing the Burevestnik as a weapon of retaliation, which Russia would use after Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles to finish military and civilian infrastructure and not leave a chance of survival. Also in his speech at the Valdai Forum, Putin said that it is possible to revoke the ratification of a treaty banning nuclear tests. The United States signed the corresponding international act, document, treaty banning nuclear weapons tests, and Russia signed it. Russia signed and ratified, and the United States signed but did not ratify, Putin said in Sochi. The Russian president added that he sees it fit to mirror the manner of the United States and revoke Russias ratification. But this is a question for the State Duma deputies. In theory, this ratification could be revoked. If we do this, it will be quite enough, Putin noted. Underground nuclear testing was banned by the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The US and China signed the treaty, but they havent ratified it. Moscow did ratify the treaty, but Putin said in February he would order a test, if the US moves first, adding that no one should have dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed. According to Putin, Russia has almost finished to work on the modern types of strategic weapons and now it is only a matter of bureaucratic procedures to move on to their mass production and put them on combat duty. He said it will be done soon. Putin noted that he is not ready to say whether Russia needs to conduct tests in order to check if the new weapons are working efficiently, but as a rule his experts advise him to. A CNN report in September revealed that Russia, the US and China have all built new facilities and dug new tunnels at their nuclear test sites in recent years, according to satellite images, at a time when tensions between the three major nuclear powers have risen to their highest in decades. While there is no evidence to suggest that Russia, the US or China is preparing for an imminent nuclear test, the images, obtained and provided by a prominent analyst in military nonproliferation studies, illustrate recent expansions at three nuclear test sites compared with just a few years ago. Its very clear that all three countries, Russia, China and the United States have invested a great deal of time, effort and money in not only modernizing their nuclear arsenals, but also in preparing the types of activities that would be required for a test, said retired US Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton, a former intelligence analyst. Putin claims Ukraine war not about territory Meanwhile, Putin, who has laid bloody siege to Ukraine for nearly 20 months in an effort to conquer large swaths of Ukrainian land, on Thursday claimed the war is not a conflict over territory but instead about principles. The Ukraine crisis is not a territorial conflict, and I want to make that clear. Russia is the worlds largest country in terms of land area, and we have no interest in conquering additional territory, Putin said at the Valdai Forum. Tens of thousands have been killed, entire towns and villages wiped out and billions of dollars of infrastructure destroyed since Putins invasion of Ukraine began on February 24 last year. Meanwhile, the Russian president has attempted to annex four Ukrainian regions in violation of international law to add to the Crimean peninsula occupied by Moscows forces since 2014. But on Thursday, Putin claimed that Russia was not attempting to establish regional geopolitical balance, in Ukraine. Instead, he said the issue was about the principles underlying the new international order. The denial of these principles, one of them being a balance in the world where no one can unilaterally force or compel others to live or behave as a hegemon pleases, is what causes conflicts, Putin claimed, apparently referring to the West. Western elites need an enemy to justify the need for military action and expansion and made Moscow into one, Putin claimed. Putin is a staunch proponent of what he calls a multipolar world order, promoting structures such as the BRICS group of emerging economies as a counterweight to US- and Western-led institutions that have harshly condemned Russia for its war on Ukraine. He has previously attempted to justify his brutal war by claiming Ukraines aspiration to join NATO was a dire threat to Russia, that his invasion was a mission to de-Nazify Ukraine, and has emphasized his view that Ukraine is part of Russia, culturally, linguistically and politically. He has even compared himself to the 18th century Russian czar, Peter the Great. Ukraine has rejected these arguments and repeatedly said it will not cede any territory to Russia. Almost two years ago, Max and Julia Voloshyn didnt know what the future held for them, their toddler and their gallery in Kyiv, Ukraine. The couple, who own Voloshyn Gallery, happened to be in Miami when Russia invaded their home country. Their gallery became a bomb shelter. And they continued to support their artists best they could from over 5,600 miles away. Since then, the young family has found a new home in more ways then one. On Saturday, Voloshyn Gallerys permanent Miami location opens in Allapattah on NW 22nd Street. The gallery is celebrating with an opening event and a new exhibition starting at 6 p.m. The space is one of Miamis first eastern European galleries. It happened naturally, Julia said. It just happened. Voloshyn Gallery is the latest art space to open in the up-and-coming industrial neighborhood of Allapattah, which is just west of already gentrified Wynwood. The Rubell Museum and Superblue, which are right across the street from each other, have been instrumental in introducing art lovers to the area. Just last month, Marquez Art Projects opened its doors to the public. And on Saturday, gallerist Andrew Reed is celebrating his gallery opening right next door to Voloshyn Gallery. Reed, who moved back to his hometown of Miami after a stint in New York City, said he looks forward to operating a gallery in an emerging arts hub with the Voloshyns as his neighbors. He noted how rare it is for there to be a handful of art galleries on the same half block in a spread-out city like Miami. What Im trying to do, and I think Julia and Max can speak to it too, is that Im trying to bring art that really isnt shown in Miami to Miami, Reed said, speaking over whirring power tools. Its wonderful. Its nice to have this collaborative spirit. Julia and Max Voloshyn examine a couple of pieces of art that had just been hung on the wall to determined if any adjustments have to be made at the Voloshyn Gallery. Mindy Solomon, who also owns a gallery on the same Allapattah street, referred Max and Julia to the buildings owner when she heard that they were looking for a permanent location. She said shes been a fan of Voloshyn Gallerys program for years and is thrilled to be their neighbor. This year, Solomon celebrates her gallerys 10th anniversary in Miami. I came here after 4 years in St. Petersburg, Florida in search of community, Solomon wrote in an email. Initially, it took a bit of time to fit in. I have tried to make it easier for others. What I see now is vibrancy, enthusiasm and a desire to be recognized as a meaningful part of the contemporary art world. While they plan to primarily showcase Ukrainian artists, Voloshyn Gallery aims to be a space that brings artists from around the world together. We want to have the dialogue between eastern Europe, Ukraine, America and Latin America, Max said. And Miami is just right place for this dialogue. A full circle moment Max and Julias journey as gallerists began in Ukraine. As college students, they opened a classical Ukrainian art gallery and ran it for 10 years. In 2016, they opened Voloshyn Gallery, a contemporary art gallery, near Kyivs cultural center. Late 2021, like many international gallery owners, Max and Julia were in Miami to participate in contemporary art fairs and opened a pop-up art exhibition in Allapattah. But the family got sick with COVID-19, delaying their plans to fly back home. Their plans were delayed indefinitely when Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 23, 2022. Since then, Max and Julia have supported their artists abroad as best they can. Theyve been busy traveling to art fairs, organizing exhibitions and raising awareness for their country. But they needed another home base. It took the Voloshyns about a year to find the right space for them. They had been thinking about opening a location in the United States for a while, and had been heavily considering New York City, the countrys de facto art capital. But finding a decently sized and priced location in New York was virtually impossible, they said. Miami made sense, Julia said. The couple has found a supportive community of friends and colleagues here along with local gallerists who encouraged them to stay. And their daughter, 3-year-old Daniella, prefers Miami, too. At this point, she has spent more of her life in Miami than in Kyiv, Max said. Before making the final decision, they asked Daniella for her input. She said, We can fly to New York and back, but our home is here, Max recalled. Entrance to the Voloshyn Gallery 802 NW 22nd st., Miami. Art reflecting on war A couple days before the opening, the couple beamed as they walked around the still empty, 1,400-square-foot gallery space. Im very happy with the space, Julia said. Sunlight poured in from small windows on the ceiling as workers rushed in and out with ladders and tools. Some renovations and preparations had to be made before they could put up the art for their inaugural exhibition, called No Grey Zones. No Grey Zones is a nuanced reflection on war, conflict and the complicated ways the aftermath impacts people, Max and Julia said. The works critique and question the geopolitical powers that be while paying homage to the everyday people caught in the middle. The show features artists Lesia Khomenko, Nikita Kadan, Oleksiy Sai and Mykola Ridnyi from Ukraine; Israeli-born and New York-based artist Dana Levy; Bojan Stojcic from Bosnia and Herzegovina; Adam Albert from Hungary; and London-born artist K. Yoland. Julia co-curated the show along with Lilia Kudelia and Maksym. Artwork waiting to be hung on the walls of the Voloshyn Gallery. This will not be just beautiful paintings, Julia said. This shows what is happening in our country, and its not so easy to see sometimes. The artists which were selected for this show have experienced war before. Max stressed that the Ukrainian people still need support and recognition from other countries. The couple hopes that their Miami gallerys first show will raise awareness not just for the plight of their people, but victims of war and conflict around the world. Hopefully, we will have victory. We will win this war, Max said. Ukraine is defending democracy, defending our country, defending our people. While theyre happy in Miami for now, Max and Julia long to return to Ukraine, where their parents still live. As the war continues, Julia said, they have to be patient and hope for the best. Our hearts remain connected to our homeland, she said. Max Voloshyn on the phone between two newly hung works inside the Voloshyn Gallery. No Grey Zones opening reception Where: Voloshyn Gallery Miami; 802 NW 22nd Street When: Oct. 7, 6 - 9 p.m. Info: Normal gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Exhibition on view until Nov. 25. https://voloshyngallery.art A hearse and debris can be seen at the rear of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Authorities said Thursday they were investigating the improper storage of human remains at a southern Colorado funeral home that performs green burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. (Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette via AP) More than 115 improperly stored bodies were discovered at a southern Colorado funeral home known for performing "green" burials, in what officials described Friday as a "horrific" scene. The funeral home in Penrose, Colorado, a small town about 34 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, is under investigation after authorities responded to a report of an odor coming from the funeral home earlier this week. The owner of the facility had tried to conceal the problems with the storage of the bodies, the Associated Press reported. Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said at a news conference Friday there have been no arrests made and the owners of the funeral home were cooperating with the investigation. Officials said it was not yet clear if a crime had been committed. The improperly stored bodies created a "hazardous scene," Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said. After working to mitigate the hazard, authorities will be focused on "respectfully" removing the bodies and transporting them to another facility, where the coroner's office can control the environment and prevent any more degradation. The process of identifying all the deceased people could take months, Keller said, and may require the use of fingerprints, dental records or DNA. "The loved ones in this facility will be treated with the utmost care and respect," Keller said. Owner tried to conceal issues with storage of bodies: Report The owner of the Return to Nature Funeral Home facility in Penrose, Jon Hallford, tried to conceal the improper storage of the bodies when he spoke with investigators earlier this week, according to the Associated Press, which obtained a suspension letter sent to Hallford by state regulators. In a phone call with regulators, Hallford reportedly acknowledged he had a "problem" at the facility. The document didn't detail how he tried to conceal the issue, AP reported. He also said he practiced animal taxidermy there. According to a cease and desist ordered on Thursday, the facility's license had expired in November 2022, AP reported. The Return to Nature Funeral Home couldn't be reached for comment by USA TODAY on Friday. Neighbors were smelling a foul odor Officials said they responded to the funeral home after reports of an odor coming from it and obtained a warrant to enter. Neighbors and businesses said they'd been smelling something foul for weeks. Joyce Pavetti, 73, told the Associated Press she can see the funeral home from the stoop of her house and said she caught whiffs of a putrid smell. We just assumed it was a dead animal, she said. Another neighbor, Ron Alexander, told the AP he thought the smell was coming from a septic tank. There was no health risk to the public, Keller said. Upon entering the facility, a deputy coroner developed a rash and was evaluated at a hospital, but Keller said she was "fine." What to know about the funeral home, owners The Penrose property is owned by the Return to Nature Funeral Home, which is based in Colorado Springs, according to authorities. The company provides what it describes as green or natural burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. The cost for a green burial there is $1,895, which doesnt include the cost of a casket and cemetery space. "No embalming fluids, no concrete vaults. As natural as possible," the funeral home's website said. Return to Nature was established six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to public records. Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. According to county property records, the funeral home building and lot are owned by Hallfordhomes, LLC, a business with a Colorado Springs address that the Colorado Secretary of State declared delinquent on Oct. 1 for failing to file a routine reporting form that was due at the end of July. Contributing: Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colorado funeral home under investigation after 115 bodies found A novel UK satellite has returned its first pictures of heat variations across the surface of the Earth. HotSat-1 carries the highest resolution commercial thermal sensor in orbit, enabling it to trace hot and cold features as small as 3.5m across. In the initial imagery, a Chicago train is observed moving through the night and the flame fronts of Canadian wildfires are precisely mapped. London operator SatVu plans to launch seven additional spacecraft. This will increase the volume of data it can acquire but also reduce the time between passes over particular locations, meaning changes in a scene can be detected more rapidly. HotSat-1, with its mid-wave infrared camera, was assembled by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford and launched in June on a SpaceX rocket flying out of California. The spacecraft manufacturer is due to complete its in-orbit testing and commissioning phase in the next week. "At that point 'we get the keys', so to speak, and we'll then be able to task the satellite ourselves and get the data down for our customers," Tobias Reinicke, the chief technology officer at SatVu, told BBC News. HotSat-1's heat maps - still imagery and short videos - should have wide application, but especially in climate-related matters. They'll permit urban planners, for example, to see roof tops and walls. This will enable them to understand the temperature profiles of individual buildings, offices and factories. It's information that can identify infrastructure that's wasting energy and is in need of better insulation. "We've got 28 million homes in the UK, most of which are quite poorly insulated," commented Prof Emily Shuckburgh. "Being able to identify those buildings with this sort of information, prioritising them for better insulation and then assessing the quality of that is really, really important," the director of Cambridge Zero, the University of Cambridge's climate change initiative, said. Alternatively, the maps will show the "heat islands", such as large, open car parks, which add to the heat stress in cities and will need to be cooled, perhaps with a line of trees. The data is also sure to provide intelligence to the financial and insurance sectors - and even the military - by revealing how temperatures in a scene change over time. It's possible, for example, to get a sense of the volume and type of output from a factory just from its heat signature. In the imagery on this page - the redder the colour, the warmer the surface; the bluer the colour, the cooler it is. Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada, US: See how the tarmac and concrete in roads and parking zones builds heat during the day to then slowly release it at night. This retained energy will make hot nights even more uncomfortable for residents. Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico, US: Look at the airport. You can count the number of planes around the terminal. A standard optical satellite, which views the ground in light similar to what our eyes sense, cannot see this night-time detail. Cushing, Oklahoma Cushing, Oklahoma, US: Companies wanting to know how much oil is moving through storage depots will fly remote-sensing drones to gather intelligence. But regular satellite overflights can gather this data far more efficiently and be global in view. Canadian wildfires Northwest Territories, Canada: This image acquired on 27 July shows the active fronts of wildfires. A video of the scene could be used to help predict the speed of fire progression and the potential paths of impact. Darwin, Australia SatVu had pre-launch commitments worth 100m from users who plan to use the thermal data - both within the UK and internationally. About 60 entities are part of an early access programme and will now get to play with imagery to determine whether it meets their requirements. The technology in HotSat-1 was funded with R&D money from the UK and European space agencies (UKSA & Esa). Independent remote-sensing expert Dr Simon Proud commented: "The prospects of HotSat-1 for urban planning and agriculture are exciting. But we need to assess how accurate the data is, especially during the day when the satellite sees sunlight on top of the actual temperature. "It's also key to have stable measurements over time - essential for monitoring the success of interventions like adding roof insulation to a house or trees to a car park," the RAL Space and National Centre for Earth Observation scientist told BBC News. SatVu executives unveiled the new imagery to the Prince of Wales on Thursday Some Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee are touting chairman Jim Jordans leadership on efforts to secure the besieged southern border -- just as the migrant crisis is hitting new records, and Jordan could soon be the next speaker of the House. The committee has been central in the Houses push to force the Biden administration to take what Republicans see as a stronger stance against border security and illegal immigration. Judiciary was one of the main committees involved in the Secure the Border Act, the signature Republicans border security and asylum overhaul which passed the chamber this year and which Republicans pushed hard to include in a continuing resolution last week. TRUMP ENDORSES JIM JORDAN FOR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is running to become the next House speaker. While it has failed to pick up Democratic support, it represents a sweeping and detailed blueprint of how GOP lawmakers want to reform the asylum system and crack down on illegal immigration at the border, with measures from E-Verify to limits on parole to border wall funding and Border Patrol agent hiring. Now, days after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a motion to vacate, Jordan has put his hat in the ring to replace him -- and his supporters are pointing to the committees work under his leadership. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., who is backing Jordan for speaker and is on the Judiciary's immigration subcommittee, stressed Jordan's credentials on the border to Fox News Digital. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "House Republicans passed the strongest border security bill in history to end the failed policy of catch-and-release, finish the border wall, reinstate Remain in Mexico, and block taxpayer financing of the open-border NGOs that are actively facilitating this invasion," he said. "This effort was spearheaded by the House Judiciary Committee." "Theres no stronger person on border issues than Jim Jordan," he added. Rep. Jeff Van Drew , R-N.J., who is also on both the Judiciary Committee and the immigration subcommittee, said he was specifically supporting Jordan in part due to his leadership on border security. MIGRANT NUMBERS HIT HIGHEST EVER RECORDED IN 1 MONTH: SOURCES "That's one of the reasons I'm supporting Jim Jordan for speaker. I think he'll be a great speaker and particularly on this issue," he said. Meanwhile, a source familiar with the committees operations pointed Fox News Digital to the work of the committee under Jordan -- including the first field hearing on the crisis in Yuma, Arizona, along with eight committee and subcommittee hearings, 10 transcribed interviews and more than 50 letters to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas pushing for information related to policy. The committee also released a detailed report into the murder of Kayla Hamilton, which it called a "case for immigration enforcement and border security." Jordan has also picked up the support of other Republicans who are hawkish on the border. Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green and Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., are among those backing Jordan. On Friday, he received the backing of former President Trump, who declared Jordan "STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment." CLICK HERE FOR MORE POLITICS COVERAGE Despite the drama over the speakers chair, the committee is keeping going, with a transcribed interview with an ICE official due to take place next week. Officials in multiple committees have emphasized that their efforts to secure the border will not be affected. "The work that we do is essential. We cannot stop and we will not stop on the immigration," Van Drew said. "We're going to keep pushing hard because it is literally about the future of the republic." In addition to Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, left, Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., right, has announced he's running for speaker of the House. Van Drew also pointed to the grillings, both in letters and in hearings, that Mayorkas has received. "I think we've gone hard at him. I've questioned him hard. And certainly, again, the chairman has really pushed hard on this issue." Van Drew said it was an issue that Republicans needed to keep pushing on, given the severity of the crisis at the border. Sources told Fox News last week that there were more than 260,000 migrant encounters at the border in September -- marking a new record. "They're doing catch and release, but some of them don't even go through that process. Some of them are just getting in and without a doubt, documented, we have people who are part of the drug cartels andthey are now moving into the United States, establishing businesses in the United States and changing our entire fabric of our country. It is truly frightening." Van Drew emphasized he believes both Jordan and Majority Whip Steve Scalise -- also in the running for speaker -- are "great people" but that he was backing Jordan. "I think this time and this place, just for that one issue alone -- because we are in just the worst of times here and we're in a crisis situation for real. And that's why I believe we need Jim Jordan." Original article source: House Judiciary Chairman Jordan praised for leadership on border crisis as speaker's race heats up WASHINGTON While House Republicans bicker over who should succeed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and lead the GOP conference, the House is virtually paralyzed as Congress faces the monumental task of funding the government by mid-November. After McCarthys historic ouster Tuesday, House Republicans adjourned for the week to recuperate and ease high tensions. When they come back next week, the House will hold an election for speaker to determine the lower chamber's top leader. One of McCarthys close allies, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., is currently serving in a limited role as acting speaker speaker pro tempore but his powers are mostly unclear. McHenrys main task will be overseeing the next speaker election. Besides committee work, the House will be unable to pass legislation: including key legislation to avert a shutdown. The original plan for House Republicans, after successfully avoiding a shutdown last weekend, was to pass in October the 12 appropriation bills necessary to fund the government long-term. McCarthy, following his removal, said Tuesday he had already begun informal discussions with Senate leaders about averting a shutdown. But his sudden ousting has completely upended those plans with lawmakers going home while mulling over who should serve as the next speaker. Im concerned with the timeline now, McCarthy said. U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., arrives to the U.S. Capitol Building on October 05, 2023 in Washington, DC. 'Now is not the time to slow down' The priority for House Republicans right now, they say, is finding a new leader. Were getting this one thing done first, Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, said about the prospects of a government shutdown while the House is left without a speaker. Well have a speaker by next week and then the appropriations process will continue. Conservative hardliner Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who led the efforts to oust McCarthy, defended his rebellion in spite of the Nov. 17 funding deadline. The House, he argued, had already been paralyzed considering Congress left for its August recess instead of focusing on the appropriations process. Rep. Nancy Mace, S.C., another one of the eight Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy from the speakership, dismissed concerns about the likelihood of a government shutdown after ousting McCarthy. Under McCarthys leadership, Mace argued, the government barely made progress towards averting a shutdown and that several appropriation bills were not done. They havent gotten through. Hopefully well have a new speaker in short order. If we can get it done quickly, then theres no reason to pause, Mace said. The candidates so far jockeying for the speakership have alluded to the time crunch Congress is facing a problem only exacerbated by the positions vacancy. Now is not the time to slow down, House Majority Leader, Steve Scalise, R-La., a candidate for speaker, wrote in a letter to his fellow GOP lawmakers. We laid out an aggressive schedule to complete floor consideration of all 12 appropriations bills to go into Senate negotiations with the strongest hand possible, and we cannot afford to lose any more time achieving that goal. At some point were going to have to deal with this appropriations process, House Judiciary chair, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, another candidate for speaker, told reporters Wednesday. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., arrives for a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol October 3, 2023 in Washington, DC. Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest group of House Republicans, told reporters Thursday that his focus as speaker would also be on pushing through the 12 appropriation bills. If House Republicans could do that, the onus of government funding would be on the Senate and the White House, Hern said. If we get our 12 appropriation bills done, then it is the White House and Senate that are shutting down the government, not us, Hern said. The chaos that has embroiled the House has incited fury from GOP leadership allies and moderate lawmakers. If the government does shutdown in November, some GOP lawmakers are already laying the blame at the eight members who voted to oust McCarthy. Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., one of McCarthys closest allies, singled out Gaetz for leading the insurgency against the former speaker. If there is a shutdown in November, that is 100% attributable to Matt Gaetz and the other seven boneheads who forced this, Graves said. Matts problem is that he often only thinks about how to get attention and that first step where he can create the chaos and get attention. He didnt think through what happens after that. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks to reporters as he leaves the U.S. Capitol after U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was ousted form his position, October 3, 2023 in Washington, DC. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: McCarthy fallout: House frozen ahead of government shutdown deadline Fox News will no longer be airing a joint interview among House Republicans competing to be the next House speaker after two participants dropped out of the forum, according to reports. Earlier on Friday, Fox News confirmed that the program would be broadcast on Monday at 6pm ET and hosted by Bret Baier. The House members who will be in attendance are Ohio Rep Jim Jordan, Louisiana Rep Steve Scalise, and Oklahoma Rep Kevin Hern. However, reports are circulating that some House speaker candidates will not be participating, leading to the forum being called off. Rep Hern posted on X on Friday afternoon explaining his decision: I still havent made a decision on my candidacy for speaker, but I know one thing for sure. I will not be participating in the televised debate. We need to make this decision as a conference, not on TV. The Republican conference needs a family discussion. Reporters for CNN and Punchbowl News similarly wrote that the forum had been cancelled, adding that Mr Scalise would also not be participating. When The Independent reached out to Fox News, a spokesperson said that Baier would discuss the forum on the network later today, but did not confirm the reports. Baier will press the congressmen on who should be the next Speaker of the House and discuss the issues facing Congress and the Republican party going forward, the networks release said earlier on Friday. The interview would have come before Republicans plan to have a private forum on Tuesday where candidates can talk to their colleagues before a vote the next day. The trio are vying for the post after Florida Rep Matt Gaetz forced a vote to strip Kevin McCarthy of his post following the Republican-controlled chamber passing a resolution to fund the federal government, thus dodging a shutdown. The successful motion to vacate Rep McCarthy was historic, as its the first time in US history that a speaker has been removed by the House. After the vote determined his fate, Mr McCarthy said he would not to run again for the speakership, leaving the question of who will replace him swirling around the Capitol and beyond. After Mr Jordan jumped into the race he was quickly endorsed by former President Donald Trump , who called the Ohio Republican a star on Truth Social, adding, He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement! Kentucky Sen Rand Paul also endorsed Mr Jordan. Meanwhile, former Republican Rep Liz Cheney voiced her opposition to Mr Jordan, warning: If the Republicans decide that Jim Jordan should be the Speaker of the House ... [t]here would no longer be any possible way to argue that a group of elected Republicans could be counted on to defend the Constitution. In a letter to colleagues, Mr Scalise said: It is with that sense of responsibility and purpose that I am seeking the Conferences nomination for Speaker of the House. You know my leadership style Ive displayed as your Majority Leader and Whip. I have a proven track record of bringing together the diverse array of viewpoints within our Conference to build consensus where others thought it impossible. Earlier, Mr Gaetz voiced support for the Louisiana congressman, saying, I think the world of Steve Scalise, I think hed make a phenomenal speaker, he said. Some Republicans, such as far-right Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, have floated the idea that Mr Trump could take the post, writing on X: The only candidate for Speaker I am currently supporting is President Donald J. Trump. He will end the war in Ukraine. He will secure the border. On Thursday, Mr Trump indicated on Fox News that he would serve temporarily as speaker if Republicans need him. If they dont get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president, the 2024 Republican frontrunner said. However, since he faces several indictments, it is unlikely that the former president would be allowed to serve in the role. People are living in cars, RVs and tiny homes. But some are floating another idea to avoid property taxes | Rafael Ben-Ari, Adobe.com In order to have freedom and escape the high cost of housing, some people are living in RVs, tiny houses and even their cars. But one marina owner in Connecticut is hawking houseboats as a way to live on the water and avoid property taxes. CT Insider reported that in Connecticut, houseboats are classified as watercraft even if you live in them. So marina owner John Benchimol is talking this up as a way that people can live more cheaply while having water views and the mobility of an RV. Its very affordable because actually you dont pay a property tax on boats in Connecticut, Benchimol said. Of course, very affordable might not mean the same thing to you as it does to him. Entry level houseboats made by La Mare start at $240,000, CT Insider reported, and luxury boats Benchimol is offering sell for $349,000 and $450,000. There are drawbacks, of course. The houseboats only travel about 6 to 10 miles an hour, so youd have to get a head start if a hurricane is coming. Moreover, they can get chilly during the winter in, say, Minnesota or Rhode Island. Stacy Rae Seminick told The Providence Journal that she lives on her houseboat year-round even though she knew one man who tried and quit after a month. Too cold. Too much aggravation, Seminick said. And an even more concerning thing in Utah is the occasional houseboat fire. Related But with #Boatlife trending on TikTok and Google searches up for how to live on a boat, theres interest out there, according to the New York Post. Insider recently published a series of houseboat neighborhoods and communities around the world including Amsterdam, Seattle and Egypt. And if you cant afford a houseboat, there are rentals to be had. At one marina in North Carolina, almost all of the houseboats are occupied by renters, the website Wilmington Biz reported. The developers are capitalizing on an upward trend in houseboat purchases. The market for houseboats has seen substantial growth in the past few years and is expected to grow significantly through 2028, according to Verified Market Research, the publication reported. One luxury houseboat community called The Strands sold out within nine months, primarily to people who planned to rent them. What do you get in a luxury houseboat besides a water view? In The Strands, you get airy, open living areas; crown molding; quartz countertops; stainless steel appliances; king-size beds; and full-size washers and dryers, Wilmington Biz reported. But its doubtful that their views are as good as the houseboats for rent at Lake Powell, an experience that Forbes once called otherworldly at least while theres still water in it. Meanwhile, for people who cant decide between a tiny house and a houseboat, there is, of course, the tiny houseboat. The Family Handyman website suggests 50 on Airbnb that you can try. HOUSTON - Houston police are searching for a missing man. 36-year-old John Goza, who was last seen leaving the 300 block of North Carolina Street. John Goza, missing since September, Houston PD Officials say he was last contacted back in September. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku and Google Android TV! Anyone with information related to the location of Goza, should contact the Houston Police Department Missing Persons Division at (832) 394-1840. Concerned animal lovers and a humane society in California are desperate to get to the bottom of how hundreds of animals mysteriously vanished after they were transferred to a humane society in southern Arizona. Two former leaders at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona are under investigation into their handling of the 318 small animals commonly referred to as pocket pets guinea pigs, rats and mice, hamsters, and rabbits the organizations board of directors said in an Oct. 5 news conference. Chief Executive Officer Steve Farley was fired, and Chief Operating Officer Christian Gonzalez resigned, Chairperson Robert Garcia said during the conference. In a statement to the Arizona Republic, Farley disputed Garcias conclusions. It is important to know that I had no involvement in the transportation or placement of these animals ... and subsequent allegations have been very disturbing to me, Farley told the outlet. I provided the Board of Directors a 90-page detailed report regarding all communications between the San Diego and Southern Arizona Humane Society organizations, but they made the decision to end my employment anyway. The controversy surrounding the fate of the animals started after the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) transferred them to its counterpart in Tucson on Aug. 7 for the express purpose of finding these animals permanent homes, according to a Sept. 18 legal notice the California organization sent to the Arizona one. After that, the pocket pets vanished without a trace, according to information posted to the San Diego Humane Societys website. Rather than working with the local pet rescue community and schools to find homes for the animals, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) handed the pocket pets off to a man believed to be one of the brothers behind a family-run private group which turned out to be a reptile firm in Maricopa County, Garcia said during the news conference. The brother was merely an individual who routinely facilitated animal adoptions, primarily through personal relationships at his church and in the community and was not a licensed rescue organization, Garcia said. While the brothers said they placed the animals into various homes, there were no records of adoptions, Garcia said. The rescue community and the San Diego Humane Society grew increasingly concerned over the pocket pets potential fate, the organization said. Eventually, the brothers returned 64 animals to the southern Arizona humane society leaving more than 250 pocket pets still unaccounted for, Garcia said. The San Diego Humane Society will continue to pursue definitive proof about the status of the missing animals, according to a statement on the organizations website. Some members of the public seem to have come to a conclusion about what they believe happened to the pocket pets. A comment under the Humane Society of Southern Arizonas statement posted to Facebook on Oct. 2 reads: You sent them to two brothers who breed small animals for reptile food, not a small animal rescue. The HSAA said in the statement, among other things, that it cares deeply about animals and there is presently no evidence indicating the animals were harmed. 31 animals found in Florida home when breeder dies. Nightmare situation to find owners Ten dogs stick together after being dumped, Florida cops say. Theyll get a 2nd chance Maui sends dozens of cats to Washington animal shelters. Where can you adopt them? Richard Jones, an attorney representing Hunter Biden in his federal gun charge case, filed paperwork Friday to withdraw himself from the matter. The president's son had pleaded not guilty to federal gun charges in U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware Tuesday morning after being charged in an indictment stemming from Special Counsel David Weiss' investigation. "Mr. Biden has been advised of, and consents to, our withdrawal. He also agrees this withdrawal will cause no material adverse effect or prejudice to him and remains completely satisfied with Messrs. [Abbe] Lowells and [Bartholomew] Daltons continued representation of him," reads the document filed by Jones. "Accordingly, our withdrawal as counsel will have no material adverse effect on Mr. Bidens interests," Jones added. HUNTER BIDEN PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO FEDERAL GUN CHARGES Hunter Biden, center, arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday. Jones did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The president's son appeared in person in court for his arraignment Tuesday morning after being charged with making a false statement in the purchase of a firearm; making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federal firearms licensed dealer; and one count of possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance. With all counts combined, the total maximum prison time for the charges could be up to 25 years. Each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release. A court sketch depicts Hunter Bidens arraignment in a federal courtroom in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday. The president's son plead not guilty to federal gun charges after his original plea deal fell through in July. JOE BIDEN NOMINATES FORMER HUNTER BIDEN LAW FIRM COLLEAGUE AS SPECIAL COUNSEL Biden pleaded not guilty to all three charges. Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke presided over the hearing and laid out the conditions for Biden's release, which require the president's son to seek employment and communicate all international travel plans. Biden also is prohibited from possessing a firearm and using alcohol and drugs, and he is required to get drug tested randomly and participate in a substance abuse counseling program. Hunter Biden is seen prior to his arraignment hearing on Tuesday. The federal gun charges are the first charges Weiss has brought against Biden since being granted special counsel status by Attorney General Merrick Garland in August. Fox News' David Spunt and Brooke Singman contributed to this report. Original article source: Hunter Biden attorney withdraws from federal gun charge case (CNN) Former US President Donald Trump said Thursday that, if needed, he would be open to serving as speaker of the US House for a short period of time until Republican lawmakers settle on a candidate who could garner enough votes to serve as their leader. However, a source close to Trump told CNN later Thursday that the former president has privately told those around him that he wants to endorse Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio for speaker, and believes he is the best person for the job. Separately, a source who has discussed the speakers race with Trump said he is expected to endorse Jordan in the near future. The former president is not expected to go to Capitol Hill, the source close to Trump said. He had been considering a visit to speak with Republicans in the coming days as they weigh a new speaker, a source familiar with discussions told CNN earlier in the day. CNN has reached out to Trump. Trump has been approached in recent days by GOP lawmakers who have floated the idea of him serving as speaker, even on a temporary basis, one source familiar with the conversations said, and has been intrigued by the idea. They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion Im not doing it because I want to I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision, Trump told Fox News Digital. Trump told Fox he was focused on his presidential campaign but that he would be open to serving for a 30-, 60-, or 90-day period. Trump has told those with him this week that while he is flattered and honored that people have raised his name, he is not seriously entertaining the idea, according to two people who have spoken with him about Kevin McCarthys ouster. Trump is entirely focused on running for president, the two sources said, characterizing his public posturing on the narrative that he could be elected speaker as Trump relishing the attention. A lot of people have been calling me about speaker. All I can say is well do whatever is best for the country and the Republican Party, Trump told reporters outside the courthouse in lower Manhattan on Wednesday during a break from his civil fraud trial. If he did run, Trump would need to earn the majority of the votes of lawmakers present and voting, which could prove difficult for a former president who is polarizing even among members of the GOP conference. Rep. Mike Lawler, a GOP freshman from a swing district in New York, told CNN earlier Thursday that he doesnt see a role for Trump in the speakers race. Asked by CNNs Jim Sciutto whether he wanted the former president to come to the Capitol, Lawler said, I think the choice for speaker will be someone who is currently a member of Congress and I think these discussions should be among the members. And even if Trump were to be elected, its unclear whether he could get around House Republican conference rules that state any member who is indicted on felony charges that carry a prison sentence of two or more years is required to step down from leadership. Those rules are self-enforced and could be changed but only after a speaker is elected. The internal discussions on Trumps potential trip to the Capitol, first reported by the The Messenger, come as the House is essentially paralyzed while it lacks a speaker. Republicans are slated to hear from speaker candidates at a forum next Tuesday, setting up the next possible House-wide speaker vote on Wednesday, October 11. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan have announced their candidacies, and others could still enter the race, but it remains to be seen whether the conference can coalesce around a viable successor to McCarthy. Republican Reps. Troy Nehls of Texas and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia have publicly said they would support Trump for the role. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Trump floats serving as House speaker for short period of time if needed until GOP settles on leader" Buildings are inundated after flash floods triggered by sudden heavy rainfall swamped Rangpo town in Sikkim, India, Friday, Oct. 6. 2023. A flood that burst through a major hydroelectric dam in India's Himalayan northeast killed at least 31 people, officials said Friday, as ice-cold water swept through mountain towns, washing away houses and bridges and forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. The flood began shortly after midnight Wednesday, when a glacial lake high in the mountains overflowed after a heavy rainfall. (AP Photo/Prakash Adhikari) NEW DELHI (AP) Hundreds of rescuers dug through slushy debris and fast-flowing, icy water Friday in a search for survivors after a glacial lake overflowed and burst through a dam in India's Himalayan north, a disaster that many had warned was possible for years. The flood began in the early hours of Wednesday, when water overflowed a mountain lake. It smashed through a major hydroelectric dam downstream and then poured into the valley below, where it killed at least 41 people, carrying bodies kilometers (miles) away, and forced thousands to flee their homes. It wasnt clear what triggered the deadly flood, the latest to hit northeast India in a year of unusually heavy monsoon rains. Experts pointed to intense rain, and a 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck nearby Nepal on Tuesday afternoon, as possible contributors. But the disaster also underscores a climate dilemma that pits local environmental activists who say dams in the Himalayas are too dangerous against authorities pursuing a national green energy agenda. The design and placement of the 6-year-old Teesta 3 dam, the largest in Sikkim state, were controversial from the time it was built. A report compiled by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority in 2019 had identified Lhonak Lake as highly vulnerable to flooding that could breach dams and cause extensive damage to life and property. The dams operator, and local agencies responsible for dam safety, did not respond to requests for comment Friday. India is counting on hydroelectric dams to meet ambitious clean energy goals that are part of a global effort to slow climate change. The government aims to increase Indias hydro power by half by 2030, to 70,000 megawatts, and has approved hundreds of new dams across the country's mountainous north. But the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather, driven in part by climate change, puts many dams and the people living downstream from them at risk. Last month, dam breaches caused by Storm Daniel caused devastating damage to the city of Derna in Libya. Rising temperatures also cause glaciers to melt faster, putting more pressure on dams. A 2016 study found that over a fifth of the 177 dams built close to Himalayan glaciers in five countries were at risk from glacial lakes, including the Teesta 3 dam. We knew that this was coming, said Gyatso Lepcha, general secretary of Affected Citizens of Teesta, an environmental organization based in Sikkim, wrote in a statement that called for a safety review of all dams in the state. The Teesta 3 hydropower project, built on the Teesta River, took nine years and cost $1.5 billion to construct. The project was capable of producing 1,200 megawatts of electricity enough to power 1.5 million Indian homes and began operation in 2017. But local activists argued that the dam didn't have enough safety features. Despite being the biggest project in the state, there were no early warning systems installed even though the glacier overflowing was a known risk, said Himanshu Thakkar of the non-governmental organization South Asian Network for Rivers, Dams and People. Thakkar said authorities failed to apply the lessons from a 2021 dam breach in Himalayan state of Uttarakhand that killed 81 people, allowing an eerily similar disaster to occur. India passed a dam safety law in 2021, but Teesta 3 is not on a list of dams whose safety is monitored by Indias top dam regulator. Indias National Disaster Management Agency said Friday that it plans to set up early warning systems at most of Indias 56 known at-risk glacial lakes. Parts of northern Bangladesh along the Teesta River also flooded Friday as water traveled from Sikkim, local media reported. The waters are expected to rise more, as the countrys weather office forecast possible heavy rains in coming days. In Sikkim, more than 2,000 people were rescued after Wednesdays floods, the state Dsaster Management Authority said, adding that authorities set up 26 relief camps for more than 22,000 people. One soldier was previously reported missing was rescued, and the bodies of seven have been found, state police said. Eleven bridges in the Lachan Valley were washed away by the floodwaters, which also hit pipelines and damaged or destroyed more than 270 houses in four districts, officials said. The army said it was providing medical aid and phone connectivity to civilians in the areas of Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen, and local media reported that said the army was erecting temporary bridges to bring food to affected areas. Nearly 50 people died in flash floods and landslides in August in nearby Himachal Pradesh state, and record rains in northern India killed more than 100 people over two weeks in July. ___ Arasu reported from Bengaluru, India. AP writers Aniruddha Ghosal in Hanoi, Vietnam and Julhas Alam in Dhaka, Bangladesh contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receive support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Six top members of the Ada County Republican Party, including its chairman, quit Thursday, citing decisions by the state party that have made it impossible to effectively lead. Its the latest controversy pitting local party leaders against the divisive Idaho Republican Party chairwoman, Dorothy Moon , and her hard-right allies, who have effective control of the state party. An Ada County GOP news release recited a docket of grievances against the state party, including that it distrusts voters to select candidates and has created a new oligarchy that values control and un-Republican bullying tactics. Ada County Chairman Victor Miller touted the local partys fundraising in recent years and successful GOP elections to county officer and school board seats. But given the state GOPs current political climate and direction, it has become impossible to lead in Ada County effectively, Miller said in the news release. In addition to Miller, the following local party leaders announced their immediate resignations: First Vice Chair Megan Reichle, Second Vice Chair Travis Clyde, Third Vice Chair Barrett Tetlow, Treasurer David Litster and State Committeewoman Kim Wickstrum. The half-dozen party leaders will hold on to their elected precinct committeeman positions, the news release noted. The Idaho Statesman has reached out to Moon requesting comment. County officials cite reasons for resignations Since last years convention, when Republican delegates elected Moon chairwoman, the state party has adopted several controversial policies that resigning party officers cited as reasons for quitting. That includes a new rule that voters who previously affiliated with another party must wait a year before registering as a Republican. The Ada County officers called the rule a purity waiting period that will limit the partys growth. They also pointed to a rule adopted in June that gives central committees the authority to censure elected Republicans who stray from the party line. The officers said the tribunals allow party members to censure candidates and strip them of party support. Hard-right local parties this year delivered a series of censures to Republican lawmakers who opposed legislation that would have allowed parents to sue over harmful library materials or banned drag shows on public property. The state party no longer embraces grassroots voters and candidates but has created a new oligarchy that values control, purity testing, and bullying tactics that are un-Republican, the Ada County officers said in the news release. The energy of the party is more about infighting than collaboration more about beating each other than beating Democrats. The infighting escalated to the courts last month, when the Bingham County Republican Central Committee sued the state party in an attempt to stop it from overruling the county partys election of a new chairman. The Ada County leaders also decried the Idaho Republican Partys collection of local party dues, a practice thats widely rejected in Republican state parties throughout the United States. We can no longer support this system, they said. We hope that when the state GOPs intentions and tactics are fully brought to light, the ship can be righted to include all Republicans and to return power to the voters and the counties. FILE - Nobel Commitee chairman Thorbjorn Jagland sits next to an empty chair with the Nobel Peace Prize medal and diploma during a ceremony honoring Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo at city hall in Oslo, Norway, on Dec. 10, 2010. The head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 urged Iran to release imprisoned peace prize winner Narges Mohammadi and let her accept the award at the annual prize ceremony in December. Such appeals have had little effect in the past. Liu Xiaobo was serving an 11-year sentence for inciting subversion by advocating sweeping political reforms and greater human rights in China when the Norwegian Nobel Committee selected him for the peace prize in 2010. (AP Photo/John McConnico, File) STOCKHOLM (AP) The head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee urged Iran to release imprisoned peace prize winner Narges Mohammadi and let her accept the award at the annual prize ceremony in December. Such appeals have had little effect in the past. Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist, is the fifth peace laureate to get the prize while in prison or under house arrest. In none of the previous cases did the prize result in the recipient's release. Two of them remained in captivity until they died. Heres a look at previous Nobel laureates who were in detention: CARL VON OSSIETZKY The 1935 Nobel Peace Prize to German journalist Carl Von Ossietzky so infuriated Adolf Hitler that the Nazi leader prohibited all Germans from receiving Nobel Prizes. Ossietzky had been imprisoned for exposing secret plans for German rearmament in the 1920s. He was released after seven months but arrested again and sent to a concentration camp after the Nazis took power in 1933. Despite a campaign to set him free, the government refused to release Ossietzky, who was ill with tuberculosis. Ossietzky was barred from traveling to Norway to accept the award and was kept under surveillance at a civilian hospital until his death in 1938. He was the first Nobel peace laureate to die in captivity. AUNG SAN SUU KYI The Nobel Peace Prize helped raise international support for Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was under house arrest when she won the award in 1991. However, she remained in and out of house arrest until her release in 2010. She gave her Nobel acceptance speech two years later, but once in government, her Nobel glory faded as she faced criticism for ignoring and sometimes defending atrocities by the military, including a 2017 crackdown on Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi was detained again when the military ousted her elected government in 2021, and she remains imprisoned despite calls for her release by the Norwegian Nobel Committee and others. In August, the military-led government reportedly reduced her prison sentences, but the 78-year-old must still serve a total of 27 of the 33 years she was given. LIU XIAOBO Liu Xiaobo was serving an 11-year sentence for inciting subversion by advocating sweeping political reforms and greater human rights in China when the Norwegian Nobel Committee selected him for the peace prize in 2010. The award prompted world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, to call for Lius release, but to no avail. The decision deeply angered Beijing, which suspended trade negotiations with Norway. No friend or relative was able to accept the award on Liu's behalf. His wife was placed under house arrest, and dozens of his supporters were prevented from leaving the country. Lius absence was marked by an empty chair at the award ceremony in Oslo. He died from liver cancer in 2017. ALES BIALIATSKI Belarussian pro-democracy campaigner Ales Bialiatski, who shared last year's Nobel Peace Prize with human rights groups in Russia and Ukraine, was the fourth person to receive the award while in captivity. Bialiatski, now 61, founded the non-governmental organization Human Rights Center Viasna. He was detained following protests in 2020 against the reelection of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. A court sentenced him to 10 years in prison in March. Bialiatski and his colleagues at Viasna were convicted of financing actions violating public order and smuggling, the center reported. In May, his wife said he had been transferred to a notoriously brutal Belarusian prison. SAN DIEGO (Border Report) As long delays to cross the border persist for truckers at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, maquiladora executives are complaining of incalculable losses resulting from merchandise and materials not being able to get across the border on time. Mexican customs has a lot of problems with its software and computer systems, said Pedro Montejo Peterson, president of the National Consul of the Maquiladora and Manufacturers Industry in Tijuana. Politics fueling Texas border truck inspections, county judge says Montejo Peterson blames Mexicos National Guard, now in charge of ports of entry in Mexico, for not having adequate technology to process truckers fast enough as they drive out of Mexican territory. When systems fail, theres been waits of up to 12 hours, he said, adding that the losses have mounted to about $15 million whenever the system goes down. Border inspections should be priority between Texas and Coahuila, lawmaker says This is the immediate impact, you can triple that amount in losses as you go up the supply network, he said. Montejo Peterson is asking the federal government to step in and improve the customs network to minimize the effect on the maquiladora industry. The money generated from taxes and fees paid by trucking companies should be used to upgrade the system, said Montejo Peterson. We cant keep this happening. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. At least 40 people have died in flash floods inundating India's northeast (-) At least 40 people have died in flash floods inundating India's northeast, officials said Friday, as army teams plotted helicopter rescues for more of the thousands stranded in the deluge. Violent torrents stuck the remote state of Sikkim on Wednesday after the sudden bursting of a high-altitude glacial lake near India's borders with China and Nepal. Climate scientists warn that similar disasters will become an increasing danger across the Himalayas as global temperatures rise and ice melts. Downstream search-and-rescue teams recovered more bodies overnight as the waters cut a swathe through the countryside towards the Bay of Bengal. V.B. Pathak, the top civil servant in Sikkim state, told AFP that his office had confirmed 19 deaths. Shama Parveen, a district magistrate in neighbouring West Bengal, said that an additional 21 bodies had been recovered in her state over the past three days. Roads, bridges and telephone lines have been destroyed across much of the state, complicating evacuations and efforts to communicate with thousands cut off from the rest of the country. Nearly 8,000 others were taking shelter at makeshift relief camps set up at schools, government offices and guesthouses, according to a state government bulletin. An Indian army statement said that soldiers on rescue operations had been able to account for nearly 1,500 people visiting from out of state who were still marooned in the worst-hit flood areas. "There may be a window of opportunity for evacuation of stranded tourists by helicopters" with weather conditions improving on Friday, the statement added. Army helicopters were also air-dropping supplies to clusters of stranded people, Pathak told reporters. "We are putting all efforts to provide relief materials to people and in restoring infrastructure," he added. India's government said it had expedited funding for relief and recovery efforts, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising "all possible support" for those affected. - 'Root cause is climate change' - The water surge came after intense rainfall burst the high-altitude Lhonak Lake, which sits at the base of a glacier in peaks surrounding the world's third-highest mountain, Kangchenjunga. Water powered downstream, adding to a river already swollen by monsoon rains, damaging a dam and sweeping away houses. Himalayan glaciers are melting faster than ever due to climate change, exposing communities to unpredictable and costly disasters, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) research group. "The root cause is climate change and this going to increase in the future," ICIMOD climate change specialist Arun Bhakta Shrestha told AFP. "None of the scenarios are good," he added. "Even the most modest scenario tells us that... similar glacial lake outbursts flood events are very likely." Earth's average surface temperature has risen nearly 1.2 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times but high-mountain regions around the world have warmed at twice that pace, climate scientists say. Among the dead are six Indian army soldiers posted in Sikkim, which sits on India's remote frontiers with Nepal and China, and boasts a sizeable military presence. India has been wary of China's growing military assertiveness and their 3,500-kilometre shared frontier has been a perennial source of tension, with parts of Sikkim claimed by Beijing. str-abh/gle/ssy A school in Indiana says that itll continue to use the N-word as part of its 6th and 7th grade history lessons solely for educational purposes after parents complained. A teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Hobart emailed parents that she was going to explain to students about the importance of slavery to plantation owners. The lesson happened to include the use of the N-word to indicate the difference between Bob Smith the plantation owner verses [sic] Bob Smith the slave, but parents said the word didnt have to be used at all. The school administration emphasizes that such language is and will continue to be strictly confined to historical teachings and does not endorse or tolerate its use in any other context, Principal Molly Arroyo sent in an emailed statement to The Daily Beast. The incident underscores the importance of sensitive and responsible handling of historical materials in an educational setting, with a commitment to fostering an insightful and respectful learning environment. Read it at NBC 5 Chicago Read more at The Daily Beast. Supporters of the right-wing Hindu groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal reacting to communal clashes in Haryana state, burn an effigy and shout slogans in Ahmedabad, India, on Aug. 2, 2023. Credit - Ajit SolankiAP About a month ago, a video emerged of an Indian teacher telling students to slap a 7-year-old classmate. The boy had gotten his multiplication tables wrong, but his real crime was being an Indian Muslim. India used to be a secular democracy, but its current leader, Narendra Modi of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), advances a radically different vision. Modi wants India to become a Hindu nation, in which Indias religious minorities (about 20% of the population) are second-class citizens and Muslims especially (about 14% of Indians) are compelled to accept increasing majoritarian violence. Indeed, stories of terrorizing Indian Muslims have become depressingly common in Modis India, with human rights groups documenting rising violence with each passing year. International groups, such as Freedom House and V-Dem, consider India only partly free and an electoral autocracy owing to the sharp decline of human and civil rights. The BJP has always considered Muslims to be less Indian than Hindus. The political party was formed in 1980 as an offshoot of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an all-male paramilitary organization founded in 1925 and modeled on Italian fascist groups such as Mussolinis Blackshirts. Both the BJP and RSS view India as a nation for Hindus, by Hindus, and seek to coalesce and mobilize a Hindu identity that historically was porous and varied. Early Hindu nationalist leaders endorsed violence against Indian Muslims. For example, in December 1938mere weeks after Kristallnachtthe Hindu nationalist leader V. D. Savarkar declared that Muslims who oppose Hindu interests will have to play the part of German-Jews. The RSSs second leader, M. S. Golwalkar, proclaimed that Germanys purging the country of the semitic Race - the Jews is a good lesson for us in Hindusthan to learn and profit by. Such genocidal calls remain current today. In 2021, a Hindu nationalist leader urged his followers to be prepared to kill millions of Indian Muslims. Watchdog groups, including Genocide Watch and Early Warning (a project of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum), caution that signs of genocide are already manifest in India. Modi is a lifelong member of the RSS. Before he became Indias Prime Minister in 2014, he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, a state which, during his watch in 2002, saw Indias worst communal riots since partitionleaving at least 1,000 people dead, most of them Muslim. This earned him international rebuke, including a 2005 U.S. travel ban, and notoriety at home as an anti-Muslim strongman. That reputation helped propel Modi and the BJP to victory in Indias 2014 general election. After five years of rising Hindu nationalist violence against Indian Muslims, Modi led the BJP to another election win in 2019. Although many Indiansincluding many Hindusoppose the BJP, it currently enjoys unprecedented power to reshape India. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi waves to supporters in Kadi, 40 km north of the states main city Ahmedabad, on September 9, 2002. Amit DaveReuters Textbook wars A key piece of the BJPs agenda involves twisting history to demonize Muslims, and Hindu nationalists often zero-in on the Mughals, a dynasty that ruled parts of northern and central India during its heyday from about 1560 to 1720. Chief among Hindu nationalist disinformation about the Mughals are that these kings fuelled Hindu-Muslim conflict, a phenomenon that largely developed during British colonial rule (17571947). By vilifying earlier Indian kings, the British deflected attention from their exploitative and harmful colonial enterprise. Contemporary Hindu nationalists follow British colonial ideas regarding Indian historybut they go further in attacking the Mughals. Sometimes Hindu nationalists falsely accuse the Mughals of committing a genocide. Other times they falsely malign the Mughals as colonialists, which depicts themand by extension all Muslims todayas a foreign threat to India. Hindu nationalists have in turn attacked the Taj Mahal as a Mughal-built monument, omitting it from tourist booklets and promoting the conspiracy theory that it used to be a Shiva Temple. They have removed parts of Mughal history from school textbooks. This renders many Indian children ignorant of key parts of their own history, including that the Mughals built a multicultural empire, patronized Hindu and Muslim religious groups, and relied on Hindu elites known as Rajputs to rule. Hindu nationalists have also razed historical mosques. Most prominently, in 1992, a Hindu mob illegally destroyed an early 16th-century Mughal mosque in Ayodhya, a town in northern India. In 2020, Modi laid the foundation stone for a modern temple to the Hindu god Ram atop the mosques ruins. When completed, Ayodhyas Ram Temple will embody the heady mix of anti-Muslim iconoclasm and Hindu triumphalism that is core to the BJPs vision. Indian Hindu fundamentalists attack the wall of the 16th century Babri Masjid Mosque with iron rods at a disputed holy site in the city of Ayodhya, India, on December 6, 1992. Douglas E. CurranAFP/Getty Images After having students hit their 7-year-old Muslim classmate, the Indian teacher stated defiantly: I do not regret my act; people are with me. Indeed, over the past decade, Indian Muslims have been subjected to violent and often deadly assaults by Indias Hindu majority for praying, marrying across religious lines, celebrating holidays, eating beef, protesting government policies, reporting on Hindu nationalism, and more. Many used to take comfort in the aphorism that India is not Modi, but it now sounds like wishful thinking. As the BJPs agenda continues and Indian democracy erodes, we will likely see more attacks on religious minorities, especially Muslims, in both Indias past and present. Contact us at letters@time.com. A new Indiana law creating a buffer zone between investigating law enforcement and citizens violates the First Amendment by severely limiting the medias ability to do their jobs, according to a lawsuit filed by IndyStar and several other media outlets. The suit, filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, says the statute requiring 25 feet between police officers and the public bars journalists from approaching law enforcement near enough to gather news at crime scenes and other events of public interest. The press serves and was designed to serve as a powerful antidote to any abuses of power by government officials, the suit states. On April 20, 2023, Indiana enacted a statute, HB 1186, that unconstitutionally abridges the presss ability to fulfill that function. IndyStar is joining the parent companies for several Indiana TV stations, including WXIN, WTHR, WRTV and WANE, in the suit, along with Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Indiana Broadcasters Association and the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Attorney General Todd Rokita to vigorously defend law The suit lists Attorney General Todd Rokita, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears and Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal as defendants. "Our job is to defend this law and all others passed based on Hoosier values," a spokesperson for Rokita's office said Friday. "We serve as attorneys defending the laws which are passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor. We plan to vigorously defend this law in the exact same manner." The law, which went into effect July 1, makes it a misdemeanor for a person to knowingly or intentionally breach the 25-foot perimeter of a law enforcement officer or crime scene after being ordered to stop. Advocates of government accountability opposed the law over concerns it will tamp down citizens' efforts to document police actions as well as curb journalists' ability to do their work. In August, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of a self-proclaimed "citizen journalist" in South Bend who regularly posts YouTube video recordings of police to expose what he calls problematic law enforcement behavior. Police in Marion County have already put the law into use, most recently against a 65-year-old woman accused Monday of standing behind an ambulance while recording medics tending to a man under arrest inside. Police said they told the woman, Mary Nichols, to step back and she responded, "This is an ambulance, not your police car." Nichols told IndyStar after her arrest that she was aware of the law, but thought the investigation was over and didn't know the statute applied to all emergency vehicles. Marion County prosecutor drops charges The Marion County Prosecutor's Office declined to charge Nichols in the case, saying Friday that she did not interfere with a police investigation nor the medics. In a statement to IndyStar, a spokesperson with the prosecutor's office called the law "largely unnecessary." "There are existing laws that protect law enforcement and dont infringe or impact an individuals constitutional rights," Michael Leffler said. The Marion County Sheriff's Office declined to comment on the lawsuit. The news organizations argue the statute has no clear guidance on how law enforcement must enforce the 25-foot rule, allowing moment-to-moment opinions of a policeman on his beat to decide when someone must withdraw. Newsgathering at press conferences and in public places, like a sidewalk, are also at risk, the suit alleges. The organizations further argue the law is not practical given the crowded, fast-paced environment at events such as protests, making it impossible for journalists to know whether they're breaching the buffer zone or not. George Floyd's death, 2020 protests cited Twenty-five feet is too far away to capture audio or gain a clear line of sight at newsworthy events, the lawsuit says. The breadth and importance of the reporting that will be chilled if (the law) remains in effect are difficult to overstate, the lawsuit states. George Floyds death at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis came to the publics attention after a bystander on a sidewalk exercised their First Amendment rights, the media outlets note. In addition, coverage of the protests that erupted in 2020 in downtown Indianapolis after Floyds death required reporters to be close enough to law enforcement to capture the events. Coverage of similar stories could now be jeopardized, the lawsuit says. "Whenever a journalist receives an order to withdraw while documenting law enforcement activity from a distance of less than 25 feet, that journalist is put to a choice between committing a crime or forgoing reporting," the suit concludes. The media organizations are asking the federal court to rule the law unconstitutional and halt it from being enforced. Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at 317-503-7514 or sarah.nelson@indystar.com This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyStar, TV stations sue Indiana over 25-foot police buffer law What went wrong with the UK air-traffic control system on 28 August 2023 and how well or badly did the aviation industry respond to the ensuing chaos? The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched an investigation to answer those questions. On the morning of a Bank Holiday Monday, the computer system used to handle flights to, from and above the UK failed. Twenty seconds later, the back-up system failed due to the same issue: the filing of an anomalous flight plan. It took some hours for the air-traffic provider, Nats, to solve the problem and restore the system. More than 2,000 flights were cancelled as a result affecting around 300,000 passengers and thousands more were delayed. Nats has issued a preliminary report into the causes of the shutdown. Now the CAA, the organisation that licences Nats, has announced its own review which will also look at how airlines handled the ensuing chaos. The investigation, chaired by aviation veteran Jeff Halliwell, will look at the cause of the failure and what has been done to try to prevent it happening again. But it will also study how Nats communicated with airlines and airports as the chaos unfolded, and whether technical, organisational or cultural factors contributed to the scale of the incident. Key topics are: The Nats Major Incident Plan Whether protocols on event escalation were adequately designed and worked effectively The availability of Nats technical staff and resources from service partners to respond to major incidents 24/7. The investigation will also measure how well airlines met their passengers rights obligations. When a carrier cancels a flight at short notice for any reason, it immediately becomes liable for providing suitable alternative transport as soon as possible as well as finding and paying for a hotel room when necessary. But The Independent knows of many cases in which this did not happen. With most flights very heavily booked at the end of the summer holidays, many travellers had to pay hundreds or thousands to find a way home, and ran up large hotel bills. The review will investigate the level of costs travellers were expected to pay and reclaim when carriers failed to provide alternative transport and hotels. It will also study how airlines managed vulnerable passengers, who are supposed to get extra care. Rob Bishton, the CAAs chief executive, said: The events of the 28 August bank holiday had a significant impact on many passengers. Thats why weve launched this independent review to understand what happened and learn lessons for the future. Mr Halliwell said: It is clear lessons need to be learnt. I am looking forward to working with industry and passengers to tackle this review to really understand how the incident occurred, how it was managed and identify any recommendations. The CAA says it could make changes in the price-control arrangements for Nats if the review recommends them. Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, told The Independent: We pay Nats over 100m a year in the UK alone, just Ryanair. Their total income is 750m. And its simply not acceptable that you have a complete computer failure. In a statement on its website, Nats says: UK airspace remains some of the most complex and busiest in the world. Nats dedicated teams across the entire Nats business diligently and passionately support aviation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep the skies safe. Iowa Democrats will begin mailing presidential preference cards for their 2024 caucuses on Jan. 12 and announce the results on Super Tuesday in March a compromise with national party leaders who removed Iowas first-in-the-nation status earlier this year as they reorder the presidential nominating calendar. Iowa Democrats' decision to cede power and accept a place later in the calendar puts to rest a protracted battle that has been ongoing since the collapse of the party's 2020 Iowa caucuses. And although Iowa Republicans had worried the Democrats' plan could trigger renewed conflict with New Hampshire and threaten their own place at the front of the presidential nominating calendar, those fears were quieted Friday. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan told the Des Moines Register he views Iowa's plan as "a positive development." "Ill be reviewing this, and well see how the DNC reacts to it, and then at the appropriate time Ill set the date for the New Hampshire primary," Scanlan said. "But I think this certainly goes a long way to protecting the traditional positions of the early nominating events of the Iowa caucuses followed by the New Hampshire primary." Approval from both the DNC and New Hampshire would clear the way for Republicans and Democrats to move forward with their 2024 Iowa caucus plans uninhibited. But in a news conference, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart suggested the party's acquiescence to national party leaders for the 2024 cycle is part of a plan to help set it up to re-enter the early voting window in 2028 when there will likely be an open Democratic primary and "when it really matters to us." The Rules and Bylaws Committee has said it plans to reconsider again in 2028 which states will make up the early voting window. And Hart said she has received "a commitment that no state has a guaranteed spot." "We intend to be first in 2028," said Scott Brennan, Iowa's representative to the Rules and Bylaws Committee. "So we're here to support the president in 2024, and by releasing the results on March 5, that's what we're doing. But all bets are off for 2028." Brennan said the nearly two-year-long process has been "messy," and he hopes the committee "will have a more streamlined and thoughtful process" going forward. "As we all know, the day after Election Day on 2024, people will be teeing up for 2028," he said. 2024 Iowa caucus calendar See when and where GOP presidential candidates are campaigning How Iowa Democrats would caucus under the new plan The Iowa Democratic Party previously announced it would move to an absentee caucus system for casting presidential preferences in 2024 to improve access and participation. But party leaders have been vague about how they would tally and announce the results. The party released those details Friday morning in a letter issued to the Democratic National Committees Rules and Bylaws Committee and shared with the Register. "We believe this delegate selection plan is a compromise and meets the requirements set forth by this committee, complies with Iowa law, and most importantly sets Iowa Democrats up to win in 2024," Hart wrote in the letter. The committee met Friday to discuss the proposal, and the group voted to move Iowa's plan into conditional compliance with its rules. "These have been lengthy and vigorous negotiations," said committee co-chair Minyon Moore. "And I'd like to commend Scott and the Iowa Democratic Party for transforming their caucuses to include an inclusive and accessible mail-in process." The result will be a dramatically different presidential caucus in 2024. No longer will Iowa Democrats gather in person to physically stand and be counted as they tally presidential support on Caucus Day. Instead, Democrats would register for the Iowa Caucuses and request a presidential preference card beginning Nov. 1. Those cards would be mailed out to participants beginning Jan. 12, 2024, and would functionally work like a mail-in primary ballot. Iowans could request a preference card until Feb. 19 and return it through the mail until March 5. The party would release results March 5, which is known as "Super Tuesday," when voters head to the polls in more than a dozen states. The party will still hold in-person caucuses on Jan. 15 the same day Iowa Republicans will hold their traditional first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses to conduct other party business unrelated to presidential preferences. Hart said the party is still working out some of the details, including which names will appear on the preference card. Currently, Iowa Democrats don't use a balloting system for their caucuses, so they do not have a process for candidates to petition to appear on the ballot. New Hampshire previously threatened to leapfrog Iowa on the nominating calendar Though the final details of the Democrats' plan were made public Friday, the conversation has been swirling for months raising concerns among Iowa Republicans who see a growing threat to their own caucuses. In her letter to the committee, Hart preemptively pushed back on those fears. "Republicans continue to attack our inclusive Iowa Caucuses and have conspired to meddle in our party business," she wrote. "Despite their empty rhetoric, I've always said I will do what's best for Iowa." State law says Iowa must hold first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses, and New Hampshire state law says it must hold the nations first primaries. New Hampshire leaders have not taken issue with Iowa leading off the calendar so long as it holds caucuses rather than primaries. Iowa Democrats plan to announce their contest results in March well after New Hampshires primaries have concluded in a bid to put the issue to rest. Hart noted in her letter that other states have, at times, opened their early voting window before New Hampshire's primaries with little collective heartburn. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart speaks during the 2023 Polk County Steak Fry at Water Works Park on Saturday, September 30, 2023 in Des Moines. In 2020, for example, Californians began voting early for their March 3 primary the same day Iowans went to caucus and about a week before New Hampshire's contest a move that then-New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner waved off, saying "it doesn't affect us." Scanlan, a Republican who has broad authority to set the date of New Hampshire's primary elections, previously said that if Iowa Democrats moved forward with a mail-in caucus, he would consider it a primary and move his state's contest ahead of Iowas. That decision would affect both Republicans and Democrats. I would say any mail-in or absentee balloting component to a caucus would trigger our law, Scanlan told the Des Moines Register in an April interview. More recently, Scanlan told New Hampshire's WMUR-TV in September that his stance had not changed. "I am not willing to allow things to take place that are incrementally moving towards a primary, because that gets the foot in the door," he said. "It's easier to expand that the next time around. So, we're going to take a pretty hard line on any effort to make a traditional caucus look more like a presidential primary." On Friday, however, Scanlan tempered those sentiments and indicated Iowa's plan might be acceptable. New Hampshire Deputy Secretary of State Patricia Lovejoy, left, looks on as Secretary of State David Scanlan explains that he will not use an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to block former President Donald Trump from the ballot in the state that will hold the first Republican presidential primary next year, at the Statehouse, in Concord, N.H., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. Even as New Hampshire appeared to back down from its threats, Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann accused Iowa Democrats in a Friday afternoon statement of being "complicit" in efforts to undermine the Republican caucuses. "Constant and repeated attempts to thwart Iowa's cherished first-in-the-nation caucus is nothing new," he said. "While there have been different tactics deployed this year including the complicity and incompetence of the Iowa Democratic Party the Republican Party of Iowa and the Republican National Committee will continue to steadfastly defend our half-century-old carveout system, to ensure the triumph of grassroots democracy that ultimately strengthens our presidential nominating process." Others have agreed that mail-in presidential preference cards, which functionally act as ballots and remove the need to appear in person, take Iowas contest from a caucus to a primary. Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann speaks at the Republican Party of Iowa's 2023 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, July 28, 2023. By any metric, that is a party-run primary, Rachel Paine Caufield, co-chair of the Drake University political science department, said on a recent Iowa Press interview. And so quite rightly, New Hampshire is saying, Wait a minute, wait a minute. We get the first primary. So if that's what you're going to do, and you're going to do it on Jan. 15th, then we're going to go in front of you. And that means not just going in front of the Democrats, but going in front of the Republicans." Republican National Committee says it's handcuffed If New Hampshire were to move its primary date ahead of Jan. 15, Iowa Republicans would be faced with a choice: They could also change the date of their caucuses to leapfrog in front of New Hampshire, or they could allow New Hampshire to go first in 2024. Kaufmann told the Register in May that he might not immediately move to jump New Hampshire. He said hes always looking to protect the long-term integrity of Iowas first-in-the-nation caucuses. I cant tell you what Id do, he said at the time. It looks like I'll have a decision to make. Ronna McDaniel, chair of the Republican National Committee, told the Register in May that the RNC cannot apply sanctions if New Hampshire moves its primaries ahead of Iowa this cycle. We have no ability in our rules to do anything if that happens, she said. Republican National Committee chairperson Ronna McDaniel speaks during the inaugural Ashley's BBQ Bash fundraiser, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Central City, Iowa. Thats because the Republican carve-out system simply says that Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada are allowed to hold presidential nominating contests before the rest of the states weigh in. It does not specify in which order the states must go, although there has long been a consensus that Iowa will go first, and New Hampshire will follow. However, the RNCs debate committee last month issued a warning to New Hampshire officials, threatening to cancel a planned GOP presidential primary debate in the state if leaders there choose to jump ahead of Iowa on the calendar, suggesting the RNC was applying pressure on New Hampshire behind the scenes. Both Scanlan and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, said the RNC's threat would not affect their decision. "The first presidential primary will be taking place in New Hampshire, regardless of what the political power brokers in Washington, D.C., think," Sununu told Fox News. "We will not be threatened, we will follow our law, and we WILL go first. End of story." In her letter, Hart rejected the idea that Democrats are to blame for what might happen to Iowa's GOP caucuses. "To blame Democrats for chaos in the Republican calendar is unfair, misguided and just plain wrong," she wrote. Presidential calendar changes have been in the works for almost 2 years The presidential nominating calendar has been in flux since national Democrats began discussing the issue more than a year and a half ago. In February, the DNC voted to boot Iowa Democrats from their first-in-the-nation spot to move away from states that hold caucuses and to promote states that better reflect the party's diversity. The DNC's plan, proposed by Democratic President Joe Biden, would put South Carolina at the front of the line, followed by contests held in New Hampshire and Nevada on the same day, and then Michigan and, finally, Georgia. But the party has struggled to implement that plan in the months since. Scott Brennan of Iowa speaks in opposition to proposed changes to the presidential nominating calendar during a Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting to discuss President Joe Biden's proposal at the Omni Shoreham Hotel on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Washington. Georgia declined to set its primary date ahead of Super Tuesday, instead opting for a March 12 contest. The committee voted Sept. 14 to again give New Hampshire more time to make the necessary changes to fall in line with the DNC calendar. Granite State leaders have vowed to hold first-in-the-nation primaries regardless of what the DNC decides. Iowa Democrats had been vague about whether they, like New Hampshire, would defy the DNC to hold an unsanctioned first-in-the-nation contest and face punishment. But in an effort to adhere to national Democrats desire for more inclusive contests, Iowa Democrats submitted a delegate selection plan to the Rules and Bylaws Committee earlier this year proposing an entirely mail-in absentee process for casting presidential preferences. Iowa Democrats have said such a move will be more inclusive and grow participation in the democratic process. The decision to hold in-person caucuses on Jan. 15 alongside Republicans but announce results on Super Tuesday is an effort to appease those who wanted Iowa to keep some claim to first in the nation, while adhering to the national party guidelines. "We will continue to work cooperatively with Rules and Bylaws Committee staff to satisfy any remaining outstanding logistical issues regarding our delegate selection plan," Hart wrote. Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Democrats want to announce 2024 caucus results on Super Tuesday (CNN) Turkish airstrikes killed at least 11 people in multiple Kurdish-controlled locations in northeastern Syria, the Kurdish Internal Security Force said Thursday, the latest response from Ankaras forces following a bomb attack in Turkeys capital claimed by Kurdish militants. In a post on its official website, the Kurdish Internal Security Force, known as Asayish, said the locations targeted by Turkey included the vicinity of a camp for displaced people and several villages. Eleven people were martyred, including five civilians and six members of the Internal Security Forces, Asayish said. Eight civilians and two members of the Kurdish security forces were wounded, it added. In a statement Friday, Turkeys Defense Ministry said it destroyed 30 targets and neutralized multiple Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants during the operation in northern Syria, citing its self-defense rights from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter to justify the strikes. The strikes come after a bombing in Ankara over the weekend claimed by the PKK, which has waged a nearly four-decade long insurgency and is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. At least one civilian was killed in the attack Sunday when militants hijacked a car, and two police officers were injured in the bombing outside Turkeys Interior Ministry building. Later Sunday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said its warplanes had destroyed 20 PKK targets in northern Iraq in response to the attack. According to Ankara, the PKK trains separatist fighters and launches attacks against Turkey from its bases in northern Iraq and Syria, where a PKK-affiliated Kurdish group controls large swaths of territory. In the investigation following the latest incident, it was determined by security forces and intelligence that the terrorists came from Syria and were trained there, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference on Wednesday. Fidan warned that all facilities belonging to the PKK and related Peoples Protection Units (YPG) groups in Iraq and Syria would be legitimate targets of the Turkish Armed Forces. The response of our armed forces to the terror attack will be very clear and they will once again regret having carried out this attack, Fidan said. Kurds, who do not have an official homeland or country, are the biggest minority in Turkey, making up between 15% and 20% of the population, according to Minority Rights Group International. Portions of Kurdistan a non-governmental region and one of the largest stateless nations in the world are recognized by Iran, where the province of Kordestan lies; and Iraq, site of the northern autonomous region known as Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) or Iraqi Kurdistan. In recent years, Turkey has carried out a steady stream of operations against the PKK domestically as well as cross-border operations into Syria. In November 2022, Ankara blamed the PKK for a bomb attack in Istanbul that killed six and injured dozens. Terror attacks in Turkey were tragically common in the mid to late 2010s, when the insecurity from war-torn Syria crept north above the two countries shared border. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Turkish airstrikes kill at least 11 in northern Syria, Kurdish security forces say" Iowa Democrats will hold their caucuses in January and release the results on Super Tuesday in March, following negotiations with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the state party announced Friday. Presidential preference cards will start to go out by mail Jan. 12, and in-person precinct caucuses will be Jan. 15. Iowa Democrats will release the mail-in caucus results March 5. We believe this delegate selection plan is a compromise and meets the requirements set forth by this committee, complies with Iowa law, and most importantly sets Iowa Democrats up to win in 2024, Rita Hart, chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party, wrote in a letter to committee members and chairs. The new schedule lets Iowa hold on to its starting spot on the Democrats presidential nominating calendar and fits in compliance with Iowa law requiring in-person caucuses but doesnt go against a new plan to put South Carolina first in 2024. President Biden last year endorsed a shake-up of Democrats presidential nominating calendar for next years election that boots Iowa out of its first-in-the-nation caucus spot, stressing that first contests should represent the diversity of the party and country. Hart noted in her new letter that the DNC could revisit the calendar plans come 2028. I am pleased to have repeated reassurance from the co-chairs and this committee that the presidential nominating calendar discussions will once again be opened up for 2028, where I expect Iowa to compete strongly for a significant voice in the selection of the Democratic nominee as we have for years, Hart said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Vivek Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur turned woke-bashing GOP presidential candidate, claimed that protesters struck his car in a targeted attack, but Iowa police have now rejected that version of events. Police say that the woman driving the car that struck the unoccupied black Ford Expedition that was being used by Mr Ramaswamys campaign wasnt connected to an ongoing protest. The incident took place on Thursday afternoon when the Ford was hit by a Honda Civic outside a coffee shop in Grinnell, Iowa. The campaign suggested that the crash was caused by protesters furious at Mr Ramaswamys comments about cutting off aid to Ukraine amid the Russian war of aggression. They said that a protester yelled and swore at Mr Ramaswamy before getting into a car, slamming into the Ford and driving away. Things clearly escalated, campaign spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said, according to the Des Moines Register. She added that Mr Ramaswamy is used to dealing with protesters and handled it very calmly. So he was maybe a little more calm about it than the rest of us. But a probe by the Grinnell Police Department indicated that the driver stated she was not in the area to protest, she did not know who the vehicle she struck belonged to, she did not intentionally back into the vehicle, and she did not flee the scene of the accident, the department said in a Thursday night press release. Two protesters, aged 22 and 26, rammed their vehicle into @VivekGRamaswamys car as he visited Saints Rest Coffee House in Grinnell, Iowa on Thursday. The 2024 presidential hopeful is not hurt and was not in the car at the time of the incident. pic.twitter.com/witPOe9uj1 Katelyn Caralle (@Katelyn_Caralle) October 5, 2023 The police said, our investigation has revealed no evidence to substantiate the notion that it was an attack by protesters. The probe revealed that the driver had just had lunch at Jays Deli and backed out of her parking spot, striking the Ford. She was released with a summons for unsafe backing, according to the press release. Here Vivek engages with protesters during that same stop. pic.twitter.com/cinphRxGMw Katelyn Caralle (@Katelyn_Caralle) October 5, 2023 Had a civil exchange with protestors today, right before two of them then got into their car & rammed it into ours, Mr Ramaswamy wrote on X shortly before 5pm on Thursday. Those two should be held accountable, but the rest of the peaceful protestors shouldnt be tarred by the behavior of two bad actors. The campaign didnt back down when the police revelations were put to them, according to the Des Moines Register and the Associated Press. Im very confident, as a witness, Ms McLaughlin said. The Ramaswamy campaign sent a 15-second video to the Iowa paper which seems to show the candidate walking in Grinnell. As he talks on the phone, the driver of a blue Honda honks her horn and seems to give him the finger. Ramaswamy camp stands by their version of the story after being asked to respond to polices narrative. They share video of car honking & flipping off Ramaswamy. Campaign doesnt have footage of collision itself. Spox: Im very confident, as a witness that it was protesters. https://t.co/Njj2LGTM42 pic.twitter.com/YMwhZi9n0H Galen Bacharier (@galenbacharier) October 6, 2023 Ms McLaughlin said the campaign didnt have footage of the collision and Mr Ramaswamy said he didnt see the crash. Ex-state senator Jake Chapman, a Ramaswamy supporter who accompanied the campaign on Thursday, told the press that he saw the crash and that it was a protester and who he thought was her boyfriend. Mr Ramwaswamy said during the first GOP primary debate that it was disastrous that the US was protecting against an invasion across somebody elses border. He suggested that support sent to Ukraine should be used for what he called the invasion of our own southern border. ST. LOUIS Iowa Democrats will surrender their first-in-the-nation caucuses next year, party officials said Friday, while Democrats in New Hampshire still fighting with the Democratic National Committee moved closer to holding a rogue primary. Iowas influential perch within the Democratic Party formally came to an end in a windowless hotel ballroom here, where members of the Democratic National Committee voted to accept Iowas plan to release its presidential preference numbers on March 5, Super Tuesday. Iowa officials said they will lobby for an earlier nominating contest in 2028. But New Hampshire, as expected, is still not budging on its early primary, and DNC members officially declared it not compliant. We've made our decision about the sequence of these early states and we're going to stick to that sequence, said Elaine Kamarck, a DNC member. The votes out of the DNCs Rules and Bylaws meeting on Friday cap off more than a year of internal party machinations over how to retool the partys presidential nominating calendar, prioritizing battleground states with more diverse populations over Iowa, long the partys first-in-the-nation caucus state. Following a plan blessed by President Joe Biden, next years nominating calendar will kick off with South Carolina on Feb. 3, followed by Nevada on Feb. 6 and Michigan on Feb. 27. Georgia, which was initially elevated to a top slot, wasnt able to change its date, due to its Republican-controlled legislature and governors mansion. That means Iowa is effectively eliminated from the early-state process in the 2024 cycle. The initial DNC schedule placed New Hampshire on Feb. 6, sharing the date with Nevada. But New Hampshire has a law that says the state must hold its primary a week before any similar contest. With Republicans who control state government refusing to change the rule, New Hampshire Democrats say they have no choice but to hold their primary when the secretary of state sets it. And New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, has said the state will go first no matter what. Earlier this year, New Hampshire was granted an extension to mid-October to comply with the DNCs rules. By declaring the state non-compliant on Friday, New Hampshire Democrats have another 30 days to come into compliance. But if they dont, the DNC will consider sanctions against the state. "We believe the president's name won't be on the ballot. We don't know who will be filing on the ballot," New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley told DNC members. "What we're determined is to not allow any of those people to claim they have won the New Hampshire primary." Democrats led by former state party chair and DNC member Kathy Sullivan and veteran Democratic operative Jim Demers "are going to conduct a write-in effort to ensure the president receives the strong support, Buckley said. Both Demers and Sullivan previously told POLITICO informal conversations about a write-in campaign have been underway among New Hampshire Democrats for some time. Demers said Friday that a final decision is likely to be made in the next two weeks. Based on party rules, if New Hampshire still holds its primary, the state would automatically lose half its delegates. The DNC has also broadly empowered the national party chair to take any other appropriate steps to enforce the early window. "In 2024, I'm pretty sure that Joe Biden will not put his name on the New Hampshire primary ballot, Kamarck said, discussing potential sanctions for states that ignore the DNCs directives. If he did, this would look really weird, since he was the one who said he wanted to have South Carolina first. New Hampshire Democrats could consider holding a party-run primary, going around the state's Republican-controlled government a strategy deployed by other states. Buckley has rejected that idea, calling it a logistical nightmare. Absolutely impossible, he told POLITICO in May. Where would I rent 2,000 voting machines? Hire 1,500 people to run the polls? Rent 300 accessible voting locations? Hire security? Print 500,000 ballots. Process 30,000 absentee ballots. Iowas demise at least for 2024 is clearer cut. State Democrats came under fire from the national party for their handling of the 2020 Democratic presidential caucuses, when they failed to declare a winner for several days. The state also faced stiff criticism for its predominantly white population, which Democratic Party leaders said wasnt representative of the party as a whole. But for Iowa Democrats, this is a long game. In a letter to the DNCs Rules and Bylaws Committee, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said shed received repeated reassurance from the co-chairs and this committee that Iowa will compete strongly for a significant voice in future early nominating contests. Republicans are still expected to hold their first nominating contest of 2024 in Iowa, on Jan. 15. Democrats in the state said they will mail presidential preference cards on Jan. 12, while holding their in-person precinct caucuses on Jan. 15, timed with the Republican presidential primary caucuses. But to comply with the DNC and minimize the significance of the contest the Iowa Democratic Party plans to accept preference cards postmarked any time on or before March 5, Super Tuesday, and wont release the results of their mail-in caucus until then. An Iranian woman sees the news of Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi winning the Nobel Peace in Tehran (Reuters) - Jailed Iranian rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi , who won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, has sacrificed her freedom for most of her adult life and faces many more years behind bars as she vows to keep challenging clerical rule in Tehran. Mohammadi became the second Iranian woman to be awarded the prize, following the path of her mentor, the lawyer Shirin Ebadi , who won it for her own rights activism in 2003. "Despite the chains in which she has been placed, Narges still roars like a lioness. This is why the regime wants to crush her," Ebadi wrote of Mohammadi in a foreword to Mohammadi's 2020 book "White Torture", a collection of interviews with women prisoners. Mohammadi's latest sentence, handed down by Iranian authorities in 2022, means she is condemned to a total of nearly 12 years in prison, according to rights groups. The 51-year-old has been in and out of jail for much of her adult life. Born in the city of Zanjan in northern Iran in 1972 into a family from Irans Azeri ethnic minority, Mohammadi began her activism while a student studying physics at a university in nearby Qazvin. She was arrested at least twice during her studies, according to her book. She continued her activism and kept getting put behind bars for it. On 16 November 2021, I was arrested for the twelfth time and sentenced to solitary confinement for the fourth time in my life, she wrote. She is currently imprisoned at Tehrans notorious Evin prison, which has housed thousands of political opponents of Irans theocratic government since the 1979 Iranian revolution that toppled the Shah and ushered in clerical rule. Evin was also a site of detention and torture of opponents of the Shah. Her husband Taghi Rahmani, who has also been jailed in the past for activism, and their 16-year-old twin children Ali and Kiana live in exile in France. Rahmani said on Friday he has not seen his wife for 15 years and their children have not seen their mother for seven. Mohammadi has described watching nationwide unrest from jail last year after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, died in the custody of morality police. Amini had been detained for not properly wearing the hijab head covering, an offence under the Islamic Republics dress code for women. In an op-ed for the New York Times published last month on the anniversary of Aminis death, Mohammadi said that she and fellow Evin inmates chanted Death to the Islamic Republic during the demonstrations. Mohammadis Nobel Prize was awarded just days after a 16-year-old girl, Armita Geravand, entered hospital in a coma. Rights groups say Geravand lost consciousness as a result of a confrontation with agents in the Tehran metro over not wearing the hijab; Tehran denies this was the cause. The committee that awards the Nobel prize said it honoured those behind last years demonstrations, and called for the release of Mohammadi. She has been charged with spreading propaganda against the system, activity against national security and civil disobedience, among other charges, according to the World Organisation Against Torture, a coalition of rights NGOs. There was no immediate official reaction on Mohammadis win from Tehran, but the semi-official news agency Fars said Mohammadi had "received her prize from the Westerners" after making headlines "due to her acts against the national security." I WILL FIGHT Mohammadi suffers from neurological and lung problems and has described being beaten and mistreated during her incarceration, her book says. She has held hunger strikes and sit-ins during her time in prison. She adds in her book that with current and earlier sentences she faces up to 30 years in prison. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the 122-year-old prize and the first since Maria Ressa of the Philippines won the award in 2021 jointly with Russia's Dmitry Muratov. Following her win, Mohammadi said she would never stop striving for democracy and equality, even if that meant staying in prison. "I will continue to fight against the relentless discrimination, tyranny and gender-based oppression by the oppressive religious government until the liberation of women," she said in a statement, quoted by the New York Times. When the judge overseeing Donald Trumps bank fraud trial reminded him this week that he alone would decide his fate, the incensed former president leaned over to the lawyer on his left and grumbled, I wish Id had a jury trial, according to two people who overheard him. But theres a reason Trump isnt getting a jury trial: His own attorneys didnt ask for one. At least, they didn't ask for one using the proper legal channel and on the correct legal timeline, according to court records and the lawyers themselves. In recent days, Trump and his allies have complained that the New York Attorney Generals casealready doomed to dismantle his real estate companies and potentially empty his bank accountsended up in the hands of a single man, Justice Arthur F. Engoron. Trump Finally Brings His Online Rage to the Courtroom Day after day outside the courtroom, Trump angrily decries his Democrat judge and what he claims is a rigged trial for denying him the right to be adjudicated by a six-person jury. Meanwhile on social media, the anti-MAGA schadenfreude is in overdrive with an inaccurate tale that Trumps lawyer, Alina Habba, simply forgot to check off a box requesting a jury trial. The reality is a bit more complex. Technically, Habba did request a jury trial. The Daily Beast was there in court when she did. But neither she nor anyone else on the entire defense teamChristopher Kise, Michael Madaio, Armen Morianever followed up. In truth, in the truest sense of technically, his lawyers didnt request a jury trial. At least, they never did so on paper. When the AGs office alerted the court and Trumps lawyers that they were ready for trial, Trumps defense team blew the 15-day deadline to respond, according to court records. There are a few potential reasons Trumps lawyers didnt ultimately make the formal request. The one many armchair legal experts favor is that they simply forgot. Thats entirely possible, given their earlier statements in person that they wanted a jury trial, but its not the only scenario. Another potential reason they didnt request a jury is that they didnt think it was worth the time. In this scenario, Trumps lawyers made a calculation that they wouldnt get a jury, and that any time spent on the endeavor was hopeless. Thats certainly possible, given some of the explanations his team provided to The Daily Beast on Thursday. But the third possible reason is more Machiavellian. His lawyers may have wanted to poison the wellappearing to get stuck with a judge they dislike, using the battle as a fundraising tactic and appealing every decision he makes to cast their lot with the appellate court. In any scenario, the fact that Trumps lawyers are the reason he didnt get a jury trial should suck the air out of the former presidents breathless complaints. Whats even more damning for the legal team is that Trump may have actually gotten a jury if his lawyers had asked in a timely manner. The Daily Beast reviewed court records and pulled New York case law to paint a fuller picture of an issue that has dogged the trial since it began on Mondayparticularly since Engorons decisions have already weighed so heavily on the future of Trumps real estate empire. Before the trial even started, the judge concluded the former president routinely lied to banks by inflating the values of his many properties. The judge has already decided Trumps corporations should lose their business licenses. Its been obvious from the start that Trump is going to receive a legal lashing over the next three months. Inside Trumps Gambit to Get Rid of a Judge by Suing Him But it wasnt always obvious that Trump was doomed. The question of a jury trial first came up during a Friday morning court hearing on March 3, when Engoron said he wanted to get a sense of whether either side wanted him to try the case alone or with the help of a jury. By that point, hed already mediated much of the bickering during the investigation stage between the AGs office and the Trumps, increasingly forcing the family to comply with subpoenas. Engoron had also already been on the receiving end of a defense effort to remove him from the case. In other words, they had a history. AG senior litigation counsel Kevin Wallace indicated that state rules would likely make this a bench trial, but even he didnt seem completely sure. The judge actually pushed back on that, appearing open to the idea of having an odd sort of split trial, in which jurors might decide the facts and he would decide on the appropriate remedies. Engoron left the door open to Habba (who represents Trump) and Clifford Robert (whos defending Don Jr. and Eric Trump ). What kind of trial will this be? he asked. Habba was clear about her preferencesand even hinted at possible public perception that consolidating so much control in the judge might appear unfair. Your Honor, we would prefer to have a jury trial. I think that would, frankly, alleviate a lot of our concerns in terms of any impartiality, she said. So, I think, for us to feel comfortable that justice is served appropriately, that it is being heard with a fair and open mind, that somebody who, maybe, hasnt been part of the special proceeding, our preference is, obviously, a jury trial. And you want a jury trial for every issue, the whole trial? Engoron responded. I would be open, Your Honor, to discussing what you think is fit, she responded. Obviously, I would defer to what you find appropriate, but we would like to have a jury trial, at least, I should say, for my clients, for Donald Trump, the Trump Organization entities and the other defendants. Judge Slaps Trump With Gag Order After He Spreads Lie About Court Clerk on Truth Social After checking in again with Wallace, the judge left it up in the air. We dont have to decide today, and we wont, he said. But when it actually came time for a decision to be made, Trumps legal team remained conspicuously silent. New York state court rules say when one side of a lawsuit alerts the court that the document-sharing discovery phase of a case is over by filing something called a note of issue, the other side has 15 days to demand a jury trial. The AGs office filed that on July 31, checking off a box that requests, trial without jury. But as the days went by, Trumps lawyers simply didnt respond. In fact, the next time defense lawyers filed anything in the case was more than a week after the deadlineon a totally unrelated matter about insurance documents. Their inaction left it up to the judge, who sided with the only one who spoke up: the AGs office. Fast-forward to this week, and Trump has been complaining everywhere about a situation his own team created. THIS IS A TOTAL WITCH HUNT, WHERE I AM NOT EVEN ALLOWED TO HAVE A JURY, Trump posted on his Truth Social media network this week. On Thursday afternoon, The Daily Beast caught up with members of Trumps legal team on their way out of the Manhattan civil courthouse and asked why they didnt file a response. Morian suggested the reason was the second theoretical scenariothat it wasnt even worth trying, citing his decade-plus experience working these very types of cases. Youre not entitled to a jury trial under Executive Law 63 (12), full stop. Its an equitable statute. Theres no jury trial right, he said. Ive prosecuted cases for 13 years in the Attorney Generals Office using that statute and the Martin Act. You dont get a jury trial under 63 (12), thats the answer. Its not up to the judge. You dont get a jury trial. He was referring to the fact that, in this case, the AGs office sought whats called equitable relief, in which they want a court to compel the Trumps to do certain thingsnamely, pay up more than $250 million for lying about real estate evaluations and dissolve the many companies that own those properties. As far back as 1947, a state judge in New York decided that parties are not entitled to a jury trial as a matter of right in these types of cases. However, in 1964, yet another state judge clarified that New Yorks civil court rules permit an advisory juryand its still up to the judge presiding over the case. Hence why Justice Engoron seemed open to the notion and left it up to lawyers. Morian acknowledged that was an option, but called it a long shot. In the rarest cases, there may be issues of fact that may be triable to a jury. But those are extremely rare, he said. The Daily Beast asked if it wasnt extremely rare to have a former president on trial. Morian still stressed that victory on seeking a jury trial wasnt guaranteed. You dont have a right, he 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. The IRS placed a $550,000 lien on former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani s south Florida condo in August over unpaid taxes, according to newly revealed court filings. The lien, first reported by the Daily Mail, underlines Giulianis tenuous financial situation as he reportedly struggles to pay off mounting legal fees. The property is just 3 miles from former President Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach. Giuliani, who previously worked as an attorney for Trump, attempted to sell it for more than $3 million in 2019, but could not find a buyer. In July, he also listed his New York City apartment for $6.5 million. The Hill has reached out to Giuliani for comment. Giuliani spokesman Ted Goodman told The Hill that the former mayor has an agreement with the IRS to pay off the tax debts. Giuliani faces multiple criminal and civil suits related to his actions following the 2020 election, including being indicted alongside Trump in the Georgia election racketeering case. He is one of the defendants who has reportedly requested money from Trump for his legal fees. The former president hosted a fundraiser to help Giulianis legal defense last month. Other legal cases against Giuliani include a $10 million sexual assault lawsuit filed in May, allegations he has denied, a civil suit brought by Hunter Biden, and three defamation suits. Two of the pending defamation suits are related to the 2020 election both from voting equipment companies and the third he lost after a judge ruled he defamed a mother-daughter duo serving as election workers in Georgia. In the defamation case brought by the election workers, attorneys for the pair claim that Giuliani has avoided paying them $130,000 in penalties in the case. He was also sued by his former attorneys last month, who demanded $1.4 million in outstanding legal fees. Updated at 11:24 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. *Related video above: Former President Donald Trump speaking before his recent trial. (The Hill) The IRS placed a $550,000 lien on former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani s South Florida condo in August over unpaid taxes, according to newly revealed court filings. The lien, first reported by The Daily Mail, underlines Giulianis tenuous financial situation as he reportedly struggles to pay off mounting legal fees. The property is just three miles from former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach. Giulaini, who previously worked as an attorney for Trump, attempted to sell it for more than $3 million in 2019 but could not find a buyer. In July, he also listed his New York City apartment for $6.5 million. The Hill has reached out to Giuliani for comment. Giuliani spokesman Ted Goodman told CNN that he has an agreement with the IRS to pay off the tax debts. The former New York mayor faces multiple criminal and civil suits related to his actions following the 2020 election, including being indicted alongside Trump in the Georgia election racketeering case. Trump appeals ruling stripping him of New York business certificates He is one of the defendants who has reportedly requested money from Trump for his legal fees. The former president hosted a fundraiser to help Giulianis legal defense last month. Other legal cases against Giuliani include a $10 million sexual assault lawsuit filed in May, allegations which he has denied, a civil suit brought by Hunter Biden and three defamation suits. Two of the pending defamation suits are related to the 2020 election both from voting equipment companies and the third he lost after a judge ruled he defamed a mother-daughter duo serving as election workers in Georgia. In the defamation case brought by the election workers, attorneys for the pair claim that Giuliani has avoided paying them $130,000 in penalties in the case. He was also sued by his former attorneys last month, who demanded $1.4 million in outstanding legal fees. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. FILE PHOTO: West African leaders hold summit to discuss roadmap for Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara has removed the prime minister and dissolved his government, the presidency's secretary general Aboudramane Cisse said on Friday. No reason was provided for the unexpected move. "The president expresses his gratitude to Prime Minister Patrick Achi and to all members of the government for their commitment to serving the nation over the past years," Cisse said. They will remain in temporary charge until a new prime minister and government are appointed, he added. It is not uncommon for presidents in Ivory Coast to make drastic, unexpected changes to their governments. Achi tabled his resignation and that of his government in April last year after Ouattara announced plans to cut ministerial positions to slim down the size of his cabinet. The prime minister was re-appointed a week later. Ivory Coast will hold a presidential election in 2025. Ouattara, who was re-elected in 2020, has not yet said whether he will run again. (Reporting by Ange Aboa; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Alison Williams, William Maclean) Editors Note: Video by Muhammad Darwish and Alessia Tinti A version of this story appears in CNNs Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the regions biggest stories. Sign up here. Sixteen-year-old Ali vividly remembers the last time he saw his mother at home. She made him and his twin sister, Kiana, eggs for breakfast, told them to study hard, said goodbye and sent them to school. When they returned, she was gone. They were eight. Their mother is Narges Mohammadi , a woman whose name has become synonymous with the fight for human rights in Iran a battle that has cost this activist almost everything. On Friday, she won the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced in Oslo. Mohammadi has been a prisoner for most of the past two decades. She has been sentenced repeatedly for being the voice of the voiceless, for her unrelenting campaign against the death penalty and solitary confinement which she has had to endure for weeks at a time. She is currently serving a sentence of 10 years and 9 months, accused of actions against national security and propaganda against the state. She was also sentenced to 154 lashes, a punishment rights groups believe has not so far been inflicted, and travel and other bans. But not even the darkest cells of the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran have crushed her powerful voice. In an audio recording from inside Evin, shared with CNN before the Nobel Peace Prize was announced, Mohammadi is heard leading the chants of woman, life, freedom- the slogan of the uprising sparked last year by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Jhina Amini in the custody of the countrys morality police. She was arrested for allegedly not wearing her headscarf properly. The recording is interrupted by a brief automated message This is a phone call from Evin Prison as the women are heard singing a Farsi rendition of Bella Ciao, the 19th-century Italian folk song that became a resistance anthem against Fascists and has been adopted by Irans freedom movement. This period was and still is the era of greatest protest in this prison, Mohammadi told CNN earlier in written responses to questions submitted through intermediaries. Outside the prison walls, a brutal crackdown on protest by Iranian authorities largely quelled the movement sparked by Aminis death and the morality police resumed their headscarf patrols in July. Iranian activists this week accused them of assaulting a teenage girl for not wearing a headscarf in a Tehran metro station, leading to her hospitalization with serious injuries. Iranian authorities said low blood pressure was the cause. Mohammadi, in comments received Thursday by CNN, said the governments behavior had once again raised our concerns and was indicative of its concerted efforts to prevent the truth from coming to light regarding Armita Geravand. Narges Mohammadi is being held in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, pictured last October. - Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters Compulsory hijab Mohammadi knows all too well the price of speaking publicly. In August she was sentenced to an additional year in jail for her continued activism inside prison after she gave a media interview and a statement about sexual assaults in jail. She was already serving time for publishing a book last year about Irans brutal prison methods, titled White Torture: Interviews with Iranian Women Prisoners, as well as a documentary film telling the stories of prisoners held in solitary confinement a punishment Mohammadi herself has endured. But she remains undeterred. Mohammadi recently sent CNN a lengthy letter railing against four decades of the Islamic Republics mandatory hijab and calling out what she says is the hypocrisy of a religious state using sexual violence against female detainees. When it came to power four decades ago, she writes, the religious regime used the compulsory hijab to showcase the image of domination, subjugation and control over women as a means to control society. They couldnt put an abaya and turban on half of the population, i.e., men in society, her letter reads. However, they easily adorned half of Irans population with mandatory hijab, veil, chador, manteau, and dark-coloured trousers to present the odious face of the despotic religious system to the world. Imagine Iranian women who, for 44 years, have been forced to wear a head covering, long coats, and dark-colored pants in the summer heat, and in some places, black chadors. Worse than that, they have been under psychological pressure to strictly adhere to compulsory hijab, all to preserve the image of religious Islamic men and ensure the security and purity of women. Now, those same women are experiencing sexual assault and harassment against themselves. Systemic abuse of women detainees In her letter and responses to CNN, Mohammadi details incidents of sexual violence against her and other female detainees at different facilities dating back to 1999. Political prisoners and women held on criminal charges were assaulted by security forces, prison authorities and medical personnel, she says. According to Mohammadi, sexual violence against women detainees has significantly increased since the protests that swept Iran last year, leading her to describe the abuse as now systematic. Narges Mohammadi with her children, Kiana and Ali, in a picture taken earlier. - Courtesy of Narges Mohammadi The victims had told their stories in the meetings they had with the officials who came to Qarchak prison for inspection, Mohammadi writes. In prison, I have heard the narratives of three protesting women who were sexually assaulted. One of them was a well-known activist of the student movement who, upon entering the prison, filed a complaint with the authorities and announced that after being arrested on the street, her one hand and one leg was cuffed and tied to the two rings on the top of the car door. And in that position, she was sexually assaulted. Mohammadi says she and another prisoner visited the prisons quarantine area under the pretext of taking food to another inmate and that they saw the young woman there with bruises on her stomach, arms, legs and thighs. The Iranian government has denied the widespread allegations of sexual assaults against detainees, including in an in-depth CNN investigation last year, calling them false and baseless. For years, Mohammadi has been vocal about sexual violence against prisoners, breaking taboos in her conservative country. In 2021, she hosted a discussion via the Clubhouse social media app where women, including Mohammadi, shared their stories of assaults by government agents from the 1980s to 2021. She was penalized for this, according to Mohammadi and rights groups. Women who experience sexual harassment become filled with anger, fear, and insecurity, but when their womanhood is hidden and suppressed by ideological and religious claims, they will not only be angry and terrified, but they will also feel deceived and manipulated by the government, which is even more distressing, she writes. Such sexual abuse leaves such deep scars on their souls and minds that it is difficult to recover from, and perhaps they may never fully recover, she added. Endure all the hardships For refusing to be silenced behind bars, Mohammadi has been banned from speaking directly with her husband and children for the past 18 months. When your wife and the closest person to you is in prison, every single day you wake up worried that you might hear bad news, her husband, Taghi Rahmani, told CNN in a recent interview in France, where he has lived in exile with their children since shortly after Mohammadi was imprisoned in 2015. Rahmani and human rights groups have raised concerns about Mohammadis health and access to medical care after she suffered a heart attack and underwent surgery last year. He proudly shows off prestigious international awards he has received on her behalf. She has an endless energy for freedom and human rights, he said. Taghi Rahmani, pictured in Paris, says he met Mohammadi when she attended his underground contemporary history classes in 1995. - Mark Esplin/CNN Rahmani, who was himself held as a political prisoner for a total of 14 years, met Mohammadi when she attended his underground contemporary history classes in 1995, he says. For the past eight years, he has had to act as father and mother to their now teenage twins. Kiana always used to say when mom is here, dad is not. Its not good, he said. But when someone chooses a path, they must endure all the hardships. Ali, like his father, is resolute, saying his mother must keep going for Iran, for our future. I am really proud of my mom, Ali told CNN. She was not always with us, but whenever she was, she took good care of us she was a good mom and still is I have accepted this kind of life now. Any suffering that I have to endure does not matter. He said he was so eager to find out whether his mother had won that he kept scrolling on his phone in class without his teacher noticing. Precisely at 11 a.m. my heart stops because I see that my mother won, he said. I exploded with joy. Kiana, who preferred to not speak with CNN, wants her mother by her side. Her father says Kiana believes that if you bring a child into this world, you must take responsibility and raise that child. The pain of separation from her family is one Mohammadi lives with every single day. It is the cost of a sacrifice she has chosen to make, for the dream of a future freedom that has defined her life. Ali and Taghi Rahmani, seen in their apartment in Paris, say they are proud of Mohammadi's activism on behalf of Iranians. - Mark Esplin/CNN The moment I said goodbye to Ali and Kiana was not unlike the time I almost died in the tree-lined yard of Evin, she writes to CNN, not specifying when that event was. I picked the dandelions of Evins yard. I stood barefoot on the hot asphalt on July 14, she said, referring to the day only weeks after that final breakfast on which she said goodbye to her children in prison before they left for exile in France. My feet were burning but my heart was on fire. I sent the dandelions to the sky and my childrens hands, feet and childish faces passed my eyes and tears fell like spring rain. If I look at the prison from the window of my heart, I was more of a stranger to my daughter and son than any stranger and I missed out on the best years of my life and what went will never come back. But I am sure that the world without freedom, equality and peace is not worth living or even watching. I have chosen to not see my children or even hear their voices and be the voice of oppressed people, women and children, of my land, she says. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jailed human rights activist Narges Mohammadi , 51, has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her fight against the oppression of Irans women and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all. Mohammadi was announced as this years laureate on Friday at 11:00 local time in Oslo, by Berit Reiss-Andersen , head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Zan. Zendegi. Azadi. Women. Life. Freedom, Reiss-Andersen began, drawing on the motto used by Irans protesters who took to the streets en masse since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022 while in police custody after she was arrested for allegedly wearing her headscarf too loosely. Announcing Mohammadis selection, Reiss-Andersen said: Her brave struggle has come with tremendous personal cost. All together, the regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her 5 times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison, and 154 lashes. She emphasized that Mohammadi is still in jail at that exact moment. More From TIME In a statement sent to the New York Times, Mohammadi shared her reaction to winning the prize: "The global support and recognition of my human rights advocacy makes me more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful, she told the publication. I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organized. Victory is near. Who is Narges Mohammadi? Mohammadi began her reform activism in local journalism, but she is best known for her involvement with the Defenders of Human Rights Centerfounded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadisince 2003. Before her arrest, she served as Vice President of the human rights organization. Mohammadi has been repeatedly arrested for her work in assisting incarcerated activists and their families, with the first instance dating back to 2011. After being released on bail in 2013, Mohammadi began campaigning for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran. Iran was the nation with the highest known executions last year, at 576, according to a report by Amnesty International published in May. Read More: These 3 Countries Are Responsible for 90% of Global Executions Mohammadi is currently serving multiple sentences amounting to 12 years in Tehrans notorious Evin prison. Upon her return to prison, she began opposing the regimes systematic use of torture and sexualized violence against political prisoners, and especially women, that is practised in Iranian prisons, Reiss-Andersen said. Mohammadi has played her part in the mass protest movement in Iran since Aminis death, organizing solidarity events with other political prisoners. She also managed to smuggle out an article which was published in the New York Times in September, in which she explained the environment of the prison when news of the protests reached them. Concluding her speech, Reiss-Andersen said that Mohammadis selection also recognized hundreds of thousands of protestors who have resisted the Iranian regime. Only by embracing equal rights for all, can the world achieve the fraternity between nations that Alfred Nobel sought to promote, she said. Mohammadi is the 19th woman, and second Iranian woman, to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Mohammadi had been included in the annual shortlist by Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, as one of his first picks for this year's prize. We were delighted to see a human rights defender win the prize this year, and it was [the] first on our shortlist, Urdal tells TIME. We hope todays prize will send a clear message to world leaders including the United States that international pressure is needed to improve the lives of girls and women in Iran. Read More: Here Are the Favorites to Win the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize Urdal's shortlist, which is widely studied each year, also featured Afghan journalist Mahbouba Seraj, Indigenous rights activists Victoria Tauli-Corpuz and Juan Carlos Jintiach, the International Court of Justice, Kyaw Moe Tun and Myanmar's National Unity Consultative Council, and the nonprofit Human Rights Data Analysis Group that tracks rights violations around the globe. Last year's prize was won by human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, in what was seen as a condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi on Friday for her campaign for womens rights and democracy in the country. Mohammadi, who has spent years in custody in Iran, was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2016. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Nargis Mohammadi, said Berit Reiss-Andersen , the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. Narges Mohammadi is a woman, a human rights advocate, and a freedom fighter, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in a statement. In awarding her this years Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to honour her courageous fight for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran. Mohammadi has led protests against the Iranian government since the 1990s, and recently became a leading figure in protests against the government, despite being in jail, following the killing of a young woman last year. Recent protests began after Mahsa Amini was killed while in custody of the countrys morality police last September. Her death sparked a wave of activists, led by Mohammadi and others, nationwide the largest demonstrations against the Iranian government since its theocratic regime came to power in 1979. More than 500 protesters were killed, thousands injured and at least 20,000 arrested. This years Peace Prize also recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against the theocratic regimes policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women, the Nobel committee added on Friday. In a statement to The New York Times, Mohammadi said the global support and recognition of my human rights advocacy makes me more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful. I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organized, she added. Victory is near. She is the vice president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, a nonprofit headed by 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, the only other Iranian to win the prize. The Peace Prize is awarded separately from other Nobel Prizes. It is selected by an independent panel handpicked by the Norwegian Parliament, while the other prizes are awarded in Sweden. Other notable Nobel winners this year include the pair of American scientists whose work enabled mRNA vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccine, and a group of physicists who made breakthroughs in studying electrons. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Narges Mohammadi , a jailed Iranian human rights activist, won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. The Iranian regime arrested Mohammadi 13 times between 1998 and 2015 for her efforts to promote human rights and freedom in Iran: Shes currently serving a 31-year prison sentence in the capital Tehran. Though behind bars, Mohammadi has been vocal in her support for the protests that rocked Iran after the death last year of Mahsa Amini, 22, while in police custody for wearing her hijab improperly. This years Peace Prize also recognizes the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against the theocratic regimes policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women, the Nobel committee said in a statement. The prize comes shortly after Armita Geravand, an Iranian teenager, fell into a coma after what rights activists said was a confrontation with agents in Tehran for violating the hijab laws. CCTV footage released this week showed Geravand, 16, being dragged unconscious out of a train having boarded without wearing a hijab. Once again a young woman in #Iran is fighting for her life. Just because she showed her hair in the subway. It is unbearable, Germanys foreign minister wrote on X. Mohammadi is the second Iranian woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Shirin Ebadi, the founder of Irans Defenders of Human Rights Center, and a longtime mentor and colleague of Mohammadi won the prize in 2003. The Center was closed in 2009 after a violent crackdown. The award shows that the world has heard the voices of civil society inside Iran, Maryam Foumani, an Iranian journalist and womens right activist who lives in London, wrote on X. In front of the prison or behind its walls, in cemeteries or the streets of the city, Narges has been the loud voice of protest and justice, Foumani said. Fars, the Iranian regimes semi-official news agency, said Mohammadi received her prize from the Westerners for her actions against Iran's national security. The statement underscores the anti-Nobel sentiment of many autocratic governments, which view the award "as a provocative and hostile act," The New York Times reported. In response, several regimes have come up with their own awards, among which Chinas Confucius Peace Prize which was created shortly after Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese dissident, was awarded the Nobel is perhaps the best known. CNNs Jake Tapper on Thursday ripped conservatives for their relative silence after Donald Trump s derogatory comments about U.S. servicemembers were confirmed by his former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. Tapper compared the lackluster reaction on the right to their meltdown in 2014 when then-President Barack Obama saluted a Marine with a cup of coffee in his hand. When Barack Obama saluted a Marine as president while holding a cup of coffee in his hand, that was Fox News banner headline for a week, Tapper recalled. The lack of criticism of Trump from the right is outrageous, he added in a video shared online by Mediaite. Where are the Republicans, including the Nikki Haleys and the Ron DeSantises and the Tim Scotts who are running against Trump? Tapper asked. Why are they not saying anything about this sort of thing? At the time of the Obama scandal, multiple personalities on Fox News called it the latte salute, with Sean Hannity claiming the then-POTUS had displayed his complete disrespect for those in uniform. Watch the freakout on the conservative network here: Related... An alleged January 6 rioter dubbed 'Conan O'Riot' due to his resemblance to former late-night talk show host Conan OBrien has been arrested. Derek Nelson, 30, who was an active-duty US Marine from October 2011 to September 2015, was tracked down and arrested by the FBI on Wednesday in Illinois, according to federal court records. He faces four misdemeanour charges in connection with the US Capitol attack, along with his co-defendant Derek Dodder. The 30-year-old was dubbed #ConanORiot for his red hair, with online Sedition Hunters using the hashtag to track his movements at the Capitol. Mr Nelson was near the front lines at the Capitol on January 6 as a pro-Trump mob chased down outnumbered officers on the west side of the building, according to the FBI. Derek Nelson was seen at the Capitol wearing colonial attire (Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images) The 30-year-old was seen at the Capitol wearing colonial attire, including a brown tricorn hat along with a blue double-breasted button coat and red or maroon undershirt with a white scarf around his neck, the FBI said. He was seen in video footage cited by the FBI telling a videographer he had gathered at the Washington Monument where President Trump was due to speak, to start a revolution. Mr Nelson was allegedly recorded on video inside the capitol wearing goggles and a respirator mask. The FBI said the video also shows him running away after another rioter set off a fire extinguisher near the doors to the House of Representatives, which were barricaded as members fled the violent mob. Derek Nelson pictured inside the Capitol (US Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia) Mr Nelson was ordered by a judge on Wednesday not to travel outside the US without court approval and banned from possessing a firearm, destructive device, or other weapon. He is due to make a virtual appearance before a federal judge in Washington DC on 17 October. On his podcast Conan OBrien Needs a Friend, the comedian said January 6 was an upsetting day for any sentient American. Insurrections loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021 (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) In a podcast last month, he said the biggest crime former president Trump, who has been indicted four times this year, has committed is his impact on comedy. Im really going out on a limb here saying thats his greatest crime, OBrien joked. I think hes hurt political comedy by being so outlandish himself. I think the Jan. 6 thing is a blip compared to how much hes hurt comedy. More than 1,000 people have been charged by federal prosecutors in connection with the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Twenty years ago, as the City of Portsmouths Deputy City Manager, I had the privilege of working on the Senator Judd Gregg-sponsored Senate Bill 1589, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004, which became the law of the land. The bill required that once all federal tenants vacated the McIntyre property, it was to be transferred to the city for free. However, the General Services Administration (GSA), the huge, powerful sub-Cabinet agency and overseer of the property, had vigorously opposed the legislation because the agency felt that it was not in its interests. I left Portsmouth for a time in 2004 but continued to follow the project in the media and online. For some mysterious reason, the city and our New Hampshire Congressional delegation then failed to fight in a meaningful way to get the property transferred to the city. Ted Jankowski Curiously, in 2017, the property got steered into the National Park Services Historic Surplus Property Program, where ultimately the Kane Company and a Boston partner were selected to be development partners with the City. The project became mired in controversy, finger-pointing and lawsuits and the GSA decided to auction it off on June 20, 2023. However, in a last-minute Hail Mary effort to obtain the property for free for the city as established by law, I hired a DC law firm with extensive experience and expertise in GSA transactions to review the legislative history of Senate 1589 and verify whether the city still has a right to the property today. After extensive expert examination, Holland & Knight recently concluded in a letter to me which I made public that the original bill had never been repealed or amended, and that the city has a clear right to ownership of the McIntyre. However, the lead partner on this assignment for Holland & Knight, the former General Counsel of the GSA, warned that obtaining it for the city would take the full support of the City of Portsmouth leadership, and especially our states Congressional delegation. On July 17, 2023 the Portsmouth City Council voted 8-1 to hire Holland & Knight to help pursue acquisition of the McIntyre under Senate 1589. Further, the City Council voted for the property to be used for the construction of affordable housing, consistent with the housing goals of the Biden Administration. At this point, I was personally asked to stay out of it and let the city administration and Congressional delegation finally get the job done. As I write this, the GSA auction may have closed, but city leadership has not gotten the job done. Twenty-five years ago, when the city was successfully fighting for revenues and a voice in the redevelopment of the former Pease Air Force Base (mostly built on Portsmouth land), I was serving as Interim City Manager and Eileen Foley was Mayor of Portsmouth. Mayor Foley went down to DC not once - but THREE times - to lobby the Generals in the Pentagon with all the political skills she had. How many times has our current Mayor flown down to DC to lobby on our behalf for the McIntyre? For years, our Congressional delegation has done little more than to call the GSA, then claim to be powerless. But let's get real here. We have two US Senators who sit on influential committees that could make a big difference; Senator Shaheen is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Hassans Homeland Security Committee oversees the budget of the GSA. Over the years, I have worked with folks named Tip ONeil and Ted Kennedy and others who got things done. In my opinion and that of folks with DC experience, not only should we have gotten the transfer of the McIntyre for free by now, but possibly a Congressional earmark as well to deal with the asbestos remediation. I dont know why we have not obtained the McIntyre by now, but I worry that there may be another horse in the race for the McIntyre that is not the City of Portsmouth. Could that be? The good news is that there is still time to act if we do not delay. Even if the GSA accepts the high bid today, there will still a 30-day period for the agency to review the bid before closing. But we need our New Hampshire delegation to act fast! At this late date we need them to go over the head of the GSA and appeal directly to the White House, consistent with the Biden Administrations effort to convert excess federal buildings to affordable housing. We are not some NIMBY community - our City Council on July 17, 2023, voted to put affordable housing right in the center of the downtown! This is a national good news story. Lets pull out all the stops and fight for this building to be ours. Lets also keep the GSA expertise of Holland & Knight on-board until the job is done. By law, the Thomas J. McIntyre building belongs to the taxpayers of Portsmouth! Ted Jankowski is a Portsmouth resident and the former Deputy City Manager. More: McIntyre building auction in Portsmouth closes at $9 million. Will high bid be accepted? This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Jankowski: Lack of leadership is costing us the McIntyre It was an unexpected sight for Casey Neet and his 8-year-old daughter paddleboarding in an Eldorado National Forest reservoir: Hundreds of transparent white circular blobs drifted in the serene freshwater. Neet, who thought they might be pollen or egg sacks at first glance, told The Sacramento Bee that he leaned in closer and realized freshwater jellyfish floated alongside them. It was a species known as peach blossom fish that have been spotted across North America but rarely in that area, said Maura Santora, an aquatic biologist with the U.S. Forest Service, who also conferred with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to make the identification on the recent finding. This is my first time hearing about them in Stumpy Meadows Reservoir during my 9 years on the Eldorado National Forest, Santora wrote in an email. A Fish and Wildlife spokesman did not immediately return a call about the jellyfish. The freshwater jellyfish are not considered dangerous to humans, and their small tentacles will likely not penetrate human skin, said the U.S. Geological Survey. People have reported the freshwater jellyfish in bodies of water in the Eldorado National Forest, but those sightings havent all been verified, she added. Indigenous to China, peach blossom fish are highly concentrated along the East Coast, according to a USGS map. The small animals have been reported in the American River and upper Cosumnes River, but none so far in the Eldorado National Forest, according to the USGS. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is about 10 miles north of Pollock Pines. Typically, peach blossom jellyfish cling to boats and other vessels used for recreational activities, Santora said. Its a non-native species to the area, and Santora encouraged residents to clean, drain and dry their aquatic equipment when going from one body of water to another. Neet, who posted about the jellyfish on Facebook, said every time he looks at his phone a reporter is asking him to speak about the jellyfish. The social media post has garnered dozens of reactions and comments since he posted it on Sept. 23. The invertebrates have Neet concerned because the reservoir ultimately ends up as their drinking water. But the jellyfish sightings wont stop Neet and his daughter from enjoying the reservoir they cannot go swimming, but can certainly paddleboard, he said. One day after police records revealed that the woman who is now Sen. Bob Menendezs wife was involved in a deadly car crash in 2018, NBC New York has learned that New Jersey investigators are reviewing how local authorities handled the case at the time. Investigators from the New Jersey attorney generals Office of Public Integrity & Accountability were at the Bergen County Prosecutors Office on Thursday asking questions and seeking documents, two sources familiar with the matter said. The questions were related to the December 2018 crash in which Nadine Menendez, then Nadine Arslanian, was behind the wheel of car that killed pedestrian Richard Koop, 49. The two sources familiar with the matter said the public integrity review is in its early stages and will include a look at how Bogota, New Jersey, police handled the scene where Koop died. Bob Menendez and Nadine Arslanian were married in 2020, nearly two years after the crash. They were indicted on federal bribery charges last month and have pleaded not guilty. A spokesman for Attorney General Matt Platkins office declined to comment on the actions of the investigators from office's public integrity unit. What remains unclear, and what Koops family wants to know, is how thoroughly police handled the crime scene, whether investigators should have done more to review Nadine Menendezs phone records earlier, whether a breath or blood test should have been requested even though Menendez had no apparent signs of impairment, what role a retired law enforcement official played after having been called to the scene to assist Menendez and who called the official to the scene. A lawyer for Koops family said the questions are troubling. The family has been critical of Nadine Menendez, claiming she did nothing to help the man dying in the road. political wife senator (Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images file) She did nothing to come and render any aid. She moved her car out of the way, but she never came for the entire length of the video that I was given, she never came to look at him, didnt even she never check to see if hes alive, attorney Sheri Breen said. An attorney for Nadine Menendez did not return calls seeking comment. Police said she was not at fault for the crash, as Koop apparently jaywalked on his way home after a night of drinking with friends. Sen. Menendez seemed to comment publicly on the crash for the first time Wednesday, calling it tragic. The crash appears to be linked to the bribery charges against the Menendezes. The FBI alleges the couple turned to New Jersey businessman Jose Uribe for help replacing the Mercedes-Benz damaged in the collision. In exchange, feds said, Menendez agreed to try to pressure the state attorney generals office about a past criminal investigation Uribe was concerned about. The couple and three businessmen charged in the sprawling bribery case deny wrongdoing, and all have pleaded not guilty. The FBI said that businessman Fred Daibes gave gold bars and money to Sen. Menendez and that, in exchange, he allegedly wanted the senators help in pressuring the New Jersey U.S. attorneys office to go easy on him regarding his separate bank fraud charges. Daibes later took a plea deal with an expected sentence of no jail time, but a judge in New Jersey threw the deal out on Thursday. The Court hereby rejects the plea agreement, U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton wrote in a filing. Lawyers for Daibes did not reply to requests for comment. Federal prosecutors said Monday some additional charges could soon be filed in the bribery case. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com New Jerseys chief law enforcement official has reportedly seized local police records and launched an inquiry to investigate how authorities handled a fatal car accident involving the then-girlfriend of an influential US senator in 2018. Nadine Arslanian, who married Democratic Senator Bob Menendez in 2020, struck and killed a 49-year-old man with her car on 12 December 2018. Police did not determine she was at fault, nor was she charged with a crime or accused of any wrongdoing in connection with the crash, but the incident came under closer scrutiny this week following federal charges against the senator, his wife and three New Jersey businessmen under an alleged bribery and corruption scheme, which partly involves the purchase of a $60,000 Mercedes-Benz convertible that replaced the car she was driving at the time of the crash. Investigators from the office of New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkins Public Integrity & Accountability sought documents from the Bergen County Prosecutors Office on 5 October, one day after the publication of video footage, police reports and 911 call logs, among other documents stemming from the 2018 incident, according to NBC New York, which first reported the investigation. The office of attorney general has declined to comment to The Independent, per office policy against confirming or or denying investigations. The 39-page federal indictment announced on 22 September only mentions that Ms Menendez sought the Mercedes after she was involved in a car accident in December 2018 that left her without a car. But footage of the incident from the Bogota Police Department dashboard cameras, nearby surveillance camera footage and other evidence obtained by The New York Times and The Record of New Jersey have added a new dimension to the federal case and raised additional questions about the incident itself, including whether the senator played a role. Richard Koop reportedly was exiting an Uber and walking across the street to his apartment moments before he was struck. Ms Menendez told officers that he jumped on my windshield. A police report asserted that Ms Arslanian was not at fault in this crash and that Mr Koop was jaywalking and did not cross the street at an intersection or in a marked crosswalk. Weeks later, according to the federal indictment, the senator allegedly sought to interfere with a criminal investigation connected to co-defendant Jose Uribes trucking business, which was under scrutiny from New Jersey prosecutors at the time. Mr Menendez allegedly contacted a state prosecutor in an attempt, through advice and pressure, to resolve these matters favorably, according to the indictment. In April, four months after Koops death, Mr Uribe then allegedly arranged the sale of a Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible to Ms Menendez after handing her $15,000 in cash in a parking lot, allegedly used for a down payment. Mr Uribe later arranged monthly financing payments routed through his associates or a company he controlled, according to the indictment. Questions raised by subsequent reports of the incident and the Koop family have asked whether police thoroughly reviewed her phone records to determine if she was using her phone at the time of the crash, whether a breathalyzer or blood test should have been administered, why a retired law enforcement official was called to the scene to assist her, and who was it that made that call. The senator and his wife along with three New Jersey businessmen charged alongside them in a sweeping federal indictment have pleaded not guilty. Mr Menendez has resisted calls for his resignation from a growing number of his Democratic colleagues in Congress, as well as the states Democratic Governor Phil Murphy. A grand jury indictment unsealed on 22 September alleges a years-long scheme including the sharing of sensitive US government information among other steps to covertly benefit the Egyptian government, pushing US officials to secure an exclusive business deal with one of the co-defendants, and pressuring state and federal prosecutors to drop investigations all in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold and gifts. Authorities seized $100,000 worth of gold bars and more than $480,000 in cash, mostly stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe at their home, according to the indictment. Photographs in the indictment include jackets bearing Mr Menendezs name and government seals stuffed with strapped bills. The couple are each charged with three counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. A North Plainfield man wanted on five counts of attempted murder has been arrested in Pennsylvania. Cristobal Avila, 32, who was the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Fugitive of the Month for September, was arrested Sept. 30 by Easton police during a motor vehicle stop, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said. Avila allegedly produced a false government document to police during the stop and after his arrest, Easton police discovered outstanding warrants in the in the National Crime Information Center which were confirmed by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, according to McDonald. Avila was wanted on five counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and certain persons not to have weapon in connection with a shooting North Plainfield at about 2:30 a.m. April 11, 2021. Crime: Parents, two children dead in Plainsboro homicide According to a report by the North Plainfield Police Department, an officer was flagged down by a person reporting multiple gunshots near Gavin and Steiner places. The report was confirmed by an employee of a neighborhood business. Police officers searching the area found numerous shell casings at the intersection. Officers also discovered a vehicle damaged by a shot, according to the report. After days checking with businesses and residents, detectives obtained surveillance video of the area and a suspect was developed, according to the report. McDonald stated that detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Fugitive Unit will extradite Avila to New Jersey at the completion of his criminal charges in Pennsylvania and extradition proceedings. Avila will remain lodged in Pennsylvania pending a sentencing hearing in that matter. McDonald thanked the Easton Police Department its assistance in the investigation. Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ fugitive charged with 5 counts of attempted murder arrested in Pa. No one knew spies like David John Moore Cornwell, aka John le Carre, the acclaimed novelist whose tales of Cold War espionage were infused with authenticity and dripped with despair. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Smileys People, The Night Manager, and A Perfect Spy solidified his standing as the genres preeminent artist, operating as a one-man corrective to Ian Fleming (and his popular James Bond fantasies) by immersing readers in clandestine worlds where the shadows were so thick you could practically choke on them. He was the master of duplicity, and in Errol Morris The Pigeon Tunnelenergized by the last on-camera interview with the author, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 89he pries into and lays bare his life and career, along the way tracing the oh-so-thin line separating fiction and reality, truth and lies, and confession and cross-examination. Le Carre was born in 1931 to a mother who abandoned him at five and a father, RonaldRonnie Cornwell, whom his son describes as a confidence trickster who never had a dime and loved the thrill of the scam. As he explains in The Pigeon Tunnel (currently screening at the New York Film Festival, and premiering in theaters and on Apple TV+ on Oct. 20), his was an exciting and romantic adolescence spent as a member of his dads conmen troupe, and it continued once he was sent to a boarding school where he did his best to fit in but nonetheless felt like an outsider. Whether participating in Ronnies ruses (which kept them financially afloat) or hobnobbing with upper-crust preppies, le Carre was working literally and/or figuratively undercover, and the particular nature of his upbringingabandoned by his mom; raised in the UKs elite educational system; and a good boy who was additionally badmade him a prime candidate for the countrys secret service, which soon recruited him. The Pigeon Tunnel begins with le Carre remarking that any interview is a performance art interrogation in which the interrogator is also in the crosshairs, and that during his time in the army, his own interrogations hinged on establishingdependence on the interrogator. Though this suggests a dual inquiry to come, Morris is (per tradition) audibly heard questioning his subject throughout the film but does not come under great scrutiny. Instead, the focus is squarely on le Carre. Following two rather unadventurous stints as an enigmatic operative for Her Majesty, he chose to fill in the blanks of his service with make-believe yarns about the vocation. Debuting in 1963, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold couldnt have arrived at a better time, defining and encapsulating the desolate (if not outright fatalistic) mood of the geopolitical era, and turning le Carre into an instant sensationa status hed maintain for decades courtesy of subsequent best-sellers about cat-and-mouse spy games. Morris shoots le Carre with canted angles and in manor-house rooms filled with mirrors, and he employs split-screens that juxtapose the writer with clips from film adaptations of his work, as well as dramatic recreations that echo the unreality of le Carres dramas. The novelist repeatedly discusses the links between his experiences and the yarns he spun, the clearest of which are found in 1986s semi-autobiographical A Perfect Spy, and Morris plays with that duality (the imprint of personality) while having le Carre expound upon it, and the ways in which its fundamental to being a spy. The intelligence agents self-imposed schizophrenia is something about which he is intensely familiar, as is the allure it holdsa topic that springs forth from an extended conversation about Kim Philby, the notorious British spy who defected to the Soviet Union after outing himself as a double agent. Apple TV+ The Pigeon Tunnel takes its title from le Carres 2016 memoir and was the working moniker for most of his books, and tunnels and cagesand the victimization, sorrow, and loneliness they begetare recurring elements of Morris documentary. However, despite its many flourishes (including newspaper headlines and rare archival video clips), the documentary remains fixated on le Carre, who speaks with the eloquence one might expect (as when he describes the appeal of spy-dom as voluptuous) and who persuasively contends that hes now too old, content, and comfortable in his own skin to continue deceiving the public (and himself). Hes a grand chronicler of his own biography, and expertly goaded on by Morris, whose queries challenge present and past statements and compel further elaboration and contemplation. Apple TV+ Betrayal proves to be The Pigeon Tunnels running theme, and its roots stretch back to le Carres relationship with Ronnie, a grand and beloved charlatan who didnt care for the truth and chased the ecstasy of pulling off a well-planned fraud. Le Carres feelings about his father are naturally complicated, especially given that Ronnie eventually tried to make him a mark, and the author discusses this state of affairs with cool analytical astuteness. His approach to himself is no different than his attitude toward writing, which he dubs an attempt at self-knowledge, and which the film cannily casts as its own kindred act of subterfugeone in which people create alternate guises for themselves and others, play tricks on their targets, and intertwine the real and the unreal in a manner thats difficult to parse. Apple TV+ Le Carre and Morris are the only voices heard in The Pigeon Tunnel, and thats apt for a saga about honest and devious (self-)invention. From discussing his own betrayals and regrets, to opining on the nobility and sad emptiness of the spy profession, le Carre comes across as the great storyteller readers have long known him to be, and Morris documentary gives him space to tell his own tale while simultaneously pressing him to untangle the knottiness of his life and the world he inhabited and realized with his classics. He may have believed that history is chaos and that, when it comes to searching for answers, the inmost room is bare, yet at his finest, he illuminated the darkness and those who dwell in it, and made anguish as enlightening as it is crushing. As Morris rightly describes him, and which his film confirms, he was the exquisite poet of self-hatred. Liked 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. Rep. Jim Jordan is gaining broad support from top Republicans to serve as speaker of the House, with members telling Fox News Digital that he can "unite" moderates and conservatives across the GOP conference. Jordan, R-Ohio, announced his bid for the speakership on Wednesday, after lawmakers voted to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif., from the post for the first time in the history of the House of Representatives. TRUMP WOULD ACCEPT HOUSE SPEAKERSHIP FOR A 'SHORT PERIOD' WHILE REPUBLICANS DECIDE ON A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT House Majority Leader Steve Scalise , R-La., also announced his bid for House speaker. Rep. Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Jordan, who serves as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and is co-leading the House impeachment inquiry against President Biden, has garnered support across the Republican conference including from top House committee chairmen. "Jordans efforts have shown that he can unite moderates and conservatives across the conference to get the 218 votes needed to become speaker," a congressional source told Fox News Digital. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, a moderate Republican, told Fox News Digital that he would proudly support Jordan for the role of House speaker. Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz , left, and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. "I am proud to support Jim Jordan as our next speaker of the House because of his leadership skills, professionalism, and the fact that he will be able to unite our conference," Turner said. House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., also threw his support behind Jordan, along with other lawmakers including Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.; Darrell Issa, R-Calif.; Mike Carey, R-Ohio; Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Warren Davidson, R-Ohio; Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J.; Ralph Norman, R-S.C.; Alex Mooney, R-W.Va.; Lauren Boebert, R-Colo.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis.; Troy Balderson, R-Ohio; Harriet Hagemen, R-Wyo.; and Max Miller, R-Ohio. FLASHBACK: MATT GAETZ VOTES FOR TRUMP AS HOUSE SPEAKER IN SLIGHT TO MCCARTHY "We need a conservative fighter to stand up strong to the Biden White House and Democrats and I cant think of anyone better than Jim Jordan," Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told Fox News Digital. Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., also threw his support behind Jordan, calling him a "proven conservative fighter" who "can right the ship and return the House to a path toward conservative principles like promoting limited government, fighting reckless spending, and holding the Biden administration accountable." And on the other side of the aisle, even Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., said that Democrats are "ready to work with any Republican speaker as long as they don't break their word, that they want to help the American people," and said that would include working with Jordan, if he was elected speaker of the House. GAETZ 'OPEN-MINDED' ON RULES CHANGE TO ELIMINATE MOTION TO VACATE, WOULD SUPPORT JORDAN OR SCALISE AS SPEAKER As for Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., he told Fox News Digital that both Jordan and Scalise "would represent a monumental step forward for the conference." "I'd be honored to vote for either of these men on the floor," Gaetz said. "In conference, I'll make a decision based on spending and whether they are willing to liberate us on these continuing resolutions." House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La. House Republicans are hosting a candidate forum on Tuesday, and former President Donald Trump has said he plans to attend. Trump, the current frontrunner of the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has not yet commented on who he would support for speaker. However, a source familiar told Fox News Digital that the former president is very close to Jordan and has always had a great relationship with him. The source said Trump also has a great relationship with Scalise. HOUSE VOTES TO REMOVE KEVIN MCCARTHY AS SPEAKER IN HISTORIC FIRST In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Thursday afternoon, Trump said that if Republicans cannot rally enough support for Jordan or Scalise, he would accept the speakership himself for a "short period." "I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress," Trump told Fox News Digital. "If they dont get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president." Former President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd during a campaign rally in Summerville, South Carolina, on Sept. 25, 2023. "They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion Im not doing it because I want to I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision," Trump said. Trump did not specify who had asked him, although a number of GOP lawmakers have said he is their preference for speaker. Trump stressed that if Republicans cannot come to a consensus, he would take the speakership for a short "30, 60, or 90-day period." HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE 'FULL STEAM AHEAD' ON IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY EVEN AMID SPEAKER UNCERTAINTY "I would only do it for the party," he said, stressing that his focus is on his presidential campaign. Back in January, as the House considered who should become the speaker after Republicans took the majority of the chamber, Gaetz opted not to vote for McCarthy or Donalds, who was floated as an option, and voted instead for Trump. When Gaetzs name was called during the seventh round of voting, he responded: "Donald John Trump." Original article source: Jordan gains support from top Republicans for speaker to unite moderates, conservatives A Mexican national caught with almost 1,200 grams of methamphetamine during a routine traffic stop in Madison County was given a stiff prison term recently in U.S. District Court in Athens. The crime occurred Dec. 10, 2021, when a Madison County sheriffs deputy pulled a vehicle in Colbert for a failure to maintain a lane infraction. Federal Judge Tilman Self III imposed a 10-year prison term on 30-year-old Esteban Palacios Chamu, who at the time of his arrest was residing in Atlanta. Chamu, who participated in the hearing with the aid of an interpreter, told the court he made a serious mistake. Prosecutors said Chamu, who did not have a criminal history, will likely be deported to Mexico after he serves his time. Court documents provided by the U.S. Attorney show that upon the traffic stop, Chamu did not have a drivers license or other identification. Bank robber: LaGrange man goes to prison for robbing banks in Lavonia and Alabama Loose steer: An escaped longhorn steer in Comer prompts long line of 911 calls The deputy smelled marijuana inside the vehicle and a subsequent search revealed a drug ledger, a bag with a chunk of meth, a gallon-size bag with meth, a baggie of meth, digital scales, and various cell phones. Investigators did not disclose if they determined where Chamu was taking the drugs. Besides Madison County, the Athens-Clarke police, Drug Enforcement Administration agents, Georgia State Patrol and Greene County Sheriffs Office all assisted in some manner with the investigation into Chamus activities. Chamu has been in jail since his arrest and is expected to get credit for time already served. This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Federal judge sentences man caught with drugs in Colbert The judge presiding over the Georgia election subversion case rejected an attempt by pro-Donald Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro to dismiss his indictment, according to a court filing on Friday. He was hired to work on former President Donald Trump campaigns efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election that Joe Biden won and worked to put forward fake slates of pro-Trump electors in Georgia and other states. Chesebro had been seeking to dismiss his indictment on grounds that Nathan Wade, one of the lead prosecutors for the Fulton County DA on the case, was not properly authorized as a public officer in Georgia. In his written ruling, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee wrote the motion fails to establish that this code section is even relevant to Special ADA Wade or establish how his actions resulted in prejudice. During a hearing on Thursday, McAfee also signaled he was on track to deny a separate motion to dismiss from co-defendant Sidney Powell, appearing to pave the way for their trial to proceed as planned on October 23. They both pleaded not guilty. Fulton County prosecutors have indicted Chesebro on seven criminal charges, including a violation of the Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, Conspiracy to commit forgery, Conspiracy to commit false statements and writing, and Conspiracy to commit false documents. Chesebros Atlanta-based lawyers describe him as election attorney who specializes in constitutional issues and dispute the claims hes the architect. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov awarded his son, 15-year-old Adam Kadyrov, with the highest regional award after the minor beat an inmate accused by Russian authorities of supporting Ukraine. After awarding Adam Kadyrov with the Hero of the Chechen Republic title, Kadyrov's right-hand man Adam Delimkhanov called him a "bright example of an exceptionally competent, comprehensively educated and purposeful young man." The announcement comes after Russian citizen Nikita Zhuravel, while being incarcerated, was beaten by Adam Kadyrov. In May, Zhuravel was arrested for allegedly "burning the Koran in front of a mosque" in the Russian city of Volgograd. Russian law enforcement accused Zhuravel of cooperating with the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and opened a criminal case against him for "insulting religious feelings." If found guilty, Zhuravel can spend up to a year in prison. Soon, Zhuravel was transferred to Russia's predominantly muslim Chechen Republic without any legal grounds. In August, Zhuravel accused Adam Kadyrov of beating him at a pre-trial detention center, according to the Russian independent media outlet Meduza. Days later, Ramzan Kadyrov published a video of his son violently beating Zhuravel. Kadyrov also praised such an act. "He beat him up and did the right thing," Kadyrov wrote on Telegram. The Chechen Republic under Kadyrov has been described as one the most dangerous parts of the world. Criminal activity in the region have included forced disappearances and abductions, unlawful imprisonment, torture, female genital mutilation and extrajudicial killings by authorities targeting members of the LGBTQ+. The U.K. and the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Kadyrov, with officials accusing him of heading "an administration involved in disappearances and extrajudicial killings." Read also: ISW: Kadyrov health concerns could affect Putins stability in Chechnya Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. DENVER (KDVR) FOX31 is hearing from Kaiser Permanente in Colorado for the first time since 75,000 workers nationwide have been on strike. Kaiser Permanente says despite the loss of employees over the past two days, patient care has not been disrupted. Thousands of US workers are on strike today: Here are the major work stoppages Kaiser Permanente wouldnt give specific numbers but said they were able to move up appointments and contact patients ahead of the strike. Plus, theyve asked administrators who arent in the union to step into other roles to fill the gaps. This preparation was possible because the strike came after nearly six months of prior negotiations. Kelli Kane is the vice president of ambulatory operations, but during the strike, she has been working the front desk at their hearing services center at their Arapahoe office. Weve been preparing for a potential strike for several months, and in anticipation of a strike, we were able to outreach some of our patients and bring them in early in advance of the strike in case they didnt feel comfortable receiving care during a strike, Kane said. So we were able to care for many patients ahead of time, and we had a slightly lighter schedule for these three days. But our operations have been running smoothly, and we are able now to bring in patients and schedule them this afternoon, tomorrow, so we have a more full schedule. One of the unions main demands is that the company addresses staffing shortages, which Kaiser Permanente said is a post-pandemic challenge. Kaiser Permanente has experienced the same challenges that many other health care organizations have experienced since COVID with a lot of burnout, people leaving the field, Kane said. Healthcare workers picket outside Kaiser Permanente hospital Kaiser Permanente: Tentative agreements reached Theyre hopeful a deal will be reached soon, but in the meantime, they have reached a number of tentative agreements, according to Kaiser Permanente. Their offers as of now address what they say are some of the unions priorities, including: Across-the-board wage increases in all markets over the next four years Updating the Performance Sharing Plan to include a minimum payout opportunity and potential for up to a $3,750 payout Offering minimum wages of $21/hour in Colorado Continuing and enhancing our existing excellent health benefits and retirement income plans Renewing our strong tuition assistance and training programs and increasing funding of the education trusts 4-day school weeks are on the rise in Colorado Employees on the front lines say theyll continue if a settlement isnt reached. This is the last thing we want to do is miss work and not be there for our patients, but if they dont come to an agreement, we will be out here in November when the other regions contracts are up and Kaiser hasnt come to an agreement, said Michelle Lewis, a 22-year employee. The day the strike began, Kaiser Permanente hired 10,000 new coalition-represented employees to address the staffing challenges. This comes three months ahead of their end-of-the-year goal. They also note that all of their medical offices and urgent care departments have remained open. The strike is set to end on Saturday morning. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. A Jackson County judge sentenced a 20-year-old man to 22 years in prison for killing two people and shooting a 5-year-old in the face in Kansas Citys Santa Fe neighborhood last year. David Emerson, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty Sept. 27 to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree assault. He admitted to killing Jermaine Jackson, 34, and Ashley Pettiford, 31, and shooting Pettifords then-5-year-old son in the right eye in a Kansas City apartment parking lot. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped five other felony charges and recommended the 22-year prison sentence. Around 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2022, police officers were called to the reported shooting near Linwood Boulevard and Agnes Avenue. Police found Jackson and Pettiford dead in a Dodge SUV, and the child in the backseat was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Shell casings were found on the ground outside three of the SUVs doors. Crime scene investigators also found shoe prints in mud. A surveillance camera set up with a view of the parking lot showed a man opening and closing the doors of the SUV as apparent muzzle flashes were seen, according to an affidavit prepared by a Kansas City homicide detective. He then grabbed a plastic bag from the SUV and ran away. Detectives received an anonymous tip that led them to a Facebook page for Emerson, according to court documents. On the webpage, they saw photos that bore a resemblance, including a distinctive tattoo and a coat worn by the suspect. Eleven days after the killing, Emerson was arrested by undercover officers and questioned by homicide detectives. He denied involvement when interviewed. Nearly 400,000 units across Kansas were rentals as of 2020, according to data from the University of Kansas, and renting continues to be the only option for many in Wichita as home sale prices continue to rise in the competitive market there. Even if you dont own the property youre residing in, its important to know your rights. Steve Minson, an attorney for Kansas Legal Services who specializes in landlord-tenant cases, said the No. 1 issue his office contends with is tenants having difficulties with landlords making repairs. So, what do you do if the sink is leaking and your landlord wont respond to your request? Heres some expert advice on the matter, plus resources to help renters in need. Three ways to get your landlord to make repairs Minson said sometimes tenants withhold rent when the landlord wont make necessary repairs, but advised thats not a good idea. You dont get to withhold rent, Minson said. They withhold rent and then they get a three-day notice to pay up or get out, and they say, Well Im not paying ... and then they get an eviction. There are three better options to push your landlord into upholding their end of the rental agreement for repairs, according to Minson. First, you could provide your landlord a 14/30-day notice, which has to be provided in writing. This has to be given to the landlord within 30 days of the next rent payment due date, which provides the landlord a list of repair requests. If the repairs are not made, or there hasnt been any action taken to make them, the tenant has the right to be released from their lease. Sometimes thatll get the landlord to do it, they dont want to lose the tenant so theyll make the repair, Minson said. The second option is to take the landlord to small claims court. Its a breach of the landlords obligations under the Kansas Landlord Tenant Act if the landlord doesnt keep the appliances in good repair, he said. So you can sue the landlord, require a repairs ... or you can sue the landlord at small claims court. The 2012 statute outlines a number of rental agreement requirements, but does not cover all issues, like mold, which is not named as a habitability problem, for example. The third option is to call in housing inspectors, like officials with the city of Wichita. The city housing inspectors will be out, inspect the property and write the landlord up for any housing code violations and give them a limited amount of time to get those repairs made, Minson said. This can be a difficult course of action, the attorney noted. In some cases, landlords have been upset after such a call was made and tried to terminate the lease. And thats illegal because if the tenant has complained to the city housing inspectors, the landlord doesnt get to terminate the lease, Minson said. If these three steps fail to prompt your landlord into making the repairs required, it may be time to contact an attorney, like those with Kansas Legal Services. Resources available for Kansas renters Renters in Kansas have several options to apply for assistance if they are in need. The Kansas Corporation Commission has an online page for renters in south-central Kansas to see what help they may qualify for. You can also visit the state of Kansas resource page. Some programs available include help paying rent, like the Tenant Based Rental Assistance program, and assistance paying for utilities through the federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, for example. More than 100,000 of Nagorno-Karabakh's 120,000-strong population have fled (Diego Herrera Carcedo) With its manicured lawns and ancient cross-stones, the church of Saint Gregory in Goris is a haven of peace in the chaos of a city full of Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh. Anush Minassian, Bible in hand, came to ask Father Vardapet Hakobyan, a priest from the Armenian Apostolic Church diocese of Syunik, to bless her two daughters. They just arrived to Armenia from Stepanakert, the capital of the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is set to disappear at the end of the year. Minassian had no news of her husband, who was reported missing when a petrol station near Stepanakert exploded on September 25, killing early 200 people. She had scant hope of finding him alive. This was not the only fear eating away at the 41-year-old worshipper. In September, mainly Muslim Azerbaijan seized Nagorno-Karabakh, which was populated by Christian ethnic Armenians. More than 100,000 of its 120,000-strong population have fled the territory, where there has been a Christian presence for more than a millennium and which is home to numerous Armenian holy sites. "Everything is threatened. Our Christianity is threatened," she said. "We'll have to fight to salvage what's left." - 'Rewriting history' - Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and a war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the 1990s that killed 30,000, Yerevan has accused Baku of rewriting history to stake its claim to Nagorno-Karabakh and say Armenians shouldn't be there. Armenians have dark memories of the bombing in 2020 of the Shusha cathedral in Karabakh, a symbol of Armenian religious identity. Nor have they forgotten the destruction two decades ago of the medieval Armenian cemetery in Julfa. The graveyard in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan once contained thousands of intricately carved memorial cross-stones, or khachkars. Father Hakobyan gives short shrift to Azerbaijan's pledge to respect Armenian rights and culture. He is convinced Baku is out to eradicate all traces of Christianity from this part of the Caucasus. "The Christian world must stand up to this genocide," he said. "Otherwise everything is lost." In the Armenian capital, Yerevan, 200 kilometres (125 miles) to the northwest, the Saint Sarkis cathedral was packed for the "national day of prayer for Artsakh", the Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh. A relic of the military saint -- his right hand coated in silver -- was brought in for the occasion from the cathedral in Echmiatsin, the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Azerbaijan's lightning takeover of Karabakh on September 20 has disrupted the Church's calendar. It postponed the ceremony planned for October 1 to bless Saint Myron, a religious event that takes place every seven years and brings together Armenian Apostolic Churches from around the world. - Iran-Armenia alliance? - But not everyone sees the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a religious one. "It's a war for territory, that's all," Saint Sarkis priest Shahe Hayrapetyan, who has a soft voice and sparkling eyes, told AFP. He offered an example: Shiite Muslim Iran, which shares a 50-kilometre border with Armenia, is home to several thousand Armenians who are free to practise their Orthodox faith. Many Armenians feel let down by Russia, their historic Orthodox backer, and have little faith in the comforting noises coming from Western capitals. Instead, they consider Iran to be the only remaining ally they can trust. The government in Tehran has warned its Azerbaijani counterpart against any attempt to create a land corridor through Armenian territory to link Azerbaijan proper to Nakhichevan and Turkey. Iran has both commercial and political motives for opposing the Zangezur Corridor project. It wants to keep a foothold in the Caucasus and prevent Azerbaijan creating a land link to its ally Turkey, a member of the US-led NATO military alliance. "I don't believe this conflict has have religious origins," says 35-year-old Edmon Harutiuniyan, a worshipper at Saint Sarkis. "Look: in recent months, Iran has helped Armenia more than any other country." The tourist guide, who prays with fervour, clasping his clenched fist to his chest, says Armenians "don't have a problem with Islam". He points out that there are politicians of Armenian origin in many Muslim-majority territories, from Lebanon and Syria in the Middle East through Central Asia and the region of Tartarstan in European Russia. "Our conflict with the Turks and the Azerbaijanis is about our very existence," he says. "They're the ones trying to turn it into a religious conflict." tbm/alf/gil/ach The KC-10 Extender aerial refueling jet has logged its last combat mission, closing a penultimate chapter in the airframes four decades of service as it heads into retirement. The last deployed KC-10 left Prince Sultan Air Base, a U.S.-run outpost in Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 5 after supporting combat operations in U.S. Central Command, the Air Force said in a release Friday. The service did not provide details on the tankers final sorties. The KC-10 has been the anchor of air refueling in the [region] since Desert Storm, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron boss Maj. Joseph Rush said in the release. Thousands of airmen have deployed to support KC-10 combat operations. To be here at the culmination of that legacy is a privilege. The 908th EARS has flown the KC-10 in the U.S.-led military campaigns against terror groups in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria from Prince Sultan Air Base and Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates since 2002. The War Zone confirmed Thursday that the mission was the KC-10s last ride in combat operations worldwide. The Air Force did not respond to a request for comment by press time. Since entering service in 1981, the KC-10 has moved thousands of tons of cargo, transported thousands of troops and supplied many millions of gallons of fuel to other aircraft in conflicts around the world. The jets act as airborne gas stations where military aircraft can refuel without needing to divert to brick-and-mortar bases for service. For a fighter, aerial refueling can take a two-hour unrefueled flight time and turn it into an eight-hour combat mission, Rush said in the release. That translates to uninterrupted close air support coverage for coalition troops on the ground or defensive counter-air coverage to high-value airborne assets in a combat zone. The KC-10s exit is part of the Air Forces sweeping plan to overhaul its aging inventory with new aircraft that are cheaper to maintain and can withstand the demands of future wars. The service is sunsetting the 59-jet Extender fleet to make way for Boeings new KC-46 Pegasus tanker, which can carry more than 212,000 pounds of fuel, 65,000 pounds of cargo and nearly 60 passengers. The new fleet is also equipped with more defensive measures that can help it survive enemy attacks, and is a testbed for communication software that could make it a data-sharing hub for forces in the area. KC-10s will continue to fly stateside as units finish swapping out older airframes and training on the KC-46, the release said. The first KC-10 headed to the aircraft graveyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in July 2020. The last of the fleet is slated for retirement in September 2024. Despite its age, airmen often hail the KC-10 as their favorite airframe in a tanker enterprise hampered by multiple software and hardware design problems. The KC-135 Stratotanker has faced years of flight restrictions as the service tries to fix malfunctioning autopilot software. And the KC-46 is in the midst of years of upgrades to its external cameras, the refueling boom, fuel leaks, cargo restraints and more that have delayed its full participation in global operations. The final deployment is a bittersweet end to KC-10 operations, Rush said in the release. Its exciting for our community, as we get to take a lot of the best parts of the KC-10 culture weve built over the last 42 years and bring those best practices and experiences to a brand new weapons system, he said. Kelsey Grammer became emotional while talking about his love for Frasier in front of a live studio audience, ahead of the forthcoming revival of the popular sitcom. The 68-year-old actor, who reprises his role in Frasier as the successful and witty therapist, Doctor Frasier Crane, filmed a number of segments addressing the shows return, in which he expressed his gratitude to loyal fans. Im delighted youre here. I cant tell you how grateful I am that youre here and how grateful we are that we have a chance to do this for you again, Grammer can be heard saying in a video compilation uploaded to Paramount Pluss YouTube channel. I am very excited about what were doing, this new group of people that you can fall in love with and get to know. Weve been working so hard at this thing and its been quite a while, and I think weve done something quite lovely, he says. Getting choked up, he adds: Our love for this character is very sweet. He then raises a hand to his heart and says: I always do this. In a separate clip, Grammer reflects on the incredible journey of the original show and the reboot. Whats shocking is hes just as fresh and alive as any regular human being would be, he says. Theyd say, How can you play the same character for so long? Well, its as interesting as life itself. Give us your blessing and wait for us. Give us love, and were going to give you love back, he concludes. Frasier lives on so, so does Kelsey. Thank you. Well see you in a bit. Thank you very much. Enjoy the show. The Frasier revival comes nearly 20 years after the original 11-season sitcom, which ran from 1993 to 2004. The new show will follow Frasier into the next chapter of his life, as he returns to Boston, where his son Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott) has just entered college. Nicholas Lyndhurst stars as Frasiers old college friend turned university professor, Alan, while Toks Olagundoye plays Alans colleague and head of the universitys psychology department Olivia. Jess Salgueiro plays Freddys roommate Eve, with Enders Keith in the role of Frasiers nephew, David. Bebe Neuwirth will return as Lilith Frasiers ex-wife and mother of Freddy whom she originated in NBCs hit sitcom Cheers. Peri Gilpin will also return as Roz, whom she played on the original show. Speaking about the reboot in a June interview with The Independent, Grammer opined that it may be funnier than the original. Frasier premieres its first two episodes on Paramount+ on 12 October in the US, with international releases following the day after. A new poll from Emerson College and Fox 56 shows Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear with a commanding 16-point lead over Republican nominee attorney general Daniel Cameron. Out of 450 registered Kentucky voters polled Oct. 1-3, 49% told the independent, nonpartisan pollster they would vote for Beshear if an election between him and Cameron were held today. 33% said they would vote for Cameron. 13% of the respondents were undecided, and 5% said theyd vote for someone else despite there being no one else on the ballot. With 450 registered voters surveyed, the margin of error on the results is +/-4.6%. The 16-point lead is the largest in any publicly released poll, by a wide margin. Polls conducted from June to late September showed Beshear with anywhere from a 10-point lead to mid-single digits. A poll recently released by the conservative group Club For Growth showed Cameron down six percentage points to Beshear but gaining on the governor in the month of September. Elections analysis website fivethirtyeight.com gives Emerson College an A- rating as a pollster. Beshears campaign has outspent Camerons significantly throughout the general election season. Even with multiple political action committees (PACs) supporting Cameron, the amount of pro-Beshear advertisements on television thus far this month has outnumbered Cameron and groups supporting him. During the first full week of October, $1.8 million was spent on ads supporting Beshear compared to roughly $600,000 on ads for Cameron. Unlike in 2019 when Beshear defeated controversial former GOP governor Matt Bevin by a razor-thin 0.4 percentage point, 5,000-vote margin there is no third-party candidate on the ballot this year. In 2019, Libertarian candidate John Hicks received 2% of the vote. Who took the poll? The responses to the poll roughly match up with Kentucky voters political behavior in a couple key ways: a majority voted for former Republican president Donald Trump in 2020, and most of them do not like current Democratic President Joe Biden . 55% said they voted for Trump in 2020 while 32% said they voted for Biden Trump won that election 62-36. In Kentucky, roughly 46% of registered voters are Republican, 44% are registered Democrat and a little more than 10% are registered as something else, according to State Board of Elections data from September. However, the responses indicate the population surveyed was registered Democrat at a much lower rate than Kentucky voters on the whole and registered as independent at a much higher rate than the commonwealths voters. 31% said they were Democrats, 47% said they were Republicans and 22% said they were Independent or other when asked about their party registration. Fox 56 reported an executive at Emerson College Polling said that out of those polled, Beshear held the support of 85% of registered Democrats, 44% of independents and 28% of Republicans. Cameron had the commitment of 53% of Republicans and 25% of independent voters, the pollster said. When asked which comes closest to describing the way that Biden won the 2020 election he won fair and square or he stole the election 47% of those polled said stole the election came closest to describing the election while 36% sided with fair and square. About 17% were undecided on that question. Just over half of the polling was conducted via landline while the remainder was conducted online. When asked if they approved, disapproved or were neutral/had no opinion of Beshears job performance, 43.5% of respondents said they approved of Beshear. 28% said they disapproved while another 28% said they were neutral or had no opinion on the matter. Polling history Emerson College and Fox 56 paired up for two polls during the states hotly contested GOP gubernatorial primary. Both of those had Cameron in the lead, though the attorney general ended up winning by a much wider margin than predicted in those polls. Cameron ended up garnering about 48% of the Republican primary vote, though the last poll had him with 33% support. Further, commissioner of agriculture Ryan Quarles finished in second over third-place finisher Kelly Craft, despite those polls repeatedly placing Craft in second. Sean Southard, spokesperson for the Cameron campaign and the Republican Party of Kentucky, pointed to the discrepancy between the primary polls and the results when responding to the latest Emerson poll. You may recall that Emerson was off by 15 points right before the primary, having Cameron at 33 and he ended up at 48. Daniel Cameron will win on November 7. Kentuckians are tired of the Biden/Beshear agenda that has given them record high inflation, rising crime, and an open southern border, Southard wrote in a statement. In election cycles past, general election polling on Kentuckys gubernatorial election has sometimes proven tricky. Independent pollsters like NBC News/Marist and Mason-Dixon were essentially spot on in their polling of the Beshear-Bevin race, both producing October polls that showed a dead heat between the two 2019 candidates. 2015 was a different story, though. Polls in general were several points off that year, with many predicting former Democratic attorney general Jack Conway would defeat Bevin; Bevin ended up winning by a sizable nine-point margin. FILE PHOTO: A view shows the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport toll station on the Nairobi Expressway undertaken by the China Road and Bridge Corporation along Mombasa road in Embakasi district of Nairobi By Duncan Miriri and George Obulutsa NAIROBI (Reuters) -Kenya's President William Ruto will ask China for a $1 billion loan to complete stalled road construction projects when he travels to Beijing later this month, his deputy said on Friday. Ruto's plan, which also includes a request to lengthen the maturity periods of existing loans, marks a shift in his stance on Chinese debt after his coalition criticised his predecessor's borrowing spree from China during last year's election campaign. The Chinese loans, which stand at more than $8 billion, were used by former President Uhuru Kenyatta's government to construct infrastructure like roads, but many of these projects have since stalled after contractors left over unpaid bills. Ruto will tell Chinese officials that "Can we talk to see if you can add us time, so we can pay slowly, and add us a little money so we can finish road construction?" Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said on the local Inooro FM radio station. "If we get $1 billion we can be able to give these people (contractors) the money they are owed so they can return so even as we pay the debt, the roads are completed," he said. Africa was a focus of President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013 to recreate the ancient Silk Road and extend China's geopolitical and economic influence through a global infrastructure development push. But the surge in Chinese loans to countries like Kenya, before a slowdown in Chinese lending from 2019, has angered critics, pushed up debt loads and the subsequent repayment burden. The Kenyan government is spending roughly half of its revenue to repay debts that are falling due, official data shows, straining its finances. The situation has been compounded by foreign debt repayments, amid a steep weakening of the Kenyan currency. The cabinet ordered all ministries to cut 10% of their budget on Tuesday, while the president's office imposed some restrictions on foreign travel by government officials to rein in expenditure. "It is true that many people have been travelling abroad, spending a lot of money, and that is why the president ordered that even ministers and governors can only travel with two people," Gachagua said. (Reporting by Duncan Miriri and George Obulutsa; Editing by) BAKERSFIELD, Calif. Outside Dagnys Coffee Co., a downtown cafe that serves as a kind of crossroads for a broad swath of Bakersfield, Katherine Haas, 38, was trying to make sense of Kevin McCarthy s stunning ouster as House speaker this week. But she wasnt viewing it through the lens of the bitter infighting of Washington. She was thinking of his representation of the increasingly diverse city of 400,000 that watched as he built a political career through the sheer force of his affability and then crashed down to Earth. Haas, a child support specialist and political independent, said that the Bakersfield where she was raising her 13-year-old daughter was more diverse and culturally expansive than the Bakersfield she knew as a girl. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times In recent years, though, she felt as if McCarthy had ignored the citys struggles to combat homelessness and rampant substance abuse. But seeing him strike a deal to keep the government functioning, even at a personal cost, cast him in a different light. Its the first time he had a backbone on doing the thing that served the best interests of our nation, she said. Theres been a disconnect between Kevin McCarthy and his district for a long time; he became part of that D.C. life and kind of forgot who his constituents are. The story of McCarthys relentless rise is well-known and often repeated in his hometown. He was first and foremost a nice local guy, born and raised in Bakersfield, where he also attended college. Around that time, he opened a small deli in a corner of a frozen yogurt shop owned by his aunt and uncle. (Whether this experience earned him the right to describe himself forever after as a small-business entrepreneur is a matter of some discussion.) While he was still in college, McCarthy started working for Rep. Bill Thomas, an influential Republican rainmaker who took the ambitious young man under his wing. McCarthy rose through the California Legislature before being elected to Congress in 2006 as Thomas anointed successor. Even then, observers said it seemed clear that McCarthy was more focused on amassing political power than scoring policy wins. Many who have watched his rise to speaker of the House say they now saw McCarthy as a kind of tragic figure a victim not only of attacks from the extreme right or Democrats but also of his own drive to claw his way up the political ladder. The problem is a little thing on your desk that says speaker and thats all you have, Thomas said in an interview with a local television station after the vote to remove McCarthy from the speakership. (Thomas declined to comment on the record for this article.) McCarthy has for years been able to rely on a strong base of support in the regions mostly white oil and agricultural business communities. Long described as the Texas of California, those industries infused the culture of Kern County, the enormous expanse that includes Bakersfield. It was a hub of stripped-down country music a place where Merle Haggard sang about being an Okie from Muskogee. But Bakersfield, unlike California as a whole, has in recent years attracted new residents with relatively affordable housing in new suburban developments. And both oil and agriculture are nearing critical turning points. Kevin could become an anachronism in the next 10 to 12 years, said Mark Martinez, a political science professor at California State University, Bakersfield. White, conservative and out of touch with the shifting world. Martinez noted that Kern Countys population was almost 57% Latino a population that McCarthys critics say he has not only ignored but also antagonized by supporting former President Donald Trumps restrictive immigration policies. And Indian Americans, particularly Sikhs who have a large presence in the trucking industry, have made rapid inroads in local politics. Of course, McCarthy, who won his most recent election by a roughly 2-1 margin, has plenty of supporters in a district that Martinez described as a conservative enclave tucked within an increasingly progressive region. Holding forth at a table inside Dagnys, Eric Warnock, 66, said McCarthy had become something of a regional hero, a local boy who made good. Warnock, who retired from a day job and now works as a comedian, said McCarthys appeal to him was simple: Hes from Bakersfield, he said. Hes not a lawyer. Later in the day, Ysidro Hernandez, 28, sat studying at Dagnys. He said that growing up on the east side of Bakersfield, the predominantly Latino part of a racially and economically segregated city, he never saw evidence of anyone representing his familys interests in government. (He wondered if it was by design that the part of Bakersfield where he lived appeared carved out of McCarthys district, almost like a thumb, to be part of a much more purple district.) Still, the far-right has influenced conservatives across the country, and McCarthys district is no exception. Roger Davis, 65, a retired sheriffs deputy, said he had voted for McCarthy because of his vows to crack down on crime, homelessness and government spending. But, he said, he feels that McCarthy, like many politicians, has failed to follow through. So Davis said he felt a twinge of satisfaction when McCarthy was fired from his leadership job. He said he would have preferred to see the federal government grind to a halt than see his representative compromise. To be honest with you, if they shut down for a year, it wouldnt change anything, he said. The bureaucrats run everything. c.2023 The New York Times Company Kosovo police officers secure the area outside the Banjska monastery in the village of Banjska, Kosovo on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Police on Wednesday allowed media into the village of Banjska, where a daylong shootout between armed Serbs and Kosovar police on Sunday left one officer and three gunmen dead. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu) PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) The NATO-led peacekeeping force on Friday called on both Kosovo and Serbia to return to the negotiating table to resolve their issues to prevent violence like the recent shootout between masked Serb gunmen and Kosovo police that left four people dead and sent tensions soaring in the region. Kosovo Force commander Maj. Gen. Angelo Michele Ristuccia called on both countries to refrain from inflammatory and counterproductive rhetoric and help to create the necessary conditions for lasting security in Kosovo and across the region." Ristuccia told a news conference that KFOR fully supported European Union-facilitated dialogue to normalize their ties. In February, the EU put forward a 10-point plan to end months of political crises. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gave their approval at the time, but with some reservations that haven't been resolved. If the parties do not come back to the table ... and do not find a common solution and do not negotiate for a political solution, I think this balance will become more fragile and volatile in the future, Ristuccia said. On Sept. 24, around 30 Serb gunmen killed a Kosovar police officer and then set up barricades in northern Kosovo before launching an hours-long gunbattle with Kosovo police. Three gunmen were killed. NATO beefed up its peacekeeping presence in Kosovo by about 200 British troops after the crisis. More are expected to be deployed from Romania and other allies if the situation requires, Ristuccia said. KFOR is made up of around 4,500 troops from 27 nations. NATO reported Friday that the first contingent of 200 British soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Waless Royal Regiment arrived in Kosovo. Romania will send some 100 extra troops to bolster KFOR. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also said Berlin would consider adding to their present number at KFOR next year. These deployments are a prudent step to ensure KFOR has the forces it needs to fulfil its UN mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo, NATO said in a statement. The EU-facilitated dialogue, which began in 2011, has yielded few results. Serbia and Kosovo have been at odds for decades. Their 1998-1999 war, which ended after a 78-day NATO bombing campaign forced Serbian forces to withdraw from Kosovo, left more than 10,000 people dead, mostly Kosovo Albanians. Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, declared independence in 2008 a move that Belgrade refuses to recognize. ___ Llazar Semini reported from Tirana, Albania. Follow him at https://twitter.com/lsemini and Florent Bajrami at https://twitter.com/florent_bajrami On the corner of Vine Street and North Hollywood Street in Kissimmee sits a 123-unit motel that Joseph Key, 66, has called home for the past year. He lives in a roughly 300-square-foot efficiency that the former Super 8 motel renovated before the property was bought by the city of Kissimmee in June for $12 million. Key said he moved into the Super 8 a year ago just before Christmas when he left his mothers house. He put in an application for housing in an affordable senior community and has been stuck on the waitlist ever since. The plan is this, said Key of the bridge housing the conversion will provide. This is just temporary; thank God Im not on the streets. Key, a retired construction worker, said he has nowhere else to go that he can afford. He currently pays $900 a month to the city of Kissimmee. I find it expensiveIm on a fixed income, Key said. But this is going to be affordable housing, you know, the citys working on that. Key and the 35 other families who live in the former motel are waiting for Kissimmee to renovate the motel into affordable housing set to fully open in 2025. Osceola County Commissioners Monday approved $3 million in funding to partner with Kissimmee for the purchase and rehab of the motel with plans to convert 40 units into emergency or bridge housing and 80 units into apartments. There is a dire need for affordable housing, especially in the county. Homelessness has risen over the last five years by 75% in Osceola County and over 30% since last year, according to Rev. Mary Lee Downey, CEO of the Kissimmee nonprofit Hope Partnership, which directly helps the homeless. Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez said the city is helping those who still live at the motel find new housing or stay through the transition. Gonzalez said her hope is that this motel conversion, called the Haven Project, will become a prototype and expand across the county and state to help those stuck in between waiting lists, or make too much money to qualify for low-income housing or the numerous homeless in Osceola County. Gonzalez said the city is looking for a nonprofit to run the project but the ownership will stay in the hands of Kissimmee to ensure it stays affordable. Renderings of the final project will be available to the City Commission for approval at the Oct. 17 meeting, city spokesperson Stephanie Bechara said in an email. The countys approach is different than many other motel conversions across Central Florida where developers or nonprofits have bought the rundown motels and renovated the units for affordable housing. On Thursday, Hope Partnership announced the conversion of the former Crown Motel in Kissimmee into Thrive Studios, a project to renovate 30 units into affordable housing to be run by the nonprofit. Developers and nonprofits say they have to pay large impact fees and meet stringent building requirements, which have led to developers abandoning projects or suing. In Osceola County, an affordable housing developer must pay $9,355.97 per unit in impact fees not including school impact fees, which are some of the highest in the state. School board impact fees for motel conversions in Osceola County can cost upwards of $12,000 per unit. Affordable housing advocates, including Downey, say an ordinance passed in 2021 that requires motel conversions to have upgrades brought up building costs and limited the number of units that would be available to tenants. The ordinance arose after the county rescued people who were living and paying motel rates were left without running water or power after the owners abandoned the building. Downey said Thrive Studios is different because its inside the city of Kissimmee and doesnt have to abide by those Osceola County regulations and the nonprofit is stepping into the role of the developer itself. She said while the regulations made the conversions better to live in she thinks its important to have both affordability and dignified living, a factor her motel conversion will incorporate. I think we are part of the solution but I dont think obviously that it will be enough because its a bigger systemic problem than we can address as a nonprofit or that even the city can address with their units, Downey said. But there are other things that can be done: The city can think about things that theyre doing maybe from an impact fee and zoning laws things like rent control. But in March, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 102 or the Live Local Act into law, which diminished the authority of local municipalities to enact rent control. The law provides $711 million for the Florida Housing Finance Corp. to fund or assist in affordable housing projects. State Rep. Kristen Arrington, whose district includes Kissimmee, said not allowing rent control was the one bad section of the bill. Arrington said she voted for amending that section but hopes to support new legislation to help fight rent increases in the future. I had an amendment to try to do a study on some of these rental places to see how these increases are affecting [and] how many people are moving out, and they didnt want to do a study, so it is challenging, Arrington said. State Sen. Victor Torres, whose district also includes Kissimmee, said he wants some of the $711 million to go toward affordable housing in Osceola County. We have seen housing shortage for seniors, veterans and working families for years and the price of housing has become too expensive, Torres said. Projects like these show that by working together the federal and state and county with a good nonprofit, we can help reduce the demand for our residents. Two women slowly approach a makeshift memorial in the village of Hroza. They pause for a moment, carefully laying a red rose each as tears stream down their face. My neighbors, my neighbors, cries Valentina Kozienko, her face puffed red in pure agony. A lot of our people died there. The 73-year-old retiree lives just across the street from the grocery store and cafe hit by what Ukrainian authorities said was a Russian missile, killing 52 people. Her house also partially damaged by the blast. It was a powerful strike, very powerful, I came out and everything was burning, she recalled, the horror of Thursday afternoons strike still very present. It was so scary The corpses were burned and there was blood everywhere. The village, home to around 300 people before the war, was occupied by Russia shortly after the invasion began. Residents say little more than 110 had remained in the village, nearly half of those killed by the strike. I knew all of them, they are all from here, from our village, she said. Emergency services continued search and rescue operations on Friday, but they said they had no hope of finding any survivors. - Vasco Cotovio/CNN The grocery store and cafe hit by a Russian missile in Hroza were meters away from a children's playground. - Vasco Cotovio/CNN Kozienkos pain all too familiar in this settlement near Kupiansk, in the Kharkiv region. At the local graveyard, one grave stands out. It belongs to Andrii Kozyr, a Ukrainian soldier who died a year ago in Dnipro. With Hroza back in Ukrainian hands, his son Denis was able to have him re-buried here on Thursday many of those killed were attending a ceremony in his memory. Nearby, another new headstone with Fridays date on it showing funerals have started. Next to it, plots have already been locked out for those who will soon be buried. On one of those plots a plaque reads Panteleevy family, four people. Hroza is the type of village where everyone knows each other, making this attack especially devastating, in some cases killing entire families, impacting every single resident. All the people in the village are friends, Anatoliy Androsovych tells us, a few blocks down the street. We lived very well, everything was fine. The 69-year-old lives by himself but had been relying heavily on his brother since he had a stroke. Thursdays strike left him without that support. My brother Mykola was killed. May he rest in peace, he said. He used to take me to the hospital for check-ups. If I ever felt poorly or had to go to the hospital or something else, I would call him He would help me. Now I dont have a brother, and he was the only one who would take care of me, he added. Its just a grief and nothing more. I dont know who would do such a thing. Most of those killed had gathered to honour fallen Ukrainian soldier, Andrii Kozyr. - Vasco Cotovio/CNN Valentina Kozienko, 73, says the Russian strike also damaged her house. "It was so scary," she said. - Vasco Cotovio/CNN Emergency services resumed search and rescue operations early Friday, uncovering yet another body, and collecting human remains, too small to identify on site. A war crimes prosecutor also visited the scene and police investigators cataloged what was left of the Iskander-type missile that struck Hroza. Their moves efficient, like clockwork, in an all too familiar choreography theyve repeated too many times. Aid workers flooded the area, handing out warm meals and a building materials to help repair damaged buildings, others just helping residents through their bereavement. An impressive support network that still does little to sooth the anger and anguish of those that survived. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock makes statements ahead of a summit in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Foreign Ministers of the Western Balkans and the European Union member countries in the Berlin process, trying to raise up regional cooperation in their march toward becoming block members in the future, convene in Tirana to prepare the summit which is held in a non-EU member country. (AP Photo/Franc Zhurda) TIRANA, Albania (AP) Germany's foreign minister on Friday expressed the European Unions deep concerns following the recent shootout between masked Serb gunmen and Kosovo police that left four people dead and sent tensions soaring in the region. Annalena Baerbock was in Tirana, Albania at a foreign ministers' meeting ahead of the Oct. 16 summit on the Berlin Process, an initiative from Germany and France to encourage six Western Balkans countries to keep working toward membership in the bloc. The top diplomats of the six countries Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia are meeting with Baerbock, EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi and other senior EU officials. The foundation for mobility in the region is security and safety, Baerbock said ahead of the meeting, adding that tensions within the last days between Serbia and Kosovo are also endangering this Berlin Process. The key to resolving the conflict is in Belgrade and Pristina, though some may not be pleased to listen to that, she said. On Sept. 24, around 30 heavily armed Serb men first killed a Kosovar police officer and then set up barricades in northern Kosovo before launching an hours-long gunbattle with Kosovo police. Kosovo has accused Serbia of orchestrating the act of aggression against its former province, whose 2008 declaration of independence Belgrade doesnt recognize. Serbia has denied this, saying that the gunmen acted on their own. Meanwhile in Kosovo, Maj. Gen. Angelo Michele Ristuccia, the commander of the NATO-led peacekeeping force, called on both Kosovo and Serbia on Friday to return to the negotiating table to resolve their issues to prevent further violence. He urged both countries to refrain from inflammatory and counterproductive rhetoric and help to create the necessary conditions for lasting security. The six Western Balkan countries are at different stages of integration into the bloc. In 2013, Croatia, also a Western Balkans country, became the EUs newest member. Since then, progress has stalled and there is no clear timeline for membership. Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani said the October summit in Tirana will focus on proposals that will significantly improve the region's economic development with projects in transport, electronic development, telecommunication and raw materials. It aims at the revitalization of the European integration process," he told a news conference, and to better prepare countries for EU membership. Baerbock said the Berlin process is crucial in promoting connectivity and cooperation in the region. She added that a key conference in Berlin in November on EU enlargement will try to keep the promises given a long time ago. The EU has not deemed the remaining Western Balkan countries economies and political institutions ready for integration into the EUs single market of borderless trade and Western democratic ideals. Varhelyi of the European Commission said some 15 billion euros ($15.8 billion) are to be invested in 54 major projects in the region. A new EU investment plan will try to speed up" economic programs and help the region change even before EU membership. The war in Ukraine has put integration of the Western Balkans high on the agenda as the EU works to reinvigorate its enlargement process. Ukraine is also seeking to join the bloc, along with Moldova and Georgia. ___ Follow Llazar Semini at https://twitter.com/lsemini MOSCOW (Reuters) - The aim of revoking Russia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) would be to place it on level terms with the United States, not to signal an intention to resume testing, the Kremlin said on Friday. President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia could look at revoking its ratification of the CTBT, and parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said on Friday that lawmakers would swiftly consider the issue. Both Russia and the United States have signed the CTBT, but Moscow has ratified it and Washington has not. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about Putin's comments at a regular briefing on Friday. "What did the president mean? He primarily meant the need to bring the de facto situation to a common denominator. A long time ago, we signed and ratified, but the Americans did not ratify," Peskov said. "To bring the situation to a common denominator, the president allowed for the possibility of revoking this ratification. Volodin declared his readiness to do just that. This does not constitute a statement of intention to conduct nuclear tests." Russia and the United States are by far the biggest nuclear powers. Both have expressed regret about the disintegration of the tangle of arms control treaties which sought to slow the Cold War arms race and reduce the risk of nuclear war. Amid the crisis triggered by the Ukraine conflict, President Vladimir Putin announced in February that Russia was suspending participation in the New START treaty - an agreement signed in 2010 that limits the number of Russian and U.S. deployed strategic nuclear warheads. (Reporting by Reuters, writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Gareth Jones) In possibly the most watched election of the fall, Kentuckys candidates for governor are running short of time to win over voters, and the window for residents who still need to register to vote or update their personal information will close soon, as well. Those wishing to cast a ballot in the commonwealth are required to register 29 days prior to the election. In this case, that deadline is at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10 local time in order to vote Tuesday, Nov. 7. The governors race has already proven to be the most expensive in the country this year, per a new analysis of ad spending by the firm AdImpact. In recent days, incumbent Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has faced ad spend attempts to tie him to President Joe Biden, while Republican challenger and Attorney General Daniel Cameron continues to see scrutiny of his position on exceptions to Kentuckys near total abortion ban. Kentuckians will also elect other constitutional officers, including attorney general and secretary of state. For voters who need to double check they are correctly registered, update personal information or register to vote in Kentucky for the first time, weve rounded up this handy guide to ensure you are ready to visit the polls this November. At https://t.co/TUq8Ns6mgA - you can register, check your registration info, request an absentee ballot, volunteer to be a poll worker, see your sample ballot, and find your in-person voting location options. Its the Swiss Army knife of Kentucky elections. https://t.co/Cu8za8x5MG Michael Adams, KY Sec of State (@KYSecState) September 23, 2023 Who is eligible to vote in the November election in Kentucky? To vote in Kentucky, you must meet the following criteria: A U.S. citizen A current resident of the state At least 18 years old Not a convicted felon, or a convicted felon with whose right to vote has been restored Not judged incompetent by a state court Do not claim the right to vote outside the state You can find more information about voter eligibility in the Bluegrass State and elsewhere through the federal portal at vote.gov/register/ky/. How do I register to vote in Kentucky? Eligible Kentuckians can register online by submitting the required information. That includes your full social security number, date of birth, legal name, desired party affiliation and home address. Once you submit through the portal, you will receive confirmation from your county clerk when your registration is complete. You may also be able to register in person at your clerks office. You can also register to vote by mail, and those applications must be postmarked by Oct. 10, as well. How do I check if I am already registered to vote in Kentucky? Those who want to check their registration status can visit the Kentucky State Board of Elections portal at vrsws.sos.ky.gov/vic/ or govote.ky.gov and enter their first and last name, along with their birthday. You can also enter the last four digits of your social security number. The portal provides your registration information, including your home address, party affiliation, precinct location and more. You can also check the status of your absentee ballot using this tool. You do not need to register to vote for each individual election in Kentucky, and voters who cast their ballot should remain active on the states rolls. The deadline has passed. Is it too late for me to vote in the 2023 election? Yes, Kentucky does not allow same-day registration during the early voting period or on Election Day. Those who are not registered cannot vote absentee. If you think you may be eligible to vote, visit your polling place and speak with a worker or contact your county clerk. Voter registration in Kentucky September data from the Kentucky State Board of Elections shows more than 3.4 million voters registered across the commonwealth. Republicans (1,600,280) outpace Democrats (1,526,292) after shifting registrations allowed the GOP to gain a plurality in June 2022. In February, the state purged more than 127,000 individuals from voter rolls in accordance with federal requirements. Those who are purged typically have moved out of state, died or become otherwise ineligible to cast a ballot. Do you have a question about the 2023 election 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. Nine years ago, I fell for the son of my first boss in Hollywood. I had moved to Los Angeles after college, searching for home. An adoptee, I never felt that I belonged anywhere, especially in the Northeast where I grew up. His family and mine were friends. While I worked for his father, he attended college near my parents' house in New Jersey. He would stay in their guest room when he wanted to get off campus. I changed jobs, he finished college, and our families drifted apart. One by one, our parents died. I hadnt thought about him in 25 years until his email arrived. During that interval, I had married, divorced and become a psychotherapist. I knew how to help clients create healthy attachments but was unable to help myself. A middle-aged single mother living 3,000 miles away from relatives, I yearned to find the person with whom I belonged. Read more: L.A. Affairs: I was a lonely widow for so many years. How could I find love again? So when he told me, on our second date, that hed adored me since we were teenagers, I believed him. It was the perfect arc to my L.A. story, which began with his father and now promised to end with him. But there were several things that were wrong. I ignored the halo of red flags crowning his head. His apartment was filthy. He had a dog the size of a small pony that he couldnt control. A trail of failed jobs and relationships lay in his wake. There was a story for everything, and nothing was ever his fault. I was sick of dating and determined to love well. He was handsome, smart and talked pretty. He doted on my teenage daughter and me. We were family, he said. He got a new job and found us a swanky canyon house to move into. The rent was exorbitant, and I suggested we look for something cheaper. But he was convinced he would make bank once his deals closed. To close them, he needed to schmooze clients, and that required something he didnt have. An American Express card. His proposal: If I got one and made him a cardholder, hed pay all the bills. Why cant you get your own? I asked, my stomach lurching. He explained that hed been a loyal customer until he suffered some business reversals, and American Express canceled his membership. Read more: L.A. Affairs: Our relationship was broken. Would a three-way proposal end it for good? So I got him the card. How could I, a therapist, and at the time a love addiction expert blogger for a mental health website, fall for such a blatant con? Most of us are easy marks when were vulnerable enough. Grifters know this and theyre experts at creating narratives we want to believe. Almost immediately after we moved in together, he began shape-shifting into someone I couldnt recognize. He criticized my friends, my parenting, my wardrobe. He admonished me for not appreciating him. I tried harder. I cleaned up the disasters that he and his dog created in every room. I did all the shopping and cooked all the meals. I even got rid of furniture and artwork I loved because they offended him. When he lost his job and we had to find a cheaper place, I liquidated my retirement account. It took several months for him to get a new job. I paid all the expenses during that time, and he, of course, promised to repay me. Read more: L.A. Affairs: My dad and her mom had an affair. Should that stop us from dating? Still he refused to rein in his spending and ran amok with my credit card. When I confronted him, he accused me of being yet another Nazi feminist trying to control him. Just days after we signed a two-year lease on a more affordable house in the Hollywood Hills, I heard a ping on his phone. I knew what I would find even before I read the explicit text thread between him and a woman in the Valley. We went to therapy about it, but his dodginess continued. When I asked him if the affair was really over or when he was going to repay me, he did enough gaslighting to set the house on fire. I did more recon work on his phone, which was a Pandoras box of indiscretions. Not only was he still cavorting with the woman in the Valley, but he was also sexting dozens of women hed trolled on dating apps. We went back to therapy. He made more promises and broke all of them. I stayed because I couldnt believe the sweet teenager Id known years ago would betray me. I stayed because if I left Id have to face reality. My love story had been a con all along. I started going to a 12-step program to unhook myself from him. It made me confront my lifelong pattern of trying to get unavailable people to love me. Most important, it made me shift my focus from trying to manage his behavior to what I could control: my own choices. Read more: L.A. Affairs: I wanted an open marriage. Would my husband agree? I moved my daughter and myself into an apartment in a quiet pocket of West Hollywood. While she was on winter break with her dad, I spent days sprawled on the peacock-blue sofa I bought to replace the couch that his dog had ruined. When I realized there were no more fires to put out, just a life to restore, I got up. In the six years since leaving him, Ive worked my 12-step program, cultivated a mindfulness practice and written a book. I took the energy I poured into that toxic fixer-upper and put it into my therapy practice, which flourished. Now, at the first glimmer of a red flag from a potential partner, I extricate myself. I no longer pursue fantasy relationships. Instead of listening to peoples stories, I watch their behavior. I tell my clients that the secret to life is to learn who to attach to and who to detach from. If I continue following my own advice and I plan to I may find the right person to love well one day. The author is a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of the book "Transcending High-Conflict Divorce: How to Disengage From Your Ex and Find Your Power." She recently moved from Los Angeles to Asheville, N.C. Her website is virginiagilbertmft.com. L.A. Affairs chronicles the search for romantic love in all its glorious expressions in the L.A. area, and we want to hear your true story. We pay $400 for a published essay. Email LAAffairs@latimes.com. You can find submission guidelines here. You can find past columns here. Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Los Angeles City Council's committee on reform, headed by Council President Paul Krekorian , moved ahead with a ballot proposal for independent redistricting but delayed discussion on efforts to increase the council's size. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) The push to reform Los Angeles City Hall took a leap forward Thursday, with a council committee endorsing a detailed plan to establish an independent redistricting commission but also delaying a decision on increasing the council's size. The council's current redistricting process, which gives council members final say over their own district boundaries, has been widely decried by stakeholders across the political spectrum. Last month, state lawmakers approved overlapping bills that would force the city to adopt independent redistricting if it fails to do so on its own first. Thursday's committee vote was both momentous and incremental. It marked the first concrete proposal from the council's high-profile government reform committee, which convened in the wake of last year's City Hall audio leak scandal to advance reforms and restore faith in the scandal-plagued institution. The committee has spent months meeting around the city and exhaustively deliberating the minutiae of various reform efforts. The panel was undoubtedly facing pressure to have something to show for its work before Monday, the one-year anniversary of the audio scandal. The proposal still needs the sign-off of the full council, which must decide whether to place it on the November 2024 ballot for voter approval. Read more: If L.A. adds City Council seats, how would it work? These charts show the possibilities Meanwhile, for the second meeting in a row, the reform committee deferred a decision on a second and more contentious proposal to expand the size of the 15-member City Council. Increasing the council's size would also be subject to a public vote, since it would require changes to the City Charter, as would be the case for independent redistricting. The idea of council expansion was proposed last year, days after the leak of a 2021 recording of a conversation about redistricting that featured racist and derogatory remarks about Black people, Oaxacan residents and others. During the recorded conversation, three council members and a union leader Ron Herrera, then-head of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor discussed ways of drawing district maps that would benefit either themselves or their political allies. They spoke about chopping up Councilmember Nithya Raman's district, with one council member Kevin De Leon saying it should be put in a "blender." Herrera and then-Council President Nury Martinez resigned in the wake of the scandal. By then, Councilmember Gil Cedillo had already lost his bid for another term. De Leon is running for re-election in March. Furor over the leaked tape brought new energy to City Hall reform efforts, fueling fresh calls for an independent redistricting system that would limit the City Councils influence over the drawing of district boundary lines, turning those duties over to a citizen commission that is unencumbered by ties to special interests or other politicians. The council is expected to spend several weeks taking public comment on the proposal before asking City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto to draft ballot language for November 2024. Under the committee's proposal, L.A. would establish an independent commission with 16 voting members and four alternates. It's unclear whether the reform committee will finish its deliberations on council expansion before the council casts a vote on its independent redistricting ballot measure. Read more: Shape Your L.A. at the City Council Council President Paul Krekorian, who heads the reform committee, has proposed increasing the council's size to 23 members. Councilmember Heather Hutt publicly supports 25, while Raman said she would be open to as many as 31. Near the end of Thursday's meeting, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez told her colleagues that she wants an analysis that spells out how council expansion would affect the body's "legislative power" and how each city agency would be affected if there are 30 council members instead of 15. "There's a lot of data and information missing for me to feel like I'm making the appropriate decision," said Hernandez, who represents part of the Eastside. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who also serves on the reform committee, missed Thursday's meeting but has called for the panel to postpone a decision on the council's size. Blumenfield, who will be termed out in 2026, said the specifics of expansion should be taken up by a new citizens commission charged with updating the City Charter, the city's governing document. He declined to say how many members the council should have, arguing that expansion should be "more modest than radical." The council has not seen an increase in its size in nearly a century, with the last expansion from nine members to 15 taking effect in 1925. The last time Angelenos took up the idea of expansion was in 1999, when voters rejected proposals to move the council to 21 or 25 members. Raman, a supporter of council expansion, said she has been hearing "a lot of skepticism" from her colleagues about the issue. However, she said she also remains eager to continue the discussion. Krekorian, who heads the reform committee, said he remains committed to the effort to add more council members. "I think it's an important policy objective to reduce the size of our council districts," he said. "But there's more work to be done with that. We just finished one part of it today." 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. (Bloomberg) -- The Labour Party stormed to victory in a special election in the Glasgow suburbs, ousting the Scottish National Party in a swing that will bolster opposition leader Keir Starmer s prospects of winning a nationwide vote expected next year. Most Read from Bloomberg Labours Michael Shanks won 58.6% of the votes in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, southeast of Glasgow, an increase of 24.1 percentage points. He took the parliamentary seat from the pro-independence SNP, whose candidate, Katy Loudon, finished second with 27.6% of the vote. While only so much can be read into the results of one by-election, the swing toward Labour is a major boost for Starmer as he prepares for his partys annual conference this weekend in Liverpool. Picking up seats in Scotland is crucial to Labours chances of pushing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak out of Downing Street in a general election expected next year and ending more than 13 years of Conservative rule. Its the direction of travel that you cannot ignore in this by-election, John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, told the BBC. If this kind of swing were to be replicated across Scotland as a whole, youll be talking about the Labour Party quite clearly being the dominant party north of the border again. That would be a huge turnaround for a party that took just one of the 59 seats in Scotland in the 2019 general election, compared to 48 for the SNP. Although Labour had won 41 of those seats as recently as 2010, the partys opposition to returning to the European Union and holding another independence referendum had since undercut its appeal in Scotland. Starmer called the Rutherglen and Hamilton West result seismic, saying voters had sent a clear message that they wanted change from both the Tory government in Westminster and the SNP-led regional government in Edinburgh. I have always said that winning back the trust of people in Scotland is essential, Starmer said in a statement. Tonights victory is the culmination of three and a half years of hard work in years of hard work. The seat has alternated between Labour and the SNP at every vote since 2015 when the nationalist party ended Labours historic dominance across Scotland in general elections. Shanks, the winning candidate, said his victory showed theres no part of this country where Labour cant win. The timing of the special election raised the stakes for Labour, days before the partys lawmakers and fee-paying members head to the conference Sunday in Liverpool, northwest England. Starmer will use the high-profile event to galvanize activists and present himself as the true candidate for change, after Sunak used the Tories own gathering this week to try to distance himself from the record of previous Conservative governments. Read more: Labours Hopes of Taking UK Power Could Come Down to This City Labour leads the Tories by about 20 points in national opinion polls, but the nature of Britains first-past-the-post electoral system complicates the link between a partys broader popularity and the distribution of seats in Parliament. Scotland has always played a key role in Labours fortunes and the partys strategists have set a target of taking about 16 seats next year. Given Rutherglen was one of seven seats Labour won as recently as 2017, a loss would have presented Starmer with a major headache, suggesting he wasnt on track to make the necessary gains. Bookmakers had made Labour the clear favorite to win, with pollsters viewing the district as typical of the kind of parliamentary seat Labour will have to recover if its going to reach its target. Labours optimism in Scotland stems in large part from falling support for the SNP, amid a police investigation into its finances. Rutherglen was also the first major ballot since Nicola Sturgeon, one of the UKs most popular politicians, stepped down as leader of the SNP and head of Scotlands semi-autonomous government in March. Sturgeons successor, Humza Yousaf, called it a disappointing night for the party, blaming defeat in part on the collapse of the Tory vote. The governing partys candidate, Thomas Kerr, took just 3.9% of the vote, down 11.1 points. We lost this seat in 2017, and like 2019 we can win this seat back, Yousaf said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. However, we will reflect on what we have to do to regain the trust of the people of Rutherglen & Hamilton West. The election was also called in unusual circumstances after former SNP lawmaker Margaret Ferrier was removed by her constituents for breaking Covid travel rules. The SNP will likely argue that means the Rutherglen result wont necessarily translate to other districts next year, especially as backing for Scottish independence the partys primary policy remains largely unchanged, with the nation of 5.4 million roughly split down the middle. Read more: Scotlands New Leader Faces Same Old Rancor Over Independence Still, there are signs Labours argument that it represents the best chance of removing the Tories from power is cutting through with voters. Research by consultancy Stonehaven published in the Times newspaper on Monday found the SNP could win 25 Scottish seats in the UK Parliament in the next election, down from 48 in 2019. Labour could win 20 seats in Scotland, up from one. --With assistance from Jill Disis. (Updates with Shanks comment in eighth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. This week, Anthony George was sentenced to a life sentence in connection to a 2022 tipple shooting. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< On March 19, 2022, The Union County Sheriffs Office responded a call about shots fires in the area of South West 1st Terrace in the Lake Butler. Union County Sheriffs Office Detective identified Anthony George as a suspect who shot and killed Hope William Jr. During the investigation, authorities determined that George also attempted to kill Latasha Holton and shot at Marquha Mabery. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] In coordination with the victims family, the state accepted an open plea that was presented to the court. George was sentenced to a life sentence for first-degree murder, 25 years for attempted murder, 20 years for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (discharge of a firearm), and 3 years for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. George is to be turned over to the Florida Department of Corrections. [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. Lara Trump said her father-in-law, former President Trump, brought up the prospect of becoming Speaker of the House on a phone call with her Thursday. Just got off the phone with him not too long ago. He brought it up to me, she said in an interview with radio host John Catsimatidis on New York Citys WABC 770 AM. He said, A lot of people are saying that I should do this. She added that if Trump were to become Speaker, Congress would be the most effective you have ever seen. Trump initially dismissed the idea of being Speaker, saying he was focused on his presidential reelection campaign. On Thursday, he told Fox News Digital that he would accept a short-term Speaker role to serve as a unifier of the Republican party if necessary. Lara Trump did share some doubts, however, on whether the former president would actually become Speaker. Now, whether or not this is something that actually ends up happening, whether or not he goes through with it, remains to be seen, she said. Hes got a lot on his plate, but if theres one person who can probably handle it all its probably Donald Trump. It sounds like something that he would take seriously. The truth is the American people need somebody to be there as a leader. We cant go on with pure chaos going forward in the Congress, she continued. Theres a lot that needs to get done. Hes available to serve the people of America in whatever way he possibly can. Temporarily, if thats Speaker of the House, then maybe it will be Speaker of the House. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) pledged this week to nominate Trump for Speaker and has since said at least four colleagues have committed their votes to the former president. House Republicans are expected to debate on Speaker candidates at a caucus meeting Tuesday. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) currently leads the House as Speaker pro tem, after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted from the job this week. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) are two declared candidates for the top House job. Lauren Irwin contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas Metro police arrested a teenager Wednesday as part of two murder investigations, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. Both homicides involved several other teenagers, police said. Jacorey Magdaleno, 17, was arrested on two counts of open murder with a deadly weapon, as well as on charges of attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit murder, among others, records showed. The two homicides happened in early September one near Charleston and Jones boulevards, and a second near Spring Mountain Road and Buffalo Drive. The first homicide happened on Sept. 1 inside an apartment complex. A teenager died several days later from a gunshot wound. Police arrested Magdaleno and another teenager. A third person, Cameron Raye, 19, was also arrested, police said. The second homicide happened on Sept. 9. Police arrested Magdaleno and two other teenagers, they said. A fourth suspect, Jonathan Smith, 18, was also arrested. Due to the murder charges, Judge Rebecca Saxe denied setting bail during a brief court appearance Thursday. Magdaleno was scheduled to return to court on Oct. 10. It was unclear how the homicides were connected, other than Magdalenos alleged involvement. In Nevada, if a 16-year-old or 17-year-old is charged with murder, the case is automatically moved to the adult system. The process is referred to as certification. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas police have arrested a man accused of spraying bear deterrents in five different valley businesses to evacuate them before robbing them, police documents said. Christian Phillips, 27, is accused of committing a series of at least five robberies nicknamed Spray and Prey in the Las Vegas valley between Aug. 28 and Sept. 30, according to an arrest report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Police say Christian Phillips, 27, committed a series of robberies in the Las Vegas valley between Aug. 28 and Sept. 30. (LVMPD) On Aug. 28 at around 6:40 p.m., a man walked into a boba restaurant near Flamingo and Fort Apache roads, carrying a bag and wearing a mask. He asked the workers of the business for access to the bathroom, the report stated. A short time later, both workers began to have trouble breathing from an airborne irritant, according to the report. The two exited the business in order to breathe, calling 911. Video of the restaurant showed the man putting on a gas mask and spraying the irritant. Once he saw the workers leave, he went to the register and took it, leaving out of the back of the business, the report stated. He took an estimated $200 cash. At around 3 a.m. on Aug. 29, a man entered a taco shop near Warm Springs Road and Durango Drive. Once inside, the man asked an employee for access to the bathroom and the employee gave him a key. Moments later, employees could hear spraying coming from the restroom area and began to cough uncontrollably, the report stated. One of the employees called out to the man in the restroom but got no response. Both employees left in order to get fresh air. While outside, the employees saw the man leave the bathroom, now wearing a gas mask and gloves, holding a large aerosol canister, according to the report. The man proceeded to destroy the cash register and grab around $350 in cash before leaving out the back. On Sept. 28 at around 2 p.m., a man walked into a sandwich shop near Flamingo Road and El Capitan Way. Like in the other robberies, the man went to the counter and asked for the key to the restroom. A short time later, a customer told employees that a man was spraying something in the bathroom, the report stated. When one of the employees confronted the man, he pointed the spray at the employee and continued to spray, forcing the entire store to evacuate, according to the report. From outside, the employees could see the man drop the spray, take the cash drawer, and leave out the backdoor. When police arrived, they found a canister of Frontiersman Bear Deterrent. The man took an estimated $60, the report stated. The series of robberies was then nicknamed Spray and Prey. At around 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 28, a man entered a coffee shop near West Charleston Boulevard and Pavillion Center Drive and asked for a key to the bathroom. An employee could hear an aerosol spray from inside the restroom. The man exited the bathroom while still spraying the can, causing the business to evacuate for fresh air. The man then grabbed the cash register which contained around $500, the report said. On Sept. 30 at around 1 a.m., a man walked into a restaurant near West Sahara Avenue and South Buffalo Drive and once again asked an employee for a key to the restaurant. A few minutes later, he exited wearing a gas mask and spraying aerosol pepper spray throughout the restaurant, according to the report. The man took the cash drawer from the register, containing about $300. Police discovered that he discarded a bat during the robbery. Police were able to locate a vehicle that matched one seen at one of the robberies. The vehicle pointed police in the direction of Phillips, who matched the description of the suspect from the robberies, the report stated. On Oct. 1, police went to Phillips home where he was taken into custody. In a search of his home, police found clothing that matched surveillance video of the robberies, coupons for the coffee shop, a Frontiersman bear attack deterrent spray bottle, and a restroom key, the report stated. Phillips faces 11 counts of robbery and five counts of burglary of a business. He is being held on a $75,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18. If Phillips makes bail, he will be required to be on high level electronic monitoring, start out of trouble, and stay away from the businesses that were robbed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Latvia can deport more than 3 thousand Russian citizens In a crackdown designed to ensure Russian citizens meet EU residency requirements, Latvia may end up deporting over 3,000 Russians. More than 3,000 Russian citizens living in Latvia have received letters about the expiration of their residence permits. They must leave Latvia unless they have requested a language exam retake or have applied for EU permanent residency, Latvias LSM reported on Oct. 5. Read also: Poland, Latvia, Lithuania may close borders with Belarus if critical incident occurs Latvia distributed 3,255 information letters about the expiration of residence permits to those Russian citizens who had not applied for long-term EU resident status, said Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs head, Maira Roze. 3,541 people did not submit documents for long-term EU resident status or did not apply for a re-examination of their official language proficiency. According to the immigration law, their permanent residence permits expired on Sept. 2. Therefore, these persons must leave Latvia by Nov. 30, 2023. Read also: Latvia hands over another Mi-17 helicopter to Ukraine Of those who have not done anything to obtain a residence permit, about 200 have no declared address of residence at all, so the agency cannot contact them, and some have not been asked to leave the country because they are known to be outside Latvia. In December, the department will check whether these people have crossed the border and left Latvia. If they have not, the authorities will send information to the Border Guard to check whether they are in the country, and if they are in Latvia, they will be ordered to leave the country. Latvia amended the immigration law in Sept. 2022 to require people with a Russian passport and permanent residence in Latvia to take a language exam within a year. The amendments affected approximately 25,000 Russians living in the country. Read also: Norway latest EU country to ban cars with Russian license plates Latvian police announced on Sept. 25 that they would fine drivers whose cars bear stickers reading "I am Russian" or other slogans or inscriptions expressing support for or glorifying Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine As Matt Gaetz is criticized by various corners of the GOP, Lauren Boebert has risen to defend him. Gaetz had led the controversial charge to oust Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker. Boebert said Republicans retaliating against Gaetz would be "sorely mistaken." Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado on Thursday warned her GOP colleagues about retaliating against Rep. Matt Gaetz for his role in ousting Kevin McCarthy. "My colleagues would be sorely mistaken to take a childish, vengeful route and try to expel my friend @MattGaetz for standing up to failed leadership," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Boebert is now one of the few Republican figures to defend Gaetz, after the Florida representative called for a vote that ultimately removed McCarthy as House Speaker on Wednesday. Gaetz, who used a motion to vacate to call for a chamber-wide referendum against McCarthy, had been one of eight Republicans who voted to fire their former party leader from his role. Boebert was not among the eight to break party lines. She had voted against the motion to vacate, saying she "didn't want to spend valuable time on a long, protracted Speaker fight." But she, Gaetz, and other hard-right lawmakers regularly clashed with McCarthy as he vied for the Speakership in January and eventually assumed the position. As McCarthy, of California, tried to wrangle the votes he needed to become Speaker, Boebert and Gaetz were part of the hard-right faction that refused to support him unless he gave them certain concessions. One of those concessions was to allow any single member of the House to call for the Speaker's removal the very rule used to push McCarthy out. After McCarthy was voted out, multiple corners of the GOP bashed Gaetz's method of booting the former Speaker, with some taking aim at Gaetz himself. "Matt Gaetz just got schooled by AOC and others; he was totally manipulated into doing this," Rep. Garret Graves of Louisiana said on Wednesday, per The Hill. And the Republican Main Street Caucus, which consists of around 70 moderate GOP congressional leaders, declared that it would only support a future Speaker who answered how he or she would prevent another ousting like the one led by Gaetz. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell weighed in, saying on Wednesday that the motion to vacate made the Speaker's role "impossible" and advised Republicans to axe the rule. Meanwhile, McCarthy accused Gaetz of acting against him as personal payback for a House Ethics Committee investigation that looked into allegations of sexual misconduct against Gaetz. A representative for Boebert did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Michigan State Police troopers from the Monroe Post this week found a runaway juvenile by tracking a cellphone and working with counterparts across the state and other law enforcement agencies. At about 9 a.m. Wednesday, Monroe Post troopers were dispatched to Frenchtown Township to a report of a missing, runaway juvenile, a news release said. Investigations revealed that the missing juvenile left home at about 2:30 a.m. and went to a bus station in Detroit and purchased a bus ticket to Phoenix. Monroe County Central Dispatch was able to ping the juveniles cellphone and provide updated locations. The information was relayed across the state by Michigan State Police dispatch centers. Constant communication was maintained between multiple districts and dispatch centers. Troopers were able to determine what bus the juvenile was traveling in and where the bus would be stopping. The juvenile was recovered in South Bend, Indiana, at about 3 p.m. Troopers from the Michigan State Police Niles Post went to Indiana, and the juvenile was safely returned to their parents. The Michigan State Police Monroe Post was assisted in locating the juvenile by the Michigan State Police 5th District Hometown Security Team, the Michigan State Police Niles Post, the South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana, police departments, Monroe County Central Dispatch, and Michigan State Police Station 10 Dispatch. Further investigation is being conducted into why the juvenile ran away, where they were going and who they were meeting. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Trooper Singstock at the Monroe Post by calling 734-242-3500. This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County juvenile found in Indiana by police tracking a cellphone The U.S. military is the most powerful force in the world. Yet despite the sacrifices of those who serve, many of these service members and their families have been living in unsafe conditions like overflowing sewage and mold. Over the last year, our Washington News Bureau has reported on safety hazards including pest infestations and mold at privatized military housing where many service members and their families live. Last week, we told you about this watchdog report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) that revealed poor living conditions such as sewage overflow, broken locks and mold at the barracks at some installations. The barracks are where junior enlisted service members live at the beginning of their military careers and they are mainly run by the government. That GAO findings about the barracks living conditions led Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) to send a letter to the Defense Department asking what the DOD is doing to address the housing problems. Waltz is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, and the letter was co-signed by the Subcommittees Ranking Member, Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.). The troubling findings no doubt affect recruitment and retention areas all services continue to struggle with, Waltz wrote. Waltz asked the DOD to provide the subcommittee a briefing on the current conditions of barracks and corrective measures to address the persistent challenges that are outlined in the GAO study. The letter was sent on September 27 and Waltz requested a response from the DOD within 30 days. Waltz is not only a lawmaker, but he is also a veteran a combat-decorated Green Beret. I think this is a leadership failure on the Defense Departments part, said Waltz about the barracks conditions. Were not asking that theyre in McMansions. We just want things that are sanitary, clean and that our soldiers deserve. Waltz said he wants to bring in DOD officials to answer questions in a Congressional hearing about the barracks conditions. We need to hold these leaders accountable, said Waltz. Theres never any consequences to the people in charge. Its our junior enlisted members that end up suffering and Ive had it with that. That outrage over unsafe living conditions for service members has been echoed by members of both parties and both chambers. We told you how we spoke exclusively with Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in March about a letter he sent to the DOD asking for information about how it tracks the impact poor quality housing has on the health of service members and military families living in privatized military housing. That letter was co-signed by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Ossoffs letter pointed to findings from an Inspector General report that found the Pentagon does not adequately track the relationship between adverse conditions in privatized housing and the health of U.S. service members and their families. In response to Ossoff, the DOD said it has upgraded its system to collect and analyze the health and safety information. Its known as the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) module, which is a component within the enterprise Military Housing (eMH) information management system. At this time, the DoD believes it has adequate resources and authorities to carry out the implementation of the full eMH EHS module 3.0, wrote the Defense Departments Chief Housing Officer. We spoke with Sen. Ossoff about the DODs response and the steps ahead. The initial response I got from DOD suggests that theyre taking my request seriously and that theyre making an effort, but I have not seen enough yet to satisfy me that this data is being robustly collected and Im going to remain tenacious in demanding the Department of Defense be gathering and analyzing data about the health impacts on military families of poor-quality housing, said Ossoff. Ossoff is also pushing legislation in the Senate that addresses military housing problems. That includes a bipartisan measure Ossoff is leading dubbed the Junior Enlisted Housing Affordability Act, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). The proposal aims to help junior enlisted service members afford housing on or off base. Another proposal dubbed the Military Housing Readiness Council Act aims to ramp up oversight of privatized military housing. We asked Ossoff and Waltz about their messages to military families and service members who have been waiting years for meaningful change to the living conditions. What military families can count on is that I will resolutely, unfailingly and relentlessly continue to fight for them on affordability, on health and safety, said Ossoff. I will continue to hold the Department of Defense accountable to demand data and results from them. My message to them is we have your back and we wont rest until we get to the bottom of whats going on, said Waltz. A lawsuit filed Sept. 29 in Etowah County Circuit Court alleges that the Department of Human Resources and its employees were negligent in protecting the interests of a Gadsden child who died two years ago, showing signs of abuse. Aydah Grace DiMaso, 3, was found dead in a bathtub at a home on Crestview Drive on Oct. 4, 2021. Aydah DiMaso Her father, Nikolas Joseph DiMaso, was charged that night with capital murder in her death. Haley Dee Metz, listed as DiMasos wife by authorities at the time but as his girlfriend in the lawsuit, was arrested two weeks later and charged with aggravated child abuse. Both also are charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated child abuse. The suit, which seeks a jury trial and unspecified punitive damages and costs, was filed by Shundra Davis, Aydahs grandmother, acting as the representative of her estate. It names the state DHR as an entity; individual case workers in Etowah, Cherokee and Jefferson counties; four fictitious defendants representing DHR employees who the suit alleges violated or misinterpreted laws or showed negligence that proximately caused the childs death; and DiMaso and Metz. Birmingham attorneys Tommy James of Tommy James Law and Jeremy Knowles of Morris Haynes are representing Aydahs estate. "This case represents an egregious failure of the system that is supposed to protect our most vulnerable children, James said in a news release. Aydah's death could and should have been prevented. We are seeking justice for Aydah and accountability for those whose conduct resulted in her tragic death." The suit contends that DHR knew of the childs situation because of existing cases and multiple complaints involving her, but left her in the custody of DiMaso and Metz. Those complaints included allegations of neglect and abuse by DiMaso and Metz; filthy living conditions with animal feces and urine throughout the home; reported drug use, particularly heroin, by DiMaso, who the suit alleges was not drug tested; reports of sudden behavioral changes by Aydah; and reports that DiMaso was repeatedly absent and neglected the childs care. It contends systemic failures and neglect kept the child in a harmful environment despite clear signs she was in danger. An email to Alabama DHRs communications department requesting comment was not returned. Gadsden Police were called to the home on Oct. 4, 2021, after a family member sought a welfare check when DiMaso told them Aydah was unresponsive in the bathtub. According to the suit, a preliminary examination showed shed been dead for some time and had both fresh and recent bruises on her body. The suit says Metz advised DiMaso to place the child in the tub to keep her body temperature warm, and that DiMaso confessed to physically abusing Aydah, including forcefully slamming her to the ground and kicking her in the stomach. It says the investigation showed the abuse that ultimately caused Aydahs death had been ongoing for at least three months, and the autopsy report indicated the immediate cause of death was blunt force trauma of the head, but that the pattern of abuse in the preceding months had caused her body to shut down. According to the suit, the police investigation revealed over 50 signs of trauma covering her entire body, including healing arm and rib fractures, multiple scratch marks and a deep cut to a foot, and that her head was shaved. DiMaso and Metz both remain in the Etowah County jail without bond. According to the district attorneys office, a tentative trial date of September 2024 has been set for DiMaso. "While these individuals must answer for their heinous actions, DHRs repeated failures are equally at fault. We must hold every individual and entity responsible for this tragedy accountable, James said. "This case is not just about Aydah; it is a wake-up call to every individual and institution tasked with protecting our children, he said. The system failed Aydah at every turn. We owe it to her and every child in the system to ensure this never happens again. No child should suffer the way Aydah did. A GoFundMe page set up for Aydah at the time of her death has raised more than $18,000. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Estate of child who died of alleged abuse sues Alabama DHR A bus crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca killed 16 people on Friday, according to local authorities, who say most of the passengers were migrants. Three children and two women are among the victims, all of whom are from Venezuela and Haiti, the Oaxaca state attorney general said. At least 27 people were injured and transported to nearby hospitals. Pictures posted by authorities on Facebook show the large bus flipped over and heavily damaged on a curve of the mountainous Oaxaca-Cuacnopalan highway. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, which took place at 5 a.m. local time (7 a.m. ET). The Oaxaca state attorney generals office had first said 18 people died in the crash, then revised its count late on Friday evening. The scene of the crash. - Oaxaca Civil Protection Agency The tragedy follows the deaths of at least 10 Cuban migrants, including a child, on Sunday, when the truck they were traveling in also overturned in southern Mexico, according to local authorities. Venezuela and Haiti are sources of large numbers of migrants traveling northward, fleeing insecurity and economic crisis at home. US and Mexican officials have struggled to respond to the arrivals, with Washington putting increasing pressure on Mexico City to shoulder more responsibility for people crossing its territory. Food shortages and limited access to health care have driven more than 7.7 million people from Venezuela alone a scale of displacement that outpaces Ukraine, where theres an active war. On Thursday, senior officials in the Biden administration said the US would restart deporting Venezuelans directly to Venezuela in an attempt to curb the record influx, marking a major shift in policy. Haiti meanwhile is waiting for a new multinational mission to help bring order to the country, currently roiled by unchecked gang violence, kidnappings and food insecurity. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Vermont is an array of colors as some areas reach peak fall foliage this week. The autumnal transition is occurring in all parts of Vermont, despite temperatures that reached the mid-80s Wednesday and set a record. Higher elevations are furthest along in the process with many locations reporting peak or near-peak foliage, according to the weekly Fall Foliage Report prepared by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation on Oct. 4. Purple leaves: What to know about this fall foliage color in Vermont "Areas over 1,300 feet in the Northeast Kingdom are currently at peak color. The Green Mountains and their foothills are rapidly approaching peak this week," said foresters who contributed to the report. "Even in southern Vermont, high elevations in Windham, Bennington, and Rutland counties are at near-peak color, with a variety of reds and yellows dominating the landscape." For southern Vermont, the valleys and areas still with a good amount of green; peak is expected to come in the next week or so, according to the report. A leaf is a rainbow of colors as it makes its autumnal transition in Williston on Oct. 5, 2023. What to know about Vermont's weekend weather forecast For leaf peepers, this could be a popular weekend for visiting Vermont. Friday looks nice and in the mid-70s for a high, while Saturday and Sunday return to more autumn-like temperatures with highs in the 50s and 60s. Rain returns to the Burlington area for much of Saturday with showers lingering into Sunday morning. You may want to plan for a foliage driving tour on Saturday instead of a summit hike to take in the views. Trees were changing red, yellow, orange and purple in Williston on Oct. 5, 2023. Where and how to view the best foliage in Vermont this week Vermont foresters suggest checking out leaf-changing across the state this week in these locations: Northern Vermont the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, U.S. 2 through Danville, Victory Bog, peaks in the Northeast Kingdom including Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, Vermont 100 between Stowe and Morrisville, the Green Mountain Scenic Byway. Central Vermont Allis State Park, Vermont 12A between Randolph and Northfield. Southern Vermont Vermont 9 between Brattleboro and Wilmington including the 100-Mile View of Hogback Mountain, the Molly Stark Scenic Byway and Vermont routes 30 and 133 in southwestern VT. Contact reporter April Barton at abarton@freepressmedia.com or 802-660-1854. Follow her on Twitter @aprildbarton. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Where fall foliage color is peaking in Vermont on Columbus Day weekend With the help of intermediaries, Iranian womens rights activist Narges Mohammadi was able to send a letter to CNN from inside Tehrans Evin Prison. Mohammadi and her family believe she will be further penalized for speaking out once again through CNN, but that did not and will not stop her, they say. She was on Friday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all. In the letter to CNN, sent before the prize was awarded, Narges railed against the compulsory hijab Iranian women have been forced to wear by the Islamic Republic for more than four decades. She also spoke very openly about sexual abuse inside jails. The Iranian government has denied the widespread allegations of sexual assaults against detainees, including in an in-depth CNN investigation last year, calling them false and baseless. Here are excerpts of her letter, which has been edited for length: My letter may be long and disturbing in its subject matter, and some may perceive it as a challenge and feminist protest with a radical orientation. However, it is an attempt, in accordance with human rights, ethics, and of course, feminism, to protest against the continuation of violence and sexual harassment of women by a government that, under the guise of religion, has taken away femininity from us as a means to advance its illegitimate power and ambitions. My protest is based on human rights and feminist concerns, but it carries deeper and more profound implications. I cannot simply confine myself to condemning gross violations of human rights and womens rights. I also intend to address the destructive falsehood and deceit of the government. A government that, with an ideological approach and misuse of spiritual and salvation elements among the people, attempts to control every aspect of individual and social life, under the pretext of family, security, and protection of the woman, leaving no aspect of life and feminine identity outside its oppressive grasp I want to emphasize that this letter is not written by a free feminist in a developed democratic society, benefiting from civil protest methods and human rights, but rather by an imprisoned woman who, like millions of Iranian women, has been living under the authority and oppression of a military system with ideological, patriarchal, and tyrannical foundations since the age of 6, deprived of life, youth, femininity, and motherhood During the establishment and acquisition of power by the religious regime, there were no better pawns than women in the game of religious authorities to adorn the political chessboard with their masculine domination. . They couldnt put an abaya and turban on half of the population, i.e., men in society. However, they easily adorned half of Irans population with mandatory hijab, veil, chador, manteau, and dark-colored trousers to present the odious face of the despotic religious system to the world. In this way, mandatory hijab became the showcase of Islamic society and, from the governments perspective, one of the distinguishing elements and foundations setting apart Islamic society from Western societies Mandatory hijab showcases the image of domination, subjugation, and control over women, which, when extended, makes the control over the entire society smooth and achievable Hijab was not optional; it was imposed by the government, not based on beliefs and convictions, but to submit citizens to government dictates; it was imposed by the government, not based on beliefs and convictions, but to submit citizens to government dictates. In clearer terms, compliance with mandatory hijab was a way of training submission and surrendering to oppression in society, not through bullets and executions, but through placing a whip on womens heads and making it normalized Narges Mohammadi is pictured at home in Iran during a stint out of prison in 2021 on medical furlough. - Reihane Taravati The justification for all these violent and inhumane confrontations was summarized as preserving the dignity, chastity, and security of women and the well being of Islamic society. Imagine Iranian women who, for 44 years, have been forced to wear a head covering, long coats, and dark-colored pants in the summer heat, and in some places, black chadors. Worse than that, they have been under psychological pressure to strictly adhere to compulsory hijab, all to preserve the image of religious Islamic men and ensure the security and purity of women. Now, those same women are experiencing sexual assault and harassment against themselves Women who experience sexual harassment become filled with anger, fear, and insecurity, but when their womanhood is hidden and suppressed by ideological and religious claims, and at the same time, they are violated in another situation (due to protest), they will not only be angry and terrified, but they will also feel deceived and manipulated by the government, which is even more distressing. I have no intention of making any comparisons between women subjected to assault in any situation because what women experience in sexual assault and harassment leaves such deep scars on their souls and minds that it is difficult to recover from, and perhaps they may never fully recover The fear, anxiety, and sense of insecurity resulting from the attack by security forces, arrest, and transfer to unknown locations and solitary cells can inflict devastating blows to the individuals soul and psyche. Experiencing sexual assault and harassment in such a situation in detention centers, during interrogations, threats, uncertainty, or inside detention vehicles, under the blows and kicks of officers, can be destructive and come with irreparable harm. The governmental male assailants assaulting detained protesting women in detention centers convey the message that nothing, not even what we claimed to be religion, humanity, and spirituality over the past 44 years, can stop us from suppressing and confronting you. Anyone who has experienced confinement in solitary cells and detention centers can comprehend the harsh message of assault: that is, we recognize no boundaries in suppressing and dealing with you, and even God does not exist The compulsory hijab was a deceitful scheme against women and a tool of pressure to strengthen the power of the religious government. The assault on protesting women by government agents reveals the deceitful, deceptive, and manipulative nature of the government to the people of Iran and the world. Therefore, as a woman prisoner, I confidently declare that we have the power in our protest against the assault of government agents on protesting women. We draw this power from the position of Iranian women during 44 years of tyranny and coercion by the government in all aspects of our lives and from our struggle and resistance for freedom and rights This text is not intended as an elegy for Iranian women. It is a testament to the fact that the tyranny and oppression of the government have inflicted incurable wounds on our lives, spirits, and minds. Women were the first, greatest, and most oppressed victims of religious despotism, but they were also the most steadfast, indomitable, and influential social force, and in recent protest and revolutionary movements, they have been at the forefront as the most advanced and radical forces. Iranian women do not derive their credibility and legitimacy of struggle from the intensity of the oppression and discrimination they have endured, but rather from their continuous and courageous resistance and struggle for democracy, life, freedom, equality, human rights, and peace. Their position will be established in the future of our country, and they will determine their rights. We, women, believe that fear, terror, and storms can never shake and tremble the mountains. Narges Mohammadi, Evin Prison, July 2023 For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LEWISVILLE, Texas - Lewisville police are investigating a deadly shootout in a parking lot between a group of men in two vehicles that put nearby customers in danger. The shooting happened on E. Round Grove Road, just east of SH-121, inside the parking lot of a restaurant and oil change shop. After the shooting, both cars left the scene, but shell casings mark the spot where the two cars met up. "I come here all the time," Dorene Washington said. Washington lives across the street with her three children. She said she frequents the beauty supply store that is just feet from the scene. Thursday, her usual trip looked very different. "I was like, what is going on? Because nothing is ever going on in this area. This is a really good area, so I was shocked," she said. At 2 p.m., two vehicles pulled into the parking lot together. Police said the people inside both vehicles knew each other but didn't elaborate on how. "The individuals exchanged some words. Some bad blood went down, we arent sure what yet, but it led to a shooting," said Matt Martucci, with the Lewisville Police Department. Two men were shot but were able to get in a Porsche and drive off. The black Porsche with two men inside went to the Bridges of Oakbend Apartment complex down the road. One of the victims, who was shot in the hand, called 911. He was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police said the other victim in the Porsche was shot in the stomach and later died. Its unclear if the victims lived in the apartment complex, but one of the Porsches back tires was flat and a window was shattered, so its likely they couldnt drive too far. Lewisville police told FOX that detectives did find a handgun inside the Porsche. Investigators said they're still searching for the second vehicle involved in the shootout. Police only gave a vague description of a dark-colored Chrysler. "We dont know either if a person or persons was in that other vehicle and if anyone in that vehicle sustained any wounds from the shootout," Martucci said. Police said theyre still investigating why the two vehicles met up in the parking lot. Washington said shes just thankful she and her children werent there at the time. "I dont know what I wouldve done. I wouldve went crazy. I wouldve ran with my babies trying to protect them," she said. The Lexington police officer who was suspended after he tested positive for alcohol while on the job was out drinking the night before his shift, according to records obtained by the Herald-Leader through an open records request. Det. Sean Stafford posted the failed test on May 23, one day after working an unscheduled shift to assist in locating Steven Sheangshang after he shot and killed Scott County sheriffs deputy Caleb Conley. An investigation into the failed test found Stafford was in violation of a policy banning use of alcohol, illegal drugs or legal drugs while on duty, according to police records. He was ultimately suspended for six months without pay. Stafford has been employed by the Lexington Police Department since December 2007. Police records say this is his only formal complaint during his tenure. Stafford was interviewed by Lt. David Biroschik and Commander Chad Bacon on July 18, according to police records. He described the unscheduled shift on May 22 as hectic and stressful, and said it brought back memories of when officer Bryan Durman was killed in the line of duty. After the shift, Stafford went out with his wife and consumed alcohol, according to police records. He told Biroschik and Bacon he had a few beers plus a couple more drinks when they got home before going to sleep at roughly 10:30 p.m. The next morning, Stafford woke up feeling fine and not intoxicated, so he went into work between 8:30-9 a.m., he told Biroschik and Bacon. Police records said he was served a random drug/alcohol test at 9:30 a.m. He drove to the testing center in his department issued vehicle and ultimately failed the test. A second test was administered, which he also failed. Staffords failed test revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.04 or higher, according to police records. The Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy said any employee with a BAC of 0.04% of higher, reporting to work and/or operating or in actual physical control of a government owned/leased vehicle or equipment shall be recommended for dismissal. However, an appendix in the drug and alcohol policy in LPDs collective bargaining agreement says officers and sergeants with a BAC of 0.02% while on-duty may be suspended or dismissed, according to police records. Stafford attended therapy sometime after the failed test to ensure he didnt have a problem with alcohol, according to police records. Stafford withdrew from the program after three weeks, a decision supported by the clinical director. Stafford told Biroschik and Bacon that in 2022, he was diagnosed with a medical condition that slows down the metabolism of alcohol, according to police records. A doctor told Staffords lawyer, Kate Bennett, the medical condition could slow down the metabolism of alcohol significantly and have an effect on ones BAC while having no idea theyre impaired. Stafford took an independent blood test the afternoon after he posted the failed alcohol test, police records say. Stafford declined to provide the results of that test to Biroschik and Bacon. The lieutenant who drove Stafford home after failing the alcohol test was also interviewed for the investigation. Police records say Stafford told the lieutenant he split two pitchers of beer and some wine with his wife as well as consuming some sleepy time tea mixed with bourbon. Investigators found discrepancies in Staffords account of how much alcohol he consumed on May 22, according to police records. Stafford accepted the six-month unpaid suspension on Sept. 14, according to police records. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved the recommendation from Chief Lawrence Weathers on Sept. 28. Six-month unpaid suspensions are rare. In March 2020, Jeremiah Terry was suspended for six months for an inappropriate relationship with a citizen. Terry is no longer with the department. A few months later, Bryton Turley was suspended six months after acting inappropriately and unprofessionally, police said. Weathers said that he also recommended Stafford be sent to the citys employee assistance program, which can help city employees with substance use issues. Stafford will have to complete the employee assistance program and a fit for duty test before Stafford returns to work. ANOTHER OFFICER GETS TWO WEEK SUSPENSION Officer Caleb Croney was suspended for two weeks without pay for an unrelated incident. Police records say he violated three policies during a vehicle pursuit of a suspect on May 19. Croney was working an off-duty assignment at Temple Adath Israel in a marked cruiser when he heard a vehicle accelerating towards him. Police records say a man was leaning out the window of the vehicle armed with an AR pistol with a 100-round magazine. The man pointed the gun at Croney as the vehicle drove by. Croney started pursuing the vehicle but failed to activate his body worn camera until approximately five and-a-half blocks later, according to police records. He also didnt wear his seatbelt during the pursuit despite warnings from the vehicle during the entire pursuit. During the pursuit, Croney drove the wrong way down multiple one-way residential streets, ran through multiple stop signs and drove at high speeds, according to police records. The chase ended on Ohio Street after the driver abandoned their vehicle and fled inside a home, according to police records. Croney attempted to kick the door of the house down seven times and did not check to see if it was unlocked or ask the homeowner, who was on the porch nearby, to let him in. Croney also had his department-issued firearm in his right hand while trying to kick the door down with pedestrians in close proximity. Croney eventually located and arrested the driver. Police records said Croneys language and commands during the pursuit were not within LPD standards. Croney admitted to all wrongdoing and took responsibility for his actions during an interview on Aug. 4, according to police records. He said he wasnt aware of the pursuit policy and said his adrenaline was high. Weathers told the Urban County Council the Lexington Police Department does not allow high-speed pursuits unless there is an immediate threat to human life. Croney told investigators he would not pursue the vehicle and issue an attempt to locate of the vehicle if faced with a similar situation in the future, according to police records. He has gone over the incident with his supervisor multiple times since. Croney also apologized to the homeowner for attempting to kick down her door, according to police records. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved the two-week unpaid suspension recommendation from Weathers on Sept. 28. Croney was also issued a 30-day suspension of his home fleet privileges, which allows police to take their vehicles home. The Lexington County Sheriffs Department is investigating a Sept. 29 incident involving a member of one of South Carolinas most prominent political families, the Wilsons, at a Lexington County long-term care facility for the elderly. The Wilson family member is Roxanne Wilson, the wife of U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale, and the mother of S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson. We are investigating the incident, a spokesman for the Lexington County Sheriffs Department said in an email to The State newspaper. Roxanne and Joe Wilson. Provided photo The incident took place at the Columbia Presbyterian Community care facility on Davega Drive on Sept. 29, sources and emails have confirmed to The State. Roxanne Wilsons mother, Martha Dusenbury, 98, lives at the Columbia Presbyterian Community care facility, according to publicly-filed legal documents. She has lived there four years, the documents said. The sheriffs department has so far refused to release the incident report and any body camera footage requested by The State. However, a report sent to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control by the Columbia Presbyterian Community home characterizes a Sept. 29 incident as neglect or exploitation, suspected or confirmed abuse. Under state law, providers are required to report such incidents to DHEC. The heavily-redacted report says that an unidentified person forced medication in the mouth of a resident multiple times to induce swallowing. The resident was then observed choking and coughing and stating that (name redacted) did not want medication. Law enforcement contacted. Resident made safe, the report said. The law enforcement officer called to the scene was identified as C. Aiken, according to the DHEC report. Another report, sent to DHEC five days after the Sept. 29 incident, gives more details: During the pill episode on Sept. 29, the report says, someone put the pills in residents mouth with a fork and resident spit them out. Then, someone began yelling and threatening resident....(and) put medication in residents mouth and forced (name deleted) to drink water until resident started gagging and coughing, the report says. Information about who put the pills in the residents mouth was redacted. At that point, the care facility reported the incident to DHEC and the Lexington County Sheriffs Department. (Name withheld) is on trespass from facility until further notice, the report said. Resident is safe with no lasting adverse affects, the report said. Sheriff Koon withholds report A reporter with The State newspaper visited the sheriffs office Thursday afternoon and was told the report was not available. The reporter left a letter for Sheriff Jay Koon asking for the report, which is a public record. Later, sheriffs Capt. Adam Myrick emailed The State, saying, Rest assured, were working on the matter and plan to have a redacted version of the report mentioned below as soon as we can. Myricks email was sent six days after the incident. Jay Bender, one of South Carolinas most experienced media law attorneys, said the sheriffs office is likely breaking the state Freedom of Information Act in failing to disclose an incident report to a reporter who travels to the department and asks to see it. The law requires police reports those reports which describe the nature and location of any alleged crime reported or investigated to be made available to any citizen for the previous 14 days. The failure of the Lexington sheriffs department to make those reports available is a clear violation of the law, said Bender, who has represented numerous news organizations including the S.C. Press Association and The State over the years. I have always thought that when law enforcement withholds records, somebody is trying to protect someone or something. I dont know who that might be in this circumstance, Bender said. Theres no excuse under the law for not making that information available. If there is some information to be sheltered from public view, the obligation is for the sheriffs department to segregate that information and make the rest available, Bender said. Bender said Koon might find it wastes taxpayers money to keep incident reports secret. In August, a South Carolina judge ordered the Charleston County sheriff who broke the S.C. Freedom of Information Act to pay $33,175 in legal fees to the winning news organization, Live Five News. The State newspaper on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday sent emails to Joe Wilsons press secretaries and other staffers asking for comment from either him or Roxanne Wilson, or both. Neither Joe Wilson nor Roxanne Wilson has responded. The Wilsons have been married 45 years, according to the S.C. Legislative Manual. Jake Moore, an attorney who has represented Roxanne Wilson, did not respond to a query from The State newspaper. Elder home wants investigation We are fully cooperating with the authorities, and we welcome a thorough investigation by law enforcement, said Franklin Fant, CEO of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, in a statement answering a query from The State newspaper. The incidents last Friday (Sept. 29) are unfortunate, Fant said, without elaborating on any details. For nearly 70 years our Presbyterian Communities team has provided quality and compassionate care to residents weve been honored to serve. A spokesperson for Alan Wilsons office confirmed he was at the care facility on Sept. 29 but said that he was not there at the time of any incident. The Attorney Generals office has literally nothing to do with whatever, if anything, happened, a spokeswoman said. A spokesperson for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which is often requested to investigate high profile incidents or incidents where there may be a conflict of incident, said that that agency is not involved. Legal Dispute In August, Roxanne Wilson and her sister, Suzanne Carver, had a legal dispute with the care home over whether their mother should be transferred to a new home, according to a now-dismissed civil lawsuit on file at the Cayce-West Columbia Magistrates office in Lexington County. According to the legal documents, Roxanne Wilson and Carver wanted their mother to stay at the facility and sought an injunction that would allow Dusenbury to stay in her room, according to a lawsuit filed by attorney Jake Moore. The lawsuit said the facility wanted to evict the mother, who had a contract to stay at the home. The facility said that the mother needed a higher standard of care and needed to be transferred to a place that could better care for her, the documents said. Ms. Dusenbury requires a level of care that Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina cannot legally provide, said a motion filed by the facilitys attorney, David Summer Jr. The case was eventually dismissed because a magistrates office lacks jurisdiction to handle a case involving that kind of issue at a care facility, a spokesman at the magistrates office told The State. Power family The Wilsons are one of the closest families South Carolina has to a powerful political dynasty in the mode of, say, what the Cuomos once were in New York State, or the Kennedys in Massachusetts, except that the Wilsons are Republicans known as staunch conservatives and fervent supporters of former President Donald Trump. Joe Wilson, 77, is one of South Carolinas seven members of the U.S. House of Representatives and has served since 2001. Previous to Congress, he served in the S.C. Senate from 1985 to 2001. In Congress, Wilson is known as a hardworking fiscal and defense hawk, according to the Almanac of American Politics. A longtime member of the S.C. National Guard, Wilson is the second ranking majority member of the House Armed Services Committee, a strong supporter of aid to Ukraine and an opponent of the Russian invasion of that country. Although low-profile over the years, Wilson in 2009 achieved national notoriety when he called out You lie to then-President Obama during a speech Obama made to a joint session of Congress about health care. Wilson is also the third-ranking majority member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Alan Wilson, 50, one of Joe and Roxannes four children, has been South Carolina Attorney General since he was elected in 2010. In that post, he supervises an office of more than 100 employees and is the states top prosecutor. Earlier this year, his office successfully prosecuted former lawyer Alex Murdaugh for the double murder of his wife, Maggie, and son Paul in a trial live-streamed to the nation. A trio of international defense contractors have teamed up to offer a new lower-tier counter-drone system that consists of a turreted infantry rifle with a computerized "smart sight," a small radar array, and a six-wheeled uncrewed ground vehicle. The resulting combination could potentially be employed against other threats beyond drones and would also offer units on the ground valuable surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Smart Shooter , headquartered in Israel, collaborated with Leonardo DRS , the U.S.-based subsidiary of Italy's Leonardo, and American firm HDT Global to develop this system, seen in the picture at the top of this story. It is set to make its public debut at the Association of the U.S. Army's main annual conference that opens in Washington, D.C. next week. The weapon component of the system comes from Smart Shooter. It consists of the company's Smash Hopper remote-controlled turret armed with a standard infantry rifle equipped with a Smash 2000-series computerized optic . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6ZNjxC7SA The optic, which Smart Shooter says can be readily installed on a variety of rifles using standardized accessory rails, is the key component. It is a software-driven system that includes a small video camera and a laser rangefinder, and can automatically detect potential targets and be 'locked on' to them. Once a target has been locked in, the optic calculates the optimal point of aim. The user then aims the rifle and fires. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C41CAAMgnoo\u0026t=1s The Smash Hopper turret has the same general capabilities, but instead of the operator holding the rifle with the optic, they aim the weapon using a tablet-style controller. Smart Shooter has long presented the capabilities offered by its Smash 2000-series optics as being particularly well-suited to the lower-end counter-drone role given their ability to lock on and provide firing solutions for even small moving targets. The 'smart sight' was originally developed to help offer individual shooters extreme accuracy and generally improve their effectiveness, even when fatigued. The new counter-drone system adds an RPS-42 radar array from Leonardo DRS, part of the company's Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MHS) family, to the mix. This is a compact S-band pulse doppler radar that uses active electronically scanned (AESA) antennas. It has a stated maximum detection range of up to 30 kilometers (just over 18 and a half miles), though this is of course dependent on the size and nature of the target and other factors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad8aTXpEus4 It is not immediately clear how directly the Smash Hopper turret might be tied to the radar, if at all. Even if they are separate, the radar would still offer important additional advanced warning of potential threats, as well as more specific data about where they are coming from, which could be used to manually cue the weapon system component. Still, automatic cueing is likely and highly preferable. Lastly, there is the vehicle on which all of this is mounted, the six-wheeled Hunter WOLF (Wheeled Offload Logistics Follower) from HDT Global. The 3,600-pound uncrewed ground vehicle has a maximum payload capacity of 2,200 pounds and a hybrid-electric propulsion system that gives it a range of up to 200 miles on a single tank of JP-8 jet fuel or diesel. It is currently offered as a semi-autonomous platform that can be manually operated or in a follow-the-leader mode where it automatically trails behind whoever is carrying the hand-held controller. Hunter WOLF also has an onboard generator specifically so that it can run remote weapon stations and sensors like the Smash Hopper and RPS-42. This uncrewed ground vehicle has been shown equipped with other armament options in the past. It can even provide this power while operating in a "silent" mode, which can help reduce the chance of it being detected. A Hunter WOLF on display with a different remotely operated weapon station armed with a .50 caliber heavy machine gun. Joseph Trevithick The complete uncrewed system looks like it offers an intriguing mix of capabilities that could offer an on-the-go counter-drone capability with an active early warning capability. It could also be used in a mode with its radar array switched off, which would reduce its electromagnetic signature and make it harder for enemy forces to detect it, but still be able to engage visually-observed threats. A single system could accompany smaller units while groups of them, possibly networked together, could be attached to larger formations, as well. Altogether, the Hunter WOLF-based system looks particularly well equipped to help tackle lower-tier drone threats, including smaller weaponized commercial quad and hexacopter types. Drones of this type have posed a major threat to even large nation-state militaries for years now . This is a reality that has only been further underscored by their heavy use on both sides in the current conflict in Ukraine . In addition, they present a very low barrier to entry and have been seen in use by non-state actors like terrorist groups and organized criminal organizations . https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1706047352061223259 https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1707735558657560938 Modern armed forces will need to ensure that even relatively small ground units have the ability to adequately defend themselves against these threats going forward. The U.S. Army has already been acquiring Smash 2000-series optics for use on standard infantry rifles in the counter-drone role, including by special operations forces, for years now. Earlier this week, Smart Shooter announced that the Army had awarded it another contract for an unspecified number of Smash 2000Ls. This is on top of an order the service placed last year . The Smash 2000L is an improved lightweight version of the original Smash 2000 that is also now known as the Smash 3000. A promotional image showing an individual holding an M4-style carbine equipped with a Smash 2000L/Smash 3000 optic. Smart Shooter Other branches of the U.S. military have also been evaluating Smart Shooter's product line. The company has also developed a new computerized optic, called the Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO), specifically in response to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) requirements. In addition, the Hunter WOLF-mounted system could be useful well beyond the counter-drone role, as well. Smart Shooter says that the Smash 2000-series optics inherently have a limited secondary surveillance capability because of their built-in camera and automated targeting functionality. Coupled with the RPS-42 radar array, the uncrewed ground vehicle could just act as a valuable additional sensor node for even relatively small ground units. It could also be deployed forward of those forces to scout ahead for threats and other potential hazards, helping to reduce risks for friendly personnel. Just like any other remote weapon station, the Smash Hopper turret should still be usable against suitable ground targets, as well. Smart Shooter has also long touted the Smash 2000-series optics' ability to help friendly forces quickly identify their opponents and effectively neutralize them, even in complex environments like dense urban areas. The U.S. military notably sees large sprawling cities as very likely locations for heavy fighting in future conflicts. The Hunter WOLF-based system could be sent ahead into such areas ahead to spot and potentially engage threats on the ground while its operators remain in cover or otherwise out of harm's way. The video below from Smart Shooter shows a pickup truck equipped with a Smash Hopper turret being used against ground targets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yb9u5KRq3M This all comes as the armed forces of many countries, including the U.S. military, are actively looking to integrate uncrewed ground combat vehicles configured to perform a host of different missions into their forces at various levels. The U.S. Marine Corps has even evaluated the Hunter WOLF specifically as a drone vehicle to help carry cargo and personnel, including wounded individuals. The Army has been testing similarly sized uncrewed ground vehicles for use in the same kinds of roles. The service is also pursuing an adjacent plan to acquire multiple tiers of what it is currently calling Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCV), including various armed types intended for more direct combat use . It remains to be seen whether or not the U.S. military or other international customers will ultimately express interest specifically in the new uncrewed counter-drone system from Smart Shooter, Leonardo DRS, and HDT Global. At the same time, modern militaries have a clear need for more ways to deal with the ever-growing threat posed by aerial drones and uncrewed platforms look set to be increasingly more commonplace in general going forward. Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com Area law enforcement agencies are voicing their support for the Dayton Police Department after four of its staff members were involved in a crash Thursday. According to Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal, a Dayton police supervisor and three recruits were on SR-4 between the Stanley Avenue and Harshman Road exits for a training exercise when a Reichard Buick GMC vehicle slammed into the police cruiser that was parked along the shoulder of the road. The supervisor, three recruits, and two people inside the Reichard Buick GMC were all taken to the hospital. >> RELATED: Police recruit seriously injured in crash on SR-4 that also sends 5 others to hospital One of the recruits suffered life-threatening injuries, Afzal said. Agencies around the Miami Valley showed their support on social media for DPD. Butler Township Police Department asked the public to keep the department in their thoughts. The men and women of Butler Township PD ask that you keep the Dayton Police Officers that were injured today in your... Posted by Butler Township Police on Thursday, October 5, 2023 Clark County Sheriff Deb Burchett said her department is sending prayers to the recruit seriously injured. >> PHOTOS: Crash scene where police recruit was struck, injured Please keep the Dayton Ohio Police Recruit in your prayers. He was seriously injured on Route 4 today. The Clark County... Posted by Deb Burchett on Thursday, October 5, 2023 The Franklin Police Department also showed support on social media. Thoughts with the Dayton PD Officers injured this afternoon. Posted by Franklin Ohio Division of Police on Thursday, October 5, 2023 Springboro Police Department said they are thinking of their Dayton PD family. Thinking of our Dayton PD family tonight. Posted by Springboro Ohio Police Department on Thursday, October 5, 2023 Prayers for our brothers and sisters in blue at Dayton PD, Riverside wrote on social media. Prayers for our brothers and sisters in blue at Dayton PD. Posted by Riverside Ohio Police Department on Thursday, October 5, 2023 We will continue following this story and add responses as they come in. An ex-Pizza Hut employee masterminded an astonishingly outlandish plot to kidnap and kill British TV presenter Holly Willoughby using an American hitman and a restraint kit, British prosecutors alleged on Friday. The man, Gavin Plumb, had described himself as deeply depressed due to his weightwhich at one point stood at 489 pounds, leaving him in constant pain, he told a BBC show about weight loss in 2017. Ive never had any support for my depression. Ive just been put on antidepressants and sent away, he complained at the time. Six years later, Plumb appeared in court, accused of formulating a murder plot that was foiled by police on Wednesday. Earlier this week, Plumb drew up a detailed plan to kidnap and kill Willoughby, and solicited help from a hitman in the United States to aid in the effort, according to charges filed against him that were unveiled Friday. The 36-year-old security officer assembled a kidnap and restraint kit capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of the kidnap of Holly Willoughby, prosecutors alleged on Friday. Essex Police arrested Plumb on Wednesday, just one day after he allegedly plotted the crimes online. The supposed American hitman was set to travel to the United Kingdom next week; his identity was not disclosed and it was unclear if he had been arrested. Willoughby, who hosts two programsThis Morning and Dancing on Iceon the ITV network has been off the air since Thursday. The network sent out a message of support for Willoughby: This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at This Morning and ITV. We are providing all of the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time. Plumb, who was described by the Daily Mail as a loner, only spoke briefly during his appearance at Chelmsford magistrates court, confirming his name, birth date, address and employer. A judge ordered that he remain in custody until his scheduled plea hearing on Nov. 3. Plumb had a bright outlook on the future when he spoke to the BBC again in 2018 following a weight-loss operation, stating that, My main aim is to get back into work and Ive already started looking. Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby spoke about the breakneck speed at which the alleged murder plot was uncovered and foiled. This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges, Kirby said. The Sun reported that the alleged murder plot left Willoughby shocked and distraught, and that she is now under police guard at her home. Kirby emphasized that the safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this and working with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation proceeds. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appeared on This Morning to wish Willoughby well. Im so sorry to hear everything going on with Holly, he said during the appearance. I just want to send my best to her and her family. 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. Louisiana officials said Thursday that efforts to slow the push of salt water upstream in the Mississippi River are helping to buy additional weeks before drinking water supplies in and around New Orleans could be contaminated by the saltwater intrusion. The New Orleans District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initially projected that salt water creeping inland from the Gulf of Mexico could reach water intake facilities in New Orleans later this month, but officials now say those projected timelines have improved, likely keeping the city in the clear until late November. Excess salinity in drinking water is dangerous for public health because it can cause elevated sodium levels in the body, which increases blood pressure. In a bid to delay the encroaching salt water, the Army Corps has been working to heighten an underwater barrier that was first constructed in July. Col. Cullen Jones of the Army Corps said Thursday that the underwater levee will act as a speed bump, helping to slow or stall the salt water as it creeps upriver. Still, some communities south of New Orleans are expected to see impacts to municipal water systems in the coming weeks. Officials said expansion of the barrier, known as a sill, is more than 60% complete. That work is projected to wrap up by Oct. 12, just one day before salt water is expected to reach water intake facilities in Belle Chasse, just southeast of New Orleans. The communities of Dalcour and St. Bernard are forecast to become inundated on Oct. 17 and Oct. 28, respectively. Around 2,000 residents in Plaquemines Parish have been relying on bottled water since June, after salt water infiltrated the areas drinking water supplies. Generally, we will still see impacts to both Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parish in the month of October, Jones said, but we also see delayed impacts to the Algiers and Gretna facilities in late November. Emergency officials at the local, state and federal levels have been preparing for a possible drinking water crisis by securing millions of gallons of water that will be barged into communities to dilute local water systems back to safe levels, if needed. Reverse osmosis systems are being installed at certain water intake facilities, and officials in Jefferson Parish, which includes the cities of Gretna and Kenner, are building a pipeline to transport fresh water from further upriver to one of the areas treatment plants. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Alexander Lukashenko , self-proclaimed President of Belarus, has claimed that the country will have "everything necessary" to wage a modern war within about a year. Source: Belarusian regime-aligned news agency BelTA, citing Lukashenko's remarks during his visit to the country's Brest Oblast Quote: "We have fully absorbed the experience of modern warfare. By the middle of next year we will have everything we need in full: communications, reconnaissance, unmanned aerial vehicles, including strike drones, reactive armor. ... But we will do it actively while defending. In order to launch an offensive at any moment if necessary." Details: Meanwhile, Lukashenko pointed to the possibility of using nuclear weapons to inflict "unacceptable damage" on the adversary. Quote: "We are not talking about the more powerful weapons that we now have in order to demonstrate our might and inflict unacceptable damage on the adversary [if Belarus is attacked]. We will not buy thousands of tanks but we can always inflict unacceptable damage. In other words, before attacking Belarus the adversary will have to think about the response that will be unacceptable for them." Background: On 22 July, the US Defense Intelligence Agency stated that there was "no reason to doubt" that Russia had indeed deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, as Russian President Vladimir Putin had claimed. Meanwhile, Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence, believes that Belarus cannot use nuclear weapons. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! U.K.-based Lyca Mobile has confirmed intruders accessed customers personal information after breaking into its systems. Lyca Mobile, the London-headquartered mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that piggybacks off network operator EEs infrastructure, said earlier this week that it had been the target of a cyberattack which caused widespread disruption for millions of its customers, except those based in the United States, Australia, Ukraine and Tunisia. In an update published on Friday, Lyca Mobile said that it first detected the incident on September 30 and took immediate action to contain the incident, such as isolating and shutting down compromised systems. Despite this, the company said that attackers have accessed at least some of the personal information held in our system. While Lyca Mobile didnt say what kinds of data was stolen, the company said that it holds customer information including names, dates of birth, addresses, copies of identity documents such as copies of passports or identity cards as well as customer service interactions, and some payment card information, including the last four digits of customers credit card numbers. Lyca also suggested that customer passwords may have been compromised during the incident. Lyca said it encrypts data in-transit and at-rest, including passwords. When asked by TechCrunch, the company declined to comment on what type of encryption it uses. It's not yet known if the intruders accessed or stole the company's encryption keys. Lyca Mobile has not said how many customers were affected by the incident. The company, which claims to be the world's largest MVNO, says it has more than 16 million customers globally. Lyca has also yet to confirm how it was compromised or the nature of the security incident, though the companys confirmation of data theft suggests the incident could be linked to ransomware. Lyca Mobile spokesperson Cara Whitehouse declined to comment when reached by TechCrunch on Friday as the company is "still working with forensic investigators to assess the full impact on our systems." While much of the disruption caused by the cyberattack has been resolved, such as making national and international calls, Lyca Mobile said on Friday that it is currently unable to provide users with port authorization codes, which allow customers to transfer their phone numbers between cell networks. Lyca told TechCrunch earlier this week that customers in some markets remain unable to top-up their balances online. Lyca Mobile previously told TechCrunch that it notified the U.K.'s Information Commissioner's Office of the incident. ICO spokesperson Adele Burns said Lyca "has made us aware of an incident and we are assessing the information. Updated with comment from the ICO. Mambo Sauce Is At McDonalds And Culinary Professionals Are Explaining Why It Is A Community Staple | Photo: McDonald's The Black communities in Washington, D.C. and Chicago have deeply expressed their love for the famed Mambo sauce. Now, McDonalds is bringing the well-known condiment to restaurants nationwide for a limited time and has released a documentary to celebrate its cultural history. The fast-food chain partnered with Black business owners, entrepreneurs and personal chefs for a short film, The Love of Mambo. In the documentary, several culinary professionals shared their stories and how they managed to keep Mambo sauce a staple in the community. The project features four culinary creatives who keep Mambo sauce at the forefront of their brands: Arsha Jones, owner of the popular brand Capital City; Jermaine Smith, co-owner of Henrys Soul Cafe (Washington, D.C); Anthony Thomas, personal chef and author (Washington, D.C) and Tina Gray, personal chef and owner of Whats On The Menu? (Chicago). The Love of Mambo is available on McDonalds official YouTube channel. In late September, McDonalds announced it would launch two new dipping sauces, Mambo sauce and Sweet and Spicy Jam, on Oct. 9. Mambo sauce is a tomato-based, sweet, spicy and vinegary dipping sauce created in the 1960s for those unfamiliar with the cultural staple. Since then, it has become a well-known additive to cultural dishes. Would you try McDonalds new Mambos sauce? Watch the four-minute film below. (NEXSTAR) An alleged pickpocket who was accidentally mummified by a mortician experimenting with an embalming technique 128 years ago will finally be buried this weekend in Pennsylvania. His identity will also be revealed. The man has been on display at the Auman Funeral Home in Reading for more than a century. Workers there nicknamed him Stoneman Willie. He died of kidney failure in a Berks County jail on Nov. 19, 1895, according to the funeral homes current director, Kyle Blankenbiller. Wildlife expert struck by lightning while filming in Florida Blankenbiller explained that Stoneman Willie provided a fake name when he was arrested for petty theft and that his relatives could not be located following his death. The funeral homes original owner, Theodore Auman, used an experimental embalming concoction to preserve his body, hoping that his family would eventually surface. He basically began to mummify almost instantly. Within six months to a year, he had completely mummified. Almost turned to stone thats pretty much where the name Stoneman evolved, Blankenbiller said in a phone interview, adding that the chemical mixture applied to his body exploded his tissues because of the strength of the fluid. Over the years, schools and even churches have organized field trips to see the preserved corpse. A mummy has been on display at the Auman Funeral Home in Reading, Penn., for more than a century. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Blankenbiller/Auman Funeral Home) The original owner of Auman Funeral Home, Theodore C. Auman, is pictured here. (Kyle Blankenbiller/Auman Funeral Home) This photo shows the first Theo. C. Auman Funeral Home on North 3rd St., in Reading, Penn. (Kyle Blankenbiller/Auman Funeral Home) This photo shows the present-day Theo. C. Auman Funeral Home in Reading, Penn. (Kyle Blankenbiller/Auman Funeral Home) In honor of his upcoming burial, the funeral home redressed him in 19th-century garb, including a black suit, bow tie and bright red sash. Photos show that his hair and teeth are still intact. He is so endeared in the local community and certainly with our employees, said Blankenbiller. We never refer to him as a mummy. Hes just our friend Willie. While a local icon in Reading, Stoneman Willie has garnered even more attention since the funeral home announced it would be finally laying him to rest on Saturday. Blankenbiller estimates more than 600 people have visited the funeral home this week alone to pay their respects. Dunkin unveils 6-foot inflatable spider donut just in time for spooky season The funeral home wanted to bury him in 2020, but the pandemic upended their plans. This gave Blankenbiller and his team more time to nail down Stoneman Willies identity. They frequented the Berks History Center, dug through archives, and met with local historians to learn more about his past which has been shrouded in mystery. They eventually discovered he had Irish roots and came from an affluent family, according to Blankenbiller, who is now 99% certain of Stoneman Willies real name. That 1% we let out just in the hopes that one of his family members might step forward and recognize him as a great-great-uncle or something like that. I dont foresee that happening, said Blankenbiller. Wed be shocked, absolutely shocked, if somebody stepped forward. The Reading Eagle reported that a motorcycle-drawn hearse containing Stoneman Willie was a part of the towns 275th-anniversary parade this past Sunday. The funeral home will hold an official ceremony on Saturday and reveal his name on a tombstone at his burial site. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Stoneman Willie will be laid to rest after 128 years (Reuters) A man who was accidentally mummified in Pennsylvania will finally be laid to rest after 128 years. The mummified body has been on display inside Aumans Funeral Home in Reading, Pennsylvania, where the mystery man was only known to locals by the moniker Stoneman Willie. Now, after several decades of historical research, Stoneman Willies identity will finally be revealed, ABC 7 reported. Kyle Blankenbiller, the funeral homes director, told the station that he can now have a proper memorial service and be laid to rest with a name on his tombstone. Hes just been such an icon to our funeral home and a legend, Mr Blankenbiller said. We always greet his casket Hey Willie, when we pass it. According to historical records found by the funeral home, the man had given a fake name when he was booked into a jail in Pennsylvania for pickpocketing, Reuters reported. He was arrested hiding under a bed at a boardinghouse with stolen items and was booked under the alias James Penn, according to The Washington Post. However, he died of kidney failure inside the jail and no family members claimed his body. The only known identifiers of the mysterious man were that he was 37, had a moustache and possibly had roots in Ireland and New York City, the New York Post reported. The funeral director explained that Stoneman Willie was accidentally mummified through the use of embalming techniques. Stoneman Willie (Reuters) He said that T.C. Auman, the funeral homes original owner, was embalming the man with unexplored techniques, which prevented his body from completely decomposing. The corpse preserved his hair, teeth and flesh, with his skin discolouring and turning into a copper colour, Mr Blankenbiller explained. Auman supposedly did this to keep the body intact for long enough for someone to come and identify him but no one ever did. Mr Auman would petition the state and retain the right to keep him here on the basis to monitor the experiment, Mr Blankenbiller said, explaining how these petitions were granted up until the 1950s when the state said the body could remain at the funeral home without an end date. Stoneman Willies mummified body was dressed in a dark suit and bowtie with a red sash across its chest and put on display in the funeral home. He has had many visitors over the years, from school trips to local residents and tourists. The funeral home staff said they will miss the familiar face they saw daily when they came to work (Reuters) Several decades ago, the funeral home managed to whittle his identity down to three potentials as workers tried to give a name to the corpse they considered a friend. It took another 10 years for the funeral staff to find his true identity, after countless hours of historical research and cross referencing of sources. Now, after almost 13 decades, the funeral home has found a name, which will be revealed on his tombstone when he is buried and laid to rest over the weekend. It felt good to finally find his identity, he said. We all did it together. According to ABC7, the funeral home has been holding special opening hours for people to come visit Stoneman Willie one last time before his burial on Saturday. Stoneman Willies coffin was driven by a hearse as part of Readings 275th anniversary parade (Reuters) Stoneman Willie also had one final outing on 1 October when his corpse was driven in a motorcycle hearse as part of Readings 275th anniversary parade celebrations. Mr Blankbiller said that the official funeral will be held on Saturday, including a police escort and a service at the graveyard in Forest Hills Memorial Park where his name will be revealed on the tombstone before his burial. This was not going to be a sideshow. This was not going to be a freak show. This is going to be honourable and memorable for him, he said. Hes been gawked at enough as some sort of sideshow. We dont see him as that. The funeral home will miss the familiar face of Stoneman Willie who has been part of their lives for such a long time. Mr Blankenbiller said: Our employees never refer to him as a mummy. Hes our friend Willie. A man accused of causing a crash that killed one and injured two others has been formally charged. Cristian Jesus Villajuarez-Castillio, 20, of Middletown was indicted by a Montgomery County Grand Jury on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. On Aug. 5 German Township police were called to a head-on crash on State Route 4 between Eby Road and Butler County Line. The driver of one of the cars, later identified as 24-year-old Kelsey Slivinski, died from her injuries. Slivinksis 9-year-old son and a passenger in the car were also injured in the crash. >> RELATED: [It] just wasnt fair; I want justice, Sister of woman killed in German Twp. crash says Prosecutors said evidence and eyewitness accounts allegedly showed that Castillio was driving erratically before the crash. An investigation also revealed he had no drivers license, was driving over 80 miles per hour and was also found to be living in the United States illegally, prosecutors said. News Center 7 previously spoke to Slivinksis sister, Kaley, who said she wants justice for her sister. I want him to spend the rest of his life in prison. My sister was 24. She has a son. She had a whole life ahead of her. . . . If I cannot get justice, I will never rely on the system ever again. Thats my biggest fear, She said. Castillio is in custody of the Montgomery County Jail on a $500,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arranged Oct. 12. A second person was arrested in connection with the killing of a man at a birthday party in 2017, Connecticut officials say. Jamell Evans, 30, of New Britain, was arrested following a joint cold case investigation by the chief state attorneys office, the New Britain states attorney office and the New Britain Police Department, according to a Oct. 5 news release from the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice. He is charged with murder in connection with the killing of 32-year-old Gabriel Bebo Pereira in New Britain, officials say. New Britain police received several reports of shots fired at night on Aug. 1, 2017. Pereira, who was attending a birthday party in the area, stepped outside and was shot in the head, officials said. When police arrived, they found Pereira lying near the porch, surrounded by family trying to help him, officials said. He was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. The case had gone cold in recent years with no arrests made in the immediate aftermath of Pereiras death, but the chief state attorneys cold case unit continued to work on it. Investigators relied on tips, phone records, eyewitness interviews and close examination of video surveillance footage, officials said. The case also involved a grand jury investigation. After conducting their investigation, authorities arrested Evans, who was already in jail at Robinson Correctional Institutional on unrelated criminal charges, officials said. In late September, officials announced the arrest of 30-year-old Michael Coleman, of Middletown, who was the first to be charged with murder in connection with Pereiras death. His bond was set at $5 million, officials said in a Sept. 22 release. Evans bond has been set at $3 million, officials said. New Britain is about 10 miles southwest of Hartford. 3-year-old killed on Christmas, Maine police say. Now moms ex-boyfriend arrested Woman opens fire in police station lobby, but bulletproof glass intervenes, cops say 14-year-old kills brother, makes hit list for other family members, Alabama cops say MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. - A man was arrested in Manatee County on Thursday for pointing a laser at an airplane that was flying into the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), according to the sheriff's office. According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, their Aviation Unit overheard air traffic control from SRQ Airport at around 9:30 p.m. radioing about an incoming aircraft being struck with a green laser light. READ: Man arrested, charged with 2nd degree murder in St. Pete shooting: Police The radio indicated that the source of the laser came from an area near Lakewood Ranch High School. While the Sheriff's helicopter was responding to the report near Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, an additional call came in regarding a citizen being struck by the laser. As deputies arrived on the scene, the suspect pointed the laser at a deputy's patrol vehicle. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on the suspect's vehicle, but he refused to exit. Deputies can be seen on video approaching the suspect, Nicholas S. Clayton, 35, with guns drawn, before pulling him out of the SUV and forcing him onto the ground. "They become disoriented. They're operating an aircraft in the air," shared Randy Warren, a Manatee Sheriff's Office spokesperson, describing what happens to a pilot who get hit by a laser. "The potential for a catastrophic incident is there, and we're just thankful that it hasn't come to that. When we see it, and we can find the person doing it, we're going to make an arrest." Photo courtesy: Manatee County Sheriff's Office Clayton, who told deputies he was from South Carolina, was charged with pointing a laser at a driver/pilot and resisting arrest. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department arrested a 57-year-old man in connection with a tenants rights protest in Boyle Heights where police and protestors clashed, leaving several officers injured, officials announced Thursday. The organized march happened on Oct. 1 at Hollenbeck Park where thousands of tenants campaigning against a proposed 9% rent increase in rent-controlled apartments gathered. According to police, several members of the group were engaging in criminal conduct requiring officers to intervene. As Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck officers attempted to initiate the arrest for the criminal activity, several members of the crowd engaged in a violent altercation with officers attempting to free the individual under arrest, an LAPD news release stated. Man arrested after protestors clash with police Authorities claim that the primary suspect in the scuffle, later identified as Gustavo Otzoy, forcibly removed both personal and department property from a uniformed officer and during the chaos of the incident was able to escape arrest. LAPD also released an image taken from an officers body-worn camera that they say shows the 57-year-old grabbing the officer, though neither the suspects nor the officers face are in the photograph. Man arrested after protestors clash with police Otzoy was arrested on Oct. 3 for robbery. Authorities did not provide details about any additional evidence that may link the suspect to the photograph, nor did they say if the officers property was discovered in his possession. The 57-year-olds bail was set at $50,000 and he remains in custody. The actions by members of the crowd to disrupt the arrest resulted in injuries to seven different officers, the release added. On Oct. 5, the L.A. County District Attorneys Office charged Otzoy with one count of felony resisting arrest. LAPDs Major Crime Division is continuing to investigate additional crimes related to the incident. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A cop masquerading as the father of a 13-year-old was presented with a disturbing arrangement when a man offered to teach the girl sex acts, according to the Marion County Sheriffs Office in North Florida. The resulting search warrant led to Richard Heaton, 47, being charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Investigators say the Silver Springs resident implicated himself when he responded to an undercover ad on social media. Heaton corresponded with a law enforcement officer who was pretending to be the father of a 13-year-old girl, the sheriffs office said. Heaton offered to teach the presumed 13-year-old girl about a variety of sexual acts and said he would provide this service without charge, but that he would take photos and videos of her for his private collection. Homeland Security Investigations initially handled the case and established Heatons identity and home address in a Silver Springs duplex, officials said. A search of the home was conducted Oct. 4, and a forensic extraction of Heatons laptop and cell phone discovered a large collection of files that depicted child sexual abuse material, the sheriffs office said. Due to the nature of these crimes and Heatons conversations with the undercover HSI agent, Detective (Chase) King believes it is possible that (Heaton) may have had similar contact with children before, the sheriffs office said. MCSO is asking for anyone who has had this sort of contact with Heaton to contact Detective King at (352) 368-3586. Silver Springs is 85 miles northwest of Orlando. Boy was in room as mom had drug-fueled sex with 2 men and one died, Florida cops say Mom accused of strangling her 13-year-old son to death in bed, Florida sheriff says Angry parents confront man inappropriately touching kids at beach, Florida cops say FILE - Television presenter Holly Willoughby poses for photographers upon arrival for the Pride of Britain Awards at a central London hotel, on Oct. 29, 2018. A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby, one of Britain's most high-profile television personalities. In a statement Friday, Essex Police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday and is due to appear at in court in Chelmsford, east of London, later Friday. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP, File) LONDON (AP) A 36-year-old man was ordered to remain in custody after appearing in court on Friday in connection with an alleged plot to kidnap and murder Holly Willoughby , one of Britain's most high-profile television personalities. Gavin Plumb, a shopping center security officer, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, around 40 miles (65 kilometers) east of London, where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and where he worked. He is charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to commit murder, and incitement to commit a kidnapping between Oct. 2 and 5 in Harlow, Essex. The other man was due to arrive in the U.K. next week from the U.S., the court heard. Plumb is due to appear at a plea hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Nov. 3. Earlier, Essex Police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday "on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. Willoughby, who presents the ITV networks flagship daytime program This Morning and Dancing on Ice during the early months of the year, has been off air since Thursday. Im so sorry to hear everything going on with Holly," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said while appearing on This Morning on Friday. "I just want to send my best to her and her family. Her colleague, Lorraine Kelly, also addressed the story on Fridays episode of her own program, saying it was very, very upsetting. ITV is providing around-the-clock security at the 42-year-old's home alongside the police. This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at 'This Morning' and ITV," an ITV spokesperson said. "We are providing all of the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time. Silvia Silvia "Kelly" Vaca Abacay, 40, reportedly leaves behind two children and a husband. A Virginia man accused of fatally stabbing and then burning the body of a woman who was staying in his ex-girlfriends apartment was found guilty of murder and arson on Thursday. Richard Montano, 48, killed 40-year-old Silvia Kelly Vaca Abacay in August 2022, the Fairfax County Sheriffs Office said in a statement to HuffPost. Abacay had been staying in the apartment of Montanos ex-girlfriend Fatima Via Rojas in Falls Church, Virginia. According to The Washington Post, Montano and Via Rojas were in an abusive relationship for eight years before she broke up with him days before the murder. During Montanos trial, Via Rojas testified that he had physically assaulted her in the past. Every time I would break up with him, he would always look for me, Via Rojas told the jury, according to the Post. He would always find me, buying me flowers and taking me to dinner. He would always convince me to go back to him. Via Rojas said that Montano kept showing up at her apartment after their 2022 breakup, even though she blocked his number, and said police advised her to send him one more message to leave her alone, the Post reported. Neighbors Ring doorbell camera footage shown at trial revealed that Montano had entered his ex-girlfriends apartment several times in the previous months without her knowledge, according to prosecutors. Montanos defense attorney, meanwhile, argued that prosecutors hadnt proven the man in the video was Montano or that he killed Vaca Abacay, according to the Post. Prosecutors said Montano entered the apartment that day to kill his ex-girlfriend but found Vaca Abacay and mistakenly killed her instead. In closing arguments, prosecutors said Montano killed the wrong woman and then tried to cover up the crime with a fire, NBC Washington reported. The body was so burned that the medical examiner wasnt even able to ... accurately count how many wounds Sylvia had. Thats the level of violence we saw in this case, prosecutor Steve Descano said, WUSA9 reported. According to the outlet, neighbors called 911 shortly after they heard screaming and banging coming from the apartment. Prosecutors said investigators found Vaca Abacays burned body packed with clothes around it to accelerate the blaze, according to the Post. He used her own clothing to burn her, one prosecutor said. In a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by close friends after her death, Vaca Abacay was described as a devoted mother and loving wife. Kelly was friendly and full of joy, and always there to help others. She was loved by so many, and will be deeply missed, the fundraising page stated. Her family and friends are heartbroken at their loss. Montano will be sentenced on Jan. 19, 2024, and faces up to life in prison. Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Related... The city of Seattle has agreed to pay out nearly $2 million over the death of 48-year-old William Yurek, a father of four who may have survived a heart attack were it not for the city's mismanaged system that blocked first responders from saving him, The Seattle Times reports. If you were to have a medical emergency, at your home or anywhere, the general logic stands to reason that after dialing 911, medics would begin to treat you upon their arrival on the premises. For Yurek, however, this wasn't the case. In November 2021, according to the Seattle Times, the 48-year-old suffered a heart attack in his home, prompting his then-13-year-old son to call 911. Seattle Fire Department medics arrived quickly, but abstained from entering the family's home for a full thirteen minutes after their arrival all because Yurek was wrongfully "blacklisted" by the city as a potential threat to law enforcement and fire department crews, as the family's lawsuit alleged. In short, it's a horrifying tale of how hidden systems can affect real people's lives in terrible and even fatal ways. Seattle's blacklist system is real, and is also both flawed and outdated. The city basically just flags certain names and addresses on grounds that whoever lives at a given address has a history of hostility towards police and other officials; if a medical unit happens to be called to an address on that list, it's required to wait until law enforcement arrives to escort the team into the property. But according to the lawsuit, Yurek who the family's attorney told The Associated Press would have had a 25 percent chance of survival if he'd received immediate care wasn't supposed to be on the city's blacklist. A resident of the apartment complex where he died for roughly a decade, the father had moved his family into a new unit a few years prior to his death. The previous owner of that unit had been on the blacklist, which as the family successfully argued in court, was never properly updated, leading the city to believe that Yurek presented some kind of threat. While the medics stalled outside the home, per the Seattle Times, Yurek's young son called 911 a second time and was allegedly told that help was still on the way, when in fact the responders were already there. (It was also reportedly alleged in the suit that the dispatcher failed to inform the 13-year-old to start chest compressions.) According to the report, the medics ultimately broke protocol, entering the apartment and attempting to revive Yurek before a police escort arrived. At that point, though, it was too late. "Once inside, medics did everything they could to save Will's life," Mark Lindquist, the family's lawyer, said in a statement, according to the Seattle Times. "The family has always been grateful to the medics who broke protocol to go in and do their best." It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Seattle's blacklist has forced the city to cash out. In August, the city paid a sizeable settlement to a former 911 call center operator who claimed they were unfairly penalized for calling attention to the failures of the system. In the wake of the Yurek family's settlement, the city has promised to have made some changes to the blacklist system, with a spokesperson for the city's attorney's office reportedly telling the Seattle Times in an email that "caution notes" are now removed from an address if a blacklisted occupant moves. These "notes," as the office is apparently calling them, will also expire after 365 days and will go under review thereafter. And, they said, every time someone calls from a blacklisted address, the 911 office will verify whether the tenant should really be blacklisted or not, although it's unclear how this so-called verification process might actually work. At face value, these are mostly positive steps, and the family's attorney did express some relief with the promised measures. "The family was looking for two things here," Lindquist added in his statement. "One was justice and the second was changes in this list so that this didnt happen to anyone else." Still, the system, at large, remains a bureaucratic nightmare. Seattle is a large city, and maintaining this vast and incredibly consequential dataset in a responsible way will require serious personpower, especially considering how often some renters move around. Doing better is not only important, but essential. More on medical failures: Shocker: Pharma Companies Are Behind the Adderall Shortage, Feds Say A 38-year-old man died Thursday night from an apparent medical issue while in Columbus police custody, authorities said. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the deceased as Leroy Strong Jr., who died in the emergency room at Piedmont Columbus Regional hospital. Bryan did not have Strongs time of death. He said Strongs body has been sent for an autopsy. Strong repeatedly went into cardiac arrest, while in custody, and investigators suspect his symptoms resulted from drug ingestion. Blood toxicology tests should shed more light on Strongs cause of death, he said. The Columbus Police Department sent this statement out Friday night: We are aware of an incident ... involving two Columbus Police Department Officers and an individual placed into custody who later passed away after being transported to the hospital. The Mayor will have further comments at the conclusion of the investigation. This investigation is being conducted with the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. A California man has been jailed for almost two years and ordered to pay over $40,000 after groping a sleeping woman who sat next to him on a plane. Mohammad Jawad Ansari, 50, was caught touching the unknown woman by other passengers, then pretended to be asleep for the remainder of the flight. He was found guilty of one count of abusive sexual contact following the incident, which occurred on a flight from Cleveland to Los Angeles in February 2020. Shortly after takeoff, the female passenger sitting next to Ansaro, who was wearing a dress, fell asleep. The armrest separating the pair was down. According to the US attorneys office, at some point during the flight to Los Angeles, Ansari placed his left hand on the victims right knee and, without the victims consent, moved his hand to her inner thigh. The person sitting in the aisle seat next to the victim witnessed his hand touching the victims inner thigh. The victim woke up, pushed Ansaris hand away, left her seat, and informed a flight attendant about what had happened. The flight attendants observed Ansari during the remainder of the flight and believed he was pretending to sleep. Ansari, from Diamond Bar, California, was found guilty after a four-day jury trial on 9 May 2023. He was sentenced on Thursday to 21 months in federal prison as well as the fine. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. In the sentencing memorandum, prosecutors argued that the offence had caused immediate and long-lasting harm to the victim who, they said, sobbed for the remainder of the flight. The US attorneys office said the victim now struggles to fall asleep on flights for fear that she will be touched by strangers. Ansaris attorney, Caleb Mason, said that they plan to appeal his conviction, according to NBC News. Deputies are searching for a man who they say was involved in a train crash. Haralson County sheriff officials told Channel 2 Action News early Friday that deputies received reports of a truck being hit by a train near Nitra Road. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the investigation, a man was seen running from the truck before the train hit it. Deputies confirmed no one was inside the truck at the time of the crash. Authorities determined that the truck was a City of Villa Rica vehicle that was reported stolen. TRENDING STORIES: Deputies have not released the mans identity or a description of him. The investigation remains ongoing. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A California man previously convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child is going back to prison on more charges related to child sexual abuse, authorities said. Ron Kuhlmeyer, of Santa Rosa, ran a website that distributed stories of child rape, murder, torture and sexual abuse, according to an Oct. 5 news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Some of the stories also included lifelike computer-generated photos of kids being sexually abused, prosecutors said. In June, the 65-year-old man pleaded guilty in Texas to five counts of importation or transportation of obscene matters and one count of distributing obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children, records show. Now, Kuhlmeyer has been sentenced to 33 years and nine months in prison, according to court records filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. His defense attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on Oct. 6. Authorities said the website, ran from the Central American country Belize, shared stories of child sexual abuse around the globe. Kuhlmeyer wrote many of the stories himself but also published the works of other offenders, including stories that had been previously published on Mr. Double, another website dedicated to publishing writings that detail the sexual abuse of children, according to the release. Thomas Arthur, the owner of Mr. Double, was sentenced in June 2021 to 40 years in prison, prosecutors said. His site was taken down in 2019, authorities said. Kuhlmeyer served six years in a California prison after being convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child in Sonoma County in 2008, according to the release. Santa Rosa is about 55 miles north of San Francisco. If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom. Pastor sexually abused teen girl and threatened her not to tell, Oklahoma cops say Predators are using AI to sexually exploit children, FBI says. Heres what we know Man created deepfake porn of former classmates using their old photos, prosecutor says A man has been charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the ITV host Holly Willoughby. The 42-year-old was pulled from hosting This Morning on Thursday and Friday, and was under police guard at her home. Gavin Plumb, 36, is set to appear at Chelmsford magistrates court on Friday accused of soliciting to murder and kidnap Willoughby. He was arrested by police on Wednesday evening and officers allegedly found sinister messages threatening to kidnap and seriously harm the presenter. It is understood that police seized the suspects mobile phone and other digital devices, according to The Sun. The suspect, who is not known to Willoughby, was being held by Essex Police. The force said in a statement: A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. The arrest was made on Wednesday October 4. He is currently in custody. Officers were stationed outside the presenters London home on Friday, where she lives with her husband and three children. ITV colleagues send best wishes to Willoughby Police alerted This Morning executives to the alleged plot on Thursday morning, and Willoughby was informed shortly before the start that she had been pulled from going on air. She is said to be shocked and distraught by the incident. On Thursday, Alison Hammond replaced Willoughby on This Morning and co-hosted the show alongside Josie Gibson. Willoughby was still absent on Friday, with Dermot OLeary and Hammond hosting the programme. Alison Hammond replaced Willoughby Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appeared on This Morning on Friday and addressed Mrs Willoughbys situation. He said: Before we get going, I was going to say Im so sorry to hear about everything that is going on with Holly. I wanted to send my best to her and her family and to all of you. Dermot replied: Thank you, we appreciate that, and Alison added: And she will appreciate that as well. Lorraine Kelly, Willoughbys ITV colleague, addressed the incident on Friday, saying it was very, very upsetting. She added: Of course we are sending Holly all of our love and best wishes, that is a terrible thing to be having to go through for her and her family. Det Supt Rob Kirby said: This was an extremely fast paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges. The safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this and working with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation proceeds. The incident comes after Willoughby, who has presented This Morning since 2009, told viewers she had been left shaken, troubled, and let down in the wake of Phillip Schofields affair with a younger colleague earlier this year. She criticised her former co-host for not telling the truth regarding the scandal, which led to his resignation on May 26. Schofield also revealed he had lied about it when confronted by Willoughby. ITV later launched an investigation into This Morning amid allegations of its toxic culture. 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. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding a deadly shooting. Cherokee County Sheriff officials said on Tuesday at 11:24 a.m., deputies received reports of a person shot on Butterworth Road in Canton. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] When deputies arrived, they located a man in the driveway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities identified the man as 55-year-old Paul Miceli of Canton. While searching the home, deputies located a second man who had been shot. He was identified as 80-year-old Robert Aycock of Canton. Deputies said they found a firearm near Aycock. TRENDING STORIES: According to the investigation, Aycock, who was identified as Micelis father-in-law, shot Miceli in the driveway before he shot himself in the head. Aycock was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Thursday, deputies confirmed that Aycock died from his injuries. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] No further information regarding the shooting has been released. The motive remains under investigation. IN OTHER NEWS: The attack took place in a Manhattan Whole Foods on 6th Avenue before the suspect fled into the subway to strike another victim (Google Maps) A crazed attacker wielding a jagged bottle cut up three people in rampage that started in front of a Midtown Manhattan branch of Whole Foods, according to police. The unprovoked attacks started at 6.40pm outside a branch of the organic food chain on Sixth Avenue near Bryant Park when the suspect, Michael Howell, 33, allegedly hit a 23-year-old man with the bottle, according to the New York Post. The attacker then went into the store and up to the second floor, where he then struck a 49-year-old woman, police said. Both victims were left bloodied by cuts on their heads. He then fled the shop and ran into a train stopped at nearby subway station at 47th Street and 6th Avenue, where he bashed another woman, 55, in the head. The suspect was later arrested by police on 46th Street and was charged with three counts of felony assault. All three victims were taken to hospital and declared to be in stable condition. Another charge was imposed on Mr Howell when police found he had an open assault complaint from August when he allegedly punched someone on the subway on a southbound A train at near the Port Authority Bus Terminal, reports ABC 7. Police arrived at the scene after the suspect had hit two people on the head with a glass bottle (Getty Images) Mr Howell has a track record of criminality, which includes three incidents of petty theft all in August this year, when he allegedly stole merchandise from stores belonging to the TJ Maxx and Nordstrom chains as well as an intoxicated-driving arrest in 2014, the local outlet reports. Photos taken by the New York Post showed the first two victims being attended to by first responders. The outlet snapped a picture of Mr Howell, who was wearing a black hoodie, black trousers and glasses being escorted by police up the street. Police have yet to suggest any motives for the attacks. NEW YORK A frenzied man went on a wild, random assault spree outside a Midtown Whole Foods, striking three unsuspecting victims with a glass bottle, police said Friday. All three attacks were unprovoked, police said. Suspect Michael Howell, 33, was outside the Whole Foods at about 6:30 p.m. when he cracked a glass bottle over the head of a 49-year-old woman, cops said. He then struck a 22-year-old man in the face with the broken bottle before running off, police said. As cops were called to the scene, Howell made his way to the nearest train station and boarded a Bronx-bound D train, where he attacked a 55-year-old woman innocently sitting in a subway car, cops said. Cops investigating the earlier attack were flagged on the assault in transit and found Howell walking past W. 46th St. and Fifth Ave., about five blocks from where the attack took place, police said. He was taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of assault. EMS took Howells first two victims to Bellevue Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. The woman Howell attacked on the train was taken to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center also with minor injuries. Howells arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending Friday. His arrest comes hours after police in Brooklyn nabbed 18-year-old Brian Dowling for a vicious unprovoked attack against social justice advocate Ryan Carson. In a clash caught on surveillance video early Monday, Dowling charged Carson, screaming What are you looking at? before stabbing his 32-year-old victim to death, police said. Cops charged Dowling with murder. Maren Morris has expanded on her recently announced decision to exit the country music scene due to its part in the culture wars. I thought Id like to burn it to the ground and start over, she said of the genre in a 15 September interview with the Los Angeles Times. But its burning itself down without my help. The Middle singer posited that people who were misogynistic and racist and homophobic and transphobic had been empowered during the Donald Trump presidency, and this had resulted in a hyper-masculine branch of country music, which she called butt rock. In Wednesdays episode of The New York Times Popcast podcast, the singer-songwriter said she could not participate in the really toxic arms of country music in Nashville. I love living in Nashville, I have my family. Theres a reason why people come there from L.A. and New York to write with us. Its because we have amazing songwriters there. Thats not gonna change, Morris, 33, said. But, she added: I couldnt do this circus anymore feeling like l have to absorb and explain peoples bad behaviours and laugh it off. I just couldnt do that after 2020 particularly. Ive changed. A lot of things changed about me that year. She explained that leaving country music was a slight exaggeration; however, she certainly cant participate in a lot of it. She added that she has asked for her work to not be considered at country music award shows. Maren Morris (Getty Images for Elton John AIDS) On 15 September, Morris released the songs The Tree and Get the Hell Out of Here, the lyrics of which address her estrangement from the genre. I hung around longer than anyone should / Youve broken my heart more than anyone could, she sings in The Tree. Morris has been involved in a feud with fellow country artist Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany Kerr Aldean following transphobic comments they made in August last year. Aldean faced a storm of criticism in recent months over the music video for his recent single, Try That in a Small Town. The visuals feature alarmist news footage of violent clashes between demonstrators and police officers, petty crime and flag-burning. Critics called the song racist and a lynching anthem after learning that the music video was filmed outside the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, where 18-year-old Black teenager Henry Choate was lynched in 1927. The location was also the site of the Columbia race riot in 1946. Asked about the songs success in the charts, Morris said: People are streaming these songs out of spite. Its not out of true joy or love of the music. Its to own the libs. And thats so not what music is intended for. Music is supposed to be the voice of the oppressed the actual oppressed. And now its being used as this really toxic weapon in culture wars. A newly formed Marine force that deploys to Southeast Asia for long chunks of time has headed to the Philippines as the United States is bolstering its relationship with the strategically located ally. Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia began its second rotational deployment Sept. 26 and is participating in the largest-yet iteration of the multilateral Sama Sama exercise, according to Marine Corps and Navy news releases. Unlike a larger Marine expeditionary unit, the rotational force consists of nearly 200 Marines and sailors, including a rifle platoon, joint terminal attack controllers, air and naval gunfire liaisons, explosive ordnance disposal Marines, and unmanned aerial systems operators, among others, Marine spokesman Capt. Larry Boyd told Marine Corps Times. The structure makes the force easier to move, sustain, and scale up or down than an approximately 2,200-person Marine expeditionary unit, according to Boyd and a 2022 news release about the force. Positioning Marines forward in the Indo-Pacific is part of the Corps plan for countering a potential adversary as technologically adept as the Chinese military. The Marine rotational force is meant to train alongside allies and partners in Southeast Asia while also, according to a Marine Corps release, standing ready to support crisis or contingency response in the region. Gen. Eric Smith, the Marine commandant, said in an informal video message to the force Sept. 28 following a trip to the Indo-Pacific region, If you havent done a tour in the INDOPACOM, your career, your professional development? Not yet complete. You need to go. Its a great place to be. A spokesman for Smith later clarified to Task & Purpose that the commandants comments about the benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific didnt constitute a policy announcement. The Philippines is located along the South China Sea and south of Taiwan, the island that U.S. military leaders worry could be the site of a conflict with China. The Philippines itself has a fraught relationship with China over claims to waters in the South China Sea. On Wednesday, a Chinese coast guard ship came within 3 feet of colliding with a Philippine patrol ship it was trying to block in the South China Sea, in an alarming incident that intensified fears that territorial disputes in the waters could spark a larger crisis, The Associated Press reported. The Philippines on Friday strongly condemned the Chinese ships maneuvers near Second Thomas Shoal, which the Asian neighbors both claim and has been the scene of frequent confrontations. President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in February announced that the Philippines would allow U.S. forces access to additional bases in the country, and the Balikatan exercise in April involving the two countries was the biggest iteration yet of the annual exercise. A return to the Philippines The ongoing, Navy-focused Sama Sama which means together in Tagalog involves troops from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States, according to a Navy news release. After Sama Sama, the Marines now in Southeast Asia are slated to participate in a series of back-to-back exercises. That includes KAMANDAG, an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Philippine militaries, and exercises with the Royal Malaysian Navy and Indonesias Korps Marinir, according to Boyd. In the coming months, U.S. and allied forces will practice helicopter operations, naval operations, amphibious raids and defending coastline and hold live-fire exercises, according to the Marine release about the deployment. Subject-matter experts will exchange knowledge about topics including reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal, and cyber and drone operations. The inaugural deployment of Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia took place in fall 2022. The Marine Rotational Force Darwin, which began in 2012, is wrapping up its sixth-month deployment to Australia in October. That deployment was marked by tragedy in August when an MV-22 Osprey carrying 23 Marines crashed, killing three. In charge of the rotational force in Southeast Asia is Col. Tom Siverts, the commanding officer of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines and sailors in the rotational force hail from across I Marine Expeditionary Force, the Corps massive California-based force, according to Boyd. The rotational forces command and control is located on the United States West Coast, even though the force itself is positioned abroad. The distributed command and control fits into the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 initiative, which calls for more agile and less trackable units, by allowing for spread-out forces with smaller logistical requirements, according to the release about the deployment. Leading Marine Rotational Force - Southeast Asia while shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners, inside their respective command posts, provides a remarkable and dynamic vantage point, Siverts said in the release. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A burglar was caught on camera breaking into a Maryland storefront and stealing cellphones, police said. The Montgomery County Police Department released surveillance footage of the suspect breaking the glass window of a Silver Spring Metro by T-Mobile store Sept. 28 at approximately 2 a.m. Police say around 2 a.m. the suspect pictured in the video above forced entry into a Silver Spring, Md., business by breaking a front glass window, stole merchandise and left the store. In the footage, the unidentified suspect is seen using an object to break the glass into the storefront. Once the suspect gained entry, the suspect is seen immediately getting to work and smashing the phone displays before stealing the merchandise. BALTIMORE POLICE RELEASE VIDEO OF PERSONS OF INTEREST IN MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SHOOTING Law enforcement reviewed the footage and obtained a description of the suspect. Police described the suspect as a person of unknown race and gender wearing a black sling bag, a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County. Authorities are offering up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, Maryland, website at crimesolversmcmd.org , and click on the p3tips.com link at the top of the page. Original article source: Maryland smash-and-grab suspects caught on camera raiding cellphone storefront A masked man who allegedly carried out a deadly shooting spree in the south Kansas City area in early August is facing additional charges, according to a news release from the Jackson County Prosecutors Office. A Jackson County grand jury handed up a superseding indictment containing 14 more felony charges against the man in the Aug. 2 shootings that left one person dead, as well as a July 31 fatal shooting in Raytown, the news release said. Cameron Kejuan Lee Harper now faces two counts of first-degree murder, four counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of first-degree assault, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and eight counts of armed criminal action. In early August, the Jackson County Prosecutors Office announced three initial charges against Harper, one of which was second-degree murder, relating to the shooting spree on Aug. 2. At the time, prosecutors said the investigation was continuing. Black face mask with skull design The morning of Aug. 2, police responded to three shootings, including the first at around 8:20 a.m. near Ruskin Way and Sycamore Street in Kansas City. The victim had multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital. According to court documents, the suspect was described as wearing a black face mask with a skull design. Surveillance video revealed the suspect was driving a green Dodge Dakota with a lawnmower in the bed of the truck. Eight minutes later, police were called to a second shooting less than a mile away at Longview Road and Food Lane. Video showed that a similar truck stopped or slowed down by the victim and a witness reacted to the gunfire, according to court documents. At about 8:30 a.m., Grandview police responded to a fatal shooing in the 11900 block of Smalley Avenue, about a mile away. Officers found the victim in the drivers seat of a white Mazda 6, which was in the middle of the street with the engine still running and the gear in reverse. The car had struck the drivers side of a vehicle that was parked on the street. Although emergency medical aid was provided, the victim was declared dead shortly after. The victims car had four bullet holes in the windshield and seven in the drivers side window, according to court documents. Surveillance video from a nearby home showed a Dodge Dakota approach the victims house as the garage door opened. The victim was seen walking outside the garage as the truck pulled up in front of the driveway. With three shootings within roughly 15 minutes, police went on an emergency search for the suspect. At 10:20 a.m., Kansas City police asked for the publics help finding the suspect and released a photograph of his green Dodge Dakota truck. An hour later, the suspect was arrested. Truck tied to Raytown homicide But as court documents reveal, investigators also tied the suspects vehicle to an earlier homicide in July. Shortly after 8 p.m. on July 31, police responded to investigate a report that a man had been shot multiple times outside the Somerset Village apartments in the 9900 block of 60th Street in Raytown. There, officers found 26-year-old Christian Rodriguez of Raytown on the lawn outside one of the buildings. He had been shot. He was taken to a hospital where he died a few days later. Surveillance video from the area showed an older model green pickup truck with a lawnmower in the back, prosecutors said. The victims in the shootings have no connection to each other or to Harper, prosecutors said. The Scene The revolution was televised and streamed on Spaces, the live chat portal on X, which Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz kept joining to talk about ending Kevin McCarthy s speakership. What do people think is going on right now? Gaetz asked on a Tuesday night forum co-hosted by Elon Musk (Parody), with more than a million followers, and Not Jerome Powell, with nearly 380,000. Because Ive seen some criticism; Ive seen some people celebrate. I dont know that either of those are necessarily warranted. This is basically a clear-cut example of accountability, said Shawn Farash (147,000 followers), a Nashville-based commentator whod once shown his Donald Trump impression to Trump himself. A reporter named Nick Sorter (275,000 followers) asked if McCarthy had been too weak to keep the governing deal hed made with Gaetz and other rebels in January. I dont think he felt like he had to, said Gaetz. I think that once he entered the speakers office, the experience in January was insufficient to really change his thinking about the imperial speakership the speakership that he had dreamt about, and thought about, and legitimately worked very hard for, for 13 years. In traditional media, and the longest-lived conservative media, the first-ever removal of a House Speaker by his own party has been covered as a debacle. Fox News hosts have scornfully cross-examined the eight Republicans who sunk McCarthy; Do you feel good about your vote? anchor Brian Kilmeade asked Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett. But the vote that empowered Gaetz empowered the new conservative media, too, becoming the latest in a decade-long run of stories about Republican leaders underestimating their insurgents. On One America News, Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs condemned the uniparty of Democrats and Republicans whod funded the government without deep cuts; on Steve Bannons War Room, Biggs and other conservatives whod deposed McCarthy were saving the country from weak, unserious party leaders. Im hearing from my sources that Kevin McCarthy, and that team around him, personally held back oversight, Bannon told Gaetz and South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace on Wednesday, during a joint visit to his studio on Wednesday. This is the reason we dont have subpoenas. By Friday morning, reports had emerged that Fox News would host the major speaker candidates for a debate. The reaction was instantly negative from House Republicans, who were exhausted by the role the media was playing in their internal arguments. Candidates began dropping out, leading the network to cancel its event. But when it comes to McCarthys removal and the fate of his replacement Fox News may be the least of their problems. Davids view Conservative media is always skeptical of dealmaking with Democrats, to varying degrees. But the schism within conservative media over McCarthy also showed how even the fundamentals of running a party operation could be turned against its leaders. In the mainstream and older conservative media, McCarthys prolific fundraising he raked in more than $260 million to help Republicans win the House in 2022, including some of the members who ousted him was one of his chief strengths. Among the newer MAGA personalities, it was a source of deep suspicion and resentment. The latter ecosystem has grown in influence and audience since Elon Musks purchase of Twitter, which he renamed X; Laura Loomer, an activist banned from the site for much of the Trump presidency, was reinstated last year, and kept her nearly 600,000 followers informed of the donations McCarthy was routing to Republicans like Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert, implying that he was buying off support to keep his job. It doesnt take a seasoned political strategist to see that Kevin McCarthy is a liar, Loomer told Semafor. You have all these different podcasts, you have all these different independent publications, interviewing members of Congress and bypassing the mainstream media. Gaetz encouraged this perception that his opponents were bought off, telling booing Republicans on the House floor to keep showing up at the lobbyist fundraisers and see how that goes for you. He later tweeted that hed negotiate away his demand to let any member call a snap no-confidence vote on the speaker if they adopted a plan by California Congressman Ro Khanna to restrict money in politics and block stock trading by members. That Khanna is a progressive Democrat didnt matter Gaetzs followers were primed to recognize the establishment uniparty was the problem here, not partisan labels. After Gaetzs gambit against McCarthy succeeded, his many enemies inside the GOP conference went to mainstream media outlets to denounce him. Gaetz isnt allergic to that; Republicans have vented all week about outlets giving him so much time when they should be skeptical of what hes saying. You all know Matt Gaetz, McCarthy said, sourly, at the press conference where he confirmed that he wouldnt try to get the gavel back. But Gaetz and the rest of the GOPs rebels kept up a direct line of communication with conservative activists and influencers, who could not be mollified by McCarthy. Not by the impeachment inquiry, which Gaetz and Bannon agreed was set up to fail; not by the threat of retaliation, which they relished, after a 2022 cycle when Republicans whod defied Trump and voted to impeach him were nearly wiped out. (The two Republicans who voted for impeachment and remain in the House come from states with all-party primaries, not states where only GOP primary voters decide whos nominated.) Rep. Gaetz has always been more in tune with younger audiences, and good with social media, and he often hops on X Spaces with the public, said Alex Lorusso, who posts across different social media networks as ALX and was restored to Twitter/X last year after a lengthy ban. I would describe most of the online action as encouraging him to file the motion to vacate, rather than him having to build support Republicans will be doing next week what I believe they should have done from the beginning. Room for Disagreement Stu Stevens, an anti-Trump GOP strategist wholl publish The Conspiracy to End America next week, said that the media has followed the party as its moved in Trumps direction. The medium, old or new, mattered less than the political actors, and the voters who nominated them. Fox didnt want John McCain to win the primary. They didnt want Mitt Romney to win. They didnt want Trump to win, Stevens said. If Jeb Bush had won the primary in 2016, Fox News would have been behind him 100%. You saw this very starkly when we got the emails and text from inside Fox News in the Dominion lawsuit they were worried that they were losing market share to Newsmax. Notable In the New York Times, Annie Karni spends some quality time with Steve Bannon, whos capitalizing on the spectacle to build his own following and using his popular podcast to prop up and egg on the G.O.P. rebels. In the Washington Post, Paul Kane looks back at the compromises that cost McCarthy his job: He regularly forced swing-district Republicans, including 18 of whom hail from districts that favored Biden in 2000, to vote for legislation that had no chance of becoming law and, in some cases, still did not mollify the far right and lost on the House floor. Rep. Matt Gaetz , the Republican from Florida, speaks to reporters as he leaves the Capitol following the removal of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Getty Images) Republicans spent the week plotting potential retribution and attempting to further tarnish the reputation of Rep. Matt Gaetz after his successful rebellion against House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Though the majority of the GOP backed McCarthy, Gaetz's motion to vacate was successful in two votes Tuesday, angering Republicans in the House and elsewhere. Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican who represents the swing district around Omaha, fumed to reporters after the vote that "I'd love to have [Gaetz] out of the [House Republican Conference]," adding, "He shouldn't be in the GOP." Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, who became the first Republican in four decades to hold the position when chosen in 1995, also called on Gaetz to be expelled, writing in the Washington Post that "he is destroying the House GOP's ability to govern" and reluctantly agreeing with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Gaetz is simply violating the rules in the pursuit of personal attention and fundraising." Recommended reading from Yahoo News Some legislators suggested that Gaetz and the seven Republicans who voted along with him to oust McCarthy should all be kicked out of the caucus. I don't see how they can really be part of a conference when they come on the inside, listen to what is going on, and then going outside and lob bombs into the middle," Rep. Dave Joyce of Ohio, chairman of the Republican Governance Group, told CNN. "It's a waste of time having conversations with these people." If Republicans wanted to expel Gaetz from the conference, they could hold a GOP-only vote that excluded Democrats and would require two-thirds of their membership in order to pass. There is also the more extreme option to boot Gaetz from Congress entirely, which would require a two-third vote from the entire chamber. Salacious accusations Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) (CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag) Even if the Republicans don't go as far as formally holding a vote against their colleague, it hasn't stopped them from unloading on him. During a Wednesday interview with CNN, Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said that when he was a congressman "we had all seen the videos he was showing on the House floor of the girls that he had slept with," adding that Gaetz "would brag about how he would crush E.D. medicine and chase it with energy drinks so he could go all night. This was obviously before he got married." Mullin mentioned a Justice Department investigation into Gaetz over his alleged relationship with an underage girl. In February, the DOJ said it would not be filing charges. McCarthy said an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz was one of the reasons his speakership was targeted. "I dont think Markwayne Mullin and I have said 20 words to each other on the House floor," Gaetz said in a statement to CNN. "This is a lie from someone who doesn't know me and who is coping with the death of the political career of his friend Kevin. Thoughts and prayers." Marc Short, who served as chief of staff under Vice President Mike Pence, told CNN, "To say [Gaetz] came as a fiscal crusader, it's more likely he came here for the teenage interns on Capitol Hill, to be honest." Gaetz is not without allies within his party. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the conspiracy theorist from Georgia who had aligned herself closely with McCarthy, said a "Republican led effort to expel Matt Gaetz absolutely will not be tolerated by Republicans across the country. I can guarantee you that." The warning from Greene came after she voted twice to keep McCarthy in his position as speaker. The son of the former president of the Florida state Senate, Gaetz was first elected to the U.S. House in 2016 after three terms in the state Legislature. Representing the conservative First District that covers much of the Panhandle, Gaetz has won every general election by at least 30 points but could be challenged by a Republican in a primary. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas pushed back Thursday on reports that the Biden administrations acceleration of wall construction on the U.S.-Mexico border was a shift in its policies and stance on the wall. I want to address todays reporting relating to a border wall and be absolutely clear. There is no new Administration policy with respect to border walls, Mayorkas said in a statement. From day one, this Administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. That remains our position and our position has never wavered. The language in the Federal Register notice is being taken out of context and it does not signify any change in policy whatsoever. The Biden administration announced earlier Thursday that it would waive 26 federal restrictions and fast-track the construction of border wall in Texas. Republicans and Democrats alike criticized the decision following the announcement. Biden said legal restrictions forced his administration to use already-allocated funds on a border wall, which Mayorkas repeated. We have repeatedly asked Congress to rescind this money but it has not done so and we are compelled to follow the law, Mayorkas said. This Administration believes that effective border security requires a smarter and more comprehensive approach, including state-of the-art border surveillance technology and modernized ports of entry. We need Congress to give us the funds to implement these proven tools. In the announcement earlier Thursday, Mayorkas said the new border wall was needed. There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas, he said. The U.S. Border Patrol saw more than 245,000 people in the last fiscal year try to enter the United States in the Rio Grande Valley Sector, the Department of Homeland Security said, citing data from August. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The House is in uncharted territory after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted from his Speakership this week, leaving members trying to navigate a way forward amid the chaos. McCarthy was booted from the top spot in a 216-210 vote on Tuesday. The situation is unprecedented, leaving many wondering what comes next. Who is leading the House right now and what can they do? Immediately after McCarthys ouster on Tuesday, North Carolina GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry was declared the Houses acting Speaker, formally known as the House Speaker pro tempore. After being elected to the Speakership in January in a dramatic 15-ballot election, McCarthy created a list of members who could serve as acting Speaker in the case the role was left vacant. Per House rules, that list was exclusively shared with the Clerk of the House. McHenry, a close McCarthy ally, was picked from that list and will serve as Speaker pro tempore until the House elects a new Speaker. The House rules for a Speaker pro tem state the member in the role may exercise such authorities of the Office of Speaker as may be necessary and appropriate pending the election of a Speaker or Speaker pro tempore. Exactly what this means for the authority of the Speaker pro tempore is murky. Some argue the temporary Speaker is only able to preside over an election for the next Speaker. Others believe the acting Speaker has the same powers as an elected Speaker. Molly E. Reynolds, a senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, pointed out during a panel discussion Wednesday the requirement of the Speakers back-up list was designed in 2003, after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to ensure the Congress was well situated in the case of a mass incapacitating event. Because of the nature of the rules original intention, Reynolds said she is led to believe the Speaker pro tempores rule is not limited, while still noting its vagueness. But the language of the rule itself isnt entirely clear on what powers the Speaker pro tem has, whether its all of the powers of the office of the Speaker, or sort of just authorities that allow him to effectuate a new election for Speaker, Reynolds said. Is legislation at a standstill? The House is facing down a ticking clock to a Nov. 17 deadline to fund the government, having narrowly avoided a shutdown last weekend. And plenty of lawmakers are already expressing concern. Immediately after he was declared Speaker pro tempore, McHenry said the House would go into recess to allow Democrats and Republicans to meet separately and discuss the path forward. No votes are expected in the House for the rest of the week, though questions remain about whether McHenry can even refer bills to committee while in the temporary spot. McHenrys actions suggest he likely will not take up all the powers of the Speaker, which include bill referrals and votes. Reynolds suggested McHenrys choice to act in a more limited way could be because he has an eye toward precedent. When were in uncharted territory like we are right now, anything becomes possible precedent for the future, Reynolds said. When the precedents are silent, really any new precedent is something that can be pointed to in the future. Regardless of McHenrys powers, it is unlikely the House will work to pass the critical appropriations bills until a new House Speaker is elected. If Congress does not pass the remaining spending bills or another short-term spending measure, the government will shut down. When will a vote for a new Speaker take place? Republicans are expected to hold an internal candidate forum next Tuesday and an election on Wednesday. The internal election will be held via secret ballot and the nominee must receive a majority. Democrats will nominate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for Speaker. Then, a Speakers election will need to take place on the House floor, where the winner will need a majority vote no easy feat given the anger and divides within the majority party. In January, McCarthy needed a historic 15 ballots over four days to win the gavel. Democrats voted in lockstep for Jeffries while about GOP 20 holdouts demanded concessions before eventually casting their votes for McCarthy. Who could be the next Speaker? Before a vote can even occur, the Republican Party needs to coalesce around one candidate to elect as a nominee. Two Republican members threw their hat into the ring Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the Speaker was ousted, with more potential bids on the way. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) Scalise, the now-top-ranking House Republican and seemingly most obvious pick for the party, announced his bid Wednesday afternoon. He has the advantage of years of GOP leadership behind him, and is seen as more ideologically conservative than McCarthy was. Multiple members, including Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) have already thrown their support behind the Louisiana Republican. Multiple GOP sources told The Hill Scalise has been having conversations with members about his bid. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) Jordan is the chairman of the powerful and high-profile House Judiciary Committee and a founding chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. He is seen as likely to appeal to hard-line conservatives and has a national profile. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) have already endorsed Jordans bid. John Mark Hansen, a professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, told The Hill, defections on either side could prove problematic for Scalise or Jordans bids. I could image the extreme right wingers getting behind either Scalise or Jordan, both of whom have been sympathetic to their positions in the past, Hansen said. So I could see those guys getting on board but the question is, how many people do you lose in the middle? Other possible contenders: Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the House, is making calls to other Republicans before announcing a decision, a source familiar with his plans told The Hill. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) said Tuesday that he will nominate former President Trump for Speaker, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said Wednesday that she will support Trump. But while a Speaker does not need to be a member of the House, it is unlikely he would receive any serious backing. Other names floated include Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), chairman of the House Budget Committee. Emily Brooks contributed reporting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) would not say Friday who he supports in the race to replace him, but he did note that former President Trump would not be among those voting, despite his endorsement of Rep. Jim. Jordan (R-Ohio). Only members vote, McCarthy told reporters when asked for his opinion on Trump. I think the members can sit down and they can make the decision. Trump, who has been floated as a potential replacement for McCarthy after he was ousted from the role earlier this week, had said Thursday that he would step in as a temporary Speaker if necessary. While the Speaker does not technically need to be a member of Congress, current House rules would seemingly bar Trump from such a possibility due to his criminal indictments. Top Stories from The Hill The former president threw his support behind Jordan later Thursday night, giving the Ohio lawmaker a boost in his effort to win the gavel. Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) are seen as the top contenders for the job. He is a STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment. Jim, his wife, Polly, & family are outstanding He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement! Trump posted on Truth Social. Asked if either Scalise or Jordan had approached him for advice, McCarthy indicated that they had. Theyre both good friends, he told reporters. Ive talked to both of them. His comments come after rumors started swirling that the former Speaker was considering resigning from Congress. McCarthy, however, announced Friday that he did not intend to resign and would run for reelection in 2024. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) arrives to the Capitol on Friday, October 6, 2023. (Mattie Neretin) Im not resigning. I got a lot more work to do, he told reporters. Were gonna keep the majority, McCarthy added. Im going to help the people I got here and were going to expand it further. The California Republican was removed from the top House position Tuesday after a historic vote, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Gaetz was joined by seven other Republicans and all of the Democratic lawmakers present in passing the motion to vacate the Speakership. Following the ouster, McCarthy said he would not again run for the gavel, paving the way for Jordan and Scalise to jump into the fray. From the day I entered politics, my initial mission has always been to make tomorrow better than today. I fought for what I believe in, and I believe in this country of America, McCarthy said in a press conference. My goals have not changed. My ability to fight is just in a different form. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) is serving as the Speaker pro tempore, as the House scrambles to fill the role on a permanent basis. Mychael Schnell contributed reporting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Georgian Parliament proposed on Oct. 5 amending a law that would strengthen restrictions on protests and public gatherings, including setting up tents or stages for speakers. Although the text of the proposed law emphasized that it "is not a bill aimed at restricting gatherings and demonstrations," Caucasian news outlet Jam-News cited a number of sources that said the law is an attempt to clamp down on the right to free assembly. Sponsors of the bill alleged that the changes were necessary to prevent a "Ukrainian Euromaidan" type scenario, building upon a previously reported theory that Ukraine would try to assist in overthrowing the Georgian government sometime in Oct-Dec. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko strongly denied the allegations. The tent law was proposed by members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, under Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, which has been criticized as being pro-Russian. According to Jam-News, the bill has already been called "another Russian law," similar to the so-called "foreign agents law" which drew massive public backlash and demonstrations in March 2023 before it was ultimately withdrawn. A post on Instagram by the Georgian news outlet Formula.Ge indicated that protests against the tent law had already begun in front of the Georgian Parliament shortly after news of the proposed amendment became public. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 51 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A coalition of media outlets is pushing the judge overseeing the election interference case of former President Trump to allow cameras in the courtroom asking for an unprecedented shift in the federal court system. We have never, in the history of our Nation, had a federal criminal trial that warrants audiovisual access more than the federal prosecution of former President Trump for allegedly trying to subvert the will of the people, according to the application, which was filed Thursday and first reported Friday. The prosecution of a former president, now a presidential contender, on charges of subverting the electoral process, presents the strongest possible circumstances for continuous public oversight of the justice system. Trump is set to face trial March 4 on charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstructing the certification of the votes being carried out by Congress and a conspiracy against the right to vote and to have ones vote counted. The push was made by a number of news organizations, from The New York Times to Univision to the Associated Press. Media outlets face an uphill battle to get any cameras into a federal courtroom, and Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing Trumps federal prosecution in the Mar-a-Lago case, rejected similar calls in her Florida courtroom. Long-standing federal court precedent bars televising the hearings or recording them in any fashion. Some lawmakers have pushed for a change in federal court system rules that prohibit the practice, but such a process would likely take years. Still, the media coalition argues the courtroom rule rests on outdated and long disproven views about recording and broadcasting trials. The group argued advancements in technology have allowed broadcast without disruption, noting the extent to which many courtrooms turned to virtual appearances during the pandemic. The coalition also said broadcast would help the public understand the proceedings in such a high-stakes legal battle, helping to secure public confidence in the outcome of the case. Special counsel Jack Smiths team recently echoed similar concerns in asking for a narrow gag order in the case that would bar Trump from public attacks on witnesses, court personnel and even prosecutors, warning the comments could jeopardize the case and the publics acceptance of the jurys decision. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Court of Appeals in Nis, Serbia, confirmed an earlier refusal to extradite fugitive Andrii Naumov, the former head of the internal security department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), reported RF/ERL's Ukrainian service on Oct. 6. The move effectively closed the case, and pending any other unforeseen developments, prevented Naumov from being forced by Serbia to face trial in Ukraine. On Sept. 29, Naumov was convicted by the High Court of Nis on money laundering charges, a crime unrelated to the SBU case , and sentenced to a year in a Serbian prison. In Ukraine, Naumov is suspected of abuse of power in an official position, fraud, and causing losses to the state of more than Hr 3.2 million ($87,000). The suspect left the country on Feb. 23, 2022, just hours before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On Sept. 2., Justice Minister Denys Maliuska said on national television that Ukraine is working with European countries on extraditing corrupt officials who fled the country. Maliuska explained that the extradition process is complex due to European court systems and Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Read also: Oligarch Kolomoisky charged with money laundering, fraud Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be in New York City on Tuesday to host the Archewell Foundations first-ever in-person event, Parents Summit: Mental Wellness in a Digital Age, in conjunction with World Mental Health Day. The event, moderated by Carson Daly , is designed to give voice to families who are passionate about building a safer online world for children and teens, according to People, which first reported the couples plans. The conversation is set to feature Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, along with parents who have experienced tragic loss connected to their childs social media use. The discussion will be centered on how we as a community, both globally and locally, are developing solutions to empower families and uplift our collective mental well-being. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have previously spoken publicly about their own struggles with mental health. During a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey for Apple TV docuseries The Me You Cant See, Prince Harry explained his motivation for seeking help to confront his childhood traumas, particularly the death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was 12 years old. I saw GPs, I saw doctors, I saw therapists, I saw alternative therapists. I saw all sorts of people, but it was meeting and being with Meghan, he said of what pushed him to take his mental health seriously. I knew that if I didnt do the therapy and fix myself that I was going to lose this woman who I could see spending the rest of my life with. Meghan meanwhile revealed on her Archetypes podcast in 2022 one day after World Mental Health Day that year that her road to wellness began after she reached her worst point and Harry found her a referral for a mental health professional. Its for all of us to be really honest about what it is that you need and to not be afraid to make peace with that, to ask for [help], she said. Tuesdays mental wellness summit will mark the couples first time back in New York City since May, when Meghan was honored at the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards in Midtown Manhattan. The couple were swarmed by paparazzi as they were leaving the event, leading to a pursuit that Mayor Adams called reckless and irresponsible. A spokesperson for the pair summarized the incident as a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi. That incident was reminiscent to some of the 1997 Paris autocrash that killed Princess Diana, whose driver was fleeing aggressive photographers when his vehicle hit the base of an overpass at a high rate of speed. One of the most striking political u-turns of the Biden administration is underway. President Biden will, after all, build a section of border wall, it has emerged despite having at one time pledged that not another foot would be constructed. The dramatic news came in the undramatic shape of an announcement in the Federal Register on Thursday. The announcement noted that some laws and regulations would need to be waived to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads in the vicinity of the international land border in Starr County, Texas. The issue has acquired enormous symbolic heft since former President Trump made build the wall one of his signature slogans during the 2016 campaign. At the time, most Democrats recoiled in horror. Some of that reaction was rooted in Trumps rhetoric he infamously accused Mexico of sending rapists across the border in the speech that launched his first campaign while some of the opposition emphasized the fanciful pledge that Mexico would pay for the walls construction. Still, outright opposition to the wall, and the insistence that it would be ineffective, became a Democratic article of faith during those years. It has to be jarring for many liberals, then, to read the statement by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in the Federal Register, asserting that there is an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States. Trump wasted no time in gloating. As I have stated often, over thousands of years, there are only two things that have consistently worked, wheels, and walls! Will Joe Biden apologize to me and America for taking so long to get moving, and allowing our country to be flooded with 15 million illegals [sic] immigrants, from places unknown, Trump wrote on TruthSocial. I will await his apology! The White House is arguing that the shift is not so radical as it is being portrayed. The president continues to contend, even amid the change, that a border wall is not an effective way to handle the migrant crisis. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated during Thursdays press briefing that funding for the construction of the new stretch of wall dated back to a 2019 appropriations measure, under Trump. The Department of Homeland Security, Jean-Pierre added, is required by law to use the funds for [the] appropriated purpose. Thats what were seeing. Pressed on the issue further, Jean-Pierre told one reporter: We believe that a border wall is not effective. You heard that from the president when your colleagueasked him directly. He said we dont believe its effective. The issue of the appropriations is complicated, however. If that were the real core issue, for example, it would have seemed straightforward for the administration to have moved forward with wall construction already. Conversely, its not clear what sanction would be faced had the White House declined to use the funds in that way. In any event, the bigger picture is one in which Biden is now seen to be moving under pressure to toughen his image on border security. After a lull earlier this year when some new measures came into effect, encounters on the southern border have been rising sharply once again. The administration has come under pressure even from Democratic politicians to do more on the topic. The most prominent example is New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who recently claimed that the migrant crisis had the power to destroy his city. Immigration is also one of Bidens weakest issues, according to numerous opinion polls. A Washington Post-ABC News poll late last month, for example, showed a mere 23 percent of adults approving of the way he is handling the situation at the southern border. That rating was considerably lower than his overall approval rating of 37 percent. Still, the apparent embrace of one of Trumps most divisive policies whatever the caveats attached is drawing criticism from some prominent liberal voices. Beto ORourke, the former Texas congressman who went on to lose high-profile bids to become senator and governor, described the move on Twitter as impotent political posturing. ORourke also reiterated the long-standing Democratic talking point that walls dont work. Immigrant advocates had a similar reaction. Roberto Lopez of the Beyond Borders program at the Texas Civil Rights Project, told NBC News, President Obama built Bushs wall and now Biden is building Trumps. Among those who advocate for stricter border controls, however, there is some measure of vindication. Its an admission on the part of the administration that the wall is effective. And if it is effective along those 20 miles, then it will be effective elsewhere, Ira Mehlman, the media director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) told this column. Mehlman, whose group has long argued that the nations immigration policies are too lax, added, The administration has refused to even admit there is a crisis. This is only acknowledging the obvious that something needs to be done. One question that will be answered in the days ahead is just how intense the liberal backlash will be. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) tweeted on Thursday evening that the Biden administration continues to take pages from Trumps anti-immigrant playbook. But Menendez is poorly positioned for a stand on the moral high ground, given his recent indictment on bribery charges. He denies wrongdoing. Otherwise, reaction has been comparatively muted from elected Democrats. Its possible that will change. But its also possible that rationalizations will be offered to defend Bidens shift something which, in itself, opens up the charge of double standards. Its the perfect story for how the liberals, the Democrats, flip-flop depending on what the story is and who the story is about, said Tobe Berkovitz, a Boston University professor emeritus who specializes in political communications. its just another perfect example of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy or not, the decision is going forward. Whether it will help Biden toughen his image or simply expose him to the charge of political expediency remains to be seen. The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police say two men were found shot in the Parkway Village and southeast Memphis neighborhoods Thursday night. According to police, at around 8 p.m., officers responded to shootings on South Perkins Road near Aloha Avenue and on Stock Bridge Court off of Outland Road. Man critically injured in North Memphis shooting Memphis Police say a victim was found at each location. One man went to the hospital in critical condition, while the other went in non-critical condition. Memphis Police confirm that the shooting scenes are related. If you have any information about this incident, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A rowdy and crowded primary could be in store for New Jersey Democrats as much of the party has come out against the now-indicted Sen. Bob Menendez (D). Menendez has asserted his innocence against bribery charges brought last month, while many of his Senate Democratic colleagues and state party leaders are calling on him to resign. Instead, Menendez has given no indication that he would step down or choose not to run for reelection in 2024. That has led at least one House Democrat to mount a primary challenge to unseat him and could yield more challengers in the coming months. I think were in a state of three-dimensional chess because not only is there the federal elections going on in 24, you have state Senate and state Assembly races happening right now, and then in 25 you have the governors race, said Brian Doory, a Democratic strategist and the managing director of public affairs firm Firehouse Strategies. New Jersey holds legislative elections in odd-numbered years and will hold its next governors race in 2025. Menendez, who has represented the solid blue state in the Senate since 2006, was indicted along with his wife and three businessmen on charges of bribery. Prosecutors allege that Menendez and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for trying to interfere with criminal investigations into the businessmen and advocating on behalf of the Egyptian governments interests, among other alleged conduct. The unsealing of the indictment on Sept. 22 led to a flood of calls from Democratic senators, including fellow New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, and state party leaders, including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D), for Menendez to resign. Rep. Andy Kim (D) became the first major candidate to mount a challenge to Menendez, announcing his campaign the day 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, Kim wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. A few lesser-known candidates had joined the race before Kim, and other names have recently been floated, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Donald Norcross (D-N.J.). Well take it one day at a time, Norcross said last week regarding a possible Senate run. New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy has also received calls to run for the seat, possibly adding what would be a first-time candidate with name recognition to the mix. Early polling Thursday from progressive think tank Data for Progress showed Menendezs approval rating deeply underwater with Democratic voters, as more than three quarters view him unfavorably. Kim came out in a much stronger position, with 51 percent of Democratic respondents viewing him at least somewhat favorably and only 5 percent viewing him unfavorably. The numbers paint the picture of a steep hill for Menendez to climb for the nomination, but the senator is not expected to change course for now, Democratic strategists say. The only leverage he has is his Senate seat, so why would he resign now? said Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist who has advised various New Jersey officials. Roginsky said staying in office would help him raise money for a legal defense fund and could be used as a bargaining chip in any negotiation with the government for the charges he faces. New Jerseys ballot system of county lines could complicate Menendezs reelection bid and possibly lead him to resign, Roginsky said. In New Jersey, where a candidate is placed on the ballot can be a massive advantage, Roginsky said. The most advantageous place for a candidate to be is in the same column as other major candidates since voters tend to vote down that line. In 2024, that would likely be the same column as President Biden and the top choices for representative and other local offices. If Menendez is not favored by most of the county Democratic party chairs or committees, which decide where to place candidates and who have mostly called for his resignation, then he might not be in the best position literally to win his primary. Doory, who previously worked for former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D), said Menendez would likely see the most support in Hudson County, much of which he represented during his time in the House, but he would have trouble in other counties. He said the only electoral path he sees for Menendez is if multiple other major candidates join the race and his base in Hudson County is enough to possibly get him across the finish line. The chair of the Hudson County Democratic Party was one of the only people to not call for Menendezs resignation. Usually, youve got to start putting together two or three of the big counties like Bergen, Hudson, Essex to really start thinking about getting in a primary, and I dont see those organizations at the county level getting behind him, Doory said. Democratic strategist Henry de Koninck said Menendezs fundraising capacity will likely be diminished compared with his last run for Senate in 2018. That election came after Menendez faced a trial for separate unrelated allegations of bribery. The case ultimately resulted in a hung jury, and the charges were dropped, but a little-known progressive challenger to Menendez won nearly 40 percent in the Democratic primary. His opponent was not well-funded, did not [run] what would be considered a robust campaign, didnt communicate broadly and still put up nearly 40 percent of the vote, de Koninck said. That could open the door for other candidates who run more efficient operations with more effective fundraising. Strategists said if Tammy Murphy does decide to run, she would be a viable candidate because of her name recognition and the opportunities she has had to speak on various policy issues as first lady. Brendan Gill, a Democratic strategist who worked as an adviser to Murphy and other New Jersey Democrats, said the first lady has created a portfolio of her own on issues like maternal health, reproductive health, education and the environment. He said she has also spent a lot of time raising money for her husband and for Democrats, demonstrating her fundraising abilities. Between her policy experience, her experience in the political space, her past experience both in the private sector and the other places that she served, shes a very viable statewide candidate, Gill said. Doory said Kim is a tested campaigner who has built alliances, contacts in his district and the state and a fundraising network. Gill emphasized that every county has a different process for determining the county line, so candidates who run will need to basically compete in 21 different elections with 21 different strategies, one for each of New Jerseys counties. He said candidates success will depend on the region of the state theyre from and the time they spend with party members and presenting their credentials. Candidates that start early and understand those processes and stakeholders are at an advantage if youre trying to run for statewide office, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Detectives are turning to the Nashville community for help identifying four people accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from the Louis Vuitton store in the Mall at Green Hills last month. The Metro Nashville Police Department previously told News 2 that five people barged into the store on Sept. 14, stole $40,000 worth of merchandise, and assaulted two security officers. PREVIOUS: Thieves steal $40,000 worth of merchandise from Louis Vuitton store Even though four of the suspects got away, the fifth identified by authorities as 43-year-old Michael Parrish was arrested after being tackled by a guard. He was charged with felony theft and two counts of assault, but was later released from jail on a $25,000 bond, according to officials. (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) Police said the four individuals photographed above are suspected in other retail thefts around the Nashville area, possibly including one that took place at Nordstrom in Green Hills on Thursday, Oct. 5. SEE ALSO: Gucci store hit by thieves carrying pepper spray After reviewing surveillance cameras from the mall complex, law enforcement shared images of two men and two women believed to be involved in the thefts. If you recognize any of these suspects, you are asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Authorities are offering a cash reward for information. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -A New Mexico judge on Friday rejected a Republican challenge to the state's Democratic-drawn congressional lines, improving the odds Democrats will maintain their hold on all three of the state's districts in next year's election. The state is one of several in which crucial legal battles over congressional redistricting are still raging two years after most states enacted new maps following the once-a-decade U.S. Census. With Democrats only five seats short of recapturing a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in the November 2024 election, the outcome of those cases could swing control of Congress. In Friday's decision, Ninth Judicial District Judge Fred Van Soelen found Democratic lawmakers intentionally split up the state's conservative southeastern region to dilute Republican votes, turning the historically Republican 2nd District into a highly competitive seat. But, he said, the Democratic plan did not quite rise to the level of an "egregious gerrymander" that would violate the state constitution. He noted the Democrat who flipped the 2nd District in 2022, Gabe Vasquez, won by less than 1%, undermining Republican claims the new map "entrenched" Democrats in power. "Some degree of a partisan gerrymander is permissible," Van Soelen said. The Republican state party, which brought the lawsuit, said it would appeal the decision with the New Mexico Supreme Court. "The legislature intended to and, in fact, did egregiously gerrymander the congressional maps," said state Republican party chairman Steve Pearce in a statement. Earlier this week, a federal court approved new congressional lines for Alabama after finding a Republican-created map illegally hurt Black voters. The new map is expected to give Democrats an additional seat in that state. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments next week over whether South Carolina's Republican-drawn congressional map unlawfully diluted the power of Black voters. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Additional reporting by Andrew Hay; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, David Gregorio and Chris Reese) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) MGM Resorts sent a letter to customers regarding the recent cyber incident that took place on Sept. 11. MGM Resorts stated that on or around Sept. 29, it determined that an unauthorized third party obtained the personal information of some of its customers on Sept. 11. The company also said it filed an 8-K form with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on Oct. 5, in which it estimated a negative impact from the incident in September. Specifically, the Company estimates a negative impact from the cyber security issue in September of approximately $100 million to Adjusted Property for the Las Vegas Strip Resorts and Regional Operations, collectively, the company stated in its filing. MGM Resorts also stated that based on the ongoing investigation, the Company believes that the unauthorized third-party activity is contained at this time. The company also said it will offer free identity protection and credit monitoring services to those who receive an email from the company indicating that their information was impacted. The company also established a call center to help those with questions and can be reached at 800-621-9437 toll-free Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central, or Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central (excluding major U.S. holidays). Those calling should reference engagement number B105892 when calling. The company also set up a webpage to further assist those with questions. On Thursday, 8 News Now spoke to some customers who said they were still dealing with issues in regard to check-ins, cancellations, and lost reservations on the Las Vegas Strip. The lines were horrible, it took us so long to be able to check in, Danny Duncan expressed. I asked them for a confirmation email, they said We arent doing anything electronically,' Laurie a guest at Excalibur told 8 News Now. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Michael Lewis (left) hits back at critics he was being too sympathetic to Sam Bankman-Fried (right). David Levenson/Michael M. Santiago/Getty Image Those who think he was being too sympathetic to Sam Bankman-Fried are "crazy," says author Michael Lewis. Lewis, the author of "Going Infinite," has come under fire for his comments on the former crypto titan. Bankman-Fried is on trial for criminal charges relating to FTX's collapse. Author Michael Lewis has a strong message for critics who say he has been too sympathetic to Sam Bankman-Fried in his book about the fallen cyrpto mogul. "I think they're crazy," Lewis told ABC News on Wednesday. He was responding to ABC News anchor Linsey Davis' question on whether he feels such criticism is wrong. "They're two stories the defense is offering one and the prosecution is offering another," Lewis added. "I have a completely different one with lots of other stuff that they haven't been mentioning that leaves the reader with the possibility of thinking lots of different things." He also likened the response to FTX's collapse to a "lynch mob mentality" with a "very quick rush to judgment when it all fell apart." "I think a lot of people are certain about what happened when they don't actually know what happened," he added to ABC News. Lewis met Sam Bankman-Fried more than a hundred times in two years while writing the book about the FTX cofounder and former CEO. Lewis told ABC he has avoided answering the question of whether he feels Bankman-Fried has knowingly committed fraud "because I want the reader to answer that question." The author has faced backlash for comments made while promoting his book, including his remarks to CBS's "60 Minutes" that FTX wasn't a Ponzi scheme. "If no one had ever cast aspersions on the business, if there hadn't been a run on customer deposits, they'd still be sitting there making tons of money," Lewis told CBS. During the interview on Wednesday, Lewis said FTX's business didn't fit the definition of a Ponzi scheme which is one that pays existing investors from funds from new investors. In contrast, FTX had two key businesses the Alameda Research hedge fund and FTX's exchange business, he added. Even so, Lewis acknowledged there was harm done to investors and he is including himself in that list. The author said he is, in fact, a creditor too. "He took my money, it's mixed up in there," Lewis told ABC, without elaborating further. A filing listing out FTX's creditors did not include Lewis' name and Insider could not independently verify the information. A representative for Lewis did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours. Lewis' book, "Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon," was released Tuesday the same day Bankman-Fried's criminal fraud trial started. Bankman-Fried seven faces charges including fraud and conspiracy relating to FTX's collapse in the ongoing trial. He has pleaded not guilty. The crypto exchange FTX which was worth $32 billion in early 2022 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 11 of the same year after a weeklong liquidity crisis. Read the original article on Business Insider Migrants heading north arrive to Lajas Blancas where a Panamanian border police officer stands on the bank of the Chucunaque River in the Darien province, Panama, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, after walking across the Darien Gap from Colombia. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) BAJO CHIQUITO, Panama (AP) Rain-swollen rivers only briefly slowed the otherwise uninterrupted flow of migrants through this jungle-covered border area separating Colombia and Panama and by midweek another 2,000 bedraggled migrants stumbled out of the Darien jungle. Pregnant women and men carrying children atop their shoulders waded across the waist-deep Tuquesa river and into the Indigenous outpost of Bajo Chiquito where some fell to the ground in exhaustion and relief as Panamanian officials waited to register their arrival. Crossing through the dense, lawless jungle not long ago was unthinkable to most people. In recent years, it became a brutal slog of a week or more. But some migrants arriving this week described an organized trek completed in as little as 2 days on trails marked by colored ribbons and assisted by guides and porters, part of what officials say has become a business generating millions of dollars. That efficiency combined with the unrelenting economic factors pushing migrants to leave countries like Venezuela, whose citizens account for the majority of them, have resulted in more than 400,000 migrants crossing the Darien this year. The dizzying number of 500,000 double last years record total is now on the horizon. That figure, and the corresponding number reaching the U.S.-Mexico border, factored into the United States decision to resume deportation flights to Venezuela in the coming days. The new measure announced Thursday is part of what U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas termed strict consequences for those who do not avail themselves of expanded legal pathways to enter the U.S. On Friday, Panama President Laurentino Cortizo and Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves flew over Bajo Chiquito in a helicopter before landing in the Lajas Blancas community at the edge of the Darien jungle. There they watched the steady arrival of migrants in boats from Bajo Chiquito, including two women who were unloaded on stretchers with unknown injuries. Both leaders called for their counterparts across the region sending and transit countries -- to hold an urgent meeting on migration to seek solutions. This is such a big problem that we require the participation of all of the links, Cortizo said. Two days earlier, Kimberly Morales, 34, from Caracas, Venezuela walked the last 30 minutes to Bajo Chiquito with her husband and their sons ages 8 and 16. They made the crossing from Colombia in 2 days, but Morales described it as horrible. I dont wish it for anyone. Its the worst, she said. They paid guides $320 each in Colombia to take them to Panama where the desperation began. While the route on the Colombian side has become organized and lucrative, the Panamanian side remains more risky. Morales said she saw three dead migrants along the way, including a woman who had apparently drowned in a river. On Thursday, they donned orange life jackets and boarded one of a hundred waiting long, thin boats waiting to ferry migrants at $25 a head to Lajas Blancas where they would get on buses to whisk them across Panama to Costa Rica to continue their journey north. What we want is to at least have a place to sleep, a job, a life that we can give (our children), to be able to buy them medicine if they get sick, Morales said. In April, the U.S., Panama and Colombia announced a campaign to slow migration through the Darien jungle, but migrants numbers have only grown forcing the Biden administration to seek other options. Last month, the U.S. Homeland Security Department announced plans to grant Temporary Protected Status to an estimated 472,000 Venezuelans who arrived in the country as of July 31, making it easier for them to get authorization to work in the U.S. That was in addition to about 242,700 Venezuelans who already qualified for temporary status before that announcement. The Biden administration had also said it would accelerate work authorizations for people who have arrived in the country since January through a mobile app for appointments at land crossings with Mexico, called CBP One, or through parole granted to Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who have financial sponsors and arrive at an airport. It aimed to give them work permits within 30 days. But anyone arriving after July 31 would not be eligible. On Thursday, U.S. officials said they had already identified Venezuelans who entered the U.S. illegally after that date who would not be eligible for protections and thus would be flown back to Venezuela. Venezuela plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing at least 7.3 million people to migrate and making food and other necessities unaffordable for those who remain. The vast majority who fled settled in neighboring countries in Latin America, but many began coming to the United States in the last three years. This week, migrants emerging from the jungle for whom the crossing had extended to five days, said they ran out of food because their guides promised a quicker trip. Gabriela Quijada, 33, who made the trip with a friend, dizzily fell to the ground upon reaching Bajo Chiquito Wednesday. The promised three-day trip she paid $250 for took them five, meaning they went without eating for the final stretch. This morning we crossed a river that nearly swept us away, and it was raining, said Quijada, from Margarita, Venezuela. I walked and cried. She explained that her earnings werent enough to support her two teenage daughters who she had left behind in Venezuela. If I make it and enter the United States I will find a way to bring them legally, she said. Carliomar Pena, a 33-year-old vendor from Venezuelas Merida state travelling with her son, was trying to reunite with her husband who turned himself over to U.S. border agents a year ago and applied for asylum. She paid Colombian guides $320 for herself and $60 for her son, then an additional $100 for a porter to carry their belongings to an infamously difficult climb at the Colombia-Panama border. On Thursday, her sons 6th birthday, they waited for a boat to carry them downriver. She planned to apply for an appointment via the CBP One app as she neared the U.S. border that would allow them to eventually seek asylum too. The ideal for all Venezuelans is to request their appointment to be able to cross as legally as possible, with permission to work, Pena said. But failing that she said the other option would be to turn themselves over to U.S. authorities at the border. Reflecting on the journey so far, Pena said the Colombia stretch was tolerable, but in Panama she felt their lives were always at risk. Its a life for animals, not for human beings, she said. ____ Follow APs global migration coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Britain's Rishi Sunak want to prevent migrant boats setting out for Europe (Thomas COEX) A row over planned changes to Europe's migration rules overshadowed an EU summit Friday, although supporters of the reform vowed opposition from Poland and Hungary would not derail it. The Polish and Hungarian leaders did prevent the leaders from including migration in a joint statement of the summit's conclusions, causing the meeting to end on a sour note. That forced European Council president Charles Michel to issue a separate statement in his name about asylum policy and border protection, and the French and German leaders said the legislative process on the issue would continue as planned. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who hosted the summit in Granada, dismissed concerns about the clash. "The most important thing is what our interior ministers achieved a few weeks ago with the agreement on crisis regulation, because that is what is really relevant in political terms," he said. But the gathering did hand Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki , who is facing a general election this weekend, and Hungary's Viktor Orban a stage on which to brandish populist credentials for their domestic audiences. Morawiecki boasted that his "veto" on a joint statement on migration "meant that this process will not proceed... and Poland has a chance to stop it". He said the "illegal migration... disease has been plaguing Europe for years." Earlier, Orban claimed Hungary had been "legally raped" by the EU moving ahead with legislation on reformed migration policies on the basis that a weighted majority of countries back it. Poland and Hungary are demanding a right to veto the measures, which are aimed at sharing out responsibilities for arriving asylum seekers across all bloc countries. France's President Emmanuel Macron said although their opposition blocked any mention of migration in the final declaration, it would have no effect on the proposed bill, which was approved in outline form by member states on Wednesday. "The text has caused disagreements between several member states," Macron acknowledged. But he dismissed the lack of a joint statement on it as "a secondary issue because the matter is moving forward as it should after being passed by majority". - 'Current approach not working' - Migration surged to the top of Brussels' agenda after thousands of asylum seekers landed on the Italian island of Lampedusa in recent months, highlighting the urgency of a unified European response. On Thursday, leaders from across the continent met in the same Granada venue in a broader, continental format, as the European Political Community (EPC), to develop common geopolitical strategy. But Spain, which hosted both meetings, failed to put migration on that summit's agenda, frustrating several members, notably Italy and Britain which convened a side meeting on the issue. During those sideline talks, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and Britain's Rishi Sunak, backed by France and the Netherlands, pushed for more work with third countries to prevent boats carrying asylum seekers from even setting off for Europe. In an op-ed published on Friday in Britain's Times newspaper and Italy's Corrierre della Sera, the pair said European nations recognised "the current approach is not working". Insisting their approach was "already delivering results," they urged other leaders to "act with the same sense of urgency" against people-smuggling gangs to slow irregular immigration. Wednesday's EU vote on migration reform saw member states approving a final component of an overhaul of the rules on handling asylum seekers and irregular migrants, setting up a push for the European Parliament to make it law before elections next June. The EU's new Pact on Migration and Asylum will seek to relieve pressure on so-called frontline countries like Italy and Greece by relocating some arrivals to other EU states. Those opposed to hosting asylum seekers would be required to pay those that do. Meloni, who clashed with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the run up to the summit, said she was now "satisfied" with the direction Europe was heading, being "more pragmatic" in its approach to halting human trafficking and illegal immigration. Scholz, speaking after the summit, echoed that a "very pragmatic agreement" had been reached after "intensive" discussions. EU figures published on Friday showed there was a 29-percent rise in irregular migrant returns in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period a year earlier. alm/hmw/rmb/db HOUSTON - Have you seen 16-year-old Rogelio Angel Duenez? If so, authorities need your help locating him. Rogelio Angel Duenez According to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Duenez has been missing since September 24 in Houston. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku and Google Android TV! If you have Rogelio, you're asked to contact the Houston Police Department at (713) 884-3131 or you can report a sighting by calling 1-800-THE-LOST. A 20-year-old woman is charged with four felonies for allegedly breaking-and-entering a Henry County fire station, stealing an engine and crashing it in a residential yard. Deputies were first alerted to a fire engine being driven recklessly through Windsor, Missouri, around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, the sheriffs office said in a statement Thursday. They quickly suspected a thief was responsible because there had been no calls for fire service that morning, the sheriffs office said. An arriving sheriffs deputy found the fire engine crashed into a tree in a residential yard in Windsor, a town of about 2,800 people, roughly 90 miles southeast of Kansas City. The deputy heard the engine still running, as the vehicle rocked back and forth, and saw a woman recognized from earlier contacts with police, according to an affidavit filed Thursday in Henry County Circuit Court. The woman, identified as Jade Raygan Gibbs, allegedly resisted arrest and struggled with the deputy, who used a Taser to subdue her. She was ultimately arrested and taken to the Henry County jail. Detectives with the sheriffs office visited the fire station and found a window had been broken out. The garage door was also knocked off. Authorities estimated the cost to replace the fire engine would be $450,000. Damage to the station was expected to cost another $5,350. Prosecutors on Wednesday charged Gibbs with burglary, property damage, resisting arrest and stealing an item valued at or above $25,000. She was being held in jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond. Online court records did not list a defense attorney for Gibbs as of Thursday. Iranian human rights activist and the vice president of the DHRC Narges Mohammadi poses GENEVA (Reuters) - The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Friday the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to jailed activist Narges Mohammadi highlighted the courage and determination of Iranian women. "We've seen their courage and determination in the face of reprisals, intimidation, violence and detention," OHCHR spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell told reporters in Geneva. "They've been harassed for what they do or don't wear. There are increasingly stringent legal, social and economic measures against them. This really is something that highlights the courage and determination of the women of Iran and how they are an inspiration to the world." Throssell also reiterated calls for the release of Mohammadi, one of Iran's leading activists who has campaigned for both women's rights and the abolition of the death penalty. She is serving a 12-year jail sentence. "We and other partners of the U.N. human rights system have repeatedly called for her release," Throssell told Reuters. (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber and Cecile Mantovani; Editing by Alison Williams and Gareth Jones) Moldova introduced the free transport of European gas to and from Ukraine in preparation for its heating season, the Moldovan Energy Ministry announced on Oct. 5. The Commission on Emergency Regulation pushed the decision through on Wednesday evening. It will apply to two of the four transit points of the gas transportation system (GTS) on the border with Ukraine. The commission intends to make the route more attractive for gas transit and the decision will reduce import costs and consumer prices. Moldova has been in a state of emergency following the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the commissions decision must be implemented. The country weaned itself off Russian gas last year and began storing gas supplies purchased from Europe in Ukraines massive underground gas storage facilities (UGS) following successful tests on Jan. 27. The move also opened Ukraine up to the Trans-Balkan gas transport corridor, allowing it to import up to 17 million cubic meters of gas per day from the Southern route. Energocom, the Molvodvan company sourcing EU gas, currently has 400 million cubic meters stored in Moldova and Ukraine. Moldova will transport around 500 million cubic meters of gas at a 100% discount to meet the countrys consumption rate of 800-900 million cubic meters. However, Chisinau has not totally ruled out buying gas from Russian giant Gazprom, according to the head of Molodovan-Russian company Moldovagaz head Vadim Ceban. "Theoretically, we can buy Russian gas, but this is subject to two key conditions - the price of gas must be lower than that proposed by Energocom and there must be appropriate volumes as needed by Moldova," Ceban told Reuters earlier this week. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Maia Sandu , President of Moldova, has claimed that the Russian Wagner Group tried to stage a coup in Moldova. It was the coup disrupted at the beginning of 2023. Source: Sandu in an interview for Financial Times, as reported by European Pravda Details: Sandu stated without providing details that according to the coup plan, the group of Yevgeny Prigozhin, late founder and chief of the Wagner PMC, was deployed in Moldova. She stressed that Russia is actively influencing Moldova using gas supply, hybrid attacks, including cyber tools, and threats related to Transnistria, Moldovas pro-Russian separatist region. "Russia is going to increase its pressure on Moldova. They tried energy and they failed. They tried to overthrow the government and they failed. And now they are trying massive interference in our elections, using a lot of money," Sandu said. She stated that Moldovan special services have detected at least 20 million of Russian money which were transferred to Moldova for political purposes. "The tools they use to bring money to the country are very diverse. We have seen for a while that they were just sending Moldovans to Moscow by plane through Armenia. And these people would each bring [back] 10 000. Weve seen recently that they were bringing cards, bank cards that were issued in Dubai," the president explained. Russia has been pressuring Moldova since the beginning of Sandus presidency in 2020 because it is not satisfied with her pro-Western position and her intent to achieve EU-membership for Moldova. Background: On 13 February, Maia Sandu published the details of the Russian plan of a military coup which, according to her, included attacking state institutions and capturing hostages. 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! North Carolina mom Caroline Hardin is teaching her 9-year-old daughter to have a body-neutral mindset. We focus on what our body can do rather than its appearance, Hardin tells TODAY.com. So ahead of a visit to the pediatrician, Hardin drafted a letter requesting that the doctor refrain from using qualitative words like good or bad when discussing weight. We have managed so far to keep a body neutral and body positive environment for her childhood, and I appreciate your cooperation in preserving that for as long as we can, Hardin wrote. Feel free to ask to speak with me outside the exam room if you have any concerns. Thank you! When Hardin shared the note on TikTok, she was inundated with supportive comments. I wish I had done this earlier with my kids. They dread the yearly check up because of this specific complex, one person wrote. Added another, One of my earliest memories was the pediatrician pointing to where I was on the growth charts vs. where I should be. This is powerful! Hardin says her daughters pediatrician appreciated her approach. The doctor came in and asked, Can I show you the growth chart with no numbers on it? And I gave her the thumbs up, Hardin says. We left the appointment feeling so good. According to Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a family physician and parenting expert, conversations that are shame-based or blame-based can increase a childs risk for body-dysmorphic disorders and unhealthy relationships with food. It can drive kids toward hiding their eating and attaching eating to emotional regulation in negative and positive ways, Gilboa tells TODAY.com. Gilboa encourages providers to have discussions around emotions not meals or snacks. She recommends asking questions such as, Is your body doing everything for you that you want it to do? and What are some of your tools for when you dont like how you feel? When I see patients, I talk about healthy habits, Gilboa says. She highlighted five things that have been proven to improve kids overall fitness and nutrition: Eating breakfast every morning Eating takeout no more than once a week Moving 60 minutes a day No more than two hours of recreational screen time a day And no more than 6 ounces of sweetened drinks per day Those five interventions make a huge difference, Gilboa previously told TODAY. "And if you can do them before age 12, thats when youre not only building patterns, thats when youre still mostly in control of what they eat. This article was originally published on TODAY.com By Jason Lange and Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The two declared candidates for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan, stand out as top campaign fundraisers in their caucus, with Scalise holding an edge in dollars contributed to party allies. Several factors will play into how the 221-member House Republican conference will cast their votes, possibly as soon as Wednesday, in a race for the party nomination for speaker, following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy in Republican infighting on Tuesday. But history shows that strong fundraising abilities are an asset for winning the chamber's top job, a powerful post that is second in line to the U.S. presidency after the vice president. Scalise, a 15-year veteran House member from Louisiana who currently is the chamber's No. 2 Republican, was also his caucus's No. 2 fundraiser in the 2022 midterms cycle, gathering more than $18 million through his re-election campaign, according to campaign finance disclosures to the Federal Election Commission. Scalise's congressional campaign gave more than $15 million to allies and conservative causes, including more than $14 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), his disclosures show. The NRCC is the party apparatus that works to elect Republicans to the House. It is a badge he can display as he tries to convince his fellow Republicans to support his bid for the speakership amid an intra-party revolt by hard-right conservatives. McCarthy lasted only nine months as speaker. 'NO SLOUCH AT FUNDRAISING' Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist who in the past worked for a House speaker and Senate majority leader, said in a telephone interview, "I think he has an advantage" in the race. Besides having a large organization in place by virtue of being majority leader, "He's no slouch at fundraising," Bonjean noted. Jordan, a 17-year House veteran from Ohio who chairs the Judiciary Committee, has done pretty well in the money game too. He was No. 4 in fundraising among House Republicans and raised more than $14 million, largely through small donors. He and Scalise also raised much smaller sums through their leadership committees. They spent their money very differently, with Scalise giving almost all he raised to party allies while Jordan spent large sums on fees associated with digital fundraising. Jordan gave at least $1 million to the NRCC in the 2022 election cycle and more than $600,000 to other party allies. He spent more than $6 million on digital consulting and digital ads, powering a small donor fundraising operation in which just over half of revenues came from people giving $200 or less, according to his financial disclosures. By comparison, roughly one in 20 dollars taken in by Scalise' campaign fundraising came from donors giving $200 or less. "Colleagues want to be able to see that you can raise funds across the country in tight races and Jim Jordan has repeatedly done that," said a source familiar with Jordan's activities who asked not to be identified. A host of factors, besides fundraising capabilities, will help determine who becomes the next House speaker, and there still was time for candidates to emerge in addition to Jordan and Scalise. Stances on legislative initiatives various Republican members are pushing, as well as potential requests for changes to rules governing some House procedures could play a role. But in any type of election at the federal level, money matters. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi collected over $1 billion during her time in House Democratic leadership from 2002-2022, her office said last year. (Reporting by Richard Cowan and Jason Lange; Editing by Scott Malone and Grant McCool) On Thursday, Donald Trumps attorneys filed their long-awaited motion seeking to dismiss special counsel Jack Smiths Jan. 6 prosecution, citing what they claim is Trumps absolute immunity from prosecution for acts committed as president, because he was president. As Norm Eisen and Joshua Kolb have explained in Slate, this motion should be largely ignored, since the immunity claims have already been rejected in various forms in numerous courts. But its worth considering this point of view philosophically as well as legally. Because Trumps argumentwhich boils down to the presidents attorneys claiming he was acting for what he thought was the good of the country when he sparked a mob assault on the Capitol in an attempt to overturn a free and fair electiondeserves to be laughed out of court and out of societal discourse. At the same time, one particular portion of Trumps motion to dismiss is so utterly shameless that it deserves special attention. The argument that should take the prize for the greatest piece of legal chutzpah ever presented by a Trump lawyer in a court of lawand that is saying a lotcomes on Page 11 of the 46-page motion to dismiss. There, Trumps attorneys argue that the Constitution itself gives him immunity because it specifies that impeachment may be followed by a criminal indictment. Trumps attorneys reason, therefore, that an acquitted president, such as Trump, can no longer face indictment. See for yourself: Presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts is also rooted in the text of the Constitution. The Impeachment Clauses provide that the President may be charged by indictment only in cases where the President has been impeached and convicted by trial in the Senate. Here, President Trump was acquitted by the Senate for the same course of conduct. The Impeachment Clause of Article I provides that Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. Because the Constitution specifies that only the Party convicted by trial in the Senate may be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, it presupposes that a President who is not convicted may not be subject to criminal prosecution. This is silly on its face: Just because the Constitution says that one thing can happen (an impeached and convicted president can face prosecution), that doesnt imply that the inverse cannot happen (an impeached and acquitted president cant face prosecution). What is much more galling, though, than this logical error is that during the impeachment trial over the events of Jan. 6, Trumps lawyers argued the exact opposite in order to win acquittal. Specifically, Trump attorney David Schoen said during that impeachment trial that the Senate could not convict Trump because, since he was no longer president, the only appropriate venue for accountability was the criminal justice system. Schoen went so far as to explicitly cite the very same section of the Constitution to say the exact opposite thing now being argued in court. Heres what Schoen argued (emphasis mine): [The impeachment managers] contend, citing various law professors, that [any official] who betrayed the public trust and was impeached could avoid accountability simply by resigning one minute before the Senates final conviction vote. This argument is a complete canard. The Constitution expressly provides in article I, section 3, clause 7 that a convicted party, following impeachment, shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment according to law [after removal]. Clearly, a former civil officer who is not impeached is subject to the same. Schoen continued by explicitly discussing the prospect of a prosecution, saying that it was the only appropriate form of accountability for the former president, who was not immune: We have a judicial process in this country. We have an investigative process in this country to which no former officeholder is immune. That is the process that should be running its course. That is the process the bill of attainder tells us is the appropriate one for investigation, prosecution, and punishment, with all of the attributes of that branch. We are missing it by two articles here that the article III courts provide. They provide that kind of appropriate adjudication. That is accountability. There are appropriate mechanisms in place for full and meaningful accountability not through the legislature, which does not and cannot offer the safeguards of the judicial system, which every private citizen is constitutionally entitled to. This was not a small part of Trumps impeachment trial. Its the argument that probably led directly to his acquittal, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell citing it as his reason for voting against conviction. In explaining his vote not to convict, McConnell said the appropriate place for accountability was the criminal courts: President Trump is still liable for everything he did while he was in office, as an ordinary citizenunless the statute of limitations is run, still liable for everything he did while he was in office. He didnt get away with anything yet. Yet. We have a criminal justice system in this country. We have civil litigation, and former presidents are not immune from being accountable by either one. Trump fell just 10 votes short of conviction, and McConnells backing clearly carried enormous weight. Now Trumps attorneys, having successfully argued that he couldnt be convicted during his impeachment because the criminal courts were the only appropriate venue, are arguing that he cant be held accountable in criminal court because he wasnt convicted during his impeachment. There is, its worth noting, an entire legal principle called estoppel, which prevents someone from claiming in court something contrary to a case that they made to win a previous argument in court. Judge Tanya Chutkan should consider deploying it. Candidates for Boise mayor faced off in a debate, trading their views on city issues such as housing, homelessness, policing and sustainability. The audience in a packed room at the Grove Hotel listened attentively over lunch to answers from the four candidates, who largely stuck to their views on the topics of the day. Mayor Lauren McLean touted things her administration had done on public-private partnerships to build designated affordable housing, set carbon-neutrality goals and rewrite a decades-old zoning code to coordinate denser, transit-focused development. McLean sustained criticism on her management of the police department, the streamlining of development the zoning code rewrite allows, and her use of public money to finance low-income housing. The mayors opponents include Mike Masterson, a former Boise police chief, Joseph Evans and Aaron Reis. Neither Reis nor Evans has recorded campaign fundraising, but both qualified for the ballot, so the debates organizers invited them to participate. Reis has previously lived in Hawaii and Switzerland and told the Statesman he was deported for attempting to report on Ukraine. Evans is a veteran who studied at Boise State University and previously ran for Congress. Masterson had pulled in $180,000 as of August, according to his campaign-finance disclosures. McLean had raised $458,000 as of September. Below are highlights of Thursdays forum, edited for length and clarity. The debate was hosted by the City Club of Boise and the League of Women Voters. It was moderated by McKay Cunningham, an administrator at The College of Idaho. Incumbent Mayor Lauren McLean answers an audience question during a Boise mayoral candidate forum. Opening statements Reis: It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society. The label of mental illness can really affect someone. An economy based on suffering where the basic human needs are withheld from the proletariat in exchange for the exploitation of our labor, there is really no wrong reason to want to contemplate the existential dread that we all feel. Candidate Aaron Reis talked about mental health and wages. Evans: My peer Aaron brings up a lot of good issues with regards to bodily autonomy and self-determination. With growth comes displacement and other issues related to housing, homelessness, as well as concerns about the education of our children, the safety of our children. Where Boise leads, the Treasure Valley follows, and the rest of Idaho is not far behind. Candidate Joseph Evans talked about development and infrastructure. McLean: Seven years ago, the League of Women Voters helped pass a bond that made the Lander Street Water Renewal Facility possible. Thats actually a great example of how all of us as a community come together to create the city that we love. Its been a true honor to be knocking on doors with babies on my hips, organizing with so many of you to protect our Foothills, serving on the parks board then council, and now for the last four years as mayor of the city that I love deeply. Its been an incredibly challenging four years. Ive learned so much and take all those learnings with me moving forward. Weve rolled up our sleeves together to address our communitys most pressing challenges: affordable housing, protecting our parks and open space forever, addressing and preparing for climate and keeping the city the safe city that she is. Mayor Lauren McLean talked about transportation, affordable housing and climate change. Masterson: Ive dedicated 50 years of my life to public service, 40 years as a police officer, and then the final 10 years as Boise police chief. I took a department embroiled in controversy and turned it into a nationally recognized agency. I retired believing my service had Boise headed in the right direction. The last three years have proven me wrong. We are at a critical juncture in determining our future. I believe were taking the path to becoming a clone of other troubled cities. We need to get the basics right again. We need leadership that unites the community instead of dividing us. We need fewer crises, controversies and lawsuits. We need to restore transparency and openness with government and above all a willingness to listen to our citizens instead of ignoring their voices. Candidate Mike Masterson talked about policing, crime and McLeans leadership. Q&A Whats the most pressing, the most urgent issue thats facing our city today and what can the mayors office do to address that issue? Masterson: I think the most urgent issue is public safety. Its the reason why cities were organized in the first place. The first responders need the respect and encouragement of our mayor, and I think that we have seen the Police Department demoralized over the last few years. We hired the wrong police chief, handpicked by this mayor. We saw resulting controversy. We have seen a tremendous amount of turmoil. We still have a hiring crisis of 30 officers or more. We need to fill those positions. McLean: Its a safe city where crime is down and has been down every year in the last three years. Folks are concerned about having a place that they can afford to live in. We took an all-hands-on-deck approach to housing, and we built momentum and yes, theres so much more to do. We went deep into a land trust, and next week were going to celebrate the opening of 300 homes at Franklin and Orchard. Weve changed ordinances and created incentives because weve got to have public-private partnerships and solutions to address housing. Weve also got to make sure its safe, which is why weve invested in public safety; its why weve grown the department by 34 positions in three years. Its why weve invested in justice and accountability. Evans: I pretty much agree with the mayor on this. One of the biggest issues we have is housing affordability. With the recent changes in the upzone, were looking at displacement. A lot of things associated with the upzone, such as multi-use facilities, are going to requires upgrades in the infrastructure. Reis: I think the most pressing issue facing anyone is mental illness. I feel like the publics pretty safe here. Having a Police Department thats shot more people this year than any year since 2000, that doesnt make me feel super safe. I think the government should fear its people, not the other way around. Making more houses is going to make more of a market for moneyed interests to come in here and tear up the very neighborhoods that people are actually coming here for. As rents and home prices in Boise continue to outpace wages, what are three concrete steps that the mayors office can pursue to address housing affordability? Evans: Walkability, being able to establish commercial outlets in close proximity to housing so that we can continue to work where we live. The potential addition of annexed areas, particularly in those areas that are currently uncontested. McLean: Its been a priority of ours to make sure that everybody that lives and works in Boise is able to afford a home in Boise. Weve got to prevent evictions. You build partnerships to ensure that housing at all price points is possible by putting our city land out to the best ideas possible. By looking at a modern zoning code that replaces outdated exclusionary 1960s code, weve created a map along transit corridors where the market will respond and build homes. Reis: Wages, wages, wages. Despite what the current mayor thinks, markets are actually cruel and soulless. Youd have to work with legislators to make it even available to change the code so that you can even start to address wages. Masterson: Weve pushed our housing problems to our neighborhoods to the west by not building more housing here. I have some ideas that we can use some low-grade agricultural land in Southeast Boise to create those smart planned communities like we did in Harris Ranch. We have to stop using our taxpayer money in terms of supporting our housing initiatives here for low- and moderate-income housing. We have a very charitable community, we can form alliances for land trusts. Finally upzoning: We needed to codify our zoning laws, its been neglected, but we have robbed the voices of the people in our neighborhoods from some decisions. Were seeing air quality days, increasing drought frequency, hotter summer days, earlier snowmelt. Can the city do anything about these environmental impacts? Is that the citys job? McLean: If we all said we cant do it, then whos going to do it? This isnt about stopping climate change but about preparing our city for the future of resiliency. Were doing simple things to make sure that our neighborhoods can be cooler by doubling our tree canopy. Weve set goals around clean electricity and carbon neutrality, because when we have a clean power source, we will save our residents money. Were electrifying buildings with federal dollars. Reis: The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been devastating for the human race. This isnt my particular issue. Masterson: Climate change is real. When this community wanted to build a $30 million police facility downtown, we took a long-abandoned facility out off of Emerald for half that price, converted it to a police station, and I insisted on a silver LEED certification. We all need to do our part when it comes to climate change. Evans: Is climate change real? Yes. Is it man-made? If it is, we can reverse it. If it isnt, we can prepare for it. We have geothermal, we have solar, we continue to enjoy the benefits of hydropower. We dont need coal plants in Utah and Wyoming. Mr. Masterson, youve based much of your campaign on your former service as Boise chief of police, but the mayor does much more than work with the police. What qualifies you beyond your chief of police experience? As police chief I worked very closely with the executive team. I saw many community problems that werent safety related. I worked with the Parks Department to abate graffiti. I commit that I can work with transportation issues; Ive worked with ACHD and with Compass. I will continue to work with housing with those department heads, but I will empower them, because Im not a person that has all those answers, and I will have a staff that will do it. Mayor McLean, the police and fire unions have endorsed Mr. Masterson. There was some controversy over the hiring and firing of the Chief of Police Lee. Would you have handled anything differently to gain the endorsement of the police and fire unions? McLean: Ive learned a lot in the last four years. Union endorsements are union endorsements. I didnt have those endorsements last time around, but it didnt impact the way we negotiated, the way weve invested in fire stations, and the way we added raises 12% for the next two years for fire and some of the biggest raises the Police Department has seen because our employees are important. On the police chief, Ive learned a lot on that one. We had a process that started before I was elected. There were four community panels. They delivered me three finalists, two both tied for the top. I chose one and that was Ryan Lee. It didnt work out. Mr. Evans, how should public resources be used to ensure safety in our community without government overreach? Evans: We need people who are part of the community policing the community. Reis: Restorative justice. Every time a police officer mishandles what they treat like a toy, they should all be disarmed. What is your campaigns policy toward negative ad campaigns? Will your campaign disavow or discourage political action committees who may be campaigning on your behalf if they do so in a negative way? Evans: Being an underdog candidate, the PACs really havent lined up behind me. I definitely am not for attack ads. Reis: Tearing each other down is not going to work. Masterson: Im proud of my bipartisan coalition that Ive built. I was distressed by some of the divisive ads that we had seen last week and had nothing to do with it. We dont have to be divisive, we dont have to be finger-pointing. I dont want to see that. McLean: Ive been really clear with my campaign that were going to stay focused on the future. If there were a PAC out there that went negative on my behalf Ill say in advance, please do not. Its not the campaign I ran four years ago. Its not the campaign Im running this year. We received a lot of questions about the zoning rewrite. Do you think that the rewrite was necessary? If so, was it approached correctly? Masterson: Absolutely it was necessary. I believe the process was flawed. I think we could have spent more time; its an important decision to get right. Its not going to impact the entire city. Its our eight to 10 most affordable neighborhoods that are impacted the most, and I would like to sit down and talk with them on how we see compromise. Evans: The rewrite was absolutely necessary. The upzone affected the most affordable housing in the city mainly up on the Bench. We have yet to see what the final fallout with regards to that displacement is going to be. McLean: Im really proud of the citizens committee that was over 30 people with really diverse viewpoints, the thousands of people that they sat down with in school libraries and cafeterias and other places. And then the council that took so much of that into account and made changes reflective of feedback. What this does, it actually puts more people-scale density along transit corridors. We all say we want transit. We need homes to support that. Reis: Less is more. What is the best practice on working with the state Legislature, sometimes pushing back against the state Legislature, particularly as it relates to womens reproductive rights? Masterson: I think its a mistake to use the mayors office to publicize issues that are within the purview of our state and national governments. We dont have the authority to change those here. I think it leaves us divided. I hope we can all agree that women are not safe when politics becomes involved in medicine. McLean: Best practice is you work with all agencies wherever you can, but you dont move on your city values. When we have a state that says they will criminalize our doctors, criminalize our daughters, maybe even us if we have problems with our pregnancy, Im going to be clear that there is a place for everyone here and we will not prioritize resources to help with those investigations. Evans: With regard to legislation in Idaho, a lot of its morality code that criminalizes nonviolent behavior. They do not benefit the community at large. Reis: Everyone needs their bodily autonomy and medical privacy. Listen to the entire debate on Boise State Public Radio. The Mississippi Coast has lost a leader who preferred to credit others for work to better the community rather than accept praise for all he did, especially for his beloved native city of Gulfport. George Schloegel, long-time president of Hancock Bank and a former mayor, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning. The 83-year-old leaves behind a legacy of community service, and a family and host of friends who are mourning his loss. Weve lost an icon worthy of emulation, said Schloegels successor, Mayor Billy Hewes. As a civic leader, George had no equal, devoting endless time and energy for the betterment of a community he dearly loved. He always saw what was possible, engaging on all fronts to find common ground to bring about better opportunities, to all. As a business leader, he made community service a hallmark of his career, instilling those values in his family and employees, providing leadership at national, state, and local levels. A true Ambassador for Mississippis Gulf Coast. Schloegel worked his way up from the mail room to CEO of Hancock Bank before retiring to run for Gulfport mayor. Schloegel said when he announced his candidacy in March 2009 at age 68 that he had wanted to serve as mayor since he was 12 years old. Schloegels longtime colleague and friend, Hancock Whitney Corp. CEO and president John Hairston, said Schloegel always said he wanted to die on horseback, on a tractor, or sleeping peacefully next to his beloved wife Peggy. Schloegel got his wish, Hairston said, dying in his sleep with his childhood sweetheart by his side. Its a tough hit, Hairston said. He knew so many people and loved so many people, and was loved by so many people. That makes it a tough loss. George Schloegel is pictured in 2011, more than halfway through his term as Gulfport mayor. The former Hancock Bank CEO and Coast icon died in his sleep on the early morning of October 6. George Schoegel put financial skills to work Schloegel met his wife when they were teenagers. They had their first date, as was a tradition back then, among the branches of the legendary Friendship Oak in Long Beach, Hairston said. Schloegel was one of seven siblings, his biography from Hancock Whitney says. He was a hard working boy, pulling a wagon from door-to-door to sell eggs and vegetables. He secured a job at the bank at age 16 after his father died. Schloegel earned $1 an hour as a mail runner and messenger. As a child, he wanted to be mayor by the time he turned 32, but he and Peggy had four children, so he stayed in banking to raise and educate them. Schloegel was known in banking circles throughout the Gulf South. As former president of the Mississippi Bankers Association, he traveled cross-country to tell the banks story and describe for top financial firms the economic development potential along the Gulf, his Hancock Whitney biography says. Additionally, the biography says, Schloegel remained a mentor for thousands of banking students as a distinguished faculty leader at both the Mississippi School of Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University for nearly 40 years. He and Peggy Schloegel even grew the plants for 160 branches of Hancock Bank. His parents had been in the nursery business. Schloegel always stressed the importance of education and served for 10 years on the Gulfport School Board. While on the board, he helped oversee school consolidation that increased efficiency and improved finances. When he announced his candidacy for mayor, he said that the burning desire to serve in the office had never left him. The city was still recovering from Hurricane Katrina when he took office, but Schloegel was focused on the future and, ever a money manager, getting the bills paid. He said that he would be a one-term mayor and stuck to his plan. The city faced a general-fund deficit of more than $8 million when Schloegel took office. It has been whittled to $533,000 when he left. Peggy Schoegel said she intended for his second retirement to stick, but he continued to help out at the bank after leaving office. On the last day of his life, Hairston said, Schloegel attended a bank retirees luncheon where he was able to visit with many of his former friends and colleagues. He was in good spirits. George and Peggy Schloegel at the Davis Family Reunion & Picnic in 2013. Gulfport leaders built consensus His greatest talent, those closest to him have previously told the Sun Herald, was pulling together a team, building consensus and then getting the job done. He led the unprecedented growth of Hancock Bank, now Hancock Whitney, into a multistate operation, taking it from a $500 million to a $7 billion bank when he retired. Although he was a Republican, Schloegel worked with Democratic and Republican governors, including William Winter and Haley Barbour. He was a member of Barbours Katrina recovery committee. Schloegels work ethic and leadership skills were widely admired. He won too many awards to mention all of them, but among the most notable were Gulfport Young Man of the Year in 1965; Mississippis Man of the Year in 1966, U.S. Jaycees Outstanding State President in 1969, Pine Burr Scouting Award in 1974, Mississippi Gulf Coast Carnival Association King in 1988, NAACP Humanitarian Award in 1994, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Hall of Fame in 1984, the Pat Santucci Spirit of the Coast Award in 1996, United States Navy Superior Public Service Medal in 1996, Coast Citizen of the Year in 1997, the Laurel Wreath Citizen of the Year Award in 1999, the NASA Distinguished Service Award in 2001 and the Boys & Girls Club Citizen of Year in 2002. Schloegel had a lifelong passion for history, especially the history of the Mississippi Coast. Derrick Evans, a historian and sixth-generation resident of the Turkey Creek Community, enjoyed comparing notes with Schloegel, although they did not always see eye-to-eye on development issues. I will miss George Schloegel as an inimitable character, longtime friend and frequent friendly foe, Evans said. . . . Mr. Schloegel and I never failed to enjoy or learn something new from the others lifelong curiosity and devotion to our overlapping local history and culture. Filling in gaps by endlessly one-upping each others favorite tidbits and insights about old Gulfport (established in 1898) and older Turkey Creek (established in 1866) was always both a lesson and a good time. Evans said an era truly ends with Schloegels death. Schloegel mentored many Coast residents who are themselves leaders in the business community today, including Dave Dennis, owner of Specialty Contractors & Associates in Gulfport. George was simply a leaders leader, but so much more than that to me personally, and to all those who were fortunate enough to know him, Dennis said. He was a friend, indeed an unconditional friend, a mentor, an advisor, a confidant and truly a good man. George will be sorely missed as a positive influence and visionary pillar for the Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond. George Schloegel is pictured during his time as Gulfports mayor. Funeral services Visitation will take place at Bradford-OKeefe Funeral Home, 15th St., Gulfport from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, with visitation from 9:30-11 a.m. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists LLC over a data breach that at least one of the suits claims might have affected more than 240,000 people. The medical group, which serves patients Coastwide and has 17 doctors, discovered the massive and preventable cyberattack around March 5, the lawsuit says, but didnt begin notifying those who could have been affected until Sept. 1. Potential victims, the lawsuit says, were unaware that their sensitive private information had been compromised and that they were, and continue to be, at significant risk of identity theft and various other forms of personal, social and financial harm. The lawsuits are filed in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. Attorneys for those who filed the lawsuits are seeking class-action status, which means one or more plaintiffs would be selected to represent a larger group potentially injured by the data breach. U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, who is presiding over the cases, will decide whether they have enough in common for class-action status or should proceed individually. Lee Bond, the chief executive officer for Bienville Orthopaedic, said the medical group is contemplating its own legal action to have the lawsuits declared frivolous, which could mean sanctions against the firms that filed them. Law firms from Puerto Rico, Cincinnati, Birmingham and other locations that specialize in class-action litigation are associated with the cases. We are not aware of a single instance of any patient information being utilized, Bond said. He said the cyber attackers did ask for a ransom but declined to say whether one was paid. Medical data targeted for identity theft The lawsuit points out that medical data is valuable to identity thieves who can use it to see doctors, get prescriptions and file insurance claims. It also can be used to target marketing to patients with specific maladies. Singing River Health System also was the victim of a recent cyberattack that crippled its computer systems, which have been restored, public relations manager Ashley Butsch said. Singing River also was asked for a ransom but did not pay one, she said. Singing River has not described details of the cyberattack, discovered in August, or whether patient data was breached. Instead, Butsch said the cyberattack is still under investigation. One of the lawsuits filed against Bienville accuses the medical practice of negligence, breach of implied contract and unjust enrichment for allegedly failing to invest in adequate data security in exchange for the valuable patient information. It asks for unspecified monetary damages and that the judge order Bienville to invest in data security and take other measures to protect patient information. MTG surveying constituents for Speakership vote, despite saying Trump is perfect man for the job Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is asking her constituents for input on who they think should be the next Speaker of the House. The House of Representatives is scrambling to find the next Speaker of the House, she said in a page on her Congressional website. After Tuesdays historic vote ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), several Republicans have stepped up to fill the vacant seat. Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) have both declared their candidacy. On her website, Green said she is not sure the next Speaker should be a sitting Representative at this time. The Speaker does not have to be a current member of the House of Representatives. She said she has the perfect man for the job, former President Trump. But before she casts her vote next week, she said she wanted to poll her constituents on who they think should be the next speaker. Options in Greenes poll include Trump, Jordan, Scalise or other. Republicans have one chance to select a NEW Speaker of the House, she said. President Trump has a PROVEN track record for the American people. Trump initially dismissed the idea of being Speaker, but later told Fox News Digital on Thursday that he would accept a short-term role and serve as a unifier for the Republican party as speaker if necessary. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LAFAYETTE, Ind. Patrick Scott Norman and Charles Seymour Bressler were charged with murder in the killing of Terry Robinson, who was found dead on Nov. 25, 2022, in an alley by Green Street in Lafayette. At the time of the Robinson's death, police were uncertain as to who might have killed him, but after months of investigation, police narrowed his accused killers to Norman and Bressler, according to the probable cause affidavit. Norman was charged with three counts of murder; attempting to deal methamphetamine; arson; obstruction of justice; unlawful carrying of a handgun; unlawful transfer of a handgun; and operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator. In total Norman has been charged with nine felonies in relation to the murder of Robinson. A neighbor found Terry Robinson lying dead in this alley about 2:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. Police are investigating who killed Robinson, 52, homeless in Lafayette. Bressler was charged with three counts of murder and attempting to deal methamphetamine. In total, Bressler received four charges in relation to the murder of Robinson. On Nov. 25, 2022, the Lafayette Police Department received a call around 2:08 p.m. from someone reporting a dead body in an alley near her home. When police arrived, they discovered the man, Robinson, 52, of Lafayette, had been shot in the head, according to the affidavit. When police searched the area, they located a Speer .40 caliber Smith and Wesson cartridge case in the alley near Robinsons body and two cell phones in nearby areas, according to the affidavit. Earlier that same day, around 12:19 p.m., Lafayette Police and Fire Department responded to a vehicle that had been engulfed in flames. After firefighters extinguished the fire, and completed their investigation of the vehicle, police ran the plates on the vehicle and determined that the vehicle was registered to Robinson, according to the affidavit. Near the vehicle, police also found a lanyard that had several keys on it, but none of the keys were related to the vehicle, according to the affidavit. While examining Robinson's Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle records, police determined that Robinson also had a 1990 Chevrolet truck registered under his name. On Dec. 1, 2022, police located the truck at his girlfriends house, according to the affidavit. The girlfriend informed the police that the truck had been parked at his home prior to the homicide and identified that the lanyard was owned by Robinson. After evaluating the keys, it was determined that the keys belonged to the truck, according to the affidavit. Police swabbed the keys to determine if they could find any DNA evidence. After receiving a report on March 1, 2023, from the Indiana State Police Laboratory, police were able to find the DNA of three people on the keys, Robinson, Norman and Bressler, according to the affidavit. A bullet hole at the back of this mailbox is marked by police tape to show the scale of the hole. This was found at the scene of the Nov. 25, 2022, killing of Terry Robinson, 52, 2022. On Nov. 25, 2022, police received a call from a father informing officers that his son, Charles Bressler, had been with Robinson when he heard two gunshots go off, but was unable to identify the shooter. Bressler explained to police that he and Robinson left Bresslers residence to go to a gas station. But before making it to the gas station, Robinson took a detour, stopped the car and told Bresslers to wait inside, according to the affidavit. Bressler saw Robinson exit the vehicle and then heard Robinson exchange words with another individual before Robinson began to yell no, dont and stop, according to the affidavit. Earlier that day, police also reviewed city camera footage and saw Robinsons vehicle being driven towards the location where police and firefighters found and extinguished it. While reviewing the footage, they identified Patrick Norman walking away from that location and labeled him as a possible suspect, according to the affidavit. On Nov. 29, 2022, police spoke with Bressler again, and he admitted that Norman was at Bresslers residence with Robinson and Bressler prior to the homicide. He also admitted that the three left Bresslers house and left for the gas station on the day of the homicide, according to the affidavit. Bressler explained that Robinson and Norman were meeting up with a person to purchase methamphetamine. The two left the vehicle, and then shortly afterward, Bressler heard the screaming and gunshots. Bressler ran towards the gunshot and found Robinson on the ground, and then proceeded to run home. Bressler did not see Norman again after that night, according to the affidavit. Police discovered that after the homicide Norman attempted to get rid of the weapon used in the homicide of Robinson. Police found that an individual purchased a firearm from Norman on either Nov. 27 or 28, 2022. The person bought the gun from Norman for $100 and 2.5 grams of heroin, according to the affidavit. On Nov. 26, 2022, Norman also confided in a friend that he might have killed someone, according to the affidavit. On June 19, 2023, the Lafayette Police Department received a report from the Indiana State Police Laboratory indicating that the cartridge case found near Robinsons body was fired by the gun owned by Norman, according to the affidavit. Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Murder charges filed almost a year after a body was found in an alley James Reyos, seated center, next to Allison Clayton, left side, along with the other members of the team that got him exonerated for the murder of Father Patrick Ryan in Odessa in 1981. After being convicted of murder over 40 years ago, James Reyos was declared innocent this week by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. According to the Innocence Project of Texas, the court's decision to overturn the conviction was based on recently discovered fingerprint evidence that identified the real perpetrators and the overwhelming evidence of Reyos being in New Mexico at the time of the killing. "We are grateful for the courts swift action on this case. James has been living with this burden for more than 40 years and his name has finally been cleared, said Allison Clayton, deputy director of the Innocence Project of Texas and clinical fellow at Texas Tech. Murder of Father Patrick Ryan in 1981 In December 1981, Catholic priest Patrick Ryan was found dead in a motel room in Odessa, the victim of an apparent beating. During a police investigation, it was found that Reyos was the last person to see Father Ryan. At the time of the killing, Reyos was in New Mexico, which was proven through witnesses, receipts and a speeding ticket that Texas Rangers verified. However, a year after being taken off the suspect list, Reyos confessed to the murder while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He was arrested and later recanted his confession. But, according to IPTX, the State of Texas tried Reyos for the murder and focused on the confession and "Reyos Apache Native American race and the fact that he was gay." Even though no evidence was presented linking Reyos to the crime scene or even committing the crime, he was found guilty and was sentenced to 38 years in prison. Reyos was released in 2004 after serving only 20 years. According to IPTX, it was thought there was no legal path forward to overturn the conviction because it was believed that all the evidence was destroyed. In 2022, the Odessa Police Department discovered fingerprints that were taken from the crime scene and Father Ryan's stolen car and wallet in the archived files. This prompted OPD to run the prints through the national fingerprint database, which returned the identities of Father Ryan's killers. The killers had a criminal history and were known to be staying at the motel during that time. The real killers have passed away since then. I am so grateful to (the) Innocence Project of Texas for this day. I want this to serve as hope to the people of Texas that justice can prevail, Reyos said, in a statement from Innocence Project, after hearing the courts decision. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Project Innocence Texas helps exonerate Odessa murder defendant Widely recognized as one of the finest professional singing ensembles in North America, Blue Heron will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 in the Concert Hall in University of Iowas Voxman Music Building. The event is free and open to the public, and no ticket is required. In addition to the public performance, the group will host a series of masterclasses, interactive presentations and workshops with students from the School of Music while in residence. Founded in 1999 in the Boston area as a Renaissance choir, Blue Heron explores music composed between 1400 and 1600, the period when polyphonya musical texture with multiple lines of melody rather than just one melody with harmonizing partswas in full flower. The ensemble is named in honor of the Great Blue Heron, a bird that can be seen all over Massachusetts and the East Coast. In medieval folklore, the heron was said to be the only bird that sang in parts. This piece of folklore has yet to be substantiated. As a conductor and music educator, I served as a professor and the director of choral activities at Boston University for 24 years before returning to Iowa City for my retirementand I have personally had the distinct pleasure to be in the audience for many performances of Blue Heron in Cambridge and Boston. Their sounds are elegant and captivating, optimizing the sonority of a mostly male ensemble in executing the equal-voiced polyphony. The performers sing with robust energy and musical intensity. Coupled with the allure of seldom-heard music, the musical and intellectual appeal is unparalleled. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Scott Metcalfe, Blue Heron puts the study of original manuscript sources and historical performance practices in the service of vivid live performance. The mostly male singing group includes women on treble lines that would originally have been assigned to boys treble voices. The groups expansive repertoire includes15th-century English and Franco-Flemish polyphony, Spanish music from between 1500 and 1600, and neglected early 16th-century English musicmost notably the Peterhouse partbooks, which were handwritten manuscripts copied around the year 1540 for Canterbury Cathedral. The ensembles accolades include the 2018 Gramophone Classical Music Award for Early Music, making Blue Heron the first group from outside Europe to receive the award, and the Noah Greenberg Award from the American Musicological Society. Alex Ross, music critic for The New Yorker, praised the groups fine gradations of dynamics, pungent diction; telling contrasts of ethereal and earthly timbres, tempos that are more lusty than languid, a way of propelling a phrase toward a goal, and wrote that their singing is both precise and fluid, immaculate and alive. The concert presents a rare opportunity for students at the university to learn directly from some of the premiere vocalists of America and for students and community members to hear this distinguished group in live performanceand to do so free of charge! It truly epitomizes the experience I wanted to make available when I created the Larry G. and Ann Howard Jones Vocal Ensemble Residency Program. I extend my warmest welcome to join us at the concert! Ann Howard Jones has guided generations of budding musicians who, like her, have reached some of the worlds biggest stages. Now retired in Iowa City, the influential conductor continues to inspire students, particularly in her home state of Iowa. One of the conducting world's most admired educators, Jones earned her BM (1964), MA (1966), and DMA (1984) here in the University of Iowa School of Music. She created the Larry G. and Ann Howard Jones Vocal Ensemble Residency Program to bring world-class vocal ensembles to UIs campus to engage with students regarding professional ensemble singing in todays world. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Music Column: Blue Heron ensemble brings Renaissance vocals to Iowa City People hold placards as they chant slogan during a protest against a ruling by the Kenya supreme court for upholding the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) to register the association in Nairobi, Friday Oct. 6 2023. The protests took place after the Friday prayers with demonstrators calling out Kenyas highest court for condoning immorality. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Hundreds of Muslims in Kenyas capital rallied Friday outside the Supreme Court to protest its decision last month to reaffirm the LGBTQ communitys right of association, saying that the verdict condoned immorality and demanding that some justices step down. The protest in Nairobi took place after Friday prayers, with demonstrators holding signs that attributed the verdict to Neo Colonialists and urged three of the five judges who supported the panels majority decision to Repent and Resign. Some conservative Christians also attended. The court last month reaffirmed an earlier ruling that the Non-Governmental Organization Board in Kenya had discriminated against LGBTQ people when it refused to register their association. The two dissenting judges opposed the ruling on the grounds that Kenyas laws outlaw same-sex relationships. Lawmaker Mohamed Ali told The Associated Press that Kenya is a religious country and that the court should respect that. Islam and Christianity are against gayism," he said. Our countrys constitution doesnt recognize same-sex marriages. Three people in a court should not go against the societal values. President William Ruto had said after the ruling that he respected the courts decision, but also noted that the countrys culture and religion don't allow same-sex relationships. The LGBTQ community in Kenya is often targeted by homophobic people, including in cases of physical and verbal abuse. Kenyas neighbor, Uganda, in May enacted an anti-LGBTQ law that carries the death penalty for charges of aggravated homosexuality, defined as cases of same-sex sexual relations involving a minor and other categories of vulnerable people, or when the perpetrator is infected with HIV. A Kenyan lawmaker, Peter Kaluma, has submitted a similar harsh law in Kenya's national assembly that is pending a review before it goes to the House for debate. Lawyers representing MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in three separate defamation cases are set to sever ties with the 2020 election denier over millions of dollars in unpaid legal fees. Law firm Parker Daniels Kibort LLC said in new court filings that Mr Lindell and his pillow company are several months behind on their legal bills in the three cases. Now, the lawyers claim they can no longer afford to represent the notorious Donald Trump supporter in the absence of any payment. At this time, Defendants are in arrears by millions of dollars to PDK, the filing said. PDK is a small litigation and trial firm in Minneapolis, MN and cannot afford to finance Defendants defense in the Litigations. The law firm said that if it continues to represent Mr Lindell and MyPillow, then future fees and costs will amount to millions of dollars in addition to the millions of dollars already owed. Dominion Voting Systems is suing Mr Lindell for defamation after he spread false conspiracy theories that its voting machines were rigged to help Joe Biden win the 2020 election. The lawsuit alleges that Mr Lindell knowingly lied about Dominion to sell more pillows to people who continued tuning in to hear what they wanted to hear about the election. Dominion is seeking damages of $1.3bn against the pillow salesman. Mr Lindell is also being sued for defamation by voting machine company Smartmatic and former Dominion employee Eric Coomer. In all three lawsuits, claimants say their reputations have been damaged by Mr Lindells repeated claims of fraud around the 2020 presidential election. Mr Lindell has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Businessman and election conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell talks with reporters outside the club house at the Trump National Golf Club on 13 June 2023 (Getty Images) The MyPillow CEO responded to his legal team quitting by admitting that he is broke. Weve lost everything, every dime, he told NBC News. All of it is gone. He added that he would gladly pay his lawyers if he wasnt broke, praising them as brave and courageous. Mr Lindell said MyPillow has faced a series of financial challenges amid his legal troubles, with American Express cutting its credit line to the company in September and companies reportedly refusing to stock his pillows because of his insistence that the 2020 election was stolen. Mr Lindell was previously forced to auction off more than 800 items, including personal possessions and equipment from his MyPillow factories, after retailers cut ties with him. His financial situation also means he can longer afford to take out any loans, he said. In an interview with Newsweek in March, the pillow salesman said hed been forced to borrow $10m to pay for his legal fees. They took away my borrowing because of all you guys in the media, Mr Lindell said, adding that hed been canceled over his comments over the 2020 election. Mr Lindell was also ordered to pay $5m to computer forensics expert Robert Zeidman after he tried to renege on a promise to pay $5m to anyone who could prove purported evidence of 2020 election fraud was false. Mr Zeidman won the challenge but Mr Lindell refused to pay before he was ordered to in court. The MyPillow CEO is now challenging the arbitration panels ruling. Parker Daniels Kibort LLC is now advising Mr Lindell to seek other counsel, according to court filings. Defendants have indicated that they understand PDKs position, do not object, and are in the process of finding new counsel, the filing said. Despite his financial woes, Mr Lindell has no plans to stop pushing his stolen election claims. I will never stop trying to secure our elections, he said. It comes after lawyers representing fellow Mr Trump ally Rudy Giuliani sued the former New York City mayor for $1.4m in unpaid fees. Mr Giuliani, who is also being sued by Smartmatic, Dominion and Mr Coomer, has been found liable for defaming two Georgia election workers, and is facing related criminal charges in Fulton County. He has pleaded not guilty to the Georgia election interference charges. In September, Mr Trump held a fundraiser to raise money for Mr Giulianis legal defense fund. The Los Angeles photographer who was on a search for a couple whom she had photographed mid-proposal in Yosemite National Park told YourCentralValley.com on Thursday that she has made contact with the couple. On Sept. 28, LA-based photographer, Allie Dearie says she took a hike with another couple to Taft Point off Glacier Point Road, a popular spot that overlooks the valley. Thats when they witnessed another couples special moment in the sunset. yosemite proposal Dearie captured the moment and gave them her business card to contact her, but after not hearing back from them for almost a week, she began to worry. Its a long hike back and after sunset, youre hiking in the dark so Im a little worried that he may have lost the card and thats why I started posting online to see if I could find them, Darie said. Couple engaged in Yosemite sought by L.A. photographer A week later on Oct. 5, Dearie announced she was able to make contact with the couple, Chen-Yun and Mati from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who confirmed they did lose her business card, which is why they were not able to contact her. After an exchange of emails, Dearie was able to share the photos of the couples special moment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. California residents submitted photographs and videos to Nexstars KRON this week of mysterious objects falling on their neighborhoods. Morgan Hill resident Gina Watson shot images of strange, white webby objects that fell from my house all the way to work, she said. John E. Banks, an environmental sciences professor at California State University Monterey Bay, said the objects are likely silky webs created by spiders that are ballooning. No one has definitively figured out what they are, but they appear to be spider silk, Banks told KRON. (Photo by Gina Watson) Spiders spin out long lines of silk in a phenomenon called ballooning. Several spider species use ballooning to blow in the breeze from one habitat to another, Banks said. A spider will weave its own parachute, or balloon, and drift through the sky with help from the wind, he explained. The New York Times reported that spider silk is so thin and light that air is like a thick fluid in comparison. The effect of gravity is easily counteracted. In a breeze, the flowing air carries the silk threads along with it, as the spider rides beneath, the report stated. Dr. Fredrick Larabee, a professor of biological sciences at San Jose State University, said the ballooning spiders could be baby spiders, also known as spiderlings. After they hatch, baby spiders release strands of silk that get caught by the wind and carry them to new homes. That way they can find food and homes without competing with their siblings, Larabee told KRON. I havent been able to catch a spider in any of these yet to figure out what species is ballooning right now, but many spiders are hatching this time of year, Larabee said. (Photo by Gina Watson) Spiders use ballooning for many reasons, some of which are still unknown to researchers. Researchers do know that ballooning helps protect spider populations from dying out when conditions change and food becomes less plentiful. Evolutionarily, it is a very smart strategy for spiders that live in an unstable environment, like farmland, Banks said. Shifts in the atmospheres electric fields are also suspected to be factors for when spiders weave balloons, he added. (Photo by Autumn Fry) Banks said there are 45,000 to 50,000 species of spiders on the planet, and they play an important role in keeping an ecological balance. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Mohammadi has been separated from her Paris-based children and husband Taghi Rahmani (JULIEN DE ROSA) Iranian campaigner Narges Mohammadi has for decades campaigned on the most sensitive issues in the Islamic republic, opposing pillars of the clerical system including capital punishment and the obligatory hijab, and defiantly refusing to give up her campaigning even behind bars. She has not seen her children for eight years, has spent most of her recent life in prison and acknowledges there is no immediate prospect of release. Yet still she insists her struggle is worthwhile, saying the protest movement that erupted one year ago in Iran against the Islamic republic is still alive. First arrested 22 years ago, Mohammadi, 51, has spent much of the past two decades in and out of jail over her unstinting campaigning for human rights in Iran. She has most recently been incarcerated since November 2021. The activist "is the most determined person I know", her husband Taghi Rahmani, who has been a refugee in France since 2012 with their two children, twins now aged 17, told AFP. "She has three causes in her life -- respect for human rights, her feminist commitment and justice for all the crimes that have been committed," said Rahmani. While she could only witness from behind bars the protests that broke out following the death on September 16, 2022, of Mahsa Amini -- who had been arrested for violating Iran's strict dress rules for women -- she says the movement made clear the levels of dissatisfaction in society. "The government was not able to break the protests of the people of Iran," she told AFP in September in written answers from Tehran's Evin prison where she is held, describing the protest wave as "irreversible." - 'Voice of the voiceless' - Born in 1972 in Zanjan, in the northwest of Iran, Mohammadi studied physics before becoming an engineer. But she then launched a new career in journalism, working for newspapers that were at the time part of the reformist movement. In the 2000s, she joined the Center for Human Rights Defenders, founded by the Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2003, fighting in particular for the abolition of the death penalty. "Narges had the possibility of leaving the country but she always refused... She became the voice of the voiceless. "Even in prison, she does not forget her duties and provides information about the situation of the prisoners," said Reza Moini, an Iranian human rights activist based in Paris who knows her well. In her book "White Torture", Mohammadi denounced prisoners' conditions of detention, in particular the use of solitary confinement, which she says she herself also suffered. Regular updates about the situation in prison are posted on her Instagram account run by her family. Mohammadi and fellow inmates during the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death staged a symbolic protest in the yard of Evin by burning their headscarves. - 'Heart that breaks' - Mohammadi told AFP in September she was currently serving a combined sentence of 10 years and nine months in prison, had also been sentenced to 154 lashes and had five cases against her linked to her activities in jail alone. "I have almost no prospect of freedom," she said. Amnesty International describes her as a prisoner of conscience who has been arbitrarily detained. Mohammadi has missed much of the childhood of her twin children, Kiana and Ali, as well as the pain of being apart from her husband Rahmani. "In 24 years of marriage, we had just five or six years of living together!" he said. As well as not seeing the children for eight years, restrictions placed by the prison on her telephone calls means she has not even heard their voices for more than a year and a half. "My most incurable and indescribable suffering is the longing to be with my children, from whose lives I departed when they were eight," she told AFP. "The price of the struggle is not only torture and prison, it is a heart that breaks with every regret and a pain that strikes to the marrow of your bones." But she added: "I believe that as long as democracy, equality and freedom have not been achieved, we must continue to fight and sacrifice." cf-sjw/tgb/gil Critics of affirmative action filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing the United States Naval Academy of discrimination for using race as a factor in its admissions decisions. Lawyers for the group Students for Fair Admissions argue it is unconstitutional for the service academy in Annapolis, Maryland, to consider ones race in the selection process to become a midshipman. Instead of admitting midshipmen solely on leadership potential and objective metrics the Academy focuses on race, according to the complaint against the sea service school, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division. Because the Academy provides a racial benefit to some applicants but not to others, it necessarily advantages the former group at the expense of the latter. Students for Fair Admissions filed a similar lawsuit against the United States Military Academy at West Point last month. The pair of legal challenges comes after the anti-affirmative action group succeeded in June in getting the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down race-conscious admissions as part of lawsuits involving admissions practices at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. That landmark ruling, however, included a footnote about the military service academies. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, No military academy is a party to these cases, however, and none of the courts below addressed the propriety of race-based admissions systems in that context. ... This opinion also does not address the issue, in light of the potentially distinct interests that military academies may present. Fewer than 1,200 future Navy and Marine Corps officers attend the academy each year, according to the court filing, which added that fewer than 10 percent of applicants to the school eventually enroll. Former top military leaders filed a friend-of-the-court brief to the Supreme Court last year that contended affirmative action is important for national security, Military Times previously reported. It is not Naval Academy policy to comment on pending litigation, academy officials said. Geoff Ziezulewicz and Irene Loewenson contributed to this report. A U.S. Navy sailor who left USS Germantown for shore leave in San Diego and later vanished has been missing for almost a week, according to friends and family. Nija "Towny" Townsend Jr., 20, was last seen around 1 p.m. Saturday, his mother, Courtney Frazier, told Fox News Digital. His phone is turned on and fully charged, she said, but authorities have allegedly refused her requests to ping its location, citing a lack of legal authority to do so. The following Monday, after the Jackson, Texas, native failed to return, shipmates reached out to friends and relatives to ask if they knew where he might be. ARMY VET SAYS NEW EVIDENCE SUGGESTS FOUL PLAY IN UNSOLVED DISAPPEARANCE OF SCIENTIST SON Nija "Towny" Townsend Jr., a 20-year-old member of the U.S. Navy, was last seen Friday, Sept. 29. He vanished sometime over the weekend and friends, and shipmates say it is out of character that he hasn't contacted any of them. He has been missing for a week. They did not, and no one has seen him since. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "His lieutenant said no he has not done this before, this is very out of character, and he always shows up for work," Frazier said, adding that her son has no known issues with drugs or mental health. The worried mother said she tried to file a missing person report with San Diego police, which a detective told her they could not accept the report because they had no indications of "foul play or imminent danger." FLORIDA MOM TURNS ONLINE DETECTIVE POST-STROKE, HELPING MAKE REAL-LIFE ARRESTS The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, transits the Gulf of Thailand in a 2013 file photo. The detective directed her to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), where an investigator told her the same thing, she said. "At what point does it become indicative of foul play or imminent danger?" Frazier asked Friday. "Wouldnt it be better to be safe than sorry?" Neither agency responded to requests for comment Friday morning. Missing U.S. Navy sailor Nija Townsend Jr., right, poses with his mother Courtney Frazier during a visit home. Townsend vanished from his ship in San Diego over the weekend, according to friends and family. Short on options, she went to Verizon, her son's cellphone carrier, where she said a customer service representative told her Townsend's phone was turned on and at 100% charge indicating it may be plugged in somewhere. But he hasn't used any data, answered a single call or dialed anyone else this week, she said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS She said the company told her it could not track his location data without a request from police. "We're not getting any kind of answer that we need, because we just dont have any information," Frazier told Fox News Digital. He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and around 165 pounds. He wears glasses, and it was unclear what he may be wearing. He was known to spend time at a San Diego Quality Inn location near the base, but Frazier said she went in person and was told he had not checked in this week. "This is unlike him not to report back to duty," a close family friend, Cynthia Diaz Richardson, wrote on Facebook. "Anyone that knows him knows his character and that he is responsible and would NEVER just go missing without any word or without anyone knowing where he is at." The family is asking for anyone who may have seen him to contact San Diego police at 619-531-2000. Original article source: Navy sailor assigned to USS Germantown vanishes in San Diego The royal family has faced accusations of being out of touch (Koen van Weel) Revelations that the Dutch king's grandfather was a card-carrying member of Adolf Hitler's Nazi party have stunned the Netherlands and its royal family, whose popularity was already in free-fall. Prince Bernhard , husband of the former queen Juliana, had insisted until his death in 2004 that he had never signed up to the Nazi party. "I can swear with my hand on the Bible: I have never been a Nazi," Bernhard told daily De Volkskrant in an interview just before his death aged 93. He added he had "never paid a subscription fee and never had a membership card". But the card, dated 1933 and confirmed to AFP to be genuine by the royal household, shattered these claims. Historian Flip Maarschalkerweerd, former head of the royal archives, unearthed the membership card in the prince's personal files stored at his sumptuous Soestdijk Palace residence. Born in 1911 in Jena, Bernhard von Biesterfeld was living in Berlin at the time he signed up to the Nazi party. He married crown princess Juliana in 1937 after meeting her at the Berlin Olympic Games a year earlier and introduced her to the good life with fast cars, luxury holidays and designer clothes. During the war, he headed the Dutch resistance from London, where the government and his mother-in-law, Queen Wilhelmina, resided in exile. After Juliana became queen in 1948, he was made inspector general of the armed forces and conducted official and unofficial economic missions for the government. Internationally, he was best known as founder of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 1961. He was its president until 1977. Two weeks after his death came revelations that he had fathered two illegitimate daughters and had a string of affairs, in the bombshell interview in De Volkskrant, where his part in a 1970s corruption scandal also came to light. "I was surprised that Prince Bernhard kept the document and that it is still in the archives of the royal family," Rick Evers, a Dutch royal specialist, told AFP. He said that the emergence of the card would not have happened without the consent of the current King Willem-Alexander . "These are private archives, not national ones. He decides what to do with them." The country's main Jewish group, CIDI, and a parliamentary party have demanded an enquiry into Bernhard's Nazi past but Prime Minister Mark Rutte has so far rejected the appeals. The CIDI said the revelations "add another black page to a painful part of the recent history of the Netherlands". For his part, Willem-Alexander told reporters: "I imagine that the news has a major impact and that it prompts a lot of emotion, especially in the Jewish community." - 'Too little openness' - For Jolijn Oliemans, a 41-year-old personal trainer passing by the splendid Noordeinde Palace, where Willem-Alexander has his office, the news came as a sort of betrayal. "It is also that he has always denied it, which is difficult for many people and that there has been too little openness about it," she told AFP. There were some calls on Dutch social media to abolish the royal family in the wake of the revelations and polls show their popularity is waning. According to a September Ipsos survey, only 38 percent of the Dutch said they still had "real confidence" in the king. This was down from nearly 80 percent in 2020. More than a quarter of those surveyed called for the Netherlands to become a republic. Several dozen protesters booed the royal family during the traditional Prince's Day celebrations in The Hague last month. The family is still recovering from gaffes during Covid. In October 2020, the king and queen flew to Greece for a holiday, as the country declared a partial Covid lockdown. The couple returned a day later, following an outcry in the Netherlands after news of the trip became public. Two months earlier, the king faced accusations that he was out of touch with the Covid struggles of the ordinary Dutch, when he was pictured on a Greek island without a facemask and not keeping social distancing. amo-jcp-ric/gil The Netherlands is allocating 102 million euros ($108 million) to support investments, recovery, and reforms in Ukraine, the Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Ministry announced on Oct. 6. Of the total amount, 60 million euros ($64 million) "will go to supporting Dutch companies that want to contribute to the reconstruction of the country," the ministry said. "This money is intended for export credit insurance to cover payment risks of investments and transactions in the country," the ministry explained, adding that the Dutch government would like to make it "more accessible for entrepreneurs to export to and invest in Ukraine." Of the remaining amount, 30 million euros ($32 million) is destined to help Ukraine prepare for winter. This includes money to help purchase gas and restore the country's electricity network, which is the target of Russian attacks. Another 7 million euros ($7.4 million) will go to the IMF fund to support the Ukrainian government in implementing its reform agenda. The Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine will receive the last 5 million euros ($5.3 million). This fund focuses on areas recently liberated from Russian occupation and assists with the repair of key infrastructure like drinking water, electricity, and healthcare. It is the country's third support package to Ukraine in 2023. Read also: Dutch minister: Netherlands to deliver first F-16 jets to Ukraine in 2024 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Its a gamble most Nevadans know, having to run to the state line to buy a lottery ticket because they arent allowed to. Within years, customers may have a new lottery to partake in with a lesser drive, though its not without changes to the state constitution. At least 30 failed attempts since 1975, Democratic Assemblyman Cameron C.H. Miller spearheaded efforts in 2023 to eliminate lottery prohibition in the state constitution (article 4, section 24), which was ratified 160 years ago. Nevada is a state that can reinvent pretty much everything, Miller said during an interview inside the 8 News Now studios Thursday morning. Another set of 63 legislators have to decide to move this legislation forward. The first step has already been taken AJR5 passed during the 2023 legislative session, which proposes the state constitution amendment. Miller said it needs to pass two consecutive sessions the next session is in 2025 without any changes. Pending this second passage, a majority of Nevada voters must then approve the change in the 2026 general election. Miller predicts it could take up to three years after this vote before tickets are sold state-side, meaning, a lottery could be established and operational before 2029 if all goes as planned. The primary pushback is the potential effects on Nevadas well-established gaming industry, which brought in $14.8 billion in revenue in 2022 alone. This is the same gaming industry that pays most of the taxes in our state, Republican Assemblywoman Jill Dickman said during an April 13 workshop on AJR5. (A lottery) usually turns out to be sort of a voluntary tax on poor people. But, Miller argues that Nevadans who flock to California or Arizona are giving millions of dollars to those states when they could be used to fund services in Nevada. California, for one, has generated over $41.5 billion for its public schools since 1985 through its state lottery. He also pointed to casino giants, such as Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, that operate in Nevada and other states with established lotteries. Everyones operating already in states where there are lotteries. Theyre doing fine. Theyre doing well, Miller said. The operation of a lottery could compete with their business, and its my position that it shouldnt be a competition. We can be partners together. Customers, several from Nevada, lined up outside The Lotto Store at the California State line Thursday afternoon to purchase Powerball tickets for the $1.40 billion reward. (KLAS) What a Nevada lottery would look like, which state services would benefit from revenue, and how much revenue would go to these services remain unclear until a separate legislative process after the potential 2026 general election vote. Though Miller has advocated for youth mental health services to benefit, the designation must be established in future law. Ultimately, the decision may land in voters hands. I think the people who want to gamble at casinos like the environment, whereas this is a completely different experience. So, I dont think it would take away at all, Nevada Resident Nicole Cassill said Thursday afternoon while purchasing power ball tickets at the California border. It is also unclear if tickets would be available in Nevada grocery stores, as they are in other states, due to the strict Nevada Gaming Commission guidelines. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Donald Trump is so sick of winning that he withdrew two major lawsuits in 24 hours just to give himself a break. The former president talks a big game about how successful he is and how he never gives up until he wins. After he was arraigned in Georgia for trying to overthrow the states 2020 election results, his campaign released a line of merchandise featuring his mug shot and the phrase Never Surrender. But on Friday, Trump surrendered: He dropped a lawsuit against Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over the former presidents business fraud case in New York. Trump had sued Engoron last month for allegedly ignoring an appeals court order, a move that was widely seen as an attempt by Trumps lawyers to delay the trial. Engoron has handed Trump a steady stream of losses before the trial even began. The judge ruled last week that Trump committed business fraud and ordered that all his New York business certificates be canceled. This makes it nearly impossible to do business in New York and could effectively kill the Trump Organization as it exists today. After the trial began Monday, Engoron issued a partial gag order for all involved parties after Trump tried to bully a court clerk. Engoron then ruled late Wednesday that Trump and his co-defendants must tell a court-appointed monitor if they transfer any assets of their companies. Trump also moved Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit against his former lawyer Michael Cohen. Trump had sued Cohen in April for $500 million, accusing him of breaching his fiduciary duty and violating attorney-client privileges so he could be unjustly enriched. At the time, Trump had just been indicted in New York for his alleged role in hush-money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. Cohen was a key witness in the investigation, appearing multiple times before a grand jury. Trump withdrew the lawsuit against Cohen without prejudice, meaning he reserves the right to refile it at any point.* * This article was corrected to note that Trump withdrew the Cohen lawsuit without prejudice. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 6, 2023 CONTACT Leha Byrd ECSU Communications and Marketing Email or 252.335.8745 Paintings and prints from the Renaissance era to the 20th century are part of The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Department of Music and Visual Arts exhibition, Durer to Picasso: 400 Years of European Prints from the Ackland Art Museum. The free event is 1 to 4 p.m., Oct. 24-Dec. 10 in the University Gallery in the K.E. White Center, 1862 Edgewood Dr. As part of the event, which is open to the public, there will be a series of presentations and films on Fridays during the exhibit. Musical performances relative to the era of certain paintings are also planned. The event is part of a loaning tour throughout the state through the Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ECSU is the second stop on the loaning tour. European prints, etchings, and lithographs, all direct from the hands of the artists, will be on display, according to university faculty who have organized the event. A show of prints, not reprints, by some of the most famous artists including Albrecht Durer, Rembrandt Van Rijn, William Blake, Edgar Degas and Pablo Picasso, will be right here in Elizabeth City and on ECSUs campus, said Jeffrey P. Whelan, associate professor and chair of the Department of Music and Visual Arts. This is the second year ECSU has participated in the consortium. Last years exhibition, Almost Now: Cuban Art, Cinema and Politics, examined the central role that artists, filmmakers, and film audiences played in Cuban cultural and political discourse since the 1959 Cuban Revolution. Were, again, excited to offer this experience to our students, the campus and the community, Whelan said. Local community groups and school art classes can make arrangements for a guided tour by sending a request to jpwhelan@ecsu.edu. _____________________________________________________________ Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education as one of North Carolinas leading four-year public institutions that is part of the University of North Carolina System. ECSU develops leaders who are courageous, resilient, and empowered through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. We offer baccalaureate, professional, and masters degrees across a wide variety of interests. Excellence is the standard at Elizabeth City State University success is our legacy. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu. Newark district schools are facing a staggering surge of new students, largely Spanish speakers even as the New Jersey district faces a shortage of multilingual and special needs teachers. The Newark Board of Education reported late last month there was a 78% increase in multilingual students for the 2023-24 academic year compared to the last two years. From 2020 to 2023, the District has witnessed a staggering 78% surge in the Multilingual Learner population, according to a press release. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter District spokeswoman Nancy Deering told The 74 the majority of new multilingual students come from Spanish speaking countries. District officials would not say if the influx of multilingual students come from migrant families, but immigration cases have increased in the tri-state area. And The Mercy House of Newark reported in the last year it has doubled the number of families they have helped, with about half migrating from Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico and Chile. In the 2022-23 academic year, there were more than 40,000 students in the Newark school district, with 9,000 multilingual students and 6,000 students with special needs about 24% and 15% respectively. With a 78% surge, the previous 9,000 multilingual students comes to more than 16,000 for the 2023-24 academic year, with Latino students comprising the majority of the districts enrollment. In the 2022-23 academic year, there were nearly 23,000 Latino students, about 55% of the student population compared to 36% of Black students and 7% of white students, according to the New Jersey Department of Education. Newark superintendent Roger Leon told The 74 the district hired close to 1,000 teachers in the past two academic years but currently has 80 vacancies mostly for multilingual and special needs teachers. Related: In 3 Midwest Cities, Immigrants and Refugees Are Solving Teacher Shortages English Language Learners Leon said educators must be certified to teach multilingual students, slowing down the hiring process. To ease these staffing shortages, Leon said the district has created incentives for current teachers to get the certification. We have a pool of staff members that are in route to get the endorsement and once theyre done thatll be how we solve our problem, said Leon. Neither Leon nor Deering would elaborate on what the incentives were. The district also held its first training in August for more than 250 teachers to help English language learners pass an English proficiency test and transition out of needing multilingual services. Special Education One parent said staffing issues in the district has prevented her two high school children with special needs from fully thriving, oftentimes needing occupational therapy among other services that arent always available. I just see the district harboring kids on the spectrum from high functioning to low functioning all in the same classroom which is not a good idea, she told The 74 anonymously to protect the identity of her children. My kids have a different level of learning and they need to be with that particular group. Another parent added how staffing problems prevented her 6th grade son from attending a specialized district school. Its been issue after issue after issue, she told The 74 anonymously to protect the identity of her son. Every single thing, all the support Ive been advocating for, has been a fight. Leon believes the district wouldnt have to worry about finding special education teachers if Newarks charter schools didnt contribute to the problem. Students that have an IEP are not afforded an opportunity to have an education in Newark charter schools because they get kicked out, said Leon. So if we want to help solve this problem, the charter schools need to get it together. A group of news organizations, including CNN, The New York Times and Politico, on Thursday asked Judge Tanya Chutkan to allow the criminal trial in former President Donald Trump s election interference case in Washington, D.C., to be televised next year. The media coalition argued that bringing cameras into the courtroom would promote confidence in the U.S. justice system. We have never, in the history of our Nation, had a federal criminal trial that warrants audiovisual access more than the federal prosecution of former President Trump for allegedly trying to subvert the will of the people, the court filing shared by Deadline states. Trump was indicted in the case overseen by special counsel Jack Smith for his efforts to undo Joe Bidens win in the 2020 election. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is slated to start on March 4, 2024. The news organizations noted that John Lauro, a lawyer representing Trump, has previously spoken in support of televised proceedings. The media coalition argued that recording and televising the trial would help curb misinformation around the proceeding, which would be in the interest of both the defendant as well as the American people. For his benefit, and that of the Court and the public, real-time audiovisual coverage will be a critical step in stemming false conspiracy theories across the entire spectrum of public opinion, regardless of the trials outcome, they said. The news organizations cited the example of the 2020 trial of Derek Chauvin, who was eventually convicted of manslaughter and murder for killing George Floyd in Minneapolis. The court allowed cameras in the interest of transparency, given that the social distancing rules observed at the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic limited the number of people allowed to be in the room. The court made the decision despite a general prohibition for broadcasts from Minnesota courtrooms. The live coverage of the proceedings earned widespread praise from media observers, 12 participants, the chief judge of that court, and the chief federal judge of that district, lawyers for the media coalition wrote. While the news organizations stated their preference for being allowed to record and televise the trial, they also suggested some other accommodations Chutkan could consider: Broadcasting the courts own livestreams of the proceedings on YouTube or publishing the courts recordings of the trial at the end of each day. Its unclear if Chutkan will accept any of the proposed options. The New York judge presiding over Trumps civil fraud trial that started this week barred cameras from recording opening statements and closing statements. He only briefly allowed them to film inside before the trial began. Trump, however, aired his grievances with the trial before the cameras stationed outside the courtroom several times. So far, the only trial that will be televised is the one stemming from Trumps criminal indictment in Georgia over his schemes to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. The court will also stream the proceedings live on its YouTube channel. Related... The Messenger, a news site that launched this year with a self-avowed mission to "champion balanced journalism in an era of bias, subjectivity, and misinformation" through "thorough, objective, non-partisan, and timely news coverage," has partnered with an AI-powered tool called Seekr, which claims to be able to use machine learning to judge whether or not a given item of news is reliable. As it turns out, though, Seekr's algorithm says that the Messenger's reporting isn't all that trustworthy. Oops! The partnership seems to have started off on a happy note, with both parties issuing glowing statements about their aligned values in a joint press release. "This partnership is built on a shared ethos that fact-based journalism standards are foundational to reliable news, and that's especially important now, as consumers are being inundated by torrents of information much of it misleading, incomplete, or false," said Rob Clark, Seekr's president and chief technology officer. The Messenger's president Richard Beckman, meanwhile, added that "opinion, bias, and subjectivity are bleeding into news and have caused many readers to lose trust in the media," arguing that "Seekr's responsible AI technology will help hold our newsroom accountable to our core mission." But if you try out the AI tool for yourself, it doesn't seem to hold the Messenger's work in the highest regard. Seekr's algorithm claims to quantify the reliability of certain articles by way of a one-to-100 "score," which it then translates into a rating label, ranging from an unfortunate decree of "Very Low" to the much more favorable "Very High" tag. But as journalist and Nieman Lab director Joshua Benton noted in a Wednesday post to Twitter-formerly-X, when you plug the Messenger's URL into the AI product's search bar, Seekr returns a lot of articles featuring "Low" or "Very Low" reliability ratings. Indeed, when we tested the search ourselves, we got similar results. https://twitter.com/jbenton/status/1709594014079390023 That said? We'd probably recommend taking Seekr's scores with a grain of salt. The venture says that its AI uses "semantic analysis" to understand the "sentiment, emotions, and context" within a given text. This, the company says, means that its system can "identify the difference between a fact statement and a judgment" and ultimately glean real meaning from data. But in context, Seekr's algorithm seems to fall pretty flat. After all, news is a subjective thing, as is the concept of reliability itself. Does news have to take the form of context-free lists of bullet points to prove itself reliable, or can fact-informed opinion exist within the malleable, subjective framework of reliability? Isn't there bias just in deciding which stories to cover? Take, for example, an article from the Messenger titled "Foo Fighters Announce First Major Headline Tour Since the Death of Taylor Hawkins." Seekr scored this post's reliability at "Low" due to an alleged overserving of "subjectivity," but it's difficult to identify the bot's reasoning from what we can tell, that headline is a statement of fact, and the content of the piece is bolstered by links to the Foo Fighters' website. The information provided, including the headlined statement, can also be confirmed through other sources. An article titled "Chess Grandmaster Hans Niemann Denies Claim He Used Vibrating Anal Beads to Beat World Champ" also received a "Low" score for subjectivity, though again it's hard to understand why, because that's exactly what happened. Seekr ratings for other sites are cause for some raised eyebrows as well. Take The Blaze, which was founded by the conspiracy theorist Glenn Beck and which greets readers with a pop-up depicting the media company's many personalities with duct tape over their mouths, while bolded text declares that "WE WILL NOT BE CENSORED." Among the many Blaze headlines that Seekr rates as "High" in reliability is a post titled "Jake Tapper asks AOC just one question to expose her absurd defense of Rep. Jamaal Bowman pulling fire alarm." Is there any way that could be seen as less subjective than the Messenger's Foo Fighters article? Using words like "expose" and "absurd defense" doesn't exactly strike us as non-biased reporting, but apparently Seekr's AI disagrees. Another Blaze article, titled "Newsom appoints Maryland-based head of pro-abortion PAC as Feinstein's replacement," received a "Very High" score from Seekr, regardless of the fact that it mischaracterizes being pro-choice as being "pro-abortion" in the headline and, in the text, refers to Emily's List, a pro-choice group headed by political advisor Laphonza Butler, as a "radical pro-abortion political action committee." Objectivity at its finest, according to the AI! We've reached out to The Messenger and Seekr for comment, but we've yet to receive any reply. The automated system seems clearly flawed, and if it's meant to be a replacement for learned, comprehensive media literacy, it's certainly an incomplete alternative. Subjectivity and reliability are complicated, personal, abstract, and complex concepts, especially when context is taken into account; indeed, Seekr's reliability scores appear unreliable themselves. Anyway, best of luck to the Messenger on its new partnership it seems like it'll need it, if its goal is to appease Seekr's AI. More on AI: Bing Chat Will Help with Fraud If You Tug Its Heartstrings about Your Dead Grandma Over the past year, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips has made a name for himself as the member of the Democratic Party most willing to break rank and call on someone to primary President Joe Biden. His insistence that his party elevate its next generation has led to one persons demotion from Democratic leadership: his own. Now he feels freer than ever. What I discovered and it wont be surprising is that unless you are the leader, either the speaker or the minority leader, serving on a leadership body is actually limiting, not liberating, Phillips told CNN in an interview just days after stepping down as a co-chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, where he helped craft the caucus messaging. After more than a year of advocating a competitive Democratic primary, citing the presidents age and polling showing discontent among voters and suggesting he might run himself the three-term congressman announced Sunday that he would voluntarily leave his leadership role. In his announcement, he noted that his position on 2024 was causing discomfort. The tipping point occurred last week when Phillips was called out in front of the entire Democratic Caucus, he said. During a closed-door discussion on government spending, California Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove told House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries that a member of his leadership team was out of step with the party message on the president, an exchange first reported by Axios. Phillips said he felt it was appropriate to step down once concerns were raised widely while praising Jeffries for offering space for differing opinions. His decision came in the middle of a series of congressional crises: a narrowly averted government shutdown, the historic toppling of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the ensuing turmoil. Part of the problem is an unwavering loyalty to party that dominates politics, he said. While I love my Democratic colleagues, and I believe deeply in our values and our principles and our platform, Im recognizing the terrible consequences of a duopoly, he said. It manifested itself this week. It manifests itself in so many of the disasters that have befallen the Congress and I feel much more liberated and able to convey my convictions off that table. Bafflement back home Its far from the first time Phillips has pushed for such change. As a candidate in 2018 taking on incumbent Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen in a suburban Twin Cities district, Phillips was asked during a debate if he would support Nancy Pelosi for House speaker if Democrats flipped control of the chamber that November. As Ive said countless times: Its time for new leadership on both sides of the aisle, he said. He eventually did support Pelosi for speaker. Five years later, his stance remains the same. Back in his district, its causing confusion. The thing I hear most often in Minnesota, among Minnesota Democrats, is just bafflement, Javier Morillo, a former president of the Service Employees International Union Local 26 and a Minnesota-based Democratic strategist, said of Phillips calls for a Biden challenger. Everyones just baffled about why hes even doing this. Vance Opperman, a Minnesota businessman and longtime Democratic donor who has backed both Biden and Phillips, said he hasnt talked to the congressman about the president and doesnt know why Phillips has spoken up. Ive stayed away from that, he said. While he acknowledged that he wished Biden was 20 years younger, Opperman praised the presidents extraordinary record on the war in Ukraine and for enacting legislation such as the CHIPs Act, which promotes semiconductor research and manufacturing, and the 2021 infrastructure law, which is helping fund improvements to outdated roads and bridges. Hes also very happy with Phillips. I dont want to pick a fight with Dean, and I dont know of any serious attack or effort to run against Dean, but Id oppose that, Opperman said. Id be very happy to do whatever we have to do to make sure Dean is reelected. Phillips is unlikely to pick up a primary challenger, and his push might even play well with some voters in his 3rd Congressional District, said Larry Jacobs, the director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. The issue is Phillips standing within the Democratic Party nationally and in Congress. What did he gain for doing this? This idea that he may run in the primary is ludicrous, Jacobs said. I continue to be a bit confused [about] what hes up to. Phillips has acknowledged in interviews that there are several Democrats whod be in a stronger position to challenge Biden for the nomination next year. But hes also continued to say that hes considering running himself. I have thought about it, and I recognize thered be laughter, thered be distaste, thered be disgust among many, Phillips said during a recent appearance on Republican strategist Steve Schmidts The Warning podcast. But I also have that sense that the country is begging for alternatives. Whether thats me, whether its somebody else, time will tell. Biden, widely seen as the presumptive Democratic nominee, is currently facing long-shot primary challenges from author Marianne Williamson and environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has fueled speculation about a possible independent bid and teased an announcement in Philadelphia next week. The incumbent president has outraised both opponents and holds a commanding lead in primary polling. The Democratic National Committee has not planned any primary debates. But recent polls have shown that voters are concerned about whether Biden, 80, will be healthy enough to complete a second term. Biden would be 82 years old on Inauguration Day in 2025, while former President Donald Trump, the front-runner in the GOP primary, would be 78. An NBC News poll released September 24 found that 59% of registered voters had major concerns about Bidens mental and physical health. Just 34% of those surveyed had the same concerns about Trump, but 52% said they had major concerns about Trumps various criminal and civil court cases. Biden also faces low approval ratings an average of 39%, according to CNNs Poll of Polls. Phillips said his opposition to Bidens reelection bid isnt about the president as a person, but the data. I dont know how one can dismiss what were hearing, what were seeing, what were sensing and what were reading. And it all points to the same thing, he said. If Democrats do not listen right now, Im afraid the consequences will be another Trump administration. And I will not sit on the sidelines, and I will not shush up. Democrats have brushed off the negative polling, arguing that its a sign of increased political polarization and that the president needs time to sell the country on his accomplishments. Amy Koch, a Republican strategist and former Minnesota Senate majority leader, said that while Democrats in her state have been quiet in public, privately theyve been bothered by Phillips decision to speak up even if Biden isnt their ideal candidate either. Its surprising to me because [at the same time] they will say some of the same things or certainly not say that Joe Biden is their first choice to run for president again, she said. Yet they seem annoyed that [Phillips] would say that out loud. A new generation of Democrats Phillips, an heir to a Minnesota distilling business and former chairman of Talenti Gelato, first ran for Congress during the 2018 midterm elections, at a time when Democrats were attempting to tie Republicans to Trump and Republicans were portraying Democrats as rubber stamps for Pelosi, that cycles GOP boogeywoman. He was part of a cohort of younger, moderate candidates who promised to work across the aisle. Phillips focused his campaign on his opponent, Paulsen, and his support for a failed effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He also highlighted the five-term congressmans reputation for avoiding public appearances including an ad in which a Bigfoot character complained that Paulsen was even more elusive than him. Phillips traveled around the district in a 1960 International Harvester milk truck his campaign called the Government Repair Truck. He beat Paulsen by 11 points and handily won reelection in 2020 and 2022. Prior to his 2018 victory, the district, which covers wealthy suburbs around Minneapolis, had not elected a Democrat in more than half a century. Once in office, he joined the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and continued to call for younger leaders in Congress, embracing Jeffries rise to House minority leader. In December, House Democrats elected him to serve as a co-chair of their messaging arm. Phillips campaigned for the job by visiting the offices of a majority of his colleagues, gifting them tiny succulents with campaign cards describing his plan to modernize Democratic communications. Last year, Phillips became one of the first prominent Democratic voices to say he didnt think Biden should seek reelection, telling a local radio station the party needed a new generation of compelling, well-prepared, dynamic Democrats to step up. Once Biden officially jumped into the race earlier this year, Phillips started calling for an alternative and suggested that he might run himself. The congressman also met with donors in New York over the summer to discuss a potential bid. Many Democrats seen as potential presidential candidates in 2028, including Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, are actively working to help Bidens reelection bid, as is his ticket mate, Vice President Kamala Harris. Just as efforts to draft a last-minute candidate to join the Republican presidential primary have fallen flat, a late Democratic entrant would struggle to build a campaign and raise money, even if the candidate had support. Phillips has also acknowledged he lacks the national name recognition to launch a meaningful campaign. Biden supporters say the time has passed to look for an alternative, and resources need to be directed toward helping the incumbent. This was a conversation that would have been helpful to have maybe three years ago, Morillo said. At this point, its noise and a distraction, and it just threatens to add more chaos to what is undoubtedly going to be a chaotic political year in 2024. For now, Phillips said hes focused on doing his part to quell the current chaos in the House. The greatest disappointment of the speaker vote, he said, was listening to McCarthy say he didnt want to work with Democrats to save his leadership position. If the next speaker isnt a Democrat which almost certainly will be the case Phillips said he would be open to backing a Republican if it was someone principled, someone with integrity, and someone who saw the role as representing the whole House, not just the speakers party. When you serve in leadership of the caucus or the conference, many believe that responsibility to be one to make things easier for your team, Phillips said. I took an oath to the Constitution, not to a caucus. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wy.) thinks Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) will lose the Speakership vote if House Republicans choose him to fill the currently vacant seat. If the Republicans decide that Jim Jordan should be the Speaker of the House by the way, I dont think that will happen, I think hell lose, Cheney said in a speech Thursday at the University of Minnesota. Several Republicans have publicly endorsed Jordan to be the next speaker after the House voted Tuesday to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in a historic, first-of-its-kind vote. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) predicted Thursday that Jordan will earn enough votes to make him Speaker, more than House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), who also is vying for the seat. Cheney doesnt think Jordan will earn enough votes, but if he were to do so, she said there would no longer be any possible way to argue that a group of elected Republicans could defend against the Constitution. Cheney said Jordan was part of former President Donald Trumps plan to overturn the 2020 election. Jim Jordan knew more about what Donald Trump had planned for Jan. 6 than any other member of the House of Representatives, Cheney said. Jim Jordan was involved, was part of the conspiracy in which Donald Trump was engaged as he attempted to overturn the election. Cheney said there was a handful of people, Jordan being the leader, who knew what Trump had planned on that day. Cheney said in her speech that someone needs to ask Jordan why he didnt report his knowledge about the events on Jan. 6 to Capitol Police. The race to become the next Speaker is still new, and others could join Jordan and Scalise in the battle for Speakership ahead of next weeks expected vote. Trump may be one of those joining the race. Trump told Fox News Digital on Thursday that he would accept a short-term role and serve as a unifier for the Republican party as Speaker. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani defended himself in the wake of a bombshell report about his alleged drinking habits, calling the claim a big damn lie. I do not have an alcohol problem. I have never had an alcohol problem, Mr Giuliani said during a press conference in Concord, New Hampshire on Wednesday. A recent New York Times report included discussions with sources close to Mr Giuliani who described his drinking tendencies as getting worse following his presidential primary defeat including his tenure working for Donald Trump. He said that if he had an alcohol problem, I should be in the Guinness Book of World Records, referencing his accomplishments and career. Nobody could have achieved that if they did have a drinking problem. The man once known as Americas Mayor added: I was working 24 hours a day. Its a big damn lie. At the press conference, Mr Giuliani reportedly called the Times a disgrace. Given the former mayors proximity to Mr Trump, special counsel Jack Smith is reportedly probing how much the former president knew about how inebriated Mr Giuliani supposedly was as he was giving him strategic and legal advice. The January 6 committee previously uncovered that Mr Giuliani may have been drunk on election night when he advised Mr Trump to not accept defeat to Joe Biden and numerous former aides to Mr Trump have testified saying so. The news of his alleged drinking habits arrived at the same time that Mr Giuliani sued President Biden for defamation when he used the phrase Russian pawn during a presidential debate in 2020. The former mayor says that statement has cost him millions and millions of dollars from lost clients and consulting business. At the same press conference on 4 October, Mr Giuliani said, Joe Biden has spent his life telling lies and getting away with it. He called me a Russian operative That is a lie, that is false, he added. He owes me a lot of money in a lot of states. The ex-Trump attorney faces a series of legal battles himself, including the Georgia election case, a sexual assault lawsuit brought by Noelle Dunphy, and owing election workers tens of thousands after defaming them. I report today from beyond the grave. Ive been made quite dead by my tweenage daughter, who recently informed me the term preppy equates to people who wear Nirvana shirts. Id lived long enough for Carlton Banks ethos to be confused with Kurt Cobains. Somewhere in the liminal space shortly before my demise, I tweeted (as we geriatrics are apt to do) about my kids conflating grunge with a term I thought should be reserved for upper-crust dorks in khakis. I was met by my fellow 90s artifacts, who determined the world broken. Nirvana = Preppy???! The end is nigh. To answer some upset Twitter/X users: Yes, kids these days wear the shirts, which they can buy at Nordstrom, Aeropostale, Hot Topic, H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and Target. Some of them, at least, dont really know the music, and refuse to feel bad about that fact. Nirvana LLC owns the copyright to the iconic smiley face with its Xs for eyes; these fast-fashion realtors transform the smiley, and other images associated with the band, into infinite variations on a theme, forming part of a growing, billion-dollar band merch market. So grunge. Relatedly, I tried to teach my kid the difference between the terms preppy and poser. She insisted: The Nirvana-shirted kids are preppy. This was no mere confusion in terminology. Id begun to think my daughter had perfectly crafted a word misusage designed to majorly break my brain, but then a few other parents chimed in that, yes, their own offspring describe other youngsters who wear, ahem, old band shirts as preppy. On TikTok, I found a young woman showing how to style a pink Nirvana shirt with a rainbow smiley face logo. The text on her photo: Nirvana is my favorite clothing brand btw. A commenter noted, my fav clothing brands are nirvana,queen,metallica,kiss and guns n roses. Of course, TikTok has its Nirvana-shirt detractors, evidently as alarmed by this trend as I am. Striking back, preppy Nirvana wearers respond with sarcastic humor to the claim that they cant name a Nirvana song. Who cares? Never mind. I spoke to Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, a historian who has written about preppiness as an American style. After we first emailed, Petrzela asked her own 11-year-old about Nirvana shirts being preppy, and her daughter granted, Maybe, like, a pink one. Her daughter, like mine, associates other brands (not just bands) with the moniker preppy: Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe skin care, Lululemon leggings. (My daughter gave me a heads-up that Roller Rabbit pjs are also preppy.) Petrzela thinks her daughters terminology has evolved, that shes gone from seeing these things as expensive to trendy and, therefore, preppy. For me, the line between preppy and expensive tracks. In my teen years, I saw preppy as the uniform of the rich, a toned-down version of the outfits worn by the cast of the movie Clueless: cute blazers, sharp collars, and sweater vests. Hasnt preppy always been the look of private-school blue bloods? As I learned from Avery Trufelmans excellent podcast series American Ivy, preppy fashion postWorld War II was an evolution that built on students adoption of sporting polo shirts, slip-on shoes, and newly softened standard items such as blazers (by then, worn without shoulder pads) at Princeton and on other campuses. This drove sales of ready-made menswear, eventually adopted by women in smaller sizes. Leading the trend, Brooks Brothers offered off-the-rack, but finely cut clothing for upwardly mobile young people. Prep adapted further. Petrzela gave the example of khakis. In the 1940s, the G.I. Bill flooded college campuses with students from new socioeconomic backgrounds, and their fatigues led to a new favorite fashion among Ivy Leaguers: khakis. Before that time, the now-ubiquitous posh-lite slacks had not been part of preppy fashion. These pants didnt require ironing and, as Petrzela noted in the New Republic, no-frills khakis, paired with a J. Press blue blazer, became a prep staple in this era. What started as a university style could have faded after the advent of hippie fashion in the U.S. if not for pioneering Japanese fashion designer Kensuke Ishizu. The father of Japanese prep captured what was left of the Ivy look in his 1965 photo book Take Ivy, which inspired a generation of Japanese youth to adopt the style. Eventually, in the 1970s, American preppy clothing brands moved to department stores in Japan. The fashion thrived on both sides of the globe through the 80s. Peopleespecially womenneeded business-casual clothing that was comfortable but conveyed upward mobility. As Trufelman says in her podcast, over time and subsequent generations, Ivy (prep) became less aspirational and more a sort of middle-class uniform in the U.S., one that masked class to some degree so the bosses and employees dressed the same. Today, Trufelman notes, terms like Ivy and preppy hardly need to be used as hallmarks of the lookso many of us dress in reference to it that some items are hardly noticeable as preppy. Chinos have become just clothes. Oxford button-downs are just dress shirts. Maybe prep is everywhere, has become democratized to such a degree that the umbrella of its meaning is remarkably wide. Often, I think people of our age can think preppy is defined by its timelessness or static nature, Petrzela told me. Some define prep by certain component partsOxford shirts, khakis, loaferstypifying preps unchangingness. However, this aesthetic has always been more elastic than we think and has sometimes absorbed or co-opted or been shaped by more working-class fashions. In the 1990s, back when Kurt Cobain was the prophet of flannel-clad thrift shoppers, preppy clothing brands were going through their own evolution. Snoop Dogg and other artists adopted Tommy Hilfiger, and Raekwon donned Ralph Lauren, making the brands less country club and more a mainstay of Yo! MTV Raps. They were, as Petrzela put it, claiming and appropriating a look that was never made for them. But then, those brands realized there was a real market for this look, and their designs actually started shifting, at least in certain lines, in order to serve that demographic and the many people who were emulating it. Maybe tweens in Lululemon are the Snoop Doggs of 2023, with tastemaking falling into the hands of any 11-year-old with access to a cellphone. It can be horrifying, or at least incongruous, to see symbols of grunge bands like Nirvana, which might once have been associated with a sort of dropout or anti-capitalist ethos, being sold on every fast-fashion platform. Petrzela comforted me (or, I think this was meant to be comfort): The notion of selling out doesnt exist for these kids in the way that we used to think of it. If Nirvana or Pearl Jam had done a soap commercial, for instance, fans in the 90s would have been undone. But, she continued, I just think influencer culture, and a certain cynicism about the durability of capitalism, means that kids dont really think that way. Even with all of these extremely reasonable explanations, I couldnt help but feel as if the specific pairing of Nirvana with preppy was specially designed to screw with the minds of Xennial parents. I can understand a clothing line expanding to attract a new consumer base or the rich adopting a working-class-coded item or two, but what my kid (and the chic goofballs on TikTok) is doing seemed like a purposeful inversion. A bastardization of language. An attack on grunge! I turned to Valerie Fridland, a linguist who specializes in slang and happens to be the mother of teenagers. Her son gets annoyed at people who wear Nirvana shirts (at 17, he has the anti-establishment soul of an older man); her daughter wears the Nirvana shirts with her Lululemon leggings. Focusing on how the term preppy could have mutated so, Fridland told me that generally when language changes, its usually over generations of people using a word in a slightly different way, until its almost unrecognizable. Very, for instance, used to mean true or actual. Now it means just extremely so. But in slang, theres almost a purposeful, kind of subjective reinvention of existing words that subverts its meaning. Salty, for example, has gone from being a flavor to a spiky attitude of annoyance or anger. In the eighties, bad meant good. And, to be fair, zoomers and alphas are not the only generations guilty of co-opting past generations bands via T-shirt. In the 1990s, I sported a black Beatles tee that Im pretty sure I bought at Spencers Gifts. Of course, I had the sense to stock up on Beatles CDs (thanks, Columbia House and BMG), as I would have been mortified to be caught in the shirt without being able to give a proper discography. Other kids at school wore Grateful Dead shirts with enough commitment that it became a persona and uniform. Maybe we, too, were trying to telegraph belonging to a type. Its just that then, clothing aesthetics didnt have our modern levels of specificity achieved via the speedy metabolism of social media. Terms like cottagecore or coastal grandma would have been meaningless to us. Fridland is not convinced that kids using the term preppy today know what the word meant in the 90s. They don their Nirvana or Sublime shirts, co-opting a sort of cool, older throwback aesthetic that is more about a lifestyle aesthetic than an understanding of what those bands meant or anything about that cultural history at all. Not all adults have negative associations with preppiness, she reminded me. For some, it was kind of maybe that you were obnoxious and upper crust, but it wasnt a negative, Fridland noted, pointing to Clueless as an examplefor some, the movie might have represented an aspirational upmarket lifestyle. The kids wearing Nirvana (and Sublime) shirts with their Lululemon leggings, she said, tend to be the kids that are very much into style and fashion and perhaps really are the modern preps. I admitted to Fridland that I used to dress my son, when he was a baby, in a Pink Floyd onesie. (He was especially responsive to their music in utero.) I started to wonder: Are parents responsible for this? By dropping these kids, from birth, into band shirts for which they had no context, did we participate in turning artists into logos? Were the weirdos who Kidz Bopd our preschoolers through pop culture. Is it any wonder theyre adopting fragments of cultural artifacts (the logo) without the whole (the music)? These kids are (sort of) appreciating their parents favorite bands, and that, I realize, doesnt seem especially covert or rebellious. Dressing to please ones parents, I wonder: Isnt that the heart of prep? A few days ago, I was driving my son and a friend home from practice, as moms do. Id exhausted my own childrens interest in the topic, so I asked my sons 14-year-old pal if he would call someone in a Nirvana shirt preppy. He was thoughtful for a moment, then told me, It depends who is wearing it. An aesthetic (a word that used to mean something entirely different) is more readily defined as a vibe now, a visual persona you carry around with you. As far back as the 50s, greasers and beatniks were differentiating themselves from socs and jocks. The hippies briefly swamped out prep. For a long time, young people have signaled where they fit and who they want to be with their look. Thats nothing new. The agility the internet provides, where hyper-niche aesthetics can rise and vanish, almost demands a certain level of play with language and image. It depends who is wearing it. Nirvana on a fortysomething is a callback (and maybe a clinging-on). A kid in a pink Nirvana sweatshirt might be preppy? Language is not broken. Its bending. Penn States iconic Nittany Lion Inn is inching closer toward an August/September 2024 reopening, and the company that now owns the hotel anticipates taking reservations before the end of March. The 92-year-year-old Georgian-style hotel is undergoing more than $10 million in renovations, after the university finalized a deal earlier this year with Scholar Hotel Group to acquire both the inn and the Penn Stater under a long-term ground lease. (Terms remain confidential.) So far, the renovation of the Nittany Lion Inn remains on schedule with more details on the changes gradually becoming public. Its not going to be recognizable on the inside in a good way, said Gary Brandeis, founder/CEO of Scholar Hotel Group and a 1988 Penn State grad. The outside, its going to be very, very recognizable because its going to look essentially the same. And thats part of maintaining the historic integrity of the building. Construction mainly began June 1, and recent efforts have focused on the exterior of the famous building that once hosted guests such as poet Robert Frost and musician Louis Armstrong. According to Brandeis, that means power-washing, painting and repainting to go along with replacing the roof and windows. The plan is to finish the exterior this month, before winter hits, and then focus on the near-empty interior in early November. When finished, Brandeis envisions a five-star experience that will see the Nittany Lion Inn rival the countrys top university hotels. Construction fences are placed around the Nittany Lion Inn Monday as renovations continue. Food, beverage plans When Brandeis originally sat down with the CDT in June, he still wasnt certain whether the reimagined Nittany Lion Inn would have three or four food and beverage outlets but thats since come into sharper focus. Brandeis now says there will be four such outlets, including the redevelopment and rebranding of two previous restaurants (Whiskers, The Dining Room) in addition to two brand-new spots. Not just a paint job, the alum added about the rebranded restaurants. Not just new napkins and forks, and tables and chairs, but completely redeveloped from the ground up. The new spots will include a cocktail bar and lounge, which will be integrated into the restaurant space, and a cafe in the lobby area. That cafe would be open 15 hours a day for grab-and-go coffee, snacks, a light breakfast, lunch, etc. with an aim to become a community space, one open to students, community members and guests alike. No renderings of the spaces have yet been made publicly available, and have so far only been shared internally, because the designs are not yet final. Brandeis expected to make the renderings public in the coming months, sometime before taking reservations since well guests probably want to know where theyll be staying, Brandeis added with a laugh. Construction fences are placed around the Nittany Lion Inn Monday as renovations continue. Reservations & future plans Scholar Hotel Group will start taking reservations sometime toward the end of the first quarter in 2024, meaning before the end of March. A new website and marketing campaign will be launched ahead of the reservations, which will likely be for open dates in September, October and November. Brandeis told the CDT earlier this week that he does not yet know how much the average room might cost, but he previously acknowledged the Nittany Lion Inn would be priced higher than Scholars other hotels. Brandeis company owns Hyatt Place State College, the anchor of Fraser Centre; Scholar Hotel State College in the historic Glennland Building downtown; Residence Inn by Marriott State College; and Courtyard by Marriott State College. Scholar Hotel Group also owns hotels near Syracuse University and West Virginia University. I will tell you that this will be the nicest university hotel in the country, in my opinion, Brandeis said. I think Penn State and Scholar and the community are going to have a world-class asset right on the Penn State campus, something that everyone is going to be real proud of. I think its going to be a great success for everyone not just our company, but for the Penn State community, the university and anyone and everyone coming to the area to have such an iconic building thats sort of redeveloped and reimagined. Construction fences are placed around the Nittany Lion Inn Monday as renovations continue. How did we get here? The roots of the deal between Penn State and Scholar Hotel Group began to take shape around 2017, when the university implemented a task force designed to help find new sources of revenue. By 2021, a consultant was hired to begin exploring options involving a potential sale of University Parks on-campus hotels and Scholar Hotel Group then responded to the universitys public request for offers. By June 2022, Penn State publicly named Scholar Hotel Group as its preferred partner. And, in March 2023, a deal was finalized for the Nittany Lion Inn and the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center. The university will continue to own the land that the hotels sit on, but the buildings would be owned by Scholar with a long-term ground lease, Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for finance and business, explained last year. Eventually, at the end of the long-term ground lease, the buildings would come back to be owned by the university to reevaluate operations. It is not known how long the ground lease might be they typically range between 50 and 99 years and its also not known how much Penn State received for the sale. A university spokesperson previously declined to release either figure, and Brandeis would only say the lease is going to outlive me by a mile. Obviously, its a real honor that we have the opportunity to redevelop the Nittany Lion Inn and put our little stamp on it, Brandeis recently told the CDT. But, ultimately, this is a university asset. Its a community asset. So there are a lot of people looking at us, watching us and making sure we do a good job so a lot of pressure. But good pressure, pressure that we like and we accept, meaning we know how important this asset is. Construction fences are placed around the Nittany Lion Inn Monday as renovations continue. The New Jersey Attorney General is investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal car crash involving Nadine Arslanian Menendez on Main Street in Bogota in December 2018. The attorney general's Office of Public Integrity & Accountability will look into the crash that left 49-year-old Richard Koop dead, sources said. Arslanian who began dating Sen. Bob Menendez in February 2018 and married him in October 2020 was not charged in the incident. Sharon Lauchaire, a spokesperson for the attorney generals office, said that the office does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations. Similarly, Gov. Phil Murphys office declined to comment on law enforcement matters. Though the crash happened nearly five years ago, the circumstances surrounding the incident are facing new scrutiny because of its connections to the indictment of New Jersey's senior senator, his wife and three Garden State businessmen brought by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York last month. Nadine Arslanian Menendez and a Bogota police officer speak after a motor vehicle accident on Dec. 12, 2018. According to the indictment, a month after the crash Arslanian was texting Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman also indicted in the alleged bribery scheme, about her lack of a car. Hana later provided her with a 2019 Mercedez-Benz C-300 convertible, the indictment says. Registration records show that the 2019 Mercedes was purchased in March of that year. Questions swirl Bogota police responded to calls of a pedestrian hit by a car just after 7:35 p.m. on Dec. 12, 2018. A little more than half an hour later, Koop was declared dead at a local hospital. Police records show a brief interview was conducted with Arslanian at the scene before she was allowed to get some personal belongings out of her car and leave with a friend. Though the friend isnt visible, he can be heard talking to the police and acknowledges that he is a retired cop from Hackensack. Arslanian, according to the police reports, also initially agreed to allow officers to search her phone, but took it back from them shortly thereafter. The police records don't show that any field sobriety tests were done. There is also no indication that she was questioned about drinking or using any kind of drugs. Arslanian was born to Armenian parents in Beirut, Lebanon. They fled during that countrys civil war to Greece and, later, to London before moving to the United States. Menendez and Arslanian told The New York Times that they met at a Union City IHOP in December 2018, but according to the Southern District's indictment, Menendez and Arslanian began dating in February of that year. Their whirlwind courtship is well documented, including his October 2019 marriage proposal which Menendez sang at the Taj Mahal in India. There were married in October 2020. Analysis: Did Bogota police investigate Nadine Arslanian Menendez's crash according to protocol? What could come next?: Without Menendez, US foreign policy could become more progressive Trial planned for May 2024 Menendez and his four co-defendants will face trial for the alleged bribery scheme on May 6. The states senior senator faces corruption charges, brought by the Southern District of New York, for allegedly accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from three businessmen in exchange for helping them enrich themselves and trying to get them out of trouble, according to an indictment unsealed on Sept. 22 in New York. At a conference in federal court in lower Manhattan on Monday, Judge Sidney Stein scheduled the trial to start on May 6 for Menendez, his wife and their co-defendants businessmen Hana, Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe. The indictment alleges that between 2018 and 2022, Menendez, who until Friday served as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and his wife engaged in a corrupt relationship with Hana, Uribe and Daibes to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for Menendez using his power and influence to protect, to enrich those businessmen and to benefit the government of Egypt. Bribes allegedly included cash, gold bars, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low- or no-show job and a Mercedes-Benz much of which is detailed in photographs in the 39-page indictment. Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Nadine Arslanian Menendez 2018 crash under investigation by NJ AG UPDATE: On June 29, 2023, the 22nd anniversary of Pattis disappearance, the Union County Sheriffs Office posted about her case on their Facebook page. According to the release, they are still asking for anyone to come forward if they have any information that may help solve Pattis case. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is also offering a cash reward for any information leading to the location and recovery of Patti Adkins. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Honda automotive plant in Marysville, Ohio was preparing for shutdown week. Less ominous than it sounds, the week is given to employees every year as vacation -- to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. 2001 was no different. Employees were preparing their week-off plans, and Patricia Patti Adkins, 29, was no different. Patti Adkins (Union County Sheriff's Office) Union County Sheriffs Office Lieutenant Jeff Stiers told Dateline that Patti had been planning to go on a trip with her boyfriend. He also worked at the Honda plant. They were on different lines and Patti would stop by his line and speak to him, Lt. Stiers said. But at the time, he was married to someone else. [He] allegedly told Patti he was going to leave his wife for her. Regardless, Patti and her boyfriend, who police declined to name to Dateline, planned to vacation in Canada during shutdown week. They were going to leave together in the boyfriends truck after work on Friday, June 29, 2001. Lieutenant Stiers said another co-worker had driven Patti to work that day so her own car wouldnt sit abandoned in the Honda parking lot while she was in Canada. Just after midnight, Patti clocked out of work and headed into the parking lot. A Union County Sheriffs Office press release says witnesses saw her leaving the plant in her white Honda of America uniform. When she left Honda that night, the plan was for her to get under the tarp cover [in the bed of her boyfriends truck] because another co-worker was going to be in the car, and the boyfriend didnt want other people to know he and Patti were seeing each other, Lt. Stiers said Pattis close friends would later tell him, adding that it was about a 35 minute drive from the Honda plant to the boyfriends residence. Patti had arranged for her sister Marcia Pitts to watch her seven-year-old daughter while she was in Canada, according to Lt. Stiers, and had told Marcia she would pick her daughter up on Sunday, July 8. Patti didnt have a cell phone, so nobody expected to hear from her until then. But they did expect her to pick up her daughter. July 8 came, and Patti didnt arrive. Worried, her sister Marcia called Pattis boyfriend, Lt. Stiers says, since she knew they were supposed to be together. Marcia called him, and he played it off like he didnt even know who Patti was, Lt. Stiers said, adding that the man told Marcia he and Patti werent in a relationship and had never had plans to go on vacation. Pattis case was soon transferred from the Marysville Police Department to the Union County Sheriffs Office, since Patti lived in Union County. Lieutenant Stiers got the case on July 10, 2001, and has been on it ever since. We were definitely suspicious right from the beginning, especially when we heard she had a small daughter, he told Dateline. Not too many moms are going to leave their child. Within a couple of days, authorities tracked Pattis boyfriend down and approached him at his residence. They interviewed him, and police say he denied having anything to do with Patti being missing. There was not a search warrant. He gave us permission to search the property, Lt. Stiers said. There were a couple of items found there at the house that circumstantially validated the story we were getting [from other people] about their relationship. Patti Adkins (Union County Sheriff's Office) Lieutenant Stiers said some of those items included a phone and a t-shirt that Pattis sister Marcia later confirmed Patti had gifted to the man. We also have found a letter that was written by Patti to him about the relationship and how much she wanted to be with him, he added. The boyfriends truck was also searched, Lt. Stiers said, and none of Pattis DNA was found in the bed of the truck, where she had told close friends she was going to ride. Lieutenant Stiers says the investigation later revealed that Patti had given her boyfriend roughly $90,000 in the months leading up to her disappearance. A banker confirmed that Patti was taking money out and giving it to him, Lt. Stiers said. He wanted the money to buy out his portion of [his side] business so that when he got divorced, his wife could not touch it and profit in any way. To date, no one, including her daughter or other family members, has heard from her and all financial and personal records have shown no activity since her disappearance, a June 2017 Union County press release says. Foul play is suspected in her disappearance. "I don't have hope that my sister's alive," Pattis sister Marcia told NBC station WCMH in June 2016. "I knew when she didn't return that she was not alive, but I have hope that justice will happen, that someone will be held accountable for her death." Authorities say the courts have declared Patti legally deceased. Lieutenant Stiers says evidence which proves this case beyond a reasonable doubt is required to make an arrest. And while no arrests have ever been made in connection to Pattis disappearance and presumed death, her then-boyfriend is considered the primary suspect in the case. We follow up on every lead and every person thats mentioned to us as much as we can, he said. But he is the primary suspect. Patricia Patti Adkins would be 46 years old today. Patti is described as being 58 tall and weighing 120 lbs. at the time of her disappearance. She has pierced ears, a pierced belly button, and a tattoo of bluish-green flowers placed horizontally on her lower back. If you have any information on the circumstances surrounding Pattis case, please call Lt. Jeff Stiers 937-645-4126. Anonymous information may be left via voicemail on the Union County Sheriffs Office Crime-Tip Hotline at 937-642-7653. If you have a missing friend or family member, send a private message to Dateline NBC on our Facebook page and tell us your story. We may feature the persons case in our Missing in America or Cold Case Spotlight series. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Australian indigenous leader Prof. Marcia Langton has denied calling "No" voters of the Voice to Parliament referendum "racist and stupid" after media reports about her remarks triggered a dispute in federal parliament over the October 14 vote. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Langton, a staunch promoter of the "Yes" vote after the previous government named her to a peak group that advised on its design, stated she was seeking legal advice on reports claiming she made the sweeping statement about Australian voters who disagree with allowing indigenous Australians to have their say about issues that matter to them on the national level after a recording of her remarks indicated she was criticizing the No campaign rather than the targets of its message. Word War in Parliament The highly animated exchange of words happened after the government in Canberra accused Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of spreading what they called "disinformation" on the Indigenous Voice and misquoting ministers on the power of parliament, with Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus calling him the "leader" of such a campaign. Dutton retorted by claiming that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would "divide our country right down the middle" come the day the vote would be cast. Langton made her criticisms at a public forum in the West Australian town of Bunbury when she rejected claims the Voice would lead to reparations. Soon after, the federal opposition led by the Liberal Party of Australia cited her remarks at the opening of Tuesday's (September 12) question time to demand that Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney condemn comments reported in several news outlets, particularly the Bunbury Herald and The Australian. Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley cited the reports and told the chamber that Langton had "accused No voters of opposing the referendum because of...'base racism or sheer stupidity'." However, the Bunbury Herald said the indigenous leader and Order of Australia recipient was speaking about the "No case" and its message to voters. Read Also: More HNGN News on Australia Quoted and Misquoted While the conservative campaign group Advance Australia spread the remarks by Langton to attack the Yes side, Langton stressed she did not accuse No voters of racism. "I'm saying the claims being made by the No case are based in racism and stupidity - and appeal to racism and stupidity," she told the Herald. "And they are appealing to Australians to frighten them into adopting highly racist and stupid beliefs." Video and audio of her remarks also made it clear Langton was speaking about campaigners rather than voters. Langton responded to the claims made in parliament by saying her remarks in Bunbury came after a listener at the forum asked if all Aboriginal people would get compensation if the Yes vote succeeded. Her answer to this was that the concept was untrue and that indigenous people could only get compensation if a court ruled they had a fair claim, similar to every Australian regardless of background. "The media reporting is a very deliberate tactic to make me look like a racist when I'm not," Langton added. "I am not a racist, and I don't believe that the majority of Australians are racist. I do believe that the No campaigners are using racist tactics." Related Article: Thousands of Australians Gathered at Event Organized By Yes23; What is The Voice and Why it Matters? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In this image taken from body cam video released by the Atlanta Department, officers stand behind trees after hearing gunfire near the future site of City of Atlantas Public Safety Training Center on Jan. 18, 2023, near Atlanta, Georgia. Authorities said Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, an environmental activist who went by the name Tortuguita, died at the scene, and a state trooper was injured with a gunshot wound. In this image taken from body cam video released by the Atlanta Department, officers stand behind trees after hearing gunfire near the future site of City of Atlantas Public Safety Training Center on Jan. 18, 2023, near Atlanta, Georgia. Authorities said Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, an environmental activist who went by the name Tortuguita, died at the scene, and a state trooper was injured with a gunshot wound. No charges will be brought against the Georgia State Troopers who fatally shot an activist who was protesting the planned construction of a police training center outside of Atlanta. Manuel Teran, 26, was shot 57 times by police in January while protesting the intended site of the new training facility, dubbed Cop City by critics. Teran, who went by the nickname Tortuguita, was nonbinary and used they/them pronouns. In a statement, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian said the six officers who shot Teran acted lawfully. The use of lethal (deadly) force by the Georgia State Patrol was objectively reasonable under the circumstances of this case, Christian wrote. No criminal charges will be brought against the Georgia State Patrol Troopers involved in the shooting of Manuel Perez Teran. Police said Teran was camped out along with other protesters on the grounds of the planned training center when Georgia State Troopers moved in to remove them. Teran is accused by police of shooting at officers through their tent four times with a 9 mm pistol, injuring an officer. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation alleged Teran had gun residue on their hands. But an autopsy from the DeKalb County Medical Examiners Office and another independent autopsy did not detect the presence of gunshot residue. The independent autopsy also found that Teran had their hands raised in the air when they were fatally shot. Manuels left and right hands show exit wounds in both palms, a statement from attorneys representing Terans family said at the time. The autopsy further reveals that Manuel was most probably in a seated position, cross-legged when killed. Georgia State Troopers are not required by law to wear body cameras, but nearby Atlanta Police Department body cameras did capture an officer suggesting that another officer had been shot by friendly fire. There was apparently no footage of the shooting itself. Related... There were no military targets in the village that was hit by a Russian missile strike Thursday, a top Ukrainian police official said, in what was one of the deadliest attacks against civilians since the conflict began and which the countrys president called inhuman and deliberate. Moscows forces targeted a cafe and a shop in Hroza, near the eastern Ukrainian city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, with what Ukrainian officials say was a powerful Iskander ballistic missile, killing at least 52 people, including a 6-year-old boy. Scenes emerged of emergency workers wading through dense rubble in the aftermath of the strike a scale of devastation not seen since a Russian attack on a railway station in Kramatorsk in early 2022 killed more than 60 people. The death toll in such a small community of 330 people means one in every six residents was killed. All the people are local residents, all the people are civilians. Not a single military object, not a single military vehicle. All the dead and wounded people are civilians, Sergey Bolvinov, the chief investigator with Kharkivs regional police, told CNN in Hroza. Investigators and forensic teams worked through the night sifting through the rubble and trying to count and identify the bodies, many of which were in bad condition due to the force of the blast, according to a CNN team at the scene. A local man whose wife died in the strike could be seen crouching over her body, too shaken to speak and unable to leave her side. He later helped emergency services lift her body onto a truck to be taken away. Members of Ukraine's emergency services at the scene of a Russian missile strike in the village of Hroza, Kharkiv region, eastern Ukraine on October 5. - Vasco Cotovio/CNN Ukraine's emergency services work through the night digging through the rubble in the aftermath of a Russian missile attack. - Vasco Cotovio/CNN Bolvinov said the bodies of 35 victims have been identified so far. I am convinced that in the future this will give us a basis to collect all the evidence and bring the guilty Russian military to justice, he said, adding that the attack was being investigated as a violation of the laws and customs of war. The number of injured remained at six, Oleh Syniehubov, the head of Kharkiv regions military administration, said Friday in a post on Telegram. On Friday, fresh Russian strikes on the city of Kharkiv killed a child, whose body was found under the rubble of a residential building, according to the citys mayor Ihor Terekhov, who added that the strikes had been aimed exclusively at the civilian infrastructure. A 68-year-old woman who also died was the childs grandmother, Syniehubov said later Friday. Ukrainian officials believe the attack involved two Iskander ballistic missiles, the same kind used in the Hroza strike. In a post on Telegram, Terekhov said that a three-story residential building was destroyed in Kharkiv and two apartment buildings were damaged but that two people had been rescued by emergency services. At least 30 people were injured, Syniehubov said on Friday. The boy who died was 10 years old, he said, and his 11-month-old brother was among the wounded. Nine of those injured were women aged 18 to 85, while 20 were male. The majority of people sustained shrapnel wounds to their face, arms and legs, and bruises, the military official added. Mourning a fallen soldier Dozens of residents had gathered Thursday at the cafe in Hroza to mourn the death of a local Ukrainian soldier when the missile ripped through the building, completely destroying it, Ukrainian officials said. The soldier had previously been buried in the city of Dnipro, but his relatives wanted him to be reburied in the village where he was originally from, Dmytro Chubenko, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office, told Ukrainian media outlet RBC. The blast killed several members of the soldiers family including his son, Chubenko said. Ukrainian officials said Hroza was hit by an Iskander missile a ballistic missile with a relatively short range, that depending on configuration carries a warhead of between 500 and 700 kilograms. Iskander is definitely a big missile, said Bolvinov. The building is completely destroyed. People were in the same room at that time there was chaos. Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his call for more air defenses from allies, saying it is impossible to protect people without more support, especially ahead of anticipated winter bombardments. There are no words or documents that can stop such evil. But there is air defense. There is artillery. There are our missiles. We have armored vehicles. There are our powerful servicemen, who repel Russian assaults, Zelensky said. Russian terror must fail. And the world has what it takes to ensure this, he added. The main thing is unity. The main thing is to believe in freedom and protect life. The UNs humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, said Moscows attack on civilians in Hroza amounted to war crimes. On Friday, the Kremlin dismissed claims that Russias military targets civilians, in the first official Russian reaction to the strike. We reiterate: the Russian military does not strike civilian targets, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a media briefing. Strikes are carried out on military infrastructure, places where military personnel and representatives of the military leadership are gathered. Calls grow for aid to Ukraine During meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Granada, Spain, Zelensky said he is focused on Ukraines need for air defense and believes a lot of progress has been made for the support needed. He said Ukraine would receive six Hawk systems from Spain and that Germany would work to provide Kyiv with another Patriot system, calling it the only system that can withstand such threats and such massacres. Rescuers work at the site of a Russian military strike in Hroza village on October 5. - Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy/Reuters Police and military experts work at the site of a Russian military strike in Hroza. - Sofiia Gatilova/Reuters The White House, meanwhile, pointed to the attack as another example of why Congress needs to approve more US aid for Ukraine. Can you imagine just walking to the grocery store with your kids trying to figure out what is it that youre going to make for dinner and you see an explosion happen? Where bodies are everywhere? And its horrifying, said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, before calling on Congress to act on additional funding. Her comments come amid political upheaval in Congress, the lawmaking branch of government, and drained ammunition stocks among NATO countries, which threaten the flow of military aid to Kyiv. Hroza is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the front lines of the war near Kupiansk, the city in Kharkiv that Russian forces seized early on in the war before it was liberated by the Ukrainians a year ago. The Ukrainian military has since been trying to resist advances from Moscow. For Kyiv, the city is strategically important to prevent Russia from accessing the nearby Oskil River where it is much easier to cross than further south. CNNs Maria Kostenko, Tim Lister, Sana Noor Haq and Nikki Carvajal contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MEXICO CITY Joe Bidens loudest Democratic critic on immigration is taking his message south of the border. After repeatedly blasting President Joe Biden over his handling of the migrant crisis thats overwhelming American cities, New York Mayor Eric Adams set off on a four-day blitz late Wednesday through a trio of Latin American nations. The Democrats message: The no-vacancy sign is burning bright in New York City. My trip here is to speak directly to the people of all the countries that are migrating: There is no more room in New York, Adams said Thursday to a tangle of local and international reporters packed into a state congress building in Puebla, Mexico. Our hearts are endless, but our resources are not. New York is struggling to manage an influx of more than 110,000 migrants who have arrived since spring 2022, a surge that has overwhelmed shelters, swallowed up resources and contributed to proposed cuts in the municipal budget. More than 60,000 are still in the citys care. The situation has consumed nearly all of Adams' energy and created a political crisis for the mayor his once-close relationship with Biden has been sullied; the two havent spoken in months. Taking international relations into his own hands, Adams set off on a whirlwind trip with NYPD officers, top aides and reporters in tow that will take him through Mexico, Ecuador and Colombia, including the dangerous Darien Gap, over the next several days. The tour was shaping up to be a frenetic combination of fact-finding mission, public-service campaign and self-aggrandizement of his mayoral brand that included receiving an honorary degree in Puebla. Adams who in the past has brushed off criticism of his penchant for mixing religion with governance touched down in Mexico City on Wednesday evening and headed to a holy site for Catholic pilgrims called the Basilica de Guadalupe, where he got an after-hours tour and spoke in sweeping terms about the scope of the solutions needed to stem the flow of migrants. There are enough resources around the globe to address this issue, Adams said outside the deserted chapel grounds. Im going to do the best I can to send a message to all of the countries dealing with this that we have an obligation. Immigrant experts and Washington officials were skeptical that a junket by a U.S. mayor paid partly with government funds for his security detail, personal money by his aides and by a nonprofit for his travel would do much to advance those goals. For one, the problems that have led to the increase in asylum-seekers are complex and have been building for years. A single trip by a politician will not dampen the flow, said Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration attorney and professor at Cornell Law School. Mayor Adams would do better to work cooperating with the Biden administration on this complex issue, rather than striking out on his own foreign policy pursuits. Indeed, many of the goals of Adams trip to liaison with Latin American leaders and deliver a message to migrants are already done on a far larger scale by the federal government. The Department of Homeland Security, according to a spokesperson, said the agency has been sending out messages to potential asylum-seekers in their own countries to combat misinformation promulgated by smugglers who present themselves as the best option to reach the southern border. The mayors biggest power isnt in Mexico: He has no federal or international relevance, said one Washington official who works on the migrant issue and was granted anonymity to speak candidly about the mayors sojourn. His gravitational force is strongest in Washington, and if he wants to make a point about Mexico, he should be doing it there. On Thursday, meanwhile, the Biden administration announced the United States will again start deporting migrants to Venezuela to try to slow the flow from the troubled South American country from where a large segment have come to New York. And a day earlier, the administration said it would resume construction in Texas of the Trump administrations proposed border wall. Still, Adams' trip also drew criticism back home from Democrats and Republicans as a political stunt. City Council Member Alexa Aviles, a Democrat, called Adams tour devoid of any socio-economical context of why migrants are leaving their countries. Our city needs a lot right now, and we need somebody whos going to be focusing on finding solutions to the things we need now, she continued. We dont need a tourist person to go to the Darien water gap who thinks hes going to convince individuals not to come to New York City. Its absurd. Adams, who also sat down with business leaders and met with a social service organization assisting migrants, is being accompanied on his trip in Mexico by Jorge Islas Lopez, the consul general of Mexico in New York City. The mayor, pushing back against naysayers, touted his foreign relations bona fides by citing several meetings with dignitaries during the recent United Nations General Assembly. We know we are considered an international city and the playbook for resolving this issue is one on a local level, a state level, a national level and an international level, Adams said in the ornate chambers of the Puebla state congress building. The stop to meet with lawmakers was one of three Thursday where Adams was honored by Mexican dignitaries creating a sharp rhetorical detour from the stated purpose of the trip. In addition to the commendation bestowed upon him by Pueblan lawmakers, Adams was also granted an honorary degree from the Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, where he spoke from a wooden parapet to a crowd seated beneath arched porticos and hanging chandeliers about the need to turn academic theories into real-world solutions. Adams then raced over, escorted by a multimodal police detail, to a separate ceremony where he was given further awards by the Pueblo state governor and feted over dinner. Thursday evening, Adams was slated to fly to Quito, Ecuador, where he plans to meet with government officials and chat with migrants. A stop Saturday includes a visit to the treacherous Darien Gap, which many asylum seekers pass through on their harrowing journey to the United States. And while the mayor hopes to convince some of the migrants he reaches in person or via local media to reconsider their trip to New York City, asylum-seekers already on the ground in the five boroughs did not give him good odds. Eric Vega, 13, said he arrived from Ecuador with his two siblings and parents a month ago and disagreed that Adams description of New York being full would have dissuaded him from making the trek. New York is really nice, Vega said in an interview Wednesday outside of an emergency shelter for migrants in Queens. They give you food. They give you clothes here in New York. They give you what you need. Theres good people here. Emily Ngo and Jason Beeferman contributed to this report. Narges Mohammadi , an activist serving a 10-year sentence in an Iranian prison, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her fight against the oppression of women. The decision comes after more than a year of protests, spearheaded by women, that followed the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the countrys morality police. Unrest spread rapidly, with demands ranging from greater freedoms to an overthrow of the regime. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003. She fights for women against systematic discrimination and oppression, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen , said at the announcement in Oslo. Mohammadi supports the struggle for women to live full and dignified lives and is a freedom fighter, Ms Reiss-Andersen said. Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism from inside Tehrans Evin Prison, where she is currently serving multiple sentences totalling more than a decade. An engineer by training, she has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times during her years of campaigning. Ms Reiss-Andersen began her announcement in Farsi, saying Woman, life, freedom one of the slogans of the protests. Images of Iranian women defiantly setting their headscarves on fire and chanting the phrase have spread around the world over the past year. Mohammadi was behind bars as the protests grew nationwide, sparking one of the most intense challenges ever to Irans theocracy since the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown, while more than 22,000 others have been arrested. But Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism and has remained a leading light for the protests. In a statement, Mohammadi said that the global support for, and recognition of, her human rights advocacy makes her more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful. I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organised. Victory is near, she said. The authorities arrested Mohammadi last November after she attended a memorial for someone who had died during protests in 2019. The protests began over fuel prices, but morphed into a broader show of dissent, which was crushed by security forces in a bloody crackdown. Charges against Mohammadi which the international community have decried include spreading propaganda against the state. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian national who spent time in Evin Prison with Mohammadi before being released in March 2022, said her friend was an inspiration. [The announcement] makes me cry. She did so much for all of us in Evin. Narges is an inspiration and a pillar to the women in the female ward in Evin, for her fearless fight against violations of womens rights, the use of solitary confinement, and execution in the judicial system in Iran, she told the BBC. Ms Reiss-Andersen said the peace prize award also recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who have demonstrated against Irans discrimination against and oppression of women. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran, with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi, she said, adding: Only by embracing equal rights for all can the world achieve the fraternity between nations that [prize founder] Alfred Nobel sought to promote. Mohammadi has a long history of imprisonment, harsh sentences, and international calls for reviews of her case. She has been arrested around a dozen times, and has faced several convictions by the Iranian state. If the Iranian authorities make the right decision, they will release her so that she can be present to receive this honour, which is what we primarily hope for, Ms Reiss-Andersen said. There was no immediate official reaction from Tehran, which claims that the protests against the state are Western-led subversion. But the semi-official news agency Fars said Mohammadi had received her prize from Westerners. Mohammadis husband, Taghi Rahmani, applauded in his home in Paris as he watched the announcement on television. This Nobel Prize will embolden Narges fight for human rights, but more importantly, this is in fact a prize for the women, life and freedom movement, he said. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice-president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. Ms Ebadi founded the centre. Ms Ebadi left Iran after the disputed re-election of the then president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in 2009, which touched off unprecedented protests and harsh crackdowns by the authorities. I congratulate Narges Mohammadi and all Iranian women for this prize ... this prize will shed light on violation of womens rights in the Islamic Republic ... which unfortunately has proven that it cannot be reformed, Ms Ebadi said. According to the will of Alfred Nobel, the prize should be awarded to the person who has done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the establishment and promotion of peace congresses. Previous winners of the prize which can be awarded to individuals or organisations include Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the United Nations. Last years prize was won by human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Vladimir Putin in the wake of his invasion of Ukraine. Unlike the other Nobel prizes, which are selected and announced in Stockholm, the peace prize is awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The prizes are handed out at ceremonies in December; they carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about 820,000). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and a diploma. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report FILE - Iranian Narges Mohammadi, delegate of the Center for Human Rights Defenders, listens to a question during a press conference on the Assessment of the Human Rights Situation in Iran, at the U.N. headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 9, 2008. The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Narges Mohammadi for fighting oppression of women in Iran. The chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the prize Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 in Oslo. (Magali Girardin/Keystone via AP, File) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to an Iranian women's rights activist signaled international support for democracy efforts in the Islamic Republic, and hope that the country might change from the inside. That was 20 years ago and the winner, Shirin Ebadi, faced harassment that ultimately forced her to flee the country. On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee gave its prestigious Peace Prize to Ebadi's colleague, Narges Mohammadi, who has been in and out of prison for over a decade because of her activism supporting women's rights and democracy. The awards serve as bookends to a period in which Iran and the United States have seesawed between confrontation and possible reconciliation over restraining Tehran's nuclear program, with tensions soaring ever since the collapse of a 2015 deal. Over those two decades, women's rights have moved to the forefront of protests in Iran. Iran's economy has been in tatters for years because of sanctions imposed by the West, and people are angry over the devaluation of their money and government corruption. It's a sharp contrast from 20 years ago, when there still seemed a chance of something resembling a detente with the U.S. A MOMENT FOR A DIALOGUE AMONG CIVILIZATIONS FADES When Shirin Ebadi won her Nobel in 2003, the Iranian theocracy governed from the top by its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei faced an internal struggle. On one side was Iran's president, Mohammad Khatami, a reformist seeking to change the country's government from within. Khatami long advocated for a dialogue among civilizations as he sought better relations with the world, particularly the United States. After the Sept. 11 2001 attacks, Iranians spontaneously demonstrated in support of America, and Khatami's government signaled that it would help any downed U.S. pilots as they targeted the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan. Standing in Khatami's way were hard-line politicians and security force members who weakened his authority within Iran's government. The country's internal security agency cracked down on mass student protests that erupted in 1999. Any efforts at compromise with the U.S. were further complicated when President George W. Bush labeled Iran as part of an Axis of Evil, along with North Korea and Iraq, which the U.S. had invaded in 2003. Khatami left office in 2005 due to term limits, and he was replaced by a very different leader. NUCLEAR TENSIONS AND A DISPUTED ELECTION Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad became a caricature of Western perceptions of the Islamic Republics worst attributes. He questioned the Holocaust, insisted Iran had no gay or lesbian citizens, and hinted the country could build a nuclear weapon if it chose to do so. Under Ahmadinejad, Iran's nuclear program began inching toward weapons-grade levels of uranium enrichment, worrying the West. A series of targeted killings against Iran's nuclear scientists were widely suspected of being carried out by Israel, its regional archrival. The U.S. and Israel were suspected of jointly launching a cyberattack known as Stuxnet that damaged Iran's all-important enrichment centrifuges. Just a few years since winning the Nobel Prize for her activism, Ebadi faced increasing harassment. She wouldn't remain in Iran much longer. After Ahmadinejad's disputed reelection in 2009, his security forces violently put an end to the so-called Green Movement protests. Ebadi, who later settled in the United Kingdom, supported the demonstrators from afar. Eager to quash Ebadi's influence, authorities raided her offices, seized her papers and golden Nobel medal, and froze her finances. She has remained abroad since. Iran later released her medal after an international outcry. THE DEAL AND ITS COLLAPSE To replace Ahmadinejad, who left office in 2013, Iranians elected Hassan Rouhani, a relatively moderate figure within the theocracy. With the approval of the country's spiritual leader, Rouhani's officials began secret talks with their counterparts in the administration of President Barack Obama. That helped birth the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, in which Iran agreed to drastically reduce its stockpile of uranium and greatly reduce its enrichment. In exchange, economic sanctions were lifted and Iranians rushed to the streets to celebrate. The theocracy still maintained firm limits on the right to protest and on free speech. During this time more than a decade before she would be awarded the Peace Prize Mohammadi had been serving a series of prison sentences over her activism. In 2018, the nuclear deal collapsed after President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord. Iran complied with its terms for about year, then a series of attacks at sea attributed to Tehran started in 2019. Tensions grew and the specter of war followed the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed the prominent Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Iran responded with a ballistic missile attack that injured dozens of American troops in Iraq. Iran is now closer than ever to enriching uranium at weapons-grade levels, and it has enough uranium for several bombs if they decided to build them, experts say. IRAN TODAY AS PROTESTS INTENSIFY Mohammadi remains behind bars after attending a 2021 memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. Iran's economy groans under international sanctions, and the devaluation of its rial currency has made people's savings worth increasingly little. As public protests have become more frequent, security force crackdowns have become more violent. The demonstrations have remained largely leaderless, in part due to activists like Mohammadi facing imprisonment, harassment and potentially death. Khamenei and others in the theocracy say, without offering evidence, that the protests are a Western-orchestrated plot a notion that is likely to resurface in the wake of Mohammadi's recognition by the Nobel committee. Women's rights have been at the forefront of the last round of protests, which were sparked by the September 2022 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the country's morality police over allegedly not wearing her hijab to an official's liking. Iran and neighboring Afghanistan remain the only countries that mandate women wear a headscarf as a sign of piety. Despite a growing government crackdown, some women in Tehran now refuse to wear the hijab at all. The mysterious injury of a 16-year-old girl without a hijab on the Tehran Metro this week now threatens to spark further anger. As Mohammadi reportedly said in response to her win: I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organized. Victory is near. Time will tell. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Incoming Memphis Mayor Paul Young says Thursday night was about celebration, but Friday is about getting down to business. Young declared victory as the new mayor of Memphis after the election on Thursday night. We did it yall! This is a we thing, this is not a me thing. This is not about Paul Young. This is about the future of our city, Young said. Im optimistic. I believe in our city. I believe in Memphis. I believe in every one of you. Paul Young claims victory in Memphis mayoral election While Youngs term doesnt officially start until January 1, Pastor Keith Norman, former chairman of the Shelby County Democratic party and pastor of First Baptist Church, says the planning needs to begin now. Paul is a high-level critical thinker, Norman said. He really has to start selecting the people that are going to be around him to help him carry out his agenda, and also attract people who want to work in service capacities in the city of Memphis. A WREG poll found that 66% of Memphis voters think the top priority of the next mayor should be reducing crime, which is something he addressed in his victory speech. Memphis election results: Mayor and City Council I know the heaviness that were feeling right now, Young said. I hear the cries of the mothers, the cousins, the brothers. Far too many people dying. Pastor Norman says it will take a plan and the support of everyone, not just the 27% who voted for Young, to tackle the issue head-on. Where you live impacted votes for Memphis mayor Its not a one-man job, so its definitely something he and Chief Davis have to sit down and do and move the city forward, Norman said. Pastor Norman also believes fresh ideas and visions for our city are welcome and he thinks Young is the perfect man for the job. Who won City Council races, who faces a runoff Paul has a young beautiful family that he kept in the ads with him the whole time, Norman said. We want to attract young families that are going to take roots and put them in the city of Memphis, rebuild our tax base, invite people back into the city, and grow our city again. I think this is the right person for that time. And part of that, Young says, will come from uniting all Memphis neighborhoods and hes ready for the challenge. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia North Korea has decided to start providing Russia with artillery for its war against Ukraine, CBS News reported on Oct. 6, citing an unnamed U.S. official. It was not immediately clear whether the transfer is part of a new, long-term supply chain or a more limited consignment, or what North Korea is getting in return for the weapons, the report reads. Read also: South Korea summons Russian ambassador over North Korea arms deal North Korea's support, it seems, culminated at last month's summit in Russia when Kim Jong Un traveled by train to meet personally with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin . Many expected Kim to ask Putin for money and food to support North Korea's economy in exchange for his support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as weapons and missile technology. Read also: South Korea, US and Japan to take tough measures against Russia-North Korea arms deal On Sept. 13th, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia by armored train. In Vladivostok, he met with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and wished him "victory" in the war. The North Korean dictator also met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who drove him to Knevichi airport. According to Reuters, there Kim was shown Kinzhal missiles, which Russia is using against Ukraine. Read also: Lavrov to visit North Korea in advance of potential Putin visit Kim Jong Uns visit to Russia took place against the backdrop of Western media reports about North Korea's readiness to provide Russia with weapons and ammunition for its war against Ukraine. The Kremlin, of course, stated that Russia had not signed any military agreements with North Korea. According to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea started supplying Russia with ammunition since August. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Girls Inc. of Tarrant County stands for girls health, education and equality. That last part seems to be exactly what the three Republican men on the Tarrant County Commissioners Court stand against. Im not talking about the political stunt commissioners staged the other day, when they helped stoke rage among suburban Republicans to block $115,000 in state child welfare money sent to help poor, inner-city Fort Worth girls through the local Girls Inc., originally the Fort Worth Girls Club. Look at the commissioners record of inequality regardless of party or political leanings since Jan. 1. Thats when Southlake lawyer Tim OHare was sworn in as county judge and police labor leader Manny Ramirez of rural northwest Tarrant County joined Commissioner Gary Fickes of Colleyville on the court. Since then, commissioners: Appointed OHares campaign manager, Vince Puente, to fill a county tax appraisal board vacancy left by the resignation under pressure of Kathryn Wilemon, the chairwoman. Promoted a deputy county clerk, Clinton Ludwig, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of another man, election administrator Heider Garcia. Chandler Merritt is Tarrant Countys new county administrator, replacing G.K. Maeniusas. Merritt, 41, has been an assistant administrator in Tarrant County since May 2021. He previously served as a chief of staff for former County Judge Glen Whitley. Promoted an assistant, Chandler Merritt, to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of another man, county executive G.K. Maenius. Ended required employee anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training, which taught county workers to uphold civil rights laws protecting employment rights and fairness. Appointed or reappointed three men, Brian Hawkins, Tito Rodriguez III and Paul Slechta, to a regional transit board where women are outnumbered, 9-2. OHare hired Andy Nguyen to run his office, filling the vacancy left by Chelsea Griffith, the former chief of staff. OHare and Ramirez appointed three men, Tim Davis, Leonard Firestone and Blake Woodard, to a county hospital board where women are outnumbered, 8-3. OHare appointed Matt Hayes to fill in as justice of the peace in Mansfield instead of Vicki Gray, the judges recommendation. Commissioners did appoint women to less visible roles on five of 20 boards. But as far as I can find, only one woman in Tarrant County government has been found to be qualified enough to promote to a prominent position: new county auditor Kimberly M. Buchanan. See, commissioners dont choose the auditor. The district court judges promoted her. Former District Attorney Sharen Wilson. With the retirement of District Attorney Sharen Wilson in favor of Phil Sorrells, and with tax assessor Wendy Burgess facing a tough March primary challenge by county Republican Party chairman Rick Barnes, the voice of women at the county courthouse may become more faint than it has been since the early 1980s. From Congresswoman Kay Granger and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker on down, Tarrant County is full of strong Republican women and clubs. Hundreds of Tarrant County women have worked tirelessly their whole lives to stop abortion in Texas. Now, theyre working to keep the GOP in charge of what has usually been Americas largest reliably red county. Jeff Younger stands outside the Denton County Republican Party Headquarters in Denton, Texas on Thursday, March 10, 2022. But in a party where one Denton County candidate, Jeff Younger, said outright last year that only godly men should lead, commissioners are almost exclusively hiring, promoting, appointing and supporting other men. Now, theyve picked on a girls club. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County was founded in 1966, teaching poor or motherless girls how to cook, crochet and paint. It was one of five local youth agencies that won state child welfare grants this year to help poor inner-city teens in four central Fort Worth ZIP codes. The agency has a strong record of success and regional corporate support. But its also affiliated with a New York organization that has drifted too far from child welfare into politics, making it a target for Republican political campaigners waging a War on Wokeness. OHare zeroed in on Girls Inc.s advocacy for menstrual equity, a politispeak term which simply means free tampons. Because Girls Inc. used neutral wording calling for tampons for people who have periods, OHare twisted the premise and claimed the agency is promoting transgender rights. Gosh. That was only about free tampons. Leigh Wambsganss of Patriot Mobile Action speaks at a Tarrant County Commissioners Court meeting against funding a local girls group. OHare and other speakers like Southlake Republican activist Leigh Wambsganss picked through Girls Inc.s local and national websites and social media and found way too many political posts and comments about abortion, race, sex, gender and the overpolicing of schools. I cannot vote to give taxpayer money to an organization that wants to destigmatize abortion, seems anti-police, teaches that men can have periods and thinks its OK for children to change their sex! OHare declared. Lured by Republican Party texts and emails calling for all-out opposition, one speaker compared Girls Inc. to Nazi Germany social programs. Another said the county would get sued if girls cut off their breasts. In the end, commissioners refused to pass along the state child welfare money. Obviously Girls Inc.s national organization has gone far outside charity work. But for 57 years, all Girls Inc. of Tarrant County has done is help get girls safely through school and college into jobs. The local agency doesnt deserve to be deprived of funding based on an organized, vicious campaign of snide political attacks, twisted accusations and outright intimidation. The Tarrant County commissioners court is not a girls best friend. Oleksandra Matviichuk took part in Lviv BookForum 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Center for Civil Liberties NGO head, Oleksandra Matviichuk, participated in a discussion titled "The Marshall Plan for Ukraine: Why Ukraine's Victory Will Benefit Everyone" at the Lviv BookForum. Read also: Nobel Peace Prize laureates awarded in Oslo Ukrainian journalist Kristina Berdynskykh moderated the discussion. When asked why Ukraine cannot agree to peace on Russias terms, Matviichuk said: Read also: When can we expect peace talks with Russia "I constantly say that Ukrainians desire peace more than anyone else. But peace does not come when a country that has invaded another one keeps its weapons. Because then it's not peace; it's an occupation. Occupation is just another form of war. I have been documenting Russian war crimes for nine years, and I can definitely say that occupation is not merely a change of one states flag to another. Occupation involves forced disappearances, torture, rape, the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, the erasure of identity, filtration camps, mass graves. When we talk about peace, we are talking about the possibility for people to live without the fear of violence and have a long-term outlook. This is the peace we are fighting for. Therefore, calls for Ukraine to satisfy Russia's imperial ambitions are not just mistaken; they are immoral. We have no right to leave people in the occupied territories to die and be tortured." She noted that partner countries are still thinking not about how to help Ukraine win quickly but about how to prevent it from losing. Read also: Nobel Prize-winning physicist to donate prize money to Ukraine "We are dealing with something different. We are dealing with fear. Fear of taking decisive actions. Because if Ukraine is to win, it means Russia has to lose. And what happens if Russia loses? What happens to a 140-million person nuclear state? This lack of strategy has kept politicians in different countries from taking decisive steps. It seems to me that we are not dealing with fatigue but with a lack of political leadership and historical responsibility." Matviichuk emphasized that Ukraine needs a recovery plan right now while the war continues. "I believe that we need to send our international partners the following message: we need recovery now, we need to develop strategies right now, and we need to implement these strategies for local communities right now. We need support and investments right now. We need to find ways not to depend on international assistance and be resilient. Russia is preparing for a long war. We need to build our economic resilience. So, our motto should be 'recovery now,' not when the war ends and Ukraine wins." Other participants in the discussion included British historian, journalist, and writer Timothy Ash, Sevgil Musayeva, the Editor-in-Chief of the Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda," Emma Graham-Harrison, a British journalist and senior correspondent covering international affairs for The Guardian and The Observer, who reports on the war in Ukraine, and Alexander Sushko, a Ukrainian political scientist and Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation. The 30th Lviv BookForum will run in Lviv until Oct. 8, featuring over 150 events, including 30 panel discussions. Guests of the forum include Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko, British historian Anne Applebaum, Georgian poet Paata Shamugia, Franco-British lawyer, practicing attorney, and author of 16 books on international law Philip Sands, and others. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts: ___ No, migrants do not receive $2,200 each month from the federal government CLAIM: The Biden administration is giving people who enter the U.S illegally payments of $2,200 per month. THE FACTS: Those who are in the U.S. illegally are not eligible for any cash assistance, with rare exceptions, immigration experts told The Associated Press. Certain groups, such as refugees and people granted asylum, can receive financial benefits from the federal government, though not as high as $2,200 each month. The issue has been misrepresented before online, and reemerged this week. One tweet states: According to a release by the legal immigration group ALIPAC, the Biden administration is giving some illegal aliens payments of $2,200 per month! The Americans for Legal Immigration PAC did publish this claim, relying on an Aug. 21 Tucker Carlson interview with retired Army Col. Douglas Macgregor, who said that every alleged asylum seeker, illegal migrant pouring in through the border in Texas or wherever else is given a monthly payment of $2,200. But immigration experts say that's false. Generally, unauthorized immigrants have very little access to federally-funded public benefits, Julia Gelatt, associate director of the U.S. immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute, told the AP in an email. They can mostly only access emergency, in-kind things like shelter and food during a hurricane or other emergency, or emergency healthcare. Asked for further evidence of the groups claim, ALIPAC President William Gheen acknowledged that by law illegals are not supposed to receive payments from the federal government, but claimed they are being misclassified as asylum seekers and refugees, and pointed to the MacGregor interview as the source of the $2,200 figure. Macgregor, however, cited an article published by a Houston radio station that quotes Gheen and the ALIPAC release, and was published a week after his interview with Carlson. Regardless, certain Cubans and Haitians are the only people who can receive federal cash assistance while in the U.S. illegally. Those who qualify include nationals of these countries whose cases for removal from the U.S. are still being decided or who have a pending application for asylum. They can apply for the same assistance available to refugees and people granted asylum both groups that have legal status in the U.S. Those granted asylum include individuals who face persecution and applied for protection while already in the U.S. Stanford Prescott, a spokesperson for the International Rescue Committee, told the AP that none of these programs provide a regular monthly payment of $2,200 and that they typically have strict limitations on eligibility and length. For example, the Refugee Cash Assistance program provides people who do not have minor children with financial help to meet basic needs such as food, shelter and transportation, for up to 12 months. The amounts vary by location, but according to Gelatt, seem to be under $1,000 for a couple, less for a single person. Similarly, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program provides financial support to families with minor children. These benefits also vary by state and family size, but Gelatt said they are still less than $2,000 a month," even for a very large family in a more-generous state. For instance, a household with three children in New York could receive $698 per month for up to 60 months. The U.S. Department of State also provides local resettlement agencies with a one-time payment of $2,375 per refugee $1,275 of that amount can be used for critical needs such as rent, food and clothing, while the rest is earmarked to fund access to services such as cultural orientation, locating housing and legal help. Mark Miller, a State Department spokesperson, said the agency does not provide payments or assistance to undocumented immigrants in the United States. Refugees, people granted asylum and certain other groups may also be eligible for supplemental security income if, for example, they are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. The maximum monthly SSI payment is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. Associated Press writer Melissa Goldin in New York contributed this report. ___ Differing infant mortality rates in Japan and the US are not connected to vaccine policies CLAIM: Japan stopped mandatory childhood vaccinations in 1994, vastly improving the countrys infant mortality rate. By contrast, the U.S. has the highest childhood vaccination rate and has the worst infant mortality rate of the western nations. THE FACTS: Both countries have similar and very high childhood vaccination rates, despite their differing policies. And while its true that Japan has a lower infant mortality rate than the U.S., public health experts say it is not because of vaccines, which actually reduce death in vaccine-preventable diseases. Nevertheless, social media users are sharing an Instagram post claiming that after Japan banned the MMR or measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and eliminated mandatory vaccines, the infant mortality rate decreased as a result. The United States has the worst infant mortality rate of the western nations and we v@ccinate the most, it concludes. While its true that Japans infant mortality rate is far lower than the United States, and that childhood vaccines arent required in the Asian nation, there is no connection between the two, experts say. To point to vaccinations as the cause, one would need a randomized clinical trial showing that infant vaccines have increased infant deaths, said Alice Chen, vice dean for research at the University of Southern Californias Sol Price School of Public Policy. No such data that I am aware of does that. In 1989, cases of aseptic meningitis in children who received a combined vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, prompted lawsuits against the government, forcing it to scrap the mix four years later. However, kids can still be inoculated against the three diseases, just with separate injections. Japan revised its vaccination law in 1994 to scrap mandatory inoculation, but the country still recommends people get vaccinated and childhood vaccination rates are very high. For example, in 2022, 99% of Japanese kids had at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or DTaP vaccine, according to data from the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The rate in the U.S. was 98%. And in 2021, the vaccination rates for both rubella and the first dose of the measles shot were around 95% in Japan and 92% in the U.S., according to data from WHO and UNICEF. Data for mumps vaccination was not readily available, but it reportedly remains lower in Japan, where it is not classified as a routine inoculation. Additionally, Japans infant mortality rate gradually decreased over time, not dramatically after 1994, according to the infant mortality rate total estimates from the United Nations Inter-agency group for Child Mortality estimation, a group led by UNICEF. U.N. data shows Japans infant mortality rate was around 1.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021, versus approximately 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in the U.S, which is indeed higher than most other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, nations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2021 that the leading causes of infant death in the U.S. were birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, maternal pregnancy complication, sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS and injuries such as suffocation. Emily Oster, a professor in economics at Brown University who researches infant mortality, noted there has been a large decline of infant deaths due to SIDS due to preventative steps parents have taken, such as having infants sleep on their back. The reasons for these poor outcomes are unclear, though Oster and Chen conducted a study that found higher infant mortality rates in the U.S. versus Europe were driven by those with a lower socioeconomic status. Associated Press writer Karena Phan in Los Angeles contributed this report. ___ Thousands of children are not missing on Maui CLAIM: Thousands of children are missing following the deadly wildfires on Maui. THE FACTS: Lists compiled by the Maui Police Department and the FBI contained only one minor who was unaccounted for following the August fires, and the child was later identified as a victim of the blaze. Despite this, false claims that thousands of children remain missing are spreading on social media. What happened to the missing children of Maui? asks one Instagram post which includes footage from the wildfires and their aftermath. According to some adamant news sources, only 122 names remain unaccounted for. A tweet similarly states: Not forgetting the 2000 missing children from Maui. But just one child was ever officially reported as missing when official lists were released. A list of people unaccounted for after the wildfires released by the Maui Police Department and the FBI on Sept. 1 named 385 people, only one of whom was a minor. It has since been confirmed that he died in the wildfires, according to local newsreports. No other minors were included on foursubsequentlists, including the most recent, which was released on Sept. 29 and names only 12 people. More than 3,200 people were initially reported missing, according to a County of Maui press release. The Maui Police Department and the FBI first released a list of 388 validated missing individuals on Aug. 24, though this list did not denote whether individuals were minors. Unfortunately, not all information is accurate or unbiased, and it is not uncommon for those who wish to cause panic to sensationalize events or present partial information that may not accurately reflect the reality of a situation, Alana Pico, a Maui Police Department spokesperson, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. The Hawaii Department of Education is tracking students whose schools have been affected by the wildfires as they choose alternate education options. It noted in an Aug. 24 report that out of 3,001 students who had pre-registered at Lahaina public schools prior to the wildfires, 2,025 had not re-enrolled at another public school or opted for distance learning as of Aug. 21. The most recent data states that as of Oct. 3, the Department of Education had not achieved some form of active contact with just 13 students. Officials previously said they believed at least 115 people had died in the Maui wildfires, but that number dropped to at least 97 after testing discovered multiple DNA samples from some of the victims. Melissa Goldin ___ Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck ___ Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck (Photo : CARMINE MINOPOLI/AFP via Getty Images) An earthquake in Naples signals a potential volcanic eruption in the region as officials report increased seismic activity. A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Naples on Tuesday, the second tremor in the last few days. The latest quake came after the Italian region experienced its strongest tremor in the last four decades, as the country's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) revealed. The nation's fire brigade noted minor building damage in the latest incident but added that no people were injured. Naples Earthquakes Campi Flegrei, also known as the Phlegraean fields, is a volcanic area encompassing multiple ancient volcanoes that date as far back as 39,000 years ago. This year, seismic activity in the area has intensified, as the region experienced various small quakes before the two recent tremors. The area stretches 200 kilometers under the Bay of Naples and the islands of Ischia and Capri. Campi Flegrei experiences a seismic phenomenon known as bradyseism, defined by cycles of uplift and gradual lowering of the ground, as per CNN. The last major volcanic eruption of Campi Flegrei occurred in 1538, which led to the creation of a new mountain in the bay. So far this year, the region has logged 2,868 earthquakes, where 1,118 occurred in August alone. On Sept. 28, the head of the INGV, Carlo Doglioni, gave testimony on the potential outcomes in front of the Italian government's Environmental Commission's lower chamber. He said there are two potential scenarios relating to the evolution of the situation in the Campi Flegrei. Doglioni said that the best is that the ongoing bradyseism crisis ends similar to what happened from 1983 to 1984. He noted that the worst situation would be if an eruption similar to 1538 occurred in the region. Read Also: Swiss Glaciers Lose 10% of Volume in Two Catastrophic Years Equaling 30 Years of Loss Potential Volcanic Eruption INGV experts issued warnings that tremors in the area could intensify in the near future as seismic activity continues to be on the rise. However, they noted that the intensity of the tremors does not immediately suggest an increased or imminent risk of a new eruption, according to the Associated Press. A team of scientists at INGV published a study in June where they raised the possibility that the caldera's movements could rupture its crust. However, that study stressed no concrete reasons to anticipate a traditional volcanic eruption involving lava outflow. A senior researcher at INGV, Gianfilippo De Astis, added that seismic activity has been intensifying for several months now. He added that they have continuously observed more than 3,000 tremors since the beginning of this year. The latest quake's epicenter was located at a depth of around three kilometers between Naples and Pozzuoli. INGV Director Mario Di Vito warned that there is a possibility of tremors that have greater intensity in the future. On the other hand, two other tremors struck northwestern Nepal on Tuesday. The quakes damaged several houses in Bajhang district, but the district's chief administrator, Narayan Pandey, noted no reports of casualties, said The Times of Israel. Related Article: Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse: Here's What You Should Know About the Dazzling Celestial Event @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County CEO Dan Casey and Acheson Ventures, LLC CEO Donna Niester hold up a Desmond Landing sign at the site of the EDA's future business center in Port Huron on Aug. 26, 2021. More than two years after its formal groundbreaking, the business center for the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County is getting a massive charge in state funding. The agency is getting close to $3.2 million in funding for a real estate development grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporations revitalization and placemaking, or RAP, program. The state and EDA announced the news late Thursday afternoon after monthslong delays in getting the business center build underway. The RAP 2.0 grant is intended to get projects over the finish line. We are very grateful to the state of Michigan and all of the funders who believe in this project, Dan Casey, the EDAs CEO, said in a statement. Now, we can proceed to build a permanent incubator and business center to serve the entrepreneurs and businesses in St. Clair County. As always, the EDA will continue to focus on supporting our regions existing businesses and local business growth, attracting new business to the region and fostering entrepreneurial growth and success in the community. This latest grant news follows $750,000 brownfield funds awarded this year for cleanup-related activity on the 1.7-acre site where the EDAs new facility is slated to go at Griswold and Third streets property near Desmond Landing and formerly owned by Acheson Ventures. The EDA originally received a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration in August 2021 to support a two-story, 12,000-square-foot structure. After difficulty getting bids in the first round and adjustments to the scope of the facilitys layout, the regional economic nonprofit went for a second round of bids earlier this year with plans to break ground this spring. But those, too, Casey said previously, came back far higher than anticipated. According to the EDAs release, the now $8,320,721 in total funding also includes $225,000 from the James C. Acheson Trust, $250,000 in community development block grant funds from the MEDC, and $518,529 in permanent EDA financing. No updated renderings were released on the EDAs plans, though officials have said theyd scaled down some elements of the planned EDA development and worked with architects on a smaller footprint to account for a rise in costs. The new buildings aims remain the same providing office space for local entrepreneurs and startup businesses and training and conference rooms for local companies, in addition to housing the EDAs six employees. We made an effort to redesign the building to reduce its overall cost, and so, the grants and other funding thats indicated is anticipated to be the money that will be needed to fund the building based on the revised cost, Casey said in an interview Thursday. Because when we put it out to bid with the original design, the low bid was 10.5 million. There was no way we could build the building for that. In its release, the EDA said it would rebid the project in early 2024 with the hope to build next summer. The EDAs grant was one of three announced for St. Clair County. The Harrison Center, 55 15th St., is shown on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. A deal between SONS Outreach and Port Huron Area Schools to buy the site is still ongoing. Algonac, SONS projects move ahead with grant, while 2 others don't Algonacs $400,000 from the MEDC announcement is slated for longer-term plans to rebuild the citys pool. Mayor Rocky Gillis said theyre also awaiting SPARK grant results through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to go toward the needed $1.7 million total for the project. Were very excited and committed to getting this pool built, Gillis said. We know that its an important part of our community. The other Port Huron grant goes toward SONS amid the organizations ongoing effort to reinvest in the Harrison school property, which has been widely supported by the city itself, as part of its yearslong march to establish a permanent home for its programming. We are very happy, ecstatic, and grateful for the city of Port Huron, Kim Harmer, helping us with the write, and just excited about what thats going to do to bring renovations to the building and really create an oasis at the SONS Outreach Center, said SONS Executive Director Tyrone Burrell of the $500,000 grant. Two other Port Huron-based projects had sought EDC RAP funding unsuccessfully, according to Casey. One was the historic Huron Theatre in downtown, which is a facility, known as the Huron Physical Arts Center, that has come under new ownership this year. The other, according to officials, was the Fead building, a century-old brick structure at 1636 Poplar thatd been tapped by new owners in early 2022 with plans that included new lofts. The latter was a loss Port Huron City Manager James Freed noted in an email to City Council early Friday morning. I am very disappointed that a much-needed housing development in our community was passed over for the proposed EDA office building, he wrote. A building which is wildly expensive and not needed. Housing is the number one need in our community right now, not office space. Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or jssmith@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: 'Now, we can proceed': EDA gets $3.2 million from state for long-awaited business center By Francois Murphy and Jonathan Landay VIENNA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Russia's envoy to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) said on Friday that Moscow will revoke its ratification of the pact, a move that Washington denounced as endangering "the global norm" against nuclear test blasts. The announcement by Mikhail Ulyanov added new fuel to tensions between Russia and the United States over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and arms control disputes between the world's largest nuclear weapons powers. Ulyanov, Moscow's envoy to the CTBTO, said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that "#Russia plans to revoke ratification (which took place in the year 2000) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty." "The aim is to be on equal footing with the #US who signed the Treaty, but didn't ratify it. Revocation doesn't mean the intention to resume nuclear tests," he said. The CTBT has been signed by 187 countries and ratified by 178 but cannot go into force until eight specific holdouts have signed and ratified it. China, Egypt, Iran, and Israel have signed but not ratified it. North Korea, India and Pakistan have not signed. While the United States signed but did not ratify the treaty, it has observed a moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions since 1992 that it says it has no plans to abandon. "We are disturbed by the comments of Ambassador Ulyanov in Vienna today," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in a statement. "A move like this by any State Party needlessly endangers the global norm against nuclear explosive testing." The spokesperson said Russia should reach an "equal footing" with the United States "by not wielding arms control and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric in a failing attempt to coerce other states." The statement suggested that Washington sees Moscow's plan to revoke its CTBT ratification as a way to increase pressure on the United States and other countries to halt arms supplies and other aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russian troops. Ulyanov's statement came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow could look at revoking its ratification of the CTBT. "It would be concerning and deeply unfortunate if any State Signatory were to reconsider its ratification of the CTBT," Robert Floyd, the executive director of the CTBTO, which monitors compliance with the pact, said in a statement. "The Russian Federation has consistently reaffirmed its strong support of the CTBT since its very inception, helping to negotiate the Treaty in the Conference on Disarmament, signing the day it opened for signature on 24 September 1996, and ratifying it in June 2000," he added. Russian withdrawal could be a blow to the treaty since, like the eight key holdout countries, it is one of the "Annex 2" countries that must all ratify the treaty it for it to enter into force. "I look forward to continued close cooperation with the Russian Federation and all States that have committed to creating a world free of nuclear testing," Floyd said. (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Alex Richardson, Angus MacSwan and Alexander Smith) The clerk and comptroller of Escambia County and the Florida Supreme Court spokesperson says the First Judicial Circuit, which covers courthouses from Escambia to Walton counties, had their local administrative structure breached. In a statement issued by Trial Court Administrator Kasey Watson, the First Circuit called the incident a "security event" that impacted court operations in the four-county area since Monday. Citing an ongoing investigation, court officials have provided few specific details on the source, nature or repercussions of the "security event." Escambia County Clerk and Comptroller Pam Childers told the News Journal that the local administrative structure, which is tied to the Florida Supreme Court's Office of the State Courts Administrator, was breached during the incident. According to the Florida Courts website, OSCA was created in 1972 to serve the state's chief justice and carry out the justice's responsibilities as chief administrative officer, including the 20 circuit courts throughout the state. Each circuit has a local administrative structure that is presided over by that circuit's chief judge. Electronic breach: Escambia, Santa Rosa courts disrupted by 'security event' affecting information systems Childers also told Escambia County commissioners during a Thursday morning meeting that her office, which houses court documentation, was not impacted by the breach. "With the breach that happened with the courts, it had nothing to do with the clerk and comptroller's office," she said. "Any comptroller data, payroll, what have you is not compromised." She added, "Anything that we have on the attorney side, court side, not compromised. ... We are standing up the courts. We have not missed a trial event nor any injunctions or any type of hearing, so we'll continue to stand up the courts over the next two weeks." The News Journal asked Florida Supreme Court Public Information Officer Paul Flemming if the the Supreme Court is aware of any personal information breaches as a result of the incident. "It's possible," he told the News Journal. "We don't think at this time that happened. "Our first concern is the security of the data, and a close second is the ongoing administration of justice and operation of the courts," Flemming added. "At this point, we don't have any information that there is a breach in any personal information, but that's what our first line of concern is and what is being addressed by the First Circuit and by the OSCA." Flemming said the state OSCA is receiving status reports and working in conjunction with the First Judicial Circuit. He also said the investigation is being directed by the First Circuit. Throughout the week, Escambia judges and attorneys have made reference to the "breach" or "hacking," and judges have mentioned they do not have access to certain electronic capabilities as a result. Also, stenographers have been brought in to record proceedings that are typically recorded by their audio system CourtSmart, but the breach has rendered the system incapacitated. In her statement Monday, Trial Court Administrator Watson reported an information technology security event was under investigation, noting, "This event will significantly affect court operations across the Circuit, impacting courts in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties, for an extended period. This event has the potential to disrupt email and phone service." The release also noted the circuit is prioritizing and conducting essential court proceedings but may cancel and reschedule other proceedings and pause related operations for several days. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia, Santa Rosa courthouses investigating admin structure breach NEW YORK Frank James unleashed smoke, blood and horror in a subway car full of unsuspecting New Yorkers with 32 quick squeezes of a trigger and for that act of terrorism, he will spend the rest of his life in prison. James, 64, who turned the N train into a hell ride on April 12, 2022, wounding 10 people in a morning rush-hour shooting, learned his fate Thursday, when Brooklyn Federal Court Judge William Kuntz handed down his sentence. Kuntz referred to the shooting as raw evil, and sentenced him to 10 concurrent life sentences, one for each shooting victim, plus 10 additional years on a gun charge. Whether or not one considers Mr. James evil he is a man whose actions on April 12, 2022 constituted nothing but pure evil, Kuntz said, after hearing from a string of victims on the train who described how the shooting plunged their lives into a perpetual nightmare of trauma and fear. In a rambling, 20-minute statement to the judge, James quoted several authors and poets about slavery and race and talked about how the mental health system failed and abused him throughout his life. He also compared himself to Jordan Neely, who was put in a fatal chokehold by former U.S. Marine Daniel Penny on a Manhattan subway in May. I, like that young man, was a mental health consumer, he said. I didnt scream out for help. I made the mistake of reaching out and asking for help. Kuntz acknowledged James mental health troubles, but said, There are over 300 million people in America. There are over 300 millions guns in America. But there was only one man with one gun who got in that subway car on April 12, 2022. The law will not tolerate that. James wore a mask, a yellow hard hat and orange reflective jacket to disguise himself as a worker, then used guile and a smoke grenade to create a kill funnel by herding commuters to one end of the crowded train car, federal prosecutors said. As the N train rolled toward the 36th Street subway station, James started telling commuters the empty seats next to him were wet, then set off a smoke grenade all to make sure no one was close enough to grab his gun, prosecutors said in court filings. I dont know if you remember but we greeted each other that morning, one victim, B.K., said. You said, There was urine on the seats, please move down the cars. I said, OK, Thank you. We were in a community together on that train car. Thats why I trusted you, even though you were a stranger. Another victim, C.T., said in a written statement read in court, I looked him in the eye and I thanked him for this. He started shooting from a handgun with an extended magazine 32 times total, until his weapon finally jammed. Sixteen of his bullets hit flesh, striking 10 people. Somehow, all survived. B.K. said he fell to the ground, his lungs filling with smoke and pain searing through his knee from the crush of people falling on him. A pregnant woman repeatedly screamed and banged on a locked window, wailing for help. I saw a middle-aged man crawl. I saw a dark hole in his back, B.K. said. I realized we were all trapped. I realized were in here with you and there was nothing we could do. He felt despair, convinced he was going to die, thinking of all he hadnt been able to accomplish, and how he wished hed spent more time with his mother, family and friends. When the train reached the station, and as the shell-shocked commuters ran and crawled out of the car, gasping and screaming, James ditched his disguise and hopped onto an R train across the platform. He got off at 25th St., hopped on a Park Slope-bound bus, went into a deli, and grabbed a drink. He traveled the subway system all day, changing his appearance repeatedly, then headed to Newark for the night and back to the East Village. At one point, he ate lunch at Katzs Deli. As police frantically hunted for him, he watched 31 videos of news reports about the shooting on his phone and viewed the same chase scene from the James Bond movie No Time to Die 10 times, the feds said. Finally, he called Crime Stoppers on April 13 to turn himself in the day after the shooting. James pleaded guilty in January to 10 counts of committing a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system, one for each gunshot victim, as well as a single count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The victims, not just those who were wounded physically, but also those who witnessed this horrific act, and others who put themselves at risk to help, will live with these traumatic events for the rest of their lives, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said after the sentencing. James lawyers asked the judge for 18 years, calling him severely mentally ill but not evil, and describing a lifetime of untreated illness, trauma and hardship. They contended that due to his failing health, he would likely die before his release. In a court filing last month, they said James snapped, and though he opened fire without caring who lived or died, he didnt aim for peoples heads or shoot them point blank because he didnt intend to kill anyone. Prosecutors challenged that notion, describing the steps he took preparing for the attack dating back to at least 2019 buying similar weapons, doing internet research on guns and taking test runs throughout the subway system. They also pointed to his myriad rants on social media, including several videos posted on YouTube under the name profitof_doom8888 and prophet_oftruth88. He rambled online about race wars, Mayor Eric Adams, the mental health system and homosexual predators. In one video from about nine months before the attack, he said, You have to put yourself in position that youre not just ready, but youre set to go, so that you get the maximum impact, maximum bang for your buck that you plan to do. And sometimes that takes time. One of the train passengers, L.C., challenged James notion that he couldnt get help. He described himself as an alcoholic, and said surviving the shooting sent him into a spiral for several days, the lowest moment of my life, to deal with what happened. Do you understand the turmoil you have put this 51-year-old man through? I have to fight myself to get on the train, he said. You did something terribly evil. Your mother would have been ashamed of you. You could have found help. How hard did you actually look for it? I found help. B.K. said that images from the shooting make up his nightmares, and his fears have taken over his waking moments. When I am in public spaces I cannot focus on anything except examining every person, he said. My anxieties have begun to overtake my personhood. ____ Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) released a statement Thursday condemning the Biden administrations decision to waive 26 federal laws, which will allow border wall construction to commence in Texas. The Biden administration was not required to expand construction of the border wall and they certainly were not required to waive several environmental laws to expedite the building, the congresswoman said in her statement. The President needs to take responsibility for this decision and reverse the course. The waived environmental laws will expedite the construction of barriers in Starr County, Texas, which is a highly trafficked entry point along the southern U.S. border, the Department of Homeland Security noted. The Associated Press reported that roughly 245,000 migrants have illegally crossed the border there this fiscal year. In a press conference Thursday, Biden defended the plans to add to the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. He insisted that he tried to get the funds reappropriated, but there was nothing he could do to stop it. The Biden administration held firm in its stance that building a wall along the border is not the answer. A wall does nothing to deter people who are fleeing poverty and violence from coming to the United States, Ocasio-Cortez said in her statement. Walls only serve to push migrants into more remote areas, increasing their chances of death. It is a cruel policy. The New York congresswoman said the country needs to reevaluate the root of migration and how policy affects Latin America. She said the country has to finally invest in meaningful immigration reform. Ocasio-Cortez has been an outspoken advocate for immigration reform, as New York City has seen a recent influx of migrants arriving in the city. Other members of Congress have joined Ocasio-Cortez in the call for action. Former Rep. Beto ORourke (D-Texas) posted online that the decision was a wasted opportunity to use executive power. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said the decision was equivalent to sticking our heads in the sand. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) denounced the decision, saying he doesnt believe Biden wants to fix the crisis. Cruz said he thinks the decision is all window dressing to pretend he cares. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russian "governor of Sevastopol" Mikhail Razvozhayev said that the military repelled an attack by two naval drones in the Black Sea. Source: Razvozhayev on Telegram Quote: "Loud noises in the area of the Northern Mall [are the combat work of] the crews of the Black Sea Fleet's ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare). Early reports say they are repelling an attack by two unmanned surface vessels." Background: A Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) hit a Samum-class missile carrier hovercraft on Thursday, 14 September. British intelligence noted the growing role of naval drones in the Russian-Ukrainian war and suggested that they could be used against the weakest points in Russia's logistics by sea. 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! An off-duty Wyandotte County Sheriffs deputy was shot early Friday after confronting a person allegedly breaking into a car at a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment complex near the Kansas Speedway, a spokesman for the sheriffs office said. The deputy was shot the Prairie View at Village West apartments at 11200 Delaware Parkway, said Capt. Michael Kroening, a spokesman for the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office. Kansas City, Kansas, police officers responded to the apartments shortly before 5:30 a.m. after the deputy called 911 and reported being shot, Officer Jovanna Cheatum, a spokesperson for the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, said in a news release. The deputy had witnessed someone breaking into a car and when confronted, the person allegedly fired a gun at the deputy, the deputy told police. The deputy was hit by gunfire and was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Cheatum said. Detectives with the Kansas City Police Department were investigating the aggravated battery. No suspect information was available. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 911 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (4877). A Georgia officer was arrested after he was accused of sexually assaulting a teen girl, according to the Atlanta Police Department. Anthony Anderson faces charges including sexual battery and aggravated sodomy after he was accused of forcing himself on the 16-year-old who had been involved in a crash, the department said in a news release. He was booked into jail Thursday, Oct. 5, online records show. Authorities said Anderson was immediately removed from the Field Operations Division, though its not clear if hes been fired. Not only am I disturbed and disappointed by these allegations, but it also angers me, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said in a statement. We ask the public to trust us to do the right thing, to keep them safe, Schierbaum added. So, when one of our own is accused of despicable acts with a minor, it erodes that trust that sometimes takes years to build. Authorities began investigating the Aug. 2 incident after the teen reported it to police in neighboring Gwinnett County, the release said. Investigators learned Anderson had responded to a single-car crash earlier that morning. He met the teen driver, and subsequent actions by Officer Anderson during and after his shift would lead to a criminal investigation, Atlanta police said. The officer was also accused of withholding medical attention from the teen after the crash and forcing her to perform sex acts, WXIA reported, citing arrest warrants. Investigators said the alleged assault occurred after Andersons shift. Officers also secured warrants on charges of violation of oath of office and second-degree child cruelty, police said. Records show Anderson joined the department in August 2015. Hes had at least four citizen complaints filed against him since 2018, including two that resulted in written reprimands, according to the documents. Atlanta police didnt give details on what led to the complaints. Anderson remained in custody at the Fulton County Jail as of Friday, online records show. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing. If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom. Teacher sexually assaulted student and bought new phone to hide texts, Georgia cops say Pastor sexually abused teen girl and threatened her not to tell, Oklahoma cops say Man threatens woman he met driving Uber, then sexually assaults her, Florida cops say Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost waded into the abortion fight Thursday, issuing a legal analysis of which laws could be eliminated if Issue 1 passed. Yost's list includes: Ohio's ban on doctors performing abortions after embryonic cardiac activity is detected, which is about six weeks gestation. Proponents call it the "heartbeat bill." A ban on abortions after a fetal diagnosis of Down syndrome. A ban on dilation and evacuation abortions, a common second-trimester method. A ban on abortions after 20 weeks gestation. Ohio's 24-hour waiting period after the patient's initial appointment. Yost's analysis found that Issue 1 does not expressly address parental consent, a requirement for a minor to obtain an abortion under current law. However, "there is no guarantee that Ohios parental-consent law will remain in effect," according to the analysis. More: What Ohioans need to know about November ballot issue on abortion The analysis stopped short of saying Issue 1 would impact transgender medical care for minors. "It would certainly be too much to say that under Issue 1 all treatments for gender dysphoria would be mandated at the minor individual's discretion and without parental involvement." Issue 1 on the Nov. 7 ballot would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution something that Yost's analysis says goes far beyond the standard set by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Roe v. Wade and other key abortion rulings. More: Oct. 10 is last day to register to vote in Ohio before November election Why is Yost weighing in? Yost, a Republican, is not required by law to provide a legal analysis of the proposed constitutional amendment, and none of his state officeholder clients requested one. Yet, Yost gathered a team of attorneys and professional staff to conduct an analysis of Issue 1 and Issue 2, which would legalize recreational marijuana. Yost plans to issue legal analyses of future statewide amendments. Ohio voters deserve an impartial resource that offers an objective analysis of the legal implications of both citizen-initiated initiatives, Yost said in a statement. The decision regarding which policy path is best for Ohio lies with voters, not with me. Yost has made his personal opinion on the issue clear. He opposes abortion, is suing to reinstate the state's ban on most abortions, called for Roe v. Wade to be overturned and is co-headlining Ohio Right to Life's fundraising dinner Thursday evening. Campaigns react Gabriel Mann, spokesman for Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights which supports Issue 1, says Yost is an "ardent anti-abortion politician" and not a "neutral observer" on the issue. "Decisions around pregnancy, including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care, are personal and private and should be left up to women and their families. But here in Ohio, Yost thinks he knows best and wants government to make those decisions for them. Mann said in a statement. Amy Natoce, spokeswoman for Protect Women Ohio, which opposes the measure, says Yost is right about Issue 1 saying it "goes further than Roe." Issue 1 would "turn Ohio into the most radical abortion regime in the country," she said in a statement. "If passed, Issue 1 will allow for no-limits abortion and remove all protections for the unborn, including babies diagnosed with Down syndrome in utero. It puts womens health at risk by removing commonsense protections, and puts parental rights on the chopping block," she said. Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio AG Yost issues legal analysis on abortion rights measure An Oklahoma judge has rejected a request from a group of medical providers and families with transgender children to temporarily block the state from enforcing its felony ban on gender-affirming health care for minors, ruling that prohibiting such care is rationally related to legitimate state interests. Oklahoma District Judge John Frederick Heil III ruled late Thursday that the law, Senate Bill 613, is not an outright ban on gender affirming care because it does not restrict access to surgeries or doses of testosterone or estrogen for transgender adults. Instead, SB 613 requires only that, to the extent an individual desires to utilize certain physiological procedures to treat the psychological condition of gender dysphoria, he or she must wait until a certain age to do so, Heil, an appointee of former President Trump, wrote in his opinion. Passed by the state legislature in early May and approved by Oklahomas Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt in less than 24 hours, Senate Bill 613 makes it a felony crime for health care professionals to provide minors with gender-affirming medical care including puberty blockers and hormones. Stitt made the ban a priority of this years legislative session. He called on state lawmakers last year to ban permanent gender transition surgeries and therapies in 2023 while signing a bill passed during a special session to withhold federal funds from OU Health if the hospital system continued providing gender-affirming care to minors. In May, five Oklahoma families with transgender adolescents and a doctor who treats transgender youths sued the state in federal court, arguing Senate Bill 613 discriminates against transgender people and violates the right of parents to make decisions on behalf of their children. The states Republican attorney general later that month signed a binding agreement not to enforce the law until a judge either granted or rejected the plaintiffs request for a preliminary injunction. The Oklahoma Attorney Generals office told The Hill it would now enforce the law. The Attorney Generals Office continues to fulfill its duty to defend Senate Bill 613, and has won a ruling that results in full enforcement of that law, the offices press secretary, Leslie Berger, said in a statement sent to The Hill. Lawmakers in five states Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, Idaho and North Dakota have passed laws making it a felony crime to provide gender-affirming health care to transgender minors, according to the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks state legislation on LGBTQ issues. In Alabama, doctors who violate the law could face up to a decade in prison. Laws that ban or heavily restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender youths have been passed by 22 states since 2021. This story was updated at 2:48 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The global amphibian population is in steep decline, with two out of every five species facing extinction. This is based on research published on Wednesday, October 4, in Nature's scientific magazine. Perils Facing Amphibians After assessing the well-being of over 8,000 amphibian species worldwide, scientists have concluded that approximately 41%, or 2,871 species, are now facing global extinction. Loss of habitat, rising temperatures, and the spread of disease have all contributed to an increase of approximately 3% in endangered species since 1980. Lead author Kelsey Neam, species and metrics coordinator for the non-governmental group Re: Wild, explained that amphibians must adapt to the changing environment on Earth or find a new home. Changes are occurring too rapidly for them to adjust, and habitat fragmentation causes obstacles that make movement increasingly difficult. Amphibians, which include frogs, toads, and salamanders, are a kind of vertebrate. They are fully at home on land and sea, breathing air through their wet skin. The new research evaluates the dire situation of more than 93% of all amphibian species. Climate change, an increasing threat to amphibians, combines with other threats such as land conversion and disease transmission, putting these animals in a precarious position. The amphibians have also had their pandemic to contend with. The Chytrid fungus, which has been fast spreading worldwide, affects frogs' skin, stops them from rehydrating correctly, and causes heart attacks. According to Patricia Burrowes, a professor at the biology department at the University of Puerto Rico, "Modern climate change really works synergistically with diseases and in ways that it stresses frogs and makes them more vulnerable to these pathogens." Read Also: Antarctica Hits 'Record-Smashing' Low for Sea Ice, Sparking Concerns Amphibian Conservation The second Global Amphibian Assessment data were used to compile this report. More than a thousand researchers provided expert opinions on thousands of species, as mentioned by NBC News. University of Washington biology professor and Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture curator Adam Leache called the research a "big update on the conservation of amphibians across the globe." Leache, who was not involved in the study, said that the analysis was thorough and that its leaders included some of the world's foremost experts on amphibians. Leache's lab has been busy in subtropical West Africa, conducting field surveys to monitor amphibian populations. When he returns to a place years later, he sometimes finds that these animals are gone. Leache said that the area was devoid of trees. Nothing exists; hence, no biodiversity surveys can be conducted. "It's reminiscing about better times when species were around, and now they're not here anymore," he added. Related Article: France Seizes 400 Primate Skulls in Large-Scale Trafficking Headed to US @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The fate of two Oklahoma City churches was decided Thursday by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference. The attorney for the conference and co-counsel for First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City and Church of the Servant gave oral arguments before the state's highest court on Thursday, asking justices to decide if an Oklahoma County District Court judge's rulings in the congregations' disaffiliation cases should stand. But the state Supreme Court decided the District Court judge lacked jurisdiction over the matter. "The Oklahoma Annual Conference is thankful that the justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court havetaken jurisdiction of the case, and we are looking forward to the written opinion of the court," conference leaders said in a statement. "We appreciate the time and attention the court has given to this important issue." The two houses of worship First Church at 131 NW 4 and Church of the Servant at 14343 N MacArthur filed separate lawsuits against the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference in Oklahoma County District Court over the summer, but the state Supreme Court decided to roll them into one case because they each dealt with the congregations' rights to decide on ending their affiliation with the United Methodist Church. The combined cases were being watched closely by Oklahoma United Methodists and those who recently ended their affiliation with the denomination. Thursday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court courtroom at the Capitol was packed with so many people that an overflow area was set up outside the courtroom so a group of people could watch the proceedings on a large TV screen. More: In United Methodist disaffiliation, exiting liberal churches a surprising minority The church autonomy doctrine, which protects the right of religious institutions to govern themselves, came up more than once Thursday as the opposing attorneys argued on behalf of their clients. District Court Judge Aletia Timmons had ruled in both churches' favor against the conference, a regional affiliate of the United Methodist denomination. At the time, she said she felt she could weigh in on the disaffiliation matters by basing her rulings on neutral principles of contract law. The churches' co-council, Cheryl Plaxico and Cara Nicklas, presented each case as a property dispute, claiming that the conference leaders were singling out the two churches to prevent them from leaving the United Methodist Church so the conference could keep their valuable church property. On Thursday, Plaxico reiterated that the civil courts may weigh in on the disaffiliation cases because each case was essentially a property dispute. She said both churches were initially trying to vote on exiting the United Methodist Church, with an eye on possibly leaving the denomination and taking their church buildings and other assets with them while a special provision called Paragraph 2553 in the denomination's Book of Discipline remains in effect until Dec. 31. More: Church of the Servant case Judge says Church of the Servant's exit attempt was in 'chokehold,' orders second vote Attorney Ross Plourde, argued on the conference's behalf that Timmons in Oklahoma County District Court, and any civil court, had no jurisdiction over the cases because they involved the United Methodist Church's Book of Discipline and were therefore ecclesiastical in nature. He said First Church and Church of the Servant could have taken the matter to the United Methodist Church's Judicial Council, but the congregations instead chose to take the dispute to civil court, which cannot rule on ecclesiastical matters because to do so would violate the regional conference's First Amendment rights. Church of the Servant is shown at 14343 N MacArthur. "The idea that the government can come in and tell the church what to do, I think that's just wrong," Plourde said. Plaxico countered by saying the two congregations' First Amendment rights must be taken into account, as well. "The petitions should not be allowed to extort and manipulate based on the First Amendment and violate these congregations' own First Amendment rights," she said. Special provision is key The arguments heard before the state Supreme Court were the latest developments in a widening schism in the international United Methodist Church one of Oklahoma's largest faith groups. Disagreement about the scriptural compatibility of same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy is at the heart of the divide and 84 Oklahoma churches have ended their affiliation with the denomination since 2022. More: First Church files suit Judge says Church of the Servant's exit attempt was in 'chokehold,' orders second vote The catalyst for the trend of leaving appears to be the end-of-the-year deadline for Paragraph 2553, the special provision at the heart of the First Church and Church of the Servant cases against the regional conference. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Two OKC churches lose disaffiliation case in Oklahoma Supreme Court Oklahoma lawmakers on Thursday discussed the possibility of enacting a moratorium on capital punishment in the state as concerns about innocence and botched executions continue to mount. Death penalty experts, current and former officials, and a death row exoneree all testified at the three-and-a-half-hour hearing in the Republican-led House Judiciary Criminal Committee. State Rep. Kevin McDugle (R), who has said he does not oppose the death penalty but has concerns about how it is carried out, called for the hearing. McDugle has become an outspoken supporter of Richard Glossip, a man who has survived nine execution dates and whose killing has been temporarily blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court. Each time Glossip was scheduled to be killed, his execution was delayed either because of overwhelming evidence of his innocence or because of issues with the states method of killing. McDugle filed a bill in 2021 to create a death penalty conviction integrity unit under the states pardon and parole board, but the bill died in the legislature. There is currently no moratorium bill under consideration, but lawmakers can introduce one when the next session begins in February 2024. Much of Thursdays hearing focused on the risk of killing an innocent person. Since 1973, at least 185 people have been exonerated from death row, testified Robert Dunham, the director of the Death Penalty Policy Project.Thats one exoneration for every 8.1 executions. Thats an astonishing failure rate. Every state believes that its state court process is exceptional and has adopted safeguards sufficient to prevent convicting the innocent, but over and over, in state after state, and county after county, thats been proven not to be the case, Dunham said, noting that exonerations have occurred in 118 different counties and 30 different states. Adam Luck, the former chair of the states pardon and parole board, testified that the prospect of signing off on the killing of an innocent person led him to conclude that he could not support the death penalty. Luck was appointed to the board by Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) in 2019, while an execution pause was in place. When the state resumed executions in 2021, he began grappling with the national death row conviction error rate of 12.3%. I knew that if I was going to support the death penalty, if I was going to make these decisions with any amount of intellectual integrity, I would need to make my peace with this number, Luck said. He thought about whether there was a number of innocent people he would be willing to let die so that the state could keep the death penalty. If so, he thought, what if it was someone he knew? Would I be OK if it was my friend or family member? Ultimately, was I willing to be the one innocent person executed so we, as a state, could continue executing the guilty? Luck said. Simply put, I realized I could not support the death penalty in any case, because I could not support the undeniable, unchangeable risk of executing an innocent person. During his time on the pardon and parole board, Luck voted in favor of clemency in each of the five death penalty cases that came before him. In several cases, he was the only member of the panel to vote against execution. Several prosecutors attempted to force Luck to recuse himself from considering various clemency requests. In January 2022, Luck resigned from the board, implying in his resignation letter that he was doing so at the governors request. Oklahoma has carried out the most executions per capita of any state in the U.S. since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. Since then, there have been 11 exonerations out of Oklahoma. In 2014, Oklahoma carried out the high-profile botched execution of Clayton Lockett, who writhed in pain after being injected with a lethal combination of drugs. The next man to be killed was Charles Warner, who was later revealed to be executed with the wrong drug. Glossip was supposed to be killed next, but his execution was called off at the last minute because the state still did not have the correct drug. After the series of high-profile screw-ups, the state agreed to a moratorium in 2015. An independent bipartisan death penalty review commission advised in 2017 that the moratorium be extended until the state enacted more than 40 recommendations related to forensics, law enforcement techniques, prosecution and defense policies, death penalty eligibility, clemency and the execution process. In the years since the report, Oklahoma has implemented virtually none of the recommendations, Andy Lester, a former federal magistrate judge and co-chair of the commission, testified at Thursdays hearing. Whether you support capital punishment or oppose it, one thing is clear: From start to finish, the Oklahoma capital punishment system is fundamentally broken, Lester said. Oklahoma resumed executions in 2021, using the same drug protocol used in Locketts botched killing. The first man to be killed after lifting the moratorium, John Grant, vomited and convulsed as he died. Although the state claimed Grants execution occurred without complication, his autopsy revealed signs of pulmonary edema, a condition where the lungs fill with fluid, creating the feeling of suffocating or drowning. Justin Jones, a former head of Oklahomas Department of Corrections, warned on Thursday that the states execution protocol leaves plenty of opportunity for error. Im guaranteeing you that youre going to have other botched executions, he said. Andy Lester, attorney and former U.S. magistrate judge, told Oklahoma legislators the state's capital punishment system is broken "from start to finish." Oklahoma should return to a moratorium on the death penalty and implement the 46 recommendations made by the Death Penalty Review Commission, a panel of experts told state lawmakers Thursday. Speaking at a legislative interim hearing on the death penalty, Judge Andy Lester, a member of the commission that examined the states death penalty process in 2017, said the states capital punishment process is fundamentally flawed. From start to finish, Oklahomas capital punishment system is badly broken, Lester said. We (the commission) all were convinced that Oklahoma is not doing what is necessary to make sure innocent people aren't being sentenced to death in Oklahoma. Lester, who previously served as acting general counsel for the Oklahoma House of Representatives and as as chief counsel to Special House Committees investigating public corruption, said the Death Penalty Review Commission issued a 300-page report in 2017, which made 46 recommendations to state lawmakers on how to improve the capital punishment process. Commission not confident Oklahoma can administer death penalty fairly and humanely The 11-member commission spent more than a year studying all aspects of the death penalty process. The bipartisan group chaired by Lester, former Gov. Brad Henry and former Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Rita Strubahr was composed of five women and six men and included prosecutors, defense attorneys, individuals who have served in state government, law school professors and deans, victims advocates and advocates for Native Americans. Lester said the study of the death penalty left him and the other members of the commission with deep doubts that the state could administer capital punishment fairly and humanely. We all were convinced that Oklahoma was not doing what was necessary to make sure innocent people arent being sentenced to death in Oklahoma, he said. More: With Glynn Simmons free, is Carolyn Sue Rogers' 1974 murder now a cold case? As of today, he said, none of those recommendations have been implemented. Because the system is so flawed, Lester said the state should reinstate a moratorium on all executions. Richard Glossip case an example of flaws in the system, commissioner says Lester pointed to recent cases such as the case of Richard Glossip as a major example of flaws in the capital punishment process. Glossip was convicted of the 1997 murder-for-hire of his former boss, Barry Van Treese. Prosecutors said Glossip cut a deal with Justin Sneed to kill Van Treese in Oklahoma City. In May, the U.S. Supreme Court granted Glossip a stay of execution, pending a decision on his appeal. As of Sept. 27, the high court had not issued a ruling. In June, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he did not believe Glossip would be executed. "I think it (Glossip's case) will be remanded back to Oklahoma County for the county to adjudicate it," Drummond said during a meeting of the Oklahoma Press Association. "And if that's the case, I predict it will probably be pled out." More: Death row inmate Richard Glossip gets execution stay from US Supreme Court State Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, who chaired the death penalty study, praised the commission. They did tons of work (on the issue), he said. But its difficult to change things in this building sometimes though its not for a lack of trying. In 2021, McDugle authored several pieces of legislation to strengthen the integrity of the state's death penalty process. One of those bills, House Bill 1551, would have created a Conviction Integrity Review Unit within the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board to review capital cases where a defendant presented a plausible claim of actual innocence. The measure stalled before making it to the House floor. McDugle, who also has raised concerns about the Glossip case, told an Oklahoma City TV station this summer he believed there was unethical communication between the Oklahoma District Attorney's Council and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board that resulted in the board, "making decisions on Glossip before we ever had the hearing." With current system, botched executions are all but guaranteed, former department of corrections director says While some experts raised issues about how death penalty cases were prosecuted, former Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Justin Jones predicted there would be more botched executions in Oklahoma. Jones said he oversaw 28 executions as the Corrections Department leader. No matter how much fidelity we practice, no matter how many inspections we do, you have an array of employees who are asked to do the ultimate, Jones said. And we have some of the lowest paid state employees in government, they sit there and do this: kill someone for the state Oklahoma. Im guaranteeing you, youre going to have botched executions as long as youre doing the (execution) protocols youre doing. District Attorney Jason Hicks, who represents Jefferson, Stephens, Grady and Caddo counties, said he was a strong supporter of the death penalty, adding that those cases get the highest scrutiny in his office. We are literally talking about the worst of the worst cases, he said. Hicks said the only way prosecutors can get a death sentence is to prove extenuating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt. There are a lot of people that look at the cases, he said. Hicks said his office also was transparent with opposing attorneys. We dont play games with discovery; we never have, he said. Oklahoma has executed 120 inmates since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. State lawmakers will return to the Capitol for next regular legislative session in February 2024. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma legislators urged to put moratorium on death penalty. Age is just a number. The Old Gays, comprised of Robert Reeves, Bill Lyons, Mick Peterson, and Jessay Martin, have become some of the most recognizable faces on TikTok. Since their popularity online, the stars have brought their Pride to a slew of festivals, parades, and events around the country and this weekend is no exception. Fans can expect to see the Old Gays in the parade for Las Vegas Pride tonight and at various Pride events throughout the weekend. The TikTok stars recently caught up with PRIDE to share the life lessons they've learned in their fabulous lives, the importance of Pride, and representing the LGBTQ+ community in a positive way. PRIDE: Happy Pride! Why was it important for you to support Las Vegas Pride? Robert Reeves: I think it's important to support every community's Pride in order that the movement grows. Mick Peterson: We just came to show all our colors in all of our ways. Jessay Martin: They're our family, so we got to support. Bill Lyons: We had so much fun last year while we were here that we didn't want to miss the festivities this year. As we head into election year next year, Pride is more important than ever. How vital is this visibility and representation right now? Jessay Martin: We need to get out there. We need to vote and we need to show our faces everywhere. Mick Peterson: I can't conceive of another time in which our identity, our being out there in the community, is needed more than ever. Robert Reeves: We should take every opportunity to express the feelings of the community and fight for what is right. Every year is important. Bill Lyons: It is more important now, because all the strides that we have moved forward to get, are now being challenged. It's the most important thing right now that we be heard during an election year. One thing I love about your videos is that you can start an exciting chapter at any age. What is an important life lesson you hope viewers take away from your content? Jessay Martin: Never give up. Never stop living. Always keep believing, because you are the best. Mick Peterson: Life is full of surprises. Expect the unexpected. Robert Reeves: Age is just a number. Never slow down. Keep going. Give it all you've got. Bill Lyons: Never give up the idea that in your mature years it's going to be bad. Life just keeps getting better. We're seeing LGBTQ+ visibility and representation increase among younger generations. Even though there is a lot of work that still needs to be done, what is it like seeing more LGBTQ+ people come out today since your early coming out days? Bill Lyons: When I came out, I had no peers to talk to. I had no idea what I was doing. Young people today have lots of resources available to them if they need help. Jessay Martin: I am so honored to be a part of the generation that we're in so that I can share my life with young people. Mick Peterson: I think it's tremendous how young people have just taken ahold of their own identities. Go for it. Keep going for it. Robert Reeves: It's very satisfying to see more and more people being who they are and expressing themselves. With so many LGBTQ+ members and allies afraid right now, especially with an election year coming up, what uplifting words would you like to share with people going through a tough time? Bill Lyons: Make Pride a celebration of our lifestyles and fight for injustices as they confront us. Jessay Martin: The internet is there for you with tons of information on where you can get help and how you can get help. Please use it. Mick Peterson: If you believe these are the bad times, just remember the bad times don't last forever. Robert Reeves: Keep on fighting. Find allies to fight with you. To learn more about Las Vegas Pride, check out its official website here. Social media posts purport to show a woman wading through a New York City subway station after torrential rainfall caused major flooding in late September 2023. But this is false; the video dates to July 2021, as Tropical Storm Elsa pummeled the East Coast. "People are swimming in the subway in New York City. just think of all the trash and rodent feces and diseases. NYC MTA is in a state of emergency due to heavy rain and flooding," says a September 29, 2023 X post sharing the video of the woman in waist-high water. Screenshot of an X post taken October 5, 2023 The clips can be found on other social media platforms in Spanish and French. New York state Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency (archived here) after a September 29, 2023 downpour flooded city streets and highways and interrupted subway and airport transportation. "Roads are closed and public transit is delayed or suspended in many areas due to flooding," Hochul said in a September 29 X post. The inundations led to major service disruptions, local media reported. Despite the spectacular September flooding, the subway footage of a woman in a pink shirt braving a deluged subway station is more than two years old. A reverse image search using keyframes from the clip on TinEye yielded a Daily Mail article from July 2021 (archived here), which includes a post from X user "PaulleeWR," sharing the same video. Some subway system ya got there. This is the 157th St. 1 line right now. @NYCMayor@BilldeBlasiopic.twitter.com/xyfTAUPPNu Paullee (@PaulleeWR) July 8, 2021 AFP contacted this user who confirmed that she recorded the footage on July 8, 2021 in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. She also published another video, along with several others taken during the flood, as Instagram stories on the same date. A Google keyword search for the phrase "line 1 NYC subway 157st flooded" yielded several articles referencing videos of the flooded subway station. These reports link the sequence with the passage of Storm Elsa, which drenched the city in July 2021. AFP has debunked other posts claiming to show recent weather events in New York City here. New research released Thursday is challenging historical timelines of our ancestors after scientists said that fossilized human footprints found in New Mexico in 2021 are actually older than previously thought. The research, published in the journal, Science, says the footprints are now most likely the oldest evidence of humans in the Americas, forcing historians to rethink when humans arrived to the area. The footprints were found in White Sands National Park, which has the largest collection of fossilized human footprints, which date back between 21,000-23,000 years. Researchers used ancient conifer pollen and quartz grains to date their discovery, after initially using the seeds of aquatic plants. The findings now put a question mark over the traditionally held belief that humans arrived in the Americas about 15,000 years ago via a land bridge between Russia and Alaska. Read it at The Associated Press Read more at The Daily Beast. The Court of Appeal upheld the preventive measure towards oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi he will remain in custody with an alternative of making bail of UAH 3.89 billion (about US$108.3 million). Source: Hromadske from the courtroom Details: During the hearing, Kolomoiskyis lawyers stated that they considered the preventive measure decided by the court previously to be illegal and unreasonable, and asked to cancel the detention. The defence also argued that Kolomoiskyi "does not have the ability to even theoretically" make such bail. They also said that the preventive measure is "incompatible with his state of health", listing the businessmans chronic illnesses. , . pic.twitter.com/lbkMG4dCZE hromadske (@HromadskeUA) October 6, 2023 Despite this, prosecutors opposed the appeal. The prosecutor suggested that if released, Kolomoiskyi might hide in Israel or Cyprus, because he is a citizen of these countries. In the prosecutors opinion, the risk of this escalated after the notice of suspicion was updated and the amount of money involved in the alleged fraudulent actions was increased. In addition, Cyprus may refuse to extradite the oligarch if he applies for international legal assistance. The prosecutor also spoke about the risk of Kolomoiskyi influencing witnesses. Background: On 25 September, The Kyiv Court of Appeal ruled that the pretrial restriction for oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi would remain unchanged: custody and UAH 3.89 billion (US$108.3 million) bail. 1+1 TV presenters Nataliia Moseichuk, Alla Mazur and Yurii Horbunov, as well as former Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko, said that they are prepared to bail Kolomoiskyi out. On 2 September, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), the Bureau of Economic Security and the Prosecutor General's Office served oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi with a notice of suspicion under Articles 190 and 209 of the Criminal Code: fraud and legalisation (laundering) of the proceeds of crime. Subsequently, Kolomoiskyi received two more notices of suspicion concerning the withdrawal of a total of UAH 15 billion (approx. US$406 million) from PrivatBank. Kyivs Shevchenkivskyi District Court remanded Kolomoiskyi in custody for 60 days with the option of bail of nearly UAH 510 million (US$13.3 million). The bail was subsequently increased to UAH 3.89 billion (US$101.5 million). On 8 September, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialist Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office seized Kolomoiskyi's assets and property for two days. On 21 September, High Anti-Corruption Court judge Oleh Tkachenko refused to allow prosecutors from the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office to seize Kolomoiskyis assets. 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! Political leaders are teachers. This is true even if they do not intend it. They are role models, both good and bad, for the public. Political leaders also educate the public about specific policy issues and matters of national concern. Healthy societies produce healthy leaders; unhealthy societies produce unhealthy leaders. In that way, the leader as a type of teacher is a way of judging the values, collective beliefs, and future direction of a community. Several American presidents, for example, were former schoolteachers. Of note, President Lyndon Johnson was a public school teacher in rural Texas. His experiences there inspired him to support such landmark legislation as Project Head Start. As exemplified by their recent behavior, President Biden and Donald Trump are two very different types of leaders and teachers. Biden is a humane teacher who values reason, critical thinking, intelligence, human empathy, and patience. He believes in American democracy and in the nation's ability to rise to the challenges we are facing through dialogue and compromise. Last week, President Biden channeled those values and beliefs in a type of national civics lesson during a speech marking the creation of a library honoring Senator John McCain at Arizona State University. Biden said the following about the democracy crisis: "I have made the defense, the protection, and the preservation of American Democracy the central cause of my presidency. "From Gettysburg to my Inaugural Address, to the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and Union Station in Washington, I've spoken about the danger of election denialism and political violence and the battle for the soul of America. "Now today in Phoenix, Arizona, at an institute devoted to the defense of democracy named in honor of a true patriot, I'm here to speak about another threat to our democracy that we too often ignore: the threat to our institutions, to our Constitution itself, and the very character of our nation." "As I've always been clear, democracy is not a partisan issue. It's an American issue. "We know how damaged our institutions of democracy our judiciary, the legislature, the executive have become in the eyes of the American people, even the world, from attacks within, the past few years "We should all remember: Democracies don't have to die at the end of a rifle. They can die when people are silent when they fail to stand up or condemn threats to democracy." The president also focused specifically on the threat to democracy represented by Donald Trump, the MAGA movement and ascendant neofascism: "But there is something dangerous happening in America. There is an extremist movement that does not share the basic beliefs of our democracy. The MAGA Movement. "Not every Republican not even the majority of Republicans adhere to the extremist MAGA ideology. I know because I've been able to work with Republicans my whole career. But there is no question that today's Republican Party is driven and intimidated by MAGA extremists. Their extreme agenda, if carried out, would fundamentally alter the institutions of American Democracy as we know it." "As I've said before, we're at an inflection point in our history one of those moments that only happens once every few generations. Where the decisions we make today will determine the course of this country and the world for decades to come. "So, you, me, and every American who is committed to preserving our democracy carry a special responsibility. We have to stand up for America's values embodied in our Declaration of Independence because we know MAGA extremists have already proven they won't. We have to stand up for our Constitution and the institutions of democracy because MAGA extremists have made clear they won't. History is watching. The world is watching. Most important, our children and grandchildren are watching." In total, Biden's Arizona speech is one of the most important in American history and will be studied in the future (assuming that Trumpism and neofascism do not triumph and then install an Orwellian Thought Crime Regime) as a landmark document in the country's struggle in the 21st century to remain a democracy. The second lesson was President Biden's Sunday interview with ProPublica, during which he continued to teach about the fragile nature of American democracy and what must be done to preserve and protect it. Biden explained to ProPublica that Trump and the MAGA movement are enemies of democracy who are willing to do anything including using violence to get and keep power: I think that this is the last gasp, or maybe the first big gasp, of the MAGA Republicans, and I think Trump has concluded that he has to win. And they'll pull out all the stops. President Biden also shared his worries about a Supreme Court that is dominated by right-wing extremists who place party and power over the law, the Constitution and the well-being of the country. Biden also emphasized the dangers that disinformation and conspiracy theories and other lies that are circulated online (and especially throughout the right-wing propaganda echo chamber) represent to democracy and civil society. He also cautioned against how third-party candidates in this time of democracy crisis could empower Donald Trump and the MAGA movement's return to the White House. During his ProPublica interview, President Biden also explained why he is the best option to defeat Trump and the Republican fascists and MAGA movement in the 2024 Election: "I'm not the only Democrat that can protect it. I just happen to be the Democrat who I think is best positioned to see to it that the guy I was worried about taking on democracy is not president." President Biden also offered this important teaching about how a healthy democracy and civil society are dependent upon respectful discourse across lines of reasonable political difference: Get in a two-way conversation. I really do believe that the vast majority of the American people are decent, honorable, straightforward. We have to, though, understand what the danger is if they don't participate. By comparison, Donald Trump is a type of cruel teacher, a political sadist, a fascist and a demagogue, who teaches through meanness, lies, bullying, and threats of violence and by rejecting reason, intelligence, dialogue, the facts, hard work, kindness, goodness, empathy, reason and contemplation. Trump's "teaching" style is in keeping with how mental health professionals have warned that he has a primitive personality, a diseased mind, and a pathological character. In his role as a type of evil leader-teacher, Trump recently threatened the life of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Mark Milley. Trump also recently went to a gun show in South Carolina and posed with a pistol that was engraved with his image. Trump is continuing to publicly support the Jan. 6 terrorists. Trump is also escalating his threats against Special Counsel Jack Smith, Attorney General Garland, and the prosecutors, attorney generals and other members of law enforcement who are attempting to hold him responsible for his obvious crimes. Trump and his followers are also intimidating and harassing prospective jurors, witnesses, and members of law enforcement that the ex-president has designated as "enemies" of the MAGA political cult and neofascist movement. Trump is also giving a master lesson in what political theorists and philosophers describe as a type of "anti-politics": he is teaching his followers (and the American people) that the rule of law, the Constitution, democracy, and civil society are not to be respected or have any legitimacy. Instead, Trump and his MAGA movement are the real authorities and power in American society. To that end, right-wing violence, and corrupt power which are antithetical to a healthy democracy are to be normalized. This would mean the end of America's multiracial pluralistic democracy. As seen on Jan. 6, and in mass shootings and other violence targeting Black and brown people and other "enemies" of the MAGA movement and white right, assassination attempts and threats against President Obama and President Biden, a recent apparent politically motivated shooting by a MAGA cultist in New Mexico, a Republican fascist party that is increasingly extreme as it wholeheartedly rejects real democracy, and a social environment where right-wing violence and terrorism are now the greatest threat to public safety, Trump's teachings and example(s) are being enthusiastically embraced by his tens of millions of followers. The American people, the news media in their role as the Fourth Estate and guardians of democracy, and the responsible political class and other elites have a choice to make as the 2024 election rapidly approaches. Will they listen to and follow President Biden's teachings and examples about the importance of engaged citizenship, democracy, and freedom, or will they instead choose to embrace Donald Trump and his cruel teaching and fascism, authoritarianism, demagoguery, and other anti-democracy and anti-human values? The future of the country depends on that choice. Ongoing planning is underway to arrange a potential meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinas President Xi Jinping at Novembers APEC summit in San Francisco, officials familiar with the matter said. A sit-down hasnt been finalized and there remains a chance the meeting falls apart. China has not said if Xi will attend the APEC summit. Biden said Friday no meeting with his Chinese counterpart had been finalized but it remained an open prospect. Theres been no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility, he told reporters. But for now, US officials believe they are on the path toward the second in-person talks between the two men. Biden said recently he hoped to speak to Xi soon. The Washington Post first reported the ongoing plans for a potential meeting at the summit in San Francisco. Biden has been sending top administration officials to China in recent months as he works to repair Washington-Beijing ties, but deep military and economic tensions remain. Biden and Xi last met at a G20 summit in Bali last November, emerging hopeful for a more normal relationship. Since then, however, tensions have emerged over Chinas spy balloon and restrictions on US investments in China. CNNs Kayla Tausche contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The News Of all the sectors under pressure to cut their carbon footprint, advertising has largely flown under the radar. Thats changing, as a growing number of large companies begin to realize that their marketing departments may hold a hidden carbon bomb. That, in turn, is fueling the growth of carbon accounting firms that specialize in tracking the emissions from advertising. There isnt much light on emissions in the media space, said David Shaw, CEO of Cedara, one such startup. But [the emissions] are significant. Tims view The growing pressure on advertisers, publishers, and ad exchanges to report and curb their emissions comes as regulators worldwide work to make disclosure of corporate climate data mandatory. That has ripple effects across the supply chain: If Company X needs to report its full emissions, it needs data from companies it does business with, including those that craft and deploy its ads. And as the pressure mounts to reduce emissions, low-carbon suppliers get a competitive edge. Advertising is among the latest sectors to get caught up in this push: For the last year or so, [big firms] have been scrambling to figure out the right solution, Shaw, whose clients include Pepsi, the pharmaceutical maker Sanofi, and the hiring platform Indeed, told me. Digital advertising emissions mostly stem from the electricity used by data centers. Its also exacerbated by the massive, invisible, and instant digital auctions that underlie programmatic ads, which account for most of the banners and videos you see across the internet. Bidding for those ad slots is cost-efficient for marketersbut also energy-intensive. Each bid draws a tiny amount of computing power in a server farm somewhere, and a single ad impression can be the result of dozens of bids. Across the internet and streaming services, those impressions add up. According to a July study by Scope3, another media-focused carbon accounting firm, the global average is about 333 grams of CO2 per 1,000 digital impressions. That adds up to about 7.2 million tons of CO2 annually, or the equivalent of the electricity used by 1.4 million U.S. homes. The cloud sounds fluffy and nice, but actually theres a lot of redundancy and waste, said Anne Coghlan, Scope3s co-founder. Scope3s approach to the problem involves gathering data from popular websites and streaming platforms about how they process programmatic advertising, and working with them to streamline the process. The news website Insider cut its advertising-related emissions 20% in the first quarter of this year using Scope3s approach, according to a company statement. Scope3 also makes this data available to companies seeking to advertise, allowing them to focus on publishers with a lower carbon intensity. Other solutions that media agencies and ad tech companies are developing to provide more climate-friendly options for their clients include better compression of media files so they use less digital space, limiting ad delivery when devices are connected to mobile networks instead of more energy-efficient wi-fi, and delivering ads only during off-peak hours for the electric grid. Google recently worked with the eyewear brand Arnette to darken the colors of its ads, since brighter colors take more bandwidth to display, which Google engineer Jean Semere wrote dramatically reduces emissions with the added benefit of boosting site performance. Most of these changes can be achieved with a few clicks, Coghlan said, which could make advertising emissions some of the easiest to cut. It might take you years to move or redesign your factory, she said. It could take you 10 minutes to make a choice about advertising. Room for Disagreement Theres a limit to how much the advertising industry can directly reduce its emissions, since ultimately the overriding factor is how Google and other data center owners source their electricity. Advertisers that cant reach zero on their own may need to rely on carbon-offset purchases to cover the rest; Cedara features an online offset market its clients can shop from. But offsets are notoriously problematic and unreliable, as other emissions-intensive industries like fossil fuels and airlines have found in recent years when they relied too heavily on them in their decarbonization strategies. In other words, if offsets are a core solution, advertisers have a long way to go to solve their emissions problem. Ad Net Zero, a coalition of firms committed to reducing their marketing footprint that includes Google and marketing companies like PubMatic, recommends that all efforts are made to reduce before offsetting, a spokesperson said. The View From The UK Regulators are also cracking down on the climate messaging within ads. The U.K.s Advertising Standards Authority banned three ads from Shell in June that it deemed to misleadingly overstate the companys investments in renewables; last year it banned ads by HSBC and Tesco over similar greenwashing concerns. Notable Only about half of global companies are even attempting to measure their full carbon footprint, according to an Economist Impact survey of 1,250 companies this week. An asteroid with the force of more than 20 atomic bombs could hit Earth, as predicted by NASA. The international space union is specifically referring to Bennu; a 1,610-foot-wide heavenly body that was discovered way back in 1999. But, the question is, will humans be still alive when Bennu smashes into the blue planet? Here's what NASA says about this destructive asteroid. Asteroid With Force of 22 Atomic Bombs Could Hit Earth-Here's When According to NDTV's latest report, NASA predicted that Bennu will hit Earth on Sept. 24, 2182. Since this is just over 150 years from now, there's a high chance that humans will still be alive that year. Numerous studies estimated that the human species will still live on Earth for another billion years. However, what are the chances of Bennu smashing into Earth? NASA said that there's a 1 in 2,700 (0.037%) chance of the gigantic asteroid hitting the blue planet. Although this is less than 1%, a chance is still a chance. "During the flyby, there is an extremely small chance that Bennu will pass through a 'gravitational keyhole' - a region of space that would set it on just the right path to impact Earth, late in the 22nd century," said NASA. The aerospace organization said that it is difficult to determine the odds of Bennu hitting Earth. But, thanks to the data from NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, space experts were able to provide a better model showing how Bennu's orbit will evolve in the next few years. "Bennu's location in 2182 will vary depending on how the 2135 flyby occurs," explained NASA via its official website. The space union's Bennu model shows two representations; the first one (shown in white dot) shows Bennu missing the blue planet and the second one (shown in gray dot) represents the extremely unlikely scenario of the asteroid making a direct impact on Earth. Read Also: Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse: What is it and How do you Watch it? About the Asteroid Bennu The Bennu asteroid is estimated to be taller than the Empire State Building. Specifically, NASA claims that it has the force of 22 atomic bombs. Aside from this, the space organization also believes that the cosmic object is around 24 times more powerful compared to the most formidable nuclear weapon. NASA said that Bennu comes close to Earth once every six years. It got super close to the planet back in 1999, 2005, and 2011. Another interesting fact that NASA discovered about the asteroid is that it is a "near-Earth object" since it is rich in carbon. These are just some of the details you need to know about Bennu. You can click this link to learn more. Related Article: Super Full Harvest Moon: Here's How and Where You Can Watch the Last Supermoon of 2023 @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Experience the culture of Greece right here in North Texas by enjoying authentic Greek food and watching traditional Greek performances at three Greek festivals happening this year. Bring your appetite and dancing shoes for the 31st annual Mid-Cities Greek FoodFest on October 13, 14 and 15. Mid-Cities Greek FoodFest Bring your appetite and dancing shoes for the 31st annual Mid-Cities Greek FoodFest on Oct. 13, 14 and 15. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Greek food will be served and there will be music, dancing and a Greek marketplace. Try classic Greek dishes like the Santorini lamb chop, a gyro sandwich, saganaki (flaming cheese) and spinach pie. Wash it down with the Ouzo slushy, a glass of Retsina, Mavrodaphne wine or authentic Greek coffee. Dont forget the baklava sundae to complete your meal. Attend cooking demos showcasing many of the recipes used at the festival. Check out the menu for yourself. A Greek dance troupe which will perform throughout each day. They will teach guests how to dance too. Click here for the schedule. Admission and parking are free. The festival will take place at St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 303 Cullum Dr Euless, TX 76040. The Greek Food Festival of Dallas, hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, will take place Nov. 3-5 at 13555 Hillcrest Rd. The Greek Food Festival Of Dallas The Greek Food Festival of Dallas, hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, will take place Nov. 3-5 at 13555 Hillcrest Rd. Enjoy traditional Greek foods like the gyro, souvlaki and lamb. Savor Greek desserts while sipping on famous Greek coffees and cocktails. Visit the agora for a one-of-a-kind Greek shopping experience, with plenty of vendors. Along with Greek dancers and cooking demos from yiayias kitchen, there will also be activities for kids. Cash is not accepted on festival grounds. Parking is limited. Ride-share services are encouraged. Here are the transportation options. You can purchase tickets at the door, but the festival recommends purchasing them in advance via Eventbrite to save time and skip the line. The 55th annual Fort Worth Greek Festival full of food, music and dance will take place from Nov. 10-12 at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Fort Worth Greek Festival The 55th annual Greek celebration full of food, music and dance will take place from Nov. 10-12 at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2020 NW 21st. St., Fort Worth. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Enjoy authentic Greek meals, as well as baked and frozen foods you can take home, including pastries, breads, desserts and ready to heat dishes. See the menu, schedule and map here. All food and drink purchases require credit/debit cards. Parking is at North Side High School. Festivities are indoors or under tents. Admission to the festival is $1. Government contractors erect a section of the Pentagon-funded border wall along the Colorado River, Sept. 10, 2019, in Yuma, Ariz. | Matt York, Associated Press There will not be another foot of wall constructed on my administration. Candidate Joe Biden to journalists from the National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists, quoted by NPR in 2020. I will await his apology! former President Donald Trump , this week, on Truth Social. President Biden didnt hold a press conference to announce he will build up to 20 new miles of Trumps border wall in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, or that he will waive 26 federal laws, including ones designed to protect endangered species and drinking water, to do so. That would have been foolish. Instead, he let the Department of Homeland Security do that in a public notice on Wednesday. But even with that, the obvious about-face was attention-grabbing. The Wall Street Journal quoted U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which issued a statement saying the administration had no choice but to resume construction because Congress had allocated $190 million, under the previous administration, for that purpose. As the Journal noted, no one has yet answered why, if thats true, construction hadnt begun sooner. Instead, Biden canceled all wall construction during his first months in office. In answer to a question, the president later said he didnt believe a border wall would work. But his own Homeland Security Department said, There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads ... to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas. Related For many presidents, the time inevitably arrives when realities, either on the ground or of the political kind, run smack into campaign promises. The next step is a political calculation: Is the problem to be confronted so dire as to outweigh the consequences of stubbornly sticking to a promise? Also, was the original promise so memorable that voters will think of it when at the polls? The first President Bush confronted this when, after months of negotiations, he realized he couldnt get a budget deal through Congress without a tax increase. For him, the problem was that his Read my lips: No new taxes promise at the Republican convention had been too powerful, and too memorable. He lost reelection. Going back to 1932, Franklin Roosevelt won the election by promising to end the Depression by drastically cutting spending and balancing the budget. Once elected, he dramatically changed course, increasing spending and devising New Deal programs that multiplied government controls over the economy. As the Boston Globes Jeff Jacoby once put it, FDRs original plan probably would have ended the Depression sooner. As it was, however, the publics general fear over failing banks and high unemployment overshadowed the memories of any campaign promises. As for Biden and the wall? Heres the reality on the ground: Border Patrol agents caught more than 200,000 people illegally crossing the Mexico-U.S. border in September, which was the highest total in 2023. A senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection official told CNN he expects that figure to remain high in the near future. That problem is now too big to ignore. And heres the political reality: The waves of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers crossing the border havent helped Bidens sagging approval ratings heading into an election year. Even some Democrats, such as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, have begun to pressure the president over the leaky border. Pritzker is angry because Texas has sent more than 15,000 migrants to his state via buses over the past year, but he blamed the president for a lack of intervention and coordination at the border. Actually, just about everyone in Washington is to blame for that. Walls in strategic border locations never should have been as polarizing as they became. But the border crisis might have been averted if Congress and White House had found a way to compromise on commonsense goals, such as to allow guest worker permits and to devote greater funding toward an independent immigration court system that could more quickly adjudicate asylum requests and other border matters. Plenty of reasonable reform ideas exist. The libertarian-leaning Cato Institute published several three years ago, all based on the idea of creating a system thats flexible, not restrictive or punishing. At a time when many parts of the country are suffering from labor shortages, why not form a system that could send migrant workers where theyre needed, quickly? And yet, Congress has done nothing. Its questionable whether voters will believe Bidens story that he had to build the wall because Congress never rescinded its 2019 allocation of funds. But it may not matter. Yes, harsh words will fly among politicians. You can count on that. But dig deeper and all this really means is that voters now have two presidential candidates who have overseen border wall construction while, like the congresses they worked with, failing to push for any real solutions. A firefighter who works for the U.S. Forest Service battles the 2020 Silverado fire in Irvine. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press) This fire season, Americans have been inundated by smoke from wildfires that destroyed vast forestlands in Canada, and we witnessed in horror an entire community burned to the ground in Maui. Although Californias fire season has so far been light because of a wet winter, many of our states most destructive and deadliest fires have occurred in October and November. Heightened fire danger is predicted throughout parts of Northern California well into October. For decades, Californians have benefited from one of the strongest firefighting alliances in the world. In fact, the system now used nationally to manage and mitigate wildfires and other emergencies was forged in California in 1970 from a partnership that included the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and local firefighting agencies. The systems success depends on every partner contributing firefighters and resources, whether in the Klamath National Forest or the hills above Malibu. Read more: Is California's wildfire season finally over? Don't bet on it, experts say This year, however, this partnership faces its own threat: looming pay cuts to thousands of federal wildland firefighters. Funding from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act created temporary biweekly raises for federal firefighters that have been expected to end sometime after this September. With its recent stopgap agreement to avert a shutdown, Congress guaranteed current levels of federal firefighter pay until Nov. 17. Without further action, however, the funding will not renew. That will leave federal wildland firefighters at risk of losing half of their base pay, a loss of up to $20,000 a year for these workers. Members of Congress have already proposed bipartisan bills that could shore up pay and benefits for our firefighters. Its imperative that our government take legislative action to permanently secure and stabilize the earnings of those bravely defending our communities. The consequences of inaction are dire. If lawmakers dont stabilize firefighter pay, about a third to half of the 11,000 U.S. Forest Service firefighters could leave the service, according to the National Federation of Federal Employees. The Government Accountability Office has confirmed that low pay for federal firefighters is already pushing workers out of federal service and deterring others from joining the force. The agency concluded in a June report that the pay does not reflect the risk or physical demands of the work and that it was not competitive with nonfederal entities. At the start of the 2022 wildfire season, only about 70% of federal firefighting positions were staffed. California has already seen a decline, losing more than 20% of the states Forest Service firefighters between 2019 and 2021 years when our state faced three of our largest wildfires in history. Read more: Opinion: How wildfires in Algeria and California reveal colonial origins of the 'Mediterranean climate' Congressional inaction leading to pay cuts could worsen this problem and prompt an exodus of Forest Service firefighters. This would strain Californias integrated wildfire response system, placing a significant burden on Cal Fire and local government partners who would have to carry the load. This imbalance would heighten the danger when multiple large fires burn simultaneously, tying up Californias fire equipment and staffing needed to keep new fires small and combat large fires that spread to communities and watersheds. It would jeopardize the response to fires across California, including the national forests. Its not just about having firefighters during fire season. The Forest Service must build and retain a robust, experienced workforce year-round to prevent disasters by increasing the use of prescribed fires intentionally ignited, controlled burns that reduce vegetation and wildfire risk and other forest treatments, such as the thinning and mechanical removal of vegetation, that similarly aim to mitigate potential wildfire fuel. Without the workforce to carry out those efforts, well see fires only get larger, placing more communities and natural resources at risk and ultimately requiring even more firefighters to suppress. A strained and understaffed U.S. Forest Service weakens the whole firefighting system, all the way down to municipal agencies. A failure to act on federal firefighter pay is a gamble on lives, property and natural resources and recent tragedies remind us that we can ill afford to take chances. We cannot address the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires while severely under-compensating the people tasked with stopping and preventing them. Congress needs to act to maintain Forest Service firefighters pay. Ken Pimlott was chief of Cal Fire from 2011-18. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban laid bare divisions within the European Union over how to deal with a renewed surge of asylum seekers, with an unusually violent comment before a meeting of the blocs leaders. Most Read from Bloomberg Orban who has a history of engaging in inflammatory and at times inaccurate rhetoric compared a move to skirt Hungarian and Polish opposition to a new EU proposal to committing sexual assault and said it rendered any effort to discuss a bloc-wide solution at an informal summit in Spain pointless. Politically its impossible, not today, generally speaking, for the next years, Orban told reporters in Granada, southern Spain, before he went on to compare the situation to a sexual attack. When youre forced to accept a solution that you dont like, how would you like to have a compromise agreement? Its impossible. A new migration and asylum proposal would allow member states to choose whether to host migrants or provide a financial or non-financial contribution instead. A qualified majority of the blocs 27 countries gave preliminary approval to the package earlier this week over Hungary and Polands objections, putting the legislation on course to be adopted as soon as the spring. Poland and Hungary have been particularly critical of the EU plan to relocate migrants, with Warsaw arguing that it has already hosted large numbers of war refugees from Ukraine. Its even more contentious in Poland with the ruling Law & Justice party campaigning on an anti-immigrant platform ahead of Oct. 15 elections. Migration is returning to the fore after the arrival of more than a million asylum seekers in 2015 tested the EUs tolerance. The continent is now seeing another spike in arrivals as more people, particularly from the Middle East and Africa, flee violence and poverty at home. Some EU nations have started taking unilateral measures to tighten controls, challenging the free movement of people in the passport-free Schengen zone in most of the EU, with most recently Slovakia imposing random checks on Hungarys border. Though Orban touts himself as an anti-immigrant leader, hes under fire at home for inviting tens of thousands of foreign laborers from far-flung corners to work in factories amid a dire labor shortage afflicting most of the EU. His government on Thursday unexpectedly withdrew a law that would have taken effect next month and which would have made it easier for non-EU workers to take up jobs in Hungary. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Orban pretended that he did not hear the statements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine about the territorial integrity of the country Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has once again repeated his statements about Ukraine's territory and population in comments to the media ahead of the informal EU leaders meeting in Spain's Granada. Orban claimed a strategic analysis of how Ukraine's accession could affect the union is needed because there are "many questions and doubts." Read also: Hungary blocks Ukraine's NATO and EU integration over Zakarpattia Hungarians issue "We have to discuss everything seriously because Ukraine is a country at war. We have never had an enlargement that included a country at war. We don't know the real borders there, how many people live there, so this is a complex issue." "We need to understand why it would be beneficial for the EU to integrate Ukraine and what the consequences will be for agriculture, security issues, cohesion funds. After Ukraine's accession, there will be a completely new landscape in the EU's agricultural sector. Are we ready? Is President Macron ready? There are many strategic questions. Read also: Orban vows no support for Kyiv amid Hungarian minority rights dispute The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded to Orban's recent similar statements by saying that nothing has changed since 1991. Viktor Orban has repeatedly propagated Russian narratives and opposed supporting Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. He previously stated that his country would not support Kyiv on any matter of international relations until "Ukraine restores the former rights of ethnic Hungarians on its territory. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Oregon has become the first state to officially agree to supply Colorado with gray wolves for its ballot-mandated reintroduction. Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced Friday a one-year agreement with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for up to 10 gray wolves, which will be captured and translocated between December 2023 and March 2024. Monday, the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho told the Coloradoan it also will provide wolves to Colorado, possibly as soon as December, though no formal agreement has been reached. "We are grateful to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for working with our agency on this critical next step in reintroducing gray wolves in the state,'' Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis said in a news release. "This agreement will help ensure Colorado Parks and Wildlife can meet its statutory mandate to begin releasing wolves in Colorado by December 31, 2023." Here's how the capture and release of Oregon wolves to Colorado will work Colorado Parks and Wildlife will begin capture operations in December with the assistance of its Oregon counterpart. The wolves will come from northeast Oregon, where wolves are most abundant in the state and where removal of 10 wolves will not impact any conservation goals, according to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Curt Melcher. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be responsible for all costs associated with capture and transport of wolves. Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff will work with contracted helicopter crews and spotter planes to capture wolves. Wolves will be tested and treated for disease at the source sites. Collars will be placed on wolves and physical measurements will be done in the field in Oregon. Wolves will be crated in sturdy aluminum crates and transported to Colorado either by truck or airplane. Animals with major injuries those suffering several broken canines, missing eyes, fractured or missing limbs, mange or lice infection will not be chosen for reintroduction. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will make efforts to transplant wolves that have not been involved in repeated depredations. The wolves will be released at select sites west of the Continental Divide as soon as possible. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will aim to capture and reintroduce an equal number of males and females, with the majority of animals in the 1- to 5-year-old range, which is the age wolves typically disperse from the pack they were born in. Pressure was mounting for Colorado to find wolves Before this week, there was growing concern Colorado would not secure wolves to reintroduce by the end of this year. Per its recovery plan, Colorado's preferred states to secure wolves were Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. But those states refused to supply wolves to the state. Washington has said it may provide wolves to Colorado but can't before the end of this year. Of Colorado's potential source states, Oregon has the lowest population with 178 wolves at the end of 2022. "Oregon has a long history of helping other states meet their conservation goals by providing animals for translocation efforts," Melcher said in the release. "Some of our wildlife populations were also restored thanks to other states doing the same for us, including Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat." This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado finally has secured its wolf source; Oregon steps up Over the course of 5 October, 37 clashes took place on the front lines, the Russian occupying forces launched 3 missile and 65 air strikes. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 6 October Quote: "Ukraines Defence Forces are on the defensive in Ukraine's east and south, conducting the offensive operation on the Melitopol front and offensive actions on the Bakhmut front, killing Russian soldiers, liberating the temporarily occupied territories step by step, and consolidating their positions." Details: During the past 24 hours, 37 combat clashes took place at the front. In total, the Russian army carried out three missile strikes and 65 airstrikes, and another 50 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems both on the positions of Ukrainian troops and on civilian targets. In addition, the Russian Federation attacked Ukraine with 29 Shahed-136/131 attack drones from the southeast. Ukraines air defence systems destroyed 24 Russian UAVs. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. Over 110 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts came under artillery fire. On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, Russian forces maintain their military presence in the border areas, actively conducting sabotage activities in the border areas to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened fronts, and increasing the density of mine barriers along the state border of Ukraine in Belgorod Oblast. In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk and Bakhmut fronts, Russian forces did not conduct any offensive actions. On the Lyman front, Ukraines Defence Forces repelled four Russian attacks in the area east of the settlement of Makiivka in Luhansk Oblast. On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian soldiers had success east of Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces unsuccessfully tried to regain their lost positions in the area east of Dyliivka in Donetsk Oblast. Ukraines Defence Forces continue their assault south of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, inflicting losses on the Russians in manpower and equipment, and consolidating their positions. In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka and Marinka fronts, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful assault actions near the settlement of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast. They also carried out 14 unsuccessful attacks near Marinka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast. On the Shakhtarsk front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled Russian attacks near Zolota Nyva and Vodiane in Donetsk Oblast. On the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukraines Defence Forces restrain the Russians in the area southeast of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukraines Defence Forces continue their offensive actions on the Melitopol front and offensive (assault) actions on the Bakhmut front, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on Russian forces, consolidating their positions and exhausting Russian forces along the entire contact line. In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, Ukraines Defence Forces continue to conduct counter-battery operations, destroying storage points and inflicting successful hits on Russia's rear. Meanwhile, during the past day, Ukrainian Air Force inflicted 12 strikes on clusters of Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment and seven strikes on anti-aircraft missile systems. Ukrainian Rocket Forces and Artillery units struck a tactical communication nod, an anti-aircraft missile system, a heavy flamethrower system, 9 artillery pieces, a fuel and lubricant depot, a radar station and an 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! Prosecutors said Wednesday that two private jets linked to Sam Bankman-Fried are subject to forfeiture. FTX loaned a Bahamian jet charter company $28.4 million to buy the planes, Insider reported. The company's CEO said he had to pay millions of his own money to maintain and upgrade the planes. Two private jets linked to Sam Bankman-Fried are set to be confiscated by the US government, according to a forfeiture bill filed Wednesday. US Attorney Damian Williams, who leads the federal prosecution office that charged Bankman-Fried, wrote in the filing that the aircraft are "subject to forfeiture." The planes in question are a Bombardier Global 5000 and an Embraer Legacy EMB-135BJ, which cost $15.9 million and $12.5 million respectively, according to a bankruptcy court filing. Insider previously reported how the planes are owned by a Bahamian company called Island Air Capital, and are the center of a three-way ownership battle between IAC, the FTX Debtors, and the government. Paul Aranha, the beneficial owner of Island Air Capital and CEO of Trans Island Airways, said in a court filing last month that Bankman-Fried agreed to loan his company $28.4 million for the jets, in a "handshake deal." He filed a motion in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court which asked for relief from an automatic stay which prevents it from operating or selling the jets, following months of discussions with the FTX Debtors and the government. Aranha said he had spent millions of his own money upgrading and maintaining the aircraft, as well as repaying $11 million towards the loan from FTX. But he added there was no business case to keep the Global after FTX went bankrupt. The court filing says he tried to sell the Global to help repay the loan, before the US Marshals Service seized it in February. Then on August 7, the FTX Debtors also claimed ownership of the two planes, after holding multiple discussions with Aranha since last December, per the filing. The jets now look set to become government property. The filing also claims Aranha is "one of the largest Bahamian victims of SBF's cryptocurrency fraud." Bankman-Fried, nor any other FTX executives, ever flew on the Global or Embraer, a person familiar with the situation previously told Insider. Bankman-Fried did make dozens of private jet trips with Trans Island Airways, which also operated the Cessna planes that transported FTX's Amazon packages from Florida to the Bahamas, Insider reported. Bankman-Fried's spokesperson did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, sent outside US working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Afghan families wait to board into a bus to depart for their homeland, in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Pakistan's government announced a major crackdown Tuesday on migrants in the country illegally, saying it would expel them starting next month and raising alarm among foreigners without documentation who include an estimated 1.7 million Afghans. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan) ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistan will carry out its recently announced plans to deport all migrants who are in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans, in a phased and orderly manner, the foreign ministry said Friday. The statement is likely meant to assuage international concerns and calm fears among Afghan refugees in Pakistan after Islamabad unexpectedly said Tuesday that all migrants including the Afghans without valid documentation will have to go back to their countries voluntarily before Oct. 31 to avoid mass arrests and forced deportation. This sent a wave of panic among those living in this Islamic country without papers and drew widespread condemnation from rights groups. Activists say any forced deportation of Afghans will put them at a grave risk. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Friday the new policy is not aimed at Afghans only. We have been hosting Afghans refugees generously for the past four decades when millions of them fled Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation, she said. Those 1.4 million Afghan nationals who are registered as refugees in Pakistan need not worry, she added. Our policy is only about ... individuals who are here illegally, no matter what their nationality is," she added. "But, unfortunately there has been a misunderstanding or misrepresentation and for some reason people have starting associating this with Afghan refugees." The laws in Pakistan are similar to laws in many other countries, Baloch said. Amnesty International on Thursday asked Pakistan to allow the Afghans to continue to live in the country while the day before, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spokesman expressed concerns about the new policy. As a matter of principle it is critical that no refugees be sent back without it being a voluntary and dignified return, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York on Wednesday. In Kabul, the Taliban governments chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, has also criticized Pakistans announcement, saying it was unacceptable and that Islamabad should reconsider the decision. Although Pakistani security forces and police have routinely been arresting and deporting Afghans who have sneaked into the country without valid documents in recent years, this is the first time that the government has announced plans for such a major crackdown. The developments come amid a spike in attacks by the Pakistani Taliban, who have hideouts and bases in Afghanistan but regularly cross into Pakistan to stage attacks on Pakistani forces. The outlawed Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, often claim attacks on Pakistani security forces. But they have distanced themselves from a pair of suicide bombings last week that killed 59 people in southwest and northwest areas bordering Afghanistan. Nobody has claimed responsibility for those attacks. Baloch said some of the migrants without papers, including Afghans, have already started going back to their countries. We are allowing a grace period until" the end of the month, she said. Pakistan has long demanded that the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan cease their support for the TTP. The Pakistani Taliban are a separate group but are allied with the Afghan Taliban, who seized control of Afghanistan in mid-August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their withdrawal from the country, after 20 years of war. The takeover has emboldened the TTP. Baloch also said that Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani held talks in China, where he is currently on an official visit, with Afghanistans Taliban-appointed Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Their meeting was very productive, she said without elaborating and urged the Afghan Taliban to disarm the TTP so that the Afghan territory would no longer be a launching pad for attacks in Pakistan. She, however, insisted that the planned crackdown on migrants who are in Pakistan without proper authorization was not aimed at bargaining with the Afghan Taliban authorities. Absolutely, this is not the case all ... we only want all illegal migrants to go back, she said. Palestinians carry the body of 19-year-old Labib Damidi, who was shot dead overnight in Huwara (Jaafar ASHTIYEH) A Palestinian was killed on Friday during clashes with Israelis in the occupied West Bank town of Huwara, where renewed violence during his funeral left nine others hospitalised. The northern West Bank town has this year witnessed several fatal shootings by Palestinians against Israelis and reprisal attacks by hundreds of Jewish settlers targeting locals and their property. In the latest deadly incident, the Palestinian health ministry said 19-year-old Labib Dmidi "was shot in the heart by settlers". Mayor Moin Dmidi told AFP the Palestinian teenager had sought refuge on the roof of his house, which was being attacked by settlers, when one of them shot him dead. Another resident of the town, Abderrahman Dmidi, said the attack took place as settlers descended on Huwara overnight. "More than 200 settlers gathered in the middle of Huwara after midnight, shouting and dancing, some of them with covered faces," he told AFP. "They began throwing stones towards some houses, and then the young people... tried to defend their homes by throwing stones," he added. The confrontation came after the Israeli army said soldiers shot dead a Palestinian who had opened fire on a car stuck in traffic at a junction adjacent to Huwara late on Thursday, without hitting any of the Israeli civilians inside. - 'Settler militias' - The army said dozens of Israeli civilians gathered in Huwara and engaged in stone-throwing clashes with Palestinians, before soldiers intervened with "riot dispersal means to defuse the confrontation". It said a suspect "threw a block at an Israeli vehicle", prompting soldiers to respond with live fire. It added that "a hit was identified". The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said it treated 58 people at the scene of the clashes who had suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israel's military said it had received reports "regarding vandalism of the properties of Palestinian residents of the town by Israeli civilians". The United Nations Middle East peace envoy condemned the attacks by settlers and called on Israel to protect civilians. "I'm outraged by the continued incitement, provocations, and lack of accountability for these violent crimes," Tor Wennesland said in a statement. With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the helm, the Israeli government includes far-right senior ministers who live in West Bank settlements deemed illegal under international law. The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the events in Huwara, referring to them as a "heinous crime committed by a hateful and racist settler", demonstrating the "perpetuation of crimes and attacks by organised settler militias against our people". As mourners took part in the funeral procession for Dmidi, an AFP photographer saw clashes break out between Palestinians and Israeli troops. Heavily armed members of the security forces, accompanied by multiple vehicles, roved around Huwara while smoke billowed and stones littered the streets. Nine people were hospitalised with wounds from rubber bullets or live fire, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said, and 19 others were treated in Huwara after being hit by rubber bullets. In February, dozens of Israeli settlers set fire to numerous buildings in Huwara after a Palestinian gunman killed two Israelis in the town. A surge in violence has hit the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. There has been a rise in army raids, Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis and Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and their property. So far this year at least 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis and two foreigners have been killed in the conflict, including combatants and civilians on both sides, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials. he/mj/dms/rsc/srm (Photo : David Ryder/Getty Images) The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is phasing out COVID-19 vaccination cards as they are primarily no longer needed even for travel to virtually all countries worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is phasing out COVID-19 vaccination cards, which means it would stop printing the once crucial pandemic documents as the federal government is no longer distributing coronavirus vaccines. The federal government shipped over 980 million COVID-19 vaccination cards between late 2020 and May 10 this year. The documents started when the first coronavirus vaccines came out. CDC Phases Out COVID-19 Vaccination Cards Despite the decision, federal and local health officials do not expect that the discontinuation of the printing of the vaccination cards will be a considerable change. This is because the days of keeping the cards tucked in purses and wallets to ensure entry into festivals, bars, and restaurants are no longer the norm. For those who have continued to keep their vaccination cards, it is still considered valid proof of vaccination. Otherwise, people who need their COVID-19 immunization records will have to request them just like any other vaccine, as per ABC News. In most instances, the clinic, pharmacy, or health department that provided the vaccine to an individual can provide such records. Additionally, every state and some cities have an immunization registry, but rules may differ on when records are included and options for obtaining copies of said records. Read Also: UK's COVID Inquiry Told About How Children Were Neglected by Pandemic Policies The ones from mass vaccination sites held early in the coronavirus pandemic should also be available in those registries, depending on various state laws. There is currently no national registry for immunization records. For instance, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District spokesman David Andres Alegria said that the state of Texas requires patients' written consent to be included in the registry. Other areas in the United States, including Wyoming and Philadelphia's city-specific record system, need vaccine providers to log all vaccinations. Does the Document Still Have Uses? Additionally, the cards are less important because many states now offer digital vaccination records for individuals online or through an app. According to the Associated Press, users can save a certificate or a QR code that proves they have received the coronavirus vaccine. While the CDC is phasing out the COVID-19 vaccination cards, some people may wonder if the ones that they currently have are still needed for other activities, such as traveling abroad. All countries no longer require travelers to present a vaccination card to enter their territory. However, this does not mean that a potential surge of cases in the future will not force authorities to once again mandate flyers to show their cards when entering a different country. The Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children's Hospital, Sharon Nachman, MD, said that the vaccination cards are not worthless. On the other hand, a spokesperson for the CDC, Kate Grusich, urged people to keep a copy of their records in case they need them later. Grusich said that if people have any questions regarding their vaccination records or cards, they can contact their state health department's immunization program, and not the CDC, to get access to their records, said Very Well Health. Related Article: 2 Scientists Behind COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Receive Nobel Prize @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Palestinian protesters block the roads and clash with Israeli border police during the funeral of Labeeb Dumaidi, 19 in the West Bank village of Hawara, near Nablus, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. The teenager's death, coming as tensions escalate during the Jewish holiday season, marked the latest incident a surge of Israeli-Palestinian fighting. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser) RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) Palestinians on Friday marched in anger to bury a 19-year-old killed by Israeli fire after Jewish settlers rampaged through a flashpoint town in the occupied West Bank the night before. The youth's death, coming as tensions escalate during the Jewish holiday season, marked the latest in a surge in Israeli-Palestinian fighting that has so far killed nearly 200 Palestinians this year the highest yearly death toll in about two decades. Some 30 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks on Israelis during that time. It remained unclear on Friday who fired the bullet that killed Labeeb Dumaidi, a 19-year-old Palestinian from the town of Hawara. The Israeli military said soldiers shot a Palestinian who threw a cinderblock at an Israeli car. Palestinians in Hawara claimed that an Israeli settler shot and killed Dumaidi, a freshman majoring in graphic design at the nearby Palestine Technical University, while he was standing on his rooftop watching clashes unfold on the street between settlers and Palestinians. The conflicting accounts could not immediately be reconciled. Following a brazen Palestinian shooting attack on an Israeli motorist along the volatile route through Hawara on Thursday, mobs from nearby Israeli settlements stormed into the town. Scores of settlers wreaked havoc, said Hawara mayor Moeen Dmeidi, torching at least three cars, shattering the windows of six homes and spraying bullets. Although on a smaller scale, Thursday night's intrusion recalled the ferocious settler rampage through the same town in February that left a trail of destruction and one Palestinian dead. That rampage, and other sporadic acts of revenge on Hawara residents following Palestinian shootings in the restive northern West Bank, have drawn attention to a sharp surge in settler violence under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government. Palestinians say that there is even more impunity for settler violence than ever with the Israeli army doing little to stop the spiral and powerful far-right ministers at times appearing to endorse the assaults with anti-Arab rhetoric. When the Israeli military arrived late Thursday to disperse the angry crowds of settlers and Palestinians, residents said that the violence only escalated. Palestinians threw stones at soldiers, the army said, damaging Israeli cars. Soldiers responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and live fire. When the soldiers and settlers retreated, Hawara residents said they were left to face shattered supermarkets, charred vehicles and traumatized children. Even the windows of the local Kentucky Fried Chicken were smashed. At this point I'm used to it, but my children still get terrified, said 39-year-old Sultan Abu Saress, a father of three children who owns a car dealership in the town. At least 20 of his cars were damaged by settlers throwing stones Thursday night. He said that starting a successful business in Hawara was his biggest accomplishment in life and that he'd never leave, even if settlers try to force him. This is becoming a truly impossible place to live, Abu Saress said. But my parents were Palestinian refugees. I am not going to become one. In response to the violence and the earlier Palestinian shooting attack against an Israeli family in a car, the Israeli military ordered the closure all Palestinian shops along the town's main highway. Hard-line National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the closure, saying that Israeli lives come before the freedom of movement (and trade) of Palestinians." Netanyahu asked security forces to impose further security measures in the area, without elaborating. He also instructed the army to expedite construction on a bypass road that circumvents Hawara. Such roads a key part of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's plans to exert more control over the West Bank are off-limits to Palestinians and specifically designed to connect large West Bank settlements to Israel. Smotrich on Friday toured Hawara, promising his supporters that he would work hard to defend Israeli settlers who fear Palestinian attacks in the area. We will not be silent until, with God's help, we restore security and calm to all Israeli citizens, he said. Israel captured the West Bank along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast War and occupied the territory through decades of failed peace talks. Pamela Anderson has revealed why she didnt wear any makeup while attending Paris Fashion Week. The actor, 56, spoke candidly about the decision during a recent video interview with Vogue France, filmed while she was getting ready for the Vivienne Westwood show during fashion week. As she was moisturising her face and looking at the camera, she said that while she didnt plan on attending the show without makeup, she had a change of heart when putting on her outfits during the week. I didnt come to Paris Fashion Week and think: Im not going to wear any makeup, she said. I dont know, something just kind of came over me. And I was just dressing in these beautiful clothes, and I thought: I dont want to compete with the clothes. Im not trying to be the prettiest girl in the room. The Baywatch alum continued to describe how she felt when she didnt wear makeup to fashion events, adding: I feel like its just a freedom. Its like a relief. The Vogue France video continued with Anderson wearing her outfit to Westwoods show a brown dress with a large matching hat while noting that she doesnt have a stylist for these events. I dont have a glam team, she said. Im just kind of doing this freestyle. She went on to document her laid-back process of getting ready, noting that it was almost noon and the shows at 1pm. I let my hair dry naturally, and I just put on some moisturiser because I am not into the makeup look right now, she said, before recalling how her mother once told her that at some point in life, shes not going to want to wear makeup on [her] skin. After noting that her mother was right, Anderson explained how shes continued to challenge the meaning of beauty by choosing not to wear makeup. If we all chase youth or were chasing our idea of what beauty is in fashion magazines and everything, were only going to be disappointed and maybe a little bit sad, she said. She also confessed that shes sometimes worried about going makeup-free to events. However, Anderson said that during those times of concern, shes asked herself: What am I worried about? Am I worried about what people think, how I look? She then shared the reminder that she gives herself when she doesnt wear makeup, explaining: This is the time for me to kind of be, again, probably a little rebellious. Anderson then acknowledged that, throughout her years in the spotlight, shes been encouraged to set an example of what beauty means, which is another reason why she doesnt wear makeup. She also expressed that shes grateful for the different opportunities shes had in life, before emphasising that shes comfortable with who she is. I also feel as a woman, and as a woman my age and a woman in the public eye, I just kind of think: Its also your job to be a model of everything, all sorts of choices, she said. So I am just being me. You know, my kind of who I am in, all of these great clothes, running around Paris. So Im very lucky. The model concluded: I think Im the happiest Ive ever been in my own skin. Its whats inside the clothes that counts, and I think beauty comes from within. And I know it sounds cliche, but I love cliches. Earlier this week, Anderson also made headlines when Jamie Lee Curtis first applauded her for not wearing any makeup, while making an appearance at fashion week. THE NATURAL BEAUTY REVOLUTION HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN! @pamelaanderson in the middle of fashion week with so many pressures and postures, and and and, this woman showed up and claimed her seat at the table with nothing on her face, the Freaky Friday star wrote on Instagram, along with a snap of Anderson in a yellow dress. I am so impressed and floored by this act of courage and rebellion. In the comments of the post, many famous faces also went on to praise Anderson, with Chelsea Handler writing: Thats pretty iconic. Selma Blair also added: Love this. Beautiful self-assuredness. Last month, Anderson confessed to Elle that, after her makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, tragically passed away from breast cancer, she started going makeup-free to most events. She was the best. And since then, I just felt, without Alexis, its just better for me not to wear makeup, she explained. However, Anderson also doubled down on how the makeup-free look has been freeing, and fun, and a little rebellious too, adding: Because I did notice that there were all these people doing big makeup looks, and its just like me to go against the grain and do the opposite what everyones doing. The model went on to note that as shes continued to age, shes still happy with how her physical appearance has changed in the process. I think we all start looking a little funny when we get older. And Im kind of laughing at myself when I look at the mirror. I go: Wow, this is really...whats happening to me? Its a journey, she said. I feel rooted for. I feel good. Im in a good place. EXCLUSIVE: The parents of Jared Bridegan's ex-wife are asking a court to grant them custody of their grandchildren but in the petition, they appear to provide glaringly false information. With Bridegan dead and his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, in jail and accused of his murder, her wealthy parents, Shelli and Sterling Gardner, want to keep the couple's 11-year-old twins. But they appear to misrepresent where the children lived in the last five years and whether any other relatives have sought visitation. "Coming to the court and patently lying by filling out a form with false information warrants a complete dismissal of their application," matrimonial lawyer Marilyn Chinitz, who represented Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Michael Douglas in their divorces, told Fox News Digital. EX-WIFE OF JARED BRIDEGAN ARRESTED IN MICROSOFT EXEC'S MURDER Gardner-Fernandez, 35, was arrested Aug. 16 in West Richland, Washington , for allegedly orchestrating the murder of the Microsoft executive and father of four more than 19 months ago. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The 33-year-old was shot to death in front of his toddler daughter, Bexley, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The petition filed in Benton County Superior Court in Washington state asks a straightforward question about residency. "During the past 5 years have any of the children livedoutside Washington state?" The Gardners reportedly checked "No" and failed to fill out the next set of questions that asked for a comprehensive list of where the children have lived and with whom. Gardner-Fernandez and the children only moved from Florida in December 2022 to escape scrutiny from the highly publicized murder. MAJOR BREAK IN JARED BRIDEGAN MURDER MYSTERY AFTER EX-WIFE MOVES CROSS-COUNTRY A family portrait of Jared and Kirsten Bridegan The Gardners, whose primary residence is in Utah, bought her the million-dollar home that became her refuge before her arrest. Chinitz said the Gardners may have provided the inaccurate answer to ensure the case wasn't litigated in Florida, where the paternal grandparents live, but the maneuver could backfire. "The court will look at that petition with a really jaundiced eye," the high-powered attorney said. She added that it's unlikely they misread the question given that they both signed the legal document, as did their lawyer, under penalty of perjury. FLORIDA EX-WIFE OF SLAIN MICROSOFT EXECUTIVE HIRES CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER Shanna Gardner-Fernandez makes a virtual court appearance in Kennewick, Washington, on Oct. 5, 2023. Gardner-Fernandez is facing charges for allegedly orchestrating the 2022 murder of her ex-husband, Jared Bridegan, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Gardners offered another puzzling answer to the question: "Do you know of anyone besides you and the parents who have, or claims to have, a legal right to spend time with any of these children?" Again, they checked "No." But Jared's widow, Kirsten Bridegan, with whom he shared two children, Bexley and London, has publicly begged Gardner-Fernandez and her parents for visitation. Before Jared's murder, the exes had joint custody and the twins lived half the year with their half-siblings. After Gardner-Fernandez's arrest, Kirsten tearfully begged for the children to be reunited. "We are their family. We love them," she told reporters. "Despite my constant requests to see or speak to them, I have been denied and continuously ignored." WATCH JARED BRIDEGAN'S WIDOW SPEAK OUT AFTER SHANNA GARDNER-FERNANDEZ'S ARREST FOR HIS MURDER Jared's parents, Gaylord and Joanna Bridegan, have also asked to spend time with their grandchildren. "This is a highly publicized case where the widow and paternal grandparents are out there saying they want to see the kids. I cant even justify why they would make that false statement," Chinitz said. Under another question asking the Gardners to list the children's assets, they omitted the twins' sizable trust accounts. Shelli Gardner owns the lucrative papercraft company Stampin' Up! and has financially supported Gardner-Fernandez for most of her adult life, according to court papers previously obtained by Fox News Digital. The Gardners, who own homes across the country, sold their oceanfront Jacksonville Beach vacation property for $3,650,000 last month, further cutting their ties to Florida. READ PETITION FOR CUSTODY FILED BY WEALTHY PARENTS OF ACCUSED KILLER SHANNA GARDNER-FERNANDEZ Gardner-Fernandez, who is expected to be extradited to Jacksonville, also signed the petition, ceding her parental rights to her parents. In a declaration, which was not signed by Gardner-Fernandez, the Gardners requested that the children have "limited or no visitation" with their mother because she is "charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, solicitation to commit first-degree murder and child abuse." Gardner-Fernandez is indicted alongside her estranged second husband, Mario Fernandez, and the shooter, Henry Tenon, who has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors. CLICK HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS Jared Bridegan is shown with his four children on a pumpkin picking excursion. The trio is accused of conspiring to kill Jared on Feb. 16, 2022, after he dropped the twins off at Gardner-Fernandez's home. He was lured from his car by a tire placed in the road and was gunned down in front of his daughter, Bexley, then 2, who narrowly escaped with her life. Bridegan and his ex-wife were locked in a bitter custody dispute at the time. If convicted, Gardner-Fernandez and Fernandez could face the death penalty. The Gardners' lawyer, Rachel Woodard, and Shelli Gardner didn't immediately return requests for comment. Gardner-Fernandez's criminal defense lawyer, Henry Coxe III, also did not respond to a request for comment. Original article source: Parents of Jared Bridegan's ex-wife 'patently lying' in child custody docs after mom's murder arrest: expert An off-duty flight attendant asleep on a United Airlines flight to Los Angeles awoke to the stranger next to her groping her leg, federal prosecutors said. Mohammad Jawad Ansari, 50, was in the window seat when he touched the womans knee and inner thigh after she fell asleep following the flights takeoff from Cleveland, Ohio, on Feb. 17, 2020, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California. The woman, who has been a flight attendant for 33 years, was traveling to Los Angeles International Airport to work an American Airlines flight to Japan as the assault unfolded, court documents say. When she woke up to Ansaris hand on her, she pushed him off and said dude before alerting a United Airlines flight attendant, according to a trial memorandum, which says Ansari immediately pretended to be asleep afterward. The flight attendant then helped (the woman) inform American Airlines that (she) would not be able to work on her scheduled flight to Japan, the trial memorandum says. A federal judge sentenced Ansari, of Diamond Bar, California, to one year and nine months in prison on Oct. 5 for intentionally touching the womans inner thigh, the attorneys office said in a news release. His sentencing comes after he was convicted of abusive sexual contact on May 9, prosecutors said. McClatchy News contacted Ansaris defense attorneys for comment on Oct. 6 and didnt receive an immediate response. United Airlines declined a request for comment from McClatchy News on Oct. 6. In the immediate aftermath, (Ansaris) groping left (the victim) shocked and afraid and witnesses testified that she sobbed for the remainder of the flight. (On flights, the victim) now struggles to fall asleep because she is constantly concerned about what if someone touches me, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. According to the trial memorandum, a man next to the woman in an aisle seat witnessed the assault. When the United Airlines flight attendant called this passenger up to first class about what happened, he said he did not do anything to stop (Ansari) because he did not know their relationship since they arrived at their seats close in time and thought they might be together, the trial memorandum says. Upon the flights arrival to Los Angeles International Airport, FBI agents interviewed Ansari, according to the trial memorandum. Ansari told agents he touched (the womans) leg, made an error in judgment, misread the body language, and misread the cues, the trial memorandum says. In a sentencing memorandum submitted on Ansaris behalf, his attorneys argued hes flown several hundred flights without any incidents between April 2010 to February 2020 and that what hes been convicted of is not typical behavior. In 2022, the number of sexual misconduct cases aboard flights in the U.S. more than tripled since 2018, according to federal prosecutors. Growing number of sexual misconduct on flights Last year, the FBI investigated more than 90 sexual misconduct cases and 2023 is on pace to surpass that number, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Washington announced in an Aug. 9 news release. The FBIs Los Angeles Field Office has issued a public service announcement about sexual assaults on flights and how the agency is in charge of investigating such crimes. Most passengers travel by air without incident, but if you or a loved one encounter sexual misconduct whether physical or verbal please alert your flight attendant immediately because timely reporting is important for responding investigators, Donald Alway, assistant director in charge of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office, said in the announcement. Tips to the FBI can be submitted here. Diamond Bar in Los Angeles County is about 30 miles east of Los Angeles. If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom. Man assaults 13-year-old on flight, says shell never see her family again, feds say Sleeping woman wakes up twice to passenger groping her on red-eye flight to NJ, feds say Doctor exposed himself, masturbated on flight while sitting next to teen, feds say Unruly Delta passenger threatened to cut off flight attendants head, reports say UPDATE: The mother and baby have been found safe. Pennsylvania state police in Washington County are asking for the publics help to find a missing woman and her 9-month-old son. According to state police, Anna Kimberly, 38, from Fredericktown, and her son Syrris have been missing since Oct. 3 at around 5:30 p.m. Anna is described as being 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing 125 pounds. She has blonde or strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call PSP Washington at (724) 223-5200. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Good Samaritans step in, help woman with unkept property after Channel 11 report Fox Chapel student 1 of 6 worldwide to receive perfect score on AP exam Local woman says car was stolen despite software update designed to prevent thefts VIDEO: Pittsburghs single-use plastic bag ban to take effect this month DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Members of an environmental group protest in front of the National Congress in Brasilia against the new pesticide law that eases the trade and use of these products, on October 4, 2023 (Evaristo SA) The use of crop dusting in Brazil -- the world's biggest consumer of pesticides -- has helped fuel the giant agricultural industry that props up Latin America's largest economy. But as public health concerns mount, the future of the practice is increasingly in doubt. As fields of produce and local communities expand until they nearly collide, residents are exposed to the harsh chemicals sprayed down onto the plants from the air. "When the planes fly around our houses, we feel the effects on our health: eye irritation, skin allergies, cough," said Diogenes Rabello, the leader of a Sao Paulo chapter of the Rural Workers Without Land Movement, an agricultural reform organization. Critics of the method -- officially known as aerial fumigation -- won a victory in May, when the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled in favor of a 2019 ban in the northeastern state of Ceara. Other states are considering following suit. But the decision sent shockwaves through the giant agribusiness sector in Brazil, which consumed nearly 720,000 metric tons of pesticides in 2021, or 20 percent of the global total, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization. In order to maintain high yields, agribusiness -- the driver of the Brazilian economy -- depends on the intensive use of pesticides, especially those administered from above. Supporters prefer to call the compounds "agricultural defense" or "plant protection products." The situation is delicate: the huge use of pesticides is one of the main arguments European detractors point to in negotiations over a free trade agreement between the EU and the South American Mercosur trade bloc. Europe has largely prohibited crop dusting since 2009, citing negative effects on human health and the environment. But in Brazil, which has the second-largest fleet of agricultural aircraft in the world behind only the United States, aerial spraying still accounts for between 25 and 30 percent of pesticide use, according to the country's National Union of Agricultural Aviation Companies. - 'Risk of drifting away' - In the southeastern state of Sao Paulo -- the second-largest consumer of pesticides in the country and where sugarcane occupies about 30 percent of agricultural space -- prosecutor Gabriel Lino de Paula Pires is investigating the use of aerial fumigation in the Pontal do Paranapanema region. "In 20 years, that crop has significantly expanded here, reaching up to the border of (human) settlements," Pires told AFP. It is illegal to drop pesticides from the air within 500 meters of towns and villages, and within 250 meters of water sources. But crop dusting "always presents a risk of (the chemicals) drifting away from the intended target," Pires said. In fact, according to Pires, due to the weather patterns in the region, "it is not possible to spread pesticides (from the air) safely." But according to Fabio Kagi, from Sindiveg, which represents the Brazilian pesticide industry, "among the spray methods, the aerial one is the most regulated." Crop dusting is much faster than spraying pesticides from the ground, able to reach huge swaths of land which would be difficult to access via tractor. Agricultural aircraft pilots must be specially licensed, and an agricultural engineer is required to be present during flights, according to Kagi. But prosecutor Pires says public authorities are "failing" to regulate such conditions. - Banned in Europe - Some 30 percent of aerial pesticides used on sugarcane plantations around five regions of Sao Paulo in 2019 contained potentially carcinogenic active ingredients, according to a study from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, highlighting a possible correlation with the higher-than-national-average cancer incidence in these areas. According to reports reviewed by the Sao Paulo public defender's office, sugar company Tereos Acucar e Energia Brasil used thiamethoxam, the active ingredient in an insecticide, in Brazil. The chemical was banned in the EU in 2019 due to its toxicity to aquatic animals and potential risks for human fertility and fetuses. Brazilian sugar companies Sao Martinho and Usina Pitangueiras have used a pesticide called Opera, according to other reports reviewed by the public defender's office. Opera's active ingredient is a substance which French health authorities have said is presumed to cause cancer and which disrupts hormones. Contacted by AFP, Tereos insisted that it uses products "approved by Brazilian authorities" and "consciously respects all of their application recommendations." Sao Martinho also said it follows the "regulations and guidelines of the competent authorities," while Usina Pitangueiras did not respond to AFP's inquiries. Despite these state-level challenges to crop dusting, Brazilian federal lawmakers are currently considering a bill to ease the approval of new pesticides. mje/tmo/rsr/caw/jh A man identified as the suspect in the Monday killing of Philadelphia journalist and community advocate Josh Kruger knew the victim, police said Friday. Robert Edmond Davis, 19, was identified as the "offender" in Kruger's slaying and a warrant was issued for his arrest, Lt. Hamilton Marshmond said at a news conference Friday afternoon Davis should be considered armed and dangerous, police said. Anyone who knows his location should contact authorities, they said. The journalist, known for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ people, Philadelphians living on the streets, and people living with addiction, may have been counseling the teenager, police said. At this time we believe that Mr. Kruger was trying to help Mr. Davis, and they were acquaintances, Marshmond said. He was just trying to help him just get through life. He said the suspect might have been homeless at some point. Additional details about the relationship were unavailable. Davis should be considered armed and dangerous, police said. Anyone who knows his location should contact authorities, they said. Josh Kruger. (JoshKrugerPHL via X) Kruger, 39, was shot inside his home at 1:28 a.m. Monday. Police said he sustained seven gunshot wounds to the abdomen and chest. It wasn't clear how the shooter ended up in the victim's home, which did not appear to have been breached before the attack early Monday, according to earlier statements from police. Marshmond said police don't believe Davis had been staying at Kruger's home at the time. Security video reviewed by police showed Davis at the location early Monday, Marshmond said. Asked about a possible motive, Marshmond indicated investigators were still unsure. "As to the why, I do not know at this time," Marshmond said. Police have not had contact with the suspect since the murder, Marshmond said. The lieutenant thanked the public as well as Krugers family and friends for providing information and assisting the police department in this investigation. Without the help of you all, we would not have been able to identify Mr. Davis so quickly, he said. The warrant for Davis includes charges of murder and related offenses. "We are also asking Mr. Davis to surrender himself to the police. Our goal is to have Mr. Davis taken into custody in a safe manner for the public, our officers and himself," Marshmond said. The journalist was known in the community as a social justice advocate and had worked for Mayor Jim Kenney's administration as a spokesperson for the Office of Homeless Services. He also wrote for various news outlets including The Philadelphia Citizen and The Philadelphia Inquirer. At Friday's news conference, Prosecutor Bob Listenbee read a statement from District Attorney Larry Krasner, which described Kruger as "an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com FILE - A U.S. Navy plane passes by a Chinese flag as it flies over the areas of Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea while Chinese coast guard ships tries to block Philippine coast guard and supply ships during a rotation and resupply mission on Aug. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File) ABOARD BRP SINDANGAN (AP) A Chinese coast guard ship came within a meter (3 feet) of colliding with a Philippine patrol ship it was trying to block in the South China Sea, in an alarming incident that intensified fears that territorial disputes in the waters could spark a larger crisis. The Philippines on Friday strongly condemned the Chinese ship's maneuvers near Second Thomas Shoal, which the Asian neighbors both claim and has been the scene of frequent confrontations. One other Philippine coast guard vessel was blocked and surrounded by Chinese coast guard and militia ships in the incident, which dragged on for about eight hours on Wednesday. A major clash in the disputed waters could potentially involve the United States, which has vowed to defend the Philippines, its treaty ally, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under armed attack. Two smaller supply boats being escorted by the Philippine coast guard in the contested waters managed to breach the Chinese blockade and delivered food and other supplies to a Filipino marine outpost at the shoal. We condemn the behavior of the Chinese coast guard vessel. They have been violating international law, particularly the collision regulations, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said at a briefing Friday. A collision was averted when one of the two Philippine coast guard vessels, the BRP Sindangan, rapidly reversed its engine to avoid slamming into the Chinese coast guard ship that crossed its bow at a distance of only a meter, Tarriela said. Its the closest dangerous maneuver by any Chinese coast guard ship against a Philippine patrol ship, he said. The incident was witnessed by several journalists, including from The Associated Press, who were invited by the Philippine coast guard to join the voyage as part of a strategy aimed at exposing Chinese aggressive actions in the South China Sea. A small contingent of Filipino marines and navy personnel has stood guard for years on a long-marooned but still commissioned warship, the BRP Sierra Madre, at the shoal. China has surrounded it with its coast guard ships and militia vessels to prevent the Philippines from delivering construction materials that Beijing fears could be used to reinforce the Sierra Madre and turn it into a permanent territorial outpost. Wednesday's hostilities began at dawn when a Chinese coast guard ship closely tailed the Philippine vessels enroute to Second Thomas Shoal. A swarm of Chinese coast guard and militia ships, including at least one navy warship, later emerged and formed a blockade in the high seas off the shoal. A Chinese coast guard radio operator asserted repeatedly to the BRP Sindangan that China has indisputable sovereignty over Second Thomas Shoal and outlying waters. To avoid miscalculations, leave and keep out, the Chinese radio operator warned. Filipino coast guard personnel responded by asserting Philippine rights to the area and said they would proceed with the delivery of the supplies. The Chinese coast guard said in a statement Wednesday night that the Philippine vessels entered the waters without permission from the Chinese government and that China firmly opposes the Philippines illegally transporting building materials to the grounded military boat. It said it gave a stern warning to the Philippine vessels and monitored them throughout the process. It was the latest flare-up in long-simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea, one of the worlds busiest trade routes. The conflicts, which involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, are regarded as a potential flashpoint and have become a delicate fault line in U.S.-China rivalry in the region. In early August, a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against one of two Philippine supply boats to prevent it from approaching Second Thomas Shoal. The move, which was caught on video, outraged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila to summon the Chinese ambassador to convey a strongly worded protest. Washington reacted by renewing a warning that it is obligated to defend the Philippines as a treaty ally. The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused Washington of threatening China by raising the possibility of activating the U.S.-Philippine mutual defense treaty. Beijing has repeatedly warned the U.S. not to meddle in regional territorial disputes. Later in August, the Philippines again deployed two boats, which succeeded in maneuvering past the Chinese coast guard blockade and completing the delivery of supplies to the Filipino forces at Second Thomas Shoal. Two Philippine coast guard ships securing the supply boats, however, were prevented by Chinese coast guard ships from maneuvering closer to the shoal. A U.S. Navy surveillance aircraft flew in circles in support of the Philippine vessels as the standoff continued for more than three hours. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed concern over dangerous Chinese actions at sea and said the government is ready to respond to potential emergencies, including any collision between Chinese and Philippine ships in the disputed waters. Naturally the concern is always there, and we take that into account, Teodoro said Tuesday night. We have plans depending on what happens. A 2016 arbitration ruling set up under the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea invalidated Beijings claims on historical grounds to virtually the entire South China Sea. China refused to participate in the arbitration sought by the Philippines, rejected the decision as a sham and continues to defy it. ___ Gomez reported from Manila, Philippines. Officers responded to a house near 17th Avenue and Coolidge Street in Phoenix just before 11 p.m. on Thursday night to a call regarding a shooting. Phoenix police officers said they learned a man had forced entry into a house and the homeowner shot him. Phoenix Fire Department crews responded to the scene and took the man to a hospital, where he later died. Detectives responded and have taken over the investigation, police said. This incident was being investigated and no arrests were made. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix homeowner shoots, kills intruder who forced entry Attorney Vladimir Gagic sits as a witness in defense of his former client, Jamaal Pennington. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office successfully prosecuted a man on felony child sex charges, even though the victim claimed he was innocent. Now he's facing sentencing. Defendant Jamaal Pennington successfully represented himself against most of the charges he faced, watched his previous lawyer lose his license in his defense, called him as a witness, had the victim declare his innocence, and cross-examined the mother of his child, whose testimony helped convict him. Pennington, 39, of Phoenix, was training to be an electrician. He believes multiple elements of the criminal justice system have worked to conspire against, him, in a scenario he describes as "like something out of a movie." Im innocent. Im not guilty of having sex with a minor. I feel that the system has failed me, Pennington told The Arizona Republic in a phone call from the Maricopa County jail. He faced nine felony charges, ranging from child sex trafficking to aggravated assault to sexual conduct with a minor, after being indicted in 2021. Representing himself at trial this summer, Pennington managed to get seven of the charges dismissed, something legal experts say is incredible for such a defendant with no prior knowledge of the legal system. Still, a jury convicted Pennington on Aug. 30 on the two remaining charges accusing him of having sex with a minor and causing another adult to have sex with a minor in March 2018. A mitigation and sentencing hearing has been rescheduled for Nov. 9. Pennington faces 37 years in prison, if a judge agrees with the prosecutors' recommendation, which is also the presumptive sentence for the two charges. State law requires that he face a minimum of 23 and a maximum of 51 years. But on the second day of the trial, the girl, now an adult, wrote an email to Deputy County Attorney Kaleigh Jenkins, contradicting those charges. The woman who prosecutors said is the girl Pennington assaulted as a child wrote "Jamaal never touched me, OK?" She named somebody else as the one who had sex with her, adding that "is the one who should be locked up. That's all I have to say." An email from the woman prosecutors claim Jamaal Pennington assaulted, claiming Pennington did not assault her, was sent to Maricopa County Attorney's Office on the second day of trial. Prosecutors successfully convicted Pennington anyway. The County Attorneys Office turned the email from the woman over to Pennington as part of a discovery packet during the trial. Pennington, representing himself with the assistance of legal counsel Edwin Molina, moved to get the email entered into evidence over objections from the county attorney. The judge sided with prosecutors. The parties could not agree over how much of the heavily redacted email to show the jury and offered differing accounts of their private discussion before the judge heard that motion. A spokesperson for the County Attorneys Office said prosecutors were willing to submit the email in full but said Molina was asking for it to be shown to the jury with significant redactions. Pennington rejects that version, telling The Republic he wanted the jury to see all of it. Molina did not return a request for comment regarding the issue. A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Attorneys Office said prosecutors made contact several times with the woman who wrote the email. Prosecutors believe her to be the victim in the case and do not believe what she stated in the email, the spokesperson said. Maricopa County Attorney spokesperson Jeanine L'Ecuyer said there was sufficient evidence to suggest a lack of veracity of the email, but did not elaborate further. Based partly on testimony from a woman who was at the scene of the alleged encounter between Pennington and the minor, Pennington was convicted by a jury on both remaining counts. The woman, with whom Pennington has a child, said that she saw Pennington go behind a 14-year-old girl in a hotel room with his shorts down, but did not see him make contact with her or penetrate her. She also claimed Pennington encouraged her to have sex with the girl, which the woman did, not knowing she was underage. During his cross-examination of the woman, she said Pennington and the girl did not have sex. Pennington said the woman had reason to cooperate with the prosecution, because she could also have been charged with having sex with a minor. Attorney Vladimir Gagic lost his law license while serving as Penningtons public defender, after 20 years as an Arizona lawyer. The former Marine believes Pennington is innocent of all charges. He spent years investigating the case, which he said is much more complex than the jury was led to believe. In fact, I found evidence that leads me to believe that the alleged victim in this case was part of a larger sex-trafficking network, Gagic said, and Jamaal Pennington was not connected to it at all. But Gagic claims multiple elements of the criminal justice system worked together to keep potentially exculpatory evidence out and railroad Pennington. He said it was unconscionable for the prosecution to deny Pennington the opportunity to present the email from the victim to the jury. He deserves the right to prove he didnt do it, Gagic said. Its that simple. Gagic accused the previous judge overseeing the case of conspiring with the prosecution to convict Pennington. I am concerned Judge (Laura) Reckart is trying to sanitize the case file and deny as many defense motions as she can before another eventually [sic] judge takes over, making denials of defense motions law of the case," Gagic wrote in a motion for change of judge while defending Pennington. "It is a cover up. Reckart retired last December, after seven years on the bench. The State Bar and the Arizona State Supreme Court found Gagic's claims to be baseless and suspended his law license for a year for making repeated disparaging remarks in his filings on Penningtons behalf. "The heat of litigation may foment anger and result in an occasional poorly worded epithet," Chief Justice Robert Brutinel wrote in an administrative order suspending Gagic's license. "However, a relentless campaign to malign and embarrass opposing counsel and the judiciary is clearly prohibited conduct." "We believe the nature of the unfounded allegationsimplicating several judges in imaginary schemes in concert with the prosecutors and the Barare inherently damaging to public confidence in the fairness of the court system," Brutinel wrote. Gagic had no previous record of complaints or disciplinary actions taken against him. Gagic even went so far as to testify as a witness for Pennington at the trial. Attorney Vladimir Gagic sits as a witness in defense of his former client, Jamaal Pennington. But Judge Scott Minder limited what he was able to speak on, and objections from the prosecution kept his time on the stand limited to only a few statements. Gagic says the experience has left him disappointed in a system he once believed in. He says he refuses to admit any wrongdoing during his defense of Pennington. Even though that stance could prevent him from getting his law license reinstated, Gagic says it was more important to provide a court record that he hopes federal public defenders can use to get the conviction overturned on review. Carol Pennington, Jamaal Penningtons mother, who was present in the courtroom for the whole trial, said it was like watching David battle Goliath. He had a whole system against him, Pennington said. We all have issues, and Im not trying to paint Jamaal as a saint, but who theyre trying to paint him to be he's not. She believes Gagic was taken off her sons case because he fought for him, he went to bat for him, and he wouldnt back down. Pennington said he has filed several motions since the trial, but the judge has denied them. According to Arizona State University Associate Professor of Law Esther Hong, self-representation, known as a "pro se" defense, is very seldom seen in a serious felony case with prison time on the line. She called Pennington's case "very unusual." "When defendants go pro se, they've often gone through different appointed counsel and public defenders with whom they've had disagreements," Hong said. "They have a constitutional right to represent themselves." She says a judge will often appoint an advisory or "standby" counsel to be there to give advice and offer guidance, but ultimately pro se defendants should have the final say over tactical decisions and the objective of their case. But Hong says a pro se defense is generally not recommended. "There's a reason that there's a Constitutional right to have an attorney in criminal cases, because so much is at stake." Hong said. "It takes a lot of guts, but obviously he's very passionate about his innocence." Pennington plans to appeal the conviction. Have a news tip? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or at 812-243-5582. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @JimmyJenkins. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Victim wrote 'never touched me, OK?'; Maricopa County still prosecuted The FBI is announcing the results of Operation Not Forgotten, which dedicated over 40 FBI special agents, intelligence analysts, staff operations specialists, and victim specialists to 10 FBI field offices whose designated regions support women and children in indigenous communities, including the FBI Portland Field Office. During Operation Not Forgotten, over 220 cases were handled by investigators during the resource surge. During the operation, resources were added to FBI Portland's Bend Resident Agency to focus on Indian Country in Oregon. READ ALSO: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on U.S. - EU Summit Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to combating crime in Indian Country, investigative personnel and victim specialists collectively deployed to tribal areas to examine cases and focus resources on seeking justice for women and children who have been victims of crime. "The FBI's efforts in Indian Country in the state of Oregon are ever present. Operation Not Forgotten amplified our existing commitment to the indigenous communities in our area by serving as a force multiplier to investigate cases of missing women and children in Indian Country," said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Kieran L. Ramsey. "The increased effort resulted in several arrests, including that of a fugitive who had been on the run for years. However, the true measure of success is seeing justice brought to families in conjunction with the FBI's surge in resources." "Operation Not Forgotten reflects the FBI's relentless and continued commitment to ensuring the safety and security of women and children in indigenous communities," said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. "By expanding our presence in Indian Country and working closely with tribal law enforcement agencies and community advocates, the FBI aims to achieve meaningful and impactful progress in solving these cases and bringing justice for victims and their families and loved ones." This initiative, along with the FBI's broader Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) strategy, emphasizes the FBI's continued dedication to address the violence impacting indigenous communities. The FBI is committed to maintaining close collaboration with tribal law enforcement agencies, tribal governments, and community members to build safer communities and protect the rights of all individuals. FBI field offices that received dedicated personnel: Albuquerque Detroit Denver Minneapolis Oklahoma City Omaha Phoenix Portland Seattle Salt Lake City Individuals with any relevant information are encouraged to visit tips.fbi.gov to submit an online tip or contact their local FBI office. Resources: READ MORE: Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with National Security Advisor Sydney Mufamadi of South Africa @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Pilot Nate Hilliard, shown here at the DuBois Regional Airport in Pennsylvania, recently resigned from Southern Airways Express. Although he has not been sued, the airline has filed lawsuits against dozens of other pilots who left. Pilot Nate Hilliard, shown here at the DuBois Regional Airport in Pennsylvania, recently resigned from Southern Airways Express. Although he has not been sued, the airline has filed lawsuits against dozens of other pilots who left. As a new commercial pilot, Nate Hilliard came to Southern Airways Express two years ago with no illusions. He knew the commuter airlines starting pay for a first officer the co-pilot next to the captain was just $12 per hour, less than he could earn behind a fast-food counter. But he figured he would pay his dues, rack up flight time and someday sit in the captains seat, perhaps at a major carrier like Delta. He and his girlfriend moved from Denver to western Pennsylvania to be near the tiny airport where Hilliard would be based, prepared to burn through their savings in pursuit of his pilot dream. They called it their year of suck. You slog through it and make it happen because you know there are better things on the other side, the 39-year-old said. But as Hilliards experience in the cockpit grew, so did his concerns with the way he says Southern operates. Hilliard says he saw pilots with only limited experience being pressured to fly in poor weather so that flights wouldnt be held up. He saw managers discouraging pilots from flagging maintenance issues that could have taken aircraft out of commission for repairs. And he believes many pilots were afraid to raise their safety concerns because they could end up literally indebted to Southern. Southern pilots sign Southern pilots sign "training repayment agreement provisions" when they're hired, putting them on the hook for thousands of dollars if they leave too soon. If they want to work at Southern, pilots like Hilliard must sign contracts and promissory notes guarding against early resignations. They can be sued if they quit or get fired for cause before flying for a full year after graduating to captain. Depending on their level of experience and how long they stay, pilots could be on the hook for up to $20,000 if they leave. The threat of litigation is real. Since July, Southern has filed roughly 80 lawsuits against pilots who left the company, accusing them of breach of contract and unjust enrichment, according to a review of Florida court records. The Palm Beach-based airline has only a few dozen aircraft and around 300 pilots. Hilliard, who spent 13 years in the airline industry before becoming a pilot, said he accepted the low pay at Southern because he was eager to accrue flight time. But he said the unsafe practices he alleges were not part of the deal. Theres a lot of pressure to get passengers where theyre going, in potentially questionable weather or with questionable maintenance, he said. People are pressured to go, and they dont have the experience youd find on larger jet flight decks. Similar allegations are made in a counter-lawsuit filed against Southern by another pilot in Palm Beach court last month. The complaint alleges that planes were hobbled by frequent maintenance issues, including substandard de-icing equipment, broken air-conditioning units and inoperable autopilot systems, and that Southern managers would argue with pilots over whether the conditions were safe to fly. Southern runs dozens of routes between big airports and small ones, including the regional airport near DuBois, Pennsylvania. Southern runs dozens of routes between big airports and small ones, including the regional airport near DuBois, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit claims Southern used the promissory notes to intimidate pilots into staying in jobs that they are desperate to leave. HuffPost interviewed 19 former Southern pilots for this story. Many of them were recently sued for anywhere between $4,000 and $20,000, depending on their contract and length of tenure at the company. Most pilots asked to speak anonymously out of fear they could damage their fledgling aviation careers by criticizing an airline. (Hilliard has not been sued.) Southern CEO Stan Little strongly disputed the allegations regarding safety, and said in an email that the airline had an unblemished record over its 10 years. The company has maintained that it has little choice but to pursue the claims in court, citing a pilot shortage that has led higher-paying airlines to poach workers. He called the counter-lawsuit a blatant attempt to politicize a simple and clear debt collection case. Little said Southern has produced hundreds of new pilots over many years, and the program works only when both sides hold up their end of the bargain. He compared the pilots to students who receive a two-year paid scholarship under the agreement they will stay at the university as a teaching assistant for a year after graduating. Now imagine the student attaining his degree and immediately leaving (and defaming the school who gave him the degree), Little said. No one would fault the school that offered the scholarship and the education for asking to be repaid. But the pilots interviewed by HuffPost said concerns about safety and maintenance factored prominently in their decision to leave. They said pilots were routinely pushed beyond their comfort zones, pressured to fly in icy conditions or while fatigued, and they feared they would jeopardize their pilot certificates, their lives or the lives of their passengers if they stayed. One said he quit once the pressures of the job made it difficult to sleep. He said he borrowed $5,000 from his grandmother to pay off his promissory note and didnt have his next job lined up when he resigned. Its not that I didnt want to keep my word, the pilot said. I didnt want to put myself and others in danger. Southern has defended the use of training agreements, arguing that pilots gain valuable experience before leaving for higher-paying jobs. Southern has defended the use of training agreements, arguing that pilots gain valuable experience before leaving for higher-paying jobs. A Time-Building Enterprise Most of those who come to Southern are known as low-time pilots. They recently earned their commercial pilot licenses and want more hours in the cockpit to open up better opportunities. Many of them are in their early- to mid-20s. Newer pilots often build flight time by becoming instructors, towing banners or dropping skydivers into the air. But Southern offers a way to reach an important marker 1,500 hours, the minimum required to be a pilot at a major airline by flying ticketed passengers out of airports. Most Southern pilots fly the small Cessna Caravan, with a maximum of nine passengers. The company runs flights between dozens of cities, from major metro areas like Washington and Denver down to small towns like DuBois, Pennsylvania, and Chadron, Nebraska. The federal government subsidizes many of Southerns routes through the Essential Air Service program, which is meant to help rural communities hang onto their small airports following industry deregulation. It was a tremendous opportunity for a brand-new commercial pilot at 250 hours, said one pilot who was sued by Southern for leaving and who agreed to speak with HuffPost anonymously to protect their future career prospects. This was real-world experience. We were airline pilots. It was a time-building enterprise. A typical Southern promissory note frames the training and associated travel as a $16,000 or $20,000 personal loan advanced by the company, to be repaid on a prorated basis depending on how soon the pilot leaves. A separate contract says the promissory note ensures against your resignation before the contract terms. Several pilots said they were told at ground school in Palm Beach that if they didnt want to sign the contract, they were welcome to leave. Critics call these controversial contracts training repayment agreement provisions, or TRAPs for short. They are used in plenty of other industries even dog grooming. But they have become more common in the lower rungs of the aviation industry over the past eight years, according to Joseph LaMonaca, a pilot and lawyer. He likened the promissory note to a mortgage. If you dont have a lot of hours and experience and this employer is willing to take you on, and this is your whole lifes goal, you sign on the dotted line, he said. Its really become more the standard than the exception in the industry, unfortunately. A counter-lawsuit filed against Southern alleges that planes were hobbled by frequent maintenance issues, including substandard de-icing equipment, broken air-conditioning units and inoperable autopilot systems A counter-lawsuit filed against Southern alleges that planes were hobbled by frequent maintenance issues, including substandard de-icing equipment, broken air-conditioning units and inoperable autopilot systems Many pilots said they feared being retaliated against if they refused to fly or lodged a complaint with regulators that could be traced back to them Many pilots said they feared being retaliated against if they refused to fly or lodged a complaint with regulators that could be traced back to them Southern says the training agreements make for a fair deal: New pilots get valuable time in the cockpit without paying for their flight hours, and they repay Southern with revenue-generating flights before moving on to big-name airlines and higher salaries. But Rachel Dempsey, an attorney representing the pilot in the countersuit, argues that Southerns agreements violate federal law, in part because the pilots debts can push their earnings below the minimum wage. Her legal aid firm, Towards Justice, has represented other workers whove been sued for training costs, but Dempsey said this case bears public safety implications. Workers need to be able to speak out about their working conditions and leave unsafe situations without being afraid that theyre going to be sued or go into debt to pay for their employers cost of doing business, Dempsey said in an interview. Southern does not provide pilots with a detailed accounting of the training costs, according to the lawsuit. Pilots told HuffPost they did not believe the training often in Hawaii, where the companys Mokulele Airlines subsidiary is based was close to worth the value of the promissory notes. Although they accumulate flight hours, most pilots do not need a type rating that certifies them to fly a specific aircraft and can be taken to another job. The median pay for U.S. airline and commercial pilots was $149,000 last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But low-time pilots dont have enough experience to command such a salary. In many of the contracts included in court records, first officers at Southern earned $12 per hour flying as second-in-command, until they hit 600 hours and their pay went to $18. At 900 hours, Southern increased their rate to $21. As captains, they could earn $55 per hour or more. But pilots do not work normal 40-hour weeks and spend a lot of time waiting to fly. Some new first officers were guaranteed 57 or 65 hours a month at $12 per hour, according to court filings. Pilot Robert MacKay, 31, said he ran out of money while working for the airline for about half a year. He said he told a manager he was broke and could no longer afford to get to work at his base in Arkansas. MacKay received an email in July that he was terminated, he said. Everyone thinks pilots are rich and drive Porsche 911s, said MacKay, who has not been sued. Little said the company does not comment on individual cases of firings, but said failure to report for work is certainly a reason for termination. Pilot David Duvak accepted a job at Southern last November. He had enough flight hours to start as a captain, but he said that after training he was told he wasnt ready. He said he depleted much of his savings over the course of about three months as a first officer waiting for a promotion. He quit in March via email, saying he couldnt afford to live on $21 per hour when he was hired to be a captain. I hope you understand that you signed a training contract, the airlines vice president of operations wrote back, according to court records. HR will notify you of the money that is immediately owed back to Southern. Good luck to you! The company sued Duvak for $10,000 in August. But Duvak said he pointed out to the companys attorney that the contract he had signed was for a captains rate of $55 per hour, more than double what he had been paid. Southern then filed a motion to dismiss its case against him. Duvak, who now flies for a cargo carrier, said he was relieved to put the experience behind him. He said that on a couple of occasions, he and his captains had been urged to fly in what he called horrendous ice. There was pressure from management to go fly when you shouldnt, he said. The threat of debt made it harder to challenge superiors over weather and maintenance concerns, according to many of the pilots. The threat of debt made it harder to challenge superiors over weather and maintenance concerns, according to many of the pilots. They Have Us Locked Many pilots said the threat of debt made it harder to challenge superiors over weather and maintenance concerns. They also worried the company could damage their career prospects if they quit. One pilot shared a text he received from a superior when he submitted his resignation, warning that he needed to speak with him for the sake of your career. Prospective employers are required to review a pilots background and safety record under the Pilot Records Improvement Act. Another pilot who resigned from Southern shared his PRIA report with HuffPost. It said he owed Southern thousands of dollars and wasnt eligible for rehire. Most of us are in our early 20s starting in the industry, so they kind of have us locked, said the pilot, who has also been sued. Were not Delta captains with pools of money that can walk away from aviation. Like others, this pilot said the autopilot system in the planes he flew was frequently inoperable or removed. Southern operates under the FAAs Part 135 regulations, which generally offer more leeway than the Part 121 regulations that apply to big airlines. A captain under Part 135 can still legally hand fly a plane without autopilot so long as there is a co-pilot. But pilots said the experience is more taxing and reduces their situational awareness. Little called it ironic that pilots criticized the airline for inoperable autopilot systems. The very reason that these pilots had a job with Southern is that we choose to fly with two licensed pilots rather than one pilot and an auto-pilot (like most of our competitors who do fly single-pilot), he said. Little also noted that hardly any pilots cited safety concerns in their resignation letters. (At least two did, according to court records.) Most pilots thanked the company for the opportunity and said they were moving on. [N]one of these pilots chose to leave for safety, maintenance, or any other reason during the hundreds of hours they flew with us prior to attaining the 1,500 hours needed to go elsewhere, Little said. It somehow seems that all of these excuses come to mind only after they have used Southern for the training and experience required to go elsewhere. Most pilots who resign these days dont have to stay unemployed for long, thanks to a strong job market. The start of the pandemic put many pilots out of work and nudged others into retirement; when travel demand rebounded, airlines struggled to find enough pilots and hang onto the ones they already had. Many carriers have adjusted by raising wages and flying less, but a shortfall of pilots is expected to last for years, giving pilots more bargaining power. Given the demand for pilots, Loretta Alkalay, a former longtime regional counsel at the Federal Aviation Administration, said any allegations should be taken with a grain of salt, adding that pilots should be filing anonymous hotline complaints with the FAA if they see unsafe practices. Are they reneging on these training contracts because all of the sudden theyre being offered a lot more money ... or are there really safety issues? said Alkalay, an adjunct professor at Vaughn College in New York. She added, Its not impossible for both things to be true. Most pilots who resign these days dont have to stay unemployed for long, thanks to a strong job market. Most pilots who resign these days dont have to stay unemployed for long, thanks to a strong job market. But many pilots said they feared being retaliated against if they refused to fly or lodged a complaint with regulators that could be traced back to them. The proposed class action alleges that people who reported maintenance problems were often given less favorable schedules or were held on the tarmac for so long that they were unable to make a connecting flight home. One pilot said he submitted his resignation after being chastised for calling in fatigued, an industry term for informing management you are too tired to fly safely. He said he received a callback from the chief pilot who said they would be looking closer at his work record. That should never be the answer to a pilot calling in fatigued, the pilot said. The right answer should have been, Sounds good, go home and get some rest. Other pilots said they were also discouraged from calling in tired. One provided an email sent by Little, the CEO, to high-level managers ahead of Christmas. Little said he was frustrated with pilots calling in fatigued and suggested some were abusing the process. He wanted the pilots to be told to get plenty of rest. We have a lot of passengers depending on us to get to their families on Christmas Eve, and I dont want us to disappoint them with any unnecessary fatigue calls, the CEO wrote. He added, parenthetically, We probably should look to implement a policy in the future that anyone who calls fatigue on his last day of a rotation must remain in place the following day as ready reserve. Such a policy could delay a pilot from starting their trip home to see their family, but Little said no such rule was ever implemented. James Higgins, a pilot and aviation professor at the University of North Dakota, said such an email would be completely inappropriate. That would have a chilling effect on the entire organization, from management all the way down to the pilots, he said. Little said the email was prompted by a pilot who had been denied Christmas Eve off due to a lack of seniority and called in fatigued at the last minute. That pilot ruined Christmas for lots of people without consequence, Little said. Nevertheless, we recognize that we cannot do anything that may have a chilling effect on a real fatigue call. The best answer available is to screen and hire for our program candidates who are more professional. Unnecessary Pressure There is so much demand for pilots these days, Higgins said, that the biggest obstacle to landing a good job at a regional or major airline is reaching 1,500 hours of flight time. He said carriers like Southern know that as soon as these pilots hit 1,500 hours, theyre gone. So they require pilots to sign training contracts. Higgins said he believes the contracts themselves can pose a safety risk by putting unnecessary pressure on pilots. He noted that a new pilot might take on six figures of debt just to secure their commercial pilot license, and then they would have a $20,000 promissory note hanging over their head as they made decisions. He advises young pilots not to sign them. In my opinion, its one of the big issues thats facing aviation safety, he said. For operators that require pilots to sign training contracts, I believe the FAA should automatically increase their oversight on those operators. He added that unlike the big carriers, many smaller airlines like Southern are non-union, which can make pilots less likely to assert themselves. The Federal Trade Commission has already moved to forbid employers from using training repayment agreements that function as non-compete contracts, saying they keep workers locked in jobs and suppress wages. But the FTCs proposed rule may not have jurisdiction over the airline industry, which is generally regulated by the Transportation Department, including the FAA. Progressive groups have called on the agency to develop a similar non-compete ban specifically for the transportation sector. Asked if Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is considering pursuing one, a department spokesperson said the agency was looking closely at the issue. We strongly support workers and their ability to move freely to the jobs that will provide them the best pay and benefits, the agency said. Hilliard resigned from Southern and left Pennsylvania for Wisconsin. Hilliard resigned from Southern and left Pennsylvania for Wisconsin. Of the pilots interviewed by HuffPost, some said they had already paid or plan to pay the airline to resolve the claims. Others said they may try to join the countersuit and dispute the debts. Still others said they havent been served the paperwork yet and dont know what they will do. Hilliard said he recently resigned from Southern and left western Pennsylvania for central Wisconsin, where he and his girlfriend are raising two daughters. He has not been sued over his payment agreement. He is now flying for a higher-paying airline. As he left Southern, Hilliard filed a whistleblower complaint with the Labor Department claiming the repayment agreement violated minimum wage law and was designed to keep pilots trapped in a job with dangerous and [potentially] illegal working conditions. A Labor Department spokesperson said the agency would not confirm or deny that a complaint was being investigated. Hilliard said many pilots would have quit sooner if not for the risk of debt. Realistically, there is no other reason for someone to endure being treated that poorly, he said. SEMINOLE, Fla. - A convicted killer is out of prison 40 years after he was charged with brutally murdering a 16-year-old. According to court documents, Jeffrey Murphy and David Croft stabbed Penny Faulkner several times and suffocated her when they were 17 years old. Her body was found near Park Street and 54th Avenue North in Pinellas County. Both Murphy and Croft were sentenced to life in prison. READ: Where is Tonya Whipp? Investigators comb through evidence seized during search of boyfriends home "She had been entered into the Pinellas County vocational program to be a hairstylist," John Faulkner, Pennys brother, said. "She was the first kid from special ed to ever be accepted into that vocational program. So, she had hopes and aspirations and dreams just like everybody else. And she loved music. She loved to swim. She had a great smile. She was just an all-around great kid." Thursday, Murphy was released from prison. Since the murder in 1983, the law has changed. The Florida Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that juveniles sentenced to life in prison are entitled to a resentencing hearing and a review of their cases every 25 years. "The courts created a new requirement to look at juveniles charged and convicted as an adult when they're sentenced to life in prison," Anthony Rickman, a defense attorney not affiliated with the case, said. MORE: Suspects wanted for bank fraud scheme in Tampa Bay area resulting in theft of over $270,000: HCSO "In this particular case, we know this defendant was sentenced to life in prison and as a juvenile, he was sentenced to life at 17. And now, the court was required to do a resentencing hearing. After that resentencing hearing, even if the court, in this case, as it did, determines that resentencing isnt appropriate, or he's still determined to be somebody subject to life [in prison], then every 25 years after 25 years, he is subject to a review hearing," Rickman said. In Murphys review hearing, the defenses expert witness testified that Murphy was rehabilitated and fit to be released. The lower court judge again denied Murphys release, but an appellate court recently overturned that decision based on the experts testimony. Rickman said the appellate court can, but doesnt have to, consider previous statements from the victims family. "When you look at the way this law is written as it relates to the 25-year review, victim impact is not part of that review standard. Really, the only standard is rehabilitation and fitness to enter society," Rickman said. "This is how the law is, but there are ways to change it and that is through the legislature," he said. Pennys family is trying to change the law. CRIME: Florida woman arrested after dumping 9 matted little dogs in parking lot: Deputies "We're allowed to be and to speak at every other court hearing except for the appellate process, which in essence is the most important one because now he's released," Faulkner said. "This is a very trying time. It brings back a lot of pain." "I just don't want other people to have to go through this type of situation. So, it's important that we get the legislation to look at the way the appeal process is handled and that the victims need to have the right to be present at everything, every court proceeding," Faulkner said. Faulkner has reached out to Governor Ron DeSantis and to Attorney General Ashley Moody to try to change the law. "We love you. We miss you, and well fight for you every step of the way," Faulkner said. Faulkner said hes worried Croft will also be released, and said he is working to try to make sure that doesnt happen. Murphy is now at a non-profit in Jacksonville that reintroduces convicted felons to society. He was given lifetime probation and cant have any contact with the victims family. This poster advertising his first show in Munich led Kokoschka to accuse him of plagiarism (Alex HALADA) Denounced by a famous rival and hounded by the Nazis before being almost forgotten, Max Oppenheimer, a pioneer of expressionism and the avant garde, gets a major retrospective at Vienna's Leopold Museum from Friday. The largest retrospective to date of the Austrian painter features over 170 works and seeks to revive his name and reputation after it almost fell into oblivion. The museum, said curator Hans-Peter Wipplinger, "is inviting visitors to rediscover a significant yet almost forgotten oeuvre". The Leopold Museum is better known as home to a key collection of Austrian expressionist painter Egon Schiele 's work. Oppenheimer's expressionist and cubist paintings are among those the museum includes in the show, which reflects "about five decades of art history", Wipplinger told AFP. "He was always on the lookout for new stylistic challenges," he said. Born in 1885 into a Jewish family in Vienna, Oppenheimer once shared a studio with his friend Egon Schiele after finishing his studies in Vienna and Prague. Known for his lively portraits of the contemporary intellectual elite -- including Sigmund Freud and writer Stefan Zweig -- Oppenheimer was also passionate about music and interested in religious and mythological themes. While some contemporaries admired the spirited brushwork of Oppenheimer, or "MOPP," he also made enemies. Austrian artist Oskar Kokoschka waged a virulent campaign against his colleague, accusing him of plagiarism over a poster he had painted to promote one of his exhibitions. - Looted art - Oppenheimer was frequently on the move, relocating nine times throughout his tumultuous life, including stays in avant-garde Berlin and Paris. Openly homosexual as well as being Jewish, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria in 1938, he was forced to flee. He emigrated via Switzerland to New York, where he died penniless and alone in 1954. Many of Oppenheimer's works were either looted or destroyed once the Nazis came to power, but some are still thought to be hidden in private collections. Setting up the large-scale retrospective required meticulous research by the Leopold museum. One of many items on display at the exhibition is a striking self-portrait, which is being shown in its homeland for the first time in 110 years. The painting once belonged to Jewish art collector Oskar Reichel, whose vast collection was looted by the Nazis. After resurfacing in April in an auction catalogue, the self-portrait was returned to Reichel's descendants before the Leopold museum purchased it from them. The exhibition runs until February 25. bg/kym/jza/jj Pittsburgh police commander accused of using undercover body cam to record officers 11 Investigates has confirmed that Pittsburgh Police Commander Matt Lackner has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the results of an internal investigation. Chief Investigative Reporter Rick Earle has learned that Lackner is accused of allegedly placing an undercover body camera in a police car and recording officers without their permission. WPXI legal analyst Phil DiLucente said it could be a violation of the state wiretap laws. In the state of Pennsylvania, its illegal without the consent of the other party to record them. We are one of the few states left in the country, but if someone violates it, its a criminal act, said DiLucente. Multiple sources told Earle that Lackner allegedly used the body camera to record multiple officers in multiple police cars. Sources said a detective discovered the body camera hidden in one of the cars and reported it to supervisors. Its unclear why the camera was in the police car. Lackner, who has been on the force for more than 25 years, is the same officer who busted two Pittsburgh bicycle officers for falsifying time cards by setting up an undercover surveillance operation at the officers homes. 11 Investigates broke that story last year. Two officers were ultimately fired and another was disciplined in that bicycle time card investigation. While an internal investigation is underway, sources said the chief may refer this case to an outside law enforcement agency for investigation. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: $1K a week for life winning lottery ticket sold at local Sheetz Pennsylvania state police searching for missing woman, her 9-month-old baby 2 people charged after stolen car fled traffic stop, led police on chase in Ross Township VIDEO: New website offers information on topics like safety, economy in Downtown Pittsburgh DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts The White House has started making plans for a potential meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping on American soil in November, according to a report. Administration officials told The Washington Post that the face-to-face meeting could take place in San Francisco and would likely constitute an attempt to reset relations between their countries. One anonymous official told the Post that Biden looks forward to meeting Xi but nothing has been confirmed yet. It would be the first in-person talks between the two leaders since they met on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit in Indonesia last November. Since then, relations between the Washington, D.C., and Beijing have been strained by the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon, Biden describing Xi as a dictator, and an ongoing row over export controls imposed by the U.S. on tech to China. Read it at The Washington Post Read more at The Daily Beast. Military truck is seen in the forest, during the migrant crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border, in Topilo By Marek Strzelecki, Kuba Stezycki and Kacper Pempel DUBICZE CERKIEWNE, Poland (Reuters) - In Dubicze Cerkiewne, a Polish village next to one of Europe's last primeval forests, few tourists come any more and soldiers based in the school gym help intercept migrants squeezing through the nearby fenced border from Belarus. Just a few km (miles) away from the razor-tipped fence lining the frontier, Dubicze faces a renewed surge in illegal migration that has stirred anxiety and dominated public debate ahead of a closely-fought election in Poland on Oct. 15. The populist nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government has cast the ballot as a choice between security it says requires keeping migration at bay and an existential threat the country would face if the liberal opposition wins the vote. "Do we want news headlines to be warning us soon about drug gangs, or about another shooting in Bialystok, Siedlce, Krosno, Sanok, Kolobrzeg, Jelenia Gora or Warsaw?!" Prime Minister Morawiecki said on Thursday, listing cities across Poland. "Do we want this? Because today these are exactly the headlines in Sweden, in Paris, Marseille, in Italy," he told reporters in Warsaw before departing for a European Union summit in Granada, Spain where migration was a fraught topic on Friday. The message from Morawiecki, who in Granada accused the EU trying to force Poland to accept illegal migrants or face fines, resonates with some Dubicze residents, although PiS faces an uphill battle for votes in the village. It and its main rival, the liberal Civic Platform (PO), each won about 30% there in the 2019 parliamentary election. This time, polls show PiS is likely to re-emerge as the largest vote-getter across Poland but may lose its majority, amid discontent over soaring costs of living and what critics call the party's subversion of democratic standards. Helena Mojsewicz, a shopkeeper in Dubicze, lauds the border fence and presence of troops. Thousands have deployed to the border area since the summer against potential "hybrid threats" - illegal migration - from Belarus, the government says. "If the army goes, I will close the business. If the government takes down this fence, they (migrants) will walk in like ants," the 56-year-old Mojsewicz said. She plans to vote "No" in a referendum to be held on Election Day in which one of several questions says: "Do you support the admission of thousands of illegal immigrants from the Middle East and Africa under the forced relocation mechanism imposed by the European bureaucracy?" The opposition accuses PiS of misusing public funds for a campaign exercise designed to energise its supporters and demonise opponents with a series of loaded questions. ACCUSATIONS OF PUSHBACKS, MISTREATMENT Dubicze villagers have seen all sides of illegal migration, including battered strangers stumbling out of the border forest and mobile police roadblocks to check cars for people smugglers. "I don't know if anyone in Poland has the experience of passing a speeding Rosomak (military transport vehicle) on a narrow country road. We have it," said Wojciech Siegien, a school psychologist who will vote for the opposition. Human rights activists have accused Poland of mistreating migrants - mainly from the Middle East and Africa - seeking access from Belarus, saying thousands have sought their protection after crossing the border. Protecting Rights at Borders (PRAB) is a group that aims to document evidence of pushbacks - illegal under international human rights and refugee statutes - in the context of border management in the EU. It says more than 3,000 people have been denied access to asylum procedures and forced back into Belarus from Poland between May and August of this year. A few dozen migrants have died as a result since mid-2021, activists say, mostly of hypothermia and disease in the swampy border woods. About 300 are missing. Poland denies wrongdoing. Such alleged abuses have come to light most recently in the award-winning new film by renowned Polish director Agnieszka Holland, "The Green Border", which the PiS government denounced as a disloyal insult to forces protecting the nation's borders. "Watching the Syrian family in the film ..., I remembered a family of about 30-year-olds with a small child, brought to us one night," said Tomasz Musiuk, a senior physician at a hospital in Hajnowka, 16 km (10 miles) north of Dubicze. "The child and her mother stayed in the hospital, while the man was taken away by the border guard. I don't know what happened to them later," Musiuk said, his voice cracking. "I think 99% of the migrants who ended up in the hospital should not have been there at all." For some Dubicze residents, the choice is complicated. Alina Artemiuk, 72, a retired lumber plant worker, cycles 3 km to Dubicze from her tiny settlement of Rutka whenever she needs to buy groceries. She says she is glad about the border fence but the migrants keep coming. "It was still summer, cucumbers were on the ground," she recalled one day in September. "When I came home, he (a migrant) was sitting at my table, there was food and he was checking his phone." She said she offered the stranger honey and cheese before he left. "Well, you have to feed the hungry," Artemiuk said. (Additional reporting Karold Badohal, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; writing by Marek Strzelecki; editing by Justyna Pawlak and Mark Heinrich) Police footage has been released showing the arrest of Duane Keefe D Davis, who was charged for ordering the long-unsolved murder of rapper Tupac Shakur . A murder indictment was handed down last week by a Nevada grand jury, 27 years after the fatal drive-by shooting. Davis was arrested Friday by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and bodycam footage obtained by ABC Las Vegas shows the moment he was apprehended outside his home in Henderson, Nev. They didnt make a scene like last time, Davis says in the video, referring to a police raid of his home in July. The 60-year-old was compliant throughout the arrest and said afterwards that he was thirsty as f for bottled water he had on him. Prior to the arrest, investigators seized items including computers, a hard drive, a copy of Vibe magazine that featured Shakur, several .40-caliber bullets and a copy of Davis memoir. Davis, who describes himself as a gangster, was scheduled to next appear in court on Oct. 19. His first hearing came Wednesday, when he told Las Vegas judge Tierra Jones that hed retained an attorney who was requesting a continuance of two weeks. Details of the investigation or a motive for the killing are not yet known, but Davis is reported to be the uncle of Orlando Anderson, a known rival of Shakurs who authorities suspected might have been behind the killing. Davis has said in interviews that he furnished the gun used in the drive-by shooting that took Shakurs life as he was at the height of his fame in 1996. Those remarks led the investigation to be revived, according to local officials. Anderson denied involvement in the shooting and died in 1998 in an unrelated gang shooting in Compton, Calif. With News Wire Services State police in Vermont are investigating after a woman was found dead on a popular trail in Castleton. The Vermont State Police called the death "suspicious" in a news release and said that they received a call about a deceased woman on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail on Thursday afternoon. Police arrived around 4:30 p.m., where they found the woman dead. The victim was identified Friday as 77-year-old Honoree Fleming. An autopsy by the Burlington Medical Examiner's office determined she died from a gunshot wound to the head, state police said. Her death has been ruled a homicide. A witness said that they heard gunshots and saw a "possible suspect" walking northbound on the trail, police said. The suspect has not been identified but should be considered "armed and dangerous," the Vermont State Police said. The witness described the suspect as a White male, about 5'10", with short, dark hair, who was last seen wearing a dark gray t-shirt and carrying a black backpack. The investigation is ongoing. The Vermont State Police Department asked that anyone with information reach out to investigators. In a news update issued Friday morning, the department asked that "the public and businesses in the Castleton area" review surveillance video for anyone matching that description who may have been caught on camera "from early afternoon into the evening hours" on October 5. The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail. / Credit: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources CBS affiliate WCAX reported that the nearby Vermont State University campus in Castleton is closed Friday out of an abundance of caution. The college said on its website that a shelter-in-place order has been issued for students on campus. The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail, referred to as the Rail Trail by police, is a 19.8-mile-long piece of former railroad. There are two sections of the trail in Vermont, separated by a segment of trail in New York state. The trail is open to pedestrians, cyclists and horseback riders. The incident comes about two months after another woman was found dead on a popular hiking trail in Maryland. No arrests have been made in that case and there is a $30,000 reward. Furniture company Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams went bankrupt overnight. Here's how. Retired university dean shot, killed on Vermont trail; suspect at large Biden strongly condemns Hamas attack, reaffirms U.S. commitment Israel OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting on the citys northwest side Friday afternoon. Officers were called to the scene near NW 82nd and Western around 2:30 p.m. Friday. NW 82nd deadly shooting NW 82nd deadly shooting According to OKCPD, someone called 911 after finding the victim with a gunshot wound. When officers arrived, the found the male victim deceased inside a home. There is currently no information on a suspect or motive. If you have any information on the case, call CrimeStoppers at 405-235-7300. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Police say there is no evidence to back up GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy s claim that a protestor intentionally rammed his care in Iowa in retaliation after an exchange on the campaign trail. Ramaswamy was visiting a coffee shop in Grinnell, Iowa during a presidential campaign visit when he claims he was met by a small group of protestors. Had a civil exchange with protestors today, right before two of them then got into their car & rammed it into ours, Ramaswamy posted online. Those two should be held accountable, but the rest of the peaceful protestors shouldnt be tarred by the behavior of two bad actors. Ramaswamys campaign claimed that some protestors swore at him before two entered a car and reversed into the candidates car. The Grinnell Police Department released a statement following Thursdays incident saying a 22-year-old Grinnell resident accidentally made contact with Ramaswamys car. The impact caused minor damage to both vehicles, the police said. The police department said they issued the media release after the incident to clarify information circulating on social media. Per their investigation, only one woman was in the car that hit Ramaswamys, the person had no knowledge that the vehicle was associated with the campaign and she did not flee the scene. The woman received a traffic summons for unsafe backing. Both cars had minor damage, police said. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy, told The Associated Press that the campaign stands by its assessment that the driver was a protestor and that there were two people in the car. Ramaswamy went ahead with his scheduled campaign events that evening but later sent a fundraising email, detailing the events of the crash and asked his supporters to stand for free speech, the AP reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Photo : JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images) A protester returns a tear gas canister during clashes with Israeli forces following a demonstration against the expropriation of Palestinian land by Israel in the village of Kfar Qaddum, in the occupied West Bank on September 29, 2023. In a West Bank army raid on Thursday, the Palestinian health ministry stated that two Palestinian militants were fatally shot by Israeli gunfire. In the occupied territory, the recent deaths mark the continuation of a surge of violence that has persisted for several months. In the early morning hours, the Israeli military reportedly conducted a raid, prompting troops to respond by shooting Palestinian gunmen. In the recent clashes, it has been reported that a total of five border police officers sustained injuries The two men, who were later claimed by the Hamas militant group that governs the Gaza Strip, have been identified. In a continuing wave of violence that has consumed the occupied territory for over a year and a half, the incident unfolded as the latest occurrence. In a series of near-nightly operations, the Israeli military has conducted raids into Palestinian towns, resulting in frequent and sometimes fatal confrontations with local residents. A surge in militancy has been observed among young Palestinians, according to ABC News. In a recent development, Israeli troops took decisive action by closing roads in the vicinity and successfully apprehending two individuals who were traveling in a car. The Israeli military said that the troops promptly "neutralized" the suspects, as per Big News Network. According to the report, an M-16 rifle and magazines, which were allegedly used by the Palestinians, were discovered in the vehicle. Two youths were discovered deceased following an incident where their vehicle was allegedly targeted by Israeli soldiers near Shufa. Read Also: Ukraine Now Relies on Smoke-Belching DIY Combat Vehicles as Desperate Move Against Russia Israel-Palestine Violence In the ongoing surge of violence between Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank, the incident in question has emerged as the latest occurrence. In recent months, the West Bank, an area that is considered to be illegally occupied by Israel, has experienced a significant increase in violence. This surge in violence comes amidst a nearly decade-long stalemate in United States-sponsored peacemaking efforts. In an ongoing operation spanning over 18 months, Israel has intensified its military raids, focusing primarily on the northern region of the occupied West Bank. The objective behind these raids, as stated by Israeli authorities, is to eliminate Palestinian resistance fighters and prevent potential future attacks, Aljazeera reported. In a span of 56 years, the Israeli army has maintained a military occupation in the West Bank, a region that is home to approximately three million Palestinians. This occupation has been widely regarded as illegal by the United Nations and the majority of countries. In a significant development, Israel carried out a major offensive on the occupied West Bank in July, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries. Reports indicate that at least 12 Palestinians were killed in the Jenin refugee camp, while approximately 100 others sustained injuries during the attack. According to the United Nations, 2023 has been declared as the deadliest year for Palestinians since the organization began recording fatalities in 2006. These individuals, who have lost hope in their leadership and the possibility of a political resolution to the conflict, are now taking matters into their own hands. In the West Bank, the death toll of Palestinians due to Israeli fire has reached a significant milestone this year. Nearly 200 Palestinians have lost their lives, marking the highest number of fatalities in recent years. According to Israeli officials, the majority of those killed in the ongoing conflict have been identified as militants. However, it is important to note that alongside these militants, there have also been casualties among stone-throwing youths who are protesting incursions, as well as innocent bystanders. Since the beginning of 2023, over 30 individuals have lost their lives in a series of Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis. In the 1967 Mideast war, Israel successfully captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Related Article: Israeli Tactical School Offers a Fresh Model for Combating Domestic Terrorism in the U.S. and Protecting the Jewish Community @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Protesters fill the steps on the south side of the Oklahoma Capitol during a rally by Oklahoma Providers for Privacy to remove mental health from the Health Information Exchange mandate in March. The states largest police union and four Oklahoma physicians are going to court against the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and Oklahoma Health Information Exchange, seeking to stop the collection and sale of private health care information. Detailed in a 43-page lawsuit filed Thursday in Oklahoma County, police and physicians asked the court to declare the statutes which authorized and set up the exchange unconstitutional. The lawsuit seeks a temporary injunction to halt the transfer of private medical information until a court can decide the fate of the information exchange. Travis Vernier, the police union's attorney, said the action was sparked by a series of laws passed by the Oklahoma Legislature in 2021 and 2022. A history of the Health Information Exchange in Oklahoma In May of 2022, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1369 which created the Health Information Exchange. The measure, written by Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, and Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan, gave the state Health Care Authority the power to create rules for the exchange. The measure cleared the House of Representatives 72-10 in late April and passed the Senate 45-2 on May 9. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the bill May 11, 2022. Under the bill, any person who provides information and data to the exchange retains a property right to that data but grants to the other participants or subscribers a nonexclusive license to retrieve and use that information or data under relevant state or federal privacy laws. Vernier said the creation of the Oklahoma Health Information Exchange was the most dangerous attack on Oklahomans privacy in the history of the state. Since 2021, the state Legislature has passed a series of laws that forces Oklahoma health care providers to upload residents health records from family doctors, dentists, physical therapists and most every provider, he said. More: 1 in 4 Oklahoma patients give health care a failing grade in new report Because private medical records were not being shared with the state, Vernier said the Health Care Authority picked a private corporation, Tulsa-based MyHealth Access Network Inc., to receive, store and make the records available to other health care providers. He said each state health care provider is being forced to upload patient information even if the patient didnt authorize the access to the information. A representative for the Health Care Authority said the agency generally does not comment on potential or pending litigation. "OHCA remains committed to carrying out our mission to improve overall health outcomes for Oklahomans," Emily Long, a spokeswoman for the agency, said Friday, in an emailed statement to The Oklahoman. Bob Burke, the physicians' attorney in the lawsuit, said the data collection was blatantly unconstitutional. As recent as 2010, Oklahoma voters amended the states Constitution to prohibit the Legislature and governor from compelling residents to provide their private medical information to any group such as is happening with the Health Information Exchange, he said. It is clear from the constitutional amendment that people in Oklahoma did not want to be forced to provide their information to a private corporation. It is frightening because the private corporation has the right to sell the information to others. Patients, health care workers have protested the Health Information Exchange The lawsuit is the latest battle in an ongoing state war over the privacy of patient health care records. In March, hundreds of people, including therapists, counselors and their patients, protested at the state Capitol, saying their rights were being violated by the Health Information Exchange. Mental health professionals said they were concerned the new rules would make people less willing to seek treatment if they knew their personal information could be viewed by others. In a column written in March for The Oklahoman, Leah Danley, a mental health counselor, wrote she was "deeply troubled by the requirement to release mental health information into the statewide health information exchange." "Recently, the authority approved emergency revisions to this bill that expanded the mandate to all Oklahomans, regardless of using private insurance or if one pays out of pocket for mental health services. Authority literature continues to evolve on its website, but based on information on March 13, providers will be required to enter, at minimum, a name, diagnosis, dates of service and procedure codes," Danley wrote. "This means a client will now interface with their health care providers wearing their mental health treatment and particular struggle on their forehead, leading to possible bias and stigma." In August, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority proposed new rules, which it said offered medical providers exemptions from the data sharing plan. More: Mental health advocates protest proposed rule to share patients' data The new rules were adopted after the protests and after Gov. Stitt rejected the original plan. In an August media statement announcing the new rules, the Health Care Authority said it was "thankful for the feedback of Oklahoma patients and providers in creating these emergency rules which encourages improved collaboration among different healthcare providers while protecting a patient's right to privacy. OHCA remains committed to creating a streamlined, holistic health care approach and improving health outcomes for Oklahomans through the HIE." Altus attorney Tatum Gallagher whose husband is an orthopedic surgeon said doctors across the state were confused about what they are supposed to do. "The Oklahoma Health Care Authority says it will grant waivers to uploading the information," Gallagher said. "However, most physicians in the state have contracts with OHCA to treat patients covered by Sooner Care or Medicaid. If a physician accepts the waiver on HIE, he or she is in violation of the contract regarding treatment of Medicaid-eligible patients. More than a third of Oklahomans are covered by Medicaid. While patient participation is voluntary, Vernier, the attorney, said the data collection continues to raise serious privacy concerns. Those laws allow the state to collect an individuals private health care information and upload it to a database that is shared across the state and the nation, he said. The Health Care Authority says they are going to redact that information, but we have no idea how good that process will be. A hearing on the case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 30. The case has been assigned to District Judge Anthony Bonner. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma doctors, police file suit against state over medical records EVANSVILLE Two Evansville residents were shot and injured Thursday after an apparent marijuana and Xanax deal went awry, Evansville police said. Xavier Carlos Washington, 18, was arrested and preliminarily charged with battery committed with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony. He reportedly told police he fired the shots out of self-defense. The two victims a man and his cousin, a woman were taken to Deaconess Hospital, where they were interviewed by police and treated for wounds to the thigh and foot, respectively. According to both an EPD news release and the arrest affidavit filed in the case, the victims told police that Washington drove to the female victims residence in the 1300 block of West Virginia Street on Thursday evening after the male had called a friend of Washingtons to ask about buying some marijuana. Washington and his friend a woman who isnt currently facing charges reportedly sold the male $20 worth of marijuana, investigators wrote in the affidavit. The male told police he also exchanged some Xanax with Washington. Washington and the friend left but eventually came back to the residence and accused (the male victim) of ripping them off. Washington then reportedly brandished a gun. According to the male victim, the gun jammed when Washington initially tried to fire it. He said Washington then walked back to his car, returned to the yard, and fired. The female victim was reportedly watching the fight from her front door when a stray bullet caught her in the foot. Both she and the male both went inside when they realized theyd been shot. According to the affidavit, the male victim didnt want to pursue charges. The female victim did. Not long after responding to the shots fired call and getting a description of a vehicle that had reportedly left the scene, police pulled Washington and his friend over near the intersection of Fulton Avenue and West Tennessee Street. According to the affidavit, officers could see a handgun partially tucked under the front passenger seat. They had the vehicle towed and took the two in for questioning. During his interview with police, Washington said he thought the male victim owed him an extra Xanax because hed previously lent the man money. Investigators claim Washingtons story regarding the fight changed several times. At one point, he reportedly said he shot at the male victim because the man was on top of him fighting, but he later said the man was on top of his friend when he fired. He said he didnt mean to the shoot the female victim. Washingtons friend also said she believed Washington had acted in self-defense. But due to multiple inconsistencies in Washingtons explanation of the incident, detectives did not feel that he was, the news release states. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: EPD: Two Evansville residents shot after botched marijuana, Xanax deal (Bloomberg) -- Polands pro-European Union opposition appears to have seized the momentum in the final stretch of an election campaign thats due to culminate on Oct. 15. Most Read from Bloomberg Days after hundreds of thousands of Civic Platform supporters took to the streets of Warsaw, an Oct. 3-4 opinion poll from IBRiS pollster showed the ruling Law & Justices lead has narrowed to 5 percentage points from around 8 percentage points in the previous survey published on Sept. 27. An internal poll disclosed on Thursday by Civic Platform leader and former European Council President Donald Tusk showed the ruling partys advantage has dropped to less than 1 percentage point. Poland is now looking likely to face an extended period of uncertainty after the election. If the polls prove to be accurate, the Civic Platform will probably seek to form a coalition with two other opposition parties, though the chances for one of them the conservative Third Way alliance to enter parliament are hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, Law & Justice may struggle to hold on to an outright majority to stay in power for a third term. Its likely to make overtures toward the far-right Confederation party, which has so far ruled out any coalition talks. Read more: Zlotys Next Phase Shaped by Election After Cautious Rate Cut The election will decide whether Poland, the biggest of the European Unions eastern member states, will mend fences with Brussels and be able to access billions of euros in aid currently suspended over rule-of-law concerns. The country is also a key hub for military aid to Ukraine, while a recent spat with Kyiv threatened to undermine fraying Western unity. With the race going down to the wire, Tusk will square off with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a televised debate on Monday. The ruling party has repeatedly accused Tusk of presiding over high unemployment when he was a premier in 2007-2014 and described him as a pawn of neighboring Germany. In Slovakia, opinion polls also showed the race tightening just days before the general election only for the party of Robert Fico, who campaigned for ending military aid for Ukraine, to win the vote last Saturday. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. President Joe Biden has reportedly considered alternative methods of funding that do not require congressional approval, Politico reported on Oct. 6. The State Department program allows for the provision of grants or loans for allied countries to purchase military equipment, and could be a stopgap solution as the U.S. Congress continues to debate the inclusion of aid for Ukraine in forthcoming spending bills. The use of State Department grants is among a number of options the Biden administration is considering to circumvent, at least temporarily, the impasse in Congress, unnamed sources in the U.S. government told Politico. In order to prevent a government shutdown, Congress passed a short-term bill on Sept. 30 to keep the government running for another 45 days, but the bill did not include provisions for aid for Ukraine. On Oct. 2, a Pentagon spokesman warned that money remaining from previously allocated funding packages was running out, which could cause disruptions to the flow of aid. Most options to authorize new funding for Ukraine require approval from Congress, which is currently embroiled in the complicated process of selecting a replacement for outgoing Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Although there is relative unity within the U.S. Senate about the continuation of aid for Ukraine, including among Senate Republicans led by Sen. Mitch McConnell, the picture is less clear in the Republican-led House of Representatives. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 51 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. US President Joe Biden 's administration is considering using a State Department grant programme to send additional military assistance to Ukraine. Source: Politico, referring two US officials Details: According to the media outlet, President Joe Biden hinted at this strategy on Wednesday, saying that "there is another means by which we may be able to find funding for that". He declined to comment further. One official said the president's comments referred to "existing funding authorities" that Congress had previously granted the administration "that allow us to provide additional support to Ukraine for a bit longer if Congress doesnt act." One option under consideration is the use of foreign military financing, a programme run by the State Department that provides grants or loans to help partner countries purchase weapons and defence equipment. The outlet notes that even if the US uses its financial authority to purchase weapons, Congress must still authorise additional funding to support Ukraine. The administration could also potentially ask Congress to redirect funding from the Pentagon's budget to support Ukraine, according to a Defence Ministry official. However, this route would require legislative approval. Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said no decision has been made on which route the department will take: "Reprogramming is always an option for urgent needs. At this time right now, though, to my knowledge, no decision has been made on using reprogramming as a way to support Ukraine security assistance." Background: Out of the US$25.9 billion allocated by Congress to replenish the stockpile of weapons that were sent to Ukraine, only US$1.6 billion remained. In addition, the United States has about $5.4 billion left to supply weapons and equipment from its stockpile. The United States would have exhausted these funds by now if the Pentagon had not realised earlier this year that it had overestimated the equipment it had already sent. 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! This is part of an occasional Herald-Leader series, Trail to 23, to catch readers up on all the latest from this years Kentucky elections, most notably the governors race. There are fewer than five weeks until the Nov. 7 general election in which Kentuckians will decide the commonwealths next governor: incumbent Democrat Andy Beshear or Republican challenger Daniel Cameron. Past installments can be read online. A new poll released by a pro-Daniel Cameron group showed Gov. Andy Beshear with a six-point lead, but with Cameron closing in over the course of the month of September. At the start of the month, Beshear was up 48% to Camerons 40% with 12% undecided. Near the end, it was 48% to 42%, with 10% undecided. The poll was conducted by WPA Intelligence, a firm with a B/C rating from elections analysis site fivethirtyeight.com. The group that paid for the survey, Club For Growth, is an influential conservative organization whose primary funders billionaires Jeff Yass and Richard Uihlein are also backing pro-Cameron PACs. Democrats have taken heart that a poll put out by a Cameron-friendly group still shows the governor with a decent lead. Thats a sentiment shared by some nationally prominent elections observers, including fiverthirtyeight.com senior editor Nathaniel Rakich. If a Club (for Growth) poll still has Beshear leading by 6, he is probably in very good shape, Rakich posted to X, the website formerly known as Twitter. However, Republicans are quick to point out that Beshear has not regularly reached 50% in publicly available polls, and Cameron has more room to grow in terms of name I.D. than the sitting governor. New #KYGov polling memo just dropped. The poll, commissioned by the Club for Growth PAC which has endorsed Daniel Cameron, shows Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear maintaining his lead over the GOP nominee. pic.twitter.com/JDpl4i29O0 Tessa Duvall (@TessaDuvall) October 4, 2023 Meanwhile, another independent poll was released early Friday by Fox 56 and Emerson College showing Beshear up on Cameron by a wide 49 to 33 margin. Cameron gets NRA endorsement The National Rifle Association gave its official endorsement to Cameron. The 2nd Amendment is under attack from Biden Democrats across the nation. Ive fought them. Andy Beshear? Silent, Cameron posted to X when touting the endorsement. The gun rights group regularly backs Republicans against Democrats. The NRA also recently endorsed Republican candidate for attorney general Russell Coleman in his tilt against Democratic state representative Pam Stevenson. The legislature recently passed a bill to make the state a Second Amendment Sanctuary. The bill prohibits state and local law enforcement from enforcing a federal firearms ban. Beshear neither signed nor vetoed the bill. He let it become law without his signature. A down-ballot candidate on TV After a deluge of television ads from gubernatorial hopefuls since January with a couple winning ads featuring cow farts and hardline immigration stances from commissioner of agriculture and treasurer candidates sprinkled in during the primary we have the first down-ticket candidate airing ads on television. In an ad titled Lawman, GOP nominee for attorney general Russell Coleman flexes his law & order credentials and opens with a shot of Coleman shooting a pistol. Coleman was previously an FBI agent and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. Hes also worked as counsel to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, and made partner at the politically influential Louisville law firm Frost Brown Todd. It comes as little surprise that Coleman is the first of several down-ballot candidates to air television ads. His fundraising effort has paced all other candidates for non-gubernatorial statewide office, raising well over a million dollars total and boasting $916,000 on hand as of mid-September. JUST IN! Launching my first ad today, Lawman. SHARE today to help spread the word - Russell Coleman for Attorney General pic.twitter.com/oTlIsM0rAQ Russell Coleman (@RCforAG) October 6, 2023 Beshear crime data issues pt. II Weeks after the Herald-Leader reported on discrepancies between homicide data produced by Kentucky State Police and touted by Beshears administration and the data from Louisville Metro Police Department which led to a state undercount of around 100 homicides Louisville news station WDRB found that theres more. A records manager for LMPD, in an email obtained by the station, said that none of the numbers KSP published in the Crime in KY book for 2022 is correct. The numbers provided by LMPD in those exchanges showed that 17,292 more serious offenses were recorded in Jefferson County than the KSP report showed. That would mean serious crime increased in Louisville by 12%, not declined by 19% as previously shown. Beshear emphasized to WDRB that the report is a living document, and that regardless of the details serious crime still went down on the whole. What we absolutely know is, even with the update, that serious crime decreased last year, Beshear said. Weekly ad spending snapshot Beshear is still outpacing Cameron when it comes to television advertisements. According to the latest data compiled by ad firm Medium Buying, Beshear and a pro-Beshear PAC the only one on TV being the Democratic Governors Association-aligned Defending Bluegrass Values are spending three times as much as Cameron and pro-Cameron PACs on advertising. During the week of Oct. 3-9, pro-Beshear groups are spending $1.8 million to the pro-Cameron groups $601,000. Comparing the campaigns themselves, Beshear is spending about four times as much as Cameron on television advertisements. On cable television, Beshear is spending ten times more this week. The disparity between pro-Beshear ads and pro-Cameron ads persists in every media market. One particularly interesting point of comparison is the battleground area of Northern Kentucky, where Beshear won both Kenton and Campbell counties in 2019 and deep red Boone county was a source of frustration for many Republicans due to low turnout. Beshear and pro-Beshear forces are spending around $310,000 in the Cincinnati, Ohio market, while Cameron and PACs supporting him are dropping around $28,000 a more than 10 to 1 difference. Also of note, the Beshear campaigns ad featuring abortion survivor Hadley Duvall, who directly calls out Camerons support of the states trigger ban on abortion, was still up on the air as of this week. That could signal a belief that the Beshear team, with the pocketbooks to turn around new ads each week, thinks this line of messaging works quite well. More anti-Biden & anti-Beshear messaging Bluegrass Freedom Action, an outside group thats been backing Cameron since the GOP primary, has a new ad out on television tying Beshear to Democratic President Joe Biden and contrasting the two gubernatorial candidates big differences. The ad claims that Biden helps bankroll Beshears agenda. The Biden Victory Fund - a joint fundraising committee between Biden, the Democratic National Committee and all state parties - has given the Kentucky Democratic Party a hefty chunk of change. The KDP, which is mostly focused on re-electing Gov. Beshear, got $250,000 from the committee. Beshear backs Biden, and we get Bidens border crisis. Beshear even vetoed a major tax cut as Bidens inflation crushed Kentucky families, the ads narrator states. #KYGov: R group Bluegrass Freedom Action is up on TV this a.m. with this contrast spot -- Spotlights @realDonaldTrump's support for Daniel Cameron pic.twitter.com/RGWeYUvYgG Medium Buying (@MediumBuying) October 6, 2023 New ads on education A new ad from Defending Bluegrass Values features former Democratic state Senate candidate Susan Cintra shes a teacher in Madison County, which is seen by many as a bellwether in this years election decrying Camerons record on education. #KYGov: DGA-affiliated group Defending Bluegrass Values is up on TV with this spot -- Continues to tie Daniel Cameron to Matt Bevin pic.twitter.com/tgPFFBuJJW Medium Buying (@MediumBuying) October 3, 2023 The Cameron campaign unveiled a couple new direct-to-camera ads one that works as something of a retort to the Defending Bluegrass Values ad. Camerons wife Makenze speaks to the camera about her husbands commitment to public education, revealing at the end that she was a public school teacher as evidence of her argument. Another ad from Cameron represents a larger project of the campaign: tying Beshear to Democratic President Joe Biden. In the ad, Cameron boasts about the lawsuits against the Biden administration that hes filed and joined. The Washington liberals want to change our country for the worse. As your governor, I will fight them every day. Andy Beshear he never will, Cameron says. #KYGov: The Daniel Cameron campaign is up on TV with this spot -- Cameron in front of cyc wall, to camera: "Now the Washington liberals want to change our country for the worse. As your governor, I will fight them every day. Andy Beshear? He never will" pic.twitter.com/wCtmGlud1u Medium Buying (@MediumBuying) October 4, 2023 Treasurer, auditor candidates take part in forums On a KET program this week, candidates for treasurer and auditor got to hash out some of the larger questions facing both of those offices. Republican Treasurer and candidate for auditor Allison Ball advocated for a roughly half-million-dollar audit of Jefferson County Public Schools in the wake of its busing difficulties while Democratic auditor candidate Kim Reeder said that the crisis highlighted the need to reexamine the amount of funding the state provides to public schools. Candidates on both sides of the aisle for state treasurer got to take a crack at making their case on the KET as well. The candidates, Republican Mark Metcalf and Democrat Michael Bowman, towed predictable lines on environmental, social and governance often called just ESG investment practices and spending recommendations they would make to the GOP-dominated General Assembly. Beshear rolls out infrastructure budget proposals As part of a series of budget proposals well in advance of the 2024 legislative session something unique to this year, a campaign season thats taking place one year after the legislature bucked tradition by proposing their budget well in advance of the governor Beshear rolled out his infrastructure plan this week. The plan includes: $500 million for clean drinking water programs More commitment to funding broadband internet expansion, including distribution of a $1.1 billion federal grant that the state received $100 million for building and renovations to the states career and technical education centers $10 million from the General Fund over two years to the Housing Corporations Affordable Housing Trust Fund $200 million for economic development site preparation $15 million for a marketing and recruitment initiative to build a globally competitive talent development system in Kentucky. Beshears official events have rankled many elected Republicans, who claim hes using the governors podium to promote his re-election campaign. Republicans in the legislature say his proposals have no chance of making it through both chambers, complaining of his administrations lack of communication. Last budget cycle, Beshears big-ticket proposals were largely ignored. Once again he throws out policy that he hasnt talked to anyone about, will do nothing to try to pass it, only to take credit for the work that we ultimately do, House Speaker David Osborne, R- Prospect, said in a statement. However, as he should be aware, the legislatures work on both the budget and the 2024 legislative agenda began several months ago and will continue after we convene the 2024 Regular Session in January. Kentuckians can expect their legislature to continue passing the same responsible, Kentucky-forward policies as we have since 2017 regardless of who is in the Governors Mansion. Incumbent Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves is leading Democrat Brandon Presley by 8 points, according to a new poll conducted by the Magnolia Tribune and polling firm Mason-Dixon. The poll shows Reeves is leading with 51% of the vote, compared to Presley's 43% as the candidates battle in the last month before the Nov. 7 General Election. Six percent of those asked in the poll said they are undecided. Reeves has a commanding 25-point lead on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a 17-point lead in North Mississippi and a 16-point lead in Eastern Mississippi. Presley, on the other hand, dominates in the Delta with a 19-point lead and a 10-point lead in the Jackson Metropolitan area. Reeves has increased his lead by 1-point compared to a previous poll conducted by the Magnolia Tribune/Mason-Dixon in March. That poll showed Reeves, 46%, leading Presley, 39%, by 7-points. The Mason-Dixon poll is graded A- "based on the historical accuracy and methodology of each polling organizations polls," by FiveThirtyEight a website that focuses on opinion poll analysis. Democrat Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, left, is challenging incumbent Republican Gov. Tate Reeves. A new poll shows Reeves has a lead. Presley's main support has been coming from young voters, minority voters and women. Reeves support has increased among white voters, people over 50 and men. The poll shows Reeves has the most support among Republicans, 92%, while Presley has the most support among black voters, 89%. Sixty-one percent of men in the state said they support Reeves and 53% of women support Presley, according to the poll. With independent voters in Mississippi, Reeves edges out his Democratic challenger with 47% compared to Presley's 42%. "This is another poll that shows the Governor with a commanding lead over his opponent. Mississippians arent buying Brandon Presleys lies, and in November they will reject him and his far-left friends who are funding his campaign," said Clifton Carroll, Reeves' campaign communications director. The Presley campaign questioned the methodology of the poll, saying it does not accurately portray the amount of Black voters. The March poll was 64% white and 34% Black, while the October poll was 66% white and 32% Black, said Presley's communication director Michael Beyer. "Mason/Dixon changed their methodology from March to underweight Black voters by 2% in order to get Tate Reeves to 51%," Beyer said. Beyer also said the latest poll does not include the governor's approval ratings, "likely because Tate Reeves' disapproval rating is higher than his approval rating in several other polls." Beyer alluded to a July Morning Consult poll that showed Reeves was tied for last place as the least popular governor in the nation and ranked as the least popular Southern governor. "Polling has consistently shown Reeves is deeply unpopular and this race is neck-and-neck, and some poll paid for by Reeves buddies at a partisan blog doesn't change that," Beyer said. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Reeves leads Presley for MS governor according to latest poll Climate change is likely to result in larger tropical sea creatures washing up on UK beaches more often, a marine expert has said. A Portuguese man o' war, normally seen in tropical waters, was found on Porth Dafarch beach, Anglesey, this week. John Whitaker, who stumbled across the creature on a dog walk, said it was the first he had ever seen. Anglesey Sea Zoo has said they have washed up in the past but this one was bigger than usual. Often mistaken as a jellyfish, another of these siphonophores washed up on a Jersey beach in September. "I had to make sure the dog didn't get his nose too close," said Mr Whitaker. "It's the first time I'd seen one up here, usually the water is too cold." The change in water temperature is a factor, as Anglesey Sea Zoo's Frankie Hobro explained on BBC Radio Wales' Phone In Show on Thursday. The tentacles of this jellyfish-like creature can be as long as 10ft (3m) "We do occasionally see Portuguese man o' war washed up, this one looks like it's a little bit bigger than the ones we've had in the past," she said. "Sea temperatures just now are starting to drop a little bit. "They were at their highest a month ago and with the changing weather patterns increasing overall sea temperatures all around the UK we are likely to see more of these species that are considered to be tropical - not just more often but larger as well." Portuguese man o' wars live on the surface of the water and they are a type of animal that is made up of a colony of organisms working together. "They are quite obvious even from a distance," added Ms Hobro. "They have this very large float on the surface and the tentacles can actually go down to one, two or even three metres (3 to 10ft) in length underneath them in the water." She added although they were not deadly to humans, they were best avoided. "While I was working in the tropics, several years before I came here and bought the business it was this classic scenario where it was being washed around in the surf. "I was standing in the surf and it wrapped itself around my ankle. "It was very painful, it takes several weeks to recover from the marks of the sting that it leaves, it's not pleasant." As lawmakers get ready to return to Austin for a special session focusing on school choice legislation, some expect the standoff in the Republican Party to continue. It may not be the potential impact of school choice, education savings accounts and voucher programs on urban areas that determine whether the proposal passes in this special session but rather what the impact could be on rural communities. State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) says in rural regions the public school district can be the lifeblood of a community. "Take Friday nights. What happens on Friday nights? The whole town is at the football game, the basketball game, the cheerleading competition, band competition. And I don't see that changing any time soon," he said. Joshua Cowen, Professor of Education Policy at Michigan State University, is considered one of the top voices on education policy. "Often, the district is by far the largest employer in the town or in the county. So when you're talking about funding for those districts, its not just about the kids who are there," he said. "Its about the entire community base that we have to worry about." Cowen points to research showing student populations at private schools are already well established. "But for the roughly 25% or so of kids who do transfer from public to private schools we see using a voucher, we see some of the largest academic drops that we've ever seen on any subject in the research community," he said. The regular legislative session ended with a fight over school vouchers and no pay raise for teachers. Texas is the only state employees did not to get a salary increase. School choice is top of Gov. Greg Abbott's agenda, but he also told FOX News the session will include border security proposals. "He can probably get a win on some border things. But based on how I'm kind of reading the tea leaves right now, there's not the political will to pass vouchers in the state of Texas," West said. The education policy expert says most elite private schools don't want voucher programs. And even with vouchers, the private schools ultimately decide who they will admit. In announcing the third special session, the governor has added other agenda items to the call as he announced the third special session on Thursday. That includes border security, public safety and legislation that would prohibit private employers from putting COVID-19 vaccination mandates in place. WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden blamed the media for Americans' continued anxiety about the economy as he struggles to convince the public that the economy is improving despite a robust jobs market. Biden touted "good news today" following the Labor Department's Friday announcement that a booming 336,000 jobs were added in September, the strongest monthly gain since January and eclipsing forecasts of 170,000 jobs added last month. The unemployment rate held steady at 3.8%. "We have the highest share of working-age Americans in the workforce in 20 years," Biden said in remarks from the White House's Roosevelt Room. "And it's no accident. It's Bidenomics." Yet polling shows Americans remain concerned about the economy primarily due to stubborn inflation, which although down significantly from a year ago, remains above pre-pandemic levels. Nearly 70% of Americans said the economy is getting worse, according to a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll last month, while only 22% said the economy is improving. Eighty-four percent of Americans said their cost of living is rising, and nearly half of Americans, 49%, blamed food and grocery prices as the main driver. President Joe Biden responds to questions from reporters after speaking about the September jobs report in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in Washington. Biden, asked by a reporter why many Americans still don't feel good about the economy despite progress on jobs, pointed to negative media coverage. "You all are not the happiest people in the world - what you report," Biden said. "And I mean it sincerely. You get more legs when you're reporting something that's negative. I don't mean you're picking me. It's just the nature of things." He added: "You turn on the television, and there's not a whole lot about boy saves dog because he swims in the lake. You know, it's about somebody pushed the dog in the lake. I mean, I get it." In addition to the robust September jobs numbers, job gains for July and August were revised up by a combined 119,000, pushing the advances for each month over 200,000 and painting a more robust picture of summer hiring than previously thought. It's a sign that a recession once predicted might not materialize. "I think the 300,000-plus people who got jobs feel better about the economy," Biden said. "The American people are smart as hell and know what their interests are. I think they know they're better off financially than they were before. It's a fact." Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly known as Twitter, @joeygarrison. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Biden blames media for Americans' concerns about the economy (Photo : ALEXEY DRUZHININ/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images) TOPSHOT - Russian President Vladimir Putin looks at military aircrafts flying over the Kremlin and Red Square to mark the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, Moscow, May 9, 2020. Russia has announced that an agreement has been reached to establish a permanent naval base on the Black Sea coast in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia. In a significant turn of events, the development occurred just one day following the leader's highly anticipated meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Russia to Deploy Naval Base on Occupied Territory of Georgia In Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula, where the Russian Black Sea Fleet is stationed, a series of attacks by Ukrainian forces have been reported. These incidents come in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is worth noting that the Crimean Peninsula was annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014. In a recent statement, Aslan Bzhania, the self-proclaimed president of Abkhazia with Russian support, announced the signing of an agreement pertaining to the establishment of a permanent naval base in the Ochamchira region. According to Firstpost, Bzhania announced that an agreement has been reached, paving the way for the establishment of a permanent base for the Russian Navy in the Ochamchira district. The speaker emphasized that the primary objective of these actions is to enhance the defense capabilities of both Russia and Abkhazia. Furthermore, he confirmed that this collaborative effort will persist in the future. In a recent statement, the individual mentioned that there are certain matters they are unable to discuss. The West has accused Russia of effectively annexing Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The allegations gained momentum when discussions arose in 2009 regarding a potential Russian base in Ochamchira. Expressing their concern, the NATO military alliance has closely monitored these developments. It has been revealed that three of the states situated along the Black Sea coast are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). These states include Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania According to reports, the majority of nations worldwide acknowledge Abkhazia as a constituent territory of Georgia. In addition to Russia, Abkhazia has been recognized as an independent state by Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria. Reports have emerged regarding the establishment of a Russian base at Ochamchira, a location that once housed a naval base for the Soviet Union. This development raises speculation that Russia may be exploring alternative options to Sevastopol, while simultaneously expanding its military presence along the Black Sea coast towards Turkey. Read Also: Israel Forces Kill 2 Palestinians, Injure Dozens in Occupied West Bank Russia Withdraws Its Black Sea Fleet Russia has reportedly withdrawn the majority of its Black Sea Fleet from its primary base in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia, citing attacks from Ukraine as the reason. During his meeting with Bzhania on Wednesday, Putin remained tight-lipped regarding any remarks about a naval base. Bzhania expressed his desire to partake in the integration processes initiated by the Russian side. Three Russian milbloggers have shared satellite images dated October 1 and 2, revealing a significant repositioning of the Black Sea Fleet's largest ships, as per Newsweek. The vessels in question have reportedly moved from the port of Sevastopol in Crimea.In recent weeks, Russia's Black Sea Fleet has faced a series of setbacks as Kyiv intensifies its offensive to regain control of the Black Sea peninsula, which was annexed by Putin in 2014. Related Article: Ukraine Now Relies on Smoke-Belching DIY Combat Vehicles as Desperate Move Against Russia @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Zuzana Caputova Slovakia's President, Zuzana Caputova, expressed support for the continuation of military assistance to Ukraine, despite her earlier stance against it following the parliamentary elections. Read also: Trojan Horse of Russian influence wins Slovak elections "Slovak military aid to Ukraine should continue. I respect the parliamentary elex [election] outcome & negative view on this in the party leading the coalition talks. But any Slovak administration should see that this is as much about Ukraines security as about Slovakias own. Read also: Wait for coalition formation before drawing conclusions Ukraines Foreign Minister on Slovakian election Caputova previously opposed a new package of military aid to Ukraine even after her party's victory in the parliamentary elections. Her advisor Jana Kobzova clarified that in the Caputovas view, the approval of the military aid package by the outgoing government creates a risky precedent for the transfer of power after future elections. She emphasized that the military assistance from Slovakia to Kyiv is the most significant the country has ever provided. Slovakias pro-Russian party Smer-SD, led by populist Robert Fico, emerged as the winner in the Slovakian parliamentary elections with 23.29% of the votes. The pro-European liberal party Progressive Slovakia (PS), led by Michal Simecka, secured the second position with 17.07% of the votes. Fico confirmed his intentions to cease assistance to Ukraine and has received a mandate to form a new government. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Rows of 3D-printed homes in various stages of construction in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood of Georgetown on Oct. 4, 2023. Credit: Julius Shieh/The Texas Tribune ROUND TOP Layer by layer, a robotic arm lays streaks of concrete that rise to become the walls of five small vacation rentals tucked in the corner of The Halles event center in this Central Texas town. Round Top is no stranger to short-term rentals. The town of less than 100 residents draws tourists for its antique events and live music scene and has more than 200 rentals listed on Airbnb. But these new additions, named the Casitas at the Halles, represent what Hive3D founder and CEO Timothy Lankau hopes is a revolution in construction 3D printed homes built mostly by machines. His Houston-based company, was launched in 2022 and has built six homes. There's something of a housing crisis in America, which I think is the stupidest crisis I can possibly imagine, " Lankau said. With all of the ingenuity and resources we have, as a people, the fact that we can't figure out a better way to build walls and roofs so that everyone has a nice house seems just baffling to me. While the technology is new, Lankau as well as others embarking on this endeavor believe 3D homes can eventually help lessen the housing crisis, and do it in a climate-friendly way. 3D printing of residential structures is still a new concept. The first one, a 3,000-square-foot home in Yaroslavl, Russia, was completed in 2017. A year later, an Austin-based startup called Icon showcased its first 3D-printed structure at the technology portion of South by Southwest. We ultimately needed to find ways to build a lot more homes a lot faster. And we landed on 3D printing, using concrete-like material, said Tom vonReichbauer, the CFO of Icon, which is building an entire subdivision near Austin using 3D printing technology. Advanced robotic construction is the most promising path forward. A small 3D-printed homes walls can be built in under 24 hours, with printing on larger single-family homes' walls ranging from 10 to 45 days. The average single-family home using traditional methods takes six to eight months to construct, according to eXp Realty. A large 3D-printer is used to build the walls and structure of a new home in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood of Georgetown. Credit: Julius Shieh/The Texas Tribune When you take construction, and you bring automated technologies to it and do robotic construction, you're able to help shrink the timeline it takes to build a home, VonReichbauer said. You're able to print [a house] with far less waste. If you've been to a traditional construction site, you've seen the amount of waste that's produced there. Just like with traditional construction, the foundation is laid first. After that, rebar is put in place to support the interior and exterior walls, which are printed over the rebar. The robotic arm of the 3D printing machine lays the cement like layers of frosting leaving a hollow space for electrical wiring and plumbing thats later filled in with more concrete. Once a wall is complete, the robot is moved to the next wall. The finished walls have a horizontal ribbed texture. After the walls are finished, workers install doors, windows and a roof. Both Hive3D and Icon use alternatives to portland cement cement production is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases in the construction industry and is responsible for about 8% of the world's CO2 emissions per year. Hive3D partnered with Utah-based Eco Material Technologies, which creates a range of eco-friendly alternatives to concrete called "green cement," which includes fly ash a common byproduct from coal-fired power plants. Unlike portland cement, their mixes don't require milling and heating limestone, which accounts for most of the product's pollutants, so it creates 92% to 99% fewer emissions, said Eco Material Technologies CEO Grant Quasha. Quasha said the green cement doesnt have an entirely carbon-neutral footprint because the mix requires transportation to the work site and electricity is used to run the mill to mix the materials together once it arrives, but the company claims it keeps over 6 million tons of CO2 out of the environment each year with its cement alternatives. Icon makes its own concrete alternative called Lavacrete, which vonReichbauer says uses some portland cement. He said the company is looking for ways to make it more eco-friendly. Built for the climate Walking through the first single-family home that Hive3D is building in Burton, which is about halfway between Austin and Houston, Lankau noted that the house was significantly cooler than the outside temperature on a blazing August day even though the air conditioner had not yet been installed. Lankau said the thick foamed concrete walls help give the homes an above-average R-value which refers to a materials resistance to heat transfer. Even as Texas experiences more extreme heat, the insulating properties of concrete construction should keep the homes cooler inside, which can help keep utility bills lower. Lankau added that the concrete walls make the homes much more wind-resistant and safer during extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornados. We prefer to build with more curved shapes and less flat surfaces for wind to push against. The roofs are tied all the way down to the foundation and into concrete rebar, Lankau said. Its a serious structure when it comes to wind. Concrete structures are also more likely to survive flooding without sustaining major structural damage or mold infestation, Lankau said. Traditional frame homes often require significant restoration when sheetrock, insulation and wooden framing gets inundated with water in a flood. Large 3D-printers sit in a row in a construction zone in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood of Georgetown. Credit: Julius Shieh/The Texas Tribune When you have these foot-thick concrete walls, they are bulletproof, everything-proof. From the foundation up to the roof line, everything is inorganic, so there's nothing to rot and degrade over time, Lankau said. So it should, over time, not change much, this house should look the same today as it's going to look in 100 years. Addressing affordability and the shelter crisis About 30 miles north of Austin in Georgetown, Icon is printing an entire 100-home subdivision called Wolf Ranch in collaboration with Florida-based major developer Lennar. VonReichbauer said the city has been incredibly receptive to what we're doing and the first homes sold within a few days of being listed. Lennar is listing the homes for roughly $470,000 to $579,000; the average cost of a home in Georgetown sits at $459,932. VonReichbauer said the company has also built 3D-printed homes in Mexico with New Story, an organization focused on aiding the shelter crisis across the globe. In what New Story calls the world's first 3D printed community, 10 homes were built just outside of Nacajuca in the state of Tabasco for financially needy families in the region who moved into the homes in November 2021. Icon also partnered with Austin's Mobile Loaves & Fishes to build six 400-square-foot homes in an east Austin community run by the nonprofit for chronically unhoused people. A model house, one of the first created with a specialized 3D-printed cement, at the Community First! Village for people experiencing homelessness in Austin, on Oct. 19, 2022. Credit: Azul Sordo/The Texas Tribune Lankau hopes to do something similar as Hive3D expands. He believes his Round Top rentals which range from 450-square-foot studios to 850-square-foot two-bedrooms can serve as a model for building affordable homes in a state with a growing housing shortage. Lankau said Hive3D will work as its own developer when necessary to make sure their homes are sold at affordable prices and wants the company to sell to a range of consumers. There are different bands of affordability. There's government-subsidized housing and there's housing that is just built for people on median incomes to afford. We're open to all of that, Lankau said. However, James Tate, an assistant architecture professor at Texas A&M University, expressed skepticism about the long-term ability of these companies to keep their prices affordable and compete in the Texas housing market. In this state, there is no requirement for developers to have affordable housing units, there's no incentive other than individual developers who say, I believe that there should be fair housing, Tate said. This state is very willing to allow housing discrimination to happen all the time. Tate is also skeptical that 3D printing can change the construction industry and address the housing crisis. As a researcher and design faculty at a university. I can't help but feel a need to be optimistic, he said. But I know enough about the history of architecture and construction. In every attempt that has been made to address our housing challenges, when we take a step forward another challenge arises all property and real property is subject to forces of capitalism. Todd Wiseman contributed to this story. A decades-long effort to protect a pristine Kentucky lake from potential commercial development has finally succeeded. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and The Conservation Fund announced this week that they had finalized the purchase of Fern Lake and adjoining property. The lake, which covers more than 100 acres on the Kentucky-Tennessee line near Middlesboro, is one of the iconic views at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, visible from the popular Pinnacle Overlook. The park surrounds the lake, but the lake and some surrounding property were privately owned. Supporters have long wanted to bring the lake into the park to make sure it wouldnt be developed. Fern Lake is a jewel worth saving within the larger Appalachian region, a region that continues to grow in its importance for clean air, clean water, connected wildlife habitats and other benefits to people, said Gabby Lynch, director of protection for TNC in Tennessee. The two groups paid private landowners $6,078,037 for parcels totaling 712 acres in Kentucky and Tennessee, including the lake. Two conservation groups bought property containing Fern Lake, near Middlesboro, in October 2023. The lake ultimately will be transferred to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The organizations received money from the James Graham Brown Foundation in Louisville and other donors for the acquisition. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental organization with offices in every state and The Conservation Fund is a national group. Both have worked on other projects to protect land in Kentucky. The plan is for the National Park Service to buy the land from the organizations in the coming months, using money from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which gets money from earnings on offshore oil and gas leases. The area wont be open to the public for some time. The park service will develop a plan for managing the property, including what activities will be allowed on it. Fern Lake is visible from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park near Middlesboro, Ky. The park service will seek feedback from the public in developing the plan, said Lisa Baldwin, superintendent of the park. The lake is the water source for the city of Middlesboro. That will continue under ownership by the conservation groups and ultimately as part of the park, according to the park service and the groups. It was important to protect Fern Lake for that reason, but for others as well, according to supporters of the acquisition. The tract connects other lands nearby that already are protected, including the park and 100,000 acres that TNC manages in Kentucky and Tennessee. The Fern Lake tract also is within a region that is a vital migratory corridor for wildlife, which will become more important as a result of climate change, according to the conservation groups. The Appalachian Mountains have some of the most intact temperate hardwood forests in the world and shelter a variety of wildlife, including endangered species. Fog covers the mountains in the Cumberland Gap National Park, shortly before sunrise, near Middlesboro, Ky. The forests, with a high level of biodiversity, make up the single most critical landscape east of the Mississippi River for climate resiliency, the groups said. Protection of Fern Lake and its watershed will help ensure that the people of Middlesboro have access to a local drinking water source; that birds, bears, and other wildlife can migrate and find what they need; and that the incredible view from the Pinnacle will be available for future generations to enjoy, Baldwin, the park superintendent, said in a statement. Recent history of land purchases The lake has faced potential threats from logging and coal mining in the past. In 1996, the federal government banned mining in the Tennessee side of the watershed, but a coal company pressed ahead for a time with a proposal for surface mining on the Kentucky side. Kentucky regulators and the company, Appolo Fuels, signed a deal in 1998 to end that effort. That didnt end concern over potential development, however, particularly when the company listed the lake for sale in 2000. U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and Sen. Mitch McConnell, both Republicans, introduced bills in 2001 authorizing the National Park Service to buy the lake. Conservation groups bought parcels in the watershed through the years that ultimately became part of the park, but the lake remained in private hands until this week. The purchase means permanent protection for the lake and surrounding land, according to The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund. A healthy and protected Fern Lake will forever provide residents and visitors clean water and outdoor recreation, while supporting important wildlife habitat, said Ralph Knoll, senior project coordinator for The Conservation Fund. A prosecutor announced Friday that he will not charge Georgia state troopers for their fatal shooting of an environmental activist. Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian said the troopers employment of deadly force against Manuel Paez Teran, 26, was objectively reasonable. Christian made his decision known through a news release and also released a 31-page report with his analysis. Protestors of the Cop City, a nickname for a police and firefighter training facility being built near Atlanta, were camping out in an area in development for the facility, where Paez Teran was killed in January. The troopers were reportedly participating in an enforcement operation when they came across Paez Teran, also known as Tortuguita, according to authorities. Paez Teran rejected calls from the officials to come out of a tent, so the troopers used a pepper ball launcher to force evacuation which was followed by Paez Teran firing a handgun four times, according to the release. Six troopers fired back, killing the activist. Questions around Paez Terans death have arisen, especially as Atlanta police body camera footage showed an officer after the incident saying, You fed your own officer up? The footage also shows another officer asking, Did they shoot their own man? Paez Terans family commissioned an autopsy, which indicated the activist was shot 14 times and died with hands raised. An attorney for Paez Terans family, Brian Spears, conveyed extreme disappointment with the prosecutors report, calling it a rubber stamp of the officials account without any critical analysis. The activists mother, Belkis Teran, denounced the courts decision to not release more information. We have waited eight months for the truth, she wrote. We are in pain. We want to hear the interviews. We want our experts to review the lab tests. We want our questions answered. This report does not answer our questions. How long must we wait? she added. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Protesters rammed their car in the back of a campaign vehicle of Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy ahead of an event held in Grinnell, Iowa, Fox News Digital has learned. A group of liberal protesters appeared outside Ramaswamy's event at Saints Rest Coffee House on Thursday. Ramaswamy's campaign told Fox News Digital a female driver of a blue Honda Civic and a passenger were yelling expletives at the GOP hopeful, giving him the middle finger and blaring the car horn. The driver later hit the rear end of the campaign's parked SUV and drove off, though the campaign could not definitively say whether it was intentional. Grinnell Police Department confirmed with Fox News Digital that police were called to the scene over a property damage incident. RAMASWAMY FIRES BACK AT MEXICAN PRESIDENT IN BORDER SPAT: NEW DADDY IN TOWN Images obtained by FOX News Digital show a pair of protesters driving a blue Honda Civic (left) after allegedly hitting the back of a parked vehicle of the Ramaswamy campaign, leaving damage (right) outside an event in Grinnell, Iowa on Oct. 5, 2023. Moments after the incident, protesters not involved in the hit-and-run were seen heckling Ramaswamy as he was entering the coffee house. One called him an "a--h---" while advocating for public schools. Another shouted "protect trans kids" and a third told him "climate change is real." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Anyone else have something to say?" Ramaswamy said to them. "What's it like being the punching bag of the RNC?" one protester asked. "Well I think the RNC is corrupt. I think both political parties are pretty corrupt," Ramaswamy responded. RAMASWAMY UNVEILS PLAN TO DECLARE ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE FROM CHINA IN UPCOMING POLICY SPEECH GOP hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy engaged with a group of liberal protesters outside a campaign event in Grinnell, Iowa. Another protester shouted, "My mom's a public school worker and she deserves to be paid and respected!" "I think every person deserves to be respected but we are failing to do right by our kids in this country," Ramaswamy replied. "Our achievement gap versus other countries is bad and we're all in that together." "But here is what I will say: The beauty of this country is that you all have the right to express your opinions and you're doing it peacefully. And even though I disagree with you, I'm proud of you for expressing your views even if I disagree with you," he continued. WWII GOES VIRAL AT RAMASWAMY NH TOWN HALL: WHAT YOU'RE SAYING IS EXACTLY WHAT MY GENERATION GREW UP IN Ramaswamy is currently polling in fourth place in Iowa with 7% support, according to the RealClearPolitics average of polls. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The protester then accused Ramaswamy of wanting to "destroy her job and her livelihood," something Ramaswamy quickly rejected. "I do want to fix our public schools though. So thank her for her service for me. I really mean that," Ramsawamy told the protester. "But we also have to focus on how we're going to improve achievement of our kids. And I think with your mom, if she's as earnest as you're describing, I'm sure she cares about the same thing, we're not getting there with the existing system we have. So we're gonna have to find a better way to do it. And one of the ways we're going to do it is through open debate. You guys are doing your part. I'm gonna do mind. Keep it up." The protesters seemed to disperse after police arrived to the scene, according to the campaign. "Vivek will always stand for free speech and the right to peaceful protest, but when protesters cross the line and escalate to physical (intentional or otherwise) that is unAmerican and unacceptable," Ramaswamy spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin told FOX News Digital. Ramaswamy later posted on social media, "I believe in free speech, especially for those who disagree with me. Violence is never the answer. We will always hold ourselves to a higher standard than the other side." Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub . Original article source: Protesters hit Ramaswamy campaign vehicle outside Iowa event A Hialeah man was convicted on Friday for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, the Justice Department announced. A federal judge found 49-year-old Gilbert Fonticoba guilty of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding. Fonticoba was a member of the so-called Vice City chapter of the Proud Boys, a right-wing militant group that played a central role in the insurrection at the Capitol more than two-and-a-half years ago, the Justice Department said in a press release. According to federal prosecutors, Fonticoba was among the rioters that illegally breached the Capitol on Jan. 6 as members of Congress met to certify President Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election. He aided other rioters in destroying a metal fence and interfered with officers who were trying to stop the crowds advance because he wanted to stop the certification of the Electoral College vote, the Justice Department said. According to the account presented by prosecutors, Fonticoba met a group of roughly 100 other Proud Boys members near the Washington Monument in D.C. on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021. The group eventually marched toward the U.S. Capitol. After trampling police barricades and pulling down the metal fence, Fonticoba and other rioters made their way into the Capitol, not long after the first wave of rioters had breached the building. Minutes later, Fonticoba posted a message to the instant-messaging service Telegram: We just stormed the [Capitol]. A sentencing hearing for Fonticoba is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2024. The felony obstruction charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, as well as potential financial penalties, while the civil disorder charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison. Fonticoba is one of several Proud Boys who previously sat on the executive committee of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade, according to Miami New Times and The New York Times. Fonticobas conviction came just a month after the Proud Boys former leader Enrique Tarrio, a Miami native, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection. Tarrio was convicted in May of seditious conspiracy related for the central role he played in the effort to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election and keep former President Donald Trump in the White House. A joint task force operation between the Johns Creek Police Department and the Forsyth County Drug Task Force led to the arrest of a man they suspected of selling fentanyl and heroin. Last month, Joel Pharr was arrested by the task force, the Forsyth County task force said in a news release. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officials executed a search warrant at Pharrs home and found drugs along with multiple weapons. While the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office is an advocate of citizen rights related to the 2nd amendment, we as well as Georgia law, take a dim view of firearm possession by those who have firearms while selling drugs or are charged with dealing drugs. Bring a gun to sell drugs and you just risk going to jail even longer, the department wrote. TRENDING STORIES: Pharr has been charged with two counts of sale of heroin, possession of schedule I controlled substance (psilocybin mushrooms and THC gummies), possession of methamphetamine, possession/purchase of a controlled substance, possession of schedule IV controlled substance and possession of marijuana less than one ounce. He is also charged with possession of drug-related objects and possession of firearms during the commission of a felony-controlled substance. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Pharr remains housed at the Forsyth County Jail without bond. IN OTHER NEWS: Publix Super Markets Inc. has construction underway on this long-awaited store in south Charlotte. ALSO READ: Publix confirms SouthPark store as part of major redevelopment The demolition of a vacant office building will make room for the 48,000-square-foot store, says spokesperson Jared Glover. It will be at 11525 Carmel Commons Blvd., near the intersection of Carmel and Pineville-Matthews roads. We received numerous requests for Publix to build here, and we were happy to meet that need, Glover says. The store is more than eight years in the making. Sources first confirmed to the Charlotte Business Journal that the Lakeland, Florida grocer was eyeing the site in January 2015. Read more here. VIDEO: Woman thanks volunteer for Habitat home nearly 40 years later Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that explosive traces were discovered in the remains of Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his crew after their plane crashed over Russia in August. Prigozhin's plane crashed between Moscow and Saint Petersburg in August, two months after he led a brief mutiny against Russia's top military brass. Putin's comments were the first significant update on Russia's investigation into the crash. "The head of the Investigative Committee reported to me a few days ago," Putin said at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club. "Fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of the victims of the air disaster. There was no external impact on the plane." A law enforcement officer works at the site of a plane crash near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia, August 24, 2023. Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner group that led a mutiny against Russia's army in June, was on the list of passengers. / Credit: OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images There was no way to independently verify Putin's statement. Russian investigators have said they are probing all possible scenarios surrounding the crash, including premeditated murder. Putin on Thursday criticized investigators for not conducting alcohol and drug tests on Prigozhin and the nine other victims of the crash. He also alleged that 11 pounds of cocaine were found at the Wagner offices after the mercenary group's short-lived rebellion. "A blood test for alcohol was not done," Putin said. "Even though we know that after the famous events in the (Wagner) company in Saint Petersburg, the FSB (security service) found not only 10 billion in cash, but also five kilograms of cocaine." Prigozhin led an armed rebellion against Moscow's military leadership in June, in the biggest threat to Putin's two-decade rule. After the plane crash, Putin described Prigozhin as a man who had made "serious mistakes in his life but he achieved the right results." The Kremlin has dismissed suggestions that it orchestrated the crash in revenge for Wagner's march on Moscow. But Kremlin critics and Western countries have suggested foul play. "(Putin's) got a very low tolerance level," former CIA Director Leon Panetta told CBS News. "If you cross Putin, the likelihood is you're going to die. One way or another, he ultimately takes care of the problem, whether it's an open window or whether it's poisonings, or whether it's some kind of a gunshot in the middle of the night." Mysterious deaths of Kremlin opponents under Putin Putin runs Russia like the godfather of a crime family, littering the landscape with violent deaths, mystery illnesses, and dubious suicides more than two dozen by U.S. count. Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian spy who had defected to England, died in 2006 after drinking tea poisoned with a radioactive substance called polonium. It took 10 years for investigators to trace it to Russian intelligence agents. "The conclusion that the Russian state was probably involved in the murder of Mr. Litvinenko is deeply disturbing," then-British Home Secretary Theresa May said in 2016. In 2018, another defector, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter were nearly killed by nerve agent while sitting on a park bench. Once again the trail led back to Moscow. "It is now clear that Mr. Skirpal and his daughter were poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia," said May. One of Putin's most vocal critics, Alexei Navalny, is in prison now. But before that he nearly died after being poisoned by the same nerve agent Putin's spies had used in England. Margaret Brennan assesses fallout of Kevin McCarthy's "Face the Nation" interview Democratic rising star Lina Hidalgo reveals what led her to take leave for clinical depression Tennessee man who survived lightning strike turns to life of giving (Bloomberg) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said pieces of grenade were found in the bodies of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin and other mercenary leaders who died in a plane crash, as he hinted that the man who led an armed revolt against the Kremlins military leadership had been a drug user. Most Read from Bloomberg In the bodies of those who died in the air crash fragments of hand grenades were found, Putin said Thursday at the annual meeting of the Valdai Club in the Black Sea city of Sochi, citing what he said were investigators findings. There was no evidence of an external impact on the aircraft, he added. Unfortunately, they didnt test for alcohol or narcotics in the blood of those who died, Putin said. He went on to say that, in his view, investigators should have conducted such tests because security services found not only 10 billion in cash, but 5 kilograms of cocaine after searching the Wagner Groups offices in St. Petersburg. He didnt specify the currency. Read more: Putin Moves to Seize Control of Prigozhins Mercenary Empire Prigozhin led a failed revolt in June aimed at ousting Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov after accusing them of repeated failures in Russias war in Ukraine and of seeking to destroy Wagner. His forces came to within 200 kilometers (124 miles) of Moscow before Prigozhin called off the rebellion that Putin said brought Russia to the brink of civil war. The US has said the plane crash that took place exactly two months later may have been an assassination approved by Putin himself, after the uprising that posed the greatest threat to his quarter-century rule. The Kremlin dismissed that suggestion as an absolute lie. Early US assessments indicated the jet may have been destroyed by a bomb, American officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. All 10 passengers and crew listed as having been onboard the Embraer SA Legacy 600 private jet, including some of Prigozhins top lieutenants, died when it crashed en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg on Aug. 23. (Corrects the amount of cash Putin said was found in Wagner offices in third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Photo : Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 12: Nicholas Rossi departs Edinburgh Sheriff Court after his extradition hearing on July 12, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Nicholas Rossi, who has insisted he is an Irishman named Arthur Knight, has been fighting extradition to the US over rape allegations. Last year, a Scottish court ruled that he is the fugitive American authorities are looking for. Scotland's justice secretary has officially given the green light for the extradition of Nicholas Rossi, the American fugitive. Last week, Angela Constance, the individual responsible for signing the extradition order, took action following a court ruling in August. Nicholas Rossi to be Extradited to US The court determined that there were no legal obstacles preventing Rossi from being returned to the United States to answer to charges of rape. In December 2021, Rossi was apprehended in the COVID ward of a hospital in Glasgow. The individual, who is 36 years old, has come forward asserting that they are, in fact, the victim of a case of mistaken identity. In a ruling last November, Sheriff Norman McFadyen determined that the individual in question was identified as Nicholas Rossi, rather than the name he had been consistently asserting, Arthur Knight. During the proceedings at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, it was revealed that the suspect's fingerprints and unique tattoos were found to be a match with those of the wanted individual. In a defiant stance, Rossi continued to assert his innocence, claiming to be a victim of a case of mistaken identity. He went on to allege that while he was incapacitated in the hospital, an unknown individual had tattooed him without his knowledge, in an apparent effort to falsely incriminate him. In June of this year, he made his way back to the court for his extradition hearing. According to US authorities, Rossi, who was recently apprehended, is reported to have used multiple aliases, one of which is Nicholas Alahverdian. Rossi, identified as a convicted sex offender hailing from Rhode Island, has claimed to be an Irish orphan by the name of Arthur Knight. In the extradition ruling, Sheriff McFadyen characterized Rossi as a person who exhibits dishonesty, deceitfulness, evasiveness, and manipulative tendencies. In a compelling plea, Bovey, the defense attorney, has implored the court to either reject the extradition request for his client or postpone the proceeding to thoroughly examine Rossi's mental well-being. According to three medical witnesses, Rossi displayed no indications of acute mental illness. Additionally, a general practitioner at Saughton expressed skepticism regarding his overall health condition. Per BBC, the sheriff has made a ruling stating that he could be legally extradited to Utah in August. The decision, however, is not final as the ultimate authority lies with the justice secretary, who will have the final say in this matter. In a time frame of two weeks, he must use his right to appeal the decision. In a separate development, detectives in Essex have expressed their desire to interview Rossi regarding an allegation of rape that dates back to 2017. In a developing story, Rossi has been identified as a wanted individual in the United States. Allegations have surfaced that he is connected to a case involving the alleged rape of a woman in Utah back in 2008. Additionally, Rossi is also facing charges related to domestic abuse. According to authorities, it has been revealed that he allegedly orchestrated a scheme to feign his own demise as a means to avoid facing charges in the United States. The departure date of Rossi from the US for the UK remains uncertain, as he persists in claiming to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight. Rossi, living under the alias Arthur Brown, allegedly met his wife, Miranda Knight, in Bristol last year. The couple is said to have tied the knot in the early months of 2020, with Rossi adopting the name Arthur Knight. They relocated to Glasgow shortly thereafter. However, in a recent turn of events, Rossi's health took a severe downturn as he contracted COVID-19, necessitating his admission to the esteemed Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in the city. DNA evidence has allegedly linked an individual to a rape case that occurred in Utah back in 2008. This crucial breakthrough in the investigation is said to have ultimately led to the discovery of the suspect in Scotland. On December 13, 2021, he was arrested at the Glasgow hospital by police officers who gave an Interpol red notice to him. In a collaborative effort with medical personnel at the hospital, the individual previously referred to as Arthur Knight has been positively identified as Rossi Rossi, the individual in question, has yet to provide an official account of the events. Despite ongoing assertions that he is Arthur Knight and that the authorities have misidentified him, no official statement has been released by Rossi. He has consistently maintained a distinct English accent, occasionally embellished with an Irish lilt whenever he refers to Dublin, the city he asserts as his birthplace. During a recent interview, Arthur Knight expressed his desire for the emergence of the 'real' Rossi, to resolve the ongoing situation and protect both himself and his wife. Read Also: Missing New York Girl: Authorities Issue Amber Alert After 9-Year-Old Charlotte Sena Vanishes on Camping Trip Who is Nicholas Rossi? Nicholas Rossi, first known as Nicholas Alahverdian, was born in Providence, Rhode Island in July 1987. His mother, Diana Alahverdian, and father, Jack Alahverdian, were identified as his parents. He was adopted by none other than his stepfather, David Rossi. As a result, he made the decision to change his surname to Rossi. Rossi, amidst a tumultuous upbringing, departed from his family residence during his teenage years, subsequently finding himself in the care of Rhode Island's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) facilities for a significant portion of his adolescence. In a bold move, he publicly denounced the conditions in care, alleging personal experiences of abuse and neglect. His relentless advocacy for better facilities for children residing in the state's care has garnered significant attention, establishing him as a prominent figure in the cause. In 2008, a conviction was handed down to Rossi for the sexual assault of a student during their time at a community college in Ohio. As a result, he was placed on the sex offenders register, as per Daily Mail. In late 2019, Rossi made a claim stating that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. According to friends in the media and politics, around this time, they started receiving calls from him, where he expressed that he was in a critical condition and believed he was nearing the end of his life. In early 2020, an obituary surfaced online, announcing the passing of Rossi and the subsequent scattering of his ashes at sea. Related Article: Michigan Vigilante 'Boopac Shakur' Shot Dead @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Bloomberg) -- President Vladimir Putin said Russia may revoke a ban on nuclear weapons tests, complaining about the US failure to ratify a treaty that imposed the prohibition. Most Read from Bloomberg We could mirror the behavior of the US, which signed but didnt ratify the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Putin said Thursday at the annual meeting of the Valdai Club in the Black Sea city of Sochi. This is a question for lawmakers, he said. Theoretically, we can revoke this ratification. The speaker of Russias lower house of parliament said that lawmakers would discuss withdrawing ratification at their next meeting. This is in line with the national interests of our state, Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said Friday in a post on Telegram after Putins address. It will be a mirror response to the US, which has not yet ratified the treaty. Read more: Russia Puts Nuclear-Capable Sarmat Missile on Combat Duty Putin said that military experts advised that tests of new nuclear weapons would provide guarantees that warheads are fully functional. Russia recently successfully tested a nuclear-powered missile called Burevestnik and has just brought into service the Sarmat, an advanced intercontinental nuclear ballistic missile, Putin said. Russia is one of the 178 countries that have ratified the treaty. The US, one of the 187 nations that signed the agreement, still hasnt ratified it, which has to be done by a vote in the Senate. The US hasnt carried out a nuclear test since signing the agreement. Putin dismissed a call from a member of the audience to lower Russias threshold for a nuclear strike, saying theres no need to change the nuclear doctrine as nothing threatens the countrys existence. Russia earlier this year delivered tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, ratcheting up tensions with the US and Europe over the war in Ukraine. Repeated hints from Kremlin officials since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine that they might use the arms have triggered international alarm and warnings against resorting to nuclear weapons. (Updates with parliament speakers comment in fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The grave of Yevgeny Prigozhin in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Aug. 30, 2023. U.S. officials believe his death was ordered by President Vladimir Putin of Russia. (Nanna Heitmann/The New York Times) President Vladimir Putin of Russia claimed Thursday that warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin and his associates may have brought down their private jet with hand grenades while possibly under the influence of cocaine a new narrative from the Kremlin about the August plane crash widely seen as an assassination carried out by the Russian government. Putin made the assertion at the end of an hourslong, televised question-and-answer session with international foreign policy experts in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi. Putin said that investigators had concluded there had been no external impact that caused the crash that killed Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner private military company, and nine others. But, he added, there was evidence that hand grenades had been detonated on board. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times The head of the Investigative Committee reported to me just the other day that fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed in the plane crash, Putin said. Putin went on to suggest that Prigozhin and his associates may have been using alcohol or drugs, painting a picture of an intoxicated group of men who may have killed themselves with their own weapons. Prigozhin and his two top deputies died in the Aug. 23 plane crash, just two months after the Wagner founder had led a dramatic, 24-hour rebellion against Russias military leadership. Unfortunately, no examination was carried out for the presence of alcohol or drugs in the blood of the victims, Putin said, adding that Russian security forces had found 5 kilograms of cocaine in Prigozhins offices. From my point of view, such an examination should have been done. The claims are unlikely to lift the cloud of suspicion hanging over the Kremlin in the aftermath of the plane crash, which American officials and many Russians believe was an assassination ordered by Putin. Putin broached the circumstances of Prigozhins death without being specifically asked about them, instead raising the issue at the end of his response to a questioner who asked broadly about the future of private military companies like Wagner. Putin began by saying it was the Russian Defense Ministry that had brought the extralegal mercenary force into the war effort in the first place, in a manner that he described as clumsy. It was caused by the requirements of the current situation on the battlefield, to put it bluntly," Putin said. And when the Defense Ministry proposed that units from this company participate in military action, I didnt refuse. c.2023 The New York Times Company QUINCY The city has hired a law firm to investigate possible misconduct in 2017 by a Quincy police officer who was accused of sexting a mentally disabled woman living at the Cardinal Cushing School in Hanover. The officer, Andrew Keenan, who joined the department in 2014, is the son of former Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan, who was acting chief at the time of the allegations. Andrew Keenan, who is now a detective, is the nephew of Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch and state Sen. John Keenan. The city hired Kurker Paget, a Waltham law firm that specializes in workplace investigations, to conduct the review, which began in mid-September. The probe will look into communications between Keenan and the student and at how the police department handled the allegation. Andrew Keenan is sworn in as a Quincy police officer in 2014. The woman worked and lived independently on the Cardinal Cushing campus during the alleged misconduct but was under the guardianship of her parents. Cardinal Cushing School serves students with mild to severe special needs such as autism and intellectual disabilities, according to its website. A search warrant application submitted by Hanover police in 2017 stated they found probable cause for two criminal charges, "dissemination of obscene material" and "accosting and annoying." Ultimately, the Plymouth County district attorney's office determined that no criminal activity had taken place. "Our office worked together with the Hanover Police Department and, after an investigation, it was determined the conduct did not support criminal charges," a spokesperson for district attorney's office said in a statement. "The allegation involved two consenting adults, and the victim did not want to go forward. Quincy Police Department was notified of the conduct at issue for any potential violations of their rules or policies." New Quincy police chief wants to review how incident was handled Quincy Police Chief Mark Kennedy, who replaced Paul Keenan on June 23, said he called for an internal review when he learned of the 2017 incident through social media posts in the weeks following his swearing-in ceremony. Kennedy said the city hired the law firm in September to "avoid the appearance of impropriety based on Paul Keenan being his father" and the fact that Andrew Keenan's "uncle is a senator and his other uncle is the mayor." The investigation has two goals, Kennedy said: to determine whether Andrew Keenan violated the department's code of conduct and to review how the matter was handled internally. More: Quincy house on the National Register of Historic Places to become affordable housing "Andrew was dealt with at the time," Kennedy said in a phone interview. "I can tell you that. The incident was dealt with in 2017. Administratively, it wasn't papered correctly. It wasn't documented the way we would have liked." Because the investigation is active, Kennedy said he couldn't comment on how Keenan was disciplined in 2017. Keenan has been on paid administrative leave since July 13 and will remain on leave until the investigation is completed, Kennedy said. More: Here's why Granite Links' lease extension has been withdrawn in Quincy Officer disciplinary records published by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission show no entries for Keenan in 2017 or at any other time. Kennedy said he has notified the commission about the current investigation. He said no information about the incident left the police department. "It was kept completely in house," he said. "It never reached city hall. They had no idea what had happened." Why did Hanover police investigate Keenan in 2017? According to Hanover police documents, Keenan met the woman years earlier when he worked at the Cardinal Cushing School as a lifeguard and teaching assistant. In August 2017, he contacted her through Facebook and initiated a conversation, according to a Hanover detective's affidavit. The affidavit says Keenan began a conversation through the Facebook Messenger app that quickly turned sexual, with Keenan telling her he was "horny," sending an explicit image of himself and asking the woman to reciprocate with a video of herself. More: 'I still have a fire in the belly': Koch outlines plans for potential seventh term Keenan then told the woman to delete their communications, the affidavit says. The woman's mother discovered the messages while conducting a regular check of her daughter's phone, according to police records. The woman is described in the affidavit as needing "regular assistance with decision making. She has a past history of reduced insight and judgment in terms of social interactions." A report by the Disabled Persons Protection Commission says Keenan "would know and be aware of her limitations and vulnerabilities." More: 'Anne's Plan': Mahoney outlines agenda in leadup to Quincy's mayoral election When Hanover police detectives interviewed Keenan in 2017, he "acknowledged the situation and was remorseful about his actions," according to police documents. Keenan was also investigated in 2012, when he worked for Cardinal Cushing, by the Disabled Persons Protection Commission for allegedly "sexting" with a different student, according to Hanover police records. That case was found to be unsubstantiated and closed without referral for a criminal investigation. Paul Keenan and Andrew Keenan did not return emails requesting comment. More: Who will be at the Quincy Food Truck and Music Festival. There are activities for all ages 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: Quincy detective, son of former Chief Paul Keenan, under investigation Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue and what it means for you. Much has been happening in the realm of the railway this week, most of it negative. Train drivers belonging to Aslef stopped work for another two days in their long and bitter dispute over pay and working arrangements, halting most trains in England. With no apparent hunger for a settlement from ministers or union, I was obliged to write in an article about the Birmingham-London fares war: It is not advisable to book more than two weeks ahead in case another strike is called. Rishi Sunak has decided to scrap the most crucial elements of High Speed 2, replacing one coherent project with dozens of piecemeal plans, some of which were announced ages ago and others appear purely fanciful, such as quadrupling the number of trains from Sheffield to Leeds. As passengers resign themselves to what seems likely to become a couple of decades of managed decline on the railway, one important aspect of train travel has yet to be settled: government plans to close most station ticket offices in England. The ways our customers buy tickets has changed and its time for the railway to change with them so says the chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), Jacqueline Starr. She represents train operators, most of whom take their orders direct from the Department for Transport. The RDG says: The proposals will see ticket office staff transitioning to multi-skilled customer help roles already in place in many parts of the network where they would be better able to give advice about the best and cheapest fares, advise on journey planning and support customers with accessibility needs. In the latest twist on Friday, two disabled rail passengers have applied for a judicial review of the legal process involved, saying the closures could leave many people with disabilities unable to use the rail network. Sarah Leadbetter, a rail user from Leicestershire who is registered blind, says her guide dog is trained to take her to the station ticket office to seek assistance from staff. To hold a consultation on taking away this help that fails to hear from those who need it most is totally unfair, she says. The RNIB and Transport for All, a charity campaigning for mobility for disabled people, are supporting the action. Katie Pennick, campaigns manager at Transport for All, says: Plans to close ticket offices risk locking disabled people out of the rail network entirely. Au contraire, say the train operators. They insist care for passengers will improve, with more staff available to give face-to-face help to customers out in stations than there are today. In addition, those with accessibility needs will always be supported. That this row is ending up in court shows the wide gulf between what the rail industry says and what its users believe. The government and train operators are not trusted by disabled passengers, nor I daresay many other travellers. Right now, all passengers and the providers of transport should be reaching a consensus on how best to navigate through the coming difficult years, while making the most of the kind and expert staff who work at stations. Otherwise, with dwindling revenue demanding rising subsidies, the inevitable conclusion will be the Swedish approach, where all rail ticket offices have been closed. The one piece of potentially good news this week? In Scotland (where rail is even more dependent on taxpayer subsidy than elsewhere in Britain), a six-month experiment has begun in which peak fares have been abolished. By next spring, it may simply turn out that well-to-do commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow have enjoyed half a year of cheaper travel courtesy of long-suffering taxpayers. Or ScotRails move might prove a roaring success in tempting passengers back to rail, and pushing up rail revenue. But at least it shows fresh thinking. The Ramsey County attorneys office said Thursday that two White Bear Lake police officers were legally justified when they fired a dozen rounds at a man after he shot and severely injured one of them in January. Daniel Loren Holmgren Jr., 34, was not hit by the shots that officer Ryan Sheak and Sgt. Eric Gadbois fired after Holmgren emerged from his apartment bedroom and began firing his handgun on Jan. 24. Holmgrens gunfire hit Sheak twice in the midsection, but the officer managed to fire back one shot. Gadbois shot 11 times after Holmgren went back into his bedroom, according to a six-page memorandum the attorneys office prepared after its review of the incident. Both Sheak and Gadbois only used deadly force after Mr. Holmgren had first fired at them and their fellow officers without warning, within the close confines of a small apartment, the memo says. Their use of deadly force against Mr. Holmgren was clearly justified given the extremely dangerous circumstances they faced in the apartment. The officers had ample, reasonable reasons to fear for their lives, and the lives of others in the direct vicinity since the apartment is part of a complex where over 150-plus residents reside, the memo says. The attorneys office made its determination Wednesday after reviewing officer-body worn camera footage and other evidence gathered and presented by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. In June, Holmgren pleaded guilty to one count of attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer and three counts of first-degree assault on a peace officer. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison in August, one year less than the statutory maximum. Holmgren, who has a history of mental illness and civil commitments, was well known to White Bear Lake police because of several past encounters. Court records say hes been diagnosed as having bipolar disorder with symptoms of mania, antisocial personality disorder and intermittent explosive disorder. Bench warrant Sheak and Gadbois, along with officers Phonvelai Sorensen and Connor Dillon arrived at Holmgrens apartment complex in the 3100 block of Karth Road about 8:30 p.m. to arrest him on a bench warrant in an open 2021 case. The warrant was issued six days earlier after he missed a Ramsey County court hearing on charges alleging he threatened to kill his mother, shoot a White Bear Lake officer and assault the officers family. Holmgren was in his bedroom with the door closed and refused to come out, according to the memo and criminal charges in the shooting. He was belligerent, yelling racial epithets at the officers and telling them that he was ready to die. Gadbois shot seven pepper balls under the bedroom door. Holmgren then opened the door and fired several rounds from a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun, striking Sheak twice. Dillon dragged Sheak out of the apartment and into the hallway of the apartment building, where the other officers began administering aid. Holmgren surrendered after a stand-off with a SWAT team. Sheak spent eight days in the hospital after emergency surgery. Thankfully, Officer Sheak survived his injuries but surely continues in his physical and mental recovery from this critical incident, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi wrote Wednesday in an email memo expressing his agreement with his staffs conclusion and recommendation. White Bear Lake Police Chief Dale Hager said Thursday his department is pleased with what the attorneys office concluded. We assumed that would be the outcome, as we think the officers acted appropriately and properly given the situation, he said. And were glad that this is behind us now, and look forward to continuing to serve our city. All of the officers that were involved are back engaged with the community, and were all ready to go. Related Articles Despite the persistent wish-casting from anti-Trump Republicans, there's no mechanism by which the party could force underperforming presidential candidates to exit the primary. But what if there were? What if the field could be narrowed so that only four, or three, or one challenger was taking on former President Donald Trump? Well, Trump would still be the runaway favorite. But the process of winnowing away the weaker candidates reveals something interesting about the Republican field: It's not Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who seemingly has the best chance of consolidating the anti-Trump vote. It's former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. That's the main takeaway from a unique poll of the primary field released Friday by FairVote, a nonprofit that advocates for the adoption of ranked choice voting. The survey included about 800 Republican primary voters and operated under the principles of ranked choice voting: each participant was asked to rank the GOP field from first to last, and the candidate who finished in last place in each round of vote-counting was eliminated, with their votes reassigned elsewhere depending on the respondents' preferences. Ranked choice voting sounds a bit complicated, but, as Reason has explained before in more detail, it does a better job of translating the median voters' will into election results than the more widely used first-past-the-post system. Without ranked choice voting, a fractured field can result in a candidate winning despite getting far less than majority supportas was the case for Trump in most of the key primary states in 2016. The best way to explain ranked choice voting is ultimately to see it in action, which is why this FairVote poll is so interesting. It includes 11 of the current Republican candidates as well as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, whom some Republicans would reportedly like to see get into the race, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who dropped out in August. Trump starts out with 47.6 percent of the vote in the first round, and he enjoys a robust lead of 34.9 percent over his closest rival, DeSantis. (Source: FairVote (https://fairvote.org/new-ranked-choice-poll-examines-the-republican-presidential-field-after-second-debate/)) Because the low-ranked candidates eliminated in the first few rounds have such a tiny sliver of the overall vote, there is little change in the top-line candidates until round seven. But look at how Trump's tally changesor, rather, doesn't changeover those first several rounds. Their gains are marginal, but Trump's top six challengers all pick up a larger share of the redistributed vote than the former president does. In other words, they were ranked higher than Trump on the vast majority of the ballots that favored the bottom-feeding candidates. Things get really interesting after former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is eliminated in round nine. The bulk of his support flows to Haley, who surges into second place with 20.3 percent of the total. At that point, Haley had gained 12.6 percentage points from voters who chose eliminated candidates ahead of her. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has gained 3.2 percentage points and DeSantis has gained 2.5 percentage points. Trump has gained just 1.1 percentage points and still sits below the 50 percent threshold. In short, for Republican voters who did not list Trump first on the ballots, the former president is mostly ranked below the likes of Haley, Ramaswamy, and DeSantis. Trump finally gains some significant votesmore than enough to hold off Haleyonce DeSantis and Ramaswamy are eliminated, though Haley also gains a sizable share from each of them. The Republican presidential primary is not, of course, a single electoral contest and is not decided via ranked choice voting. It's a monthslong series of separate, mostly first-past-the-post elections in each of the 50 states (plus the territories and Washington, D.C.), and the results in some places bear only indirect consequences on what might happen elsewhere. The field will certainly contract at some point, but when and how that will happen are unpredictable. At first blush, the poll suggests that a sudden contraction of the Republican field might leave open the possibility that another candidate can consolidate enough support to take on Trump one-on-one. The New York Times' Ross Douthat wrote last week about a similar outcome from the long-shot possibility of a Haley-DeSantis alliance: "If Haley or (less plausibly) Scott comes in second and DeSantis falls to third, the Florida governor should drop out and endorse the winner. If DeSantis wins but Haley is leading in New Hampshire, then he should offer a place on his ticket, and she should accept." But a closer look at the FairVote poll indicates even that highly unlikely outcome probably wouldn't stop Trump. For all his difficulty in attracting support from voters who prefer the also-rans at the bottom of the field, Trump remains the most popular "second choice" for voters who have DeSantis and Ramaswamy as their favorites. (Source: FairVote (https://fairvote.org/new-ranked-choice-poll-examines-the-republican-presidential-field-after-second-debate/)) Any significant consolidation along the lines of what Douthat suggests would require that Ramaswamy drop out, at a minimum. It might require that DeSantis bails too. And no matter how stirring of an endorsement speech the Florida governor might be able to muster, it seems unlikely that the bulk of his voters would swing to Haley over Trump. There's a long way to go and many things can still change, of course. National polls are largely meaningless anyway. But the FairVote poll does a novel job of describing the conundrum facing the Republican Party: Trump will only lose the nomination if his supporters abandon him, no matter how unpopular he remains with the rest of the party. Indeed, even when using a vote-counting technique that's meant to make it more difficult for unpopular candidates to win elections, Trump is winning bigly. The post How Ranked Choice Voting Would Sort the Republican Primary Field appeared first on Reason.com. Talk radio host Jeff Katz says his listeners, who are mainly conservative, felt 'marginalized' for years but have gained a sense of empowerment as right-leaning radio shows push back against liberalism (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS) With Pixie the Chihuahua curled nearby and studio walls covered in mementos, Jeff Katz leans into the radio microphone and delivers a rather less cozy message to his conservative audience: Joe Biden and Democrats are corrupt villains destroying America. "I don't like him," Katz tells his Newsradio WRVA audience from his home studio in central Virginia, referring to the 80-year-old president. "I think he brought a gang of grifters to the White House.... He's a bad guy." Katz is a veteran foot soldier in an airwaves army saturating talk radio with thousands of usually unscripted, occasionally unhinged shows, often featuring long-debunked conspiracy theories. Over the years, conservative talk radio's mixture of multimedia superstars and fringe hosts have fed millions of voters with misinformation about Barack Obama, school shootings, vaccines and election fraud. Along the way, they've galvanized the radically rightwing politics that brought America Donald Trump . On the Sean Hannity Show, the most listened-to talk radio broadcast in America, with a weekly audience topping 16 million across 600 stations, the 2020 election was falsely referred to as fraudulent, rigged or stolen in 35 out of 45 episodes, according to MIT transcripts studied by The New York Times in 2021. Polls show those falsehoods have sunk deeply into Republican voters' minds. - 'Trump has the juice' - Show hosts are shrewdly aware of the industry's symbiotic relationship with Trump, and often dismiss concerns about his criminal indictments, while attacking critics who warn he is a threat to democracy. Across some 1,500 conservative stations, radio's outrage machine beats the drums over Biden's supposed "cognitive decline," urges Republicans to "crush" opponents, and elevates Trump as the lodestar of a largely male, older, white audience. "Trump is far and away the overwhelming selection for Republicans," Katz, 59, tells AFP in his cluttered studio, acknowledging primary challengers face long odds against the ex-president. He says Trump earned massive listener appeal because he copied talk radio's populist shift and ditched the traditional Republican platform. When the GOP establishment crafted immigration reform in 2007, conservative radio helped tank it, in what historian Paul Matzko calls "the beginning of the rise of ethno-nationalist nativism in American politics." Trump has mirrored that nativism to dominate the primaries, and the airwaves, Matzko said. "There is a lot of talk radio in Trump," says Dom Giordano, who at 74 is the dean of Philadelphia radio. "Trump has the juice, and these people want the juice," he tells AFP after his WPHT show aired across multiple states. Giordano's listeners -- like millions tuning in to syndicated stalwarts Hannity, Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Dana Loesch and Mike Gallagher during rush-hour commutes -- squarely back the brash billionaire. After Republican hardliners ousted their party leader Kevin McCarthy from the US House speakership Tuesday, hosts and callers discussed the technically possible but all-but-absurd idea of installing Trump as the chamber's acting chieftain. "Oh boy," Gallagher chuckled Wednesday on air. "A man can dream." - 'Tired of playing nice' - While listeners feed off hosts' rebellion and indignation, the shows' anger can also feel performative. "We are all in this business as entertainers," Katz acknowledges. He dismisses their frequent insults -- Biden was called a "walking vegetable" on Beck's program -- as on-air personalities just being "passionate" about politics. "Conservatives in America have for a long time felt marginalized, they've felt that their voice is not respected," Katz says. Virginia listener Wendy Yohman agrees, and applauds the coarse style. Conservatives "have been too submissive and not aggressive enough," she says. "Now they're just tired of playing nice." Radio deregulation in 1987 opened the floodgates to partisan programming, and ex-DJ Rush Limbaugh, a master of political bombast, blazed a rightwing trail to challenge the National Public Radio network routinely accused of reflecting liberal sentiments. "News talk radio at present is dominated by conservative hosts -- and yes, it's very influential," says Michael Harrison, publisher of leading trade magazine TALKERS. Back in 2016, several hosts were Trump skeptics. But they noticed their ratings jumped when he came on their show. "The audience loved Trump," Harrison says. "As a result, radio hosts started to be more Trump than they were before." Trump thrilled listeners in February 2020 when he awarded Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Nine months later, Rush told his audience: "There's simply no way Joe Biden was legitimately elected president." Limbaugh died in 2021 but his legacy remains. According to TALKERS, today's top 10 news radio talk shows are all conservative. Brian Rosenwald, author of "Talk Radio's America: How an Industry Took Over a Political Party That Took Over the United States," bluntly explains the lack of progressive presence -- and Trump's appeal -- on air. "Nuance and compromise isn't good radio," he says. In the 2000s, liberals hit the airwaves pushing leftwing agendas. But the network, Air America, was humorless and wonky -- "like nails on a chalkboard," Katz recalls. It folded within six years. mlm/sms As a result of the Russian strike by Iskander on a cafe full of civilians, 52 people died A Russian missile struck a store and cafe in the village of Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast on Oct. 5, killing 52 civilians. Among the dead were relatives who had gathered to honor a fallen defender laid to rest that same day, the prosecutor's office spokesman Dmytro Chubenko reported. During the wake in the cafe where the Russian missile hit, the wife, son, and daughter-in-law of the Ukrainian defender, whom his fellow villagers were burying, were killed. Read also: Death toll in Russias deadliest strike of 2023 rises to 52, wipes out almost half of Hroza village in Kharkiv At the time of the strike no soldiers were in the cafe or store, police reported. Only civilians were among the dead. Authorities are currently looking for possible fire spotters: "There is a suspicion that one of the locals informed the Russian military of the premises with a massive crowd of people," said Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine One Redditor recently shined a light on an apartment listing straight out of a horror film complete with one of this eras silent killers. For $1285 per month, you can seal your fate with CO poisoning, the Redditor said. Attached to the post were several images of the listing itself and the accompanying photos. The problem with the listing was immediately obvious: Despite the hefty price tag, the apartment was tiny, with the kitchen stove mere feet from the bed. But this wasnt just any stove. This was a camp stove, clearly marked for outdoor use only. Photo Credit: u/Meezha / Reddit Ordinary gas stoves in the kitchen are bad enough. Although designed to minimize exhaust, they still pose severe health risks. Electric options are safer, as well as being better for the planet. But in this case, the issue was even worse. Stoves designed for use outdoors have far fewer safety features for preserving air quality, so they produce lots of carbon monoxide, as Outdoors with Bear Grylls explained. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless gas. Breathing it causes headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, blurred vision, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Inhale too much for too long, and youll lose consciousness, then die. As the Redditor pointed out, a tenant in this unit would face imminent death when cooking beside your bed. They also remarked on the murder closet, an unfinished concrete and raw wood space under a staircase. Yes, I messaged them and will report, the user concluded. This isnt the first time a landlord has been careless about hazardous carbon monoxide. One landlord in Pennsylvania was arrested for endangering tenants by ignoring a CO issue in January. Reddit users were unhappy about the trend. Its pretty common in cheap apartments nowadays, unfortunately, said one commenter. Id expect at least a carbon monoxide detector, though. If you could go back in time and show this to someone in 1993, they wouldnt believe it, said another user. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan is a top contender in the race for House speaker after Kevin McCarthy 's ouster this week. Jordan has repeatedly voted against measures authorizing continued US aid to Ukraine in the war against Russia. His ascension to the speakership could also hinge on making a deal with far-right Republicans to curb US security assistance. The race to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House is heating up and US aid to Ukraine may be the biggest issue on the ballot. The top contenders for the spot are Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan and Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise. The two Republicans agree on a slew of issues, but they're sharply divided on the question of how much security assistance the US should send to Ukraine if any at all as it continues fighting off Russian aggression. And if Jordan a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus wins the battle for speaker, it could signal the end of American aid to its embattled ally. The Ohio lawmaker has made no secret of his opposition to continued US support for Ukraine. He has consistently voted against measures that would increase security assistance to the country, and he received a score of "F" regarding US assistance to Ukraine from the conservative group Defending Democracy Together. Jordan told reporters on Wednesday that "the most pressing issue on Americans' minds is not Ukraine, it is the border situation and crime on the streets and everybody knows that." He told FOX & Friends this week that he wanted more details on how Ukraine would use the aid "before we even think about sending more money." Republican calls to abandon Kyiv aren't new; indeed, Ukrainian lawmakers and US national security experts have closely watched the dynamics of the GOP-controlled House since the party won control of the chamber in last year's midterm elections. The signs were building even before the midterms. In April 2022, 10 House Republicans voted against a bill allowing the Biden administration to more easily lend military equipment to Ukraine. The following month, 57 House Republicans voted "no" on a nearly $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. Both measures ultimately passed the chamber. But when GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California was elected speaker after a painstaking uphill battle, concerns about whether the US had the political will to continue backing Kyiv ratcheted up a notch. After more than a dozen rounds of voting, McCarthy caved to a list of demands from a far-right faction of GOP lawmakers led by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. Gaetz made it clear to McCarthy at the time that he may be speaker, but it was in name only. And this week, he followed through on that threat by engineering McCarthy's ouster after the California lawmaker worked with Democrats to pass a temporary funding bill to avert a government shutdown. If Jordan were elected speaker, he could face the same pressure from his intraparty colleagues that McCarthy did. In other words, as Politico reported, Jordan's ascension to the speakership could hinge on making a deal with Gaetz and his far-right cohort to curb US aid to Ukraine. And he could also get the boot if he doesn't make good on those demands. "We may get some of that," GOP Rep. Don Bacon told Politico, referring to the possibility of a Ukraine-centric quid pro quo. "If the GOP pulls the rug out from Ukraine and Russia prevails, it will be a disgusting legacy the party will own for decades." Read the original article on Business Insider Activists in Iran claimed on Wednesday, October 4, that the country's morality police were responsible for the serious injuries sustained by a teenage girl who was not wearing a headscarf in a Tehran subway station. The Iranian officials and the teen's parents, however, insist she was hospitalized due to low blood pressure. According to the Norway-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, a 16-year-old named Armita Geravand is in a coma after being assaulted by morality police last weekend. IranWire, another opposition network, claimed to have learned that Geravand had been hospitalized with head trauma. Awyer Shekhi, a member of the Hengaw staff, told CNN, "Prior to her arrival at the Shohada metro station, female morality police officers approached her and requested that she adjust her hijab. This request resulted in an altercation with the morality police officers physically assaulting Armita. She was pushed, leading to her collapse." Apparently, after the confrontation, the young girl made it into the subway but fainted later on, Shekhi added. See Also: Muslim Nations Plan Street Protests After Quran Burning in Sweden No Confrontation? The CEO of the Tehran Metro, nevertheless, told state media that Geravand had no contact with his employees. The company's managing director, Masoud Dorosti, said that their internal investigation found no evidence of a verbal or physical altercation between the passengers and their personnel from the time the girl entered the station until the time she boarded the train. Fars News Agency, a state-affiliated news outlet, shared a video on X (previously known as Twitter) showing a group of young women boarding a subway car. It has been unable to determine which of the females in the video is Geravand. Some of the women who entered with Geravand did not appear to be wearing head coverings. A few seconds later, while the metro is pulling out of the station, a group of girls can be seen taking Geravand out of the train and laying her on the platform. In the edited footage shown by official media, there was no physical conflict. The media has been unable to verify the accuracy of the events. In an interview with state media, Geravand's parents said their daughter had banged her head after fainting due to low blood pressure on the way to school. According to the parents, they noticed no evidence in the recordings they watched that Geravand was mistreated. It is not clear if Geravand's relatives were pressured into giving an interview to the state-run media. Previously, the families of demonstrators slain by Iranian police have been accused by the United Nations and rights organizations of being coerced into making comments in favor of the government's narrative. The teenager is now getting medical care in Tehran. Reportedly, she is currently receiving medical care at Fajr Air Force Hospital. See Also: PM Narendra Modi's Party Tied to Most Muslim Hate Speech Incidents in India: Report @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert made it clear Ukraine aid will hang over the House speaker race. The far-right Colorado congresswoman said it's clear to her that no future speaker can support additional aid. Last week, conservatives forced leadership to remove Ukraine aid from a Pentagon funding bill. Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado is signaling that House conservatives will pressure a future speaker to cease further funding for Ukraine, confirming that the war could very much turn on how House Republicans move forward. "For the first time, we saw that Ukraine funding alone does not have a majority of the majority's support," Boebert told Steve Bannon on Friday on his "War Room" show. "Any speaker has to recognize that and not allow more funding for Ukraine to come to the floor. We are absolutely tired of spending it." Boebert was pointing to a vote last week where $300 million to fund Ukraine passed thanks to House Democrats' massive support. Of Republicans, 117 voted against the funding and 110 were in favor of it. House conservatives had narrowly forced GOP leadership to strip the $300 million from a much larger bill funding the Pentagon. A growing number of Republicans are balking at the level of US support for Ukraine, or even demanding a stop to all aid a push sharply at odds with the party's large contingent of hawks. Support is much stronger among Senate Republicans; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for example, has called funding for Ukraine "the number one priority for the United States right now, according to most Republicans." The White House and Congress have directed more than $75 billion to Ukraine, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German think tank. A majority of the funding has gone to supporting defense needs. The two current leading candidates for House speaker appear to be split on the subject. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise voted in favor of the $300 million. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, who received Trump's backing early Friday morning, voted against it. Jordan has since told reporters that he doesn't support additional aid. "We are not going to allow them to leverage our Southern border in Appropriations bills with more funding for Ukraine," Boebert said. "This is something that many of my colleagues and I will lock arms and fight against to ensure that we are not sending more hard-earned tax dollars to Ukraine when our own country has a Southern border that is not secure." Read the original article on Business Insider 118th Congress - House of Representatives. (Photo/NPR) The historic ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) on Tuesday has the House of Representatives at a standstill. Soon after McCarthy was removed from the speakers post, the House clerk announced Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry was appointed speaker pro tempore -- acting speaker. According to House rules, the speaker pro tempores authority is very limited. McHenry can preside over the election of a new speaker, but new legislation cannot be introduced without a speaker. After Tuesdays vote, the House of Representatives went into a one-week recess. 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. In the meantime, several names have been brought forth by the media. Several news sources have mentioned Rep. Tom Cole , a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, who is in his 11th term in the House. Cole represents Oklahomas 4th congressional district. Rep. Tom Cole TIME magazine called Cole a level headed pro who has proven a talented in-fighter during his time running the leadership-driven Rules Committee and could well emerge as a grown-up choice. When asked by Native News Online if Cole is running to be speaker of the House, his congressional press answered with a short response: Rep. Cole is not running. In April 2022, Cole became the longest serving Native American in history to serve the U.S. House of Representatives. In this time in the House, Cole has worked hard to get legislation introduced and passed to improve the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Cole has served as co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus since 2009. I am proud of my record as a champion for Indian Country. In addition to authoring, sponsoring and supporting numerous pieces of legislation, I have embraced my role as a resource for my colleagues, helping them understand tribal sovereignty, the federal governments trust responsibility and how we can and should work in a bipartisan way to solve some of the issues facing tribes. While numerous strides have been made, there is still more work to do. In the days ahead, I remain committed to furthering, highlighting and elevating these important issues, Cole said after he passed the milestone of becoming the longest serving Native American in the House. On Wednesday, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) threw their names in the running to become speaker. Other names have been mentioned. Coles congressional press office did not respond to Native News Online when asked if the congressman would be interested if he were drafted if there is a deadlock between the announced candidates. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net When we first meet Benicio del Toro's grizzled, seen-it-all detective Tom Nichols in Reptile, the gloomy new murder mystery on Netflix, he's questioning the boyfriend of a woman who has just been brutally murdered. The boyfriend seems understandably shaken, and willing to cooperate; he's not a likely suspect. But Nichols isn't so sure; he suggests to another cop that they make the boyfriend take a polygraph. They wouldn't even need to hook it up, he says; just connect the man to a device called a lie detector, then see how he reacts. It would be a power play on the part of the cops, not to produce clear forensic evidence but to try to shake something out of someone via what amounts to psychological bullying. As it turns out, Nichols isn't even the movie's bad cop; he's just a thorough investigator with a suspicious streak and a willingness to lean on potential suspects. Both of those tendencies drive him as he uncovers a complex web of corruption in a film that, as Peter Bonilla of the MIT Free Speech Alliance recently remarked, sometimes plays like a game of "civil libertarian bingo." The plot is more than a little convoluted, and the movie takes its time weaving together its various narrative threads. But at heart, it's a story about police corruption. There's a major thread, for example, about civil asset forfeiture, with police planting drugs on houses so they can be seized and sold off to a shady real estate developer. There's another bit involving dubious bite mark evidence, a largely debunked evidentiary practice that police have long used to prop up dubious cases. In another subplot, there's a police officer who has started his own private security firm, paying other cops handsomely for what amounts to easy make-work assignmentsand perhaps some other, less legal activities as well. And there's a sequence in which Nichols kills a suspect during a shootout and is then put up for an honorific by his fellow officers. It's the wrong suspect, of course, and the goal is to keep Nichols from investigating further. In other words, it's a parade of law enforcement ethics abuses and police self-dealing, with cops taking advantage of their special privileges, from forfeiture to access to evidence lockers, to bolster their own bank accounts at the expense of the general public. The movie's knotty screenplay doesn't do as good a job of making all of this clear as it might have, and the slow-burn story sometimes struggles to maintain momentum. But it's captivatingly shot and pleasingly moody. Indeed, its murky, paranoid atmosphere sometimes seems designed to highlight the ways that police take advantage of the fact that it's simply difficult to understand how seemingly unrelated practices are connected. In its best moments, Reptile makes clear that police corruption thrives in the shadows, bolstered by public confusion. The post Reptile Is a Gloomy Cop Thriller About Law Enforcement Self-Dealing appeared first on Reason.com. House Republicans are set to choose a new speaker next Wednesday, and it's unclear who that will be. Some have apparently turned to the X platform to help their decision-making or to make a point. "Let me know your thoughts in the replies," one House Republican wrote. You yes, you could play a small role in helping to choose the next speaker of the House. As House Republicans try to settle on a candidate to take the reins after Kevin McCarthy 's sudden defenestration this week, some of them are polling their X followers on whom they'd like to see in the top job. The conference is set to vote behind closed doors Wednesday after hearing from candidates Tuesday. In some cases, it seems to be merely an effort to prove a point. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who was trumpeting the idea of House Speaker Donald Trump until he endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, asked users on X to choose among Trump, Jordan, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise . Perhaps unsurprisingly, 62.4% of the more than 76,000 respondents supported Trump. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) October 5, 2023 But others seem to be engaging in a more earnest manner, evincing a genuine interest in what their followers have to say. Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, who represents a somewhat competitive Long Island House district, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he wanted someone who would "champion common-sense conservative approaches." "That said, who would you like to see as the next Speaker of the House?" LaLota wrote. "Let me know your thoughts in the replies." As of publishing time, LaLota had received a mere nine replies. Rep. Russell Fry of South Carolina, who won his seat by defeating a Republican congressman who voted to impeach Trump, is also running an X poll, offering respondents the choice among Jordan, Scalise, and Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, who may also seek the position but hasn't officially declared his candidacy. Congressman Russell Fry (@RepRussellFry) October 6, 2023 And Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, who now supports Jordan, may have been the first to the punch at seeking the input of his X followers on who should lead the House of Representatives. Hours before McCarthy had even been ousted, Ogles asked his followers for their input on who should be the next speaker, listing eight names including Rep. Jodey Arrington of Texas and Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida. Congressman Andy Ogles (@AndyOgles) October 3, 2023 Read the original article on Business Insider The New Jersey attorney generals office has seized documents from Bergen County law enforcement as part of an inquiry into whether a car crash involving Bob Menendezs wife was properly investigated, The New York Times reported Friday, citing unnamed officials. It comes after the New York Post reported that a high-ranking ex-New Jersey cop persuaded an on-duty officer to release Nadine Arslanian after she hit and killed a man with her Mercedes in 2018. She left the scene without performing a sobriety test or showing her phone, and told cops that the victim was jaywalking. When he arrived at the crash, the former cop, Michael Mordaga, 66, who was the director of Hackensack Police and chief of detectives in the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, explained that his friends wife, who was close to Arslanian, told him about the car accident. In the dashcam footage, he could be heard asking, Are you guys getting a statement that youre going to give to the prosecutors office? A Bogota police officer responded, I dont believe so, as of right now. Shes good to grab her stuff from her car. Arslanian and Menendez were indicted last month in a bribery scheme that involved gold bars, $500,000 in cash, and a $60,000 Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible. Local officials declined to comment to the Times. Read it at New York Post Read more at The Daily Beast. Russia may have the chance to be reelected to its former seat on the UN's Human Rights Council due to growing "Ukraine fatigue," unnamed diplomats told Reuters on Oct. 6. Vasily Nebenzya, Russian diplomat and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke about the Human Rights Council at the U.N. in New York on Oct. 5, just hours after a Russian rocket killed at least 51 civilians in Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast. Earlier on Sept. 26, it was reported that Russia is competing for an open seat on the council against Albania and Bulgaria. The election will occur on Oct. 10, and the successful candidate must secure a majority, at least 97 votes, to be seated on the council. 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." 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 in September concluded that Russia is "unqualified" for membership in the Human Rights Council. However, there is a sense, particularly among African and Asian countries, of a growing fatigue of the war in Ukraine, according to sources that spoke to Reuters. In addition, there is hesitance about the prospect of the council being dominated by Western countries. Russia has long portrayed itself as a friend of Africa, and a world power that may represent Africa's interests on the world stage. News about Russia's attempt to be reelected to its seat on the council drew widespread condemnation from international officials. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said it was "farcical" and U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized it was "not consistent with their actions in Ukraine." Marc Limon, executive director of Universal Rights Group, said it "would obviously be disastrous for the council (and the UN's) credibility." Read also: Russias influence on Africa exaggerated, experts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Support for supplying weapons to Ukraine is diminishing among Americans from both major political parties, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The two-day poll, which concluded on Oct. 4, revealed that only 41% of respondents agreed with the statement that Washington "should provide weapons to Ukraine," while 35% disagreed, and the remainder were uncertain. This trend could be concerning for Kyiv, as it heavily relies on U.S. arms in its fight against a Russian invasion. Support for U.S. weapon shipments is down from May, when a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 46% of Americans backed sending arms, while 29% were opposed and the rest unsure. The survey was conducted amid ongoing discussions among U.S. congressional leaders regarding President Joe Biden's request for an additional $24 billion in funding for Ukraine. This funding includes approximately $17 billion designated for defense assistance. Read also: UK to provide Ukraine with $600 million in winter support payments Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. German arms company Rheinmetall has received a major order for artillery ammunition following the second tender under a framework contract with the German government. Source: Rheinmetall, reported by European Pravda Details: The German government has ordered tens of thousands of L15 shells for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as conventional 155 mm Assegai shells for the German armed forces. According to Rheinmetall's statement, the order is valued at the low end of the three-digit million-euro range. Delivery is scheduled for 2024. The recently concluded framework agreement for the supply of 155 mm artillery ammunition runs until 2029 and represents a potential order volume of around 1.2 billion. Background: Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract to supply SurveilSpire automated intelligence systems to Ukraine. Prior to that, it was reported that the company had received permission from the German Federal Antimonopoly Office to set up a joint venture with the Ukrainian Defence Industry (formerly Ukroboronprom). In early July, it was reported that the joint venture would open within the next 12 weeks. The German company expects to sign contracts for two more joint ventures for the production of ammunition and air defence equipment. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Rhode Island housing officials next week will announce plans to open multiple new shelters with hundreds of beds for people without a place to live. State Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor on Thursday said the new facilities would expand the state's shelter capacity by 25% above last year's winter bed total. He declined to provide a specific number of new beds, where they would be located or the number of beds in the system last winter until the release of his new plan to combat homelessness next week. Department of Housing spokesman Joseph Lindstrom last month said the state had "more than 1,000 beds." Adding 25% more beds to 1,000 would be a 250-bed increase. The former Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, in Pawtucket, may be back on the table as a shelter site "if there is a change in management" of the property, state Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor says. "We are working vigorously to implement new shelters and services for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness across the state," Pryor said in a phone interview. "We are working with city and town officials very closely, and we are working with clergy across denominations in order to identify new sites for shelters and warming centers in order to enhance services for Rhode Island experiencing homelessness." The first piece of that new shelter capacity will be in Burrillville, where the state is set next week to begin selecting 10 homeless families to live in cottages on the Zambarano Hospital campus. The cottages will be able to house 30 people total. The new shelter capacity will not include any beds at the still-closed former Memorial Hospital building in Pawtucket, but Pryor said he'd had recent talks with the owners about using the building again if there is a change in management. "That conversation is active. The most recent conversations have occurred recently," Pryor said. "If the ownership group does reconstitute itself or otherwise makes the required changes, we may proceed." In 2021, Gov. Dan McKee announced that the state would fund the opening of 127 shelter beds at Memorial, including rooms for families, managed by Amos House. After a pipe burst last fall, the shelter closed and a new owner, Memorial Real Estate Group, took over, with Rhode Island businessman Michael Mota leading repairs. After other Mota business dealings became the subject of scrutiny, the state said it was considering seizing Memorial, but has not taken steps toward that. In May, Mota said he is no longer involved in Memorial Real Estate Group's plans to reopen the shelter, which are being led by Jerrold Krystoff. Pryor on Thursday said the state is not willing to fund shelter activities at Memorial if Mota is involved, but "if there is a change in management we may possibly consider the site once again." The state is also still in talks with multiple cities and towns about sites suitable to host temporary "pallet shelters," Pryor said, but so far no deals have been struck. Local opposition has scuttled efforts to build pallet shelters in Rhode Island for more than a year. Reopening the Cranston Street Armory as a shelter, which had up to 200 beds last winter, "is not in our plans" for the coming winter, Pryor said. The shortage of traditional shelter beds has caused Rhode Island to pay for hotel rooms to house people on the streets, but Pryor said the state is trying to move away from that practice. "For the most part we are continuing shelter operations at the hotels where they are currently occurring," Pryor said. "We are aiming to transition out of the highest-cost hotels especially. We are working on identifying properties that are lower-cost opportunities, but until we acquire enough we are remaining with hotel-based shelter operations." In some cases, people living on the streets have refused offers of traditional shelter space in the hope they will get access to a hotel room. The state is now paying for 200 beds in hotels or motels across Rhode Island to provide shelter for people living outside, Department of Housing spokeswoman Patti Doyle said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI to boost homeless shelter capacity by 25 percent as winter nears RICHMOND A man whose reported carjackings set off a search stretching from Richmond to Petersburg two years ago was sentenced Friday to 14 years in federal prison. Treon Jackson, 37, of Richmond, had pleaded guilty to brandishing firearms in two carjackings, one at a Richmond and the other at a restaurant in Chesterfield County. Chesterfield Police tracked the second stolen car to Petersburg, and when a Petersburg officer attempted to stop Jackson, he sped off in the direction of Interstate 95. He was caught after a stolen-vehicle tracking system was used to remotely disable the vehicle on the I-95 ramp. Inside that vehicle, police found a Ruger .9mm gun with 16 rounds of ammunition loaded and one bullet in the chamber. The keys to the first stolen vehicle also were found. According to court records, Jackson said he stole the first vehicle, a work truck, at gunpoint because he wanted to go to Petersburg. He got as far as the Chesterfield restaurant when he parked and then stole a sports-utility vehicle, also at gunpoint. Records indicated that Jackson told investigators he took the cars forcibly and would have killed or injured their owners. It was not immediately clear where Jackson would be serving his sentence. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Richmond man sentenced for carjacking spree that ended in Petersburg Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos is leaving his position after 14 years of service. He is the one who transformed the company from a dying brand into a status symbol sought by celebrities, well-off buyers, and other labels. Muller-Otvos, Rolls-Royce's longest-serving CEO in over a century, will step down from his position on December 1. The announcement was made public by the automaker on Thursday, October 5. BMW UK's current CEO, Chris Brownridge, will take over for him. Bringing New Life By appealing to affluent consumers of a new age, Muller-Otvos revitalized the Rolls-Royce brand and propelled it to the forefront of the premium market. Rolls-Royce's sales increased from 1,000 cars sold in 2010 to over 6,000 last year, thanks in large part to the introduction of cutting-edge design schemes like the fast-back Wraith and Black Badge. Over the last decade, the typical age of a new Rolls-Royce purchaser has dropped from 56 to 43. "The brand is contemporary today, I would say cool again. That indicates to me that we got it right, not just me but the entire team. That makes me extremely proud as I look back and see what a fabulous, fabulous journey we had," Muller-Otvos said in an interview with CNBC. Last year, Muller-Otvos introduced the world to the first totally electric Rolls, known as the Spectre. This marked the beginning of a new era for Rolls-Royce. Despite its high price tag of nearly $413,000, the two-door, 577-horsepower monster is already sold out in the US until 2025. If the US economy begins to diminish, the great concern for Rolls moving ahead would be whether or not it could keep its cool factor and high sales. Even while demand and orders are still high, according to Muller-Otvos, the firm is always ready for a downturn since the US is its major market. Muller-Otvos warned that the luxury sector will be hit hard by economic slowdowns. He said the business is still quite robust for them, but it is at a different level than it was immediately after the pandemic. Apparently, those numbers are back to what they are accustomed to seeing, but Muller-Otvos reassured that the company is still in a very good position. Also Read: Nissan Announces Plans to Go Fully Electric in Europe by 2030 More Customers, Higher Profits Since Claude Johnson, who united Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904 and led Rolls-Royce until his retirement in 1926, Muller-Otvos has been the company's longest-serving CEO. According to Muller-Otvos, Rolls-Royce was a prestigious but rapidly fading brand when he first joined the company. The four-door Phantom, which is the company's hallmark, was created so that chauffeurs could quietly transport the aging leisure elite. To learn more about the rapid transformation of the rich, particularly in light of the increase in digital wealth, Muller-Otvos consulted private bankers all around the globe. Eventually, Muller-Otvos brought in a new age of personalization that attracted larger profit margins and new clientele. Named "Bespoke," this service lets customers personalize their Rolls-Royce by selecting their own upholstery, paint, materials, and lighting options. Since Muller-Otvos took control, the average selling price of a Rolls-Royce has risen to roughly 500,000 (about $520,000), in large part due to the personalization program. Also Read: First Prototype of $300,000 Flying Car Approved for Testing by FAA @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. RICHMOND, Ind. A Richmond mother has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to neglect of a dependent. Evelyn Manning, 35, was arrested in August 2020 after city firefighters, officials with the Indiana Department of Child Services and Richmond police were called to herr North 17th Street apartment. The firefighters had been sent to the address after a waffle iron that Manning's daughter, then three years old, had apparently been using to melt plastic toys produced smoke in her bedroom. Conditions observed in the apartment at that time prompted the arrival later that day of DCS workers and police. An officer described the child as "very dirty," wearing only underwear and having two black eyes. More: Mother of injured Richmond infant pleads guilty to neglect The child also had what was described as a "deep laceration" on one of her feet, with the wound "covered in dirt." Investigators learned the girl had suffered the cut as a result of several sharp objects found on the floor of the apartment. An officer also reported being "overwhelmed with the smell of trash, and several different bugs swarming the residence." An uncapped syringe was found in an open trash container. It was determined the child's bedroom did not contain a bed, and that she slept on the floor. Manning told a DCS investigator it "does not matter what it looks like in here, (her child) has a roof over her head and food to eat, (and) that is all she needs." While she at first resisted arrest, according to an affidavit, Manning eventually acknowledged she had been on a "meth-bender" for the past four days, and had not slept or eaten during that time. The Richmond woman also said she had been "high" when the waffle iron caught on fire. She told police where they could find find meth and syringes in the apartment. The neglect charge Manning pleaded guilty to was a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison. Wayne Superior Court 2 Judge Gregory Horn this week imposed the three-year sentence. Manning listed in more recent court filings at a Winchester address received credit for 434 days already spent in the Wayne County jail. Three other charges pending against her possession of meth, unlawful possession of a syringe and resisting law enforcement were dismissed. Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Richmond mother draws 3-year sentence for neglect conviction A small boat with migrants arrives at La Restinga on the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, on Wednesday Oct. 4, 2023. EU conversations came as Spain's Marine Rescue service reported Friday Oct. 6, 2023 it had intercepted 262 migrants in three boats approaching the Canary Islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. This week alone, the seven-island archipelago's tiny El Hierro Island, which has a population of some 10,000, has taken in more than 1,200 migrants arriving in open wooden boats that are believed to have departed from Senegal. (Europa Press via AP) GRANADA, Spain (AP) Despite a breakthrough in negotiations earlier this week, the leaders of the European Union clashed again Friday on how to handle the human drama of migration that has tested their sense of common purpose over the past decade. The worlds largest club of wealthy countries remains split between those that support Brussels initiatives focused on distributing migrants between members in an act of solidarity and those countries, like Hungary or Poland, whose far-right governments flatly refuse any shared responsibility for migrants arriving to other member states. Italy is even going outside the EU to establish links with the United Kingdom to crack down on unwanted arrivals. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was blunt about how far Europe's leaders still are from reaching a consensus before they met in Granada, Spain. Orban, who has pushed back against EU policy repeatedly and taken a hard-line approach against migration, said that he won't sign off on any deal at any point in the foreseeable future. He went as far as to compare the situation to being legally raped by Hungary's fellow EU members. The agreement on migration, politically, its impossible not today (or) generally speaking for the next years," Orban said. Because legally we are, how to say it we are raped. So if you are raped legally, forced to accept something what you dont like, how would you like to have a compromise? The dispute is over an agreement struck on Wednesday by a majority of the EU's interior ministers unlocked a draft of a new overarching migration pact that would involve setting up processing centers on the EUs outside borders to screen people as they arrive. That agreement will now go to the European Parliament, where further negotiations will take place before it can become binding. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who is facing re-election this month, also bashed the deal, maintaining his governments position that it keeps migrants out for security reasons. He called it a dictate coming from Brussels and Berlin that Warsaw would resist. Neither Hungary nor Poland could veto a final pact, but their refusal to comply with European policy in the past has bordered on provoking institutional crises, and the bloc is eager to avoid similar tensions with its eastern members. The summit's concluding declaration was intended to include a paragraph on migration but it was removed from the original draft after the leaders met. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the summit's host, said they had known the risk of that happening while downplaying the failure to reach consensus. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remained positive about the chances that the new pact could become a reality, hailing this week's deal to establish extraordinary measures that a country could take in the event of a massive, unforeseen movement of migrants toward its borders, as a big success. This was an important piece of the puzzle of the whole puzzle of the Migration and Asylum pact, she said at the post-summit news conference, skirting over the opposition by Hungary and Poland. Balancing demands from progressive politicians and rights groups supporting the rights of migrants with the political realities of a continent where the far-right is using migration to grow, Von der Leyen said it was key to dissuade migrants from using smuggling routes by opting for legal paths to entering the union. She said that some 3.7 million regular migrants entered the EU last year, while 330,000 irregular crossings attempts were registered. We cannot accept that smugglers and traffickers define who and decide who is coming through the European Union," she said. The EU has been trying to forge a new common policy on migration ever since it was overwhelmed in 2015 by well over 1 million arrivals, mostly refugees fleeing war in Syria. Since then it has focused on paying countries like Turkey, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco to do the dirty work of stopping migrants before they embark on the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea, where nearly 30,000 people have died since 2014, according to the U.N. migration agency. A draft of a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which has been criticized by human right groups as conceding ground to more hard-line approaches, was touted as the answer to the EUs migration woes when it was made public in September 2020. For the scheme to enter into force, officials and lawmakers say, an agreement must be reached between a majority of member countries and parliament by February before EU elections in June. Migration flows into the EU have been on the rise this year, even if they are down from the 2015-16 peak. From January to October, some 194,000 migrants and refugees reached Spain, Italy, Malta, Greece and Cyprus by boat, compared to 112,000 in the same period last year, according to the International Organization for Migration. The issue of migration was not going to be a priority of this informal meeting, where leaders already had the prickly question of how to continue with expansion to include the Balkan countries and a Ukraine that is immersed in battling Russias invasion. But migration was put on the agenda by Italy's far-right Premier Giorgia Meloni. Italy has seen an influx of people arriving in recent months, including the arrival of 7,000 people to the tiny fishing island of Lampedusa on a single day last month. Meloni and Britains conservative prime minister, Rishi Sunak, announced Friday in an op-ed article published in Corriere della Sera and The Times of London newspapers that they were forming an alliance against illegal migration in a bilateral move beyond Brussels sphere of influence. We must fight criminal organizations and carry out the work we are doing in Africa to stop the departures, Meloni, who also held a private meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on migration, told reporters in Granada. We are now looking for concrete tools to solve the issues. The one-day summit in the picturesque city of Granada is just an hours drive from Spains southern coast, where boatloads of people fleeing violence or poverty in Africa wash up regularly. Spains marine rescue service reported Friday it had intercepted another 500 migrants in six boats approaching the Canary Islands, located off the northwestern coast of Africa. Previously this week, the archipelagos tiny El Hierro island with a population of 10,000 took in 1,200 migrants arriving in open wooden boats that are believed to have departed from Senegal on the hazardous journey northward. ___ Wilson reported from Barcelona. Associated Press writers Raf Casert in Brussels; Ciaran Giles in Madrid; Colleen Barry in Milan; Giada Zampano in Rome; Vanessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, and Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report. Related video above: Crowded skies: Military pilots first-hand UFO encounter (WJW) Looking to make $1 million? All you have to do is capture proof on your Ring camera that extraterrestrial life exists. Ring announced the contest on social media, saying it is part of the home security companys million dollar search for extraterrestrials. Savannah Bananas coming to Progressive Field next year To win the grand prize, you must provide unaltered scientific evidence of an extraterrestrial lifeform. Whether its a video of an extraterrestrial walking (or flying?) up your driveway and asking for directions or an unidentifiable lifeform exhibiting unusual and extraordinary behavior in your backyardsubmit your best footage! Ring said in a blog post on Wednesday. The company says video submissions will be reviewed by an expert. Ring camera owners who dont find a real extraterrestrial can still participate, though. Everyone is welcome to submit videos in their best alien costumes for a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card. Alien costumes and accessories, homemade spacecrafts, and Extraterrestrial-inspired communication with your Ring device are highly encouraged! the company said. What caused two eagles to crash down in Ohio The competition goes through Nov. 3 at 11:59 p.m. ET. You must be a U.S. citizen and 18 or older to enter. Learn more about contest rules here. Last month, NASA named its new director of research charged with investigating UFOs or what the U.S. government calls unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). In September, the space agency said the study of UFOs will require new scientific techniques, including advanced satellites as well as a shift in how unidentified flying objects are perceived. It released the findings after a yearlong study into UFOs. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Thandiwe Newton 's 22-year-old daughter, Ripley Parker, is making moves in Hollywood. Ripley Parker created a TV show, "Everything Now," which dropped on Netflix Oct. 5. The show centers on Mia, a London teenager who returns to high school after seven months in treatment for an eating disorder. She uses a bucket list to jump back into life, and all that terrifies and thrills her. Ripley Parker told Netflix's Tudum that part of the show is based on her own experiences. She said the story became "so much richer" after collaborating with writers, producers, and consultants. Here's what to know about Ripley Parker. Her mom and dad, Thandiwe Newton and Ol Parker , are in show business Ripley Parker is the oldest child of "Westworld" actor Thandiwe Newton and writer and director Ol Parker, who is known for writing and directing "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" and "Ticket to Paradise." He also wrote the script for "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." Thandiwe Newton and Ol Parker welcomed Ripley Parker in 2000. Their younger daughter, Nico Parker , who had a heartbreaking turn in "The Last Of Us," was born in 2004. Their son, Booker Jombe Parker, was born in 2014. Nico Parker can be seen alongside her parents in many red carpet photos, including from the Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again premiere in London. Ripley Parker, Ol Parker, Thandie Newton and Nico Parker (Samir Hussein / WireImage) Ripley Parker is an up-and-coming writer in Hollywood Like her father, who is a screenwriter in addition to being a director, Ripley Parker has taken an interest in writing. The scriptwriter is currently signed with Knight Hall Agency Ltd, and according to the agency's official website, Ripley Parker is currently "developing a jukebox musical based on the music of The Smiths, as well as a play about the life and relationships of poet Emily Dickinson." The site also states that she has contributed an essay to the collection "Its Not OK to Feel Blue (and Other Lies): Inspirational People Open Up About Their Mental Health." In honor of Ripley Parker's achievement, Newton gave her daughter a sweet shout-out on Instagram. She wrote, "deeply proud of phenomenal @ripley.parker" for her "first published writing," calling it a "breathtaking piece." In the comments, the "Crash" actor added, "My beautiful daughter." Ripley Parker inspired her father to write Ticket to Paradise Ol Parker's "Ticket to Paradise," which he wrote and directed, is about two parents (George Clooney and Julia Roberts) who conspire to stop their daughter from getting married. Speaking to Comingsoon.net, Ol Parker said he was inspired to write the script for the film after a conversation with his eldest. "The movie came out of a conversation I was having about Ripley, who was 18, I think, at the time and starting to make her own decisions all of which are clearly brilliant and not necessarily the ones Id have made for her so it was just that thing, how much do you nudge along? How much do you try and be wise and say what you absolutely know and how much do you just lean back and give it up to them and watch the next generation rule? That was the genesis of the movie, how that came about," he said. Ripley Parker once called Boris Johnson a NSFW word While celebrating Ripley Parker's 20th birthday on Instagram, Newton revealed that her daughter had once called Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, a "c--- to his face" when she was only 15 years old. While recalling that moment to Glamour UK, Parker said she had no regrets about what she said to Johnson. It was a rogue move, but it was one I would make again, she said. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Assistant Sec. Bryan Newland at The Road to Healing tour in Pellston, Michigan. (Photo/Levi Rickert for Native News Online) The Department of Interiors The Road to Healing" will make its 11th stop in New Mexico for its the next stop. The Interior Department announced on Thursday that Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs will travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2023. The tour was scheduled to stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 1, but was rescheduled to this date due to the threat of the federal government shutdown after the 2023 fiscal year ended September 30th. The stop will come one week after The Road to Healing tour holds a listening session in Achorage, Alaska on October 22nd. The Road to Healing is a year-long tour across the country to provide Native survivors of the federal Indian boarding school system and their descendants an opportunity to share their experiences. Since July 2022, Haaland and Newland made stops in Anadako, Oklahome; Pellston, Michigan;Rosebud, South Dakota; Gila River Indian Community, Arizona; Many Farms, Arizona; Tulalip Indian Reservation, near Seattle, Washington; Onamia, Minnesota; and Riverside and Rohnert Park, California. Secretary Haaland launched the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative in June 2021 to shed light on the troubled history of Federal Indian boarding school policies and their legacy for Indigenous Peoples. In May 2022, the Department released Volume 1 of an investigative report as part of the Initiative, which calls for connecting communities with trauma-informed support and facilitating the collection of a permanent oral history. The Road to Healing Tour - Anchorage, Alaska WHAT: Meeting with survivors and descendants of the federal Indian boarding school system as part of The Road to Healing WHEN: October 29, 2023, at 10 am MDT WHERE: Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 More than one-third of the 14 hospitals in New Orleans received a think tanks lowest rating for racial inclusivity. New Orleans, a metropolis with one of the largest Black populations in America, tops the list of U.S. cities where an appreciable number of people of color receive treatment at the same hospital where white people receive care. And a rights activist says that segregation is rooted in the citys history and the case that made signs like Whites Only and Colored legal in this nation. As theGrio previously reported, the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan healthcare think tank, compiled patient data using Medicare records from 2021 to assess how well hospitals served people of color. The study evaluated more than 3,000 hospitals to determine the level of racial inclusivity of the patient population. And the results showed that of all the cities in America, New Orleans has the most segregated hospital markets. (Adobe Stock Image) New Orleans and Louisiana [are] the birthplace of separate but equal, said Alanah Odoms, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, referring to the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, which made offering separate and racially segregated accommodations legal in the country. If were the birthplace of separate but equal then most of our institutions are going to reflect that history. In the same way that other institutions have been formed out of that history, the hospital and healthcare system would look the same. According to a study by the University of California that was based on 2020 census data, New Orleans is the 23rd most segregated city in the country. The Lown Institute analyzed 59 Louisiana hospitals. Fourteen of them were in the New Orleans area. Of those 14, five hospitals had the lowest ranking for racial inclusivity. St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, Louisiana Slidell Memorial Hospital in Slidell, Louisiana Ochsner Medical Center North Shore in Slidell, Louisana East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana St. Bernard Parish Hospital in Chalmette, Louisiana All five hospitals are underserving people of color based on the racial demographics of the areas theyre in, according to data from the Lown Institute. For example, 58% of the people living in the service area of St. Bernard are people of color. The percentage of people of color served in the hospital is only 38%. None of the five hospitals have responded to requests for comment from theGrio. Dr. Vikas Saini, the president of the Lown Institute who worked on the study, said segregation data often shows what kind of care certain populations get. We look at all the people that come to the hospital, and were able to define the perimeter using travel time. Then we look at the zip codes, income, education and racial status, Saini said. After that, you can see who goes to which hospitals in each city. As Saini points out, there are usually hospitals in the area that serve the poor minority community and hospitals that serve the higher-income population, which is typically white. Most of the time, these hospitals arent that far away from each other. For example, in New Orleans, University Medical Center New Orleans which was rated by the Lown Insititute as one of the two most racially inclusive hospitals in the city is a 20-minute drive from East Jefferson General Hospital, one of the five least racially inclusive hospitals. When youre talking about an issue of segregation, you have to look at the historical origins of the place, Odoms said. East Jefferson is in Metairie, Louisiana, which is in the 70006 zip code. The average household income is $81,000. Its surrounded by zip code 70002, where the average family income is $92,000, and 70001 and 70003, with average incomes of $81,000 and $89,000, according to census data. All of those areas are predominantly white. But its not just about income and people with higher earnings receiving exclusive care. On the other side of the Mississippi River, in Chalmette, Louisiana, is St. Bernard Parish Hospital. In the Lown study, that facility is one of the five least racially inclusive. Its in zip code 70043 where the median income is less than $50,000 a year and 21% of families live in poverty, according to census data. The constitutional foundation for racial segregation started in New Orleans after authorities in 1892 arrested Homer Plessy , a Black man accused of violating a railway segregation law. The courts previously ruled that separate rail cars for interstate travel was unconstitutional. A group of Black men whod formed the Citizens Committee to Test the Constitutionality of the Separate Car Law, decided to use that ruling to challenge intrastate railroad travel by having Plessy travel within the state. In the appeal case involving Plessy, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that separate but equal was not unconstitutional. The role of segregation and poverty in the Black community is well-documented. And the Lown study revealed that segregated hospital markets expose the inequalities in American neighborhoods. For example, New Orleans East Hospital is in the 70127 zip code, which is 93% Black and has a median household income of $27,096. Nearby zip codes like 70126 and 70128 have similar racial and income data. However, those long-standing ramifications of segregation havent stopped the efforts on the ground in New Orleans to improve the hospitals serving Black people. Odoms says many Black healthcare providers in the city launched a massive effort to build up New Orleans East Hospital. They wanted to make sure that it could be a top-notch place for the [minority] community in New Orleans east, Odoms said. These were people who put in the work to improve the hospital. Thats what we need everywhere. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post The roots of New Orleans segregated hospitals started with a train ride, advocate says appeared first on TheGrio. Rudy Giuliani s home in Palm Beach, Florida, has been placed under a federal tax lien by the IRS, as the former mayor owes over half a million dollars in unpaid taxes, records reveal. The notice of a federal tax lien in the amount of $549,435.26 was filed on 1 September, according to Palm Beach County records. Mr Giulianis spokesperson, Ted Goodman, reacted to the reports by saying: Mayor Giuliani is suing Joe Biden for defamation, and I get asked about a potential tax issue. You just cant make this stuff up. He later told CNN: Giuliani, through his accountant, has a formal agreement with the IRS to pay off the liability. Palm Beach County Property Appraiser records show Mr Giulianis Palm Beach condo to have a value of more than $3m. The lien placed on his Palm Beach property is the latest indicator that the man once known as Americas Mayor is swamped in financial troubles amid a series of legal battles. In one instance, his financial and legal mishaps seem to be particularly tangled. Mr Giuliani recently put his Upper East Side apartment in New York City up for sale, listed for $6.5m. This apartment appears to be the same one alluded to in the sexual assault lawsuit brought by Noelle Dunphy, Mr Giulianis former assistant. Giuliani insisted that Ms. Dunphy stay in a guest suite in his Upper East Side apartment, the complaint states, before describing the alleged assault. On top of this suit, it was recently reported Mr Giuliani has failed to provide tens of thousands of dollars to two election workers after he was found liable last month for defaming them. The ex-Trump aide was also charged in the sweeping criminal case in Fulton County, Georgia. To add insult to injury, his former lawyers sued him in September for about $1.3m in unpaid legal fees for representing him during investigations pertaining to his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. As of this week, the former mayor announced that he was suing President Biden for defamation after the president used the phrase Russian pawn during a presidential debate in 2020. The former mayor says that statement has cost him millions and millions of dollars. Mr Giuliani has not been quiet about his need for cash. He tweeted in August, asking for money to be sent toward his legal defence fund. He included an address in Palm Beach where people can send checks. Prada may be globally known for its luxury leather handbags and other high-end accessories, but its next fashion line may take it to the stratosphere. The Italian luxury fashion house announced this week that it's partnering with Texas-based startup Axiom Space to help design spacesuits for astronauts to wear to the moon. The spacesuits will be worn during NASA's upcoming Artemis III lunar mission, which will mark a historic return to the moon for Americans after the last astronauts set foot on its surface more than 50 years ago. The two companies revealed the partnership Wednesday in a joint media release. "Prada's technical expertise with raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and innovative design concepts will bring advanced technologies instrumental in ensuring not only the comfort of astronauts on the lunar surface, but also the much-needed human factors considerations absent from legacy spacesuits," Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini said in a statement. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director, said in a statement that Prada is "honored to be a part of this historic mission with Axiom Space." "Our decades of experimentation, cutting-edge technology and design know-how ... will now be applied to the design of a spacesuit for the Artemis era," Bertelli said in the statement. "It is a true celebration of the power of human creativity and innovation to advance civilization. Pictured is the white cover layer of Axiom Spaces Extravehicular Mobility Unit spacesuit prototype. Pradas engineers will work alongside the Axiom Space systems team to develop space suits to protect astronauts on the Artemis III mission to the lunar surface. Space junk fine: US issues first-ever space debris penalty against Dish Network in 'breakthrough settlement' What are the Artemis missions? NASA's Artemis missions represent the space agency's renewed interest in the moon decades after it last put two astronauts on the lunar surface in 1972. Next year, four astronauts will board a capsule for the Artemis II mission that will take them on a 10-day journey spanning 600,000 miles to the moon and back. Though Artemis II will be the first crewed lunar mission in decades, its members won't be landing on the moon. That will happen in 2025 when another crew embarks on the Artemis III mission as they endeavor to become the first Americans on the moon's surface since the last Apollo mission. The Artemis III crew is intended to land at the moon's south polar region, where they will stay for about one week. Ultimately, NASA aims to establish a permanent human presence on and around the moon as it prepares for future missions to Mars. Though the names of the crew members for Artemis III have not been revealed, NASA has said the crew will include the first woman and first person of color to land on the moon. From left to right, U.S. astronauts Victor Glover, pilot; Reid Wiseman, commander; and mission specialists Christina Hammock Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen stand in front of the Artemis II crew module on Tuesday. Brian May: Queen guitarist helps NASA return its 1st asteroid sample to Earth Suits to protect astronauts on the moon NASA announced in March that Axiom Space, which is based in Houston, was awarded the contract to lead the development on the modernized spacesuits. Axiom Space's agreement with Prada now means the fashion house will play a role in the design process, helping to ensure the suits and their materials are comfortable and protective against the elements of space and the lunar surface, according to the joint statement. Though it's unclear when the final product will be unveiled, the suits are intended to feature advanced capabilities for space exploration unheard of during the former 17 Apollo missions. The suits will have increased flexibility, greater ability to withstand harsh environments and special tools for exploration and scientific study. "Using innovative technologies and design, these spacesuits will enable greater exploration of the lunar surface than ever before," the joint statement read. "The development of these next-generation spacesuits is a significant milestone in furthering space exploration, and enabling a deeper understanding of the Moon, the solar system, and beyond." Record spaceflight: Astronaut Frank Rubio spent a record 371 days in space. The trip was planned to be 6 months Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prada to design spacesuits for NASA in partnership with Axiom Space Russian forces continue to expand and strengthen defensive fortifications on the outskirts of the city of Tokmak, UK Defence Intelligence reports. Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 6 October, as reported by European Pravda Details: Analysts recall the remarks made by lawful Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov that the Russians are building up their defence line in the area of the city of Orikhiv, particularly in the village of Novoprokopivka, where two-storey bunkers with tunnels and trenches are being constructed. Quote: "In Tokmak, additional defensive fortifications were being built and trenches filled with concrete. Russian officers have also started to evacuate their families from Tokmak. Fortifications were observed on the southern approach from Robotyne, the axis of Ukrainian forces," the UK Defence Intelligence noted. Details: Analysts say the bunkers are intended to provide more reliable protection for soldiers and officers from artillery and kamikaze drones. Furthermore, the concrete is likely to further strengthen the trenches in the autumn mud. "These fortifications and evacuations likely reflect Russia's concern of a further Ukrainian breakthrough," the UK MoD stated. Background: Earlier, the UK MoD described as very plausible the reports that Russian air defence forces had shot down their Russian Air Force's Su-35 fighter jet over Tokmak in late September, noting that it was a rare case of losing this up-to-date fighter. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! The Russian Federation hides information about the whereabouts of Ukrainian political prisoner Oleksii Kyseliov, who was convoyed from temporarily occupied Crimea. Source: Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights Details: Reportedly, the Russian occupiers took the former Navy captain Oleksii Kyseliov, "sentenced" to 8.5 years of imprisonment, from the Simferopol pre-trial detention centre to the Russian Federation. Oleksiis relatives say that this happened on 18 September. The last known place of residence was Krasnodar. Where Oleksii is now is not reported. The Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that the employees of the pre-trial detention centre are obliged to provide such information to the relatives of the political prisoner within ten days, but they did not do so. 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! Analysts and investors said German sandal company Birkenstock would need to sell more footwear and boost sales from its own website and boutiques to attract new shoppers amid a cost of living crisis. The remarks were made ahead of the company's initial public offering (IPO) listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) next week and the poor initial performances of Arm, Instacart, and Kellogg spinoff Kellanova. Birkenstock has disclosed plans to sell at least 32 million shares priced between $44 and $49 each, which would raise about $1.58 billion at the top end of estimates. In its IPO filings, it said it would use the proceeds to pay down debt. Birkenstock Goes Public Out of Season Due to recent price hikes, worldwide footwear sales are expected to rise just 2.9% over 2022, according to market research firm Euromonitor International. However, Quilter Cheviot consumer discretionary analyst Mamta Valechha told Reuters that sandals are considered to be seasonal products for summer, making Birkenstock's sales volatile over the year outside tropical locations they have already penetrated. "The question is: how do you create desirability for people to buy another pair of Birkenstocks?" she added. Meanwhile, independent equity research company New Constructs CEO David Trainer told MarketWatch that Birkenstock's very high share prices might be a red flag for investors. He estimated that the company would need to generate over $3.8 billion in annual revenue to justify such a validation, which is over triple the $1.24 billion revenue it obtained in 2022, based on its filing documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) "We don't see this happening anytime soon, if ever," he said. Counterfeit products are also a factor why Birkenstock took its products off the Amazon marketplace, citing "unacceptable business practices which we believe jeopardize our brand." "While such a move certainly protects brand integrity, it also puts a cap on revenue growth potential - growth it will need to justify its IPO valuation," Trainer added. Read Also: What is Tesla Giga Water Loop? Highly Adaptable to the Times Founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock, the company's footwear was exported worldwide and first sold exclusively in health stores in the US. Nevertheless, the firm, just like its footwear for Crocs, was able to stay popular over the decades since it first became well-known for its sandals. More recently, a trend towards more casual dressing - heavily influenced by models, celebrities, and the COVID-19 pandemic - has kept its products popular. This year alone, Birkenstock has been mentioned and hyped by Greta Gerwig's film "Barbie," when, in the final scene, the eponymous main character, played by Margot Robbie, wore a hot-pink pair of Birkenstock sandals. Jane Hali & Associates senior analyst Jessica Ramirez told Reuters that both Birkenstock and Crocs were more known for comfort and less for style. Similar trends have been observed by Roland Berger's senior partner Siobhan Gehin. "They [Birkenstocks] tap very nicely into many strong structural changes in buying habits: health, comfort, and sustainability," she added. Related Article: Birkenstock Applies to Go Public on Wall Street Instead of Europe @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia indicated on Friday that it was moving swiftly towards revoking its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) after President Vladimir Putin held out the possibility of resuming nuclear testing. Putin said on Thursday Russia's nuclear doctrine - which sets out the conditions under which he would press the nuclear button - did not need updating but that he was not yet ready to say whether or not Moscow needed to resume nuclear tests. The Kremlin chief said that Russia could look at revoking ratification of the CTBT as the United States had signed but not ratified it. Russia's top lawmaker, Vyacheslav Volodin , then said the State Duma lower house of parliament would swiftly consider if there was a need to revoke Russia's ratification of the treaty. The comments by Putin and Volodin suggest that Russia is seriously considering revoking ratification of the treaty, which bans nuclear explosions by everyone, everywhere. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the point would be to achieve a "common denominator" between Russia and the United States. "This does not constitute a statement of intention to conduct nuclear tests," he told reporters. However, Putin had signalled that possibility in his comments on Thursday. "As a rule, experts say, with a new weapon - you need to make sure that the special warhead will work without failures," Putin said. A resumption of nuclear tests by Russia, the United States or China could indicate the start of a new nuclear arms race between the big powers who stopped nuclear testing in the years following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. For some scientists and campaigners, the splurge of nuclear bomb testing during the Cold War indicated the folly of nuclear brinkmanship which could ultimately destroy humanity and contaminate the planet for hundreds of thousands of years. But the Ukraine war has raised tensions between Moscow and Washington to the highest level since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis just as China seeks to bolster its nuclear arsenal to accord with its status as an emerging superpower. Russia currently has around 5,889 nuclear warheads, compared with 5,244 for the United States, according to the Federation of American Scientists. China has 410 warheads, France 290 and Britain 225. NUCLEAR TESTING? Between 1945 and the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, the United Nations has said, more than 2,000 nuclear tests were carried out - 1,032 by the United States and 715 by the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union last tested in 1990 and the United States in 1992. But signs have emerged that testing could resume. In 2020, the Washington Post reported that the then-Trump administration had discussed whether to conduct a nuclear test. Putin said on Thursday Russia had successfully tested a nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missile - the Burevestnik - whose capabilities he has called unmatched. China is building hundreds of intercontinental ballistic missile silos, according to the 2023 Annual Threat Assessment by the U.S. intelligence community. CNN reported this month that satellite images showed increasing activity at nuclear test sites in Russia, China and the United States. Washington says China is reorienting its nuclear posture for strategic rivalry with the United States and is not interested in any arms control agreements which lock in U.S. or Russian nuclear dominance. "China and Russia are seeking to ensure strategic stability with the United States through the growth and development of a range of weapons capabilities, including non-traditional weapons intended to defeat or evade U.S. missile defences," according to the U.S. threat assessment. "Consequently, these new technologies probably will challenge the way states think about arms control, and we expect it will be difficult to achieve agreement on new weapon definitions or verification measures, particularly at the multilateral level." (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Andrew Osborn, Susan Fenton and Gareth Jones) Russias top lawmaker said Friday that the country would consider revoking ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a move that could clear the way for Moscow to resume testing nuclear weapons. The situation in the world has changed, Vyacheslav Volodin , speaker of the Russian parliaments lower house, wrote in a Telegram message. Washington and Brussels have launched a war against our country. Todays challenges require new solutions. He added that revoking ratification of the treatywhich prohibits all nuclear explosionswould be discussed at the next meeting of the State Duma Council. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin used a speech to float the possibility of mirroring the U.S. in signing, but not ratifying, the treaty. Putin also claimed that Russia had successfully tested the Burevestnik missilea nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Read it at Reuters Read more at The Daily Beast. Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Sirius Park of Science and Art outside Sochi, Russia, October 4, 2023. Vladimir Smirnov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP Russia is looking for a man who said he was ordered to kill Putin, per Telegram channel VChK-OGPU. Mikhail Yurchenko reportedly told authorities that a man in a karaoke bar told him about the assignment. Putin is said to be increasingly worried that he will be assassinated. Russian authorities are probing an alleged plot to kill President Vladimir Putin after getting a tip about a conversation in a karaoke bar, a new report said. Telegram channel VChK-OGPU reported that a man, identified as Mikhail Yurchenko, called Russia's Ministry for Internal Affairs to tell them about the conversation he had with another man in a bar. VChK-OGPU shares news and updates from Russia, and claims to get its information from sources in Russia's police and military agencies. The report said the man told Yurchenko he had an order to "remove" Putin and showed him a red service identification card, according to The Daily Beast's translation. It is not clear what agency the ID suggested the man worked for. Russian security forces have spent days looking for the man, the report on Wednesday said. Telegram is a popular app in Russia, used by officials as well as war bloggers and media personalities who share updates on domestic news and the invasion of Ukraine, as well as misinformation and propaganda. Yurchenko told ministry officials that he met the man in a karaoke club, named Honey, in the city of Chekhov, south of Moscow, the Telegram report said. They then had a long conversation "about the war and future life in Russia," he said, and that was when the man told him about his assignment. Yurchenko didn't push back and instead changed the topic, according to The Daily Beast's translation. But he worried for days and decided to report what had happened, the Telegram report said. The bar is popular with employees of various Russian agencies, according to the Telegram report. Putin is said to be paranoid that he will be assassinated. One of his former security officers said in September that Putin is so paranoid that he has armed divers looking for would-be assassins on his private beach and that he deliberately gives fake travel information to his own bodyguards. Ukraine's top military intelligence official said in May 2022 that Putin had recently survived an assassination attempt. Read the original article on Business Insider Russia is recruiting Serbian mercenaries and housing them in a student accommodation building in the suburbs of Moscow, with plans to form a full-fledged Serbian brigade. Source: BBC Russian Service Details: The BBC Russian Service discovered that Serbian mercenaries are enrolled in the 106th Airborne Division. In particular, Serbian commander Davor Savicic, who has been fighting in the east of Ukraine since 2014; Alexander "Surgeon" Zaldostanov, the leader of the Night Wolves; and the son of the ex-president of Yugoslavia, Marko Milosevic, who lives in Russia, are involved in recruiting. Quote: "The BBC Russian service studied the recording of one of the meetings with the participation of Davor Savicic, during which he stated that he is going to form a full-fledged Serbian brigade as part of the 106th Tula Division of the Russian Airborne Forces by the fall of 2023, recruiting up to a thousand Serbian citizens into it. A whole system was developed for this project in Moscow Oblast: foreigners arriving in Russia were accommodated in a temporary student accommodation building next to the ski stadium in Krasnogorsk; a special notary must handle all their documents; and contracts are drawn up in Korolyov." More details: Journalists reported that Moscow Oblast was chosen because the region did not fulfil the tasks set before it regarding the number of conscripted soldiers ("volunteers"). The BBC Russian Service also got access to a list of the names of Serbs who were recruited into the Russian army. Among them was a Serbian citizen, Vukasin Stevanovic. He denied that he had entered into a contract and now serves in the 106th Airborne Division. Vukasin Stevanovic claims that he works in Russia as an ordinary construction worker. In several photos on his social media, he poses with a weapon in the military uniform of the Serbian army. "I was born to fight, and I will fight," Stevanovic wrote about himself. His mother told the BBC Russian Service that Stevanovic has been in Russia "for more than a year", where he allegedly "works in construction". He rarely calls her because of "problems with the mobile network in Russia." The fact that Serbian mercenaries are participating in the war in Ukraine was confirmed at the end of August by Davor Savicic and Serbian sniper Dejan Beric on the broadcast of the Solovyov Live programme [propaganda programme presented by Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian propagandist]. Savicic said that his battalion was in the area of the Hostomel airfield near Kyiv at the beginning of the war, after which they were transferred to Kharkiv Oblast and then to the village of Bohorodychne, Kramatorsk district, Donetsk Oblast. Mercenarism is a criminal offence in Serbia, so Serbs recruited into the Russian army can face up to 10 years in prison at home. 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 PHOTO: Russian Ambassador to the U.N. Vassily Nebenzia address members of the general assembly prior to a vote on a resolution condemning the annexation of parts of Ukraine amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the United Nations Headquarters By Michelle Nichols and Emma Farge UNITED NATIONS/GENEVA (Reuters) - Russia is seeking re-election to the United Nations' top human rights body next week in what is seen as a crucial test of Western efforts to keep Moscow diplomatically isolated over its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Amid creeping signs of Ukraine war "fatigue", some diplomats say Russia has a reasonable chance of getting voted back onto the U.N. Human Rights Council in Tuesday's secret ballot, 18 months after it was ousted in a U.S.-led drive. "I think there is Ukraine fatigue. And second, many people do not want U.N. bodies to be dominated by Western voices, not to mention overbearing attitudes," a senior Asian diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. Critics of Russia say its re-election while the nearly 20-month war in Ukraine still rages unabated would wreck the credibility of the Geneva-based Council, one of the more effective U.N. bodies. But Moscow is actively canvassing the votes of African, Asian and other non-Western countries in the 193-member U.N. General Assembly by attacking what it sees as the hypocrisy and unfair bias of the United States and its allies. "The Human Rights Council must be protected from misuse as a tool for settling political scores and from the practice of double standards," Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, said on Thursday. "Those are the tactics of certain states ... that proclaim themselves to be human rights champions," he told a subdued diplomatic reception at Russia's U.N. mission in New York, in a clear swipe at Western nations. Nebenzia was speaking just hours after a missile attack in Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed at least 52 people. Ukrainian and U.N. officials blamed Russia. Moscow has not commented but denies deliberately targeting civilians. RUSSIA MAY 'FIZZLE' Russia is up against Bulgaria and Albania for two Eastern Europe seats. The successful candidates each need a majority - at least 97 votes - to win a three-year term starting on Jan. 1. "There is a chance that U.N. members who want to avoid supporting Russia openly will help Moscow out this time," said Richard Gowan, of the International Crisis Group. But Western countries are known for being able to work out how states voted, he added, "so I think the Russian bid may still fizzle". The General Assembly has overwhelmingly denounced Russia's war in Ukraine several times and Moscow has struggled to win several U.N. elections. The General Assembly mustered the required two-thirds majority to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council in April last year - nearly halfway through its three-year term and shortly after Ukraine recaptured the town of Bucha and accused Moscow of large-scale atrocities. Russia denied the accusation. The council does not have legally-binding powers, but its meetings raise scrutiny and it can mandate investigations to document abuses which have sometimes formed the basis for war crimes prosecutions. 'FARCICAL' Britain's foreign minister James Cleverly described Moscow's re-election bid as "farcical". Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Yevheniia Filipenko, called it "beyond any comprehension and absurd". Although countries with questionable rights records have been elected in the past, observers say that never in the council's 17-year history has a state so widely accused of egregious crimes like Russia gained voting rights. Western nations also note that Russia's President Vladimir Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court on accusations of war crimes in Ukraine. "It would obviously be disastrous for the council's credibility, but also for the U.N.'s credibility in the eyes of people - especially victims - around the world," said Marc Limon, executive director of Universal Rights Group. Last March the council opened an investigation into the Ukraine war and has accused Russian forces of violations that may constitute crimes against humanity. It also appointed an investigator to examine Moscow's domestic rights record. Russia denies the accusations. Unlike the U.N. Security Council in New York, where Russia is one of five veto-wielding permanent members, none of the 47 rights council members has a veto. But vote margins for launching politically-sensitive probes are increasingly narrow. "I don't see a reason why Russia should not be on the council," a senior African diplomat told Reuters. "Maybe the Ukraine war, but Russia should still be considered. It has made a lot of contributions." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York and Emma Farge in Geneva; Editing by Gareth Jones) A Russian attack against the city of Kharkiv in the early hours of Oct. 6 injured three civilians, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported via his official Telegram channel. Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts of the city were targeted, according to the governor. A number of buildings and cars were damaged in the attack. Syniehubov didn't provide further details but urged residents to remain in shelters. Explosions were recorded in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast on the morning of Oct. 6. Air raid alert was activated for Kharkiv Oblast at 6:49 a.m. local time. Kharkiv Oblast has been a target of continuous Russian strikes. On Oct. 5, Russian forces hit a grocery store and a cafe in the village of Hroza, located some 86 kilometers east of Kharkiv, killing 51 people and injuring six, including children. It became the single deadliest Russian attack against civilians in 2023. Read also: Son, widow of fallen soldier killed in Russias attack on Kharkiv Oblast village Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Volodymyr Zelenskyy Kyiv is well aware of the danger posed by Moscow resuming its campaign of air strikes on Ukraines power grid and energy infrastructure in the coming winter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his Oct. 6 evening address. The president said that Russian leadership is prone to repeating its mistakes, noting that the Kremlin failed to induce a country-wide blackout in Ukraine last year. Read also: After the war, Ukraine to offer global system for protecting energy facilities during combat, says UkrEnergo The current Russian leadership always does what it has done before, said Zelenskyy. Read also: Ukraine defense chief vows to respond as Russia gears up to target energy grid again this winter They repeat all their mistakes. They repeat all their evil deeds. And when they fail, they think that they have not done enough harm to succeed. Such is their twisted logic. But we must take this into account. Read also: Ukraine to pioneer comprehensive energy infrastructure protections to foil Russian attacks This winter, Russian terrorists will again try to destroy our power system. They are incapable of accepting the idea that they will never subdue Ukraine. However, they will try to deliver more strikes and [make] more attempts to bypass our defenses. Zelenskyy stressed that local authorities must focus to ensure Ukraine is ready for the coming heating season, which usually begins in mid-to-late October. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Emergency workers have completed the search and rescue operation at the site of a Russian missile hit in the city of Kharkiv, which claimed the lives of a boy and his grandmother on 6 October. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) on Telegram Details: The report says the search and rescue efforts were completed as of 18:00. It is currently confirmed that 2 people were killed and 30 other residents were injured in the attack on the city, 12 of them were hospitalised. Background: On the morning of Friday, 6 October, the Russians attacked the centre of Kharkiv. The attack killed a 10-year-old boy and his 68-year-old grandmother. A total of 30 people were injured: 20 men and 9 women aged between 18 and 85. An 11-month-old boy the brother of the deceased child and grandson of the deceased woman was also injured. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Russia shelled eight communities along Ukraine's border Sumy Oblast on Oct. 5, firing 22 times throughout the day, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on Telegram. At least 131 explosions were recorded. The communities of Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Khotin, Seredyna-Buda, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, Znob-Novhorodske and Yunakivka came under fire. The Russian forces targeted the Krasnopillia community with mortars, artillery and unguided rockets, while the Seredyna-Buda community was attacked with Grad multiple rocket launcher, killing a civilian. There was no information on damage to civilian or military infrastructure at the time of the publication. Shelling is daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia. Residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experience multiple attacks per day. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 51 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking at the annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. (Grigory Sysoyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) MOSCOW (AP) Russian lawmakers will consider revoking the ratification of a global nuclear test ban, the parliament speaker said Friday. The statement from Vyacheslav Volodin , the speaker of the lower house, the State Duma, followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning that Moscow could consider rescinding the ratification of the international pact banning nuclear tests since the United States has never ratified it. There are widespread concerns that Russia could move to resume nuclear tests to try to discourage the West from continuing to offer military support to Ukraine. Many Russian hawks have spoken in favor of resuming the tests. Volodin reaffirmed Moscows claim that Western military support for Ukraine means the U.S. and its allies are engaged in the conflict. Washington and Brussels have unleashed a war against our country, Volodin said. Todays challenges require new decisions. He said that senior lawmakers will discuss recalling the 2000 ratification of the nuclear test ban at the next meeting of the agenda-setting house council. It conforms with our national interests, Volodin said. And it will come as a quid pro quo response to the United States, which has still failed to ratify the treaty. Speaking Thursday at a forum with foreign affairs experts, Putin noted the United States has signed but not ratified the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, known as the CTBT, while Russia has signed and ratified it. He argued that Russia could act in kind. Theoretically, we may revoke the ratification. he said. It's up to the State Duma members. Putin said that while some experts have talked about the need to conduct nuclear tests, he hasnt yet formed an opinion on the issue. Im not ready to say yet whether its necessary for us to conduct tests or not, he said. Asked Friday if rescinding the ban could pave the way for the resumption of tests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it doesn't mean a statement about the intention to resume nuclear tests. He noted that a possible move to revoke Russia's ratification of the ban would "bring the situation to a common denominator with the U.S. In the wake of these statements, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all nuclear weapon states to publicly reaffirm their moratoriums against nuclear testing and their commitment to the CTBT, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Friday. Robert Floyd, head of the U.N. nuclear test ban treaty organization, said in a statement Friday that it would be concerning and deeply unfortunate if any State Signatory were to reconsider its ratification of the CTBT. Russias defense doctrine envisages a nuclear response to an atomic strike or even to an attack with conventional weapons that threatens the very existence of the Russian state. That vague wording has led some Russian hawks to urge the Kremlin to sharpen it, in order to force the West to take the warnings more seriously. Responding to a question from an expert who suggested rewriting the nuclear doctrine to lower the threshold of nuclear weapons use to force the West to stop backing Ukraine, Putin said he sees no need to change the document. There is no situation in which anything would threaten Russian statehood and the existence of the Russian state, he said. I think that no person of sober mind and clear memory could have an idea to use nuclear weapons against Russia. Putin also announced Thursday that Russia has effectively completed the development of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile and will work on putting them into production. Putin didn't elaborate on his statement, and Peskov refused to say when the test of the Burevestnik was conducted or offer any other details. Little is known about the Burevestnik, which could carry a nuclear or a conventional warhead and potentially stay aloft for a much longer time and cover a longer distance than other missiles thanks to nuclear propulsion. When Putin first revealed that Russia was working on the weapon in 2018, he claimed it would have an unlimited range, allowing it to circle the globe undetected by missile defense systems. Many Western experts have been skeptical about that, noting that a nuclear engine could be highly unreliable. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer in the United Nations and Stephanie Liechtenstein in Vienna contributed to this report. A Christopher Columbus statue in Rhode Island, which was removed three years ago, suddenly re-emerges. Before it was removed, many activists vandalized the sculpture, which was originally located in a square in Providence. Because of criticisms, Rhode Island had to remove the bronze. However, the controversial statue returned. This time, it is now in a park in Johnston. Rhode Island: Columbus Statue Returns After Getting Removed 3 Years Ago According to Fox News' latest report, the controversial statue of Christopher Columbus re-emerged in a park in Johnston, which is around 9 miles west of the capital. Despite criticisms from Rhode Island residents, Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. said that the return of the statue is a big deal for his Italian-American town. "It's important and not just for Italian Americans. It's American history. It's world history, if you look at it from a historical perspective," said the mayor. Polisena said that the statue was recently purchased by the former mayor of Providence, Joseph Paolino Jr. The Johnston leader said that Paolino reached out to him to see if the sculpture could be placed in his town. Mayor Polisena agreed to the former official's request, unveiling the Columbus statue on Monday, Oct. 2. The bronze depicts the historical figure pointing forward with his right arm while holding the globe on the other hand. "I don't want to see it destroyed. I don't want to see it melted down. People should learn about him, the good and the bad," said the Johnston mayor. Read Also: Hammer Down, Trident Up: Ukraine Removes Soviet Symbols from Mother Ukraine Monument Critics Not So Happy About Statue's Return Polisena said that he understands why Christopher Columbus is criticized by many people. However, the official explained that it is unfair to use the standards of 2023 to measure the actions of a historical figure who lived five centuries ago. Despite his explanation, many critics still showed their disappointment. One of them is Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC President Harrison Tuttle. He said that the statue should never have been revived. Tuttle stated that people can easily understand the harm that Columbus inflicted against the indigenous people without needing to be one of them. The critic added, via the Associated Press, that returning the statue just shows that officials are tone-deaf to all the progress they made three years ago Tuttle explained that he understands the connection that many Italian descent feel for the historical figure. But, this should not be their way to show their pride as Italian-Americans. "At the same time, there are better ways to celebrate your heritage and culture without celebrating someone who in my opinion is the exact opposite of what Italian culture is," added Tuttle. 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. The Russian parliament will consider revoking the ratification of a ban on nuclear tests, the leader of its lower house announced Friday. State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin cited western allies support for Ukraine against Russian invasion as one reason to consider going back on the ban. Washington and Brussels have unleashed a war against our country, Volodin said, according to The Associated Press. Todays challenges require new decisions. He said that senior lawmakers will discuss recalling the 2000 ratification of the nuclear test ban at the next meeting of the house council. It conforms with our national interests, Volodin said. And it will come as a quid pro quo response to the United States, which has still failed to ratify the treaty. Revoking the ban was first floated by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, when he announced that the country had recently done testing on a new nuclear missile platform with a range of up to 14,000 miles. U.S. officials signed, but Congress did not ratify, the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban. Russia did ratify and sign the treaty, however. Putin warned Thursday that Russia could do the same. Theoretically, we may revoke the ratification. the Russian leader said. Its up to the State Duma members. But that doesnt mean Russia would immediately start nuclear testing again. Im not ready to say yet whether its necessary for us to conduct tests or not, Putin added. Russian officials have repeatedly threatened escalation of conflict with the U.S. and western allies over their support for Ukraine. Imagine if the offensive, which is backed by NATO, was a success and they tore off a part of our land, then we would be forced to use a nuclear weapon according to the rules of a decree from the president of Russia, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in July. There would simply be no other option. So our enemies should pray for our [warriors success]. They are making sure that a global nuclear fire is not ignited, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukrainian activists from the Cyber Resistance (KiberSprotyv) have hacked the email of Colonel Roman Ershov, Chief of Russian National Guard OMON (Russia's riot police) special unit in Kaluga Oblast, who led the invasion of Ukraines town of Prypiat in 2022. Source: Ukraine's National Resistance Center (NRC) Details: Further evidence of the participation of Russian riot police units in the invasion of Ukraine was obtained thanks to the hacking. Ershov held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as of February 2022 and received the rank of Colonel for his participation in hostilities last year. Hackers received photo evidence of the riot police invasion in Prypiat and the deployment of personnel in the Chornobyl forests. Hackers also managed to obtain photos that show the results of the attack launched by Ukraines Defence Forces on Russia's riot police. In addition, hackers obtained various Russian analytical documents, including the analysis of the operation of 9 mm MPL and MPL-1 pistols, the Lebedev pistols. This is a service weapon that the Kalashnikov Concern developed for units of the National Guard. Two years of pistol operation showed they are unfit for effective use. In Yershov's mail, Cyber Resistance found a report of the Centre for Support of Novorossiya terrorist organisation. The report was called How is Russia losing the war in Donbass? (Novorossiya is a term widely used by pro-Russian separatists, Russian chauvinists, and official Russian authorities concerning southeastern Ukraine ed.) In addition, married Yershov keeps explicit content from his mistresses on his iCloud. 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 death toll from a Russian missile strike on the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast has risen. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "A missile attack killed 52 people. One person died in a medical facility. People are still there [in medical facilities ed.]. They are quite seriously injured. The State Emergency Service units are still working at the scene. People are being identified by their body parts." Details: Syniehubov said the death toll may rise even more. Background: On 5 October, Russian troops attacked a cafe and a store in the village of Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast. Earlier, there were 51 confirmed deaths. Ihor Klymenko, Ukraines Minister of Internal Affairs, said that a memorial dinner for a deceased resident was being held in the cafe. He said that the strike was so precise there is a suspicion that the attack was adjusted by one of the 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! Russian night attack 25 of 33 Russian Shahed drones intercepted 25 out of 33 Russian Shahed-131/136 combat drones launched from Cape Chauda in the southeastern part of occupied Crimea were shot down overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said in a Telegram statement released on Oct. 6. The drones were flying in several groups towards the southern, eastern, and central parts of Ukraine. Read also: Death toll in Russias deadliest strike of 2023 rises to 52, wipes out almost half of Hroza village in Kharkiv Oblast Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr Oblasts activated their air defense systems, comprising of anti-aircraft missile units, fighter aircraft, and mobile fire support units to intercept the drones. Eleven were shot down over southern Ukraine, the Air Force reported. Read also: Improved drones and ballistic missiles expert on Irans military aid to Russia Explosions were heard overnight in Cherkasy Oblast. Kharkiv came under missile attack in the morning. A grain storage facility was damaged, and nine trucks set on fire in yet another Russian kamikaze drone attack targeting the port and border infrastructure in the Podunavya district of Odesa Oblast early on Oct. 6. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Russian sham "Supreme Court" of Crimea has sentenced Ukrainian journalist and volunteer Serhii Tsyhipa to 13 years in prison on 6 October. Source: Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne Krym (Suspilne Crimea), citing Serhii's wife, Olena Quote: "Serhii got 13 years. The lawyer says he did well. We arent going to stop here; we will submit an appeal." Details: The hearing was held behind closed doors, but propagandists from RIA Novosti got the information from somewhere: they reported on the journalist's sentence and posted a photo of him from the courtroom. For reference: Serhii Tsyhipa is a journalist and writer from the city of Nova Kakhovka in Kherson Oblast, whom the Russians have been holding captive for 1.5 years. Serhii was abducted for his active pro-Ukrainian position and journalistic work. His efforts led to a massive civil disobedience event in the city. Tsyhipa was also involved in volunteering, helping people with food and medicine. Following his detention on 12 March 2022, all contact with him was cut off, and his family had no idea of his whereabouts or situation for some time. Later, they learned from a propaganda video on Russian television that he was alive and in captivity. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! The Russian "authorities" of Zaporizhzhia Oblast are threatening to stop medical care for Ukrainians who have not obtained Russian passports, starting next year. Source: Russian BBC service on Telegram Details: It is reported that this statement was made by Yevgeny Balitskyi, the Russian-backed head of the occupation administration of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Quote: "We are not in a hurry till New Years Eve. After the celebration, we will take stricter measures so that only citizens of the Russian Federation can live on our territory. This year a person can still receive medical care with a Ukrainian passport, but starting next year they will not." More details: Russian authorities claim that about 83% of residents of the territory of Ukraine occupied by the Russian Federation have applied for a Russian passport. This data cannot be confirmed. The Ukrainian authorities say that residents of the occupied territories can obtain Russian passports if it will enable them to avoid endangering their lives. 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! During the day, 28 combat clashes took place on the front lines of Ukraine. The Russians launched 2 missile- and 57 airstrikes and carried out 43 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 6 October Details: On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacks near Sinkivka and Ivanivka in Kharkiv Oblast. On the Lyman front, the defence forces repelled five Russian attacks in the area east of Makiivka in Luhansk Oblast. On the Bakhmut front, the Russians unsuccessfully tried to restore lost position in the area south of Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast. On the Marinka front, the defence forces successfully repelled about 10 Russian attacks near Marinka and Novomykhailivka during the day. On the Shakhtarsk front, the defenders repelled Russian attacks near Vuhledar, Zolota Nyva, Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast and Pryiutne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. On the Zaporizhzhia front, the defence forces successfully repelled Russian attacks in the area northeast of Novoprokopivka. Quote: "At the same time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue their offensive operation on the Melitopol front and offensive (assault) operations on the Bakhmut front, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the occupying forces and exhausting enemy units along the entire line of contact. During the day, the Air Force carried out 11 strikes on the areas where personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated, and three more on enemy anti-aircraft missile systems. Ukrainian Rocket Forces and Artillery units damaged one control point, one anti-aircraft defence device, six artillery devices, one area of concentration of personnel and 1 electronic warfare station of the enemy." 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 Sacramento-area middle school teacher on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison for child sexual abuse after authorities learned he was giving alcohol, marijuana and sex toys to his students, prosecutors said. Along with the prison sentence, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Kenneth Brody ordered 50-year-old Glenn Alejandrino to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office announced in a news release. Alejandrino had worked as a teacher for the San Juan Unified School District since 1996, Sacramento County sheriffs officials have said. He worked at Arden Middle School dating back to 2013, where he taught eighth-grade leadership and government classes. He worked in early childhood education from 1996 through 1998 and as a sixth-grade teacher at Cowan Elementary School from 1999 through 2012, according to the Sheriffs Office. He transferred to Arden Middle School in 2013. Sheriffs officials have said the crimes occurred from 2019 through 2021 at the teachers home, and the children were there with their parents knowledge and consent. The middle school teacher would spend time with his students outside of school without other adults present. On many occasions, he invited his students to his home and gave them alcohol and marijuana, prosecutors said. Alejandrino also allowed his students to engage in sexual intercourse at his home without the knowledge of their parents, according to the District Attorneys Office. Prosecutors said the school teacher on at least 20 occasions gave one student a sex toy and directed that student to perform sex acts on themselves. The student was 13 to 14 years old when this occurred. On July 19, 2022, Alejandrino turned himself at the Sacramento County Main Jail downtown after detectives and his attorney arranged for his surrender on an arrest warrant. He was released from jail after posting a $350,000 bail bond and remained free pending completion of his court case. Sheriffs officials at the time said Alejandrino was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony counts that include lewd or lascivious acts with a child younger than 14 years old, lewd act on a child with a victim more than 10 years younger than the teacher, communicating with a minor with intent to commit a sex offense, furnishing marijuana to a minor younger than 14, contributing to the delinquency of minor and molesting a child younger than 18. As part of a plea deal with the District Attorneys Office on Sept. 8, Alejandrino was convicted of two counts of committing lewd acts upon a child and one count of communicating with a minor for the purposes of engaging in lewd behavior. The rest of his charges were dismissed, court records show. Shortly after agreeing to the plea deal last month, Alejandrino was remanded to sheriffs custody. He remained in custody Friday afternoon at the jail awaiting transfer to prison. DETROIT (FOX 2) - The students of Western International High School may have come prepared for sailing the Detroit River in mid-September. They also may have been ready for hoisting sails, steering the ship, and learning about the wildlife in their backyard. But nothing would prepare them for what they pulled out of the water. The associate director told them they were searching for plankton. But with Juliana Lisuk pulled up the long white tube-shaped net out of the water, it revealed a jellyfish. "Woah!" Lisuk said. "That's honestly the first time I've seen that." Based on the gasps from the crowd of students, it was probably their first time too. "Like honestly, I didn't know there was even jellyfish in this river," said Jose Ramierz, an 11th grade student. Another girl named Jaretza called it beautiful. "And cute. And tiny," she said. A third student Googled how to say jellyfish in Spanish. "Oh, it's medusa." It's a natural question for this group - most are Hispanic and speak Spanish. They would later get a close-up view of the alien-looking creature as it was placed in a microscope with its tentacles blown up on a TV screen. "Did you know, Plankton are actually a type of jellyfish?" one instructor told them. While searching for plankton, students from Western International High School found a jellyfish. For the students, they were getting a crash course in the basics of sailing and biology, how boats work, and the history of their home. For the crew aboard the Schooner Alliance and the instructors that embarked with them, their mission was something deeper. "Look at this river. This is our home. Detroit is our home," said Yolanda Jack. "There is nobody that can claim this place more than you." Speaking to six kids, Jack, or "Mama Yo" as she sometimes goes by, is hosting one of the workshops aboard the schooner. Jack is the manager of community engagement at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. When people want someone to speak on the significance of home and what the city of Detroit means to them, they go to Jack. "This is not some strange place. This is our place. And as soon as we recognize it, we can love it. And now that we love it, we can care for it, and make sure our children and our children's children's children have a beautiful river to come to and appreciate the beauty." The schooner Alliance was purchased by the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) in 2022 to help service growing demand for their programming along the Great Lakes. They usually offer science lessons on the environment and wildlife to classes near their base of operations in Suttons Bay, which leads into Grand Traverse Bay. But in Detroit, their mission is less science-heavy and geared more toward helping young people reconnect with their surroundings. If kids can get in touch with their home, they may focus more on fostering its growth and giving them a reason to care about its quality. "It's all about exposure. You gotta expose kids," said Bruce Ross. "A lot of these kids don't get out of their neighborhood. Look at this resource here. You have a classroom right here." Ross worked as the chief of field operations for the Department of Natural Resources before turning to helping kids in urban areas engage more with their natural environments. One way is working with the Detroit River Story Lab out of the University of Michigan, which has partnered with ISEA for days on the water like those on Sept. 11. While growing up in Detroit, Ross says he was bullied in school. As an escape, he would spend time on Belle Isle. There the bees didnt threaten me, the trees didn't threaten me. I remember a deer even came up to be. I thought it was divine intervention, but I knew it was a connection." The programming on board touched on wildlife comeback stories and how a 105-foot, three-masted, sailboat like the Alliance can float - lessons that other rides offered by ISEA would include. But to show kids how deep their roots go, the program's director David Porter says its storytellers like Jack that are needed to untangle the disconnect that's built up over decades. The schooner Alliance docked at Milliken State Park. One story she tells is what the Detroit River meant to the Underground Railroad and the tens of thousands of self-emancipated slaves that gained freedom after they crossed it into Canada. "You see that statue over there," she says, pointing to the Gateway to Freedom International Memorial. "That represents men and women who escaped enslavement seeking freedom. They knew if they got from here to there, they would be free. MORE: One of the world's most invasive plants was just found in Michigan "The opportunity to take self-determination in your hands and learn something for yourself, learning that, connecting to the fact I met communities I never thought I would be exposed to, it all comes down to this river. The spirit is here." A few minutes later, the schooner passed by another Detroit River landmark: the Ambassador Bridge, giving the visitors a vantage of the massive structure rarely seen. Maddeline Lopez takes direction from Capt. Ben Hale. At the time, Maddeline Lopez had her hand on the helm of the ship; a classic steering wheel colored rusted green with the year 1995 embossed on its surface. Capt. Ben Hale, who has his own connection to the area with memories of sailing on the Boblo Boat, is guiding her. Across the boat, Jose Ramierz wore a top hat and otter pelt as a scarf - symbols of the French fur trade from centuries ago. In today's era, they're more suitable for a selfie. He raised his phone, pointed it at his face, and snapped a photo with a smile. The News New York Republicans want their next speaker to have a taste for SALT. The state and local tax deduction is once again popping up, this time in the House GOPs leadership race. Members from the New York delegation are pressing candidates to address what has long been a top priority of theirs. Both Reps. Anthony DEsposito and Mike Lawler have raised it with the major speaker candidates, which so far include House Minority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., is considering making a bid as well. Congressman DEsposito has communicated to all the Speaker candidates that providing relief for New Yorkers on the SALT cap is a policy priority of his, and a major concern for the Long Island communities he represents, Matt Capp, a DEsposito spokesperson, said in a statement to Semafor. The SALT cap has played a central role in many discussions as the declared Speaker candidates seek the support of the New York delegation, Capp added. In addition, Rep. Lawler is continuing to have those conversations with those seeking his support for leadership positions, Lawler spokesperson Peter Finocchio told Semafor. At the moment, New York Republican lawmakers seem more interested in putting SALT on the next speakers radar instead of conditioning their vote on it, and are raising other issues as well. I would hope that anyone who comes to the New York folks recognizes that SALT is #1, a House GOP aide in the New York delegation told Semafor. Other topics the aide said members have raised include overhauling the one-person threshold for the motion to vacate procedure used to oust Kevin McCarthy and shielding moderates from taking politically difficult votes on symbolic bills that stand no chance of becoming law. A House GOP aide involved in one speakership bid described the situation to Semafor as lawmakers seeking to ensure the next speaker isnt just going to brush aside blue state Republicans. Know More The SALT cap bedeviled Democrats when they were in the majority, and its been a thorn in the side of House GOP leaders as they tried to shepherd a party-line tax bill earlier this summer. In 2017, Republicans imposed the $10,000 cap in order to help cover the cost of their tax cut law, angering voters in high-tax New York and New Jersey. Ever since, Republican and Democratic lawmakers from New York and New Jersey have demanded the cap be lifted. A contingent of New York Republicans threatened to block the House GOPs signature tax bill unless Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith agreed to either eliminate or raise the SALT cap from its current $10,000 level, leaving it stalled. Its a pricey proposition that many Republicans like Hern oppose. Ukrainian officials said at least 50 people were killed, including a six-year-old boy, after a Russian missile attack in the eastern village of Hroza, near Kupiansk in Ukraine's Kharkiv region Thursday (October 5). The attack was deemed by many as one of the deadliest since the war between Russia and Ukraine began. Death by Missile After a Funeral According to Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synehubov, Russian missiles targeted a cafe and a shop in the village at around 13:15 local time (10:15 UTC), leaving a massive heap of rubble in its wake. The bodies of the deceased were removed from the scene for identification and burial, Synehubov added. An additional six people who were injured are being treated in hospital. Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko also alleged that most of the victims in the cafe were mourners attending a wake after a funeral. It is unclear what weapon was used to carry out the assault in the town, but the Associated Press quoted Ukrainian authorities' preliminary suspicion that the village was hit by an Iskander missile. In retaliation, Ukrainian drones targeted several infrastructure facilities in several areas in Russia's Kursk region. Ukrainian forces have also shelled the Russian border town of Rylsk, wounding a resident and damaging several houses. Read Also: Ukraine Relies on Smoke-Belching DIY Combat Vehicles Zelensky: Attack was a 'Brutal' Crime In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as "a demonstrably brutal Russian crime" that was "completely deliberate." He also said the Kremlin needed such attacks to "make its genocidal aggression the new normal for the whole world." "Russian terror must be stopped," he told reporters and world leaders on the sidelines of a European leaders' summit in the southern Spanish city of Granada. "Anyone who helps Russia circumvent sanctions is a criminal. Everyone who still supports Russia is supporting evil." Zelensky's business in Spain is to solicit further material and diplomatic support from European countries to repel the Russians from their lands. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called the attack "brutal and cynical" and must be stopped in a "coordinated and united manner" alongside Kyiv's allies. "It is impossible to describe this horror in words," he posted on Telegram. "We must stop the Russian terror so that enemy missiles and shells do not take any more lives or injure any more people." Related Article: Russia Plans New Naval Base on Black Sea Coast Near Occupied Georfia Region Following Crimea Retreat @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sleeping "pods" based in a San Francisco building are not up to code, officials said. Authorities issued a violation for the pods on Tuesday, the SF Examiner reported. The $700-a-month pods are 4-foot-high boxes made out of wood and steel. Tiny sleeping "pods" may have proved a hit with tech workers, but city officials are not impressed with their installation in a San Francisco building. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection on Tuesday found they were not up to code and issued a notice of violation for the pods, which contain beds but no windows, the San Francisco Examiner reported. The department said the pods, situated in Mint Plaza, were illegally installed without a residential building permit. If the building wants to keep the pods, it must file the required permits by the start of November, obtain approval by December 2, and have inspectors sign off on the changes before the start of the new year, the outlet reported. Representatives for the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside normal working hours. The pods, which are 4-foot-high boxes constructed from wood and steel, made headlines after tech workers praised the spaces in interviews with ABC 7 News . In San Francisco, the Brownstone Shared Housing-made pods go for $700 a month. Brownstone CEO James Stallworth told SFGate the company had a lot of inquiries from people interested in artificial intelligence. Young workers flocking to the city for opportunities praised the spaces for their ease and networking opportunities. Earlier this month, Christian Lewis, a tech-startup founder, posted photos of his experience in one of the pods on X, formerly known as Twitter. "People are getting bitchy but i'm not sure what for. i'm just trying to stay within the city of San Francisco without paying $4,000 a month or getting stabbed, and i think this is a great solution so far," he wrote. "There's a lot of cool people here too." Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON - Baseball's most outrageous team, the Savannah Bananas, are coming to Nationals Park! The Harlem Globetrotters-style team, adorned in bright yellow uniforms, plays a wacky version of the national pastime known as "Banana Ball." "Banana Ball" rules include a 2-hour time limit, no restrictions to on-field celebrations, and offbeat rules such as no walks, no bunting and outs being tallied when a fan catches a ball in the stands. There's also a real-life baseball game amid all the shenanigans! The team was founded in 2016 as a member of Coastal Plains League, a summer circuit for college players, playing their home games in Savannah's historic Grayson Stadium. The Savannah Bananas perform a dance routine during their game against the Staten Island Ferryhawks at Richmond County Bank Ball Park on August 11, 2023 in New York City. The Savannah Bananas were part of the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league, for seven seasons. In 2022, the Bananas announced that they were leaving the Coastal Plain League to play Banana Ball year-round. Banana Ball was born out of the idea of making baseball more fast-paced, entertaining, and fun. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Soon after, owner Jesse Cole launched the professional barnstorming team that now also plays in MLB and amateur stadiums across the country. The Bananas will play at the home of the Washington Nationals on July 13, 2024. Fans can enter an online ticket lottery for a chance to purchase tickets. You have until December 1, 2023, to register. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Just Announced: The @TheSavBananas are coming to Nationals Park on July 13, 2024! Get ready for a summer of epic fun. For more info visit https://t.co/MgXZkTvMPX pic.twitter.com/GRbjMbzVEm Nationals Park (@NationalsPark) October 6, 2023 Russian agent The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) extracted and detained red-handed a Russian FSB security service agent from the self-proclaimed Transnistria (the Russian-occupied part of Moldova), who was trying to remotely recruit Odesa Oblast residents, including law enforcement officers, to establish his own espionage network in southern Ukraine. Read also: SBU nabs 3 Russian military intelligence agents in raids across Ukraine The agent was introduced to an active SBU female employee as a part of a counterintelligence operation. She agreed to cooperate and convinced the agent to come to Odesa Oblast. His crimes were meticulously documented. The investigation revealed that the agent turned out to be a Ukrainian citizen who had gone to Moldova in the early 1990s, where he participated in the war on the side of the separatists of the self-proclaimed Transnistria. He later became an internal forces sniper controlled by Russia and was subsequently appointed to the 17th special forces "Edelweiss" groups commander of the Russian Internal Affairs Ministry. SBU Read also: Ukraines SBU detained Russian FSB agent trying to infiltrate Army of Drones school in Kyiv The agent took part in pro-Russian riots in Odesa in 2014, and fled back to Transnistria after Ukrainian law enforcement declared him wanted, where he was recruited, trained, and given the call sign Skif [Scythian]. He began his hostile missions in 2023. Deployments and movements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Ukrainian southern frontline areas were of particular interest to him. Read also: FSB agent betraying Ukrainian military positions outside Bakhmut nabbed by SBU The agent is currently in custody and faces possible life imprisonment under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed during a state of war). The investigation is ongoing. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Good morning and welcome to your weekly South Carolina politics briefing, a newsletter curated by The States politics and government team. State funding for South Carolina State University, compared to Clemson University, was called into question by the Biden Administration in a letter to Gov. Henry McMaster, which alleged that South Carolina under-funded its only publicly-funded historically Black school by nearly $500 million over the past three decades. But some state lawmakers said the federal governments claim is suspicious and lacks considerable context. I view the letter from the Biden administration as nothing more than a political campaign stunt in his bid for reelection, said state Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken. Its suspicious that similar letters were suddenly sent to 16 states, nearly all in the South. Taylor, HBCU advocates and S.C. State University President Alexander Conyers all agree that while S.C. State has indeed been under-funded for decades compared to its white counterpart, Clemson, lawmakers have begun to make strides in addressing the funding disparity. Under-funding is not currently the issue, Taylor said. S.C. State is hustling to spend nearly $88 million in new construction money the General Assembly has appropriated in the past two years. State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, who represents Orangeburg the home of S.C. State said one of the reasons she voted against this years state spending plan was because it lacked funding for S.C. State to construct a new library, classrooms and housing. Talk is cheap. Action speaks louder than words, Cobb-Hunter said. And while you tell me you support the university, and you think they deserve to be funded, your actions send a different message. The Orangeburg campus of South Carolina State University U.S. Reps from S.C. vote to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker In a historic leadership ouster, South Carolina Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn and Republican Rep. Nancy Mace voted to remove Kevin McCarty as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives this week, amid ongoing infighting within the GOP. The ousting comes after weeks of hard-right Republicans remaining adamant about removing McCarthy due to his agreement to work with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown. The upheaval started with Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who on Monday night moved to remove McCarthy as speaker, after McCarthy made a deal with Democrats to avert a federal government shutdown. Democrats and far-right Republicans often, if not almost always, disagree. This time, they voted together. Mace had said she was undecided on how she would vote on McCarthy just two days before the vote took place. But she had voiced her dissatisfaction with McCarthy multiple times, specifically for not following through on promises on legislation related to contraception. She also mentioned four other promises she said McCarthy made to her, including on gun violence and balancing the budget, none of which have come to fruition. I empathize with Matt Gaetz over his frustration, Mace said on The View earlier this week. Im frustrated equally but for different, different, very different reasons, she said. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to reporters at the United States Capitol on Tuesday, Oct, 3, 2023. 2024 Bites Washington Post: Trumps violent rhetoric is getting muted coverage by the news media The Wall Street Journal: Cornel West Slams Biden, Trump, and Runs as 2024 Independent The AP: Most 2024 GOP presidential candidates urge GOP to stop the chaos after McCarthys ouster The Telegraph: Nikki Haley emerges as Donald Trumps main rival ABC News: How Tim Scotts run for president is affecting his role as senator Politico: Ramaswamy wanted to be an RNC insider before he started bashing the institution ABC News: Heres where the 2024 presidential candidates stand on elections, voting Buzz Bites Republican U.S. Sen Lindsey Graham has something in common with President Joe Biden : increasing unpopularity among South Carolinians, according to a new poll. In a shift that advocates say will improve access to and possibly lower costs for health care in South Carolina, more physician-owned hospitals will now be able to open without the state governments approval. To foster a child in South Carolina, a persons religious beliefs can be required to mirror that of a private placement agency, at least for one agency in the Upstate, a federal court has held. Cory Fleming, who helped Alex Murdaugh embezzle millions of dollars, is appealing his more than 13-year prison sentence, saying it is excessive, cruel and unusual and the result of bias in the sentencing judge. On Wednesday, more than 400 people assembled at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to place a SLED K-9 to rest following a suspect shooting. Mark your calendar Oct. 9 Vivek Ramaswamy to speak at Wofford College Oct. 11 U.S. Court hears oral arguments in SC-1 redistricting case Oct. 16 Board of Economic Advisors meeting Oct. 19 S.C. and N.C. Federations of Republican Women presidential candidate forum at Winthrop University Oct. 24 Primary election for state Senate District 19 Oct. 31 Deadline to file for the S.C. GOP Presidential Primary Nov. 1-10 Filing period for the S.C. Democratic Presidential Primary Nov. 7 State Senate District 42 special election Local municipal elections Nov. 8 Third GOP presidential debate in Miami Nov. 16 Board of Economic Advisors revenue forecast Dec. 7-10 First in the South Republican Action Conference in Myrtle Beach Jan. 9, 2024 State legislative session begins Feb. 3, 2024 S.C. Democratic Party Presidential Primary Feb. 24, 2024 S.C. GOP Presidential Primary Before we adjourn Talks of judicial reform in South Carolina have again begun to surface ahead of the start of the 2024 legislative session. Its likely to be the legislatures predominate issue come January. But for many familiar with the matter, the question is: whats new? Well, now, at least one lawmaker, state Sen. Wes Climer, R- has vowed to block all future judicial elections in the Senate, short of a judicial reform bill. Beyond that, Alan Wilson is renewing his push for judicial reform, following a recent state Supreme Court decision that found that a group of legislators broke the law in the way they handled a judicial candidate. In South Carolina, we have a system of government that is not equal in its balance of power, Wilson said. One of the things I would like to do is bring balance back to our three branches of government so that each branch has an equal and distinct check on the other branches of government. Ultimately, in response, S.C. House Speaker Murrell Smith has committed to forming a judicial reform study committee ahead of the 2024 legislative session. One of the most important functions of the South Carolina General Assembly is the selection of judges in this state, the speaker said. It is a process we must ensure is carried out in the best possible way so that the public that its judges are fair, and that the selection process reflects the best judgment of the people. Whether changes will finally come, however, remains to be seen. Pulling the newsletter together this week was Javon L. Harris, reporter on The States politics and state government team. You can keep up with him on Twitter and send him tips on Twitter at @JavonLHarris_JD or by email at jaharris@thestate.com. To stay on top of South Carolina politics and election news, you can chat with us on Facebook, email us tips and follow our stories at scpolitics.com. A photograph of the "Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat" promo cards scalpers are selling online for thousands of dollars after obtaining them from the Van Gogh Musuem in Amsterdam on Sept. 28. It's been nearly a week since scalpers stormed the new Pokemon exhibit at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in search of a Pokemon Pikachu promo card. The Pokemon Pikachu promo card was released in tandem with a line of merchandise released by Pokemon and the Van Gogh Museum to celebrate the museums 50th anniversary. The Pokemon x Van Gogh art collaboration, intended to introduce new audiences to the work of Vincent van Gogh with in-person and online activities, began Sept. 28, 2023, and will continue through Jan. 7, 2024, according to the Pokemon Company. Multiple videos have surfaced online of a crowd of people gathered around what appears to be a merchandise table, with several people reaching for more than one postcard, poster, or t-shirt among other items. People can be heard shouting over one another, one in particular shouting for people to get in line. The museum sold out of all of their Pokemon themed merchandise in a matter of hours on the first day they opened, leaving hundreds of guests waiting to get inside the museum without the opportunity to acquire merch, Forbes reported. Not long after the scalpers walked away with their goods, listings for the promo card where Pikachu is donning a gray hat appeared on third-party commerce sites like eBay with prices ranging from $100 to $6,969. The regrettable behavior of a small number of visitors was not anticipated, the Van Gogh Museum shared with Forbes. Heres what we know. What happened after the scalper fiasco at the Van Gogh museum? We apologize to all the fans eagerly awaiting our Pokemon Center x Van Gogh Museum release today. Due to overwhelming demand, all our products from this collection have sold out. We understand this is disappointing to many who were looking to our official email and social media pic.twitter.com/KM3ZCO1EQZ Pokemon (@Pokemon) September 29, 2023 In response to the chaos that ensued opening day, Pokemon released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, apologizing to all the fans eagerly awaiting our Pokemon Center x Van Gogh Museum release because all products from the collection were sold out due to overwhelming demand. We understand this is disappointing to many who were looking to our official email and social media channels for guidance on how and when to purchase. We are actively working on ways to provide more 'Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat' promo cards for fans shopping at Pokemon Center in the future. Details will be released at a later date. Thank you for your understanding and continued support, the company wrote on X. A similar message is posted on the Van Gogh Museum website, with a note stating that most items are expected to be back in stock around mid-October encouraging fans to keep an eye on their website. The Pokemon x Van Gogh collaborative products include posters, shirts, postcards, journals, prints, keyrings, wallet, pens/pencils, coloring books and tote bags. What is The Pokemon x Van Gogh art collection? Munchlax & Snorlax inspired by The Bedroom is one of the six pieces exhibited at the Van Gogh Musuem in Amsterdam. The idea behind the collaboration was to allow the next generation to get to know Vincent van Goghs art and life story in a refreshing way, General Director of the Van Gogh Museum, Emilie Gordenker, wrote in a news release. The Van Gogh Museum and The Pokemon Company International have drawn on many years of educational expertise to create a special experience for children, their supervisors, and we hope many others at the Van Gogh Museum, Gordenker said. The pieces exhibited are a Pokemon themed take on Van Goghs famed paintings. Pikachu inspired by Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat Corviknight inspired by Wheatfield with Crows Munchlax & Snorlax inspired by The Bedroom Eevee inspired by Self-Portrait with Straw Hat Sunflora inspired by Sunflowers Smeargle inspired by Self-Portrait as a Painter Inside the museum, Pokemon fans will get to partake in multiple activities like a presentation, Pokemon Adventure, online learning material and a how to draw Pikachu video guide. The exhibit is currently sold out through Oct. 24, but purchasing tickets online will be relatively easy after that if you happen to find yourself in Amsterdam. Can I still obtain a Pikachu promo card? Inside the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which plans on hosting the 'Pokemon x Van Gogh Museum' artist collaboration until January of 2024. Yes, but there are a few caveats. In light of the situation, the Van Gogh museum has put a couple rules in place to make sure no guest or guests can walk off with more than one card. The only way to obtain a Pikachu promo card is by completing the Pokemon Adventure at the museum. The distribution of promo cards is subject to availability, but a maximum of one card will be issued per person as they leave the museum. The cards are not for sale by the museum so there is no other way to obtain a promo if the museums stock runs out. Pokemon fans might still be able to get their hands on a promo card if they cant visit the museum through the Pokemon Center in the U.S., U.K., or Canada when you purchase a Pokemon x Van Gogh Museum item. However, all items from the collaboration are currently sold out. ICYMI: Catching 'em all: Thousands of Pokemon trainers descend on New York for 3-day festival This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Van Gogh Museum left without Pokemon merchandise after scalpers German Chancellor Olaf Scholz German Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to exercise caution in providing Ukraine with long-range missiles despite increasing calls to do so, including from former British Defense Minister Ben Wallace. Scholz cited constitutional constraints and escalation as reasons for his reluctance to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles during an Oct. 5 press conference at the European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain. Responding to questions from journalists about why he had not yet agreed to provide cruise missiles, Scholz stated that such a decision could only be made after "careful consideration. When a war lasts so long, these considerations cant stop at once. Read also: No plans for Berlin to send Ukraine Taurus missiles report He did not elaborate on how much longer careful consideration would take. Germany must always take into account what the constitution requires of us and what our options for action are.This includes in particular the fact that we must of course ensure that there is no escalation of the war and that Germany does not become part of the conflict. It is my task as chancellor to ensure that, Scholz said. Read also: 10-year-old boy killed in Russian ballistic missile attack on Kharkiv civilians; 23 injured He did not clarify what he meant by constitutional constraints. Scholz has been hesitant to provide Ukraine with missiles due to concerns that Kyiv might attack Russian territory and would only approve the supply of Taurus missiles when he was convinced of the technical modifications that would prevent such attacks. He does not have any other major doubts about providing Ukraine with missiles. Germany has emphasized that these restrictions do not extend to potential attacks on targets in temporarily occupied Crimea. But Scholz is concerned that Ukraine could use the missiles to target the Crimean Bridge, which connects the occupied peninsula to Russia. Wallace Calls for Germany to join UK, France in Long-Range Missile Transfer In response to Russias Oct. 5 attack that resulted in over 50 deaths in the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast, former UK Defense Minister Ben Wallace called on Germany to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles. Every time Russia strikes civilians and breaks international law by targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine there needs to be a response. We did that with Starstreak and Storm Shadow. Germany should now send their Taurus missile systems to Ukraine and join the UK and France. NV Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine German Chancellor Olaf Scholz once again stated that his government has not yet decided on supplying long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, as it has been trying to prevent the war "escalation". Source: Politico, citing Scholz during a press conference on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain Details: When journalists on 5 October asked Scholz why he does not want to send cruise missiles to Ukraine, the chancellor said such a decision can be made only after "careful consideration". "After all, when a war lasts so long, these considerations cant stop at once," Scholz said, adding that his government "must always take into account what the constitution requires of us and what our options for action are". "This includes in particular the fact that we must of course ensure that there is no escalation of the war and that Germany does not become part of the conflict. It is also my task as chancellor to ensure that," the German Chancellor said. Scholz did not specify which potential constitutional restrictions he was referring to. Bild previously reported that the chancellor was concerned that Berlin would have to provide Russian targets geodata for Ukraine to use Taurus missiles. Thus, according to the chancellor, Germany would be forced to take a more active part in the war. Scholz is also concerned that Ukraine could use missiles to destroy the Kerch Bridge connecting occupied Crimea with Russia. At the same time, Scholz repeatedly emphasised during his press conference on Thursday, 5 October, how "very far-reaching" but also "very effective" his decision to supply Ukraine with another Patriot air defence system is. 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 source close to Gillian Keegan said the Education Secretary was incredibly frustrated by the mistake - Adam Vaughan/Shutterstock Schools have been told they will receive less funding than expected next year after civil servants miscalculated the figures. State secondary schools were told during the summer to plan for a minimum of 6,050 per pupil in 2024-25, but that has now dropped to 5,995. For a school of 1,000 pupils, the drop will be more than 50,000. Primary schools were told to expect a minimum of 4,655 per pupil, but have now been told to expect 4,610. Susan Acland-Hood, the Department for Education (DfE) permanent secretary, has written to Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, apologising for the error. A source close to Mrs Keegan said she was incredibly frustrated by the mistake and had ordered an investigation and review of the calculation process for the funding formula to ensure it did not happen again. Error processing forecast pupil numbers In a letter to Robin Walker, the chairman of the Commons education select committee, Ms Acland-Hood said there had been an error processing forecast pupil numbers. She said the error meant the overall cost of the schools budget was greater than allocated. She apologised and said the DfE recognised that the correction of this error will be difficult for local authorities and frustrating for some school leaders. The department said that while expectations for individual schools had changed, the overall budget for all schools in England would be 59.6 billion in 2024-25, as previously promised. Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the NAHT school leaders union, said: School leaders will be rightly angry that basic accounting errors may force them to rethink already tight budgets as a result of the erroneous figures they were provided. Many may now have to revisit crucial decisions around staffing or support for pupils as budgets are reduced. Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: This is an extremely unfortunate and frustrating error. Even though schools have not received their 2024-25 funding, it is likely that trusts and local authorities will have used the incorrect figures in their budget planning and will now need to revise those budgets with the corrected figures. This is the last thing they need on top of all the other demands on their time. It is important that there are no similar mistakes in the future. It is also important that ministers urgently review the education budget to make sure all schools receive enough funding to meet all cost pressures. 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. If war is the health of the state, as Randolph Bourne had it, then scaring the hell out of people is the health of the security state. Nothing scares people more than threats to wee ones, which is why "think of the children" is the go-to marketing hook for control-freak policies. And if children are involved in authoritarian schemes, you know that implicates public schools, which are the focus of a new report on surveillance and kids by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Surveillance Inside the Schoolhouse "Over the last two decades, a segment of the educational technology (EdTech) sector that markets student surveillance products to schools the EdTech Surveillance industry has grown into a $3.1 billion a year economic juggernaut with a projected 8% annual growth rate," begins Digital Dystopia The Danger in Buying What the EdTech Surveillance Industry is Selling. "The EdTech Surveillance industry accomplished that feat by playing on school districts' fears of school shootings, student self-harm and suicides, and bullying marketing them as common, ever-present threats." This being the modern ACLU, the report's focus is not on decisions made by authoritarian school administrators, but on the companies that sell those administrators tools that help them implement authoritarianism. It's difficult to believe vendors of snooping tools would exist without demand for their products, but the report assumes the EdTech sector beguiles naive administrators with "biased marketing materials" that focus "on stoking fear around student self-harm, suicides, and bullying." Sure. That said, the report offers valuable insight into surveillance in American public schools. It also examines the damaging environment surveillance creates for the kids subject to pervasive monitoring. Big Hallway Monitor is Watching As the authors detail, among the technologies are surveillance cameras. These are often linked to software for facial recognition, access control, behavior analysis, and weapon detection. That is, cameras scan student faces and then algorithms identify them, allow or deny them entry based on that ID, decide if their activities are threatening, and determine if objects they carry may be dangerous or forbidden. "False hits, such as mistaking a broomstick, three-ring binder, or a Google Chromebook laptop for a gun or other type of weapon, could result in an armed police response to a school," cautions the report. That's not a random assortment of harmless-until-misidentified items; a footnoted 2022 Charlotte Observer piece points out such objects were tagged as weapons by scanners in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. "A how-to video posted earlier this year by administrators at Butler High School instructs students to remove certain belongings from their backpacks and walk through the scanner holding their laptops above their heads to avoid setting off a false alarm," it adds. Huh. What happens if behavior analysis algorithms decide that brandished laptops are threatening? Also called out is software that monitors social media, students' communications, and web-surfing habits. Audio monitors that are supposed to detect gunshotsbut can be triggered by slammed doors (as at Greenwood High School in Arkansas earlier this year)also feature in many schools. The ACLU also points out something I wrote up last year: Public-health panic during the COVID-19 pandemic supercharged what was already a creeping culture of surveillance in public schools. "Because of the emergency shift to remote learning, the use of remote learning technologies (quite a few of which were sold by rebranded student surveillance companies) went from a limited to near total market penetration within a matter of weeks," notes the report. "Despite warnings, the pressing need to educate America's students despite the loss of in-person instruction left little time to consider the long-term impact of adopting these remote-learning but also student surveillance tools." Does Big Hallway Monitor at least make kids safer? "The creation and implementation of technologies for watching and policies for monitoring and control are premised on the notion that they achieve their intended purposes: improved learning outcomes and student safety," University of North Carolina law professor Barbara Fedders commented in a 2019 law review article on the effects of school surveillance. "However, for many of these technologies, the evidence of efficacy is scant; others have not been tested at all." Kids Learn Reading, Writing, and Scrutiny That's not to say surveillance has no impact. Students are aware that they're being observed. Of students aged 1418 surveyed by the ACLU, 62 percent saw video cameras in their schools (the U.S. Department of Education says cameras are used by 91 percent of public schools), and 49 percent reported monitoring software. Understandably, this affects their behavior. Thirty-two percent say, "I always feel like I'm being watched," and 26 percent fret over what their "school and the companies they contract with do with the data." "Research demonstrates the damaging effect of surveillance on children's ability to develop in healthy ways," Fedders added. "Pervasive surveillance can create a climate in which adults are seen as overestimating and overreacting to risk. Children, in turn, cannot develop the ability to evaluate and manage risk themselves in order to function effectively." Notably, school surveillance normalizes the idea that constant monitoring is good and necessary for preserving safety. "Americans under the age of 30 stand out when it comes to 1984style inhome government surveillance cameras. 3 in 10 (29 percent) Americans under 30 favor 'the government installing surveillance cameras in every household' in order to 'reduce domestic violence, abuse, and other illegal activity,'" the Cato Institute's Emily Ekins and Jordan Gygi wrote in June of survey results. "Support declines with age, dropping to 20 percent among 3044 year olds and dropping considerably to 6 percent among those over the age of 45." In fact, support for a heavy authoritarian hand overall is gaining ground with young Americans. A survey of college students by the Foundation for Individuals Rights and Expression (FIRE) found "forty-five percent said blocking other students from attending a speech may be acceptable in some situations." "We may well learn what happens when a nation founded on liberty rejects liberty," FIRE executive vice president Nic Perrino warns of such results. If young Americans ultimately reject liberty, it may result from trapping them in miniature surveillance states that defy every premise of a free society. Kids will grow up to value freedom only if they're raised in an environment where privacy and liberty are treated as normal and good. While we wait for public schools to change, you may want to consider the myriad of options, from private school to homeschooling, that let you tailor your kids' education and environment. The post Schools Are Normalizing Intrusive Surveillance appeared first on Reason.com. Schumer to MTG: Weve seen a Trump rally at the Capitol already With the House Speaker seat open, many names have been floated to fill the vacancy, including that of former President Trump. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is opposed to that suggestion, saying, No thanks, in a social media post. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) posted online Thursday in support of Trump taking the Speakership, something he said he would consider as a short-term solution to unify House Republicans if necessary. If Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally everyday!! she posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. It would be the House of MAGA!!! Many politicians criticized her in the comments, suggesting that the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and Trumps involvement was close enough to a Trump rally on Capitol Hill. Schumer was one of them. No thanks, were good, Schumer posted in response. Weve seen a Trump rally at the Capitol already. Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) have both declared their candidacy for the position, which has been open for two days after the House ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in a historic vote Tuesday. Endorsements are rolling in for each candidate, but a clear front-runner has yet to emerge. While both claim to be unifiers of their party, they must first prove it to their colleagues. A vote is expected to take place next week, but with Republicans still split on who they think should take charge, it might require some divine intervention, The Hill reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A FedEx Boeing 757 skidded off the runway of Chattanooga Regional Airport in Tennessee Wednesday night (October 4) after its landing gear did not come down. Officials said no one was injured in the crash landing, the Associated Press reported. Emergency services rushed to the airport after the airplane circled around the airport before making its final descent and came to rest beyond the runway in a safety area, the Chattanooga Fire Department said. "Great work by the pilot and airport personnel, as well as all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts," the fire department added. Read Also: Rhode Island: Columbus Statue Returns After Being Removed 3 Years Ago-Critics Not So Happy About It Sparks and Smokes, But No Fire Video footage of the moment the plane crash landed showed sparks flying and smoke from the engines but did not cause any fire. Meanwhile, a FedEx spokesperson told reporters that the flight from Chattanooga to Memphis experienced an issue right after taking off, prompting the pilots to return to the airport. The National Transportation Safety Board, on the other hand, said it was investigating the incident. Local media added that Chattanooga Airport's primary runway has been closed due to the crash landing, which could mean some flight times could be affected. Related Article: 'Uber for Cartels': Social Media Has Become Tool to Lure Teens Into Human Smuggling in Arizona @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Californias famous beaches have driven tourism and raised property values for decades, but they wont last forever. New research indicates that rising sea levels could wipe out many of these beaches possibly by the year 2100, NPR reports. Whats happening? Sean Vitousek of the U.S. Geological Survey was the lead author of a recent report about Californias coastline. The study looked at almost 40 years of satellite data to make predictions. What the researchers found was that rising sea levels affected the shoreline in two ways, NPR reveals. Obviously, the higher the water level rises, the more land it covers, but the rising water also simultaneously erodes the beach. The shoreline, where the water meets the sand right now, is probably going to retreat landward about 30 meters [98.4 feet] or more for every meter [3.3 feet] of sea level rise you get, Vitousek told NPR during an interview. When you get into three meters [9.8 feet] of sea level rise, youre talking almost 300-plus feet of erosion under those large scenarios. Ultimately, the researchers believed that 24% to 75% of Californias beaches could be completely gone by 2100. The two factors raising the sea level melting ice and salt water warming enough to expand are both driven by the Earths rising temperature. Why is this erosion a problem? Aside from the many people living in areas that may be affected and the homes and property that would be lost or damaged, this issue would also affect many roads and railroads along Californias coast, NPR reveals. That could require significant infrastructure projects to fix. University of California, Irvine, professor Kathleen Treseder pointed out that the rising shoreline would also impact the environment. Some environmental projects removing pollutants from runoff rely on artificial marshes. If the sea level rose, those areas would be underwater, allowing the pollutants to flow directly into the ocean. What can be done to prevent erosion? Treseder told NPR that while short-term solutions are expensive and temporary, a medium-term option would be artificial barrier islands off the coast that could blunt the force of the waves. The ocean is going to do what the ocean is going to do, and we can stop it to a certain extent, she said. But were nowhere near as powerful as the ocean, so were kind of at its mercy. In the long term, Treseder said the only real solution is to stop the air pollution thats driving Earths temperature up. Humans changed the atmosphere one way, we can change it back for sure, she said. Its just the question of the will of the people. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Scrimmaging the next step in Steven Adams rehab MEMPHIS The Grizzlies going through some extensive scrimmaging Thursday on day three of the training camp where Steven Adams not only took part but was a full participant. This is another step in Adams ramped up rehab on that injured right knee that cost him the better part of the second half of last year. Taylor Jenkins called it the most significant 5 on 5 Adams has done in months. The Grizzlies big man is just glad to be back on the floor. Back with this team with lofty goals, still to reach. Weve got another opportunity, really. I mean, thats all you could ask for. Just that in itself is a blessing with the group that we have. League changes all the time. We see teams blow up, completely wash out all the players, Adams said. Look, were here together as a group. Another chance to friggin do something great. Maintain the same standards or grow the standards. Thats what you could ask for. Now well see if Adams will give it a go in the Grizzlies preseason opener Sunday night at FedExForum against the Indiana Pacers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. SEATTLE - A foggy morning in some spots will lead to a warm and sunny afternoon with summer-like afternoon high temperatures in the mid 70s. Near-record temperatures are expected the next two days with highs in the mid to upper 70s. Friday's daily record is 78 degrees (2014), Saturday's record is 77 degrees (2022). This upper level ridge of high pressure will give Western Washington cool mornings and warm afternoons with lots of afternoon sunshine. On Sunday, the ridge will shift east opening the door to increasing cloud cover and cooler marine air. Fall will return in a big way on Monday as widespread rain and breezy conditions hit Western Washington. The another system arrives Tuesday into Wednesday bringing more rain. Bottom line: Enjoy the next few days and get those outdoor projects done! A second arrest was made Thursday relating to the Phoenix homicide case of 39-year-old Ricardo Villalobos. According to Phoenix police, Brenda Beachem, 31, was arrested and booked on multiple charges including murder. She was booked along with 41-year-old Eric Norwood, who was arrested on Monday. Phoenix police officers found Villalobos suffering from a gunshot wound about 12:30 a.m. Sunday near North 27th and West Morten avenues. The Phoenix Fire Department pronounced him dead at the scene. Patrol officers learned from witnesses that a man and a woman were observed running from the scene. Officers spotted the individuals quickly and detained them, before later arresting Norwood, police said. Court records of Norwood's arrest state that a woman and Villalobos were sitting in his truck on the night he was killed. The woman told police that Villalobos was slightly undressed when an unknown subject opened the driver's door to rob him. Court records indicate that the woman and the robber, who police believe to be Norwood, may have planned the attack, as they had text exchanges about each other's location before the shooting call was made. It wasn't immediately clear if the woman mentioned in court records was Beachem. The investigation remained ongoing, Phoenix police said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Woman arrested in deadly Phoenix shooting WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 3: Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) with her wife, Neneki Lee, her mother, and Vice President Kamala Harris pose after a swearing-in ceremony in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on October 3, 2023 in Washington DC. Butler was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the vacant Senate seat of California following the passing of Dianne Feinstein. WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 3: Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) with her wife, Neneki Lee, her mother, and Vice President Kamala Harris pose after a swearing-in ceremony in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on October 3, 2023 in Washington DC. Butler was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the vacant Senate seat of California following the passing of Dianne Feinstein. My mother is not an emotional woman, California Senator Laphonza Butler told the crowd gathered in New York City for an Emilys List conference. But, Butler says something shifted in her mother on the day of her swearing-in ceremony. My 70 year-old mother became a little bit giddy when she walked up to Vice President Harris, said Sen. Butler. In a moment she never though she would see in her lifetime, the swearing in of her youngest child with my partner of almost 20 years holding the Bible. I can tell you, Ive never seen my mother cry. And in that moment she was holding it together. Read more On Saturday, Sen. Butler said she received a call from California Governor Gavin Newsom asking her to step into the late-Sen. Feinsteins seat. Although she was currently leading Emilys List, Sen. Butler, said she knew she had to accept his offer. At the end of all of it, said Senator Butler. I decided I wouldnt let myself down... by choosing to miss another opportunity to serve at my greatest potential, to lead and to deliver at my highest impact, to raise my voice to the highest volume on behalf of creating a better more equitable future for not just my daughter, but for all Americans. So far, Senator Butler has not announced whether she plans to run for Senate once her term ends in 2025. The primary race is already well underway with Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Adam Schiff, and Katie Porter facing off in a heated battle for the nomination. Senator Butler would likely have to announce soon if she plans to continue her work in the Senate. 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. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, speak during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 10, 2023. | Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press Utah Sen. Mike Lee introduced a bill that would ban federal funds from being used for research on the gender transition of minors. The Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act would prevent taxpayer funds from being used on any research or publications that affirm a different gender identity from the childs biological sex. The Federal Government should never fund research that harms kids. This bill will protect taxpayers from funding spurious research, but more importantly, it will protect kids from the permanent damage this irresponsible research can produce, Lee, a Republican, said, according to a press release. He was joined by other Republican senators, including Sen. James Lankford of Ohio, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. Tuberville said that children cant fully consent to an irreversible, life-altering elective surgery. The Alabama senator has made headlines in the recent months for blocking military promotions because of a Pentagon policy that funds travel for service members to receive abortions while Lee has supported Tubervilles stance. Related Of the latest bill, Tuberville said, Subjecting healthy, developing children to damaging and harmful procedures without a grave medical purpose is absolutely wrong, and taxpayers shouldnt be forced to pay for these extreme and reckless practices. Meanwhile, Rubio hailed it as a common sense bill and Hawley said it is the responsibility of Congress to protect children across this nation from these abusive treatments. Other organizations like Heritage Action, American Principles Project and Students for Life have also backed the bill. Lee initially introduced the Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act in 2021. At the time Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., introduced a companion bill in the House. Add mutilating children to the National Institute of Horrors (NIH) long list of funding evil research, she said about the federal health agency. In Utah, a law that bans transgender surgeries for children and teens was finalized in January. At the time, LGBTQ groups promised a lawsuit. The state also placed an indefinite moratorium on new treatments including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors, as the Deseret News previously reported. Related Marina Lowe, policy director for Equality Utah, said that the law is essentially a ban on access to medical care for transgender youth. Everywhere where one has been passed, there is litigation because its the government stepping in between parents and children and their doctors. The legislation has an exception; it allows minors, who were already going through treatment before the law passed, to continue taking or wean off of medication before the end of the year, as CNN reported. Apart from Utah, 21 other red states have banned surgery and other treatments for transgender youth, including Idaho, Montana and Texas. Other states like Florida also include criminalizing those providing illegal medical treatments for transgender youth. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, speaks during a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill on April 20, 2023, in Washington. | Alex Brandon, Associated Press At a Foreign Relations Committee hearing Wednesday on the Korean Peninsula, chaired by Sen. Mitt Romney, the senators discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. The Utah senator noted the Korean War took place in the early 1950s when the U.S. and the former Soviet Union were in the midst of the Cold War. In some respects, we are facing another Cold War today not with the former Soviet Union so much as with an assertive China, he said. But two things are different. First, South Korea, Romney said, has become an extraordinary technological leader and economic powerhouse. The country is a hub for AI startups and robotics adoption and topped the Bloomberg Innovation Index, ranking at least 10 spots higher than the U.S. Romney said South Korea has fought well above its weight class in the world of economic affairs and in geopolitics, which is greatly appreciated here and by other nations around the world. Second, its neighbor, North Korea, has risen to be more belligerent and more malevolent in recent years. North Korea President Kim Jong Uns missile testing and potential arms deal with Russia for their invasion of Ukraine have created tension in the Korean Peninsula. Im concerned about the fact that South Korea has a nuclear neighbor to its north with a massive investment in conventional as well as nuclear arms and at the same time does not have a nuclear capacity of its own, Romney said. He said he assumed South Koreans were disturbed by the lack of security and sought more stability. During his testimony, witness Victor Cha, the senior vice president for Asia and Korea at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, made recommendations to smooth tensions in the region. This included taking preemptive action on North Koreas missile launches, which Romney asked Cha to elaborate on. Since last year, North Korea has done over 100 ballistic missile tests, Cha said. All of us have been studying this issue for decades, and weve never seen that level, that tempo of activity before. Cha explained that the tests demonstrate the countrys capabilities to the world while advancing military technology. You need to test to know whether it works, Cha said, adding there isnt a good way to deter the missile testing. Japan, South Korea and the U.S. have developed integrated missile tracking defense systems that give a warning alert ahead of time but because it's a moving target, additional deterrents need to be put in place, Cha said. One risky idea is a declaratory policy, where the U.S. and its allies can reserve the right to strike down a missile if it heads to Japan or Hawaii, even if the weapon is mid-course or on the launchpad. But the idea is that we need to consider something to deter further missile testing and we dont have anything thats doing that right now, he said. Its risky. I acknowledge its risky, but perhaps were at that point now. Can the U.S. negotiate with North Korea over nuclear weapons? Romney asked the witnesses about the relationship the U.S. should have with North Korea, which has gone from being aggressive and oppositional on one hand, to writing love letters on the other. What might we do to develop a consistent policy approach with regards to the (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea)? he asked. Because what we do so far, from what I can tell, hasnt worked. Cha noted that since the 1980s, the era of President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. has been unsuccessful in forging relations with North Korea. Yet the deal the U.S. has presented to North Korea has stayed the same over the decades: Freeze and dismantle its own nuclear ambitions in exchange for economic assistance, and an assurance of peace in the region. But I think we have to come to the realization thats not the deal that they want anymore, Cha said. Frankly, were at a loss as to what to pursue next. He added that the U.S. isnt willing to consider North Koreas demands, like dissolving its alliance with South Korea or removing American troops from the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Another witness, Scott Snyder, a senior fellow for Korea studies at the Council for Foreign Relations, said that the U.S. has learned something by engaging with the North Korean president at global summits Kim Jong Un does not want to give up his nuclear weapons. But, as Snyder noted, even though he thought he was entering into negotiations from a position of strength, he wasnt nearly powerful enough to coerce us into accepting him as a nuclear state. In 1999, 18-year-old Hae Min Lee vanished from her high school without a trace. Her body was found in a shallow grave a month later, with suspicions quickly turning towards her boyfriend Adnan Syed. Syed, then 17, was convicted of Lees murder in 2000, though the case has rumbled on for over two decades with multiple twists and turns. After gaining global attention after being chronicled in the hit 2014 podcast Serial, by journalist Sarah Koenig , doubts grew around Syeds guilt of committing the crime. Then, last September, after almost 23 years behind bars, his conviction was overturned and he was walked free from prison a free man. But it was only short-lived as this March an appellate court reversed that decision, saying that the rights of Lees family had been violated. Now, Syed is back in court fighting for his freedom once again. Here is everything we know about the case. Convicted of murder On 13 January 1999, Hae Min Lee a student at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore, Maryland disappeared without a trace. That February, her body was found buried in an unmarked grave in nearby Leakin Park. She had been strangled. Syed, her boyfriend at the time, was arrested and charged with her murder. In 2000 he was convicted of murder, robbery, kidnapping and false imprisonment, and sentenced to life in prison. The conviction relied heavily on testimony from Syeds friend Jay Wilds, who claimed that Syed confessed to killing Lee and enlisted his help in digging a hole to bury her body in the park. Mr Wilds said that he went along with it because Syed threatened to tell the police that he was running a drug operation, which he feared would land him with hefty jail time. Hae Min Lee (Serial) Cellphone records were also used at the trial to place Syed at the crime scene. Serial Fourteen years later, a podcast from journalist Sarah Koening titled Serial was released. The multi-episode series drew attention from around the world and raised doubts about Syeds conviction. Following its success, in February 2015, a court in Maryland agreed to hear an appeal of Syeds conviction and he was granted a new hearing, allowing his defence to bring forward more evidence in the case. The following year, Syed was then granted a new trial after his attorneys argued that his original trial lawyer, who later died, was grossly negligent. The defence also presented new testimony from witness Asia McClane (who featured in Serial) who said that she saw Syed in the public library at the time he was accused of killing Lee. Syeds request to be released on bail was denied and he was ordered to continue to be held behind bars. Fighting for freedom Over the course of the next few years, Syeds case endured many twists and turns. In 2018 the decision to grant him a new trial and vacate his conviction was upheld. Syed also turned down a plea deal, as it would require him to plead guilty to Lees murder. Just one year later, Marylands highest court reversed the lower courts ruling, denying Syed a new trial and reinstating his conviction. In November 2019, the US Supreme Court also declined a request to hear the case. Sarah Koenig poses with her award at the 74th Annual Peabody Awards ceremony on 31 May 2015 in New York City (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Peabody Awards) In March 2022, Syeds defence team and state prosecutors filed a joint request for new touch DNA testing on Lees clothing which was not available at the original trial to be carried out. On 14 September 2022, Baltimore City States Attorney Marilyn Mosby asked a judge to overturn Syeds conviction and release him from prison. Ms Mosby said that the state no longer has confidence in the integrity of the conviction based on doubts about the validity of cellphone records used in his original trial as well as new information about the possible involvement of two unnamed suspects. Five days later on 19 September 2022 Baltimore City Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn overturned Syeds conviction and ordered him to be given a new trial, saying it is in the interest of justice. Syed walked free from prison, released on home detention after more than 23 years behind bars. Conviction reinstated But the case is still not over. In March 2023, an appellate court panel reinstated his murder conviction, ruling that a lower court had violated the rights of Lees family. The court argued that Young Lee, Lees brother, had not been given enough notice to attend the critical hearing in the case. Adnan Syed leaves court in September 2022 after his conviction was overturned (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The Maryland court ordered a do-over of the hearing in which Syeds conviction was overturned and noted that its ruling results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence. What happens now? On Thursday October 5 2023 the case was brought back into the public eye once again as the Maryland Supreme Court began a review of the September hearing. Issues discussed included not only whether Syeds 2000 murder conviction should be reinstated, but also the extent to which Maryland crime victims have a right to participate in hearings on whether to vacate a conviction. The panel of seven judges will release their ruling in the coming months, with Syeds freedom and justice for Lees family still hanging in the balance. On Thursday, Syed said he was looking forward to the courts decision. We believe very strongly in trying to find justice for Hae and her family, he told reporters at the courthouse, flanked by family members. And were hoping also that were able to find justice for us, too. Adnan Syed, who is now free after spending more than 20 years in prison fighting charges that he killed his ex-girlfriend, has appeared in an appeals court once again arguing to keep his freedom. In the latest chapter of the case made famous by the hit podcast Serial, an appeals court in Maryland will decide whether to send Syed back to prison or throw out his murder conviction. After the murder of his high school classmate and ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 1999, a jury found Syed guilty of premeditated murder, kidnapping, robbery and false imprisonment. Syed was cleared of all charges in September 2022, after prosecutors in Baltimore said their year-long investigation revealed he had been wrongfully convicted of strangling and killing Ms Lee. New DNA evidence showed he was not involved in her death, prosecutors said. But in March 2023, a Maryland appeals court reinstated Syed's conviction and sentence, ordering a new hearing to determine whether he should remain free. Why was Adnan Syed's conviction reinstated? The appeals court ruled that the lower court failed to give Young Lee, Ms Lee's brother, sufficient notice of the September 2022 hearing in which a judge vacated Syed's murder conviction and freed him from prison. Thursday's hearing in the Maryland Supreme Court included arguments over whether Syed's conviction should remain on the books and whether crime victims have a right to speak and to challenge evidence during hearings to vacate convictions. Attorneys for Syed argued that despite the lack of notice given - Young Lee was told of the hearing to vacate on the Friday before a Monday hearing - the result would have been the same. The Lee family has continued to argue that Syed is guilty and opposed his release. The state supreme court justices will announce their decision at a later date. Syed remains free while the decision is pending. Outside the court after the hearing, he told reporters: "We look forward to hearing the court's decision, and we're hoping that in the end we'll have a chance to do justice, not just for Hae's family, but for our family as well." Serial podcast asks: Who killed Hae Min Lee? Hae Min Lee disappeared after school in January 1999, and her body was discovered partially buried the following month. Syed was arrested and convicted on the basis of evidence including phone records and the testimony of one of his friends, who told police he helped bury Lee's body. He was sentenced to life in prison. More than a decade after the conviction, Rabia Chaudry, a Baltimore-based lawyer and family friend of the Syeds, emailed journalist Sarah Koenig and asked her to re-investigate Lee's murder. That email helped launch the first season of the podcast Serial, a spin-off of the long-running radio show This American Life. Serial premiered in autumn 2014 and went through the evidence in minute detail. "For the last year I've spent every working day trying to figure out where a high school kid was for an hour after school one day in 1999," Ms Koenig says in the first episode. As each episode revealed new details - and potential new suspects - internet sleuths and armchair detectives sprang into action and argued their theories on social media. During the podcast Ms Koenig did not take a position on Syed's guilt or innocence, but the attention around Syed's case would ultimately help him win a new trial. Why was the Serial podcast so popular? Serial helped ignite the popularity of podcasts, particularly the "true crime" genre. Ms Koenig's signature confessional style kept listeners returning - and downloading - the show every week. The first season of Serial has been downloaded more than 300 million times and the show is widely cited as one of the most popular podcasts in the world. Though subsequent seasons of the show were less popular, in many ways, Ms Koenig and her team helped create the formula for a "bingeable" podcast series. The Serial podcast is hosted by journalist Sarah Koenig But did it really help Syed? In 2015, Syed was granted a new trial based, in part, on new evidence uncovered while making Serial. But a judge also denied his request for bail. He remained imprisoned as his legal team argued for a new trial and tried to appeal against his conviction all the way to the US Supreme Court. In 2019, HBO premiered a four-part documentary series produced by Ms Chaudry called The Case Against Adnan Syed. The series argued that Syed, who is Muslim, was convicted, in part, because of racial bias. It ultimately revealed that forensic analyses had found no trace of his DNA on Ms Lee's body at the time of the murder - a major factor in the eventual vacating of his conviction. The state's attorney's office cleared Syed of all charges on the basis of the new evidence. "As a representative of the institution, it is my responsibility to acknowledge and apologise to the family of Hae Min Lee and Adnan Syed," Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said at the time. What does Hae Min Lee's family think? The Lee family refused to participate in Serial and has always maintained they believe Syed was rightfully convicted and justice was served during the original trial. In 2016, when Syed was granted a new trial, the family told reporters that the podcast had "reopened wounds few can imagine", according to the Baltimore Sun. They also said they believed people had been misinformed by the podcast and regretted that "so few [were] willing to speak up for Hae". Ms Lee's brother, Young Lee, told the September 2022 hearing: "This is not a podcast for me. This is real life - a never-ending nightmare for 20-plus years." An Arkansas jail doctor has reached a settlement in federal court with former inmates who alleged they were given ivermectin, the anti-parasitic and deworming drug, as a COVID-19 treatment without their knowledge or consent. The settlement, which contains no admissions of wrongdoing, ends a strange saga that began during the early peaks of the pandemic. The federal judge handling the case dismissed it on Saturday, and both sides confirmed the settlement to HuffPost Thursday. The deworming drug is not an effective COVID treatment, but it grew in popularity as major conservative figures pushed it as a folk cure and preventative for the virus in 2021. Some Americans even opted to use the veterinary formulation of the drug when they could not find pills meant for humans. That trend prompted the FDA to warn in a tweet, You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, yall. Stop it. A few days after that tweet, in Washington County, Arkansas, news broke that the county jails medical provider had prescribed ivermectin to people in the jail causing one local official to comment that she was mortified by the news. Soon, people detained in the jail began coming forward, alleging that not only had they been given large doses of the drug, but that they had been misled about what it was jail staff, they said, had told them they were receiving some combination of vitamins, antibiotics and steroids. The defendants in the federal suit that followed the jails medical contractor, Karas Correctional Health, and the companys owner Dr. Rob Karas persistently denied wrongdoing, arguing that they did not personally deal with the defendants, and jail staff ought to have informed them of the drugs they were being given. But lawyers for the four initial plaintiffs former county jail detainees Edrick Floreal-Wooten, Jeremiah Little, Julio Gonazales, and Dayman Blackburn alleged they were never told they were being given ivermectin, and that they subsequently experienced bouts of vision issues, diarrhea, bloody stools, and/or stomach cramps. In an amended complaint in July 2022, lawyers said an added plaintiff, Thomas Fritch, who is HIV positive, continues to experience worsening muscle weakness, tremors, and neuropathy, all which began after being given the drug. Earlier this year, in March, U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks declined to dismiss the lawsuit, writing, Dr. Karas and his staff falsely told the inmates the treatment consisted of mere vitamins, antibiotics, and/or steroids. Critically, the inmates had no idea they were part of Dr. Karas experiment. The settlement includes a $2,000 payment for each plaintiff. An attorney for the defendants, Mike Mosley, told HuffPost in an email that our pleadings on file (mainly the motion for summary judgment papers and Plaintiffs response and Defedants [sic] reply) speak for themselves and in my opinion fully support the denial of wrongdoing and that this was a settlement where all parties agreed there is and was no admission of wrongdoing. Holly Dickson, the executive director of the state ACLU, which organized the plaintiffs legal representation, told HuffPost Thursday that she was frustrated with the obstacles faced by incarcerated people with civil rights complaints. Three of the suits defendants are currently in state correctional institutions, records show. Im really proud of our clients in the case for having the tenacity to stand up to their oppressor while they are still subject to being incarcerated, she added, referring to the settlement as reasonable. In her view, the main achievement of the suit had been reached prior to the settlement: changes to the informed consent process in the county jail. We are not animals nor are we experimental test subjects for karas medical to test a treatment on unvoluntarily.Grievance from detainee at Washington County Detention Center Jail records obtained by HuffPost through a public records request show the early complaints of people inside the county jail whose names were redacted upon realizing they had been given ivermectin. I WAS WRONGFULLY AND DANGEROUSLY AGAINST MY WILL GIVEN THESE MEDS, one complaint, referred to as a grievance, read. We are not animals nor are we experimental test subjects for karas medical to test a treatment on unvoluntarily, another stated, noting he or she had learned of alleged ivermectin use in the jail via the news paper. I am not livestock to be taken medical experiments on, im a human just like you. Cdc and fda said for humans not to take it, another detainee wrote. I would not be making a big deal about it if I was given an option. (The defendants maintained ivermectin used in the jail was formulated for humans, not livestock.) Another grievance read, I am now having health issues and mental anguish. Im afraid to seek medical advice because the grievances Ive entered prior to this have been answered with lies and denial. "They said they were vitamins": When this inmate at a Washington County, Arkansas jail had COVID, medical personnel offered him pills to help him get better but, he says, nobody told him it was ivermectin https://t.co/qn9bWONwHXpic.twitter.com/Yq1OAsVmHG CBS News (@CBSNews) September 7, 2021 Prior to the lawsuit, Karas posted on Facebook about his use of ivermectin in the county jail, writing in one comment, I got experience and dont really need more studies and bragging of 0% mortality in over 350 documented cases at the jail. I pray the blinders fall from your eyes and you use the brain God gave you to do something besides vent management, Karas wrote to one concerned Facebook commenter. In court documents responding to the lawsuit, the defendants argued that they were shielded by qualified immunity a legal concept that protects government officials from certain civil liability in the course of performing their duties and that they were not personally responsible for any violation of the defendants rights. Notably absent is any allegation that Dr. Karas personally treated the Plaintiffs, personally failed to advise the Plaintiffs the med protocol for COVID included Ivermectin or had any interaction (personal involvement) with Plaintiffs, one of the defenses argument for summary judgment read in July this year. The filing added later: If a non-party med-passer, despite the employees undisputed training, failed to advise Plaintiffs what medicines they were receiving, the undisputed evidence is that was a clear deviation from the practices of KCH and Dr. Karas. Karas also argued that the defense had produced thousands of documents in discovery, including studies and links to studies, showing the efficacy of Ivermectin in treating COVID symptoms and preventing death. He claimed among other sources that he relied upon information from the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance to develop his COVID protocol. The extremely controversial group championed ivermectin as a covid panacea, The Washington Post summarized earlier this year. In August, two physicians affiliated with the group had their board certifications revoked by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) for spreading false or inaccurate medical information. Plaintiffs in turn argued that the so-called Karas Covid Protocol, which included ivermectin, was Karas own formulation, and that the defense offered no testimony or evidence that any agent of Karas Defendants told Plaintiffs they were being prescribed or given ivermectin. They also pointed out that, following the public revelations regarding the ivermectin use in the jail, Karas Correction Health began using specific, detailed consent forms before administering the COVID protocol as opposed to the general consent for treatment form that all inmates typically signed when they entered the jail, and which the plaintiffs acknowledged signing. On Aug. 26, 2021 just a couple days after the jails use of ivermectin became public knowledge a Karas Correctional Health nurse practitioner instructed staff in an email, Please do not start the covid + or high risk covid + protocol or any detainee without the medication consent signed. The medications must be [sic] clearly show yes or no circled. After explaining that medical providers should review each medication with inmates, the nurse practitioner concluded her email, ALL detainees sign NO QUESTIONS !!!! In a separate email to a supervisory deputy U.S. marshal that day, the same nurse practitioner wrote, starting today all detainees who have tested positive for Covid 19 will be offered a detailed consent with each individual drug listed. The detainee may elect to refuse or accept each individual drug/vitamin. If the Karas Defendants believed that a more detailed consent was necessary and in fact, made the execution of such a consent form a condition precedent to prescribing the Karas Covid Protocol a reasonable jury could certainly come to the same conclusion, plaintiffs argued in an Aug. 30 filing, opposing defendants motion for summary judgment. The plaintiffs and Dickson, speaking to HuffPost argued that Karas had performed an experiment on inmates, prescribing them higher doses of ivermectin than he did clients at his public-facing pharmacy. Karas repeatedly denied that allegation despite the judges use of the term and despite Karas posting online about [t]he slight difference between jail protocol and the clinic regimen being that we kept the .2-.4 mg/kg Ivermectin dosing on our jail patients. HuffPost was unable to reach plaintiffs in the case for comment on the settlement. But Dickson, the Arkansas ACLU executive director, said the lawsuit and ultimate settlement terms underscored why court cannot be the only place where folks can go to get relief for civil rights violations. The countys government, she said, had failed to protect the rights of detainees in the county. When Karas appeared before the states medical board in April 2022, the boards then-vice chair, Brian Hyatt, noted that a sample of jail records showed that no detainees receiving COVID treatment had signed a consent form. Karas said that he was surprised that the consent form was getting missed on that many people, and noted the update hed implemented to the consent process. Then thanked the board for not suspending his license on an emergency basis. When he reappeared before the body two months later, the board voted to take no action against him. By the end of the year, it was unclear whether Washington County would continue contracting its jail medical duties to Karas. His medical malpractice insurance had gone up from $125,000 to $650,000, and Sheriff-elect Jay Cantrell told a county committee that hed initiated a search for a new contractor. Ultimately, Karas bid was $132,000 lower than the next lowest offer, and he was awarded the contract again for $2.2 million, nearly double what hed charged the year prior. Related... Several Pentagon officials confirmed a US Air Force F-16 fighter jet shot down a Turkish drone operation above Syria Thursday (October 5). Multiple reports marked the incident as a rare moment that NATO allies have clashed against each other. A US official familiar with the aerial kill told the Wall Street Journal on the condition of anonymity that the drone posed a threat to US troops in the northeastern part of the country. Another official also told the Journal that the US knew the drone was Turkish and armed with air-to-ground munitions. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights earlier said the drone was targeted by an "International Coalition," but fell short of naming which country or countries were responsible. Read Also: Why Is the F-35 the Fighter Jet of Choice of Air Forces Trying to Upgrade? Turkey's Bombing Runs vs. Kurds On the other hand, Reuters reported that Turkish military officials acknowledged an unmanned aircraft was shot down but denied ownership of the drone. The incident was reported as the country has increased its bombing sorties against what it said were Kurdish fighters in Iraq and Syria, blaming them for the suicide bombing in Ankara last weekend. Observers said several people have been killed this week by the Turkish attacks. The US has around 900 troops deployed in Syria as part of an international coalition working with local forces to carry out counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State. They recently conducted two helicopter raids last week resulting in the capture of an ISIS official, the US Central Command reported. In a separate incident Thursday, over 100 people were killed after a drone targeted a graduation parade of a Syrian military academy in Homs. Ten of those killed were civilians, while the rest were either military personnel or cadets who just graduated before the strike. Related Article: US Agrees To Train Ukraine's F-16 Pilots in Arizona as Norway Joins Denmark, the Netherlands in Supplying Kyiv with Fighter Jets @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A North Carolina teenager was hoping to get her life back on track after a state judge ordered a man who sexually abused her to pay her $69,000. Instead, she got a nasty surprise. The local police department had already seized the cash through civil asset forfeiture, and it was already gone. Despite a judge's order, she will get nothing. The case is a stunning example of the misplaced priorities and perverse incentives that asset forfeiture creates for policeand of how the federal government allows state and local police to evade reforms to stop forfeiture abuse. As originally reported by local news outlet WCNC Charlotte, the Mint Hill Police Department (MHPD) investigated Mario Alberto Gomez-Saldana II for sexual abuse in 2019. Saldana pleaded guilty to multiple sex crimes years later in 2023 and is currently serving a prison sentence. The now-17-year-old teenage victim's family filed a civil suit against Gomez-Saldana shortly after and secured a consent order for $69,130 to be turned over to her. WCNC reports: Records show when MHPD investigated the sex abuse case in July 2019, they found suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash inside the suspect's home. The victim's family and their attorney said, at the time, an officer assured them the money would be available to one day pursue in a civil suit and in the years after, continued telling them the money remained held in property. Unbeknownst to them, investigators seized the cash and partnered with a federal agency to apply for asset forfeiture, citing probable cause of illicit drug activity. MHPD investigators never charged the suspect with any drug crimes, only sex offenses, but that didn't prevent the department from eventually collecting more than $45,000 of the seized money in 2020 through what's called the Equitable Sharing Program, according to records. The federal government received the rest of the money. "I've been dealing with this since I was 5 years old and I'm almost 18 and I just want to move on to the next chapter of my life," the teenager, who is unnamed in the story, told WCNC Charlotte. "That money was going to help me do it and without it, it just feels like three steps back. It's honestly so frustrating and difficult." Under civil asset forfeiture laws, police can seize property suspected of being connected to illegal activity even if the owner isn't charged with a crime. MHPD could use the drugs in Saldana's house as a premise to take his money, even though, as WCNC reports, a simple Google search shows Saldana won the lottery in 2018, collecting $70,507 in winnings after taxes. Law enforcement groups say civil asset forfeiture is a vital tool for disrupting organized crime like drug trafficking by targeting its illicit proceeds. However, civil liberties advocates say it lacks due process protections for property owners and creates perverse profit incentives for police. Forfeiture abuses have led more than half of U.S. states to pass reforms over the last decade, tightening protections for property owners and creating stricter rules for seizing, tracking, and spending forfeiture revenues. North Carolina in fact passed some of the strongest forfeiture reforms in the country; it is one of four states that only allows forfeiture after a criminal conviction based on proof beyond a reasonable doubt. But under the Justice Department's equitable sharing program, federal authorities may "adopt" state and local civil asset forfeiture cases and pursue them at the federal level. Local police departments who partner with the feds get to keep up to 80 percent of the forfeiture revenue, while the rest goes into the equitable sharing pool and is distributed among partner departments around the country. The Institute for Justice, a libertarian-leaning public interest law firm, notes that even though police in North Carolina don't make money off of state-level forfeiture, law enforcement agencies across the state collected an estimated $293 million in forfeiture revenue from federal programs between 2000 and 2019. "Am I at peace with it?" MHPD attorney Scott MacLatchie responded when asked by WCNC Charlotte about the outcome of the case. "I am at peace that we followed the law."' MacLatchie is correct that the department was perfectly within its rights to seize the money and hand it over to the feds, and opponents of civil forfeiture say that's the problem. WCNC Charlotte's excellent reporting and the sheer injustice of the case have led to calls from Congress to pass federal legislation to stop cases like this from happening in the future. As Reason's Jacob Sullum reported, Reps. Tim Walberg (RMich.) and Jamie Raskin (DMd.) reintroduced the FAIR Act in March. The legislation includes several major reforms to civil asset forfeiture at the federal level, including eliminating the equitable sharing fund. "It makes me feel more resolved to get this legislation passed," Walberg told WCNC. "At least the thought can come in people's minds, they changed their approach, and they rushed it more quickly in order to get that $69,000. It really ended up hurting the victim." The post Sex Crime Victim Denied $69,000 Settlement Because Cops Seized Her Abuser's Cash Through Civil Forfeiture appeared first on Reason.com. Minister Shanmugam emphasises that Lee should openly defend himself in Singapore if he believes the defamation suits lack a basis. (PHOTO: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images) (ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images) SINGAPORE Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister, K. Shanmugam, has responded to Lee Hsien Yang 's proposal for an "independent arbitration" to resolve defamation suits against him. Shanmugam emphasised that if Lee - who is the younger brother of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong - believes there is no basis for these suits, he should welcome the opportunity to defend himself publicly in Singapore. In his Facebook post on Thursday (5 October), Shanmugam said: "If Mr Lee thinks that there is no basis for the legal action, he should welcome the opportunity to defend himself in open Court where he can cross-examine us, and we can cross-examine him, in the full view of the Singapore public." In July, Lee made comments on his Facebook page regarding Shanmugam and Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan 's rental of black-and-white bungalows at Ridout Road, which led to the defamation suits. Lee Hsien Yang proposes arbitration for defamation dispute Lee had suggested a process whereby both parties would select an arbitrator of "high international standing". The subsequent proceedings would be confidential, although the decision would be made public and binding on all parties. "The Ministers nominee could be, if they wish, a retired Singapore Supreme Court judge. The two arbitrators, in turn, could choose a third individual. The proceedings would be conducted in confidence, but the decision would be made public and be final and binding on all parties," he explained in his Facebook post on Thursday. Lee also proposed that the ministers sue him in London courts "since the statement which they took offence to was made in the UK", but they chose to pursue legal action in Singapore instead. "They have declined to do so and have instead proceeded to take action in the Singapore Courts and have been given permission to serve papers via Facebook instead of in person," Lee pointed out. Lee, the brother of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, left Singapore in July 2022 with his wife, Lee Suet Fern. Their departure came after they declined to participate in a police interview related to a separate issue. Minister Shanmugam rebuts Lee's claims In response, Shanmugam said that, for decades now, countless Singaporeans have sued in the Singapore Courts for defamation that is published to people in Singapore. These cases are decided by the city-state's "impartial judiciary" which applies the law, he said in his Facebook post. He argued that Lee's statements pertained to events within Singapore and were "primarily intended for a Singaporean audience". "His primary audience was not in the UK. We have sued Mr Lee for a libel that was published to the people in Singapore, which concerns Singaporeans, and which is based on the laws of Singapore," he explained. "If Mr Lee thinks that there is no basis for the legal action, he should welcome the opportunity to defend himself in open Court where he can cross-examine us, and we can cross-examine him, in the full view of the Singapore public." The minister also called upon Lee to clarify why he believes he can make"libellous statements" while remaining exempt from the rules that apply to everyone else. Shanmugam stated, "What Mr Lee really wants is special treatment. He wants to be treated differently from Singaporeans (and even foreigners) who are sued in Singapore for defamation." What sparked the defamation suits? In a Facebook post on 27 July, Shanmugam stated that Lee had accused him and Dr Balakrishnan of "acting corruptly and for personal gain by having Singapore Land Authority (SLA) give us preferential treatment by illegally felling trees without approval, and also having SLA pay for renovations to 26 and 31 Ridout Road." Both Cabinet ministers sent lawyers' letters to Lee, stating they would sue unless he apologised, withdrew his allegations and paid $25,000 in damages that would be donated to charity. Lee did not comply with these demands within the stipulated timeframe, and stated on Facebook that he was merely stating facts and suggested that the ministers sue him in a UK court since he claimed to be in the UK at the time. The ministers then filed separate defamation suits against him in Singapore's High Court on 2 August. Their lawyers also sent a letter to Lee via Facebook Messenger, informing him that "defamation proceedings had commenced against him in the Singapore courts." In their respective Statements of Claim, both ministers asserted that the offending words in Lee's post were "false and baseless and were calculated to disparage and impugn" both men and their ministerial offices. The Statements of Claim did not specify the exact amount of damages sought, but both ministers are also seeking an injunction to prevent Lee from further disseminating defamatory allegations, along with other associated costs and remedies. 26 and 31 Ridout Road (SCREENSHOTS: Google Maps) 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. Yahoo Singapore Telegram Given that the title card of She Came to Me is drenched in bubbling red liquid, one might think that the latest film from writer-director Rebecca Miller (in theaters Oct. 6) would be a merlot-soaked romantic dramedy. It turns out that the film is more red herring than red wine, using its cast of beloved, seasoned actors as little more than pawns to attract an audience to a movie wholly undeserving of their charm and talents. Even the great Anne Hathaway, no stranger to being the best part of a terrible movie, is incapable of saving this dreck from itself, standing idly by as the film spins hopelessly in circles. The result is one of the years biggest letdowns thus far. She Came to Me holds great promise in its blissfully strange plot: An opera composers (Peter Dinklage) therapist-turned-wife (Hathaway) encourages him to explore the city, only to find inspiration in the arms of a dingy tugboat operator (Marisa Tomei). But it quickly becomes clear that Miller isnt quite sure what to do with her own intriguing idea. Characters and plotlines apathetically intersect, and their interactions varying consequences make the film feel tonally erratic throughout its runtime. Though Hathaway manages to microdose charisma to become the films sole compelling performance, even she is undercut at every turn by the bland screenplay. When we first meet Dinklages Steven Lauddem, hes hiding from his colleagues, trying to avoid being asked any questions at an industry event. Thats not completely surprising, given that his last opera triggered a breakdown so severe that he entered a deep depression. Now, he cant seem to find any motivation to finish the score for his next show, which is due in just two weeks. His doting wife, Patricia, is doing her best to help him along, despite being preoccupied with her own private therapy practice and college-aged son from her first marriage, Julian (Evan Ellison). The best she can do is urge Steven to get outside and walk around to see what ideas the city streets might generate. Miller seems to see She Came to Me as a quintessential New York movie, but the film does little to capture the energy of one of the greatest, most romantic cities in the world. When Steven happens upon Tomeis tugboat captain, Katrina, their chance meeting fails to generate many sparks at all, despite Tomeis commitment to her self-professed love-addicted character. Maybe thats because Katrinas days docked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard feel wholly out of place for any viewer unfamiliar with the layout of New Yorks outer boroughs, which Id presume is most people. Their meeting feels too forced and random, entirely out of place with the classic New York story Millers film is trying to convey. Beyond the interiors of a Brooklyn Heights brownstone, a few exterior shots, and some B-roll footage, She Came to Me could be set just about anywhere in the metropolitan United States. Nevertheless, Katrina and Steven enter into a brief affair, and she becomes his grease-stained muse. While this is happening, a parallel subplot about Julian and his girlfriend Tereza (Harlow Jane)who happens to be the daughter of Patricia and Stevens new housekeeper, Magdalena (Joanna Kulig)is unfolding, complicating Stevens life and the film itself. Miller is unable to juggle these intersecting plotlines, dropping one for far too long to focus on another until the viewer has practically forgotten who or what the film is actually about. Peter Dinklage in She Came To Me. Vertical Entertainment Cinematographer Sam Levys artfully composed shots blessedly give She Came to Me at least one interesting thing to chew on, with rich colors and intriguing scene compositions providing some brief moments of fascination. But even when it looks good, Millers confounding stylistic choices undermine the films most engaging qualities. The aspect ratio frequently changes, with the more romantic scenes being filmed in a tighter scope than the widescreen scenes of everyday dialogue. Its a decision that never gels, and the frequent jumps between aspect ratios are jarring, leaving the viewer disconnected from the film just as theyre starting to buy what Miller is selling. The cast doesnt seem much more clued in either, continuously oscillating between the fringes of their characters personalities without so much as an indication as to why. It speaks to Hathaways talent that she can convincingly play a stereotypical caricature of a therapist one second, a neurotic clean-freak the next, and, finally, a psychosexual nun (yes, really), all in the span of 90 minutes. But it leaves us to ponder exactly why her disposition is so unpredictable, given that the screenplay does little to explain its characters compulsions and motivations beyond this is what modern love is like in 2023! Miller also fails to extract any humor from situations, despite all of them being inherently funny. She Came to Me is so devoid of jokes that even a light chuckle would seem cacophonous between all the silence. Dinklage, Tomei, and Kulig are all strapped with dreadfully one-note characters, with Dinklage and Kulig feeling particularly out of place despite being central parts of the increasingly puzzling plot. Everyone besides Hathaway is fundamentally miscast, and even shewho knows how to keep the cameras focus and draw a three-dimensional performance out of the flattest materialseems to be struggling against Millers stilted dialogue. Whats more, the films biggest set piece, Stevens opera about a tugboat sailor who kills and eats men, is grating and humorless. One gets the inkling that Miller was aiming for a film that could effectively comment on how humans alter the ways they dole out romantic affection as societal mores change. While theres plenty to be said about love in contemporary times, Miller manages to make it all the way to the end credits without saying a single thing. Every opportunity for a thoughtful observation dissipates almost instantly, leaving a cloud of insipid pandering to the few who may enjoy a batty dramedy in its place instead. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. When members of a Florida sheriffs office put an old cabinet outside to be thrown out, they didnt expect to get some new neighbors and definitely not loud ones. Deputies put the cabinet near the evidence lot for the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office, according to a Sept. 29 Facebook post, and within a week the staff started to notice some buzzing. Then they saw the bees. It only took a week for thousands of bees to start working on their honeycombs, the sheriffs office said. A bee queen had decided the cabinet was the perfect place to start her new hive, and within a few days, more than 8,000 bees had moved in, the sheriffs office said. This beehive-ior was really bugging the evidence team, it said in the post. Luckily for the sheriffs office, two of its members knew a thing or two about bees. I went out there to work on a separate case and the evidence team notified me that, Hey. Just be careful. There are some bees out there, Detective James Murray told WTVT. So, I went over and checked it out and noticed they were honeybees and us being beekeepers I showed them Hey, I can get rid of these things for you guys if you want. The detective and Deputy William Batson are both licensed beekeepers, a hobby they enjoy outside of their work with the sheriffs office, WTVT reported. The detective and deputy are certified beekeepers, and stepped in to relocate the hive, they said. The two suited up and approached the hive, the sheriffs office said. They carefully removed the hive and placed the swarm into the small, white box for relocation, the sheriffs office said. Murray told WTVT they cut out the wax comb from the cabinet and carefully placed it into wooden frames, allowing the bees to follow the combs and build them back up. Murray and Batson put the box in the back of a truck and drove them to their new home near Worden Farm, the sheriffs office said. The two brought the bees to join their existing hives nearby, the sheriffs office said. There, the hive joined the existing bees already in the farms care. I just thought it was an opportunity to help the sheriffs office, you know, obviously to remove the bees instead of having to pay an exterminator to come in, Murray told WTVT. And it just helps us out as well. It adds another hive to our apiary. All in all, it works out, you know, the bees get saved, and we are able to have another hive to care for and grow. Charlotte County is just north of Fort Myers, about 80 miles south of Tampa. Planes are dropping rabies vaccines in North Carolina and other states. Heres why Watch magical moment baby whale leaps from water during sunset. Incredible Rare horned creature welcomes new baby at Florida zoo. See the endangered calf Bear cub had pet feeder stuck on head for weeks. Then rescuers stepped in, photos show Shooting inside Connecticut police station leads to arrest of woman accused of firing at officers A 52-year-old woman has been arrested in Connecticut after allegedly entering the lobby of the Bristol Police Department late last night and opening fire on officers. Suzanne Laprise, of Plainville, is now facing nine charges and being held on $3 million bond following the incident authorities say began around 10:35 p.m. on Thursday. The Bristol Police Department said Laprise first "entered the lobby of the Bristol Police Department, located at 131 North Main Street in Bristol, and fired multiple rounds into the front lobby desk office window which was unoccupied at the time." "The rounds did not penetrate the bullet-resistant glass but prompted officers to respond and make contact with the suspect," the department added. "As officers attempted to negotiate, the subject discharged additional rounds toward responding officers prompting one officer to return fire, however, the rounds were again stopped by bullet-resistant glass." HARTFORD POLICE CHARGES FORMER OFFICER OVER ALLEGATIONS HE LIED FOR WARRANTS, FORGED STATISTICS Authorities say Laprise eventually lowered her firearm "at which point officers deployed an electronic control device and were able to take her into custody without serious injury." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP She later was taken to a local hospital for an evaluation and was released early Friday morning, according to police. FORMER COPS, ACTIVISTS SEEK ANSWERS AS POLICE DEPARTMENTS HEMORRHAGE OFFICERS "The Bristol Police Department lobby is closed for walk-in complaints to allow for repairs and maintenance stemming from last nights shooting incident," Bristol Police said this morning. The motive for the shooting is unclear. There were no reports of injuries. Bristol is located just outside of Hartford, the states capital. Laprise, who is set to make a court appearance later today, has been charged with Criminal Attempt/Murder with Special Circumstance, Illegal Discharge of Firearm, Illegal carry of firearms under the influence of drug/alcohol, Criminal use of Weapon, Violation of Pistol Permit Requirements, Illegal Possession of Large Capacity Magazine, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree and Breach of Peace 2nd Degree. Original article source: Shooting inside Connecticut police station leads to arrest of woman accused of firing at officers A Friday afternoon shooting in Lexington left one person injured, according to police, and a 20-year-old man has been charged. The shooting happened shortly before 1 p.m. in the 1400 block of Anniston Drive, which is in a neighborhood off of Bryan Station Road. Meredith Taylor with the Lexington Police Department said one person was sent to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Kaleb Peterson was arrested soon after the shooting and is charged with first-degree assault and violation of conditions of release, Lexington police announced in a news release Friday night. He was being held in the Fayette County Detention Center. There were no other details about the shooting available, Taylor said. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Lexington Police 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. Herald-Leader staff writer Karla Ward contributed to this report. (Bloomberg) -- Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will meet US cabinet secretaries and senior officials from Joe Bidens administration in a working trip during Oct. 5-15. Most Read from Bloomberg Wong and a delegation of Singapore ministers will discuss ways to further bilateral cooperation in emerging areas, according to a statement from the Prime Ministers office. They plan to visit Arizona, New York, and Washington D.C. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Do you love Skyline so much that you could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Well, now you can start eating chili in the morning at one Skyline location. Skyline Chili is rolling out a new breakfast menu that will be sold exclusively at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. >> 2 Dayton Police recruits still hospitalized, 1 critically hurt, after State Route 4 crash The new location in Concourse Bs food court will have new items like the breakfast coney, breakfast way, breakfast burrito, and a breakfast chilito, according to our news partners at WCPO in Cincinnati. The breakfast coney has a sausage link, chili, egg, mustard, diced onions, and shredded cheese on a bun. The breakfast way will have hash brown coins topped with chili and shredded cheese. >> Man dies in crash on EB U.S. 35 in Greene County The new breakfast burrito can include sausage or bacon, egg, cheese hash browns, onions, and shredded cheese. The breakfast chilito includes chili, hash browns, and cheese. Since these items will only be sold at the airport, Skyline gave some people in Cincinnati a chance to try them out at Fountain Square on Friday. We are popping up at Fountain Square on Friday to give you a special chance to try our NEW breakfast menu that will be available exclusively at @CVGairport. Stop by tomorrow 8am-1pm, while supplies last! Both cash and credit will be accepted. pic.twitter.com/JyFMDCFjlI Skyline Chili (@Skyline_Chili) October 5, 2023 The breakfast coney is one of four new items coming to the new Skyline Chili restaurant at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Skyline Chili is now offering breakfast, but only one location will be serving it. The brand-new breakfast menu will be exclusive to the renowned Cincinnati chili parlor chain's new restaurant coming to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the company said in a Thursday afternoon release. CVG food and drink: New hot sauce vending machine brings the heat with Ohio and Kentucky-based sauces The new offerings are a mashup of Skyline's classic menu items with traditional breakfast foods. The breakfast menu includes: The Breakfast Coney: Sausage link, Skyline Chili, egg, mustard, diced onions and shredded cheddar cheese in a steamed bun. The Breakfast Chilito: Skyline Chili, egg, hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese in a soft tortilla with a side of Jalapeno Ranch. The Breakfast Way: Hash brown coins topped with Skyline Chili and shredded cheddar cheese. The Breakfast Burrito: Sausage or bacon, egg, cheese, hashbrowns, onions and shredded cheddar cheese in a soft tortilla with a side of Jalapeno Ranch. Lovers of Skyline Chili and breakfast food can try the new menu Friday at Fountain Square from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Skyline breakfast will be served regularly at the CVG location when it opens in November. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Skyline Chili breakfast: New menu offers morning twist on Cincy chili After coming under fire for failing to issue any public warnings ahead of last weeks flash floods, Mayor Adams dispatched a cadre of his top administration officials to deliver an emergency briefing Friday to alert New Yorkers about a storm that could dump heavy rain in the city this weekend. In attendance at the storm press conference were First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright , Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy and a handful of commissioners, including Emergency Management head Zach Iscol. Adams was not present for the live-streamed briefing at the citys Emergency Management agency headquarters in Brooklyn, as hes in South America through Sunday on an official trip to discourage migrants from coming to New York. We are ready, and you should be as well, Wright said. The National Weather Service forecasts that rain is likely to start around 3 a.m. Saturday. By Saturday morning, upward of 2 inches of rain per hour could start streaming down, enough to potentially cause flash flood conditions, according to the National Weather Service. A flood watch is in effect through Saturday evening. Wright, who takes on the role of mayor when Adams is out of town, urged New Yorkers to stay off the roads Saturday and make plans to be able to move to higher ground if they live in a flood zone or in a basement apartment. She and other officials at the briefing said the city has personnel and resources on standby to help with rescues and other emergency actions as needed. The first deputy mayor also urged New Yorkers to sign up for NotifyNYC, an app that issues real-time weather alerts. This weekends forecast pales in comparison to last Friday when nearly 8 inches of rain were reported in some parts of the city over a span of a few hours as part of a deluge that submerged entire city blocks, trapped drivers in their cars and flooded New Yorkers homes. Even though last Fridays storm had also been forecasted, Adams did not deliver any public remarks ahead of time to warn New Yorkers about the dangerous conditions. Instead, he spent the evening before the storm attending a fundraiser for his reelection campaign themed for his Sept. 1 birthday. Public school parents, political rivals and other constituents fumed over the mayors lack of preemptive warnings to the public last week. Still, in a series of radio and television appearances after the worst of last Fridays storm had passed, Adams suggested New Yorkers had themselves to blame if they were caught off guard by the floods. If anyone was caught off guard, you know, they had to have been living under a rock, Adams said on 1010WINS. Asked at Fridays briefing if the city has any takeaways from last weeks storm about what to do differently going forward, Wright said the Adams administration is in the middle of preparing an after-action review. That is absolutely in progress, she said. Adams issued a statement vowing that his administration is ready for whatever happens this weekend. New York City does not wait for a storm to prepare we are already several steps ahead, the statement said. (Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 07: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers speaks to the press during a canvas launch event on November 7, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Evers, a Democrat, is in a tight race with his Republican challenger Tim Michels heading into tomorrow's election. According to the Wisconsin Department of Administration, a man who was detained Wednesday after carrying a handgun to the Wisconsin Capitol and said he wanted to meet Gov. Tony Evers returned with an assault weapon later that night after posting bail. When the man approached the security desk outside the governor's office in Madison at 2 p.m., he was shirtless and carrying a holstered weapon and a leashed dog. Tatyana Warrick, a representative for the Department of Administration, told CNN on Wednesday. He stated that he would not leave until he saw the Democratic governor. Wisconsin Man Arrested for Bringing Handgun in Capitol According to the statement, the individual was taken into custody without incident by a Capitol police officer and brought to the Dane County Jail for openly carrying a handgun in the Capitol, which is forbidden. The gun was confiscated as evidence, and the dog was turned over to Madison Animal Control. The individual eventually bailed himself out of jail and returned to the Capitol grounds at 9 p.m., this time armed with a loaded AK-47 type weapon. He requested to meet the governor once again. According to a CNN, the man was apprehended by officers shortly before midnight for psychiatric evaluation after making a "concerning statement." Capitol Police also confiscated the rifle. In response to inquiries regarding the governor's security, Britt Cudaback, a representative from the governor's office, has chosen not to provide a comment. Cudaback cited the office's policy of refraining from commenting on matters related to the governor's security as the reason for this decision. During a press conference on Thursday, Evers assured reporters that he was in good condition, acknowledging the commendable efforts of the different police departments involved. In response to the incident, he expressed his disapproval, stating, "Yeah, it's always something that... you don't want to see happen." The presence of competent individuals within police departments, including the Capitol police and state patrol, is crucial. According to reports, they are currently engaged in their commendable efforts. When questioned about potential improvements to the Capitol's security policies, the governor responded, "I'm confident that they are currently examining this matter," while also choosing not to delve into specific details regarding security concerns. In a report released on Thursday, Madison police announced that a man had been placed under protective custody and then transported to the hospitalThe state public defender's office spokesperson was unable to reveal on Thursday whether a public defender had been assigned to the alleged gunman. Additionally, attempts to contact the attorney who previously represented the alleged gunman in a separate case were unsuccessful, as they did not promptly respond to voicemails inquiring about their representation. Voicemails left for members of the man's family and prior employers have gone unanswered, as they did not immediately respond. In a recently released podcast episode, an individual claiming to share the same name and birthdate as the suspected shooter made a statement. The man, who identified himself as being present in Madison, expressed his intention to dismantle the corrupt system through unconventional means, using the phrase "burn down the system with love," albeit accompanied by profanity. In a candid conversation, the man expressed his dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from the courts. He openly discussed engaging in illegal activities, such as the sale of weapons, and his involvement in gun stores that dealt with explosives and machine guns. Additionally, he shared his personal struggles, including a past suicide attempt and the challenges he faces due to post-traumatic stress disorder. In a statement, he expressed his desire to continue living. In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Governor Evers confirmed that the Capitol Police have successfully gained control of the situation, effectively bringing it to an end. The individual in question has chosen not to provide any comments regarding potential security measures that may be implemented for their personal safety or for the protection of the Capitol building.In a statement, Evers emphasized that he refrains from discussing the activities or plans of his security detail. In the wake of such incidents, it is evident that a thorough reassessment takes place. Read Also: Nicholas Rossi To Be Extradited to US From Scotland; Rape Suspect Accused of Faking Own Death, Claims to be Irish Orphan Violence Against Public Officials Per AP News, the incident represents the most recent occurrence in a string of violent threats directed towards public officials. In 2022, Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, found himself on a hit list compiled by a suspected gunman. This individual is believed to be responsible for the tragic shooting of a retired county judge at his residence in Wisconsin. In addition to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, several other notable individuals were also included on the list. In 2020, Governor Whitmer found herself at the center of a kidnapping plot. According to Warrick, there are currently no plans for immediate changes to security in the Capitol or for the governor. In a move aimed at promoting transparency and public engagement, the Capitol has opened its doors to the general public on a daily basis. Starting from 8 a.m. and extending until 6 p.m., citizens now have the opportunity to freely access this iconic government building. According to reports, it has been confirmed that there is a lack of metal detectors in the vicinity. Related Article: Patrick McHenry Allegedly Kicked Nancy Pelosi Out of Office To Move Into Space Himself @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A solar eclipse will darken skies across the Western Hemisphere on Saturday, giving San Luis Obispo County viewers a rare opportunity to view a unique astronomical event. According to NASA, the annular solar eclipse in which the moon passes between the sun and Earth while it is at its farthest point from Earth, creating a so-called ring of fire is expected to be visible for millions of people across the United States, Mexico and countries in South and Central America. Some areas will only experience a partial view of the ring of fire due to a narrow eclipse path. The crescent of the solar eclipse at its peak is framed by trees during the viewing Monday morning, Aug. 21, 2017, at the Atascadero Library. Can I see the eclipse in SLO County? The last time a solar eclipse darkened local skies was in 2017, when a total eclipse blocked out roughly three-quarters of the sun wowing San Luis Obispo County viewers who gathered to watch the spectacle. This months eclipse will begin in the United States, traveling from the coast of Oregon to the Texas Gulf Coast, according to NASA. The path is very narrow only 118 to 137 miles wide meaning a relatively small section of the country will get to see the full eclipse. San Luis Obispo County is not in the eclipse path, so viewers there will not be able to see the full ring of fire. However, locals will see a partial eclipse of between 70% and 80%, according to NASAs data. During a partial eclipse, only part of the sun will be covered, which will give it a crescent shape. In San Luis Obispo County, the eclipse will begin at about 8:06 a.m., with a peak around 9:21 a.m. It is expected to end at around 10:45 a.m. In California, the full eclipse will only likely be viewable in the northeastern-most corner of the state, in the area of Modoc National Forest. For a look at the eclipse path, check out NASAs eclipse website at science.nasa.gov/eclipses. The path of the 2023 annular solar eclipse. How to watch it safely? During an annular solar eclipse, the sun will not be completely blocked by the moon meaning you should not stare directly at the eclipse without specialized eye protection. That includes not looking at it through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope unless you have a special-purpose solar filter secured to the device. NASA advises using solar-viewing glasses, or eclipse glasses, which are available at many large retailers. You can also use a handheld solar viewer. Its important to note that regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing an eclipse, no matter how dark they are. You should also always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use, NASA said. If damaged, discard the device. Parents or adults should also supervise children using solar viewers. If you dont have eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, there are several indirect viewing methods you can use that dont involved looking directly at the sun. That includes using a pinhole projector that projects the image of the sun onto a nearby surface so you can see its altered shape. For more information on how to view the eclipse safely, visit NASAs website at science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2023/safety. Can I watch it online? If you want to get the full eclipse experience, there will be several free online broadcasts dedicated to the event. Space.com is expected to livestream the eclipse with help from NASA starting at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 14. That broadcast will be available at space.com/how-to-watch-annular-solar-eclipse-ring-of-fire-october-14. The 2024 total solar eclipse will provide the best views throughout the eastern half of the country. When is the next solar eclipse? If you miss out on this eclipse, youll have another chance to see one relatively soon. A total solar eclipse is expected to occur on April 8, 2024, crossing Mexico, the United States and Canada, according to NASA. San Luis Obispo County is well outside the eclipse path for that event, which will head from Texas to the Northeast states, but local viewers will still get to see a partial eclipse of between 40% and 45%. The next annular solar eclipse that will be visible from the United States is on June 21, 2039 but that will only be visible from Alaska, according to NASA. Animals were found on board a flight from Thailand to Taiwan. Bangkok Post reported two passengers had smuggled the animals after a security worker failed to open their bag. A wildlife inspection chief said that the animals found included 20 Burmese star tortoises and two otters. Animals roamed loose on a flight from Thailand to Taiwan on Wednesday, the local newspaper Bangkok Post reported. Two passengers had smuggled the animals past security at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and brought them on the VietJet Air flight to Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, per Bangkok Post. In a video posted by metro.co.uk and credited to Viralpress, a small, brown-colored animal was shown rolling around underneath a seat on the plane. Several passengers were shown standing up on their seats to get away from the animal. "Is that a rat? I don't think it's a rat. Looks like illegal animal trading," a passenger can be heard saying in Thai. Later in the video, three flight attendants appear to be tying a black bag to keep an animal inside. At the end of the video, several men wearing white uniforms were shown placing pet carriers onto airport trolleys. A white animal with red eyes could be seen moving inside one of the cages. A passenger first noticed an animal on board while walking to the lavatory, per Bangkok Post, citing witness reports. A flight attendant's finger got bitten after he caught the animal, per the report. After arriving in Taipei, airport authorities found dozens of animals inside the bag, including 20 Burmese star tortoises and two otters, Suvarnabhumi Airport's wildlife inspection chief Pakpong Pathong told Bangkok Post. A female passenger said she was responsible for the animals when the flight attendants asked for the owner to make themselves known, per Bangkok Post. But the woman refused to collect the bag at the passenger area when the plane landed, per the report. She has since been questioned by Taiwan authorities. The woman and another male passenger smuggled the animals onto the plane after an employee at the baggage screening area didn't open their bag, despite a coworker telling him it looked suspicious, per the Bangkok Post. The employee has since been suspended, per the report. VietJet Air, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Taiwan's Aviation Police Bureau did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Read the original article on Insider Passengers were given a mid-air fright after a giant albino rat and an otter escaped from a travellers hand luggage and began roaming about the plane cabin on a VietJet recent flight. Shocked fliers saw staff on board attempt to catch the animals after they were discovered on the three-hour journey between Bangkok, Thailand and Taipei, Taiwan, reports The Telegraph. I walked back from the toilet and my friend whispered softly to me theres a rat on the plane, according to a post of Facebook from someone claiming to be on the flight. I was confused so he said again pet rat, pet rat, it has a white body and its not small. I told the cabin crew and they checked the plane. Thats when they found theotter under one of the seats. They kept looking for the white rat and an employee caught the rat. It bit them on the hand while they carried it back to the kitchen at the back of the plane. Officials from Taiwans animal and plant health inspection agency searched every bag on the plane once the aircraft landed at Taoyuan International Airport where they uncovered yet more animals. One marmot, two otters, 28 star turtles and two unidentified rodents were found, apparently smuggled by a Chinese passenger who was described as not co-operative by officials. She now faces a fine of up to 25,000 under regulations relating to the control and prevention of infectious disease. Its unclear how the woman managed to smuggle the critters through security at Thailands Suvarnabhumi Airport but its not the first time it has been attempted. In the first half of last year, more than 1,000 smuggled wild animals were identified in the Bangkok aviation hub, according to a report. In June 2022, two women were arrested in Bangkok after attempting to board a flight with 100 live, endangered animals in their luggage, including two armadillos, two porcupines, 50 chameleons, 35 turtles and 20 snakes. Later the same year, an American man was caught trying to smuggle a live albino alligator onto a flight in his suitcase. The unnamed 42-year-old passenger was attempting to travel from Munich, Germany to Singapore when he was apprehended with the reptile. MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) LaKeithea Anderson was getting ready on Tuesday when the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office called, asking if she knew where her car was. To her surprise, it wasnt parked outside of her Smyrna apartment. It was found damaged and abandoned in Murfreesboro. (Courtesy: LaKeitha Anderson) Dozens of Kia and Hyundai owners have become victims of car theft as a TikTok video showing how to start the vehicles without a key circulates online. This is one of the dangers of these social media trends that you see, like this TikTok challenge, explained Larry Flowers, public information officer for the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD). Its the innocent, hardworking people who are suffering the most. Theyre having to repair their cars, and of course, the possibility of their insurance going up. PREVIOUS: Murfreesboro police warn Hyundai, Kia owners about rise in vehicle thefts (Courtesy: LaKeithea Anderson) Anderson said shes feeling the financial impact of this trend. Not only will she need to pay for towing and restoration, on top of her monthly car payments, but shell also need to work remotely while the car is repaired. It really is a headache, and its unfortunate, said Anderson. Something was taken from you that you work hard to have. According to the MPD, there has been a surge in stolen Kias and Hyundais, with 65 of these vehicles reported stolen in Murfreesboro so far in 2023. That is a significant increase from the 18 stolen in 2022 and the 22 stolen in 2021. They had so many cars come in that day that the police officer sent my car information to the wrong person because it was such a mix-up, Anderson recalled. Which vehicles are stolen most often in Tennessee and Kentucky? Authorities recommend parking in well-lit areas, locking your doors, and installing anti-theft systems to deter thieves. Drivers are also reminded not to leave keys, key fobs, or valuables inside your vehicles. (Courtesy: LaKeithea Anderson) A thief will get into these vehicles, they may be stealing it to joyride, they may be stealing it to commit other crimes, but if they see something of value in that car, theyre going to take that as well, said Flowers. For Anderson, the thief allegedly stole her old laptop. She said she will be getting a steering wheel lock to help prevent this from happening again. The South Korean automakers, Hyundai and Kia, are set to issue a software upgrade for some of their vehicles, with officials saying that models without engine mobilizers are more vulnerable to theft. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Hyundai owners can call 800-633-5151 for assistance, while Kia owners can call 800-333-4542. According to the MPD, both automakers are also offering free steering wheel locks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A Glendale woman was convicted of a $359 million fraud scheme targeting federal healthcare programs. The woman was identified as Lourdes Navarro, 64, by the U.S. Attorneys Office. Navarro pleaded guilty to collecting millions by fraudulently submitting claims to government and private insurance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, her claims involved expensive and medically unnecessary respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) tests, officials said. From June 2020 to April 2022, Navarro and an accomplice, Imran Shams, conducted screening tests to identify patients infected with COVID-19. They obtained nasal swab samples from staff and residents at a variety of places including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and students and staff at local schools. With those collected samples, Matias Clinical Laboratory, dba Health Care Providers Laboratory, performed RPP tests on the samples, despite only being ordered to test for COVID-19. Navarro submitted around $359 million in claims for those tests to Medicare, the Health Resources and Services Administration COVID-19 Uninsured Program, and a private health insurance company. They were reimbursed approximately $54 million. Orange County doctor allegedly stole $150 million from federal COVID healthcare program There was no medical justification for conducting RPP tests, court documents said. The defendant used her management position at a clinical testing laboratory to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. Navarro pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. She faces up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2024. Navarros accomplice, Shams, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2024. SoCal nanny convicted of molesting 16 boys Those who stole from government health programs during the COVID-19 pandemic not only violated federal law, they betrayed the public trust, said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. As this action to disrupt a $359 million scheme, and the Departments recent announcement involving over 300 defendants and over $830 million in alleged COVID-19 fraud make clear, the Justice Department will continue to find and hold accountable those who defrauded American taxpayers during the pandemic. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. America is in the throes of its latest moral panic, with liberal academics and social conservatives united in warning about an addiction crisis that is threatening the social fabric of the nation. They're not warning about the waves of fentanyl overdoses, but about teen addiction to social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These critics claim these new technologies are exactly like narcotics. gambling or alcoholin that they rewire adolescent brains and lead to depression, self-destructive behaviors, sleep disorders, and mood swings. It's all backed by reams of research and sounds rather alarming. Of course, many social critics want the government to provide solutions. A headline from The Hill is as chilling as the underlying crisis: "Democrats and Republicans agree: Kids are addicted to social media and government can help." (You know the scariest words in the English language: "I'm from the government and I'm here to help.") We should all be skeptical that the same government that can't balance a budget can revamp the dominant form of modern communications and boost young people's self-esteem. It's hard to overstate how overwrought the doomsayers have become. "It took a half-century for the first American Surgeon General Report to establish the link between tobacco and lung cancer," wrote The Conversation's Beth Daley in a column that likewise implies these tech platforms should be regulated like tobacco because of research linking social media overuse to bad mental health outcomes. Complaining that teens have too much social media and too little religion, the conservative Heritage Foundation argued social media "seems to drive them further into themselves or online communities at the expense of their mental health. Social media companies like TikTok must be held accountable." Despite its unclear call for accountability, the article at least focused on parental strategies rather than regulation. Moral panicsa widespread fear that some evil force is threatening societyare nothing new. Although I grew up playing Pong rather than Mortal Kombat, I remember when Congress responded in the early 2000s to the fear that violent video games led to mass shootings by disaffected young men. "According to the most comprehensive statistical analysis yet conducted, violent video games increase aggressive behavior as much as lead exposure decreases children's IQ scores," said then-Sen. Hillary Clinton. It led to a pointless video game rating system. Most subsequent research has shown that such gamesno surprise herehad no connection to violent incidents and anti-social behaviors. My typical response to these concerns has been to suggest that parents take a more active role in their kids' lives. Anyone who thinks legislators are clever enough to craft meaningful regulations controlling technologies they don't understand has never paid close attention to the legislative process. But I recently read a more compelling rebuttal to all the upset about social media. Atlantic writer Derek Thompson posted charts showing the percentage of 12th graders who had a driver's license, ever tried alcohol, who have gone out on dates, and worked for pay during the school year. In the 1970s and 1980s, those numbers were extraordinarily highwith 85 percent to 90 percent driving and dating, more than 80 percent trying alcohol and around 70 percent or more working. (No one obviously is endorsing underage drinking, but the charts reflect the propensity of teens to experiment with life.) In 2010 and beyond, those numbers plummeted by 20 percentage points or more. Another chart showed the amount of leisure time middle-schoolers spent alone has soared. "We're sort of running an experiment on 21st (century) American teens, that's like: How much physical-world social activity is necessary for well being? So the researchers remove parties, driving around, youth sports, most summer jobs," Thompson tweeted. Our society has infantilized its youth out of, perhaps, our generation's excessive fear of safety. We've even seen a recent "free-range kids" movement emerge after parents have been arrested or harassed by child protective services for allowing their kids to play alone in parks or walk to school on their own. We shouldn't be shocked by adolescent addiction to social media given that we've collectively stopped allowing kids to participate in the social activities that were normal when I grew up in the 1970s. Kids need something to do. I'm not trying to idealize my youth, but as a teen I rode my bike and drove all over (and couldn't keep in touch with my parents because we had no cellphones). I worked in a store and went on dates, attended parties, and roamed free during summer break at the Jersey Shore. Sure, I got into some trouble, but kids of my generation had something to do other than sit around on our computers (which didn't exist). Instead of asking the government to regulate social media to improve adolescent mental health, why don't we look at why we've made it so hard for them to participate in real life? This column was first published in The Orange County Register. The post The Social Media Moral Panic Won't Help Teens appeared first on Reason.com. Socialist Paulette Lenert rose to prominence after steering Luxembourg's response to coronavirus as health minister (Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD) Socialist leader Paulette Lenert could become Luxembourg's first woman prime minister following Sunday's elections in the country wedged between Belgium, France and Germany. No stranger to a challenge, the 55-year-old rose to prominence during the coronavirus pandemic, steering the country's response as health minister from February 2020. Lenert remained coy about her ambitions in an interview with AFP, insisting she did not see herself taking over from current centre-right premier Xavier Bettel . "I'm someone who lives in the moment. I don't ruminate too much on the past and I don't plan too far ahead either. Who knows what will happen between now and then," the former judge said. Lenert described herself as "very motivated" and said it was "a challenge" and "an honour" to work in the political sphere. "I represent a party and a programme," she said. "We must remain focused right to the end and continue with perseverance to convince people of our ideas, explain, answer questions." One of her role models is the former New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, who abruptly quit in January 2023 after admitting she no longer had enough energy to go on. Among Lenert's main promises is introducing a 38-hour week, instead of the current 40, to give people a better work-life balance. Observers believe Lenert has a real chance of becoming the next prime minister. Her party is ahead of its two political partners in the current governing coalition, according to polls. One survey put the socialist LSAP party on course to win 19.8 percent of votes, ahead of the centre-right PD party at 17.4 percent and the ecologists at 10.7 percent. - 'Lenert posters everywhere' - Politics in Luxembourg has long been dominated by the conservative Christian Social People's Party (CSV), once led by ex-premier Jean-Claude Juncker. The same poll put the CSV, led by Luc Frieden, on 28.3 percent. The big unknown ahead of the vote is whether Bettel's coalition will still have enough votes to keep the CSV in opposition, as it did in 2018 to many people's surprise. If the socialists get a bigger slice of the vote, Lenert could be in a strong position to become the next prime minister. Lenert has clearly positioned herself to take over from Bettel, according to political sciences professor Philippe Poirier. But he warned against underestimating the current premier's popularity after 10 years in office. "Xavier Bettel has not suffered from declining popularity but Paulette Lenert has also become a central figure," the professor at Luxembourg University said. "Never before has there been such a personification of political communication by socialists. There are posters of her all over the country." Her popularity was clear to see during a day of campaigning spent with Lenert. She was warmly welcomed at a Lebanese food stand at a market in Junglinster, a town of 8,600 people in her constituency, 20 kilometres (12 miles) northeast of the capital. - Unknown four years ago - Lenert was completely unknown to the public four years ago. That suddenly changed when she became health minister and frequently informed the public about anti-Covid measures. She began as a lawyer before becoming a judge at the administrative court until 2014, when she was seconded from the judiciary to work in different ministries. She remembered the pandemic as a "very difficult period", especially when she announced the end of visits to retirement homes. It was no doubt a formative experience for someone who might one day represent their country at European Union leaders' summits or in other international forums. But Lenert did not give anything away about what she would do differently or better than Bettel. "I am part of this government, which supports a strong and united Europe. That would not change radically," she said. mad/jca/raz/gil Russian troops launched a missile attack on a grocery store and a cafe in the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast on Oct. 5, where a funeral reception was being held on the occasion of the reburial of a Ukrainian soldier, said Dmytro Chubenko, a spokesman for the regional prosecutor's office. "A memorial service was held because of the reburial of a fallen Ukrainian soldier," Chubenko said, according to Interfax. "He was originally buried in Dnipro, and his relatives wanted to rebury him in the village where he came from. The burial was organized by the family of the deceased soldier, his son and the widow. The son of the reburied man was also a soldier." The strike occurred at around 1:15 p.m. when at least 60 people gathered at a local cafe for a memorial service for a deceased resident, interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on national television. The son, along with his wife and mother, were among the 51 people killed in the attack that wiped out over half of the village's population. It is the single deadliest Russian attack against civilians in 2023. While Klymenko initially said the population of Hroza was over 300 people, a Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office spokesman later clarified that the number of people living in the village just before the attack didn't exceed 100. The attack was likely carried out with an Iskander ballistic missile and was targeted, according to local police. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 51 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The likely candidates for House speaker are crisscrossing their way across the GOP conference Friday to make their case for the top job. Majority Leader Steve Scalise , R-La.; Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio; and Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern , R-Okla., are pitching themselves to lead the House of Representatives, which is run by a highly fractured House GOP majority. Scalise made his case to the pragmatic and business-minded Main Street Caucus late Friday morning, Fox News Digital was told. It is led by Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., and vice chair Stephanie Bice, R-Okla. HOUSE VOTES TO REMOVE KEVIN MCCARTHY AS SPEAKER IN HISTORIC FIRST From left: Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan are running for House speaker, while Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern is considering a run. Jordan spoke to the group Thursday in a meeting that two lawmakers said went fairly well despite some moderates reservations about his conservative credentials. He is expected to tout those in a Friday afternoon session with the hard-line right House Freedom Caucus, multiple sources told Fox News Digital. Jordan previously chaired the group, and several of its members have already said they are voting for him. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP HERE ARE 4 OF THE LIKELY CONTENDERS TO REPLACE MCCARTHY AS SPEAKER Jordan, Scalise and Hern are all expected to meet with members of the Congressional Western Caucus and the House GOP freshman class, Fox News Digital was told by various sources. Scalise and Jordan met with the pragmatic Main Street Caucus, led by Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D. House GOP lawmakers are expected to meet Monday evening for a closed-door conference ahead of a candidate forum Tuesday. A conference-wide vote to select who they will put up for speaker is due Wednesday. 'SHELL SHOCKED' KEVIN MCCARTHY WILL NOT RUN FOR HOUSE SPEAKER AGAIN FOLLOWING REMOVAL Jordan and Scalise are the only formally declared candidates, while Hern is expected to enter the race. But getting to 218 votes for speaker is likely going to be an uphill battle for a conference that has seen public divisions between its moderate and hard-line right flanks, particularly over government spending. Two Republicans representatives Jim Jordan of Ohio, right, and Steve Scalise of Louisiana launched bids for House speaker on Wednesday. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Moderates are already demanding changes to House rules that allowed for just one member, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., to trigger a vote for former Speaker Kevin McCarthys ouster earlier this week. Some conservatives, including House Freedom Caucus members and critics of McCarthy, R-Calif., have called for that rule to remain unchanged. Original article source: Speaker candidates make their case to a fractured House GOP ahead of next week's vote Its the season of transformation as summer transforms to fall, and schedules are adjusted accordingly, many are preparing for another transformation: what they will become for Halloween. Its the one night each year when everyone dons a costume and can be someone, or something, else for a while. But people arent the only ones who transform for Halloween. With the popularity and commercialization of the holiday, organizations, places and companies are taking part in the festivities as well. Much like the Museum of Flight in Tumwater acts as the Museum of Fright or Point Defiance Zoo hosts Boo Zoo, the haunted renditions are temporary. As you are brainstorming your costume or assembling pieces of an outfit, these locations across Washington state are preparing their spooky season makeovers. Check out these seasonally-rebranded options in the Evergreen State. Halloween transformations in eastern Washington Benton & Franklin counties Field of Screams Throughout the year, you might take the family or a group of adults to play paintball at Red Dot Paintball Field in Richland. At least, until October comes around, when the paintball field is transformed into the Field of Screams on Fridays and Saturdays. Approximately an hour-long walk through several scary themes, youll experience a carnival, cemetery, survival bunker and more. Topped off with a zombie outbreak thrill ride complete with paintball shooters, youll definitely find your freaky fill at the Field of Screams. Various price points are offered, starting at $32.18 for a Haunt Pass and Outbreak access. Order online for a reserved space. The haunt is recommended for ages 12 and up, but kids 8 and up can get in with parent permission. Frightmare Maybe you travel down Clearwater Ave. all the time. Maybe you use it every day, passing Bellas Office Furniture and Mirage in central Kennewick. But once October is underway, youll be driving past a transformed space, a Frightmare. Your ticket to the haunt, which is warned to be extreme and will scare your pants off, includes access to all of the festivities. Instead of waiting in line, your ticket ensures your spot at a specific time, so you can enjoy all the haunted happenings while you pass the time. There will be live entertainment, a beer and wine tap room, an arcade and a supply of food trucks. Halloween transformations in western Washington Pierce county Zoo Boo Ever wanted to go to the zoo in costume? Head to the Zoo Boo for a decorated zoo experience, with costumes encouraged. The animals dont dress up, but they do enjoy pumpkins. Elephant pumpkin smashing is one of the many limited-time features at the Point Defiance Zoo. Zoo Boo is held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 14 and 15. A regular zoo ticket or membership will grant entry. Youll also get to stop by the Pacific Seas Aquarium, so make sure to stop by the Northwest Waters habitat, where divers will be carving pumpkins underwater. Haunted Headlights Ever stop by Frontier Park in Graham? Most of the time its used for casual recreation, but it also hosts the Pierce County Fair and other events. But from October 20 through Halloween, part of the park is closed for Haunted Headlights, a family-friendly Halloween light show. Buy a ticket to drive through the path, meeting spooky characters along the way. Tickets are only available online for $10. A fog machine fills the air with fog as a fake skeleton stands in a pond along the mile long trail at My Haunted Forest at Grand Farms in Vaughn, Wash. on Oct. 23, 2022. My Haunted Forest Most of the year, Grand Farms in Vaughn is an optimal outdoor event center, hosting weddings and parties. But October Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for My Haunted Forest, a horror-themed immersive haunt with a medieval twist. A low-scare hour is offered from 6 to 7 p.m. for families with young children, where actors are in costume but do not try to scare participants. Frighthouse Station The Historic Freighthouse Square/Station in Tacoma is a shopping center in modern times, but the large building used to serve as a freight house for the Milwaukee Railroad. But on fall weekends, you can head underground to Frighthouse Station, where lights fade and hopes dwindle, according to the haunts website. The 15,000 square foot basement was reportedly used for corpse storage during the second World War. The horror experience is inspired by the literature of H.P. Lovecraft and takes place in a seaside village. Warnings for constricting corridors, strobe lights, complete darkness, foggers, strong smells, intense audio, uneven walkways and terrifying scarers. Sound too risky? You can purchase a Wand of Courage for $5 to protect you. If you use it correctly, scarers will back off. Tickets for the haunt are available online, between $17 and $20 depending on the night. The recommended age range is 12 and up. Pumpkin patches are ready to open in Whatcom County, Washington. King county Museum of Fright For one day each October, the Museum of Flight in Seattle becomes the Museum of Fright. On top of the air and space museum it normally operates as, interspersed throughout the galleries will be Halloween games and activities. Admission is free for anyone in costume under age 18. Wild Waves Fright Fest If you visit Wild Waves Water Park during the majority of the year, it is a themed water amusement park full of thrill rides. But if you visit during a weekend in October, youll catch the Wild Waves Fright Fest. As the park describes it, Fright Fest activities are family by day, fright by night. Enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun in the park during the day. Once 6 p.m. hits, scare actors emerge, fog is turned on and scare zones are opened for willing participants. Thurston county Boo-coda Not impressed by a single locations transformation? Head to Bucoda, the town that rebrands into Boo-coda for all of October. With a population of less than 600 people, the entire town is part of the festivities. Theres family-friendly fun and adult-recommended horror, whatever you desire. Stop by the town gym for a spooky haunted house experience rumor has it that the gym is actually haunted. Boo-coda also hosts hearse processional events, casket races and a group recreation of the Thriller dance. For families, there is a less scary haunted house, a harvest festival and a haunted market, along with numerous costume contests throughout the month. (Photo : Moawia Atrash / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (MOAWIA ATRASH/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) A drone attack in Syria targeted a military academy and resulted in the death of more than 100 people and injury of several hundreds of others. A horrific drone attack in Syria targeted a military academy and resulted in the death of more than 100 people, as no country or group has yet to claim responsibility for the assault. A war monitor and an official said the weaponized drones bombed the area a few minutes after Syria's defense minister left a graduation ceremony. The attack is considered one of the bloodiest assaults against a Syrian army installation. Its use of weaponized drones is unprecedented in a country that has endured 12 years of civil war. Drone Attack in Syrian Military Academy The fatal victims of the recent attack include civilians and military personnel, as revealed by a statement released by Syria's defense ministry. Officials added that "terrorist" groups had used drones to attack the military academy in Homs's central province. Syria's Minister of Health, Hassan Al-Ghabbash, said that the victims included women and children and added that the drone attack resulted in the injury of several hundreds of other people, as per CNN. Following the attack, the country's defense and foreign ministries vowed in written statements that they would respond "with full force" to the assault. Syrian government forces have also carried out heavy bombing attacks on the opposition-held zone of Idlib throughout the day. A Syrian man who helped set up decorations at the military academy for the occasion said that following the event, people went down to the courtyard, and the explosives suddenly struck. He added that they had no idea where they came from and noted that they saw corpses across the ground. Video footage showed bodies, some wearing fatigues and others civilian clothes, lying in pools of blood in a large courtyard. Some of the corpses were smoking, and others were still on fire. People could also be heard screaming, and one could be pinpointed saying, "Put him out!" as a spray of gunfire sounds in the background. Read Also: Dozens Killed in Latest Russian Strike, Ukraine Says Yearslong Conflict In a statement, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the fatalities numbered more than 100, and roughly 125 were injured. The conflict in Syria began with protests against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. Still, according to The Guardian, it quickly spiraled into an all-out war that has already left hundreds of thousands of people dead and millions displaced. Additionally, the Syrian army has been gutted by the long period of fighting and relied heavily on military support from Russia and Iran and Tehran-backed fighters from Lebanon, Iraq, and other nations. Following the attack, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern regarding the drone strike and "reports of retaliatory shelling" in northwest Syria. The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, said the attacks targeted 20 villages and towns across the Idlib governorate. The drone strikes were launched from government positions south and east of Jabal al-Zawiya and started at around 3:30 p.m. local time. Locals also noted that the drone attacks targeted a power station and a popular market, said Aljazeera. Related Article: Blue on Blue? US F-16 Fighter Jet Shoots Down Turkish Drone Over Syria @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Business owner Mr McGrath has said he could take his business online A business owner has threatened to move out of a Nottinghamshire town after a 5G mast has been put up outside his shop. The 15m-high (49ft) mast has appeared in front of the Nu-trend Interiors in Derby Road, Stapleford. Gary McGrath, co-director, said the "eyesore" pole could have a "detrimental" impact on his trade. The Three telecommunications network, which operates the mast, says it aims to be "unobtrusive". Proposals were submitted to Broxtowe Borough Council by Cignal Infrastructure UK on behalf of the Three network in April. The pole was erected outside the shop at the beginning of October Planning permission was granted in June despite opposition from neighbouring residents and businesses, including Mr McGrath. He said he planned to relocate and could even sell his furniture business, despite fears the mast could cause his property to lose 20% of its value. Mr McGrath said: "It's an eyesore. I'm not being a technophobe but I feel it should be put somewhere more discreet. "We rely on people to look in the shop window and my main concern is the fact that it's obstructing the view for people passing by. "It could have a detrimental effect on business but we will have to see." 'Upset' Mr McGrath said he had invested 50,000 on a renovation of the exterior of his business, which started in 1996 and has been in its current premises for more than a decade. He added: "We've put a lot into the town; employ local folk and everything we manufacturer comes from the Nottingham area. "I just feel it's a bit of a kick in the teeth and I'm serious about moving and relocating. I'm even considering selling up. "I'm a Stapleford lad and I love the town and want it to thrive. I'm just upset about this." Three, which operates the mast, says it tries to be "unobtrusive" A spokesperson for Three said: "We want to offer the local area a great network experience and our planners determined that this new site was required to deliver it. "While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage." Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. After a turbulent few days in the House and the astonishing backfire from last weeks impeachment inquirywhich even Republicans panned as an unmitigated disasterthe conservative lawmakers fixated on impeaching President Joe Biden are regrouping, still hopeful they can convince the public that, despite their own expert witnesses claiming otherwise, there does in fact exist some sort of evidence that will justify impeachment proceedings. The GOP investigators running this show plan to regain the publics trust in part through testimony from a person theyre holding up as star fact witnessa former associate of Hunter Biden named Tony Bobulinski. Bobulinski first gained fame not for something he said, exactly, but for confirming the authenticity of an email he was copied on, where a Biden associate called Joe Biden the big guya phrase that has since been injected with undeserved notoriety, becoming something of a mantra in very online right-wing circles. Conservatives have lauded Bobulinskis credibility, even as the Justice Department seems to have thought little of his value as a witness. Tony Bobulinski, former business associate of Hunter Biden, speaks to journalists ahead of a 2020 presidential debate. Tom Brenner/Reuters But if Bobulinski does testify at this months scheduled hearingas inquiry ringmaster Rep. James Comer (R-KY) recently indicatedhe might not exactly fit the heroic mold that Republicans have cast for him. In fact, Bobulinski is so problematic that his presence could torpedo the inquirys desperately needed comeback, generating Comer and his allies another cycle of blistering reproach from their conservative colleagues. It turns out Bobulinski has a history as a spiteful litigant, including suing his own cancer-stricken father, stepmother, and their esteemed local childrens charity for $900,000. The disputein which Bobulinski claimed without any clear evidence that his parents and the charity had defrauded him of $25,000, and allegedly threatened to take their home (and, later, their car)sparked months of family turmoil. He pursued the lawsuit for months after his father died, trying to secure a settlement with his stepmother, the charity, and his fathers estate. Settlement negotiations went unresolved, and Tony ultimately withdrew the matter without offering explanation, according to court records obtained by The Daily Beast. While Tony was trying to chisel money back from his dying father, and then his dads estate and widow, over what Virginia court records indicate was a misunderstanding about a $25,000 donation, he was simultaneously pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own moneyincluding in emergency loansinto a failing offshore U.S.-Chinese branding venture operating in the Cayman Islands. At one point, Bobulinski forwarded that faltering business three $50,000 installments around the same time that he was trying to take his dead fathers van from his stepmother, according to court filings. That China venture soon imploded, and Bobulinski sued for his money back there too. That dispute, now in its seventh year, is ongoing, according to Cayman Islands court filings. The Virginia records are riven with emails, text messages, and other documents that paint Bobulinski as a volatile and self-serving manipulator with an explosive temper. At one point, Bobulinski stormed his parents home and forcibly shook his dads head, having learned in person only a few weeks earlier that his brain cancer had returned, according to his stepmothers sworn affidavit in her application for a protective order. Comer Says Hell Finally Subpoena Hunter and James Biden The case file obtained by The Daily Beast does not include a document granting the protective order, which had asked that Tony stop texting her. (Text conversations resumed a short while later.) However, a draft of a mutual release agreement included among its seven points a term a release from in any manner to events that led Alicia to seek a protective order against Tony. Its unclear whether the release took effect. The document, drawn up in February 2016 by Tonys lawyer and sent to Alicia, does not bear Tonys signature, and it is unclear whether he ever signed it. Alicia, who signed the release on Feb. 12, included it without Tonys signature as documentation of reasons in her motion to dismiss the case the next month. The conflict appears to have dominated much of the final year his father and stepmother had together. Robert Bobulinski died two months after his son filed the complaint. His wife, Alicia Fernandez Bobulinski, blamed Tony. If Tony thinks that he can bully me still even after he was responsible for the death of my husband he is mistaken, Alicia Bobulinski wrote in one email, sent to her sons lawyer two months after the death. He shot his own foot out of being mean spirited. Twenty days after we were in court my husband was in the hospital. Six days later my husband drew his last breath!!! That email is in the court records because even after the death, Tony Bobulinski was still pursuing claims. At the time, Alicia Bobulinski was protesting her stepsons new attempt to repossess a family vehicle. The Daily Beast reached out to Alicia Bobulinski by phone and text message, and did the same with a number associated with Tonys brother, whose name also appears in the court filings. A few hours later, this reporter received a call from Arthur Schwartz, a Republican operative and Donald Trump Jr. adviser who had enlisted Bobulinski in an ineffective bid to pitch the Biden story to The Wall Street Journal during the 2020 election. Tony wont talk with you, Schwartz said, adding that Bobulinski had instructed him to tell this reporter to stop harassing his family members. When The Daily Beast reached out to Tony for comment anyway, Bobulinski didnt reply. The lawsuit, which Tony Bobulinski filed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court in 2015, stemmed from an apparent misunderstanding between the son and his parents about how they were to spend his $25,000 contribution to their charitya small, quite literally mom-and-pop operation called the Making a Difference Foundation (MADF). Bobulinski had cut the check in December 2014, shortly after learning that his fathers brain cancer had returned. But whatever goodwill was kindled at the time went up in smoke about a month later, when Bobulinski erupted in a text message conversation with his stepmother, accusing his parents of fraud, spending the money on themselves without his authorization. (Alicia included her text messages with Tony as exhibits in the case, and Tony did not dispute their authenticity.) His parents argued that they never had such an agreement and that Tony had sent them the unsolicited and unexpected check without any directions or restrictions. One text from Alicia said that Robert had told her Tony had included the message, Enjoy! The fraud allegation on its face would have certainly puzzled the Virginia Beach community. The MADFwhich Bob, a retired U.S. NAVY commander, founded in 1992does not appear in any other lawsuit in state or federal court records, and was by all accounts a singularly generous and beloved operation that sustained a positive impact on the city for more than a generation. Its difficult to overstate just how purely the community loved Robert and the group. For more than two decades, MADF served untold tens of thousands of children in need, according to the Virginian-Pilot, which described the organization as an out-of-the box social service program that has helped children, teens and adults in numerous ways throughout the past 23 years. I Testified at the Biden Impeachment Inquiry Hearing, But Found Myself on Trial The groups impact is all the more remarkable given that the organization never received more than $32,660 in annual income, and which the Bobulinskis ran almost entirely in a volunteer capacity. MADF won multiple awards, was heralded by national and local groups alike, and received glowing coverage in local press. Each year, the charity threw an extravagant Christmas party, landing a Today Show sponsorship and earning Robert the nickname Santa Bob. His death occasioned the mayor of Virginia Beach, the states largest city, to remark that we have lost one of our greatest humanitarians. The Bobulinskis cashed their sons check the day after Christmas in 2014, court records show, with Alicia informing Tony in a grateful text a few weeks later that theyd put the money towards taxes, bank obligations, dental work, and home repairs to accommodate his fathers decreased mobility, noting that the organization was run out of their home. At the time, Tony Bobulinskis business ventures had already met with financial success, according to his parents claims in court, rendering him more than a millionaire. His parents were not. Many of their resources have gone to others in need, not to their homes upkeep, the Virginian-Pilot reported in 2010, noting that Bobs brain tumor treatment had further depleted their finances. When Tony sued them, Alicia represented herself, Bob, and the foundation; Tony retained Kevin Martingayle, at the time the president of the Virginia State Bar. Six years later, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson told Tony in an interview ahead of the 2020 election that his independent wealth redounds to his credibility. And we can say, because we verified it, youre not actually looking for anything, Carlson told him. You dont need the money, thats for sure. In 2018, Bobulinski filed a lawsuit in the Cayman Islands against the since-shuttered U.S.-China venture, called China Branding Group Limited, seeking remuneration of $1.75 million. After multiple appeals and a separate federal civil case, the suit has still not been resolved. According to his parents court statements, one month after the donation, Bobulinski told them the funds were in part to be used for his fathers salary and that he wanted us to feel empowered. Alicia Bobulinski also used that empowered phrase in an effusive thank-you text message to Tony after a January 2015 visit, court filings show. Thank u again for the donation we would not been able to have done it without ur help when u get a chance to visit I think u will like what was done, Alicia wrote in a Feb. 22 text. Have a great day the feeling of having the money to bring about a better quality of life is immeasurable. But the message of gratitude had the opposite effect, sending Tony into an extended bitter tirade that seven months later found its legal instantiation. What? Bs, Tony replied. He demanded a conversation with his father and a line item by line item breakdown of every penny by noon the next day, or you can feel empowered from a jail cell as I will come after you for fraud and theft. Star GOP Witness Immediately Pours Cold Water on Biden Impeachment Over the next two days, Tony sent a barrage of irate messages, telling his stepmother hed never given her the right to spend the money. Think about how sad the boys will be when you are sitting in a jail cell for fraud, theft, and self dealing, he wrote. Alicia eventually responded, explaining her understanding of the arrangement and wondering why Tony wasnt happy the money went to ease ur dads' anguish & his ability to get around the house. But Tony fired back again, for days, repeatedly belittling his stepmother and threatening to contact the FBI, vowing at one point that if I have to put Grandpa in front of a judge I will. Own up to your lies you coward, my dad wont be able to protect you, he wrote on Feb. 28, adding, I will come down like a hammer. Then, on March 6, Tony unannounced barged into our house, Alicia wrote in a court filing. He appeared angry and extremely agitated, she claimed, and yelled it was not about the money it was about the principal. Tony put his hands on his father, the filing said, and yelled that he was going to take our house away from us. Three days after the incident, Alicia Bobulinski sought a protective order, saying in a sworn affidavit that Tony put his hands on his father, moving his head and face up, down and side to side. He was aware my husband had just had a brain tumor relapse. Less than a month later, Tony sent Alicia a text addressed to Bob, denouncing his fathers absurd antics and threatening to engage the financial crime unit of Va beach. Dadjust so you dont think your absurd antics allowed you to get away with anything my lawyers and the financial crime unit of Va beach will be following up with you directly, Tony wrote, demanding his money back and vowing to pursue u for fraud, charity fraud until I get it back. Fox News Just Accidentally Demolished a Biden-Ukraine Conspiracy Theory Then I can give it to a charity that is honest, respects their donors wishes and invests the money towards the agreed upon mandate vs whatever they want, he wrote. According to the Bobulinskis response to Tonys complaint, they had never solicited donations from Tony, and refused offers in the past because we did not agree with his conditions. In 2013, they wrote, Tony provided $36,000 to the foundation, asking them to reroute most of it to specified organizations. They complied to the letter, the filing says. Tony eventually filed his lawsuit in September. His complaint presented no evidence of any agreement beyond his own recollectionsclaims that his father and stepmother disputedbut cited communications that resulted in admissions by Robert and Alicia that they spent the money for their own selfish purposes, and that there was no appreciable benefit to the Foundation, the mission of the Foundation, or any of the individuals that the Foundation is supposed to assist. At this point, it appears that the Foundation is no longer functioning and that the substantial assets donated by Tony have utterly wasted, the complaint said. As for his father, the complaint said, Because Robert engaged in deliberate fraud and has shown a callous disregard for Tonys rights, he is liable for not only compensatory damages, but also for punitive damages, and Tony hereby requests an award of punitive damages. He sought a combined $900,000 in combined damages from the three defendants, along with attorney's fees, pre- and post-judgment interest, court costs, and such other and further relief as allowable by law. About two months later, his father was dead. Tonys lawsuit, however, was not. In pursuit of mediation two months later, his attorneyMartingayleand Alicia exchanged a series of emails, where Alicia blamed Tony for his fathers death and asked for some degree of assurance that Tony will not try to hurt me or my family anymore. I don't understand him and his accusations to me were unfounded, she wrote on Feb. 11. The pain I am living now is unbearable, I will never see my husbands eyes again or hug him. Why??!! The next day, Martingayle replied that the proposed settlement could wipe the slate clean, adding, You cant solve future disputes that don't exist, only the disputes that do exist. Then on March 3, Martingayle identified a new dispute. It is my understanding that there's a new issue that has arisen, this time involving a car loan at NFCU. Have you taken care of that? Once you do, we can wrap up everything, he wrote, referencing a joint loan the father and son had taken out. Alicia argued that her husband had put her name on the title and offered to pay her share of the loanThe only loyalty Tony has is to his money. He had none to his dadbut Martingayle told her that Tony was considering repossessing the vehicle himself. It will be stealing if Tony sends anyone to take my van, Alicia wrote on March 4. Martingayle did not reply to a comment request. The suit dragged on for months, with Tony pushing for a jury trial. All the while, however, he was working on his increasingly strained venture with the China Branding Group, advancing a total of $650,000 in loans to the struggling company, including three $50,000 installments between Feb. 2 and March 10, Cayman Islands court records show. By May, the company was insolvent. In July, the Virginia judge pushed the jury trial date from August to December, writing that Tony would be out of the country on business-related matters. Then, on Sept. 20, 2016, Tonys lawyer filed a nonsuit, with Alicias agreement. That same day, Tony refused to sign a distribution agreement related to the failed Cayman venture, court records showa move that he later sought as leverage to cut ahead of other creditors. The claim is still unresolved. But Bobulinski kept pushing his Chinese connections, which eventually landed him in cahoots with Hunter Biden. He made his first public splash three years ago with unverified claims that Joe Biden was supposedly slated to keep a 10 percent cut from an ultimately failed business proposal with a Chinese oil company in 2017. While Bobulinski has offered competing explanations for why he chose to go public ahead of the electionincluding a ringside seat at the final presidential debatehis legal history suggests a person intensely motivated by grievance and grudges. He told The Wall Street Journal that he came forward after a Senate report revealed that Bobulinski appeared to have been cut out of $5 million in indirect payments from the Chinese energy company to Hunter Bidens law firm. Tony Bobulinski, a former business associate of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, looks on before the second 2020 presidential campaign debate. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters But WSJalong with every other major news organization, including Fox Newshas not found any evidence that Joe Biden had a role in his sons overseas deals, let alone an improper or illegal one. So far, neither has the Republican-led impeachment inquiry. But that hasnt stopped Bobulinskis right-wing fan club. In a Fox & Friends interview last October, James Comer went to bat for his star witness integrity. And I can tell you thisweve been probing Hunter Biden for many months, as you know, Todd, and everything Bobulinski has said about Hunter Biden we have fact checked and found to be true, Comer said. But that observation raises the question of just how relevant Bobulinskis information iseven if it is entirely accurate. 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. What Year Is It? Pumpkin spice latte lovers, rejoice. You can now purchase a non-fungible token of Starbucks' famous fall beverage, though, of course, you won't be able to taste it or get much else out of the experience. As the Decrypt reports, Starbucks is selling limited edition PSL NFTs for $20 a pop to mark the 20th anniversary of these popular (and memeable) drinks. The new sale is part of the coffee chain's web3-forward Odyssey program, which launched last fall, and provides users with purchase rewards like coffee-making classes and free drinks. Starbucks partnered with NFT marketplace Nifty Giveaway for the "drop." Instead of limiting the total number of tokens sold, Starbucks is selling the "digital stamps" exclusively between October 5 and October 9. The franchise has yet to announce what rewards users will actually get besides 250 points in their Odyssey accounts and given the catastrophic state of the NFT marketplace as a whole, we won't be encouraging anybody to invest. Zombie Market There are four varieties of these "digital stamps" that appear to correspond to the drinks themselves iced, spiced, steamed, and whipped though "iced" is the only actual variation of PSL that we could find on the Starbucks menu. Although this collection seems very early 2022 you know, before the NFT market crashed and burned Decrypt points out that after Starbucks began giving away free NFTs last December, some were going for as much as $1,900 on secondary markets and sold out almost immediately, too. Starbucks isn't the only brand trying to extract worth from this seemingly-dead market. From Louis Vuitton's $39,000 virtual treasure trunk that will supposedly grant buyers access to "twinned" physical products to Salesforce building out a market for other companies to create NFT loyalty programs, it's obvious that companies that hedged their bets on these digital assets aren't giving up the ghost just yet. It remains to be seen if there's any crossover between NFT bros and PSL junkies, but given how fast the last ones sold out, there's a non-zero chance that they may end up being worth more than the $20 Starbucks is charging for them which, to be fair, is only about $12 more than the price of an IRL PSL. More on the food biz: Snack Food CEO Vows to Battle Ozempic Local officials usually welcome money from the state, but recent grants to Chicago suburbs to address an influx of migrants met with some backlash, highlighting how controversial the issue has become. In Joliet, news that the local township would get nearly $9 million to handle incoming migrants prompted immediate opposition from city officials and some residents. Mayor Terry DArcy asked township officials to withdraw the grant application. If the township accepts this grant and individuals arrive in our city, the mayor said, it will be a tremendous strain, overtaxing our existing infrastructure, impacting our Joliet school system, social services, public and private health resources, and public safety. State officials recently gave $11 million in grants to five suburban and downstate governments to help accommodate arriving migrants and $30 million for Chicago. Debate over the grants reflects mixed feelings over how to handle the issue. Some 17,000 people have arrived by bus in Chicago over the past year, straining social services and prompting protests from some residents over spending tax dollars for food, shelter and other aid for newcomers. Suburbs have not faced any migration on that scale, but officials there say they have seen a marked increase in arrivals that needs to be addressed. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said that migrants wont be sent anywhere unless local officials agree to have them come. But both Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have called for more help from the federal government, with the governor saying the current situation is untenable. In response to such criticisms, President Joe Bidens administration announced Thursday that, with increasing numbers of migrants coming across the Mexican border, it will resume deporting migrants from Venezuela. The administration recently increased protected status for Venezuelans who arrived to the U.S. before July 31. In Joliet Township, Supervisor Angel Contreras, who applied for the immigration aid money, said he understood peoples concerns. There are no plans, he said, for mass migration, new shelters or housing. This isnt invitation money, its stabilization money, so our social service agencies dont get overloaded, he said. We need to do what we can for now and hopefully the federal government steps up. As proposed, Contreras said, the Joliet Township funding would go to the Spanish Community Center, which reported serving 2,200 people since August of last year, and the Will Grundy Medical Clinic. But money could also flow to other agencies in the region, with services to be provided first and reimbursed by the state afterward. In Lake County, social service agencies reported serving nearly 2,000 asylum-seekers in the last year. State grants of $1 million were to go to three local immigrant aid agencies. Theyre already here, they are coming to the suburbs, Mano a Mano Executive Director Dulce Ortiz said. Thats why were so grateful for this funding, because theyre already here and we are meeting their needs. Few migrants have come to stay in Oak Park, but a church there has opened its doors to give them a hot shower, new clothes and blankets, and a kitchen to make their own food. Thirty to 40 migrants come twice a week from a crowded police station nearby in Chicagos Austin neighborhood to St. Catherine-St. Lucy-St. Giles parish for a break from sleeping on the floor or in tents on the sidewalk. A hearty breakfast is served and the migrants are supplied with soap, towels, shampoo, combs, razors and deodorant. Donated clothes and shoes are on display for the migrants to select. Children get donated toys and participate in card games and art projects. Social workers from Family Focus register the migrants for benefits. The Police Station Response Team, an interfaith group that includes Christian and Jewish volunteers, also provides a weekly meal and other services at the police station. The village was awarded $150,000 to help coordinate such efforts. But not everybody in the village is happy with the groups efforts. Thats why when the group recently opened a building to store donations, it didnt make its address public. Its the work of the Holy Spirit, volunteer Celine Woznica said. They cook, theyre laughing. They say, Oh no, in my area we do it this way. Theyre able to cook their traditional foods and be proactive, rather than waiting for (handouts). Its the most wonderful life-giving thing. The Rev. Carl Morello, pastor of the merged St. Catherine-St. Lucy-St. Giles parish, acknowledged there are many long-term issues to be resolved, and the community reaction is mixed, but he said this is an emergency response. There are those whove expressed the concern that were helping these people and theyre not paying taxes, what are they giving back? he said. My answer is always, this is a moral issue, in terms of caring for those in need. We have a responsibility to care for hungry and homeless people. Were not looking at all the political aspects. Were living the Gospel message. In Elgin, which was awarded $1.27 million, Mayor David Kaptain said some residents have raised similar concerns. For about a year, he said, there has been a steady trickle of migrants from Venezuela and elsewhere who are helped by local social service agencies. It got to the point where its a financial burden, he said. Theyre running short of food, they need more money. Thats why the grant was applied for. Ive been getting calls from people concerned youre going to bring busloads of immigrants here, he said. Thats not whats happening here. He compared the situation to that during COVID-19, when people lost their jobs and the city gave money to local food pantries that were running out of food. Dianha Ortega-Ehreth, executive director of the Centro de Informacion in Elgin, said her group has been helping a rising number of immigrants. The number of clients who entered the U.S. in the past year quadrupled to almost 300 in the past fiscal year, she said. Were seeing a lot of new arrivals, Ortega-Ehreth said. The goal is to get everybody into permanent housing and make them self-sustainable. But that takes time. Our mission is to help the immigrant community fully integrate into the community. rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com One of the two suspects arrested Thursday in Dracut on charges in connection with a string of armed carjackings in New Hampshire this week has been ordered held on $100,000 bail. Nathan Saben, 35, of Haverhill, was arraigned in Lowell District Court on charges including multiple counts of armed carjacking and attempted carjacking, according to law enforcement officials. Saben and 40-year-old Jessica Tirone, of Salisbury, were nabbed by officers in Dracut when a pursuit that started in Lawrence came to a crashing end, Lawrence police said. A weapon that the duo allegedly flashed in gunpoint carjackings in Salem and Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, earlier this week was seized by authorities. Prosecutors said that Saben put the firearm in his mouth and attempted to carjack another vehicle after crashing before law enforcement officials eventually subdued him. The state police Andover barracks released an image of that weapon on Friday morning. Police said Saben and Tirone were in the vehicle stolen in Wolfeboro when they were arrested. In Salem, there were three incidents, including one in which a woman was successfully forced from her vehicle before Saben and Tirone made off with it, according to police. The woman wasnt hurt. There were two other failed carjacking attempts. Saben and Tirone were taken to the hospital after their arrests. Saben was treated, released, and held overnight at the Essex Country House of Correction in Middleton. Its not clear when Tirone will be called to court because she remains hospitalized under police guard. The pair is also expected to face charges in connection with other crimes in Seabrook, New Hampshire, and Haverhill, Massachusetts, police said. An investigation remains ongoing. 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 When Talyn Summers was in middle school, their parents started receiving emails and text messages from their school multiple times a day. The problem? Summers had eaten school lunch but hadnt paid in full: they owed 30 cents. In a fairly well-off school district in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, Summers remembers feeling like their peers were completely oblivious to the fact that other students might be plagued by the shame of lunch debt. While the US offers free school meals to its poorest students, many who dont qualify still struggle to pay. According to the Education Data Initiative, more than 30 million students in the US cant afford their school meals. On average, those students owe $180.60 each year, for a national total of $262m in student lunch debt annually. Theres people who are very, very poor, and they are getting free or reduced [meals]. And those people who are very wealthy, that are unbothered by the cost, said Summers, 18, whos now part of the Pennsylvania Cancel Lunch Debt Coalition, an activist group associated with the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter, and the Debt Collective, a debtors union. But then theres that very forgotten large middle element, which is not receiving the help they need, but is still suffering from the debt. The coalition has since organized to have over $20,000 in school meal debt canceled in Bucks county, and seen state legislators introduce bills to provide universal school meals in the state, something that had been offered nationwide during the pandemic, but ended last year. Now, it seems, their national representatives are paying attention too. Last week, Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman introduced a bill that would cancel all student meal debt. The bill, titled the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act, would order the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pay off all of the debt that students accumulate when they cannot afford school lunches or breakfasts. Fetterman who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics and Research was joined by co-sponsors Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Peter Welch. School lunch debt is a term so absurd that it shouldnt even exist, Fetterman tweeted. Thats why Im proud to introduce a bill to CANCEL the nations student meal debt and stop humiliating kids and penalizing hunger. In the US, public and non-profit private schools use a three-tiered system to determine how much students pay for school meals. Students living within 130% of the poverty line are eligible to receive free school meals, those within 185% can receive meals at reduced prices, and all others pay full price. But many families who are not eligible for free or reduced meals still might struggle to pay. And for families who are eligible, paperwork and the stigma around accepting free meals may also be barriers to access. As a result, many families who arent signed up for free or reduced price meals still cant afford them. And this can result in school meal debt, said Juliana Cohen, a professor of nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Merrimack College. Schools are not allowed to use federal child nutrition funds to pay off that meal debt, so many instead search for charitable donors or tap into student activity or education funds. Sometimes, to dissuade students from accumulating more debt, advocates say schools will publicly shame students or give them a sandwich instead of a hot meal. Vito Malacari, a high school government and civics teacher in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, has seen students at his school collect a hot meal in the lunch line, only to be forced to dump it in the trash and exchange it for a cold sandwich when they cant pay. Everybody knows what that means, that you cant afford a hot lunch, said Malacari, who is also a member of the Pennsylvania Cancel Lunch Debt Coalition. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Congress authorized the USDA to provide free meals to every public school student in the country, about 50 million children. But in 2022, when the program was scheduled to expire, Republican lawmakers blocked attempts to extend the program. At the same time, other pandemic-era safety nets began evaporating, and child poverty more than doubled in 2022. Since then, nine states California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont have introduced programs making school breakfasts and lunches permanently free. Meanwhile, advocates are calling on lawmakers to make school meals free nationwide. Fetterman is among the cosponsors of the Universal School Meals Program Act, a bill which would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack to every student. Hunger can make it challenging for students to perform well in school. In a pre-pandemic study, the organization No Kid Hungry found that nearly 60% of children from low-income communities went to school hungry and of those, 12% said that hunger made it impossible for them to concentrate on their evening homework. Food insecurity is also linked to adverse mental health outcomes for children, Cohen said. While schools were offering free meals to all students during the pandemic, Cohen and her colleagues at Merrimack Colleges Nourish Lab were able to observe the impacts of universal free school meals. Students who are already eligible and signed up for free or reduced price meals are now more likely to eat them, said Cohen. Additionally, they found that free meals offered nutritional benefits to all students. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who eat school meals consume more whole grains, milk, fruits and vegetables and do better in school than those who do not. Canceling student meal debt wont solve the entire problem by itself, said Cohen. But this is such an important step in recognizing the challenge of school meal debt, which can be crushing for schools. Now a high school senior, Summers said the weight of student lunch debt still hangs over them they fear their school would threaten to not let them graduate if they dont pay off the balance they owe. This is one of the scariest and most pervasive forms of debt that we have because it is directly affecting children, said Summers. But for many students, who deal with the shame of not being able to afford a hot meal every day only to wonder if theyll be able to afford college, a car or a house, it feels like just starting the doom clock early. After Covid completely upended life on college campuses, students and recent graduates are encountering a new challenge: student loans. Federal student loan payments are resuming this week, ending the three-year pause enacted through policies in 2020 to ease financial burdens when the Covid pandemic rattled the economy and countless peoples livelihoods. Millions of college students and graduates including Black women, who carry the highest burden of student debt held on to the hope of President Joe Bidens student loan forgiveness plan, which the Supreme Court struck down in June. Yet, Biden is aiming to push policies that would provide relief for loan borrowers, with his announcement Wednesday approving $9 billion in student loan forgiveness for 125,000 borrowers. Still, as payments resume, several Black students and graduates told NBC News that they are not ready for the financial obligation, including those who say the pandemic stripped away large portions of their college experience. A lackluster college experience Halfway through Anne Laurie Josephs freshman year at George Washington University, the pandemic essentially shut down campus. The English literature and music double major said she was one of the few students who could remain on campus during her sophomore year. But there were so few students around, Laurie Joseph said, that her college experience was mostly nonexistent. All of that was just basically living in my dorm and doing classes on Zoom, said Laurie Joseph, 23, who lives in Arlington, Virginia, and was a first-generation college student. While George Washington University resumed in-person classes during her junior year, Laurie Joseph said the pandemic disrupted her major plan of studying abroad in France. Born and raised in Haiti where French is the second spoken language after Haitian Creole Laurie Joseph said traveling to France would have given her the opportunity to become fluent in French. Anne Laurie Joseph, graduate of George Washington University. (Courtesy Anne Laurie Joseph) I had everything set to study abroad for an entire year, Laurie Joseph said. I had gotten all the scholarships that I needed to do it. And then it all got ruined. Senior Demari Jetter had a similar experience when she started attending Jackson State University in August 2020. She said she envisioned her first year attending classes in person, participating in engaging classroom discussions and meeting friends. Instead, she said she experienced the exact opposite. While Jackson State told NBC News in a statement that certain annual traditions were offered virtually or postponed, Jetter said she was not aware of them. I didnt even know what a welcome back week was or a freshman welcome week was because I never had it, she said. It was also difficult adjusting to a new learning environment that was completely opposite from her high school experience, she said. Virtually, the professor dont know you, she said. They dont know how you are. They dont know how you learn. Its hard to ask questions because you dont want to unmute yourself, and then theyll say, Hold on, wait until the end of class. You cant raise your hand. It was just a lot of challenges. Aaron Waithe, an information technology major at Towson University who is graduating next year, said hes had to do the verification process for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a form that determines college students eligibility for student financial aid, with little help for the past four years. He also said many students are often left in the dark when it comes to repaying their student loans. I would have loved to have it, Waithe said about Bidens blocked student loan forgiveness plan. But either way, the payments are going to have to be paid. Waithe said he currently has about $20,000 worth of student loans. Aaron Waithe. (Courtesy Aaron Waithe) Students have mixed feelings about paying education loans While Jetter and Waithe will have a six-month grace period before they start making student loan payments after graduating next year, they both said they are still not prepared for the financial changes that lay ahead. Jetter began college while the pause was in effect, and while her tuition was being paid with loans, she said she was not made aware that she would be on the hook to pay them once she graduated. No one ever spoke on them since I enrolled in college, she said. Now all of a sudden I have a 35, $45,000 balance. Black college students face specific challenges when it comes to eliminating their student debt. Black graduates hold an average of $25,000 more in student loan debt than their white counterparts, according to the Education Data Initiative. Four years after graduation, Black college graduates also owe an average of 188% more than white students borrowed, EDI reported. These disparities for Black graduates are directly linked to the lack of generational wealth in Black families. The median white family with a full-time worker has 7.6 times more wealth than the median Black family that also has a full-time worker, according to the American Sociological Associations Contexts magazine. Though she received scholarships while she was in school, Laurie Joseph said she didnt have the financial support of her family to help with her expenses. She said she owes about $30,000 for her education at George Washington University and will have to pay back her loans by herself. She also acknowledged the struggles that many recent graduates like her face, but that going to college is kind of a choice that you have to make, she said. Its either you go straight into the workforce after high school, or you make a decision to take out loans in pursuit for their education, which most likely is investment in yourself, said Laurie Joseph, who currently works at the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. For some of us, college was the only option. Paying back student loans, she added, is definitely a burden. Like Laurie Joseph, Saundrea Rupert-Shropshire started school in 2020 as a part-time law student at Georgetown University and had to attend classes virtually. Rupert-Shropshire, who is 31 and lives in Alexandria, Virginia, said doing so removed the social aspect of learning from her educational experience. I think law school is one of those kind of experiences where you dont just pay for law school, youre paying for the network of professors and colleagues that will attend that school with you, said Rupert-Shropshire, who will complete law school in December. One example she cited is a weekly happy hour for law students. I have such a great cohort of classmates that we all still ended up pretty close, she continued. But, I think its definitely a lesser version of what I would have had if we would have started in person our first year. Rupert-Shropshire earned a bachelors degree in political science from Howard University in 2014. She said she was able to fully pay off her undergraduate loans by receiving a full scholarship and working as a congressional staffer for six years, which offered a student loan repayment program, capping payments at $10,000 a year. While Rupert-Shropshire has managed to repay $10,000 toward her student loans from law school, she said she still owes about $75,000. Rupert-Shropshire has a job offer at a law firm, but it doesnt start until next year, so she recently started waiting tables at a local restaurant to earn income in the meantime. Paying back these student loans, she said, will be burdensome on top of her other expenses including the rent for her one-bedroom apartment with parking, which is $2,200 a month. Despite that, she said she is as prepared as Im going to be to pay back her student loans, even though that might interfere with some of her future goals, like buying a house. Am I ready? No, like, absolutely not, Rupert-Shropshire said. But, the debt exists and it has to be paid. I dont come from an affluent family. So, if I dont pay my loans, no one pays them. Despite the challenges the pandemic created, there were some positive outcomes. Demari Jetter currently attends Jackson State University. (Demari Jetter) Jetter, who is a part-time content creator and restaurant server, said going to college during the pandemic gave her no other choice but to be focused on school. In the future, she hopes to become a social media or digital marketing manager. Now, she said that shes getting the full college experience since everything is back to normal. As for Waithe, he said the pandemic allowed him to grow closer to his peers. It made me more close-knit with my friends that I met here and the friends that I came up here with, because we were more, like, sticking together with ourselves, Waithe said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The UK's billionaire Barclay family is looking to sell the "Lady Beatrice," a 197-foot-long superyacht. The family is selling the vessel to retain ownership of The Telegraph, The Times reported Thursday. The luxury yacht's running cost is $3 million a year, according to SuperYachtFan.com. A billionaire family in the UK has put their superyacht up for sale. The Barclay family, which owns The Telegraph media group, has put up the "Lady Beatrice" for sale for 22 million euros, or $23.2 million, according to a listing by its broker, Edmiston. The Telegraph newspaper group is set to be auctioned later this month. Lloyds Banking Group had seized the company in June over a 1 billion pound or $1.2 billion debt, and the Barclay family is selling the "Lady Beatrice" yacht to retain the media group, The Times reported on Thursday. The yacht was delivered in 1993 and named after Beatrice Cecelia Taylor, the late mother of identical twins Frederick and David Barclay. David died in 2021, while 88-year-old Frederick and his family are estimated to be worth 6.5 billion pounds, according to the UK Sunday Times Rich List published in May. Built by Dutch shipyard Feadship, "Lady Beatrice" is a 197-foot vessel with eight cabins. It can accommodate 16 guests and 17 crew members. One writer on autoevolution, a car and transportation site, was so impressed that they called the superyacht "the floating version of a French palace." The yacht's main deck has two master staterooms with ensuite bathrooms, walk-in dressing rooms, and private studies. The other six cabins are all on the lower deck. The yacht features an alfresco dining area on the lower deck, a pool, and a grand piano in its main salon. Maintaining the yacht costs $3 million a year, according to the SuperYachtFan website, which described the vessel as a "testament to opulence, offering a visually striking environment that exudes comfort and sophistication." The Barclay family is known to be very private. In 2020, Forbes called the Barclay brothers "the UK's most infamous reclusive billionaires." However, a bitter divorce row between Frederick and his ex-wife thrust the yacht into the public eye. In July 2022, Hiroko, Frederick's former wife, said in court that the Barclay twin brothers had fought over their business empire on the vessel, Bloomberg reported at the time. Edmiston and the Barclay family did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Bail was denied Friday for the suspect seen on camera dragging a state trooper while trying to leave a traffic stop in Brockton. Derek Lobo, 31, was arrested on assault and motor vehicle charges in Brockton last month by the same trooper he allegedly dragged down Montello Street as he sped away from a traffic stop around 6:00 p.m. the night before, according to an MSP spokesperson. Troopers say they pulled over Lobo for an expired inspection sticker. After approaching his vehicle and running a computer check, Lobos license status was allegedly expired and non-renewable. Authorities then say Lobo refused to exit the vehicle after being prompted. One of the troopers tried physically removing him from the car when Lobo hit the gas, dragging the trooper with him at a high rate of speed. Video shared by the law enforcement agency showed Lobo driving away in the middle of the traffic stop and the trooper clinging to his vehicle before tumbling into the middle of the street. The Plymouth County DAs Office says the trooper was dragged a city block while Lobo weaved toward oncoming traffic. The trooper sustained minor injuries but the high rate of speed shredded his uniform. State Police attempted to follow Lobo, who they say was traveling an estimated 80 miles per hour through downtown Brockton. Due to the dangerous speeds, the pursuit was terminated. A short while later, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section responded to an address on Brentwood Avenue, the address Lobo allegedly gave troopers when he was pulled over. He was not at the home, according to police, but they were able to locate the same black Mercedes parked in the driveway as well as his black designer cross-body bag. Troopers allegedly found 10.8 grams of suspected fentanyl in the bag. Police issued a warrant for Lobo on assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and trafficking in fentanyl. He was later found at a residence on Union Street and was taken into custody. Lobo is due back in court on October 31. Brockton Man Who Fled Stop And Dragged MSP Trooper Found To Be Dangerous, Held Without Bail pic.twitter.com/F3R9ovSjxS DA Tim Cruz (@PlymouthCtyDAO) October 6, 2023 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 Atlanta Police said they have a suspect in custody after an hours-long standoff Thursday night. Just after 11:30 p.m., Atlanta police confirmed they have the gunman in custody after he barricaded himself inside an apartment at 1016 Howell Mill Road Northwest. Officers were called out to the location about a dispute with injuries. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] It appears that a suspect is barricaded inside one of the units. A Channel 2s Veronica Griffin was live at the scene on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. It appears that police blocked traffic from going down a portion of the road. TRENDING STORIES Police did not release details on what led to the standoff or the extent of the victims injuries. The identity of the suspect has not been released. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A pair of real estate professionals, who as a married couple operated a real estate investment fund, were indicted this week by the federal grand jury for conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Paul Waln, 58, of Dallas, Texas, and his ex-wife Tamara King, aka Tamara Waln, 54, of Toledo, Ohio, previously resided in Bellevue and Kirkland, Washington. The pair are scheduled to appear on the indictment on October 12. READ ALSO: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on U.S. - EU Summit According to the indictment, between August 2009 and December 2013, Waln solicited investments in a real estate fund called Halcyon. Twenty-two victims, most of whom were Seattle residents, invested $2.25 million in the fund. Waln told investors their funds would be pooled to purchase and renovate an apartment building in West Seattle, and then used for other real estate projects. Investors were required to leave their money in the investment pool for ten years. Waln said that at the end of the 10-year period, Waln would return the investment principal and earnings, which he estimated amount to a 20 percent annual return. Waln was entitled to receive a 1% fee for managing the investment fund. In 2013, Waln married King, who was also a real estate agent. Waln and King then jointly managed the investment fund. Between February 2014 and December 2018, they conspired to misappropriate money from the fund to pay their personal expenses. The pair secretly transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time from the fund to their management company, and then transferred the money to King's personal accounts. In some instances, they wrote secret memos characterizing these transfers as "loans," but the money was never repaid. Investors were never told about the "loans." Under the terms of the investment, Waln and King were required to distribute the investment funds to investors in 2019. But by the end of 2018, they had misappropriated all the money. In December 2018, Waln sent investors a letter falsely claiming that the fund's general contractor had been diagnosed with cancer. Waln told investors that this would result in a two-to-three-year delay before he would be able to return investors' money. The contractor in question never had a cancer diagnosis. Finally, in October 2019, King informed the investors that all the money was gone, and the investment had failed. All the remaining investors lost their entire investments. The defendants are charged with conspiracy, eight counts of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering. Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison. Wire fraud and money laundering are punishable by up to twenty years in prison. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson. indictment_waln.pdf (1.06 MB) READ MORE: Statement from President Joe Biden on North Carolina Enacting Medicaid Expansion @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. HOLLAND TWP. A suspect has been arrested and arraigned in connection with a September shooting death in Holland Township. The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office announced Friday, Oct. 6, that 39-year-old Robert Mayweather of Holland Township has been arrested and arraigned on open murder and felony firearm charges in the death of 36-year-old Shevell Shelton. More: OCSO investigating homicide in Holland Township Shelton died Sunday, Sept. 24, after being shot in his apartment at Falcon Woods, OCSO said. Investigation showed Shelton and Mayweather knew of one another and shared mutual acquaintances. Mayweather was taken into custody around 11:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in Grand Rapids by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. He was lodged at the Ottawa County Jail and arraigned Friday in 58th District Court by Judge Juanita Bocanegra. Bond was denied. Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Suspect in Sept. 24 shooting death in Holland Township arrested Duane Davis, accused in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur , called it the biggest case in Las Vegas history during his arrest, police body camera footage shows. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department footage was obtained by CNN affiliate KVVU. Davis, 60, was arrested last week, accused of arranging Shakurs shooting on September 7, 1996. Davis appeared in court for the first time Wednesday, when a judge delayed his arraignment for at least two weeks, after Davis said his defense attorney needed that much time to be present. Davis, known as Keffe D, was expected to be arraigned on a charge of murder with use of a deadly weapon in a gang-related homicide. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said this week Davis is being held without bail. Reached by phone Wednesday, Edi Faal, Davis Los Angeles-based personal attorney, declined to comment on the case but indicated he is working to assist his client in obtaining local representation in Nevada. Shakur, 25, was shot as he left a boxing match on the Las Vegas Strip. His killing cut short his prolific career and the decades-long mystery around it helped to cement his status as a leading figure in the history of hip hop. I aint worried In the initial moments of the arrest shown on the video, an officer is seen exiting a police vehicle on a residential street and telling a man, Hey, Keffe, Metro Police, come over here. Thanks buddy. Come over here. I appreciate your cooperation, OK? Davis is taken to a vehicle where it appears he puts his phone and a water bottle down on the hood and says he was out for a walk, the footage shows. After officers put cuffs on his wrists and ankles and put him into the vehicle, the footage cuts to Davis being taken to a different police car at a different location. An officer asks him, So, what they got you for man? Davis responds: Oh, man, the biggest case in Las Vegas history. Officer: Oh, yeah? Davis: Yeah. Officer: Like recent? Davis: September 7th, 1996. Officer: Oh, no s**t. Wow. Thats a long time Thats a long time away. Davis: You know what Im talking about? I aint worried, but I didnt do s**t, Davis is heard saying in the back of the car. Davis and the officer then talk about when police raided his home in July, with Davis saying a SWAT team conducted the raid. Davis: At least they didnt make no big a** scene like they did last time. Officer: They didnt make a scene like last time? Davis: No, they made a big a** scene. Three SWAT units. There were a bunch of walkie talkies in the house behind me. Saw people over the gate. Body camera footage shows the arrest of Duane Davis. - Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department/KVVU The footage ends when the officer and Davis arrive at their destination and get out of the car. CNN has reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to get a copy of the body camera footage. Davis has placed himself at the scene of the crime for years, stating publicly he was in the front seat of a white Cadillac when it pulled up alongside Shakurs car and shots rang out from the back seat. Shakur was shot four times and died six days later. Authorities have cast Davis as the alleged ringleader of the plot to kill Shakur, which they contend was retaliation for an attack on Davis nephew that stemmed from a broader conflict between two gangs in Compton, California. CNNs Dakin Andone and Andi Babineau contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Sweden will send a new military aid package worth 2.2 billion Swedish krona ($199.8 million) to Ukraine, the Swedish Defense Ministry announced on Oct. 6. The ministry has also asked its armed forces to assess whether Sweden can deliver Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots have already performed test flights on the jets. Kyiv has been seeking to obtain modern Western fighter jets, such as F-16s and Gripens, to bolster its air force amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The results of the report are due by Nov. 6, but domestic security considerations mean that Sweden first needs to become a member of NATO before it can give away any of its jets, according to Jonson. NATO member states Turkey and Hungary are currently posing an obstacle to the accession of Sweden. On Sept. 25, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he saw no urgency to approve Sweden's NATO bid. The following day, Reuters reported that Turkey would only ratify Sweden's accession to NATO if the U.S. approves the sale of its F-16 fighter jets to Ankara. The new Swedish military aid package consists mainly of artillery ammunition, but also spare parts, infantry equipment, and communications equipment. This is the 14th Swedish military aid package to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, bringing the total value of military support donated by Sweden to 22.2 Swedish krona ($2.02 billion). Read also: Sweden provides 25 million euros to support Ukraines energy system Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Soldiers carry a casket during the funeral of the victims of a drone attack on a Syrian military academy (Louai Beshara) Relatives and officials gathered in the central Syrian city of Homs on Friday morning for the first funerals of dozens of people killed in a drone attack on a military academy. Thursday's aerial assault came just after the end of a graduation ceremony for officers, and wounded both military personnel and their families. State media said Friday morning that 89 people had been killed, including 31 women and five children, with 277 other people wounded. An AFP correspondent said dozens of distraught victims' relatives had gathered outside the Homs military hospital since the early morning. A woman in a black dress adorned with white flowers was overwhelmed with grief at the loss of her son. "Do not go, my beloved," she cried. "This sleep does not befit you." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, reported a heavier toll of 123 dead, including 54 civilians, 39 of them women and children. It said at least 150 people were wounded. Defence Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas attended the first funerals for around 30 people, including both military and civilians. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Syrian army on Thursday accused "armed terrorist organisations" of the attack that was carried out by "explosive-laden drones", vowing to "respond with full force". Videos circulating on social media have showed panic and chaos at the academy, with people falling to the ground and others pleading for help. In the rebel-held Idlib region, the last pocket of armed opposition in northwest Syria, residents reported heavy bombardment by government forces in apparent retaliation. The Observatory said Friday that 15 civilians had been killed, raising an earlier toll. Swathes of Idlib province and areas bordering the provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch. The jihadist group has used drones to attack government-held areas in the past. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned" over the drone attack and the retaliatory shelling, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The government has declared three days of mourning starting Friday. mam-lar/ysm/lg/dv Soldiers carry a casket during the funeral of the victims of a drone attack on a Syrian military academy (Louai Beshara) Syria began burying its dead Friday after a drone attack on a military academy graduation ceremony in Homs killed dozens, while Damascus pummelled opposition-held areas in response to the assault by "terrorist organisations". In one of the bloodiest single attacks on the army since the start of Syria's war in 2011, Thursday's assault came just after the ceremony attended by officers and their families, killing and wounding both military personnel and civilians. State media said Friday that 89 had died, including 31 women and five children, with 277 other people wounded. Dozens of distraught victims' relatives gathered outside the Homs military hospital since the early morning, an AFP correspondent said. A woman in a black dress adorned with white flowers was overwhelmed with grief at the loss of her son. "Do not go, my beloved," she cried. "This sleep does not befit you." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, reported a heavier toll of 123 dead, including 54 civilians, 39 of them women and children. It said at least 150 people were wounded. In a rare move since the war broke out, the government has declared three days of mourning starting Friday, with flags flying at half-mast. Defence Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas attended the first funerals for around 30 people, including both military and civilians. Military personnel saluted as rows of caskets draped in Syrian flags were carried one by one and placed into ambulances for transportation for burial. - Panic and chaos - Videos circulating on social media have showed panic and chaos during the attack, with people falling to the ground and others pleading for help. "Martyrdom, dignity and national pride come at a great cost," Abbas told victims' families, according to a statement broadcast on state television. The blood of those who died "is dear, but the nation is dearer", he added. Abbas had been present at the graduation ceremony but left just minutes before the attack, eyewitnesses and the Observatory said. At the military hospital, Khawlah, 33, ws searching among the coffins for her brother. "Amjad did not die, I died," she told AFP, grief-stricken. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault, but the Syrian army has accused "armed terrorist organisations" of the attack with "explosive-laden drones", vowing to "respond with full force". The Syrian army on Thursday began a bombing campaign on opposition-held areas in the country's northwest in apparent retaliation. The Observatory said Friday that 15 civilians had been killed, adding that Russian warplanes carried out at least five strikes in the Idlib area. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the academy attack and expressed his condolences to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, the Kremlin said Friday. "We intend to keep up our close cooperation with our Syrian partners to fight all forms... of terrorism," Putin said, quoted in a Kremlin statement. - 'Deeply concerned' - Homs province was a key opposition stronghold in the early days of Syria's conflict. The government regained control over the province in 2018. Swathes of Idlib province and areas bordering the provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch. HTS and the Islamic State jihadist group have used drones to attack government-held areas and Syrian and Russian military targets, including in recent months, according to the Observatory. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned" over the drone attack and "reports of retaliatory shelling", his spokesman said. The attack came as Turkey on Thursday struck at least 21 sites including civilian infrastructure and in northeast Syria, according to security forces in the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration that controls the area. The forces reported 11 dead, including six of its members and five civilians. AFP correspondents and the Observatory said the bombing in the northeast subsided overnight. Turkey's defence ministry said Thursday that Ankara's forces had carried out air strikes in northern Syria, destroying 30 targets, including "shelters, depots and storage sites". Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder meanwhile said US F-16 warplanes over Syria had shot down a Turkish drone on Thursday, deeming it "a potential threat" after it approached "less than a half kilometre from US forces" near Hasakeh. The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011, spiralling into a devastating war involving foreign armies, militias and jihadists. mam-lar/lg/dv FILE PHOTO: Taiwan's Vice President William Lai announces his "National Project of Hope" ahead of the upcoming presidential election in Taipei TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan has shown it is already independent and sovereign by electing its own president and has no need for a separate declaration of independence, the frontrunner to be the island's next leader said in an interview with Japanese media. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, viewing it as "sacred" Chinese territory, and in 2005 passed a law giving Beijing the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it secedes or seems about to. Vice President William Lai, leading in opinion polls ahead of presidential elections in January, is despised by China for comments he has made in support of the island's independence. Lai has said he does not seek to change the status quo or Taiwan's name, which is formally the Republic of China. In an interview with Japanese media, a transcript of which his campaign team released on Friday, Lai was asked on his position on Taiwan independence. Taiwan regularly elects leaders at all levels of government, right from the grassroots up to the president, Lai said. "So in fact, Taiwan is already sovereign and independent. If it is not sovereign and independent, how can there be a presidential election? Therefore, there is no need to declare Taiwan's independence again," he added. "My job is to protect Taiwan's sovereignty, enhance democracy, peace and prosperity." China's Taiwan Affairs Office, which has frequently lambasted Lai as a separatist, did not answer calls seeking comment. China is marking a week-long holiday this week. Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang, which traditionally favours close ties with China, has criticised Lai for pushing an independence agenda and provoking China. Lai said Taiwan's people were clear this was "absolutely not" an election about choosing between war and peace. "It is a choice between democracy and dictatorship," he added. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen cannot stand again after two terms in office. Both she and Lai have said only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and rejected Chinese demands to accept Beijing's position that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to "one China". The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, who established the People's Republic of China. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) The top US and Turkish diplomats have spoken by phone after US forces in Syria shot down an armed Turkish drone. Washington said the drone came too close to its ground forces in Syria, but Ankara merely said it was lost during operations. During the call between the Nato allies, Hakan Fidan told the US Turkey would keep targeting Kurdish groups. The US works with Kurdish YPG forces in Syria, but Turkey views them as separatists and terrorists. Mr Fidan told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Turkey's "counter-terrorism operations in Iraq and Syria will continue with determination". Meanwhile a US State Department spokesperson said Mr Blinken highlighted the need for Washington and Ankara to "coordinate and deconflict" their activities. On Thursday US military officials said a US F-16 fighter jet shot down the armed Turkish drone which was operating near American troops in Syria after giving several warnings. Pentagon spokesperson Brig Gen Patrick Ryder told reporters that American forces had observed several drones carrying out airstrikes near Al Hasakah in north-eastern Syria at 07:30 local time (04:30 GMT). Some of the strikes were approximately 1km away from US troops, prompting them to take shelter in bunkers, Ryder said. Four hours later, the F-16 downed the drone after commanders assessed there was a potential threat, he said. "It's regrettable when you have two NATO allies and there's an incident like this," he told reporters. It marked the first such incident between the two Nato allies. There are about 900 US troops operating in Syria as a part of the mission against the Islamic State jihadist group (IS). Turkey has been launching air strikes against Kurdish groups in Syria and Iraq after a suicide blast hit its interior ministry in Ankara. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) said the interior ministry bombing had been carried out by a group linked to them. The PKK is considered a terror group in Turkey, the EU, UK and US. Turkey views the PKK and the YPG as the same group. However the US has been working with the YPG, which is part of the group of US-backed forces known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that has fought against IS in Syria. Shortly after the phone call between Mr Blinken and Mr Fidan, Turkey said it had launched renewed attacks on Kurdish target in northern Syria. The Turkish defence ministry said it had hit 15 Kurdish targets "with the maximum amount" of ammunition and they included "headquarters and shelters". The PKK launched an armed struggle against the Turkish government in 1984, calling for an independent Kurdish state within Turkey. In the 1990s, the PKK rolled back on its demands for an independent state, calling instead for more autonomy for the Kurds. More than 40,000 people have died in the conflict. Fighting flared up again after a two-year-old ceasefire ended in July 2015. Former Olympian gold medalist and figure skater Tara Lipinski is expecting a baby after a long and heartbreaking fertility journey. During Episode 13 of her vodcast Tara Lipinski: Unexpecting, the 41-year-old Olympian and her husband, Todd Kapostasy, announced they are welcoming their first child via a surrogate. LA Special Screening Of ESPN's It really was difficult to believe that anything would be different after doing the same thing on repeat for four years, Lipinski said in the latest episode of Unexpecting of waiting to find out if her surrogate was pregnant during a heartbeat scan. Lipinksi shared that the trauma of having endured so many unsuccessful heartbeat scans made her want to protect herself from disappointing news. To prepare, she said leaned on the support of her surrogate, Mikayla. Her surrogate received the results of a heartbeat scan while in a different state from the figure skater and her husband. Mikayla and I had a plan, and the plan was that she was not going to FaceTime me or call me before there was an actual heartbeat because there was just no way that my heart could have taken it, Lipinksi recalled in the podcast. I didnt want to be on the phone while she was preparing or getting in the room or Im seeing the initial part of the scan. Like I didnt care. I didnt want to know about that. I just wanted to know if there was a heartbeat. So what I told her to do is if theres a heartbeat to FaceTime me. And if there is no heartbeat to just please call us, Lipinksi explained before revealing that she received a FaceTime. The couple went on to recall their different reactions to the happy news. While Lipinski broke down into tears, Kapostasy says he did victory laps around the kitchen. It felt like the sun was finally setting on our horrific fertility journey, Kapostasy said of the news in the podcast. Tara Lipinski and her husband. stand outside for a portrait photo. (Ed Nolan / Courtesy of Tara Lipinski) Despite the happy news, Lipinski says the low points of her path to pregnancy have altered how she imagined she would feel when she finally did learn she was expecting. If Im being honest with myself, probably after the second miscarriage... I probably knew that I was never going to truly enjoy it like I had always dreamed of, she explained. Lipinski and Kapostasy have been detailing their five-year fertility struggle in the podcast, which debuted in August of this year. Throughout the series, the two have spoken candidly about enduring four miscarriages, dilation and curettage procedures (a procedure to remove tissue from inside the uterus and sometimes used to treat conditions like incomplete miscarriage), diagnosis of endometriosis and two surgeries. Tara Lipinski: Unexpecting is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Video episodes are also available to view on YouTube. At the top of her latest episode, Lipinksi shared that she began to speak about her infertility on the podcast in an effort to tackle a taboo subject head-on. The sentiment puts her in the ranks of public-facing women who have also spoken openly about turning to surrogacy after feeling theyd run out of options. Earlier this year, in June, Chrissy Teigen announced on Instagram that she and her husband, John Legend, had welcomed a son via surrogate after having lost a son in 2021. In July 2023, actor Rebel Wilson spoke to TODAY.com about deciding to have a surrogate carry her child. With just one embryo, I decided to go with surrogacy, Wilson explained. Physically, I could have carried the baby, but there was a much higher statistical chance it would work with surrogate. Her daughter, Royce, was born in August 2022. Actor and journalist Maria Menounos shared that she had welcomed a girl via surrogate after a 10-year infertility battle. One of the greatest gifts was having friends who went through (the surrogacy process) like Kim Kardashian who helped me through this, Menounos told TODAY.com in a September 2023 interview about becoming a mother. I asked her, Should I be worried about this? Should I be micromanaging that? and she was so chill about everything with her surrogates that she gave me permission to not feel like I had to control. Thats a message I want to spread as well. This article was originally published on TODAY.com FALL RIVER - A 38-year-old Taunton cocaine trafficker, who assaulted, injured and attempted to disarm State Police troopers during a harrowing incident in Dartmouth two years ago, was sentenced to serve eight to 10 years in state prison Thursday. Guillermo Santana pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, and one count each of trafficking cocaine, possession of a class A drug, carrying an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and resisting arrest, announced Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. Trooper Cody Smith was on patrol on August 30, 2021 when he observed an SUV idling with its headlights on while parked at Dartmouth Motor Inn. Another person was standing outside of the passenger side. Guillermo Santana pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, and one count each of trafficking cocaine, possession of a class A drug, carrying an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and resisting arrest, announced Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. Trooper Smith, aware of the high crime area and noting the suspicious behavior, maintained surveillance of the vehicle and observed the vehicle abruptly pull out of the parking lot with no turn signal, and cut off oncoming traffic before returning to the motel, according to a press release. Based on this behavior, Trooper Smith initiated a stop of the vehicle. Once stopped, both the driver, subsequently identified as Guillermo Santana, and his passenger, opened their doors and attempted to exit the vehicle. Both were advised they were being stopped by the police and to re-enter the vehicle. Santana became extremely nervous, looking away from the trooper, and looking toward a black fanny pack in the vehicle, which was within arms reach, according to the release. When asked if he had a valid ID, Santana stated no, and was then asked to step out from the vehicle. The defendant refused. At this point, Trooper Smith was joined by Troopers Alex Boswell and Ryan Boswell. The troopers attempted to secure Santanas arms to remove him from the vehicle. Santana then attempted to get back in the vehicle toward the center console, where the fanny pack was located.A struggle ensued between the three troopers and the defendant, who was resisting being handcuffed and angling himself between the car door and the drivers panel. Based on Santana's size (300 pounds), the troopers were getting physically worn-down trying to subdue him and attempted to tase him. Santana broke free with one hand cuffed, and the other cuff open, potentially acting as a weapon. The defendant also reached for his waistband at this time. The defendant and the troopers fell to the ground, at which time the defendant attempted to reach for one of the troopers' firearms. Trooper Smith then deployed his taser, but it was unsuccessful. Santana backed away and pulled the taser prongs out of his own arms and torso. He then began to run from the troopers across the parking lot of the motel. At one point the defendant faced Trooper Alex Boswell and reached for his waistband, at which time a fourth trooper deployed his taser and the defendant collapsed. As the defendant fell to the ground, troopers observed a black handgun fall from his waistband. Multiple troopers sustained injuries as a result of the struggle/arrest of the defendant including Trooper Ryan Boswell, Trooper Alex Boswell, and Trooper Cody Smith. The firearm, an M&P Shield 9 mm handgun, was fully loaded. Inside the fanny pack, police found $7,000 in cash, 32 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, scissors and sandwich bags. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Catherine Sauter and the state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Raffi Yessayan in Bristol County Superior Court in Fall River. This case clearly highlights the danger law enforcement officers face every day that jeopardize their lives and safety. The defendant violently resisted the troopers lawful exercise of their authority. Its no coincidence that he was a convicted felon in possession of a handgun and trafficking in cocaine. During the struggle, he repeatedly tried to grab for his own gun and a troopers gun, Quinn said. I commend and admire the actions of the state troopers for their restraint in a very volatile and dangerous situation. The defendant clearly is a danger to the community and needs to be kept off the street. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Taunton drug trafficker gets 8-10 years after violent Dartmouth arrest Taylor Swift (left) and Donald Trump (right). Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images; Sean Rayford via Getty Images Taylor Swift may be the "only person" who can defeat Trump in 2024, says an ex-Trump aide. Alyssa Farah Griffin previously served as Trump's White House communications director. Griffin previously said she resigned because she disagreed with Trump's baseless claims of election fraud. Taylor Swift may have the best chance of beating Donald Trump in next year's presidential election, said a former White House communications director for Trump. "We are all Taylor Swift fans, and to be honest, if Donald Trump looks like he's gonna win, she's just gonna need to get in the race and defeat him once and for all because she's probably the only person who can," Alyssa Farah Griffin said, to laughter, during Monday's episode of "The View: Behind the Table" podcast. Griffin served as Trump's communications director from April 2020 to December 2020. She told Politico in an interview published in January 2021 that she left the administration because she wasn't comfortable with Trump's refusal to accept his election defeat. Griffin's assessment of Swift may not be that far-fetched, considering the pop star's popularity and influence even in politics. Last month, Swift helped Vote.org reach its most successful Voter Registration Day since 2020 after she posted an Instagram story urging her followers to register. "During the day on Tuesday, we saw a 1,226% jump in participation the hour after Taylor Swift posted," Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.org, told Insider in a statement. Swift has also been critical of the former President's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2020, she slammed Trump for trying to discourage mail-in voting by blocking additional funding for the US Postal Service. "He's chosen to blatantly cheat and put millions of Americans' lives at risk in an effort to hold on to power," Swift tweeted at the time. "Donald Trump's ineffective leadership gravely worsened the crisis that we are in and he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely," she wrote in a subsequent tweet. Trump is the current GOP frontrunner and is on a collision course for a rematch with President Joe Biden in 2024. Representatives for Swift and Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the FBI is reminding the public to be cyber smart all year long. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, now in its 20th year, is hosted by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, collaborate to raise awareness about cybersecurity and stress the collective effort needed to stop cyber intrusions and online thefts and scams. READ ALSO: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on U.S. - EU Summit As the premier cyber investigative agency, the FBI works to keep the public safe online but there are simple steps anyone can take to better protect themselves and their families, including: Keeping all systems and software up to date and using a good anti-virus program. Examine the email address and URLs in all correspondence. Scammers often mimic a legitimate site or email address by using slight variations in spelling. If an unsolicited text or email asks you to update, check, or verify your account information, do not follow the link provided in the message itself or call the number provided in the message. Instead, go to the company's website to log into your account or call the number on the company's official website. Do not open any attachments unless you're expecting the file, document, or invoice, and have verified the sender's email address. Scrutinize all electronic requests for a payment or transfer of funds. Be extra suspicious of any messages urging immediate action. Confirm requests for wire transfers or payment in person or over the phone as part of a two-factor authentication process. Do not verify these requests using the phone number listed in the request for payment. "Online scams are becoming increasingly more complex and that makes it even more important for every Internet user to carefully scrutinize messages and requests, even if they appear legitimate," said Scott Zmudzinski, assistant special agent in charge of FBI Norfolk's Cyber Division. "The first step to protecting yourself and your family is to practice good cyber hygiene, but the next step is to create an individualized incident response plan in the event you are victimized, which you can do by referencing important actions listed on the FBI's website." To report an online scam or cybersecurity breach, go to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.IC3.gov, or call your local FBI Field Office. To see the latest cybercrime statistics, visit the IC3.gov's annual report here. READ MORE: Statement from President Joe Biden on North Carolina Enacting Medicaid Expansion @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Read the full story on The Auto Wire Teen Speeding In Daddys Mustang Cusses Out Arizona Deputy Many people from around the US and even in foreign countries follow Pinal County Sheriff Deputy Frank Sloup thanks to his popular Fridays With Frank video series. Even though Deputy Sloup is affable and cracks a lot of jokes, he also takes traffic enforcement seriously. Sometimes that raises the ire of entitled individuals like this teenager who allegedly was blasting through a construction zone in daddys Ford Mustang. Learn how a man was kidnapped by his electric car here. The teenager, whose face is blurred out in the video, immediately whines to his mommy that hes being harassed because Deputy Sloup asks for his drivers license. Guess they didnt teach him at home or in school that an officer can ask for your license and youre obligated by law to produce it. The interaction just goes downhill from there. After that the kid tries to claim filming him is illegal. Deputy Sloup is such a patient guy and thats clear as he nonchalantly explains to the teen that hes in public so he has no reasonable expectation to privacy. Has he never seen anyone with a dashcam or businesses and homes with surveillance cameras? Entitlement and a lack of vocabulary breadth both come blaring through as the driver starts hurling four-letter insults at Deputy Sloup. Someone needs to teach this kid that a cop who pulls you over could probably find some other violations and write you up for those, a risk you definitely run by acting like an overly aggressive brat. Thing is Deputy Sloup clocked the kid allegedly going 55 mph in a 35 mph zone. In Arizona thats right on the bubble for criminal speeding. But this know-it-all teenager doesnt seem to get the risk hes taking. And he starts calling his daddy for help. Sure enough, Deputy Sloup starts noticing other violations on the car, like the tinted windshield. This is why you stay courteous with cops even when you believe you did nothing wrong. Thats especially true if one is being aggressive and rude, in your opinion. The real icing on the cake is the kids license is suspended, so hes committed a criminal violation. Oh and hes 19, so that starts to change everything. You can see Deputy Sloup start bracing for the coming storm of whining, threats, and all around poor behavior. But wait, it gets even better: the kid was arrested for DUI before and thats why his license has been suspended. So he knows better and yet here he is arguing with a cop. As always, Deputy Sloup keeps his cool even as this alleged speeder throws a hissy fit and acts difficult. Did he never get disciplined as a child? Does he have any real rules to follow now? It really makes us wonder. Watch the video for yourself. NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Temple University held a press conference Friday morning to inform the community on its updated safety measures. Recently, two shootings occurred near the campus. One of the two happened on the 1600 block of North Broad Street in front of a T-Mobile store. During the incident, one man was shot twice in the left hand. A few weeks back, gunshots also rang out a couple blocks from campus striking several cars. During the press conference, Vice President for Public Safety, Dr. Jennifer Griffin discussed the more than 60 recommendations they received after the release of their 21CP Solutions Public Safety audit, six months ago. Many of the solutions to those recommendations have already been completed or are in progress, including Park and Walks , which increases foot patrols within the universitys Patrol Zone. Temple police officer, Demetrius McCain, said, "It gives a form of comfort and safety to know the officers are around and know that you can actually see them." They say about 130 additional hours of foot patrols monthly are now being performed, due to Park and Walks. Other recommendations can be tracked with their new Safety Initiatives Dashboard. The university also recently announced it partnered with Uber to offer free rides to students in effort to make them feel safer. RELATED COVERAGE: Seeing cops on campus is believing in safety, Griffin argues, "We want officers to be on the ground level, to engage people quickly, to decrease the opportunity for violence and gun violence." Griffin is working to change the perception that the North Philly public institution of 34,000 students is unsafe for students and staff. MORE RELATED COVERAGE: Temple has seen trouble. November of 2021, student Sam Collington was unloading his car after Thanksgiving when he was shot and killed. In February, Temple officer Christopher Fitzgerald was slain in a struggle with a suspect. The uproar in part forced Temple's president to resign. Security Chief Griffin says Temple has added more cops, better pay, more cameras and says the university is not alone. "Its a citywide issue. Its a nationwide issue that were all trying to leverage our resources for." "Feel safe on campus?" FOX 29s Jeff Cole posed to a student. "Not really, to be honest," Priscilla Varughese replied. "Im only a freshman, but I get so many messages already about shootings and stuff." On a warm Friday, in the heart of campus, safety seems of no concern. And, opinions are mixed. "Its been pretty good police presence. I see them all around when Im going to Maxies late night for a slice. Theyve got my back so, overall, doing a pretty good job," sophomore Jake Steinke said. Earlier Friday, Vice President of Public Safety of Temple University, Dr. Jennifer Griffin, sat with FOX 29s Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick to talk about changes and upgrades to campus security. Children stand among the rooftops of homes destroyed by floodwaters in Yusuf Batir refugee camp in Maban, South Sudan, on November 25, 2019 -- UNICEF says tens of millions of children were displaced by climate disasters from 2016 to 2021 (Alex McBride) Weather disasters fueled by climate change -- from floods to droughts, storms to wildfires -- sparked 43.1 million child displacements from 2016 to 2021, the UN Children's Fund warned Thursday, slamming the lack of attention paid to victims. In a sweeping report on the issue, the United Nations agency detailed the heart-wrenching stories of some of the children affected, and co-author Laura Healy told AFP the data only revealed the "tip of the iceberg," with many more likely affected. "We moved our belongings to the highway, where we lived for weeks," recounts Sudanese child Khalid Abdul Azim, whose flooded village was only accessible by boat. In 2017, sisters Mia and Maia Bravo watched flames engulf their trailer in California from the back of the family minivan. "I was afraid, in shock," Maia says in the report. "I would stay up all night." Statistics on internal displacements caused by climate disasters generally do not account for the age of the victims. But UNICEF worked with the non-governmental Internal Displacement Monitoring Center to unpick the data and reveal the hidden toll on children. From 2016 to 2021, four types of climate disasters (floods, storms, droughts and wildfires) -- the frequency of which has increased due to global warming -- led to 43.1 million child displacements in 44 countries, the report says. Ninety-five percent of those displacements were caused by floods and storms. "It's the equivalent of about 20,000 child displacements every day," Healy told AFP, underscoring how the children affected are then at risk of suffering other traumas, such as being separated from their parents or falling victim to child traffickers. The data reflect the number of displacements and not the number of children affected, as the same child could be uprooted more than once. The figures do not allow for a distinction between those evacuated before a weather event, and those forced to leave in the wake of a disaster. And, according to Healy, the number of displacements due to drought is "radically underreported," because they are less sudden and thus more difficult to quantify. "This is just the tip of the iceberg based on the available data that we have," she said. "The reality is with the impacts of climate change, or better tracking of displacement when it comes to slow onset events, that the number of children who are uprooted from their homes is going to be much greater." - 'Far too slowly' - The UNICEF report offers some partial predictions, for specific events. Floods linked to overflowing rivers could spark 96 million child displacements in the next 30 years, while cyclonic winds could force 10.3 million displacements, it says. Storms surges could lead to 7.2 million displacements. None of those estimates include preventive evacuations. "For those who are forced to flee, the fear and impact can be especially devastating, with worry of whether they will return home, resume school, or be forced to move again," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. "Moving may have saved their lives, but it's also very disruptive," Russell said. "As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement. We have the tools and knowledge to respond to this escalating challenge for children, but we are acting far too slowly." UNICEF called on world leaders to take up the issue at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in November and December. Healy says children, including those already forced to move, must be prepared "to live in a climate change world." Even if the intensifying effects of climate change are affecting wide swathes of the planet, the UNICEF report shines the light on particularly vulnerable countries. China, India and the Philippines are the countries with the largest number of displacements (nearly 23 million in six years) because of their huge populations and their geographic locations -- but also because of their preventive evacuation plans. But in proportional terms, Africa and small island nations are most at risk -- in Dominica, 76 percent of all children were displaced from 2016 to 2021. For Cuba and Saint-Martin, that figure was more than 30 percent. abd/sst/caw Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) came out in support Friday of the Biden administrations decision to expand construction of new border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, an issue which has divided Democrats. This is a necessary step to help Texas overwhelmed border communities deal with this current surge of migrants, Allred said in a statement to The Hill on Friday. The administration announced Thursday that it will waive 26 federal regulations to begin construction on sections of border wall in Texas, using funds already allocated during the Trump administration. I have long said that targeted physical barriers have a role to play in securing our border at high traffic areas, but this is only a partial solution, Allred continued. What our state really needs is comprehensive immigration reform, including adequate funding for border security personnel and technology. The decision has generally angered Democrats, who view it as a flip-flop on Bidens campaign promise not to build another foot of Trumps border wall. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) called on Biden to immediately reverse course, while former Rep. Beto ORourke (D-Texas) called the move impotent political posturing. The move did little to blunt GOP criticism of Bidens border policies. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) gave a backhanded compliment celebrating the change after what he says were years of denial, while Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called the move window dressing. This is a crisis. Its out of control, but I dont believe for a minute that Joe Biden wants to fix it, Cruz said Thursday, referencing illegal immigration. I think this is all window dressing to pretend he cares. Allred, the favorite to win the 2024 Democratic primary to face Cruz in his Senate reelection race, had harsh words for the Republican incumbent. Unlike Ted Cruz, I wont use the border as a backdrop for photo-ops and political safaris, Allred said. I will work across the aisle to find long-lasting solutions to fix our immigration system in a way that reflects our values and meets the needs of our economy. Biden pushed back Thursday against the criticism from Democrats, saying legal restrictions forced his hand. The money was appropriated for the border wall. I tried to get them to reappropriate, to redirect that money. They didnt. They wouldnt, the president said. In the meantime, theres nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated for. I cant stop that. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas specifically said that the project does not change administration policy, contrary to what some have stated. From day one, this Administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. That remains our position and our position has never wavered, Mayorkas said in a statement late Thursday. The language in the Federal Register notice is being taken out of context and it does not signify any change in policy whatsoever. However, in the announcement earlier Thursday, Mayorkas said the new border wall was needed. There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced Friday that state legislators will return to the Capitol in Austin for a special session next week focusing on school choice and policy regarding the U.S.-Mexico border. I am bringing the Texas Legislature back for Special Session #3 to continue building on the achievements we accomplished during the 88th Regular Legislative Session and two special sessions this summer, Abbott said in a statement. Specifically, Abbott said the session is intended to pass legislation that establishes education savings accounts for all Texas students, as well as a suite of legislation intended to support border law enforcement efforts. Texas will also pass laws to mirror the federal immigration laws President Joe Biden refuses to enforce that will reduce illegal immigration and enhance the safety of Texans, Abbott said. For the first time ever, Texas will subject people to arrest for illegal entry into our state from a foreign nation. The governor said a new law, which the session is intended to pass, would allow Texas state police to arrest undocumented immigrants with a maximum jail sentence of 20 years. Border policy has been a priority for Abbott, and Republicans at large, including through a policing program dubbed Operation Lone Star, and the controversial decision to deploy barriers in the Rio Grande along parts of the border. While Abbott has held up Operation Lone Star as a success, it has also led to federal investigations into mistreatment of undocumented immigrants. The Department of Justice sued over the barriers, alleging they violated federal law and international treaties. Abbot refused to remove them and is fighting the suit. The special session next week is also intended to pass legislation providing additional funding for border security and a bill banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates from private employers in the state, Abbott said. The Biden administration announced Thursday that it will support the construction of a new border wall in Texas, waiving federal regulations and using funds allocated during the Trump administration. In the announcement Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the new border wall was needed, though the White House continues to describe walls as ineffective. There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Jon Ward is a Yahoo News senior correspondent who has covered national politics for over 15 years. Youre shifting gears to head into the weekend, so here are the top five political stories worth remembering this week. The week of Oct. 2, 2023, began with the surprising news that a government shutdown had been averted over the weekend at the last moment. That development was quickly overshadowed by the fight among House Republicans over whether to depose their leader for working with Democrats to avoid a shutdown. Rep. Kevin McCarthy holds a press conference after being ousted as speaker on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. (Elizabeth Frantz for the Washington Post) (The Washington Post via Getty Im) Next week will be dominated by the Republicans continuing to fight among themselves over who their new leader will be, while the nations challenges remain unaddressed by Congress until they sort it out. Heres what I think stood out from this past week. Republicans get rid of their leader in the House of Representatives It was a seismic week in Congress. Republicans sacked their leader in the House, now former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California. A House Speaker had never been removed in this way, but it is only the latest of several milestones over the past decade or so that mark the steady degradation of Congress and an ongoing slide of the American political system into dysfunction. McCarthy speaks to reporters on Tuesday. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) (Jonathan Ernst / reuters) Why it matters McCarthy was targeted by Rep. Matt Gaetz , a Florida Republican, and seven other House Republicans because he passed a bill last weekend to avoid a government shutdown with votes from both Republicans and Democrats. Gaetz and his fellow rebels who were joined in ousting McCarthy by 208 House Democrats were angry that McCarthy solved the problem. They had wanted him to pass a funding bill with only Republican votes through the House, even though they knew such a proposal did not have support in the Senate and would lead to a shutdown. The leadership vacuum puts government funding and U.S. assistance to Ukraine at risk. The government is funded through mid-November and so a shutdown is again on the table just a few weeks from now. Bigger picture, it signals to the American people that the Republican Party is increasingly unable to govern and chaotic. The race among House Republicans to replace McCarthy is going to be fractious and unpredictable. The two top candidates are Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. Good reads on this Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain, on Thursday. (Juan Medina/Reuters) (REUTERS) U.S. assistance to Ukraine is in limbo One of the sticking points during the negotiations to avoid a government shutdown over the past few weeks was the Biden administrations proposed $24 billion in aid to Ukraine, to continue fighting against Russias war of aggression. The Senate proposed $6 billion in funding, but House Republicans objected to even that, and ultimately the short-term government funding bill passed last weekend left any aid for Ukraine out. Why it matters Russia invaded Ukraine nearly two years ago, and as the war is grinding on, Ukraine is running low on key supplies such as artillery shells, ammunition for guns and air defense missiles. If we dont get the aid, we will lose the war. That was what Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the message was to U.S. politicians recently from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Good reads on this Former President Donald Trump in the courtroom for the third day of his civil fraud trial on Wednesday in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Getty Images) Trump is losing control of his New York real estate holdings Former President Donald Trump attended the first three days of a civil trial in New York brought against him by the states attorney general, Letitia James, on charges of fraudulently exaggerating his wealth to obtain lower rates on loans and insurance payments. Trump, in fact, has already been found liable for defrauding banks and insurers by the judge in the nonjury civil trial, which does not involve criminal charges but will determine whether Trump is fined up to $250 million. New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled last week that Trump had vastly overstated the value of his real estate holdings and his net worth, by an estimated $2.2 billion. Why it matters If Engorons ruling last week is upheld on appeal, it will strip Trumps New York real estate holdings from his control. The trial that began this week in Manhattan is to determine the degree of culpability Trump and those around him have in the fraud, and whether the judge will grant Jamess request that Trump be fined $250 million. This is the second civil trial Trump has faced. He was found liable by a New York jury in May of sexually abusing former magazine writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and of defaming her. Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million. On March 4, 2024, Trump will stand trial in federal court in D.C. to face four criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. And on March 25 of next year, another trial in Manhattan is scheduled to begin over whether Trump falsified business records to hide hush money payments to a porn star during the 2016 campaign. Good reads on this Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, during a news conference at Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, Mexico, on Thursday. (Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg) (Bloomberg via Getty Images) Biden administration constructs wall on portion of U.S.-Mexico border The Biden administration waived two dozen federal laws to expedite the building of a wall along a portion of the border between the U.S. and Mexico in Texas, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Thursday. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated in a notice announcing the move that there is an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas. President Biden had previously promised to not continue building the wall. Why it matters The roughly 20 miles of fencing will be constructed in parts of south Texas in Starr County, an area where government data says that 245,000 illegal entries have been recorded this year. Even as DHS made the announcement, Biden expressed displeasure with the move but said that the governments hands were tied because Congress designated that certain money be spent on a wall. A surge in illegal border crossings this year symbolized by crowds of migrants in Eagle Pass, Texas, last month has made immigration a top issue in the Republican presidential primary, and another sticking point in the congressional negotiations over funding the government. It sounds to me ... that theres a direct correlation between 245,000 entrants at the Rio Grande valley and the announcement of a wall, said MSNBC anchor Jose Diaz-Balart on Thursday. White House spokesman Andrew Bates replied that Congress is forcing us to do this under a 2019 law. Good reads on this Vice President Kamala Harris, right, swears in Laphonza Butler to the Senate during a reenactment of the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday on Capitol Hill. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP) (AP) Newest U.S. senator is sworn in and faces questions about whether shell seek to stay Laphonza Butler, a Democratic activist and fundraiser, was sworn in as Californias second U.S. senator on Tuesday, filling the seat left vacant by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died at 90 years old a week ago. Butler was appointed to fill out the rest of Feinsteins term, which ends in January 2025, by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Why it matters Butler immediately faced questions about whether she will campaign in the fall election next year to seek a full six-year term. Three Democrats in the House had already announced that they were running to replace Feinstein. Reps. Adam Schiff, Barbara Lee and Katie Porter are all popular with progressives. Schiff responded to the news of Butlers appointment by announcing that he raised over $6 million in the third quarter of this year, bringing his total campaign war chest to $32 million. The filing deadline in California is on Dec. 8, giving Butler two months to decide. Good reads on this Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher. The civil suit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James against Donald Trump for inflating his assets is, for the former president, the financial equivalent to a giant windstorm blowing off his crazy toupee-slash-hairdo. Thats according to law professor and author of Big Dirty Money, Jennifer Taub , who joins The New Abnormal this week to dish out all the details on Trumps New York fraud case, which saw the former president in court this week. The case, according to Taub, shines a light on the theme of Trump's entire existence. Its three words, she says, and they are Follow the money. Subscribe to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Overcast. And thats how he has organized his life, around the pursuit of money at all costs, Taub continues. He burns through money like its water. The civil suit, she adds, reveals the things about himself that he tries so hard not to reveal, which is, as his niece (Mary Trump) has said, [that he is] a loser. And this would make him lose. That word, lose, loser. He doesn't want to lose money, he doesnt want to lose status. Dont Feel Bad for Kevin McCarthyHe Dug His Own Grave Plus! Journalists David J. Roth and Jeb Lund, co-hosts of the Its Christmastown podcast, join the show to discuss the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker of the House, and theorize about which fictional character Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz looks like the most. Hint: Its a tough one. Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher. 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. While we dont if it was as thick as pea soup, the Washington State Patrol closed a highway due to heavy fog near Roy Friday morning. Shortly before 5:30 a.m., a post on X, (formerly known as Twitter), from Joint Base Lewis-McChord said troopers were closing State Route 507 due to zero-visibility conditions. The highway was closed between East Gate Road and the railroad tracks into the Pierce County town of Roy. JBLM said troopers set up detours to allow access to the military base through the East Gate and Roy Gate as usual. The highway reopened shortly after 8 a.m. (Bloomberg) -- The European Unions longstanding failure to agree on how to deal with migration threatens to disrupt the rest of its business. Most Read from Bloomberg At a summit in Granada, Spain, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italys Giorgia Meloni triggered a diplomatic spat when they agreed to an impromptu huddle on the issue with Rishi Sunak of the UK. Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez felt it distracted from the formal talks he was already leading and canceled a joint press conference Thursday with Sunak in pique, according to people familiar with the issue. On Friday, Hungarys Viktor Orban had reporters checking their recordings in disbelief when he said attempts to strong-arm his country into accepting immigration decisions agreed by others was like a sexual assault. Tensions are running high because immigration is effectively becoming the third rail of European politics. Many leaders would prefer not to touch it because they have seen it end the careers of their colleagues, but the collective failure to address it runs through most of the issues they care most about. As they gathered in southern Spain, EU leaders planned to discuss welcoming new members, finding ways to enhance their geopolitical power, and deepening their common defense capabilities. And it was all hampered by the disputes over immigration. Orban has been using immigration as a political tool for years, both to stir up support for his populist government in Hungary and as a lever to extract concessions from his EU partners. In Granada, his anger was triggered by a migration pact, years in the making, with ambassadors clinching a tentative deal on the outstanding elements earlier in the week. Hungary and Poland had both voted against the accord, but it was approved all the same under the EUs so-called qualified majority voting rules. Under the agreement, member states would be allowed to choose whether to host their allotted quota of migrants or provide a different contribution to the common effort either financial or non-financial. When youre forced to accept a solution that you dont like, how would you like to have a compromise agreement? Orban raged. Its impossible. Despite that tirade, diplomats from across the EU expect the pact to win final approval before next years European Parliament elections in order to blunt the message of populists seeking to exploit the issue for political gains. But thats a small step to resolving a problem that is only going to get worse as climate change makes the ecosystem across the Mediterranean in Africa increasingly inhospitable. Rivals like Russias Vladimir Putin have already learned to exploit the way immigration can fuel internal tensions in the EU - Russia helped to trigger the continents last two immigration crises with its military operations in Syria and Ukraine. This weeks clash also highlights fundamental flaws in the way the EU operates, according to a French official who was present at the talks the blocs cumbersome decision-making processes and its uneasy relationship with workers moving between member states. Both need to be fixed to create a path to membership for Ukraine and the countries of the Western Balkans, the official said. The bloc is weighing how to adapt to prevent an influx of new members leading to endless gridlock over difficult issues. Under the current arrangement, every member state has a veto in many policy areas and even when they dont, the prevailing attitudes toward collective decision making can lead to blow-ups when they dont get their way, as Orbans outburst showed. Many people in the EU are also uneasy about the current migrant numbers and those could increase if more than 60 million people in eastern Europe join the bloc, an EU diplomat said. The UK vote to leave the EU came 12 years after an earlier wave of expansion opened the doors for millions of migrant workers to move to Britain. In the shorter term, Italy is on track to receive the biggest number of migrant arrivals since 2016 this year while in Germany, the anti-immigrant AfD has seen a surge in support to overtake Chancellor Olaf Scholzs Social Democrats in the polls. Its probably no coincidence that Italys Meloni is fighting with Scholz over immigration policy. The migration problem wont be solved if a country dumps it on others, Meloni said last week, complaining that German NGOs are rescuing migrants from the Mediterranean and then bringing them to ports in Italy. She wants German NGOs to take people they rescue from the sea to Germany instead. At a bilateral meeting in Granada, Scholz and Meloni discussed her failed effort to persuade Tunisia to help stem the flow of people trying to get to Italy across the sea. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has said Melonis government was incapable of handling migration flows, though the Italian leader has since patched things up with Macron. The French president in turn is under pressure from Marine Le Pen. Hes beaten the French nationalist in the last two presidential elections but there is concern that Le Pen could win next time when Macron hits his term limit. An increase in migration could play into Le Pens hands. Another European Council veteran, Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, is preparing to step down after his countrys snap election next month. Ruttes coalition collapsed in July after he tried to force his partners to introduce tougher restrictions on refugees. Last weeks elections in Slovakia threw another wrench into the EUs efforts. Roberto Fico, the hardliner poised to form a new government, has pledged to crack down on migration flows unilaterally. We will need to use force, he said. It wont be a pretty picture. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki faces his own election on Oct. 15 and he lined up alongside Orban in Granada to attack the EU decision to push through the immigration pact. Morawiecki has also sought to weaponize the issue in his campaign, attacking his rival Donald Tusk for agreeing to a migrant relocation quota in the past and warning that he could do so again. His alliance with Orban landed Charles Michel, the European Council president, with a bloody nose as the summit wrapped up Friday afternoon. Michel was forced to issue a separate statement on immigration. --With assistance from Iain Rogers, Milda Seputyte, Daryna Krasnolutska, Zoe Schneeweiss, Diederik Baazil, Daniel Hornak, Jasmina Kuzmanovic, Katharina Rosskopf, Natalia Ojewska, Chiara Albanese, Jan Bratanic, Michael Nienaber and Kevin Whitelaw. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Read the full article on Motorious Don't miss this one! The unique allure in the world of classic cars is where every turn, every rev, and every detail tells a story. The 1965 Alpine A110 is no exception to this narrative. With its deep roots in France, transformative journeys across continents, and a tribute to the legends of racing, this Alpine stands as an embodiment of automotive history and craftsmanship. Beginning its journey as an 1100 VB model, the 1965 Alpine A110 has its origins firmly grounded in French soil, known for its rich automotive heritage. Sold initially in France, the car embarked on a voyage across the Atlantic to the US in the 1990s, echoing its adventurous spirit. In a beautiful twist of fate, the Alpine returned to Europe in the 2010s, rekindling its European connection. It was during this period that it underwent a significant transformation. A replacement 1975-specification Group 5 body was meticulously installed, paying homage to the legendary car driven by Jean-Pierre Nicolas in that year's Tour de Corse. This transformation not only elevated its aesthetics but also deepened its connection to racing folklore. Cloaked in a radiant yellow finish and contrasted with elegant black upholstery, the Alpine A110 is a sight to behold. The vibrancy of the exterior is complemented by Marchal headlights and driving lamps, flared fenders, and the assertive stance of the front spoiler, lending it a formidable presence. The heart of this machine is a replacement 1,798cc Gordini Type 807 inline-four engine, reflecting both power and innovation. Paired with a Type 353 five-speed manual transaxle, Lucas mechanical slide fuel injection, and twin oil coolers, the Alpine promises a driving experience that is both exhilarating and smooth. Step inside, and you're greeted by Modplastia bucket seats, adorned in black quilted vinyl with corduroy inserts, exuding luxury. Ensuring safety and performance are the roll cage and Sabelt harnesses. The wood shift knob and the leather-wrapped steering wheel add touches of classic elegance to the cockpit. This 1965 Alpine A110 is now poised for a new chapter, as it stands ready for acquisition in North Salem, New York. Complete with partial service records, European registration documents, a first aid kit, and a pristine Florida title, it presents an unparalleled opportunity for automotive aficionados and collectors to own a piece of history, a classic that embodies the spirit of racing and the luxury of European craftsmanship. The 1965 Alpine A110's journey from its French origins, transcontinental travels, and racing homage makes it more than just a car. It is a testament to the timeless beauty of automotive design, the relentless spirit of adventure, and the rich tapestry of history that only a classic can narrate. For those who understand and appreciate the nuanced stories embedded within every dent, roar, and rev, the Alpine A110 is not just a purchase; it's an inheritance of legacy. 1600Veloce.com is a leading seller on Bring A Trailer. With over one thousand listings, 1600Veloce has the expertise to present your vehicle in the best manner. Additionally, as a Premium provider, your vehicle jumps to the head of the line. Contact them today to learn more. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (Photo : David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 13: Suspect Frank James is escorted out of the 9th Precinct by police after being arrested for his connection to the mass shooting at the 36 St subway station on April 13, 2022 in New York City. Frank James, the suspected gunman in Tuesday's shooting, was arrested this afternoon after a hotline caller's tip. James is alleged to have shot 10 people, critically injuring five, on the N train during Tuesday's morning rush hour. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) Frank James has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars. The verdict was delivered on Thursday in Brooklyn federal court, where James received a staggering 10 life sentences. Notably, each sentence corresponds to one of the victims during the April 2022 shooting incident that occurred in a crowded subway car during rush hour. NYC Mass Subway Shooter Frank James Sentenced to Life In a dramatic courtroom statement, James took full responsibility for the attack, declaring, "I alone am responsible. They in no way deserved to have what happened to them." In a statement, 64-year-old James explained that his actions were motivated by a desire to bring attention to specific conditions within the city where he grew up. According to James' attorney, his client allegedly did not receive the necessary health care treatment from the city. In a shocking incident that unfolded on the morning of April 12, 2022, James launched a series of dangerous actions aboard a Manhattan-bound N train in Brooklyn. Reportedly, James detonated a smoke canister and proceeded to open fire, creating a highly alarming situation for the passengers on board. In the incident, gunfire directly wounded ten individuals, while several others sustained various injuries. In a request made by prosecutors, they sought a life sentence for the accused. The sentencing hearing commenced promptly at noon today at Brooklyn Federal Court, where a series of significant victim impact statements were delivered by the injured passengers. During a news conference held after the hearing, Breon Peace, the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, confidently declared, "Today marks the delivery of justice." In a shocking incident that unfolded during the morning rush hour on April 12, 2022, Frank James carried out a meticulously planned assault on unsuspecting commuters in a subway car. According to Peace, James opened fire, discharging a total of 32 shots and inflicting serious injuries upon 10 individuals. In a significant legal development, Frank James has been handed down a verdict that will see him spend the rest of his life behind bars. The court has sentenced James to a total of 10 concurrent life sentences, along with an additional consecutive sentence of 10 years. This decision marks a severe punishment for the acts committed by James. During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors unveiled fresh details regarding James' whereabouts and actions during the short period in which he managed to evade law enforcement following the shooting. Read Also: Nicholas Rossi To Be Extradited to US From Scotland; Rape Suspect Accused of Faking Own Death, Claims to be Irish Orphan Brooklyn Subway Shooting Incident According to prosecutors, it has been revealed that James, following the shooting incident, acquired a burner phone. This device was allegedly utilized by James to clandestinely monitor the media coverage surrounding his attack, all while evading law enforcement. Per Ny Post, James reportedly viewed a total of 31 news report videos regarding the subway shooting incident. In a post-hearing news conference, Peace emphasized the crucial role of the New York City transportation system, referring to it as the "daily life blood" that residents of the city rely on for safe transportation. According to Peace, Frank James allegedly aimed to undermine the feeling of security and sow fear and disorder within the city. In a tale of temporary triumph followed by ultimate defeat, the individual in question managed to achieve a fleeting sense of accomplishment with their plot. However, the indomitable spirit of the people of New York City, coupled with their unwavering commitment to upholding justice, proved insurmountable for the individual, leading to their ultimate failure. In a statement, Robert Kessane, the FBI special agent in charge of the bureau's joint terrorism task force, expressed his hope that the court's severe sentencing would provide closure and a feeling of justice for the victims. Kessane also emphasized that this punishment should serve as a strong deterrent for anyone contemplating the idea of traveling to terrorize the city. Related Article: Man With Rifle Returns to Wisconsin Capitol to See Gov. Tony Evers the Night After Being Arrested for Bringing Hand Gun @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thousands of birds turned up dead or dying in northern Utah, and wildlife biologists are on the hunt to find out what killed them. Biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources first discovered the thousands of dead and sick birds in mid-September in waterfowl management areas north of Salt Lake City, officials said in an Oct. 5 news release. The biologists collected several of the birds and submitted them for disease testing, officials said. So far, the birds have tested negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza which has decreased in the state this year. So whats killing them? Biologists suspect avian botulism, an often fatal paralytic disease that results from birds ingesting a toxin from a bacteria found in warm waters during summer and fall, officials said. The bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, flourishes when theres a combination of low oxygen levels and warm water temperatures, officials said. Botulism most often occurs in stagnant pools where theres no flowing water, and dead and dying birds often turn up along the shoreline. It makes birds so weak, they cant hold their heads up, flap their wings or take off, officials said. Birds most often affected by avian botulism are waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds. The disease shows up almost every year in Utah between July and September, usually when the weather is really hot and after lots of rainfall that creates stagnant pools of warm water that hold and grow the anaerobic bacteria that causes it, officials said. But biologists dont usually see quite this many birds impacted by it in the state, officials said. Biologists estimate tens of thousands of birds were affected, primarily in the Bear River Bay and Willard Spur Waterfowl Management areas. Our wetland managers strive to make adjustments in their water management practices on state waterfowl management areas in order to keep fresh water flowing, which can help minimize the impacts of avian botulism, Jason Jones said in the news release. Hes the waterfowl coordinator for the state wildlife agency. Many of the waterfowl management areas were originally created to reduce the botulism outbreaks that occurred along the river deltas a century ago. While avian botulism outbreaks dont usually affect humans, the disease can affect dogs, officials said. Its still important to use caution around sick or dead birds. Only harvest waterfowl that are actively flying. Thats usually an indication the bird is healthy and not sick. Dont harvest or eat birds that seem sick or weak. Heat denatures the toxin, so cook meat thoroughly. Keep dogs away from sick, dead or dying birds. If you do encounter sick birds, dont handle or touch them, officials said. Dont try to catch or feed them, either. The wrong food can harm them further, officials said. And keep your distance to avoid stressing them further, officials said. Hundreds of pigeons are dying in California, officials say. Whats killing them? Three California condors found dead in Arizona. Now officials know how they died 18 California condors from one flock have died in Arizona, Utah. Whats killing them? A heat wave crisis in Europe may soon spike the price of a key ingredient in your kitchen pantry. The extremely hot weather that has hit much of the southern part of the continent since April is taking a toll on olive trees. CNN reports that olive crops are feared to be low for a second consecutive year as trees drop their produce early to protect themselves against the heat and droughts. As a result, olive oil prices could skyrocket. Whats the problem? Spain, a world leader in olive oil production, is also among the regions hit hardest by planetwide overheating. Temperatures reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit in April, according to CNN. The news agency lists Italy and Greece as olive growers also feeling the heat. Industry experts interviewed by CNN fear a crop decline of more than 30% compared to the five-year average when the olives are picked this fall. There doesnt seem to be any respite on the horizon, the industry is in crisis, olive industry executive Walter Zanre of Filippo Berio told CNN. How will this impact us? A Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis chart shows olive oil prices since the early 1990s. In July, the price was marked at $8,599 per metric ton ($7,800 per ton), a sharp increase from last summer when prices were half that amount. The next highest price noted by the bank was in late 1996, at more than $6,240 per metric ton ($5,660 per ton). The International Olive Council, however, didnt declare a crisis in the CNN report. The council is also working on strategies to grow olives more easily in high heat and during droughts. An unnamed council spokesperson, however, said that worldwide olive oil production could drop by 20% from October 2022 to September 2023, blaming climate change. Indias tomato crop could be an indicator of how the scenario impacts olive oil pricing. High heat and torrential rains have contributed to price hikes of greater than 400%, per CNN. Whats the alternative? Verywellfit has a list of olive oil alternatives, including grapeseed, canola, coconut, and even mashed bananas. However, some of those foods could also be impacted by planet overheating. Zero Acre Farms has a unique oil made from sugarcane, broken down by fermentation, and the company says it does this using 99% less water than olive oil and 87% less land than canola oil. Its similar to the concept used to make alcohol, yogurt, or sourdough and eliminates the need to press oils from produce. It could be part of the solution to worldwide crop woes, at least for oil connoisseurs. Its getting to the stage where the concerns are significant, not just for olive oil, but for a lot of crops, Kyle Holland, who covers the market for research group Mintec, said to CNN. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. More than 75,000 health care workers will end a three-day strike against Kaiser Permanente in seven states at 6 a.m. Saturday. Company and union negotiators will resume bargaining next week. The next bargaining session has been scheduled to begin Thursday, Kaiser said in a Friday statement. We look forward to reaching a new agreement that continues to provide our employees with market-leading wages and benefits, and ensures our high-quality care is affordable and available to meet our members needs. Michelle Gaskill-Hames, Kaisers regional president for Northern California and Hawaii, told The Sacramento Bee earlier this week that bargaining teams had worked through countless issues on the table over the last week. Only one sticking point remains, she said, and thats pay. But the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions say they are focused on putting further limits on outsourcing and subcontracting. On Friday, union members told The Bee that they are not only concerned about the loss of potential jobs but that outsourced workers often are paid at lower rates than Kaiser employees. Now, more than ever, Kaiser Permanente needs to retain and attract qualified health care professionals. Outsourcing and subcontracting would have the opposite effect, said Kathleen Coleman, a medical assistant at Arapahoe Primary Care in Colorado. The coalition represents many of Kaisers lowest-paid employees, and the unions are pushing the health care giant to share more of the billions of dollars in profits it makes annually with them. Calls for a higher minimum wage One member of the coalition, the Service Employees International Union-Healthcare Workers West, has campaigned hard for a $25 minimum wage for health care workers. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, Labor Center said that about a half-million health care workers around the state were struggling to survive on their wages, even as they showed up to care for patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If the $25-an hour minimum wage was instituted in the industry, the researchers said, patients, workers and industry alike would benefit from lower turnover rates, better staffing, and better outcomes, like reduced hospital stays and even lower mortality rates. The lowest-paid workers would see a wage increase of 30%, according to a Labor Center study, while average overall costs would rise by about 3% across the affected health facilities. SEIU-UHW gained support for its $25 minimum wage ballot initiatives in a handful of California municipalities, but legal challenges delayed implementation. At the same time, the union also advocated for legislation to institute the $25-an-hour wage floor for health care workers in many segments of the industry, but earlier this summer, legislators brokered a compromise bill that would pay workers $23 an hour starting June 2024; $24 hourly starting June 2025; and $25 per hour starting June 2026. The measure, Senate Bill 525, applies to dialysis clinics, health systems or facilities with 10,000 or more full-time equivalent workers, and health operations affiliated with a county that has a population of 500,000 or more. Its now sitting on Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk. Kaiser officials said they have proposed across-the-board wage increases; a $23 minimum wage starting in 2024 in California; and a $21 minimum wage in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Hawaii, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia starting in 2024. The coalition unions represent workers in many different occupations, including licensed vocational nurses, emergency department technicians, radiology technicians, ultrasound sonographers, teleservice representatives, respiratory therapists, optometrists, certified nursing assistants, behavioral health workers, surgical technicians, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, transporters, home health aides, phlebotomists, medical assistants, dental assistants, call center representatives, and housekeepers. Consequently, this strike, which labor experts have called the largest ever in the U.S. health care industry, has touched virtually every aspect of Kaisers patient care operations. The union called this weeks strike over unfair labor practices, alleging in complaints to the National Labor Relations Board that Kaiser has not provided information that would assist in evaluating compensation offers and other mandatory bargaining issues. Company negotiators also tried to force the coalition to limit the size of its bargaining team, the unions said. Although negotiators will return to bargaining on Thursday and Friday, the coaliton said the unions are considering issuing a 10-day strike notice if Kaiser executives continue to commit unfair labor practices and bargain in bad faith. Kaiser has denied the allegations, and Gaskill-Hames told The Bee that Kaiser takes a great deal of pride in its labor-management partnership and talks with labor collectively not only during bargaining but throughout the contract period about how to build upon Kaisers success. The multi-agency crackdown was part of a co-ordinated day of action A crackdown on waste crime in West Cumbria has uncovered three illegal dumps and at least five other sites breaching their permits. The Environment Agency, Cumbria Police and Cumberland Council joined forces to inspect 21 locations as part of an investigation into criminal activity. Five vehicles were clamped for being untaxed and three vehicles and a trailer were found to be unsafe. The government body vowed to "make life hard" for rule-breakers. Local impact John Bunn from the Environment Agency said: "We are determined to make life hard for criminals, by disrupting and stopping illegal activity through tough enforcement action. "The targeted day of partnership action in West Cumbria has shown that at least three waste companies have been operating outside their agreed permits," he added. "This is unacceptable, and causes significant risks to the environment and impacts local communities." The day of action, on 21 September, followed intelligence-sharing on potential waste crime in the area. In consequence: Thirteen enforcement notices were issued by Cumberland Council At least five waste sites were confirmed to have permit breaches, with another five referred for review Three illegal waste sites were discovered, One person was arrested for failing a roadside drug swab Five untaxed vehicles were clamped and four were reported for being untaxed One vehicle and trailer were found with defective tyres A further two vehicles were prohibited for defects. Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo said: "We hope this sends a clear and strong message that as a multi-agency team, safety and the quality of our environment is a priority. "We will continue to work together in force to provide a healthier and more sustainable area." The Environment agency said it was "unacceptable" agreed permits were being breached Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Hardin County Prosecutor Shane Young, right, argued for the bond to stay the same while Brian Butler, Brooks Houck attorney, argued the bond should be lowered. Oct 5, 2023 Brooks Houck's first court appearance in the Crystal Rogers case this week brought out surprise revelations. During Houck's arraignment in Nelson Circuit Court on charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence, prosecutor Shane Young lobbed new allegations of interference from the Houck family as well as a possible link of this case to the murder of Rogers' father, Tommy Ballard. The defense and prosecution also argued over whether Houck's multimillion-dollar bond is fair or should be significantly reduced. Houck was dating Rogers, a 35-year-old mother of five, when she disappeared in July 15. Her body has never been found, but she is presumed dead. Houck, who appeared in a white T-shirt via teleconference from the Hardin County Jail, pleaded not guilty to murder and tampering with physical evidence in the case. He has long denied involvement in her disappearance. Here are takeaways from the arraignment: Prosecution: Recovered gun may be connected in Tommy Ballard's murder On the morning of Nov. 19, 2016, just 16 months after his daughter's disappearance, Tommy Ballard, 54, was preparing for a hunting trip with his 12-year-old grandson on family property next to Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown. An unknown person fired a shot and hit Ballard in the chest, instantly killing him, according to the FBI. Sherry Ballard, Crystal Rogers' mother, watched Brooks Houck who is being charged in connection with her disappearance at Nelson County Circuit Court. Oct 5, 2023 Ballard had created Team Crystal, a group community members dedicated to finding his daughter and bringing her home. No one has been charged in his murder, but Young told Chief Circuit Judge Charles Simms III on Thursday that law enforcement is investigating whether the homicide is linked to the Rogers' case. Young said investigators may have the weapon used to kill Ballard, and it was purchased from Houck's brother, Nick, who used a fake name in the sale. The firearm is being tested, Young said, and so far matches four of the five criteria that authorities are analyzing. Young referenced these details while arguing to keep Brooks Houck's bond at $10 million. Houck's defense attorney, Brian Butler, said this allegation was irrelevant, adding a defendant's bond should not be determined based on speculation of what a family member may or may not have done. The Houck family left court Thursday without stopping to talk to the media. This isn't the first time Nick Houck's name has been brought up in the case. Nick Houck is a former Bardstown Police officer who was fired in 2015 after the department claimed he interfered with the investigation into Rogers' disappearance. The mayor of Bardstown said Nick Houck phoned his brother when he knew Brooks was being interviewed by detectives, warning that his brother "should protect himself," and that investigators "might be trying to trip him up," the Kentucky Standard reported in 2015. At Thursday's arraignment, Till and Betty Ballard, Tommy's parents, appeared solemn when his death was brought up. "I feel good leaving today," Till Ballard said after the hearing concluded, adding he's confident that more answers about his granddaughter's disappearance and son's death will come to light. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of those responsible for Ballard's murder. Houck family secretly recorded grand jury proceeding, prosecutor alleges Young also alleged Brooks Houck had several members of his family including his brother, Nick, mother, and sister secretly record a grand jury proceeding in 2015, shortly after Rogers was reported missing. Grand jury proceedings are typically shrouded in secrecy and are not open to the public or members of the media. Young said the recording was made to ensure the Houck family had all of their stories consistent, an accusation that Butler subsequently denied. Is Brooks Houck's $10 million bond too much? Defense, prosecution argue The bulk of Houck's arraignment was dedicated to whether his $10 million bond should be reduced. In a motion filed by the defense, Butler argued Houck is a low flight risk. He has substantial ties to the Nelson County community as both a business owner and is father to his and Rogers' young son, the lawyer said. Houck was identified as a suspect in the Rogers' case as early as 2015 and became the subject of intense media coverage and local speculation. Despite that, Houck has remained in his community, Butler said, adding that will not change if he is released on a lower bail amount. If Houck were to remain in policy custody until a jury makes a verdict in this case, Butler argued Houck's business would fail and he would be hindered in assisting his attorneys in his own legal defense. Saying $10 million is the largest bond he's ever seen in over 20 years of practice, Butler referenced other cases in Kentucky with much lower bonds for defendants charged in more serious and high profile cases. In the motion, Houck's defense asked for the bond to be reduced to $500,000 with GPS monitoring of Houck upon his release. The defense motion said the multimillion-dollar bond is "excessive, punitive, and serves no purpose other than to punish Mr. Houck by keeping him incarcerated while this matter is pending." But Young argued the $10 million bond is fair based on Houck's "vast resources." Young also called attention to the fact that Houck is a business owner, calling him a "multimillionaire" who owns over 70 properties. Judge Simms did not make a ruling on the defense's motion, saying he needed time to review both arguments. While a pretrial conference is slated for early February, a trial date has not been set. More: Brooks Houck's arraignment reveals surprising details in Crystal Rogers case This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Takeaways from Brooks Houck's arraignment in Crystal Rogers case Russell Coleman , whos hoping to follow his good friend, Daniel Cameron, into the Attorney Generals office, has joined him in the official abortion waffle-off: He now says there should be rape and incest exceptions in Kentuckys draconian abortion laws. As we know, whats good for a primary doesnt always work in a general election. Both men filled out Right to Life group questionnaires saying they did not support such exceptions. Now, after polling that has consistently shown Cameron behind Gov. Andy Beshear , both men have changed course. (Its a safe stance, as its extremely unlikely an exceptions bill will become a reality in Kentuckys General Assembly). But they are also following a national playbook in which Republicans, who first exulted in Roes overturn, are now wondering if they might have gone too far in the ever-fraught abortion debate. The Supreme Court ruled on Roe in June 2022. States like Kentucky quickly enacted strict abortion bans, many as early as six weeks without rape and incest exceptions. But midterm results, in which the red wave turned very blue, seems to have thrown a damper on ideas to enact a national ban. In other states, some Republican politicians have stepped back as well. Last year, South Carolina was unable to pass a near total abortion ban because of disagreements over incest and rape exceptions. After a battle, West Virginia included those exceptions in its almost total abortion ban. During the blue midterms last year, Kentucky defeated a constitutional abortion ban. It has probably not gone unnoticed that since Roe, six other states, including Ohio and Kansas, have held statewide abortion measures and all of them have ended in a pro-choice vote. Then last month, former President Donald Trump, who appointed the justices who overturned Roe, said Floridas six-week abortion ban was a terrible thing and a terrible mistake. J. Miles Coleman, associate editor of the University of Virginias Center for Politics Crystal Ball, said just this week Sen. Steve Daines, who leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told CNN that hes advising Republican candidates for Senate to emphasize that they support some exceptions. In North Carolina, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson who is running for governor next year is about as far-right as they come, but it seems like hes been trying to take a somewhat more nuanced approach to addressing it, Coleman noted. According to a March Pew Research Poll, 69 percent of Americans, including 56 percent of Republicans, said abortion should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from rape. In an Associated Press article in the spring, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu a pro-choice Republican who signed a 24-week abortion ban was blunt. Any conversation about banning abortion or limiting it nationwide is an electoral disaster for the Republicans, Sununu said. The Republican Party has an inability to move off this issue in a way that doesnt scare the heck out the average voter, the independent voter, the younger generation of voters. These guys keep pushing themselves deeper and deeper into an ultra-right base that really does not define the bulk of the Republican Party. A safe stance Shauna Reilly, a political science professor at Northern Kentucky University, says she thinks the softened stance is more due to local polling in the wake of a particularly devastating Beshear ad from an rape survivor who directly addressed Cameron about exceptions. Polling numbers are demonstrating this is an issue, and that campaign commercial made it a very specific issue. So, saying you would support a bill that is never coming is a safe bet, she said. But some Kentucky conservatives are shooting down even a hint of an exceptions bill. Rep. Emily Callaway, R-Louisville, pushed back against Colemans statement about re-traumatizing women by forcing them to have their rapists baby. Killing your baby is traumatic, she wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. To say you dont want to re-traumatize a woman who has been r4ped so its okay to have an ab0rtion is nonsense. How about we help her see the baby as a blessing. Many victimized women testify they are just that. Ending life shouldnt be an option. Killing your baby is traumatic. To say you don't want to re-traumatize a woman who has been r4ped so it's okay to have an ab0rtion is nonsense. How about we help her see the baby as a blessing. Many victimized women testify they are just that. Ending life shouldn't be an option. KY State Rep. Emily Callaway (@Miz_EmC) October 5, 2023 Two polls released this week show Cameron is still behind Beshear, although the gap varies by poll. Tamarra Wieder, the Kentucky State Director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, said she thinks its a mix of national trends and local polling. I think its a national trend because abortion is a winning issue nationally and in Kentucky, but theyre also looking at polls and trying course correcting even though they have told Ky Right to Life that they were in support of all of these really extreme and dangerous bans, she said. Kentucky has now gone a year with a near total ban on abortion, and people are seeing the effects, Wieder said. Someone they know and love has had to see abortion care out of state, or someone has had a complicated pregnancy, so theyre starting to experience the compounding effects of living in a space without reproductive healthcare, she said. Even before the bans, 73 counties did not have any OB-GYNs, so when you layer in the chilling effect of all these bans, its even harder to get routine reproductive healthcare. When Wieder and others were campaigning against Amendment 2, the constitutional abortion ban, they found a lot of voters were disengaged from Roes overturn and Kentuckys bans. Not any more if the current political maneuvering is anything to go by. Even in a red state like Kentucky, voters tend to move to the middle. They want some access to abortion, particularly when it comes to rape, incest and the life of the mother. They are paying closer attention to abortion politics, Wieder said. So, politicians are having to redirect and its national. Aggressive driving and the escalation of tempers may be been the cause of a Thursday afternoon shooting at a gas station that now has one St. Helena man is in custody and the other driver treated for a gunshot wound. James Jabbar Williams, 18, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Williams shot a 50-year-old man at the Tiger Express at 375 Sea Island Parkway on Ladys Island. The wound was non-life-threatening and the man was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to the spokesperson for the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office Maj. Angela Viens. Williams and the unidentified man were in conflict after one cut the other off in traffic. The Sheriffs Office was not able to provide details about the which driver was at fault. It is known that both men pulled into the gas station where they began arguing. The argument escalated and Williams shot the man, the Sheriffs office said. Deputies were dispatched to the Tiger Express around 4:15 p.m. and Williams was later located and arrested on Dulamo Road on St. Helena at around 5:00 p.m. Williams is now in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit Morocco and Luxembourg for major economic meetings beginning next week. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will be traveling to Morocco and Luxembourg later this month to represent the United States in key global financial meetings, her office said on Friday. Yellen will first trek to Marrakech, Morocco for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group Annual Meeting from Tuesday through Oct.14. "In Morocco, Secretary Yellen will engage counterparts on opportunities to bolster the global economy and address global challenges," the announcement said. "Secretary Yellen will highlight the significant progress we have made on evolving multilateral development banks, since her call to action ahead of the annual meetings last year, so that they are better positioned to meet their economic development goals and address global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and conflict and fragility." She will then travel to Luxembourg to take part in the Eurogroup Finance Ministers Meeting on Oct. 16. Yellen is expected to solidify the United States' relationship with the European Union during her trip to Luxembourg. The Treasury Department said that relationship is critical to maintaining sustainable, inclusive economic growth and advancing shared interests. "She will engage counterparts to further deepen cooperation and advance shared economic priorities," the Treasury Department said. "This includes by bolstering the resilience and diversification of our critical supply chains." "[She] will also work with European partners to coordinate our shared support for Ukraine. That includes through our global sanctions coalition which is denying Russia the revenue and equipment it needs to wage its illegal war, as well as our joint economic assistance to Ukraine." Yellen had been addressing the challenges with a growing Chinese economy, traveling to Beijing in July where she met with China's Premier Li Qiang in an effort to help improve relations between the two countries, along with addressing Taiwan, human rights and access to the South China Sea. The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates. What's happening Trigger warnings are mental-health-minded alerts that are issued ahead of something such as a class discussion, theater production or social media video that has a high risk of eliciting an upsetting emotional reaction and thereby possibly "triggering" a recurrence of past trauma. The practice, though widely adopted, isn't fully accepted. Case in point: In London, a theater has decided to warn audiences about themes of strong language, sexual references, grief and death in a new play, Frank and Percy, prompting star Ian McKellen to dismiss the trigger warnings as "ludicrous," noting, "I quite like to be surprised by loud noises and outrageous behavior on stage." Over the summer, a British theater festival prompted ridicule in the press when it included a trigger warning for its production of Sound of Music, flagging themes of "music, family, romance, the threat of Nazi Germany and the annexation of Austria," noting that some people may find "distressing." Last year, viewers of a streaming film, Luckiest Girl Alive, which includes a scene of sexual assault, spoke out about wishing it had come with trigger warnings. Why there's debate Writing for the New Republic in 2014, not long after Slate magazine had declared 2013 "The Year of the Trigger Warning," Jenny Jarvie helped bring news of their rise into public consciousness. She explained that while the alerts about potentially traumatizing material had initially been just an "irksome tic" on message boards and "feminist forums" during the early days of the internet, such warnings were now being seen everywhere from atop articles on major news sites to class syllabi at universities. Jarvie pointed to a situation in which student leaders at the University of California, Santa Barbara, "passed a resolution urging officials to institute mandatory trigger warnings on class syllabi" and requiring professors who present "content that may trigger the onset of symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" to issue alerts and allow students to skip the classes. That has since been followed by many similar proposals and policies at colleges across the country, targeting "triggering material" that could include racism, sexism, violence, suicide, sexual assault and more. By 2016, an NPR poll of 800 college and university instructors found that half used trigger warnings in their teaching. But in some cases, the warnings have received pushback, such as at Cornell University, where administrators rejected a resolution in April that sought to mandate trigger warnings, noting such a move would infringe on our core commitment to academic freedom and freedom of inquiry" and "have a chilling effect on faculty, who would naturally fear censure." Many see trigger warnings as a slippery slope toward academic censorship not only in school settings, but also in artistic expression. "Not so long ago, a theatergoer was handed a program, shown to a seat and left to enjoy the show," noted a New York Times story on the rise of such warnings at the theater. "Then came notices about strobe lights and smoking. But now, following a trend bubbling up from college campuses, theaters across the country are offering increasingly comprehensive and specific trigger warnings." It's all led to a flurry of criticism about the practice being "coddling." Now added to the mix is some psychological research the latest of which is an analysis, published online in Clinical Psychological Science in August and announced on Oct. 12, which found that such warnings may not help at all and instead appear to lead to increased anticipatory anxiety. A series of studies on the topic, from between 2018 and 2021, had similar and consistent findings: that trigger warnings do not seem to help students, trauma survivors or those with PTSD diagnoses, and that in some cases, they made things worse by prompting anticipatory anxiety. Thus comes another cause for worry: that the language of concern over trauma will, in turn, pathologize people's responses. In other words, writes Jill Filipovic in a new opinion piece for the Atlantic, "I Was Wrong About Trigger Warnings," "a persons sense of themselves as either capable of persevering through hardship or unable to manage it can be self-fulfilling." Perspectives Trigger warnings are giving rise to hypersensitivity and paranoia "What began as a way of moderating internet forums for the vulnerable and mentally ill now threatens to define public discussion both online and off. The trigger warning signals not only the growing precautionary approach to words and ideas in the university, but a wider cultural hypersensitivity to harm and a paranoia about giving offense." Jenny Jarvie, New Republic Such warnings allow students to psychologically prepare themselves "The point is not to enable let alone encourage students to skip these readings or our subsequent class discussion Rather, it is to allow those who are sensitive to these subjects to prepare themselves for reading about them, and better manage their reactions. The evidence suggests that at least some of the students in any given class of mine are likely to have suffered some sort of trauma, whether from sexual assault or another type of abuse or violence. So I think the benefits of trigger warnings can be significant." Kate Mann, New York Times They can be helpful in moderation "Trigger warnings serve to protect the autonomy of students with histories of trauma. It would be a mistake to abandon them because of a few errant examples of overreach. We have to affirm a culture of reading and discussing difficult works, with trigger warnings serving as a tool for this end, rather than an obstacle." Harold H. Klapper, Harvard Crimson Trigger warnings can negatively reinforce trauma as central to one's identity "A large [Harvard] study found that trigger warnings reinforced the belief on the part of trauma survivors that trauma was central (rather than incidental or peripheral) to their identity The perverse consequence of trigger warnings, then, may be to harm the people they are intended to protect." Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker Such warnings inhibit resilience "To help people build resilience, we need to provide material aid to meet basic needs. We need to repair broken community ties so fewer among us feel like theyre struggling alone. And we need to encourage the cultivation of a sense of purpose beyond the self. We also know what stands in the way of resilience: avoiding difficult ideas and imperfect people, catastrophizing, isolating ourselves inside our own heads." Jill Filipovic, The Atlantic Three men from Houston, Texas, were arrested Wednesday in connection with a bank jugging burglary last month in San Bernardino County, authorities announced. Bank jugging is a term used to describe culprits targeting and following people who withdraw large amounts of cash from a bank or an ATM. The incident occurred on Sept. 30 just before 11:30 a.m. in the 3000 block of Whirlaway Lane in Chino Hills, according to a news release from the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department. After speaking with the victim, deputies learned that he had just withdrawn money from a local bank and put the envelope containing the money in his vehicles glove box, later parking his car outside of his residence with money still inside. The three suspects, 32-year-old Byron Butler, 31-year-old Anthony Banks and 19-year-old Kendrick Montgomery, allegedly broke into the car within minutes, stealing the money and fleeing in a Hyundai Elantra with an obstructed license plate. During the course of the investigation, detectives from the SBSDs Chino Hills Station were able to identify the vehicle used in the crime. On Oct. 4, police in La Habra located the suspects vehicle and detained the three men. Chino Hills detectives responded, located evidence inside the vehicle and took Butler, Banks and Montgomery into custody. Authorities believe the three men followed the victim from the bank to his residence where they then stole the money from his vehicle. 2 motorcyclists, pedestrian killed in Azusa pileup The trio was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on charges of burglary and conspiracy. Anyone who may have been victimized by these suspects or anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Chino Hills Police detectives at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the WeTip Hotline at 800-782-7463 or submit tips online at WeTip. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A homeless man in Kansas is now facing murder charges after he was accused of killing and raping a 5-year-old girl in Topeka. Authorities said the suspect was identified as Mickel Cherry (25-year-old). As of writing, the homeless guy is jailed on a $2 million bond. Officials haven't disclosed when the man's next court appearance will happen. Kansas: Homeless Man Allegedly Rapes, Murders 5-Year-Old Girl According to Fox News' latest report, Cherry is facing one count of first-degree murder, capital murder, and rape in the death of 5-year-old Zoey Felix. Since he is facing a capital murder, the man could be eligible for the death penalty. But Shawnee County prosecutor Michael Kagay hasn't shared any details if they will seek a death penalty against Cherry. Meanwhile, the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit said they would represent the homeless man's case. The legal services provider's Chief Capital Defender, Mark Manna, confirmed this. Although no major details were shared by the latest murder case against the homeless man, Shawnee County Department of Corrections Deputy Director Timothy Phelps confirmed that the suspect and the victim once lived at the same address. However, it is unclear if the two individuals know each other, especially since Mickel was already homeless when he was arrested. Authorities said that the houseless guy has no criminal records, except for a misdemeanor criminal trespass conviction in Amarillo, Texas, as reported by News-Press Now. Read Also: Holyoke, Massachusetts Shooting Leaves Baby Dead After Pregnant Mom Was Shot, 3 Others Injured What Happened to Zoey? When they arrived at a gas station, law enforcement officers said fire crews were already attempting to save the girl's life. Unfortunately, she was later pronounced dead. Based on medical examinations at the hospital, the victim suffered from injuries consistent with sexual assault. Before the incident, neighbors of Zoey's family were already concerned about their situation. This is because the Felix family had no electricity. To help them, their neighbors even called the police and child welfare. "She just had a good spirit to her. Honestly, very outgoing, and smart. She was curious about everything. She'd ask you 1,001 questions, and she demanded answers for those too," said Shaniqua Bradley, one of their neighbors. As of press time, officials haven't released the specific cause of Zoey's death. But it looks like Kagay already considers the investigation complete. "I think the investigation into the murder and rape of this 5-year-old girl is fairly complete," said the district attorney. Related Article: Missing New York Girl: Authorities Issue Amber Alert After 9-Year-Old Charlotte Sena Vanishes on Camping Trip @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Click here to view the video The remnants of Tropical Storm Philippe will arrive in the Maritimes this weekend, bringing widespread gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall as the system pushes through on Saturday and Sunday. Post-tropical storm Philippe will arrive just three weeks after Lee pounded many of the same regions with high winds and rough seas that led to major power outages and coastal flooding. While Philippe should be much less severe than Lee, the combination of rain-soaked soils and gusty winds could lead to localized power outages. Philippe Timing DON'T MISS: Philippe vs. Lee: How Atlantic Canadas two storms compare The Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) has issued a tropical cyclone statement for parts of Nova Scotia warning of heavy rainfall and powerful winds associated with Philippe and a deep trough of low pressure for Saturday and Sunday. Philippe was downgraded to a post-tropical storm during the day Friday. Current forecasts bring the centre of the storm near the mouth of the Bay of Fundy on Saturday night into Sunday. Regardless of where the centre comes ashore, Philippes growing footprint will bring foul weather to a large portion of the Maritimes. WATCH: What Halifax can expect as Philippe closes in this weekend Click here to view the video Weekend impacts from Philippe Well start to feel the systems impacts across the Maritimes as early as Saturday afternoon. SatPM Heavy rain will push into the southwestern Maritimes on Saturday and push east through the evening hours. Widespread wind gusts of 80-100 km/h are expected across the Maritimes, peaking overnight Saturday into Sunday. The storm is expected to make landfall as a post-tropical storm late Saturday into Sunday between the southwest Maritimes and New England. Before then, however, impacts will be felt as early as Saturday afternoon. ATLWind "We don't expect winds to be as strong as Hurricane Lee so impacts may be limited mostly to the breaking of some tree branches with the occasional power/utility interruption," the CHC says. Rainfall totals of 30-50 mm are expected across southwestern Nova Scotia and western New Brunswick near the international border. Yarmouth, Saint John, Fredericton, and Edmundston are likely to see the greatest rain totals from the system this weekend. ATLRain As with the winds, waves and storm surge are not expected to be as bad as Lee, but the same stretch of coast impacted by Lee will be affected by Philippe. "There could be some wave overwash and minor to moderate coastal flooding depending on the timing of conditions with high tide during the very early morning hours Sunday," the CHC warns. By Sunday, the system will weaken into a fall-like storm, with rain and winds easing for the Maritimes. Newfoundland will escape any ill effects from the remnants of Philippe, as the former tropical system will feel the effects of a potent fall storm over Quebec. The western system will tug Philippes remnants toward the west, taking an unusual track for storms affecting this part of the country. Header image courtesy of NOAA. Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates about Philippe and your weather in Atlantic Canada. WATCH: 9-volt battery power outage hacks you should use Click here to view the video Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) shares a moment with U.S. President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally in Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, OH, U.S., August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis DECISION MADE Trump throws 'complete' support behind Jim Jordan in House speaker race. Continue reading GUARDING HUNTER Biden 's pick of Hunter's ex-colleague for whistleblower post 'raises concerns' he's guarding son: Comer. Continue reading NOT WISE Former assistant district attorney says Letitia James made tactical error by going hard after Trump. Continue reading SOUNDING THE ALARM Heritage Foundation urges DOJ to charge Bowman on same legal basis as Jan. 6 rioters. 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This is the way to do it, Republicans. Continue reading BOOTS ON GROUND Inside the elite FBI unit deployed in child abductions nationwide. Continue reading PATENTLY LYING Slain Microsoft exec's former in-laws seek custody, make surprise claims. Continue reading HIGHWAY MAN Meet the American who mapped out the USA's interstate highway system. Continue reading DAISY DUKES Clothing item Taylor Swift wore to Travis Kelce's game flying off shelves. Continue reading VERY TASTY Watch as these pumpkin-crunching bears at the Oakland Zoo in California enjoy some jack-o-lantern decorations. See video JOHN YOO This shows how backwards the Biden presidency is. See video HANDY WORK - Man who takes on squatters confronts Hollywood celebrity chef. See video Whats it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Entertainment (FOX411) Fox News Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi Fox News Go Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Have a great weekend, stay safe and well see you in your inbox first thing Monday. Original article source: Trump announces speaker endorsement, Biden's Hunter-linked nomination 'raises concerns' and more top headlines Trump bragged to an Australian businessman about a highly secret detail regarding US submarines Former President Donald Trump. Spencer Platt/Getty Images Donald Trump was indicted on 40 charges related to his handling of classified documents. Trump also may have shared highly sensitive details with an Australian billionaire, per ABC News. One of the details revolved around the number of nuclear warheads US submarines can carry. Donald Trump didn't just have an issue with taking classified documents home, as the Justice Department has alleged in its recent indictment. He also may have had a problem keeping potentially sensitive military matters to himself. After Trump left office, Australian billionaire and Mar-a-Lago Club member Anthony Pratt alleged in interviews with federal investigators that the former president disclosed details to him about US nuclear submarines around April 2021, anonymous sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. The sources said Pratt then went on to share that information with more than a dozen foreign officials, some of his employees, and journalists. A Trump spokesperson told Insider in an email that the leak of the disclosure is "illegal" and lacks "proper context and relevant information." "The Department of Justice should investigate the criminal leaking, instead of perpetrating their baseless witch-hunts while knowing that President Trump did nothing wrong, has always insisted on truth and transparency, and acted in a proper manner, according to the law," the spokesperson said. The details, according to ABC News' sources, revolved around the number of nuclear warheads US submarines could carry and how close they could get to a Russian submarine without detection. It's unclear if Trump relayed accurate information, but investigators have asked Pratt not to repeat it elsewhere, sources told ABC News. A former Mar-a-Lago employee later alleged to investigators that he heard Pratt share the details with another person within minutes after his meeting with Trump, according to the ABC News report. The allegations about Trump disclosing that information were shared with special counsel Jack Smith's team. Smith is leading the Justice Department's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents some of which included top-secret national security information. Trump was indicted on 40 charges related to keeping national security secrets, obstructing investigations, and making false statements. Details of the reported discussions between Pratt and Trump were not included in the indictment. Sources told ABC News that Pratt claimed to investigators that he talked about his meeting with Trump with other people because he was pushing for a business partnership between Australia and the US. According to the report, the potentially sensitive discussion around submarines came up after Pratt remarked to Trump that Australia should buy US submarines. Several months after the discussion, Australia abruptly backed out of its deal with France to buy conventional submarines and went to the US and UK to purchase nuclear-powered submarines. The US sold three Virgnia-class, nuclear-powered, submarines to Australia. While Pratt told investigators that Trump did not share any government documents, according to ABC News' sources, previous reports revealed that the former president showed off privileged records to his associates and waved them in front of a writer. Read the original article on Business Insider Former President Donald Trump 's campaign announced late Wednesday that he raised over $45.5 million in the third quarter, all while Trump's legal battles continued to mount. Trump fundraising The campaign said it has over $37.5 million cash on hand, almost all of it about $36 million dedicated to the primary election. The numbers provided by the campaign cannot be verified until official Federal Election Commission reports are released. Since the money reported was raised by Trump's joint fundraising committee, which is required to report semiannually, those figures won't be released until January 2024. In August, Trump was indicted twice for alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election, first in a case stemming from special counsel Jack Smith's probe, and then again two weeks later in a racketeering case over alleged efforts to overturn the results of the election in Fulton County, Georgia. Trump is facing a total of four indictments. Trump's joint fundraising committee used his legal issues to sell merchandise featuring his mugshot after his arrest in Georgia and sent fundraising email blasts featuring developments in his court cases. Trump's joint fundraising committee brings in money for both Trump's official campaign and Save America PAC, his political action committee. After Trump's social media accounts were reinstated on Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and Twitter, after his bans following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the former president has used the sites to boost his fundraising apparatus. The platforms allow the Trump campaign to reach millions of users outside of Trump's Truth Social site and his email and text network. The Trump campaign also attributed the substantial haul in part to "overwhelming grassroots support." "Team Trump has outworked and outperformed every campaign, and that's why we are honored to be supported by everyday Americans sick and tired of living in Crooked Joe Biden's America," campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement to CBS News. The latest fundraising numbers outpaced Trump's second-quarter haul, which totaled more than $35 million, according to Trump's joint fundraising committee, for the Trump campaign and his political action committee Save America. DeSantis fundraising Trump's fundraising was triple that of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , whose campaign said Wednesday it raised $15 million between July and September. Donors gave to his campaign, an affiliated political action committee called the "Great American Comeback" and a joint fundraising committee dedicated to raising money for both entities. DeSantis' campaign and affiliated committees entered October with a total of $15 million cash on hand, with nearly all of that ($13.5 million) in the coffers of the campaign itself. But due to federal limits on how much a donor can give for a primary and for a general election ($3,300 for both), only $5 million of that total cash on hand is eligible for use in the primary election, according to a campaign official. "Not impressive," one DeSantis fundraiser said of the $5 million figure for the primary campaign. "That's the real number." But the campaign and other DeSantis fundraisers said the campaign is in better financial shape than it was at the end of last quarter. In the second quarter, DeSantis raised $20 million and spent $7.87 million a burn rate that prompted a retooling of a "leaner, meaner" campaign operation and the shedding of nearly a third of his 90 campaign staffers. Sources familiar with DeSantis' campaign finances say that the campaign was "still in dire straits" after it posted second-quarter numbers and had "significantly" less cash available for use in the primary than it has now. The governor's debate performances were cited by the sources as a highlight for fundraising. On the day after the first debate, "bundlers," fundraisers who tap into a network of donors to give to their candidate, gathered in Milwaukee, where the first debate was held in August, and raised over $1 million. They followed up with a similar amount after the California debate in September, according to two bundlers. DeSantis also held numerous fundraising events in Texas and California to close out September. "There was a surge right after the second debate," said one of the post-debate bundlers. "I'm optimistic that there's a lot of money on the table with these donors that have been sitting it out, and I'm glad that a lot of the money came in later in the quarter. I think we're right where we want to be." The Trump campaign mocked DeSantis' smaller fundraising haul, calling it "a grave indication that Ron's candidacy may not live to see the Iowa caucuses in January, or even the end of this month," in a press release. Asked by a reporter Thursday in Tampa about the cash on hand gap between his campaign and Trump's, DeSantis questioned where the former president would be spending his campaign cash. "Where's that money going to? Isn't it going to a lot of lawyers?" DeSantis said, referencing the over $40 million in legal fees Trump's "Save America PAC" paid in the first six months of 2023. DeSantis has consistently trailed Trump by double digits in national and early-state polls. Other candidates, such as former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, have cut into his polling numbers in states like New Hampshire and South Carolina. When pressed Thursday about whether he thinks he has the funding to stay in the race, DeSantis responded, "Of course look at all these other candidates. We're blowing them away." Other major campaigns have not yet released their fundraising numbers. DeSantis focuses on Iowa DeSantis has made Iowa his primary focus. On Wednesday, nearly a third of DeSantis' 52 campaign staffers were told that in the coming weeks they'd be moving to Iowa. A portion of his third-quarter fundraising haul will be used for this move. In messaging guidance obtained by CBS News that was sent to donors and surrogates on Wednesday, the DeSantis campaign wrote that the staffers will join over 25 who are already in Iowa from the DeSantis super-PAC "Never Back Down." "The relentless pace at which Ron DeSantis campaigned in Iowa during the last three months and the organization our allies at NBD have built made the former president understandably nervous about the Hawkeye State and forced him to upend the Trump campaign's plan and re-engage in the state," the campaign wrote. Margaret Brennan assesses fallout of Kevin McCarthy's "Face the Nation" interview Powerball jackpot rises to estimated $1.4 billion No injuries after FedEx plane crash lands in Tennessee Donald Trump has voluntarily dismissed his $500 million federal lawsuit against his former attorney and fixer Michael Cohen, claiming that hes too busy right now to continue pursuing the case. In a rambling statement, Trumps campaign specified that Trump found it a bigger priority to be campaigning in New Hampshire on Monday than to be deposed for the Cohen lawsuit. Given that President Trump is required to sit for deposition in a civil matter on Columbus Day, when he is scheduled to be in the Great State of New Hampshire, and while the President is fighting against the meritless claims that have been lodged against him in New York, Washington D.C., Florida, and Georgia, as well as continuing his winning campaign, where he is leading the Republicans by 60 points and Crooked Joe Biden by 11 points, to serve as our next President of the United States, President Trump has decided to temporarily pause his meritorious claims against Michael Cohen, read a statement sent to CBS News from Trumps campaign. Trumps campaign suggested that he intends to refile the lawsuit at a later date, but did not give an idea of when that might be. Once President Trump has prevailed in dealing with the witch hunts against him, he will continue to pursue his claims against Michael Cohen, the statement added. Michael Cohen Is Getting Dragged Into Yet Another Trump Case Trump sued Cohen in April, just days after the first of his quartet of indictments were filed. Trump said he wanted Cohen to cough up half a million dollarsclaiming he breached attorney-client privilege and a confidentiality agreement by speaking publicly about Trumps alleged hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels. The official filing to drop the lawsuit was filed around 8 p.m. Thursday, which indicated the suit was being dropped without prejudice, meaning it could be filed as-is at another time. Trump had faced mounting pressure from the South Florida judge as he repeatedly put off depositions as he jets around the country to court dates and campaign events. The deposition scheduled for Monday had already been rescheduled twice and, despite pleas from Trumps lawyers to have the deposition on Sunday, the judge insisted it be held Monday afternoonthe same time hed already scheduled a campaign rally in New Hampshire. BREAKING: Donald Trump just voluntarily dismissed the Southern District of Miami $500 million dollar lawsuit against me. More to come on this! #TeamCohen Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) October 6, 2023 In a statement to The Guardian, Cohen said he now looks forward to turning our full attention to holding Mr. Trump accountable for his latest abuse of the legal system. As I have said from the beginning: this case was nothing more than a retaliatory intimidation tactic, and his attempt to hide from routine discovery procedures confirms as much, Cohen said. Mr. Trumps cowardly dismissal spells the end of this latest attempt to deter me from providing truthful testimony against him. Aside from his campaigns statement, Trump is yet to comment personally on the dismissal of the lawsuit. In a post to X, formerly known as Twitter, Cohens attorney who was slated to depose Trump, celebrated the former presidents motion, insinuating that Trump chose to drop the suit instead of letting her hold his feet to the fire. Great news out of the Southern District of Florida tonight: Rather than let me depose him on Monday, [Trump] voluntarily dismissed his $500 million lawsuit against our client, wrote Danya Perry. 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. Trump endorsed Jim Jordan for speaker of the House but it won't be enough to get him the job. Republicans will choose their candidate via secret ballot, limiting public scrutiny of the vote. Plus, only up to a third of Republicans are likely to take orders from the former president. The race to succeed former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is on, and Rep. Jim Jordan just scored what may be the best outside endorsement a Republican could get former President Donald Trump. But that won't be enough for the Ohio congressman to lock up his party's nomination for the top job. Jordan faces stiff competition from current House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and other candidates including Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma could still throw their hat in ahead of next Wednesday's vote. A founding member of the hardline House Freedom Caucus and current chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Jordan remains a strong contender for the job, and he could certainly pull it off. But this isn't a primary election in some House district or Senate race. It's a race to garner the confidence of a majority of the 221 Republicans in the House of Representatives. Here are the key factors at play. It's a secret ballot This is probably the single biggest thing that diminishes Trump's influence. When Republicans gather to choose a new candidate on Wednesday, they will do so via a "secret ballot," meaning that members will not have to publicly state their votes. That doesn't preclude people from loudly proclaiming their support for Jordan. Since Trump endorsed the Ohio Republican on Thursday evening, several House conservatives have done just that. But plenty of others particularly Republicans who come from competitive districts, but also random lawmakers from random districts who you've probably never heard of may not publicly state their choice, and maybe won't even be asked about it either. If Scalise or another candidate bests Jordan on Wednesday, any House Republican who's weary of crossing Trump can simply say that they're supporting the candidate their conference chose when it's time to vote for him on the House floor. It's true that Trump has successfully convinced voters to oust Republicans who've crossed him. Just ask former Rep. Liz Cheney, or any of the other House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump and were primaried out of a job. But this simply isn't that. It's a choice between two or three very conservative candidates, none of whom are staunchly anti-Trump, all of whom would be happy to do the former president's bidding if he won another term next year. Let's say Scalise wins with a bare majority of votes do you really think Trump's going to try to field primary challengers against a majority of the House GOP conference? No. He has a national campaign to run, and many legal battles to fight. Trump doesn't have as much sway on Capitol Hill as you think This may come as a surprise, but Republicans on Capitol Hill even those that support his 2024 candidacy ignore Trump all the time. Less than two weeks ago, Trump called on Republicans to shut the government down, "UNLESS YOU GET EVERYTHING." Days later, most of them voted for a bill to fund the government until November 17 that didn't include much of what the party had hoped to see, including deep spending cuts and border security provisions. And the resulting ouster of McCarthy, driven by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, had basically nothing to do with Trump. The former president didn't even weigh in, other than bemoaning that Republicans "are always fighting among themselves." Trump has even less influence in the Senate, where he's been calling for the ouster of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for the better part of two and a half years. McConnell, though he faced a leadership challenge for the first time in his tenure, overwhelmingly defeated Sen. Rick Scott of Florida last November. Let's look at the math Perhaps the best way to gauge the levels of die-hard Trump support in the House GOP conference is to look at who has endorsed his 2024 presidential campaign. There are currently 76 of them. Let's assume for a moment that endorsing Trump for 2024 means you automatically support his pick for speaker of the House that would give Jordan just 34% of the conference, leaving him 35 votes short of a majority of the conference. And the truth is, that's not how it even works. Plenty of House Republicans who have endorsed Trump in 2024 Vern Buchanan of Florida, Lisa McClain of Michigan, and Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee, to name a few you've probably never heard of have already announced their support for Scalise. Could they change their minds? Sure. But again, Republicans are happy to ignore Trump on matters that are unlikely to rile up and garner the long-term attention of the party's base, like choosing a speaker. It's not like Scalise or Hern are moderates. There's a lot that goes into building support to ascend to leadership roles on Capitol Hill, including histories of political contributions, longstanding working relationships, regional factionalism, and even petty political beefs. All of those factors are going to outweigh any "defiance" of Trump when it comes to electing a new leader, particularly considering that the eventual victor could outlast Trump's presence on the political scene. Read the original article on Business Insider Former President Donald Trump on Thursday unexpectedly dismissed a $500 million lawsuit against his former lawyer Michael Cohen while vowing to revisit it later. In a two-page document filed in federal court in Miami, an attorney for the former president said Trump was "voluntarily dismissing" the lawsuit, which alleged breaches of attorney-client privilege. Trump had accused Cohen of disparaging him through myriad public statements, including the publication of two books, a podcast series, and innumerable mainstream media appearances, the complaint said. A spokesperson for Trump said in a statement Thursday that Trump would pursue the lawsuit after he "has prevailed in dealing with the witch hunts against him," adding that Cohen "will be held accountable for his unlawful words and actions." Trump faces numerous cases and trials, both civil and criminal, including four indictments. Trump had been scheduled to sit for a deposition in the Cohen case Monday, when he's also scheduled to hold a campaign event in New Hampshire. In a statement Thursday night, Cohen said: "This case was nothing more than a retaliatory intimidation tactic, and his attempt to hide from routine discovery procedures confirms as much. Mr. Trumps cowardly dismissal spells the end of this latest attempt to deter me from providing truthful testimony against him. "My legal team and I now look forward to turning our full attention to holding Mr. Trump accountable for his latest abuse of the legal system," Cohen added. Cohen has frequently been called to testify about his dealings with Trump. He was the key witness to testify this year before a grand jury in New York City, which approved a 34-count indictment against Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Cohen is listed among 28 witnesses the New York Attorney Generals Office intends to call in a civil fraud trial that kicked off this week against Trump, his two adult sons and the family's business. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Donald Trump has withdrawn a lawsuit he filed against Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer and fixer who has become one of his most vocal critics. The former president filed suit against Cohen in a US District Court in Florida in April seeking $500 million for alleged breach of attorney-client privileges and a confidentiality agreement. In a filing with the court on Thursday, a lawyer for Trump said the former president was "voluntarily dismissing" the suit. Cohen, in posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, noted that Trump's decision to drop the case came just days before the former president was scheduled to sit for a deposition. "As I have said from the beginning: this case was nothing more than a retaliatory intimidation tactic," Cohen said. Cohen is a likely star witness in a criminal case facing the former president in New York for allegedly paying election-eve hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump has been charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with the payment. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Cohen says he arranged the $130,000 payment in exchange for Daniels' silence about a tryst she says she had with Trump in 2006. Cohen was sentenced in 2018 to three years in prison for various crimes, including the hush-money case and tax evasion, but was released after a little over a year and served the remainder of his sentence in home confinement. In the now-withdrawn lawsuit, Trump had accused Cohen of "spreading falsehoods" about him and claimed to have suffered "vast reputational harm." The hush money case is just one of several legal battles facing Trump as he seeks to recapture the White House in 2024. He is to go on trial in Washington in March 2024 for conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election and in Florida in May 2024 on charges of mishandling top secret government documents. Trump also faces racketeering charges in Georgia for allegedly conspiring to upend the election results in the southern state. Trump and his two eldest sons are also currently on trial in New York for allegedly inflating the value of their real estate assets to receive more favorable bank loans and insurance terms. cl/md Trump has endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio to be the next Speaker of the House. The former president offered his backing in an early morning post on Truth Social. Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise are now the two biggest names running for the post. Former President Donald Trump, early on Friday morning, endorsed Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio to be the next Speaker of the House, testing his ability to bring calm to Congress after a week of chaos. "Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, DC, representing Ohio's 4th Congressional District," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth, not long after midnight on the East Coast. Trump's endorsement will likely upend the campaign to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy , who was unceremoniously ousted earlier this week. Right now, the race is largely between Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The former president's decision to offer his backing is not without risk. Eighteen House Republicans represent districts that President Joe Biden won. They will now be forced to either defy Trump's will or potentially risk being tagged as too close to a figure who remains toxic for many of their voters. The early Friday announcement also means that Trump is almost certainly done with floating the possibility of his own speakership. Despite skepticism from across Washington, the former president continued to stoke speculation that he could seize upon the fact that the Speaker of the House does not technically have to be a member of Congress. In his endorsement, the former president devoted significant praise to Jordan's prolific NCAA wrestling career, writing: "So much is learned from sports, and Jim was a master!" Jordan has faced allegations that he failed to stop sexual abuse within the Ohio State wrestling program, accusations he has repeatedly denied. In Jordan, Trump is backing a staunch conservative fighter. The Ohio Republican has been a central figure in investigations of President Biden and his son Hunter. Before this, Jordan served on the Select Committee that investigated the 2012 attack on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi. Jordan has also expressed skepticism over further aid to Ukraine, a position more in line with Trump's than Scalise, who voted for $300 million in aid just last week. While McCarthy tried, ultimately unsuccessfully, to placate the far-right, Jordan has been a core right-wing figure for years. House Republicans have set next Wednesday as the deadline to name a new speaker. They will first vote via secret ballot behind closed doors for the GOP conference nominee. Traditionally, the party would only vote for this candidate during the public vote before the full House that did not happen in January during a dayslong standoff. It remains to be seen if Trump's endorsement can make for a less chaotic outcome this time. A representative for Jordan did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider The hardline conservative from Ohio has led the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden Donald Trump has endorsed staunch conservative Congressman Jim Jordan's bid to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. "He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House," Mr Trump said on Friday. "[He] has my complete & total endorsement!" Mr Jordan, 59, was one of the first Republicans to join the race to replace Kevin McCarthy , who was ousted by members of his own party last week. It was the first time in history that a Speaker has lost a no-confidence vote. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Mr Trump said Mr Jordan had "been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington". "He is a STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment," he added. Mr Jordan is one of the most vocal defenders of the former president in Congress. The hardline conservative from Ohio, currently serving his ninth term, has also led the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. He was founding chairman in 2015 of the House Freedom Caucus, a disruptive hardline group one former Republican speaker labelled "legislative terrorists". His bid has already received the backing of several prominent conservatives. But he could struggle to win the the support of centrist Republicans and, if he needs Democratic support, he will likely receive none. Candidates need a simple majority of 218 votes to secure the position. Mr Trump opted to endorse Mr Jordan over Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who has also announced his candidacy. Matt Gaetz - the rebel who led the coup against Mr McCarthy - has endorsed both Mr Jordan and Mr Scalise for the role. "I'm for both of them right now," he told Bloomberg on Wednesday, adding that he was eager to hear both of their "plans and their vision". Other possible successors include the political newcomer Kevin Hern and Patrick McHenry, who is temporarily serving in the role while the process to appoint a permanent Speaker takes place. Fox News announced on Thursday that it would host a joint interview on 9 October with Mr Jordan, Mr Scalise and Mr Hern hosted by anchor Bret Baier. Mr Baier plans to "press" the congressmen on who should be elected speaker and the biggest issues facing the Republican Party and Congress, according to the news outlet. Mr Trump earlier teased that he would be open to temporarily filling the role, with reports suggesting he was considering visiting Capitol Hill. But sources told CNN on Thursday that visit was now unlikely to happen. Members will begin to discuss who could serve in the role next week, but it could take days or weeks to find someone who could win enough support in the divided House. Mr Gaetz triggered the process to remove the Speaker after saying he was unhappy with Mr McCarthy for working with Democrats to pass a short-term spending deal to avert a government shutdown. It was representative of larger tensions between Mr McCarthy and a right-wing faction of his party that previously tried to block his election to Speaker in January. (Photo : Niki Davidov/IAA via Getty Images) Scientists discovered ancient footprints that have recently been dated as far back as 21,000 to 23,000 years ago, upending the current known timeline of humans in the Americas. Scientists discovered ancient footprints that they believe are evidence of humans arriving earlier than previously thought in the Americas. The finding of the fossilized footprints that were made in what is not known as New Mexico was first made public in 2021. At the time, it was a historic discovery for archaeology and seemingly rewrote a chapter of the human story. However, new research now offers further evidence that the findings are more significant than initially believed. Ancient Fossilized Footprints While the ancient footprints look like they could have been made just yesterday, they were pressed into the mud roughly 21,000 to 23,000 years ago. This was found by using radiocarbon dating of the seeds of an aquatic plant that were preserved above and below the fossilized footprints. This timeline dramatically pushes back the timeline of humans' history in the Americas, the last landmass to be settled by prehistoric people. The 61 dated footprints, first found in the Tularosa Basin, near the edge of an ancient lake in White Sands National Park, were made when scientists think that massive ice sheets prevented humans from passing into North America, as per CNN. However, some archeologists have voiced concern and questioned the footprints' age established by the initial findings. They noted that aquatic plants such as Ruppia cirrhosa, used in the 2021 study, can acquire carbon from dissolved atoms in the water rather than the air, which could have a misleadingly early date. On Thursday, a follow-up study was published in Science. Researchers said they had produced two new lines of evidence to support their initial dates. In a statement, a research geologist at the US Geological Survey, Kathleen Springer, a co-lead author of the new study, said that they continued to forge ahead even when the original work was being published. Read Also: Nearly 41% Or Over 2,000 Amphibian Species in Danger of Becoming Extinct, Experts Claim Human History in the Americas She noted that they are confident with the original ages for the discovered ancient footprints, adding that they have strong geologic, hydrologic, and stratigraphic evidence. For a long time, there have been debates with regard to when and how early humans first migrated to the Americas. Edward Jolie, an anthropological archaeologist at the University of Arizona, said, "It's more or less a master class in how you do this." According to the Washington Post, she was part of the team that studied the White Sands footprints in the field but was not involved in the recent research. An archeological scientist at Cornell University, Thomas Urban, who was involved in the 2021 study but the latest one, said that this has been controversial for so long because it is quite significant. He said that it centers around understanding the last chapter of the people of the world. An independent archeological geologist in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Thomas Stafford, said that he was a bit skeptical before but is now convinced thanks to the new study, which he was not a part of, said Yahoo News. Related Article: Campi Flegrei: Italian Authorities Plan to Evacuate Naples as Volcanic Earthquakes Increase @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Donald Trump early Friday announced his endorsement of Rep. Jim Jordan to be the next speaker of the House. He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete and Total Endorsement! the former president wrote in a post to his social media site, Truth Social, that praised Jordans political record as well as his college wrestling achievements. News of the ex-presidents endorsement was broken by Fox News Sean Hannity and followed by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), who posted on social media that Trump had told him in a phone call he would back the Ohio Republican. Trump's endorsement of Jordan could help sort out what seems likely to be a tumultuous race for the speakership after the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy earlier this week. Jordan is a close Trump ally and one of the leading GOP lawmakers investigating President Joe Biden. He would be one of, if not the, most conservative members to hold the speakers gavel in recent memory should he be elected. Both Jordan and Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise have begun accumulating support for the speaker role. Jordan has endorsed Trumps presidential campaign. Scalise, who has served as majority leader under McCarthy, has not. Jordan, the hardline cofounder of the conservative Freedom Caucus, said on Fox News on Thursday night he is confident he can bring together the fractured Republican conference. Earlier in the day, the Ohio Republican held a call with moderate members of the Main Street Caucus where he addressed concerns about changing the motion to vacate which was used by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to oust McCarthy and his ability to fundraise for the party. Jordan has clashed with GOP leadership in the past, including former Republican speaker John Boehner, who called him a political terrorist. But Jordan, who is chair of the House Judiciary Committee, positioned himself as a staunch defender of Trump, especially during his two impeachment trials. As president, Trump awarded Jordan the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was also an ally to McCarthy during his speakership and defended him on the House floor ahead of the vote to oust him. News of Jordans endorsement came as Trump had earlier teased a visit to Capitol Hill next week and even signaled his interest in serving as an interim speaker of the House on Thursday. Trump told Fox News on Thursday that he would consider being a temporary speaker if needed. "If they dont get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president, Trump said. "They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion Im not doing it because I want to I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision. Before news of Jordans endorsement, two people familiar with Trumps thinking said he was 50-50 on actually making the trek to the nations capital to appear at a House GOP meeting. If Trump were to appear, those familiar with his thinking said, it would be to rally the troops and show leadership over a party that is still stinging from the ouster of McCarthy by a small fraction of the GOP. Trump, they said, would encourage the Republican lawmakers to choose their next speaker fast and avoid another protracted and dramatic battle in the House. They said he was flattered but never serious about entertaining calls to run for Speaker and told reporters earlier this week he remained focused on 2024. Several House GOP allies of the former president, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Nehls, had publicly floated Trump for Speaker. Greene on Thursday evening posted on X that Trump CONFIRMED HE WILL TAKE THE JOB and even created a website to fundraise off the idea. At least one other Republican, congressional candidate Bo Hines of North Carolina, has sought to raise campaign funds off of the idea of Trump as speaker too. Trump largely avoided weighing in on efforts to oust McCarthy this week as he was at the Manhattan courthouse for a civil fraud trial, with the exception of a Truth Social post that questioned why Republicans are always fighting among themselves, why arent they fighting the Radical Left Democrats who are destroying our country? Former US president Donald Trump has endorsed hard-right Republican Jim Jordan for the job of speaker of the House of Representatives (SAUL LOEB) Former US president Donald Trump on Friday endorsed hard-right Republican Jim Jordan for the job of speaker of the House of Representatives. Trump took to his Truth Social platform to say Jordan "will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!" Hours earlier he had offered to temporarily take up the role, which was left vacant this week after Republican Kevin McCarthy was axed in a historic rebellion by far-right members of his own party. Jordan, 59, is among a list of contenders to replace McCarthy, and has been notably skeptical of US funding to Ukraine. Jordan has also been spearheading an impeachment investigation against President Joe Biden that has irritated mainstream colleagues. Earlier Trump had told Fox News that he had "been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress". "If they don't get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president." But former Republican congresswoman Barbara Comstock told CNN that Trump would not be eligible for the role because he has been charged with criminal offenses. "Unfortunately he doesn't know the House rules, which say if you're indicted you cannot be in House leadership," Comstock said. Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is slated to go on trial in Washington next March for allegedly conspiring to subvert the results of the November 2020 election won by Democrat Biden. Other criminal cases against Trump include racketeering charges in Georgia for allegedly conspiring to upend the election results in the southern state and a trial in Florida in May 2024 on charges of mishandling top secret government documents. Trump and his two eldest sons are also currently facing a civil fraud trial in New York for inflating the value of their real estate assets to receive more favorable bank loans and insurance terms. bur-sn/mca (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump endorsed Representative Jim Jordan as the next speaker of the US House of Representatives, giving the nine-term congressman from Ohio the former presidents coveted stamp of approval going into next weeks leadership elections. Most Read from Bloomberg Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohios 4th Congressional District, Trump said on his social media platform Thursday night. He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement! Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has considered meeting with House Republicans as they prepare for the speaker election. His backing is likely to shore up support among conservative House members, giving the 59-year-old Ohioan the clearest shot at the post second in line to the presidency. Read more: Trump Said to Consider Meeting With Republicans on Speaker Vote A Jordan speakership would have far-reaching implications for the chambers legislative work as well as the presidential race. Jordan, now chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is a key Trump ally, loyally defending the former president during Democratic investigations into Trump before leading Republican investigations into the Biden administration. As president, Trump awarded Jordan the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a closed-door ceremony just before leaving office in 2021. Jordan opposed the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy this week, but announced his candidacy for speaker. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise , who was McCarthys No. 2, is the only other other Republican who has formally announced his candidacy. Both candidates are to the right of McCarthy, but Jordan is viewed as the more conservative of the two. He voted against the stopgap spending bill last week that kept the government from shutting down while Scalise voted for it. Jordans election as speaker would portend a difficult road ahead for Ukraine aid and a spending package to avoid the next government shutdown deadline in November. It would ensure aggressive investigations into President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, going into the 2024 presidential election. Speaking on Fox News Thursday, Jordan said any other stopgap spending bill would have to include an across-the-board 1% cut to spending, as required by the debt limit increase Congress passed in May. Theres nothing like a cut to spending that focuses politicians attention. So we need that threat hanging there to be leverage to get Republican priorities on crime and border security passed, he said. Jordan said the House should take pains to avoid the messy fight that elected McCarthy on the 15th ballot at the beginning of the Congress, and that the nomination shouldnt go to the House floor until a candidate is assured of victory. We shouldnt have to go through what we did back in January, he said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. People cross the Rio Grande from Mexico to turn themselves in to U.S. officials at a border crossing at Eagle Pass, Texas, on Sept. 23, 2023. (Veronica G. Cardenas/The New York Times) Former President Donald Trump said immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally were poisoning the blood of our country in a recent interview, language with echoes of white supremacy and the racial hatreds of Adolf Hitler. Trump made the remark in a 37-minute video interview with The National Pulse, a right-leaning website, that was posted last week. It drew broader scrutiny Wednesday after liberal MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan surfaced the quote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Other commentators went on to point out that Trumps attack invoked a theme of Hitlers autobiographical manifesto Mein Kampf, in which the Nazi Party leader railed about what he claimed was the impurity of immigrants, Jews and interracial couples. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times In the interview, Trump was asked about immigration and the Southern border. He replied: Nobody has any idea where these people are coming from, and we know they come from prisons. We know they come from mental institutions and insane asylums. We know theyre terrorists. Nobody has ever seen anything like were witnessing right now. It is a very sad thing for our country. Its poisoning the blood of our country. Its so bad, and people are coming in with disease. People are coming in with every possible thing that you could have. At campaign rallies, Trump has repeated that leaders of unspecified South American countries were releasing patients from mental hospitals to send as migrants to the United States, but fact checkers have found no evidence for the claim. Jonathan Greenblatt , the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, called Trumps comments racist and xenophobic. Insinuating that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country echoes nativist talking points and has the potential to cause real danger and violence, Greenblatt said in a statement. We have seen this kind of toxic rhetoric inspire real-world violence before in places like Pittsburgh and El Paso. It should have no place in our politics, period. A spokesperson for Trump, Steven Cheung, called the former presidents comment a normal phrase that is used in everyday life. He added, For anyone to think that is racist or xenophobic is living in an alternate reality consumed with nonsensical outrage. In Mein Kampf, as noted by the website MeidasTouch.com and amplified by others, there are several passages in which Hitler used the words poison and blood in attacking people he deemed a threat to the purity of the Aryan race. In a chapter titled Race and People, Hitler wrote, All the great civilizations of the past became decadent because the originally creative race died out, as a result of contamination of the blood. And in another passage, he links the poison which has invaded the national body to an influx of foreign blood. Trump has long had a Hitler fascination, according to biographers, news articles and books about his presidency. His bedside table once held a copy of Hitler speeches called My New Order, a gift from a friend, which Ivana Trump , his first wife, said she had seen him occasionally leafing through. During a trip to France in 2018, Trump told his chief of staff John Kelly, Well, Hitler did a lot of good things, according to journalist Michael Bender, now a New York Times reporter, in a 2021 book on the Trump presidency. Trump denied making the remark. According to another book on the Trump presidency, by Peter Baker, another Times reporter, and Susan Glasser, Trump also complained to Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, that American generals didnt treat him as loyally as Hitlers generals had. Why cant you be like the German generals of the Third Reich, he demanded, the authors wrote. This week, while confirming earlier accounts of Trumps disparaging of Americas wounded veterans and war dead, Kelly called Trump a person who admires autocrats and murderous dictators. c.2023 The New York Times Company Michael Cohen, former attorney for former U.S. President Donald Trump, arrives to the New York Courthouse in New York By Kanishka Singh and Karen Freifeld WASHINGTON/ NEW YORK (Reuters) -Former U.S. President Donald Trump filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss his $500 million lawsuit against his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, a court filing showed on Thursday. Trump had sued Cohen in April seeking at least $500 million in damages from his onetime loyal "fixer" after Cohen testified before a Manhattan grand jury that indicted Trump. "Plaintiff, President Donald J. Trump, by and through undersigned counsel, hereby gives notice that .... he is voluntarily dismissing this action without prejudice," Trump's legal team said in a court filing made in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Trump was scheduled to be deposed by Cohen on Monday. Cohen's legal team welcomed Trump's filing to dismiss the lawsuit. Cohen had asked the court in May to throw out the lawsuit against him, calling it an "abusive act of pure retaliation and witness intimidation." Cohen reiterated on Thursday the lawsuit was "nothing more than a retaliatory intimidation tactic." Trump sued Cohen on April 12, eight days after pleading not guilty to 34 criminal charges from the Manhattan district attorney's office over a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election that Trump won. That marked the first of Trump's four indictments. His other three indictments are related to his attempts to overturn Democratic President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory and his handling of classified documents after he left the White House. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all the cases. A Trump spokesperson said the former president was temporarily pausing his legal fight with Cohen due to his other legal cases and that he would resume his claims later. Trump is the frontrunner in the race for the Republican presidential nomination for the 2024 elections. Cohen served part of a three-year prison term after pleading guilty in 2018 to campaign finance violations and tax evasion. His 2020 book "Disloyal: A Memoir" was a New York Times' best-seller. Trump's lawsuit accused Cohen of violating rules governing lawyers' conduct by revealing his "confidences" and "spreading falsehoods" in books, podcasts and media appearances. It also said that Cohen had damaged Trump's reputation. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Sandra Maler and Michael Perry) Donald Trump's attorneys asked a New York appeals court to halt his civil fraud trial while they battle a court ruling that last week ordered the dissolution of some of the former president's real estate empire's key holdings, including Trump Tower. According to the Associated Press, Trump's attorneys made the request of the state's intermediate appellate court to prevent the ruling on his businesses from being enforced. New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron "clearly does not comprehend the scope of the chaos (his) decision has wrought," lawyers for the former president wrote in the 41-page appellate brief. Shuttering Trump's businesses "will unquestionably inflict severe and irreparable harm" on not only Trump and the other defendants in the suit, but also the employees and others "who depend on the affected entities for their livelihoods," they added. Last week, the appellate court rejected the defense's last-ditch attempt to delay the trial before it began Monday. On Thursday, Trump's legal team also dropped the lawsuit they filed against Engoron as part of that effort. The appellate court has yet to rule on the latest appeal. The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the suit against Trump and the other defendants, said it was willing to discuss delaying enforcement until after the trial concludes and a decision on the six remaining matters in the suit arrives, but only if the trial proceeds as scheduled, senior assistant Solicitor General Dennis Fan wrote in a letter to the appellate court. "The defendants can continue to try to delay and stall, but the evidence is clear, and our case is strong. We are confident justice will prevail," James said. Former President Donald Trump wants a New York judge to dismiss the criminal case charging him with falsifying business records relating to hush money payments, arguing prosecutors waited too long to bring their case. After a five year meandering, halting and roving investigation that entailed inexplicable and unconstitutional delay, the District Attorneys office filed a discombobulated package of politically motivated charges marred by legal defects, Trumps attorneys contended in a 57-page court filing Thursday. The filing argues that Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg "charged President Trump more than six years after public reporting regarding the facts at issue, and almost five years after commencing a grand jury investigation and accessing substantially all of the relevant evidence." "The delay has prejudiced President Trump, interfered with his ongoing presidential campaign, and violated his due process rights," contends the filing by Trump attorneys Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles, and the charges should therefore be dismissed. A spokesperson for the DA's office said it will respond in court papers. Trump was indicted this year on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors said Trump repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election. That information was hush money paid to two women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump. He has denied the affairs and any wrongdoing. Michael Cohen, then Trumps lawyer, paid one of the women, the adult film star Stormy Daniels, $130,000 in the closing days of the campaign. He has said he made the payment at Trumps direction, and Trump had acknowledged repaying Cohen through payments that were labeled as legal expenses. The DA's office contends that was misleading and criminal. In their filing, Trump's lawyers contended it was accurate. "President Trump cannot be said to have falsified business records of the Trump Organization by paying his personal attorney using his personal bank accounts," the filing said. They argued the judge presiding over the case, Juan Merchan, "should dismiss the indictment or, in the alternative, conduct a hearing to determine the reason for the delay" in bringing the charges. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case, which is scheduled for trial in March. Trump and his company are on trial in a $250 million civil fraud case brought by the state attorney general's office. In that case Thursday, Trump's attorneys said they intend to ask an appeals court for a stay while they challenge Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling finding Trump and his company committed repeated acts of fraud. Also Thursday, Trump's attorneys filed a motion in the federal election interference criminal case against him in Washington, D.C., arguing he should be shielded from prosecution because of presidential immunity. In a court filing Wednesday night, Trump's attorneys also filed a motion in the federal criminal case accusing him of mishandling national secrets, arguing the trial in that case should be postponed until after the 2024 presidential election. They contended that prosecutors were clinging to an "unprecedented and now untenable trial date" in May. Trump has pleaded not guilty in both federal cases and denied wrongdoing in the AG's civil case. He maintains all the cases are politically motivated and part of a Democratic "witch hunt" against him. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Former President Donald Trump has named two new gatekeepers for his presidential records defense lawyers Todd Blanche and Evan Corcoran while rescinding access to a long list of former advisers, including his onetime chief of staff Mark Meadows. The former president revealed the change in a previously unreported Sept. 19 letter to the National Archives. With this letter, I designate Todd Blanche, Esq. and M. Evan Corcoran, Esq. as my representatives in all respects that pertain to access to the records of my Presidency, Trump wrote. This letter supersedes all prior correspondence on this topic in that the representatives named herein are not in addition to, but replace, any prior designee. All former presidents designate representatives to work with the Archives on how their presidential papers are handled a process that typically includes setting up a presidential library or facilitating access for researchers. In Trumps case, that relationship extends to the management of records that are now at the heart of the criminal charges related to his handling of classified information in the months after he left office. The shift in Trumps designees to the Archives comes as Trump is expected to face a federal jury next year in South Florida on those charges. Prosecutors have accused him of hoarding classified information at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office. Trump has signaled he plans to assert that the documents were official presidential records that he was allowed to possess, and Blanche is helming his defense in the matter. Corcoran may ultimately wind up a key witness against his client. Prosecutors obtained notes and recordings he kept memorializing his conversations with Trump that featured prominently in the indictment brought against him in June by special counsel Jack Smith. Corcoran lost a court fight in Washington, D.C. to protect the notes and recordings as attorney-client privileged. Trump may renew that argument in Florida, where hes currently trying to delay the May 20, 2024 trial to the end of next year. Prior to Trumps Sept. 19 letter, he had authorized nine people to serve as his official representatives to the National Archives, which houses the records of former presidential administrations. They included seven aides who were with Trump in the closing days of his administration: Meadows, White House lawyers Pat Cipollone, Pat Philbin, Michael Purpura, John Eisenberg and Scott Gast, as well as Justice Department official Steven Engel. In June 2022, Trump expanded the list to include journalist John Solomon and former Pentagon aide Kash Patel. But with his new letter, he has revoked those designations. The question of Trumps representatives to the National Archives became a central issue in a newly revealed court battle between the special counsel and X, formerly known as Twitter. Smiths team obtained a search warrant for Trumps long-dormant X account to learn about his movements and contacts in the weeks leading up to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. The prosecutors also obtained a court order prohibiting X from informing Trump about the existence of the warrant. X initially insisted that it should be permitted to inform Trump about the warrant and see if he wanted to assert executive privilege. But a federal judge sharply rejected the companys position and ordered it to comply with the warrant, which X eventually did without informing Trump. In its legal filings, X contended that as a compromise, one of Trumps designated National Archives representatives should be informed of the warrant to determine whether Trump might want to assert privilege. But the court and prosecutors agreed the companys proposal was unworkable and would likely result in disclosure of the warrant to Trump. Just hours after Kevin McCarthy was deposed as House speaker, the "draft Trump " movement began. I called him and I said, Sir, I'm nominating you for the speaker of the House, said Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), describing a Tuesday call to former President Donald Trump. I said, I think that you would do a great job fixing the brokenness we see in the Congress.' So began a wild 48-hour scramble that saw Trump openly pondering a quixotic bid to become the first nonmember to be elected speaker before his political advisers and House allies managed to convince him it was a terrible idea. The Trump-for-speaker bubble officially popped early Friday morning, when he took sides in the brewing battle between Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.). "Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!" It was not preordained that Trump would bless Jordan, his longtime ally and most loyal defender in Congress. Nehls and a handful of the ex-president's loyalists in the House, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), immediately went to work trying to turn "Speaker Trump" from fever dream into reality. Nehls said he even researched the question of whether Trumps criminal indictments would be a problem and assured the former president that a potentially disqualifying internal House GOP rule could be easily smoothed over. Trump, who was busy at his civil fraud trial in Manhattan this week, was noncommittal. But as the idea took off among the MAGA base, Trump began to see the idea as a fortuitous distraction from the constant barrage of headlines about his legal woes, according to one Trump ally in Congress. The flirtations culminated in a Thursday afternoon interview with Fox News, where Trump not only confirmed his willingness to serve as speaker for a "short period" but said he would come to Washington next week to attend the House GOP's election. The story triggered panic among House Republicans. It wasnt that anyone seriously thought hed win the 218 votes to be elected. In fact, most who were familiar with the conference's internal dynamics believed he couldnt even get the conference nomination, requiring a simple majority of Republicans. Centrist Republicans running in Biden districts were dreading the prospect of being tied to Trump as speaker. And even traditional and conservative Republicans were not happy about the idea of reporters peppering them with questions about whether they think Trump should lead the House. Moreover, many Republicans believed that Trumps foray into the fight was going to only prolong the power vacuum ahead of another government shutdown fight. Thats when Trumps more senior allies stepped up, according to people familiar with the backroom maneuvering who spoke on the condition of anonymity. They argued to Trump that his pursuit of the speaker's gavel would backfire. Not only would he lose to Scalise or Jordan, they told him but that he could receive just a handful of votes since the nomination process is done by secret ballot meaning Republicans were free to vote their conscience without MAGA blowback. In fact, they warned, Trump might not even be admitted to the closed-door election, which are typically held in executive session where outsiders and even most staff are kicked out of the room. They also told his inner circle that the tallies are publicly released, meaning Trump could be embarrassed by a poor showing. They encouraged him to play kingmaker in the race and focus on the 2024 president race instead. Trump took the advice and began a carefully choreographed backtrack. The pivot was first publicly teased last night by Sean Hannity, moments before interviewing Jordan on Fox News, and Trump made it official a few hours later on Truth Social. Nehls said tried to talk Trump into it one more time last night: I said, You know, you made America great again. You can come in and make Congress great again.' He still thinks Trump could end up as speaker if theres a deadlock. Like this content? Sign up for POLITICO's Playbook newsletter. Former President Donald Trump is surrounded by court officers and secret service agents as he leave the courtroom during a lunch break in his civil business fraud trial, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) NEW YORK (AP) Donald Trump has dropped his $500 million lawsuit against Michael Cohen, his former lawyer and fixer who is now a key witness in a criminal case against him, Cohen and a Trump spokesperson said Thursday night. But the former president did not waive his right to sue again. Trump had accused Cohen of spreading falsehoods with malicious intent" and causing vast reputational harm for talking publicly about hush-money payments made to women during Trump's 2016 campaign that are at the heart of criminal charges he faces in New York. Trump has also accused Cohen of breaking a confidentiality agreement that he signed as a condition of his employment. The former president and GOP front-runner's decision comes days before he was set to give a deposition in the suit brought in April in Florida. That testimony was originally set for Oct. 3, but Trump rescheduled so he could attend the first three days of a separate New York civil fraud trial. Cohen is likely to testify in that trial next week. A Trump spokesperson said Trump had decided to temporarily pause" the suit against Cohen as he mounts another campaign for the White House and fights criminal charges in four separate jurisdictions, but said he would refile at a later date. Given that President Trump is required to sit for deposition in a civil matter on Columbus Day, when he is scheduled to be in the Great State of New Hampshire, and while the President is fighting against the meritless claims that have been lodged against him in New York, Washington D.C., Florida, and Georgia, as well as continuing his winning campaign ... President Trump has decided to temporarily pause his meritorious claims against Michael Cohen," the spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson added that once Trump has prevailed in dealing with the witch hunts against him, he will continue to pursue his claims against Michael Cohen, who rightfully deserves to, and will be held accountable for his unlawful words and actions just as the Southern District of New York held him accountable for numerous non-Trump related acts and crimes, making Cohen a very proud felon. Cohen, meanwhile, celebrated the decision, calling the suit nothing more than a retaliatory intimidation tactic. "Mr. Trumps cowardly dismissal spells the end of this latest attempt to deter me from providing truthful testimony against him, Cohen said in a statement. My legal team and I now look forward to turning our full attention to holding Mr. Trump accountable for his latest abuse of the legal system. More to come. The lawsuit, filed in Miami, had offered a preview of arguments that are sure to be featured in Trumps defense against charges that he falsified internal business records to disguise payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of extramarital sexual encounters. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. On Wednesday, George Tyndall, 76, the former University of Southern California campus gynecologist facing sexual abuse charges from hundreds of women in 2019, was found dead at his home in Los Angeles. A close friend of Tyndall witnessed his lifeless body on Tyndall's bed when he did not answer his phone several times. He was found dead before his stand trial of 55 sexual charges. George Tyndall's Sexual Charges Tyndall's criminal charges started with a rape case in 2016, as a nurse at a rape crisis center reported. He was suspended from the University with considerable payment the following year. According to the Los Angeles Times, there were complaints in the 1990s. In 2019, he was charged with 35 felonies and was settled with 27 cases. The misconduct includes eighteen sexual penetration of an unconscious person and nine inappropriate touching by fraud. The victims are his former patients at the University's health center. The victims reported his wrongdoings to the police, but some were junked due to lack of evidence and fell outside the 10-year statute of limitations. His victims are women aged 17 to 29, prosecutors said. Read Also: Simone Biles: Wonder Athlete Wins 20th World Championship, Helps US Women Win 7th Consecutive Team Title Tyndall Arrested After Consecutive Years of Being Not Guilty Tyndall was arrested and was seen leaving his apartment on a Wednesday morning, and the police confiscated a .38-caliber revolver with a 2-inch barrel, police Chief Michel Moore told CNN. "The investigation continues, and more charges are possible," District Attorney Jackie Lacey said. Tyndall tried to get away by telling the police he needed to be hospitalized due to his chest pains. Attorney Leonard Levine said, "He remains confident that he will be exonerated." He insists he was falsely accused, and the inappropriate touching allegations were professional as a doctor. Tyndall's pending case made the USC approve the $852m settlement with the victims in 2021. Later on, USC also agreed to pay $215 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit for his 18,000 women patients. "We hope this arrest will be a healing step for former patients and our entire university," Interim President Wanda M. Austin said. With a ton of felony and sexual charges, Tyndall handed over his license in September 2019. Tyndall's death ended his stand trial, and there was no evidence of suicide or murder. According to CNN, the federal court approved a preliminary amount of $215 million for a victims' fund, and 17,00 women could receive the settlement. Tyndall's case caused great suffering and loss to USC. After the case, USC is now required to safeguard their students by tightening their background checks and suggesting they see a female doctor. Related Article: Nicholas Rossi To Be Extradited to US From Scotland; Rape Suspect Accused of Faking Own Death, Claims to be Irish Orphan @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Former US president Donald Trump allegedly shared classified information about US nuclear submarines with an Australian businessman, US media reported (ANGELA WEISS) Former president Donald Trump on Friday denied reports in US media that he had shared US nuclear submarine secrets with an Australian businessman in a meeting at his Florida mansion shortly after leaving office. The New York Times, citing unnamed sources, identified the entrepreneur as billionaire Anthony Pratt, who heads one of the world's largest packaging companies. ABC News, which first revealed the story, said Pratt later shared sensitive details about the US submarines with "scores of others, including more than a dozen foreign officials, several of his own employees, and a handful of journalists." Sources told the Times that Trump's disclosures "potentially endangered the US nuclear fleet." But Trump dismissed the reports as "false and ridiculous" in a post on his social media platform Truth Social and claimed baselessly that they had been invented by prosecutors trying to damage his chances of returning to the White House. Federal prosecutors already investigating Trump for holding classified material at Mar-a-Lago after he left office, interviewed Pratt twice about the incident, the reports said. Pratt may now be called by prosecutors to testify against Trump in his classified documents trial, which is due to start next May in Florida. Pratt met Trump at his Palm Beach club in April 2021, and told the ex-president he thought Australia should start buying its submarines from the United States, ABC reported. In response, Trump allegedly told the businessman the exact number of nuclear warheads US submarines routinely carry, and precisely how close they can get to Russian submarines without being detected, the news outlet said. Aside from the classified documents case, Trump faces three other indictments: one federal and one in Georgia over his efforts to overturn his election loss and stay in power, and one in New York stemming from alleged election-eve hush money payments in 2016 to a porn star. Trump is currently on trial in a civil case in New York on charges of drastically and fraudulently inflating the value of his assets so as to get better terms from banks and insurance companies. bur-ft/bfm Former President Trump filed to voluntarily dismiss his lawsuit against Michael Cohen on Thursday evening, court documents show. The sudden twist comes just days before Trump was set to sit for a deposition in the case. Trump sued Cohen, his longtime attorney and fixer, in April for $500 million over accusations that Cohen maliciously worked to acquire attention and wealth at Trumps expense, in particular taking aim at his book, podcast and many media appearances. Trump didnt want no smoke, Benjamin Brodsky, Cohens attorney, told The Hill. The lawsuit was filed just days after Trump was indicted in New York on 34 criminal counts over reimbursements he made to Cohen for a 2016 hush money payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels. Trump pleaded not guilty. Cohen is expected to be a key witness in the prosecutors case, which is set to go to trial in late March. Trump this week filed a motion to dismiss the charges; he also faces three other criminal indictments. Trump in the lawsuit claimed Cohen breached his contract, among other claims, alleging he has regularly revealed information that was deemed confidential by the nature of their attorney-client relationship, with Trump further claiming that significant portions of Cohens claims were false. Cohen has turned against his former boss, regularly attacking him on the airwaves and social media. Though the lawsuit did not mention Trumps New York indictment directly, the claims include Cohens statements about the hush payment arrangement at the center of that case. Cohen is also a potential witness in Trumps ongoing New York civil fraud trial. Trump was scheduled to sit for a deposition in his lawsuit against Cohen on Monday. It was originally slated for this week but was delayed so Trump could travel to Manhattan for the fraud trial. Cohen in July had settled for an undisclosed amount in his lawsuit with the Trump Organization over accusations that they owed Cohen $1.3 million in legal fees. In a statement to The Hill, a Trump spokesperson said the pause is temporary and is a result of the former presidents busy schedule. Given that President Trump is required to sit for deposition in a civil matter on Columbus Day, when he is scheduled to be in the Great State of New Hampshire, and while the President is fighting against the meritless claims that have been lodged against him in New York, Washington D.C., Florida, and Georgia, as well as continuing his winning campaign, where he is leading the Republicans by 60 points and Crooked Joe Biden by 11 points, to serve as our next President of the United States, President Trump has decided to temporarily pause his meritorious claims against Michael Cohen. The statement continued, Once President Trump has prevailed in dealing with the witch hunts against him, he will continue to pursue his claims against Michael Cohen, who rightfully deserves to, and will be held accountable for his unlawful words and actions just as the Southern District of New York held him accountable for numerous non-Trump related acts and crimes, making Cohen a very proud felon. Updated at 9:58 p.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TSMC is stalling an agreement that would make its Phoenix plant safer and more efficient, an Arizona union says TSMC and a group of unions are in talks to address Arizona workers' safety and training concerns. A spokesperson for the coalition said negotiations had made little progress. The Arizona factory is central to the US's semiconductor-manufacturing push. The monthslong feud between the world's leading chipmaker and the union workers building its Arizona factory isn't over. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents 14 unions and roughly one-quarter of the 12,000 workers on the TSMC site, have been in talks for about six weeks to address some of workers' safety, management, and training concerns . Brandi Devlin, a spokesperson for the union coalition, told Insider that there hadn't been much progress in these negotiations and that TSMC had provided "no formal response to the agreement presented" by the council. "We've had discussions with TSMC , and we've provided what we feel is a good framework for an agreement," she said. "We are currently disappointed that we're not any closer to an agreement today than we were weeks ago when we started having these discussions." The two sides have been discussing the terms of an agreement that would provide a blueprint for how to handle a variety of issues that may arise during the construction process involving recruitment, pay, benefits, and working conditions. The unions are specifically seeking a project-labor agreement, a legally binding collective bargaining agreement that is unique to the construction industry. PLAs aren't standard business practice in Arizona, Devlin said, but there's recent precedent in the US the chipmaker Micron entered into one with New York unions. "We want to make sure that everybody on the job site, whether they're union or nonunion, is working in safe, healthy working conditions, that training is adequate, and that any type of issues that come up, that there's a mechanism for addressing those issues," Devlin said. When reached for comment, TSMC said that it kept an "open channel of communication with all our construction partners, and that includes the unions." The company did not comment on the status of its conversations with the unions. The TSMC construction site in Phoenix. Jacob Zinkula The US is racing to build advanced chips domestically These discussions mark the latest development in the US's race to build more semiconductor chips , which are used to power devices as varied as smartphones, televisions, and military equipment. In summer 2022, President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS Act into law, which included over $52 billion in semiconductor subsidies to boost chip manufacturing in the US and create American jobs. While the US is looking to boost manufacturing across the entire semiconductor industry, TSMC's investment is especially important for economic and national security reasons. Taiwan's TSMC controls as much as 90% of the production of the most advanced chips. In the event China which claims the territory as its own invades the island and chip production screeches to a halt, America doesn't want to be completely vulnerable. Last year, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the US would face a "deep and immediate recession" if it lost access to Taiwanese chips. This is why TSMC's decision to build two chip factories in Arizona has been viewed by experts as a major development. And that's why any hiccups that push back the factories' construction and perhaps jeopardize TSMC's long-term investment in the US could be concerning. While Devlin said the discussions had not disrupted work on the site, two workers told Insider that resolving the unions' safety concerns would help get construction back on track. They said safety issues on the site had contributed to low-quality work that required repairs and therefore hindered progress. "It slows everything down," said an engineer who has worked on the site for over a year. "The single biggest issue where I see no resolution is the safety issue." The engineer's identity is known to Insider but has been kept anonymous due to their fear of professional repercussions. TSMC has defended its commitment to safety and said that its safety-incident rate was nearly 80% lower than nationally reported figures. When previously asked about workers' accusations of safety violations, a TSMC spokesperson said: "TSMC is deeply committed to workplace safety in the operation of all our facilities, along with each of our active construction projects, including TSMC Arizona." TSMC construction site in Phoenix Jacob Zinkula Construction in Phoenix hasn't gone according to plan Tensions between TSMC and Arizona workers heightened in July, when the company cited an "insufficient number of skilled workers" as a reason the factory's opening date would be pushed back by a year to 2025. TSMC said it planned to get construction back on track by sending experienced technicians from Taiwan to train US workers, a development that surprised union officials and raised concerns. "TSMC was not providing any details on the number of workers, the timetable of when they would be coming over, the type of training that they would be offering," Devlin said, adding, "There also were concerns whether these workers were going to be displacing the construction workers." This development, in addition to safety concerns raised by some workers on the site, led an Arizona pipe trades union to start a petition that urged US lawmakers to deny the visas of the incoming Taiwanese workers. In a late-July op-ed , the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council's president, Aaron Butler, said that TSMC should not blame US workers for its construction delays and accused the company of using this as an excuse to bring in cheaper labor from abroad. Tensions may have cooled a bit in recent months. TSMC has maintained that it has no plans to replace any US workers and that any Taiwanese workers who come to Arizona would only be there for a limited timeframe. The local pipe trades union has taken down its petition, and in August, TSMC and the state of Arizona signed a workplace-safety agreement that would subject the company to higher safety standards. Last week, the national pipe trades union, a member of the union coalition, said it was confident the discussions would eventually lead to a "win-win-win" outcome for labor, contractors, and TSMC. But if progress on the discussions stalls for much longer and workers' concerns persist any better vibes might not last. If the two sides ever come to an agreement, the unions are hoping the federal government will help them enforce it. TSMC is seeking billions of dollars of US subsidies from the Department of Commerce via the CHIPS Act, but receiving funding could come with greater scrutiny. "We're kind of looking to the Commerce Department to say, 'If you're going to be giving companies like TSMC funds that are going to help build this project, there should be some type of guidelines in place," Devlin said. "In that ideal world, this labor agreement would be part of those guidelines." Read the original article on Business Insider Smoke billows from the Babasi oil facility in Syria's Kurdish-controlled northeastern Hasakeh province following a Turkish strike (Delil souleiman) Turkey resumed strikes against Kurdish-held northeast Syria on Friday, targeting energy infrastructure as the death toll climbed to 15 over two days, officials in the Kurds' semi-autonomous administration said. Since Thursday, Turkey has carried out drone strikes against military sites and civilian facilities in the area following a weekend bombing in Ankara. The toll in northeast Syria has risen to 15 dead including eight civilians, a statement from the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said. SDF spokesman Farhad Shami said that "since Thursday morning, we have counted more than 50 air strikes", adding that Friday's raids also targeted a gas plant near the Turkish border. Akram Sulaiman, a local energy official, called the plant a "strategic facility" involved in feeding power to factories and hospitals in the area. He said strikes Thursday also caused malfunctions at a power station serving neighbourhoods in Hasakeh city and its surroundings, and at another powering half the city of Qamishli further north. Strikes also caused an outage at a station powering the nearby border city of Amuda, he added. On Thursday, Turkish drones also targeted oil facilities and three Kurdish security forces sites, according to the Kurdish authorities. Thick black smoke billowed from two oil sites targeted overnight, AFP correspondents said on Friday. The bombardment comes after an attack in Ankara on Sunday wounded two security officers and was claimed by a branch of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Ankara and its Western allies view as a terrorist organisation. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had warned of reprisals against Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria, saying the assailants "came from Syria and were trained there". The US-backed SDF, which spearheaded the fight in Syria against IS, denied the Ankara assailants had passed through the area. Turkey views the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) that dominate the SDF as an offshoot of PKK. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said US F-16 warplanes over Syria shot down a Turkish drone on Thursday, deeming it "a potential threat" after it approached "less than a half kilometre from US forces" near Hasakeh. Since 2016, Turkey has carried out successive ground operations to expel Kurdish forces from border areas of northern Syria, and has made threats of a new incursion. rh/srk/lg/it Turkish airstrikes killed at least 11 people in multiple Kurdish-controlled locations in northeastern Syria, the Kurdish Internal Security Force said Thursday, the latest response from Ankaras forces following a bomb attack in Turkeys capital claimed by Kurdish militants. In a post on its official website, the Kurdish Internal Security Force, known as Asayish, said the locations targeted by Turkey included the vicinity of a camp for displaced people and several villages. Eleven people were martyred, including five civilians and six members of the Internal Security Forces, Asayish said. Eight civilians and two members of the Kurdish security forces were wounded, it added. In a statement Friday, Turkeys Defense Ministry said it destroyed 30 targets and neutralized multiple Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants during the operation in northern Syria, citing its self-defense rights from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter to justify the strikes. The strikes come after a bombing in Ankara over the weekend claimed by the PKK, which has waged a nearly four-decade long insurgency and is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. At least one civilian was killed in the attack Sunday when militants hijacked a car, and two police officers were injured in the bombing outside Turkeys Interior Ministry building. Later Sunday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said its warplanes had destroyed 20 PKK targets in northern Iraq in response to the attack. According to Ankara, the PKK trains separatist fighters and launches attacks against Turkey from its bases in northern Iraq and Syria, where a PKK-affiliated Kurdish group controls large swaths of territory. In the investigation following the latest incident, it was determined by security forces and intelligence that the terrorists came from Syria and were trained there, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference on Wednesday. Fidan warned that all facilities belonging to the PKK and related Peoples Protection Units (YPG) groups in Iraq and Syria would be legitimate targets of the Turkish Armed Forces. The response of our armed forces to the terror attack will be very clear and they will once again regret having carried out this attack, Fidan said. Kurds, who do not have an official homeland or country, are the biggest minority in Turkey, making up between 15% and 20% of the population, according to Minority Rights Group International. Portions of Kurdistan a non-governmental region and one of the largest stateless nations in the world are recognized by Iran, where the province of Kordestan lies; and Iraq, site of the northern autonomous region known as Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) or Iraqi Kurdistan. In recent years, Turkey has carried out a steady stream of operations against the PKK domestically as well as cross-border operations into Syria. In November 2022, Ankara blamed the PKK for a bomb attack in Istanbul that killed six and injured dozens. Terror attacks in Turkey were tragically common in the mid to late 2010s, when the insecurity from war-torn Syria crept north above the two countries shared border. CNNs Hande Atay Alam contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Turkish cargo ship suffered minor damage from a mine 20 kilometers from the Romanian port of Sulina on the Black Sea, British maritime security company Ambrey reported on Oct. 5. The crew was unharmed and the damage was slight enough that the ship could resume its voyage. An unnamed Ukrainian source quoted by Reuters confirmed that the ship had struck a mine, commenting that it was "probably a World War II mine, or the landing mines that were left there last year." Russia unilaterally exited the Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 17, effectively ending the safe passage of cargo ships through the Black Sea. As a result, Ukraine opened a humanitarian corridor near the Romanian and Bulgarian coasts that would allow cargo ships to continue to transit through the Black Sea. The route is not without risk to those who use it. The Russian Defense Ministry has said that all vessels sailing to Ukrainian ports would be considered "potential carriers of military cargo" and, therefore, legitimate targets. On Oct. 4, British intelligence issued a report cautioning that Russia may use sea mines to target civilian cargo ships in the Black Sea, and then blame Ukraine after the fact. The State Border Guard of Ukraine warned that the Black Sea had become unsafe in the aftermath of Russia's destruction of the Nova Khakovka dam in June 2023. In addition to the garbage, debris, and dead animals resulting from the dam explosion, floating mines and ammunition also littered the water. Read also: This Week in Ukraine Ep. 17 Black Sea grain deal is dead. What can Ukraine do? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On Thursday, 6 October, a Turkish merchant ship triggered a naval mine in the Black Sea off the coast of Romania, but remained mostly unscathed. Source: Reuters citing sources, as reported by European Pravda Details: The incident occurred at 9:20 GMT (that is, 12:20 Kyiv time) at the mouth of the Danube, 11 nautical miles north of the city of Sulina, near the entrance to the Sulina branch. The information was provided by Ambrey, the British maritime safety company. After the explosion, the ship anchored to examine the consequences of the damage, and after about three hours continued to move. No team members were injured. Another source from the Ukrainian government confirmed to the agency that such an incident had occurred, indeed, and it could either be an old mine from the Second World War, or one of the new ones from the period of the Russian-Ukrainian war. According to a source from the Bosphorus Observer consultancy with knowledge of the situation, the crew was unharmed on board the vessel, the Kafkametler, despite minor damage to a ballast tank. The ship's operator has yet to respond to a request for comment. MarineTraffic data show that the Kafkametler anchored on the Danube near the Ukrainian terminal in Vylkove. 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! Three high-level staff members are resigning from their roles under Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, whose first term has been marked by significant turnover. Solicitor General Theo Wold and Chief of Staff Tim Frost are the latest to resign, according to an email obtained by the Idaho Statesman. Lincoln Davis Wilson, chief of Labradors Civil and Constitutional Defense Division, also is resigning, Wilson told the Statesman. Tim and Theo have been invaluable members of this office, and while we are saddened to see them go, we are grateful for their contributions during their time here and are excited for their future, Labrador wrote in the Thursday email. Labradors spokesperson did not respond to a request seeking comment on the resignations. Wold, once a Justice Department attorney under former President Donald Trump, served 10 months as Idahos solicitor general, a position that Labrador reinstated after the state went several decades without one. Wolds role was to litigate the states legal and political interests in federal court. Wold, whose last day in the attorney generals office is Friday, will train as a commissioned intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, according to Labradors email. Wolds grandfather survived Japans attack on Pearl Harbor and fought in the Pacific during World War II, Labrador wrote. His grandfathers lifelong example greatly influenced Theo in deciding to serve, he wrote. Deputy Solicitor General Josh Turner will serve as interim solicitor general, Labrador said in the email. Frost, Labradors chief of staff since May, previously served as deputy administrator for the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and as a regulatory adviser for CVS Health, according to his LinkedIn profile. Labrador said in the email that Frosts last day will be Oct. 14, but he did not specify why Frost is leaving. Labrador, however, announced a new chief of staff: Phil Skinner, a lead deputy attorney general assigned to the Idaho State Tax Commission. Wilson in recent months has represented the attorney generals office in high-profile legal battles, including over the states abortion ban, ballot language for an initiative to overhaul primary elections and Labradors investigation into the Idaho Department of Health and Welfares administration of federal child care grants. Wilson previously worked for highly respected and top-ranked private law firms, according to a February news release announcing his hiring. Wilson confirmed his resignation from the attorney generals office by text message but declined to comment further. The Statesman previously reported that in Labradors first five months in office, 33 employees 26 of them attorneys departed the attorney generals office, and more have left since. In fiscal year 2022, under former Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, 34 employees departed over 12 months. Earlier this year, former Chief Deputy Attorney General David Dewhirst left for a position with presidential candidate and Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Some lower-ranking attorneys have bitterly resigned, or been fired, from the office following disagreements about how Labrador has managed it. One former deputy attorney general last month sued the office. Her wrongful termination complaint said she was fired for speaking out about alleged legal and ethical breaches by Labrador and his aides. Courtroom sketch: Sam Bankman-Fried listens as Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Roos questions Gary Wang during Bankman-Fried's fraud trial over the collapse of FTX, the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, at Federal Court in New York City, U.S., A co-founder of FTX told a court that a tweet sent by Sam Bankman-Fried assuring that the cryptocurrency exchange was "fine" was false. Former executive Gary Wang said when Mr Bankman-Fried made the post he was aware that the firm faced an $8bn hole. It declared bankruptcy days later. Mr Wang was testifying in court in New York, where Mr Bankman-Fried is on trial for fraud. Mr Wang has already pleaded guilty. The 30-year-old, a friend from high school maths camp who became chief technology officer at FTX, took the stand for a second day on Friday, answering questions about spreadsheets, tweets and private chats as prosecutors probed the gap between the firm's public face and its inner workings. Mr Wang said Mr Bankman-Fried had repeatedly made public claims about the firm's financial health that were not based on reality. "FTX was not fine," Mr Wang said. "Assets were not fine, because FTX did not have enough assets for customer withdrawals." FTX collapsed into bankruptcy in November last year as a flood of customers tried to withdraw their money. Soon after, Mr Bankman-Fried was charged with fraud, money laundering, accused of stealing money from FTX customers, and lying to investors and lenders. He has denied the charges against him. The Department of Justice has alleged he funnelled the money of customers into property purchases, political donations, marketing and other spending through Alameda, a crypto trading firm Mr Bankman-Fried had founded a few years earlier. "We said publicly that we would not use customer funds like this," Mr Wang told the court. Before FTX's bankruptcy, Mr Wang said he and Mr Bankman-Fried discussed the steadily growing hole on the firm's balance sheet, created by massive withdrawals of customer funds by Alameda. As early as the end of 2019, Alameda was already withdrawing more than what FTX took in from fees charged to customer trading on its platform, he said. The court heard by June 2022, Mr Bankman-Fried had asked for a review of Alameda's debts to FTX, leaving top executives debating via spreadsheet how to calculate the true number. Mr Wang that month put that figure at roughly $11bn. Alameda's account had features - including a $65bn line of credit at FTX and the ability to run a negative balance - that made it unique, he said, despite public claims to the contrary. In one instance in 2019, a few months after starting FTX, Mr Bankman-Fried wrote on Twitter that his trading firm, Alameda, had an account on the exchange that was "just like everyone else's". That same day, Mr Wang said, Mr Bankman-Fried asked him to tweak the platform's code, allowing Alameda to withdraw unlimited funds. In another instance, the FTX boss posted about the amount held in a fund supposed to protect in the event of losses using what prosecutors called a "fake number". Christian Everdell, Mr Bankman-Fried's lawyer, had less than an hour to cross-examine Mr Wang before the court session ended for the day. He suggested that the unique features of Alameda's account were due to its role on the platform as a "market-maker" responsible for helping trading flow smoothly. The trial is expected to last six weeks. Mr Wang will continue to testify next week, followed by Caroline Ellison, Mr Bankman-Fried's former girlfriend and the former chief executive of Alameda, who has also pleaded guilty. Two women were arrested Thursday after they promised to give a Paso Robles woman good fortune by blessing her money, but then stole the cash instead, the Paso Robles Police Department said in a news release. At 10 a.m.. Thursday, police responded to reports of a scam, the agency said. The alleged victim told police that she approached by two women who told her they needed to help her spiritually. She trusted the two women and invited them into her home, police said. The suspects told the woman to gather all the cash she had so they could bless it, police said. The blessing would bring the woman good fortune, the suspects told her. Little did she realize, however, but the blessing actually involved the suspects replacing all the womans large bills with single dollars, police said, so it would appear all the money was still there. Once the woman realized her cash was gone, she called police, and the story has a happy ending. Thanks to the quick thinking by officers and the victim, police said, they were able to capitalize on the suspects greed. The woman asked the suspects to return so she could give them more money to bless, police said. The two suspects came back, only to find their fortune had turned, and they were promptly arrested. Police said all the womans money was located and returned the same day. It was unclear Thursday evening whether the Paso Robles Police Department is recommending charges for the two unnamed suspects. Police ask anyone with additional information to call 805-237-6464. People wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers 24-hour hotline at 805-549-STOP (7867) or text SLOTIPS plus your message to CRIMES (274637). The deadly seaplane crash on an island in Washington finally has an update, as confirmed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB officials investigated the floatplane crash, which happened back on September 4, 2022; killing 10 passengers. Now, the transportation safety board said that it identified the main cause of the crash. Washington Seaplane Crash Update: NTSB Blames One Mechanical Issue According to NBC News, on Thursday, Oct. 5, NTSB that the main cause of the Washington seaplane crash was a mechanical failure. Officials specifically pointed out that the single component of the floatplane that failed was part of a critical flight control system. This mechanical issue caused an unrecoverable, near-vertical descent into Puget Sound's Mutiny Bay, which is located near Whidbey Island. "The Mutiny Bay accident is an incredibly painful reminder that a single point of failure can lead to catastrophe in our skies," said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy via the Associated Press. NTSB authorities said that they were able to recover 85% of the seaplane from the ocean floor several weeks after the incident. This allowed them to identify the specific mechanical component that failed. In their investigation, they discovered that a component called an actuator had become disconnected before the crash. This airplane part is responsible for moving the horizontal tail, as well as controlling the aircraft's pitch. Since it was disconnected, the floatplane's pilot wasn't able to control the aircraft, leading to the deadly airplane incident. Read Also: US Launches Investigation After Jetblue Flight Hit Sudden, Severe Turbulence Near Florida, Injuring 8 People What NTSB Suggests To avoid any similar airplane accidents, NTSB decided to include its recommendations in its final report. The agency provided its suggestions to Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). NTSB officials explained that operators should be required to install a secondary locking feature. Homendy claimed that this safety measure will prevent "this kind of tragedy." The airplane that crashed in 2022 was a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter turboprop, which was operated by the Friday Harbor Seaplanes. The victims of the deadly Washington seaplane crash are the following individuals: Pilot Jason Winters Passengers Sandy Williams (Spokane, Washington) Ross Mickel, his pregnant wife Lauren Hilty, and their child Remy Mickel (Medina, Washington) Joanne Mera (San Diego) Patricia Hicks (Spokane, Washington) Rebecca and Luke Ludwig (Excelsior, Minnesota) Gabrielle Hanna (Seattle) Victims' family members decided to file lawsuits against the aircraft's charter operator, as well as the seaplane's manufacturer, the DHC-3 Otter manufacturer. Aside from these two companies, Viking Air (the airplane's certificate holder) and de Havilland Aircraft of Canada were also blamed for the floatplane tragedy. Related Article: Tragic Gender Reveal in Mexico: Pilot Dies After Wing Failure-Videos of Accident Now Viral @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Two women were killed Thursday and three other people were hospitalized, including a baby and a toddler, after a vehicle carrying five people went off a Solano County rural roadway and into the water of the Sutter Slough, just west of the Sacramento County line. The vehicle crash was first reported shortly before 4 p.m. in the area of Holland and Oxford roads, about a mile southwest of the Sacramento County town of Courtland, according to the California Highway Patrol. The vehicle, for an unknown reason, went off the road down an embankment and hit a tree before it overturned into the water, said Officer Jason Tyhurst, a spokesman for the CHPs Solano office. He said all five people in the vehicle were female Stockton residents. The driver and a front-seat passenger, both women in their 40s, were pronounced dead at the scene, Tyhurst said. Authorities found both of them in the overturned vehicle. Three rear passengers in the vehicle were injured in the crash and hospitalized. Tyhurst said a 3-month-old girl was listed in critical but stable condition at a hospital. He said a woman in her 20s and a toddler a month shy of her 2nd birthday were both in stable condition. Placer County deputies arrested two men in sting operations targeting suspected child predators last month, the Placer County Sheriffs Office said. The first arrest stemmed from a chat between detectives and Johnnie Ward, a 55-year-old Sacramento man, in which he allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to recipients he believed were a 14-year-old girl and her 12-year-old stepsister. The chat spanned over the course of a week, and he was arrested near his residence for contacting a minor with the intent of having sex, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years, possession of child pornography, and additional related charges, the Sheriffs Office said Thursday in a social media post. Ward entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment. He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 16. Detectives arrested another man, Garrett Spitzer, 26, in Auburn the week prior to Wards arrest for allegedly arranging to meet a detective posing as a 14-year-old boy for sex. Spitzer allegedly sent nude photos to the detective and requested the detective send nude photos back. Detectives, still posing as a minor, arranged to meet Spitzer on Bowman Road in Auburn. When he arrived, they took him into custody. Spitzer was arrested for sending harmful matter with the intent to seduce a minor, arranging to meet with a minor to engage in a lewd and lascivious act, violating his parole, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14, and other related charges, the Sheriffs Office said. At his arraignment, Spitzer pleaded not guilty to felony charges. He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 30. Sheriff Wayne Woo said detectives who engage in these operations and investigations are highly trained and do so to identify and apprehend those who would harm or exploit our children. Child predators pose a grave threat to the innocence and security of our children, and we have made it our solemn duty to pursue those who seek to harm them, Woo said in a statement. Two men were charged with murder after multiple people were injured and a baby died as a result of a shooting in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Alejandro Ramos , 22, and Johnluis Sanchez, 30, face murder charges after the fatal shooting on Wednesday, according to the Hampden District Attorneys Office. Mr Ramos was arraigned on Thursday at Holyoke District Court and is being held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on 3 November. Mr Sanchez, however, is in the hospital. He will be formally arraigned when his condition allows, the DAs office wrote. Aside from murder charges, other charges are expected to follow, the office added. On Wednesday at 12.38pm, officers responded to a shooting in the Massachusetts city. The office noted that it seemed like three male suspects were involved in an altercation, during which a shooting occurred. A stray bullet struck a bus, including a passenger, who was pregnant. She was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The infant, who was delivered, and needed life-saving medical services, tragically passed away, the release added. Two suspects charged with murder after Holyoke shooting (Sanchez, left, Ramos, right) (Hampden District Attorneys Office) The office said that all suspects have been identified; the third is being actively sought by law enforcement. Massachusetts State Police are investigating the incident. Mayor Joshua Garcia said that a relief fund has been set up for the womans family. He said on Thursday at a news conference: I want members of our public to every day through commitment and kindness, through duty and care to please dont lose faith. And keep Holyoke the city in which that beautiful lost baby would have grown strong, to love and be proud of. Two victims of the Atlanta Race Massacre have been identified 117 years following the tragic events that occurred in the early 1900s. The murders began on Sept. 22, 1906, and lasted for four days after a mob of around 5,000 to 10,000 angry white men and boys hunted down Black people following false reports of Black men brutalizing white women. At least 25 Black people were murdered in downtown Atlanta during the massacre as the white mob screamed, Get them all! Kill the Negroes! Nine of the victims were unidentified, but on Sept. 18, the Georgia Civil Rights Cold Cases Project and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Metro Atlanta researchers were able to identify two of the unknown victims, according to WSBTV. The Atlanta Race Massacre of 1906. (Photo: GPB Education screenshot / YouTube screenshot) The Director of the Georgia Civil Rights Cold Cases Project, Hank Klibanoff, says that the death certificates of two people who died around the time of the massacre have riot listed in parenthesis. The two unidentified victims were listed as 25-year-old Stinson Ferguson and 13-year-old Marshall Carter. The bodies of the murdered citizens were placed in front of the Henry W. Grady statue downtown during the massacre. Their death certificates show that they were killed in that time frame and off to the right near both names it says in parenthesis, riot, said Klibanoff. While the official number of victims is 25, it is likely that at least 100 lives were taken during the massacre as the white mob terrorized downtown Atlanta and prominent Black neighborhoods. Houses and businesses were burned down, and Black people were beaten and lynched. Around 70 white men were arrested by the police and jailed on the first night of the massacre, and the city was soon under martial law. Gov. Joseph Meriwether Terrell ordered the state militia to disarm the Black residents because he was afraid of a counterattack. In the process, 257 Black men were disarmed and arrested, and two were killed by officials. One officer was also killed. The known victims of the massacre include a local barber named William (aka Henry) Welch. Welch was beaten, shot and left to die near Grady Hospital. Stocks Coal Company employee Milton Brown was chased down Peters Street before he was shot three times in his chest, head, and shoulder. The Atlanta Police Department witnessed his attack but did nothing to stop it. Brown reportedly said he knew nothing of the trouble going on and that the attack on him was wholly unexpected as he awaited an ambulance before he died. Zeb Long was jailed after alleged incendiary talk about the way white people were treating negros, but the mob broke him out of the jail only to lynch him from a nearby tree. Black entrepreneur Alonzo Herndon, the wealthiest Black man in the city, just missed the mob because he had gone home for the day from one of his barbershops, but one of his barbers was beaten to death by the mob. Will Moreland and James Fletcher were shot and lynched by police on Randolph Street. Carpenter Sam Robinson was shot and killed on his way to work for not halting. Slyvia Johnson from the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Metro Atlanta said that the next step is to locate descendants of the victims. We begin to piece together family trees, or did they have children, said Johnson. If they didnt, who are their siblings, and did their siblings have children? And then we can begin to walk forward to find the descendants. Read the original story here. A member of the Texas National Guard works on a razor wire fence near a border wall on the banks of the Rio Bravo River, as seen from Ciudad Juarez MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -The U.S. government does not want to build new sections of wall on its border with Mexico, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday, expressing doubt that the planned construction would be carried out. "It's pure publicity," Lopez Obrador said in a regular morning press conference, after the Biden administration announced it would build additional sections of border wall, carrying forward a signature policy of the Trump administration. A high-ranking delegation of U.S. officials met Thursday with their Mexican counterparts, among them U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "They don't want to (build more sections of the wall), that's what they told us," Lopez Obrador said. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the funds allocated for the construction were appropriated by Congress and that he could not, by law, redirect the money. Biden, when he took office in 2021, pledged that "no more American taxpayer dollars be diverted to construct a border wall." Mexico's president added that in the meetings the day before, the Mexican delegation expressed that Mexico "does not believe (additional border wall construction) to be the answer to the migration problem." "We've always spoken about tending to the root causes," Lopez Obrador said. (Reporting by Kylie Madry) (Reuters) - The United Nations Libya mission "will assess the implementability" of electoral laws issued by Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh, it said in a statement on Friday, adding it had received a copy of the laws on Thursday. The mission would work towards compromise "including on the formation of a unified government" and believes political solutions must be "consensual and implementable" to ensure a smooth electoral process, it said. (Reporting by Angus McDowall; Editing by Alex Richardson) Families in the small northeast Ukrainian village of Hroza were trying to process horror and loss Friday morning after a Russian rocket strike hit a grocery store and cafe, killing at least 51 of the town's remaining 300 or so inhabitants. Thousands of people had already fled the Kharkiv region, where Hroza is located, close to the Russian border, since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale assault on Ukraine in February 2022. Dozens of people, including children, had gathered Thursday afternoon for a wake to remember a fallen soldier's life, when their own lives were suddenly cut short by the rocket strike. "We only found bits and pieces of some bodies," said Kharkiv's chief police investigator Serhii Bolvinov. A teddy bear and flowers are seen placed on rubble as Ukrainian emergency personnel clear debris at the site of a Russian strike that hit a shop and cafe in the village of Groza, in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Oct. 6, 2023. / Credit: GENYA SAVILOV/AFP/Getty Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the "demonstrably brutal Russian crime" and vowed that his own forces would "respond to the terrorists" powerful." There was another missile attack Friday in the city of Kharkiv, only about 50 miles northwest of Hroza, which killed a 10-year-old boy and his grandmother, Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on the Telegram messaging app. Associated Press journalists said they saw emergency crews pulling the boy's body, wearing Spider-Man pajamas, from a building destroyed in the early morning strike. "Indications are that it was a Russian missile." Elizabeth Throssell, spokeswoman for the United Nations human rights office, told journalists Friday in Geneva that while it was "very difficult to establish with absolute certainty what happened" in Hroza, "given the location, given the fact that the cafe was struck, the indications are that it was a Russian missile." The office of Volker Turk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), deployed a field team on Friday "to speak to survivors and gather more information" on the attack, with a spokesperson for his office saying he was "profoundly shocked and condemns these killings." The missile strike was the bloodiest single attack in 16 months and it came as a poll showed U.S. public support for sending more aid to Ukraine falling down 5% since the summer to 41%. With additional U.S. funding for Ukraine currently frozen amid the ongoing federal budget battle in Washington, Ukrainian congresswoman Oleksandra Ustinova told CBS News she was "100% worried" about the future of American support for her country, as it battles to fend off Russia's 20-month-long, full-scale invasion. "The most needed types of weapons right now for us is the air defense missiles," she told CBS News. "If we don't have any more of those coming, we would have hundreds and thousands of civilians dead this winter." Any additional defenses that could have bolstered the chances of survival in the village of Hroza will come too late. Russia considers bailing on nuclear test ban treaty The speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, meanwhile, has echoed Putin's own remarks, saying the country's lawmakers would "definitely discuss the issue of revoking ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty" during their next session. "This is in line with the national interests of our state," said State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, calling it "a mirror response to the United States, which has not yet ratified the treaty." The U.S. did sign onto the treaty banning nuclear weapons tests in 1996, but Congress has never ratified it. Putin said Thursday that, "theoretically, it is possible to revoke ratification" of the treaty, which Russia's government ratified in 2000. Margaret Brennan assesses fallout of Kevin McCarthy's "Face the Nation" interview Nobel Prize winner calls parents Foundation of Trump's company at stake in New York civil fraud trial U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Barcena walk together during a meeting on security at the National Palace in Mexico City on Oct. 5, 2023. (Marco Ugarte / Associated Press) Branding the scourge of fentanyl deaths the top of the agenda, Americas senior diplomat on Thursday implored Mexico to help stop the flow of the drug into the U.S., but it was unclear whether he received a meaningful commitment from Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, in Mexico City for a series of high-level security and economic talks, said in a news conference he had "no doubt about Mexico's commitment to working collaboratively ... a commitment in words and deeds." But Lopez Obrador has been slow to acknowledge the depths of the fentanyl crisis, preferring until recently to blame U.S. consumption and not the role of Mexico in production and supply of the synthetic opiate, which is fabricated using chemicals from China. Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Barcena vowed to fight the trafficking of fentanyl, focusing on controlling the precursor chemicals, while Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Rosa Icela Rodriguez insisted that Mexico was not a producer of the drug but merely a transit point a notion that U.S. officials say is no longer the case. Blinken outlined a detailed plan for tracing chemicals in Mexico that will recruit private companies along with government agencies to step up raids and crack down on those who produce and traffic the drugs,and level sanctions against Chinese companies that are the major source for the chemicals. "We are doing everything in our power to stop the shipment into Mexico of the precursor chemicals and pill presses and the shipment of the drug into the U.S.," said Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, who accompanied Blinken. Blinken and Lopez Obrador met for about an hour behind closed doors, with no access for journalists. A brief summary of the meeting provided by the State Department said the two discussed the challenges presented by irregular migration and synthetic fentanyl and our efforts to address them. According to the summary, Blinken thanked the Mexican president for his countrys extradition last month of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a son of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the notorious imprisoned leader of the Sinaloa cartel, considered one of Mexicos largest producers of fentanyl. In the meeting, Lopez Obrador spoke of the importance of open channels of communication and "this relationship of understanding and friendship" that will assist in confronting shared problems and challenges, Mexican news media reported. The two days of talks here follow similar sessions last week in Washington involving Blinken and Cabinet members from both governments. Blinken was joined in Mexico by U.S. Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. In opening remarks, Mexican officials praised cooperation but offered no specific plans of action. We are committed to fighting synthetic drugs that have caused so much damage to the U.S., Barcena said. She urged greater investment and technological innovation for the U.S.-Mexico border that would facilitate trade but also bolster security against the trafficking of drugs headed north and weapons headed south. Mayorkas announced a new system in which the U.S. will share regular reports with Mexico on weapons believed to be destined for that country. Rodriguez said drugs and violence are part of a vicious circle that can be overcome only with binational solutions working from both sides of the border. Blinken frequently cites this disturbing statistic: Overdoses from fentanyl, a substance often concealed in other drugs, are now the leading cause of death in U.S. adults ages 18 to 49. Moreover, use of and death from fentanyl are no longer an exclusively U.S. problem, Blinken has said. Weve been the canary in the coal mine, Blinken said during an appearance at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday. Now were seeing it spread to many other places in the world. This is becoming a global problem. Mexican officials cite numerous raids on illicit drug operations on national territory and destruction of laboratories 900 this year alone as evidence of the governments commitment to cracking down on the fentanyl trade. However, only a tiny percentage of those operations have targeted fentanyl production, according to U.S. officials. Migration also dominated the talks, another issue for which the U.S. and Mexico have a "shared responsibility," Blinken said. Mayorkas spoke of formulating an "effective model" for immigration. But his comments came as the Biden administration announced it was resuming limited construction of a southern border wall, which Lopez Obrador has sharply criticized. Mayorkas said that funds for the construction were appropriated during the Trump administration and that the law requires the money be spent for that purpose. In his daily morning news conference earlier in the day, Lopez Obrador lamented the decision. "Until now, he had been the only president who had not built a border wall," Lopez Obrador said of President Biden. "I understand there are strong pressures from extreme right-wing groups in the United States, especially those who want to take advantage of the migration phenomenon and drug consumption for electoral purposes." Also in Mexico City, Binken and Mayorkas conferred with their counterparts from Colombia and Panama and reached a decision to begin deporting Venezuelan nationals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S., the State Department said. Venezuela has agreed to receive the deported nationals, the department said in a statement. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen at the headquarters of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday announced two new measures aimed at reducing climate-warming chemicals used in refrigerators and air conditioners that can help the U.S. meet its goals to halve its greenhouse gas emissions this decade. The agency issued a final rule that restricts the use of gases known as hydroflourocarbons, or HFCs, used in 40 types of imported or domestically-manufactured foams, aerosol products, and refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump equipment, setting compliance dates from 2025 to 2028. HFCs are significantly more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming. The EPA also issued a proposal that aims to improve how HFCs are managed and reused, setting requirements for repairing leaky equipment, rules for using reclaimed HFCs and leak detection rules for large refrigeration equipment. The two regulatory actions come after the EPA issued a final rule in July phasing down the use of HFCs by 40% below historic levels from 2024 to 2028. The Senate voted 69-27 in September last year to ratify the global Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol that calls for the phase-down of HFCs. Congress also passed the 2020 American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which called on the EPA to deliver plans to reduce the production and consumption of climate-damaging chemicals by 85% by 2036. White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said by ratifying the Kiangali amendment, a rare environmental treaty that has bipartisan support, and executing steps to meet its targets, the U.S. is positioned "to lead on innovating and manufacturing alternatives to super-polluting HFCs." (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Alexander Smith) An American tourist was arrested Thursday for attacking two Roman-era statues at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Photo courtesy Ricardo Tulio Gandelman/Wikimedia Commons Oct. 6 (UPI) -- An American tourist was ordered detained until Monday for destroying Roman statues at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, police said Friday. The tourist's detention was extended after he was arrested on Thursday as police said he knocked down the statues he claimed were "blasphemous" before being detained by a security guard at the museum. The statues, depicting the Roman deities, Athena and Nemesis, were described by the museum as "ancient Roman statues dating back to the 2nd century CE." Israeli police published footage of the statues being knocked over and damaged. According to Israeli Police, the suspect told them the statues were "in violation of the Torah." "We see with concern the fact that cultural values are being destroyed by religiously motivated extremists," said Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido. The damaged statues have been transferred to experts who will attempt to restore them. The attack occurred during the seven-day Sukkot holiday, which celebrates the harvest of ancient times and honors the biblical Israelites who fled into exile. Outside Israel, the diaspora Jewish community celebrates Sukkot for eight days. Observant Jews build temporary dwellings called Sukkah, or Sukkot, in the plural, to honor the temporary homes of the biblical Israelites who were exiled to the Sinai desert for 40 years in the Hebrew Bible. Many observant Jews travel to Israel during Sukkot, to make a pilgrimage to the site of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE during the Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire. (Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis returns to his home state for his campaign and touted the endorsement that he received from a group of law enforcement officers. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis returned to his home state to continue his campaign trail for the 2024 presidential election after receiving the endorsement of a group of law enforcement officers. For months, the Republican has tried to meet expectations that were set on him when he jumped into the presidential race in May. Since that time, he has reorganized his campaign multiple times, laid off staff, and faced endless attacks by former United States President Donald Trump. Ron DeSantis Returns to Florida The Republican businessman continues to lead by double-digits in the polls against the Florida governor. Furthermore, the latter is overshadowed in his home state as well, where Trump is currently ahead of DeSantis by 35 points in a recent poll. Against his backdrop, the Florida governor on Thursday brought his campaign to downtown Tampa, which is less than an hour from his hometown of Dunedin. He rolled out a slew of new endorsements from local police and sheriffs, as per Politico. During his hour-long stop, the Florida governor touched on many of the same themes that he has touted during his years spent as the head of the state. He also characterized San Francisco as a drug-ridden hellhole, attacked the media and its "phone narratives," denounced "Soros-funded" prosecutors, and criticized President Joe Biden over the issue of the southern border. However, those familiar lines now faced an uneasy audience and the Florida governor also took some skeptical questions from voters and reporters, including whether or not he has more support in Florida compared to his rival, Trump, who is currently spending time at his winter home at Mar-a-Lago in south Florida. In response to the question, DeSantis said, "He won by three, I won by 20." It was a reference to how much Trump won Florida in the 2020 election and his own 2022 re-election margin of victory. The recent event held in Tampa also veered from the governor's usual campaign schedule, which focused especially heavily on Iowa. Read Also: Joe Biden Approves Plan to Allow Border Walls Expansion in Texas to Curb Migrant Crisis Criticizing Donald Trump The recent endorsements that DeSantis received came from 60 Florida bipartisan law enforcement officers, which is a larger number than what he received during his 2022 gubernatorial race, according to Fox News. They also come as the Florida Republican has been recognized in early nominating states for his actions as governor to back the blue and sign strong anti-crime laws, resulting in a 50-year low crime rate in the state, said a press release by DeSantis' campaign. The governor also delivered some of the sharpest criticisms of Trump to date, blaming the former president for his own defeat in 2020 and suggesting that the Republican businessman lacks the energy to once again lead the United States. DeSantis quipped that there is no need for any more presidents who have lost the "zip on their fastball." He added that the Republican Party's nomination should not be a coronation, particularly for someone who he says was not even able to stop Biden. The governor claimed that people were "voting against Trump" in a reference to the 2020 election. His remarks undercut the ongoing lies about a stolen election from the Republican businessman and his supporters, said CNN. Related Article: Alabama's New Congressional Map Threatens Democrats to Surrender Second Seat in the State @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Biden administration officials said Friday they are glad that Venezuela has agreed to accept deportation flights from the United States following an agreement with leader Nicolas Maduro, even though the U.S. doesnt formally recognize his authority and has no diplomatic relations with his government. As we have done with countries from all over the world, for a long time we have urged Venezuela to accept its citizens. And we are glad that they agreed, said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mark Wells He added that both of our governments have discussed an arrangement to ensure the safe, orderly and humane repatriation of Venezuelan migrants who do not qualify for protection under our laws. The United States stopped formally recognizing Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela in January 2019. Instead, the U.S, recognized instead the democratically elected Venezuelan National Assembly as the only legitimate branch of the countrys government. Its unclear which channels both sides used to reach the agreement because the United States has not changed its stance on Maduros legitimacy. READ MORE: U.S. strikes deal with Maduro government, will start deportation flights to Venezuela Wells made the comments during a conference call Friday with reporters, a day after the federal government announced that it would kickstart the deportation flights. Officials did not answer questions about how the deal came to be, nor if the United States offered concessions to the Maduro government in exchange for accepting back the deported Venezuelans. The action announced yesterday is part of a regional effort to address the historic irregular migration challenge and limited to that issue only, a State Department spokesperson said. Our Venezuela sanctions are still in place, and we will continue to enforce them, the spokesperson added. We continue to strongly support the peaceful restoration of democracy, the return of free and fair elections, and respect for the rights and freedoms of Venezuelans. The administration officials in the Friday call did not respond to criticisms from South Floridas immigration-advocacy groups and Venezuelan exiles that the measure would solidify Maduros hold on power and put migrants in danger as Alejandro Mayorkas , the secretary of Homeland Security, himself said to explain the agencys recent decision to grant deportation protections to nearly half a million Venezuelans. This decision is a blatant betrayal of the very principles that the United States claims to uphold justice, compassion, and human rights, the Florida Immigrant Coalition said in a statement Friday. More than seven million Venezuelans have fled their homeland in recent years. Human-rights groups have documented government-perpetrated extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, crackdowns on journalists, and persecution of the political opposition. The U.S. government said in a report last year that the Maduro regime took no effective action to meaningfully identify, investigate, prosecute, or punish officials who may have committed human-rights abuses or engaged in corruption. The majority of Venezuelans live with food shortages, insufficient medical care and crumbling infrastructure. Venezuelans have fled a country that is more violent than Mexico, poorer than Haiti, with famine levels comparable to Yemen, and an economy the size of Tanzania, said former opposition mayor David Smolansky, who was forced to exile in the United States by the Maduro government in 2017. They are fleeing a regime that commits crimes against humanity. The U.S. officials could not say what has changed regarding Mayorkas earlier assessment of the situation in Venezuela, but added that returning migrants to countries in turmoil was not a policy exception. The direct deportation flights to Venezuela are the latest attempt by the Biden administration to curb irregular immigration at the border. The federal government also rolled out a parole process that allows people from Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to live and work in the United States for two years as long as they have a financial sponsor and pass background and health checks. More than 130,000 Venezuelans have arrived through the parole program and a federal government phone app, said Blas Nunez-Nieto, assistant secretary for border and immigration policy at the Department of Homeland Security. I need to be frank. We obviously do these direct repatriations now to Venezuela, but also to other countries that have complicated situations such as Haiti, Cuba and other countries around the world, Nunez-Nieto said. It is a principle of international law that governments should accept direct repatriations of their nationals who do not establish a legal basis for remaining in the United States. Court documents from a legal challenge from Texas, Florida and other Republican-led states highlight the federal authorities reliance on other governments when crafting immigration policies and deporting people back to their home countries. Homeland Security said that the Biden parole programs depended on Mexicos willingness to accept the return of nationals from those four countries that dont use the available avenues for legal migration. If DHS cannot provide lawful processes for some [Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Venezuelans] to come directly to the United States, Mexico will almost certainly stop accepting these deportations, the agency said. Even when the Biden administration has agreements with countries like Cuba and Haiti to deport its nationals, DHS acknowledged that repatriating them is challenging. Government officials did not say how often the deportation flights to Venezuela would take place. Striking United Auto Workers members, from the General Motors Lansing Delta Plant, picket on a street corner in Delta Township (Reuters) - The United Auto Workers (UAW) did not announce new strikes against the Detroit Three on Friday but its president warned of a strategy shift under which the union may call for walkouts at any time. The development came two days after a surprise walkout at Ford Motor's biggest and most profitable plant, as the ongoing, coordinated strike against the group that includes General Motors and Stellantis enters its 29th day. Here is a timeline of events beginning with the election of UAW President Shawn Fain in March: Date Development March 25 Shawn Fain wins the race for UAW president; vows to take a tough stance against the Big Three automakers. July 10 The union says it will open contract talks with Detroit's Big Three automakers starting July 13. July 11 Fain says the union is not afraid to hold a strike at any of the automakers without a fair contract. July 19 Fain meets President Joe Biden at the White House as the union briefed the staff on contract talks with the automakers. Aug. 1 The UAW presents demands to Stellantis, says the union is seeking ambitious benefit increases from the Detroit Three, including double-digit pay rises and defined-benefit pensions for all workers. Aug. 2 The union presents contract demands to General Motors. Aug. 3 The union presents contract demands to Ford Aug. 8 Fain angrily tosses contract proposals from Stellantis in a trash can, citing numerous concessions that the Chrysler parent is seeking in labor talks. Aug. 25 The UAW says 97% of voting members were in favor of authorizing a strike at the Detroit Three if an agreement is not reached before Sept. 14. Aug. 31 The union says it has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against GM and Stellantis, saying they have refused to bargain in good faith. Aug. 31 Ford makes a contract offer to the UAW, providing hourly employees with 15% guaranteed combined wage increases, lumpsum payments and improved benefits over the life of the contract. Sept. 1 The NLRB says it will investigate the charges filed by the UAW. Sept 6 The UAW makes a labor contract counterproposal on economic issues to Ford. Sept. 7 GM makes counteroffer to the UAW that includes a 10% wage hike and two additional 3% annual lumpsum payments over four years. Fain calls the offer "insulting." Sept. 8 Stellantis says it offered U.S. hourly workers a 14.5% wage hike over four years but no lumpsum payments. Sept. 8 Fain says UAW expects to go on strike against all three automakers the following week if they do not improve their contract offers. Sept. 11 Stellantis says it plans to make a new counteroffer to the UAW after the union made its own revised offer on Sunday ahead of the expiration of the current four-year labor deal Thursday night. Sept. 13 The UAW rejects counteroffers from the automakers and outlined plans for strikes targeting individual U.S. auto plants in what would be its first-ever simultaneous strike against the Detroit Three. Sept. 15 The UAW launches simultaneous strikes that will halt production of some popular models at three factories owned by GM, Ford and Stellantis. Sept. 16 Negotiators for the UAW and Ford had "reasonably productive discussions" toward a new contract, while officials at Stellantis said a proposal to resume work at an idled Illinois factory has fallen through. Sept. 18 UAW says it would announce on Sept. 22 more plants to strike at if no serious progress is made in talks. Sept. 20 UAW says 90 workers went on strike at Mercedes-supplier ZF's plant in Alabama. Sept. 22 UAW will expand its strikes against GM and Stellantis, but has made real progress in talks with Ford Motor, the union says. Sept 24. Ford says despite progress in some areas, it still has "significant gaps to close" on key economic issues before it can reach a new labor agreement with UAW. Sept. 28 The UAW makes a new counter-proposal to Stellantis, just one day before it was set to strike at additional Detroit Three facilities. Sept. 29 The UAW will walk off the job at an additional plant at General Motors and at Ford, said Fain. The new strike will not extend to Stellantis, which called before the scheduled 10 a.m. ET announcement to make significant changes in its contract proposal. Oct.2 GM and Ford say they are laying off another 500 workers at four Midwestern plants. Separately, the UAW confirms it presented a new contract offer to GM. GM says it has received the counterproposal "but significant gaps remain." Oct. 3 Ford said it had made a new contract offer but said a dispute over battery plants remained unresolved. Ford said the new offer boosted wages for temporary workers, increased company 401(k) contributions and had further shrunk time needed to get to the top wage rate. Oct. 6 The UAW held off on additional strikes against Detroit Three auto plants, citing GM's unexpected willingness to allow workers at joint-venture battery plants to be covered by union contracts. Oct. 11 GM, Ford and Stellantis all agreed to raise base wages by between 20% and 23% over a four-year deal. Ford and Stellantis agreed to reinstate cost-of-living adjustments, or COLA. Oct. 12 The UAW shut down Ford's biggest plant globally, saying the automaker refused to move further in bargaining. UAW negotiators are expected to turn their attention to talks with Stellantis. Oct. 13 Fain says the union will not expand its strike at the moment, but warned that members would now walk out of additional facilities without warning rather than wait until Fridays to announce new plans. (Reporting by Ananta Agarwal, Priyamvada C and Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur, Shinjini Ganguli and Devika Syamnath) Lawyers for Spain's former king Juan Carlos I argued he had immunity from English courts (DANIEL OCHOA DE OLZA) Spain's former king Juan Carlos on Friday welcomed a UK judge's ruling that a harassment claim brought by an ex-lover cannot be heard in London, saying it "confirms his innocence". Danish businesswoman Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who lives in England, sued Juan Carlos for damages of more than 126 million ($154 million) for personal injury. Now in her late 50s, she alleges that the former monarch, who abdicated in 2014 and is now 85, caused her "great mental pain" by spying on and harassing her. But judge Rowena Collins Rice rejected the civil case she had brought against him. "The High Court of England and Wales lacks jurisdiction to try this claim," she said in her written judgment. "I was shown no authority coming anywhere near supporting an assumption of English jurisdiction over a foreign-domiciled defendant in such circumstances," Collins Rice added. At the same time, Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn "has not sufficiently established that the 'harmful event' of which she complains -- harassment by the defendant -- happened in England," the judge ruled. The former monarch welcomed the decision, which he said "unsurprisingly confirms his innocence" and paves the way for "further public appearances," according to a statement released by his Paris-based publicists. His legal team said the judge had "rejected wholly and conclusively the claim" and had described it as "speculative" and "bizarre". "His Majesty is very pleased," they added. - 'Harassment continues' - The judge recognised the woman "has an account she wishes to give of her personal and financial history with the defendant, and about the harm he has caused her peace of mind and personal wellbeing, and her business, social and family life". However, she added: "The only question for me has been whether the claimant can compel the defendant to give his side of the story to the High Court. "My conclusion, as things stand, is that she cannot." Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn said she was "deeply disappointed" by the ruling. It was "disheartening to see that victims of harassment often struggle to find justice in our legal system," she added. "Intimidation and harassment of me and my children continues and is aimed at fully collapsing me. "Juan Carlos has deployed his full armoury to grind me down and the reach of his power is immense. "I am considering all options," she said. - Dogged by scandals - Juan Carlos, who is married, was in an "intimate romantic relationship" with the divorcee from 2004 to 2009, showering her with gifts, according to previous court submissions. Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn alleged that Juan Carlos began harassing her after their relationship broke down, using threats, break-ins at her properties and surveillance. Gunshots damaged security cameras at the front gate of her property, she claimed. The couple's relationship became known in 2012, when the monarch broke a hip while on holiday in Botswana with Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn. He had to be flown home, sparking public anger during a period of record unemployment in Spain. Two years later, dogged by scandals and health problems, Juan Carlos abdicated at the age of 76 in favour of his son, Felipe VI, who has now publicly distanced himself from his father. He went into self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. Already in December, three appeal judges in London ruled that his ex-lover could not sue him for harassment in the English courts for the period when he was still king as he had immunity as sovereign. But they left open the possibility that she could pursue him for his alleged behaviour after his abdication. phz-jwp/db Ukrainian military on the front line in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, September 2023, illustrative photo Already a Long War In a recent interview, Ukraines President, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that Ukraine is preparing for a long war. However, the war on Ukraine is already long. It started on 20 February 2014 with the occupation and then the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, followed by a hybrid and then a direct military intervention in the Donbass during same year. The ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive is the second major one, counting only from February 2022. It follows a major counteroffensive that liberated Kherson City and major parts of Kharkiv Oblast last fall. Unlike in Kharkiv, Ukraines advances have been slow this summer. They are more comparable to the advances in Kherson during last fall, where attrition warfare rather than rapid manoeuvres dominated the fight. Analysts, who have estimated that Ukraines western-made armour will punch through, and rapidly penetrate the three Russian defensive lines in the south, have erred on the side of optimism although there were good reasons behind their forecasts. So, why didnt the counteroffensive achieve its timely goals yet? And is an even longer war an inevitable outcome? A Complex Counteroffensive: An Operational Overview I visited Ukraine last summer for field research, mainly to better understand the military situation(s) and the security implications for Ukraine and for smaller states in East Europe and beyond. A Ukrainian victory remains in sight; very possible By then, Ukraine had initiated the sixth phase of the 2022 war by launching a counteroffensive focused on Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Oblasts, with secondary efforts in Luhansk and Kherson Oblasts and sustained attacks in occupied Crimea. After a period of shaping operations, three axes of advances became clearer to analysts. The first one is via Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. It aims to reach Tokmak, then Melitopol and, ideally, Crimeas borders. The second one is via Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast. It likely aims to reach Berdyansk or Mariupol, both on the Sea of Azov coast. A third axis of advance is towards Bakhmut. The aim is likely to retake the town or at least to fix some of the elite Russian airborne units (VDV), which replaced the Wagner fighters in Bakhmut, and thus prevent their rotation or redeployment in the south. Raids and smaller-scale operations were conducted on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts (Kinburn Spit), with the aim of having a bridgehead in Kozachi Laheri and other villages. So far, the main confirmed outcome is fixing Russian units in or near the raided areas. Currently, battalion- and company-sized formations from almost all the 12 new brigades that Ukraine has generated while warfighting in 2022 are engaged in the counteroffensive. Nine of these brigades received some training in the West. Most of their soldiers are newly mobilised civilians. Some of these brigades such as the 47th and the 33rd Mechanised Infantry Brigades are armed with American-made Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, German-made Leopard tanks or other Western-made kits and systems. Still, most of the weapons light, medium and heavy remain Ukrainian-made and/or Soviet-era systems. This is the case especially within the more experienced units such as the 93rd Mechanised and the 3rd Separate Assault Brigades. Overall, the counteroffensive is a multi-effort attempt to get closer to Crimea, cut the groundlines of communication (the so-called land-bridge) between the Russian borders and Crimea, split the Russian forces, significantly attrit them, and cut their internal logistical supply routes all with significant Western support. The operational plan for this phase is complex but realistic. The Western support is damagingly late, but incrementally consistent and surprisingly generous (even when compared to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Afghanistan and Taiwan). So, what is slowing down success? The Whys: An Assessment On the Ukrainian side, both the quality and quantity of the force, the force structure and employment, the weapon systems and ammunitions are having major impacts. In terms of quality, turning kit into capability, forming new brigades out of newly mobilised soldiers in a few months and then employing them to execute a combined arms offensive manoeuvre against well-prepared Russian defences have proven to be a very challenging mission; even with Western (relatively short) training and (very late) weapons and ammunitions. The lack of air-parity, the limited short-range air-defence systems and ammunitions in the southern frontlines have hindered the advance of Ukraines mechanised infantry formations. Russian rotatory-wing and fixed-wing air-assaults (especially KA-52 attack helicopters) have proven to be effective in obstructing Ukraines armoured and infantry advances as well. Also, limited man-portable mine-clearing line-charges as well as portable bridging equipment and combat bulldozers have all contributed to slowing Ukraines liberating forces. Unlike in Kharkiv in 2022, Ukraines counteroffensive in 2023 was expected with no surprises. On the Russian side, their forces had enough time to prepare solid defences in the occupied territories. That included wider and deeper minefields and tank ditches, revetments and dragon teethes, trench and tunnel complexes with interlocking fields of fire, strongpoints, and hidden exits from which Russian units could launch surprise counterattacks from unexpected locations. The delay in the delivery of the Western armour necessary for effective mobile, mechanised assaults had also given the Russians enough time to mobilise and rotate forces. That included reconstituting, strengthening and redeploying units, which previously collapsed in Kharkiv (northeast), to Zaporizhzhia (south). Currently, units composed of released convicted criminals (known as Storm Z battalions) operate under the Russian Ministry of Defence, after being recruited, and formerly led by, the Wagner group. The Ministry also formed new brigades populated with newly mobilised civilians, following a wave of partial mobilisation. Both Storm Z and the mobilised brigades are impacting the overall manpower and thickening the defence lines. In Stalins alleged words, quantity has a quality all its own. In the east, the Wagner group have had a lasting impact, despite leaving Ukraine (after their March for Justice on Moscow). The organisation (and its supporters in the airborne, artillery and air-force units) fixed some of the most experienced Ukrainian brigades during the fight over Bakhmut, and attrit them. Although the loss exchange ratios (manpower attrition ratios) were constantly favouring the Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut, with estimates ranging between 1-to-3 and up to 1-to-7, the battle for Bakhmut gave the Russians much needed time to bolster their defensive positions in the south. In the northeast, the Russian forces mimicked parts of Ukraines counteroffensive operation last fall. Back then, Ukraines official media was focused on a counterattack in the south (Kherson Oblast), while a surprise counterattack was conducted in the northeast (Kharkiv and Luhansk Oblasts). Currently, Russia is counterattacking in the same area along the Svatove-Kreminna frontline (Luhansk Oblast), attempting to push westwards towards Kharkiv, while Ukraines efforts are focused on the south and east. Enter the Winter? If Ukraines military efforts are less likely to decide the war outcome this fall, and if the political scenarios of serious negotiations or leadership change in Russia remain uncertain, the war will protract into the winter and likely further. As opposed to the widespread understanding, winter doesnt usually pause the fighting. Intensive battles such as Debaltseve in 2015 and phases of the Kherson campaign in 2022 were fought in the winter. Russia launched an air-terrorism campaign against Ukraines civilian energy and electric infrastructure to force the population into submission, also last winter. That campaign is likely to be repeated this winter. Missile attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure were conducted this September, a first to target the energy grids in six months. However, Ukraine is much more prepared with its air-defence and emergency responses than last winter. Overall, the Russian forces are adapting and innovating mostly in reaction to stunning adaptions and impressive innovations of Ukraines armed forces. This makes the liberation of Ukraines territory a more costly war of independence. As priorities, Ukraine will need more than ever to solidify its alliances and friendships with the West and beyond, including countries from the so-called global south; to further bolster its air-defence this winter, and to continue its mobilisation and training efforts taking into account lessons learned from past experiences. A Ukrainian victory remains in sight; very possible but very costly. Omar Ashour is a Professor of Security and Military Studies and the Founding Chair of the Critical Security Studies Programme at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. He is the Director of the Strategic Studies Unit in the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation. He is the author of How ISIS Fights: Military Tactics in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Egypt (Edinburgh University Press, 2021), How Putins Army Fights like ISIS in Ukraine, and the editor of Bullets to Ballots: Collective De-Radicalisation of Armed Movements (Edinburgh University Press, 2021). Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukraine managed on 6 October to bring back the bodies of 64 fallen Ukrainian defenders to the territory controlled by Ukraine. The bodies will be handed over to law enforcement and forensic experts to identify them. Source: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War Quote: "Today [6 October ed.], as a result of repatriation measures, the Ukrainian side managed to bring back the bodies (remains) of 64 deceased Ukrainian defenders to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian government." Details: The bodies (remains) of the deceased occupiers were handed over to the Russian side. The Coordination Headquarters added that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will ensure the proper and safe transportation of the repatriated bodies (remains) of the deceased defenders of Ukraine. The bodies will be taken to designated state institutions to be handed over to law enforcement officials and forensic experts in order to organise and conduct procedural (investigative) actions and forensic examinations necessary to identify the defenders. The exchange of bodies was carried out by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and was made possible through cooperation with the joint centre at the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service in Sumy Oblast, the State Border Guard Service, and other offices of Ukraine's security and defence structures, with the participation of ICRC representatives. 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 rescuer puts out a fire after one of the strikes of the Russian Federation The Russian military launched a massive attack on Ukraine overnight on Oct. 5-6, with drones moving in different groups, the head of the joint press center of the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, Natalia Humeniuk, said on national television. "It (the attack - ed.) is quite powerful, because first of all, the enemy is trying to deplete air defense systems, and if they succeed, they can hit some other places," she stated. Read also: Russian Iskander missile attack on Hroza has claimed 51 civilian lives Interior Ministry Last night, there was yet another massive attack. Drones were launched from the Crimean peninsula, in different groups, in different directions, and with different intensity. The Southern Defense Forces worked for 5.5 hours, Humeniuk said. "In our area of responsibility, 11 drones were destroyed, three in Odesa Oblast and eight in Mykolaiv Oblast," she said. Read also: Russian strike on Kharkiv Oblast, killing 51, including 6-year-old child, deadliest in region since start of full-scale war The aggressor reportedly used a complex trajectory, with changing routes. The port and border infrastructure of the Danube region was hit. A grain storage facility was damaged and nine trucks caught fire. The fire has been extinguished, and there were no victims. The work of the Orlivka ferry crossing point has been temporarily suspended. Overnight on Oct. 5-6, Russia launched Iranian Shahed kamikaze drones at Ukraine, and an air raid alert was declared in a number of regions. The sounds of explosions were reported in Cherkasy Oblast. In the morning, the Russian forces attacked Kharkiv. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Russian Federation hit the village of Hroza with a missile, 52 people were killed Support for Kyiv must continue, its weakening would only result in more war crimes like this, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated in response to the Russian missile strikes on the village of Hroza and Kharkivs city center. "Russian terrorist strike on Hroza yesterday killed at least 52, including a kid. Its strike on Kharkiv today killed one more child. Both atrocities prove that global support for Ukraine must be sustained and increased." Read also: Death toll in Russias deadliest strike of 2023 rises to 52, wipes out almost half of Hroza village in Kharkiv The death toll from the Oct. 5 Russian Iskander ballistic missile strike on a grocery store and a nearby cafe in Hroza village has risen to 52, including a 6-year-old child, regional military administration head, Oleh Synehubov, reported on Telegram. Six people were seriously injured. The building collapsed, and people were trapped under the rubble. The village had gathered at a local cafe for the wake of a fallen soldier. About half of the village's 100 residents were present at the cafe, the regional prosecutor's office said. Read also: Relatives bidding final farewell to fallen defender among 52 killed in Hroza Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was the first to respond to the Russian terrorist attack. He called it an absolutely deliberate attack and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. The Ukrainian president added that Russian terror must be stopped so that genocide does not become "the new normal for the whole world. Three days of mourning have been declared in Kharkiv Oblast from Oct. 6-8. Law enforcement has opened an investigation under the article on violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), which provides for 15 years to life imprisonment. The attack on the cafe was highly precise, so investigators will be looking for those who may have cooperated with Russia. Explosions were heard in Kharkiv on the morning of Oct. 6. Authorities reported hits in two districts of the city, including the center. The Russian military attacked solely civilian infrastructure, said Mayor Terekhov. The lifeless body of a 10-year-old boy was found under the rubble of a residential building that was hit by a Russian missile on Kharkiv on the morning of Oct. 6. At least 23 people were injured in the attack, the regional prosecutor's office said. Among them is an 11-month-old infant. Read also: 10-year-old boy killed in Russian ballistic missile attack on Kharkiv civilians; 23 injured Ukrainian resilience and daily losses among occupiers must be the response to Russian terror, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The number of job vacancies in Ukraine reached its highest level last month since the start of Russias full-scale invasion, Opendatabot said on Oct. 6. There were 105,000 vacancies on the website Work.ua in September. Kyiv Oblast took the top spot with 34,576 job offers, followed by Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (10,153), and Lviv Oblast (9,994). Together with Odesa and Kharkiv Oblast, the five regions account for 62% of all job vacancies in Ukraine. Regions with active hostilities such as Luhansk, Donetsk and Kherson predictably have the lowest number of job offers. Partially occupied Zaporizhia Oblast, one of Ukraines industrial heartlands, still had 1,899 vacancies. Despite the large number of job offers, the number of candidates is dropping. New and updated resumes on Work.ua decreased by 4% from August to 335,000. The primary job seekers are sales consultants, administrators, sales managers, accountants, and drivers. Even Ukraines IT sector which previously saw fierce levels of competition last year dropped by 4% in a month to 18,700 candidates. The number of job offers from IT companies declined by 3% in August to 9,964 jobs. At the same time, entrepreneurs involved in trade and services are ordering fewer products. The city of Kharkiv recorded a huge decline of 16%, followed by Dnipro (10%), Lviv (8%) and Kyiv (7%). The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) reported in August that many businesses are struggling to fill positions due to the mass migration of Ukrainians abroad as well as qualification mismatches. Job seekers find themselves offering a certain set of skills while employers are looking for different ones, the NBU said. Nevertheless, the bank notes that unemployment is gradually declining in Ukraine and could fall to 16.9% in 2024 from 19% this year. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine returns the bodies of fallen defenders Ukraine repatriated the bodies of 64 fallen defenders, according to the Coordination Staff for Dealing with Prisoners of War. Ukraine also handed over the bodies of Russian combatants in compliance with the norms of International Humanitarian Law. Read also: Some 26,000 civilians and soldiers are considered missing under special circumstances in Ukraine The implementation of repatriation measures was carried out by the Coordination Staff for Dealing with Prisoners of War and became possible through cooperation with the United Center at the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Secretariat of the Commissioner for Missing Persons under Special Circumstances), the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Central Military Medical Directorate), the State Emergency Service in the Sumy region, the State Border Guard Service, and other representations of the security and defense sector of Ukraine, with the support and participation of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Coordination Staff assured that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would ensure the proper and safe transportation of the repatriated bodies of deceased servicemen to designated state specialized institutions. This will facilitate their handover to law enforcement and forensic medical experts for the purpose of conducting investigative and forensic procedures necessary to establish the identities of the deceased. Read also: Ukraine returns over 2,000 people from Russian captivity during full-scale war, Malyar says Ukraine also repatriated the bodies of 84 fallen defenders on Aug. 29. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The bodies of 64 fallen Ukrainian soldiers have been retrieved from Russian-occupied territories, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the Prisoners of War reported on Oct. 6. The bodies are being transported to specialized state institutions for forensic examination and identification. "In accordance with the norms of International Humanitarian Law," Ukraine also handed over a number of bodies of Russian combatants to Russia, the Coordination Headquarters added. The Headquarters carried out the transfer in cooperation with a range of partners, including the Internal Affairs Ministry, the Armed Forces, the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service, and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the bodies of 1,896 soldiers have been repatriated to Ukraine, according to the latest figures from the Coordination Headquarters. Read also: As more soldiers go missing, desperate families left in limbo Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Three new X subscription tiers are expected to arrive soon. These paid subscription plans are believed to be based on the platform's existing Premium plan. This was revealed by a source who claims he attended the social media company's recent briefing call with debt holders. If you are an X user, here's what you need to know about these new paid tiers. X Premium Plan Could Be Divided Into Three Tiers Business Insider reported that Elon Musk is planning to release new paid tiers for his X platform. These are specifically the rumored Premium Basic, Premium Standard, and Premium Plus. Based on the anonymous source, the price of each tier will depend on the number of ads shown to users. As of writing, the X Premium plan costs $8 per month. This existing service offers the blue checkmark, as well as provides users early access to new features, and allows them to edit their X posts. This is not the first time that the tech executive has shown interest in rolling out new paid services. In September, Musk talked with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that the social media company might release a paywall for all its users. "We are actually going to come up with a lower-tier pricing. We want it to be just a small amount of money," said the billionaire. Elon added that the reason for this fee is to fight against the rising numbers of bots within his platform. This is criticized by many people, especially critics of Elon Musk. Now, the three new tiers are also being bashed by some experts, saying that they're just another way for Elon Musk to squeeze every penny he can from the platform's users. Read Also: Twitter's X Rebranding Leads to Downrating; Frustrated Users Now Leaving 1-Star Negative Reviews What to Know About X's New Subscription Tiers According to Mashable SE Asia's latest report, @aaronp613, a well-known developer and leaker, was able to acquire the X app's iOS update code. Thanks to his efforts, he was able to identify more details about the rumored tiers of the platform. Here is the information the leaker shared: X Premium Basic: Full Ads X Premium Standard: Half Ads X Premium Plus: No Ads Unlike those who criticize the three new paid plans, other experts claim that these three tiers could benefit users instead. This is because dividing the current Premium plan can allow consumers to have more options, and possibly get cheaper prices than the $8 monthly fee. However, it is important to remember that the details acquired by the tech leaker don't mean that X will really roll out the three new tiers. It will still depend on Elon Musk if he will release these subscription services or give in to what critics say against him. Related Article: Elon Musk: X Users Who are Unfairly Treated to Receive Financial Help-Billionaire Says There's No Limitation @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russian kamikaze drone attack targeted Orlivka-Isaccea ferry crossing in Odesa Oblast Ukraine's Orlivka ferry crossing to Romania's Isaccea has been temporarily closed following an overnight Russian kamikaze drone attack on port and border infrastructure in Odesa Oblast, the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service reported on Telegram on Oct. 6. No casualties were reported as a result of the attack. People are urged to use alternative border crossing points with Romania until further notice. Measures are being taken to stabilize the facilitys operation. Read also: Romania bolsters air defenses, fearing Russias war on Ukraine will cross NATO borders A grain storage facility was damaged, and nine trucks set on fire in yet another Russian kamikaze drone attack targeting the port and border infrastructure in the Podunavya district of Odesa Oblast early on Oct. 6. Read also: Russia hits Romania, game-changing Abrams, birth rate plummeting Romania found wreckage on its territory from what are likely Russian drones on several occasions. Russian drones damaged the Orlivka-Isaccea checkpoint overnight on Sept. 25-26. NATO does not believe the attack was deliberate. Romania is moving its air defense systems closer to the border with Ukraine, Reuters reported. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukraine has seized assets worth more than Hr 17 billion ($464 million) from Mikhail Fridman , Petr Aven , and Andrei Kosogov, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on Oct. 6. The three Russian oligarchs are believed to belong to Putin's inner circle and are involved in financing the war against Ukraine, the SBU said. In total, 20 companies that the oligarchs own, either directly or through offshore companies, have been seized. Subscribe to the Newsletter Ukraine Business Roundup Subscribe These include financial companies, communications and IT companies, insurance companies, and mineral water plants, the SBU said. The seizure will prevent the businessmen from transferring the ownership of the companies to "fictitious persons in order to avoid the further transfer of assets to the income of Ukraine," the SBU said. Fridman, Aven, and Kosogov are linked by their involvement in LetterOne, a Luxembourg-based investment company. Fridman and Aven founded Alfa Bank, Russias largest private bank, and were targeted by U.S. and EU sanctions following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Reports emerged in March 2023 that the two were seeking to sell their stake in the bank to Kosogov, who had not been sanctioned. In September 2023, the SBU announced that Fridman was under suspicion of financing the overthrow of constitutional order and seizure of power. Born in Lviv, Fridman has Russian and Israeli citizenship, and has been living in the UK since 2015. In December 2022, he was arrested in the U.K. and released on bail on suspicion of fraud-related offenses. Read also: NGO: 88 Ukrainian companies owned by Russian military industry-linked oligarchs not confiscated Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine is using $100,000 octocopter drones to destroy Russian tanks and artillery worth millions, even in the dead of night, operator says A Ukrainian drone operator from the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade tests new military equipment including FPV drones on the training area amid Russia-Ukraine war in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on August 03, 2023. Wojciech Grzedzinski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Ukraine has been using homemade $100,000 octocopter drones to destroy Russian tanks on the battlefield, an operator said. The R18 octocopters destroyed 10 Russian tanks in recent months, a drone pilot told CBS News. In the last month, a Ukrainian military unit "destroyed $40 million worth of Russian hardware," a commander said. Ukraine has a lot of cheap, throwaway drones flying on the front lines, but some others come with higher price tags. One homemade octocopter runs for $100,000, but this weapon appears to be proving its worth, taking out far more expensive Russian tanks and artillery pieces, even in the dead of night, an operator said. The Ukrainian-made R18 octocopters equipped with thermal imaging cameras and capable of carrying ordnance that can be dropped on enemy assets below have been wreaking havoc on the battlefield amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's grinding war with the Eastern European country. One drone operator with Ukraine's 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade, who goes by the callsign Sunset, told CBS News in a report published this week that his unit has already used R18 octocopters to annihilate 10 Russian tanks in the past few months. The value of a single Soviet-era T-72 tank is estimated to be over a million dollars while Russia's more advanced tanks, like the T-80s and T-90s, are worth even more. The 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade has been utilizing the octocopter drones since May, Sunset said, according to the report, which said they're "deadliest after dark." He didn't mention Ukrainian drone losses, but a Ukrainian official estimated in August that Ukraine was losing 40 to 45 drones a day, including some of its higher-end systems. Some other estimates have been much higher, with researchers previously putting losses at 10,000 drones a month. It is unclear which of these figures is accurate or if these losses include intentionally attritable systems, such as one-way attack drones. The commander of the Ukrainian military unit, who goes by the callsign Hasan, told CBS News that in the last month alone his soldiers had "destroyed $40 million worth of Russian hardware" using drones. He added that his unit was slated to be beefed up from about 60 to 100 troops and that it would need to scale up its drone fleet. In recent months, the Ukrainian military has also been using much cheaper, low-budget drones rigged with explosive devices, such as anti-tank rocket-propelled grenades, against Russian forces. Those drones, which cost around $400, have become extremely prominent and have emerged as the leading anti-tank weapon for the Ukrainian military amid Russia's 20-month-long invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces are also using exploding drones in the war. Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has said that Ukraine is dedicated to building up a cutting-edge "army of drones," and that project has seen the introduction of thousands of unmanned platforms into combat. Fedorov said in a tweet on Friday that nearly 2,000 high-tech drones equipped with an AI tool to automatically "detect" and "track" targets are being sent to the front lines. "Quality data means more brilliant results by UAVs strike units. Stay tuned," Fedorov said. Read the original article on Business Insider Key developments on Oct. 6: North Korea supplies Russia with weaponry, U.S. official says Russian attack on Kharkiv kills 2, injures 30 4 people still missing in Hroza after rescue operation ends at missile attack site Sweden announces $200 million military aid package, considering sending fighter jets Politico: Biden considering using State Department grants to bypass congressional inaction on Ukraine funding North Korea has started to deliver artillery to Russia for its war in Ukraine, CBS News reported on Oct. 5, citing a U.S. official. The deliveries appear "to be the culmination" of a meeting between North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Russia in September, CBS said. On Sept. 15, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the two leaders had signed no agreements during their meeting on Sept. 13. However, the two leaders met in Russia's eastern Amur Oblast to reportedly negotiate an arms sale agreement. The meeting lasted about five hours. On Sept. 27, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that North Korea was continuing arms negotiations with Russia and intended to strike a deal soon. It is unclear whether the transfer of artillery "is part of a new, long-term supply chain, or a more limited consignment," CBS said, adding that it is also not yet clear what Pyongyang is getting in return for sending the weapons. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov plans to visit Pyongyang in October, according to reports that cite a local South Korean news agency. Read also: Putin, Kim meet at Russian cosmodrome ahead of expected arms talks Russian attack on Kharkiv kills 2, injures 30 A Russian attack on Kharkiv on the morning of Oct. 6 killed a 68-year-old woman and her 10-year-old grandson, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported. The attack also injured 30 people, including the 68-year-old woman's 11-month-old grandchild. Two Iskander missiles hit the city, one striking a road and damaging nearby infrastructure. The other hit an apartment building, causing fires. The body of the 10-year-old boy was found beneath the rubble. Kharkiv Oblast has been a constant target of Russian strikes due to its border with Russia since Russian troops retreated in September 2022. Read also: Investigative Stories from Ukraine: Russian drone downed by Ukraine is full of Western components 4 people still missing in Hroza after rescue operation ends at missile attack site Four people remain missing, including two children, following a Russian strike that killed 52 people in the village of Hroza, Serhiy Bolvinov, the head of the investigative department of the regional police, said on Oct. 6. Bolvinov said that the rescue operation is over. At least 60 people were gathered in a cafe for a memorial service for a fallen soldier being reburied in the village. While the rescue phase of the operation was over by 8 p.m. on Oct. 5, workers spent the next day going "through every brick and removed all the remains of the bodies," Bolvinov said. The emergency services used specially-trained dogs to search for the dead. Bodies that have not been identified have been sent to laboratories to undergo DNA testing. He added that only small fragments of the bodies remained in some cases. The attack wiped out over half of the village's population in the single deadliest Russian attack against civilians in 2023. The attack was likely carried out with a Russian Iskander ballistic missile and was targeted, according to the local police. Vienna summoned the Russian ambassador following the attack on the village in Kharkiv Oblast on Oct. 5, the Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Oct. 6. "Attacks on civilians are a war crime. Those responsible must be held accountable," the Foreign Affairs Ministry said. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 52 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Sweden announces $200 million military aid package, considering sending fighter jets Sweden will send a new military aid package worth 2.2 billion Swedish krona ($199.8 million) to Ukraine, the Swedish Defense Ministry announced on Oct. 6. The ministry has also asked its armed forces to assess whether Sweden can deliver Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots have already performed test flights on the jets. Kyiv has sought modern Western fighter jets, such as F-16s and Gripens, to bolster its air force amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The report results are due by Nov. 6, but domestic security considerations mean that Sweden first needs to become a member of NATO before it can give away any of its jets, according to Jonson. Read also: Could F-16s be a game changer for Ukraine? NATO member states Turkey and Hungary are currently posing an obstacle to the accession of Sweden. On Sept. 25, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he saw no urgency to approve Sweden's NATO bid. The following day, Reuters reported that Turkey would only ratify Sweden's accession to NATO if the U.S. approves the sale of its F-16 fighter jets to Ankara. The new Swedish military aid package consists mainly of artillery ammunition, but also spare parts, infantry equipment, and communications equipment. This is the 14th Swedish military aid package to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, bringing the total value of military support donated by Sweden to 22.2 Swedish krona ($2.02 billion). Read also: Sweden provides 25 million euros to support Ukraines energy system Politico: Biden considering using State Department grants to bypass congressional inaction on Ukraine funding President Joe Biden has reportedly considered alternative methods of funding that do not require congressional approval, Politico reported on Oct. 6. The State Department program allows for the provision of grants or loans for allied countries to purchase military equipment and could be a stopgap solution as the U.S. Congress continues to debate the inclusion of aid for Ukraine in forthcoming spending bills. The use of State Department grants is among a number of options the Biden administration is considering to circumvent the impasse in Congress, at least temporarily, unnamed sources in the U.S. government told Politico. To prevent a government shutdown, Congress passed a short-term bill on Sept. 30 to keep the government running for another 45 days, but the bill did not include provisions for aid for Ukraine. On Oct. 2, a Pentagon spokesman warned that money remaining from previously allocated funding packages was running out, which could cause disruptions to the flow of aid. Most options to authorize new funding for Ukraine require approval from Congress, which is currently embroiled in the complicated process of selecting a replacement for outgoing Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Although there is relative unity within the U.S. Senate about the continuation of aid for Ukraine, including among Senate Republicans led by Sen. Mitch McConnell, the picture is less clear in the Republican-led House of Representatives. Read also: Reuters: US public support for providing arms to Ukraine declines Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian In wartime, ensuring fair and credible electronic voting is virtually impossible. I have heard talk of holding elections in Ukraine even before the end of the war on Ukrainian airwaves more than once. They said that the West was pushing us to do so. I contacted experts, MPs, and officials from the Eastern Partnership countries to determine their opinions on this issue. It was refreshing for me to hear the answer that there is no pressure from our Western partners. On the contrary, our allies clearly state that it is impossible to talk about elections in Ukraine while the war is ongoing. Under these conditions, the basic principle of democratic voting will not be observed. Not all parties can campaign; therefore, voters will not see the programs they need to analyze and make a decision. Many people will not be able to vote at all, as, according to various sources, 6-8 million Ukrainians live abroad. I want to emphasize again that there is no Western pressure to hold elections in Ukraine during the war. Moreover, Brussels has noticed an information campaign that the European Union allegedly promotes the idea of holding elections in Ukraine. In mid-September, a meeting was held in Brussels with the participation of high-ranking Ukrainian representatives on the issue of elections. Participants in that meeting told me that the EU representatives were slightly outraged that this was being attributed to the European Union. The possibility of holding elections with electronic voting in Ukraine is a liability During my conversation with former Estonian President Toomas Ilves, he noted that during World War II, no country held elections. There is no Western pressure in this. Toomas Ilves is the father of digitalization in Estonia. The government has been using electronic voting for almost 20 years, and Ilves was involved in its implementation. Since this type of voting is now being discussed, we need to hear what the former president of Estonia has to say about it. He warns that there will be no trust in such voting in Ukraine. This is the most essential aspect of holding elections. Despite the long experience of electronic voting in Estonia, only about 20% of voters vote this way. People are worried that the system will log their votes. That is, there is not complete confidence in this procedure there either. What can we say about Ukraine, where the voting mechanism will be introduced during the war? Moreover, the enemy's goal will be to disrupt the electoral process. Therefore, the possibility of holding elections with electronic voting in Ukraine is a liability. Attempts to convince Ukrainian society that we can vote through Diia during the war are a road to nowhere. Neither Ukrainians nor our European partners will have confidence in the results of such elections. In Brussels, high-level diplomats tried to probe the idea of holding elections during the war. They wanted to see how their partners would react, but they received a very clear and negative response. Therefore, the intention to hold elections will likely come from internal Ukrainian sources. In this case, I am sure that it is Bankova Street [Ukrainian presidents office], because it greatly influences the information space. This idea will lead to nothing, because even an attempt to start talking seriously about early elections will cause an adverse reaction and rejection by Ukrainian society. One hundred civic organizations, including the Center for Joint Action, have already signed a statement against holding elections during the war. They state that elections and a full-scale war are incompatible, and they justify the risks of holding them. Our partners will also be against it. In particular, the EU, which we actively seek membership in. In wartime, ensuring fair and credible electronic voting is virtually impossible. We should consider its introduction, as well as any elections in general, after the war is over. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukraines State Border Guard Service has prevented over 2,000 government officials from leaving Ukraine since a decree banning them from leaving the country without a valid reason was issued in January 2023. Source: Interfax-Ukraine, with reference to Andrii Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Quote from Demchenko: "Since this decree was issued, more than 2,000 officials who held positions monitored by the State Border Guard Service and who attempted to leave without a valid reason were prevented from crossing the border. As I mentioned before, a valid reason is either a work trip or travelling as a guardian accompanying their children." Background: Ukraines National Security and Defence Council resolved in January 2023 that during martial law government officials should only be allowed to leave Ukraine for work trips. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Ukrainian soldiers near the front line in Zaporizhzhia region, September 6, 2023 Oleksandr Solonko, a Ukrainian military officer and communications specialist, explained in an interview with NV Radio on Oct. 6 the difference between the maps of enemy fortified positions in southern Ukraine and the real situation on the battlefield, as well as how the Armed Forces of Ukraine are overcoming Russias defenses. NV: You recently made a rather popular post on Twitter [X], analyzing the fortified positions the enemy has built in southern Zaporizhzhya Oblast. Can you briefly tell us what are the main difficulties in advancing in that area? What do our troops have to face? Solonko: Those fortified positions that were recently shown are only part of that. This is a certain piece, a section, an example that shows what kind of fortified positions we must overcome and under what conditions. But in general, there was a series of such posts. I explained these things comprehensively in the very first of them. If the readers or listeners are not familiar with it, I can briefly explain. NV: This needs to be explained since, frankly, not everyone understands what our soldiers are dealing with. Solonko: We work in certain specific conditions. This is a steppe area, which is almost like a pan, and only in some places is it broken by some ravines and rather mild hills. Of course, if compared with the landscape when we worked in Bakhmut, these heights look quite conventional. But nevertheless, theyre important in such an area when everything can actually be seen not only from the air or drones. You can visually see the enemy movement from quite far away and set firing points accordingly, as well as striking at long distances, deploying anti-tank missile systems or artillery. Read also: Ukraine has 6-8 weeks of favorable weather for counter-offensive, says White House And, accordingly, the Orlan unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are always hanging above our heads. In general, the enemy regular aerial reconnaissance system, which directs fire, calculates targets and movement. In fact, you dont have any opportunity to hide and covertly move forces and equipment. Except for some nighttime hours when you can slip by relatively unnoticed. Or when you have a minimal opportunity to hide somewhere in wood lines, which are constantly being destroyed, ground up, burnt, and where we always have positions. That is, you step out and youre immediately under fire. Any movement you make is noticeable. Then, a minefield is before you: these are land strips that are mined and must be overcome. Relatively speaking, even when we advanced on this so-called Robotyne ledge, we still move through narrow corridors that are also shot through. The Russians have it all mapped out i.e., the coordinates of their lost positions. They know quite well where they had their trenches or dugouts. They are targeting those. Even when you occupy these positions, its quite difficult and dangerous to stay there. NV: You say the invaders know where they had their positions. Its clear that our soldiers are entering these positions. Have our forces previously fired at these positions? Solonko: Of course, this is standard practice. This happens not only in this area. When you enter an enemy position, take it, its easy to cover and shoot it as they perfectly know the coordinates of their fortified positions and weak points. They know perfectly well where our units, which knocked them out, could potentially be hiding. Therefore, this is standard practice. This happens both in this area and in all others. This is not something new for us. We have no air superiority. The enemy has a several-fold or up to ten-fold advantage in the air. Accordingly, our Air Force operates basically in a guerilla mode. Instead, were constantly under pressure from the Russian aviation. We can read that some settlement in some other area was attacked with guided glide bombs. This is not news for us as we have a huge number of such attacks per day. Every day, aerial bombs fall on heads, on positions, on logistics routes, on places where perhaps the enemy believes that there are some targets in the form of equipment or personnel, or warehouses, or command posts. Theyre constantly conducting reconnaissance of all these targets. Read also: Russian fleet retreating from Crimea, Ukraine advancing on two fronts ISW They [these air strikes] dont really work out that often. But its still a huge pressure. And its a very powerful weapon that causes a lot of problems. And there is no way to actually fight it because they adapt. We had interviews after Bakhmut. I explained for a long time that no one should laugh at the enemy and old tanks, because you have to experience how this tank shoots at you. The story is the same here: the enemy is not a bunch of clowns, they adapt, and they cover their weak points. They had problems with the loss of aviation, they solved it by changing the tactics of using their aircraft to bomb us from afar [with glide bombs]. Instead of using expensive, new guided air bombs, they redesign a large quantity of those old FABs [general purpose air-dropped bombs] that arent accurate at all. But they add flight control modules to them, as well as navigation systems to make them controllable. They fly up to a long distance, drop these bombs at a high altitude. Our MANPADS units are simply physically unable to reach these aircraft. Accordingly, their jets quite easily climb up, release the bombs, and return. And it repeats constantly. These bombs fall in huge quantities. They cause serious damage. Both residential buildings and civilian objects in villages close to the contact line are being destroyed. In fact, theyre gradually turning the town of Orikhiv to rubble, because these bombs are constantly falling on the houses. Everything is stuffed with weapons and firing positions. They have the opportunity to place anti-tank missile systems at a long distance, because the terrain is flat here. They can target military equipment from quite a long distance. The enemy spots our movement and starts targeting artillery there. And its difficult to hide since both the enemy and we use wood lines. There was a lot of talk about the so-called Surovikin lines, i.e., the first and second defense lines. But if we look at the map, this Robotyne ledge isnt just a single line crossed or something like that. Each wood line includes positions, trenches, mine barriers, narrow corridors, through which you have to run every time at risk. NV: It turns out that when people look at the map, for example, DeepState, where all those mine barriers and fortified positions were marked before the start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, is it all such a visualization that does not fully correspond to reality? Can all these lines be extended to each wood line, to each theoretical tree? Solonko: It doesnt mean that it doesnt correspond to reality. It doesnt fully convey the amount of work we have to do to get through it all. Satellite images dont fully show you the depth and full structure of these fortified positions. Because, first of all, they are three-dimensional, not two-dimensional. Second, they dont show the reality NV: What do you mean by the concept of three-dimensional? Solonko: When you look from above, you just see a diagram, e.g., of a fortified position dug out somewhere in the middle of a field. But you dont fully realize whats inside, first of all. Secondly, you dont see what is located, for example, in the nearby wood line. Because just in this diagram that I showed, this is one such example that a fortified position is built not just in the field, but it stretches to the wood line where there are also trenches and passages. They are disguised and arent so clearly seen. Only after the artillery had worked thoroughly on these fortified positions, it becomes clear that this network is quite seriously woven into the wood line. And, accordingly, we add the routes by which we, among other things, determined they enter. This is such an integrated system of fortified positions that uses every possible opportunity to at least slightly cover or disguise the entry points. Because they have the same problem, i.e., they must bring personnel, and the equipment must leave for combat missions. They need at least some partial shelter. Therefore, they build these routes so that theyre at least partially visually covered by these wood lines. Read also: As fighting continues in south, Ukrainian military digs in near Verbove after seizing back territory from Russians And ending the topic of these lines, of what we passed to Verbove and Novoprokopivka. In fact, they [Russians] had their positions in every wood line. And the Russians were ousted from every wood line. And particularly heavy fighting took place on the hills adjacent to Robotyne, where we had the fiercest battles. There was a height to the east and in front of the village for which very fierce battles took place. And already advancing in conditions where each wood line has a [enemy] position. A narrow and very limited number of corridors, which are also fired upon. The enemy knows where we go, where we drive. All this can be seen from the air. Its often seen visually on the battlefield. All this is shot through by artillery, mortars, and aircraft. Mining. These are anti-personnel mines, and anti-tank mine barriers. It also slows us down and creates many problems. Of course, its not even that we dont have superiority in the air, we dont have parity in the air. And, probably, no Western army, no Western theoretician who told us that we should go around the minefields in columns. We cannot go around them because its a contiguous barrier. This is all a theory on paper that simply doesnt work. Therefore, the work is carried out in smaller formations. In addition, it helps a little to be at least not so dependent on air power. Because the enemy, dealing with our small formations, uses more ammunition. Its less accurate. And, accordingly, it gives a lower efficiency, reduces losses as much as possible in this situation. Because, again, were in plain sight. If you get caught in an open area, its very bad news. NV: When were watching [from the sidelines], people ask themselves the question: well, whats next? Do you understand whats next? Whats the task as of now, understanding, seeing, experiencing all these difficulties in advancing towards Tokmak? Solonko: Lets put it this way: we have, relatively speaking, a specific functional task that we perform. I think, if we talk about some further strategic or operational things, it should be done, first of all, by people who have the authority to do it, who have the leverage to do it. They can talk about it both professionally and from the point of view of their authority. Weve done a great job, and this great work continues to be done. This is a colossal effort in a situation where, in principle, others simply would probably not have even attempted it. Because its obvious that any army, including a NATO force, is simply not designed to do anything without air superiority or at least parity. Therefore, on the one hand, of course, we would like some, perhaps greater successes. But I believe that what weve achieved at this stage with the resources, with the deployment of forces, and with the minimal resources we had, is already quite formidable. Read also: Ukraine steadily advancing south, weakening Russian lines, repelling enemy assaults in east Whats next? Its obvious that in this chess match we also must look at what is happening beyond our western border, whether well have support in the future or whether our arms will be twisted. All this, of course, creates some kind of pressure. But when you do the work directly, of course, you also have to have a headache for that. We can hardly influence it. All we focus on is doing our job, fulfilling the tasks at hand. We understand that no matter what the political landscape is, we have no choice but to do this job and keep fighting. Because we bet on all or nothing. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, right, with candidate Michael Shanks after Labour won the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, at South Lanarkshire Council Headquarters in Hamilton, Friday Oct. 6, 2023. The seat was vacated after former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier was ousted in a recall petition. Ferrier was kicked out of the SNP for breaching Covid regulations by travelling between London and Glasgow after testing positive for the virus. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP) LONDON (AP) Britains main opposition Labour Party won an emphatic victory Friday in a special election for a Scottish district that was watched as an indicator of the partys rebounding popularity ahead of a national election next year. Labour took the parliamentary seat of Rutherglen and Hamilton West, near Glasgow, from the Scottish National Party. The result doubles Labour's total of Scottish seats from one to two. Labour candidate Michael Shanks won 17,845 votes, more than twice the number taken by SNP runner-up Katy Loudon. The Scottish Conservatives came a distant third. Labour leader Keir Starmer called it a seismic result. It was a big step in the right direction, an important one," he said. The election was called when the former lawmaker, Margaret Ferrier, was ousted by her constituents for breaking coronavirus restrictions in 2020 by taking a long train journey when she had COVID-19. Labour was long dominant in Scotland but in the past 15 years has been all but wiped out by the SNP, which wants Scotland to leave the U.K. and become an independent country. The result adds to pressure on Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf , who took over as SNP leader in March after his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon resigned amid a continuing police investigation into the partys finances. The party, which has dominated Scottish politics for more than a decade, has seen its popularity slump and has reached an impasse in its push for a new referendum on independence.. Its a tough day for the SNP, a disappointing result. Theres no point pretending otherwise. Yousaf said. The SNP has to reflect, weve got to regroup, weve got to reorganize. Starmer's party needs to regain ground in Scotland to win a majority of seats in a general election that must be called by the end of 2024. Labour has been out of power since 2010 but is polling 15 to 20 points ahead of Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks Conservatives amid a cost-of-living crisis and stagnant economy. University of Strathclyde polling expert John Curtice said Labour has hopes of winning two dozen of Scotland's 59 seats in the 650-seat U.K. Parliament. That doesnt look infeasible given the result of this byelection, he told the BBC. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights sent a field team to the village of Hroza, Kupiansk district, Kharkiv Oblast, to gather more information about this violation of laws and customs of war by the Russian forces. Source: Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, website of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Quote: "The appalling scenes from the village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine underscore once again the terrible price civilians are paying 20 months after Russias invasion. According to local authorities, 52 people were killed when what appeared to be a Russian missile struck a cafe in the village, where people had gathered for a wake." Details: The UN noted that representatives of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine identified the names of 35 people killed: 19 women, 15 men and an 8-year-old boy, as well as the names of five women and one man who were injured. Among the deceased was a Ukrainian soldier who attended his father's funeral, authorities said. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that "this strike is one of the deadliest since 24 February 2022, but of course it is far from being the only one". Quote: "The High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, who saw for himself the horrific impact of such strikes, is profoundly shocked and condemns this killing. He has deployed a field team to the site to speak to survivors and gather more information. Before the Russian invasion, the villages population was about 300. It is not clear how many residents were still living there, but it is clear that with the high number of people killed, everybody in this small community has been affected. We know at least eight families had more than one relative killed in the attack. We stress once again that international humanitarian law, in particular the rules on conduct of hostilities, must be strictly respected." Background: On 5 October, the Russians struck a cafe in the village of Hroza, Kupiansk district, in Kharkiv Oblast. Ihor Klymenko, Ukraines Minister of Internal Affairs, said that a memorial dinner for a deceased resident was being held in the cafe. He said that the strike was so precise that it is suspected that information leading to the attack had been provided by a local resident. As of the morning of 6 October, there is information on 52 people who were killed as a result of the attack. Among the dead are the widow and son of the Ukrainian servicemen whose wake was held that day after his reburial in his native village. The son of the serviceman was also a military man; he was killed along with his wife. A three-day mourning was declared in Kharkiv Oblast on 6-8 October. 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! It was a jarring day in a Florida courtroom on Friday as disturbing camera footage was played for the jury during the trial of a father who is accused of locking his adopted son in a box-like room for hours at a time. Timothy Ferriter, 48, and his wife allegedly kept the boy, who was 14 years old at the time, in the windowless 8ft x 8ft box with only a bed, a bucket and a camera. His attorney told the court that they had struggled with their sons behavioural issues after adopting him as a toddler from an orphanage in Vietnam. While the jurors and those in the courtroom were able to see the visuals from the video, outsiders were only able to hear audio, which was streamed on CourtTV, because the boy was a minor. But viewers said the audio was disturbing enough and took to the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their disgust in what they were hearing. You want your entire day ruined check out the trial and hashtag #BoyInaBox, one viewer wrote on X as the Ring camera footage played out in court. To the viewers not in the courtroom, Ferriter could be heard yelling and cursing at the boy, mostly about cleaning out a bucket it appeared was given to him to use as a toilet. Did you piss in the bucket? he yelled at the boy, instructing him to take it outside to dispose of the contents. Grab it! Clean it. Dont let the neighbors see you dump the bucket! (Court TV) The audio of his actions deeply upset viewers. I was abused by a stepparent, and I find what they did disgusting. I know what abuse is, I lived it. Thats abuse, wrote one. I am LIVID! Hearing this audio has my blood boiling!!! another said. This is almost unbearable to watch at this point wow. During opening statements, prosecutor Brianna Coakley told the court that the teenager had run away from the familys Jupiter home in January 2022, which alerted authorities to the conditions he was being forced to live in. There was a structure a small room, box-like structure that was constructed in the garage that didnt have any windows. It had a box spring and a mattress, a bucket in the corner and a desk, she said, adding that Ferriter and his wife turned off that light and left their 14-year-old son locked in that room in the dark. The boy, who is not being identified or shown in media coverage, took the stand on Thursday, where he described how he spent hours locked in the box room with only a bucket for a bathroom. To me, being locked in a room, its dehumanizing. Its almost as bad as genocide, he said. Its saddening to abuse a child that was just acting like a child. During cross-examination, the boy shocked many when he said that he does not blame his adoptive parents. I dont have a bad image of Tim and Tracy. They just made a mistake, he said. They were just acting out of frantic surprise of my actions. They were, I believe, they werent trying to do any harm," the teen said. "I believe that people should recognize that was a mistake and forgive them and move on. Ferriters attorney Pyra Murad said the family had tried to get help from doctors, therapists and schools but nothing had improved the behaviour, according to WPTV. For years, he was continuing to engage in these behaviours and would not stop, Ms Murad said. Bad parenting doesnt make a person a criminal. Ferriter is charged with aggravated child abuse, false imprisonment and an added count of child neglect. If convicted, he faces 40 years in prison after turning down a plea deal that would have seen him serve 24 months behind bars and five years of probation. His wife Tracy has also been charged, but is being tried separately. A trial date has not yet been set in her case. Iran's human rights activist Nagres Mohammadi, who is currently imprisoned, has won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in the country. In an announcement by the award-giving body Friday (October 6), she was described as a "freedom fighter" for her continued struggle for a more equitable society for Iranian women. She has also publicized abuses inside prison since her latest incarceration. The Nobel Committee added that Mohammadi fought for women against systemic discrimination and oppression. It is expected that the Iranian regime would not welcome the international recognition Mohammadi received. Mohammadi is the 19th individual woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the 64th individual female overall since the Nobel Prize was awarded to women. Earlier this week, Katalin Kariko and Anne L'Huillier were announced as this year's Nobel laureates for medicine and physics, respectively. Read Also: 2 Scientists Behind COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Receive Nobel Prize I welcome the Nobel Committee's decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran. We live in a very interconnected world. Right now, people in Iran are fighting for freedom. Our future depends on their success. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/uyseeKUhm6 Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina) October 6, 2023 The Family that Upholds Human Rights Together Nagres Mohammadi, 51, is the vice president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, founded by fellow Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, the BBC reported. In total, she has been arrested 13 times, convicted in five instances, and sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison, currently serving her sentence for "spreading propaganda." Last year, in a letter from Evin Prison in Tehran, she detailed how women detained in the anti-government protests that were then sweeping the country were being sexually and physically abused. The protests were triggered by the death in custody in September 2022 of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, arrested for allegedly violating strict dress codes. She is married to fellow activist Taghi Rahmani, who also experienced imprisonment by the deeply theocratic Iranian regime. He is living in exile in France with their twin 16-year-old daughters. Ukrainian human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk of the Center for Civil Liberties, which is last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, congratulated Mohammadi for her "fight against the oppression of women in Iran." "We live in a very interconnected world. Right now, people in Iran are fighting for freedom. Our future depends on their success," she said. Related Article: Iranian Morality Police Allegedly Assault Teenage Girl for Not Wearing Hijab, Activists Say @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Massachusetts high school community is mourning the death of a beloved graduate who was fatally stabbed in New York City earlier this week. Ryan Carson, a Brooklyn resident who graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton in 2010, died Monday from injuries he suffered in an early morning stabbing, school officials and investigators said. He had a large personality, said Deacon Joe Nickley, the Chaplin at Cardinal Spellman. He was always laughing, joking. The Spellman community mourns the loss of Ryan Carson, school President Daniel J. Hodes said in a statement. Ryan is remembered as a beloved and active member of our school community throughout his high school years. May God be with his family and friends as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy. Officers responding to a 911 call for a stabbing in the area of Lafayette Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard just before 4 a.m. found Carson suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest, according to the New York City Police Department. Carson, a native of East Bridgewater, was rushed to NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, where he was pronounced dead. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Carson was waiting at a bus stop with his girlfriend after leaving a wedding when he was approached by a man who had been kicking scooters, CNN reported. That man was later identified as 18-year-old Brian Dowling, who is charged with murder in Carsons death. What are you looking at? Dowling said to Carson, who tried to de-escalate the situation before he was stabbed three times, Kenny said. The brazen attack was caught on surveillance video. Chill. Chill, Carson is heard telling Dowling in the video before he was stabbed. Carson was employed by the non-profit New York Public Interest Research Group, according to CNN. In a statement shared with the news outlet, the non-profit remembered Carson as a beloved staffer, colleague and friend, and a creative, talented, relentless and upbeat advocate for students and the environment. Carson was also well-known in political circles. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Carson advocated tirelessly for others and this his giving spirit was a buoy to all. Carsons family is establishing a scholarship fund in his name, according to officials at Cardinal Spellman. Donations can be made to the school in loving memory of Ryan. We teach [students] that there are other people that we should we helping and then we tell them to take it out into the world, and of course Ryan did that, said Nickley. Dowling was arraigned Thursday in Brooklyn Criminal Court. An investigation remains ongoing. 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 A Lake Butler vape shop was busted on Thur., Oct. 6 after the Union County Sheriffs Office received information that the business was selling illegal drugs to kids. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Our agency started an immediate investigation by sending undercover law enforcement in to confirm the sale of illegal narcotics, the sheriffs office said. At around 10:30 a.m. deputies served a search warrant at Smoke Haven Smoke Shop on 50 E. Main St. According to the sheriffs office, law enforcement found evidence of illegal drugs packaged and ready to be sold. This included illegal cannabis vape oils. The drugs seized included a mixture of marijuana/hemp with high levels of THC oil. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The sheriffs office also said that Jay Rami, 19, Gainesville, admitted to selling drugs from out of the shop to numerous minors. Jay Rami, 19, was arrested for selling drugs to minors out of a vape shop in Union County. Rami has been charged with the following: 1 count of felony marijuana sell 1 count of felony marijuana possession with intent to distribute 1 count of felony sale of synthetic cannabinoids The Union County Sheriffs Office thanked the community that informed it of the illegal drug sales and the Alachua County Sheriffs Office drug task force unit for assisting it in the execution of the search warrant. We are currently working closely with the City of Lake Butler to revoke their business/occupational license for running illegal activities, the sheriffs office said in a statement. Read: SJSO arrests 3 students for creating hit lists, plan to harm others at Creekside High School Sheriff Brad Whitehead also said, This type of behavior, selling illegal drugs to our children, WILL NOT be tolerated in Union County. At around the same time that the Union County vape shop was searched, Bradford County deputies served a search warrant on another related vape shop in Starke, Florida. Narcotics seized from the vape shop included a mixture of marijuana/hemp with high levels of THC oil. This is an ongoing investigation and more arrests and/or charges are possible. [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. Citing last-minute progress in talks, the head of the US auto workers' union said Friday the labor group would maintain its current strike but not expand it to other plants this week. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain hailed a "breakthrough" concession from General Motors in response to another threatened expansion of the three-week partial stoppage. Fain maintained the possibility of escalating the strike further down the road, but did not add any new plants to the target list after announcing prior expansions the last two Fridays following the initial stoppage on September 15. "Here's the punchline: Our strike is working," Fain said in a webcast update. "But we're not there yet." Fain said GM has "leapfrogged" Detroit rivals Ford and Stellantis in agreeing "in writing" to include the auto giant's electric battery plants under the UAW's national agreement. GM has three battery plants under its Ultium Cells joint venture with Korea's LG Energy Solution in the states of Tennessee, Michigan and Ohio, with one of the plants not slated to come on line until 2024, according to Ultium's website. What the agreement means in terms of how workers at these facilities will be compensated and whether the pay and benefits will match those of conventional jobs was not immediately clear from Fain's statement. Previously, auto company officials have said they were unable to set terms for the plants because they are joint ventures and not solely under the purview of the Detroit auto giants. Following Fain's presentation, a UAW press release was headlined, "UAW wins just transition at General Motors." Fain said GM's shift addresses the worry that that the transition to electric vehicles (EV) will lead to the replacement of high-paid conventional auto jobs with lower-paid EV posts in what the labor leader has called a "race to the bottom." GM's statement did not directly comment on the EV battery facilities. "Negotiations remain ongoing, and we will continue to work towards finding solutions to address outstanding issues," GM said. "Our goal remains to reach an agreement that rewards our employees and allows GM to be successful into the future." Labor relations expert Harry Katz characterized the EV concession from GM as significant given that much of the EV supply chain is not unionized. "There are positive signs that this will settle in the not too distant future," said Katz, a professor at Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Fain plans to attend a rally at Ford's Chicago plant, along with other labor leaders and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. - 'Outsmart' corporate America - Wearing a t-shirt with the slogan "Eat the Rich," Fain reviewed the state of play, with each of the companies in many cases offering slightly different response to key union demands. Fain said the union is being "strategic" in using the threat of more stoppages to win a better contract. "Our goal is not to just get mad and shut it all down... but to outsmart and out-organize corporate America," he said. The UAW launched a targeted strike on September 15 on the Detroit Three, calling for stoppages at a handful of plants, while leaving most of the union's 146,000 US hourly auto workers on the job. With dual earlier expansions of the strike the prior two Fridays, the total number of workers on strike stands at about 25,000. Friday's pause in escalation will be a relief to the three companies, although Fain held out the possibility of ramping up the action further if progress stalls. Ford said "we remain open" to working with the UAW on future battery plants, which are still under development. Workers have not yet been hired for the battery plants, but "when they are, they can choose union representation and enter into collective bargaining," Ford said. Stellantis said it has "good momentum" on reaching a deal. "We are making progress, but there are gaps that still need to be closed," said a letter from Mark Stewart, chief operating officer of Stellantis North America. jmb/bfm At first glance, Starr County in Texas is a quiet place. Its gently rolling hills are blanketed with low-growing mesquite and shrubs intersected by small gullies and streams, and many of its small, sleepy towns seem plucked from old Westerns. But the US border with Mexico is never far off. On peaceful days in towns like Roma, residents and visitors can clearly hear loud chatting, children playing or roosters crowing across the Rio Grande. For decades, the county's environment, proximity to the river and access to highways have made it a busy crossing point for migrants - and now, a focus of the heated debate over border security in the US. On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced it would build an approximately 20-mile (32km) section of border wall in the area, an announcement that stood in stark contrast to then-candidate Joe Biden 's 2020 declaration that he would not build "another foot of wall" as president. He halted construction on his first day in office. While President Biden and administration officials have claimed that the new border wall section is being built begrudgingly - because of funds specifically appropriated by the Donald Trump administration in 2019 - the announcement has once again sparked intense debate over the controversial border control measure that was once a signature policy of then-president Trump. In total, the former president ordered renovations and fortification of just under 460 miles (740km) of border wall, although only about 50 miles (80km) were new. Since he left office, Mr Trump and some Republican lawmakers have called for additional border barriers to be built amid rising migrant figures at the southern border. Whether or not border walls can be effective has become a hotly contested and intensely political debate. While Department of Homeland Security data released in late 2020 suggests that new walls reduced illegal entry in some sectors by nearly 90%, academic studies have suggested more modest returns. One analysis of data from the Cato Institute, for example, found Border Patrol saw more detentions and successful illegal crossings even before the Trump administration ended, suggesting the wall was ultimately unsuccessful. A third study, published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, found that border barriers reduced migration by 35%. However, the study found no data to suggest that the barriers are more effective than using the funding to hire more border agents. The Biden administration, for its part, has repeatedly and unequivocally said it does not believe the barriers are effective. The Rio Grande as seen from the border town of Roma, Texas in Starr County Doris Meissner, the former commissioner of the now-defunct US Immigration and Naturalization Service, told the BBC that the barriers can be effective are "redirecting" flows of migrants to more easily patrolled areas "The idea of having a barrier there [Starr County] is that the Border Patrol's agents and vehicles don't need to be spread out over huge distances, but distances where people are crossing," said Ms Meissner, now a senior fellow at the Washington DC-based Migration Policy Institute. "That seems to be what they're thinking about with this proposal." The term "wall" itself is a misnomer. On its website, Customs and Border Patrol describes the border barrier as including everything from picket fences to concrete and steel levees and, in places, "Normandy barriers" - large metal barricades solely designed to stop vehicle intrusions, but passable for people on foot. According to CBP, the new wall construction will consist of 18-foot (5.4m) steel fence panels placed in portable concrete barriers, bolstered by "detection technology" and lighting. Experts note that even sectors with tall, solid barriers are by no means impenetrable. Migrants often find ways to climb the barriers using ladders or ropes or cut and climb through them. "It's really just more of a speed bump. It'll probably just take another few minutes to get into the US," said Adam Isacson, a researcher at the Washington Office on Latin America. "This is not at all an insurmountable barrier. It's harder to get kids over, or the old or disabled, and a lot more people die or are badly injured falling from it. But it does not seem to deter people". Walls, Mr Isaacson added, are also "irrelevant if your goal is to turn yourself in" and formally seek asylum - which in recent months has constituted a "significant majority" of the total number of migrant detentions. Once across the international boundary, asylum seekers are legally permitted to challenge deportation. Along the border - where communities are long used to being at the frontlines of the immigration debate - news of the border extension has elicited mixed feelings. Several residents of border towns told the BBC that while they want a strong border they are opposed to a wall, or that they are open to the idea but are concerned about how it is implemented. Border barriers come in various forms along the length of the US-Mexico border. One of them, Eagle Pass activist Jessie Fuentes, said that he "fought hard" against previous border wall construction efforts, but ultimately felt that the barriers were "well engineered" and "set up strategically". "Fences serve a purpose," he said. "If it's going to help CBP control or set up a route where migrants can find shelter or relief, then that's a good thing....but it shouldn't make people think we're walling off everything. It's a tough one." Alex Garcia, a resident of Webb County - which neighbours Starr County - said that he "understands" the need for a barrier but is worried for the environmental impact and the fact that migrants "could hurt themselves" attempting to cross. As a concept, border "walls" pre-date both President Biden and former President Trump. Every recent US president has built or enhanced portions of barriers along the border, including 128 miles constructed during the Obama administration. These barriers, experts note, have had little long-term impact on the migration flows and triggers that ultimately determine how many migrants arrive at the US-Mexico border. Arturo Sarukhan, who served as Mexico's ambassador to the US between 2007 and 2013, said that "you can't enforce your way out of a migration crisis" regardless of "red-meat politicking and dog-whistle narratives" or a "need to neutralise electoral pimping of the issue". "You can't tackle 21st Century challenges with 1st century BCE solutions," he said. "The only effect this will have is to further drive up profits for organized crime smuggling and trafficking people and play Whack-a-Mole with migration flows and crossing patterns into the US towards more perilous routes and border regions". The White House, the European Union, and several European leaders condemned Russia's Oct. 5 missile strike on a cafe in Kharkiv Oblast's village of Hroza that claimed over 50 lives. "Russia's appalling terror against Ukraine's civilian population shows no signs of abating and reached another grim landmark today," the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell , said in a statement. "Intentional attacks against civilians are war crimes. Russia's leadership, all commanders, perpetrators, and accomplices of these atrocities will be held to account." Russian troops struck the cafe when residents gathered for a memorial service, killing 51 people and injuring another six, according to the latest information published by Governor Oleh Syniehubov. There was also a grocery store in the same building. "Can you imagine just walking to the grocery store with your kids trying to figure out what is it that you're going to make for dinner. And you see an explosion happen where bodies are everywhere and it's horrifying, it is incredibly horrifying for the people of Ukraine, for your colleagues who are reporting this on the ground, and for these families," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a press briefing. "And this is again what the president keeps talking about over and over again: we have to continue to support the people of Ukraine because this is the horrifying nature that they live in every day," Jean-Pierre concluded. Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said Russia must be stopped as soon as possible and "kept accountable for all its barbarism." "I pay tribute to those who lost their lives and condolences to their families," he said on X (formerly Twitter). Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric said via X: "I condemn in the strongest terms the Russian strike on a grocery store in Kupiansk which killed several innocent civilians. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the authorities as they face yet another unspeakable tragedy." The attack wiped out over half of the village's population, in what became the single deadliest Russian attack against civilians in 2023. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 51 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Two Russian diplomats have been expelled from Moscows embassy in Washington, the US State Department confirmed Friday. The expulsion is in response to Russias specious expulsion of two US Embassy Moscow diplomats last month, a spokesperson said, adding that the State Department reciprocated by declaring persona non grata two Russian Embassy officials operating in the United States. The Department will not tolerate the Russian governments pattern of harassment of our diplomats, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The Departments actions send a clear message that unacceptable actions against our Embassy personnel in Moscow will have consequences. The retaliatory expulsions come at a time of incredible tension between the two countries as Russia continues to fight in Ukraine following its invasion last year. In mid-September, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller warned that the US would respond to the expulsion of two US diplomats from Russia expeditiously. Last month, US Ambassador Lynne Tracy was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and informed that the two diplomats Jeffrey Sillin and David Bernstein had been declared as persona non grata, which means they had to leave the country within a week. The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Tracy was given a harsh demarche with the presentation of an official note regarding the incompatibility with the diplomatic status of the actions of the First Secretary of the US Embassy Jeffrey Sillin and the Second Secretary of the Embassy David Bernstein. These persons carried out illegal activities, maintaining contact with Russian citizen (Robert) Shonov, accused of confidential cooperation with a foreign state, who was given tasks for financial compensation aimed at harming the national security of the Russian Federation, the ministry said. Shonov, a Russian national who had worked for the US Consulate in Vladivostok for more than 25 years, was arrested and charged with confidential cooperation with a foreign government, Russian state media outlet TASS reported in May. Miller denounced the charges as being wholly without merit and said Shonov was working for a company contracted to provide services to U.S. Embassy in Moscow in strict compliance with Russias laws and regulations after the Russian government barred the US from employing Russian staff in 2021. Mr. Shonovs only role at the time of his arrest was to compile media summaries of press items from publicly available Russian media sources, Miller said in May. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has expelled two Russian embassy officials after Russia earlier expelled two U.S. diplomats from the American embassy in Moscow, the U.S. State Department said on Friday. "In response to the Russian Federation's specious expulsion of two U.S. Embassy Moscow diplomats, the State Department reciprocated by declaring persona non grata two Russian Embassy officials operating in the United States," a State Department spokesman said. "The Department will not tolerate the Russian government's pattern of harassment of our diplomats," the spokesman said, adding that "unacceptable actions against our Embassy personnel in Moscow will have consequences." Russia's RIA news agency quoted an unnamed source in the Russian foreign ministry as confirming the expulsion, calling t groundless and saying Washington had used Moscow's Sept. 14 expulsion of two U.S. diplomats "caught red-handed engaging in spying activities" as a pretext. "We are not interested in escalation, but if such hostile actions continue, as always, we will respond firmly and decisively," RIA quoted the source as saying. Russia said on Sept. 14 that it was expelling two U.S. diplomats whom it accused of working with a Russian national charged with collaborating with a foreign state. Relations between Moscow and Washington have plunged to their worst point in more than 60 years because of the war in Ukraine. The U.S. is providing advanced weaponry to Ukraine and has hit Russia with sanctions in response to its invasion in February 2022. (Reporting by Simon Lewis and Ismail Shakil and Elaine Monaghan; Writing by Elaine Monaghan and Susan Heavey; Editing by Katharine Jackson and Sandra Maler) The US is required to update data surrounding criminal activity on cruise ships once a quarter. The data, organized by cruise line, includes alleged sexual assaults, theft, and homicides. The data hasn't been updated on the Department of Transportation website all year. The likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime is probably the last thing on your mind when booking a cruise vacation but it happens more often than you may think. In 2010, Congress determined cruise passengers had an inadequate understanding of the potential for crime on ocean voyages. To help remedy this, it passed the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act. Among other mandates, the law requires cruise ships that embark and disembark in the US to report certain crimes alleged onboard the ship to the FBI. Alleged crimes including sexual assault, theft, homicide, kidnapping, suspicious death, and missing person cases are then put into a database published on the Department of Transportation website. The CVSSA requires the data to be updated at least once a quarter, identify the cruise line involved, and specify if the alleged crime was committed by a cruise passenger or employee. Cruise lines "continue to provide relevant data as part of the CVSSA," a spokesperson for the industry trade group, Cruise Lines International Association, told Insider. The Department of Transportation website currently lists cruise line incident reports from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022. As of the time of publication, no 2023 reports have been published meaning nine months of reported criminal activity are missing from the site. "The result is the public is now being kept in the dark again," Jim Walker, a maritime lawyer who represents passengers and crew members injured or assaulted on cruise ships, wrote on his website Cruise Law News. Why hasn't the Departure of Transportation updated its database regarding @FBI data on crime on cruise ships for the last nine (9) months? The last quarterly reports were October 1 through December 31, 2022. Where are the last nine months of reports?https://t.co/s9UGgDgRHp James (Jim) Walker (@CruiseLaw) September 6, 2023 Asked why three quarters of data appear to be missing from the website and when it would be updated, a DOT spokesperson said "the FBI compiles the data on cruise line incident reports that we publish on DOT's website." An FBI spokesperson said the agency is "unable to comment on behalf of another agency or why another agency's website has not been updated." Have a tip or story to share about crimes on cruise ships? Email this reporter at htowey@insider.com to share your story. Read the original article on Business Insider A father and his three sons all convicted of selling a toxic bleach solution as a miracle cure through a fake online Florida church protested their prison sentences imposed by a federal judge on Friday, saying the punishment was harsh. The sentencing hearing in Miami federal court took an unusual turn when the father, Mark Grenon, told the judge that he was actually the victim. He argued that his 1,152 days in custody amounted to kidnapping and the U.S. government should compensate him $5.76 million for being held unlawfully. Yes or no? Grenon, 66, asked U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga. Thats a nonsensical question, Altonaga told Grenon. I wont answer that. In short order, Altonaga sentenced the father to five years in prison, fined him $5,000 and ordered him to pay $1,948 in restitution to victims of the Bradenton familys scheme of selling Mineral Miracle Solution to thousands of consumers across the country. The judge also sentenced one of his sons, Joseph Grenon, 36, to five years, with no fine, but imposed the same restitution order. When the four family members were charged in 2020, the father and Joseph Grenon were hiding in Colombia, according to federal authorities. The U.S. government sought their extradition. The Bogota government turned them over on the condition that they would only be charged with a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, which limited their punishment to a maximum of five years. Separate contempt of court charges were dismissed against them before trial. The fathers other two sons were not as lucky to catch that break. The judge sentenced Jonathan Grenon, 37, and Jordan Grenon, 29, to more than 12 years in prison because they were convicted of the main conspiracy charge and a pair of contempt charges stemming from their violation of court orders to stop selling the dangerous mineral solution to the public. Jonathan was not fined, but his brother Jordan was ordered to pay $2,500. Both were also ordered to pay the same restitution as the other family members. Mark Grenon, right, and Joseph Grenon, left, during a video update from Genesis II Church of Health and Healing in Bradenton, a quasi-religious organization that promotes and sells industrial bleach as a cure for COVID-19 and other medical conditions. The Grenons represented themselves at their trial and sentencing hearing, though court-appointed defense attorneys were on standby if required. At Fridays hearing, the Grenons did not allow those lawyers to speak on their behalf. At trial and during sentencing, prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office portrayed the four defendants as con men who used a phony religious front on a website, the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, to sell $1 million worth of their Miracle Mineral Solution in video pitches as a cure for 95% of the worlds known diseases, from AIDS to the coronavirus. They called it a scam for money. The defendants preyed on many vulnerable populations, including children with autism, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Homer said Friday. He told the judge that the Grenon family members have never shown any remorse for their crime. At the sentencing hearing, the four defendants invoked their faith in God and Jesus repeatedly, saying they did not consent to the judicial proceedings and should be released after spending about three years in custody in both the United States and Colombia. I have lost everything, said Jonathan Grenon, adding that he was married with five sons. I believe I should be released to my family. The other two brothers made similar pleas for mercy, to no avail. In July, after deliberating for only 30 minutes, the Miami federal jury found all four defendants guilty of conspiring to defraud the U.S. government and the Food and Drug Administration by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug, Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS). During the trial, Homer and fellow prosecutor John Shipley said the Grenons called themselves bishops and peddled MMS as sacraments to consumers in South Florida and other parts of the United States in exchange for a donation to the Genesis church, before the Food and Drug Administration cracked down on the family in 2020. The Grenons were charged that April with conspiring to defraud the U.S. government after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic when they defied FDA and court orders to stop distributing the toxic MMS substance. Their criminal case was the first pandemic-related enforcement action in Florida. In public warnings, FDA said it received several reports of hospitalizations and life-threatening conditions as people drank the dangerous substance. MMS is a chemical solution containing sodium chlorite that, when mixed with water and a citric acid activator, turns into chlorine dioxide, a powerful bleach typically used for industrial water treatment or bleaching textiles, pulp and paper. At trial, Altonaga, the judge, gave an instruction to jurors that the Grenons could not use the First Amendment, specifically religious freedom, as a defense for selling the dangerous product because their so-called church was not a religious entity. In his closing argument, Shipley hit home on that point. You cannot go out and create a fake church and violate the law, he argued. During the trial, a Food and Drug Administration agent testified about three Grenon-produced videos that pitched the solution as a cure for cancer, lung cancer and COVID-19, among other deadly diseases. We are trying to create a world without disease, Mark Grenon said in one video, pitching the MMS substance. Its been proven to be tremendously effective in curing cancer. Another video, dated March 8, 2020, was titled: The coronavirus is curable. Do you believe it? You better! Homer asked the FDA agent, Jose Rivera, if theres a cure for the coronavirus, which can cause severe respiratory disease and death. No, there isnt, Rivera said. To bolster his investigation, Rivera, under a different name, said he bought multiple bottles of the Grenons MMS product through their website at $15, $20 and $30 each. They were shipped to addresses in Florida and Georgia. In one instance, Rivera complained that his fictional wife, who was portrayed as battling cancer, did not improve after taking the substance for three weeks. The agent testified that he received an email from one of Grenons sons saying that she would have to use it for a longer period of time to be effective. Prosecutors said the Grenon familys religious front, the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, sold tens of thousands of MMS orders in violation of federal law since 2010. Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, and Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, talk and pose for photos after a press conference to announce the expansion of a new State Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover children previously deemed ineligible due to their citizenship status at the Glendale Community Learning Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Enrollment will begin on Jan. 1, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Community members gathered on Wednesday in the Glendale Community Learning Center to celebrate a bill that will allow children of immigrants to be eligible for CHIP, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program, in Utah beginning in 2024. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, said it took her five years, and some faith and prayer, to get the bill through the Legislature. After it failed one year, Escamilla said a mom who had a 6-year-old daughter with cancer thanked her for running the bill and trying to provide insurance for people in that situation. She said she told that mother she would continue to try, and now this bill will change that girl's life and many others. Escamilla said to get SB217 through, she had to teach a lot of her colleagues about the issues that led her to run the bill and learned a lot about the issues legislators asked her about in turn. "I wouldn't be here having this celebratory meeting if it wasn't for my sponsor in the House," she said. Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, the House sponsor, said he was approached by Escamilla after the bill didn't pass and was surprised at how willing she was to work with his suggestions on the bill. He joked about telling her to push back more or he would have to support the bill before he ended up sponsoring it. Dunnigan listed a few things that helped Republicans in the Legislature support the bill, including that children have to be Utah residents for six months before receiving benefits, there is a cap to the amount of money that can go toward the program, and there is a requirement that the families need unsubsidized employment to be eligible. He also said that including the aid within CHIP, using a system that is already in place, made the bill simpler. Escamilla said in Utah, the minority party has a very high success rate in passing bills compared to other states, and she is grateful that the state can build good public policy. She said the ability to have this program in place for families was a dream for her. "I just want to say thank you, Rep. Dunnigan, I know a lot of kids are going to have a better life," she said. Dunnigan said Escamilla is "a warrior." "She's tough. She beat me up I just want you to know that and she educated me," he said. Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, speaks during a press conference on a children's health insurance expansion for children of immigrants at the Glendale Community Learning Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, is on the right. Ciriac Alvarez Valle, Voices for Utah Children senior policy analyst and translator, is on the left. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News He said Escamilla explained to him that children are going without care, or going to the emergency room because it's the place they can get care. Dunnigan said that is not the best way to provide primary care or preventative care. "Ultimately, she convinced me it was about the kids. That's really what it is about, 'her kiddos' as she calls them," he said. Both legislators said they are proud of the legislation, and they asked community members in the audience to educate families about it and let them know that it is not a program they need to worry about. Jennifer Strohecker, Medicaid director with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, said this program brings the state one step closer to the goal that all Utahns have "fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives." She said children do better when they have health care; they are stronger, they learn better and they are more able to contribute and she said children with insurance receive better health care than those without. Strohecker also said parents of children with insurance need to take less time off work to care for their children. Strohecker said the CHIP program in Utah has insured 280,000 children in the last 25 years. Through this program, she estimated it could help 2,000 more. "CHIP is a program that does work, it has been a proven and smart investment in Utah's future," she said. Strohecker said children who are brought to Utah for refuge will now have the same protection, and their parents will not have to choose between a doctor's visit and buying groceries. "Citizenship will no longer be a barrier for non-U.S. citizen children who are living in our state. They can access quality, affordable and comprehensive health care," she said. Carlos Flores, health outreach program manager with Holy Cross Ministries, said financial burdens on families are lessened when children have access to health insurance. He said he has been happy to tell immigrant mothers now that there are health insurance options for their children. "I can tell you these families are pleasantly shocked when they hear the news. You see that moms with a big smile on their face they can't believe that this has happened," he said. Flores said they have a list of families who are ready to sign up. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, signs posters during a press conference to announce the expansion of a new State Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover children previously deemed ineligible due to their citizenship status at the Glendale Community Learning Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Enrollment will begin on Jan. 1, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News You may not know it, but bed bugs can really ruin your vacation. Since the winter months are already here, many people will try to spend their vacations in hotels. But, even if you're not on the beach, forests, or other outdoor places, bed bugs can still "bug" you and your family. This is true even in air-conditioned hotel rooms. Travel Safety Guide 2023: Check for Bed Bugs in Hotel Rooms Cari Curri, a flight attendant TikToker, said that it is important to check for bed bugs in any Airbnbs, such as hotels. "It is more important now than ever to be checking your hotel rooms for bed bugs - and your Airbnbs," she said via Travel+Leisure. She said that no matter where she goes-whether it's a cheap hotel or a 5-star one-she always checks for pests, especially bed bugs. Her warning about these annoying insects comes after news about bed bug infestations over France, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the globe. To help other travelers Curri decided to provide her personal tips on how to check for bed bugs in hotel rooms. The most important thing she always does is to avoid allowing her bags to touch the hard floor onto the carpet and on the bed whenever she checks in. Instead, she will pull the bedding all the way to the mattress level to check every corner. The TikToker said that she usually does this using her handset's flashlight. After that, she will check the fabric seating and luggage racks to see if there are signs of bed bugs hiding in the tiny spaces. Once she sees that there are some bed bugs, even if they are few, the flight attendant will call the front desk immediately for assistance. Most of the time, she will request to be transferred to another room and repeat the process. Read Also: Retirement Guide 2023: How to Avoid Running Out of Money-Signs and Things You Can Do Avoiding Bed Bugs If you think that checking for bed bugs is the only thing you need to do, then think again. The New York Times provided other important habits you need to practice when traveling during bed bug seasons: Arriving at the Hotel Before doing your bed bug inspection, bring your luggage and other belongings to the hotel room's bathroom since this area is cold (bed bugs are usually attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide, and the blood of humans). After that, check anything where bed bugs can hide, such as side tables, bed skirts, box springs, bedding, and even the alarm clock. When Staying at the Hotel Instead of placing your clothes, bags, and other belongings inside the hotel room's cabinets and other storage, place them in sealable plastic bags. Make sure that they are large enough and airtight to prevent these pests from invading them. When Returning Home Once you are in your house, the best thing you can do is to put all your clothes and other belongings you brought in a light-colored surface. This will allow you to see bed bugs that accidentally came along with you. If you really brought some of these pests, use a vacuum to capture them or shake your infested clothes in a bathtub filled with water. Related Article: How to Know If Your Partner is Cheating: Here are the 'Serial Cheater' Signs to Check For @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. For eight years, Marine and Army veteran Jonathan Lubecky suffered flashbacks and nightmares, got rip-roaring drunk to quell his troubled mind, took 42 pills a day to address various medical conditions, and attempted suicide multiple times. An emergency visit to the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2014 changed his life, not because he was able to get treatment -- no inpatient psychiatric beds were available that day but because an intern slipped him a note. It said, "Google MDMA/PTSD." Read Next: Marines Begin Training in the Philippines as South China Sea Tensions Seethe The intern knew that in Charleston, a researcher for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, or MAPS, was conducting a safety trial on the use of MDMA -- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy or molly -- for treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder. Nine years later, having enrolled in the study and received three MDMA-assisted therapy sessions, Lubecky has no thoughts of suicide. He has founded his own company, traveled to Ukraine three times for humanitarian work, and lived through several personal traumas without recurrence of his PTSD. MDMA and the psychotherapy he underwent while using the drug have led him to where he is today. "I'm now PTSD-free longer than I had it," said Lubecky during the VA's inaugural New Horizons in Health podcast. "It's like doing therapy while being hugged by everyone who loves you with a basketful of puppies licking your face." Since 2011, MAPS has studied the potential of MDMA to put PTSD in remission, most recently releasing the results of Phase 3 clinical trials in the journal Nature that confirmed its safety and efficacy in patients with PTSD. With those promising results and the organization preparing to file a new drug application with the Food and Drug Administration later this year, the VA is exploring ways to expand research into psychedelic drugs like MDMA and psilocybin -- the active drug in psychedelic mushrooms -- to treat PTSD, depression, substance use disorder and more across the veteran population. The VA is restricted from conducting large-scale studies of these medications because MDMA and psilocybin are illegal in most states and at the federal level, where they are listed as Schedule 1 drugs by the Drug Enforcement Agency. But according to VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal, department researchers have received waivers to support ongoing studies and have conducted research funded with private donations rather than federal money. VA scientists are interested in exploring the protocols for psychedelics-assisted therapy and how the department can support the research nationwide, as well as build the infrastructure needed for larger clinical trials, according to Elnahal. "If and when this becomes available," Elnahal said during the New Horizons podcast, "VA will be able to scale it, I think, better than any other health care system because of our focus particularly on veterans." The VA is invested in novel approaches to treat mental health conditions in former service members because such conditions can be debilitating or even life-threatening. Studies show that PTSD, either alone or when diagnosed with other mental health conditions, is associated with suicide. Data released last year showed 6,146 veterans took their own lives in 2020, 342 fewer deaths than 2019 and 650 fewer deaths than in 2018. Data for 2021 is expected in the coming weeks. According to the VA, of the 6 million veterans enrolled in VA health care in 2021, 10% of male veterans and 19% of female veterans were diagnosed with PTSD. Standard treatments for PTSD include cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, along with drug therapies such as Zoloft and Paxil. Lubecky said he tried most standard therapies but, while they may be effective for other veterans, they didn't work for him. MDMA, which increases the release of neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of positivity, energy and alertness, combined with therapy proved to be effective, although he admitted that the sessions were a challenge. "It's not the MDMA that fixed you. It's the therapist working with you putting in the hard work," Lubecky said during the podcast. "The medicine just puts the mind, body and spirit in the place it needs to be so the problem can be fixed." According to the results of the most recent Stage 3 clinical trial, nearly 87% of the patients who received MDMA-assisted therapy showed significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms more than four months after treatment. By the study's end, 71% no longer met the diagnostic criteria for having PTSD. Two participants who received MDMA reported having serious thoughts of suicide, although no one involved in the study -- neither the MDMA or placebo group -- attempted suicide. MDMA is not without its risks. It is linked to high blood pressure, seizures and kidney failure, and its use can cause negative aftereffects such as irritability, depression, anxiety and memory issues, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Lubecky and VA officials expressed concern that the buzz over its success as a PTSD treatment as well as new research on psilocybin as a potential therapy for PTSD and major depressive disorder will encourage veterans who can't enroll in a clinical trial to self-medicate. Given the risk of a negative reaction and potential contamination of black market medications with substances like fentanyl, VA officials warn veterans to steer clear. "When you are using recreationally, you are finding something on the street. You don't know what you are taking and what's in that pill. That's a risk that I hope that will cause people some pause," said Dr. Ilse Wiechers, deputy executive director of the VA's Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, during the podcast. With MAPS wrapping up more than 12 years of research on MDMA as a treatment for combat-related PTSD, the organization plans to seek approval of the therapy from the FDA in 2024. The agency granted a "breakthrough therapy" status to the treatment in 2017. The Drug Enforcement Agency also will need to weigh in, removing it from the list of illicit controlled substances. To date, the DEA has been reluctant to alter that list, known as Schedule 1, to include declassifying medical cannabis, which remains illegal under federal law but is now allowed either for medical or recreational use in 38 states. Legislation currently under consideration by Congress includes amendments that would require the Department of Defense and VA to study the use of marijuana to treat PTSD, depression and chronic pain in service members and veterans. The legislation, part of the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act, also would require the Pentagon to conduct clinical trials on the MDMA and psilocybin for PTSD, traumatic brain injury and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The amendments were introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, a former Navy SEAL. Lubecky said he would like more veterans to be able to access MDMA therapy, and he has become a proponent, establishing an advocacy firm focusing on psychedelic research. "I don't know the date of the first night I didn't have nightmares. I know the first night I remember I didn't have nightmares. I don't remember the first day I didn't think about suicide, but I remember the day I realized I didn't and that was an amazing day," Lubecky said during the podcast. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com Related: 'You Can Forgive Yourself:' Molly Helps Vets with PTSD, New Study Says (Bloomberg) -- Venezuelas Supreme Court ordered the extradition of three exiled opposition leaders as the government intensifies its attacks on political dissent ahead of the 2024 presidential vote. Most Read from Bloomberg The court, known as TSJ, ordered the extradition of the opposition-led National Assembly head Dinorah Figuera late Thursday, among others. Figuera currently lives in Spain. The charges include treason and money laundering. Earlier on Thursday, Prosecutor Tarek William Saab issued an arrest warrant against former opposition leader Juan Guaido. READ: Venezuela Prosecutor Asks Interpol to Detain Oppositions Guaido Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A new expansion of temporary protected status, better known as TPS, could be a game changer for nearly half a million qualifying Venezuelan migrants, at a time when repatriation flights to deport certain Venezuelans are expected to resume. In New York City, Jhonnattan was among the first to apply for TPS this week, after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services started accepting applications from Venezuelans who have been continuously residing in the U.S. by July 31. Jhonnattan, who is only being identified by his first name because of his current legal status, has a pending asylum case that can take years to resolve. Getting TPS could mean having some kind of temporary relief sooner, since those applications are more likely to be processed quicker than asylum claims, immigrant rights advocates said. Jhonnattan, who served in the military back in Venezuela, said he first left his homeland in 2017 and settled in neighboring Colombia after facing death threats and surviving a gun attack. He said he spent six months in a prison after being caught up in the rising political turmoil and protests against President Nicolas Maduro, whose leftist regime has eviscerated Venezuelas democratic institutions and helped drive much of the nation into poverty. Thats when I said to myself, I have to get out of here because theyre going to kill me, he told NBC News in Spanish. After a few years in Colombia, Jhonnattan started fearing for his safety again after he saw that country's leadership soften its approach to Maduros regime as reports emerged that a high-profile Maduro ally was requesting the return of people who were against the government as well as the military who were asking for political asylum in Colombia, he said. Thats when Jhonnattan decided to head to the U.S., which had sought to push Maduro out through sanctions and isolation, he said. With TPS, recipients can remain and work in the U.S. for 18 months without fear of deportation. The federal government can extend the protection if conditions are still unstable in their home countries. Asylees, those who are granted asylum, can additionally apply for a Social Security card, request permission to travel overseas and petition to bring family members to the U.S. Migrants can apply for TPS and asylum at the same time. Im told that getting political asylum takes a long time, too long, Jhonnattan said. Its somewhat difficult, and yes, hard. His asylum application is among the more than 1.3 million still awaiting processing as of May. In fiscal year 2021, Venezuelans accounted for nearly 12% of those granted asylum, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Jhonnattan arrived to New York City on June 2022. Unlike many migrants who don't have family or connections, he was able to stay with members of his extended family who live in the city. In order to provide for his parents and two children still in Venezuela, he borrowed a bicycle and biked around Queens looking for work. He found a job assembling and fixing furniture. Three months later, he started renting a room and living on his own. He recently got his drivers license and started a second job as a driver. New York is one of 18 states that allow noncitizens to get a driver's license. It's time to give it my all to whatever comes my way and always keep my head held high and stay positive," he said. Jhonnattan is among the more than 100,000 migrants who have arrived in New York City over the past year, when Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began putting migrants who came into the U.S. through the Texas border on buses and sending them to New York and other Democratic-run cities. Migrants Arrive in New York (Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Daily News / Getty Images) Applying, becoming independent NBC News spoke with five different Latino and immigration rights organizations in New York City that have been preparing to assist Venezuelans with their TPS applications and also providing legal and educational workshops and consultations. Among the biggest groups doing this work are the New York Immigration Coalition, the Hispanic Federation and the New York Legal Assistance Group. There are also some smaller organizations providing crucial guidance to Venezuelans. Project Rousseau, an organization offering immigration services, has helped nearly 200 asylum-seekers, many from Venezuela, file their TPS applications over the past week. They're also organizing a TPS clinic later this month, hoping to submit 500 applications for about 100 families, said founder and executive director Andrew Heinrich. A similar event is also scheduled for Nov. 29. Andrew Heinrich, founder of Project Rousseau. (NBC News) Democrats who advocated for the latest TPS designation said it would improve the ability of Venezuelans, who are estimated to be half of the migrants coming into New York City, to become more independent and be less reliant on city services such as shelters. "They will be able to get into the economic ecosystem of the city," said Jesus Aguais, a Venezuelan native and the executive director of AID for AIDS, a group that has been working with Venezuelan asylum-seekers who now qualify for TPS. "We will be able to fill [employment] positions in a legal way, people will be able to start paying taxes, and they will get out of the shelter system, although they are already getting out of the shelter system," he said. A local mandate requires New York City to provide shelter and basic services to anyone regardless of immigration status. AID for AIDS holds educational workshops twice a week and legal clinics once a month with Venezuelan paralegals who fly in from Miami to provide culturally competent services as they apply for asylum, TPS and work permits, he said. Niurka Melendez, a Venezuelan asylum seeker and the director and founder of Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid, said that even with TPS or another kinds of deportation protections it's still difficult to have "enough to buy a place or rent an apartment [and] show a credit history to be able to lease a place." Melendez's organization hosts virtual workshops with an attorney to explain the nuances of the different legal pathways migrants can seek when they arrive in the U.S. She said that oftentimes people from different states, and even Venezuela, listen in to then pass on the information to relatives who are heading to the U.S. New York City officials have said they are also ramping up immigration case management efforts to be able to process the large number of applications. They hope to "do hundreds of TPS appointments per day in November," Masha Gindler, executive director of the New York City Asylum Application Help, said in a news conference Wednesday. "Our goal is to really make outreach to identify, screen and make appointments for all eligible Venezuelans by the end of the year." Deportations resume as protections expand Only Venezuelans like Jhonnatan, who have been in the U.S. before the end of July, can apply for TPS a protection currently available to other vulnerable populations from 15 other countries such as Ukraine and Afghanistan due to ongoing armed conflict and El Salvador and Nicaragua due to the impacts of environmental disasters. The federal government said it will soon restart repatriation flights, after Venezuelan authorities agreed to accept the return of deported Venezuelan nationals who crossed the U.S. border unlawfully and were not able to establish a legal basis to remain in the U.S. Jodi Ziesemer, director of the immigrant protection unit at the New York Legal Assistance Group, told NBC News she believes the repatriations will likely impact Venezuelans who recently arrived to the U.S. or who will be arriving without having a visa. Despite resuming deportations to Venezuela, immigration authorities must provide credible fear interviews to anyone looking to claim asylum. Venezuelans who have arrived to the U.S. over the past two months may be vulnerable to deportation unless they are in the middle of applying for asylum or other protections, Ziesemer said. The Biden administration had previously made TPS available to Venezuelans who arrived in the U.S. before March 9, 2021, and last year extended their protections to allow those migrants to remain in the U.S. until March 2024. Those applying under the most recent designation will be able to remain in the U.S. until April 2025. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Venture capitalist Alan Patricof has a cautionary message about an AI bubble. "Everyone wants to be at an AI company it's the flavor of the month," Patricof told the New York Post. Patricof recommends investing in companies utilizing AI as a tool, rather than buying AI platforms. Alan Patricof, the venture capitalist known for his investments in Apple and Venmo, has a cautionary message about an AI bubble. "Everyone wants to be at an AI company it's the flavor of the month," said Patricof during a Thursday interview with the New York Post. He added that the best way to get into AI is to get into a company that has learned how to use AI as a tool instead of buying into an AI platform. "There are an awful lot of companies that want to go into AI and the valuations are in the billions," said Patricof, "But let's tune in 12 or 24 months from now those companies are spending a lot of money so they may come back to the market to raise money." The 88-year-old veteran investor has had a long career in venture capital. His past investments, under VC firms Greycroft and Apax Partners, include AOL, Apple, and Audible. Patricof was one of Apple's earliest investors. And Patricof isn't alone in having concerns about an AI bubble. Emad Mostaque, the CEO of Stability AI, said in July that he thinks AI will "be the biggest bubble of all time," comparing the hype around AI to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Veteran economist David Rosenberg and James Penny, the CIO of TAM Asset Management, have made similar comparisons between AI and the dot-com bubble. To be sure, others like retired Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel and Dan Raju, the CEO of fintech and brokerage firm Tradier, disagree with the comparison. Raju told Insider that unlike the dot-com bubble, "in 2023, we are seeing the realizations of AI benefits 'right-here, right-now' by companies." "In 1999, company valuations and crazy P/E ratios were based on completely unproven theories of immediate realizations around the internet by companies that never materialized," he added. Patricof did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Vice President Kamala Harris will be making a stop in Las Vegas next week as part of her Fight for Our Freedoms college tour. According to a release, Vice President Harris will be holding a moderated conversation at the North Las Vegas campus of the College of Southern Nevada. This event will be the eighth stop on her nationwide college tour. The campus event at CSN will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12. The Fight for Our Freedoms college tour is a high-energy national swing that is mobilizing thousands of young people in the ongoing fight for fundamental freedoms and rights, the release stated. Vice President Harris is visiting approximately a dozen campuses on the tour. At each stop, she is focusing on issues that disproportionately impact young people across America. Such issues include reproductive freedom, gun safety, climate action, voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, mental health, and book bans. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Alisher Usmanov German police, tax investigators, and customs agents conducted a raid at the villa of a Russian oligarch believed to be Alisher Usmanov on Oct. 5. The villa is located in the municipality of Rottach-Egern in Bavaria, on the shores of the resort lake Tegernsee in the Alps. Photographs from the scene of the searches show that many luxury cars of German origin were seized. Representatives of the Central Sanctions Enforcement Office stated that searches were also conducted at other real estate properties belonging to Usmanov. Read also: Italy freezes Russian oligarchs' assets worth 2 Billion Officials refused to disclose the name of the Russian individual, stating only that he is subject to EU sanctions and asset freezes. Reuters reported that the individual is Usmanov, whose representative responded that "there are no grounds for suspicion against him." Usmanov is considered close to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, his assets in the EU were frozen, and an investigation into possible money laundering is ongoing. Read also: Ukraines economic security agency charges Russian oligarch Fridman with money laundering The SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) seized property belonging to the oligarch, including 160,000 tons of iron ore stored in underground warehouses in Russia-occupied Ukraine, with an estimated value of about 2 billion hryvnias (approximately $54.5 million USD), at the end of December 2022. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Adventurer Namira Salim became the first Pakistani to travel into space on Friday, riding aboard Virgin Galactic's fifth successful flight in five months, the US company announced. Salim, who previously traveled to both poles and has also parachuted over Mount Everest, was among the first customers to buy a ticket with billionaire Richard Branson's space company after it was founded almost two decades ago. "I love my title 'first Pakistani astronaut,' it's like being a very special princess of the country. Maybe nicer than being a princess," Salim told AFP back in 2012. Virgin Galactic said Salim is also a resident of Monaco and the United Arab Emirates. That makes her the first person from Monaco and the first Emirati woman to travel to space, the company said. American Ron Rosano and Briton Trevor Beattie were also passengers on Friday's trip, dubbed "Galactic 04." Beth Moses, a Virgin Galactic employee, and two pilots were also aboard. Unlike traditional vertical launches into space, Virgin Galactic utilizes a specialized, twin-fuselage aircraft to carry the passenger vessel high in the sky. The mothership then releases the spaceplane, which in turn engages its thrusters to soar into space at speeds approaching Mach-3. Passengers experience a few minutes of weightlessness, where they are free to perform somersaults and gaze out the window at the curvature of the Earth. The craft then glided back down, landing just over an hour after takeoff from Spaceport in New Mexico. Virgin Galactic competes in the "suborbital" space tourism sector with billionaire Jeff Bezos's company Blue Origin, which has already sent 31 people into space using a vertical liftoff rocket. But since an accident in September 2022 during an unmanned flight, Blue Origin's rocket has been grounded. The investigation into the accident was closed at the end of September by the US aviation regulator, which requested the company make changes before its flights can resume. la/bpe/des/mdl Insider's author ended up loving the bathrooms she discovered across Japan. Monica Humphries/Insider Japan has incredible things to offer any tourist, from food to transit. But I fell in love with the country's bathrooms on a two-week trip. From bidets to temperature-controlled bathtubs, I long for a Japanese bathroom back home in the US. Before arriving in Japan, a warm toilet seat evoked a full-body cringe. The heated plastic was a clear indicator that someone not so long ago had used the toilet. But a warm seat in Japan is the norm thanks to tech-forward toilets, so by the end of my two-week trip, I happily plopped onto the warm plastic. But heated seats weren't the only thing I fell in love with. From bidets to heated shower rooms, I learned that Japan has mastered the bathroom situation. A toilet in Japan. Monica Humphries/Insider I left Japan wondering why bidets aren't everywhere After arriving in Tokyo, one of my first Google searches wasn't the best omakase restaurant or how much tickets cost for the city's public water buses. I was searching for the price of a bidet for my toilet back home. From ritzy hotels to dive bars, I spotted bidets everywhere. And as someone who grew up in the US where they aren't as common, my trip to Japan was one of the first times I've used one. I quickly learned that there's a lot more to a Japanese toilet than the bidet shooting out a stream of water. Most of the toilets I used in Japan were manufactured by the company Toto. On one side of the toilet, I would spot a menu of options. I could select the strength of the stream, its temperature, and its angle. There's also a button for a dryer, a button to flush, and, of course, a button for the heated seat. A toilet's control panel. Monica Humphries/Insider Those are the basics. The fancier toilets I spotted had white noise machines, could deodorize the air, were self-cleaning, and had night lights. The popularity of these toilets goes hand in hand with a society that values hygiene. Bill Strang, the president of corporate strategy and e-commerce at Toto USA, told NPR that Japanese people prioritize bathing and feeling clean and their toilets reflect that. Not only did I feel cleaner using a bidet, but the bathrooms themselves were spotless. A spotless public bathroom in Japan. Monica Humphries/Insider In the US, I avoid public bathrooms at all costs. Back when I lived in New York, some of the city's subway stations and parks had bathrooms for public use, but it wasn't uncommon to find these spaces in disarray. It's the same in Denver, Colorado, where I currently live. And it's not just public bathrooms. I've visited plenty of bars and restaurants with trash on the floor, graffiti on the walls, and a gnarly stench. In Japan, I didn't think twice about stepping into public bathrooms. The subway stations had bathrooms that were often pristine, and rarely did I find a restroom coated in a layer of pee. Bidets weren't the only thing I left loving about Japanese bathrooms After speaking to real-estate agents and touring apartments in Tokyo, I learned that many bathrooms in Japanese homes and apartments often include at least two rooms. The first room has a sink and it's where people typically undress before bathing. The second room has your shower and tub. The toilet is either placed in the first room or in an entirely separate room. The goal is to create a similar atmosphere to traditional Japanese bathhouses. During my two-week trip, I visited two homes that had these traditional bathrooms, and in them, I discovered technology that catered to relaxation. For example, Ryza Rynazal is living in a 285-square-foot Tokyo apartment that costs just $800 a month. Even with the smaller space, the architects prioritized the building's bathrooms. Rynazal has two separate rooms for bathing. One has a sink and toilet, and the second has a shower and a tub. Outside of the bathing room, Ry has a panel that allows him to control different settings. His favorite, he said, is that he can turn on the heat, which creates a sauna-like atmosphere when he's done showering. The two rooms for bathing in Ryza's apartment. Monica Humphries/Insider At a home in Kyoto, Japan, I used a tub with futuristic settings. As I navigated the language barrier, I spotted controls that allowed me to set the bathtub's water to an exact temperature. I could time when I wanted the tub to fill up and when I wanted it to empty, and I had full control over the water level. Back in the US, that's far from the case. I have no sauna to step in after a shower and am constantly toggling between water temps of hot and cold. So while Japan's ramen was out of this world and its transit system is one of my dreams, I'm still thinking about the country's bathrooms months later. Read the original article on Insider Wagner's Yevgeny Prigozhin was behind a coup attempt in Moldova, the country's president said. Wagner intended to turn protests "violent" to justify its allies seizing power, Maia Sandu claimed. "The situation is really dramatic and we have to protect ourselves," she said. The deceased former head of Wagner, the Russian paramilitary group, was behind an attempt earlier this year to overthrow the pro-Western government of Moldova, President Maia Sandu said in an interview published Friday. Home to 2.6 million people, Moldova, a former member of the Soviet Union, is wedged between Ukraine and NATO member Romania, with Russian troops occupying a separatist region in the east of the country. Its current government aspires to membership in the Western military alliance, as well as the European Union, goals opposed by Moscow and the country's loud, pro-Russia opposition. In February, Sandu publicly accused Russia of trying to overthrow her, in part by using the cover of street protests to allow local proxies to claim power in ,the name of security. "The plan included sabotage and militarily trained people disguised as civilians to carry out violent actions, attacks on government buildings and taking hostages," she told reporters at the time. Her government expelled 45 Russian diplomats a few months later. Speaking to the Financial Times, Sandu claimed that the alleged coup d'etat was being planned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former head of the Wagner mercenary organization who died in a plane crash over the summer. "The information that we have is that it was a plan prepared by [Prigozhin's] team," Sandu told the newspaper, claiming Wagner forces intended to spark violence at protests. The threat has not dissipated with Prigozhin's death, Sandu said. "The situation is really dramatic and we have to protect ourselves," she said. Moldova is objectively vulnerable. As Insider reported from the ground last year, even members of the country's defense establishment and those who fought Russian troops in a brief war in the early 1990s believe its armed forces smaller and more poorly equipped than police departments in some US cities would be overrun by an invading force. Thousands of Russian troops are stationed in Transnistria, the breakaway region of Moldova bordering Ukraine, and they are bolstered by thousands more troops loyal to Transnistria's pro-Russia leadership. Vitalie Marinuta, who served as Moldova's defense minister from 2009 to 2014 under a previous government, told Insider that he found the president's claim to be plausible. Russia, he said, is "doing everything possible to destabilize Moldova." "We are on the war maps of the Russian Federation and I cannot exclude the fact that the Russian political establishment, the Kremlin, was using Prigozhin and his mercenaries," Marinuta said, arguing that the country's "fifth column" nominally communist and socialist parties that advocate closer ties with Moscow would be happy to be installed in power and serve Russian interests. "They'll do everything within in their power to have an ally here in Moldova," Marinuta said, and "to have a country which can stab a knife in the back of Ukraine and the European Union." Read the original article on Business Insider Former President Donald Trump s son, Eric Trump , voiced his disgust for the venue where the Trump civil fraud trial is being held, describing it as having an unpleasant odor and being a disgrace. Eric Trump made these remarks during an interview on the right-wing news channel Newsmax following his day at the New York State Supreme Court building in Lower Manhattan. Eric Trump. (Photo: @UnionCrusaderX/X) The courthouse I was in today, its disgusting. It smells. You had cables running across all the walls. Its a disgrace and the fact that thats a representation of our legal system he said this week. You see the same thing at airports. I mean how many times do you fly through an airport and you see acoustical airport tiles that are falling down, right? Trending Today: The civil trial for a $250 million lawsuit brought forth by New Yorks Attorney General Letitia James against Trump, the Trump Organization, and his two eldest sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, commenced on Monday. Donald Trump, who has largely steered clear of courtrooms, has been attending the Manhattan court where prosecutors accuse him, his company, and his family of deliberately inflating property values to commit insurance fraud. Trump has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Eric Trumps tactless remarks opened him to criticism on social media. New York County Supreme Court is not disgusting, nor does it smell, wrote one X user. It has a magnificent mural in the ceiling of its central rotunda detaling the history of justice from ancient times. It is a consummate courthouse, and Eric Trump is just a whining crybaby. The New York State Court website says the New York Supreme Courts first-floor entrance boasts a dramatic vestibule leading to a majestic colonnade and the grand rotunda. It highlights Italian and American marbles throughout the space. Wait until you get a wiff of jail! Former President Donald Trump's middle son, Eric Trump, raged about how offensive he found the smell of the New York courtroom where their civil trial for fraud is being conducted, Newsweek reported on Thursday! Linda #PerSista! (@LindaResista) October 5, 2023 While the fraud trial is ongoing, the Trumps have already suffered a significant setback. Judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Sept. 26 that Trump and his associates had inflated property values in financial statements, misleading banks and insurers. The civil trial will primarily determine the size of the penalty. In response to Judge Engorons summary judgment, which ordered the revocation of some of their business licenses in New York and the transfer of properties named in the judgment to independent receivers, on Wednesday, Trump and his sons appealed the judges pre-trial ruling. During this weeks proceedings, Cameron Harris, an accountant from Whitley Penn, Trumps accounting firm, testified. Harris asserted that Eric Trump set the tone at the top of the Trump Organization and emphasized that the Trumps bore ultimate responsibility for their financial statements. Eric Trump whining about the smell and appearance of a courtroom is the height of hypocrisy, given the fact that he and his family are accused of massive fraud. He should be more worried about the smell of prison soap, wrote another X user. Read the original story here. The anonymous bomb threat that caused the Philippines to place all of its commercial airports on heightened security alert is most likely a "hoax," according to the head of the aviation police department, who made the statement on Friday, October 6. Flights from Manila to Davao, Bicol, and the popular islands of Palawan and Cebu were allegedly threatened in an anonymous email sent to air traffic services, as per reports. 'Business as Usual' After receiving an anonymous email warning that flights taking off from Manila to various tourist locations may explode, authorities requested increased security at 42 airports around the country. According to Reuters, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said airports had been asked on Wednesday, October 4, to beef up security following bomb threats. Manila officials have reportedly increased safety measures at airport terminals by deploying more police and canine patrols as they verify the danger. Despite the warning, Manila's major international airport and the country's two largest airlines continued regular operations. Transport Minister Jaime Bautista said that there would be no disruptions to flights. According to an anonymous source at Philippine Airlines, who was not authorized to talk to the media, things are "business as usual" at the flag carrier and it is following usual protocols. In a statement by Transport Minister Bautista, there is no anticipation of any effect on any regularly scheduled flights. He wants to reassure those who are traveling that processes are in place to protect everyone's safety and security. Read Also: Productivity or Forced to Work: Philippines' Unemployment Rate Decreases, Says PSA Probably Hoax? A screenshot of the emailed threat was referenced in a document from the CAAP. It was dated October 4 but was only shared with media outlets on Friday. The letter did not include the term "bomb" but rather warned recipients to "please beware" because an aircraft would explode at Manila's international airport. It was also predicted that "Cebu, Palawan, Bicol, and Davao will also be hit" in the anonymous email. More than a million domestic and international tourists visited Cebu last year, making it one of the most popular beach destinations in the area, while over 5 million people visited Bicol in the center of the Philippines. On Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM (0000 GMT), aviation police commander Jack Wanky acknowledged that a threat had been issued, although he expressed doubt about its veracity. "It's most likely a hoax. Nothing is happening," he stated in a report by Reuters. "Airport operations [are] continuous, it's normal." The email was first sent to a minor airport in Bicol. The National Capital Region (NCR) Police Department was notified of a similar incident by the aviation police. Kevin Beachley, an Australian on a business trip, was flying out of Manila on Friday and said he was not concerned. "It's just a simple way of causing a lot of trouble without actually having to do anything other than a phone call," according to him. Philippine citizen Joy Nequinto was more skeptical, though. "Our security is not that safe, especially in Manila. I do love the Philippines, but sometimes I feel scared at the airport." Read Also: Conan the Security Cat: Meet the Philippines' Adopted Feline Friend @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Last month the Kentucky Department of Tourism kicked off a new campaign designed to let visitors know there is more to the commonwealth than horses and bourbon. Kentucky After Dark focuses on what happens after the sun sets in the commonwealth and no, I am not talking about growlers and goblets, but ghouls and goblins. The After Dark experience focuses on the states eerier attractions, and what better time to kick off than the month of October? Twelve chilling sites throughout the state have been identified. If you want to know more about the Battletown Witch Festival, youll have to go to Brandenburg, or if its a Kelly Green alien encounter youre hankering for, you need to head to Henderson. However, the Bluegrass region includes two places so haunted they earned a spot on the list. This October, instead of watching Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th for the umpteenth time, check them out as a prelude to Halloween. Lawrenceburg This small town may be the scariest in the Bluegrass. Its alleged to be the major stomping grounds of the elusive Bigfoot, whom residents have claimed to have spotted stomping around as far back as the early 1700s. As if that wasnt enough, the now-shuttered Anderson Hotel on Main Street has become a hotbed of haints. So much so, that paranormal investigators from The Learning Channel and YouTube podcasts have ventured into its murky interiors to discover what lies within. You can follow in their footsteps with local amateur historian and ghost hunter Jeff Waldridge on one of his tours during the Halloween season. If you have the courage, that is. Some past tour participants, according to Waldridge, refused to venture beyond the lobby. Those who did claimed to have seen bloodstains in bathtubs; felt bite marks from invisible teeth and witnessed numerous apparitions gliding through the dimly lit halls. Georgetown Like Lawrenceburg, Georgetown seems a fairly benign small southern town. Until you start peeling back the layers, that is. Georgetown is another of the 12 places specifically included in the Kentucky After Dark campaign, primarily due to the Ghosts and Goblins of Dead Mans Hollow. Just the name is enough to scare away the timid. But if you consider yourself bold, just know it got that name because of its history of killings, banditry and other dastardly deeds. One of the most dastardly befell a young man carrying a large sum of money from a cattle sale and the daughter of the man who had hatched a plan to rob and murder him. As the two became lovers, she warned him about her fathers plans and they fled with daddy dearest and his murderous accomplices hot on their trail. It wasnt long before the vengeful mob caught up with and brutally murdered both, hiding the bodies in a cave along a stretch of the road. Many claim to hear mournful sounds coming from the cave entrance perhaps from sorrow at a young love cut short. If you want to pay your respects this Halloween, youll have to do it on your own as there are no organized tours. If youre still undaunted, follow U.S. Highway 25 out of town until you cross over Rays Fork, a local waterway. But dont say you werent warned. Frightful Frankfort The capital city has had a grisly episode or two in its history. At the top of the list the assassination of the only governor in American history. (Check out the exhibit in the Capital City Museum.) But this October, the museum promises another kind of scare with its Beast of the Bluegrass walking tour every Wednesday night throughout the month, leaving at 7:00 p.m. from Fort Hill. Museum staff will provide lanterns to light the way; guests should bring comfortable shoes and a spirit of adventure. If you are a female who prefers your experience to be bewitching rather than bewildering, don your spookiest witch costume and join the rest of the coven for Witches Night Out, a cocktail stroll through downtown Frankfort Oct. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Finally, on Oct. 28, bring the whole family to A Thriller: Trick or Treat & Pumpkin Lighting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Local businesses will provide Trick or Treat stations for the children before Frankforts inaugural Thriller parade takes to the streets. Sinister Shelbyville Its hard to imagine a sweeter, more welcoming community than Shelbyville. Well, try harder. There have been some grisly goings-on in the town, from raids by Shawnee Indians, American Civil War troops and outlaw guerrillas. You can find out all about a few of Shelbyvilles badly behaved former residents on a Historical and Paranormal Walking Tour offered every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 27 at 7 and 9 p.m. At the corner of 6th and Main streets stands a building that once housed the towns most famous hotel, the Armstrong. Once known for its impeccable lodgings and good food, it became notorious as the place where the fate of two men was sealed. First up was Edwin Terrell, who acquired so many enemies during his tenure as captain of a Union counter-guerrilla force hunting Confederates following the Civil War that one of them fatally shot him in a gunfight while he was a guest at the Armstrong. Nearly a century later, Lt. Governor Henry Denhardt met a similar fate after checking into the hotel. He had previously been accused of murdering his fiancee in what was a nationally publicized trial that resulted in a hung jury. The womans brothers clearly didnt agree with the verdict and shot him in the street outside the hotel. The Armstrong burned to the ground a few years later and was never rebuilt. Today a furniture store occupies its original site and Caitlin Zoeller, who leads the walking tour, says paranormal activity is strongly felt here. Should you wish a Halloween activity less nightmare-inducing, Shelbyvilles historic Grove Hill Cemetery will offer a 90-minute walking tour with volunteer actors portraying some of the local historic figures buried here. The tour is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. Spine-chilling Louisville You will have to go a bit farther afield for one of David Domines Victorian ghost walks in Old Louisville. Domine, founder of Louisville Tours and author of a true crime memoir, A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City, has been leading walking tours through one of Americas most haunted neighborhoods for 15 years. This years strolls (Oct. 20, 21 and 22) are not your ordinary tour, instead being a combination of walking tour and theater. Local performers will assist Domine in bringing to life some of the neighborhoods most entertaining ghosts. Youll meet Simon Kracht, the infamous resurrectionist who procured corpses for the medical college, Lucinda, the grief-stricken lunatic who crowned herself Queen of America in 1885, and millionaire Alfred Victor DuPont (son of the industrialist), who allegedly died by the hand of his scorned mistress. Domines tour exposes the seamy underbelly of this beautiful and supposedly genteel Victorian neighborhood. Poland considers Ukraine's decision to put a complaint against Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to the World Trade Organisation "on pause" as insufficient. Source: Piotr Muller, Secretary of State at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland, in an interview with RMF FM in an interview of 6 October, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "At the end of the day, we're asking for a withdrawal of the complaint, not a suspension. This is a good step, but it's not enough. There is absolutely no question of lifting the grain embargo." Details: Taras Kachka, Deputy Economy Minister and Trade Representative of Ukraine, stated on 5 October that Ukraine filed its complaints against Poland, Hungary and Slovakia to the World Trade Organisation on hold while it tries to find a compromise solution. Kachka emphasised that work on a "practical solution" to the trade dispute is ongoing. Speaking about the situation with Poland, Kachka expressed hope that the parties will be able to return to discussions after the elections, as there are no systemic obstacles to solving the problem. Background: Polands Minister of Agriculture Robert Telus said that his government does not understand the Ukrainian statement regarding the "suspension" of consideration of Ukraines complaint against restrictions on its agricultural exports in the WTO. On 18 September, Ukraine filed an appeal at the WTO against the actions of Poland, Slovakia and Hungary after they introduced unilateral restrictions on importing certain types of Ukrainian agricultural products. 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 Washington Court House police officer fired a Taser at the unidentified man as the man ran toward him Sunday on the 400 block of Gregg St. Footage shows the man falling to the ground limp; he died at a hospital later that evening The Washington Court House Police Department has released body camera footage of an Oct. 1 confrontation in which police fired a Taser at a fleeing suspect who later died. As of Friday afternoon, when the body camera footage was released, police had not released the name of the man who died or those of any officers involved in the incident. The partially redacted video shows a man flee as an officer pulls up to him at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, in the 400 block of Gregg St. After a short pursuit, the man can be seen running towards the officer, then falling to the ground limp when the officer fires his Taser. A Washington Court House Police Department press release states that the man was in possession of drug paraphernalia, and had been indicted in Fayette County Common Pleas Court for aggravated possession of drugs, a third-degree felony. In the footage, the responding officer who fired the Taser can be heard telling another officer who arrives on scene, I accidentally got him in the head with the Taser, when another officer arrives on scene. Is he okay? the second officer replies. Hes unconscious, the first officer says. I think he might have hit his head as well. The second officer then says the man isnt breathing and begins chest compressions. The impact itself is not visible in the footage, but police can be heard saying that the man may have struck a brick or rock when he fell. Later in the video, another officer describes the man as having a mark on his head and one Taser dart attached to his head. The responding officer who used the Taser says the man ducked as he fired at his body, causing one of the devices darts to affix to the suspects head. According to Taser safety guidelines published online by Reuters, the risk of seizures increases when the devices electric current passes through the head. The man was transported by medics to the Adena Fayette Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at about 7 p.m., according to the press release. An autopsy was being performed, but the cause of death has not yet been determined, police said. The officer who fired the taser has been placed on paid administrative leave, the department said, as is standard practice after a fatal use of force incident. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting. @baileygallion bagallion@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Washington Court House police video shows Taser hit suspect who died Oct. 6 (UPI) -- A black bear paid a visit to a Florida harbor and was caught on camera exploring the deck of a sailboat. Todd Dillman, owner of TowBoat U.S. Naples-Marco Island, said he was pushing a barge back into the bay at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club when he spotted a bear in the water. "We get the saltwater crocs, the alligators, the sharks, stuff like that. But I can't say I've seen anything like this before," Dillman told WBBH-TV. "Not in a million years. And I probably won't ever see it again." He said the scene became even more shocking moments later. "I came back around and looked over and he's on the sailboat," Dillman said. Dillman captured video of the bear wandering the deck of the catamaran and posted it to his business' Facebook page. "I sat here for like an hour and he was just going front to back on the boat," he said. "He's just hanging out. He's walking back and forth, across the bow." The bear soon attracted a crowd of onlookers. "Word started spreading that there was a bear on the docks. And I said, 'No. No. There can't be a bear on the docks," said Manny Blanco, the yacht club's general manager. "Walked out the docks and sure enough, there was a bear on a boat. I've seen alligators in the marina. I've seen dolphins, manatees, but I never seen a bear." The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is monitoring the bear's movements to make sure it safely finds its way back to the wilderness. A FedEx plane blazed along a runway in a blizzard of sparks late Wednesday after being forced to land without its landing gear. The Boeing 757, which had three crew members on board, experienced a landing gear failure shortly after takeoff, prompting public safety agencies to rush to the Chattanooga Regional Airport in Tennessee. A video posted on Facebook by Hamilton County EMS shows the 35-year-old aircraft scraping along the runway before it finally came to a stop in a safety area at the end of the tarmac. Officials said no one was injured in the crash landing. Great work by the pilot and airport personnel, as well as all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts, the fire department wrote. New video shows Fedex 757 emergency landing at Chattanooga Airport in Tennessee without its landing gear earlier today. Fire services quickly responded and the 3 crew members on board evacuated safely. https://t.co/zndv7Xfpdt pic.twitter.com/n5BfIX81YN Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) October 5, 2023 Read it at Associated Press Read more at The Daily Beast. A Florida man was captured on surveillance footage having a meltdown over the price of a cup of coffee at a drive through, slapping the beverage from the worker's hands and severely burning her. The Miami Springs Police Department shared surveillance video from the drive-thru window area capturing the moment the customer became "verbally abusive" towards the fast-food worker. The incident happened Aug. 25 at a fast food restaurant in Miami Springs, Fla. Police said the coffee spilled onto her right arm and chest area, causing red burn marks on her skin. The Aug. 25 incident captures 64-year-old Elizar Ravelo engage in a heated exchange with the workers over the price of his items. Police said that the manager came over to the window, hoping to deescalate the situation, saying that she didn't "appreciate the way he was treating the employees and that if he continued to do so, (he) would not be allowed back at the restaurant." FLORIDA MAN FLASHES GUN AT SON'S POP WARNER FOOTBALL GAME AFTER PARENTS BEGIN TRASH TALKING HIS SON Despite the warning, the disgruntled customer "began to verbally assault her" and threatened to throw coffee on her. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A man was arrested after he slapped a cup of hot coffee out of a fast-food manager's hands at the drive-thru window because he was upset about how much he paid. Seconds later, the employee is seen handing Ravelo his bag of food and then a steaming cup of coffee. FLORIDA HIT-AND-RUN SUSPECT FLOORS IT AS VICTIM CLINGS TO HOOD FOR 2 MILES WITH COPS IN HOT PURSUIT: POLICE Police said that Ravelo "purposely reached out" and "slapped" the hot coffee from the worker's outreached hands. Police said the coffee spilled onto her right arm and chest area, causing red burn marks on her skin. Elizar Ravelo was arrested and charged with felony battery, court records show. Ravelo sped off from the restaurant, but was located by the Miami Springs Detective Bureau and arrested. He was charged with felony battery, but is no longer in custody after posting $5,000 bond. The Miami Springs Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Original article source: WATCH: Florida man slaps piping hot coffee onto fast-food employee over cost of drink Sign up for the Happiness is a Warm TV newsletter here. Heres whats on TV tonight. Dateline : The Clearing (9 p.m., NBC) Dennis Murphy goes to Westerville, Ohio, to report on the death of Emily Noble and the case against her husband, Matt Moore. Nobles body was discovered by three women in a wooded area near her home in 2021, nearly four months after she went missing. Investigators worked to determine if her death was from suicide or homicide, and they eventually charged her husband. The case rocked the small Ohio town, says Dateline. The episode features an exclusive interview with Matt Moore, whose trial happened last summer. Also, interviews with: Detective Steve Grubbs, Defense Attorney Diane Menashe, Emilys friends and others. To stream: You can stream Dateline on Peacock. 20/20: Catch Us If You Can (9 p.m., ABC) Tonights episode explores the jailbreak of violent maximum-security inmate Casey White, who disappeared from the Lauderdale County Jail in Alabama last year, and the corrections officer who helped him. When officer Vicky White (no familial relationship to Casey) disappeared with Casey on April 29, 2022, authorities feared she had been taken hostage by a violent man. But upon investigation, Vickys role in the escape was questioned. There was an 11-day, multi-state search involving multiple agencies, and it was revealed that the two were romantically involved. The situation eventually reached a shocking end. The program includes exclusive interviews with the escaped inmates former cellmate, the friends and coworkers of the corrections officer and investigators. We also get to see exclusive police body camera and dashcam videos of the searchs climactic end and never-before-seen letters Casey wrote just before his capture, ultimately revealing the nature of his relationship with Vicky. Deborah Roberts reports. To stream: You can stream the next day on Hulu. Some programming descriptions are provided by networks. TAMPA Ron DeSantis was once viewed as the only Republican who could beat former President Donald Trump . Now Florida isn't even a sure thing. The Florida governor has for months tried to meet the lofty expectations set when he jumped into the presidential race in May. Since then, hes reorganized his campaign several times, laid off staff and faced endless attacks by Trump, who continues to lead by double-digits in polls. Hes overshadowed in his home state too, where Trump is ahead of the governor by 35 points in a recent poll. Against this backdrop, DeSantis on Thursday brought his campaign to downtown Tampa, less than an hour from the governors hometown of Dunedin, to roll out a slew of endorsements from local police and sheriffs. During the hourlong stop, DeSantis touched on many of the same themes hes touted during his years as governor: He characterized San Francisco as a drug-ridden hellhole, attacked the media and its phony narratives, denounced Soros-funded prosecutors and criticized President Joe Biden over the southern border. But those familiar lines faced an uneasy audience. DeSantis also took some skeptical questions from voters and reporters, including whether he has more support in Florida than Trump, who is currently at his winter home at Mar-a-Lago in south Florida. He won by three, I won by 20, DeSantis replied, referencing how much Trump won Florida in the 2020 election and his own 2022 reelection margin of victory. The Tampa event veered from DeSantis usual campaign schedule, which has focused especially heavily on Iowa, with plans to reach all 99 counties in the state. DeSantis has plans to return to Iowa Saturday through Monday to campaign alongside Never Back Down, the super PAC supporting his bid for president. Besides campaigning, DeSantis has another reason to be in Florida: money. He attended a campaign lunch in Tampa, according to the Tampa Bay Times, and was then was scheduled to hold a fundraiser in Miami on Thursday evening, hosted by Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez and other former and current state elected officials, the Miami Herald first reported. DeSantis has repeatedly leaned on Florida for campaign cash, including through lobbyists and other longtime supporters. His campaign raised $15 million during the third quarter, and while campaign manager James Uthmeier billed the haul as a tally that would shut down the doubters, only a third of it can be used for the GOP primary due to contribution limits. You cant raise money in Iowa, which is probably the only reason DeSantis wouldnt be there, said Alex Conant, who worked on Sen. Marco Rubios 2016 presidential campaign. Judging by his weak financial shape, hes going to have to spend a lot of this month raising money. But DeSantis still has his fans in Florida. Former Sen. George Lemieux (R-Fla.), a DeSantis donor, said it takes a long time to get national attention and was confident the governor could still win the nomination. There are no overnight successes, it takes hard work, he said. I've always thought that good governing is the best form of politics. In Florida, DeSantis has more endorsements from state lawmakers than Trump does, though the former president has the backing of the vast majority of the states GOP congressional delegation. DeSantis also has collected support from more than 300 state lawmakers in other states. In recent weeks, he has also been more aggressively chiding Trump. But it hasnt been enough to undercut Trumps tremendous popularity, even as the former president faces indictments in four different jurisdictions something DeSantis didnt mention Thursday other than to mock his rivals more considerable campaign war chest as mostly going toward lawyers fees. In response, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said DeSantis had the energy of a used wet rag. This is nothing more than a desperate attempt of a flailing candidate who is in the last throes of his campaign, he said, pointing to Trumps polling advantages including against Biden. This tough guy routine from DeSantis is laughable, because the only thing tough about him is his ability to consistently embarrass himself every single day on the campaign trail. Faced with viability questions from donors and the press, DeSantis campaign officials have repeatedly said that a strong showing in Iowa will help narrow the field to a two-person race. But DeSantis is still far behind Trump in that state. Hes also facing complaints from New Hampshire officials who warn against ignoring the Granite State. The DeSantis campaign will soon be relocating a large number of staff to Iowa with just over three months to go until the Jan. 15 caucus. DeSantis said Thursday that he thought hed win the state though his campaign previously lowered expectations and said a strong second would be laudable while also downplaying national polls. His allies likewise dismiss surveys showing DeSantis losing. Bob Emerson, president of the South Shore GOP Club who attended the event in Tampa, said its still too early to anoint a winner. Polls are polls but we havent had a one primary yet. Its a long game, Emerson said. Internationally known fashion company Prada has announced its taking its designs to outer space. The Italian Luxury company announced Wednesday it is partnering with Axiom Space to design NASAs next generation of lunar spacesuits for the team setting out on the 2025 Artemis III mission to the moon. The Artemis III crew will be the first crewed lunar landing in more than 50 years, since Apollo 17 in 1972. NASA said this mission will be the first time humans explore the region near the moons South Pole. Artemis II, the second scheduled mission, plans to make history with the Nov. 2024 mission around the moon. It will be the first time a woman, Mission Specialist 1 Christina Hammock Koch, and a person of color, Pilot Victor Glover, are going to be on a moon mission. The Artemis III crew has not yet been named by NASA. Pradas technical expertise with raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and innovative design concepts will bring advance technologies instrumental in ensuring not only the comfort of astronauts on the lunar surface, but also the much-needed human factors considerations absent from legacy spacesuits, Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini said in a statement. The organizations said the new spacesuits will have updated technology and greater protection from the elements. It will enable greater exploration of the moon than ever before, the joint media release said. We are honored to a part of this historic mission with Axiom Space, Prada Group Marketing Director Lorenzo Bertelli said in a statement. Our decades of experimentation, cutting-edge technology and design know-how which started back in the 90s with Luna Rossa challenging for the Americas cup will now be applied to the design of a spacesuit for the Artemis era, Bertelli added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. We were not aware of that, Las Vegas detective says about Keffe Ds proffer with LAPD in Tupac Shakur murder LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Newly released grand jury transcripts reveal more about Las Vegas Metro polices investigation into the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur that led to Duane Keffe D Davis arrest last week. Police arrested Davis on Friday, Sept. 29, near his Henderson home. The day before, a grand jury indicted the 60-year-old on a charge of murder with a deadly weapon with a gang enhancement. Prosecutors allege Davis ordered the shooting. The shooting on Sept. 7, 1996, at the intersection of Flamingo Road and Koval Lane, a block off the Las Vegas Strip, followed a fight earlier in the night. In the hours before the murder, Shakurs group reportedly attacked Orlando Anderson, a member of a rival gang and Davis nephew. Davis, Anderson and two other men were in the shooters car, Davis has publicly claimed, and prosecutors said. Shakur died six days later from his injuries. Las Vegas Metro police released this updated booking photo for Duane Keffe D Davis on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. (LVMPD/KLAS) Davis was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car, which pulled up side-by-side to Tupacs before the shooting at the intersection, police and prosecutors said. Marion Suge Knight, the then-head of Death Row Records, was driving the car with Shakur in the passenger seat. Knight was injured in the shooting. Transcripts released late Thursday include testimony from retired Metro homicide detective Clifford Mogg, who took over the case in 2018. During a press conference last week, Sheriff Kevin McMahill praised Mogg for his efforts. The transcripts also include large segments from Davis book and video clips from TV and online interviews. Tupac made an erratic move and began to reach down beneath his seat, Davis writes in the book. It was the first and only time in my life that I could relate to the police command, Keep your hands where I can see them. Instead, Pac pulled out a strap, and thats when the fireworks started. One of my guys from the back seat grabbed the Glock and started bustin back. Despite Davis claims that Shakur was reaching for a gun before the shooting, Mogg said there was no evidence Shakur or Knight had a weapon. Theres a couple different versions that he gives depending on when and where and with whom his interview is conducted, Mogg told the grand jury. As part of the Los Angeles Police Departments investigation into the death of The Notorious B.I.G., officials offered Davis a proffer, which Davis believed gave him immunity in the Las Vegas case. He wasnt going to just come in and tell the truth unless we compelled him to do that, former LAPD detective Greg Kading told the 8 News Now Investigators on Monday. We had to give them a reason to tell the truth. Get some leverage on him so to speak. That leverage did not include protection from any public statements, Kading said. Those statements, made in TV documentaries and in his own writings, led to his arrest last week. And that proffer was conducted by LAPD and law enforcement in California; Metro had nothing to do with that particular proffer that Keffe D gave? Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGiacomo asked Mogg during a grand jury hearing. We were not aware of that, Mogg said. But Metro, the jurisdiction that has authority over the investigation, never received whatever that information is, nor as far as you know nobody has ever, from Las Vegas, ever provided Mr. Davis any sort of immunity from prosecution; correct? DiGiacomo asked Mogg. They have not, the retired detective said. Mogg retired this summer, shortly after the raid at Davis Henderson home. The 8 News Now Investigators first reported the news of the raid. So, we took his cell phone that he had with him at the time the warrant was executed because I want to review the download from that phone to see if theres any communications between him and anyone else associated with this investigation, Mogg said. When I say that, I mean people who he has conducted YouTube interviews with, documentation as to his involvement in the Death Row Chronicles documentary, and then anything that would have been related to his involvement in and the publication of his book. Police also seized other electronics and two giant bins of photographs, Mogg said. I was looking for any documentation, any photographs that might connect him to the murder of Tupac Shakur or any of the YouTube videos, the documentaries, the book and during the search of those bins I located a, like a small photo album that was cloth bound and inside that photo album were numerous clippings of the murder of Tupac Shakur dating back to 1996 and in that time frame, and also his book, recovered a copy of that, a magazine talking about the murder of Tupac Shakur, and I believe I also recovered a copy of Greg Kadings book Murder Rap, Mogg said. Mogg said he briefly spoke to Davis during the raid. So, he never told me personally why he was doing so many interviews, Mogg said. The only reason that I can see now that he is doing all of these interviews is monetary gain and everyone else that was involved in the murder of Tupac Shakur is deceased. Davis was expected to appear in court on Oct. 19 as he worked to secure a local attorney. There is no statute of limitations for when prosecutors can file murder charges in Nevada. The charge can apply to those who aid or abet in a murder, not just the person accused of pulling the trigger, prosecutors said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The US Marine Corps and its Defense Department partners have conducted the first test flight of the service's XQ-58 Valkyrie drone for its penetrating affordable autonomous collaborative killer portfolio (PAACK-P) program this week. The Marines announced Thursday (October 5) that the test took place October 3 near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, DefenseScoop reported. The test came at the heels of the Air Force's own successful AI-powered flight last August. "The Marine Corps constantly seeks to modernize and enhance its capabilities in a rapidly evolving security environment," US Marine Corps Aviation Cunningham Group's Lt. Col. Donald Kelly said in a statement. He added that testing the XQ-58 determined requirements for a "highly autonomous" and "low-cost" tactical unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that would complement the need for agile, expeditionary, and lethal capabilities "in support of both the Marine Corps' stand-in force operations in austere environments and the Joint Force." USMC: Valkyrie 'Performed as Expected' The Marines said in a separate release earlier this week that the drone "performed as expected," without providing additional details. In December 2022, the Department of the Navy awarded a $15.5 million contract to Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems for two Valkyrie platforms, with the Marines receiving them the following March. The test this week was the first of six total planned flight tests. "Kratos is excited to expand the use of the Valkyrie and offer its capabilities and the Kratos advantage of affordability to the Navy with our first major tactical contract with the branch, which internal investments and our established production line enable us to deliver the aircraft with effectively zero lead time," Kratos's Steve Fendley told DefenseScoop shortly after the deal was signed. Read Also: Why Is the F-35 the Fighter Jet of Choice of Air Forces Trying to Upgrade? About the XQ-58 According to data provided by Kratos, the XQ-58 is a "loyal wingman" drone that could be paired with fifth-generation fighters like the F-35. It is 30 feet (9.14 m) long with a 27-foot (8.23 m) wingspan, has a dry weight of 2,500 pounds (1,133.98 kg), and a 600-pound (272.16 kg) internal payload capacity. It also has a cruise speed of Mach 0.72 (889 kph) and a maximum range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km). Notably, the UAS only costs a few million dollars per platform, which is a small fraction of the cost of an advanced crewed fighter jet. The Marines added in its statement that the objectives of the six planned flight tests include "evaluating the platform's ability to support a variety of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; the effectiveness of autonomous electronic support to crewed platforms; the potential for AI-enabled platforms to augment combat air patrols; and continuing to mature other manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capability objectives." Related Article: 'Loyal Wingman' in Flight: AI Pilot Successfully Flies XQ-58A 'Valkyrie' drone, US Air Force Says @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. With little more than two weeks left before Palm Beach County commissioners cast a final vote on a land swap proposal from one of the largest developers in the state, members from the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations, or COBWRA, are putting forth efforts to halt the plan. Nearly 50 people gathered at the Irish Acres of Florida in Delray Beach on Friday morning to hear remarks against the plan, framed on how it could threaten the future of the Ag Reserve. The plan proposes to take land GL Homes owns in its Indian Trails Grove property and exchange it for land in the countys Agricultural Reserve to then offer, among other things, 1,000 single-family, age-restricted homes, workforce-housing units, a water reservoir, parks and a Chabad synagogue. COBWRA, which represents 106 homeowner and condominium associations and more than 140,000 residents, has been fighting against this plan since 2016. Christopher McVoy, a soil scientist and the Lake Worth Beach vice mayor, spoke about his concerns with GL Homes water project. According to the project description, the water project would store and clean water that could go to Indian Trail Improvement District, Grassy Waters Preserve, the City of West Palm Beach Water Supply System, the Cypress Grove Community Development District, the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River and Lake Worth Lagoon. It would also reduce discharge and improve the water quality of remaining water still being discharged into the Lake Work Lagoon and Grassy Waters Preserve. But McVoy said he questions to what extent the water quality would be improved as well as by what percentage discharge would be reduced. I acknowledge that benefits could accrue to Palm Beach County and West Palm Beach in particular if the reservoir is ultimately constructed and it functions as intended, said 1000 Friends of Florida President Paul Owens, who also spoke during the event. But there is no question that the Ag Reserve will bear the costs of this development deal without realizing any of the reserves purported environmental benefits, transferring development rights into the Ag Reserve to allow construction of a luxury subdivision makes a mockery of the reserves priorities of agriculture, conservation and open space. In a statement emailed to the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday afternoon, GL Homes President Misha Ezratti wrote the county faces an array of challenges, including water quality and a lack of available workforce housing, both of which are issues the developer is trying to address through the water resource project and workforce housing units. Through our proposal, approximately 725 acres would remain in agricultural production, which means there would be no net loss in ag land, Ezratti wrote. Plus, the county would own this full-leased land and can use the revenue to pay for the water project maintenance. Overall, the public benefits to our proposal are significant and will positively impact Palm Beach County for decades to come. County Commissioner Marci Woodward, who voted against the land swap during a comprehensive plan public hearing in May, also attended COBWRAs event Friday and spoke about why she is opposed to the plan. What it boils down to is we are fundamentally breaking our comprehensive plan, she said. To me, its rotten from the core. Land swaps have occurred within the Ag Reserve before because development, while restricted, is allowed, but a contentious aspect of GL Homes plan is the swapping of land from inside the Ag Reserve with land outside of it, which has never occurred before. What happens when we run out of acres that still have development rights? So you cant transfer those to another parcel, Woodward said. And I was told, well cross that bridge when we get there. And I said, We can see the bridge, were coming up on it.' County Commissioners who voted for the project in May could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon. The commission will determine the land swaps fate on Oct. 24 during a final vote. The White House has condemned the online harassment against Tyler Cherry, a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, orchestrated by Chaya Raichik through her Libs of TikTok account on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. The administrations rebuke shines a light on the escalation of online vitriol by far-right extremists targeting individuals merely for their appearance and identities. This is the Communications Director for the Secretary of Interior: Chaya Raichik (@Chaya Raichik) 1696523191 Cherry, a recent honoree in Forbes 2023 30 under 30 list, was targeted in a series of derogatory posts by Raichik. One post merely showcased Cherrys official government portrait with the caption, This is the Communications Director for the Secretary of Interior, followed by, Biden admin try not to hire total weirdos challenge = impossible. These remarks swiftly spiraled into a barrage of attacks on Cherrys appearance and sexuality by other users on the platform. Meet Tyler Cherry. The queer spokesperson for the @Interior. Tyler has a very interesting X history including propagating the Russia hoax, saying healthcare is racist and transphobic, suggesting Trump won cuz of white supremacy, promoting pronouns, and basically calling everyone\u2026 Libs of TikTok (@Libs of TikTok) 1696541307 But waittheres more, Raichik wrote alongside a photo of Cherry at his wedding and Cherry participating in a photo shoot for a dance-related volunteer activity he was involved in. But wait\u2026 there\u2019s more. Credit: @ImMeme0 Chaya Raichik (@Chaya Raichik) 1696536828 The attack on Cherry coincided with high-profile ridicule aimed at Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and other LGBTQ+ advocates. Days prior, notable opponents of trans rights, including Martina Navratilova, mocked Haaland for appearing in a celebratory video for LGBTQ+ History Month alongside drag performer Pattie Gonia at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. Is this a joke? The pathetic parody of women continues Martina Navratilova (@Martina Navratilova) 1696349037 Additionally, Raichik expanded her derogatory narrative by posting a compilation of photos captioned, Is this the return to normalcy we keep hearing about from the Biden admin? The images included Cherry and Admiral Rachel Levine, the first transgender assistant secretary for health, seemingly trying to ridicule and discredit the administrations inclusive stance. In a response to the attacks, a White House spokesperson said, No one should be targeted simply for being themselves. It is cruel and unacceptable. This is an administration that believes to our core in the principle that out of many we are one and we are proud that the people who serve in it reflect those values as well. Tyler is an invaluable member of our team who continues to deliver for the Department of Interior and the American people. Neither Cherry nor the Department of Interior responded to The Advocates request for comment. Elliot Imse, the executive director of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, a group that supports LGBTQ+ in public office, condemned the attacks against Cherry. It is difficult to comprehend the immorality and wickedness of people who launch these attacks without understanding it is a tactic to drive qualified LGBTQ+ people out of public life. Our LGBTQ+ appointees are facing an increasing number of attacks from those threatened by a world that is leaving their intolerant kind behind. While this ugliness is damaging and disgusting, many more Americans stand with Tyler and other LGBTQ+ appointees than stand with these bigots. Tyler is a true public servant and it is great to see all the online love being sent their way, Imse said in a statement. Human Rights Campaign national press secretary Brandon Wolf also expressed disgust with Raichiks behavior. Last week, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert hurled a transphobic tirade at US Asst. Secretary of Defense for Readiness Shawn Skelly; this week, it's Libs Of TikTok creator Chaya Raichik targeting Dept. of Interior Spokesperson Tyler Cherry. Simply for being who they are. This vile harassment is more of the extremist agenda to demonize the LGBTQ+ community and divide the country -- and it's exactly the kind of hateful rhetoric that has led to spiking violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, mounting threats of violence against schools and children's hospitals, and plunged the community into a state of emergency," Wolf told The Advocate in a text message. "Shame on those who peddle hate for clicks and cheap political points. We are grateful for the work of these talented public servants and the inspiration they bring to so many," he added. Earlier in the week, billionaire Elon Musks engagement with contentious content shared by Raichik through her Libs of TikTok account raised eyebrows when it was revealed that he pays Raichik, the person described by security experts as one who engages in stochastic terrorism tactics, for the content the hate monger posts. Raichiks account, notorious for its critique of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, faced a brief demonetization Tuesday on X, with Raichik complaining, BREAKING: I can now confirm that an entire account can be demonetized Libs of TikTok is not monetized at all right now. No idea why. BREAKING: I can now confirm that an entire account can be demonetized. The same exact word is monetized on this account and demonetized on LoTT. Libs of TikTok is not monetized at all right now. No idea why. Chaya Raichik (@Chaya Raichik) 1696346932 Within minutes, Musk replied, Will find out, followed by Raichik posting five minutes later, Was just remonetized. Thank you! @elonmusk Was just remonetized. Thank you! Chaya Raichik (@Chaya Raichik) 1696348394 Recent reports highlight a pattern of bomb threats against schools following Raichik's provocative posts targeting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. About 11 schools or school districts spotlighted by Libs of TikTok last month received bomb threats shortly after, causing panic and concern among communities. Lead image above is Department of the Interior spokesperson Tyler Cherry. The White House White House officials are urgently developing a new strategy to secure financial support for Ukraine following the ousting of U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, The Washington Post reported on Oct. 5. Read also: Agreement on joint arms production key outcome of Zelenskyy-Biden meeting, Ukraines envoy says U.S. President Joe Bidens administration no longer insists on providing an additional $24 billion in funding for Ukraine, which initially was meant to be included in a short-term government funding deal passed on Sept. 30, said a high-ranking official. There are currently two options under discussion at the White House. The first consists of urging for a larger financial aid package for Ukraine that could sustain U.S. aid for the next year, avoiding asking Congress for more money during the election year. The second is to persuade U.S. lawmakers to approve a smaller, short-term aid package, which has a better chance of being passed. Meanwhile, officials say they currently have sufficient authority to meet the urgent military needs of Ukraine, although how long this will last is unclear. Notably, among the main contenders for the Speaker's chair are those who oppose any further U.S. spending to support Ukraine. Read also: Slovak military aid to Ukraine halted to avoid risky precedent during change of power On Oct. 4, Biden announced a "major speech" to outline U.S. strategy and policy objectives on Ukraine. Read also: Biden promises Zelenskyy a number of ATACMS missiles report Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz introduced a draft resolution on McCarthy's dismissal on Oct. 3, which was duly approved. This came after far-right Republicans accused McCarthy of collaborating with the Democratic Party and allegedly having "a secret side deal" to provide aid to Ukraine. Read also: Ukraine has good relations with candidates vying for House Speaker post, Ukraines envoy says On Sept. 30, McCarthy removed $6 billion in support of Ukraine from a continuing resolution to pass the bill and avoid a government shutdown. He said that this issue should be considered separately. Following McCarthy's resignation, White House strategic communications coordinator, John Kirby, reassured that majority of members of U.S. Congress support aiding Ukraine in the future. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine If you still spend any time on X, the social network once called Twitter, you might have noticed some unorthodox tweetssorry, posts!from this magazines account on Thursday. These and many, many more, exactly like them: Screenshot by Slate Screenshot by Slate Yes, it was very annoying! And all a gag. Hahahaha. Ha. Whew! Heres the story. On Wednesday, X changed how links appear on the social network. This is specifically relevant to publications, which tend to post a lot of links. Before, sharing one would display a card with that articles headline and a photo. Now its just a photo, with the sites URL displayed in a very small font. No headline at all. As Alex Kirshner explained in Slate, this yoinks away a keystone of Twitters utility: It is, or was, a website optimized for consuming and discussing the news. Now, however, those article links look like normal photos someone tweeted, making them easy to just scroll past. Thats the point: The move, which owner Elon Musk took credit for, is clearly about keeping users within Xs confines, the better to goose engagement on the platform and scrape for more revenue. It doesnt hurt that its another jab in the eye of the elitist press, either. For the media, this is kind of annoying and kind of irrelevant. Sure, Slates business depends in part on selling ads, and the more traffic we get, the more money we make. But traffic from Twitter has always been paltry compared to other referrers, something thats true industrywide. (In our case, our biggest traffic drivers are generally Google, our own homepage, and Facebookalthough that last one has been in its own decline for some time.) So if Xwhose owner more or less despises the press, whose traffic rewards are negligibleis once again making our lives somewhat more difficult who cares? Not only that, the already minuscule Twitter traffic to media sites has been dropping for a while, particularly amid changes implemented during the Musk era. On the other hand, X, for all its problems, remains the place to discuss whats happening right now, not just with our peers and sources and various subject-expert gadflies, but with newsmakers themselves. And journaliststo the correct dismay of many of usare hooked on it. At this point, after a year of watching Musk degrade a website I truly have depended on for more than a decade, I feel a mix of nihilism and loathing about it all. On Thursday, we basically decided to try to have some fun with that frustration. Yes, there are workaroundsthe best thinking on how to distribute articles on press-hostile X is that a site like Slate should just put a headline in the post/tweet so that readers know what theyre getting. Another option, as media scholar Jeff Jarvis suggested, would be to put headline text on the art itself. And sure, we could do that. But itd be like rearranging your deck chair on a sinking ship thats already asked you to leave. So we did something else. Musks headline-stripping may be intended to keep users within X, but what it really does is incentivize clickbait. The headline is gone. The URL is easy to miss. You can say whatever you want to get readers to click! In theory, Slate is a respectable media outlet, thank you very much. But on X, should we bother to be? A few hours after X implemented this change, I suggested to my colleagues that in lieu of bothering to write original posts for every article we want to share, we should just write Haha holy shit WOW on all of them. After some workshopping, we decided to actually do this, and started sending out every tweet from @slate with this language: Whoayou have GOT to read this. (Credit to Slates Dan Kois for the snappy copy.) Didnt matter what each article was about. Whoagotta read it. Screenshot by Slate Guess what? It worked. The first nine posts we made in this vein got about twice as much engagement on X as the nine posts before them, which had language similar to the headlines of the pieces. Right now on X it pays to be mercenary and borderline deceptive. Some of our readers, like this poor guy, begged us to please stop. One reporter at a media-industry outlet emailed me asking for a comment on Slates new social strategy. Others clocked the joke immediately: Slate having some fun with little elmo's latest forkery with Twitter (note their frame language on latest series of Tweets. Er... Xs? (Heck to the no) https://t.co/raxL04Lg8H raojenkins is on IG (@raojenkins) October 5, 2023 i dont care what anyone says, this tweet format works https://t.co/9lboyJ7RIL Siddhartha Mahanta (@sidhubaba) October 5, 2023 Kudos to the @Slate social-media team for cracking the Elon/Linda code pic.twitter.com/NhGo8OQFz0 Bill Grueskin (@BGrueskin) October 5, 2023 As of now, Slates X presence has returned to normalwhich is to say, it plods on, reaping diminishing rewards on a platform that is indifferent, at best, to its presence. Twitter was for news. Xs owner may claim its a platform for citizen journalism, but no one can honestly say that understanding events is easier on the platform these days. For You feeds are clogged with insipid, LinkedIn-grade threads about workflow optimization using ChatGPT and also that Richard Hanania guy. (Or at least mine is!) Its a watercooler that wants to drown you. But it still offers the sense that most of the conversation one would want to participate in is (somewhere) there on X. Thats more a journalistic pathology than a levelheaded observation. Its hard to untrain yourself from clicking on that thumbnail, from posting on an app that hates you. And it wasnt Elon Musk who taught us to induce clicks by whatever meansits what weve been doing on Twitter for years, in one way or another. On X its now a new language: Whoayou have GOT to read this. Isnt that what weve always been saying? U.S. Army Major John Wesley Powell served at the Battle of Shiloh. When he fought at Pittsburgh Landing in April 1862, the new husband and 28-year-old man suffered a wound that haunted him the rest of his life. A Confederate bullet slammed into his right forearm, necessitating amputation. Though he described himself as a "maimed" man and suffered nerve pain the rest of his life, he served through the end of the war. And then he became one of America's most impactful explorers. That post-injury service is almost certainly thanks to the careful ministrations of his wife, who accompanied him on campaigns and expeditions for the rest of his life. What was John Wesley Powell best known for? John grew up exploring the wilderness of Illinois. The active boy grew into a man and teacher. He studied at taught at multiple colleges in Illinois and Ohio but never got his degree. And when it became clear that war was coming, he studied military science and engineering to get ready. He joined the U.S. Army as a private, got elected to sergeant major, then received a commission to second lieutenant, and finally recruited an artillery battery and became a captain and battery commander. That was all in his first year. He also got married to Harriet Emma Dean Powell . But his run of great luck took a turn in April 1862 at the Battle of Shiloh. There, as he prepared to give an order to fire, a Minie ball suddenly struck him in the right forearm. He made it to a hospital tent where he was treated by William D. Medcalfe of Illinois . Medcalfe, like many military doctors of the day, operated outside his normal skillset. A druggist by trade, Medcalfe performed Powell's amputation but left nerve damage that would haunt him the rest of his life. But Powell did have an advantage most soldiers wouldn't: His wife made it to the Tennessee hospital and provided support to him before and after the amputation. Powell served as the second Director of the United States Geological Survey, a post he held from 1881 to 1894. This photograph dates from early in his term of office. Emma Dean Powell Harriet Emma Dean Powell went by Emma. She and John fell immediately in love after their meeting in 1855 and married in 1861. Emma's care for John continued as her husband, despite the loss of his arm, stayed on active duty. John requested a permanent pass for his wife to help him. He continued to serve, in combat, until the end of the war. Emma went with him and the Army. During battles, John went forward into the fight and Emma volunteered at the field hospitals. As Congress later summarized in a special bill to ensure that Emma received a pension after her husband's death: During most of his military service she kept near him and it is due to a large extent to her loving care and intelligent nursing that Major Powell was able so soon after the amputation of his right arm to rejoin his command in the field and render valuable and conspicuous service to his country in his campaigns during the nearly three years of his army life which followed. At the siege of Vicksburg she not only ministered to her husbands wants but also gave her best services in the hospitals at Vicksburg to other wounded officers, being retained within the lines by special direction of General Grant. Emma Dean Powell, 57th Cong. 2nd Sess., Senate Report No. 2302, as cited in emergingcivilwar.com In 1865, John finally accepted a discharge. But he emerged as an accomplished explorer of the American West, summitting Pike's Peak, leading the first expedition through the Grand Canyon , and exploring vast sections of Colorado. For most of John's famed career after the war, Emma was there supporting him . As one historian put it, she climbed Pike's Peak with him while clad in multiple petticoats and a dress that reached her boot tops. When part of an 1868-1869 expedition wintered in the Rocky Mountains, she was the only woman to stay in the camp rather than return east for the winter. While there, she prepared 175 animal study specimens for collection. Emma Dean Powell. Emma took part in the expeditions even when she was pregnant with the couple's daughter, Mary. She headed west for the Green River expedition at five months of pregnancy, then went to Salt Lake City to give birth, and returned to the expedition camp with the infant. After that expedition, Emma did slow down her own exploring, largely staying in Washington D.C. to care for Mary as her husband continued his own career. But as Congress acknowledged after John Wesley Powell's death, her role as a caregiver made John's continued military service possible. And it's certain that his explorations would have suffered without her presence as well. Editors Note: Reality Check is a Kansas City Star series focused on holding those in power to their word and pulling back the curtain on decisions happening behind closed doors. This newsroom-wide project will bring fast facts as stories unfold making sure our local officials and institutions are telling the truth, serving our communities well and following through on their promises. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email tips@kcstar.com. After advocacy groups accused Wyandotte Countys election commissioner of refusing to meet about offering Spanish ballots, he proposed a meeting with them weeks later after the November general election for local races. The ACLU of Kansas and nine other organizations have been calling on Wyandotte County Election Commissioner Michael Abbott to provide ballots in languages other than English to accommodate the countys growing minority population. In an Aug. 24 letter they publicized last week, the advocates said Abbott declined to meet with them about expanding language access. We were certainly surprised by this denial, given our shared interest in a strong, healthy democracy with Mr. Abbott, Leslie Butsch, field organizing director of the ACLU of Kansas, said last week. Then on Thursday morning of this week, Abbott told The Star he reached back out to the groups to propose a meeting with them at his office following the election, during which voters will decide on Unified Government commission races, among other local races. The election office has not committed to providing Spanish ballots. In a news release Thursday, the office said it recognizes and celebrates the vibrant diversity of the county. In addition, the Wyandotte County Election Office has a history of, and will continue to, provide approved forms readily available on the Kansas Secretary of States website in alternative languages when requested by the voters of Wyandotte County, the office said. Six counties in Kansas must print ballots in other languages under the federal Voting Rights Act because more than 5% of Hispanic voting-age citizens there, or 10,000 total, are limited-English proficient and have collectively low educational rates. Wyandotte County did not meet that threshold at last count in 2021, though it is on track to in the coming years. Still, the advocacy groups say the county should provide election materials in Spanish on its own. The advocates said 10 other Kansas counties make some information available in languages other than English, even though they are not required to do so. The additional counties are pursuing language access not because they are obligated to, but because they recognize that doing so serves a real need, builds community trust, increases voter turnout and strengthens democracy, they wrote in their letter. The groups that penned the letter include the Hispanic empowerment nonprofit El Centro and the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, a social justice organization. After the advocacy groups initially requested a meeting, Abbott in September said he did not have time to meet, noting the November election and the presidential primary election in March. My office is in the middle of getting ballots ready, getting polling locations finalized, election workers staffed, and in full election mode for the upcoming November General Election, he wrote Sept. 13. Appointed in 2021 by Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Abbott also said the issue was outside of his offices purview, saying he follows state and federal laws on ballot language. In a news release, Judy Ancel, president of the nonprofit Cross Border Network for Justice and Solidarity, said Abbott inherently misunderstands the law, which does not prohibit his office from adding Spanish election information. Counties that provide Spanish election materials The six counties that are required to provide materials in Spanish are in the states southwest region, which has long been home to immigrant communities, in part because of work at meatpacking plants. They are Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell, Seward and Stevens counties. Neither of the states two most populous counties, Johnson and Sedgwick, provide election materials in languages other than English, according to a May report by the ACLU of Kansas. Thats despite the fact that those counties also have the largest populations with limited English proficiency, the organization wrote. The election offices in Wyandotte, Johnson, Sedgwick and Shawnee counties are run by appointed election commissioners because at least 130,000 people live there. Elections in other counties are run by county clerks. Shawnee County, home to Topeka, is among the 10 counties that are not required to provide multi-language access, but do so anyway. Others include Rawlins and Gove counties. Less than 14% of Shawnee Countys residents are Hispanic or Latino, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Meanwhile, more than 30% of Wyandotte Countys population is Hispanic or Latino, and they make up the countys largest language minority group. Residents in KCK can find Spanish and English signage in government buildings. Among other things, the Unified Government recently held its first community engagement event for Spanish speakers to voice opinions on planning and development policy. But the county does not meet the threshold to require printing Spanish voting materials. One of the requirements, as mandated by Congress, is that a jurisdiction must have more than 5%, or at least 10,000 people, of voting-age citizens who are members of a single language minority group, have depressed literacy rates and do not speak English well, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Last year, during a primary election, the ACLU heard reports of a Wyandotte County polling location that failed to provide any Spanish-speaking poll workers, signage or translated ballots, which the nonprofit said led to large groups of voters walking away without casting their votes. In their recent letter, the advocacy groups also noted that Wyandotte Countys election offices website is only in English. Voters in Shawnee County, meanwhile, can find a Spanish tab for how to register to vote in Kansas on their election offices website. We are voters of Wyandotte County, and we believe that language access is essential to building a stronger democracy not just for voters who have limited-English proficiency, but for anyone who simply feels more comfortable in another language, said Aude Negrete Banos, executive director of the Latino Community Network. This is for all of us. The Stars Mike Hendricks contributed to this report. The News Thanks to AI tools, a backroom employee at a Walmart supercenter now spends two-thirds less time figuring out whether a product inside a box is needed on store shelves. What used to require a manual scan of every single package is now done by a smartphone app, which uses augmented reality to scan a wall of boxes and immediately tell a worker whether they contain items that are out of stock. Walmart, the largest U.S. private sector employer, has a growing arsenal of AI software that its 1.6 million employees use. It could provide a case study in how AI might affect workers, at least in the short term. Despite the AI-powered boost in efficiency, the companys Secaucus, N.J. store one of the top 20 in the company for product volume still employs about the same number of people as it did before the tech was rolled out, the company said during a tour of the 190,000-square-foot superstore this week. Walmart and its labor policies are closely watched; most recently, it reduced the starting pay for some roles like personal shoppers and people who stock shelves, which are some of the jobs that increasingly utilize AI. In January, Walmart increased its hourly minimum wage from $12 to $14. The Scene During the tour, reporters were shown several AI-based tools, including one that automatically determines the most efficient way to load a truck. On the store floor, an algorithm determines the best way to organize a shelf based on customers buying patterns. And theres a conversational app that can help employees answer questions for customers. All of this is aimed at reducing the time it takes to complete routine tasks. It has helped our team move at a very exponential pace, to make sure that were protecting our sales floor, store manager Josh Strudl said. We want to make sure were giving the customer the face time, not a box. His store in Secaucus employs about 740 associates. Ivy Barney, senior vice president of operations, said the AI innovations havent led to a single person being let go, but what they do is actually different. Some employees, she added, have been moved to other jobs within the store such as fulfilling online orders or overseeing a self-checkout section. Company-wide, Walmart plans to employ about the same number of people or more as additional AI tech is rolled out over the next several years, a Walmart spokesperson said. J.D.s view The question of how the latest AI boom will impact the labor market has hung over the rise of the technology, as companies and workers ponder whether more efficient tech will lead to job cuts. While were still relatively early in the AI saga, the Walmart example runs counter to the doomsday AI layoffs narratives. One recent common refrain, which the Walmart executives echoed, is that AI isnt taking jobs, its just changing them. Walmart representatives emphasized that if workers have more time to restock shelves faster thanks to AI, theyll be able to stock more of them. In that sense, companies could prioritize getting more out of their workers because of AI innovations, rather than cut jobs. Also, theres still a human element needed in retail work. It could prove to be one of the least resistant labor markets to AIs impact. I got a similar takeaway from a recent conversation I had with Keith Farley, a senior vice president at Aflac who has led innovation efforts for the company. He said the insurance giant has started automating lots of rote paperwork and calculations, but the company hasnt seen layoffs as a result. Instead, Farley said, weve had jobs changed. Room for Disagreement Walmart isnt using exactly the same type of generative AI chatbots, which have become popular over the last year, that have threatened to transform some industries. And what we saw during the tour didnt show the full extent of where AI tech will eventually be. Disruption to the labor force could be significant: a recent analyst report by Goldman Sachs estimated that globally, 300 million jobs could be automated in some way by AI. The additional reliance on tech can also raise accessibility concerns and questions about how it could affect older workers. To that point, Walmart said it does extensive training and tries to make its employee apps as user-friendly as possible. Notable The publics view on AI and its impact on jobs and society has deteriorated as the technology has progressed, Politico reported last week, citing a Gallup poll that found 40% of Americans think AI does more harm than good. Three-quarters say it will reduce the total number of jobs over the next 10 years. This Wig Store, Thought To Be The Only Black-Owned One In The Northwest, Vandalized And Owner Says Its Just Too Stressful | NIKLAS HALLE'N via Getty Images Callies Custom Hat Wigs, the only Black-owned wig shop in Oregon, was vandalized in what appears to be a racially motivated attack. The stores owner, Tralice Lewis, said a masked person was caught on surveillance footage on Sept. 26 while vandalizing the shop and defacing the logo using black spray paint, the Atlanta Black Star reported. The person who was vandalizing my store recorded himself doing it. I dont know if he was on live and what platform he put that on, Lewis said in an interview with the Atlanta Black Star. The only reason he stopped spraying is because he ran out of paint. In 2020, Lewis opened her wig shop as a tribute to her late mother, Callie, who worked as a hospice nurse for over 30 years. The shop is also dedicated to Lewis daughter, who died during pregnancy. Lewis chose pink for her stores logo as a tribute to her daughter. The pink represents my daughter, she said. I always do something purple in honor of my mom because my mom always wore purple. She always wore a purple lip, and it represents royalty. And me being able to be of service to my community is what helps me be close to my mom because she was such a person who was a caretaker along with myself. Unfortunately, this isnt the first time Callies Custom Hat Wigs has been attacked. Previously, perpetrators rubbed feces on poles outside the building. Theyve taken to Facebook community groups saying that my store is only for Black people and that they need to bring up discrimination and segregation, Lewis said. Its just too stressful. The Oregon store owner especially takes pride in her store because she sells wigs for people with medical issues. Now, she has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of fixing the damage to her store. She has raised $3,265, exceeding her $3,000 goal. Tralice helps the community with wig donations to and supports people from ALL background, the page states. Her store is a Safe Space for EVERYONE. This donation will help alleviate cost of things she will have to replace from this current bout of racism and the past that she is still financially recovering from. According to The Oregonian, police said they will follow the evidence in an attempt to identify a suspect and determine if this was a bias crime. Chicago police are investigating the sexual assault of a woman who was found in a hallway in a Loop building overnight. About 12:30 a.m. Saturday, a woman, 28, was found asleep in a building in the 100 block of East Wacker Drive. Once awakened, the woman said she felt abdominal pain and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, police said. Wednesday morning, in the Englewood neighborhood, a 26-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in the 7300 block of South May Street, according to authorities. About 11:15 a.m., officers responded to a call of a home invasion. A woman said she was standing on a porch when someone approached, put his arm around her neck and pushed her inside where he sexually assaulted her before taking a cellphone, police said. She was taken to St. Bernard Hospital. No one was in custody and detectives were investigating both assaults. A Georgia woman is accused of trying to pocket more than $1.5 million in insurance payments for hospital stays authorities said never happened. The 54-year-old, from Rome, was arrested Sept. 27 and charged with insurance fraud, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Kings office said in an Oct. 5 news release. She also faces one count of forgery. From October 2022 to January 2023, authorities said the woman submitted medical invoices for hospitalizations as part of accident claims she filed with Guardian Insurance Company. All of the alleged hospital stays occurred out of state. She received a $10,000 payment for a phony medical claim showing she had been hospitalized in Yuma, Arizona, authorities said. After this apparent success, (the woman) went on to file claims using forged invoices for hospitalizations in Miami, Florida and Los Angeles, California, King said in the release. However, the hospitals had no record of (her) being a patient at their facilities, and her claims were rightly denied. In all, authorities said the woman tried to solicit more than $1,557,000 in insurance payments. She was booked into the Floyd County Jail but wasnt listed among the inmates as of Oct. 6. Rome is about 70 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. Woman used identities from stolen rental applications in $1.6 million scam, feds say Financial adviser accused of stealing $1.3M from client. How Ohio cops say he spent it Brothers working as McDonalds managers steal $22,302 from restaurant, PA police say After the American visitor threw art pieces to the floor and destroyed two Roman sculptures from the second century, Israeli authorities detained him inside Jerusalem's Israel Museum. The damage that occurred late Thursday, October 5, sparked worries about the security of Israel's treasured assets and increased assaults on Jerusalem's history and culture. The 'Jerusalem Syndrome' According to a preliminary police investigation, the suspect is a radical 40-year-old Jewish American tourist who damaged the sculptures because he found them "to be idolatrous and contrary to the Torah," as reported by AP News. Defense attorney Nick Kaufman said his client had not been motivated by religious intolerance. Rather, the tourist was experiencing what psychologists call the Jerusalem syndrome, said Kaufman. Foreign pilgrims are supposed to get disoriented to the point that they mistakenly assume they are biblical characters due to the city's religious attraction. A mental assessment of the accused has been mandated. There was a gag order in place, so government officials were not allowed to say who he was. The prestigious Israel Museum, which showcases archaeology, fine arts, and Jewish art and life, condemned all kinds of violence and expressed hope that occurrences like the one that happened on Thursday will never take place again. Photos from the museum, circulating online, showed the marble head of the goddess Athena knocked from its pedestal and onto the floor. Meanwhile, a statue of a pagan deity was crushed into pieces. Employees at the museum said they were working to repair the damaged sculptures. The museum did not provide a valuation or estimated destruction cost for the sculptures. Two pieces at the Israel Museum were destroyed, the head of Athena and a statue representing the Roman god Nemesis. The vandal said they went against Torah. This is part of a fundamentalist Jewish turn that is terrifying. Its most reminiscent of the Taliban. pic.twitter.com/mVeQFoXlLG Shaiel Ben-Ephraim (@academic_la) October 6, 2023 See Also: Pool of Siloam Steps Unearthed: Archaeologists Excavate Site Where Jesus Allegedly Healed Blind Man Series of Attacks by Jews Spitting and other attacks on Christian worshipers by extreme ultra-Orthodox Jews have been on the upswing over the Jewish holiday season. These instances unsettle visitors, outrage local Christians, and draw worldwide criticism. The Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot concludes on Friday evening, October 6, at dusk. Israeli authorities voiced concern about the vandalism and said it was likely the result of Jewish iconoclasm motivated by ancient bans on idolatry. Eli Escusido, head of the Israel Antiquities Authority, called the incident "a shocking case of the destruction of cultural values." He went on to say, "We see with concern the fact that cultural values are being destroyed by religiously motivated extremists." Vandalism against Jerusalem's ancient sites seems to be the latest in a string of assaults by Jews. A Jewish American visitor vandalized a figure of Jesus at the Old City's Christian Pilgrimage Site in February, while in January, Jewish teens degraded old Christian tombstones in a major Jerusalem cemetery. The museum opened to the public as expected on Friday morning, around 16 hours after the incident occurred. See Also: Orthodox Easter Celebrated in Jerusalem Amid Restrictions; Palestinian Christians Decry Discrimination at Holy Site @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Michigan woman turned her $100 lottery winnings into a $169,674 jackpot. Tammie Pelton's massive win started with a prize from a free spin. "We are still having a hard time believing this is real," she said. A Michigan woman turned $100 in lottery winnings into a cool $169,674 by going on to win the jackpot, according to the state's lottery provider. Tammie Pelton, 52, won the Michigan Lottery's Fantasy 5 jackpot on September 23, according to local outlet 9 & 10 News. Pelton started out by playing the Michigan Lottery's free online 'Spin to Win' game, which gives players a free spin once a day when they log in, per 9 & 10 News. That gave her a bonus credit. "So I used the bonus credit to play a game online and won $100," she told Michigan Lottery Connect. A free $100 would be a good day in any household, but Pelton spotted that the lottery's Fantasy 5 jackpot had reached more than $150,000. So she bought a few of those tickets, as well as some for the Powerball game. "When I logged in to my account a few days later, a pop-up came up saying I'd won a $169,674 Fantasy 5 jackpot prize," she told the outlet. She told Michigan Lottery Connect: "We are still having a hard time believing this is real." Pelton said she had to triple-check her account balance to make sure she wasn't seeing things. "I woke up my husband and showed him the message," she added. "He was confused and asked who won, so I yelled: 'We did!'" The Michigan Lottery's Fantasy 5 tickets are $1 each, and a jackpot win requires the player to match all five numbers. The odds of winning it are 1 in 575,757, according to the lottery organizers. Pelton plans to invest some of the money and spend some on a vacation, Michigan Lottery Connect reported. Read the original article on Insider There are tips you can use to help you save money for retirement. | SkyLine, Adobe.com Retirement may feel like a long ways away, but the sooner you start saving, the greater the reward will be. CBS reported that 1 in 5 Americans arent saving, and half feel as though they are falling behind in setting money aside. Meanwhile, in August 2023, the average savings amount Americans reported necessary for retirement was $1.8 million. How much should I save for retirement? CEO of Passport Wealth Management Dan Tobias said the first thing to ask yourself when planning how much to save for retirement is assessing what lifestyle you intend on living, per Bank Rate. Creator of Whiteboard Finance Marko Zlatic explained how to assess if what you currently have saved is enough. He suggested the 4% rule. The stock market typically does 6%-10% in returns yearly, so if you take 4%-5% of your savings out of the stock market, it should be replenished by the returns in the market. Ideally, you should be able to live for a year off of 4% of your retirement savings. How much should I have saved for retirement by now? Fidelity laid out some guidelines for how much to have saved by specific ages. By 30, save 1x your annual salary. By 40, save 3x your annual salary. By 50, save 6x your annual salary. By 60, save 8x your annual salary. By 67, save 10x your annual salary. These rates may vary depending on your desired standard of living during retirement or the age you want to retire at. What are retirement savings accounts? Retirement savings accounts are financial accounts that offer tax advantages and investment options that help people stay financially afloat after they retire. IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, 401(k), Roth 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) and GIA are all kinds of retirement savings accounts. Many employers offer retirement plans and will match what you save to a certain percent, according to Vanguard. What is a 401(k) employer match? Some employers offer to match your contributions to your 401(k) to a certain percentage in order to incentivize and attract employees. Alternative retirement plans like 403(b)s work the same. Over 85% of 401(k) plans serviced by Fidelity include some form of employer contribution, per Fidelity. What is a 401(k)? Traditional 401(k): 401(k)s are typically sponsored by employers and are savings accounts designed to help people prepare for retirement. Most employers offer 401(k)s to their employees. Earnings to a 401(k) grow tax deferred, meaning you only pay tax on earnings when you withdraw. However, if withdrawn before the age of 60, there is a 10% penalty. Do I have to pay taxes on money in a 401(k)? Traditional 401(k)s lower taxable income. For example, if you earn $80,000 yearly and contribute 15K to your 401K, you only need to pay taxes on $65,000. Although you dont have to pay taxes while your money is in a 401(k), you must pay taxes upon withdrawal. It is taxed at your income tax rate when withdrawn, per the IRS. How much can I put into a 401(k)? The yearly contribution limit in 2023 for ages 49 and younger is $22,500, and $30,000 for ages 50 or older, according to Forbes. The Roth 401(k) contribution limit is the same, according to the IRS. What age do I have to withdraw money from my 401(k) by? As of March 2023, you must begin withdrawing from your 401(k) annually by the age 72, according to the IRS. Withdrawal at this age is required for Roth 401(k)s as well. However, starting in 2024, there will be no withdrawal requirement for either Roth 401(k)s or Roth IRA accounts, per the IRS. What does Roth mean regarding IRAs and 401(k)s? Roth refers to up-front tax payments when contributing money to your savings account. Essentially, you pay taxes now so you dont have to later. Ramsey Solutions compares a traditional 401(k) account to a Roth 401(k) account. The traditional 401(k) involves tax-deferred contributions meaning youll pay taxes every time you withdraw money, including on your growth and employer contributions. The Roth 401(k) comes with financial and emotional advantages. Tax-free withdrawals mean your savings stay relatively unaffected by future tax bracket adjustments (since its already been taxed), and youll feel like you have access to more of your hard-earned dollars. The term Roth comes from Sen. William Roth, who proposed the legislation for individual retirement accounts in 1999, according to the Senate. What is an IRA? An individual retirement account can be opened by anyone, while a 401(k) is usually accessed through an employer. Both traditional and Roth IRAs allow earnings to grow tax-free through compounding. However, they offer tax benefits at different stages: traditional IRAs (and 401(k)s) give tax breaks at the time of the contribution, while Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. In contrast, taxable investment accounts require payment of annual taxes on profits, according to TD Ameritrade. As of 2023, the total contribution to your traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs cannot exceed $6,500 (under age 50) or $7,500 (50 or older) per year, per the IRS. IRAs offer more choices in what you invest in, while 401(k)s are limited to what your company offers. Traditional IRAs vs Roth IRAs Bank Rate specified the difference between Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs as taxes and timing. Traditional IRAs delay taxing until withdrawal, while Roth IRAs require taxing upon contribution. If your tax bracket is significantly higher upon withdrawal than it was when you contributed the money, a Roth IRA account will save you the most money. Bank Rate says Roth IRAs annual contribution limits are the same as a traditional IRA. However, there is no timestamp for when you must make those withdrawals. You can wait longer to access the cash, and if you wanted, you could leave the money in the Roth IRA forever and pass the money on in your estate plans. A worker was trapped under a 16,000-pound piece of machinery as crews raced to save him, South Carolina photos show. Colleton County Fire-Rescue said the man was working for a tree company when the equipment fell onto him. The large piece of equipment was operating in a wooded area down a deep embankment when it tipped over on uneven ground, officials wrote Oct. 4 in a news release. A man was at a South Carolina job site when a piece of heavy equipment fell onto him, officials said. Colleton County Fire-Rescue The man became stuck under the machinery, described as a track lift that weighed about 16,000 pounds. Often, a track lift has an arm that raises a basket into the air, allowing workers to reach higher parts of trees. Photos that Colleton County Fire-Rescue shared online show the piece of machinery resting on its side as crews surrounded it. First responders said they stabilized the equipment and brought rescue gear down the embankment. The worker was freed from the equipment and treated at the scene before being taken to a hospitals trauma center. An employee was rescued after he became trapped under heavy equipment, crews said. Colleton County Fire-Rescue The man received multiple injuries, but was remarkably in stable condition, officials wrote. The rescue was reported in the Walterboro area, roughly 50 miles west of Charleston. See dramatic rescue after flipped boat tosses three people into South Carolina bay Mama dog and newborn puppies found trapped under abandoned SC building. See the rescue There is an allure to moon dust. Just like its unique adhesive properties, causing it to stick to everything it touches, it tends to draw the attention of everyone who sees it, regardless their walk of life. It is appropriate then that Col&MacArthur named its moon dust-infused timepiece the LUNAR1,622. "It's the gravity on the moon," said Sebastien Colen, founder and CEO of the Belgium-based watch company, referring to the numerical designation of their new release and the gravitational pull of the moon as compared to Earth. "Every time we release a new collection, we want to make that link to the gravity of the body." Launched on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform on Wednesday (Oct. 4), the first day of World Space Week, Col&McArthur is offering several configurations of the LUNAR1,622, ranging from a pledge of $399 for a version without moon dust to $599 and $999 for models with moon dust and either Japanese Miyota or Swiss Sellita watch movements and steel or titanium bodies. Looking at the moon dust-imbued LUNAR1,622, your eye is immediately attracted to the 3 o'clock position where a chamber on the face holds the dust from a lunar meteorite found in Northwest Africa in 2017. Secured within the chamber, the light gray material looks like a miniature swath of the lunar surface. Related: The Apollo Program: How NASA sent astronauts to the moon a close-up photo of an analog watch's face, showing the inscripition "We wanted to [have] the moon dust loose in the watch, but it is so thin that it was coming up with an electrostatic field and sticking to the glass. So, once you got the watch and shook it a bit, it was like a painting and you would no long be able to see past the monochrome coating," Colen told collectSPACE.com. "So we decided to stick the dust to a platform to improve the rendering." The lunar dust is certified as authentic by MSG Meteorites, a British company that is licensed by the International Meteoritic Collectors Association (IMCA). A lunar meteorite is a piece of the moon that through natural processes broke off and then fell to Earth. They are identified in part by comparing their geological properties to the moon rocks brought back by the Apollo astronauts and later by robotic sample return missions. Even without the moon dust, Col&MacArthur's LUNAR1,622 has been designed to pay tribute to the Apollo missions of the past and Artemis lunar landings of the near future. On the standard LUNAR1,622 model, which omits the moon dust, an image of an Apollo moon boot print takes the lunar material's place. The dial on all of the models displays a 3D rendering of the moon, emphasizing its seas ("mares") and crater-pocked topography. "Along the edge of the [moon dust] chamber, we have the dates when Apollo 11 landed on the moon with the initials 'N' and 'A' for Neil Armstrong," Colen said, adding that Armstrong's famous first words spoken on the surface of the moon 'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' are inscribed opposite the chamber on the bezel. "The other thing is, around the dial we have the Apollo mission [roman numerical designations] that either went into orbit around the moon or landed on the moon. The missions that went into orbit are printed in white and those that landed appear in gold on the index of the dial," said Colen. Related: Lunar legacy: 45 Apollo moon mission photos a photo of a black watch face with nasa's famous RELATED STORIES: What time is it on the moon? How a lunar clock debate led to an out-of-this-world timepiece NASA's Artemis program: Everything you need to know Luxury watchmaker Ulysses Nardin unveils 'Blast Moonstruck' watch that charts moon phases The case back displays NASA's logo in white and blue. "For that, we had to get the approval of NASA," Colen told collectSPACE. "We had to submit the design to NASA, which has very specific guidelines for its logo's use. We finally got the approval in June after it took maybe six months to get. It was not that easy." Hidden under the space agency's logo (within the watch) is an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip that enables the LUNAR1,622 to interact with smartphones (or other NFC readers) to display info about the owner and the source meteorite for the lunar dust. (The NFC technology is initially only available with the premium model, but will be unlocked for all models if the Kickstarter campaign reaches $200,000 in the first 24 hours.) Colen is hoping the LUNAR1,622 draws similar, if not more, interest than their first watch in the Col&McArthur Interstellar series. In May 2022, the RED 3,721 debuted on Kickstarter featuring a Mars theme and dust from a Martian meteorite. That campaign raised more than $390,000 from nearly 600 backers. "I would say the mission for Col&MacArthur is commemorating the history while having a bridge to a better future, so I think that the moon here on the LUNAR1,622 is commemorating the past, but also represents what it brings to the future," said Colen. "It's been 55 years since we've been on the moon, and it's only just now that we're thinking about going again. We think the LUNAR1,622 is a nice way to connect our past to the future." an analog watch with a photo of the moon on its face rests in a case with a beige lining. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. Piotr Muller Ukraine's suspension of its lawsuit filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO) is a "good but insufficient step. As such, Poland is not going to lift the grain embargo, Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller stated on Oct. 6. "Ultimately, we are demanding that the complaint be withdrawn, not suspended.This is a good step, but not enough. Lifting the grain embargo is off the table at this stage. Read also: Poland shunned Ukrainian invitation to Defense Industry Forum Kyiv disputes Polish claims of snub Ukraine "paused" the consideration of a complaint against Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia at the WTO, noting that the problem of grain exports to neighboring countries would be resolved in the coming weeks and months. Read also: Poland calls on Ukraine to withdraw WTO lawsuit over grain import restrictions Ukraine filed lawsuits against Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary with the WTO on Sept. 18 after the three countries unilaterally extended their ban on Ukrainian grain imports despite the European Commission's Sept. 15 decision to lift the restrictive measures. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal signed a decree on a new mechanism for agricultural exports, supported by the European Commission, on Sept. 26. Polish Agriculture Minister Robert Telus called on Ukraine to withdraw its complaint to the WTO on Sept. 27. Kyiv stated that it would do so after receiving guarantees that such bans would not be repeated. Warsaw said it would not lift the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Tammy Sytch in court for a hearing before Judge Karen Foxman at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Calling the WWE Hall of Famer a danger to society, a prosecutor is asking that Tammy Sunny Sytch be sentenced to the maximum penalty 26 years in prison for driving drunk in a crash that killed a man last year in Ormond Beach. Sytchs blood alcohol content was four times the legal limit less than an hour after the fatal crash, according to the sentencing memorandum, which also cited Sytchs repeated legal violations. By continuously driving under the influence without a valid license, the defendant has a demonstrated a wanton disregard for the law and a clear refusal to abide by the law. The state believes that the maximum sentence is the only way to protect the community from the defendants repetitive and dangerous actions, wrote Assistant State Attorney Ashley Terwilleger. Sytch pleaded no contest on Aug. 26 to one count of DUI manslaughter; driving while license suspended with death; four counts of DUI with damage to person; and two counts of DUI with damage to property. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Sytch is set to appear Nov. 27 for sentencing before Circuit Judge Karen Foxman at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach. Sytch was driving a sedan on March 25, 2022, which crashed into a vehicle driven by Julian Fran Lasseter, who was stopped at a red light in the 100 block of N. Yonge Street in Ormond Beach. Lasseter died from his injuries. Lasseters vehicle was pushed into another. Sytchs blood-alcohol content was between 0.32 and 0.36 just less than an hour after the crash, the memo stated. That is four times the legal limit of 0.08, at which point a person is considered legally intoxicated. Sytchs blood also showed signs of marijuana use. Sytch told police at the hospital that she was unaware that she had been in a crash; she remembered making leftover burritos in her kitchen and that she drank some vodka. But she could not say how much she drank, the memorandum stated. An open bottle of Grey Goose vodka was found in the passenger seat of Sytchs car after the crash, the memorandum stated. Sytch was arrested on May 6, 2022. A day prior to that arrest, Daytona Beach Police found her on the sidewalk in front of 555 Seabreeze Blvd. She was unable to give her name or date of birth to police. She was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center for treatment. Sytchs bond was revoked on May 13, 2022, after a judge found she was a threat to the community. The sentencing memorandum states that Sytch has an extensive prior criminal record specifically in reference to driving under the influence, driving without a valid license, and other alcohol or narcotic related offenses. It listed violations in Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania dating back to at least 2005. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch, WWE star, should get 26 years in prison, state says The US Marine Corps has flown one of its XQ-58A Valkyrie drones for the first time, making it the second known operator of the type in addition to the US Air Force. The U.S. Marine Corps has begun flying its stealthy Kratos' XQ-58A Valkyrie drones , making it the second known operator of the type beyond the U.S. Air Force. The Marines now plan to evaluate the drones as highly autonomous surveillance and reconnaissance assets, electronic warfare platforms , and wingmen for crewed fighters, including in kinetic roles. The first flight of a Marine XQ-58 took place on October 3, the service announced today. The drone was launched from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The test flight was conducted in cooperation with the Air Force's 40th Flight Test Squadron , part of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin, and the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), part of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, or OUSD(R&E), has also been involved in the Marine Valkyrie program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0GKziW5uGs As can be seen in the video above, the XQ-58 is a completely runway-independent design that uses a rocket-assisted takeoff method via a static ground-based launcher. The drone uses a parachute recovery system to get back on the ground, with inflatable airbags helping to cushion it when it touches down. According to Kratos, the XQ-58, with its 30-foot overall length and 27-foot wingspan, has a maximum range of around 3,000 miles and a maximum launch weight of 6,500 pounds (including up to 600 pounds in its internal payload bay and/or another 600 pounds under the wings). It has a subsonic cruising speed of Mach 0.72 and can hit an absolute top speed of around Mach 0.85. "This XQ-58A test flight and the data collected ... not only help to inform future requirements for the Marine Corps," Scott Bey, a prototyping and experimentation portfolio manager at OUSD(R&E), said in a statement about the October 3 sortie. It fuels continued joint innovation and experimentation opportunities and demonstrates the agility that can be achieved through partnership. The 40th Flight Test Squadron had already been operating Valkyries from Eglin, primarily to support the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven autonomous flight systems , since its receiving its first examples last year. The Air Force oversaw the type's first ever flight back in 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrJmG1g4mFI NAVAIR finalized a contract in January with Kratos to buy the pair of Valkyries on behalf of the Marine Corps in support of a program called the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer-Portfolio (PAACK-P). The Marine Corps currently expects PAACK-P to feed into the Tactical Aircraft (TACAIR) component of its larger Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary drone program, or MUX . The Marines took delivery of the first of two XQ-58s in March, according to a press release the service put out today. Based on modex numbers, the service received the second one sometime after that. A video and a pair of pictures the Marine Corps released from the October 3 test flight, seen at the top of this story and below, show a Valkyrie the modex number 107. One of the US Marine Corps' two XQ-58A Valkyrie drones flies together with a US Air Force F-16C Viper fighter on October 3, 2023. USAF Additional pictures from the 2023 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Airshow last month, like the one below, show the other Marine XQ-58, which has the modex number 109. USMC The Marine Corps has at least six more test flights already planned for its XQ-58s as part of PAACK-P. These flight tests have "objectives that include evaluating the platforms ability to support a variety of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; the effectiveness of autonomous electronic support to crewed platforms; the potential for AI [artificial intelligence]-enabled platforms to augment combat air patrols; and continuing to mature other manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capability objectives," according to the Marine Corps' press release. Whether or not any of this testing will involve the release of weapons or other stores is unknown. However, the Marine Valkyrie at the 2023 Miramar Airshow was on display alongside a pair of inert AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and an inert 500-pound-class Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) precision-guided bomb, as can be seen in the social media post below. https://twitter.com/lfx160219/status/1708733416554844244?s=20 Earlier this year, Kratos' President and CEO Eric DeMarco disclosed that the Valkyrie's ability to fly electronic warfare missions alongside stealthy crewed F-35 Joint Strike Fighters was a key area of interest to the Marines. Whether or not the Marines ultimately pursue the XQ-58, or a variant or derivative thereof, as an operational platform remains to be seen. As it stands now, PAACK-P is an experimentation effort only to help the service refine its future drone requirements. "This purchase is part of ongoing USMC efforts to look at future autonomous collaborative platforms," Maj. Jay Hernandez, a Marine Corps Aviation spokesperson, told The War Zone in a statement back in January. "The base contract was awarded primarily for the baseline aircraft a decision for future modifications and operations has not been made as these aircraft are for experimental use." That being said, the XQ-58 design specifically does have attributes that would be incredibly attractive for the Marine Corps, especially its runway independence and its readily deployable nature. Kratos has even shown a fully containerized launch system for use with Valkyrie in the past. The drones low-observable characteristics and its generous 3,000 mile range are also very applicable to the Pacific theater. https://twitter.com/StrikeWriter/status/1184585304960917506 The Marines have been radically reorganizing their entire force structure in recent years around new operating concepts that focus heavily on rapid deployability and the ability to conduct sustained high-end operations at forward locations, including ones that are remote or austere. Marine aviation units, including those equipped with F-35B Joint Strike Fighters that future Marine drones could be teamed up with, are central to this new expeditionary and distributed operations vision. The Marine Corps constantly seeks to modernize and enhance its capabilities in a rapidly evolving security environment, Marine Corps Lt. Col. Donald Kelly, a member of the Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation office said in a statement in today's press release. "Testing the XQ-58 Valkyrie determines requirements for a highly autonomous, low-cost tactical UAS [uncrewed aerial system] that compliments the need for agile, expeditionary, and lethal capabilities in support of both the Marine Corps stand-in force operations in austere environments and the Joint Force." The Marine Corps is, of course, not the only service to be looking at an increasingly uncrewed future, especially in the air. As already noted, Eglin has become a major hub for Air Force autonomous aircraft testing efforts , including those involving its XQ-58s, which are feeding into its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The Navy is also expecting to integrate more and more drones into its carrier air wings and with regard to operations involving other types of ships . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xuVfA6bN3c In addition, the Air Force and the Navy are actively collaborating on relevant technologies that apply to both services. This includes systems that will allow them to exchange control of each others' drones back and forth during future operations. This is all undoubtedly of interest to the Marines, as well. All told, how the Marine Corps' particular drone requirements continue to evolve as a result of testing its XQ-58s as part of the PAACK-P program remains to be seen. No matter what, the service has now taken an important step forward with its recent first test flight Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen heads to International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings next week in Morocco to press U.S. priorities including increasing the institutions' funding against a backdrop of political chaos in the U.S. Congress. The Treasury said on Friday that Yellen will work at the meetings in the city of Marrakech to push forward reforms of the World Bank and other multilateral development banks she launched a year ago to expand their missions beyond poverty reduction to help tackle climate change and other global challenges. Yellen also will press IMF member countries to contribute to increasing the Fund's quota-based lending resources without any changes to its shareholding structure that would give more weight to large emerging market countries such as China, India and Brazil. A U.S. Treasury official also said Yellen would argue for countries and institutions at the meetings to provide as much funding as Ukraine needs to battle Russia's invasion. But Yellen's trip, which includes a subsequent stop in Luxembourg for a Eurogroup finance ministers' meeting on Oct. 16, comes on the heels of a U.S. funding crisis that saw Congress narrowly averting a federal government shutdown with a temporary funding measure that failed to include requested funds for Ukraine. Hardline Republicans in Congress also led a revolt that resulted in the unprecedented ouster of a House of Representatives speaker, Kevin McCarthy. The effort to replace McCarthy could delay more permanent spending and other legislation. Representative Nikki Budzinski, an Illinois Democrat, said she was concerned about the image of "instability and chaos" at home as Yellen presses U.S. interests abroad. "I think everyone around the world pays attention. America leads and this does not go unnoticed," Budzinski told Reuters. Asked if the drama in Congress undermined Yellen's message, the Treasury official said that she has credibility on the world stage because she has been able to deliver on issues like rallying support for Ukraine. The official said that IMF and World Bank funding packages the Treasury has proposed should have some bipartisan appeal in Congress. The Biden administration has been seeking to portray the institutions as alternatives to borrowing from China for countries. "More broadly, across the range of issues, we just have to go in and talk to our partners," the official said. "They understand every country has its own politics, and everyone understands that, and so you just have to try to accomplish what you can and talk to your partners while you're there." The official said that in Luxembourg, Yellen will discuss with EU counterparts ways to better align the U.S. and European approaches to China's economic practices. Yellen made clear during a July visit to Beijing that the Biden administration seeks healthy competition with China based on a level playing field, but will not hesitate to protect its national security interests and "de-risk" its supply chains. Asked whether Yellen would meet Chinese officials while in Marrakech, the official declined to comment on her schedule of bilateral meetings. (Reporting by David Lawder and Andrea Shalal; editing by Robert Birsel) MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police say a man driving a YMCA box truck sped through an open gate at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital claiming he had been shot Thursday. The hospital is known for treating children with cancer and other diseases. However, on Thursday afternoon, staff treated a different kind of patient. Officers say when they arrived, several St. Jude employees were administering aid to the man whose right leg was bleeding. In a statement, St. Jude officials said that at no point were patients and staff in danger. Driver shot, stopped near St. Jude campus During a search of the truck, police reports say detectives found two bullet holes in the front passenger side door and a possible bullet fragment on the front drivers seat. Through his pain, police say the victim was able to tell them he was shot near Lamar Avenue and Democrat Road, which is nine miles away from the hospital. When police arrived there, they did not see any signs of a shooting. The man was taken to the hospital in critical condition but was later upgraded to non-critical. He was later confirmed to be a YMCA employee and was en route delivering meals to a designated YMCA Food Program site at the time of the shooting, according to a statement from the YMCA. Police reports say the victim had dropped his wife off at work just before the shooting happened. She says her husband was admitted into surgery Friday morning. The YMCA claimed in a statement that the incident was the result of road rage. The Lamar Avenue corridor is known as a heavily traveled road for freight and trucking. However, for years, WREG has reported on numerous acts of violence along the strip. One of the most recent incidents happened earlier this week on Lamar Avenue and Old Getwell Road where a woman crashed after being shot to death. Sabrina Houston says she drives along the road daily for work and fears for her own safety at times. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid South. It makes me more scared for my life because I feel like theyre shooting at random people now, said Houston. Police have not released a motive for the shooting but say the investigation is ongoing. At this time, there have been no reported arrests. If you have any information about this incident, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. The prosecutor in the double-murder trial of Jamell YNW Melly Demons was called to the stand Friday for a pre-trial hearing that will determine whether the Broward State Attorneys Office handled allegations of misconduct by the lead detective on the case. Demons lawyers say the Broward State Attorneys Office, including top prosecutor Harold Pryor, committed felony obstruction of justice when they withheld a crucial allegation that Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti was willing to lie as he gathered evidence related to the case. Maybe they should get their own lawyers, said defense attorney Jamie Benjamin. Maybe they should plead the Fifth This is a serious matter. We need to ferret it out. Benjamin and the rest of Demons defense team are trying to get the Broward State Attorneys Office thrown off the case. Assistant State Attorney Kristine Bradley was asked to respond to allegations that were outlined Friday morning by her colleague, Michelle Boutros, who said she overheard Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti show a willingness to lie about his seizure of a phone belonging to Demons mother, Jamie King, during a Fort Lauderdale courthouse interview last October. That was information that should have been turned over to the defense because they could used it to discredit Moretti during Demons recent murder trial, which ended in July with a hung jury. But prosecutors never disclosed it until a few weeks ago. Now theyre being accused of prosecutorial misconduct. The allegation against Moretti resurfaced three months ago, after Demons mother filed a complaint accusing Moretti of using excessive force when taking her phone. Miramars internal affairs unit reviewed the complaint and found in Morettis favor Moretti had a search warrant and took the phone forcibly to prevent King from turning it off. Defense lawyers say Moretti had no right to take the phone because he was outside his jurisdiction. Had a deputy been in the room at the time, the seizure would have been legal, they say. If I had known about it, I would have said it would be better to wait for BSO to be there, Boutros said on the stand Friday. After King and her lawyer left the room, Moretti asked a deputy to pretend he was there all along, according to Boutros. You need to say you were here, Boutros said, quoting Moretti. Prosecutors say the exchange was a joke between Moretti and the deputy Kings own lawyer, Robert Trachman, was in the room at the time the phone was taken and did not raise any objection about jurisdiction. He would have known there was no deputy in the room. But Boutros took it seriously and reported it to her supervisor. I vividly remember what was said, Boutros said. Boutros immediately asked not to work with Moretti again. I do not work with detectives who solicit lies, she said on the stand Friday. In his own statements to investigators, Moretti denied asking anyone to lie about being in the room. The deputys account supported Morettis, and Morettis official report about the incident named everyone in the room it did not mention the presence of a Broward deputy. Prosecutors scrambled in recent weeks to produce a single, consistent narrative about Boutros allegations, first raised last October, and their official notification to Demons defense team. Two conflicting notices were sent, one confirming Boutros account of what Moretti said and another disputing it. Bradley, the prosecutor on the stand Friday afternoon, gave yet another account: Moretti asked about whether the deputy was in the room and the deputy gave a flippant response. Defense lawyers say the conflicting accounts demonstrate a cover-up. Whether prosecutors had an obligation to report the incident to the defense at all is a question for the judge to decide. Under Florida law, the defense has to prove that the evidence was deliberately withheld, that it would have been useful to the defense, and that it was material, meaning it was relevant to the murder case. Tensions between prosecutors and the defense in the Demons case have been escalating ever since a jury failed to reach a unanimous agreement in July on whether he killled two of his childhood friends, fellow rappers Anthony YNW Sakchaser Williams and Christopher YNW Juvy Thomas. Jury selection in the retrial is scheduled to begin on Monday. Prosecutors have added a witness tampering charge against Demons and co-defendant Cortlen YNW Bortlen Henry, who is accused of driving the Jeep where the murders took place after a late-night recording session in October 2018. Investigators say Henry and Demons staged the crime scene to make it look like a drive-by shooting had taken place. Both are accused of working together to persuade Demons girlfriend not to cooperate with investigators or prosecutors. Defense lawyers say the tampering charges are an effort to distract from the allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday (October 5) that his country's forces successfully completed the testing of a new nuclear-powered strategic missile, the first time in decades the Kremlin has done so. Putin also threatened to revoke its ratification of a nuclear test ban treaty, raising fears that Russia could resume nuclear testing. In his hours-long remarks in a forum in Sochi, Putin said Moscow has almost completed work on "modern types of strategic weapons," which he first announced in 2018. The name of the new nuclear missile is Burevestnik (Russian for "Storm Petrel") - NATO codename: "Skyfall". "The last successful test of the Burevestnik, a global-range cruise missile with a nuclear propulsion system, was carried out," he said, explaining that the only thing the Kremlin needed to do was to resolve what he called some "purely administrative and bureaucratic" procedures in order to move on to mass production of the weapons and commissioning them into its arsenal. "We will do this soon," he added. Read Also: Russia Plans New Naval Base on Black Sea Coast Near Occupied Georgia Region Following Crimea Retreat Serious or Empty Threat? Since the start of Russia's war with Ukraine, Putin has repeatedly threatened to use its nuclear weapons should its sovereignty or territorial integrity be threatened. This mindset is currently part of Russia's nuclear doctrine, which he said was not in need of any update. He added that he was not ready to say whether nuclear testing was actually needed, but he threatened to revoke Russia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Theory, which banned all kinds of nuclear explosions. Putin added such a position would mirror Washington's stance of signing the treaty but not ratifying it. Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin wrote his support of Putin's plan on Telegram, saying that lawmakers would look into it during the lower house of parliament's next session. On the other hand, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified Friday (October 6) that revoking the ratification would not mean that Russia planned to conduct nuclear tests. The New York Times reported earlier this week that, according to satellite imagery and aviation it obtained, Russia might be preparing to test an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile, or might have already tested one, but has not confirmed if it was the Burevestnik Putin was talking about. However, analysts like International Institute for Strategic Studies director of strategy, technology, and arms control William Alberque were not convinced there was too much to be worried about from the weapon. "This is a stupid weapon system, designed by stupid people for operational reasons that are not tremendously useful," he told NBC News. While Russian authorities claimed the missile could bypass missile defense systems and reach Hawaii and the Pacific Coast of the US, there have been doubts about how quickly Russia could develop a major new weapon of such a scale and how easy it would be to handle. On top of that were alleged reports of Burevestnik failing tests in 2019 and causing a radiation spike near the test site. Related Article: Dozens Killed in Latest Russian Strike, Ukraine Says @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After an intense week, the future of YNW Mellys double murder case remains in legal limbo. At a hearing on Friday, the state and defense addressed some of the allegations of wrongdoing by Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti in an October 2022 incident. Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy, however, opted to rule at a later date on the more than 20 pending motions, including the defenses request to dismiss the case. Jury selection for Mellys retrial will be pushed back from Monday. Murphy said he will hear the motions over the next two weeks. This needs to get expedited, Murphy said. In 2022, Michelle Boutros, a Broward prosecutor of 20 years assigned to the Public Corruption Unit, was contacted by lead prosecutor Kristine Bradley for a possible tampering investigation into Jamie King, Mellys mother. Thats why she was present when Moretti questioned King, who was accused of tampering with two witnesses: Mariah Hamilton, Mellys ex-girlfriend, and Felicia Holmes, Hamiltons mother. Boutros testified in court Friday. Assistant State Attorney Michelle Boutros sworn in to testify as a witness during a hearing in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Defense lawyers say she overheard Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti, the lead investigator on Demons case, express a willingness to lie about his seizure of a phone belonging to Demons mother, Jamie King, during a Fort Lauderdale courthouse interview last October. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) At the time of the incident, Moretti was taking a statement from King in a conference room on the seventh floor of the Broward courthouse. Prosecutor Boutros, Kings attorney Robert Trachman and Broward Sheriffs Office Sgt. Jason Hendrick were present at the time. READ MORE: Prosecutor accused detective in YNW Melly case of lying. Shes now a defense witness At some point, Hendrick stepped out, and Moretti executed a search warrant for Kings phone. Shortly after, BSO Deputy Adam Gorel arrived at the conference room. When King and Trachman left, Moretti told Gorel that he should say he was present when he executed the search warrant, Boutros said. But Gorel didnt say anything of substance after Morettis comment, Boutros testified on the stand. I dont work with detectives that solicit lies, Boutros said in court. I reported it immediately that day to Mr. Killoran. Accounts of what Moretti said or didnt say differ among the parties in the case. According to a filing by Bradley, Moretti asked Gorel whether 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. Boutros, on the stand, declared that Gorel didnt say that. READ MORE: Prosecutor accused detective in YNW Melly case of lying. Police say that didnt occur According to a filing by Chris Killoran, Boutros superior in the Public Corruption Unit, Moretti told Bradley that the statement he made to Gorel and Gorels response were merely jokes. In a later filing, Bradley said she inaccurately relayed the incident, and that Gorel was the one who made the joke. Prosecutors Steven Klinger and Nicole Bloom speak as defense attorneys are shown behind during a recess in a hearing as part of the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) Mellys defense team in August learned that Moretti was under investigation for allegedly using force against a possible witness in the case, which stemmed from a complaint King made in July. Defense lawyers accused Bradley of a Brady violation, or concealing information favorable to the defense, for allegedly not divulging details about the incident involving Moretti. 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. Lead prosecutor called to stand Bradley also testified Friday, detailing her account of the incident and its aftermath. She said she opted not to file a Brady notice last year after reviewing several reports. She said she questioned Moretti at some point before the last trial. The detective, Bradley said, told her he asked Gorel if he was outside the room at the time of the search warrant. Gorel replied something along the lines of: I can be if you needed to be, a comment which Bradley claimed was conveyed in a flippant manner. I asked him if there was any validity [to Boutros allegation], and that was his response, Bradley said on the stand. Asst. State Attorney Kristine Bradley testifies in a hearing in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Bradley is the lead prosecutor in Mellys murder trial. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) She confirmed that she didnt reach out to Gorel. However, Bradley said the deputy told her last week that Moretti never asked him to lie. Bradley, caught in the crossfire in her own case, wasnt present at the start of the hearing. Prosecutor Steven Klinger attended in her place. Murphy, visibly frustrated by the accusations and by Bradleys absence, asked Klinger to locate Bradley. How is it that shes not here? I dont understand it, Murphy said. These allegations are very serious and they include her. What else went down? In court, defense attorney Jamie Benjamin argued that interviewing the administration at the State Attorneys Office is a starting point to uncover more on the possible Brady violation. The defense on Wednesday submitted a formal notice ordering the top officials at the Broward State Attorneys Office, including State Attorney Harold Pryor, to show up at Fridays hearing. They didnt show up and instead asked Murphy for a protective order, citing privileged work product. READ MORE: Days before retrial, YNW Melly faces a new charge. Defense says its a distraction They sat on it for 11 1/2 months where a whole trial took place, where hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees were spent, Benjamin said. Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, adjusts his glasses during a hearing in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) In his response, Murphy pointed to the defenses grave accusation: that officials at the State Attorneys Office obstructed justice and tampered with witnesses. This is a serious allegation. This is a serious matter, Benjamin responded. I agree 100% Murphy said. New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) visited Mexicos Puebla state Thursday, where he attempted to balance the migrant-friendly stance New York is known for with the struggles the city is facing amid an influx of asylum-seekers. Adams focused on the ties binding his city and the Mexican state that has sent some 800,000 of its people to New York over the years, The Associated Press reported. Inside the legislative chamber, Gov. Sergio Salomon Cespedes declared Adams the Mayor of Puebla York. We are neighbors. We are familia. Mi casa es su casa. Your struggles are my struggles, Adams reportedly said shortly after. Adams returned to his original stance when talking to reporters, saying the city is at capacity. There is no more room in New York. Our hearts are endless, but our resources are not, he said. We dont want to put people in congregate shelters. We dont want people to think they will be employed. Adams has called upon the White House to seek federal assistance to house asylum-seekers but has been denied additional funding. The city has already received about $140 million in federal funding for shelters, more than any other city along the southwest border has received. National Guard members have been deployed to New York City to help with case management. The White House announced earlier this month that individuals from Venezuela, the largest demographic of migrants coming to the city, are eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status if they have been in the U.S. on or before July 31. Adams office said that more than 110,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in the city since spring 2022. Adams said last month that the crisis will destroy New York City. After attending speeches from Pueblas governor and city mayor, Adams spoke to the media and said the migrants arriving in New York deserve better than what the city is able to give them because of the magnitude of this problem, and the costs associated with it, and of the navigation of this crisis. The AP reported that Adams began a four-day tour of Latin America on Wednesday with plans to travel to Quito, Ecuador, and Bogota, Colombia, before visiting the Darien Gap, a dangerous area between Panama and Colombia that many migrants pass through traveling northward toward the U.S. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. New Yorks largest convention center now boasts the biggest solar panel installation in New York City, a bird-friendly wind turbine, and a 1-acre farm that grows 50 crops per season. Its a massive makeover for New Yorks largest and oldest convention center, the Javits Center, which hosts millions of people a year coming through New York for events and conferences. Its not only saving money and making a positive impact on the environment its also attracting new businesses and exposing millions of visitors to conservation and sustainability. Plus, its keeping birds alive. When the Javits Center first opened, the building had black mirrored glass, which as the staff told The Cool Down, birds dont understand. Javits became the no. 1 bird collision spot in New York City, killing more birds than any place else in the city. Photo Credit: iStock Theyve since replaced all of their mirrored glass with bird-friendly glass, reducing bird collisions by 95%. And through a partnership with the NY Audubon Society, theyre now home to 35 bird species, five bat species, and a nesting area for herring gulls. Its all part of CEO Alan Steels vision to bring sustainability to people and to make the Javits Center a model for the events industry, for buildings across NYC, and for the community. Were a bit of a missionary, he said at the The Nest Climate Event hosted at the Javits Center during Climate Week. We now have an audience who is ready to learn. The 6.75-acre green roof is one of the largest of its kind in the United States and includes a 1-acre rooftop farm growing up to 50 crops per season and a hydroponic greenhouse, a compost system, and an orchard turned into a food forest producing 400 pounds of apples last year. The roof and farm are home to nine honeybee hives, harvesting 100 pounds of honey for catering and honey jars. (Watch their oddly satisfying live bee cam midway down the page here.) The food harvested on the farm goes to the chefs preparing the meals, reducing packaging and transportation costs while providing fresher food for their menus. Photo Credit: Javits Center Photo Credit: iStock Since the renovation was completed in 2014, the roof has reduced energy use by 26% by acting as an insulator and reflecting heat, keeping the building warmer or cooler by about 10 degrees. (Check out the live green roof cam here.) With a huge solar array and now a bird-friendly wind turbine, renewable energy generates at least 10% of the Centers power. Its also able to absorb rainwater 7.6 million gallons of rain a year, to be exact which, given the recent flooding in NYC, could be one of its greatest assets. Steel said the focus on sustainability has become a draw for businesses looking to model their values and create a unique event experience for their employees. They also offer tours and Lunch and Learns featuring food from the farm. The latest addition showcasing their commitment? Steel unveiled a massive, 12,800-square-foot mural created by Mexican artist Carlos Alberto that inspires the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity. The mural, produced in partnership with the United Nations, features a woman embracing a tree surrounded by a jungle, reminding us that communities need to be embraced by nature for human and environmental health in the concrete jungle of our cities. The mural educates and informs, but it also brightens up the day, Steel said. Photo Credit: Javits Center Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. [Source] The Korean Community Services (KCS) in Bayside, New York, is organizing Pet Therapy Days to support victims of anti-Asian hate crimes and promote healing. About the event: The first event on Oct. 7 will feature five puppies and three kittens from the New York City-based animal rescue service Best Friends Animal Society. The Pet Therapy Day, which aims to create a safe space for both anti-Asian hate crime victims and homeless animals, will be held at KCS Community Center on 32nd Avenue in Bayside from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. The second pet therapy session will be on Nov. 11 and will be hosted in collaboration with Korean K9 Rescue, a volunteer dog-rescue organization based in Queens. KCS is partnering with a New Jersey-based pet store called Jenny and Moongchy, which imports pet accessories from South Korea. Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to receive gift bags filled with items from the pet store. More from NextShark: Asian Orgs Demand NY Chinatown Stabber Be Charged With Hate Crime After Previous Asian Attack Anti-Asian hate crime survey: KCS operates a state-licensed mental health clinic where clinicians offer culturally sensitive mental health services in both English and Korean. They conducted an anti-Asian hate crime survey, revealing that a majority of respondents expressed concerns about becoming victims of hate crimes. The pet therapy initiative is one of their efforts to expand direct services to the community in order to address this issue. Benefits of animal-assisted therapy: Although the initiative is to provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation, it is reportedly open to anyone interested in connecting with pets. The program manager, Sara Hwang, drew inspiration from college pet therapy events and recognizes the potential benefits of animal-assisted therapy, including reducing PTSD symptoms, anxiety and depression. Our purpose is to create this safe space for them to really enjoy themselves and to have fun, Hwang told QNS. Through these programs and services that we provide, if they can walk away saying I feel better. I feel safe among my community and I am glad that Im able to seek help, then I think we can make a little bit of a difference one by one. More from NextShark: Hidilyn Diaz dominates World Weightlifting Championships with gold medal sweep Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Boston man indicted on hate crimes for assaulting, spitting at Asian couple in NYC A young couple, Denys and Nina Kozyr, have been killed in a Russian missile attack on the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast. At present, there are reports that the cafe was a place to pay tribute to the fallen hero Andrii Kozyr. Andrii was killed in 2022 and buried in Dnipro. His son Denys organised the memorial service. The son and his father had come back from Poland to Lviv at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Following Denys fathers visit to a military draft office, he was deployed to Popasna, where the man sustained a fatal injury. Denys served until June. Afterwards, he moved to Hroza and got married to 20-year-old Nina, who worked as a laboratory assistant at the Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy. The woman had also been killed in the attack. "I am grateful to fate that for almost 4 years, I have studied, sat behind the same desk, and participated in the same choir part with you. I opened up the world of volunteering for her; she made me fall in love with her folk singing, especially with the song Poliubyla Petrusia (I Fell in Love with Petrus). We used to do things together; we might have cried sometimes, but we definitely laughed a lot. I could write about this bright and kind person for ages... But I want to say one thing: Nina was a blood donor, so she will go on living not only in our hearts but also in others," says her friend Kateryna Litvin. Photo: Denys and Nina Kozyr/social media Photo: Denys and Nina Kozyr/social media Nina has a younger sister, Alina. Kateryna asks people to help her in any way possible. Besides Denys and Nina, the wife's grandparents and mother were killed. The tragedy also affected another local resident of Hroza, Oleksandr Mukhovatyi. In a comment to Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne, Oleksandr said he had also lost three family members at once: his brother, sister-in-law and mother. The man was at home during the tragedy. When Oleksandr saw the cloud of smoke after the explosion, he tried to call his family. But nobody picked up the phone, except for his nephew, who told him everyone was under the rubble. "I rushed there straight away. My brother was found, but my mother and sister-in-law were not yet. They were definitely there. I took my brother's passport out of his trousers. I still don't understand what happened and how things are going to be. I can't believe it; it just doesn't sink in," the man says. PHOTO: OLEH SYNIEHUBOV PHOTO: OLEH SYNIEHUBOV Oleksandr also added that only the lower part of his brother's torso survived. Background: On 5 October, the Russian forces launched a missile attack on the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast, which claimed the lives of 52 people. An 8-year-old child was among them. Emergency workers carry out search and rescue operations in the village and work with volunteers to deal with the aftermath. Other body parts were found on 6 October. Reports indicate that the missile hit a local store. Local residents were paying their last respects to a fallen soldier in a cafe nearby. The village of Groza was home to 330 residents as of the time of the incident, according to Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. At least one member of every family in the village attended the memorial dinner. The minister added that there is concern that the attack was directed by one of the local residents. Earlier, Dmytro Chubenko, spokesman for the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office, said the Russians might have thought that the military would be present at the wake. However, it has been confirmed that only civilians were in the cafe. 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! Gen Z creators have been known to get candid on TikTok, especially when it comes to delving into their strained relationships with one or both parents. In fact, this past summer, a Toronto-based creator spoke on the disrespect that daughters endure at the hands of their toxic fathers. In a similar vein, TikTokers are discussing their decision to go no contact with one or both of their parents, and young people on the app are supporting that sometimes difficult decision. Ameya Marie Okamoto (@ameyamarieokamoto), a New York City artist and nail technician, spoke on the importance of respecting someones decision to go no contact with family members, as well as their right to privacy about their personal situations. This embedded content is not available in your region. If you come across people who have had to make this very hard decision to go no contact with their born-given support system, which maybe was not a support system for them, do not offer your f***ing opinion, Okamoto said on Aug. 7. Its not your place they do not have to explain themselves to you. Several TikTok users, presumably those who connected with Okamotos video, took to her comments to share how often they feel the need to validate their decision to go no contact. This irks me soooo much bc i always feel like i have to revalidate my decision over and over, @hillyhayborn wrote in response to the video. People act like Im the crazy person and that I need to have that relationship, @contrashelby also commented. Ive cried myself to sleep too many times. My inner child doesnt understand but adult me is protecting us and sometimes I just be like that, @wendyslife10 replied. For his 2020 book Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them, author Karl Andrew Pillemer, a professor of human development at Cornell University, conducted a survey and found that about one in four Americans are believed to be estranged from another family member, according to the BBC. The declaration of I am done with a family member is a powerful and distinct phenomenon. It is different from family feuds, from high-conflict situations and from relationships that are emotionally distant but still include contact, he told the news outlet. Cutting off a parent or loved one, according to Steve Carleton, a licensed clinical social worker, is a multifaceted decision. There can be numerous contributing factors for this choice, such as enduring physical, emotional, or psychological abuse, he told In The Know by Yahoo in an email. In some instances, the patterns of toxic behavior persist over time, leaving the individual feeling drained, manipulated, or belittled. The decision to go no contact can serve as a protective mechanism to safeguard ones mental health and wellbeing. Its a way of drawing a line in the sand, of prioritizing self-care and personal growth over familial bonds, he added. Cutting off a parent or loved one may seem like an extreme measure, but for many individuals, its a necessary step towards reclaiming their personal agency and creating healthy boundaries. On Sept. 22, Gabi (@buttchickencheesestick), whose TikTok bio reads that she is a licensed graduate social worker and childrens therapist, revealed in a post that she felt Olivia Rodrigos track The Grudge off her sophomore album GUTS accurately describes a persons choice to go no contact with a parent. This song hits different when youre no contact with a parent whos made a lot of choices to hurt people, she adds in text overlaying her video. This embedded content is not available in your region. And Lawyer Bae (@adayinthelifeoflawyerbae) argued in a video that parents shouldnt be praised for taking care of and providing for the children they chose to have. This embedded content is not available in your region. Wasnt this your choice to have a kid? You had me, thats what you were supposed to do, she said on Sept. 14. You get no gold star for doing what youre supposed to do. Bunny Hedaya (@bunnyhedaya) shared her perspective as someone who chose to go no contact with her mother, who has since died. This embedded content is not available in your region. My mom told me that my whole life, Youre gonna regret every time youve talked to me, whatever The fact of the matter is that I dont feel that way, she revealed on Aug. 28. Prior to her mothers death, Hedaya contemplated having a conversation with her to let her know the ways that shed hurt her. Ultimately, though, she decided not to bring it up. Dont let anyone make you feel bad about being no contact or minimal contact because you may actually regret the interactions that you have with that person. In The Know by Yahoo is now available on Apple News follow us here! The post Young people on TikTok are supporting one anothers decision to go no contact with their parents appeared first on In The Know. More from In The Know: Beanies, flannels and perpetual heartbreak: Gen Z-ers are ushering in Midwest emo fall 'My hair was a way to make myself hypervisible': One Asian creator reflects on return to natural hair color after 7 years TikTok says these matte black shower shelves will transform your bathroom and I believe it 9 reasons you need to hang eucalyptus in your shower yesterday Researching what's going on with your body can quickly turn from empowering to frightening. Here's how to make sure you're getting the correct information. Researching what's going on with your body can quickly turn from empowering to frightening. Here's how to make sure you're getting the correct information. If the first thing you do when you feel a sniffle or twinge is head to the internet to try to figure out whats going on, youre in good company. Surveys suggest about 90% of patients Google their symptoms before they talk to their doctor. But it can, of course, quickly go awry. Mental health experts now recognize cyberchondria repeated, compulsive internet searches for medical info that can lead to worry and panic as a real and troubling phenomenon. Misguided Google searches can also be a deep source of frustration for doctors and other health care providers who say they spend a good chunk of their time with patients tackling inaccurate health advice and self-diagnoses. When I hear a patient say, I Googled it, I think: OK. How much misinformation am I going to have to dispel? said Dr. Beth Oller, a family physician at Rooks County Health Center in Kansas, adding that her patients are often fully aware theyve unnecessarily freaked themselves out. None of us can help it! Oller said. I dont blame people for trying to look up their symptoms. Shes also certainly had patients who have used the internet to advocate for the care they need like women who have come to her wondering about ADHD. (The symptoms often go unrecognized in women.) Or patients who have pushed to get necessary cancer screenings. So how can you make sure youre using Dr. Google effectively? Here are five simple best practices to keep in mind. 1. Start with the websites of major health organizations, universities and hospitals Inaccurate health information is, of course, everywhere online. Last year, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, identified misinformation as a public health crisis one that has led to many people eschewing COVID-19 vaccines and mask policies. Before the pandemic, health misinformation directly contributed to measles outbreaks across parts of the U.S. One of the simplest ways to build what Murthy and other public health leaders call information literacy is just to start your search with well-known, reputable sources. Oller said you really cant go wrong if you begin with the websites of major health organizations, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (especially for COVID-19 information) or the American Academy of Pediatrics (which also has HealthyChildren.org specifically for parents and caregivers). The American Academy of Family Physicians also has a patient-facing website full of helpful information, she added. Many hospitals and universities also have websites with evidence-based health information for example, the Mayo Clinic (which lets you search by conditions and has a symptom checker) and Cleveland Clinic. You might move on to specific studies, articles or even forums and support groups from there, but its a good idea to root yourself in basic information from a carefully vetted site. Its important always to get your information from reputable sources, but its especially so when it comes to medical things, Oller said. 2. Brush up on some study basics Its wonderful and empowering that so much research is now directly available online, often without a subscription through a place like PubMed (the major database for scientific papers). But not all studies are created equal. Look for some basics that can help indicate whether a study holds up: Was it published in a peer-reviewed journal? That means it has been scrutinized by other experts in the field for quality and accuracy. If so, which journal? What was the sample size like? What limitations have the studys authors pointed out? Are they transparent about the questions their research cannot address? Who funded the research? And have the researchers disclosed any conflicts of interest? It can also be useful to look for media coverage of a study, because in an ideal world, health reporters and editors are doing their due diligence when deciding what to cover. Did any news outlets pick it up? Who? What did any outside experts they interviewed about the research have to say? Keep in mind: Researchers have found that studies that cant be replicated (meaning basically that theyre bad science) tend to be cited and shared more than those that can. It can be tough for medical providers, absolutely, to look at a study and tell if its reliable or not, Oller said. I absolutely understand why, for the lay person, its even more difficult. If you're worried, chatting with a doctor is always your best bet. If you're worried, chatting with a doctor is always your best bet. 3. Check on how your search is making you feel If youre searching your symptoms and getting really stressed out, thats an immediate red flag. Instead of working yourself into a panic, reach out to an actual medical professional who can help provide answers. Ill tell my patients: If youre noticing that the search youre going on is increasing your anxiety, then its time to call your family doc and talk to me about it, Oller said. Patients also sometimes have the opposite problem, she noted. So they might spend time searching for reassuring stories or anecdotes that they use to try to feel better or ignore their symptoms. It might be a serious symptom that really does need to be looked at, Oller said, and they find something that says, Well, this wasnt anything for me. So they go, OK, well its probably not anything for me either. As youre searching, do a gut check. Are you making yourself feel stressed or anxious? Are you trying too hard to push away your nagging concerns? 4. Keep track of any sources you find and want to discuss As you move through your internet search, be sure to jot down the articles or websites you visit. If a particular study or article is of interest, save it. That way, when you go to your doctor, you bring a list of links that you can discuss together. Oller said she sometimes has patients who come to her wanting to talk about a particular study they saw shared somewhere, but cant remember where it was or what exactly it claimed. Your health care provider should be open to talking with you about any research you bring up. If theyre dismissive without taking the time to explain why theyre skeptical of certain sources, or carefully explaining why they dont think they apply to you it might be time to look for a second opinion. Experts should acknowledge that patient research can be a very good thing. 5. When in doubt, talk to an actual health care provider At the end of the day, nothing beats going to an an actual doctor, nurse or health care clinic (in person or virtually!) to get answers to the health questions and concerns you have. In fact, Oller said one easy way to know whether youve landed at a reputable health website during your search is that those sites tend to direct you to see a health care provider. Credible websites are transparent about the limits of an online search. Those sites are the ones that at the end of any entry say Please talk to your primary care doc if any of these things seem true or if you have questions, she said. Theyre the ones that lead people toward getting that next evaluation they need. Related... Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decried a Russian missile strike on a small Ukraine hamlet that killed 52 people Thursday, calling the attack one of absolute evil. Russian terrorists launched an attack that one cant even call beastly. Because it would be an insult to beasts, Zelensky said in a Thursday night speech. Russian military personnel couldnt have been unaware of where they were striking. It was not a blind attack. People had gathered there for a memorial meal, a Christian memorial meal, he continued. Who could launch a missile at them? Who? Only absolute evil. The missile struck near a grocery store and a cafe in the Hroza village, which is in the Kupyansk district of the Kharkiv region. All the victims of the attack were civilians, according to Ukrainian authorities. A young boy was among the dead. Kharkiv regional Gov. Oleh Synyehubov said on Telegram that 25 nearby homes were also damaged. Synyehubov added Friday that Russia is continuing to shell the region. The strike was among the deadliest on civilian populations in the war. Moscow denies targeting civilians but acknowledges it carries out frequent strikes to cripple the Ukrainian military. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said he is shocked and saddened by the strike and that human rights monitors will visit the site to gather information about the attack. At a briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called it an incredibly horrifying attack. We have to stop and think about this. Lets stop and think about what were seeing: 49 innocent people who were killed by a Russian airstrike while they were shopping for food at a supermarket, she said Thursday, before the death toll had risen. Thats what they were doing. Can you imagine just walking to the grocery store with your kids, trying to figure out what is it that youre going to make for dinner, and you see an explosion happen where bodies are everywhere? she continued. And its horrifying. So this is what is happening in Ukraine every day. This is why were doing everything that we can to help Ukraine, to help the brave people of Ukraine to fight for their freedom. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In the upcoming winter, Russia will attempt to demolish Ukraines energy infrastructure with more attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his evening briefing on Oct. 6. Zelensky said Russia will try to "bypass" the countrys air defense systems. "They cannot understand that Ukraine will not be conquered anyway. But (Russian troops) will try to launch more attacks and have more attempts to bypass our defenses," Zelensky said. "We realize the threat completely," he added. Russian forces attempted to cripple Ukraine's energy network with massive strikes during from October to February, leading to frequent blackouts and a lack of heating across the country. Read also: With winter approaching, is Ukraines energy system ready for renewed Russian attacks? Zelenskys repeated warning comes as, on Sept. 21, Russia launched its first mass strike on Ukraines energy infrastructure since March. Energy facilities in western and central Ukraine have been damaged, and there were partial blackouts in Rivne, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv oblasts, according to Ukraines state energy operator Ukrenergo. During his briefing, Zelensky said he heard the reports of military and officials responsible for the protection of the energy systems and highlighted the importance for the regional authorities to prepare for potential winter attacks. Zelensky also said that Ukraine is taking "more steps" to strengthen its air defense systems in cooperation with partners. On Oct. 5, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that his country will send Ukraine another Patriot air defense system "to help ward off aerial and drone attacks during the coming winter months." "Winning this winter, going through all the difficulties, and protecting our people is very important," Zelensky said during the briefing. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Rescuers at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kharkiv Ukrainian resilience, military advances, and daily enemy losses should be the response to Russian terror, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Oct. 6. Kharkiv, a Russian strike this morning; a child is killeda boy; he was ten years old..., said Zelenskyy. Read also: Zelenskyy secures additional Patriot and Hawk AA systems My condolences to the family and loved ones! More than 20 people were injured. All necessary assistance is being provided to the wounded." Read also: Zelenskyy joins other European leaders in Spain for EPC summit Emergency services are still searching for survivors. Zelenskyy thanked everyone aiding Ukrainian citizens as well as all Ukrainian military who, despite everything, are advancing, eliminating enemy forces, and bringing justice closer for Ukraine. "Our resilience, our advances, and the daily losses of occupiers should be the response to Russian terror," he emphasized. Kharkiv Attack Read also: UN dispatches inquiry team after Russian strike kills dozens in Kharkiv Oblast Early in the morning on Oct. 6. Russia launched two Iskander missiles at Kharkiv, hitting the center of the city. A ten-year-old boy was killed, and more than 20 people were injured in the strike. On Oct. 5, Russia struck the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast, hitting a local cafe. A wake for a fallen Ukrainian soldier was taking place there at that time; 52 people were killed, including a 6-year-old child. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced that the company will be implementing changes to the pricing of Unreal Engine non-gaming developers such as film, TV, and automotive. Read Also: Fortnite Announces Changes to User-Created Content Policy Unreal Engine Price Changes During a presentation at Unreal Fest 2023, Sweeney explained that other industries outside gaming should prepare to start paying a per-seat licensing fee to use Unreal Engine. Moreover, while new changes will be implemented the CEO clarified that it will not be "unusually expensive or unusually inexpensive." He also compared the upcoming pricing structure would be similar to the subscription fees on Maya or Photoshop. Aside from that, Sweeney is also distinguished that Epic's price hike different from other engine's royalties, probably referring to Unity. Previously, Unity implemented a revenue-sharing fee that received massive backlash from the development community. It would be genius for Epic to adopt a per-set licensing plan as it would not cause that many changes to the developers who rely solely on the services of Unreal Engine. Most importantly, it will not disrupt the company's entire business model. Epic CEO Addressed Recent Layoffs Just a week prior to the recent layoff, Sweeney explained that Epic had been under financial problems which led to the withdrawal of employees. The company let go 16 percent of its workforce or around 870 employees in total. The company attributed the changes as a cost-cutting solution to prevent further financial damage. On the other hand, Sweeney teased the upcoming development on the metaverse. He also assured that the company is stable enough to fund its work on the metaverse. Epic has been hoping to tap into the virtual opportunity with Meta, Microsoft, and other companies. Related Article: Epic Games is Laying Off 870 Employees to Cut Costs President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Vjosa Osmani , president of Kosovo, a country that Ukraine does not recognise. This happened on the sidelines of the summit of the European Political Community in Spanish Granada. Source: Osmani on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda Details: Vjosa Osmani posted a photo of her shaking hands with Zelenskyy, writing "Resilience. Determination. Hope". Background: Zelenskyy has already met with Osmani on the sidelines of the previous summit, which took place in June in Chisinau, Moldova. Both then and this time, the Ukrainian side did not report the meeting. Ukraine does not officially recognise Kosovo, a country that declared its independence in 2008 and whose right to take this step was confirmed by the International Court of Justice. Since then, about a hundred countries have recognised Kosovo, while the rest consider it part of Serbia, where the country is officially considered the region of Kosovo and Metohija. 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! ROCKY MOUNT A jury found Terry Eugene Michel, the Ferrum man charged with killing his two dogs, guilty Thursday following a two-day trial. It took a jury less than two hours to find Michel guilty of two counts of felony animal cruelty, one for each dog he shot in the head at close range. Michel, 59, also pleaded no contest to the lesser charge of filing a false police report. The case came down to a key question posed to jurors by defense attorney Aaron Houchens. He asked them to consider whether Michel was experiencing a dissociative event when he killed the two dogs, brought on by depression and ongoing post traumatic stress disorder from his time in the U.S. Army. Ultimately, jurors believed Michel had full control over his actions when he made the decision to kill the two Labrador retrievers, Caleb and Colby, he shared with his wife Rhonda Michel on Feb. 7. He originally claimed in a 911 call that the two dogs were stolen while he was walking them in Waid Park in Rocky Mount. Terry Michel told police the two dogs got away from him while walking in the park and were picked up by two men in a Jeep who drove off with them. This led to a search for several days with flyers and social media posts asking for information. The two dogs were found dead on the side of Carolina Springs Road on Feb. 14, each with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head. They were later taken to Virginia Tech for further examination. Investigator Steven McFarling testified Wednesday that he and others began to notice holes in Michels statements about the disappearance of the two dogs and confronted him Feb. 16 during an interview at the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. Approximately 20 minutes of the interview were played for jurors during the trial. In it, Michel can be heard at first denying he shot the dogs, then later admitting it when officers pressed him for the truth. I didnt do it to hurt her, Michel said in the recorded interview when asked if he did it because of his wife. I did it to save my marriage and that is the Gods honest truth. Michel claimed in the video that he loved the two dogs, but they prevented him from doing anything with his wife. He said Rhonda Michel wouldnt let the dogs stay home alone. Michel admitted to investigators he killed the dogs in an open parcel of land off Prillaman Switch Road in Ferrum on Feb. 7. In the video he said Colby was shot first using a 9 mm pistol he owned, then Caleb. He froze, Michel said of Caleb just after shooting Colby. Then I looked over at him and I didnt give him a chance to do anything else and I shot him. Houchens called Sharon Kelley, a professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia, to give her analysis of Michels mental state in the moments leading up to and during the killing of the two dogs. She interviewed Michel twice in the time he has been in jail. Kelley said Michel showed signs of depression, confusion, anxiety as well as ongoing PTSD. She said that could have led to him killing the dogs without even knowing it during a dissociative event. The way Mr. Michel described the moments of the offense themselves was fundamentally the experience of dissociation, Kelley said. She went on to say Michel was not in reality the same way a mentally healthy person would be at the moment of the offense. When Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Cliff Hapgood cross- examined Kelley, he pushed her on how a dissociative event that she said lasted only briefly explained Michels actions after the killing. He reported the dogs missing Feb. 7 and on Feb. 14 he recovered the dogs from where they were shot on Prilliman Switch Road and dumped them on Carolina Springs Road where they would be discovered. During closing arguments Thursday, Hapgood made a point of saying Michel was in control of what he was doing. His actions during the time of the shooting and in the days after were deliberate. He knew what he was doing when he pulled that trigger, Hapgood said. The jury ultimately agreed, returning with a guilty verdict shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday. Judge Timothy Allen scheduled a sentencing hearing for Nov. 2. Michel, who is being held without bond at the Western Virginia Regional Jail, faces up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine for each felony conviction. The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has in response to an appeal by his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, to join in the legal battle challenging President Tinubus credentials said he was focused on reclaiming his stolen mandate at the Supreme Court. Obis response was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, on Thursday. He said the LP standard bearer is currently in the Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate and he is focused on that. Ifoh further said, He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves the leadership it truly deserves. Iowa offers a variety of resources for aspiring and current entrepreneurs, including SCORE. SCORE is an organization powered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and their mission is to encourage those in the small business community through complimentary mentoring and education, according to SCORE volunteer Sheriffa Jones. Jones is one of the many volunteers SCORE has, and she serves the Des Moines area. Jones has a background in nonprofit management. Shes also done work with community and economic development, as well as grant writing. I love to share the knowledge I have with others, Jones said. Its great to see these entrepreneurs hit their goals. Its very rewarding. SCORE offers free mentoring, webinars, training courses, a library of resources, workshops and more across all 50 states. Through SCORE Im able to connect with people of all backgrounds, she said. That makes it all worth it. Local small business owner Amy Dillard, owner of Dillard Management, LLC used SCORE to help start her small business. Dillard Management, LLC offers website development, social media strategy, advertising and more. I received free mentoring from SCORE, Dillard said. Once you get started they dont stop supporting you. Dillard said shes been meeting with her mentor since the very beginning, and they still meet once a month. You need someone, especially as a solo entrepreneur, to discuss things with, she said. And SCORE has been really helpful and encouraging. One of the challenges SCORE helped Dillard with was identifying her audience. I want to help small to medium size businesses, but thats such a large group, she said. Her mentor helped her look at the things she was good at, and then figure out who needs those services to help her narrow down her audience. Dillard originally started her business in 2020 with social media management, and then expanded to offer other services including website development and Google profiles. She said she offers a more personalized service through her business. I help with anything you need to get more eyes on your stuff online, she said. There isnt one box that my service fits in. I will adjust to meet your needs. For more information on Dillard Management, LLC visit dillardllc.com. For more information on SCORE, visit score.org. NORFOLK I wanted to say a big thank you to all of the Norfolk Public Schools teachers, principals and all of the teammates who work so hard every day for my boys and all of the children in the district. 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. Former British Foreign Service Officer, Arthur Snell, has described Morocco as a rising power, saying the country, which was rocked last month by powerful quake, remains undeterred and is now preparing to host the IMF-WB annual meetings from 9 to 15 October 2023. In an Op-Ed posted by U.S. Newsmax TV channel, Mr. Snell, who also served as a British High Commissioner, said hosting the annual meetings of the two international financial institutions by the North African Kingdom is a rite of passage for a rising power, citing in this regard the example of Turkey, Indonesia the recent hosts of the WB-IMF annual gathering. This high-level event, bringing together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives, civil society, media, and academics, is a sort of Davos without the movie stars. In recent years, Morocco has enjoyed considerable diplomatic successes, securing the U.S. and Israels recognition of the Moroccaness of the Sahara, said ex-deputy Director for Counter Terrorism (2008-2010), noting that Spain, Germany, and the UK have expressed support for Moroccos autonomy plan offered for the Sahara under the Kingdoms sovereignty. The IMF-WB meetings come at a time Morocco is determined to showcase its increasingly sophisticated economy and inclusive development, added Mr. Snell. Its not, like its neighbor Algeria, dependent on the oil and gas sector and as is often the case, this has proved a benefit: Morocco has consistently higher employment, higher growth, and higher rates of foreign direct investment, underlined the Author of How Britain Broke the World. He also said that businesses like the fact that Morocco has a stable political system under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, contrasting with the turbulence and unpredictability seen across the rest of North Africa. Since 2018, Morocco has been Africas largest exporter of cars, combining physical proximity to Europe and efficient logistics with a much lower cost base, said the ex-British diplomat, hailing the impressive growth of Moroccan aerospace sector. Despite its limited fossil fuel resources, Morocco has become one of Africas leaders in renewable energy, notably solar and wind power, underlined Mr. Snell. Several petitioners have denounced, at the United Nations, the continuing human rights violations committed by the Polisario in the Tindouf camps against women and children, praising the realistic autonomy plan offered by Morocco for a lasting resolution of the Sahara regional conflict. Addressing the UN fourth committee convening in New York, Ms. Amanda DiCianni, from NGO Rescue and Relief International, sounded the alarm over the military training of children in the Tindouf camps by Polisario militiamen. She deplored the deteriorating living conditions in the camps infested with gang violence, insecurity, corruption, and criminal activities of Polisario. Given the dangerous situation in the camps and its impacts on stability in North Africa, she urged the United Nations to urgently adopt Moroccos autonomy plan as the most humane, expeditious, and peaceful resolution possible, adding that the status quo could worsen the plight of the population held in the camps. The president of the U.S Teach the Children International, Nancy Huff, denounced the systematic misappropriation, by the armed Polisario separatist militias of humanitarian aid intended for populations sequestered in the Tindouf camps. Mrs. Huff pointed to serious dysfunctions in Algerias management of food aid in the camps, citing the scathing report by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which revealed the involvement of the polisario in the massive theft of humanitarian aid that ends up in the pockets of leaders of the armed separatist group. The American petitioner also mentioned the World Food Program (WFP) report carried out by an independent investigative team and published on July 3, 2023, specifying that this credible report confirms massive theft of humanitarian aid in the Tindouf camps. She called on the international community to take the necessary measures to hold the separatists accountable. Mrs. Huff further stressed that the Autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 represents the most humane and most peaceful solution likely to put an end to the ordeal the populations are undergoing in these camps located in North-west Algeria. In her plea, the American petitioner also paid tribute to the populations of Moroccos southern provinces who displayed an incredible spirit of solidarity to contribute to the national surge in aid for the victims of the Al Haouz earthquake. Mr. Teguh Santosa, RMOL Network, said he visited the Moroccan Sahara and was impressed by the socioeconomic development in the region. The realistic autonomy plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara has been supported by many countries in the world, he said, adding that nearly thirty countries have so far opened consulates in the Sahara cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, confirming their recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara. Ms. Vivian Eads, Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Sahara issue, said that young people in the Tindouf camps face limited opportunities for their future. She urged speedier efforts to settle this issue through implementation of Security Council resolution 2654 (2022). After highlighting the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the entire Sahara territory by several Member States, she urged the United Nations to adopt the Morocco Autonomy Plan for the Sahara, saying this plan is conducive to peace and stability in the region. Mrs. Hayat Laariche, a member of Moroccos House of Representatives, said that her role as an elected representative of the Sahrawi people was the result of free and fair elections, held under a multi-party system. The southern region witnessed the highest turn-out in Moroccan elections, she said, adding that this was an important way of ensuring that we can manage our affairs on our own through a real transfer of power. Pointing to interference by some neighboring countries, she condemned the actions of the Polisario militia, an armed group and remnant of the cold war, which is trying to impose its own ideas on the Sahrawi people. For her part, Leila Dahi, from Laayoune, also a member of the House of Representatives, said that she was chosen by the Sahrawis to represent them and to defend their fight for democracy. She also represents the Sahrawis in the African parliament, actively working to tackle peace and security issues on the continent. I am not unique, she said, but rather part of a generation of Sahrawis who have been raised in peace. While Morocco is seeking peace, the others are sowing divisions, she said praising Moroccos pragmatic autonomy plan offering enduring stability and shared prosperity. By Lee Gyu-lee BUSAN After years of putting her acting career on hold after a tax evasion issue in 2018, Chinese actor Fan Bingbing is taking on her first lead film since the hiatus, playing the role of Jin Xia in the Hong Kong film Green Night. The actor shared that the female-oriented film especially resonated with her. The crime suspense film by director Han Shuai is invited for Gala Presentation at this years Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), held from Oct. 4 to 13 in Busan. The film features two women, who are completely opposite in terms of their image, personality and life experiences. My character, Jin Xia, is a cautious, quiet woman who keeps many layers of stories inside her. One day, she is attracted to a green-haired girl and over the days she goes through a change of emotions, Fan said during a press conference in the KNN Tower Building, Thursday. I was drawn to the two female characters helping each other. It was touching. The story aligned with my personal issues and stories that Ive had in the past few years. So it felt even more moving to me. Green Night, set in Korea, revolves around a Chinese woman, Jin Xia (Fan) who works at the security checkpoint of Incheon Port Passenger Terminal. One day, she meets an unpredictable, free-spirited girl with green hair (Lee Joo-young), who is a drug mule and the girlfriend of a Chinese-Korean drug dealer. The two polar opposite people go on an adventure away from the harsh realities of poverty and sexual violence. The film, which premiered at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival, is director Shuais second feature film since her debut feature Summer Blur, which won the FIPRESCI Award at the 2020 BIFF. The director said she wanted to see the two lead actors portraying characters completely different from the roles they previously played. Ive seen two actors previous works and their roles in this film are exactly opposite of those. And I felt it would be a really interesting challenge for them. I believe this itself gives audiences a reason to watch the film, she said. Fan, who is known for playing strong, straight-forward characters, said her role as an introverted woman facing domestic violence, was interesting yet difficult to create. I have done various roles throughout 26 years of my career, which allowed me to grow. Amid that, I was surprised the director offered me the role of Jin Xia. Instinctually, I felt a strong urge to interpret the character, she said. But, there was a gap between thinking about it and putting them into action is not an easy decision. The theme of this film tells women to not be afraid. The story of a woman facing difficulties, handling and overcoming them, and helping other women was something I found very compelling. Togo and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) signed Thursday a $16 million loan earmarked to provide support for the West African countrys Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Togos Finance Minister Sani Yaya and the BADEA President Sidi Ould Tah inked the financing deal on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa SME Champions Forum in Lome, the Togolese capital. Victoire Dogbe, Togos Premier welcomed the signing and invited SMEs to tap into the financing. I call on SMEs to mobilize to benefit from it, she said on X (former Twitter). The Khartoum-based institution is also set to provide additional $310,000 to supplement the financing package. The AFRICA SME CHAMPIONS FORUM is the foremost gathering dedicated to supporting the growth of African SMEs. It brings together nearly 500 participants, including Business Leaders, financial institutions, a selection of start-ups and experts in SME development, in a 2-day exchange that fosters new bottom-up practical and operational solutions to the financing and growth challenges faced by SMEs in Africa, the organizers say. Launched in 2014, the summit seeks to improve the SME landscape and providing growth support to SMEs the engine of the African economies. The BADEA is key partner of the event. Kristalina Georgieva, the Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on Africa on Thursday to turn to green energy and to accelerate their transition to clean energy sources and sustainable agriculture given what she called the existential threat posed by climate change. This is the most significant risk we face as a global community. It is an existential risk, she added. She was speaking during an inaugural speech, in Abidjan, the economic hub of Cote dIvoire, in the presence of President Alassane Ouattara. IFM Chief visited the African country in the buildup to the World Bank and IFM General Assemblies to be held in Morocco next week. She argued that it was paramount for Africa and its growing population to ensure sustainable agriculture with more drought resilient seeds, and increased transportation and storage possibilities so food was not wasted. Wounded passengers on the platform of the 36th Street station in Sunset Park, moments after a gunman shot ten people aboard their train in April 2022. Photo: Raymond Chiodini/@pretzal_maschine Perched in a corner seat on the northbound N train, dressed in a hard hat and a reflective neon vest that lent him the guise of an MTA worker, Frank James cast a helpful figure as he urged multiple people to avoid the seat next to him in which water appeared to be pooling, seemingly saving his fellow straphangers from an unpleasant start to their day. Then, with a muffled pop, the helpful man in the corner of the train in Sunset Park revealed himself as a gunman firing a barrage of shots as the train sped through Brooklyn in April 2022. On Thursday, James appeared in Brooklyn federal court for sentencing, where he was confronted by three of his victims and listened to written testimony from two others whose statements were delivered by prosecutors. I dont know if you remember, but we greeted each other that day, said one tall young man with spiky black hair, identified in court only by his initials, B.K., addressing James directly. We were in a community that day on that train car. Another passenger, identified in court by her initials C.T., remembered going for the empty seat next to James before he waved her away. I looked him in the eye and I thanked him, recalled C.T., whose written testimony was delivered by prosecutors. Moments later, James tossed a smoke grenade to the floor, and all hell broke loose. The train car quickly filled with smoke and everyone began to panic as we all rushed to try and exit the train, C.T. wrote. I prayed that God would protect us. I prayed that this would end soon. I prayed that the train would start moving. B.K., pinned under a crush of people huddled at the back of the train, felt his lungs constricting as he choked on acrid smoke spewing from the device James had set off. I realized what was happening. I realized we were trapped with you, B.K. told James. There was nothing stopping you from working your way methodically through the car, hurting us or killing us. Another passenger that day, Fitim Gjeloshi, told James he forgave him and hoped he got the help he needed. Then he broke down in tears, muttering, Im sorry, I cant do this, before rushing from the courtroom. In written testimony, Furong Hu, a college student, told James how his life was derailed by the attack. Hu was shot five times, and said he is still unable to run or even use stairs. Now depressed and anxious, he had withdrawn socially and felt abandoned by his friends and girlfriend. I so desperately want my life back, Hu wrote. Speaking in court, a man identified as L.C. described self-medicating with alcohol and marijuana in the wake of the attack, a downward spiral that led to a stint in rehab. Your mother would have been ashamed of you, L.C. said, his voice rising with anger. I found help. Why couldnt you find help, Mr. James? Seated at the table of his defense team in court on Thursday dressed in olive-drab prison clothes, James stared straight ahead as his victims addressed him, never once looking in their direction. Nor did he react when Judge William Kuntz sentenced him to ten concurrent life sentences one for each person he shot plus ten years imprisonment for discharging a firearm. In a rambling speech that quoted Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, and Jay-Z, James referenced decades-old grudges against former colleagues and social-services caseworkers who he claimed had it out for him, and at one point compared himself to Jordan Neely, the young Black man choked to death on the subway earlier this year. While expressing remorse at the harm he caused, and repeatedly referring to the shooting as a cowardly act of senseless violence, James ultimately cast his actions as a cry for help. It is my prayer that nobody copies my actions simply because they have no way to bring about change, he said. In a series of documents filed ahead of the sentencing hearing, experts hired by Jamess attorneys detailed a harrowing life of isolation, paranoia, and untreated mental illness. Even before his birth, his family was marked by tragedy: In 1954, his brother Phillip fell to his death after being left unattended at home, and his mother was diagnosed with lung cancer a year later. When James was born in 1959, his attorneys said he quickly became a target of his fathers rage and suffered repeated physical abuse. James was only 5 years old when his mother died, and he was in his teens when symptoms of mental illness began to become apparent, including paranoid delusions and hallucinations that prompted his first psychiatric hospitalization. These patterns of paranoia and alienation would follow James for decades, and apart from periodic hospitalizations or contacts with social workers, his social isolation and frequent moves to cities like Milwaukee and Philadelphia left him essentially untreated. Over the years, he self-medicated with alcohol, and over time he began to turn his inner rage outward at the world. Finally, James snapped, according to Mia Eisner-Grynberg, an attorney with the Federal Defenders of New York who represented James. After decades of persistently seeking, but never receiving, appropriate mental-health care, Mr. James wrought unspeakable horror on innocent subway riders, each entirely blameless for his struggles, Eisner-Grynberg wrote to the court. But prosecutors disputed the shooting as some manifestation of James having suddenly lost it. In a sentencing memo, they listed numerous indications that James had planned the attack for months, even years ahead of that bloody morning in April. He had purchased the same brand of smoke grenades used in the attack in 2017 and 2019, and later that year he purchased ammunition identical to the bullets fired on the train; he had purchased the hard hat he wore as part of his disguise in 2021. And in the months leading up to the attack, he made multiple internet searches about buying a gun in Ohio and the location of N-train stops in Brooklyn. And in his online rantings, James made numerous references to a potential attack, including one video posted on August 5, 2019, two and a half years prior to the shootings. At the very least its going to be very interesting, he said. Let me say that. Its going to be very interesting what happens in New York with me. And on the day of the attack, his planning including shooing other passengers away from the seat next to him was brutally effective in creating what prosecutors called a kill funnel that allowed James a clear line of sight to mow down his victims. Standing at one end of the train car, James fired a total of 32 times as his victims cowered at the other end of the car, suffocated and blinded by the smoke. He stopped shooting when his handgun jammed, despite having two additional magazines holding 18 rounds each. I sat there for a few moments as the smoke began to clear and assess what was around me. The floor was covered in blood, C.T. recalled. As I exited the train, I noticed several people laying down on the ground that had been injured. I put my hands on my knees, took a few deep breaths, and then looked to see who needed the most help. The platform at 36th Street was smeared with blood as gunshot victims tumbled out of the train. Ten people were wounded by gunshots, including five who required emergency surgery, prosecutors said. Amid the chaos, James slipped away, and as the city hunkered down in fear and confusion, he embarked on a tour of New York, periodically swapping out face masks and changing items of clothing to avoid detection. Throughout the day, he pulled up news stories about the shooting on a burner phone; he also watched a chase sequence from a James Bond film ten times. Eventually, he took a PATH train to Newark, where he spent the night. That evening, after discovering a slew of evidence at the scene tying him to the attack, authorities publicly identified James as a person of interest. Early the next afternoon, James called the Crime Stoppers tip line to report himself, and a short while later police took him into custody at the corner of St. Marks and First Avenue in the East Village. He was charged with ten counts of committing a terrorist act one for each of the victims he shot and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of the act. On January 3, he pleaded guilty to all 11 charges. The attack spawned at least two civil cases, one against the MTA for alleged lapses in security including nonfunctioning security cameras at 36th Street and 25th Street and another against Glock, the manufacturer of the handgun James used to shoot his victims. Lawyers for the victims in both civil cases declined to comment on the sentencing. Joe Biden on Iowa Caucus Night in 2020. Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images The death rattle of the hallowed First-in-the-Nation Iowa Democratic Caucuses took a while to subside. But now its done. Yes, Iowa Democrats will still get together in precinct gatherings on January 15, the same day when Iowa Republicans caucus to formally launch the 2024 Republican nominating contest. But thanks to a national party mandate insisted upon by President Joe Biden, there will be no presidential preference balloting at the Democratic caucuses. A separate, mail-in ballot process will culminate in the announcement of the results on March 5, Super Tuesday, safely outside the early state window Iowa once dominated, and in the midst of a cascade of votes that will confirm Bidens nomination. Iowas defenestration from the early-state window was caused by three interrelated factors that came together to overcome the first-in-the-nation tradition. First, Democrats have moved decisively to outlaw caucuses as a method for awarding national-convention delegates, compared to more open and inclusive primaries. Second, Iowa was deemed far too unrepresentative of the country demographically to maintain such a highly influential position on the nominating calendar. And third, the last Democratic Caucuses in 2020 were a huge mess with the state party unable to report the results on Caucus Night (though arguably national party mandates helped make that happen). You could add as a fourth, decisive factor: Bidens poor performance in Iowa en route to his nomination and election; certainly the White House owed the state no favors. As Politico reports, Iowa Democrats hope their cooperation in what is after all an uncontested nomination contest in 2024 will give them a chance at reentering the early-state window in the future, albeit not likely in its old premier position. And as the Des Moines Register notes, the state partys surrender eliminates a collateral threat to Iowa Republicans who might have faced a calendar challenge from New Hampshire if Iowa Democrats conducted something that looked like a primary before the Granite States event (which by state law must occur first). Now the only apparent troublemakers left in the presidential nominating arena are New Hampshires Democrats, who have no choice but to follow state law and conduct a presidential primary on January 23; the DNC has demanded New Hampshire give way to the vastly more diverse South Carolina as the first primary state and vote instead on February 6, the same day as Nevadas primary. The Republicans who control New Hampshires legislature have refused to play ball, leaving their Democratic counterparts to hold a rogue event that will cost New Hampshire at least half its delegation to the Democratic convention in Chicago next year, while creating the possibility of an embarrassing upset of President Biden, who wont participate in a primary that defies his own calendar rules. Most recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has significantly reduced the risk of that happening by indicating he plans to withdraw from an allegedly rigged Democratic nominating contest to run as an independent, leaving Marianne Williamson as Bidens only foe with any significant support. To be safe, New Hampshires Democratic leaders are planning a Biden write-in effort. No matter what happens in New Hampshire, though, the whole show in Iowa on January 15 will be on the GOP side of the partisan divide. Republicans, after all, arent that hung up on diversity and are still okay with caucuses and highly unrepresentative delegate award systems. Meanwhile, sad Iowa Democrats may well feel their caucus traditions on January 15 like a missing limb. Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images/Bloomberg via Getty Images Initially, the Justice Department going after Donald Trump over his alleged mishandling of classified documents seemed like one of the sillier legal problems facing the former president. So he took home a few papers he shouldnt have; how big a deal could that be? Then every detail that emerged in the case seemed to back up the most outlandish, worse-case scenario. Maybe the content of the papers wasnt actually all that serious? Nope, they involve nuclear secrets. Well, he didnt share this information, right? He discussed war plans with civilians, and its on tape. Okay, but he kept the papers in a safe or something at Mar-a-Lago? Nah, here are photos of papers stored in an active ballroom, a bathroom, and scattered all over the floor. At least he didnt actively try to hide these papers from the Feds? Actually, he allegedly directed two Mar-a-Lago employees to delete security-camera footage that shows them attempting to hide the papers from investigators. Now, ABC News reports that while investigating Trumps handling of classified documents, Special Counsel Jack Smiths team learned that he discussed sensitive information about nuclear submarines with a Mar-a-Lago member. And in a similar fashion, the story just keeps getting worse and worse as you read through it. Prosecutors and FBI agents have reportedly interviewed the club member, Anthony Pratt, at least twice this year. The Australian businessman runs Pratt Industries, one of the worlds largest cardboard companies. Pratt says that while trying to make conversation with Trump during an April 2021 meeting a Mar-a-Lago he mentioned the U.S. submarine fleet. Then Trump volunteered specific information about nuclear warheads carried by U.S. submarines, and how close they can get to Russian subs. Per ABC: According to Pratts account, as described by the sources, Pratt told Trump he believed Australia should start buying its submarines from the United States, to which an excited Trump leaning toward Pratt as if to be discreet then told Pratt two pieces of information about U.S. submarines: the supposed exact number of nuclear warheads they routinely carry, and exactly how close they supposedly can get to a Russian submarine without being detected. Despite Trumps implied effort to be discreet, Pratt went on to share this information within minutes, and he was loud enough that a Mar-a-Lago employee heard him. After the meeting, the billionaire cardboard magnate relayed the story to an astonishing number of people: In emails and conversations after meeting with Trump, Pratt described Trumps remarks to at least 45 others, including six journalists, 11 of his companys employees, 10 Australian officials, and three former Australian prime ministers, the sources told ABC News. This may have just been idle gossip to Trump, but Pratt told investigators that he repeated the information so widely because he wanted to show various Australians how he was advocating for them in the U.S. At the time, the two nations were actively negotiating over the purchase of U.S. subs: Some of the Australian officials that sources said he told were, as reflected in news reports at the time, involved in then-ongoing negotiations with the Biden administration over a deal for Australia to purchase a number of nuclear-powered attack submarines from the United States. The deal was ultimately secured earlier this year, with Australia agreeing to purchase at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, though President Joe Biden has said that none of the submarines sold to Australia will be armed with nuclear weapons. Pratt wasnt sure if Trump was just blustering, but investigators nevertheless asked Pratt not to repeat the numbers that Trump allegedly told him, per ABC News. It seems the one misstep Trump didnt make during this interaction was to whip out a classified document to back up his assertion. But at the rate this case is going, it wouldnt be surprising if Trump responds to this story by posting proof of his submarine claims on Truth Social. There is widespread speculation that India could soon overtake China in terms of its oil demand to become the biggest consumer in the world. As Chinas investment in renewable energy, metals and minerals and electric transportation begins to pay off, the Asian giant may soon no longer be the biggest importer of crude in the world. Meanwhile, Indias growing population and slow transition to green means that it will likely take this position within the next five years. As Chinas demand for oil eventually begins to wane, India could well become the biggest consumer of oil in the coming years. Indias population has already surpassed that of China, suggesting its energy demand will also increase significantly. While India has ambitious plans to develop a large renewable energy industry, its traditional gasoline and diesel-fuelled transport is expected to remain long after many other countries make the switch to electric. This is in contrast to China, which is expected to shift to electric much sooner, as its EV market is already taking off. Indias oil demand is unlikely to ever be as high as China's at its peak, but it could become the biggest importer of oil due to its massive population and slower progress towards a green transition. The China National Petroleum Corp. recently forecast a peak in Chinas oil consumption by around 2030. Parsley Ong, the head of Asia energy and chemicals research at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Hong Kong explained, India was always going to exceed China in a matter of time in terms of being the global demand growth driver, mainly due to demographic factors like population growth. Viktor Katona, the lead crude analyst at data intelligence firm Kpler, expects India to overtake China in terms of oil demand in 2026, while he thinks Indias crude demand could peak around 2036. This sentiment has been echoed by multiple industry experts. This is largely based on recent shifts in industrial and energy activities in the two countries. China has gradually been transitioning to renewable alternatives, increasing the proportion of its electricity generation coming from green sources each year. Chinas electricity generation has been steadily increasing over the last two decades, reaching 7,600 TWh in 2020 from 1,280 TWh in 2000. By 2020, non-fossil fuels, including hydroelectric, wind, and solar generation, increased to 27 percent of Chinas generation mix, from 17 percent in 2000. Solar power has been Chinas fastest-growing generation source, growing by an average of 43 percent each year between 2015 and 2020 and accounting for 6 percent of the countrys electricity generation in 2020. This reflects Chinas aim of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. Meanwhile, Indias oil imports have risen substantially over the last year, as the government has taken advantage of the discounted price of Russian oil. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, and the subsequent sanctions on Russian energy products, certain countries have used this as an opportunity to purchase low-priced crude from Russia. As India has a strong refining industry, much of the crude imported from Russia ends up as fuels that are shipped to other regions of the world, including the U.S. and Europe, despite them both having imposed sanctions on Russian oil. India is also stockpiling this crude while it is available, at a much lower price than the alternatives. Shiqing Xia, an oil and chemicals consultant at Wood Mackenzie, believes Chinas oil demand peaks by 2027 and thereafter [will turn] to a long-term decline as the country actively pursues energy transition and as the general economic growth slows down in the longer term. However, Outside of China, overall oil demand in India and other emerging economies in Southeast Asia [will] continue to grow through the early 2040s, she explained. For the next two decades, Asias growth engine will be India and Southeast Asia, Xia added. While many agree with this assessment, some energy experts expect China to continue playing a major role in the global oil market for several more years. Yaw Yan Chong, the director of LSEG Oil Research in Asia, stated China has a net-zero carbon emission goal by 2060, which is by when I expect its crude demand to ease as it gradually heads towards that. Similarly, Bob McNally, the president of the Rapidan Energy Group, suggested: Short of major gas discoveries or technology breakthroughs in renewable or alternative energy, we do not expect Chinas demand growth for oil coming to an end for at least another two to three decades, though the rate of demand growth may slow. As Indias population surpasses that of China and China continues to accelerate the development of its clean energy capacity, many energy experts expect India to soon overtake the Asian giant to become the worlds biggest importer of crude. This is supported by several factors, from Indias strong refining industry to the rapid uptake of EVs in China. However, not everyone agrees, with some suggesting the shift could be much slower than many are now suggesting. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: With oil prices having crashed this week and demand concerns only mounting, it seems bullish traders will have to forget about triple-digit oil prices for now. Friday, October 6th, 2023 The worst week for crude since March, oil prices have shed $10 per barrel this week, pressurized by the US bond selloff that soured the economic outlook into 2024 and then suffered another blow from this weeks EIA numbers that indicated a steep drop in gasoline demand across the US. With Friday focused on US non-farm payroll data, ICE Brent climbing to triple digits is firmly out of bounds for now, currently hovering at $84 per barrel. Saudi Arabia Sticks to Charted Course. Saudi Arabia announced it is sticking with its 1 million b/d production cut until the end of the year 2023, with a press communique issued this week signaling Riyadh would review its decision again next month and may deepen the cut if required. White House Acquiesces on Delayed Oil Auction. The Biden administration said it would hold a delayed offshore auction in the Gulf of Mexico on November 8, offering 72.7 million acres on the Outer Continental Shelf, including 6 million acres that the US DoI had initially withdrawn from the lease. Chevrons Australian Strike Nightmare Continues. Despite Australias industrial arbitrage compelling Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and its trade unions to strike a compromise, workers at the Gorgon and Wheatstone platforms voted to restart strikes accusing the US major of reneging its commitments. ADNOC Splashes the Cash on New Gas Fields. ADNOC, the national oil company of the UAE, awarded contracts worth $17 billion for the Hail and Ghasha offshore gas fields that it intends to operate with net zero carbon dioxide emissions, choosing Italian firms Maire (BIT:MAIRE) and Saipem (BIT:SPM). Low Rhine Levels Jeopardize German Navigation. Dry weather across Germany is preventing tankers from sailing fully loaded on the Rhine river, with the Kaub chokepoint reporting water levels as shallow as 1.05 meters, prompting shipping companies to add surcharges to usual freight rates. Copper Sell-Off Shows No Sign of Abatement. LME three-month copper futures have broken down through the $8,000 per metric tonne mark, the lowest in five months, prompting hedge funds to ramp up their short positions to 77,276 contracts in the week to September 26, the highest since March 2020. Trinidad to Offer Even More Blocks to Bidders. The island nation of Trinidad and Tobago launched an auction of 13 shallow-water exploration blocks, more than double the oil and gas leases during the last auction in 2019, as it seeks to rejuvenate gas production for its 15 mtpa capacity LNG terminals. Specter of Rebounding Diesel Demand Looms in US. Manufacturing business activity in the US is slowly improving with Septembers PMI reaching 49.0, leaving depleted US diesel inventories at risk of depletion once the industrial cycle turns back to growth after 11 straight months of contraction. Russian Oil Major Grants Loan to Turkish Refiner. Russian privately-owned oil company Lukoil will lend the state oil firm of Azerbaijan Socar $1.5 billion as part of a wider deal that would trigger an exclusive supply agreement for some 100,000 b/d of Russian crude going into Turkeys Star refinery. ADVERTISEMENT BlackRock Moves into Italian LNG. US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) chose investment fund BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) as the buyer for its 70.68% majority stake in Italys Adriatic LNG offshore terminal, valued at approximately $900 million. Indias Key Refiner Unveils EV Battery Portfolio. Indian oil refining giant Reliance (NSE:RELIANCE) presented its multi-purpose battery storage technology for EVs that could also be used for household appliances and could be swapped or re-charged using rooftop solar panels, also developed by the Indian refiner. Nigeria Blast Highlights Illegal Refining Risks. Falling victim to illegal refining in the oil-rich Niger Delta, at least 37 people were burned to death by a major blast in Nigerias southern Rivers State, just as the countrys long-delayed Dangote refinery is still yet to start operations. Majors Seek Wind Project Farm-Outs. French energy major TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) is considering selling a 25% stake in Seagreen Wind Energy, Scotlands largest offshore wind farm it operates, a 3.6 billion project that would generate enough electricity to power 1.6 million UK homes. Vitol Sells Its Permian Acreage to Civitas. US shale producer Civitas Resources (NYSE:CIVI) agreed to buy the Permian Basin assets of Vencer Energy, Vitols US upstream subsidiary created in early 2020, for $2.1 billion in cash and stock, thereby adding some 44,000 net acres in the Midland Basin. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: K-pop boy group EPEX dropped its latest album, "Can We Surrender?", bringing its "Prelude of Anxiety" series to a compelling close while highlighting continued growth. The octet, featuring members Wish, Keum, MU, A-Min, Baeksung, Ayden, Jeff and Yewang, officially launched its sixth album, Wednesday, giving a captivating performance at a press event held on the same day at Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul. The "Prelude of Anxiety" series continues a narrative the group initiated since its debut, alongside "Prelude of Love." It delves into the tragedies of school violence, challenges of growth and accompanying frustrations and hopes faced by today's youth. This video was produced by Do Hien Thao, a K-pop team video producer at The Korea Times. On the Ukraine war front, there has been another uptick in saber-rattling between Moscow and Washington this week. Both events carry a fair amount of ironic symbolism, which is the point at which we find ourselves in this protracted conflict. Washington has transferred thousands of weapons it seized from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) to Ukraine. The weapons were seized by the U.S. Navy en route to Yemen, where Iran has been fighting a proxy war with Saudi Arabia (though this conflict venue has cooled off somewhat following a Saudi-Iran restoration of diplomatic relations). This is the blowback of Irans drone sponsorship of Russia on the Ukrainian battlefield. Tit-for-tat gets very specific in this case. Putins additional saber-rattling response was to claim to have successfully tested its previously failed Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile (NATO calls it Skyfall). The Burevestnik, if truly successfully developed to launch, is said to be able to strike targets in the U.S. The allegedly successful testing of this missile was also accompanied by Putins indication that Moscow may move to revoke its 1996 ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban treaty. On the battlefield, this week in Ukraine, Russia reportedly moved its Black Sea fleet warships out of Crimea under threat of Ukrainian missile strikes. This has not been independently confirmed, and the initial reports were based A consortium made up of TotalEnergies, Eni, and QatarEnergy has bid on exploration licenses for two blocks in the Lebanese Exclusive Economic Zone. The bids for Blocks 8 and 10 would give the consortium all blocks at the southern end of the economic zone if their bid is successful, Petrobras has received a permit to begin drilling offshore in the Potiguar Basin in the northeast of Brazil after months of back and forth with the countrys regulator, Ibama. Drilling is set to begin in November, and the area will be surveyed to assess the areas economic viability following a discovery made a decade ago at the Pitu well. Two exploratory wells will be drilled in block BM-POT-17. Petrobras is hoping the basin holds similar reserves to the riches found in Guyana. As the push and pull continues, however, now that certain doors have been opened, Brazils state-run Petrobras is also said to be looking into possibilities of a Chevron-style return to Venezuelas collapsing oil industry. Amid an easing of sanctions on Venezuela and Chevrons return to production, Maduro is taking advantage of the situation to quash his opponents. This week, he issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom he has accused of embezzling state oil money. Guaido is living in exile in Miami at present and is recognized by Washington as the rightful leader of Venezuela. Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict Amid an easing of sanctions on Venezuela and Chevrons return to production, Maduro is taking advantage of the situation to quash his opponents. This week, he issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom he has accused of embezzling state oil money. Guaido is living in exile in Miami at present and is recognized by Washington as the rightful leader of Venezuela. As the push and pull continues, however, now that certain doors have been opened, Brazils state-run Petrobras is also said to be looking into possibilities of a Chevron-style return to Venezuelas collapsing oil industry. Discovery & Development Petrobras has received a permit to begin drilling offshore in the Potiguar Basin in the northeast of Brazil after months of back and forth with the countrys regulator, Ibama. Drilling is set to begin in November, and the area will be surveyed to assess the areas economic viability following a discovery made a decade ago at the Pitu well. Two exploratory wells will be drilled in block BM-POT-17. Petrobras is hoping the basin holds similar reserves to the riches found in Guyana. A consortium made up of TotalEnergies, Eni, and QatarEnergy has bid on exploration licenses for two blocks in the Lebanese Exclusive Economic Zone. The bids for Blocks 8 and 10 would give the consortium all blocks at the southern end of the economic zone if their bid is successful, as it is already exploring the bottom part of Block 9. Eni has made a successful gas discovery from the Geng North-1 exploration well in North Ganal PSC off the coast of Indonesia. Initial estimates are for 5 Tcf of gas in place, with condensate estimated at 400 Mbbls. A well production test has already been performed, allowing for an estimated well capacity of up to 80-100 mmscfd and 5-6 kbbld of condensate. The discovery could be worthy of a new production hub that could be connected to the Bontang LNG facilities. Geng North is located next to the Indonesia Deepwater Development area, where Eni already has participating interests. Iraq is giving international companies until January to submit letters of intent in its 5th+ and 6th licensing rounds, which will include 30 new oil and gas projects. The licensing rounds will include profit-sharing arrangements and lower royalty rates. Some of the projects offered in the 5th+ licensing round are projects that didnt get awarded in the 5th round. Iraq is looking to increase its nat gas production to cut down on imports, much of which comes from Iraq. Iraq currently flares a large share of its gas because it doesnt have the infrastructure to process it. Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions Talos Energy has completed the sale of 49.9% interest in Talos Mexico Grupo Carso subsidiary Zamajal for $74.85 million in cash on closing. Another $49.90 million is due upon first production from the giant Zama oilfield, of which Talos Mexico owns a 17.4% interest. Talos now owns 50.1% of Talos Mexico. Pemex is the operator of the Zama development. ExxonMobil has decided to sell its majority stake in its Adriatic LNG import terminal in Italy to BlackRock. QatarEnergy and Italian grid operator Snam S.p.A. own the rest of the stake in the terminal. Snam still has the first right of refusal and could choose to exercise that right. The deal is thought to be valued at about $880 million. Canadas Brookfield will purchase UK-based Banks Groups renewable energy division, which encompasses mining as well. The deal has been estimated at $1 billion. The deal would include 11 onshore wind farms across Scotland and the north of England and includes other solar and wind projects that are currently in development. India has asked TotalEnergies to bid on oil exploration rights across 1 million kilometers of blocks across India as the large importer looks to lessen its dependence on foreign oil. Indias oil minister also discussed with Totals CEO how the countrys foreign LNG project in Mozambique could be expedited. Total currently holds a 26.5% stake in the Mozambique project. Gina Rineharts Hancock Prospecting Pty has purchased another chunk of lithium miner Liontown, bringing her stake to 14.67%. Albemarle has been eyeing Liontown, but Rineharts move to repeatedly snap up more shares of Liontown could prevent the $4.2 billion takeover. Norway has given ConocoPhillips the green light to start up its Tommeliten A gas field, which Conoco now says should come online later in October. Conoco expects 150 million boe could be recovered from the field, which begins in Norways Block 1/9 and goes all the way to Block 30/20 in the UK. The project will include 11 development wells, with 7 of those to be completed at start-up, and the remaining wells complete in Q1 2024. Factors such as a potential early cold spell, Asian demand for LNG, and political dynamics, including tensions with Russia and Azerbaijan, point to continued volatility in the European gas sector. Last year, during the gas crunch in Europe, commodity traders made billions on the heightened price volatility that ruled for most of the year. Trafigura made record profits of $5.5 billion. Vitol also posted a profit record, at $15 billion. Glencore did not buck the trend, either, also booking a record result. For commodity traders, 2022 was as good as it was for Big Oil. Now, with winter on the way, gas prices in Europe are becoming hypersensitive to everything, and traders are flocking to the continent to take advantage of that hypersensitivity. The twist: the influx of new players in the gas market is boosting price volatility all on its own. The increased presence of these newer actors in the European market is now itself contributing to volatility in the market with major price swings this summer, Energy Aspects head of European gas and global LNG, James Waddell, told Bloomberg this week. Indeed, this summer saw some swings in gas prices, but at the time, those were explained by hotter-than-usual weather and production outages in Norway. Then there was the Australian LNG workers strike that also prompted a price surge, although it was nowhere near the levels that we saw last summer when Russia turned off the Nord Stream tap. All that was before peak demand season, which is the winter. Right now, prices may seem stable, with media repeatedly reporting that Europes gas storage facilities are full well ahead of schedule. Yet traders know that these storage facilities cannot cover any European countrys consumption for any length of time. All it would take for prices to spike again would be an early cold spell as Asia also stocks up on LNG for the winter. If traders are coming to Europe to get greater exposure to gas, then volatility is not going away anytime soon, regardless of the European Unions efforts to reduce it by pretty much any means necessary. There was the joint gas buying that the EU is assuring us worked so well everyone wants in on it. There were the consumption curbs in many European countries, notably Germany. There were, finally, the negotiations with Azerbaijan for greater volumes of Caspian gas, which have currently been put on hold due to suspicions that Baku may be guilty of ethnic cleansing in the Nagorno Karabakh region. It is no wonder, then, that traders are coming to Europe all the way from, for example, Brazil. According to the Bloomberg report on the trend, Brazils biggest investment bank, BTG, managed to place several gas contracts in Europe that it couldnt place at home because theyd become useless. BTG, the report notes, had bought the gas to ensure power generation during a period of low hydropower output, but when the drought ended, BTG got saddled with unused gas. What better place to sell it than constantly gas-hungry Europe? According to Wood Mac, gas prices in Europe will decline next year thanks to lower consumption from the industrial sector. Of course, that would only come true if winter is not its usual cold self this year. Then, in 2025, Wood Mac analysts see the European gas market tightening again as Russias gas transit deal with Ukraine expires. Whether this forecast will materialize or not remains to be seen. Until then, volatility will remain a constant companion of the European gas market, attracting ever more interest from traders eager to get a piece of the action. Gas storage may be full now, but when the withdrawals begin, the gas market will heat up once againright when it heats up in Asia as well. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Germany is considering extending the price caps on gas and electricity prices until the end of the coming winter in March 2024, Reuters reported on Friday, quoting an unnamed source. Last year, Germany introduced a package of 200 billion euros for a so-called defensive shield to protect companies and consumers against the impact of soaring energy prices. At the end of September 2022, the German government said that it would ditch earlier plans for a gas levy on consumers and instead would introduce a gas price cap to curb soaring energy bills. The package has helped with the soaring energy costs at the start of last winter, when Germany lost all Russian gas pipeline supply via Nord Stream and energy commodity markets were highly volatile after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now the government plans to extend the price caps on gas and power and the European Commission is reviewing the measure, according to Reuters source. But Germany wants to end the sales tax cut for district heating and gas, due to more stable energy prices and a more austere budget, the source noted. Earlier this week, the chief executive of the countrys biggest utility, RWE, told German publication WirtschaftsWoche that gas supply disruptions continue to be a risk for Germany. We don't have any buffer in the gas system, RWEs chief executive officer Markus Krebber told WirtschaftsWoche, adding that Europes biggest economy must accelerate the construction of gas import infrastructure to avoid future shortages. If there is very cold winter or supply disruptions it can lead to very critical situations - and as a result to shortages and significantly higher prices, according to RWEs top executive. Krebbers warning that Germany and Europe are not out of the woods yet echoes similar views from the German industry. ADVERTISEMENT The country continues to call on consumers to save gas and expects natural gas prices to remain high until at least 2027. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia lifted on Friday the ban on most of its diesel exports, two weeks after announcing export restrictions on diesel and gasoline to curb soaring domestic prices. The Russian government said in a statement on Friday that as part of additional measures to keep the domestic fuel market stable, it is lifting the ban on exports of diesel delivered to seaports by pipeline, provided that the diesel producer supplies at least 50% of the diesel to the domestic market. The ban on gasoline exports stays, for now. As part of the measures announced on Friday, Russia also slapped very high export duties on fuel resellers to discourage companies that dont produce the fuel themselves but buy it on the domestic market from exporting the fuels once the ban is lifted. The government also restored in full subsidies to refineries to compensate them for the difference between fuel prices in Russia and outside Russia, with the intent to encourage refiners to sell fuel on the domestic market. Two weeks ago, Russia surprised the markets by announcing a temporary ban on exports of gasoline and diesel to stabilize domestic fuel prices amid soaring crude prices and a weak Russian ruble. Diesel and gasoline exports were temporarily banned to all countries except for four former Soviet statesBelarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Since the EU embargo on imports of Russian fuel came into force in early February, Russia has diverted most of its diesel exports previously going to the EU to Turkey, the Middle East, North and West Africa, and Brazil in South America. The ban affected those exports and analysts have said they dont expect a prolonged ban on diesel shipments, because of Russias limited storage capacity which, once full, could force refiners to cut processing rates. ADVERTISEMENT Just yesterday, Vladimir Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would keep the ban on exports of diesel and gasoline as long as needed and no specific deadlines for lifting the export restrictions have been set. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil demand growth will peak soon, pushing prices lower, Rystad Energy has forecast, seeing Brent crude fall to some $60 per barrel in 2027. "Demand is peaking," Claudio Galimberti, the head of North America Research at the Norwegian consultancy, said this week, as quoted by Reuters. "We anticipate prices to taper off in the next three to four years, primarily due to ample supply." The ample supply, Galimberti said, will come from the United States, even though the shale industry has indicated it has no immediate plans for significant production growth. The Financial Times reported this month that shale oil executives were unwavering in their determination to continue prioritizing capital discipline at the expense of production growth. I just dont see producers getting all excited about near-term price and I think we are going to see continued [price] volatility, the FT quoted Devon Energys chief executive Rick Muncrief as saying. By nature, most of us will just say lets stay disciplined. Lets keep our production flat, Muncrief also said. Indeed, EIA production figures support this perception, with the agency forecasting a decline in shale oil output this month, even though overall production had been growing throughout the year. This growth, however, has been slower than it used to be during the boom years in shale, prompting many observers to talk about peak shale. According to Rystads Galimberti, oil demand growth this year would slow down to 2.4 million bpd from 3.7 million bpd last year, further declining to 1.2 million bpd in 2025 and to just half a million barrels daily in 2026. ADVERTISEMENT By that year, the Rystad analyst said, U.S. shale production will grow to 15 million barrels daily, providing that ample supply that should keep prices in check. But according to him, U.S. shale could rise further, to as much as 18 million barrels daily, if oil prices remain elevated for longer thanks to OPEC policies. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Shell expects its third-quarter earnings to receive a boost from stronger trading results in its natural gas and chemicals and products divisions compared to the second quarter, the UK-based supermajor said on Friday in an update on the expected Q3 results. Trading helped Shell and other majors active in the gas trading business to post record earnings for 2022 amid natural gas price spikes and the overall extreme market volatility in energy commodities. But the second quarter of 2023 was not so good for trading at the supermajors, which saw their profits sink compared to the records seen last year. Now Shell expects trading and optimization in its integrated gas division and the Chemicals & Products division to be higher for the third quarter than in the second quarter, said the company, which will publish the Q3 results on November 2, 2023. Shells second-quarter adjusted earnings nearly halved from the first quarter and fell by more than 50% from the record profits for the same period last year. The company missed analyst forecasts as lower oil and gas prices, refining margins, and LNG trading impacted the supermajorsperformance in Q2. Shells adjusted earnings, the metric most closely watched by analysts, slipped to $5.1 billion for the second quarter, down from $9.6 billion profits for the first quarter and from the $11.472 billion profit for the second quarter of 2022. The earnings for the April-June 2023 quarter missed analyst estimates of $6 billion. The drop in profits in Q2 wasnt unexpected, considering that oil prices averaged $75 per barrel, compared to $113 a barrel in the same quarter last year, and natural gas prices were a fraction of the highs seen in 2022. Shell itself had also flagged a significantly lower contribution from its gas trading division in the second quarter of 2023. Earlier this week, U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil said its third-quarter earnings would likely beboosted by $2.1 billion due to higher oil prices and robust refining margins, only partially offset by a fall in profits by its chemicals segment. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Via Metal Miner For years, the tin price index in Europe depended largely on foreign supply. However, Vancouver-headquartered Cornish Mining plans to start pumping out groundwater from its South Crofty tin project as early as October. The firm is currently preparing its mine water treatment plant, which can treat up to 25,000 cubic meters of water per day directly from South Crofty into the nearby Red River. As of September 27, the company said that preparation and testing before full commissioning will take around three weeks. Cornish Metals originally planned to begin dewatering South Crofty in June, intending to complete the project by the end of 2024. Once finished, they planned to commence mining operations in 2026. South Crofty is in the ceremonial county of Cornwall in southwestern England, roughly 430 kilometers from London. The site boasts both an upper and lower mine. As of September, mineral resources at the lower mine show an indicated 2.9 million metric tons of 1.5% tin grade for a total of 43,600 metric tons. Meanwhile, the upper mine contains an indicated 260,000 metric tons with 0.99% of tin equivalent grade for a total of 2,600 metric tons. South Crofty Previously Shut Down Production in 1998 Cornwall is historically known for its tin mining. In fact, the countys flag of a white cross on a black field allegedly alludes to the white tin metal in the earth. However, a combination of high costs against a low tin price and the inability to secure needed financing caused the mine to cease operations in 1998. AIM-listed Cornish Metals, previously known as Strongbow Exploration, originally acquired the mine in 2016. The project possesses planning permission for underground mining, valid to 2071, to construct a mine water treatment plant, new processing facilities, all necessary site infrastructure, and an Environmental Permit to dewater the mine, Cornish Metals stated. As of March, Cornish Metals told MetalMiner it was conducting a feasibility study on how many metric tons it could prospectively mine from South Crofty as well as prospective concentrate production. The company secured 40.5 million (about $50 million) in 2022 to conduct the study as well as to build and operate a dewatering plant. That study is due to end in 2024. The Site Could Give Europe More Control Over the Tin Price Index There is no primary tin mining in either Europe or North America. Indeed, Cornish Metals reports that 75% of the material comes from China, Myanmar, and Indonesia. However, Myanmars autonomous Wa State halted all tin mining on August 1 in order to address a series of unsustainable practices. According to reports, such practices were leading to resource waste, pollution, and concerns over worker safety. Tins applications include feedstock for the production of solder, often used in welding electronic components. The base metal also serves as a feedstock in the production of the tinplate used in packaging foodstuffs and beverages. On September 28, tins three-month closing price on the London Metal Exchange reached $25,324 per metric ton, down 1.27% on the day from $25,650. Historically, tin is found in granite rocks and alluvial deposits. The largest tin-producing countries historically include China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bolivia. If the UK were to establish a foothold on tin production, it could have major ramifications for the future of the tin price. ADVERTISEMENT By Christopher Rivituso More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The reboot of the TV series "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" will make its network debut Saturday morning on NBC. "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild" will air at 9:30 a.m. on WOWT in Omaha. The educational series also will be available on NBC.com, NBC on demand and Peacock. The debut comes 60 years after the original show made its broadcast TV debut. The pioneering show became the gold standard for educational adventure programs. It underwent several iterations over the decades and made Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler household names. The reboot aims to provide a fresh angle on environmental conservation, focusing on successful efforts and how wildlife experts are having a positive impact. It features veteran co-host Peter Gros, who first appeared on "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" in 1985 as co-host with Fowler, who succeeded show founder Perkins. Co-hosting the new series with Gros is wildlife ecologist Rae Wynn-Grant, a National Geographic Explorer and research faculty member at the University of California-Santa Barbara. The series is produced by Hearst Media Production Group in partnership with Mutual of Omaha. A Mutual of Omaha spokeswoman provided some details on what's in store for viewers. The first episode of the reboot will focus on desert tortoises. "Peter and Rae travel to the Mojave Desert, the driest region of North America, to help conservationists save the Mojave Desert Tortoise. With special access to Edwards Air Force Base, they explore a groundbreaking program that head-starts baby tortoises and ensures the survival of the entire species." In the second episode, the co-hosts travel to the coastline of Maine to explore the world of puffins and witness a conservation program that's fighting to save them. "Along the way, theyll follow in the footsteps of the great Marlin Perkins, who first featured puffins on Wild Kingdom back in 1979." In the third episode, Gros ventures to Florida with guest host and naturalist David Mizejewski, where they meet the experts who are battling to protect endangered sea turtles and at-risk manatees. Gros and Wynn-Grant visit "the bat capital of the world" in Episode 4. They witness the nightly mass emergence of twenty million Mexican Freetail bats. "Peter joins bat rescue experts who are helping to get these little creatures back on their wings. Rae heads deep underground to help vaccinate bats against a disease that is wreaking havoc on the species." The co-hosts help release rehabilitated bats back to their own kind on Congress Bridge in Austin, Texas. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2023 The University of Nebraska Medical Center received approval Thursday to start making plans for a new $2.19 billion academic medical center in Omaha, which would be the largest project in university history. The Nebraska Board of Regents voted unanimously to let UNMC begin the process of engaging a team to develop plans for the new facility near the existing hospital complex. Historically, the project has been known as Phase 1 of Project NExT, which UNMC officials have described as a multibillion-dollar hospital that would double as a federal all-hazards response facility. Beyond the bricks and mortar, Project NExT also includes a host of programs focused on providing education and training as well as support for research and surge capacity in the case of a long list of potential hazards. University officials, however, now are calling the first phase of the initiative Project Health: Building the Healthiest Nebraska. Its focused on the health of Nebraskans, said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, UNMCs chancellor, rather than partnerships with federal agencies or local relationships with organizations such as the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services and Veterans Administration. A new academic medical center will provide more modern spaces where UNMC faculty and staff can train the next generation of health care providers, many of which are in shortage, particularly in rural areas of the state. They will also care for Nebraskans, conduct research and offer clinical trials. The facility wont replace regional or rural health care facilities, Gold said, but it will serve as a destination when Nebraskans need it. It is critically important to understand, if were going to continue to provide professionals to serve the rural communities, we have to have a world-class training site in order to recruit faculty and, frankly, to bring students from all over the country here who want to learn here and will want to set down their roots and care for Nebraskans, Gold said. So this is about whos going to care for our children and grandchildren. Some of the existing health center buildings are between 50 and 75 years old, he said. Two estimates from nationally recognized architecture and design firms indicate they need nearly $1 billion in deferred maintenance. Putting the better part of a billion dollars into buildings that old doesnt make sense, Gold said, particularly because such work wouldnt allow for significant changes to ceiling heights, plumbing or electrical systems. In addition, it costs up to three times as much to maintain the older buildings than it does to operate, for instance, the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, which opened in 2017. This will actually reduce our operating cost, create more efficient and effective care and at the same time provide the ability for us to markedly expand our education programs, Gold said. Omaha Regent Elizabeth OConnor said she doesnt see the project as just an investment in infrastructure. More importantly, its an investment in the people of Nebraska and the future of our state, she said. The regents voted 8-0 to allow the university to engage design and construction planning teams, which will require a public bid and board approval. University officials hope to have the teams in place by the end of the year. The teams then would create a detailed plan for the project, known as a program statement. That also would require regents approval. Gold said he hopes to see construction work begin by winter or spring 2025. In reality, he said, the university has done a lot of planning since it was initially approached in 2014 by federal partners interested in planning to respond to high-consequence pathogens. The university previously has identified a 7-acre site on the northern edge of campus, the former site of the Munroe-Meyer Institute, as the site of a new facility. Gold said he is still guardedly optimistic that Phases 2 and 3 of the larger project eventually will move ahead. However, he noted there are a number of constraints at the federal level. The regents previously approved a pilot project that allowed the university to apply for a $300 million state investment in the project, which was contingent on the university obtaining federal and philanthropic support. Gold said the university has secured about $450 million in private support, between letters of intent and signed commitments. But were not done, he said. According to university officials, adding more academic, research and patient care capacity in new facilities would generate between $600 million and $1.1 billion in incremental revenue annually by year seven of the project, based on Phase 1 investments and future ones. The project would allow UNMC to expand the number of health care providers it educates, including adding about 100 new physician residency training positions by 2030. In other action, regents also approved UNMCs plan for the research component of a new combination administration and research facility that will serve as the cornerstone for the universitys new Saddle Creek Campus. The $87 million Campus Operations and Research Excellence or CORE Building, situated on the southwest corner of Saddle Creek Road and Farnam Street, will add to UNMCs research space, which is nearing capacity. The facility will include two administrative floors, one for computer-based research and three for laboratory research in drug discovery, oncology and other areas. Construction will begin this fall with completion expected in early 2026. The building is being designed to accommodate a future pedestrian bridge over Saddle Creek Road that will link the Saddle Creek Campus to the main campus. The City of Omaha will build, own and operate an adjacent parking structure that will serve the building. The regents also approved UNMCs purchase of two Omaha properties for possible future campus development at 414 S. 40th St. and 3910 Dewey Ave. Historic epitaph plaque of wife of first Korean minister to US returns to Korea Omaha police have identified the man who was shot Tuesday by officers as Andrew L. Wright, 39, of Omaha. Wright suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and was being treated Wednesday at the Nebraska Medical Center. He is expected to survive, Omaha police said. Wright was injured Tuesday night when multiple Omaha police gang unit detectives fired their guns at him after stopping the car he was driving near 61st and Jaynes Streets, Omaha Deputy Police Chief Tom Shaffer said. The officers were investigating a report to 911 that a man had pointed a gun at someone at 21st and Pinkney Streets about 20 minutes earlier, police said. They stopped the car Wright was driving because it matched the detailed description, and partial license plate number, given by a witness to the earlier incident, said Lt. Neal Bonacci, an Omaha police spokesman. Wright got out of the car after the officers stopped it, police said. Police have not said why officers shot Wright. The shooting is being investigated by the Omaha Police Department Officer Involved Investigations Team, with the assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol and Douglas County Sheriffs Office. Police said a gun was found on the ground near Wright. Asked whether Wright had pointed or fired a gun at the officers, Bonacci said that is still under investigation. Officers body-worn cameras captured video of various aspects of the incident, according to police. Bonacci said police are still connecting the dots about what happened after Wright got out of the car. He said more will be known after interviews of the officers are completed. The officers provided life-saving measures to Wright until Omaha Fire Department personnel arrived, according to a statement from the Omaha Police Departments public information office Wednesday. The officers arrested a passenger from Wrights vehicle, whom police identified Wednesday as Alandus Warren, 45. Warren was booked on suspicion of possessing cocaine and marijuana. The involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave. Police have not yet released their names. The former director of a Sarpy County nonprofit dedicated to helping kids and families in the juvenile justice system was sentenced to six months in prison Thursday after she pleaded guilty to mail fraud and admitted to defrauding the organization over a period of three years. Paula Creps, 52, served as the executive director of Sarpy County Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Children, or CASA, from 2019 to mid-2022. The purpose of the organization is to train and oversee volunteers who serve as advocates for children in juvenile court proceedings, and to help juveniles and their families with needed goods and services. Creps was indicted on five counts of mail fraud last October and pleaded guilty to one of those charges earlier this year. As part of the plea agreement, she admitted to embezzling more than $44,000 of grant money and charitable donations intended for Sarpy CASA for her own benefit. She created fake receipts using templates she found online to present the transactions as legitimate. Creps used these funds for concert tickets, car repairs, utility payments, shoes and a luau in Hawaii, among other things. In federal court Thursday, Creps said she was humiliated and regrets her actions. Her attorney argued that probation would be the appropriate punishment, but prosecutors said a sentence not including prison time would depreciate the seriousness of the egregious crime. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Robert Rossiter agreed with prosecutors. He told Creps that he spent a significant amount of time reviewing her case and, despite her lack of criminal history, he believed a period of incarceration was necessary. This is more serious given who you worked for and, more importantly, who you served, Rossiter said before handing down the six-month sentence. Creps was also ordered to pay $44,884.95 in restitution, which she has already paid in full. According to Creps plea agreement, CASA employees would sometimes buy items for families such as clothing, school supplies, or fees for special events like homecoming or prom. These purchases would be funded by a separate nonprofit, Lift Up Sarpy County, which distributes grant money to a number of organizations in the county. These purchases could be made using a credit card supplied and funded by Lift Up Sarpy County, or with the employees own money. If the employee spent their own money on an expense, they could apply to be reimbursed. Creps was responsible for reviewing and approving credit card payment forms and reimbursements. Creps used the CASA credit card to pay for her own personal expenses and then fraudulently represented that the purchases were made to assist a family. She also used the CASA credit card to buy herself gift cards, which she then spent on a luau and shuttle service in Hawaii. Creps also repeatedly forged receipts claiming that she had used her own money to buy goods and services for families served by the nonprofit and for organizational expenses, when in fact, she spent the money on herself. When investigators searched Creps computer in July 2022, they found altered receipts and template documents that were used to create the phony receipts. The use of counterfeit receipts, which were sent through the mail, constitutes mail fraud. Creps will be allowed to self-surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in mid-December. She will serve a three-year term of supervised release upon her release from prison. HROZA, Ukraine A Russian rocket blast turned a village cafe and store in eastern Ukraine into rubble Thursday, killing at least 51 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks in the war in months, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other top officials in Kyiv. About 60 people, including children, were in the cafe attending a wake when the missile hit, Ukrainian officials said. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia successfully tested an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile, while also warning that the countrys parliament could revoke its ratification of a treaty banning nuclear tests. In a speech at a forum of foreign policy experts, Putin announced that Russia has effectively completed the development of the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile and will work on putting them into production. Little is known about the Burevestnik, which was code-named Skyfall by NATO, and many Western experts have been skeptical about it, noting that a nuclear engine could be highly unreliable. It is believed to be able to carry a nuclear warhead or a conventional one, and potentially could stay aloft for a much longer time than other missiles and cover much more distance, thanks to nuclear propulsion. Zelenskyy denounced Thursday's strike as a "demonstrably brutal Russian crime" and "a completely deliberate act of terrorism." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the strike was "horrifying," and said it demonstrated why the United States is doing everything it can "to help the brave people of Ukraine to fight for their freedom, to fight for their democracy." Hroza, which had a population of about 500 before the war, is in the northeastern Kharkiv region and was seized by Russia early in the war before being recaptured by Ukraine in September 2022. It's about 20 miles west of Kupiansk, a key focus of the Russian military effort. Zelenskyy visited the area Tuesday to meet with troops and inspect equipment supplied by the West. On Thursday, Zelenskyy was at a summit of the European Political Community in Granada, Spain, where he asked for more Western support, saying that "Russian terror must be stopped." "Russia needs this and similar terrorist attacks for only one thing: to make its genocidal aggression the new norm for the whole world," he said in a statement posted on his Telegram channel. "Now we are talking with European leaders, in particular, about strengthening our air defense, strengthening our soldiers, giving our country protection from terror. And we will respond to the terrorists." "The key for us, especially before winter, is to strengthen air defense, and there is already a basis for new agreements with partners," he told the group, which was formed in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Heeding Zelenskyy's plea, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany will supply Ukraine with another Patriot missile air defense system as he expects Russia will again target crucial infrastructure and cities across Ukraine in the winter months. "This is what is now needed the most," Scholz said after meeting Zelenskyy, according to the German news agency dpa. Last winter, Russia targeted Ukraine's energy system and other vital infrastructure in a steady barrage of missile and drone attacks, triggering continuous power outages across the country. Ukraine's power system has shown a high degree of resilience and flexibility, but there have been concerns that Russia will again ramp up its strikes on power facilities as winter draws nearer. Zelenskyy noted that the Granada summit will also focus on "joint work for global food security and protection of freedom of navigation" in the Black Sea, where the Russian military has targeted Ukrainian ports after Moscow's withdrawal from a U.N.-sponsored grain deal designed to ensure safe grain exports from the invaded country's ports. The U.K. Foreign Office cited intelligence suggesting that Russia may lay sea mines in the approach to Ukrainian ports to target civilian shipping and blame it on Ukraine. "Russia almost certainly wants to avoid openly sinking civilian ships, instead falsely laying blame on Ukraine for any attacks against civilian vessels in the Black Sea," it said, adding that the U.K. was working with Ukraine to help improve the safety of shipping. Speaking in Granada, Zelenskyy emphasized the need to preserve European unity in the face of Russian disinformation and to remain strong amid what he described as a "political storm" in the United States. Asked if he was worried that support for Ukraine could falter in the U.S. Congress, the Ukrainian president stressed that his visit to Washington last month made him confident of strong backing by both the Biden administration and Congress. Zelenskyy called for more air defense systems, more artillery weapons and shells, and more long-range missiles and drones for Ukrainian soldiers, as well as other forms of support and security guarantees to help protect Europe from potential aggression by Moscow. A Nebraska lawmaker says her office has been contacted by families who have reported some pharmacists are wrongly refusing to fill prescriptions for gender-affirming medications for their transgender children, citing a new state law limiting the ability of anyone under 19 to get puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones. State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha sent a letter Wednesday to the states chief medical officer, Dr. Timothy Tesmer, asking him to inform all Nebraska health care professionals including pharmacists that the new law specifically allows minors who were already receiving those medicines before the law took effect to continue that treatment. The law, often referred to by its legislative bill name of LB 574, also bans gender-affirming surgeries for trans youth under 19. It took effect Sunday. However, parents and patients inform me that they have been denied prescriptions essential for care that were prescribed prior to Oct. 1, 2023, Hunts letter reads. Apparently, some Nebraska pharmacists are using LB 574 to refuse to refill prescriptions issued by health care providers. Any disruption or delay in a prescribed regimen is inconsistent with the plain letter of LB 574 and is inconsistent with the medical standard of care for these patients. A spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a message asking whether the department or Tesmer would honor Hunts request. The new law would allow some new transgender patients under the age of 19 to begin pharmaceutical treatment under a set of guidelines to be drafted by the states chief medical officer. Tesmer, who was appointed to that post weeks ago by Republican Gov. Jim Pillen, had said during his confirmation hearing that he would likely be unable to issue those guidelines by Oct. 1. But he did release a set of emergency regulations Sunday until permanent regulations could be adopted, which is expected sometime after a public hearing is held on the final draft in late November. Those emergency regulations came after families, doctors and some lawmakers said they had largely gotten no response from the department on when the regulations would be in place. Hunt has been a vocal critic of the new law and was among a handful of progressive lawmakers who helped filibuster nearly every bill before the officially nonpartisan Legislature earlier this year to protest it. Hunt, herself, has endured a barrage of hateful accusations and rhetoric after she publicly shared in a legislative floor speech that her 13-year-old child is transgender. Earlier this year, she sued a conservative political action committee that labeled her a child groomer and suggested that she has sexually abused her own child, prompting dozens of harassing calls and emails to her and her office. Some threatened her with physical harm. A judge dismissed her lawsuit against the Nebraska Freedom Coalition last week. Hunt is considering an appeal. Nebraskas restrictions on gender-affirming care were part of a wave of measures rolling back transgender rights in Republican-controlled statehouse across the U.S. At least 22 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, and most of those states face lawsuits. An Arkansas ban mirroring Nebraskas was struck down by a federal judge in June as unconstitutional and will be appealed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court, which also handles Nebraska cases. Blackpinks Lisa Manobal will apply her dancing prowess and global star power to Paris institution Crazy Horse, becoming a Crazy Girl herself.The popular cabaret on Avenue George V announced on Tuesday that the K-pop star would headline five performances on Sept. 28, 29 and 30.According to the Crazy Horse, Manobal has long been a fan of its unique style and will perform several solo scenes and appear with the troupe, reprising original numbers from the cabarets repertoire. These are to include such popular musical numbers as But I Am a Good Girl and :Crisis? What Crisis?Manobal is to wear the usual costumes for the show, while giving them a personal touch. Crazy Horse has a long history of inviting guest stars to appear on its compact stage, including the likes of Arielle Dombasle, Conchita Wurst, Pamela Anderson and Dita Von Teese, who helped the cabaret mark its 65th anniversary in 2015.The cabaret is prized for its artistic approach, occasionally conscripting guest artistic directors such as shoe guru Christian Louboutin and lingerie designer Chantal Thomass to design costumes and sets.Manobal, known simply as Lisa to Blackpinks legion of fans, is an ambassador for fashion house Celine, Roman jeweler Bulgari, MAC Cosmetics and others.The Thai music sensation, prized for her singing, rapping and dancing, has also become a fashion icon. In 2021, she served on the jury of the prestigious French fashion prize ANDAM.Tickets for the performances are sold only on the Crazy Horse website, which was inaccessible due to a long queue on Tuesday evening.source: wwd FAIRBURY Illinois State Polices Division of Criminal Investigation on Thursday arrested a Fairbury police officer on charges of sexual assault. On Monday, ISP was notified of an allegation of criminal sexual assault against 23-year-old Carter Meister of Forrest, according to a news release from ISP Director Brendan Kelly. Police gathered evidence regarding the allegations and issued an arrest warrant for Meister on Thursday, the release said. Meister was charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony punishable by four to 15 years in prison. He was transported to the Livingston County Jail and is awaiting a judge to set pretrial conditions, the release said. Fairbury Police Chief Robert McCormick said in a news release on Friday that a Fairbury police officer under criminal investigation by ISP has been removed from active duty, though the statement did not mention Meisters name. The investigation is ongoing. Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Wayne M. Damron Terrance L. Ford Stanley M. Miller Darryl R. Vinson Jarvis K. Heads Wesley M. Noonan Brad Carter Brian K. Burnett Kenneth D. Downey Kenyon J. Bones Brittany N. Greiner BLOOMINGTON Two people were arrested on cocaine charges in McLean County, but one was ordered to be detained while the other was released with pretrial conditions. Precious M. Levi, 33, of Peoria and Jordan M. Wright, 29, of Bloomington are each charged with five counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, accused of being involved with cocaine sales in McLean County. Assistant States Attorney Jeff Horve sought to keep both in custody on the argument that they posed a threat to the community. In a detention hearing held Thursday afternoon, Judge Scott Black agreed Levi posed a threat but determined there were pretrial conditions that could mitigate the threat. She was released under the condition that she: has no contact with the co-defendant, Wright; undergo pretrial supervision; does not possess illegal drugs; follows a curfew that includes being home 12 hours a day. On Friday morning, Black ruled Wright also posed a threat, but said he did not believe any lesser restrictive conditions could mitigate the risk. Wright was ordered to be detained in McLean County custody pending trial. In presenting probable cause statements for these defendants, Horve said they had been arrested as part of an Illinois State Police investigation in which they both took part in various aspects of drug sales with ISP sources in late September and early October in Bloomington. A search warrant was executed at a residence in Bloomington where they were staying, and police found thousands of dollars in suspected drug proceeds, two illegal firearms and more than 40 grams of cocaine, according to the prosecutor. No charges related to firearms have been filed against either defendant. In both cases, Horve noted the inherent dangerousness of the type and quantity of drug involved in this case, as well as the presence of firearms in the home where a child was present. Black said the difference in criminal histories and past compliance with court orders made these two defendants different. Levi has no criminal history, while Wright has had prior convictions, including charges involving drugs and domestic violence. Assistant Public Defender Joseph Moran also argued Levis connection to the residence that seemed to serve as a base of operation was tenuous at best. Levis address of record was in Bloomington, but Moran said she lived in Peoria. A Peoria address was given for the location to which she would return for curfew each night. Moran was the public defender representing defendants in custody for detention hearings Monday and represented Levi for her hearing. However, when it was Wrights turn, Moran told the judge he believed it would be unethical for him to represent both co-defendants, having had meaningful conversation with Levi but not Wright. Wright asked the judge for another attorney and his case was held over until Friday morning. Assistant Public Defender Carol Shegog-Parker stepped in Friday to represent Wright. During her argument, she told the judge Wright has been successful twice before in completing conditional discharge ordered by the court, arguing that he has shown he would comply with court orders. However, Horve said Wright was on felony probation at the time of his arrest and argued the defendant would not follow court orders, having broken the terms of his probation by committing another offense. Black said Wrights history of disobeying court orders was taken into consideration in his decision to order that he be detained. Arraignments in both cases were scheduled for Oct. 20. These industries had the biggest swings in job openings #17. Information #16. Real estate and rental and leasing #15. Manufacturing #14. Mining and logging #13. Professional and business services #12. Retail trade #11. Accommodation and food services #10. State and local education #9. Wholesale trade #8. Construction #7. Health care and social assistance #6. State and local government #5. Educational services #4. Transportation, warehousing, and utilities #3. Finance and insurance #2. Federal government #1. Arts, entertainment, and recreation How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago Oct. 6, 1923: Revenue agents raided six soft drink parlors in Pekin this afternoon and secured liquor or homebrew beer in each place. In several of the places, the bartenders attempted to overturn pitchers containing "hootch," and in each case the offender was sent to jail. All of the men were taken to Peoria, where they will be arraigned before U.S. Commissioner Moore. 75 years ago Oct. 6, 1948: Adlai E. Stevenson, Democratic candidate for governor, charged that the Illinois conservation department is "a pay-rollers paradise and a grafter's gaming ground." In a campaign speech at Glen Ellyn, Stevenson said that his Republican opponent, Gov. Dwight H. Green, failed to keep a 1940 pledge that the conservation director would not be a "political stooge." Stevenson said Green "traded his pious promises for a bowl of political plums." 50 years ago Oct. 6, 1973: Illinois Central Gulf special agent Steve Rousey said it is the potential for injury to an unsuspecting person, rather than the monetary loss, that concerns the railroad as it investigates the theft of 6 1/2 gross (936) railroad signal "torpedoes." The explosive devices are used by the railroad as audible signals when conditions do not permit visual signals, or if the train is not equipped with radios. Five gross of the devices which he valued at $15.75 per gross have been found on railroad property, Rousey said. 25 years ago Oct. 6, 1998: Northpoint and Towanda elementary schools remain the focus of a redistricting plan being conducted by Unit 5. Superintendent Bob Malito said the main issues still to be resolved are whether the Eagle Creek students attend Towanda or Northpoint, and whether students in Prairie View Estates, Breckridge, Breakwood and White Eagle South go to Towanda Glenn Elementary or another school. Two more plan drafts are to be presented in public meetings later this month. NORMAL University of Illinois Extension will host a pumpkin smash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Rader Family Farms. Area residents are asked to bring pumpkins, carved or whole, for environmentally-friendly disposal. The event is in partnership with the Town of Normal and Illinois State University Department of Agriculture. Organizers expect to gather nearly 1,000 pounds of pumpkins, which will be trucked off for composting at the University Farm. Rader Farms will have concessions and restrooms open for the post-season event. Pumpkins should be free of candles, stickers, glitter or anything synthetic and non-compostable. Pumpkins covered in water-based paints are suitable for composting. Visit illinois.edu/LMW or scare.org/pumpkins for more information. Contact Nick Frillman at 309-663-8306 or frillma2@illinois.edu for accommodations. See photos: Rader Family Farms ready for another autumn 082920-blm-loc-4raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-5raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-6raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-7raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-8raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-17raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-18raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-2raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-9raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-10raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-1raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-11raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-12raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-13raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-14raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-15raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-16raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-19raderfarms 082920-blm-loc-3raderfarms Renowned preacher and General Overseer of International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Dr Mensah Otabil is certainly not happy about the state of the National Theatre describing it as severe malnourished due to poor maintenance culture. Speaking at this years Experience Conference 2023 at the Maker's House Chapel on Sunday, October 1, 2023, Dr Otabil commended Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye, the Founder of Maker's House Chapel, for constructing state-of-the-art auditoriums. Dr Mensah Otabil noted that while individuals like Dr Boadi Nyamekye built modern auditoriums which were properly maintained, same couldnt be said of state facilities such as the National Theatre, insinuating that its present state is not one to be proud of. Many times, when we see God use a person like Dr. Boadi Nyamekye here, and you see him and see the amazing work that God has done with him. In this church on this campus, you have one of the most beautiful church campuses anywhere this is, this is a high-class place. This is how even government of Ghana will struggle to build this and I am not in any way insulting the Government of Ghana. I'm just speaking like Jesus ChristLet the facts be the facts. Because you know, our National Theatre which is under severe malnourishment was built by the Chinese and dashed to us," he said. Dr Mensah Otabils comment has heightened discussions about the present conditions of the National Theatre which has been a home to many events in the country. A number of industry players, particularly playwrights who use it as venue for their shows have been lamenting about the poor facilities and unavailability of key equipment to aid their production, topping the list. In December last year, playwright, Kobina Ansah suffered the unfortunate incident of putting his play, Once Upon a Riddle, on hold for many hours when the light went off in the middle of the show. Actor Fiifi Coleman, spoken word artist, Oswald Okaitei among many others continue to vent their frustrations, hoping for better days. Source: Graphiconline 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 Korean shipbuilders stayed far behind their Chinese rivals in new global orders in September amid plunging demand, industry data showed Friday. Local shipyards won a combined 120,000 compensated gross tons (CGTs) in new orders last month, accounting for 6 percent of the global total at 1.86 million CGTs, according to the data from global market researcher Clarkson Research Service. The global total, or 71 vessels, was 59 percent lower than that from a year earlier. Chinese shipyards far outpaced Korean players, clinching 1.53 million CGTs in new orders, or 82 percent of the total. Last month, Korean shipbuilders clinched orders to construct four vessels, compared with Chinese rivals' 62 ships. In the first nine months of the year, global orders totaled 30.14 million CGTs, or 1,196 vessels, down 23 percent from a year earlier. Korean shipyards bagged 7.42 million CGTs, or 25 percent of the total, with Chinese rivals winning 17.99 million CGTs, or 60 percent. The data also showed the global order backlog reaching 122.19 million CGTs at the end of September, up 360,000 CGTs from a month earlier. Korea's order backlog stood at 39.44 million CGTs, or 32 percent of the total, with China's reaching 58.15 million CGTs with 48 percent. Clarkson's Newbuilding Price Index, a barometer of price changes in newly built ships, stood at 175.38 points in September, up 13.26 points from a year earlier, according to the data. (Yonhap) Senegals government has maintained a ban it imposed on the social media app TikTok in August. Authorities had banned the app on accusations that it was the preferred network for malicious people to broadcast hateful and subversive messages that threaten the countrys stability. Senegal's Communications Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam on Thursday said that TikTok will only be reinstated if the company signs an agreement to allow the removal of accounts that promote what he described as inflammatory content. "For the time being, the restriction is being maintained pending the conclusion of a comprehensive written agreement," Mr Thiam said, following discussions with representatives of the company. The TikTok ban followed the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Authorities claimed that the app was being used to spread "hateful and subversive messages" that threatened the countrys stability as violent protests broke out in the wake of Mr Sonko's arrest. The government has also demanded TikTok to agree to provide fair compensation to its Senegalese content creators in order to be reinstated. 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 Former General Secretary of the People's National Convention, Atik Mohammed has berated the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, for describing the Director of Security at the Bank of Ghana as a "watchman". Sam George referred to Wing Commander Kwame Asare-Boateng as watchman for being sent by the Governor of the bank, Dr. Ernest Addison, to receive their petition during their protest on Tuesday, October 3. The Minority in Parliament and a large section of the Ghanaian populace thronged the Bank of Ghana demanding the resignation of the Governor and his deputies over allegations of mismanagement and financial malfeasance. Sam George, reacting to the Governor's act, replied; "Parliament invites the Bank of Ghana at least twice a year and he has appeared only three times in seven years so it's not strange. It is the height of disrespect that we will come here and he will send the watchman, the watchman at the Bank of Ghana to come and receive the petition." "Okay, the watchman should come to Parliament as well, when next he needs anything from Parliament he should send the watchman as well but we will be back. We will give the Police some days to rest but we will be back," he added. But to Atik, Sam George has failed to "grow" as a Parliamentarian, hence resorting to the use of dishonorable language. "I don't even want to glorify that comment with any discussion or commentary because the person who is calling the man a watchman, let's place their profiles of the two and do an analysis. You will come to the conclusion that the accuser rather fits the position that he is giving to the accused...and it appears it is something he usually does," he responded. He stressed while making his submissions on Peace FM's morning show that "I think it's about time he learned from the feedback that he receives when he says some of these things...and more so, the position he holds is big. Being a representative of the people of your constituency is a big deal; it's not for nothing that we call you 'honorables' because you are supposed to live exemplary lives". Atik Mohammed concluded that there are some Members of Parliament whose behavior he likened to Sam George's but noted they have matured unlike the Ningo-Prampram MP and his likes who, to him, are still "stuck. They have stagnated. They don't want to grow". 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 Atik Mohammed has cautioned the governing New Patriotic Party to call their presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong and the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako alias Chairman Wontumi, to order or else the party may regret before the 2024 elections. The former PNC General Secretary admonished the leadership of the party to put their house in order, stressing if they don't, the party may collapse due to the unbridled behavior of some of the leading members, particularly the aforementioned names. He noted that the threats and counterthreats issued to one another are unhealthy and a canker to the NPP. "All these show there is a serious, serious leadership vacuum in the NPP . . . These are isolated manifestations of the deep-seated power vacuum or the leadership vacuum I'm talking about and the earlier they dealt with it, the better for them," he stated on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo". He opined that the NPP, contrary to popular views that it is an elite party, "now it's been taken over by those who can shout the loudest, those who can claim they have money and those who can insult the more. That's what the NPP has been reduced to and we have seen that manifest in these elections or in these campaigns". Atik warned the NPP saying, "they are going into an election and their primaries preceding the elections can collapse the party before even the main election and there seems not to be a figurehead calling everybody to order . . . a lot needs to be done in the NPP, otherwise before 2024, it will be difficult to refer to that entity as the political party they set up". Watch video below Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Odau Manhene and acting Okyehene Benkum Hene, who also serves as the President for the Odau Traditional Area, has thrown his weight behind Mr. Samuel Awuah Dankwa as the ideal candidate to replace Amoako Attah as the Member of Parliament for Atiwa West in the upcoming NPP primaries. According to Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, the Founder of the Awuah Dankwa Education Foundation, Samuel Awuah Dankwa is the ideal choice for constituents in Atiwa West because he has already demonstrated commitment to leadership over the past seven years. "Throughout the past seven years, Samuel Awuah Dankwa has wholeheartedly dedicated himself to serving and empowering the youth in Atiwa West. Considering his unwavering commitment and enthusiasm, it is only fitting to grant him the opportunity to pursue his heartfelt ambition to become the next Member of Parliament for Atiwa West," Daasebre explained. The endorsement came following a remarkable educational talk series organized by the Awuah Dankwa Atiwa West Students Association. The event, aimed at addressing the critical issue of teenage pregnancies in the Atiwa West constituency, garnered significant attention from various stakeholders. After the event, Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, the Chief for Akyem Etwereso, spoke to journalists about the endorsement, emphasizing that while Chiefs are typically not involved in politics, he couldn't remain silent given Samuel Awuah Dankwa's exemplary leadership qualities. Daasebre Ayebiahwe expressed his full support for Awuah Dankwa's candidacy and urged delegates to cast their votes in his favor during the 2024 NPP parliamentary election. The educational talk series at the Kwabeng Presby Church was a success with the Queen Mother for Boma, Nana Dr. Boatemaa Korama, serving as the Guest Speaker. The event also saw the participation of key figures including Atiwa West DCE Seth Asante, representatives from the Police, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, clergy members, Muslim leaders, traditional leaders, parents, teachers, students, and dignitaries from various areas. Under the theme "Empowering Teens: Striving for Health, Education, and Stronger Communities Amid Teenage Pregnancies", the program underscored the Awuah Dankwa Atiwa West Students Association's unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being and prospects of the youth in the area. Students actively engaged with the diverse array of stakeholders, asking questions and seeking solutions to the issues affecting them. At the event, the Queen Mother for Bomaa Nana Dr. Boatemaa Korama illustrated a scenario involving two girls who experienced contrasting life outcomes due to their environments. In this scenario, the first girl was unable to avoid early sexual activity, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy that disrupted her education and led to a challenging life. Conversely, the second girl managed to maintain her well-being, completed her University education, secured a lucrative job with a commendable salary and enjoyed a significantly improved quality of life. The Queen Mother emphasized the importance of reflecting on this story and drawing valuable lessons from it as a means of preventing teenage pregnancies. Moreover, the Ghana Health Service at the event advised teenagers in schools nationwide to promptly seek assistance from the Police if they encounter any instances of teachers or other individuals making romantic advances toward them. According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), taking this proactive step is among the effective measures to combating and reducing teenage pregnancies in the country. This guidance was emphasized during the Education Talk Series for Junior High Schools in the Atiwa West district and orchestrated by Mr. Samuel Awuah Dankwa, an esteemed educationist and philanthropist. The Ghana Health Service raised concerns about the recent surge in teenage pregnancies. Sandra Brago, a representative speaking on behalf of Richard Bekoe Benedict, the Atiwa West District Health Director, expressed the Health Directorate's delight in Mr. Samuel Awuah Dankwa's initiative to organize an event for teenagers in the area. She highlighted that, based on reports available to the Health Directorate, the current situation is alarming, hence it underscores the pressing need for comprehensive efforts to prevent teenage pregnancies in the Atiwa West district. Source: Michael Akrofi/Peace 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 Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has promised a six-month amnesty period for corrupt government officials to confidentially return embezzled funds when he assumes the presidency. Mr Agyapong's announcement came during an interview with Bola Ray on Starr FM, where he outlined his plan to tackle the persistent issue of corruption in Ghana. Under Agyapong's proposed policy, government officials who have misappropriated public funds will have a limited window of six months to voluntarily return the ill-gotten gains with no questions asked. This amnesty, he stated, aims to encourage corrupt officials to come forward and make amends for their actions, potentially alleviating the burden of corruption on the nation's finances. However, Mr Agyapong issued a stern warning to those who choose not to take advantage of this amnesty. He stated, "If you don't return it, and we conduct investigations, and you are found to have embezzled the government's funds, the law will deal with you." He underscored his commitment to pursuing accountability and justice for corrupt individuals who refuse to cooperate. Corruption has long been a pervasive issue in Ghana, with successive administrations grappling to curb its prevalence. The proposed amnesty represents a departure from the tradition of leniency often extended to corrupt officials, especially those in influential positions. The NPP flagbearer aspirant emphasized that he would not yield to pressure from religious leaders, politicians, or traditional authorities seeking clemency for corrupt individuals. Mr Agyapong argued that effective governance hinges on discipline, which he identifies as the third component of the Patriotism, Honesty, and Discipline (PHD) principles. He believes that by enforcing strict discipline within the government, Ghana can make significant strides in combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability. The announcement has stirred both support and controversy in Ghana, with some applauding Agyapong's strong stance on corruption, while others express concerns about the potential misuse of power during investigations. As the country heads towards the presidential election, Agyapong's proposed policy will likely remain a focal point of public discourse, shaping the nation's approach to combating corruption in the years ahead. 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: NASA mechanical design engineer Richard Hagen and ORNL researcher Michael Borish inspect a lunar rover wheel prototype that was 3D-printed at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with NASA, are taking additive manufacturing to the final frontier by 3D printing the same kind of wheel as the design used by NASA for its robotic lunar rover, demonstrating the technology for specialized parts needed for space exploration. The additively manufactured wheel was modeled on the existing, light-weight wheels of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, a mobile robot NASA plans to send in 2024 to map ice and other potential resources at the south pole of the moon. The mission is intended to help determine the origin and distribution of the moon's water and whether enough could be harvested from the moon's surface to support people living there. While the prototype wheel printed at DOE's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, or MDF, at ORNL will not actually be used on the NASA Moon mission, it was created to meet the same design specifications as the wheels made for NASA's VIPER. Additional testing is planned to validate the design and fabrication method before using this technology for future lunar or Mars rovers or considering it for other space applications, such as large structural components. Additive manufacturing can reduce energy use, material waste and lead time, while enabling design complexity and the tailoring of material properties. MDF is at the forefront of this effort, developing the technology for over a decade for a wide range of applications in the clean energy, transportation and manufacturing sectors. MDF researchers printed the rover wheel prototype at ORNL in Fall 2022. A specialized 3D printer used two coordinated lasers and a rotating build plate to selectively melt metal powder into the designed shape. Typical metal powder bed systems operate in steps: In a machine the size of a cabinet, they rake a layer of powder over a stationary plate. Then a laser selectively melts a layer before the plate lowers slightly and the process repeats. The printer used for the rover wheel prototype is large enough for a person to enter and is unique in its ability to print large objects while the steps occur simultaneously and continuously, said Peter Wang, who leads MDF development of new laser powder bed fusion systems. Despite enabling a more complex spoke pattern and spoke locking features to the wheel, 3D-printing simplified and reduced the cost of the wheel design and made final assembly easier. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy "This dramatically increases the production rate with the same amount of laser power," he said, adding that deposition occurs 50% faster. "We're only scratching the surface of what the system can do. I really think this is going to be the future of laser powder bed printing, especially at large scale and in mass production." Wang and project team members recently published a study, published in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, analyzing the scalability of the technology for printing components like electric motors. Although the machine is unique, a key to the success of the project was researchers' expertise in process automation and machine control. They used software developed at ORNL to "slice" the wheel design into vertical layers, then balance the workload between the two lasers to print evenly, achieving a high production rate, leveraging a computational technique recently submitted for patent protection. The prototype wheel, one of the first parts produced by the system, demonstrates the value of interagency collaboration. "The project with NASA really propelled the technology forward," said Brian Gibson, the researcher who led the rover wheel project for ORNL, calling it a milestone. "It was great to connect a capability with a developing need, and the team was excited to be making a prototype component with space exploration applications." Made of a nickel-based alloy, the prototype wheel is about 8 inches wide and 20 inches in diametermuch larger than typical parts printed with metal powder bed systems. Making it required the ability to print small geometric features spread over a large work area. Additive manufacturing enabled greater complexity in the rim design without added cost or manufacturing difficulty, Gibson said. Additive manufacturing allows fine design details, such as wavy tread on a domed shape, to be incorporated into the prototype lunar wheel. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy In comparison, the four VIPER wheels that will churn through moon dust next year required multiple manufacturing processes and assembly steps. VIPER's 50-piece wheel rim is held together with 360 riveted joints. The manufacturing process required complicated and time-intensive machining in order to meet the mission's rigorous requirements. If NASA testing proves the 3D-printed prototype to be as robust as conventionally built wheels, future rovers could instead use a single printed wheel rim, which took ORNL 40 hours to manufacture. Through the project, ORNL and NASA engineers also explored printing precise design features, such as angled sidewalls, a domed shape and wavy tread to increase the wheel's stiffness. These characteristics are difficult to incorporate in the current VIPER wheel design using traditional fabrication methods. Despite enabling a more complex spoke pattern and spoke locking features to the wheel, 3D printing simplified and reduced the cost of the wheel design and made final assembly easier. "A lot of these wheel features were put in just to highlight what you can do with additive manufacturing," said Richard Hagen, a mechanical design engineer for NASA and additive manufacturing lab manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "It lets you easily implement design features that are hard to implement with traditional tooling or even a traditionally machined part." ORNL's ability to print large objects demonstrates the potential of additive manufacturing technology for producing much larger rover wheels for both lunar and Martian missions, Hagen said. A challenge is that the specialized printer only builds with certain materialsin this case, a nickel-based alloyso the 3D-printed wheel is 50% heavier than the aluminum VIPER wheel, while printed at a similar thickness. In just a few days, ORNL researchers used powder bed printing to create this lunar rover wheel based on a NASA design. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy NASA plans to test the 3D-printed wheel's performance on a rover either in the rock yard at NASA's Johnson Space Center or in a giant "sandbox" of simulated lunar rocks and soil at a contracted test facility. Evaluators will assess the wheel's maneuverability, pivoting resistance, sideways slippage, slope climbing and other performance metrics. Hagen said additive manufacturing offers the advantage of rapid design updates in response to testing. It can also incorporate more complexity, such as a suspension system, without adding weak points. Hagen said crewed research stations placed on the moon as part of the agency's Artemis Program will need off-planet manufacturing capability. "Being able to build parts in space for repairs will be important, because you just can't take enough spares," he said. "Powder, pellets or filament for printing are a lot easier to pack and would allow for more flexibility." "Additive manufacturing offers the flexibility that if you have the feedstock, you could make any replacement part you need, whether in space or on Earth," Gibson said. This is a reason additive manufacturing has generated significant interest for a range of replacement needs, from rapidly manufactured tooling to hard-to-source castings and forgings. For space exploration and habitation, 3D printers could eventually use local material from the moon or Mars as a feedstock. More information: Peter Wang et al, Improved Productivity with Multilaser Rotary Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing (2023). DOI: 10.1089/3dp.2022.0288 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: Jeff Bezos says the aim of the satellite project is to provide 'fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world' Amazon is set to launch two satellites on Friday, in its first test mission as part of its plan to deliver the internet from space and compete with Elon Musk's Starlink service. The launch window for the Atlas V rocket from the United Launch Alliance (ULA) hub at Kennedy Space Center in Florida is scheduled to open for two hours at 2:00 pm local time (1800 GMT). Once up and running, the company founded by Jeff Bezos says its Project Kuiper will provide "fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world," with a constellation of more than 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). "This is Amazon's first time putting satellites into space, and we're going to learn an incredible amount regardless of how the mission unfolds," said Rajeev Badyal, Project Kuiper's vice president of technology. The first operational satellites of the Kuiper project are due to be launched in early 2024, according to Amazon, which hopes for initial tests with customers at the end of next year. The test on Friday will attempt to make contact with probes from Earth, deploy their solar panels, and confirm that all instruments are operating correctly and at the desired temperatures. The two prototypes will be removed from orbit and disintegrated in the Earth's atmosphere at the end of the test mission. Musk's SpaceX launched the first batch of its more than 3,700 operational Starlink satellites in 2019 and is by far the biggest player. London-headquartered OneWeb is another early entrant in the emerging sector. These services are designed to provide internet access to even the most remote and underserved areas around the world, including war zones or disaster-struck areas. Musk's ownership of Starlink caused uproar in Ukraine last month when it was revealed that he refused to turn on the service for a planned attack by Kyiv forces on Russia's Black Sea navy fleet last year. Given the technology's strategic importance, governments are also keen to join the rush into the sector. China plans to launch 13,000 satellites as part of its GuoWang constellation, while Canada's Telesat will add 300 and German start-up Rivada is eyeing 600. That will be in addition to the European Union's Iris project170 satellitesand the 300-500 satellites planned to be launched by the US military's Space Development Agency. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A woman buys ice cream during an unusual autumn heatwave in Montreal. Eastern Canada shattered heat records this week with temperatures close to 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), worrying experts and everyday people struggling to cope with extreme weather made worse by climate change. "It's unheard of for a day in October," said Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Begin. "It's normal to have occasional warm spells, but extreme heat like this is very unusual." The last three days heat records were broken in Quebec and adjacent provinces. On Wednesday the mercury reached 29.3 degrees Celsius in Montreal, surpassing the record of 26.7 degrees set in 2005. At the top of Mount Royala mountain in the heart of the citybright red, orange and yellow autumn foliage was rustled by what felt like a summer breeze. "It just makes you wonder," commented jogger Marcello Barsalou, carrying a water pack on his back. Marveling at the panoramic city view, many tourists admitted to relishing this last gasp of summer before temperatures plunge. "We did not expect it," one said. "It feels strange, especially in Canada," said French tourist Christine Boileau. Another French tourist, Andre Martin, 78, however, said the fall heat wave has him very worried. Temperatures are set to return to seasonal norms over the weekend, with snow forecast for some northern parts of Canada, according to Begin. Tourists snap pictures of the city at the Mont-Royal belvedere in Montreal while soaking in unseasonably hot weather. A woman stands near the Lac-aux-Castors in Montreal, taking in warm autumn weather. But he warned that extreme weather events, including heat waves, will become more frequent and hit harder with time. It's the same around the world as temperatures keep breaking records. After a sweltering summer and an unseasonably warm September, this year is expected to be the hottest in human history. Global average temperatures from January to September were 1.4 degrees Celsius higher than 1850-1900, almost breaching the 1.5C warming goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement, the Copernicus Climate Change Service said in a report released Thursday. The January-September average global temperature was 0.05C higher than the same nine-month period in 2016, the warmest year recorded so far. The El Nino phenomenonwhich warms waters in the southern Pacific and stokes hotter weather beyondis likely to see 2023 become the hottest year on record in the next three months. Scientists expect the worst effects of the current El Nino to be felt at the end of 2023 and into next year. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Top: Mean JFM sea surface temperature anomalies for the 1984 (a) and 2001 (b) Benguela Nino events, taken from NCEP-NCAR reanalysis data. Middle: Mean JFM integrated moisture from surface to 300 hPa flux anomalies for 1984 (c) and 2001 (d) events in kg/kg.m/s. Bottom: Mean JFM precipitation anomalies for 1984 (e) and 2001 (f) in mm/day. The yellow circles mark the location of ODP 1081. Credit: Geophysical Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL103003 In September 2023, extreme rains struck South Africa's Western Cape province, flooding villages and leaving a trail of destruction. The catastrophic devastation is just one recent example in a string of extreme weather events that are growing more common around the world. Fueled by rising sea surface temperatures from climate warming, torrential storms are increasing both in frequency and magnitude. Concurrently, global warming is also producing the opposite effect in other instances, as a mega-drought threatened the water supply of Cape Town in southwestern Africa to the point where residents were at risk of running out of water. This one-two punch of weather extremes are devastating habitats, ecosystems, and human infrastructure. A team of paleoclimatologists from Syracuse University, George Mason University, and the University of Connecticut are studying an ancient source to determine future rainfall and drought patterns: fossilized plants that lived on Earth millions of years ago. In a study published in Geophysical Research Letters led by Claire Rubbelke, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Earth and Environmental sciences at Syracuse, and Tripti Bhattacharya, Thonis Family Professor of Earth and Environmental sciences at Syracuse, researchers zeroed in on the Pliocene epoch (~3 million years ago)a time when conditions were very similar to today. Despite warmer temperatures, many parts of the world, including southwestern Africa, experienced dramatic increases in rainfall over land, likely caused by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures. This mimics a modern event called a Benguela Nino, where researchers believe shifting winds cause warm waters to move southward along the coast of Africa causing enhanced rainfall over typically arid regions. "In the present day, the intensity and location of extreme precipitation from Benguela Nino events appear to be influenced by both Atlantic and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures," says Rubbelke, who is a member of Bhattacharya's Paleoclimate Dynamics Lab. "During the Pliocene, it appears that these Benguela Nino-like conditions may have been a permanent feature." UConn Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences and expert in climate modeling and dynamics, Ran Feng analyzed the climate model data and specifically examined the proposed mechanism that explains the Pliocene wet conditions in southwest Africa. She says many features of ongoing climate change are reincarnations of the past warm climates. analyze the comparison data and specifically examine the proposed mechanism that explains the Pliocene wet conditions in southwest Africa. She says many features of ongoing climate change are reincarnations of the past warm climates. "In our case, we have shown that sea surface temperature pattern surrounding South Africa is key to explaining the past hydroclimate conditions of this region," notes Feng. "Looking into the future, how this sea surface temperature pattern may evolve has profound implications to the environmental changes in South Africa." The team's work was inspired by collaborator and study co-author Natalie Burls, associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences at George Mason University and an oceanographer and climate scientist from South Africa who received a Ph.D. at the University of Cape Town. "This study, which explored how past warm climates can inform us on what to expect in the future as our planet warms, brings to the fore the important role of ocean warming patterns," says Burls. "It's important to understand how these patterns determine the response of the hydrological cycle over Southwest Africa to global warming." To study the impact of climate warming on precipitation from millions of years in the past, the team analyzed "molecular fossils" in the form of ancient leaf waxes. "These are compounds produced by leaves to protect themselves from drying out," says Bhattacharya. "They get shed from leaf surfaces and find their way to ocean sediments, where we can extract them and study their chemical composition." Plants use hydrogen from rainwater to produce the waxy outer coating on their leaves, which survives in ocean sediment for millions of years. The leaf wax functions as a time capsule preserved in ocean sediment. After transporting the millions-year-old sediment from Africa to their lab in Syracuse, Rubbelke and Bhattacharya used heat and pressure to extract lipids (e.g., fat molecules), and then used a variety of solvents to isolate the exact class of molecules that they were looking to measure. From those molecules, they determined the number of different types of hydrogen present. By comparing their data to climate models, they verify how well those models capture past climate change, which can in turn improve the accuracy of those models to predict future rainfall. As Bhattacharya notes, this is critical because climate models often disagree on whether certain regions will get wetter or drier in response to global warming. "We are using real world data from the ancient geologic past to improve our ability to model rainfall changes as the planet warms," she says. As to whether the future will be wetter or drier in southwestern Africa, the team's results suggest that both are possible, depending on where extreme sea surface temperatures are occurring. While not much can be done to reverse climate warming, the researchers say this study illuminates the need for vulnerable communities to have the tools and resources to adapt to these seemingly more frequent extreme weather events. More information: Claire B. Rubbelke et al, PlioPleistocene Southwest African Hydroclimate Modulated by Benguela and Indian Ocean Temperatures, Geophysical Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL103003 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters 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 glacial lake flood in India killed more than a dozen people and left over 100 missing. Indian rescuers are searching for over 100 people missing in a flash flood caused by a glacial lake bursting its banks, a risk scientists warn is increasing with climate change. AFP explains what glacial lake outburst floods are and the risks they pose, particularly in parts of Asia: What is a glacial lake outburst flood? A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water that has collected in former glacier beds. These lakes are formed by the retreat of glaciers, a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been turbocharged by the warmer temperatures of human-caused climate change. Glacier melt is often channeled into rivers, but ice or the build-up of debris can form what is effectively a natural dam, behind which a glacial lake builds. If these natural dams are breached, large quantities of water can be released suddenly from the lakes, causing devastating flooding. What causes these breaches? The natural dams holding back glacial lakes can be breached for a variety of reasons, explained Lauren Vargo, a glacier expert and scientist at the Antarctic Research Centre in New Zealand. Causes include "an avalanche of snow, or a landslide causing a wave in the lake, or overfilling of the lake... from rain or the glacier melting", she told AFP. Sometimes the dam has been gradually degraded over time, or is ruptured by an event like an earthquake. The breaches are highly unpredictable, "because they can be caused by so many different factors", she added. What is the impact of climate change? Climate change is driving the disappearance of glaciers, with half the Earth's 215,000 glaciers projected to melt by the end of the century, even if warming can be capped at 1.5 degrees Celsius. The volume of glacial lakes has jumped by 50 percent in 30 years, according to a 2020 study based on satellite data. Graphic showing population under threat from glacial lake outburst floods by mountain range and country. The more and larger lakes form, the greater the risk they pose to populations downstream. Climate change is not only driving the creation of glacial lakes, but also can produce the conditions that result in dam breaches. "The flooding can be caused by glaciers melting or these big rainfall events, we know that's happening more because of climate change," said Vargo. How dangerous are these floods? The particular danger of GLOFs lies in their unpredictability. "The probability of a lake releasing a GLOF is difficult to accurately quantify without detailed and localized studies," a study of the problem globally warned this year. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that 15 million people live within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of a glacial lake and within one kilometer of potential flooding from a breach. The risk was greatest in "High Mountains Asia", an area that covers parts of 12 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and Nepal. That is partly because more people live closer to glacial lakes in the region than in other parts of the world, making warning times even shorter. But it also reflects the vulnerability of those populations, who may be poorer and less prepared to deal with the sudden arrival of catastrophic floodwaters. "The most dangerous basins... do not always host the most, or the largest, glacial lakes," the authors wrote. "Rather it is the high number of people and the reduced capacity of those people to cope with disaster that plays a key role in determining overall GLOF danger." Thousands of people, for example, have been killed by glacier lake outburst floods in High Mountains Asia but only a handful in North America's Pacific Northwest, even though that region has twice as many glacial lakes. Experts have called for more research on the risks posed by GLOFs, particularly in the Andean region, which remains comparatively understudied, but also for better preparedness. "But then there's the larger part of what we can do in terms of reducing emissions, to try to slow down climate change and reduce the threats of this from growing even more," Vargo said. 2023 AFP North Korea has started sending artillery to Russia as Moscow continues its war in Ukraine, a U.S. broadcaster reported Thursday, after last month's summit between the two countries reinforced concerns about a potential bilateral arms deal. Citing an unnamed U.S. official, CBS reported on the apparent arms transfer that came in the wake of a rare summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a Russian spaceport last month. The summit raised speculation that it might have led to a deal feared to help advance North Korea's efforts to build spy satellites and other weapons and in return prop up Russia's war in Ukraine. "It was not immediately clear whether the transfer is part of a new, long-term supply chain or a more limited consignment, or what North Korea is getting in return for the weapons," the report said. Seoul and Washington have criticized any possible transfer of arms between Pyongyang and Moscow, warning they would flout multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, which Russia itself voted for. (Yonhap) 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: Cell nucleus of Anopheles cells: The DNA is colored blue. SOA were verified in orange coloration and the X-chromosomal transcription side in green. Credit: Maria Felicia Basilicata The research group of Dr. Claudia Keller Valsecchi (Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany) and their collaborators have discovered the master regulator responsible for balancing the expression of X chromosome genes between males and females in the malaria mosquito. This discovery helps scientists to better understand the evolution of the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for equalizing gene expression between the sexes. The findings may contribute to the development of new ways to prevent the spread of malaria. The research was published in the journal Nature. Most people would agree that mosquitoes are among the most annoying species on the planet. They keep us up all night with their whining, whirring wings, all while seeking a way to bite us and suck our blood. Yet mosquitoes are more than just a nuisancethey can also carry a whole host of serious, sometimes deadly diseases. One of the most dangerous diseases that mosquitoes can carry is malaria, a disease that affects millions of people and causes hundreds of thousands of deaths every year, primarily in African countries. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread through mosquito bitesspecifically those of marsh mosquitoes (Anopheles). Importantly, only female mosquitoes bite, as they need the nutrients from blood to produce eggs. Scientists are therefore interested in understanding the mechanisms responsible for the molecular differences between male and female mosquitoes, as it could help us develop new ways to combat malaria. Just like humans, the sex of a mosquito is determined by the sex chromosomes: females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have an X and a Y chromosome (XY). This can be problematic, as males have only half the number of X chromosome genes as females, and hence would have only half the amount of proteins from the X chromosome. To compensate for this, there must be a way to increase the expression of X chromosome genes in males. However, no one knew what this mechanism could be in mosquitoes. Agata Kalita from Claudia's group, who is the first author of the study, spearheaded the research. The team collaborated with the groups of Dr. M. Felicia Basilicata (Mainz University Medical Center), Dr. Eric Marois (University of Strasbourg, France) and Prof. Franjo Weissing (University of Groningen, The Netherlands). Together, the researchers discovered that the protein SOA (sex chromosome activation) is the key regulator that balances X chromosome gene expression in male mosquitoes. They found that SOA works by binding to X chromosome genes and increasing their expression, but only in males. Female mosquitoes, on the other hand, only produce a small amount of very short, non-functional SOA. Agata comments, "Balancing gene expression on sex chromosomes is essential for development in some species. However, others do not have such a mechanism at all. Unexpectedly, we discovered that in mosquitoes, balancing X chromosome expression by SOA is not necessary for development, but it does give males a head start. "This is an important clue as to how the mechanisms that balance gene expression on sex chromosomes may have evolved in the first place." M. Felicia Basilicata, a joint senior author, adds, "Understanding the molecular principles acting on sex chromosomes will help us to understand differences between males and females in various human pathologies." The groups' findings mark a major step forward in our understanding of how gene expression is balanced on the sex chromosomes. The researchers speculate that genetically manipulating genes that exclusively affect one sex could be a useful strategy for reducing the number of blood-sucking female mosquitoes, which would be a huge boon in the fight against malaria. More information: Agata Izabela Kalita et al, The sex-specific factor SOA controls dosage compensation in Anopheles mosquitos, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06641-0 Journal information: Nature 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: Meera Devi, left, accompanies her daughter Arima, 7, to her school as they walk on the flood plain of Yamuna River, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Their family was among those displaced by the recent floods in the Indian capital's Yamuna River. Storms, floods, fires and other extreme weather events led to more than 43 million displacements involving children between 2016 and 2021, according to a United Nations report. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Storms, floods, fires and other extreme weather events led to more than 43 million displacements involving children between 2016 and 2021, according to a United Nations report. More than 113 million displacements of children will occur in the next three decades, estimated the UNICEF report released Friday, which took into account risks from flooding rivers, cyclonic winds and floods that follow a storm. Some children, like 10-year-old Shukri Mohamed Ibrahim, are already on the move. Her family left their home in Somalia after dawn prayers on a Saturday morning five months ago. The worst drought in more than 50 years scorched the once-fertile pastures the family relied on, leaving them barren. So, bundling only a few clothes and some utensils into sacks, they moved to a camp in the capital Mogadishu, where Ibrahim, who dreams of being a doctor, is now going to school for the first time. That's a plus, but the camp lacks proper shelter and sanitation, and food is scarce. "We need something that can protect us from the heat during the day and the cold at night," Ibrahim said. The miseries of long, drawn-out disasters like droughts are often underreported. Children had to leave their homes at least 1.3 million times because of drought in the years covered by the reportmore than half of them in Somaliabut this is likely an undercount, the report said. Unlike during floods or storms, there are no pre-emptive evacuations during a drought. A woman walks with her children, who fled amid drought, to build a makeshift shelter at a camp for the displaced people on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh Worldwide, climate change has already left millions homeless. Rising seas are eating away at coastlines; storms are battering megacities and drought is exacerbating conflict. But while catastrophes intensify, the world has yet to recognize climate migrants and find formal ways of protecting them. "The reality is that far more children are going to be impacted in (the) future, as the impacts of climate change continue to intensify," said Laura Healy, a migration specialist at UNICEF and one of the report's authors. Nearly a third, or 43 million of the 134 million times that people were uprooted from their homes due to extreme weather from 2016-21 included children. Nearly half were forced from their homes by storms. Of those, nearly 4 of the 10 displacements were in the Philippines. Floods displaced children more than 19 million times in places like India and China. Wildfires impacted children 810,000 times in the U.S. and Canada. Shukri Mohamed Ibrahim, who fled amid a drought with her family, stands in makeshift camp for displaced people, on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia on Thursday, Sept, 28, 2023. The worst drought in more than 50 years scorched the once-fertile pastures her family relied on, leaving them barren. Credit: AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh Data tracking migrations because of weather extremes typically don't differentiate between children and adults. UNICEF worked with a Geneva-based nonprofit, the International Displacement Monitoring Center, to map where kids were most impacted. The Philippines, India and China had the most child displacement by climate hazards, accounting for nearly half. Those countries also have vast populations and strong systems to evacuate people, which makes it easier for them to record data. But, on average, children living in the Horn of Africa or on a small island in the Caribbean are more vulnerable. Many are enduring "overlapping crises"where risks from climate extremes are compounded by conflict, fragile institutions and poverty, Healy said. Leaving home subjects children to extra risks. During unprecedented flooding of the Yamuna River in July in the Indian capital New Delhi, churning waters washed away the hut that was home to 10-year-old Garima Kumar's family. Women build a shelter for people who fled amid a drought at a makeshift camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh The waters also took her school uniform and her school books. Kumar lived with her family on sidewalks of the megacity and missed a month of school. "Other students in the school teased me because my house had been flooded. Because we don't have a permanent home," Kumar said. The floodwaters have receded and the family began repairing their home last montha process Garima's mother Meera Devi said they are having to do over and over again as floods are becoming more common. Her father, Shiv Kumar, hasn't had any work for over a month. The family's only income is the mother's $2 daily earnings as a domestic helper. Children are more vulnerable because they are dependent on adults. This puts them at the risk of being exploited and not having protections, said Mimi Vu, a Vietnam-based expert on human trafficking and migration issues who wasn't involved with the report. Children, who fled amid drought, read the Quran at a makeshift camp for the displaced people on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh A woman, who fled amid a drought, carries her baby at a makeshift camo for displaced people on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh Erosion caused by the Meghna River is visible in the Ramdaspur village of the Bhola district of Bangladesh on July 5, 2022. Rising seas are eating away at coastlines, storms are battering megacities and drought is exacerbating conflict. Credit: AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu, File Rescuers using rubber boats evacuate trapped residents through floodwaters in Zhuozhou in northern China's Hebei province, south of Beijing, Aug. 2, 2023. The Philippines, India and China had the most children displaced by climate hazards, accounting for nearly half. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong, File Women and children living in a settlement on the flood plain of Yamuna River, collect drinking water from a municipality tanker in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri A woman prays inside their makeshift home on the flood plain of Yamuna River, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Her family was among those that were displaced by the recent floods in the Indian capital's Yamuna river. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Garima Kumar, 10, right, combs the hair of her younger sister Arima, 7, as she prepares for school inside their shanti on the flood plain of Yamuna River, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Their family was among those that were displaced by the recent floods in the Indian capital's Yamuna River. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Garima, 10, poses for a portrait outside her makeshift home on the flood plain of Yamuna River after coming from school in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Meera Devi applies a coat of mix of cow dung with earth and water to seal the foundations of her restored shanti built on the flood plain of Yamuna River, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The floodwaters have receded and Devi and her family began repairing their home last month she said they are having to do over and over again as floods are becoming more common. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Arima, 7, left, eats breakfast with her brother Kartik, 4, as their mother Meera Devi looks on inside their shanti on the flood plain of Yamuna River, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Their family were among the hundreds that were displaced by the recent floods in the Indian capital's Yamuna River. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Garima, 10, right, and her sister Arima, 7, left, study outside their restored home on the flood plain of Yamuna River after coming from school in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Their family were among the hundreds that were displaced by the recent floods in the Indian capital's Yamuna River. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Shiv Kumar, right, watches as his eldest daughter Garima, 10, left, washes her face and his son Kartik, 4, brushes his teeth outside their shanti on the flood plain of Yamuna River, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Meera Devi, left, and her husband Shiv Kumar place a bed inside their home restored on the flood plain of Yamuna River, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The floodwaters have receded and the family has began repairing their home last month they are having to do over and over again as floods are becoming more common. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri A young boy tries to steer his cycle carrier carrying drinking water down a steep slope as women try to control its speed on the way to flood plain of Yamuna River were they live in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri Shiv Kumar, left, accompanies his daughter Garima, 10, to her school as they walk on the flood plain of Yamuna River, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Their family was among those displaced by the recent floods in the Indian capital's Yamuna River. Credit: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri "When you're desperate, you do things that you normally wouldn't do. And unfortunately, children often bear the brunt of that because they are the most vulnerable and they don't have the ability to stand up for themselves," she said. Vietnam, along with countries like India and Bangladesh, will likely have many children uprooted from their homes in the future, and policymakers and the private sector need to ensure that climate and energy planning takes into account risks to children from extreme weather, the UNICEF report said. In estimating future risks, the report did not include wildfires and drought, or potential mitigation measures. It said vital services like education and health care need to become "shock-responsive, portable and inclusive," to help children and their families better cope with disasters. This would mean considering children's needs at different stages, from ensuring they have opportunities to study, that they can stay with their families and that eventually they can find work. "We have the tools. We have the knowledge. But we're just not working fast enough," Healy said. 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: Representative fish teeth fossils from multiple taxa as recovered from the sediment cores in Lake Victoria. a, Cyprinoid pharyngeal tooth attached to the jaw bone. b, Haplochromine cichlid oral tooth from an inner tooth row. c, Haplochromine cichlid oral tooth from outer tooth row. d,e, Haplochromine cichlid pharyngeal teeth. f, Oreochromine cichlid pharyngeal tooth. g, Oreochromine cichlid oral tooth. h,i, Mochokid catfish teeth from the premaxilla tooth pad on the lower jaw. j, Bagrid catfish tooth. k, Clariid catfish tooth. Credit: Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06603-6 A team of biologists affiliated with multiple institutions in Switzerland and Tanzania has found that early cichlid diversification in Lake Victoria led to their success in deep parts of the lake. In their study, reported in the journal Nature, the group studied four sediment cores obtained from the lake. Martin Genner, with the University of Bristol, has published a News & Views piece in the same journal issue, outlining the work done by the team on this new effort. Prior research has shown that Lake Victoria, which is Africa's largest lake by surface area, formed approximately 17,000 years ago. Since that time, it has grown in both size and depth and as fish were introduced, and some of them thrivedthere are currently more than 500 species of cichlid fish alone, for example. In this new effort, the research team analyzed the contents of four sediment cores from different parts of the lake to learn more about the history of the fish that have lived in the lake over thousands of years. The research team found 7,623 fish tooth fossils representing fish living in the lake going back to when it was first formed, and they created a timeline of fish evolution in the lake. They found that in the early days of the lake, while it was still shallow, catfish, cichlids and carp-like cyprinoids made the lake their home. Later, as the lake grew deeper, they found that most of the fish species kept to the shallowsthe exceptions were cichlids, which ventured into deeper water and diversified, allowing them to thrive. The researchers suggest that cichlids were able to thrive not because they were the first to make their way to the lake in its early years, but because they were genetically predisposed to adapting to the lake after it was formedthey were more ecologically versatile. Genner notes that they had jaws that were more highly evolved than their competitors, and they were also highly proficient at hybridizing with other cichlid speciescharacteristics that helped them thrive in deeper parts of the lake. More information: Nare Ngoepe et al, A continuous fish fossil record reveals key insights into adaptive radiation, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06603-6 Martin J. Genner, Cichlid fish seized an ecological opportunity to diversify, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03014-5 Journal information: Nature 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: False color scanning electron microscopy image of zebrafinch feather showing the feather cortex (in blue) and melanosomes (melanin-rich granules, in orange). Scale bar indicates 1 m. Credit: Pic Dr Tiffany Slater. Paleontologists at University College Cork (UCC) have found the first molecular evidence of pheomelanin, the pigment that produces ginger coloration, in the fossil record. The new study reports the preservation of molecular fragments of the pigment pheomelanin in 10-million-year-old frogs, adding molecular analysis to the paleontologists' arsenal when reconstructing the original colors of extinct organisms. The study, published today in Nature Communications, was led by paleontologists Dr. Tiffany Slater and Prof. Maria McNamara of UCC's School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences (BEES) and Environmental Research Institute (ERI). They worked with an international team of scientists at Fujita Health University (Japan), Linyi University (China) and Lund University (Sweden). Dr. Slater said, "This finding is so exciting because it puts paleontologists in a better place to detect different melanin pigments in many more fossils. This will paint a more accurate picture of ancient animal color and will answer important questions about the evolution of colors in animals. Scientists still don't know howor whypheomelanin evolved, because it is toxic to animals, but the fossil record might just unlock the mystery." Illustration of the main findings reported in Slater et al., 2023 published in Nature Communications. . Credit: Science Graphic Design. Prof. Maria McNamara (left) and Dr Tiffany Slater pictured at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at University College Cork. Credit: Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision The team performed rigorous laboratory experiments on black, ginger, and white feathers to track how pheomelanin pigments degrade during the fossilization process, which backs up their interpretations of the fossil chemistry. Prof. McNamara, senior author on the study, said, "Fossils are invariably altered by the ravages of heat and pressure during burial, but that doesn't mean that we lose all original biomolecular information. Our fossilization experiments were the key to understanding the chemistry of the fossils, and prove that traces of biomolecules can survive being cooked during the fossilization process. "There is huge potential to explore the biochemical evolution of animals using the fossil record, when we account for chemical changes during fossilization." More information: Taphonomic experiments reveal authentic molecular signals for fossil melanins and verify preservation of phaeomelanin in fossils, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40570-w Journal information: Nature Communications The Crab Nebulaa remnant of a supernova explosion which in its center contains a pulsar. The pulsar makes the ordinary matter in the form of gas in the nebula light up. As the researchers have now shown, it may do the same with dark matter in the form of axions, leading to a subtle additional glow that can be measured. Credit: NASA/CXC/ASU/J. Hester et al The central question in the ongoing hunt for dark matter is: what is it made of? One possible answer is that dark matter consists of particles known as axions. A team of astrophysicists, led by researchers from the universities of Amsterdam and Princeton, has now shown that if dark matter consists of axions, it may reveal itself in the form of a subtle additional glow coming from pulsating stars. Their work is published in the journal Physical Review Letters. Dark matter may be the most sought-for constituent of our universe. Surprisingly, this mysterious form of matter, that physicist and astronomers so far have not been able to detect, is assumed to make up an enormous part of what is out there. No less than 85% of matter in the universe is suspected to be "dark," presently only noticeable through the gravitational pull it exerts on other astronomical objects. Understandably, scientists want more. They want to really see dark matteror at the very least, detect its presence directly, not just infer it from gravitational effects. And, of course: they want to know what it is. Cleaning up two problems One thing is clear: dark matter cannot be the same type of matter that you and I are made of. If that were to be the case, dark matter would simply behave like ordinary matterit would form objects like stars, light up, and no longer be "dark." Scientists are therefore looking for something newa type of particle that nobody has detected yet, and that probably only interacts very weakly with the types of particles that we know, explaining why this constituent of our world so far has remained elusive. There are plenty of clues for where to look. One popular assumption is that dark matter could be made of axions. This hypothetical type of particle was first introduced in the 1970s to resolve a problem that had nothing to do with dark matter. The separation of positive and negative charges inside the neutron, one of the building blocks of ordinary atoms, turned out to be unexpectedly small. Scientists of course wanted to know why. It turned out that the presence of a hitherto undetected type of particle, interacting very weakly with the neutron's constituents, could cause exactly such an effect. The later Nobel Prize winner Frank Wilczek came up with a name for the new particle: axionnot just similar to other particle names like proton, neutron, electron and photon, but also inspired by a laundry detergent of the same name. The axion was there to clean up a problem. In fact, despite never being detected, it might clean up two. Several theories for elementary particles, including string theory, one of the leading candidate theories to unify all forces in nature, appeared to predict that axion-like particles could exist. If axions were indeed out there, could they also constitute part or even all of the missing dark matter? Perhaps, but an additional question that haunted all dark matter research was just as valid for axions: if so, then how can we see them? How does one make something "dark" visible? Shining a light on dark matter Fortunately, it seems that for axions there may be a way out of this conundrum. If the theories that predict axions are correct, they are not only expected to be mass-produced in the universe, but some axions could also be converted into light in the presence of strong electromagnetic fields. Once there is light, we can see. Could this be the key to detect axionsand therefore to detect dark matter? To answer that question, scientists first had to ask themselves where in the universe the strongest known electric and magnetic fields occur. The answer is: in regions surrounding rotating neutron stars also known as pulsars. These pulsarsshort for "pulsating stars"are dense objects, with a mass roughly the same as that of our sun, but a radius that is around 100,000 times smaller, only about 10 km. Being so small, pulsars spin with enormous frequencies, emitting bright narrow beams of radio emission along their axis of rotation. Similar to a lighthouse, the pulsar's beams can sweep across the Earth, making the pulsating star easily observable. However, the pulsar's enormous spin does more. It turns the neutron star into an extremely strong electromagnet. That, in turn, could mean that pulsars are very efficient axion factories. Every single second an average pulsar would be capable of producing a 50-digit number of axions. Because of the strong electromagnetic field around the pulsar, a fraction of these axions could convert into observable light. That is: if axions exist at allbut the mechanism can now be used to answer just that question. Just look at pulsars, see if they emit extra light, and if they do, determine whether this extra light could be coming from axions. Simulating a subtle glow As always in science, actually performing such an observation is of course not that simple. The light emitted by axionsdetectable in the form of radio waveswould only be a small fraction of the total light that these bright cosmic lighthouses send our way. One needs to know very precisely what a pulsar without axions would look like, and what a pulsar with axions would look like, to be able to see the differencelet alone to quantify that difference and turn it into a measurement of an amount of dark matter. This is exactly what a team of physicists and astronomers have now done. In a collaborative effort between the Netherlands, Portugal and the U.S., the team has constructed a comprehensive theoretical framework which allows for the detailed understanding of how axions are produced, how axions escape the gravitational pull of the neutron star, and how, during their escape, they convert into low energy radio radiation. The theoretical results were then put on a computer to model the production of axions around pulsars, using state-of-the-art numerical plasma simulations that were originally developed to understand the physics behind how pulsars emit radio waves. Once virtually produced, the propagation of the axions through the electromagnetic fields of the neutron star was simulated. This allowed the researchers to quantitatively understand the subsequent production of radio waves and model how this process would provide an additional radio signal on top of the intrinsic emission generated from the pulsar itself. Putting axion models to a test The results from theory and simulation were then put to a first observational test. Using observations from 27 nearby pulsars, the researchers compared the observed radio waves to the models, to see if any measured excess could provide evidence for the existence of axions. Unfortunately, the answer was "no"or perhaps more optimistically: "not yet." Axions do not immediately jump out to us, but perhaps that was not to be expected. If dark matter were to give up its secrets that easily, it would already have been observed a long time ago. The hope for a smoking-gun detection of axions, therefore, is now on future observations. Meanwhile, the current non-observation of radio signals from axions is an interesting result in itself. The first comparison between simulations and actual pulsars has placed the strongest limits to date on the interaction that axions can have with light. Of course, the ultimate goal is to do more than just set limitsit is to either show that axions are out there, or to make sure that it is extremely unlikely that axions are a constituent of dark matter at all. The new results are just a first step in that direction; they are only the beginning of what could become an entirely new and highly cross-disciplinary field that has the potential to dramatically advance the search for axions. More information: Dion Noordhuis et al, Novel Constraints on Axions Produced in Pulsar Polar-Cap Cascades, Physical Review Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.111004 Journal information: Physical Review Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Following the second release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant (5 October), a team of international researchers have addressed concerns and misinformation. Beginning in August and continuing for the next 30 years, treated water contaminated by the 2011 meltdown of the plant is being slowly released into the Pacific Ocean. Several nations and international groups have raised concerns over the potential risks of this new discharge. A new review, titled "The risks of radioactive waste water release" published in Science, has provided comprehensive scientific insights into the planned release and its potential impacts on marine life and humans. Experts from the University of Portsmouth in England, Curtin University in Australia, and Australian National University, assessed any potential effects based on the scientific evidence from past releases of radioactivity and radiation dose calculations from independent researchers and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Comparisons with nuclear facilities globally reveal that the planned tritium discharge from Fukushima is substantially lower than discharges from many other nuclear facilities, such as the La Hague reprocessing plant in France. The team has concluded that the anticipated radiation doses to marine life and seafood consumers will be negligible, falling well below safety thresholds. The treated wastewater is being diluted before it is discharged to ensure that tritium levels are far below regulatory limits. Levels of other radionuclides in the release are also being carefully monitored to ensure compliance with standards set by regulatory bodies. Professor Jim Smith, from the University of Portsmouth, said, "The release follows stringent regulations and safety measures. "The planas long as it is carried out correctlyis supported by strong scientific evidence on the risks of radioactivity discharges to marine systems." The primary radioactive contaminant in the wastewater is tritium, present in the form of tritiated water (HTO). While tritium, like other radioactive substances, can induce DNA damage in organisms, its low radiotoxicity significantly reduces potential harm. Tritium's chemical similarity to ordinary water prevents significant increase in concentration of the substance, also known as biomagnification, as its uptake and distribution are controlled by the much larger volume of non-radioactive water. "Our long term studies have found that much more contaminated aquatic ecosystems near Chernobyl show remarkable resilience to radiationfish and aquatic insect populations are thriving," explained Professor Smith. Honorary Associate Professor Tony Irwin from the Australian National University added, "Tritiated water releases happen all over the world at significantly higher levels than the Fukushima release and have been happening for many decades. "The Kori Power Station in South Korea discharges about twice as much tritiated water to the sea compared to the Fukushima release. The La Hague facility in northern France discharges 450 times as much as the Fukushima release to the English Channel and no significant radiation doses occur." Associate Professor Nigel Marks, from Curtin University, added, "There are understandable concerns from the Fukushima community and the public, given the historical context of the disaster, but these fears are not based on scientific evidence. The real focus should be on pressing environmental challenges like climate change, overfishing, and plastic pollution. "The scientific consensus, backed by evidence, is that the release of Fukushima wastewater poses no significant threat." Q&A with Professor Jim Smith What investigations have been carried out to assess the potential impact of the Fukushima Wastewater release? A report by the IAEA concluded that radiation doses to people and the environment will be extremely low. This has been supported by the TEPCO risk assessment which I think is also credible. It is also supported by an independent study by Dutch, Ukrainian and Japanese scientists. I believe that these conclusions are sound and make sense, based on my understandingfrom over 30 years of experienceof radioactivity in aquatic ecosystems. How is the wastewater being released? TEPCO assure us that the water which is being discharged through the pipeline will be analyzed by state of the art radioanalytical methods in the same way as is done for nuclear power plant releases all over the world, including in South Korea and China. The water being released, after checking, will be diluted 100 times to ensure that tritiated water levels are about 40 times less than the discharge limit and that the sum of other radionuclides will be more than 100 times less than the relevant limits. The discharge limits are very cautious. The TEPCO analysis method has been checked by the IAEA and other independent laboratories. How will the discharge process be monitored over 30 years? We can have a lot of confidence that the discharge process is being carried out correctly as the IAEA assure us that they will be on site checking this. If there were significantly higher radioactivity in the discharge than TEPCO has promised, this would be detectable in the sea. I do not believe that the Japanese government could "hide" higher releases than they promise. Why do you think there is such a backlash against this plan? I think that there has been a very effective campaign against this release by anti-nuclear lobbying groups and also by some people and countries who are against the plan for political reasons. I also understand that this release will have an impact on the reputation of Japan's fisheries which will affect them economically. This is not helped by scientifically misleading claims about the risks. What other options do countries have to dispose of radioactive wastewater? Suggestions have been made that using the wastewater to make concrete is a better option than discharge to the ocean. This is an interesting idea, but very speculative at present. No risk assessments have been made for this and this option needs to account for potential evaporation of tritium from the concrete. Previous experience has shown that evaporation of tritium leads to significantly higher radiation doses than discharge to water. I do not think this is a realistic option at this time. More information: Jim Smith et al, The risks of radioactive wastewater release, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adi5446. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi5446 Journal information: Science North Korea has held an enlarged plenary meeting of the Cabinet to assess economic performances in the third quarter, stressing the need to attain this year's goal of grain output without fail, state media reported Friday. Premier Kim Tok-hun presided over the meeting held via a video link on Thursday to discuss ways to better implement the country's economic plan for this year, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The North discussed how to seamlessly achieve the goal of grain production for this year as a key agenda item and assessed "flaws" found during the process of carrying out the economic plan in the third quarter, the report said. In December, North Korea placed its top priority on boosting grain production amid the country's food shortages as it laid out 12 major economic goals for this year. With deaths from starvation reported in some regions, North Korea has reportedly been facing serious food shortages, as its prolonged COVID-19 border closure and disruptions in state-controlled food supply have aggravated the situation. Still, South Korea's unification ministry said the North's food situation appears to have improved, compared with the first six months of the year, on the back of an increase in the crop harvest and imports from China. North Korea replaced several Cabinet members last week during a key parliamentary meeting, but Premier Kim retained his job despite speculation that he may be dismissed due to the poor response to flood damage from a typhoon in August. In August, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un berated the premier over his "irresponsible" attitude in not preventing damage to farmland from the typhoon. (Yonhap) By Kemo Cham A United Nations experts investigation has revealed a worrying trend of cancer prevalence in Sierra Leone, with an annual death rate of over 2, 000 people. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) say estimated 3,000 people develop cancer each year in the country which lacks the capacity and resources to diagnose or provide care for victims. Much of the cancer cases in the country are preventable or curable if discovered early, the agency said as part of the findings of an assessment conducted last month. Cancer refers to a group of diseases that result from abnormal growth of body cells. Some of these are caused by nuclear radiation. The IAEA, the UN agency that coordinates global efforts to ensure cooperation in the nuclear field, seeks to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies in this regard. In December an IAEA team embarked on a mission to review Sierra Leones cancer control capacity at the request of the government with the goal of providing recommendations ahead of the creation of a national cancer control strategy. The mission, known as imPACT reviews, is usually the first step a member state is expected to take to understand the scope of its cancer burden, which is crucial in the development of a national cancer control strategy. The delegation, comprising international cancer experts drawn from the IAEA, the World Health Organization, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, visited both public and private healthcare facilities, medical schools and met with health organizations to assess the key areas of cancer control: prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care along with cancer planning, data collection and the safe application of radiation medicine with regard to health workers and patients. The findings reveal that majority of cancer patients in Sierra Leone seek medical attention when their illness is far advanced or at an incurable stage because of limited access to early diagnostic services. They experts also found that there were no radiotherapy services in the country and that the provision of other modalities of cancer treatment, such as surgical oncology or chemotherapy, was hampered by a severe lack of human resources and medical equipment. This limited access to cancer care services, including qualified staff, means that patients have poor chances of survival if they develop the disease, the IAEA said. It is hoped that the experts recommendations will guide the government in its effort to prioritize cancer control interventions which will include facilitating collaboration among the relevant organizations involved in the sector. The experts also recommended development of a comprehensive cancer control plan, including necessary palliative services with relevant training for health care professionals to make sure patients receive effective pain relief. Breast and cervical cancers top the list as the most prevalent cancer diseases in Sierra Leone. The imPACT Assessment tour of the IAEA experts was part of the Sierra Leone governments renewed drive to strengthen its cancer control programme to meet the growing demands of citizens suffering from the illness, according to the Ministry of Health. In line with this, the government is also set to deploy for the first time a radiotherapy and nuclear medicine service in the country with support from the IAEA. Sierra Leone's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Brima Kargbo, categorized cancer as a public health emergency and stressed the governments commitment to deploying the required resources to address the situation. He also spoke about the need for a national cancer control steering committee to develop the national cancer control plan. "Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the country and must be treated as a public health emergency, like any other disease concerning the public's health," he said, adding: "We must immediately establish the necessary structures to address this as a priority." Copyright (c) Politico 2017 A Bridgeton police officer admitted using excessive force during a 2017 arrest, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Thursday. John Grier III, 51, of the Cedarville section of Lawrence Township, pleaded guilty to violating an individuals civil rights and falsifying a record for submitting a false police report about an assault in which he used pepper spray on a man who was in handcuffs. This defendant admitted he broke his oath as a police officer by violating an arrestees civil rights, Sellinger said in a news release. Those who wear the badge have an obligation to protect the civil rights of everyone in our communities, including those who are accused of a crime. Using pepper spray on a handcuffed suspect who posed no threat was an unreasonable use of force that violated the law. The violation of civil rights count carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Grier is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 6, 2024. On June 18, 2017, Bridgeton police were dispatched to the Riggins Gas Station on West Broad Street following a report of two males sitting at the gas station yelling at passersby, per a 2021 report. When an officer arrived, he found the victim in the drivers seat of a car parked by the gas pumps and another man sitting in the passenger seat. Bridgeton police officer charged in 2017 pepper-spray incident A Bridgeton police officer has been indicted for misusing pepper spray in a 2017 arrest and Grier arrived to the call as backup officer. Eventually, the driver and passenger were issued summonses, and Grier departed the gas station, according to the 2021 report. Within minutes, an officer who remained at the gas station radioed for assistance because the driver and passenger had gotten out of the car and approached him before he could drive off, according to the report. After Grier threatened the men with arrest if they didn't back down, the two men returned to their car and drove to the side of the gas station. Police approached the vehicle and arrested the victim. Grier got out of his car with the pepper spray and proceeded to spray the victim twice in the face, the report states. Later, Grier filed a police report in which he stated the victim refused to enter the police vehicle, which was the cause for him being sprayed twice, the report states. The public trusts that when we take our oath as law enforcement to serve and protect, we will respect the gravity of our responsibilities, FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. When we arrest and take someone into custody, we must ensure their safety, as well as our own. We can do a million things right, but one bad action erodes the faith people place in us." Jerry Volpe, the consultant who handles all purchasing and bidding for the Atlantic City Housing Authority and has been criticized for a lack of materials needed to make repairs, is now the interim executive director of the Linden Housing Authority in Union County. Volpe was appointed to the position at the Linden authoritys Wednesday board meeting, Deputy Director Kathy Sanders said Friday. Under the resolution passed by the Linden board, he will be paid $106,750 per year for a minimum of 20 hours of work per week, she said. Atlantic City Housing Authority board President Stephanie Marshall did not respond to a request for comment on how the new job will affect Volpes position as qualified purchasing agent here. Volpe, whose resume does not include any experience leading a housing agency, also has not responded to requests for comment. His firm, Governance & Fiscal Affairs LLC, has been paid about $460,000 for one year of work in Atlantic City. At the same time, there is a qualified purchasing agent on staff making about $100,000 a year but not allowed to handle purchasing. The board recently increased the amount Volpe can be paid by $51,000. That brings the total the board will pay him for work from August 2022 to February 2024 to $511,000. Angry tenants, no info on Stanley's future at Atlantic City Housing Authority meeting About 160 residents many visibly angry attended an Atlantic City Housing Authority meeting Thursday night, where they reported continuing problems with mold, pest infestations, leaks and unsafe living conditions in the authoritys nine complexes. At the same time, building managers and other staff members have said at public meetings they cannot get the supplies they need to make repairs in the authoritys 1,476 units in nine complexes and scattered sites. The boards general counsel, Rick DeLucry, told Superior Court Judge John C. Porto in a hearing last week that conflicting rules about purchasing from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and from the Office of the Inspector General have kept the authority from ordering needed supplies. But DeLucry did not provide further details. Volpe has been the qualified purchasing agent for the Linden Housing Authority since January, according to Sanders. Former Linden Housing Authority Executive Director Ann J. Ferguson retired Oct. 1 after 30 years at the helm. Joseph Manfredi of Manfredi & Pellechio in West Long Branch is the lawyer for the Linden Housing Authority, and is the labor attorney for the Atlantic City Housing Authority. Linden has three large high-rise buildings with a total of 429 units, according to online listings. About 100 residents of Stanley Holmes Village are suing the Atlantic City authority over dangerous and unhealthy living conditions. They had to live without heat and hot water for many weeks last fall and winter. Atlantic City Housing Authority delivers Stanley Holmes Village plan to court The Atlantic City Housing Authority delivered a large packet of material on the future of Stanley Holmes Village to Superior Court by its deadline late Wednesday, a court spokesperson said. Many residents in Stanley Holmes and other complexes throughout the city have complained they have not been able to get ovens and bathroom fixtures fixed or replaced, and have been living without the use of vital appliances for weeks or months. The authority on Wednesday submitted to Porto a plan for providing consistent heat and hot water to Stanley Holmes Village this winter, and future plans for the complex. The attorney representing the residents, Olga Pomar of South Jersey Legal Services, has said she is digesting the information and cannot comment on it yet. State lawmakers are preparing to overhaul oversight of New Jersey's veterans homes after damning reports found they were poorly managed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Phil Murphy and state Senate Democrats said this week that legislation being drafted would institute a Cabinet-level position dedicated to New Jersey veterans care, providing "an ongoing, visible, institutionalized voice for veterans and their families at the highest level of government." The move would effectively split the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The Democrats also said they are awaiting the arrival of a federal monitor to oversee management of the state's three veterans homes. "While it will take time to identify and address all the considerations that such wholesale change demands, we are committed to our goal and will work diligently to deliver thoughtful legislation in a timely manner," the Governor's Office said in a statement Wednesday. "Our collective aim is ensuring the best possible care for our veterans, and we remain dedicated to this objective. Vineland veterans home's modernization helped it manage COVID-19, report says Vineland's state-run veterans nursing home managed the COVID-19 pandemic better than its sister facilities because it had the space to follow social distancing protocols, an investigation found. The Democrats' announcement came a day after a report from the state Commission of Investigation outlined deficient operations at the homes that likely contributed to about 200 deaths of tenants and staff during the pandemic. One of those homes is in Vineland, which, according to the agency's report, fared better than its counterparts in Menlo Park and Paramus because of its modernized layout and use of communal space. The commission, in its report, said the North Jersey facilities suffered from substantial absenteeism during the pandemic among other flaws, including communication breakdown in agencies overseeing the homes. Similar findings were listed in a U.S. Department of Justice report on the facilities released earlier this year. The federal government said the North Jersey homes risked COVID-19 exposure by improperly grouping ill tenants with healthy ones and failing to furnish staff with proper protective gear. The Democrats on Wednesday said the federal government "can work with the state to create a thorough plan of correction, set clear targets for improvement, and hold us accountable with continuous and transparent reporting." In a significant development related to the drug trafficking case of Lalit Patil, who recently escaped from Sassoon General Hospital, the Special Public Prosecutor has moved an application demanding action against hospital authorities and other stakeholders for negligence. Advocate Shishir Hiray, who represented the government in the case at NDPS and Sessions Court in Khed, argued that the hospital's doctors and officers should be held accountable for allowing the accused to exploit various facilities. Hiray pointed out that the accused had been permitted to stay in the hospital without a valid reason and continued drug trafficking from his hospital ward during his stay. He emphasised the need for concrete measures to prevent such illegal activities from occurring within Sassoon General Hospital. Additionally, the advocate submitted another application to the court, requesting access to the complete record of the accused's hospitalization at Sassoon Hospital, including details of his admissions, discharges, and the duration of his stay. He also urged the authorities to produce the movement register indicating the accused's movements outside of jail. Furthermore, he called for the investigation and testimony of relevant stakeholders to ensure a fair determination of the case. It is worth noting that Lalit Patil, an accused in a drug trafficking case, was arrested by Chakan Police in 2020 for alleged involvement in manufacturing and selling 132 kg of methamphetamine drugs. While he was incarcerated at Yerawada Jail, he was transferred to Sassoon Hospital for medical treatment, during which he was discovered to be involved in his drug business once again. Following his escape from the hospital, the police initiated a search operation, conducting raids at various locations to locate him. The Medical Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) at the BJ Government Medical College (BJGMC), Pune, staged a protest at around noon on Thursday to express collective concern and disapproval of the recent incident at the Government Medical College (GMC), Nanded. The incident involved the dean of the medical college and Shiv Sena (BT) MP Hemant Patil, who made the former clean toilets, as they were in bad condition. The punishment for the government doctor came to light after 31 children died in two days at the Nanded government hospital due to a shortage of staff and medicines. The MARD members at the BJMC, Pune condemned the dean of GMC, Nanded being humiliated and compelled to undertake degrading tasks, including cleaning the toilets. They pointed out that the incident within the hallowed precincts of an educational and healthcare institution was disheartening, which cast a shadow of hopelessness over the dedicated doctors and administrative staff at the GMC, Nanded, who continually and selflessly deliver quality healthcare to patients, despite the considerable resource constraints they face. They disapproved of such acts in which the individuals, who are working diligently to manage patients under challenging circumstances, were made the scapegoats of administrative failures. The protest saw a large participation of a group of doctors, faculty, senior residents, junior residents, private practitioners, interns, and students all wearing black ribbons around their arms as a sign of protest. It was conducted after the OPD hours to prevent any kind of laxity in patient care. The MARD sought a written apology, a swift response and decisive action in this matter. They demanded that an impartial and accurate account of the incident should be disseminated among the public, fostering transparency and accountability. They urged the concerned authorities to undertake a comprehensive investigation into it and take appropriate measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. Dr Nikhil Gattani, president, MARD, BJMC, Pune, told Mirror: The deaths that happened in Nanded, were due to the shortage of the staff. It had nothing to do with the dean. We should focus on the issue, on the shortage of resources. Punishing the dean is not the right solution. We want MP Hemant Patil to tender a written apology in this matter. Dr Amay Raut, general secretary, MARD, BJMC, Pune, said, We protested the incident today that happened at the GMC, Nanded. The dean of the medical college was made to clean the toilets by the MP. The dean holds a prestigious position and cannot be treated like that. One requires many years of experience and expertise to become the dean. He is a class one doctor. Disrespecting the dean is like disrespecting the entire staff associated with the college. The incident was quite humiliating and we want the MP to apologise for his act. TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) When Rhonda Naus got a job inspecting Jeep Wranglers fresh off the assembly line, her paycheck added up to roughly half of what her co-workers were making. But with that came an expectation that her temporary status eventually would become permanent with a big jump in wages. Six years later, she's still doing the same work as her colleagues at Stellantis and still making a lot less. "I knew I had to start at the bottom. I didn't think I'd be at the bottom forever," said Naus, who's among thousands of striking United Auto Workers nationwide pushing for pay and benefit increases along with an end to multiple tiers of wages for workers across the companies. From office workers to delivery drivers, companies have become increasingly reliant on temporary workers. Automakers have used the lower-paid workers for years to fill in for absent and vacationing full-time employees and to staff up when production increases. Tiers for the Detroit automakers were created starting in 2007 as the UAW tried to help them out of serious financial troubles. Even so, GM and Chrysler ended up in government-funded bankruptcies. Today, union leaders say the Detroit automakers are abusing the system to save money by treating temps like full-time workers one major point of contention in current contract talks that has led to more than 25,000 auto workers going on strike. "Temp work has to be temporary work," said UAW President Shawn Fain weeks before the strike began. "We're going to end the abuse of temps." The union is also asking for pay raises as part of the contract talks, as well as a 32-hour week with 40 hours of pay, the restoration of traditional defined-benefit pensions for new hires and a return of cost-of-living pay raises, among other benefits. Under contracts negotiated in 2019, temporary workers reach full-time status at GM after 19 months of continuous employment and at Ford after two years. At Stellantis, maker of Jeeps, Rams and Chryslers, they get preferential hiring but no guarantees. In the current negotiations, GM and Stellantis have made offers to increase temporary worker starting pay from $16.67 to about $20 per hour. Ford raised its offer to $21 per hour with profit sharing and said it would make temporaries full-time workers after 90 days of continuous service. Once temporary workers become full time, they start on a higher pay scale that eventually would reach the top assembly plant wage of $32 per hour. Of the Detroit Three, Stellantis relies most heavily on temporary employees, who make up about 12% of its UAW workforce, or just over 5,100 employees. GM said its temporary workforce accounts for between 5-10% of its total union members while Ford is at about 3%. Temps also known as supplemental employees account for about one in every five of the 5,800 unionized workers at the Stellantis plant that makes Jeeps. "You can be here 10 years and still not be full time. That's crazy," said Logan Bohn, of Woodhaven, Michigan, who has worked at the plant in Toledo for two years. Starting pay for Stellantis temporary workers is $15.78 per hour less than some fast food restaurants and caps out at $19.28 after four years. Neither Ford nor GM would comment on Fain's assertion that the companies are paying poverty wages to temps. A Stellantis spokeswoman noted that the company has said it wants an agreement "that fairly rewards our workforce for their contribution to our success, without significantly disadvantaging Stellantis against our nonunion competitors." The UAW's effort to eliminate tier wages was emboldened this summer when UPS agreed to end the system for its drivers in a new contract with the Teamsters. Along the picket lines outside the auto plants, even workers who wouldn't directly benefit from ending the tier-wage system say it's a top issue for them. Jennifer Navarre, a full-timer on the Jeep assembly line in Toledo, Ohio, said it's an unfair arrangement. "We have to fight together," she said. It's not just the wages that are unequal for temporary workers. They have less health care benefits and don't get profit sharing checks or other performance bonuses. They also must deal with unpredictable schedules and can be told to work overtime when others are allowed to go home. "Some weeks you're working six or seven days, then a few weeks later, it's boom, 'We don't need you here' or 'We only need you on Monday,'" Naus said. Workers in Toledo say there's high turnover among temporary workers and that many left when Amazon opened a nearby distribution center and after a solar panel plant expanded its operations. Orlando Evans, hired in by Jeep five years ago, said many temps who've stayed work second jobs with flexible hours because they never know when they'll be asked to work six days a week or none at all. He started a business driving people to the airport and around town. "The idea came on after all the times I'd been sent home," he said. Evans hasn't left the temporary job with the automaker because he needs health care coverage for his three children and two step kids. "Outside of that, there's not too much more reason to stay," he said. Courtney Torres, who has four children at home, said she lives paycheck to paycheck while working six days a week. "I just get health care and hope," she said. The hope, she said, is that the new contract will give her and the others a direct route to full-time employment. "I want a career, I want to be some place, I want to be able to take a vacation, take my kids on vacation," she said. "Honestly, if they don't give us a clear path, I don't plan on staying. I'm struggling to keep up." North Korea denounced U.S. sanctions during an Asia-Pacific legal conference hosted by Russia, state media reported Friday. The 12th Asia Pacific International Legal Forum took place via video links on Thursday and discussed issues ranging from protecting foreign investments to cooperating on international shipment, the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. During the conference, the North's chief delegate, Choe Kun-yong, said it is the "consistent position" of Pyongyang to "advance international exchange and cooperation based on the principles of respect for sovereignty, equality and reciprocity," according to the KCNA. The North also denounced the "U.S. sanctions scheme for using its domestic law and justice system to suppress and violate the interests and economic development of other countries," the KCNA said. Sixteen countries attended the forum, including China, Laos and Kazakhstan. (Yonhap) Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in recognition of her tireless campaigning for women's rights and democracy and against the death penalty. Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and spending years behind bars. "This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Nargis Mohammadi," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. She said the committee hopes the prize "is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting." She also urged Iran to release Mohammadi in time for the prize ceremony on Dec. 10. For nearly all of Mohammadi's life, Iran has been governed by a Shiite theocracy headed by the country's supreme leader. While women hold jobs, academic positions and even government appointments, their lives can be tightly controlled. Laws require all women to at least wear a headscarf, or hijab, to cover their hair as a sign of piety. Iran and neighboring Afghanistan remain the only countries that mandate it. In a statement to The New York Times, Mohammadi said the "global support and recognition of my human rights advocacy makes me more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful." "I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organized," she added. "Victory is near." Mohammadi has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times, according to Reiss-Andersen. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. Mohammadi's most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after she attended a memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. She has been held at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Physical and sexual abuse of women in prisons, something Mohammadi has campaigned against both outside of and behind bars, remains endemic. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003 It's the fifth time in the 122-year history of the awards that the peace prize has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. Last year, the top human rights advocate in Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, was among the winners. He remains imprisoned. Mohammadi was behind bars for the recent protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. That sparked one of the most intense challenges ever to Iran's theocracy. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown while over 22,000 others were arrested. From behind bars, she contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times. "What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become," she wrote. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian state television and other state-controlled media. Some semiofficial news agencies acknowledged Mohammadi's win in online messages, citing foreign press reports. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. Ebadi, who Mohammadi is close to, founded the center. In 2018, Mohammadi, an engineer, was awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize. Earlier this year, PEN America, which advocates for freedom of speech, gave Mohammadi its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. The organization applauded her win. The choice "is a tribute to her courage and that of countless women and girls who have poured out into the streets of Iran and faced down one of the world's most brutal and stubborn regimes, risking their lives to demand their rights," PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. In addition to Bialiatski, human rights activists from Ukraine and Russia also shared last year's prize, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin after his invasion of Ukraine. Other previous winners include Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Aung San Suu Kyi and the United Nations. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The peace prize was the fifth of this year's prizes to be announced. A day earlier, the Nobel committee awarded Norwegian writer Jon Fosse the prize for literature. On Wednesday, the chemistry prize went to U.S.-based scientists who study quantum dots whose applications include electronics and medical imaging. The physics prize went Tuesday to three scientists who gave us the first glimpse into the superfast world of spinning electrons. A pair of scientists whose work enabled mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday. Nobels season ends next week with the announcement of the winner of the economics prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. Putnam Museum and Science Center President/CEO Rachael Mullins plans to retire in June 2024. Mullins is set to depart after the museum opens its next master plan project, which is dedicated to Quad City innovators. She plans to relocate to the Atlanta area to be closer to family and assist in caring for her mother. She said the Quad-Cities region had a rich history and was a "generous community." "I'm so proud of what we've accomplished and am confident in the leadership of Putnam staff and Board of Trustees to continue the extraordinary work underway to deliver Putnam's mission to ignite human potential and inspire our diverse community to learn about and care for our world and all it's people," Mullins said in a news release. She has led the museum since July 2019. Before taking her position with the museum, she served as the assistant superintendent for community relations and partnerships at Davenport Community Schools. Mullins' tenure at the Putnam saw the 2021 opening of the museum's World Culture Gallery and more recently, a comprehensive update of the regional history exhibit now called "Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories." It is one among several investments being made into the museum and a part of Putnam's master plan that has a goal of raising $7.5 million by the end of Mullins' tenure. In a news release, Putnam Board Chairman Kerry Smith said Mullins has served the museum admirably for the past four years by guiding the Putnam through the pandemic, refining the museum's mission and investing in facility improvements. "She will be greatly missed, but we all support her decision and applaud her commitment to the family," Smith said. The museum's board voted Monday to accept Mullins' resignation and to form a search committee to drive a professional search to place a new president/CEO by June 1, 2024, according to the announcement. Photos: Out of Darkness: Holocaust Messages for Today A man died after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday night on Avenue of the Cities in East Moline. The Rock Island County Coroners Office identified the man as Richard B. Hanson, 56, of East Moline, according to a news release from the East Moline Police Department. A vehicle struck Hanson, a pedestrian, around 7:09 p.m. in the 800 block of Avenue of the Cities. When police arrived, city firefighters were already providing aid to Hanson, who was lying near the roadway. Authorities took Hanson to Genesis Health Systems Illini campus, where the coroners office pronounced him dead, according to the news release. The driver involved in the crash, a 19-year-old woman from Carbon Cliff, remained at the scene and called 911, the release stated. The release did not provide more details about how Hanson and the womans vehicle came into contact, but said that the initial investigation indicates there were no apparent violations of the law that led to the collision. The investigation continued as of Thursday afternoon, according to the release. The police department asks that people with information about the collision contact officers at 309-752-1205. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500 or via the P3 Tips app. A Davenport man whose Rock Island County murder charge was dismissed after witnesses failed to cooperate with prosecutors was arrested by Davenport Police early Thursday for allegedly trafficking fentanyl. Marlon Keyshawn Martin Jr., 24, also known in Scott County District Court records as Marlon Kesean Martin Jr., is charged with one count of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of fentanyl. The charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years. Martin also is charged with violating Iowas drug tax stamp law, a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years. According to the arrest affidavit, at 1:04 a.m., a traffic stop was conducted on a 2014 Ford Fusion in the 1500 block of Main Street. The vehicles driver had failed to stop for a traffic control device. Martin was located in the passenger side backseat of the vehicle. In the seat belt compartment, Martin had placed a clear plastic bag that contained several blue pills with the letter M imprinted on the surface of the pill. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration website, blue pills with M on them are meant to look like oxycodone tablets. However, the counterfeit tablets often contain fentanyl. The pills found in Martins possession contained fentanyl and totaled 11.7 grams. Martin was in possession of more than 10 dosage units, according to the arrest affidavit. During a first appearance on the charges Thursday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Richard Wells scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Oct. 13. Martin was being held Thursday night in the Scott County Jail on a cash-only bond of $25,000. Martin was one of two men arrested in connection with the July 15, 2022, shooting death of 25-year-old Davion Roe. Roe was killed at the Century Woods apartment complex in Rock Island by a single gunshot wound to the head. At the time of Roes shooting death Martin was on parole out of the Iowa Department of Corrections on a conviction of conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in connection with a May 29, 2017, armed robbery in the Village of East Davenport. His term on parole in that case ended Oct. 18, 2022. The other man arrested in connection with Roes murder was Devonte Dazel Hall, 30, of Rock Island. Both men were charged with first-degree murder in the death of Roe. However, witnesses failed to cooperate with prosecutors. Halls case was dismissed Jan. 27, while Martins case was dismissed Aug. 14. Rock Island County prosecutors have the right to refile the murder charges against both men if witnesses decide to cooperate. At the time that Martins murder charge was dismissed, Rock Island County States Attorney Dora Villarreal said, "Davion Roes family will not get justice until his accused murderers are brought to trial and convicted of his killing. "The States Attorneys office moved to dismiss murder charges against defendants Marlon Martin and Devonte Hall because crucial witnesses to Davions murder were uncooperative in law enforcements investigation leading up to trial," she added. Hall is currently serving a 30-month sentence in the Federal Correctional Institute in Pekin, Illinois, for violating his supervised release. Hall had been out of federal prison for only nine months when he became a suspect in the death of Roe, having been released from custody of the Bureau of Prisons on Oct. 5, 2021. Hall was sentenced to federal prison in 2015. During a hearing in U.S. District Court, Rock Island, held Jan 15, 2015, Hall pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, The Hobbs Act, enacted in 1946, prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce "in any way or degree." Hall was charged in connection with the March 25, 2014, armed robberies of the 7-Eleven at 2930 16th St. in Moline and the Kwik Shop at 2805 Telegraph Road in Davenport. He initially was charged in Scott County District Court and Rock Island County Circuit Court. Those charges were dropped when the federal charges were filed. During a sentencing hearing held Sept. 17, 2015, U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow sentenced Hall to 84 months, or seven years, in federal prison for the weapons conviction, with credit for the time he served in custody awaiting trial. Judge Henry Latham heard arguments Friday on if former Davenport Alderman Derek Cornette should be temporarily reinstated on the city council. Cornette has requested to be reinstated while his lawsuit against the city over his removal proceeds. Latham said he would take the arguments from attorneys representing Cornette and the City of Davenport under advisement, and has not yet of midday Friday issued a decision. The Davenport city council voted 7-3 in a special meeting Sept. 7 to remove Cornette from the 7th Ward office following a hearing in which the city's legal staff presented staff testimony, voicemails, and videos on allegations that Cornette was intoxicated during meetings and sexually harassed city employees. Cornette has denied he was intoxicated and said no written complaints were filed for harassment. During the hearing, Cornette's attorney, Mike Meloy, argued the Sept. 7 hearing "was a sham and conducted in the fashion of a kangaroo court" and that his client's due process rights were violated in several ways. Meloy said the 24-hour written notice of charges was not enough time for Cornette to hire an attorney and mount a legal defense to the charges against him. Meloy also argued several members of the city council intermingled prosecutorial, adjudicative, and decision-making duties during the hearing. He pointed to Mayor Mike Matson presiding over the hearing and said he had "pre-judged Derek Cornette in the news media prior to the meeting date." Meloy also pointed to At-Large Ald. Kyle Gripp, who, Meloy said, was "wearing multiple hats" as an alleged victim, then voting to remove Cornette. During the Sept. 7 hearing, Meloy made motions for Matson and Gripp to recuse themselves, but those motions were denied. The city's legal counsel, Ian Russell of Lane & Waterman, defended the city's actions, arguing Cornette had gotten 48 hours notice verbally of the removal hearing and that the city was following Iowa code in holding the hearing. The code stipulates that a fellow council member can only be removed by two-thirds majority of the entire city council. "The Iowa code requires notice and a hearing, and that's what he got," Russell said. To Meloy's charges of intermingling of roles among some on the council, Russell said that Matson presided over the meeting he did not vote or present the case. A city attorney presented the facts to the council. He also argued that if every council member were a victim of another council member and had to recuse themselves, nobody would be left to make a decision on a removal. Close Davenport Alderman Robby Ortiz, 4th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Tim Kelly, 5th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Derek Cornette, 7th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman James "JJ" Condon, At Large, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderwoman Judith Lee, 8th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Ben Jobgen, 6th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, 3rd Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Rick Dunn, 1st Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport mayor, new council sworn in Surrounded by family and friends, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson and eight council members, Alderman Rick Dunn, 1st Ward, Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, 3rd Ward, Alderman Robby Ortiz, 4th Ward, Alderman Tim Kelly, 5th Ward, Alderman Ben Jobgen, 6th Ward, Alderman Derek Cornette, 7th Ward, and Alderwoman Judith Lee, 8th Ward, and Alderman James "JJ" Condon, At Large, were sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Alderwoman Maria Dickmann, 2nd Ward, and Alderman Kyle Gripp, At Large, will be sworn in next week by Matson. Davenport Alderman Robby Ortiz, 4th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Tim Kelly, 5th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Derek Cornette, 7th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman James "JJ" Condon, At Large, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderwoman Judith Lee, 8th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Ben Jobgen, 6th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, 3rd Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Rick Dunn, 1st Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. The federal government is suing an eastern Iowa restaurant, alleging that female employees faced extreme sexual harassment from managers and co-workers. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing Los Agaves Inc., which is the corporate owner of the Los Agaves Mexican Grill, 4882 Utica Ridge Rd., Davenport. The EEOC accuses the company of what it calls unlawful employment practices on the basis of sex and retaliation. The lawsuit alleges that on July 5, 2023, the commission notified the restaurants owner that it had reasonable cause to believe the business had discriminated against certain workers by subjecting them to a hostile work environment on the basis of their gender. The extreme nature of the harassment, combined with defendants repeated refusal to address the harassment, created working conditions so intolerable that the aggrieved individuals could not endure them, the EEOC claims. The commission alleges it invited Los Agaves owner to participate in informal negotiations to address the situation but the owner did not respond. Los Agaves owner, Ernesto Leon of Davenport, said Wednesday that he could not comment on the allegations. He said he hadnt been informed of the EEOCs concerns and his attorney is now looking into the matter. This is going to be a big problem for our company because, I dont know, our sales or something could go down because of this, he said. So were going to try to sue them back. Thats what were doing right now. The commission alleges that since at least August 2016, Los Agaves has subjected female workers to harassment that included repeated physical abuse and/or unwanted sexual comments. According to the commission, employees of the Davenport restaurant exposed their genitals to female colleagues, grabbed womens bodies in a sexual manner, attempted to kiss them, propositioned them for sex, and subjected them to lewd and offensive jokes. In addition, the commission claims, restaurant managers viewed pornography at the restaurant with the volume turned up. The victims of the harassment allegedly reported the behavior to managers and to the owner who then refused to address the situation. In some cases, the commission alleges, the harassment worsened. After one female employee reported harassment, a manager allegedly threatened to report her to immigration authorities. A few days after another woman reported sexual harassment to the restaurants owner, she was fired, the commission claims. Other managers also responded to reports of harassment by attempting to threaten aggrieved individuals into silence, rather than address sexual hostility in the workplace, the lawsuit alleges. As a result of these intolerable working conditions and defendants refusal to address them, a number of aggrieved individuals were compelled to leave their employment. The commission is seeking an injunction forbidding Los Agaves from engaging in any discriminatory employment practices or from retaliating against employees who object to such practices. The lawsuit also seeks a court order requiring the business to implement policies that guarantee equal employment opportunities for employees regardless of gender and which eradicate the effects of its past and present unlawful employment practices. In addition, the EEOC is seeking punitive damages as well as a court order that would compensate the alleged victims of the harassment for any financial losses and for their pain, suffering, humiliation and inconvenience. According to the companys website, Los Agaves operates three other restaurants in addition to the Davenport location. Two are in the Illinois Quad-Cities and one is located in Iowa City. The EEOCs allegations are specific to the Davenport restaurant. Where refugees in Iowa are arriving from Where refugees in Iowa are arriving from #1. Congo #2. Syria #3. Burma #4. Afghanistan #5. Eritrea #6. Burundi #7. Sudan #8. Somalia #9. Colombia #10. Republic of South Sudan #11. Ethiopia #12. Central African Republic #13. Venezuela #13. Guatemala #15. Iraq #16. Honduras #17. Nicaragua #18. Ivory Coast #19. Rwanda The battle is on for second place in Iowa. Former South Carolina Gov. and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was in Clive over the weekend, with her campaign touting recent good polling and momentum following the last two Republican presidential primary debates, where she sparred with nearly everyone on stage. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the current runner-up in recent state polls behind former President Donald Trump, is moving around a third of his campaign staff to Iowa as he doubles down on his make-or-break gambit in the Hawkeye State. Staff for both candidates have been asked to present the case for their candidate as an alternative to Trump to the American Opportunity Alliance, a collection of GOP mega-donors, according to NBC News. If you look at recent state-level polling in the two states that will hold primaries after Iowas caucuses New Hampshire and South Carolina youll see why Haleys campaign has a lot to be optimistic about. In New Hampshire polls over the last two weeks, Haley has taken second place in all but one of them though a few are within the margin of error. The New Hampshire race has been fluid for months as DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie and Haley have all traded spots at second place. But as the jockeying for second place rolls on, Trump maintains a serious lead over all the competitors. South Carolina looks similar. Haley is the former governor of the state, and shes been polling better than DeSantis for more than a month now. But in Iowa, where DeSantis has devoted a lot of attention and is on track to hit 74 of the states 99 counties by Monday, the Florida governor is still in a comfortable second place, polling close to 8 points ahead of Haley on average over the last two weeks. One poll, paid for by Trumps super PAC, showed Haley only two points behind DeSantis, well within the margin of error. The DeSantis campaign is ramping up its focus on Iowa in the hopes of keeping and growing that lead going into the Jan. 15 caucuses. According to the New York Times, the new-to-Iowa staff will organize caucus sites and set up more events around campaign surrogates. And that effort will be boosted by a $15 million fundraising haul in the third quarter, the campaign announced on Wednesday. This significant fundraising haul not only provides us with the resources we need in the fight for Iowa and beyond, but it also shuts down the doubters who counted out Ron DeSantis for far too long, DeSantis campaign manager James Uthmeier said in a statement. Ron DeSantis is the only candidate with the vision to reverse Americas decline and the track record to prove he will get the job done. DeSantis' campaign is billing this ramp-up as "the Ron DeSantis comeback." In an email, a spokesperson said the candidate has drawn a stark contrast with Trump and his campaigning schedule has put Trump on the defensive. With DeSantis betting big on Iowa, there is a sense that his legitimacy depends on him having a good showing in the state, even if he does not take first place. His campaign has conceded as much: Last month, Politico reported a campaign official said a strong second place would put him in a strong position going into the rest of the early states. By the same token, showing a poor performance on caucus night might give folks in South Carolina and New Hampshire reason to second-guess his viability and throw their weight behind someone like Haley. Haley will be back in Iowa this weekend to continue her attempt to eat into DeSantiss lead, holding events in northwest Iowa. At an event in Clive on Saturday, Iowa Sen. Chris Cournoyer, a Republican from LeClaire and Haleys campaign co-char, told me she had seen a lot more energy around Haley in recent weeks and shes optimistic about the candidates future in the state. With her nationwide profile rising with the debates, I think that more and more people are seeing her message is resonating with them, and I think that shes just going to continue to elevate, Cournoyer said. But there's no prize for second place. Trump still dominates the field with more than 50% of support in national polls on average. There's a lot of time between now and the end of the primary next summer, but that will be a big mountain to climb, regardless of who ends up as the top alternative. Trump has picked up his Iowa campaigning in the last month, with a total of five visits planned in September and October. DeSantis's campaign has pointed to that as a sign that the former president is weakening in the state, while Trump's campaign painted it as a commitment to earning Iowans' support. This is how Trump's campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung characterized DeSantis's campaign this week: "As Ron DeSanctimonious adopts a basement strategy, he hasnt been to Iowathe one state hes going all infor more than two weeks. Reports also indicate that donors believe hes only raised between $10 and $25 million in the third quarter, an anemic figure that further proves DeSanctus and his campaigns chances are shriveling up." What I'm reading DeSantis Gets a $15 Million Cash Infusion and Moves Staff to Iowa (The New York Times): The move of staff to Iowa is part of a long-running attempt at a comeback for DeSantis's campaign. How Trump shadowed McCarthy's doomed speakership (Hans Nichols, Axios): Donald Trump was instrumental in handing Kevin McCarthy the speaker's gavel. But it was ultimately the MAGA movement that led to his downfall. These 8 Republicans stood apart to remove Kevin McCarthy as House speaker Rep. Andy Biggs Rep. Ken Buck Rep. Tim Burchett Rep. Eli Crane Rep. Matt Gaetz Rep. Bob Good Rep. Nancy Mace Rep. Matt Rosendale A federal judge sentenced a 44-year-old Rapid City man on Sept. 28 to 11 years and five months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Eugene Perez admitted he and 34-year-old Amber Ashlin distributed multiple pounds of meth in Rapid City and the surrounding areas between January 2018 and December 2021. According to both their admissions, Perez and Ashlin got the meth from multiple people, including a man who brought it in from Colorado. A federal grand jury indicted both in January 2022 with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Ashlin pleaded guilty on June 17 to the drug charge, and Perez pleaded guilty on June 28. After entering their guilty pleas on the drug charge, the government dropped the gun charges. Ashlin was sentenced on Sept. 13 to 17 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Perez is held in the Pennington County Jail awaiting transportation to a federal prison to serve his sentence. He also faces a state drug possession charge. Ashlin is serving her sentence at a federal womens prison in Minnesota. On Thursday, Sept. 21, the West Dakota Water Development District and the Rapid City Parks Division jointly sponsored a major erosion-control and restoration effort as a Day of Caring project under the Black Hills United Ways Month of Caring endeavor. Workers came from several local groups that included the South Dakota National Guard, the Rapid City Fire Departments Wildfire Mitigation Crew, the Meade County FireWise Crew, the Norbeck Society, and the National Weather Service. The project site consists of about five acres of highly erosive shale on a very steep slope that is located just north of Star Village and just west of East Boulevard. The slope has been eroding and enlarging for at least the last 50 years and has been transporting large quantities of suspended sediment into Rapid Creek during heavy rainstorms. West Dakota's goal is to reduce the sediment transport and thus improve water quality in Rapid Creek by eventually accomplishing revegetation of the erosive area. West Dakota initiated the restoration project during 2021 on two parcels involving two different landowners. The smallest parcel is about two acres and is owned by Tzadik Property Management, which owns and operates the Star Village housing area. The largest parcel is about 14 acres and was previously owned by Phil and Yvonne Weger, who gifted the property to the city of Rapid City in 2022 for use as a future park. Thus, the Parks Division now has responsibility for managing the property and continues to work with West Dakota on the revegetation and restoration effort. To date, restoration efforts have largely consisted of treating relatively small areas around the periphery of the project site with a goal of preventing enlargement of the erosive area and beginning to reduce the footprint of the erosive area. Another major effort to date has been installation of silt fences in several key areas to catch and retain sediments on site and prevent transport to Rapid Creek. The Day of Caring project consisted of carrying in and staking down about 7,000 feet of erosion-control socks, which are stuffed with wood chips and are called wattles. The wattles are nine inches in diameter and were made in 100- foot lengths. Carrying each wattle required about 10 workers, after which other workers went about securing it with stakes. The wattles were placed uphill from the silt fences and were strategically aligned in a slightly downhill orientation, as opposed to horizontal, with a purpose of deflecting future sediment transport away from the silt fences, which will extend the life span of the silt fences. United Way Month of Caring coordinator Terri Berg selected the South Dakota National Guard team for this project because of the magnitude of the project and their track record as heavy lifters on Month of Caring projects in previous years. As the Month of Caring coordinator, I have the simple part of gathering the projects and the teams and then finding a good fit for both parties. Once I make the connection between the two, together they decide the details and run with it," Berg said. Devere Pearson, who was the team lead, was able to recruit 10 volunteers from various sections within the organization. When asked how long the National Guard had been doing Month of Caring Projects, Pearson replied I have been here since 2011 so at least 12 years before this year. The Rapid City Wildfire Mitigation Crew came into play as Parks Division Manager Scott Anderson and Dan Driscoll were planning for the Day of Caring project. Driscoll is the Area 3 Director for West Dakota and has been leading restoration efforts since the project was conceived. Anderson introduced Driscoll to crew leader Lt. Eric OConnor, whose crew has been working on fire-prevention efforts on the property this summer. OConnor immediately volunteered his crew of four for the Day of Caring project and also secured three more workers from the Meade County FireWise Crew. The Wildfire Mitigation Crews mission extends beyond reducing wildfire risk to the community, incorporating other aspects of land management," O'Connor said. "The collaboration between different organizations associated with the project is a prime example of meeting all objectives of establishing and maintaining a safer healthy and sustainable landscape. Most of West Dakotas ongoing restoration efforts are accomplished by a cadre of volunteers that have included several Directors from its Board of Directors and a wide variety of other volunteers with an interest in water-quality improvement. As the magnitude of the planned effort began to sink in, Driscoll began soliciting help from the volunteer cadre. The Norbeck Society became involved because of participation in a similar restoration project at Raider Park, which is just north of Stevens High School. The Raider Park project is a new partnership between West Dakota and Raider Park stakeholders. The National Weather Service became involved because NWS volunteers had previously assisted West Dakota on another similar erosion-control project at Lacroix Links, which also is managed by the Parks Department. Besides providing on-site volunteers, the Rapid City Forecast Office provided detailed forecasting in advance of the Day of Caring project. The weather forecast was somewhat dubious because of potential rain; however, morning showers missed the project site, and it ended up being a perfect workday. A total of more than 30 volunteers contributed efforts over the course of about a week in advance of and including the Day of Caring. The Wildfire Crew worked one day in advance to clear lanes for wattle placement through about one-half acre of black locust trees, which have large, spiked thorns and would have impeded wattle placement. Several private citizens contributed logistical efforts prior to the day of carrying. Special logistical efforts were provided by Larry Martian of Wattle World, which manufactures the wattles locally. Its almost unbelievable how this project came together," Driscoll said. "These work crews were real work horses and its totally amazing how much they accomplished. The United Ways Month of Caring concept is a huge benefit to the community, and were totally indebted to them and to the many people who stepped up on this project. Funds for purchasing the wattles and other supplies were provided by West Dakota as part of the budget for their ongoing project at this site. West Dakota's funds arise from a property tax increment that is provided for under South Dakota state law. For taxes payable in 2023, West Dakotas mill levy is 0.02, which is two cents per thousand dollars or two dollars per hundred thousand of assessed value. West Dakota's area of influence is that part of Pennington County that is west of the Cheyenne River. Rapid Creek is the main watershed within this area. West Dakota's mission is to encourage and fund the prudent and effective development, use and management of water resources within western Pennington County. The Star Village project is an excellent fit for that mission through the improvement of water quality in Rapid Creek. West Dakota is grateful for the contributions of the many Day of Caring workers. West Dakota can use many more volunteers for their ongoing erosion-control projects. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact West Dakota Program Manager Dan Mullally at wdwdd0@gmail.com or Area 3 Director Dan Driscoll at wdwdd3@gmail.com. Rapid Citys Community Relations Commission is supporting the Knollwood Halloween Trunk or Treat, sponsored by the Renewal MB Church. The Trunk or Treat event will be held in the Renewal MB Church parking lot on Halloween evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and the public is invited. The commission is seeking donations of candy to support the upcoming Halloween event. The candy may be dropped off in the donation box in the lobby of City Hall, 300 Sixth Street. Candy donations are being accepted through Oct. 27. This is the second consecutive year the commission is supporting the Trunk or Treat event. Last year, the community donated more than 12,400 pieces of candy and $350 to support the event. Last years community candy collection drive was a huge success, said LaFawn Janis, City Community Relations Commission coordinator. The Knollwood Trunk or Treat event was a great night of success, bringing a lot of joy and happiness to the youth in the Knollwood neighborhood and area. Were hoping for another successful year and asking the community to support the effort again with donations of candy. The citys Community Relations Commission continues to work with the Renewal MB Church and with the Rapid City Police Department on ways to help create and build a better sense of community in the Knollwood area. As with last year, our goal is to give the residents, especially the children, a sense of hope and to understand the entire city supports them. As residents prepare for trick-or-treaters this Halloween season, Janis asks the community to pick up an extra bag or two of candy for the Knollwood community children. For more information about the citys candy donation drive, contact Janis at lafawn.janis@rcgov.org or 605-718-2420. A North Korean official denounced France on Friday over its plan to monitor North Korea's possible illicit maritime activities, calling it an "extremely foolish act of plunging itself into a bottomless pit." Ryu Kyong-chol, a researcher at Pyongyang's Korea-Europe Association, made the criticism in response to Japan's announcement that France will engage in monitoring and surveillance of illicit maritime activities this month, including ship-to-ship transfers by North Korean-flagged vessels, by using an aircraft from a U.S. airbase on Okinawa. "Such irresponsible behavior of France to interfere in the situation of the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia, where interests of regional powers are inextricably intertwined, is no more than an extremely foolish act of plunging itself into a bottomless pit," Ryu said in the English-language article carried by the Korean Central News Agency. France, one of five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, has engaged in the monitoring and surveillance activities in waters near the Korean Peninsula every year since 2019 to help implement the Security Council sanctions resolutions on North Korea. North Korea is banned from transporting fuel and other commodities via ships under the sanctions imposed in response to its nuclear and missile programs. Pyongyang is believed to have engaged in constant illicit ship-to-ship transfers to evade sanctions. Mu Bong 1, a North Korean oil tanker with a record of sanction violations, was briefly spotted in waters east of the Chinese Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan on Monday, the Voice of America (VOA) reported, spawning suspicion of illicit maritime activities by Pyongyang. The researcher warned that France should immediately refrain from what he called "anachronistic gunboat diplomacy," saying the situation on the Korean Peninsula is "inching close to the brink of a thermo-nuclear war" that will be made "more complicated and dangerous." In August, Pyongyang denounced France for holding its first combined air exercise with South Korea, decrying it as an "undisguised military provocation" threatening the North's security. (Yonhap) Students from Mahpiya Luta High School near Pine Ridge, South Dakota have launched a podcast series aimed at revitalizing the Lakhota language. The podcast, titled "Woiwahoye Gluotkuzapi (Keeping the Promise), is a way for students to honor and celebrate the beauty of the Lakhota language. Students are creating a platform with language as a central focal point and serving as a bridge between communities and fostering a sense of pride among Lakhota youth. This podcast is unique because we are students speaking and being able to talk about ourselves, what we love and what we do, senior Oceane Bull Bear said. We feel proud to be encouraged to speak the language and be given the opportunity to do something new and get the language out there for others. The podcast is part of a growing movement of Lakhota language revitalization. Podcasts allow youth to hear and experience the language. Through "Woiwahoye Gluotkuzapi," students will share stories, engage in conversations and explore various facets of modern Lakhota life, all in the Lakhota language. My class and I decided to spread the language in a more modern way. We thought the podcast would be a productive option, said senior April Knight. We see it as a way for ourselves to heal and incorporate the language into everyday conversations. The first episode will be released on Monday, Oct. 9, Indigenous Peoples Day. Tiara Black, owner of Eat 66 diner, has purchased the Carytown Burgers & Fries on Lakeside Avenue in Henrico County. Im really looking forward to being the next generation of Carytown Burgers & Fries, Black said. Mike Barber, who founded Carytown Burgers & Fries in 1999 in Carytown and eventually expanded to Henrico, put the businesses up for sale in June due to health issues. Black purchased the Lakeside location at 5404 Lakeside Ave. The Carytown location is currently under contract with another purchaser, although details were not available at this time. Nathan Hughes from Sperity Real Estate Ventures represented the seller. Tony Rolando at Pollard & Bagby represented the landlord. When I heard about Mike and his situation, I thought it was an inspiring story and I was very interested. He wanted to make sure the business went to great hands, Black said. Black purchased Eat 66 at 2845 Hathaway Road off Forest Hill Avenue two years ago. Weve made great strides with Eat 66, she said. I want to do the same thing with Carytown Burgers & Fries. Black has made a career out of running struggling restaurants for corporations and bringing them back to life. She has been employed all over the country, working for different locations of Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill and Golden Corral before purchasing Eat 66. Black plans to rename the restaurant Lakeside Burgers & Fries in the new year. But thats the biggest change. Shes hoping to keep the staff and the menu, with its award-winning burgers, the same. Carytown Burgers & Fries was recently named the best burger spot by the Richmond Times-Dispatchs The Best contest. The Lakeside location is in a small, dated strip mall that also houses a tattoo parlor and a beauty shop. Im hoping to bring some life back to the shopping center, Black said. The plan is to make it the neighborhood burger place. I think shes going to do an amazing job. She really knows what shes doing. Shes got a lot of great ideas, Barber said. I think shes going to create an amazing spot for everybody in Lakeside and the surrounding area to come by and grab some good food. As for his health, Barber has been dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and cancer surgeries. Im more than happy to pass the baton, he said. This will be the second restaurant for Black. Originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, Black said its been a beautiful experience to be back in my home state. Both the Carytown location at 3449 W. Cary St. and the Henrico location remain open during the transitions. PHOTOS: Carytown Burgers & Fries Lakeside location A University of Virginia student was injured while fighting off an abduction that ended only when her alleged attacker crashed a work truck into a tree Wednesday night. While a bloodied woman was quickly found near the crash site, a manhunt involving multiple agencies worked overnight before a suspect was arrested shortly after noon Thursday. A violent individual is no longer on the street, said Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis at a post-arrest press conference. Our communitys a little safer today. The arrestee is 40-year-old James Robert Allen of Suffolk, who has been charged with strangulation and abduction, said Kochis. Police were first alerted around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday after a commercial pickup truck wrecked in a fraternity house yard at the corner of Grady and Cabell avenues. Before the truck came to rest against a tree trunk, it hit multiple vehicles and at least one other tree, officers reported. Ive got a female here with what looks like blood on her face and blood on her hands, an officer can be heard moments later on a police scanner. She doesnt want me to approach her, but I believe shes the victim of this, the officer continued. She had duct tape on her wrists. While the police chief declined to confirm those details or whether a weapon was wielded, he said the young woman battled a violent stranger. She fought her way to freedom, said Kochis. Shes a very strong woman. The police scanner also seemed to confirm what images posted on social media showed: that the truck bore the logo of Curtis Contracting Inc. of West Point. That company holds a $28.5 million contract to design and build six major intersections, including the recently completed diverging diamond connecting Interstate 64 with U.S. Route 250. Were still following the investigation and dont have anything to add, company Vice President Steve Ordung told The Daily Progress Thursday, declining to answer any questions. The police chief expressed gratitude to the public for assisting in the manhunt by sharing his departments social media posts, including a 6:42 a.m. Thursday Facebook post describing the attack with attached images of the suspect. That post showed around 2,000 shares by the time of Allens arrest, which Kochis said took place in Louisa County. We received numerous sightings of this individual which ultimately led us to apprehend him, said Kochis. He said the search involved helicopters, tracking dogs and the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies, including Virginia State Police and Orange County Sheriffs Office. I just couldnt be more proud of the cooperation, said Kochis. Resources just flooding the area. We called in all resources available to us, he continued. It was a phone call, and theyre like, Were on our way from Roanoke, Were on our way from Richmond, Were on our way from Culpeper. By late afternoon, Allen arrived at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, according to jail officials. State records indicate that this is not the first time that Allen has been charged with abduction. A 2008 incident in Fauquier County led to a mistrial and later to an assault and battery conviction with a 12-month jail sentence. A strangulation conviction can bring a maximum five-year sentence while a conviction for abduction can bring 10 years. Kochis said the condition of the victim was stable, and UVa Police Chief Tim Longo expressed gratitude. Thank God this young lady is safe, said Longo. Shes gonna work through this with a lot of support and love. My message to the students is to continue to be resilient, continued Longo. It is a safe place, but it also is an evil world. This story has been updated to reflect Allen's primary address as Suffolk. A Maryland man facing an aggravated murder charge in connection with the June 16 shooting death of a Wintergreen police officer in Nelson County was naked during the attack and earlier was actively trying to kill himself, according to a search warrant filed in Albemarle County Circuit Court. Daniel Barmak, of Towson, Maryland, is charged with aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer and one count each of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, malicious wounding and possession of a Schedule I/Schedule II drug. The charges stem from the killing of Wintergreen Police Department officer Mark Christopher Chris Wagner. The incident began shortly after 10 p.m. June 16 when an emergency call came into the Wintergreen Police Department about two people being assaulted at the residence they were all staying at on Arrowood Lane in the Wintergreen community of Nelson County, a news release from Virginia State Police said. After calling police, the two injured men fled the residence on foot. The two 23-year-old men were taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, the release said. Wagner, 31, the first law enforcement officer to arrive at the residence, encountered Barmak in the woods and a struggle ensued, the release said. During the course of the struggle over Wagners department-issued handgun Barmak shot and killed Wagner, state police said. A preliminary hearing for Barmak, who was 23 at the time of his arrest, was set for Wednesday but has been continued to Jan. 17 in Nelson General District Court, according to court records. According to a search warrant filed in late August in Albemarle County, a state police special agent wrote Barmak has been behaving in a highly unusual manner and two witnesses reported to investigators Barmak was actively attempting to kill himself as well as other persons. Both witnesses stated Barmak wanted to jump off the balcony. Body camera images from Wagners own camera depict Barmak, who was naked, initiating an attack on the officer, the warrant states. During the altercation between the two, a gunshot was heard, Wagner yelled, Hes trying to get my gun! and the officer yelled for help numerous times, the warrant document states. Additional body camera footage from other officers shows Barmak eating gravel, the warrant states. The special agent who filed the warrant wrote based on training and experience, Barmaks behavior was recognized as that of someone suffering from a mental health crisis or under the effects of intoxication and/or drug impairment. Illicit drugs, to include psychedelic mushrooms, were found in proximity to Barmaks area of control, the warrant affidavits accompanying document states. The two witnesses and Barmak had consumed alcohol, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms prior to the shooting, and the two stated Barmak used a white powdery substance that the defendant identified as Ketamine. The warrant states as of its filing in late August the special agent did not have results of any toxicology tests conducted on Barmak, who was shot during the incident with Wagner. Based on medical records obtained at the University of Virginia Medical Center, Barmak was shot in the leg and shrapnel from a bullet was removed by hospital staff and released to the universitys police department, the warrant states. Wintergreen police and the Nelson County Sheriffs Office took Barmak into custody without further incident. Barmak was taken to UVA Medical Center for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury sustained during the incident, the release said. Wagners department-issued handgun was recovered at the shooting scene in the woods, police have said. Wagner joined the Wintergreen Police Department, a private agency of only 17 personnel, in August 2020. Before, he served with the Massanutten Police Department for seven years and attended Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Academy. A crowd of about 500 people attended his funeral service in Fishersville on June 26 some 400 of those paying respects in uniform from police, sheriffs and fire and rescue departments across the state, and from as far as West Virginia. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears also were in attendance. Chris could have easily waited for back-up, Wintergreen Police Chief Dennis Russell said at the slain officers funeral. He fought the good fight. The Nelson County Board of Supervisors and numerous other localities governing bodies have backed a resolution pushing to have line of duty death benefits legislation extended to include privately employed police officers. That legislation will be taken up in the Virginia General Assemblys session in January. After reporting from the Richmond Times-Dispatch revealed that the Youngkin administration stopped disseminating teacher diversity grants that the legislature had funded, the administration resumed the grants. Virginia lawmakers had appropriated $50,000 a year for the grants in each of the last three two-year budgets. Without public notice, the state education department stopped announcing and disseminating the grants last year for fiscal year 2023, though the legislature had approved the funding. According to several department staff members, it was the consensus of the agency leadership under then-Superintendent Jillian Balow that race-specific grants are not permissible and could violate the states nondiscrimination law. But no one requested an opinion from the Office of the Attorney General. The state Department of Education first announced the program in December 2018 under then-Gov. Ralph Northams administration, and then each following summer up to 2021. The department did not announce the grants last year, Gov. Glenn Youngkins first year in office. The agency announced a new grant cycle Thursday afternoon, three months after The Times-Dispatch reported that the administration had halted the grants. The Virginia Department of Education is committed to helping school divisions meet their classroom staffing needs, said Department of Education spokesman Todd Reid in a statement. Provisionally licensed teachers are encouraged to earn their full license, and this grant is designed to help those provisionally licensed teachers strengthen their credentials and continue to serve the children in their classrooms. The annual $50,000 allocation for the grant is $100,000 this year, since the administration did not disseminate the funds last year. The grant program is intended to help provisionally licensed teachers of color who are seeking full licensure by subsidizing tutoring and test fees for the exams required for full licensure. A provisional license lasts three years. Many teachers do not obtain their full license because of barriers like cost and time. We have a teacher shortage, particularly among minority teachers, that we know can be partially addressed by getting rid of this barrier, said Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, a high school teacher. Im glad to see that the governor is reinstating the program but disappointed that politics got in the way of implementing it last year, he said. We should be doing everything we can to make sure kids have world-class teachers in every classroom. The annual grant program was an outgrowth of a 2017 task force to diversify Virginias educator pipeline. Supporting provisionally licensed candidates with additional exam preparation was one of the top recommendations the task force presented to the administration of then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe in August 2017. A strong teaching force with a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives is critical to the long-term success of all our students, and the reinstatement of these teacher diversity grants is an important step forward in assisting provisionally licensed teachers of color in Virginia to eventually receive their full teaching license, said James Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association. While half of the students in Virginia are students of color, more than eight in 10 of our teachers are white. These grants will help close that gap and allow all the Commonwealths students to benefit. The Youngkin administration has made a point to roll back diversity and equity efforts in education. The first executive order the governor signed when he took office was to end the use of inherently divisive concepts. The Department of Education scrapped a wide range of policies, programs and resources. Department leadership called the initiatives divisive and at times discriminatory. 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Anne Gregory Panny Rhodes, R-Richmond, was about to retire from the House of Delegates thanks in part to political redistricting by her fellow Republican legislators in 2001 she warned the audience at a civic luncheon at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Richmond that she wasnt going to drop out of sight or earshot. Anyone who know me knows that I am not quiet, she said. Mrs. Rhodes, a forceful advocate for health care, womens issues and public education who served 10 years in the House, died Thursday at Westminster Canterbury Richmond from complications of multiple strokes. She was 81. She had entered politics in 1991 after a long history of charity work and civic activism, which led the YWCA to name her the Outstanding Woman of Richmond in 1990. Her first election victory was memorable as she won the Republican nomination in a three-way race with former Del. Hatcher Crenshaw and Richmond businessman Ed Eck, who had served one term in the House as a Democrat but was seeking reelection as a Republican in a newly drawn district. Crenshaw, after finishing third on the first ballot at the Republican Mass Meeting, threw his support behind Mrs. Rhodes by holding her hand aloft and parading with her before the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Center in Richmond. She then defeated Democrat Barry Pruitt, a Richmond restaurateur who also was a first-time candidate, to win the first of five terms in the House. During her tenure in the House, Mrs. Rhodes was known for working across the party aisle to champion causes and principles important to her, especially those involving Richmond. She believed in getting things done, said former Sen. John Watkins, R-Powhatan, who served with Mrs. Rhodes for six years in the House before moving to the Senate. Sen. Walter Stosch, R-Henrico, who joined the Senate the same year she arrived in the House, worked with Mrs. Rhodes on issues of importance to Richmond, which they both represented. I loved Panny Rhodes, Stosch said. She was someone who was vivacious and fun to be around. But he also called her an independent thinker who was very tenacious as a legislator. She was a really good legislator because she staked out her territory and stuck to it, Stosch said. Along the way, Mrs. Rhodes made some political enemies in her own party, including then-Gov. Jim Gilmore, who supported Republican challenger Rubel Hord in a nomination fight she won in 1999. When former Gov. Gerald Baliles, a Democrat, introduced her at the civic luncheon at St. Pauls in 2001, he said: Im not sure that the current governor would agree with this, but I would describe Panny Rhodes as everyones favorite Republican. Another former Democratic governor, Doug Wilder, said Mrs. Rhodes was unbossed and unbought. She was vocal, Wilder said Thursday, and thats one of the things you miss today. Mrs. Rhodes was also a mentor to other women elected to the House, including Democrat Viola Baskerville, who represented a district on the other side of what is now Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond. She was one of the very few women, if not the only woman in the Republican Party, who reached out and worked in a bipartisan manner for the city of Richmond and other parts of Virginia, Baskerville said Thursday. She was of the old school of the Republican Party. Mrs. Rhodes publicly supported Democrat Mark Warner in his successful gubernatorial campaign in 2001. Now a U.S. senator, Warner said Thursday, She was a tireless advocate for improving public schools and health care and paved a path for more women in politics. After leaving the House, Mrs. Rhodes served in multiple leadership roles at Virginia Commonwealth University, including as a founding trustee of the VCU School of Engineering Foundation, two terms as a member of the VCU board of visitors, and two years as rector. Panny worked hard on governance, which is really important, said Dr. Sheldon Retchin, former CEO of the VCU Health System. She was always an advocate for the institution, every step of the way. She was not shy. A native of Durham, N.C., Mrs. Rhodes first came to Richmond as a student at St. Catherines School, from which she graduated in 1960, and graduated from Duke University in 1963 with a degree in mathematics. She met her husband, Jim Rhodes, in Baltimore while working for the defense industry. They married in 1965. A nuclear engineer, he later served as CEO of Virginia Power, now known as Dominion Energy. During her long illness, her husband visited every day for lunch and dinner, reading her the newspaper to keep her informed on events near and far, said Judy Castleman, a health care consultant and former lobbyist who worked closely with Mrs. Rhodes on issues related to womens health and education. Jim was unbelievable, Castleman said. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Rhodes is survived by her son, Tom; daughter, Annie; sister, True Applegate of Charleston, S.C.; brother, Nathaniel Gregory of Osterville, Mass.; their spouses and five grandchildren. When her first grandchild was born, Mrs. Rhodes had a playpen installed in her House office, Castleman said. She was really proud of her family, Baskerville said. She had the balance of family, work and commitment to her community. The family will conduct a celebration of Mrs. Rhodes life on Nov. 10 at 3:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Virginia. Her interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations go to the Anne J.G. Rhodes Scholarship Fund at Duke University: online at https://gifts.duke.edu/ (Fund #6187109) or by mail to Box 90581, Durham, NC 27708; or the Westminster Canterbury Foundation: online at https://foundation.wcrichmond.org/senior-living-donations-richmond-va or by mail to 1600 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, VA 23227. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan is sworn in on historic day Jeff E. Schapiro Politics Columnist Follow Jeff E. Schapiro 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 They knew each other by reputation, record and their shared religion: Virginia politics. Major Reynolds, Charlie Davis and Panny Rhodes came by that faith differently: Reynolds, a Democrat, by birth. Republicans Davis and Rhodes, respectively, by broadcasting and by refusing to be one of the boys. Reynolds, 89, and Davis, 77, died Sept. 18. Rhodes, 81, died Thursday. They represented a seemingly anachronistic brand of politics: keenly competitive yet sensibly cooperative, practiced with a hint of intimacy that may no longer be possible in a state that in their lifetimes was fully transformed from a rural backwater preoccupied with race to a multi-hued suburban dynamo. As the grandson of the founder of the eponymous aluminum manufacturer, Reynolds alternately an executive, legislator and philanthropist embodied the business-friendly, socially progressive iteration of the Virginia Democratic Party that would dominate the state for more than a decade, beginning in 1981 with the election of Gov. Chuck Robb. Some of the seeds of that era were planted 15 years earlier with the victory for the House of Delegates of Sarge Reynolds, Majors younger brother, for whom the promise of a sterling career that some said would include the presidency ended with his death to cancer at the all-too-young age of 34 in 1971. Major born Richard S. Reynolds III and known by the nickname adopted from his paternal great-grandfather preserved his brothers legacy but nurtured his own. In the late 1970s, he served a single term in the House, where he advocated for tougher conflict-of-interest rules and state promotion of Black history prescient positions almost certainly dismissed back then by the uber conservative old guard as the whims of a wealthy dilettante. Fifty years on, as Reynolds friends have noted, these proposals are realities. Voters decided that Reynolds a Churchill buff who saw in his heros life the opportunities and limits of politics would go no further than the General Assembly. He lost the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 1977 to someone who had Sarge-like celebrity in spades: Robb, a son-in-law of the late President Lyndon Johnson. But Reynolds ever dapper, mixing stripes and plaid long before it was fashionable remained a presence in politics. He raised money, organized campaigns and recruited candidates. As younger members of his family did the unthinkable support Republicans Reynolds, whose wife, Pam, has a GOP pedigree, remained a stoutly loyal Democrat, even securing office space in Richmond for such hopeless causes as Walter Mondale in 1984. Charles J. Davis III Charlie, to friend and foe, alike never strayed from his roots in Franklin County, a moonshine hub in near Southwest Virginia. Under his desk on the third floor of the state Capitol, where he was GOP Gov. John Daltons final press secretary, was a large, glass jug of untaxed corn liquor. Unclear is how it got there or where it went when Davis left government to become a lobbyist for a giant railroad. It was easy and perilous to underestimate Davis as a lobbyist, who also plumped for tobacco, gambling and the high-cost, instant-loan industry. His swaggering style, the burgundy-colored muffler wrapped around his neck, the omnipresent cigarette, the blue humor and a one-on-one manner that recalled a practiced lounge lizard were distractions from his sharp eye, attuned ear, knack for detail and ability to say a lot with only a few words. Those skills were refined in Davis first line of work: He was a reporter, covering the news for a big-stick radio station in Richmond to which everyone defined as politicians, policymakers, bureaucrats, lobbyists and corporate and professional types tuned in throughout the day. Davis knew that audience before he became part of it. Swapping information is the stock and trade of reporters and lobbyists. For the latter, it can have significant read: expensive implications for their clients. So Davis didnt hesitate to alert the cigarette maker he represented that legislation it sought, and requiring the company to use self-extinguishing paper for the billions of butts rolled in Virginia, could lock the firm out of foreign markets with different manufacturing standards. If a call from Reynolds was a chance for him to filibuster, a telephone for Davis was a weapon of mass instruction. Hed happen on a yellowed news clipping or a note from a politician of yore; ring you up; explain their back story in provocative language unfit for a family-oriented publication; and because he knew you might treasure it as he had drop it in the mail to you. Anne Rhodes her nickname, Panny, was rooted in her youth in North Carolina shared, too, mostly in the marketplace of ideas. A member of the male-dominated House from 1992 until 2002, Rhodes was a rarity: a moderate Republican, representing Richmond and part of Henrico County. She discomfited her party by comfortably defying its orthodoxy. Unlike most Republicans, Rhodes supported abortion rights and opposed tax cuts. Such stands infuriated Gov. Jim Gilmore, who personally recruited a primary challenger to Rhodes in 1999 because she resisted Gilmores car-tax rollback as fiscally irresponsible. After all, Rhodes knew her way around a budget. She was a mathematics major at Duke and a numbers-cruncher for a defense company on some of the Pentagons priciest weapons systems. In floor speeches punctuated with a smile and an occasional note of disbelief, Rhodes also given to great gusts of gesticulation would question the arithmetic of tax breaks and fret over their impact on schools and health care. Rhodes easily brushed aside her opponent, pulling nearly 60% of the vote. In the heart of her district Richmonds affluent, leafy West End the challenge to Rhodes was not only considered bad manners, it was bad politics. Rhodes centrist views nicely suited her constituents, including Democrats, who didnt hesitate to go into the Republican primary to vote for Rhodes if only to teach Gilmore a lesson. By 2001, Rhodes was fully estranged from her party. She would support Democrat Mark Warner for governor that year, saying he would undo damage inflicted on the budget by Republicans never mind that it would require Warner breaking in 2004 a campaign promise not to increase taxes. This is not to suggest that Reynolds, Davis and Rhodes were the embodiment of the good old days, which, at times, could be pretty bad. They would admit as much. But it is to say that the three were committed to Virginia; that they were definitely characters and, occasionally, caricatures. PHOTOS: General Assembly Building construction In a Washington Post column on White House aide, Jan. 6 witness and author Cassidy Hutchinson, Monica Hesse refers to Hutchinsons alma mater, Christopher Newport University, as a fine institution in Virginia that you will be forgiven if youve barely heard of. I am the president of Christopher Newport. I agree that it is a fine institution. As for being an institution youve barely heard of, Ill own that, too, as it is a fate shared by many regional public universities. Thats regrettable. Hutchinsons book and the resulting media coverage open a window so that we can demonstrate how universities like ours contribute to the education of future leaders and the well-being of our communities. Hutchinson, Class of 2019, was a first-generation student. Thats true for 19% of our students, and the percentage has been increasing. Regional public universities provide the life-changing benefits of the campus experience and a college degree to a student body that is diverse in all its forms. Hutchinson benefited from the advantages offered by regional public universities. Most of CNUs classes have fewer than 20 students and are led by credentialed faculty. "My classes are intellectually stimulating, yet it's my professors that will be my fondest memory," Hutchinson once said about her CNU days. "They have provided an enriching educational experience both in and out of the classroom while offering constant encouragement." Large lecture halls and Zoom classes have their place in higher education. Still, universities like Christopher Newport are sticking with what we know works: in-person classes with personalized learning. Hutchinson first landed in the White House through an internship CNU facilitated after she expressed an interest in politics and public service. Internships are a strength of regional public universities. We are agile, creative, and responsive to the needs of employers. Here, that results in internships and then careers at places such as Canon Virginia, NASA, Jefferson Lab, Huntington Ingalls and, yes, the White House. Co-curricular programs enhance the value of classwork and internships and make our graduates even more job-ready. Our Presidents Leadership Program offers advanced leadership education, skills-based training and scholarships to an especially accomplished group of civic-minded students. Nearly 1,200 are participating this year. We are proud of Cassidy Hutchinson, as we are of every one of the alumni we call Captains for Life. We wish her well with her book, and were grateful for the mention in The Washington Post, even if it did come with the scent of faint praise. We are indeed a fine institution, if not yet famous, and we will continue to enthusiastically and effectively serve our region, Virginia and the world. From the Archives: A look back at punk rock in Richmond Those of us who have consistently urged more support for Virginias historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were elated by the recent letters from Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack urging governors to take bold action to address decadeslong disparity in the distribution of funds between predominately white institutions (PWI) and HBCU land-grant institutions. This disparity among land-grant institutions reflects the same disparity between all public PWIs and HBCUs that has existed for decades and is rooted in systemic segregation of our education system, a pattern that is most apparent in Virginia. To understand the magnitude of injustice borne from decades of underfunding, one needs to understand Virginias history. Virginia practiced racial segregation for decades, including Massive Resistance, which Virginia Sen. Harry Byrd famously stated was to prevent a single Negro child from entering any white school. As a result of segregation policies in Virginia and other states, HBCUs were created to educate Black students. It is no surprise that this dual system of education further exacerbated disparities between PWIs and HBCUs, as state government provided significant tax dollars to PWIs while ignoring or consistently underfunding HBCUs. A related irony, but less publicized consequence of the underfunding disparity, was that HBCUs did not have the option of offsetting less state funding with endowments that were available to PWIs. The impact of educational segregation, when combined with race-based bias in housing and economic development, deprived the Black community of the generational wealth needed to endow HBCUs. Notwithstanding this unparalleled impediment to education, Virginias HBCUs have produced a disproportionate number of Black graduates and have provided educational opportunities for Blacks and Pell Grant-eligible, low-income students at a far higher rate than other Virginia public institutions. In essence, HBCUs almost single-handedly created the Black middle class. Imagine what they could achieve if they were allocated their fair share of resources. This inequitable situation occurs at a time when Virginia rightfully is taking action to enhance its talent pipeline to become the best state in the nation for business, an outcome that economically benefits every Virginian regardless of race or income, as recently documented by the Weldon Cooper Center. Moreover, this inequitable situation is now compounded by the Supreme Courts recent decision to end race-based criteria for college admissions, thus limiting access for minority students and increasing demand for enrollment at HBCUs, along with Hispanic- and Minority-serving Institutions, all of which will require additional funding. Fortunately, the business community has recognized that HBCUs are underserved resources that need more funding if Virginias economy is to expand and successfully compete with other states. Both the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council have advocated for more funding for HBCUs as well as for support of Pell-eligible students. That advocacy also now includes increased funding for paid internships, which moves more minorities and women into the talent pipeline. While modest steps have been taken by the two most recent governors, Virginia needs a bold new plan to fully support HBCUs as well as maximize access to higher education for every Virginia student, especially those traditionally denied access. That plan should include: A long-term commitment of substantial supplemental funding to each of Virginias public HBCUs, to be used for scholarships, recruitment, retention, faculty expansion, and academic programs that support economic growth. Maryland (with a Republican governor and a Democratic legislature) took such action to end litigation over similar discrimination. A dedicated supplemental funding source for capital projects at the public HBCUs. Financial incentives for all public and private institutions, such as an additional $1,500 for each new Pell-eligible student enrolled. Creative opportunities to partner with Virginias private HBCUs, options now available because of the recent opinion by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares concerning state funding to private higher education institutions. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia holding public institutions accountable for setting and meeting targets for increasing enrollment of low-income students consistent with the stated equity goals of the "Pathways to Opportunity: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education." To heed the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the time is always right to do what is right. Now is the time for the governor, the General Assembly, those contemplating running for governor and the business community to take action to assure that every Virginia student has an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream, to become a taxpaying contributor to Virginias economy, and to improve the quality of life of every Virginia resident by significantly increasing financial support for our essential HBCUs. From the archives: In 1960, The Richmond 34 were arrested during a sit-in at the Thalhimers lunch counter Unification ministry to prioritize freedom of expression in handling leaflet distribution issue By Lee Hyo-jin The Constitutional Court's recent ruling that a ban on sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets to North Korea was unconstitutional has opened the door for activists to start, once again, distributing the flyers without fear of legal consequences. The ruling, issued on Sept. 26, nullified the anti-leaflet ban introduced in December 2020 as a revision to the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act during the previous liberal Moon Jae-in government. That law had prohibited human rights activists primarily North Korean defectors and religious groups from launching large helium balloons into North Korea, carrying leaflets criticizing its leader Kim Jong-un over his nuclear ambitions and ongoing human rights violations. The balloons sometimes carried food, daily necessities or even medicine during the coronavirus pandemic. The liberal administration at the time, had justified the ban on the grounds that such actions would provoke the North into hostile acts and thus endanger the safety of residents in border towns. Nearly three years after North Korean activists challenged the anti-leaflet law at the Constitutional Court, the law was struck down. The court judged that the ban excessively restricted freedom of speech. Hong Min, a senior researcher at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, thinks that the constitutional ruling comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two Koreas. "The ruling itself wouldn't have an immediate impact on inter-Korean relations. But now that the ban has been overturned, it places a greater responsibility on the government to prevent the issue from escalating into conflicts or military actions," he said. Distributing anti-North Korea pamphlets may anger the Kim regime even more than before, he added. "North Korean soldiers stationed on the border are relatively young, and the younger generations in the North are known to be less loyal to the ruling party. Kim would be highly sensitive about propaganda activities that may affect the young soldiers," Hong said. The reclusive regime had previously reacted furiously to the leaflets. In 2020, North Korea detonated the inter-Korean liaison office in the border city of Gaeseong in response to leaflets that demonized its leader, claiming that they violated peace agreements signed by the two Koreas. The analyst added that the North could again take provocative actions, thereby violating the Sept. 19 military agreement, referring to the inter-Korean military pact signed in 2018 to reduce military tensions. Park Sang-hak, a North Korean defector-turned-activist who has been leading the leaflet campaign for over 15 years, hailed the Constitutional Court's ruling. The outspoken activist lamented that he had to scale down the activities for a while due to funding issues following the ban. "After the evil law was implemented, the police obtained the list of our campaign donors, causing them to hesitate in making contributions," he told The Korea Times. "Now that the law is invalidated, I think the financial constraints will be resolved." However, he added that the anti-leaflet ban itself did not deter him from distributing the flyers. Just a week before the ruling, on Sept. 20, Park flew 20 balloons carrying 200,000 leaflets and 1,000 USB sticks to the North from Ganghwa Island, Incheon, west of Seoul. Park plans to send the pamphlets again in October and resume the activity next spring since launching the balloons in the winter season is challenging. Asked whether he has plans to discuss leafleting with the Ministry of Unification, he replied, "No. They don't do anything about the North Korean human rights issues, do they? They've never given us a penny to support our campaign." In a statement released after the ruling, the Ministry of Unification, now under the conservative Yoon Suk Yeol government, welcomed the court decision, while assuring residents in border towns that they will be safe, citing South Korea's strong deterrence capabilities. However, there was a subtle change in the ministry's stance. The statement did not mention that it would request activists to refrain from sending the leaflets, a message that used to be included in its previous statements regarding the leaflet campaigns. "Our priority is to respect freedom of expression as mentioned in the Constitutional Court's ruling. Whether or not to request (the activists) to refrain from their activities, will be based on a comprehensive assessment of inter-Korean relations," a senior ministry official said in a closed-door briefing, Thursday. In response to a query about whether this marks a shift from the ministry's earlier stance that civic groups should refrain from such campaigns, the official replied, "Yes, and the ministry will communicate with the civic groups regarding them sending leaflets in consideration of inter-Korean relations." Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at Kyungnam University, viewed that the ministry's future decisions about leafleting could be influenced by political considerations. "Of course, the ministry will urge activists to refrain from sending the leaflets during periods of heightened risks of military conflicts in the border areas. But the government may use the campaign as a part of its psychological warfare tactic regarding the North's human rights issues," he said. Ibanqroo participates in Zaragoza Channel monitoring Costa Maya, Q.R. The Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of Quintana Roo (Ibanqroo) participated in the 13th Connectivity Exercise in the Mesoamerican Reef. The exercise was carried out in the Zaragoza Channel within the Manati-Bahia Sanctuary State Reserve from Chetumal. According to Javier Alberto Carballar Osorio, General Director of Ibanqroo, the monitoring is a regional effort developed in the Mesoamerican Reef System where 13 Marine Protected Areas of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras work simultaneously with the objective of obtaining greater knowledge about connectivity of reef fish in their early stages of life, indicated Tomas Sanchez, director of Protected Natural Areas. In this sense, only for the Manati Sanctuary State Reserve Chetumal Bay, a capture of 52 postlarvae of fish was recorded among which snappers, mojarras and barracudas stand out, all of which are important in artisanal fishing in the region. In addition and for the first time, the entry of tarpon larvae (Megalops atlanticus) was recorded, an important species for catch-and-release sport fishing or flyfishing, reported Lourdes Vasquez Yeomans, Ecosur researcher. Samples are taken for future monitoring. Photo: Ibanqroo October 5, 2023. This monitoring opens a window of opportunities to establish multilateral alliances with other countries aimed at planning and executing regional management. It also increases knowledge about the functionality of the system and, with it, allows them to propose conservation measures aimed at sustainable development. Some of these sustainable projects include flyfishing on which dozens of families living in the southern part of the state depend, indicated Miguel Mateo Sabido Itza, Head of the Department of Protected Natural Areas in the southern part of the Ibanqroo. With these actions, respectful policies are implemented with the care of the environment and the conservation of natural resources, favoring sustainability, as well as better living conditions for the population, as established in the New Agreement for the Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo . The exercise was carried out in coordination with the Colegio del Frontera Sur Unidad Chetumal (ECOSUR) and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park. The city of Chicago is plagued by waves of violence, looting, and plunder dating back to 2020, which was deemed the summer of looting by the Chicago Tribune, spurred by the murder of George Floyd while in police custody amid COVID lockdowns. That summer, the Chicago police superintendent called for longer sentences for looters, thieves, and vandals. Three years later, however, Chicago isnt faring much better: Chicagoans continue to flee the Windy City, and the violence continues. As of this April, looting across various Walmart stores resulted in four closings, half of their locations in the city. The response? City officials, clergy, and residents came together to ask Walmart to reverse its decision andwait for itcalled for a boycott of all remaining open stores until the superstore capitulated. It should be obvious: the way to ensure that Walmart keeps its stores open is not to boycott the remaining stores after looters have pillaged all the merchandise! The police chief got it right back in 2020, when he called for criminal punishment for the looters, but to no avail. Moreover, American politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made excuses for the 2020 looters. Defending looting will only ensure that grocery stores continue to be looted; this is elementary economicslowering the cost of looting generates more looting. Incidentally, a Republican candidate in the Georgia legislature argued that AR-15s could be usedagainst the looting hordes, further calling the weapons liberty machines. Is it too much to ask that we all experience grocery store shopping without looting vandals or AR-15s? Chicago isnt Caracas, after all. And yet, Chicagos mayor, Brandon Johnson, is doubling down on the economic crazy by throwing what can only be seen as a political Hail Mary as he suggests that the government create and operate a grocery store to ensure that Chicagoans have access to food. This is equivalent to witnessing the spread of a forest fire and dousing it with gasoline. As my colleague Anthony Sacramone would say: It was the dumbest of times; it was the stupidest of times. Even if one has never taken an economics class, have we learned nothing from the 70 years of government-run grocery stores in the Soviet Union? Modern-day Cuba and Venezuela also provide stark examples of what happens when the government determines how resources will be allocated. It never works and always generates violence. There was a time when American and European economists grew fascinated with accelerating Soviet output, raising the question of whether we in the West could get economic growth and productive resource allocation with government at the helm. This is both a theoretical and an empirical question. Economists Ludwig von Mises and F.A. Hayek led the charge in what would be called the socialist calculation debate throughout the 20th century. They suggested that due to the nature of human action and epistemological realities, we cannot successfully centrally plan economic affairs, because we dont possess the requisite knowledge, which is the knowledge of time and place. Central planning eliminates prices, property rights, and the profit-loss mechanisms. Hayek argued that market prices, because of their contextual and decentralized nature, help us determine how resources can most productively be used at any given time. In a market, this is reconciled with temporal consumer preferences. Effective resource allocation cannot be known before the exchange through which prices emerge. Bureaucratic prices are arbitrary and cannot rival market prices. No one can comprehend all of what needs to be known to direct scarce resources toward their highest valued uses; the market works well because it is an emergent order, not a designed order. This is as true now as it was when Hayek and Mises began to argue against the socialists in the 1930s. As Adam Smith declared, The sole purpose of production is consumption, meaning that firms must discover, learn, and adapt to consumers changing demands and needs. Firms dont get to decide what customers want and then produce; instead, they must seek to understand the needs and wants of consumers to profit. There is no blueprint for economic development; its a spontaneous order. OK, were far from Leningrad, and Mayor Johnson is not calling for a return to Bolshevism. Still, we must remember that his recommendation is destined for the same harmful consequences. When the government runs grocery stores, people wait for food that never materializes. In market economies where firms protected by private property rights run grocery stores, the food waits for the people. It might be tempting to believe that the U.S. government would never resort to the inevitable authoritarian tactics required both to maintain government-run stores without the lines and lack of food and somehow quell the plunder. Additionally, the Soviet problem was one of total central planning; the economy was plagued by production and distribution problems. The problems in Chicago and other American cities experiencing retail closures due to looting and violence stem from eroding economic freedom and the protection of private property rights. The Soviet economy was systematically one of command and control. Even the highest-ranking Ph.D. economists-turned-Bolsheviks couldnt figure out how to turn wheat into bread. They did understand, however, that wheat shortages would require offering higher prices to wheat farmers, but thats only part of the calculation problem. As such, the Soviets successfully filled silos with wheat that ultimately rotted because they could not figure out how to incentivize turning the wheat into bread. Increasing wheat yields is merely a technological problem. Transforming wheat into bread and determining how much wheat should be dedicated to bread production, rather than to its hundreds of alternative uses (cereal, bagels, muffins, flour, cakes, pizza dough), is a problem of complex phenomena best addressed by the emergent market process. During the socialist calculation debate, it was Oskar Lange, a Polish economist and advocate for socialism, who made one of the most damning critiques of the implementation of socialism, rightly asserting that it would lead to the bureaucratization of economic life. Mayor Johnson may not advocate for comprehensive socialism, but its a slippery slope. Socializing the grocery store will allow the government to socialize other things. Moreover, do you want the grocery store to be more like the post office or the DMV? Its not that the government cannot do this; it indeed can. But at what cost? And what are the relevant alternatives? The answer is to restore economic freedom in these cities. People dont flee cities in droves where there is peace and economic opportunity. They leave when those institutions are destroyed by terrible policies, not to mention politically corrupt labor unions, failing primary schools, billion-dollar-projected budget deficits, and high crime rates. These are Chicagos problems. As Taylor Swift reminds us, Band-Aids dont fix bullet holes. Roanoke police have arrested a 46-year-old man in connection with one of the citys seven July homicides. Chauncey D. Wade, of Roanoke, was indicted Monday by a grand jury in connection with the shooting death of Enoch Williams, according to court documents. Wade faces three felony charges: first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm as a violent felon. The regional medical examiners office confirmed in an email Aug. 1 that the cause of Williams death was gunshot wounds to the torso. Police said Thursday that officers had identified Wade as a suspect through the course of their investigation. After the indictments were handed down Monday, members of the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force served them to Wade at the Western Virginia Regional Jail. Wade was being held without bond Thursday, according to the facilitys online inmate lookup system. In addition to the three felony charges associated with Williams death, Wade is also being held at the jail on four probation violation charges associated with a Sept. 5 incident. Wade has a criminal record that begins in 2006 and includes petit larceny, statutory burglary, cocaine possession, attempted malicious wounding and law enforcement officer assault and battery charges, according to court records. Roanoke police said Thursday that an investigation of Williams death is ongoing. BLACKSBURG Affordable housing came up several times during a forum hosted Thursday night for town council candidates. The event was the latest installment in a series of forums organized by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County and the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County NAACP. Blacksburg only has two ballot candidates for three town council seats this year, but the race will be competitive due to the emergence over the past two months of a pair of hopefuls who are running write-in campaigns. The two write-in candidates, each of whom took part in the forum, are Liam Watson and Rick Johnson. They face incumbents Michael Sutphin and Jerry Ford Jr. Housing affordability is a long-existing topic in Blacksburg, but has again sparked debate and discussion among leaders and residents over the past few years due to worries that recent spikes in housing costs have put the town further out of reach for a section of the local workforce. The town has attempted to address the issue through a number of recent decisions, including approvals of land use measures for developments that either include or are entirely affordable housing and its participation in the establishment of a community land trust intended to ease first-time homebuyers entry into the market. A variety of data collected over the past few years have firmly positioned Montgomery County as one of the most expensive places on average to live in Southwest Virginia, with Blacksburg largely contributing to that ranking. The median value of owner-occupied housing units in Blacksburg alone is $335,200, according to the latest available U.S. Census data. The median value for those units in Montgomery County is $235,800, a figure that is above each of the ones shown for the neighboring localities of Roanoke, Roanoke County and Radford. One of the responses Watson provided Thursday in response to a question related to affordable housing included a comment about how the average time a Blacksburg house spends on the market is far shorter than the national average. Despite the need to address the issue of affordable housing, it hasnt been a simple task for town leaders due to a number of reasons. One concern is how projects, even ones that promise an affordable component, impact the towns quality of life. The Town Council approved needed land use measures earlier this year and in 2022, respectively, for the Glade Spring Crossing and Legacy on Main developments, but received flak from many residents over the projects densities. The Glade Spring Crossing, which includes an affordable housing component, will bring 176 housing units to vacant farmland located near the U.S. 460 bypass and the Village at Toms Creek neighborhood. Legacy on Main, which is going on land south of downtown, will include more than 50 apartment units that will use low-income housing tax credits. Affordable housing is a major part of Johnsons platform, but he shares much of the concerns residents expressed toward some of the recent developments. There was a perception that neighbors who opposed those projects were against affordable housing, but that simply wasnt true, Johnson said. The issue with Glade Spring Crossing was the density sought by the developer, Johnson said. Instead of nearly 180 homes, a number of neighbors would have been more receptive to 80, even if the plan called for each of those to be affordable, he said. They were afraid of 180 homes that were packed too dense on that property, he said, adding that there were also concerns over how the project would impact other points such as water quality. We want it [affordable housing]. Its my top priority. But how do we do it? We can do better. Johnson is the only candidate in the race who has received the endorsement of the Council of Citizens for Blacksburg, which formed earlier this year due to concerns over issues such as the towns direction on developments. Watson, however, said he believes there are a number of myths about affordable housing. He said hes heard the argument that some of the recently approved developments would increase traffic, but pushed back against that fear. He said residents of affordable housing often own fewer cars, a situation that encourages more walking and use of transit something he added could alleviate the traffic concerns due to the towns decision last year to permanently eliminate Blacksburg Transit fares. Watson said he also believes anti-poor bias exists across the country, some of which is reflected at the local level. He said the community needs to find a way to get over the fear of low-income families living in town. Watson said the town needs to address the problem of the large number of people who work in the town but dont or cant live there. I think thats the main issue plaguing Blacksburg right now, he said about affordable housing. Watsons candidacy has received backing from a number of public figures, including several current members of town council. While some of their comments on the subject differed, each of the candidates acknowledged a need to address the affordable housing challenge. Ford voted in favor of both the rezonings that were needed for Legacy on Main and Glade Spring Crossing although he had previously voted against recommending the latter when it came before the Blacksburg Planning Commission due to concerns over certain parts of the project at the time. Sutphin was absent from the Glade Spring Crossing vote and recused himself from the Legacy on Main discussion and decision due to his employment with the developer, Community Housing Partners. Ford called land use an important issue in the community and he suggested that one way the town could help address public concerns over the process of certain decisions would be to not immediately vote on a measure following a public hearing. He suggested waiting two weeks after a public hearing to vote on a measure, a process that would mirror the one neighboring Christiansburg practices. Ford further commented on the towns growth challenges when he responded to a question about how the council can manage development and help maintain Blacksburgs character. He called for, among other things, the dedication of time and resources to upgrade the zoning ordinance to better address the towns needs. Ford said there is little to no space in town to accommodate everyone with the traditional suburban housing model. He said there needs to be ordinance changes to allow for single-family homes on smaller lots. In response to the same question, Sutphin brought up the relationship with Virginia Tech, which he and some of the other candidates said has posed challenges with its increasing undergraduate enrollment and how the institution has gone about communicating that growth. Sutphin talked about the council several years ago passing a resolution that stated its intention to be done with the large student housing developments seen across town and instead push the building of student housing to areas where it already exists. Sutphin said town leaders have been pushing the university to put more housing on its campus and he pointed to the universitys ongoing plans for the Student Life Village. The councilman recalled the over-enrollment problem in 2019 that led to two hotels in town being effectively changed into dorms. He said the town made it clear to the university at the time that it was not something that was acceptable in Blacksburg. And weve continued to have these conversations with university administration, said Sutphin, who earlier in the forum pointed to the maintenance of the towns infrastructure and services as among his top priorities. RICHMONDIn some ways, summer ends this weekend. Although there have been some cool days here and there, most of the last five weeks have been near or warmer than normal in Virginia. A few scattered nights in September, mainly west of the Blue Ridge, edged into the 40s, but a truly chilly, autumnal air mass has not moved into Virginia yet this fall. That all changes this weekend. The air moving in this weekend is not just cooler, it is drier. Having its origins in the Northwest Territories of Canada means both the temperature and the humidity will be the lowest since last spring, so do not be surprised to hear the crackle or feel the small shock of static electricity starting on Saturday night. Cooler, drier air is also more dense than warmer and more humid air, which is why the air pressure tends to be higher in the winter than the summer. And as the cold dry air begins to advance from the west this weekend, it means a rapid change in pressure over a couple of days. That change in pressure is what we feel as wind. Winds speeds on Saturday will be more consistently 10-20 mph across most of the state, but not surprisingly, those speeds will be higher west of the Blue Ridge, with some 25-35 mph gusts. Afternoon temperatures will hold in the 60s Saturday, only nudging into the 70s in Richmond, Fredericksburg, and areas to the east. Sunday will be a few degrees cooler. Even with the mix of sun and clouds, afternoon temperatures will hold in the 60s, with many areas west of the Blue Ridge never making it out of the 50s. This also means the two coldest nights since May follow Saturday and Sunday nights, with 40s widespread and some mountainous locations edging into the 30s. Often, soaking rain comes immediately ahead of a big change in air mass across Virginia, but not this time. True, there will be a few small showers pushing west to east across the state from Friday night into early Saturday. While they will announce the change to a cooler air mass, there is not a consistent flow of air from the south and southwest ahead of time to supply the moisture for a soaking rain. As a result, the drought will worsen for the Shenandoah and upper James River valleys this weekend. Although this does not mean that much cooler air is here to stay, the weather pattern will be more typical of fall over the next couple of weeks, with afternoons generally in the 60s and lows more regularly in the 40s. As a result, do not look for a return to 80 degrees anytime soon. Once those small showers go by on Saturday morning, there is no chance of a legitimate soaking rain for about a week in Virginia. A large system will move through next Friday or Saturday (Oct. 13-14), but the specifics are too uncertain to make any promises for beneficial rain this far in advance. Nonetheless, that system does give us our best shot at some rain, as a cool and dry weather pattern is expected to resume across Virginia in the wake of that system for the week of Oct. 16. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. FLORENCE, S.C. When George Stoddard dreamed up the new Barringer General Store in downtown Florence, he knew he wanted it to feel different than other stores. Our brand concept is for people to come in and enjoy a unique experience, he said. What I didnt say was for them to come in and enjoy a unique shopping experience, because thats not what the store is about. Instead, Stoddard said his vision is for a place that is welcoming, relaxing and friendly. He was sitting on a rocking chair in a cubby that usually is reserved for those who need to rest their feet while their significant others shop. IMG_6875.JPG George Stoddard, owner of the new Barringer General Store, said he wants to forge a personal connection with both his vendors and his guests. IMG_6850.JPG The new Barringer General Store is downtown next to Hotel Florence. Barringer General Store, which is located next to Hotel Florence, held its grand opening on Tuesday. The location is perfect, Stoddard said, because people who are strolling downtown can pop in and look around without being pressured to buy anything. If you just want to come in and sit down and play a game of checkers at the potbelly stove like in the old days, have at it, he said. Stoddard also hopes to attract some of the business people who stay in the nearby hotel. We want to be able to capture them and be able to say, heres something from this area that you can take home, he said. If anyone does want to buy something, Stoddard and his staff have a story for nearly every product on their shelves. Most are local products made in and around Florence, while others are hand-selected products from near and far. Thats our focus, a lot of local products that you cant necessarily find elsewhere, but we also offer a lot of international products and national products, he said. While walking around the store and pointing out his favorite products, Stoddard told a story about one of the vendors: Adirondack Fragrance & Flavor Farm out of New York. When he was younger, he applied to a senior leadership position at the company and, while he got the interview, did not end up taking the job. However, he was impressed by the company and swore to himself that if he ever had a way to represent the company, he would. Now, he sells the companys handmade soups, candles and fragrances at his store. IMG_6859.JPG Barringer General Store carries products from a number of nearby farms, including McCall and Skinner. Stoddard said he wants to be more than just a customer to the vendors he buys from and already has a personal relationship with many local farms, like Skinner and McCall. To me, its a matter of being very personal, not only with our vendors, but the same thing with our guests, he said. We want to try and get to the point where they just pick up the phone and say, George or Tim or Kathy, I need a gift for so-and-so, and these are the kinds of things they like. Just pick me out something and wrap it up. Thats what we want to be able to do. IMG_6864.JPG The new Barringer General Store has gifts for nearly anyone with its large variety of hand-selected, and primarily local, products. Between candy, leather bags, pocket knives, hats with funny sayings, boiled peanuts, bags, furniture and more, it is easy to see gift potential on the stores shelves. Barringer General Store is not Stoddards first foray into the commercial world. In Darlington, where he has lived the past 20 years, he first opened Darlington Mercantile & Confectionary. It was supposed to be this, he said, referring to his newly opened Florence store. Then I started to listen to a lot of other folks ideas, and we wound up being a little retail, ice cream and sandwich shop. IMG_6853.JPG Barringer General Store offers everything from furniture to candy. Stoddard sold that first shop after he realized that it no longer fit his vision and started selling at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market. He knew he wanted to move into something more permanent, so he asked Hannah Davis, the downtown development manager with the city of Florence, if anything downtown was available. She helped him find the building at 138 W. Evans Street, where Stoddard rents the store space. Were very fortunate to be part of this downtown revitalization, he said. Were a great example of when the civic side of things, the private side, the government side, the regulatory side, can all come together for a common purpose. IMG_6862.JPG Nearly everything in Barringer General Store has a story, and the stores staff are ready and willing to tell it. Its the kind of thing that happens when all of those folks get together, and we all cooperate and we work together. Im hopeful for more of that here in downtown. The store will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday and Monday, the store will be closed. DARLINGTON, S.C. The Darlington County Humane Society was recently one of four animal shelters across the state to be recognized for its animal adoption efforts. The Most Pawductive Awards were presented by No Kill South Carolinas Pick Me! at its recent statewide adoption event. The recipients were shelters that did the best job engaging their supporters to come into the shelter and adopt during this years Pick Me! campaign. Each winning organization received $1,000 to use toward itslife-saving work. We are thrilled to be recognized as the Most Pawductive shelter in the Pee Dee during Pick Me! SC 2023, said Darlington County Humane Society President Josh Witten. This award is a testament both to the support of our community and to the unbelievable efforts to care for the animals of Darlington County by our staff and volunteers. Susan Rollins, a volunteer adoption coordinator with the Darlington County Humane Society, said part of the reason for this years success during the campaign was an increased presence on social media. Most Pawductive Darlington County Humane Society President Josh Witten accepts a check for $1,000 from No Kill South Carolina chief project officer Abigail Appleton. We have two volunteers who help with our social media and they ramped up our campaign presence on Instagram, Facebook and other platform and I really think that made a big difference, said Rollins. And, of course, our community, which really stepped up. Other award recipients were Dorchester Paws of Dorchester County, the Kershaw County Humane Society and the Humane Society of Greenwood. The Most Pawductive Award-winning organizations took the marketing toolkit we provided and ran with it, said No Kill South Carolina chief project officer Abigail Appleton. They went above and beyond to bring attention to their shelter, adoptable pets, the event, and the families who brought pets home. Pick Me! SC is the largest adoption event of its kind in the country. During the campaign, which took place in July, 2,030 animals from shelters and Petcos across the state were adopted. No Kill South Carolina 2024 is an initiative of Charleston Animal Society. Pick Me! SC is sponsored by Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers. According to Rollins, the Darlington shelter is over capacity by about 30 dogs and cats. We have in excess of 400 animals with us about 200 dogs and another 200 cats, said Rollins. There are some living in crates stacked up top of one another. It is really sad. She said the shelter is continuously in need of volunteers, donated items, and foster families. We can use all the help we can get, said Rollins. The Darlington County Humane Society is at 1705 Adoption Way in Darlington. A new facility is expected to open in the spring of 2024. Contact the shelter 843-398-4402 or shelter@darligntonhumane.org. Visit the shelter online at www.darlingtonhumane.org. DARLINGTON, S.C. The College Board has announced that Trinity Collegiate School has been named to the Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll having earned platinum distinction. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs deliver results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. Trinity Collegiate School had 86% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 56% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 44% of seniors who took five or more AP exams. Trinity Collegiate School: 29 AP Courses offered annually grades 9-12. AP Access Award which honors schools that encourage lower income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses. Has already exceeded the criteria for the Class of 2024. AP Capstone Program. These distinctions serve as a testament to our experienced and professional staff of AP certified instructors who seek to expand the horizons of our students well beyond South Carolinas border, said Kelley Byrd, Associate Head of School. Our students have been challenged and motivated to compete nationally and internationally with students applying to the most competitive colleges and universities in the nation. The AP program provides the best opportunity for our students to compete with the top students from around the globe. AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages, said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance they represent the best of our AP program. A senior U.S. diplomat said Thursday South Korea, the United States and Japan already have "strong" security partnerships to address North Korean threats, following an academic proposal to consider a deterrence policy that signals the possibility of preemptive military action. Bonnie Jenkins, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, made the remarks, a day after Victor Cha, senior vice president for Asia and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies made the proposal at a congressional hearing. Cha noted the need to consider a "declaratory" policy to signal the capability of destroying a North Korean missile headed towards Japan, Hawaii or the U.S. West Coast when it is on the launch pad or in other flight phases. "I think I would just say that we have a very close relationship, strong discussions on the way in which we want to address North Korean threats and their intercontinental ballistic missiles and all the tests that they're doing," she said at a forum hosted by the Stimson Center. Jenkins said she would not say a preemptive strike is "the way to go." Asked to comment on North Korea moving away from denuclearization, she underscored the Biden administration's continued desire to reengage with the recalcitrant regime. "We have made very clear on the desire to have conversations with North Korea on denuclearization ... we are not able to do a lot of that because you have to have somebody willing to sit down with you on the other side of the table," she said. "Until we really have a willing participant on the other side that was to have this conversation, it makes it very complex to have a real discussion and negotiation on denuclearization. That's pretty much where we are," she added. (Yonhap) The Singapore city skyline is seen shrouded with haze in Singapore. (Photo: AFP) (ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP) SINGAPORE The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index in Singapore entered the 'Unhealthy' range on Saturday (7 October) morning, with the 8am reading in the east at a value of 105. Meanwhile, the PSI value in the central area was at 95 and the south at 84. This comes after the number of hotspots detected in Sumatra "significantly increased" on Friday (6 October), which Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) had said in a media release. The NEA had said that the elevated levels of PM2.5 raised the likelihood of the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index in Singapore entering the unhealthy range. A value of 101 to 200 sits in the 'Unhealthy' range, while 201 to 300 is considered 'Very Unhealthy'. According to the NEA, 212 hotspots were detected on Indonesia's largest island on Friday, compared with 65 on Thursday and 15 on Wednesday earlier in the week. The smoke plumes and haze we "observed from satellite imagery over southern and central Sumatra", the NEA said, adding that a brief shift in the wind direction on Friday afternoon, from south-easterly to southerly, blew some of the lighter haze toward Singapore and caused a deterioration in air quality. "There is a likelihood of haze affecting Singapore over the coming weekend if the fires persist and winds direction is unfavourable," the NEA said. "Should the situation persist, the 24-hour PSI could enter the Unhealthy range (PSI >100) over the weekend" the NEA said. Given the situation, the NEA will start providing daily haze advisories from Saturday evening (7 October). "The daily haze advisory includes the 24-hour PSI forecast, which can be used by the public in planning their activities and events for the next 24 hours," said the NEA. The NEA added that advisories have already been issued to various sectors, including healthcare institutions, pre- schools and schools, as well as workplaces. These advisories remind the various sectors to take appropriate haze management measures should the 24-hour PSI enter the unhealthy range, especially to protect more vulnerable groups. Story continues Neighbouring Malaysia, too, has been experiencing the haze, although Indonesia on Friday denied that forest and peat fires on Sumatra and Borneo islands were causing the situation. 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. A photo of The rooftop pool at Mondrian Singapore Duxton. (PHOTO: Mondrian Singapore Duxton) Mondrian Singapore Duxton is the highly anticipated new addition to the Mondrian family of hotels, joining the brands properties in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, Cannes, Doha and Seoul. The overarching design inspiration for Mondrian Singapore Duxton is based on our country's colonial architecture and history, and we have Studio Carter from Los Angeles and Singapore's DP Architects to thank for that. But does the design aesthetics live up to its hype and potentially hamper the brand's image? Let's take a deeper look if it's worth a stay at the luxe boutique hotel. Book a stay at Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com READ: REVIEW: Pullman Singapore Orchard hotel is for those who love luxe aesthetics 9 new Singapore hotels and villas in 2023 REVIEW: The Outpost Hotel leaves you feeling refreshed but some improvements needed REVIEW: The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, from artillery outpost to luxurious escape Travel guide: 48 hours in Penang, Malaysia Japan travel: 10 things to do in Osaka What we like and what could be better. (PHOTO: Yahoo Life Singapore) Reasons to stay in this hotel The ground staff were very alert, and they led me to the check-in area on another floor, greeting me by my name after initial introductions. Bags were carried to my room promptly. There are about 302 rooms and five types of suites, depending on your party size. I stayed at the Duxton Corner, which comes equipped with your usual amenities like a coffee machine by Lavazza, a HD TV, and a full mini bar. The bathroom comes equipped with full and trendy Malin + Goetz amenities. A photo of the green, silver grey tones in the bathroom. (PHOTO: Reta Lee/Yahoo Life Singapore) Upon first impressions, I was drawn to the tones of silver, grey and greens from marble throughout the interior, and in the bath, which was wrapped in black marble. Principal and founder of Studio Carter, Robbyn Carter drew inspiration from Singapore's flora and fauna and transformed that vision as an overarching design inspiration for the Mondrian Singapore Duxton. And I thought that was a very sexy mix of minimalist and modern design adaptation. The rooftop pool area at Mondrian Singapore Duxton. (PHOTO: Reta Lee/Yahoo Life Singapore) The pool area at the rooftop of the hotel makes it one of the best Instagrammable spots at Duxton Hill. Order a drink and laze at the cabanas facing the night lights from Chinatown's neighbouring cafes and building facade. Even if you're not up for a night swim, guests can enjoy sipping their poison at the patio table and chairs. Food-wise, I couldn't praise the food at Bottega di Carna enough. Helmed by Dario 'The Greatest Chef in the World' Cecchini whom you may recognise from Netflix's Chef's Table and his band of chefs, you can watch your dishes cooked behind an open-fire grill, with various cuts of meats displayed. Book a stay at Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com Photo of dinner at Bottega di Carna. (PHOTO: Reta Lee/Yahoo Life Singapore) For our meals, the Australian Butcher Steak (S$108) is a familiar dish but cooked with a high level of skill, while the spicy lobster with linguine (S$68) is sweet and decent. As I was craving a sweet drink, the bartender whipped a cocktail with a yuzu base that I really liked. I ended the night with dessert choices, coconut sorbet (S$12) and lemon givre (S$18) to clean my palate and they were both pleasing and spoke to my soul. And If you're still wide awake, take a nightcap at The Jungle Ballroom, where you'll be greeted by a lit 'secret' tunnel to a sanctuary that looks like it has a hidden cabinet of curiosities, with quirky glass artworks and bottles of alcohol on display. Even better, the place stays open till 2am, which is rare these days for the night owls. What could be done better The Mondrian Singapore Duxton isn't for the workaholics but for those looking for a sleek, vibey experience. I tried working off the mini coffee table with my laptop and mouse but almost gave up mid-way because there was no proper workstation. It actually worked against my will as it was a good reminder to leave work behind and just enjoy the charming experiences the hotel has in store for you. I'm glad I did. Mondrian Singapore Duxton is located at 16A Duxton Hill, Singapore 089970. Book a stay at Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com Are you planning to travel soon? Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined Save big, get the all-inclusive pass & explore your destination in-depth: GoCity General info here: Tripadvisor Affordable data plans here And while you are at it, get your travel insurance with Alliance Assistance | Income | Prudential! CANON CITY, Colo. The owner of a Colorado funeral home where 115 decaying bodies were found after neighbors reported nauseating smells tried to conceal the improper storage of corpses and claimed he was doing animal taxidermy at the facility, according to a suspension letter sent to him by state regulators. The Return to Nature Funeral Home facility in the small town of Penrose had been unregistered with the state for 10 months on Wednesday when owner Jon Hallford spoke by phone with a state regulator. A day earlier, an abhorrent smell from the facility was reported, launched an investigation Hallford acknowledged that he had a problem at the property, though the Colorado Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration document obtained by The Associated Press didn't explain what Hallford meant with his taxidermy claim or how he tried to conceal improper storage of human remains. Text messages and phone calls were not answered at the funeral home, which had no working voice mail. As of Friday, when authorities announced what they called a disturbing discovery" in Penrose, a town of about 3,000 people in the mountains west of Colorado Springs, neither Hallford nor anyone else has been arrested or charged. Officials declined to describe the scene inside the Return to Nature Funeral Home facility. A multi-agency effort recover and identify the remains was underway. The funeral home performed green burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. Local residents said they smelled foul odors around the building for months but thought little of it, assuming a dead animal or septic system was to blame Funeral home officials were cooperating as investigators sought to determine any criminal wrongdoing, Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said at a news conference. Without providing too much detail to avoid further victimizing these families there, the funeral home where the bodies were improperly stored was horrific, Cooper said. Some identifications would require taking fingerprints, finding medical or dental records and DNA, Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said. This could take several months. As we identify each decedent, families will be notified as soon as absolutely possible, Keller said. Other Colorado county coroners had agreed to help while the FBI and state police and emergency management officials worked at the scene. Meanwhile, Fremont County declared an official disaster to possibly make state funds available for the effort, Keller said. Family members who have used the funeral home were asked to contact investigators. The bodies were inside a 2,500-square foot (230-square meter) building with the appearance and dimensions of a standard one-story home. Authorities declined to say if the building was equipped to properly story bodies. They also wouldnt disclose in what state the bodies were found or how they were stored. Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. Deputies were called in Tuesday night in reference to a suspicious incident officials havent yet described. Fremont County Sheriffs Office investigators returned the next day with a search warrant and found the remains. There was no health risk to the public, officials said, at the building with trash bags near the entrance and law enforcement vehicles parked in front. Yellow police tape cordoned off the area and a putrid odor was in the air. A hearse was parked at the back of the building, in a parking lot overgrown with weeds. Nearby was a post office and a few homes on wide, grassy lots, some with parked semi-trucks. The license for the facility expired in November of last year, according to a cease and desist order issued Thursday by Colorado state regulators. When reached by regulators, owner Jon Hallford acknowledged that he has a problem at the Penrose property and claimed he practiced taxidermy there. Joyce Pavetti, 73, could see the funeral home from the stoop of her house and said she caught whiffs of a putrid smell in the last few weeks. We just assumed it was a dead animal, she said. On Wednesday night, Pavetti said she could see lights from law enforcement swarming around the building and knew something was going on. The building had been occupied by different businesses over the years, said Pavetti, who once took yoga classes there. She hasnt seen anyone in the area recently and noticed the hearse behind the building only in recent months, she said. Neighbor Ron Alexander thought the smell was coming from a septic tank, adding that Wednesday nights blur of law enforcement lights looked like the 4th of July. The father of a 25-year-old U.S. Navy serviceman who died last summer said Return to Nature handled his sons body between the time of its arrival back in Colorado and an Aug. 25 funeral service at Pikes Peak National Cemetery east of Colorado Springs. I mean, theres obviously questions after hearing that there is something going on but theres not any information that I can go off of to really make any kind of judgement on it, said Paul Saito Kahler, of Fountain, Colorado. The Return to Nature Funeral Home provided burial of non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets, shrouds or nothing at all, according to its website. The company also provided cremation services. Messages left for the Colorado Springs-based company were not returned. The company charges $1,895 for a natural burial. That doesnt include the cost of a casket and cemetery space, according to the website. Return to Nature was established six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to public records. Fremont County property records show that the funeral home building and lot are owned by Hallfordhomes, LLC, a business with a Colorado Springs address that the Colorado Secretary of State declared delinquent on Oct. 1 for failing to file a routine reporting form that was due at the end of July. The LLC changed addresses around Colorado Springs three times since its establishment in 2016 with a post office box. Hallfordhomes still owes about $5,000 in 2022 property taxes on its building in Penrose, according to Fremont County records. Return to Nature Funeral Home was licensed in Colorado Springs in 2017. There were no disciplinary actions against the company listed on a state license database. There was not a separate license for the Penrose facility and it wasnt known if one was needed. Messages left with licensing authorities were not immediately returned. Photos: Police find at least 115 bodies at Colorado 'green' funeral home A north-central Nebraska school district will pay a Lakota family $227,500 to settle a federal lawsuit brought after a school employee cut their children's hair without parental permission and against the family's religious beliefs. Alice Johnson and Norma LeRoy, parents of two Cody-Kilgore elementary school students, sued the school district in 2021, with the help of the ACLU of Nebraska and the Harvard Law School Religious Freedom Clinic. In our culture, we believe our hair is our essence. And although that part of my children has been taken from them, I am at peace knowing that school officials will never cut the hair of a child ever again and Native children will have access to a learning environment that will learn to understand and respect our culture," Johnson, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said Wednesday. "Regardless of their religions or culture, every child in Nebraska deserves this. In the lawsuit, the ACLU alleged the cutting of their childrens hair during lice checks at the school in 2020 had violated the familys Lakota beliefs and their right to be free of racial and religious discrimination and continued even after family members went to the school superintendent, then Adam Lambert, and explained that it violated Lakota tradition. The lawsuit accused the school district of racial discrimination, saying they had an unwritten head-lice policy that applied only to Native students and it prevented the family from raising their children in accordance with the Lakota tradition. The school district had argued that the case should be dismissed, saying their rights hadn't been violated because it was a neutral policy with a legitimate government interest that only incidentally burdened their religious beliefs and that they agreed to stop cutting their hair going forward. In November 2021, a federal judge in Lincoln allowed the case to go forward against the school district, saying they had presented sufficient facts to support an inference that the unwritten policy had violated their right to exercise their religion freely. But, Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard stopped short of finding that their actions violated the family's constitutional right to direct the religious upbringing of their children because the policy was, at least in part, rationally related to detecting and stopping the spread of head lice among students. More than a year of negotiations followed and resulted in a consent decree entered Wednesday afternoon. In the order signed by both sides and approved by Gerrard, the school district agreed to pay $227,500, or $56,875 each, to the parents and each of the children, which they will get when they turn 19. In it, "the parties concur that affording equal protection of students' religious beliefs is essential to compliance with the US. Constitution" and federal law "and that this can best be achieved by a cooperative effort." As part of the consent agreement, which will last five years, the district will implement a policy that prohibits school employees from cutting students hair without written consent from parents or guardians and will provide staff with cultural competency training that includes information on Native American cultures. It will also ensure recognition of Native American Heritage Month, as well as Indigenous Peoples Day. Rose Godinez, legal director of the ACLU of Nebraska, said while the consent decree doesn't reverse the harm experienced by the Johnson and LeRoy family, "it represents a significant step toward upholding the fundamental freedoms and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities across Nebraska." She said the spiritual, cultural and emotional harm experienced by the Johnson-LeRoy family cannot be fully understood without placing it into the historical context of boarding schools, which separated Native American children from their families and tribes and denied them the rights of cultural and religious expression. "History must not repeat itself," Godinez said. "This consent decree will ensure the School District provides a learning environment where students of different religious and cultural backgrounds are seen, and their differences are not only respected but acknowledged and honored. In February, the family testified before the Nebraska Legislature in support of a bill to protect students right to wear their natural hair, protective hairstyles, headdresses and tribal regalia. Gov. Jim Pillen signed those protections into law in early June. Top Journal Star photos for October 2023 Iowa Democrats will wait until Super Tuesday in early March to release the results of its planned mail-in caucus presidential preference contest. Meanwhile, Iowa Democrats will be able to register for the mail-in absentee process starting Nov. 1, according to new details released by the party. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart briefed reporters Friday ahead of a meeting of the Democratic National Committee's rules committee, which has yet to sign off on Iowa Democrats presidential preference plan. Iowa Democrats voted last month to hold their 2024 caucuses on Jan. 15, the same day as Republicans. The date also falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. On caucus night, precinct caucuses will conduct party business separate from the presidential nominating contest, elect precinct officers and determine unbound delegates to the county convention, while the presidential preference count that has historically put the caucuses in the national spotlight will be held via a mail-in process at a different time. Democratic caucus participants will select their preferred candidate on a presidential preference card, which can be requested by mail or through an online portal. The card can be returned by mail. As you know, Iowa Democrats have listened to the concerns of this committee and have worked tirelessly for nearly two years to create the most inclusive Presidential nominating process in history, Hart wrote in a letter to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee. National Democrats earlier this year reshaped their presidential nominating calendar, booting Iowa from being the first-in-the-nation and removing Iowa from the group of early states all together. Democrats set South Carolina as the first nominating contest, though primary conflicts in early states mean the calendar still is in question. The Iowa Democratic Party had put forward the mail-in proposal to make the caucuses more accessible which was one of the main criticisms from national Democrats in an effort to maintain its first-in-the-nation status after the national party decided to rewrite the early nominating calendar. Following the 2020 presidential election, many national party leaders expressed a preference for primary elections over party-run caucuses. Up until now, Iowa Democrats had not yet settled on the dates for the mail-in presidential preference window. To be in line with the national partys rules, the mail-in process would need to be held after the other early states have held their primaries. The national partys Rules and Bylaws Committee found Iowa Democrats previous delegate selection plan, which did not include a caucus date, non-compliant in June. The committee had said it will not approve the plan unless Iowa Democrats ensure that the postmark deadline for mail-in presidential preference cards is March 5, 2024, or later ensuring that Iowa's caucus results couldn't be announced until after the early voting window concludes and other states begin weighing in on Super Tuesday. Iowa DNC member Scott Brennan, who sits on the rules committee, told reporters he expects the committee will move Iowa into conditional compliance. And then well just be dotting the Is and crossing the Ts, Brennan said. After negotiations with DNC Staff, Iowa Democrats updated the delegate selection plan as follows: Iowa Democrats will be able to register for our mail in process starting Nov. 1. Presidential preference cards will be mailed starting Jan. 12. Iowa Democrats will hold in-person precinct caucuses Jan. 15. The last day to request a presidential preference card will be Feb. 19. The Iowa Democratic Party will release results of its 2024 mail-in caucus presidential preference on March 5. Iowa Democrats will accept presidential preference cards postmarked on or before March 5. To receive a card, individuals will have to be registered to vote as a Democrat in Iowa, according to a party official. Hart said logistical details remain a work in progress, but plan to release those very soon. We will continue to work cooperatively with Rules and Bylaws Committee staff to satisfy any remaining outstanding logistical issues regarding our delegate selection plan, she said. New Hampshire threatens to leapfrog Iowa The proposed mail-in process has frustrated Iowa Republicans, who believe it looks too much like a primary and could threaten their own chances at retaining first-in-the-nation status. Hart criticized Iowa Republicans for passing and signing into law a bill requiring state parties to hold in-person caucuses if the purpose of the caucus is to tally support for presidential candidates, calling it a partisan attack to meddle in our party business. The law requires caucuses to be conducted in person only if the purpose of the caucus is to select delegates as part of the presidential nominating process leaving open the possibility of doing the presidential preference process on a different date. We believe this delegate selection plan is definitely a compromise and it meets the requirements set forth by the Rules and Bylaws Committee and it complies with Iowa law for 2024, Hart told reporters. "Ive always said I will do whats best for Iowa, not whats best for another state or for another party. And I believe that this plan is whats best for us right now. ... The Republican Party has no business telling the Democratic Party how to conduct its business. She noted that historically North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Michigan, California and other states have at one time or another begun their absentee processes before any authorized caucus or primary state in the pre-window. To blame Democrats for chaos in the Republican calendar is unfair, misguided and just plain wrong, Hart wrote in her letter to the DNC rules committee. Iowa Republicans have feared Democrats plan could trigger a fight with New Hampshire, which has opposed Iowa's use of mail-in caucus. Republican New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan has said that if Iowa Democrats move forward with a mail-in caucus, he will consider it a primary and move New Hampshires contest ahead of Iowas, which could in turn threaten Iowa Republicans place at the front of the presidential nominating calendar. Im not concerned whats best for New Hampshire. Im concerned whats best for Iowa and whats best for Iowa Democrats, and whats best for democracy, Hart told reporters. Scanlan told The Des Moines Register Friday he views Iowa Democrats 2024 caucus plan as a positive development in protecting the traditional positions of the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. Asked whether she expects the partys mail-in plan to be challenged in court by Iowa Republicans, Hart said Iowa Democrats are definitely following the letter of the law. Brennan called the new Iowa law wrongheaded, and pointed to court cases that protect the rights of state parties determine their own processes. A spokesperson for the Republican Party of Iowa did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday morning. Democrats hopeful changes will help it regain lead-off status in 2028 Hart said she has the repeated reassurance from national party leaders that will revisit the presidential nominating calendar for 2028. I expect Iowa will compete strongly for a significant voice in the selection of our Democratic nominee as we have for years, she said. Ive also gotten a commitment that no state has a guaranteed spot in the pre-window for 2028. In a letter to the DNC rules committee, Hart said it is vital small rural states in the heart of the Midwest have a voice in this process. Democrats need our diversifying rural communities to ensure future electoral victories. Hart said she does not expect Democratic President Joe Biden will field a serious primary challenge in his bid for re-election. News reports suggests Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will likely party switch from Democrat to independent, keeping the nominating contest concentrated around the president, even as he faces declining voter enthusiasm, pessimism about his age and some Democratic voters wishing a stronger, fresher candidate would step forward. Self-help author and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson has launched another longshot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. The Iowa Democratic Partys State Central Committee is expected to approve the list of candidates that will appear on the presidential preference cards in December. We know that President Biden is going to be our presidential nominee, Hart told reporters. Whats really important is that we put ourselves in a good position for 2028." Brennan added he received assurances from co-chairs of the DNC rules committee that all bets are off when it comes to the 2028 nominating calendar, and that Iowa Democrats intend to be first in 2028. The process was very messy this time, Brennan said. I certainly hope the RBC has learned valuable lessons and will have a more streamlined and thoughtful process for the 2028 cycle. As we all know, the day after election day in 2024 people will be teeing up for 2028. Asked whether she thought it was wise for the national party to revisit the nominating process for 2028, Hart said Iowa Democrats are ready to do this again, because it is important to Iowa and its important that we get this right. For more than 25 years, Kaiser Permanente had a successful partnership with its workers union, working hand in hand to secure some of the highest wages in the health care industry while providing high-quality patient careuntil now. Over 75,000 workers are striking against the company, and their demands reflect the dire state of the U.S. health care system. After months of failed contract negotiations, on Sept. 22, the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions issued a 10-day unfair labor practice strike notice. The unions are negotiating their first contract since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and they say that working conditions have become untenable and are impacting patient care. Weve repeatedly raised our concerns with Kaiser executives about the Kaiser short-staffing crisis, but they are bargaining in bad faith and refusing to listen to us, said Audrey Cardenas Loera, an administrative specialist at Kaiser Permanente in Oregon, in a union press release. So on Wednesday, thousands of health care workers began a three-day strike across the area in which Kaiser Permanente operatesCalifornia, Colorado, Washington, Virginia, Oregon, and Washington D.C.made up of nurses, radiologists, X-ray technicians, receptionists, pharmacists, and hundreds of other roles. Its scheduled to go until Oct. 7 while negotiations continue, but if a settlement isnt reached by then, the union has threatened another strike in November. Advertisement Its a dramatic turnaround for Kaiser Permanente, which at one point had a rare and admirable relationship with its workers union. In the late 1990s, the health care company struck a labor-management partnership that gave the union a say during decision-making at all levels, from the boardroom to the operating room. The partnership blossomed into success for both parties. Advertisement This strike is a big blow to that long-lasting, well-documented, really important example of the ability of labor and management to work together, explained Ariel Avgar, director of the Center for Applied Research on Work at Cornell University.* The labormanagement partnerships can have strikes, they have adversarial relationships at times, but given the scale and size of this, its a big deal. Advertisement There are two issues that are driving the current strike: wages and staffing. Under the unions last contract, members wage increases were linked to Kaiser Permanentes financial goals, so if the company succeeded, workers would also be rewarded. But the unions want to do away with that pay structure and establish a flat minimum wage of $25 an hour (an increase), plus annual across-the-board raises for workers in every Kaiser Permanente region for the next four years. The workers also want increased funding for members retirement accounts and career development programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaiser Permanente has agreed to some of these demands, including the across-the-board wage increases in all of its markets over the next four years. However, it only offered to increase minimum wages up to $23 an hour in California and $21 for all other markets it operates in. Aside from money, the union is also seeking relief from exhaustion and burnout among its members, especially from the grind of treating COVID-19. The strain on the remaining understaffed workforce is almost unbearable, said a 2022 union newsletter. But its not just COVID. Health care workers at Kaiser Permanente have also relayed stories of patients having to wait unsafe lengths of time to get cancer screenings, hospital room assignments, X-rays, surgeries, and more. These issues have only been amplified since the pandemic, which drove thousands of health care workers to leave their professions. The Kaiser Permanente union says there is record attrition and tens of thousands of vacancies. Advertisement Related From Slate The Biden Administration Just Made Organizing a Union Exponentially Easier Read More Staffing shortages have plagued nearly all health care providers. Since February 2020, hospital employment has decreased by nearly 94,000, with annual staff turnover increasing from 18 percent up to 30 percent. At the same time, hospitals labor expenses have increased almost 16 percent since 2019. The American Hospital Association predicts there will be a shortage of 3.2 million health care workers by 2026. Advertisement Kaiser is a nonprofit organization, meaning it pays no income taxes on its earnings and limited property taxes, but it has still maintained record profits. Over the past five years the company has reported more than $24 billion in profitsix months into 2023, it reported $3 billion in profit. But in response to the unions calls for more staffing, Kaiser Permanente has said theyve met their goal of hiring 10,000 new staff members by the end of the year, and that over the past two years, theyve hired more than 50,000 people. However, the company also says its not done yet, committing to address every area of staffing that is still challenging. Advertisement This pledge, though, did not stop the more than 60,000 union members who voted to strike against Kaiser Permanente, 98 percent of its West Coast arm. Thats notable, as Ken Wong, director of the University of California, Los Angeles labor center, explained: These are people that work every day caring for their patients. This is not a light decision, and yet it is a reflection of the level of discontent and the level of frustration that many of these workers feel. And theyre not alone, as they were joined by an earlier nurses strike in New York City, the Hollywood writers strike that lasted 148 days, numerous teachers strikes across the country, and the ongoing actors and United Auto Workers strikes. Its a trend that started even before this year though: The Bureau of Labor Statistics found major strike activity in the U.S. increased nearly 50 percent in 2022. On Thursday, Donald Trumps legal team filed a long-awaited motion to dismiss the special counsels 2020 election interference charges on presidential immunity grounds. We anticipated that Trump would mount this defense even before the charges officially dropped in a model prosecution memo on the case earlier this summer and published an extended takedown of the arguments. Now that the motion is here and we can judge the substance, it is still likely to fail. Trump argues that the conduct underlying the charges in special counsel Jack Smiths indictment falls within the outer perimeter of Trumps official responsibilities as president. But this is the standard for civil immunity for presidents; although Trumps lawyers try to apply this standard, courts have never even established that presidents enjoy any immunity from criminal prosecutions. Indeed, a close reading of that case suggests that five of the nine justices on the court thought that it did not. Even if Judge Tanya Chutkan were to apply that standard, Trumps alleged conduct falls well outside the outer perimeter of his duties. As we explained in the model prosecution memo: Trumps conduct in the many schemes leading up to January 6 or in the insurrection itself does not remotely qualify for any form of immunity. Simply put, the president has no role to play in counting or tabulating ballotsor certifying resultsin presidential elections. Advertisement To deal with this problem, in their motion Trumps lawyers go to great lengths to rebrand the conduct alleged in the indictment with a series of innocuous-seeming descriptions, such as that he made public statements about the administration of the election, communicated with senior Department of Justice officials about investigating election fraud and about choosing the leadership of DOJ, and communicated with state officials about the administration of the federal election and their exercise of official duties with respect to it. They argue that the prosecution has charged Trump for official acts taken with allegedly improper motivesmotives that, in any event, cannot alone curtail immunity. Advertisement Advertisement These attempts to spin the descriptions of the conduct alleged in the indictment such that they might reasonably be viewed as falling within the outer perimeter of the presidents conduct are unpersuasive at best and dishonest at worst. No neutral observer hearing Trumps Jan. 2 phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffenspergerduring which Trump asked him to just find 11,780 voteswould describe it as a mere communication with a state official about his duties. It was a naked attempt to pressure a state official to overturn the results of a free and fair electionone that had already been decidedin Trumps favor. That was not within the outer perimeter of Trumps responsibilities as former president but, rather, went far beyond it. As explained in the model prosecution memo: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are good, self-evident reasons why our legal system does not give the sitting president a role in counting, tabulating, or certifying the election for his successoran election in which he may be a candidate. Any claim that Trumps apparent involvement in the creation of false electoral slates claiming victory in states he lost, in a campaign to pressure Pence to unilaterally override the will of the voters, or in directing a group of armed and violent rioters to the Capitol to disrupt the certification of the election results was in furtherance of official federal business, rather than in pursuit of personal political gain, will not stand. Such a claim offends the Constitutions structural safeguards against electoral self-dealing, as well as its prohibitions against making any single person or official the judge of their own case. Advertisement A string of controlling appellate cases is adverse to Trump, from the Supreme Courts decision in U.S. v. Nixon to more recent decisions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit regarding Trumps assertions of similar arguments against the House Jan. 6 committees document subpoenas and Smiths grand jury subpoenas of senior Trump administration officials. Indeed, Trumps legal team repeatedly cites the Jan. 6 case Thompson v. Trump but merely asserts that it was wrongly decided, neglecting to note that he appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court and the justices denied his petition. In the civil context, Chutkans colleague Judge Amit Mehta, also rejected the identical Trump argument in the Blassingame case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court rulings in the Fulton County case on removal are also instructive. Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows sought to remove his criminal case in Fulton County, Georgia, from state to federal court by making similar arguments to Trumpsthat Meadows is entitled to immunity because the conduct alleged in the indictment related to his duties as a federal official. The presiding federal judge, Steve Jones, flatly rejected that argument, explaining that the Constitution does not provide for any White House involvement with state election and post-election procedures. Jones also pointed out that the Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activity and that the activities in question were campaign-related, not official business. Jones highlighted that the lawyers on Trumps call with Raffensperger were not from the DOJ or the White House Counsels Office, but were Trumps personal and campaign attorneysevidence that this was campaign activity falling well beyond the outer perimeter of federal duties. Jones also rebuffed similar points made by former DOJ official Jeffrey Clark in rejecting his removal motion. Chutkan is likely to reach the same conclusion. Advertisement Additionally, the implication argued by Trump that an acquittal in an impeachment somehow precludes criminal prosecution is absurd. It is true that the Constitution says that if a president is convicted in impeachment, he or she can later be subject to prosecution. The reason that the framers were silent about what happens to presidents who are acquitted in an impeachment is that it is so obviousof course, they too remain subject to other, non-impeachment processes such as indictment. Trump cites reasoning by Justice Samuel Alito in Trump v. Vance, but that was in dissent and is not the holding or reasoning of that case. The majority of the court did not go for it, because it makes no sense. Chutkan is likely to reject the motion, and the appellate courts will probably uphold that decision. Of course, well have to wait to see how the DOJ responds and how Chutkan ultimately rules. But the facts and the law are clearTrumps efforts to overturn the results of an election he knew he lost do not fall within the outer perimeter of his official responsibilities as president. Not even close. On Thursday, Donald Trumps attorneys filed their long-awaited motion seeking to dismiss special counsel Jack Smiths Jan. 6 prosecution, citing what they claim is Trumps absolute immunity from prosecution for acts committed as president, because he was president. As Norm Eisen and Joshua Kolb have explained in Slate, this motion should be largely ignored, since the immunity claims have already been rejected in various forms in numerous courts. But its worth considering this point of view philosophically as well as legally. Because Trumps argumentwhich boils down to the presidents attorneys claiming he was acting for what he thought was the good of the country when he sparked a mob assault on the Capitol in an attempt to overturn a free and fair electiondeserves to be laughed out of court and out of societal discourse. At the same time, one particular portion of Trumps motion to dismiss is so utterly shameless that it deserves special attention. The argument that should take the prize for the greatest piece of legal chutzpah ever presented by a Trump lawyer in a court of lawand that is saying a lotcomes on Page 11 of the 46-page motion to dismiss. There, Trumps attorneys argue that the Constitution itself gives him immunity because it specifies that impeachment may be followed by a criminal indictment. Trumps attorneys reason, therefore, that an acquitted president, such as Trump, can no longer face indictment. See for yourself: Advertisement Presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts is also rooted in the text of the Constitution. The Impeachment Clauses provide that the President may be charged by indictment only in cases where the President has been impeached and convicted by trial in the Senate. Here, President Trump was acquitted by the Senate for the same course of conduct. The Impeachment Clause of Article I provides that Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. Because the Constitution specifies that only the Party convicted by trial in the Senate may be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, it presupposes that a President who is not convicted may not be subject to criminal prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement This is silly on its face: Just because the Constitution says that one thing can happen (an impeached and convicted president can face prosecution), that doesnt imply that the inverse cannot happen (an impeached and acquitted president cant face prosecution). What is much more galling, though, than this logical error is that during the impeachment trial over the events of Jan. 6, Trumps lawyers argued the exact opposite in order to win acquittal. Specifically, Trump attorney David Schoen said during that impeachment trial that the Senate could not convict Trump because, since he was no longer president, the only appropriate venue for accountability was the criminal justice system. Schoen went so far as to explicitly cite the very same section of the Constitution to say the exact opposite thing now being argued in court. Heres what Schoen argued (emphasis mine): Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The impeachment managers] contend, citing various law professors, that [any official] who betrayed the public trust and was impeached could avoid accountability simply by resigning one minute before the Senates final conviction vote. This argument is a complete canard. The Constitution expressly provides in article I, section 3, clause 7 that a convicted party, following impeachment, shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment according to law [after removal]. Clearly, a former civil officer who is not impeached is subject to the same. Schoen continued by explicitly discussing the prospect of a prosecution, saying that it was the only appropriate form of accountability for the former president, who was not immune: We have a judicial process in this country. We have an investigative process in this country to which no former officeholder is immune. That is the process that should be running its course. That is the process the bill of attainder tells us is the appropriate one for investigation, prosecution, and punishment, with all of the attributes of that branch. We are missing it by two articles here that the article III courts provide. They provide that kind of appropriate adjudication. That is accountability. There are appropriate mechanisms in place for full and meaningful accountability not through the legislature, which does not and cannot offer the safeguards of the judicial system, which every private citizen is constitutionally entitled to. Advertisement Advertisement This was not a small part of Trumps impeachment trial. Its the argument that probably led directly to his acquittal, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell citing it as his reason for voting against conviction. In explaining his vote not to convict, McConnell said the appropriate place for accountability was the criminal courts: President Trump is still liable for everything he did while he was in office, as an ordinary citizenunless the statute of limitations is run, still liable for everything he did while he was in office. He didnt get away with anything yet. Yet. We have a criminal justice system in this country. We have civil litigation, and former presidents are not immune from being accountable by either one. Advertisement Trump fell just 10 votes short of conviction, and McConnells backing clearly carried enormous weight. Now Trumps attorneys, having successfully argued that he couldnt be convicted during his impeachment because the criminal courts were the only appropriate venue, are arguing that he cant be held accountable in criminal court because he wasnt convicted during his impeachment. There is, its worth noting, an entire legal principle called estoppel, which prevents someone from claiming in court something contrary to a case that they made to win a previous argument in court. Judge Tanya Chutkan should consider deploying it. If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. People take tote bags everywhere grocery stores, the beach, gyms, picnics you name it! So what better way to get your business name out there than getting some customized tote bags? Amazon and Etsy both have a large assortment of shops that make custom tote bags, with various styles, sizes, and prices available. Using Custom Tote Bags For Your Business Tote bags, owing to their functionality and versatility, have become indispensable accessories. For businesses, they serve as a perfect marketing tool that doesnt just announce the brand, but also echoes its commitment to sustainability. Heres how tote bags can elevate your business presence: 1. Eco-friendly Promotion: Tote bags underscore the importance of being environmentally conscious. When you hand out a reusable tote bag, youre not just promoting your business, but also encouraging eco-friendly habits. Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Advertise Your Business Here 2. Cost-effective Advertising: Unlike other promotional items, a tote bag is used repeatedly, ensuring that your brand gets repeated exposure with just a one-time investment. 3. Versatility: Tote bags are versatile. Whether your customer is a college student, a gym enthusiast, or a frequent shopper, a tote caters to everyone. This broad appeal ensures maximum brand visibility. Key Considerations when Customizing Tote Bags for Business: Material Choice: Depending on your brands image, you might opt for organic cotton, jute, or recycled materials to further emphasize sustainability. Depending on your brands image, you might opt for organic cotton, jute, or recycled materials to further emphasize sustainability. Design & Color: Your design should be clear, engaging, and represent your brands ethos. Opt for colors that align with your brand palette but also stand out. Your design should be clear, engaging, and represent your brands ethos. Opt for colors that align with your brand palette but also stand out. Size & Durability: Depending on the intended use (like grocery shopping vs. carrying books), choose a size and material strength that suits your audience. Pro-tip: Collaborate with a local artist or designer to create an exclusive design for your tote bags. This adds an artistic touch, making the bags even more appealing, which could turn them into much-sought-after items. Small Business Deals Custom Tote Bags for Your Customers to Promote Your Business Weve scoured Amazon and Etsy for the best places to get customized tote bags for your business. We looked at customer reviews, average turnaround time, discounts for bulk orders, and, of course, good quality. If youre considering getting some custom-printed tote bags and giving them to customers, employees, or just for yourself, this list should be your starting point. Top Pick: Logo Cotton Canvas Tote Bags Runner Up: Custom Text Bags in Bulk Best Value: Personalized Custom Tote Bags Bulk Option Up to 650 Up to 1000 Contact Seller Color Options Bag is natural colored; over 50 font colors available Natural/black only Several bag colors and patterns Bag Size 15"Wx15.8"H 15"W x 16"H 15"Wx15.7"H Material/Design Cotton canvas Cotton Polyester Ripstop Fabric Other Features Eco-friendly Print on one or both sides Water resistant, reinforced seams Logo Cotton Canvas Tote Bags This Etsy store offers full-color logo and/or text printing on its totes. They are sold in quantities of 10 up to 500, with a discount given for bulk purchases. The totes are made from 12 oz. cotton canvas and measure 1515.8 inches. Previous customers of this store rave about the high-quality bags and printing. Logo Cotton Canvas Tote Bags Buy on Etsy Custom Text Bags in Bulk Choose from single or double-sided printing on this tote bag, which can be customized with text, a logo, or both. The bag is about 15 x 16 and is made from cotton. It also has reinforced textured handles for improved durability. This seller has coupon codes offering discounts for purchasing more bags. Custom Text Bags in Bulk Buy on Etsy Personalized Custom Tote Bags These bags are available in an assortment of colors, and they fold up into the attached mini-pouch! You can get your name or logo on both this polyester tote and its pouch, and you can pick from several quantity options. The bags measure about 15 x 15 and, though they do note the long turnaround time, customers report the bags are good quality. Personalized Custom Tote Bags Buy on Amazon Custom Polyester Tote Bags While slightly smaller than some of the others on our list, these bags have zippered closures and inside pockets, which is rare for a tote bag! You can choose from a wide assortment of bag colors, though the straps on all of them are black. You can also choose the bag size, font style and colors, and quantity. This bag is sold in quantities of up to 20. Custom Polyester Tote Bags Buy on Amazon Canvas Tote Bags with Your Custom Text or Logo These bags come in 2 styles tri-color and solid color, with several color options for both. The solid color bags are 15 x 16, while the tri-color ones are slightly smaller at 15 x 15. Theyre made from cotton canvas, and there is no limit to the quantity you can order. Canvas Tote Bags with Your Custom Text or Logo Buy on Etsy DISCOUNT PROMOS Reusable Heavy Duty Tote Bag These tote bags are made from non-woven polypropylene, a durable and long-lasting material. The bags are 15 x 14 and have long handles and a bottom gusset for extra carrying strength. They come in several colors and are sold in packs of 10, 20, or 100. Discount Promos is a company that specializes in bulk customized items. DISCOUNT PROMOS Reusable Heavy Duty Tote Bag Buy on Amazon Custom Canvas Tote Bags These 8 oz cotton canvas bags come in bundles of up to 1000! The bags are about 1416 inches and can be customized with your logo, name, image, or all three! Customers of this seller rave about the high quality and great communication. Custom Canvas Tote Bags Buy on Etsy Bulk Custom Tote Bags Get a bulk order discount when you order larger quantities of this tote bag. The bags are made from heavy-duty cotton canvas and measure about 15 x 15 with a gusseted bottom. The seller uses digital printing to get bright and lasting results and will print your artwork in full color. They also offer free proof, and there is a discount for bulk orders, as well as free shipping on more than 5 bags. Bulk Custom Tote Bags Buy on Etsy DISCOUNT PROMOTIONS Reusable Canvas Cloth Tote Bags Our second entry from DP, these totes are spacious and come in 3 colors. Your text and/or logo will be printed in white on the bags, which come in packs of 10. The bags are made from non-woven canvas and measure 15 x 19. DISCOUNT PROMOTIONS Reusable Canvas Cloth Tote Bags Buy on Amazon YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today. Foreign Minister Park Jin on Friday pledged to continue increasing financial assistance to a U.N. refugee agency to better support Palestinian refugees. Park made the remarks prior to his meeting with Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), at Seoul's foreign ministry, as Korea is set to serve as a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term. "Korea will take our seat in the U.N. Security Council from next year for two years," Park said. "As a member of the U.N. Security Council, we are committed to playing a constructive role on (the) Palestine issue." "We will also continue to increase our financial contributions to UNRWA so that we can better support the livelihoods of Palestinian refugees," he added. Lazzarini congratulated Korea for winning the UNSC seat and stressed the importance of his agency's partnership with Seoul on resolving the Palestinian issue. He also called for attention and support to the Palestinian refugees who have been "waiting for far too long for a just and lasting political solution." (Yonhap) By now, weve all heard enough about customer relationship management (CRM) solutions and how businesses of any size could benefit from them. As a global software vendor, Zoho has always been curious about how this awareness of CRM solutions translates into reality, especially among the small business community. The 2023 State of Customer Operations for U.S. Small Businesses survey, curated by Bigin by Zoho CRM and produced in partnership with the SMB Group, is our attempt to demystify the reasons behind many small business use cases. The study was completed with data from 1,500 US-based small businessescompanies with under 100 employees. The results demonstrated that companies are inconsistent in their CRM considerations. Despite how long CRMs have been available, 56% of the surveyed small businesses saying they dont use a CRM solution to manage customer relationships. Unsurprisingly, they all resort to traditional methods of data management. Of those respondents who dont use a CRM, 39% use a combination of spreadsheets, email, and personal productivity tools, 9% use a combination of siloed applications, and 8% still use manual methods like pen and paper. Funnily enough, even those who dont use a CRM are willing to concede how valuable they can be: More than two-thirds of respondents without CRMs think theyd benefit from using one. Below, Ive highlighted some of the reasons those companies reported as to why they havent tried one, including why those excuses may not be framed for technology today. Our company was too small to need one. 48% of surveyed users With each passing year, CRMs gain new features and functionality and have evolved into complex organisms. Small businesses can be forgiven if they cant see themselves using most of the enterprise-level CRMs which are simply too much for them. The truth is that businesses of any size can benefit from using a CRM tailored to them, starting at the smallest business size of all: solopreneurs. These owners are required to do it all, and then some, whether the business is new or starting to develop into something lasting. There may not be any money in the budget to hire another person right away, so the only way to grow at scale is to redistribute time more efficiently, such as eliminating tasks from the daily grind in order to focus on big-picture concerns. CRMs specialize in this level of redistribution. A business owner spending lots of time on customer relationships will appreciate that their CRM can invoice automatically and update customer records instantly from within any connected app. CRMs also include the baseline for a sustainable filing system, ensuring businesses spend less time searching for what they need and more time taking action. Thanks to low-code technology, solopreneurs with little-to-no coding experience are able to refine apps and processes as the business experiences growing pains within the market. Its also worth considering what small business evolution might look like, and not just in number of employees. Most growth plans can benefit from the use of a CRM, whether its for customer operations, employee experience, or, most likely, something a small business owner cant predict. No matter the upcoming challenge, communication internally needs to remain flawless lest a company risk turning away a potential customera valuable commodity for any SMB. With the right CRM in place, all employees gain visibility into what others are doing, ensuring a tight-knit, communicative team culture that lays the foundation for future growth. We were satisfied with how we do things today. 35% of surveyed users Just because employees like doing things a certain way doesnt make it the right way. Companies who arent using a CRM have manufactured all manner of makeshift solutions, as outlined in the introduction: multiple applications across numerous vendors. And, in some cases, the old-fashioned pen-and-paper methods.The scattershot approach has a few minor advantages. It requires little upfront setup or cost and allows business owners to continue operating as they were before launching their venture. But, this approach has an expiration date. All it takes is for one of those programs to go dark or introduce a troublesome update to disrupt business entirely. It also requires training new employees on multiple platforms, increasing the risk of mistakes. Small businesses need to consider the security implications, as well. When companies operate out of a centralized CRM, individual apps are monitored from a central location, often a remote server via cloud computing. Any suspicious activity within the system, regardless of which app is affected, triggers a consistent and timely response. Plus, any software updates can be pushed simultaneously to every connected program, eliminating the chance of a hacker getting into a system through an outdated app. The cost of implementing a CRM pales to the cost, both monetarily and via the commodity of customer trust, of a data leak. People were too resistant to learning how to use new software. 17% of surveyed users It would take to long for people to learn how to use. 17% of surveyed users Not even the largest investment in the most robust piece of software pays dividends if nobody in the organization uses it. A portion of the survey respondents expressed wariness for this reason: 17% of non-CRM users said they were hesitant to use a CRM because they sensed people within the company would be resistant; 17% worried implementation would take too long. While its true that some employees might arrive with a lack of technical know-how, the general trend, especially in CRMs, is to include automation as a standard feature. Employees can offload their most monotonous tasks to the machine, freeing them up to focus on high impact work. Even the most extreme Luddites can appreciate some extra time, even if it requires some upfront upskillingmuch of which can be spent with customization, such as choosing fields and applying helpful labels. The time commitment might not be substantial, either. Many small business-focused CRMs are able to integrate themselves into existing workflows seamlessly to begin automations immediately. For example, consider a three-person company holding a meeting while one employee is stuck on jury duty. The other two can upload their notes from the meeting to the CRM, at which point the system will ping the third with a list of assigned tasks that feed into the general team pipeline. Even from mobile, employees can quickly check on project statuses and respond to questions that arose during the meeting they missed. The Bottom Line Scalable, intuitive CRMs have proven invaluable to companies of all sizes, enabling small businesses to meet the challenges of a competitive landscape and hold their own against larger industry players. Any small business hoping to grow would be wise to consider a CRM sooner rather than lateras mentioned above, employees can be hesitant to try new things. Most importantly, though, is the true danger to small businesses of not using a CRM: Theyre forced to play catch-up to other SMBs running on a CRM. By Yatheesh Raj, Product Marketing Manager, Bigin by Zoho CRM Fourth of July messages resonate deeply as citizens around the world celebrate Americas Independence Day with enthusiasm and vigor each year. As they commemorate the birth of the nation, many eagerly anticipate a day off from work, a night illuminated by fireworks, or an opportunity to express their patriotism. Such a cherished holiday is often marked by Americans with heartfelt messages of goodwill. How do You Say Happy Fourth of July in Business? Celebrating Independence Day within the business context is not unusual. Many companies, regardless of their size, recognize the significance of the Fourth of July. Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here Some might mark the occasion by shutting their doors for a day, granting leaves, or even disbursing special holiday bonuses. Despite the constraints that some smaller businesses may face in closing for the day, theres always an opportunity to craft a heartfelt message expressing their patriotism. Crafting a Fourth of July message neednt be complicated the essence lies in spreading positivity and pride in being American. Independence Day Messages for Small Businesses: Key Points Celebrated by citizens globally. Businesses often acknowledge by closing or offering bonuses. Sending messages sets a positive tone in the workplace. Suitable for employees, clients, customers, and bosses. Famous quotes can add depth and history to the messages. Small Business Deals 4th of July Messages to Employees Engaging with employees during special occasions like Independence Day enhances the bond between the company and its workforce. Sending out a thoughtfully worded message on the 4th of July is an effective way to resonate with their patriotic feelings, especially for those who might be spending the holiday working. You might be pondering, Whats the best way to frame a July 4th note to my team? To help you navigate this, here are some message ideas to spark your creativity. 1. Wishing our employees a festive Independence Day filled with family, friends and fun. 2. Happy Fourth of July to a valued employee, I hope you have a wonderful Independence Day this year. 3. As we celebrate this great nation, may our employees know they are as valuable to our business as our national heroes are to our entire country. Happy Independence Day! 4. Happy Independence Day from our family to yours on this 4th of July. Have a fabulous day full of freedom as you celebrate our wonderful country. 5. Sending special 4th of July wishes to our valuable employees. Heres hoping your July celebrations are festive and free. 6. As we celebrate this great country on the 4th of July, may we remember our blessings of living in a free country where we are all created equal. Warm wishes to you and yours on this Fourth of July! 7. Wed like to wish you all a happy fourth of July and warm greetings as we celebrate this great big free country. 8. On this significant day, may all the citizens of the country rest easy as we celebrate the nations birth. Happy Fourth of July! Happy 4th of July Messages to Customers Building and maintaining a positive relationship with customers often entails going the extra mile, like sending warm holiday greetings. Utilizing special occasions like Independence Day as a chance to convey gratitude and good wishes can be beneficial. Such gestures, even if small, can leave a lasting impact and reinforce loyalty. If youre scratching your head, trying to draft the perfect 4th of July message to your clientele, here are a few samples to guide and inspire your writing process. Looking for some ideas to write 4th of July messages to customers? Let the following Independence Day messages serve as inspiration. 9. Have a safe and festive holiday with your family and friends as we celebrate this great nation. Happy fourth of July! 10. Warm wishes from our family to yours on this significant day. Thank God for all the veterans who protect this privileged nation, and God Bless America! 11. Wishing you and yours a very happy fourth of July and a day full of fun as you celebrate our nations birthday. Happy Independence Day! 12. Happy Independence Day and warm wishes to our customers on this special national holiday when we celebrate freedom, our most precious blessing. 13. On the 4th of July, may we remember our brave heroes who fought for our nations independence and those veterans who protected our freedom in all the other wars on this important holiday. Happy Independence Day! 14. Warm greetings to our valued customers on this special occasion. Our country cherishes its freedom just as our business cherishes its clients. Lets celebrate living in the greatest country in the world. Happy Independence Day! 15. Responsible citizens celebrate Independence Day and hope for a brighter tomorrow. We want to thank our customers for their valuable business on this important holiday. Happy Independence Day! 16. Happy 4th of July to a valuable customer. We hold these truths to be self-evident. America is the greatest nation on Earth, and we thank our heroes for our blessings of freedom. Fourth of July Messages to Clients Establishing and fortifying business relationships requires regular gestures of goodwill. Offering clients your best wishes during significant holidays like the Fourth of July exemplifies professionalism and thoughtfulness. If you find yourself at a loss for words, uncertain about the right tone or content for a July 4th greeting, worry not. Heres a list of suggestions to kickstart your thought process and help you compose a memorable message. 17. Happy 4th of July to a great client! Lets celebrate freedom in this one nation under God. Other countries only wish they had it this great! 18. My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty. Lets pay homage to America and make this July memorable. Happy Independence Day to a fabulous client! 19. May you spend July celebrating our freedom with friends and loved ones, and may the fireworks in the sky prove that freedom is worth the sacrifices that make our nation prosper. 20. On this historic day in 1776, our fathers brought forth a new nation by declaring independence from Great Britain. In the true spirit of this special day, we wish you a festive and exciting Independence Day. 21. Happy Independence Day! Lets celebrate our national martyrs who gave us the freedom to have such a powerful country today. 22. Happy July 4th! We hope the fireworks light up the skies of our valuable clients like you, and you celebrate our nations independence with explosive excitement. 23. On this special day may we remember our nations strong history as we enjoy spending time with family and celebrating an explosively exciting fourth of July. 24. Wed like to wish our favorite clients a happy July 4th, and we hope you experience a fantastic collection of freedom, fun, food and family over the holiday weekend. 4th of July Wishes to Send to Your Boss Expressing well-wishes during special occasions like the Fourth of July isnt just reserved for friends and family. Extending these gestures to your boss can pave the way for a more congenial and harmonious work environment. Taking the initiative to wish your boss a happy Independence Day showcases thoughtfulness, which is always appreciated in professional settings. If youre hesitating or feeling uncertain about how to frame your July 4th message to your superior, below are some sample messages that might guide you or spur some inspiration. 25. May the stars and stripes continue to wave as proud as I am to work for this company. Thanks for being such a great boss, and have a happy July 4th this Independence Day. 26. Sending the warmest July greetings to you on this festive holiday. Happy Independence Day, thanks for being such a great boss, and let freedom ring! 27. Happy 4th of July to a fantastic boss! Lets celebrate freedom with fireworks, family and fun this Independence Day with liberty and justice for all! 28. As we celebrate Americas birthday, lets remember our founders designed this nation based on freedom, justice and one nation under God. I hope you have an incredible July 4th holiday! 29. We are proud to be Americans because we know we live in the land of the free! Happy 4th of July to an amazing boss, and thanks for making America great! 30. Independence Day commemorates Americas birth and the Revolutionary War, but we all should celebrate our current blessings, including this job. Thanks for being a fabulous boss, and have a great holiday! Fourth of July Quotes to Add to Your Message Incorporating quotes from famous personalities often elevates the tone of a message, lending it a touch of wisdom and gravitas. Thats why many prefer adding time-honored quotes to their holiday greetings. Historical figures, authors, and even present-day personalities have often captured the essence of the Independence Day spirit eloquently. If youre looking for such quotes to bolster your 4th of July message, here are some classic examples that you might find resonating. 31. Independence Day: freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. Dwight D. Eisenhower, former president 32. It will be celebrated with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other. John Adams, former president and founding father 33. Where liberty dwells, there is my country. Benjamin Franklin, entrepreneur, statesman and founding father 34. America means opportunity, freedom, power. Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist 35. Ask not what your country can do for youask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy, former U.S. president 36. Give me liberty or give me death! Patrick Henry, founding father and attorney 37. Freedom lies in being bold. Robert Frost, American poet 38. As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality. George Washington, former president and founding father 39. We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it. William Faulkner, American writer 40. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the snow capped Rockies of Colorado! Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California! But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring. Martin Luther King, civil rights activist and minister Fourth of July Messages by Recipient Heres a quick comparison of the type of messages you can send to different groups this Independence Day. Target Audience Purpose Sample Message Employees Show appreciation and empathize with their patriotism Wishing our employees a festive Independence Day filled with family, friends, and fun. Customers Build loyalty and showcase appreciation Warm wishes from our family to yours on this significant day. Clients Strengthen business relationships Happy 4th of July to a great client! Lets celebrate freedom. Boss Foster a positive work environment May the stars and stripes continue to wave as proud as I am to work for this company. Use These Examples to Create Your Own Independence Day Message Whether sending messages with good tidings to customers, colleagues, or the boss, Independence Day messages can set a positive tone in the workplace and help make sure everyone enjoys their holiday. Happy Fourth of July messages can be sent in emails, letters, printing services, greeting cards or even attached to festive gifts. If you arent sure exactly what to say in your July 4th messages, just take a look at the above examples for some welcome inspiration. Conclusion Fourth of July messages resonate deeply as citizens around the world celebrate Americas Independence Day with enthusiasm and vigor each year. This cherished holiday marks not only the birth of the nation but also an occasion for Americans to express their patriotism and goodwill towards one another. Whether you are a business owner, an employee, or a customer, sending or receiving Fourth of July messages can be a heartwarming and unifying experience. For businesses, celebrating Independence Day within the professional context is not uncommon. It presents an opportunity to show appreciation to employees, clients, and customers while fostering a sense of unity and patriotism within the workplace. Crafting meaningful Fourth of July messages need not be complicated; its all about spreading positivity and pride in being American. Independence Day messages to employees serve to enhance the bond between a company and its workforce. These messages can convey gratitude for their dedication, especially for those who might be working on the holiday. Thoughtful words can go a long way in resonating with their patriotic feelings and making them feel valued. When reaching out to customers with Happy Fourth of July messages, businesses have the chance to reinforce loyalty and build a positive relationship. Simple gestures like sending warm holiday greetings can leave a lasting impression and convey appreciation for their patronage. Clients, too, should not be forgotten on this special occasion. Sending Fourth of July messages to clients showcases professionalism and thoughtfulness, which can help strengthen business relationships. Its an opportunity to celebrate the holiday together and express gratitude for their continued support. Even your boss can be a recipient of Fourth of July wishes. Extending these well-wishes to your superior demonstrates thoughtfulness and can contribute to a more harmonious work environment. Recognizing your boss on Independence Day shows respect and appreciation for their leadership. To add depth and history to your messages, consider incorporating quotes from famous personalities who have eloquently captured the essence of Independence Day over the years. These quotes can lend your messages wisdom and gravitas, enhancing the overall sentiment. In essence, the Fourth of July messages are a way to celebrate not only the nations independence but also the unity, appreciation, and positivity that come with it. Whether youre sending these messages as an employer, employee, customer, or boss, they contribute to a sense of togetherness and gratitude that defines the spirit of Independence Day. Mark Zuckerberg revealed the expansion of the Meta Verified subscription for businesses across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp at Metas Conversations Conference in Mumbai. What is Meta Verified and Why Should Small Businesses Care? Originally introduced for creators to cement their digital presence, Meta Verified is now extending its arms to businesses. The essence of this offering is simple: a subscription model to help businesses amplify their online presence, gain trust with a verified badge, and protect their brand from impersonations. This could be a valuable tool for small business owners to distinguish their brand in a saturated digital market. Drive Traffic to Your Website Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here The phased rollout will first see testing on Instagram and Facebook in specific countries. WhatsApp will join this lineup at a later stage. Key Features to Look Out For: Verified Badge: A clear marker for authenticity, ensuring customers that they are engaging with the genuine business. Impersonation Monitoring: An essential for brand protection, this feature will proactively monitor and mitigate potential impersonation attempts. Enhanced Support: Troubleshooting and account support to ensure smooth business operations on the platform. Elevated Visibility: Meta Verified businesses on Instagram and Facebook will get a boost, appearing at or near the top of search results and recommended as verified businesses to follow. WhatsApp will have its unique offerings, including custom WhatsApp pages searchable via the web and multi-device support, permitting multiple team members to interact with customers. For businesses keen on pricing details, the subscription will cost $21.99/month for a single platform (either Instagram or Facebook) or a bundled rate of $34.99/month for both. Mobile users might see a slight difference, with the price set at $27.99/month per platform. The pricing strategy for the WhatsApp integration remains under wraps. Safety First Small Business Deals One of Metas key talking points is the robust safety framework for this service. To subscribe, businesses must adhere to stringent eligibility criteria, including a minimum tenure for their Business Account, mandatory two-factor authentication, and a rigorous verification process. This process ensures that businesses and customers feel confident in the legitimacy of verified entities. In essence, the Meta Verified subscription can significantly boost small businesses aiming to establish a powerful digital footprint. As the digital landscape is rife with competition, features like these can be pivotal in determining visibility, authenticity, and success. The perpetrator faces charges that could result in 15 years in prison. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share His job was to help people, but now he faces charges of rape. The Sme daily has obtained a court document issued by a judge that recounts the events of the morning when the 54-year-old paramedic allegedly abducted the 22-year-old student. The document indicates that the assault was premeditated. Upon searching the suspect's residence, the authorities discovered needles, medical supplies, and a significant quantity of prescription sleeping pills. According to Judge Roland Kemeny, who ordered the detention of Ivo P. in mid-September, the suspect had plans for additional attacks. The judge's four-page detention order describes how the paramedic is suspected of abducting the drama student, administering a sleep-inducing substance, detaining her in his residence for over a day, and eventually leaving her injured outside the main hospital in Bratislava's Petrzalka borough. One of the reasons for the suspect's detention was that the police found a large amount of sedatives, including ketamine and haloperidol, during a search of his home. The judge therefore concluded that he could harm other women. The attack was planned https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/mccarthys-ouster-likely-to-boost-democrats-in-next-election-experts-predict-1113971049.html McCarthy's Ouster Likely to Boost Democrats in Next Election, Experts Predict McCarthy's Ouster Likely to Boost Democrats in Next Election, Experts Predict The Democrats will likely end up gaining an edge at the polls in 2024 from Republican infighting that led to the ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, experts told Sputnik 2023-10-05T23:29+0000 2023-10-05T23:29+0000 2023-10-05T23:25+0000 analysis us kevin mccarthy ivan eland republicans democrats 2024 us presidential election house speaker /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/03/1113887835_0:246:2767:1802_1920x0_80_0_0_56105266b858f7b599a324fff97dba82.jpg Earlier Wednesday, prominent House Reps. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) both announced they would run for the position of speaker a day after eight MAGA Republicans joined the united minority Democrats to force McCarthy out of his position. He secured the speakership in January after a long fight that ended in a deal with the ultra-conservative wing of the Republican party, whose members claim McCarthy violated the pact. They alleged he had a "secret deal" with President Joe Biden to pass legislation recently to avoid a government shutdown. McCarthy rejected the allegations and said the motion to vacate him was personal. Independent Institute Center for Peace & Liberty President Ivan Eland said the tiny Republican rebellion against McCarthy in the almost equally divided House would be a lasting blow to the national credibility of their party. Former President Donald Trump was also deeply involved in the maneuvers that toppled McCarthy from office, Eland observed. "For the time being at least, the Republicans cannot control about 8 MAGA members. And its not ideological since its MAGA vs MAGA and maybe at Trumps behest - certainly with his approval," he said. Business will likely grind to a halt, Eland predicted, until a new speaker is approved. Former Pentagon analyst Winslow Wheeler recalled that McCarthy as well as his Democratic opponents in the House had both waged fierce partisan political warfare with each other. "Not only do the Dems personally detest McCarthy, they relish the self-imposed chaos the Republicans are experiencing, and they are tired of being double crossed by him and his ultra partisan swipes. His non-charismatic personality makes it both easy and painless to undermine him," he said. None of these behaviors are going to change unless and until both sides see it in their self-interest to co-operate, Wheeler said. Francis Buckley, a law professor at George Mason University, predicted Scalise would probably become the next speaker and would be the long-term beneficiary of McCarthy's fall. The entire procedure had delivered "a big black eye" for the Republican Party, Buckley added. Former hedge fund manager and political commentator Charles Ortel believes established leaders in the Democratic Party as well as the Republicans would lose from McCarthy's defeat. "The entrenched status quo, with Deep State con artists in both parties, lose. And all of us who expect Congress and our bloated government to run finances and conduct operations responsibly win," Ortel told Sputnik. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/mccarthys-ouster-signals-us-preparing-populace-at-large-to-defund-ukraine-1113952020.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/who-are-the-contenders-for-house-speaker--whats-their-stance-on-ukraine-aid-1113937381.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International kevin mccarthy, 2024 us election, democrat-republican faceoff, us house speakership https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/backing-ukraines-bid-for-eu-membership-simply-suicidal---polish-journalist-1113981645.html Backing Ukraine's Bid for EU Membership 'Simply Suicidal' - Polish Journalist Backing Ukraine's Bid for EU Membership 'Simply Suicidal' - Polish Journalist Anonymous diplomats told media this week that Brussels is preparing to kick off formal talks on Ukraines accession into the European Union, with an announcement on the matter expected as soon as December. The news has prompted senior serving and former EU officials to give contradictory views on the potential consequences of such a radical move. 2023-10-06T12:36+0000 2023-10-06T12:36+0000 2023-10-06T12:36+0000 world josep borrell jean-claude juncker volodymyr zelensky europe russia ukraine poland european union (eu) european council /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/03/1106946012_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_1336a4f4f72145e42f53db0efeaf9711.jpg Ukrainian membership in the EU would fundamentally undermine Polands economic interests and constitute a form of political suicide, independent Polish journalist and commentator Lukasz Warzecha has warned."Please imagine this: in a few years, in the perspective new budget, Poles will be made to pay not only gigantic amounts of money due to the EUs absurd climate policy, but be informed that tens of billions of euros worth of our money will be flowing to Ukraine, which will be our direct rival in the bloc," Warzecha wrote.Pointing to media revelations this week that the EU would have to dole out 186 billion to Kiev to fill the massive holes in Ukraine's budget if it became an EU member, which would turn Eastern European net recipients of EU aid into donors, Warzecha expressed amazement over Polish politicians apparent willingness to be led a long like sheep, "without a trace of reflection about the consequences for Poland, to immediately begin to support Ukraines admission, which would bring the greatest benefit for Germany."Warzecha's warning comes amid reports that EU leaders plan to green light talks for Ukraine's accession into the European Union, and news that the bloc may be preparing to unfreeze 13 billion euros in monies owed to Hungary by Brussels over a "rule of law" dispute, in exchange for Hungarian support for Kiev. Budapest has called the blockage of funds attempted "blackmail."Former and current European officials have offered contradictory views on Ukraine's prospects for EU membership, with European Council President Charles Michel saying this week that Kiev could become a member of the bloc by 2030 if "both sides do their homework," "actively and steadily carry out reforms, fight corruption and comply with legal conditions."However, EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell warned Friday that the 2030 target was just a political horizon, not a hard-set commitment. Its good to have a target, its good to have a horizon. This is a political horizon. The purpose of a fixed date is just to mobilize political energy to start moving. It does not mean that it has to be a precise date. If we dont have a horizon, people will start thinking okay, we have time. But we dont have time, Borrell said at a meeting with EU leaders in Granada.Ukraine has pushed the queue, and the queue will move, and we will move quickly, according to Borrell.But not all European leaders are on the same page about moving the queue.Brussels has strung Ukraine along for nearly a decade when it comes to prospective EU membership, helping Washington stage a violent coup in the country in February 2014 after President Viktor Yanukovych attempted to integrate Ukraine into the Eurasian Economic Union with Russia and postponed signing an Association Agreement with the EU.Strained Polish-Ukrainian TiesThe talk of possible Ukrainian membership in the EU comes amid a major political and economic spat between Ukraine and Poland once one of Kiev's staunchest allies, sparked by Warsaw's decision to ban Ukrainian grain imports, Ukraine's move to sue Poland in the World Trade Organization, and a string of bitter back-and-forth statements by officials, including Polish President Andrzej Duda comparing Ukraine to a "dangerous drowning man."With Poles preparing to go to the Poles on October 15 for parliamentary elections, the ruling Law and Justice government has ramped up populist attacks on Ukraine, with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki cancelling arms deliveries to Kiev and promising to "protect Polish agriculture from Ukrainian agro-oligarchs." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused countries like Poland of "feigning solidarity" but "indirectly supporting Russia." The Zelensky governments glorification of WWII-era Nazi collaborators responsible for the murder of over 100,000 Polish civilians has served to further strain ties. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231003/eu-reportedly-mulls-unblocking-hungarys-billions-in-return-for-approval-of-ukraine-support--1113876179.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220314/kiev-washington-responsible-for-failure-of-minsk-peace-agreements-ukraines-former-president-says-1093866063.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230922/experts-ukraine-poland-spat-signals-resurgence-of-national-interests-over-natos-pro-kiev-agenda-1113591740.html russia ukraine poland Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov 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 Ilya Tsukanov ukraine, poland, european union, membership, eu, application, talks, accession, economy, politics, politicians, brussels, warsaw, kiev https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/biden-waives-federal-law-to-build-border-wall-and-zelensky-meets-with-eu-leaders-in-spain-1113970817.html Biden Waives Federal Law to Build Border Wall and Zelensky Meets with EU Leaders in Spain Biden Waives Federal Law to Build Border Wall and Zelensky Meets with EU Leaders in Spain On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including French troops beginning to leave Niger, and Trump supporters labeled extremists by the FBI. 2023-10-06T04:00+0000 2023-10-06T04:00+0000 2023-10-11T09:20+0000 the backstory radio border wall immigration spain ammunition legacy media volodymyr zelensky /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/05/1113970660_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_bf241bcce13670ef9c837a265ecc2552.png Biden Waives Federal Law to Build Border Wall and Zelensky Meets with EU Leaders in Spain On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including French troops beginning to leave Niger, and Trump supporters labeled extremists by the FBI . Nebojsa Malic - Investigative Journalist, Blogger, and Author | NATO Sees Bottom of the Barrel for Ammunitions, Congress Yet to Pass Funding for Ukraine, and European Leaders Meet in Spain to Discuss UkraineDaniel Lazare - Independent Journalist and Author | Who Will Be the Next Speaker of the House, Donald Trump Grows Stronger in the Polls, and Congress is in a State of WarRob Law - Director of Regulatory Affairs and Policy for the Center for Immigration Studies | Illegal Aliens are Attracted to Sanctuary Cities, More Border Wall to be Built, and Joe Biden's Immigration RecordThom Nickels Author, Journalist | A City Known for Crime, Viral Video Makes Philadelphia Look Lawless, and People are Openly Fed Up In the first hour, Rachel spoke with Nebojsa Malic about the failure of Ukraine's counteroffensive, Poland's election quickly approaches, and European leaders meet in Spain. Nebojsa talked about the worry that surrounds the US Congress and the American funds for Ukraine aid. Nebojsa commented on NATO's admission of low ammunition stockpiles.Rachel spoke with Daniel Lazare about the number of legal cases Donald Trump is involved in, the war on Capitol Hill, and Daniel's prediction on who the next House Speaker will be. Daniel predicts that Donald Trump will be elected the next Speaker of the House and Congress is now in bigger chaos.In the second hour, Rachel spoke with Rob Law about the way the Biden administration has politicized immigration enforcement, Biden forced to build more border wall, and New York running out of shelter due to the migrant crisis. Rob talked about the legacy media paying attention to the Southern border and Elon Musk drawing attention to the Southern border. Rob described how the Biden administration is in damage control and has been forced to address the Southern border. Rachel spoke with Thom Nickels about the crime issues in Philadelphia, a viral video of a young woman attacked by bike riders in Philadelphia, and one party cities in America are a disaster. Thom commented about a viral video of a dirt bike rider attacking a woman's car and how the gangs of ATV and dirt bike riders have taken over the city.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 in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM spain ukraine 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, funding for ukraine, speaker of the house, sanctuary cities, biden's immigration policy, ukraine's failed counter-offensive, poland's election, southern border https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/eu-allowing-spying-on-journalists-part-of-normalized-digital-surveillance-1113987729.html EU Allowing Spying on Journalists Part of 'Normalized' Digital Surveillance EU Allowing Spying on Journalists Part of 'Normalized' Digital Surveillance Earlier this week, the European Parliament rejected an attempt to ban governments from spying on journalists, but instead claimed it had passed what amounted to a de facto ban on spyware. 2023-10-06T21:45+0000 2023-10-06T21:45+0000 2023-10-06T21:45+0000 analysis european union (eu) pegasus spyware journalist crackdown digital privacy /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0a/1f/1090356451_0:259:3181:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_8176e0f07540524a1e3877ad5709b539.jpg Rights groups denounced the decision, saying such safeguards can never be adequate because of a long history of abusing people's rights.The EPs decision comes two years after it was revealed that dozens of governments around the globe, including several in Europe, were using the Pegasus spyware to monitor the phones of journalists, activists, and politicians both in their own countries and in others. Pegasus is designed by the NSO Group, an Israeli company connected to the Mossad, Israel's foreign espionage agency.Sputnik spoke with Nebojsa Malic, a Serbian-American journalist who is a senior writer at RT, about the EP's decision and the growing trend of "normalizing" electronic eavesdropping.Asked if he knew if hed been spied on as an anti-war journalist, Malic told Radio Sputnik's The Final Countdown on Thursday, "I would be shocked if I haven't been."I mean, I have family in the Balkans and I too could hear clicks on the phones when I would communicate with them over the years."The EU has really been pushing hard for censorship and surveillance for the past two years - openly. I mean, let's remember that they're the ones who banned RT specifically, and Sputnik as well, off of YouTube and that YouTube decided to make that ban worldwide. They just outright banned it, censored it, they said, 'we're just going to censor this because we say so,'" Malic explained."Americans tend to not understand this because, okay, the First Amendment says free speech is near-absolute, and yet there's been this creeping notion of, 'well, you know, yes, but hate speech, and what about things that we dislike, and it's just one of those no, it really should be absolute', that people don't understand here anymore. But the leap from that to the European governments having the right to ban whatever speech they dislike is just beyond most people on this continent because they're just not used to it. Whereas in Europe, censorship has been a feature, not a bug, for centuries."The amendment that was voted down would have removed a passage from the European Media Freedom Act that permits EU governments to surveil journalists."So notice how it is framed," Malic told the hosts. "They're saying that spying on everybody is fine, but the people who proposed the amendment, they're like, 'well, surely you don't want to spy on journalists?' And so you're you're basically carving out a special protected class of journalists, which I'm sure that the European commissars in charge of this stuff would adore, because they would then get to decide who is a legitimate journalist.""Now, this particular moment, this is why I was skeptical of it to begin with, because [they say] well, blanket surveillance is fine - the type of stuff that Snowden exposed ten years ago - blanket surveillance is fine, but surely we don't want to do it to a specially protected journalist class that we wish to designate, and that somehow didn't go through. Color me shocked."Malic noted that while it's true that accredited journalists are already afforded special protections and privileges, such as at crime scenes and on battlefields, but pointed out that under US law, anybody can be a "citizen journalist" but not be afforded such protections.Still, at the end of the day, there's almost no such thing as being totally private in today's modern technological world where people use social media and browse the internet, Malic noted."Honestly, at the end of the day, three men can keep a secret if two of them are dead," he quipped. "There is no true security of information. Anything you say, as the Miranda rights litany goes, can and will be used against you. And I think, unfortunately, it would behoove us all to go about our lives, remembering that. Yes, there are technological platforms that claim to offer privacy, which everybody really should just go in with the assumption that, you know, this is merely friction as opposed to an obstacle, and that if the government or somebody else close to the circuits of power wants to get that information, they will be able to do so." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230927/sweeping-surveillance-censorship-site-hosting-russell-brand-has-uncertain-future-in-uk-1113751814.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/french-court-reportedly-rejects-request-for-julian-assange-to-apply-for-asylum-in-france-1113142259.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230730/nsa-opposes-congress-attempts-to-curb-its-spying-on-us-citizens-1112268096.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 european parliament; spyware; digital surveillance; pegasus; nso group https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/eu-never-discussed-strategic-consequences-of-ukraines-accession---hungarian-pm-1113987224.html EU Never Discussed Strategic Consequences of Ukraine's Accession - Hungarian PM EU Never Discussed Strategic Consequences of Ukraine's Accession - Hungarian PM The European Union has never discussed the actual consequences of Ukraine's European integration, and it is impossible to talk about its accession to the bloc without drawing up strategic documents and thoroughly discussing the consequences of that move first, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on Friday. 2023-10-06T16:05+0000 2023-10-06T16:05+0000 2023-10-06T16:17+0000 world viktor orban european union (eu) ukraine hungary europe granada eu-accession eu enlargement /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113987388_0:0:3078:1731_1920x0_80_0_0_b2ee7ff55c0c7c5036cef4cd3d66a1a4.jpg "First, we have to consider whether it [Ukraine's accession to the EU] is in our interest or not, and what kind of answers we have to the strategic consequences of that enlargement. We have never done it. So, we don't see any strategic calculations and no major estimation of the consequences. First - strategic approach, second - discussion, third - decision," Orban told reporters on day 2 of the European Political Community summit in Spain's Granada. Ukraine's potential EU membership raises many questions and doubts, as the EU has never before integrated a country in conflict, the Hungarian prime minister added. The EU does not know where Ukraine's current borders lie and how many people live there; therefore, a strategic discussion is needed that would result in a conclusion put on paper, including from the financial standpoint, the prime minister stressed. Earlier this year, Orban said that the Hungarian parliament would be unwilling to vote for Kiev's accession to the EU within the coming two years. Hungary will not support Ukraine's position on any issue at international forums until Kiev returns laws guaranteeing the rights of its ethnic Hungarian minority in the Zakarpatye Region, he added. The third summit of the European Political Community and the Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government are taking place from Thursday to Friday in the Spanish city of Granada. The attendees discussed the future enlargement of the EU and the potential accession of formal candidates, including Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, as well as Turkiye. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/backing-ukraines-bid-for-eu-membership-simply-suicidal---polish-journalist-1113981645.html ukraine hungary granada 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 victor orban, hungary-ukraine relations, candidate country, eu enlargement, eu-accession, 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 By Kang Seung-woo The FA-50 light attackers have achieved a combined 100,000 accident-free hours of flights since first taking flight back in 2013, the Air Force said, Friday. The Korean Air Force has been operating 60 FA-50s. The milestone came after an FA-50 operated by the 8th Fighter Wing in Wonju, Gangwon Province, successfully completed a flight Thursday. The 16th Fighter Wing in Yecheon County, North Gyeongsang Province, also operates the aircraft. The combined flight distance of the fleet reached 55 million kilometers over the past decade, about 140 times the distance between Earth and the Moon, the Air Force added. The FA-50 is a variant of Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 supersonic trainer jet, co-developed with Lockheed Martin using some of the U.S. firm's technology, including the avionics system and engine. Last year, Poland signed a deal to purchase 48 FA-50s, while Malaysia also inked a contract to import 18 of the aircraft. The FA-50 has also been exported to Iraq, the Philippines and Thailand. This 100,000-hour accident-free flight record reflects the hard work and sweat of the FA-50 pilots and mechanics, said Maj. Kim Nam-young, who piloted the record-setting FA-50. I will do my best to protect our airspace with special pride in flying a fighter jet made with our own technology. Chief Master Sgt. Cho Suk Hee of the 8th Fighter Wing, who maintains FA-50s, also said, We will inspect and maintain the FA-50 aircraft more closely so that they can take off and land safely." https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/f-16s-atacms-and-taurus-missiles-to-ukraine-could-spark-nato-russia-escalation-1113959199.html F-16s, ATACMS, and Taurus Missiles to Ukraine Could Spark NATO-Russia Escalation F-16s, ATACMS, and Taurus Missiles to Ukraine Could Spark NATO-Russia Escalation The provision of ATACMS, Taurus, and F-16s to Ukraine could lead to Russia's retaliatory strikes against NATO targets in Europe, retired Russian Lieutenant General Evgeny Buzhinsky told Sputnik's New Rules podcast, adding that it would be up to the US whether to start World War Three then. 2023-10-06T11:00+0000 2023-10-06T11:00+0000 2023-10-06T11:24+0000 analysis us joe biden vladimir putin russia ukraine moscow nato army tactical missile system (atacms) white house /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101664/22/1016642244_0:845:1500:1689_1920x0_80_0_0_853e37694c5435a9bcedb48f1265e25e.jpg US President Joe Biden recently hinted that his administration was preparing deliver cluster bomb-carrying Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range of 300 kilometers to Ukraine. I have spoken with [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky, and everything hes asked for, weve worked out, he told reporters in the White House briefing room on Wednesday.For its part, Germany is still considering sending Taurus cruise missiles that could be fired at a distance of 500 km. Earlier, the UK and France supplied Kiev with Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, having a range of 250 km. The Ukrainian military has already used these rockets to attack civilian infrastructure and targets in Russias new regions.Still, supplying new long-range missiles to Ukraine will make Europeans and Americans direct participants of the conflict, said retired Russian Lieutenant General Evgeny Buzhinsky.To date, Russia has adopted a restrained approach in conducting retaliatory strikes, according to Buzhinsky. He noted that for the time being, Russia has largely targeted electrical power plants, some industrial facilities which produce or repair military equipment, and the places of deployment of Ukrainian forces. At the same time, most Ukrainian bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure remains intact.However, "if Ukraine gets, for example, Taurus or ATACMS missiles and starts delivering strikes against targets in the territory of the Russian Federation, Crimea included, of course, I think that Russia will escalate and will deliver strikes on a much [greater] number of targets in Ukraine," the retired lieutenant general said.Why F-16 Supplies to Kiev Could Lead to Major EscalationMeanwhile, the delivery of F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine could escalate the conflict even further, since these fighter jets would almost certainly have to be based on NATO territory, per the Russian military expert:"In this case, of course, according to all international laws, if an aircraft takes off from an airfield and delivers strikes against other forces, it becomes a lawful target for return strike. I think that the United States will have to decide in this case whether to invoke Article Five and say, as President Biden constantly says, 'We'll defend every inch of the territory of our allies,' or declare, 'Okay Poles, that's your business bilateral with Russia, so please fight and we'll support you,'" Buzhinsky continued.Late last month, the US Department of Defense officially announced the beginning of the training of would-be F-16 pilots from Ukraine. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry expects to get F-16 jets promised by Ukraine's NATO backers in 2024. However, US generals have already warned the Kiev regime that F-16s would not be a "silver bullet" for the Ukrainian Air Force and are unlikely to become a game-changer on the battlefield.Russia Has No Incentive to Use Nuclear Weapons in UkraineWhile the collective West keeps going up the escalation ladder in Ukraine, some observers wonder what might become a potential trigger for Russia to resort to a nuclear option literally, its nuclear weapons. "Forget about it," the Russian military analyst responded."My position is that you cannot control any use of nuclear weapons. You start with non-strategic nuclear weapons and the escalation is imminent. It will all end in a global catastrophe with the devastation of the United States, Russia for sure, and Europe, of course. As for the rest of the world, the consequences are also known. There are models, of course, of a nuclear winter, of no light, nothing. But that's only modeling. So nobody knows. But as for physical destruction, that's for sure," the veteran continued.At the same time, Moscow has no illusions about the unfolding US hybrid war against Russia. "We are actually at war with the United States, not at the hot stage of war, but in all kinds of war," Buzhinsky underscored, referring to the fact that last year, Washington openly proclaimed the goal to strategically defeat Russia.Prior to that, the US had accelerated NATO's expansion towards Russia's borders and shattered one-by-one the pillars of strategic stability between Moscow and Washington: the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM), which United States abandoned in 2001, and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which the United States abandoned four years ago, the expert pointed out.After the White House and the Pentagon vowed to use the Ukraine conflict to bleed Russia white, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended the New START, a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation."In these circumstances to be abided by the restrictions of a treaty? Well, President Putin considers that it is, let's put it like this, not natural," Buzhinsky remarked.Despite Western mainstream propaganda scaring its audience with Russian nuclear strikes "out of desperation," nothing of the kind would happen, according to the military expert. According to him, Moscow has other ways to remind the collective West about the danger of escalatory behavior. In October 1961, the USSR tested the thermonuclear aerial "Tsar Bomba" to warn NATO against escalation. "So maybe that's an option," Buzhinsky suggested. "More so that the people in the United States are talking about resumption of nuclear testing." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230923/jackson-hinkle-western-elites-want-war-against-russia-china-1113590307.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230803/us-long-violating-letter-spirit-of-new-start---russian-ambassador-antonov-1112360918.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230921/scott-ritter-ukraine-shows-us-military-not-ready-for-major-war-1113561694.html russia ukraine moscow 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 ukraine, ukraine conflict, war in ukraine, ukraine war, us atacms ukraine, us sending cluster atacms to ukraine, germany taurus missiles, taurus missiles to ukraine, us started training ukrainian pilots f-16, us sending f-16 to ukraine, nato proxy war in ukraine, escalation of ukraine conflict, could ukraine conflict spiral into ww3, nuclear war with russia, nuclear escalation https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/frances-bedbug-menace-sparks-crisis-meeting-1113986001.html France's Bedbug Menace Sparks Crisis Meeting France's Bedbug Menace Sparks Crisis Meeting France tackles bedbugs for a clean Paris. New laws proposed. Experts link infestations to travel, spray resistance as concerns over government response mount. While the bedbug crisis raises health, financial worries for Olympics, ANSES calls for reporting and financial aid to low-income families. 2023-10-06T16:42+0000 2023-10-06T16:42+0000 2023-10-06T16:42+0000 world newsfeed europe elisabeth borne emmanuel macron paris france morocco centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) eurostar /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113985822_0:124:2880:1744_1920x0_80_0_0_2d92912497cac37a96b26828f9e7134b.jpg As the Paris 2024 Olympics countdown continues with less than a year left, French officials are prioritizing eradicating bedbugs - punaises de lit in French. The initiative aims to present the host city, Paris, as an example of cleanliness.The bedbug nuisance has garnered significant attention in France. According to French media outlets, President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party unveiled a legislative proposal to combat this "scourge" on October 3.Bedbugs, known for their nocturnal feeding habits, can be found in various environments, like notches on mattresses, clothing and fabrics, and luggage. Their presence frequently causes a range of physical and psychological health problems, including sleep upsets, nervousness, and general misery.Local French news sources said the bedbug menace is typical of "domestic terror."Jean-Michel Berenger, a prominent figure in the field of entomology and an expert on bedbugs, states that "every late summer, we see a big increase in bedbugs. That is because people have been moving about over July and August, and they bring them back in their luggage. He opined that these pests have had an exponential yearly seasonal rise.France's Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) reported that from 2017 to 2022, over 1 in 10 French households suffered bedbug infestations.As the week progressed, the French transport minister Clement Beaune called for a crisis meeting on Wednesday, October 4 to tackle the unfolding situation. However, by that point, the situation had already escalated. He told news outlets that the response to a serious problem should not be a counterproductive caricatureWe must take every case seriously, not fall into psychosis, insinuating a pervasive dissemination of bedbug falsehood in public perception per media report.A staccato of political voices have lashed out at Macrons government's handling of the issue. In late September 2023, Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire expressed via his X handle that "no one is safe." He wrote, "Faced with a bedbug infestation, coordinated measures are needed to bring together health authorities, communities, and all relevant stakeholders to prevent the risk and act effectively."In a recent correspondence addressed to French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, the Paris deputy mayor highlighted a significant resurgence in bedbug incidents in the French capital. "The government must urgently bring together all the stakeholders concerned in order to deploy an action plan commensurate with this scourge," he stated.Mathilde Panot, the La France Insoumise partys leading figure in the French parliament, took the floor on Tuesday. Demonstratively, Panot exhibited a vial she asserted contained a bedbug, shedding light on the issue at hand: "These little insects are spreading despair in our country." She asked, "Do we need to wait for Matignon to be infested for you to react?" directed at the Prime Minister's Office.ANSES said that the spike in bedbug infestations in recent years hinges on the surge in travel activity, which has been closely linked with the growing challenge posed by insect resistance to commonly used insecticides.In the last few weeks, people have seen small creatures creeping on train seats and inside the busy Charles-de-Gaulle Airport in Paris. Also, complaints about encountering bedbugs in traveler's lodges and recreational facilities have been raised.Last August, a cinema enthusiast published photos via X showing skin abrasions that indicate bedbug bites. Early September saw UGC, a well-known cinema chain, take action in response to customer queries at its Bercy theater. The company announced the introduction of bedbug-sniffing dogs.A bug on the Eurostar train caught the passenger's attention on Monday, September 25, at 6:00 am local time. She documented the incident with photos shared on her X social media account. Eurostar stated that it will also disinfect a train on request or as soon as there is the slightest doubt.A wave of anger swept through Paris last week after the subway operator confirmed that a driver had sighted bedbugs in their cabin.The drama heightened as Paris played host to its lively fashion week. The sudden influx of prominent fashion icons worldwide fueled rumors about bedbugs.Port authorities in Tangier, Morocco, have reported the detection of bedbugs on a passenger ship arriving from Marseille. Meanwhile, Eurostar, the operator of the Channel Tunnel express trains, has revealed plans to implement a "preventative treatment" protocol across its entire network.A survey by Ipsos for ANSES revealed that 11 percent of French households had to deal with bed bug menace from 2017 to 2022. Interestingly, the study indicated that a household's income level did not influence the likelihood of being infested.However, ANSES noted that the persistence of the infestation is linked to income level, as the struggle can be financially draining, averaging $866 per household. Also, in its assessment, the Agency considered the cost of nationwide control measures for French homes. The final tally for the 2017-2022 period was 1.4 billion, with an average annual cost of 230 million. Therefore, the agency recommended a mandatory reporting system and financial assistance for low-income households. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231004/bedbug-panic-sweeps-paris-ahead-of-2024-olympics-prompting-health-concerns-1113904228.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231003/french-health-minister-urges-citizens-not-to-panic-amid-bedbug-invasion-1113898827.html paris france morocco Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.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 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg paris 2024 olympics, bedbugs, punaises de lit, president emmanuel macron, renaissance party, centers for disease control and prevention, cdc, jean-michel berenger, bedbug expert, agency for food, environmental, and occupational health & safety, anses, french households, bedbug infestations, french transport minister, clement beaune, paris deputy mayor, emmanuel gregoire, mathilde panot, la france insoumise party, french parliament, insect resistance, charles-de-gaulle airport, ugc cinema chain, bedbug-sniffing dogs, eurostar train, paris fashion week, tangier port authorities, ipsos survey, president emmanuel macron, jean-michel berenger, french prime minister elisabeth borne, ugc cinema chain, eurostar, tangier, morocco, marseille. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/how-russian-stormbringer-nuclear-cruise-missile-can-help-bankrupt-us-war-machine-1113988401.html How Russian Stormbringer Nuclear Cruise Missile Can Help Bankrupt US War Machine How Russian Stormbringer Nuclear Cruise Missile Can Help Bankrupt US War Machine President Putin has confirmed the successful testing of the Burevestnik (Stormbringer), a Russian nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile unlike anything that exists in any other nations arsenal. What do we know about the weapon? What impact will it have on the global strategic balance? Sputnik reached out to a top expert to find out. 2023-10-06T18:08+0000 2023-10-06T18:08+0000 2023-10-06T18:46+0000 military russia moscow washington burevestnik pentagon nato voronezh kh-101 sarmat /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113988973_17:0:1372:762_1920x0_80_0_0_9be5b4b1f290f5af6914c4b56441e0d4.png The latest successful test of the Burevestnik, a global-range cruise missile with a nuclear propulsion system, has been carried out, Russian President Vladimir Putin told attendees of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday."Today, we have almost wrapped up work on the modern types of strategic weapons which I announced and spoke about several years ago," Putin said, referring his March 2018 speech to lawmakers, during which the president unveiled the Burevestnik and other new strategic weapons designed to ensure global strategic stability amid US moves to surround Russia with missile defenses with offensive capabilities, and Pentagon planning aimed at neutralizing the Russian nuclear deterrent.What Prompted the Burevestnik's Development?Developed alongside other advanced strategic weapons, including the Poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo, the Avangard hypersonic boost-glide vehicle, the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, the Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic quasi-ballistic missile, and the Peresvet laser complex, the Burevestnik is one component of Russias multilayered response to the George W. Bush administrations decision in 2002 to walk out on the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.Washingtons short-sighted decision prompted Russia to dust off blueprints and prototypes of advanced rocketry and aerospace systems and designs developed in strict secrecy throughout the second half of the 20th century until the end of the Cold War. In the case of the Burevestnik, this involved following in the footsteps of a path forged by the Voronezh-based Chemical Automatics Design Bureau to build a nuclear thermal rocket engine using a liquid hydrogen propellant.The concept of a nuclear-powered engine was born in the late 1940s, at the very dawning of the Soviet rocketry and nuclear programs, with legendary rocket scientist Vitaly Ievlev receiving support from Igor Kurchatov, father of the Soviet atomic bomb, and rocket scientists Sergey Korolev and Mstislav Keldysh, to carry out theoretical work to create such an engine. While work on the program initially focused exclusively on potential military applications, the state soon also realized the tremendous potential of the concept of a nuclear-powered engine being used by spacecraft to make long-distance journeys across the solar system, including to Mars.Ievlev and cos work eventually led to the creation of the RD-0410 the USSRs first and only nuclear-powered rocket engine. Work on the project began in 1966 at the Keldysh Research Center, with multiple successful tests carried out in Voronezh between the mid-to-late 1970s, with a power generation capacity of up to 63 Megawatts achieved by the mid-1980s before work on the project was halted in 1988 by the Gorbachev administration. Ievlev died two years later in 1990.American rocket scientists made their own impressive advances in the field during the same period, with NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission jointly creating a design known as the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA), with the experimental, liquid hydrogen-propelled engine built and certified, only to be cancelled by the Richard Nixon administration in 1973 as Washington wound down the US space program after the Moon landings.The Soviet nuclear-powered rocket engine, also powered by liquid hydrogen, with heptane serving as a backup power source, was designed to be able to generate up to 196 megawatts of energy using 37 separate fuel assemblies. However, neither the American nor Soviet designs would provide rockets or spacecraft with the ability to operate continuously over extended periods, with burn time measuring about 45 minutes and 24 restarts in the case of the NERVA, and 60 minutes and 10 restarts in the case of the RD-0410.What is the Burevestnik?The 9M730 Burevestnik cruise missile, NATO reporting name SSC-X-9 Skyfall, is different, with its onboard nuclear power plant designed to provide it with continuous power, operating within the Earths atmosphere, for days, weeks or even months at a time, giving the weapon what is for all intents and purposes an unlimited range.Development work on the Burevestnik began in December 2001, shortly after the US announced its intention to withdraw from the ABM Treaty. "Burevestnik," which means "stormbringer," "prophet of a storm," or "petrel" in Russian, was the name given to the prospective cruise missile in 2018, several weeks after its existence was revealed, in an online vote open to the public by the Russian Defense Ministry.While most of the Burevestniks characteristics, including its payload, remain under wraps, footage of the weapon released by the military have given experts a rough idea of some of its parameters, with its contours appearing roughly comparable to those of Kh-101 series of ultra-long range cruise missiles, although the Burevestnik appears to be up to two times larger. Additionally, the cruise missiles wings are visibly situated hanging over the top of the fuselage, rather than below it, as in the case of the Kh-101.The Burevestnik reportedly features a solid propellant-fueled starting engine, with propulsion in flight provided by a nuclear air-breathing (ramjet) or a turbojet engine. The missile has a starting length at launch of about 12 meters, which shrinks to 9 meters in flight as the starting engine drops off.Details on the development and characteristics of the Burevestniks small nuclear power plants also remain shrouded in mystery. However, shortly after Putins March 2018 speech introducing the weapon, a source told Russian media that scientists had completed testing of a power plant that could be used in cruise missiles and autonomous oceangoing underwater vehicles, hinting that the Burevestnik and the Poseidon use modifications of the same power plant.The Burevestnik has undergone testing on the Russian northern archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, with field testing of its engine completed in January 2019. Additional testing has been reported by various sources as early as June 2016, with a dozen or more launches estimated to have been carried out to date, with the latest in August 2023.NATO Sounds the AlarmWhat this will give Russia a capacity for is to take a low-wielding potentially nuclear weapon and then use it to have it travel a greater distance, tens of thousands of miles, retired US Army Major Mike Lyons told US media Thursday, several hours after Putins Valdai speech.This Burevestnik missile is normally a conventional cruise missile thats used lets say inter-theater. This provides a strategic view, though. Lets say they have this in the Arctic, where theyre testing it right now. They could easily launch this missile from that platform and hit targets in the United States, not using ICBMs, Lyons explained.Because the Burevestnik is a cruise missile, it should be able to mimic the capabilities of other cruise missiles to perform flights at altitudes as low as 50-100 meters, making it essentially invisible to enemy radar, and detectable only using satellites, and only during launch.Dmitry Kornev, founder of the MilitaryRussia.ru portal, has been following the development of the Burevestnik since its first appearance in 2018.The cruise missiles main selling point as a universal retaliatory weapon stems from its virtually unlimited range, measuring in days, weeks or months, Kornev told Sputnik.The Burevestniks unparalleled range characteristics means the missile will be capable of simply maneuvering around air defense systems, traveling toward targets from a completely unexpected direction, and thus becoming an effective new component of Moscows strategic deterrent capability in light of recent US attempts to neutralize other elements of the Russian nuclear triad.Ultra-long range, combined with maneuverability, differentiates the Burevestnik from a traditional ballistic missile, which flies along a set trajectory, making it easier to intercept, Kornev said. Cruise missiles generally can perform maneuvers, bend around terrain, go around buildings, structures, islands, continents. And in the case of the Burevestnik, there are no limitations on flight range, meaning it can go around entire continents, oceans, and even circle the planet multiple times over on route to its destination.Powerful Trump Card for Arms ControlOnce development and testing of the Burevestnik is wrapped up, Moscow will have a choice, according to Kornev either to introduce the system into service, or use it as a trump card in arms control negotiations with Washington. This question is still open. That is, no one is saying that Burevestnik cruise missiles will be launched and used tomorrow. But on the basis of this development, a weapons system can be created in short order which no one in the world possesses.Of course, the United States will work to figure out how to counter the Burevestnik, Kornev said. We must understand that the financial and technological capabilities of the United States are such that if they want to, they will be able to catch up, if they determine that the Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile program has succeeded.Could Burevestnik Help Bankrupt the Pentagon?As things stand, the observer emphasized that today, the Pentagon has nothing in its arsenal to counter the Burevestnik. Obviously they will strengthen their air defenses. But that will not be a guarantee that these missiles will not reach their targets.Issues to Be Ironed OutMany questions remain regarding nuclear-powered cruise missiles utility, according to the military expert. Will Russia create a weapons system on the Burevestniks basis? Because the ability to launch a missile is one thing, but actually creating a weapons system, training personnel, producing these missiles, accepting them into service and operating them is another, Kornev noted.There are a number of issues that will have to be ironed out, in Kornevs view, starting with the fact that cruise missiles are not designed to land safely without being destroyed. Even during testing, its possible that this rocket could fall and be destroyed. In any case, the materials onboard can lead to radioactive contamination, he warned.Another issue lies in the fact that the Burevestnik is the first system of its kind anywhere in the world. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221213/21-years-ago-today-us-rips-up-abm-treaty-with-russia-starting-slow-slide-toward-current-crisis-1105420298.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230927/what-are-kalibr-and-kh-101-cruise-missiles-and-whats-made-them-so-effective-in-ukraine-1113741543.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230621/russias-nuclear-triad-ensures-global-balance-of-power---putin-1111362453.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230313/us-defense-budget-funds-170bln-for-procurement-largest-in-history-pentagon-1108351623.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/report-us-air-force-tested-classified-cruise-missile-fitted-with-mock-nuke-in-2022-1113939089.html russia moscow washington Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov 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 Ilya Tsukanov stormbringer, burevestnik, russia, united states, cruise missile, nuclear, nuclear-powered, ussr, soviet union, rocket science, unlimited range, long-range https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/iaea-experts-to-visit-japan-to-examine-fukushima-nuclear-power-plant-on-october-24-27-1113982469.html IAEA Experts to Visit Japan to Examine Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant on October 24-27 IAEA Experts to Visit Japan to Examine Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant on October 24-27 A group of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts will visit Japan to examine the Fukushima nuclear power plant for the first time since water discharge was launched, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced on Friday. 2023-10-06T12:04+0000 2023-10-06T12:04+0000 2023-10-06T12:04+0000 asia international atomic energy agency (iaea) tokyo electric power company (tepco) fukushima japan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105124/55/1051245593_0:168:4000:2418_1920x0_80_0_0_2cb033e47d090f20d80b780024b1d77b.jpg "The IAEA officials and international experts will visit Japan from 24 to 27 October for a mission to review the safety of the discharge of the ALPS treated water from TEPCOs FDNPS into the sea. This Task Force mission is the first since the discharge began in August. The IAEA Task Force includes 11 international experts, serving in a personal capacity, from Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Republic of Korea, the Marshall Islands, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam," the ministry said in a statement. On Thursday, Japan began the second phase of the release of the Fukushima nuclear power plants treated water into the ocean. The second phase of the wastewater discharge will last for 17 days, with the expected dumping of about 7,800 tonnes of water. In August, Japan began dumping treated wastewater from the Fukushima NPP into the Pacific Ocean after diluting it with seawater. Tokyo plans to complete all water release phases from Fukushima nuclear power plant by March 31 2024. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230928/japans-seafood-exports-to-china-dive-757-over-fukushima-water-release-1113761032.html fukushima japan 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 iaea experts, international atomic energy agency, fukushima nuclear power plant https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/new-evidence-suggests-humans-arrived-in-the-americas-before-ice-age-1113971975.html New Evidence Suggests Humans Arrived in the Americas Before Ice Age New Evidence Suggests Humans Arrived in the Americas Before Ice Age A new study has led further credence to the growing theory that humans may have arrived on the continents long before previously thought. 2023-10-06T02:52+0000 2023-10-06T02:52+0000 2023-10-06T02:49+0000 beyond politics new mexico science & tech us geological survey (usgs) ancient ancient history ancient life north america archeology ice age /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113971819_0:93:827:558_1920x0_80_0_0_f3f94e5947cf46aab37c5467b56ccaf8.png Human footprint fossils found at White Sands National Park in New Mexico have been dated to between 21,000 and 23,000 years ago, lending more evidence to the theory humans arrived in the Americas long before previously thought.Published on Thursday in the journal Science, the findings back up a previous study that was doubted by some researchers. In 2021, the footprints were estimated using radiocarbon dating methods on seeds from aquatic plants. But there were concerns that those seeds may have absorbed ancient carbon which could have thrown off the results.The new study used ancient conifer pollen from the same sedimentary layer where the footprints were found and examined grains of quartz using a method that reveals when they were last exposed to light. Both methods backed up the original study, with the pollen dating between 21,000 and 23,000 years ago and the quartz being buried between 21,400 and 18,000 years ago.These dates would suggest humans lived in the Americas during the last Ice Age.For years, researchers believed humans did not arrive in the Americas until around 16,000 years ago at the earliest, after the Ice Age and right before the Bering land bridge, which connected Russia and Alaska, was covered by rising sea levels.Study co-author Jeffrey Pigati, a geologist at the US Geological Survey, says the ages are statistically indistinguishable from our original seed ages.Archeologists looking for evidence of early human settlers in the Americas have tended to focus on the Pacific coast because ice glaciers from the last Ice Age would have prevented travel from the Bering land bridge, but if humans were in New Mexico 21,000 years ago, they may have arrived just before the glaciers formed.Some researchers remain skeptical. Loren Davis, an archaeologist at Oregon State University, says it is possible the clay containing the quartz grains may have come from the lake floor and then got redeposited on top of the younger lakeshore mud that covered the footprints. He also adds the sediment covering the footprints may have been blown there after being eroded from older rocks.However, the study co-authors insist there is no evidence that either of those scenarios took place. And even Davis agrees archeologists should start looking for evidence of human habitation from before the Ice Age.There have been a few other discoveries in recent years that point to pre-Ice Age colonization of the Americas by humans. In July, a study was published covering pendants made from ancient and now-extinct giant sloths that were found in Brazil. It was previously assumed ancient humans simply found the bones of the extinct animals, but the study suggested they were made between 25,000 and 27,000 years ago. Researchers believe the sloths went extinct roughly 10,000 years ago.Another study of a giant sloth boneyard found in Uruguay suggested early humans may have hunted and eaten the massive animals as early as 30,000 years ago. Megatherium, the giant ground sloth of South America, grew up to 20 feet (6 meters) in length and weighed up to 8,800 pounds (nearly 4,000 kilograms). Footprints of the giant sloths were also found at the White Sands National Park, along with many other animals including dogs and camels. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231001/vintage-5000-year-old-wine-found-in-egyptian-jars--1113844437.html new mexico north america 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 ice age humans, white sands national park, ancient footprints, tularosa basin https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/new-poll-shows-even-democrats-are-starting-to-sour-on-ukraine-aid-1113972647.html New Poll Shows Even Democrats Are Starting to Sour on Ukraine Aid New Poll Shows Even Democrats Are Starting to Sour on Ukraine Aid Support for funding Ukraine is higher among Democrats than Republicans, but even Democratic voters are turning against further weapon shipments. 2023-10-06T03:40+0000 2023-10-06T03:40+0000 2023-10-06T03:51+0000 americas kiev ukraine republicans white house russia joe biden congress democrats poll /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0c/02/1091212985_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_881c464c1977d85194121c044422e22a.jpg A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday has revealed that support for sending additional funding to Ukraine is falling across both political parties in the United States.The poll was conducted over two days, closing Wednesday. It showed that only 41% of respondents agreed the US should provide weapons to Ukraine, while 35% disagreed. Another 24% were unsure.When asked that same question in May, 46% agreed, while only 29% disagreed and 25% were unsure.While there remains a partisan split with more Democrats supporting Ukraine funding than Republicans, most of the drop since May has come from Democrats who are also souring on aiding the conflict. Among Republicans, support only dropped four points since May, from 39% to 35% but support from Democrats dropped nine points, from 61% to 52%.The study comes as Congress is debating providing further military and financial aid to Ukraine. US President Joe Biden asked Congress for $24 billion in additional aid, but a large and growing group of Republicans in the House have begun opposing further aid and no package for Ukraine was included in the stopgap funding bill that kept the government open for another 45 days.On Wednesday, Biden insisted that funding the Zelensky regime is crucial to US interests and is supported by the American people. [T]he majority of the American people still [support] Ukraine, and the majority of the members of the Congress both Democrat and Republican support it, he said.Biden claimed he had a method to get Ukraine more funding without congressional approval and promised to explain more at an upcoming major speech. Details about the method and the date of the speech have not been clarified by the White House, although reports citing government insiders suggest Biden may be considering tapping on grants held by the US State Department. Moscow has repeatedly condemned weapon shipments to Ukraine, warning that they will only escalate the conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231004/us-funding-for-ukraine-govt-reportedly-to-run-dry-by-november--1113908455.html americas kiev ukraine russia 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 aid to ukraine, democratic support of ukraine, polling on ukraine, do americans support ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/russian-spetsnaz-operator-explains-how-drones-are-changing-modern-warfare-1113985689.html Russian Spetsnaz Operator Explains How Drones Are Changing Modern Warfare Russian Spetsnaz Operator Explains How Drones Are Changing Modern Warfare The Ukraine conflict has shown that small inexpensive drones have revolutionized modern warfare along with sophisticated uncrewed systems, Altai, a drone operator serving with a Russian Spetsnaz battalion in the Donbass, told Sputnik's correspondent Russel Bently. 2023-10-06T16:00+0000 2023-10-06T16:00+0000 2023-10-06T16:00+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine us russia ukraine opinion donbass lancet drone drone strikes orlan-10 /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113985219_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_f2714b248c4379507bb15f9ee2dc85c7.png Since the start of Russia's special military operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine, drone warfare has been taken to an unprecedented scale. Uncrewed vehicles starting with consumer quadcopters and ending with Lancets and Orlans are used by the Russian military for assault, reconnaissance, and psychological operations.How? A drone can guide artillery, it can guide airstrikes and, obviously, that's much more powerful than any sniper rifle."You can, if you have a good network - svyaz [connection], radios. Yeah, you can tell your guys who are attacking an 'Ukrop' [a name for Ukrainian nationalists Sputnik] trench, you can tell [the gunners] where exactly the enemy is. On the right, east, west. It's very important. And also you can drop grenades and bombs. Two weeks ago, one of my comrades killed and wounded 87 Nazis. Two weeks, cold drop."When it comes to reconnaissance, a small noiseless stealthy drone can watch an adversary's positions from about 200 meters away. One can't see them, one can't hear them, but a drone operator watches closely what's going on on the ground.However, it's not a game: per Altai, sometimes he asks himself what if those guys on the other side of the frontline never embraced the inhuman Nazi ideology. "Maybe we can be friends or maybe like a colleague of yours and work in the same factory?" he asked rhetorically.While many Westerners believe that the conflict started in February 2022, it actually began in 2014, when Nazis took power in Kiev and committed many crimes against their own people in Ukraine, according to Altai. "I understand and know that [which is why] we're here," he said.The new drone warfare in Ukraine has prompted Russia's gunsmiths to develop both novel uncrewed systems and electronic warfare solutions to bring UAVs down. In addition, Russian military designers have created new protective equipment against drones, taking into account the experience of the special military operation in Ukraine. On top of that, Russia is continuing to develop new weapons "based on new physical principles," including laser weapons. One of them, the "Zadira" ("Bully" or "Badass") laser gun has already been tested in the conflict to shoot down Ukrainian drones. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230924/russias-modified-lancet-drones-may-prod-ukraine-to-rearrange-its-military-assets---report-1113619231.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230919/gunsmith-day-how-ukraine-conflict-improved-russian-arms-1113472608.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230921/sci-fi-turned-into-reality-russian-laser-weapons-successfully-tested-in-combat-1113566461.html russia ukraine donbass 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 Drone Operator Drone Operator 2023-10-06T16:00+0000 true PT10M31S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova ukraine conflict, war in ukraine, ukraine war map, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, russian spetsnaz, donbass, nazi coup in kiev, russian drone systems, orlan-10, lancet, quadcopters, russian artillery, russian laser systems, russian laser weapons, russian electronic warfare, ew system https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/russias-withdrawal-from-ctbt-does-not-mean-it-plans-to-conduct-nuclear-tests---kremlin-1113980732.html Russias Withdrawal From CTBT Does Not Mean It Plans to Conduct Nuclear Tests - Kremlin Russias Withdrawal From CTBT Does Not Mean It Plans to Conduct Nuclear Tests - Kremlin The possibility that Russia may refuse to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) does not mean an intention to conduct these nuclear tests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. 2023-10-06T11:04+0000 2023-10-06T11:04+0000 2023-10-06T11:10+0000 world dmitry peskov russia moscow kremlin russian investigative committee comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty (ctbt) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1c/1112213264_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_f008ec65829f3e9fe760d0f297f95c7d.jpg During the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow could mirror Washington's stance, withdrawing the ratification of the treaty from the lower house of the parliament. Russian parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said on Friday that the lower house will consider withdrawing the ratification of the document at its earliest session as a mirror response to the United States. The remark of Russian President Vladimir Putin on tests of the country's nuclear-capable Burevestnik cruise missile meant that Russia continues to develop them, Kremlin spokesman said.Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday that the country had successfully carried out the final test of its Burevestnik cruise missile.Russia does not strike civilian targets, but only military infrastructure facilities, places where military personnel and representatives of the military leadership gather, Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, commenting on allegations that civilians were killed in the village of Groza as a result of Russia's attack.There have been no final conclusions on why the plane of Wagner group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed, it is necessary to wait for a report on the results of the investigation, Peskov said.At the Valdai forum in Sochi on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, citing Russian Investigative Committee head Alexander Bastrykin, that the plane with Prigozhin aboard suffered no external impact when it crashed, adding that fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed.One of the established facts is that fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed, the official said, adding that the investigation continues.Kremlin spokesman said Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani in Moscow from October 10-11."[The Putin-Al Sudani] negotiations will take place on October 10. This will be the official visit of the prime minister of Iraq. There will be Russian-Iraqi negotiations, there will also be communication with Al Sudani in the format of a working breakfast," Peskov told reporters.The leaders will also participate at the plenary session of the Russian Energy Week on October 11, the official added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230807/new-start-most-important-arms-control-treaty-that-us-russia-must-keep-1112449649.html russia moscow 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 russias withdrawal from ctbt, nuclear tests, kremlin spokesman dmitry peskov https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/shoigu-some-enterprises-of-defense-industry-ahead-of-schedule-for-2024-program-1113974429.html Shoigu: Some Enterprises of Defense Industry Ahead of Schedule For 2024 Program Shoigu: Some Enterprises of Defense Industry Ahead of Schedule For 2024 Program Some enterprises of the Russian defense industrial complex are already ahead of schedule for the 2024 program, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a visit to the Novosibirsk aircraft plant. 2023-10-06T10:06+0000 2023-10-06T10:06+0000 2023-10-06T10:06+0000 military novosibirsk sergei shoigu russia russian defense ministry /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/08/0a/1083576638_0:131:2501:1537_1920x0_80_0_0_12ffa31be21ecef98d9ac8329e9337c2.jpg Some enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex are already ahead of schedule for the 2024 program, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a visit to the Novosibirsk aircraft plant. Sergei Shoigu noted the demand for Su-34 aircraft.Alexander Panasenko, director of the plant, told the minister that the enterprise has learned to carry out repair work of any complexity. "We have learned to do everything. We have experience in replacing the head part, we have practical experience in repairing the tail part," Panasenko said.Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the opening of a meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission that the Russian defense complex is actively increasing production to support the special military operation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/all-instructors-in-russian-armed-forces-have-combat-experience---shoigu-1113945049.html novosibirsk russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian defense industrial complex, russian defense minister sergei shoigu, novosibirsk aircraft plant https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/switzerland-bribes-ukrainian-refugees-with-thousands-of-dollars-to-get-them-to-leave-1113990854.html Switzerland Bribes Ukrainian Refugees With Thousands of Dollars to Get Them to Leave Switzerland Bribes Ukrainian Refugees With Thousands of Dollars to Get Them to Leave As many as 70,000 Ukrainian nationals fled to Switzerland and applied for refugee status after the escalation of Ukrainian crisis into a full-blown NATO proxy war with Russia in 2022. Bern wants most of them gone within two years' time. 2023-10-06T18:36+0000 2023-10-06T18:36+0000 2023-10-06T18:36+0000 world switzerland ukraine russia leopard 2 europe refugee policy refugees /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113990696_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_2b9a50acb6212c14af805d8dd568ebd1.jpg Switzerland is looking to get rid of the vast majority of its Ukrainian refugees and is offering cash incentives equivalent to up to $4,335 to encourage them to go home. Thats according to a provisional government strategy seen by local media.Exceptions are made for the roughly 1,000 unaccompanied children and 1,600 refugees over age 75 with health problems.Switzerland has sought to maintain neutrality in the Ukrainian crisis, but has joined in on EU sanctions against Russia, and recently approved the decommissioning of over two dozen Leopard 2 tanks to sell to Germany, despite the possibility of Berlin re-exporting them to Ukraine.The Swiss governments decision on refugees comes amid a broader Europe-wide cooling of support for the millions of Ukrainians who fled their home country last year, resulting in the widespread depopulation of Ukraine. European governments have complained about the economic burden caused by hosting the refugees, while difficulties related to integration also prompting many citizens of EU countries to support a scaling back of assistance.Russia, which took in nearly two million Ukrainian refugees by mid-2022, further eased restrictions on entry for Ukrainian nationals last week, with President Putin signing a decree allowing Ukrainian citizens to enter and leave Russia without visas and using internal Ukrainian identity documents. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231004/most-poles-think-they-should-stop-helping-ukrainian-refugees-survey-finds-1113907325.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230928/west-pays-for-70-of-zelensky-govts-expenses-as-ukraines-debt-hits-new-high-1113767741.html switzerland ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov 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 Ilya Tsukanov refugees, ukraine, switzerland, money, incentive, leave, revoke Easy accessibility boosts drug use in Korea By Jung Da-hyun Korea no longer appears to be a drug-free country as the number of narcotics-related offenses continues to rise. Around 12,700 drug offenders were arrested during the first eight months of this year, already surpassing last year's 12,387 arrests, which was the highest in the past 10 years, according to the National Police Agency (NPA). The number remained in the 5,000 range until 2013, but increased steadily after surpassing 8,000 in 2016 and reached between 10,000 and 12,000 from 2019 to last year. The increase has been particularly notable among younger age groups, including teenagers. Specifically, the number of teenage drug offenders arrested until August this year was 659, more than doubling from the 294 seen last year. Experts cite easier access to drugs through the internet and social media as the primary reason for the surge, particularly among younger people. The dark web and Telegram, which are difficult for police to monitor, are the main platforms used for drug trading. According to a report from the NPA on Sept. 28, the number of people apprehended for trading drugs through the dark web surged from 85 in 2018 to 1,097 in 2022. The culture of drug use is changing too. Unlike past offenders who used drugs individually, younger users tend to use in groups, particularly in clubs or at parties. This leads to more active drug trading through group purchases. A police officer died on Aug. 27 after falling from the rooftop of an apartment in Yongsan District, Seoul, after partying with a group who were taking drugs. Patrons at a club in Itaewon were also caught using drugs. These instances illustrate the emerging pattern of drug-use culture among young groups. The number of foreign drug offenders in Korea is on the rise. The number tripled over five years from 597 in 2018 to 1,757 in 2022. This year, 1,487 were already caught as of August, and the figure is expected to surpass last year's, according to the NPA. One of the reasons for this increase is that people in countries where certain drugs are legal smuggle the drugs to Korea, either for personal use or to make money, according to Cho Sung-nam, chief director of the National Forensic Hospital. One example is Thailand where marijuana was recently legalized. Of the 6,585 foreigners caught for drug offenses in the past five years, 2,925 were Thais, accounting for more than 40 percent. Some defectors from North Korea also smuggle in drugs, as in North Korea, meth is commonly found and used as a "medication." Amid the rapid increase of drug offenders, the government has declared a special initiative to supervise drug use and trade. On Sept. 12, the government announced a significant expansion in the budget for drug response to 60.2 billion won ($44.6 million) for next year, 2.5 times than this year's allowance. The increased budget will be used to expand manpower to arrest drug offenders and introduce high-tech equipment to crack down on drugs. "Drug offenders who supply drugs should face stricter punishments than they do now, and dealers should not only be penalized but also compelled to undergo treatment to prevent addiction," Cho said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/trump-mocks-biden-over-migrant-border-u-turn-quips-only-wheels--walls-work-1113977486.html Trump Mocks Biden Over Migrant Border U-Turn, Quips Only 'Wheels & Walls' Work Trump Mocks Biden Over Migrant Border U-Turn, Quips Only 'Wheels & Walls' Work Donald Trump took a crack at Joe Biden over his U-turn on construction of the US-Mexico border wall. 2023-10-06T09:50+0000 2023-10-06T09:50+0000 2023-10-06T10:17+0000 americas us us-mexico border migrant crisis illegal migrants joe biden donald trump /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113975265_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_af26ee44bb78c6c13f0034dfa01a1139.jpg Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican Party nomination in the 2024 presidential race, took a crack at Joe Biden over his U-turn on the US border wall on Thursday, while also demanding "an apology" from POTUS.He added:Joe Bidens promise of not building another foot of US border wall has not aged well, as his administration is now set to erect a section in southern Texas. As the migrant crisis of his own making rages on, and the US-Mexico border has seen record numbers of illegal entries, about 20 miles (32 km) of the wall will be built in Starr County. This section along Americas border with Mexico has seen particularly high numbers of migrant crossings, according to official data.According to the US president, the only reason that prompted him to U-turn on the issue was the need to follow through on funds already appropriated by Congress for his predecessor Donald Trumps signature physical barrier. Apparently, the administration was facing a deadline to use the funds or lose them. As his own administration will now be waiving 26 laws to build the additional border sections, Biden told reporters he had agreed to this despite being convinced that the wall doesnt work.In the latest verbal to-and-fro regarding Biden planning to build more US border wall using Trump-era funds, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dropped a clanger, as she claimed she was in the dark regarding the issue.After Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced there was an "acute and immediate need" to waive 26 federal regulations to allow for the construction of new border wall sections, reporters quizzed a deflecting Jean-Pierre.Claiming she hadn't seen the DHS statement, she regurgitated Bidens longtime stance that "he doesn't believe [a wall] is effective." Critics mocked Jean-Pierre on social media, slamming her as a "joke," and wondering if she was "incompetent" or "shamelessly" lying.During the 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden said that Trumps slogan "build the wall" was "divorced from reality." Later, Biden said "not another foot" of the Mexico border wall would be constructed if he were elected.Building a massive wall that spans the entire southern border is not a serious policy solution, Biden said in his January 20, 2021 statement after assuming the top office, and wasted no time issuing a flurry of immigration-related executive orders, including putting a halt on construction of Trumps border wall."Opening arms" apparently did not work well for the Democrat POTUS, as the country's border has been flooded with illegal migrants, leaving border services swamped, border towns overrun, and budget coffers strained. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/biden-insists-walls-dont-work-as-dhs-reverses-course-on-trumps-border-barrier-1113966812.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/trump-slams-bidens-border-crisis-says-our-country-is-being-invaded-1113941335.html americas 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 biden's border crisis, illegal migrants, surge of migrants at us border, us-mexico border, trump's border wall, trump's signature border wall https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/ukraine-lost-over-1745-military-in-donetsk-direction-in-past-week---mod-1113983706.html Ukraine Lost Over 1,745 Military in Donetsk Direction in Past Week - MoD Ukraine Lost Over 1,745 Military in Donetsk Direction in Past Week - MoD Ukraine has lost more than 1,745 military both killed and injured over the past week in the Donetsk direction, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. 2023-10-06T13:14+0000 2023-10-06T13:14+0000 2023-10-06T13:14+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine donetsk russia kherson /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1e/1112256022_0:158:3081:1891_1920x0_80_0_0_9293928e4bd0ca4760b7d71633e7c9b9.jpg From September 29 to October 6, the Russian armed forces have repelled 34 attacks by Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk direction, 11 attacks in the South Donetsk direction, four attacks in the Kupyansk direction, and two in the Zaporozhye direction, the ministry said. Ukraine has also lost more than 755 military in the South Donetsk direction, over 430 military in the Krasny Liman direction, more than 405 military in the Kupyansk direction, over 320 military in the Zaporozhye direction, and up to 235 military in the Kherson direction over the past week, the statement read. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/watch-russian-artillery-hit-positions-of-ukrainian-assault-brigade-1113979373.html ukraine donetsk russia kherson 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 donetsk direction, russian defense ministry, ukraine lost https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/ukrainians-buy-death-certificates-to-avoid-mobilization-1113977174.html Ukrainians Buy Death Certificates to Avoid Mobilization Ukrainians Buy Death Certificates to Avoid Mobilization The sellers in the darknet offer Ukrainians to buy a death certificate to avoid mobilization, a Sputnik correspondent found. 2023-10-06T11:25+0000 2023-10-06T11:25+0000 2023-10-06T11:25+0000 world russia sergei shoigu ukraine kiev mobilization /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102196/06/1021960684_0:183:2994:1867_1920x0_80_0_0_cb666aa0f13e843a717377c4d1d74aa5.jpg Ukrainians are being offered the opportunity to buy bogus death certificates on the the darknet to avoid mobilization, a Sputnik correspondent found.In the description, sellers say that customers will receive an official death certificate which has been updated to "all databases", and one can even buy a fake funeral if necessary.Since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, the martial law and the decree on general mobilization have been in force, and men between the age of 18 and 60 are forbidden to leave Ukraine.Evading military service is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison. Summons can be served virtually everywhere - there have been many videos of men rounded up and forcibly taken to military draft offices on the streets, at petrol stations and even in cafes. A representative of the military draft office does not necessarily have to hand over the summons; it can also be done by the heads of the enterprise where the conscript works, the heads of the housing and utilities department, representatives of the house committee, and other officials.A number of sources told Sputnik that in various Ukrainian cities, all men are being taken indiscriminately to mobilization points. Also, various sources, including Ukrainian mobilized men who were themselves captured, told Sputnik that soon after being mobilized they found themselves on the frontline without having received any training.The Ukrainian counteroffensive began on 4 June, and three months later, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that "the counteroffensive" had not so much stalled as proved to be "a failure". By early October, the offensive had cost Kiev more than 90,000 troops.According to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the Ukrainian armed forces have not achieved their objectives in any direction. The hottest of these is the Zaporozhye direction, near the small village of Rabotino, where Ukraine has deployed Western-trained brigades from the strategic reserve. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231004/ukraine-loses-up-to-185-military-in-south-donetsk-direction---mod-1113917237.html russia ukraine kiev 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 ukrainians to buy a death certificate, avoid mobilization, ukrainians buy death certificates https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/uks-first-treason-conviction-in-40-years-man-jailed-for-ai-encouraged-assassination-plot-1113970101.html UK's First Treason Conviction in 40 Years: Man Jailed for AI-Encouraged Assassination Plot UK's First Treason Conviction in 40 Years: Man Jailed for AI-Encouraged Assassination Plot 19-year-old Jaswant Singh Chail's plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II, carried out with a loaded crossbow, involved consultation with an AI-powered chatbot. 2023-10-06T00:52+0000 2023-10-06T00:52+0000 2023-10-06T00:49+0000 world united kingdom (uk) elizabeth assassination plot ai artificial intelligence (ai) chatbots /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/05/08/1082833889_0:22:3000:1710_1920x0_80_0_0_7084704c39c657692aa6767b20672da1.jpg A 21-year-old man, Jaswant Singh Chail, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday for treason in the United Kingdom. His plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II, carried out with a loaded crossbow, involved consultation with an AI-powered chatbot.Chail's attempt to breach Windsor Castle's security on Christmas Day in 2021 sent shockwaves through the nation. His motivation was rooted in avenging the 1919 Jallianwalla Bagh massacre during British rule in India. Prosecutors argued Chail's resolve was significantly bolstered by conversations with an AI companion named Sarai on the Replika platform, according to court findings.Chail exchanged "thousands" of messages with Sarai, including explicit content, before discussing his sinister plan. Disturbingly, when Chail declared himself an assassin, the chatbot replied with approval, encouraging him further, prosecutors noted.Chail's defense argued that he had a history of trauma and experienced psychotic episodes, shedding light on the complexities of mental health and AI interactions. The incident has since raised concerns about the role of AI chatbots in influencing vulnerable individuals.For now, Chail is detained at the high-security Broadmoor hospital, where he will remain until deemed psychologically fit to serve his sentence. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230907/google-says-will-require-election-advertisers-to-disclose-ai-generated-content-1113170193.html united kingdom (uk) elizabeth 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 jaswant singh chail sentence, what is jallianwala bagh massacre, what is amritsar massacre, treason sentences in uk, uk treason convicted, ai sarai replika https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/us-political-crisis-impedes-military-operations---pentagon-official-1113977371.html US Political Crisis Impedes Military Operations - Pentagon Official US Political Crisis Impedes Military Operations - Pentagon Official Pentagon's deputy chied warned of likely damage to the US military and Ukrainian military aid efforts amid fiscal stalemate, stressing the potential impact on the image of American democracy. 2023-10-06T14:56+0000 2023-10-06T14:56+0000 2023-10-06T14:56+0000 world hope hicks joe biden washington russia us department of defense (dod) pentagon ukraine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/04/1a/1109849240_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_db44adc6ce191e3844a2fc98f7697bf0.jpg Kathleen H. Hicks, deputy secretary of defense, is worried about a US government shutdown and in-house strife within the nation's capital. She warns of the potential to undermine the readiness of the US Armed Forces.Hicks said alternative defense funding mechanisms for Ukraine are available, even without Congressional endorsement. She clarified that the Pentagon has not initiated discussions regarding reassigning resources from other designated areas to compensate for the deficit.The DoD is prioritizing securing the passage of the fiscal year 2024 budget allocation instead of requesting to reassign previously administered funds for Ukraine. The recent exclusion of military assistance for Kiev from the interim budget arrangement has raised concerns in Washington and among international partners - while many voices are questioning the need for such spending amid the current bleak economic outlook.On Tuesday, President Joe Biden took the initiative to engage with allied leaders, vowing to secure the required funds. Additionally, he disclosed plans for an upcoming key address, aiming to present a compelling case for garnering public endorsement towards the assistance.The disbursement of funds to Ukraine, as pointed out by Hicks, plays a crucial role in bolstering the American defense industry. This allocation enables the Pentagon to procure weaponry essential for replenishing supplies utilized in the NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.As per the deputy defense secretary, the recurrent reliance on short-term spending arrangements in place of a comprehensive annual budgeting process is now considered "routine." She contended that "its not a sign of a strong and functioning system."Hicks emphasized that the ongoing political wrangle in the United States offers foreign rivals an opportunity to contend that democracy is not a functional governance model. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231003/could-biden-keep-arming-ukraine-as-pentagons-ukraine-funds-dry-out-1113892246.html washington russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.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 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg kathleen h. hicks, deputy secretary of defense, pentagon, government shutdown, in-house strife, u.s. armed forces, ukraine, defense assistance, alternative funding mechanisms, congressional endorsement, fiscal year 2024 budget allocation, interim budgetary arrangement, president joe biden, allied leaders, public endorsement, american defense industry, nato proxy war, russia, short-term spending arrangements, comprehensive annual budgeting process, democracy, governance model. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/vladimir-putins-2023-speech-at-valdai-discussion-club-1113976280.html Vladimir Putin's Full Speech at Valdai Discussion Club 2023 Vladimir Putin's Full Speech at Valdai Discussion Club 2023 Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the 20th anniversary meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club. 2023-10-06T07:25+0000 2023-10-06T07:25+0000 2023-10-06T07:26+0000 russia valdai discussion club russia valdai nato west vladimir putin geopolitics multipolar world /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113976117_0:134:3165:1914_1920x0_80_0_0_3ac7b9b46b13732736f78d4ff11ee0c5.jpg Participants in the plenary session! Colleagues! Ladies and gentlemen!I am glad to welcome you all in Sochi at the anniversary meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club. The moderator has already mentioned that this is the 20th annual meeting.In keeping with its traditions, our, or should I say your forum, has brought together political leaders and researchers, experts and civil society activists from many countries around the world, once again reaffirming its high status as a relevant intellectual platform. The Valdai discussions invariably reflect the most important global political processes in the 21st century in their entirety and complexity. I am certain that this will also be the case today, as it probably was in the preceding days when you debated with each other. It will also stay this way moving forward because our objective is basically to build a new world. And it is at these decisive stages that you, my colleagues, have an extremely important role to play and bear special responsibility as intellectuals.Over the years of the clubs work, both Russia and the world have seen drastic, and even dramatic, colossal changes. Twenty years is not a long period by historical standards, but during eras when the entire world order is crumbling, time seems to shrink.I think you will agree that more events have taken place in the past 20 years than over decades in some historical periods before, and it was major changes that dictated the fundamental transformation of the very principles of international relations.In the early 21st century, everybody hoped that states and peoples had learned the lessons of the expensive and destructive military and ideological confrontations of the previous century, saw their harmfulness and the fragility and interconnectedness of our planet, and understood that the global problems of humanity call for joint action and the search for collective solutions, while egotism, arrogance and disregard for real challenges would inevitably lead to a dead-end, just like the attempts by more powerful countries to force their opinions and interests onto everyone else. This should have become obvious to everyone. It should have, but it has not. It has not.When we met for the first time at the clubs meeting nearly 20 years ago, our country was entering a new stage in its development. Russia was emerging from an extremely difficult period of convalescence after the Soviet Unions dissolution. We launched the process of building a new and what we saw as a more just world order energetically and with good will. It is a boon that our country can make a huge contribution because we have things to offer to our friends, partners and the world as a whole.Regrettably, our interest in constructive interaction was misunderstood, was seen as obedience, as an agreement that the new world order would be created by those who declared themselves the winners in the Cold War. It was seen as an admission that Russia was ready to follow in others wake and not to be guided by our own national interests but by somebody elses interests.Over these years, we warned more than once that this approach would not only lead to a dead-end but that it was fraught with the increasing threat of a military conflict. But nobody listened to us or wanted to listen to us. The arrogance of our so-called partners in the West went through the roof. This is the only way I can put it.The United States and its satellites have taken a steady course towards hegemony in military affairs, politics, the economy, culture and even morals and values. Since the very beginning, it has been clear to us that attempts to establish a monopoly were doomed to fail. The world is too complicated and diverse to be subjected to one system, even if it is backed by the enormous power of the West accumulated over centuries of its colonial policy. Your colleagues as well many of them are absent today, but they do not deny that to a significant degree, the prosperity of the West has been achieved by robbing colonies for several centuries. This is a fact. Essentially, this level of development has been achieved by robbing the entire planet.The history of the West is essentially the chronicle of endless expansion. Western influence in the world is an immense military and financial pyramid scheme that constantly needs more fuel to support itself, with natural, technological and human resources that belong to others. This is why the West simply cannot and is not going to stop. Our arguments, reasoning, calls for common sense or proposals have simply been ignored.I have said this publicly to both our allies and partners. There was a moment when I simply suggested: perhaps we should also join NATO? But no, NATO does not need a country like ours. No. I want to know, what else do they need? We thought we became part of the crowd, got a foot in the door. What else were we supposed to do? There was no more ideological confrontation. What was the problem? I guess the problem was their geopolitical interests and arrogance towards others. Their self-aggrandisement was and is the problem.We are compelled to respond to ever-increasing military and political pressure. I have said many times that it was not us who started the so-called war in Ukraine. On the contrary, we are trying to end it. It was not us who orchestrated a coup in Kiev in 2014 a bloody and anti-constitutional coup. When [similar events] happen in other places, we immediately hear all the international media mainly those subordinate to the Anglo-Saxon world, of course this is unacceptable, this is impossible, this is anti-democratic. But the coup in Kiev was acceptable. They even cited the amount of money spent on this coup. Anything was suddenly acceptable.At that time, Russia tried its best to support the people of Crimea and Sevastopol. We did not try to overthrow the government or intimidate the people in Crimea and Sevastopol, threatening them with ethnic cleansing in the Nazi spirit. It was not us who tried to force Donbass to obey by shelling and bombing. We did not threaten to kill anyone who wanted to speak their native language. Look, everyone here is an informed and educated person. It might be possible excuse my mauvais ton to brainwash millions of people who perceive reality through the media. But you must know what was really going on: they have been bombing the place for nine years, shooting and using tanks. That was a war, a real war unleashed against Donbass. And no one counted the dead children in Donbass. No one cried for the dead in other countries, especially in the West.This war, the one that the regime sitting in Kiev started with the vigorous and direct support from the West, has been going on for more than nine years, and Russias special military operation is aimed at stopping it. And it reminds us that unilateral steps, no matter who takes them, will inevitably prompt retaliation. As we know, every action has an equal opposite reaction. That is what any responsible state, every sovereign, independent and self-respecting country does.Everyone realises that in an international system where arbitrariness reigns, where all decision-making is up to those who think they are exceptional, sinless and right, any country can be attacked simply because it is disliked by a hegemon, who has lost any sense of proportion and I would add, any sense of reality.Unfortunately, we have to admit that our counterparties in the West have lost their sense of reality and have crossed every line. They really should not have done this.The Ukraine crisis is not a territorial conflict, and I want to make that clear. Russia is the worlds largest country in terms of land area, and we have no interest in conquering additional territory. We still have much to do to properly develop Siberia, Eastern Siberia, and the Russian Far East. This is not a territorial conflict and not an attempt to establish regional geopolitical balance. The issue is much broader and more fundamental and is about the principles underlying the new international order.Lasting peace will only be possible when everyone feels safe and secure, understands that their opinions are respected, and that there is a balance in the world where no one can unilaterally force or compel others to live or behave as a hegemon pleases even when it contradicts the sovereignty, genuine interests, traditions, or customs of peoples and countries. In such an arrangement, the very concept of sovereignty is simply denied and, sorry, is thrown in the garbage.Clearly, commitment to bloc-based approaches and the push to drive the world into a situation of ongoing us versus them confrontation is a bad legacy of the 20th century. It is a product of Western political culture, at least of its most aggressive manifestations. To reiterate, the West at least a certain part of the West, the elite always need an enemy. They need an enemy to justify the need for military action and expansion. But they also need an enemy to maintain internal control within a certain system of this very hegemon and within blocs like NATO or other military-political blocs. There must be an enemy so everyone can rally around the leader.The way other states run their lives is none of our business. However, we see how the ruling elite in many of them are forcing societies to accept norms and rules that the people or at least a significant number of people and even the majority in some countries are unwilling to embrace. But they are still urged to do so, with the authorities continually inventing justifications for their actions, attributing growing internal problems to external causes, and fabricating or exaggerating non-existent threats.Russia is a favourite subject for these politickers. We have grown used to this over the course of history, of course. But they try to portray those who are not willing to blindly follow these Western elite groups as enemies. They have used this approach with various countries, including the Peoples Republic of China, and they tried to do this to India in certain situations. They are flirting with it now, as we can see very clearly. We are aware of and see the scenarios they are using in Asia. I would like to say that the Indian leadership is independent and strongly nationally oriented. I think these attempts are pointless, yet they continue with them. They try to portray the Arab world as an enemy; they do it selectively and try to act accurately, but this is what it comes down to. They even try to present Muslims as a hostile environment, and so on and so forth. In fact, anyone who acts independently and in its own interests is immediately seen by the Western elite as a hindrance that must be removed.Artificial geopolitical associations are being forced onto the world, and restricted-access blocs are being created. We see this happening in Europe, where an aggressive policy of NATO expansion has been pursued for decades, in the Asia-Pacific region and in South Asia, where they are trying to destroy an open and inclusive cooperation architecture. A bloc-based approach, if we call a spade a spade, limits individual states rights and restricts their freedom to develop along their own path, attempting to drive them into a cage of obligations. In a way, this obviously amounts to the dispossession of part of their sovereignty, often followed by the enforcement of their own solutions not only in the area of security but also in other areas, primarily the economy, which is happening now in relations between the United States and Europe. There is no need to explain this now. If necessary, we can talk about it in detail during the discussion after my opening remarks.To attain these goals, they try to replace international law with a rules-based order, whatever that means. It is not clear what rules these are and who invented them. It is just rubbish, but they are trying to plant this idea in the minds of millions of people. You must live according to the rules. What rules?And actually, if I may, our Western colleagues, especially those from the United States, dont just arbitrarily set these rules, they teach others how to follow them, and how others should behave overall. All of this is done and expressed in a blatantly ill-mannered and pushy way. This is another manifestation of colonial mentality. All the time we hear, you must, you are obligated, we are seriously warning you.Who are you to do that? What right do you have to warn others? This is just amazing. Maybe those who say all this should get rid of their arrogance and stop behaving in such a way towards the global community that perfectly knows its objectives and interests, and should drop this colonial-era thinking? I want to tell them sometimes: wake up, this era has long gone and will never return.I will say more: for centuries, such behavior led to the replication of one thing big wars, with various ideological and quasi-moral justifications invented to justify these wars. Today this is especially dangerous. As you know, humankind has the means to easily destroy the whole planet, and ongoing mind manipulation, unbelievable in terms of scale, leads to losing a sense of reality. Clearly, a way out should be sought from this vicious circle. As I understand it, friends and colleagues, this is why you come here to address these vital issues at the Valdai Club venue.In Russias Foreign Policy Concept, our country is characterised as an original civilisation-state. This wording clearly and concisely reflects how we understand not only our own development, but also the main principles of international order, which we hope will prevail.From our perspective, civilisation is a multifaceted concept subject to various interpretations. There was once an outwardly colonial interpretation whereby there was a civilised world serving as a model for the rest, and everyone was supposed to conform to those standards. Those who disagreed were to be coerced into this civilisation by the truncheon of the enlightened master. These times, as I said, are now in the past, and our understanding of civilisation is quite different.First, there are many civilisations, and none is superior or inferior to another. They are equal since each civilisation represents a unique expression of its own culture, traditions, and the aspirations of its people. For instance, in my case, it embodies the aspirations of my people, of which I am fortunate to be a part.Outstanding thinkers from around the world who endorse the concept of a civilisation-based approach have engaged in profound contemplation of the meaning of civilisation as a concept. It is a complex phenomenon comprised of many components. Without delving too deeply into philosophy, which may not be appropriate here, lets try to describe it pragmatically as it applies to current developments.The essential characteristics of a civilisation-state encompass diversity and self-sufficiency, which, I believe, are two key components. Todays world rejects uniformity, and each state and society strives to develop its own path of development which is rooted in culture and traditions, and is steeped in geography and historical experiences, both ancient and modern, as well as the values held by its people. This is an intricate synthesis that gives rise to a distinct civilisational community. Its strength and progress depend on its diversity and multifaceted nature.Russia has been shaped over centuries as a nation of diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities. The Russian civilisation cannot be reduced to a single common denominator, but it cannot be divided, either, because it thrives as a single spiritually and culturally rich entity. Maintaining the cohesive unity of such a nation is a formidable challenge.We have faced severe challenges throughout the centuries; we have always pulled through, sometimes at great cost, but each time we learned our lessons for the future, strengthening our national unity and the integrity of the Russian state.This experience we have gained is truly invaluable today. The world is becoming increasingly diverse, and its complex processes can no longer be handled with simple governance methods, painting everyone with the same brush, as we say, which is something certain states are still trying to do.There is something important to add to this. A truly effective and strong state system cannot be imposed from the outside. It grows naturally from the civilisational roots of countries and peoples, and in this regard, Russia is an example of how it really happens in life, in practice.Relying on your civilisation is a necessary condition for success in the modern world, unfortunately a disorderly and dangerous world that has lost its bearings. More and more states are coming to this conclusion, becoming aware of their own interests and needs, opportunities and limitations, their own identity and degree of interconnectedness with the world around them.I am confident that humanity is not moving towards fragmentation into rivaling segments, a new confrontation of blocs, whatever their motives, or a soulless universalism of a new globalisation. On the contrary, the world is on its way to a synergy of civilisation-states, large spaces, communities identifying as such.At the same time, civilisation is not a universal construct, one for all there is no such thing. Each civilisation is different, each is culturally self-sufficient, drawing on its own history and traditions for ideological principles and values. Respecting oneself naturally comes from respecting others, but it also implies respect from others. That is why a civilisation does not impose anything on anyone, but does not allow anything to be imposed on itself either. If everyone lives by this rule, we can live in harmonious coexistence and in creative interaction between everyone in international relations.Of course, protecting your civilisational choice is a huge responsibility. Its a response to external infringements, the development of close and constructive relationships with other civilisations and, most importantly, the maintenance of internal stability and harmony. All of us can see that today the international environment is, regrettably, unstable and quite aggressive, as I pointed out.Here is one more essential thing: nobody should betray their civilisation. This is the path towards universal chaos; it is unnatural and, I would say, disgusting. For our part, we have always tried and continue to try to offer solutions that consider the interests of all sides. But our counterparts in the West seem to have forgotten the notions of reasonable self-restraint, compromise and a willingness to make concessions in the name of attaining a result that will suit all sides. No, they are literally fixated on only one goal: to push through their interests, here and now, and do it at any cost. If this is their choice, we will see what comes of it.It sounds like a paradox, but the situation could change tomorrow, which is a problem. For example, regular elections can lead to changes on the domestic political stage. Today a country can insist on doing something at any cost, but its domestic political situation could change tomorrow, and they will start pushing through a different and sometimes even the opposite idea.A standout example is Irans nuclear programme. A US administration pushed through a solution, but the succeeding administration turned the matter the other way around. How can one work in these conditions? What are the guidelines? What can we rely on? Where are the guarantees? Are these the rules they are telling us about? This is nonsense and absurd.Why is this happening, and why does everybody seem comfortable with it? The answer is that strategic thinking has been replaced with the short-term mercenary interests of not even countries or nations, but the succeeding groups of influence. This explains the unbelievable, if judged in Cold War terms, irresponsibility of the political elite groups, which have shed all fear and shame and think of themselves as guiltless.The civilisational approach confronts these trends because it is based on the fundamental, long-term interests of states and peoples, interests that are dictated not by the current ideological situation, but by the entire historical experience and legacy of the past, on which the idea of a harmonious future rests.If everyone were guided by this, there would be far fewer conflicts in the world, I believe, and the approaches to resolving them would become much more rational, because all civilisations would respect each other, as I said, and would not try to change anyone based on their own notions.Friends, I read with interest the report prepared by the Valdai Club for todays meeting. It says that everyone is currently striving to understand and imagine a vision of the future. This is natural and understandable, especially for intellectual circles. In an era of radical change, when the world were used to is crumbling, it is very important to understand where we are heading and where we want to be. And, of course, the future is being created now, not only before our eyes, but by our own hands.Naturally, when such massive, extremely complex processes are underway, it is hard or even impossible to predict the result. Regardless of what we do, life will make adjustments. But, at any rate, we need to realise what we are striving for, what we want to achieve. In Russia, there is such an understanding.First. We want to live in an open, interconnected world, where no one will ever try to put artificial barriers in the way of peoples communication, their creative fulfilment and prosperity. We need to strive to create an obstacle-free environment.Second. We want the worlds diversity to be preserved and serve as the foundation for universal development. It should be prohibited to impose on any country or people how they should live and how they should feel. Only true cultural and civilisational diversity will ensure peoples wellbeing and a balance of interests.Third, Russia stands for maximum representation. No one has the right or ability to rule the world for others and on behalf of others. The world of the future is a world of collective decisions made at the levels where they are most effective, and by those who are truly capable of making a significant contribution to resolving a specific problem. It is not that one person decides for everyone, and not even everyone decides everything, but those who are directly affected by this or that issue must agree on what to do and how to do it.Fourth, Russia stands for universal security and lasting peace built on respect for the interests of everyone: from large countries to small ones. The main thing is to free international relations from the bloc approach and the legacy of the colonial era and the Cold War. We have been saying for decades that security is indivisible, and that it is impossible to ensure the security of some at the expense of the security of others. Indeed, harmony in this area can be achieved. You just need to put aside haughtiness and arrogance and stop looking at others as second-class partners or outcasts or savages.Fifth, we stand for justice for all. The era of exploitation, as I said twice, is in the past. Countries and peoples are clearly aware of their interests and capabilities and are ready to rely on themselves; and this increases their strength. Everyone should be given access to the benefits of todays world, and attempts to limit it for any country or people should be considered an act of aggression.Sixth, we stand for equality, for the diverse potential of all countries. This is a completely objective factor. But no less objective is the fact that no one is ready to take orders anymore or make their interests and needs dependent on anyone, above all on the rich and more powerful.This is not just the natural state of the international community, but the quintessence of all of humankinds historical experience.These are the principles that we would like to follow and that we invite all of our friends and colleagues to join.Colleagues!Russia was, is and will be one of the foundations of this new world system, ready for constructive interaction with everyone who strives for peace and prosperity, but ready for tough opposition against those who profess the principles of dictatorship and violence. We believe that pragmatism and common sense will prevail, and a multipolar world will be established.In conclusion, I would like to thank the forums organisers for your fundamental and qualified preparations, as always, as well as thank everyone at this anniversary meeting for your attention. Thank you very much. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/putins-valdai-speech-multipolar-future-has-arrived-and-russia-is-here-to-stay-1113965925.html russia valdai west 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 vladimir putin, valdai international discussion club, vladimir putin, valdai, valdai discussion club, valdai forum, russia, us, united states, ukraine, libya, syria, iraq, world order, new world order, unipolar world order, multipolar world order, multipolarity, unipolarity, color revolution https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/washington-zoo-to-return-three-pandas-to-china-by-end-of-2023---chinese-fm-1113972511.html Washington Zoo to Return Three Pandas to China by End of 2023 - Chinese FM Washington Zoo to Return Three Pandas to China by End of 2023 - Chinese FM Three giant pandas temporarily residing at the Washington zoo will be returned to China by the end of the year, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday. 2023-10-06T03:15+0000 2023-10-06T03:15+0000 2023-10-06T03:12+0000 world tian tian chinese foreign ministry china washington panda smithsonian national zoo /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113972354_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_626f24aba895a987cb5ec548bd66988b.jpg "Pandas Mei Xiang, Xiao Qi Ji and Tian Tian, who are temporarily staying at Washington's National Zoo, will be returned home by the end of the year in accordance with the previously agreed terms," Mao told a briefing. Washington and Beijing are currently discussing the relevant procedures, the spokeswoman said, adding that fruitful China-US cooperation on panda conservation "has narrowed the spiritual distance between the peoples of China and the US. In August, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said she did not know if US President Joe Biden would raise the issue of extending the three pandas' stay in Washington during a possible meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington and the China Wildlife and Conservation Society have a three-year agreement to keep three panda bears in the US capital through 2023. The agreement is set to expire in December. The giant panda is an unofficial symbol of China. In July 2021, the Chinese authorities announced that giant pandas are no longer an endangered species in the country, as their wild population has exceeded 1,800 individuals over the past decade. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230808/2000-year-old-panda-burial-unearthed-in-han-dynasty-tomb-by-chinese-archaeologists-1112450303.html china washington 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 washington zoo, pandas, china, chinese foreign ministry, https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/watch-moment-fedex-jet-skids-off-us-runway-after-landing-gear-failure-1113992693.html Watch Moment FedEx Jet Skids Off US Runway After Landing Gear Failure Watch Moment FedEx Jet Skids Off US Runway After Landing Gear Failure In a heart-pounding incident at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, a FedEx-operated Boeing 757 veered off the runway after experiencing landing gear failure. 2023-10-06T21:35+0000 2023-10-06T21:35+0000 2023-10-06T21:32+0000 beyond politics viral viral video fedex federal aviation administration (faa) tennessee chattanooga boeing 757 /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/06/1107024036_251:0:1796:869_1920x0_80_0_0_960cf3f0ac6b49aa2a03bf56b46f040f.jpg Newly surfaced footage has revealed the moment a FedEx cargo jet skidded off the runway at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport in Tennessee late Wednesday, shortly after experiencing a landing gear malfunction. The Boeing 757 aircraft, identified as FedEx Flight 1376, came to a halt between the runway and a nearby road after making an emergency landing.All three individuals on board have been accounted for, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department.Video from the scene showed a trail of sparks lighting up the darkened runway as the plane skids across the runway.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the plane, which was en route to Memphis International Airport, landed with its landing gear up, subsequently sliding into the airport's grassy area at approximately 11:45 p.m. local time.Emergency crews rushed to the scene just after 11 p.m., in response to reports of the jet's final approach with landing gear failure. Prior to the landing, the plane had been ordered to circle the airport. Although the plane's engines emitted smoke during the ordeal, no fire was detected, as reported by the fire department.The Chattanooga Fire Department commended the efforts of the pilot and airport personnel, as well as all responding agencies, for their exceptional coordination in averting a potential disaster. However an investigation by the FAA is ongoing. tennessee chattanooga 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 fedex, fedex flight incident, fedex operated boeing 757, chattanooga metropolitan airport, federal aviation administration investigating fedex incident, chattanooga fire department, fedex jet skids off runway https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/watch-russian-national-guard-drills-in-dpr-involving-rapira-anti-tank-guns-1113982777.html Watch Russian National Guard Drills in DPR Involving Rapira Anti-Tank Guns Watch Russian National Guard Drills in DPR Involving Rapira Anti-Tank Guns The Russian National Guard anti-tank units have been taking part in the military drills in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). The National Guard has been protecting army supply lines, high-risk facilities, power generation facilities, and critical infrastructure in the special operation zone. 2023-10-06T15:16+0000 2023-10-06T15:16+0000 2023-10-06T15:16+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russia video russian national guard russian defense ministry uav russian forces donetsk people's republic dpr /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113983337_0:0:1389:781_1920x0_80_0_0_1199a81125b13031f6e8f6b50dba7e68.png The Russian Defense Ministry has published a clip showing National Guard troops participating in military exercises, practicing the use of 100 mm MT-12 Rapira (lit. "Rapier") anti-tank towed guns (also known as 229 or -12) in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).The servicemen practiced locating a mock enemy using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and then opening fire on it. 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 Russian National Guard anti-tank units improve combat skills in the DPR Russian National Guard anti-tank units improve combat skills in the DPR 2023-10-06T15:16+0000 true PT1M00S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International rapira, towed guns, 229, -12, anti-tank guns, russian forces, russian national guard, national guard, unmanned aerial vehicles, uav, drones, military drills, military exercise, combat skills, donetsk people's republic, donetsk peoples republic, dpr https://sputnikglobe.com/20231006/which-tank-is-the-fastest-1113877349.html Which Tank is the Fastest? Which Tank is the Fastest? Amidst a fervent race for tank supremacy, battle tanks have evolved significantly on the battlefield, thanks to the moderm warfare dynamics, increased budgets and the progress in military research and development driving technological advances. This piece unveils the unrivaled speedster in combat: the metal beast defying limits. 2023-10-06T13:59+0000 2023-10-06T13:59+0000 2023-10-06T13:59+0000 sputnik explains sputnik russia germany world wikipedia shtora t-64 t-14 armata /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102329/82/1023298270_0:290:5570:3423_1920x0_80_0_0_7e35a2466d852b5ea90fc09555b92e82.jpg Tanks, equipped with heavy armor, are a staple of ground-based military operations. Their role is vital in shaping the outcome of warfare, offering a powerful combination of maneuverability, defense, and firepower. Tanks are essential for breaching fortified enemy positions, supporting infantry, and neutralizing armored threats. This establishes them as a fundamental tool for ground forces.A tank's speed is more than a mere badge of honor for military engineers; it directly influences its agility in adapting to dynamic battlefield scenarios. Swift deployment and mobility are crucial for effective flanking, fortification, and strategic withdrawals. Moreover, speed is vital for survival, enabling tanks to evade enemy fire and secure advantageous positions. This impetus provided by speed is pivotal to a tank's effectiveness, allowing it to maneuver swiftly across diverse terrains, potentially determining the difference between gaining a tactical edge or becoming vulnerable. Throughout military history, the pursuit of speed in tank design has been unrelenting, driven by the ever-changing demands of modern warfare.Sputnik demystifies battle tanks by singling out the fastest ones and understanding the nuances of their speed. This involves comprehensively examining factors and scrutinizing significant contemporary tanks known for their remarkable speed. Through this exploration, we aim to identify the fastest tank and grasp how this trait influences military outcomes.Overview of Different Tanks and Their Roles in WarfareTanks, the backbone of ground-based armored warfare, come in various classes, each tailored for specific combat roles. Heavy TanksHeavy tanks are a category of armored vehicles designed with an emphasis on maximum firepower and robust armor protection. They are characterized by their substantial weight, which can often exceed 60 tons, making them formidable behemoths on the battlefield. The primary purpose of heavy tanks is to engage in head-on confrontations with enemy forces, acting as spearheads in offensive operations and as impervious defensive bulwarks.These tanks are engineered to withstand heavy enemy fire, making them ideal for breaching fortified positions or leading assaults against heavily defended areas. Due to their immense weight and powerful armaments, heavy tanks are often tasked with breaking through enemy lines, allowing lighter and more mobile units to exploit the breaches and carry out flanking maneuvers.Their weight provides them with increased protection, but can reduce their mobility and maneuverability. Other characteristics of heavy tanks include:ArmorArmamentEngine & PropulsionCrew size Fuel tankOperational RangeNeed for Logistical SupportEvolution of Heavy Tanks in Military HistoryThe inception of heavy tanks in warfare traces back to their early development during the stormy days of World War I. This period was marked by ingenuity and experimentation in armored combat strategies.As World War I unfolded, the emergence of tanks came in direct response to the problematic issues posed by trench warfare. Efforts by nations like Britain, France, and Germany paved the way for the advent of these mechanized marvels. The early iterations, such as the British Mark series and the French Schneider CA1, bore the distinctive features of pace, armor, and a weaponry mix comprising machine guns and modest-caliber artillery. Their primary mission was to pierce deeply entrenched enemy lines. However, they encountered engineering hitches, like mechanical reliability concerns and constrained speed. Nonetheless, they demonstrated the transformative potential of armored vehicles in breaching impregnable positions.During the interwar interlude, a surge of innovation swept through tank design and technology. Engineers were profoundly enthralled by refining mobility, firepower, and armor integrity. It was during this period that the conceptual framework of heavy tanks materialized. Distinguished by their substantial heft, terrific armor cladding, and tough armaments, heavy tanks were envisaged as vanguards of assaults, breakthrough units against enemy lines, and bastions of resilience against concentrated fire.The crucible of World War II heralded the widespread deployment of heavy tanks, particularly by key players like the Soviet Union, Germany, and, to a lesser extent, the US and United Kingdom. The Soviet Union unveiled heavy tanks like the IS-2 and IS-3, engineered to engage heavily fortified strongholds. Germany, in turn, introduced heavy tanks like the Tiger I and Tiger II (King Tiger), characterized by their heavily fortified armor and the firepower prowess of their 88 mm guns. The Allied forces fielded heavy tanks, with a preference for more balanced designs such as the British Churchill and the American M26 Pershing, which skillfully blended firepower, protection, and mobility. In the Pacific theater, the US adroitly employed tanks like the M4 Sherman, bolstered by additional armor, aptly christened the Jumbo Sherman to surmount heavily entrenched Japanese positions.The aftermath of World War II unraveled the constraints of heavy tanks. Evolving anti-tank weaponry and shifts in military doctrines laid the groundwork for the ascendance of main battle tanks (MBTs). These heralded a new era, amalgamating the soundness of heavy tanks with a newfound agility and adaptability. This fundamental transition adjusted the interplay in armored warfare. While heavy tanks have receded amidst historical accounts, their legacy endures in the blueprint of contemporary armored vehicles. Tenets like robust armor plating and formidable main artillery find a seamless integration into the modern armory.Notable examples of heavy tanks with major technical specification are as follows:Sources: Wikipedia, Tanks-encyclopedia.comSources: Wikipedia, Tanks-encyclopedia.comSources: Wikipedia, Tanks-encyclopedia.comSource: WikipediaMain Battle Tank or Battle TankAt the forefront of armored warfare, battle tanks (also main battle tanks) embody the zenith of technological prowess. These multirole armored vehicles are conscientiously built to thrive in diverse battlefield scenarios, deftly striking a balance between offensive striking power, agility, and protection. This equilibrium renders them highly proficient in engaging enemy armor and infantry, underscoring their indispensability in modern armored warfare.These military machines represent the height of armored warfare, blending offensive power, agility, and defense for versatile performance on the battlefield. They excel in engaging enemy armor and infantry, making them crucial in modern warfare. The 1960s and 1970s marked a significant shift as battle tanks took precedence, leading to the decline of other tank types and specialized armored vehicles.During the 1960s, the military sphere witnessed a shift driven by the relentless pursuit of technological superiority in warfare. As advancements in anti-tank ammunition surged, so did the demand for avant-garde armor solutions. One pivotal milestone emerged in the form of the Soviet T-64 tank, a precursor of innovation that introduced composite armor into the global military lexicon. This novel development encompassed a sophisticated blend of reinforced glass, steel, and textolite, ushering in a new era of protection against formidable adversaries in the ever-evolving theater of war, including high-explosive anti-tank rounds and armor-piercing shells.Conceived at the esteemed Royal Ordnance Factories, the British Chobham armor represented a watershed moment in defensive technology by ingeniously combining ceramics with diverse other materials, effectively neutralizing the destructive potential of high-explosive anti-tank munitions.The advent of military helicopters posed a fresh conundrum in the dynamic landscape of combat operations. Before their widespread deployment, armored vehicles were meticulously crafted with a primary focus on frontal defense. However, the advent of military helicopters necessitated a turning point in tank design philosophy. This entailed the installation of shields encompassing all sides, offering comprehensive protection against potential threats. Additionally, this strategic adjustment sought to shield occupants from possible radiation exposure, further underscoring the need for a holistic defensive overhaul. Initially, main battle tanks relied on formidable steel armor to mitigate a spectrum of risks. Nevertheless, as the challenges escalated in sophistication, it became evident that a fundamental transformation in defense mechanisms was imperative to counter these evolving risks effectively.Warfare technology advanced in the 1980s with the advent of explosive reactive armor (ERA), a novel invention spearheaded by Israel. This transformative system is a formidable bulwark against modern anti-tank weaponry and armor-piercing shells, heralding a new era in battle tank security. The versatility of ERA lies in its swift relevance to tanks, instantly bolstering their resilience on the battlefield.However, activating ERA blocks introduces a crucial consideration: potential risks to nearby ground troops. Despite this concern, ERA has firmly entrenched itself as a pivotal feature in the arsenal of many Russian battle tanks, particularly in its Kontakt-5 iteration. This advancement has proven instrumental in effectively countering high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds and kinetic projectiles, underscoring its enduring relevance in modern warfare.Active protection systems (APS) have also emerged as a critical invention, initially conceived by the Soviets. These systems are engineered to thwart threats well before they reach their intended target the tank. Noteworthy iterations like the Arena and Shtora systems have garnered widespread recognition for their efficacy in safeguarding armored assets. Discussions within military circles underscore the formidable capabilities of Russia's latest marvel, the T-14 Armata tank, spotlighting its Afghanit Active Protection System, seamlessly integrated with an advanced AESA radar. This integration empowers the T-14 Armata to intercept a broad spectrum of airborne threats, from missiles to potential aerial adversaries.The United States has embraced analogous technologies, exemplified by including the Missile Countermeasure Device (MCD) within the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) deployed alongside the M1 Abrams tanks during military operations in Iraq. At the core of an MBT's offensive might lies its main gun, ingeniously integrated into the turret. This strategic placement allows for swift and precise targeting, a pivotal aspect in the heat of battle. The loading and firing mechanisms are meticulously designed, ensuring seamless operation even in the most demanding combat situations.The contemporary MBT is an engineering marvel, boasting advanced fire-control systems that unprecedentedly elevate its combat prowess. This sophisticated suite includes cutting-edge range finders, automated controls, and stabilizers. These components guarantee pinpoint accuracy, even amidst tank movement or external vibrations.The integration of such advanced fire-control systems not only fortifies the tank's offensive capabilities, but also empowers its crew. The tank's gunnery team gains unprecedented control and precision when engaging targets, ensuring every shot counts. This technological leap has redefined the dynamics of armored warfare, providing crews with a distinct advantage on the battlefield.The dual-purpose main gun is the linchpin of a battle tanks adaptability. This capability means that a single tank can swiftly transition from engaging heavily armored adversaries to addressing infantry or enemy vehicles. Such versatility ensures that MBTs remain a formidable force across an array of combat scenarios.Modern battle tanks are typically part of armored units, often accompanied by infantry in specialized fighting vehicles. Surveillance resources and ground-attack aircraft also support them. Like their predecessors, these tanks use continuous tracks for mobility, allowing them to navigate rugged terrain like sand and mud. This track system also enables them to overcome various obstacles.Tanks are designed to be watertight, allowing them to submerge in shallow waters with a snorkel. While tracks provide stability, tanks are generally slower than wheeled vehicles, with a top speed of around 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour). The German Leopard 2 stands at 72 km/h (45 mph). Tanks weigh between 40 to 70 tons, which limits their speed. They are equipped with powerful engines, boasting 1,200 to 1,500 horsepower (890 to 1,120 kilowatts), and have a travel range of about 500 km (310 miles).Within the robust frame of modern battle tanks lies a carefully designed structure dedicated to storage inside and outside the vehicle. These compartments serve distinct purposes, with the interior primarily allocated for ammunition and the external space reserved for additional fuel reserves and personal crew equipment. This meticulous allocation of distance ensures that tanks are equipped for extended engagements and versatile combat scenarios.Examples of main battle tanks with key technical specifications include:Sources: Army Technology, WikipediaSource: Army Technology, WikipediaSources: Army Technology, WikipediaSource: Army Technology, WikipediaSource: Army Technology, WikipediaMedium TanksThese battle beasts have played a formative influence on the development of armored conflict since their inception. Emerging in the interwar period, these versatile vehicles bridged the gap between the heavily armored but slower heavy tanks and the lighter, more maneuverable light tanks.As military strategies developed, medium tanks became instrumental in a variety of combat scenarios. During World War II, they demonstrated their adaptability on the battlefield. Medium tanks were employed for a range of missions, from infantry support and flanking maneuvers to breakthrough operations. Their balance of mobility, firepower, and armor protection made them indispensable assets for armored divisions in numerous conflicts.In the post-World War II era, medium tanks continued to be a mainstay of armored warfare, finding application in various theaters of conflict around the globe. Their enduring significance in military operations is a testament to their adaptable nature and effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios.Definition and Primary PurposeMedium tanks are a class of armored vehicles designed to strike a balance between the firepower of heavy tanks and the mobility of light tanks. They typically weigh 25 to 45 tons, offering speed, protection, and armament.The primary purpose of medium tanks is to serve as multirole combat platforms. They are well-suited for various missions, including breakthrough operations, flanking maneuvers, infantry support, and surveillance. Their versatility allows commanders to deploy them in multiple roles on the battlefield, making them a vital component of armored forces.Medium tanks are characterized by their ability to navigate diverse terrains, engage enemy armor and infantry effectively, and provide a versatile and adaptable response to changing battlefield conditions. Their design balances the heavier, more heavily armored tanks and the lighter, more agile reconnaissance vehicles.A few examples of medium tanks and their specifications are detailed as follows:Source: WikipediaSources: Wikipedia, Tanks-encyclopedia.comSources: Wikipedia, Tanks-encyclopedia.comLight TanksLight tanks have a storied history in the annals of armored warfare. Originating in the interwar period, they were developed to complement infantry and reconnaissance units, providing them with armored support and rapid mobility. These tanks played a vital role in various conflicts, particularly during World War II. In the early stages of World War II, light tanks were deployed for reconnaissance missions and engaging lightly armored enemy vehicles. However, as the war progressed and the battlefield dynamics evolved, their limitations in terms of firepower and armor became apparent. They were gradually replaced or supplemented by more versatile medium and main battle tanks. Post-World War II, light tanks saw continued use in specialized roles like reconnaissance and airborne operations. Technological advances, including armor and armament improvements, allowed them to remain relevant in modern armored forces, albeit in more niche roles. Depiction and Primary Purpose Light tanks are armored vehicles characterized by their relatively low weight, agility, and speed. They are designed for surveillance, quick maneuvering, and support roles on the battlefield. Light tanks typically weigh between 5 and 20 tons, making them more lightweight and maneuverable than their heavier counterparts. The primary purpose of light tanks is to provide reconnaissance and security for larger military units. Their speed and agility make them adept at sidestepping tactics, scouting enemy positions, and engaging lightly armored targets. Additionally, they are well-suited for operations in terrain where heavier tanks might face difficulties. Light tanks are often used in scenarios where speed and mobility are paramount. They are also employed when a rapid response is needed, such as in reconnaissance missions or airborne operations. While they may lack the firepower and armor of heavier tanks, their versatility and speed allow them to perform critical roles on the battleground.World War II-Era Light TanksSource: WikipediaSources: Tanks-encyclopedia.com, WikipediaContemporary Light TanksSources: Army Technology, WikipediaSources: Army Technology, WikipediaFactors Affecting Tank SpeedThe design of a tank necessitates a delicate equilibrium between armor protection and speed. Striking this balance is crucial for creating a highly effective combat platform. A well-armored tank is more resilient to enemy fire, enhancing its survivability on the battlefield. However, an excessive focus on armor can result in a tank becoming overly heavy, potentially compromising its speed and maneuverability. Engineers and designers must judiciously allocate resources to achieve an optimal blend of protection and mobility, tailoring each tank to its intended combat role.In contemporary armored warfare, advances in materials and engineering have facilitated the development of composite armor and other weight-saving technologies. These innovations allow modern tanks to achieve a commendable balance between robust armor protection and the agility required for swift and effective maneuvering on the battlefield. This harmonization of factors is a testament to the continuous evolution of tank design and engineering.Which Tanks Are Fastest?In recent times, several nations have fielded a new generation of fast tanks, incorporating advanced technologies and designs to enhance their speed and maneuverability on the modern battlefield. Here are 10 examples of contemporary fast tanks, along with their origins, engine horsepower, and maximum speeds:Source: Army TechnologyGazing Into Future of Tanks in Modern Warfare Looking ahead, the trajectory of tank technology promises even more significant advancements in speed capabilities. Engineers and military strategists are actively exploring avenues to enhance tank agility, making them more responsive to the dynamic nature of modern warfare. One key area of focus is the development of advanced propulsion systems. Emerging technologies, such as electric drivetrains and hydrogen fuel cells, hold the potential to revolutionize tank mobility. These innovations promise higher speeds and reduce the logistical burden associated with traditional fossil-fuel-powered engines. Furthermore, breakthroughs in materials science and manufacturing techniques enable the construction of lighter yet stronger tank hulls. This leads to improved power-to-weight ratios, allowing tanks to achieve higher speeds without sacrificing durability. Additionally, advancements in suspension systems and track design contribute to smoother rides at increased velocities, enhancing overall maneuverability on various terrains. Beyond hardware, integrating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems is poised to redefine the concept of tank speed. AI-driven algorithms can optimize routes, adjust speed based on real-time data, and even facilitate coordinated movements between multiple tanks, creating a synchronized and highly efficient force. Moreover, incorporating advanced sensors and communication systems will provide tanks with enhanced situational awareness, enabling them to navigate complex environments at high speeds with greater precision. Therefore, the future of tank speed in warfare is marked by a convergence of innovative technologies that promise to elevate the capabilities of armored forces to unprecedented levels. These advancements not only enhance tactical advantages, but also reshape the very nature of armored warfare, ensuring that speed remains a paramount factor in determining success on the modern battlefield. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231003/vulnerable-abrams-tanks-in-ukraine-may-be-swiftly-detected--destroyed-by-russias-uavs-1113878355.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231002/which-countries-have-sent-tanks-to-ukraine-1113845971.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/armored-behemoths-comparing-nato-and-russias-top-tanks-1113657752.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230914/watch-russian-tanks-wipe-out-ukrainian-strongholds-1113370681.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230927/us-made-abrams-vs-russias-t-90-which-battle-tank-has-better-odds-in-ukraine-conflict-1113746320.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/watch-russian-forces-blast-two-german-leopard-tanks-in-special-op-zone-1113646963.html russia germany world Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.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 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg military tanks, heavy armor, ground-based military operations, maneuverability, defense, firepower, fortified enemy positions, infantry support, armored threats, ground forces, tank speed, battlefield scenarios, quick deployment, mobility, strategic withdrawals, survival, enemy fire evasion, advantageous positions, tactical edge, vulnerable spot, fastest tank, military outcomes, armored warfare, heavy tanks, main battle tanks, medium tanks, light tanks, heavy tank characteristics, heavy tank armament, heavy tank weight, heavy tank armor, heavy tank crew, heavy tank range, heavy tank mobility, heavy tank operational range, heavy tank suspension systems, heavy tank logistics, heavy tank capabilities, heavy tank limitations, heavy tank evolution, world war i tanks, interwar period tanks, world war ii tanks, post-world war ii tanks, main battle tanks, sputnik, german maus, british mark series, french schneider ca1, tiger i, tiger ii (king tiger), is-2, is-3, churchill, m26 pershing, m4 sherman, jumbo sherman, main battle tanks (mbts), soviet t-64 tank, british chobham armor, royal ordnance factories, explosive reactive armor (era), israel, kontakt-5, high-explosive anti-tank (heat), active protection systems (aps), arena system, shtora system, missile countermeasure device (mcd), t-14 armata tank, afghanit active protection system, aesa radar, m1 abrams tanks, tank urban survival kit (tusk), leopard 2, President Yoon Suk Yeol will meet with a group of teachers at the presidential office Friday to discuss ways to protect their rights in the classroom, an official said. The closed-door meeting will come as teachers across the nation have demanded better treatment and guarantees of their authority in classrooms in the wake of a series of suicides by teachers who apparently suffered from unruly students and malicious complaints from parents. "The president has a clear conviction that in order to provide good education, the authority of teachers must be protected, and that by protecting teachers' authority, children must be respected," the presidential official told Yonhap News Agency. "Today's meeting shows his commitment to continuing such efforts." The meeting will be attended by teachers of all grades, from kindergarten through high school. Yoon has repeatedly raised the issue of enhancing teachers' rights since an elementary school teacher in Seoul was found dead by suicide in her classroom in July. During a Cabinet meeting on Sept. 12, he called for the swift passage of a set of bills aimed at protecting teachers' rights and instructed the education and justice ministries to quickly draw up guidelines to ensure teachers are not punished for exercising their rightful authority. During a later Cabinet meeting that promulgated the bills, he ordered the education ministry and other related ministries to quickly take follow-up steps while working harder to normalize the education field. (Yonhap) Seven of the top 10 Standardbreds in the most recent Hambletonian / Breeders Crown poll will be in action during a star-studded finale to the Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile on Sunday, Oct. 8. The $472,000 Tattersalls Pace draws two divisions towards the tail of the card with a marquee matchup in division two, Race 13. Linda Toscano trainee Its My Show draws to the far inside, himself a world-record holder for sophomore geldings with a mark of 1:46.4 taken over this oval. And then drawn to the far outside in the nine-horse field sits Confederate, himself a world-record holder for sophomores with a mark of 1:46.1 taken over this oval. The Tattersalls Pace marks the first matchup between the two millionaires since Its My Show clung to victory in the Pepsi North America Cup back in June. Division one collects Diamond Creeks Sweet Lou colt Cannibal from post seven against a former peer in Seven Colors, who was purchased privately earlier this year by trainer Andrew Harris and team. Seven Colors starts from post one off a runner-up finish in the $850,000 Little Brown Jug final and keeps Dexter Dunn in the sulky while Cannibal has Yannick Gingras in the bike for trainer Nancy Takter. The nine-horse field also includes Ken Hanover, entering off a second-place finish to Confederate in Bluegrass action last week. Dave Miller opts to drive him from post four over 2022 Breeders Crown winner Ammo, who picks up Tim Tetrick on his return to the races off a fifth-place finish in the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes consolation back in September. Having secured the second jewel of Trottings Triple Crown, Tactical Approach will look to add another onto his resume when he starts as the 3-1 morning line favourite in the $450,000 131st Kentucky Futurity, which wraps the 15-race card. Tactical Approach trotted a down-the-road effort last week to clock a 1:50.1 mile in winning his division of Bluegrass against the likes of Air Power and French Wine, who sandwich him on the starting gate. Scott Zeron drives the Nancy Takter pupil from post seven in the 11-horse contest. Oh Well, second to Tactical Approach in the Hambletonian, has the chance to strike revenge from post five. Tim Tetrick steers the Marcus Melander son of Muscle Hill off his 1:51.2 performance in Bluegrass action last week. His stablemate Kilmister, who missed the Hambletonian final from an off-the-board finish in his elimination, also enters off a Bluegrass win in 1:50.3 against Point Of Perfect, whos drawn to his inside. Brian Sears drives Kilmister, the third of four entrants for Marcus Melander, from post 10. Revenge also comes in the grasps of Ron Burkes Muscle Hill colt Celebrity Bambino, who was the Hambletonian favourite and faltered after cutting the fractions. Celebrity Bambino ships to Lexington off a game 1:51.4 victory in the $660,000 Canadian Trotting Classic final and keeps Yannick Gingras in the bike from post two. The Kentucky Futuritys companion event, the 58th Kentucky Filly Futurity, goes as Race 10 on the closing-day card and also draws an overflow field of 11. Last year, Special Way dazzled over the clay for trainer Ake Svanstedt in progress to a Breeders Crown win. However, hiccups of sickness and precaution along with a defeat in the Kentucky Sires Stakes final to Mommamia Volo racing from post three in the Filly Futurity have opened the spotlight for her stablemate Bond, who starts a few slots wider from post nine. Bond grabbed second in the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks and has not lost in her last three starts, claiming the $250,000 Delmonica Hanover at Pocono Downs and the $381,000 Elegantimage at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Ake Svanstedt will pilot Bond while Special Way acquires the duties of Tim Tetrick from post seven. That created a vacancy on the Hambletonian Oaks winner Heaven Hanover, who starts from post six. Marcus Melander teamster Brian Sears grabs the drive on the filly trying to get back to the winners circle after her last-to-first triumph to win on the first Saturday in August. The daughter of Father Patrick enters off a fourth-place finish in her Bluegrass division to Walner Payton, who lands post two after a headstrong closing victory in that 1:51.4 mile that saw her trot a final quarter in :25.3. The $230,000 Glen Garnsey Memorial sees the star sophomore pacing fillies split in separate divisions after a sterling face off in the Bluegrass last week. Sylvia Hanover lands in the first division, Race 8, and starts from post five in rein to Bob McClure against six rivals including fellow Bluegrass division winner McSeaside from post two. Twin B Joe Fresh starts from post six in the second division with Dexter Dunn in the bike for trainer Chris Ryder off her runner-up effort from off the speed to Sylvia Hanover. Sundays card opens with the four aged divisions sparring in their respective dashes of the Allerage Farms. The Mare Trot goes as Race 1 and lures M Ms Dream in a five-horse affair off a second-place finish in the $240,000 Dayton Oaks. She draws just inside of Warrawee Xenia, who keeps Tim Tetrick in the bike. The Mare Pace follows with a five-horse affair highlighted by Virgil Morgan Jr.s star pacing mare Grace Hill from post two. Doug McNair comes to town for the five-year-old daughter of Always B Miki off her back-to-back wins, taking the $162,800 Milton Stakes and the $242,500 Dayton Distaff. Ake Svanstedts elegant import Alrajah One IT lands the pylon post in the $135,000 Allerage Farms Trot off an upset loss to Hillexotic in the $240,000 Dayton Trotting Derby. Dexter Dunn stays in the bike of the Maple Leaf Trot winner making just his third start of 2023 following a late-season injury that shelved him last year. Ron Burkes double millionaire Its Academic lands post seven in the field of 10. The Allerage Farms Open Pace gathers seven including defending champion Allywag Hanover, who struck the upset of the year last year when nailing Bulldog Hanover in a 1:46 effort off a pocket ride. Todd McCarthy drives the six-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous from post seven for trainer Brett Pelling and faces yet another speed freak in four-year-old Downbytheseaside gelding Bythemissal, who looks to return to the winners circle off defeats in the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby and the Dayton Pacing Derby. Yannick Gingras drives the gelding for trainer Ron Burke from post four. The 15-race extravaganza to wrap the Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile gets underway at 1 p.m. (EDT). Sundays card features high-money guarantees with mandatory payouts: four $10,000-guaranteed pools for the Pick 6 (starting in Race 1), Early Pick 5 (Race 3), Late Pick 5 (Race 8) and Late Pick 4 (Race 12). The Red Mile will also feature $20,000 guarantees for the Early Pick 4 (Race 6) as well as in the Trifecta pools for the Kentucky Filly Futurity (Race 10) and the Kentucky Futurity (Race 15). Red Mile also offers an industry-low 12 percent takeout on its Pick 5 and Pick 4. For a free program courtesy The Red Mile, click here. (The Red Mile) On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the Nebraska Sheriffs Association awarded Scotts Bluff County Deputy Sheriff Anthony Osborn its Officer of the Year award for lifesaving actions he took when responding to a Scottsbluff shooting. The awards ceremony took place during the Nebraska Sheriffs Association/Police Officers Association of Nebraska annual conference in Kearney. Below is the recommendation letter sent by Sheriff Mark Overman, nominating Deputy Osborn for the award: On Aug. 4th, 2022, Scotts Bluff County Sheriffs Deputy Anthony Osborn #92119 was on duty when he heard the communications center broadcast someone is being shot at Main Street Market, Im trying to get further. He was within a few blocks of that location, responded with lights and siren, and arrived in less than one minute. As soon as he arrived, he observed a male with his hands over his head, and a handgun laying nearby on the ground. Witnesses confirmed that a man had been shot and the man with his hands up was the shooter. Deputy Osborn immediately engaged the man and after several verbal orders to get on the ground, he complied. Deputy Osborn immediately handcuffed him. After handcuffing the male and leaving him on the ground, Deputy Osborn ran to the male who was shot. He observed the mans wound in the area to be his left upper stomach near his chest. A bystander was assisting by holding his own shirt over the wound. Deputy Osborn told him to keep applying pressure. Deputy Osborn notified the communications center of the location of the wound, and ran to his vehicle for his medical bag. At this time, other officers were arriving on scene. Deputy Osborn notified them of the location of the shooter in handcuffs, the handgun, and the injured party. Deputy Osborn moved to the injured man and applied a chest seal to the entry wound on his chest. With assistance from another officer, they located an exit wound on the mans back, and Deputy Osborn placed another seal on that wound. EMS arrived after both seals were applied, and transported the victim to the hospital. Deputy Osborn remained at the scene to assist with the investigation. We later learned that Deputy Osborn properly placed both seals, and the emergency room did not need to adjust them. The victim was taken to surgery and survived. On March 31, 2023, the perpetrator of the shooting was sentenced to 55 to 80 years in prison. The victim has had several surgeries and continues his recovery. This shooting happened at a very busy location. We later learned that citizens and employees inside the store heard the gunfire and were very frightened that an active shooter was in the area. Deputy Osborn arrived in less than a minute and quickly took the suspect into custody. He then turned his attention to the victim, while notifying responding officers and EMS of the situation. He then provided first aid in the form of chest seals to the front and back of the victim, all before medical arrived. His actions certainly contributed to the victims survival. Deputy Osborn has worked for our agency since April of 2018. He previously worked for the Kimball County Sheriffs Office. He is also a U.S. Army Iraq war veteran. Americas Great Loop consists of a journey of roughly 6,000 miles over water. Travelers usually start around the Great Lakes and travel down the Mississippi and other rivers into the Gulf of Mexico. From there they follow the coast out of the Gulf and up the Eastern Seaboard and use the canals and rivers of the Northeast to return to their starting point. The journey presents challenges for even the most experienced boaters. Fewer people complete the loop each year than summit Mount Everest. A Scottsbluff couple, Michael Slosnerick and Chris Gallupe, were figuring out their retirement plans when they stumbled upon the Great Loop. Already avid boaters, the couple did some research and practice and decided the voyage was for them. Their opportunity to test the waters came in 2017 when they joined the American Great Loop Cruisers Association, which connected them with other boaters planning to attempt the journey. One of those was looking for crewmates for part of his trip as his wife did not want to spend the entire time on a boat. So we did a two-week section from South Haven, Michigan, down to St. Louis and decided, yes, we could do this and no, we probably wouldnt kill each other in the process, Slosnerick said. After that experience, they began looking for a vessel for their own Great Loop journey. While they had a sailboat, the loop is not friendly to sailboats and many have issues traveling upstream. They settled on a Carver 445 Power Boat, a 45-foot vessel that was capable of making the journey. Unfortunately, that boat was being sold at an unreasonable price all the way up in Ontario, Canada. It is at this point in the story that Slosnerick and Gallupe start to talk about the angels that helped them along the way. While they are not sure how to describe their angels saviors, fate, the universe they definitely felt that they had help in their journey. The first of these interventions occurred when Gallupe convinced Slosnerick to place an offer on the boat in Ontario, sight unseen, in the hopes that they could negotiate. They were able to agree on a price, but then came the issue of transporting and storing the boat. They had been in touch with a storage facility in Toledo, Ohio, but just before they bought their boat, the facility sold out its last mooring for the winter. Thankfully, Slosnericks brother lived near a marina in Port Clinton, Ohio, that had space. Shortly after they stored the boat, Slosnerick received a call from his brother. My brother contacted me and said Well, you sure chose wisely, didnt you? ... So the (previous) night, the Toledo Beach Storage Building with all the boats inside burned to the ground, he said. Attributing the last-minute change in the boats mooring location to the angels, they named the boat Angels Choice. Were changing the name of the boat, now its going to be Angels Choice because we make all these plans and then the angels make a choice and, usually, its not what we planned, Slosnerick said. After a summer of training with the boat on Lake Erie in 2021, the couple felt they were ready to set off on their journey, but the angels had other plans. During their last practice cruise they blew the port transmission on Angels Choice. There goes your boating season, Gallupe said. It would take five months to repair the boat and four more months to finish preparations for the trip. They finally set off from Port Clinton up through Lake Erie and Lake Huron on July 11, 2022. From there the loop would present them with everything they had looked for and more, from new friends and help from strangers to angry weather and conditions so bad it seemed the rivers were fighting against them. They encountered dangerous weather on Lake Erie and in the Gulf, but all along the journey people were willing to help. We always found people willing to help, Gallupe said, and thats a nice thing about it is it does restore your faith in humanity that everybody we met along the way was just fabulous. Some of the worst weather they saw was when they were traveling up the East Coast of Florida and watching a storm back inland. Were watching these storms, five miles away on land, and theyre getting gray and the clouds are getting black, and the clouds are getting green, Slosnerick said, and being from western Nebraska we know what green clouds mean. They decided to hold out in deeper waters and wait for the storm to pass, and it seemed the angels may have saved them again. When they arrived to port, a nearby boater asked them how they had made it through the tornado that had just plowed through the area. If we hadnt slowed down we would have gone through the inlet the same time a tornado was going through and who knows what would have happened, Slosnerick said. They also found help from a couple they just happened to meet in Beaufort, North Carolina, who on a whim offered to let them use their dock in Chesapeake Bay if they needed to stop. When they arrived at the Chesapeake weeks later, the weather was turning ugly and they were forced to take them up on their offer. Without hesitation the stranger even offered them the keys to one of the cars he kept at the house, in case they needed groceries. Finally, after roughly a year with Angels Choice, they returned to where they had set off on Lake Erie and completed their journey. Since then, they have returned home and have plans to visit family in California, but their eyes have already turned to what will be next. Slosnerick said, Were gonna go visit (Gallupes) parents in California for a little while, and then well come back and well figure out what next years adventure is going to be. RALEIGH The N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court (NCCCSC) recently held its annual summer educational conference in Carteret County at The Beaufort Hotel. Executive officers for the 2023-24 year were sworn in by North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin during a banquet ceremony. North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) Director Ryan Boyce helped present annual awards to clerks. Our motto is to serve clerks, unify efforts, and improve justice, said NCCCSC Executive Director Jamie Lassiter. We are excited to begin a new year of leadership and build on past accomplishments of our previous presidents who were in attendance at the banquet in Beaufort. Catawba County Clerk of Superior Court Kim Sigmon was installed as the new president of the NCCCSC for 2023-24. Sigmon has been active in the conference and with NCAOC during her nearly 10-year tenure as clerk. She has served on numerous committees for the Judicial Branch and the Conference and has been involved with the Rethinking Guardianship workgroup. I am enthusiastic for the continued implementation of eCourts across North Carolina during my year of leadership, said Clerk Sigmon. Griffin administered the Oath of Office to additional officers who include: Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court James (Jim) Lee Mixson III as first vice president; Columbus County Clerk of Superior Court Jesse Hill as second vice president; Lee County Clerk of Superior Court Deborah (Susie) Thomas Lee as secretary; and Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court Lisa Johnson-Tonkins as treasurer. As incoming president, Sigmon selected an executive committee made up of clerks who represent counties varying in size. The 2023-24 executive committee members include: Anson County Clerk Mark Hammons; Richmond County Clerk Vickie Daniel; Chatham County Clerk Dana Hackney; Orange County Clerk Mark Kleinschmidt; Robeson County Clerk Shelena Smith; Union County Clerk Wendy Maynard; and Johnston County Clerk Michelle Ball. The executive committee meets monthly and discusses business as it relates to the clerks office, the court system, county-related issues, and the Conference. Awards The Presidents Award was presented to the Chatham County Clerk Dana Hackney and Alamance County Clerk Meredith Edwards. This award was established to recognize clerks who have unselfishly given themselves to their work. These elected clerks are the co-chairs of the conference resource committee and have advocated for filling staff vacancies, ensured the NCOAC workload formula is properly formulated, and explored the need for additional assistant and deputy clerk positions across the state. The Boots on the Ground Award for Perseverance, Dedication to the Cause and Grit was given to the clerks in the four eCourts pilot counties (Harnett, Johnston, Lee, and Wake) for their initial and ongoing efforts regarding the launch of eCourts. The clerks staff in these offices deserve much praise and thanks for their hard work. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine was presented to recently retired Warren County Clerk Lisa Blalock for her years of service to North Carolina. Franklin County Clerk Shelley Dickerson presented the award to Blalock. The Rachel Joyner Award was presented to retired Dare County Clerk Betty Mann. This award is named after long-serving Nash County Clerk of Court Rachel Joyner who retired after an extraordinary 65 years of service in the clerks office. This award represents and embodies the spirit of the work of the clerk of court. Nominations are submitted and voted on by peers and can be given to anyone who advances the role of the clerk in the court system. Tyrrell County Commissioner and retired Clerk Nathan Tommy Everett, who won the award last year, presented it to this years winner. When Clerk Mann was in office, she was not afraid to literally test the waters, said Everett. She would take folks out by boat for meetings and not bring them back to shore until she got what she needed. She helped form what is now the Conference of Clerks of Superior Court as we know it. When Nichole Wells was 18 years old, a caring nurse comforted her through the life-altering loss of her twins. Inspired by this nurse who stood by her side during those darkest hours, Wells has since made it her lifes mission to raise awareness and support others who have experienced this same type of loss. Wells story Thirty-one years ago, in 1992, Wells was 22 weeks pregnant with twins, Ashley and Alexa. Wells was at a picnic in Pennsylvania, where she lived at the time, when her back began to hurt. I was just experiencing some generalized lower back pain. I had a history of low back pain due to a car accident, so I didnt think much of it, said Wells. As her back pain became more intense, she decided to call her OB-GYNs office. The nurse at the office took her message and only a few minutes later, the physician on-call called her back and told her she needed to get to the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital, they took me to their office, which was right downstairs from the labor department, and did an ultrasound. Thats when they told me I had lost my girls, said Wells. I was admitted upstairs and induced. It was a long 44-hour period of induction of labor. At that time, I was devastated and in pain from losing my girls. I was in a critical medical state, so Im thankful I am even here now, said Wells. Wells was in the hospital for five days after delivery. Throughout her time as a patient in the Pennsylvania-area hospital, there was one specific nurse who would have an impact on Wells life for years to come. The person who made the largest impression on me was my nurse, Beth. She was there for me. She sat with me and held my hand. She allowed me time with my family, and if I didnt want visitors, she advocated for me. Even on her shifts off, or when I was transferred to another unit, Beth would still come to check on me and support me, said Wells. She really took care of my family too, which always stood out to me. My brother was seven years younger than I, and he was upset as well. Beth sat with him and comforted him and recognized it was not only a loss for me, but a loss for every single person that was involved. Unfortunately, for many mothers and families, the hospital stay is the only opportunity to create memories with a baby who has passed. The ability to memorialize a baby during this time is usually dependent on the hospital staff and nurses. To support Wells during this time, Beth made her a memory box full of photos and mementos of her twins. The items in my memory box were and still are so valuable to me. They helped me find closure, said Wells. Beth and I developed a friendship, and that is where I found my passion to be a labor and delivery nurse and support other mothers and families experiencing that type of loss, she said. After losing her twins, Wells life trajectory changed. She wanted to share that same care and compassion she had received with others. Instead of following her original plan to go to law school, Wells began working as a certified nursing assistant on a labor unit. She then became a licensed practical nurse and worked on a mother-baby unit, where she often took care of mothers after the loss of a child. Wells later became a certified labor and delivery nurse, received her masters degree in nursing, and is now about to graduate with her Doctorate of Nursing Practice. The now 50-year-old Wells is a devoted nurse in The Birth Place at Iredell Memorial Hospital, where she has worked for three years. Every day, she dedicates herself to supporting women, babies, and families. In the event that a family faces the same heart-wrenching loss she endured, Wells is the first to offer them comfort, understanding, and support. This past summer, Wells became the leader of Iredell Memorial Hospitals Perinatal Bereavement Committee, where she trains and guides nurses in caring for bereaved families. She also provides support for grieving parents and family members. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day: Wave of Light Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed on Oct. 15 each year and includes the international Wave of Light. This year, Wells encourages her Iredell community to join in and spread awareness of infant loss. Join Wells in lighting a candle at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 and leave it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon. By doing so, you will be joining the wave of light that spans across the world for a 24-hour period in honor of all the babies who lit up lives for such a short time. Iredell Memorial Hospital will be partaking in the observance by placing electric candles in each of the hospital front windows. I encourage our community to join in on this meaningful event to raise awareness of infant loss. You can also show your support by donating to Iredell Health Foundations The Birth Place Fund that helps support families who have lost a little one, said Wells. Donations to The Birth Place Fund go toward items that will help grieving families create lasting memories of their baby, in addition to supporting other Birth Place needs. To learn more about The Birth Place Fund, or to make a donation, visit IredellHealthFoundation.org, or call the Foundation office at 704-878-7669. Some mountains are places and some are symbols. Mt. Ararat is both, a national and cultural symbol of Armenia and popularly considered the Biblical resting place of Noahs Ark, Hyperallergic writes. According to the website, that is why its striking to see mounds of earth from the mountain little piles of soil, obsidian tools, and even animal remains in a gallery alongside The Light Under Dark Clouds, a myth-making image of Ararat by photographer Sossi Madzounian that shows the mountain cast under dark and light clouds. These mounds of earth come from an 8,000-year-old farming community at Ararat, reminding us that its a place and a symbol, an ancient home since the dawn of agriculture. The mounds, and Madzounians photo, meet visitors at the entry to Remain in Light: Visions of Homeland and Diaspora, an exhibition of Armenian photographers currently on view at UCLAs Fowler Museum. Alongside Madzounian are photographers Ara Mgrdichian and Ara Oshagan, all diaspora-born Armenian artists who live in Los Angeles, a city and county that is home to the second-largest Armenian population in the world outside Armenia itself. Quo Vadis? by Mgrdichian, a photo of signs pointing to LAs sister cities, highlights the importance of Los Angeles as a diasporic home. A small sign points to the right to indicate the direction of Yerevan, Armenias capital, 7200 miles (~11,500 km) away. Next to this work is Hand in Hand, a photograph of children from the Orran Center for socially vulnerable children and families in Yerevan. They hold pieces of paper with their handprints on them. Much of the show jumps back and forth between Los Angeles and Armenia, underscoring the blurriness of living in diaspora. Part of what makes the exhibition successful is curator Gassia Armenians arrangements, which draw connections between themes and regions. In Mother and Child, Madzounian depicts the christening of a first-born son in Armenias Vayots Dzor Province. The photo is composed to look like a Virgin Mother and child, an important religious symbol in many Armenian churches. A few walls down, Mgrdichians Mgrdoutioune depicts a baptism in Glendale, the heart of the Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles County, where a man, presumably a father, holds a crying child. In the nearby Christening, Ara Oshagan shows Der Hovaness, a priest at Gantzasar monastery in Vank Village, Armenia, administering a blessing. Like pictures traded on a family WhatsApp chat, the photos speak to each other across time and space, suggesting the glue that religion and ritual play for cultures in diaspora. Other important connections include photos addressing the 1915 Armenian genocide in Oshagans April 24 (the date commemorating the genocide victims), a man wearing a t-shirt saying Genocide Never Again appears to be crying on the street, while in Mgrdichians Fight the Power, people march in solidarity as they wave the US and Armenian flags. Lachin, a photo Oshagan took in Artsakh, shows a young boy on wooden stairs in the Lachin corridor of Artsakh, which connects the region to Armenia. Azerbaijan launched an attack on the region in 2020 and, as of press time, over 100,000 ethnic Armenians have fled the area following a military offensive from Azerbaijan that started on September 19. Gassia Armenians decision to include the artists own words brings to life their stories, making them as much a part of the show as the people and landmarks they photograph. Oshagan offers his identity as a neural network made up of American/Armenian/Arabic/French parts that are in constant flux, in harmony and contention. Its a useful way to describe the exhibition like Ararat, the photos speak to home as both a place and a symbol. In the face of diaspora and resistance, dispossession and defiance, home is always in flux. Remain in Light: Visions of Homeland and Diaspora continues at the Fowler Museum at UCLA (308 Charles E. Young Drive North, Westwood, Los Angeles) through October 15. The show was curated by Gassia Armenian, Fowler curatorial and research associate. Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Korea's national disaster relief team has received the highest certification from a U.N.-affiliated agency for its response capabilities, marking the third such international accreditation of the same kind, the foreign ministry said Friday. The Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) was given a "Heavy Teams" classification level, the highest on a scale of three that includes "Light Teams" and "Medium Teams," by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), after a five-day assessment conducted in southern Korea by the U.N. body this week, the ministry said. INSARAG, run by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), consists of a group of disaster relief experts tasked with evaluating countries' search and rescue capabilities and operational field coordination. It also establishes standards and guidelines for response teams in the event of natural and man-made disasters. The assessment is carried out every five years. Korea obtained the highest INSARAG certification in 2011 and 2016. The KDRT consists of officials and experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Fire Agency, the National 119 Rescue Headquarters and the Ministry of National Defense, among others. Korea sent KDRT teams to Turkey in February to help with the rescue work in the aftermath of an earthquake, and to Canada in July to assist in dealing with wildfires. (Yonhap) As port leaders develop a climate strategy that will focus on electrifying machinery, commissioners are also pondering the costs and benefits of shore power. Significant investment would be required to establish shore power, said Port of Longview CEO Dan Stahl during Wednesdays commissioner meeting. Im pretty clear that the ports (using shore power) are not making net revenue on this, and the only reason that ports are doing it is because there is significant grant money, said Stahl, whose prior experience included his management of marinas in the Puget Sound. There would also need to be a discussion about costs, said Board of Commissioner President Allan Erickson, especially because many of the Port of Longviews marine vessels that come in are not currently capable of using the shore power feature. My understanding is that to convert the fleet as it exists now from using diesel or whatever commodity they use for fuel to adding shore power capability is cost-prohibitive, Erickson said. If unable to secure substantial grants, the port would possibly need to charge vessels some sort of rate to pay for any major infrastructure projects. Stahl said they will likely discuss whether they want to pursue state funding for shore power infrastructure during the budget talks this fall. Shore power has been a popular point of discussion in port cities recently, with the idea behind it being the ability for marine vessels to turn off their engines and plug into the local electricity grid, according to a report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But these projects can cost tens of millions of dollars for ports and would require an upheaval in how marine vessels are built. In Southwest Washington, most electricity comes from hydropower that is considered to be cleaner than other forms of electricity. The Port of Seattle is undergoing a $44 million project this fall, supported by $3 million so far in grants, that would install shore power connections to vessels, allowing them to turn off diesel fuel engines while waiting at the dock. The effort is part of the 2020 Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, which pledged to phase out seaport-related emissions by 2050. Increasing the access to shore power is on the list. One of the challenges to shore power, according to a 2022 EPA shore power analysis, is that vessels need to be retrofitted or replaced to be able to access the plug-in. If only a few large-city ports use shore power, and the smaller ports in between dont, some ship owners may not feel the need to make the change, the report states. The investment could be worth it; the EPA analysis estimates that converting to shore power could reduce greenhouse gas emissions anywhere from 30% to 50% or even higher, according to shore power data from both national and international ports. Port of Longview currently lacks the resources to convert to shore power, Erickson said, especially as it enters the approval process of the Climate Action Strategy. The port first needs to look at what is doable, which right now means electrifying machinery and vehicles. That doesnt mean things cant or wont change, he said. WestRocks Longview paper mill was handed $9,500 in fines for violating several state air quality laws in the first half of this year, according to the state Department of Ecology. The company declined requests for comment by The Daily News. The state Department of Ecology announced in a news release it had penalized WestRocks Longview mill at 300 Fibre Way for several opacity and sulfur dioxide violations that happened multiple times in 2022 until the department finally issued the fines earlier this year. Washington states law against visible emissions says no air contaminant from any given source of emissions may go above 35% opacity, said Mady Lyon, the program and permit manager with the Department of Ecology. At a pulp and paper mill, emissions from a number of air pollutants are expected because of the furnaces and processing systems, Lyon said. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allows states to develop and then enforce certain limits on these pollutants, she said. WestRocks opacity violation happened in May 2022 after a voltage loss at two of WestRocks units, according to a penalty notice sent to WestRocks Stephen Devlin, causing the visible emissions to reach 40%. The violation happened again the next day, with opacity reaching 56%. On two more occasions, opacity again exceeded legal limits at 37% on June 13, 2022 and 55% on July 26, 2022. With opacity, they shoot light through it, and however much light can move through whats coming out of the stack is what determines the percent of opacity, Lyon said. 100% is where you cannot see anything through the emission. The company must also pay $5,500 after the department found that in July 2022, sulfur dioxide levels at the mill went above the legal limit for an average of three hours. This happened as a result of liquor being introduced into the recovery furnace, according to the penalty notice. Fines could be reduced after settlements or court rulings, according to a news release from the department. WestRock did not appeal the fine and paid both fines within the 30-day period, Lyon said. The department issued $562,540 total in fines, in amounts of $1,000 or more, between Jan. 1 and June 30. Most of that, the department said, was issued in the first quarter of the year. Ecology works with thousands of businesses and individuals to help them comply with state laws, the department said in the news release. Penalties are issued in cases where non-compliance continues after Ecology has provided technical assistance or warnings, or for particularly serious violations. WestRock is currently planning to build a 400,000-square-foot facility along Fibre Way and open its doors within the next two years. STOCKHOLM Norwegian writer Jon Fosse, whose work tackles birth, death, faith and the other "elemental stuff" of life in spare Nordic prose, won the Nobel Prize for Literature on Thursday. The novelist and playwright said the prize was recognition of "literature that first and foremost aims to be literature, without other considerations" an ethos expressed in dozens of enigmatic plays, stories and novels, including a seven-volume epic made up of a single sentence. Fosse's work, rooted in his Norwegian background, "focuses on human insecurity and anxiety," said Anders Olsson, chair of the Nobel literature committee. "The basic choices you make in life, very elemental stuff." One of his country's most-performed dramatists, Fosse said he "cautiously prepared" himself for a decade to receive the news that he won. "I was surprised when they called, yet at the same time not," the 64-year-old told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. "It was a great joy for me to get the phone call." The author of 40 plays as well as novels, short stories, children's books, poetry and essays, Fosse was honored "for his innovative plays and prose, which give voice to the unsayable," according to the Swedish Academy, which awards the prize. Fosse has cited the bleak, enigmatic work of Irish writer Samuel Beckett the 1969 Nobel literature laureate as an influence on his minimalist style. Fosse has also taught writing one of his students was best-selling Norwegian novelist Karl Ove Knausgaard and consulted on a Norwegian translation of the Bible. "He tends to write in a fairly sparse style," said Guy Puzey, senior lecturer in Scandinavian Studies at the University of Edinburgh. "There's a lot of repetition of quite simple expressions, which then take on a lot deeper meaning and make you ponder what lies in between the lines." While Fosse is the fourth Norwegian writer to get the literature prize, he is the first in nearly a century and the first who writes in Nynorsk, one of the two official written versions of the language. It is used by just 10% of the country's 5.4 million people, according to the Language Council of Norway, but completely understandable to users of the other written form, Bokmaal. Still, Bokmaal is "the language of power, it's the language of urban centers, of the press," said Puzey. Nynorsk, by contrast, is used mainly by people in rural western Norway. "So it's a really big day for a minority language," he said. Norway' culture minister, Lubna Jaffery, told news agency NTB that it was "a historic day for the Nynorsk language and Nynorsk literature" and noted that "it has been 95 years since the last time a Norwegian author received the Nobel Prize for literature." Bjrnstjerne Bjrnson received the prize in 1903, Knut Hamsun was awarded it in 1920 and Sigrid Undset in 1928. In recognition of his contribution to Norwegian culture, in 2011 Fosse was granted use of an honorary residence in the grounds of the Royal Palace. Fosse's first novel, "Red, Black," was published in 1983, and his debut play, "Someone is Going to Come," in 1992. His work "A New Name: Septology VI-VII" described by Olsson as Fosse's magnum opus was a finalist for the International Booker Prize in 2022. An exploration of life, death and spirituality, the seven-volume novel contains no sentence breaks. His other major prose works include "Melancholy;" "Morning and Evening," whose two parts depict a birth and a death; "Wakefulness;" and "Olav's Dreams." His plays, which have been staged across Europe and in the United States, include "The Name," "Dream of Autumn" and "I am the Wind." Though his books have been translated into dozens of languages and his plays produced around the world, Fosse is what some critics might see as a classic, safe Nobel choice: A highbrow European man with little name recognition beyond small literary circles. The prize has long faced criticism that it is too focused on European and North American writers of style-heavy, story-light prose. It's also male-dominated, with just 17 women among its 119 laureates, including last year's winner French author Annie Ernaux. Others point out that the prize has gone in recent years to a strong mix of authors with both critical acclaim and robust sales, such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Mario Vargas Llosa and Alice Munro. The most populist choice by the committee 2016 laureate Bob Dylan sparked plenty of controversy and debate about whether his lyrics rose to the level of literature. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of $1 million from a bequest left by their creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. Encouraging health and longevity of our forests may require crossing the comfort zone of forest management. Young plantation thinning or removal is a widely accepted practice to restore structure to a forest and encourage biodiversity by managing tree density, age or species. These efforts take a tonal shift into muddied territory when the thinning potentially involves mature stands, a classification generally applied to giants that are 150 years old. However, such measures may be necessary to address vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change in a portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, according to Jessica Hudec, a regional U.S. Forest Service ecologist. We are confident that were going to have more frequent droughts, which leads to increased stress, pests, pathogens and an increased susceptibility to this rapid acceleration of fire thats expected in the coming decades, she said. The Forest Service drafted considerations to commercially thin 7,100 acres of mature and transitional forest in the Little White Salmon watershed, which sits at the national forests lower eastern edge. The project also includes commercially thinning roughly 6,900 acres of young forest plantation and the non-commercial thinning of up to 1,600 acres, according to scoping documents. The impetus for this management is twofold: mitigate fire risk and build resiliency for forest health, Hudec said. Poking at mature stands is a touchy subject. Proponents urging for the trees to be left alone marvel at the aged giants as silent witnesses of history, as well as crucial players in keeping ecosystems happy. In short: its complicated. A nuanced conversation One early afternoon in late September, project leads and members of the South Gifford Pinchot Collaborative a collection of environmental and timber groups, state and federal agencies, local governments and the public meandered between tree trunks, both young and old, taking in bits of the watersheds characteristics. The trip is one of many meetings with stakeholders to fine-tune project considerations. Several locations on the tour illustrated varying degrees of complexity in mature thinning. Some mature stands show signs of laminated root rot, a disease that will eventually wipe out the trees it infects. Sites throughout the watershed have competing priorities, such as protecting northern spotted owl habitat despite there being an absence of the owls. Other areas showed that the costs of removing mature trees dont outweigh the benefits they wont be touched. During the watershed trip, some attendees lamented at the suggestion of removing mature trees, like those that towered over them, contending that mature stands are critical for capturing carbon from the atmosphere. While this is true, Hudec added, there is a limit to how effective retaining older trees are in a broader land management sense. Additionally, retaining younger stands can aid in their progression toward becoming older forest. We need to look at the landscape as a whole and have a multi-tiered approach to carbon uptake and building complexity into the landscape, she said. Cascade Forest Conservancy, a nonprofit focused on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, generally doesnt recognize any value of removing mature stands, said Ashley Short, the groups policy manager. While old forests are essential for ecological processes, they are rare and difficult to replace, especially considering negative climate trends, she added. We like to look at each stand and its justification instead of making a blanket recommendation, she said in an interview after the site trip. We dont have the information on what the justification is for each of those older stands, so conversations need to be had. Planning ahead The idea of thinning mature forest is indicative of the complexity of management on the landscape under review and fire itself, Hudec said. A majority of the Gifford Pinchot National Forests 1.32 million acres is westside forest: full of dense Douglas fir stands, mixed with Western hemlock and redcedar. They stand among carpets of thick, green vegetation teeming with biodiversity. In the Little White Salmon watershed, roughly 68,660 acres, the land begins to deviate from that western standard. The Cascade Range splices through the watershed, splicing forest into two varied landscapes. On the west, the expanse is relatively wet while the east is dry. The Washington Department of Natural Resources listed the watershed as a priority landscape in its 20-year Forest Health Strategic Plan, which outlines treating between 21 percent to 32 percent of forested acres which mostly apply to eastern portions of the watershed. Officials say it will likely be among the first areas within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to face stressors caused by climate change, prompting them to consider the range of actions to keep pace with this transformation. Old forests are not immune to an onslaught of droughts, rather they are particularly threatened by the warm and dry conditions, Hudec said. Talk around thinning mature stands is just that a conversation to gauge how the Forest Services plans will take shape. Acreage considerations have not been solidified and will likely change before the projects approval. As an example, President Joe Bidens Executive Order 14072, signed in April 2022, requires land management agencies to inventory mature forests and prioritize the preservation of these stands in forest plans, among other protective actions. Forest Service planners said they will likely reduce the Little White Salmons 7,100 acres under consideration for mature thinning to comply with the order. Experts attempt to understand whether a site can continue to have a certain density or composition of stands by using a mix of metrics and climate scenarios, helping guide their considerations, Hudec said. However, discussions with stakeholders will also inform what alternatives to include in the projects environmental analysis. Collective members will continue to examine the Forest Services project considerations leading up to the creation of the agencys environmental analysis, slated to be drafted as early as late spring in 2024 and subject to public comment. Officials expect to make a decision later that year. 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: High-resolution transmission electron microscopy image. The bright double dots correspond to columns of transition metal atoms. The dark areas correspond to columns of lithium and oxygen atoms. Credit: Anatolii Morozov/Skoltech As an integral part of its technological agenda, Russia is developing its own production of lithium-ion batteries. Despite the vast lithium reserves, battery production volumes fall short of the demand. Of special relevance is the development of high-energy-density batteries for electric cars. This challenge is addressed by both industry and science. In their new paper, researchers from Skoltech, in collaboration with colleagues from France, China, and other countries, are the first to reveal the roles of cobalt and nickel in the electrochemical properties of cathode materials. The research is published in the journal Nature Materials. Today's lithium-ion batteries use layered oxides of lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt as the active materials of the positive electrode (cathode). As nickel, manganese, and cobalt belong to the same category of 3D transition metals, their electronic structure and chemical properties are similar. They are homogeneously distributed within the crystal structure of layered oxides, which makes it very difficult to distinguish between their roles in the electrochemical properties of the cathode material. To distinguish between the roles of nickel and cobalt, the researchers obtained two model compoundsa lithium-nickel-manganese oxide and a lithium-cobalt-manganese oxideand closely examined their structure, composition, and electrochemical properties. A comprehensive investigation of these systems using various kinds of spectroscopy, electrochemical tests, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy has enabled the team to compare the two layered oxides in terms of their local atomic structure, its evolution over the course of battery operation, and the interplay between the observable characteristics and mechanical stress, lithium intercalation and deintercalation, redox kinetics, etc. Anatolii Morozov operating a transmission electron microscope. Credit: Anatolii Morozov/Skoltech "We conducted the study using the unique equipment of Skoltech's Advanced Imaging Core Facility. It enabled us to examine the atomic structure of the materials for lithium-ion batteries. The goal was to collect data on how the local crystal structure of the materials evolves during battery operation. Such an investigation requires ultimate precision and rigor in preparing the sample, operating the equipment, and interpreting the data," said Anatolii Morozov, a co-author of the study and a junior research scientist at the Skoltech Center for Energy Science and Technology. "We examined our findings with our colleagues from College de France, analyzing not just transmission electron microscopy data, but also X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy data, as well as electrochemical measurements. Finally, we came up with a table summarizing the results and highlighting the advantages and the drawbacks of the cobalt- and nickel-based cathode materials. These data will be used to optimize cathode material compositions for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries for electric cars," said a co-author of the study, Professor Artem Abakumov, who heads the Center for Energy Science and Technology at Skoltech. The study is part of a project concerned with the creation of promising electrochemical energy storage systems by means of directional design of the local structure and microstructure of electrode materials. Led by Professor Artem Abakumov, the scientists working on this project are developing the fundamentals for the design of high-capacity electrode materials and solid electrolytes to create the next generation of high-energy-density electrochemical energy storage systems. The results of the project will contribute to implementing a national roadmap concerned with furthering the production and use of electric vehicles in Russia, which spans the period until 2030 and envisions the development of a domestic EV production. More information: Biao Li et al, Decoupling the roles of Ni and Co in anionic redox activity of Li-rich NMC cathodes, Nature Materials (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01679-x Journal information: Nature Materials Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Free Report) Equities researchers at Wedbush increased their FY2024 EPS estimates for Constellation Brands in a report issued on Tuesday, October 3rd. Wedbush analyst G. Pascarelli now forecasts that the company will earn $11.62 per share for the year, up from their prior estimate of $11.59. Wedbush has a Outperform rating and a $300.00 price objective on the stock. The consensus estimate for Constellation Brands current full-year earnings is $11.63 per share. Wedbush also issued estimates for Constellation Brands Q4 2025 earnings at $2.54 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $13.41 EPS. Get Constellation Brands alerts: A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Constellation Brands from $275.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 22nd. TD Cowen upgraded Constellation Brands from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $240.00 to $300.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Constellation Brands from $293.00 to $300.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on Constellation Brands from $265.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, July 3rd. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on Constellation Brands from $295.00 to $294.00 in a report on Friday, September 29th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Constellation Brands presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $275.59. Constellation Brands Price Performance Shares of STZ opened at $241.33 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $44.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -131.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.04. Constellation Brands has a fifty-two week low of $208.12 and a fifty-two week high of $273.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The businesss 50-day moving average is $260.51 and its 200-day moving average is $245.45. Institutional Trading of Constellation Brands Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Mirador Capital Partners LP increased its position in Constellation Brands by 4.2% in the third quarter. Mirador Capital Partners LP now owns 3,677 shares of the companys stock worth $924,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares during the period. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. increased its position in Constellation Brands by 13.8% in the third quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 27,332 shares of the companys stock worth $6,869,000 after purchasing an additional 3,318 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV increased its position in Constellation Brands by 2.2% in the third quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 47,256 shares of the companys stock worth $11,877,000 after purchasing an additional 1,018 shares during the period. Appleton Partners Inc. MA increased its position in Constellation Brands by 4.6% in the third quarter. Appleton Partners Inc. MA now owns 29,149 shares of the companys stock worth $7,326,000 after purchasing an additional 1,284 shares during the period. Finally, BROOKFIELD Corp ON increased its position in Constellation Brands by 158.5% in the second quarter. BROOKFIELD Corp ON now owns 66,611 shares of the companys stock worth $16,395,000 after purchasing an additional 40,841 shares during the period. 88.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Constellation Brands news, EVP Robert Lee Hanson sold 12,299 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $268.10, for a total transaction of $3,297,361.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,862 shares in the company, valued at $3,180,202.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO William A. Newlands sold 49,425 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $267.90, for a total value of $13,240,957.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 9,316 shares in the company, valued at $2,495,756.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Robert Lee Hanson sold 12,299 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $268.10, for a total value of $3,297,361.90. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 11,862 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,180,202.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 100,819 shares of company stock worth $27,054,755 over the last three months. 16.19% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Constellation Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Premier, Corona Familiar, Corona Light, Corona Refresca, Corona Hard Seltzer, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, Modelo Chelada, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Free Report) KeyCorp issued their Q2 2024 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research note issued to investors on Monday, October 2nd. KeyCorp analyst A. Yefremov forecasts that the specialty chemicals company will earn $3.44 per share for the quarter. The consensus estimate for Sherwin-Williams current full-year earnings is $9.78 per share. KeyCorp also issued estimates for Sherwin-Williams Q3 2024 earnings at $3.30 EPS and Q4 2024 earnings at $2.32 EPS. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on SHW. 58.com reiterated an upgrade rating on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a report on Monday, June 26th. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $320.00 to $310.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $272.00 to $315.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $275.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $300.00 to $290.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 25th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $281.26. Sherwin-Williams Price Performance Shares of NYSE:SHW opened at $253.66 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $267.19 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $249.08. The stock has a market cap of $65.23 billion, a PE ratio of 28.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a current ratio of 1.00. Sherwin-Williams has a one year low of $195.24 and a one year high of $283.80. Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by $0.58. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 83.63% and a net margin of 10.20%. The business had revenue of $6.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.03 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.41 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sherwin-Williams Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 18th were paid a dividend of $0.605 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 17th. This represents a $2.42 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.95%. Sherwin-Williamss dividend payout ratio is presently 26.86%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of SHW. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 1,716.7% in the 1st quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 109 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the period. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 296.9% in the 1st quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 127 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the period. Providence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 44,853.3% in the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 6,743 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 6,728 shares during the period. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new stake in Sherwin-Williams in the 1st quarter valued at about $36,000. Finally, First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new stake in Sherwin-Williams in the 2nd quarter valued at about $37,000. 75.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Sherwin-Williams Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: The Americas Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. The Americas Group segment offers architectural paints and coatings, and protective and marine products, as well as OEM product finishes and related products for architectural and industrial paint contractors, and do-it-yourself homeowners. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY Free Report) by 22.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 101,391 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 28,562 shares during the period. SummerHaven Investment Management LLCs holdings in VAALCO Energy were worth $381,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of EGY. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of VAALCO Energy by 66.0% during the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 23,576 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $154,000 after acquiring an additional 9,376 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in shares of VAALCO Energy by 1,189.3% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 154,276 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,007,000 after acquiring an additional 142,310 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in shares of VAALCO Energy by 15.3% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 721,459 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $4,711,000 after acquiring an additional 95,474 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of VAALCO Energy by 68.0% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 69,286 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $452,000 after purchasing an additional 28,038 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of VAALCO Energy in the first quarter valued at $944,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 48.60% of the companys stock. Get VAALCO Energy alerts: VAALCO Energy Trading Down 0.4 % NYSE EGY opened at $3.90 on Friday. VAALCO Energy, Inc. has a 1-year low of $3.51 and a 1-year high of $5.87. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The company has a market capitalization of $414.74 million, a PE ratio of 10.53 and a beta of 1.46. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $4.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $4.22. VAALCO Energy Dividend Announcement VAALCO Energy ( NYSE:EGY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 9th. The energy company reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by ($0.01). VAALCO Energy had a return on equity of 18.53% and a net margin of 9.56%. The company had revenue of $109.24 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $97.57 million. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that VAALCO Energy, Inc. will post 0.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 25th were paid a $0.063 dividend. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.47%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 24th. VAALCO Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 67.57%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on VAALCO Energy in a report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EGY VAALCO Energy Company Profile (Free Report) VAALCO Energy, Inc, an independent energy company, acquires, explores for, develops, and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company holds Etame production sharing contract related to the Etame Marin block located offshore in the Republic of Gabon in West Africa. It also owns interests in an undeveloped block offshore Equatorial Guinea, West Africa. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EGY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for VAALCO Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VAALCO Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI Free Report) by 18,640.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 18,740 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 18,640 shares during the period. Venturi Wealth Management LLCs holdings in NiSource were worth $513,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NI. Allworth Financial LP increased its position in shares of NiSource by 161.0% in the first quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,099 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 678 shares during the period. Achmea Investment Management B.V. bought a new position in shares of NiSource in the first quarter worth $33,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its position in shares of NiSource by 897.5% in the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,197 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 1,077 shares during the period. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of NiSource in the first quarter worth $36,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in shares of NiSource by 182.9% in the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,372 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 887 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 94.91% of the companys stock. Get NiSource alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on NiSource in a research note on Thursday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Guggenheim reduced their price objective on NiSource from $31.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Evercore ISI reduced their price objective on NiSource from $31.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on NiSource from $31.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. Finally, Bank of America reduced their price objective on NiSource from $32.00 to $31.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $30.00. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Donald Eugene Brown sold 14,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.64, for a total transaction of $372,960.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 187,278 shares in the company, valued at $4,989,085.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other NiSource news, CEO Lloyd M. Yates bought 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $26.44 per share, for a total transaction of $1,057,600.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 131,242 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,470,038.48. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Donald Eugene Brown sold 14,000 shares of NiSource stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.64, for a total value of $372,960.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 187,278 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,989,085.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. NiSource Stock Performance Shares of NI stock opened at $23.83 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $26.47 and its 200-day moving average price is $27.27. NiSource Inc. has a 12 month low of $22.86 and a 12 month high of $28.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.55, a PEG ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.49. The company has a current ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. NiSource (NYSE:NI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by ($0.02). NiSource had a net margin of 12.00% and a return on equity of 10.90%. The firm had revenue of $1.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.16 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.12 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that NiSource Inc. will post 1.58 EPS for the current year. NiSource Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.20%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, October 30th. NiSources payout ratio is 69.44%. NiSource Profile (Free Report) NiSource Inc, an energy holding company, operates as a regulated natural gas and electric utility company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. The company distributes natural gas to approximately 859,000 customers in northern Indiana, as well as approximately 2.4 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NiSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NiSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Parties throw full support for proxy war between Yoon, Lee By Nam Hyun-woo A by-election for the head of Seouls Gangseo District is gaining significant political attention, with rival parties sending their heavyweights to support their respective candidates, in anticipation that the race will act as a barometer of public sentiment in the lead-up to next years general election. Scheduled for Oct. 11, the by-election will be the last opportunity to vote for a public post before the general election on April 10. It comes at a time when conflicts between the ruling conservative People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition progressive Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have reached a breaking point. Although it is a relatively small election with approximately 500,000 eligible voters, this by-election is expected to serve as a referendum 0f sorts on the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, inaugurated in May 2022. While the PPP sees the election as an opportunity to overturn the DPK's control in the National Assembly, the DPK is also viewing the election as a critical inflection point for the party, which has been struggling with ongoing concerns and criticism of its leadership, stemming from the partys factional infighting. During the Chuseok long weekend last week, the PPP leadership pledged its full support for its candidate Kim Tae-woo. PPP Chairman Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon initially planned to hold a press conference on Oct. 3, but canceled it and attended a labor union meeting with candidate Kim instead. This by-election is about whether we will elect a capable worker or opt for a parachute engaged in political conflicts, the chairman said. It's a choice between addressing the concerns regarding peoples livelihoods or engaging in political disputes. PPP floor leader Rep. Yun Jae-ok and 30 other PPP lawmakers also joined candidate Kim during an Oct. 3 canvassing of the western Seoul district. If this election goes wrong, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration will get bogged down by the DPKs political offensives, Yun said. We must win the general election, but for the Yoon administrations success, we must win this election first. To support its candidate, the PPPs leadership issued guidelines to all of its lawmakers, compelling them to participate in campaigns to support the candidate in their constituencies every day and report back. The party also provided candidate Kim with a team of highly experienced political figures. Former Unification Minister Rep. Kwon Young-se, former presidential candidate Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo and former lawmaker Na Kyung-won are standing advisers for Kims camp, while five-term lawmakers Reps. Chung Woo-taik and Chung Jin-suk are honorary chairs of the election committee. Candidate Kim was the district mayor until May 18, when the Supreme Court confirmed a suspended prison term on charges of leaking official secrets. A former investigator at the prosecution, he was indicted for revealing official secrets, which he obtained in December 2018 while working for a special inspection team under the senior presidential secretary for civil affairs. During this process, Kim claimed that the inspection team attempted to disrupt inspections of certain figures and locked horns with then-senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Cho Kuk. The PPP claims that candidate Kim became the trigger for investigations on scandals surrounding Cho, and Kim suffered immensely, as he was convicted due to left-leaning former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Kim Myeong-su, and therefore, the candidate should be given a second chance. He was pardoned and reinstated by President Yoon on Aug. 15. The district is one of the DPK's strongholds in Seoul, and so the party is also going all out to support its candidate Jin Gyo-hoon, a former deputy commissioner general of the National Police Agency. The DPK held its Supreme Council meeting at Jins campaign headquarters in the district, Wednesday, and urged the party to support him. This by-election is very important because it will determine whether a retrograding Korea can move forward, DPK floor leader Rep. Hong Ihk-pyo said. And this election is not confined to Gangseo District. We should make judgment on the arrogant, self-righteous and incapable Yoon administration through the by-election, Rep. Jung Chung-rae, a Supreme Council member, said during the meeting. During the meeting, Hong and other Supreme Council members decided to be the co-chairs of Jins election committee to enhance his campaign. DPK Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung, who is receiving treatment after staging a hunger strike for nearly a month, is anticipated to appear with Jin in public in the near future. Lee initially planned to assist Jin's campaign on Saturday, but canceled it citing his health condition. Instead, the chairman urged the party members' support in a video message released Thursday, saying "the election will be a crucial moment to stop the Yoon administration's tyranny." The DPKs leadership selected Jin, a former police officer, as part of its strategy to counter the dominance of prosecutors in the Yoon administration. It also highlights the upstanding nature of Jin when compared with PPP candidate Kim, who was convicted. The by-election carries extra weight as it is viewed as a proxy conflict between President Yoon, who reinstated PPP candidate Kim, and DPK Chairman Lee, who selected the party's candidate through the party leadership, amid the deepening feud between the rival parties. The PPP is having difficulty passing bills and President Yoons Cabinet nominations as the DPK holds a majority at the Assembly. The DPK has rejected Yoons nomination for the new chief justice of the Supreme Court, despite the PPP's support, and the main opposition seeks to pass some controversial bills without getting the ruling party's approval. Against this backdrop, overcoming the DPK in this stronghold will be a central theme for the PPPs general election campaign in Seoul. On the other hand, the DPK sees the by-election as a chance for people to make a judgment on the ruling bloc and boost its claim that Yoon and the PPP are unfairly persecuting its chairman following a recent court decision to dismiss an arrest warrant for him. A defeat, however, will likely bring negative repercussions to either partys leadership. For the DPK, losing in its stronghold will cast doubt over Lees leadership. Though the court rejected the arrest warrant, an Assembly vote on whether to agree to Lees arrest showed that the DPKs anti-Lee faction had some level of influence. A defeat will bring greater repercussions to Chairman Lees leadership, with growing doubts about whether his leadership will bring us an election victory, a former DPK lawmaker said. The PPP also has similar concerns. Though it is not suffering from serious factional infighting, voices are growing that the party leadership is only paying attention to the presidential office, rather than exploring ideas to embrace swing voters in Seoul. Against that backdrop, former PPP Chairman Lee Jun-seok, who was ousted from the party leadership after locking horns with pro-Yoon lawmakers, said during a radio interview with broadcaster KBS on Dec. 2 that the PPP may opt for an interim leadership headed by Land Minister Won Hee-ryong, if the party loses in the by-election. A physician admitted his role Tuesday in the operation of five pain care clinics, including ones in Blacksburg and Christiansburg, that federal authorities say illegally prescribed drugs to at-risk patients. Duane Dixon, 64, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute opioid painkillers and Suboxone, which is used to treat addiction to those narcotics, without a legitimate medical purpose. The pain management specialist also pleaded guilty to failing to report to law enforcement a pattern of health care fraud at clinics operated by L5 Medical Holdings. As part of a plea agreement reached in Roanokes federal court, Dixon will face up to six years in prison when he is sentenced at a later hearing. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon deferred a decision until then on whether to accept the pleas and the agreement. Dixon also agreed to pay a $200,000 forfeiture order and to never again practice medicine. The plea agreement calls for the dismissal of charges that Dixon unlawfully distributed fentanyl to an unnamed female patient, who died of an overdose within 24 hours of receiving a prescription from the doctor. At least six heath care professionals and executives have been charged in an eight-year investigation of L5 Medical Holdings, which operated Pain Care Centers in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Lynchburg, Madison Heights and Woodlawn. The most recent indictment came last week, when the former chief operating officer of the business was charged with three counts of conspiracy. We face a moment in our country where more than 100,000 of our fellow Americans die each year from drug overdoses, U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh said in announcing charges against Jennifer Ann Adams of South Carolina. We must do all we can to support those battling addiction disorders and prosecute those who prey on this disease. The clinics were run from August 2014 to August 2019 in a manner that prioritized revenue maximization over patient care, court documents state. Dixon and a second doctor were encouraged to see as many as 30 patients each day, with visits limited to 15 minutes. Other patients were often prescribed medications without being evaluated by their treating physician. In some cases, patients continued to receive prescriptions after showing red flags of drug abuse, such as running out of the drugs early and failing urine screens, according to court records. Dixon pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine to patents who did not have a legitimate medical need for the powerful painkillers. Indictments also allege that Drug Enforcement Administration numbers given to L5 doctors enabling them to prescribe Suboxone, which can ease opioid addition, were used by other staff members to dispense the drug without authorization. Dixon worked primarily at clinics in Lynchburg and Madison Heights, but spent at least one day a week at the Christiansburg location, which at the time was located diagonally across the street from Christiansburg High School. None of the pain clinics are still operated by L5 Medical Holdings. Dixon left Lynchburg in 2019 and now lives in New York. He no longer is employed at his most recent health care job at the Adirondack Pain Clinic, according to defense attorney John Fishwick. Federal and state authorities began investigating L5 Medical Holdings in 2015, after receiving information from local pharmacies about large amounts of narcotics coming from the clinics. In July, the former owner of the business pleaded guilty to health care fraud conspiracy and agreed to pay $3.8 million in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid for false billings from the clinics. John Gregory Barnes of South Carolina had no medical experience when he bought the clinics. Court records state that after working in the mortgage industry during the economic crash of the late 2000s, Barnes decided to go into a recession proof business. HAMPTON When a mental distress flares up, a hospital emergency room can be a tough place to be: often overcrowded, with lights and sirens flashing and blaring and doctors racing from crisis to crisis. We want to provide the right help when it is needed, which is right now, Youngkin said Thursday, at the formal opening of Riversides new ER, which is attached to its inpatient psychiatric hospital and the health systems facilities for outpatient services. The new emergency room has specialized treatment spaces for children and adults, private rooms and community areas, equipped with recliners, if those are a more comfortable place to deal with a patients needs. It will be staffed 24 hours a day with behavioral health clinicians, able to help people in a crisis or individuals who may need changes in medication, said Ryan McQueen, director of psychiatric services at the Riverside campus. If talking with a clinician will help, that will be available too. Theyll get treatment here, case by case, he said. What really struck me is if you just need to come in and talk to someone for a little while, you can get that here, too, Youngkin said. Much of the first phases of Youngkins behavioral health reform focuses on crisis services, with calls for more mobile crisis teams, crisis receiving centers places where police bring individuals who might need to be assessed for urgent mental health care and crisis stabilization units, which focus on short-term acute treatments. This is really a crisis receiving center on steroids, said Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel. "There's nothing else like it." For people trying to deal with the onset of trouble for a family member or friend, If you dont know what else to do, this is a place you can come, Littel said. Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan, who has pushed for expanded behavioral health services for years, and who has launched programs to help inmates struggling with mental illnesses and addictions in the city jail, said the Riverside facility addresses an urgent issue of overcrowded hospital ERs in Hampton Roads. When we take people to an ER it can take two or three days to get someone what they need, he said. Thats way too long. The Riverside ER will be a model for facilities in other parts of Virginia, Youngkin said. It also signals a direction for behavioral health changes he wants to see, with expanded services to keep people from spiraling into a crisis, as well as for care after a crisis, he said. Hope will happen here, hope for healing care, compassionate care, professional care, loving care, Youngkin said, before cutting a ribbon to formally open the Riverside ER. Hope that comes with the welcome that says its OK. Threat actors have been observed targeting semiconductor companies in East Asia with lures masquerading as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) that are designed to deliver Cobalt Strike beacons. The intrusion set, per EclecticIQ, leverages a backdoor called HyperBro, which is then used as a conduit to deploy the commercial attack simulation software and post-exploitation toolkit. An alternate attack sequence is said to have utilized a previously undocumented malware downloader to deploy Cobalt Strike, indicating that the threat actors devised multiple approaches to infiltrate targets of interest. The Dutch cybersecurity firm attributed the campaign to a China-linked threat actor owing to the use of HyperBro, which has been almost exclusively put to use by a threat actor known as Lucky Mouse (aka APT27, Budworm, and Emissary Panda). Tactical overlaps have also been unearthed between the adversary behind the attacks and another cluster tracked by RecordedFuture under the name RedHotel, which also shares commonalities with a hacking crew called Earth Lusca. Another Chinese connection comes from the use of a likely compromised Cobra DocGuard web server to host second-stage binaries, including a Go-based implant dubbed ChargeWeapon, for distribution via the downloader. "ChargeWeapon is designed to get remote access and send device and network information from an infected host to an attacker controlled [command-and-control] server," EclecticIQ researcher Arda Buyukkaya said in a Thursday analysis. "This information is very likely collected by threat actors to perform initial reconnaissance against infected hosts and identify high-value targets." It's worth noting that a trojanized version of EsafeNet's Cobra DocGuard encryption software has also been linked to the deployment of PlugX, with Symantec linking it to a suspected China-nexus actor codenamed Carderbee. In the attack chain documented by EclecticIQ, a TSMC-themed PDF document is displayed as a decoy following the execution of HyperBro, indicating the use of social engineering techniques to activate the infection. "By presenting a normal looking PDF while covertly running malware in the background, the chances of the victim growing suspicious are minimized," Buyukkaya explained. A notable aspect of the attack is that the C2 server address hard-coded into the Cobalt Strike beacon is disguised as a legitimate jQuery CDN in an effort to bypass firewall defenses. The disclosure comes as the Financial Times reported that Belgium's intelligence and security agency, the State Security Service (VSSE), is working to "detect and fight against possible spying and/or interference activities carried out by Chinese entities including Alibaba" at the country's Liege cargo airport. Image Source: Sekoia.io Alibaba has denied any wrongdoing, stating it's in compliance with all laws and regulations where it operates. "China's activities in Belgium are not limited to the classic spy stealing state secrets or the hacker paralyzing an essential industry or government department from behind his PC," the agency noted in an intelligence report. "In an attempt to influence decision-making processes, China uses a range of state and non-state resources." A report released by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) last month described China as posing a "broad and pervasive cyber espionage threat," and that it steals technology secrets and undertakes surveillance efforts to gain a strategic advantage. "Using cyber means, the PRC has engaged in prolonged campaigns of espionage, theft, and compromise against key defense networks and broader U.S. critical infrastructure, especially the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)," DoD said. As much as $7 billion in cryptocurrency has been illicitly laundered through cross-chain crime, with the North Korea-linked Lazarus Group linked to the theft of roughly $900 million of those proceeds between July 2022 and July of this year. "As traditional entities such as mixers continue to be subject to seizures and sanctions scrutiny, the crypto crime displacement to chain- or asset-hopping typologies is also on the rise," blockchain analytics firm Elliptic said in a new report published this week. Cross-chain crime refers to the conversion of crypto assets from one token or blockchain to another, often in rapid succession, in an attempt to obfuscate their origin, making it a lucrative method for money laundering for crypto thefts and an alternative to traditional approaches like mixers. According to data gathered by Elliptic, the Lazarus Group's use of cross-chain bridges contributed to a majority of the 111% increase in the proportion of funds sent via such services. The North Korean hacking crew is estimated to have stolen nearly $240 million in cryptocurrency since June 2023, following a series of attacks targeting Atomic Wallet ($100 million), CoinsPaid ($37.3 million), Alphapo ($60 million), Stake.com ($41 million), and CoinEx ($31 million). "The diversity, number, and eccentricity in implementation of Lazarus campaigns define this group, as well as that it performs all three pillars of cybercriminal activities: cyber espionage, cyber sabotage, and pursuit of financial gain," ESET said of the threat actor late last month. The threat actor has also been linked to the use of Avalanche Bridge to deposit more than 9,500 bitcoin, while simultaneously employing cross-chain solutions to move some of the plundered assets. "As is evidenced by the assets ending up on the same blockchain on numerous occasions, these transactions have no legitimate business purpose other than to obfuscate their origin," Elliptic said. "Bridging back-and-forth for the sake of obfuscation i.e. 'chain-hopping' is now a recognized money laundering typology." The disclosure comes as South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has warned of North Korea attacking its shipbuilding sector since the start of the year. "The hacking methods mainly used by North Korean hacking organizations were to occupy and bypass the PCs of IT maintenance companies, and to install malicious code after distributing phishing emails to internal employees," the agency said. Chief Carriers celebrated its 50th anniversary Thursday as the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce hosted a Business After Hours event at the companys headquarters on Thursday. Chief Carriers, 2405 S. North Road, is part of Chief Industries, a family-owned group of companies celebrating its three generations of success in the transportation industry. Chief Carriers started off as a private flatbed fleet in 1973. It obtained its own contract carrier authority in 1986. During the last 50 years, Chief Carriers had grown to provide reliable transportation solutions across 48 contiguous states and Canada. They specialize in hauling flatbed loads of steel and building materials, along with some stepdeck shipments. Carriers General Manager Andrew Winkler said with five decades of experience, Chief Carriers has earned a reputation for professionalism, efficiency and outstanding customer service. Winkler said much of the companys success is due to its cost-effective logistics services ensuring efficient transportation management for customers throughout the country. During its 50 years, he said Chief Carriers has offered unmatched strength and stability compared to other transportation companies due to their reputation of getting their customers deliveries to their destination safe and on time. Winkler said thats due to the companys team of professionals who plan, haul and track each freight shipment. Located next to the nations busiest interstate highway, Chief Carriers can pick up and transport cargo in a quick, secure, and cost-effective manner. Chief Carriers employs employees 100 people. Winkler said as the company continues to grow after 50 years, they are add more employees. He said the company has a need for truck drivers. The need for truck drivers remains crucial in todays economy as they play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient movement of goods across vast distances, connecting manufacturers, distributors, and consumers, he said. Winkler said truck drivers are vital for maintaining the supply chains integrity, particularly during challenging times like natural disasters or global crises, where their expertise ensures the timely delivery of essential goods like food, medical supplies, and emergency equipment. Chief Carriers is consistently focused on engaging our current drivers and building a pipeline for future drivers, he said. Winkler said 2023 has been an outstanding year for Chief Carriers. Along with celebrating its 50th anniversary, he said they are also celebrating 2023 Best Fleets to Drive For Best Overall Small Carrier (in North America); 2023 Fleet Innovator Award from Heavy Duty Trucking; and the 2023 Quality Award from Chief Industries. Along with Winkler, Chief Carriers management team includes: Lisa Christensen, division controller; Philip Burt, operations manager; Brett Kleier, safety manager; Tim Zigler, maintenance manager; Daniel Adams, logistics manager; AND Mandee Lade, recruiter Chief Industries will be celebrating its 70th anniversary next year. The company will be breaking ground for a new company headquarters at Prairie Commons. Chief Industries produces a diverse range of products and services, including agriculture, commercial construction, structural steel, factory-built housing, steel fabrication, ethanol production, and transportation. To learn more about Chief Carriers, visit their website at https://chiefcarriers.com Harvest is underway for many producers this fall and this is a reminder to be safe out there this harvest season. While harvest can be a very exciting time of year, it can also be stressful for many as equipment breaks down, rain delays happen, and long hours lead to sleep deprivation. Accidents happen so fast so please be careful. Its always a good idea to have everyone in the operation know where you are at all times in case theres an accident and they need to check in with spotty phone reception. Be mindful of power lines, low bridges and overhead obstacles. While some parts of the state have caught timely rains this year, others are very dry and with dry crop residue, it doesnt take much to start a fire. Having a well maintained and fully operational fire extinguisher in the combine, tractor, truck, and near any grain bins or shops is a good idea. If something does catch fire, make sure everyone in the operation knows where the closest fire extinguisher is and how to use it appropriately to put it out before it spreads. When it comes to clothing, obviously this is a personal choice, but its a good idea to avoid wearing very loose-fitting clothing that might accidentally get caught in moving mechanical parts. Wearing high visibility clothing is always a plus, especially when moving equipment or being in a high traffic area (i.e., local grain elevator or personal grain storage site). Good foot attire for the job is essential as it not only helps prevent fatigue but prevents falls on slippery surfaces which can be devastating around moving equipment and grain bins. Local farm stores may carry NIOSH approved N-95 dust masks that will help prevent inhalation of harmful substances (i.e., grain dust) during harvest time. Breakdowns happen, but please shut off equipment for maintenance to avoid accidental entanglement. As a kid, I have very fond memories of riding in the tractor, truck or combine during harvest. While its great to enjoy harvest as a family, please make sure all family members especially young kids understand the importance of safety when moving around equipment. Finally, dont forget to rest and get enough sleep this harvest season. Its always a tough balance between deteriorating crop standability, weather impacts, and family schedules, but dont forget to take time for a mental recharge and catch up on sleep when possible. Wishing all producers, hired hands, and families a safe and healthy harvest this fall! Generational Transition Workshop Family-owned farm and ranch operations make up 96% of U.S. agriculture. Transitioning the operation from one generation to the next, or even from one operator to another, can be complicated. The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition and Nebraska Extension will host a Generational Transition Workshop from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the Mid-Plains Community College Student Union Building. 1205 E. Third St., in McCook. On-site registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Attorney Pam Olsen of Pamela Epp Olsen Law will present on topics related to succession and transition planning including inheritance laws, legal structure of operations, and flow of benefits to on-operation and off-operation beneficiaries. Additionally, a panel of producers who have experienced transition will discuss what worked and what did not work for their operations and families. Sufficient time will allow for questions from the audience. Pre-registration is required either online at https://nebraskagrazinglands.org or by calling the Furnas County Extension Office at 308-268-3105. Fees are associated with this workshop and more information can be found online or by contacting the Furnas County Extension Office. A noon meal will be provided, but space is limited so please pre-register no later than Thursday, Oct. 5, for meal planning purposes. Questions can be directed to Erin Laborie, UNL Beef Extension Educator. 308-268-3105 or erin.laborie@unl.edu). Central Vietnam province Binh Dinh calls for investment in $48 mln shrimp farm By Tri Duc Fri, October 6, 2023 | 9:10 am GTM+7 The central province of Binh Dinh is calling interested investors to submit bids for a 219 hectares hi-tech shrimp farm complex with an estimated investment of VND1.18 trillion ($48.2 million). The mega project, located in My Thanh township, Phu My district, will have a duration of 50 years from the date of land delivery. Construction must not exceed 54 months and full operations must start from the second quarter of 2028 at the latest. The envisaged project will include a shrimp processing factory with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons that can earn export revenues of $200-240 million a year. Its aquafeed plant will have a capacity of 100,000 tons a year. The project will also operate a shrimp seed facility of 7,000 tons a year and a farm that will produce two billion whiteleg shrimps a year. The deadline for submitting bids is 7:30 a.m, November 6. A whiteleg shrimp. Photo courtesy of Tepbac. Binh Dinh recorded a fisheries output of 223,744 tons in the first nine months of this year, up 2.6% year-on-year, according to provincial data. This included 212,692 tons of harvested products and 11,051 tons of farmed products. The south-central province produced nearly 1.76 billion whiteleg shrimp, down 58.4% year-on-year because the Binh Dinh 3 unit of Thailand-invested CP Vietnam halted production in May citing weak demand in the region. Industrial hub Dong Nai okays 3 FDI projects worth $210 mln By Tri Duc Fri, October 6, 2023 | 12:05 pm GTM+7 Dong Nai province, a manufacturing hub in southern Vietnam, granted investment certificates Thursday to three foreign direct investment projects with a total registered capital of $210 million. China-invested Kingfa Science & Technology (Vietnam) Co., Ltd., a plastic pellets and commodity resins maker, will invest $80 million. The two other investors are Japan-backed Wave Crest Vietnam Co., Ltd. and SMC Manufacturing (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. The former, an electronics company, will invest $10 million and the latter, a pneumatic instrument producer, will raise its investment in the province by $120 million. The projects will be located at the Long Thanh High-Tech Industrial Park and Long Duc Industrial Park, provincial officials said, without providing further details. Dong Nai Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang (right) grants an investment certificate to Kingfa Science & Technology at a ceremony in the southern province, October 5, 2023. Photo courtesy of Dong Nai newspaper. At the certificate granting ceremony, Dong Nai Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang lauded the three investors for deploying modern technologies in line with the provinces priorities. Dong Nai, home to 33 industrial parks, attracted over 120 FDI projects with the total registered capital of $940 million in the first nine months of the year, exceeding the annual target by 34%, according to the Dong Nai Industrial Zones Authority (DIZA). Given the trend of firms relocating from China to Vietnam, Chinese investments have been a highlight in the period with 17 new projects worth $150 million, DIZA said. It also said that Dong Nai's industrial land availability was limited now and called on the central government to approve new industrial park projects in the province. Vietnam's environmental emission fee - a substantial leap towards sustainability: RMIT By Samuel Buertey Fri, October 6, 2023 | 8:21 am GTM+7 Vietnam's recent proposal to introduce an environmental fee for emissions is a commendable stride in this direction, says RMIT accounting lecturer Dr Samuel Buertey. In the face of escalating climate change and environmental degradation, each step towards responsible environmental practices is a beacon of hope for our planet's future. While the applicable fee is still in the proposal stage, it underscores Vietnam's commitment to combat climate change and pave the way for a sustainable environment for generations to come. The introduction of environmental protection fees for emissions is a breakthrough step. Photo courtesy of FreePik. With global climate concerns intensifying, governments worldwide are under mounting pressure to take substantial actions to safeguard our planet. The urgency to curb environmental degradation has become a matter of human survival. Drawing inspiration from the Netherlands 1970 Pollution of Surface Water Act (PSWA, 1969/1970) and Germany's 1976 wastewater charge (Effluent Charges Act - AbwAG, 1976), many countries in recent years have embraced various forms of green policy reforms, including environmental taxes and pollution fees. Although empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of this approach in curbing environmental degradation is somewhat divided, a growing consensus suggests that when implemented well, these policies can be powerful tools to achieving sustainable environment. In contrast to the 'command and control' approach to environmental regulation such as uniform standards and licensing requirements economic tools like pollution charges, tradable permits, and taxes are seen as more efficient. These tools provide businesses with the choice to either pay and pollute or invest in cleaner practices, aligning their interests with policy objectives. A call for comprehensive action Vietnam's introduction of an emissions fee reflects a proactive stance on environmental protection. However, the complexities of this endeavour cannot be overlooked. Striking a balance between encouraging behaviour change and avoiding undue burdens on individuals and businesses remains a formidable challenge. Although high fees might impact companies, particularly those reliant on high emissions, resulting in job losses and social consequences, research suggests that low charges have also proven ineffective in reducing emissions. This is primarily because they lack economic incentives for emission reduction. In comparison to Ukraine's ($1.03 per ton) and Poland's ($0.08 per ton) carbon tax rates as two European countries with the lowest rates, Vietnam's proposed annual emissions fee of VND3 million ($126.58) with a variable rate ranging from VND500 ($0.02) to VND800 ($0.03) per ton appears relatively low. Nevertheless, the strategy of starting with a modest rate and gradually increasing it over time aligns with the approach adopted by many nations when introducing emission levies. For instance, in 2012, Japan introduced its tax for climate change mitigation at approximately $1.21 per ton of CO2. This rate was subsequently raised to $1.9 and $2.78 in 2014 and 2016, respectively. It is essential to recognize that while lower emission rates may not drive significant emission reductions in companies, a positive outcome would be the potential revenue generated. Vietnam's government can direct these funds towards renewable energy projects, afforestation initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, thereby contributing to emission reduction. Ultimately the introduction of an environmental fee is a substantial leap forward, however, it is crucial to acknowledge that its impact hinges on diligent implementation and periodic reviews. Regular inspections and checks play a pivotal role in ensuring businesses, industries, and individuals adhere to the government's emission guidelines. These checks will deter potential violators, foster a culture of accountability and responsibility. Establishing a robust monitoring system will enable authorities to accurately track emissions, identify trends, and address areas needing immediate attention. Moreover, companies have a responsibility to establish transparent recording and reporting mechanisms that will facilitate monitoring and assurance purposes. Vietnam's rare earth resource a mother lode for foreign investors By Quang Tuyen, Huu Binh Fri, October 6, 2023 | 4:36 pm GTM+7 The agreement with the U.S. on semiconductors and rare minerals exploitation will attract many investors from countries with rare earth processing and application technology to Vietnam, an expert says. Vietnam is one of the countries possessing extremely large rare earth resources that many semiconductor manufacturers crave, Dr. Pham Quang Minh, director of the Institute for Technology of Radioactive and Rare Elements, told The Investor. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates Vietnams rare earth reserves in Vietnam at about 22 million tons, accounting for 18% of the worlds total, just behind China with 44 million tons. Minh said that while the whole world was racing to obtain supplies of important minerals like rare earth, Vietnam's exploitation and processing of rare earths and minerals did not match its potential. In order to promote investment and form an effective and synchronous mineral exploitation and processing industry with advanced technology and modern equipment in line with world trends, the government has approved a plan on exploration, exploitation, processing and use of minerals in the 2021-2030 period, with a vision until 2050. Under this plan, about 2 million tons of raw rare earths will be mined each year in the 2031-2050 period. From now until 2030, Vietnam will also complete licensed exploration projects at Bac Nam Xe and Nam Nam Xe rare earth mines in Lai Chau province; explore, upgrade and expand mines that have been licensed for exploitation and invest in new ones in the northwestern provinces of Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Yen Bai. The Dong Pao rare earth mine in Lai Chau province, northestern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of VietnamFinance. The country will promote the search for mining technology and markets associated with deep processing of rare earth minerals that have been licensed for exploitation in mines including Dong Pao (Lai Chau) and Yen Phu (Yen Bai). Work on the rare earth processing factory in Yen Phu commune, Van Yen district, Yen Bai province will also be completed. In the 2031-2050 period, the country will continue to invest in expanding Dong Pao mine and invest in 3-4 new mining projects in Lai Chau and Lao Cai if there are investors committing to all stages of exploration, exploitation, processing and consumption. Recognizing that Vietnam can become one of the world's top rare earth providers, a number of countries including the U.S., Japan and South Korea have showed their desire to cooperate and develop the industry. Japan has been cooperating with Vietnam since 2010 as it looks beyond China for the supply of rare earths. At the end of 2022, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien signed a cooperation agreement with his South Korean counterpart on the exploration and development of core mineral chains, including rare earths, in Vietnam for a stable global supply chain. In June 2023, South Korea and Vietnam inked a memorandum of understanding on establishing a supply chain of rare earths and other important minerals to ensure a stable supply for Korean companies and encourage them to invest in Vietnam. Most recently, in September 2023, Vietnam and the U.S. struck a deal on cooperation in semiconductors and rare minerals. This is an opportunity that brings benefits to both sides, said Dr. Minh. The agreement will create conditions for Vietnam to promote international cooperation, access technology and attract investment, he said, adding this will also offer a chance for the country to attract businesses from the U.S. and other countries with rare earth processing and application technology. At the same time, it will benefit domestic businesses and scientists through increased international cooperation to coordinate and gradually develop and master core technologies for processing rare earth ores. Vietnam was working on policies to effectively manage and exploit this valuable resource, Minh said. The government has approved a development strategy for the geology, minerals and mining industry through 2030 (with vision until 2045) as also a plan to explore, exploit, process and use minerals for the 2021-2030 period (with vision until 2050). It is also working on a draft Law on Geology and Minerals to replace the 2010 Mineral Law for submission to the National Assembly in 2024. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) sets conditions for foreign investment in the mining sector in Vietnam. The Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) also allow the establishment of joint ventures with foreign capital not exceeding 51% of the total. They also allow wholly-invested foreign firms to work in this field. The Party Politburo's resolutions and the government's decisions have created important legal grounds for developing Vietnams mineral sector, including rare earths. "To effectively manage and exploit rare earths, it is necessary to properly implement the approved plan. A coordination mechanism is also needed to resolve specific issues, with focus on promoting investment in science and technology and personnel training, and strengthening research and implementation capacity in the field of rare earths," Minh said. The opposition-controlled National Assembly rejected Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee Lee Gyun-ryong on Friday, marking the first such rejection in 35 years. Lee's nomination was voted down in a 118-175 vote with two abstentions, shortly after the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which has a controlling majority in the Assembly, made it a party policy to reject the nomination. The presidential office immediately expressed regret. "It is extremely regrettable that an upright and competent judge was rejected to create an unprecedented long-term vacancy in the judiciary," presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon said during a press briefing. "The people are the victims, and therefore, this can only be described as a political fight that holds the people's rights hostage." The DPK has opposed Lee, a judge at the Seoul High Court, citing several allegations and his alleged personal connections with President Yoon Suk Yeol. It marks the first such rejection since 1988, when the nomination of Chung Ki-seung was voted down. This also marks the first time that the Supreme Court is led by an acting chief justice since 1993, when then Chief Justice Kim Deok-ju resigned over a real estate speculation scandal. It would take at least about a month for Yoon to name a new nominee. After serving as a judge for about 30 years, Lee was nominated for the top court chief in August to replace Kim Meong-su, whose six-year term ended last month. The ruling People Power Party has argued that Lee is fit for the job and is the right person to normalize what it claims is the politicization of the judiciary during Kim's tenure, citing Kim's progressive tendencies. But the DPK has also taken issue with Lee's past rulings, where he reportedly reduced the sentences of offenders of sexual crimes or domestic violence multiple times. Additionally, Lee also faces accusations of purposefully underreporting assets he and his family owned for many years in the annual asset disclosure of high-ranking government officials while he served as a high court judge. In a message sent to reporters Thursday, Lee asked for the confirmation of his nomination and requested an opportunity, expressing concern that the Supreme Court's en banc hearings and rulings will be virtually impossible in case of a leadership vacuum. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) also denounced the DPK's decision and held a protest rally. "The DPK's organized obstruction of justice ... has escalated to the point of causing a judicial paralysis and a constitutional crisis," said the PPP's leader Kim Gi-hyeon. "If the party is at least concerned of the human rights of victims, the promotion of justice and the punishment of criminals, it would not engage in such reckless behavior." Additionally, the chamber passed a motion to designate a bill on the death of a young Marine during a post-flood search operation in July as a "fast-track" bill, which requires expedited deliberations, in a 182-1 vote. The bill, proposed by the DP, calls for a special counsel investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was swept away by an overflowing stream in Yecheon County, 161 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 19 while on a mission to search for victims of downpours. Members of the PPP did not participate in the vote, protesting that the motion was being pushed for unilaterally. (Yonhap) CHICAGO With vocal support from the governor and $25 million from the state, biomedical researchers are beginning to work on studying the fundamentals of human disease at a new facility in Chicago. The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub named for philanthropists Priscilla Chan and her husband and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is the second biomedical research center launched by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The first is in San Francisco. In addition to initial state funding, the center will receive $250 million from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative over 10 years to fund research into inflammation, part of the bodys innate response to irritation and disease. The for-profit philanthropy organization chose the Chicago location based on the application of a team of scientists from Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Theirs was chosen from a pool of 58 applications. One of the things that set the Chicago applicants apart, according to Chan, was the enthusiasm from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who sent a formal letter of support for the project as well as adding a more personal touch. Gov. Pritzker showed up at the applicant interview day as the top cheerleader of the team presenting their case, Chan said at the Biohubs launch event Thursday. At the launch event, Pritzker delayed the days schedule later lamenting he wasnt able to fully geek out when he refused to leave a lab because he wanted to discuss the potential applications of research into inflammation in nervous systems and muscle tissue. Im gonna get in trouble, Pritzker said when he noticed he was being watched by an event coordinator. Yeah, you are, she replied, hurrying the governor out of the lab. The $25 million state grant for the facility, which is still being processed, will come from the states Rebuild Illinois infrastructure program, according to a spokesperson from the states Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. A representative of the Biohub declined to divulge the total cost of the facility. The under-construction Biohub is scheduled to be completed in January. The plan for the facility mixes elements of a university engineering department and a tech startup. Tissue incubation labs will be located down the hall from flexible workspaces and an office kitchen and bar. The blend between a Silicon Valley ethos and academic research goes beyond the office design and into its budget as well. Thats evidenced in the $250 million the lab is set to receive from CZI, which is primarily funded through Chan and Zuckerbergs stock in Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook. Shana Kelley, the Chicago Biohubs president, said the steady revenue stream will allow it to bypass the typical search for ongoing funding that is common in academia. You dont have to ask the question could we fund this? Kelley told Capitol News Illinois. You can just say, is this worth trying? Kelley, a professor at Northwestern University who is currently incubating her third and fourth companies, said the funding and more collaborative research model allow researchers to focus on high risk, high reward ideas. Were not doing a lot of the other things you have to do in an academic institution, Kelley said. Were not training graduate students. Im not teaching undergraduates. The disease agnostic focus on inflammation came from existing work at the Biohubs three partner universities which each have labs focused on studying instruments that can be inserted into tissue and immunoengineering. This type of research mostly revolves around building technology that will measure biological processes at the molecular level within human tissues, with the ultimate goal of treating inflammation involved in many conditions such as cancer and autoimmune disease. Weve got to get inflammation figured out, Kelley said. Weve got to learn to control it. Currently, the research center has 11 staff members with a planned staff of 30 to 50 and has ongoing projects with partner universities. Hope Burks, a fellow at the Biohub, is working on creating devices that can be inserted into the skin that monitor inflammation in real time. Burks said this research might be helpful in developing diagnostic or clinical tools that can identify and treat disease. What kind of inflammation is happening? Burks said during a presentation Thursday. Do they have different signaling patterns that are specific to each other? Once we see what types of inflammation, what is effective against that? Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center Orangeburg and Denmark are among 21 communities nationally that have been chosen to develop long-duration energy storage systems for the repurposing of electric vehicle batteries. Smartville Inc., an electric vehicle battery-repurposing company, has been awarded $10 million from the U.S. Department of Energys Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to deploy its energy storage systems in Orangeburg and Denmark as part of the company's Second Life Smart Systems technology. The Orangeburg area was chosen due to its Railroad Corner redevelopment project and the presence of S.C. State and Claflin, which are historically Black universities, according to a Smartville press release. The universities and Denmark Technical College will partner with Smartville in helping to bring the project to fruition, according to the release. The Railroad Corner Development represents a $37 million, multi-phase adaptive reuse project that spans three acres in downtown Orangeburg, said Mike Glen, CEO of real estate development firm Luna Development Services. This collaboration with Smartville will directly benefit ... South Carolina State and Claflin Universities while providing additional opportunities to others wishing to learn from Luna Development and HBCU-CDACs (Community Development Action Coalition) inclusive development model, Glen said. The $10 million is a part of a $325 million investment aimed to develop long-duration energy storage technologies. The storage systems will use repurposed EV battery packs sourced domestically in the U.S. from retired electric vehicles. The DOE's concerns are about the growth and stockpiling of the batteries. The systems will aim to provide grid resiliency and backup power while simultaneously helping lower energy costs for senior centers, low-income multi-family affordable housing complexes and EV charging facilities in both the Orangeburg and Denmark areas, according to a Smartville press release. Denmark Technical College has a strategic focus centered on Putting the Tech Back, said Dr. Willie Todd, president of Denmark Technical College. This project allows us to execute on that focus by adding both industry-specific career and technical training, as well as project and partner-specific workforce development opportunities. While Orangeburg and Denmark have been selected as sites for the project, the next step involves a negotiation period in which DOE and Smartville negotiate the project objectives, budget, schedule and provide a Community Benefits Plan before finalizing an award agreement. The DOE will fund up to 50 percent of the initial project costs, and specific funding amounts will be released at the time of award. After DOE and Smartville negotiate the award, funding will be issued in phases commensurate with the work performed. Smartville also plans to unveil similar systems in San Diego, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and New Orleans, Louisiana. In total, more than 7 megawatts of battery capacity will be installed as part of the four-state project. The project's funding is a part of the DOE's efforts to improve the resiliency and reliability of the nation's power grid by investing in LDES, according to the press release. SMARTs Modular-Assembly Battery energy storage system is one of the first second-life energy storage systems for electric vehicle batteries, which means less minerals mined, and less carbon generated from new battery manufacturing. The batteries are made from cobalt, lithium and nickel, which are touted as scarce and nonrenewable resources. Charles McIntosh was described as a humble man who went about his business without fuss. (Facebook photo) The homicide count so far for the year in St. Vincent and the Grenadines now stands at 41, inclusive of three by police action. The 41st homicide was recorded when Charles McIntosh, a 74-year-old Supervisor at the Wilson/SOL Gas Station at Arnos Vale, was shot in the driveway to his home located a stones throw away from the Station. The incident is reported to have taken place on Friday, September 29, 2023, at about 10:40pm, after McIntosh had secured the Gas Station at the end of the days business and was on his way home. A police report said that "an unknown assailant exited from a car and shot him about his body. He was pronounced dead on the spot by the District Medical office McIntosh, originally from New Montrose, was a retired Civil Servant and a former employee of VINLEC. The former Emmanuel High School (Kingstown) alumnus, like many of his fellow alumni, was an ardent volley player and served on the executive of the National Volleyball Association during the 1970/80s. He was married to Doris McIntosh, a retired civil servant and past President of the SVG Netball Association. Arnos Vale residents comment McIntosh was described as a respectable man and his death has left Arnos Vale community puzzled and searching for answers. Some residents are already speculating as to the reason McIntosh was murdered. Residents in Arnos Vale with whom THE VINCENTIAN spoke on Saturday, were generally tight lipped and those who offered comments asked not to be identified. There was a common tread in what those who spoke said: they believed McIntosh knew sorting things and someone wanted to silence him. "Listen, Charles is a humble man, he takes his job serious and he doesnt get in thing with people. Why do you think somebody would just target an old man who cant even defend himself? He could have been alive if those who were supposed to protect him were doing their job, said a frustrated middle age man. One woman said that her family and McIntosh were very close. "I know him for a very long time, he come from Montrose. He and my husband was really good friends. If my husband was alive all now he would a cry so much for Charles, said the lady in somber tone. Readers will recall that McIntosh was at work on Friday August 28, 2020 at the said Wilson Enterprises Inc. (SOL Gas Station) when it was robbed. The robbers escaped with ECC$ 1626.00, the property of Wilson Enterprises Inc.; ECC$ 1500.00, the property of a resident of Arnos Vale; and ECC$ 180.00 and one bag valued ECC$ 80.00, the property of a resident of South Wood. Police detained four (4) men in relation to the commission of the offence but the men were never charged. Charles death followed that of a Murray Village farmer, Augustine "Turbin Prince on Wednesday 27th September. Prince was found face down on the Mountain road in Carib Village, Campden Park with what appeared to be bullet wounds in the upper part of the body and elbow. And Mark Williams died on 26th September four days after he was shot by a masked assailant at a shop at Block 2000/New Montrose. The Royal SVG Police Force is appealing for anyone with information related to these three shooting deaths. Persons with information are encouraged to call 999/911 or, the Officer in charge of South Central Division at 1-784-458-4200 or, any police station or police officer with whom they are comfortable speaking. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Enville Williams has been appointed to act as Commissioner of Police. His tenure commenced on October 1, 2023 as per an announcement by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, last week Friday. Dr. Gonsalves referenced Williams 30 years of service as a police officer, having enlisted in the Royal SVG Police Force at the age of 18. During that time, he has seen service at the Western, South Central, and Eastern divisions, and has overseen security in the Grenadines and served in the Special Services Unit (SSU) and Narcotics Unit. Williams, a Seventh-day Adventist, replaced Colin John who THE VINCENTIAN understands proceeded on pre-retirement leave also on October 1, 2023, this after being granted early retirement. With his promotion, the position of Assistant Commissioner became vacate. Dr. Gonsalves announced that this position will be filled by Superintendent of Police (SoP) Trevor Bailey, familiarly known as Buju. According to the Prime Minister, Bailey, a publicly profiled veteran detective, will lead the crime fighting measures of the Royal SVG Police Force, a responsibility held by Williams. There was no indication as to who will fill the SoP position left vacant by Baileys promotion. Contd on Page 23 Williams is the sixth officer to serve in the position of Commissioner of Police, acting or permanent, since the Unity Labour Party first formed the government in 2001. In related news, the Ministry of National Security now has a new Permanent Secretary. Lou-Anne Thomas, former head of the Training Division/Office of the Chief Personnel Officer, takes over from Hudson Ned who has proceeded on pre-retirement leave. Eligible, retired members of Parliament will now receive a minimum pension of EC$2,000. This as the previous Pension Bill for members of Parliament was amended at the October 3 Meeting of the House. According to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who moved the motion for the Amendment Bill, the objective was to ensure that the quantum of pension payable under Section 4 to a retired member of the House is not less than EC$2,000 per month. According to Gonsalves, the genesis for the amendment arose out of a debate which was held on a Pension Bill during a previous session of the Parliament, about a former Parliamentary Representative for the Southern Grenadines who had not qualified for pension and who served 7 years as an elected member. Under the previous Bill, members needed to serve a minimum of 9 years to become eligible for a pension. According to the Prime Minister, there were several former Parliamentarians who were now deceased and who had not qualified for pension, and who served in the House of Assembly before 1969 before the pension Bill came into effect. He explained that despite the rule guiding eligibility for pension as a Parliamentarian, former members who did not qualify did receive a pension and it started at EC$1,200, then it increased to EC$1,500 per month. "And when the matter arose at Cabinet, and we had decided that in all the circumstances, we should increase it, Gonsalves said. He added that it had occurred to him that there was at least one former member, and there was the possibility of more persons under the existing pension Act who qualified after 9 years, but given the low level of salaries for Parliamentarians, they would not reach EC$2,000. Under the previous Bill, pension was computed in the case of a person who served as a elected member 9 years in the aggregate at one fourth of the highest annual salary drawn by that person; in the case of a person who served more than 9 years but less than fifteen years in the aggregate one third of the highest annual salary drawn by that person; and in the case of a person who had served as an elected member for 15 years or more in the aggregate at one half of the highest annual salary drawn by that person. Former members were identified, one having served more than 9 years and was not getting EC$2,000 per month as their pension, said Gonsalves, and another former member had been identified as having served 9 years and was only receiving EC$1,000 per month for their pension. "Before us today, despite subsection 1 of sub section 4, if the pension payable to a person on the subsection 1 on a monthly basis is less than the sum of $2,000 per month, the pension shall be increased by an amount necessary to bring it to the sum of $2,000 per month a very simple amendment, Gonsalves said. (TBTCO) - Cac quan chuc Cuc Du tru Lien bang My (FED) uoc cho la se giu nguyen lai suat on inh o muc cao nhat trong 22 nam khi ket thuc cuoc hop keo dai hai ngay vao thu tu, 1/11. Tuy nhien, cac nha au tu va nha kinh te se theo doi cac dau hieu e thay lieu lai suat co giu nguyen nhu vay hay khong - hoac lieu ngan hang trung uong co con nghi rang ho co the can phai tang lai suat tro lai trong nhung thang toi hay khong? First lady Kim Keon Hee visited the southern island of Jeju on Friday to meet with a group of female divers, known as "haenyeo" in Korean, and learn about their long-held traditions and culture, the presidential office said. Haenyeo are women divers who make their living harvesting seafood from the ocean floor by hand without the use of breathing equipment. Jeju's haenyeo culture was listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2016. The presidential office said Kim visited a haenyeo's lounge, where she met with around a dozen divers, including a young diver who moved back from Seoul, and middle-aged and elderly divers with years of experience working in Jeju. During the meeting, she listened to stories of the joys and sorrows of living as a haenyeo, and expressed her respect and gratitude to the women for preserving their culture amid difficult conditions, the presidential office said. The first lady later visited Gwangchigi Beach on the island's east coast and helped pick up plastic trash as part of a beach cleaning project. She also met with civic groups and experts working to protect endangered marine animals to discuss ways to increase marine biodiversity. The first lady has shown a keen interest in environmental and animal rights issues, and actively taken part in events to promote awareness. (Yonhap) BEIRUT Caretaker Prime Minsiter Najib Mikati and UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed agreed in Abu Dhabi on Thursday to reopen the Emirati embassy in Beirut, two years after the latter withdrew its diplomats from Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency reported. In Oct. 2021, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, recalled their diplomats from Lebanon after controversial remarks made by previous Information Minister George Kordahi about the Saudi-led war in Yemen. According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), "Lebanon and UAE agreed to take necessary measures to reopen the Emirates' Embassy in Beirut." During the meeting, which took place at the Beach Palace in Abu Dhabi, both parties also agreed on "forming a joint committee to develop a mechanism to facilitate the issuance of entry visas for Lebanese to the UAE," WAM reported. In May and June 2023, Lebanese citizens reported that visas for Lebanese outside the UAE were not being granted. Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told Reuters in June that the UAE lifted a visa ban on Lebanese nationals, following a temporary suspension over "security concerns." Lebanon and UAE also discussed on Thursday the relations between the two countries and the ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields, especially development and economy, WAM reported. "We want to see a strong and cohesive Lebanon [and for the country to be] an active party in its Arab, regional and international environment," Bin Zayed added. BEIRUT At least three inmates died and sixteen others were injured in a fire that occurred during a mutiny in Zahle prison, L'Orient Today's correspondent reported. The incident was confirmed in the evening by Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) in a statement. According to the statement, the prison administration in Zahle was alerted "around 12:30 that an escape attempt was being prepared through an opening in the wall of one of the cells ... Immediately, a team was dispatched to inspect the said cell." "When they approached the location of the opening, which was concealed by a wooden cabinet and covered with a piece of cloth, they encountered resistance from some inmates who took two officers and one agent hostage. After a brief confrontation, the team managed to leave the area," the statement added. "After the failed escape attempt, inmates began setting personal belongings and mattresses on fire in some cells on the second floor," the statement continued. The fire then quickly spread, and the smoke intensified. Inmates who inhaled the smoke were evacuated and the fire was contained, according to the ISF. The statement confirmed that three Lebanese nationals died of asphyxiation. Sixteen inmates were transported to hospitals in the region to receive medical treatment and are in stable condition, according to the police. .https://t.co/Zu9beMgjqx#_ pic.twitter.com/MWRFTFdomQ (@LebISF) October 6, 2023 Zahle's prison accommodates 650 inmates. Ambulances from the Red Cross and the Civil Defense are transferring the injured to the Elias Hrawi Governmental Hospital for treatment, our correspondent reported. A security official told AFP that "clashes broke out between security personnel and prisoners." Inmates set fire to their cells, killing three people and plunging the prison into a state of chaos, according to the same source. The fire quickly spread to the upper floors and caused significant damage, with entire cells set on fire. Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi's press office said in a statement that he contacted the "Chief of the Army, General Joseph Aoun, hoping that the area around the prison remains secure. He spoke with the General Director of Civil Defense, Brigadier General Raymond Khattar, to reinforce the Civil Defense units that are working to extinguish the fire and evacuate the prisoners from their rooms." The statement a "Mawlawi has appointed the Governor of Baalbek, Judge Kamal Abu Joudah, to oversee the field procedures and what is happening on the ground, particularly in terms of evacuating the prisoners and providing medical assistance to the injured among them." In September, Sour prison inmates cut themselves with sharp objects as a form of protest and demanded that prison administration provides improved meal service, better hygiene and time to rest, according to security sources. The four year long economic crisis worsened conditions in prisons and detention centers, where overcrowding and lack of medical care regularly provoke riots. Reporting contributed by Sara Abdallah. 06/10/2023 Evertons prospective owners, 777 Partners, could see their ongoing purchase of Vasco da Gama collapse if they fail to present the remainder of a payment installment that was due this week. According to Globo, Brazils biggest newspaper, only R$38.5 million of a tranche of investment went through by yesterday's deadline with almost two-thirds still yet to be received by the Brazilian club according to the purchase agreement signed last year. There appears to be some confusion over the amount owed this year by the Miami-based investment fund, however, with the newspaper reporting that "people linked to 777 claim that the advance in the middle of the year was worth R$30m." The general director of Vasco SAF, Lucio Barbosa, had reportedly told club president Jorge Salgado that the money could be deposited outside of banking hours but no deposit was made. Article continues below video content "The atmosphere at Vasco is apprehensive," Globo's report says. This means that if this Friday, from the beginning of banking hours, 777 remains in default, Vasco's board of directors will make the decision to repurchase the shares. Due to a clause, it would cost R$1,000, a symbolic value placed in the contract for Vasco. The American company was contacted ... during the day, but did not comment on the delay and 777 will still have another chance to make the payment and recover the shares. Once the associative club exercises its right, the investor will have another 30 days to deposit the money and be up to date. Vasco, awaits information and justifications about the partner's delay and will consult the lawyers who participated in the agreement to move this Friday, if the money does not reach the Vasco SAF account. Even in default, 777 has the right to [rectify] the situation by November 6." 777 Partners currently have a deal in place with Farhad Moshiri to purchase his 94.1% stake in Everton and their bid is currently subject to regulatory approval from the Premier League and the Financial Conduct Authority. However, as detailed on ToffeeWeb this week, the firm has been building a reputation for missing payments they were late on a payment for their purchase of a 45% stake in the British Basketball League this year and Vasco da Gama are currently serving a transfer ban from FIFA for failing to make payments to three different creditor clubs. Read the full article at Liverpool Echo Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () How to get rid of these ads and support TW ToffeeWeb A man, who was arrested in Vermont in connection to a May murder in Casper, pleaded not guilty Friday in Natrona County District Court. Daniel Robert Swope was found dead in his central Casper home with at least three knife wounds to his torso and neck on May 2, the affidavit in his case states. No additional details were released about Swopes death for over two months. But the incident appeared suspicious to the responding officers, which resulted in an in-depth investigation determining Swopes death as a homicide. Then, Stacy Roberts Medicinetop was arrested in Vermont in connection to Swopes death. He pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and felony theft Friday morning. Medicinetop, 36, is facing up to life in prison, if found guilty. He is being held at the Natrona County Detention Center. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 2, and it is expected to take five days. Swopes upstairs neighbor notified authorities when he saw blood in his apartment complexs stairwell, the affidavit states. When officers arrived, the neighbor let them in, the affidavit states. Swopes front door was mostly closed but not latched. Officers located a deceased male inside the apartment hallway, lying face-down in a pool of blood, the affidavit states. There were footwear impressions in the blood, which had a circle and geometric pattern, along with the word Adidas. Investigators later searched Swopes home, the affidavit states. They located a Wyoming Department of Corrections shirt in the bathroom with the name Medicinetop and an identifying number on it. The department of corrections confirmed Medicinetop had been released from prison on April 22 less than two weeks prior to the alleged murder. Officials were unable to locate Medicinetop, but he allegedly made repeated financial transactions throughout May in the Riverton area, the affidavit states. There is no indication he ever returned to Casper. He is believed to have fled the scene in Swopes gold Jeep Commander, which was spotted at many different locations. It was last seen at a Sinclair on Highway 20-26 leaving the Casper area toward Shoshone and Riverton. On July 18, a detective spoke with a confidential source, the affidavit states. He was advised Medicinetop said he had stabbed an individual to death in Casper, WY, and took his vehicle. Medicinetop allegedly disposed of the vehicle near the Wind River Indian Reservation, the affidavit states. He was found living in Enosburg Falls, Vermont, where he moved following the alleged murder. 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. Fall enrollment at the University of Wyoming continues to slide and has reached its lowest point in decades, but the schools most recent census provided some good news for university leaders as they look to reverse worrying attendance trends. UW recorded jumps in both graduate and transfer students, while the schools freshman retention rate also increased this fall, the university announced last month. Yet even with the gains, UWs overall enrollment continued to decline, marking the fifth consecutive year enrollment at Wyomings flagship school has fallen. Every fall UW performs a census on the 15th day of classes after tuition is due and class deadlines have passed. The university collects a range of data on its student body, everything from the programs students are enrolled in to their residency. Transfers increased by more than 8% and UW added roughly 3% more graduate students this year, according to a press release. The number of students from Wyoming attending the school also rose by 4% compared to fall 2022. For UW, the growth in transfer students marks a significant turnaround. Since 2017, new transfers to the university have fallen by more than a quarter. The 2,663 graduate students attending UW this fall also marks the highest number since 2016. Chad Baldwin, a UW spokesperson, attributed the rise in transfer students in part to the work that UW has done to attract students. For the first time ever, UW launched an ad campaign aimed specifically at transfer students ahead of this year, he said. Its certainly a very positive thing wed like to see become a trend, Baldwin said. While there are signs that UW may be reversing some of its recent enrollment declines, the boost in both transfer and graduate students still did not overcome the loss of out-of-state freshmen. After a roughly 10% increase last fall, this years freshman class shrunk by 10%, including a 14.4% slump in out-of-state freshmen. The number of Wyoming residents heading to UW as freshmen also fell by roughly 7%, though thats after UW recorded its second-largest in-state class ever last year. Overall, UWs enrollment dropped by 1.7% to approximately 10,900 students. To find the last time UW had fewer than 11,000 students at the start of the school year, you have to go all the way back to fall of 1987. Were certainly pleased that our transfer numbers rebounded nicely this fall, but the drop in first-time students, especially nonresidents, is not what we had expected at this time a year ago, Kyle Moore, UWs vice provost for enrollment management, said in a press release. We continue to see some difficulty in recruiting and retaining students from outside Wyoming since the pandemic, Moore said. Its an issue we are working hard to address, recognizing that universities across the country are having similar challenges as college enrollment nationwide has dropped. The coronavirus pandemic led to sharp declines in enrollment. From 2017 to 2021, four-year public colleges lost more than 230,000 students, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, a nonprofit that studies higher education. That was on top of the slide colleges were already experiencing, with undergraduate enrollment in the U.S. falling by 9% between 2009 and 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. While UW is not alone, it has struggled more than other colleges. Both Colorado State University and Montana State University saw their enrollment fall sharply in 2020, but they have since rebounded to pre-pandemic figures, according to school data. The sustained decline of UWs student body since the 2018 2019 school year largely tracks the fall in out-of-state students. In 2017, UW had nearly 800 international students, but that figure has consistently declined and stood at fewer than 500 at the start of last year. Among the most visible changes has been the drop in students from Wyomings southern neighbor. Since 2019, the number of UW students from Colorado has fallen by more than 350, according to UWs most recent enrollment data. Baldwin said UW has few clear answers for why out-of-state students have turned away from Wyoming, but he pointed to students across the country staying home for college during the pandemic, a trend backed by data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Over the last year, school officials have increasingly focused on UWs declining enrollment, as well as lagging retention rates, as a problem that needs addressing. Student recruitment and retention have become frequent topics at university board meetings as trustees push for greater financial independence from the state. In a July email to university staff, UW Provost Kevin Carman announced a schoolwide effort to solve what he said were the schools enrollment challenges. In his email, Carman said Ruffalo Noel Levitz, a national higher education consulting firm, would work with UWs Enrollment Management, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs departments, as well as President Ed Seidels cabinet, to develop a strategic enrollment plan. The group will analyze everything from individual programs to the students that the school attracts with a target date of April 2024 for the finished plan. Moore said in a statement that the university has upped its recruitment and marketing in the region and across the country. Trustees have put additional money toward marketing and sought to support to universitys broader enrollment work, Baldwin said. Theres a clear emphasis from our administration to try to reverse the decline that weve seen since COVID, he said. As school leaders search for solutions, they do have one recent success story they can use as a launch point. In 2022, UW introduced Saddle Up, a mandatory weeklong preparation camp for incoming freshmen. Carman told trustees last month that the program has already shown tangible benefits for student retention. UW returned 77.7% of last years freshman this fall, up from 75.4%, Carman said, while only roughly half of the 55 students who didnt participate in Saddle Up last year returned to school this fall. The numbers show that that has had a very positive impact, Baldwin said. Even as it struggles with enrollment, Moore said that UW remains a tremendous value, offering students higher starting salaries than other schools with limited student debt. Though UWs enrollment push is just beginning, Baldwin said the mission is clear. We want to grow our overall enrollment, he said. And that means were going to need to get more students from out of state as well as in state. 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. Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney told a sold-out crowd in Missoula Thursday that one of the top candidates to replace freshly ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was at the top of the list of Republicans who enabled the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The notion that the Republican Party is anywhere close to contemplating putting Jim Jordan into the position of Speaker of the House is something that tells you the level of risk we face in our democracy today, Cheney said, referring to the Ohio congressman who has emerged as one of the top two Republicans competing to replace McCarthy as speaker. Cheney, who at one point was the No. 3 Republican in the U.S. House, was speaking at the invitation of the University of Montanas Mansfield Center, part of the centers 40th-anniversary Mansfield Lectures. Cheney three years ago lost her leadership position due to her frequent criticism of Donald Trump, and was later one of 10 GOP lawmakers to vote to impeach the former president for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. I believe what he did, to try to overturn the election in 2020 to try to seize power, threated that fundamental structure of our constitutional republic, and I think its an ongoing threat and one that we all have to come together to defeat, she told a packed house at UMs Dennison Theatre. Cheney also served as the vice-chair of the Democrat-dominated special committee that investigated the attempted insurrection by a mob of pro-Trump rioters, cementing her status as a leader of intra-party opposition to the former president. Sharing a stage with former Republican Gov. Marc Racicot, Cheney recounted her feelings being inside the Capitol on Jan. 6 as rioters entered the building and attempted to reach the Senate floor. I think what I remember most is being very angry, and just a sense of, how in the world could this happen inside the United States? she said. ... If the doors had not held, if those police officers had not fought so valiantly, we would have had a massacre that day. Racicot has also emerged as a more local face of anti-Trump conservatism. After one term as the states attorney general, Racicot served two terms as governor, from 1993 to 2001. Despite GOP credentials that include chairing the Republican National Committee and running former President George W. Bushs reelection campaign, the state party this year voted to no longer recognize Racicot as a Republican. Cheneys continued and vocal criticisms of the leader of her party earned her a primary challenge last year, and she lost that election by 37 points to Harriet Hageman. Hageman won Trumps endorsement despite having never held political office, and cruised easily to victory in the general election to become the sole representative from Americas most pro-Trump state. After losing the primary, Cheney indicated she would continue in politics in some form, but has remained evasive on whether she would consider another run for higher office. She offered little news on that front Thursday night when Racicot asked the former congresswoman whether we can expect to see more of her as the 2024 election nears. I think you will see me, yes, Cheney offered, but didnt elaborate. Cheney frequently trained her criticism more broadly on Republican politicians she said have enabled Trumps sustained grasp on the party. Among those targets is former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, who initially said Trump bears responsibility for the attack on the Capitol, but weeks later flew to Trumps Florida home to make amends. He made a corrupt bargain that began when we were still in the minority, after Jan. 6, to tolerate and to appease and to usher Donald Trump back into office, so theres no surprise that he ended up where he did, Cheney said. Asked by Racicot how many members of Congress actually believe the oft-repeated falsehood that the 2020 election was fraudulently stolen from Trump, Cheney responded, Its not double digits. And she returned repeatedly to Trump as an existential threat to Democracy that we all need to come together to defeat. Prompted by a question from Racicot, she worried that voters and the media have become numb to the former presidents violent rhetoric. She referred to a social media post by Trump two weeks earlier, in which the GOP leader suggested the countrys top general should be executed. The former president wrote that a 2021 phone call to China by now-retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley was an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH. One of the things we need to do is hold every single Republican, elected Republican, accountable for what hes saying, she said. Because were far beyond the moment where people can say, Well, he doesnt really mean it. He means it. He showed us he means it. Cheney ended her lecture by encouraging college students in the audience to ensure that serious people continue to participate in politics. I think one of the tragedies of this period is that good people will say, My God, politics is such a mess, why would I want to be involved in that? she said. But we cannot abandon politics to the crazies. 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. The United National Congress (UNC) has never provided an explanation as to why it was so ge 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. Science and ICT ministry denies negative impact on innovation By Park Jae-hyuk The governments plan to cut next years budget for state-sponsored scientific research activities has faced questions once again during a policy forum between the second vice science and ICT minister and foreign correspondents in Seoul, Friday. The event was held to introduce Koreas Digital Bill of Rights announced last month to urge the international community to collaborate for the humanitarian use of digital technologies, amid the deepening digitalization and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI). However, after Vice Minister Park Yun-kyu described the bill as a charter to pursue a digital society of mutual prosperity through innovation and redistribution, multiple reporters asked him about the ministrys stance on concerns that the planned budget cut may hinder the governments ambitious plan. Data given by state-run scientific research institutes to independent lawmaker Rep. Park Wan-joo showed that the government plans to slash next years budget for AI research by 28.4 percent to 68.4 billion won ($50 million) from 95.2 billion won this year. Nature, one of the worlds top three scientific journals, also published an article on Thursday, covering Korean scientists protests against the budget cut. The publication came after another top journal, Science, and Nobel laureates expressed concerns over Koreas future. Magdalena Skipper, the editor-in-chief of Nature who attended a recent biotechnology symposium in Busan, also emphasized that it is unusual to reduce R&D spending, given that science projects should be handled from a long-term perspective. However, the vice minister refuted the criticism, claiming that Koreas R&D expenditures have been inefficient. We will continue state R&Ds for strategic sectors, he said. I feel sure that the budget will rebound in 2025 and 2026. He was also optimistic about Korean AI companies competitiveness in the global market, in contrast to skepticism that Naver and Kakao have lagged far behind Microsoft and Google in the development of hyperscale and generative AI. The U.S. firms will not be able to monopolize the hyperscale AI market, he said. Korean AI firms will have competitiveness in non-native English speaking countries and in professional fields. Regarding environmental impacts of soaring electricity consumption to run AI and data centers, the vice minister said the Digital Bill of Rights includes an article calling for efforts to minimize digital technologys effects on the environment. He added that the government will come up with specific regulations on AI and other digital technologies, based on the Digital Bill of Rights, although the bill itself is non-binding. I really cant understand what the hype is about with respect to the President calling out t It has been a while since that noted philosopher, Dr. Seuss, reminded us that one voice can change the world we live in. It belonged to JoJo, the youngster whose one, tiny voice saved Whoville in Horton Hears a Who an early Seuss classic published in 1954. JoJo couldnt make it last week, but some 40 other Whos represented him well at the latest Solutions Focused Community Book Club at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. They gathered to discuss How We Show Up by Mia Birdsong, a book that suggests many of the walls that divide us are self-made and that reaching out, opening up, and showing up can change our lives for the better. That alone sums up the hopes CFSA President Jenny Flynn has for a program launched just five months ago. Weve been looking for ways to build community, to bring people together to talk about our community, Flynn said. We thought a book club might be a low-key, non-threatening place where people could talk. We built it hoping people would come, and they have. The turnouts have been amazing. Attendance has ranged from 35 to 60 readers each month, and the three partners in the project CFSA, Tucson Agenda and the Tucson Tome Gnome are beginning to see whats possible. The next book club gathering, scheduled for Nov. 30, will look at Poverty, By America by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and investigator Matthew Desmond. It will help set the stage for Desmonds appearance Dec. 12 at the Fox Tucson Theatre, a fundraiser celebrating the Primavera Foundations 40th anniversary. Tickets are available through foxtucson.com/event/matthew-desmond. Its a great sign that other organizations are already coming to us as possible partners, Flynn said. Were also working with the countys End Poverty Now initiative to do a workshop here in October. Were already part of important conversations, and weve only been doing this a few months. Many of us read books to escape the everyday swirl we live in. The Solutions Focused Community Book Club is for those who read books to learn more about that swirl. Book club planners are selecting books that look at community challenges and invite readers to consider possible solutions. We are trying to select books that are solutions focused, Flynn said. Things like poverty and homelessness are not small problems. There wont be a simple solution. But the more people who understand the issues, the better chance we might start finding some solutions. And who knows where they might come from? The concept of an issue-oriented book club actually grew from a seed planted last spring by Caitlin Schmidt, a former reporter for the Arizona Daily Star. I had gotten a grant from the Solutions Journalism Network, said Schmidt, who now publishes the daily newsletter Tucson Agenda. I was looking for something fun and different to do, so I asked the Tome Gnome if he might be willing to hide some books from our book list. The gnome and his three assistants Emily Walsh, Mary Ellen Flynn and Jody Hardy readily agreed, and books were hidden at appropriate locations around Tucson in May. There was an informal gathering at Borderlands in June. Since then, things have, well, evolved. When we first started talking with Caitlin last spring, none of us knew where we were going with this, Walsh said. We were just going to hide some books. Then we wondered if people would want to talk about them. Before long, it just felt like a book club. Presenting the idea to the Community Foundation was easy. Walsh works there. She is CFSAs Chief Operating Officer and sees Flynn almost every day. Here at the foundation, wed been talking a lot about how we could create a space for more community dialogue, Walsh said. We wanted to create a place where people could come together and talk about things that are important. Then, one day when I had my Tome Gnome hat on, I thought wait arent we trying to do the same thing? The Tucson Tome Gnome has been paying it forward by hiding books throughout the area the last two years. Finders are encouraged to share their prize with someone they know, and Flynn sees the book club as a natural extension of their program. Its a natural next step, Mary Ellen Flynn said. Its not just finding and reading a book, its having a chance to talk about it. This takes us beyond where we were before, and thats an exciting thing. Keep an eye on cfsaz.org/events for upcoming book club dates and more information. FOOTNOTES Colleagues and friends will celebrate their friendship with Aurelie Sheehan at a memorial service Saturday, Oct. 14, at St. Michaels Church, 602 N. Wilmot Road. The program will begin at 11 a.m. Sheehan, a professor at the University of Arizona since 2000, headed the Department of English for five years when she stepped down in December. She died Aug. 4 at the age of 60. A search is now underway for an Executive Director at the Tucson Festival of Books. Melanie Morgan, who had held the post six years, resigned to take a similar position at the Sonoran Glass School. Poet Timothy Donnelly will read from his latest collection, Chariot, Oct. 19 at the UA Poetry Center. The program begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit poetry.arizona.edu. Author Kianna Alexander will be featured at the Pima County Public Librarys annual LGBTQ+ Author Talk Oct. 22 at the Loft Cinema. The event will go from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and include a conversation between Alexander and the librarys Jessica Pryde. Alexanders latest books are Cant Resist Her and Cant Let Her Go. During monsoons, when the rain pours onto the pavement and the sky booms with thunder, Christopher Castro is reminded of his former colleague Thomas Meixner. The thunder of the monsoons recalls Meixners booming voice, which was often heard throughout the halls of the University of Arizonas John W. Harshbarger Building, when Meixner was teaching students or joking around with coworkers. He cheerfully greeted the staff when he came to the office in the morning in a characteristic loud voice, Castro remembered. He took pride in the University of Arizona, and wore loud and colorful U of A shirts to prove the point. Castro, who is the interim head of the hydrology and atmospheric sciences department at the UA, was one of the speakers at the memorial remembering the life of Meixner, who was shot and killed on campus Oct. 5, 2022, allegedly by a former graduate student. Castro spoke to a crowd of about 150 community members at the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center on Thursday as they gathered to remember the life and impact of Meixner. The root of resilience is providing protection, care, support and comfort to one another as fellow human beings in community family, the thing Tom valued most, Castro said to the crowd. It is the collective effort of all in our department family that propels us forward, working now through all the challenges in a process of recovery and renewal toward a brighter and hopeful future. It was fitting that while Castro spoke about his former colleague, sounds of running water echoed throughout the center. Meixners research focused on saving water resources of the Southwest, or as he reportedly described it, making the world better through biogeochemistry. As Castro read through his remarks, he also took a moment to call out the plague of gun violence in the United States. This event is yet another tragedy in our country, and the list of them goes on and on and on, year after year, he said. We cannot pretend we are immune to these horrors. Like others in his department, Castro has suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, which he spoke about at length. Maybe recovery isnt even really the best word because that implies that somehow life goes back to being normal, he said. But it doesnt. You realize life and your perceptions of the world around you have permanently changed. You yourself have changed. Finally, Castro told the crowd he hoped the community would start living more like Tom, by spreading courage and love. Steve Farley, a former elected member of the Arizona House of Representatives, was fired Thursday as CEO of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, after an investigation showed that at least 250 small animals transferred from San Diego were turned over to an unlicensed rescue group. The organizations chief programs officer, Christian Gonzalez, submitted his resignation and it was accepted by the organization, HSSA Board President Robert Garcia said. HSSA continues to reel from the fallout after approximately 318 small animals were transferred from the San Diego Humane Society to Tucson in August. Garcia issued an apology for what he acknowledged was a delayed response to questions about the animals welfare. We have lost the trust of our community, we can do better, Garcia said Thursday. We are committed to doing better. We have a lot of work to do. According to Garcias statement, in July, the San Diego Humane Society reached out to HSSA requesting help in transporting various small animals, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and more. The transfer was approved by Farley and managed by Gonzalez, he said. The controversy began when concerns surfaced from HSSA employees and the animal advocacy community about the welfare of the animals after the transfer. As inquiries intensified, HSSA discovered that Trevor Jones, who operates an animal rescue group in Maricopa County and received the animals, lacked the proper licensing for running a rescue operation. We were further told that the Humane Society had successfully worked with Mr. Jones on small animal transfers on at least two previous occasions, Garcia said. On Sept. 26, HSSA initiated an independent investigation. A new development emerged Sept. 29 when media outlets found that Colten Jones, believed to be Trevor Jones brother, is the owner of The Fertile Turtle, a reptile farm that has advertised frozen and live animals for sale as snake food. An emergency HSSA board meeting was convened, resulting in the suspension Sept. 29 of Farley and Gonzalez. The ongoing investigation eventually also revealed discrepancies in the information provided by Farley and Gonzalez to the HSSA board, leading to the unanimous decision to terminate their employment due to alleged negligence, protocol violations and other reasons, Garcia said in a written statement. Farley said he was unaware of the nature of the rescue group the animals were transferred to. He said he provided the board with detailed records of communications between San Diego Humane Society and HSSA but was still let go. It is important to know that I had no involvement in the transportation or placement of these animals from HSSA to Maricopa County, and subsequent allegations have been very disturbing to me, Farley said in a written statement. HSSA is now searching for an interim CEO and plans to implement improved protocols and communication with the board to regain public trust, Garcia said. An audit and stakeholder input will also take place, he said. Garcia said the actions of Farley and Gonzalez hurt the organizations integrity and the broader animal rescue community. He said HSSA staff have received unwarranted threats, and he emphasized that they were not involved in the actions of the former leaders. He acknowledged mistakes made and pledged commitment to rectifying them, regaining public trust, and continuing the organizations mission for the welfare of animals. Korea's telecommunications regulator said Friday it seeks to slap up to 68 billion won ($50.42 million) in combined fines against Alphabet's Google and Apple for their violation of the country's in-app payment laws. In August 2022, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) launched a probe into Google Play and App Store for their enforcement of certain in-app payment methods and other irregularities against app developers. Wrapping up the probe, the commission decided to impose a fine of 47.5 billion won on Google and 20.5 billion won on Apple based on the judgment that they violated the country's revised Telecommunications Business Act by abusing their monopoly power to force local publishers to use specific billing systems and unfairly postponing due app review. The commission also found that Apple's policy imposing fees for domestic app developers constitutes a discriminatory act. The KCC called on the two companies to implement corrective measures, saying that their practices are a "grave issue" as it could highly likely hamper fair market competition. The commission plans to finalize the fine after listening to the opinions of the companies and going through due deliberation procedures. In 2021, the National Assembly passed a law that bans app store operators from forcing in-app payment systems on developers, making Korea the first country in the world to introduce such curbs on in-app billing policies of Apple and Google. "Since the start of the fact finding investigation in August 2022, we have worked closely with KCC to explain how we are complying with the new law whilst ensuring that through our alternative billing, we continue to provide a safe and high quality experience for all," Google said in a statement to Yonhap News Agency. "What KCC has shared today is the 'pre-notice' and we will carefully review and submit our response. Once the final written decision is shared with us we will carefully review to evaluate the next course of action," it added. (Yonhap) If youve been waiting for your chance to buy a 40-foot shipping container with a bit of international history and intrigue, your chance is coming this month. The first of a likely series of online auctions begins Oct. 16, where five of the containers that were removed earlier this year from the Arizona-Mexico border are up for grabs. Two of the lots will each be for a single container, with a minimum $2,000 bid; the third will be for three containers, starting at $6,000. But you need to hurry if you want to be the first on your block to have one. The Arizona Department of Administration requires would-be bidders to register at least seven days before they can make an offer, meaning by Monday. That allows the department to verify identity to protect against the use of stolen identities to make purchases, said spokeswoman Megan Rose. Once youre registered, though, theres no immediate rush as occurs at an in-person auction. Bids are taken online for 14 days. You can see on the website what is the highest bid so far. You can also put in a proxy bid, the maximum amount youre willing to pay, so you dont have to keep logging in to see if someone has outbid you. If the last bid when the auction closes is below your maximum, youll only be charged the amount of that last bid plus some yet-to-be-determined small addition to make you the high bidder. Plus 6.3% sales tax. Photos of the containers are available on the website. So when you bid, you will know whether you are getting a red one, a white one, a blue one or some other color. But beyond that, you wont actually be able to see what youre bidding on until its yours. What the state is disclosing is that the containers have been heavily used and likely have noticeable dents and cracks. The only guarantee is that each has operable doors, a roof and a floor. The best of these already are gone. Other government agencies and nonprofits were given first crack. Rose said the ones in better condition were snapped up, as were all the 20-foot containers. If you still want one and do win, youll have seven days to pay up. Credit cards are accepted. But youve also got to haul it off yourself within 30 days or, presumably, hire a professional hauler, as the containers dont have wheels from the Arizona prison complex in Tucson where they are stored. If you dont win within the first round, a second batch of five containers two singles and a lot of three, like the first time begins after the first auction is ended, Rose said. The same rules and 14-day window apply. Given that the state has about 2,000 of the containers to sell, it could take several more rounds of auctions, and several months, before they all are gone. But Rose said if interest flags, the number of containers being offered every 14 days is likely to increase, a move that might attract more interest from large commercial buyers. The containers come with a story. It goes back to early 2001 when newly elected President Joe Biden canceled further installation of border barriers ordered by his predecessor, Donald Trump. That provoked a fight with then Gov. Doug Ducey, whose administration eventually gave a $95 million no-bid contract to AshBritt Management & Logistics to obtain and install a double-high barrier of shipping containers along a 10-mile stretch of the international border in Coronado National Forest. When the Forest Service objected, Ducey filed suit asking a federal judge to declare that Arizona could install the containers even though they were on a 60-foot-wide strip the U.S. government claims as its own. The federal agency responded with its own lawsuit. Ducey eventually issued another contract for $66 million, also to AshBritt, to tear down the ersatz wall and transport the containers to the Tucson prison site where they now stand. Gov. Katie Hobbs agreed to a final deal that ended the litigation, with the state paying another $2.1 million to restore the border area to the way it was before the containers went up, including reseeding all 40 acres of disturbed area and performing invasive species treatment and monitoring for three years. In a unique deal between developers and neighbors, historic Tucson homes will be relocated, neighbors will get upgraded infrastructure and workforce housing will be built at the site of a proposed student housing complex near the University of Arizona. Negotiations for the project, on the southeast corner of Speedway and Euclid Ave., lasted five years with much back-and-forth and compromise from neighbors, developers and the city. In response to concerns, Alabama-based Capstone Communities made concessions such as no balconies or rooftop swimming pool at the student complex. Five historic homes located on the site will be moved by developers into empty lots in the West University Neighborhood and sidewalks with ADA ramps will be constructed that lead to Catalina Park, located in the neighborhood between Speedway and Sixth Street and Stone and Park avenues. The building of student housing towers in that area has exploded in the past few years with much contention, so news of developers and neighbors working together was met with pleasant surprise. Were still kind of absorbing it, said Betsy Larson, president of the West University Neighborhood Association, known as WUNA. We hope this will be an example of how developers should be part of the community. When massive student towers began going up along Park Avenue and Speedway, she said area residents were shocked. Neighborhoods werent brought into the fold, Larson said. The developers didnt communicate with us and we felt ignored. When Capstone representatives approached the neighborhood about their project, they received a cool reception. We felt a lot of mistrust because wed been burned before, Larson said. But, they came to the table with open ears and theyve done a good job on compromising on design and heard our concerns and minimized sensory impacts on neighbors. A blueprint for collaboration The proposed project will made up of a 150-unit student complex with 450 bedrooms for rent. Heights will be up to six stories tall, and all units will be furnished and include a washer and dryer. The grounds will have grilling stations, lounging areas and a fitness center. Tucson continues to be a strong market and this corner, that is walkable and cycle-able to campus, was very attractive, said Davis Maxwell, vice president of development for Capstone Communities. In the neighborhood, the company will install 2,500 feet of sidewalks that lead to the park and 17 ADA ramps. A separate and distinct complex will have 30 workforce housing units in a two-story building along Euclid Avenue. Capstone has housing projects across the country and has done mixed-use developments before, Maxwell said. When Ward 6 councilman Steve Kozachik proposed the workforce housing component as a buffer between the student complex and the longtime residents west of Euclid Avenue, Capstone was open to the idea. WUNA was a vital, vital part of all of this because they live there and raised their families there, Maxwell said. It was a collaborative effort that wasnt easy, but a roadmap of how to do a project in a community. Rents for the student housing units will be determined when they come to market for the 2026-2027 school year. Rents for the workforce housing units will be 80% of the area median income, which in todays dollars would be around $1,200 a month. Capstone has two other developments in Arizona, The Cottages of Tempe near Arizona State University and Fremont Station near Northern Arizona University. Regarding the homes that will be relocated, Capstone worked with historic preservation groups to get the approval to move them. Joel Ireland, a longtime resident of WUNA, connected with Capstone when he was trying to buy the historic homes to prevent a mini-dorm developer from buying them. Because Ireland had empty lots within the WUNA neighborhood, the decision was made to move the homes to those lots. Ive lived in WUNA for 40 years and there was always a big fight about these things, Ireland said. Ive got to commend WUNA and Capstone all of my neighbors supported the project. He and his son, Sam, will fix up the homes and manage them as rentals. Capstone will pay for the relocation and to reconnect the utilities. From the standpoint of whats right, everybody gave something, Councilman Kozachik said. Theyre making some significant investments to the sidewalks and neighborhoods. He said the demand for student housing continues to surprise him. For a while, right around when COVID started, there was growing speculation that online learning was going to grow, Kozachik said. But, UA continues to grow and student housing developments are doing well and are not going away. The Capstone plan will go before the city zoning examiner Oct. 12 and then to the city council before the end of the year. On Thursday night, the WUNA board voted to approve the proposal, and representatives plan to attend the upcoming hearings, Larson said, and we will speak to the productive relationship we have formed. A change in federal election laws and a quirk in the 2024 calendar are creating problems for state and county election officials. Unless those are resolved, the worst-case scenario is that, in a race for president as close in Arizona as the one in 2020, voters here could lose their voice in deciding who will be in the White House. The problem begins with Congress decision to amend the Electoral Count Act, according to Jennifer Marson, lobbyist for the Arizona Association of Counties. That 1887 law set up the procedures under which Congress would tally the electoral votes from each state to determine who was elected. But provisions of it came under scrutiny after the 2020 election, when competing slates of electors claimed they were the rightful picks in some states including Arizona. Changes were made to ensure it is the governor who sends the slate, that expedited judicial review is provided, and that it takes more members of Congress than before to challenge a states electoral count. The law now also clarifies that the vice presidents role is only administrative, without the power to reject disputes over electors. Then-President Donald Trump had tried to get his vice president, Mike Pence, to disregard the 2020 electoral tally. What it also does, however, is provide a hard-and-fast deadline for states to get their formal results to Congress to have them considered. Next year the calendar has that fall on Dec. 11, Marson said. Thats not a problem if there are no disputes, as the formal state canvass of the vote is set for Dec. 2. But if theres a recount ordered in the presidential race, that cant begin until after the canvass, which itself cant be done until each county has canvassed the votes. Marson said election officials who are looking at the problem have concluded that, under current laws, that would drag out long past the Dec. 11 deadline. That deadline wasnt as much of a problem in prior years. The U.S. Supreme Court had provided a safe harbor, giving states a bit more time to conduct their post-election activities despite the statutory deadline as long as they got the process done at least six days before the Electoral College meets. But with that safe harbor provision gone, Marson said the law can be read that electoral votes not finalized and transmitted by Dec. 11 simply might not be counted. And heres the other factor. Joe Biden defeated Trump in Arizona in 2020 by 10,457 votes, winning the states 11 electoral votes. Thats a 0.3% difference. But a 2022 Arizona law increased the margin for automatic recounts to 0.5%. So a race in 2024 as close as the one in 2020 would trigger a recount and create the deadline problems. That worry is enough that it has gotten the attention of county recorders and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who is the states chief election official. We want to make sure it doesnt negatively affect any of our voters, said Fontes press aide Paul Smith-Leonard. And we want to make sure Arizonas voice is heard in the next election. He said thats going to require some changes in state law. That means getting not just the buy-in of elected officials and lawmakers statewide, and from both parties, but also the consent of Gov. Katie Hobbs. Marson said there are just too many legal hoops to be jumped through in too little time. Any recount cannot start until the canvass and counties cant even begin the process on their own but have to wait for a court order, she said. The good news is that a recount doesnt involve a hand count. Instead, the ballots are fed back through the same tabulators. But Marson said current law requires a new logic and accuracy test of the tabulators, a process in which ballots are fed through the machine to ensure what is reported matches the known results. The Secretary of States Office has to send teams to each of the 15 counties to conduct that test. Then the results from all the counties are sent to a judge who would unseal them, something that might not happen until after Christmas under the current timeline. So what to do? Theres no single solution, Marson said. Instead, she said, its going to come down to a series of smaller changes to the law, each of which could pick up a few days. That could start right after the general election. Current law provides up to five days for those whose signatures do not match to cure them by contacting local election officials. Marson said this has been interpreted to mean five business days, meaning weekends do not count. If the law is changed to spell out those are calendar days, that picks up two days right there. Moving up the deadline for counties to conduct their own canvasses also could save up to eight days, including the change to the cure period. What also would help, she said, is allowing counties to conduct their own logic and accuracy tests, without having to wait for state officials. And the state could shorten the period to file legal challenges to election results to three days after the canvass, down from five. PHOENIX Citing a series stories of women whose abortions have changed their lives, Gov. Katie Hobbs is urging the Arizona Supreme Court not to take that right away from them. In a legal brief filed Thursday, Hobbs told the justices of women who have terminated their pregnancies, decisions she said that improved their lives or prevented medical complications. These included those who have been in abusive relationships. What all that shows, the governor said through her lawyers is that reproductive decisions are immensely personal, private and consequential. These choices impact countless other life decisions, including whether to accept certain health risks or undergo certain medical procedures, how to allocate financial resources, where to live, whether to start or continue to pursue educational or career opportunities, and how to structure intimate and family relationships, Hobbs said. Even a pregnancy without complications involves significant physiological change and strain on the body. The governor is asking the states high court to reject claims by abortion foes that the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade last year along with its federal constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy, automatically reinstated a territorial-era law Arizona that outlaws the procedure except to save the life of the mother. Instead, Hobbs is asking the justices to side with the state Court of Appeals which ruled that a law approved last year allowing doctors to perform abortions through the 15th week of pregnancy takes precedence. And if that argument doesnt sway the court, the governor has a backup argument. Hobbs points out that the Arizona Constitution includes a specific right of privacy, one she reminded the justices that the state Supreme Court has ruled in the past provide broader protections to the individual liberties guaranteed in its federal counterpart. Because the effects of carrying a pregnancy to term, giving birth, and becoming a parent are profoundly life-altering, reinstatement of a near-total abortion ban raises significant questions under the Arizona Constitution, the governor argued. The justices are set to hear arguments in December. What makes all this necessary was the move last year by the Republican-controlled Legislature to enact a law with a 15-week limit. They did that in anticipation that the U.S. Supreme Court would uphold a similar law from Mississippi. The idea was to have something in place once that happened. But the nations high court did more, overturning Roe v. Wade and saying it is up to each state to decide when and how abortions can be offered. Mark Brnovich, the the state attorney general, pointed out that Arizona lawmakers, enacted the 15-week law, without repealing the earlier near ban. And in September 2022 Brnovich convinced Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson to order that old law back in effect, immediately halting the procedure in the state. The state Court of Appeals, however, said that, at least for doctors, the new law superseded the old one. That has allowed abortions to resume, at least through 15 weeks. But that still leaves fewer options for women in Arizona who, until Roe was overturned, could terminate a pregnancy through the point of fetal viability, considered somewhere between 22 and 24 weeks. Something else has changed. While Brovich sought to restore the old law, Kris Mayes, his successor, has taken the legal position that the 15-weeks law supersedes it. That has left only Dr. Eric Hazelrigg, an abortion foe and medical director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center, as the only named party in the lawsuit. Hazelrigg is asking the state Supreme Court to reinstate the territorial law, though other anti-abortion groups have filed their own briefs. In her filing, Hobbs also told the justices that whatever they rule could end up being only temporary. She pointed out that an initiative has been filed that would absolutely bar the state from restricting abortion prior to viability. Backers have until July 3 to gather at least 383,923 valid signatures to put the issue on the 2024 ballot. That measure, however, actually goes farther than what had existed in Arizona before the Supreme Court overturned Roe. It also would spell out that the state cannot adopt any policy that denies, restricts or interferes with an abortion after fetal viability that, in the good faith of a treating health care professional, is necessary to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual. Foes have seized on this language to argue that it is so broad it would allow a women to terminate a pregnancy right up to the point of childbirth. No matter what the Supreme Court decides, it may still leave legally unclear the question of women women can access an abortion. Hobbs earlier this year issued an order stripping the states 15 county attorneys of their ability to prosecute anyone for violating any abortion laws at all, giving that power to Mayes. And the attorney general, citing that state constitutional right to privacy, has said she does not intend to bring charges against anyone. The governor said the real-life stories she cites in her brief illustrate how lawful abortion even though at 15 weeks is less than before gives women a say in these decisions. Simply put, access to abortion saves lives and allows women in Arizona to control their own bodies and chart their own course in life, she said. One comes from a 32-year-old woman, identified only as Michele, who got pregnant by her physically and emotionally violent man when her contraception failed. Hobbs said she chose to terminate the pregnancy because she did not feel she could raise the child in a healthy or safe environment. Her partner became even more violent after the abortion and eventually went to jail. Now, the legal papers say, she is the chief operating officer of a furniture company. For Michele, access to the abortion saved her life, the governors brief says. Without it, she would not have been able to leave the abusive relationship, in which she felt she was in serious physical danger, and would have been caught in a cycle of violence and economic instability. Another story is of a woman who became pregnant who was not in a financial position to support a child and her partner was a heroin addict. After the abortion, she went to college and now is married, living in Tucson, with two children. Can you imagine Ron DeSantis stated that he is not running for vice president, which means he is. It is easy to recognize as he is always defending Trump. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School yet obviously does not know the constitution. He cannot be Trumps VP. This is why. Article II Section 1 Paragraph 3 of the constitution reads: The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. Oh great. Can you imagine a Trump-DeSantis ticket. Jon Langione Marana What if I got to thinking when I heard the governor of Texas will appeal the court decision to remove his barriers from the Rio Grande. What if these political heads just did their job in their lane? Maybe better supervision of your Secretary of State now facing impeachment? Hey, Arizonians, how many millions are we paying for Governor Duceys container walls millions? Step back and think what those dollars could do in community initiatives mitigation of climate change, housing for homeless, etc. When you vote think about whether or not this person is truly interested in governing or simply making political noise! Norman Patten Midtown 470,000 Venezuelans to stay and work The Biden administration has announced that it will give 470,000 Venezuelans, who entered the country illegally, with deportation protection and work authorization. Venezuela will be re-designated as Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Four hundred seventy thousand people is almost the population of Tucson. The administration continues to move up the date of eligibility as to when they entered the country. I think this move will only provide more incentive for Venezuelans to come here. I believe that under the Biden administration, millions of migrants, single adults, family units and unaccompanied juveniles, have already been allowed entry into America. All allowed entry under TPS and by making dubious asylum claims. I firmly believe that Bidens premeditated devious plan from day one has been to allow millions of people of color, mostly undereducated and low skilled, into the country, and at some point in the future provide them with citizenship under Immigration Reform legislation. They will be quickly registered as Democrats and forever cement the Democratic partys power and control of the country. Marty Jacobs Green Valley Invading Mexico Several Republicans have floated the idea of invading Mexico to take down the cartels. This is a seriously crazy idea. Invading a sovereign nation isnt the answer. The problem is Americans insatiable appetite for drugs. The war on drugs has gone on for over 50 years and we still have tens of thousands of deaths due to overdoses. Would we be okay with Mexico coming to the U.S. to stop the usage of drugs? Its time to look at this as a health issue. What weve done for over a half a century has been an unmitigated failure. Craig Miller Northwest side Amazon delivers Re: the Sept. 30 article Americans trust Amazon more than government. Well, duh. Could it be because, unlike the government, Amazon delivers speedily and accurately, and the product can be quickly and easily returned for any reason? As a matter of fact, an Amazon order I placed yesterday just arrived on my front porch as I write this. Jeff Aronson Northeast side A lesson in civility Its good to see that Trump is setting new standards for behavior at trials. Apparently its now OK to glower at the prosecutor, insult the judge, tell reporters between sessions how crazy the lawyers on the other side are, and write threatening posts on X (also known as Musks toy). I assume Republicans are going to encourage other indicted individuals to behave in a similar fashion to honor their beloved leader, whose classiness is unmatched, and whose defense of I never did anything wrong is a masterpiece of logic and brilliance. Of course, this can be a dangerous game maybe the Donald needs a lesson in civility it seems that contempt of court is what hes angling for. No gold toilets at Rikers Island Im afraid. Norman Epstein Midtown How to make math more appealing Re: the Oct. 3 article Poor math skills put US at risk, many are saying. Early in my career as a high school English teacher, a parent at a Parents Night event asked me, Why are you teaching The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn? I stammered around with, Its a classic; its in the curriculum. I honestly didnt have a better answer and actually felt a bit offended that the parent would ask. But after that experience I made sure that I knew exactly why I had chosen to teach a certain text or skill and, in fact, invited my students to ask me. As one of the many who did poorly in math classes, I think I could have fared better if the teacher had emphasized exactly why I needed to know what was being taught. And this explanation is most important in the required introductory courses, where the turn-offs typically originate. Denice Blake Midtown Biden: Bumbler- in-Chief Re: the Oct. 3 letter Biden: clear, concise and articulate. A member of your volunteer Editorial Advisory Board stated Joe Biden to be clear, concise and articulate. What? Ive been listening to this stumbling buffoon for years and his plethora of faux pas have nothing to do with his being a stutterer as she suggested. Dont think stuttering caused him to shake hands with nobody on stage, calling Harris the First Lady, confusing the Ukrainian people with the Iranian people, calling out for Jackie Walorski (she wasnt present since she was dead) and so many others too numerous to mention. And as for his spinal stenosis causing his constant falling, should someone like that even think of riding (or almost riding) a bicycle? She also mentions his humility. Was her whole article written tongue in cheek? Richard Good Foothills Ousting of McCarthy as speaker What were Democrats thinking? Did they not realize that by voting to dump the speaker of the House they helped strengthen the hands of the radical right wing extremists? Maybe they thought that keeping Republicans in disarray would be a good thing, but this will only make all of Congress more dysfunctional. The worst of this is we now quite possibly may see a Jim Jordan as the next speaker. Weve seen enough in Arizona what a nightmare this type of opportunist can bring. Ygnacio Coppola Midtown The Party of Chaos I am outraged that the U.S. Congress is taking a week off after one of the most momentous and disgraceful moments in U.S. history. The Speaker of the House was ousted for the first time and what do the Republicans do? They take a week off. What are they doing? Celebrating the chaos they created? Leaving work for a week (paid, by the way) exposes their modus operandi: anger, chaos, and humiliation. Meanwhile, the next government shutdown gets a week closer, Ukraine funding is running out, and no one is doing a thing for a week about anything. Does that sound normal? The chaos and outrage will continue as long as far right-wing Republicans control the levers of the former Grand Old Party. Vote, volunteer, donate, and donate again for Democrats and for all our sakes, dont vote for the chaos-spreading, anti-democracy GOP. Peter Bakke COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Advocacy groups fighting Ohio's political maps in court formally objected Thursday to the latest round of Statehouse districts, which they see as once again unfairly drawn to favor Republicans. Proposed legislative districts created by the GOP-led Ohio Redistricting Commission were previously declared unconstitutional five times. But the commission passed the latest Ohio Senate and House maps in a unanimous bipartisan vote. At the time, the two Democrats on the seven-member commission described their support as not so much a win but a necessary compromise. The Ohio Organizing Collaborative, a coalition of labor, faith and grassroots community groups, is already suing the state over redistricting. Lawyers for the group told the state Supreme Court on Thursday that the partisan breakdown of the latest maps is nearly identical to that of the maps that prompted them to sue in the first place. They argued that the absence of fair representation would harm and disenfranchise Ohio's communities of color. The parties have no choice but to continue their challenge against the new maps, said Yurij Rudensky, senior counsel in the Democracy Program operation by New York University Law Schools Brennan Center for Justice, which is representing the petitioners. Letting these maps stand would be a breakdown in the rule of law and render Ohio Constitutions guarantee of fair representation meaningless, Rudensky said in a statement. "Ohio politicians have proven that they cannot be trusted with drawing district lines fairly. The only question is whether under the current process the court will continue providing a check against blatant abuses. The state Supreme Court realigned in January, after the departure of Republican Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor due to age limits. O'Connor cast the deciding swing vote in all the redistricting cases, siding with the court's three Democrats over her three fellow Republicans. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Republican Joe Deters, a former state treasurer and Hamilton County prosecutor, to fill her vacancy. Republican Senate President Matt Huffman swiftly rebuked the advocacy groups' rejection of the maps. Yet another desperate power grab by Washington, D.C., special interests that have no business holding the people of Ohio and the process hostage, he said in a texted statement. Huffman emphasized that the process produced a 7-0 bipartisan vote this time around. Thursday's objections come as Ohioans are poised to see a constitutional amendment on 2024 ballots that would reform the existing redistricting process. ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Power Co. will pay $413 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the utility of reneging on financial promises to one of its nuclear reactor partners. The payments to Oglethorpe Power Corp., announced Friday, could hold down future bills for millions of electric cooperative customers in Georgia. Oglethorpe sued Georgia Power in June 2022 in a contract dispute over who should pay for cost overruns for a third and fourth reactor at Plant Vogtle, southeast of Augusta. Atlanta based Southern Co., which owns Georgia Power, said it would write off a $152 million loss on the settlement. Georgia Power also announced Friday that it must replace one of the four massive pumps that cools the Unit 4 reactor after operators found a problem with the pump's motor during testing. Georgia Power said it believes the problem is an isolated event and has a spare pump on site, but said the replacement ends the company's hope of placing Unit 4 in commercial operation this year. The utility said the reactor is still on schedule to begin operating by March. That was already the company's fallback date. Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31, becoming the first new nuclear unit built from scratch in the United States in decades. Some Florida and Alabama utilities have also contracted to buy Vogtles power. The overall project is seven years late and $17 billion over budget. Vogtle's costs and delays could deter other utilities from building nuclear plants, even though they generate electricity without releasing climate-changing carbon emissions. Oglethorpe, which generates and transmits electricity to 38 Georgia electric cooperatives that own it, will keep its current 30% ownership share of Vogtle under the settlement. Oglethorpe had originally sought to sell some of Vogtle's generating capacity back to Georgia Power. Heather Teilhet, Oglethorpe's senior vice president of external affairs, said Oglethorpe wants to keep its 660-megawatt share of Vogtle's generation to meet increasing demand. We are seeing growth on our system, so theres great value in keeping our full Vogtle capacity, especially at a significantly reduced cost," Teilhet said in a statement. Currently, all the owners are projected to pay more than $31 billion in capital and financing costs, Associated Press calculations show. Add in $3.7 billion that original contractor Westinghouse paid to the Vogtle owners to quit building the reactors, and the total nears $35 billion. Besides Oglethorpe and Georgia Power, Vogtle's owners include the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and the city of Dalton. MEAG and Dalton also sued. Georgia Power agreed last year to pay up to $76 million to settle the lawsuit by MEAG, which provides power to 49 municipal utilities. The Dalton lawsuit is still pending, and Georgia Power said Friday that it could owe the city up to $17 million. Georgia Power customers won't pay for the settlements. Georgia Power has already reached a deal with regulatory staff about how much it will charge customers for Vogtle, although the elected Georgia Public Service Commission has yet to approve. Georgia Power had agreed in 2018 that it would pay increasing shares of cost overruns for co-owners up to a certain ceiling. Beyond that, the co-owners were entitled to force Georgia Power to buy part of their ownership stake in exchange for Georgia Power covering all remaining construction costs. Oglethorpe sought to activate the sale provision, saying it applied once construction costs reached a total of $19.2 billion. But Georgia Power argued the agreement didn't kick in until construction costs reached $20.48 billion. Under the agreement, Georgia Power agreed to pay Oglethorpe the $99 million Oglethorpe was owed under the cost-sharing ceiling, as well as $5 million in interest. Georgia Power has already paid part of that money and will pay the remaining $66.5 million within five days. Georgia Power also agreed to pay 66% of Oglethorpe's costs above the $19.2 billion level, a total of $346.3 million under projected spending levels. That includes a $241.2 million payment within five days. In exchange for keeping its 30% ownership stake, Oglethorpe is projected to pay another $179 million by the time Unit 4 is completed. Oglethorpe's total construction and financing cost for Vogtle is now projected to be $8.3 billion. That's more than the $8.1 billion Oglethorpe projected it would owe, but less than the $8.64 billion that Georgia Power said Oglethorpe owed. When the megaphone called out for the daily Islamic prayers, the nonbeliever grabbed his prayer beads and ambled through the streets to join others at the mosque in Kano, northern Nigerias largest city. Formerly a Muslim, he now identifies as an atheist but remains closeted, performing religious obligations only as a cover. To survive as an atheist, you cannot act like one, said the man, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity over fears for his safety. He said he narrowly escaped being killed by a mob in 2015 after some people found out he had forsaken Islam. If I ever come out in northern Nigeria to say I am an atheist, it will be an automatic death sentence, said the man, a business owner in his 30s. In parts of the world, the religiously unaffiliated are on the rise, and can safely and publicly be a none someone who identifies as an atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular. In countries like Nigeria, the situation is starkly different. Nonbelievers in Nigeria said they perennially have been treated as second-class citizens in the deeply religious country whose 210 million population is almost evenly divided between Christians dominant in the south and Muslims who are the majority in the north. While the south is relatively safe for nonbelievers, some say threats and attacks have worsened in the north since the leader of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, Mubarak Bala, was arrested and later jailed for blasphemy. The Associated Press spoke to seven nonbelievers to document their experiences. Most spoke anonymously and in secret locations over concerns for their safety. Balas imprisonment rolled our movement underground, Leo Igwe, a founder of the humanist association, said of the groups leader, who in 2022 was jailed for 24 years. A court convicted him on an 18-count charge of blaspheming Islam and breach of public peace through his posts on Facebook. Since Bala was prosecuted by the Kano state government, the humanist association which has several hundred members has gone underground, struggling with unprecedented threats to members who no longer hold meetings, Leo said. Nigerias constitution provides for freedom of religion and expression, but activists say threats to religious freedom are common, especially in the north. Almost half of the countries in Africa, including Nigeria, have statutes outlawing blasphemy. In most secular courts in Nigeria, the stiffest penalty for a blasphemy charge is two years in prison, while it carries a death penalty in the countrys Islamic courts, active in the majority Muslim north. There are no records of any such executions in recent years. The most recent instance of a death sentence, issued in December against an Islamic cleric, Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, has not been carried out. The Shariah law that operates in Islamic courts defines blasphemous acts as those committed by anyone who intentionally abuses, insults, derogates, humiliates or seeks to incite contempt of the holy Prophet Muhammad. But what exactly constitutes actions that insult Islam is often open to interpretation by accusers, Igwe said. As a result, some alleged offenders have been attacked and killed before any trial. At least three people have been killed for alleged blasphemy in northern Nigeria in the past year. The latest victim, killed in June, was a Muslim stoned to death after being accused of making comments that blasphemed Islam. Authorities in Nigeria have failed to act to prevent such attacks, and prosecutions have been rare, said Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International in Nigeria. The alarming uptick in blasphemy killings and accusations underscores the urgency with which the authorities must wake up to Nigerias international legal obligations to respect and protect human rights, Sanusi said. Threats against the nonreligious in Nigeria are common on social media. On Facebook, a group named Anti-Atheist, users frequently posted messages that trolled or threatened atheists. The atheist in Kano, in a dimly lit room, spoke with a mix of grit and fear about his experiences as a nonbeliever in a nation where about 98% of the population are Christians or Muslims, according to the Pew Research Center. A Facebook post from Bala in 2015, critiquing some Islamic teachings, influenced the mans shift to atheism. Once a Muslim, Bala was seen as an influential member of the humanist community; most of the nonbelievers who spoke to the AP credited him as a source of inspiration. Life as a nonbeliever in Nigeria is also difficult for women, who already are severely underrepresented in government and other key sectors. Your achievements are reduced to nothing if you are irreligious, said Abosuahi Nimatu, who dropped out of university in Katsina state in 2020 to escape being killed after her peers learned she was no longer a Muslim. Nimatu was so close to Bala that his prolonged detention depressed her for a year, she said. She used her Facebook account to campaign for his release, prompting threats that reached her cellphone and email inbox. Her home address was shared among people threatening to attack her and her family. Even at home, she is often reminded that no man would marry her. You are seen as a rebel and as a wayward person, she said. In 2020, Nigeria became the first secular democracy designated by the U.S. State Department as a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in or tolerating systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom. It later was dropped from that list of countries, prompting criticism from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which says Nigeria should be re-added. It is a different reality for the openly faithless in southern Nigeria; they even hold public meetings occasionally. The two atheists who spoke to AP in the commercial hub of Lagos said they had never been attacked or threatened. Busayo Cole, a former Christian, said his family is indifferent about his religious status. Beyond his family, the worst consequences he faces are occasional snide remarks. People are more liberal about things like that down here, said Cole. At the Kuje prison in Abuja, Bala continues to serve his jail term, receiving visitors from time to time including his wife Amina Ahmed, also a humanist. She went to see him most recently with their 3-year-old son. He is in good spirits, Ahmed said of her husband. But it has been difficult for her. I am trying to be strong (but) my strength sometimes fails me, she said. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Lydia Fletcher Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Lydia Fletcher 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 Osage Nation Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear told film producers from the beginning the Osage people did not want to lose our voice in the story during the making of Killers of the Flower Moon. And thanks to the collaboration with the teachers of the Osage Nations Language Department, Standing Bear said the movie accurately features the Osage culture and language, perhaps even better than he had expected. When you see the movie, you see our language, which is endangered. But you see our language spoken here, said Standing Bear at a Cannes Film Festival news conference following the films world premiere in May. Turning to actor Robert De Niro beside him, Standing Bear said, You can probably talk better Osage than some of our Osage. ... I got very excited about some of his Osage. The film is based on American journalist David Granns bestselling book, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. The book tells the story of how the Osage Nations oil wealth soon turned into a string of more than 60 murders and suspicious deaths from 1920-1925. Often called The Reign of Terror, these years were a dark time in the Osage Nations history. One of the biggest challenges for Killers of the Flower Moon was making sure the language was accurate. Vann Bighorse was the director of the Osage Nation Language Department at the time of filming and said each star was assigned to different Osage language teachers. The star-studded cast includes De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, who is also known for her work in the filmed-in-Oklahoma series Reservation Dogs. Gladstone, who grew up in the Blackfeet reservation in Montana, plays Mollie Burkhart. Its so inspiring to see all of these people working to preserve and revitalize this language, Gladstone said in an interview with Vogue. I took classes for four months before going on set and then was brushing up constantly. Ive lost it now, but by the time I left the set, I was starting to be able to construct my own sentences in Osage. Its funny because thats so much further than where I am with the Blackfeet language, even though I grew up hearing bits and pieces of it. Braxton Redeagle, the current director of the Osage Nations Language Department, said although he didnt want an on-screen role, he helped teach some of the actors and correct the language as needed in post-production. We got to build some of the language for the scenes to where (its) a full-blown conversation or its in a very unique setting where people are speaking with passion and emotion, going back and forth, or some of the scenes have even humor laced into them, Redeagle said. You get to make that language alive in an immersed environment. Having the language be seen in a living environment was something very important to the Osage Nation, as it is essential for revitalization efforts. When you are the people that are being represented, and you dont have any representation there, you have questions and you wonder and have concerns, film ambassador Chad Renfro said. We were in touch with these people (film directors) almost from the start of the process. Chief Standing Bear made it very clear that we wanted them to represent our language, our culture, our music, anything that has to do with the Osage. He made it very clear that we wanted to be part of that. Preservation becomes a necessity The Osage Nations Language and Culture offices are in the heart of Osage County in Pawhuska. Painted on the outside of the red brick building is a colorful mural displaying a dancer with the phrase Osage Language behind him. Having their language this prominent wasnt always the case. Most Osage people born after 1940 spoke English before learning Osage, which caused the language to become diluted. To revitalize and save the language, the Osage Nation added a language department to its government in 2003. Then, in 2005, the last known fluent Osage speaker died. The department oversees all things to do with Osage language development but specifically answers translation requests, updates an online dictionary and continues to advocate for revitalization efforts. For the past 20 years, the Osage language has been further developed. It is now taught in schools across Osage County, and community classes are taught to both Osage and non-Osage people. Having non-Osage people interested in the language is a huge privilege due to the international spotlight Killers of the Flower Moon is placing on the Osage Nation, Redeagle said. He encourages people to use resources the Osage Nation provides to ensure they are not appropriating the culture and language. The Osage Nation language department has English-to-Osage and Osage-to-English dictionaries on its website for those interested in learning the language. Multiple apps have been developed to encourage learning Osage at all ages, including a retelling of a generations-old Osage story, The Coyote and the Bear. Retelling stories and sharing traditions are important to Osage people. Bridging technology with tradition is one of the many ways they are continuing to support emerging speakers. Right now, there are around 25 emerging speakers that are moving toward fluency, but many more people have enrolled in the community classes, which often run September to May, Redeagle said. He anticipates more interest in these classes after Killers of the Flower Moon releases and is hopeful the movie educates people about Osage communities and furthers the nations revitalization efforts. In the 1920s, people knew the Osage language if they wanted to do business with the Osage Nation, or married into the Osage Nation, or had friends who were Osage people, Redeagle said. If we get to the point where we want to be, then it will be a necessity where if you want to interact with Osage people, then the language is a key piece to that. Trouble with translation Translating one language to another often presents unique challenges regardless of the language. Since the second generation of Osage is still in its infancy, these challenges can prove to be more difficult. Many times, the language department runs into issues translating idioms or other figures of speech from English to Osage, as many times they are specific to a culture or language, Redeagle said. Ideally, movie scenes meant to be spoken in Osage would have been crafted originally in Osage, but Redeagle said he understands that wasnt possible with this large of a production. Ultimately, theyre going to have scenes theyre going to cut and theyre going to have scenes that theyre going to rewrite, Redeagle said about the film, which releases Oct. 20. Theres going to be dialogue that they change and incorporate. And so, throughout the process, we didnt know which of these scenes were going to make it in, and we didnt know what language would be included. Despite knowing there will be creative liberties, Redeagle said he is still glad directors worked with the language department to find the best translations possible and represent the Osage people on a worldwide scale. Were just in such a very privileged time for the Osage Nation and for the Osage people and language, Redeagle said. We have a lot of opportunities that are coming around that havent really been here in a long time, or in some cases ever. Jimmie Tramel Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Jimmie Tramel 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 Three motion picture adaptations of books by Tulsa author S.E. Hinton were shot in her hometown in the 1980s. The films: Tex, The Outsiders and Rumble Fish. The last of those to reach movie screens is celebrating a milestone this month. Rumble Fish was released 40 years ago Oct. 21, 1983. The Outsiders House Museum is presenting a Rumble Fish 40th anniversary exhibition Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8. The exhibition wont be at the museum. Instead, the exhibition will be housed at 810 E. Third St. Hours are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. In honor of the 40th anniversary exhibition, here are 30 things to know about Rumble Fish: 1. Francis Ford Coppola directed The Outsiders and Rumble Fish. Shooting for both films took place in Tulsa in 1982. There was about a two-week break in between projects, and Coppola essentially used the same crew for both ventures. 2. Matt Dillon and Diane Lane starred in both films. In The Outsiders, Dillons Dallas Winston character flirted with and antagonized Lanes Cherry Valance in a scene at the Admiral Twin Drive-In. In Rumble Fish, Lane plays Patty, the girlfriend of Dillons character, Rusty James. 3. Rusty James is always called Rusty James. No one calls him Rusty. 4. Glenn Withrow was cast as greaser Tim Shepard in The Outsiders and comes to the Admiral Twin in search of Dillons character. Withrow and Dillon find each other in Rumble Fish. Their characters rumble early in the film. 5. Hinton made cameo appearances in all three shot-in-Tulsa films. She was a teacher in Tex, directed by Tim Hunter. She was a nurse in The Outsiders and a streetwalker in Rumble Fish. 6. Mickey Rourke auditioned for The Outsiders but wasnt in that film. He starred as Motorcycle Boy in Rumble Fish. Motorcycle Boy is an older brother admired by Dillons character. 7. The original motorcycle used by Motorcycle Boy in Rumble Fish was recently acquired by the Outsiders House Museum. Danny OConnor, the museums founder, said the cycle was found in a barn in Jenks by Zachary Matthews after being unseen for 40 years. 8. Homework? We didnt have much time when we started, Rourke told the Tulsa World in 83. Coppola just gave me a stack of books by guys like (Albert) Camus to read. But he gave us a lot of room to try things. 9. Cinematographer Steve Burum made grand use of color in The Outsiders. Rumble Fish was a different flex. Rumble Fish was shot in black and white. Many scenes pack visual punch. A you-know-this-is-Tulsa image arrives when a Mayo Hotel sign is illuminated in the downtown skyline. 10. If an early scene looks like something that might take place in a musical, its because the Rumble Fish creative team included Michael Smuin of the San Francisco Ballet. Smuin collaborated with stunt coordinator Buddy Joe Hooker to craft a stylish fight scene that takes place early in the film. 11. Actor William Smith (Rich Man, Poor Man) was cast in tough-guy roles throughout his career. He played Clint Eastwoods bare-knuckles equal in Any Which Way You Can. Smith played a convenience store clerk in The Outsiders and, in Rumble Fish, he played a police officer who has no love for Motorcycle Boy. 12. Music artist Tom Waits pops up often in Coppola films. Its Waits face you see when Ponyboy and Johnny Cade go to the roadhouse in The Outsiders. Waits is a barkeeper at Bennys Billiards in Rumble Fish. 13. Stewart Copeland from the English rock band The Police was enlisted to handle the music (described as experimental) and soundtrack for Rumble Fish. Copeland visited Long Branch Studios in Tulsa to work on the project. In October of 1982, Bill Belknap, chief engineer and part owner of Longbranch Studios, told the Tulsa Tribune he and Copeland worked 70 hours at the studio over a four-day span. A Tribune story said Copelands instrumental score featured myriad sound effects, plus guitar, drums, keyboards and other instruments mostly played by him. We started with the clock sounds, Belknap told the Tribune. We added all kinds of things car horns, piledrivers everything we could think of that is percussive and implies rhythm. We used other effects, like breaking glass, pool balls and a car engine running. It wasnt easy getting the sound effects on the same beat in synch. 14. The actor first seen and the actor who delivers the first line in Rumble Fish is Laurence Fishburne. Four years earlier, Fishburne was in the cast of Coppolas Apocalypse Now. 15. Tulsas Doug Claybourne was a producer on Rumble Fish. He gave up a job as an art director at a magazine to study film in California and began his association with Coppola by volunteering to work on Apocalypse Now. He graduated to first assistant director, relying on personal experiences in Vietnam to coordinate helicopter scenes. 16. Seated at a barstool in the opening scene of Rumble Fish is actor Christopher Penn, brother of Sean Penn. Christopher Penn was in two 1983 films released on the same date. The other one was All the Right Moves with Tom Cruise, an alum of The Outsiders. 17. Rusty James biggest ally is Steve, played by Vincent Spano, who, in 1979, was a cast mate in Dillons first film, Over the Edge. 18. Body doubles? The Tulsa Tribune reported that Tulsans John Patrick Kinnear, Kevin Chumley and Rick Askew were hired as stand-ins for Spano, Rourke and Dillon, respectively. 19. Rusty James core group of friends includes Smokey, played by Nicolas Cage. Born Nicolas Coppola, Cage is a nephew of the director. The family tie didnt help Cage when he tried to land a role in The Outsiders. Prior to the release of Rumble Fish, Cage had a bit part in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and starred in Valley Girl. 20. Speaking of family, Sofia Coppola (Francis daughter) plays Diane Lanes younger sister in Rumble Fish. She also had a bit part as a girl asking greasers for money outside a burger joint in The Outsiders. If you dont see Sofia in the credits, its because she was billed as Domino. 21. Gian-Carlo Coppola, one of Coppolas sons, had a minor role in Rumble Fish. 22. Rumble Fish was filmed primarily in Tulsa and Sapulpa. Vacant buildings in Tulsas historic Greenwood District were transformed into faux night life businesses, neon and all. Francis wanted to use it, production manager Tom Hammel told the Tulsa World. Actually, we were hoping to find some place just like this in Tulsa, he said, making reference to the neon. But there wasnt anyplace that looked like this. 23. The Tulsa Tribune reported that 224 extras were used for a night life street shoot. Payment was $35 more if your vehicle was used. 24. The cast included Diana Scarwid as a girl who has history with Motorcycle Boy. Before Rumble Fish, Scarwid earned an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress for her work in Inside Moves. 25. Dennis Hopper, who previously worked with Coppola on Apocalypse Now, played the father of Motorcycle Boy and Rusty James. 26. In an interview with the Tulsa World one week before the release date, Dillon, who is from New York, said filming in Oklahoma was a little strange at first. He said his friendship with Hinton eased his fears. 27. Coppola did not attend a New York premiere of the film. A telegram indicated he was absent due to health and a loss of time on the shooting of his next film, Cotton Club. 28. Reviews? A Tulsa Tribune film critic wrote that the film is not for everyone: People who enjoy cinema as art and like to see artist-like qualities in movies will find many rewards here. It is a welcome relief from a Flashdance summer. 29. Claybourne said in a pre-release interview that he is proud of Rumble Fish because it is a movie with something to say: What it has to say is life is out of balance people and things are moving fast. Time is running out on all of us. Were in the same kind of world as Rusty James and the Motorcycle Boy. The world is getting smaller and smaller, and the only way out is to think. Continuing, Claybourne said the idea was to make an intelligent film for teenagers something they can sink their teeth into, be challenged by. Its a tough movie to get a handle on, and I think thats wonderful. 30. Not every creature in Rumble Fish appears in shades of black and white. Siamese fighting fish at a pet store are brightly colored. Motorcycle Boy wants to set them free. See the movie for the rest of the story. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Tech giant unveils new processor for text-to-image AI generation on smartphones By Park Jae-hyuk Samsung Electronics made a series of announcements demonstrating its competitiveness in semiconductor production, as the chip industry expands alongside artificial intelligence (AI) and the emergence of ChatGPT. Aiming to lead the global AI chip industry, the Korean tech giant has come up with a new mobile processor for advanced AI performance, while joining hands with startups here and overseas that specialize semiconductor design. During the Samsung System LSI Tech Day event in Silicon Valley, Thursday (local time), the company unveiled the Exynos 2400, its next-generation flagship mobile processor that enables a 14.7 times boost in AI performance compared to the previous Exynos 2200. Samsung demonstrated text-to-image AI generation using its Exynos 2400 reference board. The new AI tool is expected to be available on the Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphone, which will be released next year. Samsung's Zoom Anyplace technology, unveiled for the first time, uses AI-based tracking to capture close-ups of moving objects up to four times closer without image degradation. In addition, Samsung had an in-depth discussion with academic experts at the event about the recent trends in generative AI and large language models, according to the company. Generative AI has quickly emerged as perhaps the most significant trend of the year, demanding more powerful foundational technologies to process data and bring AI to life, Samsung Electronics President Park Yong-in said. We are paving the path toward a new era of proactive AI. Amid TSMCs dominance of AI chip manufacturing, Samsung also won orders from AI chip startups in Korea, Canada and the U.S. Partnership with fabless companies Rebellions, a Korean fabless company specializing in AI chips, said Thursday that it will jointly develop a new AI chip, Rebel, by the end of next year with Samsung. The partnership is intended to gain the upper hand in the rapidly growing generative AI market. Rebellions and Samsung are teaming up to develop generative AI chips featuring cutting-edge 4-nanometer technology, the most advanced HBM3E memory, and chiplet packaging, a Rebellions official said. Chiplets are are tiny integrated circuits (ICs) that contain a well-defined subset of functionality. Jeong Ki-bong, vice president of Samsung Foundry, said the company regards its system semiconductors, especially those for AI, as the key to its business in the future. On Oct. 2, Tenstorrent announced its next-generation AI chiplets will be manufactured at Samsungs U.S. factory. The Canadian firm is led by CEO Jim Keller, a legendary American microprocessor engineer best known for his work at AMD and Apple. Samsung Foundrys commitment to advancing semiconductor technology aligns with our vision for advancing RISC-V and AI and makes them an ideal partner to bring our AI chiplets to market, Keller said. The two companies signed the partnership after Keller hinted at Tenstorrents collaboration with Samsung, during his attendance at the Samsung Foundry Forum in June. Samsung Foundry is expanding in the U.S., and we are committed to serving our customers with the best available semiconductor technology, Samsungs U.S. foundry business head Marco Chisari said. Samsungs advanced silicon manufacturing nodes will accelerate Tenstorrents innovations in RISC-V and AI for data center and automotive solutions. In August, Groq, a U.S. AI solutions company founded by engineers from Google, selected Samsung as the manufacturer of its semiconductor for AI acceleration. Our partnership with Samsung will allow us to continue that leap forward, by tapping into the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies available, Groq CEO Jonathan Ross said at that time. Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader Staff Writer Follow Sharon Bishop-Baldwin 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 SAND SPRINGS Few people would argue that ever-advancing technology, global pandemics and a worldwide workforce have been changing the face of business, but some of the challenges are particularly noticeable in the manufacturing sector. The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel discussion recently featuring three local experts on the subject. Jeff Lane started working at Cust-O-Fab in 1995 after completing welding school. He rose through the ranks at the Sand Springs heat-transfer business and is now the director of operations. But the workforce he sees before him today doesnt look like it did when he started out on the shop floor 28 years ago. The baby boomers have been retiring for a while now, he said. It seems like millennials make up two-thirds of the entire workforce, and its harder to hire now than it was 20 years ago. I think the younger generation, they dont want to come in and work big ol long, hard work weeks like what I grew up with. Theyre more technologically advanced. As a result, Lane said, manufacturers themselves are adapting. There are a lot of changes in the technology (as well as in the) strategy to get the younger generation in here, he said. The goal is to make the employees operators in a more-automated world rather than workers doing the demanding physical labor of days gone by, he said. Another goal is to give workers a better work-life balance, he said. Lane recalled that in his early days with the company, it wasnt unusual to work 13 consecutive days of 12-hour shifts, take one day off, and then repeat that pattern. Although the 12-hour shifts are still in place, little else about that work model remains, he said, adding that todays employees get paid time off and are encouraged to take vacations, see the doctor and other activities that might once have been frowned upon. Like Lane at Cust-O-Fab, Jene Harmon started out on the shop floor at Webco Industries in 1985. Today hes that companys vice president of strategy and marketing and is looking at a workforce that doesnt resemble the one in which he cut his teeth. Citing an article he read recently, Harmon said that about half the number of folks between 16 and 25 are in the workforce today than there were 30 years ago. That makes it really difficult to fill manufacturing positions, he said. Another challenge in manufacturing is overcoming the rampant popularity of remote work. COVID kind of got people in a mindset that they want to work from home work remote and for us, thats really difficult, he said. The thing I want people here to think about is that if a job is remote, if you can work remote, how easy is it to offshore? How easy is it to let somebody who works in India or the Philippines do that work? Dont put yourself in a corner by demanding to work at home, he advised. Harmon said a big focus at Webco, which manufactures precision welded tubing, is on making jobs less physical and improving automation and efficiency. Folks dont want to and dont have to work as hard physically anymore, he said. Harmon also predicted that a labor shortage will continue for the foreseeable future. As long as anybody in this room is alive, its going to be difficult to find good people to do the things you want to do, he said. What that means, Harmon said, is that companies must be more competitive in adapting to changing labor force demands, such as providing more lucrative benefits packages and starting to recruit workers earlier, even while they are in high school. Heather Williams, the client services coordinator for Tulsa Technology Center, said the changing workforce landscape has an effect on education, as well. Companies are coming to us to see how we can upscale and retrain their current employees, she said. To retain those employees is one of the big things we see. We know these companies have a commitment to stay in this area, so we can help them do that. The presence of a manufacturer in a community is often a bellwether to the communitys financial stability, and Cust-O-Fab, Webco and Tulsa Technology Center have all made a point of strengthening their commitments to Sand Springs and the other cities in which they have a presence. Webco was founded in Sand Springs in 1969, Harmon said. The company has roughly 1,400 employees, he said, adding that we have 600 employees that call Sand Springs their home. Within 20 miles of Sand Springs, we have over 1,000, but 600 of us that live and work in Sand Springs every day. Besides the companys well-known local philanthropy, its employees contribute to Sand Springs via tax revenue and property ownership, he said. Lane, noting that Cust-O-Fab celebrated 50 years in Sand Springs last year, said the company has a lot of employees, many of whom have moved to Sand Springs to be closer to work. The guys in the shop go out to eat lunch every day. They buy gas here, he said. Our customers come to visit to look at their jobs, and they stay in the hotels. Lane also noted Cust-O-Fabs local philanthropy with such entities as the school system and law enforcement. Williams said Tulsa Tech works hand in hand with local businesses and manufacturers to tailor the training it offers to workforce needs. That includes providing fresh talent for ever-changing industries but also customizing training for the employees that already work in the manufacturing field. But are the continued advancements in technology going to make those workers themselves obsolete? The panelists didnt think so. I saw a speaker last April, and it was about AI, or artificial intelligence, Harmon said, adding that someone asked the speaker, Is AI going to take my job? Harmon said the speaker replied, No, but somebody who uses AI probably will. Lane agrees, adding that in his experience, technological advancements increase employee numbers, not reduce them. He recalled that when Cust-O-Fabs Catoosa shop opened to build air coolers, the company bought a robotic machine to do some of the work, and immediately with that machine, we had the need to hire 10 people, he said. So that one machine that can cut steel and prep it, fed the need to hire 10 people. With a lot of the new technologies that are available, companies that use them dont replace people; theyre able to grow, Lane said. I dont believe it really replaces people. Its almost necessary to continue to grow, he said. If we stayed old school and totally did things the way we did, we wouldnt be able to compete in todays market. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Kevin Canfield Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Kevin Canfield 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 At Fridays press conference announcing that the Tulsa County Republican and Democratic parties have come together to work with businesses to recruit more poll workers, Mike Neal said out loud what surely many in the room and elsewhere were thinking. I thought hell might freeze over before something like this happened today, said Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Its quite amazing. The something that happened was the unveiling of the Adopt a Precinct program at the Tulsa County Election Board. The initiative, which will be facilitated by the chamber, aims to get businesses across the county involved in recruiting their employees to work at voting precincts on Election Days in 2024 and beyond. Neal said employers will be asked to provide their employees with paid leave time to work at the polls. We really are here to address an issue that affects the foundation of the democracy of our country thats really the shortage of poll workers, Neal said. The program was initiated by former Tulsa County Republican Party Chairman Bob Jack after the Tulsa County Election Board reached out to the Republican and Democratic parties looking for ideas on how to attract more poll workers. Heres the thing: We cant disagree on everything. Right? And there are going to be some things that we can agree on that we can work together (on), said Ronda Vuillemont-Smith, current chairwoman of the Tulsa County Republican Party. And its time that there are some adults in the room. And so we want to be the adults in the room and say, Were going to put aside party differences, and we are going to work together toward the common good, and thats what this common good is: Its Adopt a Precinct. Tulsa County Democratic Party Chairman Bruce Niemi began his remarks with a twist of his own on the historic nature of Fridays announcement. A friend of mine commented on the way over here that Ronda and I should get the Nobel Peace Prize, Niemi said. Tulsa County Election Board Secretary Gwen Freeman praised the parties for looking beyond politics and uniting to help staff elections. To my knowledge, this type of partnership initiative between our major political parties and our Tulsa Regional Chamber is not only innovative but unprecedented, Freeman said. They have my eternal gratitude. Tulsa Regional Chamber officials said they will send out information on the program to their roughly 2,000 member businesses on Monday but stressed that all businesses are welcome to participate. Other chambers of commerce in the region also will be made aware of the Adopt a Precinct initiative. Businesses interested in participating can get more information and sign up at tulsachamber.com/adoptaprecinct. Under state law, poll workers from each of the two largest parties the Republican and Democratic must be present at each polling station. To be eligible to become a poll worker, an individual must be a registered voter in Tulsa County and be available for a full day of paid training. Inspectors are paid $110 a day and judges and clerks $100 a day. Pay increases approved by the state Legislature this year will boost those figures to $225 and $200, respectively, effective July 1, 2024. Tulsa County has 251 voting precincts. Typically, three election workers are assigned to each polling place an inspector, a judge and a clerk. But to cover for poll workers who call in sick or to address other unforeseen circumstances that could arise on Election Day, the Election Board tries to have hundreds of more election workers available than the 753 that would typically work a countywide election. Freeman said that since the pandemic of 2020, it has been difficult for the Election Board to get enough poll workers. For the March election on legalizing recreational marijuana, the Election Board found itself short 57 precinct workers. Leading up to Election Day, the shortage had reached 301. Over the last few years, we have seen a steady and disturbing decline in the number of qualified people who are willing to work our polls on Election Day, Freeman said. And with the presidential election right around the corner, this should be a matter of great concern for all of us here in Tulsa County. Freeman said several factors were responsible for the decline in precinct volunteers, including COVID-19 and the contentious political climate, but she acknowledged that she still hasnt wrapped her head around why the numbers have dropped so significantly. Theres no one real reason for it, she said. If there was, I wish I knew what it was. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. The joke among supporters of marriage equality is that all couples, regardless of orientation, deserve the right to be stressed out and miserable on their wedding day. If thats the case, then marriage equality reached Oklahoma nine years ago today. Same-sex couples took the plunge in Tulsa County after the U.S. Supreme Court denied an appeal by Oklahoma and four other states Indiana, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin seeking to keep same-sex marriages illegal in those states. The owner of a Colorado Springs-based green funeral home that is under investigation after authorities found more than 100 bodies stored on site has Tulsa-area ties. Jon Michael Hallford, owner of Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs, is listed in social media accounts as being from Wagoner and had worked as a funeral director at his familys Muskogee funeral home, according to a previous Tulsa World story. Hallford was licensed as an apprentice here from 2001-04, Oklahoma Funeral Board records show. On his public Instagram account, Hallford states that he is a 2004 graduate of the Dallas Mortuary School. His Colorado funeral home is currently under investigation by authorities there for improper handling of remains. According to The Associated Press, police on Friday said they have found at least 115 bodies at the Colorado Springs-based funeral homes location in Penrose, Colorado. The facility performed green burials, meaning without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. The investigation centered on a building in Penrose owned by the funeral home where local residents reported smelling a stench before police became involved, the AP reported. In a 2017 interview with the Colorado Springs Gazette about the opening of the business, Hallford is described as a fourth-generation Oklahoma funeral director. He made headlines in Oklahoma in 2006 when as a candidate for Muskogee City Council he was charged in connection with a prank in which he and friends invaded a slumber party wearing masks and brandishing firearms. As reported by the Tulsa World then, Hallford pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of pointing a deadly weapon. Hallford admitted that he used very bad judgment and that the prank was a mistake but added that he believed the timing of the charge might be politically motivated. The article states that Hallford at the time was a Muskogee funeral director working at his familys business. Deputies in Colorado were called to the Penrose building on Tuesday night in reference to a suspicious incident, the AP reported. Fremont County Sheriffs Office investigators returned the next day with a search warrant and found the improperly stored remains. Officials said whether a crime has been committed is not yet clear and that the funeral home operators are cooperating. Hallford opened the green funeral home with his wife, Carie Hallford, and Jack Dhoog, the Gazette article states. According to reports, the building and lot are owned by Hallfordhomes LLC. Also, Jon and Carie Hallford are named as defendants in lawsuits that claim they owe multiple people thousands of dollars. Hallfordhomes LLC was declared delinquent on Oct. 1 for failing to file a routine reporting form that was due at the end of July, the AP reported. Hallfordhomes still owes about $5,000 in 2022 property taxes on its building in Penrose. Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. No one answered calls to phone numbers for Hallford, his wife, his father or his mother. LONDON Scottish authorities approved the extradition of an American man accused of faking his own death to avoid a rape charge in Utah, but his return to the U.S. may be delayed by another case in Britain. In response to a freedom of information request, the Scottish government on Thursday said an extradition order for the man local officials refer to as Nicholas Rossi was signed Sept. 28. It provided no further information. U.S. authorities said Rossi is one of several aliases the 36-year-old suspect used and his legal name is Nicholas Alahverdian. Alahverdian is charged with sexually assaulting a former girlfriend in Orem, Utah, in 2008, according to the Utah County prosecutor's office. He also faces multiple complaints against him in Rhode Island for alleged domestic violence. Rossi can appeal the Scottish government's decision. His lawyer didn't immediately return a call seeking comment on what his client plans to do. Regardless of what happens in the extradition case, police in England are seeking to interview Rossi in connection with a "non-recent allegation of rape" in the city of Chelmsford that was made in April 2022. If charges are filed against Rossi in that case, those proceedings would have to be wrapped up before he could be extradited. The suspect already fought a prolonged court battle to prevent his return to the United States since he was arrested in December 2021 at a Glasgow hospital, where he was being treated for COVID-19. Rossi, who insisted he was an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight and never set foot on American soil, repeatedly appeared in court in a wheelchair using an oxygen mask and speaking in a British accent. The government signed the order after Judge Norman McFadyen of Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Aug. 2 ruled that the suspect could be extradited, saying Rossi was "as dishonest and deceitful as he is evasive and manipulative." The man said he was framed by authorities who took his fingerprints while he was in a coma so they could connect him to Rossi. In 24 states, using a false address to get into a better school is a crime In 24 states, using a false address to get into a better school is a crime Data for sale 'Safe and educated' A push for open enrollment Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY A legislative panel on Thursday was told the state needs to enact a moratorium on the death penalty. The House Judiciary Committee for more than three hours heard remarks during an interim study requested by Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow. When you take a life, you better make sure the standard is met for the most heinous of crimes, in my book, said McDugle, who has advocated on behalf of death row inmate Richard Glossip. Attorney Andy Lester several years ago co-chaired the Death Penalty Review Commission, which studied the death penalty and issued recommendations, including instituting a moratorium until the system could be reformed. Virtually none of the commissions 45 recommended reforms were implemented, he said. Whether you support capital punishment or you oppose it, one thing is clear, Lester said. From start to finish, the Oklahoma capital punishment system is badly broken. It is so broken that we cannot know whether someone who has been condemned is actually deserving of the ultimate penalty the state can impose. Fault lines exist in every part of the states death penalty machinery, he said. Problems include faulty evidence, false testimony, including expert testimony, unreliable eye witnesses, withholding of exonerating evidence and the use of jail house informants, he said. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in the mid 1970s, a murder in Tulsa County or Oklahoma County had a high probability of resulting in a death sentence, Lester said. Yet, if a similar murder happened in any of the other 75 counties, a death sentence almost assuredly would not ensue. In the early 2000s after the tenure of Oklahoma County District Attorney Bob Macy, the number of capital cases in Oklahoma County and statewide plummeted, he said. Robert Dunham is the director of the Death Penalty Project and previously served as executive director the Death Penalty Information Center. The death penalty is in a period of historic decline across the United States, he said. This year will be the ninth consecutive year in which there have been 30 or fewer executions and 50 or fewer death sentences, the fewest imposed in any decade since the death penalty was reenacted in 1973, Dunham said. New death sentences are down by more than 85 percent since the mid-1990s, he said. They are also down in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has imposed 419 death sentences and executed 122 people the highest per capita execution rate in the country, Dunham said. No county outside of Texas has executed more people than Oklahoma County and only one county outside Texas has executed more people than Tulsa, Dunham said. Adam Luck is former chairman of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, where he participated in five clemency hearings, and served on the Oklahoma Board of Corrections. Luck said his experience removed any confidence he had in the death penalty. Since 1973, some 195 people have been exonerated from death rows nationwide, of which 11 came from Oklahoma, Luck said. He said he cannot support the death penalty for any case because of the risk of executing an innocent person. Justin Jones, former Oklahoma Department of Corrections director, oversaw 28 executions and witnessed 27. He said he can guarantee the state will have other botched executions. In 2014, Clayton Lockett died of a heart attack some 40 minutes after the state began administering the lethal cocktail. It just takes one (person) who doesnt do their job properly, Jones said. In addition, there could be problems with the drugs used, he said. Jason Hicks, district attorney for Caddo, Grady, Jefferson and Stephens counties, said he is a strong supporter of the death penalty, adding that is reserved for the worst of the worst. Hicks described some of the horrific murder cases he has prosecuted, some of which involved the death of a child or teenager. He said it takes too long from the conviction to the administration of the death penalty. The victims go through hell, Hicks said. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY A law banning transgender care for minors is now in effect after a federal judge refused to put the legislation on hold pending the resolution of a lawsuit. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has said Senate Bill 613 would not be enforced until a decision on the request for a preliminary injunction was resolved. The Attorney Generals Office continues to fulfill its duty to defend Senate Bill 613 and has won a ruling that results in full enforcement of that law, said Phil Bacharach, a Drummond spokesman. Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 1 signed the measure, which had an emergency clause making it effective upon his signature. I am pleased with the courts decision to uphold Oklahomas common sense law protecting children from dangerous, permanent sex change surgeries, Stitt said in a statement Friday. Here in Oklahoma, we protect our kids. Plain and simple. Senate Bill 613 bars health care providers from providing gender-transition treatment or procedures to any child. Those services are defined as medical or surgical services performed for the purpose of attempting to affirm the minors perception of his or her gender or biological sex, if that perception is inconsistent with the minors biological sex. It includes procedures that alter or remove physical or anatomical characteristics or features that are typical for an individuals biological sex. It also includes puberty-blocking drugs, cross-sex hormones, or other drugs to suppress or delay normal puberty or to promote the development of feminizing or masculinizing features consistent with the opposite biological sex. In May, five transgender youths who are receiving treatment, their parents and legal guardians, and one health care provider challenged the measure in federal court. They allege that the law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment because it discriminates based on sex and transgender status. They also allege that it violates the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment because it limits their right to seek medical advice. They asked a Tulsa federal judge in the federal Northern District of Oklahoma to put the law on hold. U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III declined to do so while the case progresses. The Legislatures decision can readily be construed as a rational determination that the risks associated with minors short-term use of the Treatment Protocols to treat precocious puberty are warranted, while the risks associated with minors long-term (and often permanent) use of the Treatment Protocols for gender dysphoria are not, he wrote. It is within the Legislatures purview to determine that it might be appropriate for a minor to use hormone therapy and surgery to address a physiological condition but that it is not for a minor to use it to treat a psychological one, he wrote. Courts have upheld restrictions to prevent minors from engaging in behaviors that are far less risky than those banned by Senate Bill 613, he wrote. Noting that similar bans had been blocked by district courts in several states, attorneys for the plaintiffs said they would continue to fight for the rights of transgender people in the state and across the nation. This is a devastating result for transgender youth and their families in Oklahoma and across the region, the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Oklahoma, Lambda Legal and the law firm Jenner & Block LLP said in a joint statement. Denying transgender youth equality before the law and needlessly withholding the necessary medical care their families and their doctors know is right for them has caused and will continue to cause serious harm. But this is not the end. We are appealing this decision that is completely out of step with all other federal trial courts and that ignores the overwhelming evidence that gender-affirming medical care is safe and effective evidence-based care. Oklahomans for Equality Executive Director Dorothy Ballard said her group was disappointed but undeterred by the ruling. We remain firm in our position that this legislation violates the constitutional rights of transgender youth and their caretakers and will continue at every front available to us until we at last see the state and federal protections long overdue for 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all ages, Ballard said in a prepared statement. Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, is the author of the measure. I am very pleased with the decision, which is completely in line with all other challenges of legislation protecting minor children from transition procedures, she said. Senate Bill 613 did nothing more than delay the ability of individuals to undergo gender transition procedures until the age of 18, and this judge recognized the state does have a role in protecting children in this situation. I am very hopeful we will get a positive result with the final decision of the court. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Editorials Editor Follow Ginnie Graham 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 Earlier this month during public comment time at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting, a person complained about having to sign up to speak at a local school board meeting. A similar grievance was made at a recent Tulsa Public Schools meeting. The criticisms were that anyone ought to speak about anything at any meeting without prior notice. Surely anything less must be suspicious and un-American. Too bad the speakers didnt consult first with the Oklahoma Open Meeting and Records acts. No public body has a requirement to allow any such comments during meetings. Some boards and agencies eliminated public comments completely, only to have a public relations nightmare on their hands. Usually, the compromise is to allow public comments with some rules to control for time, which has been upheld by past court rulings and attorney general opinions. Thats just one example of how Oklahomans dont understand the states government transparency laws. Even more, many elected officials dont understand them, either. One of the best uses of time for any public official is one of the free seminars being offered by the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office in partnership with the Oklahoma Press Association. This program has been offered through the decades to educate public servants on their legal obligations for meetings and records. Four seminars remain this year, with one on Oct. 16 at the Tulsa Technology Center Riverside Campus, 801 E. 91st St. No registration is required. Mark Thomas, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association, has been attending these for years. He said more people are showing interest this year because Attorney General Gentner Drummond has made government transparency among his priorities. The three-hour seminar typically includes about two hours on meetings and an hour on records, though it depends on what people attending want to know. Interest in open meetings is always higher among public officials because this is the time they are sitting in front of the public and they want to know what to do, Thomas said. For records, not all public officials are records clerks or custodians, so there is less interest, but there are always more questions about records. Questions on meetings often center on legal requirements on posting agendas, going into executive sessions and recording votes, Thomas said. Some board members need to know about quorum rules. For records, people often wonder about the definition of prompt and reasonable access to records and when a search fee may be allowed, Thomas said. Rising issues center around texting, video, email, and other electronic communication and documents. This information is important enough for agencies to offer three continuing education credits for those attending. That includes credit hours for attorneys from the Oklahoma Bar Association, new school board members from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, new technology center board members from the State Department of Career and Technology Education, and law enforcement officials from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training. Seminars are being presented by Thomas R. Schneider, deputy general counsel for Drummonds office. My experience is that most public officials want to do the right thing and be as open as possible. But they dont want to inadvertently release something they shouldnt or speak out of turn, potentially causing a human resources problem. That doesnt mean I havent had some officials give me headaches by purposely withholding information or looking for ways around open meetings. So many lawsuits and calls for audits could be prevented if more public officials understand and abided by these laws. From the publics side, too many people dont know what they are legally allowed and not allowed. Some well-meaning residents dont know how to craft a request to get information. Some are confused about how public meetings are supposed to operate. Just like some public officials dont like a lot of light on how they do business, some residents attempt to weaponize the transparency laws for their personal or political gain. These seminars will help navigate those issues. Other seminars being offered in the state this year are on Oct. 30 at Autry Technology Center in Enid, Nov. 13 at Eastern Oklahoma State Colleges McAlester campus and Dec. 11 at Metro Tech in Oklahoma City. If anything, I suggest investing the $33 for the best primer of Oklahoma transparency laws: the Oklahoma Press Associations official Open Meeting & Records book. Its updated annually with the language of the laws and a digest of every related court ruling and attorney general opinion. I keep a copy in my desk. (The book) has a page in both meeting and records sections giving the person some advice on what to say if they think a meeting is not done correctly or how to make a records request. Those are helpful pages to members of the public in the room, Thomas said. Of course, the best education is in-person to truly understand the laws guiding our openness in state and local government. Public officials can meet and hear from each other on how they handle compliance. They can obtain resources for situations that might come up later. I predict that if more public officials and those using these laws often participate in the seminars, the smoother our governments will operate. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. "What separates an F school from an A school? What separates the schools at the top from those at the bottom? Affluence," writes Rep. John Waldron in his latest column. He represents Tulsas District 77 in the Oklahoma House. Previously, he worked as a social studies and history teacher at Booker T. Washington High School. He joins Ginnie Graham to talk about why A-F grades are problematic for the state's schools and districts. They also talk about the state's "lunch debt" problem and some startling statistics on corporal punishment in schools. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) As Kevin McCarthy got pushed out of his job as House speaker, in part by colleagues who helped put him on the dais nine months ago, one of his top lieutenants stepped in to preside at least temporarily. North Carolina GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry took the gavel after Tuesdays vote to oust McCarthy a historic first for a House speaker. According to House rules, McHenry was picked from a list McCarthy was required to keep and will serve essentially as the acting speaker known as speaker pro tempore until the chamber figures out who will be the next leader. For McHenry, who stands out with his signature bow ties, the interim job marks his most public position to date during his 10 terms in the House. But he had already risen in stature and prominence within the House. McHenry was one of McCarthys closest allies, and helped him win the speakers contest in January and negotiate the debt limit deal that McCarthy made with President Joe Biden earlier this year. He helped McCarthy keep his fragile majority together until it came apart following the decision to work with Democrats to keep the federal government open rather than risk a shutdown. He gave a floor speech Tuesday supporting McCarthy. Dee Stewart, McHenrys longtime political consultant and his first chief of staff on Capitol Hill, said it doesnt surprise him that, for now, his close friend is presiding over one of the worlds most important legislative bodies. Hes demonstrated a tremendous acumen as a member of Congress and is widely respected by most everyone who deals with him, said Stewart, who first met McHenry in 1996 at a convention of the North Carolina Federation of College Republicans. One of McHenrys first acts in the temporary position was to oust Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi from her honorary office at the Capitol while she was away in California to pay tribute to the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Pelosi called the eviction a sharp departure from tradition." But she added: Office space doesnt matter to me, but it seems to be important to them. Now that the new Republican Leadership has settled this important matter, lets hope they get to work on whats truly important for the American people. McHenry, who will turn 48 later this month, grew up around the Charlotte area. He went to North Carolina State University before graduating from Belmont Abbey College, a small Catholic school just west of Charlotte. While still in college, he ran unsuccessfully for a state House seat in 1998, but he won four years later at age 27. McHenry had worked for a Washington-based media consulting firm, for George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign, and as a special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Labor. McHenry served just one term in the General Assembly, where he witnessed a historic stalemate over who should be the chamber's speaker. The fight ended with a Democrat and a Republican sharing the job, with each gaveling in sessions on alternate days. But McHenry was looking ahead, and in 2004 he pulled off a Republican primary victory for the seat in the blue-collar, manufacturing-focused 10th Congressional District seat being vacated by the retiring GOP Rep. Cass Ballenger. He advanced to a runoff, where he defeated a popular local sheriff by just 85 votes out of 30,000 cast to win the party nomination. Aides credited McHenry's grassroots campaigning Stewart said they knocked on 60,000 doors for defeating rivals who were nearly twice his age and outspent him heavily. After defeating the Democratic nominee in 2004, McHenry entered Congress as a hardline conservative willing to speak against leadership. He broke against GOP leaders by upholding a campaign promise to vote against the Central American Free Trade Agreement. But over time McHenry rose up the GOP leadership ladder, becoming the Republicans' chief deputy whip in 2015, and a key part of McCarthys team. This year he's been the House Financial Services Committee chairman. McHenry really earned his stripes by (being) willing to take on tough issues in a vocal way during his first couple of terms, Stewart said, adding that he was granted more responsibilities as he demonstrated his loyalty to the conservative cause. Former Speaker John Boehner told Politico in 2017 after leaving office, McHenrys going to be the speaker one day. Stewart was careful about whether McHenry could become the permanent speaker, saying Stewart was taking a wait-and-see approach. McHenry has won reelection by comfortable margins, a reflection of Republican dominance in rural western North Carolina. Married to a U.S. government economist and father to three children, McHenry lives on Lake Norman within the 10th District. Known for his deadpan jokes, McHenry can also have a fiery side. While on the dais Tuesday, he read carefully from a paper saying it would be prudent to recess the House so that party caucuses and conferences could meet to discuss the path forward. McHenry then slammed the gavel down very hard and the footage went viral on social media. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves in Washington contributed to this report. KOLKATA -- At least 40 people were killed after a glacial lake burst its banks and triggered flash floods this week in the Indian Himalayas, government officials told Reuters on Friday as rescuers searched for dozens still missing. The Lhonak Lake in the mountainous Sikkim state overflowed on Wednesday, causing major flooding that authorities said had impacted the lives of 22,000 people. It is the latest deadly weather event in South Asia's mountains being blamed on climate change. Sikkim officials had put the death toll at 18 on Thursday evening. Officials in the neighbouring downstream state of West Bengal told Reuters that emergency teams recovered another 22 bodies that had been washed away. The Indian army said it is planning to evacuate nearly 1,500 stranded tourists using helicopters as weather in the region improves. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected false information with bad intentions about Vietnams crime fighting and prevention work, affirming that the recent arrest of Ngo Thi To Nhien, director of an energy firm, was legal. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang made the rejection at a regular press conference on Thursday in response to a foreign reporter who asked for further information about the arrest of Nhien, director of Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition Social Enterprise. The reporter also questioned the trial of Hoang Thi Minh Hong, director of the Center of Hands-on Actions and Networking for Growth and Environment, which ceased operations in November 2022. We completely reject false information with bad intentions about Vietnams crime fighting and prevention activities as well as Vietnams external relations, Hang stressed. Nhien was arrested and prosecuted on September 20 for allegedly appropriating an organizations documents, as prescribed in Article 342 of the Penal Code, the spokesperson said, citing the Ministry of Public Security. Meanwhile, Hong was tried by the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court on September 28 and was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of tax evasion, Hang added. She affirmed that these two law violations have been treated in accordance with the laws of Vietnam. At a press conference of the public security ministry on September 30, Lieutenant General To An Xo, spokesman for the ministry, said two men had been arrested along with Nhien on the same charge. They included Duong Duc Viet, 44, senior specialist of the investment management committee of the National Power Transmission Corporation under the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), and Le Quoc Anh, 39, head of the system analysis department of the Power Engineering Consulting Company 1. In 2020, after knowing Anh and Viet had the right to access information and documents regarding EVN's planning for power grid development policies, Nhien wanted to appropriate such materials. Nhien then signed employment and expert contracts with the two officials as a form to legitimize the appropriation of documents, and the two men later provided such documents for Nhien. Nhien, Viet, and Anh have committed the offense of appropriating an organization's materials and police are expanding their investigation into the case, Lieutenant General Xo affirmed. The appropriated documents are internal documents that are not allowed to be shared or publicly announced, and are classified as confidential, the official emphasized. After Nhien was prosecuted, a number of foreign media agencies and exiled reactionary organizations published distorted information about the case and falsely accused Vietnam of arresting environmental activists, Xo said. The Ministry of Public Security rejects the above distorted allegations and considers it an act of interference in Vietnam's internal activities, the spokesman stated. There is absolutely no arrest of environmental activists." Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The 14th Vietnam-Singapore defense policy dialogue was held in Hanoi on Thursday afternoon under the co-chairmanship of Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Singaporean Permanent Secretary for Defense Chan Heng Kee. Addressing the event, Chien affirmed that 2023 is a special year, owing to the fact that the two nations celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and 10 years of a strategic partnership that has led to great strides in defense cooperation. Chan also agreed that the year marks a significant milestone in the Vietnam-Singapore relationship and remarked that bilateral defense cooperation has greatly contributed to tightening their strategic partnership. Both sides at the dialogue also discussed international and regional situations and issues of mutual concern. They highly valued the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN-led mechanisms. Chien stressed that Vietnam remains consistent in its foreign policy of independence, resilience, peace, friendship, multilateralization, and diversification, in addition to its 'four nos' defense policy. The 'four nos' defense policy means no military alliances, no siding with one country to act against another, no foreign military bases in Vietnamese territory or using the countrys territory to oppose other countries, and no use or threat of force in international relations. As for the East Vietnam Sea issue, Vietnam affirmed its consistent stance on persistently resolving disputes by peaceful means and on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Chien said. Both sides agreed to continue bolstering bilateral defense cooperation in the years to come. They will focus on facilitating all-level mutual visits in order to share viewpoints on issues of mutual concern. The two sides will also beef up cooperation in human resources training and other potential sectors such as cybersecurity, digital transformation, military medicine, defense industry, and legal affairs. Moreover, both sides will continue to consult and support each other at multilateral forums and mechanisms led by ASEAN, in order to make significant contributions to the consolidation of ASEANs centrality. Wrapping up the dialogue, Chien and Chan witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief between the Office of the National Committee for Incident and Disaster Response, Search and Rescue of Vietnam and the Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Center of Singapore. The signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief between the Office of the National Committee for Incident and Disaster Response, Search and Rescue of Vietnam and the Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Center of Singapore takes place at the 14th Vietnam-Singapore defense policy dialogue held in Hanoi, October 5, 2023. Photo: Ha Thanh / Tuoi Tre 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 and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief on Thursday, as part of the 14th defence policy dialogue between the two nations. The dialogue was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and Singaporean Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Heng Kee in Hanoi. -- Chairman of the lawmaking National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue received Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang in Hanoi on Thursday, lauding the outgoing diplomats significant contributions to relations between the two countries, reported the Vietnam News Agency. Society -- A fire erupted at a plastic packaging manufacturing factory in La Phu Commune under Hoai Duc District in Hanoi at 6:00 pm on Thursday, creating a giant column of black smoke, and disrupting the operations of several trains plying the rail route near the scene of the blaze. -- TikTok Singapore, which provides cross-border services in Vietnam, was asked to deactivate accounts owned by children under 13 and ban children from selling goods on the video platform following inspection results announced by an intersectoral inspection team under the Ministry of Information and Communications on Thursday. -- The Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications discovered and handled 441 scam websites in September. -- The northern region is forecast to experience a heat wave during the daytime on Friday, while many parts of the Central Highlands and southern regions will face medium to heavy rains in the afternoon and evening, according to the national weather center. Business -- Vietnam has much potential to become a logistics hub in the region and the world, heard the 2023 FIATA World Congress, which is being held in Brussels, Belgium. The congress, which will wrap up on Friday, is one of the largest and most important events in the logistics industry. -- The government has tasked the Ministry of Finance with weighing a plan to extend the two-percentage-point value-added tax cut until the end of the first half of 2024 to prop up the economy, the ministry told a press briefing on Thursday afternoon. -- Japans SMC Corporation has added US$120 million to its SMC Manufacturing Vietnam Company project in the Long Duc industrial park in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, raising its total registered capital to $669.4 million. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Quang Ngai Province in central Vietnam on Friday morning brought two men into custody for beating and shooting two female sanitation employees in Quang Ngai City a day earlier, according to a local official. Nguyen Duc Nga, 23, a resident of Phu Ninh District in neighboring Quang Nam Province, and Tran Viet Dong, 24, a resident of Tien Phuoc District, also in Quang Nam Province, had been living in a rented room in Tu Nghia District, Quang Ngai before fleeing to Ba To District, where they were detained. The victims Vo Thi Luu, 42, and Le Thi Minh Khai, 35 are both employees of Quang Ngai Urban Environment JSC. Police in Quang Ngai Province arrest the two men who shot two sanitation workers in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam early Thursday morning. Photo: Supplied by Quang Ngai Police The incident occurred just before midnight on Thursday while Luu and Khai were collecting trash on Pham Van Dong Street in Nghia Chanh Ward, Quang Ngai City. As the two men approached them on motorbike, the two women asked the men to drive safely. The men responded by swearing at the workers before driving off. About an hour later, both men returned to Pham Van Dong Street to find the two workers. They then disembarked from their motorbike and began beating Khai. Luu tried to stop them but one of the men opened fire and shot Luu in the thigh and Khai in the leg. Luu and Khai were rushed to nearby Phuc Hung Hospital for emergency treatment. Their health is now stable. The Secretary of the Quang Ngai Party Committee asked that provincial police to mobilize police officers at all levels to capture the two men. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Vietnam Pho Festival 2023, slated for Saturday and Sunday in Japan, is sure to cook up nostalgic memories of Vietnams most famous dish. Hoang Minh Hiep first arrived in Japan in 2005 as part of a scholarship program. Far from home, it wasnt until his Japanese host mother cooked him a bowl of pho ga (chicken pho) that he began to feel in his new surroundings. I will definitely tell my [Japanese host mother] about the upcoming pho festival, said Hiep. According to Hiep, his host mother, Kyoko, learned how to cook pho from the internet and managed to find all the necessary ingredients herbs, ginger, coriander, spring onion, noodles, chicken at a Chinese wet market near her home in Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Maybe she believed that pho would help ease my homesickness, Hiep explained. Kyoko made pho for Hiep several times during his stay in Japan. Each time, the nostalgic scent of the dish helped the host mother and the student form a stronger connection. After finishing his studies, Hiep remained in Japan to serve as an engineer at Panasonic, but eventually returned to Vietnam to work as a Japanese interpreter. Though it has been nearly two decades since he first arrived at her house, Hiep still keeps in touch with Kyoko and the two often enjoy pho together when he travels to Japan for work. Pho Tai in Paris, France. Photo: Dinh Thu Binh Not quite right French national Guillaume Astaud tried pho for the first time during a visit to his wifes hometown, Hanoi, and immediately fell in love with the dish. But it isnt just the aromatic broth that has Astaud hooked on what is arguably Vietnams most famous cuisine. It is the banh quay nong that typically accompanies a bowl of pho in northern Vietnam. Banh quay nong is essentially fried wheat dough that has been formed into a stick. It is often served alongside steaming bowls of pho in Vietnam. In fact, Astaud fell so deeply in love with banh quay nong that he admitted he is often let down when he eats pho in France, where the banh quay nong is often much sweeter and denser in comparison to Vietnam where the banh quay nong is crispy and light. Astaud and his wife named Dinh Thu Binh reside in Montfrin, just outside Avignon, France, the pho near her home is relatively expensive and far from delicious. It is only when Binh and Astaud make the 700-kilometer journey to the bustling Vietnamese community in Pariss 13th arrondissement that Binh can enjoy a tasty, authentic bowl of pho at Pho Tai a Michelin-starred Vietnamese eatery. Bringing pho to the world Vietnam is working hard to bring its most popular dish to the world and events like Vietnam Pho Festival 2023, slated for this weekend in Tokyos Yoyogi Park, are part of making that happen. This years festival is co-hosted by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Saigontourist Group, and the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City. It will feature dozens of chefs, including Hoa Hoi Vang (Golden Star Anise) award winners Nguyen Tien Hai, Nguyen Tu Tin, and Pham Quang Duy. The 'Hoa Hoi Vang' award is granted each year at the annual 'Day of Pho' event to honor pho chefs from across Vietnam. Restaurants scheduled to participate in this years festival include Pho Dau, Pho Hai Thien, Hotel Majestic Saigon, Pho Phu Gia, PhoS, Sen SASCO, Pho Ta, Binh Tay Food, Pho VGCC, and Pho Thin Bo Ho. The event has also received support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Japanese partners and friends such as Aoyagi Yoichiro, member of Japan's House of Representatives. The festivals sponsors include national carrier Vietnam Airlines, Suntory Beverage & Food, Southern Airports Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO), Dai-ichi Life, and PhoS. Miss Intercontinental 2022 Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc is this years ambassador for the festival. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Dao Khuong Duy, a seventh grader in Ben Tre Province, southern Vietnam, has bagged the third prize in the Universal Postal Union (UPU)s 52nd International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People. He was awarded the prize in Saudi Arabia on Thursday (local time) during the closing plenary of the UPUs fourth Extraordinary Congress. This is the first time Ben Tre Province has seen its student win a prize in the global UPU contest. A student from Kenya won the first prize, while another from Portugal came second. This years competition was attended by students from 38 nations and territories. During the 52nd edition, participating children aged between nine and 15 were required to write a letter explaining which superpowers they would need to achieve their mission of making roads safe for all children. In his letter, Duy makes him become a superhero named S-24/7 to protect children around the world from traffic accidents. A panel of judges included Agostina Massarini from the International Road Federation, Jon Cerezo Abeijon from the UN Economic Commission for Europe, and Annie Hammenrudh from the UN Department for Safety and Security. Dao Khuong Duy attends the awards ceremony for the Universal Postal Union (UPU)s 52nd International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People in Saudi Arabia, October 5, 2023. Photo: Supplied The panel highly valued the winners creativeness, knowledge, and imagination, as well as their affection and desire shown in their letters. Hammenrudh said that she was impressed by the Vietnamese students letter. At the awards ceremony, the three winners read their letters and had talks with Marjan Osvald, deputy director general of the UPU. I am very happy and surprised at the high prize. My family and school are pleased too, said Duy from Huynh Tan Phat Middle School. Duy, wearing his school uniform including a white shirt and dark pants, attended the awards ceremony. On this occasion, the Vietnamese student presented coconut candies, which is the Mekong Delta provinces specialty, and bamboo dragonflies, a traditional craft product, to the two other winners and the organizer, in the hope of popularizing the image of Vietnam to international friends. Coconut candy is tasty, and bamboo dragonflies are beautiful. I hope the recipients will always remember me, a Vietnamese student, when they eat the candy and admire the toys, Duy said before his trip to Saudi Arabia to receive the prize. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, Japan, where the Vietnam Pho Festival 2023 will be held this weekend, is in the best time of the year with yellow leaves, fresh persimmons, and red rosa multiflora. The park is divided into two main areas: one for trees and a bird sanctuary and one for an outdoor stage and a stadium. The Vietnam Pho Festival 2023, themed "Harmonious Flavors: Enjoying and Exploring Vietnamese Culinary Culture, is an important stride of the Day of Pho (December 12), hosted annually by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, as it will be held abroad for the first time. The event aims to enhance the global recognition of Vietnamese culinary culture, particularly pho, a Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat usually beef or chicken. The Yoyogi Park daily welcomes a high number of local and foreign visitors to explore the green lung of Tokyo The event is co-organized by Tuoi Tre and Saigontourist Group in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association, and several Japanese partners. Among the many chefs scheduled to attend Vietnam Pho Festival 2023 are winners of the Hoa Hoi Vang (Golden Star Anise) award Nguyen Tien Hai, Nguyen Tu Tin, and Pham Quang Duy. 'Hoa Hoi Vang' is awarded each year during the 'Day of Pho' to honor pho chefs from across Vietnam. In autumn, leaves of trees in the park turn yellow, creating a poetic scene Participating restaurants at this years event include Pho Dau, Pho Hai Thien, Hotel Majestic Saigon, Pho Phu Gia, PhoS, Sen SASCO, Pho Ta-Binh Tay Food, Pho VGCC, and Pho Thin Bo Ho. The festival will be rolled out in association with national carrier Vietnam Airlines, Suntory Beverage & Food, Southern Airports Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO), Dai-ichi Life, Simply Food, and some other enterprises. Miss Intercontinental 2022 Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc is this years ambassador for the festival. The park looks like donning a new coat with different kinds of flowers in each season of the year. Besides yellow leaves, visitors can admire long-lived rosa multiflora A lake, a fountain, and benches along a path make the park become more romantic Meiji-jingu, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, is located next to the Yoyogi Park A corner of Meiji-jingu The 'Vietnam Pho Festival 2023' is the first pho festival to be held at the Yoyogi Park. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Rumours are true Marcia Hines is returning as a judge of Australian Idol for 2024. She joins Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark on the panel for the returning Seven show. The original Idol judge was a guest judge last year which was well-received by fans and previously teased a return in a podcast. It isnt clear if there will be a fourth judge with Harry Connick Jr. and Meghan Trainor in doubt to return. Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie return as hosts. Raw auditions have been underway since August. Filming with audience begins next week in Sydney for the arrival of judges, with an audition later this month at Roslyn Packer Theatre. Tix are available here. Seven holds its 2024 Upfronts on October 18. Update: According to media reports, Meghan Trainor and Harry Connick Jr. are not returning. The White House has starting making plans for a face-to-face meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco next month, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing senior administration officials. The Washington Post quoted an administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, saying the possibility of a meeting was "pretty firm." We're beginning the process of planning, the official told the Post. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House did not have an immediate comment. Biden and Xi's last meeting was on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia in November 2022. The meeting would follow other high-level engagements between the two countries in recent months, including visits from high profile U.S. officials to China like Secretary of State Antony Blinken in June, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in July and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in August. More recently, Blinken met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in New York and U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta. (Reuters) Ahead of Mondays Four Corners episode screening, ABC management has indicated it will not reveal its sources. The episode includes footage of climate change protestors outside the home of Woodside CEO Meg ONeill in Perth. Western Australian police have applied through the courts for footage via the Order to Produce provisions of the WA Criminal Investigations Act. The law compels organisations to comply. But ABC managing director, David Anderson today said, We dont reveal our sources, we never have and never will. He made no further comment and did not explicitly rule out handing the vision to police. MEAA, which represents more than 5000 journalists and other media workers, is also concerned that the Order to Produce rides roughshod over a journalists obligations to protect sources. We urge the ABC to stand firm and not hand over the footage, said MEAA Media Federal President Karen Percy. This is a direct threat to press freedom and the ability of investigative journalists to cover this important story. Protecting sources is sacrosanct for journalists. To reveal sources is contrary to the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics. This law is an outrageous over-reach and the WA Police should not proceed with this action. Its ironic that a story looking at the extreme measures being used by the powerful to shutdown climate activism, is itself under threat by extreme measures. MEAAs ABC House Committee has also met today urging the ABC not to hand over the footage and to resist all efforts by the WA Police Force to obtain the footage. A statement endorsed by the House Committee says: To be seen to be cooperating with the release of footage would not only be morally and ethically wrong; it would seriously damage the ABCs reputation for creating valuable, public interest journalism and make the position of ABC journalists much more difficult. Journalism has a long and storied history of resisting legal compulsion when it is against the public interest. We demand immediate assurances that the ABC executive will not hand the vision to WA Police. ABC describes its episode, Escalation as a rare insight into the battle over the Burrup Peninsula in WA, revealing how far both sides are willing to go for what they believe in. Disrupt Burrup Hubs media adviser, Jesse Noakes, faces trial next month on charges that he refused to obey a WA police data access order. If the ABC give in to WA authorities, and betray their sources, who will ever trust the ABC with their story again?said Noakes. Arshad Ahmed | Two Circles Since she left her home with her family in strife-torn Manipurs Jiribam District in May and reached Assam on a boat, Ngaichong Singson, a 20-year-old Kuki girl, has not been able to put the trauma of leaving her native land behind. Support TwoCircles It was so sudden, so abrupt that the only thing we were allowed to carry were the clothes we were wearing, Singson said, who now lives in a settlement camp in Fulertal, a remote village on the Assam-Manipur border in Assams Cachar district with pockets of ethnic Kuki-Zo population. Once a defunct warehouse, the camp is now home to 205 people all ethnic Kuki-Zo people, including Singson, her mother Thangkhochom, 40, and her 60-year-old grandmother Hoikholhing Lhingboi all displaced since ethnic clashes between the hill-inhabited tribal Kukis and valley-based Meiteis begun to roil Manipur following a protest march on May 3 by the former against a Manipur High Courts judgement that granted the latter Schedule Tribe (ST) status. Since then, close to 200 people have been killed in the conflict the majority of the victims being Kukis and tens of thousands now remain displaced and scattered across the northeastern region. An Exodus Fearing the ember of violence could stir ethnic clashes in their district Jiribam, there was a peace meeting between the representatives of Meiteis and Kukis in May, Lhingboi said. Her fear of impending doom was always lurking in the corner as no sooner had twilight set on the same day than locals from her village Mongbung and neighbouring Phaitol heard the news of Meitei mobs torching houses. We heard screams and saw houses going down in flames. It was any moment before they came knocking at our doors, she told Two Circles. In Mongbung and Phaitol, as ethnic tensions boiled over, panic ensued soon for the Kuki inhabitants of the surrounding villages on the intervening night of May 5 and May 6, and an exodus began. By dawn, men and women with children were on their own, walking long through precarious terrain under the cover of the nigh fled. In the early hours of May 6, Lhingboi along with her family members boarded a country-made boat, crossed the Jiri River which separates Manipur from Assam and entered Cachar. We knew that the Kukis were being singled out. It was just a matter of time, Lhingboi said, looking pensive, So we had to flee leaving everything behind. In the days that followed, people from the Kuki-Zo tribe from Jiribam and neighbouring areas followed suit. According to reports, over 1,000 Kukis mostly women and Children are now taking shelter in different camps in Cachar as young and elderly men went back to Manipur to guard their villages. Marne Se Bhi Yaha Marega: Camp Residents The relief camp is now guarded by the volunteers of the Hmar Students Association (HSA) an organisation that represents the interests of the Kuki-Hmar-Zo people in Manipur and beyond. When asked why HSA volunteers guard the camp, Jesai Lalhmangaizuol, the organisations vice president of the Cachar unit said, These people are our brothers and sisters. We have to look out for them. He also ruled out any threat to these people as the relief camp is surrounded by ethnic Hmar people who share ethnic ties with Kukis. Everyone here is safe and protected, he added. But while there may not be any external threat that jeopardises their lives, life has not been all hunky-dory for the camp dwellers. Diseases like flu plagued them upon their arrival to the camp, and poor hygiene also made them prone to infection, according to women in the camp. On the ration front, local NGOs chip in with rice, dal and other basic edible essentials. These contributions, though, suffice for the adults, it is the children who are bearing the brunt of displacement. Most do not want to eat dal chawal every day. Our children are falling sick. They want to go back, but going back is a dream, Hatnu Singson, a mother of five, said. Lalhmangaizuol also admitted that poor living conditions are one of the reasons behind the deteriorating health of the children. He also acknowledged the support from the state government of Assam for sending relief aid, while conceding that the aid has stopped coming from the government now. State Chief Minister Himata Biswa Sarma, on May 5, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce that he has instructed the Cachar administration to take care of these families. Education a Distant Dream for Many Displaced Children in Camps Another aspect of concern that displaced Manipuri parents were grappling with was their children having to drop out of school since the May 3 violence. Over 14,500 school kids have been rendered homeless as ethnic strife continues to tear Manipur since May 3, according to government data. However, 93.5% of these students have been admitted to the nearest schools, the report claimed. Back in the Hmarkhawlien camp, the intervention of civil society groups such as Silchar Holy Cross a Catholic trust made it feasible for children from classes 1 to 7 to continue their education. However, not everyone in the camp has the same luxury. Ngaichong Singson, was in class 12 in Jiribam before she fled to Cachar. Now uncertainty looms large over her education. I dont know what the future holds for me, she said. An aspiring teacher herself who now teaches kids on Sundays, she feels her dream of becoming a teacher will remain a dream. I have left Jiribam, and with it, I have left behind my dreams too, she said with a wry smile that belied her pain. But amid the gloom and doom, many in the camp like her do not wish to go back as they are scared about their safety back home.Marne se bhi yaha marega, bachne se bhi yaha bachega (If we have to die here, we will die here, if we have to live here, we will live here). But we are not going back to death, Singsons grandmother Lhingboi said while interrupting her. Thanglun Changsan, president of Kuki Inpi, Assam the apex body encompassing all Kuki organisations also echoed his apprehension about going back. It is the valley of death, he said, referring to the killings of Kukis by alleged Meitei militant groups in the Imphal valley. Lost friendship As the ethnic fissure widens between the Christian Kukis and Meiteis, who are predominantly Hindus, relationships and camaraderie between the two communities continue to suffer, to the extent that Manipur is now segregated on ethnic lines. People, even those displaced, now say the ethnic crisis left a sore in their hearts as those they called their neighbours and friends did not do much to protect them. Our very own neighbour (Meities) did not come for help when we were leaving, Moija Khongsai, 40, said, who did not return to Manipur as he is a clergyman in the camp, and conducts prayers on Sundays. Lhingboi, the most vocal woman in the camp, said since they fled from Jiribam, her Meitei neighbours, whom she used to spend her time with and shared good bonds with, have forgotten them. They did not even call to know about our whereabouts. Everything is lost the sisterhood, and brotherhood sab rishta khatam (Every relationship is over with them). A sense of bitterness against the Meiteis, who make up about 60% of Manipurs population, now prevails in the camp. Part of this, Kukis in the camp said, is because of the killing of a 7-year-old Kuki boy with his Meitei mother and another woman in an ambulance and the alleged rapes and parading of Kuki-Zo women in both cases, the perpetrators were alleged Meitei groups. They also pointed out how N.Biren Singh, a Meitei and the Chief Minister of Manipur, supports a valley-dominant narrative that Kukis are illegal immigrants and terrorists. Our forefathers lived and died here. Some fought the British with Netaji. My father even served in the Indian army, said an agitating Ngahpi, another woman, who wanted to be identified by her first name. Please dont call us illegal immigrants. Arshad Ahmed is an independent reporter based in Assam, India. LONDON (Reuters) -Spain's former King Juan Carlos hinted at a return to public life on Friday after he won a bid to throw out a 126 million pound ($154 million) London lawsuit brought by his ex-lover, who accused him of a campaign of harassment. The 85-year-old ex-monarch was being sued by Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who alleged Juan Carlos orchestrated threats, surveillance and intimidation from 2012. After Sayn-Wittgenstein's case was thrown out at London's High Court on Friday, Juan Carlos who denies ever harassing his former lover welcomed the decision, which a spokesperson said "unsurprisingly confirms his innocence". Juan Carlos' spokesperson said in a statement: "Today's decision, favourable to His Majesty, re-establishes the conditions necessary for further public appearances." The former king moved to Abu Dhabi in 2020 under a cloud of scandals which shook the Royal House and has not participated in any official act with the Spanish royal family since. The Spanish royal household declined to comment on Juan Carlos' statement on Friday. Juan Carlos' spokesperson, asked about the statement, said: "His Majesty is no longer facing any legal proceedings, thus re-establishing the conditions necessary for further public appearances, as he recently had the opportunity to do at the sailing competitions in which he took part, for example." Sayn-Wittgenstein claims Juan Carlos gave her 65 million euros ($68.2 million) as a gift, to hide the money from the Spanish tax authorities, and she was then harassed by Juan Carlos or people acting on his behalf when she would not give him access to it. Her lawyers also said a book alleging Princess Diana was killed by British intelligence was left in Sayn-Wittgenstein's Swiss apartment when she was out, gunshots were fired at CCTV cameras outside her home and her mobile phone was monitored. The former monarch asked the court to throw out Sayn-Wittgenstein's case at a hearing in July, arguing that there was no viable claim of harassment. Story continues Judge Rowena Collins Rice ruled in his favour on Friday, saying that Sayn-Wittgenstein's lawsuit did not contain reasonable grounds for bringing the claim. Sayn-Wittgenstein said in a statement that she was "deeply disappointed" with the decision and was considering all options. (Reporting by Sam Tobin in London; additional reporting by Inti Landauro in Granada; editing by William James, Alex Richardson and Nick Macfie) Familys 8k holiday to Greece goes down the drain after Heathrow Airport scanner tears passport. (Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) A family of four were forced to abandon their 8,000 holiday after a scanner at a UK airport ripped the mothers passport. Emily Allen, alongside her husband and two children, were all set to go on their all-inclusive trip to the Greek island of Corfu before the incident occurred. While her passport was being scanned at Heathrow Airport it was damaged by the machine. It then rendered her document invalid. She told the Telegraph that she had initially placed her passport into the machine the wrong way around, so slid it back out carefully and turned it around. She added: During this process the photo/observations page, which on my 2016 document is not laminated just paper covered by a thin film patch ripped, leaving an inch-long tear across the edge of the passport photo. Ms Allen said she was originally advised by staff at Heathrow to buy some tape from an airport shop to patch it up. However it turned out this was not sufficient enough repair. The family would have been able to fly out of the UK, but there was no guarantee that the Greek authorities would accept the document when they landed. They said they had to make the painful decision to simply cancel and go home. The family cancelled the holiday despite a lot of the elements of the trip being non-refundable. The Allens lost out on just under 4,000, and they werent able to recoup any of the costs through their travel insurance despite putting in a claim. A damaged passport can cause passengers to miss out on their holidays as they can be denied boarding to a flight or entry to a country. According to HM Passport Office, a damaged passport is one which isnt in a fit condition to be accepted as proof of identity. Damage can include: Indecipherable details The laminate has lifted enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution Discolouration to the bio-data page Chemical or ink spillage on any page Missing or detached pages The chip or antenna shows through the end paper on the back cover for the new style e-passports The chip has been identified as damaged after investigation Story continues Airlines err on the side of caution as they can be fined an average of 2,780 per passenger if they have allowed someone to fly with damaged or inadequate documentation. Airlines typically say: We may decide to refuse to carry you or your baggage if the following has happened or we reasonably believe may happen ... you have not, or do not appear to have, valid travel documents. The familys incident at Heathrow comes after a man described the airport as an absolute mess as he waited an hour to get through e-gates due to queues which were flowing out of the room. Alex Wiseman said that Terminal 4 at the airport on Sunday evening (1 October) was just chaos. He shared a photo of the huge queues at around 8:45pm on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He explained to NationalWorld that staff were running round shouting at people and that when he got through to the baggage hall there were bags everywhere. He added that two members of staff were just flinging them off the belts. The United Nations Security Council has given the green light for Kenya to lead an international mission to combat rampant gang violence in Haiti. But watchdogs say they are concerned about possible human rights violations, given accusations of abuses by Kenyan police. Kenya is due to send 1,000 law enforcement officers to Haiti, where they will support the national police for at least a year, to take on the armed gangs that have effectively seized control of parts of the Caribbean country. But Amnesty International is among the rights groups flagging concerns about the mission. In an open letter to the Security Council in August, it said it had received reports of Kenyan police being involved in hundreds of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, beatings, arbitrary arrests and cases of excessive force sometimes lethal. After the UN's approval on Monday, Amnesty renewed its call for "clear, mandatory, and enforceable parameters" to prevent unlawful use of force and other human rights abuses during the international mission in Haiti. Alarming track record Police chiefs have dismissed the claims, accusing their critics of trying to smear them. Read more on RFI English Read also: Can Kenya help solve Haiti's deep insecurity crisis? Kenya police fire tear gas as anti-government demonstrators take to the streets Kenyan police abusing refugees, report says Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters An American tourist arrested in Israel after smashing two ancient Roman statues on Thursday was suffering from a little-known mental disorder dubbed Jerusalem syndrome, his lawyer claimed, in which foreign pilgrims visiting the city start believing they are people from the Bible. The alleged vandalism took place at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which described the incident as a troubling and unusual event. A pair of second-century Roman statues were damaged, with photos from the museum showing that a marble head of the goddess Athena had been thrown off its pedestal onto the floor, and a sculpture of a pagan deity had been broken into pieces. American Arrested After Churchs Jesus Statue Is Attacked in Israel Local authorities identified the suspect as a 40-year-old Jewish American tourist and said that answers hed given to initial questioning indicated he was motivated to smash the statues because he believed they were idolatrous and contrary to the Torah. In a bizarre twist, the unidentified suspects lawyer, Nick Kaufman, claimed that his client wasnt motivated by religious fanaticism but was rather suffering from the Jerusalem syndrome. According to the Times of Israel, several dozen tourists are reported to experience religiously themed delusions every year when visiting Jerusalem, but the issue is normally resolved when they leave Israel. The disorder has been linked to more serious incidents in the past, including in the case of an Australian tourist who set fire to Al-Aqsa mosque in 1969 as part of a divine mission. A psychiatric paper published in 2000 discussed Jerusalem syndrome, but it whether anyone experiences it without having some form of underlying mental health condition remains a point of contention. This is a shocking case of the destruction of cultural values, Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said of the statue-smashing incident this week. We see with concern the fact that cultural values are being destroyed by religiously motivated extremists. Story continues The incident at the museum comes after a series of attacks carried out by Jews against historical artifacts in Jerusalem. In January, teenagers vandalized a Christian cemetery in East Jerusalem, desecrating the site by smashing crosses and throwing pieces of marble on the graves. The following month, an American tourist was arrested after a statue of Jesus was torn down inside a church in Jerusalems Old City. Even this week, which is the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, religious tensions have flared. Israeli police said they arrested several people Wednesday suspected of spitting in the direction of churches and Christian pilgrims. A video of one spitting incident in the Old City provoked outrage after it was shared online. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A Bill to tackle anti-abortion protests outside health facilities in Scotland has been published at Holyrood. The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill offers the best protections in the UK, after England, Wales and Northern Ireland introduced similar legislation, the MSP proposing it has said. Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackays Bill follows a campaign for buffer zones in Scotland which began in 2020. Anti-abortion groups have staged demonstrations outside clinics in recent years, sparking public outcry. Under the terms of the Bill, protesters face unlimited fines if they breach a 200-metre limit around medical centres to safeguard public health, and health boards can apply to have the size of the buffer zone extended. Ms Mackay said: There is no excuse for the harassment that far too many people have had to endure when accessing healthcare. These protests should not be happening and today we are an important step closer to ending them for good. We have learnt from those who have worked to deliver buffer zones in other countries, particularly in Northern Ireland. The Bill I have lodged builds on these experiences and I am confident that it will provide the best protections anywhere in the UK. These protests have gone on for far too long. I am determined to ensure the appalling and distressing scenes we have witnessed outside hospitals and abortion clinics are stopped. This evening I formally lodged my Safe Access Zones Bill. It has taken an enormous effort to get it this far. I want to thank my team, campaigners and everyone who shared their stories with us. We would not be where we are without you. The Bill will be published tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/YivUOxHZRx Gillian Mackay MSP (@GillianMacMSP) October 5, 2023 There were more than 12,000 submissions to my consultation, showing the strength of feeling. These submissions have allowed us to prepare the strongest and most robust possible Bill. Story continues I am grateful to everyone who has shared their experiences and trusted me with their stories. I will do everything to ensure we do you justice and that nobody else has to endure what you have. The Bill has received cross-party support from more than 70 MSPs, including First Minister Humza Yousaf. It will criminalise attempts to restrict access, for example by chaining doors closed, to clinics providing abortion services and influencing a decision, but it will not infringe on the right to freedom of expression. In 2021, the 40 Days for Life protest group stood outside numerous hospitals and clinics, and it was joined by SNP MSP John Mason at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. The party disciplined Mr Mason for his conduct. The Scottish Government said women should not experience distress or alarm at abortion clinics and welcomed the publication of the Bill. Womens health minister Jenni Minto said: This is an important milestone towards national legislation to protect women from unwanted influence, distress or alarm when accessing abortion services. The decision to access abortion services is an individual and personal choice which should not be subject to public demonstration or influence outside premises providing abortion services. Scotland's new buffer zones will offer the strongest protections in the UK.@GillianMacMSP's bill, which has been published today, will end the intimidation and harassment of patients and staff outside medical facilities. Get the details: https://t.co/oAxHi4EIjr pic.twitter.com/8l17OU6V41 Scottish Greens (@scottishgreens) October 6, 2023 It is unacceptable for women to face any fear of intimidation, harassment or unwanted influence when accessing essential healthcare services. The Scottish Government is grateful to Ms Mackay for the work she has undertaken to reach this stage and we will continue supporting her Members Bill as it makes its way through Parliament. The Bill will now be scrutinised and debated by MSPs. A statement from Back Off Scotland, which has campaigned for buffer zones, said: Since we started our campaign in 2020, we have collected thousands of stories about women who have been harassed at the gates of medical facilities. The launch of this crucial legislation has come not a moment too soon, and we look forward to working closely with Gillian Mackay MSP to ensure the Bill can pass through Parliament at pace. Right To Life UK spokeswoman Catherine Robinson described the Bill as draconian and discriminatory, and claimed just 30% of the population support the legislation. She said: If this Bill becomes law, the worlds most extreme buffer zone will be introduced. This legislation goes further than any buffer zone legislation, giving the Scottish Government powers to extend zones without limit. Vital practical support provided by volunteers will be removed and more lives lost to abortion. This is a draconian piece of legislation that reaches into the homes of ordinary people. If an individual or a church wants to display a sign from within their property, which says Pregnant? We can help, they may be guilty of violating this buffer zone. This legislation is not only a direct attack on free expression, it is entirely unnecessary as harassment and intimidation are illegal. Wherever they occur, existing legislation should be used. Chris Denning was sentenced to years in prison (Picture: Getty Images) A disgraced television and radio host Chris Denning, who carried out utterly depraved sex assaults against children, died in prison last year aged 81, according to an official report. The paedophile friend of Jimmy Savile admitted to 21 child sex assaults on 11 boys aged eight to 15 between 1969 and 1986. Denning died in June 2022 while serving his term in HMP Bedford, but his death was only just discovered on Friday (October 6) as a result of a prison watchdog investigation into his care. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman cited "issues of concern in Denning's end-of-life care" in his report. He died from a bone infection caused by diabetes. In addition to using his fame and showbiz connections to dazzle his child victims, the popular radio DJ in the 60s also opened a string of computer game shops to lure boys for abuse. Denning was sentenced to four years in prison in 2006 after admitting to five counts of sexually abusing boys under the age of 16. Following the case, he was extradited to Slovakia and sentenced to five years in prison for producing indecent pictures of children. When the Met Police began Operation Yewtree, which investigated allegations of sex abuse, Savile and Denning were both exposed. He was found guilty of 40 charges committed against 24 boys aged nine to 16. The court heard he had taken some victims to Top of the Pops recordings and introduced them to Savile, even abusing one boy at Saviles home. Denning was deemed "utterly depraved" by Judge Alistair McCreath and sentenced to 13 years in prison. In 2016, he admitted to abusing 11 boys, some as young as eight, and was sentenced to another 13 years in prison. Denning hosted shows on Radio Luxembourg, where he interviewed The Beatles, then hosted shows with Kenny Everett for the BBC. He was one of the founding DJs on BBC Radio 1 and was the first voice ever to speak on BBC2. He left the BBC for Decca Records, then moved to Bell Records, where he helped to launch the careers of paedophile Gary Glitter and the Bay City Rollers. Their manager, Tom Paton, was convicted of gross indecency involving boys aged 16 and 17 and is alleged to have been a paedophile. Story continues Denning was first exposed as a sex offender in 1970. In 1988, he was jailed for three years for indecent assault and possessing indecent images. In 1996, he was prosecuted for publishing indecent articles. Despite his numerous convictions, he was invited in 1997 to participate in a 30-year anniversary reunion for BBC Radio 1, alongside Terry Wogan, Tony Blackburn and John Peel. It was later revealed that he was already a convicted sex offender in Europe before he ever found fame in the UK. He was prosecuted in 1959 in Germany for circulating pornographic images. Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in recognition of her tireless campaigning for womens rights and democracy and against the death penalty. Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and spending years behind bars. She has remained a leading light for nationwide, women-led protests, sparked by the death last year of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. Those demonstrations grew into one of the most intense challenges ever to Irans theocratic government. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. She said the committee hopes the prize "is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting. She also urged Iran to release Mohammadi in time for the prize ceremony on Dec. 10. For nearly all of Mohammadis life, Iran has been governed by a Shiite theocracy headed by the countrys supreme leader. While women hold jobs, academic positions and even government appointments, their lives can be tightly controlled. Laws require all women to at least wear a headscarf, or hijab, to cover their hair as a sign of piety. Iran and neighboring Afghanistan remain the only countries that mandate it. In a statement to The New York Times, Mohammadi said the global support and recognition of my human rights advocacy makes me more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful. I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organized, she added. Victory is near. Mohammadi, an engineer by training, has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times, according to Reiss-Andersen. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. Her most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after attending a memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. She has been held at Tehrans notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, told The Associated Press by telephone that he has not been in touch with his sister but that the prize means a lot to her. Despite that and the fact that the prize means that the world has seen this movement, the award will not affect the situation in Iran, he said. The regime will double down on the opposition, and it will have no effect on the regime, he said. They will just crush people. Waiting for the announcement was nerve-wracking, he said. But he knew immediately that his sister had won when he heard Reiss-Andersen saying three words in Farsi: woman, life and freedom the slogan of the recent demonstrations. I felt very great, said Hamidreza Mohammadi, who lives in Norway. Narges Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003 Its the fifth time in the 122-year history of the awards that the peace prize has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. Last year, the top human rights advocate in Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, was among the winners . He remains imprisoned. Mohammadi was in detention for the recent protests of the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been picked up by the morality police for her allegedly loose headscarf. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown while over 22,000 others were arrested. But from behind bars, Mohammadi contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times last month. What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become, she wrote. In a first reaction from Tehran, the semi-official Fars news agency dismissed Mohammadi as someone who persisted in creating tension and unrest and falsely claimed that she was beaten in prison. Fars is believed to be close to Irans hard-line paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Abuse in Iranian prisons something Mohammadi has campaigned against both outside of and behind bars has been widely reported by the U.N. and human rights groups. The women of Iran have been an inspiration for the world. Their courage and determination in the face of reprisals, intimidation, violence and detention have been remarkable, said Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the U.N. human rights office in Geneva. We call for her release and the release of all other human rights defenders detained in Iran. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. Nobel laureate Ebadi, who Mohammadi is close to, founded the center. In 2018, Mohammadi was awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize. Earlier this year, PEN America, which advocates for freedom of speech, gave her its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. The organization applauded her win. The choice is a tribute to her courage and that of countless women and girls who have poured out into the streets of Iran and faced down one of the worlds most brutal and stubborn regimes, risking their lives to demand their rights, PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The Nobels season ends next week with the announcement of the winner of the economics prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. (AP) Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Britain's Rishi Sunak want to prevent migrant boats setting out for Europe (Thomas COEX) A row over planned changes to Europe's migration rules overshadowed an EU summit Friday, although supporters of the reform vowed opposition from Poland and Hungary would not derail it. The Polish and Hungarian leaders did prevent the leaders from including migration in a joint statement of the summit's conclusions, causing the meeting to end on a sour note. That forced European Council president Charles Michel to issue a separate statement in his name about asylum policy and border protection, and the French and German leaders said the legislative process on the issue would continue as planned. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who hosted the summit in Granada, dismissed concerns about the clash. "The most important thing is what our interior ministers achieved a few weeks ago with the agreement on crisis regulation, because that is what is really relevant in political terms," he said. But the gathering did hand Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who is facing a general election this weekend, and Hungary's Viktor Orban a stage on which to brandish populist credentials for their domestic audiences. Morawiecki boasted that his "veto" on a joint statement on migration "meant that this process will not proceed... and Poland has a chance to stop it". He said the "illegal migration... disease has been plaguing Europe for years." Earlier, Orban claimed Hungary had been "legally raped" by the EU moving ahead with legislation on reformed migration policies on the basis that a weighted majority of countries back it. Poland and Hungary are demanding a right to veto the measures, which are aimed at sharing out responsibilities for arriving asylum seekers across all bloc countries. France's President Emmanuel Macron said although their opposition blocked any mention of migration in the final declaration, it would have no effect on the proposed bill, which was approved in outline form by member states on Wednesday. Story continues "The text has caused disagreements between several member states," Macron acknowledged. But he dismissed the lack of a joint statement on it as "a secondary issue because the matter is moving forward as it should after being passed by majority". - 'Current approach not working' - Migration surged to the top of Brussels' agenda after thousands of asylum seekers landed on the Italian island of Lampedusa in recent months, highlighting the urgency of a unified European response. On Thursday, leaders from across the continent met in the same Granada venue in a broader, continental format, as the European Political Community (EPC), to develop common geopolitical strategy. But Spain, which hosted both meetings, failed to put migration on that summit's agenda, frustrating several members, notably Italy and Britain which convened a side meeting on the issue. During those sideline talks, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and Britain's Rishi Sunak, backed by France and the Netherlands, pushed for more work with third countries to prevent boats carrying asylum seekers from even setting off for Europe. In an op-ed published on Friday in Britain's Times newspaper and Italy's Corrierre della Sera, the pair said European nations recognised "the current approach is not working". Insisting their approach was "already delivering results," they urged other leaders to "act with the same sense of urgency" against people-smuggling gangs to slow irregular immigration. Wednesday's EU vote on migration reform saw member states approving a final component of an overhaul of the rules on handling asylum seekers and irregular migrants, setting up a push for the European Parliament to make it law before elections next June. The EU's new Pact on Migration and Asylum will seek to relieve pressure on so-called frontline countries like Italy and Greece by relocating some arrivals to other EU states. Those opposed to hosting asylum seekers would be required to pay those that do. Meloni, who clashed with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the run up to the summit, said she was now "satisfied" with the direction Europe was heading, being "more pragmatic" in its approach to halting human trafficking and illegal immigration. Scholz, speaking after the summit, echoed that a "very pragmatic agreement" had been reached after "intensive" discussions. EU figures published on Friday showed there was a 29-percent rise in irregular migrant returns in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period a year earlier. alm/hmw/rmb/db By Natalia Chumakova, Ahmad Ghaddar and Trixie Yap MOSCOW/LONDON/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Russia's government on Friday lifted a ban on pipeline diesel exports via ports, removing the bulk of restrictions it enforced on Sept. 21. Restrictions on gasoline exports remain in place. Russia said on Sept. 21 it had temporarily banned gasoline and diesel exports to all but four ex-Soviet states in response to domestic shortages, a move that disrupted global trade that had already had to adjust to Western sanctions on Russian fuel exports. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The government said the lifting of restrictions applies to companies that supply at least 50% of the produced diesel fuel to the domestic market. Russia produced 85 million metric tons of diesel last year, exporting some 35 million tons, including 25.6 million tons by Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft , according to LSEG data. Restrictions on railway diesel exports remain in place, with the exception on exports to some ex-Soviet states. Transneft on Friday said it would resume diesel exports via ports in the Baltic Sea and Black Sea once it receives clearance from authorities and when suppliers are ready, TASS news agency reported on Oct. 6. A resumption of Russian diesel exports will have the biggest impact on Turkey and Brazil, Russia's two biggest buyers this year. "With the lifting of the ban, Turkey may not need to import more Asian diesel barrels, but ultimately, it depends on how quickly Russia's diesel exports are restored," said Vortexa's head of APAC analysis Serena Huang. Traders expect the lifting of the diesel ban could mean Asian diesel cargoes which would have replaced Russian exports in Africa and Turkey will now stay in the region, adding to already ample supplies. HOW HAS THE MARKET REACTED? European diesel futures spreads collapsed on the news. The 6-month backwardation fell by nearly 30% to $80.50 a metric ton. Backwardation is a market structure where future prices trade at a discount to current prices, and usually indicates tight supply. Story continues European benchmark diesel refining margins fell sharply on Oct. 5 after daily Kommersant reported that the Russian government was ready to ease the diesel export ban in the coming days. The diesel east-west arbitrage economics have also been affected, with the spread - determined typically by the exchange of futures for swaps (EFS) - falling to a discount $54 per ton on Friday after the announcement, a one-month low. WHY DID RUSSIA IMPOSE THE RESTRICTIONS? Traders said the fuel market in Russia, one of the world'sbiggest oil producers, was hit by a combination of factorsincluding maintenance at oil refineries, bottlenecks on railwaysand the weakness of the rouble, which incentivises fuel exports. Russia tried to tackle the diesel and gasoline shortages inrecent months but turned to export curbs to prevent a fuelcrisis, which could be awkward for the Kremlin as a presidentialelection looms in March. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Oct. 4 that the restrictions were working, adding inventories had increased by 430,000 metric tons since they were introduced. HOW LONG BEFORE THE GASOLINE BAN IS LIFTED? Russia said exports would resume once it had stabilised itsdomestic market, but did not give a time frame. Analysts, such as consultancy FGE Energy, had expected the ban on diesel to last up to two weeks before Russia replenishes its stocks and resumes exports. FGE Energy said replenishing Russia's gasoline stocks could take up to two months. The diesel ban will have the biggest impact because Russiais the world's top seaborne exporter of the fuel, just ahead ofthe United States. It shipped an average 1.07 million barrels per day (bpd) ofdiesel from the start of the year to Sept. 25, accounting formore than 13.1% of total seaborne diesel trade, according tooil analytics firm Vortexa. Russia is a much less significant gasoline exporter, shipping an average 110,000 bpd from Jan. 1 to Sept. 25, Vortexa said. (Editing by William Maclean) FinTrU have launched a new financial trading room at the state-of-the-art Queens Business School (QBS) Student Hub, which recently opened its doors to over 3,000 students and staff. Pictured are professor M.N. Ravishankar, Dean and head of Queens Business School, Darragh McCarthy, founder and CEO of FinTrU; Siofra Healy, head of individual and corporate philanthropy at Queens; and Niamh Heaney, FinTrU talent partner Global financial institution, FinTrU has launched a new financial trading room at the state-of-the-art Queens Business School (QBS) Student Hub, which recently opened its doors to over 3,000 students and staff. Since 2017, FinTrU have sponsored the trading room which replicates New York and London trading environments, giving Belfast-based students access to 26 new Bloomberg terminals, other financial software, and preparing them for the world of work with first-hand experience of the fast-paced atmosphere of a real financial facility. The FinTrU Trading Room is embedded into taught programmes at Queens Business School allowing students to relate real world news and market activity to economic and financial theory. The facility is also vital for supporting extra-curricular activities such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Research Challenge and Queens Student Managed Fund. Professor M.N. Ravishankar, Dean and head of Queens Business School, said: We are delighted to have an established and multi-faceted partnership with FinTrU. The new FinTrU Trading Room in the recently opened QBS Student Hub is a key facility in the building which has been designed to provide an enhanced social and educational experience for our students, staff, and the business community. The School prides itself on producing work-ready graduates and the FinTrU Trading Room provides an excellent opportunity for our students to gain first-hand experience of a trading environment, dealing in real-time equities, bonds, foreign exchange and derivative instruments. Darragh McCarthy, founder and CEO of FinTrU, explained: We are proud to build on our relationship with Queens by continuing our support for the FinTrU Financial Trading Room facility at the new Queens Business School Student Hub. This partnership underlines our commitment both to the University and to the financial services sector in Northern Ireland. FinTrU has a longstanding partnership with the school and is delighted to continue this with offering Queens graduates the opportunity for employment through our leading FinTrU Graduate and Placement Programmes. Story continues In addition to the FinTrU Trading Room, we were delighted to contribute towards the establishment of the Clinton Scholarship Fund, unveiled at the historical 25th anniversary Good Friday Agreement event at Queens in April. The fund aims to remove financial barriers for students from Northern Ireland to undertake study opportunities in the USA to strengthen our existing work to address underrepresentation in higher education. Siofra Healy, head of individual and corporate philanthropy at Queens, added: FinTrU have been generously supporting the trading room at Queens Business School for the past number of years. Partnerships between businesses and universities are vital to share knowledge and to help develop a highly skilled and flexible workforce capable of working in competitive global markets. We are excited to launch the new FinTrU Trading Room at the innovative QBS Student Hub and look forward to continuing this important partnership in the future. FinTrU is a multi-award-winning employer with over 1,400 people across Belfast, Londonderry, London, Dublin, Letterkenny, Maastricht, New York and Porto. The companys wide-ranging expertise in KYC (Know Your Customer), Compliance, Risk and Legal enables the creation of Client Lifecycle Management solutions for leading global financial institutions. FinTrU is a major employer in the Financial Services industry and actively recruits graduates from Queens recruitment events for their annual best-in-class Graduate and Placement Programmes. Over the past few years, FinTrU has been recognised by the Financial Times as one of Europes Fastest Growing Companies and was named in the 2023 Sunday Times 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the UK. Recent national accolades include Employer of the Year, Best Place to Work, Best Employee Development Programme and Company of the Year. Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson in a post on the latters social media (Jeremy Clarkson/Instagram) The Grand Tour stars Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are continuing to make light of recently becoming marooned at a luxury camp in Botswana. On Wednesday, Clarkson wrote on social media that the group who had been filming in Africa for a new Grand Tour special were stuck after their British Airways flight was cancelled. He penned: BA [British Airways] have messed up our flight home so we are marooned here at a luxury camp in Botswana. With only 40 staff. Its all about survival now. He later posted a picture of a meerkat looking into the African sunset with the caption: Thanks to BAs incompetence, this is how Ive been forced to endure my evening. Since then both Clarkson, 60 and May, 60, have posted a series of silly and sarcastic updates on social media about their situation. Clarkson wrote under a picture of his morning coffee: Day two and the horror continues. Two red eyed bulbul birds helping themselves to the sugar for my morning coffee. He posted a picture of a jackal eating a carcass, joking that May had succumbed to the wild animals. He later added another video with the caption: Correction. It was actually Richard Hammond who was turned into food. Later on, Clarkson posted a picture of May enjoying what appeared to be a cold beer in luxurious surroundings. James May has built a rudimentary shelter and we will cower here until BA get their act together. Pray for us, he joked. Meanwhile, May wrote alongside a snap of a cheese board on X, formerly known as Twitter: Staff/guest ratio as low as 40:1 in hell-hole safari lodge where GT presenters have been abandoned by their crew. Cheese has arrived. In a similar post to his co-star, May later shared some footage of meerkats playing: Thanks to the incompetence of British Airways weve had to endure a sunset safari with gin and tonics and meerkats. #Unacceptable. May also joked the group had been forced to turn to ancient foraging techniques to survive with a picture of some beef hula hoops. Story continues UPDATE Stranded Grand Tour presenters channel ancient foraging instincts to stay alive until lunch. pic.twitter.com/omEVHBrBDR James May (@MrJamesMay) October 4, 2023 Details of the next series of The Grand Tour are so far sparse, but the group were filming in Zimbabwe for a portion of it. Clarkson revealed the news in a tweet, which read: My profound thanks to the people and government of Zimbabwe for helping to make a very special Grand Tour special, very special. We absolutely adored everything about your country. Apart from the pot holes, maybe. The show, which is shown on Prime Video, is now in its fifth series. It was born after Clarkson was dismissed from BBC show Top Gear in 2015 for attacking a producer. An undated still image released on Oct. 6 from video taken by an Arabian Fox MAST-13 of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy patrol speedboat in the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy photo The US Navy revealed an operation last month involving drone boats that tracked Iranian ships. The drone boats photographed Iranian speedboats, which constantly harass ships in the Middle East. A Navy official said on Friday that the integration of unmanned systems helps monitor the region. US forces sent naval drones to keep tabs on Iranian warships and gunboats around key Middle Eastern waters for several days last month, the US Navy revealed on Friday as Washington looks for ways to deter Tehran from consistently harassing foreign military and commercial ships in the region. The operation, which consisted of a dozen different unmanned platforms and manned ships, saw US assets track vessels belonging to Iran's two maritime forces its regular navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) over several days in September. US Naval Forces Central Command, or NAVCENT, said that the mission occurred "during routine patrols" in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. "This operation bolstered presence in and around a critical chokepoint that in recent months has seen Iran unlawfully seize internationally flagged merchant ships," NAVCENT said in a statement, adding that unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were all included. One USV known as the Arabian Fox MAST-13, which is similar in looks and size to a standard speedboat, captured photographs of Iranian fast-attack boats, drones, and helicopters. These fast-attack boats, which are armed with guns, routinely come out to monitor foreign activity in the area and are often called out for harassing American military ships and internationally flagged commercial vessels. In May, for instance, drone video shared by the US Navy showed a dozen of these speedboats swarm and seize a Panama-flagged oil tanker. An undated still image released on Oct. 6 from video taken by an Arabian Fox MAST-13 unmanned surface vessel of two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy patrol speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy photo An undated still image released on Oct. 6 from video taken by an Arabian Fox MAST-13 unmanned surface vessel of an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy photo An undated still image released on Oct. 6 from video taken by an Arabian Fox MAST-13 unmanned surface vessel of an Iranian Navy AB-212 helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy photo Looking for more ways to surveil and patrol the Middle Eastern waters, the US Navy has turned to a fleet of drone boats operating both above and below the surface for the job. Story continues In August 2022, the US Navy said it prevented the IRGC from trying to capture one of its USVs in the in the Persian Gulf. The following month, an Iranian ship managed to briefly seize two American drone boats and even tried to hide them by placing them under a tarp. Tehran eventually released the systems the next day following US military intervention, and nothing of the sort has happened in the year since. "We have been operating UAVs and UUVs in the region for years," said Capt. Joe Baggett, director of maritime operations for NAVCENT and US 5th Fleet, in the statement. "Adding our new USVs, and then integrating all of these platforms into fleet operations, is how we expect to fly and sail well into the future." An unmanned US Navy drone boat, a MAST-13, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in April with the Iranians watching closely as it did. Other images from the September operation that were released by the US Navy on Friday showed an IRGCN warship and an Iranian Navy frigate. The IRGCN ship was photographed by a MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray USV, which looks similar to the Arabian Fox, while the frigate was captured by an Aerovel Flexrotor a small UAV that is capable of vertical take off and landing. A undated still image released on Oct. 6 from video taken by a MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warship in the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy photo An undated still image released on Oct. 6 from video of an Iranian Navy frigate taken by an Aerovel Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy photo Service members from the US Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard, as well as aircraft and ships including the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul, across seven different task forces participated in last month's operation, according to NAVCENT. "The integration of new, multidomain unmanned platforms into routine fleet operations provides more 'eyes on the water,' enhancing maritime domain awareness and increasing deterrence in the region," said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT and US 5th Fleet, adding that all these systems will help support the transit of goods around the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered to be one of the world's most important oil chokepoints and where scores of Iranian harassment incidents have taken place in recent years. "This enhanced maritime security serves as a deterrent against malign activity and strengthens regional stability, which is good for everybody," Cooper said. Beyond the naval drones, the Pentagon has also dispatched a collection of fighter jets and warships to provide a firepower boost and added means of deterrence in the region. This includes the recent deployment of over 3,000 US sailors and Marines with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. An L3Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 unmanned surface vessel sails in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 22, during exercise Neon Defender 23. US Navy photo A MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel operates in the Gulf of Aqaba, Mar. 8, 2023, during International Maritime Exercise 2023. US Navy photo An Aerovel Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicle launches from the deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) in the Gulf of Oman, in an image released Oct. 6. US Navy photo Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, the commander of US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT), said this week that the added American military presence in the region a mix of naval and airpower "has deterred Iran from taking any actions against maritime shipping." "My view is that deterrence is temporal," Grynkewich said at a Defense Writers Group event on Wednesday. He explained that the US is trying to message that the surge in forces is in response to a specific threat but even if the American force presence were to shrink and Iran steps up its activity again, they'll come right back. "So my hope is that they've seen that message and that they remain deterred over the longer term, but it has had good effects in the meantime," Grynkewich said, according to a transcript of his remarks. Read the original article on Business Insider Arnold Schwarzenegger is convinced he could've been a great president credit:Bang Showbiz Arnold Schwarzenegger thinks he could've been a "great" US President. The 76-year-old actor served as the Governor of California from 2003 until 2011 and although he's not eligible to run for the White House, Schwarzenegger believes he could've done a very good job. The Hollywood star - who isn't eligible for the role because he was born in Austria - told Howard Stern: "I think that I wouldve made a great president. I think that I have the energy and the will to bring people together." Despite this, Schwarzenegger doesn't harbour any bitterness, acknowledging that America has given him so many opportunities in life. He explained: "I felt like everything Ive accomplished in my life - [the] bodybuilding career, the movie career, becoming Governor, setting up my Schwarzenegger Institute, all this stuff, the millions of dollars I made and everything - its all because of America. So, why would I complain about the one thing I cant do?" Schwarzenegger recently claimed that he was "made in America". The actor confessed that he's not a "self-made man" and that he has lots of people to thank for his success. Schwarzenegger who was born in Austria but moved to the US to pursue a career in bodybuilding told Interview magazine: "I always said you can call me anything you want, but dont call me a self-made man, because Im not. Who made me? We can say god, or we can say my mother and my father." Schwarzenegger acknowledges that America has given him an opportunity to transform his life. He said: "Im the last one to say, 'Im a self-made man.' I would say I was born in Austria, made in America." Artemis Technologies electric foiling demonstrator workboat, Pioneer of Belfast, carrying Baroness Goldie, Minister of State for Defence, during her visit to Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire A defence minister has praised Northern Ireland industry as she took a ride on a "flying" ferry. Baroness Goldie visited a number of sites in Belfast on Thursday, including Artemis Technologies which is developing electric powered ships that "fly" above the surface of the water. It uses hydrofoils to lift the boat's hull out of the water, significantly reducing drag and increasing efficiency, and helps to substantially curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Baroness Goldie, Minister of State for Defence, onboard Artemis Technologies electric foiling demonstrator workboat, Pioneer of Belfast, during a visit to Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire The minister was briefed on their latest advancements in sustainable maritime transportation, and discussed the continued opportunities for green maritime jobs in Northern Ireland , as the company continues to expand. The peer also visited Harland and Wolff which received a major boon last year when the Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced the awarding of a contract to build three new Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) support vessels. Harland and Wolff is part of the Team Resolute consortium which won the MoD contract. Baroness Goldie praised an "extraordinary" experience on the Artemis ship, adding it was fascinating to see the cutting-edge technology in action. "Artemis for Northern Ireland has a really important contribution to make to the economy of the country but also in supplying what I think will be wider needs - people are looking for green maritime products, and Artemis are very well placed to meet that need," she said. "It's really exciting technology." She added: "We, in the Ministry of Defence , are always alert to the capability we need to have, and very importantly, who is going to provide it. "We're also very clear that we want to ensure within the United Kingdom , where we can identify the skills and where equipment can be produced for us at a competitive price, we want to show support for these manufacturers and these industries. " Harland and Wolff plays an important part in that, we don't just place orders out of sentiment. Story continues " Harland and Wolff, along with the consortium of which they are part, are able to offer the service we need for our three fleet support ships." Artemis chief executive Iain Percy added: "We were honoured to welcome Baroness Goldie to Artemis Technologies and provide an insight into how UK research and innovation funding is helping us to develop a world leading clean maritime technology cluster. "In order to meet our climate change goals, all sectors need to play their part, and we support the Ministry of Defence's ambitious commitment to create a green Royal Navy fleet and strive towards decarbonisation by 2050. "Through supporting research within the UK, and working closely with industry and academia, they are finding new innovative solutions to green their fleet and help meet the UK's wider 2050 Net Zero target." Gareth Edwards has opened up about the unusual methods he used filming The Creator credit:Bang Showbiz Gareth Edwards "worked backwards" making 'The Creator' by scouting futuristic-looking locations and building the film around them. The moviemaker has admitted he took a more budget-friendly approach to special effects when putting the blockbuster together - admitting the team didn't start designing the sci-fi world until they had finished shooting on location and had started post-production. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he explained: "It harkens back to 'Monsters', my first film, where we had very little money. We traveled around the world, found amazing locations, invented scenes to some extent and reverse engineered the film. We kind of worked backwards. So I wanted to do that with a Hollywood budget and using people at Industrial Light and Magic. I thought that would be a really super exciting way to make a film." He added: "We went to eight different countries around the world. We traveled 10,000 miles, and we went to the Himalayas, Indonesian volcanoes and floating villages in Thailand, et cetera. We shot all these different scenes from the film, and then in post-production, I hit screen grab on my laptop and gave those images to people like [production designer] James Clyne and Industrial Light Magic." He insisted the technique was much more efficient, adding: "Halfway through the edit, thats when we started designing the world, and it was much more efficient. We didnt do anything outside of the frame. Everything is a hundred percent on screen, and we didnt build sets or do things that never ended up in the movie. " One example he gave was a scene set in an underground lab, which they filmed in a particle accelerator in Thailand revealing it took the place of an expensive custom-built set and they only needed to change "20 or 30 percent" during the editing process. He concluded: "Its more creative, easier and cheaper, and I dont want to go back to the other way of doing a big film, if I can help it." HA NOI There is plenty of room for Vietnamese tea products to secure a larger market share in the United Kingdom, as the country currently accounts for only 0.1 per cent of the UK's total tea imports, experts have said. At present, Viet Nam is the 23rd largest tea supplier to the UK market. However, Vietnamese tea exports to this market saw a significant decline both in value and volume during the first half of 2023. The average price of tea imported from Viet Nam stood at US$4.928 per tonne, a decrease of 0.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. In those six months, the UK spent $160 million on importing 53,000 tonnes of tea, marking a 9.7 per cent reduction in volume and a 9.4 per cent drop in value from the corresponding period the previous year, according to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC). Kenya emerged as the predominant tea provider to the UK, representing 56.8 per cent of the market's total imports. Kenya dispatched 30,100 tonnes to the market, garnering $70.9 million, an increase of 3.2 per cent in volume and 1.6 per cent in value year-on-year. Other significant tea exporters to the UK included India, Malawi, and Switzerland. To augment tea exports, especially to the UK market, businesses are urged to bolster cooperation, cultivate high-quality raw material regions, and transition to new tea varieties, as advised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Further, they should refine processing procedures and adhere to food safety standards to align with the market's demands, the ministry recommended. Viet Nam currently holds the 7th and 5th positions globally in terms of tea production and exports, respectively. As per MARD, the country has allocated 123,000ha for tea cultivation, possessing the capacity to yield 1.02 million tonnes of fresh buds. Vietnamese tea products have reached 74 countries and territories around the world, with key destinations being Pakistan, China, Russia, and Indonesia. VNS HA NOI The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) is developing regulations to amend Circular No 19/2016/TT-NHNN on bank card operation. It hopes to receive feedback from the public to make appropriate adjustments, Pham Anh Tuan, director of the SBVs Payment Department, said. The change aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework to promote non-cash payments and card development in the country. Tuan said that the SBV oversees and develops the new circular and wishes to gather opinions to understand fully the challenges and limitations in the process of card development and trading. The SBVs Payment Department will review and report to the SBV leaders for suitable adjustments to the new circular. The Vietnamese card market has seen a rapid growth in recent years, significantly contributing to the rise of non-cash payments in the country. As of July 2023, the number of cards in circulation exceeded 140 million (an increase of 8.27 per cent compared to the end of 2021), of which over 103 million were domestic cards and 36.7 million were international ones. Out of these, nearly 10.8 million cards were opened with eKyc by 27 banks. According to experts, Viet Nam boasts many favourable conditions to develop cashless payments. By the end of 2022, more than 77.41 per cent of Vietnamese adults held payment accounts with banks. The market is currently evolving a digital ecosystem that links banks with public service organisations, providing a seamless experience for users. Consumers merely need one application to make payments, from movie tickets to meals. The Vietnamese card market, especially domestic credit cards, has significant potential for growth. Tuan stated that the SBV supports credit institutions in transitioning from magnetic cards to chip cards. Thanks to this open approach, the issuance of cards using eKyc is on the rise. In the future, the SBV will introduce several strategies to encourage non-cash payment and card activities. Soon, cards will be issued exclusively as eKyc with an embedded chip, he said. Tuan also noted that the SBV is examining and progressing towards the establishment of a digital ecosystem in the banking sector to offer the best experience for customers. It will introduce services leveraging new technologies such as contactless payment and QR Codes. Concerning public services, the SBV and other relevant agencies will persistently advocate for electronic payments, particularly for state budget revenue, education, and health care, while ensuring security and confidentiality in transactions, Tuan added. VNS HA NOI The recent significant slump in lobster exports to China has highlighted an urgent need for Viet Nam to switch to official export channels to ensure stability, the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep) said. The associations updates showed that Viet Nams lobster exports to China dropped by 42 per cent from January to August compared to the same period last year, amounting to US$76 million. According to Chinese customs statistics, China imported more than 32,350 tonnes of lobster in the first seven months of this year, worth more than $962 million. This represents an increase of 19 per cent in volume and 1 per cent in value compared to the same period last year. Although China remains the largest lobster export market for Viet Nam, Viet Nam holds a modest share of just around 1 per cent in the Chinese lobster market, ranking 14th after major suppliers such as Canada, the US, New Zealand, Cuba, India, Brazil, and Mexico. After decreasing by 80 per cent to $31 million in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Viet Nams lobster exports to China were impressive in 2022, with an export revenue of $257 million, 8.3 times higher than in 2021, driven by improved demand post the pandemic. Vasep stated that lobsters are primarily exported to China via unofficial channels, which come with many risks, including price fluctuations and changes in import policy. Moreover, exporting via unofficial channels is becoming increasingly challenging as China is progressively tightening imports of agro-forestry-fishery products. Promotion of the official export of lobster to China is essential, Vasep emphasised. The first critical step to switch to official exports is to establish a value chain and develop a traceability system for lobsters, the association noted. Vasep suggested that support should be provided to parties involved in establishing a lobster value chain, applying science and technology in aquaculture, and developing raw material areas. Under the project for lobster farming and export by 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development aims to achieve an output of 3,000 tonnes per year with an export value of $200 million. Lobsters are primarily farmed in Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, and Kien Giang. Recently, the Mong Cai International Border Gates Management Board in Quang Ninh Province reported that China had increased its inspection frequency for fresh fishery products from September 20. This heightened scrutiny caused tonnes of lobsters to die while awaiting customs clearance procedures, leading to a forced sale at approximately VN400,000 per kg, a third of the market price. In response, the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department sent a document to the Chinese authorities requesting efforts to facilitate the export of Vietnamese seafood products. The department noted that, to date, lobster exports via Mong Cai have returned to normal, with around 30-50 tonnes of lobster exported to China daily. VNS HA NOI The Technology Talent Development Programme Samsung Innovation Campus 2023-24 was officially started on Thursday by Samsung Vietnam, with the goal of developing high-tech skills in the Vietnamese youth who will drive the success of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution in Viet Nam. The programme this year will continue to provide high-tech skills development courses for teenagers from 14 to 24 years old. Samsung would increase the teaching time for advanced technology courses, including Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and one basic Coding and Programming course. These courses will be accessible through a blend of online and offline formats, ensuring accessibility for nationwide students. It is expected that the programme will give approximately 6,000 students in Viet Nam opportunities for learning and technology development. Speaking at the event, Choi Joo Ho, President of Samsung Vietnam Complex, said: Recently, the demand for technology talent in Viet Nam is exploding. This is also the context of the 4.0 industrial era and Viet Nam's policies, as well as the investment in Viet Nam by information technology businesses. This presents tremendous opportunities for Viet Nam's youth. If Vietnamese youth have enough ability to apply and have knowledge of information technology, Samsung and global businesses fully welcome you. Regrettably, the training of information technology talent in Viet Nam currently falls short. This is also the reason for Samsung to make more efforts to train information technology and science and technology talents in Viet Nam through the Samsung Innovation Campus or Solve for Tomorrow programmes. Ngo Thi Minh, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, said: "The programme is consistent with the policy and guidelines of education, and is practical in the national digital transformation programme, in the period until 2025 and orientation to 2030. Samsung also plans to establish a dedicated laboratory for the Samsung Innovation Campus program at the National Innovation Centre (NIC) Hoa Lac campus, working in tandem with NIC to select students to participate in the project. About 300 students are anticipated to enrol in the Samsung Innovation Campus courses offered at this location. Launched globally in 2019, this is one of Samsung's typical social responsibility programmes and has expanded to 32 countries worldwide, such as the US, Germany, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Samsung Vietnam, Junior Achievement Viet Nam and the Multicampus company, a subsidiary of the Samsung Group specialising in human resource development and training, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), affirming their commitment to accompany the implementation of the Samsung Innovation Campus 2023-24 programme in Viet Nam. VNS Hong Kong: Northern Link rail scheme gazetted The Government today gazetted the Northern Link Main Line (NOL) railway scheme. Construction works will commence after the scheme is authorised and are expected to be completed by 2034. The scheme involves constructing a railway link approximately 10.7km long connecting the Tuen Ma Lines existing Kam Sheung Road Station and the East Rail Lines planned Kwu Tung Station, with three intermediate stations at Au Tau, Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin. Noting that the NOL is the main transportation backbone of the Northern Metropolis, the Government said the project will not only improve existing railway connections and serve the Kwu Tung North New Development Area and the San Tin Technopole, but will also unleash the development potential of land around Au Tau, Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin. The Government pointed out that currently the road journey between Kam Sheung Road Station and the area of Kwu Tung Station takes about 60 to 80 minutes during rush hours, adding that upon the commissioning of the NOL Main Line, the expected travel time required for the same journey by rail will be approximately 12 minutes. The Government and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation have consulted on the project with the North District Council and the Yuen Long District Council, exchanged views with relevant rural committees and stakeholders, and held various publicity activities. From today until December 5, members of the public may lodge objections to the proposed scheme. Those who have a compensable interest can claim compensation under the Railways Ordinance. Information on the scheme and relevant plans are available on the Highways Departments website. Call 2762 3976 for details. This story has been published on: 2023-10-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The Constitutional Court has completed the substantive review of the Parliament members' submissions related to the alleged Constitution violation by the President. The court will submit its report to the Parliament by October 14."We have read a lot of undeserved criticism on social media. Some politicians and non-politicians express their opinions prematurely, but it is better to wait for the court's decision first," the Chairman of the Constitutional Court Merab Turava stated.The Plenum of the Constitutional Court must prepare a report on whether the President violated the Constitution by visiting Germany, France, and Belgium without government consent.If the Constitutional Court concludes that the President violated the Constitution, Parliament will vote on her impeachment, which requires 100 votes. The plenum discussed the constitutional proposal for three days,"Citizens gathered near the parliament building to protest the 'Tent Law'.The organizers of the protest are members of the movement Talga and Students for the European Future. They assert, that "the Russian government will not be allowed to pass another Russian law."According to one of the activists, the Georgian Dream decided to tighten the remaining space of the protest and that this law is 'identical' to the law passed by Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. From their perspective, the Georgian government identifies itself with the same regime.The Parliament considers the draft law of the Georgian Dream, according to which the setting up of tents and other temporary constructions at rallies is restricted in an accelerated manner. On October 4, the deputies took the bill at the first reading. HCM CITY A business forum on expanding trade cooperation between Indonesia and Viet Nam, introducing the 38th Trade Exhibition Indonesia (TEI) 2023, and learning about the Halal market was held in HCM City on Thursday. In his opening remarks, Ho Xuan Lam, vice president and general secretary of the HCM City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO), said that since Viet Nam and Indonesia set up diplomatic ties in 1955, their relations have developed strongly in all fields, with two-way trade enjoying positive growth to hit US$14.1 billion in 2022, a threefold increase compared to the figure 10 years ago. The forum was a chance for the two sides enterprises to meet and seek opportunities to boost trade cooperation and nurture close friendships between the Vietnamese and Indonesian people. Cao Thi Phi Van, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, said that Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world with more than 267 million people, has the biggest demand for Halal-certified products, which is a potential market for Vietnamese businesses. Export businesses should proactively learn about and apply for Halal certification to access this market, Van advised. Indonesian Consul General in HCM City Agustaviano Sofjan said that the forum provided detailed information about Halal products that have the potential to become an important economic growth driver for Indonesia with a contribution of about $5.1 billion per year. It also helped the citys businesses better understand the concepts of Halal and the Halal market, therefore contributing to increasing opportunities for cooperation between firms of the two countries. VNS HCM CITY The Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Corporation (SABECO) on Friday officially announced the appointment of Lester Tan Teck Chuan as its new General Director, effective from October 1, 2023. In his new role, Lester Tan assumes responsibility for shaping SABECO's overall business and sustainable growth strategies while reinforcing its core strengths. Lester Tan, a Singaporean national, brings to SABECO a wealth of experience, boasting over 28 years of expertise in the beer, spirits, and beverage industry across various Asian markets, including Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, and Singapore. Throughout his career, Lester Tan has consistently catalysed positive changes and fueled business growth within the organisations he has led. The announcement of this leadership transition has been met with enthusiasm from SABECO's Board of Directors. In their statement, they expressed: Over the past five years, SABECO has made significant strides in enhancing its business capabilities, streamlining processes, and executing transformative initiatives. To continue this remarkable transformation journey, the company requires fresh ideas, innovative perspectives, and renewed vigor. We believe the new leadership will spearhead transformative business strategies and guide this centuries-old company to greater heights. The Board has full confidence in Lester Tan's extensive experience and outstanding leadership qualities, foreseeing his success in steering SABECO to new horizons. In 2018, SABECO embarked on a transformation journey, guided by seven strategic pillars, with the aim of becoming a globally competitive company. The year 2021 marked the culmination of the first phase of SABECO's transformation, punctuated by significant milestones. This achievement has set the stage for the company's second transformation phase, characterised by six key pillars including sales, brand/marketing, production, supply chain, people, and unlock all supported by the SABECO 4.0 project and other governance initiatives. SABECO's commitment to growth and sustainable development has been evident over the years, as it adapted to changing consumer preferences by re-launching its iconic Bia Saigon range in 2019, and introducing new product lines such as Bia Saigon Gold, Bia Saigon Chill, Bia Lac Viet and limited edition beers to promote the craftsmanship of its local brewmasters and enhance consumers drinking experience. In the period spanning 2022 to 2023, SABECO expanded the capacity of the Bia Sai Gon Quang Ngai Brewery to 250 million liters per year, undertook a rooftop solar power installation project across 17 breweries, and initiated an extensive warehouse and logistics project with a 31,000sq. M area and storage capacity for 30,000 pallets. These efforts are designed to optimise storage, preserve goods, and ensure timely supply to meet market demands. While 2023 has been challenging for the entire industry, SABECO's financial performance in 2022 is a testament to its strong foundations, having recorded VND34.9 trillion in net revenue and VN5.5 trillion in profit after tax, marking a remarkable increase of 32 per cent and 40 per cent compared to 2021, respectively. These figures represent the highest profit after tax in the company's history. Additionally, as of August 2023, Bia Saigon retains its market-leading position in terms of product consumption, as confirmed by research conducted by NielsenIQ Viet Nam. As the newly appointed General Director, Lester Tan will spearhead the second phase of SABECO's transformation, focusing on sustainable growth and further cementing its position both domestically and internationally, aligning with the group's vision for 2025 to strengthen its leadership in the Southeast Asia region. In Lester Tan's own words: "Having had the opportunity to engage with SABECO's team, customers, and consumers, I am excited about the opportunities ahead of us. I am honoured to collaborate with SABECO's leaders and colleagues to drive sustainable growth for the company, deliver enhanced value to our shareholders, and continue creating a positive socio-economic impact in the communities where we operate, and for Viet Nam." Before assuming his role at SABECO, he served as the Chief of Beer at ThaiBev PLC, overseeing Thailand's beer market from 2020 to 2023. He also held CEO positions in beer and beverage businesses in Mongolia, Myanmar, and Thailand. CAN THO A workshop was held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on Thurday to discuss public - private partnership (PPP) in reducing emissions in the tra fish production chain in Viet Nam. With about 6,000ha of farming area and an output of over 1.5 million tonnes, tra fish is among the key fishery commodities of Viet Nam. The countrys tra fish products have been exported to more than 140 markets in the world, bringing home about US$2 billion in annual export value. Viet Nams tra fish production and the related food safety and hygiene control system have also received positive assessment from the US Food Safety and Inspection Service. However, there remain certain shortcomings and problems in the production, processing, environmental treatment, connectivity, and sale in the tra fish industry, heard the workshop held by the Directorate of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), and the Vietnam Pangasius Association. Pham Thi Thu Hong, deputy secretary general of the Vietnam Pangasius Association, cited research findings that show to produce an average of 200 tonnes of fish per ha, at least 320 tonnes of feed is needed and 256 tonnes of organic substances will be discharged into the environment. Besides, there are more than 100 tra fishing processing establishments nationwide with a designed capacity of 1.5 million tonnes of raw materials each year. Though equipment and technology for producing by-products such as fish oil and powder are relatively modern, they havent been able to make full use of fish blood, thus worsening the pollution of water used for processing. That has resulted in an environmental challenge to tra fishing farming and processing, she said, holding that to secure sustainable development for the tra fish industry, it is necessary to pay due attention to environmental protection, especially appropriate and highly practical solutions to waste from farming and processing. Tran inh Luan, director of the Directorate of Fisheries, considered PPP as a good approach to sustainably develop the tra fish chain under the circular economy model. Given this, he noted, the MARD put forth the initiative of establishing a PPP group involving universities, research institutes, businesses, and domestic and foreign organisations to devise ideas for reducing emissions in each link of the tra fish chain. In addition, PPP will help provide more information about the domestic and foreign markets in order to facilitate innovation, studies, and applications to bring emissions down to the lowest possible level, thereby maintaining the reputation of Viet Nams fishery products, including tra fish, in international markets, Luan added. Hong said that following the global trend, the Vietnamese Government has committed to reducing emissions. Importers of Vietnamese fish also hope and pledge to cut carbon emissions by 20-30 per cent during the 2025-30 period, so they want suppliers of fishery products to carry out emission reduction initiatives accordingly. Therefore, fish farmers and processing businesses of Viet Nam need to curb emissions during the production process to concurrently ensure product quality and keep emissions low, thereby promoting their competitiveness and maintaining their reputation in the global market, she remarked. VNS By Nguyen Hang LUANG PRABANG Climate change has reduced the flow of the Mekong River over the past ten years, causing impacts on countries in the Mekong Delta, including Viet Nam. The Mekong Delta in Viet Nam was now facing two challenges, consisting of sea-level rise and the use of water, said Anoulak Kittikhoun, Chief Executive Officer of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat at the 13th regional stakeholder forum, organised on Thursday in Luang Prabang Province in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Sea-level rise is a global problem, Viet Nam is not alone, he added. Second, Viet Nam had its own development challenges, including the water use in the Mekong Delta, he said. I think the Vietnamese Government is seriously looking at the challenges and taking action. We know that the flow of the Mekong has changed, he said. Therefore, the Mekong River Commission, together with the member countries and China, was studying how to understand the causes of the changes and to identify adaptation measures such as sharing more information (in the short term), he said. In the medium-to-long term, it would come up with a strategy to manage the challenges, he said. The Mekong River Commission was also coordinating bodies and facilitating the cooperation between the member states to cope with the changes and minimise the pressures on fish and the environment, he added. Under the draft State of Basin Report 2023, revealed at the forum, the Mekong Rivers dry-season flows have increased, but flood-season flows have decreased. The changed flow regime is evident along the length of the river, with impact greatest at upper parts and overall volumetric impact greatest downstream, the draft said. Wetlands have declined significantly. There are pressures on the fish population. Although the average fish abundance from catch data either increases or is stable in most areas, a substantial decline in fish abundance is still found in the Khone Falls area (border region in Lao PDR and Cambodia) and in Viet Nams Mekong Delta, the draft said. Rice and fisheries sectors contribute a large share of national production. Rice production contributes 54 per cent of the total national production of four Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB) countries, fisheries contribute 39 per cent in Viet Nam and 43 per cent in Cambodia, the draft said. Besides, the draft also said that strong evidence of climate change within the river basin is found through increases in both temperature and sea-level rise. The daily temperature increased by over 1.4 degrees Celsius over the past 50 years. There was a reduction in a number of heavy rainfall days (with the rainfall higher than 100mm) and very heavy rainfall days (with the rainfall higher than 150mm) in the Lower Mekong River Basin. Nguyen Nhan Quang, former Deputy Secretary General of Viet Nam National Mekong Committee, said that it is very good for the Mekong River Commission to coordinate with China to study the hydrological flow of the Mekong River. It could help partly understand the current state of the Mekong River as well as human and natural impacts under climate change conditions, he said. Quang also said that the specific impacts of changing flow for the people in the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam, firstly was the quantity of water, secondly was the quality of water. If the water was not enough, it would greatly affect crops, especially for rice and fruit in the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam, he said. On the other hand, if the quality of water was not guaranteed, it would also cause impacts on aquaculture of local people in the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam, he said. In addition, the decline in the water quality also meant that sometimes the water did not have enough silt to replenish the Viet Nam's Mekong Delta, which would have an indirect impact on river bank erosion, he added. And clearly, a lack of water to serve aquaculture and cultivation will greatly impact the livelihoods of people in the Mekong Delta, he said. Joint management needed Kittikhoun said the forum was a regular mechanism to reach out to communicate with stakeholders, from Government, private sector, academia, and the community. It is an open and exclusive forum where people can come and share their views, their opinions and their concerns, he said. We are in a constructive dialogue; if there is something that needs to be addressed, we can really record and further recommend, he said. The biggest challenge in the Mekong River is getting more and more developments, he said. These developments not only bring countries many benefits but also challenges and pressures on the environment, he said. We also have the impacts of climate change, he said. To address the challenges, the Mekong River Commission encouraged joint project and joint management, he said. That is the key message of the forum, he said. VNS HCM CITY The headquarters of the Peoples Committee and Peoples Council of HCM City has recently attracted a huge number of local and foreign visitors since the city government opened tours for tourists and locals. According to the southern citys Department of Tourism, as of October 1, the tour has welcomed nearly 5,000 domestic and international visitors. The number of foreign holidaymakers keen on the programme has steadily increased, the department added. From now to December, visitors will not only have the chance to explore the building and be given information about the history, architectural highlights, and function of the building, but they will be able to visit several exhibitions featuring beautiful landscapes. In addition, the exhibit will showcase the friendliness of local people through unique images. Local people and visitors will be able to register for a trip to visit the 114-year-old national architectural and artistic building, at travel agents, the website www.visithcmc.vn, or by scanning the QR code. The building was first opened to visitors this year during the National Reunification (April 30) and May Day (May 1) holidays, and attracted 1,500 people, who could only previously admire it from outside. Visitors can see the main lobby, international reception room on the ground floor, second floor, a meeting room, the balcony and the architectural highlights, artistic design and functionality of the complex during an hour-long tour. The tour aims to showcase a friendly and open image of the city and its history. Located at 86 Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1, the People's Committee and Peoples Council building was built in 1909 based on designs by French architect Femand Gardes modeled on bell towers in northern France. The headquarters of the Peoples Committee of HCM City, previously known as the HCM City Hall or L'Hotel de Ville, is one of the oldest major buildings in the southern metropolis. Sculptor Louis-Lucien Ruffier was in charge of the exterior architecture. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV)'s Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong have sent their letters of greetings to General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of China's National Day (October 1). Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has cabled his greetings to his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, while National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue also sent congratulations to Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji on this special occasion. In the letters, the Vietnamese leaders highly valued and congratulated China on the achievements in socio-economic development, reform and opening process that the Party, State and people of China have gained over the past 74 years. They expressed belief that under the leadership of the CPC and General Secretary and President Xi, China will successfully complete all strategic socio-economic targets and tasks set out at the 20th CPC National Congress, turning China into a modern, strong and prosperous socialist country with democracy, civilisation and harmony, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world. The Vietnamese Party and State leaders affirmed that the Party, State and people of Viet Nam always consider China an important strategic partner and a top priority in Viet Nams external policy. They underlined that the year of 2023 carries an important meaning to the Viet Nam-China ties as the two countries are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This is a chance for the two sides to look back on the previous journey, sum up experience and sketch out a future of sustainable and long-term development for their traditional friendly neighbourliness and the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Viet Nam-China Cooperation Tran Luu Quang, and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son also extended their greetings to Wang Yi, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the China-Viet Nam Cooperation and Chinese Foreign Minister. VNS QUANG NINH Viet Nam will host the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) this month, a press conference heard on Friday. The ASEAN ministerial meeting will take place from October 8-13 in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, according to a statement at the press conference held by Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VNDDMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with Bao Nong nghiep Viet Nam (Viet Nam Agriculture) newspaper. The regional event will attract the participation of eight ASEAN ministers, four ASEAN deputy ministers and more than 140 foreign delegates who are leaders, officials and experts from natural disaster prevention and control agencies of the 10 ASEAN member countries. In attendance also includes representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), ASEAN development partners from other countries including China, South Korea and Japan, and a number of international organisations in the region, the statement said. At the press conference, activities on the framework of the 11th AMMDM and in Viet Nam's 2023 Chairmanship were announced with the theme "From Response to early Action and Strengthening Resilience - ASEAN Moves Towards the Goal of Global Leadership in Natural Disaster Management". Pham uc Luan, Director of the VNDDMA, said Viet Nam has been showing itself to be an active and highly reputable member in ASEAN, of which natural disasters management is a content of ASEAN's cooperation within the "socio-cultural community pillar". Currently, the VNDDMA is a focal agency participating in regional cooperation mechanisms on natural disaster management, said Luan. As a rotation of among ASEAN countries, in 2023, Viet Nam assumes the position of Chairman of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM), the 11th AMMDM, the ACDM annual meetings and other sideline activities. This is both important responsibility and opportunity for Viet Nam to proactively lead, enhance its position, and demonstrate its role in ASEAN cooperation on natural disaster management in particular and in building the ASEAN community and relationship between ASEAN and its partners in general," according to the official. In addition, Luan said, assuming the presidency role would also help Viet Nam take advantage of experience and resources from partners and the international community for the country's natural disaster prevention and control works and actively contribute to building an ASEAN community with resilience to natural disasters as well as contribute to the common development of the country and the region," he emphasised. As it has been planned, the 11th AMMDM will adopt the "Ha Long Declaration on Early Action in ASEAN Disaster Management". This is an initiative proposed by Viet Nam as a way to make an impression in the year of implementing the ASEAN Chairmanship in natural disaster management. The meeting will also ratify the protocol of the 11th AMMDM, protocol of the 42nd and 43rd ACDM annual meetings and other related events. It will review and evaluate the mid-term report on the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) for the period 2021-2025, contributing to orienting the building of ASEAN vision on disaster management after 2025 and the period 2025-2030. Speaking at the press conference, Nguyen Ngoc Thach, Editor-in-Chief of Viet Nam Agriculture newspaper, believed that press agencies would widely spread the important messages of the meeting. He expected with the active participation and high responsibility of journalists, the messages of the meeting towards the realisation of ASEAN Vision 2025 on natural disaster management so as to build ASEAN as a pioneer in disaster management within and beyond the ASEAN region. As far as the meeting to take place in Quang Ninh, many other activities will also be held, including a jogging race in response to ASEAN Disaster Management Day on October 8 at Hon Gai Beach, Ha Long City with the participation of 1,000 athletes and another event in response to ASEAN Day of Disaster Management and International Day of Natural Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 at Bai Chay Primary and Secondary School in Ha Long City. VNS BEN TRE Coastal localities across Viet Nam's have been ramping up efforts to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing with the highly anticipated inspection visit from the European Commission (EC) to see the country's progress on this matter in mid-October. The Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre in the south of Viet Nam has rolled out measures to tighten inspection over IUU prevention and control activities in the locality. Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Nguyen Minh Canh said that the locality will launch a campaign against IUU fishing on mass media in preparation for receiving the EC inspection team this month. Along with continuing to equip fishing boats with vessel monitoring systems (VMS), the province has focused on supervising the operation of vessels with a high risk of violating IUU fishing regulations and those operating in bordering waters. It has coordinated with the coast guard force to handle arising issues at sea to prevent violations, while monitoring vessel activities in ports. Since 2022, Ben Tre has deleted the registration of 643 vessels that no longer operate, while granting exploitation licences to 89.62 per cent of the local fishing vessels. From 2019, the province has crossed out and handled 28 vessels violating foreign waters, collecting an administrative fine of VN20.15 billion (nearly US$825,000). As part of efforts to combat IUU fishing, the central province of Quang Ngai has freshly decided to fine the owners of two fishing vessels in Quang Ngai City with a fine of nearly VN900 million for violations in fishing activities and vessel registration. Over the years, Quang Ngai has worked hard to increase awareness and implement the Law on Fisheries and fishing regulations among local fishermen, while strengthening supervision over IUU fishing activities, thus joining efforts to remove the ECs yellow card on Vietnamese seafood export. Earlier on October 2, Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Tran Phuoc Hai signed documents asking the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to coordinate with relevant agencies to inspect and handle 45 24m-long vessels losing VMS signals for more than 10 days. Meanwhile, the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is finalising preparations to receive the EC inspection team from October 10-15. Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Quan Trong Thao said that the locality has committed to strong IUU combat, developing a responsible and sustainable fisheries sector by enforcing the Law on Fisheries 2017. Thao said that the EC team will focus on examining the activities of vessels at fishing ports, the control of fishing violations on foreign waters, the implementation of regulations on VMS installation as well as regulations on registration and licence issuance for fishing vessels. They also plan to review the control over the origin of seafood exported to Europe. It will work with a number of local firms engaging in exporting seafood to Europe to inspect their dossiers and procedures of tracing product origin, he added. Chairman of the Kien Giang Province Peoples Committee Lam Minh Thanh asked the department to coordinate with other sectors to make documents for working sessions with the EC inspection team, clearly showing the localitys determination and drastic actions in developing responsible and sustainable fisheries as well as preventing and fighting IUU fishing and observing EC recommendations. So far, 99.32 per cent fishing vessels with a length from 15m in Kien Giang have installed a VMS device, while the rate of vessels with daily VMS contact has reached 75 per cent, 15 per cent higher than the countrys average. VNS By Tran Khanh An I no longer want to create plays only for older audiences. Instead, I want to captivate the younger ones to enjoy dramatic performances, stage director Tran Luc told Viet Nam News at the end of a recent showing of the play The Doll. It is the first time scriptwriter Le Hoang's play has been staged in Ha Noi and it also marks the first collaboration between Hoang, Luc and LucTeam. Written by Hoang, who is famed for his sharp, humorous and satirical writing, and directed by Luc in an experimental but traditional artistic style, The Doll blows a new wind into artistic creation with an expressionist style that is both familiar and strange. Luc draws a contrast between traditional dramatic elements and contemporary theatrical techniques, as well as between the East and global trends. Born into a family with a rich tradition of cheo folk drama, Luc has been influenced by traditional Vietnamese and Eastern dramatic styles. He chose theatrical conventions and expressiveness as the core values of his LucTeams creativity, thereby establishing a unique creative style for stage plays. However, with the burning desire to draw in a new generation of young audience, Luc consistently experiments and applies up-to-date expressions on stage. Luc's artistic style is consistently expressed throughout the play, fascinating the audience with his unique storytelling that is unlike any other director. The Doll surprised and captivated the audience with the actors' ability to express the plot through the metaphors of their physical movements and facial expressions. To implement their theatrical ideas, actors in LucTeam had to practise body movements from other performance arts such as circus, mime, and traditional Vietnamese theatrical genres such as cheo. To highlight the actors' body performance, LucTeam designed a minimalist stage with just a curtain behind it. However, they used it carefully and ingeniously to showcase the developments in the play. The Doll is a realistic but transcendent piece that features four characters -- a naive young girl, a shrewd matchmaker, a good-looking waiter, and a wealthy man. Despite the limited number of characters, the play perfectly features LucTeam's vision of an oriental essence in a contemporary breath. Even though the play has a modern context, it has a mystical atmosphere similar to Liaozhai (or Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio), the classic selection of weird and wonderful tales. However, it still tackles contemporary dilemmas such as AI, homosexuality, love, and desire. "If artificial intelligence wins on all fronts, so will love!" says the waiter at one point, asking the audience to question the world. People often fear AI, but the play asks why we should be afraid when the way most of us live and love is already so artificial. In today's virtual world, only what comes from the heart can truly help us connect to others, or so the play implies. Throughout the nearly two-hour play, the four actors deliver an engaging performance. Without complicated sets, props, or costumes, four actors captivate the audience with just their body movements, eyes, and voices -- a spare performance but powerful for it. Despite being a newcomer to Vietnamese theatre, Vo Hoai Vu, who portrays the waiter, delivers an exceptional performance. As the eldest son of celebrated actor Vo Hoai Nam, Vu has inherited serious talent and cannot help but impress the performance. English subtitles were provided thoughtfully on two screens set up by LucTeam, and there were numerous expats among the audience. As the play is experimental at times, often employing unnatural dialogue, the performance could potentially be a challenge to younger viewers who may feel unfamiliar with the various theatrical conventions and modes of expression here. Nevertheless, the unique and unpredictable storytelling, sarcastic dialogue, and mystical atmosphere draw the audience. The audience quickly forgot the gap between the spectators and the stage, and found themselves accompanying the characters on their journey, pulled into the atmosphere and gripping narrative of the play. I was highly impressed by the play's use of shadow projections, mime, and contemporary dance. The content was well-crafted and aligns with current Gen Z trends, with the topic of homosexuality cleverly woven into the play through witty dialogue, viewer Pham Ngoc Ha, 23, said. VNS With the goal of intensifying connections to the open markets of South Asia and Southeast Asia, Yunnan province (China) has undertaken an important task in Beijing's efforts to strengthen cooperation and investment. According to SCMP, China announced that Yunnan province would be turned into a gateway to the large market of South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. This is a strategy to tighten the relationship among the regions and increase economic competitiveness. As stated by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Yunnan province took the responsibility of opening up with full regional integration capacity. To that end, China pledged additional support to Yunnan province, which borders three Southeast Asian including Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos to accelerate the construction of large international corridors. through transport, logistics, energy and digital information connections with its southern neighbors. The NDRC representative said: "We will support Yunnan to expand and consolidate industries with unique advantages to actively carry out domestic and international industrial transfer." China has closer bonds with Southeast Asia and South Asia in recent years as its economic relations with the United States have deteriorated. China also stepped up its promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative's globalization strategy in the region while the initiative faced backlash in Europe. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become China's largest trading partner in recent years. The bloc has emerged as a destination for foreign investors who are diversifying their supply chains outside of China. ASEAN is a key part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement, which also includes China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. This region plays an important intermediary role and is an indirect bridge between China and the West, Mr. Lin had confirmed in an interview with Chinese newspaper The Paper. Last year, China's trade with ASEAN was $975.3 billion - up from $641.5 billion in 2019 - a 24-fold increase since 2000, according to customs data. Mr. Liu said that China had to proactively seek more cooperation opportunities with emerging markets, including Southeast Asia, to compensate for the decline in trade with developed countries. China Customs, the country's exports to the European Union and the US decreased by 19.58% and 9.53% respectively in August compared to the same period last year. According to customs data, China's exports to ASEAN fell 13.25% from a year earlier in August. In the first eight months of this year, the total trade value between China and ASEAN was 4.11 trillion yuan (562.3 billion USD), accounting for 15.2% of China's total foreign trade. During the China-ASEAN expo in September, China signed 470 investment and cooperation projects with ASEAN countries, with a total investment of 487.3 billion yuan (66.6 billion USD), of which More than 65% belong to the manufacturing sector. Recently, at the ASEAN-China Summit, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang also highlighted the importance of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and said that this was possible thanks to the efforts of both sides. , together cultivating strategic trust, mutual support, mutually beneficial cooperation, promoting sustainable development and inclusiveness. The fact that the U.S. has yet to recognize Vietnam's market economy and, at the same time, has continuously increased trade defense measures in general and on Vietnamese goods in particular, making importing goods into the U.S. market increasingly difficult. According to Mr. Do Ngoc Hung, Commercial Counselor and head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the United States, the U.S. tends to apply more and more measures to prevent imports and protect domestic production. Vietnamese goods are being sued more and more. According to the Trade Defense Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, countries will tend to apply more and more trade defense measures, and Vietnamese exports will also face more and more trade defense investigations from abroad. By the end of September 2023, Vietnam's exported goods faced 234 trade defense cases initiated by countries. This agency also said that in the first 9 months of 2023 alone, countries had initiated 7 trade defense cases against Vietnamese export goods. Trade defense investigation cases against Vietnam are mainly anti-dumping and tax evasion, coming from markets that regularly conduct trade defense investigations, such as the United States, Australia, India... The items under investigation are quite diverse, from exports with a turnover of several tens of millions to billions of dollars. Among them, steel and fiber... are items frequently investigated according to general trends worldwide. The Ministry of Industry and Trade assesses that the fact that Vietnam's exports are facing more and more foreign trade defense investigations is an inevitable consequence when exports grow rapidly, and Vietnam participates more deeply in the global value chain in a volatile world situation. Vietnam participates in many free trade agreements, tariff barriers are gradually removed, and exports of many products are on the rise. However, this also puts pressure on domestic businesses in the import market, forcing the host country's government to use policy tools to protect the interests of the domestic manufacturing industry, including Trade defense measures, tools allowed by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Also read: Removing barriers in cooperation between Vietnam and the US Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com Exporting to the U.S. is increasingly difficult. Regarding the U.S. market, Counselor Do Ngoc Hung said that the U.S. is the largest import market in the world, with recent import value reaching over 3,000 billion USD per year. Statistics from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) show that the U.S. trade deficit was about 500 billion USD in the first half of this year. Counsellor Do Ngoc Hung noted that the U.S. is tending to apply more and more measures to prevent imports from protecting domestic production. In particular, the Washington government imposes strict technical barriers, regularly adds new regulations, sharply increases investigations and then imposes anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and anti-evasion taxes. This makes importing goods into this market increasingly difficult. Statistics prove that by the end of May 2023, the U.S. will be the country that initiated the most trade defense investigations with Vietnam. The U.S. side has initiated 55 cases, accounting for nearly 25% of the total trade remedy investigation cases with Vietnamese exports. The items under investigation are relatively diverse, from Vietnam's main export industries, such as steel, wood, seafood, textiles, tires, and high-pressure washers, to products with export turnover. as small as honey, lawn mowers, foam mattresses, woven bags... Notably, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has recently proposed amending and supplementing many regulations in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, with policies aimed at workers and enhancing competition with unfair competition practices from imported goods. Also read: Vietnams exports to UAE surge over 40% in Jan-Jul Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com America needs to be fair with Vietnam. According to Mr. Do Ngoc Hung, the Vietnamese side has also taken measures to protect the main interests of businesses and maintain a harmonious and sustainable trade balance between Vietnam and the U.S. Accordingly, in many bilateral meeting frameworks between leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and U.S. partners such as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), DOC, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has requested DOC to conduct investigations with Vietnam, based on objectivity and fairness, creates conditions for Vietnamese export enterprises to have enough time to explain and provide information to the investigation agency for proof. Suppose the DOC decides to apply anti-circumvention measures. In that case, Vietnamese authorities also request the U.S. to have a simple and convenient mechanism for Vietnamese manufacturing and exporting enterprises to confirm that they do not violate the trade defense measures and not to create additional burdens on Vietnamese export enterprises. What solution? Counsellor Do Ngoc Hung gave some recommendations for Vietnamese businesses exporting products to the U.S. market. According to Counselor Do Ngoc Hung, in the current context, Vietnam needs to mobilize maximum resources from the State and businesses, closely monitor situation developments, and approach and handle issues flexibly, flexibly but firmly determined to protect interests in the world's largest market. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is the focal point for trade defense cases. However, in lawsuits, Mr. Hung reiterated that the role of businesses is very important and decisive in the case outcome. The Vietnam Trade Office in the U.S. also made some recommendations for Vietnamese businesses to remember when exporting to the world's largest market. First, according to Mr. Hung, Vietnamese businesses need to equip and update their knowledge about legal regulations on trade remedies of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in general and the U.S. in particular. Next, it is necessary to build relationships, participate, and cooperate with relevant associations in the U.S., such as the Import-Export Association, to obtain more information, increase exchange, and avoid lawsuits by U.S. businesses. At the same time, we must regularly discuss with domestic agencies and representative agencies the situation, developments in exports, and the risk of trade defense lawsuits when developing production and export plans, especially when an incident occurs, so that a timely treatment plan can be developed. The AWEEV project benefits ethnic minority women in Quang Binh district, Ha Giang province. (Photo: VNA) Ha Giang A meeting to review the implementation of the Advancing Women's Economic Empowerment in Vietnam" (AWEEV) project in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang was held by Care International Vietnam (CARE) and the provincial Peoples Committee on October 5. According to Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Hoang Gia Long, the AWEEV project, which was funded by the Canadian government through CARE, benefited ethnic minority women in Quang Binh district. Positive results of the project have contributed to promoting sustainable economic development and reducing gender bias barriers in women's participation in economic activities. Long expressed his hope that the Canadian government and CARE will consider expanding the project to other areas and sponsor other relevant programmes and projects in the locality. The provincial authorities pledge to continue close coordination with CARE and related units to effectively implement the project, he said. Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Perry Steil showed his appreciation for Vietnam's development and the bilateral relations between the two countries in recent years, affirming that the Canadian government will continue prioritising assistance to ethnic minority women in mountainous areas of Vietnam in general and in Ha Giang in particular. The diplomat urged the provincial authorities to continue collaboration and enhance its responsibility and efforts in achieving the overarching goals of the project, contributing to promoting the economic development rights of women and empowering their autonomy. Implemented from 2021 to 2025, the AWEEV project aims to support 2,635 ethnic minority women and men in six communes of Ha Giang and three communes of the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau. Its total budget is over 4.5 million CAD (over 3.27 million USD). In Ha Giang, as of May 2023, the project had supported 150 ethnic minority women in Quang Binh district in implementing livelihood models involving poultry, pig, and goat breeding, and peanut cultivation, which have helped improve the income and economic well-being of beneficiaries. In addition, the project also supported the upgrading of boarding classrooms and utensils at 10 preschools with a total funding of over 2 billion VND in the district. Thanks to the project, the amount of time men spend on family care and housework has increased from 2.9 to 3.4 hours per day, while the time women designate to economic activities to create income has risen from 8.2 hours to 11.1 hours per day. Thousands of representatives gathered at the ESG Symposium 2023 in Thailand On October 5, over 500 representatives from the government, private sector, and civil society joined forces to propose four approaches to accelerate Thailand's transition to a low-carbon society to the Thai prime minister. The collective efforts aimed at achieving net-zero by 2065 are: (1) The acceleration of NDCs, which involves a collaboration to create the Saraburi Sandbox Thailand's first model city that focusses on low carbon emissions. This initiative is designed to stimulate the economy through green industries, sustainable agriculture, and ecotourism. (2) Accelerating the circular economy by making it a national agenda, generating economic value from recycled materials in the three main industries of packaging, automotive, and construction. (3) The energy transition, aiming to unlock restrictions and liberalise the production and trade of clean energy through grid modernisation, battery storage technologies, and alternative energy sources. (4) The just transition, by supporting vulnerable groups to become self-reliant through knowledge, low-carbon technology, and access to green financial resources. Roongrote Rangsiyopash, president and CEO of SCG Group said, "We are currently entering a state of global boiling, which is escalating rapidly and severely affecting every aspect of life. The recommendations will be presented to the prime minister at the ESG Symposium 2023 today." All stakeholders are eager to witness integrated efforts to expand the Thai economy while achieving net-zero emissions. The goal is to make Thailand's transition to a low-carbon society a tangible reality. Thammasak Sethaudom, executive vice president of SCG stated, "Based on these four collaborative strategies, I am confident that if every sector collaborates, the Thai economy will progress in a low-carbon direction, ensuring environmental balance. This aligns with the philosophy of the Sufficiency Economy and the BCG economic model." Kitipong Promwong, president of the Office of National Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy Council, highlighted the development of the Saraburi Sandbox as a model city with low carbon emissions, laying the foundations for it to become Thailands first net-zero city. "A significant challenge lies in the fact that Saraburi is a base for heavy industries, which present significant environmental issues. Successfully transforming it into a low-carbon or net-zero city will require innovations and cross-sectoral collaboration. This initiative will serve as a model for other provinces to follow," he said. The industrial sector is transiting to green strategies, investing to maximise the use of clean energy, and promoting the use and export of green products, such as low-carbon cement and bio energy pellets. Meanwhile, the agricultural sector is shifting to sustainable farming practices, such as utilising alternative wetting and drying techniques for rice farming, which reduce water consumption, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. "Efforts also encompass growing Napier grass on unused paddies as they undergo transformation into alternative energy sources. This reduces the carbon footprint and generates an income for the community. Additionally, establishing 38 community forests across the province will help expand the green spaces that absorb carbon and pave the way for ecotourism, benefiting local communities," Promwong continued. Panrat Phechpakdee, senior vice president of the Federation of Thai Industries, said that for the circular economy system to be as successful as it has been in countries like Sweden and Finland, it must be made a national agenda with widespread implementation. The packaging, automotive, and construction industries in Thailand have already taken the lead and are achieving significant success. "To replicate this success in other sectors, it is essential to introduce laws and policies to standardise the waste separation and collection systems nationwide. Also, an ecosystem should be established to promote the investment benefits and technological development related to the circular economy. This includes promoting the use of green products made from recycled or biological materials and pushing public agencies to prioritise the procurement of green products to encourage widespread acceptance," Phechpakdee suggested. Charoenchai Chaliewkriengkrai, chairman of the FTI Saraburi Provincial Chapter stated, "In fact, 70 per cent of greenhouse gasses in Thailand come from the energy sector. To achieve the net-zero goal, the transition from high-carbon fossil fuels to clean energy is essential. Collaborative efforts are crucial to unlock the limitations, elevating the energy security and sustainability of the country and supporting economic growth by liberalising the trade of clean energy through grid modernisations." "The public and private sectors should collectively utilise the electricity grid for easier access and convenience. It is important to stimulate investment by developing efficient and cost-effective battery storage technologies, promoting production as a part of the New S-Curve and utilising vacant spaces for various forms of energy storage, such as hydro, thermal, mechanical, and chemical." "Additionally, we should develop new alternative power sources to be included in the national energy plan, such as plant-derived hydrogen and both community and industrial waste. Policies and incentives must also be revised that encourage the use of clean energy, with the goal of increasing the use of electricity from alternative sources from 13 to 50 per cent by 2050," he emphasised. Jitsai Santaputra, a young environmental enthusiast and SDG7 Global Youth Ambassador for Southeast Asia said, "For Thailand to smoothly transition to a low-carbon society, we must ensure that no one is left behind, especially vulnerable groups who lack the resources and understanding of the adjustments required, such as small- and medium-sized enterprises, labourers, farmers, and local communities." She suggested categorising those affected and providing appropriate support based on their needs. Collaborative efforts across all sectors are crucial to aid these vulnerable groups in raising their awareness, offering them access to low-carbon technologies and both domestic and international environmental funding sources, which amount to approximately 52 trillion Baht ($1.4 trillion). She also proposed that Thailand should target securing funding for projects that are transitioning to a low-carbon society at 350 billion Baht ($9.5 billion) annually, such as the water management innovation fund for farmers to cope with changing climatic conditions and the forest rehabilitation and expansion fund, which can generate income from carbon credits. Additionally, focus must be placed on developing the skills and expertise of personnel affected by this transition, enabling them to adapt promptly and become self-reliant. Marking its 11th year, the ESG Symposium 2023 was held at the National Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok and attracted 1,500 attendees. The event featured world-renowned speakers who shared their diverse experience and insights. The participants were able to explore exhibitions and innovative technologies for a low-carbon society from leading organisations from around the world. SCG member companies in top 100 Sustainable Companies in Vietnam Two member companies of SCG, Vina Kraft Paper Co., Ltd. (VKPC) and SCG Concrete Roof (CRVC), have been awarded as Top 100 Sustainable Companies in 2022. SCG provides eye cataract surgery in Ba Ria - Vung Tau SCG in collaboration with Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital and Ba Ria - Vung Tau Youth Union, has held SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 to offer eye cataract surgery to patients in the province. ESG 4 Plus-the key for SCGs sustainable development journey In the new business context, criteria in environmental, social, and governance is not simply an option, but has become one of the most important strategies for long-term corporate development. What were the factors influencing GE's strategic choice to divide into three separate entities? Rania Rostom, head of Global Communications and Marketing, GE Back in 2021, we made the announcement to split into three independent industry-focused companies: healthcare, energy, and aerospace. When we look at the driving force behind that decision, it boils down to focus and driving growth for customers around the world. Being focused allows us to increase values, drive operational improvement, and capital allocation. While GE were leaders in these various sectors, our separately traded companies can do more with this focus, which is of value to the customers and to the marketplaces that we operate in. The exciting news is that we are going to have three GEs in Vietnam. GE HealthCare is already an active and independent company, and in early 2024, we will have GE Aerospace and GE Vernova. From a market perspective, we build on that history of investment, footprint, and manufacturing. From a brand point of view, it is the legacy of innovation and inventiveness that will continue to be driven. In short, with focus, we see increased growth and value for our stakeholders and customers in Vietnam and around the world. Following the spinoff, which of the business segments do you perceive as having the highest growth potential within the Vietnamese market? Once each company is independent, things will be done differently. The companies are going to build their own path to growth, and the shape of how they want their market operations to expand and to grow lies within those operating companies. This goes back to my earlier point, that the decision to split into three companies gives each the independence to run at the speed of the market, which increased value and growth for the stakeholders, customers and the companies. From a market perspective, how do you anticipate this will impact GEs visibility in Vietnam? We have a strong leadership team here in Vietnam. As we have operated throughout the world, we have learned that a strong local leadership team makes all the difference because they understand the marketplace, government needs, what needs to be carried out, and how to do it. Even with the spinoff, that has not changed. The commitment and presence are still there. We take great pride in the fact that our sites and operations in Vietnam deliver products not only for Vietnam but also for the world. That signals the reality that the team on the ground is capable, and that is only enforced now that we have three business arms in the market. Such a major corporate restructuring often has significant implications for internal and external communication. How did your team manage the process, both within the organisation and with external stakeholders? When we made the announcement, the question on everybody's mind was: what is going to happen to the GE brand? We went on a very robust research exercise to understand the sentiment and perspectives of our investors, customers, stakeholders, and employees. The conclusion was that there was incredible value in the equity of the brands. With that, it was decided that each of the companies will carry the GE name and bring with it the legacy of innovation, and at the same time, the new naming of each company sets forward a new beginning in strategy and architecture in the go-to market. That was how we brought that exercise alive in each of the markets. My team around the world took the global framework and we made sure that we took the message deep into each local market. They helped explain it and reiterate that the three companies will have the same commitment, the focus on localisation, and the sense of pride for the employees working in each country. It was a very exciting time for us. When our employees could suddenly see our new monograms and new colours, it started giving them an idea of our way forward. For GE Vernova, its the energy to change the world. For GE Aerospace, its the future of flights, transporting people safely and bringing them back home. And with GE HealthCare, its a world where healthcare has no limits. People then understood what this transition could mean for them, and how they could further the mission within their respective company. How does your team approach marketing and communication strategies for GE's wide portfolio, and what is your strategy to resonate with diverse cultural and regional audiences? Personally, I am passionate about balancing global narrative with contextual understanding of a local culture and market. It's both art and science. I believe that there should be a framework we have to think about. First, what are the global themes that are anchoring the brand values or strategy of the company? Then, you look at it through a local lens: what does it mean to the socioeconomic fabric that we are living in? For our team, its about finding the perfect balance between bringing the story alive and respecting the global brand architecture and themes, while embracing the contextual cultural understanding. A key ingredient is a thorough understanding of that. At the end of the day, you want the story that you tell and the work that you do to resonate with your local customers, and the only way to do this is to turn local insights into windows for your stories and capture that magic on the ground. What advice do you have for young professionals aspiring to work in global communications and marketing roles, especially in large multinational organisations like GE? Technology is a game changer for the younger generation embracing the field. In addition, with everything that's happening in the world today, theres this sense of urgency around critical issues like climate change, energy transition, and access to healthcare. It gives communicators and marketers a canvas to think about what their role is in shaping and telling the story on these critical themes for society and for the world at large. Young communicators nowadays have the opportunities to not only tell the story, but also to shape it. These issues and the pace at which they're becoming urgent opens up the door for a new generation that wants to embrace this field and play their role at a higher level. And I think that's a tremendous opportunity to create impact. US firms interested in expansion in Vietnam Although US President Donald Trump wants US firms to focus on domestic business, they still pay attention to investment in Vietnam and want to further expand and develop their projects, especially in the energy sector. General Electric breaks off healthcare to focus on power, aviation Once-dominant industrial giant General Electric announced on Tuesday (Jun 26) it will shed its healthcare and oil field services businesses to concentrate on power, aviation and wind turbines in the latest attempt to shore up the struggling company. GE's ultra-supercritical technology transforms Malaysian energy scene While many of us take electricity for granted, more than a billion people have no access to reliable power sources. GE, with its solutions to increase power generation efficiency and capacity, helps extend cleaner and safer energy to people across the globe. GE presents top five energy trends in 2022 and beyond Global energy giant General Electric (GE) has presented a forecast of the top five energy trends in 2022 and beyond. Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo has instructed relevant ministers to form a fund serving the building of a world-class tourism sector, according to Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno. Indonesia to set up tourism fund, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com The minister said the fund will be started with good governance and prioritise sustainable and quality tourism by highlighting domestic cultural excellence. Stating that quality tourists will bring economic effects to the country, such as an impact on job creation, he noted the government will form a special team to determine the fund mechanism. One of the options is through an endowment fund supported by foreign exchange from tourism that could generate 20-25 billion USD annually before the pandemic, he added. According to the minister, the government will propose a revision of Law Number 10 of 2009 on Tourism, which covers the funding aspect of the tourism fund. The tourism fund is set to begin in 2024, and the new cabinet resulting from the general election slated for February 14, 2024 will run it. Indonesia holds potential to become worlds gas supplier Indonesia has the potential to become a country that has a strategic position to meet world gas needs, President of SPA for Asia Pacific Region ENI, Ciro Antonio Pagano, has said. Indonesia to build light rail transit on Bali Indonesias Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said on September 27 that the countrys government targets the light rail transit (LRT) project in Bali to start its groundbreaking in early 2024. Indonesia plans to expand high-speed railway in Southeast Asia Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has revealed that the Southeast Asian country plans to expand the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway line to Surabaya city in East Java province. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand However, according to the United Nations, the worst effects of this crisis can be averted by taking action in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and adopting the Bio-Circular-Green Economy model, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In light of this, ESG Symposium 2023 was held at the National Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok on October 5, hosted by SCG Group, and with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in attendance. The goal of the symposium was to accelerate Thailand's transition into a low-carbon society while supporting the country's economic growth. PM Thavisin spoke of how the Thai government has already provided substantial financial backing worth more than 450 billion baht ($12.2 billion) for investments in the 'green economy'. "The promotion of investment in sustainability schemes has received a lot of positive feedback from Thai businesses, so the government has set a goal of making 1.6 trillion baht ($43.3 billion) available for businesses seeking alignment with the SDGs," said Thavisin, adding, "Thailand is ready to overcome the environmental crisis through daring new policies and setting a roadmap to mitigate emissions, enabling Thailand to become a low-carbon society," he said. The Thai PM is an admirer of the Saraburi Sandbox, an initiative from SCG, which aims to create Thailand's first low-carbon city, promoting an economy powered by green industries, sustainable agriculture, and ecotourism. "We commend SCG for its efforts to solve this issue. And we would like to welcome other companies to join and contribute to its success in the future. This will be a good example for other cities and other industries in Thailand," he said. The ESG Symposium has been an international platform that has facilitated sustainability discussions for the past 11 years, and aims to build a diverse collaborative network of both local and international entities. Organised by SCG, in partnership with the government and private sector, its primary purpose is to emphasise the significance of sustainable development and ESG policies. Some notable outcomes from past ESG Symposiums include pushing the issues of water management, circular economy, and ESG to become national agendas in Thailand. There have also been expansive collaborations to promote ESG throughout ASEAN, with sister-symposiums organised in Vietnam and Indonesia. SCG member companies in top 100 Sustainable Companies in Vietnam Two member companies of SCG, Vina Kraft Paper Co., Ltd. (VKPC) and SCG Concrete Roof (CRVC), have been awarded as Top 100 Sustainable Companies in 2022. SCG provides eye cataract surgery in Ba Ria - Vung Tau SCG in collaboration with Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital and Ba Ria - Vung Tau Youth Union, has held SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 to offer eye cataract surgery to patients in the province. ESG 4 Plus-the key for SCGs sustainable development journey In the new business context, criteria in environmental, social, and governance is not simply an option, but has become one of the most important strategies for long-term corporate development. Thailand vows efforts to restore tourist confidence after mall shooting, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com Bangkok Thailand will restore confidence in its critical tourism sector, officials said on October 4, a day after a shooting spree at a luxury shopping mall killed two people and injured five others. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said government agencies would do even more to restore confidence, saying they need to improve security in all areas for Thai and foreign tourists. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on October 3 also pledged to implement measures to ensure the highest safety for foreign tourists after the fatal shooting at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. Pol. Lt. Gen. Archayon Kraithong, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, has appealed to the public to refrain from sharing images and video clips related to violent incidents involving minors. Archayon expressed condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives and those who are injured. He also warned users of online social platforms not to share images or video clips related to the incident, including footage of the event itself, as well as images of the deceased and the injured. He emphasised the importance of understanding the impact that such content can have on the affected families. Two foreigners confirmed dead in Bangkoks shooting The shooting at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand left two women dead, one Chinese and the other Myanmar, confirmed Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police Pol General Torsak Sukvimol. TikTok Singapores operation in Vietnam violates local laws: Ministry, Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Violations of Vietnam's laws have been detected in TikTok's cross-border services in Vietnam after a comprehensive inspection of TikTok's activities in the country from May this year, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) said at the monthly press conference on October 5. At the event, head of the MICs Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information Le Quang Tu Do said that an intersectoral inspection group examined two entities of TikTok in Vietnam, which are Ho Chi Minh City-based representative office of TikTok Pte.Ltd ( TikTok Office) and TikTok Technologies Vietnam Company Limited (TikTok Vietnam). The two entities are found not directly involved in managing and providing cross-border services in Vietnam through the website TikTok.com and the app TikTok. The cross-border services are directly managed and operated by TikTok Pte.Ltd (TikTok Singapore). However, for e-commerce trading floor services, because the TikTok Office registered to establish a commercial platform through the TikTok application as authorized by TikTok Singapore, the TikTok Office must be jointly responsible for violations in providing this service according to the provisions of Vietnamese law. TikTok Pte. Ltd (TikTok Singapore) is not the subject of inspection but is the unit that directly manages, operates, and provides cross-border services into Vietnam through the website TikTok.com and the TikTok application. Therefore, TikTok Singapore is the unit responsible for complying with the provisions of Vietnamese law in providing cross-border services, the official said. The inspection group identified violations of TikTok Singapore. Regarding the provision of social networking services and child protection, TikTok Singapore has stored illegal information on CDN servers in Vietnam. This includes fake, distorted information that incites violence and social evils and information that is harmful to children. The content censorship process is ineffective, allowing content that violates Vietnamese law. The way of distributing and recommending content, which is based on user interactions, preferences, and interests, easily leads to rapid spread of toxic illegal content. The company also has no measures or tools to ensure the safety of children's confidential information. It does not send warnings of risks when children provide or change confidential information about their personal life. It does not perform the detection and removal of images, documents, and information that are inappropriate for children that could affect their healthy development. The company does not classify information into safety-for-children levels and allows children under 13 years old create an account while the social network is for those from 13 or above. TikTok Singapore has no policy to protect the copyrighted content of users. It does not announce its contact point with State management agency on copyright and related rights issues. The contact is not published on the website of the TikTok platform. Regarding the provision of e-commerce services, TikTok Singapore has not published information about the application owner on the homepage of the TikTok Shop application according to Vietnamese regulations. It also does not fully store seller information as prescribed when registering to use of the service, nor does it fully inspect and supervise to ensure the provision of information about sellers' goods on the e-commerce trading floor according to regulations. The inspection team have made proposals to relevant ministries and agencies regarding measures to make TikTok address its violations. The head of the MICs Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information said that after the inspection, his office worked with the TikTok Singapore representative and the representative committed to implement measures to tackle the violations. In addition, the TikTok Office and TikTok Vietnam have coordinated and provided full information to authorities as required, committing to making specific adjustments and notifying in written documents to the MIC within 30 days. The official said that if cross-border platforms do not comply with Vietnamese law, they will certainly not be welcome to operate in Vietnam. TikTok Shop dethrones Lazada in Vietnam's e-commerce sector Having launched just last year, TikTok Shop has rapidly ascended the ranks in Vietnam's e-commerce sector, dethroning Lazada from its position as the second-largest platform by revenue, according to the latest data from market analyst firm, Metric. Facebook, Google, and TikTok ordered to remove content volations Facebook, Google, and TikTok removed a significant amount of content that violated the law in July, meeting about 90 per cent of the requirements laid out by Vietnams Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). APEA 2023 is aiming to use its influential platform to accelerate economic resurgence in Vietnam by encouraging businesses to take advantage of Asias post-pandemic recovery and view it as an opportune time for expansion. Organised annually by regional NGO Enterprise Asia and covering 16 markets, the event presents Asia's largest award networking platform. The award recipients have been selected from over 300 nominees through a rigorous evaluation process by a jury of prominent judges across four categories; Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, and Corporate Excellence. Since 2007, the Awards have taken place across the region, with past recipients including TTC Vietnam's Dang Van Thanh and Cuckoo Malaysia's Hoe Kian Choon, among others. The APEA is the region's most prestigious awards for outstanding entrepreneurship, consistent innovation, and sustainable leadership, and have grown to encompass 16 countries, regions, and markets all over Asia. In his welcome address, Fong Chan Onn, chairman of Enterprise Asia said, In this transformative era, as the world continues to grapple with the repercussions of the global pandemic, the spotlight shines brighter than ever on Vietnam. We find ourselves at a critical juncture, where seizing opportunities in the post-pandemic era is not just a choice but a necessity. It is a call to action that beckons us to embrace cross-border collaboration and innovation as essential tools for progress. Among the notable awardees of the Master Entrepreneur category are Tran Hung Huy, chairman of the BOD of Asia Commercial Bank (ACB); Pham Viet Anh, chairman of the BOD of PetroVietnam Transportation Corporation; and Thai Huong, general director of Bac A Commercial Joint-Stock Bank, whose leadership and commitment to driving their respective organisations to success represents the pinnacle of innovation, vision, and relentless determination in the Asian business world. Further exceptional awardees include Spartronics Vietnam Co., Ltd and NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam in the Fast Enterprise category; BaoViet Life Corporation, Shiseido Cosmetics Vietnam Co., Ltd, and VNG Corporation, who won the Inspirational Brand category; and DatVietVAC Group Holdings, Wipro Consumer Care Vietnam are winners in the Corporate Excellence category. The APEA is the region's most prestigious awards for outstanding entrepreneurship, consistent innovation, and sustainable leadership, and have grown to encompass 16 countries, regions, and markets all over Asia. The awards provide a platform for companies and governments to recognise entrepreneurial excellence and promote greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2023 Vietnam Chapter is supported by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Vietnam, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, with Snowball JSC as the official implementation partner. PR Newswire is the official news release distribution partner, and Dailywire.asia and SME Magazine are media partners. Full recipient list of Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2023 Vietnam Chapter Vietnamese firms honoured at APEA 2023 Kusto Home wins titles at Asia Pacific Property Awards On May 31, Urban Green and Diamond Island projects developed by Kusto Home were honored in five categories of the Asia Pacific round of the International Property Awards in Bangkok, Thailand. FPT honoured at Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards 2023 On August 29, during the 15th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit held in Danang, FPT was honoured in two major categories: the "CSR & ESG Leadership Award" with a platinum rank, and the "Best Community Programme Award" with a bronze rank. HDBank receives Digital Innovation award at the ASEAN Business Awards 2023 Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank is the only bank in Vietnam to receive the "Digital Innovation" award by the ASEAN Business Awards - ABA 2023. HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / The Village School, a private school teaching pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students and located in West Houston, has earned two prestigious #1 spots in the latest NICHE rankings, affirming its commitment to fostering diversity and providing outstanding boarding programs. NICHE, a respected education data analysis platform, has unveiled its rankings, and The Village School has received top honors in Houston and in the state of Texas. The school's dedication to academic excellence, diversity, and nurturing a thriving community is reflected in these accolades. The NICHE rankings are highly respected in the education industry and encompass factors such as academics, diversity, college readiness, and overall student satisfaction in their evaluation. The Village School's NICHE rankings include: #1 in the State of Texas for Diversity #1 in the City of Houston for Diversity #1 in the State of Texas for Boarding Schools #3 in the City of Houston for STEM #9 in the State of Texas for STEM #27 in the Nation for Best Boarding School #38 in the Nation for Best Private School "The Village School has soared to new heights in the official NICHE rankings. We are now among the top five Best Private PK-12 Schools in the entire state of Texas," said Bill Delbrugge, Head of School at The Village School. "This is an achievement that speaks volumes about the remarkable community we have built together. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to providing the best education." The Village School, part of the Nord Anglia Education network, prides itself on fostering a vibrant and inclusive global community. With students and staff representing over 90 nationalities, the school is dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting cross-cultural understanding which was recognized in its latest #1 NICHE ranking. Its commitment to creating a culturally rich learning environment is evident in its diverse student body, experienced faculty from around the world, and a curriculum that embraces global perspectives. Through a range of initiatives, including multicultural events, international trips, and a rigorous international baccalaureate (IB) program, The Village School ensures that students gain a deep appreciation for different cultures and develop the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world. This focus on diversity and global awareness is at the heart of The Village School's educational philosophy, preparing students not only for academic success but also for responsible global citizenship. For more information about The Village School and its exceptional educational offerings, please visit https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/village-houston. ### About The Village School The Village School is an American school with an international perspective. Located in the energy corridor in Houston, Texas, our private school is home to a collaborative, supportive and diverse community. We pride ourselves on outstanding academic achievement, global integration, faculty excellence, and a personalized approach to teaching and learning. Recognized for our excellence in STEAM education, world-class internships and differentiated programs, we offer a rigorous but nurturing individualized environment. Contact Information Alejandra Gutierrez Communications Manager, NAE The Americas Luke Thurston Communications Manager, The Village School +1 (281) 496-7900 Ext. 4043 Christy Warring +1 (281) 684-3184 SOURCE: Nord Anglia Education View source version on accesswire.com: A Waco man charged with murder shot at the mother of his child and a 21-year-old man 18 times the night of Sept. 29, killing her and seriously wounding the man, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Gustavo Rojas, 26, was arrested the next morning after the man who was shot and a neighbor identified him to police. He was booked into McLennan County Jail on a first-degree felony charge of murder and a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. He remained jailed Friday on $900,000 bond. Rojas arrest warrant affidavit says officers received a call about the shooting at 11:10 p.m. Sept. 29 and responded to a residence in the 1900 block of Avondale Avenue, where they found Maria Fernanda Guerrero, 21, and a man, both with multiple gunshot wounds. They were both taken to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, where Guerrero was pronounced dead at 11:52 p.m. and the man received emergency surgery, the affidavit says. Before entering surgery, he told police and medical staff Rojas, the father of Guerreros child, was the shooter, the affidavit says. According to the affidavit, the shooting took place in the backyard of the residence on Avondale. Both Guerrero and the man were sitting in a parked car in the backyard when Rojas arrived, went to the backyard and opened fire on the passenger side window, where Guerrero was sitting, the affidavit says. Police recovered 18 shell casings from the ground, indicating that Mr. Rojas shot Ms. Guerrero and (the man) and kept shooting until he was likely out of ammo, the affidavit says. A next-door neighbor also told police they saw Rojas pull up to the residence in a white Ford F-150, commit the shooting and leave in the same vehicle, the affidavit says. Rojas has a 2001 white Ford F-150 registered to his address, which was not present when officers followed up at his home, but police found other evidence, including a handgun license, possibly linking him to the shooting, the affidavit says. The affidavit says Rojas and Guerrero had a history of domestic violence, and at the time of the shooting, Rojas was awaiting trial in an assault by strangulation case involving Guerrero as the alleged victim, court records show. According to an arrest affidavit, Rojas was arrested Oct. 15, 2020, after his sister called police to report she had seen Rojas strangle Guerrero and slap her across the face. According to the affidavit, Rojas became angry with Guerrero and accused her of cheating on him. The affidavit says he grabbed her by the neck and lifted her up as she held their newborn child, choking her and causing her to be unable to breathe before slapping her. Court records show Rojas was released the next day on $5,000 bond. Under Rojass bond conditions, he was not permitted to contact Guerrero or any witnesses to the alleged crime, or go near Guerreros residence. Rojas was also subject to drug testing. Under his bond conditions, he was not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Felons in Texas are prohibited from possessing firearms, and in some cases a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction can come with a five-year ban on possessing firearms. In certain cases, judges can issue protective orders that prohibit people under indictment for domestic violence from possessing firearms, but court records do not show such an order filed against Rojas. Additionally, last year U.S. District Judge David Counts of the Western District of Texas ruled it was unconstitutional for people under felony indictment to be prohibited from purchasing firearms, arguing such laws violate their Second Amendment rights. That case is under appeal with the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and could wind up before the Supreme Court. Rojas was scheduled to go to trial in Wacos 19th District Court on July 24, but a July 17 motion for continuance submitted by Rojas attorney at the time was granted by the court. A hearing was scheduled for Monday to set a new trial date, but it is unknown how the trial will continue given Guerreros death. McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens said Monday the killing will likely affect the trial. Although we do not have a report regarding the new allegations against Mr. Rojas, we will likely continue his pending cases to conduct further investigation, Tetens said Monday. Rojas attorney from the domestic violence case withdrew as his attorney Wednesday. Guerreros sister, Karina, has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and other costs. She also said donation buckets have been set up at Tortilleria Michaels, 2924 Bellmead Drive, and La Hacienda San Diego, 1229 N. 18th St. Karina Guerrero said she wants her sister to be remembered as a great mother, and said she was always with her 3-year-old son or doing something productive with him. She was a great mother, friend and sister. She will be truly missed, the GoFundMe says. By James Kightly, Commissioning Editor. The original 1920s Curtiss Seagull flying boat, which has been on display at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum (CASM) Rockliffe, Ontario (part of the Ingenium national museum group), will transfer to the Montreal Aviation Museum, (MAM). The aircraft was recently publicly offered for disposal by the CASM. On 28 September 2023, Philippe Tremblay of CASM told us: The Curtiss Seagull will be deaccessioned from the collection. The Montreal Aviation Museum is home to a civil and military aircraft collection that works to help the general public and in particularly, youth to understand Canadas important contributions to the world of aviation. They were the first institution to approach Ingenium with a board and acquisition committee-approved offer to acquire the Seagull. As per museology best practices, the Curtiss Seagull will not be sold and will transfer into the ownership of the Montreal Aviation Museum, who cover all costs associated with its transportation. The choice to dispose of the Curtiss Seagull was a surprise to many, but was caused by pressure on space in the main museum. Philippe told us on 21 September, As part of our current work to prepare the Canada Aviation and Space Museum for the arrival of a Buffalo CC-115 aircraft from the Department of National Defence and preparations for a new Cold War exhibition, Ingenium is assessing the appropriate placement and locations of our aircraft to best reflect the revised scope of our exhibition spaces. The Ingenium website states, regarding the deaccessioning process; The Acquisition Committee must approve deaccessioning before any object is removed from the collection. If a curator recommends deaccessioning a particularly valuable object, its disposal must be approved by both the Committee and Ingeniums Board of Trustees. Objects approved for deaccessioning are first offered to other Canadian museums. If other museums express no interest, the objects are disposed of in accordance with accepted museum practices. This Curtiss boat, while having a notable history, doesnt have a Canadian heritage connection prior to museum ownership, and can be argued to duplicate the presence of the larger Curtiss HS-2L G-CAAC of particular Canadian importance. The transfer to MAM will enhance that Museums collection. A Curtiss Seagull had a pioneering connection with Montreal when it was used on a major barnstorming tour by Captains C.T. Parker and G.T Wilcox around North America, flying from New York to Montreal, then the Great Lakes, and ending in New Orleans. In contrast, Curtiss HS-2L G-CAAC, named La Vigilance and operated by Laurentide Air Service Limited, was Canadas first post Great War bush plane, and notched up numerous firsts, including Canadas first forestry patrol and first aerial timber survey, both in 1919; as well as the first regular Canadian airmail service, in 1924. The reconstruction (displayed alongside the original conserved hull) is the only HS-2L in the world. Curtiss Pioneering Watercraft The Curtiss Seagull was the last named version of a series of flying boats originally developed by the Glenn Curtiss company in the early 1910s, following the float equipped Curtiss Pusher derivatives. The Curtiss Flying-Boat No.2, often called The Flying Fish was the first of this family to successfully take off from water, in 1912. This led to the Models E and F, with what became the standard configuration of a wooden flying boat hull with a biplane wing cellule mounted above, with a mid-wing pusher engine (fitted with a diagonal strut angled from the engine down to the hull to take the power loads) and a conventional cruciform empennage. Postwar the design was improved by widening the hull to include side sponsons, though the wingtip floats were retained. Later designated the Model 18 at the time it was known as the MF for Modern F, and in civil use, as the Seagull, later sometimes the Model 25. (The 1930s floatplane Curtiss SOC-2 Seagull is a completely different type.) As well as, for the time, extensive civil use pre- and post-war, military versions were used for aerial reconnaissance and flying training by US forces, including on the Vera Cruz Mexico expedition in 1914. License produced by the Naval Air Factory and in Italy by Zari Brothers, for the US and Italian navies, other examples were also exported to the Russian Navy in 1913. A notable achievement by a development version of the F was the Curtiss C-2 used by Elmer Sperry for a pioneering automatic pilot in August 1913, some details here. This Curtiss Seagull was donated to the Science Museum, London, by noted explorer of the era Dr Alexander Hamilton-Rice following its use in his South American expedition of 1924-25. Named Eleanor III, the otherwise unregistered Seagull had been chosen to be the airborne eyes of the expedition but to also pioneer trials of aerial photography and mapping, which proved successful, despite several accidents and setbacks. This Curtiss Seagull operated on the expedition with only two crew. It was powered by a Curtiss C.6 inline six-cylinder engine, of 119 kw (160 hp) and the fabric covering treated with a then-innovative aluminum impregnated dope to resist the organic fabrics degradation in sunlight. It was flown by Walter T Hinton (Lieutenant of the USN) with Captain Albert W Stevens of the US Army Air Service as the aerial photographer. Hinton had been one of the two pilots of the US Navys NC-4 flying boat, the first aircraft to traverse the Atlantic, while Stevens went on to a notable career in the US Army Air Corps, both men setting records in ballooning in the inter-war period. Despite their record setting achievements, both lived to beyond World War Two. Stevens article in the April 1926 issue of National Geographic was subtitled Twelve Thousand Miles of Flying Over the Worlds Greatest River and Greatest Forest to Chart the Unknown Parima River from the Sky outlined the remarkable effort over sixty pages and eighty photographs. Alexander Hamilton-Rice wrote of the initial achievements: Hinton showed up this morning coming from Manaos and is returning up river again with us this evening. He has been ill with fever, but seems all right again. Hinton has made four flights over the Rio Negro at about 8,000 feet, the whole town, of course, agog with excitement and out for the occasion. Before many days now, history will be in the making as regards new departures in South American exploration; and the aeroplane and aerial photography as efficient, expeditious and imperative adjuncts to modern, first-class, perfectly equipped expeditions will be conclusively and graphically demonstrated. More excitable newspaper reports of the time made much of the potential of expedition members being eaten by cannibals (which there werent) or piranhas (which there were). Not surprisingly, the hard-worked and heavily patched flying boat was retired at the end of the expedition. Dr Hamilton Rice donated it to the Science Museum, and it appeared in their 1929 Aeronautics catalogue. Damaged by a German bomb in World War Two, it was traded to the (then) National Aviation Museum of Canada in 1968 from the Science Museum in exchange for a Royal Canadian Air Force Douglas Dakota nose section. (Built as a C-47B-30-DK by Douglas at Oklahoma City, as USAAF 44-76586, the transport went to the RAF as KN448, a Dakota IV, then onto the RCAF with the same serial.) The Seagull flying boat was restored in 1974, though without regaining the name Eleanor III on the nose, and remained on display at Rockliffe since. Curtiss Seagull Survivors A few Curtiss Seagull family survivors are known to exist, including the example discussed above. Others include a Model MF, NC903, formerly A-5543 of the US Navy, which was auctioned in 2010 by Bonhams for US$506,000. It was acquired by well known New Zealand film producer (and aviation enthusiast) Sir Peter Jackson ONZ KNZM. This example is now on display at the Omaka, New Zealand, Knights of the Skies exhibition. The Model F was used in the 1910s by the well known New Zealand Flying School of the Walsh Brothers in Auckland, New Zealand for flying training. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport, NY, and the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, Florida, have complete examples. The Curtiss Museum Curtiss Model E replica was built by a team of volunteers, fitted with a 75 kw (100 hp) Curtiss OXX-6 engine, which commenced test flying from Keuka Lake in 1999. The Henry Ford Museum of Dearborn Michigan, has a 1916 Model F on display. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C. owns the original hull of a Model E. Owned by Logan A. Jack Vilas, it was used to make the first crossing of Lake Michigan, from St. Joseph, Michigan, to Grant Park on Chicagos waterfront in July 1913. Vilas donated the hull of his Model E Flying Boat to the Smithsonian Institution in 1949. Century Aircraft built a 1914 Curtiss Model F Flying boat incorporating a number of original parts from an unidentified example, commencing work in 2016. They had been found in the rafters of an outbuilding in New Haven, CT when the new owner acquired the property. Initially believing they were parts from a windmill, the owner realized they were from an aircraft, and the type was confirmed by the Smithsonian and Curtiss museums; moreover a genuine Model F dataplate was found among the pieces. The parts appeared to have been part of a crashed airframe. The Century Aircraft team recreated not only the airframe, but the OX-5 V8 engine as well, and the project was proven with test flights in June of 2018. The aircraft is now with the American Heritage Museum at Stow, Massachusetts, though not on display. The website for Century Aircraft has an excellent photo story of the build, including the shoulder controlled aileron actuation system here. Messerschmitt & Other Shuffles Other recent notable disposals from the CASM collection include a Hispano HA-1112-M1L Buchon C4k-114, to the Bomber Command Museum in Nanton, Alberta, Canada, in 2022. Acquired in 1967, the Buchon was put on display in 1984, after restoration, followed by several years of storage. It was supplanted in the Museums collection by the acquisition of the more historically relevant Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 Werknummer 10132 in 1999, which was acquired through exchange with Aero Vintage Ltd., England, for one of the Museums two Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet rocket fighters. This Komet, Werknummer 191 095, is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force Dayton, Ohio. An American built and operated McDonnell Douglas AV-8A Harrier, 158966, 09 which had been on loan to CASM for many years, has been disposed of to the Yankee Air Museum of Belleville, Michigan, who are currently soliciting financial support to arrange for its international move, hoped to take place in late 2023. NOTE: The CASM is closed for this major re-display, between September 11 and until October 6, 2023. WATERLOO The chief investment officer of Community Bank & Trusts parent company will be the keynote speaker Oct. 17 for the 2023 Economic Luncheon. Rand Westlund is also executive vice president of Moline, Ill.-based QCR Holdings Inc. Along with CBT in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, the company owns banks in the Quad Cities and across Iowa. Sponsored by Community Bank & Trust and Courier Communications, the free annual event features some of the nations top economists and speakers. Attendees can eat a meal while getting up to speed on what is happening in todays economy, both nationally and in Black Hawk County. The luncheon will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on the second floor of the Waterloo Convention Center, 200 W. Fourth St. Registration starts at 11:45 a.m. Attendees are required to RSVP online by Tuesday at communitybt.bank/economic-luncheon. Westlund participates in the management functions for each QCR Holdings affiliate bank and its trust department, according to Community Bank & Trust. That includes investment strategy, asset and economic research, and client portfolio management. The graduate of Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, began his investment career in 1987. He earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1991. He is a regular speaker for community and bank-client gatherings who seeks to bring a view of the economic and investment environment that informs both the knowledgeable and neophyte listener. WATERLOO The former manager of a national ATM business has pleaded guilty to charges he took more than $1 million from the company. A plea agreement between James Eugene Dwyer, formerly of Gilbertville, and prosecutors indicates he took multiple millions of dollars from Mobile Moneys Midwest operations based in Waterloo over four or five years. He is charged with stealing at least $1.9 million, taking cash that had been withdrawn from a bank to be stocked in ATM machines and funds that were removed from ATMs and destined to be returned to the bank. Dwyer is also accused of misleading company officials to cover his tracks, submitting reports and sending emails to hide the thefts, and not reporting the ill-gotten gains on his taxes. Prosecutors with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District for Iowa charged Dwyer in August 2023. On Sept. 26, Dwyer pleaded to wire fraud and filing a false tax return. Sentencing will be at a later date and he remains free until then. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison while the tax crime carries up to three years behind bars. Dwyer worked for California-based Mobile Moneys Waterloo location from 2000 to 2021 and had access to cash and the offices vault. The thefts allegedly go back to at least 2016, court records indicate. Everything apparently came to a head in January 2021. Dwyer notified company officials in California that the offices vault wouldnt open and they needed to re-order money from the bank to fill the ATMs. The vault was supposed to have $1.06 million inside. He later told company officials someone from the Waterloo location was moving $2.5 million from the Waterloo vault to a Des Moines bank Mobile Money used. He allegedly emailed deposit tickets purporting to show the money arrived at the bank, according to court records. In reality, there was no deposit, and on Feb. 2, 2021, Dwyer allegedly called company officials and confessed he took the money, records state. A locksmith eventually opened the vault and found only $100,000 inside, according to court records. Mobile Money employees found video evidence that Dwyer had manipulated the vault lock, records state. Prosecutors calculated that by not claiming the stolen money on his income, Dwyer avoided paying $206,281 in taxes over a five-year period. Under the plea arrangement, Dwyer agreed to pay at least $1.9 million in restitution to Mobile Money and another $206,281 to the Internal Revenue Service. Three paragraphs of the plea agreements financial matters section were blacked out for unknown reasons. Property records show Dwyer sold his Gilbertville home for $360,000 in August 2022. He is also the subject of a credit card lawsuit alleging $9,678 in debt filed in June 2023, and in April 2023 a judge entered a default judgement in another credit suit for a $26,897 debt. Cities with the fastest 'time-to-crime' rates for firearms Cities with the fastest 'time-to-crime' rates for firearms #40. New York City #39. Baltimore #38. San Jose, California #37. San Diego #36. Los Angeles #35. San Bernardino, California #34. Jacksonville, Florida #33. Tampa, Florida #32. Chattanooga, Tennessee #31. Wichita, Kansas #30. Tulsa, Oklahoma #29. Winston-Salem, North Carolina #28. New Orleans #27. Orlando, Florida #26. Chicago #25. Dayton, Ohio #24. Cincinnati #23. Miami #22. Indianapolis #21. Charlotte, North Carolina #20. Baton Rouge, Louisiana #19. Louisville, Kentucky #18. Las Vegas #17. Columbus, Ohio #16. Dallas #15. San Antonio #14. Philadelphia #13. Houston #12. Cleveland #11. Huntsville, Alabama #10. Mobile, Alabama #9. Milwaukee #8. Atlanta #7. Shreveport, Louisiana #6. Memphis, Tennessee #5. St. Louis #4. Phoenix #3. Columbia, South Carolina #2. Detroit #1. Richmond, Virginia IOWA CITY Zach Graham is committed to service above self. An Army veteran and third-year graduate student in the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, the Cedar Falls native has helped others in numerous roles: advocacy chair, legislative liaison, academic counselor. That dedication to others explains in large part why Graham has been named a 2023 Pat Tillman Scholar. Graham is one of only 60 United States service members, veterans and military spouses chosen nationwide this year for the award. I truly feel honored to be selected, said Graham, the lone Iowa native attending an Iowa institution in this years Tillman Scholar class. Looking at the values associated with the Pat Tillman Scholarship and with Tillman himself, I want to live my life by those values. Hes an inspiration to me; I feel an obligation to make an impact. Tillman was a member of the Arizona Cardinals NFL football team who left that career to become a U.S. Army Ranger during the the War on Terror. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 while taking heroic measures to provide cover for his fellow soldiers when his unit was ambushed. Graham had designs on making the military his career, saying its values honor, service, leadership, and teamwork matched his. After graduating from Iowa State University in 2014 with a double major in anthropology and international studies and a minor in military science, Graham commissioned as an intelligence officer in the Army. He was stationed in Germany as the lead intelligence officer for the Armys aviation unit in Europe, focused on countering Russian air defense systems. Graham entered with the rank of second lieutenant and left as a captain. I commissioned the year that Russia initially invaded Ukraine (Crimea), so much of our focus was on the strategic defense of Europe if Russia continued their attack, Graham said. Very pertinent now! But his fathers unexpected death in an accident just two weeks after Graham married his wife, Mackensie, caused him to reassess his goals. After my dad died, that led to a lot of introspection, Graham says. I saw people in my job 10 years down the line, and I wasnt seeing whether I would make the positive impact I wanted to do. A chance lunch encounter with an Army buddy led Graham to consider dentistry as his next move. Mark Lamborn, an on-base dentist, offered Graham the opportunity to shadow him while he extracted some molars. I thought, OK, sure, Ill come out and watch, almost as a favor, Graham recalls, holding a preconceived notion that dentistry was boring. A week later, he watched his friend in action. And it was like, boom, in 30 seconds, I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do, Graham said. You are literally having a direct impact with your hands. There is zero degree of separation between you and changing someones life, which is incredibly special. Grahams commander permitted him to shadow Lamborn weekly, where Graham witnessed the full slate of what dentists do. I got to really find out if thats what I wanted, Graham said. And every step along the way, that was a resounding yes. In August 2021, Graham matriculated into the UI College of Dentistry. He chose Iowa for several reasons: the College of Dentistry was one of a few in the nation that at the time offered every dental specialty; there were opportunities for Graham to do research; and his wife was a student in the College of Law. Instant advocate He has wasted no time getting heavily involved. Since March, Graham has been advocacy chair for District 8 of the American Student Dental Association, working to improve relations between student dental associations at six dental schools in the Midwest and their respective state-level dental associations. Im working with dental students from across these schools to lobby for policies and legislation that positively impact dentistry and our patients access to care and build lasting relationships with their local dental associations, Graham said. He also was legislative liaison in the Iowa American Student Dental Association, representing Iowa dental student interests at the state and national levels. That included lobbying national policymakers in Washington, D.C., on issues relating to dentistry, patient access to care, student loans, and the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, which would require insurance companies to cover medically necessary surgeries for people with craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Graham earned the District 8 and 9 Legislative Liaison of the Year award for outstanding success in organizing dental advocacy for his participation in the first joint Iowa Dental Lobby Day between the College of Dentistry and the Iowa Dental Association. More recently, Graham was appointed to the American Dental Association Strategic Forecasting Committee Public/Professional Action Group, which deals with the strategic initiatives that improve the oral health of the public and advance the profession of dentistry. I am very honored to be one of the voices that will work toward this goal, said Graham, whose appointment was made by ADA President George Shepley and the strategic forecasting committees chairperson. Deserving of honor Zach Graham follows in the footsteps of 2021 Tillman Scholar Jacob Schillo, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current graduate student in the department of anatomy and cell biology in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Graham has been an academic counselor for veterans on campus, establishing the Math Platoon, in which student veterans get personalized tutoring from their service member peers. After his expected graduation in June 2025, Graham hopes to enter a specialty program in endodontics, with Iowa as one of his targets. He says endodontics, the branch of dentistry concerned with diseases and injuries of the soft tissues inside a tooth, appeals to him in general because it is a crossroads of medicine and art. The medical facet is about helping people through surgical procedures that restore or enhance patients quality of life. Nothing is better than Mother Nature for whats in your mouth, Graham explains. So, as an endodontist, if I can save that tooth from needing to be pulled out, I can maintain their ability to speak, their ability to interact, their self-esteem, and to live a life without further dental complications. The art is about the precision and craftsmanship with not only restoring a tooths function, but in matching the oral aesthetics unique to each individuals set of teeth. You are really creating a sculpture in someones mouth, Graham said. Graham learned about the Pat Tillman Foundation and its support of veterans while in the Army and researching dental schools. When he learned he won the award, he received congratulatory notes from many, including Teresa Marshall, professor of preventive and community dentistry and director of the student research program in the College of Dentistry. The honor is so well deserved, Marshall wrote to Graham. You are a scholar who represents their military peers in the best of light. Youre also a great advocate for your military peers who have struggled in their return to civilian life. While its an honor for you to receive this award, we are honored to have you at the college to remind us of the sacrifices our military men and women make daily for us. According to the foundation, its merit-based scholarships award an average of about $10,000 per academic year to each recipient. Graham said the money associated with the award means the least. Really, its about the network of like-minded peers who are driven by their values and what they believe in, he said. Its not an award for what you have done, its an investment into what you can do in the future. 60 historic photos from American military history 60 historic photos from American military history 1868: Sioux Wars 1862: Abraham Lincoln at Antietam during Civil War PhilippineAmerican War 1915: Mexican Border War 1927: US occupation of Nicaragua 1934: US occupation of Haiti 1917: Welcoming 1918: Service for war dead 1918: Newspaper headlines on Armistice Day 1919: Ship of soldiers returning home 1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor 1942: Battalion of army engineers Circa 1940s: Women building a bomber 1943: Lockheed P-38 Lightning 1943: Medal of honor 1943: Sailor rescuing pilot from a plane wreck 1944: Paratroopers preparing for D-Day 1944: Operation Overlord 1944: Tuskegee Airmen Circa 1940s: Burial at sea for USS Intrepid casualties 1945: Women's Army Corp 1945: Raising the flag on Iwo Jima 1945: Marine charging during Battle of Okinawa 1945: Sharing food 1945: Leaving Nordhausen 1945: Manhattan skyline 1945: Japan surrenders First Indochina War Circa 1950: Bed of shells 1951: The Mighty Mo 1962: Kennedy and military leaders 1965: US combat unit in Vietnam 1965: US infantry 1965: American soldiers arriving in Vietnam 1967: US Army rifleman charge Viet Cong 1967: Soldiers engaged in long crawl to crest 1968: Soldier shaving colleague's head 1968: Hill Timothy 1969: Naval patrol craft 1975: The fall of Saigon 1975: Evacuation 1989: US soldiers look into a prison cell 1990: Operation Desert Shield 1990: Persian Gulf War 1991: USS America 1991: US soldiers watch oil refinery burn 1991: Kuwaitis with American soldiers 1991: The border Kow in Saudi Arabia 1992: Intervention in Somali Civil War 2003: Shock and awe 2003: Oil fires burn in Iraq 2003: Families mourn soldiers killed during war with Iraq 2003: The fall of Baghdad 2005: 1st Marine division honors comrades killed in Iraq 2006: Marines return after one-year deployment to Iraq 2008: US Army battles Taliban in Kunar Province 2017: United States in Afghanistan 2014: Airstrikes targeting Islamic State group US leaves Afghanistan US sends aid to Ukraine WATERLOO Hawkeye Community College will host the annual Cedar Valley Manufacturing Conference on Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center, 120 Jefferson St. The conference will focus on Industry 5.0, the emerging phase of industrialization focused on people working alongside robots and smart machines. Also known as the fifth industrial revolution, Industry 5.0 is about robots helping humans worker better and faster by leveraging the Internet of Things and large-scale data. Other topics include a panel discussion on recruitment and retention; a presentation on appreciating clients, customers, and coworkers; and becoming more sustainable. The day will close with the State of Manufacturing in Iowa with the opportunity to tour Hawkeyes new Automation and Robotics Center at the TechWorks Campus. There is no cost to attend the conference. The registration deadline is Oct. 13. For more information or to register, call (319) 296-4223 or go online to hawkeyecollege.edu/manufacturing. The newest form of school discipline: Kicking kids out of class and into virtual learning The newest form of school discipline: Kicking kids out of class and into virtual learning 'Virtualization' has been employed in several school districts; its effects are a source of much debate The education provided via virtualization is inconsistent, and most schools using it are not able to track student progress or even how many students are subject to it The return to in-class learning after virtualization presents an additional burden on students already struggling to keep up An American man has been arrested in Israel on suspicion of the deliberate defacement of valuable sculptures at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Israeli police have confirmed. The unnamed 40-year-old was arrested after police were called to reports from security personnel at the cultural institution in Jerusalem. According to the Jerusalem Post, two ancient Roman sculptures dating to the 2nd century CE were damaged. In a statement sent to CNN, Israeli police said: Yesterday (Thursday) in the late afternoon, Jerusalem District Police received a report from security personnel at the Israel Museum about a visitor who intentionally destroyed sculptures of significant financial value displayed at the museum, causing substantial damage. The suspect, an American citizen, was taken in for questioning at the Moriah station in the Israeli capital, police said. The police statement continued: During the initial investigation, it was revealed that the suspect carried out the act because he considered these sculptures to be idolatrous and contrary to the Torah. But the mans lawyer denied that he had been acting on fundamentalist religious belief, saying instead that he was suffering from mental illness. The suspect appeared in court on Friday where magistrates extended his detention until Monday while the police investigation continues. The mans lawyer, Nick Kaufman, requested that his clients name not be disclosed. The magistrate rejected this request but postponed the decision on whether to name him until Sunday morning. In an email sent to CNN, Kaufman said: The suspect did not act out of iconoclastic fanaticism. His acts prior to the incident and general demeanor suggest that he is suffering from a well recognized condition known as the Jerusalem Syndrome. With his agreement and that of the police, he was referred for psychiatric evaluation with the expectation that he will be released from pre-trial detention on Monday. Jerusalem syndrome is a rare condition in which tourists become so overwhelmed by the citys history and power that they dissociate from reality and believe themselves to be biblical figures. The incident comes during the week-long festival of Sukkot and just days after Israeli police arrested five people on suspicion of spitting in the vicinity of Christians or churches in the Old City of Jerusalem. ___ 12 hidden gem art galleries across the US 12 hidden gem art galleries across the US Dia Beacon Nasher Museum of Art Half Gallery Kiechel Fine Art Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art The Hammer Museum South Dakota Art Museum The Mistake Room LVL3 Stella Jones Gallery 21c Museum Hotels Ascaso Gallery Connecticut officers are being hailed as heroes after a woman opened fire inside a police station, authorities said, a year after two officers there were slain in an ambush. 9M730 Burevestnik (nuclear-powered cruise missile) will watch you from the Heavens Burevestnik (Stormbringer) and it will love you long time https://ria.ru/20231005/burevestnik-1900774048.html MOSCOW, October 5 RIA Novosti. Russia has successfully tested the nuclear-powered intercontinental cruise missile Burevestnik, Vladimir Putin said at a plenary meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club. The last successful test of the Burevestnik, a global-range cruise missile with a nuclear installation and a nuclear propulsion system, was carried out, the president noted. The head of state announced the creation of new types of weapons capable of ensuring a strategic balance in the world for decades to come, including the Burevestnik, on March 1, 2018, delivering a message to the Federal Assembly. Burevestnik is one of the newest weapons systems. According to the Ministry of Defense, we are talking about an intercontinental cruise missile of practically unlimited range with a nuclear power plant. It is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The Russian military noted that the low-flying, stealth cruise missile is invulnerable to all existing and future systems of both missile defense and air defense. https://www.rt.com/russia/584154-putin-valdai-club-speech/ Complete speech at RT link above. Good speech Some key points below 1. The front line is moving in 12 zones, new better tactical positions by Russians. 2. Russian people must have security. Odessa is a Russian city. (Read between the lines.) 3. Russia is poised to leave the nuclear weapons treaty. 4. NS-2 gas has one pipeline intact. Not blown. It could deliver natural gas as simply as turning a valve when the Germans say go. 5. Grenades killed Prigozhin and others inside the plane. Fragments found in the bodies of the dead. 6. Russias economy is growing, expanding and thriving. The West economies are dead in the water and shrinking. 7. India, Pakistan, Moldova, Iraq, all indicated that they look to Russia and Putins leadership for economic solutions. By the way, this was a very important session with Putin and he talked for nearly 4 hours. (How many politicians do you know who can do that coherently?) WtR Whoever tries a nuclear attack on Russia It will no longer exist We keep hearing: you have to, you are obligated, we are seriously warning you Who are you anyway? What right do you have to warn someone, the Russian president clearly said at the plenary session of the international discussion club Valday Russias retaliatory strike against a potential aggressors nuclear attack will not leave any chance of survival for any enemy, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the plenary session of the international discussion club Valdai. Putin reminded that in the Russian military doctrine there are two reasons for the possible use of nuclear weapons: an attack on Russia and a threat to the existence of Russia, pointing out that he does not see the need to lower the threshold for the application of the doctrine. Nobody in their right mind would think of using nuclear weapons against the Russian Federation. Because from the moment a missile launch is detected, from wherever it happened from anywhere in the worlds oceans, or from any territory in response, in response, so many, so many hundreds of our missiles will appear in the air, that none the enemy will have no chance to survive. At the same time, in several directions at once. The Russian president pointed out that no one in their right mind would think of using nuclear weapons against Russia, and that there is no such situation today that anything would threaten the survival of the Russian state. The US only signed the document on the ban on testing nuclear weapons, while Moscow, unlike Washington, signed and ratified it. Today, there is no such situation that anything threatens the existence of the Russian state, We have actually completed work on the Sarmat strategic missile system, a super-heavy missile. The question remains that we need to complete some procedures purely administratively and bureaucratically Putin said, adding that the last successful test of the Burevesnik cruise missile was carried out. Putin WtR Four state senators got a firsthand look Thursday at some of the challenges schools like Winona Middle School face as buildings age and maintenance and repair costs build. State Sens. Steve Cwodzinski of Eden Prairie, Mary Kunesh of New Brighton and Liz Boldon of Rochester traveled to the school as part of the senates current education tour. Sen. Jeremy Miller of Winona greeted the visiting senators and participated in a tour as the legislators connected with students and staff. A failed $73 million April referendum sought to update and maintain buildings in the Winona Area Public School District, and Kunesh, who chairs Senate Education Finance Committee, said she has heard about similar issues across the state. I don't have an answer of how we're going to help address that issue, but just know that is something I'm very interested in learning more about and really hoping to find a way, she said. Kunesh said the education tour will help her and the other senators discover which school buildings need the most help. She said she is looking at equitable options for facilities improvement funding, as some school buildings do not need as much help as others. Ultimately, I don't want to see schools close, even if they are losing their student population," she said. "If they can keep the schools open, have smaller class sizes and not have to close their schools or merge with another school, that's only going to be better and better for the students." Kunesh said she was impressed by Winona's schools. It feels good here. It feels like the teachers like their jobs. The kids seemed really engaged and happy," she said. "I know there are struggles underneath the surface but, all in all, it sounds like Winona is doing a great job educating their kids at that middle school level. To help school districts like Winona, Kunesh said the Senate worked during its last session to loosen and lighten the general fund, as she said legislators are aware a lot of the available funds needed to go to special education, transportation and other necessities. We worked really hard to backfill those subsidies so that there would be more dollars to be used in the way that the district wants to use it, Kunesh said. The work from the past session will continue, she said. We did increase the formula for our students, but it's never enough," she said. "We have not invested in a really positive way for so long in our schools and our students that we are really working hard to backfill all of that and we'll continue to do that kind of work." Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes said the county and its investigators have not provided evidence that a complaint ever was filed against him alleging harassment or discrimination. Hakes said he and his attorney have asked for documents to substantiate statements in an investigation report released earlier this week by Chippewa County. Proof that there has never been such a complaint is found in the fact that not even a redacted version of one was provided to the public or to me when the report was released," Hakes stated Thursday. After the county board authorized an investigation by a June vote and directed county administrator Randy Scholz to oversee the investigation, the county hired the firm of von Briesen & Roper to look closely into Hakes' conduct. According to a redacted investigative report released Tuesday by the firms attorney Jill Pedigo Hall, her job was to investigate a harassment and discrimination complaint filed against Sheriff Travis Hakes by one of his subordinates and also to investigate possible additional impropriety based upon communications by the sheriff during the countys initial review of these allegations. The report states a dispatcher, who no longer works for the department, lodged a complaint May 19 against Hakes over text messages investigators found to be unequivocally sexual in nature and sent by Hakes to the woman over a month-long period after she was hired. The Chippewa Herald has requested documents related to the case, including the original complaint that led to the investigation, but so far only has received the investigation report and the sheriffs augmentation. In September, Hakes asserted he was not afforded the opportunity to tell his side of the story after the dispatcher brought her concerns about his text messages to her boss, which were subsequently shared with other county officials. Chippewa County Human Resources Director Toni Hohlfelder and Scholz both stated Hakes knew about the allegations and the subsequent investigation. Both have said Hakes was granted multiple opportunities to speak on the record in his own defense. Scholz said Wednesday that Hakes was given several opportunities to participate in the investigation and provide information, but Sheriff Hakes declined to participate or provide information to the investigator. Hall reported that she offered Sheriff Hakes at least three opportunities to provide his input into this investigation through the interview process and submit evidence, and he declined each opportunity. Because he declined to be interviewed or to submit evidence, the report stated that no evidence obtained here was refuted by the Sheriff. On Thursday, Hakes confirmed he had declined to be interviewed by Hall. I elected not to do so after she made it clear that her intent was to question me about official sheriff office matters far removed from the original purpose she was retained with tax dollars to investigate, he said. She apparently was directed by county officials to explore matters over which administration has no authority, and therefore that would simply waste tax dollars and be used for a set agenda to develop negative information about me. Hakes has refuted some of the reports claims and allegations about him through letters and public statements. His lawyer released a statement Sept. 20 in Hakes defense. On Sept. 29, Hakes responded to the investigation report with 17 pages of explanations, denials and clarifications. He denies that the investigation's findings were fair or accurate. Hakes then released another response to the the report through an Oct. 5 personal letter. Hakes asserted Thursday that contrary to the derogatory implications of the report, no sexually explicit photos or solicitations were ever sent by me on my phone to anyone, including the adult who once was an employee of Chippewa County. Hakes said the report contains many inaccurate statements and innuendos that have been exploited by some politicians for their own agendas. The report suggests that Hakes treated the former employee who complained about his conduct differently than the rest of the staff, singling her out with invitations to events and showering her with attention. That is not accurate, Hakes said. Media reports suggest that I invited only a single employee to certain events, when all employees were invited, he said Thursday. Hakes said the investigator interviewed people who provided information such as this, but she knowingly omitted it from her 'report' to perpetuate the idea of me favoring a single employee. A county investigation into Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes that began with allegations of sexual harassment of a subordinate quickly expanded as concerns about other behavior and unprofessional conduct came to light, according to an investigation report. The report released Tuesday shows the Chippewa County Board is concerned about Hakes' honesty, leadership, competence, training compliance, absenteeism, handling of confidential information, conflicts of interest and impropriety on the job. The investigation was triggered by a complaint lodged May 19 by a dispatcher in the sheriffs department who said Hakes had harassed her with unwanted communications that extended beyond the workplace. Hakes said the allegations are unfounded, the investigation was based on a complaint that did not exist and claimed the scope of the investigation exceeded the Chippewa County's Board's authority for oversight of an elected official. He said the issue amounted to a witch hunt motivated by political differences some members of the county administration and its board have with him. The county hired the von Briesen & Roper law firm to investigate the alleged misconduct. That work began June 22 and quickly expanded beyond concerns raised by the dispatcher, who no longer works at the department. Conflicts of interest The investigation report from Briesen & Roper states Hakes conducted sales activities, advertised using his name and conducted transactions during work hours in which he has sold guns, knives, mugs and real estate to department employees and others. The sheriff has carried on his real estate business and his private guns and weapons sales business during county business hours since he took office, the report states. Department members used the sheriff as their agent when they viewed homes for purchase. Multiple members reported that the sheriff offered during their work shifts to help them find houses as their buying agent. Department members reported hearing the sheriff carrying on real estate sales calls during the day, the report states. Hakes denied allegations he had conducted work to support his real estate business during business hours or that a conflict of interest issue was present due to his role as sheriff. Since I was sworn in as sheriff, I have not had a single real estate transaction with any member of the sheriffs office or any county employee, Hakes said Thursday. "Any sale of items such as coffee mugs or knives to the staff of the sheriffs office since I became sheriff have actually been at a financial loss to me and I have not profited a single dime from those few sales. The investigation also examined an alleged conflict of interest and dishonesty with the county board chair, county administrator, chief deputy and corporation counsel around his purchase of short barrel rifles for the department using his federal firearms dealer license. He intended to run them through his gun business, Trigger Control, and would then sell them to the department, the report said. Hakes denied there was any conflict with the purchase. "There was no conflict of interest in how the sheriffs office acquired needed equipment in the form of customized rifles, and I made no money on their acquisition," he said. "This equipment was so important for our office to have that I was prepared to pay $4,800 of my personal money if necessary to acquire it, which I could legally do as a federally licensed firearms dealer and as a donation to the sheriffs office. The county administrator accused Hakes of being dishonest with multiple public officials about rifle purchases during a June 5 meeting, the report said. The report also found the sheriff was repeatedly dishonest in multiple meetings with the county administration regarding the harassment complaint. Poor leadership The report said sheriff's office officials under Hakes told investigators they believed he was unfit for the role. "The majority of experienced department members and leadership interviewed during this investigation regard the sheriff as lacking in training, leadership, integrity and competence, and are concerned about the impact his failure to exercise appropriate leadership and competence continues to have on department morale, continuity and safety. The investigator said department leaders reported Hakes was "largely absent from the workplace and department, and was widely described as failing to participate in management of his office. Department leadership unanimously indicated that the sheriff was rarely in attendance, and other department members largely remarked on rarely seeing the sheriff. No department or county employee interviewed was able to say when the sheriff was working or what he did during the day. The report also states county and department leaders reported Hakes regularly skips meetings or arrives late. Hakes said it was an absurd notion that an elected sheriff works a set shift like an hourly employee. Hakes said he frequently works outside the office and in the community. He said the report reflects disgruntled employees of the command staff complaining about his management style and involvement with the office and that the record should reflect that as a new sheriff that I have inherited this command staff and I am fully aware that for some I was not their first choice to be the new boss. I also recognize that I am seeking to bring a newer and community-oriented approach to county law enforcement. Policy violations New county employees are expected to complete specific training. Hakes attended a Jan. 3 orientation meeting where this was explained and according to the investigation report, he has not participated in the critical onboarding training offered to all new employee leaders, and canceled his appearance at all three training sessions. As of July 28, the sheriff had reviewed and acknowledged just 8% of the departments policies. By that same date, he had reviewed 18 of the 118 operational sheriffs department policies, including only two of the 118 sheriffs department custody policies pertaining to the jail, for which he bears ultimate authority. Hakes did not review any other department operational or jail policies until May 22, the report states after he was notified of the complaint against him. The report also states Hakes violated several parts of the department's policy regarding high-speed pursuits when he exceeded speeds of 100 mph. However, the sheriff had not yet reviewed that policy, the report said. Hakes said Thursday he followed state guidelines for pursuits. If one reviews the facts and written report that was generated with a trained eye of an experienced officer, that trained eye would reveal the propriety of my actions on that date in dealing with this potentially dangerous suspect and the fact my actions were consistent with state pursuit guidelines, Hakes said. The report also found evidence that during the course of this investigation the sheriff inappropriately disclosed medically privileged private health information of another citizen. That would be a violation of multiple department policies and possibly Wisconsin law. The county board will next discuss the Hakes investigation during its Oct. 10 meeting. Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in recognition of her tireless campaigning for women's rights and democracy, and against the death penalty. Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and spending years behind bars. She has remained a leading light for nationwide, women-led protests, sparked by the death last year of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. Those demonstrations grew into one of the most intense challenges ever to Iran's theocratic government. Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, began Friday's announcement with the words "Woman, Life, Freedom" in Farsi the slogan of the demonstrations in Iran. "This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi," Reiss-Andersen said. She also urged Iran to release Mohammadi in time for the prize ceremony on Dec. 10. For nearly all of Mohammadi's life, Iran has been governed by a Shiite theocracy headed by the country's supreme leader. While women hold jobs, academic positions and even government appointments, their lives are tightly controlled. Laws require all women to at least wear a headscarf, or hijab, to cover their hair as a sign of piety. Iran and neighboring Afghanistan remain the only countries that mandate that. In a statement released after the Nobel announcement, Mohammadi said she will "never stop striving for the realization of democracy, freedom and equality." "Surely, the Nobel Peace Prize will make me more resilient, determined, hopeful and enthusiastic on this path, and it will accelerate my pace," she said. Mohammadi, an engineer by training, has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five, according to Reiss-Andersen. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. Her most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after attending a memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. She has been held at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, said by telephone from Norway where he lives that he has not been able to speak with his sister but knows the prize "means a lot to her." "The prize means that the world has seen this movement," but it will not affect the situation in Iran, he said. "The regime will double down on the opposition. They will just crush people," he said, adding that he knew immediately his sister had won when he heard the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," in Farsi. Mohammadi's husband, Taghi Rahmani, who lives in exile in Paris with their two children, 16-year-old twins, said that though he hadn't been able to reach her, she "would be very glad to know she has won an award and she will re-state her determination like always." "She has a sentence she always repeats: 'Every single award will make me more intrepid, more resilient and more brave for realizing human rights, freedom, civil equality and democracy,'" he said. Rahmani hasn't been able to see his wife for 11 years, and their children havent seen their mother for seven, he said. Their son, Ali Rahmani, said the Nobel was not just for his mother: "It's for the struggle. "This prize is for the entire population, for the whole struggle from the beginning, since the Islamic government came to power," the teen said. Narges Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won in 2003. It's the fifth time in its 122-year history that the Nobel Peace Prize has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. Last year, the top human rights advocate in Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, was among the winners. He remains imprisoned. Mohammadi was in detention for the recent protests of the death of Mahsa Amini, who was picked up by the morality police for her allegedly loose headscarf. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown, while over 22,000 others were arrested. But from behind bars, Mohammadi contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times last month. "What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become," she wrote. In a first reaction from Tehran, the semi-official Fars news agency dismissed Mohammadi as someone who "persisted in creating tension and unrest and falsely claimed that she was beaten in prison." Fars is believed to be close to Iran's hard-line paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Abuse in Iranian prisons something Mohammadi has campaigned against both outside of and behind bars has been widely reported by the U.N. and human rights groups. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of about $1 million. Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy The U.S. Forest Service started a 1000-acre prescribed burn on Thursday north of Truckee as part of the Sagehen Underburn operation. This is all managed out of the Sagehen Ranger Station off Highway 89 north of Truckee with the goal of reducing fuels and promoting forest health. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Joan Baez has been in the public eye as an activist and folk singer for more than 60 years and yet has managed to keep significant aspects of her life private at least, until now. In Joan Baez I Am a Noise, a new documentary in theaters Oct. 6, the icon discusses the mental and physical pain she endured for most of her life. She also shares personal and often painful details about her relationship with Bob Dylan, her marriage to journalist and antiwar activist David Harris, and the guilt she felt about her self-perceived failings as a mother to her son, Gabriel. 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 In addition, we hear accounts from a collection of interviews and audio recordings, some of which occurred at family therapy sessions of secrets and accusations that rocked Baez and her entire family. We chatted with Baez about making her private life public, her conflicted feelings about the trappings of fame, and how social activism today compares with what she experienced in the 60s. In the documentary, you talk openly about some things you havent talked about much before. What made you comfortable enough to do it now? A number of things. The first thing that comes to my mind is that my family was all gone. There wouldnt be contested or hurt feelings or anything. And then Karen OConnor, one of the directors, has been a friend of mine for decades. I knew her to be a really first-class filmmaker. We talked about this on and off for a long time. And then years go by, and I think, How am I going to leave an honest legacy for whoevers interested? We started off as a film about the last tour not even knowing whether it was for sure the last tour but then I gave the directors the key to my storage unit. In the film, when I walk in there, it is the first time Id ever walked in, so I didnt have any idea the extent of what was in there. [The documentary relies heavily on journals, drawings and audio recordings Baez and her family members had saved for decades, and in a scene near the end of the film, she enters a storage unit containing stacks of boxes and cabinets filled with these records and looks through some of the contents.] It really is an amazing archive of not just your whole life but your whole family. And what a treasure to have. I wondered if it was also a bittersweet experience because some things are hard to revisit. I would say the hardest has been dealing with my sons abandonment, basically. And I knew about it [but] I didnt know it was that deep, you know? Some of that stuff is painful. Its painful to watch. And yet, my mother kept all those letters and all those tapes of me talking to them from the train. Its crazy. But it turned out that instead of me [in the current day] talking about what it was like meeting Martin Luther King, it is me at age 21 talking about my life then. Instagram Celebrity On Tuesday, October 3, a user on X, formerly Twitter, shared a chest-naked photo of the 26-year-old flaunting his tattoos that include a compass on his chest and the word 'Concrete' in varying fonts on the emcee's stomach. Oct 6, 2023 AceShowbiz - Lil Yachty wasn't upset at his fans who made fun of his tattoos. After he got roasted by some social media users for showing off his body art, the "Strike" rapper admitted that his inks indeed "suck." On Tuesday, October 3, a user on X, formerly Twitter, shared a chest-naked photo of the 26-year-old flaunting his tattoos. They include a compass on his chest and the word "Concrete" in varying fonts on the emcee's stomach. The caption of the post read, "Rappers spend so much money on jewelry but never good tattoo artists." Many have since joined in poking fun at Yachty. "Bro need to refund his tattoos," one person commented under the post, while another replied, "He just let anyone tatt him." A third quipped, "Bro looks like one of them notebooks you draw on when you tryna kill time." Catching wind of the criticism, Yachty wrote, "Yeah my tatts suck hahahaha." In a follow-up post, he let out a famous meme of boxer Adrian Broner where the fighter notes in an interview, "I ain't gon' lie, I'm getting cooked." That aside, Yachty is currently on his "Field Trip Tour to" tour. He kicked things off on September 21 in Washington, D.C. He will continue it by making stops in 22 cities throughout North America and Canada, including New York, San Diego, Portland, Las Vegas, Toronto, Vancouver and more. Yachty will then fly to Europe to begin his show in Oslo, Norway on November 22. Other countries listed on the poster are Sweden, Denmark, England, France and Italy among others. The rapper will conclude the outing on December 17 in Vienna, Austria. You can share this post! Instagram TV The 'American Gods' creator is accused of sexual harassment, a hostile work environment and retaliation against Shudder's 'Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror' producer Sam Wineman. Oct 6, 2023 AceShowbiz - Bryan Fuller has been sued for sexual harassment. The TV producer and showrunner, known for creating "Hannibal" and "American Gods", is accused of sexual harassment, a hostile work environment and retaliation against a producer on Shudder's "Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror" in a lawsuit that also names the streaming service and AMC Networks as the defendants. Fuller and plaintiff Sam Wineman, who are both gay, worked together on "Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror", a four-part docuseries that was released on AMC's Shudder streaming service in 2022. According to Wineman, he was fired from the project in August 2021, about four weeks after complaining about Fuller's conduct. "Defendant Bryan Fuller cultivated and maintained a hostile work environment as a result of harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault and retaliation from the years 2020 to 2022," Wineman alleged in a graphic and explicit suit that was filed to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, October 4. Wineman and his Good Gustafson Aumais LLP and Atkins & Associates lawyers added, "Mr. Fuller sexually assaulted plaintiff several times throughout the Steakhaus Production of Queer for Fear for AMC defendants and their streaming service Shudder." Wineman claimed in the lawsuit that Fuller made numerous references to his penis, talked about which reading material gave him erections, and talked about "wanking it" to adult/child power dynamics in stories. Fuller also allegedly left lubricant and balled up tissues on his desk to let Wineman know he had been masturbating. Not stopping there, Wineman stated that Fuller made bullying comments about Wineman by saying he was "weak," lacked charisma, and was "drier than NPR." Despite his problematic behavior, Wineman said that the executive producers coddled Fuller and protected him from consequences because he was "the money," and "we have to keep the money happy." In response to the lawsuit, Fuller's attorney Bryan Fredman dubbed the allegations "fictitious" and "absolute garbage" in a statement to Deadline, adding that Wineman was fired for "gross incompetence." The lawyer continued, "Sam Wineman just made the biggest mistake of his life and once the evidence comes out, he will forever be known as a pathological liar." You can share this post! Cover Images/Freddie Baez Celebrity In a new hilarious video shared by Ty Dolla $ign, the Yeezy designer can be seen scolding a nail technician before he abruptly cuts short his private pedicure treatment. Oct 6, 2023 AceShowbiz - Beauty is pain, but not for Kanye West. In a new hilarious video, the "Gold Digger" spitter could be seen scolding a nail technician before he abruptly cut short his private pedicure treatment. The now-deleted video, which was posted by Ye's pal and collaborator Ty Dolla $ign on Thursday, October 5, saw the Yeezy designer sitting in a chair in what seemed to be a hotel room with one of his feet up on the peducurist's lap. Meanwhile, his other foot was in a wash basin. At one point, the hip-hop musician could be heard flinching in apparent pain as he yelled, "Ah! Whoa!" While the nail tech tried to explain what she was trying to do and assured him that he was "OK," Ye already lost his interest in getting his nails pedicured. Pulling his foot back, the former husband of Kim Kardashian stood up. "Nah, I'm not gonna do the rest of it. I gotta - I'm not gonna do it," he told the woman. The nail tech appeared to be confused. She then showed him the tool she was using and said, "No, it's just the," but Ye wasn't having it. "Oh, no, I'm not gonna do it," he stressed. "It's my toes. It's my toes. It's my toes! I'm not gonna do it. That hurt." When the woman tried to convince Ye to continue the process, the "Jesus Is King" artist insisted that he was "not gonna do it." The nail tech then asked, "And the hands?" to which the Chicago star quickly responded, "Nope! Thank you very much." While the ordeal was taking place, Ty looked uncomfortable while sitting on a nearby couch. At one point, the video zoomed in his face as he stared blankly at the camera. As for Ye, he didn't seem to be much affected by the whole thing. As soon as the woman left the room, the father of four nonchalantly approached his friends and talked about music. "Yeah, that part," the "Paranoid" hitmaker deadpanned. Ye needed the pedicure seemingly because he went shoeless throughout his European trip. Previously, Jason Lee, who used to work with Ye, said that the rapper was going barefoot to prove a point and stage a PR stunt. "I think the fact that people are talking about Kanye's feet shows just how much power he still has in the wake of cancel culture," the "Hollywood Unlocked" host said of the Grammy winner. Calling it a "smart and strategic move," Jason added, "I wouldn't be surprised if the next time we saw shoes on his feet would be a project that he designed." You can share this post! Cover Images/Faye`s Vision Celebrity After revealing that she is preparing a really extra outfit for the upcoming holiday, the 'America's Got Talent' judge releases a spooky poster featuring her face in a bloody red color. Oct 6, 2023 AceShowbiz - Heidi Klum continues teasing her 2023 Halloween costume. After revealing that she is preparing a "really extra" outfit for the upcoming holiday, the "America's Got Talent" judge released a creepy poster via social media. On Thursday, October 5, the 50-year-old model uploaded on her Instagram account a spooky poster which features a hand drawing of her face and her bold eyes in a bloody red color. Over the poster, there is a note that reads, "Heidi Klum Halloween coming soon." Along with the footage, Heidi let out a number of spooky emojis, including pumpkin and black heart ones in the caption of the post. She did not forget to also credit an artist named Josh Hernandez who made the jaw-dropping poster. The creepy poster was unleashed nearly one month after Heidi announced that she is going to wear a "really extra" costume for Halloween this year. "I have had sleepless nights over it. You know me. It's going to be extra. It's going to be really extra," she spilled to DailyMail.com when making an appearance on the red carpet of "America's Got Talent" in September. About the concept of costume, the former Victoria's Secret model proudly stated, "I have to admit, I love it. And then my gut, I feel like it's going to be good. I never know if it will be good until the day, and I don't want to let my Halloween fans down. There are so many creative people around the world and I don't want to let them down." Later on, Heidi issued an update on her preparation for Halloween and opened up about the struggles that came with it. Speaking to Fox News Digital on September 12, she admitted, "My Halloween costume is complicated. I was almost going to say I might not be able to come, but I think we're going to work it out now." She then added, "I think the best thing is always to not give too many hints because then the surprise is bigger." You can share this post! According to the latest BARC ratings, News18 Lokmat has surpassed ABP Majha and established dominance in the Marathi news segment. The data underscores News18 Lokmat's lead over ABP Majha, with a market share of 18.5%, while ABP Majha follows at 18.4%. (Source: BARC | Market: Maharashtra | Period: Wk 3923 | Audience: All 15+ | Metric: Market share%) Moreover, News18 Lokmat has firmly secured the top position in Mumbai in terms of reach among viewers. The channel boasts an impressive cumulative reach of 5215, while ABP Majha lags behind in the third position with a reach of 4568. (Source: BARC | Market: Mumbai | Period: Wk 3923 | Audience: All 15+ | Metric: Cume Reach 000s) "News18 Lokmat's remarkable performance reflects our commitment to delivering serious, inclusive journalism that resonates with viewers across the state. Our exhaustive coverage across both urban and rural areas in Maharashtra has played a pivotal role in our success story. The channel has seen a consistent growth of about 38% over the past 10 months, which reiterates audiences growing affinity to our quality content. said Mitul Sangani CEO of the Regional News Cluster, Network18. News18 Lokmat regularly picks up ground-level issues that impact people lives, along with real-time coverage of local politics and events. It also brings the national perspective to the audiences in Maharashtra. News18 Lokmat has consistently maintained its dominant position in the Marathi news segment and has outperformed its competitors on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. News18 Lokmat's website too stands at the forefront, setting a benchmark in the segment with its viewership figures. This World Smile Day, McCann Worldgroup India has partnered with Britannia Good Day, India's largest cookie brand, to unveil a heartwarming 'Cleft Cookie campaign, celebrating diversity and inclusivity. Known for its iconic cookies adorned with a myriad of smiles, Britannia Good Day has chosen to mark World Smile Day by supporting the smiles of children born with cleft lip and palate. Owing to Indias substantial population, the country grapples with one of the highest incidents of cleft births worldwide, with roughly 35,000 children being born with this condition annually. Clefts, which involve a gap in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate), are a prevalent birth condition occurring across all socio-economic backgrounds. 'Cleft Cookies sees the creation of limited-edition packs, each adorned with a heartwarming cookie featuring a cleft smile semblance, seamlessly joining the diverse range of smiles that already grace the Good Day lineup. Over 6 Crore of these special packs will be made available for two months across Maharashtra and Gujarat, symbolising the brand's commitment to celebrating smiles of every kind and championing inclusivity. The campaign aims to educate people about cleft lip and palate and, more significantly, to spark global recognition of the importance of inclusivity for children with a facial difference. Each limited-edition pack features a QR code, which, when scanned, takes consumers to a site containing informing about cleft conditions https://www.gooddaysmiles.com/. Consumers are also able to donate to Smile Train, the worlds largest cleft-focussed organisation and NGO collaborator with Britannia Good Day. Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. This way, consumers are not merely alerted to the challenges faced by children born with cleft palates, but they are also presented with the means to participate in the profound transformation of lives. Amit Doshi, Chief Marketing Officer, Britannia Industries Limited said, Britannia Good Day, has always been a beacon of joy, renowned for spreading smiles and happiness to millions across India. Today, we mark a monumental milestone by warmly embracing the smiles of children born with cleft conditions on our delectable cookies. This initiative underscores our enduring commitment to inclusivity, making every smile, regardless of its unique form, an integral part of the Good Day family. Through our partnership with Smile Train, we aspire to convey a resounding message of acceptance and unity, inviting all to savour the taste of inclusivity, debunk myths, and stand with us in forging a more inclusive world, where every smile is equally cherished." Prasoon Joshi, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of McCann Worldgroup India, commented, A smile is a universal symbol of joy. Changing an iconic product to draw attention to vulnerable children born with a cleft palate is a sensitive and valued initiative. The Britannia Good Day Cleft Cookie has brought pride and acceptance to smiles of every kind. We at McCann Worldgroup India with Britannia feel fortunate to have played a nuanced and meaningful role in making the world more joyful and inclusive. Mamta Carroll, Smile Trains Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia, expressed her gratitude towards Britannia Good Day. She said, "We are thrilled to partner with Britannia Good Day in launching the 'cleft cookie campaign. The iconic Britannia Good Day smile cookies have been a household favourite for decades and adding the cleft smile to bring focus on children with clefts on World Smile Day is a bold gesture, which will generate significant momentum in increasing awareness around clefts and promoting greater acceptance of people with clefts." You know how police officers often have their pictures taken when they crack big cases? A lot of similar images propped up over the internet featuring a Constable Girpade, helping people by cracking cases. Doing viral rounds amongst the influencers and meme pages, these posts popped up on Instagram all thanking Constable Girpade. Although they were thanking him for returning their lost belongings, no one could see his face or figure out who is the face behind this virtuous deed. The buzz was taken a notch higher when popular content creators like Just_neel_things, Khushaal Pawar and Gaurav Gera also started talking about this mysterious personality. This intrigued peoples curiosity and they responded to this by asking multiple questions like: But who is this Constable Girpade?, I want to know what he looks like, and My scooty was lost, could you help me find it too? Wondering who he is? The mystery was solved when Amazon miniTV launched the trailer of the show and it was revealed that actor and content creator, Khushaal Pawar, is the face behind Constable Girpade. Also revealing that the audience can watch more of him as Constable Girpade in his upcoming show on Amazon miniTV. The innovative approach of Amazon miniTV's marketing campaign, coupled with the enthusiastic participation of digital creators, has successfully generated significant buzz for the upcoming show. This made #ConstableGirpade took the #2 trending spots on Instagram as well as on X and led to people searching for Constable Girpade on google as well. As the excitement continues to build, fans and viewers eagerly await the premiere of Constable Girpade, eagerly anticipating the unique and entertaining content it promises to deliver. The campaign was conceptualized and executed by SoCheers, an independently led creative digital advertising agency. On the 85th Anniversary of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in New York, special North Star medals were announced for Srinivasan Swamy and Ramesh Narayan for their distinguished service to the IAA. In addition, Mr. Swamy was also commended for his role as the Global President of the IAA. Swamy and Narayan had also been honoured as Global Champions by the IAA at its inaugural Inspire Awards in London in 2014. They have both been inducted into the IAA India Chapter Hall of Fame and are the recipients of several other prestigious awards in the Marcom space. Narayan has been a Director on the Global Board of the IAA and was it's Vice President APAC region. They are both Past Presidents of the India Chapter of the IAA. L'Oreal Paris, worlds #1 beauty brand, hosted a remarkable event at the Gateway of India on October 4th, 2023, reiterating its unwavering commitment to its purpose - Stand Up Against Street Harassment. Industry stalwarts, senior leaders at government organizations and celebrities - LOreal Paris Brand Spokespeople Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari, Prasoon Joshi, Chairman Asia Pacific, CEO & Chief Creative Officer, India, McCann Worldgroup, Aditi Tatkare, Minister of Women & Child Development, Maharashtra, Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, and Supreet Singh, co-founder of Red Dot among others - graced the event with their presence. It served as a compelling testament to the brand's dedication to raising awareness about street harassment and empowering individuals to combat it effectively. To build this global movement, Stand Up takes its training into the heart of local communities by partnering with local NGOs expert in gender-based violence, in each country. In India, LOreal Paris has partnered with Red Dot, Action Aid and Breakthrough to foster the movement within the country. Stand Up is focused on raising awareness about street harassment and training people with Right To Bes 5Ds methodology, an expert-approved bystander intervention training program pioneered by Right To Be. It is five tools to learn how to safely respond when experiencing or witnessing street harassment. To date, more than 2 million people have been trained with Stand Up across 42 countries. In India alone, Stand Up has trained 608,000 individuals. 97% of Stand Up trainees feel more empowered to intervene when witnessing street harassment compared to before their Stand Up training. More than 9 out of 10 Stand Up trainees are convinced they could do at least one thing to combat street harassment if they were to witness it (vs 67% in the general population). LOreal Paris has always championed womens empowerment and Stand Up initiative reinforces the brands unwavering commitment to the cause. Through this initiative, we aspire to create a culture and community of respect, dignity and worth. The event at the Gateway of India marks a pivotal moment in our journey with StandUp a gainst s treet h arassment. We firmly believe in the transformative power of collective action and are positive that together we can make our public spaces safer. I urge everyone to take the Stand Up training in order to equip themselves to safely intervene when they witness or experience street harassment, said Pankaj Sharma, Director Consumer Products Division, LOreal India. Launched in March 2020, L'Oreal Paris joined forces with Right To Be, a renowned NGO specializing in combating all forms of harassment, to raise a voice and educate the consumers on how to Stand Up a gainst s treet h arassment. Since the beginning, this initiative has been at the forefront of L'Oreal Paris' mission to address the pervasive issue of street harassment safely with the power of the 5Ds methodology. Today, at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai, L'Oreal Paris reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to this initiative. Hosted by Mandira Bedi, the event commenced with a welcome address by Ines Caldeira, Global Deputy General Manager LOreal Paris, followed by an opening act performed by talented trio Fatima Sana Shaikh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Shefali Shah along with Sanjukta Sinha who gave a mesmerizing dance performance. During the performance, the audience witnessed a spectacle at the Gateway of India created through well-designed projection mapping tools and showcasing several compelling statistics pertaining to the cause. The projections depicted the journey of a woman from caution to confidence, a transition that the Stand Up initiative aims to achieve. This was followed by an address by LOreal Paris Brand Spokesperson Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who spoke about the cause initiative and women empowerment at length. The evening continued with a thought-provoking panel discussion, skillfully moderated by renowned journalist Faye DSouza. The panel featured distinguished figures such as actor and producer, John Abraham, screenwriter and Prasoon Joshi, Chairman Asia Pacific, CEO & Chief Creative Officer, India, McCann Worldgroup, who is also a renowned screen writer & lyricist, Supreet Singh, co-founder of Red Dot, and Rekha Sharma, chairperson of the National Commission for Women, who spoke about the significant issue of street harassment and its indiscriminate impact on individuals regardless of their gender. The event then concluded with a captivating performance by Manasi Scott which was followed by a dance performance by the Question Mark Crew. Mia by Tanishq, one of Indias most fashionable jewellery brands unveils its latest festive campaign, For the Star in You captivating the inherent brilliance and confidence within every woman. The campaign empowers women to embrace their self-confidence and recognise that their shine has the power to illuminate the world. Set in the celebratory context, the campaign, conceptualized Mia by Tanishq and Famous Innovations features the celebrated actress Rakul Preet Singh who embodies the essence of the brand and has been roped in as the face of the campaign this year. The heart of the campaign is set on a festive film set with Rakul elegantly attired. Following the final take, Rakul approaches the monitor to discuss the scene with the director. As the camera rolls, the film beautifully captures a relatable moment. The slice-of-life film portrays a delightful moment as a young lady on set admires Rakul from afar. Initially hesitant, she is contemplating whether to approach her favourite actress for a selfie. However, the magic of the moment unfolds when a ray of light from the film set catches the young lady's Mia necklace, drawing Rakul's attention. The film beautifully captures the exchange of sweet gestures, emphasizing the campaign's core message that everyone possesses a unique brilliance within themselves, akin to the stars that illuminate the universe. It is a celebration of self-confidence, individuality, and the boundless potential that resides within each person. It's revealed that the young lady is Neha, the talented writer of a popular show. Rakul's genuine appreciation for Neha's work transforms her from a nervous admirer into a confidently shining star. The film encompasses the aspect of how women are serving as a beacon of encouragement and uplifting each other celebrating sisterhood and other special moments. Women share a bond as timeless as the stars themselves. This campaign is a sincere attempt made by the brand to encourage and empower women to embrace the Star in them. The film is more than a showcase of exquisite jewellery; it's a reminder of the cosmic potential that resides within each one of us. As the stars in the universe are formed from the same elements, so are we, created from stardust. Within every individual, there lies the power to illuminate the world with their unique brilliance. Speaking about the campaign, Ms. Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia by Tanishq said, It is a delight to experience the cultural shift led by the Gen-Z, todays youth, that fosters collaboration over harbouring competition. Women today are empowering and uplifting each other to be their best version. This sisterhood served as the inspiration for Mias festive campaign For the Star in You, introducing Rakul Preet Singh, whose unapologetic confidence and versatile personality reflect the core ethos of a Mia woman, while the ease and humility with which she carries her fame makes her the right fit for the campaign. Speaking about the campaign, Melvin Jacob, Creative Head, Bangalore, Famous Innovations said When we planned interesting use of celebrity, we thought it could be cool to show the relatable star for a change. Fact is, everyone shines, everyone struggles with confidence - and everyone needs a lift once in a while. Appreciating someone elses shine doesnt take away from your shine, in fact it amplifies it. Titan Eye+, Indias most trusted eyewear retailer, has leveraged innovative technology to launch their ground-breaking promotional campaign, featuring the acclaimed actor and national award winner, Ayushman Khurrana. The unique campaign connects with customers in an interactive and engaging way by bringing Ayushman Khurrana 'live' to a kiosk at Phoenix mall in Mumbai. Titan Eye+ has used a Live OOH mall kiosk to feature a life-like image of Ayushman Khurrana that magically comes alive, allowing shoppers to have real-time conversations with the actor about the new line of products the brand has recently launched. The actor is seen actively engaging with passers-by, discussing the unique features and benefits of Titan Eye+ products like SmartGlasses, Luxury Eyeglasses and technologically advanced lenses. Shoppers have been thrilled to interact with the actor in this innovative and immersive way, taking the opportunity to ask questions, seek style advice, and take memorable photos with the kiosk. The new digital film is a culmination of this on-ground campaign done by the brand. Commenting on the new campaign, Mr. Maneesh Krishnamurthy, Marketing Head, EyeCare Division, Titan Company Ltd. said, Since 2020, we have launched our biggest innovations of the year in Q2. As consumers evolve, so do their expectations from brands. For our 2023 launch, we wanted to do something different, something thats not been attempted before and is as innovative as our products. Ayushmann Khurrana is a much loved actor for his acting and styling skills and we felt that the live OOH interaction with Ayushmann will be a great way to push the limits of OOH advertising and engage consumers with our new line of products We had a lot of fun thinking and executing this campaign. We had to launch 5 different innovative products in one go. The challenge was to create intrigue and impact for such a launch. Therefore, we married technology with creativity and executed an innovative idea for such innovative products. shared Kishore Mohandas, Executive Creative Director, Ogilvy Bangalore The campaign has generated considerable buzz on social media platforms, with shoppers sharing their experiences and photos with Ayushman Khurrana's interactive kiosk. This innovative marketing approach reflects the commitment of Titan Eye+ to providing customers with the best eyewear solutions while creating unique and memorable brand interactions. The digital film that sums up the overall initiative goes live today! A slow burner espionage drama with the early 2000's as its backdrop; Vishal Bharadwaj's Khufiya premiered directly on Netflix this weekend and despite its sluggish pace, kept me in an engaging mode right till the end. It's a tad long at near two hours forty minutes but still worth the time invested. I vouch!! The plot ain't that complicated: RAW officer KM (Tabu) is assigned the task of spying on a suspected fellow agent (Ali Fazal) and his family, who has evidently sold his soul to the CIA. But, has he really? There is also a parallel track of a Bangladeshi minister, who is conspiring something sinister. KM lays her trust on a new recruit Heena (Azmeri Haque Badhon) but can she pull off the seemingly impossible task??!!! Don't expect a high octane actioner or a screen scorcher as Khufiya takes its own time to build its core characters, involve you in the proceedings and then moves to its climax...which may make it a tedious watch for the impatient but then a Baby (2015) or Pathaan (2023), it ain't or expected to be!! Surprisingly, the espionage movie belongs to its ladies who truly impress big time. Tabu, the superlative actor that she is, leaves a mark though her role isn't entirely meaty. Wamiqa Gabbi as Charu, Ali Fazal's wifey delivers a knockout act especially in the film's second half. Bangladeshi star Azmeri Haque Badhon is outstanding in her complex role. Here's an actor to watch out for in future and hope Bollywood gives her more roles!! Overall, Khufiya has the trademark Vishal Bharadwaj touch though I personally feel the director gives his best when adapting Shakespeare. Who can forget Maqbool (2003), Omkara (2006) and of course Haider (2014), my personal favorite of the trio. Khufiya isn't as great as them but still makes the cut to a watch. Make it your weekend matinee!! Ratings on some key aspects* : 1. Acting : 4/5 2. Direction : 3.5/5 3. Music : 3/5 4. Story, Screenplay and Dialogue : 3.5/5 5. Cinematography : 3/5 6. Editing : 2.5/5 7. Costume Design : 3.5/5 8. Special Effects and VFX : NA 9. Action : NA 10. Production Quality : 3.5/5 #SNRating for #Khufiya : 3 & 1/2 stars out of 5. - Sumeet Nadkarni Liked the review? Click on the link below and like the #SNRatings page to subscribe to honest and unbiased reviews of all latest movies : https://m.facebook.com/SNRatings About Sumeet Nadkarni: Sumeet Nadkarni is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a self-styled film critic by passion. He reviews Bollywood movies and OTT releases on his popular personal blog #SNRatings. His film-related articles have appeared in leading publications in India. With a keen eye for cinematic detail and a knack for insightful critiques, Sumeet brings a unique perspective to the world of Indian cinema. Follow him for the latest Bollywood insights and unbiased film reviews. #FilmCritique #BollywoodReviewer State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Bern, 06.10.2023 - On 5 and 6 October 2023, State Secretary Martina Hirayama held talks with a State Minister and a State Secretary as well as with representatives of Singapore's research and technology funding agencies. She also visited the four campuses of Swiss universities based in Singapore. Switzerland and Singapore enjoy excellent relations and collaborate in numerous ERI projects. Singapore is the only country in the world where four Swiss universities maintain a physical presence: ETH Zurich, the University of St Gallen, IMD Business School and EHL Education Group (formerly Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne). As Leading House Asia, ETH Zurich is also responsible for promoting collaboration in science and technology with the East and Southeast Asia region. In terms of the number of bilateral research collaborations supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, Singapore ranks 12th among all non-European countries and first among all ASEAN countries. As part of Singapore's process to strengthen its VET system (the SkillsFuture programme), the country has shown great interest from the outset in the Swiss model because of its systemic permeability, labour market orientation and crucial involvement of the private sector. Against this background, Ms Hirayama and her delegation held productive talks with Minister of State for Education Gan Siow Huang, Permanent Secretary of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Tan Chorh Chuan, and Frederick Chew, CEO of the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). NRF and A*STAR are the Singaporean counterparts to the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Innosuisse funding agency. Address for enquiries State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Communication medien@sbfi.admin.ch +41 58 462 96 90 Publisher State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation http://www.sbfi.admin.ch KYOTO, Oct 03 ( News On Japan ) - The Kyoto City University of Arts has completed a full relocation to the eastern side of JR Kyoto Station. The original Kutsukake Campus (located in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City) had faced issues such as aging facilities and equipment, prompting the university to seek relocation. The city also aimed to transform the Suijin area, which is relatively underdeveloped but conveniently located east of Kyoto Station, into a new symbol of culture and art. After ten years of planning, the goal has finally been realized. Tamaki Akamatsu, President of Kyoto City University of Arts, expressed, "The love for art and similar sentiments, which the predecessors of Kyoto City University of Arts or the people of Kyoto have built over time, have greatly supported our relocation. We are truly overwhelmed with emotion to welcome this day." The new campus will also house the Kyoto City Fine Arts and Crafts High School (formerly Doto Fine Arts and Crafts High School). Furthermore, the library boasts a collection of 140,000 books, specializing in art-related publications and magazines, which will be available for use by not only students but also the general public. A 36-year-old Columbus, Miss., man is in custody, charged with making a bomb threat against Mississippi State University in August. The threat, sent via text message to campus police just before 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, caused the universitys Maroon Alert system to notify the campus community to evacuate four residence halls. Once evacuated, MSU police secured the area and swept the buildings looking for an explosive device, assisted by the Oktibbeha County Sheriffs Office and bomb-detecting K9 units. No explosives were found. Friday, MSU police chief Kenneth Rogers announced that Isaac Terrell Pryor of Columbus, about 60 miles west of Tuscaloosa, was taken into custody Thursday and charged with making a false report of a bomb. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Additional charges are possible, Rogers said. As a deterrent to similar incidents in the future, MSU officials intent to push prosecutors to seek stiff penalties against Pryor, according to Sid Salter, MSUs Vice President for Strategic Communications. While the university is thankful that there were no injuries or damage from this incident, it caused fear and alarm among our campus community and among the families of our students, Salter said. The university incurred financial losses and had to call on law enforcement partners for assistance, including the bomb-sniffing K9s. Schedules were disrupted and our students, faculty and staff were displaced for a time while we secured the campus. The investigation leading to Pryors arrest was a joint effort between MSU police, the Mississippi Office of Homeland Securitys Analysis and Information Center, the Oktibbeha County Sheriffs Office and the Starkville Police Department. Kevin Costner will bring his Western vision back to the big screen with the two-part epic Horizon: An American Saga, hitting theaters in summer 2024. No stranger to the genre, Costner has recently re-emerged as one its biggest stars thanks to the hit Paramount Network drama Yellowstone, a modern spin after his previous work in more traditional films like Silverado, Dances with Wolves and Open Range. Billed as a two-part event, it explores the lure of the Old West and how it was wonand lostthrough the blood, sweat and tears of many, according to its studio Warner Bros. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, Costners ambitious cinematic adventure will take audiences on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America. READ: Kevin Costners 10 best movies ranked Costner leads the cast along with Sienna Miller (American Sniper), Sam Worthington (Avatar), Jena Malone (Stepmom), Luke Wilson (Old School) and Will Patton (Remember the Titans). Also on board is Alabama-born actor Michael Rooker, now best known for his work in Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy films in which he played Yondu Udonta. The Jasper native and longtime character actor moved to Chicago at age 13 and later attended DePaul University. Rooker first came to prominence in the terrifying title role of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Other notable film work includes Eight Men Out, Mississippi Burning, Days of Thunder, JFK and Tombstone. He also earned acclaim for playing Merle Dixon, a villainous survivor on AMCs The Walking Dead. MORE: 20 celebrities you didnt know were from Alabama Costner won two Oscars for Dances with Wolves, one for directing and another for producing/best picture. The film won seven total and grossed more than $420 million worldwide. He also directed the 2003 Western Open Range, co-starring Robert Duvall, Anette Bening and the late Michael Gambon. Since 2018, Costner has portrayed John Dutton on the television dramas series Yellowstone, for which he earned a Golden Globe award win and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. His director of photography is J. Michael Muro, who operated Steadicam and B-camera on Dances with Wolves and served as cinematographer on Open Range. Horizon: An American Saga will open in 2024, part one on June 28 and part two on Aug. 16. Watch the teaser trailer above. So, it turns out that country music star Jason Aldean did receive that distinctive piece of six-gun artwork that Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon commissioned in tribute to his song Try That in a Small Town. Kennon made a stir back in August when he posted what he called the key to the city of Orange Beach. Its a painted wooden panel in which the key to the city adorns the cylinder of a Colt .45 revolver with the logo Granddads Gun on the grip and the motto Try That in a Small Town on a United States flag background. Kennon said it was an idea hed described to city employee Mark Bryant, who created it. Aldean was scheduled to play the Wharf Amphitheater in late August, and Kennon said he hoped to find a way to present the work to him. Like Aldeans hit song, Kennons notion drew some strongly polarized responses, with Kennon shrugging off criticism. And there the matter ended Until Thursday, when Kennon shared a photo of himself presenting the work to Aldean. (That Facebook post likewise drew a colorful mix of appreciation and scorn, with Kennon letting the latter roll off his back.) Speaking by phone on Friday, Kennon confirmed that the presentation happened back in August. He said hed meant to post the photo after the show, but it slipped his mind and he shifted his attention to other matters, such as the third annual Freedom Fest taking place this weekend. I just got busy and forgot, he said. Freedom Fest is this weekend and somebody reminded me of it, so I said, You know, this is a great time to put it out. So thats how it happened. One of his band members, [steel guitarist] Jay Jackson, they have a place in Fairhope, Kennon said. He saw it and told Mr. Aldean and his wife about it, and they were very appreciative, and The Wharf said that we had a key to the city and would he like us to present it to them, and they said yes. So we did it backstage prior to the concert. They were extremely gracious and very appreciative that we took the time to acknowledge the value of the song and what it meant to us, said Kennon. I just really appreciated that. They were down to earth good people. The third annual Freedom Fest takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at The Wharf, in conjunction with the Bama Coast Cruisin Car Show. Features include displays by representatives of the U.S. armed forces; additional attractions on Saturday include arts & crafts booths, food vendors, a music stage and a motorcycle rally. For more details on the event, visit www.orangebeachal.gov. For me and for the city of Orange Beach, it is a festival, but more than it being a festival, it is a statement, Kennon said. It is a statement of our love for our country, our love for our military, our police officers, our firemen, public servants, first responders. Its just a way for us to acknowledge them and thank them. Its a way to say thank you to all of those that went before us, and those that are serving now, that protected and gave us our freedoms and our prosperity. Its really an acknowledgement of those that made our life so good. Related: Orange Beach mayor: Jason Aldeans Try That in a Small Town worth a gun-shaped key to city Jason Isbell dares Aldean to write his next single himself, Jake Owen slams tough guy tweet Authorities have released the name of a woman who was killed when she was hit by a vehicle in Birmingham earlier this week. The Jefferson County Coroners Office on Friday identified the victim as Misty Allen Tolbert. She was 44 and lived in Sumiton. The crash happened at 9:17 p.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of Daniel Payne Drive. Authorities said Tolber was walking along the edge of the road when she was hit. The driver of the vehicle remained on site and called 911. Tolbert was pronounced dead on the scene at 9:34 p.m. The Birmingham Police Department is investigating. A 70-year-old state inmate serving life in prison without parole in the shooting death of a woman has died while in custody. Mitchell Crews was transported from William Donaldson Correctional Facility to UAB Hospital on Thursday because of a declining health condition, according to the Jefferson County Coroners Office. Crews was pronounced dead at the hospital at 5:41 p.m. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said there was no evidence of foul play or trauma in the death of Crews. Crews was convicted of murder in the 1991 shooting death of Myrtice Summerset in Dothan in an apparent domestic incident. He was sentenced to life in prison on the states Habitual Felony Offender Act. He is the 22nd Donaldson inmate to die this year. In 2022, 40 inmates died at the prison. Zoology students at the University of West Florida could have embarked on a field trip Friday after university officials sent out notice that a bear had been spotted on the Pensacola campus. The school alerted students and faculty that a bear had been spotted near the cross-country trails which are accessible through the Rec Plex North/Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials said the bear was alone and did not approach any humans in the area. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission was immediately notified. Students and faculty were reminded to stay clear of this or any bear and to contact campus police if one is spotted. The school also offered tips on what to do in the event of an encounter with a bear: The Carnival Spirit, the newest and largest cruise ship that Mobile has ever had, docked at the Mobile Cruise Terminal for its first voyage from the city Friday. The ship will sail to Bimini Island, Freeport Island and Nassau in the Bahamas before heading back to Mobile, city spokesperson Jason Johnson says. The cruise is eight days. The Spirit will sail from Mobile to various locations around the Caribbean Sea for six monthsfrom October to March. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson was on hand to celebrate the ships maiden voyage at least its first from Mobile. The Mobile City Council recently signed a five-year agreement with Carnival for use of the Mobile Cruise Terminal. If you cant be excited about this, I dont know what its going to take to get you excited, Stimpson said Friday. When you think about born to celebrate, just look at all the smiling faces and everybody thats here. This is awesome. Even though the ship is seasonal, both Stimpson and Carnival Cruise Lines leadership emphasized that more cruising could be coming to Mobile soon. So long, COVID vaccine cards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer printing or distributing cards showing a persons history of COVID-19 vaccinations. People receiving the shots will still receive fact sheets with information about the vaccine, the New York Times reported. CDC no longer distributes the white CDC COVID-19 Vaccination cards, the agencys website noted. The cards, given after a persons vaccination, included the manufacturer of the vaccine, the dose number and the date and location each shot was administered. At the height of the COVID pandemic, the cards were used as proof of vaccinations for travel, social gatherings and entry for things like bars and restaurants. The CDC issued 980 million of the cards between 2020 and May 2023, the AP reported. According to the Times, people do not need to bring their old paper cards with them if they are receiving a new COVID vaccine but its recommended patients keep all vaccination records including the little cards - when possible, to give to healthcare providers. People can receive a digital or paper copy of their full vaccination records, including COVID-19, by contacting their state health departments immunization information system. That data is not stored by the CDC. Geishas in Japan have an enigmatic charm about them. They are so revered that a teacher of the art was once declared a living national treasure in the country. Seeing a real geisha is not that easy, however. Ann Kang, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama hotel, explains how much they can cost a venue that hires them. They charge per hour, you have to pay for round-trip taxi fees. If you want them to perform you have to pay for a space that has a tatami stage, equipped with instruments, and all of that costs thousands of [US] dollars. Then theres the problem of even getting into a venue that has hired one. A considerable number of such shops and restaurants refuse entry to first-time customers unless they have introductions. In Kyoto, this particularly applies to ozashiki bars, kimono shops and exclusive sushi restaurants. The ichigensan okotowari [no entry without introduction] culture requires an introduction before entry for first-time guests, says Kang. Hence, spotting a geisha or geiko (as they are called in western Japan, in cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa) in the streets is always something special, and even local Japanese get excited about taking pictures of or with one. We were lucky enough to have hosts in Kyoto who pulled strings and treated us to an exclusive evening. ...continue reading UPDATE: The Elmore County Sheriffs Office reported just before 5 p.m. that the boys mother had been located. EARLIER: Authorities are searching for the parents of guardians of a young boy who was found alone Friday afternoon in Millbrook. The boy, who appears to be about 3 years old, was found at 2:20 p.m. in the 2800 block of Charmwood Drive near Main Street. Authorities said the boy was wearing dark jogging pants, Croc shoes and no shirt. He was accompanied by a Pitbull puppy. Police have not been able to locate his family. He is being cared for by police as the search for his guardians continues. DHR had been notified. Anyone with information is asked to call 334-285-6832. Get the Down in Alabama newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to the daily Down in Alabama newsletter: A monumental anniversary Theres a special Alabama anniversary this week. It was 165 years ago this week Oct. 4, 1858 to be exact - that Joseph Henry Johnson opened the Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega, in part to help educate his deaf brother. In 1879, the school expanded and was renamed Alabama Institute for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Today, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind serves more than 31,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year, serving those who are deaf, blind, deaf and blind and multi-disabled. They also operate regional training centers throughout the state and business enterprise services. Happy birthday AIDB! The Carnival Spirit will arrive in Mobile Friday, signaling the return of cruising to the city. The Spirit marks a turnaround for the city that faces debt related to cruise ship terminal, something that cant be addressed without a cruise ship. Under a five-year agreement with Carnival Cruise Line to bring the Spirit to Mobile, the city anticipates receiving a rough estimate of $3 million each year from a combination of wharfage, parking fees, and other income the cruise terminal brings in from hosting events and conferences during the off-season. The Carnival Spirit is set to operate for only six months October to May after which point it will be repositioned during the summer months for sailings in Alaska. That said, the terminals debt is expected to expire in 2030. The agreement with Carnival Cruise Line could last to 2029, or almost up to the time that the terminals debt is paid off. Girl Scouts of the USA said Raspberry Rally cookies wont be sold when cookie season kicks off in January. The cookies were introduced last year but sold only online and, due to resellers grabbing the boxes, soon appeared on sites for up to $180 a box. The raspberry cookies were only sold online last year as part of a way to teach omnichannel business skills, Girl Scouts said. This year, however, they are taking a pause to prioritize supplying our classic varieties. Other Girl Scout favorites will be back this year, including Do-si-dos, Samoas, Peanut Butter Patties Tagalongs, Trefoils and thank heavens Thin Mints. On a serious note, Birmingham police are looking for information on a three-year old case involving a man who was killed on his way to Bible study. Forty-one-year-old Rodger Burr II was killed Sept. 30 when, shortly after 5:30 p.m. that Wednesday, someone opened fire on him while he was driving in the 700 block of Carline Avenue in Birmingham. Police believe Burr was at a stop sign at Avenue T and Carline when another vehicle - a small sedan - pulled alongside him and unleashed a barrage of gunfire. Burrs Nissan Rogue rolled a short distance before coming to a stop under a tree in a field. Officers found Burr unresponsive from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene and investigators believe he was targeted in the attack. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. More Alabama news As hundreds of people gathered tonight for a vigil to mourn the death of Stephen Clay Perkins, an attorney representing his family called for the arrest and firing of the officer who shot and killed him. Addressing the crowd outside Decatur City Hall, national civil rights attorney Lee Merritt also demanded the arrests and firings of the two other officers who went to Perkins house early Friday morning. Officials have not released the officers names. I think that theres more than enough probable cause to make an arrest, he told AL.com after the vigil. Theres never an open and shut case involving a Black man in the American judicial system because of the inerrant bias, but this is a case that can be won and should be vigorously prosecuted. Police said Perkins pulled a gun on a tow truck driver attempting to repossess his vehicle early Friday morning. The driver left but returned with police officers more than an hour later, according to video footage reviewed by AL.com. Police said Perkins came outside with a gun and turned it toward the officer who shot him in the front yard. But Merritt said the tow truck driver had the wrong address and police ambushed Perkins in the dark outside his home. [Read more: What happened on the night police killed Stephen Clay Perkins] Nicholas Perkins, Stephens older brother, spoke of the familys grief. I was not only his brother, I was his friend and his protector, he said. You have no idea how it feels to be born a protector and that job was taken away from you unjustly and unwarranted. Speaking to Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, who joined the crowd outside City Hall tonight, Nicholas Perkins pleaded for justice. I also challenge you as the leader, we want accountability, he said. We want responsibility. We want change. So citizens of Decatur, yall got work to do. We need new leadership. We need to push forward. Justice for Steve. Hundreds gathered on Oct. 5, 2023 outside Decatur City Hall for a vigil in remembrance of Stephen Clay Perkins. A Decatur police officer shot and killed Perkins on Friday, Sept. 29 outside his home on Ryan Drive Southwest. Merritt said he met today with Scott Anderson, the district attorney of Morgan County and asked why the officers havent been arrested. The familys lawyer called for immediate arrests and indictments within 30 days. He said the ongoing state police investigation of the shooting should not hinder the district attorney from charging the officers. You see when a murder happens in the community we hope that it never happens, but when it does happen we expect swift justice, he said. And when its denied, justice is denied to our community. And when justice is denied, we cannot go on with business as usual. The charge against a Hoover man in the shooting death of a Birmingham business owner has been amended by a judge following court testimony earlier this week. Jefferson County District Judge Katrina Ross on Thursday issued an order saying the case against 23-year-old Sebastian Ross (no relation) will be forwarded to a grand jury for indictment consideration as a murder charge instead of a capital murder charge. The second suspect and alleged triggerman, identified in documents and court as Jaquies Hoffman, was taken into custody Wednesday on a capital murder warrant. The deadly shooting happened in the predawn hours of Aug. 24 at Insta-Movers warehouse in south Birmingham. Charging documents against Ross say 44-year-old Snir Lalum, an Israeli citizen affectionately known by his friends in the U.S. as Sonny, was killed while Ross and Hoffman were stealing an undetermined amount of money. Rosss attorney, public defender Sammie Shaw, however contended there was no evidence that a robbery was planned or took place. Ross remains held without bond. A preliminary hearing for Ross was held Tuesday, at which time Birmingham homicide Det. James Glasgow testified about what happened the morning that Lalum was killed. Testimony showed the ordeal began when a group of Lalums employees were at the nearby Circle K before going to the warehouse, which is on Walter Davis Drive in south Birmingham. Ross approached one of the young Hispanic workers while they were in line to make a purchase, reportedly asking about work. He was told he would have to talk to the boss Lalum about getting a job. Glasgow testified that Ross and Hoffman then followed the Insta-Movers workers to the warehouse. Ross was seen on surveillance video first talking to the workers and then to Lalum when he arrived at work. Snir Lalum, 44, was shot to death Aug. 24, 2023, during a robbery at his company, Insta-Movers, in Birmingham. (Contributed) Ross told Lalum he would work for cheap but wanted 50 percent up front. He then lowered that to 10 percent. Glasgow acknowledged that Ross twice entered the warehouse, at least one of those times with Lalums permission, but was eventually told to leave, that youre not needed here. Ross got into a Nissan Frontier, which had been reported stolen from a Hoover apartment complex earlier in the night. The suspect left the parking lot but came back a short time later at a high rate of speed. At that point, video showed, Hoffman got out of the SUV carrying a gun and went into the warehouse. He reportedly told Ross he had to use the bathroom. A gunshot was heard, and then Hoffman exited, yelling to Ross, I had to pop him. The pair fled the scene. Police found Lalum suffering from a gunshot wound inside a warehouse bay. They attempted life-saving measures until Birmingham firefighters arrived to take him to UAB Hospital. Lalum was pronounced dead at the hospital at 5:50 a.m. Police quickly identified suspects in the case and took Ross into custody in just over 24 hours. Hoffman was captured in Tallassee this week by U.S. Marshals. Glascow testified that initially Ross denied being at the Circle K or the Insta-Movers warehouse that day, saying he was with his girlfriend and at school. The detective said Ross admitted to being there only after he was shown surveillance images of him at the warehouse and the store. Glascow said Ross, when arrested, was in possession of a gun that looked similar to the gun Hoffman was carrying the day of the murder. He also told detectives he took the gun from the seat of the Nissan Frontier on the day of the homicide. Ballistics tests have not yet been completed. Shaw said in closing arguments that prosecutors had not met the burden of probably cause for Ross to be charged with capital murder. Its clear from the testimony and from the video that Mr. Ross didnt shoot anyone that day. If anyone was shot, Mr. Hoffman is the person who did it, the public defender said. The only evidence we have is that Sebastian Ross happened to be present when that occurred. Thats not enough. You havent heard any evidence from anyone that there was any demand for any property taken, that this was planned, that they found anything that belonged to this business, Shaw said. There is no evidence of a robbery or a planned robbery at all. You have to believe stuff that wasnt presented, Shaw said, to believe this was a robbery. The judge, during the hearing, questioned why capital murder was the charge instead of murder. The prosecutor explained they believed robbery was the motive. We have this defendant on video who followed workers to this warehouse, Stewart said. He comes up to (the victim) and starts spouting off, trying to get money up front with no proof that he could do the work. When the victim refused, and said, youre not needed here and wouldnt pay him up front for any of the work, when hes turned away, he sends his buddy in with a gun who shoots the victim, Stewart said. Hes trying to get money out of the victim, he said. The case will be presented to a grand jury, which could decide to indict Ross on the murder charge, again increase the charge to capital murder, or not indict at all. A Fairfield man who previously pleaded guilty in the high-profile slaying of Birmingham twin brothers was convicted Thursday on a federal gun charge. Terrell Corey McMullin, 30, was convicted of illegally possession a firearm. He was prohibited from carrying a gun because he is a convicted felon. McMullin in 2021 pleaded guilty to the June 28, 2013, shooting deaths of Jonathan and Jeremi Berry at their Wylam home. Their mother was shot in the back and paralyzed. Jonathan and Jeremi were shot in their home and were innocent victims, police said. They were inside their Attalla Street home about 8:30 p.m. playing video games when three men stormed the house and later shot them to death. Police said the twins were not the targets of the crime. Police said the suspects forced their way into the home in an apparent home invasion and ransacked the house. The boys mother arrived at the home in her Ford Explorer and then attempted to drive away when she saw the suspects at her house. They opened fire on her. Several bullets struck her SUV, and one bore into her spinal cord, severing it. West Precinct officers arrived on the scene and found her lying beside her vehicle. McMullin, one of multiple people charged in the twins slaying, was initially charged with capital murder. McMullin pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of manslaughter on Aug. 16, 2021. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 60 months to serve but was given credit for the time he had served awaiting trial and was quickly released. Charges against two defendants were dismissed when the investigation revealed they were not actually involved. Crystal Nelson pleaded guilty to felony murder and served her time for her role in the murders. Stanley Chatman pleaded guilty to the murders and received a life sentence. Another suspect, for whom there was never enough evidence to charge, died several years ago. According to evidence presented at this weeks trial, Pleasant Grove police tried to conduct a traffic stop on McMullin on Feb. 1, 2022, but McMullin speeded away. It ended when the driver lost control and wrecked. McMullin then jumped out of the vehicle and ran away. The foot chase ended when McMullin crossed into the Fairfield city limits. During the search of the abandoned vehicle, the officer found a tan Glock 9mm pistol with an installed Glock switch in the drivers seat. The Glock was later determined to be stolen. Jefferson County prosecutors Neal Zarzour and Misty Reynolds then asked that the remainder of his initial 20 year sentence be revoked and he be sent to prison. Judge Clyde Jones revoked that sentence and sent him to prison where where he remained until the feds took custody of him for the gun case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case along with the Pleasant Grove Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Royster and William R. McComb are prosecuting. A sentencing date has not yet been announced. McMullin faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for the gun conviction. The illegal possession of firearms by repeat offenders is a persistent threat to the peace and safety of our communities, said Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Escalona. Todays announcement is a perfect answer to one of our most important whys, why we chose to protect and serve the public, said ATF Specal Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. An 80-year-old Mobile man was killed when the car he was driving collided with a tractor-trailer Thursday night, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). According to ALEA, a 2014 Ford Focus driven by James F. Orourke was traveling on Hamilton Boulevard within the Mobile city limits about 9 p.m. when it struck the load being hauled by a 2005 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Danny J. Bascle, 42, of Houma, La. Orourke was pronounced dead at the scene. No further details were available as ALEA continues to investigate the crash. The City of Mobile is accusing Biloxi (Miss.) police of using intimidation, fear, fraud and deception to convince homeless people in the Biloxi area to be driven by police vehicle to Mobile, where they are then dropped off near a homeless shelter. In a cease-and-desist letter dated Oct. 5 to Biloxi Mayor Andrew FoFo Gilich, Mobile Chief of Staff James Barber claims the practice has been ongoing for several months and provides evidence of Biloxi police involvement, including one photograph of a Biloxi police SUV passing a traffic light camera in Mobile. Barber says there has been an influx of homeless people and an increasing number of calls for police associated with that ever-increasing number. He said the City conducted an investigation which included interviews with some of the homeless, as well as traffic camera photographs of Biloxi police vehicles in Mobile. Based upon what we have ascertained, the Biloxi Police Department, utilizing uniformed police officers and city vehicles, is transporting homeless individuals from Biloxi, MS to Mobile, AL, Barber wrote. Furthermore, the techniques utilized to coerce the individuals to travel range from intimidation and fear to fraud and deception. Gilich, however, responded Friday to the allegations, claiming Barber is misinformed. In a letter to Barber, Gilich said the City of Biloxi has worked with two Mobile shelters which offer homeless persons numerous resources not available in our community. These shelters have been in coordination and contact with our police department and any individuals wanting to go to the Mobile shelters have signed consent forms. Gilich said there have been fewer than 20 people transported to the Mobile shelters since August 2022 and that only two people have been offered transportation to the shelters during 2023. Barbers letter claims that the interviews with homeless people provided similar descriptions of events, each of which began with an interaction with Biloxi police. During the exchange, the officer, while in uniform and acting under his apparent authority, implies to the homeless individual that they are in violation of one or more criminal statutes, Barber wrote. The officer (further) explains the City of Biloxi does not have adequate social services programs to assist the homeless. At that point, the officer insinuates the individual has a choice of either going to jail or being transported to Mobile, AL. Although an actual threat of arrest is never articulated, the clear connotation of the exchange leaves the homeless individual with no alternative but to be transported to Mobile or the possibility they may be arrested. Once the homeless individual agrees to go to Mobile, the officer transports them in their city vehicle. Another tactic used by Biloxi police, Barber wrote, is a promise of help. If the homeless individual accepts the offer of help, he/she is driven by Biloxi police vehicle to Mobile and dropped off in the area of a homeless shelter. During one of the interviews, a homeless person said the Biloxi officer was bragging to a co-worker he had transported over 50 people to Mobile, Barber wrote. The most recent instance occurred on Sept. 26, according to Barber. The homeless person involved was interviewed and provided the date, time and location where he was dropped off. Attached to the letter was a photograph of a Biloxi police vehicle in Mobile in the same location at the same time provided by the homeless person. Barber notes the actions of Biloxi police are a violation of Constitutional rights, adding that it is a crime for a person acting under color of law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Color of law includes acts by federal, state and local officials, and can also include acts beyond the scope of that officials legal authority. In his response, Gilich wrote that any suggestion of wrongdoing by Biloxi police is incorrect. If you would like to discuss details further, we welcome an open discussion with your administration and law enforcement officers, wrote Gilich. Barbers letter requested the City of Biloxi end the practice, adding that should it continue, the City of Mobile would be forced to seek alternative actions, including notification of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Marshall County authorities are investigating after officers found a mother and her son shot following a disturbance. According to the Marshall County Sheriffs Office, deputies and Grant police responded at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday to a call on Payton Lane following a shooting call. They arrived to find a 79-year-old woman lying in the front yard, and a 60-year-old man inside the residence with a single gunshot wound to the head. The man was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital, while the woman was transported by ambulance with less serious injuries, according to the sheriffs office. There is no word on their conditions. Investigators at this time believe the incident may have been a domestic dispute between the mother and son. Charges are expected over the next few days, the sheriffs office stated. The Austal USA manufacturing facility will continue building warships within Alabamas 1st congressional district, but the companys visitors center is now in Alabamas 2nd congressional district. In downtown Mobile, museums and attractions are between the two congressional districts, depending on which side of Water Street they are on. And further south into Tillmans Corner, the districts boundaries split the community into two. Related content: Right-leaning Republican areas like Semmes, Citronelle, the Village of Spring Hill and into west Mobile are now lumped into the competitive District 2. Saraland, Satsuma, and the University of Mobile remain in highly conservative District 1. For Mobile County, the newly approved congressional map is carving up a city and county into two distinct congressional districts for the first time in recent memory. Residents and business owners long used to inclusion in the 1st district will need to check the newly-drawn map for where they fall within the new boundaries. In many cases, the difference between voting in the two districts depends on which side of the street you are on. Mobiles 2nd district The new Alabama congressional boundaries in South Alabama, dividing District 2 (red) from District 1 (gray). Much of the city will be included in the 2nd congressional district. It will be lumped into a sprawling east-west congressional district that includes the City of Montgomery, Troy, Eufaula, Tuskegee, Greenville, Union Springs, Evergreen, and Frisco City. Politically, what it does, is enhances a Mobile candidate in that 2nd district, said Steve Flowers, a longtime state political commentator and former Republican member of the Alabama State House of Representatives. The new map, referred to as Remedial Map 3, was chosen Thursday by a three-judge federal panel to serve as Alabamas new congressional map for the 2024 elections. The map was drawn by a court-appointed special master and creates a new purple 2nd congressional district running from Mobile County in Tillmans Corner north through the southern Black Belt to the Georgia border. It has a Black Voting Age population of 48.7%, which is only slightly more than the other maps that had been under consideration. U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (left) and Rep. Barry Moore (right) District 2 no longer has a sitting congressman living within its boundaries. District 1 has two Republican incumbents within its borders Rep. Jerry Carl, who lives in South Mobile County, and Barry Moore of Enterprise. Carl has said he intends to seek re-election next year, while Moore hasnt committed. Alabamas 7th Congressional District in West Alabama and Jefferson County, will have a Black Voting Age population of nearly 52%. The new maps, instead of six safe Republican districts and one safe Democratic district, will now have two districts where Democrats have a realistic chance to win. State Rep. Sam Jones, D-Mobile, said the new map makes Mobile a factor in the Democratic primary for the 2nd district, where Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has been considered a strong contender for the seat. In Mobile County, Democratic state Senator Vivian Figures and Rep. Napoleon Bracy of Prichard have both expressed interest in running. Mobile will play a tremendous factor on who gets elected, said Jones, the citys first Black mayor who served in that position from 2005-2013. If someone from Montgomery runs for this district or someone from other parts of the state runs for this district, they got to come and appeal to Mobile. There is no way they can try and establish support without Mobile. Divided Mobile The downtown Mobile skyline stands in the shadows of the Interstate 10 Bayway as it approaches Daphne, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). The splintering of Mobile has incensed officials who believe it separates so-called communities of interest, namely by splitting much of the city from neighboring Baldwin County. A community of interest, by definition, is a neighborhood or groups of people who have common policy concerns and would benefit from being maintained in a single district. Others are upset because of the divide through Mobile, and the logistical headaches it imposes on whomever is elected to represent the congressional districts. The new Alabama congressional boundaries in South Alabama, dividing District 2 (red) from District 1 (gray). The map is a travesty, said Quin Hillyer, a conservative writer for The Washington Examiner, who submitted a proposed map for the judges to consider aimed at keeping Mobile together. Hillyer ran for the 1st congressional seat as a Republican in 2013. It bizarrely divides Mobile -- both county and city -- by acting as if Black Mobilians have more common interests with residents of Eufaula than with the neighbors in Mobile, Hillyer said in a statement to AL.com. The fastest way from mid-town Mobile to Eufaula is to start in Congressional District 2, drive through Congressional District 1, leave the state entirely and drive for hours in Florida, almost all the way to its capital in Tallahassee, then re-enter Alabama District 1, drive through part of it, and finally come back into District 2. Thats insane, and arguably unconstitutional. The new Alabama congressional boundaries in South Alabama, dividing District 2 (red) from District 1 (gray). Supporters of the new congressional maps, including Mobile County Democrats, say its not a big deal for Mobile to be separated with Baldwin County. But Democrats also say their own party objected to the map because the Black voting age populations were too low. Joe Reed, longtime head of the Alabama Democratic Conference, objected to all three of the maps the judges had under consideration. Alabama Republicans, including Secretary of State Wes Allen, also objected to the three maps. Court challenge The map is the result of successful court challenges in Allen v. Milligan that began in 2022, over a congressional map drawn in 2021 by an Alabama Legislature run by a supermajority of Republicans. The federal panel, consisting of two judges appointed by former Republican President Donald Trump, ruled the map was unconstitutional and violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They ordered lawmakers to redraw it, which was done during a special session in July. But the court found that the redrawn map did not fix the problems and ordered a special master to submit three maps. The plaintiffs in the case preferred Remedial Map 1 which contained two congressional districts with a majority Black voting age populations but also saw Map 3 as a good alternative. The state twice took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. And both times, the nations highest court has affirmed the lower courts orders. The overriding concern throughout the case has been over Alabamas tradition of racial polarized voting that historically shows white voters overwhelmingly backing Republican candidates, while Black votes support Democrats. More than a quarter of the states residents are Black. In Alabamas Gulf Coast, the concern among Republicans has mostly focused on splitting Mobile County and merging it with the Black Belt and Montgomery. The courts supported the split in order to obtained the desired racial demographics giving Black voters a chance to have representation of their choice. Alabama, since 1992, has only had one majority Black congressional district since Reconstruction and only three Black members of Congress have been elected from the state, all from Alabamas 7th congressional district Earl Hilliard, Artur Davis, and Terri Sewell. A Blount County teen struck and killed while at a bus stop is being remembered as beautiful, kind and loving. Carmen Lopez, a 15-year-old student at Appalachian School, died Thursday morning as she was preparing to get onto the school bus at the stop in front of her home. She has brought so much joy to those around her in her short life, according to a Facebook post by Allman Farms & Orchards, where one of Lopezs parents works. Devastated just does not seem to be the right words to describe the feelings of so many this evening. The crash happened just after 7 a.m. on U.S. 231 near the TipTop One Stop in St. Clair County. That location is on the Blount County and St. Clair County lines. Carmen and her siblings were about to get onto the school bus when she was hit by a pickup truck. The 2004 Nissan Frontier, driven by 31-year-old Tyler Gillilan of Oneonta, then crashed into the house. Carmen was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:58 a.m., said St. Clair County Deputy Coroner Joe Sweatt. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including Blount and St. Clair sheriffs deputies, and the Alabama State Troopers. The St. Clair County Coroners Office also responded to the scene. Rodney Green, Superintendent, Blount County Schools Superintendent Rodney Green released a statement Thursday afternoon. It is with a heavy and broken heart that we share the news of a devastating, tragic accident at a bus- stop this morning that took the life of one of our students at Appalachian School, Green said. This is certainly one of the most difficult things that our school and our community have had to face. Appalachian School is a close-knit community school that loves and supports its students, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them. I want to thank our first responders, our community members, counselors and employees for their assistance with the families involved and with our students impacted at the school, Green said. Thanks for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support for the family, our school, and our community and please remember them in the difficult days ahead. An account has been set up at Peoples Bank of Alabama for donations. Donations can be made at any branch via Destiny Allman Gladden for Juan Sanchz. Donations can also be made at Allman Farms & Orchards or via PayPal at @4CarmenLopez. October is domestic violence awareness month. As Birmingham faces a homicide crisis, sharing domestic violence resources could help someone in need before abuse turns fatal. Domestic violence can take many shapes and forms; it can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center in Birmingahm helps survivors access a range of options and solutions. Those who choose to reach out can be survivors of abuse, concerned friends, family members or coworkers, and even abusers looking to change. One Place members have put together a list of resources for those in crisis or seeking help for another person, including: The National Domestic Violence hotline is available 24/7 in English and Spanish. Hotline: 800-799-7233. Hotline for hearing impaired: 1-800-787-3224. Text START to 88788. The Alabama Domestic Violence hotline is available for clients 24/7. Hotline: 1-800-650-6522 Young Womens Christian Association Central Alabama is an advocacy organization working to empower victims and survivors of domestic abuse by offering safety planning, case management, resources, referrals and legal advocacy. The crisis line is operated 24/7. Main Line: 205-322-9922 Crisis Line: 205-322-4878 Additional domestic violence resources can be found on their website One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center provides a central location for resources and services related to domestic violence such as making reports, filing protection from abuse orders, relocation and more. Phone: 205-453-7261 Address: 3613 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Additional domestic violence resources can be found on their website United Way of Central Alabama offers support for housing, food, income support and healthcare. Members can assist with finding resources for those in domestic violence situations. Hotline: 211 Hotline for hearing impaired: 711 Address: 3600 8th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Through Sept. 30, 2023, there have been 5,469 domestic violence incidents reported and 461 arrests made in Birmingham. One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center found, in a recent report, 74% of homicide offenders in Jefferson County in 2021 had a history of domestic violence. Police say the number of domestic violence calls does not constitute the true quantity of domestic violence that citizens experience because many people keep abuse to themselves. Others may wait until abuse worsens before asking for help, too often because they do not know what resources are available. Police and advocates recommend sharing domestic violence resources whenever it is possible. Add a Jefferson County Commissioners name to the list of candidates wholl vie for Alabamas new District 2 congressional seat. Sheila Tyson, the former Birmingham City Councilor whos represented District 2 on the county commission since 2018, says shes excited about the possibility of representing Alabamians in Washington, D.C. I have been drafted [to run] by votes and elected officials since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Alabamas congressional maps had to be redrawn to include a second Black opportunity district, she said Thursday. Its time for Alabamas Black Belt counties to have a seat at the table in Washington, D.C.. Im confident I can continue to deliver for my people. Between 2013 and 2018, Tyson represented District 6 on the Birmingham City Council. On Thursday, a three-judge federal court chose one of three maps drawn by a special master charged with creating at least two districts that provided Black Alabamians, who make up more than a quarter of the population, with a greater opportunity to choose the representative of their choice in more than one district. In the map chosen, District 2it traverses the full breadth of the state, dips South into Mobile County, and includes Montgomery and a swatch of the Black BeltBlacks comprise 48.7% of residents, up from 40% on a map submitted by the Republican-dominated state legislature and summarily rejected by the court. An analysis of 17 prior elections provided by the special master showed candidates preferred by Blacks (far away usually Democrats) gained more votes than their Republican opponents on 16 occasions. While Tyson lives outside the 2nd Congressional District that is allowed. The Constitution says that as long as someone is an Alabama resident for one day and meets the Constitutions age and U.S. citizenship requirements -- he or she can run for U.S. House or Senate. Others whove either expressed an interest in running or whose names have circulated as possible District 2 candidates include Montgomery Mayor Stephen Reed, State Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham), State Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile), State Rep. Napoleon Bracy (D-Prichard), Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham), and State Senator Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery). Related content: Congressional divorce occurring in South Alabama over redistricting Three-judge federal court picks Alabama congressional map Why are Birmingham lawmakers eyeing a run for Congress in South Alabama Who could be running in the open Alabama Congressional District 2 race? Congressional divorce occurring in South Alabama over redistricting State Sen. Singleton looking forward to making a run for District 7 seat held by Sewell Johnson: Who will run for Alabamas redrawn Congressional seat? My predictions, odds The selection of a congressional map by the judges is the latest action following their decision last year finding that Alabamas map, which had one majority Black district (District 7) out of seven, likely violates the Voting Rights Act. This past June, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed. The Legislature was allowed to draw a new map, which it approved in a special session. Yet the court found the lawmakers solution insufficient and ordered the special master to create three maps. They were submitted last month and discussed at a hearing on Tuesday. On the new map, the Black voting-age population is 51.9% of residents. Alabama Senate minority leader Bobby Singleton, who has represented the 24th District, which includes much of the Black Belt, since 2005, says he is looking forward to making a run for the seventh congressional district. The seat is currently held by Rep. Terri Sewell, who has represented the district in Washington, D.C. since 2011. Sewell has said she will run for re-election. District 7 encompasses much of Jefferson County, including Birmingham, as well as large segments of the Black Belt and Selma, Sewells hometown. This is another installment in The Birmingham Times/AL.com/CBS42 joint series, Beyond the Violence. Click here to sign up for the newsletter. This story has been updated. As Birmingham tackles a homicide crisis, paying more attention to domestic violence, advocates and law enforcement say, could help stop incidents before they become deadly. In 2022, police received 8,269 calls about domestic incidents. Police made 701 arrests related to domestic violence, according to data shared by the department. In comparison, through Sept. 30, 2023, there have been 5,469 incidents reported and 461 arrests made a hopeful indicator of a year-over-year decrease. But numbers remain above pre-pandemic levels, according to police. And many homicides appear connected to domestic complaints. The homicide rate is going up, said Special Victims Unit Lieutenant Rebeca Herrera. The violent crime has increased in the past couple years. If we look at the history of the people involved in violent crimes, we see that an overwhelming majority of them have some type of history of domestic violence. In a recent report from One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center, local prosecutors found 74% of homicide offenders in Jefferson County in 2021 had a history of domestic violence. There is a 500% increase in homicide risk when there is a gun present in domestic violence situations, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Read more: Learn more about AL.coms new violence prevention reporter, Alaina, and support her work. Read more: Find resources, help for domestic violence in Alabama. Domestic violence, is community violence, One Place Clinical Director Danielle Mars said. TiMira Marchell Pullom, 28, was fatally shot by her childs father on Sept. 17. TiMiras mother, Valerie Pullom, is now left to care for her toddler grandchild. She said it is now her responsibility to pass on her daughters legacy of kindness by teaching her grandson the importance of nonviolence. I would like everyone to know that domestic violence is real. TiMira is a product of it. Theres so much violence, we cant solve problems through violence. Pay attention, ask questions, go out of your way to help people, she said. Police response Over the past five years, domestic violence calls averaged at 9,070 a year in Birmingham. And arrests for domestic violence occurrences average at 745 a year. Police say the volume of cases demands an increase in law enforcement to meet the needs of domestic violence victims. Herrera said staffing shortages among law enforcement has made it hard to address the many domestic violence cases. She said victims and their families often feel neglected by detectives when there is a lack of communication during investigations. There are a lot of victims who lose faith in the department and the process. They think that were not working on their case and not pursuing justice for their family members or themselves, Herrera said. We just want to let them know, hey, we havent forgotten about you. The Birmingham Police Department has received a $300,000 grant to advocate for victims of violence. Organizers hope the program will ensure victims do not lose faith in law enforcement. The police forces new program will appoint advocates whose sole job is to bridge the communication gap by disseminating information between law enforcement and victims. The advocacy program will also help victims navigate the legal and judicial process. Advocates will provide victims with resources for counseling, support groups and victim compensation. Herrera said these tactics will aid in educating communities about the resources available for cases of domestic violence. Organizers are working on setting program guidelines and hiring advocacy personnel to continue to see a decrease in the number of domestic violence cases. What the data says Herrera said many people keep abuse to themselves and are not willing to involve law enforcement because cases can be extremely intimate, victims may be financially reliant on their abusers or have children with them. We see a severe assault case or homicide, but nothing had been reported prior. A lot of people dont report, Herrera said. By no means do the number of domestic violence calls actually constitute the true quantity of domestic violence that citizens are experiencing. These are just the ones that reach out. One year ago, Pullom told her mother she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with Arkeem Tiyon Marshall and asked him to leave, yet he stayed. Pulloms mother said she was unaware of any abuse prior to her death. On Sept. 17, he shot her in the presence of their toddler son and fled the scene, according to police. Valerie Pullom recalled getting a call from her daughter and listening to her last moments. Marshall has been charged with capital murder and is awaiting trial. The charge is capital because Pulloms child was present at the time of the deadly shooting. Herrera advises people to document when they are threatened or abused so law enforcement can advocate for the victims. More resources The Birmingham Police Department is working with One Place to walk victims through the entire process of seeking help and resources. One Place provides a central location for resources and services related to domestic violence such as making reports, filing protection from abuse orders, relocation and more. Its all about communication and collaboration. When we talk about barriers and what can be changed in the system, its communication amongst all the partner agencies and the willingness to collaborate. Its not just law enforcement that can solve this. Were not going to arrest our way out of domestic violence, One Place Deputy Director Kelly Klehm said. Ideally, every victim would feel unashamed to advocate for themselves, but people dont know what resources are available. Herrera said she wants to spread more information about domestic violence resources. She also said perpetrators should be receiving counseling to learn conflict resolution skills and de-escalation tactics to decrease recidivism rates. When it comes to the system, everything is put on the victim. The victim has to make the report. The victim has to relocate, change their address. The victim has to testify. They have to change their phone number. Mars said. The system doesnt make it easy on victims. Mars said she hopes field officers will treat every domestic violence call with sensitivity and patience. She also wants to see the courts do better. She said there are some domestic violence cases from 2020 that are only going to trial this year. In 2020, there were 9,263 domestic violence calls which rose to 9,417 in 2021. Herrera said this rise in violence was a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to quarantine. Pre-pandemic numbers were also high, with 9,365 reports in 2018 and 9,035 in 2019. Were asking our partners and were asking our community to be more innovative when it comes to helping victims of crime, Mars said. Klehm said One Place is working to increase the number of police departments who partner with the advocacy group to encourage officers to be more involved in domestic violence advocacy work. By working here, the information they learn and that trauma-informed lens then goes back to their agencies, Klehm said. One Place organizers are hoping to create a larger coalition that spans across the state to help more victims. Violence as a whole is a very cyclical phenomenon. If children grow up in domestic violence situations, thats all they know. They dont know that its not appropriate to be struck, to be talked down to, to be verbally, emotionally or physically abused by their partner, Herrera said. She said officers often speak to children and young adults about how to recognize an unhealthy relationship and the importance of conflict resolution. Pullom said she will eventually have to tell her grandson that his father killed his mother. She is determined to teach her grandson conflict resolution skills. She was always smiling. Considerate, helpful, kind hearted, peaceful, willing to go out of her way for people. She was sweet as pie, Pullom said. I want him to be just like his mom. I want him to be peaceful, kind and considerate. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800-799-7233. Victims can also text START to 88788. Operators are available 24/7 in English and Spanish. Alaina Bookmans work at AL.com is supported by Report for America. Contribute to aid her work today. An Alabama man who used 3D printers to turn weapons into machine guns was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, prosecutors announced Friday. Ivan Hollingsworth, 35, of Florence, also stole more than $46,000 in Social Security Administration funds, according to the U.S. attorneys office for the Middle District of Florida. Hollingsworth was prosecuted in Florida because he mailed the parts that converted firearms into machine guns there. He pleaded guilty on April 10 to transferring machinegun conversion devices and theft of government funds. U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger sentenced Ivan Hollingsworth to 10 years in federal prison. She also ordered him to forfeit $46,426.91, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense involving stolen SSA funds. He was also ordered to pay the same amount in restitution to the SSA. Hollingsworth manufactured and transferred hundreds of 3D printed auto sears, which are parts used in converting weapons into machine guns, prosecutors said. He advertised his 3D printing business on social media. Between December 2021 and March 2022, Hollingsworth communicated with an undercover ATF agent and negotiated the sale and transfer of hundreds of auto sears, which he delivered from Alabama to Florida via the U.S. Postal Service, prosecutors said. On March 17, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Hollingsworths home in Florence and fond a machine gun, 111 3D printed auto sears, 11 silencers, and three 3D printers, according to prosecutors. From June 2018 through October 2022, Hollingsworth also stole $46,426.91 in Social Security benefits that were intended for another person, according to court records. Hollingsworths prosecution was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program between law enforcement agencies of various levels and their communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. An Alabama couple has been convicted of abusing their foster child, who was hospitalized with a skull fracture and a brain bleed three years ago. April Elizabeth McDowell and John Michael McDowell face 10 years to life in prison when they are sentenced on aggravated child abuse charges, said Russell County District Attorney Rick Chancey. We were glad to receive this verdict of guilty of aggravated child abuse, as to each defendant. It is unfortunate that people in our society will do such horrible things to the most vulnerable among us, Chancey told WRBL shortly after the verdict Thursday in Russell County Circuit Court. And now the people of Russell County have spoken and said that will absolutely not be tolerated. The McDowells 18-month-old daughter was going in and out of consciousness and an ambulance was needed, April McDowell told a 911 dispatcher on Aug. 22, 2020, authorities said at the time. The child was taken to Piedmont Medical Center and later transported to Childrens of Alabama. Deputies went to the hospital and determined that the child had injuries that were not consistent with the guardians story of what happened to the child. It was determined that the child had a fractured skull and a brain bleed. Authorities said the McDowells had been the foster parents of the child since May 2020. Investigators believe they will be able to prove that the child received multiple injuries due to abuse on several different occasions while in the custody of the couple. Initial medical reports indicate that the child has multiple injuries in different stages of healing that are not consistent with normal injuries to a toddler but are consistent with injuries related to abuse. The girl is no longer with the McDowells, according to Chancey. This child is now with a very loving family, and we appreciate their great support and help in this case, he told WRBL. It was very emotional for them [the girls new family] as well, and everyone is glad that this can be behind us. Our hopes and prayers are with this child as she grows and puts this chapter of her life behind her. Updated Oct. 6 at 2:09 p.m. to reflect Rick Chancey is the district attorney of Russell County, not Chambers County. A man died Wednesday afternoon when the ATV he was operating landed on him after it crashed in Chambers County, authorities said Thursday. Bennie J. Haynes, 53, of LaFayette, was driving a Honda Rancher ATV on Chambers County 160 near Chambers County 158 when the vehicle left the road, struck an embankment, overturned and landed on him around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, said Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Sgt. Jeremy Burkett. Haynes was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck about 10 miles north of LaFayette, Burkett said. Further information was unavailable as state troopers continued to investigate the wreck. Former President Barack Obama on Friday praised the new Alabama congressional district map as a historic win for voting rights and democracy. Alabama has a new, fairer congressional map that gives Black voters an equal opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice, Obama tweeted Friday. Alabama has a new, fairer congressional map that gives Black voters an equal opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. This is a historic win for voting rights and democracy, and it happened thanks to the hard work of Black voters, advocates, and organizations like pic.twitter.com/Xe6Qv7qk9I Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 6, 2023 On Thursday, a three-judge federal court picked the map Alabama will use for its congressional elections next year, one that will add a second district where Black residents make up close to half of the voting age population. The judges picked Remedial Plan 3, one of the three maps drawn by a special master appointed by the court to fix what the court found was a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act. The main changes are in the southern half of the state, where District 2 becomes the second district where Black voters will have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. Alabamas racially polarized voting means that would most likely be a Democrat. District 1 changes substantially, with two Republican incumbents within its borders, Reps. Jerry Carl of Mobile and Barry Moore of Enterprise. Instead of six safe Republican districts and one safe Democratic district, Alabamas map will now have two districts where Democrats have a realistic chance to win. Last year, the three-judge court found that Alabamas map, with one majority Black district out of seven in a state where one-fourth of residents are Black, most likely violates the Voting Rights Act. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that decision in June. The three-judge court allowed the Legislature time to pass a new map. But the court found that the map approved during a special session in July did not fix the likely Voting Rights Act violation. The court ordered the special master to submit three maps, which were discussed at a hearing on Tuesday. At that hearing, the plaintiffs who have prevailed in their claim under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act said Remedial Plan 3 would fix the likely violation of the law. The plaintiffs group led by Evan Milligan of Montgomery said they preferred Remedial Plan 1 but that Plan 3 was a good alternative. The plaintiffs led by Marcus Caster of Washington County said Plans 1 and 3 were both good. Alabama has had one majority Black district, District 7, and six heavily white districts since 1992, when the map was also drawn by a federal court. The new map makes no changes to Districts 3, 4, and 5 and minimal changes to Districts 6 and 7. Stories that will make you laugh, cry and question everything you thought you knew. Step into a portal where LGBTQ+ folks can live authentically, free from hate and where their contributions to art and culture are celebrated. Sign up for the QueerVerse newsletter today! At 6 years old, Zaldy Goco had an extraordinary ability to transform his simple blanket into a cape, a tent, a fort or even a gown. While hes now widely recognized as Zaldy, a Filipino American fashion designer, his career as a young artist was anything but fashion design. From modeling to drag, Gocos open-mindedness has granted him an expansive life experience that informs his fashion todaya keen eye which has always seen the potential for ordinary things, like a childhood blanket, to become something extraordinary. My immediate instinct even as a little tiny baby was to wrap it around my head, said Goco, who is currently 57 years old. I was aware of its softness, and of its satin edge. Having grown up in Mountain Brook, Conn., Goco was one of the only Asians at schoolthe others being his sisters. His best friend was the only Black person at the school, and she was adopted by white parents. His grandmothers months-long visits from the Philippines were influential.. In Connecticut, she stayed in Gocos bedroom, where he would sleep on the pull-out bed. In that bedroom, his grandmother cultivated his artistry, teaching him how to draw and even make wax paintings out of melted crayons. Yet, it wasnt until later that he discovered his grandmother had attended fashion school too. I just always like, saw her long hair and just thought my hair should be long, too, he said, twirling his infamously jet-black, middle-part long hair to the side. But some traditions he was hesitant to adopt, like the rich karaoke culture amongst Filipino communities. I hated it, because it was just too much for meI needed to get out the house, he said, eventually having a change of heart. It wasnt until way later in my life that I discovered the joys of karaoke. Karaoke aside, he hated nothing more than the family pressure of needing to go to medical school. A natural curiosity for fabric on the body Baby Z. Photo courtesy of Zaldy A sewing machine sat in the back of a closet in Connecticut, and despite the insistence of Goco going to medical school, he dug out the long-forgotten machine, driven to pursue what was really calling him. Gocos first creations were born within the family, as he meticulously deconstructing his moms gowns for their fabric and crafting dresses for his younger sister and clubwear to go with her thigh high patent leather dominatrix boots. As the family had moved to San Francisco for warmer weather, he became the familys go-to fashion advisor, eventually convincing his family to allow him go attend Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles for fashion design, only a 6-hour drive away. It was an amazing time to be out in the club; you can wear almost anything in an artful way, Goco said. That was a great education, too, outside of being in school. At Parsons, Goco boldly embraced a style he describes as pod-mod English punk, donning white face paint and heavy eyeliner as an expression of self. While he excelled in design courses, his disinterest in non-fashion subjects like English and Biology prompted the Art Department director to sit him down at the end of his freshman year and say, You really need to be in front of a camera, not behind it. Thats why Im asking you to leave school. Photo courtesy of Zaldy After taking a year off, Goco headed to FIT in New York City to continue fashion school. Or so he thought. Little did he know that this move would set the stage for a career marked by unpredictable leaps in different directionstaking him on an extraordinary journey in the world of fashion. Ripping out of the seams of all things conventional In New York, Goco continued to rock his club kid fashion and was adamant that he was not a drag queen as he cascaded through nightlife. You have to enter Miss Boy Bar, said Perfidia, a legendary drag queen who was considered a mother at Boy Bar, an iconic queer bar on 8th street in New York City. Perfidia would expense all the drag for Goco, who was neither hesitant nor enthusiasticjust open to life. Goco, in a big hairdo, gold pumps, and white and gold metallic cheongsam lip synched to a Miss Teal Joy song and won Miss Boy Bar. To the point of the Art Department director at Parsons, Goco was not in front of the camera, but consistently and undeniably seen. I was always put into these extrovert visions of who I was, even though I really like to see myself as more behind the scenes and not in front of the camera, he said. Everything, everywhere, all at once Susanne Bartsch is a producer and a nightlife icon in New York City. When she spotted Goco, she befriended him and invited him out, eventually asking him to make clothes for her. When Goco started dating makeup and drag mogul Mathu Andersen, she convinced the two to become a public nightlife drag duo. Goco dabbled in drag again alongside Andersen, 5 years after her Miss Boy Bar victory. Their costumes were extravagant, loud, and cohesive despite Andersons six-inch height advantage and pale skin. NY Club Look for Bartsch Party .Photo courtesy of Zaldy Gocos beauty propelled him into modeling for high-fashion brands and was alongside major mainstream supermodels like Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford, modeling for Thierry Mugler, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Vivienne Westwood in his androgynous drag. Modeling for Thierry Mugler/Paris. Photo courtesy of Zaldy They really transformed the modeling industry, and I was also right there with them doing it, he said. RuPaul Supermodel 1993. Photo courtesy of Zaldy Goco Around this time, Goco also worked with Andersen as the glam team behind RuPauls rise to stardom in 1993, having designed the look for the Supermodel record. He even starred in a Levis campaign in 1995 in feminine drag. The commercial would be banned, internationally as well; in the UK, it was banned until 10 PM, and in France was only allowed in movie theaters in Paristhough they had strict parameters for even that. Levi's Scandal. Photo courtesy of Zaldy Seeing where drag censorship is now, Zaldy feels saddened by the surge of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric recently. Its hard to watch when you have been a part of the growth, and then to see people want to take it away again, he said, recounting being on the inside of multiple movements, like Silence=Death, the AIDS activism and even when gay and trans bars were segregated within the LGBTQ community. Fashioning a full circle RuPaul hit the mainstream stage running and took Gocos fashion prowess with him. It also didnt hurt that Andersens makeup career had taken him as far as working with Gwen Stefani, who would invite Goco to her house personally asking him to make a collection with her. LAMB Fashion show. Mom and Gwen both wearing LAMB. Photo courtesy of Zaldy The doors started to open more and more, and the phone increasingly rang frequentlyfrom Cirque du Soleils show Volta, several Michael Jackson tours, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. Today, he has designed every piece of runway that RuPaul wears for her show RuPauls Drag Race, winning several Emmy awards for them. Still, no proximity to celebrity and accolades will mean as much to him than his mothers approval, who Goco says is the person who is most excited by him being in a magazine or a newspaper. He even found a scrapbook that his mother had of clippings and all these things that Goco had done or been in. He says that his mother is proud of her, expressing relief for always listening to his guteven when it led him to many other forms of art other than fashion design. Today, he sees this trajectory as just the beginning of his career. Hes interested in working on science-fiction films like Dune or Blade Runner. Regardless, wherever he ends up, one thing will always remain true for Goco. I did it my way. Karl Marx was a bastard. He was a man who never worked a day in his life, a parasite who never produced a single object of value and who survived and wrote by sponging off others, especially his impressionable protege, Friedrich Engels. Marx was also a hypocrite. While he spoke constantly of equality, Marx kept servants to whom he was not particularly generous or kind. He loved no one except himself all of which qualifies him, in my definition, as a "bastard." A man earns respect by virtue of how he has conducted his life, by his concern for his family and friends, and by what he has contributed to others, not just in material terms, but in terms of kindness, goodness, and decency. On all of these counts, Marx was unworthy. With his wife of 39 years, Jenny von Westphalen, Marx had seven children, four of whom died in infancy. His remaining three daughters were devoted to their father, but none of them benefited from his care or lived a happy life. Marx's oldest daughter, who taught French and German and engaged in social activism for a time, died of bladder cancer at age 38. After serving the communist movement for decades, Marx's middle daughter committed suicide along with her husband in 1911. In 1898, finding that her husband of 14 years had married another woman, Marx's third daughter committed suicide by ingesting poison, like the heroine of the novel she had translated into English, Emma Bovary. Not a particularly happy life for Marx's so-called beloved daughters. Marx's last child, Frederick Lewis Demuth, was born out of Marx's adulterous affair with his housekeeper, Helene Demuth, though the child was never acknowledged by Marx. Instead, he was named for Marx's friend, Friedrich Engels, and was later claimed by Engels as his son, though evidence points to Marx as the father. Unlike capitalism, the seduction and dismissal of servants when they become pregnant did not amount to "oppression of the masses" in Marx's thinking. There is clear evidence that Marx was of Jewish heritage, though he converted to Christianity late in life. Yet Jews come in for extreme abuse in his writing: given the association of Judaism and banking in 19th-century thought, an association that Hitler later used to foment hatred of Jews in Germany, Marx's anti-capitalist theory was inevitably aimed at Jews as well. While Marx's 1843 essay "On the Jewish Question" promotes the ultimate elimination of all religion, it focuses on an identification between Judaism and bourgeois capitalism a connection that Marx viewed as evil. There was in Marx's writing no recognition of the contribution of Jews to the economic advancement of Western Europe. Instead, there was a nearly murderous rejection of everything associated with Judaism not just capitalism, but the long spiritual heritage. Far greater than these personal failings, of course, was the destruction that Marx's writing and political activism brought to the world. One can attribute as many as 250 million deaths to the influence of Marxist thinking on world thought since his death. Estimates vary, but Mao is said to have killed 50 to 70 million in China. Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler, two communists and a National Socialist influenced by Marx, killed another 150 million in wars, genocide, and political murder. Lenin's policy of starving populations that opposed him, or that he thought might oppose him, resulted in widespread cannibalism. Pol Pot in Cambodia and the Kim family in North Korea and others in Latin America have killed millions either by way of execution or by withholding food. Civil wars in Africa and Latin America brought about unspeakable crimes against humanity in the name of Marxist equality. After 198991 and the fall of communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, many thought that Marx would no longer remain an influential figure. That has not been entirely true. Leftists control the European Union, and communism continues to rule China, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, and other countries. Marxism has also become influential and openly practiced in the United States. According to the Washington Examiner, "28% of Generation Z have a favorable view of communism, and some forty percent look favorably upon socialism." Perhaps these young people should peruse the history of the Soviet gulags, which took in an estimated 18 million undesirables, among whom, in some of the more notorious camps, only a handful returned alive. Marxism is so destructive because it is based on resentment, the same ugly sentiment that fueled the French Revolution. But Marxism has been far worse than what happened in France because it provided a credible but false ideology with which to justify one's resentment of others. Marxism made of envy which all previous world religions had depicted as the worst of human emotions (traditionally regarded as the motive for Satan's rebellion against God) a justifiable and even ennobling quality. Under Marxism, this vicious sentiment was what the vanguard employed to lead the masses into a justified if bloody struggle of self-assertion and class solidarity. Progressive politicians have done everything possible to fuel resentment in modern America. Constructed identities African-American, Hispanic, LGBT, "the poor," and the rest are part of a long-term strategy to divide Americans and create unrest so as to foment crises that require government action. Taking their ideas from Marx and Marxian theorists like Saul Alinsky, liberals have fomented resentment and division with the assumption that they, liberal politicians, academics, and media will gain from the ensuing social division. In their march toward revolution, liberals will attempt to destroy all institutions and individuals that stand in their way. The current persecution of Donald Trump is a perfect example, but for many decades, conservatives have been smeared, charged, and prosecuted, and institutions like the Christian church, marriage, and the nuclear family have been targets as well. In other countries, like Cuba and North Korea, persecution takes the form of incarceration, torture, rape, and execution. For all of this, we have Karl Marx to blame. Altogether, Marx was indeed a bastard. Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011). Image: david__jones via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Do you believe that human beings are sexually aware right from birth? That children should know about masturbation at 0-4 years, and about hugging, kissing, and sexual behavior at 5-9 years? Or that children aged 9-12 years should know about sexual attraction, stimulation, and using pornography because by then they are ready for their first sexual experience? If your answer on all counts is a shocked and emphatic No, you have reason to be very much worried. For the globalist agenda to upend western civilization strikes at our most vulnerable members. Is there a plan to sexualize children, promote pornography, and normalize pedophilia involving the World Economic Forum (WEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.N. as part of Agenda 2030? The possibility exists. (In 2019, in a meeting at UN headquarters, the WEF signed the UN-Forum Partnership to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, including its goals for education and health, though details as to what this involves are unclear.) Under the guise of caring for childrens rights, needs, and health, these organizations are encouraging school systems to incorporate programs rife with sexual content. To get parents out of the way, they are camouflaging their intent as a commitment to protect the sexual rights of minors. So, schools may not inform parents that their child is being exposed to sexual content, is attending drag queen hour, or is being counseled for sex change. Such exposure primes children for possible future exploitation, filling their minds with ideas and feelings they are too young to understand. Brainwashed and confused, they may end up consenting to activities parents have taught them to reject. Experts say the school programs threaten to normalize pedophilia in the name of child liberation and might even amount to grooming. The role of the U.N. and its organizations in promoting the global elitist agenda is now well known. Less known is their overarching effort to promote perverse ideas about child sexuality, scaffolded by dubious, politically-driven academic studies. In 2018, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education: An Evidence-Informed Approach, a document that asserts that all humans are sexual from birth, justifying the supersession of parental rights to protect childrens innocence. It sets the ages (mentioned earlier) at which children may know about masturbation, etc., and at which they are ripe for sexual experience. The WHOs Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe, too, gives similar age markers, and says children aged 4-6 years should be encouraged to express their sexual needs and desires. The ideas and standards mentioned in those documents have translated into a Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) curriculum that many school systems have already adopted. CSE endorses exposure of children to obscene ideas and material: without parental consent or knowledge, children as young as nine are being taught how to put on a condom. CSE maintains that, if both parties consent, all sexual activity is normal and healthy. A CSE pamphlet titled Its All One Curriculum, produced by the Population Council, Planned Parenthood, and other NGOs, includes guidelines and activities to instruct children on how to stimulate themselves or their partner to orgasm. All forms of sexual expression, exploration of sexual pleasure, and abortion rights are promoted under the guise of human, sexual, and reproductive rights. Another Planned Parenthood pamphlet -- Healthy, Happy and Hot -- teaches children that, if they feel uncomfortable, they may withhold their HIV status from a sexual partner. Perhaps the most shocking CSE material is a video from the Rutgers Foundation, operating in 27 countries and funded by Planned Parenthood and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It has teachers talking to children about cuddling, kissing, sex, semen, and playing with oneself and others. It also shows them encouraging children to masturbate. The teachers take on a clinical air in these interactions. But the child is usually alone. So, the risk of instruction segueing into grooming is high, especially when such interactions take place without parental consent. Now in use as part of a U.N.- and WHO-affiliated program in European schools, the video is slated for public schools across the world. In America, sex education -- which, at the appropriate age, is neither wrong nor dangerous -- is slowly being invaded by CSE-based ideas. Massachusetts, for instance, has created a draft Curriculum Framework for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, in which gender-role stereotypes and sexual boundaries are to be taught at K-3 level; the difference between biological sex and gender identity is to be discussed as early as grades 3-5; and topics such as readiness for sexual activity, personal beliefs, values related to sexuality, and the issue of consent are to be introduced as early as grades 6-8. Such sexualization of children goes hand in hand with efforts to normalize what western civilization deems one of the worst perversions -- pedophilia. Not surprisingly, these efforts too are led by an international rights NGO, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ). In March this year, along with UNAIDS and the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR), the ICJ released The 8 March Principles for a Human Rights-Based Approach to Criminal Law Proscribing Conduct Associated with Sex, Reproduction, Drug Use, HIV, Homelessness and Poverty. The report states: Sexual conduct involving persons below the domestically prescribed minimum age of consent to sex may be consensual in fact, if not law. This may well pave the way for seeing pedophiles as aggrieved parties in a hostile society and the eventual legalization of pedophilia. In Minnesota, Rep. Leigh Finke, a transgender state lawmaker, introduced a bill called the Take Pride Act (HF 1655) this April, seeking to revise the states human rights laws to protect minor attracted persons against discrimination. Supporters insist that pedophilia is just another sexual orientation, so pedophiles should be protected by nondiscrimination laws. By using the term minor attracted person (or MAP), language is being twisted to blur the truth as in an Orwellian dystopia. Its a blatant attempt to sanitize pedophilia and destigmatize adults who sexually abuse children. The European Commission and other activist groups have been using the term, while some academics have been lending it legitimacy. After a controversy in January, the European Commission denied that it uses the term and a fact-checking website described the allegation as mostly false, but a newspaper confirmed the usage with a screenshot. Among the so-called MAP groups active in the U.S. are B4U-ACT, founded by a convicted child molester, and the California-based Prostasia, which obtained an IRS tax exemption in 2018 by marketing itself as a childrens rights organization. B4U-ACT has funded research that normalizes pedophilia as another form of sexual expression, and lobbies the helping professions to learn more about attraction to minors and to consider the effects of stereotyping, stigma and fear. Prostasia leads crusades against child pornography bans and funds research into fantasy sexual outlets for people attracted to minors. Organizations like these are working hard to bring about acceptance of what is abnormal, grotesque, and -- for now -- criminal. We must work to keep it that way. For this Machiavellian desensitization of children to aberrant sexual practices in the name of sexuality education is nothing more than grooming them for the advances of deviants. Describing pedophilia as just another sexual orientation and giving it innocuous names is reckless, dishonest, and a grave danger to the next generation. It must be exposed and stopped. Image: PxHere Oh, the charmers who are turning up on the payrolls of blue-city governments. Such as this guy, a man who works around kids. Here's what he did: Ryan Carson, New York City activist who advocated for the very policies that make the city unsafe, didnt stand a chance in this encounter. Video is censored to remove any disturbing imagery. pic.twitter.com/nq5RxRhzEO Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) October 3, 2023 In his day job, he's a public school employee, reportedly at Public School 20 Clinton Hill School in Queens, working with kids: An 18-year-old black male named Brian Dowling who works at a school has been apprehended in Brooklyn over the street stabbing murder of antifa activist Ryan Carson. Meanwhile, Carsons BLM-activist girlfriend is the b... https://t.co/e2uKjv3yDE#JDATA J:DATA (@Cashbroke0) October 6, 2023 His family reportedly told the press that he was "mentally unstable." Whether or not he had a previous criminal record is unknown and probably irrelevant, given the absence of charges for crimes these days, let's just say he seemed pretty confident he knew what he was doing, probably from practice. Who the heck chose to hire him? There also was this pair: They had day jobs, too, reportedly working for the City of San Francisco in its Department of Public Works. They would do carjacking on the side, as their side-hustle, as the city paychecks flowed. Ok @SusanDReynolds and I have done a deep dive related to the two individuals involved in the deadly crash at Paul Ave. in SF on Saturday. We now know their names and here is where it gets bizarre. Marcellus Gayden, 26 (deceased), and Michael Humphery, 27, were according to pic.twitter.com/ALtnBiQ4rO Stanley Roberts (@StanleyRoberts) October 3, 2023 San Francisco has something called the "Fair Chance Ordinance," enacted in 2018, its version of "ban the box," which made these thugs' prior records not an obstacle to their hiring by the city. It seems likely that this pair were its beneficiaries, given their history of doing time in "the system." New York, too, has its "Fair Chance Act" law, enacted in 2015, and as a double-whammy, a "Raise the Age" law of 2018 that means youthful thugs who have committed crimes cannot be charged until the age of 18, with anyone younger than that going through the juvenile court system, which in some cases permits sealable records: Since NY's 2017 Raise the Age, 75% violent felonies committed by 16/17yo's go to Family Court. No consequences, no records. Did Ryan's 18yo stabber commit multiple assaults in the past 2 yrs? Maybe. Could criminal court have gotten him psych care? Yes.https://t.co/X1XcM9e5ll Hannah E. Meyers (@HannahElka) October 5, 2023 It has been reported that Dowling didn't have a criminal record, but who knows what he had, given the Raise the Age law, which was capable of covering up any past run-ins with the law? That's your blue-city government in action, where a mere do-nothing civil service job for a bloated paycheck and scads of bennies isn't enough the employees are also committing crimes. This isn't one anomaly. Policy holds that thugs can be hired, and in the short span of a couple of weeks, we have seen two cases of thugging out while on the city payroll. And we know about them only because they got caught. You'd think there are honest city employees who don't want these charmers setting the "image" for these blue-city departments, but don't hold your breath. The preponderance of these cases tells us blue-city governments are veritable sewage dispensaries of society's worse elements. They set the tone, they set the pace, and with them on the city payrolls, you can bet the citizens are ill served across a far wider spectrum than these two names might suggest. There must be all kinds of nefarious activity going on with this bunch, given their low hiring standards. That raises the case for blue-city governments to be told by Congress to hose themselves out, or no federal funding for them. Image: Twitter screen shot. People are beginning to understand that education is the most critical domestic policy issue facing our country. This is why education policy decisions both past and promised could shape the 2024 presidential election. Much like the promises to end Common Core in the 2016 presidential election, this year's Republican candidates are promising to end indoctrination in government schools. I think we will see all 2024 presidential candidates promise to "fix" education, but some of us wonder if government schools are redeemable. During the first Republican presidential debate, the candidates had stern remarks regarding education, with Ron DeSantis leading in his defense of parents and highlighting the "Nation's Report Card" being the worst in history. Vivek Ramaswamy said education is the civil rights issue of our time, while Tim Scott and Chris Christie had vicious remarks about teachers' unions. Four candidates called for closing the U.S. Department of Education, as has former president Donald Trump, which is the mission of the organization I lead. During the second debate, education came up again. Nikki Haley reminded people that 67% of our children are not ready for the next step in their lives. Christie, Pence, Haley, and Burgum all repeated the need to move education out of the federal government back to the states. DeSantis, Pence, and Christie all promoted school choice. Notably, Scott promoted the idea proposed by U.S. Parents Involved in Education of increasing the federal child tax credit, letting parents keep their own money if their children are not enrolled in government schools. Even Democrats are beginning to see the writing on the wall, evidenced by a new Democrat poll that shows that Democrats lost their historic lead on education in battleground states. Democrats for Education Reform released polling results last month showing that "Democrats ceded trust on education to Republicans as voters note concerns over lingering pandemic learning loss." This trust is likely misguided, since Republicans failed miserably to address the ongoing education crisis in America when they had control of the White House and Congress. Both parties like to blame COVID shutdowns for the continued downward spiral in academic achievement that began in 2014, as seen in test scores by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Experts and informed parents battled from 2010 through 2013 to strip states of the faulty Common Core Standards pushed by the federal government. Common Core opponents predicted this academic decline from the time the standards were fully implemented, which aligns with the steady waning shown in NAEP scores. The dramatic decline of test scores didn't start with COVID shutdowns (although it certainly exacerbated the problem). Common Core destroys a child's foundational education with K3 standards that are developmentally inappropriate; it frustrates students and parents with unproven fuzzy math and shifts reading from classic literature to informational text (dry, boring technical documents and liberal propaganda). When you add the recent sexualization of children causing them to doubt their biological sex (often without parental knowledge or consent), the anti-American ideology that is teaching children to hate themselves, others, and their country, and the false history that stems from the notion that our country is systemically racist, the reality of American education becomes clear. Government schools have become untenable. Voters not just parents want to restore parental and local control of education. They are fed up with those who have an intentional agenda to change our country's form of government through the minds of American children. The liberal takeover of colleges of education now spills over into K12 classrooms and has destroyed America's government schools. United States Parents Involved in Education is sounding the alarm for freedom-loving Americans. You can no longer sit on the sidelines and wish our country were like it used to be, when we could trust local schools to reflect our values and kids were taught patriotism. Americans must join the fight and educate themselves about how their tax dollars (hundreds of billions) are being spent to turn children against this nation. The first step is to access reputable resources that expose the insidious pedagogies being propagated on young children. The next step is connecting with the future leaders of America and others who want to end the use. It is vital that Americans become aware of what is going on in America's school system and are ready and able to make educated votes in the upcoming elections. Our freedom and the country's future depends on it. Sheri Few is the founder and president of United States Parents Involved in Education (USPIE), whose mission is to end the U.S. Department of Education and all federal education mandates. USPIE has established 20 state chapters and is growing rapidly amid the national outcry from parents who want to regain control of their children's education. Few is a nationally recognized leader on education policy and is often quoted in conservative media. Few has spent much of the last year exposing Critical Race Theory and serving as executive producer for the new documentary film titled Truth & Lies in American Education. Image: USPIE. When I hear the word books I think of great literary works like The Last of the Mohicans or the Lord of the Rings trilogy, full of noble heroes who lay down their lives for others, or disturbing exposes like The Real Lincoln or Marx & Satan. I certainly recall haunting dystopian fiction like 1984, and philosophical gems like Rands The Virtue of Selfishness and Bastiats The Law. And, when I think of book bans, I think of the ritualistic bonfires of the far-left Nazi regime, which sought to destroy (in Joseph Goebbelss own words) the intellectualism of men like Ernest Hemingway and women like Helen Keller. Apparently, Florida Democrats think of fetish smut and cartoon pornography, books they push on children, and any attempts to ban such books are a manifestation of fascistic intolerance like the Nazis, not a desire to protect the innocence of children and their childhoods. On Thursday night I received a fundraising blast from the Florida Democratic Party with a subject line that read, Only fascists ban books. The email began like this: All over the nation, people are observing Banned Books Week. Thanks to Rons fascist policies, Florida has become a hotspot for classrooms [sic] book bans. To date, over 1,400 titles have been removed from classrooms and libraries around the state some counties have removed any book with LGBTQ+ characters while others have closed their school libraries entirely. This isnt just about books its about denying children the opportunity to see themselves represented in the books they read. These bans are especially irresponsible in a time when nearly half of LGBTQ+ children report considering suicide. Well, if only fascists ban books then by their own logic they too are fascists, since leftist Democrats recently launched a retaliatory assault against the Holy Bible, seeking to ban it from school libraries and classrooms. (Obviously though, these creeps are legitimate fascists, and we didnt need their own illogic to prove it.) Somehow, these people running a statewide Democrat party missed the entire history of the Soviet Union under socialists like Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin, which spanned decadespresumably, theyve never heard of Aleksandr Solzhenitsynand they were able to avoid ever learning about the the communists of the Chinese ruling party or the Khmer Rouge, both of which, engaged in widespread bans on real intellectual material. That level of ignorance is impressive, because you really have to have your head buried in the sand to have missed an entire century of history that just happened with some of these notorious book bans even still in effect today. But its also sobering, because these same people that have absolutely no understanding of political ideology (they think fascism is right-wing) or history, who are so categorically uninformed, are running the country, from both parties. And, not only that, theyre total perverts. They claim conservatives pushing to oust pornography is about denying children the opportunity to see themselves represented in the books they read. Well, Gender Queer comes to mind with its explicit illustrations depicting oral sex and so does Lawn Boy, which graphically describes two fourth-grade children engaged in the same actwhich are some of the reasons why these two books wound up on the most banned listso if children are seeing themselves in those characters, this is pedophilia, which is our exact concern. Image: Public domain. A leftist friend joined the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Church of America), and she likes it because of its "social justice" policies. Putting aside the pros and cons of the theology of the UUA for a moment, I checked on their "What we believe" page and noted that they believe in "social justice" and "equity." It did not elaborate, so I asked my friend if they meant "equality" or "equity," assuming she knew the difference. She did not, so I chose to inform her. I completely agree with the UUA helping people who cannot help themselves, who are unable to rise out of their situations. Our church does likewise in the U.S. and outside it. Most good churches do. And most decent people do, if they can afford to. "Equity" is now used by the left to mean a socialist/communist type of governance where no one person is permitted to rise above another. Is this what the UUA believes? In other words, instead of merit to determine remuneration or recognition, everyone gets dumbed down to the level of the person who is at the bottom. Everyone gets to be equally miserable and incompetent. Or, conversely, everyone who cannot produce gets raised up at the expense of those who are already producing. "Tax the rich" is a good example of this. So is student loan forgiveness, where you and I are taxed to pay for the bad debts others have accrued. That is just plain evil and wrongheaded. That is what "equity" means today in America: punish everyone so that the incompetent, the lazy, and the loud get preference. It's what radical leftists want for America. We on the right are fighting to get merit-based systems back on track so that the current level of national incompetence in all fields of endeavor can be reversed. Who needs incompetent air traffic controllers, chemists, surgeons, etc.? Diversity has done terrible damage, contrary to the "diversity is our strength" mantra, which is absolutely malevolent in intent and practice. By contrast, equality under the law, which has been deeply damaged lately, is what is enshrined in the Constitution, and it's what conservatives fight to regain, where everyone gets the same treatment under the law and in the courts. A quick look at what is being done to Donald Trump will quickly reveal how equality under the law is doing. Also, opportunity to succeed if they want to is a good sort of equality. If they cannot afford to succeed, charitable organizations will provide for it. But we don't like having our taxes confiscated to pay for the lazy and the incompetent. Maleducation is the vicious and relentless brainwashing of little children concerning "gender" "systemic racism" and sexual matters. It's about drag queenery. It's about pornographic picture books for six-year-olds. It's about creating a rift between parents and children. Children are being deliberately frightened to death concerning "climate change," which, if it were actually unusually harsh (which it isn't), would raise the Earth's temperature a degree in the next hundred years. So what? These kids are having their childhoods stolen from them and are being told things their immature brains cannot process. What did my friend have to say? Nothing. She did not reply. That is pretty much where my response to her UUA email ended, but I got to thinking: here is an intelligent woman who joined a "church" (which doesn't worship the God of the Bible) and which appeals to what she proudly calls her "bleeding-heart liberalism." What possible rationale is there for wanting to bring everyone down instead of up? No one is helped by being rewarded for being lazy, stupid, or genuinely poor. The rewarding of sloth and criminal behavior hurts everyone else who is trying to rise above his current level. Government wants to shut down charitable organizations such as churches so that it has control of everyone's stomach and brain. The poor and the intellectually challenged must go to government for relief instead of looking to the churches and other charities for help. One must ask why government is so hot to control those levers. This is easy: if government controls food, clothing, banking, transportation, and education, it controls the people. "Equity" gives control to the government. Equality does not. Guess which one leftists prefer. The churches are targeted because they offer peace, decency, charity, and a world where government is not king. Leftists hate that and will use every possible weapon to destroy it because it, and you, stand in their way. If you belong to a church that won't come down hard against "equity," CRT, DIE, transsexualism, pornography, communism, or atheism, leave it. There is no excuse for staying. Image: Unitarian Universalist Association. Like Hunter Biden, it appears that Commander, the Biden family dog, is above the law. Commander, it seems, has just been dispatched to Delaware a safe haven for Bidens, apparently. Was he whisked away to avoid justice? Dogs that bite unprovoked repeatedly are regularly declared to be "dangerous" and can then be seized by local animal control and put down. It's called "behavioral euthanasia," and it happens surprisingly often...to dogs that don't live in the White House. Specific regulations vary state by state, but all have "dangerous dogs" laws. In California, two unprovoked bites can lead to being labelled a "potentially dangerous dog," and the dog becomes eligible for euthanasia. (Side note: Hospitals there have to report dog bites to the local animal control, and the public has a right to know where dangerous dogs live. It's like the sex offender list.) Closer to home where Commander lived until very recently in the District of Columbia, the process involves a complaint and a hearing. If the dog is deemed dangerous, which Commander almost certainly would have been (again, like Hunter, except for being attached to Joe Biden) eligible for euthanasia. If Commander lived in a white house rather than the White House, there would have been a hearing that could have resulted in ordered euthanasia. In Commander's new home of Delaware, the rules are similar and unfortunately for Commander not enforced by the Department of Justice. If the, albeit limited, information in the public realm is accurate, Commander would unquestionably qualify as a dangerous dog nine(ish) unprovoked bites, including one that sent the victim to the hospital, is more than enough and more than any other dog would get. Dangerous dogs are not just dangerous to other people. They are also except in this case dangerous to the wallet of the owner. A dog declared dangerous is almost never covered by a homeowner's (or renter's) insurance policy, meaning that if the owner decides to keep the dog, he is on the hook personally for any future incident. Unless, of course, you're Joe Biden. Since the White House is government property, the insurance and any potential lawsuit that could have arisen is on the taxpayer. Putting down dangerous dogs is not, it seems, something even dedicated animal lovers oppose. The American Kennel Club soberly discusses the issue here: Whether your dog has a bite history is also an important consideration. A dog that has snapped at the air is easier to treat than one who has a history of multiple bites or severe bites that have punctured or torn the skin. That's why it's important to get professional help as soon as your dog shows any signs of behavioral issues. Unfortunately, a dog with a serious bite history is more likely to be euthanized than one who has yet to cause physical harm. And simply moving the dog as Biden has done with Commander does not necessarily solve the problem and may be unfair to the people at the new house: [N]ever rehome your dog or surrender them to a rescue or shelter without giving a complete and thorough history of the behavioral issues. It's unfair to put others at risk, and depending on local laws, you might be liable for any damage done by your dog. Be sure the person taking your dog knows exactly what they are in for and is willing to treat and deal with your dog's aggression. Depending on your dog's specific issues, this might be an impossible request. The very dog devoted K9ofMine website also says that behavioral euthanasia can sometimes be the only option. Ultimately, the more severe the aggression and reaction, the greater the risk to others. And the greater the risk to others, the more seriously you need to consider behavioral euthanasia. If your dog has been known to bite with enough force to put someone in the hospital, you're dealing with a much higher-risk situation than a dog that barely breaks skin. While most dogs display subtle warning signs prior to a bite which can be detected with some basic understanding of dog body language, some dog aggression may be idiopathic, meaning it's of unknown origin. Idiopathic aggression is often the most dangerous form of aggression, as it tends to be unpredictable. The decision to euthanize on your own rather than the state getting involved is admittedly emotional and should be done in consultation with a vet. (it's possible the dog is ill or has some other physical issue driving the behavior.) "Most importantly, you must consider everyone's safety when contemplating euthanasia. This includes the safety of you, your dog, as well as the safety of other people and animals in your home," writers Erin Jones on K9ofMine. "If your dog is a constant threat to others, the situation is not only dangerous but also stressful for everyone including your dog. Living in a constant state of terror is no way to live at all, and you can't risk yourself or others if the aggression is unmanageable." Failing to take responsibility for the actions of their dog twice now, in Biden's case shows a serious problem with the owner. it shows Biden does not care that his dog attacks people, and, because it would be on the taxpayer's dime if there was ever an even more serious issue, he does not have to care. He could care, he should care, but he doesn't. It's a bit like with Hunter he could care, as a parent he should care, but he clearly doesn't. The only difference is that Commander wasn't giving the Bidens piles of cash. Thomas Buckley is the former mayor of Lake Elsinore, Cal. and a former newspaper reporter. He is currently the operator of a small communications and planning consultancy and can be reached directly at planbuckley@gmail.com. You can read more of his work at his Substack page. Image: Not Commander, but not far off, either. Credit: Tom Conger via Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0. Benny Tate Shares His Experience with the Holy Spirit, Invites Readers to Enjoy the Abundance of God's Power and Presence NEWS PROVIDED BY Charisma House Oct. 6, 2023 LAKE MARY, Fla., Oct. 6, 2023 /Standard Newswire/ -- Benny Tate is encouraging readers to experience the supernatural abundance that flows from a relationship with the Holy Spirit in his new book, 'Unlimited' (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-267-2). During his time working on a sermon series in 2016, Tate saw how his research and time spent learning about the Holy Spirit transformed his life, his church and his staff members for the better, forever changing them. "I studied, prayed, and prepared more than ever before to preach for six weeks on the Holy Spirit," Tate writes. "I didn't know exactly what to expect but I believed the Holy Spirit would come and that great change would happen. He came, indeed! And He changed everything in my personal life as well as the lives of our church staff and congregation!" Tate's goal is to share with readers the Holy Spirit's ability to guide, lead and provide for believers. Hes seen how the Holy Spirit provides the source and nourishment of the abundant life that Jesus promised. From healed relationships, guidance, peace and so much more, Tate believes that is by this member of the godhead that believers grow in their relationship with God and into the life He has planned for them. "If you have tried for far too long and spent too much of your valuable energy trying to manage everything going on in your life, I encourage you to surrender your strength to the indwelling presence and unlimited power of the Holy Spirit," Tate writes. The Holy Spirit is not limited by the same barriers that humans are constrained by. He is above all and can set people on free and on fire for the kingdom of God. His power is 'Unlimited.' "Being filled daily by the Holy Spirit is the only satisfying source in life. The hardships and disappointments will drain you, but I'm happy to report that the Holy Spirit's power is available to you every day because His power and presence are unlimited!" 'Unlimited,' published by Charisma House, is available online at MyCharismaShop.com and wherever books are sold. Benny Tate, PhD, has served as senior pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia, since 1990. Under his leadership, the congregation has grown from eighty to more than eight thousand people. Dr. Tate served as president of the Congregational Methodist denomination for ten years and has served as the chaplain for the United States Senate and House of Representatives. He is the author of Defy the Odds and host of the Leads Club podcast. Tate and his wife, Barbara, have been married since 1984 and have one daughter, Savannah Abigail. Keep in touch with Benny Tate Website: https://pastorbennytate.com/ Facebook: @pastorbennytate Instagram: @pastorbennytate Twitter: @pastorbennytate Title: Unlimited: Experiencing the Fullness of Gods Power in Your Life | Release Date: November 7, 2023 | Retail: $19.99 | ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-267-2 | E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63641-268-9 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5.5 x 8.25 | Page Count: 240 | Hometown: Forsyth, GA | BISAC: RELIGION/ Christian Living / Spiritual Growth, RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Growth, RELIGION / Christian Living / Inspirational To interview Benny Tate or for a review copy, please contact media@charismamedia.com. SOURCE Charisma House Blog Archive: Nov 2023 (10) 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) Commander, Joe Bidens German Shepherd, has been banned from the White House because he keeps biting people, just as Bidens other dog (now banned from the White House) did. For those who know how easy it is to train German Shepherds, who are smart dogs who want to learn, this is weird. How can Commander be such a bad dog? Well, you know the old saying about how there are no bad dogs, only bad owners, right? Theres now some evidence that Joe Biden is that bad owner. The Daily Mail has the receipts for Commanders biting issues: New pictures have emerged which show Joe Bidens German Shepherd, Commander biting yet another White House staffer just as presidential sources tried to lay the blame for the animals aggressive behavior on Secret Service agents. White House sources on Monday made the assertion that Commander targets members of the presidents security detail because of their unfriendly expressions. Now DailyMail.com can reveal that the two-year-old German Shepherd bit another member of staff barely two weeks ago. The staff member, Dale Haney, 71, is not part of Bidens security team and was simply playing with the dog. [snip] The attack has come to light just days after reports surfaced that the presidential pet bit a Secret Service Agent last Monday in an incident that saw the agent seek medical attention. [snip] The most serious of Commanders attacks took place in November 2022 when an officer was hospitalized after the animal clamped down on their arms and thighs. (You can read more details here about how serious the attacks were.) The single biggest factor in a dogs behavior is how the owner behaves around the dog. If the owner is a calm, affectionate leader who rewards good behavior and punishes bad behavior, that will be a nice dog. Obviously, there are differences in breeds (Labrador Retrievers versus Chihuahuas) and life experience (a dog raised with a good owner since puppyhood versus an adopted, previously abused stray). But again, the owner sets the tone. Image: Angry German Shepherd. Public domain. So what happens when you have an owner who hides an incredibly nasty streak behind an air of bonhomie, who is accused of physically abusing the dog, and who may even have been caught on camera abusing the dog? Well, youre going to have an aggressive animal. And who might this particular owner be? Well, its Joe Biden. Behind the rictus grin that used to decorate his face before Bidens facial affect drifted away thanks to incipient dementia lurked a very mean man. This video, from 1987, when he was too young to have senile dementia as an excuse, sums up the anger behind his seemingly amiable clowns grin: That same viciousness was on display more than 30 years later, in 2020: For a dog, living around someone that angry is enough to spark aggression. But it gets worse. According to Judicial Watch, a source has revealed that Joe Biden has punched and kicked his dogs. That statement, of course, is hearsay. But what are we to make of this footage that seemingly shows Biden kicking the dog? Video of China Joe kicking his dog! If you support Joe Biden that means you support animal abuse! pic.twitter.com/5Il7IOEAob aka (@akafacehots) October 5, 2023 Having watched the video a few times, it can easily be seen as Biden trying to handle a large, completely untrained dog by nudging it away with his knee. That doesnt count as kicking. But you know what? I dont buy that. If Biden just pushed his leg forward, that would be a nudge. But what you see in the video, and Ive included a close-up below, is Biden pulling his leg back a bit to wind up: Again, viewing that video is a very subjective experience, colored by (a) Commanders known bad behavior; (b) Bidens frequently displayed aggression; and (c) the hearsay statement about Bidens physically abusing dogs. Put em together, and its very easy to believe that Commanders problems arise because of his owners problems. Other presidents may well have treated dogs badly. After all, in Americas early years, people were generally less kind to animals and had different ideas about how to train dogs. Lyndon B. Johnson got into lots of trouble for lifting a beagle up by its ears, although Johnson, having apologized, was confused because that was common practice at the time in Texas with hunting dogs. Biden, though, is not someone who has a pre-modern approach to training dogs, for its obvious he knows nothing about handling dogs. If the allegations against him are true, hes a cruel man whose behavior has led to a bewildered, angry dog. The best thing that can happen is for Commander to be rehomed with someone who gives him the gentle, living leadership he needs to be the good dog he surely is. How bad are things in ultra-liberal Portland? This bad: Rene Gonzalez, Portland's commissioner of public safety, recently implored the city's residents to refrain from calling 911 except for immediate "life/death" situations. Well, and maybe not even then. The commissioner also requested that citizens not call 911 if there is no chance of apprehending the suspect in any case. Gonzalez took to X, formerly Twitter, to post: "Our 911 system is getting hammered this morning with a multiple person incident multiple overdoses in northwest park blocks. Please do not call 911 except in event of life/death emergency or crime in progress (or chance of apprehending suspect). For non-emergency please use 503-823-3333." In addition to slashing the size of its police force, Portland has decriminalized possession and use of hard drugs, which surprise! has led to an increase in the number of overdose cases...and deaths, especially among the homeless. In response, Oregon lawmakers are attempting to make Narcan, an over-the-counter drug used to treat opioid overdoses, more widely available to the public. Better than trying to address the root of the problem! But hey, there are labor shortages everywhere, so cut Portland some slack. If you do happen to witness or experience a life-threatening emergency while in P-town, and you believe there's a chance the perpetrator could be apprehended despite the general dearth of law enforcement, by all means go ahead and call 911. Just don't be surprised if you receive one of the following messages: "Please hold for the next available crisis manager" "Your call is very important to usand is expected to be answered within 20 minutes." "We're sorry, your call cannot be completed as dialed." "If you'd like to make a call, please hang up and dial again." "Please enter your physical address, email address, Social Security number, date of birth, voting preference, annual income, and the nature of your emergency...followed by the pound sign..." "We are currently experiencing greater than normal call volume..." Image: Ben Amstutz via Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sued Elon Musk for failing to appear for testimony over his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, now rebranded as X Corp., last year. The multi-billionaire was scheduled to testify before the SEC on September 15 but he didnt comply, a Thursday court filing states. The Commission has requested the District Court for the Northern District of California to compel Musk to testify. The SEC seeks the courts help to make Elon Musk testify in the Twitter probe This SEC investigation dates back to March 2022 when Musks stake in Twitter crossed five percent (the social media company was traded publicly at the time). The US securities law requires investors to notify the SEC when their stake in a company surpasses this threshold. However, Musk delayed this filing by ten days. In the meantime, he continued to purchase more Twitter shares. Advertisement Advertisement This lag allowed him to save millions of dollars (an estimated $156 million), as he could buy Twitters stock at a lower price. Had he reported the purchase on time, the companys share prices would have gone up (which did happen after his delayed disclosure), making him pay more for further purchases. The SEC subsequently launched a probe into the matter and served Musk with a subpoena in June 2022, seeking his testimony. The Tesla CEO appeared for half-day sessions of testimony before the SEC by videoconference twice in July 2022. The Commission wasnt fully satisfied, though. It claims to have received thousands of new documents surrounding the matter from various parties following Musks appearances, with Musk himself submitting many. It wanted to hear more from the multi-billionaire, who went on to fully purchase Twitter in October. The two parties eventually agreed on a September 14, 2023, date for the testimony. Two weeks before that, Musk asked the SEC to push the testimony by a day, to which it agreed. However, on September 13, he told the Commission that he would not appear for testimony. Musk raised several objections, including an unfavorable location in San Francisco. The SEC promptly addressed his stated objections but he still failed to appear. Musk alleged that the Commission harassed him After Musk failed to appear for testimony on the scheduled date, the SEC proposed new dates in October and November. The Commission also allowed him to pick a location of his choice. However, he said that he would not appear for testimony in any location. The SEC reached out to him several times asking if he had changed his mind, only to get a denial. Meanwhile, Musk alleged that the Commission harassed him, adding that his counsel needed more time to review relevant material. After failing to make him appear for testimony over his purchase of Twitter, the SEC is now seeking the courts help. It remains to be seen whether it works. The legal filing from the Commission reveals that a hearing on the matter will take place on November 9. Something interesting happened during the Google antitrust trial yesterday, reports Reuters. Patrick Chang was called to testify, hes a former executive at Samsung Electronics venture capital arm. In any case, during the testimony, it was revealed that Google basically prevented Samsung from expanding its search app offering. Google seemingly prevented Samsung from expanding search app offering Chang worked at Samsung Next, and he urged Samsung to expand the offerings of Brach to its Android smartphones. Branch has the possibility to search within apps, by the way. It was said that this didnt happen due to pressure from Google. Advertisement Advertisement Branch Metrics founder and former CEO, Alexander Austin, testified in late September, and said that his company eliminated some of its software functions to fend off Googles complaints. It gave up on making deals with wireless carriers and smartphone makers. Branch basically had to ensure that its searches never linked to the web, they had to stay focused on apps. Google did push back during cross examination Now, Googles attorney did cross-examine Chang yesterday. He was asked about another possible explanation for Samsungs disinterest in Branch. Google brought up the issues of clunky software and user disinterest in what Branch had to offer. We dont have any info past that. As many of you know, this trial has been ongoing since September 12. The DoJ is trying to prove that Google abused its monopoly of search, and some search advertising too. The deals that Google made with companies to remain at the top of the food chain are well-known, but the details were not. A lot of additional info surfaced during this trial already, and we have around 5 more weeks to go. If Google ends up losing this trial, that could mean the breakup of parts of its company, and various other repercussions. If not, well, it could still hurt the company quite a bit, due to all the info that surfaced. It remains to be seen, we still have plenty of testimonies to hear. With the launch of the Pixel Watch 2 Wear OS 4 is official and it should release on the original Pixel Watch before too long. At Googles annual Fall event on October 4 where it revealed the rollout of Android 14 and two new Pixel phones, the company didnt mention exactly when Wear OS 4 was coming to the older device. But as 9To5Google points out the company has given users a general time frame to look forward to. Google briefly highlights availability over on the Android Developers Blog. Confirming that Wear OS 4 will release for the original Pixel Watch later this year. Thats all of the detail on timing that Google is forthcoming about. But there isnt much time in the year left. So an official release cant be too far out from now. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a good chance in fact that Google may push the software out well before the end of whats left of the year. Wear OS 4 on the Pixel Watch 2 signals the software is now stable Even though Google doesnt mention an exact release date it would be surprising if it wasnt rather soon. Confirming that the software update is coming later this year for Pixel Watch shows its coming sometime within the next few months. But Google also confirms that the software is now stable. That suggests Google doesnt have much work left to do with it. And if theres really no stability left to work on, Google is probably shoring up the rollout. Putting the finishing touches and polish on the update before it sends it out to users. Outside of the Pixel Watch, Wear OS 4 is only available on Samsungs Galaxy Watch smartwatches via the latest One UI Watch update. But that still leaves tons of watches from other manufacturers. And right now theres no word from Google on what watches from those brands will get the bump. Hackers have gained access to sensitive information of Sony employees in a recent data breach. Confirmation of this was given by Sony in a move to alert affected workers of this turn of events. The hackers responsible for this action were able to get access to Sonys workers data through a MOVEit high-severity flaw. MOVEit is a secure file transfer server that companies like Sony employ to handle sensitive information. These can include medical, legal, financial, and personal files that concern the company and its workers. Progress Software is the name of the company that owns and operates MOVEit hence making its services available to businesses around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Back in May, hackers were able to break the security of Progress Software, hence gaining access to the MOVEit software. The company proceeded to inform its clients and businesses that use its software of this attack, but it was already too late. By this time, the hackers had already made away with tons of personal data of Sony workers. Sony made some moves to secure its business after the data breach and contain its spread While this data breach took place in May, it was not until June that Sony found out about it. Well, both actions (the attack by the hackers and Sony finding out about it) happened in two different months but just a few days apart. According to available reports, the attack hit Progress Software on May 28 while Sony found out about it on June 2. Sony was able to discover the effects of this attack from certain unauthorized downloads on the MOVIEit platform. Once this data breach was discovered, Sony was able to take the MOVEit platform offline and fix the vulnerability. The next step from the company was to launch investigations into the data breach with the help of law enforcement and cybersecurity experts. Sony also confirms that this data breach didnt spread into other parts of its business. It initially hit the personal data of Sonys workers as well as their family members, and the company has been able to prevent it from spreading. However, the bad actor behind this attack is now selling the stolen data to buyers on the dark web. Advertisement Reports point out the hacker to be the Russian ransomware actor CI0p. This individual is already selling the personal data of Sony workers on its data leak website. From this action, it is clear that Sony didnt bulge to the bad actors demand for a ransom price for the stolen data. The bad actor is claiming that its attack hit all of Sonys systems and is advertising the stolen data for sale. While this attack is one of a kind, its not the only attack affecting a major tech firm in recent times. It highlights the need for tighter security measures from companies like Progress Software that handle sensitive data from various sources. Samsungs first-gen smart ring might still be several months away, or maybe more than a year. The Korean firm is reportedly aiming to launch the Galaxy Ring in the third quarter of 2024 at the earliest, i.e. between July and September of next year. The launch could be further delayed until the first quarter of 2025 if things dont go according to the plan. Samsung has yet to complete the Galaxy Ring development We have long known about Samsung working on a smart ring. The company is looking to make a tiny wearable device for your finger that can serve as a comprehensive health monitoring gadget, potentially offering better accuracy than wrist-worn smartwatches. Rumors about the device started getting more detailed and frequent earlier this year, indicating a nearing launch. Advertisement Advertisement A few months back, the Korean media reported that the product had reached an advanced development stage, with Samsung beginning preparations for its mass production. Subsequently, we spotted references to the Galaxy Ring within several Samsung apps, with some of them containing ring-shaped icons as well. The company also filed numerous smart ring-related trademark applications. The sheer volume of rumors and leaks about the Galaxy Ring suggested that the device isnt too far off. Some industry insiders even claimed that Samsung will unveil it during the Galaxy S24 launch in January 2024. However, according to The Elec, that isnt happening. The Korean firm is yet to complete the development of the Galaxy Ring. It has finalized the sensors for the product, but cramping those all in a tiny ring is proving to be a challenge. Samsung reportedly plans to offer the Galaxy Ring in four sizes to ensure proper fit on fingers of varying sizes. Finnish brand Ouras Oura Ring, for example, comes in eight sizes with the inner diameter ranging from 15.2 to 20.9 mm. While the Korean firms planned size options are not known, the new report states that the device in its current form is too large for commercialization. Medical approvals might further delay its launch Samsung is currently evaluating the possibilities of fitting all necessary sensors in each of the four Galaxy Ring size variants. It might remove some functions from the smaller models if need be. Once the company finalizes it all, the development stage will be complete and the device will be ready for mass production. The firm has already informed its suppliers about the plan, so production may not be an issue. Advertisement However, the Galaxy Ring has another hurdle to overcome before it can hit the market. If Samsung wants to sell it as a health-monitoring device, it must obtain necessary medical approvals. This process might take as long as a year. And the process will only begin once the company completes its development. Even if the company does that within the next couple of months, the Galaxy Ring wont make it to the market until early 2025. Of course, Samsung could sell it as a fitness tracker rather than a health monitoring device, which circumvents the need for medical approval. However, that has never been the plan. So in all likelihood, we will have to still wait more than a year for the Galaxy Ring. The company may unveil it during the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 launch in July/August 2024, but a market release could take a few more months. Samsung might skip 3nm mass production for smartphones and jump directly to 2nm. According to the Korean media, the company sees this as a winning move to challenge TSMCs dominance in the foundry market. Research firm TrendForce recently reported that TSMC had a 56.4 percent share in the market in Q2 2023, with Samsungs share coming in at just 11.7 percent. Samsung considering jumping to the 2nm process amid 3nm yield struggles The 3nm semiconductor era kicked off in 2022, with both Samsung and TSMC beginning mass production of the advanced chips. The former beat the latter to the punch in this race by a few months. However, TSMC ended up being the first to manufacture a 3nm processor for smartphones. It made Apples A17 chip used in the newly launched iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Advertisement Advertisement It is currently the only 3nm smartphone chip available commercially. Samsungs upcoming Exynos 2400 and Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will both be 4nm solutions. Neither company is upgrading to 3nm, with MediaTek appearing to be the only one following Apple. Samsung and TSMCs yield issues might be to blame for this. Both foundries are reportedly struggling to surpass a 3nm yield rate of 60 percent. A poor yield means smaller production capacity, as a large portion of manufactured chips are defective or dont meet the required specifications. Its been more than a year since Samsung started manufacturing 3nm chips (for non-smartphone applications) but the company is still struggling to improve yield. The situation is no better at TSMC, despite it making Apples new chip on a 3nm process. Industry experts believe these yield issues may extend the 3nm era as both companies still have several derivative 3nm processes to work on. However, Samsung might have something else in mind. While it will continue to work on improving the 3nm yield, the company doesnt want to be caught up with it. The Korean behemoth may move to the 2nm process in 2025 regardless of where its 3nm technology stands at the time. 2nm chips could be a reality in 2025 Samsung has long planned to start producing 2nm chips in 2025. However, there have been fears that the yield issues with 3nm solutions may delay the plan. It appears that wont be the case. The Korean firm is determined to make 2nm chips a reality in a couple of years. TSMC also plans to move to the 2nm process in 2025. However, Samsungs experience with the GAA transistor architecture might give it a competitive edge against TSMC. The Korean firm first applied the GAA technology to its 3nm chips, while TSMC has stuck with the older FinFet transistor architecture. It will upgrade to GAA with the 2nm solutions in 2025, but Samsung will have the first mover advantage. It remains to be seen whether Samsung can make this advantage count and increase its foundry market share. When you buy a computer, youre buying the operating system along with the hardware. For most people, their financial obligation ends the moment they purchase their computer. However, Microsoft might have some changes in the near future. According to PCMag, Windows 12 might have a subscription service. Since were talking about a leak, youll want to take this information with a grain of salt. The information deals with a future version of Windows. Between now and its launch, Microsoft could change or cancel this. Advertisement Advertisement Windows 12 could have a subscription service Windows 11 was released just two years ago, and its been getting new features ever since. Since computer upgrades are far different from phone upgrades, we didnt really expect Microsoft to release the next version for at least six more years. So, it seems odd to cover leaks about Windows 12. Well, based on some leaks from last year, Microsoft might actually release Windows 12 sometime in 2024. When Windows 12 does hit the market, theres a chance that it will be monetized much differently from current and past versions. According to the source, German website DeskModder discovered an INI configuration file in the Windows Canary channel. The file in question includes references to Subscription Edition, Subscription Type, and a subscription status. Since this is still very early information, dont grab your pitchforks just yet. We dont know what this means 100%. For all we know, it could be a different subscription service. In any case, it shouldnt come as a big surprise if the company decides to do this. Right now in the tech industry, most services have moved on to subscription-based plans. Microsoft Office has its Office 356 subscription service. Also, think about Snapchat+, X Premium, Meta Verified, WhatsApp Premium, Telegram Premium, etc. The world is moving toward a subscription-based future, and that could have an effect on Windows in the future. However, we dont believe that (if the company does follow through with this) Microsoft will charge people a subscription just to use the software. Right now, theres the free version of Windows 11; one is free and one is paid. Well, theres a chance that the company would just have one version. Youll start with a free version and, if you want to have the features that would have been in a premium version, youll just pay the subscription. At this point, theres no way of telling. We will have to wait for what Microsoft has in store for us. (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 6 - Finance police on Friday seized assets worth 98 million euro from two businessmen believed to be linked to a local branch of the influential Laudani mafia 'family' based in Sicily's second city, Catania. The seizures took place in the regions of Sicily, Lazio, Lombardy and Veneto. Investigators have linked the suspects to the Scalisi clan from Adrano, near Catania. In total 50 finance police officers took part in the sweep. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 6 - The case of Iolanda Apostolico, the Catania judge already at the centre of a political storm for overturning a detention order against four Tunisian nationals being held at a Sicilian pre-removal facility amid claims of bias before publication on Thursday of video footage from 2018 showing her at a protest demonstration against the closed-port policies of the government of the time, "is a source of serious embarrassment for the institutions", Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said on Friday. "I count on everyone's cooperation so that common sense and balance prevail," he added. On Thursday morning Salvini posted the video showing Apostolico and her partner at a protest organised at Catania port on August 25, 2018 to call for the immediate disembarkation of dozens of rescued refugees and migrants who had been kept aboard the coast guard ship Diciotti for over a week under his orders as interior minister at the time. Apostolico reportedly later told colleagues she had positioned herself between police and the demonstrators to try to prevent contact after earlier clashes. Meanwhile, on Friday opposition parties raised questions about why the video existed in the first place and called on Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to explain. "The witch hunt unleashed by Salvini against the person of Judge Apostolico is really incredibly serious" and what happened on Thursday "deserves answers, which Minister Piantedosi must give", said centre-left Democratic Party (PD) senators Anna Rossomando and Walter Verini. "How did that video come out and from where? Who made it? Are there perhaps dedicated archives? The episode raises disturbing questions," they added. The opposition Five Star Movement (M5S) took a similar line. "The question we asked ourselves is how did the minister get hold of the video? Are demonstrators being profiled? Is profiling being used to gather confidential information? To fuel hatred and rancour against a magistrate who has taken a decision that this government does not like?" said M5S deputy Lower House whip Vittoria Baldino. "I hope the minister (Piantedosi, ed.) will deign to answer (these questions) because this is what all citizens are wondering and have the right to know," she added. Apostolico drew strong criticism from the government and politicians last weekend after she overturned detention orders against four Tunisian nationals being held at the newly-opened pre-expulsion centre (CPR) at the Pozzallo first reception centre, or hotspot, in Sicily under a new law providing for the detention of asylum-seekers from so-called safe countries of origin during the assessment of their claim on grounds it is unconstitutional and in breach of EU and international law. Premier Giorgia Meloni said she was "astonished" by the decision and the interior ministry said it would appeal against the ruling, amid allegations - based on social media posts - that the judge is biased. The row prompted members of the Italian judiciary's self-governing body CSM to present a request for a procedure to be opened to protect Apostolico. (ANSA). (see related) (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 6 - Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini's League party on Friday called for the resignation of Iolanda Apostolico, the Catania judge at the centre of a political storm for overturning a detention order against four Tunisian nationals being held at a Sicilian pre-removal facility amid claims of bias. On Thursday video footage from 2018 was published showing her at a demonstration against the closed-port policies of the government of the day implemented by then-interior minister Salvini. "She liked insults against Matteo Salvini posted by a comrade, and never denied it, and, embarrassingly, she was present at a far-left demonstration in a crowd insulting the police," the League said in a statement. "We now await her immediate resignation out of respect for all Italian people and the institutions". Sources in the court of Catania, on the other hand, said Apostolico would not be moved to another position after her controversial decision not to upheld a request for four Tunisians to be held at a pre-removal centre on the grounds that government legislation was illegitimate. On Thursday morning Salvini posted the video showing Apostolico and her partner at a protest organised at Catania port on August 25, 2018 to call for the immediate disembarkation of dozens of rescued refugees and migrants who had been kept aboard the coast guard ship Diciotti for over a week under his orders. Apostolico reportedly later told colleagues she had positioned herself between police and the demonstrators to try to prevent contact after earlier clashes. On Friday Salvini said the case was "a source of serious embarrassment for the institutions". Opposition parties, meanwhile, raised questions about why the video existed in the first place and called on Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to explain. "The witch hunt unleashed by Salvini against the person of Judge Apostolico is really incredibly serious" and what happened on Thursday "deserves answers, which Minister Piantedosi must give", said centre-left Democratic Party (PD) senators Anna Rossomando and Walter Verini. "How did that video come out and from where? Who made it? Are there perhaps dedicated archives? The episode raises disturbing questions," they added. The opposition Five Star Movement (M5S) took a similar line. "The question we asked ourselves is how did the minister get hold of the video? Are demonstrators being profiled? Is profiling being used to gather confidential information? To fuel hatred and rancour against a magistrate who has taken a decision that this government does not like?" said M5S deputy Lower House whip Vittoria Baldino (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 6 - Premier Giorgia Meloni met with her Polish counterpart Mateusz Jakub Morawiecki ahead of the informal European Council meeting organised by the Spanish presidency in Granada on Friday. "The two heads of government discussed at length the topics on the agenda, starting with European support for Ukraine, security and defence issues, the resilience and competitiveness of Europe's industrial base, the prospects for the Union's enlargement process, and migration issues," said a statement issued by the premier's office at Palazzo Chigi. In a Facebook Live after the meeting Morawiecki said the two leaders had agreed "that it is especially important to defend the external borders (of the EU), because otherwise there will always be a situation where tens of millions of people, if not hundreds of millions of people, will want to come here from many parts of the world". "Europe will not be able to withstand this, Europe will break up," he added. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 6 - Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz patched things up at a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the informal European Council meeting in Granada on Friday after relations between Rome and Berlin came under major strain due to the issue of migrants. The meeting came after a spat over Germany's decision to fund NGOs that carry out search-and-rescue operations in the central Mediterranean and disembark rescued the migrants and refugees in Italy. There had also been differences between the two States over the key crisis management section of the new EU pact on migration and asylum, but agreement was reached on this on Wednesday after Germany dropped an amendment. The leaders expressed "satisfaction" at the agreement reached on the Pact during the bilateral that lasted around 45 minutes, the premier's office at Palazzo Chigi said on Friday. The leaders reportedly "discussed the main European issues at the heart of the Council, with a particular focus on the migration issue, expressing satisfaction at the agreement reached in Brussels on the regulation of crises". Palazzo Chigi added that Meloni and Scholz, noting the excellent level of cooperation between Rome and Berlin, agreed to meet at the Italian-German intergovernmental summit in Germany at the end of November. Although the tension has eased between Berlin and Rome, there is still considerable friction at the EU level. Indeed, Poland and Hungary's opposition to the new Pact led to there being no chapter on migration in the final declaration of the Granada summit. Under the pact, EU countries will be obliged to take a share of the migrants that arrive in 'frontline' States like Italy or Greece or pay for each migrant they refuse to receive. Meloni, who has repeatedly said it is more important to stop migrants arriving in the EU in the first place rather than focusing on how to redistribute those that do arrive, said she understands Budapest and Warsaw. "We voted for the pact because the new rules are better than the previous ones," Meloni said. "But I did not make this a priority. "It is the debate based on an old perception (of the migration issue). "Our position is different from that of Poland and Hungary because of geographical issues. "They understand the Italian position, I understand their position perfectly and it does not compromise how we work together". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 6 - President Sergio Mattarella defended the policy of supporting Ukraine, including via military aid, following the Russian invasion as he spoke at a meeting of the Arraiolos group in Porto on Friday, sources said. "Alongside and beyond the just decision to show solidarity for Ukraine, by supporting it, we also avert the danger of a conflict with uncertain borders," Mattarella said, according to the sources. "If Ukraine were to fall, we would see a tide of aggression towards other countries on Russia's borders and - as happened in the last century between 1938 and 39 - this would lead to a widespread, devastating conflict. "It is a source of sadness to see so many lives cut short, so much destruction, huge financial resources burned in armaments. "But what we are doing protects world peace. "Naturally, the hope is that the conditions will be created as soon as possible for a process leading to peace in Ukraine: a just peace, not an ephemeral one". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 6 - Italy is in the front line in supporting approval of a comprehensive law regulating use of artificial intelligence in the European Union, Deputy Premier and foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday. "The government is at the forefront in supporting the approval of the Artificial Intelligence Act," said Tajani at the first edition of the ComoLake Next Generation Innovations conference in Cernobbio. It will guarantee "the reliable use of this important family of cutting-edge technologies, which are destined to make an extraordinary contribution to the productivity and economic growth of our productive fabric of over 4 million small and medium-sized enterprises," he continued, adding that innovation and frontier technologies "are among the priority themes of our growth diplomacy and will also be part of the topics that our G7 presidency will address in 2024". Italy is set to chair the Group of 7 next year, and will host the summit in Puglia. "We believe that the development of innovation and frontier technologies also has important repercussions on political and economic relations between states," said the foreign minister. "In the face of these challenges, the government intends to pursue an inclusive and choral action, valuing all the actors involved, starting with companies, researchers, and developers" in order to "draw up a dynamic regulation", he concluded. (ANSA). Angela Rayner will set out Labours plan to make workers better off as she opens the partys conference in Liverpool on Sunday. Labour MPs, delegates and lobbyists will descend on the city for five days of policy debate, rallies and networking. Party leader Sir Keir Starmer will head to the annual gathering boosted by a comfortable lead in the polls and a resounding by-election victory over the SNP in Scotlands Rutherglen and Hamilton West seat. His deputy Ms Rayner, who is also shadow levelling up secretary, will use her main speech to pledge a decent job, a secure home and a strong community for all under a Labour government. She accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of taking a sledgehammer to these. Ahead of the conference, which carries the slogan Lets get Britains future back, she said: With five prime ministers in seven years and constant chaos and instability, Britains future has been left to take a back seat. The Tories legacy is national decline a nation levelled down and starved of hope. While the Tories have stolen Britains future, its Labour that will give it back with our plan to make working people better off by securing growth for all people and in all places. Ms Rayner will flesh out Labours planned new deal for workers, which she said aims to boost wages, make work more secure and support working people to thrive. Its how Labour will make work pay, she said. Labours by-election victory in Rutherglen and Hamilton West provided Sir Keir Starmer with a boost ahead of the conference (Jane Barlow/PA) She recently gave unions a cast-iron commitment to push through an Employment Rights Bill within 100 days of being in office if the party enters Downing Street. The Oppositions plan for secure homes to end the Tories housing emergency will also feature in Ms Rayners speech, as well as a pledge to oversee the biggest ever transfer of power out of Westminster to help the places abandoned by the Conservatives. In an interview with the Guardian, she promised the party would focus on getting tough on developers and reforming planning rules to deliver the biggest boost to affordable housing for a generation. Under its plans, Labour would set up a new expert unit to give councils and housing associations advice to get the best deal during negotiations with property firms, the paper reported. This would be aimed at preventing developers from wriggling out of their affordable housing obligations, known as section 106 rules, Ms Rayner said. It would publish guidance that would effectively restrict them to challenging 106 rules only if there were genuine barriers to building homes, according to the paper. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves will take to the main stage on Monday to detail how Labour would revive the sluggish economy, before Sir Keirs keynote address on Tuesday. Business chiefs are flocking to the Labour conference, with the party saying tickets to its business forum sold out in record time and noting an unprecedented interest in sponsorship. The Labour Party womens conference will take place in Liverpool on Saturday, the day before the main events get under way. Rishi Sunak used his Tory conference speech to cancel the northern leg of HS2 (Danny Lawson/PA) The gathering follows the Conservatives conference in Manchester, which was overshadowed by the fate of HS2. Mr Sunak defied senior Tories and business leaders to scrap the rail line from Birmingham to Manchester, saying the facts have changed and the cost of the high-speed rail scheme had more than doubled. Sir Keir has said Labour cannot commit to reversing the decision if it wins the next general election due to the damage done by the Government. The Tories urged the Labour leader to clarify his position on HS2, as well as his support for a raft of transport schemes announced by Mr Sunak in place of the cancelled leg. Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands said: We all know Keir Starmer wont tell us his plans if he becomes prime minister because hes afraid of losing votes, and he changes his position to whatever he thinks people want to hear. Our country faces an important choice: Rishi Sunak, who will make the hard but necessary long-term decisions to get the country on the right path for the future, or Sir Keir Starmer, who is just like the same old politicians that have come before always focused on the short-term and lacking the backbone to make the big changes Britain needs. Congratulations, @mgshanks, Labours new MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West. This is a seismic result. Voters have sent a clear message: it is time for change. Labour will deliver. https://t.co/ijp6sjipBp Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 6, 2023 Labours win in the Rutherglen by-election this week provided a huge boost to Sir Keir ahead of the conference, with analysts inferring its possible return to being the largest party north of the border and a clearer path to a Labour majority at Westminster if the same swing is replicated at the next national poll. Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds said: In what is likely to be the final conference season before the general election, it has never been more clear that Labour has the plans to unlock growth, make our streets safe, secure the future of the NHS, break down barriers to opportunity and make the UK a green energy superpower. In its first policy announcement ahead of the Liverpool gathering, Labour pledged to create an extra 700,000 urgent dentist appointments and introduce supervised toothbrushing in schools across England under plans to improve the nations oral health. Question Time host Fiona Bruce has presented the show with her arm in a sling after she broke her hand when she fell off a horse. The presenter spoke about wearing a sling on Thursdays programme in Wolverhampton. After introducing the BBC shows panel, Bruce said: I thought Id just mention it, it is the least interesting thing in the programme but in case youre wondering I broke my hand, and I have got the remnants of a black eye, because I fell off a horse. And thats all there is to say about that. Transport minister Richard Holden, shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth, writer Emma Dabiri, the executive chairman of Iceland supermarket, Richard Walker, and journalist and author Tony Parsons were on the panel on Thursday. Bruce has fronted Question Time since 2019 when she took over from long-serving host David Dimbleby. Five people have been charged with aggravated trespass after Just Stop Oil protesters disrupted a performance of Les Miserables in Londons West End. The performance at the Sondheim Theatre was brought to a halt at around 9pm on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said. The five people charged are Hannah Taylor, 23, Lydia Gribbin, 28, Hanan Ameur, 22, Noah Crane, 18, and Poppy Bliss, 19. They have been released on bail and will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on November 3. Police said they are keen to hear from audience members who may have travelled from outside London to see the show. Anyone with footage or information about the incident can call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 2074/5OCT. Footage can also be sent to O6Mailbox-.PublicOrderCrimeTeam@met.police.uk. Irelands premier has said Rishi Sunak is hopeful talks with the DUP on restoring powersharing in Northern Ireland are moving towards a positive conclusion. Leo Varadkar said the Prime Minister briefed him on the status of the UK Governments negotiations with the DUP during their bilateral meeting in Spain on Thursday. Mr Varadkar, who remained in Granada on Friday for a meeting with EU leaders, said a window of opportunity to reach an agreement may be approaching. On Thursday night, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insisted gaps remain between Government and his party on the post-Brexit trade border impasse. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson speaking outside Brownlow House in Lurgan following a meeting of the partys ruling executive on Thursday (Brian Lawless/PA) Emerging from a meeting of the DUPs ruling executive in Lurgan, Co Armagh, Sir Jeffrey said he was not going to set any deadlines on the engagement with London but he indicated the Government was now in a position to respond to his partys latest requests. The DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan from the Stormont executive in February 2022 in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol. Powersharing is unable to function without the participation of the regions largest unionist party. The UK and EU agreed the Windsor Framework earlier this year in an attempt to address unionist concerns about the protocol but the DUP has indicated it will not return to the Stormont Assembly until the UK Government provides further assurances over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market. One of the main parts of the framework, the green/red lane system for the movement of goods, became operational at Northern Ireland ports on Sunday. Mr Varadkar was asked about his meeting with Mr Sunak as he spoke to reporters in Granada on Friday morning. Prime minister Sunak gave me a briefing on the talks and contacts that theyre having with the DUP at the moment, he said. Theyre ongoing. He didnt go into the detail of those but very much said that they were bilateral discussions between the DUP and the UK Government, and that he hoped that they were moving towards a conclusion and that that would be a positive conclusion. But that remains to be seen. Mr Varadkar added: There wasnt any timeline given but youll be aware the DUP had an internal party meeting that happened there yesterday, and their conference is coming up at the weekend (October 13/14). So, you know, perhaps this is another window of opportunity to come to an agreement, an agreement between the UK Government and the DUP which enables the Assembly, executive and the North South Ministerial Council to start functioning again. So, you know, hopefully thats the case but that remains to be seen over the next couple of weeks. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holding a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain (Manu Fernandez/PA) Sir Jeffrey said Thursdays meeting of his partys executive was very positive and there were no dissenting voices. He said he was not in a position to make a recommendation to party colleagues as he had not yet received the UKs latest proposals. Clearly there are still gaps between us and them in terms of the shortcomings of the Windsor Framework, the areas where we believe it does not go far enough in delivering for Northern Ireland and our ability to trade within the United Kingdom on its internal market, he said. And the party is very clear were focused on what we need to achieve and over the next few weeks well continue that engagement with the Government to try and get to the solution that we need. A solution that both unionists and nationalists can support, that provides the strong foundations that Stormont needs to get back up and running. Earlier, Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle ONeill said the coming weeks would be critical in efforts to restore the Stormont Assembly and executive. Addressing a meeting of party activists in Co Armagh, Sinn Feins vice president said a pragmatic approach was required by all political parties to get down to business. Soap stars Ryan Thomas and Roxy Shahidi are the final celebrities to join the Dancing On Ice line-up. They join world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, actress Claire Sweeney, S Club singer Hannah Spearritt, former Love Island contestant and West End star Amber Davies and Olympic champion Greg Rutherford on the bill. Also taking their chances on the ice will be DJ Adele Roberts, EastEnders actor Ricky Norwood, comedian Lou Sanders, Made In Chelseas Miles Nazaire and original Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb. Roxy Shahidi is best known for playing Leyla Harding in ITV soap Emmerdale (Matt Crossick/PA) Former Celebrity Big Brother champion Thomas is best known for playing Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street from 2000 until 2016. In 2018, he played Rafael Humphreys in Australian soap opera Neighbours. Shahidi is best known as Leyla Harding in ITV soap Emmerdale. She said: Im an actor hiding behind a character, thats where Im most comfortable. Being yourself out there on the ice with no character to hide behind is really scary for me. Id say thats the scariest element for me. The duo were both unveiled on Channel 4 programme Stephs Packed Lunch. The upcoming series of Dancing On Ice will see 12 celebrities attempt to master the skill of ice dancing. Dancing On Ice will return to ITV and ITVX in 2024. The number of paramilitary-style shootings in Northern Ireland has almost tripled in a year, police figures have revealed. The attacks usually involve the victim being shot in the knees, elbows, ankle or thighs by paramilitaries who often claim it as a punishment for anti-social behaviour. It happens within both loyalist and republican communities Between October 1 2022 and September 30 2023, there were 19 casualties of these shootings recorded by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). This is a significant increase from the seven recorded during the previous 12 months. There were five recorded attacks in September alone, the most in a month since June 2016 according to police. Most took place in Belfast (nine), while there were four each in the Ards and North Down area, and the Derry City and Strabane area. There were two attacks recorded in the Causeway Coast and Glens area. A smaller increase was also recorded in the number of paramilitary-style assaults. This type of attack usually involves the victim being set upon with weapons such as iron bars or baseball bats as a punishment. Some 33 casualties of paramilitary-style assaults were recorded in the last 12 months compared to 29 during the previous 12 months. Most took place in Belfast (14), more than twice the total for the capital in the previous year (six). An officer from the PSNI at the scene following the shooting of Sean Fox in west Belfast in October 2022 (PA) The latest PSNI recorded security situation statistics, compiled by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra), recorded one death considered to be security related. Sean Fox, 42, was shot dead at a west Belfast social club in front of more than 100 people in October last year. Police have not attribute the murder to a particular organisation but said it bore the hallmarks of dissident republican killings. The PSNI recently issued a fresh appeal for information about the murder on the first anniversary. An increase in the number of bombing incidents across Northern Ireland was also recorded, seven, up from four in the previous 12 month. Meanwhile the statistics recorded 120 security related arrests under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, compared to 119 during the previous 12 months. And some 28 people were subsequently charged, twice the number during the previous 12 months (14). Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Hill, head of Organised Crime Branch, described paramilitary-style shootings as appalling acts of violence against some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. There were 19 victims of such assaults during the last 12 months, compared to seven during the previous 12 months. Last month alone saw five casualties of such attacks, he said. These actions are deplorable. Theyre brutal and cowardly, and have no place whatsoever in todays society. Mr Hill said police, along with partner agencies, will relentlessly continue to target those groups and individuals who continue to exploit the most vulnerable in our communities. The solution requires collective efforts, and Im keen to reiterate an appeal to anyone with information, or concerns, to please speak up, he said. You can contact police on the non-emergency number 101, or contact Crimestoppers, with 100% anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Members of the transgender community have criticised Rishi Sunaks remarks at the Conservative Party conference, claiming his comments put trans people in greater danger. The Prime Minister weighed in on debates about transgender rights during his speech in Manchester on Wednesday, saying: We shouldnt get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They cant, a man is a man and a woman is a woman. Thats just common sense. Methodist minister Dr Karl Rutlidge, 39, who is a transgender man, said he has faced a difficult few days following what he described as transphobic comments made by Government ministers at the Conservative Party conference. Dr Karl Rutlidge said comments made by Rishi Sunak towards the transgender community were appalling (Dr Karl Rutlidge/PA) Mr Rutlidge, who is based in Kingston-upon-Thames, told the PA news agency: It isnt just Rishi Sunak who has made transphobic comments. Steve Barclay made comments about hospital wards Suella Braverman made various inflammatory comments followed by Rishi Sunak effectively dismissing the reality of trans lives and trans identities, which in the context of figures out showing that (transgender) hate crimes have gone up by 11% in the year ending March 2023 is appalling from the person whos meant to set the tone as our Prime Minister. He said that these comments have the potential to empower those who are already inclined towards transphobic attitudes and legitimises, potentially, even violence. I think that having Government politicians make these kinds of comments puts trans people in greater danger, he added. All I want to do is get on with my life with safety and dignity and peace. Theres so much more to me than the fact I happen to be trans and it feels like Im treated like Im not really a human being, like Im an issue, and thats incredibly difficult to deal with. I want to say to some of these politicians, come and look me in the eye and talk to me as a real person, because it just never seems to happen. Mr Rutlidge said comments made by Government ministers at the Conservative Party conference were worse than I expected (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Rutlidge spoke about Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old trans girl who was found with fatal stab wounds in February, adding that further violence towards the community will only get worse. A transgender civil servant, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that Rishi Sunaks comments regarding transgender people at the Conservative Party conference are a distraction and emboldening transphobic people. He told PA: I would say the vast majority of people are far more bothered about the fact that their mortgages are doubling, that their food bills are doubling, theyre struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table, as opposed to anything to do with what is essentially other peoples medical history and medical background. A transgender civil servant claimed comments made about the transgender community at the Conservative Party conference are a distraction (Danny Lawson/PA) He claimed Mr Sunaks speech emboldens a certain sort of person that wants to be hostile towards us to think that they can be. Im openly trans on the internet but Im not in day-to-day life, so no one knows and its no ones business and no one has the right to know, he said. He continued: Its just pure dog-whistle politics, and theyve got this distance that theyve created where they dont ever meet with any of us face to face. Its all to do with ideology. A UK Government spokesperson said: The Government has a proud history of advancing LGBT rights and one of the most robust legislative protection frameworks for LGBT people in the world. There is no place for hate crime in our society, it does not reflect the values of modern Britain, and we remain committed to ensuring these abhorrent offences are stamped out which is why we have a robust framework to tackle it wherever it is found. However, we are clear that biological sex is fundamentally important to protecting single-sex spaces and providing appropriate healthcare as set out by ministers. A malnourished and dehydrated turtle that washed up on a beach in Scotland last year more than a thousand miles from her natural habitat has been restored to good health and released back into the wild. Iona was not expected to make the night after she was found in 10C water off the Scottish island of Iona after which she was named in January 2022. The animal was found cold-stunned and dehydrated and became the smallest live stranded loggerhead turtle recorded in the UK. She was spotted by a passer-by before the team at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue contacted Sea Life in Loch Lomond to bring her in for rehabilitation. Iona has been nursed back to health (Ben Birchall/PA) Iona was relocated to Sea Life in Scarborough in May last year for further care before making her long journey from Scarborough to the Azores in Portugal this month a voyage of nearly 1,700 miles. Todd German, animal care curator at Sea Life Scarborough, said she was lucky to have been discovered. He told the PA news agency: She was found by a passer-by in the bleak midwinter, which is just incredibly lucky that she was found. She was really touch and go whether or not she would pull through and make it. A staff member at Sea Life Scarborough said it was lucky that the loggerhead turtle was found by a passer-by (Ben Birchall/PA) Mr German said that her release back into the wild was surreal but hopes Sea Life can continue giving turtles a chance of survival. He said: Its quite surreal because shes been with us for a long time. It was really strange in the fact that that was the end of my part in her journey and it was a really lovely feeling to see her go off into the big blue. Sea turtles around the world are really facing challenges, and I dread to say, theyre human-faced challenges. Thats through climate change and also our interaction with the natural environment and turtles themselves. We, as Sea Life, as aquariums, want to play our part in contributing back to the wild and hopefully giving the sea species and turtles the chance of survival for millions of years to come. Iona was not expected to make the night after she was found in 10C water on the Scottish island of Iona (Ben Birchall/PA) Robin Hunter, display supervisor at Sea Life Loch Lomond and part of Ionas care team, said it was his first time rehabilitating a turtle. He told PA: It was obviously not the best experience that youd want for the turtle, but to be part of something like that is pretty spectacular. You really feel like youre making a difference. To be able to see her now go and live the way shes supposed to be living, that is a phenomenal feeling. Theres a small percentage of worry because you never know. Its the wild at the end of the day, but she is a fighter. Mr Hunter said that Iona was not in good condition when she was first discovered but said her recovery has been remarkable. He said: When she first arrived, she wasnt in great condition and she was very dehydrated, very malnourished. we really didnt expect her to make the night. Bit by bit, with a lot of work from the care team, we were able to slowly raise her temperature. It was remarkable. It was like a totally different turtle. A marine specialist measures Iona (Ben Birchall/PA) Mr Hunter said it was a very slow process restoring Iona to a healthy weight. She gradually increased to 21kg which is 10 times the weight when she was found. The loggerhead turtle was fitted with a satellite tag to allow researchers to monitor her behaviour in the wild. Andrea Herguedes, a research assistant at the Institute for Research in Marine Sciences and Costa project told PA: We are wondering if she will behave the same as a wild turtle after one year of rehab. There is a chance the loggerhead turtle could migrate as far as North America because when loggerheads reach sexual maturity they move to nesting beaches, Mafalda Sousa, another research assistant added. It was a very slow process restoring Iona to a healthy weight (Ben Birchall/PA) Ms Herguedes said she is confident that Iona will thrive again in the wild, describing her species as super resilient. Sea Life partnered with Flying Sharks at the Porto Pim aquarium in Portugal, a company promoting sustainable use of the ocean, enabling Iona to relocate to warmer climates. A renowned travel publisher has partnered with Marie Curie to produce the first-ever UK guidebook for the end-of-life journey. The Rough Guide To The End Of Life aims to provide practical advice for people to ensure they have access to the right care and support, with the Marie Curie charity saying research has suggested many people are not well-informed about the subject. In her foreword, Marie Curie chief medical officer Dr Sarah Holmes said the free book should help people prepare for whatevers around the corner. The Rough Guides publisher is well-known for its travel manuals but Dr Holmes, who is a palliative care doctor, said: Like any journey, life eventually comes to an end for all of us. Its something we know in our hearts, even though it can be hard to think and talk about. The downloadable guide states that the charity is committed to ensuring the best end-of-life journey for all, and aims to help people with planning ranging from making a will, to funeral preferences to what to do with social media and online accounts after someones death. It also includes information on advance care planning, pain management and do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions. Marie Curie, which cares for people suffering from any illness they are likely to die from including advanced cancer, Parkinsons and Alzheimers, said polling by Opinion Matters of just over 2,000 adults across the UK last month suggested many people lack knowledge on the issue. Almost four in 10 (38%) of people said they do not know what support and services are currently available in the UK, while half said they had given little thought to planning ahead if they were to receive a terminal diagnosis. Dr Holmes said: The uncertainty can be whats truly scary. And when we have a chance to understand what may be down the road, to talk about our fears and discuss our questions with people who can help, the relief can be huge. Maria Novell, chief innovation, income and engagement officer at Marie Curie, said: The Rough Guide To The End Of Life is a physical demonstration of the support and guidance we provide for many people and families. We hope it becomes an invaluable family resource that shows people who are affected by any terminal illness that were there for them. By being better prepared and knowing how to access the right care and support services, whether for you or a loved one, will help improve a persons chance of having a good end-of-life experience. Kate Drynan, senior editor at Rough Guides, said: Our guides have supported millions of travellers over the decades, but we could not think of a more important journey than helping people to navigate their final chapter of life. We are proud to have partnered with Marie Curie on this important campaign and hope the first The Rough Guide To The End Of Life gives support to many. Last week groups which came together under the Coalition of Frontline Care for People Nearing the End of Life called for better healthcare staff training to see more people live well and die well at home. The groups, including Care England, the British Geriatrics Society and the National Care Forum, wrote to Health Secretary Steve Barclay to urge a change in approach, insisting the current system is not working and will get worse with an increasingly older population. The operator of a Bronx day care center believed to be a front for a drug distribution operation, her husband, and his cousin were indicted for the murder of a 1-year-old boy who died of a fentanyl overdose in their care. Grei Mendez, 36, her husband Felix Herrera Garcia, 34, and Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, who rented a room from Mendez, pleaded not guilty to murder showing a "depraved indifference to human life," four counts of assault, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, among other charges during their arraignment on Thursday. Mendez and Brito were arrested on Sept. 15 after police found three children had been exposed to the deadly drug at the Divino Nino day care center in the Bronx. One-year-old Nicholas Dominici died later at the hospital, while first responders were able to save an 8-month-old girl and her 2-year-old brother. Another child who was sent home before police arrived also survived after receiving treatment at a hospital. "I understand that justice will be done. And everything that will be done, everything possible, it will not bring my son back," said Otoniel Feliz, Nicholas' father, who spoke through an interpreter during a press conference held by Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. "Our sorrow is matched only by our outrage because these babies were used as shields to protect a narcotics operation," Clark said. "Nicholas' death was entirely excruciatingly needless and avoidable." Lawyers for Mendez, Brito, and Herrera Garcia did not return a request for comment from USA TODAY. Feliz did not return a request for comment. Mexican police apprehended Herrera Garcia on a bus in Sinaloa after a police search of nearly two weeks. Surveillance footage viewed by police captured him entering the day care and exiting through a back alley carrying two shopping bags before police arrived on Sept. 15. Photos shared by the Bronx District Attorney's Office show the Bronx day care where 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici died. Photos shared by the Bronx District Attorney's Office show the Bronx day care where 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici died. Photos shared by the Bronx District Attorney's Office show the Bronx day care where 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici died. More: Vermont police launch manhunt for 'armed and dangerous' suspect after woman found dead Four defendants face federal charges for hidden "fentanyl mill" All three defendants, as well as Renny El Gallo" Parra Paredes, an alleged co-conspirator, also face federal charges for "running a fentanyl mill hidden inside a Bronx day care" from at least July of this year, according to Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. "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 childrens playmats," prosecutors wrote in a criminal complaint. During a search of the day care center, investigators also found a trap door holding drug paraphernalia in the playroom of the center. Several kilo presses, devices used to press and package large quantities of fentanyl, were also recovered. Federal prosecutors allege that Mendez called her husband before dialing 911 when she discovered the children had been exposed. Mendez also deleted over 21,000 messages from her phone, including some tipping off her husband that police were searching for him, according to prosecutors. Brito also texted Parra Paredes three days before Nicholas' death that he had left "una torta," a Spanish word police say means a kilogram of narcotics, on the table. Clark said in light of the case, along with the recent arrests of three people tied to the discovery of "ghost guns" at a day care facility in East Harlem, the Bronx District Attorney's Office will delve into a further investigation of illegal activity in Bronx day care centers. Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronx fentanyl day care case sees 3 indicted in death of toddler Presidents Xi and Biden last met at the G20 in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022 - Alex Brandon/AP The White House is making plans for a face-to-face meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in San Francisco next month as the two countries seek to stabilise troubled relations. Ties between the worlds two largest economies have been strained in recent years because of a number of issues including Taiwan, the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, allegations of spying, human rights issues and trade tariffs, among others. The Washington Post, which cited senior unidentified US officials, quoted one of them as saying the possibility of a meeting was pretty firm. Were beginning the process of planning, the official was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not comment specifically on the newspaper report. A spokesman from the embassy said in an emailed statement that the two countries remained in communication and needed to expand good faith cooperation. The White House did not have an immediate comment. San Francisco will host an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November that Mr Xi may attend. Mr Xi recently skipped the G20 summit in New Delhi that Mr Biden attended. The last time the Chinese premier visited the US was six years ago, when Mr Xi met Donald Trump in Florida. Groundwork for the meeting The meeting would follow other engagements between the two countries in recent months that have seen visits from US officials to China such as Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State; Janet Yellen, the Treasury Secretary; and Gina Raimondo, the Commerce Secretary. More recently, Mr Blinken met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in New York and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta. Mr Biden and Mr Xis last meeting was on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia in November 2022, which was their first in person meeting since Biden became president. They previously had five exchanges by phone and video conference after Biden took office. Chinas top security agency hinted last month any meeting between Mr Xi and Mr Biden would depend on the United States showing sufficient sincerity. US officials like Ms Raimondo and Ms Yellen have recently said the US did not want to decouple from China, but Beijing has expressed concern over US approval of arms sales and military financing to Taiwan. 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 UAW started a strike targeting Detroit's Big Three on 15 September The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has not expanded its strike action against three of America's biggest car firms, citing "significant" progress in talks. Union boss Shawn Fain said it would hold off after General Motors had agreed that workers at its electric vehicle battery factories would automatically become union members. But while it will not stage walk outs at new locations, the strike continues. "Our strike is working but we're not there yet," said Mr Fain. Roughly 25,000 car workers at GM, Ford Motor and Chrysler parent Stellantis are currently on the picket line. The union, which represents roughly 146,000 people at the firms, declared a strike in mid-September, after contracts between the two parties expired. It is the first industrial action by the UAW to target all three companies at once, but it has remained limited in scope, as the union calls on select locations to participate, wielding the threat of more to try to pressure the companies to agree a deal. So far, the union has ordered walkouts at five factories and 38 parts depots operated by GM and Stellantis. This week, the UAW considered a strike at GM's SUV manufacturing plant in Arlington, Texas, but Mr Fain said the company had "leapfrogged" the pack in talks. GM said in a statement that negotiations were "ongoing", adding the company would "continue to work toward finding solutions to address outstanding issues". "Our goal remains to reach an agreement that rewards our employees and allows GM to be successful into the future," the car maker said. The union opened negotiations calling for pay rise of roughly 40% over four years and an end to practices that give newer hires lower pay and fewer benefits, among other demands. The companies have maintained that the union's requests would impact their ability to invest in the long term. They have countered with pay increase of about 20% and some other concessions. How workers at battery plants, formed by joint ventures, would be treated had loomed over the talks, as the industry prepares to ramp up electric vehicle production. US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election, have both visited Detroit area to address the strikes, which comes as labour tensions simmer across the country. Mr Fain said the fight for better contracts was about more than workers, saying: "This is the entire working class," at an event in Detroit. "It's shameful where we are as a nation," he added. The rules panel of the Democratic National Committee on Friday approved a plan from Iowa Democrats to comply with a reworked presidential nominating calendar proposed by President Joe Biden in a move that will see the state shift out of the first-in-the-nation position it has held since 1972. The panel also took a step toward sanctioning New Hampshire Democrats over whats expected to be an early primary contest next year that wont comply with party rules. The Iowa plan is a major step toward enacting the revamped nominating schedule the national Democratic Party adopted earlier this year, which demoted traditional early-voting states Iowa and New Hampshire, while elevating South Carolina, Nevada and Michigan. Under the new Iowa plan, which the state party announced shortly before Fridays meeting in St. Louis, Democratic voters will have until March 5 to cast their votes for a presidential nominee in a process conducted entirely by mail. Iowa Democrats will be able to register to receive a presidential preference card in the mail starting November 1. Those cards will start being mailed out on January 12, 2024, and the last day to request one will be February 19. The state party will release results on March 5, which is also the last day that voters can mail their cards. Iowa Democrats will also hold in-person caucuses on January 15, the same day that Iowa Republicans will gather, but those meetings only be used to conduct party business, not to vote for president. The new Democratic primary calendar took away Iowas special status as an early state, despite a state law which requires the caucuses to be held before any other contest. In response, the state party adopted a rough outline of the plan they fleshed out Friday, with early caucuses separate from a presidential preference vote conducted by mail. However, that initial plan didnt include dates for the mail process, as the state party wanted to remain flexible in case of other calendar developments. Without that information, the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee declined to approve the proposal at its June meeting, and national party staff said that for the plan to comply with DNC rules, the vote-by-mail period had to end on or after Super Tuesday, or March 5 (the date at which every state is allowed to start holding Democratic contests). In a letter to the Rules Committee, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart wrote that the state party had created the new schedule after negotiations with DNC Staff. We believe this delegate selection plan is a compromise and meets the requirements set forth by this committee, complies with Iowa law, and most importantly sets Iowa Democrats up to win in 2024, Hart wrote. Hart also wrote that shed received repeated reassurance from party officials that the calendar discussion would be reopened ahead of 2028 and she expects Iowa to compete strongly for a significant voice in the selection of the Democratic nominee as we have for years. As a resident of the small town of Wheatland, Iowa, it is vital small rural states in the heart of the Midwest have a voice in this process. Democrats need our diversifying rural communities to ensure future electoral victories, Hart said in her letter. Scott Brennan, a member of the rules panel from Iowa, said Friday that hed told his colleagues that his state still intends to go first on the 2028 calendar. Were here to support the president in 2024, and by releasing results on March 5, thats what were doing, Brennan told reporters on a press call. But all bets are off for 2028. Focus on New Hampshire The focus will now shift to New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, who is responsible for setting the date of his states presidential primary. Under state law, the date must be at least a week before any similar election. Scanlan, a Republican, has said that the use of mail ballots in Iowa would trigger his states law, but an Iowa mail process that doesnt end until March might not be much different from other situations in which states with later primary dates have sent out mail ballots before New Hampshire primary voters head to the polls. Those arrangements havent caused New Hampshire to move its primary date. Hart told reporters Friday that while she was aware of New Hampshires concerns, they werent her focus. Im concerned with whats best for Iowa and whats best for Iowa Democrats, whats best for democracy, she said. So thats what were focused on. Thats what well continue to focus on. Scanlan said in a statement Friday that he was not ready to set his states primary date but called the announcement by Iowa Democrats positive in terms of preserving the traditional positions of the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Presidential Primary. Under the new Democratic calendar, the Granite State is only allowed to hold an early primary on February 6, 2024, the same day as Nevada and shortly after South Carolina holds its primary on February 3. Without a date that complies with those rules, New Hampshire Democrats plan was found Friday to be in noncompliance by the DNC rules panel, meaning the state has 30 days to return with a proposal that follows the rules. Scanlan has already said that his state will not be in compliance with the DNC calendar. That could cost New Hampshire Democrats party delegates to the national convention next summer. It would also be a violation of national party rules for Biden to campaign in such an early contest in New Hampshire or to even have his name on the ballot, although voters could write him in. New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley acknowledged during the meeting in St. Louis that Bidens name likely wouldnt be on the ballot in his states primary, but he said party leaders would be mounting a write-in effort on the presidents behalf. We dont know who will be filing on the ballot, Buckley said. As you know, New Hampshire has a history of having upwards of 50 or 60 names on the ballot of all sorts of very interesting characters. What were determined is to not allow any of those people to claim that theyve won the New Hampshire primary. Ultimately, the calendar changes are unlikely to have much impact on the outcome of the 2024 nominating process, as Biden doesnt face a serious primary challenger. However, the moves do set the stage for a higher-profile fight over the Democratic schedule ahead of 2028. Josh Putnam, a political scientist who tracks the presidential primary process, said Iowas plan could potentially help them regain an early position on the 2028 Democratic calendar. Iowa Democrats sacrificed their traditional position atop the 2024 primary calendar so that they can make a better case to be included in the early window on the 2028 calendar and beyond. That is a contrast with what Democrats in New Hampshire have done, Putnam posted Friday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. There are no guarantees that either Iowa or New Hampshire makes the early window for the 2028 calendar, but Iowa will have a much stronger argument in 2026 for inclusion in 2028. They have worked with the DNC and have been cooperative, Putnam said. While a few other states may still shift their 2024 primary dates, the rest of the Democratic calendar is largely set. After Nevada, Michigan will hold its Democratic primary on February 27, and then the primary season will begin in earnest with Super Tuesday on March 5. This story and headline have been updated. CNNs Alison Main and Molly Gahagen contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jailed Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for fighting against women's oppression in Iran and advocating for human rights. Berit Reiss-Andersen, head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said in a news conference in Oslo that "her brave struggle has come with tremendous personal cost." Altogether, the regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes, Reiss-Andersen said One of Iran's most prominent human rights activists, Mohammadi, 51, worked as an engineer and a columnist for various newspapers following her studies. She was first arrested in 2011 for assisting jailed activists and their families. After her release, she spent two years on bail and then began campaigning against Iran's death penalty laws, for which she was arrested again in 2015. "Upon her return to prison, she began opposing the regime's systematic use of torture and sexualized violence against political prisoners and especially women," Reiss-Andersen said. Mohammadi is the deputy head of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, which is led by the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to imprisoned Iranian women's rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi on Oct. 6, 2023. (AFP - Getty Images) "This Nobel Prize will embolden Narges fight for human rights, but more importantly, this is in fact a prize for the woman, life and freedom [movement]," Mohammadis husband, Taghi Ramahi, told Reuters in an interview. In an audio recording from the prison published by CNN on Friday, Mohammadi was heard leading chants of "Woman, life, freedom," the slogan of the protests. "This period was and still is the era of greatest protest in this prison," she told CNN. Despite being behind bars, Mohammadi has rallied immense support for the women-led protests against the government that rocked Iran last year. The protests were initially triggered by the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, who died in the hospital after being detained by the countrys morality police. The unrest developed into the biggest challenge to Iran's theocratic establishment since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. An unveiled woman on top of a vehicle as thousands make their way towards Aichi cemetery in Saqez, Mahsa Amini's hometown in the western Iranian province of Kurdistan, to mark 40 days since her death. (AFP - Getty Images) Mohammadi and the other inmates would collect information about the protests. "We were stuck inside, but we did what we could to raise our voices against the regime," she said in an essay published by The New York Times last month. But the wave of protests was also followed by a wave of arrests. "I have never seen as many new admissions to the womens ward there as in the last five months." she wrote. "What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become." The Iranian state-affiliated news agency Fars said Friday: "Mohammadi did not use her days off and her treatment opportunities in the past few days [and] instead decided to create unrest and falsely claimed she had been beaten in prison." In defiance of authorities, Iranian women and girls removed their headscarves in public, at times burning them. Even though the underlying human rights abuses and economic troubles still persist, the protests were stifled by the authorities who resumed their hijab patrols in July. "It was an incident. And of course the same incidents happen in different U.S. cities," Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told NBC News last month. "I contacted the family and I promised them to follow this issue. We started our probes, our investigation, judicial investigations," he said, adding that the protests were fueled by Iran's enemies. Nobel Peace Prize Press Conference 2023 (Terje Pedersen / AP) There was outrage globally this week after a prominent Kurdish rights group said that a 16-year-old, Armita Geravand, suffered a severe physical assault at the hands of government agents Sunday for allegedly violating the countrys strict Islamic dress code. Authorities have denied this, saying there was no altercation with morality police and that Geravand collapsed after a sudden drop in her blood pressure. Tehran dismissed the protests of diplomats and human rights groups Thursday, accusing Western countries of "insincere concern." Last year, the prize was jointly awarded to human rights campaigners in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The prize is decided by a committee elected by the Norwegian Parliament. Past winners include civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai and South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. The prize, founded in 1901 by inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and entrepreneur, honors the nominee who "shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." The winner gets 11 million Swedish crowns ($1 million). Earlier this week, this year's Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to three scientists "for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter." The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine was awarded to Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their discoveries that led to the development of mRNA vaccines. The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to three scientists for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. Jon Fosse won the Nobel in literature for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable." WASHINGTON Rep. Jim Jordan said Thursday that he has spoken about his bid to be the next speaker with Donald Trump and that he would not support ousting Rep. Matt Gaetz from the Republican caucus even amid anger by some lawmakers after he led Kevin McCarthy's removal. I talked to the president about this and all kinds of issues, Jordan, a staunch ally of the former president, said in an interview with NBC News on Thursday. Asked if Trump supports his bid for speaker, Jordan said: I dont want to say anything, but I had a great conversation with the president. Follow live coverage of the speaker race on NBCNews.com. Jordan also said he would not support efforts to oust Gaetz from the Republican Conference, a possibility that has been floated by House members who are angry that the Florida lawmaker worked to remove McCarthy from the speaker post. I dont think thats warranted, Jordan said. Weve got a four-seat majority, Matts a talented member of Congress. Jordan added, I disagree with what he did but hes a great member of our committee I think we gotta come together. Asked whether one member should be able to make a motion to remove a speaker the rule that was used to get McCarthy out of the leadership role in a historic vote this week Jordan demurred on the importance of changing it. Thats a conference decision, he said. But Ill tell you what, if thats what the conference wants to do, then I would support it. Procedurally, Jordan pointed out, changing House rules would need a majority vote. The question comes is, youve got to have all of us on board for that I wouldnt go to Democrats and get votes because theyre gonna want something. Without changing that rule, though, any future speaker could be in the same peril as McCarthy faced. Id be fine with that, if thats where the conference is, Jordan concluded. Jordan has been a steadfast ally of McCarthy. He's also one of the leading GOP lawmakers on the impeachment inquiry of Joe Biden, as well as investigations of the president's family and administration. Despite that tense background, Jordan posited that he and Biden could have a working relationship whether trust or good faith were there or not. If I get the votes and get the privilege of being speaker, thats how it works in our system, he said. Well deal with them, theyll deal with us. Thats how it works. Another critical relationship for the would-be speaker is the one he has with his Senate GOP counterpart, Mitch McConnell. Jordan called the relationship they have fine and good. Asked about the differences between Jordan and McConnell on the issue of future funding for the war in Ukraine Jordan is against it and McConnell adamantly for it Jordan argued his position is the position where the American people are. As for Jordans successor leading the impeachment inquiry and the Judiciary Committee, he cited many capable people who could take over. (Reuters) -Several U.S. regulators have requested Kazakhstan-based Freedom Holding for information, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Friday, adding that none of the authorities have filed any charges against the fintech firm. Earlier in the day, CNBC first reported that Freedom was being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission counsel over compliance issues, insider stock moves, and an offshore affiliate tied to sanctioned individuals. "We are confident that we are in a strong position to explain... to regulators on what and how we have acted at what points in time and why our actions were legal," Freedom Holding head Timur Turlov told Reuters. The SEC declined to comment on the existence or nonexistence of a possible investigation, whereas the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. In August, Freedom was under attack from Hindenburg that said its research into the company had revealed "hallmark signs of fake revenue" and market manipulation in both its investments and stock, as well as evidence it "brazenly skirts sanctions". The allegations in the Hindenburg report are without merit, Freedom had said then. (Reporting by Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in Bengaluru and Mariya Gordeyeva in Almaty; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) WASHINGTON Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who was ousted as House speaker this week, shot down reports that he was considering an early departure from Congress and said Friday that he won't be stepping down. "I am not resigning. I got a lot more work to do," McCarthy told reporters on Capitol Hill. "We're going to keep the majority. I'm going to help the people I got here, and we're going to expand it further," he said, referring to the 2024 elections. His comments came shortly after two people familiar with the situation told NBC News said McCarthy was considering resigning. One of the McCarthy allies said he was exploring his options but has not made a definitive decision. "No decision made," the other source said. Politico first reported that McCarthy was considering leaving Congress before his term ends in early January 2025. McCarthy was removed as House speaker on Tuesday in a 216-210 vote, with Democrats joining eight conservatives frustrated with his leadership in voting to oust him. Hours after the vote, McCarthy announced during a press conference that he would not run again for the top post in the House. Asked whether he planned to remain a member of Congress, McCarthy said, Ill look at that. Before McCarthy denied reports of a possible resignation, a person who has not spoken to McCarthy directly but was in touch with people in his inner circle, said, His thinking has vacillated a bit. I think hes considered multiple options. And what it means for his future. He said it in his remarks he wants to help keep most of the members in their seats. How he does that and from what vantage point is the decision, the person said. It is not unprecedented for a former speaker to leave Congress before their term is over. Then-Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, left Congress after abruptly announcing his decision in September 2015 to step down. McCarthy, 58, has served in House GOP leadership since 2009 and has served in Congress since 2007. He represents California's 20th congressional district, which covers the state's Central Valley. He took over as speaker in January after a chaotic effort initially within the GOP conference to elect him and he lasted nine months in the job. McCarthy has served as the top Republican leader since 2019 after the resignation of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. Before coming to Washington, he was a member of the California State Assembly. House Republicans are slated to hold a closed-door candidate forum Tuesday for the next speaker. On Wednesday, they're expected to hold an internal election before an official vote on the House floor with Democrats and Republicans. As of Friday afternoon, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, had launched official bids for speaker. Jordan has so far received more public support than Scalise and Jordan received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump on Thursday. Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is also considering jumping into the race. Perou/Gallery Stock (Perou / Gallery Stock) No one walks down the aisle thinking their happily ever after will be cut short with a lengthy court case and stressful custody battle. "I do" is supposed to be forever, but thats not always the case. Indeed, high-profile (and seemingly contentious) celebrity divorces have many wondering if the era of "conscious uncoupling" has ended. But what does that mean for kids? What exactly is a high-conflict divorce? While the divorce rate has declined since 2000, it's still true that about half of first marriages are ultimately dissolved, and the likelihood of a second or third marriage ending in divorce is significantly higher. Divorce affects more than 1 million children each year. According to a 2016 study, approximately 10% to 20% of divorces can be categorized as "high conflict," in which both parties engage in a long, ongoing battle both in and out of the courtroom. One or both parties may try to intimidate the other, resort to threats, report baseless claims, act in unnecessarily oppositional ways and/or use the children to punish the other parent. This typically results in years of court proceedings and hefty legal fees. The character traits of the parents in these divorces can vary, says Glenda Lux, a psychologist who specializes in co-parenting. As such, what is considered to be a high-conflict divorce can be hard to define clearly. Lux is also careful to avoid lumping domestic or post-separation abuse "which manifests in all sorts of ways well beyond physical abuse (emotional, financial, legal, psychological, coercive control, etc.)," she notes with other intense disputes that would qualify as high conflict. How does a high-conflict divorce affect kids? Children are inherently resilient; many can and do adjust well to divorce, especially when its amicable and coupled with successful co-parenting. That isnt usually the case in high-conflict divorces, according to clinical psychologist Christina Iglesia. Research shows that high-conflict divorces have an adverse effect on childrens mental health, academic performance, interpersonal relationships and self-esteem," Iglesia, who specializes in working with children and their families, tells Yahoo Life. She explains that this can show up in a variety of ways, from thumb sucking to tantrums to acting-out behaviors such as drug use. Some children may experience new physical ailments like headaches and stomach pains. While it's expected that children will have an adjustment period, Iglesia adds, it becomes a greater concern if or when a child begins to show drastic mood or behavioral changes that dont dissipate within a six-month period. How can parents support their kids amid a high-conflict divorce? Lux says that in order to help children, parents need to look at their own behaviors first. Are children being used to relay messages between the parents? Is Mom speaking negatively about Dad within earshot of the children (or vice versa)? Rather than exposing children to adult problems, parents need to let them be kids, she says. (It's worth noting that 46 states mandate some form of parent education after a split to encourage conflict resolution and co-parenting.) Most importantly, parents can simply listen to their kids. Offer a judgment-free zone, where kids feel safe to share their feelings, ask questions and receive love and reassurance. And while it's tempting for parents to share their side of the story with the kids perhaps to protect themselves or remove guilt or blame that hurts kids only further. As Iglesia notes, The more conflict the child sees, the bigger the negative impact becomes, so it is essential that parents present a united front and support each other in front of the children. Finally, if a child of divorce is consistently exhibiting symptoms of stress or just wanting additional support, therapy with a skilled counselor can provide help through the process. Parents should also consider therapy, either as a family or solo, if their efforts to minimize the conflict are unsuccessful. The takeaway Divorce especially when things get messy can take a toll on kids, but, as Lux notes, if conflict is short-lived and contained to the initial turmoil and transitions, and functional, relatively cooperative co-parenting that puts the kids first comes emerges, kids can bounce back. "We know in the long term, kids do better when parents divorce or separate than stay in a relationship that is marked by constant conflict and disagreement," Melissa Santos, division chief of pediatric psychology at Connecticut Childrens, told Yahoo Life in January. "But the road to those long-term benefits can be bumpy." The important thing is that parents are invested in prioritizing their children over their personal squabbles. "Use this separation to motivate you to be the best parent that you can be," John Mayer, a clinical psychologist and author of Family Fit: Find Your Balance in Life, previously shared with Yahoo Life. "After all, you separated to make your lives better now do that for your children." AMIZMIZ, Morocco (AP) Four weeks after an earthquake knocked down much of his neighborhood, Rachid Alachoun now eagerly awaits client calls from the garage where he works on damaged appliances. The 40-year-old plumber has sporadically found jobs throughout Amizmiz, a town of 14,000 people near the earthquake's epicenter, but there isn't as much work as before. That could soon change, however, as the community prepares to rebuild. Architects and government adminstrators have surveyed damaged households, writing down the phone numbers of those entitled to emergency rehousing assistance in the near future and rebuilding funds for the longer term. Moroccan authorities said Friday that they had begun providing money to those whose homes were destroyed. In Amizmiz, residents who provide authorities phone numbers are awaiting text messages with codes they can take to mobile banking units erected near the town's center. After a commission tasked by King Mohammed VI to oversee recovery efforts met earlier this week, the government said initial monthly payments of 2,500 Moroccan dirhams ($242) would be disbursed starting Oct. 6. While the rest of his family relocated to a nearby tent city for displaced people, Alachoun is living in one part of his mostly destroyed former home. His family has received a tent and doesn't lack for food, clothing or other immediate needs, but they worry as winter looms. We don't have two or three years to wait for the government to build, he said. The Sept. 8 earthquake wreaked havoc on rural regions south of Marrakech, where some mountain roads remain unpaved and the economy relies on herding and small-scale agriculture. As autumn nights get cooler, many are sleeping outside in donated tents with the daunting task of rebuilding before them. The payments are among several forms of relief that Morocco plans to provide people displaced by the earthquake. It will provide temporary rehousing assistance and up to 140,000 dirhams ($13,600) to rebuild destroyed homes. It also plans to rebuild about 1,000 schools and 42 health centers. Alachoun and others in Amizmiz's Sourejdid neighborhood wonder whether the government plans to provide a universal blueprint for rebuilding or will disburse funds and let residents build how they choose. He is confident that rebuilt homes will need plumbing either way, but worries about the speed of efforts. The Royal Cabinet said Sept. 14 that the payments would go to 50,000 households in the affected region. Roughly 4.2 million people live in Marrakech and the five provinces hardest hit by the quake. Morocco has also pledged to upgrade and widen roads and offer additional assistance to farmers and herders and subsidize barley and animal feed in hard-hit areas. The earthquake damaged landmarks throughout the region, which is dominated by Morocco's Amazigh-speaking minority. Morocco created a special disaster relief fund three days after the earthquake. It is open to state funds and donations from within and outside Morocco, including from governments and aid groups. Additionally, the International Monetary Fund, which is scheduled to convene for its annual meetings next week in Marrakech, approved a $1.3 billion loan to help Morocco bolster its resilience to natural disasters. ___ Yassine Oulhiq in Amizmiz, Morocco, contributed to this report. By Subrata Nag Choudhury and Aftab Ahmed KOLKATA/NEW DELHI (Reuters) -At least 42 people were killed after a glacial lake burst its banks and triggered flash floods in the Indian Himalayas this week, government officials said on Friday as rescuers kept searching for almost 150 missing. The Lhonak Lake in the mountainous northeastern state of Sikkim overflowed on Wednesday after a cloudburst triggered torrential rains and an apparent avalanche, causing major flooding in the Teesta river. It was one of the worst disasters in the region in more than 50 years and the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have caused widespread damage in South Asia's Himalayas, blamed by scientists on climate change. Authorities in Sikkim said the disaster, which came ahead of a popular festive and tourism season in the scenic state, had impacted the lives of 22,000 people. "We got calls from people that river levels could rise at 3 a.m. and we ran for our lives," said Javed Ahmed Ansari, 44, a resident of Teesta valley, who owns a river rafting business. "We ran towards the hill in the jungle ... We saw houses getting swept away. I can now only see the first floor of our house which is filled with sand, everything is submerged." Scientists and government authorities were working on an early warning system for glacial floods at Lhonak Lake which could have given people more time to evacuate if fully operational, officials involved in the project told Reuters. Sikkim's chief secretary Vijay Bhushan Pathak, the most senior bureaucrat, said rescuers had found 20 bodies in the state and 22 in the neighbouring downstream state of West Bengal. The 22 included six Indian military personnel who had been washed away from Sikkim. Pictures of the remaining 16 would be circulated in Sikkim to establish if they belonged to the state or to West Bengal, Pathak told Reuters by phone. The number of missing had risen to 142, including 15 army personnel, as people stepped up searches as the weather improved on Friday, he said. Military helicopters made four attempts to evacuate tourists stranded in the higher reaches of the state but did not succeed due to bad weather, Pathak said, adding that they would try again on Saturday. Bandana Chettri, a top official in the state tourism department, said all tourists, including more than 50 foreigners, were safe. FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES WASHED AWAY Earlier on Friday, Tseten Bhutia, a state official, said rescue and relief teams were struggling as areas in north Sikkim had been totally cut off. About 2,400 people have been evacuated so far and 7,600 people were in relief camps, Bhutia said. Private and government institutions have been closed in the area until Oct. 15. Fifteen bridges had been washed away in the state, hampering rescue operations. All bridges downstream of an NHPC hydropower station Teesta-V have either been submerged or washed away, the Indian government said. Photos and videos on social media showed roads and pathways covered with silt and stones, vehicles stuck and small, muddy streams flowing by hillsides. Military equipment, including firearms and explosives, was washed away in the Teesta river, a defence ministry spokesperson said in a social media post. In a neighbouring district in West Bengal state, people picked up a mortar shell which later exploded, killing one child and injuring six people, local lawmaker Pradeep Kumar Barma told ANI news agency. The weather department said Sikkim received 101 mm (four inches) of rain in the first five days of October, more than double normal levels, unleashing floods worse than one in October 1968 in which an estimated 1,000 people died. Heavy rain is forecast in parts of the region on Friday but the intensity of showers is likely to ease, the India Meteorological Department said. Sikkim, a small Buddhist state of about 650,000 people which is wedged in the mountains between Nepal, Bhutan and China, has been cut off from Siliguri in West Bengal as the main highway, which links it to the rest of the country, had collapsed. (Additional reporting by Jatindra Dash in Bhubaneswar; Writing by Shivam Patel and YP Rajesh; Editing by Michael Perry and Andrew Heavens) BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany will send around 150 soldiers to Kosovo in April next year, a spokesperson for the defence ministry said in Berlin on Friday, confirming a report by news magazine Spiegel. The planned Bundeswehr deployment comes after a deadly gun battle between Kosovo forces and armed Serbs last month fuelled fears of an escalation in the ethnic Serbian-majority region 15 years after Pristina declared independence. The office of Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed this week to plans by the military to deploy a reinforced Bundeswehr company of around 150 soldiers to Pristina to support the NATO mission Kfor, Spiegel reported citing unnamed sources. It will relieve an Austrian company based there, according to the report, which said Vienna had asked Berlin to step in some time ago. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Miranda Murray, Writing by Matthias Williams, Editing by Rachel More) By Ananda Teresia JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia is dousing forest fires with water sprayed from helicopters and inducing rain through cloudseeding, its environment minister said on Friday, but denied that hazardous haze was crossing borders, as neighbouring Malaysia has said. Traditional slash-and-burn methods are used almost every year to clear land in Indonesia for palm oil and pulp and paper plantations that public records show are owned both by domestic and foreign or overseas-listed companies. No haze has been detected heading for Malaysia, however, Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya said, a day after it urged Indonesia and fellow Southeast Asian nations to take action against worsening air quality. Forest fires are on the decline on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, she added. "We are already working to prevent and extinguish fires, but not based on Malaysia's request," the minister told Reuters. "I do not know what basis Malaysia used for those statements." Indonesia is using helicopters to quench the fires with water bombing while inducing rain with cloud seeding methods, Siti Nurbaya said. The comments came after her Malaysian counterpart, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said he had asked Indonesia in a letter to tackle the haze, saying it should not be the norm. The neighbouring city state of Singapore has warned that the "risk of transboundary haze occurrences remains". Indonesia's dry season this year is the most severe since 2019, because of the hot and dry El Nino weather pattern, making it harder to control the fires, authorities have said. Forests sprawling over more than 267,900 hectares (662,000 acres) have burned this year, exceeding last year's total of 204,894 hectares (506,000 acres), environment ministry data shows. In 2015 and 2019, such fires burned millions of hectares of land in Indonesia and sent haze billowing across several Southeast Asian countries, generating record-breaking emissions, scientists have said. Lax enforcement means the fires often spiral out of control to produce haze that poses public health risks and disrupts businesses. Southeast Asian agriculture and forestry officials agreed on Friday to take action to minimise, and eventually stamp out, crop burning. Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recognised the "adverse environmental and health impacts" of the practice and vowed to collectively reduce and phase it out, they said in a statement after a meeting in the Malaysian capital. Indonesia's foreign ministry said it had received Malaysia's letter offering co-operation in efforts to fight the fires. (Additional reporting by Rozanna Latiff, Danial Azhar in Kuala Lumpur; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor and Clarence Fernandez) PUEBLA, Mexico (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams brought a mix of messages to central Mexico's Puebla state Thursday, trying carefully to walk the line for a city known for welcoming migrants from around the world, but currently struggling with an influx of asylum seekers. Inside Puebla's ornate state congress building, decked floor-to-ceiling in cream-yellow Portuguese tiles broken only by Greco-Roman columns, Adams focused on the ties binding his city and a Mexican state that has sent some 800,000 of its people to New York over the years. But later, talking to reporters, Adams again returned to the refrain that he has carried on his Latin America trip: New York is at capacity. We are neighbors. We are familia. Mi casa es su casa. Your struggles are my struggles, Adams said inside the legislative chamber shortly after state Gov. Sergio Salomon Cespedes dubbed him "Mayor of Puebla York. Migrants "are our future and we cannot lose one of them, Adams said. Speaking to reporters immediately afterwards, however, the mayor was more direct. There is no more room in New York. Our hearts are endless, but our resources are not," he said. "We dont want to put people in congregate shelters. We dont want people to think they will be employed. Adams said around 800,000 immigrants from the state of Puebla live in New York City, which has had to absorb over 120,000 more asylum seekers in the last year. Late Tuesday, New York City asked a court for the ability to suspend its unique, so-called right to shelter agreement that requires it to provide emergency housing to anyone who asks for it. The filing is the latest in a monthslong attempt to suspend the law that has long made New York a sanctuary city. The Adams administration argues the agreement was never designed for a humanitarian crisis like the city faces today. Adams said the current crisis has been partly caused by what he called Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's "inhumane" decision last April to send migrants on chartered buses from his state to New York City. These are human beings that have traveled in very dangerous terrains. And what hes doing is exploiting this for political reasons, said Adams. In his address to Pueblas state congress earlier, the mayor emphasized the role of New York Citys migrant community during the pandemic. During COVID-19 it was your children that kept our stores open, the first responders, transportation professionals, healthcare professionals, he said. We survived COVID because your children were in our city. After the speeches by Puebla's governor and the city mayor, members of congress began chanting Adams hermano, ya eres poblano, a welcome that translates to Brother Adams, you are already a Pueblan. Later, speaking to New York media, Adams said these are extremely challenging times. Its going to be extremely painful for New Yorkers and migrants and asylum seekers, he said. They deserve a more dignified environment than what we are able to give because of the magnitude of this problem, and the costs associated with it, and of the navigation of this crisis. The mayor began a four-day tour of Latin America on Wednesday evening with a visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe, in Mexico City, a place of worship for many would-be migrants immediately before they begin their journey north. Over the next two days Adams plans to travel to Quito, Ecuador, and Bogota, Colombia, before visiting the jungle-clad Darien Gap, a particularly dangerous section of the route many migrants take north at the border of Panama and Colombia. ___ Associated Press writer Michael Hill in New York City contributed to this report. Follow APs global migration coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Thursday that it was not an external attack that crashed the plane carrying Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin in August, but hand grenades within the aircraft. Speaking at the Valdai Forum in Sochi, Putin said the chairman of the investigative committee just reported a few days ago that the fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of the victims. There was no external influence on the plane, it is an established fact. Prigozhin, who led a failed uprising against the Kremlin, was among the 10 people on board the private plane which crashed in a field northwest of Moscow in August while en route to St. Petersburg. All on board, including Prigozhin and his top aides, were killed. The Russian leader, whose government has denied involvement in the crash, did not detail how grenades might have exploded on the plane, but said that he thought investigators should have performed drug or alcohol tests on the bodies of the victims. A wreckage of the private jet is seen near the crash site in the Tver region, Russia, August 24, 2023. - Stringer/Reuters I repeat, in my opinion such an examination should have been carried out but it wasnt, he said, also saying that 10 billion in cash and 5 kilos of cocaine had previously been found by Russian security forces in Wagners office in St Petersburg. Putin said the chairman of the investigation committee said it was ok to share this information publicly as it was an established fact. The crash came two months to the day after Prigozhins attempted mutiny against Russias military leadership, which posed the biggest challenge to Putins rule in decades. In June, Prigozhin and his Wagner troops seized key military sites and marched toward Moscow, where the Kremlin had deployed heavily armed troops to the streets. But before they could face off, a deal was struck that ended the rebellion and sent Prigozhin and his fighters to neighboring Belarus. Following the deadly crash, Russian officials said they were considering various scenarios surrounding the incident, including the possibility of a deliberate atrocity, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in late August. US and western intelligence officials, however, told CNN at the time that they believed the crash was deliberate. US President Joe Biden even suggested that Putin may have been involved. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, he said in late August. Peskov has denied claims that the Kremlin might have been involved in the planes demise, calling such speculation an absolute lie. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia on Friday indicated it was moving swiftly towards revoking ratification for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty after President Vladimir Putin held out the possibility of resuming nuclear testing. A resumption in nuclear tests by Russia, the United States or both would be profoundly destabilising at a time when tensions between the two countries are greater than at any time since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin on Thursday said Russia's nuclear doctrine did not need updating but that he was not yet ready to say whether or not Russia needed to resume nuclear tests. The Kremlin chief said that Russia should look at revoking ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) as the United States had signed it but not ratified. Just hours after Putin's words, Russia's top lawmaker, Vyacheslav Volodin, said the legislature's bosses would swiftly consider the need to revoke Russia's ratification for the treaty. "The situation in the world has changed," parliament peaker Volodin said. "Washington and Brussels have unleashed a war against our country." "At the next meeting of the State Duma Council, we will definitely discuss the issue of revoking the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty," Volodin said. Putin's words, followed by Volodin's, indicate that Russia is almost certain to revoke ratification of the treaty, which bans nuclear explosions by everyone, everywhere. Russia, which inherited the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons, has the world's biggest store of nuclear warheads. In the five decades between 1945 and the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, more than 2,000 nuclear tests were carried out, 1,032 of them by the United States and 715 of them by the Soviet Union, according to the United Nations. The Soviet Union last tested in 1990. The United States last tested in 1992. Since the CTBT, 10 nuclear tests have taken place. India conducted two in 1998, Pakistan also two in 1998, and North Korea conducted tests in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016 (twice) and 2017, according to the United Nations. Putin said on Thursday that Russia had successfully tested a nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missile - the Burevestnik - whose capabilities he has called unmatched. The Burevestnik, whose name translates as "storm petrel", is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile that is not only capable of carrying a nuclear warhead but is also nuclear-powered. Putin first revealed the project in March 2018. A 2020 report by the United States Air Force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center said that if Russia successfully brought the Burevestnik into service, it would give Moscow a "unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability". (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Sonali Paul and Stephen Coates) By Vitalii Hnidyi KHARKIV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Russia unleashed new air strikes on Ukraine early on Friday, killing a 10-year-old boy in the northeastern city of Kharkiv and damaging grain and port infrastructure in the Odesa region in the south, Ukrainian officials said. The boy was killed when Russia hit Ukraine's second biggest city with two Iskander ballistic missiles, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said. Twenty-three others were wounded, including an 11-month-old baby, he said. The boy's father, Oleh Bychko, told Reuters he had managed to pull his younger son and wife out of the rubble after the strike. Bychko, his face scratched and his clothes covered in blood, stood shocked and lost for words after the death of his 10-year-old son, Tymofiy. The missile attack destroyed much of a residential building, where rescue workers worked among the rubble of bricks, twisted metal and wood. The attacks followed a Russian missile strike on Thursday in which Ukrainian officials said dozens of people were killed in a village in northeastern Ukraine during a gathering to mourn a fallen Ukrainian soldier. The attack on Hroza was one of the deadliest single strikes on civilians since Russia's invasion in February 2022. In the latest strikes overnight, Ukrainian air defences shot down 25 of 33 drones launched by Russia from the annexed Crimea peninsular, the air force said in a statement. GRAIN SILO DAMAGED The drone strikes targeted Odesa and Mykolaiv regions in the south, Dnipropetrovsk region in the southeast, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions in the centre and also Kharkiv region in the northeast, the air force said on the Telegram messaging app. One drone attack damaged a grain silo in the Izmail district of the Odesa region, regional governor Oleh Kiper said. Nine trucks caught fire at the site but the fire was put out quickly. "The air alert in Odesa lasted for three-and-a-half hours," Kiper said. "The enemy once again targeted the border and port infrastructure of the Izmail district." The Ukrainian military said that operations at an international ferry checkpoint 'Orlivka' on the border with Romania were suspended and vehicles were rerouted following the drone attacks. Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's southern regions, home to Ukrainian Black Sea and river ports, since Moscow quit a grain deal in July that had ensured safe Ukrainian shipments via the Black Sea to help ease a global food crisis. Ukraine is a major global grain producer and exporter, and says the attacks are intended to prevent it shipping its grain to the world. Kyiv has mounted a counteroffensive in the south and east to try to oust the Russian forces, but has made only gradual progress in the past four months. (Writing by Olena Harmash; Editing by Timothy Heritage) STOCKHOLM (AP) Two people were killed and two wounded when a gunman opened fire in a crowded bar northwest of Stockholm, police said Friday, in the latest outburst of deadly violence in Sweden. Police said that a 20-year-old man and another in his 70s died Friday of injuries sustained in the shooting late Thursday at a pub in Sandviken some 162 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Stockholm. Two people were injured a woman in her 20s and a man in his 50s. Senior investigator Karin Wessen said that the deceased 20-year-old was likely the shooter's target while the other three are believed to be bystanders. The Expressen daily reported that the elderly victim was blind. She said several shots were fired in the pub, which was packed at the time, before the gunman walked away. Police investigating the shooting appealed for witnesses. The motive remained unclear. Wessen told a press conference that the shooting could possibly be part of a local personal conflict and that it was uncertain whether it was connected to any of the national conflicts. Feuding criminal gangs have become a growing problem in Sweden, with an increasing number of drive-by shootings, bombings and grenade attacks. So far this year, there have been 261 shootings, 36 people have died and 73 were wounded. Its bad enough that the gangs shoot each other to death, but when completely innocent people end up in the line of fire, its absolutely horrific, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Kristersson said, according to Swedish news agency TT. Earlier this month, a 13-year-old boy was found shot in the head in woods, near his home near Stockholm. Prosecutor Lisa dos Santos said Thursday that his death was a chilling example of gross and completely reckless gang violence. The violence reportedly is fueled by a feud over drugs and arms between two gangs, led by a dual Turkish-Swedish man who lives in Turkey and his former lieutenant. Swedens center-right government has been tightening laws to tackle gang-related crime, while the head of Swedens police said earlier this month that warring gangs had brought an unprecedented wave of violence to the Scandinavian country. Rishi Sunak has joined forced with Italys far-right prime minister Giorgia Meloni to demand EU leaders show the same sense of urgency in trying to crack down illegal migration. The pair are believed to be angry at Spains prime minister Pedro Sanchez for refusing to put illegal immigrantion on the agenda for the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Granada on Thursday. Despite the European leaders agreeing an eight-point plan on the issue at the sidelines of the summit, Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni said the EU had to understand that now is the time for action. In a joint letter to The Times, the pair warned that failing to stop illegal migration into European even threatened the UK and Italys historic role as places of asylum and sanctuary. They wrote: How can we take care of those who really need our help, when our resources are so overstretched? Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni added: Only by stopping the flow of illegal migrants can we restore the trust of the British and Italian people, not just in our domestic borders, but in European and international co-operation. Ms Meloni, the 45-year-old first female prime minister who leads the Brothers of Italy party, was once a youth activist in the post-fascist Italian Social Movement. It comes after Mr Sunak ducked questions on the rhetoric of his home secretary Suella Braverman on immigration who warned a hurricane of migrants were on the way. He appeared to say he was absolutely happy with her language on BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Meanwhile, Mr Sunak said Britain was making progress in its bid to secure a deal with the EUs border agency, Frontext, to get access to the blocs intelligence on migration. Rishi Sunak has ducked questions on Suella Bravermans language (PA Wire) The PM talks are ongoing after it was reported officials in London and Brussels have concluded the substance of an agreement allowing agencies to monitor the entirety of the EUs external borders rather than just shared frontiers, according to the Daily Telegraph. Mr Sunak also announced bilateral initiatives with Belgium, Bulgaria and Serbia to increase intelligence-sharing and operational co-operation. Under the plan, the UK would work with Belgium to try to disrupt organised immigration crime and clandestine entry to Britain and seek to co-operate further with Serbia on prosecuting and disrupting criminal networks. Downing Street said an eight-point plan on illegal migration was agreed by those taking part at meeting on the sidelines of the EPC. It includes a commitment to tackle migrant smuggling along the routes and at external borders, supporting partner countries to strengthen border protection as well as search and rescue capacities, and strengthening cooperation on visa policy. Speaking at the EPC summit, Mr Sunak told broadcasters: Tackling illegal migration is a shared European challenge, numbers are up everywhere and I believe, as do other European leaders, that it should be us who decide who comes to our countries and not criminal gangs. Asked if there will be an agreement on Frontex, Mr Sunak replied: Weve been working with the European Union, making progress on those talks. Those talks are ongoing. Home Office figures show more than 25,000 people have been detected crossing the English Channel in small boats so far this year. The total number of small boat arrivals so far this year is about 23 per cent below the equivalent number at this point last year. Elsewhere, support for Ukraine was discussed at the summit with Mr Sunak confirming allocations of UK humanitarian aid to help the war-torn country over the winter. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said a Russian rocket has hit a village cafe and store in eastern Ukraine and killed at least 51 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks in months. Mr Sunak said the pair discussed the horrific attack and noted the UKs support for Ukraine has been steadfast and will continue. WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump waded into the contested race for House speaker Friday, throwing his support behind one of his top allies on Capitol Hill, Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. As President, I had the honor of presenting Jim with our Countrys highest civilian award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom. So much is learned from sports, and Jim was a master! Trump said of the Ohio Republican, former NCAA wrestling champ and coach, in a post on Truth Social early Friday. He is STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment Trump added. He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement! McCarthy Ouster Means More Turmoil As Next Shutdown Fight Looms (Sarah Silbiger / Bloomberg via Getty Images) The endorsement appears to take Trump himself out of the running for the speakership after several GOP allies, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Troy Nehls of Texas, endorsed the former president for the job following Rep. Kevin McCarthy's ouster from the position. On Thursday, multiple GOP sources confirmed that Trump was considering a visit to the U.S. Capitol early next week. In the words of one GOP lawmaker familiar with the plans, the visit would be a bid to unify the party after McCarthy's stunning removal and amid a fractious brawl between Jordan and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., to seize the speaker's gavel. Elected to Congress in 2006, Jordan began his career in Washington as a conservative bomb thrower. Like Scalise, he led the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives on the Hill. But, frustrated that the group was too big and slow, Jordan, along with then-Reps. Mark Meadows, Mick Mulvaney and Ron DeSantis, founded the smaller, ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus in 2015. Freedom Caucus members named Jordan their first chairman, and later that year the group was credited for forcing then-Speaker John Boehner, an Ohioan like Jordan, into an early retirement. A terrorist. A legislative terrorist," Boehner said of Jordan during a no-holds-barred interview with Politico in 2017. Because of that reputation, some moderate members of the GOP conference could balk at a Jordan speakership. And because of the GOPs razor-thin majority, it would take just five centrist Republicans to block Jordan in a formal speaker vote on the House floor, if all Democrats unite behind Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. But in recent years, Jordan underwent a stark political transformation. He aligned himself with McCarthy, stopped the public attacks on the GOP leadership team, and was brought into leaderships inner circle. In fact, it was McCarthy who pushed for Jordan to get the top GOP slot on the Oversight Committee and later the powerful Judiciary Committee, where he is one of the three leaders of the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. No one has been more of a team player in the last three years than Jim Jordan, said a GOP source who has worked with both Trump and Jordan. Trump is dominating the GOP presidential primary, and his endorsement of Jordan is a big blow to Scalise, the No. 2 Republican leader, who had been positioning himself as the heir apparent to McCarthy but also has been battling blood cancer. During an interview on Fox News Friday morning, Scalise said he did speak to Trump before he made his endorsement and appeared to downplay it. Theres a lot of interest in this race, you know, but at the end of the day, its a lot of one-on-one conversations with my colleagues and a lot of introspection about how we get things back on track, Scalise said on Fox & Friends. The problems that we have internally they dont go away with a new speaker. Fox News announced that anchor Brett Baier will moderate a televised speaker candidates forum at 6 p.m. Monday featuring Jordan, Scalise and Rep Kevin Hern, R-Okla., the current Republican Study Committee chairman who has been taking steps toward a formal bid. But hours after announcing the forum, it was canceled when all three men said they would not participate. Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed said that Scalise and Jordan spoke and agreed it would not be a good idea. A third source familiar told NBC News, Theres just a lot of members pissed that this could play out so publicly when they want to solve this behind closed doors. Scalise and Jordan have virtual meetings Friday with freshmen Republicans and the Congressional Western Caucus on Friday, lawmakers and aides said. Scalise is also meeting with the business-oriented Main Street Caucus and Jordan with the Freedom Caucus on Friday. The House GOP conference will have a meeting Monday evening as members wrestle with who to elect as speaker. On Tuesday, House Republicans will host their own private forum to hear pitches directly from the candidates. Then on Wednesday, Republicans will hold their closed-door, secret-ballot election for speaker. Once someone wins a simple majority of the 221 GOP lawmakers, that person will become the partys nominee. But that GOP nominee still must receive 217 votes a simple majority of the full House of Representatives to be elected speaker on the House floor. That higher threshold vexed McCarthy in January, when it took him 15 rounds and a lot of political capital to win the coveted gavel. Asked whether Wednesday was a realistic time frame for choosing a speaker, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who is serving temporarily in the role, told reporters he would "have an announcement from conference on a schedule today." When questioned on whether he himself was interested in running for the position, McHenry just shook his head and sighed. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Former U.S. President Donald Trump filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss his $500 million lawsuit against his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, a court filing showed on Thursday. Trump had sued Cohen in April seeking at least $500 million in damages from his onetime loyal "fixer" after Cohen testified before a Manhattan grand jury that indicted Trump. "Plaintiff, President Donald J. Trump, by and through undersigned counsel, hereby gives notice that .... he is voluntarily dismissing this action without prejudice," Trump's legal team said in a court filing made in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Cohen had asked the court in May to throw out the lawsuit against him, calling it an "abusive act of pure retaliation and witness intimidation." Trump sued Cohen on April 12, eight days after pleading not guilty to 34 criminal charges from the Manhattan district attorney's office over a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election that Trump won. That marked the first of Trump's four indictments. His other three indictments are related to his attempts to overturn Democratic President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory and his handling of classified documents after he left the White House. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all the cases. Trump is the frontrunner in the race for the Republican presidential nomination for the 2024 elections. Cohen served part of a three-year prison term after pleading guilty in 2018 to campaign finance violations and tax evasion. His 2020 book "Disloyal: A Memoir" was a New York Times' best-seller. Trump's lawsuit accused Cohen of violating rules governing lawyers' conduct by revealing his "confidences" and "spreading falsehoods" in books, podcasts and media appearances. It also said that Cohen had damaged Trump's reputation. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Sandra Maler and Michael Perry) By Daren Butler, Tuvan Gumrukcu and kilo ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish security forces attacked Kurdish militants in northern Syria and eastern Turkey, and Ankara said it will continue to destroy their capabilities across the region as conflict escalated on Friday nearly a week after a bomb attack in Ankara. After U.S. forces shot down a Turkish drone in northern Syria on Thursday, Turkey confirmed the incident but assigned no blame, indicating it may want to contain any tensions with its NATO ally. The military "neutralised" 26 Kurdish militants in northern Syria overnight in retaliation for a rocket attack on a Turkish base, the defence ministry said. Turkey typically uses the term "neutralise" to mean kill. The rocket attack on the base, by the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, killed one Turkish police officer and wounded seven officers and soldiers in northwest Syria's Dabiq area on Thursday evening, Ankara said. Turkey also conducted air strikes and destroyed 30 militant targets elsewhere in northern Syria on Thursday night, including an oil well, a storage facility and shelters, the defence ministry said. On Friday, the ministry said Turkey's military had conducted another round of air strikes in northern Syria and destroyed 15 other militant targets where it said militants were believed to be. It did not say where in northern Syria the strikes, carried out at 1900 GMT, had hit. "As has been done in Iraq, all the capabilities and revenue sources developed by the terrorist organisation in Syria will continue to be destroyed in a systematic way," the foreign ministry said in a statement. In Turkey, two Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants were "neutralised" in eastern Agri province in a clash with commandos during an operation with combat drone and attack helicopter support, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in a statement. He said counter-terror police detained 75 people suspected of links to the PKK in an operation across 11 provinces. The PKK previously claimed responsibility for Sunday's bombing in Ankara that left the two attackers dead and wounded two police officers. Turkey said the attackers came from Syria but the Syrian SDF forces denied this. TURKISH-U.S. TENSIONS Turkey lists the YPG as a terrorist organisation and says it is indistinguishable from the PKK, which has fought an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 in which more than 40,000 people have been killed. The United States and European Union deem the PKK as terrorists, but not the YPG. The YPG is also at the heart of the SDF forces in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants. U.S. support for them has long caused tension with Turkey. The SDF said Turkish attacks had killed eight people since the Ankara bombing. Underscoring the tension, the Pentagon said the United States had on Thursday shot down an armed Turkish drone that was operating near its troops in Syria, the first time Washington has brought down an aircraft of NATO ally Turkey. A Pentagon spokesman said Turkish drones were seen carrying out air strikes in Hasakah, northeast Syria, and one drone that came within less than half a kilometre (0.3 miles) from U.S. troops, was deemed a threat and shot down by F-16 aircraft. The Turkish foreign ministry statement said one of Turkey's drones was lost during operations against Kurdish militants in northeast Syria due to "different technical evaluations" with third parties on the ground. Without citing a specific country, it said it was working with the relevant parties on the ground to improve the functioning of non-conflict mechanisms on the ground. Later on Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the downing of the drone, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source said. "During the call, Minister Fidan conveyed to his counterpart Blinken in strong terms that, as an ally, the United States must stop working together with the YPG terrorist organisation in the north of Syria," the source said. Fidan also told Blinken that Turkey's military operations in Syria would continue, the source said. The two ministers agreed to work on non-conflict mechanisms between the allies in Syria and Iraq in a way "that will not pose an obstacle to our counter-terrorism battle" after the drone was downed, the source added. A State Department spokesperson said Blinken highlighted the need for Washington and Ankara to "coordinate and deconflict" their activities on the call. Ankara, which has said all PKK and YPG targets in Syria and Iraq ARE now "legitimate targets" for its forces, said on Thursday a ground operation into Syria was one option it could consider. Turkey has mounted several previous incursions into northern Syria against the YPG. (Reporting by Daren Butler, Tuvan Gumrukcu, and Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Jonathan Spicer, Nick Macfie, Andrew Heavens and Sandra Maler) A loggerhead sea turtle found in a critical condition on the Isle of Iona in Scotland in January 2022 has been released back into the wild in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Azores islands, Portugal. The turtle, named Iona, was taken in by local aquarium Sea Life Loch Lomond, before moving to Sea Life Scarborough and then to Horta, in the Azores, this September. Iona was weighed, measured and tagged by local researchers before being released off the coast of Horta on Monday 2 October. A new report details a surprising trend in where a growing number of retirees are choosing to spend their golden years Getty Floridian cities like Boca Raton and Tampa; or southwest destinations such as Phoenix, Ariz. are perpetually popular spots for retirees. But a new study shows that older Americans are expanding their horizons when it comes to where they'll spend their golden years. Austin, Texas is currently the no. 1 city on the rise for retiring baby boomers, according to a report by Moodys Analytics. In fact, its population of adults ages 65 and older doubled between 2010 and 2020 Why Austin? The citys affordable cost of living, combined with the influx of young people moving to Texas capital city, have brought in an older crowd too, boosting populations altogether. Sean Pavone/iStockphoto/Getty Images Related: Dad Who Declined Offer to Sit with Wife and Kids on Plane Gets Roasted on TikTok Behind Austin, nine other cities are gaining popularity amongst retirement-age populations for similar reasons including: Boise, Idaho, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; Houston, Texas; Charleston, S.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Dallas, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Washington, D.C. Each citys overall population and senior populations in particular have expanded 50 percent more quickly than the national average. It was interesting to me how geographically dispersed the list was, Moodys Analytics associate economist, Nick Luettke, told MarketWatch. The growth was spread to different parts of the country, outside of the traditional retirement locations. Some more traditional hotspots, like Florida, are still attracting plenty of retirees, but have not seen the recent explosive growth of these cities. Getty Related: Tourist Wins More Than $600K at Las Vegas Airport Slot Machine Retirees are relocating beyond U.S. borders more often, too. PEOPLE reported that a new study from the organization Moving to Spain showed that Portugal was the number one European country to retire in, followed by Spain and Italy. Alexandr Spatari/ Getty Those who don't end up retiring in any of these U.S. cities or European countries, though, can opt to retire on the water, like Jess and Marty Ansen. PEOPLE recently reported that instead of moving to a retirement community, the Australian couple decided to book 51 back-to-back cruise vacations that would have them on board for about two years. They told PEOPLE in an exclusive statement that they felt this was the most cost-effective way to spend their time. The cruise lifestyle is very efficient," the Ansens said in a statement via Princess Cruises. "You dont have to worry about paying for rent or a mortgage, getting groceries or doing your laundry. "Were not young people," they added. "Cruising is much cheaper than going to a nursing home and means we can continue to travel the world. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Whats the ideal bottle of wine when everyone orders different things to eat? Recommending a bottle of wine to go with a rare rib eye, say, or sauteed scallops, or wild mushroom risotto is all very well and good, but what about when all three of those dishes arrive at the table at the same time? In truth, its rare to find a table in a restaurant where every single person orders the same entree (or appetizer, or dessert, or really anything). So recommending a wine for the table is, for many sommeliers, somewhat of a philosophical exercise. Reality is more like chaos. And even if youre at home having a dinner party, while you might serve a single main course, youll probably have a couple of side dishes on the table and a salad to begin with and are you really going to open separate bottles to go with each stage of the meal? Bravo if so, but maybe you should open a restaurant? Truth be told, most of us just pour the same wine through the whole dinner (or just a white and a red because thats the basic dividing line for personal wine preferences). So what do you choose? Whats a wine that can both please all palates and pair with all dishes? I asked several sommeliers around the country for their go-to, no-matter-what, goes-with-everything-and-everybody bottles. Morgan Hunt Glaze / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless Lindsey Fern For pairing with anything at all? Off the top of my head, for a red, Id say a Frappato from Sicily. Im a big fan of Arianna Occhipintis wines, in particular her 2021 Occhipinti Il Frappato ($43). It exudes crunchy red fruit notes without being incredibly tannic, and those characteristics appeal to Pinot Noir drinkers (or maybe everyone). Its both refined and rustic. Plus, Im always happy to share my love for a wine made by a woman winemaker who farms organically. If you cant find hers, the 2022 COS Frappato ($33), from a similarly organic winery co-owned by her uncle, is also excellent. For a white, I love a Willamette Valley Chardonnay, and Walter Scott is one of my favorite producers. Their wines, like the 2021 Walter Scott Cuvee Anne Chardonnay ($50), are not oaky and buttery, so Chardonnay haters wont be put off by them. They have a mineral quality and a brightness that works beautifully to cleanse the palate after a bite of something rich or they can highlight citrus notes or the sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Morgan Hunt Glaze / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless Chris Struck If you can take a guest by the hand and lead them through their incredulousness at hearing rose as a solution to this problem, then do it! Rose is a great answer. More people are open to the idea of drinking darker-hued, more savory roses than ever before, and theyre also willing to do so outside of the Memorial DaytoLabor Day window of so-called rose season. Lebanons 2022 Domaine des Tourelles Rose ($16) has a mineral core and pretty, tart raspberry notes, and if youre looking for a spring-loaded hatch down into the beautiful rabbit hole to the wonderland of Lebanese wine, this is it. The 2022 Umathum Rosa Rose ($24) from Burgenland, Austria, is also a great choice. Id add that Ilili is proud to showcase many female and other minority-represented producers, and the 2022 Martha Stoumen Post Flirtation Rose ($30) is a killer option. It shows up to the party like a watermelon Jolly Rancher without the sugar; impossible not to like. Related: 15 Rules for Great Food and Wine Pairing Wanda Cole-Nicholson For me, the answer for a red is cru Beaujolais from the village of Fleurie, like the 2020 Georges Duboeuf Flower Label Fleurie ($28). Fleuries wines are lighter than those of Morgon or Moulin-a-Vent, and they have enough minerality and complexity to appeal to red-wine drinkers. Yet theyre also approachable to all palates particularly people who are just getting into red wine. For whites, well, if I cant have Riesling because every somm in the world will probably choose dry Riesling! then my next choice is a Smaragd Gruner Veltliner, from Austria, like the 2021 Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner Smaragd ($33). In Austria, Smaragd designates wines from the ripest grapes (a minimum of 12.5% potential alcohol); they have the roundness and richness to appeal to Chardonnay drinkers yet enough bright acidity for Old World wine lovers. The 2021 Rudi Pichler Gruner Veltliner Smaragd ($31) is particularly bright and vibrant; its another great choice. Morgan Hunt Glaze / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless Beki Miller The nonvintage Champagne Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut ($105) is a delicious wine for pairing with anything. Its made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, giving it freshness and a round texture. Theres citrus, stone fruit, and even some tropical pineapple notes, plus lots of minerality that allows it to play nicely with everything from oysters and shellfish to roast chicken. And Pinot Noir from Sonoma County is equally versatile. The wines from the Sonoma Coast AVA, particularly, retain a lot of natural acidity, which makes them incredibly food-friendly. The 2021 Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($65) is a favorite at Wit & Wisdom. One of Sonomas most respected grape growers, the Sangiacomos have over 50 years of experience growing grapes here (and even longer farming fruit trees). If you can find their wine, go for it, but they also sell grapes to other producers; other wineries making Sangiacomo vineyard Pinots include those from Schug, Sojourn, and Bruliam. With a large group, its also entirely OK to forget about the perfect pairing and just drink what you like or take the opportunity to be adventurous and try something new. Jason Hoy Our main aim at Kabinett [co-owned by Food & Wine deputy editor Melanie Hansche] is to keep as many people at the table as happy as possible, but I avoid low-hanging fruit like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. My go-to white at the moment is the 2021 Dr. Burklin-Wolf Estate Riesling Trocken ($21) from Germanys Pfalz region. Its the perfect answer to that cliched question, Isnt all Riesling sweet? Once its in the glass, it quiets the naysayers with a combination of lacy pure fruit and rippling power underneath. Still waters run deep, and everyone is always intrigued. For a red, if Blaufrankisch checked any more boxes, youd have to yell Bingo! Its flavors range from juicy cherries to earthy dark fruits; plus, its got friendly tannins and is way more forgiving than many Pinot Noiresque varieties. I cant resist the Moric Blaufrankisch Hausmarke Rot ($27). A skilled blend of up to five vintages that has earthy richness to pacify Napa Cab devotees but such a lively cherry, vibrant start to appeal to Pinot drinkers. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. A painting valued at $15,000 just two years ago is now expected to fetch up to $18 million at auction after being identified as the work of the Dutch master Rembrandt. The Adoration of the Kings has been virtually unseen since the 1950s, when it first came to light. It was acquired by collector J.C.H. Heldring in Amsterdam in 1955. His widow sold it to a German family in 1985, where it remained until it was sold by Christies in Amsterdam two years ago. At the time of the sale, Christies attributed the biblical scene to the Circle of Rembrandt, suggesting it had been carried out by a student or an artist close to the famous painter, and estimated its value at between 10,000 and 15,000 ($10,600-$15,800). Extensive tests revealed changes that Rembrandt had made to the painting. - Sotheby's The monochromatic painting, which measures 9.6 x 7.3 inches (24.5 x 18.5 centimeters), was purchased by an anonymous buyer for 860,000 ($908,000) at the Christies sale. Although that was more than 50 times the paintings estimated value at the time, it is now expected to fetch millions more, after emerging as a work of great significance by the Dutch painter, according to a press release from Sothebys. After the anonymous buyer consigned it to Sothebys, the auction house embarked on an 18-month research project to arrive at the paintings true attribution and value. The examination, which involved x-rays and infrared imaging, as well as intensive discussions with leading Rembrandt scholars, led Sothebys to conclude the painting is an autograph work by Rembrandt. It now values the work at between 10 million and 15 million ($12.2 million-$18.3 million). The auction house believes it was painted early in Rembrandts career, around 1628, when he would have been about 22 and living in the Dutch city of Leiden. A rare find The vast majority of Rembrandts works hang in museums around the world, and almost all of those that have come to auction over the past three decades have been portraits or studies of single character heads, according to the Sothebys release. As such, The Adoration of the Kings, which depicts the encounter between the Three Wise Men and the baby Jesus, is a fantastic opportunity in the art world, George Gordon, co-chairman of Old Master Paintings Worldwide at Sothebys, told CNN. In a phone call with CNN, he said: I would say that its particularly significant because it adds to our understanding of Rembrandt at this crucial date in his development and career, when he was clearly very ambitious and developing very quickly as an artist. The earliest reference to the painting appears to be from the 1714 inventory of a collector in Amsterdam, Constantijn Ranst. It was then offered for sale in 1814 and again in 1822 after which it disappeared from view until the mid-20th century. It was included in museum exhibitions and referenced as a Rembrandt work by leading Rembrandt scholars in the 1950s, but in 1960 German art historian Kurt Bauch, who only knew the painting from a black and white photograph, described it as a product of the Rembrandt School and omitted it from from the catalogue raisonne he was compiling. Thereafter, the painting was entirely overlooked and completely ignored in the Rembrandt literature, according to Sothebys. Gordon told CNN that those bidding at the Christies auction in 2021 must have thought it was much better than the description and that it might well be a Rembrandt. Sothebys close examination revealed a number of changes and revisions that Rembrandt made, including to the baby Jesus halo and the Virgin Marys headdress, according to the auction house. Very few narrative paintings by Rembrandt remain in private hands, making this an opportunity for a private collector or an institution that is as rare as it is exciting, Gordon said in the news release. This sophisticated painting is in equal measure a product of Rembrandts brush and his intellect. All the hallmarks of his style in the late 1620s are evident both in the visible painted surface and in the underlying layers revealed by science, showing multiple changes in the course of its creation, and casting fresh light on how he thought, he added. The painting is currently on show at Sothebys in Hong Kong, after which it will travel on to New York, Los Angeles and London, where it will be auctioned on December 6. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An associate helping with self-checkout at a Walmart store in Doral, Florida. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Retailers hoped to save big on labor costs by introducing self-checkout lanes. Recent moves from the biggest retailers suggest it's proving harder than expected. It seems many stores still need real people to help customers with their purchases. Self-checkout may not be the money-saving " revolution " some retailers were hoping for. More than 30 years after the introduction of self-checkout and its promises of labor-cost savings, the tech has become ubiquitous in stores across the US. Now, retailers including Costco, Walmart, and Kroger are rethinking some of their self-checkout strategies. Some are finding they still need employees to combat theft, assist with purchases, review IDs, and check receipts. Costco, for example, has started asking staff to check membership cards in the self-checkout lanes, as well as assist with scanning items. Shoppers using membership cards that don't belong to them is a more serious issue for Costco than shoplifting. Dominick Reuter/Insider The company said the move would help crack down on shoppers improperly sharing memberships at self-checkout registers. Costco relies on membership fees for most of its profit. Walmart said last week it was pulling self-checkout from at least three stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and replacing the lanes with traditional staffed registers. The company didn't elaborate on reasons for the change and said it had no plans for "widespread" removal of self-checkout. Walmart started rolling out a hybrid approach to self-checkout in 2020. The redesigned checkout zones replaced traditional lanes with a staffed corral of kiosks where shoppers could opt to scan and pay on their own or have a worker do it for them. Walmart's redesigned checkout zones do away with traditional lanes in favor of staffed kiosks. Walmart A press release touted the redesign's human touch. "In this new layout, you get greeted from the entranceway and helped all the way through the whole process," a store manager said in a release. "We will go to any register, and we will help you in any fashion you want, whether it's checking out one item or all the items. Any questions you have, we're right there for you." Kroger, meanwhile, is going all in on self-checkout in at least one store where it's no longer offering traditional registers. But Kroger told Retail Dive the change didn't result in labor cuts, and it still had front-end staff to assist with scanning and bagging groceries. This isn't exactly the labor-minimizing tech retailers were promised. Kroger and Costco didn't respond to a request from Insider for additional details on their self-checkout strategies. A Walmart spokesperson said the company continues to review and adjust its procedures as needed. Retailers invest in tech to monitor self-checkout theft Industry estimates suggest inventory losses can rise by 31% to 60% or more depending on the number of self-checkout stations used in a store. Matt Kelley, a loss-prevention expert who worked in asset protection at Home Depot, told Insider last year that self-checkout forced retailers to make a trade-off between labor-cost savings and the increased expense of theft. "Inherently, that means there's going to be less eyes on a transaction," Kelley, who's now with LiveView Technologies, added at the time. "And there's going to be more of an opportunity for the dishonest people to be dishonest." Walmart and Kroger use sophisticated video-monitoring and sensor tech to track merchandise through stores and self-checkout lanes. But some shoppers told Insider they still saw unpaid items pass without raising alarm. Missed or skipped scans are not always intentional people and machines make mistakes. In any case, the solution appears to be the same: assigning employees to monitor and assist customers. Christopher Andrews, a Drew University sociologist who wrote "The Overworked Consumer," told CNN last year that, far from being the autonomous money collectors retailers were hoping for, self-checkout stations required supervision, maintenance, and IT support. Self-checkout "delivers none of what it promises," he told the outlet. To be sure, many retailers are still investing in the technology. But some appear to be reconsidering how they use it and whether to bring more humans into the process so it runs smoothly. Read the original article on Business Insider What does rizz mean? It started off as teen slang, and now it's in the dictionary. Merriam Webster added 690 new words to the dictionary this year, and rizz was one of them. Rizz is short for "charisma," and it simply means an ability to charm and woo a person. It's pronounced, well, rizz, just like it's spelled. The term found its way into teen slang through TikTok and other social media. Rizz isn't being hot though that can be part of it. And it isn't being cool although, again, that's a factor. Rizz, to borrow from slang of generations past, is game. Signs of a healthy language include words being created, words being borrowed from other languages, and new meanings being given to existing words, Merriam-Webster explains on its website. Based on our most recent research, we are pleased to inform you that English is very (very!) healthy. What does rizz mean? Here are examples Spider-Man actor Tom Holland put the term in the mainstream spotlight when he claimed, in a Buzzfeed interview, to be sorely lacking in rizz. I have no rizz whatsoever, I have limited rizz, he said although his legions of fans may disagree. Holland pointed out that he is happily in a relationship, so has no need for rizz at the moment. "It's short for charisma. And it's used to describe somebody who is seductive," says Titania Jordan, Chief Parenting Office of Bark, an online monitoring company that aims to keep kids safe online and in real life, and which carefully tracks teen slang as part of its mission. Jordan Catalano had rizz (Gen X, iykyk). From the "Star Wars" universe, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian (Calrizzian?) have it. And, I would argue, both the Mandalorian and the actor who portrays him, Pedro Pascal, belong in that category, but here's where we get into personal opinion: Rizz is in the eye of the beholder. Westley from "The Princess Bride"; Paxton from "Never Have I Ever"; Meg from "Hercules": all potential rizz gods. Types of rizz Donkey from Shrek has mad rizz, according to my 13-year-old son. After all, Donkey did sweet talk a literal dragon into falling in love with him. W rizz, says my teen expert: This is the best kind of rizz, and the opposite of L rizz, which would in fact be negative rizz, or actively repelling people. If your rizz is "mid," that's also not good. Comedian Trey Kennedy perfectly nails rizz (and the general experience of living with a middle schooler) in his video. If you missed the rizz train, don't fret: The term is relatively new. "We saw it rise in popularity about seven months ago," Jordan says. What does having rizz, or no rizz, mean? The opposite of rizz, Jordan notes, is "cringe." Cringe is also what happens when parents try to use their teens' slang. If you're going to attempt it, though, note the usage: A person has (or doesn't have) rizz, but one is (or is not) cringe. Rizz is not, as my 13-year-old tried to tell me, what kids say when someone studies hard and is really good at school. Oh, so when your friends say youve got rizz, it means youre working hard at school? Nice try, kid. Have a little rizz-spect for your mother. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Former US President Donald Trump Donald Trump has asked a federal court to dismiss charges against him of election interference, arguing his role entitled him to "absolute immunity". Mr Trump's lawyers say his attempts to cast doubt on the 2020 results fell within his duties as president. His public statements were attempts at "ensuring the integrity of federal elections", they added. The indictment, brought by Jack Smith, alleges he made illegal attempts to stay in office. It is one of a number of filings in recent days from his legal team. On Friday, Mr Trump's attorneys filed a lawsuit seeking to pause his New York civil fraud trial that began this week. His legal team argued a previous ruling from Judge Arthur Engoron - which found Mr Trump liable for business fraud - would cause "significant, irreparable harm" to his business. But the court rejected the delay request, clearing the way for the civil trial to resume on Tuesday. Mr Trump has also asked that this trial for improperly handling sensitive files be held after the 2024 presidential election. And on Thursday, his lawyers also dropped a lawsuit against his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, who he was suing for at least $500m (410m) in damages. Mr Trump's campaign said that his legal suits and 2024 presidential campaign were using up too much of his time for him to pursue the claim. The former president made a range of allegations about fraud in the 2020 presidential election, which he lost, but no evidence has emerged of any widespread fraud that would have altered the result. In a new filing on Thursday, his lawyers argue that Mr Trump's public statements about the 2020 contest "lie firmly within the 'outer perimeter' of the President's official responsibility". Mr Trump is also accused of holding on to classified documents after leaving office "Therefore, they cannot form the basis of criminal charges against President Trump." In the criminal complaint against the former president, special prosecutor Jack Smith acknowledged that Mr Trump "had a right, like every American, to speak publicly about the election and even to claim, falsely, that there had been outcome-determinative fraud during the election and that he had won". However, he said that Mr Trump went further than allowed and "also pursued unlawful means of discounting legitimate votes and subverting the election results". The former president has repeatedly said the cases against him are politically motivated. Mr Trump's attorneys have also requested the dismissal of 34 felony charges of falsifying business records. The request was publicly released on Thursday, after his lawyers filed the motion last week. The case, in New York, stems from his payment of $130,000 (105,000) to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who says she was paid to stay quiet after having sex with him. Prosecutors say Mr Trump illegally altered records in order to claim that the payment was for legal fees. In the legal filing, his lawyers call the case a "five-year meandering, halting, and roving investigation that entailed inexplicable and unconstitutional delay" and argue that the charges are a novel interpretation of the law and "politically driven". Venezuelan authorities on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader and former interim president Juan Guaido, who dismissed the move as politically motivated. During a press conference in the capital Caracas, Attorney General Tarek William Saab alleged that Guaido had used the state-owned oil company PDVSAs resources to finance himself and pay his legal expenses. Juan Guaido used PDVSA resources to finance himself, pay his legal expenses, and forced PDVSA to accept his financing terms. These decisions caused losses to the nation of $19 billion, resulting in the almost definitive loss of Citgo, Saab said, adding that Venezuela will request a red notice from Interpol. For this reason, we have opened a new investigation against former deputy Juan Guaido, and we have requested an arrest warrant against him, he said. Guaido served as the interim president of Venezuelas transitional government from 2019 until late 2022 when he was ousted from his leadership role after struggling to make significant gains against the authoritarian regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. This spring, Guaido traveled to Miami, where he has remained. Speaking to CNN on Friday, he said, Of course, I want to be back in Venezuela, but at least here I am alive and free, which is not the same for many Venezuelans who are behind bars or have been murdered by the dictatorship. The allegations Saab said the arrest warrant against Guaido will be for the alleged crimes of treason; usurpation of functions; profit or extraction of money, securities and public goods; money laundering; and association. He also said that least 28 investigations are ongoing in the country against Guaido for a raft of alleged crimes including usurpation of functions, money laundering, terrorism, arms trafficking, and treason. Those who at some point believed in this guy and went out to march; they see that they found it to be a vulgar criminal of the worst caliber, robbing and kidnapping, Saab said. Guaidos spokesperson declined to comment on the allegations, but during a live transmission on his Instagram account, Guaido described them as false and challenged President Maduro to submit to justice himself. This message goes to you, Maduro, tomorrow lets meet at any prosecutors office in the US or, if you prefer, another jurisdiction, The Hague. We can then go directly to the jurisdiction that also points (to) you directly, Guaido said. In June, the International Criminal Court ruled that prosecutors should resume investigating alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela by security forces under President Maduro. The question is, why now? Why did the dictatorship not do it before? he said of the arrest warrant. So no, Maduro, I did not allow you to kidnap me, I will not allow you to take away my voice, and I will continue to denounce you in all places where possible, as a criminal. An upcoming vote Venezuela is due to hold a presidential vote in 2024, though critics have cast doubt on whether elections can be free and fair in the countrys repressive political climate. Guaido called on his followers to vote in the upcoming opposition primary election on October 22, saying, today the vote is kidnapped in Venezuela, but we have an opportunity to mobilize again to confront Nicolas Maduro. The US, which had long been a supporter of Guaido, has somewhat softened its stance toward Caracas as the region struggles with rising energy costs and hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants. On Thursday, senior officials in the Biden administration said the US will restart deporting Venezuelans directly to Venezuela in an attempt to curb the record influx of crossings at the US-Mexico border, marking a major shift in policy. Venezuelans who cross the US-Mexico border unlawfully and lack a legal basis to remain in the US will be eligible for removal, the senior administration officials said, adding that Venezuela had agreed to accept back its nationals. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the new policy a key piece of the administrations approach to migration. Advocacy groups however have slammed the shift as dangerous for deportees; the policy will likely lead to unsafe returns, Refugees International warned in a statement. In his interview with CNN on Friday, Guaido said he didnt believe that the deportation deal was connected to his arrest. However, he did say that it underlined Maduros interest in gaining international recognition as Venezuelas head of state. They are not going to stop the migration situation just by stopping migration or connect flights. We need to put a stop to the regime and recover rights in Venezuela, Guaido said. The only thing Maduro is looking for is recognition, and even with these deportation flights, hes going to spin them as de facto recognition for his regime. Thats what he gets from this, he continued. We never expected that Venezuelan migrants would reach the US directly, on foot, from Venezuela. Those are thousands of miles of desperation through the jungle. But we need to change the situation in Venezuela, bringing the country back to democracy, if we want to solve the migration crisis. Reporting contributed by CNNs Stefano Pozzebon in Bogota and Karol Suarez in Mexico City. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Mr Ramaswamy pictured on the phone while viewing the damage to one of his campaign vehicles - Owen Barbato/Scarlet & Black Vivek Ramaswamy claimed his car was intentionally crashed into after he was taken to task by a group of protesters during a campaign stop in Iowa. The 2024 presidential hopeful was filmed engaging with protesters, who objected to his proposals for the US education system, his stance on trans rights and the war in Ukraine. Mr Ramaswamy later tweeted that two of the protesters got into their car and rammed it into ours. However, police said the car had been struck accidentally by a woman visiting the area who was not connected to the protest. Mr Ramaswamy and members of his team shared video footage of a woman beeping her horn and sticking the middle finger up at the presidential hopeful before reversing away. He claims this is the same vehicle that rammed his parked SUV. The video does not show a collision taking place. A picture of the damage to Mr Ramaswamy's rental car - Twitter Photographs published by MailOnline show the rear of Mr Ramaswamys rental car damaged by an apparent collision. In a video believed to have been taken on the same afternoon as the incident, Mr Ramaswamy, 38, can be seen debating with a group of young people about the war in Ukraine. While engaging with the crowd, he said: Nato will not admit Ukraine to Nato and should not admit Ukraine. He added: I think the path we are on right now, it is not going to be good for Ukraine, it is not going to be good for America, [and] it is taking us closer to major conflict with Russia that is going to be bad for everybody involved. He was met by another group of protesters with placards who disagreed with his education proposals. A protester rammed their blue Honda Civic into the rental car, claims Mr Ramaswamy - Twitter Mr Ramaswamy has suggested that the federal Department for Education be shut down and that education policy be run by individual states. One protester said her mother worked in the education system and deserves to be paid and respected. Mr Ramaswamy replied: I think every person deserves to be respected. The beauty of this country is that you all have the right to express your opinions and youre doing it peacefully. Even though I disagree with you, Im proud of you for expressing your views. Another protester asked the Republican hopeful: What is it like to be the punching bag of the RNC [Republican National Convention]? He replied that he thought both main political parties were corrupt. Following the campaign stop, Mr Ramaswamy tweeted: Had a civil exchange with protesters today, right before two of them then got into their car and rammed it into ours. These two should be held accountable, but the rest of the peaceful protesters shouldnt be tarred by the behaviour of two bad actors. Rammed by accident However, a spokesman from Grinnell Police, the local force, said the car was rammed by accident by a woman visiting a nearby restaurant who was not connected to the protest. It was reported on social media that two protesters intentionally rammed into Ramaswamys vehicle and fled the scene, the police department said. Our investigation has revealed no evidence to substantiate that information. The police said the woman did not know who the vehicle she collided with belonged to, and did not flee the scene. Despite the police statement, the Ramaswamy campaign stands by its version of events. The latest polls show Mr Ramaswamy is fourth in the Republican primary race, with the support of around four per cent of Republican voters. He trails Donald Trump, the frontrunner, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. 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. 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, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will deliver a speech at the European Parliament during the plenary session on October 18, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola has said. Ive invited the Armenian Prime Minsiter to deliver a speech at the plenary session. He will do so on October 18 in Strasbourg, Metsola told reporters. On October 5, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Azerbaijans aggression in Nagorno-Karabakh. Forgotten by most, poor Gandhiji is off the radar, especially for the young and restless. The 154th Gandhi Jayanti is over. Long live Gandhiji That is, if the Mahatma still matters. The Father of the Nation has been downgraded from a global icon to a notion. Soon very, very soon he will be forgotten. Phased out systematically. Like much else that doesnt sit well with those who want to appropriate all that India stands for -- including Mohandas Karamchand Gandhis invaluable legacy of non-violence. This year, a good 75 years after he was assassinated, we marked his 154th birth anniversary in a token manner that can only be called callous. Nobody cared. Everyone cribbed about the public holiday that inconvenienced citizens. A bank holiday on a Monday, clubbed with an unscheduled holiday on Friday, for an Id that nobody was familiar with, and what did we achieve -- several wasted work hours, with schools, colleges, offices, shops and banks shut. Throw in the mandatory dry days, and there was little to say Cheers to -- just a faded memory of our beloved Bapu. Forgotten by most, poor Gandhiji is off the radar, especially for the young and restless, who only see him as a frail, bald and toothless man, clad in a dhoti, walking with the support of a stick. His face on currency notes will soon be replaced -- one shudders to think whose face will be printed next. But the sad truth remains that the Mahatma has lost his brand positioning. He needs a drastic image makeover, if youngsters are expected to instantly recognise the individual who propagated ahimsa to the world, and continues to inspire millions. Except us, his own people. The ones who live in a free country thanks largely to this one, solitary figure who restored our faith in ourselves. And paid for that with his life. One wonders -- could it be jealousy that is making some netas recoil at the mention of his name? Is Gandhijis unassailable position in the country so threatening? Are netas really this insecure, that theyd prefer to demolish a towering figure, in order that their pygmy selves appear taller? Greater? While school textbooks can be rejigged and rewritten, there is something more powerful that real nationhood is built on -- memories. We are still too close to the mythology surrounding the Mahatma to dismantle the structure overnight. Yes, statues can be pulled down, currency notes reprinted, stamps discontinued, museums rearranged but the charkha will continue to spin on. And the collective imagination surrounding the humble charkha cannot be dismissed or devalued. The charkha today has acquired a cult status worldwide. It does more than spin khadi for emporiums. It represents so many varied qualities -- humility and pride, being just two. Similarly, the word satyagraha generates instant feelings of standing up against tyrants. Infinite possibilities surface when it comes to protest. Resistance is empowering, but passive resistance as a political strategy to counter bullies has a sweet appeal of its own. Not every citizen can be an angry activist ready to fight street battles. But every citizen can observe his or her version of satyagraha when denied justice. In Gandhijis lucid words, In a gentle way, you can shake the world. Since we are a few crucial months away from the Battle Royale (the 2024 general election), one wonders why the wishy-washy loosely strung Opposition which grandly calls itself INDIA has not appropriated Gandhiji as the face of its campaign. The BJP already has its own mahatma -- theres no room for the OG (original). The country is not big enough to accommodate two mahatmas. One has got to go. We know which one is at the exit door. If those disunited, disorganised others were to rally around the OG and create their campaign around his principles, it just might work! Well at the moment nothing they are saying or doing is making any sense. Why not go all the way back to the beginning and borrow from Gandhiji? Thats the thing about icons -- they refuse to vanish. Their strength comes from their core beliefs, their teachings, their examples, their sacrifices. Those are hard to camouflage. Indias experiments with truth will find many takers, if packaged correctly. Gandhiji himself was a master tactician, an ace strategist. He walked the walk and talk. Literally. As political protests go, the Dandi March has few equivalents in the world. And what did it involve? Certainly not big money or insurmountable logistics. The same story can be duplicated with ease today, but with a relevant context. Forget salt. Think water. Gandhijis greatest triumph was his ability to unite people. Inclusivity, that much bandied around word these days, was very much a part of his lexicon and philosophy. Hindu-Muslim unity, in particular, was a deeply cherished ideal, which eventually cost him his life. Perhaps, his willingness to admit mistakes and discuss his own failings, was seen as an avoidable trait by his enemies, but to the rest, this is what humanised the Mahatma. He had his fault lines, confusions and anxieties just like you and me. He was flawed and troubled. Unsure and vulnerable. It takes courage to publicly acknowledge ones weaknesses. The Mahatma did not hesitate to do so. Can you think of even one prominent neta today who will admit that he/she has ever been wrong? Personally speaking, I am not an uncritical, diehard Gandhiji fan girl. I have argued and got into scraps with those who blindly believed in the Mahatmas greatness. My love-hate feelings towards Gandhiji remain the same, and yet, there is no question in my mind that our country is a mirror image of the man who gave us the most precious gift of all -- our freedom. To deny him his rightful place in the history of India/Bharat will only reveal the pettiness of those who lack vision and cannot rise beyond their own egos. Amazing India, Assertive India. Awesome India. Affluent India. Aggressive India. Flourishing India -- all true. Accurate. But would there have been India at all had it not been for the one man who resolutely stood by his dream of a free, secular, democratic nation where every single citizen would enjoy the same rights and freedoms, no matter what the price? Gandhiji would have been proud of his countrys achievements today. Indias golden period is beckoning. His dream is our dream. Gandhiji cannot be wished away -- we need him now more than ever. by Alastair Crooke The 1973 war in which Egyptian and Syrian forces were co-ordinated for the aim of launching a surprise attack on Israel and in which the latter was tricked by an Egyptian senior source during the ultimate run-up to war ended in what is deemed by some as an Israeli victory. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (Illustrated by Hady Dbouq/ Al Mayadeen English) But at great cost to the United States. Though the war did not entirely scuttle detente, it nevertheless brought the US closer to a nuclear confrontation with the Soviet Union than at any point since the Cuban missile crisis. The war was launched essentially to force Israel to return the territories it had captured in the earlier 1967 Arab-Israeli war, including Sinai and the Golan, in accordance with UN Resolution 242. Israel rejected those terms and the conflicts residue, in one form or another, lasts until today. Egypt ultimately made peace with Israel, but Syria and Lebanon have not, and Syria remains as the 50-year-old wars front line and is so today. As we stand back today, we observe certain shifts and other seeming constancies that are present: Iran albeit in a very different mode has stepped into the shoes once worn by Egypt, Russia is back on the scene, and Syria has been subject to a 12-year cruel war, with its economy razed to a desert, in order to break its refusal to concede the Syrian Golan Heights that are still occupied by Israel. The most notable strategic shifts are two-fold: the weakening of the US, both in and of itself and as a regional power, and the advent of China as a mediator, economic powerhouse and guarantor standing behind regional agreements. Chinas reconciliation of Saudi Arabia with Iran changed the strategic landscape, and many things have followed in corollary: Peace talks in Yemen have made progress and President al-Assad was celebrated in the Arab League after a long absence. Chinas Syrian initiative clearly raises the possibility of it possessing a strategic equivalence to that of the Iran-Saudi Accord. President al-Assad and his family were accorded a royal welcome in China. It is a first step reviving economic life again, and the Blaze Reception that peremptorily ended Syrian isolation. But much, much more, is hinted at: Reconstruction, the Road and Belt initiative, and the eventual restoration of full sovereignty over existing Syrian territory in alliance with Moscow and Tehran. The long-standing Israeli military strategist, Ehud Yaari, despairs that apart from the Syrian people themselves, Israel comes out of the 12 years of civil war in Syria as the biggest loser. The survival of the Assad regime, closely allied with Iran, amounts to nothing short of an Israeli strategic failure. Reluctance to play politics in a neighboring Arab state was a lesson learned from Israels 1982 invasion of Lebanon, which aimed at installing a friendly Christian as president, Bashir Gemayel. This had ended in fiasco [and] the Lebanon Syndrome has ever since led Israeli leaders across the political spectrum to avoid temptations to try to shape the lay of the land on the other side of their borders. The US however, was more interested in preventing a clear-cut victory by Assad, his Russian patrons and Iranian partners via a policy aimed at freezing a situation in which Assad controls less than 70% of Syrias territory. The bottom line is clear: As long as Assad remains in power, Irans military build-up will gradually expand, acquiring over time more potential. Hopes that the West or the Arab states would offer Assad attractive incentives to break away from Irans embrace are wishful thinking. The close alliance between the two dates back to the 1970s and by now Iran has become a permanent feature of post-war Syria. So, here we arrive at the second qualitative change (following that of the advent of China) since the October War of 1973 it is no more conventional war. The latter has shifted toward Qassem Soleimanis vision of war by attrition: No need to build conventional air dominance; rather General Soleimani advocated deploying swarm drones and smart cruise missiles in an encirclement of Israel. It was a system that he believed would provide better deterrence than conventional means, whilst allowing slow attrition to proceed. This has left Israel with a near-impossible dilemma: Risk a multi-front war, or content itself with pin-prick air attacks into Syria, under the watchful eye of Moscow carefully calibrating the length of leash which it allows to Israel. What of the prospects? Israel presently is preoccupied with an existential internal struggle over the future of the so-called Land of Israel, the nature of what it means to be Jewish, and the fate of West Bank Palestinians. Western states are backing away from this internecine war; inserting fingers into this complex metaphysical struggle has little appeal. At the same time, the air is exiting from Washingtons great white balloon of the so-called Abraham Accords. What is the significance of this alliance when China is busy healing the regions schisms? Anti-Iran alliances have been reduced to mere wishful thinking. Inside the beltway however, normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel continues to be seen as a Rapture event that would transfigure the region. Would it really? The Gulf States already have a cobweb of commercial and security links to Israel. Would anything much change? Probably not (No one believes in the US putting warlike boots on the ground in the Kingdom). What would not be changed however, is the situation of al-Aqsa and the Palestinians. Should the so-called Temple Mount Movement radicals in the Netanyahu government light the fuse leading to the Israeli takeover of al-Aqsa, then all of Washingtons normalization will count for zilch. Whilst Christianity may have become supine, Islam has not (entirely) become so. Alistair Crooke, is a former British diplomat and is the founder and director of the Beirut-based Conflicts Forum, an organisation that advocates for engagement between political Islam and the West. by Alessandra Tamponi Other countries will also be able to take part in the Chang'e 8 mission that will lay the foundations for the Chinese lunar station in 2026. Meanwhile, Beijing's space station modules will be doubled from three to six. Moves that aim to build alliances to have more say on the hot topic of international regulations on activities in space. Baku (AsiaNews/Agencies) - China has opened to the international community the possibility of taking part in its Chang'e 8 lunar mission. The news was announced by the Chinese Space Agency (Csna) during the International Astronautical Congress, hosted for the its 74th edition in the Azerbaijani capital. The Chang'e missions, which take their name from the Moon goddess of Chinese tradition, aim to explore our planet's natural satellite and began in 2007, with the entry into lunar orbit of the Chang'e 1 probe Chang'e 8 will follow Chang'e 7 in 2026. The two missions, which have the task of studying possible resources in the south pole of the Moon, will be fundamental for the future construction of the International Lunar Research Station (Ilrs), the lunar base sponsored by China, which Beijing has hypothesized for the early 1930s. As reported by Csna, the cooperation between China and its international partners for Chang'e 8 will give priority to three types of mission: exploration of the lunar surface through spacecraft, which also includes joint initiatives; missions for research, extraction and collection of samples using lunar robots; other advanced scientific cooperation projects with the production of scientific payload useful for the Chang'e 8 Mission and complementary to the Chinese payload. Interested countries have been invited to send their proposals by the end of the year, while a final selection will be made by September 2024. The opening to the participation of third countries in the Chang'e 8 mission constitutes an initiative of immense strategic importance for Beijing. The goal is to increase international recognition of its space program. China, excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) due to US fears linked to the military apparatus of the Communist Party, needs to create a context within which China can be recognized as a space power and can therefore participate in legislating for principles of space exploration and exploitation. The intention - announced yesterday by Beijing - to expand its space station from three to six modules in the coming years also goes in the same direction, thus offering astronauts from other nations an alternative platform to the International Space Station (which is approaching the end of its life cycle). Space-related activities are becoming increasingly heterogeneous and this makes international regulations on the subject an urgent matter, however hampered by a profound fragmentation of legal systems and priorities. Being protagonists in space legislation therefore means establishing the rules for its exploitation, an opportunity that Beijing cannot pass up. Beijing took its first step into space in 1964, at the height of the Cold War. Since then it has become one of the few countries to reach Mars and the only one to reach the dark side of the Moon thanks to the Chang'e 4 mission. Not only that, thanks to the Space Innovation Corridor initiative, which allows participating countries to access satellites or to obtain the possibility of carrying out space launches, space science also constitutes an extremely relevant aspect of the Belt and Road Initiative. Today, therefore, the space program constitutes a key element of Xi Jinping's policy who considers it an integral part of the Chinese dream () given its relevance for the security, development and prestige of the country. Photo: Wikipedia / China News Service by Vladimir Rozanskij Among the Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan is becoming the preferred route for Moscow's entrepreneurs to circumvent the sanctions imposed for the conflict in Ukraine. The customs union with Russia, the ease of banking transactions, and the availability of cheap labour are among the factors encouraging business relocation to Bishkek. Also looking at new trade routes to the East. Bishkek (AsiaNews) - Relokatsija, the "transfer" of one's business to Kyrgyzstan, is increasingly becoming the best opportunity for Russian entrepreneurs to exploit, as explained in an extensive report by the financial newspaper Kommersant. It has been so since the beginning of the sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, together with other countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia, and has now established itself as the main "commercial window" for those who want to develop activities that do not are linked to war, or just to circumventing the sanctions themselves. A first advantage is certainly that of tax relief, which Kyrgyzstan offers in many variations, favoring foreign investors even over local ones. In many sectors there are no taxes on corporate earnings, and those for individuals are also significantly reduced. Furthermore, the activity in these areas opens up new market directions, taking advantage of Bishkek's relationships with the most interested countries in Asia, the Middle East and other parts of the world. The Kyrgyz workforce is also offered at very low costs, especially compared to Russia, but also compared to neighboring countries. It is ideal for businesses that require large numbers of employees, and those that are looking for workers with certain characteristics, not too technologically refined, but with some factory or construction site experience. The procedures for registering your company in Kyrgyzstan are among the quickest and most simplified, and it only takes a few days to start your business at full speed, without bureaucratic obstacles and with very few limitations on the ownership and administration of your company. For Russians, the socio-cultural atmosphere in Kyrgyzstan is particularly favourable, being among the Central Asian countries the one with the least pretensions to "de-colonisation". There is certainly a tendency to reintroduce the dominance of the local language and culture, but without particular hatred towards the Russians, masters of the region for a long time. In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, larger and more developed countries, the issue is much more acute, and many more commercial and legal barriers apply to Russian entrepreneurs. In Kyrgyzstan - as the Russians call it, who in this case do not use the Asian "-stan" - it is convenient for the Russians to work also because it is part of the customs union with Russia, it makes the Swift system available for banking transactions, and the Russian language, being the second official language, can be used in all practices, which Kazakhstan is instead trying to prevent. Customs conditions for cars and most materials comply with the rules of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAES), controlled by Moscow. In practice this is the only country outside the borders where a Russian can easily be the founder and general director of a company, although it is always advisable to have a Kyrgyz citizen among the financiers and administrators, to ensure that you do not have problems with payments and other banking practices. Even better is if you obtain the second Kyrgyz nationality, compatible with the Russian one, and which is also issued without great difficulty. In this way it becomes simple to open branches and representations in other countries, as well as in the various locations within Kyrgyzstan, and it is possible to carry out an effective "customs cleaning" of one's productions, opening up many commercial routes also towards Europe. An additional advantage is the total freedom of the cryptocurrency market. Only in Kyrgyzstan can Russians use Visa and MasterCard credit cards, now inaccessible at home and also in other "friendly" countries, where at most they grant cards from local banks. In the Kyrgyz ones, however, you can also make payments without checks of up to 100 thousand dollars, and the opening of accounts is often an alternative to the registration of Russian companies itself, allowing you to continue business from Russia using these financial channels, such as many tourist agencies do. Russia is struggling to maintain its influence on former satellite countries, and Central Asia in general is increasingly turning towards Beijing, but Russian businessmen are preparing for secondary scenarios. These are not the first-tier economic oligarchs, who are still dependent on the policies of the Kremlin, but many entrepreneurs who want to stay away from conflicts and geo-political contradictions, going arm in arm with their Kyrgyz friends. Photo: Flcik / Christian Arnal by Sumon Corraya Violence against ethnic and religious minorities continues in Bangladesh. The latest incident saw Radhapada Roy, a well-known octogenarian Hindu poet, sent to the hospital. Members of Bangladeshs cultural community took to the streets to demand justice, uniting Christians, Hindus, and Muslims. Dhaka (AsiaNews) Yesterday, around a hundred people took to Shahbagh Generation Square in Dhaka to condemn a recent attack on a well-known Hindu poet. On 30 September, Radhapada Roy was assaulted by two Muslim men in Madhaikhal, the rural village where he lives in northern Bangladesh. This is the latest in a series of acts of violence against members of the countrys ethnic and religious minorities, mostly Christian and Hindu, that often go unpunished. Several attacks have been reported recently against people in the world of culture, especially poets who sing their works, like Roy. Radhapada Roy, 80, was fishing near his home when, suddenly, Rafiqul Islam and his brother Kadur Rahman cruelly hit him in the head, neck and back. The poet was seriously injured and is still recovering at the Nageshwari Health Complex. His son, Jugal Roy, told police that about six months ago there was an argument between his father and Rafiqul Islam, who lives in a nearby village. For an argument over money a few months ago, Rafiqul threatened my father with revenge. The other day he brutally beat him even though my father is very old. It's really awful," said Jugal who filed a complaint against the attackers. Some witnesses report that while Rofiqul was beating the old man with a bamboo stick, he said: "Nothing will happen if I beat a Hindu poet." The attack shook Bangladeshs artistic community, with many artists getting together to organise yesterday's rally to condemn violence against poet Radhapada Roy. Amit Ranjan Dey, a Hindu and secretary-general of the Udichi Central Parliament (UCP), strongly condemned the attack on the poet, who is also very popular. "Repeated attacks on minority groups, including Hindus, go unpunished for years. This gives the attackers the courage to beat even an elderly poet, said Ranjan Dey, who called for exemplary punishment for those involved. Badiur Rahman, a Muslim and president of the Udichi Central Parliament, said the entire country condemned the brutal attack on an elderly poet. Several Christian writers and poets also spoke out against the attack on Radhapada Roy, including Vincent Khokon Corraya, a writer, poet and president of the Bangladesh Christian Writers' Forum. "He writes poetry, composes songs and sings those poems and songs to the people of the village, Corraya told AsiaNews, shocked and saddened by the attack on Roy. Roy is a good person, and has suffered barbaric violence. This is not a good sign. I strongly protest this incident and demand exemplary punishment for the culprits," he added. For the government of the northeastern Indian state, Chin refugees are fellow ethnics. As Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga seeks another term in state elections later this year, the refugee issue is politically relevant. An estimated 30,000 Myanmar refugees are present in Mizoram, the largest concentration in India. In Manipur, the attitude is different, following the orders from the central government in Delhi. Milan (AsiaNews) Mizoram, a state in northeastern India, said last month that it would not collect biometric data from Myanmar refugees, ignoring instructions from the central government in Delhi. Last April, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the Mizoram and Manipur, both bordering Myanmar, to collect data from what it deems are "illegal migrants". Mizoram, however, which hosts the largest share of refugees fleeing the civil war that broke out after the coup of February 2021, considers the Chin ethnic group related to the Mizo, the states main ethnic group. In government records they are also called Kuki and are part of tribal groups known as Zo, a term used to refer to the people who inhabit the Lushai hills that overlap the border between India and Myanmar. India and Myanmar share an unfenced border of 1,643 km, which runs along Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km). The corresponding states in Myanmar are Kachin, the Sagaing region, and Chin. People on both sides of the border with Manipur and Mizoram share the same language, the same cuisine, the Christian religion and the same traditions, although with different nuances. In 1988, when Myanmars military cracked down on pro-democracy protesters, scores of ethnic Chins moved to Mizoram and remained. Between 1966 and 1986, many Mizos emigrated to Myanmar at a time of political unrest between the central government in Delhi and indigenous people, who backed the Mizo National Front (MNF), an armed militia that morphed into the states current ruling party. For this reason, the border has never been fenced and until the pandemic people could cross it into the other side for 16 kilometres for 14 days without a visa. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, head of the MNF, ignored past orders from the central government to close the border. The situation is more complicated in Manipur. Unrest broke out in the state in early May, resulting in interethnic violence, due to asymmetrical sharing of government resources between the minority Kuki tribal groups (close to the Christian Chin group who fled Myanmar) and predominantly Hindu majority Meitei. In Manipur, Myanmar refugees are accused of facilitating illegal drug and arms trafficking, although experts note the lack of data to support this claim. In July, Manipur began to collect biometric data (eyes and finger prints) with the assistance of the National Crime Records Bureau; but a few weeks ago, it asked for an extension to complete the operation due to ongoing strife, which the MHA granted for six months, until 31 March 2024. Mizoram's Minister of Information and Public Relations, Lalruatkima, estimates that the state, which has a population of just over a million, took in 30,000 refugees from Myanmar and another 30,000 from Bangladesh. No biometric data have been collected from migrants on "humanitarian grounds," he told the Indian Express, adding that once it has the data, the central government will "push them out". The people who have come from Myanmar are our relatives, Lalruatkima explained. When borders were drawn during the time of the British, some of our brothers and sisters got left on the other side. This is the condition of the Mizo. When the military coup happened, they came to take shelter here, he added. The minister admitted that the issue is also linked to the upcoming election to the State Assembly, at the end of the year. This is a political issue. We cannot make any move on this matter till the elections are done, he said. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and his party are seeking another mandate and observers think the decision on refugees biometric data was politically motivated. According to experts, recording biometric data of refugees has become well established in different parts of the world, and is certainly helpful for handing out aid, but it can also become a tool to violate the privacy of vulnerable people who have no way to oppose government decisions. On one occasion, Human Rights Watch slammed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for sharing personal data of Myanmar nationals with Bangladesh. The latter later shared the same data with Myanmars military regime in an attempt to repatriate Rohingya refugees, despite the fact that Myanmar does not provide the necessary security conditions to take them back. INDIAN MANDALA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO INDIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY FRIDAY IN YOUR E-MAIL? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. After announcing the prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee called on Iranian authorities to release the laureate so that she can receive in person. In a statement, the Committee notes that the regime in Iran has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. In November 2022, she was handed down a 10-year sentence. For her family, the award is an historic and profound moment. Tehran (AsiaNews) The Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 goes to 51-year-old Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC). For the Norwegian Nobel Committee, the award celebrates her commitment and willingness to go to prison to uphold women's rights and personal freedoms, as well as opposition to oppression and obscurantism in Iran, which became front page news last year with the death of Mahsa Amini. The journalist and dissident, who has also been fighting against the death penalty for years, is still locked up in Tehrans notorious Evin prison, on the outskirts of Tehran, where she is serving a new 10-year sentence. As the Norwegian Nobel Committee explains, she was chosen from 305 candidates, 212 individuals and 93 organisations. Jailed in May 2015, the long-time activist signed a petition to hold a referendum to end Irans theocracy. At the start of COVID-19 pandemic, her already poor health took a turn for the worse after she contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus in prison. However, despite the lack of proper medical care, as reported by the family, she recovered without serious consequences. In October 2020, when she was released from prison and, she called for the release of all prisoners. This did not last; in November 2022, she was re-arrested for participating in a memorial ceremony for the victims of the violent repression of the 2019 street demonstrations. Married to Taghi Rahmani (exiled in France and described by Reporters without Borders as Irans most frequently jailed journalist), the mother of two has fought for rights and democracy since her university days. In her latest clash with Irans courts, she was convicted in a trial that lasted a few hours, and given a 10-year sentence for acting against national security. Previously, she had been convicted for establishing and running the illegal splinter group" that opposed the death penalty. In February 2020, her husband posted a message from her on Facebook ahead of parliamentary elections; in which she called for a peaceful boycott to express dissent, given that demonstrations were no longer allowed. Her actions have been recognised internationally. In 2009, she received the Alexander Langer Award, for her courageous choices and independence of thought and strong social roots. Narges Mohammadi suffers from pulmonary embolism and neurological problems, which have weakened her body, Reporters without Borders notes. Three years ago, the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet spoke out on her behalf, appealing to Iranian authorities to let her and other political prisoners out immediately after they released prison inmates because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her family views the award as an historic and profound moment for Iran's fight for freedom, but they regret the fact that she cannot share this extraordinary moment. In the note on the activist's Instagram page, which the family maintains, they address a thought to all Iranians, especially the women and girls who have captivated the world with their bravery in fighting for freedom and equality. After her studies in physics, Narges Mohammadi became a professional engineer. She is the second Iranian woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after Shirin Ebadi in 2003. She collaborated with the Defenders of Human Rights Center founded by Ebadi in 2001. She was spokesperson and vice president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center; since 2008, she has been the president of the National Council for Peace, an Iranian anti-war and pro-human rights organisation. Her price for the struggle has been prison, torture and separation from the family starting with her husband whom she has not seen for eight years. The committee notes that the regime in Iran has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. This has not stopped her from courageously fighting against the death penalty. Today, after awarding her the prize, the Norwegian committee called on Iran to release her so that she can receive it in person. Despite her captivity, she has made her own the motto "Women, Life, Freedom that became the rallying cry during the protests following Mahsa Amins death. Today's news: Hong Kong man accused of disseminating 'seditious' children's books is jailed for four months. Arrests for journalists critical of Modi accused of spreading 'Chinese propaganda'. The city of Sapporo withdraws from the 2030 Winter Olympics bid. The Mekong Delta is in danger of running out of sand. SYRIA A drone attack on a Syrian military academy in the city of Homs has killed at least 100 people and injured dozens, including women and children who were attending a graduation ceremony for cadets at the military school. The Syrian army accused "terrorist groups supported by known international forces". There has been no claim by the rebels and jihadists fighting the Syrian regime. HONG KONG This morning Kurt Leung, 38, was sentenced to four months in prison for importing children's books considered "seditious" by local authorities. Leung was arrested in March after being found in possession of books that depicted Hong Kongers as sheep and the new pro-Chinese government as wolves threatening the population. JAPAN According to some sources, the city of Sapporo, in northern Japan, has decided to abandon its bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics, after the corruption scandals that characterized the Tokyo 2020 Games. The city mayor has not confirmed the news, saying only that he will meet Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita in Tokyo on Oct. 11 to "talk about how we should proceed." VIETNAM The Mekong Delta in Vietnam could run out of sand by 2035 due to dams, which are reducing the flow of sand downstream, the WWF said in a recent report. One of the authors of the report, Sepehr Eslami, explained that if the sand ran out, there would be a 10% increase in areas affected by salt intrusion, a phenomenon that has already caused enormous damage to rice crops in the freshwaters of the Mekong. INDIA New Delhi police arrested the director of the NewsClick news site, one of its administrators and the head of human resources in recent days after raiding the homes of journalists working for the site, which is critical of the government led by the former Minister Narendra Modi. Suman Nalwa, a police spokeswoman, said the arrests were made under the anti-terrorism law, and that the newspaper was accused of receiving money to "spread Chinese propaganda". IRAN Several activist groups have accused the Iranian government of beating a 16-year-old girl, Armita Geravand, then she fell into a coma. According to human rights groups, Geravand was targeted because she did not wear the hijab, a story that recalls that of Mahsa Amini. Iranian Kurdish rights group Hengaw also said security forces yesterday arrested Geravand's mother, Shahin Ahmadi, near the hospital where her daughter had been taken after the accident. KYRGYZSTAN The deputies of the Zogorku Kenes, the Bishkek parliament, rejected the bill on "Guarantees of equal rights and opportunities for men and women", due to a series of ambiguities and "drafting inaccuracies", in reality to avoid a series of " discrimination that completely denies women's rights", as stated by MP Gulja Kozokulova. RUSSIA The Novgorod court in Russia fined a local surgeon, Valery Kochnev, two thousand rubles for "demonstrating Nazi symbolism", having posted on VKontakte a video clip "Zombie" by the Irish rock band the Cranberries, which according to the police showed paintings documentaries from German wartime news. The doctor was a candidate in the municipal elections with the Yabloko liberals when he received the fine. After selling almost 900,000 units from Kodiaqs first generation in seven years, Skoda introduced the second generation of this nameplate in the Fall of 2023, promising smarter technologies and features. When the first generation of the Kodiaq broke covers in 2016, it stirred the European SUV market. Later, the vehicle reached other continents and was sold in 60 countries. The Czech brand built it on the same MQB A2 platform shared with the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace or the Audi Q3, to name just two of its siblings. But thanks to its low price compared to the segments average, it gained popularity among those looking for a seven-seat vehicle able to go beyond paved roads and even do some light off-road on their way to camping sites or biking trails. The second generation followed the cubist design language of the brand, although much more refined. At the front, the hexagonal grille with 13 vertical chromed slats was available with an optional light strip that ran above it. As a result, combined with the LED daytime running lights of the headlamps, it created a light signature, offering an upscale look for the vehicle. The angular headlights and fog lamps were separated by a strip, which was part of the tall bumper. On the lower side, in the apron, the automaker placed a secondary grille adorned by a hexagonal mesh and flanked by vertical vents. From its profile, the Kodiaq retained the same distinctive elements as its predecessor, featuring an ascending waistline ending into a raked-forward D-pillar at the rear side. Unlike the first generation of this mid--sized SUV, both the B- and the C-pillars were darkened to create the image of larger windows. With its raked-forward tailgate and the roof spoiler mounted at its top, the Kodiaq offered its customers a dynamic look. Inside, Skoda made a clean design, uncluttered by too many buttons, but without being called a minimalist one either. The 13-inch touchscreen of the infotainment system stood atop the center stack in a free-floating position. Skoda adopted a new design for the HVAC system, with three rotary dials that featured 13-mm (0.5) screens that showed various functions made by each dial. It was a combination of digital and analog made right. Fronting the driver was a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, fitted as standard for the entire range. Thanks to the longer wheelbase and bodywork, the seven-seat vehicle provided more room than its predecessor. As a result, even the two passengers seated in the third row had 920-millimeter (36.2) of headroom, which was enough even for full-grown adults. Under the hood, Skoda installed a choice of gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains with either front- or all-wheel-drive systems. Still, the most powerful versions were fitted as standard with AWD. The 2023 Kodiaq iV (PHEV) provided 100 km (62 miles) of pure electric range, which was enough for the daily commute, and combined with the gasoline engine, it produced 204 PS (201 HP). The Kodiaq came fitted as standard with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox for all grades. The same basic tiny house floorplan can have surprisingly different results. It's all about interior design and creative customization. One of the most popular models in the Sunshine Tiny Homes range, the Coastal Escape, was given a sophisticated vibe in this dreamy style interpretation. Photo: Sunshine Tiny Homes Photo: Sunshine Tiny Homes Photo: Sunshine Tiny Homes Many tiny living companies started out with the bold vision of one person who dared to dream big, and this Canadian brand is no exception. The force behind Sunshine Tiny Homes is Pam Robertson, a woman determined to make a difference in her community. She saw that, beyond the fun aspect of tiny home living, this could be a solution to stringent issues that are affecting people everywhere.With a background in occupational health and safety, Pam was primarily interested in making people's lives better in terms of decent, affordable housing. Much more than a successful tiny house entrepreneur, Pam became an advocate for this lifestyle and for housing-related social matters. She was the President of the Tiny Home Alliance Canada. Today, Pam continues to be an active board member of the organization, also serving as its International Communications Director.The company that Pam Robertson founded takes its inspiration from British Columbia's famous Sunshine Coast. This is where it's located, in Port Mellon, a perfect environment for tiny homes. Not every builder is open to a high degree of customization, but this Canadian brand is one of the few who are. It offers only a handful of designs (all CSA-approved), but each customer is invited to personalize them according to their dream home vision.This personalized version of the Coastal Escape demonstrates the great impact of customization. In this particular case, a typical tiny house floorplan was transformed into a dreamy, inviting home with a sumptuous atmosphere, all thanks to carefully chosen details and high-quality additions.It was officially the second Coastal Escape home built and delivered by Sunshine Tiny Homes. Jane, the owner, got her dream house at the beginning of 2019, and she deserved all the praise she got for her good taste. The Coastal Escape 2 is a true reflection of its name. It looks and feels like a luxury beach house, flaunting an interior that's both relaxed and elegant.When stepping inside, some of the first things you'll notice are the beautiful white-washed walls (typical for a beach house) and high-quality floors. These fir-sawn floors with an eco-friendly oil seal are a guarantee for durability and resistance, not to mention that they instantly elevate the overall style.The open-plan ground floor layout doesn't place the kitchen next to the living room. Instead, they are intertwined, making the most of the home's width. That's because Coastal Escape isn't very long. At 24 feet (7.3 meters), this is the most practical approach, resulting in a generous living room that can double as a dining area for the kitchen.Accommodation-wise, this home on wheels can comfortably welcome three to four people. In addition to the loft bedroom often found in tiny homes this size, it boasts a single Murphy bed in the living room. This custom addition is one of the elements that make the home's living room truly dreamy. When folded down, it becomes an extension of the couch, creating a generous seating (and sleeping) area for overnight guests.Despite the size limitations, this particular living room feels much more spacious, almost lavish. The large couch and cozy armchairs are a rare feature for this type of layout, which typically only boasts a lounging nook for one or two people.The absence of multiple oversized windows enhances this beautiful space' s intimate, cozy atmosphere for relaxation and socializing. Plus, every decor item adds a stylish touch that makes this part of the house anything but basic.Even the bathroom, a space often overlooked in small dwellings, becomes downright luxurious with the right elements. A full-size bathtub, an elegant circular mirror, and boho-chic decorative pieces are some of the key elements turning this into a luxury spa-like bathroom.The same exquisite attention to detail makes the staircase connecting the main floor to the loft area better than you'd usually see with loft tiny homes. Adding an extra walkway step makes access to the loft instantly more comfortable and secure. In the long run, this simple customization makes everyday living inside a tiny home much easier.Other than that, the staircase features the standard built-in storage, including a compartment for the fridge. The compact but elegant kitchen matches the rest of the house with its beautifully crafted countertop, premium appliances, and discrete cabinets.The loft bedroom couldn't have been any less sophisticated than the downstairs living room. The custom feature wall highlights the white ceiling. Although modest in size, the room manages to squeeze in a tiny closet with open shelves by the bed. The boho-chic style contributes to a relaxed and cozy atmosphere that seems to make space limitations disappear.Stylish and sophisticated, this 24-footer proves that customization can do wonders. Pricing for the standard design starts at CAD 130,500 ($95,000), but the experience of owning your dream home is priceless. Over 2,500 people died or went missing while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe by September, stated the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a huge jump from 2022s figure of 1,680 from the same period. UNHCR New York office director Ruven Menikdiwela told the UN Security Council in a briefing on Thursday, September 28, that despite the increased number of deaths and accidents, migrants inflow into Europe did not slow down and there is no reason to believe that it will in the near future. Menikdiwela claimed that at least 186,000 reached Europe through the Mediterranean in the same period. Almost 130,000 of all those that landed in Europe landed in Italy, with the rest distributed between various other coastal European countries such as Greece and Spain. The UNHCR reiterated how the land route usually taken by migrants and refugees to reach the sea through sub-Saharan Africa and the sea crossing points in Libya and Tunisia remain extremely dangerous due to wars and local conflicts in the region. According to Par Liljert, director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the total number of dead or missing in the Mediterranean Sea from January to September 2023 was 2,778, slightly higher than the UNHCR figure. IOM claims that of the total, 2,093 died in the central Mediterranean alone, the worlds deadliest sea route. from the Peoples Dispatch / Globetrotter News Service The privatization of space exploration seems to have worked wonders for what humanity can do up there. We're not yet at a point where we can truly make use of private space stations and off-world bases, but we're getting there, and fast. After years of struggle and investments, humanity is finally on the verge of really opening up the solar system for many of us to explore and enjoy. It will do so through a mixture of government- and privately-backed pieces of hardware meant to colonize the near-Earth orbit, reach the Moon and Mars, and possibly go even further than that.One of the pillars of the current space exploration efforts is the plan for the Moon. There is no question about it that the place will eventually be a permanent home for humans, and that the private sector would have contributed greatly to that.We're already witnessing how that will unfold through the many partnerships signed by NASA with private companies over the past few years. From making use of privately operated space stations in orbit to using spaceships and landers it had no hand in making, there are few things in this brave new world that NASA seems to be missing out on.Next year, for instance, the space agency will send to the Moon no less than ten instruments, including some that will perform never-before-attempted tasks: they will be used to sample lunar regolith, test GPS capabilities, see if a radiation-tolerant computer works on the Moon, and try to learn how to deal with lunar dust.All of these instruments will arrive at their destination in Mare Crisium on board a lunar lander called Blue Ghost. The hardware is being cooked up in the labs of a company called Blue Ghost and made by Firefly Aerospace . And the company just announced it has completed the development and assembly of the structure.The lander is relatively small, coming in at two meters high (6.6 feet) and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in diameter. It can carry a total of 150 kg (342 pounds) to the surface of the Moon, but when used as an orbital delivery vehicle, that mass increases to 2,700 kg (6,000 pounds).The lander's first mission with the above NASA science on board will depart in 2024, and it will become the first one in a program NASA calls Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS).At the time of writing this taxi to the Moon has already gone through of sorts qualification testing, and is now awaiting payload integration. Although the mission has not even departed yet, Firefly has already begun work on the second lander, meant to reach the far side of the Moon in 2026 Cadillac Lyriq. That is the password for General Motors to get into the European market. GM is making a comeback and the first model to reach the Old Continent is the Lyriq. SUV Photo: Cadillac kWh EV The Americans left Europe with the sale of Opel and Vauxhall brands to the PSA Group for $2.33 billion back in 2017, retaining only a limited import operation network for Cadillac and the Chevrolet Corvette supercar, based in Zurich,The Cadillac Lyriq SUV has been launched in Switzerland. It is the first step that General Motors takes before sending to Europe an entire lineup of electric cars. Friday, October 6, is the first day customers can order the Lyriq. Five more countries will follow, with Sweden and France in the next two years, and three more countries to follow in the years to come.The Lyriq will fight the Mercedes EQS SUV, the BMW iX, and the Tesla Model X in the European market. The model will be priced at CHF82,000 (85,159 / $89,830). Meanwhile, the car starts at only $58,590 (55,538) in the United States.But it is competitive in the European market, where the entry-level BMW iX starts at CHF95,900 (99,615/$105,080.) in Switzerland, while the Mercedes EQS SUV starts at CHF138,600 (143971/$151,868). So this is where Cadillac might stand a chance, if the Americans will be able to speculate the price gap between the Lyriq and the rivals.The model comes with the 102battery pack, which provides it with a range of up to 330 miles (531 kilometers). A dual-motor powertrain sets top of the line version in motion, generating a total of 500 horsepower (507 PS) and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque. Those are enough for an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) in 5.7 seconds.The rear-wheel drive version is powered by a single motor mounted on the rear axle, which delivers 340 horsepower (347 PS) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm).GM is committed to rolling out an entirely electric lineup worldwide by 2035. The car giant has been investing massively in the development of the latest Ultiumarchitecture. It is the platform that the Cadillac Lyriq and the GMC Hummer EV SUV and pickup truck are based on. GM has been considering to launch the Hummer EV in Europe as well.But the weight of the vehicle of 10,400 pounds (4,700 kilograms) would make homologation for the European market quite a headache. That is 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms) more than the maximum permitted for a regular European driving license. After January 1997, the limit is 7,716 pounds (3,500 kilograms).As reported by Autocar, GM will sell the Cadillac EVs to European customers via the websites of the band as well as flagship stores, with the Swiss one in Zurich included. Electric boats are in their coming-of-age phase at the moment, with enough models already available on the market to compete with conventional diesel and gas-powered boats. Seen as the next step in sustainable transportation after electric vehicles, this type of watercraft is ready to transform the boating industry, similar to how Tesla transformed the automotive landscape. Photo: Blue Innovations Group kW kWh And this reference to Tesla is no coincidence, as an ex-Tesla executive is planning on charting a new course for maritime recreation and how people experience the freedom of the open water. John Vo, the former global head of manufacturing for Musk's company, swapped electric cars for boats a couple of years ago when he founded Blue Innovations Group (BIG) in Pinellas Park, Florida.The first product coming out of this new venture is a high-tech day boat called R30 that is powered by a Tesla-inspired dual-motor setup. The fully-electric luxury power boat spans 30 feet (9.14 meters) in length, has a 10-foot (3-meter) beam, and offers room for up to twelve passengers.Though the company has been testing the new day cruiser around the St. Pete Pier for quite some time, only CGI renderings have been released so far, and people will get to see the actual boat for the first time in December at its public launch event.The renderings show a boat with a partially enclosed cockpit and half-walkaround configuration. It features a rooftop solar panel plus two additional slide-out solar panels that triple the solar array's total surface area.Talking about the new e-boat , John Vo reiterated his aim was to create a vessel that blends luxury, performance, and sustainability. "The R30 will provide the ultimate boating experience for customers with uncompromised safety, performance, style, and value while being environmentally friendly," he said.What makes this new electric boat stand out is its propulsion system, which the company claims is "pollution-free and silent. The R30 day cruiser comes equipped with two separate 298-electric motors that generate a total of 596kW or 800hp of power. With this dual-motor configuration, BIG targets a top speed of 39 knots (45 mph or 72 kph).Feeding the two motors is a 221-battery pack that promises to offer a runtime of up to eight hours on a single charge. It comes with support for DC fast-charging, meaning recharging to 80% capacity will be possible in 45 minutes.Designed for longer trips, the R30 electric speedboat comes with an air-conditioned cabin, a classic convertible dinette with plenty of seating space that transforms into a comfortable bed at night, a kitchenette with a refrigerator, and a bathroom with sink and bidet. An interactive display, storage space, and a safe box are also part of the cabin.The helm is also modern with a yoke steering and a dual-touchscreen infotainment system. As for exterior spaces, a sunbathing deck can be found at the bow, while the boat's aft boasts a trio of fold-down walls that turn the stern into a mini beach club.At the moment, BIG engineers are working on increasing the e-boat's range and on software optimization. Vo's long-term plan includes a four-model lineup, with the R30 being the flagship model."As a matter of fact, we will have a four-model lineup," he said. "Were going to start with the R30 the cool cabin day cruiser. Then, were going to move to the R30G, which is a center console. Ultimately, we'll make a 25-foot version that is more affordable, like $150,000."As mentioned, the official launch of the R30 power boat is scheduled for December 16 in St. Petersburg, Florida, but BIG is already accepting reservations. The e-boat will be priced at around $300,000, and deliveries are expected to start from Q3 2024. GM's Ultium electric vehicle sales finally picked up some steam in the third quarter, as the Detroit carmaker reported one of its best quarters in history. Electric vehicles were the crown's jewel, with Mary Barra gleefully reporting increases across the board. Still, Chevy Bolt remains GM's most-sold EV, while sales of other EVs, although impressive, raise many questions. ICE EV GM CEO Mary Barra used to brag about surpassing Tesla every time she got the chance while at the same time being contradicted by her company's sales numbers. For the past quarters, sales of its Ultium EVs have been dwindling, supposedly because GM had problems ramping up production to quench demand. Barra got away with it thanks to impressivevehicle sales and the good sales performance of the Chevrolet Bolt.The GMC Hummersales probably stick like a sore thumb in this picture. On the one hand, the electric mammoth pickup sold in very small numbers: just two in the first quarter and 47 in the second quarter . On the other, the sales graphic rises vertically, buoyed by the 1,167 trucks sold in the third quarter. Is this a stellar performance? I'd argue it's not, considering how much demand GM claims it's got for the Hummer EV.And yet, Mary Barra clings to it to demonstrate that the EV revolution is in full swing at GM. She has a case, though, as the Chevy Bolt continues to surprise , with a 125% increase year-to-date. The Cadillac Lyriq, the second model built on the Ultium platform alongside the GMC Hummer EV, sold 3,018 units in the quarter, up from the 1,348 units sold in the second quarter or the 22 units sold in Q3 2022. Chevrolet also delivered the first units of the Blazer EV (19 units) and Silverado EV (18 units).Still, the picture is not as rosy as Mary Barra wants us to see. Of 674,336 vehicles delivered in the third quarter, 442,586 are still on dealer lots or in transit to dealers. That doesn't sound that good and reveals the weakness of the dealer system. Even though these vehicles struggle to find a buyer, they are sold to a dealer from GM's perspective (and its sales reports). It's their problem now. But the way dealers deal with this is strange.Despite GM reporting 1,167 GMC Hummer EVs sold in the third quarter, many still lie on dealer lots, waiting for a buyer. A quick search on CarEdge reveals that 976 brand-new GMC Hummer EVs are available at dealerships. If you filter out the vehicles still in transit, 651 units are still waiting for a buyer. If you want to find out why, just look at the prices. Many are listed at more than $150,000, sometimes even $200,000. This means the dealer markups on these units are outrageous, in some cases as high as $100,000.Of course, not all of them were reported as sold in the third quarter. CarEdge also mentions how long they've been on the market, so we used this filter. Remarkably, 849 of them have been on the market for between 7 and 97 days, which means they were likely delivered from July through September. This sounds like almost the entire third-quarter production is still waiting for a buyer. The question is, for how long is this sustainable, both from GM's perspective and its dealers'? Google has recently released a new major Android version, promising a long list of improvements and new capabilities that many users have been drooling over. What Google didn't promise was a significantly downgraded experience on Android Auto, as some users who installed Android 14 ended up struggling with a noticeable delay. If you're not new to the Android Auto world, you probably remember that every new version of Android caused significant problems for users running the in-car experience.Android 11, Android 12 , and Android 13 launched with Android Auto bugs that Google really struggled to fix, in some cases making users wait up to several months to get a patch.Android 14 makes no exception, though hopefully, the search giant will come up with fixes much faster this time.The new operating system causes a noticeable lag in every app, making Android Auto less responsive overall. The application needs up to several seconds to respond to touch input, so if you're in motion and want to report an incident on Waze, for example, it's nearly impossible to do it after the update.The lag isn't the only problem on Android 14, as I'm also seeing reports from users who installed the new operating system claiming that the navigation is so slow that it sometimes loses GPS tracking. Google Maps and Waze can't follow users on the map, so their turn-by-turn guidance no longer makes sense.Some users claim that audio apps, such as Spotify and YouTube Music, crash in the middle of the driver, with the music playback also slow and suffering from poor audio quality. The issue doesn't seem to be specific to a single app, with most users blaming Android 14 for the experience.Someone says Android Auto voice commands are also broken down after the installation of Android 14 on the device. Others claim that voice directions, such as those provided by Google Maps, Waze, or other navigation apps, stop in the middle of a sentence. In theory, the issue could be caused by Google Assistant or the navigation app, but in this case, the behavior appeared after the update to Android 14.All these problems are still occasional and sporadic right now, but it's most likely because only a few users received Android 14. The new operating system is currently available for a limited number of devices, with Android device makers to start shipping the update to their models in the coming weeks and months.Google has yet to acknowledge the Android Auto problems, but as it happened when the company rolled out the previous OS updates, you'd better not hold your breath for patches. However, it'll be interesting to see how many people end up struggling with Android Auto after installing Android 14 on their smartphones. Tesla is leading the charge in the EV sector in more ways than anyone could have imagined in just a couple of years. And, more importantly, they're doing it well, especially since Elon Musk gave them some breathing space and started playing with his new X-rated (Twitter) toy. EV AWD While the third quarter results fell short of analyst expectations due to production issues, Tesla still sold 435k units between July and September. Additionally, the Tesla Model Y reigns supreme in the US car market'ssector and is heading toward becoming the best-selling new car overall in Europe.Oh, and not to mention that the pricing wars are starting to take a toll on the competition, and after Tesla just introduced the all-new Model Y RWD version to America, it was followed by a chain reaction of lower-priced rivals. Now, the strategy seems to pay off for customers who want something more elegant, like a Tesla Model S or even a Lucid Air.Speaking of the latter, the Newark, California-based startup is starting to feel more and more like a fully-fledged automaker as they recently opened their second factory in Saudi Arabia at the end of September. Lucid is starting a new manufacturing chapter in the Middle East and paid homage to their clients there with the ultra-exclusive Air 'Kingdom Dream Edition,' a limited-edition variant offered in just 93 units until the end of the year.Of course, they are also all hands on deck for the upcoming introduction of their second model series, the Gravity SUV , in early 2024, but before that, they also need to pay attention to Tesla's pricing wars. Since they can also compete with the Tesla Model S for now, let's talk about the latter for a moment. Currently, the only two available versions in America are the dual-motor, starting at $74,990 with 405 miles of range and zero to 60 mph (96 kph) in 3.1 seconds, along with the tri-motor AWD Plaid ($89,990) rocking 396 miles of range, a 200-mph (322 kph) top speed and a time of 1.99s to 60 mph.Meanwhile, Lucid just introduced the new $77,400 Air Pure RWD, which is said to be sporty and elegant while also "offering an unsurpassed combination of range, driver-oriented performance, and design." The new version is already up for ordering and is touted as "the most aerodynamic car currently in production." Right off the bat, we can see it's still marginally more expensive than the base Model S and offers RWD as opposed to dual-motor AWD.However, the estimated range is also slightly higher up to 410 miles on a single charge, which equates to 660 km, as opposed to the Model S packing up to 405 miles (652 km). It's a marginal difference, of course, and more important is the fast charge time in 12 minutes, it can recoup up to 150 miles (241 km) of range. The Air Pure RWD's standard perks include Apple CarPlay, the 34-inch curved Glass Cockpit display, heated front seats, Micro Lens Array LED headlights, the DreamDrive advanced driver assistance systems, and the Lucid UX digital environment, plus regular over-the-air software updates, among others.By the way, the Air Pure AWD version with a dual-motor powertrain remains availabel for $5k more. The other options include the Air Touring from $95k, Grand Touring from $125,600, and the mighty Air Sapphire - "fully equipped" at a mind-boggling $249k! It's been a very busy year for one of NASA's more daring aeronautical projects, one meant to find an innovative way to cut down airplane fuel consumption and emissions. So busy, in fact, that all the pieces seem to have fallen into place to allow the start of ground and flight tests by the end of the decade. The project is centered around an aircraft the world now knows as the X-66A (aka Sustainable Flight Demonstrator). We learned back in August it will be a modified MD-90 single-aisle aircraft tasked with testing an important and potentially industry-changing piece of technology called Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW).In essence, the TTBW is nothing more than extra real estate added on the outside of the plane. What that means is that the standard wing of the MD-90 will be elongated and made thinner, but will also be fitted with diagonal struts that will tie it to the main fuselage.This wing extension if you will should allow the plane to generate a lot more lift, while requiring less fuel to do so. NASA hopes that this design, combined with a series of other technologies, will help bring down fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent.Until now we knew little of what the other technologies will be, but we learned this week one of them will be the engines that power the MD-90.Since Boeing is handling the conversion of the MD-90, the aerospace company announced who will be supplying the engines for the demonstrator: Pratt & Whitney. The hardware of choice for this application is the GTF (geared turbofan) family of engines.This technology came about in 2016, and it is already deployed on a variety of airplanes, including the Airbus A220 and A320neo, or the Embraer E-Jets E2. Since its deployment, it has helped airlines cut down 1.4 billion gallons of their regular fuel usage, according to the company making them.We are not told exactly what version of the GTF engine will make it into the X-66A and we don't know their exact capabilities. They will however be capable of running on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).The engines will be housed inside nacelles supplied by Collins Aerospace, and as such they should be 75 percent less noisy than the previous version of Pratt and Whitney engine family. The nacelles are made of composite and metallic materials and are supposed to offer protection to the powerplants, but also airflow control and reverse thrust capabilities.At the time of writing, plans are to have the X-66A on the tarmac and in the air conducting test flights no sooner than 2028. It's unclear how much time NASA will need to prove the point it's trying to make, but if it does succeed the benefits for the aviation industry should be immense. The days when car thieves used to break a window, connect the wires, and drive away are long gone, as criminals these days are turning to all kinds of advanced methods to steal vehicles and make money overnight. A car thief from El Monte, California, is the perfect example.The man was waiting for a target in a gas station in El Monte when the perfect victim arrived. A woman entered the gas station and left the car unlocked while she entered the building to pay. The thief noticed the opportunity and stepped in.However, unlike most thieves who'll jump into the vehicle and drive away trying to escape unnoticed, this one had a different goal in mind. Probably knowing that surveillance cameras were keeping an eye on everything, therefore making a potential escape almost impossible given everything was caught on camera, the thief started looking for the woman's purse.He grabbed the purse and ran away. As he was running, he started searching the purse for valuable belongings. He eventually found the mobile device, so he picked it up, stopped for a bit, and tried to see if the device was unlocked. For some reason, the woman did not have a passcode in place, so he could access all apps installed on the phone.The thief turned out to be a tech-savvy person, so he opened the banking app and transferred all money to his account. I guess the thief wasn't necessarily a hacker, though, as transferring the money leaves traces, making it easy for the police to find out who owns an account.The El Monte Police Department says the search continues, as they couldn't find the thief yet. The police also released several recommendations, telling car owners in the region to lock their vehicle doors and not let valuable belongings in plain sight.Meanwhile, locking the car's doors when going inside the gas station to pay is common sense, no matter if a thief is on the run or not. Furthermore, you should always avoid leaving your valuable belongings on the passenger seat, as thieves are particularly interested in mobile phones, wallets, and jewelry left inside the cabin.Police in certain regions also recommend car owners to install AirTags in their vehicles to help with the recovery in case of a theft. AirTags are pill-shaped devices that use CR2032 batteries to communicate with a master device. They don't have built-in Internet access, so they connect to nearby iPhones to broadcast their coordinates to the owner. The device works by sharing the information via the Find My network, letting the owner see its location almost in real-time as long as an iPhone is in proximity to provide Internet access. Elon Musk might want you to believe he's a real genius for deciding to build SpaceX's Starship mostly out of stainless steel. He might hope you marvel at an ingenious use of high-quality build materials that, more often than not, aren't utilized to the full extent of their abilities. But don't be fooled; aircraft using high degrees of stainless steel in their construction are nothing novel at all. Want proof positive? Look no further than Budd RB-1 Conestoga, the mostly stainless steel cargo plane that walked so Starship could run. Photo: U.S. Air Force Archives Photo: U.S. Air Force Archives To understand why a Philly-based metal fab known for manufacturing rail cars built a cargo plane out of something other than aerospace-grade aluminum, we must go back to the grueling middle period of World War II between 1941 and late 1943. At this time, the United States was not only supplying raw materials for its military initiatives in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific, but also for all of its Allied nations in defense against Axis forces, which threatened to be subjugated in the result of their defeat.Thousands upon thousands of tanks, trucks, crates of munitions, weapons, and aircraft poured off American assembly lines from New York to California and everywhere in between during this period. It was to the point where some in high-up positions within the Department of Defense's predecessor, the Department of War, questioned if it was possible to supply enough aluminum alloy to keep up with the biblical production figures these factories routinely kept to.Could the United States straight up run out of aluminum before the war was over? It was a fear that some within the War Department lost sleep over at the time. Of course, such an apocalyptic scenario could've spelled disaster for the Allied nations if their manufacturing capability was brought into question for even a short period. But running around in panic and throwing in the towel was not on the agenda for the U.S.. Solutions of what to do in the worst-case scenario would need to be developed if fears about an aluminum alloy shortage were to be kept in check. Luckily, one company in particular was well suited for that job.Headquartered in the NicetownTioga neighborhood of North Philadelphia, the Budd Company was well suited to figuring out how to build military vehicles when stockpiles of aluminum were at critically low levels. Founded by the eccentric inventor Edward G. Budd in 1913, the Budd Company spent time before the war supplying bus bodies made entirely from pressed steel for companies around the world. Through their controlling stake in the Pressed Steel Company of Great Britain Limited, Budd provided these ultra-high-quality bodies to respected European names like Moris Motors and, ironically, Audi and BMW in Germany.Budd was also heavily involved in designing the first American unibody passenger car, the Nash 600, which also used a high degree of steel in its construction. But, of course, the Budd Company is most well remembered for their high-quality rail cars, which saw service everywhere from New York to Chicago and Topeka to Santa Fe. Even into the 1980s, Budd was the gold standard in domestic passenger railcar production for New York's Metro North and Long Island Railroads. This considerable know-how in alternative metal materials would result in what became known as the RB-1 Conestoga.Using a novel technique for welding SAE 304 stainless steel, which Budd called shot welding, two separate sheets of material could be clamped together before a searing-hot current of electricity was sent through the two pieces, joining them together without the need for aluminum rivets. The technique first cut its teeth on American domestic passenger railcars like the iconic Pioneer Zephyr, better known as the Silver Streak in enthusiast circles. The same technique would be vital to the RB-1 Conestoga's construction.With dimensions of 68 feet (21 m) long and a 100-foot (30 m) wingspan, this 33,860 lb (15,359 kg) fully-loaded cargo plane could carry a wide variety of payloads in a combat setting. Everything from a single 1.5-ton truck to a full-sized ambulance and up to 24 paratroopers or 24 medical stretchers in its airborne ambulance configuration were trialed after the RB-1 Conestoga's first flight on October 31st, 1943. With its then-innovative tricycle-style landing gear, loading and off-loading cargo via the RB-1's rear door was done with a minimum of fuss or difficulty.Powering this novel stainless steel warbird was a set of two Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp 14-cylinder radial engines. It was the same engine that powered icons of World War II aviation, like the Grumman F4F Wildcat navy fighter, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber, and the Douglas C-47 Skytrain cargo transport. With its fuel capacity of just under 1000 U.S. gallons, the RB-1 could ferry its cargo over a distance of 1,620 miles (1,410 nmi; 2,610 km) on a light load and around 700 miles (1,100 km, 610 nmi) with a full-sized load.With a takeoff distance from a dead standstill of just 650 feet (200 m) when unladen and 920 feet (280 m) with a load of just over ten thousand pounds in the cargo hold, the RB-1 helped perfect short takeoff and landing (STOL) before it was the cool thing to do. On paper, it looked like the Budd Company had well and truly solved the issue of how to manufacture warplanes with a bare minimum of aluminum in its construction. Had it come down to it, everything from trucks to components for firearms and even tanks could have been manufactured using the same techniques.But as World War II progressed into its final stages, something remarkable happened. Instead of running into a critical deficit of aluminum, production of this vital wartime commodity only increased. At least as far as American domestic production was concerned, the Department of War's fears about a catastrophic shortage turned out to be little more than justifiable paranoia on the part of the U.S. Military. With these results apparent by the coming of early 1944, the U.S. Army Air Corps' order for 200 Budd RB-1s was slashed to just 20 examples, of which only 17 were delivered.Ultimately, the RB-1 never saw service in World War II across any of its theaters. But a handful were delivered to domestic U.S. Navy bases and were used as tactical cargo transports before the War Department sold the remaining rolling stock to private American cargo transport firms like the National Skyway Freight Corp. The company purchased 12 RB-1s for the sum of $28,642 each, or around $346,300 in modern money. At a considerable discount compared to Douglas C-47s, which sold for the equivalent of $1.2 million in modern money at the time, the handful of RB-1s built did at least get some use out of their airframes.One RB-1 was sold to the iconic Tucker Motor Company for the purposes of transporting its prototype 1948 Tucker Sedan after the war, as well as to the Flying Tiger Line airline company. One more was sold to the V.A.S.D. (Viacao Aerea Santos Dumont) firm of Brazil, but it wasn't enough to keep the RB-1 a relevant airframe much past the end of World War II. Today, only a single, mostly unrestored RB-1 Conestoga survives. It's on display with both of its engines removed at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, along with a host of other aircraft the U.S. Military has discarded over the last 50 years.Even 80 years after its first flight, the sole surviving RB-1's stainless steel body remains relatively free of rust. Proving that even though stainless steel warbirds never quite "took off," they did at least have their virtues. It's to the point where one eccentric billionaire aviator with dreams of mass Starship production makes use of techniques Budd's own designers would no doubt identify with. EV SUV For example, after updating some of their most important models for the 2024 model year like the 2024 Honda CR-V that adds a new Sport-L trim to "amp up its appeal to young and active buyers" with the new hybrid powertrain, the Japanese automaker has refocused its attention on their impendingrevolution.More precisely, the company presented the "stylish, sporty, spacious, and all-electric" Prologue crossoverthat will join the mid-size class to fight the best-selling Tesla Model Y with help from GM's shared Ultium tech and BEV3 platform which also underpins the Chevy Blazer EV or Cadillac Lyriq.But that wasn't all because the brand also joined (along with Acura) other automakers in adopting Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) from 2025 and even set up a new marketing campaign to highlight its "journey of innovation toward zero emissions ." Alas, until they are there, Honda also needs to cater to some of its most important models no matter how old-school they might be.As such, some people would love to see the Japanese carmaker think again about the eleventh-generation Accord sedan. If not, some of them will take matters into their own hands or rather, at the tip of their CGI brush, as is the case here with the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. More precisely, the good folks over at the Q Cars channel on YouTube aim to daze and amaze the audience with the potential facelift of the mid-size sedan.Its resident pixel master has an interesting vision for the CGI facelift of the popular and safe Honda Accord as the imagined sedan aims to trump the passion for its rivals like the Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima with a modern, minimalist redesign. Possibly assisted by AI design tools, this Accord four-door sedan project looks quite mesmerizing, indeed even if it's only compounded from other models that already exist. Interestingly, though, the virtual depiction presents us with an excellent fastback design instead of a traditional 4-door sedan.So, do you like this digital project better than Honda's work on the eleventh Accord? By the way, do take all of this with a healthy dose of salt as nothing is official from Honda and we bet it won't be for a long time coming. After all, the current mid-size sedan was released into the wild this year from the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio. As such, we bet the carmaker will only schedule a mid-cycle facelift around the 2027 or 2028 model year at the earliest. Nevertheless, let us vote do we give this our CGI vote of confidence or not? Taliban defacto authorities in Kabul calling itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have also been naive enough to believe that tacitly supporting the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan or TTP will result in a revolution of sorts providing them control of the tribal areas in Pakistan. by Rahul K Bhonsle From the euphoria of former ISI Chief Lt Gen Faiz Hamid landing at Serena Hotel in Kabul in August 2021 to a dire warning to unregistered Afghan refugees in the country, Pakistan-Afghan relations seem to have turned a full circle. In an interesting aside Faiz Hamid has been sidelined while his then protege Taliban is also facing innumerable challenges in Afghanistan. Taliban Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob. Photo courtesy Tolonews Counter-terrorism wisdom denoted that a fallout between the Taliban and Pakistan was inevitable given Pakistans two-decade Afghan policy where it reared the snake, of the Taliban in the pits of the tribal area while ostensibly supporting US and NATO forces in Operation Enduring Freedom beyond. The snake in the pit, as former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had warned Pakistan had come to bite where it hurt the most, security forces of the country. Way back in October 2011, Clinton after a visit to Pakistan seeking their cooperation in neutralizing the Taliban, particularly the Haqqani network had warned, You cant keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbors. The Taliban defacto authorities in Kabul calling itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have also been naive enough to believe that tacitly supporting the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan or TTP will result in a revolution of sorts providing them control of the tribal areas in Pakistan. Several leverages that Pakistan has over its western neighbours including the refugee factor and trade were ignored believing that they had a winning hand in the Mehsud tribal insurgents. TTP on a Terror Rampage While organic factors such as coagulation of various factions may also have helped in consolidating the TTPs operational capability in carrying out terrorist attacks in Pakistan, the support and sanctuaries in Pakistan remains the most significant factor. Armed with assault rifles and night vision devices the TTP has been able to carry out massed attacks on Pakistani posts such as in Chitral last month where 200 of its cadres are reported to have launched a strike on a Pakistan police outpost. The data on terrorist violence is ominous. As per Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, despite 34 per cent fewer incidents in September 2023, there were more fatalities in terrorist attacks. There were 65 militant attacks in September in which 136 civilians, military and law enforcement agencies personnel lost their lives, while 144 were injured. The civilian death toll was, up by 87pc from 45 in August and even as number of attacks declined by 34pc. This indicates the increasing effectiveness of the TTP as the months go by. For the year 2023, 271 militant attacks took place in the first half resulting in the loss of 389 lives and injuring 656 individuals. Pakistans interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed that 14 of 24 suicide bombings in the country this year were carried out by Afghan nationals. On September 29, 59 people, including a police officer, were killed and dozens injured in a suicide blast near a 12th Rabiul Awwal procession in Balochistans Mastung district. The TTP as well as other groups have not claimed the attack. The TTP has not even spared one of the allies of the Afghan Taliban Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF). In July this year the TTP targeted a rally of the JUI F in Bajaur in Khyber Pakhtoonwa killing 54 with several injured. The Taliban reprimanded the TTP which in turn blamed a local commander for the attack and a narrative was spun that this was the handiwork of the Islamic State of Khorasan. Pakistan Responds Pakistan has been reasonable enough initially to send several delegations to Afghanistan at the ministerial level while official contacts have been persistent where reining in the TTP has been one of the main issues for interactions. From threats of bombing terrorist hideouts to carrying out surreptitious operations for targeting some of the TTP top brass, the offensive option has been exercised. However, the constant rebuff by the Taliban in Pakistan which has been consistently in a denial mode has possibly pushed the Establishment Pakistan Army and the ISI which is now in effective control of the Government in Islamabad given the caretaker administration in the run up to the polls has decided to considerably up the ante. Thus, the caretaker government guided by the Army ordered that ordered all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million Afghan nationals, to leave the country or face expulsion. The decision was taken at a meeting headed by Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and attended by the army chief, among others. The committee also decided that movement across the border would be subject to passports and visas, while electronic Afghan identity cards (or e-tazkiras) would only be accepted until Oct 31. While the order states that all illegal immigrants irrespective of nationality will be evicted, the intent is clearly targeted at the Afghans. According to the UNHCR, there are 2.18m documented Afghan refugees in Pakistan. This includes the 1.3m refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards as per the census done in 2006-07, as well as an additional 880,000 refugees granted Afghan Citizens Cards (ACCs) in 2017 following a registration drive in 2017. These will not be affected by the eviction order. After the Taliban takeover of Kabul more than 700,000 Afghans moved to Pakistan but there is no certainty of numbers it is this group who will be impacted by the order. Many of them came with valid visas and are overstaying while others just crossed over without any travel documents. Implementation of Eviction Practical implementation of the eviction order is likely to prove extremely challenging if not impossible to execute. This is a huge undertaking, an official acknowledged as per the Dawn News. Cracking down on and rounding up over a million or two illegal immigrants, holding them in detention facilities, feeding them and transporting them to the border or arranging for them to fly out of Pakistan would require a logistical plan and resources, human as well as financial, the official was reported by the Dawn. Human rights groups have called for a review of the decision, Independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in a statement on its social media platform X, The governments decision to expel over a million undocumented migrants within 30 days, because they have links with terrorist and criminal groups, reflects not only a lack of compassion but also a narrow and short-sighted focus on national security. Afghan Taliban Reaction Afghan reaction expectedly has been very fierce. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid termed the decision as, unacceptable. Mullah Yaqoob, the Talibans defence minister, was even more rabid calling Pakistans treatment of Afghan immigrants horror and barbaric, and warning that expulsion of Afghan immigrants strains and damages the relations between the two countries. Yet the true test of impact on the Afghan Taliban will be demonstrative action to rein in the TTP. In all probability the Afghan Taliban will ask the TTP to restrict terror attacks in Pakistan for some time but it is unlikely that the group will be told to wind up its bases in the country. Conclusion How the situation manifests between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains to be seen particularly as practical implementation of the decision to evict the refugees by October 31 is difficult. Some reports indicate that some of the illegal migrants are voluntarily trudging back to Afghanistan though the numbers are low at present. It could well be that Pakistan is adopting a brinkmanship approach to force the Taliban to act against the TTP, using refugees as a leverage. Whatever be the outcome, a serious rift in Taliban and Pakistan relations has been exposed, will this be a transitory phase or could result in a more lasting reset in the approach by the two remains to be seen? Brigadier (Retired) Rahul K Bhonsle, MSc, MPhil, MBA is an Indian army military veteran with 30 years active field experience in counter militancy and terrorism operations. He is presently Director of Sasia Security-Risks.com, a South Asian security risk and knowledge management consultancy which specializes in future scenarios, military capacity building and conflict trends in South Asia. The Ariya isnt off to a great start in the US. Recalled in February 2023 due to either loose or missing steering wheel bolts, the zero-emission crossover has been hit by another recall. On this occasion, almost 10,000 vehicles may experience a sudden loss of drive power due to iffy software. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Photo: Nissan 4WD EV kWh During a production trial in January 2022, a vehicles electric motor unexpectedly shut off immediately after said vehicle started to move at low speed. The diagnostic trouble code indicated a short circuit had occurred inside the motor, although Nissan didnt find any damage at all.The Japanese automaker inspected other motors through April 2022, discovering conductive fibrous shavings on the slip ring end of certain motors. As per documents filed with the, those shavings are leftovers from the manufacturing process. These shavings cause a momentary short, a scenario in which the inverter goes into its fail-safe mode.Fast forward to December 2022, and Nissan received a report from China regarding a motor shut off at low speed. The vehicle in question was produced after April 2022, when the Japanese automaker introduced an inspection countermeasure for conductive fibrous shavings.Between January 2023 and April 2023, the Yokohama-based company found that conductive fibers can be produced by the slip ring in the motor. Nissan implemented an improved fail-sale control logic into Ariya production in April 2023, yet Nissan continued to receive shut off reports following this change. More specifically, three incidents from May 2023 to September 2023.Given these circumstances, Nissan acknowledged that its updated fail-sale control logic does not work as intended. As a result, new software has been developed for the Ariyas inverter. Owners in the US market will be informed via first-class mail no later than October 20. Dealerships have already been instructed to update the inverter.This operation shouldnt take more than an hour. Of course, owners will not be charged a cent for Nissans blunder. A total of 9,813 vehicles are called back, namely 2023 models produced between June 17, 2022 and May 19, 2023. Based on the part numbers listed in the attached document, both 2WD andvehicles are recalled.Twinned with the Renault Megane E-Tech for Europe, the Ariya is Nissans firston the CMF-EV platform. Although it doesnt replace the Leaf hatchback, the Ariya is the very opposite of a commercial hit. The same applies to the Megane E-Tech, which is pretty expensive for what it offers.Named after the Sanskrit word for elevated or honorable (according to Nissan vice prez Matthew Weaver), the Ariya starts at $43,190 in the US market. Other highlight numbers include up to 304 miles (489 kilometers) of range from an 87-battery, 4.8 seconds to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), and up to 389 horsepower What about segment rivals? For starters, the Ford Mustang Mach-E kicks off at $42,995 and offers up to 312 miles (502 kilometers) of EPA-estimated driving range. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is $41,450 and goes 303 miles (488 kilometers) on a full charge. Last but not least, the Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $38,995 and tops 275 miles (443 kilometers). Samsung is bringing mobile driver's licenses and state IDs to Samsung Wallet, allowing drivers in two states to leave their documents at home and only use their smartphones for anything like verification and purchases.Arizona and Iowa are the first states to adopt the technology, but Samsung says it's already working with other authorities to expand the availability to more regions.The technology is available on the majority of Samsung smartphones as long as they run the Wallet app. The new Galaxy foldables and most other Samsung smartphones, including the Galaxy S series, support digital IDs.Samsung promises the integration of mobile driver's licenses is "secure, accurate, and private," using the ISO/IEC 18013-5 standard in partnership with IDEMIA. However, the company explains that the implementation is different from one state to another, so additional work might be required in certain regions to release digital ID support.Drivers in Arizona and Iowa should receive the new functionality later this year.Replacing physical documents with digital siblings is the next big step worldwide, especially as the adoption of smartphones has reached record levels. Samsung is currently the world's number one phone maker, followed by Apple. Both companies offer digital ID support in their wallet apps, with the rollout expanding as the collaboration with other states continues.While phone makers are working around the clock on releasing digital ID support on their smartphones, each company developing a different solution eventually impacts its adoption in the long term. State authorities and tech companies should work together on a universal standard that would allow users to configure mobile driver's licenses on their smartphones regardless of the brand, as long as the operating system and the device supports the developed standard.Samsung says it's already working on more advanced capabilities. A partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow the company and interested states to run a test program that will enable the use of mobile driver's licenses at 25 federalized airports.Samsung's Wallet app displays all the information you typically find on a driver's license, including your name, date of birth, sex, address, and class. The application can also generate a QR code, presumably to allow authorities to scan the documents faster. Samsung says the integration will allow age-restricted purchases and going through airport security without needing physical documents.The company did not reveal the name of the states that could adopt digital IDs next, but Samsung says it is already "working closely with several more early-adopting states." Drivers in Iowa and Arizona will receive the Wallet app update by December. Tesla has been busy opening V4 Supercharger stations across Europe in the past six months, with about a dozen already up and running. Although no V4 Supercharger station is available in North America, the first will open soon in Oregon. Construction of the Wilsonville Supercharger station began in August. kW EV Tesla Supercharger network is consistently regarded as the best fast-charging network in the world. Tesla doesn't just operate the most extensive DCFC network, with over 50,000 stalls around the globe. It also has the best uptime records in the industry, at an impressive 99.95%. It's hard to beat that, but availability and reliability are not everything. As the Cybertruck deliveries are imminent, Tesla needs better charging stations to serve the hungry 1,000-volt electric pickups.This is where the Supercharger V4 should prove its qualities. When the first rumors about the updated chargers appeared last summer, Tesla already deployed the Megachargers at PepsiCo facilities to charge the Semi trucks. Later, Elon Musk clarified that the Megachargers were actually Supercharger V4. That may indicate that they're both capable of outputting 1,000 volts and over 750of power since the Cybertruck and the Semi share similar drive units and power electronics.And yet, they differ in at least one area: the charging plug. The Megachargers are fitted with a unique Megawatt Charging System (MCS) plug. This is significantly different from the NACS plug used at all Supercharger stations in North America. Charging a Semi at a Supercharger or another Tesla vehicle at a Megacharger is thus impossible, even though the internals might not be that different. This includes the Cybertruck, which doesn't appear to feature an MCS port.The situation is even more complicated in Europe, where Tesla doesn't sell the Semi or the Cybertruck. Themaker has been busy deploying V4 Supercharger stations across the continent, with about a dozen in operation or under construction. They are also different from the ones in the US. First, they have CCS2 plugs instead of NACS. Second, because Tesla doesn't have a 1,000-volt EV on the European market yet (nor is it planning one in the future), the V4 Supercharger stalls don't differ much from their V3 cousins. They're still outputting 400 volts at a power not exceeding 350 kW.This makes the first V4 Supercharger station in Wilsonville, Oregon, even more exciting. Tesla began building it in August, and people thought it was another V3 station until the workers installed the charging stalls. This means it will be the first V4 Supercharger in North America when it opens later this month. Since the construction is not yet complete, we still don't know all the technical details, but what we know makes us believe it would not feature MCS plugs like the Megachargers.It's unclear whether Tesla will fit the V4 Superchargers with a Magic Dock to allow charging CCS EVs. Considering that the stations built in Europe did not allow third-party EVs at first, we expect a similar thing to happen in North America. And soon, most carmakers in North America will equip their EVs with NACS plugs anyway, so that it won't matter much. Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile SUV Since the beginning of the year, they have launched countless new models like the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, the entire Corolla Nightshade family (and some Nightshade CUVs), the 2024 Grand Highlander three-row crossover, a trio of GR-focused special editions (GR86 Trueno, GR Corolla Circuit, GR Supra 45th Anniversary), plus the N400 Tacoma and Land Cruiser superstars.Now, though, the Japanese automaker is focusing on the autumn harvest of new model year editions like the Tundra 1794 Limited Edition, Highlander Hybrid Nightshade , or Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade, among many others. But what about new introductions?No worries, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators is taking care of that well, even if Toyota doesn't necessarily want to. For example, back in early September, the company presented at home the 2023 model year of the Century sedan, which has long been a staple of the JDM limousine sector. Now, though, it was joined by a fresh derivative the first-ever Toyota Century SUV Interestingly, the Japanese automaker will produce the model that rivals Rolls-Royce's Cullinan and Bentley's Bentayga (at a much lower pricing point) on the same modular architecture the TNGA-K version of the platform as the North American market exclusive Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX. Even the powertrain will be the same with the latter's TX 550h+ version, a 406-horsepower plug-in hybrid option based on a V6 aided by two electric motors.However, there's no word about the Toyota Century SUV breaking out of Japan to pose a threat to the rest of the ultra-luxury SUV establishment. This is a very saddening fact, according to some Toyota fans hoping to see the Century SUV bring some much-needed Japanese bling to the American aftermarket sector. Anyway, that doesn't mean there aren't any solutions.Albeit some of them are pretty unorthodox because they come from the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. For example, this virtual artist, better known as Theottle on social media, has resorted to CGI slicing and dicing the new Toyota Century SUV and a Corolla Cross for his latest digital project. The main idea is pretty simple if the rumor mill claims Toyota is ready to shrink the TNGA-F platform of the 2024 Land Cruiser and Lexus GX to make a baby Land Cruiser (allegedly titled Land Hopper), then why not a Toyota Century Junior, too?As such, the pixel master decided to reskin the affordable and rather bland Toyota Corolla Cross with the posh looks and ritzy feel of the Toyota Century SUV to create this Junior version with a shortened GA-K version of the platform. Interestingly, if that ever happened, Toyota would effectively give a slap in the face of premium compact SUVs from Cadillac, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even Lexus, right? The electric vehicle (EV) market is pretty exciting right now. It's true that not everyone can buy everything they want, but American minds are actively at work to bring us all kinds of zero-emission cars. And, in a world where everyone wants a crossover or an SUV, here's Lucid tempting us with a posh sedan that might just be worth it. Photo: Lucid Motors Rivals, but the right ones Photo: @Ruh_Rd via X EV Photo: Tomek Makolski / Porsche Eliminating the competitors Photo: RoCars on YouTube What about the Model S? kWh FSD Photo: YouTube Screenshot/DragTimes Photo: Lucid So, why the Air Pure RWD specifically? Photo: Out of Spec Reviews Photo: Lucid SUV I have been keeping a close eye on Lucid for quite some time now. Alongside Rivian, it's a young auto brand that I know will succeed. My belief is simple: it makes a great all-electric sedan. Even though its sole vehicle might still need some polishing software-wise, the essential characteristics are there.Partially owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (60.5%), Newark-based Lucid has two factories: one in Casa Grande, Arizona, and one in KAEC, Saudi Arabia . They are the Advanced Manufacturing Plant (AMP) 1 and 2. Thus, the brand is international. However, it has been for quite some time. Lucid has been selling the Air in Europe since December 2022. First deliveries happened in Germany and the Netherlands.The Air is built on a great platform that allows for impressive interior room and cargo space, while the materials used throughout the cabin are befitting its price point. The suspension setup is also impressively good.It doesn't boast McLaren 720S levels of intricacy but closely matches what Mercedes-Benz uses on its posh S-Class . Having driven the last three generations of the three-pointed star brand's jewel in the crown, I can comfortably attest that Lucid's approach was the right one. Semi-active dampers are the way to go, especially since the Air can be quite fast when you put the pedal to the metal.The Air's range is impressive, and I'm not talking about the miles it can do on a single charge. The sedan's price starts at $77,400 with the Air Pure and goes all the way up to $249,000, where we meet the tri-motor Sapphire and its absurd specs that turn it into a tire-munching monster that can also take you from point A to point B in silence and extra comfort.But the recently introduced single-motor Air Pure RWD has my undivided attention. It's one of the few great all-electric sedans out there. It rivals the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ and the BMW i5 eDrive40.The Tesla Model S is also a rival, but that sedan doesn't come in rear-wheel drive form. It's still a reference point, so we will keep it in our thoughts as we go forward.Some of our readers might be inclined to compare the Air RWD with the EQS or the i7 . They wouldn't be wrong. But the luxurious German representatives are a bit longer than the Lucid sedan and offer optional equipment that can turn them into executive transport pods. The BMW even comes with a screen that drops down from the ceiling of the all-new 7 Series, if specced right.Thus, the 195.9-inch (116.5-inch wheelbase) Lucid Air should not be put head-to-head with the 212-inch i7 (126.6-inch wheelbase) or the 205.6-inch EQS (126.3-inch wheelbase). It certainly can take on the two German units, especially as we move through the trims and reach Grand Touring and Sapphire levels. But size-wise, it's more suited to deal with the i5 and the EQE.That is reinforced by the Model S and its 195.9-inch length, which is the same as the Air's. It also underlines that the i7 and the EQS are trying to play in another league altogether. It might not help them much with sales, but that's their strategy.If you're an avidfan, you might also be thinking about the Porsche Taycan or the Audi e-tron GT. Although both are great zero-emission cars, I cannot consider them for a potential purchase because of the battery size and starting price. The Taycan has an MSRP of $90,900 in single-motor form, and the price cannot be guaranteed, while the e-tron GT's cost starts from a surprising $106,500. That's just too much.It gets even worse when you look at the range figures the entry-level Porsche does 208 miles, and the Audi goes up to 236 miles on a full charge. Considering that, in a real-world scenario, nobody will drive from 100% to 0% state of charge, that available range will be much lower.Had I wanted a commuting appliance, I would have checked out a Chevy Bolt or a Tesla Model 3 and not something that costs thrice as much.The great equalizer for all the German EVs mentioned above is that none qualify for the EV tax credit. We would have to look elsewhere for a sedan to meet the $55,000 max MSRP requirement.I must cross the EQE 350+ off my list of potential acquisitions because the vehicle looks too aerodynamically efficient for my taste. The blob-like shape just isn't something that I like. Then, there's the power output. A zero to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds and the 288 hp indicate the EQE isn't as fast as I would have believed. Then, there's the $74,900 price tag for the single-motor variant. It just doesn't click.What's even weirder is that Mercedes-Benz wants $3,000 more for the all-wheel-drive version that cuts the zero to 60 mph time by 0.2 seconds with no change in hp output. As such, the EQE is out.The i5 eDrive40 has a more approachable MSRP - $66,800. It has the added bonus that I like BMW's way of making premium-luxury cars. They tend to have more refined materials throughout the cabin, better interiors, a sleeker infotainment system, and a dynamic driving experience that allows the car to get playful occasionally.However, this is a heavy rear-wheel drive vehicle with the i4's powertrain. It may have 335 hp and reach 60 mph from a standstill in 5.7 seconds, but I don't trust it not to feel sluggish in most scenarios. The 295 miles of range available in ideal conditions is also not enough for my particular driving needs. Thus, the budget-friendly i5 is getting the boot.But probably the most frustrating thing about the Merc and the Bimmer is that both do not have a frunk. They are (expensive) EVs, for crying out loud! Figure out how to give people some extra cargo room! There's no engine hiding under the hood, so why not use that space wisely?Well, we know why. Both German brands still use the same layout for their internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, so that's why customers don't get a frunk.Tesla's Model S is the only one left, which drives a hard bargain. It kind of has it all. It costs $74,990, is all-wheel drive, can do 405 miles of EPA-estimated range on a single charge, has access to the Supercharger network without requiring a monthly subscription or paying more per, gets the latest tech, comes from the factory with Autopilot, is ready to work withBeta without any hardware add-ons, and sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The sedan can also keep going until it reaches 149 mph.It would be a mistake not to seriously consider the Model S for the role of a zero-emission family car or a fancier commuting appliance.But there are a couple of drawbacks. Tesla's wannabe posh sedan doesn't ride nicely. The suspension setup is firm and favors a sportier driving feel. There's no cool implementation of CarPlay or Android Auto. The 360-degree camera system and ultrasonic sensors and radar are missing for more accurate driving-assistant systems and easier parking.The vehicle is also surprisingly noisy, even though it's an EV. Then, there's the issue with Tesla's dynamic pricing policy. It makes buying GAP insurance almost mandatory.Besides all that, there's a known problem with service centers that either lack parts or skilled technicians who can deal with various issues promptly and insurance being too expensive because providers believe this car is particularly expensive to fix and can be totaled pretty easily.Tesla offers insurance in some states, but I am unwilling to handle having my driving tracked and my premium based on a score. I am human and will behave like one. I don't want to turn driving into a game or a monotonous activity that feels like a corporate job where I would have to accomplish certain tasks.Another thing that irks me is that Tesla's CEO is always doing something, and he somehow lands on the internet. Admittedly, it's hard not to since he's a social media mogul now. However, his image is associated with the brand, and I don't want people judging me based on what someone else is doing.In comparison, next to nobody knows who Peter Rawlinson is. The car does the talking with Lucid, not the CEO.Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently said that all-wheel drive is "nice to have, but not required for winter driving." Add good winter tires to your rear-wheel-drive EV, drive responsibly, and you shouldn't worry about losing contact with the surface you're traveling on. So, the 430-hp Air Pure RWD with its 410 miles of estimated range makes a lot of sense.The single-motor Lucid sedan starts at $77,400. That's $2,410 more than the dual-motor Tesla Model S . It momentarily makes the acquisition questionable, especially since the world's most valuable automaker doesn't charge extra for paint, the 22-speaker 960-watt audio system, tinted glass roof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and heated windshield.However, the Air Pure RWD has more comfortable seats, a more spacious cabin, more cargo room, better range, better charging capabilities, and, to me, looks much nicer than the Model S.The most important thing, however, is the suspension system setup. The car feels planted and firm but is also soft and forgiving simultaneously. The driver feels the road, but the Air smooths out the roughness of the surface on which they're traveling.The most affordable Lucid comes with DreamDrive, which has a plethora of driver-assistance systems that are useful in everyday situations, including adapting cruise control with speed limit assist. It rides on 19-inch wheels, boasts a "PurLuxe leather alternative" interior that's just another way of saying it uses non-animal leather, has a nine-speaker sound system, gets 12-way power and heated front seats, and customers get one year of free charging with Electrify America.It can be charged at Magic Dock-equipped Superchargers as well. But because the vehicle boasts a 900V+ architecture, it can't take full advantage of Tesla's V3 stalls yet. The brand would fare much better with the V4 pedestals currently deployed in Europe.But that's not what convinces me to lease an Air Pure RWD. The best thing about the new Lucid is that with a downpayment of $6,500, I can obtain an estimated monthly payment of about $700 for an annual mileage of 10,000. When writing, Lucid still has an offer that allows prospective customers to enter an 18-month lease agreement with the option to pay the same car note for the 36-month lease. On top of that, you get a shot at being among the first who order a GravitySince the family's growing, it's becoming increasingly clearer that I must switch to what everyone and their dog buys - the dreaded SUV.But Lucid is known for great engineering and maximizing space. The Gravity will most likely be a great three-row vehicle with a generous range. Why not experience the Lucid universe until the high-riding EV is available? It's a no-brainer if you're unwilling to handle all the Tesla-specific issues.I would even add the 20-way power front seats that are heated, ventilated, and massaging for $3,750 to drive as comfortably as possible until the Gravity becomes available. Too bad soft-close doors aren't included and adding them costs $2,500 because the option is part of a package.Ultimately, it's what I want to do. Now, I have to convince the wife and check if Lucid can deliver an Air Pure RWD before Christmas. At the end of last month the U.S. Army announced the names of the companies that will try to make its future robotic combat vehicle (RCV). I'm talking about an uncrewed platform capable of carrying a variety of payloads on the battlefield to assist soldiers in their missions. 6x6 Four companies are battling for what will eventually turn into a contract, namely Textron Systems, McQ, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Oshkosh Defense. All will have to come up with vehicle prototypes by the summer of next year.We've already had a first look at what Textron Systems has to offer, the Ripsaw M3 , but an idea of what the Army plans to use in the future can't be accurately formed if we didn't look at all of the proposals. Today's treat: the Wolf-X.This robotic combat vehicle is the work of a company called HDT. It will be put together in RCV configuration by HDT under the guidance of McQ and with help from BAE Systems.Unlike the Ripsaw, which comes with tracks, the Wolf-X uses wheels, eight of them, to move about its business. Just like the Textron solution, it also comes as a platform that can be adapted for a variety of tasks, from carrying cargo to acting as a base for weapons.The full details on the Wolf-X have not been released, but we do know it is based on another HDT product called Hunter Wolf. That one was meant to support light infantry and can carry up to 2,200 pounds (almost 1,000 kg) of cargo on a variety of hard terrain, including narrow trails, slopes, and dense jungle.Compared to the 8-wheeled Wolf-X, the Hunter is a, powered by a hybrid or electric powertrain that allows it to move for up to 200 km (124 miles).The RCV variant of the HDT machine will be small enough to allow its transportation inside a Boeing CH-47 Chinook . It will be fully capable of supporting weapons as large as an MK44 30mm chain gun and the armor it needs to protect itself from enemy fire.It's not clear at this point what will power the robot's autonomous functions and how it will be remotely controlled. HDT does say the robot has been "engineered to accommodate future growth requirements," meaning that if accepted by the Army, it may be around for a very long time.Once a prototype version of the vehicle is ready, it will be delivered to the U.S. Army for testing. The military branch is expected to start the second phase of the RCV program in 2025, and announce the contract winner then. We should see these machines in active duty sometime in 2028. 6 October 2023 17:25 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more The Armenian diaspora continues to launch attacks on Azerbaijan, as well as on the countries that support Azerbaijan around the world, Azernews reports. This time the provocation took place in front of the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry building in Montevideo. Local Armenians staged a protest in front of the foreign ministry after, in their opinion, the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry responded "too softly" to the unjustified claims of the Armenians. They expected Montevideo to support Armenia and Armenian separatism, not Azerbaijan. Protestants gathered in front of the ministry held a banner with the inscription that "Azerbaijan is committing a second 'Armenian genocide' and the government of Uruguay is showing indifference." It is worth noting that Uruguay has repeatedly emphasized that it respects the principles of international law and supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. During the years of the Armenian occupation, local media repeatedly noted that in order to achieve peace, Armenia must end the invasion, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored, and refugees and internally displaced persons must return to their homes. The facts of mass provocations of Armenian nationalists in different countries of the world have turned the inside out of the Armenian ideological base and Armenian reality. Representatives of these people, most of them, no matter where they live, remain followers of the bloody terrorist traditions of the ideologists of the past. They are always radical and far from the concept of humanism, humanity, and peaceful coexistence. Armenian communities are a potential risk factor, countries where a large number of Armenians live should take this into account and do everything necessary to ensure that law enforcement agencies look both ways, take preventive measures in case of provocations, and bring the perpetrators to justice. We think Uruguay will also draw the appropriate conclusions. And other countries and international organizations will give a harsh assessment of such incidents. Worst game in bad-ending gathering: provocations spread to Granada On October 5, members of the Armenian communities of different cities of Spain gathered in Granada to express their unconditional support for the people of the so-called "artsakh", which on January 1 will lose its Armenian name. The protest, organized by the Europeans for artsakh initiative, aimed to raise awareness of Azerbaijan's actions against Armenia, condemn the European Union's complicity in "ethnic cleansing" in Azerbaijan, and call for immediate international intervention to stop Azerbaijan's actions. Question: What actions are we talking about if this territory is the state property of Azerbaijan? Without deviating away from the topic, it is worth reminding the Armenian diaspora that the rally took place during the meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the President of France Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz within the framework of the summit of the European Political Community which ended with an unsuccessful ending. If the leaders of different countries did not achieve anything concrete at the meeting in Granada, then can we talk about demands and calls against Azerbaijan? Before organizing rallies, let these Armenian diasporas take care of the refugees who left Garabagh of their own free will or under pressure from Armenian lobbyists. For example, we can discuss the rise of rental prices of apartments in Armenia at a time when Armenians living in Garabagh want to return to their homeland. --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 22:00 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more During 33 years of occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan by Armenia, Armenian separatists, and their clans have been destroying the Azerbaijani heritage of the historical culture of their ancestors, including mosques, and religious, historical, and cultural monuments. These acts of vandalism and desecration stem from hatred towards neighbors, and religious, cultural, and historical values, which are not inherent to Armenians. A lot of reports were introduced to cover the act of vandalism committed by Armenians, but it did not receive much publicity in the world media circle. To illustrate the point, Armenians used mosques in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan as cattle pens, stables, and horse stalls. Having no proper respect for religious monuments, mosques, as well as sacred places, vandals continued their heinous actions even after the Patriotic War. The destruction of Azerbaijan's material and cultural heritage by Armenians is an act of vandalism not only against Azerbaijan but also against human values. Destruction of mosques and their looting, and appropriation of material-cultural and religious monuments is part of the barbaric ideology of Armenians. Even today, although Azerbaijan liberated its lands from occupation, it is possible to clearly see Armenian vandalism on those destroyed religious and cultural monuments. The mosque in Aghdam, dating back to the 19th century, was destroyed and looted and later used as a pig stall. According to official data, there are 403 historical-religious monuments in the occupied territories, of which 67 are mosques, 144 are temples, 192 are sanctuaries, 67 Muslim mosques (13 in Shusha, 5 in Aghdam, 16 in Fuzuli, 12 in Zangilan, 5 in Jabrail, 8 in Gubadli and 8 in Lachin) were completely destroyed by Armenians. "The destruction of religious monuments in Garabagh by Armenia is a tragedy," said Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik, head of the Islamic World Education, Science and Culture Organization (ICESCO). "The scene we see here (Garabagh) is a real tragedy. When we visited the liberated lands, we saw the destruction of all the villages, townships, and historical and religious monuments. Destruction of mosques and religious temples, insult and vandalism is an absolutely unacceptable action," al-Malik said during a visit to Azerbaijan's districts liberated from occupation. 22 museums and museum branches were destroyed, where more than 100 thousand cultural artifacts and relics were stored, which were later exported and sold on the black market. Cultural samples and ancient manuscripts of the 13th century Khudaveng monastery in Kalbajar district, as well as valuable exhibits discovered during archaeological excavations near Shahbulag fortress in Aghdam district, were smuggled to Armenia. Gross violation of international humanitarian law, including UNESCO normative documents, such as the 1954 Hague Convention, its two protocols, as well as the 1970 Convention. It is important to emphasize that 2000 monuments of Armenian history and culture remain in the territories that came under Azerbaijani control, including 161 monasteries and churches, 591 khachkars (cross-stones), the excavation sites of Tigranakert, Azokh, Nor Karmiravan, Mirik, Keren and numerous fortresses, castles, shrines and other monuments. There are eight state museums with 19,311 exhibits along with the private museum of carpets and the Armenian Drama Museum in Shusha, Today no one disputes that in war a bullet or a shell spares no one - neither people, nor buildings, nor monuments of history and culture. This is war, and everything happens in it. But if the destruction of a building during the war can still be explained, how can we explain the vandalism of Armenian invaders in non-war times? After all, the destruction of Azerbaijani and Albanian historical and cultural heritage in Garabagh and Armenia took place during the years of ceasefire. More than 900 Muslim cemeteries were destroyed and vandalized in these territories. Moreover, traces of illegal "archaeological excavations" and so-called "reconstruction works" were discovered in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. All this confirms the fact that the Armenian side tried to conceal and falsify cultural, historical, and scientific evidence. For example, an equipped workshop for the production of "ancient" cross-stones was discovered in the Kalbajar district. These cross-stones were subjected to oxidation and treated with vinegar in order to age artificially and then buried in the ground to be used as undeniable evidence of "centuries-old Armenian roots" in the Garabagh region. Armenians left a centuries-old trace in Garadaghli village, where a huge number of destroyed monuments, desecrated graves, and monuments were found during the anti-terrorist operation carried out by the Azerbaijani army on 19 September 2023 to eradicate terrorists from Garabagh. The tragedy of Garadaghli, which resulted in the orphaning of 146 children, is one of the bloodiest pages of the genocide policy carried out by Armenians against the people of Azerbaijan to achieve their evil intentions. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more On Monday, the only synagogue in Yerevan was subjected to the terror attack. The synagogue was doused with liquid, windows were smashed, and a Molotov cocktail was thrown in. The youth wing of the Armenian Secret Army for Liberation Armenia (ASALA) took responsibility for the attack. The terror organization released statements via social media networks and noted that the act was a response to the weapon agreements between Azerbaijan and Israel, and rabbis who criticized Pashinyan for belittling Holocaust genocide by comparing it with the War in Garabagh. The statement of the terror organizations reads: "This is a warning, if rabbis in the U.S. and Europe continue to support the Aliyev regime, then we will burn synagogues in other countries." Another point that draws attention is that the terror act happened at a time when France was trying to get strong in the region. Of course, this reminds many of the heinous France - ASALA relations. As is known, ASALA was created in Beirut in 1975 by Hagop Hagopian. The organizations conducted several terror attacks against Turkish diplomats. For 7 years, Lebanon was a paradise for ASALA and the organization branched out. However, once Beirut was under the control of Israel in 1982, the demise of ASALA started. Having lost all its support, the terror organization was obliged to leave the Middle East. At that time, France gave a hand to the organization by providing shelter. How did the Armenian terror organization betray France? The organization transferred all its infrastructure from Lebanon to France. However, the honeymoon between France and ASALA did not last long. The Armenian terror organization betrayed France by conducting the terror act in Orly airport. Following the terror attack, the organization was expelled from France and the second person of ASALA Monte Melkonyan was arrested. Soon Hagop Hagopian was killed in Europe and Monte became the head of the organization. When the First Garabagh War broke out the French government freed Monte to fight against Azerbaijan in Garabagh. However, Garabagh became his grave, i.e. he was killed here and ASALA dissolved in 1994. Thus, the last incident poses questions about whether France is reviving the organization to use it against Israel and Azerbaijan after its long silence. Are there any terror attacks expected to continue in both regions? Regarding the issue, we learned the opinion of Dean Shmuel Elmas, a journalist and expert on Geopolitics and Energy from Tel-Aviv, Israel. In his comment to AZERNEWS, he pointed out that If Israel sees that these kinds of attacks will continue, Armenia will get some kind of hits in two directions. First and foremost, as always, Israel will deepen its cooperation with Azerbaijan. Israel has the best intelligence units in the world. Such like in the Iranian case, Israel might help Azerbaijan with intelligence from Yerevan. Secondly, I saw that the Armenian ambassador in Tel Aviv decided to talk with the Associated Press. Maybe, he wants to gain some popularity inside and outside Israel. His main problem is Mr. Muxtar Mmmdov, one of the most honorable ambassadors in Israel, he came here about six months ago. The Israeli public loves Azerbaijan and therefore, if we see these attacks continue, the only thing that the Armenian ambassador will get is diplomatic reprimand from the Israeli MFA, Dean Shmuel Elmas said. He also added that about 150 thousand Armenians live in Lebanon and several other thousands in Syria. They can cooperate with pro-Iranians such as the Lebanese Hezbollah and different others in Syria, Such as the Afghani Fatemiyoun. We know that Israel fights the Iranian presence in Syria and therefore we might see Israeli attacks on Armenians that help the Iranians in Syria if they make some mistakes. Moreover, Turkiye fights PKK in Syria, so this is just one example of how Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Israel can create a powerful triangle about the Iranian-Armenian relations in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, he said. He also touched on possible Israel-Azerbaijani joint operations against ASALA and noted that the intelligence relations between the two countries are amazing, such as in all the different sectors: Military, Energy, Education, and so on. Jerusalem and Baku work together all the time, and this is very bad for all the terrorists in the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Honestly, It doesn't matter if you speak about terrorist regimes like the ayatollah's regime or terrorist organizations. Israel and Azerbaijan strive for peace. But, those who aspire to war against them will pay, he concluded. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Rena Murshud The summit, attended by some 50 European leaders, dozens of aides, and legions of journalists, was a fiasco. The meeting failed to make any significant progress in resolving the conflicts on the doorstep of Europe or any other regional problem, Azernews reports. The third meeting of Emmanuel Macron's European Political Community project was presented by advisers as an opportunity to achieve peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reduce tensions in the Balkans and have a strategic conversation about the security of the continent. While leaders rallied around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Granada to drum up European support for Ukraine amid concerns about US aid, they failed to make progress in other conflicts due to the absence of key players. Participants' hopes of taking action to resolve the humanitarian crisis in so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh" were dashed when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refused to participate in the meeting. But the leaders were so hoping to hold the first meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan since Azerbaijan won a great victory over the Armenian terror, which led to the exodus of pro-separatist elements from Garabagh. It is worth noting that the reason for President Ilham Aliyevs refusal to attend the meeting is the destructive position of France, as well as disagreements between Paris and Berlin regarding Turkiyes participation in the meeting. It should be noted that French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who recently visited Yerevan, again found herself in the spotlight for her anti-Azerbaijani statements. Attempts to ease tensions between Kosovo and Serbia are equally futile. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani refused to negotiate with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic unless sanctions were applied against Belgrade. The sense of futility of the informal summit reached its peak when the host country, Spain, canceled at the last minute a planned press conference, an expected summit event for some 700 journalists. It was intended to include announcements and formally mark the transfer of leadership of the European Political Community from Spain to the United Kingdom. The leaders' lack of enthusiasm for the summit was evident from the start of the day, with many invitees not bothering to stop and exchange thoughts with the waiting crowd of journalists. Giorgia Meloni from Italy walked past the journalists, talking on her cell phone. Neither German Chancellor Olaf Scholz nor British President Rishi Sunak spoke to the press. Emmanuel Macron, whose idea was to create a European political community, also had nothing to say on the way to the meeting. This is what it means that the absence of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkiye led to nothing, despite the fact that the leaders of many countries were present at the meeting. This is what the strength of the Turkic countries means. Palestinian-Italian activist and researcher Khaled el Qaisi has been released from prison a month after being detained by Israeli authorities. The 27-year-old was arrested on August 31 at the Allenby crossing which connects the Occupied West Bank and Jordan. Posters depicting Khaled El Qaisi, with the words: Free Khaled, in front of the headquarters of the Italian Radio and Television demanding his release [File: Simona Granati/Corbis via Getty Images] El Qaisi, who is of Palestinian and Italian heritage and holds dual citizenship, is a student at the Department of Oriental Languages and Civilizations at Sapienza University in Rome. He works with the activist group Palestinian Youth of Italy and is also one of the founders of the Palestinian Documentation Center. El Qaisi was seized by Israeli occupation forces while he was making his way to Amman after a family trip to Bethlehem. The Israeli authorities also seized the familys luggage and cell phones. El Qaisis wife was also subjected to questioning before being expelled to Jordan with their son. Meanwhile, el Qaisi was held in solitary confinement at the notorious Petah Tikva detention center, and subjected to daily interrogations in the absence of a lawyer. His detention was renewed twice in hearings held on September 7 and 14 without any charges being detailed. His brother and two cousins were also arrested by occupation forces, Middle East Eye reported. In a hearing on September 21, his detention was extended for another 11 days. According to a press release issued by his lawyer, that court had also determined that three days after the latest extension would lapse on October 1, the Israeli investigators would have to file charges against el Qaisi. from the Peoples Dispatch / Globetrotter News Service 6 October 2023 18:25 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more Apart from the region, isolated from relations with many countries of the world with economic opportunities, Iran was worried about the tendency of its fickle ally, Armenia, towards the West. This concern made her focus more on Azerbaijan. Most likely, such a sudden decision of Tehran took place after the "Protocol of Intent" between Azerbaijan and Turkiye on the Kars-Nakhchivan railway project on September 25, 2023. Iran is now decisively taking steps towards Azerbaijan. Thus, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev met with Iran's Road and Urban Development Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash today. During the meeting, the foundation-laying ceremony of a highway bridge, customs and border infrastructure has today been held in the vicinity of the Aghband settlement of Azerbaijan's Zangilan district as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two states signed on March 11, 2022 . Thus, Armenia missed its chance again. Because the neighboring state, which wasted time over unnecessary issues with its western allies, while missing the opportunity to join the economic projects of the region, took refuge in Iran's logic and did not want to strengthen its relations with a marginalized state like Yerevan - on the contrary, it chose to take advantage of more profitable opportunities. However, on the other hand, this cannot fully reflect Iran's friendly intentions towards Azerbaijan. "The signing of the memorandum does not mean that the two parties have reached an agreement and that the claims arising from that agreement must be implemented. This is just the intention of the two states. This is also a project with Iran to move from one territory of Azerbaijan to another. Until then, that is, during the period when part of the Azerbaijani lands were under occupation, there was a land connection from the Bilasuvar checkpoint to Nakhchivan. If the project is implemented, that distance will be shortened. I believe that this project will be a very useful project for both countries." Azerbaijani political scientist Sadraddin Soltan has told this in his comment to AZERNEWS. Speaking about the benefits of this for Iran, the political scientist noted that Iran will get a chance to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the economic and transport direction, as well as gain the trust and confidence of the other side. The beneficial aspect for Azerbaijan is its ability to move to its territory both in terms of time and without paying additional costs. "This road also increases the chances of having an alternative road for the Zangazur corridor in the future. The road that is currently being built may result in the construction of a railway in the future. If Turkiye and other countries join this project in the future, the international importance of the project may increase significantly," the expert said. Sadraddin Soltan noted that the party left out of the project is Armenia. Because Armenia is against such a route passing through its territory, it is also illogical to use this road. Also, the interest of European countries in this project is impossible. Because some time ago, the EU expanded the sanctions against Iran. This reduces the state's ability to participate in a large-scale project. Iran is considered the most unreliable, dangerous and risky country on the international scale. In addition, the expert noted that the Armenian side will agree to the Zangazur corridor project in the near future. As for the reason, he noted that Yerevan, whose relations with Russia are broken, is aware that the corridor for access to Europe is important for its future. Later, the expert spoke about Iran's fear regarding the Zangazur Corridor. According to him, Iran is worried that NATO and the EU will be able to access the region through the corridor. Unfortunately, Iran is not aware that the Zangazur Corridor will be more useful for it. "The South Caucasus was under the political and geopolitical influence of the Ottomans, the Safavids, and then the USSR for a long time, and now Russia. Now the process of Russia's exit from the region has begun. The reason is the limitation of Moscow's influence on the region with the collapse of the USSR. Russia is the only one in the region whose military base is located in Armenia. However, it has chosen a very strict position against official Moscow. That is, the process of preparation for the next stage of the South Caucasus is underway," the political scientist said. At the end of his comment, the expert spoke about the preparation process of the South Caucasus for the next stage. According to him, the attempts of other Western countries, including France and the United States, as well as Russia to stay in the region continue. At the same time, brotherly Turkiye also has considerable influence in the Caucasus. "Like other power states, Iran is currently trying to gain some influence in the region. The weakest point for it is Armenia. Because Yerevan, which it supported during the occupation, was a means of pressure for Tehran against Baku. The Iranian authorities have taken all these steps just to strengthen their political, economic and geographical sphere of influence in the region," the expert concluded. --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 23:00 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more The Institute of Development and Diplomacy of ADA University held the graduation ceremony of the Leadership Strengthening Program for Rabitabank colleagues, Azernews reports. Fariz Ismailzadeh, Executive Vice-Rector of ADA University and director of the Institute of Development and Diplomacy, noted that the institute regularly conducts training to train specialists in the public and private sectors and in the academic field, as well as to strengthen the potential of personnel. Nargiz Ismailova, head of specialization programs at the Institute of Development and Diplomacy, congratulated the participants who successfully completed the program on this occasion. It was noted that within the framework of the Program, three trainings were conducted on three different topics. At the event, Chairman of the Board of Rabitabank OJSC Aydin Huseynov expressed gratitude to the Institute of Development and Diplomacy for organizing the program: This program will allow our colleagues to become more effective leaders in their roles and will contribute to the success of our organization. Congratulating the graduates of the program, Fariz Azizov, a member of the Board of Directors of PASHA Insurance OJSC, expressed great satisfaction with the cooperation with ADA University. At the end, the participants were presented with certificates, and a commemorative photo was taken. It should be noted that the first training on the topic Strategic Leadership within the framework of the program was conducted by the Executive Vice-Chancellor of ADA University, Director of the Institute of Development and Diplomacy Fariz Ismailzadeh and President of the ADA University Foundation (Azerbaijan) Natig Hajiyev. . At the next training, Shamsia Mustafayeva, financial advisor for partnerships and development at the UN Standing Office for Public Affairs in Azerbaijan, shared her experience about the components of emotional intelligence, its development and practical strategies for applying leadership. The latest training, conducted by Fariz Azizov, a member of the Board of Directors of PASHA Insurance OJSC, touched upon such important topics as team structure, development dynamics and roles in teams, and collective decision-making styles. It should be noted that a total of 58 representatives working at Rabitabank took part in the Leadership Strengthening Program. --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 11:24 (UTC+04:00) Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a meeting with representatives of the EU, Germany, and France on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Granada (Spain) signed a declaration recognizing Azerbaijan's 86,600 sq km territory, including Garabagh, Azernews reports citing the text of the declaration circulated by the EU Council. The parties remain committed to all efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of mutual recognition of the sovereignty, inviolability of borders, and territorial integrity of Armenia (29,800 sq km) and Azerbaijan (86,600 sq km), as already stated in the statements of the President of the European Council Charles Michel on 14 and 15 May 2023, the document says. Azerbaijan proposed Turkiye's participation in the meeting and insisted on it. However, this was not allowed, France and Germany showed special zeal in this matter. An anti-Azerbaijani atmosphere has been formed in the five-way format proposed to Azerbaijan (Armenia-Azerbaijan-France-Germany-European Union). Against the background of the pro-Armenian statements of French officials (Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, etc.), the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Armenia and military cooperation, statements about the provision of arms and ammunition, and yesterday's accusation against Azerbaijan by the President of the EU Council, Charles Michel, Azerbaijan did not see the need to participate in the negotiations in this format. Therefore, Azerbaijan refused this meeting and President Ilham Aliyev didnt go to Granada. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 13:24 (UTC+04:00) The legal status of Russian peacekeepers was based solely on the 2020 statement and their mission was solely to maintain the ceasefire," Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a plenary session at the 20th annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, Azernews reported. He added that after the recent events, the situation has changed and now the issue of the Russian peacekeeping contingent will be solved only with Azerbaijan. He noted that Azerbaijan did not see the need to sign an additional agreement on the status of peacekeepers. "Azerbaijan thought there was no need for it, but signing this agreement without Azerbaijan is meaningless. The mission of the Russian peacekeepers was to observe the ceasefire. The peacekeepers had no other rights there," the Russian president said. Putin added that after Armenia recognized Garabagh as part of Azerbaijan, the country's President Ilham Aliyev told him that the issue of peacekeepers there would now be resolved only bilaterally, as they were exclusively on Azerbaijani territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin also said at the plenary session as part of the 20th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club that Baku's establishing constitutional order in Garabagh was a matter of time after Armenia recognized in Prague and then in Brussels that Garabagh is a part of Azerbaijan, When and in what way Azerbaijan would establish constitutional order in Garabagh was only a matter of time. When Garabagh declared its independence, no one recognized this independence, not even Armenia, which, frankly speaking, is strange to me. They didn't recognize the independence of Garabagh. In Prague, Armenia recognized that Garabagh belongs to Azerbaijan, and then repeated the same thing a second time at a similar meeting in Brussels in early 2023. I am confident that now that all issues on Azerbaijans part have been resolved to restore territorial integrity, the president of Azerbaijan will take up humanitarian issues, the Russian President said. Putin has expressed the hope that Baku will proceed from humanistic considerations in relation to the former leaders of Garabagh. Earlier, commenting on the situation with the arrest of Ruben Vardanyan, the Russian leader noted that he himself had renounced Russian citizenship. The so-called leaders of the quasi-formation Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and David Ishkhanyan, along with Arayik Harutyunyan and Ruben Vardanyan, were arrested. Such a preventive measure was chosen in their relation as part of the investigation of criminal cases against the separatists. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 14:30 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan turned to Azerbaijan in order to get rid of the enemy, Azernews reports. According to foreign media, Former Armenian Defense Minister Arshak Karapetyan said that it was Pashinyan who asked Azerbaijan not to allow Ruben Vardanyan into Armenian territory. The former Minister of Defense of Armenia, addressing his dismissal, said in a video on his Facebook page that this happened because he visited Karabakh. Arshak Karapetyan announced the beginning of the political struggle in his video message. The video says: The betrayal of the interests of Armenia by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the threat to the existence of Armenia force me to announce the beginning of a political struggle. I call on the patriotic forces of the Armenian Diaspora to consolidate around the idea of saving the future of Armenia. The current government of Armenia consists of amateurs, a group of cowards, he noted, proposing the Cabinet of Ministers to resign. The former head of the defense department noted that the enemy, or rather the Prime Minister of Armenia, will not stop and will continue the policy aimed at destroying the Armenians. Karapetyan also stated: I know for sure that it was the head of the Armenian government, fearing to lose his seat, who turned to Azerbaijan with a request not to allow the worthy son of the Armenian people, Ruben Vardanyan, into the territory of Armenia. It is worth noting that, before Azerbaijans victory over Armenian terrorism, provocateurs accused surrounding countries like Russia, Iran, the European Union... And after the destruction of Armenian terrorism, the Armenians turned their poisonous arrows on themselves. Recall that Armenian-born Russian oligarch Ruben Vardanyan was detained. Ruben Vardanyan who was heading from Azerbaijan to Armenia and illegally arrived in Azerbaijan and held the "position" of the so-called "state minister" of the separatist regime in Garabagh, was detained on September 27 at the Lachin border checkpoint on the state border as a result of the vigilance of servicemen of Azerbaijani State Border Service. He was brought to Baku accompanied by officers of the Rapid Response Force of the State Border Service. He was handed over to the relevant state bodies to make an appropriate decision regarding the detainee. How cute it is to see that Armenians are biting themselves. This is how they help their neighbor Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is busy with its economy and is developing more and more every day. --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 15:59 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre The influential German news channel WELT TV interviewed the ambassador of Azerbaijan to Germany, Nasimi Agayev. In an interview, the ambassador answered the questions of the well-known German journalist Tatiana Ohm. Ohm was interested in the reasons for the mass migration of Armenians from Garabagh. In his response, the Ambassador said that Armenians from Garabagh were forced to migrate by the leaders of the armed separatist regime, as well as the atmosphere of fear formed by them and politicians in Armenia played a key role here. Besides, N.Agayev added that Azerbaijan called on the Armenians of Garabagh to stay in their place of residence and not to leave the territory, and offered them full-fledged Azerbaijani citizenship. They were advised to take advantage of the rights and freedoms provided for by the Constitution of Azerbaijan, as well as security guarantees. The Azerbaijani official also talked about the military aggression carried out by Armenia against Azerbaijan 30 years ago, the razing of 7 cities and 900 villages, the fact that more than 1 million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced people, and the policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide committed against them. According to him, despite all the crimes committed against the Azerbaijani population, the Azerbaijani side is far from revenge and refrains from committing the same acts. He pointed out that the most correct step for the restoration of peace and tranquility in the South Caucasus is to think about the future and achieve the signing of a peace agreement between the two states as soon as possible. The German correspondent noted that European politicians have called for the imposition of sanctions against Azerbaijan and asked about the attitude of the Azerbaijani ambassador to this. In an answer to Ohm's question, N. Agayev answered with a rhetorical question. He said that Armenia occupied the lands of Azerbaijan for more than 30 years, expelled more than 1 million Azerbaijanis from their homes and committed genocide against them, and whether any sanctions were applied against Armenia. The ambassador expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with the double standards applied by some European countries in the Azerbaijani society regarding the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He added that Azerbaijan is criticized when it restores its territorial integrity and sovereignty, while Ukraine receives all kinds of support when it fights for the same. This is an indicator of double standards and a selective approach to the principle of territorial integrity. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 10:22 (UTC+04:00) Today Milli Majlis (the Parliament of Azerbaijan) will hold the regular plenary meeting of the autumn session, Azernews reports. According to the received information, Milli Majlis will adopt a statement in response to the European Parliament's resolution on Azerbaijan at the meeting. This issue was put on the agenda of the plenary session of the parliament. To recall that on October 5, the European Parliament adopted a biased resolution regarding Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 11:07 (UTC+04:00) Western Azerbaijan Community calls on Armenia, the EU, France, and Germany to reconsider their position. The Community stated that the Granada statement by Armenia, EU, France, and Germany is discriminatory, Azernews reports. "We, the Western Azerbaijan Community, representing Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia, express our deep disappointment and concern at the discriminatory statement made by the leaders of Armenia, the EU, France and Germany on 5 October 2023 in Granada, Spain. They deliberately chose not to recognize the equal and legitimate right of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to return to their homes. This erroneous and unilateral statement denying our right to return not only perpetuates our suffering but also increases tensions in the region, hindering the prospects for lasting peace and reconciliation. The community of Western Azerbaijan has repeatedly appealed to Armenia, the EU, and its Member States to facilitate our safe and dignified return to our ancestral land. Unfortunately, our requests have been met with indifference and silence. With its discriminatory statement in Granada, the EU and some of its member States have in fact supported Armenia's policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis. We call on Armenia, the EU, France, and Germany to reconsider their position and recognize the rights of ethnic Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to return to their homes in safety and dignity," the Community said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 12:23 (UTC+04:00) The UN mission monitoring the region with Azerbaijan's consent has released information. The information stated that there was no ethnic cleansing, that our government had begun work in health care and other areas of Garabagh, and that no civilian infrastructure had been damaged. This thwarted the intentions of foreign forces to blame Azerbaijan. Sevinj Fataliyeva, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Relations of Milli Majlis, expressed such thoughts in her speech, Azernews reports. Noting that local anti-terrorist measures carried out by the brave Azerbaijani army against the illegal Armenian military formations in Garabagh were met with great pride by our people, the deputy noted that as a result of anti-terrorist measures carried out by our Armed Forces, the other side was forced to raise the white flag in a short time. After the anti-terrorist measures, our state has fully secured its sovereignty. "The victory achieved is a vivid expression of the iron will, determination, and steadfast defense of our national interests by the President of Azerbaijan, as well as the might of our glorious army. At present, our state is restoring order in the territory of Garabagh and the employees of relevant institutions are fulfilling their duties. Some international organizations and countries are trying to accuse Azerbaijan of "ethnic cleansing", conducting a smear campaign against Azerbaijan. But our State is exposing these accusations with its legal steps. Our state has started the reintegration process. Armenia wants to make a show of "ethnic cleansing" using Garabagh Armenians. By this, it tries to put international pressure on Azerbaijan. But these attempts are in vain. Azerbaijan is not taking any steps against the Garabagh Armenians, on the contrary, it is taking practical steps to solve the issues of their citizenship. However, this does not mean that those who committed crimes against the people of Azerbaijan, against our territorial integrity, etc. will remain unpunished," Fataliyeva noted. The MP noted that the power structures of our state take necessary steps in this direction. The arrest of Ruben Vardanyan, the so-called "former presidents of the regime" Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, Dashnak David Ishkhanyan, as well as a number of high-ranking military men is a proof of that. Among them are criminals whose hands are directly drenched with the blood of innocent Azerbaijanis. At present, the Armenian authorities are trying to make a "political show" out of the arrest of these criminals. But they will not be able to achieve anything. "Azerbaijan is a strong state, no force can dictate anything to it. The arrest of these individuals fully complies with the legislation of Azerbaijan, as well as international law. Those who committed crimes against our people, these criminals who thought they had built their "happiness" by killing innocent people, should have thought that historical justice would take its place. The time has come for them to receive their deserved punishment," Sevinj Fataliyeva said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 11:58 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more The summit, attended by some 50 European leaders, dozens of aides, and legions of journalists, was a fiasco. The meeting failed to make any significant progress in resolving the conflicts on the doorstep of Europe or any other regional problem, Azernews reports. The third meeting of Emmanuel Macron's European Political Community project was presented by advisers as an opportunity to achieve peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reduce tensions in the Balkans and have a strategic conversation about the security of the continent. While leaders rallied around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Granada to drum up European support for Ukraine amid concerns about US aid, they failed to make progress in other conflicts due to the absence of key players. Participants' hopes of taking action to resolve the humanitarian crisis in so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh" were dashed when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refused to participate in the meeting. But the leaders were so hoping to hold the first meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan since Azerbaijan won a great victory over the Armenian terror, which led to the exodus of pro-separatist elements from Garabagh. It is worth noting that the reason for President Ilham Aliyevs refusal to attend the meeting is the destructive position of France, as well as disagreements between Paris and Berlin regarding Turkiyes participation in the meeting. It should be noted that French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who recently visited Yerevan, again found herself in the spotlight for her anti-Azerbaijani statements. Attempts to ease tensions between Kosovo and Serbia are equally futile. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani refused to negotiate with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic unless sanctions were applied against Belgrade. The sense of futility of the informal summit reached its peak when the host country, Spain, canceled at the last minute a planned press conference, an expected summit event for some 700 journalists. It was intended to include announcements and formally mark the transfer of leadership of the European Political Community from Spain to the United Kingdom. The leaders' lack of enthusiasm for the summit was evident from the start of the day, with many invitees not bothering to stop and exchange thoughts with the waiting crowd of journalists. Giorgia Meloni from Italy walked past the journalists, talking on her cell phone. Neither German Chancellor Olaf Scholz nor British President Rishi Sunak spoke to the press. Emmanuel Macron, whose idea was to create a European political community, also had nothing to say on the way to the meeting. This is what it means that the absence of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkiye led to nothing, despite the fact that the leaders of many countries were present at the meeting. This is what the strength of the Turkic countries means. --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz by Our Diplomatic Affairs Correspondent The so-called documentary, featuring a select few screened on Channel 4 News, holds no value for those whose lives were shattered by the Easter suicide attack perpetrated by fanatics. Instead, it stands as yet another farcical attempt by certain social groups and non-governmental organizations in Sri Lanka, who laboured vigorously to bring this charade to light. A few days after its screening, the documentarys director and producer admitted to possessing no concrete evidence to substantiate the allegations made by their introduced whistleblower. A criminal complaint against Azad Maulana has emerged, alleging that he deceitfully married a woman and subjected her to days of sexual assault. Images were taken during the 'fake event' [Special Arrangement]." Surprisingly, respected journalist DBS Jayaraj, based in the comfort of Canada, bestowed his blessings upon and adorned this intricate scheme. A Sri Lankan daily newspaper was exploited for this purpose, deliberately sidelining the other facet of the incident, thus painting a one-sided portrait of Maulanas theatrics. Notably, all those discussing this matter conveniently omitted Indias involvement in financing Karuna and Pillayans factions, as detailed in Maulanas comprehensive statement before UN human rights body. Such self-censorship suggests that not only this seasoned journalist but also others addressing this issue might have vested political interests. The political reign over the Eastern Province, including the Batticaloa district, is currently in the hands of Sivaneshathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, who poses a significant challenge to the Tamil National Alliance. Maulanas political adversaries might perceive Pillayans clout as a means to undermine him and remove him from the system. This inference becomes evident from recent statements by Tamil National Alliance MPs. Furthermore, Vinayagamurthi Muralidaran, aka Karuna Amman, and Pillaiyan have long been regarded as traitors to Tamil separatists. Had Vinayagamurthy Muralidaran and the Eastern LTTE not separated from the LTTE, the terror organization would still be inflicting suicide bombings upon unarmed civilians. Tamil children would still be forcibly abducted and forced to partake in their fascist war. This tragedy remains a lucrative source of income for those who harbour separatist sympathies in Canada and parts of Europe. These individuals are evidently disoriented when this revenue stream is disrupted. This is precisely why Maulana has become a hero to them. Contrary to claims that whistleblower Azad Maulana fled the country due to threats from his former boss, Azad Maulana was appointed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in January 2022. This revelation raises several pertinent questions. When was the initial job interview conducted? Also, when did Azad Maulana establish ties with the doctor who treated Saharan Hasims brother Rilwan at Colombo National Hospital after an explosive experiment gone awry left him seriously injured? Did this doctor play a role in securing a job with a UN affiliate for this so-called whistleblower? If the doctors involvement in any criminal activities is baseless, why is he evading authorities? Moreover, why has the Sri Lankan government pursued an extradition order against this doctor? Why are various organizations selectively presenting information that serves their interests while deliberately concealing the true details of this entire saga? The allegations against Azad Maulana suggest he is not a whistleblower but rather an accused party who warrants immediate national and international investigation. It is crucial to note that these accusations were pending long before his flight from the country. As previously reported there have been allegations that Azad Maulana deceitfully married a woman and subjected her to days of sexual assault. Legal proceedings related to this incident are underway, with the affected woman reaching out to the Swiss Ambassador and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. What actions has the Human Rights Council taken in response? Why do non-governmental organizations, purported champions of human and womens rights, adopt a hypocritical stance in such cases? Additionally, whistleblower Azad Maulana stands accused of extorting money from numerous Tamils and Muslims, promising them employment. These findings collectively point to rape, financial impropriety, and forgery charges. It is imperative to initiate an international criminal investigation against Azad Maulana. Shouldnt the government of Sri Lanka and international institutions committed to justice and harmony promptly issue a Red Warrant through Interpol for Azad Maulanas arrest and prosecution? Amidst all these theatrics, genuine whistleblowers like Julian Assange, Edward Snowden, Katharine Teresa Gun, and Annie Machon, who have dedicated themselves to unveiling the truth, are unjustly overshadowed. Criminals may masquerade as whistleblowers, but they shall ultimately face the inexorable truth under the dictates of natural law. It is this plea that resonates with the tears shed by women subjected to prolonged sexual abuse at the hands of such predators. 6 October 2023 11:33 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Vladimir Orlic. Saying that friendly relations between the two countries have a rich history, the head of state noted that this creates a good basis for the development of bilateral ties based on mutual support, and recalled his visit to Serbia. Touching upon relations in the economic sphere, President Ilham Aliyev said that the two countries are actively cooperating in the areas of investment, energy and industry. The head of state stressed the importance of interparliamentary ties in developing the bilateral relations. The President of Azerbaijan expressed confidence that Vladimir Orlic`s visit would contribute to the expansion of dynamically developing cooperation. The Speaker first conveyed President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic`s greetings to the head of state. President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the greetings, and asked Vladimir Orlic to pass on his greetings to the President of Serbia. The Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia said that the two countries enjoy friendly relations based on strategic partnership. The sides pointed out that Azerbaijan and Serbia have always supported each other`s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as rightful positions within international organizations. They noted that the bilateral relations are based on the principles of strategic partnership, mutual understanding and mutual respect, and stressed the importance of interparliamentary ties and cooperation in international interparliamentary organizations. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 16:59 (UTC+04:00) A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on October 6. The new edition includes several interesting articles, such as "Urban planning in Zangilan paves way to opening of Zangazur corridor"; "How West is fostering Armenia for terrorism?"; "Space industry opens new horizon before Azerbaijan"; "IAC in Baku: opportunities for new industrial era " etc. AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The online newspaper is available at www.azernews.az. 6 October 2023 16:33 (UTC+04:00) European Council President Charles Michel said that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to take part in a meeting in Brussels at the end of October. Council announced this before the start of the informal EU summit in Granada. Charles Michel noted that he decided to invite both leaders to Brussels at the end of October, and both leaders agreed to take part in this meeting, Azernews reports. He stressed the determination to do huge work towards the normalization of ties between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The day before, the head of the European Council, as well as the leaders of France and Germany, Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in Granada. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev did not participate in the meeting. Following the negotiations, Michel announced that he would invite the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to a tripartite meeting in Brussels at the end of October. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The Tatarstan company Kama can begin assembling its electric car Atom in Uzbekistan. This became known during the III Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia, which was held on 4 October in Kazan, Azernews reports, citing UzDaily news agency. Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Dmitry Volvach announced plans to localize the production of electric cars at the forum. According to him, Uzbek companies are interested in launching large-scale assembly of the Atom, and then in completely localizing the production of the electric car in their country, the Evening Kazan publication reports. Volvach also described the Tatarstan car as a breakthrough and high-quality electric car.The Kama company, which produces an electric car, was founded by the head of KamAZ, Sergei Kogogin. Let us remind you that KamAZ actively cooperates with Uzbekistan, in particular in the field of training and hiring personnel. The III Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia was held on October 4 in Kazan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 23:20 (UTC+04:00) IT companies of Kyrgyzstan and the United States have agreed to establish cooperation, Azernews reports, citing Kabar. 15 domestic specialists visited the headquarters of Reliable Controls Corporation, Pluralsight and SecurityMetrics in Utah. They got acquainted with the activities of these organizations, the report said. At a meeting at Reliable Controls Corporation, the company management spoke about their work with mining companies in the United States. Kyrgyz companies presented information on their activities and discussed specific proposals on promising areas of cooperation, the Foreign Ministry noted. Protecting payment card information for small and midsize businesses in the US and around the world, was discussed at the meeting at SecurityMetrics. As a result, an agreement was reached to consider options for joint work. At the end, the parties exchanged contacts to establish a partnership. The events were organized by the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in the USA and Canada. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 22:45 (UTC+04:00) The scenic resort of Antalya on the Turkish Riviera will host the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2026, the countrys industry and technology minister announced on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. Turkiye won the race and Antalya will host the world's largest space congress in 2026. May it be beneficial to our country and nation. Believe me, this is our shared success, and shared source of pride, Mehmet Fatih Kacir said during a technology event in the northwestern Kocaeli province. Stressing that everyone who believes in Turkiyes future can make great contributions to such successes, he said science, research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship all play important roles in scaling even more heights in the decades ahead. These achievements are the results of the world's careful follow-up of our achievements so far. I believe that together we will accomplish much greater things in the Century of Turkiye, he added. This years 74th International Astronautical Congress is taking place in Azerbaijans capital Baku. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 October 2023 18:50 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani travel blogger Azer Garib presented a film entitled Bir sfrin izi il, dedicated to the official visit of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to Italy in 1997. The presentation of the film took place on October 4 at the Nizami Cinema. This fascinating project takes us through the historical cities of Italy visited by Heydar Aliyev, showing us the unofficial aspects of the official visit. Together with the traveller, the viewer will go on an astonishing journey through Rome, Naples, Pompeii and the island of Capri, capturing the unusual moments of the visit. Azer Gharib, a well-known journalist and the author of the idea of the film, also stressed that other films will be created in this format, talking about the exciting details of the four visits of the National Leader. The support of Azerbaijan Airlines, whose social mission is to enhance culture and preserve the country's heritage, has allowed this project to become a reality. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 October 2023 22:00 (UTC+04:00) On Monday, October 2, Azerbaijan Airlines operated its first regular flight en route Baku-Minsk-Baku. At the Minsk National Airport, the AZAL aircraft was solemnly greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, which symbolizes the beginning of a new stage in air communication between the two countries. Representatives of Azerbaijan Airlines, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Belarus, representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora and the management of the Minsk National Airport attended the event. The new route offers passengers ample opportunities for a comfortable journey between the two capitals. Flights in this direction will be operated four times weekly, creating additional prospects for tourists and business partners. The flight schedule for these flights can be found on the official website of the airline - www.azal.az. Tickets are also available on the mobile app and from accredited airline agencies. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 29 September 2023 20:00 (UTC+04:00) On Friday, September 29, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the prospects for cooperation in the aviation and tourism sectors were discussed at the breakfast that brought together the representatives of Azerbaijan Airlines and the country's travel agencies. It should also be noted that on September 29, Azerbaijan celebrates the Day of Tourism Workers. The participants discussed the development potential of tourism and aviation in a friendly meeting. Special attention has been paid to the importance of effective interaction for strengthening Azerbaijan's position in this area on a global scale. The meeting discussed wide-scale issues, including expanding the route network, improving the quality of passenger service, creating attractive tourism offers and many other relevant matters. The airline's representatives also gave detailed information about the works carried out within the cooperation framework. "We are confident that active interaction between the two industries is important for various aspects of the tourism sector. Our joint efforts will allow passengers to offer diverse and attractive tourist products and services," said Chingiz Mursalov, Director of Sales and Partnership of AZAL, emphasizing the importance of this strategic cooperation. Representatives of travel agencies, in turn, expressed their readiness to actively cooperate with the airline to create new tourism offers and make travel even more comfortable and exciting. Both sides emphasized their persistence in strengthening cooperation and noted that such meetings will continue. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Russia has developed ways to produce more cruise missiles despite the severe economic sanctions imposed after they invaded Ukraine. Russia has found new sources for components, some of them obtained by smuggling or purchases of components that can be adapted for use in missile production. Most of the smuggling is done via Armenia and Turkey, two countries that are hospitable to smuggling if it has some benefits for locals. Although Turkey is a NATO member, smuggling is tolerated if the smugglers will pay the right people for access. Such corrupt behavior has long prevented Turkey from joining the European Union. Russia has expended most of its missile stockpiles and the sanctions had, for a while, prevented Russia from replacing those missiles. Restoring Russian missile production is going to hurt Ukraine because the missiles are difficult to intercept and cause a lot of damage to Ukrainian infrastructure and armed forces. NATO is seeking to disrupt the smuggling while it provides Ukraine with more air defense systems that can deal with incoming missiles. The problem is that NATO cannot supply Ukraine with enough defensive systems to protect all the economic targets Russia wants to attack. NATO considers sanctions the best way to prevent increased Russian missile production but appears that current efforts will not be sufficient. The solution is more effective sanctions and that effort is underway. For sanctions to work they must constantly evolve as the sanctioned nations seek ways to evade the sanctions. This is an economic conflict as harsher sanctions are easier to impose than they are to evade. Russia is already spending more of its national budget on weapons production than it is on social services for the Russian population. The Russian government is taking a risk here because, if too much more privation is imposed on its civilian population, there will be more internal opposition to the war effort. This cannot be ignored but Russia feels they can endure this until they cant. It is difficult to determine how much privation Russians will tolerate before they actively protest the situation. Russia has been able to limit popular protests to the war effort but the protests can increase to the point where the Russian government cannot ignore the welfare of its own people. As School Choice is beginning to take shape in North Carolina: What is your position on what it should evolve into? 3.45% School Choice is only a distraction from the promise of real public education.93.1% School Choice, as it evolves into its best model to serve the public' s education needs, this benefit will provide choices outside of the historic construct supporting the public school monopoly.3.45% School Choice - I cannot see how it serves the Education Industry. East Carolina University kicked off the new academic year Wednesday with its first University Day celebration.Chancellor Philip Rogers said.The ceremony in the Main Campus Student Center ballrooms highlighted ECU's refreshed strategic plan, Future focused. Innovation driven. The plan supports the university's mission of student success, public service and regional transformation.Rogers said.The plan is a five-year road map with mission strategies that prioritize transformational experiences for all learners, citizen engagement, and success in student achievement and regional development.Rogers said.The ECU strategic planning process was co-led by Acting Chief Research and Engagement Officer for Research, Economic Development and Engagement Sharon Paynter and faculty member Dr. Ravi Paul and included broad input from university constituencies and committees.In sharing priorities for the academic year, Rogers has charged ECU Provost Robin Coger and Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye to work with key stakeholders to produce a student success agenda that can be communicated to campus and used to measure annual progress.ECU plans to attract new online students in collaboration with the UNC System-affiliated Project Kitty Hawk, an education-technology startup, and in launching a creator microcredentialing program in an exclusive partnership with YouTube content creator and philanthropist MrBeast. The programs are innovative models that will help address emerging workforce needs.Another priority is continuing to expand access to high-quality care in the region and sustaining clinical integration through ECU Health. Achieving these goals will require a collective commitment in infusing a culture of care throughout ECU, Rogers said.he said.The day also acknowledged two historic accomplishments from the past year. First, the university had a single-year record with $85.5 million in 438 sponsored research awards, an increase of nearly 450% since the 2020 fiscal year - an all-time high for ECU. The awards fund research, education, community programs, equipment and infrastructure that support a wide array of activities.Rogers shared examples of those ECU research projects that range from delivering telehealth-enabled care and creating an educator pipeline for rural communities to adding electric transit buses and restoring marine ecosystems.Second, the university raised more than $95 million, representing the largest single-year total in philanthropic giving in ECU history. This includes the largest gift in university history, made by Robert and Amy Brinkley and Pat and Lynn Lane for the ECU Honors College Brinkley-Lane Scholars program.Brinkley-Lane Scholar and ECU alumna Abby Ulffers, a first-year Brody Scholar in the Brody School of Medicine, shared her experiences as a Greenville native and the support she has received throughout her student journey.she said.In closing, Coger, in listening to Rogers' and Ulffers' remarks, said she was reminded of why she came to the university: its people.Coger said.Coger said each person is essential to making the culture of care and belonging possible at ECU.she said.The Magnolia Belles, an all-female ECU a cappella group, closed the event with several selections including the ECU fight song before everyone gathered outside for lunch. Here are seven anesthesia updates Becker's has reported on since Sept. 19: 1. Kellie Deeter, a certified registered nurse anesthetist and nurse practitioner, announced her campaign for Ohio's 54th House District. 2. The median pay for anesthesiology physicians rose 10 percent from 2022 to 2023, according to Sullivan Cotter's 2022-23 "Physician Compensation and Productivity Report." 3. Medical billing company Arietis Health filed a data breach notice Oct. 2 with the Texas attorney general after discovering a hacking incident. 4. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology urged the Veterans Health Administration to create national practice standards for nurse anesthesiologists that prioritize evidence-based education and training standards. 5. Pittsburgh-based UPMC plans to phase out the use of the anesthetic desflurane over the next several months, eliminating it systemwide by the end of 2023. 6. The Federal Trade Commission sued U.S. Anesthesia Partners and its creator, private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. 7. Former Victorville, Calif.-based anesthesiologist Wendell Mark Street, MD, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for illegally prescribing and distributing oxycodone to buyers. The median pay for anesthesiology physicians rose 10 percent from 2022 to 2023, according to Sullivan Cotter's 2022-23 "Physician Compensation and Productivity Report." The median pay for the 5,507 cardiologists surveyed for the report was $472,727. The report includes data from more than 306,000 physicians and practice providers from 920 hospitals, health systems and medical groups. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster held a ceremonial signing on Oct. 3 to repeal the state's certificate of need law, which has been on the books since the 1970s, according to an Oct. 3 report from local news station WCSC. The bill, titled the Healthcare Facility Licensure Act, will get rid of the requirement that anyone who wants to build a hospital or health facility must seek permission through the Department of Health and Environmental Control. The state Senate passed the bill earlier this year, with the state House approving an amended version in May. Under the bill, most provisions will go into effect immediately, and already proposed healthcare facilities will no longer require state approval. The legislation also repeals a $600,000 equipment purchase cap for hospitals, allows moving a hospital to a new facility in the same county and allows hospitals to be built in the eight South Carolina counties that do not currently have them. The bill would temporarily keep in place the requirement that new hospitals receive state approval in counties where a hospital already exists. That requirement will be repealed on Jan. 1, 2027. Physicians interested in hospital employment need to consider employment contracts carefully they have the power to change the course of their career, according to the American Medical Association. "I know employment contracts are boring," Elizabeth Snelson, president of Legal Counsel for the Medical Staff, told the AMA. "But if you dont get yours the way you want it, it could clash dramatically with what you thought you'd be doing with your life." Hospital employment contracts can determine a physician's day-to-day responsibilities, noncompete restrictions, hours and more, according to an Oct. 5 post on the organization's website. Here are six things physicians should consider before signing an employment contract, according to the AMA's "Making Rounds" podcast, which provides guidance on the contracting process: 1. Understand your obligations. Contracts should include a detailed job description, including the type of medicine being practiced, number of hours expected per week, availability, on-call hours and other duties. 2. Be specific about compensation. Physicians should understand how compensation is structured, including whether they are paid at a fixed rate or paid depending on performance and the median salary range for the role. 3. Take advantage of benefits. Learn what benefits are included in the contract and understand how to access them. 4. Get all terms of employment in writing. This can reduce the potential for misunderstandings and mistakes. 5. Consult an expert. Consider hiring a lawyer to review a contract, which may help avoid consequences agreeing to a long term contract without fully understanding the terms. 6. Consider joining a physician union. Employed nonsupervisory physicians have the protections of the National Labor Relations Act and are exempt from antitrust laws when they engage in concerted action regarding conditions of employment. Marietta (Ohio) Health, which operates as Memorial Health System, has agreed to pay $1.75 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the health system failed to protect patients' health information during a 2021 data breach, Top Class Actions reported Oct. 5. The health system hasn't admitted any wrongdoing, but has agreed to the settlement, which gives those who had their information compromised $5,000 for out-of-pocket expenses related to the data breach. The settlement comes after hackers allegedly gained access to the health system's data between July and August 2021. Hackers were allegedly able to gain access to patient data such as Social Security numbers and health insurance information. St. Luke's Duluth (Minn.) saw its long-term rating on a series of bonds lowered to "BB+" from "BBB-" amid weaker balance sheet metrics, S&P Global said Oct. 5. Lower-than-expected operating performance contributed to the downgrade, according to the note. "The rating action reflects our view of St. Luke's deterioration in unrestricted reserves, weakening already-light balance sheet metrics to levels no longer commensurate with an investment-grade rating," said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Concy Richards. St. Luke's is planning to merge with Wausau, Wis.-based Aspirus Health to form a 19-hospital system, a proposed deal that is facing extra scrutiny from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Maryland state Sen. Melony Griffith will resign at the end of October to become president and CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association. Ms. Griffith will begin her work with MHA Dec. 18, the association announced Oct. 6. She replaces Bob Atlas, who exited the state hospital association in February after five years. Ms. Griffith currently serves as chair of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee. A former licensed clinical social worker, she has spent a significant portion of her career working to improve public health. She will be MHA's fifth president and CEO and the first Black woman to hold the role in its 54-year history. "Working for and with the 62 hospitals across the state will bring together my passion and expertise in community empowerment, healthcare, and overall well-being," Ms. Griffith said in a LinkedIn post Oct. 6. "I hope to have a greater influence on the health of the whole Maryland community. I plan to help legislators, regulators, and all of you better understand the efforts of hospitals and the incredible lengths they go to in order to provide lifesaving care 24/7/365." "This position is an extension of Melony's life work as a problem-solver, organizer, and community health advocate," Thomas Kleinhanzl, MHA Board of Trustees Chair, said in a news release. "As a state lawmaker for over 24 years, Senator Griffith has built a stellar reputation, relationships, and policy knowledge that will advance our Association and our hospitals through the coming years. She is a collaborator who brings together competing ideas and needs, finds consensus, and builds the best solutions for our communities and our state." SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania workers voiced concerns that a proposed merger between Pittsburgh-based UPMC and Washington (Pa.) Health System would harm patients and workers, Observer-Reporter Oct. 5. The boards of Washington Health System and UPMC signed a letter of intent to explore mergers in June. Opponents of the merger suggested that the merger will result in higher costs and a reduction in services. The union called on the state's attorney general and the FTC to review the merger. "We do notice that when big hospital systems start to consolidate and acquire local hospitals, there are changes that happen in these local communities, and we are encouraging community involvement, having some sort of community review of these hospital consolidations," Erin Gabriel, government affairs representative for Pennsylvania Health Access Network, said at a press conference with unions representatives. "A merger or acquisition in ownership is one of the best predictors that a community will experience a full or partial closure. In fact, according to our data, of hospitals that are involved in a merger, change of ownership or acquisition, one in three will close." A strike at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., has lasted nine weeks. Here are eight things to know about the strike and where negotiations stand: 1. Members of United Steelworkers Local 4-200, which represents about 1,700 nurses at the facility, began a strike Aug. 4 after the union's most recent contract expired July 21. 2. Last month, the union agreed to terms of a consent order entered by a Superior Court judge that places restrictions on picketing activities. The order prohibits union members from engaging in acts including obstructive picketing and blocking entrances and exits to parking decks. 3. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital has also temporarily suspended healthcare benefits, effective Sept. 1, for striking workers who would no longer be eligible since they are no longer working in the hospital. 4. Additionally, unionized workers on strike against the hospital held a march Sept. 9 in Maplewood, N.J., where RWJBarnabas Health President and CEO Mark Manigan resides, amid their labor dispute with the hospital. 5. Most recently, union members had two separate options for ending the strike accepting the hospital's offer from Aug. 2 or agreeing to enter binding arbitration. The union voted to reject both a proposed three-year contract with the hospital and the binding arbitration offer, according to a hospital statement shared with Becker's. 6. "Short staffing remains our number one priority, and our members clearly don't believe this contract went far enough in this area," Local 4-200 President Judy Danella, RN, said in a news release shared with Becker's. "We need better staffing so that we can keep workers safe on the job and continue providing top-quality care for our patients." 7. Hospital spokesperson Wendy Gottsegen said in a statement shared with Becker's that "if the union was serious about wanting to end this strike so its members can return to work, it would have agreed to the hospital's offer for nurses to return to work and allow an independent arbitrator to review all the facts and issue a binding decision setting forth the terms of a new contract. If staffing was not safe, as falsely alleged by the union, the union would have jumped at that offer." 8. Both parties are slated to resume mediation Oct. 6. Nurses from Philadelphia-based Temple University Hospital's outpatient clinics filed a class-action lawsuit alleging they were not paid for overtime, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Oct. 6. Two nurses who filed the lawsuit alleged they were also criticized for documenting overtime and disciplined by managers for not completing tasks during shift hours. Nurses told the news outlet that their offices have lost nurses and support staff, but patient numbers and administrative tasks have increased. The combination makes it "impossible" to complete all tasks during shift hours. Nurses said they regularly work after clocking out, on weekends and during vacations. They "feel discouraged by management to report those overtime hours," the report said. Temple declined the Inquirer's request for comment. The outpatient clinics employ roughly 80 nurses, who are represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals. The lawsuit comes after the previous nurse contract expired Sept. 30. A new agreement has not yet been reached, according to the report. A former rheumatologist at Boston-based Brigham and Women's Hospital has agreed to stop practicing medicine amid allegations that he performed inappropriate pelvic and breast exams on patients. The physician, Derrick Todd, MD, has not worked at Brigham since July, according to an Oct. 5 report from The Boston Globe. In April, the hospital received two anonymous complaints regarding Dr. Todd's conduct of sensitive exams and launched an internal investigation, a source confirmed to Becker's. Those initial complaints came from other physicians, according to an incident report filed with the state's public health department by Brigham and cited by the Globe. While the internal investigation was underway, Dr. Todd was instructed not to perform sensitive exams without a chaperone. In June, he was placed on administrative leave, and Brigham made the decision to terminate him at the conclusion of the internal investigation in July. Dr. Todd then reportedly resigned. "Providing high quality care in a safe environment is our top priority. After receiving two anonymous complaints about Dr. Derrick Todd, we immediately launched an investigation and then placed Dr. Todd on administrative leave once we learned more," Charles Morris, MD, chief medical officer and senior vice president of medical affairs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said in a statement sent to Becker's on Oct. 6. "We made a decision to terminate his employment after the conclusion of that initial investigation. As our investigation continues, we have reached out to his current and former patients to offer information and resources, including establishing a dedicated team of specifically trained patient and family relations professionals, as well as offering clinicians to speak with about any concerns or next steps regarding their care. We deeply regret the harm this has caused to our patients and their families. Right now, our focus is on our patients and caring for all of their needs, with the hope of ultimately restoring their trust in health care." Brigham notified the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine of Dr. Todd's departure in July. The board did not comment on whether they have launched their own investigation on the matter, according to the Globe. Dr. Todd agreed to stop practicing medicine in September, asserting that the agreement to halt practice does not equate to wrongdoing. A law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity told the Globe the Suffolk County, Mass., district attorney and Boston Police are investigating allegations that Dr. Todd sexually assaulted "multiple patients." He is also facing a medical malpractice lawsuit filed in September. The lawyer who filed that case told the news outlet she represents more than one woman who alleges abuse "under the guise of medical care" by Dr. Todd. The malpractice case also names as defendants the hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, where Dr. Todd also worked. Dr. Todd previously served as chief of clinical rheumatology at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. He also saw patients at the main campus and at Charles River Medical Associates. His lawyer told the Globe he has "not seen the allegations in any lawsuit filed against him," and that he will "vigorously" defend any claims against him. Brigham and Women's initially began contacting Dr. Todd's former patients in August, which is when they received the first complaint from a patient, a source confirmed to Becker's. According to the aforementioned incident report cited by the Globe, 20 patients have since expressed concern and have been referred to law enforcement. The hospital sent a second letter to Dr. Todd's former patients dating back to 2015 in September, informing them of a call center to learn more about the care they received, as well as resources and follow-up care. Patient and staff safety goals are top of mind for many nurse leaders, with hospital-acquired infections and fall prevention being two of the most common measures leaders are tackling. In August, Nurse Journal, a career and education resource website, ranked 15 hospitals as the best for nurses to work at. They determined the top 15 hospitals by using rankings from CMS, the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program, and the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Patient Survey, as well as the following criteria: patient satisfaction scores, safe staffing levels, hospital safety measures, nursing career opportunities, benefits, workplace environment and ratings from nurse reviewers. Here, six leaders from some of the recognized hospitals and health systems discuss their top patient safety priorities in 2023: Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Margarita Baggett, MSN, RN. Chief Clinical Officer for UC San Diego Health: At UC San Diego Health, there is continual work happening to improve our safety culture and to empower all team members to raise safety concerns and be supported and acknowledged for doing so. Through the nurse-led threat assessment and management subcommittee, team members are able to discuss new and unique strategies to promote safety and reduce workplace violence. The nurse-led falls prevention committee is working to reduce falls with injury using targeted patient education and supporting patient adherence to evidence-based fall prevention interventions. The interprofessional team of infection prevention specialists, physicians and nurses on the Central Line Infection Prevention Committee, are leading efforts to reduce these infections by focusing on insertion training and reinforcing evidence-based strategies to reduce the use of central lines. Dina Dent, DNP, RN. Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Inova Health System (Falls Church, Va.): A key safety priority for us is to find better ways to reduce workplace violence. Within the last few years, workplace violence has become an epidemic in healthcare. Inova has been especially proactive on this issue. In the emergency department, our health system has deployed a weapons detection system to help prevent the most egregious types of violence toward patients and team members. But our commitment to safety extends far beyond the ED and includes: Implementing hospital-wide "Safety Pauses" if we start to notice trends in our patient safety reporting. We literally stop the line to conduct a series of all-hands meetings with our teams to talk about what's going on and how we can work together to reverse it. In this way, small trends are identified early, and lessons learned in one area are shared across the house, so our patients stay safer. Hosting twice-daily safety meetings where the management team gathers to go over, in real time, safety related issues, whether facilities or operation-related or patient safety-related. Depending on the need and severity, these can be elevated each day to Inova system safety leadership during Inova's daily system safety call. Strongly supporting team member wellbeing and safety by offering an on-site EAP resource who is readily accessible to any team member; in addition, we offer an online resource called Lyra. Seeking to assure, literally, that nothing is "lost in translation" when providing care and assuring patient safety, and place an emphasis on interpreter services, technology and community education. Enhancing health-related education in the community, to provide patients and families with the resources they need to understand preventative measures they can take, encourage early detection of illness and promote healthier lifestyles. Some of our direct patient safety priorities include a focus on harm reduction (including HAIs such as CAUTI, CLABSI, C. diff, surgical site infections, falls and pressure injuries), and decreasing length of stay. We firmly believe that the most efficient care is also the safest care. Brandee Fetherman, MSN, RN. Chief Nursing Officer at Morristown (N.J.) Medical Center: Patient safety is our number one priority, so healthcare-associated infection prevention measures remain a priority. In addition, we monitor nurse sensitive indicators to ensure our care is exceeding national benchmarks. We encourage team members to identify near misses, which allows us to make process improvements. Ryannon Frederick, MSN, RN. Chief Nursing Officer at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.): This year, we're focusing on what we call "back to basics." We've seen tremendous growth in our patient volumes, and we've needed to increase our staff to accommodate more patients. So, we've recentered on processes that create reliable and safe patient care. We're beginning with communication because that's the main place staff struggle and where things can slip through the cracks. To resolve this, we are piloting communication huddles at the unit level to reinforce fundamental processes. We're also working with our new staff to reinforce basic practices like hand hygiene and intentional rounding so we can focus on quality metrics like reducing hospital-acquired infections and decreasing our fall rates and pressure injuries. Joye Gingrich, BSN, RN. Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services at UPMC Harrisburg (Pa.): Our patient safety priorities for the year are focused prevention of hospital-acquired infections, including central-line associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, c. diff and surgical site infections. Fall prevention and prevention of hospital-acquired pressure injuries are added safety priorities. As a result of our culture of safety survey, opportunities were identified to improve communication among the care team. Through partnership with physician leaders and nursing, an action plan was created to build camaraderie and improve communication between nurses and physicians. To promote a courageous environment, where staff are comfortable to speak up, Just Culture education is being offered at the staff level. Shannon Pengel, MSN, RN. Chief Nursing Officer of Cleveland Clinic: Our patient safety goals involve first renewing our commitment to our expectations around delivering safe patient care. Specifically, standardizing the way care is delivered around interventions to prevent hospital-acquired infections, hospital-acquired pressure injuries and patient falls. All of these nursing specific indicators greatly influence outcomes and we as leaders need to make sure evidenced-based interventions are followed to restore our prepandemic performance. Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co. recently penned a deal with Avanlee Care, which runs an app designed to help caregivers for elderly patients. The app, called Ava, will feature an option for its users to order medications from Cost Plus Drugs, according to an Oct. 5 Avanlee news release. About 54 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care to their loved ones, according to Avanlee. Nearly half of elderly patients don't adhere to their medicine regimens, which leads to between a 10th and a quarter of hospital and nursing home admissions. Mark Cuban, co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs, said his company and Avanlee "share a common mission: to provide lower costs on prescribed medications, saving money for the unpaid family caregiver and their loved one, the care-receiver." Belfast Telegraph Property Awards recognise the achievements of the sector Staff at DWF who won Legal Team of the Year with Greg Henry of sponsor McConnell Property Belfast Telegraph Editor-in-Chief Eoin Brannigan, Sales Manager Karen Thompson, Business Editor Margaret Canning and Ed McCann, director of publishing operations Mediahuis Ireland at the awards ceremony Young Agent of the Year Andrea Martin from Smartmove Housing with Sarah Ewing from sponsor Shoosmiths Brian Reid, regional development director of e-surv, presents the award for Young Professional Personality of the Year to Carolyn Brady of Rider Levett Bucknall Paddy Gray receives his Personality of the Year award from Belfast Telegraph Editor-in-Chief Eoin Brannigan and James Burleigh, full fibre build senior manager at Openreach A housing expert has been named Property Personality of the Year at the 2023 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in partnership with Openreach. Paddy Gray, Professor Emeritus of Housing at Ulster University, has held numerous roles in housing in the voluntary and community sector, including as chair of leading housing associations. Winners were announced across 19 categories at the Property Awards in Belfasts Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was attended by around 700 guests. The event, the most prestigious in the industry, was hosted by comedian Neil Delamere. It was the first year in which broadband provider Openreach was title sponsor of the event. The winners were chosen from a record number of entries by a panel of esteemed judges led by Sharon McClements, a lecturer in the built environment at Ulster University. The winning entries included people and businesses in architecture, estate agency and the legal profession. And housing developments by developers such as Hagan Homes Mulberry development and Alskea Ltds West House development at Belvoir Park were recognised. Eoin Brannigan, Editor-in-Chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, said: Congratulations to all our winners in the 2023 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards. Its been a fantastic event which were proud to host every year to celebrate the property industry. Its been getting bigger and better every year, from 250 guests in 2014 to just under 700 this year. Thank you to our main sponsor Openreach and all our category sponsors. James Burleigh, full fibre build senior manager at Openreach, added: We are delighted to partner with the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards this year. The property sector is a really important partner to Openreach; designing, building and selling the homes and properties of the future. As lifestyles change, remote working being only one example, the homes that people want to live in are changing and the demand for connected technologies is only ever going to increase. We understand that availability of high-speed broadband has a direct impact on house prices and saleability and we are working with the property industry to future proof our network. The judges described Professor Gray as a well-known face and voice in the property sector. He is an expert who speaks all over the world and has published over 400 publications on housing-related issues, they said. He has held countless roles in the voluntary and community sector, including as chair of leading housing associations. He has been President of the Chartered Institute of Housing and is currently a Commissioner of the Department for Housing Local Government and Heritage Housing Commission. He is also currently Chair of the Private Rented Tenants Voice Steering Group for Housing Rights NI He is very deserving of this recognition for his unwavering commitment to the housing sector. Carolyn Brady of Rider Levett Bucknall was named Young Property Professional of the Year, a category sponsored by e.surv Chartered Surveyors. A spokesman for e.surv said: What an outstanding achievement. e.surv sends its congratulations to Carolyn Brady for being named the Young Property Professional Of The Year. "She has proved she is an exceptional individual with a real talent in property. We wish her continued success, and hope that her career continues to go from strength to strength. 2023 Property Awards Winners and Sponsors Property Marketing Campaign of the Year Sponsor: Barrett Group Winner: Lagan Homes and MCE Fit Out of the Year Sponsor: WH Stephens Winner: Alskea Ltd West House Residential Development of the Year Sponsor: Close Brothers Property Finance Winner: Radius Housing Commercial Development of the Year Sponsor: Carson McDowell Winner: RPP Architects Ebrington Hotel Mixed-Use Development of the Year Sponsor: Radius Housing Winner: Hagan Homes Mulberry Innovative Use of Technology in the Property Sector Sponsor: Progressive Building Society Winner: iamsold Property Management Company of the Year Sponsor: McQuillan Companies Winner: Gordon Estates Management Ltd Residential Lettings Agency of the Year Sponsor: Fiduciam Winner: Fetherstons Property Deal of the Year Sponsor: Wilson Nesbitt Winner: Loft Lines Titanic Quarter, Belfast (Lacuna Developments) Climate Initiative of the Year Sponsor: Millar McCall Wylie Winner: Radius Housing Architectural Practice of the Year (Commercial) Sponsor: Mills Selig Winner: TODD Architects Architectural Practice of the Year (Residential) Sponsor: Mills Selig Winner: Marshall McCann Architects Young Architect of the Year Sponsor: RTU Winner: Andrew ODoherty TODD Architects Young Agent of the Year Sponsor: Shoosmiths Winner: Andrea Martin Smartmove Housing Property Legal Team of the Year Sponsor: McConnell Property Winner: DWF (Northern Ireland) LLP Commercial Estate Agency of the Year Sponsor: A&L Goodbody Winner: CPS Residential Estate Agency of the Year (Sole) Sponsor: TLT Winner: McMillan McClure Estate Agents Residential Estate Agency of the Year (Multi Branch) Sponsor: TLT Winner: UPS Developer of the Year Sponsor: Propertynews Winner: Strand Homes Young Property Professional of the Year Sponsor: e.surv Chartered Surveyors Winner: Carolyn Brady, Rider Levett Bucknall Property Personality of the Year Sponsor: Openreach Winner: Paddy Gray MBABANE As per the House of Assembly Standing Orders third edition, 2023, Members of Parliament (MPs) will today elect their Speaker and his deputy. Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba has announced that today is the swearing-in ceremony of both the elected and appointed MPs, which shall be conducted in the House of Assembly. Section 7 of the Standing Orders depicts that the House shall, when all the members who are present have been sworn, in terms of Standing Order No. 5 (Members Sworn), and provided that a quorum is present, and before the despatch of any other business, proceed to elect a Speaker (as provided for under Section 102 of the Constitution) and until a Speaker is elected, the clerk shall act as chairperson. Section 8 (1) of the Standing Orders stipulates that MPs shall, in accordance with Section 102 of the Constitution, elect, by secret ballot, a Speaker of the House of Assembly from among the members or from outside. MPs shall, in accordance with Section 103 of the Constitution, elect by secret ballot, a deputy speaker of the House of Assembly from among the members of the House. (3) The House shall, in accordance with Sections 102 and 103 of the Constitution, elect a Speaker and the deputy Speaker - (a) when the Assembly first meets after a general election; or (b) if the office of Speaker or deputy Speaker becomes vacant, read the Standing Orders. Subsequent to the election of the Speaker and his deputy, the Standing Orders specify that the two shall then present themselves to His Majesty the King as catered for in Section 13. Practicable The Speaker and deputy Speaker, accompanied by the proposer of the Speaker and three (3) other Members of the House nominated by the clerk shall, as soon as practicable after the declaration of the results, present themselves to His Majesty the King for royal approbation and, on returning to the House, shall report such presentation, reads the Standing Orders. After the Speaker and his deputy have presented themselves before the head of State, Section 16 of the Standing Orders stipulates that the House shall constitute itself into an electoral college and proceed to elect senators in accordance with the Senate (Elections) Act No. 7 of 2013 or its successor. Where it appears that female MPs do not constitute at least 30 per cent of the total membership of Parliament, then the House shall elect four women on regional basis, in accordance with the Election of Women Members of the House of Assembly Act No. 9 of 2018. Thereafter, the King is expected to appoint 20 senators in accordance with Section 94 (3) which dictates that 20 senators, at least eight of whom shall be female, shall be appointed by the King, acting in his discretion after consultation with such bodies as the King may deem appropriate. The appointment of the senators by the head of State will mark the full composition of Parliament and the next task, which is also the responsibility of the King, would be to appoint the prime minister. This significant exercise, as it has been the norm over the years, is likely to take place at the Sibaya slated for October 23, 2023. After the appointment of the head of government, the King is expected to proceed and appoint the Cabinet team, which is the Executive Arm of Government, an exercise that is expected to transpire shortly after Sibaya and it will mark the full composition of government. A man allegedly stabbed his brother and struck him with a shovel up to 25 times, the High Court has heard. Daniel Braniff inflicted some of the wounds with a knife he kept under his pillow, it was claimed. The 29-year-old is further accused of biting his brother and threatening to set fire to his home in the Ardoyne area while he was in it. Braniff, whose address was listed as Brompton Park, denies charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possessing offensive weapons, threats to kill and threats to damage property. He alleges that his 22-stone brother launched the attack during a row about him moving out of the house they were sharing. The defendant was arrested after police were alerted to the incident on July 7 this year. His brother, who was recovering at the time from injuries sustained in a motoring incident, told officers he had been sliced on the leg with a steak knife. He said (Daniel Braniff) had been sleeping with it under his pillow while staying at the injured partys house, a Crown lawyer submitted. Amid a struggle the defendant also allegedly bit his brother on the ear and face before wielding a spade. Counsel added: The injured party said he was unable to move from the floor due to his injuries. The allegation is that he hit the injured party 25 times to the face, body and legs with the shovel. During a bail application it was claimed at one stage he threatened to return to the property, pour petrol through the letterbox and burn it down while his brother was inside. Defence barrister David Heraghty described it as a weak case involving quite extraordinary, disputed allegations. The court heard Daniel Braniff claims he was the one attacked with the shovel after announcing his intentions to move out. He says that his 22-stone brother was on top of him and during the course of that, in trying to defend himself, he bit (his brother) on the ear, Mr Heraghty argued. The question is, who was the aggressor here. Referring to the alleged victims wounds, the barrister contended that his dislocated shoulder and other injuries were sustained when a motorist deliberately drove into him during a previous hit-and-run incident. Based on the defence submissions, Mr Justice Rooney decided to take a chance by granting bail to the accused. The judge ordered Daniel Braniff to live under curfew at an approved address and imposed an exclusion zone around the home of his brother. Forensics at the scene of a booby-trap car bomb attack on an off-duty Catholic policeman outside Castlederg in Co Tyrone (Pic Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker) A pitifully low sentence handed to a Co Tyrone man whose car was used in a dissident republican bomb attack on a police officer has been slammed. Gavin Coyle described by Judge Patricia Smyth as being committed to acts of terrorism was jailed for four years. The victim, who suffered permanent disfiguring injuries, had gone to the same school as Coyle. The 46-year-old, from Mullaghmore Drive in Omagh, was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on two charges arising from the May 2008 undercar bomb blast near Castlederg. Two years of the six-year sentence will be spent on licence. TUV leader Jim Allister called on the Director of Public Prosecutions to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal as being unduly lenient. To see an avowed terrorist, who admitted IRA membership and who has previous terrorist convictions, sentenced to a mere four years for this murderous attack, which caused permanent disfiguring injuries and which involved the intent to kill, is pathetic, he said. Our courts must get real and hand out sentences to both fit the crime and provide strong deterrence to others. This sentence falls woefully short of what is required. UUP leader Doug Beattie said: This must be appealed and I will be writing to the DPP. Judges are bound by sentencing guidelines and must take into account mitigating circumstances, such as early guilty pleas, co-operation with police and remorse, as well as aggravating factors, such as intent and excessive violence. Coyle pleaded guilty to membership of the IRA between May 1, 2007 and May 13, 2008. He also admitted providing property to be used for the purpose of terrorism namely his Audi A4 on May 11 2008. The latter plea was entered on the grounds that whilst he accepted his car was going to be used for the purposes of terrorism, he was not aware of the precise nature of what this was. Detective Inspector Hazel Miller Afterwards, PSNI Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said Coyle had been held accountable for his role in the nightmarish attack. She said: This was a cowardly, calculated and cold-blooded attack, carried out with one aim: to take the life of a police officer. Gavin Coyle accepts that he was a member of the IRA and that he provided his car to others knowing it would be used for the purpose of terrorism. Our officers are committed to keeping people safe. Their dedication, and indeed the actions of those members of the public who ran to help, are in stark contrast to those intent on harming and killing. Ms Miller said the officer suffered serious injuries and the attack has impacted on his wider family. She added: He had initial surgery for deep puncture wounds to, and lacerations in, the muscles of his leg. This was followed by a further operation and, later, plastic surgery. No one should ever have to experience such a cruel ordeal, the lasting impact of which isnt just felt by the victim, but by family and loved ones too. Forensics at the scene of a booby-trap car bomb attack on an off-duty Catholic policeman outside Castlederg in Co Tyrone (Pic Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker) The court heard that the day before the attack, May 11, 2008, Coyle provided his car to others. The vehicle was subsequently used in the deployment of the bomb left under the serving constables car. The officer who had just completed his probationary period had got into his Ford Focus, parked in the driveway of his home on the outskirts of Castlederg the following evening. He was en route to a night shift and, as he drove along the Drumnabey Road, the device exploded. The officer recalled looking down and seeing ripped jeans and blood everywhere. He managed to stop the car, got out and sought help, but collapsed on the side of the road. He was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry where he underwent surgery before being transferred to the Ulster Hospital in Belfast where further surgery was required. The device was packed with half a kilogram of explosives and the attempted murder bid was later admitted by the Tyrone brigade of the Real IRA. Judge Smyth said that after reading a statement made by the officer, it was clear every aspect of his life has been affected by what happened 15 years ago. She said the officer sustained permanent disfiguring injuries, has battled mental ill health and his career has spiralled downwards. The officer also revealed he had to move home and in his statement, he said: Omagh was the place I called home but I no longer feel safe there. It emerged that while Coyle knew the officer as they went to the same school, they were not friends. Prior to the bomb attack, Coyle attempted to obtain information on the constable from two mutual acquaintances. Coyle was arrested in the aftermath of the attack and made no reply when charged. He was released four days later but was re-arrested following a separate incident in Coalisland in April 2011. He was initially charged with four offences including attempting to murder the officer in May 2008. However, after he pleaded guilty to charges of membership and providing property to terrorists, two charges were not proceeded with by the Crown and he was found not guilty of attempted murder and causing an explosion likely to endanger life. Jailing Coyle for at least four years, Judge Smyth described him as a person committed to acts of terrorism. A man has pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of a former policeman in Co Londonderry. Sebastian Adrian Nowak will be sentenced at a later date for the manslaughter of Brian Coulter two years ago. The 29-year-old, of Colvil Street in Belfast, was arraigned in March and denied a charge of murdering Mr Coulter on dates between October 13 and 18, 2021. At Belfast Crown Court on Friday, defence counsel Michael Smyth SC said he had an application for Nowak to be rearraigned on the four charges he faced. When the charge of murder was put to him again by the court clerk, Nowak replied: "Not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter.'' He also pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Coulter's sister Belinda Wilson on October 18, 2021. Nowak, dressed in grey sweat pants and a white T-shirt and flanked by two prison officers in the dock, further pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and obstructing the constable on October 18, 2021. He told the court that the both the prosecution and defence were currently working an agreed basis of plea document which they hoped to have completed within a fortnight. Mr Weir told the senior judge that the court should expect two victim impact statements for the sentencing hearing: one from the deceased's sister, who would have been a witness at any trial, and also from Mr Coulter's daughter. Mr Justice O'Hara listed the plea and sentencing hearing for Monday, December 4. Nowak, who is a Polish national, was remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing in two months' time. Mr Coulter's body was discovered in a flat in the Sandy Braes area of Magherafelt on October 18, 2021. At a previous magistrates' court hearing a defence solicitor said that Nowak claimed he had "acted in self-defence'' and his client wished to express his condolences to the family of Mr Coulter. Police look on as properties are secured in the Weavers Grange area of Newtownards (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) A workman secures a property in the Weavers Grange area of Newtownards (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) The Housing Executive has denied suggestions that terror groups are using intimidation and threats to manipulate the social housing system. Its chief executive Grainia Long sought to challenge claims from a human rights group around paramilitary influence. Earlier this week Daniel Holder of the Committee for the Administration of Justice said: It is no exaggeration to suggest that housing is an area of public policy... that is still extensively shaped by paramilitary control and coercion. Housing Executive chief executive Grainia Long But Ms Long has refuted this claim. She said: It is unacceptable that people in our communities continue to experience the trauma of intimidation. It is, however, a serious exaggeration to suggest that housing policy in Northern Ireland is extensively shaped by paramilitaries. Housing policy is based on legislation, research, facts and data and is focused on providing housing solutions in a fair, equitable and transparent manner. Our responsibility is to provide housing solutions for those who are unsafe in their homes through intimidation. Read more Threats and coercion: How paramilitaries try to control social housing Ms Long said the Housing Executive follows robust processes to ensure an equitable service to all. She added: We would ask that any organisation or individual who has specific examples of cases of paramilitaries exerting influence on any housing process to report it to us and the Police Service of Northern Ireland so that it can be fully investigated. As part of the process to determine intimidation, we make enquiries from various sources to assist in the decision making process. These sources include the PSNI and we ask for written reports from the police on each incident, seeking confirmation of any risks or threats that may exist. We may also seek information from other relevant organisations. Once we have gathered the necessary information, our teams carefully consider the individual circumstances of each case to determine whether or not the threshold to apply intimidation points has been met, under the relevant legislation. Ms Long said the numbers of households presenting as homeless due to intimidation have reduced considerably in recent years. She added: To put this into perspective, there are currently over 45,000 applicants on the waiting list for social housing. Last year the number of people presenting to us as homeless due to paramilitary intimidation was 124 just under 0.3% of the total applicants on the waiting list. We are committed to fulfilling our role in providing housing support for those who are targeted by intimidation. While the Housing Executive is not responsible for investigating criminality associated with intimidation, we are always willing to work with our partners to share information and streamline processes, in line with our role and our statutory obligations. Rio Ferdinand during an interview at the One Young World Summit An Afghan refugee who fled his home country after insurgent attacks there increased in 2018 has said he has been inspired by the work of a north Belfast school principal. Ramiz Bakhtiar (32), who is now living in Canada, says he skipped part of the One Young World Summit in Belfast on Thursday to attend Holy Cross Boys Primary School, where he was so excited to meet with its headmaster, Kevin McArevey. Ramiz fled Afghanistan around five years ago and now resides in Toronto. He is a returning ambassador at the summit and co-founded the Network of Former Youth Delegates to the United Nations, which runs a global project teaching peace workshops in schools. Ramiz admired Mr McAreveys work teaching philosophy to young pupils in Ardoyne to help them understand peace, tolerance and improving their mental health. The One World Youth Summit is an annual global event that is held in a different city each year. For 2023, host Belfast connected more than 2,000 young delegates and future leaders from around the globe. I skipped Thursdays morning session and went to Holy Cross school, and also to the classroom where Kevin McArevey teaches philosophy, because I really wanted to meet with him. Hes a fantastic guy, said Ramiz. I also have a project called Peace in Our Schools, which I use as a tool to teach children and young adults peacebuilding and conflict-resolution skills, as well as emotional intelligence and interfaith friendship, because I believe that conflict resolution is the most important skill for people to learn at a very young age so that they know there are different and many constructive ways to deal with their conflict. I also want young individuals to know how to transcend their emotions, because my upbringing and childhood was largely impacted by the war in Afghanistan. Im looking forward to coming back to Belfast again and doing a peacebuilding workshop hopefully at Holy Cross with Kevin McArevey. Holy Cross Boys' Primary School principal Kevin McArevey Young delegates from more than 190 countries attended the four-day summit this week, with Sithabile Nkosi, Melta Moganedi and Cheyenne Fernanda all travelling from South Africa to attend the Belfast-based event. Melta said that generally, if somebody [were to ask] if I would move here, I would. All three women credited NI with being a friendly, informative region and Cheyenne added that the summit has been phenomenal for highlighting other issues going on in the world. The young delegates also said they were fascinated by learning more about the Good Friday Agreement, as the summit has officially been made part of the peace accords 25th anniversary celebrations. They have been discussing multiple topics they are passionate about at the event, including womens issues and mental health, which Co Tyrone charity worker Nadia Sayers was attending the event for. Cheyenne Fernanda (24), Melta Moganedi (29) and Sithabile Nkosi (31) from South Africa Nadia is a former Miss Universe Ireland and works for north Belfast-based Hope 4 Life NI a mental health grassroots organisation that specialises in early intervention using comic books, throughout the island of Ireland. We share true stories of local young people through superheroes and villains, to represent those things that help your mental health, but also those things that are detrimental, she said. Its an easy and accessible way for young people to speak about those stigmatised difficulties. Its been extremely impactful, since we have been running it for the past five or six years, and weve worked with more than 35,000 young people. Nadia also used her platform as the Ireland representative at Miss Universe 2020 to speak about the importance of early intervention, and this week she was invited by PwC to the One Young World summit to showcase Hope 4 Life NIs work. Getting to listen to a range of other perspectives, from different backgrounds and communities, from people around the world, has been so eye-opening. Nadia Sayers (29) from Co Tyrone We very much follow young peoples leads, so its been interesting to chat with so many young people, and those who work with young people, and learn the challenges that they face in their areas and arenas worldwide. On the subject of young people, Rio Ferdinand, who was one of the celebrity speakers, said he believes that the UK Government are failing them. Read more Leading lights of the future get set to shine at One Young World Summit in Belfast He asked: Where are the youth clubs? Where is the government? Where is the governments money going, when there are impressionable young people who are being blamed for a lot of the negative things in the country? Rio Ferdinand during an interview at the One Young World Summit You sit there sometimes feeling kind of lost. I know that a lot of my friends, especially in their teenage years, were very lost for a lot of the time. Its that time from when school finishes, around 3.30pm, until about 7-8pm. That is a key time in young peoples lives, because parents are working three or sometimes four jobs. Single parents dont get home, so thats three or four hours. The One Young World Summit concludes on Thursday, with most delegates set to return to their home countries on Friday. Peace in Our Schools is supported by the World Jewish Congresss NextGen Inc. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said there are "still gaps" between the Government and his party on a potential resolution to the impasse over post-Brexit trade. The DUPs ruling executive held a meeting over the Windsor Framework in Lurgan where Sir Jeffrey said there were absolutely no dissenting voices. He said no deadline will be put on the restoration of Stormont. Around 130 members of the executive spent over two hours at the meeting. The DUPs Stormont boycott has been ongoing since February 2022 in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits NI Protocol. On Thursday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a meeting with the Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during which they expressed concerns about the democratic deficit caused by the continued absence of Stormont. The Prime Minister set out the steps the UK is taking to ensure a return to power sharing and the two agreed to stay in close contact in the coming weeks, a No10 statement read. Speaking on Thursday night, Sir Jeffrey said he is waiting on a set of proposals from the UK Government. It would be great to see an outcome that works for Northern Ireland, he said. It would be great to see a situation where Northern Irelands place in the United Kingdom is properly protected and respected in UK law. And yes to see Stormont back up and running. But Ive never set deadlines on this. I will continue to work at this, I will, and we will engage with the government until we get the right outcome. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and the factions vying for the steering wheel in the DUP "We've just had, I think, a very good meeting, a very positive meeting," he told reporters. "I was able to report to our party executive on where we are at the moment in relation to our ongoing discussions with the Government. "Clearly there are still gaps between us and them in terms of the shortcomings of the Windsor Framework, the areas where we believe it does not go far enough in delivering for Northern Ireland and our ability to trade within the United Kingdom on its internal market. "And the party is very clear - we're focused on what we need to achieve and over the next few weeks we'll continue that engagement with the Government to try and get to the solution that we need. "A solution that both unionists and nationalists can support, that provides the strong foundations that Stormont needs to get back up and running." Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the process with the Government remained a "work in progress". "We're waiting on the Government to come back to us with the latest set of proposals to address the concerns that we have raised with them, concerns that are not just those of the DUP but concerns that we have picked up from the business community and from people right across Northern Ireland," he said. "Even right up to the moment issues that have arisen since the first phase of the Windsor Framework began in implementation. "So this is work in progress. I reported on that to the party executive but we're not in a position yet to make any recommendations." Asked if he believed the gaps with the Government could be bridged in the coming weeks, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "I do believe it is possible to get an outcome here that works for Northern Ireland. "We've spelled out to the Government what that looks like both in terms of legislation that is required to safeguard Northern Ireland's ability to trade within the United Kingdom, our Article Six rights (of the Acts of Union), our economic rights as part of the UK, and also the practical measures that are required to live up to the declarations that the Prime Minister made after the Windsor Framework that goods can flow freely from Great Britain to Northern Ireland that are staying within the UK internal market." A UK Government response is expected to be presented to the DUP next week, according to reports. A DUP party conference will then take place at the weekend. Labour leader eases unionists fears as he eyes up becoming the next Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is listening to unionism, unionists have said after the Labour leader appeared to rule out any prospect of a poll on Irish unity should he become the next Prime Minster. Both main nationalist parties maintained that it will be the people of Ireland who decide its future. However, the question over a border poll itself lies in the hands of the Secretary of State, according to the Good Friday Agreement. Asked about the possibility of a border poll ahead of his party conference at the weekend, Sir Keir told the BBC: I dont think were anywhere near that kind of question, its absolutely hypothetical. Its not even on the horizon. Sir Keir has previously said he would campaign for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK if such a referendum was held in his lifetime. Sinn Fein has said the comments will do little to alter the course of progress towards reunification. John Finucane MP said it remains the case that the people of Ireland will be those who decide on the constitutional question. The debate on constitutional change increases every day, the North Belfast MP added. It will be the people of Ireland who will decide our future in a unity referendum in line with the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement. And as the leader of the British Labour Party has acknowledged there is an onus on the British Government under the agreement to act with rigorous impartiality. The SDLP a sister party of UK Labour said it was up to the people of Ireland to convince our friends and neighbours. A party spokesperson told the Belfast Telegraph: The people of Ireland, North and South, will make a determination on our future together. We are the only people who can make that decision. Keir Starmer knows and respects that. Those of us who believe in change have to work hard every day to make the case for it and to convince our friends and neighbours from every community that its a future worth having. UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler said Sir Keirs comments will be welcomed as a further sign that the Labour Party is hearing the concerns of unionism. I know Doug Beattie met with Shadow Secretary of State Hillary Benn earlier this week and was content that the party has been listening, he said. It remains the case though that unionists have to continue to press credentials. We have been encouraged at the early signs that Labour under Sir Keir Starmer are hearing us, something that was missing under previous leader Jeremy Corbyn. It remains important that the basis of consent, as laid out in the Good Friday Agreement, is adhered to. TUV leader Jim Allister said the comments from the Labour leader reflect the political reality in Northern Ireland. I detect no desire in Northern Ireland for people to give up their 12,500 personal tax allowance, an NHS free at the point of use to pay 100 to see a GP, or our 10bn yearly subvention from Westminster to join a country gripped by a housing crisis which, according to the leader of Sinn Fein, is resulting in young people emigrating from the Republic and where people have to pay when they call out the fire brigade, he said. There was an angry reaction from Irelands Future though. The group campaigning for a Irish unity slammed the arrogance of Westminster. People here wont be surprised at the arrogance of Westminster in attempting to deny democracy in Ireland, the group said. Sir Keir Starmers comments run contrary to everything the Good Friday Agreement stands for. When the time for a border poll comes, the English attempts to block democracy in Ireland will fail. The Labour Party leader also said that hed like an improved trade deal with the European Union. There has been speculation that if a Starmer premiership brought the whole of the UK closer to Europe, it could erode the Irish Sea border. Im not interested in a deal that puts the UK in a position of being a rule taker, our rules must be made at Westminster, according to the national interest of the UK as a whole, Mr Starmer said. I am interested in resolving some of the outstanding issues, and obviously that will mean making progress on things like the Windsor agreement, the Protocol, because that was a step in the right direction which is why we said we would support it. So its quite clear that there can be improvements and I think in Northern Ireland in particular there will be a lot of interest on whether we can have some measures which can take away some of the still remaining tensions that are obviously there. Mr Starmer said he has spoken to all NI parties and is worried the UK Government has moved away from its role as an honest broker. He wants the institutions up and running as quickly as possible so that decisions can be made in the best interests of communities here. On a previous pledge to repeal the Legacy Act, he said any legislation that does not have the support of victims or any of the political parties is wrong in principle. What I would do is bring a collaborative approach that brings people with us on a journey, rather than impose it, Mr Starmer added. Taoiseach and leader of the Fine Gael party Leo Varadkar speaking to media at the Strand Hotel, Limerick, during the Fine Gael party think-in (Brian Lawless/PA) Irelands premier has said Rishi Sunak is hopeful talks with the DUP on restoring powersharing in Northern Ireland are moving towards a positive conclusion. Leo Varadkar said the Prime Minister briefed him on the status of the UK Governments negotiations with the DUP during their bilateral meeting in Spain on Thursday. Mr Varadkar, who remained in Granada on Friday for a meeting with EU leaders, said a window of opportunity to reach an agreement may be approaching. On Thursday night, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insisted gaps remain between Government and his party on the post-Brexit trade border impasse. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson speaking outside Brownlow House in Lurgan following a meeting of the partys ruling executive on Thursday (Brian Lawless/PA) Emerging from a meeting of the DUPs ruling executive in Lurgan, Co Armagh, Sir Jeffrey said he was not going to set any deadlines on the engagement with London but he indicated the Government was now in a position to respond to his partys latest requests. The DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan from the Stormont executive in February 2022 in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol. Powersharing is unable to function without the participation of the regions largest unionist party. The UK and EU agreed the Windsor Framework earlier this year in an attempt to address unionist concerns about the protocol but the DUP has indicated it will not return to the Stormont Assembly until the UK Government provides further assurances over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market. One of the main parts of the framework, the green/red lane system for the movement of goods, became operational at Northern Ireland ports on Sunday. Mr Varadkar was asked about his meeting with Mr Sunak as he spoke to reporters in Granada on Friday morning. Prime minister Sunak gave me a briefing on the talks and contacts that theyre having with the DUP at the moment, he said. Theyre ongoing. He didnt go into the detail of those but very much said that they were bilateral discussions between the DUP and the UK Government, and that he hoped that they were moving towards a conclusion and that that would be a positive conclusion. But that remains to be seen. Mr Varadkar added: There wasnt any timeline given but youll be aware the DUP had an internal party meeting that happened there yesterday, and their conference is coming up at the weekend (October 13/14). So, you know, perhaps this is another window of opportunity to come to an agreement, an agreement between the UK Government and the DUP which enables the Assembly, executive and the North South Ministerial Council to start functioning again. So, you know, hopefully thats the case but that remains to be seen over the next couple of weeks. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holding a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain (Manu Fernandez/PA) Sir Jeffrey said Thursdays meeting of his partys executive was very positive and there were no dissenting voices. He said he was not in a position to make a recommendation to party colleagues as he had not yet received the UKs latest proposals. Clearly there are still gaps between us and them in terms of the shortcomings of the Windsor Framework, the areas where we believe it does not go far enough in delivering for Northern Ireland and our ability to trade within the United Kingdom on its internal market, he said. And the party is very clear were focused on what we need to achieve and over the next few weeks well continue that engagement with the Government to try and get to the solution that we need. A solution that both unionists and nationalists can support, that provides the strong foundations that Stormont needs to get back up and running. Earlier, Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle ONeill said the coming weeks would be critical in efforts to restore the Stormont Assembly and executive. Addressing a meeting of party activists in Co Armagh, Sinn Feins vice president said a pragmatic approach was required by all political parties to get down to business. Getting a bit out of breath during a strenuous workout or sprinting for a bus is usually completely normal. But if youre breathless for no apparent reason, or getting far more puffed out than usual, you might be wondering whether something is wrong. Here, experts to talk through some common causes. Asthma Getting breathless when you go out in cold air, exercise, or youre around animal fur? These can all be triggers for asthma a common condition caused by inflammation of the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, feeling short of breath, tightness of the chest and also a dry cough, particularly at night, says Caoimhe McAuley, MPSI, director of pharmacy and superintendent pharmacist at Boots Ireland. If experiencing these symptoms, it is best to see your GP to confirm a diagnosis of asthma, and to begin to manage it with medication [usually involving inhalers]. For people who already have a diagnosis but feel their symptoms are getting worse, its important to see your doctor again. This is because your asthma may now be uncontrolled due to different factors, such as not using your medication correctly. If asthma which is worsening is left unmanaged, there is a risk of having an asthma attack, she explains. Emergency warning signs of an asthma attack include severe breathlessness, worsening of symptoms that do not respond to the use of the blue reliever inhaler, and pale/blue lips and fingertips. If this happens, seek help immediately. Infections If youve also been feeling generally unwell with flu-type symptoms, breathlessness could be due to an infection. McAuley says: There are many different types of respiratory infections, such as the common cold, chest infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. Breathlessness can be a symptom along with sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, fever, muscle pain, and a cough which may bring up phlegm. Most respiratory infections pass within a week or two by resting, staying hydrated and using painkillers to relieve symptoms, she adds. You should contact you doctor if your symptoms get worse, if you cough up blood/notice blood in your phlegm, if youre pregnant or over 65, and if you have a health condition that weakens your immune system like HIV or take medications which weaken your immune system, like corticosteroids. Underlying cardiovascular problems Breathlessness could be linked to underlying cardiovascular issues affecting the heart and blood vessels in a range of ways. People with angina, caused by the narrowing of the arteries to the heart, and thus a lack of oxygen to the heart, can experience chest pain and breathlessness, says Dr Angie Brown, consultant cardiologist and medical director at the Irish Heart Foundation. Heart attack A heart attack is more likely to cause sudden breathlessness, that may be accompanied by chest pain, and sometimes other symptoms such as throat or left arm pain, sweating and nausea can occur, says Brown. If you think you are having a heart attack, the advice is to call 112 or 999 as this is an emergency and you need to seek urgent medical attention. Remember, while heart attacks are often sudden and severe, symptoms can sometimes be more mild too especially in women. If in doubt, always seek urgent help, just in case. Lung cancer Most people experiencing breathlessness will not have cancer but its important to be aware of the warning signs. Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Ireland, according to the Irish Cancer Society, mostly affecting people aged over 50, although it can impact younger adults too. Breathlessness may be accompanied by wheezing, chest pain, frequent chest infections and a chronic cough. People may also feel tired for no reason, experience unexplained weight loss and notice theyre coughing up blood-stained phlegm. These symptoms dont necessarily mean you have cancer, but its always best to get things checked quickly. Anaemia Low iron can cause increased breathlessness (Alamy/PA) Getting more out of breath than usual and exhausted all the time? It could be worth getting your iron levels checked. While lung conditions like asthma can lead to shortness of breath, especially during exercise, having low blood iron can be another contributing factor. This is known as anaemia, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, says McAuley. Symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath or chest pain. You may also experience fatigue, dizziness or light-headedness, cold hands and feet, pale skin. The most common reason anaemia occurs is due to an iron deficiency in the body, but it can also be due to a vitamin deficiency, heavy menstrual periods, pregnancy, or chronic conditions, she adds. See your doctor if you experience tiredness, weakness and breathlessness and dont know why this is happening. Always speak to your own doctor if you are concerned about your health. MBABANE If the people have rejected a candidate at primary level, there should be no room for that candidate to wiggle his/her way into Parliament via the Senate election process. This is according to the Supreme Court, in its judgment granting governments appeal against the finding of the High Court, constituted as a Constitutional Court, that Section 5(3) of the Senate Elections Act No.7 of 2013 was unconstitutional. The judgment was issued yesterday by Judge Majahenkhaba Dlamini, who was sitting with Judges Jacobus Annandale, Sabelo Matsebula, Judith Currie and Mbutfo Mamba. Section 5(3) of the Act states that an unsuccessful candidate in the recent general elections shall not be considered for nomination (to the Senate). King Eswatini has a Parliament made of the House of Assembly and Senate. A portion of senators is elected by members of the House, following a general election and the other portion is appointed by the King. This matter came to court in 2018, after Michael Masilela, who is the Lobamba Member of Parliament (MP)-elect, lost in the primary elections that year. He challenged Section 5(3) at the High Court, citing that it was unconstitutional and discriminatory in that it prevented him from contesting for a Senate seat. A full bench at the High Court ruled in his favour. The prime minister (PM), minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the attorney general (AG), filed an appeal, which was argued on September 20, 2023. Judge Dlamini stated in the judgment that qualification for a seat in either the House of Assembly or Senate was not a birthright of any kind. The judge said the temporary disqualification established by Section 5(3) was aimed at fostering discipline in parliamentary elections. Whoever fancies himself/herself a seat in Parliament, according to the court, must choose one of the two Parliament chambers. This would ensure respect and credibility of Parliament as an institution, in particular, the Upper House (Senate). With respect, I do not see where respondent (Masilela) bases his right as an unsuccessful MP candidate to be accessible for a nomination to the Senate. In our system of parliamentary elections, no one may present himself/herself for election. That is why the nomination of parliamentarians is conducted openly on the day set for that purpose. Nomination In our Senate nomination in terms of the Senate Elections Act, the nomination is proposed and seconded on the floor of the House at its first business. The nomination is then formalised by a returning officer present at the House at the time of nomination. The nomination begins and ends on that same day and designated place, said the judge. Section 5 of the Senate (Elections) Act, according to the court, must be seen as part of a continuing process beginning at primary nominations and ending with the election of the senators. Judge Dlamini said Section 5(3) was not discriminatory in any invidious sense. He said the correct way of looking at Section 5(3) was from the point of view of its context as part of a legal control regime, with a view to managing who may or may not be eligible for Parliament at any given time. Judge Dlamini mentioned that Section 5 (3) does not fall under any part of Section 20 of the Constitution, which is about equality before the law. The judge pointed out that a provision, which set 25 years as the qualifying age for Senate and thereby disqualifying persons above 18 years but below 25 years would not be said to be discriminatory. He said Section 5 (3) was in the same league. It says persons who had been unsuccessful in the recent general elections may not be available for Senate. The provisions of Section 20 have self-limiting or qualifying factors such as gender, race, colour, etc of which none is to be found in Section 5(3), nor is the section discriminatory of itself or in its effect. Differentiation or different treatment involves picking and choosing from the same group of similarly situated persons or things. The section would be discriminatory if among the group of unsuccessful MP candidates some of them were selected for different treatment. This is not the case with the section. Unsuccessful MP candidates and untested candidates are two groups that share no common factor, which could be used as a basis for equal or unequal treatment to defeat Section 5 (3), reads part of the judgment. Judge Dlamini also stated that, with respect, Section 5(3) punished no one. He said the most that may be said was that it limited the scope or range of selection of senators by the members of the House. As for the unsuccessful MP candidates, they lose nothing by being overlooked. None is owed anything for going or not going to Parliament. That our system of governance is participatory, simply means that the general populace has a hand or role in the government of the kingdom, if not directly then indirectly through their elected/appointed representatives. By Section 5(3), the Act of Parliament temporarily disqualifies an unsuccessful MP candidate. The Constitution permits Parliament to enact a law such as Section 5 (3). If the section is said, as the court a quo (High Court) said, to limit the right conferred in Section 84 (right to representation), the answer is simple: Let the people of Section 84(emaSwati) challenge Section 5(3), Judge Dlamini said. Mandate He mentioned that the section did not discourage participation in elections. He said after all, when the elected MPs nominated Senate candidates, the people would have virtually finished their electoral mandate to elect Parliament. The court stated that it then remained for the members of the House to approach and nominate candidates for Senate in terms of Section 94 (2) of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Senate (Elections) Act 2013. Section 94(2) provides that 10 senators, at least half of whom shall be female, shall be elected by the members of the House in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law at their first meeting so as to represent a cross-section of the Swazi society. Judge Dlamini further pointed out that one manifest purpose of the section was to exclude people who might be considered as undesirable for Senate, which was a worth-while goal to enhance and protect the dignity of Senate. Masilela, according to the court, had no enforceable right to a place in Senate, unless he had already been elected or appointed. Judge Dlamini said the court saw nothing unfair in him being prevented from joining the race to Senate. He had not shown what was unfair in being prevented to avail himself for Senate, according to the court. Government was represented by the AG, Sifiso Khumalo, while Mlindeni Magagula of Zonke Magagula and Company appeared for Masilela. The Metropolitan Police is not responding effectively to missing and exploited children, an inspectorate has found (PA) Vulnerable children are being put at risk by the way the UKs largest police force handles child protection, an inspectorate has found. His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said the Metropolitan Police is not responding adequately when children go missing. The force is also said to not be effectively investigating cases where a child is at risk of or is being harmed by criminal gangs or sexual predators. Sadiq Khan asked the inspectorate to look into the Mets handling of vulnerable children (PA) The inspectorate said it is particularly concerned about frequent use of victim-blaming language which can hamper police investigations and leave youngsters unprotected. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan had asked the inspectorate to look at the Mets handling of criminal and sexual exploitation of children before producing a report due next year. The inspectorate has said that, because two of the concerns are so serious, it is publishing them now in an accelerated causes of concern letter. It found officers are often too slow to locate missing children and do not always visit them once home to work out why they disappeared. In some cases officers do not try and locate the missing child at all, the inspectorate added. The forces guidance for dealing with missing people was found to lack a clear explanation of what high risk means. Officers responsible for grading risk were found to often have a limited understanding of the links between children who go missing regularly and criminal or sexual exploitation. The letter also said: We are particularly concerned about the frequency with which officers and staff use victim-blaming language. This highlights that officers and staff may not fully understand the potential risks to children. This lack of understanding can result in ineffective police investigations, with important lines of inquiry being overlooked and children left unprotected. Officers were also found to often be too slow to investigate cases of children being put at risk of or facing criminal or sexual exploitation and do not always make reasonable lines of inquiry once an investigation has begun. They often do not consult parents or carers and are often unwilling to progress a case without their support, the inspectorate added. Officers often also failed to comply with the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales by completing a victim needs assessment. The inspectorate has urged the force to make urgent improvements to its handling of the issue across both areas by December 31. It has said all officers must be properly trained to grade the risks each missing child is exposed to, appropriately assess risk in all cases and investigate cases where children go missing effectively from the first point of contact in a proportionate way. The watchdog has also said child exploitation cases should be assigned to officers with the right levels of knowledge and skills and follow all reasonable lines of inquiry to identify suspects and pursue evidence-led prosecutions. It should also ensure disruption activities are appropriate when an alleged victim does not support an investigation and that the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales is complied with, the inspectorate added. His Majestys Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman said: The role of the police in protecting children from harm should not be understated. Children who go missing, or are at risk of exploitation, are some of the most vulnerable in society. It is therefore concerning that the Metropolitan Polices current approach to child protection requires immediate attention. Whilst we observed positive examples of good work by committed officers and staff, the force needs to do much more to ensure it responds effectively to missing children and those subjected to exploitation. The force must make sure that it is focused on the risks to children, and that officers and staff are also equipped to deal with those risks. We have made two recommendations for the Metropolitan Police to address these accelerated concerns, and we will closely monitor the forces progress. The forces lead for public protection Commander Kevin Southworth said: Children are among the most vulnerable in our society and I am deeply concerned by the HMICFRS findings that show that too often we are letting them down. Our officers want to keep children and young people safe but we recognise they have not had the right support to do this every time. Officers need the time and resource to listen to children and investigate the bigger picture around the circumstances they have come into contact with the police to then identify abuse and exploitation. Our Children and Young Peoples strategy will support officers to see children as children first and foremost and recognise their individual needs. Were also providing more resource for our emergency response officers and investigative teams, as well as better training, and were determined to work more closely with expert partners. Mr Khan said: Its clear from the inspectorates findings that the pace of change must significantly improve to ensure children are better protected by the Met Police in our communities and online. I see police reform as a critical part of my mayoralty and am committed to supporting and holding the commissioner and Met to account on delivering the urgent improvements needed. A policeman holds up the three books that were considered to be seditious (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File) A Hong Kong man was sentenced to four months in prison on Friday after he pleaded guilty to importing childrens books that were deemed to be seditious publications. Kurt Leung, a 38-year-old clerk, was sentenced after he admitted to importing 18 childrens books featuring wolves and sheep. He was arrested in March after he signed for a delivery from the UK containing the books. The books feature sheep that lived in a village and had to defend themselves against wolves. In the series of books, the sheep take action such as going on strike or escaping by boat, which are said to allude to incidents such as the 2019 anti-government protests and the detention of the 12 Hong Kongers who attempted to escape by sea. Authorities said that the books are an attempt at inciting hatred in young children and stirring up contempt against the government in Hong Kong and mainland China. The sedition offence, which is a colonial-era law that carries a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment for first-time offenders, has in recent years been used by Hong Kong authorities to quash dissent in the region. The semi-autonomous Chinese city was a British colony until it was returned to China in 1997. Leung was accused of working with a former colleague to have the books delivered from the United Kingdom to Leungs office in Hong Kong. He was arrested days after he signed for the package. He has since expressed remorse about the incident in a letter to the court, where he said he realised the books would affect the general public. The creators of the sheep and wolves books were five members of the general union of Hong Kong speech therapists. They were sentenced to 19 months in prison in September 2022. And has a teacher been sacked for refusing to put down a saucer or milk?Fake news How it spreads, who spreads it and why? Stories of children identifying as animals, including cats, are now rampant on social media Youve probably heard viral social media stories recently of children identifying as cats, horses, even dinosaurs. These tall tales have been spiralling around the internet in recent years. Journalists look into these stories, but somehow, they can never find where they came from. Theyre all part of the fake news phenomenon false stories created to incite rage. Where are these stories coming from? How do they become so viral and do people realise that theyre sharing nonsense? Belfast Telegraph technology reporter Kurtis Reid joins Ciaran Dunbar to explain the facts around fake news. Renata Sedmakova/Shutterstock.com Besides Moses, no other Old Testament character is mentioned more frequently in the New Testament than Abraham. In James 2:23, James calls Abraham Gods friend, a title used by no one else in the Bible. Galatians 3:7 calls believers of all generations the children of Abraham. His impact and importance in redemptive history are seen in the Bible. Abrahams life takes up most of Genesis, from his first mention in Genesis 11:26 to his death in Genesis 25:8. We know a lot about Abrahams life, but we dont know much about his birth and early life. Abraham was already 75 years old when we first met him. In Genesis 11:28, we read that Terah, Abrahams father, lived in Ur, an influential city on the Euphrates River, about halfway between the Persian Gulf and the modern city of Baghdad. We also read that Terah took his family and intended to go to Canaan but settled in Haran. Abrahams story gets interesting at the beginning of Genesis 12. In the first three verses, God calls Abraham to leave his home in Haran and travel to Canaan, telling him that He will bless him and make his name great. God calls Abraham out of his home and tells him to travel to a land He will show him. He also promises Abraham that hell get land of his own, be made into a great nation, and the promise of blessing. These promises form the foundation of what will eventually be called the Abrahamic Covenant, established in Genesis 15 and ratified in Genesis 17. What makes Abraham unique is that he followed God. Genesis 12:4 tells us that after God called Abraham, he went as the Lord told him. How many people would leave everything familiar to them without knowing the destination? The concept of family meant everything to those living in Abrahams time. Family units were firmly knit then, and it was unusual for family members to live miles apart. Additionally, were not told anything about Abrahams religious life and family before his calling. The people of Haran and Ur worshiped the Babylonian pantheon of gods, particularly the moon god Sin, so God called Abraham out of the pagan culture. Abraham recognized Yawehs call, so he obeyed willingly, not hesitantly. How old were Abraham and Sarah when they had Isaac? In Genesis 12, we read about Abraham and his barren wife, Sarah. Genesis 12:1-4 records Gods words to Abraham about a homeland for his children. The gift of a son isnt directly mentioned in this first communication, but God hinted at His plan for Abraham. Abraham was 75 when he first received Gods promise, and Genesis 21:5 says he was 100 when Isaac was born. Sarah was 90, so the couple waited 25 years for the fulfillment of Gods promise. In the 25 years between Gods promise and Isaacs birth, Abraham and Sarah had ideas of how they would facilitate keeping the promise. One was that Eliezer, Abrahams steward, would become the heir of Abrahams household, detailed explicitly in Genesis 15:2-3. Another theory was that Abraham could have an heir through a son conceived by Sarahs lady maid, Hagar, as detailed in Genesis 16:1-2. In both instances, God rejected those men as Abrahams heirs, pointing Sarah and Abraham to the promises literal, miraculous fulfillment. A test of Abrahams faith. Abrahams faith was tested regarding his son, Isaac. In Genesis 22, God tells Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on the top of Mount Moriah. Were unsure of how Abraham reacted internally to his command. All we know is that Abraham faithfully obeyed the God who was his shield and was tremendously gracious and good to him until that point. As with the earlier command to leave his family and home, Abraham obeyed, as we read in Genesis 22:3. We know that God ultimately holds back Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, but imagine how Abraham felt. He waited decades for a son, and the God who promised this child to him would take him away. The point is that Abrahams faith in God was more significant than his love for his son, and he trusted that even if he sacrificed Isaac, God would bring him back from the dead. Romans 4:11-12 describes Abraham as the father of faith due to his response to God in leaving his homeland and having a son in his old age. Genesis 15:4-5 details Gods promise to Abraham that his child would be the sands of the sea. Abraham was old and didnt have sons, but he never doubted that God would follow through with His promise. He didnt understand how something like that could be possible, but he accepted Gods word as truth. Mary responded similarly when the angel Gabriel told her she would be the Messiahs mother, as detailed in Luke 1:26-38. She didnt understand how something like that could be possible since she was a virgin, but she never doubted that God would do as He said. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that response is the type of faith that pleases God. One lesson from Abrahams life is that we should live a life of faith. Abraham took his son to Mount Moriah because he knew God would keep His promises. It wasnt a blind faith, but one of settled assurance and trust in the God who proved Himself true and faithful. If we looked back on our lives, we would see Gods hand of providence all over it. God doesnt have to speak from burning bushes, visit us accompanied by angels, or part sea waters to be active in our lives. God is orchestrating and superintending the events of our lives. Sometimes, it doesnt seem that way, but Abrahams life proves that Gods presence in our lives is real. Even Abrahams failures show that God, while not protecting us from the consequences of our sin, works His will through and in us. Nothing we do will stop His plan. God called Abraham out of the millions of people on earth to be the object of His blessings. He used Abraham to play a crucial part in the outworking of the story of redemption, ending in Jesus birth. Abraham and Sarah are examples of hope and faith in Gods promises. Our lives should be so lived that, when we die, our faith, like Abrahams will, remains an enduring legacy to others. Former Goldman Sachs executive Roger Ng (center) leaves Brooklyn Federal court in New York, accompanied by defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, May 6, 2019. UPDATED at 7:15 a.m. EDT on 2023-10-07 An ex-Goldman Sachs banker convicted in the U.S. for his role in the theft of billions of dollars from the Malaysian 1MDB fund was traveling back to Malaysia, his lawyer said late Friday, after a federal court ordered his clients extradition to face trial there. The federal court in New York City determined that Ng Chong Hwa (commonly referred to as Roger Ng) would be brought back to the United States after the Malaysian trial to serve 10 years in prison. Roger is en route to Malaysia. I will continue to engage the authorities there once he settles in, Marc Agnifilo, Ngs New York attorney, confirmed to BenarNews on Friday evening. Ng was convicted in April 2022 for taking part in a scheme to steal billions of U.S. dollars from 1MDB, a beleaguered state development fund at the heart of a scandal that brought about the downfall of former Prime Minister Najib Razak. Last March, Ng, a Malaysian national, was sentenced in New York on two counts of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering Under an extradition treaty between the U.S. and Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur had handed Ng over to American authorities temporarily to stand trial at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. [T]he defendant shall be remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on October 6, 2023, at a time to be determined by the USMS, to effectuate his return to Malaysia, U.S. Margo K. Brodie, chief judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, ruled on Thursday, according to a copy of her order. On Friday, a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals declined comment, saying the agency has a policy of not commenting on a prisoners transfer. Meanwhile, the Malaysian envoy to Washington confirmed that Ng was to be returned to his country. Ambassador Nazri Aziz, who was appointed to the post in February, said Malaysian officials expected Ng to be extradited as soon as possible. He said he could not release travel information for security concerns. If the U.S. did not trust in the government, they would not be sending back prisoners to the country of origin, he said. It shows the U.S. trusts the present government. Back in Malaysia, Tan Hock Chuan, a lawyer representing Ng, Tan Hock Chuan, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Malaysian Attorney Generals Chamber declined comment. In April, a Brooklyn jury found Ng who had been extradited from Malaysia in 2018 to stand trial guilty of all charges against him following a trial which saw his former boss and co-conspirator Timothy Leissner testify against him. The U.S. Department of Justice alleged that Ng, joined by Leissner, fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low (whose real name is Low Taek Jho), and others conspired to steal more than $2.7 billion (11.3 billion ringgit) from 1Malaysia Development Berhad. While on the witness stand for several days, Leissner testified that he, along with Ng and Low, had used off-shore accounts and shell companies to disguise the flow of funds, according to news service reports. If we told any bank the truth, it wouldnt work. The house of cards would have fallen down, he testified. In addition, the DOJ charged Ng with conspiring to violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by paying bribes to government officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, and conspiring to circumvent Goldman Sachs accounting controls. A woman walks past the construction site of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) flagship Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur, July 3, 2015. [AFP] The 1MDB scandal, in which at least $4.5 billion was looted from the fund established by Najib in 2009 to spur development in his country, led to the ouster of his government in an historic election in 2018. In July 2020, the ex-prime minister was convicted of massive corruption in connection with the scandal and was sent to prison in August 2022. In March, a Malaysian Federal Court panel denied Najibs final effort to be freed from prison over his 12-year sentence following his conviction on charges linked to 1MDB affiliate SRC International. The former prime minister who lost power when his ruling coalition fell in the 2018 general election faces additional trials linked to 1MDB. Meanwhile, Malaysia Attorney General Idrus Harun said his office had rejected an attempt by Jho Low to settle the 1MDB criminal case against him. The subject of an international manhunt Interpol has filed a red notice against him faces charges in the U.S. as well. The AGC [Attorney Generals Chambers] confirms that Jho Low, through his representatives, has made attempts to engage with the Government of Malaysia for a settlement this year, the attorney general said in the statement at the time. All offers for a settlement from Jho Lows representatives were rejected by the AGC. Idrus did not comment on reports that Jho Low had offered 1.5 billion ringgits ($318 million) to settle the charges against him. Nazmul Ahasan in Washington and Minderjeet Kaur and Iman Muttaqin Yusof in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. This report has been updated with information to confirm that Roger Ng was returning to Malaysia. A woman and her children arrive at a flooded school due to high tide during the first day of in-person classes, in Macabebe, Pampanga province, Philippines, Aug. 22, 2022. More than 40 million children were internally displaced over six years in worldwide weather-related disasters made worse by climate change, with the Philippines, India, China and Bangladesh topping the chart in absolute numbers, UNICEF reported on Friday. Between 2016 and 2021, as many as 43.1 million children or about 20,000 a day were displaced across 44 countries in hazards including floods, storms, droughts and wildfires, and many more could be similarly uprooted during the next three decades, the U.N. Childrens Fund said. Millions of children are already being driven from their homes by weather-related events, exacerbated by climate change, UNICEF said in the report titled Children Displaced in a Changing Climate. [D]isplacement whether short-lived or protracted can multiply climate-related risks for children and their families. In the aftermath of a disaster, children may become separated from their parents or caregivers, amplifying the risks of exploitation, child trafficking, and abuse. Displacement can disrupt access to education and healthcare, exposing children to malnutrition, disease, and inadequate immunization. Using a disaster displacement risk model, the agency warned that riverine floods could potentially displace nearly 96 million children during the next 30 years. Cyclonic winds and storm surges could also displace 10.3 million and 7.2 million children, respectively, in the same period, the agency said. Among the displacements caused by the four main types of weather-related disasters, floods and storms drove 95% of recorded child displacements, the report said. It was unclear how many of the affected children were, in fact, preemptive evacuees, as opposed to being displaced for the short or long term. It is terrifying for any child when a ferocious wildfire, storm or flood barrels into their community, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement that accompanied the reports release. For those who are forced to flee, the fear and impact can be especially devastating, with worry of whether they will return home, resume school, or be forced to move again. Moving may have saved their lives, but its also very disruptive. As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement. This infographic shows the number of children affected by weather-related displacements, by size and hazard, between 2016 and 2021. [UNICEF] The Philippines recorded 9.7 million child displacements due to all four hazards combined (floods, storms, droughts, and wildfires) between 2016 and 2021, followed by 6.7 million in India, 6.4 million in China, and 3.3 million in Bangladesh. The numbers were high due to geographic locations, exposure to extreme weather, large child populations, and progress made on early warning and evacuation capacities, UNICEF said. Storms in particular led to the displacement of about 21 million children, with the highest numbers in the Philippines (8.3 million), India (2.8 million) and China (2.6 million). Relative to the size of their child population, small island states such as Dominica (13,000 or 76% of its child population) experienced the largest number of child displacements from storms, the report said. The Pacific island nations of Vanuatu and Fiji were among those that saw large percentages of their child populations displaced by storms during the six-year reporting period. In Vanuatu, storms displaced 36,000 children about 25% of its child population while in Fiji, storms displaced 43,000 children 13% of its child population. Similarly, storms led to the displacement of about 21 million children, with the highest numbers in the Philippines (8.3 million), India (2.8 million) and China (2.6 million). Asia and the Pacific frequently experience storms, leading to mass evacuations. In 2020, Cyclone Amphan displaced 1.5 million children in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan, while Typhoon Rai (Odette) displaced 1.5 million children in the Philippines, Palau, and Vietnam in 2021. Given their large population, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines and China are the five countries with the most predicted future displacements of children owing to all hazards combined (riverine flood, cyclones and storm surges), the report said. Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news service affiliated with BenarNews, produced this report. Thousands of Philippine LGBTQ supporters gather at Marikina Sports Complex in the annual celebration of Pride March in Marikina city, east of Manila, June 30, 2018. A drag queen who caused an uproar in the staunchly Catholic Philippines by performing a punk rendition of The Lords Prayer dressed as Jesus Christ has been arrested, human rights advocates said Friday as they demanded charges be dropped. Amadeus Fernando Pagente, who performs under the stage name Pura Luka Vega, was detained on Wednesday in relation to a controversial performance in July, Manila police confirmed to BenarNews. Police have charged Pagente, 33, under Article 201 of the Philippine Criminal Code that specifically prohibits indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts or shows that offend any race or religions. The case stemmed from a show in which Pagente wore a Black Nazarene costume while dancing to an up-tempo version of The Lords Prayer inside a pub. The Black Nazarene is a revered icon of an ebony Jesus Christ with the Cross that dates to the early 1600s when the Philippines was a Spanish colony. The statue is paraded around Manila during an annual spectacle, which draws millions of Catholic devotees. The icon is believed to be miraculous, and the faithful jostle with one another to wipe the statue with a handkerchief. Legend has it that the statue was charred but survived a fire aboard a galleon that brought the Nazarene to the Philippines from Mexico in 1606. Pagentes performance, a video of which went viral online, prompted the Hijos del Nazareno-Central, a group of Black Nazarene devotees, and the Philippines for Jesus Movement to file complaints with prosecutors. [Pagentes] performance may offend some, but it is a protected expression under international human rights law, said Ryan Thoreson, a specialist in the LGBT+ rights program at Human Rights Watch. Freedom of expression includes artistic expression that offends, satirizes, or challenges religious beliefs. Thoreson called for Pagente to be released from custody and the charges dropped. To prevent future censorship of controversial viewpoints, lawmakers in the Philippines should amend or eliminate article 201 to ensure that religious beliefs cannot be misused to deny others their human right to free expression, he said in a statement. Thoreson cited the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the freedom of religion or belief who said the international normative standard is clear: States may not impose punishment for insults, criticism or giving offense to religious ideas, icons or places, nor can laws be used to protect the feelings of religious communities. While freedom of expression can be limited for narrow reasons of national security or public order, such as incitement to violence, Pagentes performance, however controversial, does not fall into those exceptions, Thoreson said. The court handling the performers case has recommended bail at 72,000 pesos (U.S. $1,271). Filipino human rights lawyer Romel Regalado Reyes said Pagentes performance was outside the confines of religious ceremony. It is a public performance in the undifferentiated public sphere, Reyes said in a statement. If [Pagente] claims it is art, then the proper mode of response is to critique the cover of art he invokes for his act. For the Christians offended by the performance, he said they should remember free expression works both ways. Alex Irasga, technical adviser to the Hijos del Nazareno-Central, said he hoped that Pagente would fully repent for the stunt and find clarity by facing up to the charges. After being arrested, Pagente on Friday voiced surprise at the legal proceedings that had been initiated. The performance was not meant to be disrespectful and that the song was a way to reconcile their Catholic faith with their queerness. Performing it in public is an embodiment of God's love for all, Pagente told reporters from custody. I just want to create a narrative that despite all of this, Jesus, as the embodiment of Gods love for all, does not forget about the oppressed, including the LGBTQIA+ community, Pagente said. Phra Adisai, abbot of the Wat Rat Samakkhi Temple in Nong Bua Lam Phu province, ties a thread to the wrist of Champ, held by his mother, Chadaporn Kamson, July 4, 2023. The daycare center in Uthai Sawan is abandoned now but people still leave snacks, milk, and dolls out front to remember the small children who were massacred inside during a rampage by an ex-policeman a year ago. Twenty-four children and a dozen more people were killed in the Oct. 6, 2022 attack in this village cluster (tambon) in northern Thailand the countrys deadliest-ever attack in which children were the main targets. Since then, relatives have also been offering alms to monks every Buddhist lunar day about four times a month. Its their way to worship the souls of their dead loved ones. One local man was left paralyzed after he was shot in the neck during the rampage, but says he has come to forgive the killer, thanks to the constant support of a Buddhist monk. Their anger, trauma, agony have been cured somewhat, Phra Adisai, the abbot of Wat Rat Samakkhi Temple in Nong Bua Lam Phu province, told a BenarNews correspondent who visited the area in July. I told the survivors that all of the children have gone to heaven they are little angels, said the monk who is revered as the godfather of more than a dozen slain children. They did not do a bad deed they are angels in paradise. A year ago on Friday, Panya Khamrab, a former police officer, used a cane knife and a handgun to slaughter two dozen children between the ages of 2 and 5 during the daylight attack at the daycare center. Many of the victims were sleeping. Panya also killed 10 others including a pregnant teacher before returning home to kill his wife, their 3-year-old son and then himself, officials said. At the time of the attack, Panyas former boss said he was addicted to drugs. In addition, a senior police official said Panya had been to court to face drug-related charges earlier that day. He might have been stressed and under the influence of narcotics and consequently committed this tragic act, Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas, who served as national police chief, told reporters last year. The first anniversary of the massacre falls only a few days after a 14-year-old allegedly used a modified handgun to shoot up an upscale shopping mall in Bangkok, killing two people and injuring five others. Changed lives Uthai Sawan, in Nong Bua Lam Phu province, is located about 500 km (310 miles) northeast of Bangkok. The areas residents were peaceful, relying on agriculture as the main occupation, before the massacre changed their lives. Phra Adisai, the abbot, said he had spiritually adopted 15 of the children before the massacre because their parents believed it would help them have a positive effect on society. Since the killings, some of the parents visit regularly to receive blessings. I cannot get over it. Im missing them all the time. Though I say go to heaven, my dear children, I still cannot deal with what happened, Kampoon Srilumtai, the grandmother of three of the children, told BenarNews. Her 2-year-old granddaughter who survived the attack has become timid, paranoid and could cry at any time, Kampoon said, adding the toddler was afraid to leave her side. Tawee Lasopha, whose daughter Maliwan Lasopha was killed in the massacre, feeds breakfast to his grandson, Thanathorn Sopha, Oct. 5, 2023. [Sakchai Lalit/AP] Duangporn Kamson brought her daughter, Chadaporn, and newborn grandson, Champ, to be blessed by Phra Adisai. He gives holy water which revitalizes our lives. He cures our pains, Duangporn told BenarNews. Speaking of her grandson killed in the massacre, We badly miss our lost child, she said. I was frightened and prayed that it was not my grandson when I heard about the shooting, she said. But I was shocked and traumatized when I learned he was among the dead. No more anger Over the last year, Phra Adisai has visited families of the deceased and those who were injured to comfort them and help them move on with their lives. Kamthorn Thongpod, the man who was left paralyzed by a bullet, said the abbot taught him to forgive. At that time, I blew my top. Why do this to us? We hadnt even met him before, Kamthorn told BenarNews from his bed. Now, I forgive, Kamthorn said over the sound of air flowing through a respirator to help him breathe. The abbot told me to relax, wishing for mercy that would make me feel better. Kamthorn, who worked as a technician for the administration of Tambon Uthai Sawan, was having lunch with a colleague outside of the daycare center when the attack occurred. Upon release from an intensive care unit three months later, he learned that a 5-year-old nephew he helped raise was among those killed. The Associated Press spoke with Tawee Lasopha, described as 59 and unemployed who lives with his wife Mongkol Uppachai, 58. They are trying to make ends meet to help support three grandchildren, including two children of their daughter, Maliwan Lasopha, one of two teachers killed in the massacre. I lost hope. I dont know how much longer I can go on like this, Tawee said. These days, when I go out to see neighbors, they tell me to forget. How could I forget? I cant forget it for the rest of my life. he told AP. This child I cant forget. Danaichok Boonsom shows the daycare center which closed following the massacre there last October, July 4, 2023. [Wilawan Watcharasakwej/BenarNews] Danaichok Boonsom, the chief of local administration in Uthai Sawan, said the government had approved funding for a new daycare center, but construction has not started. When BenarNews visited the village cluster in July, the metal-and-glass front door had not yet been fixed after it was broken during the attack. I had known all of those children since they were born. Today, the temple is quiet unlike before when they were joyfully chasing around, Phra Adisai said. Some of them held my robes when I went out for morning alms. I was saddened that day. I lost my 15 adopted children. Tehran, Oct 6 (UNI) Iran and the United Arab Emirates can become a global economic center, this opportunity can be ensured by their bilateral cooperation and membership in the BRICS group, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said at a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We intend to make a confident step into the future in all directions and develop the economies of the two countries in all areas. Thanks to the geographical location of the two countries, we can become the largest economic center in the world, and this opportunity exists between the two countries through bilateral relations and membership in BRICS, Tasnim news agency quoted Ghalibaf as saying. Earlier, he said the purpose of his visit to the UAE was to discuss with a number of officials the bilateral relations between Tehran and Abu Dhabi in different spheres, in particular cooperation in the Gulf region. BRICS unites Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. At the Johannesburg summit in August, a decision was announced to invite Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia to become full members of the organization from January 1, 2024. In May, Belarus asked BRICS members to be admitted to the association. UNI/SPUTNIK AKS If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Criminal charges lodged against Hartford ex-officer accused of lying to get warrant and faking stats A former Hartford police officer accused by his own department of lying to get an arrest warrant and inflating his traffic enforcement stats has been criminally charged with perjury, forgery and computer crime You are the owner of this article. Lev Natan makes an offering of tobacco and white seashells to the Housatonic River during the 2021 celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day in Great Barrington. The annual event, which will be held this weekend, is to focus on our collective healing," Natan said. This Story in History is selected from the archives by Jeannie Maschino, The Berkshire Eagle. The former Our Lady of Lourdes church building is under contract to be sold to a new owner, who plans to create a spacious residence. Editor's note: This story was updated at 6:44 p.m. Friday to include a statement from Massachusetts State Police. SANDISFIELD The town-owned Sandisfield Fire Department tanker that crashed and rolled over in Tyringham last week had a state inspection sticker with the letter R, for rejection. Sandisfield Fire Chief Ralph Morrison and his brother, Police Chief and Assistant Fire Chief Michael Morrison, both confirmed the truck bore the rejection sticker for emissions, not for safety. The police chief, who was the driver in the Sept. 26 rollover, told The Eagle Thursday the tanker smoked quite a bit. Ralph Morrisons shop, A & M Auto Repair LLC, serviced the 1988 Mack RD 600S tanker. A & M Auto Repair LLC maintains Sandisfields whole emergency fleet each fire, police and ambulance vehicle the town owns. Ralph Morrison said only he and one other employee are certified to inspect commercial vehicles at the repair shop and that it requires special training by the state to do so. Massachusetts State Police, who investigated the crash, said the tanker was exempt from emissions testing. "No charges were issued for this crash," Trooper James DeAngelis in the Massachusetts State Police office of media relations wrote The Eagle Friday. "Its possible a verbal warning was issued to the operator, which is completely within the right of investigating officers. Additionally, that vehicle is exempt from emissions testing so Im not able to say why your report states it failed." While the Morrison brothers have said they didnt recall exactly when the vehicle was purchased or when the rejection sticker was affixed, a Carfax report on the vehicle identified the only state inspection date as May 29, 2020. The tanker purchase was reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles on Sept. 4, 2019, and worked on Feb. 19, 2020, according to the Carfax report. At the May 29 inspection, it passed the safety inspection and failed emissions. The vehicle was serviced the same day of its inspection at A & M, according to Carfax. Lights were checked, the oil and filter were changed, the battery/charging system was checked and the electrical system was checked. That same Carfax report also notes that the vehicle now is overdue for an inspection of its brakes by more than four months. Ralph Morrison told the Select Board on Monday that the truck had not undergone subsequent safety inspections. He reiterated that to The Eagle on Thursday. Ill bet you that truck dont have a thousand miles on it since we bought it, he said. Maybe its got 2,000 on it. The Carfax showed that the truck had 42,513 miles on it when purchased and 43,875 on it in November of 2022, when it was last serviced at A & M. The Morrison brothers questioned the reliability of a Carfax report on a vehicle that is 35 years old. So did John Field, a Select Board member who runs a landscaping business and holds a commercial drivers license. Well, basically the Select Board is going to have to look into this further," he said. He also called for a broader context. "At the end of the day, we've got to remember that Michael was responding as a volunteer to an emergency to try to help somebody," Field said. "We can't look beyond that. "Whether everything is perfect, well, we're going to figure that out," Field said. "I'm a resident of Sandisfield, and if my house is on fire, I'm hoping that those guys are in town to help me because they're both firefighters." Select Board Chair Steve Seddon told The Eagle on Thursday he would need to investigate further before commenting. Select Board member Bob Fedell, who attended Monday nights Select Board meeting virtually from the road, said he had not yet been filled in on how the meeting went or any outcomes, and that he couldnt comment. The town insures its vehicles through MIIA Property and Casualty Group Inc. in Boston. MIIA, the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, has pre-trip inspection guidelines for fire and ambulance apparatus dating to 2017. That list includes a seven-step process to check the air brake system. Neither Morrison brother was familiar with the list, and Sandisfield Fire Department vehicles arent checked for safety daily because the volunteer department doesnt staff the station on a daily basis. We do our own version of an inspection at weekly meetings to make sure that the trucks are in good shape, Michael Morrison said, adding that there probably isnt another fire department in Berkshire County that engages in a seven-step check of air brakes. The truck was mechanically OK when it left the fire house, he told The Eagle on Thursday. Something happened when I crossed Dimmock hill. The brothers were directed by a fellow firefighter to use Dimmock Road in Tyringham. Dimmock Road does not connect with Stebbins Road. Ralph Morrison, who was leading, turned around and passed his brother going the other way when he realized they were going the wrong way. He also called Michael Morrison by cellphone to alert him of the error. Michael Morrison said the brakes failed at the top of a hill on Webster Road and that he used every maneuver he knew of to try to slow down the tanker, which was carrying 3,000 gallons of water in a baffled tank. The truck crossed Main Road, went through a guardrail, sheared a utility pole and got wound up in power lines as it rolled landing in an embankment. Ralph Morrison plans to use insurance money to buy a new tanker. "We're still collecting information," David Dowd, vice president of claims for MIIA Property and Casualty, told The Eagle on Friday. "There is nothing in the coverage form that excludes or bars coverage as a result of those things." In the meantime, Sandisfield has an additional tanker that holds less water. The brothers said that continuing coverage of the crash has been upsetting to family and detrimental to morale of firefighters. Ralph Morrison said he is worried that he will lose volunteers. "This is a tragic event for the town of Sandisfield," Michael Morrison said. GREAT BARRINGTON Voters at a special town meeting later this month will be asked if they support changes outside Mason Library a question that could put a long-planned sculpture of W.E.B. Du Bois in jeopardy. Its a threat that remains unclear, however. The towns lawyer is still researching whether voters support of a petition which vaguely questions the installation of benches that include a seated sculpture of Du Bois could scuttle a project two years in the making, said Select Board Chair Stephen Bannon. A petition with 131 signatures, and submitted by resident Karen Johnson, asks whether the voters want a redesign of the Mason Public Library grounds, as the article on the meeting warrant reads. The special town meeting is set for Oct. 23, where voters will also decide whether to merge its school district with the Southern Berkshire Regional School District, and whether to fund several other projects. The petition has stirred old wounds around blocking efforts to honor the town native. "Seeing your town evolve to the current times can be hard, but it's here," said Ari Zorn, vice chair of the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project, the nonprofit that has planned and raised money for the redesign. "I am concerned that certain people are hiding their true colors behind the renovation plans instead of calling a spade a spade. To me this is once again an issue of color and race we need to be better than this." Zorn added that, in fairness, he understands that some people may simply not want the library to change at all. When asked if she didn't want to see the statue there, Johnson told The Eagle that she has never said anything about the statue, and that her reason for the petition is largely for taxpayers to have their say about the project. She also doesn't like "the clutter of the benches." "It takes away from a Colonial library," Johnson said. "This is a public property for all of the taxpayers it's not just for a very few. In a letter to voters she wrote, "The special interest group have plans to take away your property to use it for their own interest." Johnson said she attended a number of various board meetings related to the plan. When asked why she waited until now to raise the question, she said, it's public property and we should all have a voice. The redesign is a project that would create curved stone benches on each side of the steps, and on which a life-size bronze sculpture of Du Bois would sit. The sculpture would likely be the second life-size rendering of Du Bois in the U.S. It's creator, Richard Blake, was chosen in August after a juried selection and fundraising that officially began in 2021. The sculpture will likely be finished in the fall. Initially the nonprofit would incorporate new lighting and repairs to the condemned front steps. But now the town plans to fix a problem caused by apparent past construction errors that weakened the supports under the marble steps. The nonprofit has already contributed money to this. The group went before the towns Historic Districts Commission five times to have the project vetted and approved before seeking Select Board approval later this month. The library was built in 1913. The sculpture is yet another honor of Du Bois after decades of politically driven opposition to various memorials including renaming a school after him. That long effort finally paid off with the renaming of the middle school in 2020. The library was chosen for its central downtown location and because Du Bois, a founder of the NAACP, was also a scholar and prolific writer himself. Those who lead the sculpture nonprofit say they are surprised by the petition. Weve been doing this for over two years and never heard a peep, said Julie Michaels, chair of the nonprofit board, noting all the work and events and outreach meant to include the public in decision making. Michaels said there had been chatter on Facebook about how people didnt want their tax dollars paying for the project, and Michaels has continued to remind the public that the project is paid for entirely by donations. She also wants to remind people that the sculpture honors a town that rallied around a young Black man and helped send him to college. Its not only saluting Du Bois, Michaels said. Its saluting the community that fostered him. Its kind of baffling, said board member Bobby Houston. In a letter to the editor of The Eagle, Houston noted the transparency of the plans from the beginning, and the various town approvals. The changes to the library are minimal, Houston added. It will remain the same, with lawn, center steps and accessibility ramps. Dubois Thomas, a member of the nonprofits advisory board and president of Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, says many of the obstacles encountered during planning for the project seem like coded language driven by fears that the town is changing its cultural identity. As a Black resident of Great Barrington I resent that [the redesign is] presented as an objection to honoring a great member of American history who happens to be Black, Thomas said. After Jesus resurrection, He came to His disciples before ascending to heaven. He instructed them with what we call the Great Commission. These words established what was and has been the primary mission of the church since the birth of Christianity. We read of Jesus disciples throughout the New Testament giving their lives to fulfill this mission which has been passed to every follower since. Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20). As we fast forward to 2023, almost 2,000 years since Jesus death and resurrection, the world currently has a population of approximately 8 billion people. As believers work to spread the Gospel and fulfill the Great Commission, we may wonder exactly how many believers there are around the world. It is an interesting number to know and reflect on. According to Lifeway Research, it is estimated that 2.56 billion people in the world profess to be part of the Christian faith. This number includes all the major traditions of Christianity such as Catholics, protestants, and Eastern orthodox. This makes Christianity the largest religion in the world. What IS Christianity? Christianity is defined as the religion based in the belief, life, and practices of Jesus of Nazareth as told through the Gospels. Christianity is professed by people around the world and includes those who hold faith in Jesus who are Catholics, Eastern orthodox, and Protestants. What makes someone a Christian is saving faith in Jesus Christ. In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying he disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is Christianity. Without Jesus, there is no Christian faith. There is a passage in the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians that begins to capture what Christianity is. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). Christianity is the collective body of people who have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Christianity is marked by a unique set of doctrines: one triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) who created the world, Jesus who was born of a virgin, the death and resurrection of Jesus which gives salvation, the inspiration and inerrancy of Scriptures, and the Second coming of Jesus. It is ones faith in Jesus and having a heart devoted to God that makes someone a Christian. How Many People Believe in Christianity in the United States? The Pew Research Center estimates that as of 2020, 64% of Americans, including adults and children, believe in Christianity. According to their research, about 30% of Americans identity as agnostic, atheist, or non-religious, and around 6% of Americans identify with other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, or Judaism. These numbers may seem discouraging when we consider that the percentage of Christians in America has been and continues to decline. However, believers can find encouragement that no matter what, God remains in control. These statistics serve as motivation for Christians to continue their mission to fulfill the Great Commission and share the Good News of Jesus. How Many People Believe in Christianity in Europe? There are 44 countries that make up Europe. The results of a 2019 Eurobarometer survey concluded that 64% of Europes population believe in Christianity, and about 41% of those Christians identified that they were part of the Roman Catholic church. Like the United States, Europe has been experiencing a decline in those who claim to be part of the Christian faith. These statistics reflect what some call a post-Christian nation, however, believers can be confident that disciples can be made in all nations. It is of utmost importance for believers to share the Gospel. How Many People Believe in Christianity Globally? It is estimated that 2.56 billion people in the world profess to be part of the Christian faith this is about 1/3 of the worlds population. The World Population Review lists the top five countries with the highest number of believers as: - The United States - Brazil - Mexico - Nigeria - The Philippines This reflects the major shift of Christianitys growth to the global south. The United States has 230 million Christians and Brazil has 180 million Christians. Truly, Christianity has spread far and wide, and the global church is massive. Despite declining numbers of Christians in some parts of the world, in other countries, Christianity is growing. Ultimately, we can keep in mind the powerful and reassuring words of Jesus that nothing would prevail against His church. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). It may feel discouraging to hear the number of Christians decreasing in the western world, but Christians can trust that Gods church is growing and will continue to stand firm until Christs return. I n What Country Is Christianity Most Threatened, or Persecuted? Open Doors USA is an organization that tracks persecution of Christians around the world and helps to alleviate oppression. They estimate that nearly 360 million Christians live in nations where they are persecuted. They list the top three countries in which Christians are most persecuted as: - Afghanistan - North Korea - Somalia Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and it is incredibly shameful and dangerous for someone to leave the Islamic faith and convert to Christianity. According to an Open Doors USA report, if a person in Afghanistan converts from Islam to Christianity, it is likely that they will be killed or must flee the country if their conversion is discovered. Indeed, it is so important that Christians pray for their persecuted and oppressed brothers and sisters around the world. Is Christianity the Largest Faith in the World? Although we see the percentages of Christians dropping in places like the United States and Europe, overall, Christianity is a growing religion around the globe! In fact, Christianity is the largest faith in the world. Nearly a third of the worlds population identifies as part of the Christian faith. We know there are many people groups that have not yet heard the Gospel, and there are many believers and missionaries all over the world working hard and dedicating their lives to sharing the Gospel and living out the Great Commission to make disciples in all nations. Christianity may be the largest faith group, but only 1/3 of the worlds population is part of Christianity. The need is great for more people to hear of Jesus and come to know Him as their Lord and Savior. How Can We Pray for the Gospel to Spread among Our Neighbors? Even as fewer Americans believe in Christianity, the church in the US should faithfully continue its efforts to help people find saving faith in Jesus Christ. It is vital that we pray for more Americans and people all over the world to hear the Gospel. These are some specific things we can pray as we hope more come to saving faith in Jesus. 1. Pray that Christians would be intentional and emboldened to fulfill the Great Commission 2. Pray for local churches and Christians to be salt and light in their communities, workplaces, neighborhoods, and families 3. Pray for pastors and church leaders to have endurance and wisdom 4. Pray that believers would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to share their faith 5. Pray for opportunities for Christians to share their faith and that theyll be ready to share the Gospel 6. Pray that people would have ears to hear and eyes to see the truth of God 7. Pray against the work of the enemy in the US and around the world 8. Pray that people would have open hearts to receive the Gospel message The Work Continues Currently, it is estimated that there are 2.56 billion Christians in the world. This makes Christianity the largest religion, yet there is still work to do. Jesus instructed believers to go and make disciples in all nations, so the mission to share the Gospel will not be complete until Jesus returns. Although some countries are experiencing a decrease in the amount of people who believe in Christianity, in other parts of the world, Christianity is growing. The Spirit of God continues to work in the hearts of people around the globe as the Gospel message of Jesus Christ is spread. Photo credit: Getty Images/tampatra Pamela Palmer is a writer, speaker, and the founder of upheldlife.com, the platform on which she produces devotionals and faith resources to inspire keeping faith at the center of life. She is in pastoral ministry and gets to share in the emotional and spiritual lives of others. She lives and thrives on Jesus, coffee, and music. She is the author of Living a Deeper Faith: Nurture Your Relationship with God and Live a Faith-Fueled Life. Pamela married the perfect man for her and they have two beautiful kiddos. She has been published on herviewfromhome.com, and you can follow her at upheldlife.com or on Facebook.com/upheldlife. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Western Azerbaijan Community calls on Armenia, the EU, France, and Germany to reconsider their position. The Community stated that the Granada statement by Armenia, EU, France, and Germany is discriminatory, Azernews reports. "We, the Western Azerbaijan Community, representing Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia, express our deep disappointment and concern at the discriminatory statement made by the leaders of Armenia, the EU, France and Germany on 5 October 2023 in Granada, Spain. They deliberately chose not to recognize the equal and legitimate right of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to return to their homes. This erroneous and unilateral statement denying our right to return not only perpetuates our suffering but also increases tensions in the region, hindering the prospects for lasting peace and reconciliation. The community of Western Azerbaijan has repeatedly appealed to Armenia, the EU, and its Member States to facilitate our safe and dignified return to our ancestral land. Unfortunately, our requests have been met with indifference and silence. With its discriminatory statement in Granada, the EU and some of its member States have in fact supported Armenia's policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis. We call on Armenia, the EU, France, and Germany to reconsider their position and recognize the rights of ethnic Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to return to their homes in safety and dignity," the Community said. Madeleine Connors in the Los Angeles Review of Books: John Waters was kicked out of NYU film school for smoking marijuana. Even that incubator for original filmmakers couldnt handle him. Now, among people I know, announcing yourself as a graduate of NYU film school is a shorthand for being an uppity, social-climbing brat (I should know, Im one of them). Its so much cooler to be John Waters. Hes a degenerate and an iconoclast, making even the most daring artists look like uninspired conformists. In fact, I dont know anyone who dislikes John Waters. If I did, I would think it was an easy tell that they were boring and had bad sex. Almost an hour into Multiple Maniacs, the protagonista murderous drag queengets raped by a giant lobster. The scene plays for slapstick laughs, and in the screening at the Academy Museum on September 21, the audience was cackling. (If a filmmaker attempted this today, he would naturally be crucified, but Waters pulls it off.) The 1970 film has not lost its sting, even decades later. Waters manages to violate every taboo. More here. Funds will be utilised for growth, sales & marketing expenses along with talent hiring Hyper-personalized & data driven wellness platform, Answer Genomics has raised $500K in a pre-series A Round from Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be utilised for supporting sales & marketing efforts and expanding the talent pool through strategic hiring initiatives. Additionally, these investments will enable Bengaluru-based startup Answer Genomics to continue pioneering advances in genomics and ultimately enhance the well-being of individuals through personalised health insights by sequencing 10K genomes in the next 12 months. The company is collecting samples from people with their consent to create a database of genetic information. They take a small amount of blood and analyse more than 5 million data points from it. This helps them give personalized advice for staying healthy. Answer Genomics is already working with large companies to help their employees understand health issues with the help of genomics. The company has also filed for 2 patents and holds publications papers in important peer reviewed journals. Founded in 2019, Answer Genomics is led by Rahul Ranganathan as CEO, a Molecular Biologist from Delhi University, and an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur with experience across organisations like PepsiCo and Flipkart. Dr. Balamurali AR serves as the CTO and is a Ph.D. in AI/ML from IITB and Monash University, along with a Post Doc in AI/ML from CNRS France. He has worked for over 20 years in reputed companies like IBM and Samsung, with additional contributions as a Visiting Faculty at IIM Vizag. Grocery retailer Spar Group is exploring potentially importing eggs from several southern African countries as South Africa's worst outbreak of avian flu hits egg supplies and threatens the supply of chicken meat. South Africa is currently grappling with an outbreak of a high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a bird flu which spreads rapidly in an infected flock causing a high death rate. Producers have warned of chicken meat shortages in the coming weeks after millions of chickens were killed by the outbreak. Meanwhile, grocery retailers Woolworths and Pick n Pay are limiting the amount of eggs shoppers can buy due to limited stock availability. Spar is working closely with its approved private label suppliers and partners to secure stock and also "actively collaborating with bigger suppliers and exploring new opportunities to ensure a consistent egg supply and further reduce risk," Jacques Roets, divisional commodities manager for the Spar Group said. "This diversification strategy includes discussions with several southern African countries to potentially import eggs," Roets added. Last week, RCL Foods said its poultry unit Rainbow culled 410,000 chickens, while its peers, including the country's largest integrated poultry processor Astral Foods and Quantum Foods, said the outbreak was ravaging a sector already burdened by South Africa's electricity crisis and rising costs. South African grocery retailers Woolworths and Pick n Pay are limiting the amount of eggs shoppers can buy as the country's worst outbreak of avian flu hits table egg supplies and threatens the supply of chicken meat. South Africa is currently grappling with an outbreak of a high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a bird flu which spreads rapidly in an infected flock causing a high death rate. Producers have warned of chicken meat shortages in the coming weeks, while rows of egg shelves at some shops visited by a Reuters journalist were empty. "As is the case across the market, we're experiencing significant challenges with our supply due to avian flu," Woolworths, an upmarket grocery retailer, said. "Because of this, we've implemented a limit on whole egg purchases in our stores to six eggs per customer while we work with our farmers to ensure regular supply returns as soon as possible." Pick n Pay said it will limit purchases to one or two egg packs per customer, depending on the region. The country's biggest retail group Shoprite told Reuters that it was working closely with suppliers, "securing as much stock as possible and utilising our supply chain to transport it to regions experiencing shortages." The retailer, which also owns Checkers chains, added that it had no plans to ration eggs at the moment. Its Checkers Sixty60 online shopping app in the northern part of Johannesburg showed all eggs were out of stock, while some chicken meat brands were also out of stock. Massmart, owned by US Walmart Inc, told Reuters that eggs were selling through very quickly amid "erratic" supply. Last week, RCL Foods said its poultry unit Rainbow has culled 410,000 chickens, while its peers, including the country's largest integrated poultry processor Astral Foods and Quantum Foods, said the bird flu outbreak was ravaging a sector already burdened by South Africa's electricity crisis and rising costs. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting approximately 2 billion people. 1 Today it's not only a clinical condition, but a serious public health issue. 1 Despite ID's easily identifiable and treatable nature, it is frequently overlooked. 2 Several obstacles need to be overcome to manage ID effectively. ID in women ID affects more women than men, with 20% of women worldwide being iron deficient. 4 In South Africa, 50% of women suffer from ID 4 surpassing the global average. Individuals with ID may experience fatigue, headaches, increased risk of anxiety and depression, and a slew of other symptoms that can lead to impaired quality of life. 57 Overall, ID has overwhelming and almost holistic implications that can drastically impact quality of life. ID is by no means a gendered issue. Whilst it may seem that focusing solely on educating women about ID may reinforce gender stereotypes and skew the scales of gender inequality in healthcare, it is crucial to acknowledge that certain health conditions may affect genders differently. Just as men are more likely to have high blood pressure, women are more likely to be iron deficient. 5,8 By providing targeted education and awareness initiatives, the specific needs and concerns of women can be addressed without reinforcing stereotypes. Empowering individual women in their health journey does not take the stance of assuming that they are solely responsible for managing their health. By providing education about ID, women can become more aware of the symptoms and risk factors associated with ID. Knowledge equips them with the information needed to be proactive in their healthcare journey. This positions women as active participants in their health, fostering a sense of agency and ownership over their own wellbeing. Moreover, in some communities, discussing health concerns, especially those related to women's health, might be considered taboo. By actively promoting education and open dialogue about ID, these barriers can be broken down, creating a safe space for women to address these issues without fear or shame. Educating a woman does not stop at that woman it ignites knowledge that spans families, communities, and generations. The power of women Women support every aspect of society and have the power to enact change. They play pivotal roles in families and communities as caregivers, educators, and decision-makers. When women are informed and healthy, they can better care for their families and advocate for the health of their communities. History is peppered with real-life stories of women making a difference by sharing knowledge. During the Womens Suffrage movement, women turned knowledge-sharing into inspiration and action, creating a ripple effect that rallied women across the nation and changed the course of history something that is still celebrated during Womens Month. The lesson? By tapping into the collective power of South African women, they can be educated and empowered to share their knowledge of ID, creating a chain reaction to reach women across South Africa. Positive change can be created by harnessing the power of conversations; South African women can become influencers. One such doctor leading the cause to build clear and coherent messaging around ID is Dr Claire Godwin, a general practitioner at Premier Health Centre who specialises in women's healthcare. She says: "In my practice, I come across iron deficiency anemia on a daily basis. Factors such as pregnancy, delivery, miscarriages, heavy menstruation, as well as poor iron intake, are some of the most common attributable causes, says Dr Godwin. Often, the women I see are so used to running on fumes with young children, busy careers, or being caregivers to others that they don't even realise how they are feeling is a symptom and not just a consequence of their day-to-day stressors. Education around ID is imperative if we want to help more women function at their best." In looking at the current campaigns that are emerging out of the health and wellness space in South Africa, there are noticeable gaps in which wellness advertising is falling short. There is no denying that this type of advertising is complex with regulations limiting what can and cannot be said, however this does not mean that every form of creativity should be discarded. At the core of every condition is a human experience. As such, even with a topic like ID, there is an emotional side to the problem: a side that is both de-medicalised and humanised. To open the conversation about ID amongst South African women, it is important to hear these women; to hear their stories and to encourage knowledge sharing so that they can each become drivers of change. With a treatable condition like ID, the emotion of this realistic storytelling becomes the bigger picture. Educational approaches are evolving as the significance of tapping into real life narratives becomes more understood. By crafting campaigns that resonate with women, every individual woman can be empowered. "To address access and misinformation challenges in South Africa, health and wellness advertising must prioritise education and inclusivity, says Gillian Bridger, managing director for Ogilvy Health. By understanding our diverse population's unique needs, encouraging open dialogue, and challenging taboos, we can create impactful work that empower and drive positive change for a healthier nation. This transformation can ignite a chain reaction of empowerment for all." Take a moment to think about what the women around you have taught you. As a library of knowledge begins to unfold, the immense role that women have in shaping communities becomes illuminated. Women are at the centre of knowledge, and it is through their collective efforts that South Africa can become healthier and stronger. To learn more about iron deficiency and to recognise possible symptoms, click here: www.ferrimed.co.za. References: Zeng L, Pei L, Li C, Yan H. Iron deficiency anaemia. [online] 2018 [cited 2023 Aug 7]. Available from: URL: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/55455. Miller JL. Iron Deficiency Anemia: a Common and Curable Disease. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine. 2013;3(7). OHSU. Pump Up Your Iron | Center for Womens Health | OHSU [Internet]. Center for Womens Health. 2023 [cited 2023 Aug 7]. Available from: https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/pump-your-iron. Phatlhane DV, Zemlin AE, Matsha TE, Hoffmann M, Naidoo N, Ichihara K, et al. The iron status of a healthy South African adult population. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2016;460:240-245. Mayo Clinic. Iron deficiency anemia. 2016. [Online] [cited 2023 Aug 7]. Available from: URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034?p=1. Lee HS, Chao HH, Huang WT, Chen SCC, Yang HY. Psychiatric disorders risk in patients with iron deficiency anemia and association with iron supplementation medications: a nationwide database analysis. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20(1). Kumar A, Sharma E, Marley A, Samaan MA, Brookes MJ. Iron deficiency anaemia: pathophysiology, assessment, practical management. BMJ Open Gastroenterology. 2022;9(1):e000759. Everett B, Zajacova A. Gender Differences in Hypertension and Hypertension Awareness Among Young Adults. Biodemography and Social Biology. 2015;61(1):117. In an historic moment of recognition, the 2023 Special Olympics South Africa National Team received a profound honour as President Cyril Ramaphosa warmly welcomed them to a special ceremony hosted at the iconic Union Buildings in Pretoria. Image supplied This event, a significant milestone in South Africa's history, is especially poignant given the late President Nelson Mandela's support for Special Olympics South Africa. For the first time, the National Government of South Africa officially acknowledged and celebrated the extraordinary achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the realm of sports. This momentous occasion was imbued with pride and inspiration as President Ramaphosa congratulated the 2023 National Team for their exceptional achievements on the global stage at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Berlin, Germany. Competing against 7,000 athletes from over 180 countries, they exhibited unwavering determination and sportsmanship, returning home with an impressive medal haul that included 22 Gold Medals, 20 Silver Medals, and 7 Bronze Medals. The teams dedication and sportsmanship have not only filled South Africa with pride but have also cast a brilliant spotlight on the immense talent within the community of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This recognition by President Ramaphosa exemplifies the importance of acknowledging and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, reaffirming South Africa's commitment to inclusivity in society. Dr Mathews Phosa, chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa welcomed the Presidents commitment to the Global Coalition Our athletes want to be heard, and they demand inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities. They declare that they are here to show the world their talents and abilities, and they deserve nothing less than our unwavering support. This commitment by President Ramaphosa exemplifies the importance of acknowledging and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, furthermore, reinforcing the commitment to inclusivity in South African society. A digital humanities researcher from the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) has been selected for the next cohort of the Open Life Science (OLS) Open Seeds programme, an international mentoring and training programme for early stage researchers and young leaders interested in applying open principles in their work and becoming open science ambassadors in their communities. Mmasibidi Setaka Mmasibidi Setaka, a Sesotho language researcher at SADiLaR, has joined the eighth cohort (OLS-8) on a 16-week online programme of personal mentorship and cohort-based training, which started on 18 September 2023. The OLS-8 group comprises organisers, hosts, mentors and project leads/mentees from a broad range of research disciplines, who will share their expertise and gain knowledge essential to create, lead, and sustain an open science project. They will also get to connect with members across different projects, communities, backgrounds, and identities; and empower each other to become effective open science ambassadors in their communities. Setaka is extremely pleased to have made the cut. It is a wonderful opportunity of growth for me. The programme is going to give me a platform to learn and grow in my career, and to network with like-minded people. It is also going to challenge me as I will be learning and using programming language, she says. I am really looking forward to gaining a greater understanding of the role and importance of open science and best practices for collaboration. Investigating the stability of words in corpora Participants can join this programme individually or in teams, with projects they either are already working on or want to start developing during the programme. Each project is matched to a suitable international mentor with whom members meet bi-weekly to discuss their projects and progress. Setaka proposed a new project, titled Assessing word stability in corpora and its influence on learner dictionaries, through the assistance of her manager and SADiLaRs Professor in Digital Humanities, Menno van Zaanen. It is a new idea that will challenge me to explore the use of digital technologies for lexicographic purposes within the field of humanities. The aim of the project is to investigate the stability of words in corpora when words are either removed or added. I want to see how these processes influence the compilation of general learner dictionaries, she explains. In addition to the bi-weekly online mentoring and training, OLS-8 will also see the launch of a trial run in Kenya and South Africa, involving up to four in-person mentorship sessions for a maximum of three selected participant projects from each country. In South Africa, this additional support will be provided in partnership with ESCALATOR, a capacity and community development programme developed by SADiLaR. President Cyril Ramaphosa says the newly launched Border Management Authority (BMA) will provide a sustainable solution to the structural challenges of border security, control and coordination. The President emphasised that a more secure border is important for curbing illegal migration, human smuggling and trafficking, and that the BMA will help in combating cross-border crime. President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA) at Musina Show Grounds in Limpopo on Thursday. He said that this will be a new model of integration of functions, roles and responsibilities in the broader law enforcement environment. The Border Management Authority is expected to tackle the challenges of congestion, procedural delays, long transit times, lack of predictability and high logistics costs. I commend the Border Management Authority for the speed with which it has already commenced its work. When our countrys ports of entry and borders are well-protected and well-managed, we are able to prevent the illegal importation and exit of goods. We see the Border Management Authority as a vital link in our efforts to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area, he said. The President said the Border Management Authority was established in response to a number of serious challenges. One of these challenges is the increase in the number of undocumented foreign nationals entering the country, which has exacerbated many of the countrys social and economic problems. The movement of persons and goods at ports of entry has often not been as efficient as it should be, resulting in unnecessary delays and increased costs for individuals and companies. This in turn is harming our economy. "Deficiencies in border management have also enabled corruption and organised and cross-border crime to thrive. We have faced a problem of fragmentation of powers, responsibility and accountability, the President said. The Border Management Authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service. It is mandated to perform border management functions within ports of entry as well as the law enforcement area. The Border Management Authority is being established through an incremental approach. Steps have already been taken to integrate under the Border Management Authority various relevant functions of the departments of Home Affairs, Agriculture, Health, and Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment. To enable its work, the President said the Border Management Authority has signed implementation protocols with the South African Revenue Service, Police Service and Defence Force. While the border guard will be conducting border law enforcement functions, including access control, the South African National Defence Force remains responsible for border protection and safeguarding. The border guard will interface with the nearest police station with regards to the occurrence of a crime at a port of entry, the President said. BMA important tool to develop the region The President took a tour to the Beitbridge Border Post with his counterpart from Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and they agreed that the establishment of the Border Management Authority will be an important tool for the development of the region. It will form part of integrating border management activities in the SADC region as we implement the African Continental Free Trade Area. We will be able to work towards eradicating various forms of red tape that are hindering trade, investment and the movement of persons, he said. The President said that Border Management Authority will be redeveloping six ports of entries as one-stop-border-posts. This approach will improve efficiency at land border crossings by combining the stops required for processing exit and entry formalities. In July, the country saw the deployment of the first officers of the border guard of the Border Management Authority at vulnerable segments of the border line, including the informal community crossing points. As many as 3,200 learners were part of this year's annual Saica Fasset Development Camps which aim to harness their academic potential and achieve the results needed to pursue high-demand professions. Learners during the Saica Fasset Development camp in Free State Targeting grade 11 and 12 learners, the camps are held across South Africa during winter holidays and are a collaborative effort between Saica-accredited universities, the Department of Basic Education, Financial Services Board, and members of the accounting profession as well as other various professions. In each province, these camps last for seven days and form part of Saica's strategy to aid the global drive for transformation, employment, and growth by supporting social and economic development as outlined in the National Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Free State MEC for education, Makalo Mohale, attended one of the award ceremonies held at the end of a camp to celebrate top-performing pupils throughout the course of the week, and to affirm the significant impact that Saica and Fasset has had in transforming the education landscape in previously disadvantaged communities. MEC Mohale expressed his hopeful anticipation of the countrys future leaders. Quality education is the key to shaping and creating future leaders who will be responsible for addressing the needs of society and one of the benefits of these camps is that it imparted leadership skills in the learners because it taught them how to collaborate and how to work with different people from any background. Im grateful to Saica because we cannot have chartered accountants or scientists who work in silos. He emphasised that the aim of the education system is to create holistic leaders. Saicas executive for transformational projects, Gugu Makhanya, emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships to the success and vitality of the camps. Our development camps pride themselves on being a key driver of transformation in the profession and key role players such as the Department of Education in the provinces and Fasset as the main sponsor make this a reality, as this transformation starts at school-level. Makhanya went on to extend gratitude to all the Saica accredited universities for imparting knowledge on the CA(SA) student pipeline and urged the pupils to stay focused. We encourage learners to obtain a minimum of 60% (Level 5) in critical subjects like mathematics, and english so that they qualify to study bachelors degrees at tertiary institutions. Apart from learning, we ensure learners who attend these camps are empowered with the necessary study skills and techniques to excel in their studies, explains Makhanya. The camps also develop learners to make informed decisions and empower them with basic life skills and career information to help them make wise and appropriate career choices, adds Makhanya. The impact of these development camps has been remarkable, with Saica's analysis revealing that many learners achieve results surpassing the camps' minimum targets in their final matric exams. Fasset as the main funder of these Development Camps prides itself in driving transformation through partnership with Saica. Our partnership with Saica carries instrumental value in the Fasset pipeline, more especially at the entry-level. Enhancing the capabilities of our matriculants ensures they better their chances of entering higher education and eventually the employment pool within the finance and accounting services sector. This partnership also exposes learners to professional bodies early on as a point of reference for professional designation pathing, said Ayanda Mafuleka CA(SA), Fasset CEO. The success of the Saica Fasset Development Camps underscores their vital role in fostering the growth and potential of South Africa's future leaders and professionals. As Saica remains committed to its mission of driving transformation, employment, and growth, the impact of these initiatives continues to contribute significantly to the nation's development goals. The next set of camps takes place in the first week of October. FlySafair has continued to expand its regional network by adding four new African cities to its growing list of destinations: Harare, Victoria Falls, Maputo, and Livingstone. The new routes link to Johannesburg, connecting the city with other major regional cities. "It has been an eventful week for us," says Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair. "Launching one new route is a noteworthy event on its own, so to launch all four routes in one week is so exciting. A huge congratulations must go out to all those involved for executing this so seamlessly." Source: Bob Adams via Wikimedia Commons Among the new routes are two Zimbabwean destinations; Harare and Victoria Falls. The former will fly daily, whilst the latter will connect Johannesburgs OR Tambo International with Victoria Falls three times a week. The Zambian city of Livingstone, which gives you access to the other side of Victoria Falls, is also among the destinations FlySafair will now be flying to, as is the Mozambican capital of Maputo. Both cities are popular with tourists and businesspeople. "The FlySafair mission is to unite people with the faces and places they love," says Gordon. "Having the opportunity to expand that mission across our Southern African neighbours is a great privilege. We look forward to bringing South Africa and our neighbours closer as we expand our network." The airline has seen extensive expansion in the last year, launching five new regional routes and one local route in 2023. "Southern Africa has so much to offer," says Gordon. "While we have focused on the most strategically sound destinations for this initial expansion phase, we hope to get to a point where there is a thriving network of inter-African travel options which will bring us closer as a region and expose more people to the beauty waiting just across a border." We were lucky enough to be able to meet with some important members of government and local media at each of these new destinations," concludes Gordon. "Building relationships with the public and officials is extremely important to us. Hopefully, in the future, we can expand our vision of becoming South Africas favourite airline to becoming Africas favourite airline!" Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman have been honoured with this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their research that paved the way for the development of mRNA vaccines. Source: Nobel Prize/Youtube The new technique they discovered involved nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of mRNA vaccines against Covid-19. The discovery helped to save millions of lives during one of the worst pandemics the world has ever seen, says Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam, professor of vaccine immunology at Karolinska Institutet and member of the Nobel Assembly. Thanks to Kariko and Weissmans discoveries, we can use the mRNA-platform to develop vaccines and drugs for a whole range of diseases. In contrast to traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines are generated internally. Once a "blueprint" of the virus protein enters cells, it prompts them to temporarily produce the protein. Subsequently, these virus proteins educate the immune system, enabling it to identify and combat the virus upon future encounters. But scientist Denis Rancourt this week raised a red flag citing the award as "not just propaganda but a cover-up". "That's just obscene. This is the elite rubbing our noses in it that they control all the propaganda instruments including the Nobel Prize. This cements in people's minds that this was a great discovery, that they were really trying to save humanity when pharma developed this and convinced governments to force us all to take it. The Nobel Prize has been a political instrument for a long time. This is not new. Rancourt is co-director of Correlation, a registered not-for-profit organisation conducting independent scientific research on topics of public interest. He was speaking on an online forum hosted by the World Council for Health on Monday, 2 October 2023, the day the Nobel Prize winners were announced. Correlation has published over 100 articles in leading science journals and - in September this year - released a scientific report attributing mass excess all-cause mortality (ACM) to Covid-19 vaccination. "All-cause mortality means we count deaths irrespective of what the person may or may not have died from," he said. Vaccine roll-outs and mortality The new report, Covid-19 vaccine-associated mortality in the Southern Hemisphere authored by Rancourt as well as Marine Baudin, Joseph Hickey, and Jeremie Mercier, is based on 17 countries in the Southern Hemisphere and equatorial region. It proposes a causal link between many peaks in all-cause mortality and rapid vaccine roll-outs. The paper states, "Nine of the 17 countries have no detectable excess ACM in the period of approximately one year after a pandemic was declared on 11 March 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO), until the vaccines are rolled out (Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Philippines, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay). All 17 countries have transitioned to regimes of high ACM, which occur when the Covid-19 vaccines are deployed and administered. "Unprecedented peaks in ACM occur in the summer (January-February) of 2022 in the Southern Hemisphere, and in equatorial-latitude countries, which are synchronous with or immediately preceded by rapid Covid-19-vaccine-booster-dose roll-outs (third or fourth doses)." Rancourt went on to explain, We calculate a vaccine dose fatality rate, and what we find is that the risk per injection of dying for all ages combined, and worldwide, is approximately 0.12%. This means that on a global scale, out of every 800 injections administered across all ages and population, one person will die, and the result will be causally related to the vaccine. "This corresponds to 17 million excess deaths that have occurred in less than three years directly related to the vaccine roll-outs on the planet. In the real population, the risk of dying is a thousand times greater than what they [the pharmaceutical companies] would have us believe." You want proof that the vaccine causes mortality? You want quantification of the vaccine's fatal toxicity? Here is our latest scientific report, published today!https://t.co/FrRf1cNjxs pic.twitter.com/e8WRGaJJoS Denis Rancourt (@denisrancourt) September 17, 2023 Further commenting on the fact that the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for discoveries concerning the development of mRNA vaccines, Rancourt added, There are exceptional scientists who have won the Nobel Prize who actually deserved it but [in the case of Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman] it was not awarded purely for the science, it was mostly politically motivated. Meanwhile, Thomas Perlmann, secretary of the Nobel Assembly praised Kariko and Weissman: "The Covid pandemic was something of a transformative event in the history of human health, to which the laureates made an incredibly important contribution. We think it is very much in the spirit of the Nobel Prize to reward them for it. In the interim, Wikipedia has lambasted The World Council for Health - the platform on which Rancourt shared his views - as a pseudo-medical organisation dedicated to spreading misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines. WHO's call for vaccination Amidst the ongoing discourse, the WHO stresses the need for continued vaccination efforts, aiming for global access to save lives and prevent severe illness. Covid-19 is here to stay, and the world will continue to need tools to prevent it, test for it and treat it, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general. He added, Everyone, everywhere, should have access to Covid-19 vaccines. WHO is determined to maintain the momentum for increasing access to Covid-19 vaccines and will continue to support countries in accelerating vaccine delivery, to save lives and prevent people from becoming seriously ill. Countries should continue to work towards vaccinating at least 70% of their populations, prioritising the vaccination of 100% of health workers and 100% of the most vulnerable groups, including people who are over 60 years of age and those who are immuno-compromised or have underlying health conditions. The beauty of the mRNA platform, said Hedestam, is that it can be applied to assess vaccines for influenza and other infectious diseases. Eventually, well be able to replace some of the vaccines in use today with more effective mRNA vaccines, she says. Clinical trials are also underway on mRNA vaccine-based cancer treatments, many of which are based on precision medicine, whereby individual mRNA vaccines are produced for each patient." Karin Lore, a professor of vaccine immunology at Karolinska Institutet who has worked with Kariko, expressed her hope that the Nobel Prize would shed a positive light on vaccines amidst vaccine scepticism. In this case, its obvious that vaccines have been incredibly useful. Billions of doses have been given and its hard to imagine something that has been so closely studied in terms of safety as these vaccines. I dont know if the Nobel Prize will help, but I hope it will. More than 5.55 billion people worldwide have received a Covid-19 vaccine, equal to about 72.3% of the world population, and according to the Nobel Prize panel member, Rickard Sandberg 13 billion doses of the vaccine have been administered globally to date. Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman were not in attendance when Perlmann announced the Nobel Prize winners. Randy Boyagoda at the New York Times: Bookish flexing aside, I have for years been an evangelist for Fosse, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday. And evangelizing is an apt word, given the vibrant, mirror-dark religious feeling of his books. Fosse converted to Catholicism in 2012, when he was already a well-established playwright and fiction writer in his native Norway, which celebrates Fosse with a biannual festival dedicated to his work. (The most recent took place this past summer, over 12 days.) His international stature and popularity in a generally secular country is a strong indicator that Fosses books arent just for the faithful: Indeed, many religiously minded readers of the Chesterton, Lewis and Tolkien club may be put off by Fosses formal and stylistic demands, and also by his obscure, at times even willfully inchoate writing about human and divine life. The Nobel announcement comes only a few weeks before his latest novel, A Shining, will be published in English (beautifully and brilliantly translated, as was Septology, by Damion Searls), and it affords an excellent occasion to make a stronger case for why reading Fosse is a singular and transporting experience. more here. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. From Science: Improved medicine Hungarian-American biochemist Katalin Kariko has contributed to the mRNA technology that made the COVID-19 vaccine possible. French virologist Francoise Barre-Sinoussi first identified HIV (along with Luc Montagnier). Both scientists are alive today, but I would have liked to introduce them in 1983, when Barre- Sinoussi first made her HIV discovery. The collaboration between these two great minds decades ago could have changed the course of multiple pandemics. French physicist Marie Curie (born in Poland) lost her life in 1934 to aplastic anemia caused by radiation exposure. German immunologist Paul Ehrlich, who lived at the same time, first identified the cause of aplastic anemia. I would have liked to introduce these two scientists in time for Ehrlichs knowledge to prevent Curies death. Together, they could have educated the world about the negative effects of radiation, and perhaps even worked on a cure for aplastic anemia. 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 Fiona Croke, global talent acquisition lead for Ireland, discusses the progress made, the road ahead and the role MSD Ireland is playing in levelling the playing field The conversation around women in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) has been ongoing for some time. What progress has been made, and what still needs to happen? Advertisement I believe theres been significant progress made, particularly in the last five years, in highlighting the opportunities for those who choose a career or education in Stem. From an MSD Ireland perspective, weve seen a rise in female engineers joining our business and more women in Engineering, Technology and Manufacturing at a senior level across our organisation and network, which is moving in the right direction. But if we take a step back and look across Ireland and elsewhere, the gender gap at Leaving Certificate and third-level is present and women are still under-represented in physics, technology and engineering. Advertisement Ireland is an incredibly buoyant hiring market, which is fantastic, but we need to put measures in place to really start seeing the dial fundamentally shift to a more gender-balanced workforce in Stem positions in the next 10 to 15 years. Advertisement How would you foresee that gap being addressed? For me, this is where there are opportunities to influence young females in primary and secondary schools about careers in Stem be honest, transparent and in turn hopefully inspire them. Not to generalise, but in a lot of instances and even for me personally I champion women stepping into the spotlight and believe in the ethos of if I can see it, I can be it. Unfortunately, there are still stereotypes about womens abilities that start from a young age and this can undermine their confidence in subjects such as maths. Early influence is key in supporting more young women to choose a career in Stem. Advertisement "From an MSD Ireland perspective, weve seen a rise in female engineers joining our business," says Fiona Croke, global talent acquisition lead. How early do we need to see major attempts to tackle the imbalance? I believe attempts need to happen even before formal education starts; gender stereotypes are still evident in Ireland. Women have a unique opportunity to empower others to raise their profile through education, awareness, training and influence. Advertisement We need to break the ceiling when it comes to supporting young women in choosing pathways which lead to careers in Stem at all levels. Advertisement Continuous reimagining of skills-based teaching and curriculum review in line with market/critical skills trends coming into the Irish domain are essential. In short, we all have a role to play. What does MSD Ireland do to advance the cause? MSD Ireland has a number of programmes designed to encourage females to consider a career in Stem. Examples include proudly sponsoring a rotating secondary schoolteacher who joins our manufacturing business to work in an operations role and learn our business from the ground up. This provides a unique insight and gives them an opportunity to go back to their students and teach young women what a career in biologics manufacturing really entails, and thats powerful. Advertisement We partner with Irelands leading universities and technical colleges to elevate our brand as an employer of choice for early career graduates, whilst also working with Government-funded programs such as Solas in creating apprenticeship programs. The apprentice programme has grown significantly in the last number of years, particularly in some of our manufacturing sites and by using storytelling and day-in-the-life testimonials; we are seeing more and more female applications and successful hires across engineering and maintenance. Our sites have a unique relationship with local community schools and regularly support events, partnering on career talks etc. Additionally, MSD Ireland has a fantastic weeklong TY programme we run annually with 80+ students coming to our Irish sites; its interactive and fun and we hope it inspires young men and women to consider a career in Stem. Is that also where programmes like Junior Achievement Ireland and The Big Idea come in? Yes, absolutely! The Big Idea and JAI are fantastic programmes that were proud to collaborate with. Programmes such as these enhance opportunities for pathways into Stem careers, whilst focusing on supporting key skills development in education which complement academic pathways such as resilience, flexibility and open-mindedness, teamwork, confidence and much more which are all essential ingredients in the workplace. Fatboy Slim said he has been waiting for the chance to perform in Derry following his fictional gig in the Channel 4 hit show Derry Girls. The British DJ, whose real name is Norman Cook, said Derry, here I come (for real!) on his Instagram story as it was announced he is set to headline a Halloween party in the city on October 21st. Advertisement It comes after his cameo appearance in episode six of the final series of Derry Girls, which saw the characters secure the last five tickets to a massive Halloween concert in 1997 by Fatboy Slim. View this post on Instagram Advertisement A post shared by Fatboy Slim (@officialfatboyslim) In the episode, the DJ appears on a television screen saying: Listen, Ive played everywhere, New York, London, Paris, Munich, but its all been leading up to this, Derry is the dream. Advertisement Advertisement Later, protagonist Erin Quinn (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) described Fatboy Slim as bigger than God and a modern-day Beethoven, while James McGuire (Dylan Llewellyn) said: The mans a genius. In the programme, set during the Troubles, the group said Halloween is the one night of the year when Catholics and Protestants come together, set aside their political and religious differences to fight ghosts. On Thursday, Fatboy Slim posted on Instagram: Since my fictional gig in Derry Girls Ive been waiting for the chance to play Derry for real. He said the tickets were priced at 22.50, just above the 20 price that the characters in the show paid for the concert. Advertisement It's 1997 and every man, woman and their dog is trying desperately to grab tickets to an unmissable gig - headlined by no other than legendary DJ Fatboy Slim.. Fast forward to 2023 and the party of the century is actually happening!! On sale at 10am RT TO WIN 2 x TICKETS! pic.twitter.com/Xg3CWxaNje Jika Jika! (@JikaJikaDerry) October 4, 2023 Advertisement He later added: Life imitates art. On X, formerly Twitter, the Derry music event Jika Jika said: Its 1997 and every man, woman and their dog is trying desperately to grab tickets to an unmissable gig headlined by no other than legendary DJ Fatboy Slim.. Fast forward to 2023 and the party of the century is actually happening!! It later confirmed that tickets to the party sold out within seconds after Fatboy Slims involvement was announced. A secret, liquid gold recording captures a US Special Agent unashamedly coercing a suspect to put Aaron Brady in the frame for murdering a Garda and was wrongly withheld from the trial jury, a barrister has told the Court of Appeal. Brady, who was jailed in 2020 for a minimum of 40 years for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, is bidding to overturn his conviction in a six-day hearing before the Court of Appeal. Advertisement On the third day of the hearing before the three-judge appeals court Michael O'Higgins SC, representing Brady, said the trial court erred in refusing to allow the defence introduce into evidence the tape recording of a conversation between another suspect and Special Agent Matt Katske of the US Department of Homeland Security. Mr O'Higgins submitted that the tape came as near to "suborning" [inducing them to commit perjury] a witness as it is likely to get. Counsel said the defence wanted and needed to get the tape into evidence in the case, and it should have gone before the factfinders of the trial to show there was a significant deficit in the State's case. Advertisement The lawyer said the trial judge had been presented with something which was "virtually unprecedented", where a law officer "unabashed and unashamedly" turned the screw to nominate Brady for an offence with a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years and that Suspect A had been "poked and prodded" to provide that. Mr O'Higgins previously argued at trial that the jury needed to be aware that Special Agent Katske behaved in this way so that when they looked at the evidence of Daniel Cahill they will know what they are dealing with. Advertisement Homeland security Mr Cahill gave evidence that Brady told him on three occasions that he had shot a garda, but the defence claimed that Mr Cahill may have been pressurised by Homeland Security with the threat that he would be deported if he refused to give a statement to gardai. Mr O'Higgins played the recorded conversation between Suspect A and Special Agent Katske in which the officer can be heard saying: "I want to know people who know Aaron Brady admitted doing it, then I can offer things once I have that, until I have that I can't offer anything". Counsel added: "That is a very telling comment as it makes clear if in the dealing ring you have to first out people who know Aaron Brady had admitted it, if you don't have that golden ticket then you're not in the dealing ring". Advertisement Mr O'Higgins said this was very "improper bargaining". "The power of an inducement is linked to a person in authority and this person is parading their authority in lights," he said. Advertisement Mr O'Higgins said the "money shot" in the recording was when Agent Katske told Suspect A "my goal is Aaron Brady, I want to be clear on that". The defence wanted to introduce the tape recording as evidence into Brady's trial that Suspect A for the robbery spoke to Special Agent Katske in July 2017 at Belfast Airport. Mr Bradys lawyers said that the special agent, who was at the time attached to the American embassy in London, appeared to offer help with citizenship in return for information that would convict Brady. Suspect A Suspect A's brother was under threat at the time of being sent home from the US. In the recording, which was carried out covertly by Suspect A, the special agent can be heard saying: Hes being removed, hes going home. I can find plenty wrong with his paperwork. Advertisement "If he puts Aaron Brady away, you will probably never hear from me again... I cant do anything for him until he commits to doing something for us in this case. Advertisement Retired former detective inspector Pat Marry told the trial during legal argument that he first heard of the recording after Suspect A sent it to Special Agent Katske who then passed it on to him. Mr Marry said he had not told the special agent to approach Suspect A or anyone else with offers in return for statements. Mr OHiggins for the defence said that if Mr Marry is to be believed then this was evidence of a maverick agent behaving in a bizarre and inappropriate manner taking it on himself to enter into a bargain in return for evidence against his client. In that context, Mr OHiggins said it was necessary for the jury to hear about what was said to Suspect A at Belfast Airport. However, Mr Justice Michael White refused to allow the tape to be played in front of the jury and refused to allow Mr OHiggins to question Agent Katske about it. Advertisement The trial judge said the issue was a collateral one and that Daniel Cahill and Special Agent Mary Ann Wade had said repeatedly when cross examined in front of the jury that no inducements were offered in return for Mr Cahills statement. Advertisement Mr O'Higgins for the appellant further submitted today that the tape showed two sides of the same coin; namely inducement and threat. "A threat that [Suspect A's brother] will be going home and an inducement that if he gets information to put Aaron Brady away then he can help [Suspect A's brother's] problem," said Mr O'Higgins. The appellant also claimed that the manner in which Homeland Security worked with An Garda Siochana was unique and unprecedented; nothing to do with enthusiasm as the prosecution had contended. "I characterise it as an attempt to subordinate, one of the most blatant attempts to put someone in jail for a crime, where Agent Katske was invested in securing an actual conviction," he stressed. These were matters, Mr O'Higgins said, that the defence ought to have been allowed to ventilate before the jury to show how statements were being obtained and as to whether there was any inducement. He said it was for the jury to determine whether Agent Katsky was acting on his own initiative or officially. "What on earth is going on here?" asked the lawyer. Liquid gold Furthermore, the barrister called the tape recording - which the defence said displayed Agent Katske's unsanctioned and unauthorised behaviour coercing a witness to give a particular form of testimony - "liquid gold". Advertisement He said it was the "placing of the bait" which was significant in this instance and that people were "being put up" to put Brady in the frame. In reply, Dean Kelly SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the three-judge panel that the tape did not have the relevance that the defence had contended. He said the appellant had invited the Court of Appeal to adjudicate on what Agent Katske was doing when he travelled to Belfast that day and submitted that this was not an aspect of the trial which fell on the Director of Public Prosecutions to stand over. Further grounds of appeal were argued that the court erred in refusing to permit the appellant cross-examine Special Agent Katske on the contents of the tape and that the court erred in rejecting the defence's application the deportation to Ireland of Brady was a de facto extradition consequent to which the appellant was denied certain protections as a matter of law and had rendered his trial unfair. Aaron Brady (32) previously of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, is serving a life sentence with a 40-year minimum having been found guilty in 2020 of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe (41) at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgen, Co Louth on January 25,th2013. Brady was also sentenced to 14 years for the robbery, a sentence that will run concurrently with the life sentence. Det Gda Donohoe was on a cash escort when he was ambushed by a five-man gang and shot dead. The raiders stole just 7,000 in cash during the robbery, which lasted 58 seconds. Brady's trial was also the longest murder case in Irish legal history, lasting 122 court days. He was found guilty of the murder of Det Gda Donohoe by an 11 to one majority jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court in August 2020. The father-of-one was sentenced to the mandatory term for murder of life imprisonment in October 2020. As he had been found guilty of murdering a garda acting in accordance with his duty, the trial judge ordered that he serve a minimum of 40 years. The appeal continues on Monday before Mr Justice John Edwards, presiding, sitting with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and Ms Justice Tara Burns, when it is expected that the appellant will raise a complaint regarding witness Molly Staunton who gave testimony via video link from New York during the Covid-19 crisis. The Brazilian government has been ordered to pay compensation of 13,554 to a member of its embassy staff in Dublin who was not permitted to carry over annual holidays after she had made a complaint about being discriminated against over her maternity leave. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that Nicole Marques Montano had been victimised as the embassy had reversed its previous position of allowing her to carry over annual leave into another year hot on the heels after she had filed the complaint. Advertisement Ms Marques Montano claimed her employer, the Federative Republic of Brazil, had breached the Employment Equality Act by withdrawing her leave entitlement after making the complaint. She told the WRC she had submitted a formal complaint to the deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Brazil on December 16th, 2021, about its decision to deny her a top-up payment for the duration of her maternity leave. Advertisement Ms Marques Montano contrasted her situation with a male colleague who had been paid a discretionary top-up payment during his period of sick leave. I feel discriminated against for being a woman, Ms Marques Montano said, also referring to the workplace as a sexist environment. Advertisement She stated she would use the appropriate legal apparatus in either Ireland or Brazil to pursue her complaint. No representative of the Brazilian government attended the hearing, although it was represented by solicitor, Gerald Kean, who strongly rejected the allegation that his client had victimised Ms Marques Montano by engaging in a retaliatory act. Protected act WRC adjudication officer, Maire Mulcahy, said the complaint made by Ms Marques Montano in December 2021 conformed with the definition of a protected act. Ms Mulcahy noted the adverse or retaliatory treatment occurred on January 1st, 2022, when the embassy did an about turn and withdrew permission which it had already granted to the complainant to carry over 14 days of untaken annual leave. Advertisement She ruled that the sudden reversal of a commitment that had been given on several dates the previous year constituted a detriment. The WRC said the legitimacy or otherwise of the embassys position was not the issue. It is the fact that until she lodged the grievance in which she complained of discrimination, the respondent had committed to allow her to add this untaken leave to travel to Brazil in 2022, Ms Mulcahy said. Advertisement She added it was hard to avoid the conclusion that it was her complaint that prompted the retraction of commitment hot on its heels which resulted in the loss of a benefit for Ms Marques Montano. Advertisement Ms Mulcahy added: Victimisation happens when a worker is treated less favourably because they have asserted a right not to be discriminated against on the basis of their gender by making a complaint. She said it was not the point that the embassy held that its position was legitimate and in keeping with Irish statutory entitlements. The WRC noted that the embassy had provided written evidence in which it indicated it had made an error in confirming to the complainant that she could carry over annual leave. It awarded Ms Marques Montano a sum of 13,554 which is the equivalent of six months salary. Advertisement Annual leave The WRC also found in favour of the complainant in relation to her claim that the loss of 14 days leave through the reversal of the embassys decision represented a breach of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. It ordered the Brazilian government to restore the 14 days leave to her with immediate effect. However, the WRC rejected her complaint that the embassy had made an unlawful deduction of 7,674 from her wages over a six-month period ending in February 2022 while she was on maternity leave. Ms Marques Montano said the sum was a top-up figure representing the difference between State maternity benefit rates and her salary, which she claimed she was promised by a manager in January 2020. She pointed out that the last employee before her to go on maternity leave was given the top-up payment. The WRC said there was no provision in her work contract about an entitlement to a top-up payment. It ruled that the fact that the embassy had written to the Foreign Ministry in Brazil to seek authorisation for the top-up was evidence of the discretionary nature of the payment. HSE staff are taking industrial action on Friday in frustration over a managerial recruitment freeze. Trade union Forsa has organised the work-to-rule action which affects all clerical and administrative staff in the health service. Advertisement The union said it was unacceptable these workers were being targeted in a renewed recruitment moratorium. Forsa spokesperson Niall Shanahan said they had no option but to down tools. He told Newstalk radio: Our members working in the HSE and in Section 38 funded health bodies are taking part in a work-to-rule action, which means that they won't be undertaking tasks, functions or responsibilities associated with any post that's currently vacant. This is the action of last resort. Advertisement The HSEs national director of human resources, Anne Marie Hoey, said the current recruitment freeze is likely to remain in place for the remainder of the year. Advertisement Then once we go into our new service plan for 2024, we have to wait and see what our allocation is within that, she told RTEs Morning Ireland. Any action will undoubtedly have an impact on services. Forsa notified us on Wednesday evening of the temporary suspension being lifted and the actions that that involve. So the HSE are assessing the impact of that. We have local procedures in place at local and national level to manage that dispute. Ireland Public Accounts Committee to quiz HSE executives o... Read More We want to ensure that there is no risk or impact on our patients or critical support services. And if our assessment demonstrates that there is such a risk, then derogations will be sought through our dialogue with Forsa to ensure the protection of services and to ensure that there is no risk to patients, or emergencies through this dispute. Advertisement We will continue to work through the dispute mechanism. But I think it's really important here to mention that we have increased our management, administration staff and indeed all our staff categories in recent years by a significant amount. Ms Hoey acknowledged that every action would undoubtedly have an impact, and that's what we have to assess and we have to work with our local disputes committees to mitigate that risk. The HSE remained available to continue discussions in the Workplace Relations Commission, she said. A Mayo woman who was shot in Australia has had a successful operation and there is hope she will make a recovery, a councillor has said. Eileen Gibbons (30s), a nurse from Castlebar and mother of one, is still critical in a Darwin hospital. Advertisement Cllr Martin McLoughlin told RTEs Morning Ireland that when news of the shooting emerged the people of the town were devastated, shocked and numbed. There's a lot of young people from Castlebar that have emigrated over a number of years and they went to Darwin and quite a number of them have stayed and found work there and stayed on in Darwin. And she's one of those who have stayed. So there are a lot of young people her age living in Darwin and I think that's good for her and I know that they would rally around. She has great friends who will be there at this awful time in her life. Advertisement Cllr McLoughlin said members of the Gibbons family were on their way to Darwin and they would be assisted by the Castlebar community in the Australian city. It was encouraging that Eileen and her family would have such support, he added. They also had the support of the community at home. Advertisement Northern Territory police were called to a house in the Milner area of Darwin at around 6.30pm local time on Tuesday evening over reports of gunshots. They found Ms Gibbons with serious injuries to her abdomen. She was stabilised at the scene by paramedics and later underwent emergency surgery. A 35-year-old man who was known to her was found dead at the scene. Police believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and say there is no risk to the wider public. The Taoiseach has said the British prime minister is hopeful talks with the DUP on restoring powersharing in the North are moving towards a positive conclusion. Leo Varadkar said Rishi Sunak briefed him on the status of the UK governments negotiations with the DUP during their bilateral meeting in Spain on Thursday. Advertisement Mr Varadkar, who remained in Granada on Friday for a meeting with EU leaders, said a window of opportunity to reach an agreement may be approaching. On Thursday night, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson insisted gaps remain between the British government and his party on the post-Brexit trade border impasse. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson speaking outside Brownlow House in Lurgan following a meeting of the partys ruling executive on Thursday. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Advertisement Emerging from a meeting of the DUPs ruling executive in Lurgan, Co Armagh, Mr Donaldson said he was not going to set any deadlines on the engagement with London but he indicated the Government was now in a position to respond to his partys latest requests. Advertisement The DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan from the Stormont executive in February 2022 in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol. Powersharing is unable to function without the participation of the regions largest unionist party. The UK and EU agreed the Windsor Framework earlier this year in an attempt to address unionist concerns about the protocol but the DUP has indicated it will not return to the Stormont Assembly until the UK Government provides further assurances over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market. Advertisement One of the main parts of the framework, the green/red lane system for the movement of goods, became operational at Northern Ireland ports on Sunday. Mr Varadkar was asked about his meeting with Mr Sunak as he spoke to reporters in Granada on Friday morning. Prime minister Sunak gave me a briefing on the talks and contacts that theyre having with the DUP at the moment, he said. Theyre ongoing. He didnt go into the detail of those but very much said that they were bilateral discussions between the DUP and the UK government, and that he hoped that they were moving towards a conclusion and that that would be a positive conclusion. But that remains to be seen. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Varadkar added: There wasnt any timeline given but youll be aware the DUP had an internal party meeting that happened there yesterday, and their conference is coming up at the weekend (October 13/14). So, you know, perhaps this is another window of opportunity to come to an agreement, an agreement between the UK government and the DUP which enables the Assembly, Executive and the North South Ministerial Council to start functioning again. So, you know, hopefully thats the case but that remains to be seen over the next couple of weeks. Advertisement British prime minister Rishi Sunak holding a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain. Photo: Manu Fernandez/PA Mr Donaldson said Thursdays meeting of his partys executive was very positive and there were no dissenting voices. He said he was not in a position to make a recommendation to party colleagues as he had not yet received the UKs latest proposals. Clearly there are still gaps between us and them in terms of the shortcomings of the Windsor Framework, the areas where we believe it does not go far enough in delivering for Northern Ireland and our ability to trade within the United Kingdom on its internal market, he said. And the party is very clear were focused on what we need to achieve and over the next few weeks well continue that engagement with the [British] government to try and get to the solution that we need. Advertisement A solution that both unionists and nationalists can support, that provides the strong foundations that Stormont needs to get back up and running. Earlier, Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle ONeill said the coming weeks would be critical in efforts to restore the Stormont Assembly and executive. Addressing a meeting of party activists in Co Armagh, Sinn Feins vice president said a pragmatic approach was required by all political parties to get down to business. Stardust manager Eamon Butterly has told an inquest jury that management at the club was not up to dealing with fire and agreed it was "not fit for purpose. He agreed with lawyers that the only preparation for the possibility of a blaze at the nightclub was that he would ring the fire brigade. Advertisement Mr Butterly also confirmed that management had responded to relatively trivial issues by locking the doors while patrons were on the premises and that this was an extreme reaction. Management Asked by Bernard Condon SC, for ten of the families of the deceased if management at the club were up to dealing with problems that arose, Mr Butterly said: They werent up to dealing with fire, thats for sure. Thats the truest word youve ever said, Mr Condon replied. They werent up to it. Advertisement Mr Butterly was givng evidence to the inquest at Dublin District Coroners Court after eight days in the witness box. Advertisement Under cross-examination, he told Mr Condon: Ive said all along we didnt know how to give the instructions, I wasnt qualified. This is extraordinary that you would sit there and say that without acknowledging what an extraordinary failure that was, the barrister said. It was terrible, the witness replied. Why didnt you get someone else who was an expert , the barrister asked. Why wouldnt you get someone else who did know what they were talking about. I want to ask you that question. Why didnt you get someone else to do it? Advertisement At the time I didnt, if it was now I would, said Mr Butterly. I didnt. Thats all I can say. If Dublin Fire Brigade or an inspector told us what to do about that it would have been done. Its always someone else isnt it Mr Butterly, it was always someone else, counsel said. He asked Mr Butterly if, considering there were up to 1,000 people on the premises, the only thought he gave to the possibility of how he would deal with a fire was to ring the fire brigade. Advertisement Is that it? Yeah, Mr Butterly replied. Advertisement Something fell through cracks Mr Condon put it to the former nightclub manager, on his last day in the witness box, that this was his opportunity to say :Something fell through the cracks and the doors were not opened on the night of the fire. Because you know that to be so, and you know that Tom Kennan never told you that he unlocked the doors, because he didnt. Counsel suggested that any attempt to try and dress that up as being the truth was an affront to decency and an affront to the families of those who have suffered. Advertisement So can you please tell us now the truth, the barrister said. In response, Mr Butterly said: At 11.30pm in the Silver Swan Tom Kennan told me that 'all the doors are open'. Even in that answer Mr Butterly you expose yourself as a liar because yesterday you agreed with Mr Fahy that it could have been 12am, Mr Condon said. He put it to the former manager that once again he went back to a mantra. Has that just made you be able to continue to face what has happened? That you believe this yourself? Have you convinced yourself of this? Mr Condon asked. Advertisement I do believe it, I havent convinced myself, Mr Butterly replied. Mr Condon put it to Mr Butterly that welding the windows of the toilets shut to stop a few bottles of vodka getting in the window was extreme. Mr Butterly responded that these windows werent fire escapes. When people are desperate, they will attempt to get out any way they can and one must allow for that possibility, said Mr Condon, adding that some of the most harrowing evidence given in the inquest was witnesses who heard people screaming for their very lives behind welded walls. It could be an access to some air which could have been a great assistance to these people, said counsel. He said this was an extreme reaction consistent with another extreme reaction to relatively trivial matters which was to lock the doors while patrons were on the premises. Isnt that so Mr Butterly? Yes, the witness replied. And the management of a company which was doing that is not a management fit for purpose is it? asked counsel. If you say so, Mr Butterly replied. The lawyer suggested to Mr Butterly that one of the most egregious and offensive things he had said was the assertion that the locking of the doors was forced on him by the fact that a large number of people were getting in free due to the actions of their friends. Advertisement Mr Butterly agreed that he had plenty of other options including putting a man on each door. So it wasnt forced on you. It was a choice you made, counsel said. Security Mr Condon said the disco on the night of the fire was an over 21s event, yet 83 per cent of the people there that night were under 21 and there were 65 people there who were aged 14, 15 and 16. Mr Butterly said it was the job of the doormen who monitor who was let in. You were there too, Mr Condon said. You were there overseeing it. Your eagle eye was stuck everywhere I suggest to you. Mr Butterly said he was there for a while. Counsel put it to the witness that he was like McCavity, McCavity was the cat who was never there when things went wrong, he said. He put it to the witness that the doormen werent really interested in what age people were, only in getting the money off people coming in and that Mr Butterly didnt care really what age they were. 83 per cent of the people in there, Mr Butterly, were under the age of 21. How does that happen? Because the doormen must have thought that they were over 21 and there was no such thing then as cards for ages. They didnt bring their passports or anything like that," said Mr Butterly. Advertisement Grainne Larkin BL, appearing for Dublin City Council, put it to Mr Butterly that it was a legitimate expectation of someone that pays to come to an event that they can get into an event and get out of an event. Exactly, yeah, said Mr Butterly. But they werent locked when the fire happened. Thats a matter the jury has to determine. Im not going to say anything about that, said Ms Larkin. Earlier today, the jury heard that the price of carpet tiles used on the walls of the club did "influence Mr Butterlys decision to purchase them but wasnt the first thought in his mind. However, Mr Butterly denied purchasing the tiles from salesman Declan Conway because he could get them on the cheap. He said his first thought was to get the walls "looking well". Mr Butterly was asked by Brenda Campbell KC, representing a number of the families of the deceased, if the price of the tiles had influenced his decision to purchase them. She outlined evidence given by Company Secretary Graham Whitehead on behalf of Illingworth, the UK company who supplied the carpet tiles which were used on the walls of the Stardust nightclub, to the original 1981 tribunal of inquiry before Mr Justice Ronan Keane. In his evidence, Mr Whitehead said that this particular tile was coming to the end of its life and the company was selling these tiles off as there was another tile on the market to take its place. He told the tribunal that this was reflected in the price. Ms Campbell asked Mr Butterly if he was attracted to sticking these carpet tiles on your wall because they were cheap and they looked the part. No, he replied. Did the price influence the decision to purchase the carpet tiles? Ms Campbell pressed. Mr Butterly said: The price would influence all decisions but it wasnt the first thought in my mind. He said his first thought was to get the walls covered nicely and looking well. Two Mountjoy Prison inmates "ganged up" and carried out a "cowardly and callous" attack on a vulnerable prisoner two days before he was killed in a separate incident, a court heard. William Ward, 31, of Grantstown Mews, Grantstown Park, Waterford, and Dylan Jones, 22, of Beech Drive, Greenfields, Waterford, pleaded guilty on Friday to violent disorder on July 27th, 2022. Advertisement Judge Michele Finan imposed eight-month sentences in their Dublin District Court cases but suspended the final three months for Ward and two for Jones. She stipulated that they would run consecutively to their existing jail terms. Scott Capper, 29, of Cappagh Green, Finglas, Co. Dublin, faces the same charge but had his case adjourned until December to consider his plea. The victim, Robert O'Connor, 34, from Snowdrop Walk, Darndale, Dublin, died after being injured in an unrelated prison attack two days later. However, Judge Finan heard it was not alleged that Ward, Jones or Mr Capper were involved in that incident. Advertisement Advertisement Garda Raymond Lee said at about 7.10 pm on July 27th 2022, prison officers heard shouts from cell 14 on D-landing. The door was "held shut" by an inmate, but on forcing entry, prison officers saw Ward and Jones, and one other person kicking a fourth prisoner "on the ground in the foetal position". The court heard that his face was bleeding afterwards, and "his right eye was not reacting normally to light". Garda Lee said the injured prisoner didn't make a complaint to gardai or seek medical attention. Advertisement With 21 prior criminal convictions, Jones has spent most of his adult life in prison for an aggravated burglary. Ward, a welder and gym instructor, recorded 56 previous offences for burglary, brandishing a weapon, harassment, robbery, escaping from custody, and motoring and public order crimes. Pleading for leniency, defence solicitor Brian Tunney said his clients were deeply apologetic and regretted their actions. He said that father of two Ward maintained that he had a "long-standing disagreement" with the victim, culminating in the physical altercation. Advertisement Mr Tunny said Ward had wasted most of his twenties in prison and missed out on visiting his ill father, and he was "desperate for a final chance". He was due to be released in November but will serve an additional six months. The court heard that Jones had planned to join the British army but received a lengthy sentence just after turning 18. He was due to be released in 2026 but now must face an extra six months in prison. The suspended portions of their sentences will only be activated if they reoffend in the next two years. Judge Finan described it as a tragic story and said the offence was exacerbated by the victim's vulnerable situation after other prisoners "ganged up" on him. A fourth man accused of the murder of Robert O'Connor, 34, from Snowdrop Walk, Darndale, north Dublin, on July 29th 2022, in Mountjoy Prison, is awaiting trial. A Co Tyrone man has been sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty to offences connected to an attempt by dissident republicans to kill a PSNI officer. Gavin Coyle, 46, of Mullaghmore Drive in Omagh, will be eligible for release after four years. Advertisement Earlier this year, Coyle pleaded guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army between May 1st, 2007 and May 13th, 2008. He also pleaded guilty to providing property to be used for the purpose of terrorism, his Audi A4 car on May 11th, 2008. That car was used in the dissident operation to plant a bomb under the car of a serving police officer. On May 12th, 2008, a police officer was seriously injured after a bomb planted under their car exploded near Castlederg as they drove to work. Advertisement The Tyrone brigade of the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the bomb. Advertisement During a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, it was said that while Coyle supplied his car, he did not know the precise action that was to be carried out. The court heard the officer had got into their car which had been in their driveway and set off for work. During the journey, a bomb attached underneath the drivers seat of the car exploded. The windows of the car shattered, and various parts of the vehicle became dislodged, somehow he managed to take control of the vehicle and bring it to a halt, Judge Patricia Smyth told the sentencing hearing. Advertisement He recalled looking down and seeing his jeans were ripped, there was blood everywhere. He managed to unbuckle his seatbelt and exit the car, he began making his way along the road shouting for help it was clear that he was in a lot of pain. He collapsed on the side of the road as a result of his injuries which were serious and substantial. The vehicle later exploded. The officer was described as having been left with permanent disfiguring injuries, battling mental ill health and lost his home with serious financial consequences. Advertisement The court heard that the stress wrecked the officers personal life, and from having a clear career goal the officer is unable to pursue goals and his career has spiralled downwards. Advertisement Gavin Coyle was sentenced today in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer near Castlederg in May 2008. Detective Inspector Miller said: Today, Coyle has been held accountable for his role in this nightmarish attack. Read more here : https://t.co/bH3XGPLuDf pic.twitter.com/fTdIWtgIyD Police Derry City and Strabane (@PSNIDCSDistrict) October 6, 2023 Advertisement In sentencing, Judge Smyth took into account the guilty pleas, which avoided the need for a lengthy trial. She sentenced Coyle to six years, of which he will have to serve two thirds before he will become eligible for release. Reacting outside court, Detective Inspector Hazel Miller of the Police Service of Northern Irelands major investigation team, welcomed the sentencing. No-one should ever have to experience such a cruel ordeal, the lasting impact of which isnt just felt by the victim, but by family and loved ones too, she said. This was a cowardly, calculated and cold-blooded attack, carried out with one aim: to take the life of a police officer. Gavin Coyle accepts that he was a member of the IRA and that he provided his car to others knowing it would be used for the purpose of terrorism. Our officers are committed to keeping people safe. Their dedication, and indeed the actions of those members of the public who ran to help, are in stark contrast to those intent on harming and killing. Advertisement She added: Today, Coyle has been held accountable for his role in this nightmarish attack. We will continue to robustly investigate and disrupt the criminal and terrorist activities of those who bring violence to our doorsteps. This, of course, relies upon collective efforts and I am appealing to anyone with information, or indeed concerns, to contact us on 101. A Wicklow man who received information taken from the Garda Pulse system by a former civilian employee of An Garda Siochana has been sentenced to one year in prison. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Daniel Webb (33), of Charlesland, Greystones, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to two counts of active and passive corruption at unknown locations on September 6th and 9th, 2019. Advertisement He has no previous convictions. Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Orla Crowe said the offending involved interfering with an intelligence resource of An Garda Siochana. Judge Crowe said the accused obtained information that he was not entitled to do so and that these were unusual offences that dont usually come before the court. The judge said the threshold for a custodial sentence had been reached and that the maximum penalty open to her was 10 years in prison. She set a headline sentence of three years. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Crowe said the mitigating factors in this case were the early guilty pleas by the accused, his young age, his remorse and that the probation report placed him at low risk of reoffending. She also noted he has no previous convictions. Judge Crowe sentenced him to two years in prison on each count to run concurrently, with the final 12 months suspended for two years. Confidential information At a previous hearing, Detective Sergeant James King told Diana Stuart BL, prosecuting, that in January 2020, gardai received confidential information that a civilian employee of An Garda Siochana, Holly Hayden (27), who was working at the Dun Laoghaire District Office, was relaying confidential information from the Garda Pulse system to third parties outside the station. An investigation took place, and her work area and home were searched. A mobile phone was seized during the search, and a forensic download was carried out. Advertisement Messages from Hayden to Webb were found on both the WhatsApp and Telegram apps. The court heard that Webb was then identified, and messages showed Hayden sent a document containing information from the Pulse system about another individual to Webb on September 6th, 2019. On September 9th, 2019, she provided a synopsis of information from the Pulse system, which she had been instructed to download via the messaging app Telegram. She received cocaine in exchange for providing information on both of these occasions. Garda checkpoints Advertisement The court heard that 17 lines of intelligence in total were sent, which related to Webb and people associated with him. Screenshots of the Pulse system were also sent to Webb. Advertisement The court heard that Hayden also sent information to another third party and gave information about the location of garda checkpoints. Judge Orla Crowe asked if copies of the information taken from the Pulse system were available, and these were handed into the court. Det Sgt King said a search warrant was issued for Webb's home and car. Webb arrived home during the search and cooperated fully with gardai. His mobile phone was also seized. James Dwyer SC, defending, said his client met Hayden in his local pub after she approached him. They first began to communicate on WhatsApp in May 2019. Advertisement He said Hayden sent information to his client about him and his associates and sent information to a third party relating to garda movement and checkpoints. Det Sgt King agreed with counsel that messages from his client's phone show that, at one point, he encouraged Hayden not to look up more information. Mr Dwyer handed in character references for his client from his GP, a member of the Bar Council of Ireland, his family's neighbours, a woman for whom his mother worked, and family members. His parents were also in court to support him. The letter from his parents described Webb as warm, generous and loving and said he is adored by his siblings. Counsel said seven urine analyses had also returned clean. He said a probation report is available, indicating when this offence occurred, Webb was at the peak of his drug use, spending up to 200 a night on cocaine and Xanax. The reports put him at a low risk of reoffending, and noted he is in stable employment. He said this was a crime of the utmost seriousness where the Pulse system has been compromised, but asked the court to consider the clean urine reports, the lack of previous convictions, and his early guilty plea when sentencing. Judge Crowe had previously adjourned the case facing Webb's co-accused until November 6th for finalisation. A Russian missile strike killed a 10-year-old boy and his grandmother and injured dozens of other people on Friday in the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, officials said. The strike came a day after a strike in the same region killed at least 51 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks of the war in months. Advertisement Associated Press reporters saw emergency crews pulling the boys body from the rubble of a building after the early morning attack. He was wearing pyjamas with a Spider-Man design. The attack also killed the boys grandmother and injured an 11-month-old child, interior minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram. Emergency workers consider the structure of the building after the attack (AP Photo/Alex Babenko) Advertisement Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said 30 people were wounded and rescue operations were continuing. Advertisement The explosion left a crater in a city street, just metres away from an apartment building. Debris and rubble littered the street. Surrounding buildings were blackened by the blast, which shattered windows and damaged parked cars. Yevhen Shevchenko, a resident of a nearby nine-storey building, said he was in bed when the attack occurred. There was a blast wave, a powerful explosion. It blew out the windows and doors in the apartment, he said. The Kharkiv regional prosecutors office said the boy was killed as a result of the attack, which injured 23 people. Advertisement A day earlier, a Russian rocket blast turned a village cafe and store in Hroza, a village in eastern Ukraine to rubble, killing at least 51 civilians, according to Ukrainian officials. About 60 people, including children, were attending a wake at the cafe when the missile hit, the officials said. Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, attending a summit of about 50 European leaders in Spain to rally support from Ukraines allies, called the strike as a demonstrably brutal Russian crime and a completely deliberate act of terrorism. His visit to the summit aimed to secure more military aid, among other goals, and Zelenskyy said late on Thursday that his efforts had produced results. Advertisement Advertisement We will have more air defence systems, he wrote on his Telegram channel. There will be more long-range weapons. The air defence systems are crucial as Ukrainian officials try to prevent attacks like the ones in Kharkiv and amid fears Moscow will resume concerted attacks on power facilities during the winter, in a repeat of its tactics last year when it tried to break Ukrainians spirit by denying them electricity. Mr Zelensky is also fighting against signs that Western support for his countrys war effort could be flagging. Concerns over the resupply of Ukraines armed forces have deepened amid political turmoil in the United States and warnings that Europes ammunition and military hardware stocks are running low. Family members of some of the victims of a deadly drone attack on a crowded military graduation ceremony gathered outside a military hospital in the city of Homs on Friday to collect the bodies of their loved ones. Thursdays strike on the Homs Military Academy killed 89 people, including 31 women and five children, and wounded as many as 277, according to the health ministry. Advertisement The death toll could rise as some of the wounded are in a critical condition. Syria announced a three-day state of mourning starting on Friday. Relatives of the victims who were killed on Thursday in a drone attack mourn during a mass funeral procession in Homs, Syria (Abdelrahman Shaheen/AP/PA) Advertisement The attack is likely to lead to a renewed wave of violence in the countrys opposition-held northwest, where front lines have been relatively calm since Russia and Turkey, who support rival sides in the countrys conflict, reached a ceasefire in March 2020, ending a three-month Russian-backed government offensive against insurgents. Advertisement No group immediately claimed responsibility for Thursdays attack as Syria endures its 13th year of conflict that has killed half a million people. In the aftermath, Syrian government forces intensified their shelling and airstrikes on rebel-held regions and insurgents fired back towards areas held by President Bashar Assads forces. Around noon on Friday, the Syrian military fired machine guns toward another drone that flew over the central city of Homs, two pro-government media outlets, Al-Watan and Sham FM, reported. It was not immediately clear if the drone was shot down. Advertisement The city of Homs is about 100km (60 miles) south of rebel-held areas, indicating that insurgents might have acquired weaponised long-range drones. Fearing retaliation from the government, religious authorities in areas held by the opposition in northern Syria said Friday prayers will not be held in mosques and called on people to pray at home instead out of concern for the safety of Muslims. Syrias military said in a statement on Thursday that drones laden with explosives targeted the ceremony packed with young officers and their families as it was ending. Without naming any particular group, the military accused insurgents backed by known international forces for the attack and said it will respond with full force and decisiveness to these terrorist organisations, wherever they exist. Advertisement Advertisement Overnight, Syrian troops pounded the last major rebel-held region in parts of Idlib and Aleppo provinces, killing at least three people and wounding more than 15 in the town of Daret Azeh, according to the oppositions Syrian Civil Defence, also known as White Helmets. The group reported that a child was killed in another strike in a village in the region. Syrian Lt Ibrahim Shaaban kisses the coffin of his fiancee Raneem Quba (Albert Aji/AP/PA) Advertisement The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, reported that Russian warplanes carried out several airstrikes on the town of Jisr al-Shughour and nearby villages on Friday. The area is a stronghold of the Turkistan Islamic Party, a Uyghur militant group, many of whose fighters are Chinese Muslims. In Homs, hundreds of people, many of them dressed in black and weeping, gathered outside the Abdul-Qader Shaqfa Military Hospital where the bodies of 30 victims in coffins draped with Syrian flags were put in ambulances to be taken to their home towns for burial. Army Lt Ibrahim Shaaban came to collect the body of his fiancee, Raneem Quba, 23, who was killed along with her father, Mohammed, and younger sister, Rima, while attending the graduation of her brother, Lt Hussein Quba. Advertisement I feel that my back was broken, Mr Shaaban said. She was not only a fiancee, but a mother, a sister and a friend. Syrian Defence Minister General Ali Abbas was present on Friday outside the hospital, where he comforted the families of victims. An opposition war monitor reported Thursday that Mr Abbas had left the graduation ceremony shortly before the attack. We will go after them and after those who support them, Mr Abbas said of the insurgents. We will avenge the blood of martyrs and clean Syrias soil from terrorists and criminals. One of the survivors, Lt Jaafar Mohammed, 23, said he was taking photos with relatives by the platform when something suddenly exploded in front of them. I was thrown to the ground, said Mr Mohammed, who suffered an arm injury. He said his brother was killed and his father and younger brother were also injured. Syrias crisis started with peaceful protests against Mr Assads government in March 2011 but quickly morphed into a full-blown civil war after the governments brutal crackdown on the protesters. In 2015, when Russia provided key military backing to Syria, as well as Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The lawyer for the defence argues against heeding the testimony of Fientjes coworkers, these being women of [...] promiscuity of body and mind. Such promiscuity of body and mind is dangerous yet also key to cultural and ethnic survival. (In another scene, Diah, the van Hoorns housekeeper, finds and gleefully destroys a potboiler discovered in the family library that meditates upon the impossibility of companionship between the Dutch and those of native blood; its protagonist, attracted to a Javanese servant, is described as swept from his moral moorings.) Love and revolution have never been easy to keep apart, and many of Sunbirds observations about colonisation play upon the kind of Freud/Lacan sexual-social dynamics that have occupied thinkers from Aime Cesaire to Frantz Fanon. When a local woman, Fientje, is allegedly murdered by a Dutchman Riwoe drawing from the real-life case of Fientje de Feniks Anna registers a strange affinity towards the case. Its 1941: West Java faces Japanese invasion. At the van Hoorns cash-crop estate, a pilot, Mattijs, hopes to join the war effort in the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia). He has eyes for the familys daughter, Anna, who is herself enamoured of Sigit, a young freedom fighter. Sigit is a product of colonisation, educated in Holland and thus, like so many schooled in the metropole, a strong critic of its imperialism. In colonial Java, Riwoe suggests, morality depends on hypocrisy, injustice, and Nietzschean ressentiments. Even Sigit accuses Anna of treating him as a pelacur pria, or male prostitute. Every document of civilisation is a document of barbarity, one that refuses to look at itself in the mirror, requiring always that someone, somewhere, be treated not in their own right but as an object or trinket. Credit: No surprise, then, that Sunbirds is full of doubles: Sigit, whose Dutch at one point surprises Anna (Hes spent time in Holland even when she has not), and who almost invokes the lyrics of the Rodgers and Hart tune Glad to Be Unhappy when he tells Anna, There wasnt that much difference between you [and Fientje] ... Except she was from the kampung. No money, no Papa. Or what about Annas mother discouraging her from wearing kebayas and sarungs (the more fair-skinned Dutch women, she contends, are not liable to be confused with kampung Indos). Anna is separated by class from locals such as the household servants, even as she comprehends the Sundanese dialect they use in private. Like Fientje, who curses her mixed blood and sees herself spurned by white and native alike, enduring a selfhood that is irreconcilable yet still conjoined in a murky mess, Anna is prone to see herself according to the trope of the culturally hybrid as deficient/lost/doomed. She and her brother Willem are the offspring of an Indonesian mother, yet Willem scolds her: We are Dutch. Dont be so embarrassed all the time. (Fanon says much the same thing in Black Skin, White Masks I am French but draws the opposite conclusion, favouring revolution over complacency.) 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 Two months ago, on a summers day in New York, US comedian Catherine Cohen had heart surgery. She was fairly surprised. Two weeks earlier, the mild numbness of a mini-stroke had barely piqued concern. But as her symptoms increased, it was determined that the then 31-year-old had an atrial septal defect, a congenital heart condition. It was crazy, Cohen says in a video call from a friends house in the Hamptons, where she is resting up before her return to live performance. I was getting ready to go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and do four weeks of shows and then this freak thing happened. Doctors reassured her the hole between the upper chambers of her heart was easily fixed and that she could expect to make a full recovery. But I was like, wait, I had a stroke. I need heart surgery, she says, eyes widening. What the f--- are you talking about? I was freaking out. Still, she managed to look on the funny side. On the day of her operation, Cohen filmed a TikTok video, modelling her hospital outfit (black cashmere jumper, bronze silk dress, lasagne grease stains down the front) and explained with glee that she shared her heart condition with US model Hailey Bieber. Today, post-operation and completely healed, Cohen still finds this connection hilarious. Advertisement It was my great comfort, she says. I now look at her Instagram all the time and be like, We are the exact same in every way. She can also joke about the surgery itself. They went in through my groin. Groin is not a word Ive said that much. For someone whose performance calling card is all about quick-fire, fizzing charisma merged with cabaret chanteuse, discovering shed had a stroke was rattling. A week out from returning to the stage, she admits she is nervous, despite having been on a hike and buzzing about physically. Ive always been such a hypochondriac, she says. I just love being alive. I really dont want to die. As a hypochondriac, when something actually goes wrong, youre like, Wait, I was right. This whole heart surgery situation has really made me more annoying than ever. Guys, everyone, listen, Im right. Catherine Cohen is bringing her new show Come for Me to Australia. Credit: Da Ping Luo Cohen, who is touring Australia for the first time next month, is best known for her Netflix special The Twist Shes Gorgeous! As an actress, she has appeared in series including High Maintenance, Broad City, Search Party and What We Do in the Shadows; her film roles include the upcoming At Midnight. Between comedy gigs she also writes an advice column for W magazine and hosts a sex and dating podcast called Seek Treatment with comedian and Hacks writer Pat Regan. Episodes cover topics ranging from Taylor: She Sings So You Dont Have To (Think) to One Step Forward and Six Hundred Thousand Steps Back. Advertisement In her book of poetry, God I Feel Modern Tonight: Poems From a Gal About Town, written during lockdown in New York, she jokes about such Millennial realities as guys who call you dude after sex. Her new show, Come For Me, which she is bringing to Australia, is her second musical stand-up show, with songs and patter that are a mix of scatty, whip-smart and stream of consciousness, flitting manically between lurid imaginings, intimate ponderings, smart feminist parley and self-referential Millennial angst. Its what are my biggest insecurities, worries, anxieties, obsessions? And then, how can I work through them in a way thats funny and relatable? Thats usually just by being as honest about them as possible. Catherine Cohen channels her inner Cher while performing on Late Night With Seth Myers in 2019. Credit: Getty Images Indeed, its this honesty that makes her humour so appealing to her own demographic. When I ask about her worst habit, she quips: Paying 1 billion American dollars to have food Im not really hungry for delivered straight to my door. As for her biggest regret, its one that many in her audience will likely relate to: Every second Ive wasted obsessing over my body/weight. Boring! Most of Cohens songs, written with accompanist Henry Koperski and performed with live back-up, are gleefully sharp with a knowing narcissism, powered by sparkly dresses, cat eye make-up and old-school cabaret chutzpah. The vibe is akin to Cher crossed with Barbra Streisand mixed with Ann-Margret. Some lines are winningly self-obsessed: Dating me is what critics and fans alike are calling an immersive experience. Others are archly self-reflective: I famously love porn if my boyfriend tells me the girl looks like me. But otherwise it is Bad! For! Women! Advertisement In past live shows, Cohen has swung from toe-tapping angst-ditties about her gynaecologist not laughing at her jokes mid-pap smear to mocking self-portraits of identity crises (Boys never wanted to kiss me, so now I do comedy). Loading In Come for Me, the jokes are edged with more serious material as she explores what it means to leave your 20s behind. The New York Times described the show as like being swept up by a tornado, or maybe watching Fast & Furious: The Vaudeville Years. Cohen approves of the comment, particularly as she is fairly certain she targeted the reviewer with some of her quick-fire crowd work. I remember there was a woman in the front row scribbling notes, she says. I was saying to her, That better be good. That better be good. After growing up in Houston and studying English and theatre at Princeton, Cohen moved to New York at the age of 22. She began taking classes at improv-theatre company Upright Citizens Brigade and working at the Peoples Improv Theatre. I grew up loving to sing and I did musical theatre and stuff but I always felt there werent the right parts for me or it wasnt a perfect fit, she says. When I did a class at Upright Citizens Brigade ... straight away I thought, Oh, my God, this blows my mind. Advertisement She fell into New Yorks comedy community, watching stand-up each night in tiny clubs, until she was ready to try it out herself. And then I felt bummed because I missed singing. So I said to myself, What if I wrote some songs? And thats when things came into focus. I started writing songs and doing stand-up together in my act in 2016 and ever since then Ive just been building upon that. One day, Scottish actor and comedian Alan Cumming saw her show and encouraged her to perform at his tiny Manhattan club, Club Cumming. Small guest spots led to a regular weekly show called Cabernet Cabaret, which she continues to host. Alans been very instrumental in me doing what I do now, she says. Hes incredibly supportive and encouraging. He comes to the club and bartends and watches shows and performs and just hangs out. Without that support, without that space at Club Cumming, I wouldnt have had all this room to experiment with new stuff and play. Its called X-factor, baby, and you either have it or you dont, says Catherine Cohen. Credit: Dev Bowman She says the weekly shows, which run alongside seasons at Joes Pub, a Manhattan performance space, and are always sold-out, offer a better training ground than studying comedy and musical performance. You cant learn it, Cohen says. And I dont even think it can be taught. Its called X-factor, baby, and you either have it or you dont. That being said, I do think you can improve and hone your skills. Getting out there and trying stuff is the only way because otherwise youre just in this vacuum on your computer. Advertisement Two of Irelands best young actors turn in emotionally raw performances. Ronan, who has four Oscar nominations for Atonement, Brooklyn, Lady Bird and Little Women, is still only 29. Mescal, who was nominated for an Oscar for Aftersun this year, is just 27. The stranger, Terrance, is played with polished menace by Englands Aaron Pierre, best known for the TV series The Underground Railroad. Its like meat to the wolves at home with the TV set: Director Garth Davis on the set of Foe. Credit: Transmission Foe is a different kind of sci-fi. Instead of the sleek and gleaming touches of many futuristic movies, it is set in a world that largely resembles ours except that its drained of greenness and vitality. Climate change has forced humans to look beyond the planet for a new start. Davis, a tall and gentle soul with a crop of curls and an easy laugh, says he loves sci-fi. I especially love sci-fi that forces to the surface the human condition, he says. Its a great device to bring things back to the ground. And also I love the imagination. I love being transported to another world, another reality. Loading But after reading Canadian writer Iain Reids novel Foe and going in boots and all to convince the American producer who held the rights, Kerry Kohansky Roberts, that he should direct the film, Davis knew what type of sci-fi film he did not want to make. Theres a lot of sci-fi being made and I just dont connect with it any more, he says. Some of the early films, like the original Blade Runner, were very grounded and very human [but] everything feels very manufactured now. Davis wanted a film that was more human and felt imminent rather than taking place a disconnected and distant future. Something that felt like its almost here, he says. As well as a story about Hen and Juniors relationship, he says Foe is about the planets environmental decline. The complacency in the relationship is a reflection of the complacency of how we treat nature, he says. It took time for Davis to realise why he had identified with the novel so strongly. I saw my parents in the story, he says. My parents divorced when I was about 12. My mother was a very free spirit. She had a lot of energy to live life but my father was scared of change. They were really beautiful together as a couple but he was just so scared of change that ultimately the marriage couldnt work. Davis father worked in advertising and his mother was a landscape painter who moved into real estate when, after the divorce, she took the future filmmaker and his younger brother from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. Davis studied art in his early 20s with ambitions to be a painter and designer but came to hate the way computers were taking over design. When he picked up a camera and shot footage for a friends art project, he discovered a new art form. I felt emotion, he says. Suddenly, I felt the alchemy of cinema and totally fell in love with it. Davis went on to make commercials, moved into television with the series Love My Way, made a documentary about parking inspectors, then joined The Kings Speech producer Emile Sherman and director Jane Campion to make the 2013 series Top of the Lake. Aaron Pierre in Foe. Credit: Transmission Sherman offered him Lion and it became a worldwide hit that joined another Australian film, Hacksaw Ridge, with a best picture nomination at the Oscars. Its a ceremony best remembered for the fiasco when La La Land was wrongly named winner instead of Moonlight. When youre on the circuit, you get to meet all these producers and filmmakers and actors and become friends, Davis says. Everyone has anxiety around whats going to happen and where things are going to go and its hard exposing your creativity to so many people. So I felt for them, I really did. It was diabolical. Davis, 49, now lives in Melbourne with his wife and children aged 18, 16, and 11. He once joked that his son would love him to make a Batman film, but he has stayed with deeper and more challenging material. Loading All my family, they all have great bullshit detectors, Davis says before leaving for the world premiere at the New York Film Festival last weekend, ahead of screenings in Los Angeles, Nashville and London. Theyre all pretty staunch believers in doing things that are meaningful. So if I sold out and did something [that wasnt] they wouldnt be very happy with that. We all acknowledge that our time is precious and if were going to do something, lets try and contribute to ourselves and to audiences [and] my girls have definitely connected with this film. The younger generation, theyre devastated. They feel like this film is going to be their life. It feels like theyre screaming at us for change and nothing is happening. Davis cast Ronan first. Hen is the spiritual totem of the film, he says. In a way, shes whats left of nature, of light, and I had to find not just an amazing actress but a human being that emanates that same quality and thats Saoirse Ronan. Shes very special. Davis then met Mescal in Sydney, where he shot Benjamin Millepieds musical drama Carmen, and found the Irishman was so in tune with the movie and so passionate that he was cast as Junior. Saoirse Ronan in Foe. Credit: Transmission The fact that he was Irish just solved so many problems, Davis says. Hen and Junior got married straight out of high school and needed to feel like they came from the same territory. So it just felt right. Before shooting Foe, Davis wanted to see the landscapes that inspired the novel so he visited Reid in Ontario, Canada. While driving around, he saw the ideal house for the film. Everything just felt like the book and I got chills, Davis says. Within 20 minutes, we found the owner, went inside and [decided] this is the house. But then I turned around and thought, well, this is not the world. This is not the state of the planet in 40 years. What did look like the degraded planet from the novel was Winton Wetlands, north-east of Melbourne, which Davis and his family first visited on a camping trip. He calls it a powerfully spiritual place with the local Yorta Yorta communitys scarred trees and thousands of dying red gums. They built a scaled-down version of the Canadian house on the wetlands and it became the main filming location during COVID. Does Davis feel that Lion has set a high bar for every other film he makes? I dont think about it to be honest, he says. Im a very grounded person. I dont allow that to enter my head. I just try and approach things as honestly as I can. Just as Campion did with Netflixs The Power of the Dog, Davis made Foe for cinemas even though it is backed by Amazon, which will stream it on Prime Video in this country. I guess Im still in denial, he says. Im still hoping people go to the cinema. Its not just the big screen. Its actually that you cant fast-forward or stop it. And kids are on three devices at once when theyre watching something now. Its like meat to the wolves at home with the TV set. Watching a movie at our house is chaos. Audience participation makes few peoples lists of favourite things but in Every Brilliant Thing , it feels natural, good-natured and low stress. Its not quite accurate to describe Every Brilliant Thing as a one-man show. On entering the New Benner Theatre and taking your seat from among the charmingly mismatched chairs, youll find a card with a number on it. This determines the part you yes, you will play. Your guide is actor Jason Klarwein in the role of an unnamed narrator telling the story of his mothers depression, beginning from his childhood in the 1980s. (Tom Yaxley is taking over the role for some performances.) As a seven-year-old he is told by his dad the confronting reason why his mum is in hospital. He decides to help her by writing a list of every brilliant thing in the world, the things that make life worth living. Number one is ice cream. Number two is water fights. Number seven is people falling over. The narrator stages scenes from his life, with a little help from us. We meet the kindly vet, the school counsellor, the inspiring university lecturer, and Sam, the cute girl in the library who loves books as much as he does. The narrator stages scenes from his life, with a little help from us. Credit: Metro Arts The list gets longer as life goes on: even-numbered Star Trek movies; coffee; falling in love. But his mothers sadness lingers. In summer, as the fierce sun bakes the ground, temperatures can sit above 40 degrees for days on end. In winter, a cold wind known locally as the Barkly breeze blows constantly from the east. Despite the extreme conditions in Tennant Creek, the largest town on the Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Darwin, local Aboriginal people had never been asked what type of housing they want to live in. This is true for many First Nations communities across much of remote and regional Australia. Rembarrnga elder Alfred Rickson talks through the design of the first Wilya Janta home with Dr Simon Quilty. Credit: Eddie Jim We want a house we can design as we want, to suit our environment and our culture, says Patricia Frank Narrurlu, a Warumungu elder from the area. A new housing organisation called Wilya Janta (standing strong) driven by First Nations people from Tennant Creek, wants to change that by designing culturally appropriate houses that can weather Australias warming climate and dangerous summer temperatures. The houses will be solar-powered, well-insulated and water efficient. Is it any wonder Australia struggles with sports sponsorship when a sponsor is told, Im not copping your shit? The insider claims Kieran Perkins stated this gracefully and respectfully ... which Kieran can do as he has this background as a hero. True heroes dont treat a sponsor with this sort of contempt and foul language, let alone Gina Rinehart, who is not only Australias leading business person but single-handedly turned around the fortunes of Australias swimming team and other sporting teams. The real hero of Swimming Australia, with actions rather than swear words, is Rinehart, whose contribution allowed swimmers to commit to training and more, hence Australias increasingly dominant performances at Commonwealth Games, the Olympics and World Championships. Its unfortunate, but Rugby Australia and Swimming Australia face the same issues with administration, with embarrassing outcomes for both sports. Kate Chapman Main Beach, Qld Kieran Perkins: an elite athlete who sees the value of building grassroots sport and is not interested in handing out jobs for the boys? [September 30]. Go for it! Make our sporting world great again. Michele Sharp Queens Park, NSW Loading David Marr writes that facing the truth together can change the future [September 30]. This is in reference to the killings of, and violence towards, Indigenous people by some of his ancestors. His courage in revealing their role is to be commended, particularly as so much of the truth about the frontier wars of the 19th century in colonial Australia has been ignored or airbrushed out of history as written by us whitefellas, with the historian Henry Reynolds being one exception. Until Australians face and learn the truth, can true reconciliation occur? As per the title of one of Reynolds books, Why Werent We Told?, now is the time for all of us to be told and face the truth to improve the future. Levane Abdoolcader Padstow Heights, NSW David Marr reckons with the skeletons that are inevitably hidden deep in the closets of most Australians. It seems turning 60-ish ignites a burning desire to trace ones family tree, as were faced with existential questions about where weve come from. While most hope for a romanticised and adventurous First Fleet or gold rush story, the reality is most non-Indigenous Australians are likely to find stories of crime, hardship, brutality and racism when theyre lucky enough to find them documented at all. My father claims his ancestors were Irish pirates ruling the seven seas, while my mother proudly contests that her ancestors were free settlers, supposedly free of crime or blemish. The reality? Whether pirate or pure, weve benefited thanks to generations of brutal laws and racist ideologies that favoured settlers. The question around reparation for ones family history is again something to consider deeply. Its been fascinating watching several British aristocratic families grapple with the reality that their wealth was built on slavery. Many have taken a stance and decided to repay significant monetary sums to affected descendants. But for the rest of us without millions to spare, how do we respectfully acknowledge the harm done and seek a better future for all? We must make a conscious choice to use our sphere of power to influence change for the better, whether thats through telling a story, casting a vote or simply having uncomfortable conversations with those around us. Bonita Graham Dulwich Hill, NSW David Marr, the much-published author, has detailed his ancestors and others massacres of Indigenous people during earlier colonisation. The brutality is terrible and hideously wrong. Marrs heartfelt motive was to bring the truth to Australians and help us reach the Uluru Statements glorious goal of the coming together after struggle [Makarrata]. Very soon we have the opportunity to vote Yes to the Indigenous Voice in our parliament. We should do so. Barbara Fraser Burwood, Vic Three teenagers accused of violently abducting a schoolboy and leaving him with brain damage were also allegedly involved in the robbery of a 13-year-old girl who was beaten and forced to strip down to her underwear, a court has heard. One of the teens, a 15-year-old boy who cannot be named because of his age, was on Friday released on bail despite police concerns he had been the principal offender in the schoolboys attack. The boy had been charged with 25 offences after he and two others allegedly went on a crime spree in a stolen Volkswagen Tiguan, wielding machetes to steal from vulnerable Melbourne students leaving school for the day. The Childrens Court heard a 14-year-old boy was put into a six-day coma after the trio allegedly violently abducted him on September 4 in Glen Huntly, in Melbournes southeast, as he was walking home. WA Polices proposed four-storey station in the historic heart of Fremantle has been approved by the state governments development assessment panel. The five-person Metro Inner-South JDAP (Joint Development Assessment Panel) considered arguments for and against the $100 million building, which will replace their current temporary digs in and around High Street. Greenlight: Work on WA Polices proposed $100 Fremantle station wont have to be halted. A majority of the panel voted in favour of the new South Terrace location but, predictably, City of Fremantle councillors Andrew Sullivan and Rachel Pemberton voted in the negative. Their votes mirrored the unanimous view of their fellow councillors, while the three independent planning and development professionals backed the project. 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 Australia is in the middle of an unprecedented energy revolution, switching from the fossil fuel-powered electricity grid thats been the bedrock of the nations economy for decades to clean energy, through a rush of renewables as wind and solar farms spring up across the country. The shift is being driven by Australias commitment to help tackle climate change by cutting damaging greenhouse emissions. But a fiery political debate has erupted over the future of Australias energy supply in recent months, with federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton demanding the Albanese government remove the nations longstanding ban and deploy what he claims is clean, cheap and reliable nuclear power. The Albanese government is locked into its clean energy commitments and cannot afford delays to pursue nuclear ambitions. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is taunting Dutton over what he calls his implausible, expensive and dangerous plans. Are they implausible? What would be the costs? And how does nuclear power work? Advertisement Credit: Artwork Getty Images, Nathan Perri How does nuclear power work? The process, invisible to the naked eye, is called atomic fission. Plant operators fire a neutron into uranium or plutonium material and that collision splits atoms, releasing energy in the form of heat as well as yet more neutrons. A chain reaction kicks off as more of those neutrons fly about striking other atoms. This releases tremendous energy in the form of heat and radiation, which is harnessed to boil water and produce steam. The steam is captured under pressure and used to spin turbines that drive magnetic generators, which produce electricity. Loading Uranium is most commonly used in nuclear power reactors because it is easy to initiate fission and control the process. Only a relatively small amount of uranium, or sometimes plutonium, is needed. A typical large nuclear reactor produces 2530 tonnes of spent fuel per year and the high level of radioactive waste contained in it can remain toxic to humans for tens of thousands of years. This atomic fission also creates zero greenhouse gases, which is a key benefit cited by nuclear energy advocates, but its opponents point to the dangers associated with storing the radioactive waste and the potential for spent fuel from nuclear reactors to be used to make nuclear weapons. Past accidents have undermined public confidence, too. An explosion at a plant near Chernobyl in the former USSR in 1986 saw people die and radioactive contamination blow over Western Europe. A tsunami following an earthquake triggered a meltdown in a coastal nuclear plant in Fukushima in 2011. In the aftermath, German chancellor Angela Merkel reversed a decision to extend the life of several nuclear plants. Nuclear advocates, however, point out the technology is safe and the risk of accidents is declining. The World Nuclear Association says Fukushima and Chernobyl are the only two major accidents in six decades of the industrys commercial operation, spread across 36 countries. Advertisement Meanwhile, although nuclear weapons (which involve an uncontrolled explosion) and nuclear energy (controlled, as above) are not the same thing, the very word nuclear can send tremors through post-war generations who have grown up with the spectre of nuclear weapons and war. Vapor rises from cooling towers at the Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux nuclear power plant in France. Credit: Bloomberg Why is there a ban on nuclear power in Australia? Nuclear power plants have been supplying electricity in many countries around the world, including the US, China, Canada, France and the UK, for decades. India has announced plans to develop them. Australias abundant supplies of coal and gas, and comparatively small electricity demand due to its relatively small population, has meant the country has built its electricity grid around fossil fuels. In Australia, a national ban on nuclear energy was put in place by the Howard government in 1999, after horse-trading with the Australian Democrats over the governments signature green reform, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which stated that the relevant minister could not approve a nuclear power plant. Seven years later, the Howard government asked Telstra chief executive and trained nuclear physicist Ziggy Switkowski to investigate the merits of nuclear power in Australia. That report delivered a hammer blow to the industry. Switkowski found that nuclear power could compete economically with coal power only if a politically contentious carbon tax was imposed. In 2019, Switkowski also told a parliamentary inquiry there was little prospect for Australia to develop a nuclear energy industry because the window for large gigawatts to go in nuclear generators has now closed for Australia. He said a nuclear industry would take too long to establish and be too costly to build compared to alternative infrastructure. He also said it was unlikely the industry could establish enough support to gain a social licence to operate. Advertisement Given that the investment in a power station, particularly a big one, would begin at $US10 billion and go up from there, and it would take around 15 years to make it work, you cant progress without strong community support and bipartisanship at the federal level, and there is not too much evidence of that, he said. But now the federal Coalition is calling for the nuclear energy ban to be abolished. Wind turbines at Lake George near Canberra. Credit: Getty Images Why has the political debate gone nuclear? Under its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, Australia plans to cut greenhouse gases 43 per cent by 2030 to reach net-zero emissions. Under the agreement, it is also expected to set increasingly ambitious targets, with an update due by 2035. Coal generates about two-thirds of electricity in Australia. The electricity grid is a major source of emissions, where the Albanese government is aiming to make its most significant cuts. Its goal is for 82 per cent of energy to be generated by renewables as soon as 2030. The coal industrys economic viability is being smashed by cheaper sources of renewable energy and replacement power is urgently needed, with five of 15 plants due to shut within a decade and more tipped to follow. Nuclear energy proponents argue nuclear should replace coal. Those advocates include the Minerals Council, prominent Nationals including leader David Littleproud and former leader Barnaby Joyce, and some Liberal MPs including Dutton and his climate change and energy spokesman, Ted OBrien. Advertisement As with coal plants, nuclear reactors whirr away around the clock, all day every day, generating whats known as baseload power. Thats one of the key benefits cited in arguments for nuclear energy to replace coal as the emissions-free backbone of the grid. Any peaks in demand say, due to a heatwave or cold snap when many households suddenly switch on their air-conditioners or heaters can be filled by gas plants or batteries, meaning they can supply power to the grid at short notice. Some nuclear advocates argue that nuclear plants could replace coal plants with back-up from batteries powered by wind and solar farms as well as hydro-electricity to build an emissions-free electricity grid. Renewable energy advocates point out that investors are flocking to large-scale wind and solar projects, which are pumping cheaper energy into the grid and outcompeting coal. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), which manages the electricity grid, says a grid based on renewables will be just as reliable as a system centred on baseload power. Could we get a nuclear industry happening in time? Speed is of the essence, say climate scientists. Global emissions are on track to exceed the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees, a level that would avoid the worst damages from climate change. While renewables are available now, and cheaply, it would likely take decades to establish a nuclear energy industry in Australia. Australias former chief scientist, Alan Finkel, said in August it was highly unlikely Australia could open a nuclear power plant before the early 2040s, pointing out the autocratic United Arab Emirates took more than 15 years to complete its first nuclear plant using established technology. Loading What problem is nuclear trying to provide a solution for, asks Ernst & Young climate change and sustainability partner Emma Herd. If its cost of living, its expensive. If there are challenges with social licence for renewables then nuclear has got 10 times more social licence problems. If it is the need to rapidly deploy low-emissions energy technology to replace coal then nuclear takes a long time to get approval for, let alone to build, let alone to get up and operating. If its the need for rapid decarbonisation, again, its too slow. Advertisement Aboriginal leader Senator Pat Dodson, recovering from months of treatment for cancer, is about to return to the front line of the campaign for a Yes vote for an Indigenous Voice to parliament. He believes, he says, the Australian people will recognise the goodness and the justice of what the Voice would achieve when they vote in the referendum, and that they will turn away from the false propositions that it could divide Australia or subvert the primacy of the parliament. Patrick Dodson sought to bridge two worlds. Credit: Andrew Taylor He says he is also convinced a large majority of Indigenous Australians are in favour of the Voice. Dodson, known as the father of reconciliation for his role as founding chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in the 1990s, said he was unhappy that his battle with cancer had prevented him from taking a major public role in the Yes campaign. Pagone was appointed to the role after the first chair of the inquiry, Nick Wimbush, quit after The Age in February revealed his previous role in supporting planning changes that led to the retirement village building homes in areas that flooded. Former premier Daniel Andrews ordered Melbourne Water to conduct the review. That inquiry was criticised from the outset because of a perceived lack of independence and because of the limited scope of its terms of reference, with matters such as emergency responses, flood recovery and urban planning excluded. A parliamentary inquiry was also later established after extensive reporting by The Age, and the Coalition, Greens and crossbenchers teamed up to launch a wider-ranging flood review. Loading Last Octobers flood hit more than 600 homes and businesses across Maribyrnong, Avondale Heights, Kensington and Ascot Vale. It was the third-worst flood on record for the Maribyrnong River with only floods in 1974 and 1906 hitting the area harder. The report recommended that Melbourne Water undertake more regular reviews of flood models, considering the best estimates of climate change. Melbourne Water general manager Nerina Di Lorenzo said the water authority would work to implement all the reports recommendations. She said it would take a year to model the impact of the Flemington racecourse flood wall on the wider deluge because it was such a complex task. Di Lorenzo said long-term flood mitigation measures could mean a number of things, including planning controls, rather than building a new dam upstream on the river or levees along the banks. The Flemington racecourse flood wall. Credit: Darrian Traynor We cant discount physical infrastructure, but we have also got to know that they have to be very carefully assessed before you can go down that path, she said. Di Lorenzo said that since last Octobers flood Melbourne Water had begun providing new flood modelling for every river catchment in Melbourne by the end of 2026. That includes climate change impacts projected to the year 2100. She said there were outstanding issues to resolve at Rivervue, and this work remained a priority for Melbourne Water, including a flood management plan for the retirement village that was underway. Maribyrnong resident Lee Lanzafame, whose house was inundated in last years floods, said the report failed to convey the extent of flood damage to homes and businesses. Lanzafame said there had been no discernible improvements to warning systems and residents grew anxious when their phones pinged with general flood warnings even if they did not apply to the Maribyrnong River. Melbourne Waters flood alert system failed to warn residents during last Octobers disaster leaving residents to flee as water rushed into their properties. The first time many residents in Maribyrnong learnt they should evacuate was via text messages sent by the State Emergency Service between 4am and 6am. The river ultimately peaked at 4.2 metres 1.8 metres higher than Melbourne Water had predicted the night before. Nothing has changed in 12 months to improve this, Lanzafame said. Emotionally, were not great. Lee and Selin Lanzafame in January holding up two images of their flooded home, taken 48 years apart. Credit: Jason South Lanzafames family is living on the second floor of his Maribyrnong home while they try to decide whether it is worth repairing the ground level that has a lounge room, study and bathroom. Lanzafame said he was waiting for the conclusion of a parliamentary inquiry into the floods to see whether it recommended greater protection for residents. If mitigation is one of the recommendations, well stay, he said. If not, well leave. Opposition water spokesman Tim McCurdy said that Melbourne Water had shown complete disregard for residents along the Maribyrnong River. It refuses to accept any responsibility, he said, arguing the state government continues the nothing to see here approach while Maribyrnong residents seek genuine answers. Water Minister Harriet Shings spokeswoman said the government would work with Melbourne Water to address the findings of the report and identify areas to improve flood mitigation, communication and response efforts. Last Octobers Maribyrnong River flood. Credit: Luis Ascui Chair of Maribyrnong Councils Community Recovery Committee, Madeleine Serle, on Friday attacked the report as largely pointless. This was an egregious waste of time, she said. Hydrologist Geoff Crapper worked at Melbourne Water and its predecessor, the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works, for three decades until 2003 and helped implement the rivers first warning system after floods in 1974. He said it was wonderful that Pagones report recommended Melbourne Water investigate flood mitigation options for the Maribyrnong. Crapper said Melbourne Water must revisit a 1980s report by the state government recommending a flood-retarding basin be built on the Maribyrnong River at Arundel, near Keilor. From here Im off to explore an uninhabited wilderness three-quarters covered in ice and snow for a glimpse of a creature that may one day be climate changes most evocative casualty. Of whales, walruses and Arctic foxes Were not long out of Longyearbyen when Im handed a dry suit to wear in my kayak. We dress for the possibility of being in the water at all times, kayak lead guide and Southern Sea Ventures owner Toby Story says. In these water temperatures approximately zero degrees wed survive about 12 minutes without one. Polar bears are what concern us most on land, but on the water its walruses we should be scared of. Walruses can be three metres long, weigh two tonnes and hold their breath for 40 minutes, so you never know where theyre going to come up, Story warns. But with the sun shining, the water looks as welcoming as the Pacific. Im ensconced here on the front deck below kilometre-high mountains and 500-metre-deep glaciers all the way to the horizon. But theres a fragility to this vastness: should the sun feel this good on my face? In the years since 1979, sea ice has shrunk 13 per cent each decade and each year we lose an area almost the size of England. Into the ice with Svalbard Southern Sea Ventures Sea Kayak Tour. Below us, the seas full of whats known as bergy bits (the remnants of icebergs up to the size of small houses) and growlers (ice under a metre tall and five metres wide). Were on a course west through Isfjorden to the Greenland Sea, where well hug the coast north till we reach Spitsbergens remote north-west coastline. There if the sea ice permits we have the best chance of finding bears along the edge of the shifting ice pack. But the ships crew have been on the lookout since we left Longyearbyen. They comb the landscape with binoculars from the bridge above. Should they find a bear, theyll wake us no matter the hour. From late April to late August, the sun wont set in Svalbard: so its likely I wont be sleeping. The trade-off is that sightseeing is available 24/7. A pod of 20-or-so curious beluga whales appears on my starboard side at midnight, beside a solitary humpback. Walruses can be three metres long, weigh two tonnes and hold their breath for 40 minutes. Credit: Paul Hoelen There were once so many whales here that ship captains in the 17th century wrote of precarious sea journeys ploughing their way through whale-choked waters. I manage a few hours of sleep and wake to find were anchored at the end of 14 July Bay, below a glacier. The sun feels the same as it did at 2am. I climb down a ladder to a kayak for my first paddle. Its the dead silence I notice when I leave the ship. Theres no noise but the brush of my paddle in the water. Then I notice the nuances: growlers that crackle and pop as I pass by; the calving of a bergy bit or glacier and the splash that follows; and the call of kittiwakes, guillemots and puffins existing in isolation out here on sheer cliffs by the waters edge. A curious Arctic fox comes close to the water but there are no seals, rendering the sighting of polar bears unlikely. Ice, ice, everywhere from here to the Pole The captain decides that despite a poor forecast, well leave the calm of the fjords for the Greenland Sea, to push further north to the top of Spitsbergen. We dont see a single boat along the way. Even during peak season, less than 20 operators cruise these waters and all but one carry small passenger loads. We leave the worlds northernmost settlement behind, Ny-Alesund, a former mining town transformed into one of Europes most significant Arctic research stations. Theres nothing left between us and the North Pole but ice. Some of the first attempts at reaching the North Pole originated along this coast. The most ambitious of all was Swedish engineer Salomon Andree, who set out in a hydrogen balloon in 1897. He crashed 300 kilometres north of the coastline, but survived for three months after clawing his way back to Svalbard. His body was recovered near here, 33 years later. We reach the north coast and see that pack ice has drifted south from the Pole. The captain sails out into the Arctic Ocean, and we gather on the bow to watch the ship separate the ice into two below us. And suddenly its there, and appears to wave at us. Credit: Paul Hoelen All are on the look out for bears, but we see only walruses, a polar bears less preferred food source. We reach 81 degrees north, 900 kilometres south of the North Pole, and settle for the night, parked on pack ice. I stay on deck until 3am looking for bears and Greenland sharks, which can live up to 500 years. Nowhere has felt this foreign The ships all mine. Behind me are the pyramid peaks of Svalbard, beyond me is the top of the world. Nowhere in my travels has felt this foreign. Still, there are no bears. I wake, trapped in ice. During the early hours, pack ice shifted between the ship and land, and the captain has commandeered a drone to look for the safest passage back to Svalbard. But the Polar Pioneer pushes through; built for Russian scientific research, its been refurbished for travellers. Its rough enough around the edges to feel like Im actually here for science. We stop in the middle of the pack ice and launch kayaks. I paddle between huge ice floes hearing the ice breathe and watching for shooters (ice that shoots back to the surface after submerging) and angry walruses. Theres a bearded seal ahead of us: a polar bear can survive comfortably on a single bearded seal for a month, but no bear lies in wait for this one. When we reach Spitsbergens north coast we anchor beside a long abandoned whaling settlement, Smeerenburgfjorden. The English and Dutch set up shore stations here to boil whale blubber down to oil to light the streets of Europe. By the end of the 1600s, there were more than 300 whaling vessels operating off Svalbard. Theres a huddle of 20-or-so walruses on the shore beside the skeletons of what was Smeerenburgfjorden. With their metre-long tusks, walruses can puncture kayaks, and there are two swimming in the water nearby. We turn quickly, and make a quiet retreat to the ship. Every splash I hear along the way is a would-be attack by a walrus. Back on board, my hands shake holding a glass of beer: the adrenalin takes half an hour to dissipate. What must it feel like to come face-to-face with a polar bear? The most beautiful place on Earth Cute, but deadly. Polar bears have been known to hunt humans when hungry. Credit: iStock Polar bears are the most dangerous of bears because, one, theyre carnivores and, two, hungry bears do attack and eat humans (whereas a grizzly bear is predominantly a herbivore). In 2011 a polar bear killed 11-year-old school boy Horatio Chapple on a school excursion in Svalbard. In 2020, a tourist was killed just outside Longyearbyen; while earlier this year a mother and her child were mauled to death outside their school in Alaska. Almost 90 per cent of all deaths have been recorded since 2000; polar bears are getting hungrier each year. We feel much safer since our guides have high-powered rifles they carry across their shoulders on every excursion, and are expert at looking for bear signs, though, to be honest, its helping little so far. With the northern seas blocked with pack ice, the captain elects to travel overnight to the south of Spitsbergen. The vastness of the north-west coast is replaced by the grandeur of these southern fjords. Here are towering pyramid rocks home to 100,000 kittiwake nests, where Spitsbergens highest mountains rise straight out of mirrored blue water. This could be the most beautiful place on Earth, and yet we share it with a solitary yacht. Even it with its two passengers - feels an intrusion. We anchor by the mouth of Bellsund Fjord, but sea ice drifts in, and blocks our way. There are huts built by early fur trappers, including the first woman trapper, Wanny Woldstad, a widowed mother who spent five years south of here in Hornsund laying traps for Arctic foxes and polar bears, only to return home to Norway to be killed by a bus. As we motor further up the fjord, I make out two cream-coloured figures in the snow through my binoculars. I yell bear, and fellow passengers run to my position on the front deck. But the cream figures are Svalbard reindeer: a subspecies of reindeer with stocky legs and short snouts. We scan the ice and the shore for bears until I cant look anymore. That night, I have a vivid dream: a polar bear is dancing below us on an ice floe as the ship sails past and I shout elephant. Best you see it now Sea kayaking through frigid waters amid floating bergy bits. Credit: Daniela Tommasi Its snowing when I wake, little star-shaped flakes that melt on my upturned face. Weve taken shelter from winds blowing across the Greenland Sea, in Kongsfjorden. The snow stops and we steam to a bay set below two glaciers, Kongsvegen and Kronebreen. We see the first fast ice of the expedition its sea ice which fastens to coastline, and its where bears like to hunt. The stoic veteran polar bear expert Gary Miller looks mildly excited. Could be bears, he says to no one in particular on the front deck. Kayakers get to choose between kayak tours or Zodiac expeditions each day. I opt for the latter for the first time: I figure Ill see more. We move towards the fast ice and I spot a ringed seal lying on a bergy bit. A polar bear requires at least one ringed seal a week; it waits till the seal surfaces from the water and pulls it onto land or ice, then it peels the skin off like a banana. I study the fast ice around the seal for a big, buttery coat. Alas, nothing. We move on, motoring further down the shoreline, searching, always searching. But somethings happened behind us. One of the Zodiacs has stopped. And I see arms on-board outstretched, pointing. Our guide kicks his outboard into higher gear and we rush off towards them. I train my binoculars at where their eyes are looking. Then I spot it. Finally. An enormous white bear is rolling playfully on the shore by the sea ice. Its head is raised towards us. Can it be waving? It looks like its waving? One huge paw is extended, rotating slowly. It waves for a minute or so. Then slouches on its back, arms back down on the snow. Then it lifts a leg, then places it back on the ground. Then another. And another. And another. I stare, and I stare. It stops, and lies back on the earth, and doesnt move again. Im not sure how to feel: whether to laugh, or to cry. Everything on an Arctic trip is delivered with a degree of melancholy since all the beauty we see comes with a disclaimer: best you see it now. Polar bears are getting hungrier every year. When did this one last eat? And how long will it last out here among this melting ice and snow? But for now with an idiot grin frozen on my face that wont wipe off until I go to sleep Ill savour this moment forever. The writer travelled as a guest of Southern Sea Ventures. Five other polar bears habitats Churchill, Canada The other polar bear capital of the world, Churchill offers the cheapest ways to see a bear on a tundra buggy tour. Bears often roam its streets. Take a two-hour flight from Winnipeg. Kaktovik, Alaska Its not easy to get here. Fly for five hours from Anchorage, or from Fairbanks, but youll see lots of polar bears on an indigenous-run boat tour in this tiny Eskimo village. Nunavut, Canada Should Churchill not be enough for you, take a 50-minute flight to this small indigenous settlement on the edge of the sea-ice pack to see bears in the wild with local Inuits. Greenland Greenland is home to one of the largest populations of polar bears on Earth. But they live in Greenlands most inaccessible north-east and north-west regions so take an expedition ship. Wrangel Island, Russia Some time in the future, travel to Russias remote Arctic where youll get to experience a polar bear nursery. Wrangel Island is a refuge for all bears in the area in summer. THE DETAILS TOUR Southern Sea Ventures offer a 10-day, nine-night expedition aboard the Polar Pioneer from June 7 next year from $US7650, including all meals and hotel the night before the expedition begins, airfares excluded. Optional sea-kayaking supplements are $US950. They also offer expeditions to Greenland, see southernseaventures.com Military cadets hold up Thai national flags as they gather outside the Grand Palace to celebrate the 67th birthday of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok, Thailand, July 28, 2019. (Photo: REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha) The investigation into the recent shooting at a shopping center in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, continues. On Thursday, Thai police arrested two men accused of selling firearms to the suspected shooter. On Tuesday afternoon, a 14-year-old teenager opened fire at the Siam Paragon shopping center in Bangkok, killing two individuals from China and Myanmar and injuring five others, including a Chinese national, a Laotian, and three Thais. According to police, the suspect, a student from a private school in Bangkok, had a history of mental health treatment. The handgun he used had been modified to fire live ammunition. He now faces five charges, including premeditated murder and possession of a firearm without a permit. This incident marks the third major shooting in this Southeast Asian tourist hotspot in just over three years, reigniting discussions about gun control in Thailand. On October 6, 2022, a former police officer, dismissed for drug use, attacked a childcare center in northeastern Thailand with firearms and knives, killing at least 36 people. On February 8, 2020, a soldier indiscriminately shot and killed 29 people in a mall in Nakhon Ratchasima. Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong, a Thai human rights researcher with Amnesty International, noted that given the three similar incidents in recent years, it's a reminder that these might not be isolated tragedies. Thailand needs to reassess whether gun violence is a systemic issue. While Thailand's gun violence is nowhere near the levels seen in the U.S., the country stands out in Asia for its gun-related issues. Data from the Small Arms Survey (SAS) in 2017 indicates that over 10.3 million civilians in Thailand own firearms, equating to about 15 guns for every 100 people. In contrast, neighboring Malaysia has less than one gun per 100 people. Of these, only around 6.2 million firearms are legally registered. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) data from 2019 shows that Thailand ranks second in Southeast Asia for firearm homicides, trailing only the Philippines. Beyond high private gun ownership rates, lax oversight has exacerbated the proliferation of gun violence. While the Thai government has relatively strict reviews for legal gun ownership, requiring applicants to be over 20 and undergo background checks while providing a valid reason for gun ownership, penalties for illegal possession can be as severe as 10 years in prison and a fine of 20,000 Thai baht. However, there are significant loopholes. Many firearms in Thailand are sold by government employees or law enforcement officers, who can purchase unlimited quantities of weapons from the government at significant discounts. Additionally, gun permits in Thailand are valid for life, unlike many countries that set expiration dates. Many local agencies rarely verify the identities of original permit holders, further lowering the bar for legal gun ownership. Furthermore, there are numerous channels for the general public to acquire firearms. For instance, replica weapons, which can be purchased without a permit, are popular among Thai military enthusiasts. The firearm used in the recent Siam Paragon shooting was such a replica. A thriving black market, driven in part by arms smuggling from neighboring Myanmar, provides another avenue. Paul Quaglia, CEO of risk assessment firm PQA Associates in Bangkok, believes that gun regulation in Thailand is "virtually non-existent." The former CIA employee stated, "There's no systematic effort to register firearms here. The problem in Thailand is the proliferation of guns, both legal and illegal. It's very easy for the public to get their hands on them." Thai authorities are considering tightening gun regulations. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha mentioned taking "preventive measures" to prevent future tragedies. On the same day, the National Police Chief Suwat Jangyodsuk spoke of measures to address "legal loopholes." Beyond regulatory issues, the prevailing gun culture in this predominantly Buddhist nation cannot be overlooked. In Thailand, firearms are to some extent seen as symbols of wealth and privilege. In rural areas, locals often resort to firearms to settle disputes. Thai police officer Naras Savestanan once said that sometimes conflicts arise, and firearms seem to be the answer. "Guns level the playing field." Experts suggest that the circulation of millions of firearms, combined with lax regulation and enforcement, exacerbates gun violence. Both the Thai government and the public need to consider how to find a long-term solution. For Thailand, which heavily relies on Chinese tourists for revenue, this tragedy further tarnishes its image as a tourist destination. The Thai government is actively engaging in "crisis PR" to alleviate external concerns. After the incident, Prime Minister Prayuth immediately called the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to express condolences on behalf of the Thai government to the Chinese victims and to comfort the injured. On Wednesday morning, King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand sent representatives to the hospital to comfort the injured Chinese citizens from the shooting, presenting them with flowers and consolation gifts. Tourists in Bangkok had mixed reactions to the shooting. Chanon Vongsanitkul, an 18-year-old Thai student, said he wouldn't be visiting the area for a while due to concerns about the security system. However, 37-year-old Chinese tourist Dean Liu remains "confident" in Thailand, believing in the country's handling of the situation and feeling minimally impacted by the incident. Israeli tourist Eyal Sheffer also expressed that he's "not worried," feeling safe and trusting the local police to handle everything. Reliance Retail Ventures will raise Rs 4,966.80 crore from a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) at a pre-money equity value of Rs 8.38 trillion, thus making it among the top four companies by equity value in the country, Reliance Industries said in a release. This investment by ADIA will translate into an equity stake of 0.59 per cent in the company on a fully-diluted basis. ADIA had also participated in the retailers 2020 round of fundraise and had then picked up 1.18 per cent stake for Rs 5,512.50 crore. Reliance Retail Ventures also raised funds from Qatar Investment Authority and KKR recently. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Reliance Retail Ventures and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Davis Polk & Wardwell were the legal counsels. We are pleased to further deepen our relationship with ADIA with its continued support as an investor in Reliance Retail Ventures. Its long-standing experience of over decades of value creation globally will further benefit us in implementing our vision and driving transformation of the Indian retail sector. ADIAs investment in Reliance Retail Ventures is a further testament to its belief in the Indian economy and our business fundamentals, strategy and execution capabilities, Isha Mukesh Ambani, executive director, Reliance Retail Ventures, said in its release. Reliance Retail Ventures, through its subsidiaries and associates, operates Indias largest retail business with a network of over 18,500 stores and digital commerce platforms across grocery, consumer electronics, fashion & lifestyle, and pharma consumption baskets. Reliance Retail has demonstrated strong growth and adaptability in a market that is evolving at an unprecedented pace. This investment aligns with our strategy of supporting our portfolio companies that are transforming their respective end-markets. We are pleased to partner with the Reliance Group, and increase our exposure to Indias dynamic and fast-growing consumer sector, Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, executive director (ED) of the private equities department, ADIA, said. Two and three-wheeler major TVS Motor company in collaboration with BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of German automaker BMW Group, began production of its first electric two-wheeler CE 02 at the manufacturing facility here on Friday. The factory located about 70 kms from Bengaluru, was engaged in the production of vehicles co-developed by the two auto companies. On the occasion, the companies rolled out the one lakh fifty thousandth unit of the popular 310cc motorcycle from the plant. TVS Motor and BMW Motorrad jointly sell BMW G 310R, BMW 310 GS, BMW G310RR along with TVS Apache RR310 and the recently launched TVS Apache RTR 310. TVS Motor company, Director and CEO KN Radhakrishnan and BMW Motorrad Head Dr Markus Schram were present at the factory. The CE 02 electric two-wheeler would be initially sold in Europe and later retailed in India, the company officials said. Radhakrishnan said its a special day witnessing the rollout of 1,50,000th unit and the launch of CE 02. "I think this is something unique. It is a long-standing relationship between the two companies who have same quality engineering prowess with BMW is a global aspirated brand while TVS is more than one hundred years old," he told reporters. It is a testament of common values, basic philosophy of the common group, customer centric approach and the focus is on delivering global aspirational products, he said. The product is designed by BMW and codeveloped by TVS Motor. Radhakrishnan recalled that the company rolled out 1,00,000 th vehicle in December 2021 while it took two years to reach 1.50 lakh unit today. According to him, TVS Motor accounts for 12 per cent of the motorcycle sales of the BMW Group globally. "This is the journey of CE 02 and the relationship (between the two companies) will continue for many more years on a strong friendship basis." "Through our collaborative efforts we have achieved five extraordinary products in the 310cc series, including the recent Apache RTR 310. These products are now embraced by enthusiasts in over 100 markets globally," he said. Also Read BMW India expects double-digit growth in 2023, chip supply a challenge TVS, BMW in discussions to expand manufacturing network beyond India TVS Motor Company reports 3% jump in its total vehicle sales in June TVS Motor revs up with strong outlook, market share gains, new launches Struggling BMW blames supply-chain issues even as luxury car sales flourish Softbank sells 2.54% stake in PB Fintech; Godrej Industries shares up 20% Reliance Retail Ventures to raise Rs 4,966.80 crore from ADIA arm Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Retail Ventures to raise $598 million from ADIA Prestige Group Q2 sales bookings up 2-fold to Rs 7,092 cr on strong demand SBI chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara gets extension till August next year "Taking our relationship to the next level we have started the production of our firstly jointly designed, developed and industrialised EV together, the BMW CE 02, at Hosur plant today," Radhakrishnan said. BMW Motorrad Head Dr Markus Schramm said, "it is an extra ordinary success story and the strong collaboration (between the two companies) has led to the launch of great products". Pointing to the launch of 150,000 vehicles from the Hosur plant, Schramm said it is a strong number and expressed confidence that it would not take another two years to reach 200,000 production unit. "We want to bring more electric models in 18-24 months", he said and added that the target customers for CE 02 product will be youngsters in the European market. To a query he said the company conceptualised the CE 02 model four years ago and it was first showcased globally in July 2023. Schramm said the CE 02 bike would be initially sold in European markets at 8,500 euros from next April 2024 and would be launched later in India. "The extension and expansion of this partnership towards future technologies and sustainable mobility solutions including the unique and fully electric masterpiece BMW CE 02 is a consistent step to also shape the future together with TVS Motor Company." "And today's start of production of our unique CE 02 marks a significant milestone in our joint and future cooperation," he added. In 2022, Schramm said BMW Motorrad achieved the best sales result in the company's history by selling 202,895 motorcycles and scooters. TVS Motor is proud to be associated with BMW CE 02 where the scope includes design and development, delivering world class quality, supply chain management and industrialisation, an official said. In August, TVS Motor Company and BMW Motorrad celebrated 10 years of their long and strategic partnership. Spanning over product development, design, technology, knowledge sharing, and developing common platforms for both their global customers, the strategic partnership between the two companies has achieved a series of milestones globally. TVS motor company and BMW Motorrad signed a long-term strategic partnership in April 2013, to manufacture sub-500cc motorcycles for global markets. This collaboration has resulted in the development of four products on the 310cc platform: BMW G 310 R, BMW 310 GS, BMW G310 RR and TVS Motor Company's flagship motorcycle, TVS Apache RR 310, a company statement said. By Andy Mukherjee On more than 6 billion separate occasions in just one month, the ringing of cash registers in India was replaced by audio confirmations on a digital sound box. Add instances of people paying one another rather than merchants, and the worlds most-populous nation drummed up more than 10 billion cashless transactions in August. All were online, instantaneous and cost nothing. At least most of them didnt. Since April, customers dipping into their mobile-phone wallets to settle bills of more than Rs 2,000 ($24) have to bear a maximum 1.1 per cent fee, but only if they are scanning a different platforms quick-response code. This charge goes from the merchant to his QR code provider Amazon.com Inc.-owned PhonePe or homegrown Paytm for hooking up with Alphabet Inc.s Google Pay. But the Unified Payments Interface, a common protocol for people to send and receive money into accounts at different banks, remains free for regular use. Banks do try to impose some costs on high-volume users, and the government gives them money to promote low-value online transactions and make formal credit available to disadvantaged groups like street vendors. Yet, a lot of the lenders complain about being made to watch the swelling wave of online payments from the sidelines, rather than being allowed to ride it. Without a profit motive, how will India sustain an industry that starting from nowhere seven years ago has come to transact nearly $2 trillion of value annually? It appears that those concerns are overblown. Even with a free public utility, Indias payment revenue swelled last year to $64 billion, behind only China, the U.S. and Brazil, and rivalling Japan, according to McKinsey & Co.s latest global survey. The rising tide of online transactions has led to a surge in digital commerce. That has, in turn, lifted other boats: Credit card usage has also expanded. Nor has the lack of a profit motive stifled innovation. New initiatives like pre-approved credit lines will supplement the original protocol that only allowed customers to debit bank accounts or wallet balances to pay someone. Since last year, credit cards have also been allowed to be linked but only if they are on Indias RuPay network. Visa Inc. and Mastercard Inc., which have grumbled about the countrys absence of a level playing field, would love to be included. Its a different story from other successful payment systems. While McKinsey expects instant payments, led by the Pix platform, to account for half of the growth in Brazils payment revenue from transactions through 2027, the comparable figure for India may not even be 10 per cent. Also Read Biz of moving currency booming, with new revenue streams set to open up UPI continues to dominate digital payments thanks to wide use of QR codes You may soon be able to make UPI payments by talking or just tapping phone India extends UPI services to France, first in Europe after Singapore P2M transactions to make 75% of all UPI transactions by 2025: Report Poonawalla Fincorp posts record Q2 disbursements at Rs 7,750 crore Securitisation activity unaffected by HDFC merger, surges 35% in H1: CRISIL India market levels show effective rate has risen; RBI meeting in focus Indian rupee to trade in tight range as RBI keeps intervening: Poll RBI's MPC likely to hold rates amid persisting inflation, say experts Indias profit from payments will expand because of sheer volumes. A fifth of the countrys 620 billion transactions last year were settled digitally. By 2027, the figure would rise to 765 billion, and nearly two out of three of these exchanges would be online. Nimble fintech firms would aggressively scout for every new avenue opened by technology or regulatory change. However, there is ample room for banks to pursue various use cases depending on their specific core competencies and strategic priorities, the consulting firm notes. Initially, banks were reluctant to promote the shared network, fearing it would cannibalize their proprietary apps. Those fears werent unfounded, though in the process of losing their moat, the lenders have won access to the worlds fourth-largest pool of payment revenue. And this is just the start. From fees on cards to interest income on credit lines, new opportunities may arise in adjacent activities. In the first two months of last quarter, Paytm distributed $1.65 billion in loans on its platform on behalf of lenders, a 137 per cent jump from a year earlier. The instant-payment protocol may have become wildly popular, but it has only scratched the surface of its potential. The National Payments Corporation of India, the networks operator, is taking it global. From Paris to Singapore and Dubai, there will be plenty of fees and currency-exchange commissions to be earned when Indian tourists use their rupee wallets funded by credit lines from local lenders at shops overseas. For Indias banks that have turned a giveaway into a catalyst for last years 38 per cent revenue growth, it makes sense to not upset the status quo. Theres much to be gained from an online payment system that is familiar, fast, and free. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday welcomed his Maltese counterpart, Ian Borg, to the national capital and the two held discussions on India's increasing trade and commerce and investments in the Mediterranean region. "Pleased to welcome FM @MinisterIanBorg of Malta this afternoon in New Delhi. Our talks covered India's increasing trade & commerce, investments and people to people ties with the Mediterranean," posted Jaishankar on the social media platform, X. The official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, extended his welcome to the Maltese minister upon his arrival on Friday morning. Bagchi said Borg's visit will strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Malta, as well as multilateral ties. Taking to his social media platform X, he posted, "Warm welcome to FM @MinisterIanBorg of Malta to India. The visit will further strengthen our bilateral and multilateral ties." Meanwhile, the EAM also stated that he discussed India's coordination with respect to the European Union (EU) and Africa. "Also discussed cooperation with respect to the European Union and Africa," his post added. India and the European Union (EU) discussed ways to sustain a secure maritime environment conducive for inclusive growth and global well-being, during the 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue held in Brussels on Thursday. India and the EU also discussed cyber cooperation in multilateral fora and also appreciated the Cyber Dialogue mechanism. The two sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation initiatives in the maritime domain and avenues of reinforcing international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security, as per a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). African Union became a permanent member of the Group of 20 (G20) at India's initiative. Recalling the emotional moment for inclusion of African Union in G20 during its presidency', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 18 said that the success of G20 is of 140 crore Indians adding that India has carved a place for itself as 'Vishwa Mitra'. PM Modi in his opening speech during the special session of Parliament, last month, said, "India will always feel pride for the inclusion of the African Union in G20 during its presidency." Also Read PM Modi holds meeting with Kishida; unveils Gandhi's bust in Hiroshima Both sides remain in touch: MEA's Arindam Bagchi on journalists' visa issue US President, First Lady host PM Modi for intimate dinner at White House PM Modi leaves for India after concluding day-long productive visit to UAE BIMSTEC foreign ministers meeting begins in Bangkok: EAM Jaishankar India elected President of AIBD General Council for third consecutive term SC won't stop Bihar from publishing caste survey data. Here's why Vijayawada ACB court reserves judgement to Monday on Naidu's bail plea Karnataka govt plans to set up fact-checking teams to tackle fake news Funds came from China to disrupt sovereignty: Police FIR against NewsClick Moreover, Borg is on a short visit to India and will depart for his homeland on October 8. Participation of foreign exhibitors, including China, has come down to around 25 per cent at the 16th edition of the Renewable Energy India Expo against an average of 45 per cent earlier. This year size of the Chinese contingent has shrunk due to visa issues amid the prevailing situation between India and China, Informa Markets India's senior group director Rajneesh Khattar said. China is the dominating player in solar energy worldwide, he noted. However, the void has been filled by home-grown domestic entrepreneurs with the expo being held in Greater Noida -- turning out to be the largest ever in terms of size and scale, he said. "Traditionally, over the years we have seen around 45 per cent international component (participation). This year, as everyone knows, Chinese companies and citizens have not been able to get visas due to the political situation between the two countries. So, because of this, we have seen the loss of China," Khattar told PTI. "However, home-grown Indian entrepreneurs have filled up that void this year with their participation at a large scale and rise up to the occasion. This year, the event has grown to its largest scale so far. If we talk about this year, we have 25 per cent international participants and 75 per cent domestic participants, and we are very happy with the domestic contribution, he said. The senior group director said the REI Expo has a German pavilion and an Italian pavilion, and all partner countries from the past are continuing in this edition also. "But yes, the Chinese contingent, which used to participate in large numbers till last year, has not been able to come this year. Let's see how it goes the next year," he added. Yogesh Mudras, the managing director for Informa Markets India, said the ongoing 16th edition of REI Expo is the "largest of all their editions so far in terms of scale. "The increased participation of domestic exhibitors will also help achieve the Make In India goal," Mudras said, referring to the government's initiative to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub. Also Read 'Integrating renewable energy in power system crucial to meet climate goal' Asiad 2023 India vs China football highlights: China thrashes India 5-1 Adani Green Energy targets 45 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 Asian Games 2023 football: China thrash under-prepared and jaded India 1-5 We must join hands to tackle climate change: CII Eenrgy Conference 'Farmers' interests to be protected: Karnataka CM 's advice to central team J'khand govt gives nod to declare cancer, rabies as notifiable diseases Sikkim's Teesta III river dam disaster: When neglect flows downstream NewsClick case: Urmilesh, Abhisar questioned again, court asks for FIR copy Mahadev app case: ED summons Kapil Sharma, actors Huma Qureshi, Hina Khan Being held along with the first edition of 'The Battery Show India', over 700 exhibitors and more than 900 brands have converged for the Expo, which is expected to attract around 40,000 visitors over three days. Italian Trade Commissioner Alessandro Liberatori said, "The Indian market is the most promising market for the world in coming years". At the REI Expo, participants from countries like Germany, Italy, France, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Turkey, and Cambodia have set up their stalls to exhibit their products and services related to green energy solutions. Though Chinese representation has gone down this year, it still has maintained a notable presence. "Our international participation has come down this year for the simple reason because China has dominated the solar industry worldwide. They are the pure dominating players. Their annual individual capacity addition is more than the total cumulative capacity of India," Khattar claimed. "But we know, right now there are political issues between India and China and so Chinese nationals have not got visas for entry to India. Chinese companies could not participate because their people could not travel. We do have some Chinese participants but these are those who either already have offices in India or had their colleagues travel in from other parts of the world like Vietnam," he said. The three-day-long Renewable Energy India Expo and The Batter Show India are being held at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. India has been elected as the President of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference (GC) for the third consecutive term. Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster, represents the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, at the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development. India previously served two terms as President for the AIBD GC from 2018 to 2021 and from 2021 to 2023. Established in 1977 under Unesco, this international organisation comprises 92 member organisations from 44 countries. These include 26 government members represented by 48 broadcasting authorities, along with 44 affiliates represented by 28 countries and regions across Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States, and North America. India is one of the founding members of the group. The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting highlighted the significance of this achievement. He stressed that India's ability to secure this position reflects the confidence of broadcasting organisations worldwide in India's capabilities in guiding and innovating in the field of broadcasting. This also underscores the global trust in both India and Prasar Bharati as leaders in the broadcasting arena. The 21st General Conference and Associated Meetings 2023 (GC 2023) of the AIBD were held from 2-4 October 2023 in Port Louis, Mauritius. The conference was chaired by Gaurav Dwivedi, Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati. It focused on fostering a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific region through policy and resource development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire that broke out at a building in Goregaon, Mumbai. He has and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next-of-kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Seven people have been killed and over 50 people were injured in the blaze that broke out in Jay Bhavani building around 3 am today. "Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Mumbai's Goregaon. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," PM Modi posted on X (Formerly Twitter). Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire and announced that the State government will provide monetary help of Rs 5 lakh to their families. "I am continuously talking with Municipal Commissioner and Police... What happened is unfortunate. I express my condolences to those who died. The government will provide monetary help of Rs 5 lakhs to their families. Those who are injured will be given treatment by the government," Maharashtra CM said. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he is in touch with the BMC and Mumbai Police officials to provide assistance. "Pained to know about the loss of lives in the fire incident at Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC and Mumbai Police officials and all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured ones," Devendra Fadnavis posted on X. According to the latest reports, 51 persons were rescued and rushed to the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital. Out of the total of 51 injured persons, the condition of five persons has been reported to be critical. Thirty-five persons are being treated for their injuries and four of the injured people have been discharged. Also Read Maha bus accident: CM Shinde announces Rs 5 lakh ex gratia, free treatment PM Modi mourns Tamil Nadu bus accident victims; announces ex-gratia Shinde-led Sena had urged BJP to not give finance dept to Ajit Pawar: Raut Centre has approved ex-gratia in Bhiwandi building collapse case: MoS Patil PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to kin of deceased in Ahmedabad accident Gender shock: Share of Indian women in managerial roles declines PM Modi hails Vivek Agnihotri's latest 'The Vaccine War' in Rajasthan Rise in number of women judges nation-wide trend: CJI Chandrachud Freebies ahead of polls: SC seeks responses from MP, Rajasthan govts Assembly elections 2023: When will ECI announce poll dates for 5 states? According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the level 2 fire incident was confined to the lower floors of the upper seven-floored residential building having shops on part ground floor. Several vehicles and scrap materials were also gutted in the blaze. It further said that the building's residents were stranded on the upper floors after the fire broke out and were later rescued. Mumbai civic, police and fire brigade officials are at the spot conducting fire-fighting and rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the creators of The Vaccine War", saying that the film has made everyone proud. Under the direction of Vivek Agnihotri, the film 'the Vaccine war' is based on the true story of Indian researchers, their battle against the Coronavirus pandemic and how they made an affordable vaccine for India and the world. The prime minister also appreciated the filmmakers for giving recognition to the researchers of the country. PM Modi on The Vaccine war Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the film and remarked on its depiction of the steady efforts of our country's researchers in the fight against Covid-19. Apart from the film already getting attention from the audience, it has now got a heartfelt congratulatory message from the countrys PM himself. Modi lauded the makers while addressing a rally and said, "I have heard that a film called 'The Vaccine War' has been released, which depicts the relentless efforts of our country's scientists who worked day and night, dedicating themselves to the cause of fighting COVID in their labs, like sages. In this film, all these aspects have been portrayed... I congratulate the makers of this film for highlighting the importance of scientists and science. This will be very useful for the coming generations". More about 'The Vaccine War' The film portrays the steady dedication and sacrifices made by researchers who worked constantly in their labs to battle the covid emergency. It has deeply touched the hearts of the crowds and started off conversations about the meaning of scientific research in these difficult times. The film has Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher, Sapthami Gowda, Raima Sen and Pallavi Joshi in its lead actors and the film narrates the story of the difficult time in which India created the vaccine. Produced by Pallavi Joshi and I am Buddha, the film was released in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil on 28th September 2023. Vivek Agnihotris reaction on Modis appreciation Director Vivek Agnihotri shared his response to PM's appreciation about 'The Vaccine War'. The filmmaker took to X (Twitter), and offered his thanks to the Prime Minister for praising the film. Vivek also revealed that the women researchers who helped in the creation of the film called the filmmaker and broke down post hearing the Indian prime minister. Also Read Why does Wikipedia need donations despite its massive popularity? The Kerala Story gets 'A' certificate from censor board, 10 scenes deleted Nushrat Barucha's "Akelli": Release Date, Cast, Showtime, Ticket Price Vivek Agnihotri confirms 'The Vaccine War' release date, shares teaser on X Why has the upcoming movie 'The Kerala Story' courted controversy? Rise in number of women judges nation-wide trend: CJI Chandrachud Freebies ahead of polls: SC seeks responses from MP, Rajasthan govts Assembly elections 2023: When will ECI announce poll dates for 5 states? Russian President Putin praises India as 'giant,' backs permanent UN seat Sikkim flash flood: Death toll rises to 21, over 100 missing | Details here Its heartening to hear PM @narendramodi acknowledge the contribution of Indian scientists, specially women scientists in making the indigenous vaccine under his leadership. Women scientists called and got emotional first time a PM praised Virologists", Vivek wrote after hearing the speech of Modi. By Anup Roy Russias President Vladimir Putin heaped praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and backed Indias inclusion in a reformed United Nations Security Council, in a grievance-filled speech at an annual discussion forum. Putins comments come as the war in Ukraine remains stalemated and the Russian leader casts the conflict as a struggle against Western hegemony and dominance. International laws must be amended in line with the requirements and demands of today and in accordance with the changes in the situation in the world, Putin said, adding that he believes countries like Brazil, India and South Africa deserve greater representation at the UN. With a population of 1.5 billion people, and strong economic growth, India is a giant in the world, Putin said, adding Indias high-tech exports are growing exponentially, and the country is getting stronger each year under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin also said that the West was flirting with India and trying to draw it into its orbit but praised the Modi government for continuing to act independently. India and Russia maintain close ties despite pressure from the West. India continues to buy record quantities of Russian oil, at steep discounts and has long relied on Russian weapons for its military. India has abstained from all UN General Assembly votes denouncing Russias invasion of Ukraine. India has lobbied for a permanent seat in the UNSC for decades. Russias diplomatic ally China is strongly opposed to the proposal. The UNSC has five permanent members China, France, the Russian Federation, the UK and the US, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Indias two-year term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council ended in 2022. The commerce ministry's arm Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended an anti-dumping duty of up to 82 per cent on imports of wheel loaders from China for five years to protect domestic players. The product is a commonly used machinery in infrastructure and mining sectors. The recommendation came after a year-long investigation into the complaints of injury by domestic manufacturers of this product. According to a DGTR notification: "The Authority recommends imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties... so as to remove the injury to the domestic industry". It has concluded in its probe that the imports are coming at prices below the domestic sales price, injuring the domestic industry. The anti-dumping duty, when notified by the Department of Revenue, will be imposed on 'wheel loaders' of less than 7,000 kg capacity and even on imports of semi-knocked-down kits. Completely knocked-down kits have been excluded from the duties as this could end up with anti-dumping duties being imposed on parts too. The duties recommended by DGTR would vary from company to company. The domestic industry produces loaders of up to 5,583 kg capacity. Wheel loaders are used in mining, shipping, construction and whenever earth and other material has to be moved and loaded. India's total imports of wheel loaders were USD 108.49 million in 2022-23 as against USD 142.16 million in 2021-22. Also Read DGTR initiates anti-dumping probe into import of Chinese flasks, bottles India's anti-dumping duty impositions drop amid post Covid-19 shift Commerce ministry recommends anti-dumping duty on imports of Chinese glass Steel Strips Wheels hits record high, surges 9% on healthy growth outlook India imposes anti-dumping duty on some Chinese steel for 5 years Ola launches all-electric on-demand parcel delivery service in Bengaluru Favourable winds blowing for consumer durables sector after a weak Q1FY24 Air Asia India transfers first A320 to Air India Express: Campbell Wilson India among Costa Coffee's top 10 priority markets, plans to open 50 stores MeitY warns X, Telegram and YouTube: Act swift on CSAM or lose safe harbour The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a directive on Friday, instructing social media intermediaries X (formerly known as Twitter), Telegram, and YouTube to proactively remove any child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their platforms. The ministry warned that any delay in compliance could result in the loss of safe harbour immunity. The ministry emphasised the prompt and permanent removal or disabling of access to any CSAM posted by users on these platforms. Additionally, it called for the implementation of proactive measures, such as content moderation algorithms and reporting mechanisms, to prevent the dissemination of CSAM in the future. As previously reported, law enforcement agencies have observed an increase in cybercrimes against children, with a growing use of artificial intelligence to manipulate images, audios, and videos to create harmful content. The ministry did not clarify the reason for sending the notices particularly to the three platforms mentioned above. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (IT), stated, We have issued notices to X, YouTube, and Telegram to ensure that no CSAM exists on their platforms. The government is committed to establishing a safe and trusted internet under the IT Rules. The IT Rules, as outlined in the IT Act, establish strict expectations for social media intermediaries not to permit criminal or harmful content on their platforms. Failure to act promptly will result in the withdrawal of their safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act, with legal consequences under Indian law. Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, states that an intermediary shall not be held liable for any third-party information, data, or communication links made available or hosted by them. This provision offers a safe harbour or immunity to online platforms against legal action concerning illegal content shared on their platform. However, this immunity is subject to certain obligations prescribed under IT Rules. The ministry also noted that non-compliance with its directives would be considered a violation of Rule 3(1)(b) and Rule 4(4) of the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules mandate online intermediaries to remove any user-generated content that is obscene, pornographic, peedophilic, or harmful to children. Also Read Telegram launches Instagram-like 'stories' feature for premium users Data breach: Personal data of Covid vaccine recipients leaked on Telegram Over 2,000 people to be arrested in Assam over child marriages: CM Himanta YouTube now offers high quality 1080p video on web for premium subscribers What's new on YouTube: More ads, including a 30 sec long unskippable on TVs InGovern flags concerns with FinMin about Flipkart hiring ex-CCI Officer Banks likely to report healthy profits in Q2 on high credit growth IBC regime was costing carriers additional $1.3 billion, says Centre Great Indian Festival sale to be bigger than last year: Amazon VP US-based LAM Research plans to set up a semiconductor lab in Karnataka According to the due diligence requirements outlined in the rules, platforms must take down unlawful content within 36 hours of receiving a court order or a directive from a government agency. The IT Act, 2000, also provides a legal framework for addressing pornographic content, including CSAM. Sections 66E, 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act impose stringent penalties and fines for the online transmission of obscene or pornographic content. Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth, Swastika Investmart said that the positive response to the IPO could be due to the company's improving financial performance, experienced promoters, and fair IPO price. "However, investors should carefully consider related risks as well, like the company's single-product focus, dependence on a limited number of suppliers and customers, and the competitive industry. Thus, investors are advised to book profits and exit their positions, but those who want to hold for the long term should keep a stop loss at 150.", Shivani added. Valiant Laboratories made a good debut on the bourses, with shares of commodity chemicals company listed at Rs 162.15, a 16 per cent premium to the issue price of Rs 140 per share on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday. The stock listed at Rs 161, a 15 per cent premium to its issue price on the BSE.Post listing, at 10:03 AM; shares of Valiant Labs were locked at the 5 per cent upper circuit at Rs 170.25, up 22 per cent over its issue price. The stock was frozen 5 per cent higher from the opening price at Rs 169.05 on the BSE. A combined 3.3 million equity shares had changed hands. There were pending buy orders for around 1 million shares on the NSE and BSE.The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing firm had received 29.76 times subscription. The portion for non-institutional investors was subscribed 73.64 times while the quota for qualified institutional buyers (QIB) received 20.83 times subscription. Retail individual investors portion was subscribed 16.06 times.Proceeds of the issue will be utilised to set up a manufacturing facility for speciality chemicals in Gujarat through its subsidiary -- Valiant Advanced Sciences Private Ltd -- and to meet the working capital requirements of the subsidiary company.Valiant Labs is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or bulk drug manufacturing company with its focus on manufacturing paracetamol, used in the treatment of headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothache, cold, and fever.Going forward, the paracetamol API industry is expected to clock a CAGR of 5-7 per cent between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2027, largely driven by the demand from domestic formulation manufacturers as well as export markets.The company intends to enhance its presence in international geographies, including regulated markets where its strategy is primarily to become the preferred supplier of Paracetamol API to pharmaceutical companies. In terms of revenue mix, the domestic market contributes 99.61 per cent to total revenue in FY2023 and exports 0.39 per cent.The company is venturing into speciality chemicals because of its varied applications in agrochemical, pharma intermediary, dyes, pigments, food and fragrance industries. Production and supply of speciality chemicals through its Proposed Facility in Gujarat will diversify its revenue and increase growth.The companys balance sheet strength, high ROCE, positive operating cash flows, shorter debtor holding period, enable the company to fund its strategic initiatives, pursue opportunities for growth and better manage unanticipated cash flow variations, Valiant Labs said in Red Herring Prospectus.The company is reducing its dependence on import of raw materials. The company imports Para Amino Phenol, being raw material for manufacturing of Paracetamol from China and Cambodia. Its percentage of imports to total purchase fell from 74.86 per cent in FY21 to 11.87 per cent in FY2023.However, the company is dependent on sales from single product (paracetamol) for its revenue. Any changes to the paracetamol API industry or product demand will adversely affect its business. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel took on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government accusing it of transforming the country to a dictatorial form of government. "They are suppressing the opposition so that no opposition is left. They want to eliminate all the opposition and send them to jail. Efforts are being made to take the country towards dictatorship," Baghel said speaking to reporters in Raipur while reacting to Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh's arrest on Wednesday. Speaking about raids carried out by the central investigation agencies, Baghel said, "What has happened to journalists shows a dictatorial attitude. If a journalist writes something with his pen that is unbiased or criticizes you, then he is thrown into jail. There is an attack on opposition leaders. It did not start today but ever since the NDA government was formed. After Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, whether it is Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal the situation is everywhere like this." The statues of freedom fighter Mahadev Prasad Pandey and Narayan Prasad Avasthi were unveiled by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday. "The statue of freedom fighter Padmashree Mahadev Prasad Pandey as well as the great donor Narayan Prasad Avasthi was inaugurated in the Ayurvedic College. The statue of both the great persons who worked for education for the society and the country was inaugurated. It is a moment of pride for me to have had the opportunity to unveil it," he said. Canada has evacuated a majority of its diplomats working in India outside of New Delhi to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore after it gave Ottawa an October 10 deadline to reduce its diplomatic staff to achieve parity in strength following a row over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to a media report on Friday. The report in CTV News, a privately owned Canadian television network, came after India earlier this week asked Canada to withdraw several dozen diplomats from its missions amid the escalating diplomatic row that erupted following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist Nijjar in June. India 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. The Indian government has given Ottawa until October 10 to reduce Canadian diplomatic staff in that country to a level on par with the number of Indian diplomats in Canada, CTV News quoted sources as saying. Earlier reports pegged the number of diplomats that would have to leave at 41, but the sources CTV News spoke with said the ask is specific to one of parity. "A majority of the Canadian diplomats working in India outside of Delhi have been evacuated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore," the report said. Global Affairs Canada, the department that manages the country's diplomatic and consular relations, had previously stated that "with some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms," it was "assessing its staff complement in India." "As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India," the department said, just days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder. India on Thursday asserted that Canada must reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to achieve parity in strength and alleged that some of the Canadian diplomats are involved in interfering in New Delhi's internal matters, signalling a continuing slide in the ties between the two nations over the killing of Nijjar. Also Read Nykaa, Paytm, Zomato: Canadian FPI-held stocks take a hit on widening rift Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar and why his murder has led to a diplomatic row Nijjar killing row: India asks Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats by Oct 10 Malaysia to discuss rice export curbs with India to find 'best solution' Police report 'emergency incident' after airliner returns to Sydney Airport Heavy rains, floods kill 6 people in Sri Lanka and force schools to close Turkish warplanes hit US-backed Kurdish militia targets in northern Syria Putin indicates Russia may return to nuclear testing, withdrawing from ban Parity brought in to put pressure on Canada: Former envoy on India's demand EU Parliament condemns 'gender apartheid policy' of Taliban in Afghanistan External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi discussions on the modalities to arrive at mutual diplomatic presence are going on and gave a clear indication that India will not review its position on the issue. He said as Canadian diplomatic presence in India is much higher compared to India's strength in Canada, it is assumed that there would be a reduction. "Our focus is on ensuring parity in diplomatic strength," he said. The spokesperson, however, did not reply to questions on reports that October 10 is the deadline set by New Delhi for Ottawa to reduce the number of its diplomats in India. "I would not like to get into the details of diplomatic conversation," he said. It is learnt that the number of Canadian diplomats in India is around 60 and New Delhi wants Ottawa to reduce the strength by at least three dozen. Asked whether Canada has shared with India any information or evidence relating to Nijjar's killing, Bagchi referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent remarks that if any specific or relevant information is shared with New Delhi, it is open to looking at it. China has launched a Long March rocket carrying a spy satellite that was reportedly spotted over Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Thursday morning, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND). According to the MND, the PLA launched its rockets from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province, China. The flight altitude of the rocket, the defence ministry noted, was above the atmosphere and "poses no harm to Taiwan." Nevertheless, according to the MND, the rocket's flight path went above Taiwan's ADIZ's southwest corner. In order to enable a suitable response, it continued, it had deployed its joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system to track the ballistic dynamics, trajectories, and other data. According to China's state-run People's Daily, a Long March 2D carried a Yaogan-39 "remote sensing satellite" into orbit. Although China has released few details about the Yaogan series, Western observers assess that these satellites are for "military purposes," Taiwan News reported citing Virginia based Space News, a print and digital publication that covers business and political news in the space and satellite industry. The Yaogan series of surveillance satellites, according to security specialists published in The Eurasian Times, are equipped with "optical and radar payloads intended to boost the Chinese anti-access and area-denial capabilities by augmenting the Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile system (ASBM)." Following China's intensified military aggression, economic coercion and threats against its neighbor over the last few years, Taipei's ties with Beijing have been dealing with severe tensions. China claims that Taiwan is part of their country while the latter called itself a sovereign and independent nation and not part of the former. Also Read North Korea 'bitterly condemns' UNSC meeting over spy satellite launch North Korea's attempt to launch first spy satellite ends in failure '73% respondents on Trai's consultation paper seek satcom allocation' Musk eager to bring satellite broadband 'Starlink' to India, Ambani resists China, Russia aiming to steal tech from US space firms: US officials Trump endorses Jim Jordan to succeed Kevin McCarthy as House speaker Pak holds right to expel individuals, including Afghans: Balochistan govt Typhoon Koinu heads toward southern China, Hong Kong; 1 dead in Taiwan Trump 'temporarily' drops lawsuit against ex-lawyer-turned-witness Cohen Who is Anthony Pratt, billionaire Trump shared nuclear secrets with? Amid the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic row and New Delhi's demand to reduce the Canadian diplomatic staff here in the national capital, Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian has said that parity has been brought in to put pressure on Canada. Speaking to ANI on the India-Canada row, KP Fabian said, "What India has said is that there should be parity. There are 21 Indian diplomats in Canada and there are 62 Canadian diplomats in India. So parity means, 41 diplomats will have to leave India by October 10...otherwise the excess number, they will be declared persona non grata." He added by saying, "In other words, in retaliation for Canada expelling 1 diplomat, India is planning to expel 42 diplomats. This is the essence of the picture. The disparity is not always applied. So, parity has been brought in to put pressure on Canada. It is possible that there is a way out." The former Indian diplomat also spoke at length on Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly's recent remarks in which she said that 'Canada is talking privately to India amid the ongoing row.' Fabian explained how diplomatic conversations actually look like when it comes to India-Canada ties in the present times. "The word privately is very interesting as all diplomatic conversations are discrete and confidential. Till now, Canada and India were talking at each other, not talking to each other...they have been talking at each other through media, deviating from normal diplomacy," he told ANI. Stating that India's focus is achieving 'parity' in terms of diplomatic presence, the Ministry of External Affairs further called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India citing their continued "interference" in New Delhi's "internal matters". This comes amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada after which New Delhi suspended the visa operations to Canada and called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India. Addressing the press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "Given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here...and their continued interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this". "Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction," he added. On being asked if the reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats could see a decrease in the number of visas issued by the Canadian High Commission in India, Bagchi said, "It's up to the Canadian side, who they choose to staff the High Commission with...our concerns are related to ensuring parity in diplomatic presence". Also Read Canada wants 'private talks' with India to resolve diplomatic dispute Trudeau's claim of India's link to Nijjar's killing 'shameless': US expert Deeply embarrassing: Trudeau on honouring Nazi veteran in Canadian Parl Guru Purnima 2023: All about the day celebrating Guru-Shishya relationship Piaggio Vehicles launches Justin Bieber X Vespa in India at Rs 6.45 lakh EU Parliament condemns 'gender apartheid policy' of Taliban in Afghanistan EU summit to look at changes bloc needs to make to welcome Ukraine, others Emerging economies face China and rate pressures as IMF, World Bank meet China launches Long March rocket with spy satellite over Taiwan zone Trump endorses Jim Jordan to succeed Kevin McCarthy as House speaker He further added that India's primary focus is on two things; having an atmosphere in Canada, where Indian diplomats can work properly and in achieving parity in terms of diplomatic strength. Last month too, India had cited Canada's "diplomatic interference in internal matters", and stated there should be a parity in diplomatic staff strength. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently alleged that the Indian government was behind the fatal shooting of Nijjar. Trudeau, during a debate in the Canadian Parliament, claimed his country's national security officials had reasons to believe that "agents of the Indian government" carried out the killing of the Canadian citizen, who also served as the president of Surrey's Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara. However, India has outrightly rejected the claims, calling it 'absurd' and 'motivated'. Meanwhile, speaking further, Fabian also hailed Prime Minister Narendra's leadership and stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent comment calling India A Powerful Country, and praised PM Modi's leadership was a correct statement as he (PM Modi) is a strong leader. "This is a correct statement but we also have to understand why. It is happening for various reasons. As you know, India's economy is growing and is the fifth largest...But there is another aspect. When world leaders get together, they look up at each other...who is strong ..who is stable, and there PM Modi scores," Fabian said. Earlier on Wednesday, Putin had called PM Modi a "very wise man", adding that India is making great strides in development under his leadership, Russia Today reported. Last month, too, he had praised PM Modi stating he was doing the "right thing" in promoting the Make in India programme. Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, suggested that Russia could return to nuclear weapons testing and might withdraw from the nuclear test ban treaty, reported Al Jazeera. Putin on Thursday spoke about concerns regarding nuclear weapons, energy and the war in Ukraine. Russian President said that it was "theoretically" possible for Russia to withdraw from the nuclear test ban treaty, pointing out that it generally prohibits the testing of nuclear weapons, but that no decision has been made yet, Al Jazeera reported. He further highlighted that Russia has tested a new nuclear-powered missile delivery system but had not decided whether to resume explosives testing, Al Jazeera reported. "I think no person of sound mind and clear memory would think of using nuclear weapons against Russia," Putin said in his speech at a foreign policy forum experts in Sochi. "I hear calls to start testing nuclear weapons, to return to testing," he added. "I am not ready to say whether we really need to conduct tests or not." He later announced that Russia has effectively completed the development of the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile. Moreover, he said that he would work on putting them into production. "We conducted the last successful test of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered global-range cruise missile," he said. It was the first announcement of a successful test of the Burevestnik and is translated as "Storm Petrel. Burevestnik was code-named Skyfall by NATO and many Western experts have been sceptical about it, stating that a nuclear engine could be highly unreliable, reported Al Jazeera. Putin highlighted the country's nuclear capabilities in his speech, as relations between Russia and Western powers remain tense over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On February 24, 2022, Russia send troops into Ukraine in an escalation of the Russia-Ukrainian War which began in 2014. The 'invasion' killed tens of thousands on both sides. Russian forces have been accused of mass civilian casualties and of torturing captured Ukrainian soldiers, reported Al Jazeera. Since then, thousands of civilians have been killed and millions of others have fled the country, according to the United Nations. Also Read Trade between Russia, Africa reached $18 billion in 2022: Vladimir Putin Why is the world discussing Russian President Vladimir Putin's health? Putin blasts Wagner traitors in speech as Prigozhin defends revolt Russia, US, China have built new facilities, at nuclear test sites: Report Russian tactical nuclear weapons to be deployed to Belarus in July: Putin Parity brought in to put pressure on Canada: Former envoy on India's demand EU Parliament condemns 'gender apartheid policy' of Taliban in Afghanistan EU summit to look at changes bloc needs to make to welcome Ukraine, others Emerging economies face China and rate pressures as IMF, World Bank meet China launches Long March rocket with spy satellite over Taiwan zone On Thursday, a Russian missile strike resulted in the deaths of at least 50 people in a village near the eastern Ukrainian city of Kupiansk, marking one of the most devastating attacks on civilians since the conflict's onset. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said that Moscow's forces targeted a cafe and a shop in Hroza, located in the Kharkiv region, just after midday local time. Putin also reiterated Russia's opposition to Ukraine's accession to NATO, which he considered as a tool of US foreign policy, according to Al Jazeera. However, he said that he has no objections to Ukraine joining the European Union. Russia lifts ban on most of diesel exports Russia allowed a return to seaborne exports of diesel just weeks after imposing a ban that roiled global markets, taking other steps instead to keep sufficient fuel supplies at home. Shipments can resume provided that the fuel is delivered to the nations ports by pipeline, according to a statement on the governments Telegram account. Such flows to Russias western ports account for the bulk of exported volumes. The move will be a relief to importers after Russia, the single largest seaborne exporter of diesel type fuels, slapped a near-total ban on deliveries on September 21. BLOOMBERG India, Brazil and South Africa should be represented at the UN Security Council and their weight in making key international decisions should increase, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. Addressing the plenary meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday, Putin also noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India was becoming more powerful year after year. "Such countries that acquire significant weight in international affairs simply by virtue of their potential and also have the possibility and influence of the settlement of key international issues should be represented in the UN Security Council," Putin was quoted as saying by Russia's state-run Tass news agency. "What countries are these? This is India: the population is already more than one and a half billion people, (with) seven-plus per cent economic growth. This is a powerful country. It is becoming more powerful year after year under the leadership of Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi," he said at the conference organised by the Moscow-based think tank. India, the world's most populous country, has been at the forefront of years-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying it rightly deserves a seat as a permanent member at the UN high table, which in its current form does not represent geo-political realities of the 21st century. Citing the example of India's initiative at the G20 Summit to admit the African Union as a permanent member, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last month exhorted the United Nations to get inspired to also make the Security Council contemporary. Addressing the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York on September 26, Jaishankar said the African Union's inclusion in the G20 was a "significant step." This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organization, to also make the Security Council contemporary. Broad representation is a pre-requisite for both effectiveness and credibility, Jaishankar said. In his address, the Russian president also backed a greater role for Brazil and South Africa in international affairs. Also Read India, Brazil, South Africa seek result oriented process for UNSC reforms UNSC structure does not reflect reality, needs urgent reforms: UN envoys Nations want to join Brics for unfinished biz of last century: Diplomat India to play two Tests on multi-format tour of South Africa in December Historic move by Cricket South Africa, men and women to get equal match fee Cyberattack at MGM Resorts expected to cost casino giant $100 million Crude oil prices hold steady, Russia rolls back diesel export ban US unemployment rate unchanged at 3.8%, job growth beats Sept expectations Pakistan's foreign debt ratio rises amid ongoing economic crisis: Report Some plants may worsen air pollution on a warming planet, shows study "Brazil in Latin America: the population is huge, the growth in influence is colossal. South Africa. Well, how can their influence in the world be disregarded? So, their weight in making key decisions in the international agenda should also grow, Putin stressed. At present, the UN Security Council comprises five permanent members and 10 non-permanent member countries which are elected for a two-year term by the General Assembly of the UN. The five permanent members are Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France and the United States. By Azernews Qabil Ashirov On Monday, the only synagogue in Yerevan was subjected to the terror attack. The synagogue was doused with liquid, windows were smashed, and a Molotov cocktail was thrown in. The youth wing of the Armenian Secret Army for Liberation Armenia (ASALA) took responsibility for the attack. The terror organization released statements via social media networks and noted that the act was a response to the weapon agreements between Azerbaijan and Israel, and rabbis who criticized Pashinyan for belittling Holocaust genocide by comparing it with the War in Garabagh. The statement of the terror organizations reads: "This is a warning, if rabbis in the U.S. and Europe continue to support the Aliyev regime, then we will burn synagogues in other countries." Another point that draws attention is that the terror act happened at a time when France was trying to get strong in the region. Of course, this reminds many of the heinous France - ASALA relations. As is known, ASALA was created in Beirut in 1975 by Hagop Hagopian. The organizations conducted several terror attacks against Turkish diplomats. For 7 years, Lebanon was a paradise for ASALA and the organization branched out. However, once Beirut was under the control of Israel in 1982, the demise of ASALA started. Having lost all its support, the terror organization was obliged to leave the Middle East. At that time, France gave a hand to the organization by providing shelter. How did the Armenian terror organization betray France? The organization transferred all its infrastructure from Lebanon to France. However, the honeymoon between France and ASALA did not last long. The Armenian terror organization betrayed France by conducting the terror act in Orly airport. Following the terror attack, the organization was expelled from France and the second person of ASALA Monte Melkonyan was arrested. Soon Hagop Hagopian was killed in Europe and Monte became the head of the organization. When the First Garabagh War broke out the French government freed Monte to fight against Azerbaijan in Garabagh. However, Garabagh became his grave, i.e. he was killed here and ASALA dissolved in 1994. Thus, the last incident poses questions about whether France is reviving the organization to use it against Israel and Azerbaijan after its long silence. Are there any terror attacks expected to continue in both regions? Regarding the issue, we learned the opinion of Dean Shmuel Elmas, a journalist and expert on Geopolitics and Energy from Tel-Aviv, Israel. In his comment to AZERNEWS, he pointed out that If Israel sees that these kinds of attacks will continue, Armenia will get some kind of hits in two directions. First and foremost, as always, Israel will deepen its cooperation with Azerbaijan. Israel has the best intelligence units in the world. Such like in the Iranian case, Israel might help Azerbaijan with intelligence from Yerevan. Secondly, I saw that the Armenian ambassador in Tel Aviv decided to talk with the Associated Press. Maybe, he wants to gain some popularity inside and outside Israel. His main problem is Mr. Muxtar M?mm?dov, one of the most honorable ambassadors in Israel, he came here about six months ago. The Israeli public loves Azerbaijan and therefore, if we see these attacks continue, the only thing that the Armenian ambassador will get is diplomatic reprimand from the Israeli MFA, Dean Shmuel Elmas said. He also added that about 150 thousand Armenians live in Lebanon and several other thousands in Syria. They can cooperate with pro-Iranians such as the Lebanese Hezbollah and different others in Syria, Such as the Afghani Fatemiyoun. We know that Israel fights the Iranian presence in Syria and therefore we might see Israeli attacks on Armenians that help the Iranians in Syria if they make some mistakes. Moreover, Turkiye fights PKK in Syria, so this is just one example of how Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Israel can create a powerful triangle about the Iranian-Armenian relations in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, he said. He also touched on possible Israel-Azerbaijani joint operations against ASALA and noted that the intelligence relations between the two countries are amazing, such as in all the different sectors: Military, Energy, Education, and so on. Jerusalem and Baku work together all the time, and this is very bad for all the terrorists in the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Honestly, It doesn't matter if you speak about terrorist regimes like the ayatollah's regime or terrorist organizations. Israel and Azerbaijan strive for peace. But, those who aspire to war against them will pay, he concluded. 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As the nation marks this day, it becomes an occasion not just to acknowledge their contributions but also to delve into the history, ethos, and future aspirations of this esteemed institution. Air Force Day 2023 Historical Significance Indian Air Force Day holds historical significance, marking the anniversary of the force's official establishment. On this day in 1932, the IAF was inaugurated as an auxiliary air force under the British Empire. Since then, it has undergone remarkable transformations, gaining independence along with the country in 1947. Over the years, the IAF has played pivotal roles in various conflicts and peacekeeping operations, showcasing exceptional valor and skill. Air Force Day 2023 Celebrating Valor and Sacrifice The Air Force Day celebrations are not just a ceremonial affair; they are a testament to the indomitable spirit of the IAF personnel. The day begins with a grand parade at the Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi, where various squadrons exhibit their prowess with awe-inspiring aerial displays. The event is not just a spectacle for the public but also a moment of pride for the entire nation. It's an occasion to honor the brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring the safety and security of the country. Here, a GK quiz based on Indian Air Force Day is being presented. These quizzes are designed to enhance your understanding of the importance, significance and role of Indian Air Force Day. All these questions designed here can help you prepare for many such competitive exams. Indian Air Force Day 2023 GK Quiz 1. When was the Indian Air Force officially established? A) 8 October 1947 B) 15 August 1947 C) 8 October 1932 D) 26 January 1950 Answer: C) 8 October 1932 2. What was the primary mission of the Indian Air Force? A) Naval Warfare B) Ground Combat C) Securing Indian Airspace and Conducting Aerial Warfare D) Cybersecurity Answer: C) Securing Indian Airspace and Conducting Aerial Warfare 3. When was the prefix "Royal" removed from the name of the Indian Air Force? A) 1947 B) 1932 C) 1950 D) 1962 Answer: C) 1950 4. How many wars has the Indian Air Force been involved in with Pakistan since 1950? A) One B) Two C) Three D) Four Answer: D) Four 5. Apart from engaging with hostile forces, what other missions has the Indian Air Force participated in? A) Space Missions B) Environmental Conservation C) United Nations Peacekeeping Missions D) Archaeological Expeditions Answer: C) United Nations Peacekeeping Missions 6. Who holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the IAF? A) Chief of the Air Staff B) Prime Minister of India C) President of India D) Air Chief Marshal Answer: C) President of India 7. What is the highest rank ever conferred in the Indian Air Force? A) Air Chief Marshal B) Marshal of the Air Force C) General D) Admiral Answer: B) Marshal of the Air Force 8. When did Arjan Singh become the first five-star rank officer of the IAF? A) 1 July 2017 B) 26 January 2002 C) 1 October 1990 D) 15 August 1947 Answer: B) 26 January 2002 9. What is the primary objective of the Indian Air Force (IAF)? A) Providing relief during natural disasters B) Defending the nation and its airspace against air threats C) Conducting search-and-rescue operations D) Assisting civil power during internal disturbances Answer: B) Defending the nation and its airspace against air threats 10. What legislation defines the mission of the IAF? A) The Air Force Act of 1950 B) The Armed Forces Act of 1947 C) The Indian Air Force Mission Act D) The Airspace Defence and Assistance Act Answer: B) The Armed Forces Act of 1947 11. In addition to its primary objective, what is the secondary purpose of the IAF? A) Conducting aerial battlespace operations B) Assisting civil power during natural calamities and internal disturbances C) Providing strategic air lift for foreign countries D) Participating in space exploration missions Answer: B) Assisting civil power during natural calamities and internal disturbances 12. Which organization does the IAF operate the Integrated Space Cell with? A) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) B) Department of Defence C) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) D) European Space Agency (ESA) Answer: A) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) 13. What does the IAF provide in terms of support to the Indian Army troops on the battlefield? A) Strategic and tactical airlift capabilities B) Naval support C) Ground combat units D) Cybersecurity assistance Answer: A) Strategic and tactical airlift capabilities 14. Which of the following events did the IAF provide relief operations? A) Earthquake in 2001 B) North India floods in 2013 C) Hurricane in 2008 D) Wildfire in 2010 Answer: B) North India floods in 2013 15. What is the purpose of the Integrated Space Cell mentioned in the passage? A) Conducting civilian space exploration B) Efficiently benefiting from innovation in the civilian sector of space exploration C) Operating military satellites D) Coordinating international space missions Answer: B) Efficiently benefiting from innovation in the civilian sector of space exploration 16. What kind of operations does the IAF conduct to provide rapid response during natural disasters? A) Ground-based operations B) Sea-based operations C) Search-and-rescue (SAR) operations and delivery of relief supplies via cargo aircraft D) Medical relief missions Answer: C) Search-and-rescue (SAR) operations and delivery of relief supplies via cargo aircraft 17. What is the purpose of the IAF's involvement in the Integrated Space Cell? A) Military space exploration B) Civilian space exploration C) Efficient utilization of civilian space innovation for military purposes D) International space cooperation Answer: C) Efficient utilization of civilian space innovation for military purposes 18. Which natural calamities that where the IAF provided extensive assistance to relief operations? A) Earthquakes and tsunamis B) Cyclones in Gujarat and floods in North India C) Hurricanes and tornadoes D) Volcanic eruptions and landslides Answer: B) Cyclones in Gujarat and floods in North India 19. What was the first squadron commissioned by the Indian Air Force? A) No. 83 Squadron B) No. 1 Squadron C) No. 4 Squadron D) No. 10 Squadron Answer: B) No. 1 Squadron 20. Which aircraft were part of the Indian Air Force fleet during World War II? A) Boeing B-29 Superfortress B) Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and Westland Lysander C) Lockheed P-38 Lightning D) Messerschmitt Bf 109 Answer: B) Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and Westland Lysander 21. What prefix was conferred on the Indian Air Force in recognition of its service during World War II? A) Royal B) National C) Majestic D) Noble Answer: A) Royal 22. What event led to the eruption of full-scale war between India and Pakistan after independence in 1947? A) Partition of British India B) Conflict over Jammu & Kashmir C) Formation of the Indian Air Force D) Signing of the Instrument of Accession Answer: B) Conflict over Jammu & Kashmir 23. Which roundel was adopted by the Indian Air Force after becoming a republic in 1950? A) Star B) Crescent C) Chakra D) Cross Answer: C) Chakra 24. What role did the IAF play during World War II in Burma, according to the passage? A) Supplying food and medical aid B) Halting the advance of the Japanese army C) Conducting peaceful negotiations D) Providing technological support Answer: B) Halting the advance of the Japanese army 25. Who was the first five-star rank officer of the Indian Air Force? A) Cecil Bouchier B) Arjan Singh C) Shailendra Eknath Sukthankar D) Noor Inayat Khan Answer: B) Arjan Singh 26. Which country's airbases were targeted by the IAF during World War II? A) Japan B) Germany C) Thailand D) Italy Answer: C) Thailand 27. What was the primary objective of the Indian Air Force during World War II? A) Ground combat operations B) Aerial reconnaissance and bomber escort C) Peacekeeping missions D) Transporting civilians Answer: B) Aerial reconnaissance and bomber escort 28. When did the Sino-Indian War take place? A) 1962 B) 1965 C) 1966 D) 1971 Answer: A) 1962 29. During the Sino-Indian War, what was the outcome of India's use of the Indian Air Force (IAF) against the Chinese forces? A) India achieved air superiority B) India lost a significant advantage C) China lost a significant number of aircraft D) China withdrew its troops Answer: B) India lost a significant advantage 30. What was the first instance of active engagement between the IAF and an enemy air force? A) Sino-Indian War B) Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 C) Bangladesh Liberation War D) Operation Gibraltar Answer: B) Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 31. During the Second Kashmir War, what strategy did the IAF employ against Pakistan? A) Close air support to the Indian Army B) Independent raids against PAF bases C) Defensive sorties over Indian territory D) Strategic bombing of Pakistani cities Answer: B) Independent raids against PAF bases 32. Which aircraft type earned the IAF the nickname "Sabre Slayers" during the 1965 War? A) F-86 Sabres B) Lockheed F-104 Starfighters C) Folland Gnats D) Hawker Tempests Answer: C) Folland Gnats 33. What changes did the IAF undergo after the 1965 War to enhance its capabilities? A) Creation of the Para Commandos regiment B) Induction of Soviet MiG-21 and Sukhoi Su-7 fighters C) Development of HAL Ajeet and HAL HF-24 Marut aircraft D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above 34. During the Bangladesh Liberation War, what significant achievement did the IAF accomplish in the Bay of Bengal? A) Destruction of Pakistani naval bases B) Successful interception of PAF fighter jets C) Assistance to the Indian Navy in operations against the Pakistani Navy D) Strategic bombing of Pakistani ports Answer: C) Assistance to the Indian Navy in operations against the Pakistani Navy 35. What event marked the end of hostilities during the Bangladesh Liberation War? A) Fall of Dhaka B) Fall of Srinagar C) Surrender of Pakistani forces D) Signing of a peace treaty Answer: C) Surrender of Pakistani forces 36. How many sorties did the IAF fly during the Bangladesh Liberation War? A) Over 10,000 B) Over 12,000 C) Over 16,000 D) Over 20,000 Answer: C) Over 16,000 37. What percentage of the IAF's sorties were close-support and interdiction missions during the Bangladesh Liberation War? A) About 50% B) About 60% C) About 70% D) About 80% Answer: D) About 80% 38. Which Indian state saw significant IAF operations during the Bangladesh Liberation War? A) Punjab B) Rajasthan C) Jammu and Kashmir D) West Bengal Answer: C) Jammu and Kashmir 39. How many PAF aircraft were destroyed by the IAF during the Bangladesh Liberation War? A) 64 B) 75 C) 94 D) 110 Answer: C) 94 40. What technology did the IAF significantly emphasize during the 1965 War, which resulted in its effectiveness against PAF aircraft? A) Stealth technology B) Ground-to-air missiles C) Electronic warfare D) Close air support Answer: C) Electronic warfare 41. During the Bangladesh Liberation War, what areas in East Pakistan did the IAF target for strategic bombing? A) Schools and hospitals B) Residential areas C) Ordnance factories, runways, and other vital areas D) Agricultural fields Answer: C) Ordnance factories, runways, and other vital areas 42. What was the primary reason for the imbalance in air losses between the IAF and the PAF during the war? A) IAF's considerably higher sortie rate B) PAF's advanced technology C) PAF's superior training D) IAF's larger fleet Answer: A) IAF's considerably higher sortie rate 43. What was the code name for the Indian Air Force's operation during the Kargil conflict in 1999? A) Operation Safeguard B) Operation Safed Sagar C) Operation Desert Storm D) Operation Thunderbolt Answer: B) Operation Safed Sagar 44. Which aircraft type was introduced for offensive capability during the Kargil conflict due to its performance at high altitudes? A) MiG-21 B) MiG-27 C) Mirage 2000 D) Mi-17 Answer: C) Mirage 2000 45. What led to the withdrawal of helicopters from offensive roles during the Kargil conflict? A) Radar failures B) Man-portable air-defence systems (MANPAD) threat C) Fuel shortages D) Technical issues Answer: B) Man-portable air-defence systems (MANPAD) threat 46. Which disputed territory was the focus of the interception and shooting down of a Pakistan Navy aircraft by IAF MiG-21s in 1999? A) Siachen Glacier B) Aksai Chin C) Sir Creek D) Line of Control (LoC) Answer: C) Sir Creek 47. What world record did the Indian Air Force set on 20 August 2013? A) Longest aerial mission B) Highest landing of a C-130J C) Fastest fighter jet speed D) Most aircraft sorties in a day Answer: B) Highest landing of a C-130J 48. Which airbase did the MiG-21s come from during the interception of a Turkish Airlines aircraft in 2014? A) Delhi Air Base B) Jaisalmer Air Base C) Jodhpur Air Base D) Mumbai Air Base Answer: C) Jodhpur Air Base 49. How many sorties were conducted daily by the Indian Air Force over the Kargil region during the conflict? A) Over 20 sorties B) Over 30 sorties C) Over 40 sorties D) Over 50 sorties Answer: C) Over 40 sorties 50. Which sector along the Line of Control did the Indian Air Force bomb Pakistani posts in 2002? A) Kel sector B) Sir Creek sector C) Siachen sector D) Aksai Chin sector Answer: A) Kel sector 51. What was the primary aim pursued by the Indian Air Force regarding modernization efforts in the late 1990s? A) Increasing fleet size B) Achieving world records C) Enhancing self-reliance D) Building new airbases Answer: C) Enhancing self-reliance 52. Which aircraft type was shot down by three Stinger missiles during the Kargil conflict, resulting in the loss of its entire crew? A) MiG-21 B) MiG-27 C) Mi-17 D) Mirage 2000 Answer: C) Mi-17 53. What was the reason behind the 2019 Indian Air Force air strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir? A) Retaliation for a terrorist attack B) Routine military training C) Preemptive strike for national security D) Border dispute escalation Answer: A) Retaliation for a terrorist attack 54. Which aircraft type was allegedly shot down by an IAF MiG-21 during the dogfight in the 2019 India-Pakistan standoff? A) F-16 B) Mirage-5 C) JF-17 D) Su-30MKI Answer: A) F-16 55. Where did the downed MiG-21's pilot land during the 2019 India-Pakistan standoff? A) Indian-administered Kashmir B) Pakistani-administered Kashmir C) Balakot D) Chakothi Answer: B) Pakistani-administered Kashmir 56. What proof did the Indian Air Force present to confirm the involvement of Pakistani F-16s in the airstrike? A) Parts of Mirage-5 aircraft B) Remnants of AMRAAM missiles C) Pilot testimony D) Satellite images Answer: B) Remnants of AMRAAM missiles 57. What organization cited the involvement of Pakistani F-16s in the airstrike as a bilateral matter between the US and Pakistan? A) United Nations B) NATO C) United States D) European Union Answer: C) United States Tamil Nadu Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (TNRD Tirupathur) is advertising for the positions of Office Assistant, Jeep Driver, Register Clerk, and Night Watchman. Candidates are urged to read the information and eligibility criteria for this vacancy listed below. Candidates must examine their eligibility, which includes their educational qualifications, age limit, experience, and so forth. Eligible candidates may apply immediately before the 31st of October 2023. Candidates may view the most recent Tamil Nadu Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (TNRD Tirupathur) Recruitment 2023 Office Assistant, Jeep Driver, Register Clerk, Night Watchman Vacancy information and apply online at tirupathur.nic.in. Overview Job Role Office Assistant/Jeep Driver/Record Clerk/Night Watchman Qualification 8th/10th Pass Total Vacancies 24 Posts Experience Freshers/Experience Salary Rs. 15,700-71,900/- Job Location Tamil Nadu Last Date 31 October 2023 Tamil Nadu Rural Development Notification Tamil Nadu's latest Rural Development Notification will have a big impact on the state's agricultural economy. The announcement covers a number of measures aimed at improving the state's agricultural industry, such as irrigation and crop insurance. The announcement is expected to assist revitalise the state's faltering agricultural sector and support the development of rural companies. How to Apply for Tamil Nadu Rural Development Jobs 2023 Online? First, go to the official website at tnrd.gov.in. As seen in the image above, the TNRD Recruitment/Careers/Job Opportunities Section can be found. Find the TNRD notification for the aforementioned vacancies and click on the advertisement. Before submitting an application, review the official TNRD job ad. Tamil Nadu Rural Development can assist you in determining which employment are suitable for you. Download the Tamil Nadu Rural Development application or accurately complete the online form. Check the information you provided on the Tamil Nadu Rural Development application form once more. Finally, before the deadline, email the TNRD application to the address specified or submit it online. Pay Scale 15700-71900/- Per Month Age Limit Maximum 37 Years. Selection Process Selection will be based on interviews. India-UAE Partnership: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has forged a strategic alliance with Al Etihad Payments (AEP), an indirect subsidiary of the Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE). This landmark collaboration paves the way for the implementation of the Domestic Card Scheme (DCS) in the UAE. Empowering E-commerce and Financial Inclusion Under this agreement, NIPL and AEP will jointly develop and operationalize UAE's national domestic card scheme. The DCS initiative aims to revolutionize the digital payment landscape in the UAE, fostering e-commerce growth, promoting financial inclusion, and advancing the country's digitization goals. It also seeks to diversify payment options, reduce transaction costs, and elevate the UAE's standing as a global leader in the payments industry. The RuPay Advantage At the core of this initiative lies RuPay, India's indigenous and highly secure card payment network. With over 750 million RuPay cards in circulation, constituting more than 60% of total cards issued in India, RuPay's expertise becomes instrumental in shaping UAE's digital payment ecosystem. The comprehensive RuPay stack, complemented by services such as fraud monitoring and analytics, forms the foundation of the DCS solution. India's Fintech Revolution India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework, encompassing digital identity, payments, and data exchange layers, serves as a blueprint for this collaboration. With nearly every adult in India having access to banking services, remote authentication (through Aadhar), and affordable internet connectivity, India stands as the world's third-largest fintech ecosystem. The exponential growth of digital transactions, witnessing a surge of 367% in the past five years, showcases India's prowess in digital finance. A Shared Vision for Global Payment Innovation The partnership between NIPL and AEP signifies a shared vision for global payment innovation. By integrating India's expertise in digital payments with the UAE's aspirations for a robust digital economy, this collaboration heralds a new era of financial empowerment, efficiency, and inclusivity in the international fintech landscape. Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has secured rights in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Australia/New Zealand to Polands international feature Oscar submission The Peasants, the second animated feature from Loving Vincent filmmakers DK Welchman and Hugh Welchman. According to SPC and the filmmaking duo, the distributor will be submitting The Peasants to this years animated feature race and giving it an awards-season push, although no theatrical release dates were provided with the acquisition announcement. This is SPCs second European animated pickup of the year, after They Shot the Piano Player from Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal. Both films were directed by filmmakers whose previous features were nominated for Oscars. Film details: Weird Market, formerly 3D Wire, is Spains leading animation pitching and networking event and celebrated its fifteenth anniversary over the past weekend in Valencia. We were there and caught all five of this years pitching sessions. Below, weve spotlighted 12 that stood out from this years crop. Decorado Format: Feature Director: Alberto Vazquez Producers: Uniko, Abano Producions, The Glow Animation Studio, Sardinha em Lata Leading Spanish filmmaker Alberto Vazquez wrote and directed the films Birdboy: The Forgotten Children and Unicorn Wars, as well as the short films Birdboy, Unicorn Blood, Homeless Home, and Decorado. Both of his previous features were based on shorts, which were based on comics, and Vazquez is replicating that cycle with his latest project, Decorado, a 2d-animated comedy about a mouse experiencing dueling existential and relationship crises. El Cuerpo de Cristo (The Body of Christ) Format: Short Director: Bea Lema Producers: Uniko, Abano Producions Adapted from a comic of the same name, this 2d short tells the story of Adela, who suffers from a psychiatric crisis stemming from historical abuse that she doesnt recognize as such. Instead, she believes demons are the root cause of her problems and looks to religion to remedy them. The filmmakers cited the SXSW audience award-winning Colombian short Virus Tropical as a key influence on her film. Cuidadoras (Caregivers) Format: Short Director: Daniela Cuenca Producers: Saltarinas One of the few documentary projects at this years Weird, Cuidadoras tells the stories of Latin American immigrants who move to Spain and work as caregivers to older adults. Thousands of these workers exist in Spain, and theyve created an intricate network that allows them to help others in similar situations. Cuidadoras features 2d animation often superimposed over real photos of the homes and neighborhoods where the caregivers work. The creators said that shorts such as Love, Dad and Carne significantly influenced their film. Dibus Format: Series Directors: Adrian Andujar, Jose Antonio Vaca Producer: Jose Antonio Vaca The word dibus is a playful way to refer to drawings, often applied to childrens artwork. Its an appropriate title for this series, which is produced half in cg and half in 2d crayon drawings and is aimed at a preschool audience. In the show, the real world of its protagonist, Niko, is featured in crisp cg animation, but when the boy begins to draw, he crosses over into a 2d, hand-drawn world where anything is possible. The show is being produced out of the emerging Spanish animation hub of the Canary Islands. Anaglifo (Anaglyph) Format: Short Director: Valle Comba Producer: Zampano Producciones Aimed at a teenage audience, Anaglifo is a thoughtful rumination on mental health and depression. The shorts protagonist, Violeta, often struggles to make it through some days, while others are a breeze. The film is illustrated in blue and red, like a pair of old-fashioned 3d glasses, to demonstrate how Violeta sees the world in extremes. La Verdad te Rechaza, Cornelius (Cornelius) Format: Short Director: Marc Torices, Khris Cembe Producer: Hampa Studio Cornelius presenters wisely used their time on stage to pitch two projects from the same IP, a new comic and an animated short. Mixing 2d and stop-motion animation, the short film is an often-absurd story about Cornelius the dog, who struggles to tell his psychologist the truth about his relationship with the frog Avalutsa. La Abuela Pirata (The Granny Pirate) Format: Feature Director: Alex Cervantes, Anthony Christov Producer: Hampa Studio One of the more commercially viable-looking pitches at Weird this year was Hampa Studios The Granny Pirate, a family-friendly adventure featuring fun, cartoony characters and lush fantasy backgrounds. In the film, a brother and sister discover their grandmother is a legendary pirate, kicking off an epic G-rated adventure. Bright and colorful, the pitch gave off the impression that if The Granny Pirate is successful, it could launch a franchise similar to Spains Tadeo Jones, which has grossed well over $100 million from three features. Sky Plaza Format: Series Director: Jose Garnelo Producer: Jose Garnelo A years-long passion project of Garnelo, this 2d fantasy series is aimed at YA audiences but wont shy away from touching on adult themes and situations. It turns on a group of three friends living in a small town who visit the nearby Sky Plaza, a colossal building in which each floor is its own world. Storytelling possibilities are nearly limitless, given the nature of the series setting. Sabado Sabadete (Saturday Sabadete) Format: Webseries Director: Alex Rey Producer: Mirachechu Productions Saturday Sabadete was probably the most Spanish project pitched at the Spanish event. Borrowing heavily from Netflixs Bojack Horseman, the modern-day series turns on an anthropomorphic animal leading character from a 1980s family sitcom looking to recapture stardom. That is, more or less, where the similarities end, though, as Saturday Sabadete is loaded with Spanish pop culture references and co-stars a brain in a jar that is definitely not wink, wink former dictator Francisco Franco. Creator, writer, director, and animator Alex Rey has already produced a complete 25-minute pilot and is looking for partners to finish a 10-episode season. Chuminadas Animadas: Con rieles y a lo loco (Funnie Fantasies: Some Like it Choo-Choo) Format: Short Director: Pablo Rio Producer: Pablo Rio Weird Markets final pitch this year was unquestionably its most energetic. Dressed to the nines, the films creative team took the stage with an unmatched volume and enthusiasm over the weekend to extol the virtues of their throwback animated short Funnie Fantasies: Some Like it Choo-Choo. Featuring plenty of rubber hose animation, zany action sequences, and archetypical cartoon characters, the all-ages short features a group of animal musicians who get a gig on a train that turns out to be far more treacherous than they had any reason to suspect. A brief animatic was shared during the pitch that had the audience in stitches. Hay Algun Muerto en la Sala (Is There a Corpse in the House) Format: Short Director: Miguel Medrano Malo, Lucia Sampedro Producer: Miguel Medrano Malo A bored priest in a tiny Spanish village wants to host a funeral. Unfortunately for him, nobody has died in the pueblo for 100 years. Is There a Corpse in the House features 2d painterly characters whose facial features are sketched on with thick black lines, superimposed over photographs of real Spanish villages. Pitched as a transmedia project, its being developed for distribution on social media platforms. Pinkooland Format: Feature Director: Luis Uson Perez Producer: Luis Uson Perez Set in a family theme park called Pinkooland think of it as a colossal Disneyland dropped in the middle of a dystopian wasteland this adults-only feature is a violent horror story about two kids from the slums who get trapped in what should be the happiest place on the planet. Instead, the iconic animatronic pink bears that roam the park turn evil and begin slaughtering anything that moves. Uson shared an in-progress clip of the dark comedy thriller that had everyone in the room holding their breath and laughing out loud in equal parts. Photo: The Associated Press A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby, one of Britain's most high-profile television personalities. In a statement Friday, Essex Police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday and is due to appear in court in Chelmsford east of London later. It said the man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. Willoughby, who presents the ITV networks flagship daytime program This Morning and Dancing on Ice during the early months of the year, has been off air since Thursday. Though police didn't mention Willoughby, she has been widely identified across British media and even by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Im so sorry to hear everything going on with Holly," he said while appearing on This Morning on Friday. "I just want to send my best to her and her family. Her colleague Lorraine Kelly also addressed the story on Fridays episode of her own program, saying it was very, very upsetting. ITV are providing around-the-clock security at the 42-year-old's east London home alongside the police. According to The Sun newspaper, the suspect is not known to Willoughby. Photo: The Canadian Press Public Services and Procurement Canada minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the Liberals see turning federal assets into affordable housing as an integral part of fixing Canada's shortage. Duclos meets with construction workers at the site of a affordable housing unit managed by Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) during a tour of a series of affordable housing units in Thornecliffe Park region of Ottawa, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says the Liberals see turning federal assets into affordable housing as an integral part of fixing Canada's shortage. Duclos said in a recent interview that there is a need to repurpose office space into housing, as the federal government lets go of some properties in the National Capital Region. He said his government has already started to convert other federal properties into modern housing projects, and it will continue to do more. The procurement minister cited a $200-million fund that the government launched through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. in 2018 to develop or renovate federal assets into affordable, accessible and socially inclusive housing. One of the projects supported by that fund is the Mikinak affordable housing development in Ottawa, a three-building rental complex slated to offer 271 affordable units to mixed-income tenants starting in 2024. The funding for the project went to Ottawa Community Housing, a local non-profit providing around 15,000 homes to 32,000 people in the city. During a tour of the Mikinak development construction site, Duclos lauded the project as "an example of a federal land being transformed into community housing." The development is located on a 310-acre site known as Wateridge Village, which was a Canadian Armed Forces property primarily used as military housing until it was decommissioned in 1994. Canada Lands Company bought the site from the Department of National Defence in 2011. It now plays host to three affordable housing projects, including the Mikinak development. The housing hub is expected to feature around 5,300 units in total 2,000 of which are to be affordable as well as 10 public parks and three schools, with a completion date between 2029 and 2031. Duclos also said a shift in work habits during the pandemic has generated an opportunity to convert office buildings, including government space, into housing. He said there's a need in Ottawa where 10 government buildings are being disposed of and office vacancy rates are soaring to repurpose office space into housing for people who want to be downtown near centralized services and public transit. "The downtown of Ottawa needs to be revitalized," said Duclos. He said he is going to meet with the city's mayor "soon," along with Treasury Board President Anita Anand and Housing Minister Sean Fraser, "on how we use federal leadership and federal presence in the capital city so that we make more homes available for younger Canadians." Duclos said the government continues to see immigration as another variable when it comes to erasing Canada's housing deficit. "We need to do the two things at the same time," he said. "Because our population is aging, we need new immigrants, people from outside Canada, to be teachers, to be nurses, to be doctors, to be looking after our seniors in old-age homes." Duclos also said immigrants are needed to fill construction jobs. His comments, which echo similar arguments from other Liberal ministers, come as some raise concerns about the government's target to bring in 500,000 immigrants per year by 2025 as it relates to the housing crisis. Critics say Canada doesn't have the housing capacity to accommodate that many newcomers. A late July report by TD Bank economists said "continuing with a high-growth immigration strategy could widen the housing shortfall by about a half-million units within just two years." Still, Duclos said he is confident his government will do enough to create more homes while supporting its ambitious immigration goals. Photo: The Canadian Press Michael Chong (centre) appears before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China in Washington, D.C. on September 12, 2023. A senior State Department official says Canadas dispute with India could make for fertile ground for foreign efforts to sow disinformation. James Rubin, the co-ordinator of the Global Engagement Center, says the diplomatic standoff makes Canada ripe for manipulation, and not just from inside India. A new report from the centre describes in detail the lengths China is going to dominate the information space around the world, including in Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James McCarten Canada's ongoing diplomatic standoff with India risks making it an even more tempting target for international efforts that use disinformation to reshape global narratives, a senior State Department official says. Whether it's restive political factions, grassroots public outrage, economic instability or geopolitical disputes, conflict always makes it easier for falsehoods to take root, said Global Engagement Center co-ordinator James Rubin. "Any time there is an underlying discontent in a country, the manipulators will use that," Rubin told a briefing Thursday about the centre's new report on China's goals for reshaping the information space. "Unfortunately, they're getting better and better at it." Social media now lays bare the divisions that exist in any given part of the world, "and through artificial intelligence and spending money on it, they can develop tailored narratives," he said. And while Rubin was quick to note he's seen no evidence of China seeking to exploit the Canada-India dispute, "this is obviously an area that is ripe for information manipulation." The dispute broke into public view last month when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed "credible allegations" of a link between the Indian government and the shooting death in June of a prominent Sikh leader in B.C. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, a longtime advocate for the idea of an independent Sikh state in the province of Punjab, was killed while at the wheel of his pickup truck by two masked gunmen outside a temple in Surrey, B.C. India where Nijjar had long been branded as a terrorist and was wanted in connection with multiple attacks dating back to 2007 has strenuously denied any involvement. Rubin acknowledged Thursday that the dispute is a "tricky subject" in the U.S., which has been working to strengthen its ties with India as part of a long-term plan to build a geopolitical bulwark against China in the Indo-Pacific. And while he hewed closely to official U.S. talking points, urging the two countries to co-operate on an investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, Rubin initially called the killing an "assassination," a term he later retracted. "I meant the word 'murder,'" he said. "It was clearly a murder, it should be investigated in Canada, it's terrible that it happened, but I should have used the word 'murder,' not assassination, because that has political overtones." A spokesman for the Indian government acknowledged this week that New Delhi wants Canada to shrink its diplomatic presence in the country, but would not confirm reports that 41 of 62 Canadian envoys could be kicked out by Monday. Ottawa has said the discussions are ongoing, but it needs its emissaries to remain in India while efforts continue to resolve the standoff. Global Affairs Canada said in a statement late Thursday evening that "due to security and operational considerations," it was unable to provide details about Canada's current diplomatic footprint in India. The turmoil has proven a resilient topic in both Washington and Ottawa, both of which had been more focused in recent months on how best to address the global threats posed by Russia and China. The latter country has aggressively deployed its disinformation campaigns in Canada in recent years, with one particular target Conservative MP Michael Chong earning a specific mention in the new State Department report. Chong, who represents an Ontario riding, testified before a congressional commission last month about his experience, which included a Chinese intimidation plot that targeted the MP and his relatives in Hong Kong in 2021. Earlier this year, Chong was also at the centre of an effort by Chinese operatives to discredit him with false information, using WeChat, a social media and direct-messaging app popular in the Chinese diaspora. "The (People's Republic of China) has used WeChat as a channel for disseminating disinformation targeting Chinese-language speakers residing in democracies," the report says. The network involved accounts linked to state media and China's state apparatus "in opaque ways," and "shared and amplified false and misleading information about Mr. Chongs identity, background, and political views." Rubin noted with some irony that China for decades was and remains a fierce guardian of its internal domestic affairs even as it engages in efforts to manipulate the narratives in countries around the world. "There's nothing wrong with people asking hard questions, or even suggesting outrageous things, as long as it's done in an open, transparent manner where you know who's saying what to whom, and why," he said. "When the provenance of information is not clear, when we don't know that it's the Chinese government or the Russian government doing something, that's when it's information manipulation." Lucky Cement receives the 38th Corporate Excellence Award 06 October 2023 Lucky Cement Ltd has won the Management Association of Pakistans (MAP) Top Corporate Excellence Award 2023 in the Industrial Category amongst all corporate sector organisations in Pakistan. Noman Hasan, executive director of Lucky Cement Ltd, received the award at the 38th MAP Annual Corporate Excellence Award Ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi on 4 October 2023. The Corporate Excellence Awards were instituted by MAP in 1982 to recognise and honour companies showing outstanding performance, and demonstrating progress and enlightened management practices. Muhammad Ali Tabba, CEO of Lucky Cement Ltd, said, It is with great pride that we accept this award. We are extremely grateful to all our employees and stakeholders for helping us achieve repeated success over the years. He added, We are committed to fostering growth and sustainable business practices as we strive to reach new heights. Our top priority remains meeting the needs of our stakeholders while always keeping in mind the larger objective of advancing Pakistans economic growth. Lucky Cement Ltd was awarded for the best corporate practices and governance in the Industrial sector. The primary criteria for this award emanates from the best corporate and management practices reflected by leadership, corporate governance, customer and market focus, human resources, strategic planning and communication, social responsibility, risk management, IT Infrastructure, service delivery and security. Published under Crafters Polypropylene Packages achieves record AD*STAR production 06 October 2023 By producing 199,000 AD*STAR block bottom sacks in 24 hours on a single conversion line, Crafters Polypropylene Packages (PVT) Ltd has achieved a production record that has never been reached before for this type of sack. Crafters supplies the AD*STAR sacks primarily to the cement industry, one of its main customers being Pakistans biggest cement producer, Lucky Cement. With a sack weight of 65g for a filling volume of 50kg, AD*STAR sacks are currently the most lightweight type of sacks on the market for dry bulk goods such as cement. The combination of low packaging weight and high strength is possible due to the woven structure of AD*STAR sacks. The tapes used for fabric production are made of polypropylene in a special extrusion process that includes stretching and annealing to achieve the special tape characteristics. After the weaving process on circular looms the produced fabric is coated and printed before it is converted to block bottom valve sacks. The woven plastic packaging producer, based in Karachi, Pakistan, installed two ad*starKON HX easy-open block bottom sack conversion lines from Starlinger & Co GmbH end of May 2023. Since the commissioning of the two lines, Crafters has been continuously ramping up production to meet the growing demand for AD*STAR sacks, a type of block bottom valve sack made of woven polypropylene tape fabric that is increasingly used worldwide for packaging dry bulk goods. It exceeded even our expectations when we counted the number of 199,000 produced sacks on the AD*STAR conversion line at the end of the day, says Omair Rehman, director of Crafters. Such a high output is only possible due to the excellent production quality of the Starlinger equipment from tape production to weaving, coating and printing up to sack conversion. Because of the uniform high quality of the PP fabric, the Starlinger conversion lines operate with high efficiency and minimum downtimes. There is hardly any interruption of production due to jammed fabric or other technical issues except the necessary brief stops such as roll change. In addition, maintenance work as well as sack format change on the conversion line are quick and easy, he adds with satisfaction. The company currently produces a total of close to 400,000 AD*STAR sacks per day on the two Starlinger conversion lines. Published under Italys cement market contracted 9% in 2022 ICR Newsroom By 06 October 2023 Total consumption in Italy was down by 6.7 per cent YoY to 19.07Mt in 2022 from 20.45Mt, according to Federbeton. Of this total 1.944Mt was imported, up 15.1 per cent YoY from 1.69Mt. In per capita terms, domestic consumption fell from 346kg/inhabitant in 2021 to 324kg/inhabitant in 2022. Cement dispatches in the country decreased by 8.7 per cent YoY to 17.125Mt in 2022. Declines were felt across the country. In the north dispatches were down 8.6 per cent YoY to 8.891Mt while in central Italy and Sardinia a 8.7 per cent drop to 3.208Mt was reported. In the south and Sicily dispatches contracted by 8.8 per cent YoY to 5.026M. In terms of end markets, ready-mix concrete plants accounted for the largest share 49.5 per cent of dispatches, followed by wholesalers (21.9 per cent) and prefabricated products (10.8 per cent). Construction companies accounted for a further 8.2 per cent of total dispatches. Cement production in Italy fell by 8.8 per cent to 18.8Mt when compared to the previous year, when 20.62Mt was produced. Of this total, 87.1 per cent was delivered as bulk cement while 12.9 per cent was supplied in bags. Published under Area residents along with visitors will have an opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving exactly one week before the actual holiday feasting on a traditional Thanksgiving meal at one long table at Gratefull. The citywide luncheon will be held on Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the middle of 200 block of East Martin Luther King Boulevard. There is no fee to attend, no expectations and no agendajust an open invitation to the community to attend.Gratefull began in Chattanooga in 2014, and since then, every year the week before or the week leading into Thanksgiving, cities across the country shut down a city block for strangers and friends to gather and share a meal in the middle of the street at one long table.Through Gratefull, organizers are removing barriers and bringing people together from across social boundaries, simply to get to know each other and build understanding. Because any and everyone is invited to the Thanksgiving table, Gratefull has evolved into Chattanoogas most culturally diverse and inclusive event, organizers said.The concept of Gratefull has been adopted by multiple cities throughout the southeast, including Milan, Nashville, Huntsville and Dalton.For those who attend Gratefull and would like to give back to the community, luncheon attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families. A collection bin will be available that day. Items of need include nonperishable food, coffee supplies, disposable plates & silverware and hygienic supplies, including toothpaste, diapers and laundry supplies.Hundreds of volunteers are needed to make the event possible. To sign up as a volunteer, visit www.ihelpchattanooga.org. If youre interested in being a sponsor and/or supporter, email Dawn Hjelseth at dawn@rivercitycompany.com or call 423-265-3700. James Russell "Jim" Cox, 79, of Rossville, Georgia, went to be with the Lord Tuesday night. He was born and raised in Kentucky and had lived in Chattanooga and North Georgia for over 60 years. He was the former owner of Aunt Effies Restaurant for 31 years in Ringgold. Jim was known to many as Big Jim or Uncle Effie. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam War. Everyone who knew him would tell you he was a die hard Roll Tide and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. fan. Jim also loved cheering on his grandchildren at their practices and games and never missed one of them. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Louise Cox; sister, Phyllis Yokum; brother, Dale Cox both were from Kentucky. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Janie Cox; sons, Terry Lamar(Sherri) Cox, Christopher Cox both of Rossville, Jeff Cox of California; grandchildren, Cody Cox, Katelyn Cox and Eli Cox all of Rossville, Heather Burgess of Fort Oglethorpe and Haley Cox of Florida; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearlyJim was a great Pepaw to them all; sisters, Marianne Dean and Susie Ramsey and a brother, Larry Cox, all from Kentucky. Condolences can be shared with the Cox family at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com The family will receive friends on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 4-9 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 15, from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour of 3 p.m. Funeral service will be on Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Lane Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Quinn officiating. Entombment will at Chattanooga National Cemetery will be on Monday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, South Crest Chapel, Rossville. Over the past two days, Chattanooga Police Department's Homicide investigators have arrested multiple suspects in relation to the homicide on Maryland Street that occurred on Aug. 29. On Wednesday, CPD investigators arrested two 16-year-old males and charged them with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. The juveniles were transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. Earlier Thursday, the investigators arrested 19-year-old Samual Askins and 20-year-old Caleb Askins. Samuel Askins is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Caleb Askins is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. They are both in custody at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. Police answered a shots fired call at 31 Maryland St. at 11:36 p.m. and found 48-year-old Warren "Kojack" Crutcher with a bullet wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. Police found multiple 9mm and .40 caliber shell casings at the scene. Officers were notified that a stolen black Audi Q5 was at 4518 Hixson Pike at 11:47 p.m. A witness saw four males exit the vehicle. Several spent 9mm and .40 caliber shell casings were found inside the vehicle. Police said the 9mm shell casings found in the car had a correlation with the 9mm shell casings found at the murder scene. The next day a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on a black Nissan Altima. Samuel Askins and the two juveniles were taken into custody. A .40 caliber pistol located in the Nissan was determined to be the gun that fired the .40 caliber shell casings found in the Audi. Detectives recovered video that showed Samuel Askins together with the two juveniles before and after the homicide. Detectives interviewed Caleb Askins, brother of Samuel Askins, and he said he had been home the night of the homicide. There was a message on the cell phone of Caleb Askins in which one of the juveniles told him to "move the band." Police said Samuel Askins was wearing an ankle bracelet at the time and he apparently got it off and had his brother to move it around the house as an alibi for him. Police said another message on the phone was the juvenile telling Caleb Askins that a female who resided there was the object of the drive by shooting. Police said the juvenile provided multiple updates to Caleb Askins throughout the evening. Detectives said the ankle bracelet of Samuel Askins was tampered with at 11:28 p.m. and multiple individuals left his house six minutes later. They said his cell phone records showed him travel to the location of the Audi, then travel to 31 Maryland St. Records showed him then return to the Audi. A Hamilton County maintenance employee who was recently arrested for stealing from several volunteer fire department stations has been terminated from the county. David Roddy, county COO, said, Hamilton County had substantial evidence to terminate the employment of Derek Lamar Dean. On Sept. 27th, he was arrested by Sheriffs deputies on felony theft charges for stealing equipment from volunteer fire departments. "He was placed on leave without pay following the arrest and after a thorough internal investigation, he has been relieved of all duties and is no longer a Hamilton County employee." As he is now a former employee, we have no further comment on the matter. Highway 58 Fire officials had been looking into a string of thefts that occurred at Station 3 as well as stations 2, 4, and 5. During the fire departments investigation, one common denominator between each location of the thefts was Dean, who was tasked with inspecting the heating units at each of these locations. Video footage at the different stations confirmed Dean was present and footage at one specific station captured him in a Hamilton County uniform stealing a weed eater, officials said. Based on the information obtained from the fire department and the video footage of the weed eater theft, a felony warrant for theft of property was taken out on Dean for the theft of the following items totaling approximately $2,600: Station #2 at 9018 Career Lane: Stihl BR-800 blower $700 Station #3 at 13430 Birchwood Pike: Stihl FS56RC weed eater $250 Station #4 at 10900 Highway 58: Sony PlayStation 5 $600 Station #5 at 6042 Cooley Road: Stihl BR-800 blower $700 & Stihl 260 chainsaw $350 Dean was taken into custody earlier at his place of work by HCSO deputies. State Representative Mike Cameron commends Governor Brian Kemps recent announcement to launch GEORGIA MATCH, a college admissions initiative aimed at giving graduating high school seniors the opportunity to be directly connected with higher education opportunities.I would like to thank Governor Kemp for making this historic announcement that will change the lives of so many young Georgians, including students in our district who may not know what post-secondary opportunities exist, said Rep.Cameron. This initiative will not only open countless doors for our students and their futures, but it will also provide Georgias economy with the continued support needed to maintain a thriving workforce. I am proud to back this monumental breakthrough for education in Georgia and commend Governor Kemp and his team for their hard work and dedication put towards enhancing the education spectrum.GEORGIA MATCH is an education and workforce initiative developed by the Governors Office, Governors Office of Planning & Budget, Georgia Student Finance Commission, Technical College System of Georgia, Governors Office of Student Achievement, Georgia Department of Education and the University System of Georgia with the mission to give all Georgia students the opportunity to learn and succeed through postsecondary education.Starting next week, more than 120,000 high school seniors across the state will receive a letter from Governor Kemp listing the technical institutions, colleges and universities that will be holding a spot for them in the fall 2024 semester. The number of schools listed will be based on the students academic standing, 11th grade HOPE GPA and freshman index score. The letters will also include information on how to claim a spot at a college or university on that students individualized list. All GEORGIA MATCH participating institutions will waive application fees for students during November 2023 for students who apply through GEORGIA MATCH.Beginning next week, students may visit gafutures.org/GEORGIAMATCH to view their personalized MATCH list and request additional information if needed. The Lee University 2023-2024 Writers Series will welcome poets Anna Laura Reeve and Mildred Kiconco Barya on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. in the Edna Minor Conn Lecture Hall, located in the Vest Building on Lees campus. We are so glad that Reeve and Barya are coming to share with us their love of writing and their poems, said Dr. William Woolfitt, associate professor of creative writing at Lee and director of the Writers Series. Ms. Reeve will read from her debut collection of poems Reaching the Shore of the Sea of Fertility. Released in April 2023, it taps into questions of identity and deep issues of motherhood. Ms. Reeves poems embrace parenthood and art as equals in a life well lived and show the struggles of home, family, and an environment that is as vulnerable to change as she is herself. Born and raised in Knoxville, Ms. Reeve has received the Beloit Poetry Journals 2022 Adrienne Rich Award and has been a finalist for the 2022 Heartwood Poetry Prize and the 2022 Ron Rash Award in Poetry. She has also had her work published in Terrain.org, The Journal, Red Tree Review, and many others. Ms. Reeve received her Master of Arts in literature and poetry writing from the University of Tennessee and is assistant editor of Juke Joint, a literary magazine based in Jackson, Ms. Ms. Barya will read from her latest collection of poems The Animals of My Earth School. Released in April 2023, it has deep roots in the intimacy between humanity and nature. Ms. Baryas poems pose the question, Who speaks for the animals? and she investigates this by listening to the animals as if they really do speak. Ms. Barya was born and raised in Uganda but now resides in North Carolina where she is an assistant professor of creative writing and world literature at the University of North Carolina Asheville. She has three other poetry books published, as well as prose, hybrids, and poems published in The Cincinnati Review, Tin House, Prairie Schooner, and others. Ms. Barya received her Bachelor of Arts in organizational psychology from Makerere University, her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Syracuse University, and her Doctorate in English, creative writing and literature, from the University of Denver. There will be a Q&A session following each of the readings, and the event will conclude with a book signing by both Ms. Reeve and Ms. Barya. The event is non-ticketed, free, and open to the public. For more information about Ms. Reeve, visit https://www.annalaurareeve.com/. For more information about Ms. Barya, visit https://mildredbarya.com/. For more information about the Writers Series, email Dr. Woolfitt at wwoolfitt@leeuniversity.edu. The Princess of Wales is playing a major role in assisting her firstborn son in learning the royal ropes. Prince Georges mother, Kate Middleton, understands part of her job as a parent to help prepare Prince George for his royal role as the future king of the United Kingdom. However, one royal commentator believes no one is better than Kate, the perfect person to ensure George learns about normal life in preparation for his ultimate role as monarch. Kate Middleton is the right person to prepare Prince George to step into his royal role As reported by Express, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes Kate Middleton is the perfect person to prepare Prince George for his role as the future king of the United Kingdom. She considers Kate, not brought up in royal circles, could help George assimilate into his position with a different perspective. Bond believes Kate can show all her children what normal is like. She will be key in providing a balanced upbringing for a boy born to be king. She said, Catherine is in a perfect position to show them what normal life looks like. Her family forms a secure and happy unit away from Palaces and castles, servants and hierarchy. Bond explains that William and Catherine have remained steadfast that their children would live as normal a childhood as possible. Prince George and his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, only attend key royal events and are otherwise allowed to live a childhood free from royal restrictions. I think Catherine is key to providing a balanced upbringing for a boy born to be King. She has learned what it means to be royal. The restrictions and the privileges. She is the perfect person to help George understand his destiny and, when the time comes, to embrace life as a working royal. Queen Elizabeth also helped shape Prince Georges view of the monarchy Queen Elizabeth and Prince George photographed following the Platinum Pageant on June 5, 2022 in London, England | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Prince George was also said to have had a close relationship with his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. She reportedly took her grandson under her wing to show him the royal ropes. He was likely aware of his destiny, and he had quite a close relationship with his great-grandmother, Bond said. He had watched her on official duties and stood with her on the Palace balcony as the crowds cheered her. Ms Bond suggested Queen Elizabeth may have subtly explained Georges destiny to the young boy during their time together. Reining over the United Kingdom for 70 years, Elizabeth understood what would be expected of her great-grandson when he became king. She might gently have told him what lay ahead for himperhaps explained how she had not expected to become queen when she was a little girl. But George was born in direct succession; his destiny has never been in question, Bond said. Georges father, Prince William, was also mentored by Queen Elizabeth Prince Georges father, Prince William, was also mentored by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. She cared deeply for William and was deeply invested in his future as king. She was his sovereign, but also a very loving grandmother who wanted to prepare him for the future, reported Express. One of the ways Elizabeth helped William was by inviting him to lunch or tea every Sunday. During that weekly visit, William would ask questions of his grandmother. Shehe, in turn, would mentor and teach him invaluable lessons about the monarchy. This close-knit relationship was depicted during season 5 of The Crown, where William spends time with his grandmother during a break from his studies at Eton College. Prince George is second in line for the British throne. His father, Prince William, is in the line of succession directly ahead of his firstborn son. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close While conducting an excavation in Turkey, a team of archaeologists discovered brain and skin remnants that were surprisingly well-preserved from two people who lived 3,700 years ago during the Bronze Age. The excavation took place at Tavsanli Mound in Turkeys Kutahya province, which is located in the west of the Anatolian peninsula. When looking at it from above the ground, Tavsanli Mound resembles a heart shape. Therefore, it is referred to as the Heart of Western Anatolia. The mound is an especially significant archaeological site in Turkey because it is thought to be rife with information on how past cultures in the region communicated with each other. According to the chairman of the archaeology department at Bilecik Seyh Edebali University, Erkan Fidan, the mound is the areas oldest settlement and was probably the capital in the Bronze Age. Fidan led the excavation and was accompanied by 25 experts working with the university and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Researchers from the university have said that the latest findings mark the first time that skin remains have been found in the country. Although ancient brain remains had previously been discovered about four or five times in Turkey, they are still incredibly rare. One set of remnants belonged to a young man between the ages of 15 and 18, and the other was a middle-aged man between 40 and 45. Both sets of remains had been carbonized by heat, which is how the brain tissue inside the skull was able to be preserved. It also explains how skin found in one of the skeletons between the abdomen and chest could stay intact. Carbonization is a process in which material is converted into carbon through extreme heat during fossilization. Experts believe that the city was attacked around 1700 B.C. and caused the entire place to burn to the ground. They also determined that the two individuals tried to flee during the attack when their homes were set ablaze. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Middle East evangelicals must emulate China. So stated Nabil Costa, chief executive officer of the Lebanese Society for Education and Social Development (LSESD), at his organizations 25th anniversary celebration, held last week at LSESDs Beirut Baptist School (BBS). He was not calling for a change in geopolitical orientation. On the contrary, in attendance were dozens of financial partners primarily from Western nations he would not wish to offend. But Costa continued, praising India and Saudi Arabia. Our vision is to equip churches to bear the thimar of faith, he said, using the Arabic word for biblical fruit, in the midst of a changing Arab world. BBS was founded by Baptist missionaries in 1955, who yielded their various ministries to local believers in 1998. Honoring their heritage at the gathering entitled Celebrating Together, Costa also announced LSESDs name change to ThimarLSESD, reflecting the spiritual impact of ministries in education, relief, special needs, community development, and publishing. But speaking on behalf of the oft-called Baptist Society, he invited a wider evangelical collaboration. Christians are meant to be catalysts and have a responsibility in building bridges, reconciling communities, and spreading the perfume of Christ, Costa said of the many regional like-minded evangelical ministries. We see Lebanon as a hub and a gateway to the Middle East. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative is a model, he said, as is India with its planned regional economic corridor and Saudi Arabia with its developing megacity of NEOM. If these nations recognize the importance of networks and cooperative partnershipswith different hidden agendasCosta said evangelicals can do no less. And Lebanon, despite all its problems, is still a haven of religious freedom. Some attendees thought the Middle East was headed toward greater regional integration and peace. Others doubted, anticipating renewed emergence of Christian persecution. But many took seriously Costas call to turn the conference into a think tank, casting vision for the next 25 years of evangelical service. The world around us is changing. We cannot sit still and watch, he said. But we are blessed with a spiritual belt that forges corridors between continents and countries. Our Lord Jesus Christ has brought us from all over the world, to be one people. And to produce fruit. CT spoke with seven Arab and two Western attendees, for their vision of Middle East ministry to come. Rosangela Jarjour, general secretary for the Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches: Our Lord Jesus commissioned his church with two golden words: preach and teach. While many congregations have communicated the gospel to the world, a neglected aspect of evangelical ministry has been the spiritual formation of disciples. Establishing the kingdom of God demands more than simple conversion. In fact, when Paul addresses Timothy in his second epistle (2:2), he envisions four generations of impact. And his strategy is clear: hear, witness, entrust, teach. This is the good fight necessary, he adds two chapters later (4:78), to achieve the crown of righteousness. In this advice, I address all Protestants in our regionPresbyterian, Baptist, charismatic, and othersfor all call themselves evangelical. In the next 25 years, in unity together, our ministries must rededicate themselves to the task of discipleship, so that believers old and new will pass on their faith to the next generation of the Middle East church. Stephanie Haykal, volunteer at Kafr Habou Baptist Church in Lebanon: While evangelical ministry in the Middle East has been growing and strengthening, sometimes it appears to take on the appearance of a business. And as one from the north of Lebanon, it seems that many of our efforts are concentrated in Beirut and other big cities, while our local needs are neglected. This is scary to me. The evidence is witnessed by the many Muslims who do not know what evangelical means. But also by the fact that many traditional churches get angry when they hear our name. We have not invested our resources widely enough to overcome this. In the next 25 years, we must remember our first priority. It is not necessary for people to immediately understand, let alone accept, the gospel. But with hard work and reliance on the Holy Spirit, God will support us in sharing the message of salvation, reconciling man and God. Farah Bou Kher, project manager for a relief and humanitarian organization in Lebanon: ThimarLSESD has modeled positive values by getting involved in the public square and focusing on holistic ministry. Moving forward, it can become even more exemplary by strengthening its demonstration of interfaith dialogue, ecumenical engagement, and the fostering of peace. The Middle East is affected by all global trends: climate change, artificial intelligence, LGBT rights, abuse of children, science, faith, and atheism. While remaining faithful to Scripture, the church must respond with a spirit of inclusion, to become a safe place to experience Gods loveand not simply his judgment. Our ministries must not exist in silos but cooperate widely. Leaders can share resources, share power, and meet regularly to strategize together. And while maintaining an openness to everyone, over the next 25 years church leaders should be trained both to preach the gospel and to serve society. We have in our pews all the professions we need. Elijah Brown, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance: Christians across the Middle East have a powerful request: You have trusted us to develop communities of discipleship. Will you now stand with us in prayer and advocacy? Refusing to see themselves as victims in the midst of war, displacement, and natural disasters, Baptists and other evangelicals have been quick to serve, regardless of ethnic or religious background. And it is more than servicethey are blessing their communities with the welcome, hope, and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Over the next 25 years, let them increasingly become to us a living reminder to frame our identities in the mission of God. And as they do, let us answer their request to increase our prayer and advocacy on their behalf. Middle East leaders have pioneered some of the most vibrant ministries in our global Baptist movement. Our future will be shaped by theirs. Imad Shehadeh, president of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary: Nations in the Middle East are moving toward tolerance. This is a development we encourage, even as we would like governments to become even more open and lenient. It remains very difficulteven dangerousfor someone from a non-Christian background to convert to Christianity, for example. Therefore, as we pray for a spiritual breakthrough, we must also invest more to train our people how to reach their neighbors in creative ways. For example, it is amazing the impact our public ministry has had. Evangelical hospitals serve all religious backgrounds. Evangelical schools have large numbers of non-Christian students. As they hear the gospel and interact with believers, the truth of the Scriptures stays with many throughout their life. Imagine if we could create an evangelical university. But to accomplish these, we need greater theological depth in our churches. We need to teach the biblical basis of unity, and build bridges between our evangelical denominations, celebrating the positives of each. And we need it also as we engage the world. To address homosexuality and transgenderism, we must show the beauty of being created in the image of God. It is not enough to simply say it is wrong, but to explain why. Furthermore, with the wider Christian community, we must repair the polarization that exists between evangelicals and the historical churches. Some have such enmity toward us, and I dont know how to address it, even as I understand some of their reasons. But it is a great obstacle to the advance of the gospel. In the next 25 years, we can contribute to each of these trends. Martin Accad, director of Action Research Associates: For the past 25 years, the evangelical churchwith Thimar very much in the leadhas addressed well the various needs in Lebanon. It has looked beyond its walls in relief work, special needs, theological education, and leadership development. Now, evangelicals must become political. By this, I mean aiming to influence policy at the highest levels through advocacy and lobbying. Rather than dictating morality, it can help create an open society where freedom is paramount. And if done well, it will help the church in the Arab world develop a robust public theology. Specifically, evangelical leadership should gather to reflect collectively on the contributions of its respective institutions. Then it can identify legislative and national governance issues where the state has failed. And positively, the church should become a mouthpiece for justice, equality, and human rights, as it works to de-sectarianize the political system. Some evangelicals have done this at the personal level. But in the next 25 yearsand not just in Lebanonthe church must participate in building a civil society of equal citizenship for all in the Middle East. Darin Wood, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Midland, Texas: I cannot speak with authenticity about the appropriate strategies for evangelism in the Middle East. But having spent time with pastors from Lebanon and Egypt, I believe these leaders can be trusted to do it. They speak eagerly, passionately, and fearlessly about how to reach their context for Christ. My hope is simply to take this passion home with me, for my own church. We discovered their ministry by coming from abroad. But over the next 25 years, the training of indigenous pastors will be inherently more effective than parachuting someone in from the outside. Our role must be to pray, encourage, and help fund them in their efforts. There are many similarly-minded ministry partners. We can help them connect. Jalil Alnamri, a Yemeni serving with NEO Leaders in the Arab world: As Gods servants in the Middle East, we aspire to increased training of local leaders able to shepherd their own church. Too often, foreign mission relationships have made us dependent upon regular support, rather than strengthening the local congregation. Such funding must include efforts to better our overall economic situation, alongside the relief component that currently characterizes much of our ministry. It is more than the old comparison of give a man a fish versus teach a man to fish. Neither one of these will truly help us serve our societies. Over the next 25 years, teach us how to manufacture fishing rods. [ This article is also available in and . ] Anthropologists' gender panel canceled because it could be 'harmful' to the LGBT community Female scholars will no longer lead a panel at an anthropological conference next month explaining why biological sex remains necessary for scientific analysis due to concerns that the discussion could be considered harmful to the LGBT community. The Anthropological Association and the Canadian Anthropology Society announced last week the removal of the session from their annual conference set to take place from Nov. 15-19. The scratched panel carried the title "Let's Talk about Sex Baby: Why biological sex remains a necessary analytic category in anthropology." The panel was organized by Kathleen Lowrey, an associate professor at the University of Alberta. It featured Elizabeth Weiss of San Jose State University, Silvia Carrasco of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Kathleen Richardson of United Kingdom's De Montfort University and Michele Sirois, the president of the women's rights group Pour les droits des femmes du Quebec. Another panelist, Carole Hooven, a senior fellow at the conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute, was scheduled as a speaker for the session but dropped out. Jeff Martin, director of communications and public affairs for AAA, told The Christian Post Friday that the meeting has 30 sessions related to sex and gender deemed acceptable taking place in various formats, including roundtables and poster presentations. "Basically, we feel the abstract submitted was intentionally misleading and disingenuously pushing a political agenda that would harm not only individuals but the field itself as it attempts to redirect the evidence-based science our discipline has put forward on sex and gender," Martin said. A Sept. 29 letter of support for the decision to withdraw the session from scholars at Princeton University, University of Illinois and Arizona State University states that the panelists' abstract asserted sex is a "biological binary." They contend that human sex and gender categories are not binary, "shift" and "are always affected by the cultural beliefs of the time." The Canadian Anthropology Society did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. On Thursday, the education nonprofit Heterodox Academy announced that it would host a virtual version of the session on Nov. 8 featuring the panel talks as "originally prepared." The panelists will present five papers, four in English and one in French, before taking questions from the audience. According to the description of the panel in the preliminary program for AAA and CASCA's annual meeting, the session intended to challenge the concept of replacing sex with gender, both in anthropology and in public life. "Contesting the transition from sex to gender in anthropological scholarship deserves much more critical consideration than it has hitherto received in major disciplinary fora like AAA / CASCA," the panel description reads. "This diverse international panel brings together scholars from socio-cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology who describe why in their work gender is not helpful and only sex will do," it continued. In a Sept. 25 letter, AAA President Ramona Perez and CAS President Monica Heller notified the panelists that their planned session would not happen despite the initial approval of the panel in July. The letter said that the decision to cancel was at the request of numerous AAA and CAS executive board members. "This decision was based on extensive consultation and was reached in the spirit of respect for our values, the safety and dignity of our members, and the scientific integrity of the program(me)," the letter stated. "The reason the session deserved further scrutiny was that the ideas were advanced in such a way as to cause harm to members represented by the Trans and LGBTQI of the anthropological community as well as the community at large," the document continued. On Sept. 26, the panelists issued a response letter to Perez and Heller, expressing disappointment with their respective organizations. The scholars noted that the panel was originally accepted on July 13 after it was reviewed by "AAA's Section Program Chairs or by CASCA's Scientific Committee/Comite Scientifique de la CASCA." From the time of the acceptance to the date that they received the letter, the scholars say no one from AAA or CASCA reached out to them with concerns about the panel. The scholars requested that AAA and CASCA share the sources and nature of the complaints and the correspondence that led to the decision due to the serious nature of the allegations. "Your suggestion that our panel would somehow compromise 'the scientific integrity of the Programme' seems to us particularly egregious, as the decision to anathematize our panel looks very much like an anti-science response to a politicized lobbying campaign," the letter stated. "Had our panel been allowed to go forward, we can assure you that lively contestation would have been welcomed by the panelists and may even have occurred between us, as our own political commitments are diverse," the scholars continued. In a statement last week to Just the News, Weiss questioned why the panel was accepted in the first place if the topic was so "egregious." The anthropologist wondered if the decision to cancel may have been based partly on her controversial opposition to the reburial of Native American remains and her posing with a skull in 2021. Defense Department pays $1.8 million to end lawsuit over COVID-19 vaccine mandate The United States Department of Defense has agreed to pay $1.8 million in fees and other litigation costs to end a lawsuit filed against their now rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate. A group of U.S. Navy Seals and others in the military filed suit against the Defense Department for issuing of a COVID-19 injection mandate in 2021, with plaintiffs arguing that the requirement ran afoul of their religious freedom. In a fee settlement agreement on Tuesday, the Defense Department agreed to pay $900,000 in costs incurred by the case Navy Seal 1 v. Biden and another $900,000 incurred by the case Colonel Financial Management Officer v. Austin. Defendants shall make best efforts to effectuate payment within 21 days of the later of the Effective Date of this Agreement or the date when Plaintiffs provide Defendants with correct payment processing information, whichever date is later, noted the agreement. Mat Staver, the founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, which helped to represent the military personnel suing the Defense Department, celebrated the agreement in a statement released Wednesday. The military COVID shot mandate is dead. Our heroic service members can no longer be forced to take this experimental jab that conflicts with their religious convictions, stated Staver. Through our daily work with service members in every branch, we have had the privilege of knowing some of the finest people who love God and love America. These heroes should not have been mistreated by our own government. Staver went on to argue that we have come to realize that many of the high-ranking members of leadership, the Pentagon, and the Biden administration need to be replaced. Collectively, they dishonored the brave men and women who defend our freedom. We stand ready to defend our defenders of freedom if any religious discrimination occurs in the future, he added. In August 2021, the Pentagon announced that it would require U.S. military personnel to receive the COVID-19 injections, citing as justification the need for combat readiness. Now that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved, the department is prepared to issue updated guidance, requiring all service members to be vaccinated, stated Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby at the time. These efforts ensure the safety of our service members and promote the readiness of our force, not to mention the health and safety of the communities around the country in which we live. Although the vast majority of armed forces personnel agreed to be vaccinated, thousands objected on religious grounds to receiving a vaccine that had been developed through research that used aborted fetal cells. Multiple complaints were filed against the Defense Department and the Biden administration over the mandate, with many arguing that the military had failed to provide an adequate exemption process for those morally opposed to the vaccine. In January, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the COVID-19 vaccine mandate was being rescinded, noting that around 96% of military personnel were fully vaccinated. Loren Cunningham, Youth With a Mission founder, dies at 88 Loren Cunningham, an author and founder of the prominent Christian youth organization Youth With a Mission, has died from cancer. He was 88. In an announcement on its Facebook page, YWAM confirmed that Cunningham had died in his sleep at his home in Kona, Hawaii, on Friday in the early morning hours local time. Cunningham is survived by his wife of 60 years, Darlene, his children, David, Karen and Judy, and three grandchildren, Madi, Kenna and Liam. According to the obituary posted on his website, Cunningham founded the global missions group YWAM in 1960, which boasts around 2,000 chapters in nearly every country. Millions have served in YWAM programs as students, short-term volunteers and full-time staff, stated the obituary. Many have credited YWAM as among the world's largest and most significant mission movements. Born in 1935 in California, Cunningham felt called to ministry at 13, when he attended a revival meeting. In 1956, while staying at a missionarys home, he had what he later recalled as a vision. Suddenly, I was looking at a map of the world, only the map was alive and moving! I could see all the continents, and waves were crashing onto their shores. Each wave went onto a continent, then receded, then came up further until it covered the continent completely, Cunningham recounted, as quoted in the obituary. The waves became young people kids my age and even younger covering all the continents of the globe. They were talking to people on street corners and outside bars. They were going from house to house and preaching the Gospel. They came from everywhere and went everywhere, caring for people. Then, just as suddenly as it had come, the scene was gone. Loren oversaw the launch of various Christian entities, including YWAM Olympic Outreaches, the International Torch Run, Cardinal Points Prayer Days, the University of the Nations, YWAM Ships, and Pray OMT, among others. Loren also authored several books, including Is That Really You, God?, Making Jesus Lord, Daring to Live on the Edge, Why Not Women?, The Book that Transforms Nations: The Power of the Bible to Change Any Country, and We Can End Bible Poverty Now. In March, it was reported that Cunningham had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer following a full body scan in Honolulu, according to an update given by his wife, Darlene. We have already decided as a family to prioritize Loren's QUALITY of life over trying to extend the length of time, through chemo or other treatments that could reduce his energy and productiveness, she stated, as reported by CBN. He has Jesus, family, friends, and vision. Who could ask for more? Oklahoma high court rules against UMC churches prohibited from disaffiliating amid LGBT schism The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled against two congregations seeking to leave the United Methodist Church amid the ongoing debate on homosexuality within the denomination. First United Methodist Church and Church of the Servant, both located in Oklahoma City, filed separate lawsuits to get the UMC Oklahoma Conference to allow them to hold disaffiliation votes. After hearing oral arguments on Thursday, Oklahoma's highest court concluded that civil courts should not have a say in a religious body's disaffiliation process, reversing lower court rulings in favor of the congregations. In a statement published by The Oklahoman on Friday, the Oklahoma Conference said it was "thankful that the justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court have taken jurisdiction of the case, and we are looking forward to the written opinion of the court." "We appreciate the time and attention the court has given to this important issue," the regional body added. First Church leadership addressed the ruling in its most recent weekly newsletter, explaining that the congregation will consider next steps. "Your Administrative Council is looking into what options are available to us as to our next path forward and will hopefully make a decision within the next few weeks," the newsletter states. "In the meantime, please continue to pray for God's guidance, continue to serve Him through the ministries of First Church and that no matter what, He will continue to be glorified in all that we do." In April, the Oklahoma Conference held a special session where it voted to approve the disaffiliations of 55 churches. First Church and Church of the Servant filed separate lawsuits against the conference in response to the regional body not allowing them to hold votes to possibly leave the UMC. The churches believed the matters were property disputes, not cases about religious doctrine, insisting that the conference didn't want to lose their valuable properties even though it allowed other churches to disaffiliate. But the conference rejected that the case was simply a "property dispute." In July, Oklahoma County District Court Judge Aletia Timmons ruled in favor of First Church, concluding that the conference committed several actions that prevented the congregation from joining 55 other churches in disaffiliating. The judge ordered the conference and delegates to consider and vote on the church's disaffiliation. In August, Timmons ruled in favor of the Church of the Servant, with the UMC district superintendent initially scheduling a church conference on Sept. 5 as part of the disaffiliation process. The conference appealed and argued that the district court rulings interfered with internal church processes protected under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Later that month, the Oklahoma Supreme Court put an emergency stay on the lower court ruling, preventing the vote from occurring until the litigation was completed. Over 6,200 congregations have left the UMC since last year, driven to do so by the divisive debate over whether the denomination should allow the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals, which are prohibited by the UMC Book of Discipline. Many progressive leaders within the Church have refused to enforce or follow the rules, prompting many theological conservatives to leave the denomination. A conservative faction launched an alternative denomination known as the Global Methodist Church in 2022. Many disaffiliating Methodist churches have joined the new denomination, while others have become nondenominational. Over 100 black pastors oppose ballot initiative to enshrine abortion in Ohio constitution More than 100 black faith and community leaders in Ohio are urging Ohioans to vote against an upcoming ballot measure that would place a right to abortion in the state constitution, arguing that the issue is a "life-or-death" matter for the black community. The bipartisan group of black faith leaders organized by Choose Life Ohio released a joint letter Tuesday in opposition to Issue 1, the ballot initiative Ohioans will vote on in November. The faith leaders argued that the issue is not partisan or a "party-line vote," highlighting the impact abortion has had on black women and families. Ohio Issue 1 would establish a constitutional right to "make and carry out ones own reproductive decisions," including abortion, contraception and fertility treatment. The amendment would allow the state to restrict abortion after fetal viability but not when deemed necessary to protect the pregnant patients life or health. "The Black community has been the target of the abortion industry for decades, beginning with the deplorable ideology of racist eugenicist Margaret Sanger, whose Planned Parenthood organization purposefully established abortion mills in minority neighborhoods and targeted our communities for abortions," the letter reads. "Sanger's mission was to kill Black babies before they entered the world, and Planned Parenthood and the for-profit abortion industry have allowed that mission to continue to this very day." Citing a 2022 U.S. Census Bureau report, the faith leaders noted that Ohio's black population is overrepresented in the state's abortion data. While black individuals account for only 13% of Ohio's population, the letter contends that 48% of women who undergo abortions in the state are black. The letter also cited a Washington Examiner report that estimates that at least 20 million black children have likely been aborted between 1973 and the reversal of Roe v. Wade last June, which the letter noted is "enough to fill the Ohio stadium more than 194 times." The religious leaders claim Issue 1 helps the abortion industry push an "agenda driven by racism and greed," condemning the measure as "more extreme" than Roe. The pastors echoed objections to Issue 1 voiced by pro-life advocates, believing that the measure would allow abortion throughout all nine months and allow minors to obtain abortions without parental consent. "Our faith sustains us every day, and it must now spur us on to defeat this amendment and save countless Black lives in doing so," the document continues. "Together, we must send a message to the abortion industry by stopping Issue 1. We must end the targeting of Black babies and instead promote a culture of life." Brian Williams, senior pastor of Hope City House of Prayer in Columbus, Ohio, was one of the spiritual leaders who signed on to the letter. In an interview with The Christian Post, Williams declared that the stakes surrounding Issue 1 are much higher than if the measure were a piece of legislation. "This is an amendment to the Ohio Constitution, which, if this is passed, will be forever enshrined until it's overturned one day," he said. The pastor said that his church promotes the sanctity of life from a biblical standpoint and encourages the congregation to become involved in the civic process by providing voter registration. "And it's not just for this issue, but any issue that is relevant to our faith," he said. "We try to call people to take a stand and use the power of the vote to reflect their values." Williams believes that faith leaders have a duty to speak on issues like abortion, asserting that it's "a betrayal of our faith, a betrayal of our ethnicity, and a betrayal of babies in the womb" if spiritual leaders remain silent. While Williams would like to see voters block the amendment, he's hopeful that society will work to create a culture of life that not only values the preborn child but throughout all stages of life by building social structures that provide for the child's educational and health care needs. "So, when we talk about being pro-life, our hope is that the message of life will transcend into every atmosphere and every sphere of life that makes sense," he said. Regardless of the outcome, the pastor will continue to advocate against abortion because the public will likely look to Ohio as an example as other states throughout the country potentially seek to enact similar measures. "So, I think an extra incentive for us is realizing that people are watching Ohio, especially black leaders addressing this who historically have been in lockstep with the Democratic Party," Williams said. Parents fight legal battle to stop hospital from removing 7-month-old baby from life support The parents of a 7-month-old girl are fighting a legal battle in the United Kingdom to resist a healthcare system's push to remove their baby's life support. Claire Staniforth and Dean Gregory, parents of Indi Gregory, are fighting in the High Court in London against Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust's recommendation to end life-sustaining treatment for their daughter. Indi is suffering from a rare mitochondrial disease and is currently in pediatric intensive care at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, according to the rights group Christian Concern. The parents were given only 48 hours' notice earlier this month about a legal hearing to decide their daughter's future. At a hearing this week at the High Court in London, lawyers for the NHS Trust argue that it is in Indi's "best interests" not to receive treatment that would "sustain her life" if her condition worsens. A public "best interests" hearing is scheduled for Monday. Evidence is expected from medical professionals and Dean Gregory, 37, from Ilkeston in Derbyshire. The family is receiving support from the Christian Legal Centre, the legal arm of Christian Concern. "Indi has been in hospital all her young life. She is not in pain and is clearly comforted by her mum and dad," Gregory said after this week's hearing. "We just want to give her a chance." Gregory said his daughter responds to touch and can experience happiness. He criticized the healthcare system for pressuring the family to give up on Indi. "It has been like experiencing Hell," he said. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said in a statement that "A truly compassionate society that cares for the most vulnerable in society just doesn't do this." "We recognize the courage shown by Dean to stand up in court without a lawyer and defend the life of his child with the weight of the system stacked against him," Williams said. "We are pleased now to be supporting the family who will do all they can to contend for her life." The family had been pressured to abort Indi multiple times before her birth, according to Gregory. He described the legal proceedings as "inhumane and wrong on so many levels." Gregory recounted his experience defending his daughter in court without a lawyer, facing NHS barristers. "How can this be right for any father to go through?" he asked. The family is prepared to do whatever it takes to fight for Indi's life, Gregory said. "We call on the hospital and courts to respect and support our wishes and to work with us to find solutions to give Indi the best chance of life," he added. Another family in the U.K. went through what Claire and Dean are going through. They are struggling with a legal muzzle even after the death of their daughter, whose identity and case details were suppressed for over a year. Court orders recently only partially lifted the veil but maintained restrictions. A judge last week identified the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust as the healthcare body responsible for the late 19-year-old Sudiksha Thirumalesh's care, Christian Concern announced. Sudiksha's case involved a rare genetic mitochondrial disease, which left her fighting for her life but fully conscious. Before her death on Sept. 12, she could not share her story publicly or raise funds for experimental treatment abroad because of a gag order that shielded the identities of the hospital, NHS Trust and her own family. The family said Sudiksha had full mental capacity until her death, disputing a judgment from High Court Justice Jennifer Roberts that she didn't have the capacity to make life-or-death decisions after NHS lawyers argued that she was "delusional." Army won't punish chaplain threatened with reprimand for Facebook post on transgender military ban A U.S. Army chaplain who faced potential punishment for criticizing a possible end to a ban on openly trans-identified individuals serving in the military on social media will not face a formal reprimand. The First Liberty Institute, which represents Chaplain Maj. Andrew Calvert, announced Thursday that the U.S. Army will not issue a potentially career-ending formal reprimand against the chaplain. Calvert recently contested a reprimand he received after posting from his Facebook page his opposition to the Biden administration's intention of dropping a Trump-era ban on trans-identified troops serving in the armed forces. The Army issued Calvert a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand on April 22 after screenshots were sent to the 3rd Forces Assistance Brigades Facebook account of Calvert's Jan. 25 comment on a news article reporting on the plan to reverse the transgender military ban. An investigator determined that the chaplain had violated a Defense Department directive and suspended him from his duties. But according to First Liberty, Calvert will have his record cleared and again has the possibility for future promotions and assignments. Were very happy for Chaplain Calvert and we commend the Army for making the right decision, First Liberty General Counsel Mike Berry said in a statement. No service member should ever be punished because of their religious beliefs. In his Jan. 25 post, Calvert expressed his support for the Trump-era ban, asking how rejecting reality is not evidence that a person is mentally unfit, and as a result, unqualified to serve. An unknown party took screenshots of Calverts comments. In May, Calvert filed an appeal to the reprimand, getting support from multiple entities, including the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty. The right to freedom of conscience' is the most sacred belief held by all Americans and proponents of a free society, and that is why it is our first constitutional right, Alliance Executive Director Derek Jones said in a statement shared with The Christian Post in May. Chaplain Calverts sincerely held beliefs are protected by the First Amendment and our federal courts have repeatedly ruled in favor of First Amendment protection for religious expression such as Chaplain Calverts. Critics argued that the chaplains remarks on trans-identified service members and earlier comments criticizing progressive Christians are outside of First Amendment protections. His critics include the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which advocates for the separation of church and state. the U.S. Supreme Court has held for nearly half a century that speech such as Calverts deliberate and hateful calumnies against transgenders and Progressive Christians, are NOT protected under the U.S. Constitution as he is a member of the American armed forces, stated MRFF's Mikey Weinstein, as reported by DailyKos. The Army must timely, publicly and aggressively investigate and punish this wretched, Old School bigot-imbecile in order to make an example of him and make it perfectly clear that such seething, divisive hatred will NEVER be tolerated in our nations military." Christian man stages protest at Conservative Party Conf. after suspension for opposing 'pride' 'The party does not tolerate expression of Christian beliefs' A Christian councillor who was suspended from the Conservative Party in the U.K. after sharing a social media post criticizing LGBT pride events staged a protest at the Party's Conference this week. King Lawal was suspended as a local Conservative Party councillor in July, pending an investigation, despite his beliefs being protected under law. In the post, he said, "Pride is not a virtue but a sin," and said that those who have pride should repent. The councillor said he had been concerned about the nature of some "pride" activities taking place in the presence of children. He later defended his tweet and explained that calling something sinful was not an expression of hate. "So when Christians say 'repent' and believe in Jesus or refer to something you associate with as 'sin,' it's not because they hate you. It is because they love you and want to see you saved from punishment the same way they have been saved," he said. "I therefore do not come against those celebrating pride to attack who they are, my intention was to say that I would not celebrate this any more than I would celebrate a month of gossip or anything else the Bible calls sin." The Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which is supporting him, said Lawal was warned at the time about a possible police investigation for alleged 'hate crimes.' He has said previously that he plans to take legal action against his suspension. Over 27,000 people have signed a petition calling on Conservative Party Chairman, Greg Hands, to ensure his reinstatement. Joined by supporters, he held a protest outside the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester on Tuesday. He said he was "encouraged" by the support he had received from others at the conference. "Ordinary members of the party, and MPs too, are shocked and disturbed that I would be suspended for expressing my Christian beliefs," he said. "I have done nothing more than express my widely shared Christian beliefs. There are many Christians in the Conservative Party who share my beliefs. I very much hope that the Conservative Party will see sense and reinstate me without delay. As things stand, the message is that the party does not tolerate expression of Christian beliefs." He continued, "How I have been treated is really troubling for a democratic society. It must ring alarm bells and should concern everybody who cares about Christian freedoms and free speech as this can now happen to anyone that is not in support of this extreme LGBT movement. "The Bible tells us that to live out a true Christian calling you have to pick up your cross. I am determined to fight for justice, to clear my name and to ensure that this does not happen to another person." CLC Chief Executive Andrea Williams said: "What has happened to Cllr Lawal has been brutal and is a clear case of viewpoint discrimination against a standard expression of Christian belief. "The Conservative Party has been captured to such an extent by this ideology that if you speak against it, within a week you face disciplinary sanctions. "The pace at which Cllr Lawal has been penalized for expressing his beliefs is disturbing as he has been democratically elected and undemocratically canceled. "There are many Christians in the Conservative Party, and many others who share views similar to those of Cllr Lawal. The Conservative Party should welcome and allow Christian members of the Party to share their Christian and biblical views relating to our culture. "We hope that the Conservative Party will see sense and reinstate Cllr Lawal without delay." Originally published at Christian Today Episcopal Church leader Michael Curry released from hospital after surgery The outgoing head of The Episcopal Church has been released from the hospital after undergoing surgery in response to multiple episodes of hospitalization for internal bleeding. Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry was released from the hospital on Thursday and returned home, according to a press release from the denominations Office of Public Affairs. The 70-year-old lead bishop is expected to be on a moderately reduced schedule for travel and will continue to undergo physical and occupational therapy, according to the office. Please continue to pray for Bishop Curry, his family, and his medical team as he continues on the path of restoration and healing, stated the Public Affairs Office on Thursday. Earlier this year, during Memorial Day weekend, Curry was hospitalized briefly when he experienced internal bleeding and was forced to reduce his work and travel schedule as a result. "Curry's internal bleeding is under control, and additional test results are expected later this week. He has been receiving treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib), which was detected in an annual physical," stated the Public Affairs Office in May. "While in the hospital, Curry experienced two other episodes of irregular heartbeat, and he will wear a heart monitor to determine what further treatment is necessary." In August, Curry was again hospitalized with internal bleeding, with the decision being made to have the presiding bishop undergo surgery to remove his right adrenal gland and an attached mass. "I am so grateful for your prayers," said Curry in a statement in August. "I expect that the work of the medical team will lead to healing that will make a difference. Fervent prayer plus good medical care is a powerful combination. In all things, God is good." Although his surgery was initially scheduled for Sept. 8, it was rescheduled for Sept. 20, with Curry being moved from the intensive care unit at the hospital to a standard room on Sept. 24. In 2015, Curry became the first African American to serve as presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, declaring at his consecration service at the Washington National Cathedral that "God is not finished with the denomination. "What God has done in the past, God can do again. God Who parted Red Seas can do it all over again. The God Who raised the dead to life can do it all over again," Curry said at the time. Curry became known internationally when he preached at the May 2018 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, likely making it one of the most-watched sermons in history. Curry's surgery comes as his nine-year term as presiding bishop is nearing its end, with the 81st Episcopal Church General Convention scheduled to elect his successor in summer 2024. Harry Potter event canceled over JK Rowling's comments on gender: 'Causing distress' Organizers of a book festival in New Zealand have canceled an event featuring the popular children's book series Harry Potter over past comments on the transgender debate made by author J.K. Rowling. The news website Stuff reported that the upcoming Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival, an annual event scheduled to occur this weekend in New Zealands Wellington Region, decided to remove a Harry Potter-themed quiz because of the past comments on gender and women's rights made by Rowling. This action comes as this years book festival is slated to focus on the phenomenon of cancel culture. The term cancel culture refers to the effort embraced by many in popular culture to silence people with unfashionable views on certain topics by boycotting their products or canceling their engagements with organizations or events. According to Stuff, this years festival will feature a panel discussion hosted by veteran broadcaster Ian Fraser examining the phenomenon of cancel culture and its impact on New Zealand art and literature. In response to the outcry over the inclusion of the Harry Potter-themed quiz in the program, the festivals board chairman, Peter Biggs, stressed that decision to pull the quiz event was not made lightly. However, the festival elected to nix the segment after consulting with members of the LGBT community, the literary sector and local supporters. The overwhelming response was there was a risk around causing distress to particular members of the community and that was the last thing we wanted to do, Biggs said. We always thought Booktown should be an inclusive, welcoming place for everyone, so we took the decision not to go with Harry Potter. Rowling, a self-described feminist, came under fire last year for comments that critics have deemed transphobic. Addressing an op-ed that contained the phrase people who menstruate in the headline, Rowling sarcastically tweeted: Im sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud? The point of that tweet was to highlight that the correct word for those people is women. In a separate Twitter thread sent out on the same day, Rowling pushed back on the idea that sex isnt real. If sex isnt real, theres no same-sex attraction. If sex isnt real, the lived reality of women globally is erased, she wrote. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isnt hate to speak the truth. Additionally, Rowling has criticized the use of cross-sex hormones. In an early July tweet, she specifically warned that the long-term health risks of cross-sex hormones have now been tracked over a lengthy period, adding these side effects are often minimized or denied by trans activists. In December, Rowling revealed that she had received heartbreaking letters from women who regret taking cross-sex hormones. She stressed that everybody should be free to live a life that is authentic to them, and that they should be safe to do so. However, the author illustrated a need to have a more nuanced conversation around womens rights and around the huge increase in the number of girls and young women who are seeking to transition. While most people who spoke with Stuff about the decision to pull the Harry Potter quiz from Booktown expressed support for the decision, one resident of Featherston held a divergent view. Jenny Whyte, a lesbian and feminist activist, accused the book festival of trying to capitalise on the current fad of cancel culture. Featherston Booktown has a session selling tickets to a panel discussing cancel culture, so theres an irony certainly, she added. In addition, Whyte said that she shared some of Rowlings views, describing them as quite compassionate and reasonable. She said that the fact that a world-famous writer from London faced pushback in tiny little Featherston over her views encapsulates the whole madness of [cancel culture] quite well. Christian university students can finally get transcripts after 2021 shutdown Students and alums of a shuttered West Virginia Christian college will finally get access to their transcripts and other information nearly two years after the school's closure. Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City has announced that it will provide registrar services to former Ohio Valley University students, according to a statement sent to The Christian Post. Both institutions are affiliated with the Churches of Christ denomination. Ohio Valley University of Vienna permanently closed in December 2021, leaving many of its students and alumni unable to attain academic transcripts for work and education opportunities. OVU alumni can now request copies of their transcripts by contacting the Oklahoma Christian University registrar at this link. "Churches of Christ have a rich heritage of founding and operating schools and colleges to provide faith-based education," said OCU Provost Brian Starr. "We are saddened by the loss of a sister institution, but Oklahoma Christian University is preparing to help Ohio Valley University alumni obtain their academic transcripts. We hope this small act of service will be of good benefit to them as they seek to expand their careers and education." Former OVU President Michael Ross said he is "thrilled to be partnering with Oklahoma Christian University to ensure that our students can receive their transcripts." "This has been a challenging process as Robert Moore (Chair, Board of Trustees) and I have worked with so many to get to this point," Ross added. "We are thankful this sister institution has stepped up to help in such a critical and difficult time. We are confident that OC will serve our students well." Founded in 1958, OVU was forced to close down due to financial hardships as it failed to make payroll and was millions of dollars in debt, according to the Churches of Christ-affiliated news outlet The Christian Chronicle. Last year, OVU officials garnered much criticism for their failure to process academic transcripts for former students in a timely manner, which complicated the academic and professional futures of many alumni. Katharine Davis, an OVU alumnus who graduated in 2018, told CP in an interview last year about how she struggled to get transcripts from school officials. "I attempted to contact OVU over 40 times, paying for 10 transcripts. I only received one after my father physically went to the building," she said, adding that the delays thwarted her plans to enter a military officer program. "Our lives are on hold We are losing our jobs. We can't get better jobs. We can't complete our schooling, enter the military. We can't provide for our families and ourselves as we should be able to." Regarding this most recent development, Davis told CP on Thursday that she hopes that "this is a permanent home for the transcripts" and that the "relief is palpable among students as we have worked towards this for over a year." "For me, this was the end goal, to get the transcripts found and sent to a place they can be distributed. I am so so thankful for everyone involved who worked hard towards this goal," said Davis. "There were countless prayers involved, and the faith of everyone who kept working, speaking up, and encouraging one another was admirable. I have never been involved in something like this, and while we never should have been kept from our transcripts, seeing the staff, professors, and students come together for the greater good was beautiful." Davis said she now has "friends who can finally enter the army, med school, and finish their degrees, myself included. It feels like life was on pause, and we finally started again." Reform movements and false comparisons: Southern Baptist case study Last week a news story appeared in The Christian Post, What Does It Mean to be a Southern Baptist Living in 21st Century America?, which contained my responses while answering questions during a symposium on Baptist Political Theology sponsored by the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. In that news article, I outlined the theological struggle within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the nations largest Protestant denomination, during the latter third of the 20th century (the 1970s, 80s, and 90s). I explained that the contest to determine the future course of the SBC was best summarized as a struggle involving five identifiable groups, not the more generally recognized two groups conservative and moderate-liberal. As I explained at the symposium, the five groups of Baptists were: Group 1 fundamentalists who did not desire much contact with non-inerrantists; Group 2 inerrantists who believed there needed to be a course correction of a drift away from theological conservatism, but were willing to work with some who denied inerrancy, as long as they were not driving the bus; Group 3 inerrantists who believed there did not need to be a denominational course correction, or the course correction had gone far enough, or the course correction had gone too far, sometimes the same people at different stages of the resurgence; Group 4 moderates who still believed people needed to accept Jesus as Savior, but believed the Bible had mistakes and errors, and sections which werent up to the standards of Jesus; and Group 5 recognizable liberals who denied miracles and some who denied a literal resurrection. I have had several people contact me since The Christian Post article appeared, asking me variations of the same question, Did the Conservative Resurgence really make a difference? Was it worth all the sacrifice? Let me preface my answer to that question by observing that one of the most valuable gifts of the length of years is historical perspective. When you are 76 years old, as I am, you realize you have experienced eight decades and four generations (if you consider a generation as 20 years). Frankly, this does give you a historical perspective that is extremely valuable in providing context for both historical and current events. For example, the Conservative Resurgence did not start in 1979, it just went public that year. I was a seminary student in a Southern Baptist Seminary (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 1969-1972) and my wife was a seminary student at the same seminary (1968-1970) and the departures from Southern Baptist theological or orthodoxy taught in seminary classrooms in New Orleans (and it was one of the more conservative of the six Southern Baptist seminaries) was a daily subject of discussion in the seminary cafeteria. Any fair-minded person would have to acknowledge that there had been a significant theological drift from historic Southern Baptist orthodoxy in the 1960s and early 1970s. In fact, as my wife and I rode the escalator up to the Convention Hall to vote in the presidential election at the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in San Antonio in 1988, my wife said to me, This is the culmination of all the stuff we used to discuss and complain about all the time in the seminary cafeteria, isnt it? My answer was, Yes, it is. You know how we used to say if the people in the pew knew what was being said about the Bible in these classrooms, they would have a duck. Well, they found out and they had a whole flock of ducks. The bigger question, however, is, was the Conservative Resurgence worth it, and was it a success? The answer to that question requires historical context. First, the Conservative Resurgence was not a revolution, but a conscious attempt at theological restoration, which is a very different thing. The supporters of the resurgence wanted to restore a comprehensive theological conservatism in the educational institutions and mission agencies of the denomination. This should not be confused as an attempt to restore either a Southern provincialism or racial segregation. In fact, leaders of the Conservative Resurgence (W. A. Criswell and Jack Graham) were among the strongest supporters of the failed attempts to change the name of the convention to a more inclusive national or continental description and resurgence leaders were also deeply involved in racial reconciliation initiatives. For more detailed information on why the Conservative Resurgence happened and how it unfolded over the years, see Nancy T. Ammerman, Baptist Battles:Social Change and Religious Conflict in the Southern Baptist Convention (1990) and Jerry Sutton, The Baptist Reformation: The Conservative Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention (2000). Ammermans analysis is less sympathetic to the resurgence while Suttons was more so. The bigger question I was asked (and I get some version of this question with some regularity) was: There are still problems in the convention, and many things are not the way I envisioned they would be when I was fighting the good fight for the Bibles inerrancy. Was it worth it? Did it do any good? My answer was, and is, that first and foremost, you must not make the serious error of comparing the convention the way it is to the way it was, versus the way you had hoped it would be. This type of comparison is a common fallacy and leads people to make erroneous conclusions. To truly assess a movement you have to compare a convention, an organization or a political movement, not with the way it is after the reform movement, BUT THE CONDITION IT WOULD BE IN IF THE REFORM MOVEMENT HAD NOT TAKEN PLACE. Is the Southern Baptist Convention exactly where I hoped and envisioned it would be in 2023 when I joined in the effort at its inception in the 1970s? No, it is not. However, that is the wrong question. The most important question is where would the Southern Baptist Convention be in 2023 if the Conservative Resurgence had not successfully taken place? If the Conservative Resurgence had not taken place, the Southern Baptist Convention would have continued its theological drift and Southern Baptists would be experiencing the same theological division that is currently hemorrhaging American Methodists. When I went to seminary in 1969, it was widely understood among conservatives that Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth and New Orleans Seminary were the only two of the six seminaries where conservatives would be somewhat comfortable. By the time two of my three children felt led to attend seminary, my wife and I could recommend all six seminaries and they both attended a seminary (in the 1990s) considered among the most liberal in 1979 (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina) and they both were well-pleased with their seminary experience. Just this past week, I was reminded of the enduring impact of the Conservative Resurgence. I was reading X and came across this message from Dr. Andrew T. Walker, an Ethics Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary who posted the following text: A hermeneutical principle I lay down in my ethics classes relevant to todays discussion about doctrine and ethics: If Scripture hands down an ethical imperative, even if it seems at first blush to strike us as counterintuitive or impossible or difficult, we must confess this: The shape of Scriptures moral commands issuing from a good God are always there to bless us and never curse us. The cross is indeed heavy, but it is never less than always good. I can assure you it would have been quite difficult to find many ethics professors at our Southern Baptist seminaries who would have made such a reverential statement about scripture in 1979. I for one am profoundly grateful to God for the victories won, even if the reforms were not fully fulfilled. Constant vigilance is the price you must pay for genuine theological orthodoxy, and I for one am happy to pay it and I am thrilled that so many of my fellow Southern Baptists have been willing to pay it as well. What to do about debt: Advice from the Scriptures Americans owe billions in college loans. And billions more in credit card debt. And trillions in government debt. This is not a good place to be. "Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; for loan oft loses both itself and friend. And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry, Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet. Benjamin Franklin reminded people tempted to go into debt that, "Creditors have better memories than debtors." According to the Library of Congress in the United States, debtors' prisons were banned under federal law in 1833. A century and a half later, in 1983, the Supreme Court affirmed that incarcerating indigent debtors was unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection clause. Although the penalties for debt arent as egregious today, the problem is very real. Some 44 million Americans struggle with student loan debt, according to a film, Borrowed Future: How Student Loans Are Ruining the American Dream, from Ramsey Education, an offshoot of the Dave Ramsey Show. Over the last 15 years, curricula provided by Ramsey Solutions has been featured in nearly half of Americas high schools and impacted more than six million students. In 2008, Ramsey Solutions created an updated version, Foundations in Personal Finance, which has educated not only students but teachers who can then impart financial concepts. A central point that Mr. Ramsey makes over and over in his radio show and curricula is how to stay out of debt. Someone, somewhere, must eventually pay it back. It should be the person who incurred the debt or someone who voluntarily helps. All too often, however, its taxpayers who are being billed for other peoples spending. The United States government itself is dangerously in arrears, with the national debt now at more than $32.5 trillion and climbing fast. If you want a quick, dizzying take on this, go to the National Debt Clock at usdebtclock.org and watch the numbers spin. It is sobering. American household debt was at a record $16.9 trillion at the end of 2022. While some things seem beyond our grasp, we can control our personal finances and risk of debt by spending less, saving more, sticking to a budget and making our money work for us. For financial wisdom, there is no better place to turn than the Holy Scriptures, which have more than 2,300 verses about money. The Bible is full of warnings about incurring debt. Proverbs 22:7 informs us that the borrower is slave to the lender. In Romans 13:8, Paul admonishes, Owe no one anything except to love one another. Other verses recommend working hard, being honest and investing. Because the government is living beyond its means we are all on the hook as it compounds. The debt for each individual taxpayer as of July 17 now exceeds $253,000. Who will pay for all of this? Our children and grandchildren. Piling debt on the next generations is a sin, according to the Bible. In 2 Corinthians 12:14, the apostle Paul states: For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. Children can, of course, assist their elders, especially since people live longer than ever. But parents should do their best not to saddle their children with debt. Problems with debt begin with avarice in the human heart, Scripture informs us. Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, Jesus told a crowd. Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15 NIV). Author Randy Alcorn notes that becoming obsessed with material goods can trap us in a lifestyle that contrasts with a forward-looking, eternal outlook. Trusting God and giving back to Him is more important, especially since everything belongs to Him in the first place. In Gods economy, giving is the coin of the realm, not getting. One more thing about debt. Its not just rude but profoundly wrong to ring up debt and expect someone else to pay it. I doubt that many of the millions of current and former students who are hoping for someone else to cover their college loans think of themselves as doing anything wrong. Were living in a society where entitlement is a way of life. However, the Bible is unequivocal about this: The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously (Psalm 37:21). Something to think about. 1410466419::d07797ca-65eb-11e4-b480-0017a43b2370 Receive daily headlines on local news, sports, entertainment, and more right to your inbox. Sign up now! Rena Murshud The Armenian diaspora continues to launch attacks on Azerbaijan, as well as on the countries that support Azerbaijan around the world, Azernews reports. This time the provocation took place in front of the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry building in Montevideo. Local Armenians staged a protest in front of the foreign ministry after, in their opinion, the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry responded too softly to the unjustified claims of the Armenians. They expected Montevideo to support Armenia and Armenian separatism, not Azerbaijan. Protestants gathered in front of the ministry held a banner with the inscription that "Azerbaijan is committing a second 'Armenian genocide' and the government of Uruguay is showing indifference." It is worth noting that Uruguay has repeatedly emphasized that it respects the principles of international law and supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. During the years of the Armenian occupation, local media repeatedly noted that in order to achieve peace, Armenia must end the invasion, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored, and refugees and internally displaced persons must return to their homes. The facts of mass provocations of Armenian nationalists in different countries of the world have turned the inside out of the Armenian ideological base and Armenian reality. Representatives of these people, most of them, no matter where they live, remain followers of the bloody terrorist traditions of the ideologists of the past. They are always radical and far from the concept of humanism, humanity, and peaceful coexistence. Armenian communities are a potential risk factor, countries where a large number of Armenians live should take this into account and do everything necessary to ensure that law enforcement agencies look both ways, take preventive measures in case of provocations, and bring the perpetrators to justice. We think Uruguay will also draw the appropriate conclusions. And other countries and international organizations will give a harsh assessment of such incidents. Worst game in bad-ending gathering: provocations spread to Granada On October 5, members of the Armenian communities of different cities of Spain gathered in Granada to express their unconditional support for the people of the so-called artsakh, which on January 1 will lose its Armenian name. The protest, organized by the Europeans for artsakh initiative, aimed to raise awareness of Azerbaijan's actions against Armenia, condemn the European Union's complicity in "ethnic cleansing" in Azerbaijan, and call for immediate international intervention to stop Azerbaijan's actions. Question: What actions are we talking about if this territory is the state property of Azerbaijan? Without deviating away from the topic, it is worth reminding the Armenian diaspora that the rally took place during the meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the President of France Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz within the framework of the summit of the European Political Community which ended with an unsuccessful ending. If the leaders of different countries did not achieve anything concrete at the meeting in Granada, then can we talk about demands and calls against Azerbaijan? Before organizing rallies, let these Armenian diasporas take care of the refugees who left Garabagh of their own free will or under pressure from Armenian lobbyists. For example, we can discuss increasing apartment rents in Armenia at a time when refugees from Garabagh want to return to their homeland. Te invit in Intersectia de bine - un newsletter pentru ONG-uri si comunitatile cu oameni responsabili Job Description Background and Organizational Context The UN Human Rights Office (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. It has a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights. The OHCHR field presence in Moldova, led by the Human Rights Adviser, assists the UN RC Office, UN Country Team in Moldova (UNCT), Government and civil society in strengthening human rights and human rights-based approaches, working closely with the UN Country Team on capacity building and mainstreaming human rights in their work, as well as providing support in engagement with national actors on human rights, including advising national authorities upon request. Thematic priorities for work are: Strengthening rule of law and accountability for human rights violations; Enhancing equality and countering discrimination Integrating human rights in sustainable development; Enhancing civic space and peoples participation. Position Purpose Starting from June 2023, OHCHR will begin a protection monitoring project aiming at improving the protective environment and equal access to services for refugees with specific needs and the most vulnerable host community members in Moldova including the Transnistrian region. With the overall aim to ensure effective Programme implementation, OHCHR will hire a Programme Associate. The Programme Associate will report to the Finance and Administrative Associate, and ensures a smooth running of the project, assisting in the implementation of day-to-day activities, as needed, in the framework of the relevant OHCHR Annual Work Plan. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with all relevant programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies applying. The Programme Associate applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP and OHCHR rules and regulations. Key Duties and Accountabilities 1. Administrative Management Assist in the smooth and efficient implementation of program activities, as requested; Provides logistical support to the organization of meetings, events, external translation and other related activities; Assist the OHCHR Finance and Administrative Associate and other key OHCHR staff in all administrative-related matters, such as logistics support to different events organized by the program, drafting of the minutes for these events and, coordination of field visits and international missions to the program; Maintain records on all project personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, -ToRs, time and attendance, if appropriate etc.) in accordance with policies and procedures in force; Prepare and issue contracts related to the program; Make pertinent logistical arrangements for the prompt and effective implementation of program activities; Handle the preparation of all program-related documents; Maintain the programs database, including registry and maintenance of program files and records; Maintain office equipment and manage office stationary supplies; Provide general efficient receptionist and information services; Draft and translate correspondence, when needed; Compile, copy and distribute all program reports. 2. Financial Management Prepare requests in advance of funds and/or direct payments; Monitor budget expenditures and maintain a proper record of budget and spending; Prepare proposals for budget revisions; Prepare and submit expenditure and budget status reports; Undertake other financial and administrative tasks on ad hoc basis; Arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services. Education Secondary Education or equivalent is required. University Degree in economics, finance, accounting, law, human rights, public administration or another related field is desirable, but not a requirement. Experience, Knowledge, and Skills At least six years of experience (with secondary education) or three years (with Bachelor degree) in administrative work, accounting/finance, economics, or other substantive area is required. Previous experience in an international organization, consulting company, or NGO is a very strong advantage. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems. Fluency in both oral and written English, Russian and Romanian is a must. Working Knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian is an asset. Core Competencies Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination Cross-Functional & Technical competencies Cross-Functional & Technical competencies Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Business Management Communication Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and ambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels Business Management Monitoring Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results Business Management Customer Satisfaction/Client Management Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Business Management Working with Evidence and Data Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making Digital & Innovation Social Media Knowledge of social media and ability to advise the use of social media for development outcomes Programme and Policy Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Human Rights Mainstreaming Non-discrimination UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. UNDP is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Pentru a aplica, va rugam sa adresati link-ul: Apply Now Data de incheiere a postului vacant : 22 octombrie 2023 Care International UK (CIUK) has reported a 35m decline in its income over two years after being handed a notice for late filing. The Charity Commission issued a notice to the charity earlier this year after it failed to file accounts for the years to June 2021 and 2022 on time. CIUK has now published both sets of overdue accounts, which show that its income has almost halved over the two-year period from 73.9m in 2019-20 to 38.6m in 2021-22, on the Commission website. The decline has been driven by a reduction in funding from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), from 52.9m in 2019-20 to 18.2m in 2021-22. CIUK spent 64,000 on termination costs over the two years, with its average number of employees falling from 116 to 98. Overall, the charity cut its expenditure from 71.1m to 31.4m over the same period. Meanwhile, the charity published a report this week criticising FCDOs aid spending cuts, showing a particular cut in funding to address violence against women and girls. CIUK: Organisation is in a strong financial position A CARE International UK (CIUK) spokesperson said: After a challenging period, CIUKs FY22 accounts show the organisation is in a strong financial position. Prompt action and prudent financial management have increased the organisations free unrestricted reserves to 4.5m (2021: 2.8m). Significantly, the accounts conclude no material uncertainty relating to going concern. We expect FY23 accounts to be published on time in early 2024. The accounts do show a significant decrease in income as a result of FCDO aid cuts from 2021-2022 but as evidenced by the increase in unrestricted free reserves, the organisation managed that decrease effectively by reducing its expenditure. sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, In ten months as interim chief executive of Mermaids, Lauren Stoner has perhaps had to navigate more challenges than many permanent charity leaders would in a full term. The trans youth charity has been under the scrutiny of a Charity Commission inquiry since last November, a month before Stoner took over from Susie Green, who stepped down after six years. Mermaids has also come under the microscope of the media and general public, partly due to its unsuccessful legal challenge to the LGB Alliances charitable status, the judgment of which was delivered in July. The charity has undergone external reviews of its governance structure and equality, diversity and inclusion practices, with Stoner tasked with implementing these recommendations. This comes on top of the cost-of-living crisis and increasing media coverage of trans issues affecting the charitys fundraising efforts and demand for its services. Nonetheless, Stoner says she was aware of the challenges her role would entail when she applied and describes it as the best job in the world right now. It was the perfect opportunity Stoner says the chance to lead Mermaids appealed to her because of the organisational change she has been tasked with, and because its cause is very close to my heart for lots of reasons. The fact that they were looking for someone with governance knowledge, with that steady pair of hands, and the ability to come in and just get some stuff done, it was the perfect opportunity. She was also attracted by the charitys position as probably the most household name supporting trans young people and their families in the UK at a time when its beneficiaries have become one of the most marginalised groups in our society. Stoner says she personally has had phenomenal support from across the charity sector since working at Mermaids. When I started this role, I was overwhelmed with the messages that I received from people who have been in and out of my work life for a decade. However, when asked if she is interested in being the charitys permanent chief executive, Stoner says probably not. This organisation needs stability. And I get bored if things are going well. I would much rather go and find the next organisation with some significant challenges to address. Commission inquiry time consuming The Commission opened a statutory inquiry into Mermaids in November last year, after identifying concerns about its governance and management. Stoner says the charity is hoping the investigation will be wrapped up this year and says the sweeping rather than specific nature of the inquiry has been tested. Its more challenging and its more time consuming for us as an exec team officers board to deal with. But its going and its going fine. And theres nothing that were concerned about. Were being really open about all of this stuff, because its the right thing to do. Not because the Charity Commission have told us to. Mermaids has published its own reports over the past year assessing its governance and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practices. The governance review, conducted by NCVO and published last month , said that Mermaids high level of board turnover had weakened confidence in the charitys governance both internally and externally. Meanwhile, the EDI review published in January recommended that the charity should prioritise diversification and representation on the board and at senior levels. Stoner says: Our EDI recommendations were harder to share, because they felt far more personal and it was at a very different time for us as an organisation. Weve been so reactive to so many things that we couldnt not react to this. And we desperately wanted to react. And I think it took us a long time to work out how to react particularly when you have leaks coming from here, there and everywhere. She says the charity has now implemented 85% of the EDI reviews recommendations. LGBA court case cast a long shadow Mermaids was one of the first organisations to attempt to challenge a fellow charitys registration when it did so last year. The First-tier Tribunal dismissed the appeal in July this year . It concluded that Mermaids did not have the necessary standing as a legal person affected by the Commissions decision to award the LGB Alliance charity status. Mermaids initially said it was disappointed by the courts decision and that it would seek legal advice on a possible appeal. It later decided not to pursue further legal action. Appealing was not the most effective use of our resources, says Stoner. That was less about cash and more about time, because any appeal would have a huge impact on staff time. Asked about the impact of the original legal proceedings on Mermaids resources, Stoner says outgoing chair Belinda Bell was the only court witness from the charity. Since Ive joined, the staff time that its taken has been about preparing for the decision and supporting the trustees and making a decision about appeal. Its hard. Its cast a long shadow in terms of being a thing that people were worried about how we would respond, how the press would respond, how the LGB Alliance would respond. However, Stoner says the charity does not regret its decision to challenge LGB Alliances registration. Impact on reputation Stoner says the increased scrutiny Mermaids has faced has affected its ability to fundraise. For example, last year, the National Lottery Community Fund announced it had paused its funding to the charity while the Commission conducted its case. Weve had challenges around the inquiry, particularly around fundraising, says Stoner. Weve had a couple of funders pause, although one of those has now unpaused already and were fairly confident others will as well. And were continuing to work really closely with the funders in that. Stoner says she understands funders risk aversion but says it means that we have to think differently about corporate work. On increased media scrutiny of the charity, Stoner says it can have a positive impact on fundraising and that retention rates are still really high despite the cost-of-living crisis. That negative press interest and engagement has levelled off significantly. I would say the first three months I was in post, that was a real challenge. I think we wouldnt get to a Friday afternoon without being told about some kind of piece because it was always for the Saturday or Sunday papers. So there was a real impact on time there. There was a reputational impact, but that mostly actually drove increased donations, if anything, because people who support trans youth will see that for what it is which is an attack on the existence of an organisation looking to support trans young people. Turning down media requests Mermaids is selective over which media requests it accepts and tries to reject those that it feels could further hateful narratives. Stoner says: If its just going to be we want a trans voice so that we can shout at someone, why on earth would we put someone in the firing line? Why on earth would we enable that debate to look balanced by having a token trans person? The charity is also particular about speaking on issues that specifically affect trans young people, its beneficiaries. If its not about education, if its not about health care, if its not about making sure that trans young people can grow up in a world that is a little bit better than it is today, then we can signpost you to many other people to talk to you, but it wont be us. This week, Mermaids announced that it would no longer post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, as its guidelines and company ethics do not encourage a safe, healthy or inclusive environment for our community to engage with us in. It has left its X account active as an archive and has started using TikTok as well as continuing to post on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Abusive callers Mermaids closed its helpline last October after receiving intolerable abuse. We saw a 1000% increase in abusive callers last year, which has such an impact on the staff team, let alone anything else. Thats why we closed the helpline for a couple of days. Stoner says the charity now has a clearer escalation process in partnership with LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop. We were worried around the time of the LGB Alliance announcement, and we had a whole lot of stuff in place. And we didnt end up needing to use any of it. And that is phenomenal. I think it says a lot about our preparation that staff also said they felt really supported. Nearly all of our staff have some lived experience connection to the work that we do so, they are trans, they have trans family members and that means that the support and care we put in place has to meet all of those needs and recognises intersectionalities. Young trustees Mermaids chair Bell announced last month that she would step down after four years in the role. She said the charity operated in a uniquely hostile external environment , where our work is under ever increasing scrutiny. Stoner has been a part of the team recruiting Bells successor over the summer as part of a wider governance reorganisation at the charity. She says the charity has been particularly impressed by a cohort of young trustee applicants. We were looking for 18 to 25-year-olds to join our board, particularly, because we are looking to really amplify that youth voice at governance level. We already have some really great ways of involving young people in our day-to-day decision making, but having that voice directly on the board is also super important, because that means that theyre holding us to account in a different way. Mermaids currently has a four-day-week trial for its staff, which Stoner says had led to a reduction in sickness absence. The charitys full-time staff were previously working 35 hours a week and they have temporarily dropped to 32, worked across either four or five days. Stoner says she would be surprised if the charity did not make the shift permanently and that it has also helped recruitment. Its a model that works for us. Its a model that works for our people so far. Its not about being the biggest Over the summer, Stoner has led the charitys planning for its next major strategy, due to come into force next year. She says the details of it are in the process of being decided after a period of consultation. Weve been speaking to funders; weve been speaking to young people and families. One thing she is clear about is that the charity is not planning to grow. Were probably the biggest trans-specific organisation at this point. Our annual report for 2022-23, when it gets signed, will show an income of somewhere in the region of 2m. That makes a pretty decent size. I would far rather that we deepen the impact of our work. I dont think any of us have a size target in mind. Its not about being the biggest; its about being the best at the things that we do and signposting people to the best of the things that other people do. And that means theres space for all of us. Its very much not about us being big I am; its about us being a really phenomenal partner, and also giving space for other organisations to grow and develop. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, So am I speaker yet or what? On Wednesday, Matt Gertza senior fellow at Media Matters for America, a liberal watchdog groupasked that question on X (formerly Twitter) after his near-namesake Matt Gaetz, the Trumpy Republican congressman from Florida, filed a motion that led to the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House of Representatives. With his tweet, Gertz continued a running joke of his, based on the similarity of his name and Gaetzs; the pair are often mistaken for each other on X, where Gertz is bombarded every time Gaetz does something controversial (which is often). Gaetz, by contrast, was fully serious in ousting McCarthywith the help of hard-right Republicans and every Democratthough the House GOP does now look like a joke. Gertz and Gaetz are bound by more than their names: for years, Gertz has written about the intersection of right-wing media and politics, where Gaetz has built his career. In April 2021, Gertz told CJRs Ian W. Karbal that he considered Gaetz to be a member of the Fox caucus; since the summer of 2017, Gaetz had been on Fox weekday shows more than three hundred times. As I noted for CJR back then, Gaetzs combined appearances added up to nearly fifty hours. He was on TV so much that he installed a studio in his fathers home, and reportedly considered quitting Congress to become a host on Newsmax. In my piece, I quoted from a book that Gaetz had recently written: The hairdressers and makeup ladies and cameramen pick our presidents, he observed. If you arent making news, you arent governing. This week, following the Gaetz-driven ouster of McCarthy, CNNs Oliver Darcy made the case that Gaetz is so desperate to make news that he does so at the expense of governing. The Speaker vote was another reminder that the once-sought-after prestigious posts in government, such as the speakership, are no longer the real centers of power in Washington, or politics at large, Darcy wrote. The gravity actually rests in the hands of high-profile media personalitiesmany of whom are not incentivized by unity and compromise, but feed off conflict and division. And these media personalities have birthed and empowered people like Gaetz. True enoughbut we should be careful not to imagine this moment as a sharp departure from some halcyon recent past. Back in 2021, I contrasted a tough burst of coverage of Gaetzwho, at the time, was reported to be the subject of a federal sex-trafficking investigation (he was never charged)to contemporaneous coverage of John Boehner, the former House Speaker, who was also in the news, for writing a book. Boehner lamented that his party had been taken over by a right-wing media culture that made celebrities of fringe novices, while casting himself, at least implicitly, as a serious old-school legislator. Many political reporters seemed to fall for this self-portrayal. To me, it seemed disingenuous: Boehner was complicit in the rise of modern right-wing media culture, throwing red meat to Fox and boosting his radical members on numerous occasions. (The tweets Ive seen this week imagining Boehner reveling smugly in the current House dysfunction suggest that this lesson has still not been absorbed.) I had feared that McCarthy, on his way out, might sell the press a similar self-mythology to distance himself from the Gaetzes of the worldand he did try, huffing, at a valedictory press conference, about the integrity of the institution. I was pleasantly surprised that most of the coverage I saw avoided the obvious trap. It noted, for example, how McCarthy pandered to his most extreme colleagues by voting to overturn the 2020 election and opening an impeachment probe into Joe Biden. Prior to McCarthys ouster, Margaret Brennan, of CBShardly a media rabble-rouserlaughed in his face when he blamed Democrats for the current dysfunction in the House. As Speaker, McCarthy lived by the Fox News talking point. He died by it, too. Its perhaps appropriate, then, that as McCarthy and Gaetz went to war with each other, Fox and the broader right-wing media ecosystem squabbled over whose side to take. As Gertz observed, ahead of the vote to oust McCarthy, Fox News basically stayed out of the McCarthy-Gaetz fracas. In the days since, a number of Fox hosts and contributors have lambasted Gaetz as irresponsible: Trey Gowdy accused him of having a crush on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic representative; Mark Levin called him a POS demagogue; Jeanine Pirro said she was furious about the whole mess. Dagen McDowell, of Fox Business, compared Gaetz to that toddler that weve all seen at the family barbecue eating toilet paper, shoving Cheerios up his nose to get attention. Brian Kilmeade said (presumably without irony) that Gaetz does not want to govern, but rather to fill in on other networks, put on headsets, and do podcasts. Sign up for CJR 's daily email This past weekend, CNNs Jake Tapper accused Gaetz of looking for clicks and likes and Fox hits. Gaetz replied, You might want to check Fox. I havent been hitting there as much recently. Indeed, Gaetz is less associated with Fox than he used to be. These days, he is perhaps more involved in the Steve Bannon caucus: per the New York Times, the pair strategized for weeks about ousting McCarthy. On Wednesday morning, Gaetz appeared on Bannons podcast, War Room, where Bannon declared a tectonic plate shift here in the imperial capital and called Gaetz a hero. Look past the infighting, though, and you see a wider media ecosystem on the right that has done much to land the GOPand the countryin its present predicament. As Gertz told Karbal in 2021, What weve seen over the years is a fusion of these two spheresthe world of Republican politics and the world of right-wing media have become one and the same. Yesterday, Gertz pointed out that, since 2017, Steve Scalise, the early favorite to succeed McCarthy, has appeared on Fox nearly three hundred times. Scalises main rival, Jim Jordan, has appeared nearly twice as many timesmore than any sitting member of Congress. You can read Karbals Gertz interview here. Other notable stories: ICYMI: The EUs right to be forgotten is migrating to other countries 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. NEW DELHI (AP) Rescue workers were searching for more than 100 people on Thursday after flash floods triggered by sudden heavy rainfall swamped several towns in northeastern India, killing at least 14 people, officials said. More than 2,000 people were rescued after Wednesdays floods, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority said in a statement, adding that state authorities set up 26 relief camps for more than 22,000 people impacted by the floods. The Press Trust of India news agency reported that 102 people were missing and cited state government officials saying 14 people died in the floods. Among the missing were 22 soldiers, officials said. One soldier who had been reported missing on Wednesday was later rescued by authorities, the army said in a statement. Some army camps and vehicles were submerged under mud following the floods. Vinay Bhushan Pathak, the top state bureaucrat, said that nearly 3,000 tourists and 700 drivers with their vehicles have been stranded in the flood-hit areas. We are evacuating them through helicopters provided by the army and the air force, he said. The army is extending medical aid and phone connectivity to civilians and tourists stranded in the areas of Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen in north Sikkim, the army statement said. Eleven bridges were washed away by the floodwaters, which also hit pipelines and damaged or destroyed more than 270 houses in four districts, officials said. The flooding occurred along the Teesta River in the Lachen Valley in Sikkim state and was worsened when parts of a dam were washed away. Several towns, including Dikchu and Rangpo in the Teesta basin, were flooded, and schools in four districts were ordered shut until Sunday, the state`s education department said. Parts of a highway that links Sikkim, the state capital, with the rest of the country were washed away. Prime Minister Narendra Modis office said in a statement that the government would support state authorities in the aftermath of the flooding. The flooding was caused by cloudbursts sudden, very heavy rains which are defined as when more than 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) of rainfall occurs within 10 square kilometers (3.8 square miles) within an hour. Cloudbursts can cause intense flooding and landslides affecting thousands of people. The mountainous Himalayan region where Sikkim is located has seen heavy monsoon rains this season. Nearly 50 people died in flash floods and landslides in August in nearby Himachal Pradesh state. Record rains in July killed more than 100 people over two weeks in northern India, as roads were waterlogged and homes collapsed. Disasters caused by landslides and floods are common in Indias Himalayan region during the June-September monsoon season. Scientists say they are becoming more frequent as global warming contributes to the melting of glaciers there. This is, incredibly sadly, another classic case of a cascading hazard chain that amplifies as you go downstream, said Jakob Steiner, a climate scientist with the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, commenting on Wednesday`s flash flooding. Earlier this year, Steiners organization published a report saying that Himalayan glaciers could lose 80% of their volume if global warming isnt controlled. In February 2021, flash floods killed nearly 200 people and washed away houses in Uttarakhand state in northern India. Sibi Arasu contributed to this report from Bengaluru. Top photo: Cars lie submerged in water after flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall swamped the Rangpo town in Sikkim, India, Thursday, Oct.5. 2023. The flooding took place along the Teesta River in the Lachen Valley of the northeastern state, and was worsened when parts of a dam were washed away. (AP Photo/Prakash Adhikari) Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A Minnesota county agreed to pay a $12.2 million settlement to a man who was jailed on suspicion of drunken driving but ended up losing both his hands and suffering a heart attack, a stroke and skin lesions all over his body, allegedly due to the inaction of officials in the county jail, attorneys said Wednesday. Terrance Dwayne Winborn spent about four months in hospitals, including two months on a ventilator, because Scott County jail officials failed during the 39 hours he was incarcerated to ensure he got the prompt treatment he needed, his lawyers said at a news conference. Its a case that highlights the vulnerability of prisoners who are dependent on authorities for medical care. The attorneys said the settlement will cover the more than $2 million in medical bills Winborn has already incurred a sum which they said the county didn`t cover as well as the millions he`ll need for ongoing care. The county`s insurance plan will cover the settlement. That deliberate indifference allowed a bacterial infection to run rampant within his body, leading to a heart attack and a host of other devastating and permanent injuries, attorney Katie Bennett told reporters. Jason Hiveley, an outside lawyer who handled the case for Scott County, said in a brief statement that the county and its insurer, the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust, agreed to the settlement in exchange for dismissal of Winborns lawsuit and a release from his claims. The statement did not say whether the county still denies any wrongdoing. Winborn`s attorneys played a video showing his difficulties in adapting to life without hands, including feeding himself. He said he eats two meals a day because three takes too much work. I don`t sleep because every time I dream, I dream I have my hands, you know. And I wake up, they`re gone again, Winborn said in the video. I`d rather have my hands than anything. Winborn, from the southwestern Minnesota city of Marshall, was arrested in the Minneapolis suburb of Shakopee in the early hours of Aug. 27, 2020. His blood alcohol content measured 0.13% at the jail, according to the lawsuit he filed last year. The legal limit for driving is 0.08%. Late that morning, after his blood alcohol content returned to zero, he began vomiting. He was unable to stand up that morning when a jail nurse came by for a COVID-19 check, the complaint said. She noted that his right hand was extremely swollen, and that he had trouble answering questions. On a second visit, around midday, the nurse was unable to measure his blood oxygen level but still did not attempt to get him emergency care. By the time a corrections officer drove Winborn to a Shakopee hospital the evening of Aug. 28, his condition was even worse. Personnel at the suburban hospital were so concerned that they sent him by ambulance that night to a bigger hospital in Minneapolis, where he was put in intensive care, the complaint said. Doctors amputated his hand and part of his forearm two days later after necrotizing fasciitis set in, a condition popularly known as flesh-eating bacteria. It`s a rare condition in which marauding bacteria run rampant through tissue. Affected areas sometimes have to be surgically removed to save the patients life. By the time Winborn was transferred to a nursing home that November, his weight had dropped from his normal 180 pounds to 126 pounds (82 kilograms to 57 kilograms). Another infection led doctors to amputate his left arm below the elbow that December. The complaint also said jail videos that could have provided important evidence were destroyed after 90 days because officials took no action to preserve them despite knowing about the severity of Winborn`s injuries and the potential for litigation. Jail officials stated in their depositions that they couldn`t remember what happened. The County and MCIT are hopeful the resolution of this matter will help provide Mr. Winborn with the medical care and quality of life assistance he needs, Hiveley said. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. BEREA, Ohio -- A Berea police captain and a local home builder will be honored with posthumous Grindstone Heritage Awards Oct. 25. Jerome Doc Kobie, who retired as a captain with the Berea Police Department, and John C. Siodla, a noted Berea businessman who constructed many Berea houses, will receive the posthumous awards from the Berea Historical Society. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at the Mahler Museum and History Center, 118 E. Bridge St. This is the 43rd year for the awards, which are given by the historical society to outstanding Bereans. Recipients are nominated by residents and must have been deceased for at least five years. Kobie, who grew up in in Berea, graduated from Berea High School in 1931. He was a Navy veteran, a 29-year member of the Berea Police Department and a volunteer at the Mahler Museum. He died in 1994. Siodla, a second-generation Berean, graduated from Berea High School in 1930. He worked at the Dunham Company and was a home builder in Berea for many years. He passed away in 2006. The Grindstone Heritage Award program is free and open to the public. PEPPER PIKE, Ohio -- Park Synagogue will hold a Havdalah N Hootenanny beginning at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 21 in its Wain Pavilion, 27500 Shaker Blvd. in Pepper Pike. What is a Havdalah N Hootenanny? Find out by stopping by for a special evening around the campfire with Noah Budin & Friends, who will play your favorite folk and camp songs. You can sing along or just listen while enjoying fall refreshments. The event is planned for outdoors, but in case of inclement weather, will be held inside Park Synagogue. Cost is $5 per person. Pre-paid registration is required by Oct. 16 at parksynagogue.org/events. If you have questions, contact Ellen Petler at epetler@parksyn.org or call 216-371-2244, extension 122. University Heights Fall Fest: The Fourth Annual University Heights Fall Fest will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 at Walter Stinson Community Park. This years festival promises more artists than ever before. Support from the Ohio Arts Council and Dollar Bank means there will be more art and activities than in past years. Visit here to see the complete schedule. Cleveland Heights to host roller derby championships: The Cleveland Guardians --the roller derby team established in 2013 that plays in Cleveland Heights -- will host the 2023 MRDA Western Hemisphere Cup, a postseason roller derby tournament, on Oct. 21 and 22 at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd. The top 10 roller derby teams from across eight states and two countries will be coming to the city to compete for the cup. This is the highest level of competitive roller derby in the world. According to a city release, flat-track roller derby has evolved from the days of scripted roller derby. It is a full-contact sport with real bouts (games), and real hits, complete with rules and penalties. The Guardians are a member of the Mens Roller Derby Association (MRDA) and compete against teams across the country and the world. Tickets for the championship bouts are available online or at the door. The Guardians have a special offer for Cleveland Heights residents -- a free day pass to the roller derby championships. Just present your ID at the ticket booth at the community center. One pass is offered per customer. Caring for caregivers: November is National Family Caregivers Month, a month to honor, support and empower unpaid family caregivers. Courage to Caregivers is a nonprofit located in Northeast Ohio that serves caregivers nationwide. Its mission is to provide hope, support and courage to caregivers, family members and loved ones of those living with mental, chronic or serious illnesses. Courage to Caregivers says it is in the caregiver burnout-prevention business. Courage to Caregivers will hold a virtual event titled Caring for the Caregivers Virtual Summit: Journeying with Courage and Intention, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2. The event will focus on both professional and family caregivers. It is free for both unpaid family caregivers and licensed professional caregivers. All are welcome to attend one or both days. Both days will feature sessions by professional facilitators on topics including mindset, practice and self-compassion. It is known that 53 million people, equivalent to 19 percent -- or about one in five Americans -- provide unpaid care to an adult or child. This figure is up 3 percent in the last five years. The primary goal of our summit is to prevent caregiver burnout, Courage to Caregivers Executive Director Kristi Horner said in a news release. Our sessions help professional and unpaid family caregivers develop the knowledge and life skills they need to build stronger coping strategies and greater resilience so they can continue providing care to those with mental, chronic or serious illness. The deadline to register is Oct. 30. Registration is available on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/CourageSummit23. High marks for University School: University School, of Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley, has sent word that it has been recognized as a 2024 Best School by Niche. It ranked first in four statewide categories: Best Private K-12 School in Ohio, for the second consecutive year; Best Private High School in Ohio; Best High School for STEM in Ohio; and Best All-Boys High School in Ohio, for the eighth consecutive year. In addition to these top marks among Ohio schools, University School ranked in the top 5 percent nationally across multiple categories, including Best High Schools for STEM and Best Private K-12 Schools. Head of School Patrick Gallagher said in a news release: I am so proud of all we are accomplishing at US and so pleased that our work on so many fronts is being celebrated. These recognitions are a testament to the community that makes our school so special. Niche rankings are based on in-depth analysis of dozens of public data sets, enrollment data provided by the schools and insight in the form of reviews and ratings directly from students, parents and teachers. In all, University School serves more than 850 boys in junior kindergarten through grade 12 on its two campuses. CityMusic Cleveland celebrating Black excellence: CityMusic Cleveland will celebrate African-American musical heritage in a program featuring a piece by one of the most revered living Black composers, Jessie Montgomery, and the vocal talents of Oberlin Conservatorys Travis Guillory, Elizabeth Hanje and Benhur Mosazghi. Celebrating Black Excellence will also feature excerpts from the iconic opera Porgy and Bess by Jewish composer George Gershwin. This opera was hailed as the first great American opera for its setting in Black American communities and its performance by Black artists at a time when Black culture was exoticized by the countrys white majority. In addition, the show will include Artie Shaws Clarinet Concerto, pairing virtuoso boogie-woogie blues and riffs and a solo by clarinetist Daniel Gilbert, and a lively performance of Manuel De Fallas Ritual Fire Dance. The free concerts, open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at East Mount Zion Baptist Church, 9990 Euclid Ave. in Clevelands University Circle; at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at La Sagrada Familia Church, 7719 Detroit Ave. in Cleveland; at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Shrine of St. Stanislaus, 3649 E. 65th St. in Clevelands Slavic Village; and at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at St. Sebastian Parish in Akron. For more information on the concert series and CityMusics 20 years of performances, visit citymusiccleveland.org. Help paying for internet bill: U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, D-11, has sent out a news release to let constituents know that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for which she voted, has created the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase devices such as laptops or tablets. Eligibility is income-based. To find out if you qualify, visit getinternet.gov or visit here. To help make sure Northeast Ohioans can take advantage of this program, Browns office will host an Affordable Connectivity Program Signup from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Cleveland Public Librarys Woodland branch, 5906 Woodland Ave. in Cleveland. To register for the event, click here. If you have questions, you can call 216-522-4900 or email Kelly.Sullivan@mail.house.gov. With so much of how we work, learn and communicate taking place online, closing the digital divide is essential, Brown said. She added that her office is committed to making sure that every ZIP code she represents has access to affordable internet service. College news: Lia Long, of University Heights, graduated in the summer with a master of science degree in nursing from Elms College in Chicopee, Mass. Cleveland Heights National Merit Scholars: Cleveland Heights High School has seven National Merit Scholars. They include seniors Niko Bell, Natalie Bier, Laurel Buescher, Sean Egbert, Caleb Green, Marcus Holland and Mason Spieth. Caleb and Niko are Merit Scholar Semifinalists in the 2024 competition and have the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. In all, 16,000 Semifinalists were recognized nationally, representing less than 1percent of U.S. high school students. Laurel, Marcus, Mason, Natalie, and Sean are Commended Students, placing among the top 5 percent of the students who entered the competition, but will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards. About 34,000 Commended Students are recognized nationwide for their academic promise. More than 1.3 million students entered the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in the fall of their junior year. Enhancing early childhood development: The Greater Cleveland YMCA notes that the most important responsibility of parents is to support their childs social, mental and physical well-being. Early childhood is a critical period in which children are growing and learning at an accelerated pace and developing their connection to the world around them. As parents are considering child care options, many may have questions about the effect it will have on their childs development. Child care programs also have a responsibility to positively enhance childhood development, and the YMCA is asking that you check out its Y-Club. The Y-Club is recognized as the largest child care provider in Greater Cleveland and provides before- and after-school enrichment programming (known as BASE) to give children an all-encompassing learning experience to grow and develop to their full potential. The Y-Clubs BASE programming enhances social, mental and physical development through a curriculum supporting education in character development, social-emotional skills, fitness, STEM, nutrition and more. It also offers parents flexible hours while tackling their busy schedules, financial aid for those who qualify and peace of mind knowing their child is in the hands of child care professionals. For more information, visit the Y-Club here. Also from the YMCA: The YMCA is helping breast cancer survivors during this, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, through its partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Through the free 12-week Cancer Survivor Program, survivors are able to ease back into fitness and learn about wellness and stress-reduction techniques. The program encourages a warm spirit of community where breast cancer survivors begin to heal and reclaim their health while becoming part of a community of people who can support them through their recovery. Book discussion in Shaker Heights: The acclaimed novel Little Fires Everywhere by Shaker Heights native Celeste Ng will be the topic of the next Womens Guild Book Discussion, to be held from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 28 at East View United Church of Christ, 17300 Van Aken Blvd. in Shaker Heights. In this psychological mystery set in Shaker, the lives of the picture-perfect Richardson family are upended when they rent a house to an enigmatic artist and her daughter. The 2017 novel was named best book of that year by diverse media sources, including People, GQ, the Washington Post and NPR. It was made into a Hulu limited series starring Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon. The author attended school in the Shaker Heights City School District. She is a 1998 graduate of Shaker Heights High School and later earned degrees at Harvard and the University of Michigan. Ng will not be present at the discussion. The discussion is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Tri-C Women in Transition Program: Cuyahoga Community Colleges Women in Transition is hosting fall sessions with online and in-person classes. The classes are designed to empower women by building personalized academic and professional development plans. Participants gain confidence and skills through courses on personal development, career exploration and computer training. The courses are designed to help women through transitional periods, such as career changes and returns to the workforce. In-person classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 23 through Nov. 29 at the Metropolitan Campus. Online classes, via Webex, will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 through Nov. 30. The last day to register is Oct. 24. To learn more, visit here. Shaker Library events: Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Wesley Lowery, a 2008 Shaker Heights High School graduate, will discuss his latest book, American Whitelash, at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Shaker Main Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd. Copies will be available for purchase and signing. To register to attend, visit here. Also, Sustainability in Shaker: An Update, will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Shaker Main Library. A panel of experts will discuss and field questions about environmental sustainability and community resilience in Shaker. Find the list of panelists here. To register to attend, visit here. If you would like your item included in Press Run, send me an email, at least 14 days prior to an event, at jeff.piorkowski@att.net. Read more from the Sun Press. PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio Menacing: North Church Drive On Sept. 11, a North Church Drive resident called police after receiving quite the disturbing call. An arriving officer talked to the woman, who said a male caller stated that he was going to kill her and her son, who lives in Cleveland. There are no suspects. Police are investigating. Property theft: North Church Drive On Sept. 10, police were dispatched to a North Church Drive address after a resident discovered that something was wrong with their Ford Escape, which had been left in a parking lot. An arriving officer talked to the caller, who said someone had stolen the Fords catalytic converter. There are no suspects. Police are investigating. Drunken driving: York Road On Sept. 10, police observed a weaving Chevrolet Silverado on York Road. While talking to the Macedonia man, the officer smelled booze. After failing a field sobriety test, the driver was arrested for drunken driving. During a search of the Chevy, police found suspected felony drugs. The driver was also cited for drug abuse. Open container: Deering Avenue On Sept. 11, police observed a woman carrying an open container of alcohol in Reservoir Park. It turned out that the Strongsville woman also had suspected felony drugs. She was cited for drug abuse and open container. Drug abuse: Pearl Road On Sept. 12, police were dispatched to a Pearl Road bar regarding a customer causing a disturbance. An arriving officer talked to the caller, who said they wanted the patron removed from the property. When the Parma Heights resident got up to leave, a switchblade knife fell out of his pocket. Thats when the officer searched his person, also finding suspected felony drugs. The man was arrested for drug abuse. Possession of stolen property: York Road On Sept. 12, police stopped a vehicle due to excessive noise. The officer discovered that the vehicle was stolen. During a search, police found a gun and drugs. The Akron driver admitted ownership. He was arrested for possession of stolen property, a weapons charge and suspected felony drugs. Also, it turned out that his Atwater, Ohio, passenger had a warrant. She was arrested and held for transport. Get police blotters by email every weekday for free with our new Police Blotter newsletter. Sign up at cleveland.com/newsletters Read more from the Parma Sun Post. ELYRIA, Ohio A Lorain man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting last month in the parking lot of a local newspaper was arrested by federal agents Thursday in Iowa, the U.S. Marshals Service says. Antoine Richardson, 25, has been charged with murder after police say he shot and killed Isael Eduardo Rios on Sept. 2 in the parking lot of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram on East Avenue. Richardson also has been charged with felonious assault. The Northern Iowa Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Richardson in Cedar Rapids, authorities say. He is in the process of being extradited to Ohio. The Chronicle-Telegram noted that surveillance footage showed that the shooting happened just before 2:30 a.m., after three vehicles pulled into the parking lot. Police still have not released information on a possible motive for the shooting. Chronicle-Telegram employees found Rios after the early morning press run and alerted authorities, according to the newspaper. Rios was pronounced dead at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The U.S. is already in a longstanding government shutdown. Its the GOP turning a blind eye and deaf ear to Donald Trumps danger to democracy and fomenting violence well beyond the Jan. 6 insurrection attack on the U.S. Capitol, to now calling for the execution of General Mark Milley; giving U.S. nuclear sub secrets to a Mar-a-Lago club member; and where a Tennessee Mayoral candidate is openly using neo-Nazi bodyguards. At a recent fundraiser Trump joked about the armed home intruder and Trump supporter severely beating Paul Pelosi, husband of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who the intruder was looking for to kill. The crowd laughed. Despite Trump now facing four criminal indictments, and already found by a New York Judge to have committed systemic fraud, Trump is the far away frontrunner in the GOP primary race for its 2024 presidential nomination. This is despite the fact that there are at least 5 other candidates who would make respectable, un-indicted nominees: current and former Governors Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Asa Hutchinson, Ron DeSantis and Senator Tim Scott. Pathological liar Trump did say something thats turning out to be true, when he said he could shoot somebody in the middle of a New York city street and his supporters wouldnt care. Trump once again demonstrated hes a national security risk when it was disclosed Thursday that he had shared highly classified U.S. nuclear sub information with an Australian billionaire whos a Mar-a-Lago club member. That man then shared the information with more than a dozen foreign agents and many other people It should come as no surprise that China and Russian agents were believed to have targeted Trumps Mar-a-Lago club where he had stashed hundreds of top secret classified documents in boxes stacked in the clubs bathroom, stage and his office quarters. Horrifying how much the rhetoric, actions of Putin and Trump, their indoctrination of followers, match each other and the rise of Hitler. Far-right Mayoral candidate Gabrielle Hanson in Tennessee had self-described neo-Nazi bodyguards at a recent civic event who threatened and harassed attendees and the press present. Thats the Trump Reich marching in Tennessee headed for Washington D.C., 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Last Thursday in Arizona at the site for the Sen. John McCain Library, President Biden warned again about the dangers to democracy Trump and his MAGA cult pose. We should all remember: democracies dont have to die at the end of a rifle. They can die when people are silent- when they fail to stand up or condemn threats to democracy. Trump says the Constitution gave him the right to do whatever he wants as president. Ive never heard presidents say that in jest. Theres something dangerous happening in America now. Theres an extremist movement that does not share the basic beliefs of our democracy: The MAGA movement. Theres no question that todays Republican Party is driven and intimidated by Republican extremists. Their extreme agenda, if carried out, would fundamentally alter the institutions of American democracy as we know it. We know how damaged our institutions of democracy - our judiciary, the legislature, the executive - have become in the eyes of the American people, even the world, from attacks within, the past few years, said President Biden. Friday at about 1:00 AM, Trump endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan to be Speaker of the House. That was after Trump had been drafted by several House Republican Reps to be an interim Speaker. And after Trumps tongue triggered the Jan. 6 insurrection attack that spewed into the House Chamber. Rep. Jordan had been on the phone with Trump during the attack and would later that day disgrace democracy by doing his bidding by voting not to certify President Bidens win. This past week, Trumps former Chief of Staff, General John Kelly recounted how the then Commander-in- Chief both in the White House and while in Normandy, France had repeatedly scorned and disparaged U.S. killed, injured or imprisoned while fighting for this nation, like Senator John McCain. Thats taken personally for me because my Uncle Porky Cahill was shot down and killed by Nazis in WWII flying an extra mission, subbing on another B-17 crew. My late father, Uncles, Aunt and cousins would also serve in the Army, Navy and U.S. Marines and Red Cross. Its taken personally because Im an American. We should all honor all those soldiers who died, were wounded our imprisoned for us by speaking out against Trumps treason to democracy with our votes against him. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Like many manufacturing states in the United States, Ohio has seen a downturn in available manufacturing jobs over the last couple of decades, met with a sharp decline during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, manufacturing is still one of the top industries in the state. According to the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the manufacturing industry is responsible for 17.9% of Ohios private industries gross domestic product, with an annual payroll of $44 billion and $51 billion in exported products to 211 countries and territories. For Manufacturing Day 2023, which is Friday as declared by the Manufacturing Institute, cleveland.com is looking at trends in manufacturing jobs over the last decade. Last year saw an average of 684,000 manufacturing jobs throughout Ohio, continuing the increase of employment since the pandemic in 2020, when jobs dropped to 653,000, the lowest amount in the last decade. As of August of this year, preliminary numbers show 688,800 manufacturing jobs in the state. About 17% of those jobs exist in the Cleveland metropolitan area, with an average annual job count of 117,800 manufacturing positions. Like the rest of the state, these jobs have not returned to pre-pandemic numbers but have slowly climbed from the 2020 low of 114,900. As of August of this year, preliminary numbers show an average of 120,200 manufacturing jobs in the metropolitan area. Ohio also still ranks third for auto manufacturing jobs, following Michigan and Indiana, and the second top state for manufacturing automotive parts. The BLS does not track automotive manufacturing in every state. In 2022, Ohio had an average of 86,000 auto industry manufacturing jobs. Nearly 65,000 of those jobs are in parts manufacturing, and the remainder in manufacturing vehicles. Manufacturing Day was created by the Manufacturing Institute in 2011 and occurs on the first Friday of October. It is part of the now larger Manufacturing Week. Zachary Smith is the data reporter for cleveland.com. You can reach him at zsmith@cleveland.com. See previous data stories at this link. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Forbes magazines flagship Under 30 Summit, recognizing Ohios remarkable collective of young entrepreneurs and innovators, descends upon the Cleveland Public Auditorium beginning Sunday, October 8. The 2023 hybrid virtual/in-person edition runs through Wednesday, October 11 and features a venerable whos who of young entrepreneurs, revolutionaries and trailblazers including Grammy-winning artists Bad Bunny, Halsey and Clevelands own Machine Gun Kelly; model/businesswoman Kendall Jenner, actor/author Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute from The Office) and comedian Matt Rife. Halsey and rising star Atlanta rapper Alyssa Michelle Stephens (a.k.a. Latto) will perform at a Sunday night opening concert at Clevelands Public Auditorium. Machine Gun Kelly will be featured in a town hall discussion on Tuesday, then host the closing party that night at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The lineup of speakers is a hit parade in and of itself, including Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, JP Nauseef (President/CEO, JobsOhio), Max Brickman (Founder, Heartland Ventures), Baiju Shah (President/CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership) and Bill Koehler (CEO, TeamNEO). Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb speaks on stage during the MetroHealth Juneteenth Freedom Fest on Mall C in Cleveland. Bibb will be among the speakers at the Under 30 Summit in Cleveland starting Sunday, October 8.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com This event will provide opportunities for young, diverse leaders across industries to collaborate, network, learn, exchange ideas and accelerate local community impact, said Laura Brusca, senior vice president of corporate communications at Forbes. Itll also feature an Under 30 Latinx Pitch Competition hosted by Forbes and Bad Bunny with a $300,000 prize. The Summit is being presented by JobsOhio and is dubbed an immersive experience happening across the four days with dozens of topics, A-list speakers, industry-focused excursions, local culinary experiences, a bar crawl, networking, community service and more designed to help drive systemic change in business, culture and society according to the event website. We are thrilled to welcome the 2023 Forbes Under 30 event to Cleveland and for the opportunity to showcase our beautiful city, top-notch hospitality and talented workforce, Mayor Bibb told Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. As the citys first millennial mayor, I am proud to host and participate in this celebration of next-generation entrepreneurs and influencers. Its a great time to experience everything Cleveland has to offer. Almost a year ago, Forbes announced their Under 30 Summits would be hosted in (and primarily focused on) the Buckeye State for a three-year period, starting with Cleveland in 2023, followed by Cincinnati in 2024 and Columbus in 2025. Our goal with the next Under 30 Summit is to help spotlight Ohios talented workforce and ample opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, said Randall Lane, chief content officer of Forbes and Creator of the Under 30 Franchise during the October 2022 announcement. Were confident that Ohios entrepreneurial spirit will be felt on the worlds main stage. Attendees can register for the Under 30 Summit at: forbes.com/connect/event/2023under30summit. WASHINGTON State commemorative quarters the U.S. Mint issued over 10 years mostly have a value of 25 cents. But if you find the right one in your coin jar, it could be worth more much more. Quarters issued in the second year of the program honoring five states collectively sold for thousands of dollars at auction. The key for these five is they all scored high quality ratings from the Professional Coin Grading Service. The commemorative state coins were issued from 1999 through 2008. In 2000, coins for Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Virginia were issued. Coin condition is critical for establishing value. Collectors value those in mint condition or an uncirculated state. Coin ratings are designated by an abbreviation MS and a number ranging from 60 to 70. Those rated as MS-70 are considered close to perfect. Heres some sale prices, along with the quality ratings, that some coins from that second year brought at auction: Massachusetts 2000-P (Philadelphia mint) MS69: $3,760 South Carolina 2000-P MS69: $3,525 Maryland 2000-P MS65: $1,495 New Hampshire 2000-D (Denver mint) MS68: $633 Virginia 2000-P MS68: $400 Errors such as double stamping or missing mint marks or limited releases, also can drive up the value of coins. In January 2023, for example, a 1958 Lincoln penny that was stamped twice with the die sold for $1.136 million at auction. Dimes released in 1982 that were missing the P mint mark, signifying they were from the Philadelphia mint, have sold for hundreds of dollars. Some may still be in circulation. Other special commemorative quarters to watch out for include ones issued in 1999 the first year of the U.S. state quarters that honored Georgia and Pennsylvania. One of those Georgia quarters sold for $10,000, U.S. Coins Guide noted. A Pennsylvania quarter brought nearly that much, selling for $9,775, Numismatic News reported. Those coins sold at high prices because they were struck on planchets composed of an experimental alloy that gave them a gold tint. Those planchets were later used for the $1 Sacagawea coins that came out in 2000. But the U.S. government decided not to use them for the commemorative quarter series. But some Georgia and Pennsylvania quarters that already had been struck were released into circulation anyway. All of them are estimated to be worth $3,000 or more on the trading market, according to Heritage Auctions, the worlds largest coin auctioneer. CLEVELAND, Ohio Police are investigating the fatal shootings of two teens in the citys Collinwood-Nottingham neighborhood on Thursday. Marcel Martin, 17, and Trashawn Reese Troutman, 17, both of Cleveland, were shot about 3:25 p.m., according to police and the office of the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner. Officers found Martin in a vehicle with gunshot wounds at the intersection of Rodman Court and Rugby Road. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics transported Troutman to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he later died. Police did not confirm if any arrests were made in connection with the shooting. The shooting came hours after authorities in Cleveland gathered at the office of the Cuyahoga County prosecutor to discuss the growing number of crimes committed among youth in the city, and the rising number of teens arrested for murder. BROOK PARK, Ohio The UAW strike that started three weeks ago did not grow to include any more auto plants on Friday, but more workers in Greater Cleveland will be laid off in the aftermath of the strike. Ford confirmed Friday afternoon that 372 employees will be laid off at the Cleveland Engine Plant in Brook Park, effective Tuesday. Another 184 in total have been laid off at the engine plant in Lima. The Ford workers joined hundreds of other UAW members who are out of work, either because they are on strike or have been laid off in Greater Cleveland. Earlier this week that 130 workers at General Motors Parma Metal Center were laid off. More than 100 UAW members at Stellantis parts warehouse in Streetsboro went on strike Sept. 22. Cleveland.com has reached out to UAW Local 1250, which represent the Brook Park plant, for comment. Ford said late on Friday that about 1,800 of its workers had been laid off in addition to 7,900 employees who were on strike. The company said it has had to lay off workers because of the way the strike has halted production. UAW President Shawn Fain addressed members in a video livestream on Friday, but did not announce any new strike locations. He said the union has been making progress with the Big Three automakers, Ford, GM and Stellantis, because of the strike. The UAW has been using a new targeted strike strategy, where they pick key facilities to strike at each automaker and announce them hours before the strike starts. So far 25,000 of the UAWs 146,000 members were called to strike. The strike started two weeks ago at three assembly plants a Ford factory near Detroit, a GM plant outside St. Louis, and a Jeep plant owned by Stellantis in Toledo. It then expanded Sept. 22 to 38 parts and distribution facilities owned by GM and Stellantis. Then last Friday, the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant and GM Lansing Delta Assembly in Michigan also joined the strike. Fain said Friday that the union has gotten the companies to come closer to meeting the unions demands, and that progress has been made on converting temporary workers, cost-of-living adjustments, pay and other issues. The UAW is asking for increased pay, cost-of-living adjustments, reinstatement of health benefits for retirees and the ending of tiers which create pay disparities among UAW members. The biggest announcement Friday was that GM agreed to place all of its electric-battery manufacturing under the unions national agreement. Fain said this secures the future of the union jobs, as the industry will eventually move away from making engines to just making batteries. We have moved these companies further than anyone thought was possible, Fain said. Detroits Big Three automakers have just three plants left in Cuyahoga County and its neighboring counties - the GM Parma Metal Center, Fords Cleveland Engine plant in Brook Park and the Ohio Assembly plant, which straddles the borders of Avon Lake, Sheffield and Sheffield Lake. GMs metal stamping plant in Parma employs 960 people and makes parts for a variety of vehicles. Ford employs about 1,750 in Brook Park, where the plant makes some of the companys EcoBoost engines. And another 1,740 people work at Fords Ohio Assembly Plant in Lorain County, assembling larger, commercial vehicles like the F-650 and F-750 trucks, F-350, F-450 and F-550 super duty chassis cabs and the E-series cutaways and stripped chassis. Sean McDonnell covers business and consumer topics for cleveland.com. You can reach him at smcdonnell@cleveland.com You can read more Cleveland business stories at cleveland.com/business/. MINNEAPOLIS When traveling internationally, many of us often make packing lists to make sure we have everything we need for the trip. Toothbrush? Check. Phone charger? Check. Extra pair of shoes? Check. But a box of giraffe feces? Thats what U.S. Customs and Border Protection found one traveler in possession of at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The traveler, who returned to the U.S. on Sept. 29 following a trip to Kenya, said she obtained the giraffe feces during her time in Kenya and had planned to make a necklace out of them. She also told authorities this wasnt her first time utilizing animal manure, as she had previously used moose feces at her home in Iowa. Nonetheless, CBPs agriculture specialists seized the box of giraffe feces and destroyed it via steam sterilization, per the United States Department of Agricultures destruction protocol, authorities said. There is a real danger with bringing fecal matter into the U.S., LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, CBP Director, Field Operations-Chicago Field Office, said in a news release, which included a photo of the box of feces. If this person had entered the U.S. and had not declared these items, there is high possibility a person could have contracted a disease from this jewelry and developed serious health issues. CBP says all ruminant animal feces require a Veterinary Services Permit for entry into the U.S., noting a number of associated health hazards such as swine fever, foot and mouth disease, and more. CBPs agriculture specialists mitigate the threat of non-native pests, diseases and contaminants entering the United States, said Augustine Moore, CBP Area Port Director-Minnesota. CBP agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in the biological and agriculture sciences, they inspect travelers and cargo arriving in the United States by air, land and seaports of entry. Rotunda Rumblings Challenger emerges: The first challenge to Ohios new state legislative maps was filed on Thursday. Jeremy Pelzer has the details on the lawsuit from several plaintiffs affiliated with the National Democratic Redistricting Committee led by former Obama-era Attorney General Eric Holder. The bipartisan map approved by the state redistricting commissions five Republicans and two Democrats gives the GOP an advantage in 61 of 99 Ohio House districts and 23 of 33 state Senate districts, per the commissions chair. Weighing in: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost took the apparently unprecedented step on Wednesday of releasing what he described as a legal analysis of a pair of issues that will appear on the statewide ballot in November. Andrew Tobias and Jeremy Pelzer report that Yost gave voters his take on Issue 1, which would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, and Issue 2, which would change state law to make recreational marijuana legal for those over the age of 21. Yost said people have been clamoring for his take, but he said the documents should be read not as policy analyses but as legal analyses -- not why, but what. Air Jordan: U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan spent the day after announcing his run for House Speaker calling up the legislative bodys 221 Republican members to pitch himself as the only candidate who can unite a caucus fractured by Tuesdays vote to eject Californias Kevin McCarthy from the job, Sabrina Eaton writes. You need someone who can unite the conference and I think, just as importantly, unite the conservative and Republican movement across this country, Jordan told Fox News. Thats what I think I can do. Thats why Im running for the job. Senioritis: A federal judge in Cleveland took senior status earlier this week, paving the way for President Joe Biden to make another judicial appointment in northern Ohio. Adam Ferrise reports that U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan on Sunday entered the semi-retirement phase in which she can decide to handle a full case load or a reduced one. Gaughans decision allows the Democratic president to fill another seat on the bench. Biden already appointed three of the 18 judges in the district, which includes satellite courthouses in Akron, Toledo and Youngstown. Oh CELL No: Traffic crashes across Ohio have plunged since the states distracted driving law went into effect six months ago. Molly Walsh reports that last month saw the lowest number of accidents caused by distractions in six years, as there were 576, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. In May 2018, the states highest month, there were 1,383. Ohio lawmakers passed the law in January. It makes it illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand or lap while driving on Ohio roads. High turnover: A new report from Jessie Balmert and Haley BeMiller of the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau details how burnout in Secretary of State Frank LaRoses office has led to the departures of a dozen former employees. The story quotes an exit interview from a former staffer who said: How many more dedicated and talented staff members will it take walking out the door before management takes a serious look at the source of the problem and finally creates a solution? The article ties the problem to the August election for State Issue 1 and pressures surrounding LaRoses bid for the U.S. Senate. Dying young: Why are residents of Ashtabula County dying so much younger than their neighbors in Pennsylvania and New York? The Washington Posts Lauren Weber, Dan Diamond and Dan Keating tackle the bleak question as part of a series about decreasing life spans in one of the wealthiest countries on earth. Some of the culprits: underfunded anti-smoking efforts, weak seatbelt laws, and gaps in Medicaid coverage. Its heating up: Gov. Mike DeWine will appear Saturday at the Ohio Republican Party headquarters in downtown Columbus to kick off a get out the vote rally for opponents of State Issues 1 and 2 ahead of the start of early voting next week. Issue 1 would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution while Issue 2 would change state law to legalize recreational marijuana for Ohioans 21 years and older. Look whos back: Kyle Koehler, the former Republican state representative who left office at the end of 2022 due to term limits, is looking to return to legislature. Koehler, of Springfield, is running for the heavily Republican 10th Ohio Senate District, which encompasses Clark, Clinton and Greene counties. Tick Tock The countdown is on for the November election, when Ohio voters will decide whether to enshrine a right to abortion in the state constitution and whether to legalize recreational marijuana. Heres the key dates to remember. Voter registration deadline... 4 days (Oct. 10) Early, in-person voting begins... 5 days (Oct. 11) Absentee voting by mail begins... 5 days (Oct. 11) Election Day... 32 days (Nov. 7) Buckeye Brain Tease Question: Urbana Rep. Jim Jordan threw his hat in the ring this week to become speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Besides John Boehner, who was the most recent Ohioan to hold the office? Email your response to capitolletter@cleveland.com. The first correct respondent will be mentioned in next weeks newsletter. Thanks to everyone who answered last weeks question: What is the tallest building in Ohio? Last weeks answer: The Key Tower in Cleveland is 888 feet tall or 948 feet including the spire -- with 57 occupiable stories, according to Case Western Reserve Universitys Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. When the building was completed in 1991, it replaced the Terminal Tower, also in Cleveland, as the states tallest building. Capitol Letter reader Kyle Koehler, a former Republican state representative from Springfield, was the first to provide the correct answer. Birthdays Friday, 10/6: Brad Miller, Republican communications consultant; Jeremiah Morrow, Ohios 9th governor (1771-1852) Saturday, 10/7: Andrew Johnson, communications coordinator, County Commissioners Association of Ohio; Regan Burke Odna, executive assistant to Senate President Matt Huffman; State Rep. Gail Pavliga Sunday, 10/8: Ex-U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich Straight From The Source I brought eight Four Lokos for the eight craziest Republicans in the Republican Party who just decided to vote with Democrats in order to oust the speaker of the [U.S. House] of Representatives, so they can all get a bit crazy. And right now if youll join me, Ima crack open and take a sip of one of these bad boys so we can pay tribute to the eight who screwed over the entire government and the Republican Party. U.S. Rep. Max Miller during a Thursday appearance on Ruthless, the conservative political podcast. He then proceeded to take a sip of a fruit punch flavored Four Loko, which weighs in at 12% alcohol by volume. He remarked it tastes just as horrible as he felt following the vote to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. CLEVELAND -- A statesman sacrifices himself for his nation. A demagogue sacrifices his nation for himself, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens observed in a July column. It could be argued that Matt Gaetz, a hard-right U.S. Republican representative from Florida, who was willing to shut down government, despite its disruptive effects on millions of Americans, fits the definition of a demagogue. After former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy no angel himself after launching an impeachment hearing of President Joe Biden in the absence of compelling evidence -- worked with House Democrats to prevent a shutdown, Gaetz pushed to oust McCarthy from his post. By contrast, Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, who recently announced he would retire from the Senate at the end of his current term in January 2025 after having courageously voted to impeach former President Donald Trump twice, is a statesman. In February 2020, when Romney voted to impeach Trump the first time, arguing Trump had abused his power by using his presidential influence to strong-arm Ukraine to help his re-election bid, he was the only Republican senator to break with his party. That also made Romney the first senator in U.S. history to vote in favor of removing a president from his own political party from office. For voting his conscience against Trump, he was pilloried, lambasted by Trump, called a traitor by Trumps supporters, and has had to pay $5,000 a day for private security to protect himself and his family, according to a forthcoming biography. In 2021, Romney was one of only seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump for incitement to insurrection over the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol. For this, he also earned the enmity of many Republicans, but he was undeterred. Romney stands out as the rare politician who listens to his own moral drummer. He is what political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt would call a loyal (small-d) democrat, an increasingly vanishing breed that should be appreciated and contrasted from its more primitive species, the semi-loyal democrat. Levitsky and Ziblatt, who created a firestorm of intellectual interest a few years back with their book, How Democracies Die, point out in a new book, Tyranny of the Minority, that loyal democrats place principle over party, condemning political extremists and denouncing political violence even when it comes from their own ideological ranks. Semi-loyal democrats talk a democratic game but are willing to leverage their power to act against the interests of the majority, as we have seen with a small group of Republicans willing to shut down government for their own personal aspirations. Whats more, when it comes time to denounce violence and anti-democratic forces, semi-loyal democrats retreat into their own ambitious shells, refusing to condemn authoritarian behavior perpetrated by their allies. We saw how this came to America in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, when two-thirds of voting House Republicans refused to certify Bidens presidential election, and the then-Republican-controlled Senate subsequently acquitted Trump after the House impeached him. It wasnt always this way. Fifty years ago, in the wake of Watergate, Republican members of the Senates Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities asked tough questions, probing the complicity of Republican President Richard Nixon in the Watergate burglary -- putting loyalty to country ahead of fealty to party. But American politics has changed dramatically since then, a result of polarization and perilous populism. Richard M. Perloff is a professor of communication and political science at Cleveland State University. Democracy is a grand experiment, a noble idea, a majestic dream but its not guaranteed. To restore public faith and stem anti-democratic tides, the country needs a national reckoning, a public forum, a blue (or red, to be fair)-ribbon commission to consider democratic reforms, from making Election Day a national holiday to abolishing the Electoral College. Who should serve on the commission? Three loyal democrats, who happen to be Republican, leap to mind: Romney, and former Ohio Govs. Bob Taft and John Kasich, who placed principle over party, and had the gumption to oppose Ohios Issue 1 referendum Aug. 8, which sought to make it harder for citizens to amend the Ohio Constitution, and which was defeated. Such a commission faces daunting political obstacles, but, as the ancient religious sage Hillel the Elder famously asked, If not now, when? Richard M. Perloff is a professor of communication and political science at Cleveland State University. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com Lazada is the third-largest e-commerce player in Indonesia, after Sea Limited's Shopee and Tokopedia, according to Momentum Works. Lazada, a Southeast Asian e-commerce marketplace owned by Alibaba , is courting sellers affected by Indonesia's latest e-commerce regulation, its Indonesia CEO James Chang told employees in a town hall meeting on Friday. Since Tuesday, the company has waived fees for all sellers in Indonesia specifically doing livestream sales on Lazada, Chang said, according to a memo sent to employees after the town hall meeting seen by CNBC. "For micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises impacted by the recent regulatory changes, we are supporting them by onboarding them to Lazada," he added. In recent weeks, Indonesia has cracked down on social media platforms facilitating e-commerce, such as TikTok, in a bid to protect domestic businesses. President Joko Widodo recently said that an influx of foreign imports, made available by such platforms, contributed to a sales decline for domestic businesses. Indonesia banned social media purchases and set a one-week deadline last week for TikTok to become a standalone app, without any e-commerce feature, or face closure. In response, TikTok Indonesia said Tuesday that it will comply with local laws and stop facilitating e-commerce purchases. In the townhall meeting addressing Indonesian employees, Chang said the recent regulatory changes led to "a more positive, healthy competitive landscape for our industry's long-term growth." He added that new sellers who sign up on their own will enjoy zero seller commission for 3 months, zero free shipping fee for 2 months and 300,000 Indonesian rupiah ($19.19) worth of seller solutions credit. CNBC's Jim Cramer on Friday told investors what to focus on going into the week ahead, including the start of earnings season and reports from companies like Walgreens , Domino's and PepsiCo . Cramer also opined on Friday's nonfarm payroll figures, saying that even though job creation was strong, there's less wage pressure than expected which could lead to a soft landing for the economy. "If the Fed doesn't need to destroy the economy in order to save it, then we've got a much more positive backdrop than any of us thought coming in this very morning," he said. On Monday, Cramer will be waiting to see if Pioneer Natural Resources gets a multibillion-dollar bid from Exxon Mobil . Earnings season kicks off on Tuesday, starting with a report form PepsiCo , which he expects to be good, even as its snack division Frito-Lay may be tested by the increasing popularity of weight loss drugs. Cramer also will be keeping on eye on Tuesday's analyst meeting for Adobe . The next day the producer price index report is due, which Cramer said he expects to be tame. Thursday will see a slew of companies release earnings, including Delta Air Lines , Walgreens and Domino's. Cramer said he bets Domino's deal with Uber Eats may boost earnings, but he was more pessimistic about Delta's report. He also said he expects poor earnings from Walgreens, saying he thinks the health-care company's drugstore business seems "in total disarray." On Friday, numerous financial services companies will report, including Wells Fargo , JPMorgan Chase , Citigroup and BlackRock . Cramer said he sees positive results for these companies, highlighting that he thinks JPMorgan will be "excellent," which will lead many investors to buy up the stock. LONDON European stocks finished higher on Friday, despite an earlier dip, as market participants reacted to stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed up 0.8%, managing to shake off a brief fall due to the U.S. labor report. Retail stocks led the gains with a rise of 2.2%. U.S. data showed job growth was stronger than expected in September. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 336,000 for the month, better than the Dow Jones consensus estimate for 170,000, the Labor Department said in a much-anticipated report. The unemployment rate was 3.8%, marginally higher than forecast. Investors were fearful that if the tight labor market holds up then the Federal Reserve could keep interest rates higher for longer. Stocks on Wall Street were little changed Friday morning as Treasury yields jumped following the data. The Department of Defense logo is seen ahead of a press conference at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on August 15, 2023. WASHINGTON A former U.S. Army sergeant was arrested Friday for allegedly attempting to provide classified national security information to China, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, was taken into custody at a San Francisco airport after he arrived there from China, the DOJ said. Schmidt allegedly initiated efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with U.S. defense information after separating from the military in January 2020, the department said. He left the U.S. for Hong Kong in March 2020 and stayed there until this week, to continue those efforts, according to the DOJ. Schmidt faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of the two felony counts he faces in an indictment in Seattle federal court, which include attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of such information. He was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in San Francisco later. He will be brought to Seattle for further court, according to the DOJ. Schmidt's last duty post was at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. He was part of the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion, where he had access to information classified "Secret" and "Top Secret," the DOJ said. After leaving his service, Schmidt retained a device to allow access to secure military networks and offered it to Chinese authorities, according to the department. He is also accused of reaching out to both the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and the Chinese security services via email to offer the information. "Individuals entrusted with national defense information have a continuing duty to protect that information beyond their government service and certainly beyond our borders," said Matthew Olsen, assistant Attorney General for National Security, in a statement. Tessa Gorman, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, said Schmidt broke his military oath "to defend our country and the Constitution," Gorman said. "In that context, the alleged actions of this former military member are shocking not only attempting to provide national defense information but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks," the prosecutor said. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) speaks at a press conference as Rep. Steve Scalise looks on following a Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol. The top Republicans vying to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy as the next speaker of the House of Representatives have backed out of a televised debate that was scheduled to air Monday on Fox News. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan both agreed that the debate on the conservative news network would not be a good idea, two sources told NBC News on Friday. Rep. Kevin Hern, chair of the Republican Study Committee, said in a social media post on X formerly known as Twitter that he would not participate in the debate, which was set to take place six days after McCarthy was removed as speaker. "We need to make this decision as a conference, not on TV," Hern wrote. "The Republican conference needs a family discussion." Fox News did not immediately respond to a request for comment by CNBC. Many Republican caucus members were angry that the party's differences would be publicly aired on national television in a debate for would-be speakers, a third source told NBC. "They want to solve this behind closed doors," the source said. The GOP caucus is scheduled to hold a conference meeting at 6 p.m. Monday to discuss choosing a speaker. Former President Donald Trump on Friday endorsed Jordan for the role. McCarthy was the first House speaker in U.S. history to be ousted in a no-confidence vote. Seven other Republicans joined Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida in voting to dethrone McCarthy. All Democrats in attendance voted against retaining the California lawmaker. With the stock market deeply oversold this week, we put cash to work by picking stocks across a range of sectors including energy, technology and materials. We also added a former Club chipmaker to our Bullpen and upgraded a premium beer name to a buy rating. Finally, Friday's market reversal helped us make good on a pledge to trim a once-downtrodden health-care stock. Here's a day-by-day look at our portfolio moves in a choppy week of trading, undergirded by investor concerns over the state of the economy and rising bond yields. Monday Early into Monday's session, we scooped up 200 shares of Coterra Energy (CTRA) the first time in roughly two months that we added to our position in the oil-and-gas producer. With the market oversold, per the S & P 500 Short Range Oscillator , our investment discipline called for us to search for any dislocations within the portfolio. And Coterra fit the bill because its stock price did not appropriately reflect the recent rally in natural gas, one which has only gained steam throughout the week. On Friday, natural gas futures jumped 5%, to trade at roughly $3.33 per million British thermal units, or MMBtu. Tuesday The market entered Tuesday's session at its most oversold since March, so we once again looked for places to strategically deploy some of our cash. That led us to coffee giant Starbucks (SBUX), which has been dogged by investor concerns over the health of its business in China. At the same time, we also added Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to the Bullpen , our repository of stocks under consideration to join the portfolio. Later in Tuesday's session, as market declines mounted, we nibbled on Broadcom (AVGO) stock. China's slower-than-expected post-Covid economic recovery has been a thorn in the side of many U.S. stocks, including Starbucks. After closing at $114.46 per share on May 1, the stock began to drift lower for months, closing at its lowest level of the year Tuesday, at $89.48 per share. But the reason we stepped in to buy 50 shares Tuesday is because risks stemming from China the coffee maker's second-largest market, behind the U.S. have mostly been factored into its stock price. We're giving AMD a second look less than two months after exiting our position in the chipmaker -- swapping in rival Broadcom in its place because we've developed a better understanding of its role within the broader semiconductor space. To be sure, we haven't taken further action on AMD stock, but in general we're warming to it and closely watching the company's standing in the artificial intelligence race. Tech stocks remained under pressure Tuesday afternoon, giving us an opportunity to buy 7 shares of Broadcom and lower our cost basis. The purchase also served to grow our position in Broadcom before its megadeal for data-center software maker VMWare (VMW) is completed. Management has said it expects to close the deal by Oct. 30. Thursday We sat on our hands Wednesday, as Wall Street rallied after payroll processing firm ADP reported private sector job gains in September well below expectations. But stocks returned to the red Thursday, and the market remained firmly in oversold territory. We made two separate buys against this backdrop, beginning with 65 shares of DuPont de Nemours (DD) and later returning to the beaten-down tech sector to purchase 75 more shares of Oracle (ORCL). And we upgraded beer maker Constellation Brands (STZ) to a 1 rating denoting that we would be buyers at current levels as its stock slid 3% despite releasing better-expected quarterly results and raising its full-year guidance. Thursday marked the first time since Aug. 18 that we added to our position in chemicals giant DuPont and just our third trade in the name overall. We initiated a position on Aug. 7 for its robust capital-return potential and its exposure to the semiconductor-and-electronics industry. Oracle's stock remained trapped in its post-earnings malaise Thursday, amid a broader tech slump. But, as we argued in mid-September in the initial aftermath of the report, we remain confident in the ability of Oracle's cloud business to benefit from growth in AI workloads. That belief undergirded our small purchase Thursday afternoon, just as it did Sept. 18 and Sept. 26 when we bought Oracle into weakness. Oracle still trades at an undemanding valuation relative to its tech peers. The strength of Constellation Brands' beer business led by Modelo and Corona was on display in its fiscal 2024 second-quarter print Thursday. That didn't stop its stock from declining for the past two trading sessions. But, as Jim stressed Friday, a major catalyst looms for Constellation: an investor day on Nov. 2, during which we hope to hear a strategy update influenced by activist investor Elliott Management. Friday A stronger-than-anticipated September jobs report from the U.S. Labor Department initially took stocks lower Friday, as bond yields popped on the news. However, the market reversed course in midday trading, with all three major U.S. stock benchmarks trading sharply higher. The strengthening market helped push shares of Humana (HUM) back above the $500 level our cue to ring the register on 15 shares . We'd been eyeing the $500-per-share level for some time, as Humana's stock began to recover from an 18% fall in early summer over fears about higher medical costs. Eventually, sentiment began to turn around, and Humana's earnings report on Aug. 2 offered more assurances to investors that earnings would remain resilient. We remained aboard despite the turbulence and made one purchase into the June weakness. While the stock isn't back to its May highs, it still made sense Friday to lock in hard-fought profits. We also downgraded the stock to a 2 rating, meaning we would wait for a pullback before buying up more shares. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long CTRA, SBUX, AVGO, ORCL, DD, HUM and STZ . See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. People walk by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on February 14, 2023 in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images News | Getty Images In September, Apple announced its next-generation smartwatch models would all have a "carbon neutral" option, at the same price as the non-carbon neutral options, starting at $249. For Apple, making a product "carbon neutral" means that it changed its operations including manufacturing, packaging and shipping to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with making and selling its watches. It was able to drive emissions associated with a single watch down from 36.7 kg to 8.1 kg with these actions. In order to call its watches "carbon neutral" without being able to eliminate all of the emissions associated with making the watches, Apple bought carbon credits to compensate for the remaining 8.1 kg of emissions, or about 22% of the total footprint of making a watch. Apple is transparent about all of this carbon accounting in its environmental report for the watch. Carbon credits are certificates that individuals, businesses and corporations can purchase that represent a certain amount of greenhouse gases reduced, avoided, or removed from the atmosphere. They are a way for consumers to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions while also providing a financing mechanism to support sustainable development projects, according to a description from the United Nations. Depending on who you talk to, dubbing a product "carbon neutral" when the accounting requires buying carbon credits is either Apple acting responsibly and doing the best it can to contribute to climate mitigation strategies that are available right now, or an irresponsible misrepresentation of what "carbon neutral" should mean. The distance between those two analyses is substantial and virtually irreconcilable. It's also a poignant indication of the distance between where climate mitigation ambitions and climate mitigation realities are right now. The relative effectiveness of nature-based carbon credits is contentious because some forestry carbon credits have been shown to be nullified when, for example, the forests set aside for carbon credits burn in wildfire season. But Apple and other stakeholders in the debate argue that not all carbon credits are created, monitored and stewarded with the same diligence. Apple says the quality of the carbon credits it is investing in are reputable, and that buying carbon credits for the emissions it cannot reduce is better than doing nothing. "If you want to be highest ambition, taking that 22% and buying high-quality, high-integrity carbon credits is the highest ambition," Elizabeth Sturcken, managing director of the nonprofit climate advocacy organization Environmental Defense Fund, or EDF, told CNBC in a phone conversation at the end of September. Barbara Haya, director of the Berkeley Carbon Trading Project at the Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California at Berkeley, said Apple deserves to be celebrated for the significant emissions reductions it achieved in changing its operations, but Haya also said she wishes Apple had avoided the term "carbon neutral" in its communications about its work. She argues consumers would be better served by Apple publicly bragging about its 78% emissions reductions instead of trying to tell consumers that their product is actually "carbon neutral." Even if the carbon credits Apple buys are of the highest quality, carbon credits are, by their very nature, an accounting strategy. There are 22% of emissions that Apple could not abate, and Haya commends Apple on that transparency. "If you buy an Apple Watch, your emissions are not zero," Haya told CNBC, a fact that Apple acknowledges. The way to have no environmental impact is to not generate those emissions in the first place. "Fossil fuels are permanently in the ground if you don't draw them out and burn them," Haya told CNBC. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., conducts a news conference in the U.S. Capitol on border security, government funding, and other issues, on Friday, September 29, 2023. WASHINGTON Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who was ousted as House speaker this week, shot down reports that he was considering an early departure from Congress and said Friday that he won't be stepping down. "I am not resigning. I got a lot more work to do," McCarthy told reporters on Capitol Hill. "We're going to keep the majority. I'm going to help the people I got here, and we're going to expand it further," he said, referring to the 2024 elections. His comments came shortly after two people familiar with the situation told NBC News said McCarthy was considering resigning. One of the McCarthy allies said he was "exploring his options but has not made a definitive decision." "No decision made," the other source said. Politico first reported that McCarthy was considering leaving Congress before his term ends in early January 2025. McCarthy was removed as House speaker on Tuesday in a 216-210 vote, with Democrats joining eight conservatives frustrated with his leadership in voting to oust him. Hours after the vote, McCarthy announced during a press conference that he would not run again for the top post in the House. Asked whether he planned to remain a member of Congress, McCarthy said, "I'll look at that." Before McCarthy denied reports of a possible resignation, a person who has not spoken to McCarthy directly but was in touch with people in his inner circle, said, "His thinking has vacillated a bit." "I think he's considered multiple options. And what it means for his future. He said it in his remarks he wants to help keep most of the members in their seats. How he does that and from what vantage point is the decision," the person said. It is not unprecedented for a former speaker to leave Congress before their term is over. Then-Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, left Congress after abruptly announcing his decision in September 2015 to step down. McCarthy, 58, has served in House GOP leadership since 2009 and has served in Congress since 2007. He represents California's 20th congressional district, which covers the state's Central Valley. He took over as speaker in January after a chaotic effort initially within the GOP conference to elect him and he lasted nine months in the job. McCarthy has served as the top Republican leader since 2019 after the resignation of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. Before coming to Washington, he was a member of the California State Assembly. House Republicans are slated to hold a closed-door candidate forum Tuesday for the next speaker. On Wednesday, they're expected to hold an internal election before an official vote on the House floor with Democrats and Republicans. As of Friday afternoon, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, had launched official bids for speaker. Jordan has so far received more public support than Scalise and Jordan received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump on Thursday. Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is also considering jumping into the race. A general view of the pools for the process of salt extraction at Salinas Grandes on March 28, 2023 in Jujuy, Argentina. Ricardo Ceppi | Getty Images News | Getty Images Momentum behind Argentina's lithium mining boom is picking up fast. The country is thought to be on track to match and potentially even surpass neighboring Chile as Latin America's leading lithium producer by 2030, with investors and operators from across the globe scrambling to get involved in its burgeoning ventures. Lithium, sometimes referred to as "white gold" due to its light color and high market value, is regarded as a critical component of the energy transition. The lightest metal in the world, lithium is commonly used in electric vehicles, cellphones and rechargeable batteries for laptops. Analysts at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group say the trajectory of Argentina's lithium production hinges on the upcoming presidential election and how the outcome affects the country's macroeconomic outlook, as well as the likelihood of interventionist policies. "The stakes are high," analysts at Eurasia Group said in a research note published Sept. 18. "At risk is not only Argentina's opportunity to develop a robust lithium and possibly battery supply chain, but also the progress of the global energy transition." "If Argentina's lithium boom is stifled, it will hinder supplies needed to feed the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, especially later this decade when supply-and-demand fundamentals for lithium are expected to tighten," they added. Latin America currently supplies about 35% of the world's lithium, according to the International Energy Agency, with Chile (26%) and Argentina (6%) leading the way. The region is estimated to hold more than half of global lithium reserves, mainly located in Argentina (21%) and Chile (11%). watch now At present, Argentina has two lithium extraction projects, one in the northern province of Catamarca and another in neighboring Salta. Both operations are predicted to double production in 2024 and an additional 10 projects are currently under construction. The growing momentum behind the country's mining boom means that analysts at Eurasia Group expect Argentina's lithium production to grow fivefold next year and approximately tenfold by 2027. We're seeing investors and operators from all walks of life coming into the country; Russian, Canadian, Chinese, American, you name it, that's happening which is very interesting. Mariano Machado Principal analyst for the Americas at Verisk Maplecroft Eurasia Group said one "underlying force" that may ultimately hamper Argentina's emerging lithium industry would be a plunge in global demand and prices below analyst expectations. They note, however, that this prospect appeared increasingly unlikely. "Argentina's opportunity is now its own to embrace or lose," they added. Prices of lithium carbonate in China traded at roughly 166,500 yuan ($23,124) ahead of the country's annual "Golden Week" holiday, reflecting a fall of nearly 70% when compared to the same period last year. Looking ahead, however, demand for lithium is expected to be supercharged by the rising deployment of clean energy technologies and some analysts believe prices could spike to record highs as the world begins to face a shortage. "Argentina has infinite untapped resources when it comes to mining. We're talking about a new Chile if not more with the key ingredient being time," Mariano Machado, principal analyst for the Americas at Verisk Maplecroft, a global risk intelligence firm, told CNBC. "When it comes to lithium [in Argentina], you cannot skip but you can fast forward that process, so it really reduces that exposure," he added. "We're seeing investors and operators from all walks of life coming into the country; Russian, Canadian, Chinese, American, you name it, that's happening which is very interesting." Argentina vs. Chile Chile is the world's second-largest lithium producer after Australia, and a refiner of the essential battery metal. Leftist President Gabriel Boric announced in April that the state was taking a majority stake in the country's lithium industry, dismaying some business leaders. The move was interpreted as a quasi-nationalization of Chile's industry, with private companies now needing to partner with the government in order to exploit the country's lithium resources. Presidential candidate for La Libertad Avanza Javier Milei looks on during a presidential debate on October 01, 2023 in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. Argentinians will head to polls on October 22. Tomas Cuesta | Getty Images News | Getty Images "Everyone thinks in Latin America, when it comes to mining and lithium, Chile comes to mind. The thing is, in particular within the mining landscape in Chile, lithium becomes kind of like a dark spot because of the state's desire to interject in the industry," Verisk Maplecroft's Machado said. "Whereas in Argentina, think about it as kind of like a yin and yang situation. Overall, an obscure situation but when it comes to lithium, it is a very bright spot," he continued. "It is a very dynamic situation right now. So dynamic that what we're anticipating is if the ramp-up gets really serious, we will start seeing hosting communities saying, 'Hey, we want to be in. I want you to change this place, to transform it. I want to be part of the energy transition but in an active way,'" Machado said. "Argentina has already become and will become kind of like a hotspot in terms of lithium and all of that brings about good and bad news." Demonstrators arrived in Buenos Aires in early August to protest in defense of their territories and natural resources. Ricardo Ceppi | Getty Images News | Getty Images Argentina's northern provinces have a history of extractive activities and opposition to them from the local community. Analysts have warned that the lithium industry's domestic expansion could trigger protests over water access, environmental concerns, and indigenous disputes. Indeed, in early August, indigenous protesters from the northern Jujuy province arrived in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires after a week-long caravan in defense of their territories and natural resources. The protests took place shortly after a controversial change in legislation gave lithium mining companies greater access to indigenous lands. What about China? China is expected to play a pivotal role in developing Argentina's lithium sector in the near term, with Western producers likely gaining market share in the longer term. However, an upcoming presidential election may threaten Beijing's role as a prominent trading partner and major creditor of infrastructure projects. watch now General elections in Argentina are scheduled to take place on Oct. 22 following a shock victory for far-right libertarian economist Javier Milei in August's presidential primary. Milei, who received 30.5% of the vote on Aug. 13, has pledged that the country will no longer work with "communist" regimes if he wins the election. The U.K.'s embattled Metro Bank has launched talks to sell a third of its mortgage book in an urgent attempt to shore up its balance sheet. LONDON The U.K.'s Metro Bank will likely struggle to raise fresh capital to shore up its balance sheet, according to analysts, who outlined bleak prospects for the beleaguered bank. A number of ratings agencies and investment banks have downgraded the bank's stock following a turbulent 24 hours in which its shares were briefly suspended from trading twice after plunging more than 29% from Wednesday's close. Metro Bank reversed its losses Friday and was trading up around 34% at 12:55 p.m. London time. The turmoil came amid reports that the embattled bank was seeking to raise up to 250 million ($305 million) in equity funding and 350 million of debt. Metro Bank confirmed in a statement early Thursday that it was considering "how best to enhance its capital resources." Late Thursday, reports emerged that the bank was in talks to sell a third of its mortgage book. Rival banks including HSBC , Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest Group are now being sounded out to buy around a 3 billion chunk of its mortgage book, according to sources who spoke to Sky News and the FT. Selling the assets would reduce the bank's earnings but also sharply reduce the amount of capital it is forced to hold. Metro Bank did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the reports; nor did any of the rival banks cited. However, analysts said the bank's fund-raising prospects did not look good. Investment bank Stifel on Friday downgraded the stock from "hold" to "sell," saying it thinks there are "no easy solutions for the bank and risks to the bonds remain skewed to the downside." It noted that the bank could be nationalized under the Bank of England's resolution scheme and then sold on, either as a whole or in parts. "We think at this point the bank is in a difficult position, with capital needs potentially of up to a billion over the next two years," the analysts said, adding that the bank is just about breaking even or marginally profitable under "currently benign market condition." Barclays Bank also downgraded the stock to underweight on Friday. Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings on Thursday placed the bank on "ratings watch negative" based on its assessment that "short-term risks to the UK challenger bank's business model stabilization, capital buffers and funding have risen." Generative artificial intelligence or the usage of generative models powered by AI to generate text, images, or other media is taking the world by storm and it's not just the U.S. tech giants that are set to benefit, according to Morgan Stanley. In an Oct. 2 note, the bank's analysts led by Adam Wood highlighted that the technology enables the automation of several categories of work and "is set to expand global software spending by [around] $150 billion in the next three years." Morgan Stanley's list of "winners in the AI era" in Europe includes companies ranging from software developers and internet operators to semiconductor players and IT service providers. The bank assessed the stocks on factors such as the complexity of their processes, the value and quality of their data, and cloud revenue exposure. The bank's top picks for "best positioned" stocks include German software and solutions provider SAP and French software developer Dassault Systemes . The bank is overweight-rated on both stocks and increased their price targets in the Oct. 2 note. It now has a target of 150 euros ($157.85) for SAP giving it around 23% potential upside from its Oct. 4 close and 44.50 euros for Dassault Systemes, or around 26% upside. SAPA-FF YTD mountain Year-to-date performance of shares in SAP On SAP, Morgan Stanley's analysts said the company is likely to "benefit from price increases in 2023" as well as better product integration which will enable "strong cross-selling." DSY-FR YTD mountain Year-to-date performance of shares in Dassault Systemes Meanwhile, they like Dassault Systemes for its "highly recurring software business models with growth." As such, the counter "deserve[s] to trade at a clear premium to the sector/market," the analysts said. Elsewhere, Morgan Stanley says the likes of Microsoft , Adobe and Nvidia make good plays of the AI trend. Generative AI helps improve productivity by automating routine tasks, such as data reporting and summarizing alerts, and frees up cyber security analysts so they can focus on more critical security concerns, Morgan Stanley said in a separate Oct. 1 note. So far, the bank said that generative AI "remains in the early stages of the opportunity," based on data collected from recent funding activity and interviews with chief investment officers. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. I once interviewed Karl Pillemer, the Cornell sociologist and author of "30 Lessons for Living: Tired and True Advice from the Wisest Americans." He'd seen numerous studies showing that people in their 70s, 80s, and beyond were far happier than younger people. He was intrigued: "I keep meeting older people many of whom had lost loved ones, been through tremendous difficulties, and had serious health problems but who nevertheless were deeply fulfilled and enjoying life. I found myself asking: 'What's that all about?'" It occurred to him that maybe they see and understand things that younger people don't. But to Pillemer's surprise, no one had conducted a study on what practical advice older people had for the next generations. That set him off a seven-year quest. Their No. 1 lesson for a longer, happier life: Time is finite, don't spend it regretting things "The older the respondent," Pillemer found, "the more likely [they were] to say that life passes by in what seems like an instant." When elders say that life is short, they're not being pessimistic. They're trying to offer a perspective that they hope will inspire better decisions ones that prioritize the things that really matter. And the biggest regret they had? Worrying about things that never happened: "Worrying wastes your life," one respondent said. "I wish I knew this in my 30s instead of my 60s," one man told Pillemer, "I would have had so much more time to enjoy life." Don't miss: My 95-year-old Japanese grandfather is a former cardiologisthis 8 'non-negotiables' for a long, happy life According to the older adults Pillemer interviewed, these are the most valuable things you can do with your time: Say things now to people you care about whether it's expressing gratitude, asking for forgiveness, or getting information. Spend the maximum amount of time with your parents and children. Savor daily pleasures instead of waiting for "big-ticket items" to make you happy. Work in a job you love. Choose your mate carefully; don't just rush in. The list of things they believed weren't worth their time was just as revealing. No one said that to be happy you should work as hard as you can to get money. No one said it was important to be as wealthy as the people around you. No one said you should choose your career based on its earning potential. No one said they regretted not getting even with someone who slighted them. And the biggest regret they had? Worrying about things that never happened: "Worrying wastes your life," one respondent said. 'Happiness is a choice, not a condition' It's a good time to buy cheap stocks in some sectors right now, according to Oakmark Funds' Bill Nygren. The top value-focused fund manager said what's "really unusual today" is how wide the spread is in price-to-earnings multiples. "The 50 most expensive stocks are about eight times as expensive as the 50 cheapest in the S & P 500 and that's really unusual that ratio is typically more like half what it is today," Nygren told CNBC's " Squawk Box Asia " on Wednesday. "What that means to us is the hunting ground of low P/E stocks provides more opportunity than it typically does," he said, adding that the company's portfolio includes many single-digit P/E stocks. Nygren added that he's buying up stocks in high-quality companies in financial services, insurance, energy and some consumer durables mostly paying single-digit P/E multiples for them. "It's not going to be like the past decade where you just buy the great businesses and don't worry about how expensive they are. But more of a fundamental investing focus on business value, we think it's likely to be rewarded," he said. Nygren, who joined Oakmark Funds in 1983, manages the $18 billion Oakmark Fund with Michael Nicolas and Robert Bierig. The fund, which was launched in 1991, has had an annualized return of 12.55% since its inception. That's higher than the Russell 1000 Value's 9.71% return and the S & P 500 Total Return Index's 10.16%. The fund has 40% of its holdings in the financials sector, 15.3% in communication services, and 12.7% in consumer discretionary sector, with the rest in tech, energy, health care and others. Nygren also manages the Oakmark Select Fund. Banks Nygren said he's been overweight on banks for a while now. He described Wells Fargo as a "tremendous opportunity." "So a company like Wells Fargo around tangible book value, single digit P/E multiple with one of the strongest retail deposit franchises and moving well along the path of being out of the extra regulatory supervision that they've had we think provides a tremendous opportunity for long-term investors," said Nygren. But, he said, that's not unique to Wells Fargo. He also likes Capital One , which he said is also trading at a single-digit P/E. He said top management in the large banks have "become very comfortable" with returning excess capital to shareholders. "There's not this competition any longer to measure each other on loan growth as we possibly go into a slower economy. So we think that puts the whole banking industry in a much better position than it's been in the past. It's cheaper than it's been in the past," said Nygren. "And we think the big names are more competitively advantaged." Both Wells Fargo and Capital One are in the Oakmark Fund's top 10 holdings, at 2.9% and 3.4%, respectively. Energy Nygren said they own "a lot of stocks where there is risk, where investors are worried about the futures of the [companies]" but because of that, the entry level price is very low. One sector "in that ballpark" is energy companies, he said. One stock he's positive on is U.S. oil company ConocoPhilips , which he describes as a "really compelling story." Nygren noted that the company has said it could, over the next decade, return "one and a third times" its current market cap to shareholders in a combination of dividends and share repurchases. "We think that's a really, really compelling story for a management team that has created one of the lowest cost producers in the energy industry, very focused on key basins and a mentality of management that they aren't going to invest our capital except in areas where they're additively advantaged," he said. Oil and natural gas prices traveled divergent paths this week, resulting in a mixed picture for the Club stocks Coterra Energy (CTRA) and Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD). Fresh off robust third-quarter gains, crude has tumbled in recent days, sending the U.S. oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate and global oil standard Brent prices to their lowest levels since late August. Both WTI and Brent are on pace for their worst weeks since March on emergent concerns about demand for oil products. WTI dropped 2% on Thursday to settle at $82.31 a barrel. Brent also fell 2%, settling at $84.07 a barrel. On Friday, they bounced coming off modest earlier declines after the government released much stronger-than-expected September job growth. WTI vs. nat gas this week @CL.1 @NG.1 mountain 2023-09-29 WTI and nat gas since Sept. 29 settle Meanwhile, the rally in natural gas has picked up steam, pushing the commodity to prices not seen since January, at over $3 per million British thermal units, or MMBtu. In Thursday's session alone, natural gas prices jumped nearly 7%, as traders reacted to U.S. government data that showed a smaller-than-expected storage build. Traders also continue to monitor weather forecasts in search of clues about future demand heading into the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. For the week, through Thursday's settle, natural gas has climbed 8.1%, building on last week's 11% advance. Natural gas on Friday morning jumped another 1.5%. In the oil market, a switch has seemingly been flipped. WTI and Brent rose more than 28% and 27%, respectively, in the third quarter, as major oil exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia cut production at a time when economic activity and by extension demand for crude proved more resilient than expected. Now, the market is grappling with the idea that demand might be waning. Those concerns were amplified by U.S. government data Wednesday that indicated gasoline inventories in the week ended Sept. 29 grew by 6.48 million barrels, a much higher increase than expected. WTI and Brent each plunged by 5.6% in Wednesday's session. For the week, with one trading day to go, WTI and Brent sank more than 9% and nearly 12%, respectively. "The single biggest element of the global oil market is U.S. gasoline. We consume not far off 1 in 10 barrels just in U.S. cars," veteran energy analyst Paul Sankey said Thursday on CNBC. "When it's as weak as it came in [Wednesday] and it already been weak the week before, it becomes a major problem in the global oil market." The magnitude of the sell-off, Sankey said, is linked to the traders who had been rushing into crude during its summertime ascent that continued into September , raising the specter of $100 per barrel oil . Brent traded as high as $97.69 a barrel on Sept. 28 while WTI reached $95.03 on the same day. Recent data has traders looking to reduce their risk, Sankey said. "The speculative interest before this run was very low," he said. "Our view was that our shot at $100 was that speculators would pile in. The problem is risk-off turned into [really} risk-off, and that became the speculators running for the exits again." Some analysts see the oil swoon as temporary. In a note to clients Thursday, Goldman Sachs said the reasons for the declines which in addition to gasoline demand concerns also include recession fears in 2024 and technical factors "will prove to be transitory." The firm said it still believes Brent crude can reach $100 a barrel by the spring. The recent decline in crude has hurt energy stocks including Pioneer and Coterra. Of the 11 sectors in the S & P 500 , energy has been by far the worst weekly performer through Thursday, falling nearly 6%. The broad S & P 500 index was down 0.7% over the past four sessions. Shares of Pioneer have retreated 6.4% over the same stretch, closing at $214.96 each Thursday. However, Pioneer's weekly losses will be erased if the stock's premarket surge of 10% holds. Friday's spike higher came after The Wall Street Journal reported Exxon Mobil (XOM) was in advanced talks to acquire the Club holding. In April, the newspaper reported Exon held "informal" discussions on Pioneer. Pioneer vs. Coterra this week PXD CTRA mountain 2023-09-29 Pioneer vs. Coterra since Sept. 29 close Coterra held up better this week through Thursday, with the stock falling 3.5%, to $26.11 per share. The stock was little changed in Friday's premarket. The relative outperformance in Coterra is likely tied to its significant natural gas exposure, compared with Pioneer and exploration-and-production (E & P) peers such as Diamondback Energy (FANG) and former Club holding Devon Energy (DVN). Coterra's revenues are roughly a 50-50 split between oil and natural gas. On Monday, when we bought 200 more shares of Coterra, we argued its stock did not adequately reflect the appreciation in natural gas prices. Now, the stock has slipped a bit lower than where we bought while natural gas has climbed higher. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long PXD and CTRA. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Oil prices eased in Asian as concerns over slow demand from top crude importer China grew after bearish trade and inflation data, outweighing fears over tighter supply arising from output cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia. David Mcnew | Getty Images News | Getty Images Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis went on the attack against Donald Trump in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box," saying the former president would be a "lame duck" if elected for a second term. "He's got limitations in terms of his electability," DeSantis said Friday, referring to Trump, who is leading the governor and all other candidates for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination by a wide margin in polls. "He would be a lame duck on day one if he could even get elected. I think he'd have major problems with personnel," DeSantis said. "And of course, he didn't deliver on his core promises." He said Trump failed to "drain the swamp" a reference to official Washington institutions and make Mexico pay for a border wall. DeSantis also noted that Trump, instead of cutting the national debt, increased it $7.8 trillion. "We're going to be able to make that case right and I've delivered on these policies better than anybody," DeSantis said. European Union leaders met Friday in an attempt to address complex questions about the bloc's laws and what they would mean for a potential Ukrainian membership. EU Council President Charles Michel, in his invitation letter for the summit taking place in Granada, Spain, stressed the need to address "critical questions, such as: What do we do together? How do we decide? How do we match our means with our ambitions?" Meanwhile, Ukrainians are reeling from a Russian missile attack on a cafe and grocery store in the Kharkiv region that killed 52 people, and one that Western leaders vocally condemned as "horrific." It was one of the worst Russian attacks of the war in terms of civilian death count. Witness Adam Yedidia answers questions during Sam Bankman-Fried fraud trial over the collapse of FTX, the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, at Federal Court in New York City, October 5, 2023, in this courtroom sketch. Jane Rosenberg | Reuters Two of Sam Bankman-Fried's former friends from MIT, who also worked at crypto exchange FTX while living with the company's founder in the Bahamas, took the stand in a Manhattan courtroom this week to testify against their former classmate, confidant, and boss a man who allegedly ran a crypto empire that defrauded thousands of customers out of billions of dollars. Gary Wang, the lesser-known co-founder of FTX, was asked by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Roos on Thursday, "Did you commit financial crimes while working at FTX?" "Yes," responded Wang. He said that his crimes, including wire and commodities fraud, were carried out with the help of Bankman-Fried, FTX ex-engineering head Nishad Singh and Caroline Ellison, who ran sister hedge fund Alameda Research and had been Bankman-Fried's girlfriend. "Mr. Wang, do you see any of the people you committed those crimes with in the courtroom today?" Roos continued. Wang, dressed in an oversized and wrinkled suit with a red tie and glasses, awkwardly stood up and looked around the courtroom before responding, "Yes." "Who do you see?" asked Roos. "Sam Bankman-Fried," he said. The trial, set to last six weeks, will resume on Tuesday with key testimony expected from Ellison, who is considered the prosecution's star witness, having already pleaded guilty to multiple charges. Bankman-Fried faces seven federal charges, including wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering, that could put him in prison for the rest of his life. Thus far, Bankman-Fried, 31, has remained mostly quiet in court intently listening to witnesses and at times writing notes to his attorneys. But as Wang testified against him, Bankman-Fried looked visibly upset, shifting his gaze from his former friend to the ground, and at one point putting his head in his hands. Sam Bankman-Fried listens as Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Roos questions Gary Wang during Bankman-Fried's fraud trial over the collapse of FTX, the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, at Federal Court in New York City, U.S., October 6, 2023, in this courtroom sketch. Jane Rosenberg | Reuters Wang, 30, was technology chief for FTX, which spiraled into bankruptcy in November. He spoke so fast that U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan and the prosecutor both stopped him at points to ask that he slow his pace. Much of Wang's testimony on Friday focused on the final days at FTX before the entire operation imploded, including reports in the media detailing Alameda's business practices and its troubling ties to FTX. Wang said that in response to the reporting an emergency meeting was called between Bankman-Fried, Wang and Singh, to discuss shutting down Alameda. He said they ultimately decided against such a move, because he and Bankman-Fried were aware that Alameda had no way to repay the roughly $14 billion hole in its books. Prosecutors took the jury through a series of tweets, beginning on Nov. 7. Posts came from the company blaming bank hours for slow withdrawals, while Bankman-Fried tweeted from his personal account, assuring customers that all was fine. "FTX was not fine and assets were not fine," Wang testified. On Nov. 12, after FTX declared bankruptcy, Bankman-Fried asked Wang to drive with him to the Bahamas Securities Commission for a meeting. On the drive, Bankman-Fried told Wang to transfer assets to Bahamian liquidators because he believed they would allow him to maintain control of the company. Wang said he wasn't in the meeting with the securities authority, though Bankman-Fried's dad was present. Wang said he returned to the U.S. and met with prosecutors the next day. He faces up to 50 years in prison when he faces a judge for sentencing following this trial. He told jurors he signed a six-page cooperation agreement that requires him to meet with prosecutors, answer their questions truthfully and turn over evidence. Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, is seen during a hearing as a U.S judge revoked his bail, at a courthouse in New York, U.S., August 11, 2023 in this courtroom sketch. Jane Rosenberg | Reuters $65 billion line of credit For months, Bankman-Fried has known that Wang and Ellison, who were integral members of his personal and professional inner circles, had turned on him. Both pleaded guilty in December and have since been cooperating with the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan. Wang's testimony, which stretched into Friday, was given under a cooperation agreement with the government. Ellison is expected to take the stand under a similar arrangement. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan presides as Gary Wang testifies during the fraud trial of Sam Bankman-Fried over the collapse of FTX, the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, at Federal Court in New York City, U.S., October 6, 2023 in this courtroom sketch. Jane Rosenberg | Reuters Born in China, Wang moved to the U.S. at age 7, and grew up in Minnesota before going to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study math and computer science. He worked at Google after college. Wang, who first met Bankman-Fried during high school at a summer camp, owned 10% of Alameda, while his boss owned the other 90%. Wang told the court about the advantages that Alameda received by having code baked into FTX's software that allowed special access to the crypto exchange. Those privileges ultimately resulted in Alameda owing FTX $8 billion worth of customer deposits. "We gave special privileges on FTX that gave unlimited withdrawals on the platform to Alameda," Wang said. Alameda was allowed to withdraw and transfer those funds and had a $65 billion line of credit. "When customers deposited USD, it went to Alameda," he said. "It existed in the computer code. Alameda could have negative balances and unlimited withdrawals." That "bug" in the code was written by Nishad Singh, who was FTX's director of engineering, and reviewed by Wang. Bankman-Fried was calling the shots, Wang said. Wang also told the court about a $1 million personal loan he received and a $200 million to $300 million loan in his name from Alameda that was never deposited into his account, but rather was used to make investments into other companies on behalf of FTX. That was all done by Bankman-Fried, he testified. In early 2020, Wang said he discovered for the first time Alameda's negative balance exceeded FTX's revenue, an indication that Alameda was taking customer funds. Wang said he brought this to Bankman-Fried's attention several times. In late 2021, Wang discovered Alameda had withdrawn $3 billion from its $65 billion line of credit. Wang's compensation was a base salary of $200,000 per year plus stock. He owned roughly 17% of FTX. Even though they were co-founders, "ultimately it was Sam's decision to make" when there were disagreements, he said. Assistant United States Attorney Nicolas Roos questions Gary Wang during Sam Bankman-Fried's fraud trial over the collapse of FTX, the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, at Federal Court in New York City, U.S., October 6, 2023, in this courtroom sketch. Jane Rosenberg | Reuters An $8 billion bug Adam Yedidia, who was the prosecution's second witness on Wednesday, continued his testimony on Thursday. Yedidia met Bankman-Fried in college at MIT, and the pair remained close friends. Yedidia, assuming a robotic posture on the stand, worked out of FTX's Hong Kong office from January to October of 2021 and then in the Bahamas until last year's collapse. In his testimony, he referred to a group Signal thread called "People of the House," referring to Bankman-Fried's $35 million penthouse, where many employees lived. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Exhibit from the prosecution shows Signal thread called "People of the House," referring to Bankman-Fried's $35 million penthouse, where many employees lived. Source: SDNY In terms of who was paying the rent, Yedidia recalled Bankman-Fried saying he "assumed it's just Alameda paying for it in the end." Yedidia said Bankman-Fried had told him, before he began working in the Bahamas in 2019, that he and Ellison had sex. Bankman-Fried asked Yedidia if it was a good idea for them to date, to which Yedidia said no. Bankman-Fried responded by saying he was expecting that answer. One of Yedidia's responsibilities was fixing the bug in the code that gave Alameda preferential treatment. In June 2022, he submitted a report to Bankman-Fried on Signal that showed $8 billion in customer money held in an internal database tracking the cash wired to an Alameda account called "fiat at ftx.com" was missing. Yedidia said he and Bankman-Fried spoke about it at the pickleball court at the resort in Nassau, Bahamas. He asked his boss if things were OK. He was concerned because it "seemed like a lot of money" from FTX customers was at risk. "Sam said, we were bulletproof last year. We aren't bulletproof this year," Yedidia testified. Yedidia said he asked when they would be bulletproof again. Bankman-Fried said he wasn't sure, but it may be six months to three years. Yedidia said Bankman-Fried appeared "worried or nervous," which he said was atypical. Still, Yedidia said he trusted Bankman-Fried and Ellison to "handle the situation." On cross-examination, Christian Everdell, Bankman-Fried's attorney, focused on how Yedidia was the one responsible for developing and reviewing the code. He asked about the long hours employees worked and Yedidia's concern for Wang being near burnout. That resulted in Yedidia instituting a rule to not wake Wang at night for bug fixes because he needed sleep. Everdell also drilled Yedidia on his high level of compensation in his less than two years at FTX. His base salary was between $175,000 and $200,000, but he received multiple bonuses of more than $12 million in cash and company equity. Yedidia said he's now teaching math geometry and algebra at a high school. He invested most of the millions he earned as bonuses back into FTX, and his equity stake is now worthless. As FTX was failing, Yedidia said he was by Bankman-Fried's side. He highlighted a Signal exchange in November 2022, during which he wrote, "I love you Sam. I'm not going anywhere." He said he wrote the message because so many people had left. When asked what changed, Yedidia said he learned that FTX customer deposits had been used to pay loans to creditors. He said Alameda's actions seemed "flagrantly wrong." Yedidia's testimony ended on a fiery note, which was later struck from the record. He was asked why he had lost faith in FTX and resigned. "FTX defrauded all its customers," he said. Matt Huang, co-founder of Paradigm Operations LP, right, arrives at court in New York, US, on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Former FTX Co-Founder Sam Bankman-Fried is charged with seven counts of fraud and money laundering following the collapse of his cryptocurrency empire last year. Photographer: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images Yuki Iwamura | Bloomberg | Getty Images Investment to zero The third witness to take the stand was Matt Huang, co-founder and managing partner of Paradigm, a crypto venture capital firm that invested over $275 million in FTX. That stake was wiped out. Huang testified about his firm's due diligence on FTX, and he told the court that Bankman-Fried assured him that funds would be used for FTX and not Alameda. Additionally, he was promised that Alameda had no preferential treatment on the FTX platform, even though the hedge fund was one of its top traders. Huang said he was concerned about FTX's lack of a board of directors, but he eventually invested anyway. During cross-examination, Huang said Paradigm pressed Bankman-Fried on the board issue and was told he didn't want investors as directors but he did plan on having a board with experts. CNBC's Dawn Giel contributed to this report. An H2-A rocket carrying a small lunar surface probe and other objects lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Centre on Tanegashima island, Kagoshima prefecture on September 7, 2023. Str | JIJI Press | Afp | Getty Images Japan has failed twice to make its mark on the moon in the last 12 months, but optimism surrounds its latest attempt which could see the Asian nation become the fifth country to touch the lunar surface. "I have no reason to believe that Japan wouldn't be successful," said Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). "The two failures they had earlier were very different ones." Bingen warned that despite the country's strong space science program, the mission is "very technically sophisticated" and it will be hard. Last month, Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched a lunar exploration spacecraft from its Tanegashima Space Center. On board the rocket was an X-ray telescope which aims to calculate the speed and makeup of what lies between galaxies, as well as a lightweight lander that is scheduled to land on the moon in the first half of 2024, the agency said. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, successfully completed the "Earth orbit phase" on Oct. 1, which meant that it had transitioned from the Earth's orbit and is heading toward the moon. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the HAKUTO-R Mission 1 from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Dec. 11, 2022. Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images The East Asian nation's third attempt comes just five months after Japanese startup ispace failed in its endeavor to become the world's first private company to land on the moon due to a software glitch. Japan also discarded efforts to land its Omotenashi spacecraft on the moon in November after failing to stabilize communication. Japan's success this time around could be a leap for space exploration more broadly. Unlike successful moon landings from other countries, SLIM could be the first lunar lander to land within an accuracy of 100 meters, compared to the usual range of a couple of kilometers, JAXA said in a report. "If you're going to establish a human base on the moon, you need to land with accuracy, precision and reliability," Bingen said, explaining that it would help pinpoint where in the southern region of the moon scientists would want to explore to discover resources. In August, India became the fourth country to land on the moon, but the first to land on its unexplored South Pole where there had been recent discoveries of traces of water ice. "The story of finding water on the moon, but also in different places in the solar system as part of our search for extraterrestrial life is always exciting," said Ehud Behar, former director of the Norman and Helen Asher Space Research Institute. Behar also highlighted that India's bounce back from a failed lunar landing in 2019 is one to take lessons from. "It shows that they are learning from their mistakes a very important aspect of space exploration," said Behar, who is also Phillip and Sarah Gotlieb Memorial Chair at the TechnionIsrael Institute of Technology. "If you're a software engineer and write a piece of software, somebody can find a bug and you can fix it. In space, you have to go back five to six years to rebuild, relaunch and make sure that your next mission is successful." Racing ahead of China As Asia's space race continues to intensify, the U.S. has grown increasingly keen to cooperate with the region, and countering China is one of the biggest factors, according to Bingen. In January, the U.S. and Japan signed an agreement to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in space, which includes working together to explore the moon and other planets. Japan was also one of the seven original partner countries to sign the Artemis Accords in 2020. The Artemis Accords is a set of statements that establishes how countries can cooperate peacefully and responsibly when exploring the moon. "China wants to set the rules in its favor We've seen them use that playbook here on Earth We've seen what they've done in the South China Sea in terms of asserting that it's theirs," Bingen said. "I would believe that they would seek to do the same thing on the moon, that's their playbook." A model of China's space station on display at the 2023 Shanghai World Capital Design Conference on Sept. 26, 2023, in Shanghai, China. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Taiwan Vice President and Chairman of ruling Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, William Lai gestures during his speech at the DPP headquarters in Taipei on April 12, 2023. Taiwan has shown it is already independent and sovereign by electing its own president and has no need for a separate declaration of independence, the frontrunner to be the island's next leader said in an interview with Japanese media. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, viewing it as "sacred" Chinese territory, and in 2005 passed a law giving Beijing the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it secedes or seems about to. Vice President William Lai, leading in opinion polls ahead of presidential elections in January, is despised by China for comments he has made in support of the island's independence. Lai has said he does not seek to change the status quo or Taiwan's name, which is formally the Republic of China. In an interview with Japanese media, a transcript of which his campaign team released on Friday, Lai was asked on his position on Taiwan independence. Taiwan regularly elects leaders at all levels of government, right from the grassroots up to the president, Lai said. "So in fact, Taiwan is already sovereign and independent. If it is not sovereign and independent, how can there be a presidential election? Therefore, there is no need to declare Taiwan's independence again," he added. Former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures while talking to the media during a break as he attends trial in a civil fraud case brought by state Attorney General Letitia James against him, his adult sons, the Trump Organization and others in New York City, October 4, 2023. A New York appeals court on Friday refused to stay the ongoing civil business fraud trial of Donald Trump and his company, but did halt a judge's order to cancel the business certificates of Trump's companies in the state. The ruling came after Trump's business fraud trial ended its first week of proceedings in Manhattan Supreme Court. New York Attorney General Letitia James had opposed halting Trump's trial pending his appeal of a judge's pretrial ruling that he was liable for business fraud in the case. But she did not oppose Trump's request that the judge's related ruling, which canceled an array of corporate business certificates, be stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. James' office said in a statement that the company certificates hadn't been canceled yet and the AG's office proposed putting someone in place to oversee that process, with possible names due later this month. The ongoing trial is dealing with James's $250 million lawsuit against Trump, the Trump Organization, his two adult sons and top company executives. Christopher Kise, Trump's lawyer, in a statement, said, "We are very pleased the First Department upheld New York law and put a halt to any cancellation of business certificates, receivers or dissolution. The trial court's attempt to reach issues, entities and assets beyond the scope of this case has been suspended." "Unsurprisingly, he is twisting this ruling and falsely claiming victory for a resolution we proposed," James said in a statement. "The truth is simple: a judge ruled that he committed repeated and persistent fraud, and we will continue to demonstrate that in court." Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron issued a summary judgment last month which found James had proven her central claim that the defendants had committed business fraud. Engoron had canceled the business certificates of Trump's companies as part of that finding. The trial is dealing with the remaining six claims in the suit. Friday's ruling staying the cancellations but allowing the trial to resume came from a justice in the appellate division that handles cases arising out of Manhattan Supreme Court. CNBC's Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) The police officer who claimed in a viral video that the closure of a section of Commonwealth Avenue was for Vice President Sara Duterte's convoy was relieved from his post and is being probed for possible administrative liability, the Quezon City Police District confirmed on Thursday. A statement from Station 14 of the Quezon City Police District said the officer identified as PSgt. Pantallano stopped traffic for a few minutes "because of misleading information he overheard." "I have ordered the relief of my policeman and put him under investigation to determine administrative liability for his actions," said station commander PLtCol. May Genio. "We assure the public that this incident will not happen again." A netizen who was taking the video asked Pantallano the reason why vehicles were not allowed to pass. "May dadaan po tayong VIP [We have a VIP passing through]," the policeman was heard saying. When the netizen asked who it was, Pantallano said "si VP." The netizen asked "VP Sara?" to which the cop answered "oo [yes]." Among those who shared the video was former Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casino, whose post on X (formerly Twitter) has gotten 1.4 million views. "The said incident stemmed from a confusion and lapse in judgement of our policeman manning the traffic during that time," the statement from QCPD Station 14 stated. "It appears that our policeman overreacted when he stopped the traffic for a few minutes, because of misleading information he overheard," it also said, adding that the vice president had no engagement in the area. The statement also quoted Pantallano's apology. "Ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa aking maling nagawa," he said. "Patawarin nyo po ako, at akala ko po talaga may dadaan na VIP." [Translation: I am asking for forgiveness over what I did. Please forgive me, I really believed a VIP would be passing.] In a separate statement, Duterte said that neither she nor her office made a request to the QCPD. "The claims in the video are not only misleading, but false," she said. Duterte called on the QCPD to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. She also said the police officer involved as well as the QCPD district director should apologize. A statement from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) clarified that Duterte was in MIndanao and was not in any way involved in the incident. "The Vice President did not ask QCPD and will never ask government agencies, including law enforcement bodies, to carry out actions that would inconvenience the public or cause them harm," the OVP statement said. The same statement said apart from resolving the matter, the QCPD is expected to publicly disclose the VIP behind the road closure. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) Sen. Bato dela Rosa is not eliminating the possibility that the foreign vessel that rammed a Filipino fishing boat off Bajo de Masinloc may be registered under a different flag, as he eyes filing a Senate resolution to investigate the incident. In a phone interview shared with reporters on Friday, Dela Rosa said the probe into the Oct. 2 tragedy, which killed three fishermen, must take into account all possible angles and be thoroughly investigated. Dela Rosa, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order, said representatives of MT Pacific Anna, an oil tanker that appeared to be registered in the Marshall Islands, may be invited to a hearing to shed light on the incident. Di maiiwasan na magdududa yong tao, baka mamaya registered sa ibang entity yong ship na yan, tapos baka mamaya, alam mo na yong marumi ang pag-iisip, baka ginamit yon purposely talaga para i-ram lang yong kuwan dahil may galit na sila sa ating mga fisherman di ba, he said. [Translation: Its inevitable for people to doubt, that maybe the ship is registered under a different entity, and maybe, those who would think of the worst, it was used purposely to ram the Filipino boat because they were angry at our fishermen.] I hope it was a plain accident so that walang ibang [there are no other] political or geopolitical implications. I hope really, he added. There were speculations about the involvement of China in the incident, especially after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that it happened northwest of Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG has since clarified the actual location to be somewhere near Agno, Pangasinan. PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu on Thursday categorically said the incident has no connection to the tensions between the Philippines and China over disputes in the West Philippine Sea. According to the PCG, the 11 fishermen who survived the incident used their small service boats to transport the bodies of their fallen companions to Infanta, Pangasinan. The PCG also said initial information shows the collision was an accident. But this does not extinguish the liability of MT Pacific Anna, said Sen. Francis Tolentino, head of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones. RELATED: Marshall Islands compelled to hold liable ship that hit PH boat PCG In an interview with CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday, PCG Pangasinan station commander Alex Corpuz said the MT Pacific Anna violated two international regulations, as initial investigation showed there was no attempt to conduct search and rescue operations on the part of the foreign vessel. So kailangan mag-cooperate rin sila sa imbestigasyon, kailangan yong ship captain mag comply sa all existing regulations concerning coalition avoidance, kailangan umiwas ka, Tolentino said. [Translation: So they must also cooperate in the investigation, the ship captain must comply with all existing regulations concerning coalition avoidance, you must avoid it.] Tolentino said the victims families and the PCG can file criminal and civil cases before local courts. These include a case in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), particularly the vessels duty to render assistance at sea. Tolentino supported Dela Rosas call for a probe but noted that this can only be done when session resumes in November. In the meantime, he said he is confident that the results of the PCGs investigation will be credible. He again pushed for the law on archipelagic sea lanes, saying designating routes for local and international maritime vehicles would prevent maritime incidents. CNN Philippines correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The government will give a hero's welcome for Marjorette Garcia, an overseas Filipino worker killed in Saudi Arabia. Garcia's kin recounted calling the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Saudi Arabia which informed them that the OFW was "accidentally stabbed." But Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the public should wait for the result of the investigation into Garcia's death. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Arnell Ignacio also shared that they talked to Garcia's family Wednesday night and informed them regarding the hero's welcome for Marjorette's remains. "Bagamat po napakasakit ng nangyari, ngayon po kami nakatagpo ng isang genuine na bagong bayani sapagkat si Marjorette ni isa po wala itong dinulog na request for assistance. Napakaganda ng kanyang relasyon sa kanyang employer," Ignacio told Garcia's mother. [Translation: Although what happened was very painful, we found a new hero because Marjorette did not report any request for assistance. She had a very good relationship with her employer.] Cacdac said Garcia's case is on the prosecutor level and may even reach the criminal court. The government agencies have not mentioned the date when Garcia's remains will be repatriated. DMW-BI to synch their systems Cadac also said the DMW has teamed up with the Bureau of Immigration for the synching of their systems to smoothly monitor OFW repatriation. "So that in real time, pagdaan pa lang sa passport control nung tao, cinlick ng BI na nakauwi na, magre-reflect dito real time," he said. [Translation: So that in real time, even if the person is still in passport control, if the BI logged that he/she has already returned home, it will reflect here in real time.] Prior to the partnership, the DMW would usually go to the BI office to get a certification if an OFW had already returned to the country. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Friday declared a moratorium on the collection of pass-through and other fees imposed on all vehicles transporting goods and merchandise. Metro Manila mayors issued the moratorium in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s executive order which bans local government units (LGUs) from collecting pass through fees. The move seeks to lower prices of basic commodities by removing added transportation and logistics costs which are passed on to consumers. Pagtaas ng (presyo) mga bilihin talaga ang pinaka-affected parati ang Metro Manila dahil ita-transport yan galing Manila eh ang agricultural products kaya sa pagtanggal ng passing through fees na ito malaking bagay sa pag-mura ng bilihin, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said. [Translation: An increase in the (price) of goods really affects Metro Manila because the agricultural products will be transported from Manila, so the removal of passing through fees is a big deal in lowering the price of goods.] Pass through fees include mayors permit, sticker, and market fees. According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the authority of LGUs to collect such fees is provided for in the Local Government Code. Abalos is also talking to LGUs outside the capital region to urge them to suspend the pass-through fees as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified that only two cities in the metroManila and Caloocanimposed pass-through fees. MMDA chairman Romando Artes said the impact on prices of commodities may be felt in the next few months. Lalong lalo na bago mag-Pasko alam naman natin maraming deliveries na mangyayari dahil mabilis ang komersyo, Artes said. [Translation: Especially before Christmas, we know that there will be many deliveries because business is fast.] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested three overstaying Pakistanis in Mindanao with alleged links to a local terrorist group. Authorities nabbed Faizan Muhammad in Zamboanga del Sur; and Ali Wahab and Ajmal Ali in Lanao del Sur on Oct. 3 for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. In a statement on Friday, the BI said Muhammad was unable to show his passport, while the two others failed to present travel documents. Muhammad and Wahab were the subject of a complaint of a Filipino national "after owing her of merchandise for almost a year," the bureau said. The BI added that Muhammad and Wahab allegedly harassed the complainant's family and threatened to kill her as they claimed to have a support of a terrorist group. Authorities also learned that Ali "was tagged by a report as supplier of materials for a local extremist group in Central Mindanao." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The Surigao del Norte local government on Friday said it has started preparing for the relocation of the members of Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) suspended its land lease deal with the controversial group. We still have land owned by the provincial government. We can move them there if ever it gets to the point of being canceled, Surigao del Norte Governor Lyndon Barbers told CNN Philippines The Source. The DENR on Sept. 29 suspended the 2004 Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA) with the SBSI, pending further investigation into the latters alleged violation of the deals terms and conditions. The deal covers 353 hectares of land in the northeast portion of Barangay Sering, overlooking the northeast portion of Bucas Grande Island. Barbers said the new land is in the mainland of Surigao City, which may not be favorable for the residents who fish for a living. Assistance from the national government in building shelter and providing assistance for those who will be transferred will be needed, the governor added. He is also coordinating with Socorro officials to know if they have an available lot in their area. Barbers also said local officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are expected to arrive in Sitio Kapihan on Friday. They will conduct a survey to confirm the number of residents there. The DSWD will also determine beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Barbers added. The governor said SBSI can stay in the area for now pending further investigation. On Thursday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla met with his counterparts from the environment and social welfare departments to discuss steps the government can take to protect the children in Sitio Kapihan. This is amid reports of alleged abuse, forced labor, and marriage among minors being committed by the group. Remulla said there will be no dramatic moves to remove SBSI from Sitio Kapihan. There are vested rights that we have to look at. We have to distinguish between those who violated the law and those who didnt, he added. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) Representatives of American universities will be gathering in the Philippines next week to invite more Filipinos to study in the United States. Speaking to CNN Philippines The Source on Friday, US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay said the 7th Annual EducationUSA University Fair aims to inform students and parents about opportunities that American universities offer. This is a fair where we explain the process, this is for us to provide Filipino students and their parents free information about what is availablethis is unbiased free information, he said. We are here to talk to parents about what life is like in the US, we are here to talk about what US has to offer, we are here to talk about financing, he added. Gangopadhyay said the event will be held on Oct. 10 and 23 in Mandaluyong City and Cebu City, respectively. He said 33 universities will be featured at the fair in Mandaluyong City and 23 will be present at the fair in Cebu City on Oct. 12. Students as young as 16 years old and those interested in taking a graduate degree may attend the fair. Gangopadhyay emphasized that admission is not guaranteed as the fair only aims to inform those interested to study in the US about the process and offerings that each university has. The event will also guide possible applicants about the visa application process, he added. Through this fair, the US hopes to increase the number of Filipino students studying there from currently around 3,000. In the days after a handful of dissenters broke with fellow House Republicans to strip the speaker's gavel from Kevin McCarthy, Colorado lawmakers from both parties squared off over the direction of the suddenly leaderless chamber. Faced with the prospect of electing a new speaker just nine months after McCarthy finally secured the post in January on the 15th ballot, after winning over recalcitrant Republicans with a series of concessions that included allowing a single member to call for his ouster Colorado's GOP delegation prepared for what could be an equally charged process in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Democratic members of the state's House delegation roundly rejected suggestions by some Republicans that their party was to blame for McCarthy's downfall. Between them, the three Colorado Republicans covered all possible bases on Oct. 3 when the House voted 216-210 to end McCarthy's reign: in favor, against, and in a split decision, both for and against. U.S. Rep. Ken Buck of Windsor, one of eight Republicans who joined with Democrats on Oct. 3 to remove McCarthy the first speaker in history to be booted from the position by his colleagues, though others have been forced to step down said the next day that he expects McCarthy's replacement will possess something his predecessor ultimately lacked: credibility with Republicans and Democrats alike in the closely divided House. "It should absolutely, absolutely be someone who can work across the aisle," Buck told MSNBC. "The problem isn't that Kevin McCarthy worked across the aisle or didn't work across the aisle. The problem is that he didn't have credibility on either side of the aisle. So the Democrats didn't trust Kevin McCarthy anymore than the Republicans, and that's why they voted the way they did." Buck cited as an example McCarthy's commitment to hold a vote before initiating an impeachment inquiry aimed at President Joe Biden after criticizing Democrat Nancy Pelosi for skipping a vote of the full House before launching the investigations that led to former President Donald Trump's two impeachments when she was speaker. "He promised that he would have a vote on it, and then he made an announcement because he didn't have the votes on the floor," Buck said. "Those kinds of things eroded his credibility. And I think that the most important thing we're going to see in a new speaker is credibility on both sides of the aisle." Whoever Republicans tap to wield the gavel, Buck said, will have learned from "the McCarthy situation." "The next speaker will not lose credibility, will not tell people different things when they're trying to build a coalition," he said. "So I am very comfortable that whoever the next speaker is will have a much clearer path to building a consensus on important legislation." As potential McCarthy successors launched their bids or floated their names ahead of a planned Oct. 10 closed-door forum for GOP lawmakers, Buck said he planned to keep his own counsel until a full slate has emerged and the candidates make their cases. He added that an early endorsement from one of the Republicans who dethroned McCarthy might be more of a drag than a boon. "I think the worst thing that the eight could do that voted against Speaker McCarthy is to support somebody," Buck said. "I think that would immediately create a headwind for whoever that candidate is. So I am going to just take stock of who's running, listen to them, and make a decision next week." By late on Oct. 5, just two Republicans had formally announced they wanted the job: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio. Others let it be known they were considering a run, including former President Donald Trump the speaker doesn't have to be a member of the House and U.S. Reps. Kevin Hern and Tom Cole, both of Oklahoma. Also reserving judgement until the House GOP heard from all the speaker candidates was longtime McCarthy ally U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, who called the ex-speaker's termination "an unfortunate episode in the history of the Republican Party in Congress." Attributing the unprecedented vote to "(p)ersonal politics on the part of a few," the Colorado Springs Republican lamented that the incident had disrupted the chamber's work to cut federal spending in a dozen appropriations bills. Although she voted to let McCarthy keep his job, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert later explained that she wanted to fire him, only not right away. "My vote was not in support of the speaker, rather the timing of this measure," the Silt Republican said in a statement. Noting that she wanted to focus on pending appropriations bills rather than plunge the House into another "long, protracted speaker fight" Boebert added : "Now that Rep. McCarthy has been vacated and will not run for speaker again, we finally have a chance to elect a trustworthy speaker who can unify this conference, uphold the agreement & rules package that I helped to negotiate in January and pave the way for twelve appropriations bills that will significantly slash government spending." Boebert laid out stipulations for the next speaker, including maintaining a rule that allows just one House member to initiate a motion to vacate the chair, like Florida Republican Matt Gaetz had done, though a day later Boebert said she was willing to waive that requirement. "The next speaker will need to meet the same demands that we made of Kevin McCarthy in January," Boebert tweeted on Oct. 4. "After yesterday, it has become obvious that if they say one thing to get elected and then divert, it wont end well." The next morning, after endorsing Jordan, Boebert revised her position. She noted that some fellow Republicans were insisting that keeping the rule in place would be a dealbreaker. "Im willing to ditch the motion To vacate with @Jim_Jordan as speaker," Boebert tweeted. "The House has a lot of work ahead, lets get this over with and take our country back!" Boebert explained her about-face in response to a skeptical reply. "There is a section of the conference that wont vote for ANY speaker until this rule is removed," she tweeted. "It is a mechanism based to ensure promises are kept by the speaker. Im willing to get rid of the rule if we get a speaker who is trustworthy and Jim Jordan is absolutely trustworthy." Across the aisle, Democratic U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse and Jason Crow dismissed a wave of criticism from some Republicans who argued that the opposition party had failed to come to McCarthy's rescue, characterizing the suggestion as both unprecedented and absurd. "It's a nonsensical argument," Neguse told MSNBC's Chris Hayes on Oct. 4, the day after McCarthy got the heave-ho. The Lafayette Democrat insisted that House Republicans had planted the seeds of the turmoil they were reaping. "The notion that Democrats are somehow responsible for electing a Republican speaker is unmoored from reality and from any kind of historical precedents," Neguse said. "The American people understand that, they recognize that the majority party in the House selects the speaker because they watched in January when the Republican conference was in disarray, incapable of electing a speaker, and the only reason why that process concluded with the ascension of Speaker McCarthy is because he capitulated to every demand made by the extreme right wing of his caucus, including the rule change that enabled those same chaos agents to ultimately vacate the speaker's office. And that was a rule change that House Democrats voted against. So it's a crisis of their own making. It is emblematic of the dysfunction that they have brought to Washington, and it's unfortunate." Crow, an Aurora Democrat, told MSNBC earlier the same day that GOP lawmakers complaining that Democrats had dropped the ball were mistaken. "This narrative that Democrats refused to give a lifeline, that's just not true," Crow said. "Kevin McCarthy didn't ask for a lifeline, he didn't reach out, didn't ask for support. In fact, in the days leading up to this vote, he repudiated Democrats and said good riddance, he doesn't need their support. So there was never an olive branch extended, never an opportunity for us to even have that discussion in the first instance, which, frankly, is what happened the last nine months over and over again, pushing us away and refusing to work in a bipartisan way." Crow added that the Republicans' choice to take over as speaker would be "very telling." "The Republican conference (in) the last nine months has chosen extremism, has chosen to placate the most extreme voices and elements of their party, instead of choosing bipartisanship and governing," he said. "So they have a choice to make right now. Are they going to continue to do what they've been doing the last nine months in which case we have no reason to believe that the outcomes will be any different than they've been the last nine months or are we going to change things, are we going to actually try to create a governing coalition, a bipartisan Congress that can get things done? That is the choice that's before the Republican Conference right now." Republicans say they hope to reach a consensus on a speaker candidate after returning to Washington on Oct. 10. Skeptics note that McCarthy was the consensus pick in January, but still took four days and 15 votes to get the gavel. Ernest Luning has covered politics for Colorado Politics and its predecessor publication, The Colorado Statesman, since 2009. He's analyzed the exploits, foibles and history of state campaigns and politicians since 2018 in the weekly Trail Mix column. 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. It may only be early October, but people are already putting pressure on travel inventory in both flights and rental cars, and demand is expected to be higher this year because of Christmas and New Years Day falling on the weekend. In other words, book now or pay the price! ConsumerAffairs cant cut you a good deal, but we have found some interesting insights from travel experts, and if you pay attention to what they have to say, it might work to your advantage. When to travel Lets get this pain point out of the way before we go any further: According to Priceline's data, Friday, December 22nd is set to be one of the busiest travel days of the year so prices and headaches will be large and in charge. According to KAYAKs data, youd be smart to book domestic flights for the Christmastime holidays about 61 days in advance to snag a good deal (mid-October). For Thanksgiving, you dont have 61 days of leeway, so you better do it ASAP. There are still some good deals that ConsumerAffairs found on Google Flights like Cincinnati to Phoenix for $175, but you have to leave on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and come back a week later. KAYAKs best time to travel planner suggests that if you do the Cincinnati - Phoenix trip for Christmas, you might be better off going on December 19th and returning on Christmas Day. If youve got enough holiday bravado to make international stops for a holiday celebration, Priceline told ConsumerAffairs that unique destinations like Montreal and Budapest top its most affordable and most popular international getaways. At $901 round trip, international holiday flights are around $100 dollars cheaper than last year. Plus, returning from your international travel between December 26th and 29th can help you save 25% on airfare, all while avoiding the busiest return day, December 31st. What airports to avoid Holiday weather is always a problem either coming or going and AirHelp did some homework on what airports have the highest percentage of flight disruptions. Topping the list are two in Florida: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with 42.63% of flights disrupted; and Orlando International Airport (MCO) with 42.11% of flights disrupted. Flying to Florida, the West Coast is the best coast, a spokesperson for AirHelp said. Every airport along Floridas east coast experienced issues with nearly 40% of their flights. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) are more reliable options. RSW is right next to Naples and only a 2-hour drive from Miami, the airport delivered 70% of its flights on time this summer. ECP, right next to the beach and only 2 hours from Tallahassee, delivered 73.76% of its flights on time, without disruption. But if youre headed to Tampa or thereabouts, AirHelp says that Sarasota/Bradenton Intl Airport (SRQ) is more reliable and less than an hours drive away from the city center. Compared to Tampa International (the nations 10th worst airport this summer) SRQ delivered 73.84% of its flights on time. Next in line are: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 39.19% of flights were disrupted. Use LaGuardia instead, AirHelps analysts said. Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 39.10% of flights disrupted Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): 36.28% of flights disrupted Denver International Airport (DEN): 35.02% of flights disrupted Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): 34.6% of flights disrupted Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): 34.26% of flights disrupted Miami International Airport (MIA): 34.23% of flights disrupted Tampa International Airport (TPA): 33.2% of flights disrupted Road trippin Elie Michaels, vice president of Operations at Advantage Rental Car, told ConsumerAffairs that booking a rental car comes down to dates just like air travel does. When it comes to deals, he said there are two steps hed recommend: book early and shop around. Travelers will find the best deal by planning ahead and looking at a variety of different rental car companies. Price fluctuates depending on the number of passengers, time of year, length of road trip, luggage, and reason for travel, were his suggestions. He said that depending on the time of year there are deals to be had on vehicle rentals. Slow periods in between holidays will likely be the cheapest time to book a rental car, he noted. Searching more broadly can also help Ludwig Schoenack, co-founder at Kyte, suggests. For instance, getting your car in a city rather than at an airport can often save money and be more convenient. Prices are high where demand is high. The summer is the most expensive time to rent a car in most cities in the U.S., and this is especially true in tourist destinations around holiday weekends and around major events. We encourage booking your trip to land outside of those times and during the week. We asked Schoenack if car rental agencies offer discounts either in-app or online and he said that no matter who you rent with, its worth asking them if they offer any early bird specials. The worst thing they can say is no, right? 'Oh, I didnt know about those fees' The fight toward getting rid of legit or not-so-legit fees isnt over, but those fees havent been kicked to the curb completely. Airbnb is still trying to fight the good fight on the accommodations side, and on the car rental side, Michaels confirms that there are still fees there, too. He notes that before you click book or sign your name, its important to read the terms and conditions of the company youre planning to rent a car with to ensure there are no surprise fees at the end. By doing this, youll be able to plan out how much to spend as its disclosed ahead of renting the car, he said. Here's one not-so-nice thing about car rentals that you should know. about. It is All-Inclusive Tolls, a new rental car company scam that could cost you $140 per week. Gary Leff of View From the Wing said that toll tracking is one of the more annoying fees that rental car companies impose. Leff names names and suggests how you can get around this ugliness, here. A scientist is both an investigator and a guardian, tasked with observing the world and also with protecting it zealously. Wait, no, sorry. Thats Batman. We dont know why we mixed those two up. In reality, studying nature isnt always the same as preserving it. You cant make an omelet without breaking some eggs, and you cant write a paper without ending lives, as the following stories show. 5 Climate Scientists Killed the Worlds Oldest Animal In 2007, British scientists were poking around the waters of Iceland, searching for evidence of exactly how the world has changed over the last few centuries. They fished up a bunch of quahog clams, planning to examine them for historical mineralization, old diaries, etc. A quick pop in the freezer killed the clams, keeping them from complaining during later review. Then the scientists opened the clams up. They counted the rings in the shells, and since a clam should gain one ring each year, this told them how hold each was. One of the specimens had 405 rings, which would make it the oldest clam ever recorded. In fact, that made it the longest-lived recorded animal of any kind with the possible exception of coral, but coral barely count as animals. They named this dead quahog Ming, because it had been alive during the Ming Dynasty. Wanamaker, et al. And because people got offended by the placeholder name, Smelly Old Clam. Later analysis showed that estimate of the age had been wrong. Ming was actually older still, as it was 507 years old. This necessitated no name change, though, as the Ming Dynasty lasted quite a while. The story of Mings death distressed many people, whose anger made no sense at all, according to the scientists. People kill clams all the time, the scientists noted, and gobble them up. The clams you eat in chowder may also be centuries old, or possibly even older than Ming. Advertisement 4 We Killed the Oldest Tree, Trying to See How Old It Was After news of Mings death came out, a rumor circulated that the scientists had killed it specifically in the process of measuring how old it was. That didnt really happen. However, weve got another story in which scientists really did kill an organism while dating it, and this specimen had Mings age beat 10 times over. When we say dating, we mean measuring the age. No scientist was romantically involved with the research subject, which was a bristlecone pine tree. Much like clams, only more famously, a tree can be dated by counting its rings. The process is a little more complicated than just counting, actually, since rings may not exactly match up with the calendar. It also doesnt have to involve chopping the tree down. You can instead remove a sample of wood, using a tool called an incremental borer. But when Donald R. Currey dated this pine in 1963, he did in fact cut the tree down, killing it and leaving only the stump. Jrbouldin/Wiki Commons Thats not even a clean stump. Lumberjacks mock this shoddy work Advertisement Exactly why Currey cut the whole tree down, well, we have conflicting stories about that, ranging from a series of borers comically getting stuck in the obstinate tree to the man just following orders. Either way, it ended with him counting those rings and finding the tree was older than the already-old 3,000 years people expected. It was 5,000 years old, older than the bristlecone pine previously known as the worlds oldest. Wed named that tree Methuselah, after the oldest guy in the Bible. We named this one Prometheus, not because the mythological Prometheus was known for his age but because Methuselah was already taken. Advertisement At 5,000 years old, Prometheus wasnt just the oldest bristlecone but the oldest tree and indeed the oldest organism of any kind. Again, there are possible exceptions depending on your definition of organism, but if we exclude stuff that reproduces via cloning, like germs, the award goes to Prometheus. The old tree did not go quietly. Fred Solace, a forest technician, tried picking up some of the trees wood afterward, got tired, said Oh God, had a heart attack and died. Advertisement 3 Another Old Tree Was Killed by an Anti-Logging Protestor Prometheus was (at the time) the oldest tree ever discovered. Our next tree, named Kiidk'yaas, wasnt nearly as old, but it was still known as ancient tree by the Haida people of British Columbia. According to their mythology, the tree had once been a boy. As he fled his village, his grandfather warned him not to turn back and look, but he did so, and was punished by being turned into a tree. Thats a weirdly common thing to happen in myths see also Lots wife and Orpheus. Mike Beauregard What did the myth authors not want us to look back at? In 1997, a forest engineer named Grant Hadwin cut Kiidk'yaas down with a chainsaw. His motive: He wanted to protest the logging industry and save trees. We dont know exactly how he thought outrage from this incident would translate to action against the logging industry, but we could say the same thing about most environmental activism. Advertisement While were talking about trees, we have one honorable mention story for you. In 2019, Florida woman, Sara Barnes, curled up in one of the worlds oldest trees, a 3,500-year-old Cypress known as The Senator. She lit a fire in there, so she could smoke meth in comfort, and the fire killed the tree. Wood is flammable, apparently. Anthony Scotti It was the worlds fifth-oldest tree, and third-oldest senator. Advertisement Its not certain that Barnes was a scientist, but given her familiarity with meth, we cant rule that possibility out. 2 The Smithsonian Killed the Last Known Elephant Seals In the 19th century, the population of elephant seals plummeted. Sealers hunted them in large numbers, not chiefly for their meat or their skins but for their blubber. An adult male could yield 200 pounds of oil, which you could burn in lamps just as you could whale oil. You could also use it as a lubricant on your harness, for example, or possibly for more intimate activities. Encyclopedia of New Zealand Or on the harness that you use for intimate activities Advertisement Hunters killed so many seals that by the end of the century, almost a decade went by without anyone spying a single one of them. Then in 1892, a Smithsonian expedition led by naturalist Charles Haskins Townsend spotted a colony of eight seals on an island. They killed seven of them. Such rare specimens needed to be secured. Fortunately, people were wrong about those being the last elephant seals. The species bounced back, and today, theyre not classified as threatened at all. We cant say the same about all such endangered animals, however... When youre going into space, its not like some road trip where you can lash a bunch of crap onto the roof and toss a couple bags of Bugles into the backseat. For good reason, every single thing thats going up there has to be considered and calculated for. Given that by making the trip, youre basically spitting in the face of God, risks have to be minimized. However, its just another situation where please dont loses against its eternal enemy, I want to, though. Especially knowing its a trip that even the luckiest of astronauts wont get many chances to make, the allure of bringing a favorite or weird item is sometimes too much to resist. After all, when tucking any bit of random bullshit into your spacesuit pocket immediately makes that item basically museum-worthy, wouldnt you want to create a modern relic? Here are five items that have been surreptitiously snuck into space 5 A Non-NASA Approved Watch Dnalor 01 Why should the Swiss monopolize the space-watch market? If youre at all interested in watches, you probably know the Omega Speedmasters claim to fame as the first watch worn on the moon. Hell, even now, the proper product name, the Omega Speedmaster Professional, is used interchangeably with the nickname Moonwatch. Omega surely doesnt mind, given that theyve made about a jillion limited editions commemorating this reputation, and engrave the fact on the caseback. Its also the only watch approved by NASA for use in space missions. It is not, though, the only one used, thanks to the preferences of Colonel William Pogue and a tiny Japanese-made stowaway. Advertisement A soon-to-be-famous Seiko Speed-Timer Caliber 6139 automatic chronograph was Pogues personal watch, and when NASA didnt get them their sanctioned Speedmasters before flight training started, he used it in their interstellar dress rehearsals. He eventually got his Speedmaster, but at that point, he didnt want to switch equipment, NASA-approved or not, and snuck the Seiko on board as well. He used it for all his assignments during his 84 days aboard the International Space Station. Even today, among watch collectors, the 6139 in that specific colorway, with a signature yellow dial, is nicknamed the Pogue. 4 A Harmonica Julian Correa He should have also smuggled a rocking chair and a glass of sweet tea. Advertisement Youd think that NASA would prefer not to send any pranksters into space. It might be good for morale, but the inherently dangerous nature of space flight doesnt invite the presence of a wildcard. Astronaut Wally Schirra somehow convinced the people in charge that his naturally mischievous nature could be kept in check, and it was mostly. One bit he did commit to required a prop, which is now displayed in the Smithsonian. Its a Hohner brand Little Lady harmonica, an instrument likely chosen for its eminent smugglability. What was the purpose? Well, outside of maybe some occasional space blues straight out of Cowboy Bebop, Schirra used it, along with some small bells, in a prank on December 16th. He popped onto the space radio line reporting a low-flying, unidentified object that was looking to enter earths atmosphere and then played Jingle Bells." Again, cant say he didnt commit to the bit. Advertisement Advertisement 3 Secret Psychic Tests Pixabay Let s take on one cosmic mystery at a time, buddy. The previous entry was just a goof, not any sort of genuine experiment. This entry is somewhere in between, depending on your belief in the supernatural. Experiments done in research of things like telepathy arent completely unknown in government circles, but its definitely not a variable NASA wanted included in space exploration. Theres enough unknowns up there without including the possibility that psychic activity is real. Astronaut Edgar Mitchell, though, apparently had his own distinct interest in the possibility of brain-to-brain human communication, even from above the atmosphere. In pursuit of spooky answers, he smuggled a series of flashcards onto Apollo 14, which he used to test the possible existence of extrasensory perception with some planet-bound buddies. He attempted to beam the symbols on his cards down to the planet. They did better than expected, but in his words, the results were only moderately significant. Advertisement 2 Corned Beef Sandwich dyobmit Not an ideal meal to eat in a white T-shirt, much less a spacecraft. Advertisement Some things might be banned from space for more issues of focus, or just preventing general fucking around. Others have specific, carefully predicted dangers that keep them off the space-bound vehicle. The food astronauts bring, for example, is carefully considered and packaged. Anyone whos ever eaten a Nature Valley granola bar can understand why certain snacks arent ideal in zero g. This also eliminates certain staple foods. Obviously, rice isnt ideal since you dont want to risk, in Mitch Hedbergs words, spilling two thousand of something. Off the table as well: bread. Although it might be a contained unit at first, as soon as you get to eating, youre now tossing out dry crumbs willy-nilly in an electronic box thats looking for any opportunity to short-circuit or start a fire. So, as goofy as it was, when astronaut John Young snuck a corned beef sandwich into space aboard Gemini 3, it was genuinely dangerous enough to get him a stern, congressional talking-to. Who handed him the corned-beef sandwich pre-flight? That darned harmonica-honker himself, Wally Schirra. That rascal! Advertisement The recent ransomware attack on MGM Resort International cost the hotel and casino company $100 million overall from operational disruptions, according to its latest filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). MGM was attacked by ALPHR (aka BlackCat), a ransomware group widely thought to have links to the Russian government. MGM declined to pay the ransom requested by the attackers, relying on cybersecurity insurance to cover the costs of the attacks impact, and quickly moved to shut down operational systems in the wake of the attack -- a move criticized by the attackers themselves. "The Company estimates a negative impact from the cyber security issue in September of approximately $100 million to Adjusted Property EBITDAR for the Las Vegas Strip Resorts and Regional Operations, collectively," said MGM in the SEC filing. EBITDAR is a term used denote earnings before interest, taxes and certain expenses. Though the company reports that the attack has been contained and no further data will be lost, the impact of the incident appears to be far greater than most. The global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, a 15% increase over 3 years, according to IBMs Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023. MGM is optimistic despite losses MGM said in the SEC filing that despite the large loss, it believes the incident might not have any material effect on its financial condition and results of operations for the year. "While the Company experienced impacts to occupancy due to the availability of bookings through the Company's website and mobile applications, it was mostly contained to the month of September, MGM said. While MGM said it is confident that its cybersecurity insurance will be sufficient to cover the financial impact so far from the incident, the full scope of the costs and related impact of the attack remains yet to be determined. Abbas Ganbay During 33 years of occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan by Armenia, Armenian separatists, and their clans have been destroying the Azerbaijani heritage of the historical culture of their ancestors, including mosques, and religious, historical, and cultural monuments. These acts of vandalism and desecration stem from hatred towards neighbors, and religious, cultural, and historical values, which are not inherent to Armenians. A lot of reports were introduced to cover the act of vandalism committed by Armenians, but it did not receive much publicity in the world media circle. To illustrate the point, Armenians used mosques in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan as cattle pens, stables, and horse stalls. Having no proper respect for religious monuments, mosques, as well as sacred places, vandals continued their heinous actions even after the Patriotic War. The destruction of Azerbaijan's material and cultural heritage by Armenians is an act of vandalism not only against Azerbaijan but also against human values. Destruction of mosques and their looting, and appropriation of material-cultural and religious monuments is part of the barbaric ideology of Armenians. Even today, although Azerbaijan liberated its lands from occupation, it is possible to clearly see Armenian vandalism on those destroyed religious and cultural monuments. The mosque in Aghdam, dating back to the 19th century, was destroyed and looted and later used as a pig stall. According to official data, there are 403 historical-religious monuments in the occupied territories, of which 67 are mosques, 144 are temples, 192 are sanctuaries, 67 Muslim mosques (13 in Shusha, 5 in Aghdam, 16 in Fuzuli, 12 in Zangilan, 5 in Jabrail, 8 in Gubadli and 8 in Lachin) were completely destroyed by Armenians. "The destruction of religious monuments in Garabagh by Armenia is a tragedy," said Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik, head of the Islamic World Education, Science and Culture Organization (ICESCO). "The scene we see here (Garabagh) is a real tragedy. When we visited the liberated lands, we saw the destruction of all the villages, townships, and historical and religious monuments. Destruction of mosques and religious temples, insult and vandalism is an absolutely unacceptable action," al-Malik said during a visit to Azerbaijan's districts liberated from occupation. 22 museums and museum branches were destroyed, where more than 100 thousand cultural artifacts and relics were stored, which were later exported and sold on the black market. Cultural samples and ancient manuscripts of the 13th century Khudaveng monastery in Kalbajar district, as well as valuable exhibits discovered during archaeological excavations near Shahbulag fortress in Aghdam district, were smuggled to Armenia. Gross violation of international humanitarian law, including UNESCO normative documents, such as the 1954 Hague Convention, its two protocols, as well as the 1970 Convention. It is important to emphasize that 2000 monuments of Armenian history and culture remain in the territories that came under Azerbaijani control, including 161 monasteries and churches, 591 khachkars (cross-stones), the excavation sites of Tigranakert, Azokh, Nor Karmiravan, Mirik, Keren and numerous fortresses, castles, shrines and other monuments. There are eight state museums with 19,311 exhibits along with the private museum of carpets and the Armenian Drama Museum in Shusha, Today no one disputes that in war a bullet or a shell spares no one - neither people, nor buildings, nor monuments of history and culture. This is war, and everything happens in it. But if the destruction of a building during the war can still be explained, how can we explain the vandalism of Armenian invaders in non-war times? After all, the destruction of Azerbaijani and Albanian historical and cultural heritage in Garabagh and Armenia took place during the years of ceasefire. More than 900 Muslim cemeteries were destroyed and vandalized in these territories. Moreover, traces of illegal "archaeological excavations" and so-called "reconstruction works" were discovered in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. All this confirms the fact that the Armenian side tried to conceal and falsify cultural, historical, and scientific evidence. For example, an equipped workshop for the production of "ancient" cross-stones was discovered in the Kalbajar district. These cross-stones were subjected to oxidation and treated with vinegar in order to age artificially and then buried in the ground to be used as undeniable evidence of "centuries-old Armenian roots" in the Garabagh region. Armenians left a centuries-old trace in Garadaghli village, where a huge number of destroyed monuments, desecrated graves, and monuments were found during the anti-terrorist operation carried out by the Azerbaijani army on 19 September 2023 to eradicate terrorists from Garabagh. The tragedy of Garadaghli, which resulted in the orphaning of 146 children, is one of the bloodiest pages of the genocide policy carried out by Armenians against the people of Azerbaijan to achieve their evil intentions. The headlong rush to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, pursued for so long by democratic governments across the globe regardless of cost, has finally hit the buffers of voter resistance. Mainstream politicians of the left, right and centre still mouth their consensual net zero platitudes but they are rowing back from the policies required to achieve it at some speed, not least here in Britain. It has at last dawned on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that a population already reeling from a vicious cost of living crisis does not need to be lumbered by the extra burden of the expensive and intrusive green agenda of a political elite which will not itself suffer any hardship from it. So he has delayed the ban on new petrol and diesel cars and the fatwa on new residential gas heating systems until 2035 (from 2030 and 2025 respectively). Expect more delays to come. Sunak and his team justified his U-turn because 'governments of all stripes have not been honest about the cost and trade-offs', because the drive to net zero would impose 'unacceptable costs on hard-pressed British families', and because 'we're not going to save the planet by bankrupting the British people'. Rishi Sunak has delayed the ban on new petrol and diesel cars and the fatwa on new residential gas heating systems until 2035 Fair enough. Better late than never. But we must still file the PM under 'slow learner'. When I interviewed then Chancellor Sunak in June 2021 during my mercifully brief broadcasting career at GB News (only eight shows over two weeks), I asked him to tell us the cost of net zero. He couldn't. I suggested it would be in the trillions and it was surely the Treasury's duty to come up with a price tag. He obfuscated. He said after the interview that nobody had ever asked him the cost before. He's taken his time to find out, if he has. The fact is net zero was backed by such an overwhelming political consensus and a cheerleading media (which failed to do its job challenging the consensus) that questions of cost were regarded as an unnecessary spanner in the works by unhelpful naysayers. Rough estimates turned out to be hopelessly optimistic. Three years ago, Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, whose analysis of all things economic are lapped up unquestioningly by journalists, opined (as a member of the official Climate Change Committee) that the overall cost should be 'more than manageable' and might even be 'remarkably low'. That turned out to be nonsense, as he now recognises. Johnson now admits there is a 'fog of uncertainty over how we are actually expecting to decarbonise household heating, further massively increase zero-carbon electricity production and distribution, revolutionise agriculture and all the rest'. Far from being 'rather low' he now warns it's going to be 'costly' requiring 'vast amounts of money . . . not in the billions, but in the trillions'. From the start it is people and families on modest incomes who've been expected to pay for the transition to net zero, which is why there has been a growing public revolt against it. Far from being confined to Britain, the pushback is everywhere, forcing politicians to renege on their green virtue signalling and slow or even halt the process. ANDREW NEIL: It has at last dawned on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that a population already reeling from a vicious cost of living crisis does not need to be lumbered by the extra burden of the expensive and intrusive green agenda In France, President Macron has ruled out banning gas boilers and refused to give a date for phasing out of fossil fuels, bar coal, which France barely uses. His first term was almost derailed by the 'yellow vest' protests against 'green' increases in fuel duties. He has no desire to repeat that upheaval. New Zealand's Labour government is almost certainly heading for defeat in next weekend's general election after its plans to tax livestock emitting methane (a Kiwi global first!) and turn sheep and cattle farms into pine plantations provoked a revolt, with 58 per cent of those living in rural areas telling pollsters they will vote for right-of- centre parties. Anti-net zero Dutch farmers have shaken their political system in response to anti-farming measures by the Dutch government. The right-wing Farmer-Citizen Movement, only four years old, is now the dominant party in the Dutch Senate (upper house) and every provincial assembly. The net-zero revolt is Europe-wide. Even the centre-left Politico website is forced to report that 'as the 2024 European election approaches [for the European Parliament], a notable shift is occurring across major countries in the EU: voters are turning away from Green parties amid a rising tide of right-wing populism and anti-EU sentiment . . . a significant portion of this shift can be attributed to voter dissatisfaction with the EU's climate transition policies'. The revolt is most stark in Germany, which has long thought itself in the vanguard of Europe's transition to net zero and whose Green party is a prominent member of its ruling coalition government. Plans to phase out oil and gas heating in homes nearly broke the government this summer and had to be watered down. Pressure is growing for further concessions on the EU's 2035 ban on combustion vehicles. Stricter energy efficiency rules for buildings have been shelved. Germany's green credentials are somewhat in tatters. It plans to bring on stream this winter several moth-balled coal plants; otherwise, the government fears it can't keep the lights on. It's a repeat of last winter but more serious since the coalition closed the country's remaining nuclear reactors last spring. Seven out of the ten most polluting coal plants in the EU are German. For sheer stupidity, British energy policy is hard to beat. But in the energy stupidity stakes, among a long list of candidates, Germany is the clear winner. The industrial powerhouse of Europe is being de-industrialised by energy policies emanating from Berlin and Brussels. A debilitating cocktail of high energy costs, labour shortages and reams of red tape is forcing some of Germany's biggest companies including Volkswagen, BASF and Siemens to seek friendlier business climes in North America and Asia. For what? There's a growing sense among ordinary voters that huge sacrifices are being demanded of them for nothing in return. The UK now accounts for 1 per cent of global CO2 emissions, China almost 30 per cent. What difference will ripping out a cheap gas boiler for an expensive heat pump make to the climate? China claims its carbon emissions will peak in 2030 and hit net zero by 2060. But look at what it's doing, not what it says: it is giving planning permission for two new coal-fired power plants every week (yes, every week). Last year, it approved a record-breaking 106 gigawatts (GW) of new coal-fired power capacity. Permits are being handed out at an even higher rate this year. The pace of construction is also increasing. China now has 243 GW of coal-fired capacity permitted or under construction. One gigawatt is the equivalent of a coal power plant. Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on 20 September announced changes in the UK government's green commitments (file image) America has the third-biggest coal-fired electricity generation capacity in the world. India is second (after China) and is building more coal plants too, as are Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam. The Asia-Pacific now accounts for 80 per cent of global coal demand. Even if America closed all its coal capacity tomorrow, it would quickly be more than matched by all the new coal plants coming on stream in China. The grim truth is that China and other parts of Asia are now building so many new coal plants so fast that the 'energy transition to net zero' which British and other western politicians so obsess about is effectively meaningless. To go crazy over a few more oil and gas licences in the North Sea or one new coal mine in the north of England is absurd, given what is happening on the other side of the world. This does not absolve us from doing nothing. Climate change is real and there are good grounds for continuing to cut our carbon emissions. But the bulk of the cost cannot always fall on those least able to bear it and there must be clear gains from doing so. People have had enough of assorted billionaires and celebrities lecturing the rest of us on the need to cut our emissions while flying in their private jets from their mansions to their yachts, stopping off on the way at the World Economic Forum in Davos to parade their phoney green credentials. As for Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion? Their efforts to disrupt the lives of ordinary folk trying to earn a crust have merely fuelled the anti-net zero backlash. The Chinese embassy in London is in Portland Place. Perhaps their protests would be better directed if they stuck themselves to its door. But I wouldn't advise accepting any invitations to go inside for a cup of tea. Rick Stein has been under the knife and was afraid he might not survive. It was scary before I went into the operation, says the chef, talking for the first time about his open heart surgery last year. Afterwards you realise if you had died you wouldnt have noticed, because you were under the anaesthetic. When he came round at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, the 76-year-old had a revelation that he says has changed his life and his work. I started thinking hard about how I live and how we cook. I want to simplify things. His post-op philosophy is outlined in a new book called Rick Steins Simple Suppers, full of intimate essays as well as brilliant recipes. An operation like that stops you in your tracks and makes you think about who you are, Rick says. Its time to review your life. Youve been through a very life-threatening experience. Rick Stein (pictured) has been under the knife and was afraid he might not survive. It was scary before I went into the operation, says the chef, talking for the first time about his open heart surgery last year 'The surgeon says its no more dangerous than the appendix these days, but to have your heart taken out, repaired and put back in, personally Id say thats big! There was no alternative for a chef who has loved the good life, including lashings of butter, cream and wine in his cooking and travel shows. I had a valve in my heart that had to be replaced because it wasnt working properly. It was getting worse and worse. The cardiologist finally said, Youre gonna have to have the op. How much did it hurt afterwards? Your lungs are sort of flattened during the process. They dont want a build-up of horrid stuff, so they make you cough. It must be like childbirth, its so painful. Even so, he was reluctant to help himself. I think its a British thing. I dont like making a fuss, says Rick in the gentle burr viewers find so soothing, influenced by his half a century in Cornwall. They give you morphine which is self-induced, you pump the drugs when the pain is getting intolerable. I stopped, though. 'This Aussie nurse came up to me and said, How come youre not using it? And I said, Well, you know, its morphine. She said, Do you think youre gonna get addicted? Dont be such a fool! Just use it. Rick looks well enough today, though, and hes happily chatting about his wife Sarah, or Sas, and her son and daughter, who are in their 20s. Im on my second wife, Ive been married to Sas for how many years? I should remember, 23? Er, the wedding was in 2011 actually, although they met back in 1997 when he was on tour in Australia. She was a publicist, 20 years his junior. Rick was married. My stepchildren, who Ive known ever since they were tiny, are a second family. Zach and Olivia came into the ward with a present so I knew they were pleased to see me. 'But I remembered visiting a poorly aunt when I was young and thought that if I was them, I really wouldnt know what to say after a while. So about a quarter of an hour in I said, Do you know, Im feeling a bit tired. I wonder if youd mind going. When he came round at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London , the 76-year-old (pictured) had a revelation that he says has changed his life and his work. I started thinking hard about how I live and how we cook. I want to simplify things. He chuckles. They said later that it was the best thing I could have done. It works for everyone concerned. Ricks middle-aged sons Edward, Jack and Charlie help run his business empire and their mother Jill, his first wife, still has a stake too. Being alone in hospital meant there was plenty of time to think and of course he thought about food. It was slightly morphine-induced because I was so drugged, he jokes, but in the introduction to Simple Suppers Rick says that the catalyst was an unexpectedly great meal at the hospital. The night before the operation they brought me a haddock fillet seasoned with salt and cracked black pepper, then lightly fried, served with a dressing of olive oil, thinly sliced spring onions, diced roasted red peppers, lemon juice and, I swear, a touch of soy sauce. It was divine and so simple. Who said hospital food was so terrible? Hang on, was this an NHS hospital? Yes, but I was on an insurance job. So he was eating from the private menu, which must be very different from the awful experience so many NHS patients across the country complain about although it must be said the Royal Brompton has won awards for the food it serves to patients of all kinds. I was thinking, I could write something about how great hospital food is now. Then I woke up, completely bamboozled with drugs. I had chosen roast lamb and mint sauce for lunch, but it was terrible, he says, grimacing. The lamb was so overcooked it stuck to the roof of his mouth, the mint sauce was gummy with flour. In contrast, his mental juices started flowing. I thought, How did they get this so wrong? What do we cook at home? Rick became emotional at the memory of simple childhood dinners, as well as the meal hed enjoyed on the eve of theatre. Having a major operation and surviving it induces mixed feelings of pain and euphoria, he writes in the book. I decided there and then, light-headedly, to write a cookbook about simple food and how to concentrate on doing simple dishes, like that haddock. The chef's post-op philosophy is outlined in a new book called Rick Steins Simple Suppers, full of intimate essays as well as brilliant recipes. Pictured, Rick and his wife Sarah His definition of simple is to keep the number of ingredients down, use things you might have in the fridge or freezer or can get easily in a supermarket, and cut preparation time. Ideally, no dish should take more than an hour, he says, and some are far quicker. Ive tried to find simpler ways to make complicated dishes. Ive made fish pie simpler by using shop-bought pastry rather than mash. Instead of making a proper bechamel sauce I use cornflour and stock, which works a treat. He speaks like a man who has had an epiphany about his own work. There are so many really pointless processes, like frying your onions, garlic and chillies separately. 'A lot of the time there is no difference if you do them together. I look at some of my early recipes and think, How could I have been so stupid? So Ive cut out my own verbosity. Rick is also taking lessons from what he calls the bewildering way the young cook these days. He means his stepdaughter Olivia, who fills her cupboards with ready-made pastes, sauces and pre-chopped ingredients, and picks up ideas from TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. I asked Olivia to give me a taco recipe and she bought lardons with pimento, prepared tomato sauce and grated Parmesan. Shes been to catering college so its not that she cant make these things, she doesnt see the point. If theres a quicker way of doing something, she will, says Rick. Im not being critical about this, Im taking it on board. Im learning from the next generation about how to cut corners. Its quite a change for someone whos spent his whole life teaching us how to cook from scratch although he does still love doing things the old way. I like the smell of fresh ingredients when youre making a stock or using a pestle and mortar. The whole process is meditative. Cooking is a sort of therapy. Its an affirmation of who we are. Rick grew up on a farm in the Cotswolds and the familys food came from their land. His father took his own life when Rick was 18 and the grief-stricken lad went travelling to Australia, America and Mexico. When he returned he took an English degree at Oxford and then moved to Padstow, a small fishing port in Cornwall, where he met Jill and they opened The Seafood Restaurant in 1975. Rick pictured with Keith Floyd (right) in the 80s This man who is so genial on screen admits he was a shouty chef back in the day. I was. Not because Im aggressive, but the conditions were tough, the hours were longer and I never had the back-up staff I needed, so when I lost it, more often than not it was caused by panic. Much has changed. Whats lovely now is that you go into The Seafood Restaurant kitchen and nobodys shouting. Chefs cant get away with that kind of behaviour these days can they? No. Theres quite a lot of females in the kitchen as well. You couldnt be a shouty chef, it just wouldnt be acceptable. But I never picked on anybody. And I always apologised when I lost it. TV producers spotted Rick as a guest on a Keith Floyd show in the mid-80s, and his own programmes followed a similar style, including travels in France, Spain and India. Through it all he kept Padstow as his base and now has the original restaurant, a bistro, a cafe, a seafood bar that is also a fishmonger, a cocktail bar, a chippy, several shops and various places to stay. He also has several other restaurants in England and Australia. I get back to Padstow every fortnight. Im never happier than when Im there, Rick says. Surviving the operation seems to have made Rick (pictured) much more optimistic. Yesterday I met a professor who was talking about omega-3 and how we all need to eat more fresh fish. He was 93 years old. So I think theres plenty more to do! He smiles. The Cornish nationalists who dislike his presence in Padstow have quietened down after nearly 50 years, but new controversy erupted recently when chip shop customers complained at paying 2 for tartare sauce. Comparing our sauce to cheaper ones is like chalk and cheese, he says gruffly. Weve got decent olives, capers, gherkins, fresh eggs, parsley, sunflower oil in there. Yes, it is 2, but youre getting 2 worth of bloody nice tartare sauce. Its not like were trying to rip anybody off. Simple Suppers is out in a cost-of-living crisis, but Rick says it is timely, because the price of dining out has caused a surge of interest in home cooking. Were in tough times, but food in this country is in quite rude health. You couldnt have published a book like this 20 years ago, people wouldnt have been so involved in home cooking. Hes filming a new series around Britain and is off to Australia soon. It all sounds exhausting for a man of his age. If youve spent most of your life cooking in a busy kitchen, nothings hard. Does the new simplicity mean cutting down on other things like booze? As you get older you naturally drink less, but I still love drinking. I love beer and wine. Im not that fond of anything else, apart from the odd negroni. 'God, the thought of having to give up wine is not good! You get stiffer as you grow older but I swim every day. I was lucky the operation was a success. Youre given a new lease of life. 'I did recover really quickly, in about six weeks. It was quite a positive experience, to be honest. Surviving the operation seems to have made Rick much more optimistic. Yesterday I met a professor who was talking about omega-3 and how we all need to eat more fresh fish. He was 93 years old. So I think theres plenty more to do! He smiles. I love cooking, I love filming. As long as youre working, youre doing things that youd like, you just go on until you cant. So generally Im quite optimistic. Its good to be alive. Simple Suppers by Rick Stein (BBC Books, 28) is out on 26 October Her Majesty soaked up the culture and browsed a local farmers market (left) at the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals. The royal, once again, showed her passion for jewellery by purchasing bracelets and necklaces designed by locals. Before the shopping spree, The Queen got stuck in with local traditions during a visit to an equine charity in Nairobi. After being honoured with a robe, Camilla took the hands of two women beside her and showed off her moves during a Masai dance (right). The royal also met a rescued street dog during the trip, called Her Majesty Sifu (inset). Camilla, who is also a great dog lover and has two rescues of her own, couldn't resist bending down to give her a stroke. The luxury yacht on which Grace Kelly honeymooned with husband Prince Rainier III has undergone a stunning renovation as it prepares to hit the waters again - meaning you could get the chance to sail the ocean blue like royalty. The 147-foot yacht is giving guests the chance to hop on board after receiving elegant updates - including modern appliances, a coffee lounge, and engine improvements - that are fit for a movie star. Seventy years later, the boat, which was gifted to Kelly by Aristotle Onassis for her wedding to the Prince in 1956, has been redesigned from bow to stern and is now named the Grace and features an impressive jacuzzi, and an upgraded bar and kitchen. The Grace, which is owned by Ecuador-based cruise company Quasar Expeditions, can house up to 16 passengers with eight updated and spacious cabins that boast contemporary-style decorations. The luxury yacht on which Grace Kelly honeymooned with Prince Rainier III has undergone a stunning renovation as it prepares to hit the waters again Kelly was 26 when she married 32-year-old Prince Rainier on April 18, 1956 in a civil ceremony, with a church ceremony the following day on April 19 Seventy years later, the boat, which was gifted to Kelly by Aristotle Onassis for her wedding to the Prince in 1956, has been redesigned from bow to stern and is now named the Grace The 147-foot yacht is giving guests the chance to hop on board after receiving elegant updates. Pictured is Kelly in 1953 In the inside seating area, the overwhelming wood paneling was replaced with subtle wood features and built-in ceiling lights that heighten the sense of elegance that the neutral color scheme brings to the yacht. The bedrooms follow the same theme as the other spaces as the designer, Enrique Concha & Co, opted to get rid of the dark wood furniture and replaced it with lighter wood that helps to brighten up the space. The outdoor dining area, which once featured a dark wood table, now boasts a beige setting that makes it the perfect spot to watch the sunset as you enjoy your dinner. Furthermore, a large seating area was added outside. Before there were just two red chairs on the deck, and now 12 guests can lounge in the white couches. And while lounging around, you can even get yourself a drink at the newly improved bar, which boasts a light grey table, dark grey chairs, and gold touches. The relaxing jacuzzi also remains outside, but now, there are grey seating areas to the side of it so you can relax after taking a dip. The bathroom, which once boasted multi-colored wood paneling, now features all- black walls, bright ceiling lights, a sparkling white shower, and a white countertop. The relaxing jacuzzi also remains outside, but now there are seating areas to the side of it so you can relax after taking a dip In the inside seating area, the overwhelming wood paneling was replaced with subtle wood features and built-in ceiling lights that heighten the sense of elegance Previously, the rooms in the yacht featured dark wood paneling (pictured) Before there were just two red chairs on the deck and now 12 guests can lounge on couches Renovations to the engines, generators, and propellers were also made so that the yacht can move faster and more efficiently. These new engines also help to reduce the fuel consumption overall. 'This is to make sailing the Galapagos more agile and luxurious. The Grace's upgraded engines, generators and propellers allow guests to sail the islands faster, in more comfort and with less fuel consumption while travelling at 15 knots,' according to Quasar Expeditions. 'By minimizing travel time, the yacht's new agility maximizes time spent having once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters on the secluded islands. 'The yacht offers some of the most spacious indoor and outdoor areas of all ships that sail the islands, and the recent renovation gives travelers 360-degree views on their departure, allowing them to fully connect with their surroundings. 'We are a strong advocate of sustainability, offering carbon neutral adventures and partnering with several conservation organizations. The core mission is to offer guests the possibility of visiting remote destinations while leaving the smallest footprint.' The bedrooms follow the same theme as the other spaces as the designer, Enrique Concha & Co, opted to get rid of the dark wood furniture and replaced it with lighter wood The bathroom now features all-black walls, bright ceiling lights, a sparkling white shower, and a white countertop The bathroom once boasted multi-colored wood paneling (shown before renovation) One of the bedrooms features light wood and twin beds with two windows that give you stunning views of the ocean The Grace operates exclusively in the Galapagos and sails two eight-day itineraries one eastern and one western, and one 15-day itinerary that combines both shorter voyages. Prices for the eight-day voyage begin at a whopping $8,500 per person. The yacht was originally built by Camper and Nicholsons. It was gifted to the former American actress and Prince Rainier III by Greek-Argentine business magnate Onassis, the second husband of Jackie Kennedy, for their wedding in 1956. Former Hollywood actress Kelly was famed for films including High Society, Dial M For Murder and To Catch A Thief. Kelly was 26 when she married 32-year-old Prince Rainier III on April 18, 1956 in a civil ceremony, with a church ceremony the following day on April 19. Philadelphia-born Kelly had already been dazzling cinemagoers for five years when she headed the United States delegation to the Cannes Film Festival in 1955. And while lounging around, you can even get yourself a drink at the newly improved bar, which boasts a light grey table, dark grey chairs, and gold touches The boat boasts an expansive bar where guests can enjoy an array of beverages while looking out at the ocean While there, she was invited to travel across the French border to the neighboring microstate of Monaco for a photoshoot with the Prince at his palace. Afterwards, they began a secret correspondence. That same year they became engaged and so began preparations for their breathtaking wedding. After the stunning ceremonies, the couple took off on their honeymoon. The lovebirds took the elegant vessel along the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia before eventually parting with it in 1958. They would enjoy a fairytale romance until Kelly's tragic death aged 52 in a car crash on September 14, 1982. Prince Rainier III never remarried and immersed himself in his work. He died in 2005. Have you been wondering what the must-have item is this fall? Well, the answer might surprise you. Because it seems that the accessories currently taking the fashion world by storm are in fact Sezane's free tote bags. The French brand, founded by Morgane Sezalory in 2013, offers the canvas carrier with every purchase. But the bags have since become so sort after that they are being sold online for considerable profit with prices anywhere up to $125. French brand Sezane, founded by Morgane Sezalory in 2013, offers the canvas carrier with every purchase Desperate buyers have been flocking to resale sites in a bid to land one of the free tote bags - particularly those that are part of a special collaboration Sezane's free tote bags are currently taking the fashion world by storm as the must-have accessory Sezane began as an e-commerce enterprise before eventually establishing physical stores. As she was building her brand, Sezalory was keen to implement the free tote initiative from the very beginning in a bid to give each customer a memento. Speaking about the decision, she told Elle: 'I was thinking, okay, Paris is small, so if you have something that is very visual, and all the girls have it if you don't know the brand and you see someone wearing something very cool a few times in the same week, at some point you're going to think: what is that? 'And then you look and you end up on the website.' It seems Sezalory was right as furor continues to grow around the accessory more than a decade later. In recent weeks, desperate buyers have been flocking to resale sites in a bid to land one of the free tote bags - particularly those that are part of a special collaboration. There are currently dozens of listings on Poshmark - and other sites - demanding wildly high prices. Among them is a 'rare Sezane x Farm Rio tote bag' which was originally listed for $150, a jungle print carrier for $125 and a floral print version for $100. It seems Sezalory was right as furor continues to grow around the accessory more than a decade later Among them is a 'rare Sezane x Farm Rio tote bag' which was originally listed for $150, a jungle print carrier for $125 (pictured) and a floral print version for $100 The brand releases a new tote design to celebrate each season - and Sezane also marks the launch of any new collaboration with a special tote Additionally, there are a handful of dedicated Facebook groups popping up for fans of the brand. One such page, titled Sezane Addicts USA-Canada, comprises of more than 8,000 users and claims 'to promote and help, sales, exchanges' in its aim to 'facilitate access to our favorite brand!' The brand releases new tote designs seasonally - and will also celebrate any new collaboration with the launch of a new bag, usually featuring an illustration or print by the other brand. Addressing the continued furor around the unassuming accessory, Sezalory told the publication that although she spots the totes around Paris all the time, she does not 'internalize it.' Her own collection has also been repurposed recently after welcoming her third child. She said: 'The quality of [the bags] is great. I put my diapers in it my Sezane tote is my baby bag.' He took to TikTok to detail the four cosmetic products you should get A plastic surgeon has revealed the four most cost-effective cosmetic treatments that can help you get glowing skin - without undergoing pricey surgery. Dr. Anthony Youn, 49, from Detroit, is a board-certified plastic surgeon - known as 'America's Holistic Plastic Surgeon' on TikTok - who regularly shares videos discussing health, wellness, and surgery with his 8.3 million followers on the app. Most recently, the doctor took to the video-sharing platform to detail what non-invasive products and procedures you should be spending your money on if you want to transform your appearance without going under the knife - from anti-aging creams to sun spot removal. In a viral clip, which has so far amassed over 240,000 views, Dr. Youn revealed that you should skip out on costly surgeries and sky-high cosmetic products, and instead opt for Tretinoin, IPL treatments, and TCA peels, while also implementing intermittent fasting to get your skin looking better than ever. Dr. Anthony Youn, 49, from Detroit, is a plastic surgeon who has revealed the four biggest cosmetic bangs for your buck that can help you get glowing skin The first cosmetic product the doctor raved about was Tretinoin, adding that it's 'the most powerful anti-aging cream out there' Next, Dr. Youn said viewers should get Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) treatments What the surgeon ordered! The four cosmetic bangs for your buck Tretinoin IPL treatments Chemical peels Intermittent fasting Advertisement 'Here are my four biggest cosmetic bangs for the buck,' he said at the beginning of the video. The first cosmetic product the doctor raved about was Tretinoin, adding that it's 'the most powerful anti-aging cream out there.' 'If you can get a doctor to prescribe it for you, your insurance may even pay for it,' he added. Tretinoin is a medication that is used to treat a variety of things, including acne and sun-damaged skin. The 'powerful' cream can also work to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. With a prescription, the cost of the cream ranges from $10 to $30. Without a prescription, the cream can be priced at upwards of $140. Next, Dr. Youn said viewers should get Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) treatments. 'IPL treatments are great for getting rid of unwanted sun spots and they're less expensive than most traditional lasers,' he explained. Then, he spoke about how TCA peels are a great choice because they help revive your skin Lastly, the doctor advised something that costs you nothing. He said you should intermittent fast IPL treatments help to improve the texture and color of your skin without surgery. It uses light energy to target problem areas and works best on acne, birthmarks, sun spots, stretch marks, scars, and more. IPL treatments can range from $349 to almost $649. Then, he spoke about how TCA peels are a great choice. 'The results of a moderate depth TCA peel can rival that of certain fractional lasers, but they're hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper. In my office, we do the ZO- controlled depth peel,' he explained. A chemical peel causes damage to the epidermis and part or all of the top layer, which ignites changes to the skin and restores it. The peel can also help to treat wrinkles. A TCA peel ranges from $300 to $1,000. Lastly, the doctor advised something that costs you nothing. He said you should intermittent fast. 'Intermittent fasting can stimulate the process of autophagy, this is intracellular renewal. 'This is a process where your body gets rid of used and unwanted intracellular organelles and proteins, making the way for better functioning cells overall,' he explained. Viewers flooded the comments section and praised him for his tips He captioned the video: 'Four biggest cosmetic bangs for the buck!' Viewers flooded the comments section and praised him for his tips. One person wrote: 'I started Tretinoin at 50. At 67 my skin looks better now than it did then. Tretinoin is the most effective and cost efficient product on the market.' 'Thank you,' someone else wrote. Someone else commented: 'Yes Ive been intermittent fasting since COVID.' Another user added: 'Perfect! I'll be inquiring about a peel.' A royal designer has praised the Princess of Wales's 'subtle tributes' to her late mother-in-law. Speaking on this week's episode of Palace Confidential, Amanda Wakeley, known for her work with both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, gushed over how Kate gives stylistic nods to Prince William's late mother. 'The suit that she wore to the Trooping the Colour this summer, honestly that could have been out of Diana's wardrobe,' she told host Jo Elvin. The Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English added that she doesn't believe Kate, 41, intentionally models her look after Diana's. 'I don't think they set out to be compared if those comparisons are made... it's very flattering,' she explained. Speaking on Palace Confidential, Amanda Wakeley (pictured) - who's known for her work with both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton herself - was full of compliments for Prince William's wife stylistic nods to the fashion icon 'She obviously wears a lot of her jewellery so there's always a tribute to her there in that way but I think she wears it... she wears it lightly. 'She doesn't make a big point of it.' 'She wears it as hers,' Amanda agreed. 'It's not a pastiche of how Diana would've worn it. It's very much she's owning her look, which is a wonderful look.' One of the most recent comparisons of the pair came this summer, when Kate channelled Diana as she arrived at St George's Chapel for the Garter Day service in June. She opted for a chic black-and-white spotty midi dress by Alessandra Rich for the occasion - which was reminiscent of a dress her late mother-in-law wore to Royal Ascot in 1988. Kate's sophisticated high-necked gown featured voluminous sleeves with dainty button detailing. It also featured ruched detailing around the middle which is almost identical to Diana's Victor Edelstien. Taking style notes from Diana, Kate - who had also worn a strikingly similar gown at the Royal Ascot the year prior - even worked the print of her dress into her hat. One of the most recent comparisons of the pair came this summer, when Kate channelled Diana as she arrived at St George's Chapel for the Garter Day service in June Taking style notes from Diana (right), Kate - who had also worn a strikingly similar gown at the Royal Ascot the year prior (left) - even worked the print of her dress into her hat Amanda says the 'suit' Kate wore to the Trooping the Colour this summer 'honestly could have been out of Diana's wardrobe' Rebecca also discussed the Princess of Wales's style evolution, which she believes reached a stunning high earlier this year. 'For me, there was a real on a fashion level stop in your tracks moment at the Coronation, when she got into Westminster Abbey,' she told the show. 'She just looked like a Queen in waiting to me. It was so elegant, so polished, so regal I thought "she's got it".' Touching on the Duchess of Sussex's fashion sense, both also noted Meghan Markle's more confident style since moving to California, as Rebecca said: 'The sexiness is creeping back' into her looks. Amanda says that Kate's nods to Diana's fashion come in the form of not just jewellery but also the cuts and fashion she opts for Kate's look for the 2023 St Patrick's Day Parade at Mons Barracks was strikingly similar in colour and detail Diana, pictured in 1996, wearing a Wakeley-designed outfit, as she stepped out on the streets of London Kate, the Princess of Wales, wearing a Wakeley-designed outfit in 2011 on a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton 'I don't see that in a negative way,' she added. 'We all dress appropriate to our jobs and situation'. Amanda also fondly reflected on having Diana - who was 'just one of the girls' and 'very lowkey' - as one of her clients. 'I was very lucky, it was early days in my career and I remember thinking "gosh I've got the Princess of Wales coming",' she said. 'I remember thinking before her appointment, "gosh there's gonna sniffer dogs in here and security and all the rest of it" and the doorbell goes and it's Diana on the doorstep on her own, she'd driven herself lowkey and yet fun. We had a real laugh. 'She was informal, a little bit cheeky, a little bit gossipy, wanted the latest sort of fashion gossip and she was just one of the girls.' Amanda added that the late Princess was also 'incredibly encouraging' to her as a fairly new designer. A woman has revealed how she lived as a trans man for four years before she detransitioned, dumped her female partner and started dating men. Maddy Edwards, 25, from Lawton, Oklahoma, said she knew she was 'different' from the age of five and would pray to wake up as a boy - feeling more comfortable in boys' clothing and desperate to arm wrestle with pals. Growing up in a traditional Christian household, it wasn't until she turned 14 that she even heard the term 'transgender'. After learning more about the trans community she launched a secret social media account under the name 'Rider' and would tuck her long hair into a beanie and use the hashtag 'transman' to share pictures. Aged 19 she started to look into surgery and taking testerone, before completely changing her mind aged 23, when she started dating men and even became a mother. 'I had never liked being a female or felt it was who I was supposed to be,' she said A woman has revealed she lived as a trans man for four years before she detransitioned, dumped her female partner and started dating men. Left: Maddie living as a man, right, now as a woman Maddy Edwards, 25, from Lawton, Oklahoma , said she knew she was 'different' from the age of five and would pray to wake up as a boy - feeling more comfortable in boys' clothing and desperate to arm wrestle with pals. She is pictured as a child 'I thought I was meant to be a man. I never would have thought in a hundred years I would ever accept myself as a female.' Aged 19, she cut hre hair short and started taking testosterone and went by the name Matthew, ending the relationship she had with her religious parents. After seeing a counsellor and an endocrinologist, Maddy started weekly testosterone injections. Three years later in 2020, Matthew was engaged to a woman and serious about medically transitioning - planning to have top surgery, a procedure where doctors remove breast tissue. But in December 2020 Maddy, who works as an army ammunition plant worker, claims she heard the voice of God telling her that he had love for her 'if only she would stop running from it'. This encounter radically transformed the course of Maddy's life and caused her to break up with her fiancee. 'When I experienced how much love God had for me, it overflowed into self-love. I was able to accept myself exactly the way he created me [as a female]' she said. 'At the start, it was weird to be called a girl and hear people call me Maddy. Anytime anyone said Matt or Matty, I'd turn around. I'd dissociated myself from that identity for so long. 'I'm now becoming more comfortable in my femininity. Aged 19, she cut he hair short and started taking testosterone and went by the name Matthew, ending the relationship she had with her religious parents Three years later in 2020, Matthew was engaged to a woman and serious about medically transitioning - planning to have top surgery, a procedure where doctors remove breast tissue But in December 2020 Maddy, who works as an army ammunition plant worker, claims she heard the voice of God telling her that he had love for her 'if only she would stop running from it. She now has a child Maddy is now living as a woman again - and has been welcomed back into her family 'I'm a mum to a little girl, it's the coolest thing ever. I never saw myself becoming a mum. I always wanted to be a parent and a dad. I wanted to be a dad so bad, but I never pictured myself as a mum. 'It's so amazing.' Maddy had started a new job picking plants in a greenhouse and because she didn't have headphones with her to listen to music like usual, she opted to pray. She claims it was like she 'heard the voice of God' speak to her. 'That was the moment, my eyes were opened.' Just a week after this happened, Maddy broke up with her fiancee, who she had been planning to buy a house with, and detransition back to being a girl. Despite never previously accepting herself as a woman, Maddy found the encounter helped her to accept herself 'the way God created her'. Maddy said: 'There were a lot of hugs and crying. It wasn't sad though, I had this joy. Despite never previously accepting herself as a woman, Maddy found the encounter helped her to accept herself 'the way God created her Maddy is seen living as a man - which she did aged 19 to 22 'My fiancee was really understanding. 'I didn't think 'this a sinful thing and you'll go to hell', I just didn't find it appealing anymore. 'I knew God had so much better plans for me and her, it wasn't how he designed us to be.' Maddy always felt different as both a child and teenager, and fully believed she was meant to be a man, especially due to her discomfort with her body when growing breasts during puberty. Maddy said: 'I remember praying several times on the top bunk of my little bunk bed as a child. 'I'd say 'Hey God, just wake me up 100 per cent a boy and don't let anyone remember me as a girl'. Maddy, pictured as a child, said she 'always felt like a boy' Maddy has shared her detranisition story on TikTok 'I fully believed a boy was who I was supposed to be. 'It was only when I was 13 or 14 though that I actually learned the word transgender. I thought 'wow this makes so much sense'. 'I was looking at videos on YouTube of born females taking testosterone and getting top surgery to be transgender, and thought 'oh that's why I'm uncomfortable with my chest'. 'I was dressing as a guy - putting my hair up in a beanie, trying to be this guy I thought I was. I felt a lot of euphoria doing it. I thought 'this has to be right'.' While it took some time to embrace her born gender, she now embraces her feminine identity and role as a mother - something she never imagined. Maddy said: 'Feeling like you are transgender is very real and I'm never going to say it isn't real. 'When I lived my life like that, I really felt that way.' Prince Christian is set to turn 18 next Saturday in Copenhage A documentary, a gala dinner, and a special radio show are all part of the preparations for Prince Christian's 18th birthday next week. While the future king is still studying, his parents Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary are certainly preparing the teen to step up and take on royal duties, with him gradually appearing more and more in the spotlight. For the first time, a new documentary will give an insight into the teenager's life - which the palace have said is Danes chance to get 'up close and personal' with the prince like never before. Set to air on the eve of his birthday in Denmark, the Prince's documentary will see him learn about institutions in Danish society and give and insight into his relationship with his father. Christian, who is a four-times great grandson of Queen Victoria and fifth cousins with Prince William and Harry, has previously taken time away from royal duty to focus on his studies. A documentary, a gala dinner, and a special radio show are all part of the preparations for Prince Christian's 18th birthday next week. Pictured in the documentary with his father While the future king is still studying, his parents Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary are certainly preparing the teen to step up and take on royal duties, with him gradually appearing more and more in the spotlight. Pictured in the new documentary Last year, the palace announced he will only take money from the royal grant when he turns 21 - unless his father ascends the throne before. But that hasn't stopped the royal from stepping into the spotlight. The documentary about Prince Christian, shown on the eve of his 18th birthday, will see him speak freely and frankly about his learning of the profession. Mary and Frederik allowed cameras to follow around Christian last August, where he took 'King lessons' alongside his father 'Together, they undertake this adventure with a clear mission: to ensure that Prince Christian knows better the country of which he will one day be king,' the Palace said in a statement. The documentary will show him meeting with Danish Parliament, as well as members of the Supreme Court and representatives from the Danish church. As well as the documentary, a local radio station in Copenhagen will host a call-in, asking listeners what they wished they'd known aged 18. There will also be a gala held in his honour - with hundreds of well-heeled guests from across the commonwealth in attendance. For the first time, a new documentary will give an insight into the teenager's life - which the palace have said is Danes chance to get 'up close and personal' with the prince like never before Set to air on the eve of his birthday in Denmark, the Prince's documentary will see him learn about institutions in Danish society and give and insight into his relationship with his father The Danish Royal Household has already posted a video teaser of courtiers sending out the invitations, with guests expected to include notable young people and representatives from youth organisations. Leading royals from around Europe are also expected, including, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden , Christian's godmother, with her daughter Princess Estelle , 11. But the real question is this: after all those dating rumours, will Princess Marie Chiara of Bourbon-Two-Sicilies be invited to the dinner, hosted by Queen Margrethe. In recent months he's been linked to Princess Maria Chiara - from the defunct Italian royal family. Rumours that Chiara, 18, and Christian were close began when the two were pictured together at the Monaco grand prix earlier this year. Christian, who is a four-times great grandson of Queen Victoria and fifth cousins with Prince William and Harry, has previously taken time away from royal duty to focus on his studies Last year, the palace announced he will only take money from the royal grant when he turns 21 - unless his father ascends the throne before. Neither her sister, Princess Carolina, nor mother, Duchess Camilla, did anything to dispel the rumours. The three women maintained a heavy Instagram presence over the summer, with Camilla - nicknamed the 'Momager' - snapped in the company of Prince Michael of Kent at an exclusive beachside bar on the Cote d'Azur. Eventually Chiara took to Instagram and appeared to dismiss the speculation, saying 'while we all enjoy dreaming of fairytales, what truly matters is reality.' Meanwhile, the Danish royal family remained quiet on the speculation - and are now continuing continuing with the stiff upper lip. Chiara 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. While, her mother, Duchess Camilla, is the daughter of Italian industry Tycoon Camilla Crociani. Speculation that Christian and Chiara were were dating began in May when a group photo emerged on social media of the duo, far right, standing close together at the Monaco Grand Prix Pictured: Princess Camilla de Bourbon Siciles (centre) known as the 'Momager' with her daughters Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara at in October 2019 in Paris, France Crown Princess Victoria , one of Christians godparents, has confirmed her invitation. Pictured: Prince Christian (right) at the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel (L-R) Prince Vincent, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Danish Crown Prince Frederik, Princess Josephine and Crown Princess Mary pose in front of the Palace in April 2022 The guest list seems likely to include young royals from other European households - particularly those from Scandinavia. Possible guests include Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, 19, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, 19, Princess Leonor of Spain, 17, and Princesses Elisabeth, 21, of Belgium. In November, Prince Christian will formally promise to uphold the countrys constitution, an important step forward in his journey as a king-in-waiting. Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra, front and centre, with (back row from left) Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange and Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant and (front from left) Princess Estelle of Sweden (and Prince Charles of Luxembourg. The portrait was taken last year to mark Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday Princess Josephine, Prince Vincent and Prince Christian of Denmark are pictured with their grandmother Queen Margrethe on the balcony of the Amalienborg Palace in April 2022 Crown Prince Frederik, Prince Christian, Crown Princess Mary, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine stand by the gangplank to the Royal yacht in September 2022 Christian was born on October 15, 2005, at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, and is known by his title of Count of Monpezat. He is second-in-line to the throne of Denmark behind his grandmother, Queen Margrethe, and his father. Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik chose to keep their son's upbringing relatively private in his early years. It wasn't until 2012 that Christian attended his first official royal engagement with his grandmother, the Queen. Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik chose to keep their son's upbringing relatively private in his early years. Pictured: With his father at Amalienborg Palace in April 2016 Frederik and Mary of Denmark pose for photographs with their son Christian on his first day of School in August 2011 Christian became the first Danish royal to attend a public state school, Tranegardskolen in Hellerup, and his siblings, Princess Isabella of Denmark, 15, and Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 10, joined him in the years that followed. At the start of 2020, all four of the royal children began a 12-week program at the Lemania-Verbier International School in Switzerland. But, just weeks into their studies the COVID-19 pandemic hit and they returned to Denmark. Christian is currently undertaking the final years of his education at Ordrup Gymnasium, a state school in Copenhagen. In June, Christian announced we would forgo his royal allowance to instead focus on his education. He will wait until he is 21 before becoming a full-time royal. Prince Andrew has been seen out horse-riding for the first time weeks, following claims that the King privately believes his younger brother 'has no long-term future' at his Royal Lodge home. The Duke of York, 63, was pictured enjoying a stroll at Windsor Great park, sat atop a chestnut steed. The father-of-two sported navy jodhpurs and a zip-up jumper featuring a royal cypher on it for the outing, making sure to don a riding helmet and gloves. Last month, he appeared to enjoy his equestrian activities - and Range Rover driving - very regularly. Prince Andrew has been seen out horse-riding for the first time weeks, following claims that the King privately believes 'has no long-term future' at his Royal Lodge home The monarch's disgraced brother - said to have paid sexually abused Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Roberts 12million to settle a case she brought against him outside court, allegations he strenuously denied - looked to be in high spirits amid rumours that Charles, 74, secretly thinks his time at the Windsor mansion is limited despite apparently giving Andrew more time to stump up the money to stay there. It follows reports that the beleaguered Duke of York has been granted permission by the monarch to 'stay indefinitely' at his Windsor mansion after they 'thrashed out a new deal'. The pair have been at loggerheads over Charles's demands that Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah, move out of the 30-room royal property which has problems with damp and requires several million pounds-worth of repairs into somewhere smaller, such as Harry and Meghan's old home, Frogmore Cottage. The Mirror reported this week that Andrew, 63, had been granted a 'stay of execution' after Charles accepted his brother should be given time to prove he can pay for the mansion's upkeep. Multiple well-placed sources in royal circles have told the Mail that the prince isn't being 'realistic' about his financial situation after being forced to step back from public duties over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and having his annual allowance believed to be in the region of 250,000 culled by the king. One family friend said: 'It's all a bit cloud cuckoo-land, I'm afraid. No one, not least His Majesty, believes there is any realistic, long-term chance of the Duke of York being able to keep the roof at Royal Lodge over his head. 'It's a massive property and estate that requires a huge amount of upkeep.' Another added: 'In all honesty, I would not expect to see the Duke of York of living at Royal Lodge in the long term. If he could pay the upkeep then he would be welcome to stay. But the chances of that happening are, frankly, remote. The Duke of York, 63, was pictured enjoying a stroll at Windsor Great park, sat atop a chestnut steed The father-of-two sported navy jodhpurs and a zip-up jumper featuring a royal cypher on it for the outing, making sure to don a riding helmet and gloves Last month, he appeared to enjoy his equestrian activities - and Range Rover driving - very regularly The monarch's disgraced brother - said to have paid sexually abused Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Roberts 12million to settle a case she brought against him outside court, allegations he strenuously denied - looked to be in high spirits 'He and the duchess are rattling around in a huge property they simply can't afford.' The King has no right to kick his brother out because Andrew took on the late Queen Mother's Grade II-listed property from the Crown Estate in 2004 on a long-term lease and has funded many millions of pounds worth of renovations. If King Charles did persuade him to move, then the Crown Estate could even end up owing Andrew money. But the sovereign is alive not only to how it looks for a jobless ex-royal to live in such palatial surroundings, but also to the lucrative income Royal Lodge could bring in as a rental property on the open market. 'The Duke is clearly not going without a fight,' one insider remarked. 'This will all probably end in tears. Mostly likely his.' It comes after his appearance with the Prince and Princess of Wales last month - as the family travelled to church in Balmoral was taken as a 'public statement of togetherness'. Sitting beside William on their way to church, Andrew appeared to be well and truly back in the royal fold. He was driven to church by the future king, whose wife sat in the back seat. They joined other family members at church as the Royal Family had their first summer break at the estate since the Queen's death there a year ago. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline the photographs of Prince Andrew travelling to church with the Waleses were 'clearly intended to send a message of family unity'. The pair have been at loggerheads over Charles's demands that Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah, move out of the 30-room royal property. The King pictured in June The King has no right to kick his brother out because Andrew took on the late Queen Mother's Grade II-listed property from the Crown Estate in 2004 on a long-term lease and has funded many millions of pounds worth of renovation But he insisted it was not a sign Andrew could return to public duties in any form. 'This is a sad time for the royal family on their customary break at Balmoral. They and the nation will shortly be commemorating a year since the death of the Queen,' Mr Fitzwilliams said. 'We know how close Andrew was to the late Queen, his appearance at the Duke of Edinburghs Memorial Service in March 2022, where he supported her physically whilst she was giving him emotional and financial support caused much controversy. 'It has been reported that his allowance has been cut. It was rumoured that his tenure at Royal Lodge in Windsor, which is his home, was in danger. 'He is also reportedly attempting to regain the police protection he lost when he stepped down from royal duties.' But Mr Fitzwilliams added: 'It is important to stress that there is no possibility, as King Charles and Prince William have always realised, of him returning to public duties in any form. 'A glance at his non-existent popularity ratings in the polls make the public mood very clear on this issue. 'However what is being emphasised is harmony on a personal level and clearly he and his immediate family, who are also at Balmoral, will appreciate this a great deal, especially as the photographs we see today are such a very public statement of togetherness.' A frustrated customer has slammed Target after claiming it took her an hour to shop for a single bag of items because the store had locked-up the 'essentials.' Dr. Emily Long, from Boston, took to TikTok to hit out at the company for the policies it has implemented in a bid to crack down on theft. She said that the retailer had put all the everyday items behind glass casings, which could only be opened by employees in a move that slowed down her outing considerably. And it seems that she is not alone as dozens of other social media users rushed to share their own thoughts on the matter. Dr. Emily Long, from Boston, took to TikTok to hit out at the company for the policies it has implemented in a bid to crack down on theft She began: 'The era of the Target run is officially over because tell me why it just took me an entire hour for this. This single bag of items' In the clip, which has so far been viewed more than 1.6 million times, Emily speaks directly to camera to relay her woes. She begins: 'The era of the Target run is officially over because tell me why it just took me an entire hour for this. This single bag of items.' Emily then lifts up a plastic carrier before continuing: 'I'll tell you why, it's because they are essential - and apparently now my Target locks away all essential items. 'So while you could get like $40 La Roche Posay or makeup that was sitting out, my $8 body wash was locked away as was my deodorant and my husband's body wash and his razors and the basic things that I went to Target to get.' The clip then cuts to inside the store as the content creator pans round the aisles to show the products locked behind glass casings. The plastic surgery resident joked: 'Behold, the dystopian nightmare that is my Target now. Look at it.' Cutting back to face the camera once again, Emily concluded: 'I, like many other former Target lovers, was planning on perusing their fall items - maybe sniffing a candle or two, maybe buying one I didn't need - but I was literally fighting for my life in that store. 'I was so desperate to get out of there and then when I finally get to the end, there's a giant line because there's one employee left. The plastic surgery resident said that the retailer had put all the every day items behind glass casing which could only be opened by employees in a move that slowed her down The clip then cuts to inside the store as the content creator pans round the aisles to show the products locked behind glass casings 'One lone employee was not opening cabinets and was manning the checkout register so the self checkout line is all the way to the back of the store.' She uploaded it alongside a caption that read: 'It literally felt like Target doesn't even want us to shop there anymore.' And dozens of other Target shoppers echoed Emily's sentiments as one commented: 'I thought this, too! The cheaper things are locked and not the expensive. But I'm an introvert and won't be asking for help!' Another added: 'I waited 20 minutes for someone to open the laundry detergent cabinet for me. Never again.' And a third said: 'I totally agree! It's been a year that I feel all my local Targets have lost all the things I loved it about it.' DailyMail.com has contacted Target for comment. Dozens of other Target shoppers echoed Emily's sentiments about the change Earlier this year, Target announced that it projected a loss of $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. Some workers say the problem is so bad their stores are being robbed every 10 minutes and it has led to multiple store closures, most notably in San Francisco. For the last three years, items like soap, toothpaste, mouthwash and others have been kept locked up. 'The unfortunate fact is violent incidents are increasing at our stores and across the entire retail industry. And when products are stolen, simply put they are no longer available for guests who depend on them,' Target CEO Brian Cornell said on a call with reporters in May. 'Left unchecked, organized retail crime degrades the communities we call home. As we work to address this problem, the safety of our guests and our team members will always be our primary concern. 'Beyond safety concerns, worsening shrink rates are putting significant pressure on our financial results.' Confidential marriage documents obtained by DailyMail.com list the date of their marriage as December 20, 2022 Now, it's been revealed they were married at the time the images were taken The couple were first spotted together at a Beverly Hills restaurant Kanye and Bianca's first photo as a married couple was in January Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori were the picture of domestic bliss in their very first public photo as a married couple - which was snapped just weeks after the pair tied the knot in an ultra-secretive ceremony back in December 2022, one month after his divorce from Kim Kardashian was finalized. An image taken back in January of this year, which was the first time that the pair had been spotted together, when 28-year-old Bianca's identity had not yet been revealed, showed them looking incredibly cozy while dining out together at a restaurant in Beverly Hills. At the time, the photo marked the first of many that would ultimately be taken of the pair - however details about their romance remained shrouded in mystery, until DailyMail.com today revealed that they had in fact tied the knot weeks before the snap was taken. The couple's 'confidential marriage license', which was obtained by DailyMail.com, reveal that rapper Kanye, 46, and Bianca, 28, were married in a private ceremony in Palo Alto on December 20, 2022 - three weeks before their first couple photo was shared with the world, making their romance public for the first time. Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori were the picture of domestic bliss in their very first public photo as a married couple - which was snapped just weeks after the pair tied the knot DailyMail.com revealed today that Bianca, 28, and Kanye, 46, wed in an ultra-secretive ceremony back in December 2022 - weeks before their romance was made public Before DailyMail.com broke the news today that Kanye - whose name was written simply as 'Ye' in his marriage documents - many had assumed that he and the Yeezy architect had married in a ceremony that was not legally binding. Previous reports alleged that they had a private ceremony in Beverly Hills in January of this year without an official marriage license. However, as it turns out, the duo had in fact married - legally - weeks before. On the documents, their official date of marriage was recorded as December 20, 2022 - just one month after he finalized his divorce from first wife Kim Kardashian in November 2022. Rumors swirled have about the artist and the then-mystery blonde - who is now confirmed to be his wife - and the nature of their relationship since they were first spotted. According to document, the pair were wedded under a 'confidential marriage' license in California, meaning that it was not made public record. As per their marriage license, the couple were married by California-based officiant James Mayfield, picking a secret location in Palo Alto, California, also known as Silicon Valley. Mayfield boasts marriage 'packages' starting at $385 that do not require a courthouse ceremony. It also states on his website that a confidential marriage license does not require any witnesses to be present. One in five marriages in California are now officially classified as 'confidential' and do not appear in public records, but it is a binding legal marriage that would require a divorce if the union were to end. Bianca was unknown when the pictures were snapped in January, but it's now been revealed she was married to Kayne at the time A close friend of the couple told DailyMail.com that Kanye and Bianca (seen in September) have 'been extremely hush-hush about the specifics of their wedding day' It's still unclear exactly how long the pair had been romantic with one another leading up to the marriage, but Bianca (seen in May) joined Kanye's Yeezy company in November 2020 The rapper's divorce from ex-wife Kim Kardashian was finalized in November, with Kayne going on to wed Bianca a mere month later A close friend of the couple said the couple chose to keep their marriage confidential for privacy reasons. 'Ye has been a megastar for two decades and counting, and his first marriage was to someone who lives almost full time in front of a camera,' they explained. 'Bianca and Ye have a totally different vibe. They are very private, very affectionate and totally devoted to each other. I think they both enjoy carving out time thats just for them.' It's unknown exactly how long the loved-up couple had been romantic with one another before making it official, with Bianca joining Kanye's Yeezy company in November 2020. The father-of-four had hired Bianca as an architectural designer at Yeezy in 2020, a year before his marriage with Kim ended. Kayne and Kim had married in 2014 in a lavish Florence ceremony after three years of dating. Kim filed for divorce in 2021 after nearly seven years of marriage citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized in November 2022 and required Ye to pay $200,000 a month in child support for their children North, 10, Saint, seven, Chicago, five, and Psalm, four. Kayne and Bianca have been causing a frenzy on their European vacation with Bianca's controversial nude-themed clothes , particularly in Italy The Australian beauty shocked with one particularly controversial outfit which saw her walking topless down the street with only a pillow to cover her modesty in Italy This summer, the married couple have been causing a frenzy on their European vacation, with Bianca's nude-themed clothes, particularly in Italy. Controversy surrounding the couple reached new heights in August when they were caught allegedly engaging in a risque act during a boat ride, with Kanye baring his naked buttocks in public. They were investigated by authorities. However, sources close to Bianca have expressed concern over their marriage, with fears the rapper is manipulating his wife into a 'radicalized' version of his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. A source close to the architect claims Kayne has issued a set of rules to live by, including specific foods she can eat and what she can wear. Insiders claim Bianca has 'no mind of her own anymore' and instead simply 'obeys' the controversial rapper, who also goes by the name 'Ye', because he has convinced her they have 'royal' status. A Christmas themed 'dive bar' called 'Humbug' is set to open in London next month which will serve mince pie-topped cocktails and ask customers to 'save Christmas'. The festive themed venue, which will constantly blare Christmas music, is also an immersive theatre experience featuring a burnt out Santa Claus 'turning to drink' after a long shift delivering presents. The Waterloo bar will offer seasonal cocktails and a dancefloor for you to hit once customers feel jolly enough. Filled to the brim with dazzling neon lights and Christmassy memorabilia, it will open on November 16 until and run until 6th January. The venue is far more than just a themed bar as every drinking session is centred around an immersive theatre adventure. Santa's Dive Bar is opening in Waterloo, London this Christmas and it's strictly adults only Punters are even asked to get involved and help him rediscover his Christmas spirit and save the holiday. The entire show runs around two hours with a session at the bar totalling around five hours, meaning customers will also have plenty of time to party after you've saved Christmas. Customers will also get to meet HUMBUG regulars which include a disgruntled dive bar waitress, a mailman who has lost all his letters to Santa, and an ever-changing line-up of cabaret, circus and musical acts. Punters can party into the early hours of the morning with the plethora of live music and DJ sets while sipping on festive cocktails. HUMBUG, which opens next month in Waterloo, is an immersive and interactive experience that promises a truly festive night out The magical dive bar, filled to the brim with dazzling neon lights and Christmassy memorabilia will open on November 16 until January 6 The Grinch cocktail is a concoction of rum, peach schnapps, blue curacao and pineapple juice. While the Bah F*****g Humbug is a mixture of rum, chocolate liqueur, oat milk, crushed Oreos and whipped cream topped with a mince pie. Humbug has been put together by the creators of Secret Speakeasy, a collaboration between the co-founder of Backyard Cinema and an executive producer from Immersive Everywhere. Tickets are priced from 19.50 for Early Bird General Admission and 29.50 for Booth Seating. A DIY guru has shown how she turns unexpected everyday items into stunning home decor. Geneva Vanderzeil, from Brisbane, said 'literally anything' can be upcycled and has been 'reimagining' unlikely things like towels, bricks, bathmats and gin bottles to transform them into decor and furniture. 'Honestly one of my favourite things is to use unexpected materials to create something I love,' she said. 'It's just so fun to reimagine how you can use things and it's just all about looking at the shape and the material of something, rather than what it's being used for now.' Geneva found a bamboo bathmat from Bunnings and used it to add texture to a coffee table she made. DIY pro Geneva Vanderziel is a master at using unexpected items to elevate her decor and furniture. She wrapped the base of her coffee tables with bamboo bath mats from Bunnings To make the base of a 'sculptural' outdoor table, she used four plant pots from Bunnings. She stacked them up then rendered and painted them white before attaching an old table top Geneva found some pink striped towels on sale at Spotlight and cleverly reupholstered an old accent chair with them To make the base of a 'sculptural' outdoor table, she used four plant pots from Bunnings in different shapes. She stacked them up then rendered with gyprock and painted them white before attaching an old table top and called it one of her 'absolute favourite projects'. 'I headed to Bunnings to see what materials might spark some inspiration,' Geneva said in a blog post. 'I was able to find these bowl plant pots that I thought would work perfectly for this project. When stacked together they make the perfect ball.' Geneva found some pink striped towels on sale at Spotlight and cleverly reupholstered an old accent chair with them. She also inserted a light bulb inside an old glass brick and added a wooden base to create a table lamp. Instead of throwing out old soft drink bottles, Geneva cut them in half and stacked them around a floor lamp post to give it a very on-trend wavy makeover. Geneva saw some cheap wine storage racks at Bunnings. Instead she cut them into pieces to make wavy drawer and cupboard handles on her secondhand sideboard Geneva made was covered an old office drawer cabinet she found on the side of the road with mirror sheets she found at Bunnings She cut a blue gin bottle in half to make colourful cocktail glasses. Geneva saw some cheap wine storage racks at Bunnings. Instead she cut them into pieces to make wavy drawer and cupboard handles on her secondhand sideboard which she sanded and stained black. The DIYer painted some square grey brick a stunning terracotta colour and used them as the legs of a paver console table. 'Once again the Bunnings landscaping department came to my rescue with $1.79 cement pavers,' she said. The DIYer painted some square grey brick a stunning terracotta colour and used them as the legs of a paver console table 'I decided to stick together three pavers to create one large cube. I felt like this added a bit more detail and dimension to the design.' She stacked the bricks in alternating directions three at a time and placed a piece of timber on top which she painted the same orange colour. Geneva made was covered an old office drawer cabinet she found on the side of the road with mirror sheets she found at Bunnings. 'It might seem daunting to cut a mirror but it's actually so much easier than you think it will be,' she said. Geneva shared the DIY hack in a video posted to Instagram impressing and delighting her 571,000 followers. Barriers to accessing abortion clinics can lead to an increase in maternal and neonatal death A recent study used more precise methods, data to map real drives women have to make to abortion clinics Advertisement A little over a year after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, eliminating federal protections for abortions, nearly a quarter of women have no access to an abortion facility within 90 minutes, putting their lives at risk. And researchers predict that number could almost double if additional abortion bills being considered in states are passed. A study published in the journal Obstetrics and Genecology, one of the first to create more exact travel times using actual road and geographical data, found 23.6 percent of women of reproductive age, 15 to 49 years old, have no access to an abortion facility within a 90-minute drive. Twenty-nine percent do not have access within a 60-minute drive, and 41.4 percent do not have access to a facility providing abortions within a half-hour drive. When combined with women at risk of losing access to an abortion facility due to potential new laws, those numbers increase to 43 percent within 90 minutes, 45.6 percent within 60 minutes and 53.5 percent within 30 minutes. While previous studies on abortion access have only used estimated distances to clinics, this study used isochrones, lines on maps that depict an area accessible from a point within a certain time, and data from multiple government, state and local agencies to create travel times using actual roads, meaning this study mapped actual drives women have to make. Additionally, because of the ever-changing landscape of abortion rights in the US, researchers had to reanalyze their data three times as more bills were passed or challenged in court. While previous studies on abortion access have only used estimated distances to clinics, this study used isochrones, lines on maps that depict an area accessible from a point within a certain time , and data from multiple government, state and local agencies to create travel times using actual roads, meaning this study mapped actual drives women have to make In June 2022, 49 years after Roe vs. Wade guaranteed the right to an abortion, the decision was overturned in the Dobbs vs. Jackson case, which challenged the constitutionality of a 2018 Mississippi state law that banned most abortions after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. In the decision, the Supreme Court ruled the US Constitution did not guarantee the right to an abortion. Following the ruling, 14 states made abortion illegal, meaning they have banned the procedure entirely and enforce bans through civil and criminal penalties, including fines and jail time. In Arkansas, where abortion is illegal, zero percent of women have access to abortion clinics within 30, 60, or 90 minutes. The same is true in Louisiana and Mississippi, which have also outlawed abortion. Women in Oklahoma don't have access to clinics closer than 90 minutes, and none of those clinics are in the state. In South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas, all of which have banned the procedure and have no abortion clinics in the state, less than three percent of women have access to a clinic within 30 minutes. In Texas, where it is a second-degree felony to perform, induce or attempt an abortion, just three percent of women have access to a clinic within even 90 minutes. Washington, DC, where abortion is protected, has the most accessibility to abortion clinics, with 100 percent of women having access to a clinic within 30, 60, and 90 minutes. In Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Delaware, all states with protections in place for abortions, 100 percent of women have access to an abortion clinic within 60 and 90 minutes. For the study, researchers from Washington State University, University of California, Davis, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, used publicly available data from the Planned Parenthood database, the National Abortion Foundation database, the Abortion Finder database, and the Power to Decide database to identify the addresses of 750 abortion clinics in the US. They used the 2020 census to determine the population of women between the ages of 15 and 49 years old. To determine geography and distance, the team obtained road network information from OpenStreetMap and GeoFabrik. Researchers then used isochrones to determine distances. Previous studies have also found travel times to abortion access since the Dobbs decision have increased. In a separate study from 2022 that determined average travel times to abortion clinics, those researchers found before the Dobbs decision, women on average traveled 27.8 minutes to the nearest facility. Following the Dobbs decision, that average time rose to more than 100 minutes. Additionally, before the 2022 decision, 14.6 percent of women had to travel at least 60 minutes, compared to 33.3 percent now. People attend an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022 However, access is 'about more than laws', said Dr. Dawn Kopp, vice chair for OBGYN at Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and senior author on the recent study. 'This study highlights that abortion access is about more than laws. Its about more than the state you reside in because people are allowed to cross state borders for medical care. There are a lot of other factors at play. 'This study adds to the stories patients and clinicians have already shared by giving objective data on how pervasive the difficulty to access comprehensive reproductive health care is in a post Roe v. Wade America.' Kopp said. Abortion may be legal in a state, but may have few facilities or qualified healthcare providers to perform abortions or the facilities may not be in accessible areas relative to where people live. Conversely, a state may ban abortions, but some patients may be close enough to a state where they are able to travel across borders. Regardless of why access is limited, the barrier to traveling to a clinic can have real health consequences. Additional research has found in states with more abortion restrictions, maternal and neonatal mortality is increased. And women with lower incomes face even greater risks because of the money and time it takes to reach an abortion care facility. Data from 2022 in Texas shows infant mortality spiked by up to a fifth in the year after the state enacted one of the strictest abortion bans in the country. In another study, researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder analyzed state-specific abortion data from 2020 to better understand what abortion bans would mean for maternal mortality rates. If abortions were completely banned in the US, there could be a 24 percent increase in expected maternal deaths nationwide. For Black women, there could be a 39 percent increase. Researchers determined their estimates based on 2020 statistics on national and state abortion incidences, incidence of births and updated statistics on maternal mortality for all pregnancies. Law enforcement officials and leaders may now be able to predict and prepare for mass shootings in places like schools and bars across the United States. While the risk of a mass shooting is low nationwide, researchers estimate as many as 722 incidents could occur in one year, with some states, such as California, and locations, like an office building, more likely to experience one. Calculating the number of mass shootings and its victims is difficult because there is no agreed-upon definition of a mass shooting event. However, researchers from Iowa State University analyzed mass shootings from two sources to determine the probability one would occur in certain states and locations. In one model, the team looked at data from 1966 to 2020 cataloged in The Violence Project's database, which defined a mass shooting as an incident with four or more victims, not including the shooter, killed by a firearm in a public place. The organization recorded 190 mass shootings committed by 194 people between 1966 and 2020, the time period it keeps data on. Since the 1970s, the number of mass shootings, according to its definition, has increased by one every 10 years. Researchers used this data, along with available historical data of mass shootings, to estimate the risk of an incident across the country, in each state and at a specific location, such as an office building, school, house of worship, a private residence and a college or university. While the risk of a mass shooting is low nationwide, some states and locations are more likely to experience one, according to the study by researchers from the University of Iowa Researchers from Iowa State University analyzed mass shootings from 1966 to 2020 from The Violence Project's database The study estimated an average number of six mass shootings would occur in a year across the US, with a 95 percent chance that between two and 12 would occur. In a school, the chances of a mass shooting are approximately 0.08 percent. The researchers also applied their method to a second dataset from The Gun Archive, which uses the expanded definition of a mass shooting as four or more people shot, injured or killed in a public or private location. Based on this definition, the projected number of mass shootings was 639, with a 95 percent chance that between 567 and 722 events would occur. The Gun Violence Archive has recorded 537 mass shootings, according to its definition, so far in 2023. When researchers analyzed data on a state level based on The Violence Project's definition, those with the largest populations, California, Texas, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania, were all at the greatest risk of experiencing a mass shootings. Researchers then estimated the risk in various locations in the state with the most mass shootings, California, and a state that has never experienced a mass shooting, Iowa. The annual probability of a mass shooting in Iowa is approximately 0.06 percent. In California, it is 0.5 percent, according to one of the models used by researchers based on a state's population. EXCLUSIVE: World's first $1,500 'Smart Gun' has facial recognition and fingerprint unlock Biofires smart gun comes with a dock equipped with a touchscreen that pairs your face and fingerprint to the gun. Kai Kloepfer (pictured), 26, dropped out of school to start the company The $1,499 pistol is 9mm, striker-fired and feeds from 10- or 15-round magazines. It packs infrared biometric sensors, laser sights and an electronic interface. Advertisement The location with the highest probability of experiencing a mass shooting in the US is a workplace, at a 0.3 percent chance. It is also the most likely location in California and Iowa, with an approximate 0.2 percent and 0.02 percent probability, respectively. While the probability of a mass shooting in a kindergarten through 12th grade school nationwide is approximately 0.08 percent, it is less in California, at 0.05 percent, and near zero in Iowa. 'These probabilities suggest that the risk of a mass shooting at a specific location such as a high school is extremely low, regardless of the state', researchers said. 'The media attention and tragic nature that characterize a school shooting has perhaps led the American public to overestimate the risk'. The place least likely to experience a mass shooting in the US is a government building or place of civic importance, at 0.03 percent. It is also the least likely location in both California and Iowa, at approximately 0.03 percent and near-zero percent, respectively. Researchers hope that by providing a more realistic risk assessment of the chances of a mass shooting at a specific location it will help guide how decisionmakers mitigate risk and plan for an incident. 'An organization does not know if one of its locations will be one of the unlucky locations where a gunman opens fire. 'Estimating the likelihood of a mass shooting at a location can help decision makers understand the risk of a mass shooting,' researchers wrote. 'A statistical analysis of the chances of a mass shooting provides a more realistic risk assessment than what one might conclude based on the attention and media that mass shootings generate. Decision makers can use this knowledge to make more informed decisions and make trade-offs between mitigating the risk of a mass shooting at their location and other priorities, including other low-probability, high-consequence events.' The decision to accelerate the autumn Covid and flu vaccine rollouts increased anxiety over the virus, experts warned today. Officials launched the programmes, which will see 30million offered a flu jab and 25million invited for a Covid vaccine, in September a month earlier than planned, citing fears the Pirola variant would overwhelm the NHS. But scientists told MailOnline that the 'flip-flopping' approach towards the start date created mistrust and 'inevitably increased some people's anxiety'. Others also warned the rollout's early start date will have left thousands of the most vulnerable Britons without the best protection against infection by the New Year. It comes as official figures show that Covid infections and hospitalisations have reached a six-month high. In a bid to 'go back to normal', invites for Covid boosters and free flu jabs won't be dished out to millions aged 50-64 who were eligible during the pandemic Officials launched the programmes, which will see 30million offered a flu jab and 25million invited for a Covid vaccine, in September a month earlier than planned, citing fears the Pirola variant would overwhelm the NHS . But scientists told MailOnline that the 'flip-flopping' approach towards the start date created mistrust and 'inevitably increased some people's anxiety'. Others also warned the rollout's early start date will leave left thousands of the most vulnerable Britons without the best protection against infection by the New Year Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist from the University of Reading, told MailOnline: 'The earlier that expected rollout of flu and Covid vaccination this year has inevitably increased some people's anxiety surrounding the risk from both viruses this winter. 'The decision to do so, like the choices on who to give the vaccines to, is likely to have been made in response to many different pieces of data and modelling. 'In science, it's crucial that people are transparent with data, secrecy is not acceptable, but here we're also dealing with politics which isn't always so open.' He added: 'Decisions have been made to reduce the risk for some people but not others, which inevitably goes down badly. 'Clarity on decision making is always to be welcome, especially when people's health is potentially at stake, but unless the Government provides resources to offer the vaccine to everyone, some people will inevitably be left feeling vulnerable. 'If the DHSC and JCVI think fear is unjustified, they need to provide a proper explanation for their decisions.' Meanwhile, Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, said the change to the start date 'emphasised inconsistency in the Government's approach to vaccination and Covid in general'. He told MailOnline: 'This flip-flopping doesn't inspire confidence in the government's handling of Covid or flu and creates mistrust at a time when there should be clear and consistent messaging. 'Where is the public health campaign stressing the importance of vaccination as we head into winter?' Others however suggested the move was justified. Professor Paul Hunter, a respected infectious disease specialist at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline: 'With the marked increase in reported infections and hospitalisations in the past week, it is beginning to look like that it was the correct decision.' Meanwhile, Professor Gary McLean, professor emeritus in biosciences at London Metropolitan University said: 'With the knowledge that the southern hemisphere had a strong influenza season during their winter, the vaccine rollout began slightly earlier in the UK this year.' He added: 'This should put the UK in a good position to combat the worst effects of these viruses in the community and might reduce the circulation of these viruses.' Care home residents and those who are housebound in England were offered both vaccines from September 11, while the national flu booking system opened for those eligible on September 18. Eligible Britons can book their jabs through the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119. Among those invited for top-up doses are the over-65s, frontline health and social care workers and pregnant women. Health chiefs have bragged about there being around 3,500 sites across England more sites than ever before involved in the top-up campaign. Around 1.2million Britons were infected with the virus in the week to September 10, according to data from the ZOE Covid study, based on reports from thousands. The figure is the highest logged since early April, when the super transmissible Arcturus was sweeping the UK Around 1.2million Britons were infected with the virus in the week to September 10, according to data from the ZOE Covid study Last year, the NHS carried out its second biggest ever flu vaccination campaign, with more than 21million flu vaccinations given to adults and children, while more than 17million Covid jabs were delivered last winter. The push for 30million in England to come forward for jabs comes ahead of an expected spike in cases as the nation heads into the colder months. Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that 14,856 people in England tested positive for Covid in the week to October 4, up by around a third in a week. Meanwhile, hospitalisations among those infected hit 3,819 in the week to September 29, up by 25 per cent in a week. Both figures are the highest logged since mid-April. The latest available data on the global genome sequencing database GISAID, which monitors the spread of Covid variants, shows a total of 89 cases of Pirola, nicknamed BA.2.86, have been logged in the UK to date. Pirola, like other recently emerged Covid variants, is a spin-off of the Omicron strain. However, its host of mutations, over 30 in total, sparked alarm initially with some experts fearing it would be different enough to effectively dodge the protection offered by Covid vaccines and infection from previous waves. But Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UKHSA, last month said the early data is 'encouraging' and there is 'no evidence' to suggest it may make people more seriously ill than other variants. She said: 'While this is still very early data and more research is needed before we can be certain, it is encouraging to see an initial indication that BA.2.86 demonstrates similar levels of antibody escape compared to other variants circulating in the UK. 'The available data is too limited to draw conclusions about the severity of the illness it causes, but there is so far no evidence to suggest that it is more likely to make people seriously ill than other Omicron variants in circulation.' Experts told MailOnline the rollout's early start date may leave thousands vulnerable to infection this winter. Professor Hunter also told MailOnline: 'Immunity to infection is relatively short lived. In less than four months after infection or vaccination more than a half of people are susceptible again.' This could mean that those who were jabbed in September would be vulnerable to infection by January. However, he added: 'Immunity against severe disease severe enough to put you in hospital is much more durable. 'This should never have been that surprising as we know immunity to upper respiratory tract infections generally are very short lived. 'One of the difficult issues with timing of this year's autumn boost was should we give it early and so protect against the threat of the two new variants but risk having lost much of that immunity by the start of next year.' While virologists have warned it is too early to reliably pinpoint BA.2.86 specific symptoms, its ancestor BA.2 had some tell-tale signs. Experts aren't yet certain, however if it behaves like similar Omicron subvariants, the signs to watch out for include a runny nose, sore throat and fatigue In recent weeks, scientists have recommended a return of pandemic mitigation measures, including mask wearing, and increased ventilation because of the virus' resurgence. Professor Stephen Griffin, an infectious disease expert at the University of Leeds, told MailOnline: 'Protection versus infection is only likely to last at the highest level for a matter of weeks. 'However, the protection versus severe disease is far more long-lasting it does wane, but slowly.' He added: 'Last year, we also saw coincident waves of flu, Covid and also RSV to an extent. 'As such, if we let our guard down against one or all of these we'll have issues. Of course, prevention is better than cure, yet we seem to still not think mitigations are worthwhile at population scale.' Last month, a group of cross-party MPs also wrote to ministers urging them to extend the booster programme allowing over-50s to have the jab. Members of the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus, led by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, called on the Government to make Covid jabs publicly available to buy privately, as the flu vaccine is. Vaccine manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer have both confirmed they are open to exploring how to offer the jabs privately. Meanwhile, some high street pharmacies have already indicated that they are interested in offering the vaccine in the future though insiders believe jabs won't be ready this way until spring at the earliest. Last autumn, 40 per cent of people in their early 50s took up the offer of a booster, rising to 52 per cent for those in their later 50s. Those aged over 75 had a greater turnout for the boosters, with 80 per cent opting to receive another vaccine. Some 70 per cent of over-75s also opted for a spring booster earlier this year. A rare bat virus is feared to have resurfaced in Australia, with a grandmother displaying symptoms after she was bitten by the animal while holidaying interstate. Lyssavirus is a rare but deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans from an infected bat through bites or scratches, or by being exposed to the animal's saliva. The virus often presents itself early on through flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever and fatigue before rapidly progressing to paralysis, delirium and convulsions - and within a week or two, death. Only three cases of human infection with Rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) have been recorded since the virus was first identified in 1996. Sandi Galloway, from Geelong, was enjoying a trip to Cairns with her husband Gordon when she was attacked by the bat All three cases were in Queensland and the virus has a 100 per cent mortality rate in Australia. There is a wide variability in the time it takes for symptoms to appear following exposure to an infected animal, with previous cases ranging from several days to several years. Geelong grandmother Sandi Galloway was holidaying in Cairns when she was bitten on the head by a wild bat whilst walking back to her hotel room with her partner. The bite has left the 67-year-old feeling sore and her forehead has been itchy and bright red since. 'I could feel it flying around my head,' she explained. 'I thought it was trying to land on my hair. I swiped my hand to try to deter and the bloody thing nipped me twice on the forehead.' The bite has left Mrs Galloway feeling sore and her forehead has been itchy and bright red since READ MORE: Wedding guests in hospital after bat attack A bat has caused mayhem at Hardy's Bistro on the NSW Central Coast, scratching several wedding guests Advertisement 'Next thing, I felt this sting, like two pinpricks on my forehead,' she told the Cairns Post. Ms Galloway said apart from a lack of appetite and fatigue, she didn't think about the bite until the flight home. 'I didn't want to look stupid going to a doctor about the bite because I thought this doesn't happen in real life,' she said. 'Then I told my daughter and she told me I could get rabies from it and could die so I made an appointment with my GP.' Ms Galloway was later tested for the potentially fatal lyssavirus, displaying symptoms such as headache, fever and fatigue. While still awaiting her results, the grandmother believes it's likely she has the virus due to her symptoms. She has received five injections on Wednesday and will need three more rounds over the next three weeks. Mrs Galloway, who is partially blind, said at first she did not even realise it was a bat that had attacked her. 'I kept telling myself it was probably a spider because, even though a part of me knew it, I didn't want to believe a bat had bitten me,' she said. She believes the bats should be relocated outside the city centre. 'Having them in the middle of town is ridiculous. I find it abhorrent this happened while on holidays when I should've been enjoying myself, but instead stayed indoors afterwards for fear of it happening again,' she said. 'It would be the best thing for Cairns to remove the bats from the city and relocate them to an area that's not so crowded.' Only three people have contracted lyssavirus since 1996 - all through bat bites or scratches - and all three victims died Cairns Regional Council has previously successfully moved populations of flying foxes out of busy CBD locations. 'Council's Flying-Fox Colony Management General Policy outlines a multi-faceted and balanced approach to managing flying-foxes which uses scientific advice and data to determine appropriate actions,' a council spokesman said. 'The policy maintains that the health and wellbeing of people is to be given primary consideration over the health and wellbeing of flying foxes, where there is conflict between the two. 'This is a very rare yet alarming incident, however, if council is made aware of a significant flying-fox roost that may cause conflict between the people and flying foxes, signage will be posted around the site to make the community aware.' British scientists say 'long colds' exist and claim they are just as common as long Covid. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London quizzed more than 10,000 Brits on whether they were suffering from an array of symptoms that have been linked with long Covid such as brain fog, muscle aches and stomach problems. Results showed that a fifth of those who had recently had a Covid infection reported having these symptoms for more than four weeks after they first became unwell. However, the same proportion of people who had had a cold, flu or pneumonia also said they experienced lingering symptoms. The team said their findings suggest there can be long-lasting ailments from a swathe of respiratory infections, rather than being unique to Covid. Experts say the findings show that feeling unwell for weeks after a respiratory infection is 'not a new phenomenon'. British scientists say 'long colds' exist and may explain why people suffer from long Covid-esque problems without testing positive for the virus Long Covid is a poorly understood condition that refers to symptoms caused by the virus that persist for more than four weeks after the initial illness has cleared. Self-reported data suggests 2million Brits are battling lingering symptoms, such as tiredness, concentration problems and breathing difficulties. This includes 762,000 who say they have been affected for more than two years. However, scientists have poured scorn on the figure, warning that the list of more than 200 symptoms supposedly linked to the condition means the true toll has been distorted. As a result, the risk it poses has been 'greatly exaggerated', they warn. The researchers noted that there have been few studies examining whether the long Covid symptoms vary compared to those that linger after other respiratory illnesses. This led the team to analyse responses from 10,171 adults, aged 63 on average, who were quizzed on whether they had were suffering from 16 symptoms that have been linked to long Covid, such as a loss of taste or smell, diarrhoea and dizziness. What are the symptoms of long Covid? While most people who catch Covid feel better within days, those who have symptoms that last longer than a month are deemed to have long Covid. The NHS lists more than a dozen symptoms linked to the condition. extreme tiredness (fatigue) feeling short of breath loss of smell muscle aches problems with your memory and concentration ("brain fog") chest pain or tightness difficulty sleeping (insomnia) heart palpitations dizziness pins and needles joint pain depression and anxiety tinnitus, earaches feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite a high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste rashes Advertisement At the time of the analysis, 1,343 had suffered from Covid, while 472 had been unwell with another respiratory illness, such as cold, flu or tonsillitis, and had tested negative for Covid. Results, published in The Lancet's EClinicalMedicine, showed that 22 per cent of people who had been infected with Covid suffered prolonged symptoms after infection. Exactly the same proportion (22 per cent) who had suffered from another respiratory illness complained that they also suffered from the symptoms. Experts said this suggested long colds are just as common as long Covid. The researchers also found that people with Covid were a loss of taste and smell well-known Covid symptoms as well as light-headedness, dizziness, heart palpitations, sweating and hair loss. Meanwhile, those in the non-Covid group were more likely to have a cough or a hoarse voice. Both groups suffered breathlessness and fatigue. The longest time from initial infection to reports of ongoing symptoms was 37 weeks for non-Covid infections and 64 weeks for Covid. The scientists said they are still trying to unpick exactly what causes some people to develop long extended symptoms from respiratory infections and why others are spared. However, they believe the severity of the initial illness could increase the risk. The researchers noted that they don't have evidence suggesting symptoms of long colds have the same severity or duration as long Covid. Giulia Vivaldi, a statistician and lead author of the study, said: 'Our findings shine a light not only on the impact of long Covid on people's lives, but also other respiratory infections. 'As research into long Covid continues, we need to take the opportunity to investigate and consider the lasting effects of other acute respiratory infections. 'These 'long' infections are so difficult to diagnose and treat primarily because of a lack of diagnostic tests and there being so many possible symptoms.' Professor Adrian Martineau, an expert on respiratory infection and immunity at Queen Mary, said the results may offer some answers to people suffering long Covid-esque symptoms but who never tested positive for the virus. He said: 'Our findings may chime with the experience of people who have struggled with prolonged symptoms after having a respiratory infection despite testing negative for Covid on a nose or throat swab. Around 1.2million Brits were infected with Covid in the week to September 10, according to data from the ZOE Covid study 'Ongoing research into the long-term effects of Covid and other acute respiratory infections is important because it can help us to get to the root of why some people experience more prolonged symptoms than others. 'Ultimately this could help us to identify the most appropriate form of treatment and care for affected people.' Independent experts also welcomed the study's findings. Professor Peter Openshaw, an expert in experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, said: 'The study is important in showing that recovery from acute respiratory illness may be slow regardless of cause, that people should expect a slow return to normality and not expect to immediately return to full activities immediately after an acute respiratory illness from whatever cause.' READ MORE: Covid guru Sir Patrick Vallance claims experts were used as 'human shields' for Government and officials 'cherry-picked' science to justify decisions In diaries kept during the pandemic, Sir Patrick Vallance, the Chief Scientific Adviser, wrote that Downing Street sought to justify its actions by claiming they were 'following the science' Advertisement Dr David Strain, a senior lecturer and honorary consultant at the University of Exeter, said the findings show that persistent symptoms can be troubling 'after many other infections'. He said noted that many viruses trigger lingering symptoms so lingering symptoms are 'not a new phenomenon'. Professor Paul Harrison, an expert in psychiatry at the University of Oxford, said: 'The study supports previous findings that long-term symptoms are common after respiratory infections in general, not just following Covid. There is no known cure for long Covid with the NHS instead focusing on helping sufferers alleviate the dozen or so symptoms attributed to the condition. It lists more than a dozen symptoms linked to the condition, including earaches, rashes and pins and needles. Three per cent of Brits claim they are suffering from long Covid. However, scientists from the UK, US and Denmark last week warned that the risk of long Covid have been 'greatly exaggerated'. Major flaws in research have distorted the real extent of the condition, leading to misdiagnoses and heightened public anxiety. They blamed overly broad definitions and criticized a lack of appropriate comparison groups in studies looking at the incidence, prevalence, and control of the condition. This has resulted in the widespread misdiagnosis of different conditions developed following Covid, undermining patient treatment, researchers said. Forget cutting down on calories and hitting the gym, eating with your non-dominant hand could be enough to shed the pounds. That's according to social psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman, who believes 'mindful eating' could be the answer to a healthier lifestyle. Normally reducing portion sizes, eating more greens and going for more runs is enough to shift the scales. But the psychologist says bizarre hacks like eating using a different hand and putting a mirror in your kitchen can trick the brain into eating less. Swapping which hand you eat with or how you hold your knife and fork, could make you slower and more mindful of what you eat. As a result, it could help you lose weight, experts say Although it has the potential to be very messy, eating with your non-dominant hand is thought to help you eat less by making you a slower eater. Eating with your non-dominant hand is the 'one of the most enjoyable ways' of training yourself to eat less, Professor Wiseman said on his podcast On Your Mind. 'That means it actually takes longer and it's more mindful to eat because you need to sort out coordination issues and so on, so you end up eating less. 'Now that's really simple, but actually pretty effective', says Professor Wiseman from University of Hertfordshire. This mindful eating hack goes both ways, for example, eating in front of the television is not a great idea because when you are distracted you eat more, explains Professor Wiseman. Paying attention to what's on your plate has been shown to influence how much food you eat, according to a 2013 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers reviewed 24 studies and found that distracted or hurried eating can cause you to eat more and savouring food by eating at a slower pace with no distraction can help you control the amount you eat in a sitting. Seeing yourself in the mirror when you eat food, can quite literally make you watch what you eat. Experts say having a mirror in the room has been shown to make you choose healthier food Another way of being more conscious of what youre munching on is by quite literally watching what you eat. It may sound strange, but watching yourself in the mirror while having a meal is thought to lead to healthier eating habits. Professor Wiseman explained the mirror theory originated from American psychologist Brad Bushman. As part of an experiment, he placed a table of food outside a supermarket and encouraged people sit down and eat the food. Sometimes food on the table was healthy and other times it was unhealthy, but in both circumstances, he encouraged people to eat as much as they liked. In half of the trials, he put a mirror on the table, so people could see themselves eating the food. 'As soon as people could see their own reflection, they became more self-conscious and they shifted to the healthier food', Professor Wiseman said. Using this logic, Professor Wiseman suggests putting a mirror in the kitchen to help you become more conscious of what you are eating. He said: 'If you do want to, there's no reason why you should, but if you want to, then these are the sorts of, some people call them hacks, but psychological tips, that can be quite impactful. However, some more tried and tested tricks to losing weight suggested by the NHS include swapping sugary drinks for water, cutting down on foods high in sugar and fat and eating your five-a-day. Getting plenty of exercise by being active for 150 minutes a week, is also a recommended way to shed the pounds. NHS strikes have led to almost 1.2million appointment cancellations, official figures show. In the latest blow to patients, 118,026 hospital appointments in England were rescheduled due to a three-day walkout by British Medical Association (BMA) consultants and junior doctors earlier this week. Radiographers also joined the picket lines on Tuesday. A further 4,415 appointments in mental health, learning disability and community settings were estimated to have been also cancelled, NHS England data revealed. It means 1,141,089 appointments have been postponed since NHS industrial action which has involved staff including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and paramedics kicked-off in December. NHS board papers released yesterday also confirmed the action is estimated to have cost the health service 1.1billion since December. Official data released today shows 118,026 hospital appointments in England were rescheduled due to a three-day walkout by British Medical Association (BMA) consultants and junior doctors earlier this week. Radiographers also joined the picket lines on Tuesday. A further 4,415 appointments in mental health, learning disability and community settings were estimated to have been also cancelled Prior to this week's walk-outs, junior doctors had staged 22 days of strike action, with consultants taking to the picket lines on six separate days. Radiographers previously took 48-hour strike action from 25 to 27 July. The strike days this week coincided with Rishi Sunak's first Tory party conference as leader and prime minister But not all NHS trusts have supplied figures on cancelled appointments, meaning the true scale of the disruption is expected to be higher. NHS leaders have also said the real impact of strikes is masked by the data, as many hospitals have stopped booking in surgeries and other appointments on announced strike days. As part of the unprecedented walk-out this week, both consultants and junior doctors offered 'Christmas Day' levels of staffing, meaning only emergency care is unaffected. Waiting lists for elective treatment on the NHS currently stand at a record 7.68million or one in seven people. This includes almost 390,000 patients who have waited at least one year for treatment. It is the highest figure since records began in 2007. For comparison, around 4.4million were stuck in the system when the pandemic reached the UK. The latest joint strike between both groups of medics follows their first combined industrial action in September, which led to almost 130,000 NHS inpatient and outpatient appointments being rescheduled. Responding to the data today, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation said: 'As the total number operations and appointments cancelled due to industrial action reaches 1.2 million, which in actuality may be more than twice as high due to trusts not booking activity in the first place, health leaders could be forgiven for wondering at what point will that number become unacceptable enough for the BMA and government to bring an end to this. 'How many more patients must experience a cancellation? How many must see their operation postponed more than once? 'How much higher than 1.3bn must the bill for this get? How many more cancer patients must be left waiting until this is bought to a close? 'NHS leaders repeatedly do all they can to mitigate the impact of strikes, but it is an increasingly difficult and frustrating battle.' He added: 'Backlogs are not the fault of those striking, but with the waiting list standing at 7.7m, unless this dispute is resolved ahead of the truly difficult winter months, there is next to zero chance of the Prime Minister's pledge to bring the list down being met. 'We've seen the BMA make tentative moves towards ending this dangerous deadlock, via an olive branch proposing talks to end the dispute with consultants mediated by Acas.' He said: 'We'd strongly encourage the government to grab it with both hands. 'While doing so might not be a solution in and of itself, it would offer some hope to an increasingly demoralised workforce and exasperated patients, who just want to see the NHS working as it should.' Meanwhile, chief executive of NHS Providers, Sir Julian Hartley said: '122,441 appointments, operations and procedures were delayed due to industrial action across hospitals, ambulance, mental health and community services this week alone, but the effects of this disruption will be felt for weeks and months to come. Hospitals are being brought to a standstill because of joint 72-hour action by junior doctors and consultants. Pictured striking doctors from the BMA demonstrating outside the Conservative Party annual conference on Tuesday Around 7.68million patients in England - or one in seven people - were in the queue in July for procedures such hip and knee replacements, official figures show. This includes almost 390,000 patients who have waited at least one year for treatment, often in pain. The monthly performance data showed the waiting list grew by more than 100,000 between June and July 'This failure to resolve strikes is piling the pressure on the NHS and is having a huge impact on staff morale, resilience and teamwork, too. 'Staff who want to focus their efforts and attention on tackling record high waiting lists and preparing for winter are instead spending valuable time rescheduling large numbers of appointments.' He added: 'We need this dispute to be resolved but trust leaders are growing increasingly exasperated by the deadlock. Strikes must not be allowed to become the status quo. 'It's vital that the government and trade unions to sit down and talk so that everyone's focus can get back to the real priority: providing safe, high-quality, and timely care for patients.' It comes as NHS papers released yesterday prior to its fifth board meeting of year, confirmed industrial action has cost 1.1billion. Under its financial performance update, Julian Kelly, the health service's chief financial officer said ongoing industrial action was 'driving additional expenditure as well as impacting on efficiency delivery'. He added: 'Without further support for costs of industrial action, there is significant risk that many systems will overspend this year. 'To the end of July we have estimated a cost impact of 550m and described lost activity valued at a further 550m.' Prior to this week's walk-outs, junior doctors had staged 22 days of strike action, with consultants taking to the picket lines on six separate days. Radiographers previously took 48-hour strike action from July 25 to 27. In July the Government gave junior doctors a pay rise worth between 8.1 and 10.3 per cent. Consultants were handed an extra 6 per cent as part of the deal, recommended by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration's (DDRB). But the BMA says doctors have seen their pay erode by up to 35 per cent over the last 15 years. As a result, junior doctors have called for a full restoration of pay, while consultants have set their demand at 11 per cent. In July, Rishi Sunak said No10's 2023/24 pay offer to junior doctors and consultants was the Government's 'final offer'. The BMA however immediately rejected the rise, vowing to crack on with strike action. Speaking this week, Vivek Trivedi, co-chair of the BMA's junior doctors committee, said he finds it 'surprising' the Government is 'still unwilling' to negotiate. 'Ultimately, we know what the effects of year-on-year pay cuts are to our workforce's morale, retention, and now actually even recruitment,' he said. 'If the Government wants to have any sort of workforce in the future to be able to treat patients in a timely manner, then we need to do something to fix that. It's just so surprising that they're still unwilling to talk about how we can end this dispute.' The BMA, which has organised the series of strikes, says doctors have seen their pay erode by up to 35 per cent over the last 15 years. Pictured protesting medics outside the Conservative Party annual conference in Manchester The BMA has urged Steve Barclay to make a 'credible offer' to the union to get them round the table. But Mr Barclay has accused the union of using 'militant tactics' and refusing to drop its 'unrealistic' 35 per cent pay demand. The health secretary has not met the BMA in months. Future strike dates have not yet been announced. But on Tuesday the union pledged to continue until the next general election. Professor Philip Banfield, council chair of the BMA, said NHS staff are prepared to strike until the next general election, expected by December 2024, 'and beyond' to secure a bigger pay rise. Speaking at a BMA rally outside the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, he added: 'We will not let down future generations of doctors. We will strike until the next general election and beyond if that is what it takes.' He also said he is confident that the BMA will get a mandate from members to continue industrial action. On Monday the union also claimed doctors are 'fed up' of being labelled the problem. It said a new survey of 1,765 adults showed that Government attempts to blame medics for 'cripplingly long' waiting lists have not convinced the public. More than two in five respondents blamed the Government for the increase in waiting lists for elective treatment in England, which have risen from 2.6million in 2010 to almost 7.7million. This is almost three times the number who blame striking doctors (15 per cent), the union argued. Our Strangers by Lydia Davis (Canongate 20, 368 pp) Our Strangers by Lydia Davis (Canongate 20, 368 pp) Lichens, tiny insects, solitary reading, train journeys, overheard conversations, dissolving friendships and matrimonial irritations make up the subject matter of Daviss delicious short stories. She has a wonderfully economical writing style, brilliantly showcased in these 144 off-beat, drolly observant tales. Even the slenderest (and some are a few scant lines) contain whole worlds of suggestion and feeling, displaying an absorbing inquisitiveness into the natural world and human nature thats irresistible. The longer offerings include the titular Our Strangers, which outlines the oddities, foibles and heartbreaks of neighbours, geographically near, but emotionally apart. Pardon The Intrusion lists a communitys wants and needs, while the succinct Fun As we pick up the invitation and read it again, the morning after, the party still looks like fun, even though it was not fun neatly sums up the disappointments of sociability. The Pole And Other Stories by J.M. Coetzee (Harvill Secker 20, 272 pp) The Pole And Other Stories by J.M. Coetzee (Harvill Secker 20, 272 pp) The limitations of language are a constant constraint here in Coetzees coolly austere novella and five short stories, as his intellectual, emotionally reserved characters contemplate art, ageing and death. In The Pole we meet Wittold, a 71-year-old pianist from Warsaw, with a mane of silver hair and an unsentimental approach to the works of Chopin, who develops a passion for well-to-do 40-something Beatriz. She disregards his infatuation: An old man in love. Foolish. And a danger to himself, but nonetheless embarks on an affair, conducted in stilted English, translated poems and much miscommunication. The Glass Abattoir and Hope herald the reappearance of prickly Elizabeth Costello, (a familiar in Coetzees work), with her scratchy relationship with her children, her philosophical musing, her kinship with animals and her slow decline into dementia. Girls by Annet Schaap translated by Laura Watkinson (Pushkin 12.99, 192 pp) Girls by Annet Schaap translated by Laura Watkinson (Pushkin 12.99, 192 pp) Princesses are meant to be pretty, proper and precise, according to prim Lady Morsegat, governess to the loud, clumsy, hairy royal daughter who takes centre stage in Schaaps wonderful tale, Monster Girl. Like the rest of the heroines in this beguiling collection of beautifully translated subversive fairy tales, the girls here are all knees and elbows and expectations, determined to outwit the wishes of their parents. Outcast by her family, marooned on a sea-swept island, Monster Girl finally learns to be comfortable in her own skin with the help of a cursing, tattooed, shipwrecked sailor. Elsewhere, a girl in a fiery-red raincoat encounters a wolf trying to remember how to be wild (Wolf), a frog proves more kissable than a controlling regal boyfriend (Frog), and a murderous preacher gets his comeuppance (Blue). A Stroke of the Pen by Terry Pratchett (Doubleday 20, 240 pp) A Stroke of the Pen by Terry Pratchett (Doubleday 20, 240 pp) Back in the 1970s, a young journalist called Pratchett was trying his hand at fiction. To the twists of Roald Dahl and the satirical surrealism of Douglas Adams, he would add a fantastical turn that would become his trademark. Stories appeared under a nom-de-plume, and now, thanks to some painstaking archive-trawling, theyre seeing the light of day: a new take on Good King Wenceslas, a twist on time travel, a stone-age morality tale of the perils of progress While not every story escapes the sticky grip of whimsy, most take flight and you always feel the push of the inimitable Pratchett behind them funny, sharp, warm, wise and always so, so readable. The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub (Jo Fletcher 16.99, 400 pp) The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub (Jo Fletcher 16.99, 400 pp) Were not a quarter of the way into the book before Lydia Bennet gives such a scathing analysis (pert summation in Austen-speak) of the events of Pride And Prejudice that this reviewer had to readjust his cravat, he laughed so much. Yes, with self-centred Lizzy and soppy Jane shoved into the wings, Lydia takes centre stage alongside her sister Kitty: in truth a feline familiar magicked into human form by Lydias witchery. Along the way, youll learn about Aunt Bennets nocturnal escapades, why Wickham is so wicked and how Lydia escapes from a magical mess not entirely of her own making. A spritely Regency gavotte with booming gothic bass notes: pure joy. My Brothers Keeper by Tim Powers (Head of Zeus 20, 320 pp) My Brothers Keeper by Tim Powers (Head of Zeus 20, 320 pp) Ambitious? Id say. Reader, here youll find wrapped up in a joltingly good read an iconoclastic revision of the Bronte family history, a new take on Wuthering Heights, and the backstory to An American Werewolf In London. Its all here: the wuthering wind, the vicarage, the three genius daughters and their useless brother . . . but Powers brilliantly weaves through the hallowed family history a tale of ancient Irish curses, consumptive ghosts, fairylands and a werewolf cult that is blighting the North Country. Its gruesome, gripping stuff as the fearless Emily, aided by her dog Pilot, forces her family to confront uncomfortable truths and lay a curse to rest. British investors have pulled nearly 2.5billion out of ESG funds in the past five months amid a backlash over woke stock-picking. A report by funds network Calastone showed outflows from equity funds that meet environmental, social and governance criteria hit 485million in September. It was the fifth month in a row of withdrawals and took the total in that period to 2.44billion amid signs the boom in woke investing has reversed. Woke capitalism has come under fire for prioritising social goals over the bread-and-butter work of delivering services and goods to customers and making money for investors. Companies including BAE Systems, Shell and BP have been shunned at times because they are perceived to not conform to ethical investing guidelines. Withdrawals: A report by funds network Calastone showed outflows from equity funds that meet 'environmental, social and governance' criteria hit 485m in September Critics point out that firms such as BAE are instrumental in helping to defend democracy in countries under attack from aggressors such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Questions have also been raised about how ESG standards can be measured and the way in which funds have sometimes seemed to rely on the success of US tech firms, which score well because of their low carbon footprints and diversity policies. ESG investing a multi-trillion dollar global industry has been caught up in wider scepticism about woke culture, especially in the US. But UK investors are also increasingly wary. Figures from Calastone show Britons sold down 304million of ESG funds in May, 369million in June and 330million in July and 953million in August. Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at AJ Bell, said: It feels like the ESG party is running out of steam, with investment flows actually going into reverse. Part of the explanation is likely to be the cyclical nature of fund flows. Three years ago ESG was everywhere, fund groups were launching new products and marketing them like crazy, and the saturation point was probably found pretty quickly. All that money flowing in helped ESG funds perform well, attracting more cash from those who follow fund performance tables. Dzmitry Lipski, head of fund research at Interactive Investor, one of the UKs largest investment platforms, said the data posed questions about underperforming ESG funds. He said: We must address the elephant in the room it is no secret that, in the short-term, sustainable funds have struggled in the recent harsh investment landscape. The issue of potential greenwashing has made careful research all the more crucial.Energy security and mixed messaging on net-zero commitments may also have impacted confidence. Pandora said business is booming as customers shrug off cost-of-living woes to splash out on charms and bracelets. The worlds largest jeweller, whose advertising has featured Jerry Hall and Georgia May Jagger, highlighted strong sales of star-sign charms and lab-grown diamonds. The Danish firm expects revenues to hit 3.9billion to 4.2billion in 2026, up from around 3.1billion this year. Profits are expected to top 1billion in 2026. Pandora, which has been advertised by Jerry Hall and Georgia May Jagger (pictured), said it now expects revenues to hit 3.9bn to 4.2bn in 2026 The brand said it has seen strong sales of Zodiac dangle charms, which sell for around 55 each. Its lab-grown diamonds regarded as more ethical and sustainable than those from mines have been doing well. The range includes a 625 heart necklace and a 1,190 bangle. Pandora, which has around 230 UK stores, said it was reaping the rewards of investments in its brand and stores. It is to enter India and expand in other Asian markets. Amazon and Microsoft will be investigated as part of a competition probe into the UKs 7.5billion cloud computing sector. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to look into the industry after a referral from communications regulator Ofcom. It puts Microsoft back in the crosshairs of the regulator following its battle with the US tech giant over its takeover of Call of Duty video game maker Activision Blizzard. Cloud computing allows users to store and access data online and is an essential tool for businesses and individuals. Ofcoms initial probe found customers face charges and technical barriers to switching providers. It singled out Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS) as the two dominant players. Cloud probe: The Competition and Markets Authority, is led by chief exec Sarah Cardell (pictured) They have a combined market share of 70 per cent to 80 per cent, and Google is their closest competitor with a share of up to 10 per cent. Ofcom director Fergal Farragher said: Some UK businesses have told us theyre concerned about it being too difficult to switch or mix and match cloud provider, and its not clear that competition is working well. The CMA will assess whether there are features in the market that could stifle competition, which reduces choice and can push up prices for consumers. It can force firms to sell parts of their business to improve competition. Its independent panel will investigate and report their findings by April 2025. CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell (pictured) said: This is a 7.5billion market that underpins a whole host of online services, from social media to AI foundation models. Many businesses completely rely on cloud services, making effective competition essential. Strong competition ens-ures a level playing field so that market power doesnt end up in the hands of a few players unlocking the full potential of these rapidly evolving digital markets so that people, businesses, and the UK economy can get the maximum benefits. Ofcom is concerned about fees customers must pay to transfer data out of a cloud, which can discourage consumers from using more than one provider. It found there are technical barriers to switching as customers must put in extra effort into reconfiguring data and applications to work on different clouds. The regulators report said discounts can benefit consumers, but also incentivise them to use a single cloud provider. Amazon said it will work with CMA investigators but disagrees with Ofcoms findings. They are based on a fundamental misconception of how the IT sector functions, and the services and discounts on offer an AWS spokesman said. Microsoft said it will co-operate, saying: We are committed to ensuring the UK cloud industry remains innovative, highly competitive and an accelerator for growth across the economy. This year, the CMA blocked Microsofts 60billion takeover of Activision, only allowing it after Microsoft changed its proposal. When Australians head to the polls to vote for or against the Indigenous Voice on October 14, many will be casting their ballot at a referendum for the first time. But for 99-year-old Doug Peterson, Saturday will be his 27th referenda. In his lifetime only six have been successful, and they all had bipartisan support, unlike the Voice. From his residential aged care facility in Upper Mount Gravatt, in the anti-Voice heartland of Queensland, Mr Peterson is doing everything he can to get a constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal advisory board across the line. The elderly Yes campaigner was scathing of the opposition to the Voice in an interview with Daily Mail Australia, describing the tactics of the No campaign as 'shameful'. 'I'm running around on a motorised scooter with Yes on it,' he said. 'I can't walk, so I'm just doing what I can from my chair.' For 99-year-old Doug Peterson, Saturday will be the 27th time he has voted in a referendum There's about 100 residents living in Mr Peterson's facility, and he's not wasting a single opportunity to have discussions about the Voice. 'Everybody knows me... some of them here won't discuss it with me at all, they just say ''I'm voting No'' and that's it. That's hard.' Mr Peterson said his biggest frustration while campaigning is that so many people who intend to vote No are doing so for 'the wrong reasons'. 'They're saying they're voting No because they belong to a political party, or they're using indirect information that's just not true,' he said. 'I couldn't believe it [when they told me]. This isn't politics. This is human beings; their lives. 'It staggers me, after all these years, that there is this business of telling amazingly incorrect furphys.' The most damaging, he's found, is an unshakeable fear that the Voice will open up an avenue for 'people to come and claim my house'. 'Nonsense,' Mr Peterson said. 'Furphys. 'Advertise the product, advertise the truth, and then leave it up to people to make up their own minds.' From his residential aged care facility in Upper Mount Gravatt, in the anti-Voice heartland of Queensland, Mr Peterson is doing everything he can to get this over the line Mr Peterson said his biggest frustration while campaigning is that so many people who intend to vote No are doing so for 'the wrong reasons' Between now and next weekend, Mr Peterson will spend as much time as he can trying to raise awareness about the Voice. It's an uphill battle in Queensland, largely considered the most difficult state to sway and the most anti-Voice in the early polls. But Mr Peterson says after a lifetime of watching First Nations people being treated with 'contempt... as second rate citizens', he feels compelled to try. 'I'll be distributing pamphlets, putting them in people's letterboxes. Anybody who wants to speak to me, I initiate it. I've got the chair with the Yes banners too,' he said. He was first drawn to Indigenous Affairs as a young, eager teacher. He applied for a permit to teach in a remote Indigenous community, and has never been able to forget the sadness and despair within the community. 'It was like a prison,' he said. Between now and October 14, Mr Peterson will spend as much time as he can trying to raise awareness about the Voice READ MORE: How long could it take to know the outcome of the referendum? Advertisement 'I couldn't believe it. I was told not to take photos, not to talk to anybody. The Aboriginal people themselves had no voice. They weren't allowed to do anything.' Mr Peterson acknowledges his campaigning efforts have undoubtedly rubbed some people the wrong way. He also doesn't care. He says the Voice is a proposal too important to sit by idly and be a wallflower. Even with his own family, Mr Peterson doesn't waste an opportunity to discuss the referendum. When his five children and 16 grandchildren come to visit him, he reminds them about all the reasons he'll be voting Yes. 'We're having those conversations, and they know where I stand. They've got minds of their own and they'll make up their own minds, but I say Yes.' Australians will head to the polls on October 14 for the first referendum in 24 years And he's hopeful that his work is doing some good, as a small piece of the 37,000-man volunteer network Yes23 has recruited throughout the campaign. In spite of poor polling performances (the Essential poll has support for the Voice at 43 per cent, while Newspoll says its closer to 36 per cent), Mr Peterson says the campaign is going well on the ground. 'I've seen a lot of improvement in the number of people voting Yes,' he said. 'It has been a bit late developing.' Asked whether the campaign has been managed well from a political point of view, Mr Peterson had just one word: 'no.' But, he says, the campaign itself has rallied and performed 'outstandingly' in the face of adversity. 'The people, the people have done an outstanding job.' A fragment from John Steinbeck's original Of Mice and Men manuscript that was destroyed by his dog Toby has gone on sale in the US. The tiny piece of paper features writing from the famous 1937 novel's first chapter, where Steinbeck was introducing his central characters. The famous work details the lives of migrant ranch workers George Milton and Lennie Small, as they travel across California looking for jobs during the Great Depression. Steinbeck wrote to his agent in May 1936 to explain that Toby, an Irish setter, had 'made confetti' of 'about half' of his manuscript. He joked that Toby 'may have been acting critically. Because there was no other draft, Steinbeck spent the next three months having to write it again. The novel was finally published in February 1937 and was immediately highly praised by critics and general readers. A fragment from John Steinbeck's original Of Mice and Men manuscript that was destroyed by his dog Toby has gone on sale in the US. The tiny piece of paper features writing from the famous 1937 novel's first chapter, where Steinbeck was introducing his central characters The fragment, which is being sold in New York by Bonhams auction house, delves into the moment that George demands to know what Lennie - who does not understand his own strength - has in his hand. In the published version, Lennie finally admits that he has 'Jus' a dead mouse, George. I didn't kill it. Honest!' The scene foreshadows the central conflict of the story, about Lennie's dramatic strength. He later accidentally breaks the neck of the wife of his boss while stroking her hair. The fragment being sold reads: '... George." Lenny's hands went ... had it. I got both of 'em here ... What you got in your hand....' Steinbeck wrote to his agent in May 1936 to explain that Toby, an Irish setter, had 'made confetti' of 'about half' of his manuscript. He joked that Toby 'may have been acting critically On the reverse, the scrap reads: '... bank the dead ... noise shattering an ... evening. The lambs ... from the rear.' Of Mice and Men: The literary classic that is read by millions of children on GCSE English courses John Steinbeck's 1937 novel Of Mice and Men tells the story of displaced migrant workers George Milton and Lennie Small. George, the savvier of the two, acts as the protector of Lennie, who is big and powerful but mentally challenged. Together, the two men travel across California looking for work during the Great Depression. But a key theme of the novel is Lennie not knowing his own strength. That fact sees him accidentally kill animals and later the wife of his boss, Curly. The novel ends with George making a tragic decision to stop Lennie meeting an even worse fate. Of Mice and Men has long been read by British pupils as part of GCSE English courses but has also been the subject of banning attempts due to its themes, including racism. Advertisement Steinbeck told his agent Elizabeth Otis: 'Minor tragedy stalked. My setter pup, left alone one night, made confetti of about half of my manuscript book. 'Two months work to do over again. It set me back. There was no other draft. I was pretty mad, but the poor little fellow may have been acting critically. 'I didn't want to ruin a good dog for a ms [manuscript]. I'm not sure it is good at all. 'He only got an ordinary spanking with his punishment flyswatter. But there's the work to do over from the start.' 'I'm not sure Toby didn't know what he was doing when he ate the first draft,' he continued. 'I have promoted Toby-dog to be a lieutenant-colonel in charge of literature. But as for the unpredictable literary enthusiasms of this country, I have little faith in them.' The fragment, which is tipped to fetch up to $3,000 (2,472) is one of only two pieces from the original manuscript that still survive. The other is held at the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University. Of Mice and Men has long been read by British pupils as part of GCSE English courses. Prince Harry told in his memoir Spare how the book was his favourite when he was studying at Eton. It was turned into a 1992 film starring John Malkovich as Lennie and Gary Sinise as George. The manuscript fragment is just one of more than 100 objects owned by Steinbeck that are being sold by the family of his youngest sister Mary. Also up for grabs is Steinbeck's personal journal from 1949, where he detailed the end of his marriage to second wife Gwen and the death of his best friend Ed Ricketts. Of Mice and Men was published in February 1937 and was immediately highly praised by critics and general readers John Steinbeck is seen as a young man. He went on to win the novel prize for literature in 1962 It was turned into a 1992 film starring John Malkovich as Lennie and Gary Sinise as George He wrote: 'I don't suppose anyone ever so hated a year as I hated 1948 Wife, children, best friend all gone. But perhaps it toughened me. I hope so.' The diary could sell for up to $30,000 (24,000). Letters sent between Steinbeck and his family are expected to sell for up to $350,000 (285,000), whilst a sword the writer gave to his sister is tipped to sell for up to 3,000. Also included in the sale is the original manuscript of Steinbeck's first novel, Cup of Gold, which is expected to sell for up to $150,000 (122,000). Steinbeck later had a poodle named Charley, who he wrote about in 1960 work Travels with Charley. The eco-spoilsport who helped shut down Les Miserables is a hypocrite 'theatre lover' who starred in his high school's production of a West End smash himself. MailOnline has unearthed footage of Noah Crane struggling through One More Angel in Heaven during the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at his Norfolk comprehensive less than two years ago. Crane, who is now on his gap year working for Just Stop Oil as a 'recruiter', was playing Joseph's father Jacob, and warbled through his song in the show in December 2021. He came back to perform at Aylsham High School because the production was delayed due to Covid. But the teenager thought nothing of being one of five eco-killjoys who stopped Les Mis at the Sondheim Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue on Wednesday night, ruining it for an audience who had paid up to 175 for a seat and travelled from across the UK and abroad to be there. One elderly couple said their 80th birthday celebration was wrecked and they may never return to the West End again. Describing himself as a 'theatre lover', Crane said he 'took action because he knows there's no future for the arts if society fails under the pressures of climate collapse.' The activists calmly climbed on to stage from the most expensive seats in the house and unfurled their banners, screaming 'join the rebellion'. An American theatregoer yelled: 'F*** you' as one of the eco-killjoys gave a monologue about 'society collapsing'. Noah Crane, who shut down Les Miserables, on stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Just Stop Oil protester Noah Crane was on stage Noah, pictured on a previous march and right on Facebook, is working for JSO on his gap year Crane returned to his school to perform after covid disrupted his final year Security were forced to close the stage, brought down the curtain and had to evacuate the building as the police and arrested the five JSO activists. They were all charged last night. Husband and wife Tricia and John Jeanes, 80, were enjoying the theatre when their evening was 'ruined' by the eco-fanatics. They were there to celebrate their 80th birthdays and the wrecked trip cost in excess of 600. Tricia told MailOnline: 'We have been married 62 years and this episode has put us off coming into London to see the shows which we have always enjoyed in the past. 'These people are antagonizing the public. This is no way to get their support. 'The protesters should be made to reimburse the out-of-pocket expenses as many would have had to stay in hotels in London - ourselves included. 'We were very angry as there were many people there who may never be able to see the show again. Also sad for the performers who were ushered off stage.' She added: 'No one knew at first if it could have been a terrorist attack. We were firstly asked to go into the bars where it was very hot and crowded and we were there for some time. 'I have only admiration for the way the theatre dealt with the incident considering they were not allowed to physically remove the protesters.' MailOnline revealed earlier today that Noah, who has just finished his studies at the Catholic Notre Dame Sixth Form in Norwich, was one of the mob. He is using his gap year to work as a JSO recruiter and has been vocal in defending the group's activities and the way they disrupt the lives of the British public. Most recently he was arrested at King Charles' Coronation in London as the Met broke up a potential protest. On Wednesday evening he was joined on stage by several other repeat offenders. A young cafe worker from an affluent market town, a graduate who threw paint all over the Scottish Parliament and a new recruit also stormed the West End stage. There was outrage in the audience who had paid up to 175 for a seat and travelled from across the UK and abroad to be at the Sondheim Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue. Tory Dame Andrea Jenkyns tweeted today: 'Lock them up', as MailOnline can reveal that several have been arrested before. The audience was rapt as the stars of the show belted out Do You Hear the People Sing but in an incident that raises serious questions about security, the activists calmly climbed on to stage from the most expensive seats in the house and unfurled their banners, screaming 'join the rebellion'. Security closed the stage, brought down the curtain and had to evacuate the building as the police arrived. Theatregoers drowned out the JSO chanting with booing and cries of 'you disgust me'. Another angry punter shouted: 'Get off you stupid people. How dare you.' A third screamed repeatedly: 'You naughty people, you naughty people.' An American yelled: 'F*** you' as one of the eco-spoilsports gave a monologue about 'society collapsing'. The audience have been told they can have a refund by the Sondheim Theatre, but with some buying expensive tickets via third parties it might be trickier for some to get their cash back. The crowd booed and jeered as Noah and cafe worker Poppy Bliss clambered onto the stage holding the group's orange banner at the Sondheim Theatre in Shaftesbury Miss Bliss, from Suffolk, was arrested over the summer at a previous protest (pictured) Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns is among those who is calling for them to be jailed Hannah Taylor, 23, was one of protesters. The maths graduate was up in court in Scotland recently after the Scottish Parliament was doused in paint. She said: 'The show starts with Jean Valjean stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving child. How long before we are all forced to steal loaves of bread? She added: 'How long before there are riots on the streets? The show cannot go on. We are facing catastrophe. New oil and gas means crop failure, starvation and death. It is an act of war on the global south and an utter betrayal of young people'. Cafe worker Poppy Bliss, from well-heeled Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk was also on stage. In June she was among a number of people arrested in London as they took part in a Just Stop Oil march demanding the Government stops issuing new fossil fuel licences. And the fourth person was a JSO newbie called Hanan. The eco-warrior said: 'I'm taking action with Just Stop Oil by disrupting a Les Mis performance tonight. Just Stop Oil member Hannah Taylor (pictured) urged people watching the West End show to 'join the rebellion' - but did not win over the crowd Hannah was involved in an attack on the Scottish Parliament (pictured) JSO new girl Hanan said she stopped the show because of the Government's new oil and gas licences Hanan is seen here on the left of the picture on the edge of the stage Video shows the theatre crowd booing as eco-activists clambered onto the stage holding the group's orange banner 'Les Mis is about the June rebellion where ordinary people stood up, organised themselves against a government that consistently showed no interest in their wellbeing. 'The UK Government has approved hundreds of gas and oil licences knowing the full consequences this will have on our climate and our society. 'So why wait? Take action.' The Metropolitan Police arrested people following the disruption at the musical, which depicts a failed republican rebellion against the French state. As others booed and jeered the eco protesters, a man near the front snatched away one of the eco-protesters' banners. Theatregoers expressed anger at the protest, and told MailOnline that they all cheered when the police arrived. One told MailOnline: 'It was a show that everybody was very excited about, you could feel that before it started. There were tourists from all over the world and people from all over the UK. 'The audience was very angry when the protest started. There wasn't an ounce of sympathy for them and people were booing and jeering them. These protestors didn't achieve anything, they just annoyed a lot of people who were looking forward to a special night out.' Another theatre goer revealed that after being ushered out of the venue they waited outside. He added: 'There were a lot of angry people waiting around outside the theatre because we wern't sure what was going on. When the police arrived, everybody started cheering them. 'These protestors knew exactly what they were doing. They were sitting in expensive seats near the front row and the whole protest was very well organised. It happened just before the interval during a very important moment in the musical. 'I'd like to know how they could afford such costly seats because I couldn't and was sat right at the back of the theatre.' Just Stop Oil said that four protesters locked themselves to the 'stage of the French-revolution-themed show' using flexible bicycle locks at around 8.50pm. In video of the incident, audience members can be heard booing the demonstrators. The climate change group said that the performance was stopped and the theatre was evacuated by 9.10pm. Police have since confirmed that five people were arrested at the theatre. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Met said: 'At about 9pm tonight, police were called to a protest inside a theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, WC1. 'Local officers were quickly on scene and five people have been arrested.' Social media users were quick to point out that JSO was incorrect is saying the play was set during the French revolution. Others slammed the eco mob for their actions. One X user said: 'This is just embarrassing. Get a life.' Another added: 'Imagine being this entitled. Just stop oil think their opinions justify ruining everyone else's morning, day and evening. Incredibly selfish and unhelpful, damaging their own cause.' Just Stop Oil said that four protesters locked themselves to the stage to the stage of the French-revolution-themed show' using flexible bicycle locks at around 8.50pm. Pictured is a JSO demonstrator during the disruption This photo shows an apparently angry audience member pointing and scolding the protesters Five demonstrators are pictured on stage during the performance this evening. Police have confirmed that five JSO activists have been arrested in connection to the incident William Village, chief executive of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres - which owns the Sondheim, issued a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, following the incident Just Stop Oil said two of the protesters were called Hanan - a 22-year-old student - and Noah, 18. The group said: 'Hanan, a student, took action because the UK Government, by approving new oil and gas has shown total disregard for their wellbeing. The republican June Rebellion of 1832 inspired Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables, which was published in 1862. The rebellion failed and didn't last for long because it lacked support from the public. Just Stop Oil member Hannah Taylor said: 'The show starts with Jean Valjean stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving child. How long before we are all forced to steal loaves of bread? How long before there are riots on the streets? The show cannot go on. 'We are facing catastrophe. New oil and gas means crop failure, starvation and death. It is an act of war on the global south and an utter betrayal of young people.' In another video posted online eco-warrior Hanan said: 'I'm taking action with Just Stop Oil by disrupting a Les Mis performance tonight' She added: 'Les Mis is about the June rebellion where ordinary people stood up, organised themselves against a government that consistently showed no interest in their wellbeing' This evening, officers from Scotland Yard were called to the Sondheim Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue and said they are currently 'dealing'. Pictured: JSO protesters interrupting the performance this evening William Village, chief executive of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres - which owns the Sondheim, said there will be refunds for all ticket-holders. He added: 'During the first half of our performance of Les Miserables, individuals from Just Stop Oil invaded the stage, abruptly stopping the show. 'Following our safety protocols, the audience were asked to leave the auditorium and the Met Police attended. 'Regrettably, there was insufficient time to enable us to complete the rest of the performance. 'Whilst we recognise the importance of free expression, we must also respect our audience's right to enjoy the event for which they have paid.' Just Stop Oil told MailOnline: 'This summer has shown us the sheer power of a supercharged climate. 'Scientists are freaking out and even the Pope is sounding the alarm. But, like the citizens of Paris in 1832, we have locked our doors, while our young face slaughter on the streets. 'They will inherit a scorched earth, unfit to live in and we will be long gone. We cannot let this stand. The show cannot go on.' What a foul betrayal of basic human decency. After years of shamelessly smearing Republicans as racist Neanderthals for daring to suggest that a physical barrier may stem the raging migrant crisis, President Joe Biden is all of the sudden building the wall. 'There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers to prevent unlawful entries into the United States,' his administration announced this week. You don't say. Conservatives saw this humanitarian disaster coming from a mile away. But the allure of cynical political pandering was too great for Democrats. Old Joe knew that soft-hearted, soft-minded liberals would be outraged by the idea of turning away men, women and children at the U.S. border. So, he capitalized on it. The misery of millions made for a potent talking point. 'There will not be another foot of wall constructed during my administration,' then-presidential candidate Biden pledged in a 2020 NPR interview. 'It shall be the policy of my administration that no more American taxpayer dollars be diverted to construct a border wall,' he huffed and puffed in a presidential proclamation after winning the White House. That was music to deluded Democrats' ears. Old Joe knew that soft-hearted, soft-minded liberals would be outraged by the idea of turning away men, women and children at the U.S. border. So, he capitalized on it. (Above) Biden review border enforcement operations, in El Paso, Texas on January 8, 2023 Conservatives saw this humanitarian disaster coming from a mile away. But the allure of cynical political pandering was too great for Democrats. (Above) A U.S. Border Patrol agent supervises as immigrants walk into the United States after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on September 30, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas After all, a wall on the southern border with Mexico was alternatively 'a medieval vanity project,' 'a complete waste of taxpayer money,' 'an immorality,' and a manifestation of Trump's 'xenophobia and racism,' according to various vacuous White House voices and elected leftist lunatics. Hysterical progressive environmentalists pulled their dyed-blue hairs out over the dire impact that a wall would have on the border ecosystem. Nevermind the dire consequences of kilos of deadly fentanyl smuggled into America killing and addicting our citizens at historic rates, there were spotted owls to protect. Now, Biden's DHS wants to waive 26 laws and regulations, including provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, to speed their little project along. So what changed, Joe? Was it the nearly five million illegal immigrants who entered the country under your watch? The falling dominos of crying Democratic mayors whose city shelters and schools are now filled? Not only is this a humiliating admission of failure to secure America's borders, but it is also a window into the callous hypocrisy of a commander-in-chief who didn't give a damn about the problem until it knocked on the door of deep blue cities. Now in a risible, outrageous act of chicanery, Biden claims he had no choice but to build 20 miles of wall in a remote stretch of south Texas, because Congress appropriated the funding under Trump. Suddenly the hands of Captain Executive Order are tied? Please. Absolutely no one is buying it. (Above) President Trump participates in a ceremony commemorating the 200th mile of border wall in San Luis, Arizona on June 23, 2020 Here's Squad leader AOC: 'The Biden administration was not obligated to expand border wall construction and it was certainly not obligated to waive several environmental laws to expedite construction.' Lefty leaders from Chicago to New York City are making their own embarrassing about-faces. A few months ago, New York City's Mayor Eric Adams welcomed migrants bussed into the Big Apple and vowed to, 'provide services to families that are here I'm proud that this is a Right to Shelter state, and we're going to continue to do that,' he said. How stunningly brave and naive and grossly negligent. Now the mayor has been mugged by reality. Tent cities stand in New York City parks where children once played, migrant families sleep on sidewalks and the elderly are kicked out of nursing homes to make room for even more. This week Adams is traveling in Mexico on a hopeless PR-junket to convince migrants not to come to overstuffed Gotham, while his administration begs a judge to relax the city's once-cherished obligation to provide beds for the homeless. He's not alone. New York Governor Kathy Hochul evoked the image of the Statue of Liberty in 2021, to 'welcome' migrants 'with open arms.' 'We'll not only house you, but we'll protect you,' she assured migrants streaming into her state. Tent cities stand in New York City parks where children once played, migrant families sleep on sidewalks and the elderly are kicked out of nursing homes to make room for even more. (Above) Migrants sleeping outside NYC hotel in August 2023 Two years later her tune has changed. '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.' Pathetic progressive poetry has given way to panic. What cowards! They've turned their backs the very people they once claimed to champion, and vulnerable, penniless, likely traumatized migrants find themselves abandoned in a foreign country. Who are the monsters now? How simple it was just a few years ago for progressives to gravely wax on about their morally superior positions. Then it was all just talk. The migrant crisis was a problem for dusty Texas and Arizona backwaters. No one with a job in the liberal media had ever set foot in McAllen or Nogales or Del Rio, so who cares? But it didn't take much foresight to realize that reckless policies, like Biden's declaration that undocumented, unaccompanied migrant children would be exempt from deportation, would have dangerous consequences. Not long after Joe's March 2022 invitation to migrant kids, the Border Patrol began releasing horrific videos of three-year-olds being dropped by smugglers over 14-foot-ball border fences and left to fend for themselves. Mr. President your cynical pandering encouraged this. Last month, Biden in all his wisdom granted work permits to 472,000 Venezuelan nationals. Is it any surprise that more will now come? Why are these liberals so wilfully blind? You see, it is easy to be a progressive prone to pipe dreams of impossible utopias. The migrant crisis was a problem for dusty Texas and Arizona backwaters. No one with a job in the liberal media had ever set foot in McAllen or Nogales or Del Rio, so who cares? But it takes courage to think through one's actions and avoid knee-jerk, bleeding-heart answers that may not be the best solutions, all the while being smeared as xenophobes. We've seen the disastrous results of left-wing pie-in-the-sky ideas over and over again with COVID, with crime and with failing schools. What the left calls compassion is often nothing more than cruel condescension. What the left calls kindness is an in-kind contribution to chaos. No one feels good about turning away people risking their lives to come to America in search of a better life. But someone needs to say that our border laws must be enforced and that requires leaders who make hard decisions. The sad truth is that millions of people must be told that they cannot come to America. Unless migrants are fleeing persecution or torture they are not entitled to seek asylum in the United States. And until the asylum laws as written by Congress - are enforced this crisis will persist. Frankly, I have little hope. For even as Biden begrudgingly builds more wall, there is one thing he hasn't done. He hasn't said: 'I was wrong'. Actions speak louder than words, and this 180-degree reversal screams from the mountaintop that his liberal self-righteousness was nothing more than incompetent bluster. This episode also makes clear that we need a new president. One with the guts to face real challenges instead of pandering to his base with fairy tales that never, ever end well. well. Ross was struggling financially after falling behind on tax payments on a Porter Corners property, and was forced to move back in with his mother A former girlfriend of Craig Ross told DailyMail.com she believes he kidnapped and held Charlotte Sena for ransombecause he knew the family had money Suspected child snatcher Craig Ross kidnapped Charlotte Sena and held her for ransom in a sick bid to get hold of her late grandfather's fortune, an ex-girlfriend exclusively claimed to DailyMail.com. Ross, 46, is accused of 'targeting' the nine-year-old girl after learning her grandfather, Patrick, had successfully sued the small town of Greenfield for $2.2million in 1998 over a sledding accident. Ross, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, was charged with first-degree kidnapping on Monday. He is next scheduled to appear in Milton Town Court on November 21. Patrick Sena, who died in 2015, had been sledding with Charlotte's father David, who was seven at the time, when they hit a bump and were sent flying. He suffered a broken pelvis and a spine fracture. Amanda Preece, 33, a former partner of Ross, believes that the father-of-three held Charlotte to ransom for $50,000 because of his financial struggles. Ross was aware that Charlotte's late grandfather Patrick Sena, who died in 2015, was awarded $2.2million after suing the small town of Greenfield in 1998 over a sledding accident, his former girlfriend Amanda Preece told DailyMail.com A two-day investigation led authorities to the camper where they ultimately found Charlotte in a cabinet, unharmed Charlotte (right) as a younger child with her mother Trisha, father David and sisters He was reportedly behind on tax payments for a property in Porter Corners in Saratoga County less than two miles from Charlotte's parents' home and was forced to move back in with his mother four weeks before the kidnapping due to his money troubles. 'Charlotte's grandfather sued the Town of Greenfield years ago, and people around Saratoga are aware of this,' Preece told DailyMail.com. 'I think that's why he held her ransom, he was hoping to get some of the money because he's struggling financially. 'That kind of money would set him up for around four or five years. 'He's never wanted to work. He's always wanted to find people to mooch off of whether it be girlfriends or making his mother feel bad because his MS is so bad.' A clipping from the Post-Star newspaper reveals Sena was awarded a hefty settlement after he was injured while sledding in 1989 Court filings obtained by DailyMail.com show that Patrick Sena was awarded $810,000 for past pain and suffering, $1,000,000 for future pain and suffering, $180,000 for past derivative losses and $250,000 for future derivative losses. The case took nearly 10 years to settle. The family also sued the manufacturer of the sled, the surgeon who treated him for his injuries and Albany Medical Center as part of the same lawsuit. A clipping from the Post-Star newspaper from 1998 show that the Town of Greenfield received $1.8million of the settlement in two payments from their insurance company. The town paid Sena $242,500 directly. Robert Stokes, supervisor of the town of some 8,000 residents, said in a press release at the time: 'Obviously we don't have $242,500 just lying around. 'We do have approximately $25,000 previously set aside to defend the case which can now be put toward the settlement, and we will try to find an additional $17,500 out of what is left in the 1998 budget. 'Our intention is to bond the remaining $200,000 over a five-year period to minimize the effect on Greenfield taxpayers. We are sorry that Mr Sena was injured. 'The Town Board, after consultations with its counsel, unanimously believed it was in the best interest of the town and its citizens to settle the case and move on.' New York State Police confirmed that Ross had demanded $50,000 from Charlotte's parents, with some law enforcement sources claiming that he forced her to write her own ransom note. The nine-year-old was found on Monday afternoon, hidden inside a cabinet in Ross's trailer, with her alleged abductor 'resisting' officers as they tried to arrest him in his underwear. Ross's partner Preece was awarded a restraining order against him in 2017 after he 'grabbed her by the throat with both hands' and threw her across a room. DailyMail.com has learned Ross had been behind on tax payments for this property in Porter Corners in Saratoga County forcing him to move back in with his mother in recent weeks DailyMail.com revealed that Ross suffered from multiple sclerosis and had just moved to the trailer on his mother's property four weeks ago because his condition had worsened Craig Ross Jr. with one of his sons and former wife Lorena Kelsey Ross She told DailyMail.com that the father-of-three was 'evil' and even his own children felt he was a 'monster'. The woman blamed police in Saratoga for allowing Ross to feel like he was 'invincible' in the years running up to Charlotte's abduction. Ross moved into the squalid RV trailer behind his mother's home in Ballston Spa because the condition had been getting worse. But his ex claims that the move could have been a ruse to set him up with a place to keep the schoolgirl after he abducted her with neighbors saying he covered the trailer with a tarp to block the windows. 'He had been following her family, he knew where they lived,' she said. 'He watched her until she went around one last time and scooped her up. I feel he definitely had this pre-planned. 'He put up tarp over the windows a few months prior, so I feel like he had been planning it for a while' added Preece, who spoke on condition she was not photographed. 'He has the patience for messed up things like that. 'The man didn't work, so in all that time he's sitting there, drinking, he's thinking about his next moves. His mother could have seen through the window from her patio so that's why he put up the tarp. 'You don't just take a child out of nowhere. He waited until she did one final loop on her own, so I think he was watching her for a while.' Preece also claims that Ross could have met Charlotte while taking his own daughter, 11, to softball games in the area, as the two girls played on the same fields He would also take his own children camping in Moreau Lake State Park, swimming and biking with his family. Charlotte's bike was discovered by search and rescue teams down an embankment near this campsite at Moreau Lake State Park Charlotte Sena's parents, Trish and David Sena On Monday at around 4am, someone dropped a ransom note into the mailbox at Charlotte's parents' house. It contained traces of Ross's DNA and fingerprints 'To go to the campsite where they were at, to know where they lived, and to go to the park when they are there. He definitely had this planned', she added. 'He's the type of person where he pre plans and it can be months ahead to do something. 'I think other peoples should know that he potentially met Charlotte while she was playing at the same field as his daughter, you never know who he might have come in contact with.' Court documents from the April 21, 2017 incident detail how Preece escaped Ross's clutches by 'twisting and turning', before he threw her glasses at her in a fit of rage outside of the $127,000 property. Ross ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree harassment in the case, after initially being charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. He was also issued a restraining order against his former partner and fined $50. His ex-girlfriend fears that Ross will commit suicide if he is not granted bail, and said that police should have taken her stalking, harassment and abuse allegations more seriously. 'He always terrorized me and anybody he encounters where he feels that he is mentally stronger than them he will terrorize them,' she said. 'It's very passive-aggressive where he'll get right in your face, and he'll just stare at you and talk. 'He can whisper and it still gives you the goosebumps and you're terrified of him. 'Craig is the type of person who can get right close to a child and sound really evil in their ear and scare them so they're quiet because he used to do that to his daughter when she was little. Craig Ross's mother Joan Ross, 72, returned to her home in Ballston Spa, New York, on Thursday for he first time since her son was arrested on her property First order of business on returning home was to change the locks on the house Charlotte's rescue marked the end of an intense two-day search involving 400 people 'He could have done that to Charlotte. He could have scared her so bad on the way to his mother's that she was absolutely quiet. 'A kid's going to make noise unless you've done something to completely scare her. 'I don't understand why they aren't brining up his previous history. He tried shooting at me when I was at work,' added the ex. Ross was arrested and charged with Charlotte's abduction on Monday after fingerprints found on a ransom note he had dropped off at Charlotte's home matched those in police databases from previous arrests. Charlotte is now back home with her parents. Her rescue marked the end of an intense search, with more than 400 people taking part in the hunt for the girl Monday, including forest rangers, police officers and firefighters. The fourth grader had been riding her bike around a campsite loop in the park with other children when she decided to ride around one more time by herself. That is when Ross allegedly grabbed her. Her family have been forced to defend their decision to set up a GoFundMe, which has raised more than $45,000. They say they will close the fundraiser on Friday. Initially it was set up to help fund the search for Charlotte but will now help her parents with expenses to 'transition back into some sense of normalcy.' An update to the page read: 'We have received a lot of emails inquiring as to why this fundraiser is still on going on. 'Now that Charlotte is home, the real work will begin. There are and will be a lot of ongoing expenses and appointments that will require the family to be out of work. 'If you have any to contribute and would like to do so, it's greatly appreciated. 'Obviously please don't feel the need to contribute if you can't or don't believe in the cause. Any emails regarding this that are deemed to be confrontational will be ignored.' Hunter Biden withdrew his daughter's college savings to help fund a months-long drug and hooker binge and still hasn't paid the taxes on it, documents unearthed exclusively by DailyMail.com reveal. The First Son's profligacy was cast in sharp relief in papers from an IRS whistleblower who investigated him for tax crimes, released by Congress last month. In late 2018 Hunter was in his 'penultimate odyssey through full blown addiction', according to his memoir, skulking in Connecticut motels and frittering away thousands on prostitutes and crack cocaine. His private bankers at Wells Fargo sent him an email on December 17, 2018 warning that he had just 44 cents left in his account, according to records obtained by DailyMail.com from his abandoned laptop. Hunter responded with a jumbled reply, ordering them to transfer $20,000 from his daughter Maisy's educational savings account. He told the wealth managers: 'liquidate what you can' and 'Live [love] you both'. In late 2018 Hunter Biden withdrew his $20,000 from daughter Maisy's college savings to help fund a months-long drug and hooker binge, DailyMail.com can reveal Maisy, Hunter's third daughter, was in her final year of high school when he withdrew the funds. She and her sisters, along with Joe Biden and First Lady Jill, had tried to stage an intervention just weeks earlier at the President's Delaware home to get Hunter to go back to rehab Hunter's private bankers at Wells Fargo sent him an email on December 17, 2018 warning that he had just 44 cents left in his account, according to records obtained by DailyMail.com from his abandoned laptop Hunter responded with a jumbled reply, ordering them to transfer $20,000 from his daughter Maisy's educational savings account Hunter told his wealth managers: 'liquidate what you can' and 'Live [love] you both' At the time, Maisy, now 22, was in her final year of high school. She and her two older sisters, along with Joe Biden and First Lady Jill, had tried to stage an intervention just weeks earlier at the President's Delaware home to get Hunter to go back to rehab. He promised to go, but instead ended up smoking crack in a hotel, he confessed in his 2021 memoir, Beautiful Things. Emails and messages from his laptop show money he took from Maisy's educational savings account went in part to paying various suspected prostitutes who visited him at hotels in the following days, his Porsche 911 car loan, sex webcam subscription fees, and other personal expenses. Hunter's assistant Katie Dodge plaintively emailed him on December 28 that year that he had University of Pennsylvania tuition bills of $27,945 due (likely for his eldest daughter, Naomi), a $1,700 payment for his Porsche, $4,244.70 for Maisy's high school Sidwell Friends, her $3,000 paycheck and $1,000 for another employee. Hunter tersely told Dodge to pay for the Porsche and his health insurance, but that she would only be getting half her paycheck and that he would 'deal with tuitions when time comes.' He added: 'If you haven't noticed Katie my business partner is now a prisoner on death row in China,' referring to Chinese government-linked oil giant CEFC chairman Ye Jianming, who had been arrested on corruption charges in Beijing that year. Maisy, like her sisters, Naomi, 29, and Finnegan, 23, ended up going to the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied fine arts. She graduated in May. Emails and messages from his laptop show money he took from Maisy's educational savings account went in part to paying various suspected prostitutes who visited him at hotels in the following days An email from the time he withdrew money from Maisy's college accounts shows he paid $33 for access to live sex cam site LiveJasmine.com. That payment was declined due to insufficient funds IRS Criminal Investigation agent Joseph Ziegler ran a tax probe into the First Son for five years before he blew the whistle to Congress, claiming that the investigation was slow-rolled and blocked by senior government officials. In an affidavit published by the House Ways and Means Committee last month, Ziegler revealed Hunter ended up looting Maisy's entire University tuition savings to fund his lavish spending, and didn't pay tax on it. Hunter 'failed to report the income related to a distribution he had taken from one his children's 529 [educational savings] Plan in 2019, additional income of approximately $39,820,' the IRS agent wrote. 'He also had personal distributions he had claimed as business deductions totaling approximately $12,791. 'As of today's date, this alleged additional income of approximately $52,611 has not been reported to the IRS and the alleged additional taxes of approximately $22,860 has not been paid to the IRS,' Ziegler wrote in the affidavit, dated August 2 2023. Other outrageous alleged tax offenses by the First Son include deducting thousands of dollars of payments to a convicted prostitute on his tax return, previously revealed by DailyMail.com. A devastating drone attack on a Syrian military academy by a 'terrorist organisation' has killed 112 people including 21 civilians. It was one of the bloodiest attacks ever against a Syrian army installation, and unprecedented in its use of weaponised drones in a country which has faced 12 years of civil war. Civilians and military personnel were killed in the attack on the military academy in the central province of Homs, Syria's defence ministry said, adding 'terrorist' groups had used drones. Separately, Turkish air raids in the country's Kurdish-held northeast killed at least 11 people, according to Kurdish forces, after Ankara had threatened retaliation for a bomb attack. In the central city of Homs, 'armed terrorist organisations' targeted 'the graduation ceremony for officers of the military academy', an army statement carried by official news agency SANA said. A drone strike targeted a Syrian military academy graduation ceremony, killing dozens of people and wounding many others Footage showed people helping a wounded person after the terrifying drone attack in Homs, Syria The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, reported '112 dead including 21 civilians, 11 of them women and girls'. It said at least 120 people were wounded. Health Minister Hassan al-Ghobash gave a lower death count, telling state television the 'preliminary' toll was 80 dead 'including six women and six children' and around 240 wounded. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The attack was carried out with 'explosive-laden drones', according to the military statement, vowing to 'respond with full force'. The government declared three days of mourning starting Friday. Graphic footage of the aftermath of the attack showed dozens of wounded people on the floor as people rushed to get help. Gunfire could also be heard in the background. In the rebel-held Idlib region, residents reported heavy bombardment by government forces in apparent retaliation. The Observatory said eight people had been killed and some 30 wounded. Swathes of Idlib province are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch. The jihadist group has used drones to attack government-held areas in the past. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was 'deeply concerned' over the drone attack and the retaliatory shelling, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, said in a statement: 'Today's horrific scenes are a reminder of the need to immediately de-escalate violence, towards a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to countering Security Council-listed terrorist groups.' Overnight, Syrian shelling killed an elderly woman and four of her children in a rebel-held area of Aleppo province, rescue workers and the Observatory said. Turkey's defence ministry said in a statement Thursday evening that Ankara forces had carried out air strikes in northern Syria, destroying 30 targets, including 'shelters, depots and storage sites'. The photo shows two injured persons in the aftermath of a drone attack that targeted a graduation ceremony of the Syrian military academy Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabash visited the casualties from the devastating drone attack Following the drone attack, the government shelled villages in Idlib province, in the rebel-held northwestern part of the country (pictured) Fire raging at the Zarba oil facility in Qahtaniyeh in northeastern Syria, near the Turkish border after air raids The Kurds' internal security forces said Turkey had carried out 21 strikes in the area, killing '11 people, including five civilians and six' security personnel. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters that US F-16 warplanes over Syria had shot down a Turkish drone on Thursday, deeming it 'a potential threat' after it approached 'less than a half kilometre from US forces' near Hasakeh. Turkey has carried out repeated strikes on targets in Syria's Kurdish-held northeast. On Wednesday, Ankara warned it would step up its cross-border air raids, after concluding that militants who staged a weekend attack in the Turkish capital had come from Syria. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces led the battle that dislodged Islamic State group fighters from their last scraps of territory in Syria in 2019. A Syrian girl receives treatment in the rebel-held city of Idlib following bombardment by Syrian forces Turkey views the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) that dominate the SDF as an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. Turkey has launched strikes on PKK positions in northern Iraq since Sunday's attack in Ankara, which wounded two Turkish security officers and was claimed by the Kurdish group. AFP correspondents in northeastern Syria saw smoke rising from oil sites near Qahtaniyeh, close to the Turkish border. Two power stations in the area were also hit, as well as the vicinity of a dam. Farhad Shami, spokesman for the SDF, the Kurds' de facto army, said the strikes had targeted military and civilian sites. 'There has been a clear escalation since the Turkish threats,' he said. In the market of the city of Qamishli in Hasakeh province, vendors voiced concern. 'The situation is worsening every day. Turkey doesn't let us breathe,' said Hassan al-Ahmad, a 35-year-old fabric merchant. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi denied Wednesday that the Ankara assailants had 'passed through our region'. Turkey regularly strikes targets in Syrian Kurds' semi-autonomous region, and has warned of more intense cross-border air raids 'Turkey is looking for pretexts to legitimise its ongoing attacks on our region,' he said. The Kurdish administration urged 'the international community' to 'take a stand capable of dissuading' Turkey from its attacks. The United States, Russia and Turkey all have troops in the country. Between 2016 and 2019, Turkey carried out three major operations in northern Syria against Kurdish forces. The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, spiralling into a devastating war involving foreign armies, militias and jihadists. READ MORE: Video captures moment FIGHT breaks out at school gates Parents have unleashed their fury on a driver who skipped the school run traffic by driving down the pavement. Pedestrians were shocked to see the grey Suzuki Swift motoring down the pavement down the pavement in Dulwich, southeast London. Fuming parents took to social media to show their displeasure at the 'selfish' driver. Parents have unleashed their fury on a driver who skipped the school run traffic by driving down the pavement Pedestrians were shocked to see the grey Suzuki Swift motoring down the pavement down the pavement in Dulwich, southeast London Fuming parents took to social media to show their displeasure at the 'selfish' driver Dulwich Wood School Street, a group of parents campaigning for safer roads around the nearby school, said: 'Er, when did this become the norm!?' It was suggested the car was trying to beat the morning school traffic as parents dropped their children off Dulwich Wood School Street, a group of parents campaigning for safer roads around the nearby school, said: 'Er, when did this become the norm!?' They added: 'This is illegal surely?' Angry parents added on Twitter/X that it was 'horrific, selfish behaviour.' Another X user said: 'This beggars belief.' The grey car seemed to pass close to the person filming as the vehicle snuck up the street. It was suggested the car was trying to beat the morning school traffic as parents dropped their children off. Others urged people to report the incident to the Metropolitan Police. From other posts on the campaigning group's Twitter/X, it seems like the shocking driving has occurred before. The Met said: 'We are aware of a video on social media showing a car driving on the pavement in Dulwich. 'We have made a request to the person who posted the video to make a crime report so this can be investigated.' Washout conditions are believed to have hit turnout in a crucial by-election where a confident Labour Party is hoping to defeat the SNP. Activists from all parties braved the elements yesterday to try to get their voters to polling stations across the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency. But there were widespread concerns about the effect of the weather on the by-election, which could be a barometer of support for the crisis-hit SNP and the strength of any Labour resurgence. The contest was triggered after voters removed former Nationalist MP Margaret Ferrier in Scotlands first recall petition. Ferrier flouted Covid rules by travelling between London and Glasgow while knowingly infected with coronavirus, and she was subsequently convicted in court of recklessly exposing people to harm. Disgraced former Nationalist MP Margaret Ferrier wheeling her bin out yesterday as voters headed to polling stations in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, the constituency she used to represent It has left the SNP desperately battling to retain the seat, which its disgraced former MP won with a 5,230 majority in 2019. But Labour was odds-on favourite to win. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar had said a seismic victory could signal the decline of the SNP and be a launching pad back into power for his party. With heavy rain falling during much of polling day, Mr Sarwar posted a video of himself using a hairdryer to dry out sheets of election material used by activists, saying: It gives a whole new meaning to hairdryer treatment. One Labour source out in the grim weather told the Scottish Daily Mail: Turnout does seem very low. Everyones soaked and the horrible weather isnt helping getting the vote out. Speaking at 5pm, with five hours to go until polling stations closed, they added: Despite the turnout, were fairly confident were getting our supporters out to vote. An SNP doorknocker also said the relentless rain wasnt an ideal situation for a by-election, adding: People in this constituency have been bombarded about this by-election for months, but I reckon this weather will do turnout no favours. Weve been getting a great response on the doorstep, though Labour seem to be taking this contest for granted. The by-election was triggered after Margaret Ferrier was recalled after flouting Covid rules Analysis of 34 academic studies into voter turnout for elections, carried out by Copenhagen University, concluded that the vast majority show rainy polling days had a negative impact on how many people voted. On the eve of polling, Mr Sarwar said defeating the SNP could prove as seismic for Labour as Winnie Ewings win for the SNP in the same constituency. Her historic 1967 victory in Hamilton the partys first post-war win is credited with being the catalyst for the SNPs rise to power. Mr Sarwar added: You can talk about the by-election that Winnie Ewing won here many years back, you can talk about the Glasgow East by-election that we lost to the SNP. Both were regarded as seismic. I believe this has the potential to be a seismic by-election, and then as a launchpad as we head towards that next general election. SNP candidate Katy Loudon said a victory for her party would let the Westminster establishment know that Scotland must not be ignored. Jodi and Ruby were later arrested and charged with six counts of child abuse Ruby Franke's estranged partner Kevin has claimed he only learned of his family's whereabouts when his wife was arrested YouTube mom Ruby Franke's estranged husband has said he's only seen the alleged child abuser four times since their martial split last year. Ruby, 41, who gained notoriety for her parenting channel 8 Passengers, was arrested along with business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, 54, on August 30. Both women were charged with six counts of felony child abuse. Her estranged partner Kevin has now claimed he only learned of his family's whereabouts when his wife was arrested and two youngest kids, 10-year-old Eve and 12-year-old Russell, were in the hospital. Police allege the couple's son Russell was held to the ground with ropes while the women rubbed cayenne pepper and honey into his wounds. Ruby and Kevin Franke gained online notoriety for their parenting YouTube channel 8 Passengers Ruby, 41, was later arrested and charged with six counts of child abuse He escaped through a window and ran to get help before the pair were arrested. In the weeks following, videos circulated where Ruby gleefully spoke about forcing her son to sleep on a beanbag as punishment and refusing to bring her daughter a school lunch after she forgot to pack it herself. Kevin, 44, heard infrequently from his wife after Jodi - then their marriage counselor - came into their lives and was shocked by the circumstances surrounding her arrest. 'Kevin was shocked,' Kevin's lawyer, Randy Kester, told PEOPLE. 'It was at that point that he realized how deceived he had been.' Her business partner, 54-year-old Jodi Hildebrandt - formerly the couple's marriage counselor - ordered that the couple split up to salvage their marriage The internet-famous couple, known for their vlog following their daily lives of their six kids and at its height espoused parenting advice to some 2.5 million subscribers, had separated a year prior to Ruby's arrest. Kevin and Ruby started seeing Jodi in 2021. Jodi, who was divorced and estranged from her own children, claimed to specialize in sex addiction - but had been reprimanded by the state in 2012 for having an inappropriate relationship with a client. That same year, Jodi founded ConneXions, a program promising 'to help you flourish in your relationships.' The website reads: 'TRANSFORM Your Pain into JOY,' 'CHOOSE the LIFE You Want to Have' and 'EXCHANGE Your Confusion for CLARITY' - and offers one-on-one sessions priced at $181 each. A year later, following a trip with Jodi and another counselor, Ruby told Kevin that his 'attitude was infesting the family,' Kester said, and that the only way for them to save their marriage was to separate. Kevin moved out in July 2022 - while continuing to attend weekly sessions with Jodi. He lived in a townhouse near the family home, and a counselor from ConneXions stayed with him and supervise him. Their son, Chad, moved out with him, but Jodi ordered them to separate, claiming 'they were enabling one another,' Kester said. Jodi commanded that Kevin cut off communication with most people and only talk to Ruby if she reached out first. In the year that followed, 'Ruby was only allowed to contact Kevin three or four times,' Kester said. Social workers investigated the couple in June 2020 when concern was raised over troubling YouTube videos - but Utah's Division of Child and Family Services couldn't substantiate the abuse allegations. As Ruby travelled back and forth between Springville and staying with Jodi in Ivins- where they were later arrested - social workers and police visited several times in response to calls from a neighbor and the Frankes estranged daughter, Shari. Ruby and Jodi are being held without bail at Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility. Neither has entered a plea. Kevin has been questioned by police but has not been charged, his lawyer says. Jodi was later arrested along with Ruby and handed the same charges Kevin's lawyer claimed that the 44-year-old was told that his 'attitude was infesting the family' Kevin only spoke to Ruby 'three or four times' in the year after they split and was 'shocked' to hear of the circumstances surrounding her arrest Last month, Ruby's sister-in-law Jennifer Franke told DailyMail.com that many family members were suspicious of Ruby's business partner. 'From what I understand Ruby really started to change when she became mixed up with Jodi Hildebrandt,' Jennifer said. 'A lot of the family is starting to believe that Ruby and Jodi may have more than a professional relationship.' Before their arrest, both women were criticized for their parenting advice as they collaborated on ConneXions. Jennifer said the family heard that Jodi moved into the Franke family home between 2021 and 2022. 'It was a cult,' she said. 'Kevin was in a men's group at ConneXions, he had a checklist of what he needed to do to be better and if you did they would praise you and if you didn't they would chastise you.' She revealed that one of the first things Jodi did when she moved into the family home was separate the couple. Ruby's sister-in-law Jennifer Franke said that many family members were suspicious of Jodi, and that 'Ruby really started to change when she became mixed up with (her)' 'Ruby was living on one side of the house and Kevin was living on the other. Kevin couldn't talk to Ruby unless Jodi was present,' she said. Twenty-year-old Shari, the oldest Franke child, told Jennifer that she wasn't permitted to speak to her father. 'Shari told us that Kevin was kicked out last July 2022, at the time we never knew about Jodi and the influence she would have on the family,' she said. Shari explained that Kevin wouldn't take phone calls or answer emails and that Ruby and Judi had Kevin 'believing he is a bad person.' Jennifer said: 'Shari tried contacting her father after he moved out, but he blocked everyone on social media, his cell phone, email. 'I feel bad for Kevin, he's like almost brainwashed. I feel sorry for him.' After Ruby's arrest, Jennifer's husband phoned Kevin and offered support. 'Gaslighting is real. This is messed up,' Kevin responded. 'In some ways I think Kevin to an extent is also a victim, he was always the more nurturing one in the relationship,' Jennifer said. 'I keep asking myself, why didn't Kevin go back for his children. I have to believe none of us know the entire story.' A bizarre handwritten note from a bachelor looking for love has sparked the attention of a Sydney neighbourhood after it was posted on a telephone pole. The note contains a plea from the writer seeking help to find the perfect woman. 'I don't see the woman as a product of display or to use, she worth much more than that,' he writes. 'I'm not after temporary sexual relationships, and I'm not after any financial benefits, please don't offer me that.' The man describes himself as good-looking, easygoing, 180cm tall, and 75kg. 'I'm after a serious, long official marriage relationship with a woman that is kind, loyal, financially capable and free in her time, doesn't have long daily commitment,' he continues. 'Please, I'm sick of people playing around. If the above is you and you're interested, contact me.' He left his phone number on the note for potential suitors to contact him. A bachelor decided to put himself out there by posting a note on a telegraph pole A fellow Sydneysider who spotted the note decided to play potential match matcher and shared it on Reddit, where it has since gone viral. READ MORE: Desperate woman puts up posters begging strangers to stop feeding her cat Advertisement 'Thought I would spread the message,' the note is captioned. They added that copies of the note are plastered 'everywhere'. The letter sparked a divided response on social media. 'Financially capable AND free with my time? We live in Sydney. Pick one, man,' one woman joked. Others were in awe of the man for putting himself out there and wished him well in his quest for love. 'Whoever this person is, I hope someone responds to this message and finds love,' one wrote. Another added: 'I hope this man finds what he is looking for.' 'He should have found a wooden pole, then he could post it on Timber,' a third joked. 'Hinge really that bad these days huh,' another said. A fourth added: 'I'm trying not to judge the guy, but that does not scream mentally stable.' Democratic power players gathered outside of City Hall in San Francisco Thursday to pay tribute to the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died Friday at the age of 90. President Joe Biden taped a message for Feinstein, while sending her remains back to California on a plane from his military fleet. Vice President Kamala Harris, who served alongside Feinstein as a senator from California, called her an 'icon of California,' having served as the first female mayor of San Francisco before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer thanked Feinstein as a father of daughters for making it a little easier for women to ascend to positions of power. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke of Feinstein's softer side, noting how she loved 'cultivating people and flowers' and played 'matchmaker' to many couples. San Francisco Mayor London Breed (from left to right), Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein's granddaughter Eileen Feinstein Mariano all spoke at Feinstein's memorial service Thursday Sen. Dianne Feinstein passed away at the age of 90 on Friday. She was the first woman elected to be mayor of San Francisco and was the first woman Californians elected to the U.S. Senate, winning a special election in 1992 A number of members of Congress flew to California to pay their respects, with the service also attended by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who picked EMILY's List head Laphonza Butler to replace Feinstein in the upper chamber. Butler was sworn-in earlier this week. Biden called Feinstein - the first woman California elected to the Senate - 'tough, prepared, rigorous and compassionate.' 'She always served the people of California and our nation for the right reasons - to make life better for everyday people and ensure America stood for freedom, transparency and justice at home and abroad,' the president said in a videotaped message. He commended her work on the Judiciary Committee - which they served on together - and her fight to ban assault weapons. Biden noted how Feinstein was 'often the only woman in the room.' 'She also mentored generations of women and men alike to imagine a bigger, more hopeful future for themselves with the country and for the world,' he said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (right) arrives at the memorial service, held in front of San Francisco City Hall, with his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom (left). Newsom picked EMILY's List head Laphonza Butler to replace Feinstein in the Senate Katherine Feinstein (right) hugs her aunt Yvonne Banks (left) at her mother Sen. Dianne Feinstein's memorial outside of City Hall in San Francisco on Thursday. Feinstein passed away at age 90 on Friday Harris, who also cut her teeth in San Francisco politics, talked about how Feinstein was a 'serious and gracious person who welcomed debate and discussion but always required that it would be well-informed and studied.' 'And I believe this city where she started had a lot to do with that,' the vice president noted. 'To the uninitiated here, I will let you in on a well-known secret, San Francisco politics is rough and tumble, some even say a bare-knuckle sport.' Harris thanked Feinstein's family, her daughter Katherine and granddaughter Eileen, for their sacrifices that allowed Feinstein to become the longest serving woman in the U.S. Senate. 'And I don't have tot ell you that it is not easy. It is not easy when a loved on lives a life of public service. Especially a person as hard-working and selfless as Dianne Feinstein,' Harris said. 'So to you, the family, we thank you for all the sacrifices you knowingly and unknowingly made over the years that allowed her to serve and on behalf of the people of the United States, we are grateful to you,' she added. The vice president also recalled how it was Feinstein who welcomed Harris to the Senate when she was sworn-in in 2017. 'She invited me to her Senate hideaway,' Harris recalled. 'There with one hand she presented me with a glass of California Chardonnay and with the other hand a binder full of draft bills.' The U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew over San Francisco's City Hall during Thursday's memorial service for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who served as the city's first female mayor before being elected to the Senate in 1992 Rep. Adam Schiff (left) arrives Thurday to attend a memorial service outside of San Francisco City Hall for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Schiff had already announced his intentions to run for her seat in 2024 While a Democratic primary was already in motion, California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler (pictured) to take Feinstein's place in the Senate after her death at the age of 90 on Friday 'And true to her mayoral roots she was deeply immersed in the details of each bill and how each would play on the streets of our beloved state,' Harris added. Harris recalled how she had attended a celebration when Feinstein, a woman, had been elected to the U.S. Senate to represent California in 1992. And now 31 years later, Harris was there again, this time coming from Washington onboard Air Force Two. 'Dianne the women of America have come a long way, our country has come a long way and you helped move the ball forward and our nation salutes you Dianne,' Harris said. Schumer paid tribute to Feinstein by recalling how she worked an entire day on a fractured ankle, calling the anecdote 'quintessentially her.' 'Some of us might remember that years ago Sen. Feinstein injured her ankle while on a morning walk on Lake Tahoe. Now most people might go see a doctor, clear a schedule, focus on recovering - but Dianne, forget it,' the New York Democrat said. Feinstein was shepherding over the Tahoe Summit, an environmentalist gathering to save the lake. She 'remembered hearing a bone pop' and 'turns out it was a pretty significant fracture,' Schumer said. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delicately pushed back on criticism that Feinstein should have given up her seat as old age started to rob her of her faculties. 'Dianne left us as she had lived - she left on her own terms,' Pelosi said An image of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein is displayed during a memorial service for her outside of City Hall in San Francisco on Thursday. Feinstein was the longest serving female U.S. senator when she died on Friday 'She would also say to me, if you ever go out of town, no matter where you're going, it doesn't matter if you go to a city, or the desert, or a beach, or the mountains, always pack a black pantsuit,' Eileen Feinstein Mariano said of her grandma, the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein 'Asked how she got through the day she only offered three words - I just did,' the top Senate Democrat recalled. He also praised her ability to work across the aisle - something she was criticized for in later years when Republicans were able to get Justice Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court nomination through just days before a presidential election. 'Even while being so far ahead of her time on gun safety, marriage equality, women's rights, the environment and so many other issues she was never afraid of working with those she disagreed with whenever the opportunity arose,' Schumer touted. He also thanked her as the father of two daughters. 'Because of Dianne my daughters grew up in a world that's a little bit fairer, a little more just and more accepting of women in leadership,' Schumer said. Pelosi, who was also Feinstein's neighbor, shared some more personal details about the late senator - how she played matchmaker, how she was an artist, how much she loved flowers, how she had great hydrangeas. 'She loved flowers, she'd grow them, she'd show them, she'd paint them and share them on drawings and on mugs. Anybody here have a mug? A Dianne mug?' the ex-speaker asked those in the crowd. But Pelosi also delicately pushed back on criticism that Feinstein should have given up her seat as old age started to rob her of her faculties. 'Dianne left us as she had lived - she left on her own terms,' Pelosi said. Pelosi also revealed that Feinstein's granddaughter Eileen had the nickname 'Noodle.' Eileen 'Noodle' Feinstein Mariano's gave the crowd some laughs when describing some of the advice she received from her politically famous grandmother. 'She would also say to me, if you ever go out of town, no matter where you're going, it doesn't matter if you go to a city, or the desert, or a beach, or the mountains, always pack a black pantsuit,' Mariano said. 'There is no occasion to which you can't wear a black pantsuit.' Emergency services are battling floods and fires across Australia's east coast while the west swelters through extreme temperatures. Cities on the east coast are all set to see showers and cloudy conditions this weekend while floods and fires continue to affect Victoria and New South Wales. Showers hanging over Sydney on Friday will partially clear into cloudy weather on Saturday and Sunday, but temperatures will cool. A high of 21 on Friday will fall to 19C and 20C on Saturday and Sunday alongside a minimum temperature of just 12C. Showers over Bathurst on Friday are set to clear in time for the perfect conditions for race day on Sunday. High temperatures are set to hit norther Western Australia and Northern Territory this weekend (pictured, forecast for midday Saturday) Daytime temperatures for the Bathurst 1000 are forecast to sit between 17C and 22C while winds of 15 to 20km/h ease through the day. The weather in Canberra is looking slightly cooler with a top of 17C on Friday coupled with cloudy conditions that will hang around all weekend. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service issued a warning on Friday for residents around the state to prepare their bushfire plans with the rest of spring set to be hotter and drier than average. 'It has been a busy period for firefighters, with almost 400 fires occurring across the state since last Friday, including the Bega Valley, Mid-Western, Hunter and North Coast areas,' it said. 'We'd like to thank our RFS members and fellow firefighting agencies for their efforts in protecting life and property. We'd also like to thank the community for listening to the advice and warnings from all agencies. 'While conditions are easing, hot, dry and windy weather is forecast to return next week. 'It's important you and your family are prepared and know what you'll do if threatened by fire.' Weather for the Bathurst 1000 on Sunday is set to be sunny with daytime temperatures to sit between 17C and 22C (pictured, sunrise from Mount Panorama on Friday) Flooding in Victoria's Gippsland region has eased since Thursday but several communities still remain under a watch and act order. Residents in Port of Sale have been warned to clear of the town as flood waters continue to affect homes and roads. 'It is not safe for people to return to Port of Sale. If you have not evacuated, you should now shelter in the highest location possible,' VicEmergency said. 'The Thomson River is likely to exceed the moderate flood level, 3m, early Friday morning and may reach the major flood level, 4m, late Friday morning. 'This evacuation warning is likely to remain in place for 12-24 hours or until floodwater has receded.' Weatherzone meteorologist Maryam Al-Ansari said an upcoming dry spell will help floods clear. 'The previous system that just passed through brought significant rainfall and increased river heights,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'That system was predominantly over New South Wales, so its runoff came through to Victoria in addition to melted snow on the mountains. 'Those factors increased river heights and resulted in the flooding. Flood warnings have remained in place but we are not expecting significant rain in the area in the next few days. 'Hopefully, that will see river levels fall back to normal levels by early next week.' New South Wales Rural Fire Service said it has battled almost 400 fires (one above) in the last week and warned residents to be bushfire ready Melbourne is likely to see showers on Friday with southerly winds reaching 20 to 30km/h. Conditions will partial clear to cloudy on Saturday and Sunday. Adelaide isn't expected to see any of the rain affecting Victoria with cloudy weather forecast for Friday before a sunny weekend with high temperatures in the low 20Cs. Friday is set to be Hobart's coldest day with a maximum temperature of 13C coupled with showers. The weather will stay cloudy through the weekend but it will be slightly warmer with a top of 15C on Saturday and 17C on Sunday. Cloudy weather in Brisbane is expected to develop into showers on Saturday before partially clearing on Sunday. North Western Australia and the Northern Territory are forecast to see high temperatures this weekend with Broome's maximum temperatures set to only just fall short of 40C through to next week. Darwin is expected to see a top of 35C on Friday and Saturday and 33C on Sunday. Clouds over the city are set to clear on Saturday before more move back over from Sunday. Perth is predicted to see slightly cooler weather with high in the low 30Cs on Friday and Saturday before it cools to 25C on Sunday. Cloudy weather and showers are forecast for Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane and Canberra this weekend An urgent warning is in place after a confirmed case of measles on an international flight arriving in Australia. The infected passenger arrived in Sydney at 7am on Monday October 2. It is believed the adult passenger acquired their infection while travelling in Africa. An urgent health warning has been issued to passengers after a person who was on board a flight that arrived in Sydney on Monday was traveling after contracting measles Anyone on flight QF128 from Hong Kong to Sydney or who was in the Terminal 1 International Arrivals area on Monday morning should monitor for symptoms, NSW Health says. Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed by a red blotchy rash which spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body. Young children and infants can also experience diarrhoea. Measles is a highly contagious disease which can spread through coughing and sneezing. Due to high levels of vaccination, it is now rare in Australia but can cause serious illness and as many as one in three people with measles end up in hospital. The aircraft and terminal do not pose an ongoing risk but anyone who is susceptible to measles who was either on the flight or in the terminal at those times should keep their eye out for symptoms until Wednesday, October 20. Measles causes several symptoms including a red rash (pictured) all over the body, fever, sore eyes and a cough 'Those most likely to be susceptible to measles are infants under 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, anyone who is not fully vaccinated against the disease, which may include some adults; and people with a weakened immune system,' Associate Director Northern Sydney Public Health Unit Dr Sean Tobin said. People who aren't sure if they are fully vaccinated should consult their GP and get an extra shot as additional doses are safe, according to NSW Health. Symptoms generally start about 10 days after exposure but can take as many as 18 days to occur. 'Stay vigilant,' Dr Tobin warned. 'If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your GP or emergency department to ensure you do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.' Measles are highly infectious and is spread by coughing and sneezing with symptoms appearing 10 days after the initial exposure to the disease With a recent boost in international travel due to school holidays, the number of measles cases in the country is only expected to grow. A travel alert was issued in August after a tourist brought it back with them from Bali, while South Australia recorded its first case since 2019 in March after a three-year-old boy caught an infection overseas. Anyone experiencing measles symptoms or who has questions about measles is urged to contact their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A Colorado funeral home offering 'green burials' without coffins has been raided by cops in a probe over improper storage of human remains, as neighbors described the 'putrid dead animal smell' drifting from the building. The investigation centers on a property owned by the Return to Nature Funeral Home outside Colorado Springs in the small town of Penrose. Deputies were called to the single-story building on Tuesday night in reference to a suspicious incident. Investigators returned the next day with a search warrant and found the improperly stored remains. Trash bags could be seen on Thursday outside the entrance of the company's building, with two law enforcement vehicles parked in front. Yellow police tape cordoned off the area and a putrid odor pervaded the air. A hearse and debris can be seen at the rear of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 Fremont County deputies guard the road leading to the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 The number of human remains found and their condition were not specified. The sheriff's office said it was working with state and federal officials on the investigation. Family members who used the funeral home were asked to contact the sheriff's office. More details were expected to be released by officials at a scheduled news conference on Friday morning. A hearse was parked at the back of the building, in a parking lot overgrown with weeds. Near the squat building was a post office and a few scattered homes, spaced out between dry grass and empty lots with parked semi-trucks. Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. Joyce Pavetti, 73, can see the funeral home from the stoop of her house and said she caught whiffs of a putrid smell in the last few weeks. 'We just assumed it was a dead animal,' she said. On Wednesday night, Pavetti said she could see lights from law enforcement swarming around the building and knew something was going on. The building has been occupied by different businesses over the years, said Pavetti, who once took yoga classes there. She said she hasn't seen anyone in the area recently and noticed the hearse behind the building only in recent months. James Glidewell walks past the Return To Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 Neighbor Ron Alexander thought the smell was coming from a septic tank, adding that Wednesday night's blur of law enforcement lights 'looked like the 4th of July.' The father of a 25-year-old U.S. Navy serviceman who died last summer said Return to Nature handled his son's body between the time of its arrival back in Colorado and an August 25 funeral service at Pikes Peak National Cemetery east of Colorado Springs. 'I mean, there's obviously questions after hearing that there is something going on but there's not any information that I can go off of to really make any kind of judgement on it,' said Paul Saito Kahler, of Fountain, Colorado. The Return to Nature Funeral Home provides burial of non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets, shrouds or 'nothing at all,' according to its website. The company also provides cremation services. 'No embalming fluids, no concrete vaults. As natural as possible,' it says on its website. The company charges $1,895 for a 'natural burial.' That doesn't include the cost of a casket and cemetery space, according to the website. The funeral home also performs cremations that involve no chemicals or unnatural materials - 'just you and the Earth, returning to nature,' according to its website. Return to Nature was established six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to public records. A green burial refers to burying bodies that have not been embalmed. It is different from human composting, in which the body is placed in a vessel and transformed into soil. Fremont County property records show that the funeral home building and lot are owned by Hallfordhomes, LLC, a business with a Colorado Springs address which the Colorado Secretary of State declared delinquent on October 1 for failing to file a routine reporting form that was due at the end of July. The LLC changed addresses around Colorado Springs three times since its establishment in 2016 with a post office box. Hallfordhomes still owes about $5,000 in 2022 property taxes on its building in Penrose, according to Fremont County records. The Return to Nature Funeral Home was licensed in Colorado Springs in 2017. There were no disciplinary actions against the company listed on a state license database. There was not a separate license for the Penrose facility and it wasn't known if one was needed. Kathryn Wilson, who lives nearby, said her daughter's dog would curiously head towards Return to Nature's building when it slipped its leash. She said she previously hadn't given it a second thought, adding that community members were upset so little has been disclosed about what happened. 'Everybody wants more answers,' she said. An Alabama 14-year-old who had a 'hit list' of members of his family he wanted to kill has been arrested after he confessed to shooting dead his 17-year-old brother. The incident took place in the Pike County town of Banks on October 3. Sheriff's deputies were called to a home after the father discovered the teen's body. The boy, 17, had been missing since Monday but had not yet reported it to law enforcement. While interviewing the 14-year-old, who has not been named, he confessed to the murder and according to Sheriff Russell Thomas, he told classmates he wasn't yet done. 'He stated his brother got up and staggered out of the residence and out the back door, where he then fell at the bottom of the steps,' the sheriff said. 'He dragged him about 60 yards to the back of the property.' An Alabama 14-year-old who had a 'hit list' of members of his family he wanted to kill has been arrested after confessing to having shot dead his 17-year-old brother 'He then asked his friend to help him murder the rest of his family and help him bury their bodies,' Russell said in a statement. 'The friend also stated the 14-year-old had a hit list in his bookbag of family members he wanted to kill and made statements about wanting to shoot up the school.' Their father eventually discovered the body after he'd been called to pick up the boy from school, claiming that he was upset about his missing brother. On Wednesday, police discovered the existence of the hit list in the boy's backpack at his home and even made statements in class that he was going to shoot up the local high school, according to WSFA. The sheriff's office also found out the boy had made what they termed 'disturbing' and 'threatening' statements at the school on the day of the murder. The local school system believes there's no evidence of a threat, but has asked for an increased law enforcement presence on campus. District Attorney James Tarbox has charged the 14-year-old with murder as a juvenile. He is currently being held in a juvenile prison, News 3 reported. 'We are very fortunate and blessed we do not have more casualties as a result of a 14-year-old having access to a weapon,' Thomas said. While interviewing the 14-year-old, who has not been identified, he confessed to the murder and according to Sheriff Russell Thomas (pictured right), had told classmates at school he wasn't yet done The incident took place in the Pike County town of Banks when, on October 3, sheriff's deputies were called to a home after the boy's father had found the 17-year-old dead The boy had been missing since Monday but had not yet reported it to law enforcement However, there is a hearing scheduled to be held next week where a circuit judge may certify him as an adult. If so, the county will release his identity. 'The Pike County School System would like to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends impacted by this tragic event,' Superintendent Mark Bazzell said in a statement. The school is planning to have mental health counselors on campus for the near future. Relatives of a Brooklyn teenager who is accused of fatally stabbing a man waiting for a bus have said they cannot understand what made the 18-year-old pick up a knife - with a family friend calling the murder 'a horrible tragedy'. Brian Dowling, 18, was arrested on Thursday at his family's home in the Bedford Stuyvesant district of Brooklyn. He has been charged with the murder of 32-year-old Ryan Thoresen Carson, a community activist, who was with his girlfriend after a wedding when he was killed. The murder, at 3:45am, was captured on surveillance camera footage and shows Dowling confronting Carson, then pursuing him and stabbing him in the chest. Brian Dowling Sr told DailyMail.com he could not explain his son's actions. Teenage suspect Brian Dowling, 18, (left) is marched out of the 81st Precinct in Bedford Stuyvesant on Thursday in tears following his arrest for the murder of Ryan Thoresen Carson (right) Brian Dowling Sr, speaking outside the family brownstone in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, said he had no answers for his son's actions Detectives outside the suspect's home in Brooklyn on Thursday morning. DailyMail.com was there while they executed the search warrant 'Let's be honest here. What can I really tell you. I can't tell you,' he said, speaking outside the brownstone the family live in, which he inherited from his father. With the historically black neighborhood rapidly gentrifying, the property is now worth over $1.25 million - although it is unclear if the Dowlings own it, or rent. Eric Riddick, 58, a close friend of Dowling's father Brian Sr, said that the Dowlings were 'a good family', adding he had been friends with them for over 35 years. Brian Sr was best man at Riddick's wedding. 'It's a horrible tragedy because the son comes from a good family,' Riddick told DailyMail.com. 'I can't think of anything I can say why he went that route, or what triggered him to go that way. 'The kid is only 18 years old. And I really feel for the victim's family.' Riddick said that he wanted the court to order a psychiatric evaluation. 'I want them to check his mental state,' said Riddick. 'This was not the norm. He's a teenager.' Eric Riddick said the Dowlings were 'a good family', and urged a mental evaluation for Brian Dowling Brian Dowling, 18, was on Thursday charged with the murder of Brooklyn community activist Ryan Thorsen Carson The teenager was dressed in shorts, a t-shirt and sliders Ryan Thoresen Carson, 32, was killed on Monday morning at 4am while he waited for a bus The teenager was a twin, and his sister Breanna was with him when he attacked Carson. Friends of Breanna Dowling, arriving at the family home on Thursday, told DailyMail.com that they were 'shocked', and said Dowling had mental issues. Riddick said Dowling was his friend's only son, adding: 'I was with him when his kids were born - Brian and Breanna. 'I can't imagine - and it happened down the block, and was so close to home.' Riddick said it was 'a bad situation', but insisted Dowling was not a trouble maker. 'He wasn't the type of kid that followed,' said Riddick. 'He stayed to himself and was quiet. He never had any altercations.' Riddick said Dowling Sr was a musician with a group called Divine Sounds before his children were born, explaining: 'We come from musical history. 'We made records. We DJ and make songs. The father is part of the group. 'These records were made before the son was born.' Carson, the victim, was an advocate of social justice. He spearheaded liberal causes like creating supervised drug injection sites across the city and was a passionate environmentalist. His girlfriend, according to now locked-down social media profiles, was an avid BLM activist who was strongly critical of police, using the slur 'ACAB' in posts. Their friends say he would consider his killer the 'victim of a broken system' and would want his death to be used to continue advocating for social justice causes. On Wednesday, friends set up a GoFundMe account for Carson's girlfriend. They have so far raised $60,000. It remains unclear what prompted Dowling to attack. He was seen in the video at first walking past Carson, before turning back. Carson was filmed pushing him the chest several times before the first strike of the knife. At the end of the video, an unidentified woman yelled 'Brian!' as he fled the scene. One neighbor outside the home said they believed Dowling was influenced by drugs, while some questioned why Carson engaged in conversation with Dowling. 'I watched the video this morning it makes me sick to my stomach. I have been on that corner but definitely not at 3:45 am in the morning. I know better than that,' said Sarah Walker, 31. 'I feel sad and bad, but definitely would not have intervened in any kind of situation like that just knowing what happens in the neighborhood. 'People tell you - who are born and raised in the area - just don't make eye contact with people especially at 3:45 am in the morning. 'I would have walked across the street.' Writer Taki Theodoracopulos has been handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence in Switzerland for an attempted rape. The 87-year-old Spectator columnist was found guilty of attacking a woman in 2009 while she was staying at his chalet in Gstaad in the Swiss Alps as part of a ski weekend. Known for writing his famous High Life column since 1977, Greek-born Theodoracopulos said he was 'absolutely not guilty' and that the accusations were part of a plot to destroy his career, The Guardian reported. Yesterday his lawyer indicated that he would appeal against the verdict, according to The Guardian. The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the Oberland regional court in Thun: 'I felt like a piece of meat. I didn't feel that he saw me as a person at all. Taki Theodoracopulos has been handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence in Switzerland for an attempted rape. He is pictured at The Doubles Club in NYC on December 13, 2018 'I tried very hard to put the incident behind me but it really shook my confidence professionally and it has had ongoing emotional consequences.' Having first made her complaint to the Met Police in 2019, the victim explained that she waited a decade to report the incident because she did not think anyone would believe her. She said: 'I didn't think anyone would believe me. The accused was, is, a wealthy and powerful man. I thought everyone would think I was lying and I was trying to make my way in [my career]. 'But, also, I felt ashamed. I thought I shouldn't have accepted the invitation, I shouldn't have gone, and that if I tried to say something everyone would say it was my own fault.' Judge Martin Blatter found Theodoracopulos guilty of attempted rape and suspended a 12-month sentence for two years, ordering the journalist to pay court costs and compensation to the victim. Mr Blatter said the victim's statements were 'stringent and credible', adding that she had no motive to falsely accuse Theodoracopulos. The Parents' Summit will address mental health and wellness for kids and teens The pair will host the Archewell Foundation's first ever in-person event Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will return to New York City in mid-October Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will return to New York City in mid-October for Archewell's mental health summit, the first ever in-person event for the foundation. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in the Big Apple on October 10 for the event, five months after their 'near catastrophic car chase' through the city. The Archewell Foundation's Parents' Summit is aimed as helping families navigate children's mental health and wellness in the digital age, PEOPLE reports. The event has specifically invited parents who have experienced a loss due to or connected to their child's social media us. 'The families have been engaged with The Archewell Foundation for the past year, bolstering community and driving towards solutions,' a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE. 'Together, they are united in their mission to share personal experiences, data, and research to ensure the same does not happen to other families,' they said. Markle, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, will also be joined by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to discuss mental health in a panel hosted by Carson Daly. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will return to New York City in mid-October for Archewell's mental health summit, the first ever in-person event for the foundation. Pictured: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Women of Vision awards in NYC in May The Archewell Foundation's Parents' Summit is aimed as helping families navigate children's mental health and wellness in the digital age, PEOPLE reports Markle, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, will also be joined by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy (pictured) to discuss mental health during a panel Carson Daly will moderate the conversation with Meghan, Harry, and the U.S. Surgeon General The pair - who are no strangers to advocacy work - were in New York in May for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where Meghan was honored. A statement from the Sussex's spokesperson called the incident a 'near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.' The spokesman said the couple, as well as Meghan's mom Doria Ragland, were the victims of a 'relentless pursuit lasting more than two hours.' It has been suggested that they were trying not to be followed to where they were staying on the Upper East Side of the city. New York police subsequently told NBC that they did not believe the chase was 'near catastrophic,' however. They described it as a 'bit of a chaotic scene'. Julian Phillips, deputy commissioner of public information in New York also revealed that the NYPD 'assisted' the couple's private security team. New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed empathy - describing the actions of the paparazzi as 'reckless' and 'irresponsible' - but said he would find it 'hard to believe' there was a two-hour high speed chase. It's unclear how long Meghan and Prince Harry will be in New York City for their upcoming visit but they will be in town for World Mental Health Day on October 10. According to PEOPLE, the couple will partake in a conservation about social media, mental health, and how to empower and uplift others. The summit as a whole is part of Project Healthy Minds' second annual World Mental Health Day Festival, which tackles the mental health crisis. The pair - who are no strangers to advocacy work - were in New York in May for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where Meghan was honored. Pictured: Meghan Markle and Gloria Steinem at the Women of Vision Awards in May According to PEOPLE, the couple will partake in a conservation about social media, mental health, and how to empower and uplift others The pair - who are no strangers to advocacy work - were in New York in May for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where Meghan was honored The topic is near and dear to Meghan and Prince Harry, who have been open and honest about their own mental health struggles in the past. On the Archetypes podcast last October, the Duchess of Sussex discussed her own experience getting a referral to see a professional when she was at her 'worst point.' 'I think at my worst point, being finally connected to someone that, you know, my husband had found a referral for me to call. And I called this woman,' Meghan said. 'She didn't know I was even calling her. And she was checking out at the grocery store. I could hear the little beep, beep, and I was like, "Hi," and I'm introducing myself and that you can literally you're going, wait, sorry. I'm just. Who is this? Um, and saying I need help. And she could hear the dire state that I was in,' Meghan said. 'But I think it's for all of us to be really honest about what it is that you need and to not be afraid to make peace with that, to ask for it,' the Duchess of Sussex recalled. The two also have discussed their mental health struggles in interviews, including CBS' sit down in March 2021 with Oprah Winfrey. In an Apple TV+ series that debuted in May 2021, Prince Harry discussed having panic attacks and going to therapy to work through some of his trauma. 'It was meeting and being with Meghan, I knew that if I didn't do therapy and fix myself, that I was going to lose this woman who I could see spending the rest of my life with,' he said. The two also have discussed their mental health struggles in interviews, including CBS' sit down in March 2021 with Oprah Winfrey In an Apple TV+ series that debuted in May 2021, Prince Harry discussed having panic attacks and going to therapy to work through some of his trauma Earlier this year, Murthy said social media presents a 'profound risk of harm' for children and called for 'immediate action to protect kids now' Earlier this year, Murthy said social media presents a 'profound risk of harm' for children and called for 'immediate action to protect kids now.' The surgeon general said in an urgent health advisory published in May that the country is experiencing 'a national youth mental health crisis.; At the time, he pointed towards social media as one of the main culprits. Evidence has been mounting for years that social media is detrimental to youths due to highly sophisticated algorithms which can promote self-harm and other dangerous content to young users. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has admitted he is unable to pay attorneys representing him and his company, after going broke fighting massive defamation suits over his stolen election claims. In a court filing on Thursday, Lindell's attorneys said he owes 'millions of dollars' in unpaid legal fees, and sought to drop him as a client in defamation lawsuits brought by Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic USA. Lindell, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump, is fighting claims that he defamed the companies with false conspiracy theories that their voting machines were used to rig the 2020 US presidential election for Joe Biden. The bedding mogul said on Thursday that he is 'out of money' and praised his lawyers as courageous, saying he regretted he was unable to pay their fees. 'We've lost everything, every dime,' Lindell told NBC News. 'All of it is gone.' MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell (left) has admitted he is unable to pay his attorneys, after one of his lawyers Andrew Parker (right) said in a court filing that he owes millions in unpaid fees Lindell has not made any payments on his legal bills since July, his lawyers at Parker Daniels Kibort and Lewin & Lewin told federal judges in Minnesota and Washington, DC overseeing the separate defamation cases. Parker Daniels Kibort co-founder Andrew Parker said in a court filing that forcing his firm to continue representing Lindell without payment 'could threaten the very existence of the firm.' Parker did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Thursday night. Lindell told Reuters he was the victim of 'lawfare' and that he is unable to borrow money to fund his defense. He said he is looking for new counsel. 'We'll find someone, that's the way it is,' Lindell said. Dominion is seeking $1.3 billion in damages from Lindell and his pillow company in the Washington case. Smartmatic is seeking an unspecified amount of damages in Minnesota federal court. Fox Corp and Fox News in April settled defamation claims brought by Dominion for $787.5 million. Smartmatic's separate $2.7 billion lawsuit against Fox is pending in New York state court. Both companies are also pursuing election-related defamation lawsuits against Trump's former lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others. Trump has continued to make false claims that widespread voting fraud cost him the last election, even as he faces criminal prosecutions in Washington and Georgia over his attempts to overturn the 2020 results. Voting machines are seen in Georgia during the 2022 midterms. In separate defamation suits, Dominion is seeking $1.3 billion in damages from Lindell and his pillow company, and Smartmatic is seeking an unspecified amount of damages Lindell said major retailers 'are very afraid of cancel culture' after major chains dropped his products. Lindell is pictured in an ad celebrating the company's 20th anniversary The financial fallout from the controversy has been intense for Lindell, after a number of key retail chains severed ties with MyPillow. In July, Lindell told DailyMail.com that his company has lost a staggering $100 million since Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond pulled his products over his false claims of election fraud. The polarizing MAGA supporter said in a phone interview that MyPillow made $110 million a year in gross sales prior to to the election controversy, but now makes only about $5 million - a whopping 95 percent drop. The businessman said he was being forced to auction off manufacturing equipment and sublease unused industrial space after distributors tore up distribution deals. While he hopes retailers would come back on board, Lindell said he has not heard back and he believes that it is out of fear of cancel culture. 'We've reached out, they won't answer our calls,' he said to DailyMail.com on Tuesday. 'They're very afraid of cancel culture.' EXCLUSIVE A former Northern Territory chief minister who returned land to Aboriginal traditional owners more than three decades ago has revealed he is voting No to the Voice. Marshall Perron's Country Liberal Party government in 1989 returned what was then known as Katherine Gorge National Park to the Jawoyn people. The 292,000 hectares of sub-tropical wilderness was later renamed Nitmiluk National Park, with the decade-long process occurring despite fierce opposition from non-Aboriginal people in the nearby town of Katherine. His government also advanced the process of allowing the Arrarrkbi people to occupy and use the Cobourg Peninsula, north-east of Darwin. Mr Perron, now 81, said the idea of embedding a Voice to Parliament in the Constitution wrongly implied Aboriginal people weren't being listened to. 'I'm a hard No on the Voice,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Former Northern Territory chief minister Marshall Perron (left) who returned land to Aboriginal traditional owners more than three decades ago has revealed he is voting No to the Voice. Marshall Perron's Country Liberal Party government in 1989 returned what was then known as Katherine Gorge National Park to the Jawoyn people (he is pictured with Phyllis Winyjorrotj and Jeffrey McDonald) The 292,000 hectares of tropical wilderness was later renamed Nitmiluk National Park (pictured), with the decade-long process occurring despite fierce opposition from non-Aboriginal people in the nearby town of Katherine 'There is no necessity for it to be in the Constitution whatsoever. READ MORE: Fierce moment Ally Langdon calls out Ray Martin over his 'dinosaurs and d*ckheads' claim about No voters Ray Martin has stood by the controversial language he used at a Yes rally, where he described No voters as 'dinosaurs and d***heads', adding he would repeat it if given the chance. The veteran journalist, who has Aboriginal ancestry, told Yes voters the world would be watching Australia when the referendum comes around on October 14 Advertisement 'I cannot see the case for constitutional change in order to establish a Voice which, in itself, implies the gap will never be closed. 'I believe that the case, or the argument, that we have never listened to Aboriginal people or consulted them on what they want is just absurd.' Mr Perron, best known for introducing world-first voluntary euthanasia laws in 1995, supports recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution - the same position as federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. But he feared embedding a Voice advisory body in the Constitution would make race a far more prominent feature of Australia's founding document. While race is referred to already in the Constitution, the Voice to Parliament would award special privileges based solely on race. 'What also upsets a lot of Australians is the people you see often arguing these issues are living a Western lifestyle, quite clearly, employed and whatever, whereas all of the real issues involved in the gap are in remote, Aboriginal environments,' Mr Perron said. Mr Perron, who led the Northern Territory from 1988 to 1995, said a constitutionally-enshrined Voice would be dominated by activists with little connection to remote, Aboriginal communities where there are higher rates of poverty. 'The Voice is not going to be comprised of people from remote areas, apart from a smattering of them,' he said. This means the concerns of Aboriginal people in West Arnhem Land and Central Australia could be overlooked. 'Whatever it's composition, it's going to be largely, urban or semi-urban Aboriginal people who don't have the issues they have at Maningrida, Papunya or Yuendumu,' Mr Perron said. 'These places which are, by and large, sad places to visit. 'I say that regretfully after having been in government for 21 years, chief minister for seven and tried bloody hard to do what we could.' Mr Perron, now 81, said the idea of embedding a Voice to Parliament in the Constitution wrongly implied Aboriginal people weren't being listened to Mr Perron, who now lives on the Sunshine Coast, said there was now an industry of people identifying as Aboriginal who didn't battle poverty. 'I think that's without question,' he said. 'The last Census, there was a massive increase in people who ticked the box that identified as Aboriginal, who presumably, previously didn't. 'I suppose you could be kind and say, 'Well, they're doing that because the atmosphere has changed and they now feel more comfortable as identifying as Aboriginal', but I think there's a degree of opportunism there.' In the 2021 Census, the national proportion of people identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander rose to 3.2 per cent, up from 2.8 per cent in 2016. Their ranks swelled to 812,728 people, from 649,173 people five years earlier. In the Northern Territory, 26.3 per cent of residents identify as Aboriginal, with this area of Australia home to more remote communities. Mr Perron questioned why people identifying as Indigenous, who lived comfortably, should be entitled to special treatment. 'If you see someone who's on $150,000 a year, living quite comfortably, why should they get cheap tickets to the Opera House for goodness sake?,' he said. 'It beggars belief in my view. Mr Perron, who led the Northern Territory from 1988 to 1995, said a constitutionally-enshrined Voice would be dominated by activists with little connection to remote, Aboriginal communities where there are higher rates of poverty (pictured are women at Maningrida in West Arnhem Land) He feared the concerns of Voice activists in urban areas (Sydney Yes rally pictured) would overshadow the needs of those in Central Australia in places like Papunya or Yuendumu 'Some of the No voters, I believe, will be saying to themselves, 'Why should these people who are living the same lifestyle and the same income as I am be entitled to any particular benefits that I'm not entitled to?'.' As for closing the gap, Mr Perron said Indigenous people living in remote areas, often in overcrowded housing, had to make the choice for themselves to relocate to an urban centre. 'There are cultural issues involved and as long as we support Aborigines retaining their cultural practices, because it's important to them, we need to understand that unless they aspire to our way of life, the gap will never be closed,' he said. Nine rapes were reported to civilian police in 13 months at the army college where tragic teenage soldier Jaysley-Louise Beck did her training. Harrogate military college, which trains 16 and 17-year-olds, was where Gunner Beck reportedly had a 'toxic' 20-month relationship with a former instructor before taking her life at 19. The relationship began 'soon after' Gunner Beck left the Army Foundation College, an inquiry into her death concluded, and was deemed a contributory factor in the teenager's death. The horrifying figures have raised serious questions about safeguarding at the college in Yorkshire, which was rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted. 'Thirteen sexual offences' at the college were reported between July 22, 2022, and August 17, 2023 - including nine reports of rape, two of sexual assault and two of voyeurism, according to North Yorkshire's police and crime commissioner. Gunner Beck was 'taken advantage' of by four men including her boss before she killed herself in December 2021. She had joined the Army in 2019 aged just 16 - having begun recruit training at Harrogate before joining 47 Regiment, Royal Artillery. Nine rapes at the Harrogate military college (pictured) for teenagers training to join the British Army were reported over a 13-month period, horrifying figures show The figures have raised serious questions about safeguarding at Harrogate, which trains 16 and 17-year-olds Before her death she endured an 'intense period of unwelcome behaviour' from a superior who now faces being discharged from the Army, an official investigation found. No details have been given as to whether the reports at Harrogate led to investigations or prosecutions. In 2021, nine investigations were opened into the sexual abuse of 22 recruits, most of them girls. In January 2023 one instructor, Cpl Simon Bartram, was sentenced to 20 months' military detention after being found guilty of sexual assault as well as eight counts of cruel or indecent disgraceful conduct. David Gee, an adviser with the Child Rights International Network (Crin), said he thought 'on this record, Harrogate cannot be regarded as safe'. He added that difficulties have been made worse by the young age of the recruits, no matter how welfare arrangements were structured. 'This is not a British problem. This is a problem all over the world when young people are recruited to the military. It is not something you can solve by imposing a zero-tolerance policy and hope it will go away,' he said. Britain is the only country in the whole of Europe to recruit teenagers aged 16 and 17 to its armed forces. The children are trained at Harrogate college where there are more than 1,300 recruits on site at any time - with female personnel making up 11.7 per cent of recruits to the armed forces. Jaysley-Louise Beck, 19, (pictured) was 'taken advantage' of by four men including her boss before she took her own life in December 2021 David Gee, an adviser with the Child Rights International Network (Crin), said he believed 'on this record, Harrogate cannot be regarded as safe' Gunner Beck reportedly had a 'toxic' 20-month relationship with a former instructor at the centre before taking her life at 19 Defence minister Annabel Goldie said that Ofsted rated Harrogate as 'outstanding in all areas', which included 'the excellent standard of the provision of duty of care and welfare'. But Mr Gee said: 'None of Ofsted's reports in that past ten years has mentioned anything about recruit abuse. Whenever we send data to Ofsted and give them the sources, they say, "It is not relevant to our inspections".' In a letter to Crin last year, Ofsted's deputy director Paul Joyce said any new allegations of abuse should be directed to the police, the local children's safeguarding board and the army. The letter read: 'Ofsted does not investigate [armed] services complaints, nor do we play any part in army disciplinary processes or prosecutions.' An official investigation into Gunner Beck's death at Larkhill Camp, Wiltshire, found that she killed herself after an 'intense period of unwelcome behaviour' from a superior who now faces being discharged from the Army. The report includes a series of texts she sent to the bombardier - her immediate boss - which provide a harrowing insight into her declining mental state and desperate attempts to stop him harassing her. At the time of her death, she was also in a relationship with a married senior non-commissioned officer who would frequently turn up drunk at her room late in the evening. Another male soldier, a warrant officer, is said to have sexually assaulted her on a night out by putting his hands between her legs and grabbing her by the neck at a party. She had to hide in a bathroom to escape him. The report found another contributory factor to Gunner Beck's death was a 'difficult long-term relationship' with an instructor which ended on November 21, shortly before her death. The report said 'many aspects of this relationship had been positive' but it was 'also characterised by mistrust and repeated allegations of unfaithfulness on the part of the boyfriend'. Gunner Beck's sister, Emilli, 24, described her as 'the most beautiful, caring and strongest person I know'. Emilli told The Times she believes her sister's caring nature was 'taken advantage of by people superior to her in the Army'. An army spokesperson said: 'We have very strong safeguarding mechanisms at the Army Foundation College' as well as 'multiple methods of accessing welfare support, including confidential support lines'. The wait for one the world's leading design-led hotel chains to open an establishment in Sydney is finally over. The highly anticipated opening of W Sydney on the harbour foreshore overlooking Darling Harbour sees the luxury hotel officially open its doors on Thursday, October 12. Situated at 31 Wheat Road in Sydney, the uniquely designed building - likened to a wave or a glass 'spaceship' - will offer 588 rooms wedged neatly in the middle of the Western Distributor overpass, one of the busiest hubs of the CBD. Luxury hotel W Sydney (pictured) will open its doors on Thursday, October 12, with the spectacular structure fitted out with 588 rooms The eye-catching structure, which cost one billion dollars to build, is also fitted with a roof-top bar, a 24-hour restaurant and recreational facilities including a spa and gym. Guests are treated to spectacular harbourside views of iconic waterfront sites such as the popular King Street Warf and Barangaroo. Some suites will also have skyline views of the city. The building's glass exterior and oddly shaped curve makes the spaceship comparison even more apparent. The lavishly decorated guestrooms and suites will set guests back several hundreds of dollars for an overnight stay. Visitors can expect to fork out between $401 and $509 per night to stay at the W. Suites which include one and two-bedroom options will cost between $665 up to a whopping $2,909 per night. The guestrooms (pictured) in the new W hotel come with a hefty price tag for an overnight stay Some of the suites which include one and two-bedroom options will cost guests between $665 up to a whopping $2,909 per night Stephen Crawley, co-founder of London-based interior design firm Bowler James Brindley were tasked with planning the hotel's interior aesthetics. Mr Crawley told The Australian the hotel's interior needed to reflect the building's stunning exterior. 'The inside has to deliver to the same magnitude as the outside,' he said. 'The last thing you want is to be underwhelmed.' Mr Crawley praised the hotel as a structure that can only be built in very few places - with the appropriate scenery to match its commanding presence. 'This is a superyacht in the sky,' he said. The lavishly decorated interiors of the hotel (pictured) offer spectacular views of the Sydney skyline and waterfront views of Darling Harbour The eye-catching structure, which cost one billion dollars to build, is also fitted with a roof-top bar, a 24-hour restaurant and recreational facilities including a spa and gym Luxury developer Greaton commenced plans to construct the facility in 2016. Renowned hotels and resorts consortium Marriot, who own W hotels, boldly declared in 2018 that the building would be open in Sydney by 2020. Following the collapse of builders and economic havoc created by over more than two years by the Covid pandemic, the hotel will be open for business in less than a week. W hotels also operate in Melbourne and Brisbane. His pals say the money is for 'taking time off of work to properly mourn' In response, his friends have launched a fundraiser that has topped $68,000 Friends of slain Brooklyn social justice activist Ryan Carson have raised over $68,000 for themselves to help the group to 'take time off of work to properly mourn.' Describing themselves as 'working class people', a 'collective' of Ryan's close friends launched the fundraiser in response to the activist's killing at 3:50am on Monday. Because they are still 'reeling from a brutal loss', the GoFundMe asks for donations to 'ease the burden and stress of this horrifying situation so that we can have space and time to grieve, and remember Ryan.' 'Immediate needs are to offset the costs of working class people taking time off of work to properly mourn,' the page adds. The effort comes as Carson's alleged killer Brian Dowling, 18, was perp walked outside an NYPD precinct on Thursday after being charged with the murder. Ryan Carson, 32, was stabbed in the heart in a horror attack in Brooklyn in the early hours of Monday morning The teenager accused of Carson's killing, Brian Dowling, 18, was teary-eyed as he was marched out of an NYPD precinct on Thursday morning following his murder charge According to the fundraiser, the page was set up by Carson's girlfriend Claudia Morales, who was with Carson when he was stabbed in the heart, and a friend named Tammie Marie David. Following their request for paid time off, group of friends added a touching tribute noting Carson's dedication to left-wing social causes, which included environmentalism and setting up supervised drug injection sites across New York City. 'If you Google 'Ryan Carson', you'll hear (and now see) about the tragedy that struck on early Monday morning,' the fundraiser read. 'But if you look past the breaking news, you'll see news on his legislative victories, you'll probably find his social media accounts filled with thoughts and memories, and you'll find collections of his artistic works to date. 'We hope you may find his thoughts on mutual aid, his works of advocacy, and understand that his radical principles of community care, justice, and dismantling an individualized profit-centered way of life are worth carrying forward in our own communities. 'It is this time of remembrance and healing that will allow for reflection'. Some have reacted with fury online at the fundraising effort, seemingly baffled by the request to help them 'take time off work' as they are 'working class people.' 'What a weird way to ask for money for bereavement,' said one person on X, formerly Twitter. 'Not even money for the funeral,' said another, with one adding that the petitioning makes it seem that the friends are 'not upset at all.' Carson worked for the New York Public Interest Research Group, a nonprofit where his work focused on environmental causes. His girlfriend Morales, according to now locked-down social media profiles, was also an avid BLM activist who, among other remarks, used the cop-hating acronym ACAB in some posts. On Wednesday, the activist's friends again raised eyebrows after claiming that he would have felt sorry for the teenager who allegedly stabbed him to death, and would want his killing to be used to further left-wing policies. 'I know he would have wanted people to use his death as a means to talk about structural wrongs in the city,' New York State Assembly member Emily Gallagher told The Gothamist. 'I'm absolutely positive that he would immediately see that this was a person who was suffering from a lack of resources in our community, who probably needs better mental health support, possibly housing, possibly drug support, drug treatment. 'What he would want to avenge his death is for us to fix how broken this city is.' Carson was returning home from a wedding when the horror struck - and his girlfriend Claudia posted an image of them smiling together just hours before the tragedy. They are wearing the same outfits seen in the security footage Dowling was taken to Central Booking this afternoon following his arrest in Bedford Stuysevant earlier in the day Dowling, 18, cried as he was removed from the 81st Precinct in Brooklyn today The remarks came before the 18-year-old accused of Carson's killing was publicly perp walked outside an NYPD precinct on Thursday after he was charged with the murder. Dowling, 18, was arrested at an apartment in Bedford Stuyvesant on Thursday morning for the brutal attack, which was caught on camera. The same day, police removed a sweatshirt matching the kind worn by the suspect in the video from Dowling's home, along with a knife that is believed to have been used in the attack. While some have described Dowling as 'emotionally disturbed', neighbors also told DailyMail.com he was the 'sweetest boy' who came from a 'good' and 'respectful' family. The teen, believed to work at a school in Clinton Hill, was previously reported to the police two months ago by his aunt after he broke his girlfriend's belongings in a fight. Shocking footage of the attack, for which a motive has not yet been established, saw a man believed to be Dowling at first walking past Carson and Morales, before turning back. Carson was returning home from a wedding when the horror stabbing struck - and his girlfriend Claudia posted an image of them smiling together just hours before the tragedy. After a brief back-and-forth, Carson was seen pushing his attacker in the chest several times, prompting the assailant to swing the knife at Carson. At one point, the suspect asks 'What the f*** are you looking at?' before violently stabbing Carson in the chest. The surveillance video ends with Carson laid out on the floor as his girlfriend yelled 'Brian!' as the attacker fled the scene. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a teenager was stabbed to death in Brighton. Emergency services were called to Queens Road, a busy city centre street, at around 5pm to reports that a 17-year-old boy had been stabbed. The teenager was rushed to hospital by emergency crews but he was tragically pronounced dead there. Police said his next of kin have been informed. Officers said they will have an increased presence on the streets of Brighton as they probe why the boy was fatally stabbed. Police said that after an extensive search, they arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a teenager was stabbed to death in Brighton. Pictured: Police on Queens Road Forensic officers were seen probing the scene of the crime. A blue tent has also been put up while forensic teams investigate The teenager was rushed to hospital by emergency crews but he was tragically pronounced dead. Police said his next of kin have been informed Specialist officers have been pictured investigating the area which has been cordoned off by police. A blue tent has also been put up while forensic teams investigate. The boy's murder adds to a tragic number of teenage deaths this year in Britain. Just last week, five teenagers were stabbed on the same day in Luton, one of whom tragically died, while two others were left in a critical condition. In June, Home Secretary Suella Braverman urged police to 'ramp up' use of stop and search in a crackdown on street knife crime. London especially has been rocked by several teenage fatalities this year. Schoolgirl Elianne Andam, 15, became the sixteenth teenager to be killed in the capital after she was stabbed to death on her way to school on September 27. It followed 13 fatal stabbings, two shootings and one suspected arson attack already this year. The GCSE student's death has sparked an outcry of anger over yet another senseless loss of life as calls grow for Sadiq Khan tackle the capital's knife crime problem. Reacting to the news of the fatal stabbing in Brighton, Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, of the Surrey & Sussex Major Crime Team, said: 'This is a tragic incident in which a young man has lost his life and we understand the community will be shocked and alarmed. Officers said they will have an increased presence on the streets of Brighton as they probe why the boy was fatally stabbed. Pictured: Police at the scene 'A suspect is in custody and a fast-moving investigation is underway to establish exactly what happened and why. 'While we do so, there will be an increased police presence in the area for some time. 'This incident took place in the centre of the city at a peak time. Officers have already spoken with many witnesses, but we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw a man dressed in black leaving the area who hasn't yet provided details to the police. 'Similarly, we are asking anyone who has relevant information or video footage - for example from a dashcam or their mobile phone to call 101 or report online, quoting Operation Ash. Always call 999 if it is an emergency.' 1/5 are teetotal meaning under-25s also have the highest share of non-drinkers They are twice as likely to drink at high-risk or possibly dependent levels Under-25s are more likely to binge drink than rest of the population They are often referred to as Generation Sensible for their focus on healthy living and apparent lack of interest in alcohol. And now data seems to confirm that this is the case, with one in five under-25s in the UK reporting that they are teetotal, the highest figure on record. Meanwhile, fewer than half drink weekly, according to research by Drinkaware. It marks the lowest proportion logged since its annual survey began in 2017. The charity said it is 'really encouraging' to see growing numbers of young people choosing not to consume alcohol or having it less frequently. However, it warned that the age group is more likely to binge-drink than the rest of the population. They are often referred to as Generation Sensible for their focus on healthy living and apparent lack of interest in alcohol . And now data seems to confirm that this is the case, with one in five under-25s in the UK reporting that they are teetotal, the highest figure on record Drinkaware surveyed 5,213 young adults aged 18 to 24 between 2017 and 2023. The charity found that 21 per cent of the cohort were non-drinkers. It marks a 50 per cent jump on 2017, when 14 per cent reported that they didn't consume alcohol. The figure increased to 16 per cent in 2020 and 19 per cent in 2022 The Drinkaware report, The Sober Myth: Are Young Adults Really a Generation of Non-Drinkers?, surveyed 5,213 people aged 18 to 24 between 2017 and 2023. The charity found that 21 per cent of the cohort were non-drinkers. It marks a 50 per cent jump on 2017, when 14 per cent reported that they didn't consume alcohol. The figure increased to 16 per cent in 2020 and 19 per cent in 2022. Drinkaware said Covid lockdowns may have fuelled the trend, as pandemic restrictions 'limited opportunities for drinking'. READ MORE: Going sober for October? Be careful: Doctor reveals how soft drinks are NOT automatically better for you... Just one 175ml glass of wine contains 2.3 units of alcohol and 159 calories and a pint of 4 per cent beer is 2.3 units and 182 calories. A few drinks in the evening can stack up to the calorie equivalent of another meal Advertisement However, the proportion of teetotallers didn't increase in other age groups, which suggests there is 'something unique about the trend in non-drinking experienced by young adults', it added. Survey results also revealed that just 46 per cent of under-25s drink weekly, down from 53 per cent one year earlier and the lowest figure logged by Drinkaware. Young drinkers are also less likely to consume alcohol on four or more days each week, compared to over-25s (8 per cent vs 19 per cent). Additionally, the cohort is less likely to breach the weekly 14 unit alcohol limit set by health chiefs, which equates to around six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer. Results show 17 per cent of under-25s drink more than this, compared to 20 per cent of older adults. However, the findings also show that 74 per cent are likely to binge compared with 63 per cent of over-25s. Experts say this may be due to a desire to 'make up for lost time' after lockdown restrictions ended. Meanwhile, one in five reported consuming alcohol for 'coping reasons' such as to forget about their problems or help relieve feelings of anxiety or depression. Young people are also twice as likely to drink at high-risk or possibly dependent levels compared to the rest of the population. The rate of this in the youngest age group of drinkers is 11 per cent, compared to 6 per cent in over-25s. Compared to older drinkers aged 25 and over, young adult drinkers were more likely to have memory loss, experienced by 40 per cent. Younger people were also found to drink less often, with only 46 per cent doing so at least once a week, compared to 56 per cent of over-25s who drink The cohort is also less likely to breach the weekly 14 units alcohol limit set by health chiefs, which equates to around six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer Some 14 per cent said they felt like they needed a drink in the morning, and almost a quarter said alcohol had left them failing to meet their usual responsibilities. Karen Tyrell, chief executive of the charity Drinkaware, said: 'It is really encouraging to see more young adults choosing not to drink and those that do, drink less often. 'These positive trends are welcome, but we must be careful that they don't mask some of the more concerning drinking behaviours that still exist. 'Young people are still more likely to binge-drink than other age groups and suffer from memory loss and depression, linked to their drinking. 'We must ensure that young people's drinking habits are not ignored, and they are properly addressed as part of any new alcohol strategy. 'We must ensure that young people's drinking habits are not ignored. 'We need to normalise conversations around alcohol, making it easier for people to speak up and get help if they are worried about their own or others' drinking.' However, the findings also show that 74 per cent are likely to binge compared with 63 per cent of over-25s Compared to older drinkers aged 25 and over, young adult drinkers were more likely to have memory loss, experienced by 40 per cent The research found drinkers under 25 are more likely to have alcohol on nights out with friends and less likely to drink alone at home than older age groups, with only 43 per cent having done so in the past 12 months The research found drinkers under 25 are more likely to have alcohol on nights out with friends and less likely to drink alone at home than older age groups, with only 43 per cent having done so in the past 12 months. But the report concludes: 'Abstinence from alcohol among young adults is receiving increasing academic study with numerous papers investigating these trends. 'However, as the findings in this paper demonstrate, there is still a need to acknowledge the consumption patterns of young adults who do drink as well.' Responding to the figures, Rebecca Taylor, head of policy and public affairs at World Cancer Research Fund, said: 'Based on this report, it is worrying that many younger people are drinking high-risk levels of alcohol and undertaking binge-drinking. 'When it comes to cancer there is strong evidence that drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, increases the risk of a number of cancers, including breast and bowel, and the more you drink, the higher the risk.' A vile abuser who beat his girlfriend to death in a savage attack and told her family 'she deserved it' admitted murder yesterday. Christopher Cook, 41, of no fixed abode, killed support worker 54-year-old Jacqueline Kerr in a vicious frenzy at her flat in Aberdeen, Scotland, on January 15. Cook left her with 51 separate injuries to her head, neck, chest, arms and legs. Jacqueline's head is thought to have smacked against a wall so hard that it smashed through the plaster and into the granite behind, according to blood spatter analysis. The pair had been in an on and off relationship but Jacqueline had tried to end things after she became 'intimidated' by his behaviour. Jacqueline Kerr, 54, (pictured) worked with children who had learning disabilities at the Len Ironside Centre in Mastrick, Aberdeen. Her family said she was 'the light of our lives' The police were contacted after Jacqueline didn't turn up to work on January 16. After noticing blood on her letterbox they forced their way into her flat. Officers saw blood spattered on the walls and floor and found Jacqueline's body on the bedroom floor. Her family described Jacqueline, who worked with children who had learning disabilities at the Len Ironside Centre in Mastrick, as 'the light of our lives'. They added: 'She was so loved by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. 'The day our sister's life was taken was the day part of our lives were taken too. We will never truly heal from the pain. 'We have young grandkids asking where their aunt is. Those who Jacqueline worked with and supported, unable to understand why she no longer comes to work. 'We wouldn't wish this on anybody. Christopher Cook, 41, (pictured) of no fixed abode, killed support worker 54-year-old Jacqueline Kerr in a vicious frenzy at her flat in Aberdeen, Scotland, on January 15 'Thank you to all those involved in the investigation. 'Please respect our privacy at this time and allow us to grieve and heal as a family.' Cook was stopped by Jacqueline's friends and family on the day after the murder after news of her death had spread. After they pinned him down, he allegedly told them the support worker 'had deserved it' and that he might 'murder them as well'. He was then arrested by police. Detective Inspector James Callander, of Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team, said: 'Jacqueline Kerr was subjected to a brutal attack in her own home by Christopher Cook. 'He has now admitted responsibility for his violent behaviour, which resulted in the death of Jacqueline. 'While it cannot change what happened, I hope this outcome in court leads to some closure for Jacqueline's family.' Cook will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on November 3. The teenager accused of stabbing Brooklyn social justice activist Ryan Thoresen Carson to death appeared in court after being charged with first-degree murder. Brian Dowling, 18, was hauled before a judge in Brooklyn Criminal Court shortly after he was tearfully perp walked out of an NYPD precinct following his murder charge. Dowling, still wearing the same white t-shirt that he was arrested in, looked somber and tilted his head into the air as the prosecution spoke at the hearing on Thursday. At one moment he glanced at his parents in the courtroom, who were tearful at the sight of their son in custody before he was remanded without bail. The teen wept as he was marched out of the station, several hours after his arrest in Bedford Stuyvesant. Cops also seize a knife believed to have been used in the attack. Dowling allegedly stabbed Carson in the heart at 3:50am on Monday in a savage, unprovoked attack that erupted while the he and his girlfriend were waiting for a bus after attending a wedding. His first-degree murder charge could see him punished by up to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, if he is found guilty. Dowling, 18, was in court Thursday evening after he was charged with first-degree murder The suspected teen killer seen during his hearing at the Brooklyn Criminal Court in Brooklyn on Thursday evening The Brooklyn youth was described as 'emotionally disturbed', but neighbors have also reacted with surprise at his arrest and said he comes from a 'respectful family' The teen is facing up to a lifetime behind bars if found guilty He is charged with the murder of Ryan Thoresen Carson, 32, who was killed on Monday morning at 4am while he waited for a bus At his arraignment hearing on Thursday, prosecutor Jordan Rossman argued that he stabbed Carson 'without provocation', and claimed that two witnesses identified Dowling as Carson's killer from a photo line-up. The teen's defense attorney Kenneth Montgomery told the court that it was the first time his client had been arrested. 'This is a difficult case for several reasons beyond the tragedy of the loss of life,' Montgomery told Judge Joshua Glick. 'You have an 18-year-old man young man who has no criminal history.' He asked the court to impose a 'serious bail' because there was no risk of the teen fleeing, saying: 'His parents are here and I assure you that theres no risk of flight, he was arrested at his home.' The attorney's pleas for leniency failed to convince the court, however, as Judge Glick remanded Dowling 'given the nature of the charges and the narrative given by the people.' When police issued a search warrant on his home, a sweatshirt was also seized along with the suspected murder weapon that matched the kind worn by the suspect in the video of Carson's killing. Dowling's home is a five-minute walk from where Carson, 32, was stabbed to death. He was previously described as 'emotionally and mentally disturbed', but neighbors have reacted with surprise at the grisly charges, telling DailyMail.com he is the 'sweetest boy' who is never normally in trouble. 'Hes a nice guy. His family are good people very respectful,' added a family friend outside the home. The teen is understood to work at a school in Clinton Hill, and his alleged unhinged behavior also led his own aunt reported him to police two months ago after he broke his girlfriend's belongings in a fight. His alleged victim was an advocate of social justice and left-wing causes, including spearheading a drive to implement drug injection sites across the city and was a passionate environmentalist. Carson's girlfriend, according to now locked-down social media profiles, was an avid BLM activist who, among other remarks, used the cop-hating acronym ACAB in some posts. Brian Dowling Sr, the father of the alleged knifeman, is seen outside his home on Wednesday Brian Dowling Sr, the alleged killer's father outside the home on Wednesday Teenage suspect Brian Dowling, 18, is marched out of the 81st Precinct in Bedford Stuyvesant today Dowling cried as he was removed from the Brooklyn precinct after being arrested on first degree murder Dowling wore a white t-shirt, shorts and sliders as he was perp walked - with his hands and feet handcuffed Dowling was taken to Central Booking this afternoon A tearful Dowling is led out of the 81st Precinct in Brooklyn today Dowling was pictured leaving the police station in the back of a detective's car Brian Dowling Sr is spotted speaking on the phone on Wednesday On Wednesday, the activist's friends raised eyebrows after claiming that he would have felt sorry for the teenager who allegedly stabbed him to death, and would want his killing to be used to further left-wing policies. 'I know he would have wanted people to use his death as a means to talk about structural wrongs in the city,' New York State Assembly member Emily Gallagher told The Gothamist. 'I'm absolutely positive that he would immediately see that this was a person who was suffering from a lack of resources in our community, who probably needs better mental health support, possibly housing, possibly drug support, drug treatment. 'What he would want to avenge his death is for us to fix how broken this city is.' Yesterday, friends set up a GoFundMe account for Carson's girlfriend. They have so far raised $60,000. It remains unclear what prompted Dowling to attack. A suspect believed to be the 18-year-old was seen in the video at first walking past Carson and Morales, before turning back. Dressed in a suit, Carson was returning home from a wedding - and his girlfriend Claudia posted an image of them smiling together at the nuptials hours before the tragedy. Carson was filmed pushing the attacker in the chest several times before the first strike of the knife. At one point, the suspect asks 'What the f*** are you looking at?' before violently stabbing Carson in the chest. At the end of the video, his girlfriend could heard chillingly yelling 'Brian!' as the attacker fled the scene. Ryan Carson was returning home from a wedding - and his girlfriend Claudia posted an image of them smiling together just hours before the tragedy. They are wearing the same outfits seen in the security footage The shocking attack was caught on surveillance footage, concluding with the chilling scenes of Carson lying on the ground after being stabbed before his attacker fled the scene One neighbor outside the home today said they believed Brian was influenced by drugs, while some questioned why Carson engaged in conversation with Dowling. 'I watched the video this morning it makes me sick to my stomach. I have been on that corner but definitely not at 3:45 am in the morning. I know better than that. 'I feel sad and bad, but definitely would not have intervened in any kind of situation like that just knowing what happens in the neighborhood. People tell you - who are born and raised in the area - just dont make eye contact with people especially at 3:45 am in the morning. 'I would have walked across the street,' said Sarah Walker, 31. In response to the killing, friends of the slain Brooklyn social justice activist have raised over $68,000 for themselves to help the group to 'take time off of work to properly mourn.' Detectives outside the suspect's home in Brooklyn on Thursday morning. DailyMail.com was there while they executed the search warrant Carson's girlfriend held him in her arms before he was taken to Kings County Hospital Center, where he later died Detectives seizing evidence including the sweatshirt worn during the attack and the knife used from the home of Brian Dowling, 18 Evidence bags are brought into the 81st Precinct on Thursday Describing themselves as 'working class people', a 'collective of Ryan's close friends' launched the fundraiser following the activist's tragic death. Because they are still 'reeling from a brutal loss', the GoFundMe asks for donations to 'ease the burden and stress of this horrifying situation so that we can have space and time to grieve, and remember Ryan.' 'Immediate needs are to offset the costs of working class people taking time off of work to properly mourn,' the page adds. Following their request for paid time off, group of friends added a touching tribute noting Carson's dedication to left-wing social causes. 'If you Google 'Ryan Carson', you'll hear (and now see) about the tragedy that struck on early Monday morning,' the fundraiser read. 'But if you look past the breaking news, you'll see news on his legislative victories, you'll probably find his social media accounts filled with thoughts and memories, and you'll find collections of his artistic works to date. 'We hope you may find his thoughts on mutual aid, his works of advocacy, and understand that his radical principles of community care, justice, and dismantling an individualized profit-centered way of life are worth carrying forward in our own communities. 'It is this time of remembrance and healing that will allow for reflection'. Keir Starmer's allies boasted he is on track for Downing Street today after an SNP meltdown delivered a massive by-election win for Labour. Sir Keir's party dramatically overturned a previous 5,300 majority for the separatists to seize Rutherglen & Hamilton West by a margin of 9,400. Experts said if the huge 20 per cent swing was replicated across Scotland then Labour could end up with around 40 MPs north of the border. That compares to just a single MP secured at the 2019 general election, and would almost certainly see Sir Keir become PM. The proportion of the vote received in Rutherglen was in line with 2010 - when Labour had 41 MPs in Scotland. Sir Keir, who kicks off a crucial Labour conference this weekend, said: 'This is a seismic result. People in Rutherglen and Hamilton West have sent a clear message - it is time for change. And it is clear they believe that this changed Labour Party can deliver it. 'I have always said that winning back the trust of people in Scotland is essential. Tonight's victory is the culmination of three and a half years of hard work and humility on that journey. I am grateful to everyone who has put their faith in us today - we will work every day to repay it.' It was another body blow for the SNP's independence ambitions, with humiliated leader Humza Yousaf dismally failing his first electoral test since taking over from Nicola Sturgeon. Polling guru Sir John Curtice told the BBC that there was no guarantee the general election would reflect the result, but a swing on that scale would see Labour 'dominate' north of the border. He said it was the sort of result opposition parties get 'when they are going to go on and win the next general election'. Labour dramatically overturned a previous 5,300 majority for the separatists to seize Rutherglen & Hamilton West by a margin of 9,400 Michael Shanks (right) and Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar at the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election count Allies suggested the outcome in Rutherglen puts Keir Starmer on track to win power Mr Shanks took the Westminster seat in the by-election - which was called after former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier was ousted for breaking Covid rules Mr Shanks won 17,845 votes compared to the SNP's 8,399 The by-election saw a dramatic slump in support for both the SNP and Tories Following the trouncing, new MP Michael Shanks said the result showed 'there is no part of this country where Labour can't win'. He declared: 'Labour can kick the Tories out of Downing Street next year and deliver the change people want and this country so badly needs. Tonight is one part of that journey.' The contest was triggered by voters booting out rulebreaking former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier in Scotland's first ever recall petition. The politician fragrantly flouted Covid rules by gallivanting between London and Glasgow while knowingly infected with the virus, and she was subsequently convicted in court of 'recklessly' exposing people to harm. It left the crisis-plagued SNP desperately battling to retain the seat, which their disgraced former MP won with a 5,230 majority in 2019. During the vote counting, Labour suggested that parts of the constituency where they trailed the SNP by around 20 percentage points in last year's local election were now 'neck and neck'. A Scottish Labour source said: 'The SNP are claiming this is about unionist voters coming to Labour. 'I'm not going to lie and say we've not picked up a decent chunk of the Tory vote, but you would not be seeing neck and neck boxes in some of the most SNP parts of this constituency unless there was a serious slip in the SNP's core vote.' Labour said that at least 42 target seats would be in play based on the result. Former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier (pictured) takes her bin out on the day constituents head to the polls in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election Mr Shanks won 17,845 votes compared to the SNP's 8,399 - a swing of more than 20 per cent SNP candidate Katy Loudon (pictured) visits the polling station at St Charles' primary school, Cambuslang, during the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election Mr Yousaf, who avoided the count in Hamilton, said it was a 'disappointing night for the SNP'. He added: 'I want to thank our exceptional candidate Katy Loudon and our activists for their incredible efforts. Let me also congratulate Michael Shanks on being elected. 'Circumstances of this by-election were always very difficult for us. 'Collapse in the Tory vote, which went straight to Labour, also a significant factor. 'We lost this seat in 2017, and like 2019 we can win this seat back. 'However, we will reflect on what we have to do to regain the trust of the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West.' It was also the first time voters in Scotland were forced to bring proof of identification to polling stations, with all parties having anecdotal evidence of people being turned away. The returning officer for South Lanarkshire said there would be a report made to the Electoral Commission about the scale of the problem, with the number of would-be voters. Turnout at the by-election, carried out during a mostly rainy day across Glasgow - was just 37.19 per cent, with 30,531 of the 82,104 eligible voters bothering to cast a ballot. Arguing the by-election was a 'turning point' for Scottish Labour, party leader Anas Sarwar said: 'I think the clear message is that people are sick of two failing governments, two incompetent, divisive governments, and people are demanding change. 'And they can now see that the only vehicle for that change is the Scottish Labour Party and Scotland can lead the way in delivering a UK Labour Government.' Asked what the result means for the general election and Sir Keir Starmer, he said: 'I'll just say this is, I believe, a seismic moment, I think it is a significant point in Scotland's political history. 'And I think this is going to have huge reverberations as we head towards that next general election. But we need to wait for the official declaration.' He added: 'That can be a springboard going into the next election.' Scottish voters went to the polls yesterday as Sir Keir faced a crucial test of his hopes of becoming prime minister. Regaining ground in Scotland is a key challenge for Sir Keir as he looks to become PM and he told the BBC last month he wants to win a significant number of seats in the country to ensure he has a 'mandate'. Sir Keir said after the results: 'Voters across Scotland and across Britain want a government determined to deliver for working people, with a proper plan to rebuild our country. They want to move on from two SNP and Tory governments that offer only more division, more chaos and more infighting. 'The country deserves a government firmly on their side and focused on their priorities - and Labour will deliver that for them.' On the eve of the by-election, Mr Sarwar argued that defeating the SNP could prove as 'seismic' for Labour as Winnie Ewing's win for the Nationalists in the same constituency. Anas Sarwar celebrates Scottish Labour candidate Mr Shanks winning the by-election Speaking after the declaration, Mr Sarwar told reporters: 'This is a historic night in Scottish politics. A seismic result. 'I think it has flipped Scottish politics on its head and I think it is getting clear that the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West have sent a message to two failing governments that they are sick of the incompetence, they're sick of the chaos, they're sick of the division and they are ready and desperate for change.' Ms Ewing's historic 1967 victory in Hamilton - the party's first post-war victory - is widely believed to be the catalyst for the SNP's rise to its current size and electoral success. He said: 'We've had seismic by-elections before and it's fair to say that the Labour Party in recent times has been on the wrong side of those seismic by-elections. 'You can talk about the by-election that Winnie Ewing won here many years back, you can talk about the Glasgow East by-election that we lost to the SNP. Both were regarded as seismic. 'I believe this has the potential to be a seismic by-election, and then as a launch pad as we head towards that next general election.' A Brisbane man who set out to become the youngest person to ever row across the Pacific Ocean was rescued by a cruise ship after his boat flipped. Tom Mahuta Robinson, 24, was discovered by P&O Cruises Australia's Pacific Explorer ship south of Vanuatu on Friday morning. The cruise was on a nine-day round trip from Auckland, New Zealand, to the Pacific Islands. It received a call for assistance from the New Caledonia Marine Rescue Coordination Centre overnight and immediately changed course to rescue Mr Robinson. He had just set off from Vanuatu for the last leg of his record-breaking trip across the Pacific. Brisbane man Tom Robinson, 24, was rescued by a P&O cruise ship south of Vanuatu on Friday morning (pictured, Mr Robinson on top of his boat) Mr Robinson (pictured on board the cruise) was attempting to become the youngest person to row across the Pacific Ocean However, the year-long journey was brought to a sad end when the 24-foot boat he built himself flipped. P&O discovered Mr Robinson sunburnt and dehydrated, but otherwise okay, and gave him medical care, fresh clothes and a hot meal. 'I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all the crew on P&O Pacific Explorer whose seamanship and professionalism ensured a safe rescue,' Mr Robinson said. 'Once aboard, I was treated with the utmost courtesy and kindness by the medical staff. 'Many, many thanks to P&O for everything they have done for me.' Last week the passionate boater told the ABC the last stretch of his journey from Luganville, Vanuatu's second largest city, to the Queensland coast would be the 'make-or-break leg'. He began his expedition from Peru, South America, more than a year ago. Mr Robinson (pictured on his boat in Samoa) was found sunburnt and dehydrated, but otherwise okay Mr Robinson (above) set out on the trip to row across the Pacific Ocean from Peru, South America, more than a year ago READ MORE: Aussie pensioners book back-to-back cruises for 18 months Advertisement The 24-year-old's the trip was more than a decade-in-the-making after he dreamed it up as a teenager. However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing with Mr Robinson forced to pause at one point for medical treatment. 'I did have a staph infection and I got these awful sores all over my legs,' Mr Robinson said. Other obstacles have been storms blowing him off course and shark encounters. 'Most of the time they're friendly but they have bitten the oars while I've been rowing,' he said. Mr Robinson spent the first 160 days of his trip at sea before making landfall on Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands. It was there locals gave him the nickname Mahuta-hoehoe-asanga - 'the warrior that has paddled from afar'. While Mr Robinson had a satellite phone for safety, he didn't use it for the first 75 days. Mr Robinson (pictured with P&O staff) thanked the cruise line for rescuing him after his boat flipped Mr Robinson built the 24-foot boat he used to cross the Pacific Ocean (pictured, Mr Robinson's boat from the P&O ship) 'A lot of people listen to songs and podcasts all day but I decided that I wanted the experience as simple and pure as possible,' he said. The effort to rescue Mr Robinson was organised by New Caledonias Marine Rescue Coordination Centre with the help of French navy aircraft. It is the second time P&O have rendered assistance to a vessel in distress in the South Pacific this fortnight. Film is not from official Yes23 campaign or government Young supporters of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament have been told to 'groom a boomer' into voting Yes on referendum day. In a lighthearted new short film from the Perth-based Berlin Creative agency, millennials and Gen Z Yes voters are told to hide their boomer parents' remotes and change their iPads' language settings from English to Danish in order to coax them into having discussions about the Voice. 'Your uncle, your dad, your mum... you might be living in a house full of no's, in a house full of closet home-no's,' the ad says. 'If we vote Yes, amazing things could happen. Cathy Freeman: out of retirement, wins 10 more gold. Ernie Dingo: out of retirement, 10 more seasons of Getaway. 'Try crying, try begging. Say hey mum, hey dad, do you actually love me? Because it's not looking like you love me right now.' Another suggestion in the ad is to 'buy your dad a drone' but refuse to hand it over 'until they've voted'. 'But if they're good, they can get a drone.' Similarly, young voters are encouraged to gift their mother gold class movie tickets to see Barbie. 'If we vote Yes, they get to tell their side of the story instead of us doing it. You ever have your mum tell one of your jokes?' Film director Tony Rogers said the goal of the film was to contrast some of the negative and hurtful discourse over the Voice. 'Only 25 percent of Aussies aged over 55 are expected to vote Yes for the Voice. If we can change the minds of the baby boomers, we can make a big difference to the outcome. Those boomers might not listen to big campaigns, but perhaps they will listen to their children,' he said. And Berlin Creative's Director Richard Bernie told 6PR Perth the advert is supposed to be taken in good humour. 'Whether it's a yes or a no... that's not the point of it,' he said. In a lighthearted new short film from Perth-based Berlin Creative, millennials and Gen Z Yes voters are told to hide their boomer parents' remotes and change their iPads from English to Danish in the language settings in order to coax them into having discussions about the Voice Anthony Albanese has held firm in his belief Australians will vote Yes to the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament when the referendum is held 'I just wanted to help people talk a little bit because everything's gotten a bit heated. It's gotten a bit much, we just need to turn the heat down a bit.' As for the name of the film, Groom a Boomer, Mr Bernie said he and his team questioned whether it went too far. READ MORE: How No campaign harnessed TikTok Advertisement 'We all got a bit nervous about that,' he said. 'But it was the one we all remembered and we all chuckled so we thought we'd go with it.' And strategy director John Linton said: 'I know even in my own family there are differing opinions. But maybe, just maybe, a little dry humour might resonate. 'If all else fails I'll be saying to my dad, I really really want this and you'll be dead soon so please leave this yes vote as part of your legacy for your grandkids.' The short film has been produced pro bono and has no affiliation with the official Yes campaign. Gen Z and millennials have the highest support for the Voice out of all age brackets. Redbridge polling has the Gen Z vote as high as 60 per cent in favour of the proposal, and millennials at about 45 per cent. Meanwhile, 33 per cent of Gen X are in favour, and it drops to just 28 per cent of baby boomers. But that's not to say young voters are a sure thing. Even the Yes vote within these groups has been trending down in polling as the referendum date edges closer. Yes campaigning groups the Uluru Dialogue and Yes23 have been consistently urging young supporters to have conversations with their loved ones about the Voice and why they're voting Yes. Another suggestion in the ad is to 'buy your dad a drone' but refuse to hand it over 'until they've voted' The Biden administration will resume deporting Venezuelans in another stark reversal on migration policy - as staunch Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed the president for his 'cruel' move to resume border wall construction. Ocasio-Cortez shamed Joe Biden and urged him to 'reverse course' after he launched new stretches of border barriers, a signature policy of Donald Trump that the president previously decried. Following a large surge in the number of migrants illegally crossing into the US from Mexico, the Biden administration said this week it would waive 26 federal laws to build additional sections of border wall in Starr County, Texas. In a statement on Thursday night, the New York congresswoman slammed the move, saying: 'The Biden administration was not obligated to expand border wall construction and it was certainly not obligated to waive several environmental laws to expedite construction.' 'A wall does nothing to stop people fleeing poverty and violence from coming to the United States...Walls only serve to push migrants into more remote areas, increasing their chances of death. It is a cruel policy,' she added. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shamed Biden and urged him to 'reverse course' and after he waived 26 federal laws to start constructing a new 'physical barrier' that was started under Donald Trump A U.S. Border Patrol agent supervises as immigrants walk into the United States after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on September 30, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. The agent had cut coils of razor wire to let them pass through for processing Ocasio-Cortez went on to blame US sanctions on Venezuela for the current surge in migration, saying the country must 're-examine policy towards Latin America.' Meanwhile, the US will resume deporting Venezuelan migrants, the largest single group encountered at the southern border last month, back to their economically troubled socialist country. AOC's full statement on Biden's new border wall 'The Biden administration was not required to waive several environmental laws to expedite the building of the border wall. The President needs to take responsibility for this decision and reverse course. 'A wall does nothing to deter people who are fleeing poverty and violence from coming to the United States. You do not risk your life or your children's' lives going through the Darien Gap or traversing hundreds of miles of desert if you have any other options. Walls only serve to push migrants into more remote areas, increasing their chances of death. It is a cruel policy. 'Instead, the US must take examining the root of migration more seriously, re-examine policy towards Latin America, and stop contributing to the destabilization that drives migration - as Senator Marco Rubio's Venezuela sanctions have done. We also have to finally invest in meaningful immigration reform.' Advertisement Speaking in Mexico City Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, said the new measure is one of the 'strict consequences' the Biden administration will use in tandem with the expansion of legal pathways for asylum seekers. 'Our two countries are being challenged by an unprecedented level of migration throughout our hemisphere,' Mayorkas said, referring to Mexico, where he joined a high-level delegation of US Cabinet officials to hold security talks. The repatriation flights are expected to begin shortly, two US officials told the AP, though they did not provide specific details on when the flights would begin taking off. The resumption of deportation flights comes not long after the administration increased temporary protected status for thousands of Venezuelans who had previously arrived to the US. Many of the asylum seekers are fleeing the socialist regime of President Nicolas Maduro. Migrants must now have entered the country before July 31 of this year to be eligible for the protected status, meaning thousands that continue to cross the border will not receive the same reprieve from deportation. In making the recent expansion of protections official, Biden's administration said just this week that it had determined that 'extraordinary and temporary conditions continue to prevent Venezuelan nationals from returning in safety.' Venezuela has plunged into economic and political crisis over the past decade under socialist rulers Hugo Chavez and Maduro, marked by hyperinflation, widespread starvation, and soaring crime and political violence. Mayorkas on Thursday addressed the contrast with the announcement just days later of more deportations, saying 'we have made a determination it is safe to return Venezuelan nationals who arrived in the United States subsequent to July 31 and do not have a legal basis to remain here.' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who led the US delegation to Mexico, added that 'we have an ironclad commitment to provide protection for those who qualify. That remains paramount in everything we're doing.' The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service criticized the move to resume deportations noting the apparent contradiction with the expansion of temporary protected status. Cabinet officials (left to right) Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas are seen on a visit to Mexico on Thursday for 'high level security talks' on migration and the border US and Mexican officials are seen at the meeting. The government of Mexico committed to the United States to continue with 'forceful' actions on migration and 'assisted returns,' said Alicia Barcena, Mexican Foreign Minister 'Returning thousands of Venezuelans to the same unimaginably dangerous conditions they just fled is a profoundly problematic policy for the world's humanitarian leader to adopt,' the organization's CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah said in a statement. Administration officials would not discuss details about how frequently deportation flights would be going to Venezuela or describe how Venezuela agreed to accept back their citizens except to say that, like other countries around the world, the US has long encouraged Venezuela to accept back its nationals. Cuba, another US adversary, announced earlier this year that it would begin accepting Cuban deportees but there has only been one flight a month. The US had been returning some Venezuelans via commercial flights, but in relatively small numbers and through third countries. In Venezuela, the government said it had reached an agreement with US officials for a safe and orderly repatriation. 'Venezuelan migration in recent years is a direct result of the application of unilateral coercive measures and a blockade of our economy,' Venezuela's foreign ministry said via X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. It said the government would support repatriated Venezuelans. The US move is the latest effort to deal with swelling numbers of migrants as the administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the presidents own party to do more to slow arrivals. The announcement came as Blinken and other top Biden administration officials met with their counterparts in Mexico City on security issues. Blinken discussed migration flows with Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Barcena, as well as foreign ministers from Panama and Colombia, Wednesday. Talks continued Thursday, including meetings by Blinken and US Attorney General Merrick Garland with Lopez Obrador. Barcena said that some 10,000 migrant encounters were registered at the US-Mexico border on Wednesday. 'We are going to continue taking forceful actions, including continuing some efforts we already have in relation to assisted returns, coordinating the dismantling of trafficking networks and human trafficking,' Barcena said. Blinken said the US government is working to support those efforts. 'We're taking steps to aid the most vulnerable, those most vulnerable to organized crime, training nearly 200 Mexican immigration officials to better screen, identify and assist potential human trafficking victims,' Blinken said. 'The scale of this challenge demands that we redouble our efforts, that we do more to increase legal migration ... more to address root causes and more to deter irregular migration humanely,' Blinken said. Migrants, most from Venezuela, walk past the Puente Negro Ferrocarril train bridge while surrendering to authorities after wading across the Rio Grande river into the US on Thursday US Border Patrol agents escort migrants, who crossed the border between the United States and Mexico, through a gate in the border wall to be processed in El Paso on Thursday Lopez Obrador said Thursday during his daily news briefing that Mexico has reiterated in talks its position that there should be investment to spur development in the countries that migrants leave. 'The people don't abandon their towns because they want to, but rather out of necessity,' the president said. He also criticized the Biden administration's announcement Wednesday that it waived 26 federal laws in South Texas to allow border wall construction. Lopez Obrador had previously praised Biden for not building more border wall during his presidency. In August, the US Border Patrol made 181,509 arrests at the Mexican border, up 37% from July but little changed from August 2022 and well below the more than 220,000 in December, according to figures released in September. The US has tried to get Mexico and countries farther south to do more. In April, the US, Panama and Colombia announced a campaign to slow migration through the treacherous Darien Gap dividing Colombia and Panama. But migration through the jungle has only accelerated and is expected to approach some 500,000 people this year - the vast majority from Venezuela. Venezuelans were stopped 25,777 times the first 17 days of September, up 63 percent from the same period a month earlier, according to US Customs and Border Protection figures released by Lopez Obrador. Those included some people admitted for scheduled asylum appointments, but the vast majority were illegal entries. Venezuela plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing at least 7.3 million people to migrate and making food and other necessities unaffordable for those who remain. The vast majority who fled settled in neighboring countries in Latin America, but many began coming to the United States in the last three years. Deportation flights had been paused in part because the US has few diplomatic relations with the nation. US and Mexican officials also discussed efforts aimed at combating the trafficking of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. Mexican officials continued to explain with some difficulty Lopez Obradors blanket assertion - false according to available evidence and the US government - that Mexico does not produce fentanyl. Barcena, the foreign relations secretary, said 'there is no contradiction, chemical precursors are not produced in Mexico.' It was tacit admission that Mexican cartels import precursors, mainly from China, and process them chemically into fentanyl. But since the entire chemical process is not carried out in Mexico the government maintains that fentanyl is not produced here. US officials highlighted the recent extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, to the US on drug trafficking charges as a sign of cooperation between the two governments. Ex-president Donald Trump blabbed about classified information regarding the attack capabilities of US nuclear submarines to an Australian packaging billionaire who-in-turn went on to tell 45 other people, a new report says. The billionaire, Anthony Pratt, is a member of Trump's exclusive Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Now, Pratt has been interviewed twice by special prosecutor Jack Smith who is investigating Trump's handling of classified information after he left office, reports ABC News. The information told to Pratt included how many warheads the submarines could carry and how close they can get undetected to Russian vessels. Three of those who had this information relayed to them were former Australian prime ministers. The meeting between Trump and Pratt, the head of Pratt Industries, which is US based and the Australia based Visy, occurred in April 2021. It's alleged that Trump had been trying to sell the submarines to Australia. In March, Australia agreed to buy three nuclear submarines from the US as part of the security pact between the two countries as well as New Zealand known as AUKUS. Trump pictured with Anthony Pratt and then-Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Pratt's factory in Wapakoneta, Ohio The Virginia-class attack submarine Indiana, in March, Australia bought three of these style vessels from the US The meeting between Pratt and Trump occurred here, at Mar-a-Lago, in April 2021 ABC News reports that some of those involved in the negotiations to buy the submarines had been told of the classified information by Pratt. The others told about the information were ten Australian government officials, six journalists and 11 Pratt Industries employees. Australia's former US Ambassador Joe Hockey told the Australian Financial Review that the information Trump relayed was likely already widely known. 'Weve had submariners serving on US nuclear submarines for years. I find it hard to believe that in a conversation between Anthony Pratt and Donald Trump, anything of great significance was discussed that would have an impact on the national security of either Australia or the US,' Hockey said. While a former Australian defense department official Peter Jennings told the website that even if the information was in the public domain, it still showed a lack of discipline. 'Its just the 1000th example of why Trump is unfit to be president,' Jennings said. In a separate interview with CNN, Hockey said that: 'US naval personnel have been on our ships. Its a fully integrated partnership. The combat system on the US subs and Australian subs is a joint program. Similarly, we share weapons technology.' Pratt speaking with then-US Vice President Mike Pence and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas pictured at the White House in September 2019 A photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate In 2019, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Pratt kept his place as Australia's richest man thanks to Trump and the Republican's slashing of corporate taxes in America A former Mar-a-Lago employee told ABC that within minutes of hearing the information from Trump, Pratt began telling others at the resort. The employee said that he was 'bothered' by the GOP front runner's behavior. Later, federal investigators told Pratt to stop relaying the information. Pratt told officials that he never saw any classified documents while with Trump. Pratt is reported to have said that he wasn't sure the information that Trump was telling was legitimate or not. Despite lavishing praise on Trump during an appearance together alongside then-Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a box factory in Ohio in 2019, Pratt told investigators that he supports the Biden administration because he likes to 'side with the king.' At the pair's meeting, Pratt had intended to unveil a plaque that read: 'Make America and Australia great gain' without Trump's knowledge. He was advised against the unveiling and the plaque was quietly removed. Trump previously called Pratt a 'friend.' In 2019, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Pratt kept his place as Australia's richest man thanks to Trump and the Republican's slashing of corporate taxes in America. 'His slashing of the corporate tax rate and granting of instant write-offs for business investment has bolstered the bottom line of Anthony Pratt,' analyst Michael Bailey told the newspaper. In 2023, Pratt's net worth is reported at $11.1 billion in USD. During an appearance on CNN, The New York Times' Maggie Haberman told Anderson Cooper that the information being reported about the classified information was very typical of Trump During an appearance on CNN, The New York Times' Maggie Haberman told Anderson Cooper that the information being reported about the classified information was very typical of Trump's behavior. 'Trump has a history of allegedly talking about classified information or putting out classified information. There was an infamous Oval Office meeting with two Russian officials where he is said to have spilled some sensitive information that upset Israeli officials.' 'He tweeted out a classified picture of an Iranian launch site, I think it was in 2019. This is something he has done for a while,' Haberman said. 'This is the kind of behavior that added to why President Biden cut off Trump's briefings that ex-presidents get to sensitive information and classified briefings, because according to the current president, what could happen other than the Trump would slip up and say something?,' the reporter added. Trump responded to the ABC report saying that 'illegal leaks are coming from sources which totally lack proper context and relevant information.' 'The Department of Justice should investigate the criminal leaking, instead of perpetrating their baseless witch-hunts while knowing that Trump did nothing wrong, has always insisted on truth and transparency, and acted in a proper manner, according to the law,' he added. Information about how many warheads a US nuclear submarine can carry is widely reported, with Ohio-class vessels able to carry a maximum of 20, according to the Congressional Budge Office report. A woman shot in a murder-suicide attempt by her ex-boyfriend which killed him and left her fighting for her life has been identified as an Irish nurse. Eileen Gibbons is fighting for life with stomach wounds after her ex-partner Ralph Donald, 35, shot her at his family home in Darwin and then turned the gun on himself. Ms Gibbons, whose frantic family are flying in from Ireland to be at her hospital bedside, had reportedly fled her home with Donald in Millner in Darwin's northern suburbs to stay at a domestic violence shelter. But on Tuesday evening, after she returned to the house with their infant daughter to collect belongings, Donald shot her and then himself, police believe. Police were called to the home on Sprigg Street in Millner just after 6.30pm on Tuesday after a neighbour heard two gunshots. Irish nurse Eileen Gibbons is fighting for her life in a Darwin hospital after her estranged boyfriend shot her in the stomach and then turned the weapon on himself Ralph Donald (pictured) shot his ex-partner, Irish nurse Eileen Gibbons, then turned the firearm on himself and succeeded in taking his own life The unnamed neighbour described what happened as an 'ambush', alleging that Ms Gibbons had been invited back into the home by Donald before he shot his estranged partner and then himself. Donald died at the scene from self-inflicted gunshot wounds and a firearm was found lying near his body. News of the tragedy has shocked Castlebar, in northwestern Ireland, where Ms Gibbons grew up and has four siblings, although the 38-year-old had been living in Darwin for seven years, the Irish Examiner reported. Police confirmed that confirm other family members of Donald's were at the home during the shooting, and the paramedics stabilised Ms Gibbons at the scene befor she was rushed to to hospital for emergency surgery. Back in her native Ireland, the 'devastated' town of Castlebar where her mother, Ann, works in a local retail has rallied together. Eileen had recently spent a 'happy' extended holiday in the town last summer before returning to Australia. Irish nurse Eileen Gibbons (above) with her baby daughter who is believed to have been with her when she was ambushed and shot by her ex-partner in a Darwin house Videos posted online over the past 12 months show Donald playing with the couple's young child at his parents' Sprigg St home, where he would later take his life. In the comments section, relatives noted that the child 'looks like daddy', however Donald's family declined to comment when contacted on Thursday. Major Crime detective Paul Morrissey told reporters the couple had both lived at the home 'at various times'. Neighbour Kim Leonard-Bond said that on Tuesday evening, Donald's brother had performed chest compressions on one of the two shot before paramedics arrived. Ms Leonard-Bond said she had known the family since the brothers were boys. 'I just think as a mother I just think, Oh my god how do you cope with the loss of your child, let alone one that killed himself in your house?' she said. Videos posted online show Donald with his daughter at his family's home where the tragedy took place on Tuesday Detectives were called to the Sprigg St home (pictured) around 6.30pm on Tuesday night Friends were seen visiting the home on Wednesday morning with one man weeping quietly in his car just metres from the house. Detective Morrissey was unable to confirm if Donald had a history of domestic violence, or if the woman was staying in a shelter. 'It's concerning for neighbours. It's obviously distressing for family members and friends of the persons involved and also a confronting scene for first responders,' he said. He said that investigations are in their 'infancy' but did not anticipate any arrests in the suspected attempted murder suicide. 'The level of domestic violence in this town is appalling,' one male neighbour said. 'It hits differently when it's on your street.' In Ireland's Mayo County, council member Martin McLoughlin said County Council, said: 'The community here is shocked to the core. 'She's from a popular family in the town and the entire town of Castlebar has come together in the hope of her full recovery. 'I know the family well. I can only wish Eileen the very best and I hope she makes a full recovery.' 'Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this dreadfully painful time'. Darwin detectives are interviewing local residents and seeking witnesses. A report is being prepared for the coroner. For confidential support 24/7 call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government is being warned more than 200,000 Australians under 30 stand to be affected by Labor's superannuation changes. Draft legislation has this week been released with a plan to double the concessional contribution rate to 30 per cent for those with more than $3million in retirement savings. The government claims this will only affect 80,000 people or 0.5 per cent of the population as everyone else continued paying a 15 per cent concessional tax rate. But the Financial Services Council, which represents retail super funds, argues the proposal would hurt 500,000 existing taxpayers, including 204,000 under the age of 30. Acting chief executive Spiro Premetis said the planned $3million cap - with no plans to index it for inflation - would end up hurting the young more, as their retirement savings grew. 'Leaving the cap stuck at $3million will mean that in today's dollars a 30-year-old will have a real cap of around $1 million, calling into question the intergenerational fairness of an unindexed cap,' he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government is being warned more than 200,000 Australians under 30 stand to be affected by Labor's superannuation changes Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled the plan in February in a bid to save $2.3billion a year in forgone government revenue. READ MORE: Super changes explained Advertisement Dr Chalmers and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones this week argued it was only a modest proposal. 'This modest adjustment to apply after the next election will affect only a handful of people,' they said. 'The change will not alter the amounts of money people can put into super, and it applies to future earnings it's not retrospective. 'The amendments are consistent with the government's proposed objective of superannuation, to preserve savings to deliver income for a dignified retirement, alongside government support, in an equitable and sustainable way.' The changes would come into effect on July 1, 2025 should Labor be re-elected in that year. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor said this would be a broken promise. 'First and foremost, this is a broken promise,' he said. 'Labor said before the last election they wouldn't change the rules around superannuation. They wouldn't raise taxes. 'This is a broken promise. It's higher taxation on superannuation.' During the May 2022 election campaign, Mr Albanese told a Sky News reporter that he would not meddle with retirement savings if Labor was elected. 'We've said we have no intention of making any super changes,' he said. Financial Services Council, which represents retail super funds, argues the proposal would hurt 500,000 existing taxpayers, including 204,000 under the age of 30 (pictured is Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse) Consultation on the super proposal closes on October 18, with the Greens last month indicating they would vote with the Coalition to block the legislation unless super was added to paid parental leave. Young people typically had very little super with men aged 25 to 29 having a median balance of $17,243 compared with $17,528 for women of the same age group, Australian Taxation Office data for 2020-21 showed. Former Liberal treasurer Peter Costello introduced generous tax concessions for super contributions in 2006. The Australia Institute think tank estimated the super tax concessions cost the budget $52.6billion a year, almost as much as the $55.3billion spent on the aged pension. Judge John Van Laningham slammed the decision as he called for exoneration Yojary Mundaray was fired in 2019 after refusing to use preferred pronouns A Florida judge slammed transgenderism as a 'new secular faith' in a controversial ruling in favor of a teacher who was fired for refusing to use a student's preferred pronouns. Science teacher Yojary Mundaray lost her job in 2019 after she slated a transgender student's requested pronouns, telling her that 'God doesn't make mistakes.' Mundaray was fired after an investigation by school administrators at Jose de Diego Middle School in Miami, but law judge John Van Laningham called for the educator to be exonerated as he penned a scathing rebuke of transgender ideology. 'Advocates of transgenderism can be as doctrinaire as religious zealots these days,' he wrote in his decision. 'As this case demonstrates, adhering to the traditional view that gender is biologically determined can get a person excommunicated, from a job in this instance.' Florida Judge John Van Laningham (pictured) called for Science teacher Yojary Mundaray to be exonerated after she was fired for refusing to use a student's preferred pronouns. He argued that 'advocates of transgenderism can be as doctrinaire as religious zealots these days' According to Van Laningham's decision, the student - referred to only as 'Pat' - was born a biological female but asked the teacher to use male pronouns after being scolded by Mundaray for 'routine horse play.' Mundaray refused after citing her religious beliefs, to which the student told her that 'God made a mistake.' 'I'm a Christian, and my God made no mistakes,' the teacher replied. Students were reportedly left in tears at the hostile back-and-forth, with the school determining that her 'personal conduct... seriously reduced her effectiveness as an employee of the school district.' The student complained to school administrators, sparking an internal investigation that led to Mundaray being fired in June 2020. Although the educator lost her job after it was determined she had imposed her religious dogma on her classroom, Van Laningham argued that she was free to hold her beliefs. 'Given that Mundaray made no attempt to force Pat to accept, conform to, or even acknowledge any Christian doctrine, the allegation that she imposed her personal religious views on Pat is untrue,' he wrote. 'At most, Mundaray expressed her view that God is inerrant, which is about as anodyne a theological statement as one could make. 'Further, she did so only in defense of the God she worships. Surely, such cannot constitute a disciplinable offense in a country whose foundational principles include religious freedom.' The scandal erupted at Jose de Diego Middle School in Miami, Florida, which fired the teacher after determining that her 'personal conduct... seriously reduced her effectiveness as an employee of the school district' He felt that the dispute hinged on religious freedoms, arguing that 'the case is not about proselytizing but about transgender ideology.' In his decision, Van Laningham also referred to the student with female pronouns, despite their past requests to be identified as a male. Van Laningham noted a recent law passed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that would have spared Mundaray's job, as it orders schools to identify students by their biological gender. 'In short, had the incident with Pat occurred today, instead of three years ago, Mundaray would have been protected against the significant loss she suffered simply for refusing to do what the law now deems false,' he wrote. The judge's staunch views on transgenderism in schools, a hot button issue in the culture wars debates dominating American politics, were also on show in his decision this week. He branded supporters of transgender people as followers of a 'new secular faith', adding: 'Advocates of transgenderism can be as doctrinaire as religious zealots these days.' The case remains to be concluded, with the Education Practices Commission set to issue a final ruling. Van Laningham's aggressive denunciation of transgenderism was reportedly found in a footnote, with the judge holding a history of creating fiery footnotes that once saw him suspended in 2020. According to the News Service of Florida, he was suspended for five days for questioning a fellow judge's comments in a ruling, asking whether their comments might be ex parte communications that are banned by Florida law. At the time, it was noted that Van Laningham 'is renowned for lengthy, sharply written orders in which he sometimes harshly rebukes state agency officials', reports the American Bar Association Journal. Eric Adams declared on Thursday that he feels at home in Mexico - because there are already so many Mexicans living in New York City. The mayor arrived in Mexico City on Wednesday evening to begin a controversial visit he says is aimed at understanding why migrants flock to the Big Apple. Critics have said it is a self-aggrandizing publicity tour and a waste of money - arguing he should instead be in Washington DC and Albany asking for more federal and state support. New York City has received over 122,000 migrants in the last year, and is struggling to cope with the influx. On Thursday, Adams traveled to the city of Puebla, 100 miles south of Mexico City, to meet with local leaders. Eric Adams is seen on Thursday in the city of Puebla, 100 miles south of Mexico City, as he continues his tour focusing on migration Adams tweeted a photo of the Puebla legislature, where he gave a speech on Thursday 'More than half a million members of the Puebla community live in New York City, and this region of Mexico feels like a little slice of home,' he wrote on X. 'You can sense the shared values of community and hard work.' Adams shared photos from a visit to see an altar, and a session inside Puebla's ornate state congress building. He spoke to the local representatives, describing the ties binding his city and a Mexican state that has sent some 800,000 of its people to New York over the years. 'We are neighbors. We are familia. Mi casa es su casa. Your struggles are my struggles,' said Adams inside the legislative chamber. 'During COVID-19 it was your children that kept our stores open, the first responders, transportation professionals, healthcare professionals. 'We survived COVID because your children were in our city.' After the speeches by Puebla's governor and the city mayor, members of congress began chanting 'Adams hermano, ya eres poblano,' a welcome that translates to 'Brother Adams, you are already a Pueblan.' Sergio Salomon Cespedes, the state governor, dubbed him 'Mayor of Puebla York.' Adams is seen meeting Mexican officials in the city of Puebla on Thursday In August 2022, NYC mayor Eric Adams welcome migrants welcomed asylum seekers bused in from Texas at Port Authority, saying he was proud New York is a shelter state The Mayor of New York, Eric Adams, talks to the press in front of the Basilica de Guadalupe after a visit to the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Wednesday Hundreds of migrants sleep in line early on August 1, for placement at the Roosevelt Hotel intake center in New York Migrants are streaming into New York City, lining up to enter the Federal Plaza to file with the immigration services, October 2 But later, talking to reporters, Adams again returned to the refrain that he has carried on his Latin America trip: New York is 'at capacity.' He added: 'There is no more room in New York. Our hearts are endless, but our resources are not. We don't want to put people in congregate shelters. We don't want people to think they will be employed.' Late Tuesday, New York City asked a court for the ability to suspend its unique, so-called 'right to shelter' agreement that requires it to provide emergency housing to anyone who asks for it. The filing is the latest in a months-long attempt to suspend the law that has long made New York a sanctuary city. The Adams administration argues the agreement was never designed for a humanitarian crisis like the city faces today. Adams said the current crisis has been partly caused by what he called Texas Governor Greg Abbott's 'inhumane' decision last April to send migrants on chartered buses from his state to New York City. 'These are human beings that have traveled in very dangerous terrains. And what he's doing is exploiting this for political reasons,' said Adams. Adams said these are 'extremely challenging times.' As seen from an aerial view, a U.S. Border Patrol agent supervises as immigrants walk into the United States after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on September 30 Asylum seekers wait to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico into the United States 'It's going to be extremely painful for New Yorkers and migrants and asylum seekers,' he said. 'They deserve a more dignified environment than what we are able to give because of the magnitude of this problem, and the costs associated with it, and of the navigation of this crisis.' The mayor began his four-day tour of Latin America on Wednesday evening with a visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe, in Mexico City, a place of worship for many would-be migrants immediately before they begin their journey north. Over the next two days Adams plans to travel to Quito, Ecuador, and Bogota, Colombia, before visiting the jungle-clad Darien Gap, a particularly dangerous section of the route many migrants take north at the border of Panama and Colombia. A family left stranded and at risk of becoming homeless by their insurance company has had a stroke of luck with their claim finally being covered in full. The Sunbury home of Kane and Rebecca Bridger and their two children was left riddled with mould following water damage from a storm at the end of last year. Their original claim was accepted by the RACV, with an engineer's report noting there were no maintenance issues found to be contributing to the damage. Six months later, the Bridger's claim for 'any damage to the property' was suddenly denied. Kane and Rebecca Bridger (pictured) were left 'shocked' and 'confused' after their accepted insurance claim for their water damaged home was suddenly denied six months later 'It just really shocked and really confused (us) to be honest,' Rebecca told 9News. 'As far as we were aware it was all going ahead.' A second engineer's report had identified several maintenance-related issues and building defects, despite the RACV's prior report giving them the all clear. The home, in Melbourne's north-west, remains vacant and is now unlivable according to Kane. It no longer has a functioning bathroom, many of their belongings have been ruined and the property has become overrun with mice and mould. 'I was furious, they obviously didn't know what ready to move back into is,' he said. 'Even if we did move back in, how did they expect us to go to the toilet?' Daughter Nikkita said the whole situation had been 'stressful on everyone'. The Sunbury property, in Melbourne's north-west, has been deemed 'unlivable' by the homeowners and is overrun with mice (pictured) and mould 'It's just sad because this used to be our home and now there is nothing here that feels like home,' she added. 'We walked in today and it's just like we just wanted to cry.' After lodging a complaint with the regulator, the family received news the RACV had changed it's mind - extending the family's temporary accommodation, to fix the mould damage and pay for the contents. In another positive twist, the RACV confirmed on Thursday night the family's claim would now be covered in full. 'We've been working with our member to resolve the issues with their claim,' a spokesperson for the insurer said. The dispute with the RACV finally came to a head on Thursday night, with the insurance company confirming the family's claim will be covered in full (pictured, the house) 'We contacted them today and spoke with their representative to confirm that we will cover their claim in full. 'Our member has indicated through their representative that they have their own builder ready to undertake the repairs which will be covered under their claim,' the spokesperson added. 'Their temporary accommodation will be extended until all repairs are completed. 'We've again apologised for their experience with their claim.' The service will launch in 2024, officials said in a press release The news was revealed at an event in Paris on Thursday, October 5 Michelin will soon assign keys to hotels worthy of praise across the world Michelin Guide is expanding from recommending prestigious restaurants to now also designating 'Michelin Key' hotels that are worthy of patronage. In a press release Thursday, Michelin Guide officials announced the new system of recognizing incredible hotels around the world, which will launch in 2024. 'The MICHELIN Key is a clear, reliable indication for travelers,' said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. It is unknown if the system will follow a similar one, two, or three rating. For restaurants, one star equals a 'very good restaurant' while three equals 'exceptional.' 'Just as the MICHELIN Star distinguishes those restaurants that are at the peak of their art, the MICHELIN Key recognizes the most exceptional hotels throughout the world,' Poullennec said. The keys will be based on five criteria: local character, individuality, excellence in architecture and design, top service and comfort, and a consistent value-for-price. Michelin Guide is expanding from recommending prestigious restaurants to now also designating 'Michelin Key' hotels that are worthy of patronage It is unknown if the system will follow a similar one, two, or three rating. For restaurants, one star equals a 'very good restaurant' while three equals 'exceptional' According to an Instagram story posted Thursday morning, the Michelin Key represents 'opening doors to great experiences.' In a statement, Poullennec added that the Michelin Key is 'also an acknowledgment of the teamwork of committed enthusiastic hospitality professionals.' For comparison, the Michelin Star represents 'gastronomic excellence for gourmets around the world.' The first round of Michelin Key hotels will be announced in 2024 from a preselected list of some 5,300 hotels already included on the Michelin Guide. The 5,300 hotels in contention span 120 countries across the globe. The Michelin Keys will be awarded by a panel of Michelin judges who anonymously stay at the hotels prior to the release of the first list. Additionally, Poullennec said that Michelin's staff judges will pay their bills. He said this is to ensure that there is no 'commercial bias.' Regardless of which hotels first receive keys, all of the hotels will be bookable on the Michelin Guide website which connects travelers with memorable lodging. 'In an industry saturated with questionably trustworthy endorsements, the Michelin Guide offers its expertise to travelers to guide them toward only the very best experiences,' it said in a press release. According to an Instagram story posted Thursday morning, the Michelin Key represents 'opening doors to great experiences' For comparison, the Michelin Star represents 'gastronomic excellence for gourmets around the world' 'The MICHELIN Key is a clear, reliable indication for travelers,' said Gwendal Poullennec (pictured) International Director of the Michelin Guide The Michelin Key list will be updated yearly, much like the Michelin Star system. 'The MICHELIN Guide teams are currently in the field and will reveal the first MICHELIN Key selection in the first half of 2024,' officials wrote. Travelers looking to take advantage of the Michelin Guide can do so here. The website and mobile app recommends hotels and lodgings based on city or locale, dates, and other criteria chosen by the searcher. The father of one-year-old who died from a Fentanyl overdose at a Bronx daycare spoke out about how he 'trusted' its owner - who now faces murder charges alongside her husband and his cousin. Nicholas Feliz-Dominici was identified as deceased toddler who was one of four children to ingest fentanyl while being cared for at the Divino Nino Day Care on Morris avenue in Kingsbridge on September 15. The boy's distraught dad, Otoniel Feliz, 32, has consistently spoken about his feelings of betrayal from owner Grei Mendez De Ventura, 36, husband Felix Herrera Garcia, 34, and her husband's cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41. All three were indicted Thursday on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, assault and drug possession, among several others. Feliz said - while holding a photo of Nicholas up for the world to see - that his view of Mendez De Ventura had been of an attentive caregiver, who would consistently send his wife updates on 'each and every little thing' via text message. Otoniel Feliz, 32, the father of one-year-old who died from a Fentanyl overdose at a Bronx daycare spoke out about how he 'trusted' its owner, who now faces murder charges alongside her husband and his cousin Nicholas Feliz-Dominici was identified as deceased toddler who was one of four children to ingest fentanyl while being cared for at the Divino Nino Day Care on Morris avenue in Kingsbridge on September 15 'We trusted her. We feel betrayed by that daycare,' Feliz added, according to the New York Post. 'We feel really emotional because we remember every single detail from this tragic event. It's really hard for us,' he said. He added that all he has now of his baby 'is a reminder of his death. Nothing will bring him back.' Mendez, Garcia and Brito all pleaded not guilty in Bronx Supreme Court, with Brito saying 'no culpable.' Their trial is currently scheduled to begin December 19. The daycare allegedly acted as a front for a fentanyl dealing operation in the basement of the building, leading to Nicholas's death as well as injuries to three other children. The three other children, two boys aged two-years-old and an eight-month-old girl, were also poisoned, but survived with the help of Narcan. 'This was not really a day care center - this was a drug operation,' said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. 'And they used babies as a shield. I'm outraged.' It comes as it emerged earlier that De Venture had pulled her own two-year-old child from the daycare amid concerns he was showing signs of exposure to the drug. Mendez was indicted Thursday on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, assault and drug possession, among several others Mendez de Ventura is walked out of court after their arraignment Mendez, Garcia (pictured) and Brito all pleaded not guilty in Bronx Supreme Court, with Brito saying 'no culpable.' Their trial is currently scheduled to begin December 19 Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, was also arraigned on Thursday Exhibits from the DA's office of the daycare where a child died of a fentanyl overdose Three other children, two boys aged two-years-old and an eight-month-old girl, were also poisoned, but survived with the help of Narcan The daycare allegedly acted as a front for a fentanyl dealing operation in the basement of the building, leading to Nicholas's death as well as injuries to three other children Garcia was sent back to the US last week after being snared on a bus traveling through Sinaloa following an 11-day international manhunt. In the complaint against him, authorities said his wife called him prior to dialing 911 when the children became sick. Security camera recordings showed Garcia enter the daycare and exit again carrying two full shopping bags. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said Garcia 'fled the day care even as the children he abandoned inside were suffering from his poisonous trade.' Mendez then deleted more than 21,000 text messages she had exchanged with her husband, according to prosecutors. The couple are being charged along with Garcia's cousin Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, and Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, 38 who is up on narcotics distribution charges. 'This was not really a day care center - this was a drug operation,' said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark (pictured center). 'And they used babies as a shield. I'm outraged' Otoniel Feliz consoles his wife at the presser announcing the charges against the daycare operators Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, who helped run the daycare is among four facing charges over the poisonings Authorities say the four used the daycare as a front for a drug-peddling operation. A search of the premises uncovered strainers, tape, a grinder, plastic bags, digital scales and two clear bags filled with a 'greyish powder' as well as 'rectangular, brick-shaped package which appeared to contain narcotics.' Later searches also revealed a trap door leading to a stash of drugs just steps away from shelves containing children's toys. The case exemplifies the growing threat of fentanyl in New York, which is now the most common cause of fatal overdose in the city. The synthetic opioid was detected in 80 per cent of overdose deaths in 2021 and accounted for 1,868 fatalities according to latest data from NYC Health. At a press conference following the child poisonings, Mayor Eric Adams pledged a 'a full national assault' on the drug entering the city. Meanwhile police have recovered ghost guns, untraceable weapons, which had been made on 3D printers from a second daycare facility. Cops swarmed on the East Harlem home where the business was based and arrested three people in connection, CNN reports. The daycare owner's 18-year-old son Karon Jamal Coley was charged with firearms charges along with two other minors, whose details were not given. An Aussie real estate agent has been forced to explain why one of their rental properties looks like a 'prison cell'. The single-bedroom property in Brisbane with a combined living area and kitchen is surrounded by dark, grey concrete walls and a polished black floor. Photos of the property, listed at $300 a week in rent, show just one square window located at the back of the room. But the property's agent says the look is deliberate, designed with an 'industrial' look. A rental home in Brisbane (pictured) which charges $300 a week in rent has been compared to 'prison cell' due to its compact space and the surrounding dark grey walls The narrow and compact room is also fitted with a sink, a small bar bridge, a tiny bathroom and adjoining shower space. An open wooden wardrobe and a bookshelf has also been fitted into the small space. Basic amenities such as electricity, water, gas and internet connection are provided to the prospective renter. Renters took to social media to express their shock after photos of the forbidding looking property were uploaded onto Facebook with the caption 'the word you're looking for is cell'. 'It's so grim and $300 a week,' one user in Reddit wrote. 'F***ing hell, that is bleak,' another said. The rental includes a combined living area and kitchen space along with a small bedroom (pictured) and a tiny bathroom space with an adjoining shower One user suggested the owner of the home may not have bothered painting the walls as whoever was going to move in would be forking out a hefty amount in rent to pay for the property's maintenance. Others said the rental offered good value particularly for low-income earners such as students. 'If you're a student, you don't need much more,' one tenant wrote. 'I've seen worse considering utilities are included,' another said. The small kitchen space includes a sink (pictured) and a minibar fridge which is located in a shared space with the living room Photos uploaded on social media show a polished black floor and a small square window located at the back of the home The property's leasing agent Peng Zhao stood by the value of the property. He conceded that the interior design of the home could force renters to think twice about moving into the property. 'It was built with an industrial vibe,' he told Yahoo. '[it] may not suit everyone's taste.' It comes after illegal border crossings topped 200,000 in September She announced plans to send 275 National Guard troops to the southern border Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey warned that 'every state has become a border state' Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced plans to send 275 National Guard troops to the southern border as record illegal crossings continue to plague the nation. Ivey follows governors in at least 12 other states who have sent their law enforcement resources to the border this year, with the Alabama leader saying she made the move because 'every state has become a border state.' 'Alabama remains committed to being an integral part of the mission to protect our southern border,' she continued in a statement. 'The Alabama National Guard always stands ready to protect our citizens, and I thank our 275 troops, as well as their families, for their important service to our country.' The move to send National Guard troops to the southern border comes after over 200,000 migrants illegally crossed into the US last month, a number that sparked fury with many blaming the crisis on President Biden. Texas National Guard troops watch as migrants traverse the Rio Grande river from Mexico on September 27 A pregnant migrant stands in front of a security fence as she is surrounded by National Guardsmen, who blocked the crossing between the US - Mexico border Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday she is sending 275 National Guard troops to the southern border, becoming the latest lawmaker to give up her law enforcement resources in the fight against the influx of illegal border crossings At least 13 states have announced plans to send law enforcement to the border, with many responding to a request from Texas Governor Greg Abbott in May to bolster the front-lines against the crisis. As well as National Guardsmen, some opted to send various law enforcement agency officers to help with practical issues such as processing, including Highway Patrol troopers sent by Ohio, Nebraska and Florida earlier this year. In May, President Biden announced plans to send 1,500 active-duty troops to the border, alongside over 2,500 National Guardsmen already stationed. But Biden has been criticized by many Republican leaders for a lack of concrete, seeing his policies as allowing the border to become significantly weakened over his tenure. At least 13 state governors have joined in the move to deploy law enforcement officers to the border, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who sent 800 National Guardsmen in May. Last month, California Governor Gavin Newsom also opted to increase his state's National Guard resources to the border, citing alarming rates of drugs pouring into the US. 'Fentanyl is a deadly poison ripping families and communities apart,' he said in a statement, as he upped the number of officers stationed to 60. 'California is cracking down and today were going further by deploying more CalGuard soldiers to combat this crisis and keep our communities safe.' Other states to deploy either National Guard troops or law enforcement officers from in-state departments this year includes Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and Virginia. Taxpayers usually foot the bill for the moves, however Republican megadonor Willis Johnson donated $1 million to fund South Dakota's efforts in July. Throughout the fiscal year, more than 2.8 million migrants have been apprehended by law enforcement trying to cross the border illegally Many migrants make their way to the US border after a long, dangerous journey through treacherous conditions, often wading through the Rio Grande River on route to Texas The small Texas town of Eagle Pass has become an epicenter of the crisis, experiencing upwards of 8,000 crossings a week. Pictured is a Texas National Guard soldier at Eagle Pass on September 28 The migrant crisis has stretched lawmakers across the country, with Ivey's announcement coming after she and 24 other governors signed an urgent letter to President Biden calling for 'honest, accurate, detailed information' over the state of the situation. 'As a result of your policies which incentivize illegal immigration, our states are carrying the burden of both the years-long surge in illegal border crossings and cartels coordinated trafficking of drugs and human beings,' the letter read, sent on September 9. The letter highlighted the strain state governments are feeling as the deluge of migrants continues, saying: 'States are on the front lines, working around-the clock responding to the effects of this crisis. 'Shelters are full, food pantries empty, law enforcement strained, and aid workers exhausted.' Her comments mirror those repeatedly given by Democratic Mayor of New York City Eric Adams in recent times, who has warned that the over 120,000 migrants flooding the Big Apple are 'destroying' the city. Adams said that upwards of 200 emergency shelters across the city are 'at capacity', with the one of the main drivers of the issues in New York coming from southern states bussing migrants north to ease the strain. Dramatic photos show the moment migrants cross the Rio Grande river from Piedras Negras, Mexico into Eagle Pass, Texas - which has become the epicenter of border crossings in recent times Many migrants traverse difficult conditions on their way to the US-Mexico border, in hopes of ending up in sanctuary cities such as New York City New York City officials have warned that the influx of migrants has become a humanitarian crisis in the city, costing billions of dollars while droves are forced to sleep rough as the city's resources are stretched thin Historic landmarks such as the Roosevelt Hotel (pictured outside in August) have been transformed into migrant shelters, with families given priority as refugees await shelter But states, led by Texas, choosing to bus migrants to other states argue that they are sharing the burden of disastrous border policies allowing the record crossings. In the Lone Star State, the small Texas town of Eagle Pass has become an epicenter of the unprecedented crossings. The Texas town of just 28,000 people has been inundated by migrants in recent weeks, with border crossings rising to around 8,000 a day in the week ending September 22, according to the Washington Office of Latin America. Throughout the fiscal year, more than 2.8 million migrants have had encounters with authorities, compared to 2.7 million in 2022, according to Customs and Border Protection. In September, preliminary data obtained by CBS News found Border Patrol agents last month recorded an estimated 210,000 apprehensions - the third highest number on record. The colossal numbers signified migrants entering the U.S. without authorization in between official ports of entry along the Mexican border and was a sizeable increase from the 181,000 recorded in August, the outlet reported. It does not take into account those who managed to make it across without being apprehended. September's apprehension tally is the highest since Dec 2022 when 222,000 migrants were apprehended, the second-highest monthly figure on record. The 2023 fiscal year, which concludes at the end of September, saw two million illegal migrants intercepted crossing the border, according to data seen by CBS News. That is the second highest annual figure on record. In May 2022, 224,000 migrants who crossed illegally were apprehended, setting the current record. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has escalated his verbal attacks on Donald Trump, in some of his sharpest criticism yet as they vie for the Republican presidential nomination. DeSantis, speaking at a campaign event on Thursday in Tallahassee, argued that Trump lost the 2020 election not because more voters supported Democrat Joe Biden, but rather to cast Trump out of office. 'I don't think anybody voted for Biden, okay. They were voting against Trump. That was why they did it,' DeSantis said. 'I mean, let's just be honest, he energized Democrats -- you could have John Kennedy walk through the door right now, and he wouldn't energize Democrats, as much as Donald Trump does,' he continued. 'That's just the reality.' As he slides in recent polls among a crowded GOP presidential field, DeSantis has been sharpening his critiques of Trump in a bid to revitalize his campaign. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has escalated his verbal attacks on Donald Trump, in some of his sharpest criticism yet as they vie for the Republican presidential nomination Most notably, he used his first opening on the GOP debate stage last week to criticize the former president for skipping the event. Trump remains his party's most influential figure and the strong frontrunner in its presidential primary race. He was considering a visit to Capitol Hill next week as Republicans sort out their leadership crisis following House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ouster. DeSantis suggested the thousands of voters who show up to Trump's political rallies would be matched by those who show up to keep the former president from winning the White House again. 'A voter that goes to 10 rallies, their vote counts the same as somebody thats unenthusiastic that then goes and votes,' he said. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung responded to DeSantis' remarks by saying: 'Ron DeSantis has the energy of used wet rag.' 'This is nothing more than a desperate attempt of a flailing candidate who is in the last throes of his campaign,' Cheung said in a statement. 'This tough guy routine from DeSantis is laughable, because the only thing tough about him is is ability to embarrass himself every single day on the campaign trail.' At Thursday's event, DeSantis spoke to an audience of more than 100 supporters as he announced support from Florida law enforcement officers. DeSantis claimed Trump energizes Democrats to vote even more than highly popular former President John F. Kennedy -- though for very different reasons At Thursday's event, DeSantis spoke to an audience of more than 100 supporters as he announced support from Florida law enforcement officers There were a few pro-Trump protesters outside, one of them yelling persistently through a bullhorn, but DeSantis took no notice of them. Attendee Rachel Yates, who said she moved to Tampa two years ago from Chicago, said she likes both Trump and DeSantis. She said a main source of Trump's appeal in the past was 'that he came in as kind of an independent.' 'I think Trump never had a history in politics and that was important,' she said. Yates also said she liked DeSantis's message of law and order, symbolized by his endorsement Thursday by 60 Florida sheriffs, but declined to say which of the two candidates she preferred. DeSantis, responding to questions both from the media and his friendly audience, said no one was entitled to the GOP nomination, 'especially anybody that couldnt even stop Joe Biden.' He suggested that the 77-year-old Trump did not have the energy for his old job. 'We need a president thats going to be full throttle for eight years,' the 45-year-old said. 'We dont need any more presidents that have lost the zip on their fastball.' He also dismissed Trump's sizeable fundraising. Trump's campaign said Wednesday night that it raised more than $45.5 million in the third quarter of the year, while DeSantis team said it brought in $15 million during the same period. DeSantis said his own fundraising is 'being spent on actually delivering the victories that we know we need,' and questioned how much of Trump's fundraising was being spent on his legal problems, including four criminal cases. In response to a question about whether he can continue raising enough money to say in the race, he said, 'Absolutely.' But he argued that what was most important was earning people's votes, 'town by town, county by county.' He was headed later Thursday to Miami for a fundraiser. Meanwhile, GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley cemented her second place status in New Hampshire with a poll released Wednesday, beating out DeSantis by a commanding nine points. While Trump is still the frontrunner, Haley has moved into a solid second place in New Hampshire, which holds the nation's first primary next year A USA TODAY/Boston Globe/Suffolk Poll shows Haley with the support of 19 percent of likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire. Trump maintains his large lead in the early primary state, receiving the support of 49 percent of likely Republican primary voters in the Granite State. DeSantis - once considered Trump's biggest political threat - now sits in third place with the support of 10 percent. No other GOP candidate is polling in the double digits - former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gets 6 percent, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott are both polling at 4 percent and former Vice President Mike Pence and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum are at 1 percent. Federal customs agents foiled the plans of an Iowa woman who wanted to make jewelry from giraffe poop she picked up on a trip to Kenya after she brought it back to the US in her luggage. The woman declared the small box of feces when she was selected to have her belongings inspected upon arriving at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport on September 29, according to US Customs and Border Protection. The woman, who was not identified, told officials she planned to use the waste to make a necklace, as she had done in the past with moose poop. Giraffe poop can be brought back to the US with the proper permits and inspections, according to Minnesota Public Radio. The station reported that the woman won't face sanctions because she declared the feces and gave it to Customs. This undated photo provided by US Customs and Border Protection shows a small box of giraffe feces that was confiscated from a passenger arriving from Kenya at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, September 29 Sneaking it into the airport would've cost her a penalty of anywhere from $300 to $1,000, according to CBS News. The agencys agriculture specialists destroyed the giraffe poop. 'There is a real danger with bringing fecal matter into the U.S.,' Customs and Border Protection's Chicago field Director LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke said in a statement. 'If this person had entered the U.S. and had not declared these items, there is high possibility a person could have contracted a disease from this jewelry and developed serious health issues.' African swine fever, classical swine fever, Newcastle disease, foot-and-mouth disease and swine vesicular disease are among ailments in Kenya that Customs cited as risks. The woman declared the small box of feces when she was selected to have her belongings inspected upon arriving at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport on September 29, according to US Customs and Border Protection Giraffe poop can be brought back to the US with the proper permits and inspections 'CBP's agriculture specialists mitigate the threat of non-native pests, diseases, and contaminants entering the United States' said Augustine Moore, CBP Area Port Director-Minnesota added. 'Agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in the biological and agriculture sciences, they inspect travelers and cargo arriving in the United States by air, land, and seaports of entry.' To bring any sort of fecal matter into the United States, a Veterinary Services Permit is typically required. A grandfather and his three grandchildren have died after a horror light plane crash near Canberra on Friday. The 65 year old man, who was an experienced pilot, was on board the four-seater Cirrus SR22 with his 11 year old grandson and his two granddaughters who were aged nine and six. The aircraft crashed minutes after takeoff from Canberra airport, falling out the sky into the ground and bursting into flames near Lake George in the NSW Tablelands. The grandfather, from Bunya in Queensland, is said to have hundreds of hours of flying experience. His grandchildren are reportedly from NSW. The single-engine Cirrus SR22, registration VH-MSF, exploded in a fireball when it hit the ground around 2.52pm on Friday. Police said there were no survivors. It is unclear how many were on board, but there were no survivors The five-seater single-engine Cirrus SR22 VH-MSF crashed and caught alight near Lake George in the NSW Tablelands around 2.52pm on Friday, NSW Police said The crashed plane was registered to Up N Up Aviation, owned by Mike Cahill (pictured) who is president of the Redcliffe Aero Club The US-made Cirrus SR-22 is a single-engine aircraft and one of the most popular General Aviation aircraft in the world, regularly topping global best-seller lists. The crashed plane was registered to Up N Up Aviation, owned by Mike Cahill who is president of the Redcliffe Aero Club. It's not clear who was piloting the 21-year-old plane at the time of the tragic accident. The plane took off from Canberra at 2.36pm according to flight data tracking, and was headed for Armidale, NSW, 750km away. It climbed steadily to 3000m but began to gradually lose ground speed as it gained altitude and reached 7000ft. Sixteen minutes after take-off, at 9000ft, the plane suddenly fell out the sky near Lake George. It plummeted to the ground within seconds after losing all forward speed and air traffic control were unable to establish communications with the pilot. A police spokesman added: 'Initial inquiries indicate the Cirrus SR22 was travelling to Armidale with four people a man and three children believed to be on board at the time. Emergency services arrived at a property on Hadlow Drive, Gundaroo, 35km north of Queanbeyan, just before 3pm after a local resident reported seeing flames in the crash area. A light plane has crashed (pictured) in Canberra's north-east on Friday afternoon before the aircraft burst into flames Emergency crews (pictured) arrived at the scene following the crash as firefighters from the Rural Fire Service quickly worked to douse the flames Smoke was seen filling the air shortly afterwards as fire crews, ambulances and police vehicles rushed to the scene. Firefighting crews worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and police have established a crime scene as investigations continue. 'When police arrived with RFS services there was a small grass fire and obviously a catastrophic crash of a small light aircraft,' Police Superintendent Cath Bradbury said. 'The RFS extinguished the plane - unfortunately there are no survivors.' 'They are yet to be formally identified. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner' There were 'minimal witnesses' to the crash according to Superintendent Bradbury, who confirmed police would be working through the night to get to the bottom of what caused the horrific incident. 'Officers from Monaro Police District are conducting inquiries into the incident, including confirming how many people were on board at the time,' the spokesperson said. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have also been notified and will attend the scene. Six minutes after take-off, the plane made a sharp plunge near Lake George with air traffic control unable to establish communications with the pilot The Cirrus SR-22 is a single-engine aircraft and is one of the most popular General Aviation aircraft in the world, regularly topping global best-seller lists It climbed steadily to 3000m but began to gradually lose ground speed as it gained altitude and reached 7000ft until at 9000ft, the plane suddenly fell out the sky near Lake George ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said investigators were due to arrive at the scene on Friday night. 'Over coming days, investigators with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site including site mapping, wreckage examination, and recovery of aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB's technical facilities in Canberra,' he said. 'Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.' A 64-year-old man has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of attempted sexual assault after a 72-year-old woman claimed she'd been raped in a Manchester assisted living facility in March this year. Police had been called to an address on Richmond Grove in Manchester at 2:30pm on March 18 after receiving a complaint from a 72-year-old woman who reported she'd been raped the night before. On Saturday 20 May 2023, while officers were conducting further enquiries a 72-year-old man told police that he had been sexually assaulted by a man at the same address on Richmond Grove. Following an investigation, Vijay Chawla was arrested on Monday on suspicion of rape and attempted sexual assault and was taken into custody for further questioning. He has since been charged and will attend Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday. The alleged incident happened at a property on Richmond Grove, Manchester A spokesman for Manchester Police said: 'Officers attended the scene, and the female victim was immediately supported by specialist officers and support services. 'A 64-year-old male was arrested on Saturday 18 March 2023 and was later released pending further investigation. 'On Saturday 20 May 2023, while officers were conducting further enquiries a 72-year-old man also bravely disclosed that he had been sexually assaulted by a man at the same address on Richmond Grove. 'On Monday 2 October 2023, a 64-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of rape and attempted sexual assault and was taken into custody for further questioning. 'Vijay Chawla (10/03/1953) of Daisy Bank Road, Manchester has now been charged with two counts of rape and one count of attempt sexual assault. 'He will next attend Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 7 November 2023.' Shoppers across the country may see bare shelves this weekend with hundreds of staff set to walk off the job in the first-ever nationwide supermarket strike. Employees represented by the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RFFWU) will stop work from 10am on Saturday for two hours at stores in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the ACT. The strike will impact both Coles and Woolworths stores amid growing criticism of the two grocery chains, who the union claims paid workers 'poverty wages' despite putting themselves at risk during the Covid pandemic. The strike is the first of its type on a nationwide level in Australia and as many as 1000 union members are expected to take part. Federal RFFWU secretary Josh Cullinan said staff were fighting for higher wages, safer workplaces and secure jobs. 'Workers are paid a few cents more than the minimum wage,' he said. 'They just want a living wage to deal with the rising cost of living. They can't even afford the groceries they're selling.' Some Coles and Woolworths workers are taking part in industrial action on Saturday and will walk off the job for two hours (file image) Mr Cullinan said also he wanted casual employees to get ongoing jobs and for action to be taken on violence in stores. 'They just want to be able to have more hours in their contract to rely on,' Mr Cullinan said. 'Mega companies making mega profits should be able to provide that. 'We also want to see it treated like a crime when a worker is assaulted or abused. The level of abuse, threats intimidation and assaults is unprecedented and outrageous. 'The employers are not lifting a finger to stop it.' Will my supermarket be open? The strike action is set to happen from 10am to 12pm on Saturday at certain stores across the country. Both Coles and Woolworths said they don't expected any disruption to opening hours. The strike is the first of its kind on a nationwide level in Australia and will impact both Coles and Woolworths stores READ MORE: How the strike will affect you Advertisement Industrial action is also scheduled to take place at stores on Friday, sparking allegations of retaliation. The RAFFWU claimed Coles said it would stand down every worker who implemented the stop-work ban. 'Coles pays poverty wages then threatens to take even those meagre wages away from any worker who dares to stand up,' the RAFFWU said. 'To avoid doubt, workers are not paid for striking and workers at Coles engaging in bans on Friday, 6 October will not be paid by Coles. 'Refusing to pay workers while they ban limited work is a choice by Coles in its ruthless exploitation of workers. 'Woolworths has not made the same choice and is not currently refusing to pay workers implementing bans.' How did Coles and Woolworths respond? Coles told Daily Mail Australia the supermarket ''remains committed to negotiating a fair and balanced agreement for all.' 'Coles continues to provide above-award conditions under our current enterprise agreement. 'We passed on the Fair Work Commission's annual wage increase to our supermarket team members in July. 'We dispute the misinformation being pushed by the bargaining representative who is representing less than 0.4 per cent of team members and remain committed to negotiating a fair and balanced agreement for all.' Retail and Fast Food Workers Union is demanding better pay and working conditions but both supermarkets said the amount of workers striking wouldn't affect their services Woolworths said only 300 of its 132,000 staff were expected to take part in the strike action. A supermarket spokesperson said initial bargaining agreements with the RAFFWU had already occurred. 'We have a long history of bargaining in good faith with our team and will continue to do so,' they said. 'However, we acknowledge and respect the right of team members to take protected industrial action. 'Only individuals who have appointed RAFFWU as their bargaining representative are able to participate. 'As a result, we would not expect customers or our stores to be materially impacted. ' The spokesperson said Woolworths had also 'passed on' a 5.75 per cent wage increase. A father-of-five on a family holiday to Australia who allegedly stabbed his wife to death in front of his children following a heated row has finally been identified. Rimoni Muliaga, 42, has been charged with the murder of Lise Muliaga who died at Melton on Melbourne's north-west outskirts on September 18. The family, including the children aged between five and 14, had travelled from their New Zealand home to visit Mr Muliaga's brother Daniel. A court previously heard the couple's children, along with Daniel's young children, had witnessed the alleged attack at the Sutherland Avenue home. Mr Muliaga's identity was previously suppressed by the court as his wife is originally from Samoa, where it is custom that the village chief's inform loved ones of a death. The family is from New Zealand and were visiting Mr Muliaga's brother in Melton, Victoria The couple has been married for 13 years with a court hearing Mr Muliaga suffers from mental health issues The prosecutor applied for a temporary suppression order so that this custom could be followed rather than the family potentially finding out through the media. That order expired this week, with a Victorian court hearing on Friday Mr Muliaga suffered from mental health issues, reports the Herald Sun. The couple had been married for 13 years, with social media posts showing the family looking healthy and happy. The court heard fingernail scraping and saliva DNA evidence gathered from Ms Muliaga will form part of the case against her husband. Neighbours told reporters they heard an argument and then screams before emergency crews were called to the scene. Mr Muliaga will next appear on January 23. TikTok influencer Lorenzo Delle Femmine has suddenly died at the age of 40 after he reportedly collapsed in front of his children. The Italian star, who chronicled his family life for his 1.8 million TikTok followers, died from cardiac arrest on Monday. Femmine, known as Mister Pella Pazzo on TikTok, had reportedly been playing with his three young children at their flat in Casalnuovo di Napoli, near Naples, Italy, when he started to feel unwell. The 40-year-old collapsed on the floor in front of them before being rushed to hospital in nearby Acerra, according to local media reports. But medics were unable to save his life and he was pronounced dead on Monday, his wife Assunta, 40, who starred alongside Femmine in the TikTok vidoes, confirmed. Lorenzo Delle Femmine (pictured with his wife Assunta), who chronicled his family life for his 1.8 million TikTok followers, died on Monday from cardiac arrest Femmine, known as Mister Pella Pazzo on TikTok, had reportedly been playing with his three young children at their flat in Casalnuovo di Napoli, near Naples, Italy , when he started to feel unwell The 40-year-old (pictured with his wife) collapsed on the floor in front of his children before being rushed to hospital in nearby Acerra, according to local media reports Lorenzo had been hospitalised due to a sudden illness last month. After being discharged a few days later, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with labyrinthitis - an inner ear infection that affects one's balance. But on Monday, he collapsed at his family home after suffering a cardiac arrest, his wife Assunta said. She gave an update on his condition hours before his death, telling their 1.8 million followers: 'Good morning everyone. Lorenzo is not going very well at the moment. He sends a kiss to everyone. 'Between tomorrow and the day after tomorrow he will reply to everyone.' But Femmine died a few hours later, with his heartbroken wife writing on Instagram: 'I feel so bad. I can't believe it.' Femmine leaves behind his wife and his three children Matteo, Emanuele and Francesco, reports Italy24. On Monday, he collapsed at his family home after suffering a cardiac arrest The Italian star (pictured with his wife), who chronicled his family life for his 1.8 million TikTok followers, died from cardiac arrest on Monday Lorenzo Delle Femmine (pictured with his wife) has suddenly died at the age of 40 after he reportedly collapsed in front of his children The father-of-three had used his TikTok account to chronicle his everyday life with his children and wife, with his videos often amassing millions of views on the social media platform. Femmine would often flaunt his ostentatious lifestyle, with the TikTok star posting videos of himself driving expensive cars and wearing expensive suits or going on trips to Ibiza. But his videos would also feature normal family life too, with the influencer often showing him eating dinner with his wife and three young children. Italian actor Massimo Cerbone, who said he met Femmine on the set of the TV series Gomorra 5, paid tribute to the influencer following his death. 'We met on the set of Gomorra 5. Too early to die. Have a good trip Misterpellapazzo,' Cerbone wrote. Fans and friends also paid tribute to Femmine, with one commenting on a video of the star riding a jet ski: 'I'm speechless Lorenzo, we heard today, I'm very sad, it doesn't feel real.' Another wrote: 'In some bad times in my life, your videos with your gorgeous family always brought a smile to my face, I feel devastated. Thank you for everything.' Assunta was forced to warn Femmine's followers of scammers trying to profit from the influencer's death. 'I have to disassociate myself from these people who are doing live broadcasts and say they are collecting money for me and my family to pay for my husband's funeral,' the grieving wife wrote. 'Nothing is true, don't donate anything to these people. Thanks to everyone.' Meghan Markle was out and about in Los Angeles last night - 'running into' a TV host and posing for a picture in a car park where one of the participants joked: 'Which one is the real duchess?' The Duchess of Sussex, 42, shared a 'super friendly' chat and selfie in California with a pop star turned prominent TV journalist well-known for her red carpet work. It came just hours after it was revealed that she and Prince Harry will head to New York for another royal-style engagement. Meghan, wearing a striped shirt with sunglasses hanging from the lapel, looked happy as she stood with the three women yesterday evening, with one saying the mother-of-two was 'low key and super friendly'. The selfie was with broadcaster Jen Su, a big name in South Africa on TV and radio who became famous after winning Taiwan Idols - a Taiwanese version of Pop Idol - and releasing four albums. Since then she has been a regular at celebrity events, reporting and appearing on the red carpet. Ms Su shared the picture on Instagram overnight, declaring: 'Landed in LA and on our way to dinner, we ran into Meghan Markle. Totally low key and super friendly, nice conversation'. Jen was partying with friends Melissa Leonard and Madison Leonard, a Philadelphia influencer-socialite and her daughter. Madison also shared the image with the tongue-in-cheek caption: 'Which one is the real duchess?' Meghan Markle cuts a casual figure as she smiles for photograph with TV host Jen Su (top right) after 'running into' the Duchess in LA . Jen was partying with friends Melissa Leonard (second from right) and Madison Leonard (left), a Philadelphia influencer-socialite and her daughter Jen Su shared the picture and said Meghan was 'low key' and 'super friendly' The meeting came shortly after it was announced that she and Prince Harry will return to New York City in mid-October for Archewell's mental health summit, the first ever in-person event for the foundation. Multiple sources have claimed Meghan is about to announce a new project - insisting it is not a relaunch of her lifestyle blog The Tig. It comes after the Sussexes' lucrative Spotify deal was dramatically pulled. Ms Markle has been much more visible on the LA scene recently, including two nights watching Beyonce. Madison also shared the image with the tongue-in-cheek caption: 'Which one is the real duchess?' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in the Big Apple on October 10 for the event, five months after their 'near catastrophic car chase' through the city. The Archewell Foundation's Parents' Summit is aimed as helping families navigate children's mental health and wellness in the digital age, PEOPLE reports. The event has specifically invited parents who have experienced a loss due to or connected to their child's social media us. 'The families have been engaged with The Archewell Foundation for the past year, bolstering community and driving towards solutions,' a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE. 'Together, they are united in their mission to share personal experiences, data, and research to ensure the same does not happen to other families,' they said. Markle, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, will also be joined by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to discuss mental health in a panel hosted by Carson Daly. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will return to New York City in mid-October for Archewell's mental health summit, the first ever in-person event for the foundation. Pictured: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Women of Vision awards in NYC in May The Archewell Foundation's Parents' Summit is aimed as helping families navigate children's mental health and wellness in the digital age, PEOPLE reports Markle, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, will also be joined by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy (pictured) to discuss mental health during a panel Carson Daly will moderate the conversation with Meghan, Harry, and the U.S. Surgeon General The pair - who are no strangers to advocacy work - were in New York in May for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where Meghan was honored. A statement from the Sussexes' spokesperson called the incident a 'near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.' The spokesman said the couple, as well as Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, were the victims of a 'relentless pursuit lasting more than two hours.' It has been suggested that they were trying not to be followed to where they were staying on the Upper East Side of the city. New York police subsequently told NBC that they did not believe the chase was 'near catastrophic,' however. They described it as a 'bit of a chaotic scene'. Julian Phillips, deputy commissioner of public information in New York also revealed that the NYPD 'assisted' the couple's private security team. New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed empathy - describing the actions of the paparazzi as 'reckless' and 'irresponsible' - but said he would find it 'hard to believe' there was a two-hour high speed chase. It's unclear how long Meghan and Prince Harry will be in New York City for their upcoming visit but they will be in town for World Mental Health Day on October 10. According to PEOPLE, the couple will partake in a conservation about social media, mental health, and how to empower and uplift others. The summit as a whole is part of Project Healthy Minds' second annual World Mental Health Day Festival, which tackles the mental health crisis. The pair - who are no strangers to advocacy work - were in New York in May for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where Meghan was honored. Pictured: Meghan Markle and Gloria Steinem at the Women of Vision Awards in May According to PEOPLE, the couple will partake in a conservation about social media, mental health, and how to empower and uplift others The pair - who are no strangers to advocacy work - were in New York in May for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where Meghan was honored The topic is near and dear to Meghan and Prince Harry, who have been open and honest about their own mental health struggles in the past. On the Archetypes podcast last October, the Duchess of Sussex discussed her own experience getting a referral to see a professional when she was at her 'worst point.' 'I think at my worst point, being finally connected to someone that, you know, my husband had found a referral for me to call. And I called this woman,' Meghan said. 'She didn't know I was even calling her. And she was checking out at the grocery store. I could hear the little beep, beep, and I was like, 'Hi,' and I'm introducing myself and that you can literally you're going, wait, sorry. I'm just. Who is this? Um, and saying I need help. And she could hear the dire state that I was in,' Meghan said. 'But I think it's for all of us to be really honest about what it is that you need and to not be afraid to make peace with that, to ask for it,' the Duchess of Sussex recalled. The two also have discussed their mental health struggles in interviews, including CBS' sit down in March 2021 with Oprah Winfrey. In an Apple TV+ series that debuted in May 2021, Prince Harry discussed having panic attacks and going to therapy to work through some of his trauma. 'It was meeting and being with Meghan, I knew that if I didn't do therapy and fix myself, that I was going to lose this woman who I could see spending the rest of my life with,' he said. The two also have discussed their mental health struggles in interviews, including CBS' sit down in March 2021 with Oprah Winfrey In an Apple TV+ series that debuted in May 2021, Prince Harry discussed having panic attacks and going to therapy to work through some of his trauma Earlier this year, Murthy said social media presents a 'profound risk of harm' for children and called for 'immediate action to protect kids now.' The surgeon general said in an urgent health advisory published in May that the country is experiencing 'a national youth mental health crisis.; At the time, he pointed towards social media as one of the main culprits. Evidence has been mounting for years that social media is detrimental to youths due to highly sophisticated algorithms which can promote self-harm and other dangerous content to young users. Hate crimes against transgender people have hit a record high in England and Wales, as police have recorded an 11% rise in the last year. While the overall number of hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales has fallen year-on-year for the first time in a decade, those motivated by religious and transgender hate have risen. A total of 145,214 hate crime offences were recorded in the year ending March 2023, down 5% from 153,536 in the previous 12 months, the Home Office said. The total had previously risen every year since 2012/13. There were 4,732 transgender hate crimes recorded in the year ending in March 2023. In the accompanying notes published alongside the statistics yesterday, the Home Office said the rise could be due to transgender issues being 'heavily discussed' by politicians, the media and on social media. When last year's statistics were published and showed a rise in transgender hate crimes - albeit a larger one of more than 50% in a year - the Home Office's accompanying notes mentioned only social media as being a possible factor. Hate crimes against transgender people have hit a record high in England and Wales, as police have recorded an 11% rise in the last year Conservative chairman of the London Assembly Andrew Boff told reporters that Home Secretary Suella Braverman's speech at the Tory conference on Tuesday was 'making our Conservative Party look transphobic and homophobic' This week's Conservative Party conference in Manchester saw various references to transgender issues made in speeches, including Health Secretary Steve Barclay who proposed a ban on trans women from female NHS wards and Home Secretary Suella Braverman who hit out at the 'highly controversial idea' of gender ideology. Ms Braverman's comments prompted Conservative chairman of the London Assembly Andrew Boff to shout out, and then be hauled out of the conference centre, before telling reporters that Ms Braverman's speech was 'making our Conservative Party look transphobic and homophobic'. Responding to the figures, LGBTQ+ group Stonewall criticised political leaders for not having acted 'seriously or quickly enough' against hate crime, adding that 'many of them are filling the public domain with toxic language that dehumanises LGBTQ+ people'. There were 101,906 race hate crimes in 2022/23, down 6% from the previous year (108,476). Victim Support said 'falling public trust in the police is a real issue' and suggested this may have contributed to the overall fall in the number of police-recorded hate crimes. Becca Rosenthal, national hate crime lead at the charity, said: 'Those we support increasingly tell us that they are reluctant to approach the police, so these figures could simply reflect less people reporting to the police. This graph shows the number of hate crimes recorded by police from 2012/13 to 2022/23 'Given this, independent support services for victims have never been more important.' Religious hate crimes were up by 9% to 9,387 offences. The most commonly targeted group when it came to religious hate crime were Muslims, accounting for 39% of religious hate crime offences. This was followed by Jewish people, who were targeted in 17% of religious hate crimes, followed by Christian (7%), Hindu and Sikh (both 3%). In 22% of these offences the targeted religion was not known. This year's total figures do not include Devon and Cornwall Police, who were unable to provide information for 2022/23, the Home Office said. The department said the overall fall was 'largely driven by a decrease in racially or religiously aggravated public fear, alarm or distress when flagged as a hate crime', which was down 8%, from 50,866 to 46,780 offences. The Home Office suggested this might be linked to new interim guidance published last year which 'may have led to greater scrutiny of the threshold of what constitutes a criminal offence of public fear, alarm or distress'. Source: Home Office data LGBTQ+ group Stonewall criticised political leaders for not having acted 'seriously or quickly enough' against hate crime. Pictured is a Stonewall protest in London The guidance by the College of Policing on the recording of non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) instructed officers to consider whether there was genuine hostility in the incident or whether it could be considered freedom of speech or thought. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'There is no place for hate in our society, it does not reflect the values of modern Britain, and we remain committed to ensuring these abhorrent offences are stamped out. 'We are pleased there has been an overall reduction in hate crimes recorded by police, and the numbers of sexual orientation, race and disability hate crimes all fell. But any instance is one too many. 'We expect the police to fully investigate these hateful attacks and make sure the cowards who commit them feel the full force of the law.' A US tourist has been arrested in Israel for smashing ancient Roman statues he considered to be 'blasphemous' and 'in violation of the Torah' during a wrecking rampage in a Jerusalem museum. The 40-year-old tourist was arrested by Israel Police yesterday for intentionally damaging ancient Roman statues displayed at the Israel Museum. The museum said that the only two artifacts destroyed were 'ancient Roman statues dating to the 2nd century CE' housed in the archaeology wing. Images released by authorities showed the sculptures that had been removed from their pedestals lying on the floor, one with a severed head and the other broken into several pieces. Security forces detained the suspect in the museum before the police arrived after he was seen damaging the statues, which police said have 'sentimental' value. Images released by authorities showed the sculptures that had been removed from their pedestals and lying on the floor, one with a severed head One of the statues broken into several pieces at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem Police shared footage of the broken sculptures lying on the floor of the museum. The museum provided a photograph of a stick they said the suspect was holding in the building that may have been used in the incident, The Times of Israel reports. The suspect was questioned by police, who intend to request for a judge to deny bail. The initial assessment is that the man damaged the statues because he believes they are 'against the Torah,' according to a police statement. Torah, in Judaism, in the broadest sense, is the substance of divine revelation to Israel, the Jewish people - God's revealed teaching or guidance for humankind. The statues were transferred to the museum's conservation lab for professional restoration, the police statement added. Eli Escusido, head of Israel Antiquities Authority, said: 'One statue is a marble depiction of the goddess Athena that was found in excavations at Beit She'an in the 1960s. The second was of the mythological creature Griffin, who was the symbol of divinity in the Roman pagan era and found in the Negev.' 'This is a shocking case of destruction of cultural heritage. We view with great concern the fact that religious extremists take such action,' he said. The museum said only that the two artifacts destroyed were 'ancient Roman statues dating to the 2nd century CE' housed in the archaeology wing (Stock Image) The museum said the attack was 'worrying' and 'severe,' but noted that it would not affect its operations or opening hours. 'This is an unusual incident,' the museum said in a statement. 'We condemn all forms of violence and hope such events do not happen again.' Police said the investigation is ongoing. The suspect was set to be brought in front of the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Thursday to extend his arrest. The Israel Museum is the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel and is ranked among the world's leading art and archaeology museums. It boasts the most extensive holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeology in the world. Sukkot, a Jewish autumn festival of double thanksgiving starting in September or October, is a popular time for tourists to travel to Israel, especially North Americans. In February, an American tourist was arrested for vandalizing a statue in Jerusalem's Old City. The suspect, in his forties, damaged a statue of Jesus in the Church of the Flagellation on the historic Via Dolorosa, a processional route believed to be the path Jesus took to his crucifixion. A ten-year-old boy's small body was pulled from the rubble of his destroyed home in front of his devastated father today after Vladimir Putin's missiles obliterated a residential building in Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv. Tymofiy, still wearing his Spider-Man pyjamas from the night before, was carefully pulled from the rubble by emergency crews after two Iskander ballistic missiles struck his home in the early hours of this morning. His 68-year-old grandmother was also killed in the strike, local officials said. The little boy's father, Oleg Bychko, his face etched with grief, stood transfixed as he watched the silent rescuers place his son's small frame into the large black body bag. MailOnline has chosen to run this picture of Tymofiy's body to show the reality of Vladimir Putin's war and the horrors his troops are inflicting on innocent civilians. Oleg, his face scratched and his clothes covered in blood, said he had managed to pull his younger son and wife from the rubble after the devastating strike destroyed their residential building - but he couldn't reach Tymofiy. Another 28 people, including an 11-month-old baby, were injured in the barbaric attack, which left a crater in the street just metres away from the apartment building. It came just one day after 51 people perished in one of the most lethal missile strikes on Ukraine since Putin invaded on February 24, 2022. That attack targeted a cafe in the village of Groza, where around 60 mourners, including children, had gathered for a wake of a fallen Ukrainian soldier. Tymofiy, still wearing his Spiderman pyjamas from the night before, was carefully pulled from the rubble by emergency crews after two Iskander ballistic missiles struck his home. MailOnline has chosen to run this picture of the Tymofiy's body to show the reality of Vladimir Putin's war and the horrors his troops are inflicting on innocent civilians The little boy's father, Oleg Bychko, his face etched with grief, stood transfixed as he watched the silent rescuers place his son's small frame into the large black body bag Oleg Bychko looks at a residential building damaged by a Russian missile strike, where rescues recover from debris the body of his 10-year-old son Tymofii Just 330 people were recorded living in the village prior to the strike, meaning the Russian rocket attack effectively wiped out around a sixth of the population. While the devastation unfolded in Ukraine, Putin boasted of Russia's nuclear power at a meeting in Sochi. He announced his military scientists had completed work on the Sarmat 2 - or 'Satan' - intercontinental ballistic missile and threatened to pull out of the nuclear test ban treaty. Following today's attack, rescue workers worked among the rubble of bricks, twisted metal and wood, to retrieve the body of little Tymofiy as his grief-stricken father stood in horror at the devastation. The explosion ripped through the residential building, with debris and rubble littering the street below. Surrounding buildings were blackened by the blast, which shattered windows and damaged parked cars. Yevhen Shevchenko, a resident of a nearby nine-story building, said he was in bed when the attack occurred. 'There was a blast wave, a powerful explosion. It blew out the windows and doors in the apartment,' he said. A woman breaks down in tears after the Russian rocket attack struck the residential building in Kharkiv Emergency workers search for victims after a Russian rocket hit an apartment building in central Kharkiv on Friday Smoke rises from the ruins of a multi-storey building after a devastating Russian missile strike in the early hours of this morning Pictured: The destroyed apartment building where 10-year-old boy Tymofii Bychko was killed by a Russian missile strike on Friday Injured local residents look in horror at the destroyed apartment building that was descimated by Russian missiles Rescuers work at the site of a rocket attack on Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, on Friday A rescuer moves a fragment of a missile from a crater after Russia launched a missile strike on residential buildings in Kharkiv on Friday Destroyed cars stand amid debris in the central residential district hit by Russian Iskander missile on Friday in Kharkiv Rescuers conduct search and rescue operation in the central residential district hit by Russian Iskander missile in Kharkiv Another 23 people, including an 11-month-old baby, were injured in the barbaric attack, which left a crater in the street just metres away from the apartment building An injured man stands in front of a building destroyed in a Russian rocket attack, in central Kharkiv on Friday A couple hold each other after the Russian rocket attack struck Kharkiv on Friday Rescuers sift through the wreckage in the city of Kharkiv, with a ten-year-old boy killed in the devastating attack In yesterday's rocket attack, a crowded cafe and grocery store in the village of Hroza in the Kupyansk district of Kharkiv was decimated. Devastating pictures of the aftermath of yesterday's strike saw blackened and dismembered bodies spread out on the ground opposite the ruins of the cafe. Police and soldiers loaded white body bags onto trucks that would take them to Kharkiv for DNA testing. 'My son was just found without a head, without arms, without legs, without anything. They recognised him from his documents,' Volodymyr Mukhovaty, 70, told reporters. His wife and daughter-in-law were also at the wake and he had 'little hope' of finding them alive. 'I lived with my wife for 48 years,' he said. 'I will not last long alone.' A six-year-old child was also among the victims. The soldier whose wake it was had been killed a month after Russia invaded. He had been buried in the southern city of Dnipro - away from his home village, then under Russian occupation. He was reburied in Groza on Thursday morning. His wife and son, also a soldier, were both killed in the strike. Mr Klymenko said initial evidence showed an Iskander missile had been used. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was attending a European summit in Spain at the time, said he had no doubt that the strike had been deliberate. 'The Russian military could not fail to know where they were hitting,' he said. 'It was not a blind strike.' 'The brutal Russian crime of hitting an ordinary grocery store with a rocket is a completely deliberate terrorist attack,' Zelensky added. Russian authorities have repeatedly insisted that their forces are only targeting strategic military locations and are not waging war on the civilian population of Ukraine. But the reality of Putin's war is different. The world has watched in horror as Putin's soldiers have dropped missiles on grocery stores, railway stations and hospitals throughout the 18 months of this full-scale war that has seen thousands killed. Large swathes of the Kharkiv region, including Groza, were captured by Russian forces in the early days of the invasion last year. Ukrainian forces recaptured much of the border territory during a lightning offensive late last year, but the area has continued to come under regular shelling. A woman collapses with grief as she kneels next to the bodies of Ukrainian civilians killed in the Russian strike on the grocery store on Thursday Servicemen load one of the bodies onto a truck following the attack in Groza, which was the single most lethal missile strike on Ukraine Rescuers search through the ruins of a cafe yesterday after the devastating strike which also killed a six-year-old child Just 330 people were recorded living in the village of Groza prior to the strike, meaning the Russian rocket attack effectively wiped out around a sixth of the population President Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said the Groza attack had 'no military logic'. 'This is a reminder to anyone who is willing to smile and shake hands with war criminal Putin at international conferences,' he said. He added: 'This is a reminder to anyone who is willing to smile and shake hands with war criminal Putin at international conferences. 'A reminder to all those who want to sell something to Russia and return to bloody business as usual,' he said, adding: 'Putin's Russia is a true evil'. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the 'horrifying' strike, saying 'this is why we're doing everything that we can to help Ukraine'. Denise Brown, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, also called the attack 'absolutely horrifying' and said that 'intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects is a war crime'. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who had met with Zelensky at the European Summit, said the strike 'demonstrated the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to'. It came as Putin warned his 'Satan 2' intercontinental ballistic missile, pictured during testing, were ready for deployment He threatened the West with total nuclear destruction leaving 'no chance of survival' in the event of a strike on Russia Hours after the attack, Moscow said it had destroyed eight Ukrainian drones in western Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions, but made no mention of any casualties. Russia continued its attacks overnight elsewhere in Ukraine, targeting port infrastructure in the southern Izmail district, on the Danube river near the Romanian border. Ukraine's air force said it had downed 25 Russian attack drones in six regions, including Odesa, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Dnipro, but added that eight more slipped through and hit their targets. Meanwhile in Sochi, the Russian president delivered a venomous speech at the Valdai Discussion Club, denouncing 'threats' from the West and vowing there would be 'no chance of survival' in the event of a strike on Russia. In an anti-US rant, the dictator said his powerful 'Satan-2' missiles are ready for deployment in an ominous doomsday warning. Putin told the conference: 'From the moment the launch of missiles is detected, no matter where it comes from - from any point of the world ocean or from any territory - such a number, so many hundreds of our missiles appear in the air in a retaliatory strike that there is no chance of survival there will be no single enemy left, and in several directions at once.' The West has not threatened a first strike on Moscow and it is only his officials and an army of propagandists who have talked up the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict. Putin asked the West to understand that threats against Russia are 'absolutely unacceptable for any potential aggressor'. He said Russia had almost completed work on its nuclear-capable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system and successfully tested the nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable Burevestnik strategic cruise missile. Russia has not conducted a test involving a nuclear explosion since 1990, the year before the collapse of the Soviet Union, but Putin declined to rule out the possibility it could resume such testing. He argued that the leaders of the West had lost 'a sense of reality' because of what he cast as Washington's 'colonial thinking', and questioned what right the United States had to lecture any other country and argued that the nation considered itself the only arbiter of truth on the planet. The Russian leader added that the conflict in Ukraine was 'not a territorial' one and that Moscow has 'no interests from the point of view of conquering some territories'. He claimed that Ukraine has lost more than 90,000 troops since the start of its counter-offensive in early June and also said that Kyiv has lost 557 tanks and around 1,900 armoured vehicles. A British man who drowned after he was swept out to sea by strong currents at a Portuguese beach has been pictured. Paul Calow, 41, got into difficulty when he went for a swim at Sao Pedro de Moel beach near the town of Nazare, north of Lisbon. A surfer went to his aid after seeing he was being dragged further out to sea by the strong currents. But despite efforts to revive Paul, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His brother Dale Calow has paid tribute to him, describing the 41-year-old as his 'best friend' and a 'beautiful person' who was turning his life around at a rehab centre after struggling with his mental health. Dale said Paul was being treated at a nearby drug addiction clinic and he and a group of other recovering addicts had gone to the beach to go for a walk and swim. But Paul, along with two others, got into difficulty as a result of the strong currents. 'My brother didn't make it,' Dale wrote on Facebook. 'He was so happy, waiting to show you all [he was turning his life around] and make me proud. Remember the smiles he made and the laughs, how he would go out of his way.' Paul Calow, 41, (right with his brother Dale) got into difficulty when he went for a swim at Sao Pedro de Moel beach near the town of Nazare, north of Lisbon His brother Dale Calow (left with Paul, right) has paid tribute to him, describing the 41-year-old as his 'best friend' and a 'beautiful person' who had struggled with drugs and mental health but was turning his life around 'to make his family proud' Dale, referring to Paul by his nickname Ginge, added: 'Ginge was a beautiful person, please remember his eyes and smile, please remember my brother. You will never find another ginge. I already miss him.' He said Paul had struggled with his mental health and drugs but was trying to turn his life around at a rehab centre in northern Portugal. 'He struggled hugely with his mental health because he had a huge heart,' Dale said. 'He was my brother, he was my best friend. He was on the mend. 'He didn't take his own life, he was buzzing to prove everything he was the old Paul, he was my Paul. He would jump through hoops for you.' The two brothers had run a design business called Positive Signs and Designs in Spain together before Paul went to rehab. The incident occurred around 3pm on Wednesday at Sao Pedro de Moel beach, which has become famous for the giant waves that hit its coast every year from October to February and attract surfers and spectators from all over the world. A Dutch national, believed to be around the same age as Paul and had been with the Briton, was taken to hospital after getting into difficulty himself. He was able to get out of the water without help. Local maritime police chief Joao Lourenco said a 41-year-old foreign man had died after 'being swept away by currents' at the beach, before the Portugal's National Maritime Agency confirmed the victim's nationality as British. The agency said: 'A British man aged 41 died on Wednesday afternoon after getting into difficulties at Sao Pedro de Moel beach. 'There was no lifeguard service at the beach at that time.' Lourenco said another man of about the same age had been taken to Santo Andre Hospital in the city of Leiria as a precaution. MailOnline has contacted the UK Foreign Office for comment. At the weekend the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS) warned of the 'high risk of drowning' given the high temperatures and the end of assistance to bathers on most beaches. It also revealed 60 people drowned in the first six months of the year less than the same period last year when there were 68 deaths but higher than the average of the last six years. Paul Calow drowned after he was swept out to sea by strong currents at a Portuguese beach (file image of the beach at Nazare, Portugal) Paul, 41, got into difficulty when he went for a swim at Sao Pedro de Moel beach near the town of Nazare, north of Lisbon In January a British teenager drowned after being caught up in a rip current while swimming with friends on a Portuguese beach. The 19-year-old and two pals got into difficulties during a dip off a small sandy beach on the Costa da Caparica coastline south of Lisbon. Two of the three people, all thought to be Britons, had managed to get out by the time help arrived and a search was launched for the third which ended with his body being discovered on neighbouring Tarquinio-Paraiso Beach. In June 2021 British financial consultant Trevor Pelling, 45, drowned while trying to save his two daughters they got into difficulties while trying to save his two daughters aged 12 and nine at Calada Beach north of Lisbon. The girls were later taken to Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon for a medical examination and a psychologist was provided to assist the grief-stricken youngsters and their mum. In October 2019 yoga teacher Kim Fletcher, 33, and her former hip hop musician fiance Danny Johnson, 34, died at Zambujeira do Mar in the south-west of Portugal. Mr Johnson swam out to try to save his partner as she got carried away by a dangerous rip tide, but they drowned after he reached her and tried to get her back to the shoreline. The couple, from Stoke-on-Trent, had a four-year-old daughter called Aveyja and also cared for Kim's 15-year-old girl Maicee from a previous relationship. In July this year a British tourist drowned at his Algarve hotel pool. The hotel where the incident involving the 27-year-old holidaymaker occurred was named locally at the time as the Paraiso Hotel in the popular resort of Albufeira. An NHS hospital pharmacy assistant who was sent home for wearing a 'short dress' has successfully sued Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for sex-related harassment arguing that she was 'body shamed.' Levinna Ola claimed that during her employment at a pharmacy assistant, at King's College Hospital in London she felt 'traumatised, embarrassed and degraded' by comments from colleagues. A tribunal heard that Ola, who was ultimately summarily dismissed for failing to complete dispensary logs, was accused of having 'issues of short skirtness' by as she wore hemlines three inches above the knee. One one occasion Ola was sent home by bosses as she had breached NHS trust dress code guidelines on 'revealing clothing.' That she was sent home was ultimately key to her argument as employment tribunal bosses ruled that in doing so bosses had 'violated her dignity'. An NHS hospital pharmacy assistant who was sent home for wearing a 'short dress' has successfully sued Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Comparisons were made towards the treatment of male colleagues who had only been spoken to when they wore jeans to work as opposed to being sent home. The tribunal heard that Ola was subjected to numerous comments from fellow colleagues on her dress sense with one saying they 'would not have the guts to pull off' what she wore. The tribunal was told that when Ola first joined the unit in 2020, she wore 'smart blouses and tops and trousers' but less than a year later her dress style changed with her once wearing a 'leather body belt.' Manager, Selina Quainoo then informed Ola that colleagues had complained that they 'did not like her style of dressing' and that one manager had said they were 'unable to concentrate' due to it. A short while later, Ola arrived at work wearing a dress that had a hemline two to three inches above the knee but that the tribunal noted was 'not tight'. She was sent home on this occasion by Quainoo and another manager who said her outfit was 'inappropriate for work'. The former pharmacy assistant will be awarded compensation at a later date In her ruling, judge Christine Macey, said: 'It is more likely for a woman to be subjected to comments about her body shape, whether that be a reference to her height or weight'. The judge also said that comments made by Ola's bosses had 'violated' her dignity and that she had been body shamed. Claims of sex discrimination and sexual harassment against Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust were dismissed and compensation will be decided at a later date. Rishi Sunak will face crunch Commons votes on HS2 as he battles to quell a Tory revolt amid claims a substitute project has already been ditched. Government documents confirm that the PM will need to pass primary legislation after his decision to drop the Manchester leg. However, while there is the threat of a rebellion from Conservative MPs angry about the move, it also poses problems for Keir Starmer. The Labour leader has been accused of sitting on the fence about the scheme, refusing to commit to going ahead if he wins the general election. Prior to taking charge of his party, Sir Keir opposed the rail project in the House of Commons and called for it to be abandoned altogether. But Labour's national policy forum blueprint for potential policies to put to voters at the next general election committed to building HS2 'in full'. Rishi Sunak will face crunch Commons votes on HS2 as he battles to quell a Tory revolt amid claims a substitute project has already been ditched The PM put downgrading HS2 at the heart of his conference speech on Wednesday, insisting it will free up 36billion for other transport improvements Keir Starmer has refused to commit to reversing Rishi Sunak's decision to axe HS2 if he replaces him in Downing Street Mr Sunak has been criticised by senior Tories including Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Theresa May over cancelling parts of HS2. But the defiant PM put the step at the heart of his conference speech on Wednesday, insisting it will free up 36billion for other transport improvements. An accounting officer assessment released yesterday confirms that the 'decision to cancel parts of the HS2 programme will require primary legislation'. That means there will need to be votes in Parliament, with Labour having to choose whether to oppose the plan or effectively wash their hands of the project by abstaining. During a round of regional broadcast interviews yesterday ahead of the Labour conference kicking off, Sir Keir declined to commit to building the Birmingham to Manchester leg or the already-abandoned eastern leg to Leeds if he becomes PM. 'Well, firstly, what a fiasco,' Sir Keir told ITV News's Calendar. 'After 13 years of failure to grip this project, they've now cancelled it, millions of pounds wasted and lots of promises broken. 'I can't stand here today and say to you that I'm committed to reversing that decision because they've blown such a big hole in the plan.' He added: 'I can't commit to reverse the decision of yesterday. ' Pressed on whether he would make a decision on HS2 ahead of the general election, Sir Keir replied: 'Look, I'm not committing to reversing that decision. 'They are already making plans to release the land that was necessary for the next stage of the project, cuts into contracts.' Labour has been in chaos over the issue of HS2 after it kept changing its stance. Last month, its policy over the high-speed line's future changed four times within as many days. In a blueprint for the party's next manifesto, it committed to building HS2 'in full'. This was contradicted within days when Labour's election campaign co-ordinator Pat McFadden said the party would not commit to the project until it knew the full extent of the estimated cost overruns. Just a day later shadow minister without portfolio Nick Thomas-Symonds and transport spokesman Louise Haigh pledged the party would build HS2 'in full'. However, 24 hours later shadow Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq poured cold water on this by saying it 'just wouldn't be very responsible' to commit to finishing HS2 without seeing the full costings. Former prime ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson have publicly criticised Mr Sunak's decision. Transport Secretary Mark Harper indicated yesterday that paying off contracts previously awarded for cancelled HS2 sections will cost hundreds of millions of pounds. More than 2billion has already been spent on the Birmingham to Manchester leg which will now be wasted. Mr Sunak has promised to use 36billion in savings from scrapping the Birmingham to Manchester part of HS2 on other transport projects across the country. But the Government has since been accused of 'misleading' the public after an apparent pledge to reopen a railway line as part of the announcement was dropped 24 hours later. The Prime Minister has massively downgraded the rail project by scrapping its northern leg between Birmingham and Manchester Documents published on Wednesday revealed that the Leamside Line in Northumberland would be reopened using the money saved by axing HS2 north of Birmingham. According to the Northern Echo, a document listing benefits to the North East stated: 'The Leamside Line, closed in 1964, will also be reopened.' But all reference to the line now appears to have been removed. Transport minister Richard Holden told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the Government was now only 'committed to looking into it'. Henri Murison, chief executive of business group the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter: 'Yesterday we were led to believe this was happening so I welcomed it. 'Misleading the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and northern public (is) not a good way to build trust. 'I'm writing to (rail minister) Huw Merriman today and will seek clarification urgently. 'The Leamside Line is integral to Northern Powerhouse Rail and must be built in full.' The 21-mile route runs between Pelaw, Gateshead and Tursdale, County Durham. It was closed as part of the Beeching cuts. A notorious paedophile and former BBC Radio 1 DJ died behind bars while serving sentences for abusing young boys, it has emerged. Chris Denning was serving two 13-year prison sentences after being convicted of sex offences against children as young as eight under Operation Yewtree. The 'depraved' radio personality became seriously ill at HMP Bedford and died, aged 81, last June. However, this death has only just come to light after a Prison and Probation Ombudsman report found he should have been taken to hospital more quickly. Denning used his fame as a BBC DJ to groom his child victims, once holding a party in the home of notorious paedophile Jimmy Savile and taking a 14-year-old to meet Gary Glitter. In addition to using his showbiz connections to abuse children, he opened a string of computer game shops to lure boys for abuse. Denning found fame as a founding DJ on BBC Radio 1 but was later exposed as a sex offender who was convicted several times in a period spanning decades Chris Denning (circled) was one of the founding DJs on BBC Radio 1 as seen here in a now iconic promotional shot launching the station. Back row, left to right: Tony Blackburn, Jimmy Young, Jenny Everett, Duncan Johnson, Robin Scott, David Rider, Dave Cash, Pete Brady, David Symonds. Middle row, left to right: Bob Holness, Terry Wogan, Barry Aldiss, Mike Lennox, Keith Skues, Denning, Johnny Moran, Pete Myers. Front row, left to right: Pete Murray, Ed Stuart, Pete Drummond, Mike Raven, Mike Ahern, John Peel Chris Denning pictured here in 1997 at a BBC reunion promotional event was serving two sentences for child sex offences at the time of his death Denning hosted shows on Radio Luxembourg, where he interviewed The Beatles, then led programmes with Kenny Everett for the BBC. READ MORE: BBC Radio One DJ Chris Denning is jailed for 13 years for sex attacks on children as young as EIGHT as it is revealed he took a 14-year-old to meet Gary Glitter Advertisement He was one of the founding DJs on Radio 1 and was the first voice ever to speak on BBC2. He left the corporation for Decca Records, then moved to Bell Records, where he helped to launch the careers of paedophile Gary Glitter and the Bay City Rollers. The group's manager, Tam Paton, was convicted of gross indecency involving boys aged 16 and 17. He is also alleged to have been a paedophile. But in the 1970s Denning was exposed as a sex offender. He was convicted of gross indecency in 1974. In 1988, he was jailed for three years for indecent assault and possessing indecent images. In 1996, he was prosecuted for publishing indecent articles. Despite his numerous convictions, he was invited in 1997 to participate in a 30-year anniversary reunion for BBC Radio 1, alongside Sir Terry Wogan, Tony Blackburn and John Peel. Denning pictured in 1967. By this time he had already been convicted of sex offences in Germany and would later be convicted of gross indecency in the first of several UK convictions in 1974 Despite his convictions in the UK, Denning (middle row, second from right) was invited by the BBC to recreate the BBC Radio 1 line-up photo in 1997. Back row, left to right: Tony Blackburn, Jimmy Young, Robin Scott, Duncan Johnson (kneeling), Dave Cash, Pete Brady. Middle row, left to right: Bob Holness, Terry Wogan, Keith Skues, Denning, Pete Myers. Front row, left to right: Pete Murray, Ed Stewart, Pete Drummond, Mike Ahern, John Peel The Plavecky Swimming Pool in Prague, Czech Republic, where Denning had picked up boys to later photograph as he abused them in the 1990s Police in Prague carried out surveillance of Denning before he was jailed; he went on to be jailed in Slovakia for five years after producing indecent images of children It was later revealed that he was already a convicted sex offender in Europe before he ever found fame in the UK. He was prosecuted in 1959 in Germany for circulating pornographic images. In the late 1990s, Denning relocated to Prague, where he was accused of running a paedophile ring. Denning had photographed himself abusing boys he picked up from amusement arcades and swimming pools. He represented himself in that case and delivered a record 44-hour closing argument, which only ended when the judge cut him off. He was convicted of abusing boys under 15 and jailed. In 2001, it was announced that police were seeking to extradite Denning from the Czech Republic to question him under Operation Arundel the investigation into paedophile offences linked to the Walton Hop a disco for teenagers. That was the operation that saw former DJ Jonathan King convicted of abusing boys. The extradition failed and Denning went on the run after his Prague sentence ended, first settling in Slovakia. In 2005, The Sun newspaper tracked him down in Austria, which promptly deported him to England. The following year, at Kingston Crown Court, he admitted five charges of abusing boys under 16 and was jailed for four years. After the Kingston case, Denning was extradited to Slovakia and sentenced to five years for producing indecent images of children. By the time the Savile revelations triggered Operation Yewtree in 2013, he was back in the UK, living in Basildon, Essex. Denning was convicted in 2014 at Southwark Crown Court of 40 offences against 24 boys aged between nine and 16. The charges were brought under Yewtree. Denning being escorted to court in Prague by a Czech justice guard in March 2000. He was jailed after being convicted of abusing boys under the age of 15 Denning returned to the UK after serving his sentence in Slovakia and was convicted of 40 offences against 24 boys aged between nine and 16 in 2014. Pictured: A court sketch of Dennings being sentenced The court heard he had taken some victims to Top of the Pops recordings and introduced them to Savile, even abusing one boy at Savile's home. Judge Alistair McCreath labelled Denning 'utterly depraved' and sentenced him to 13 years. In 2016, he admitted abusing another 11 boys, as young as eight, and was sentenced to another 13 years. In July 2021, Denning was suffering from Parkinson's Disease, diabetes, a heart abnormality, high blood pressure, glaucoma and bed sores. He decided in January last year that he did not wish to be resuscitated if his heart or breathing stopped. He died at Bedford Hospital on June 24, 2022, from a bone infection caused by diabetes. A clinical reviewer for the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman found that, 'when clinical readings first showed that Mr Denning needed emergency care, he was not transferred to hospital for treatment'. The care he received in custody was worse than he could have expected to receive as a free man, the reviewer said. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, which investigates deaths in custody, published a report saying it found 'issues of concern in Mr Denning's end-of-life care'. The son of a Buc-ee's convenience store co-founder has been arrested for allegedly secretly recording dozens of guests at his father's multi-million-dollar Texas lake house. Mitchell Wasek, 28, is facing 28 separate state jail felony charges for invasive visual recordings. He allegedly recorded at least 13 people using bathrooms in the $8.2 million lake house and other properties. He is accused of secretly recording males and females 'using toilets, showering, changing clothes, and/or having sex'. Wasek, the son of Buc-ee's co-founder Donald Wasek, was arrested on Tuesday in Travis County. The company brought in $275 million in revenue in 2017, according to Forbes. The drama unfolded when police received a phone complaint in May alleging improper photography at a house on the banks of Lake Travis in Texas, owned by Donald Wasek. Mitchell Wasek, 28, is facing 28 separate state jail felony charges of invasive visual recordings in Texas He allegedly recorded at least 13 people using bathrooms in the $8.2million lake house (pictured) and other properties A woman said she and some friends were visiting the property with Mitchell Wasek when one of the group members, who works in cybersecurity for the Department of Defense, spotted a charging port with a concealed camera plugged into the wall of their bathroom. The group departed with the camera and discovered on its micro-card dozens of videos of themselves and others in bedrooms and bathrooms at the lake house and Mitchell Wasek's Dallas apartment. 'They were unaware that the recordings existed in the bedroom and bathroom, and indicated they did not consent to being recorded or photographed,' the arrest affidavit states. The woman informed the Travis County Sheriff that a police report was filed with the Dallas Police Department and that the camera and micro-card had been turned over to them. A warrant was obtained to review the contents on the camera and discovered 68 movie files holding at least 13 males and females being recorded 'using toilets, showering, changing clothes, and/or having sex'. Wasek, the son of Buc-ee's co-founder Donald Wasek (left) was arrested on Tuesday in Travis County. Pictured with politician Dan Patrick (centre) and Arch Aplin III, his co-founder of Buc-ees Wasek, the son of Buc-ee's co-founder Donald Wasek, was arrested on Tuesday in Travis County (Stock Image) He is also accused of filming visitors at his parents $1million condo in Austin The videos were found to have been recorded in several locations dating back to 2021, including in a downtown Austin condo and a vacation home in Telluride, Colorado, both owned by Mitchell Wasek's parents. Purchases of 'spy cameras' were also allegedly linked to Mitchell Wasek using Amazon records. The complainants all reported Mitchell Wasek to be there at the time of the offenses, but said no other Wasek family member was present during these times. Wasek was released from jail after posting a $280,000 bail. Founded in 1982, Buc-ee's, which is known for its pristine bathrooms, now has 34 stores across Texas, including the world's biggest convenience store, as well as 12 locations in other states. Don Wasek, who owned his own store at the time, joined the business three years later, according to a Forbes report from 2017. A suspect has been charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and kill Holly Willoughby as her London mansion was guarded by police today. Gavin Plumb, 36, will appear in the dock at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today accused of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap. Essex Police superintendent Tim Tubbs said 'This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges. 'The safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this and working with the Metropolitan Police service as the investigation proceeds.' Scotland Yard is said to be watching the mother-of-three's home in London as friends and fellow stars rallied around her. Holly Willoughby was pulled from presenting This Morning after it was claimed Essex Police found 'sinister messages' threatening 'serious harm' to the mother-of-three (pictured at the National Television Awards at The O2 in London in September) Ms Willoughby is said to be under 24/7 police guard at her London home where she lives with her husband Dan Baldwin (pictured together) and their three children Couple: Ms Willoughby kissed her husband Mr Baldwin, 49, on the cheek as she wishes him a happy birthday in loved-up post on Wednesday. It was also the day the suspect was arrested Holly, 42, was left 'distraught' and pulled out of This Morning this week after learning of a plot to kidnap her, it has been claimed. LBC breakfast show host Nick Ferrari was due to appear on yesterday's show with her, and said today: 'Best wishes to her an her family', adding the alleged plot is 'an ugly one' if found to be true. Essex Police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap and is in custody. Ms Willoughby was due to celebrate her TV producer husband Dan Baldwin's 48th birthday on the day of the arrest. The force said in a statement: 'A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. The arrest was made on Wednesday, October 4. He is currently in custody.' The suspect is not known to the star, according to The Sun, who revealed he has been charged. Marked police cars and forensics surrounded the man's flat in Harlow, Essex, where he lives alone. Officers combed the scene for evidence and a neighbour said they saw the man being led away in handcuffs. It is understood Essex Police is treating the alleged kidnapping as a credible conspiracy with it claims there were threats of 'serious harm' to Ms Willoughby. A source said: 'There were apparently some sinister and threatening messages found on electronic devices threatening to seriously harm her.' Officers are said to have seized a mobile phone and electronic devices from the flat. Ms Willoughby was said to be 'distraught' and she was pulled from presenting ITV's This Morning today just moments before she was due on air after bosses were alerted by police. An Essex Police spokesman said last night: 'A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. 'The arrest was made on Wednesday 4 October. 'He is currently in custody.' Fans were baffled when she went missing from the morning show and was replaced by a big name co-star instead. Host Josie Gibson, 38, was joined by the much-loved Alison Hammond, 48. Alison who has recently made her debut as presenter of Channel 4 show the Great British Bake Off joked she was getting jealous of seeing Ms Gibson and Ms Willoughby together on the show. Viewers were left in confusion, because the reasons of her absence were unknown. Beaming Ms Gibson kicked off the morning show as she said: 'Look who's joined me. It's only the one and only Alison Hammond!' 'Oh, Josie! I hope you don't mind, I got a bit jealous. I saw you and Holly and you were talking about being blonde and I thought 'I'm going to shake this up a bit. I'm getting in there',' replied Alison. 'Is that ok? You don't mind?' But Ms Gibson quipped: 'No, of course not, I love you!', while Alison replied: 'I love you too.' it came after Ms Willoughby kissed her husband Dan Baldwin on the cheek as she wished him a happy birthday in loved-up Instagram post on Wednesday. The presenter - who rarely gives a glimpse into her marriage celebrated the TV producer's day by sharing a sweet photograph of them. The 42-year-old was said to be 'distraught' after police uncovered an alleged plot to kidnap her Ms Willoughby was all smiles alongside co-presenter Josie Gibson on Wednesday during the show's 'Spin to Win' segment Beaming Ms Gibson kicked off the morning show yesterday as she said: 'Look who's joined me. It's only the one and only Alison Hammond!' In the post, Ms Willoughby and Mr Baldwin were seen embracing each other at a festival in Italy, with a music stage in the background. She captioned the post: 'Happy birthday to my Love.' The couple tied the knot at Amberley Castle in Sussex on August 4, 2007, and they have since had three children together. Mohammed Saleh bin Laden, a relative of al-Qaeda terror chief Osama bin Laden, has entered the world of British horse racing by buying ten young horses. The 41-year-old, who is the nephew of Osama's half-brother Bakr Bin Laden, bought the horses at the annual Newmarket sales. The wealthy businessman is chairman of Modern Building Leaders Ltd - a construction company based in Saudi Arabia. His new horses, which include the sister of Group 1 winner Barney Roy and a daughter of legendary racehorse Frankel, are expected to be trained in Britain, but a spokesperson said Bin Laden hasn't decided on a trainer yet. Hossam Alsaady, a director of Salhia Stud, represented Bin Laden at Newmarket's Tattersalls sales, where famous faces such as Alan Brazil and Ossie Ardiles often appear alongside the world's top trainers. The Bin Laden family was listed as the 5th wealthiest Saudi family by Forbes magazine in 2009. Osama Bin Laden's father, Mohammed bin Awad Bin Laden, was a billionaire construction magnate with close ties to the Saudi royal family. The seventh son among fifty brothers and sisters, Osama Bin Laden was disowned by his wealthy family in 1994 as he became a radical Islamic extremist. Osama Bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaeda, was disowned by his wealthy family in 1994 Mohammed Saleh Bin Laden (pictured) is the nephew of the half-brother of Osama Bin Laden Bin Laden bought ten horses at Newmarket's famous Tattersalls auction, buying horses that include the sister of Group 1 winner Barney Roy and a daughter of legendary racehorse Frankel The businessman has previously bought horses for show and not for racing. The yearlings were the first to be bought through Bin Laden's British-based company Salhia Stud, through which he paid 2.7 million for the horses. The Saudi businessman's website says he got his passion for horses from his uncle, Sheikh Bakr Bin Laden. His uncle's half-brother was Osama Bin Laden, the Islamic extremist who founded al Qaeda, the group behind the 9/11 attacks which killed 2,977 people and injured thousands more at the World Trade Center. The Tattersalls Sales were established by Richard Tattersall in 1776 at Hyde Park Corner and have taken place in Newmarket since 1958. READ MORE - Tattersalls auction generates sales of 2,000,000 'guineas' in the first 15 minutes Advertisement The British-based successful racehorse selector and racing manager Richard Knight has been advising Bin Laden, according to Alsaady, who said they haven't decided on a trainer as yet. Alsaady told the Racing Post: 'We are big in Arabian breeding but have never been in thoroughbreds before now. 'We have invested and spent a lot on UK business and are involved in many areas of the UK, so we thought why not British racing too and let's see what we can do. 'It's a long-term project. What we are doing is inspired by Juddmonte [the breeders set up by the late Prince Khaled bin Abdullah], who are Saudi, and I believe they started off with ten fillies and have grown to where they are now.' Bin Laden's company website for Al Salhia, based in North Abhur just outside the city of Jeddah, reads: 'Mr. Mohammed Saleh Bin Laden has a strong professional history in the business of horses. 'Since childhood, his passion for the horse was instilled by the gift of a horse from his uncle Sheikh Bakr Bin Laden. 'Since that time it became the desire of Mr. Mohammed Saleh Bin Laden to collect choice examples of the Arabian horse from various parts of the world.' This is the moment a brave photographer managed to snap thieves in the act of robbing motorcycles worth tens of thousands of pounds. The brazen thugs were spotted driving up and down a road on the corner of Chelsea Green, an affluent area of London, on a scooter at around 5pm yesterday. They were driving a Honda ADV 350 with the number plates removed while wearing helmets and balaclavas to obscure their identity. Oliver Quartly the fearless photographer who snapped machete-wielding gangs in Notting Hill Carnival this summer was in the area and began to observe what was going on. Speaking to MailOnline, he said: 'They were scouting the area for motorbikes. The thieves pointed at the photographer, who took this picture, threatening that they 'knew who he was' and they would come back for him The thieves were spotted driving up and down the road to look out for other motorcycles to nick in west London 'They disappeared for about five minutes and then came flying down. 'One was on a scooter and the other was on a Harley Davidson with the alarm blaring and then drove away. 'About half an hour later, they came back on one scooter again looking at motorbikes parked in the area.' But the thieves noticed Mr Quartly's curiosity and began circling around him and his friend. 'They noticed we were looking at them and they started pointing and just circled around us, wondering what we were doing. 'There was a motorbike further up the road and they were looking at that. 'One got off and they tried to break the lock. So I went up the road and banged on the window of a shop because I knew a guy who worked there and I told him that his bike was getting nicked.' At that point, the shop employee came outside and shouted at the thieves. Mr Quartly took some photographs of the crooks. Oliver Quartly said he is a motorcycle owner himself and has had two stolen in the past Mr Quartly snapped this shocking photo that shows the moment a young man waves around a machete at Notting Hill carnival earlier this year This attracted the attention of people in the area who began looking at what was happening. The photographer continued: 'They started pointing at me an threatening me saying "we know who you are" and calling me a "snitch" and that that "we're going to come back for you".' But fortunately, the thieves didn't come back. Mr Quartly is also a motorcycle owner himself and he said he has had two bikes stolen in the past. 'You can't leave anything of value on the side of the road because it will get stolen,' he added, 'you see videos of people with angle grinders going through locks. 'But the police don't do anything. When I had my bike stolen, twice, the police literally said to me to go look for it. 'Luckily, I found it. Thieves drop it around the corner to see if it has a tracker on it. 'If it's still there within a week's time then they know it doesn't have a tracker and they take it to their shop or garage lockup.' In 2022, head of the Police Foundation Rick Muir warned that the low charge rate of vehicle thefts 'effectively decriminalised' the offence. Figures show that there were 99,541 car thefts reported to police in 2020-21. In London, almost 30,000 cars were stolen in 2021 but the Metropolitan Police were only able to charge culprits in connection with 737 offences a rate of just 2.5 per cent. Britain is also facing an epidemic of shoplifting which has been labelled as 'decriminalised' by Asda chairman Lord Stuart Rose. Some of it is fuelled by gang activity as well as the cost of living crisis. Mr Quartly was able to get a photograph of gangs at this year's Notting Hill carnival brandishing enormous knives to fight each other. The photographer said he found himself 'in the wrong place at the wrong time' and claimed the 'joyful atmosphere turned unexpectedly as an altercation broke out nearby, between two gangs with knives and a machete'. MailOnline contacted the Met Police for comment. Bankrupt Birmingham City Council is to be aided out of its financial woes by a team of commissioners - who could claim a combined fee of 8,900 a day. On Thursday, the Labour-run council was informed by the government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities that a team of eight commissioners would be heading their way - led by local government heavyweight Max Caller. The commissioners will report directly to Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove. Mr Caller has previously served as chief executive at London boroughs of Hackney and Barnet and spent seven years as the Electoral Commissioner. He has presided over a number of inquiries into local authorities' finances, including an investigation into Northamptonshire County Council's bankruptcy in 2018. Max Caller will serve as lead commissioner for Birmingham City Council reporting to Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, charging the council a fee of up to 1,200 per day Former defence secretary John Hutton, now a Labour member of the House of Lords, is one of two political advisers on the team of eight commissioners - each charging fees of up to 1,100 a day The commissioners will report directly to Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove Birmingham - which boasts the largest local authority in Europe - revealed that it could not balance its books and issued a section 114 notice on September 5, effectively declaring bankruptcy. Mr Caller will be joined by five other commissioners, as well as two political advisers - former Defence Secretary John Hutton who is now a Labour peer in the House of Lords, and John Biggs, former executive mayor of the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Announcing the commissioning team, Mr Gove said that 'most decisions should continue to be made by the authority, but with the oversight of the commissioners' who will have powers to intervene, Birmingham Live reports. Other commissioners include: John Coughlan, the current commissioner for special educational needs and disability services and former chief executive of Hampshire County Council. Chris Tambini, the former director of corporate resources at Leicestershire County Council. Pam Parkes, executive director for people and transformation at Essex County Council. Jackie Belton, chief executive of the London Borough of Bexley. Myron Hrycyk, the Cabinet Office's crown representative for Oracle, IBM and Microsoft. As lead commissioner, Mr Caller will be entitled to fees of 1,200 per day from the local authority, while the other commissioners can claim 1,100 - totalling 8,900 each day. The commissioners will also be entitled to expenses throughout the period of their oversight, which is not expected to exceed 150 days. In an email to the council's chief executive Deborah Cadman, the DLUHC said of the appointments: 'These individuals are best placed to take up these roles directly, due to their individual knowledge and experience in local authority leadership, decision-making, governance, finance, HR, IT and commercial development. 'The Secretary of State recognises the expertise of his appointees and is confident that they will be key to resolving Birmingham City Council's issues as quickly and effectively as possible.' Costly 17million taxi contract: To ferry children to and from school Diverting attention: The city hosted the woke Commonwealth Games in 2022, costing 184million In response to the appointments, leader of the council John Cotton and Ms Cadman vowed to work 'constructively and collaboratively' with the commissioners to tackle Birmingham's challenges. They said in a statement: 'Max Caller is a vastly experienced local government expert with a strong track record in transforming and improving councils and we welcome his appointment as the lead commissioner. 'We believe his knowledge of the city and his previous experience as a non-executive adviser to the authority will be an invaluable asset. 'Our sole focus now is on working with the commissioners in a collaborative way to meet the immediate challenges and set the council on the journey to long-term sustained improvement. 'That work is already under way and the expert input from the commissioners will be invaluable as we work to transform the council and get the budget back on track.' The section 114 means any new council spending in the city, with the exception of protecting vulnerable people and statutory services, must stop immediately. It came as the council admitted it had an estimated 760 million equal pay liability. The authority said it does not have sufficient resources to cover the potential liability and has also identified a budget shortfall for the current financial year of 87 million, which is projected to rise to 165 million in 2024/25. Birmingham Local Conservatives have also welcomed the support of the commissioners. Councillor Robert Alden, leader of the opposition and Birmingham Local Conservatives, said: 'Labour now have one last chance to show commissioners that they understand the gravity of the situation they have created and that they are both willing and capable of acting accordingly. 'That must start with immediately fixing the mess they have created since 2017 and ensure that all staff are paid fairly. 'Until that situation is resolved, the bill will keep going up and residents will continue to suffer.' Councillor Ewan Mackey, the deputy leader of Birmingham Local Conservatives, said: 'We hope that the appointment of two very significant figures from the Labour Party, Baron Hutton and John Biggs, alongside the team of commissioners, will enable constructive communication and action from the Labour leadership here in the city.' Keir Starmer was jubilant today after being gifted a stunning by-election triumph by an SNP meltdown. The Labour leader told activists in Rutherglen & Hamilton West they had 'blown the doors off' after dramatically overturning a previous 5,300 SNP majority to seize the seat by a margin of 9,400. Experts said if the huge 20 per cent swing was replicated across Scotland then Labour could end up with around 40 MPs north of the border. That compares to just a single MP secured at the 2019 general election, and ramps up the stakes for the Tories - making it incredibly difficult to stop him becoming PM. It was another body blow for the SNP's independence ambitions, with humiliated leader Humza Yousaf facing fury after dismally failing his first electoral test since taking over from Nicola Sturgeon. After flying up to Scotland this morning, Sir Keir - who kicks off a crucial Labour conference in Liverpool this weekend - said it was a 'seismic result'. He urged his troops to inflict defeats on Rishi Sunak in the looming Tamworth and Mid Beds by-elections to bring the 'Tory Party crashing down around him'. 'We have changed and because we have changed we are now the party of change,' he said. 'There is much more work to do. This is a first step on a very very important journey for all of us... 'Because we have changed we are hungry for power.' Keir Starmer (right with winning candidate Michael Shanks, left, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, centre) told activists in Rutherglen & Hamilton West they had 'blown the doors off' after dramatically overturning a previous 5,300 SNP majority to seize the seat by a margin of 9,400 Labour dramatically overturned a previous 5,300 majority for the separatists to seize Rutherglen & Hamilton West by a margin of 9,400 Michael Shanks (right) and Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar at the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election count Mr Shanks took the Westminster seat in the by-election - which was called after former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier was ousted for breaking Covid rules Mr Shanks won 17,845 votes compared to the SNP's 8,399 The by-election saw a dramatic slump in support for both the SNP and Tories Following the trouncing, new MP Michael Shanks said the result showed 'there is no part of this country where Labour can't win'. He declared: 'Labour can kick the Tories out of Downing Street next year and deliver the change people want and this country so badly needs. Tonight is one part of that journey.' Polling guru Sir John Curtice told the BBC that there was no guarantee the general election would reflect the result, but a swing on that scale would see Labour 'dominate' north of the border. He said it was the sort of result opposition parties get 'when they are going to go on and win the next general election'. The breakthrough came as Blairites launched a bid to force Sir Keir into pushing a bolder agenda. Former No10 spin chief Alastair Campbell said Labour needed to 'make the weather'. 'You want policy, and you want your policies to be known about, and you want to be able to defend them and to argue them,' he told the Guardian. '[In 1996 and 1997] we were not happy if we were not making the news and we weren't making the weather and we weren't actually being attacked. 'Because sometimes being attacked is the only way that you can get out there and make your case.' New Labour architect Lord Mandelson said he did not think the party was 'ready' for government yet - although he stressed it has around a year to go. 'I just implore people to realise, not just that they shouldn't be complacent - but just how much detailed, hard slog and work is involved in preparing the programme of government,' the peer added. The contest in Rutherglen was triggered by voters booting out rulebreaking former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier in Scotland's first ever recall petition. The politician fragrantly flouted Covid rules by gallivanting between London and Glasgow while knowingly infected with the virus, and she was subsequently convicted in court of 'recklessly' exposing people to harm. It left the crisis-plagued SNP desperately battling to retain the seat, which their disgraced former MP won with a 5,230 majority in 2019. During the vote counting, Labour suggested that parts of the constituency where they trailed the SNP by around 20 percentage points in last year's local election were now 'neck and neck'. A Scottish Labour source said: 'The SNP are claiming this is about unionist voters coming to Labour. 'I'm not going to lie and say we've not picked up a decent chunk of the Tory vote, but you would not be seeing neck and neck boxes in some of the most SNP parts of this constituency unless there was a serious slip in the SNP's core vote.' Labour said that at least 42 target seats would be in play based on the result. Former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier (pictured) takes her bin out on the day constituents head to the polls in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election Mr Shanks won 17,845 votes compared to the SNP's 8,399 - a swing of more than 20 per cent SNP candidate Katy Loudon (pictured) visits the polling station at St Charles' primary school, Cambuslang, during the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election Mr Yousaf, who avoided the count in Hamilton, said it was a 'disappointing night for the SNP'. He added: 'I want to thank our exceptional candidate Katy Loudon and our activists for their incredible efforts. Let me also congratulate Michael Shanks on being elected. 'Circumstances of this by-election were always very difficult for us. 'Collapse in the Tory vote, which went straight to Labour, also a significant factor. 'We lost this seat in 2017, and like 2019 we can win this seat back. 'However, we will reflect on what we have to do to regain the trust of the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West.' It was also the first time voters in Scotland were forced to bring proof of identification to polling stations, with all parties having anecdotal evidence of people being turned away. The returning officer for South Lanarkshire said there would be a report made to the Electoral Commission about the scale of the problem, with the number of would-be voters. Turnout at the by-election, carried out during a mostly rainy day across Glasgow - was just 37.19 per cent, with 30,531 of the 82,104 eligible voters bothering to cast a ballot. Arguing the by-election was a 'turning point' for Scottish Labour, party leader Anas Sarwar said: 'I think the clear message is that people are sick of two failing governments, two incompetent, divisive governments, and people are demanding change. 'And they can now see that the only vehicle for that change is the Scottish Labour Party and Scotland can lead the way in delivering a UK Labour Government.' Asked what the result means for the general election and Sir Keir Starmer, he said: 'I'll just say this is, I believe, a seismic moment, I think it is a significant point in Scotland's political history. 'And I think this is going to have huge reverberations as we head towards that next general election. But we need to wait for the official declaration.' He added: 'That can be a springboard going into the next election.' Scottish voters went to the polls yesterday as Sir Keir faced a crucial test of his hopes of becoming prime minister. Regaining ground in Scotland is a key challenge for Sir Keir as he looks to become PM and he told the BBC last month he wants to win a significant number of seats in the country to ensure he has a 'mandate'. Sir Keir said after the results: 'Voters across Scotland and across Britain want a government determined to deliver for working people, with a proper plan to rebuild our country. They want to move on from two SNP and Tory governments that offer only more division, more chaos and more infighting. 'The country deserves a government firmly on their side and focused on their priorities - and Labour will deliver that for them.' On the eve of the by-election, Mr Sarwar argued that defeating the SNP could prove as 'seismic' for Labour as Winnie Ewing's win for the Nationalists in the same constituency. Anas Sarwar celebrates Scottish Labour candidate Mr Shanks winning the by-election Speaking after the declaration, Mr Sarwar told reporters: 'This is a historic night in Scottish politics. A seismic result. 'I think it has flipped Scottish politics on its head and I think it is getting clear that the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West have sent a message to two failing governments that they are sick of the incompetence, they're sick of the chaos, they're sick of the division and they are ready and desperate for change.' Ms Ewing's historic 1967 victory in Hamilton - the party's first post-war victory - is widely believed to be the catalyst for the SNP's rise to its current size and electoral success. He said: 'We've had seismic by-elections before and it's fair to say that the Labour Party in recent times has been on the wrong side of those seismic by-elections. 'You can talk about the by-election that Winnie Ewing won here many years back, you can talk about the Glasgow East by-election that we lost to the SNP. Both were regarded as seismic. 'I believe this has the potential to be a seismic by-election, and then as a launch pad as we head towards that next general election.' Imprisoned Iranian women's rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi was today awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her activism against the Iranian government. Mohammadi was honoured 'for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all,' said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. In awarding the prize, the committee hopes to send a message to the Iranian government to 'listen to your own people', Reiss-Andersen added. Mohammadi, a 51-year-old journalist and activist, has spent much of the past two decades in and out of jail for her campaign against the mandatory hijab for women and the death penalty. 'Her brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs. Altogether, the regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes,' Reiss-Andersen said in the jury's citation. Iranian women's rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi is seen at her home in Tehran on September 4 2001 The head of the Nobel Peace Prize, Berit Reiss-Andersen, announces the Peace Prize for 2023 in Oslo, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 Berit Reiss-Andersen said today that the decision to award Mohammadi with the award was 'first and foremost a recognition of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader Narges Mohammadi.' 'We hope that it is an encouragement to continue their work in which ever form this movement finds to be fitting,' she said. Reiss-Andersen said she hopes that the Iranian government will make 'the right decision' in allowing Mohammadi to be released from prison to receive her prize. Mohammadi, a mother-of-two, is one of Iran's leading human rights activists. She is currently serving multiple sentences in Tehran's Evin prison, amounting to 12 years. Charges include spreading propaganda against the state. She is the 19th woman to win the prize, chosen from 351 candidates this year. The prizes are worth 11 million krona (819,609) in each category. Mohammadi was arrested in May 2015 when she was spokeswoman for the Defenders of Human Rights Centre in Iran, which was founded by lawyer and Nobel Peace price laureate Shirin Ebadi. While serving her sentence, she was moved from Tehran's Evin prison to a prison in Zanjan, in northwestern Iran, according to Reporters Without Borders. The journalist had 'lodged a complaint against her immoral and illegal transfer,' her lawyer said. She had also claimed she was 'beaten and harassed' in Evin Prison, reports Etemad newspaper. 'Instead of examining her complaint, justice officials opened another case against my client,' Mr Behzadi-Rad said. She was then sentenced to 80 lashes and 30 months in prison in 2021. Mohammadi is currently serving multiple sentences back in Tehran's Evin prison, according to the Front Line Defenders rights organisation. From her cell, Mohammadi has continued to rally against the state, organising inmates and even managing to smuggle out an article, published in the New York Times, Reiss-Andersen said. Protests have mounted in Iran since 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini died in police custody in Tehran in September 2022 after being arrested for allegedly violating strict hijab rules. The recent protests in Iran 'accelerated the process of realising democracy, freedom and equality in Iran,' a process that is now 'irreversible', Mohammadi told AFP last month in a letter written from prison. She and three other women held with her at Tehran's Evin prison burned their hijabs to mark the anniversary of Amini's death on September 16. Iranian rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi in an undated, unlocated photo. Mohammadi, a women's rights activist from Iran, burned her hijab to mark the death of Mahsa Amini Mohammadi is currently serving multiple sentences back in Tehran's Evin prison, according to the Front Line Defenders rights organisation In what would have been unthinkable a year ago, women now go out in public without the headscarf, in particular in Tehran and other big cities, despite the risks. Wearing the hijab is one of the pillars of the Islamic republic. Authorities have stepped up controls, using surveillance cameras among other things, and have arrested actresses who post pictures of themselves on social media without the hijab. European Council President Charles Michel said that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to take part in a meeting in Brussels at the end of October. Council announced this before the start of the informal EU summit in Granada. Charles Michel noted that he decided to invite both leaders to Brussels at the end of October, and both leaders agreed to take part in this meeting, Azernews reports. He stressed the determination to do huge work towards the normalization of ties between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The day before, the head of the European Council, as well as the leaders of France and Germany, Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in Granada. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev did not participate in the meeting. Following the negotiations, Michel announced that he would invite the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to a tripartite meeting in Brussels at the end of October. Donald Trump has officially endorsed his combative ally Jim Jordan to succeed ousted Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, apparently ending speculation that the former president could fill the role himself. In the early hours of Friday, Trump took to his Truth Social social media platform to say that Ohio congressman Jordan 'will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!' Some Republicans in Congress had asked Trump to take the role of speaker temporarily to 'unify' the party, and he had said he would if it was 'necessary'. There had also been growing speculation that Trump would travel to the US Capitol next week for a party forum where would-be candidates will make their case. However, reports emanating from the Trump camp suggested he would not now attend, following his endorsement of Jordan. On Truth Social the former president added: 'Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohios 4th Congressional District.' Donald Trump shakes Rep. Jim Jordan's hand during a rally in Ohio in August 2018 Trump had been telling people in recent days that he preferred Jordan for the post. His announcement came hours after Texas Rep. Troy Nehls said Thursday night that Trump had decided to back Jordan's bid. 'Just had a great conversation with President Trump about the Speakers race. He is endorsing Jim Jordan, and I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party,' Nehls wrote late Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter. In an interview later with The Associated Press, Nehls, who had been encouraging Trump to run for the post himself, said the ex-president instead wanted Jordan. 'After him thinking about it and this and that ... he said he really is in favor of getting behind Jim Jordan,' Nehls said. 'He believes Jim Jordan is right for the job.' Even though only a few short congressional terms ago Jordan was considered 'too conservative' to rise the leadership ranks, 'he has become very much, if you will, a mainstream leader among the conference,' Issa told DailyMail.com in an interview. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) is gauging support to succeed Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker after Tuesday's stunning vote to oust the Californian Jordan is one of two leading candidates maneuvering for speaker along with Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana. Both are trying to lock in the 218 votes required to win the job and need the support of both the far-right and moderate factions of the party. It is unclear whether Trump's endorsement will force Scalise, the current GOP majority leader, out of the race, or if either can reach the 218 threshold. Indeed, Nehls said that if no current candidate succeeds in earning the support needed to win, he would once again turn to Trump. 'Our conference is divided. Our country is broken. I dont know who can get to 218,' he said. The speakership vote could happen as soon as Wednesday. Trump had confirmed his attendance to Fox News Digital and said he would travel Tuesday to meet with Republicans. The trip would have been Trumps first to the Capitol since leaving office and since some of his supporters attacked the building on Jan. 6, 2021. The former president has been indicted in both Washington and Georgia over his alleged efforts to overturn the results of the election, which he lost to President Joe Biden. Nehls, however, said it was now unlikely Trump would make the trip to Washington for the speaker vote. Jordan is one of Trumps biggest champions on the Hill and has been leading the investigations into prosecutors who have charged the former president. Scalise has also worked closely with Trump over the years. Trump's team had indicated that, if he did go ahead with the visit to Capitol Hill, he would be there to talk with Republican lawmakers and not to pitch himself for the role. Still, Trump continued to stoke speculation, telling Fox News Digital Thursday that he would accept a short-term role as speaker - for anywhere from 30 to 90 days - if another candidate doesnt have the votes to win. 'I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,' he told the outlet. 'If they dont get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president.' In a social media post earlier in the day, he added that he 'will do whatever is necessary to help with the Speaker of the House selection process, short term, until the final selection of a GREAT REPUBLICAN SPEAKER is made - A Speaker who will help a new, but highly experienced President, ME, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' The Republican conference is filled with members generally supportive of Trump, but whether theyd back him to serve as speaker remained to be seen. The role is a demanding position - effectively running the Capitol and dealing with hundreds of lawmakers - and requires an attention to the arcane details of legislating that Trump showed little interest in even when he was president. Former President Donald Trump and Rep. Matt Gaetz are close - the two are seen above at a November 2019 campaign rally in Florida Majority Whip Steve Scalise gave an emphatic speech defending McCarthy before Tuesday's vote While he is dominating his GOP presidential rivals, Trump is also still traveling to early primary states to campaign and has been spending much of his time focused on the four criminal indictments and several civil cases he is facing. While there is no requirement that a person be elected to the House to serve as speaker, every one of the 55 speakers the House has elected has been a member of the chamber. From time to time, lawmakers have thrown their votes to those outside of Congress, often as a protest against the candidates running. Trump helped McCarthy win the speakership in January after 15 rounds of voting. But he exhorted Republicans to impeach Biden and to reject deals that McCarthy negotiated. Last month, he urged the right flank to support a government shutdown if Republicans did not win deep spending cuts, declaring on social media that the GOP 'lost big on Debt Ceiling, got NOTHING, and now are worried that they will be BLAMED for the Budget Shutdown. Wrong!!! Whoever is President will be blamed, in this case, Crooked (as Hell!) Joe Biden!' McCarthy ultimately moved to keep the government open for 45 days without the cuts demanded by hard-right conservatives. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican and longtime Trump ally, cited that decision as reason to move to depose the speaker. Among those who had pushed Trump for speaker was Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a longtime Trump ally who didnt vote to remove McCarthy. She posted on X that she believed 'he would take the job.' Nehls, the Texas Republican who was among the first to promote Trump for the job, said before his Thursday evening conservation with Trump that hed been contacted 'by multiple Members of Congress willing to support and offer nomination speeches for Donald J. Trump to be Speaker of the House.' 'Next week,' he wrote on X, 'is going to be HUGE.' This is the humble terraced house in East Sussex which launched a mysterious business empire which went on to be at the centre of a scandal that has grounded dozens of aircraft costing millions of dollars. The firm first founded here, AOG Technics Ltd, is being investigated by regulators over claims it supplied fake parts for jet engines powering Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 planes. AOG, which was founded at this house in Hove in 2015, has been accused of selling jet engine parts with fraudulent safety certificates. Yesterday, there was chaos in the US when at least 126 planes were grounded by major airlines amid concerns their engines were fitted with parts supplied by AOG. AOG Technics and its director Jose Zamora Yrala are at the centre of a High Court case brought by jet engine maker CFM International, in an attempt to force them to hand over documents. British regulator the Civil Aviation Authority has also issued a notice to airlines while its carries out its own investigation. This is the humble terraced house in Hove, East Sussex, where AOG Technics was founded. The supplier is engulfed in scandal involving 'fake' jet engine parts allegedly sold to US airlines The supplier, founded at this house in Hove in 2015, has been accused of selling jet engine parts with fraudulent safety certificates American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines pulled planes from their rosters, including aviation industry favorite Boeing 737 jets (pictured) The scandal has rocked the aviation industry, with potentially faulty parts stretching from small nuts and bolts to vitally important turbine blades. Pictured: Manufacturing parts for an Airbus A320 wing Now the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed confirmed some parts sourced from AOG Technics are on engines fitted to UK aircraft. Yesterday neighbours at the modest terraced house in Hove said they were 'surprised and stunned' by the scandal. An elderly neighbour living opposite the house said: 'It's shocking. I remember him living here a few years back. He seemed extremely shy. 'I would say hello to him but he didn't make conversation. I heard him on his phone sometimes speaking Spanish.' Another said: 'I don't remember him but I'm stunned such a hugely important business could be run from a terraced house he was renting. It's extremely worrying.' Another resident said: 'He was here such a short time but it was a while back. To think he could be responsible for this is shocking.' AOG Technics has also faced allegations it faked employees and was using stock photographs for fictitious staffers on LinkedIn, according to Bloomberg. Industry sources said the majority of spare parts sold by distributors like AOG involve small items that are not made by the engine makers themselves and are not considered critical. Even so, the number of planes that could have to be taken out of service for checks is approaching 100 and analysts say any disruption to the tightly monitored system of controls underpinning the safety of air travel must be tackled quickly. Reeve said that so far, 86 falsified documents known as release certificates had been identified. By Monday, the number of engines suspected to have parts with forged documents had risen to 96. 'Potentially, that means between 48 and 96 aircraft being taken out of service whilst airlines arrange for the parts to be removed,' Reeve added. The sale of parts with fake or missing release certificates 'potentially puts aircraft safety in jeopardy' and makes it impossible to verify airworthiness, CFM said in a filing. A release certificate is akin to a birth certificate for an engine part, guaranteeing it is genuine. The engine maker and its French and American parent companies took AOG and its sole director Jose Zamora Yrala to court to force them to hand over documents related to any remaining parts and paperwork linked to CFM56 and CF6 engines since February 2015. They said they were first alerted to the alleged forgery by a Portuguese maintenance and repair company in June, prompting a scramble to discover the extent of the issue. The controversy has highlighted the complex nature of the aviation industry. Pictured: The wheel well of the first Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft as it sits on the tarmac outside of the Boeing factory on February 5, 2018 Jet engine maker CFM International that thousands of engine components may have been sold with forged paperwork by AOG Technics, as the fallout from a probe into falsely certified parts reached London's High Court. Matthew Reeve, a lawyer for CFM and its co-owners General Electric and Safran, said AOG Technics had engaged in a 'deliberate, dishonest and sophisticated scheme to deceive the market with falsified documents on an industrial scale'. European regulators have said they are investigating reports that some parts supplied by the London-based firm without valid certificates had been found inside CFM56 engines, which power some Airbus and Boeing jets. AOG did not address the underlying claim of forgery in the hearing, which was called to discuss procedural issues Lawyers representing AOG and Zamora Yrala said the defendants were 'cooperating fully' with an investigation by Britain's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). AOG lawyer Tom Cleaver argued GE did not need a large amount of documents in order to contact possible buyers of the parts. 'Everybody now knows that AOG parts are not necessarily to be taken to be the claimants' parts,' he said. Judge Richard Meade ruled that AOG and Zamora Yrala should disclose 'invoices, release certificates, memos of shipment and purchase orders' for 230 transactions. CFM welcomed the court order, which it said would help the industry identify unapproved parts more rapidly. CFM56 engines power the previous generation of Boeing 737s and about half the previous generation of Airbus A320s. These are gradually being upgraded but thousands remain in service. The CFM56 is also used on Boeing P-8 maritime patrol planes sold to the United States and Britain, while the GE-built CF6 powers Boeing KC-767A tankers sold to Italy and Japan. There have been no reports of suspect parts on military aircraft. Boeing and Airbus had no immediate comment. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, in a filing first reported by Bloomberg, said in August it was examining reports of parts with suspected falsified documents supplied by AOG. Britain's CAA said in August it was 'investigating the supply of a large number of suspect unapproved parts' Allegedly fictitious safety certificates were slapped on critical components of a jet A UK judge this week ordered the company to turn over its parts sales documents, and the full extent of the scandal could grow as the records are assessed. Before the analysis began on Wednesday, airlines said they found 16 engines in their shops and a 110 in separate facilities that were fitted with parts from AOG Technics. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company serves as a middleman in the aviation industry by acquiring parts before selling them to maintenance and repair shops. It was established in 2015, but several disturbing business practices have been alleged in recent times, including that there is reportedly no record of the company ever receiving approvals for its parts. Court documents have also found that the company's founder, Jose Zamora Yrala, is the sole director and shareholder, and dubious LinkedIn profiles have reportedly been linked to the business using aliases and stock profile pictures. 'It's a bit strange that a phantom company can be allowed to supply spare parts with false certification documents,' Olivier Andries, the chief executive of Safran, told reporters last month. Thrill-seekers dodged Sadiq Khan's ULEZ charge by driving a tank through the heart of London's West End. The green army tank was filmed roaring through the streets of the capital yesterday - to the astonishment of pedestrians who stopped to snap photos. Others appeared less impressed, with one woman waving her hands under her nose in an apparent reaction to the fumes. Regardless, the tank does not have to pay the daily 12.50 ULEZ charge because it was built in 1965 and thus considered a 'classic car'. Commercial vehicles over the age of 40 are able to take advantage of the loophole. The Abbot Self-Propelled Gun was crewed by two men at the front, while two women sat above the turret wearing sunglasses and casual tops. The green army tank was filmed roaring through the streets of the capital yesterday - to the astonishment of pedestrians who stopped to snap photos The Abbot Self-Propelled Gun was crewed by two men at the front, while two women sat above the turret wearing sunglasses and casual tops The tank does not have to pay the daily 12.50 ULEZ charge because it was built in 1965 and thus considered a 'classic car' Fortunately, the vehicle was more respectful of the laws of the road than most invading armies - stopping at traffic lights and indicating before taking a turn. The tank belongs to a specialist tank experience company called Tanks-A-Lot. READ MORE - Laurence Fox's fury that police seized his sons' iPads when they arrested him after he said he would join protesters smashing Ulez cameras Advertisement While London has been hit by multiple anti-ULEZ protests since the zone's expansion in August, but yesterday's joyride is more likely to have been a jaunt by one of the firm's customers. MailOnline has contacted Tanks-A-Lot for comment. The same tank drove through the West End on August 18 and was spotted on Dean Street, Oxford Street, St James and several other tourist hot spots. Fortunately, the gun attached to the grandiose motor is deactivated. The Abbot Self-Propelled Gun entered service with the British Army in 1965 before being replaced by the AS-90 self-propelled gun in the mid-1990s. It is an armoured fighting vehicle and comes with a 105mm gun. In August, the behemoth was reportedly hired by the wife of a wealthy businessman as part of his birthday celebrations. Fortunately, the vehicle was more respectful of the laws of the road than most invading armies - stopping at traffic lights and indicating before taking a turn The tank belongs to a specialist tank experience company called Tanks-A-Lot Fortunately, the gun attached to the grandiose motor is deactivated The customers were chauffeured in the unusual motor to see some of London's most famous sights including Trafalgar Square and Big Ben. Social media user @feybakare1 joked at the time: 'Wait, what is going on? Brother, I am unbelievably confused. I'm here trying to get home on a Lime bike, while these brothers are taking a tank home from central London.' One person commented: 'Some people just have to stand out!' Another quipped: 'They think they're in a movie.' The extravagant experience is a bit more expensive than getting the Tube, with a daily trip estimated to cost around 6,000. Mail Online has approached Tanks-A-Lot for comment. The same vehicle was spotted in London in August after reportedly being hired by the wife of a wealthy businessman Anti-ULEZ protesters staged a demo outside Mr Khan's house on Monday in the latest display of opposition to the controversial scheme. Furious drivers set up tents and signs outside the property in south London with one bringing a caravan with the words 'Sack Khan' and 'No To Ulez' on it. The Action Against Ulez organisation was out in force wearing hi-vis jackets for the 'all weekender' which they described as a 'hunger strike and protest'. Signs plastered on vehicles parked outside on Saturday and Sunday said 'are you listening yet Mr Khan'; 'Ulez expansion justified with lies'; and 'stop the toxic air lie'. Further messages said 'resist, defy, do not comply' and 'every penny they can screw you for matters to TfL [Transport for London] and the Dictator of London'. This is the moment a furious heckler refuses to shake hands with Justin Trudeau and calls the shocked Canadian Prime Minister a 'piece of s**t' for 'f**king up the country' over carbon taxes and the housing crisis. The video, which has now gone viral, shows a confident Trudeau waving at supporters who had lined up to meet him as he marches up to greet them with his security guards standing just yards away. The 51-year-old shakes someone's hand and waves at a child in a stroller before attempting to shake the hand of another crowd member who says: 'I'm not shaking your hand bro, you're a f***ing piece of s***.' Trudeau looks visibly taken aback and asks: 'Why's that, sir?' The man replies: 'You f***ed up the entire country.' Video shows a confident Trudeau waving at supporters as he marches up to greet them with his security guards at hand. He attempts to shake the hand of another crowd member who says: 'I'm not shaking your hand bro, you're a f***ing piece of s***.' Trudeau then asks: 'How did I mess up this country?' The man replies: 'Can anybody afford a home?' He starts ranting about carbon taxes, asking what the people are getting charged for. Trudeau calmly explains that the government is putting the price on pollution and 'returning it to families like yours'. 'You're sending it over to Ukraine, right?' the man counters. 'You're sending it over to the guy you were with who slaughtered his own country.' Before walking off, Trudeau says: 'You've been listening to Putin have you? 'You know a lot of Russian disinformation.' The man accuses him of having 'propaganda' and launches another foul-mouthed tirade as Trudeau returns to his vehicle. He shakes someone's hand and waves at a child in a stroller. He can be seen walking back to his vehicle after an interaction with an irate crowd member Social media users were quick to comment on the post. One posted on X: 'Everything is miss information if he doesn't agree eh!' Another wrote: 'Using the Putin card is so lame by the PM.' In 2015, Trudeau vowed to pursue a national carbon pricing plan to combat climate change if he became Prime Minister. The implementation of the plan remains one of the most boldly contested decisions of his time in office. Canada has been gripped by a surge in homelessness that has seen tens of thousands of people priced out of rental and real estate markets and left to live in the streets of the wealthy nation. The average house price in Canada was about C$750,000 ($550,000) as of August, representing a 360 per cent increase from 2000, when the average was C$163,000 ($119,000). The issue particularly affects big cities such as Toronto, where a six-figure annual income is needed to buy a property. Houses now generally go for more than C$1m in Vancouver and Toronto. Both cities are frequently ranked among the world's top 10 most unaffordable places to live in, according to the Dermographia International Housing Affordability Index, sitting beside the likes of San Francisco and Hong Kong. Justin Trudeau. The average house price in Canada was about C$750,000 ($550,000) as of August, representing a 360 per cent increase from 2000, when the average was C$163,000 ($119,000) The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto has increased 25 per cent from last year to C$2,500. Other major cities in Canada are also experiencing an increase in rent. Politicians from all levels of government have repeatedly promised to fix the ongoing problem over the last decade. Canada must build 5.8 million new homes by 2030 to solve the issue, according to the country's national housing agency. This includes two million rental units. It amounts to around 828,000 new homes a year - more than three times the 260,000 homes constructed in 2022. In recent years, the government has tried a number of strategies to tackle the problem, including placing a ban on foreign property ownership as of January in an attempt to lower competitiveness in the market. The real estate industry makes up the biggest share of the nation's overall GDP at 13 per cent, according to 2020 figures by Statistics Canada, making it a big driver for economic growth. Researchers also warn that government data is vastly underestimating the number of homeless people across Canada, as the issue spreads from major cities to small towns. A high-flying businessman is taking his millionaire neighbours to court, claiming he is being 'tortured' by the noise of the banker's young family upstairs after they installed creaky wooden floors. Sergey Grazhdankin and his wife Maria have lived happily in a gated art deco development in West Kensington, London, since 2011. But the 42-year-old investment manager said their quiet life in their 1.1million three-bedroom apartment has been 'shattered' since a wealthy family moved in upstairs. The couple say they have since been subjected to a constant assault of noise including children playing and crying, creaking joists, footsteps and noisy conversations from City banker Mehdi Guissi and his wife and family upstairs. Mr Grazhdankin, who runs an insurance services company, is now suing his neighbours over the alleged 'nuisance' caused by the noise in a case which has run up around 250,000 in lawyers' bills. Since their arrival, the couple say they feel like they're living in a flatshare due to the wooden flooring which they claim was installed incorrectly. The insurance businessman wants his neighbours who bought their apartment for 1.1million in 2018 to tear up their floor and relay it correctly so an acoustic barrier limits the din. Sergey Grazhdankin and his wife Maria (both pictured) claim they're 'tortured' by the noise of Mehdi Guissi's family and their creaking floorboards (Pictured: before) The couple say they have since been subjected to a constant assault of noise including children playing and crying, creaking joists, footsteps and noisy conversations But the couple below were still unhappy with the noise from their neighbour's flat above (pictured) Mr Grazhdankin, who runs an insurance services company, is now suing his neighbours over the alleged 'nuisance' caused by the noise in a case which has run up around 250,000 in lawyers' bills (pictured: inside the above flat) Mr Guissi and his wife, Meriem El Harouchi, are fighting the Central London County Court case, saying the couple cannot complain about the normal everyday sounds of a family in their own home. They say their neighbours have become oversensitive to the normal noise of family life, having lived for many years with only an elderly single lady as a neighbour above them. The court heard Mr Grazhdankin and his wife, who is a marketing manager, moved into their fourth floor flat in North End House, Fitzjames Lane, in 2011. Previously, the Grazhdankins had an elderly lady living above them and told the court that they very rarely heard noise, other than the occasional banging of a door. But after Mr Guissi and his wife bought the property, they began a major refurbishment of the flat, tearing out walls, changing the layout of the rooms and replacing the floor. In place of the carpeted floor which the former owner had, they installed a wooden floor, with a floating acoustic barrier in an attempt to alleviate any noise. Mehdi Guissi says the couple cannot complain about the normal everyday sounds of a family in their own home However, the Grazhdankins claim the floating acoustic floor was fitted incorrectly, with nails being driven through it and into the joists, against the specific instructions of the manufacturers. The 'incorrect' installation of the floor resulted in creaking caused by the nails and the constant passage of impact and airborne sound from above, they say. READ MORE - The modest terraced Sussex home at centre of multi-million pound aviation 'scam' Advertisement In a statement put before the court, Mr Grazhdankin said that, after a year living in Germany, he and his family had moved back into the flat in August 2020. Once back in the apartment, he and his wife had found the noise 'unbearable,' he said. The change of layout meaning living areas were above bedrooms had made things worse. He said: 'During the week, we are woken up daily between 5.30am and 7.30am by the noise from above and we can hear floor making creaking sounds, walking sounds and the sound of moving furniture right above our main bedroom. 'On weekends we are woken up between 7am and 8am by walking, banging, jumping sounds, children running and voices. 'During the day, throughout the whole week, there is a lot of noise of similar nature, being creaking floor, walking, dropping things on the floor, moving objects on the floor, children crying, shouting and voices. 'This is experienced especially between 2pm and 10pm. 'Overall, living in our apartment feels like living in a shared apartment with another family. It is impossible to have our peace and live in our own rhythm.' 'Living with this every day since we moved is torture'. His wife said the only time they are free from the noise above is after Mr Guissi and his family go to bed, which can be after 10pm at night. 'We live with our neighbours in the most direct way of speech as we are always disturbed by the sounds of their daily life in their apartment.' 'We are automatically able to tell not only if they're at home but also who exactly of the family is at home, which room they're in and sometimes what kind of activity they are engaged in. 'It feels depressing because I do not have a feeling of privacy, peace and quiet in my own home.' Mr Grazhdankin said his wife had been more badly affected, now suffering from stress and insomnia, and feeling afraid as she tries to sleep as she is waiting to be woken. Their barrister Mark Lorrell said the acoustic floor manufacturers had warned that any penetration of the floating floor by nails or screws could result in 'acoustic failure.' Mr Grazhdankin and his wife, who is a marketing manager, moved into their fourth floor flat in North End House, Fitzjames Lane, in 2011. Their neighbours bought the apartment upstairs for 1.1million in 2018 Following complaints and a previous court hearing, Mr Guissi and his wife installed carpets, but the noise is still present and continues to affect the Grazhdankins, he said. He said: 'The problem is not the installation of wooden floors in itself. 'It is that these wooden floors were not fitted properly and, for a whole host of other reasons, the work was not "conveniently done" that is, done with regard to their neighbours, because they did not install a proper floating floor which would have guarded against excessive impact and airborne noise. 'In London apartments over the years, architects and engineers have designed ways in which to lay a wooden floor without compromising the acoustic integrity of the floor. 'They are no cheap fixes and the work must be undertaken by skilled labour but it is possible, with all due consideration to achieve this end. 'Mr Guissi and Mrs Harouchi failed to achieve this end and, even if it was entirely the fault of their builders, they have caused damage by compromising the acoustic integrity of the sound barrier between their flat and Mr Grazhdankin's and their remedy should be against their builders rather than defending this claim.' READ MORE - 'Furious' locals say wail from new 1.8m luxury seafront apartments is enough to drive them out of Folkestone Advertisement But representing the neighbours, barrister Tom Morris said that what the Grazhdankins are complaining about is the sound made by acts of 'ordinary residential occupation' of a family home. He said the acts 'are not done maliciously or with the intention of disturbing the claimant, but reasonably and with proper consideration for the interests of the claimant.' Even Mr Grazhdankin himself had written in an email that 'what we are hearing on a daily basis is a product of a normal family life,' said the barrister. 'Mrs Harouchi even gave her downstairs neighbours two days' notice of a celebration of her son's birthday in 2019.' 'Accordingly, the noise complained of in this claim cannot as a matter of law amount to an actionable nuisance. Even without the carpet which has since been fitted, he said the new floor in Mr Guissi's flat meets the requirements of the Building Regulations. 'As to the complaints about creaking, the court is invited to prefer the evidence of the defendants' expert that creaking is "not uncommon" in buildings of this sort,' he added. Mr Grazhdankin is suing his neighbours and also the freeholder of the building, North End House Ltd, for nuisance and for breach of covenants in their leases. He claims the company has not done enough to deal with the problems caused by his neighbours' new floor. However, all deny liability, with North End House barrister David Hoffman suggesting that the complaints are just about the 'difference between having a family upstairs and having a single person upstairs'. The trial continues. A Thai airport has suspended one of its workers after a traveller smuggled more than 30 live animals - including two baby otters - onto a flight to Taiwan. The mobile menagerie, which also included 28 baby tortoises and a marmot, was seized when the Thai Vietjet flight landed at Taipei's Taoyuan airport on Wednesday. The unusual cargo came to light when several of the animals escaped and were found crawling around the plane's cabin. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport said the animals slipped through screening due to human error. 'We have examined the CCTV and found that the smugglers were two foreigners who had their luggage scanned through an X-ray machine,' the airport said in a statement issued late on Thursday. A frightened passenger can be seen trying to avoid the otter as it moves around on the floor. The otter rolls about on the carpet before it is captured by cabin crew The 30cm long otter that caused pandemonium on the flight 'One of the staff was suspicious so they assigned another to open the luggage. However, they didn't check the luggage and allowed the passengers to go through.' Shocking video footage showed the moment an otter and a rat smuggled in sparked panic after they ran free on the flight - with the rat savagely biting one of the crew members on the hand. Taiwanese authorities said they were investigating the suspected smugglers. Thailand is a major transit hub for wildlife smugglers who often sell the animals on to China and Vietnam. Alarmed passengers noticed a giant albino rat with glistening red eyes when they walked to the bathroom on the Airbus A320 flying to Taiwan. Flustered air hostesses searched the plane and noticed a second wild creature - a foot-long otter under a seat. Footage shows the otter rolling about on the floor by one of the seats before crew members frantically tried to resolve the situation, with passengers cowering in their seats as they watched the chaos unfold. The crew can be seen tying up a black bag that appears to have at least one of the animals inside it. The otter is then shown moving about in a container at the airport in Taiwan before it is transported. Shockingly, a box of 28 live turtles was also found when police searched the plane upon landing in Taipei following the three-hour and 45-minute low-cost flight operated by Vietnamese carrier Viet Jet. Officials launched an investigation into how the creatures were smuggled through the security checks at the notoriously corrupt Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Thailand. A shocked passenger who recorded the scene said: 'The flight took off as scheduled and the pilot announced the seatbelts could be released. I walked back from the toilet and my friend whispered softly to me, 'there's a rat on the plane'. 'I was confused so he said again, 'pet rat, pet rat, it has a white body and it's not small'. 'I told the cabin crew and they checked the plane. That's when they found the big otter under one of the seats. 'They kept looking for the white rat and an employee caught the rat. It bit them on the hand while they carried it back to the kitchen at the back of the plane.' Footage shows the rat moving around on the floor by a passenger's seat. One of the air stewards then makes her way up the aisle as other flyers watch as chaos ensues The cabin crew reportedly made an announcement ordering anyone who had brought animals on the plane to make themselves known. The person filming said that several seats were searched before a Chinese passenger 'asked for a refund' and allegedly admitted the animals belonged to her. Staff then appealed for a passenger who could 'speak Chinese fluently' to help them discuss the situation with the woman, who is believed to have bought the creatures from a market in the Thai capital. The person filming, who did not want to be named, said that 'every bag' was searched when the aircraft landed at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Police found a bag that allegedly contained 28 star turtles, a snake, one marmot, two otters and two other unknown rodents. The creatures were seen being removed from the aircraft. The Taoyuan Branch of the Defense Inspection Department said yesterday that the star turtles will be kept in quarantine and the rest will be sent to Pingtung University of Science and Technology for confirmation before disposal. The cabin crew can be seen discussing the incident. They use plastic gloves to tie up a black bag that appears to contain at least one of the animals Police said the suspect was being questioned and could be fined up to NT$1 million (25,532) in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases. Bungling airport chiefs today admitted that security staff noticed live animals in a passenger's hand luggage - but waved through the bags on the conveyor belt. The rat and otter were among the haul that also included turtles, a snake, a marmot, and other rodents that were in an X-ray of the bag when it was checked at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. But the guard on duty - who has now been suspended and is being probed by police - did not open the bag and handed it straight back to the passenger without even questioning them, officials admitted today. The airport said in a statement posted online: 'In response to information has been published on social media, in the case of a passenger smuggling animals onto a Thai Vietjet flight departing from Suvarnabhumi International Airport on October 4, 2023 at 3:32 p.m., for the destination at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the Royal Thai Police has inspected the work of the security company searchers. 'Police and airport staff have checked the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera system, and it was found that the passengers who brought the animals on board were two foreigners. Video shows staff at the airport loading containers that are holding the animals from the flight. The otter is then shown moving about in a container at the airport before it is transported 'Their bags were taken through the X-ray machine at the search point at approximately 1:45 p.m. by the image analysis staff. The staff member was suspicious, so he handed the bag to another employee to open the bag, to check whether the item in question was a dangerous or prohibited item or not. 'However, the said employee did not open the bag for inspection and allowed the passenger to pass through the security checkpoint and continue boarding the plane.' The statement continued: 'The Royal Thai Police would like to emphasise that the technology system used within the Royal Thai Police's search points can work according to standards and clearly defined procedures for checking of prohibited items. But this case occurred due to the mistake of the employee who opened the bag inspection and did not follow the prescribed operating procedures. 'The police station ordered the employee performing such duties to stop working immediately. And if the results of the investigation are found to be negligence of standard operating procedures, they will be punished according to law. 'In this regard, the Royal Thai Police would like to remind all Thai and foreign travelers not to commit illegal acts by taking animals or animal carcasses, both living and non-living, on planes into and out of the country. 'If you wish to bring your pet on the trip, please request permission correctly. Otherwise, there will be a risk of breaking the law, both Thai and foreign laws, and there must be punished with both a fine and imprisonment.' The Reckoning debuts on BBC One on Monday October 9 with its first episode But the two-time Oscar-nominee insisted it is important not to ignore the case Steve Coogan has discussed the weight of responsibility that comes with playing the notorious paedophile Jimmy Savile in the BBC's upcoming documentary series The Reckoning. He said that taking the role was a 'risk', but an important one to ensure that people can learn from the depraved exploitation of power which hundreds of young children were victims of. After years of filming, The Reckoning debuts on BBC One on October 9 at 9pm with the first of its four parts. 'To do things that are worthwhile, or have value, you have to take a risk, to make stuff that is interesting and worthwhile and has substance,' the 57-year-old told Joe last year. 'That carries with it a responsibility. And so, The Reckoning is one of those that fits into that category.' Steve Coogan has discussed the weight of responsibility that comes with playing the notorious paedophile Jimmy Savile in a new BBC drama The Reckoning debuts on BBC One on October 9 at 9pm with the first of its four parts That risk is highlighted by the level of criticism the drama has come in for even before it has aired. Since production began in 2020, The Reckoning has been repeatedly questioned for potentially immortalising a serial abuser. Mr Coogan continued: 'Lots of people are anxious about it, but I think it will vindicate itself when it comes around. 'As a rule, when you're talking about dark periods, when we're talking about our cultural past, it is best to talk about things than to not talk about them. 'If you sweep things under the carpet, then you are liable to have those things happen again because you haven't learned from them.' The official synopsis of the BBC mini-series describes how the two-time Oscar nominee will portray 'a man who, for decades, became one of the UK's most influential celebrities, but in death has become one of the most reviled figures of modern history following revelations of extensive and horrific abuse. 'Jimmy Savile used his involvement in multiple organisations, such as the BBC, hospitals, prisons, and charities, to legitimise himself, forging friendships in show business, politics, journalism, the Catholic Church and even the Royal Family to cement his position.' Savile, who rose from a humble working-class upbringing to become one of British television's biggest stars, molested at least 72 children, some as young as eight, over a four decade campaign of sexual abuse. His first known victim was in 1959 and his last in 2006. A man extradited from Pakistan over the killing of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky 18 years ago has pleaded not guilty to her murder. Piran Ditta Khan also denied two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon on November 18 2005. The 74-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery on the same day. This related to robbing Mohammed Yousaf of a quantity of cash. Khan appeared at Leeds Crown Court today for the pre-trial hearing. He had a Punjabi interpreter to help him understand the proceedings, but gave his pleas in English. The court heard the two firearms charges relate to alleged possession of a Mac 10 submachine gun and a 9mm pistol. Khan also faces a charge of possession of a prohibited weapon for each firearm. The charge relating to the submachine gun states that it was allegedly 'designed or adapted so that two or more missiles could be successfully discharged without repeated pressure on the trigger', the court heard. Piran Ditta Khan (pictured), who has been extradited from Pakistan over the killing of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky 18 years ago, has pleaded not guilty to her murder Pc Beshenivsky (pictured) was 38 when she was killed on November 18 2005 after she and a colleague responded to a report of a robbery at Universal Travel in Morley Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire Piran Ditta Khan also denied two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon on November 18 2005 The judge, Mr Justice Hilliard, who appeared by videolink from the Central Criminal Court in London, remanded Khan in custody until his next hearing. He is due to go on trial in February next year. Pc Beshenivsky was 38 when she was killed on November 18 2005 after she and a colleague responded to a report of a robbery at Universal Travel in Morley Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire. During the robbery, a bullet hit PC Beshenivsky's rib, punctured her aorta and damaged her spine - ultimately killing her. The mother-of-three was just nine months into her role as an officer when she was gunned down after responding with a colleague to reports of an armed robbery at a travel agents in Bradford in November 2005. She was a probationer with only nine months' service at the time. Her colleague, Pc Teresa Milburn, was seriously injured. On the day of her death, the Beshenivsky family were due to hold a birthday party for their youngest daughter Lydia at their home near Haworth, West Yorkshire. PC Beshenivsky had wrapped the presents and even baked a cake for the occasion. But as she neared the end of her shift that afternoon, she was called out to the robbery by a seven-strong gang at the travel agency. Rishi Sunak wooed his future wife Akshata Murty while dressed as Harry Potter, he revealed today. The Prime Minister said their first party together had been a Hallowe'en bash in the United States, where they met while students at Stanford University. He told ITV's This Morning that he had gone dressed as JK Rowling's boy wizard, while his then girlfriend - who made a surprise speech at this week's Tory conference - had been dressed as a girl guide. It was a lighthearted moment in an interview in which he faced questions over the fallout from this week's event in Manchester . He defended his plan to introduce a rolling ban on smoking and tougher rules on vapes, saying he made them as a parent with two young daughters. And he again refused to endorse controversial remarks by Home Secretary Suella Braverman about Britain facing a 'hurricane' of mass immigration. The Prime Minister said they had gone to a Hallowe'en party together in the United States after meeting at Stanford University. He told ITV's This Morning that he had gone dressed as JK Rowling's boy wizard (artists impression, above), while his then girlfriend - who made a surprise speech at this week's Tory conference - had been dressed as a girl guide. He praised his wife's speech at the conference, joking he thought he could 'call it a day' after watching her work her magic on the hall. wife's surprise address at the Conservative Party conference. He praised his wife's speech at the conference, joking he thought he could 'call it a day' after watching her work her magic on the hall. wife's surprise address at the Conservative Party conference. 'It was kept secret from me until very late on, so I only knew really very late on that she was doing anything and the first time I heard her was when I was standing behind the stage ready to come on,' he said. 'It was very lovely, it was also just a big day for me. I was making a big speech, I was making these three big announcements on HS2, smoking and changing our education system, so a big moment for me to have her there to support me and it was really nice before I went on.' In a later quickfire round, asked about his favourite Hallowe'en costume, he revealed: 'The first time Akshata and I went to a party together it was a Hallowe'en party when we were in the states and she went as a girl guide and I went as Harry Potter.' But he was totally serious when he defended the plan to ban smoking in a plan similar to that brought in by New Zealand. Mr Sunak spoke of his daughters Krishna and Anoushka as he defended the plan, saying: 'There is no safe level of smoking. It is highly addictive, it is one of the leading preventable causes of death, disease and illness in or society.' It would see the current age limit of 18 rise by a year every 12 months and would mean anyone aged 14 or younger now will never be old enough to legally purchase tobacco. Health groups and cancer charities lauded the announcement and said it would save thousands of lives from cancer. But politicians including Liz Truss and libertarian think tanks branded it 'hideously illiberal and unconservative'. Mr Sunak spoke of his daughters Krishna and Anoushka as he defended the plan, saying: 'There is no safe level of smoking. It is highly addictive, it is one of the leading preventable causes of death, disease and illness in or society. 'I thought about this as a parent. Any parent, even those who smoke, if you ask them ''do you want your kids to grow up to smoke?'' - ''obviously not'' is the answer. 'One-in-four cancer deaths is caused by smoking, I have a chance as PM to do something about that.' He agreed multiculturalism has not failed as he was challenged over remarks made by Mrs Braverman. Asked if he was embarrassed or ashamed when he heard her talk about a 'hurricane' of mass migration, Mr Sunak said he thinks the 'debate gets charged a lot' before saying: 'If you just take a step back, what do I think we all agree on? We all agree that Britain is an incredibly welcoming place. 'We're all living proof of the fact that immigrants can come here, do well and that's something I think we do better than any country in the world.' Told the UK has not failed in any way, Mr Sunak replied: 'No, no, I think it's something we should be so proud of as Brits, it's something that we do better than anyone else. 'But I think we also agree a couple of other things - when people do come here they should integrate, they should sign up to British values so we have that shared understanding amongst us.' He added: 'I think we also all agree that it should be us who decides who comes here, not criminal gangs. 'Illegal migration isn't right, not least because people are being exploited and die when they make these crossings, but also because we're a compassionate country who wants to welcome people here, we're not going to be able to do that if our system is overloaded with people who have jumped the queue, and that's why I want to be able to stop the boats.' During the quickfire round, Mr Sunak said he preferred Oppenheimer as a film but 'loved going to Barbie because we went as a family', chose Taylor Swift over Britney Spears 'unless I'm on my Peloton and my instructor there loves Britney Spears', and noted he once dressed as Harry Potter when attending a Halloween Party with his wife. He also chose Big Brother over I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here before adding: 'Actually the Netflix Beckham documentary right now, I've started watching that, I saved it for after conference, it is absolutely brilliant, reliving my childhood.' Vladimir Putin today faced a furious backlash from pro-war supporters in Russia after claiming Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and his associates were high on cocaine and killed themselves by detonating hand grenades aboard their jet. The Russian leader claimed in Sochi that 'fragments of hand grenades were discovered in the bodies of the deceased in the air crash'. He attributed this finding to Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee - a Russian version of the FBI - who was his former university classmate, and is a close crony. He also said five kilograms of cocaine had previously been found in Prigozhin's possession, implying his one-time friend and others in the Wagner high command on board the aircraft were addicts. But Putin's cocaine-and-drugs explanation was met with incredulity and has only served to deepen the view Prigozhin - once close to the dictator - was assassinated in a state killing. In response, Prigozhin's loyal supporters produced an AI-generated video of their fallen leader posthumously mocking the Russian president. 'Of course,' said the dead warlord, 'We just got high on cocaine, and started throwing grenades at each other on the plane. Of course.' Vladimir Putin (pictured on Thursday at the Valdai forum in Sochi, Russia) suggested his nemesis Yevgeny Prigozhin's plane was brought down by a hand grenade that exploded inside the aircraft while the Wagner chief and his fellow mercenaries were drunk or high on drugs Putin has suggested the explosion that killed Prigozhin (pictured) and nine others was as a result of a hand grenade detonating inside the aircraft by accident Aftermath of plane crash after the private jet of Yevgeny Prigozhin fell from the sky Weeks after Prigozhin, 62, had led a revolt against the Kremlin, he was travelling by private jet from Moscow to St Petersburg on August 23rd when it burst into flames. The executive Embraer jet then plunged to earth, killing Prigozhin, his bodyguards and other Wagner commanders including Dmitry Utkin. Immediately, fingers were pointed at President Putin, who had fallen out spectacularly with Prigozhin over the war in Ukraine. But in an apparent attempt to distance himself from responsibility, Putin suggested the explosion was as a result of a hand grenade detonating inside the aircraft by accident. 'Fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed in the crash,' Putin told the Valdai forum in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. 'There was no external impact on the plane - this is already an established fact.' The despot said he thought it was wrong for crash investigators not to conduct alcohol and drug tests on the deceased when their bodies were recovered from the crash site. 'Unfortunately, no examination was carried out for the presence of alcohol or drugs in the blood of the victims,' he said. 'In my view, this should have been carried out, but it wasn't.' In fact, the FSB security service had weeks ago handed back suspected cocaine 'briquettes' found on his premises. They were returned because, when examined, they were found to be 'simple washing powder'. Wagner's 'intelligence service' had used the fake drugs in an operation in Africa, it was claimed. No other premises related to those on board have been searched for cocaine or grenades, it is understood. Weeks after he had led a revolt against the Kremlin, Prigozhin was travelling by private jet from Moscow to St Peterburg on August 23rd when it burst into flames (pictured) The executive Embraer jet then plunged to earth, killing Prigozhin, his bodyguards and other Wagner commanders. Pictured: - Russian investigators comb the scene of a jet crash near the village of Kuzhenkino on August 24 this year Vladimir Putin has claimed fragments of hand grenades have been recovered from the wreckage of a jet crash which killed his nemesis Yevgeny Prigozhin (pictured in June this year) Former Wagner commander Marat Gabidullin, who left the group in 2019, dismissed Putin's claims. 'I don't believe this. I never noticed any signs that [Prigozhin or Utkin] used drugs. And neither of them drank,' Gabidullin told The Times. Since the conflict began, several opponents of Putin have met a grisly end. Western intelligence officials also believe the explosion which damaged the plane in mid-flight was internal rather than external. But, to date, only President Putin has suggested the crash was caused by the accidental detonation of grenades by one of the passengers or crew. It has been claimed that explosives had been planted inside a case of wine that had been loaded onto the private jet - and that Putin was behind the attack. The Kremlin called allegations he was behind the crash as an 'absolute lie.' A Russian investigation was launched but no findings have been released yet. Moscow rejected an offer from Brazil, where the Embraer business jet was built, to join the inquiry. Prigozhin's rebellion in June marked the most serious challenge to Putin's rule since he rose to power in 1999. Prigozhin said it was intended to oust the Defence Ministry's leadership that he blamed for mistakes in pressing the fighting in Ukraine. His mercenaries took over Russia's southern military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and then rolled toward Moscow before abruptly halting the mutiny under a deal that offered them amnesty from prosecution. Initially, the president's response expelling Prigozhin to neighbouring Belarus appeared uncharacteristically meek, the sentence of a president whose powers were waning. Then, exactly, two months later, Prigozhin's jet was blown out of the sky. A gangster's moll who helped thugs torture her ex-husband to death is set to lose the home she once shared with him after paying for extensions with dirty money. Coleen Campbell, 38, was convicted of manslaughter after plotting to have her former partner Thomas Campbell robbed of cash and drugs. Thomas, also 38, was ambushed and attacked by three men as he unlocked his front door in Mossley, Greater Manchester, on July 2 last year. The convicted drug dealer suffered horrendous injuries and was found dead at the house the next day. One of the three attackers, convicted armed robber Reece Steven, 29, of Middleton, was found guilty of murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 37 years. Coleen Campbell, 38, was convicted of manslaughter after plotting to have her former partner Thomas Campbell robbed of cash and drugs in his own home Coleen and Thomas Campbell on holiday. Police used the pictures as evidence of their lavish lifestyle Coleen was caught on a CCTV camera plotting the attack at her home Coleen provided key information about her ex-husband to John Belfield, the alleged mastermind of the killing, who prosecutors claim was one of the three men who attacked Thomas. He was not in the dock but has since been arrested in South America on suspicion of drug offences. Before Thomas was murdered, he and Coleen appeared in court alongside each other and admitted money laundering. Thousands of pounds had been spent on improvements at the family home they shared with their two children in Clayton, east Manchester, while the couple also enjoyed luxury holidays and the use of high-powered cars. READ MORE - Gangster's moll's home is targeted in arson attack hours after she was jailed Advertisement There had been a double-storey extension installed at the property, and they spent a fortune on designer clothes and jewellery. But it was discovered that it had been paid for with dirty money. At the time Coleen was working part-time in Matalan and received working tax credits, while Thomas abruptly declared himself a self-employed fitness instructor. The pair both pleaded guilty to money laundering and at Manchester Crown Court in 2019. Thomas was jailed for two years and Coleen handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Prosecutors then launched an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act in a bid to claw back some of the couple's ill-gotten gains. The probe has rumbled on for years, and took a back seat when Thomas was murdered. Now, following a hearing at the same court yesterday, the case has been settled with Coleen, now 39, being ordered to hand over 76,500 within three months. If she fails to pay in that period, she could have another nine months added to the 13 year prison sentence she is currently serving. Coleen used dirty money to pay for improvements to her home, which she is now set to lose Campbell was followed after a tracker was placed on his van while he was picking up his daughter from school Police outside Thomas Campbell's home in Mossley, Greater Manchester, in July last year Prosecutor Henry Blackshaw said the sum would be paid from her equity in the home, which is set to be sold off. Coleen, wearing a black jumper with her black hair tied in a bun, appeared in court via video link from HMP Drake Hall, a women's prison in Staffordshire. The home was a key location in Thomas's murder trial, which was held at Bolton Crown Court and concluded in February. Just hours before her husband was ambushed, Coleen was caught on CCTV on her driveway talking on the phone with Belfield. At the trial, prosecutors alleged that Coleen had turned on her ex-husband and formed an 'alliance' with alleged 'rival drug dealer' Belfield. Coleen had split with Thomas, who was in a new relationship with Belfield's ex-girlfriend. It was alleged that Belfield had plotted to rob Campbell after reading a Manchester Evening News article about his money laundering conviction which detailed the couple's 'wealthy lifestyle', and that he was motivated by 'hostility' towards him. As Thomas Campbell, 38, opened his front door in Mossley, Greater Manchester, he was ambushed and attacked by three men at around 11pm Campbell pictured on holiday. The group had plotted to rob him of cash, drugs and valuables Coleen went on trial alongside Reece Steven, 29, and Stephen Cleworth, 38. Steven was one of the three attackers, while Cleworth was involved in the planning and preparations for the robbery. Coleen insisted that she did not want her ex-husband dead, and was 'disgusted' by what her former spouse had been subjected to. She would forever regret unwittingly helping her ex-husband's killers and had been used by Belfield, the court was told. She maintained she only passed on information to Belfield about her ex to help him discover whether his ex-girlfriend was in a relationship with Thomas. Coleen was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. Coleen provided key information about her ex-husband to John Belfield, the alleged mastermind of the killing Thomas Campbell, who played an 'integral' part in an organised crime gang, was dragged around his home and viciously attacked for two hours. He's seen with Coleen Steven was found guilty of murder, while Cleworth was convicted of manslaughter. Steven was sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 37 years. Cleworth, of Heywood, was also handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 12 years. Belfield was not in the dock during the trial, but was named and was alleged to have been the mastermind of the killing. Following the conclusion of the case it was revealed that Belfield had been arrested in Suriname, a small country on the north eastern coast of South America, which borders Guyana and Brazil. He was held on suspicion of drugs offences. Greater Manchester Police said he is wanted in connection with Thomas's death and that officers are working on bringing him back to the UK. This is the moment when a killer, who murdered a former friend before dumping his partially burned body in a shallow grave, was caught on camera ranting and raving at his victim's family while cops arrested him. Violent thug Amraj Poonia ambushed Mohammed Shah Subhani, 27, at R&J Plumbing in Hounslow, west London, on May 7, 2019. After entering the premises, Mr Subhani was killed and his body rolled up in a carpet to be transported to woodland where it was burnt and buried. Later the same day, Poonia 'unashamedly' went to the Subhani family home in Hounslow and acted as if nothing had happened, an Old Bailey jury was told. The case was initially treated as a missing persons inquiry before a murder investigation was launched and possible suspects identified. Mohammed Shah Subhani was lured to Amraj Poonia's family plumbing business where he was ambushed and murdered Poonia, pictured, was caught on camera ranting and raving at his victim's family as he was arrested Mohammed Shah Subhani, known as Shah, was reported missing on May 7, 2019 when he failed to return to his home in Hounslow, west London The breakthrough came around six months later when an individual, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, walked into a police station, admitted to taking part in the disposal of Mr Subhani's body and named his killer. Acting on the information, Mr Subhani's badly decomposed body was found miles away in woodland in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. The court was told that Mr Subhani was killed at the Poonia business after falling out over a kilo of cannabis that went missing after it was given to Amraj Poonia for safekeeping. But Poonia stole the drugs instead and staged a 'theft' of them from a car as a cover for this. Associate Mohanad Riad had recruited two local drug dealers to help stage the fake theft but suspicions erupted into incidents of violence in the weeks before the killing, jurors heard. The loss of the drugs left Mr Subhani in debt to a local drug dealer and believing Poonia to be responsible caused increasing animosity between the two. According to the Met Police, there were assaults against Poonia by the Subhani family and as a result and threats were made against them for retribution. Contact was made between Poonia and Mr Subhani and an agreement was made to meet at Poonia's family plumbing business. Mr Subhani arrived at the industrial estate in Hounslow and shortly after entering the premises he was ambushed and murdered. Following Mr Subhani's disappearance, his family reported him missing on May 7 and a full missing person investigation was started. The family attended Derby Road industrial estate to conduct their own CCTV enquiries on 13 May. Here they encountered Poonia and a fight ensued between him and the Subhani brothers. Because of the fight, police were called as Poonia had been seen on bus CCTV footage to be in possession of a large knife. Following the fight, a witness described how they had heard Amraj Poonia say to one of the brothers 'I will kill you like I killed your brother'. Pictured, detectives investigating disappearance and murder of Mohammed Shah Subhani Mr Subhani's remains were found in woodland between Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross, Buckinhamshire, shortly before Christmas 2019 Poonia was arrested for the affray and, just after his arrest, was recorded on an officers' body-worn video saying: 'I'm telling you this on live camera (He then named one of Shah's brothers). You pig rat, snitch, gangster wannabe, you're dead, yeah.' Officers then conducted an extensive forensic search of the plumbing business and small samples of blood were located which matched that of Mr Subhani. The investigation was then passed on to a Homicide team of the Met's Specialist Crime Command. At first, there was insufficient evidence to charge the suspects because they could not find Mr Subhani's body. It was six months later that the breakthrough came when the unnamed person present at the burial site, and not involved in the murder, told the police where to find him. A post-mortem was unable to determine the cause of death, due to the loss of some of the remains, significantly, the hyoid bone. But the pathologist did comment that the circumstances of the burial indicated an 'unnatural death'. Following an Old Bailey trial, Amraj Poonia, 28, aka Bigs, from Horley, was found guilty of murder and perverting the course of justice. On Thursday, he was jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years. His brother Raneel Poonia, 26, aka Ace, from Slough, was jailed for seven years for perverting the course of justice. Riad, 23, known as Emz, from Hounslow, and Mahamud Ismail, 27, aka Skinny and Major, from Brentford, were found guilty of the same offence and jailed for two years and five-and-a-half years respectively. In victim impact statements, Mr Subhani's family condemned the killers as 'cowardly animals'. His sister Iqra Subhani said her brother had been robbed of his life 'in the most cowardly and heinous way by his so-called friends'. Addressing the dock, she said: 'Even after you brutally killed him, you did not spare him - you continued to torment him after he was dead. 'My brother had the spirit of a lion. But a lion can only do so much when he is ambushed by hyenas and that is what you cowardly animals did.' Mr Subhani's father, Gul Subhani, described his son's murder as 'pure evil', saying: 'They disregarded his body like a piece of rubbish. He did not go there to fight. He was a lover, not a fighter.' The thought of his son's body being rolled into a carpet and set alight 'makes our skin crawl', he said. He added: 'This is an unending pain for all of us, a pain we will take to our grave. 'How can we have closure when we could not even have 100 per cent of our boy back?' Mr Subhani's partner Thelma, who was pregnant with their child when he was killed, told the court: 'He was my best friend and confidante all in one.' Following the convictions, Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall said: 'Amraj Poonia is a dangerous individual and I have no doubt that the streets of west London are far safer now he, and his accomplices, have been convicted - I hope that this outcome and the diligent investigation that led to their conviction improves the trust that communities can have in the Metropolitan Police.' An elk hunter in Idaho shot and killed a grizzly bear in self-defense after the animal charged directly at him in a 'surprise encounter'. The man was making his way through heavy timber near Henrys Lake State Park when a large female grizzly appeared from the brush a short distance away. After the hunter yelled to his partner, the grizzly charged directly at him. Fearing for his life, he frantically fired several shot shots with a sidearm, killing the bear before it could reach them. The hunter, who was not publicly identified, immediately called the Citizens Against Poaching hotline and officers with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game responded to conduct an investigation. 'It was determined that the hunter acted in self-defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance,' wildlife officials said, referring to the incident on Saturday. The elk hunter was making his way through heavy timber near Henrys Lake State Park when a large female grizzly appeared from the brush a short distance away (Stock Image) The incident occurred northwest of Henrys Lake Officials reminded hunters that grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law, and that there is a chance of encounters within the Greater Yellowstone and north Idaho areas. The department advised visitors hunting in areas with grizzlies to take bear spray and keep it accessible, hunt with partners, keep an eye out for signs of the animals, and retrieve meat quickly and hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and 200 yards from camp. Most attacks occur after a bear is surprised at close range, according to officials, who noted that it was a good idea for visitors to make noise around creeks and thick vegetation during periods when they are not hunting. It is illegal to kill grizzly bears in Idaho unless it is an act of self-defense. Grizzlies in the contiguous United States are protected under the Endangered Species Act, though Idaho officials have been lobbying the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to get the bears delisted. At least one other grizzly in the state has been killed in self-defense in recent weeks. Archery hunters near Island Park Reservoir, about 20 miles from Henrys Lake, shot and killed a male grizzly on September 5 after it charged at them, the Idaho Statesman reports. Friends of the man who was shot dead in the street near Battersea Park screamed 'he's dead, he's dead' witnesses reveal. The Metropolitan Police has launched a murder investigation after the victim died of his wounds on Thursday night. Residents close to the scene of the fatal shooting have been left 'shaken' after hearing 'loud bangs' outside their windows. They said they were shocked to learn that a man has died so close to their homes in an area that is usually safe. Speaking at the scene of the murder this morning, one woman said: 'Even though we didn't know the guy it feels a bit eerie. 'When we realised he had passed, his friends screaming "he's gone he's gone", really distressing really heartbreaking.' Police officers were called to reports of gunshots heard on Shuttleworth Road at around 21:50. No arrests have been made, but the force said enquiries are ongoing. Police cordon off parts of Shuttelworth Road following the shooting on Thursday night London Ambulance Service immediately provided emergency first aid, but despite their efforts the man sadly died at the scene Emergency services were called to the scene on Shuttleworth Road after gunshots were heard Two residents said they could hear people shouting and a loud bang, which they initially thought was a car misfire. 'It just seems a bit surreal you hear about stories but to be there and listen see what's happening We could see it was obviously not going the way you'd hope,' they said. They added: 'We could see a lot of commotion from the window. We could also see people on the phone with police and ambulance in the immediate aftermath. We've only been here since April so quite untoward, not felt unsafe at all.' Chloe Thomson, who lives five minutes away from the scene and walked past last night said: 'A bit shocking really, so close to home.' Another resident said: 'This is a really safe area. I don't understand. I walk through here to get the bus every day.' London Ambulance Service immediately provided emergency first aid, but despite their efforts the man sadly died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified, but his next of kin has been informed. Identification and a post-mortem examination is expected to take place in due course. Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland said: 'This murder will come as a terrible shock to the local community. 'I want to reassure them that experienced homicide detectives from the specialist crime command will be working tirelessly to find out who is responsible, and we will offer them all the support we can.' A man in his 20s has been shot dead on Shuttleworth Road near Battersea Park Police officers were called to reports of gunshots heard on Shuttleworth Road at around 21:50pm No arrests have been made, but Met Police said enquiries are ongoing Witnesses have been urged to contact the police with information She added: 'There will be an enhanced police presence in the area over the coming days. 'Please tell us if you saw or heard anything, or wish to raise any concerns.' Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Neil John said: 'This is a tragic incident where a young man has lost his life whilst standing on a street in Battersea. 'Detectives are working at pace to gather as much information as possible and I would ask anyone who was in the area and saw events unfold, or anyone who has captured this on phone or doorbell footage, to contact police immediately.' To contact the police, call 101 and quote: CAD 8285/05OCT or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555111. A mum who left her three-year-old daughter to die in the back seat of her car on a scorching hot day while she watched Netflix with her boyfriend has been sentenced. Laura Rose Peverill, 39, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of little Rylee-Rose Peverill and was jailed for seven years in Townsville Supreme Court on Friday. The court heard that on the morning of November 27, 2020, Peverill drove to the supermarket in her Toyota Prado with her boyfriend of just a few months after dropping her three other daughters off at school. At about 9.50am, they returned to park the car in the driveway of Peverill's home in Burdell in Townsville's north. The pair collected the groceries from the 4WD but left Rylee-Rose buckled into her seat, before they went inside and binged watched episodes of Shameless for five hours. Rylee-Rose (pictured with her biological father Pete Black) was left in a hot car by her mother Peverill (pictured) watched Netflix with her new boyfriend and did not discuss Rylee being left in the car during five hours watching Shameless Rylee spent five hours and seven minutes locked inside the hot car, which was parked on a shade-less driveway. She was not checked on once until her mother got in the car at 2.48pm for the afternoon school run for her other children and found Rylee slumped over in her seat. The temperature outside varied between 30C and 31.4C. The temperature inside the car, measured by experts two days later in similar weather, reached 51.5C. Crown Prosecutor David Nardone said Rylee would have suffered headaches, intense thirst, heart stress, anxiety, delirium and convulsions and there was evidence of vomit in the car, reports the Townsville Bulletin. Peverill called paramedics who rushed Rylee to Townsville University Hospital where she couldn't be revived. In court on Friday, Rylee's father read out a heartbreaking victim impact statement about his 'bubbly, happy princess' as his partner sat beside him in the witness box. He said when he answered the call about Rylee his 'world stopped turning' and that when he raced to the hospital he was confronted with crying nurses and police officers, who advised him not to see Rylee in that state. He said later at her funeral he apologised to her for not being there to save her. 'I would have moved mountains if I had been there,' he said. Rylee and her sisters were all from Peverill's relationship with ex-husband Pete and the three older sisters are now in his care (Rylee and her three sisters pictured with father Pete) Mr Black said his 'world stopped turning' when he heard what had happened to Rylee Peverill's defence barrister said she had been treated for mental health issues for years and had a problem with alcohol but that she fully accepted she failed in her responsibility to Rylee. She added Peverill had been subjected to a torrent of online abuse over the negligent nature of the crime. Justice David North handed down the seven year sentence and recommended she be housed in protective custody as he acknowledged she could be at risk from other inmates. She will be eligible for parole on July 3, 2025. According to Kidsafe, more than 5,000 children are rescued each year in Australia after being left unattended in a car. Children left in hot vehicles are at risk of life-threatening heatstroke, dehydration, suffocation, organ damage and death. The interior of a car can peak at 75C, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is in the sun or left in the shade. A lawyer who was the legal advisor in Charles Manson's murder trial shot dead his wife before turning the gun on himself. Police in Long Beach, California, are probing the deaths of Lawrence Eric Taylor, 81, and Judy Strother Taylor, 75, as a murder-suicide. Authorities responded to a welfare check at their $3.5million home in Naples on Wednesday, after the couple stopped answering their phone and front door. Taylor set up his own legal firm after serving as the trial judge's legal advisor in Manson's trial and was Supreme Court counsel in the Onion Field murder case. His wife worked under President Richard Nixon at the now-closed White House Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention. Police in Long Beach, California, are probing the deaths of Lawrence Eric Taylor, 81, and Judy Strother Taylor, 75, as a murder-suicide The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Taylors' death as a suicide and Judy's as a murder Taylor set up his own legal firm after serving as the trial judge's legal advisor in Manson's trial and was Supreme Court counsel in the Onion Field murder case (pictured: Manson is escorted to his arraignment on conspiracy-murder charges in connection with the Sharon Tate murder case in 1969) Long Beach Police Department found the couple dead in their home, with Judy suffering from 'gunshot wounds to the head' according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office Taylor also suffered a 'gunshot wound' to the head, with cops recovering a firearm at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Taylors' death as a suicide and Judy's as a murder. Cops confirmed that the Medical Examiner will conduct an independent investigation. The couple were both pronounced dead at the scene, and the motive for the shooting is currently unclear. Judy worked as a youth mentor and within the juvenile justice system for more than 20 years, She teamed up with Mentor Management Systems President Jerry Sherk to bring an employee-to-employee mentoring program to the US Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles, Albuquerque, and Colorado Springs. Taylor was retained by the Attorney General of Montana as an independent Special Prosecutor to conduct a one-year grand jury probe of governmental corruption. Taylor set up a law firm with his son Chris (left) in Southern California. He is suspected of shooting his wife and then himself Authorities responded to a welfare check at their $3.5million home in Naples on Wednesday, after the couple stopped answering their phone and front door The former marine graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and the UCLA School of Law. He was voted by his attorneys in Southern California as a 'Super Lawyer' for 11 out of 13 years of his time practicing in the state. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact Homicide Detectives Ethan Shear or Eric Thai at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through 'LA Crime Stoppers' by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the 'P3 Tips' app to your smartphone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org. A school has banned mobile phones for its pupils which has left parents fuming as they are forced to collect them at the end of the day. Parents of pupils at the The Romsey School in Hampshire claim they have been forced to take time off work to pick up confiscated phones. Criticism of secondary school's policy comes following new guidance from the government which supports banning phones at school. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan will order schools to outlaw smartphones during lessons, and also in breaks, in a bid to end disruption and make it easier for pupils to focus. A government source said new guidance would be issued to schools across England requiring them to take action. Previously at The Romsey School, which is rated 'Good' by Ofsted, confiscated phones could be collected by pupils at the end of the day. But now, as part of a new government-led crackdown, the school has implemented a new rule stating they can only be returned to parents. The Romsey School headteacher Annie Eagle. The new policy comes following new guidance from the government which supports banning phones at school The move is said to have 'caused havoc', with 'a lot of disgruntled parents' claiming it is 'unacceptable and unnecessary'. The school, run by head teacher Annie Eagle, said its decision was made to protect 'pupils' mental health'. One unnamed parent said: 'If it's a Friday the school won't give them back until 3pm Monday. 'If kids don't hand them in, they are put in exclusion. 'As students come from all over, they need their phones for apps to use online banking, to pay for public transport or food and to keep safe.' The parent added: 'It is causing havoc with the school. 'A lot of disgruntled parents have to give up work time to collect them. 'It's understood phones are a cause of disruption and to take the phone away for the day is understandable as long as the students can collect at the end of school. 'Why not put all phones in a box at each lesson and collect them at the end? It's unacceptable and unnecessary stress for all involved..' The Department for Education released new guidance saying phones should be banned to improve behaviour and backed head teachers in banning them throughout the day, including break times. The government says it aims to tackle disruptive behaviour and online bullying, claiming the move will raise standards by increasing focus. A spokesman for The Romsey School said staff believe the rule will help protect pupils' well-being and improve learning. A statement said: 'The Romsey School has high expectations of our pupils across all aspects of school life and our pupils' mental health is at the heart of everything we do. Parents of pupils at The Romsey School, pictured, claim the new policy is causing 'chaos' and they are forced to take time of work to collect phones Gillian Keegan will order schools to outlaw smartphones during lessons, and also in breaks, in a bid to end disruption and make it easier for pupils to focus 'There is much evidence widely available which highlights that mobile phones can be distracting to learning and can have a very negative impact on pupils' health and well-being. 'It is for this reason we have changed our processes. 'All parents have regular opportunities for feedback and discussion with staff. They have also received school communications about any changes to these policies or processes and parents will therefore be aware of the recent updates.' Some schools already ban the use of mobiles, with pupils required to hand in their phones each morning or face the punishment of a detention if they are caught using them. But many others still permit their use, particularly during breaks, despite growing evidence of the damage they cause. Many parents are content for their children to carry a phone so that they can make emergency contact while travelling to and from school. But the presence of smartphones in the classroom and constant notifications from apps has been blamed for causing disruption, as well as fuelling cyber-bullying and thefts. In June, Finland became the latest country to ban phones in class in a bid to reverse a decline in exam results. The following month, a major United Nations report recommended smartphones should be banned to improve learning and tackle classroom disruption and cyberbullying. Unesco, the UN's education, science and culture agency, pointed to evidence that excessive mobile phone use was linked to reduced educational performance. It said countries should ensure they have clear objectives and principles to ensure digital technology in education avoids harm both to pupils and wider democracy. Unesco's director general, Audrey Azoulay, said that 'attention must be paid' to the way the 'digital revolution' is used in education. Speaking about the prospect of a nationwide ban in schools, the government's school behaviour advisor Tom Bennett said: 'This is a fantastic move forward for ensuring students are able to work, learn and grow in a place free from the distracting influence of mobile phones. 'Schools that have already banned them report students are safer, happier and able to focus far more than they were before - and it's popular with them too.' Keir Starmer's allies are battling to block an 'unhelpful' Labour conference debate on unwinding Brexit. A motion proposed by the Labour Movement for Europe calls for the party to negotiate closer ties with the EU including a new visas deal. The text - said to be backed by shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves' constituency group among others - stresses that campaigning to rejoin the bloc immediately would not be in the country's 'best interests'. But it says the government's 'hard Brexit' agreements should be watered down to 'salvage' as much 'trade and opportunity' as possible. The motion seems to have spooked the leadership, with the topics for debate in Liverpool due to be decided by a ballot on Sunday. Sir Keir has been adamant that the UK will not go back into the single market or customs unions, but desperately tried avoid being pinned down. Keir Starmer 's allies are battling to block an 'unhelpful' Labour conference debate on unwinding Brexit According to the Guardian, centrist grouping Labour to Win has messaged supporters urging them to back six specific topics for discussion. That would mean delegates talk about issues such as the NHS and Ukraine - but not 'unhelpful' areas such as Brexit. 'It is essential that we all vote for these to ensure that supporters of the leadership have control of the conference agenda,' the message said. Former frontbencher Stella Creasy, chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, told the Guardian: 'There is clearly an interest amongst members in moving beyond the old debate about whether you can make Brexit work and whether we can rejoin. 'Keir has set out that we want a closer relationship with Europe so it's understandable members want to discuss openly what Britain can negotiate in the first years of a Labour government This is the terrifying moment a Russian skydiver plunged to his death at a contest dedicated to Vladimir Putin's upcoming 71st birthday. Dmitry Belyayev, 45, was filmed swooping in at high speed from a height before hitting the water at a planned event in Gudermes, Chechnya. The full video shows Belyayev spin across the surface of the water before going under the water. Onlookers are seen rushing to help the daredevil skydiver, a member of the Russian national team, as his parachute starts to sink. The Russian University of Special Forces has hosted several parachuting competitions dedicated to Putin's birthday tomorrow. Belyayev was a member of the Russian national team and had completed over 3,700 jumps The Parachuting Federation of Russia issued a statement saying: 'The tragedy occurred while piloting a high-speed parachute. 'According to preliminary data, during his landing approach the parachutist made a mistake and did not calculate the height of the manoeuvre, as a result of which he collided with the water surface at an increased vertical speed. 'There were rescue services on site, including a mobile disaster medicine unit. 'Medical workers fought for Dmitry's life from the first minutes of the collision, and resuscitation measures were carried out on the spot. 'Doctors were unable to save the athlete's life.' The federation said 'this is an irreparable loss for the entire parachute community'. 'We express our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,' it added. Belyayev was from Pushkin, near St Petersburg, and had completed more than 3,700 jumps over the course of his career. Canopy piloting - also known as swooping - is considered highly dangerous and involves a skydiver performing aerial feats above a body of water. The parachuter is tested for speed, distance and accuracy. Onlookers rushed to help after Belyayev's misjudged landing in the water Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured giving a speech on security and development in Sochi yesterday) will celebrate his 71st birthday tomorrow, October 6 In 2019, a skydiver died in Russia after falling 2,625ft during a routine training jump. 35-year-old Mikhail Prokhorov, a paramedic, died on the spot as he hit the ground after both of his parachutes failed to open. Prokhorov's main parachute failed after he jumped from an Mi-8 helicopter. The experienced jumper tried to open the reserve parachute but its straps became tangled in the main one. His parachute lanyard then 'caught on his neck', according to several accounts. His rescue team is based in Sverdlovsk region and deployed to aviation emergencies around Russia. Belgium's transgender deputy Prime Minister has blasted Rishi Sunak and told him not to 'join the bullies' following his 'hurtful' speech about gender issues at the Tory conference. Petra De Sutter, the most senior transgender politician in Europe, accused Mr Sunak of 'fuelling transphobia' after he said 'a man is a man and a woman is a woman'. Mr Sunak told the audience in Manchester on Wednesday: 'We shouldn't get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They can't, a man is a man and a woman is a woman. That's just common sense.' Ms De Sutter condemned Mr Sunak's comments on Thursday, describing them as 'hurtful and very disappointing'. 'These words are fuelling transphobia and endangering the lives of many people around the world,' Ms De Sutter wrote on Twitter. 'Trans women are women. And in no way a threat to others. Don't join the real bullies Rishi Sunak.' Her comments came as it emerged that hate crimes against transgender people have hit a record high in England and Wales, with police recording an 11 per cent rise in the last year. Petra De Sutter, the most senior transgender politician in Europe, accused Sunak of 'fuelling transphobia' after he said 'a man is a man and a woman is a woman' Sunak told the audience in Manchester on Wednesday: 'We shouldn't get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They can't, a man is a man and a woman is a woman. That's just common sense.' While the overall number of hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales has fallen year-on-year for the first time in a decade, those motivated by religion and transgender hate have risen. There were 4,732 transgender hate crimes recorded in the year ending in March 2023. In the accompanying notes published alongside the statistics yesterday, the Home Office said the rise could be due to transgender issues being 'heavily discussed' by politicians, the media and on social media. Indeed, Ms De Sutter accused Mr Sunak of 'fuelling transphobia and endangering the lives' of transgender people following his speech. Ms De Sutter has herself been targeted by transphobia. Just days after she was historically appointed as Belgium's Vice Prime Minister in October 2020, the politician was attacked online by a far-right politician. Bart Claes, of the nationalist Flemish Interest party, claimed the deputy prime minister wanted 'to destroy and replace all the cornerstones of our Western civilisation'. Meanwhile, during Sunak's speech on Wednesday, the Prime Minister also weighed in on debates about sex education. He said: 'It shouldn't be controversial for parents to know what their children are being taught in school about relationships, patients should know when hospitals are talking about men or women.' His comments follow a conference in which multiple Cabinet members have used their own speeches to mention transgender issues, with Health Secretary Steve Barclay announcing a ban on trans women from female NHS wards and Home Secretary Suella Braverman saying she would forbid sex offenders from changing gender. The subject has been an increasingly important one for activists on the right of the Conservative Party, with two stands at the conference centre in Manchester focused on the issue. It has been an issue for the 'New Conservatives' faction led by backbenchers Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger, which has also expressed concern about sex education and claimed parents are prevented from knowing what their children are being taught. But the party membership is not united on transgender issues. Pictured: Rishi Sunak with his wife Akshata Murty during the Tory party conference on Wednesday Ms Braverman's speech a day before the Prime Minister's, in which she attacked 'gender ideology' and a 'privileged woke minority', prompted heckling that saw Conservative London Assembly member Andrew Boff removed from the conference centre. Mr Boff said after his removal: 'This Home Secretary was basically vilifying gay people and trans people by this attack on LGBT ideology, or gender ideology. It is fictitious, it is ridiculous. 'It is a signal to people who don't like people who are LGBT+ people.' If the Prime Minister echoed Braverman's language on 'virtue signalling' and transgender people, Sunak appeared to distance himself from the Home Secretary on the subject of multiculturalism. In his speech on Wednesday, the Prime Minister celebrated the UK's multiculturalism and described the country as 'the most successful multi-ethnic democracy on Earth'. He added: 'I am proud to be the first British-Asian Prime Minister, but you know what? I am even prouder that it is just not a big deal.' In a speech in the US last week, Ms Braverman had attacked the 'misguided dogma' of multiculturalism, saying it had 'failed', comments that the Prime Minister declined to endorse. Ex-BBC boss Sir Mark Thompson has spoken out on Russell Brand's past at the corporation, admitting he is puzzled at why he was given such prominence - despite being director-general at the time. The media executive was director-general of the BBC throughout Brand's career on Radio 2, prior to the 'Sachsgate' controversy and the comedian's eventual departure. But Thompson, who who is set to take the CEO position at American news channel CNN, has said there was a 'complete failure' of editorial control which was 'unacceptable'. Thompson, now 66, denied any knowledge of any other editorial breaches on Russell Brand's radio programme or the sexual allegations that have recently come to light, which Brand strongly denies. Sir Mark Thompson (right), who was director-general at the BBC during Brand's career, said he was confused why the comedian was so prominent 'Sachsgate' Brand and Ross triggered a barrage of complaints when they left obscene messages on the answerphone of Fawlty Towers legend Andrew Sachs in 2008. The actor was the grandfather of Georgina Baillie, a dancer who Brand had slept with. The BBC received more than 40,000 complaints and Sachs said he was horrified at what the pair had done. Advertisement Brand resigned from his show after he and Jonathan Ross's prank call scandal in which they left lewd messages to Andrew Sachs' referencing Brand's fling with the Fawlty Towers actor's granddaughter. Thompson said it took him 'no time at all to decide it was completely unacceptable' and said there was a 'complete failure of editorial compliance and judgement' in allowing the show to be broadcast. He said faith had to be put in the pyramid of editorial control, but admitted 'sometimes things go wrong - and you'd expect them to'. A month after Sachsgate, Thompson was summoned before the Commons culture, media and sport select committee to explain how such a 'prank call' could have been broadcast on the Radio 2 show. Speaking on the Beeb Watch podcast, he said: 'Russell Brand came into my radar, it was half term and I was abroad in Sicily I think. 'So, I guess late on a Sunday after there was a piece in the Sunday newspaper which kicked it off so I really focussed on the Russell Brand show on the Monday. 'I think, by Thursday we'd published a report about it and we'd seen some departures from the BBC and Russell Brand himself had taken the opportunity to resign from his own programme on the Wednesday. 'Had he not resigned, I'm absolutely certain he would have left anyway.' Podcast host Roger Bolton asked Thompson: 'What I'm interested in, I wonder when you think looking back now, why did [Brand] get such prominence? 'You look at it now and you think 'why did it happen?' Thompson answered: 'I agree with that. READ MORE - How much did the former BBC boss really know about Russell Brand? Advertisement 'Once the particular episode of the show which led to Russell's departure and everyone's departures came to light, and I got the chance for the first time - after it was broadcast and after indeed it had been rightly noted in a Sunday newspaper. It took me no time at all to decide that was completely unacceptable. 'And just by itself demonstrated there had been a complete failure of editorial compliance and judgement at the radio network which had approved it for transmission. 'So, I want to say, it was not a difficult decision, or a close call, it was an egregious and completely unacceptable editorial mistake and we needed to act immediately and promptly and we did. 'If, as it were, I had learned of other issues, I'd have acted on those as well. 'My style was not to hold back on these things - if I felt something was wrong, my preference was to try and act very quickly.' A review has been ordered by the current director-general, Tim Davie, but Thompson questioned how things like this could be prevented - bar pre-recording every single broadcast and having it checked by lawyers. He added: 'Would the BBC be better if everything was pre-recorded, listened to by senior executives and lawyers? 'You wouldn't do any live programming, you'd pre-record everything including the news and fact check it and all the rest of it. 'The choice is made, in the end in the 1920s, was to create an organisation. READ MORE - Russell Brand is accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse Advertisement 'My guess is every year the BBC broadcasts perhaps 100 or 150 years worth of content.' Sir Thompson said a 'century and a half's worth of content' was produced by the channel via local radio stations, national networks and global news channels. 'No human being could literally live long enough to listen and watch a single year's output by the BBC,' he added. 'Therefore, you have a pyramid of editorial control, with a chain of command and you're as good as your pyramid. 'You try and make the best choices you can - sometimes things go wrong and you'd expect them to go wrong.' Nearly 1,000 birds died in 'massive carnage' after smashing into a building Thursday in Chicago while migrating to Peru, marking the highest number on record. At least 960 birds died when they crashed into lit windows at McCormick Place Lakeside Center, the Chicago Tribune reported. The rain on Thursday morning and recent weather patterns may have contributed to the worst day in 40 years of bird monitoring, said ornithologist David Willard. Had they stayed their course, the birds were expected to reach the Andes Mountains of Peru, according to the retired manager of the bird division collections at the Field Museum. 'You're looking at a rose-breasted grosbeak that, if it hadn't hit a Chicago window, would have made it to the Andes of Peru,' Willard said. He added: 'It was just discouraging as can be.' Nearly 1,000 birds died in 'massive carnage' as they crashed into a building Thursday in Chicago while migrating to Peru Bird watchers said more than 100,000 birds embarked their journey in under four hours Thursday The lit windows in Lakeside Center contributed to the massive deaths of birds There was a sense of urgency prompting numerous birds to migrate. A period with few winds out of the north left a lot of them with no choices but to embark their journey. 'Sometimes, it's like "now or never", and they go,' Willard said. Bird watchers said more than 100,000 birds embarked their journey in under four hours Thursday. It was a dangerous time for flying, unfortunately, as the regions along the birds' migration route experiencing significant storms with heavy rains recently. Rains early in the morning could also drive the creatures lower to the ground and closer to danger. The lit windows in Lakeside Center were neither favorable - roughly a billion birds die crashing into windows in the country every year. The dead birds will be used in studies or as scientific specimens at the Field Museum of Natural History The City Council of Chicago passed a bill in 2020 requiring bird safety measures or bird-friendly windows in new buildings, but it has not been implemented yet. Most birds died Thursday were palm warblers and yellow-rumped warblers. Those colorful songbirds will be used in studies or as scientific specimens at the Field Museum of Natural History. Thursday also made a record for Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, said Director Annette Prince. The group found about 450 dead birds and rescued 300 injured birds. 'We're talking about irreplaceable birds that are a critical part of a healthy environment,' Prince said. 'They're already declining significantly and for them to die needlessly at the feet of all these buildings as they did today it's a tragedy.' Chicago residents have expressed fury at the city's government for offering shelter to a massive influx of asylum seekers, as a youth football team is set to be kicked off their home field to make room for a migrant camp. More than 17,000 migrants have arrived in the Windy City since August 2022, with more than 10,000 in shelters and close to 3,200 staying in police stations and the O'Hare International Airport. The city government says it has so far allocated $328 million in aid. An infuriated local called mayor Brandon Johnson and Democrats 'criminals' for their handling of the situation as residents met to discuss a lawsuit filed against the city over its housing of migrants in public buildings. 'We're going to sue the bosses and sue the democrats as civilians, because they're supposed to represent the people they voted for,' the man said. 'Don't let the Democrats have their stupid convention here. Enough is enough. All I see is the citizens of Chicago marching to their death chambers.' Meanwhile, hundreds have protested the city's plan to turn the Amundsen Park Fieldhouse into an emergency shelter for about 200 asylum seekers. About 400 locals gathered on Tuesday for a meeting to oppose the plan, and a protest is planned for Friday to oppose the proposed tent shelter. An infuriated local called mayor Brandon Johnson and Democrats 'criminals' for their handling of the situation as residents met to discuss a lawsuit filed against the city Hundreds have protested the city's plan to turn the Amundsen Park Fieldhouse into an emergency shelter for about 200 asylum seekers Nearly 30 busloads of immigrants arrived in downtown Chicago just last week - and that number is only set to get worse. Most of the asylum seekers are Venezuelans who say they are running from the economical and social collapse of the socialist nation led by the regime of Nicolas Maduro. Just two years after declaring his state the 'Most Welcoming State in the Nation' and expanding immigrant protections, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has begged President Joe Biden to divert migrants away from his state. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Brandon Johnson told The New York Times officials have been left 'scrambling' to house the migrants. Many of the migrants have been transported north from Republican border states in a bid to prove the Democrats' open arms policies are a disaster. In an effort to mitigate the crisis that has overwhelmed Chicago and New York, the Biden administration said it would resume deporting Venezuelans in another stark reversal on migration policy that follows the president's move to resume border wall construction. More than 17,000 migrants have arrived in the Windy City since August 2022, with more than 10,000 in shelters and close to 3,200 staying in police stations Migrants have been being bussed into the city for the past 14 months. On Wednesday, mayor Brandon Johnson said as many as 22 busloads could be arriving daily going forward The city government says it has so far allocated $328 million in aid. O'Hare International Airport pictured The number of migrants who need shelter in Chicago has continued to increase in recent months, and city leaders have stated they will follow New York's lead in turning different locations around the city into shelters for migrants. Last month the mayor quietly signed a $29million contract with a security firm to build migrant base camps. The city's deal with the controversial Garda World firm, signed last week, includes at least six locations across the city, with zones holding between 200 and 1,400 asylum seekers. It also includes bedding, laundry, showers, three meals a day and security. Johnson said as many as 22 busloads of migrants could be arriving daily - as several have been seen sleeping on the city streets. Citing how the 'growing crisis' has been a 'tremendous sacrifice' for the people of Chicago, Johnson told the crowd of reporters: 'We need to go assess the situation.' 'We need better coordination, quite frankly.' Announcing that a team from the Department of Homeland Security had arrived earlier that day to assess the situation, Johnson added that he had 'always' been concerned about the arrivals since becoming mayor this past May. The progressive also appeared to take shots at the Biden Administration - when asked about concerns about the growing number of migrants being housed in police stations, airports, and even schools. Migrants take shelter inside the Chicago Police Department's 8th District station, another repurposed site being used as a shelter for many of the more than 15,000 migrants in the city Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vowed Wednesday to visit the southern border to assess the ongoing migrant situation He said: 'This is a growing crisis, not only for the city of Chicago but for the entire globe. 'The population shift that we are experiencing as the result of the failure of federal policies is now impacting the people of Chicago in a very dramatic way,' he said. He went on to cite how 'serious this dynamic is' on the border - where thousands of migrants continue to cross illegally, before willingly turning themselves in to Border Patrol. From there, they are being bussed from cities in Texas such as Eagle Pass and El Paso - both of whose mayors have said they are at 'capacity' - to so-called sanctuary cities as a protest against immigration policies. At the time, Johnson's predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, touted Chicago as a place where migrants could find solace - but more than a year later, and after a disastrous first term, it has fallen on Johnson to address the worsening situation. Speaking to the public Wednesday, he said permanent shelters are going up 'every week', but that it has not been enough to address and house the near-daily arrivals. Meanwhile, at the border, the U.S. Border Patrol made 181,509 arrests in August, up 37 percent from the month before - but little changed from August 2022 and well below the high of more than 220,000 in December, according to figures. 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. Asylum seekers cross the Rio Grande from Mexico into the United States on September 30, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas The migrant backlash is the latest debacle for mayor Johnson, who took over from his disastrous predecessor Lori Lightfoot in May of this year. He is proving to be no more popular than her, with fury at his mansion tax, crushing taxes on businesses and proposals like city-run supermarkets. As the migrant crisis continues to worsen in Chicago, mayor Johnson has also faced backlash over a proposed 'mansion tax' on sales of homes of more than $1 million, as his administration continues to push higher tax on households earning over $100,000. The newly elected mayor wants to push a hike in taxes in order to fight homelessness in the city. Johnson believes people that own properties worth $1 million in the third-largest city in the U.S. are 'rich, and should pay if they sell those homes.' He also wants to create city-run grocery stores to promote 'equitable' access to food after half of the city's Walmart and Whole Foods stores closed. Johnson's new moves are set to help 'repair past harms that have contributed to purposeful disinvestment and exclusion and lack of food access' in historically underserved communities. Meanwhile, 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. The final tragic moments of a grandfather and his three grandchildren who died in an horrific fireball when their plane plunged from the sky have been revealed. Air traffic recordings captured the moment controllers realised something had gone terribly wrong with the light aircraft minutes after it took off from Canberra on Friday. The experienced pilot, 65, was flying the four-seater Cirrus SR22 with his 11-year-old grandson and his two granddaughters, aged nine and six, on board alongside him on the 750km trip to Armidale in northern NSW. The grandfather, from Bunya in Brisbane is said to have had hundreds of hours of flying experience. His grandchildren are reportedly from NSW. The plane was registered to Up N Up Aviation, owned by Mike Cahill who is president of Redcliffe Aero Club in Brisbane. It's not clear who was piloting the 21-year-old plane at the time of the tragic accident. It crashed minutes after takeoff, falling out the sky and smashing into the ground where it burst into flames near Lake George in the NSW Tablelands. The single-engine aircraft, registration VH-MSF, exploded on impact at around 2.50pm. Police said there were no survivors, and formally identifying those killed could take weeks because of the severity of the tragedy. Recordings of ATC radio transmission at the time of the crash reveal the increasingly desperate attempts by air traffic controllers to raise the pilot when they spotted his aircraft had vanished from their screens. The final tragic moments of a grandfather and his three grandchildren who died in an horrific fireball when their plane plunged from the sky have been revealed. The remains of the plane are seen above The crashed plane was registered to Up N Up Aviation, owned by Mike Cahill (pictured) who is president of the Redcliffe Aero Club The five-seater single-engine Cirrus SR22 VH-MSF crashed and caught alight near Lake George in the NSW Tablelands around 2.52pm on Friday, NSW Police said The plane was cleared for take-off at 2.36pm and at 2.40pm the plane, referred to as 'Mike Sierra Foxtrot' on radio, was directed to a heading of 010. The pilot responds with a curt 'copy'. Two minutes later, ATC says the plane is 'four miles east of Canberra' and tells them to, 'resume navigation and track direct to Cullen [a small town near Mudgee en route to Armidale]'. A voice responds: 'Right, Cullen, Mike Sierra Foxtrot.' It is believed to be the final transmission from on board the plane. The plane then maintains radio silence as it slowly climbs to 7,000ft, reaching a speed of 137 knots before its ground speed rapidly slows as it continues to climb. By the time it reached 9,000ft, the plane had lost all forward speed and it suddenly fell out the sky near Lake George, 35km north of Canberra Airport. It plummeted to the ground within 60 seconds, where it exploded on impact in farmland close to Gundaroo. At 2.50pm exactly, an air traffic controller at Canberra Approach realised something was amiss and tried to raise the pilot on his radio For the next two minutes, he tries 10 times to get a response from the plane after its radar signal vanished, constantly repeating: 'Mike Sierra Foxtrot, this is Canberra Approach.' But the pleas are met by silence. A minute later, another controller in Canberra Tower joined the search, also asking the pilot to respond, before both controllers then persisted in their efforts to get a response. Meanwhile other planes are continuing to land and take off from Canberra Airport, prompting a warning from ATC to the other pilots that, 'There is some problem with a light aircraft - we will let you know.' Both Tower and Approach controllers continue to try to get a response for the pilot before the alarm is officially sounded at 2.57pm. 'Attention all stations,' says the Tower controller. 'Be advised a flight has just dropped off radar so there may be some delays at the moment until we can get some further instructions.' The controllers continued to try to raise the pilot - but by then, he and his grandchildren were already dead. Emergency services arrived at a property on Hadlow Drive, Gundaroo, just before 3pm after a local resident reported seeing flames in the crash area. A light plane has crashed (pictured) in Canberra's north-east on Friday afternoon before the aircraft burst into flames Emergency crews (pictured) arrived at the scene following the crash as firefighters from the Rural Fire Service quickly worked to douse the flames Smoke was seen filling the air shortly afterwards as fire crews, ambulances and police vehicles rushed to the scene. Firefighting crews worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and police have established a crime scene as investigations continue. 'When police arrived with RFS services there was a small grass fire and obviously a catastrophic crash of a small light aircraft,' Police Superintendent Cath Bradbury said. 'The RFS extinguished the plane - unfortunately there are no survivors. They are yet to be formally identified. A report will be prepared for the coroner.' There were 'minimal witnesses' to the crash according to Superintendent Bradbury, who confirmed police would be working through the night to get to the bottom of what caused the horrific incident. 'Officers from Monaro Police District are conducting inquiries into the incident, including confirming how many people were on board at the time,' the spokesperson said. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have also been notified and will attend the scene. The US-made Cirrus SR-22 is a single-engine aircraft and one of the most popular General Aviation aircraft in the world, regularly topping global best-seller lists. Six minutes after take-off, the plane made a sharp plunge near Lake George with air traffic control unable to establish communications with the pilot The Cirrus SR-22 is a single-engine aircraft and is one of the most popular General Aviation aircraft in the world, regularly topping global best-seller lists It climbed steadily to 3000m but began to gradually lose ground speed as it gained altitude and reached 7000ft until at 9000ft, the plane suddenly fell out the sky near Lake George ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said investigators were due to arrive at the scene on Friday night. 'Over coming days, investigators with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site including site mapping, wreckage examination, and recovery of aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB's technical facilities in Canberra,' he said. 'Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.' A teacher who had sex with a 15-year-old pupil in the back of her car and in a flat - the latter after plying him with booze - is facing jail. Siobhan McLean, 33, met the boy in her role as head of pupil support at a secondary school in Lanarkshire, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard. She had been helping a relative of the teen apply for university courses as well as taking study classes which the boy attended. But after the boy's family member left school McLean contacted him on social media and they began exchanging messages - before the mother-of-one arranged to meet him at a university union. They went on a night out with another person, drinking alcohol, before retreating to a flat where she began kissing the teen and went on to have sex with him. Pupil support teacher Siobhan McLean was convicted at Hamilton Sheriff Court (pictured) Days later she arranged to see him again before they had sex in the back of her BMW in a secluded car park at Craignethan Castle near Blackwood, Lanarkshire. The boy's mother later became alarmed after hearing him saying 'I love you' during a phone call. He had claimed he was talking to a friend - but his phone was confiscated and revealed McLean's intimate messages, prompting a call to the police. McLean, of Airdrie, Lanarkshire, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted engaging in sexual activity with the boy in September last year. Fiscal depute Aga Mathieson said: 'The accused along with the girl and the boy went to the student union together where they all consumed alcohol. 'They stayed for a couple of hours and they returned to the girl's accommodation where they continued to consume alcohol and ate pizza. 'The girl went to bed leaving the accused and the complainer playing cards but they then began kissing and having sex. 'They put their clothes back on and went to sleep. 'A week later the accused and the complainer had been texting and she picked the complainer up in her black BMW. 'They drove to the car park at Craignethan Castle, got into the back seat of the car and had sexual intercourse. 'The car has since been scientifically examined and DNA evidence supports sexual activity having taken place.' The prosecutor added: 'His phone was later confiscated and (he was) told he could not be trusted with it at night. 'Messages were checked and there were a number between the accused and the complainer and the matter was reported to police.' Sheriff Liam Murphy deferred sentence on the first offender until next month for reports and continued bail. He added: 'You have pled guilty to a serious offence involving a significant breach of trust.' McLean, who is no longer employed as a teacher, was placed on the sex offenders' register. A former investigator from the San Francisco District Attorney's Office has filed a federal lawsuit Monday against DA Brooke Jenkins and the city and county of San Francisco. Jack Friedman is seeking damages for 'malicious and oppressive' conduct from Jenkins, his former boss. The lawsuit stems from a decision made by former District Attorney Chesa Boudin to charge Officer Christopher Samayoa for the 2017 fatal shooting of Keita O'Neil, the first time a San Francisco officer had been charged with on-duty homicide. After Jenkins took office, she dropped the charges, claiming political motivation and eventually fired Friedman. State Attorney General Rob Bonta also cleared Samayoa. Friedman alleges that his right to free speech was violated, and he faced retaliation - claiming Jenkins used him as a scapegoat in the dismissal of a historic homicide case against a the San Francisco police officer this year. A former investigator from the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, Jack Friedman, has filed a federal lawsuit Monday against DA Brooke Jenkins and the city and county of San Francisco. Pictured: DA Brooke Jenkins he lawsuit stems from a decision made by former District Attorney Chesa Boudin to charge Officer Christopher Samayoa for the 2017 fatal shooting of Keita O'Neil, the first time a San Francisco officer had been charged with on-duty homicide. Pictured: Christopher Samayoa Previously, Friedman worked for famously woke 'anti-cop' Chesa Boudin when he was still SF District Attorney. Boudin was known for his soft touch on criminals and anti-police agenda, which was making it harder to hire new cops. Pictured: Former DA Attorney Chesa Boudin Friedman, a former Berkeley police officer, was employed at the office from 2017 until he was terminated in 2023. Previously, Friedman worked for famously woke 'anti-cop' Chesa Boudin when he was still SF District Attorney. Boudin was known for his soft touch on criminals and anti-police agenda, which was making it harder to hire new cops. In 2020, Boudin brought the first-ever homicide charge against an on-duty SF police officer, for the 2017 shooting of unarmed Keita O'Neil. Jenkins, an outspoken supporter of police reform, had claimed the charges were 'politically motivated' in February and dropped them. Additionally, she accused Boudin and his office of misconduct that would leave her unable to prosecute the case. She specifically claimed Boudin had wrongly pressured then-assistant chief of investigations Jack Friedman into signing an arrest warrant he was not comfortable signing. Jenkins publicly blamed Friedman for alleged misconduct, stating that he had doubts about the arrest warrant's probable cause. 'Friedman told me he agreed to draft the warrant, but that he was not sure if he would sign it due to concerns about whether sufficient probable cause existed for the issuance the warrant,' Jenkins wrote in the statement. She said Friedman had been 'crying' during their discussion, implying guilt. 'Friedman was crying during this portion I tried to console him.' Jenkins placed Friedman on administrative leave in January and fired him in May, which he views as retaliation. Friedman argues that his First Amendment rights were violated, and his reputation was harmed as a result. Friedman denied these claims which led to the lawsuit again DA Jenkins. He disputed Jenkins' account, maintaining that there was sufficient probable cause and that he was unfairly silenced by a gag order. Friedman's suit asserts that Jenkins falsely portrayed him as dishonest in the handling of the Samayoa case. 'Jenkins falsely and publicly blamed her decision to drop the charges against Samayoa on Friedman, former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, and others, claiming that the charges were politically motivated and not legally justified, and that Friedman had lied when he attempted to respond to her,' Friedman says is his lawsuit, published by Mission Local. Former San Francisco cop Christopher Samayoa has been charged with manslaughter, assault and negligent discharge of a firearm for the December 2017 shooting death of carjacking suspect Keita O'Neil (pictured). His charges were dropped by DA Jenkins The San Francisco City Attorney's Office and Jenkins have not yet provided comments on the lawsuit. The former rookie San Francisco police officer who was on his fourth day on the job on a police chase when he fatally shot an unarmed carjacking suspect in 2017 was charged with manslaughter in 2020. Samayoa was charged with voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, assault by an executive officer, assault with a semi automatic firearm and negligent discharge of a firearm in the killing of 42-year-old Keita O'Neil, the city's District Attorney Chesa Boudin announced at the time. 'For too long, we have seen the failures of our legal system to hold police accountable for the violence committed against the members of the public they are entrusted to keep safe,' the prosecutor said in a statement. 'In my administration, police officers are not above the law.' Boudin called the decision to file charges 'historic' at the time. Samayoa's firing in March 2018 had generated outrage from the police officer union, which said previously he was terminated for doing what he was trained to do. 'This was a needless action as any taken by someone wearing the uniform of our chief,' union president, Marty Halloran, wrote in a statement at the time. The organization said it would support Samayoa during the legal process. 'We are committed to ensuring that Christopher and his family are supported during this difficult time and that he is accorded his due process rights and provided with a vigorous defense against these charges,' Tony Montoya, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, said in a statement. His firing came three months after he fatally shot O'Neil on December 1, 2017. The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation into the police handling of a fatal 2018 car crash involving Senator Bob Menendez's wife Nadine Arslanian. Arslanian fatally struck 49-year-old Richard Koop in Bogota, New Jersey, on December 12, 2018. She was dating the New Jersey Democratic Senator at the time but they were not yet married. They are now both charged with felony bribery and corruption crimes. After the 2018 crash, Bogota Police rushed to the scene of the crash to quiz Arslanian. She told them Koop had been jaywalking and put himself in the path of her car. Also there was Michael Mordaga, the former director of Hackensack Police and an ex-chief of detectives in the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, according to The New York Post. The cops let Arslanian walk away from the scene without a sobriety test or giving over her phone records. She was never charged, and was later gifted a new convertible Mercedes to replace the vehicle that was damaged in the crash. Now, The New York Times reports that an inquiry has been launched, with specific focus on whether she was let away too lightly or quickly. Koop's family have long maintained that it was brushed aside without sufficient investigation. Dashcam video from the crash scene shows Arslanian wearing a dress and fur coat as she speaks with a police officer. Mordaga was never shown on camera but his voice was recorded in the background Nadine Arslanian Menendez is charged alongside her husband Senator Bob Menedez in the alleged bribery scheme The crash killed 49-year-old Richard Koop (above) in Bogota, New Jersey on December 12, 2018 Mordaga is the man who can be heard asking the patrolmen if they took a statement from Arslanian. 'Thats my buddys wife whos friends with her. He said could you do me a favor and take her up there because her friend just got in a car accident,' he said, explaining why he'd shown up, before asking: 'Are you guys getting a statement that youre going to give to the prosecutors office?' Mordaga retired in 2016. He has been linked in the past to the organized crime and mob families including the Lucchese family. In 2007, Frank Lugano, a member of the family, was shot in the head outside a diner he owned after being 'outed' as an informant, according to a lawsuit filed by his family. They say it was Mordaga who outed him. According to federal charging documents, about a month after the crash, Arslanian texted Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman also indicted in the bribery scheme, lamenting her lack of a car. Michael Mordaga, the former director of Hackensack Police and an ex-chief of detectives in the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, rushed to help Nadine Arslanian after the fatal crash Soon after the crash, Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman also indicted in the bribery scheme, arranged to buy this Mercedes for Arslanian, prosecutors say Prosecutors say that Hana and another defendant in the case, Jose Uribe, eventually gave Arslanian $15,000 in cash as a down payment for a new Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible worth $60,000, and also supplied the monthly financing payments. The car was registered in March of 2019. After picking up the car, Arslanian thanked Uribe in a text message, writing 'I will never forget this,' according to the federal indictment. Prosecutors allege that in exchange for the Mercedes, Menendez attempted to interfere in a New Jersey criminal investigation at the behest of Hana and Uribe. Menendez and his wife have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, which stem from bribery and extortion allegations involving the Egyptian government. Two of the gold bars found during a search by federal agents of Sen. Bob Menendez's home and safe deposit box Bob and Nadine Menendez attend an event in Italy on Sept 1, 2023 So far, Menendez has defied calls from his own Democratic Party colleagues to leave office, though he 'temporarily' stepped down as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after the charges were unsealed last month. Prosecutors say the senator provided sensitive information to the Egyptian government in order to help an Egyptian-American businessman protect his monopoly. According to the indictment, Menendez accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars between 2018 and 2022 from Hana, Uribe and Fred Daibes in exchange for using 'his power and influence to protect and enrich those businessmen and to benefit the Government of Egypt.' The 15-year-old girl who hurled a metal chair at her teacher is facing expulsion after the viral incident gave the Michigan school a 'bad name'. A student caught the shocking moment their classmate launched a heavy chair across the room at her teacher on camera and now the viral video is giving the school a 'bad name', according to Flint School Board President Michael Clack. The disturbing footage showed the teacher standing in front of the classroom speaking to students before being whacked to the floor with the chair. The chair-thrower, who was identified by ABC 12 as a 15-year-old, might be expelled for her outburst in the Southwestern Classical Academy classroom. The unidentified teenager who is thought to have hurled the chair was reportedly charged with two counts of felony assault by The Genesee County Prosecutors Office. The student from Michigan who allegedly lobbed a chair at her teacher and knocked her down is now facing a felony AND expulsion The school district issued this letter to parents. Flint School Board President Michael Clack said the 15-year-old will face an expulsion hearing panel Flint School Board President Michael Clack said: 'Weve expelled students for kids jumping another kid at the bus stop. 'Weve expelled kids for bringing contraband less than a weapon into the school; like a knife holster, or a BB gun, things like that wouldnt be fatal but its just things that would be inappropriate for a school setting.' The victim of the chair-chuck, the Southwestern Academy teacher, was found lying on the floor with head injuries by the school's resource officer who was called in to break up the fight, Flint Police Chief Terence Green told ABC 12. The school's resource officer was called in to break up the fight, and found the teacher lying on the floor with head injuries, Flint Police Chief Terence Green told ABC 12. Superintendent Kevelin Jones said: 'I am heartened to inform you that the teacher has chosen to return to work. On the day of the teacher's return, scholars and staff will be present to extend their warm welcome. They consider this teacher a hero, and we share in their sentiment.' The Superintendent's statement added that the student responsible would be 'held accountable according to the law and in accordance with the Flint Community Schools Student Code of Conduct.' Flint School Board President Michael Clack has now confirmed that the chair incident will be discussed at an expulsion hearing. The hearing will be presented to pane of three school board members, the school's director of security and the superintendent. He explained: 'We base that on Michigan law and bi-laws and policies (of the school district). If the offense fits any of those brackets, then we go from there.' Clack said that he feels the viral video has given Flint, Michigan a 'bad name' and shared that he's received 'nasty emails' about the girl involved. The victim of the chair-chuck, the Southwestern Academy teacher, was found lying on the floor with head injuries by the school's resource officer who was called in to break up the fight, Flint Police Chief Terence Green told ABC 12. Clack said that he feels the viral video has given Flint, Michigan a 'bad name' and shared that he's received 'nasty emails' about the girl involved. He said: 'Ive received some nasty emails calling the girl an animal, calling the girl a future prison inmate and nobody knows what this girls circumstances are. 'A teacher hit in the face with a chair, it looks horrible. But at the end of the day, this (student's) a minor. She has rights, she has parents, shes got a family, shes got feelings.' The school's Superintendent Kevelin Jones issued a letter to parents informing them that an altercation took place this week between 'two scholars' which led to the staff member getting injured. On Thursday, the Flint Community School posted a letter to their Facebook page reassuring parents that they 'take these matters seriously,' and that they will continue to 'do all we can to create and maintain a safe and nurturing environment.' The letter stated that the district has launched an investigation into the incident but it did not indicate whether the student had been suspended or expelled. 'We understand that incidents like these can be concerning and we want to assure you that we are actively working to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at Southwestern Classical Academy.' Investigators said the dealers confused one of the doctors with taillon da Alcantara, the member of a Rio de Janeiro militia feuding with the drug gang The dead bodies of two drug dealers suspected of mistakenly murdering three orthopedic surgeons and wounding another at a hotel bar in Brazil were found in two separate vehicles on Thursday night. Rio de Janeiro police identified the two suspects as Phillip 'Lesk' Motta and Ryan Nunes. They also discovered the bodies of two other dealers in a separate car. They were not linked to the shooting. Authorities are still searching for two other suspects, Bruno Pinto and Juan Malta, for their involvement in the shooting which took place outside the Windsor Hotel in the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca on Thursday before 1am. Dr. Marcos de Andrade, 63, Dr. Diego Bomfim, 35, Dr. Perseu Ribeiro, 33 and Dr. Daniel Sonnewend, 32, were waiting to pay their bill when the gunmen pulled up in a SUV and opened fire. De Andrade, Bomfim and Ribeiro were killed and Sonnewend survived after he was shot 14 times. He is recovering at an area hospital after undergoing a 10-hour surgery. He posted a video on social media Friday morning and said,' Guys, I'm fine, see? Everything is fine, thank God. Just a few fractures, but it's going to be okay. We're going to get out of this together. Thanks for your concern. Thank you!' Investigators believe the four men were executed because they had mistaken Ribeiro for Taillon da Alcantara - a member of a Rio de Janeiro militia. Phillip 'Lesk' Motta (left) and Ryan Nunes (right) are two of the four drug dealers suspected by Rio de Janeiro police of killing three surgeons and wounding another during an attack in which they confused one of the doctors who was killed with the member of a militia they were seeking to murder Dr. Marcos de Andrade (left), Dr. Diego Bomfim (second from left), Dr. Daniel Sonnewend (second from right) and Dr. Perseu Ribeiro (right) took a group photo moments before gunmen opened fire on them at a bar outside the Windsor Hotel in the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca. Dr. Sonnewend is the only doctor who survived The drug dealers reportedly received a phone call indicating that their murder target, militia member Taillon de Alcantara (pictured) was at a hotel bar in Rio de Janeiro. However, the assailants executed three surgeons and wounded another. One of the doctors who died resembled de Alcantara Globo TV A Civil Police task force combating militias and drug dealing groups intercepted a phone moments before the shooting in which Malta tells the gunmen that da Alcantara is at the bar. The drug gang has been searching for da Alcantara over his alleged involvement with the killing of one of Motta's associates September 16. Da Alcantara was sentenced in July 2021 to eight years and four months in prison for criminal organization, but was moved to house arrest in March and was released on parole on September 29. A hotel surveillance camera captured the moment the suspects hopped out of a white Fiat Pulse and fired around 30 shots in a span of about 20 seconds. A bar customer runs runs away from the Rio de Janeiro hotel bar where gunmen executed three orthopedic surgeons and wounded a fourth Thursday Dr. Perseu Ribeiro one of the three doctors who were murdered at a hotel bar in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday had just turned 33 two days earlier Dr. Diego Bomfim (pictured), one of the three doctors who were shot dead, is the brother of Sao Paulo Congresswoman Samia Bomfim Dr. Marcos de Andrade died on the scene after he was shot by gunmen at a bar outside a Rio de Janeiro hotel on Thursday. The surgeon, one of three who were killed, was 63 years old Da Alcantara's home is located on the same avenue as the Windsor Hotel and frequently visited the bar. His father, Dalmir Alcantara, is the leader of the militia that has been operating in the west side of Rio de Janeiro for about 30 years and has a long-running feud with the network the drug dealers were a part of. The surgeons were in Rio de Janeiro to attend the 6th International Conference of Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery, which started Thursday. They had taken a selfie and shared on social media just moments before the barbaric shooting. Authorities initially were looking into whether there was a political motivation for the shooting because Bomfim's sister, Samia Bomfim, is a Congresswoman in the state of Sao Paulo. Her husband, Glauber Braga, is a Rio de Janeiro Congressman. 'We, the family, will ask, through our lawyers, for access to the investigation data, as the law allows us, so that we can have access to the information and closely monitor all lines and possibilities of investigation by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police,' Congresswoman Bomfim told G1. There are just 651 spare prison places available across the whole of England and Wales, new figures revealed today - as ministers consider renting cells in Estonia. There are currently 88,016 people in jail across the country - the highest number in 12 years and nearly 10 per cent more than last year's figure of 81,423. There are 88,667 cells in total, meaning just 651 remain spare. Official projections say the prison estate could run out of room by the end of the year. Earlier this week Justice Secretary Alex Chalk revealed he was looking into a plan to hire prison cells in other countries for the first time. Estonia is one of the countries being considered, The Times reported. Earlier this week Justice Secretary Alex Chalk revealed he was looking into a plan to hire prison cells in other countries for the first time Renting foreign prison cells will require a change in the law. A Tory spokesman said: 'Exploratory discussions with possible partners in Europe have already taken place and are ongoing. 'Agreements would mean that prisoners in the UK could be moved to another country's prison estate provided the facilities, regime and rehabilitation provided meets British standards. 'This is an established approach which has been used by other European countries including Belgium and Norway who have moved prisoners to the Netherlands.' Mr Chalk told the Tory party conference: 'We intend to look at the Norwegian example of renting overseas capacity. 'This government is doing more than any since the Victorian era to expand prison capacity. 'Alongside our extra 20,000 prison places programme, refurbishment of old prisons and rapid deployment cells, renting prison places in other countries will ensure that we always have the space to keep the public safe from the most dangerous offenders.' Belgium sent up to 650 prisoners to the Netherlands from 2010 until 2016, while Norway sent a similar number between 2015 and 2018, the Conservatives said. A prison in Estonia - one of the countries reportedly being considered as a destination for UK prisoners The chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, Pia Sinha, described it as a 'half-baked idea' and called for criminals to be freed instead. 'Prison leaders will be in despair at such a superficial response to their very real and urgent concerns. 'The red warning light of a looming capacity crisis has been flashing on the prison service dashboard for a number of months. Ministers can't say they haven't been warned. 'They urgently need to bring forward practical plans to reduce pressure on the system, including the executive release of some prisoners. The risks of not doing so are too perilous to ignore.' The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment. SNP infighting is raging in the wake of the Rutherglen by-election disaster today with Humza Yousaf warned it cannot be 'business as usual'. The separatists were dealt a shattering blow as Labour overturned a majority of more than 5,000 to seize the seat by a margin of 9,400. A swing on that scale at a general election would give Keir Starmer's party more than 40 MPs in Scotland, and almost certainly put him on track to become PM. It prompted a brutal backlash at the leader - who only this week appeared on the cover of Time magazine boasting that he was 'shaping the future'. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn warned there was 'unfinished business' in the independence campaign. Former leadership hopeful Ash Regan branded the result a 'wake-up call' and said the party must focus on splitting up the UK. Ex-First Minister Alex Salmond warned that Mr Yousaf has 'days' to save his job. Facing questions this afternoon Mr Yousaf admitted it was a 'disappointing result' and he had to 'take it on the chin'. But he said the party would 'regroup' and 'come back stronger'. SNP leader Humza Yousaf looks dejected amid reports of infighting within the party following last night's humiliating by-election defeat SNP infighting is raging in the wake of the Rutherglen by-election disaster today with Humza Yousaf (pictured) warned it cannot be 'business as usual' The separatists were dealt a shattering blow as Labour overturned a majority of more than 5,000 to seize the seat by a margin of 9,400 Polls have consistently showed a majority of Scots still back the union, although the gap in Redfield & Wilton research published today was only 51 per cent to 49 per cent. In terms of support for a Westminster election, the survey found that the SNP was on 34 per cent - just two points ahead of Labour. Mr Yousaf's personal ratings have never made it into positive territory Former leadership hopeful Ash Regan branded the result a 'wake-up call' and said the party must focus on splitting up the UK The SNP has seen a staggering turnaround in their fortunes since last year, when Nicola Sturgeon was vowing that a referendum would happen this month. That prospect was ruled illegal by the courts, while the nationalists have been blighted by bitter rows over gender identity and a extraordinary police probe into the party's finances. Polls have consistently showed a majority of Scots still back the union, although the gap in Redfield & Wilton research published today was only 51 per cent to 49 per cent. In terms of support for a Westminster election, the survey found that the SNP was on 34 per cent - just two points ahead of Labour. Mr Yousaf's personal ratings have never made it into positive territory. The Scottish First Minister said 'a number of factors' were at play, including the 'reckless actions' of former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier, whose breaking of Covid regulations led to the recall petition that sparked the by-election. He added that the 'collapse' of the Tory vote with the party losing its deposit and the subsequent shift to Labour, and the ongoing police investigation into the SNP's finances also had an impact. But he added: 'The SNP has to really take the result on the chin as well and understand there's a message that voters are sending to us too. 'We will reflect, regroup and we'll reorganise, and come back stronger.' Asked about Mr Flynn's comments, the First Minister said: 'It's been obviously less than 12 hours since we got the result of the by-election. 'There'll be reflection that has to happen and has to happen with pace, so we'll do that. 'I think we need to make sure the party is a nimble and effective campaigning machine, and I think that's where the SNP is at its strongest. 'We also have to make sure our message is really crisp, really clear to people.' Mr Salmond, who now leads the rival Alba party, told Times Radio: 'I think the implications of this are very serious for the SNP and for the wider national movement. 'I will go as far as to say I think Humza Yousaf has days in which to save his first ministership. 'I mean for reasons which are very difficult to understand, he put his personal authority in this byelection and has now suffered the most stunning of reverses.' Mr Flynn told BBC Breakfast earlier: 'It has obviously been a very tough night for the Scottish National Party. 'We've had long-standing challenges in relation to Margaret Ferrier and her conduct in terms of breaking coronavirus rules, we've obviously had a lot of internal differences over recent months. 'It is important for us now to reflect on the scale of the defeat that we have had, to look internally at what's gone wrong and to see what we can do better in future to ensure that we win this seat back in the general election next year. 'We have lost by a significant margin, we know that our vote has not turned out and we know that we need to remotivate people to vote for the Scottish National Party. 'Ultimately the Scottish National Party has unfinished business and I want to get on and ensure that we are an independent nation before too long. 'The party needs to recognise it can't just be business as usual. I don't think anybody is going to say it should just be business as usual.' Keir Starmer (right) travelled to Rutherglen today to revel in the victory by his candidate Michael Shanks (left) Polling guru Sir John Curtice said Rutherglen confirmed that Labour poses 'a serious challenge' to the SNP. 'This result very firmly confirms the direction of travel indicated by the polls and that Labour do pose a serious challenge to the SNP's continued dominance at Westminster,' he said. 'That potentially has implications for the overall outcome in the general election because if that were to happen, they would find it easier to get an overall majority. 'But also the kinds of increases that Labour have registered in their vote in this by-election, what they achieved in Selby, this is the kind of results that you see in advance of general elections when parties are on course to win. 'So, obviously, 12 months to go and all the rest of it, but I think one has to say that not only now are Labour clearly posing a serious, serious threat to the continuation of a deeply unpopular Conservative government south of the border, but they are now also posing a threat to a relatively unpopular at least by its historical standards SNP government north of the border. 'To that extent, I think they can reasonably claim to have done rather well.' The former king of Spain Juan Carlos has won a bid to end a 126million High Court battle with his Danish ex-lover who accused him of spying on and harassing her. Businesswoman Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who is in her late 50s, claimed the former royal had caused her 'great mental pain'. Juan Carlos, 85, has denied wrongdoing and disputed the claims made against him, arguing they are not 'viable'. In a judgment at the High Court in London today, Justice Rowena Collins Rice said the court 'lacks jurisdiction to try this claim' because it was brought against the defendant outside of his country of domicile. She added that Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn 'has not sufficiently established that the "harmful event" of which she complains harassment by the defendant happened in England'. In a statement, Juan Carlos - who abdicated in 2014 - said he welcomed the judge's decision. Meanwhile, Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn said she was 'deeply disappointed'. Former royal Juan Carlos, 85, has denied wrongdoing and disputed the claims made against him, arguing they are not 'viable' Businesswoman Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn (pictured), who is in her late 50s, claimed the former royal had caused her 'great mental pain' and was suing him for 126million Justice Collins Rice said: 'The claimant has an account she wishes to give of her personal and financial history with the defendant, and about the harm he has caused her peace of mind and personal wellbeing, and her business, social and family life. 'I take no view about that account as such. The only question for me has been whether the claimant can compel the defendant to give his side of the story to the High Court. My conclusion, as things stand, is that she cannot.' In a statement Juan Carlos said: 'While His Majesty Juan Carlos regrets the outlay of energy and resources involved in the proceedings, he nonetheless welcomes the decision of the High Court of London, which unsurprisingly confirms his innocence. 'In order to allow justice to pursue its work in complete serenity, His Majesty has voluntarily exercised the utmost discretion throughout the trial, and has therefore refrained from any public comment. 'Today's decision, favorable to His Majesty, re-establishes the conditions necessary for further public appearances.' Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who has homes in England, previously told the judge in a written witness statement that she had earned 'significant' sums working as a 'strategic consultant'. In a statement, Juan Carlos - who abdicated in 2014 - said he welcomed the judge's decision Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn pictured leaving the Royal Courts of Justice in London in July She added that she wants to hold Juan Carlos to account for the 'harm caused to my mental health by his harassment' and to hold him responsible for the 'full financial consequences of his actions'. During a four-day-hearing in July, Adam Wolanski KC, for the former monarch, asked the judge to 'strike out' Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn's claim. He said: 'The pleaded case of harassment is a diffuse collection of complaints, some trivial, mostly historic.' The barrister said Juan Carlos 'emphatically denies ever having harassed the claimant'. Lawyers representing Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn said the bid to end the case was 'misconceived' and should be refused. 'The suggestion made on behalf of the defendant that the claim is somehow abusive in that it is by itself designed to harass a vulnerable elderly statesman is both unfounded and bold,' said barrister Jonathan Caplan KC, for Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn. A number of other judges have overseen earlier hearings in the litigation. Juan Carlos (pictured with Queen Sofia) ruled from 1975 until his abdication in 2014 Pictured: Juan Carlos attending Queen Elizabeth II funeral in September 2022 Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn accused Juan Carlos of spying on and harassing her Judges have been told that Juan Carlos ruled from 1975 until his abdication in 2014 and the succession of his son, King Felipe VI. They have heard that Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn is Danish, lived in Monaco between 2008 and 2019, and has homes in London and Shropshire. Previously another High Court judge - Mr Justice Nicklin - had ruled that claims could be considered at a trial in England. However, Court of Appeal judges in London later concluded that 'the pre-abdication conduct alleged' was 'immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of this country', and ended those parts of the claim. An M&S store on Chelsea's Kings Road can be demolished and replaced with a 'behemoth' office block, council officials have ruled. Thousands of locals had voiced their opposition to the plans at 81-103 King's Road, in west London. The existing four-storey 1980s building that houses Marks and Spencer and other outlets will now be replaced with a five-floor office block, complete with roof terrace and courtyard. Many residents whose properties will be overlooked by the new structure had voiced privacy concerns. And heritage expert Paul Velluet had said the proposed development would have 'seriously harmful' impacts on the surrounding conservation areas. But at a meeting yesterday, members of the planning committee at the Conservative-run Kensington and Chelsea Council approved the plans. Officials have however attached additional conditions to the developers, including that planned terraces for the new building either have opaque balustrades or are only accessible for maintenance. An M&S store on Chelsea's Kings Road can be demolished and replaced with a 'behemoth' office block, council officials have ruled Thousands of locals had voiced their opposition to the plans at 81-103 King's Road, in west London . They involved the knocking down of the existing four-storey 1980s building that houses Marks and Spencer and other outlets and replacing it with a five-floor office block, complete with roof terrace and courtyard However, the secretary of the leading residents' group opposing the plans said the privacy conditions are 'were not enough.' Christine Morrissey, of Smith Street Residents' Association told MailOnline: 'Of over 1350 resident comments, only 15 were in support, yet it became clear at the Committee meeting that we never even had a seat at the table. 'Paul Velluet made it clear that this major development, which by the planners' own admission, will be taller than any other building in the immediate area, was being passed without the benefit of a 3D model, but the show rolled on. 'They have allowed terraces to remain in an area where terraces on individual homes, and even windows, have been restricted for decades. 'We are bracing for the door that has now been opened to overdevelopment across Chelsea and the Royal Borough.' She had previously told how 'new, substantial and material' information about the harms of the project had come to light which undermined the key assertions made by Pilbrow Partners, the architects behind the proposals. Planning consultants who represented the residents also slammed the council's decision to approve the proposals. Tom Ashley of Turnberry Consulting and Gail Collins of Tyler Parkes said in a joint statement: 'It is disappointing that, despite the considerable public opposition to this scheme, the Council have decided to approve this application. Many residents whose properties will be overlooked by the new structure had voiced privacy concerns. But at a meeting yesterday, members of the planning committee at the Conservative-run Kensington and Chelsea Council approved the plans. Above: How the street could look with the proposed building in place Pilbrow and Partners claimed that its design 'draws inspiration from the traditional qualities of architecture in Chelsea' and said the new office space would be to the 'highest standards of sustainability and wellbeing' 'The harm to the historic environment, the considerable impact upon neighbours and significant loss of embodied carbon has been given less weight by Members than the developers aspiration to redevelop the site.' The building is owned by British Virgin Islands-based firm King's Road Property. Tory Party Chairman Greg Hands, who is also the local MP, has repeatedly voiced his opposition to the proposals. An M&S spokesman told MailOnline earlier this week that after 'tough and drawn-out' negotiations, they agreed with the landlord of the King's Road site that an outlet will remain even if the development does go ahead Mr Velluet, who studied the plans put together by architects Pilbrow and Partners, stated in a recent report: 'The proposed development, by virtue of its height, bulk and external design will have seriously harmful impacts on the settings and significance of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Conservation areas.' Local group The Chelsea Society also rejected the plans on the basis that bulldozing the existing building would go against local planning policy recommending retention and refurbishment over demolition. An artist's rendering of how the interior of the new building could look Kensington and Chelsea Council approved the proposals at a meeting on Thursday evening They also said that the size of the new building would clash with the largely low-rise buildings on King's Road and its 'combination of narrowness and airiness'. Pilbrow and Partners claimed that its design 'draws inspiration from the traditional qualities of architecture in Chelsea' and said the new office space would be to the 'highest standards of sustainability and wellbeing'. But sustainability experts at QuinnRoss Consultants examined the proposal and questioned the case for demolition over retrofit. The new decision was passed by two votes to one. Two Conservative councillors abstained. James Husband, chairman of planning committee, said in a statement: 'After careful consideration the committee resolved to approve planning permission for 81 103 Kings Road. 'We have agreed additional conditions to safeguard the privacy and amenity of residents. 'Particularly we have asked the applicant make terraces to the east of the building accessible for maintenance only and ensure terraces to the south have opaque balustrades to protect the privacy of residents.' He added that the decision will be referred to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan in accordance with regulations. Mr Khan has 14 days to respond. An M&S spokesman said earlier this week: 'After some tough and drawn-out negotiations, we are delighted to have reached an agreement in principle with the landlord of our King's Road store. 'This means that M&S will remain on the site if their proposed redevelopment gets the go-ahead at Thursday's planning committee meeting. 'The developer's plans include an exciting, fresh new-look M&S King's Road store which we hope can serve our loyal local customers, and protect the jobs of our hard-working colleagues, in years to come.' Pilbrow was also behind plans to demolish the building housing M&S's store on Oxford Street. Thousands residents have rejected the plans to replace the building with a 'behemoth' Communities Secretary Michael Gove rejected the proposals in July after launching an inquiry. A spokesman for Pilbrow and Partners said earlier this week: 'The proposed building replaces a poor-quality 1980s structure which, significantly, is excluded from the conservation areas that surround the site. 'The new building will be of higher quality and offer greater energy efficiency. 'Drawing the building back from the existing building line on King's Road allows a more generous pavement and the introduction of street trees. 'Landscape terraces to the rear extend this urban greening across the site.' King's Road Property were approached for comment. The father of teenager Maya Kowalski who was separated from her family and held in a Florida hospital as a child has given an emotional testimony into his daughter's condition at the time she was detained. Jack Kowalski took to the stand in a $220 million court case against Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital to tell the court how his daughter's chronic illness meant showering left her 'screaming in pain'. Maya, 17, suffered from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and was receiving hospital treatment for the agonizing illness, when doctors accused her parents of faking her symptoms. She was removed by the state and forbidden from seeing her family for almost three months. During this time, her mother Beata Kowalski, fell into a deep depression and ended up taking her life before she was ever able to see her daughter again. The family's heartbreaking story is at the center of an explosive Netflix documentary called 'Take Care of Maya' as well as the multi million dollar court case against the hospital, which began last month. Jack Kowalski told the court that his daughter's condition was real to the point where showering left her 'screaming in pain' as he took the stand in a $220 million lawsuit against Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital On Monday, Jack Kowalski testified that his daughter's condition was real, Fox News reports. He said: 'If she took a shower, the droplets of water would make her scream. 'You put a sheet over her legs, and she would scream.' The father described how his daughter's body began to 'deteriorate'. He said: 'You know your child. Your child is not going to fake this and not play with my friends outside and just sit around and watch your body deteriorate; along with that, you don't put lesions on your body yourself.' He also insisted that he and his wife, who was a nurse, only ever had their daughter's best interests at heart. He added: 'Beata was looking for the answer. She knew there was nothing wrong with Maya's head.' Maya was removed from her parents care after hospital staff became suspicious of the dosage of ketamine her mother insisted on treating her with for the excruciating chronic pain. Florida's Department of Children and Families and a state judge supported hospital staff's suspicions of 'child medical abuse' and placed Maya under Florida's Department of Children and Families' custody and she was housed at the center. Maya Kowalski (pictured left) was detained at a Florida hospital after staff suspected her mother Beata (centre) could be faking symptoms for her chronic pain condition Maya's mom, Beata, (right) took her own life after she was diagnosed with a depressive mood and adjustment disorder upon being separated from Maya for almost three months But Kowalski told the court the family were advised that the drug was safe by Dr Anthony Kirkpatrick, who had prescribed the treatment and that Maya had improved following its use. He said: 'He explained the procedure, he talked about its been around for quite a long time, he mentioned its used for many things, and its safe. There is the side effect when theyre coming out of it is a hallucination for a short time, but then everything is back to normal.' However, under cross examination he did admit to being aware there was a risk involved with the medication. The court was also played an interview with Sheriffs Deputy Graham in which Kowalski admitted that he had noticed Maya would suddenly develop pain symptoms in the presence of her mother. Kowalski was cross examined as part of a civil lawsuit against the hospital which got underway in Venice, Florida. As part of the lawsuit the family claim that Maya was videotaped for 48 hours and on another occasion, stripped down to her underwear and photographed with the permission of a guardian or the dependency court. AndersonGlenn LLP, who launched the lawsuit on behalf of the Kowalski family confirmed the family is seeking $55 million in compensatory and $165 million in punitive damages. Along with the hospital child social worker Catherine Bedy had been named as a defendant, however she has since been dropped from the case for an as yet unspecified reason. The hospital's defense is expected to center on staff status as mandatory reporters required by state law to call the abuse hotline if they have 'reasonable cause' the Tampa Bay Times reported. Maya Kowalski (pictured at a previous hearing) along with her family are seeking $220 million from the Florida hospital over the ordeal The Kowalski family's harrowing situation has been covered in an explosive Netflix documentary Ethen Shapiro, who is part of the hospital's defense team, previously stated that the decision to remove Maya was made by the child welfare system rather than the medical facility. The hospital released a statement to DailyMail.com which read: 'Our priority at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital is always the safety and privacy of our patients and their families. 'Therefore, we follow strict federal privacy laws that limit the amount of information we can release regarding any particular case. 'Our first responsibility is always to the child brought to us for care. Our staff are required by law to notify Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF) if they suspect abuse or neglect. 'It is DCF and a judge not Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital that investigates the situation and makes the ultimate decision about what course of action is in the best interest of the child. 'We are determined to prevent any chilling effect on the obligation to report suspected child abuse in order to protect the most vulnerable among us.' The former mayor of a small Ohio town led cops on a dramatic high-speed chase - before telling officers that 'what you're doing is wrong' as she was arrested for driving drunk. Cathy Luks, 66, who served as North Royalton's mayor from 1999 to 2007, was pulled over by cops after they saw an expired license plate on her car Wednesday afternoon, but she seemed confused and uncooperative when a police officer trying to explain why he stopped her. As she was being spoken to by officers while handcuffed in a squad car, she's heard saying: 'You know what? I was the mayor of the city of North Royalton.' Newly released bodycam video shows Luks ignored the officer's commands and was disorinted during the traffic stop. Cathy Luks , 66, a former mayor of North Royalton, was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle under the influence after leading cops on a high-speed chase Luks ignored the officer's commands, looking disoriented when she was stopped on Pearl Road She refused to get into the police unit and asked for her 'stuff' and a 'seat' The officer can be heard saying: 'Because you're going 43(mph) in a 25(mph) zone, and your plates are expired.' 'Do you have a driver's license with you?' the officer can be heard asking. 'No,' Luks said. 'Where's your driver's license at?' 'No.' 'Can you pull into a park?' 'No,' the former mayor answered every question with a continuous 'no', rolling her window up and speeding off. The officer dashed to his patrol car, threw on the blazing lights and blaring siren, chased Luks at speed up to 65 miles per hour. About 30 seconds later, the officer caught up to Lux as she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tow truck in a parking lot. She was pulled out of her car and handcuffed but refused to get into the police unit, asking for her 'stuff' and a 'seat'. 'I want my stuff back,' Luks can be heard repeatedly saying. 'What you are doing is wrong. Let me tell you how it works.' She showed up at the Parma Municipal Court the day after she was arrested. No plea was entered Luks' Facebook profile shows she had been North Royalton's Mayor from 1999 to 2007 Luks was pulled over by Parma Police after they saw an expired license plate on her car Wednesday afternoon Luks' case for non-compliance - a third-degree felony - is expected to be brought to a Cuyahoga County grand jury in near future. 'You know what? I was the mayor of the city of North Royalton,' she finally took the chance to tell officers about her former title. She was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, speeding, open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and driving with expired license plates. Luks showed up at the Parma Municipal Court the day after she was arrested. No plea was entered. Her case for non-compliance - a third-degree felony - is expected to be brought to a Cuyahoga County grand jury in near future. Luks served as mayor from 1999 to 2007. Her tenure was tainted with some controversy. She used the word 'petty' to describe the complaints made by neighbors who were harassed by a local judge in 2003. In a 2004 incident, she survived a recall effort from residents angry at the city's alleged lack of sewer maintenance, triggering widespread area flooding. She used the word 'petty again', saying there were 'petty politics' behind the attempts to oust her. Telling women to wear make-up at work counts as sex harassment, a tribunal judge has ruled. Waitress Jahnayde Henry, 24, sued the high-end Chinese restaurant where she worked after her boss told her she looked 'tired and unpresentable' and needed to wear make-up for her next shift. Ms Henry, who worked at Tattu in Soho, said her confidence was 'undermined' following the remark from 'draconian' deputy manager Joanne Huang. Now an employment judge has ruled in her favour, saying that the comment would not have been directed at a man. Judge Andrew Glennie added that advising a female staff member to 'improve' how she looks creates a 'humiliating environment' for her. Tattu deputy manager Joanna Huang (pictured) told waitress Jahnayde Henry to wear make-up for her next shift at the restaurant in central London The Soho restaurant - described by one reviewer as 'somewhere the Kardashians would enjoy' - boasts spectacular views of the capital's skyline The central London restaurant - described by one reviewer as 'somewhere the Kardashians would enjoy' - boasts spectacular views of the capital's skyline. Opened in 2022, its Instagram-friendly menu includes dishes such as green pepper lobster for 79 and Japanese wagyu beef for 105. The 'Emperor's Choice' tasting menu costs 175 per person. The hearing in central London was told that Ms Henry had two weeks training in March last year ahead of the restaurant's opening. The panel heard 'very strict' and 'draconian' Ms Huang was someone who 'likes discipline' and 'always wants 100 per cent'. She was referred to as 'scrupulously fair' but would 'annoy you every day until you get better'. On the first night of the restaurant's opening, Ms Huang told Ms Henry her voice sounded 'bland or boring' and that she should try to 'liven it up' while serving customers. In the following shift she worked, Ms Henry was then 'criticised' about how effectively she was working and told she would have to do better 'if she was going to make it as a server at Tattu'. Ms Henry told the tribunal she was 'checked and criticised every three minutes' of her 12-hour shifts - although the tribunal ruled this was a 'figure of speech' rather than a literal description of the number of times she was admonished. However, the panel found Ms Huang would have still 'frequently' checked on Ms Henry to 'maintain high standards' she demanded of her staff. Opened in 2022, Tattu's Instagram-friendly menu includes dishes such as green pepper lobster for 79 and Japanese wagyu beef for 105 The tribunal heard Ms Huang told Ms Henry she looked 'tired and unpresentable' at the beginning of one shift and next time she came to work, she 'should wear make-up'. Although Ms Huang denied this, the panel found she had made such a comment, after hearing 'observations about make-up were not unknown amongst [Tattu]'s managers'. After just five shifts, Ms Henry resigned and claimed she had been left in tears and 'bullied' by a manager. 'I honestly just think that at this time Tattu is not a place that I want to continue working,' she wrote. Ms Henry - who is black - then unsuccessfully sued the restaurant for race discrimination and harassment. However, her claim of sex harassment regarding the make-up comment was upheld. Judge Glennie said: 'Having found that Ms Huang made the comment alleged by [Ms Henry], we accepted that this was unwanted by her,' he said. 'We then considered whether this amounted to conduct related to sex. 'We concluded that saying that an individual looked "tired and unpresentable" was not related to sex, as that could equally be said to a man. 'In the Tribunal's judgement, saying that next time, the individual should wear some make-up, is a sex-specific comment, in that - although it is not unknown for men to wear make-up - it is not a comment that would ordinarily be made to a man. 'As to its effect, we found that [Ms Henry] perceived the comment as creating a humiliating environment for her, in that it meant that she should try to "improve" her appearance with the use of make-up. 'We also found that it was reasonable that the comment had this effect: it would tend to undermine her self-esteem.' Ms Henry's compensation will be decided at a later date. According to its website Tattu - which also has branches in Manchester and Birmingham - offers customers an 'elevated dining experience' in 'opulent surroundings'. 'Tattu London has been designed with the utmost respect for superb craftsmanship and in pursuit of providing the finest experiential dining. 'Classic artistry is reunited with cutting edge techniques, giving way to a venue that is equally as elegant as it is elevated.' Rachel Reeves has been forced to drop a major policy announcement from her Labour Party Conference speech after top Tories including Jeremy Hunt ran interference. The shadow chancellor was planning to unveil a British infrastructure council in Liverpool next week, as part of a campaign to show the party can be trusted with the economy. But five companies involved, Aviva, Lloyds, Fidelity, Phoenix and Blackstone, pulled out after the Tories got wind of the move. According to the Times, Mr Hunt, the Chancellor, rang senior executives at one first personally to argue that such a move would be seen as political. A source at one firm told the Times: 'We didn't want it to look like we were supporting Labour. We wanted this to be non-partisan.' The shadow chancellor was planning to unveil a British infrastructure council in Liverpool next week, as part of a campaign to show the party can be trusted with the economy. According to the Times, Mr Hunt, the Chancellor, rang senior executives at one first personally to argue that such a move would be seen as political. Labour is understood to be pressing on with plans to form the council, although it is unclear how many will now take part. According to the Times a draft of Ms Reeves' speech was due to say: 'I want Britain's industries to thrive and for us to stand proud on the world stage once more. I want working people to feel the benefits of economic growth, good jobs and pride in homegrown industry. 'That is why I have announced Labour's plan to invest in Britain. A plan to make, do and sell more here at home. With an aim to restore investment as a share of GDP to the level it was under the last Labour government. 'Billions of extra spending, by business, on what they need to compete: new machinery, new buildings and new innovations. 'Today I can announce that Labour will form a new British Infrastructure Council, tasked with unleashing the lifeblood of investment through the industrial arteries of this country. 'And I am pleased to say that leading investors, with assets totalling 90 billion, have agreed to join that council and to work with us in opposition as we develop our plans.' A Labour source told the paper: 'Labour is in advanced discussions with a number of businesses about joining a new council in an independent advisory capacity. 'These have been very productive discussions and are a sign of the Labour Party's commitment to working in partnership with business. 'The decision was taken not to announce at conference following discussions with the businesses involved, but it's happening and we are looking forward to it.' Many Democrats are furious with President Joe Biden for resuming construction on the border wall, calling it hypocritical and a play for votes in the 2024 election. Rep. Nanette Barragan, the head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, pointed out that 'this decision is not in line with the current Administration's commitments to end border wall construction.' And former Housing Secretary Julian Castro said it was a 'flip flop.' He accused Biden of making a play for votes in the 2024 election. 'This is responsive to the pressure, especially the attacks from Republicans that Biden has gotten, that I think he and his team are probably afraid is making him seem too soft on immigration,' Castro said Thursday night on MSNBC. 'And so they're taking a political gamble here. And the gamble is that by basically what they think of as moving to the middle on immigration and seem harsher and seeming harsher on it, that they're going to gain more votes in 2024 than they'll lose from unenthusiastic progressives or allies.' U.S. Border Patrol agents escort migrants, who crossed the border between the United States and Mexico, through a gate in the border wall to be processed for their immigration claim A Gallup poll this summer found that most Americans believe the crisis on the border is a problem: 39% think it's a 'crisis,' 33% a 'major problem,' and 22% a 'minor problem. Biden's Republican rivals have slammed his administration's record on the issue, saying the president is not doing enough to stem illegal crossings at the country's southern border. Illegal border crossings continue to be at record highs. More than 800,000 migrants crossed illegally between May and September. 'The best way I can explain it is that these are internal forces inside the Biden White House that are reacting to [high immigration numbers] and not taking into consideration the ugly, visceral negative reaction that Biden supporters in the Latino community are going to have against this action,' former Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez told The Hill newspaper. 'It's not going to be received with applause and happiness. Quite the opposite. There's going to be a great degree of sadness, and then anger that they took the steps.' Even Democratic allies are scratching their heads over Biden's decision. Biden, during the 2020 presidential campaign, promised not to build another foot of Donald Trump's border wall. But now Biden argues he had to restart construction because he has to spend the funds the way Congress allocated them. Representative Henry Cuellar, whose district encompasses Starr County where the new construction will take place, said he's not happy with the decision. 'I am still against a 14th-Century solution - called 'the wall' - for a 21st-Century problem,' he said in a statement. 'I want to see more personnel, more technology'. And Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed the president for his 'cruel' move to resume border wall construction. She urged him to 'reverse course. In a statement on Thursday night, the New York congresswoman slammed the move, saying: 'The Biden administration was not obligated to expand border wall construction and it was certainly not obligated to waive several environmental laws to expedite construction.' 'A wall does nothing to stop people fleeing poverty and violence from coming to the United States...Walls only serve to push migrants into more remote areas, increasing their chances of death. It is a cruel policy,' she added. Migrants seeking asylum in the United States gather on the banks of the Rio Bravo river President Joe Biden said he has no choice but build the wall, spending the federal money the way that Congress allocated it to be spent The Biden administration, earlier this week, made the stunning announcement it will build 20 miles of border wall on the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security said it's waiving 26 federal laws to start constructing a new 'physical barrier' that was started under Donald Trump. It was a sharp reversal. The Biden White House has consistently slammed Trump's tough migration policy and even cancelled the wall construction when Biden took office. On his first day in office, Biden even declared that building a wall wasn't 'a serious policy solution.' The administration, however, is facing an increase in migrant crossings and pressure to deal with the situation. Even some big-city mayors, who are Democrats, are pressuring the administration to stem the tide of incoming migrants, many of whom are then shipped to cities across the country. Biden, meanwhile, argued Congress had appropriated the money to build the wall on the country's Southern border so he had to use the funds that way. 'The money was appropriated for the border wall. I tried to get them to reappropriate, to redirect that money. They didn't. They wouldn't. In the meantime, there's nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated for. I can't stop that,' he said in the Oval Office on Thursday. Asked whether he thought the border wall was effective, he replied: 'no.' Indigenous groups and environmental organizations slammed the move, noting the damage that will come to the local landscape and residents. The polices the administration is waiving are the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. The waivers avoid time-consuming reviews and lawsuits challenging violation of environmental laws. Starr County's hilly ranchlands, sitting between Zapata and McAllen, Texas, is home to about 65,000 residents sparsely populating about 1,200 square miles that form part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 'It's absolutely mystifying as to why they thought it was a good idea to issue these waivers,' said Laiken Jordahl, a borderlands campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD). 'Starr County is home to some of the most spectacular and biologically important habitat left in Texas, and now bulldozers are preparing to rip right through it. This is a horrific step backwards for the borderlands.' Dayana, a migrant from Venezuela seeking asylum in the United States, carries her 2-year-old daughter, Edith, on the banks of the Rio Bravo river, as the Texas National Guard block the crossing at the border between the U.S. and Mexico And immigrations rights groups accused the administration of playing politics. 'I see the Biden administration playing a strategic game for elections,' said Michelle Serrano, co-director of Voces Unidas RGV, an immigrants rights and community advocacy group based in the Rio Grande valley. Even Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called it a 'setback.' 'It is a setback because it does not resolve the problem,' he said Thursday. Lopez Obrador had frequently praised Biden in the past because 'he is the first U.S. president in a long time who has not built any walls.' Algeria has announced 'preventative measures' to contain the spread of bedbugs following a surge of reported sightings in France. Actions include inspecting and disinfecting planes, ships and land transportation, and 'the strengthening of epidemiological monitoring'. The country will also focus on the cleaning airports and seaports, as well as inspecting and sanitising baggage, amid fears the French surge may soon reach beyond the continent. Panic is growing that with Paris set to host the Olympic Games in nine months, the surge in visitors could see a spike in the bloodsucking bugs in the capital. Video footage from France showing bedbugs on trains and in cinemas has spread widely on social media. France is experiencing a significant surge in cases of bedbugs (pictured on a mattress) Different products used to eradicate bedbugs at the Hygiene Premium, pest control shop in Paris, on Tuesday Dozens of flights from French airports land in Algeria daily, while the two countries are also connected by ferry. Fear of the bugs has caused panic in France, with the government under pressure from all sides as the Olympics loom. One opposition MP even brandished a vial of bedbugs in the National Assembly this week while demanding action. In the face of this growing anxiety, the government has scheduled an inter-ministerial meeting today to discuss the problem. Government spokesman Olivier Veran said ministers were keen to 'respond to the legitimate anxieties of the French' public. A French television presenter also caused fury this week after suggesting immigrants were responsible for France's recent bedbug problem. Pascal Praud, a presenter on the Right-wing CNews channel, suggested there may be a link between the bedbugs and the arrival of immigrants to the country who 'do not have the same hygiene conditions' as those 'on French soil'. Praud, 59, and his comments were swiftly condemned by Emmanuel Macron's government. France's minister for the fight against discriminations, Berangere Couillard, said Praud's comments were 'shocking'. 'I will never accept hate speech in the media,' Couillard added. The presenter denied he was racist and said he was being 'insulted, harassed and defamed' by those who questioned him online. Bedbugs had largely disappeared from daily life in developed countries by the 1950s, but they rebounded in the past 30 years. That is thanks to their growing resistance to insecticides, an increase in public travel and a rising proclivity for second-hand goods. Figures released in July by the French health authorities show more than one in ten households in the country have been affected by bedbugs in the past five years. One bedbug expert has warned that Britain may already be infested with a plague of the insects. David Cain, founder of extermination firm Bed Bugs Ltd, told Sky News there could already be a 'similar level' of pests in London as there is in Paris. Mr Cain estimated that around 5 per cent of households in London have had a bed bug infestation the last two years. It comes as data released by pest-control company Rentokil in September showed that from 2022 to 2023, the UK saw a 65 per cent increase in bed bug infestations. Eurostar has already been placed on alert to step up 'preventative treatment' across the network to stop the spread of the bugs. An anti-pest business advertises on the front page of local newspaper Le Parisien in the French capital on Wednesday Rob Smith, emeritus professor with a speciality in entomology at the University of Huddersfield, warned that cases could take off in the UK. He told MailOnline: 'Reports of bedbugs have been increasing for many years, both in the UK and many other countries, probably in the main because of their developing resistance to insecticides.' Two classes of insecticides are commonly used to thwart infestations pyrethroids and neonicotinoids but pest companies warn the bugs are building up a tolerance to them. Bugs with genetic mutations that enable them to survive exposure to these chemicals can reproduce and pass the mutation on to its offspring. As these bugs continue to breed, an army of insects resistant to current chemicals is left behind, experts say. Hunter Biden's lawyer will move to dismiss his federal criminal indictment against the president's son, arguing that a plea deal that a judge refused to accept remains in force. Hunter's lawyer Abbe Lowell wrote in a filing that deal, which included an unusual diversion agreement related to a federal gun charge, was still in effect and provides protection to his client from prosecution. 'He will seek to dismiss the Indictment against him pursuant to the immunity provisions of that Agreement,' Lowell wrote in the filing, NBC reported. The move comes days after the president's son appeared in federal court in Wilmington along with Lowell to plead not guilty to gun charges against him. Lowell claimed on Tuesday the charges were a result of 'political pressure.' Hunter Biden lawyer Abbe Lowell is filed a motion to dismiss the criminal indictment of Hunter Biden on gun charges. He argues that a plea deal with prosecutors is still in effect 'These charges are the result of political pressure from President Trump and his MAGA allies to force the Justice Department to ignore the law and deviate from its policies in cases like this one,' Lowell said after Hunter left court. 'The only substantive and relevant changes since July, when the US Attorney decided against pursuing these exact charges against Mr. Biden, has been various court rulings undermining the constitutionality of the law at issue here and a coordinated, partisan attack on our system of justice by right-wing Republicans.' The charges relate to Hunter's 2018 purchase of a Colt Cobra handgun. Federal firearms laws require an attestation that the purchaser is not using or addicted to controlled substances. Hunter wrote about his own drug use in his autobiography In July, Judge Maryellen Noreika rejected a plea deal that would have had Hunter plead guilty to two tax charges while dealing with the gun charges through a so-called diversion agreement that would allow him to avoid jail time. She called it unprecedented and possibly unconstitutional. Hunter Biden signed a form where he denied being addicted to drugs during his 2018 purchase of a handgun The above form shows Hunter Biden checked 'no' when asked if he is 'an unlawful user of, or addicted to' a controlled substance. But the president's son detailed in his own book that he ha da relapse in 2018 the same year he purchased the firearm Amid the fury following the collapse of that deal, Attorney General Merrick Garland designated US Attorney David Weiss as special counsel overseeing the case. Weiss said in a filing Wednesday that the diversion agreement wasn't signed by a court official and so did not take effect. Defense lawyers and prosecutors clashed in court in July when discussing what the agreement did and did not provide immunity for after being questioned by the judge. On Wednesday, prosecutors dropped a gun count that was part of the collapsed deal. The count alleged Hunter broke a law against possessing a gun while using drugs. He now faces a three-count indictment based on gun possession and making alleged false statements. Denver's liberal government has asked officials at border towns to distribute fliers telling asylum seekers to stay away from the Colorado capital, after 21,000 new migrants arrived this year. Like various liberal cities like Chicago and NYC, the Mile High city has been struggling with migrants being bused north by conservative governors trying to make a point about what they say are open-border Democratic policies. The city currently has about 2,510 migrants staying in temporary shelters and has spent about $26 million on the crisis. Matthew Mueller, the executive director for the Office of Emergency Management, has asked officials in Brownsville, El Paso, Houston, and Dallas to let migrants know Denver 'can no longer provide the same level of sheltering resources to newly arriving persons.' The fliers include messages such as: 'Denver's resources have been exhausted,' 'the city cannot provide shelter long-term' and 'housing in Denver is very expensive and there aren't many affordable housing options available.' Denver follows the move of fellow sanctuary city New York, which has also sent fliers to the border warning migrants that they will not be given free housing in the Big Apple - and telling them to go somewhere more affordable, as the sanctuary city has been overwhelmed by 116,000 new arrivals in just 18 months. Denver's liberal government has asked officials at border towns to distribute fliers telling asylum seekers to stay away, after 21,000 new migrants arrived this year The fliers include messages such as: 'Denver's resources have been exhausted' Migrants heading north line up to take a boat in Bajo Chiquito in the Darien province of Panama, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, after walking across the Darien Gap from Colombia Back in January, mayor Eric Adams accused Colorado's Democrat governor Jared Polis of launching an 'unfair' plan to send an influx of migrants to the Big Apple. According to The Colorado Sun, more than 18,400 migrants have come to Denver since Christmas., 2022 - and 6,739 of them were bused to other cities like Chicago and New York. In its attempt to mitigate the crisis, Denver's local government announced last week plans to limit the length of time individual migrants can stay in temporary shelters, while extending the time limit for families. The city has also asked for assistance from the Colorado National Guard, but because there is no state of emergency declared, state officials sent civilian employees instead, as reported by The Denver Post. 'Over the past week the daily average of new arrivals is nearly 300,' city officials said this week, 'These unprecedented numbers are up sharply from even mid-September, when the daily average of newcomers to Denver was 125 and the shelter population was 1,200.' Liberal cities like Denver have been making U-turns when it comes to their acceptance of new migrants. Denver's local government announced last week plans to limit the length of time individual migrants can stay in temporary shelters, while extending the time limit for families The city has also asked for assistance from the Colorado National Guard The city currently has about 2,510 migrants staying in temporary shelters and has spent about $26 million on the crisis New York City Mayor Eric Adams traveled to Mexico this week to discourage asylum seekers from traveling to the city because it is 'at capacity.' On Tuesday, the desperate mayor also pleaded with a judge to end the city's longstanding 'right to shelter' law, asking that it be void in a state of emergency. The city has been moving to suspend the policy for months under the surge of migrants, arguing the requirement was never intended to be applied to a humanitarian crisis such as the latest influx. Adams plea and his trip to Mexico to discourage migrants shows a stunning reversal to the start of the crisis when he went to the Port Authority to welcome a bus full of asylum seekers sent from Texas by Republican governor Gregg Abbot. At the time Abbot argued progressive cities should also bear the costs of the influx of asylum seekers crossing the southern border. Chicago has received over 8,000 migrants since August, and the city's leaders have warned of a humanitarian crisis unfolding, with officials saying daily arrivals in the Windy City have increased tenfold over the last weeks. Asylum seekers have been sleeping in airports and police stations as the sanctuary city's shelters are out of room. Governor JB Pritzker and mayor Brandon Johnson wrote a letter to president Biden saying the situation has overwhelmed the city an its ability to help the asylum seekers. They are asking the federal government for financial aid and to waive fees for migrants' work authorization. 'Double the number of Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Chicago. The difference is that those Ukrainian refugees have federal dollars to follow them. We are not seeing that with Venezuelan refugees,' said 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez Rosa, according to ABC7. Border crossings continue to increase - preliminary data obtained by found Border Patrol agents last month recorded an estimated 210,000 apprehensions September's apprehension tally is the highest since Dec 2022 when 222,000 migrants were apprehended Like New Yorkers, Chicago residents have opposed turning landmarks into emergency shelters, with some even asking city officials to close the city's borders as mayor Johnson quietly signed a $29million contract with a security firm to build migrant base camps. Liberal elite hub Martha's Vineyard, one of the sanctuary cities chosen by conservative governors to bus migrants to, also said has said it has no room for asylum seekers in the billionaire enclave. Last year, director of homelessness Lisa Belcastro claimed 50 migrants flown in by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would have to go elsewhere. The asylum seekers were put on a bus by liberal Governor Charlie Baker, and given a police escort to Joint Base in Cape Cod 32 miles away from Martha's Vineyard. El Paso's democrat mayor Oscar Leeser has also sent thousands to sanctuary cities last year, with Adams asking him to stop. And this week the Biden administration backtracked on its rejection of a border wall, In a shock announcement on Wednesday night, the Department of Homeland Security said it's waiving 26 federal laws to start constructing a new 'physical barrier' that was started under Donald Trump. The Biden White House has consistently slammed Trump's tough migration policy and even cancelled the wall construction when Biden took office. Meanwhile border crossings continue to increase - preliminary data obtained by found Border Patrol agents last month recorded an estimated 210,000 apprehensions - the third highest number on record. September's apprehension tally is the highest since Dec 2022 when 222,000 migrants were apprehended, the second-highest monthly figure on record. The 2023 fiscal year, which concludes at the end of September, saw two million illegal migrants intercepted crossing the border, according to data seen by CBS News. That is the second highest annual figure on record. Like any proud father, Oleg Bychko beams into the camera while holding his young son as the pair take a selfie. But he will never see that little boy become a man. A few short years later, the young boy, still only ten years old, would be pulled out from the rubble of their destroyed home in Kharkiv - killed by Vladimir Putin. Oleg, his face etched with grief, stood transfixed as he watched silent rescuers place Tymofiy's small frame into the large black body bag this morning, knowing that he will never hear his son's laugh or see his infectious smile again. Tymofiy, still wearing his Spider-Man pyjamas from the night before, was killed after two Russian Iskander ballistic missiles struck his home in the early hours of this morning. His 68-year-old grandmother was also killed in the strike. MailOnline has chosen to run this picture of Tymofiy's body to show the reality of Vladimir Putin's war and the horrors his troops are inflicting on innocent civilians. Oleg, his face scratched and his clothes covered in blood, said he had managed to pull his younger son and wife from the rubble after the devastating strike destroyed their residential building - but he couldn't reach Tymofiy. Another 30 people, including an 11-month-old baby, were injured in the barbaric attack, which left a crater in the street just metres away from the apartment building. In his family photos, Tymofiy would often smile cheekily and wave at the camera or stick his tongue out while being held tightly by his father on day trips out. Family photos show a ten-year-old boy smiling broadly with his father - but he will never see his son grow up after the small child was killed by Vladimir Putin's missiles in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv today Tymofiy would often smile cheekily and wave at the camera or stick his tongue out while being held tightly by his father Oleg Bychko (pictured together) on family trips out Tymofiy, still wearing his Spiderman pyjamas from the night before, was carefully pulled from the rubble by emergency crews after two Iskander ballistic missiles struck his home. MailOnline has chosen to run this picture of the Tymofiy's body to show the reality of Vladimir Putin's war and the horrors his troops are inflicting on innocent civilians The little boy's father, Oleg Bychko, his face etched with grief, stood transfixed as he watched the silent rescuers place his son's small frame into the large black body bag But there will be no more family photographs with Tymofiy in them and his heartbroken parents will never see their little boy grow up. The barbaric attack came just one day after 51 people perished in one of the most lethal missile strikes on Ukraine since Putin invaded on February 24, 2022. That attack targeted a cafe in the village of Groza, where around 60 mourners, including children, had gathered for a wake of a fallen Ukrainian soldier. Just 330 people were recorded living in the village prior to the strike, meaning the Russian rocket attack effectively wiped out around a sixth of the population. While the devastation unfolded in Ukraine, Putin boasted of Russia's nuclear power at a meeting in Sochi. He announced his military scientists had completed work on the Sarmat 2 - or 'Satan' - intercontinental ballistic missile and threatened to pull out of the nuclear test ban treaty. Following today's attack, rescue workers worked among the rubble of bricks, twisted metal and wood, to retrieve the body of little Tymofiy as his grief-stricken father stood in horror at the devastation. The explosion ripped through the residential building, with debris and rubble littering the street below. Surrounding buildings were blackened by the blast, which shattered windows and damaged parked cars. Yevhen Shevchenko, a resident of a nearby nine-story building, said he was in bed when the attack occurred. 'There was a blast wave, a powerful explosion. It blew out the windows and doors in the apartment,' he said. Family photographs show Tymofiy smiling with his parents Oleg Bychko looks at a residential building damaged by a Russian missile strike, where rescues recover from debris the body of his 10-year-old son Tymofii A woman breaks down in tears after the Russian rocket attack struck the residential building in Kharkiv Emergency workers search for victims after a Russian rocket hit an apartment building in central Kharkiv on Friday Smoke rises from the ruins of a multi-storey building after a devastating Russian missile strike in the early hours of this morning Pictured: The destroyed apartment building where 10-year-old boy Tymofii Bychko was killed by a Russian missile strike on Friday Injured local residents look in horror at the destroyed apartment building that was descimated by Russian missiles Rescuers work at the site of a rocket attack on Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, on Friday A rescuer moves a fragment of a missile from a crater after Russia launched a missile strike on residential buildings in Kharkiv on Friday Destroyed cars stand amid debris in the central residential district hit by Russian Iskander missile on Friday in Kharkiv Rescuers conduct search and rescue operation in the central residential district hit by Russian Iskander missile in Kharkiv Another 23 people, including an 11-month-old baby, were injured in the barbaric attack, which left a crater in the street just metres away from the apartment building An injured man stands in front of a building destroyed in a Russian rocket attack, in central Kharkiv on Friday A couple hold each other after the Russian rocket attack struck Kharkiv on Friday Rescuers sift through the wreckage in the city of Kharkiv, with a ten-year-old boy killed in the devastating attack In yesterday's rocket attack, a crowded cafe and grocery store in the village of Hroza in the Kupyansk district of Kharkiv was decimated. Devastating pictures of the aftermath of yesterday's strike saw blackened and dismembered bodies spread out on the ground opposite the ruins of the cafe. Police and soldiers loaded white body bags onto trucks that would take them to Kharkiv for DNA testing. 'My son was just found without a head, without arms, without legs, without anything. They recognised him from his documents,' Volodymyr Mukhovaty, 70, told reporters. His wife and daughter-in-law were also at the wake and he had 'little hope' of finding them alive. 'I lived with my wife for 48 years,' he said. 'I will not last long alone.' A six-year-old child was also among the victims. The soldier whose wake it was had been killed a month after Russia invaded. He had been buried in the southern city of Dnipro - away from his home village, then under Russian occupation. He was reburied in Groza on Thursday morning. His wife and son, also a soldier, were both killed in the strike. Mr Klymenko said initial evidence showed an Iskander missile had been used. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was attending a European summit in Spain at the time, said he had no doubt that the strike had been deliberate. 'The Russian military could not fail to know where they were hitting,' he said. 'It was not a blind strike.' 'The brutal Russian crime of hitting an ordinary grocery store with a rocket is a completely deliberate terrorist attack,' Zelensky added. Russian authorities have repeatedly insisted that their forces are only targeting strategic military locations and are not waging war on the civilian population of Ukraine. But the reality of Putin's war is different. The world has watched in horror as Putin's soldiers have dropped missiles on grocery stores, railway stations and hospitals throughout the 18 months of this full-scale war that has seen thousands killed. Large swathes of the Kharkiv region, including Groza, were captured by Russian forces in the early days of the invasion last year. Ukrainian forces recaptured much of the border territory during a lightning offensive late last year, but the area has continued to come under regular shelling. A woman collapses with grief as she kneels next to the bodies of Ukrainian civilians killed in the Russian strike on the grocery store on Thursday Servicemen load one of the bodies onto a truck following the attack in Groza, which was the single most lethal missile strike on Ukraine Rescuers search through the ruins of a cafe yesterday after the devastating strike which also killed a six-year-old child Just 330 people were recorded living in the village of Groza prior to the strike, meaning the Russian rocket attack effectively wiped out around a sixth of the population President Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said the Groza attack had 'no military logic'. 'This is a reminder to anyone who is willing to smile and shake hands with war criminal Putin at international conferences,' he said. He added: 'This is a reminder to anyone who is willing to smile and shake hands with war criminal Putin at international conferences. 'A reminder to all those who want to sell something to Russia and return to bloody business as usual,' he said, adding: 'Putin's Russia is a true evil'. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the 'horrifying' strike, saying 'this is why we're doing everything that we can to help Ukraine'. Denise Brown, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, also called the attack 'absolutely horrifying' and said that 'intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects is a war crime'. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who had met with Zelensky at the European Summit, said the strike 'demonstrated the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to'. It came as Putin warned his 'Satan 2' intercontinental ballistic missile, pictured during testing, were ready for deployment He threatened the West with total nuclear destruction leaving 'no chance of survival' in the event of a strike on Russia Hours after the attack, Moscow said it had destroyed eight Ukrainian drones in western Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions, but made no mention of any casualties. Russia continued its attacks overnight elsewhere in Ukraine, targeting port infrastructure in the southern Izmail district, on the Danube river near the Romanian border. Ukraine's air force said it had downed 25 Russian attack drones in six regions, including Odesa, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Dnipro, but added that eight more slipped through and hit their targets. Meanwhile in Sochi, the Russian president delivered a venomous speech at the Valdai Discussion Club, denouncing 'threats' from the West and vowing there would be 'no chance of survival' in the event of a strike on Russia. In an anti-US rant, the dictator said his powerful 'Satan-2' missiles are ready for deployment in an ominous doomsday warning. Putin told the conference: 'From the moment the launch of missiles is detected, no matter where it comes from - from any point of the world ocean or from any territory - such a number, so many hundreds of our missiles appear in the air in a retaliatory strike that there is no chance of survival there will be no single enemy left, and in several directions at once.' The West has not threatened a first strike on Moscow and it is only his officials and an army of propagandists who have talked up the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict. Putin asked the West to understand that threats against Russia are 'absolutely unacceptable for any potential aggressor'. He said Russia had almost completed work on its nuclear-capable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system and successfully tested the nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable Burevestnik strategic cruise missile. Russia has not conducted a test involving a nuclear explosion since 1990, the year before the collapse of the Soviet Union, but Putin declined to rule out the possibility it could resume such testing. He argued that the leaders of the West had lost 'a sense of reality' because of what he cast as Washington's 'colonial thinking', and questioned what right the United States had to lecture any other country and argued that the nation considered itself the only arbiter of truth on the planet. The Russian leader added that the conflict in Ukraine was 'not a territorial' one and that Moscow has 'no interests from the point of view of conquering some territories'. He claimed that Ukraine has lost more than 90,000 troops since the start of its counter-offensive in early June and also said that Kyiv has lost 557 tanks and around 1,900 armoured vehicles. An American tourist arrested in Israel for smashing two ancient Roman statues was suffering from a religious delusion, his lawyer has claimed. The man, identified as Stephen Edward Porth, 40, was held by police after his $200,000 wrecking rampage in the museum after it's claimed he experienced a condition known as Jerusalem Syndrome in which visitors to the city fall into a religious psychosis. He was held for intentionally damaging the statues which were of the Roman goddess Athena and a griffin and dated from the 2nd Century BC. His lawyer Nick Kaufman stressed police claims his client destroyed the artefacts because he believed them to be 'blasphemous' were incorrect and that instead he had been 'overcome with emotion.' He told MailOnline: 'The suspect did not act out of iconoclastic fanaticism. His acts prior to the incident and general demeanor suggest that he is suffering from a well-recognized condition known as the Jerusalem Syndrome. Images released by authorities showed the sculptures that had been removed from their pedestals and lying on the floor, one with a severed head One of the statues broken into several pieces at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem 'With his agreement and that of the police, he was referred for psychiatric evaluation with the expectation that he will be released from pre-trial detention on Monday.' At a court hearing it emerged Porth was originally from Kansas where his parents live but is now a 'citizen of California'. Jerusalem syndrome is the name given to religiously-themed delusions or psychosis triggered by a visit to Jerusalem. The condition can affect visitors who have shown no signs of mental illness previously, and usually resolves upon departure from Israel. Each year, several dozen tourists are reported to experience Jerusalem-themed mental problems. It is similar to Stendhal Syndrome, which is said to affect tourists when they visit Florence and are left overwhelmed by the magnificent Renaissance artwork on display. It involves suffers experiencing rapid heart beating, fainting, confusion and even hallucinations. The name comes from French author Marie-Henri Beyle who used the pseudonym Stendhal and who wrote about experiencing the syndrome while visiting Florence in 1817 where he was 'overcome with profound emotion' as he viewed the wealth stupendous art and historical churches. The museum said that the only two artifacts destroyed were 'ancient Roman statues dating to the 2nd century CE' housed in the archaeology wing. Images released by authorities showed the sculptures that had been removed from their pedestals lying on the floor, one with a severed head and the other broken into several pieces. Security forces detained the suspect in the museum before the police arrived after he was seen damaging the statues, which police said have 'sentimental' value. The museum said only that the two artifacts destroyed were 'ancient Roman statues dating to the 2nd century CE' housed in the archaeology wing (Stock Image) Police shared footage of the broken sculptures lying on the floor of the museum. The museum provided a photograph of a stick they said the suspect was holding in the building that may have been used in the incident, The Times of Israel reports. The suspect was questioned by police, who intend to request for a judge to deny bail. The initial assessment is that the man damaged the statues because he believes they are 'against the Torah,' according to a police statement. Torah, in Judaism, in the broadest sense, is the substance of divine revelation to Israel, the Jewish people - God's revealed teaching or guidance for humankind. The statues were transferred to the museum's conservation lab for professional restoration, the police statement added. Eli Escusido, head of Israel Antiquities Authority said: 'One statue is a marble depiction of the goddess Athena that was found in excavations at Beit She'an in the 1960s. The second was of the mythological creature Griffin, who was the symbol of divinity in the Roman pagan era and found in the Negev.' 'This is a shocking case of destruction of cultural heritage. We view with great concern the fact that religious extremists take such action,' he said. The museum said the attack was 'worrying' and 'severe,' but noted that it would not affect its operations or opening hours. 'This is an unusual incident,' the museum said in a statement. 'We condemn all forms of violence and hope such events do not happen again.' Police said the investigation is ongoing. The suspect was set to be brought in front of the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Thursday to extend his arrest. The Israel Museum is the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel and is ranked among the world's leading art and archaeology museums. It boasts the most extensive holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeology in the world. Sukkot, a Jewish autumn festival of double thanksgiving starting in September or October, is a popular time for tourists to travel to Israel, especially North Americans. In February, an American tourist was arrested for vandalizing a statue inside the Church of the Flagellation in Jerusalem's Old City. The suspect, in his forties, damaged a statue of Jesus in the Church of the Condemnation on the historic Via Dolorosa, a processional route believed to be the path Jesus took to his crucifixion. A TV chef who was Gordon Ramsay's best man has been pictured out in public for the first time since leaving his wife for a woman nearly 25 years his junior. Stephen Terry, 56, announced the closure of his exclusive restaurant, The Hardwick, in Abergavenny earlier this week. Shocked locals in the market town assumed its abrupt failure was due to a fraudster couple who stole almost 200,000 from the business to finance a luxury lifestyle. But insiders say that the lovestruck chef has been 'distracted' from the business in recent months after falling for a wine shop assistant. Now the father-of-three has been spotted cosying up to his new lover Jo Browning, 32, who has an eight-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. Friends of Mr Terry's 54-year-old wife, also called Jo, say she is 'devastated' by the split. Father-of-three Stephen Terry has been spotted cosying up to his new lover Jo Browning, 32, who has an eight-year-old daughter from a previous marriage A friend said Mr Terry was now living with Ms Browning (pictured) who works for local wine supplier Chesters TV chef Stephen Terry (left), who was Gordon Ramsay's (right) best man, has left his wife for a woman nearly 25 years his junior Friends of Terry's wife Jo (left) say she is 'devastated' by the split His new lover Jo Browning, 32, has an eight-year-old daughter from a previous marriage Her father Derry Nicklin, 83, was a major investor in her husband's restaurant when he launched it 18 years ago. Mr Terry, who represented Wales on the BBC's Great British Menu, announced The Hardwick was shutting down days ago but made no mention of the matrimonial difficulties that may lie behind the sudden closure. A friend of the couple said: 'His wife and family are absolutely devastated by Stephen's behaviour. 'He has been having an affair behind Jo's back and she is heartbroken. 'It has been a dreadful time for her and their children.' The friend said Mr Terry was now living with Ms Browning, who works for local wine supplier Chesters. The friend added: 'So many lives have been turned upside down. They were married for nearly 20 years and Jo's dad invested the money to get The Hardwick started.' Meanwhile Mr Terry said 'everything is golden' with his new lover Jo. He said the pair fell in love earlier this year and are now planning a life together. Although they are living in a modest, rented house in Abergavenny, he said they are hoping to open a wine bar offering meals 'in the very near future', possibly in Bristol or Bath. The chef said he felt 'desperately sorry' for the heartache his new relationship had caused his wife and their three children. He added: 'I feel their pain. It came as a shock to them and they are very upset.' Mr Terry said: 'I met someone - Jo, or Franks as I call her - and she turned my head' Ms Browning is nearly 25 years younger than her new partner and has the same first name as his wife Mr Terry said 'everything is golden' with his new lover . Pictured: Mr Terry and his wife 'I love my wife, but after 20 years I think we just grew apart. It happens. 'I've been working hard in a kitchen all my life and this is the first time this has happened. I've always been very conscientious, committed to my job and career. I put so much into my work and career that really that was all I did. 'Then I met someone - Jo or Franks as I call her - and she turned my head. 'We are good. Everything is golden. I didn't anticipate the pain and upset it would cause. I feel terrible for that. My wife never saw this coming - neither did I. It's been hard for our friends and family and I am desperately sorry for that.' He said he was 'extremely proud' of the way his three children have dealt with the marriage split. Their two daughters have recently started university, he said. 'They are settling in and I'm so proud of them. Our son, who is 14, is also coping well, but he understandably finds it more difficult.' He said the affair had not triggered the closure of The Hardwick. 'I'll tell you what caused that - Brexit, Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis. 'Outside London, and especially in a relatively small town like Abergavenny, very few people can afford to eat out nowadays because they have precious little spare money. People are simply not going out any more, and in the hospitality industry, margins are incredibly tight. We just couldn't survive. 'As for Brexit, it has ruined the business because of staff recruitment issues. Things got so bad that in the end, I had to make my sous chef my front of house manager and do his job in the kitchen as well as my own. The house where chef Stephen Terry and Jo Browning live in Abergavenny, Wales Mr Terry said he had not discussed his split or new love with his superstar chef friend, Gordon Ramsay, for whom he was best man 'And then of course, we were taken for 150,000 in the space of two years - that was a kick in the b******s I never saw coming.' Mr Terry said he had not discussed his split or new love with his superstar chef friend, Gordon Ramsay, for whom he was best man. 'We are great friends and we had a lot of fantastic experiences together, but our lives are so different,' he said. 'Gordon is the world's most famous chef so he is tremendously busy. I saw him last year for the first time in maybe ten years and we had a great time.' Earlier this year, it emerged that the restaurant's financial administrator and mum-of-five Nicola Nightingale, 48, stole 150,000 from the restaurant while transferring another 46,000 into her 50-year-old husband Simon's bank account. The couple used the stolen cash to splash out on luxury holidays to Disneyland in Paris, Disneyworld in Florida, and for anniversary stays in Morocco. Mr Terry posted a photo announcing the closure reading : 'The final "Family" last breakfast supper. Thank you to all our staff and customers from the last 18 years. It's been emotional. Onwards and upwards.' Mr Terry trained under Marco Pierre White at Harveys and became best friends with Gordon Ramsay when they worked together. The Hardwick won multiple awards including a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide, being named the best restaurant in Wales in consecutive years and named the 19th best gastropub in the coveted Estrella Damm 50 Best Gastropubs list in 2020. Stephen Terry, who has left his wife for another woman, is pictured with James Martin The house where Mr Terry and Jo Browning are living together in Abergavenny Stephen ran the restaurant with his wife after her family helped fund the purchase. They added plush rooms to the restaurant - but he always steered away from seeking a Michelin star because he didn't want to sound 'posh and expensive'. He beat Angela Hartnett in the Great British Menu in 2008. Cardiff Crown Court heard Mr Terry trusted Nightingale to run the finances before she roped her husband into her fraud. The alarm was raised when suspicious Mr Terry saw money was missing and discovered two 40,000 loans had been taken out in his name along with a 10,000 shortfall in the pension pot. Prosecutor Tom Roberts said Nightingale 'generated fake invoices from fictitious suppliers' after she was employed at the country inn. The court heard she began working at the restaurant in February 2018 before she started to pay herself inflated wages and create bogus invoices. Mr Roberts said: 'She gave the impression that the business was running smoothly but she had in fact run it into significant debt.' The total money stolen from the restaurant was 150,234.63 between February 2018 and February 2020. Nightingale, of Deal, Kent, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. Her husband was found guilty of acquiring criminal property after a trial. The couple were handed two year sentences suspended for two years at Cardiff Crown Court in May this year. A Proceeds of Crime hearing has now been told a 'thorough' examination of their finances revealed no releasable assets. Judge Shomon Khan handed out 1 confiscation orders to be made for Mr and Mrs Nightingale. He said: 'There has been a lot of interest in his case but there has been a thorough investigation and that's where we are in terms of the recoverable amount and this is as far as the courts can take it.' After their sentence, Mr Terry said it was an 'absolute joke' that the couple walked free after defrauding his restaurant. He said: 'I am disappointed there was no custodial sentence for what they have put myself through. For someone to come and do that I think she practically got away with it. 'They had a holiday we could have only dreamed of and all of a sudden you find out you're paying for it. For them to result in getting a suspended sentence is a travesty. 'What kind of message does that sent out? It's a joke, an absolute joke.' A source close to Mr Terry said the amount of money lost to the business when it was swindled by the Nightingales was partly to blame for The Hardwick's demise. But diners who have bought 100 vouchers to dine there in recent days, or booked rooms, today began bombarding the restaurant and demanding to know whether they will receive refunds. The source said: 'It's been a tough time to run a restaurant and there are numerous issues affecting the business, but without losing so much money it could have just about scraped by.' The Hardwick said it will be 'calling future bookings and reservations ASAP'. Jo Terry told MailOnline: 'I don't want to comment, my priority is the children and I just want to protect them at this difficult time.' Russia may have lost yet another warplane in a friendly fire incident today after military bloggers reported that an Su-35 fighter jet was blasted out of the sky over Donetsk. A clip circulating on the Telegram messaging app shows what is believed to be the wreckage of the stricken plane burning in a field near Mariupol, with a thick trail of black smoke rising from the crash site. The pilot ejected successfully and was in touch with his controllers, according to unconfirmed reports. If confirmed, the incident would represent the second time in a week that Vladimir Putin's forces have shot down their own warplane - something Russian pro-war channels strongly criticised as another instance of military incompetence. Suspected crash of Russian Su-35 'downed by friendly fire' near Mariupol in occupied Ukraine Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters perform a flight during the Aviadarts competition, as part of the International Army Games 2021, at the Dubrovichi range outside Ryazan, Russia August 27, 2021 Last week a Russian S-300 air defence system downed one of its own aircraft, killing the pilot Military Informant Telegram channel said: 'Another aircraft was lost from friendly air defence fire. 'Thank God, this time the pilot survived.' The level of communication with Russian planes and air defences was 'rock bottom', complained the channel. Another channel Flightbomber said: 'At this rate of our valiant air defence, we will soon be without aircraft.' It is believed to be the fifth time a Russian military plane was shot down by friendly fire during the war. On September 29, an 82 million Su-35 was downed by a Russian S-300 air defence system over Tokmak in the Zaporizhzhia region. In that incident, the pilot was reportedly killed. The Su-35 is a supermanoeuvrable, multirole fighter jet that is highly capable in dogfights with other enemy aircraft,as well as destroying targets on the ground and at sea Russian aviation Z-blogger Fighterbomber published a photo of an Su-35 with the message: 'Eternal flight, brother.' Ukrainian Telegram channel Crimean Wind appeared to confirm this as well with a jubilant post that read: 'Russian air defence vs Russian Su-35 1:0. 'Russian soldiers used an S-300 missile to shoot down their own plane near Tokmak. 'Work, brothers! Do not stop!' Russia has lost approximately 90 planes since the start of the war against Ukraine, said an assessment by the British MoD ahead of the latest incident. The 'viability' of the Russian Aerospace Forces' (VKS) long-term tactical air power is likely to degrade as the war goes on, said the MoD. 'The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have lost approximately 90 fixed-wing aircraft in combat since February 2022,' said the assessment. 'It has also been flying some of its combat aircraft types far more intensively than in peace time.' She was made to be the 'poster girl' for the firearms unit, a tribunal heard A senior female firearms officer has won a sex discrimination and harassment case after being stripped down to her underwear during a police training course. Detective Inspector Rebecca Kalam was told 'just because you have t**s does not mean you cannot do a press up', and forced to pose for a photoshoot when five months pregnant, an employment tribunal heard. She was also made to be the 'poster girl' for the West Midlands Police firearms unit she worked at and told she would not pass the training course 'if she did not agree to it'. The whistleblower claimed last month that close protection officers for Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot by the Taliban, referred to her as 'Tikka Masala'. DI Kalam - who was one of only seven women in a unit with 250 men - complained about a 'toxic and discriminatory' culture in her unit. Senior female firearms officer Detective Inspector Rebecca Kalam (pictured) has won a sex discrimination and harassment case after being stripped down to her underwear during a police training course Detective Inspector Rebecca Kalam was told 'just because you have t**s does not mean you cannot do a press up', and forced to pose for a photoshoot when five months pregnant, an employment tribunal heard The 40-year-old said she had been left feeling 'extremely uncomfortable' by her male colleagues who also drew male genitalia on notice boards around the station. West Midlands Police has admitted discrimination and sexual harassment after Mrs Kalam made dozens of allegations. In a judgement published today (FRI) the force was found liable for her claims of sex discrimination and harassment. The tribunal, held in Birmingham, heard Mrs Kalam joined the firearms unit in 2012 and was regularly subjected to sexist and derogatory language. In March 2012 she was required to act as a 'stooge' in a mock training exercise, had her clothes cut off and was 'stripped down to her underwear' so first aid could be given. The tribunal heard the scenario was based on a bullet hole on the top of the left breast which officers would then have to treat - which left her feeling 'extremely uncomfortable'. Later that month, while doing press ups, a male trainer pushed her neck down with his foot and said 'just because you have t**s does not mean you cannot do a press up'. In a number of other incidents, the tribunal heard Mrs Kalam wasn't given an easy trigger hand-gun like male officers, was required to pose for a photoshoot while five months pregnant and put up with hand drawn male genitalia images on notice boards around the station. She complained that women were forced to use body armour and firearms kit designed for men, and was even told to wear a compression bra to fit into the armour. In December 2020 Mrs Kalam wasn't allowed to attend assessment days for aspiring firearm officers before delaying her transfer to her new role at the Criminal Investigation Department in January 2021. Employment Judge Christopher Camp ruled West Midlands Police were guilty of sex discrimination by not ordering PPE including body armour specifically for her - 'irrespective of when male body armour was being ordered'. He said the force had harassed her related to her sex by making her the 'poster girl' and ensuring she acted as the 'stooge' in the exercise where she was stripped to her underwear. Close protection officers for Malala Yousafzai (pictured), the Pakistani schoolgirl shot by the Taliban , referred to her as 'Tikka Masala', DI Kalam claimed last month The tribunal found Mrs Kamal had been victimised by not allowing to attend assessment days and by delaying her transfer to a different unit. As part of today's judgement, EJ Camp ordered that Mrs Kamal receive 3,000 in compensation 'in respect of pain, suffering and loss of amenity for her claim for physical injury'. It was reported in September that DI Kalam said she overheard some of the human rights activist Malala Yousafzai's protection officers refer to her 'on a couple of occasions as tikka masala'. The allegation was among a string of claims of racism, misogyny and toxic behaviour in the force made by Ms Kalam, who has just won an employment case against West Midlands Police. Ms Kalam told Channel 4 News the force is at risk of 'another David Carrick or Wayne Couzens'. Hate mail that patriotic Brits sent to the hated Kaiser Wilhem II during the First World War has been discovered a century later. Despite being the grandson of Queen Victoria, the German king was public enemy number one while Britain and Germany were at war. It was the chance for Brits to vent their frustrations at the great foe during the hardship of the conflict. He received a torrent of abusive and derogatory letters and postcards by the British public who called him 'the clown prince' and 'king of the baby killers'. One person sent the Kaiser his happy returns but added that 'may you never live to see this card'. Thirty postcards and letters sent during the First World War to Kaiser Wilhem II have been discovered a century later Despite being the grandson of Queen Victoria, the German monarch was the subject of a torrent of abuse Frustrated Brits sent a barrage of letters dubbing Wilhem the 'clown prince' and the 'king of the baby killers' One letter addressed to the Kaiser told him that he 'may you never live to see this card' Other postcards included powerful cartoons, including a picture of a boy on a cannon along with the British flag above him, captioned with the words 'who's afraid?' Another addressed his postcard to 'Kaiser Bill and the Clown Prince', and put down the destination as 'king of the baby killers headquarters Berlin'. A passionate Brit told the Kaiser his 'blasphemy and lying' would not fool the German people for much longer and they would soon turn on him. Another wrote: 'I shall be only too happy to send you a few shrapnel shells to make things a bit lively for you.' Some of the postcards had powerful cartoons on them, including one of a young boy on top of a cannon with the British flag above him and the words 'who's afraid'. The collection of about 30 postcards and letters has emerged for sale at C&T Auctions, of Ashford, Kent. The auctioneers believe the material may have been sent to a mail sorting office and a postal worker took them home as they found them amusing. It then passed into the hands of a Sussex museum before being acquired by the vendor, a British private collector. The collection of letters and postcards was discovered after they were put on sale at an auction in Ashford, Kent Auctioneers believe that the letters may have been taken home by a mail sorting office worker who found them amusing Letters to the German king are often addressed to his propaganda name of Kaiser Bill Matthew Tredwen, specialist at C&T Auctions, said: 'The postcards and letters are often addressed to his propaganda name of Kaiser Bill and some to the Emperor of Germany. 'They are of a derogatory nature or mocking him, providing an interesting insight into the expected bad feeling between the British public and the leader of the German Empire at the time. 'The most likely theory is that these were sent to a mail sorting office and someone working there kept hold of them.' The sale of the collection, which is valued at 250, takes place on October 11. ends Dozens of councils, universities, police forces and fire services have developed 'male menopause' policies, a Mail audit can reveal. In what critics described as a 'further erosion of women's rights', a string of public bodies have drawn up 'woke' protocols that insist 'men may also experience menopause symptoms'. Many recommend offering special treatment to help middle-aged men cope with everything from poor sleep to mood swings. Guidelines issued to managers include letting sufferers work from home or start late, with employers warned that the effects from falling testosterone levels can last 'for up to 20 years'. The Mail's audit found widespread inclusion of men in menopause guidelines for public employers even though the male menopause is not a clinically recognised condition. Recommendations include letting firefighters swap shifts or 'work from home on an ad hoc basis if they've had a rough night'. East Midlands Ambulance Service is reportedly allowing men to take up to a year's paid leave if they are ill Police forces in the UK and Ireland are being encouraged to adopt 'agile and flexible' working practices to 'help, support, and guide all officers' dealing with menopause, regardless of gender. Meanwhile, several councils and numerous universities have adopted their own male menopause policies, which critics say are leaving women fighting for 'ownership of something which is biologically female'. READ MORE: Health chiefs issue guidance stating men can receive 12 months of sick pay for menopausal-like symptoms Advertisement Caroline Ffiske, from campaign group Conservatives For Women, said the wokery undid 'years of fighting for menopause recognition'. She said: 'It's absolutely ludicrous to take the female menopause and extend that concept to men. 'Women can't have anything of their own. They can't have their own spaces, they can't have their own words and now they can't even have their own recognition of their bodily differences. 'It's absurd and insulting to women that we now have to fight for our illnesses and conditions and further erosion of women's rights.' The male menopause, which is sometimes referred to as the 'andropause', is said to be marked by a gradual change in testosterone levels. As with women, the term is used to describe the period in an adult man's life when his hormone levels fall, potentially causing symptoms including erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety and rapid fat gain. But there is considerable debate within the medical community about whether it should be recognised as a condition. The NHS website brands the term male menopause 'unhelpful', stating: 'This label is misleading because it suggests the symptoms are the result of a sudden drop in testosterone in middle age, similar to what occurs in the female menopause. This is not true.' Leicestershire County Council recommends that bosses allow for flexible working, suggesting alternative shift patterns, temporary adjustment to start times and working from home This has not stopped several NHS trusts putting menopause policies in place, while East Midlands Ambulance Service is reportedly allowing men to take up to a year's paid leave if they are ill. An audit of public sector menopause policies found that at least eight councils, four universities, four police forces and one fire service include guidance on the 'male menopause'. There is no legal obligation for organisations to publish menopause policies, so this is likely to be only the tip of the iceberg. Leicestershire County Council recommends that bosses allow for flexible working, suggesting alternative shift patterns, temporary adjustment to start times and working from home to 'help both female and male employees to manage their symptoms'. Senior staff at Walsall Council have been told men can suffer with irritability, depression, loss of muscle mass, reduced ability to exercise, insomnia or increased tiredness, poor concentration and short-term memory, lack of libido and erectile dysfunction. 'In order to support all employees/workers with their health and wellbeing and ensure attendance and productivity at work is maintained; the principles of encouraging open communication, a supportive work environment, access to support mechanisms and where applicable reasonable adjustments, should still apply to all,' its policy states. Managers should also 'consider if working from home is an option'. Cardiff Council's guidelines on the menopause and the workplace acknowledge that menopause has a specific meaning for women but adds that 'men may also experience similar symptoms' in their late 40s and early 50s. Similar policies are in place at every level of local government, with East Hampshire District Council, Tendring District Council in Essex, Havant Borough Council in Hampshire, Peterlee Town Council in County Durham and Bollington Town Council in Cheshire among those to have 'inclusive' guidance. The Local Government Association said each council was a separate employer and set its own workforce policies. Among police forces, Wiltshire Police acknowledges men 'do not go through the same menopause process in the strictly medical sense' but says 'they can suffer through a process sometimes referred to as the 'male menopause'. Garda Siochana, the national police force of Ireland, includes male menopause in its guidelines, with 'blended working' among considerations for bosses, while Essex Police has a Menopause and Andropause Support Group. Universities including Glasgow, Surrey and Kent each have men mentioned in their menopause policies, with Warwick stating its aim of 'creating an inclusive and supportive working environment for those employees experiencing menopausal and andropause symptoms'. Women's rights campaigner Elaine Miller said the menopause was a proven biological process, while the 'andropause' is 'effectively made up'. She said women had battled for decades to get recognition for menopause in the workplace and 'now men are trying to hijack it'. Universities including Glasgow, Surrey and Kent each have men mentioned in their menopause policies. Pictured: Glasgow University 'It's galling that these policies have been there for so little time and already we've got men encroaching on them when there is no medical need,' she added. 'As soon as we've got some places putting in sensible adjustments for women going through the menopause, we've got men saying 'we want it as well'.' Professor Ilpo Huhtaniemi, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology at Imperial College London, said lifestyle factors played a bigger role for men in middle-age than biology. He said around a fifth of ageing men will experience some decline in testosterone levels, but for most it will make little difference to their lives. Around 2 per cent of 40 to 80-year-olds will experience sexual symptoms with it, and then it should be referred to as late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), not male menopause. He said: 'Menopause is a term for middle-aged women's last period, so for men it makes little sense.' It comes after the Tories declared a 'war on woke' at their party conference, with Rishi Sunak denouncing the rise in 'virtue signalling' and saying it was 'just common sense' to say that 'a man is a man and a woman is a woman'. In a series of announcements, ministers said transgender women will be banned from female-only hospital wards while convicted sex offenders will be stopped from changing their names or legal sex. Saratoga County Sheriff's Office says they aren't ruling out any possibilities The suspect charged with kidnapping Charlotte Sena is now facing a potential probe into two unsolved murders close to his home. Saratoga County Sheriff's Office said that they are looking into the possibility that Craig Ross, 46, could be linked to the killings of Christina White, 19, and Jennifer Hammond, 18. Both girls were found a few miles apart in a heavily wooded and isolated Lake Desolation State Forest area in 2003 and 2005. The teenagers were last seen close to the Saratoga Village Mobile Home Park where Ross lived in the early 2000s, according to property records. Ross was charged with kidnapping Charlotte Sena, 9, on Monday, after she was found hidden in a cabinet inside his trailer in the backyard of his mother's property. Saratoga County Sheriff's Office said that they are looking into the possibility that Craig Ross, 46, could be linked to the killings of Christina White, 19, and Jennifer Hammond, 18 Jennifer Hammond (left) and Christina White (right) were last seen close to the Saratoga Village Mobile Home Park where Ross lived in the early 2000s, according to property records. Saratoga County Sheriff's Investigator Matthew Robinson told the Times Union that there is currently no information directly implicating Ross in the two murders. He said: 'I can tell you that one of the investigative steps that we will take with regards to the ongoing investigation around Mr. Ross will be any association he has with any major case in the area. 'And that is something that we are actively working on. But at this time, we have no information to indicate that he is involved in any of those (two) cases.' Robinson is assisting New York State Police with their probe into Sena's kidnapping, adding that the scrutiny of Ross was 'a standard investigative step (and) we will analyze any potential involvement as we continue to work on it.' White left the Saratoga Village Mobile Home Park on foot at around 10pm on June 30, 2005, and was seen walking along Geyser Road around three miles from her home. It was the last time she was seen before a hunter found her remains in the Daketown Forest, Greenfield, in 2006. At the time police confirmed that she was stabbed multiple times in the chest and abdomen. Robinson confirmed that he was 'aware' that Ross had lived in the mobile home site around the same time as White. Ross was charged with kidnapping Charlotte Sena, 9, on Monday, after she was found hidden in a cabinet inside his trailer in the backyard of his mother's property DailyMail.com revealed that Ross suffered from multiple sclerosis and had just moved to the trailer on his mother's property four weeks ago because his condition had worsened 'He and his family have lived around the west Milton area for a very long time,' the investigator said. Hammond, from Colorado was last seen in August 2003 selling magazine subscriptions at the Creek and Pines Mobile Home Park on Middleline Road in Milton. She was going door-to-door at the mobile home park, which is less than a mile from Ross' mother's house where Charlotte was found. Her remains were discovered by a hunter walking through the deep woods near Lake Desolation in 2009. Forensics confirmed that skull fragments and three teeth belonged to Hammond, and were found less than ten miles north of where she was last seen. Hammond's death was also ruled a homicide, but officers declined to release further information surrounding the murder. Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo has previously said that investigators believe 'there is a strong possibility' that both teens were killed by the same person. A former doctor jailed for nearly killing his girlfriend by injecting her with drugs during a series of exorcisms has now been ordered to pay 50,000 to a patient he secretly filmed while she was topless. Hossam Metwally, 61, was jailed for 14 and a half years in September 2021 after being convicted of endangering Kelly Wilson's life, leaving her close to death with multiple organ failure. He made dozens of video recordings of himself administering fluids through a cannula to Ms Wilson while chanting as part of a 'dangerous perversion' of the Islamic Ruqyah ritual, Sheffield Crown Court previously heard. Prior to his sentencing, Metwally admitted unrelated counts of voyeurism against two female patients over taking pictures and moving footage of the women, without their knowledge and in a state of undress, when they attended for treatment. One of these women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, brought a misuse of private information claim against him at the High Court in London earlier this year. Former doctor Hossam Metwally has been ordered to pay 50,000 to a patient he secretly filmed while she was topless He was jailed for 14 and a half years in September 2021 after being convicted of endangering his girlfriend Kelly Wilson's (pictured) life, leaving her close to death with multiple organ failure In a ruling on Friday, Mrs Justice Steyn said the woman was entitled to damages of 51,092, including money for her future psychological treatment. The court was told Metwally would ask the woman to get changed into a medical gown before leaving the room but still recording her on hidden cameras. She told the High Court she was 'totally shocked by what has happened to me', that she felt 'violated and vulnerable' and said that her 'trust in people has gone'. In her judgment, Mrs Justice Steyn said: 'The claimant was owed an obligation of trust. 'The defendant breached that obligation of trust by repeatedly, covertly videoing the claimant while she was getting undressed, taking images of her naked from the waist upwards, and while she was being treated. 'He obtained, retained and edited the footage for his own sexual gratification, continuing to do so years after the appointments.' The judge continued that 'as a direct consequence' of Metwally's actions, the woman was suffering from PTSD, struggled to leave the house and had experienced a recurrence of her depression. Metwally did not attend the hearing and was not represented. Metwally (pictured) made dozens of video recordings of himself administering fluids through a cannula to Ms Wilson In May last year, a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service panel concluded he should be erased from the medical register after it ruled his fitness to practise was impaired because of his convictions. Ms Wilson was found at Metwally's home in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, on July 4, 2019, in a deep coma, on the brink of a cardiac arrest and with a fluid line inserted in her chest after engaging in an exorcism ritual the previous evening. Dr Metwally, who worked at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, initially denied injecting anaesthetics into Ms Wilson during a previous eight-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court. The earlier trial heard that he 'fed' Ms Wilson's drug addiction and administered potentially lethal anaesthetic drugs to perform Muslim exorcism rituals known as Ruqya - a valid practice that an imam told the court would never involve drugs or sedation. The father-of-four also ran his own pain clinic from his home in the town. Metwally qualified as a doctor in Egypt and worked in Saudi Arabia before coming to the UK in 1996 and Grimsby in 1999. He was struck off in May 2022. Paranoid Beijing officials believe UK spies tracked a stricken submarine by bugging a sailor's Apple smart-watch, according to Chinese dissidents. The theory that spooks followed the Type 093 which become stuck with the loss of 55 lives has emerged as part of an inquiry into the disaster. The Mail revealed earlier this week how the vessel was lost in the Yellow Sea on August 21st after colliding with a 'chain and anchor' device intended to damage Western submarines. China has denied the incident took place but, privately, British naval intelligence officers are convinced it did. Officially, the UK's Ministry of Defence has declined to comment. Now, dissidents based outside China claim to have obtained copies of the Chinese Communist Party's investigation, including Western interference. A Chinese Type 093 nuclear submarine sank on August 21, killing all 55 on board The sinking is understood to have taken place in waters off China's Shandong Province (Pictured: A Chinese nuclear-powered Type 094B submarine) The priority of President Xi Jinping's officials appears to be to blame the West for interfering and eavesdropping on People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operations. A dissident told the Mail: 'We got an update from the Central Military Commission. In the classified report, the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] believes MI6 bugged the Apple watch of a high ranking Navy officer in Guang Dong command and caused the leak of the 093-417 accident. Echoes of Kursk catastrophe More than 100 Russian sailors died following an explosion aboard their nuclear submarine the Kursk in August 2000. The Kremlin initially denied reports about the incident and declined assistance from Britain and Norway until it was too late to save those still alive inside the stricken vessel. The Kursk remains the biggest disaster in the history of submarines with the loss of 118 lives. It was on an exercise in the Barents Sea when one of its torpedoes exploded as the crew were preparing for a test launch. The blast caused more torpedoes to detonate and sent the submarine to the sea bed. Advertisement 'This report has been given to President Xi Jin Ping and the poor official has been arrested. They want to find a scapegoat with foreign connections. They believe the watch was used to record conversations about the submarine in a naval headquarters. 'PLAN has installed 'chain and anchors' in the Yellow Sea, Philippine Sea and the South China Sea and successfully damaged US nuclear submarine Connecticut and other vessels.' The official US version of what happened to the USS Connecticut in October 2021 was that it sustained damage to its propulsion system after hitting an underwater sea mountain rather than a man-made obstacle. However, the report into the accident released by the US Navy did not provide a location for this natural feature that information was classified. The loss of the nuclear attack submarine is a huge blow to Chinese prestige at a time when it is investing hundreds of billions of pounds in its armed forces. The sinking of PLAN 093-417 is also the third largest loss of life aboard a submarine in maritime history. The worst accident was the sinking of the Russian Kursk vessel in 2000 with the loss of 118 lives. According to a British naval intelligence officer the crew died from 'hypoxia due to a system fault on the submarine that took six hours to repair'. The officer added that the submarine's 'onboard oxygen system poisoned the crew after a catastrophic failure'. Rescue efforts were apparently hampered by a thunderstorm. British submarines are understood to include technology which absorbs carbon dioxide and generates oxygen in such a situation. Seemingly such equipment was not installed in the Chinese submarine. The 093-417 is one of China's six nuclear attack submarines and is armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles. It is 351ft-long, 30ft wide and has a top speed of 30 knots. Xi Jinping toasts leaders and guests during an anniversary celebration of the PRC on September 28. China officially denied the incident with the Type 093 submarine happened The Chinese Navy is expected to expand to 65 to 70 submarines by the end of this decade. This is part of a huge 1 trillion investment package by China in its navy between 2024 and 2028. Already it reportedly has the world's largest surface fleet, comprising more than 340 warships, but it wants to build more sophisticated craft including more aircraft carriers, submarines and unmanned sea drones. Western observers believe China intends to dominate the South China Sea and beyond using its increasing naval power and by building bases on coral atolls. China has militarised at least three islands, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems. These developments breached previous pledges by Beijing not to do so. An under-fire Laurence Fox was spotted visiting a Mayfair pub on Friday after a brutal week in which he was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to damage Ulez cameras and fired from GB News. Fox, 45, was pictured entering and leaving the premises and seen in the company of Gordon Davies, a member of the Reclaim Party which the former presenter founded. It is the first time the actor-turned-presenter has been seen since his release from a police station on Wednesday night, after a video was posted showing Metropolitan Police officers searching his house. Fox was arrested after a video rant in which he is alleged to have encouraged others to damage Ulez cameras by threatening to cut them down with an angle grinder. While in police custody, GB News also released a statement to confirm his sacking and that colleague Calvin Robinson, following sexual comments Fox made about journalist Ada Evans on Dan Wootton's show - including saying: 'Who'd want to sh*g that?' Dan Wootton is still being investigated by the channel but has been suspended. Laurence Fox was pictured entering and leaving the premises and seen in the company of Gordon Davies, a member of the Reclaim Party A video on Wednesday showed Fox's home being searched by police ahead of him being taken into custody A statement from the broadcaster said: 'Laurence Fox and Calvin Robinson were both suspended last week pending internal investigations that have now concluded. As of today, GB News has ended its employment relationship with Laurence Fox and Calvin Robinson. The internal investigation into Dan Wootton continues.' Fox was pictured wearing grey jeans and and a jacket with a rucksack as he arrived at the central London pub. At various points he was pictured outside the pub, either smoking or on the phone, before he left in a taxi. It follows a series of tweets and a 20-minute video released on his social media on Thursday in which he attacked the police for his arrest. He said Met Police officers confiscated his phone, as well as the iPads and phones of his two children, Winston and Eugene, who he shares with his ex-wife Billie Piper. Fox was seen leaving police custody with a book on Soviet forced labour camps, gulags, and told reporters he was told about his sacking by officers. Robinson was sacked at the same time for his support of Fox's comments about the journalist, which were broadcast live on GB News. Hitting out at the police, Fox released a statement on Thursday claiming officers were 'malicious' to have taken his sons' electronics. He said: 'I have just finished recording my thoughts on the last few days. I will put them out later. I am so upset about my kids phones and iPads being confiscated by the stasi. (even though a screen break is no bad thing!) 'To take away the property of innocent children to antagonise their father, seems to me beyond malicious and beyond contemptible. We are facing a pure cold tyranny, which is getting hotter by the day. Fox, 45, previously hit out at police for being 'malicious' by confiscating all his electronic devices, including his sons' iPads Fox was seen standing outside The King's Head in Mayfair talking on his new phone Fox was arrested after appearing on a podcast with Maajid Nawaz in which he discussed vandalism of Ulez cameras 'Schemes designed to immiserate the poorest and most vulnerable in society, whilst the rich can offset the entire price of an electric wonder wagon against their corporation tax are grossly unfair. 'The Britain I remembered lionised Robin Hood. Now we celebrate those who steal from the poor to give to the rich. I will never stop fighting. And I'm not scared of your jail cells. As long as I have a good book.' Fox was arrested after appearing on a podcast with Maajid Nawaz - whose employment by radio station LBC ended abruptly last January after he was accused of spreading Covid conspiracy theories - where he said he would encourage a group of anti-ULEZ activists who call themselves 'Blade Runners' to tear down 'every single camera' in a bid to 'encourage mass removal of the surveillance state'. He added he was 'pretty close with several' Blade Runners - a secretive group behind acts of Ulez camera vandalism - and that he would be 'out there with my angle grinder'. Between April and August of this year, 510 cameras were stolen or vandalised, all before the expansion of the scheme to the whole of Greater London took effect. On Wednesday, a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, showed Fox sitting in his living room smoking a cigar while police appeared to search his home. In the footage, he says: 'Look how many coppers there are in my house...Coming to take everything out of my house. That ladies and gentlemen, is the country that we live in.' In a video message, he added that taking his sons' phones was 'a malevolence restricted solely to political intimidation of somebody who stands against them'. Fox has had several difficult weeks after making comments about Ms Evans on GB News, which included references to having sex with her and saw him brand her a 'little woman'. He claimed his remarks were in response to comments made by Ms Evans on BBC's Politics Live, when she was accused of being dismissive about men's mental health issues. She argued that the government should introduce a mental health minister to the cabinet - currently not a position - instead of adding a mental health minister specifically for men only. Ms Evans said Fox's comments were 'unforgivable' and that a responsible broadcaster should never have allowed the rant to go as far as it did. The 45-year-old did apologise to Ms Evans but denied his comments were misogynistic. A spokesperson for the Met Police said: 'On Wednesday, 4 October, officers arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of conspiring to commit criminal damage to ULEZ cameras and encouraging or assisting offences to be committed. 'He was arrested in Stockwell and taken to a south London police station. He has since been bailed to return on a date in mid-December pending further enquiries.' A massive search is underway for an 'armed and dangerous' man after a woman was found dead on a popular Vermont hiking trail. The woman's body was discovered on the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail on Thursday after gunshots were heard in the area, police said. Officers responded to a call about a deceased female at about 4.30pm and found the woman dead at the scene. Her death is being treated as 'suspicious' with no further information being released while detectives conduct their probe. An autopsy will also be carried out to establish cause of death. A witness reported a possible suspect was northbound on the rail trail walking towards the Vermont State's Castleton Campus after the gunshots were heard, according to police. The hunt was sparked after the discovery of a woman's body near the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail near near 1587 South Street in Castleton, VT A witness reported a possible suspect was northbound on the rail trail walking towards the Vermont State's Castleton Campus after the gunshots were heard The witness described the male as a white male approximately 5'10", short dark-colored hair, last seen wearing a dark gray t-shirt and carrying a black backpack. Officers have urged the public to remain 'vigilant and alert' amid concerns the individual is 'armed and dangerous'. This investigation is in its initial stages and involves members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Field Force Division, Crime Scene Search Team, Victim Services Unit and Castleton Police Department. Meanwhile, the state's college has announced its Castleton Campus will remain closed while the man remains at large. A statement from the Vermont State University said: 'For the safety of our campus community, all facilities on the Castleton Campus in the Town of Castleton remain closed today, Friday, October 6. All events have been cancelled. A shelter-in-place order continues for anyone who is on campus. Vermont State Police's Major Crime Unit has launched a probe into the suspicious death The witness described the male as a white male approximately 5'10", short dark-colored hair, last seen wearing a dark gray t-shirt and carrying a black backpack All employees and students are asked not to travel to campus for any reason. Staff have the option to work remotely if they are able. Contact your supervisor if you have questions. 'The Vermont State Police are keeping us informed regarding their investigation, and at this time the suspect is not in custody. There will continue to be a police presence in the area today. 'The VTSU Emergency Management Team is actively monitoring the situation. Please continue to monitor for email and public safety alerts throughout the day.' Anyone with information that could assist investigators in this case is asked to call the Vermont State Police in Rutland at 802-773-9101. FTX staff wrote 'oops' on a spreadsheet which showed it owed $20billion five months before it collapsed. A court in New York heard that Sam Bankman-Fried, the boss of the failed crypto exchange, ordered his staff to prepare the document in July 2022 as investors demanded their money back. Crypto prices had tumbled and the industry was spooked, so Bankman-Fried wanted a full accounting of FTX's debts. Next to an entry for 'expenses' which was -$172million, one of the senior staff wrote: 'Oops, this sounds like not a thing we should be counting?' The spreadsheet emerged during the testimony of FTX co-founder Gary Wang, 31, one of the star witnesses for the prosecution which claims that Bankman-Fried cheated customers out of $10billion FTX co-founder Gary Wang took the stand Friday at Sam Bankman-Fried's trial and claimed the company had been stealing customers' money for three years Wang claimed Bankman-Fried ordered a $700million loss be put onto the accounts of its sister company because they were more secretive than FTX At MIT they were roommates, Wang told the court, but he has now turned against his former friend Bankman-Fried Prosecutors claim that the company was a 'house of cards' which was worth $32billion at its peak but collapsed last November after media reports raised questions about its finances. Wang has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, committees fraud and securities fraud and is testifying as part of his plea deal. Wang told the jury that FTX had been stealing its customers' money for three years before it collapsed. He said the debts owed by Alameda to FTX went from less than $100 million in 2019 to $8 billion in November 2022 when it collapsed. Gary Wang, who has pleaded guilty to his part in the scheme, agreed when prosecutors asked him if he 'committed financial crimes' while working at FTX, where he was chief technical officer Bankman-Fried approved a $65billion line of credit for Alameda with FTX which meant it had 'virtually no limit' on how much it could borrow. No other FTX customer had anything close to this, Wang told the court. He said that in 2019 he began to notice that Alameda had a negative balance on its account and asked Bankman-Fried about it. Bankman-Fried said that so long as the balance was lower than FTX's trading revenue then it was fine. Wang told the court that at the time FTX's trading revenue was $50 - $100 million, a range which Alameda's debt fell into. But in late 2019 or early 2020, Wang discovered Alameda's debt had gone beyond FTX's trading revenue. Roos asked: 'What was the implication of Alameda Research having a negative balance in excess of FTX's revenue?' Wang said: 'It meant Alameda was taking customers' money'. When Wang spoke to Bankman-Fried about this he was told to include the value of FTT in his calculations, the court heard. FTT was a crypto currency worth a few dollars each that FTX itself had created, but Wang said that this was problematic. If all the FTT was sold off it would cause its price to drop, meaning there 'might not be enough' to cover Alameda Research's debts, Wang said When this secret became public in media reports in November 2022, it caused customers to scramble to withdraw their money and led to FTX's collapse. But at the time Wang said he didn't question it further as he 'trusted his (Bankman-Fried's) judgement'. By late 2021 Alameda's debt had reached $3 billion, the court heard. At some point, Wang noticed that Alameda's debts to FTX exceeded the combined value of the FTX trading revenue and the value of FTT. Roos asked: 'In that situation where did that money come from?' Wang said: 'From customers.' Roos asked: 'Did you believe FTX or Alameda Research was allowed to use or spend customer money?' Wang replied: 'No. The money belonged to customers and customers did not give us permission.' Despite this, in public Bankman-Fried was reassuring customers everything was okay. Wang, who is one of the prosecution' star witnesses, said he committed the crimes with Bankman-Fried, Caroline Ellison and Nishad Singh. Both have admitted their part in the scheme and are expected to testify at the trial Bankman-Fried, with Alameda Research chief executive Caroline Ellison, and FTX co-founder Gary Wang, to their left, at Bankman-Fried's birthday in Hong Kong. The group dressed up in wigs resembling Bankman-Fried's hairstyle On July 31, 2019, the same day he asked for Alameda to be allowed to have a negative balance which effectively allowed it to borrow an unlimited amount, he Tweeted that everything was fine. On Twitter a user asked Bankman-Fried about the 'conflict of interest' in being the head of FTX and Alameda. Bankman-Fried replied that Alameda's account with FTX is 'just like everyone else's'. Wang told the court that this wasn't true. Wang said that in 2019, Bankman-Fried instructed him to give special privileges to Alameda Research, the sister company to FTX that had just been set up. Bankman-Fried was the owner of both companies and until 2021 was the chief executive of Alameda. Wang said the special privileges for Alameda included being able to have a negative balance - it could owe as much as $65 billion - and make 'unlimited withdrawals' from FTX. Wang said that even when Alameda didn't have any money in its account, it could still take money from FTX. Assistant US Attorney Nicolas Roos asked: 'When Alameda Research withdrew money below its zero balance, whose money did it withdraw?' Wang said: 'Money belonging to customers of FTX'. Roos asked if FTX disclosed Alameda's special privileges to its investors or customers Wang said no. According to Wang, the unusual arrangement was set up by Bankman-Fried to pay for 'certain expenses' that Alameda Research had. No other accounts on FTX were allowed to hold a negative balance, Wang told the court. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried faces 115 years behind bars if convicted Bankman-Fried ordered a $700 million loss be put onto the accounts of its sister company because they were more secretive than FTX. Wang told the court that faced with the massive sum, Bankman-Fried 'told me to have Alameda take it on'. Bankman-Fried told Wang that the reason was 'FTX s balance sheets are more public than Alameda's balance sheets' According to Wang, Bankman-Fried told him that investors could see FTX's balances but not Alameda's. Bankman-Fried has denied 13 counts between 2019 and 2011 including wire fraud, money laundering and violations of campaign finance laws which could see him jailed for 115 years. Seven of them are being dealt with at this trial with the rest next year. Also expected to testify at the trial are Caroline Ellison and Nishad Singh. Ellison used to run Alameda and was Bankman-Fried's former girlfriend while Singh was a top engineer at FTX. Both have admitted their part in the scheme. Wang said that in September 2022 Bankman-Fried raised the idea of shutting Alameda down. He said a Bloomberg article was coming out which said that FTX and Alameda were far closer than he had been publicly claiming. Wang told the court that Bankman-Fried said it would be 'bad for FTX' and that people would trust the company less. Bankman-Fried drew up a Google document describing the arguments for shutting down Alameda, which was shown to the jury. It said that the 'PR hit from FTX and Alameda existing it really large.' The document also blamed Ellison, who was in charge of Alameda and had previously dated Bankman-Fried, and said that 'current leadership is not good enough'. The file also said that her decision not to make an investment known as a hedge was 'critical' in putting them in the position they were in now. During a subsequent meeting Ellison said that Alameda owed FTX $14 billion, Wang told the court. Wang said that in 2019, Bankman-Fried instructed him to give special privileges to Alameda Research, the sister company to FTX that had just been set up On November 6, 2022, customers began withdrawing money at a fast rate because of more damaging reports about FTX's finances. Yet when Wang went to check the company's balances, he was surprised to see that they were equal to what customers had in their wallets. Wang said that he didn't understand as he knew that Alameda had been borrowing heavily from FTX. Wang told the court that Bankman-Fried 'asked me if I was including the special Korean accounts'. Wang said: 'He said are you including our Korean friend? I didn't know what he was talking about. Nishad sent me an account ID and said this was the account that had the balances'. The jury heard that Wang was given the customer ID, which was listed under the email account seoyncharles88@gmail.com. He had never heard of it before. Wang said that the account was changed from an Alameda sub account to this other user 'so its balances would not be included in the line of credit interest payments Alamada was paying'. The court heard that on November 12th, a day after FTX declared bankruptcy, Bankman-Fried tried to stop FTX's assets being transferred to a lawyer in the US who had been appointed to wind the company up. Wang told the court: 'He (Bankman-Fried) said that the US side was asking me to transfer the remaining assets to the US and Sam said we should try and stall them'. Wang said that Bankman-Fried wanted the assets to go to the financial regulator in the Bahamas instead. He said: 'They were more likely, seemed more friendly to him, more likely to let him stay in control of the company compared to the US'. Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko today cautioned the West not to turn his ally Vladimir Putin into a cornered Russian bear. He issued a stark warning that arming Ukraine with long range missiles could lead to a devastating response from Moscow. 'One gets the impression that the Americans are pushing the Russians to use the most terrible weapons,' he warned on a visit to a military training facility in Brest region close to his NATO border with Poland. 'Arming Volodymyr Zelensky and his army, equipping them with long-range missiles, even to a depth of 300 kilometres [186 miles]. 'Can you imagine? Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko today cautioned the West not to turn his ally Vladimir Putin into a cornered Russian bear He issued a stark warning that arming Ukraine with long range missiles could lead to a devastating response from Moscow 'Powerful missiles will hit Russian territory to a depth of 300 kilometres. 'Do you think the President of Russia and the military will calmly look at this?' Apparently alluding to nuclear weapons, he said: warned: 'The fanning of tensions and escalation will lead to a situation where they [Russia] will take the red button and put it on the table.' Lukashenko - who is Putin's closest international ally and entirely dependent on the Kremlin for his survival after massively falsifying a democratic presidential election in 2020 - appeared to be pleading for the world to wake up to the need for peace negotiations. He said: 'One gets the impression that the Americans are pushing the Russians to use the most terrible weapons' He ,ade the warning on a visit to a military training facility in the Brest region close to his NATO border with Poland Lukashenko - who is Putin's closest international ally and entirely dependent on the Kremlin for his survival after massively falsifying a democratic presidential election in 2020 - appeared to be pleading for the world to wake up to the need for peace negotiations He said it was time to 'stop now'. His call is hardly from a neutral perspective and may reflect that Putin is suffering setbacks - such as the enforced retreat of his Black Sea Fleet - that are humiliating and dangerous for the Russian leader. 'The Russians are already actively defending in all directions. They are already attacking,' he said. 'The Ukrainians have nothing to fight with. It came as Putin warned his 'Satan 2' intercontinental ballistic missile, pictured during testing, were ready for deployment 'Even if they have, they cannot restrain this power. 'Therefore, we must stop now. 'Otherwise, no-one will talk about this topic with the Ukrainians in a few months, nor with the West,' he said. He understood Zelensky's demand for more weapons from the West, claiming the NATO countries had made him promises yet failed to deliver fully, he said. 'Zelensky is behaving absolutely correctly, demanding help from Western partners. 'The media portrayed him as a beggar. 'Like, this is undignified - the President of Ukraine does nothing but beg for help from other states. 'But he behaves absolutely correctly. Emergency workers search for victims after a Russian rocket hit an apartment building in central Kharkiv on Friday Rescuers sift through the wreckage in the city of Kharkiv, with a ten-year-old boy killed in the devastating attack Destroyed cars stand amid debris in the central residential district hit by Russian Iskander missile on Friday in Kharkiv Rescuers work at the site of a rocket attack on Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, on Friday 'The United States identified Ukraine as a victim, promising it maximum support. 'And the Ukrainian authorities agreed to this role. 'What they promised is either not done on time, or they do not deliver what they promised. 'Zelensky asks the question: 'How can this be?' Rishi Sunak defended his decision to axe the northern leg of HS2 against criticism from his predecessors today, saying the financial situation had changed since they were in power. The Prime Minister insisted he was right to pull the plug on the high-speed line north or Birmingham on cost grounds, despite a backlash from Tory MPs. He also faced attacks from previous PMs David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Theresa May. Mr Cameron said the decision would fuel the view that Britain cannot act for the long-term and is 'heading in the wrong direction'. But when asked about their criticism in an interview this afternoon with LBC Mr Sunak reiterated what he said in his conference speech on Wednesday, saying: 'The facts have changed.' Mr Sunak will face crunch Commons votes on HS2 as he battles to quell a Tory revolt amid claims a substitute project has already been ditched. Rishi Sunak will face crunch Commons votes on HS2 as he battles to quell a Tory revolt amid claims a substitute project has already been ditched The PM put downgrading HS2 at the heart of his conference speech on Wednesday, insisting it will free up 36billion for other transport improvements Keir Starmer has refused to commit to reversing Rishi Sunak's decision to axe HS2 if he replaces him in Downing Street Government documents confirm that the PM will need to pass primary legislation after his decision to drop the Manchester leg. However, while there is the threat of a rebellion from Conservative MPs angry about the move, it also poses problems for Keir Starmer. The Labour leader has been accused of sitting on the fence about the scheme, refusing to commit to going ahead if he wins the general election. Prior to taking charge of his party, Sir Keir opposed the rail project in the House of Commons and called for it to be abandoned altogether. But Labour's national policy forum blueprint for potential policies to put to voters at the next general election committed to building HS2 'in full'. Mr Sunak has been criticised by senior Tories including Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Theresa May over cancelling parts of HS2. But the defiant PM put the step at the heart of his conference speech on Wednesday, insisting it will free up 36billion for other transport improvements. An accounting officer assessment released yesterday confirms that the 'decision to cancel parts of the HS2 programme will require primary legislation'. That means there will need to be votes in Parliament, with Labour having to choose whether to oppose the plan or effectively wash their hands of the project by abstaining. During a round of regional broadcast interviews yesterday ahead of the Labour conference kicking off, Sir Keir declined to commit to building the Birmingham to Manchester leg or the already-abandoned eastern leg to Leeds if he becomes PM. 'Well, firstly, what a fiasco,' Sir Keir told ITV News's Calendar. 'After 13 years of failure to grip this project, they've now cancelled it, millions of pounds wasted and lots of promises broken. 'I can't stand here today and say to you that I'm committed to reversing that decision because they've blown such a big hole in the plan.' He added: 'I can't commit to reverse the decision of yesterday. ' Pressed on whether he would make a decision on HS2 ahead of the general election, Sir Keir replied: 'Look, I'm not committing to reversing that decision. 'They are already making plans to release the land that was necessary for the next stage of the project, cuts into contracts.' Labour has been in chaos over the issue of HS2 after it kept changing its stance. Last month, its policy over the high-speed line's future changed four times within as many days. In a blueprint for the party's next manifesto, it committed to building HS2 'in full'. This was contradicted within days when Labour's election campaign co-ordinator Pat McFadden said the party would not commit to the project until it knew the full extent of the estimated cost overruns. Just a day later shadow minister without portfolio Nick Thomas-Symonds and transport spokesman Louise Haigh pledged the party would build HS2 'in full'. However, 24 hours later shadow Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq poured cold water on this by saying it 'just wouldn't be very responsible' to commit to finishing HS2 without seeing the full costings. Former prime ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson have publicly criticised Mr Sunak's decision. Transport Secretary Mark Harper indicated yesterday that paying off contracts previously awarded for cancelled HS2 sections will cost hundreds of millions of pounds. More than 2billion has already been spent on the Birmingham to Manchester leg which will now be wasted. Mr Sunak has promised to use 36billion in savings from scrapping the Birmingham to Manchester part of HS2 on other transport projects across the country. But the Government has since been accused of 'misleading' the public after an apparent pledge to reopen a railway line as part of the announcement was dropped 24 hours later. The Prime Minister has massively downgraded the rail project by scrapping its northern leg between Birmingham and Manchester Documents published on Wednesday revealed that the Leamside Line in Northumberland would be reopened using the money saved by axing HS2 north of Birmingham. According to the Northern Echo, a document listing benefits to the North East stated: 'The Leamside Line, closed in 1964, will also be reopened.' But all reference to the line now appears to have been removed. Transport minister Richard Holden told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the Government was now only 'committed to looking into it'. Henri Murison, chief executive of business group the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter: 'Yesterday we were led to believe this was happening so I welcomed it. 'Misleading the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and northern public (is) not a good way to build trust. 'I'm writing to (rail minister) Huw Merriman today and will seek clarification urgently. 'The Leamside Line is integral to Northern Powerhouse Rail and must be built in full.' The 21-mile route runs between Pelaw, Gateshead and Tursdale, County Durham. It was closed as part of the Beeching cuts. The plane was diverted to Venice, where it was met by Italian police An easyJet flight to Liverpool was forced to divert to Venice after a 'swearing and shouting' woman reportedly hit a man over the head with her bag. A female passenger caused so much chaos on the 9.55pm flight from Dalaman in Turkey to Liverpool's John Lennon airport on Wednesday that the plane had to make an emergency landing. Witness Neil Houlker said the woman had 'quite obviously been drinking' when she boarded the flight and said she was 'shouting, swearing and drinking' after take-off. When the crew announced the plane was to be diverted to Venice, the woman's companion denied involvement and she hit him over the head with a carrier bag. It is unknown if the bag was full. On landing, three people were removed from the plane by police before it took off again, arriving at its original destination in Liverpool around two and a half hours late. An easyJet flight to Liverpool was forced to divert to Venice after a 'swearing and shouting' woman reportedly hit a man over the head with her bag (file photo) Neil, 52, told the Liverpool Echo: 'This lady boarded the plane and was shouting 'where's row 31', she had quite obviously been drinking. 'We were at the front of the plane and they were at the back and the cabin crew had to keep coming to speak to them. It was just general disruption, shouting, swearing and drinking. 'The pilot had to do an announcement to say they would not tolerate any disruption.' A bottle of vodka was also confiscated from the woman, Neil added. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing and was met by Italian police. Some passengers claimed two men and a woman were arrested but this has not been confirmed EasyJet said in a statement: 'easyJet can confirm that flight EZY3406 from Dalaman to Liverpool on 3 October diverted to Venice where the aircraft was met by police due to three passengers behaving disruptively onboard. A female passenger caused so much chaos on the 9.55pm flight from Dalaman in Turkey to Liverpool's John Lennon airport (pictured, file image) on Wednesday that the plane had to make an emergency landing 'The flight then continued to Liverpool once the passengers were removed. 'easyJet's cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time. 'Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate disruptive behaviour onboard. 'The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority. A restaurant in France has come under fire over a mural of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. The artwork in question pictures the smiling founder of the defunct Medellin Cartel making a hand salute on a wall at Le Populo, an eatery located in Marseilles. Andrea Petro, the daughter of Colombian President Gustavo Petro who lives in France, criticized the mural's existence during a recent visit of the restaurant. She posted an image of it on her Instagram Stories and asked that the controversial painting be taken down. 'Out of respect for the Colombian community, we ask that this painting be removed, which for us is insulting and degrading,' Andrea Petro's caption read. DailyMail.com reached out to Andrea Petro and Le Populo for comment. A mural of Pablo Escobar, the notorious founder of the Medellin Cartel, covers a wall at Le Populo, a restaurant in Marseilles, France. Andrea Petro, the daughter of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, slammed the restaurant over the painting on social media and called it 'insulting and degrading' to Colombians across the world Andrea Petro says that a mural of Pablo Escobar at a restaurant in Marseilles, France is not representative of the Colombian community and has called for its immediate removal Her call for actions comes after President Petro gave a speech at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris in June and criticized the adulation that people in Colombia and across the world have bestowed upon Escobar following his death in December 1993. 'Colombia is famous not only for Pablo Escobar, which should now cancel those types of projections on television that do not talk about us,' he said. 'Pablo Escobar is not the son of the Colombian people, he is the son of the Colombian oligarchy that generated and built him.' Escobar has been portrayed in series like Netflix's Narcos, 'Pablo Escobar: El Patron del Mar' (Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord) which first aired on Colombian television network Caracol before it was picked up by Telemundo and several other series. Despite the president's urging to keep narco-related shows off the screens, Caracol decided to re-air the series as part of its weeknight primetime programming. Andrea Petro went on Instagram Stories this week to share the image of a Pablo Escobar mural at Le Populo, a restaurant in Marseilles, France, and wants the eatery to remove it. Out of respect for the Colombian community, we ask that this painting be removed, which for us is insulting and degrading, she wrote Andrea Petro is the daughter of Colombian President Gustavo Petro. She currently resides in France Andrea Petro (front center) with her mother (second row left), father and Colombian President Gustavo Petro (second row right) and her family Known as the 'King of Cocaine,' Escobar built a fortune estimated at $30 billion. He set up the first cocaine smuggling with shipments originating in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru and then smuggled into Colombia before they made their way to the United States. At one point in the 1980s, the Medellin Cartel was smuggling an average of 70 to 80 tons of cocaine to the United States every month. He dabbled with a role in Colombia politics and was elected to the Chamber of Representatives in 1982 as a member of the Liberal Party, but was forced to step down after Justice Minister, Rodrigo Lara, accused him of drug trafficking. Escobar sought revenge with the assassination of Lara in a motorcycle drive-by-shooting in 1984. He then had presidential candidate Luis Galan murdered in 1989 after Galan's campaign promise of extraditing to the United States. By 1991, Escobar's battle against authorities trying to shut down his illicit business had left 6,349 people dead. He reached an agreement to turn himself over to the authorities after President Cesar Gaviria promised him that he would not be extradited. Escobar was imprisoned at La Catedral (The Cathedral), a jail he built for himself and henchmen, but escaped in 1992 when the government attempted to transfer to another prison. The husband accused of murdering Sarah Ferguson's long-term personal assistant has been pictured after he was arrested on suspicion of murder 200 miles from where her body was found in Texas. Jenean Chapman, who had been married for just two months to James Patrick, 48, was found dead by police at her apartment in Dallas, Texas last Monday, five months after moving to the city. Patrick, was arrested 200 miles away in Austin, Texas last Wednesday, September 27, and is now being held at North Tower Detention Facility after being booked in at 4.06pm yesterday, authorities in Dallas County revealed. The record says his bond amount was exactly one million dollars. The Duchess of York last week said she was 'shocked and saddened' to learn of the death of Ms Chapman, who she had previously worked with as a member of the Royal Family . The 63-year-old said her former assistant, 46, was a 'loyal, hardworking, beautiful and fun' woman and pledged to help her family pay for her funeral costs. James Patrick (pictured), 48, is accused of murdering his wife, Jenean Chapman, who was Sarah Ferguson's long-term personal assistant Sarah Ferguson last week paid tribute to her former personal assistant Jenean Chapman after she was killed in Texas. Pictured: The Duchess of York (left) in a car with Ms Chapman (right) Jenean Chapman (pictured), who had been married for just two months to Patrick, 48, was found dead by police at her apartment in Dallas, Texas last Monday Police originally described Ms Chapman's death as unexplained until a post-mortem the following day found that her death was a homicide. Her loved ones allege that Patrick, who had known Ms Chapman for six years, was physically abusive towards his wife and described their relationship as 'toxic'. Writing on Instagram, sister Crystal Marshall said that the time since learning of Ms Chapman's death had been 'the worst days of my life'. She added: 'My sister was recently a victim of physical abuse and her life was brutally taken away from her. 'She had so much to look forward to and impacted so many people in her life. Her accomplishments are too many to count. 'Even though her presence is no longer with us her light will continue to shine in our hearts and fond memories we have of her. 'I love and miss you dearly sis and wish you weren't taken away from us so soon. I hope now that you have eternal peace and find rest in the Father of Spirits.' A second sibling, Nicole Marshall, told told BNC Dallas Fort Worth: 'The most we can just say is that the relationship was toxic. 'We were shocked because before that it was an on-and-off relationship. It was rocky, we were aware of that. 'She broke the news to our mother [about the marriage] and of course our mother told us, we definitely didn't see that coming. And no, there was no wedding, so we weren't involved, unfortunately.' Ms Chapman began working with the Duchess of York as her first job after graduating from New York's Syracuse University with a degree in TV, film and production. In a statement released on her Instagram page, the Duchess wrote: 'I am shocked and saddened to learn that Jenean Chapman, who worked with me as my personal assistant many years ago, has been murdered in Dallas aged just 46. A suspect is in custody. 'Jenean was loyal, hardworking, beautiful and fun and my heart breaks for her family and friends. I heard from her just a couple of months ago and she seemed so happy. Her family is raising money to transport her body back to New York City and pay for legal and funeral costs. 'I will be making a donation and supporting the family in any way possible - please help if you can at the link in my bio.' Patrick is now being held at North Tower Detention Facility (pictured) after being booked in at 4.06pm yesterday, authorities in Dallas County revealed Ms Chapman may have lain undiscovered for several days (Pictured with Barack Obama) Ms Chapman met multiple celebrities through her work, including Muhammad Ali (pictured left) Ms Chapman's three sisters all commented on the Duchess' post to thank her for sharing the news. Among those lending their support to Sarah Ferguson were Naomi Campbell, Suze Orman and Kate Garraway. Campbell said: 'Shocking Sarah, I'm so sorry... sending you love and her family condolences.' Orman added: 'Sarah I'm so so sorry I know how close you get to your assistants. My love to her family and you.' According to her LinkedIn page, Ms Chapman worked with Sarah Ferguson for four years between 2001 and 2005 where she assisted with the Duchess's travel, press and tour plans, as well as handling her research and diary. Ms Chapman's family said that after living in New York, she had worked in San Francisco before travelling to Dallas for a new job. Speaking to reporters after her body was found, Ms Chapman's sister, Nicole Marshall said: 'She was a force to be reckoned with, she was a role model. 'She was an amazing person, and I still look up to her. I always look up to her as what I wanted to accomplish in my corporate career.' Another sibling, Crystal Marshall, said: 'Her first job out of college was working with Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. 'So she worked with the royal family as a personal assistant, and then from there, she worked at Def Jam, so she worked with the Simmons family.' As well as working with multiple artists photos shared by her siblings showed Ms Chapman's job also saw her rubbing shoulders with celebrities such as Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali and Adam Carolla. Nicole added: 'She was just an accomplished intellectual. She was a kind person and compassionate. She had a heart of mush.' The Duchess of York said: 'Jenean was loyal, hardworking, beautiful and fun and my heart breaks for her family and friends' Police discovered Ms Chapman's body at her apartment in Elm Street, Dallas, at around 1.15pm on Monday, September 25. Officers reportedly told her family her body may have lain in the flat for several days. Her passing was initially investigated as 'unexplained', before a post-mortem determined her death was a homicide. A day later James Patrick, 48, was arrested by University of Texas Police on suspicion of murder. Ms Chapman's family has set up a fundraiser to help with the costs of transporting her body from Texas to New York City and the funeral fees. You can view this here. An NHS trust and ward manager have appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of a 22-year-old mental health patient who died in hospital in July 2015. Alice Figueiredo was found dead at Goodmayes Hospital in east London , and an investigation into her death was opened in April 2016. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the Met Police to charge North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) with corporate manslaughter last month following a five-year investigation. It is just the second NHS Trust to face manslaughter charges. The Trust is additionally charged with an offence under section three of the Health and Safety at Work Act in connection with mental health patient Ms Figueiredo's death. Ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa also faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter and an offence under section seven of the Health and Safety at Work act. Alice Figueiredo, 22, died as a patient at Goodmayes Hospital in the borough of Redbridge, London on July 7, 2015 North East London NHS Foundation Trust has been charged with corporate manslaughter (Pictured: Goodmayes hospital) Both the Trust and 52-year-old Mr Aninakwa, who no longer works at the hospital, will appear at the Old Bailey next month. Barkingside Magistrates' Court today heard that Mr Aninakwa, who lives in Grays, Essex, and is on police bail, is expected to deny the offences. Colin Gibbs, prosecuting, told the court: 'It's my application to have this sent to the Central Criminal Court. 'His co-defendant is North East London NHS Foundation Trust. 'Mr Aninakwa is on police conditional bail. My application is for that to continue. 'For four or five years, he was on no bail during the investigation. 'He attended for his [police] interviews, but, following the charge of the serious offence of manslaughter, the circumstances clearly have changed. 'Sentencing guidelines for manslaughter are that, even for the lowest culpability categories imprisonment is the starting point.' Mr Aninakwa's defence lawyer, Aisha Khan, confirmed that her client was expected to plead not guilty to both charges levelled against him. 'It's a matter that dates back over eight years,' Ms Khan said. 'Mr Anininakwa's cooperation has been full and complete throughout that time.' Ms Khan also confirmed Mr Aninakwa was no longer working at the Goodmayes mental health hospital. District Judge Paul Donegan sent the case for a plea and trial preparation at the Old Bailey next month, when the cases of the NELFT and Mr Aninakwa are expected to be joined. He said: 'I am sending your case to the Central Criminal Court and your next hearing there will be for a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 1. 'In the meantime I am releasing you on bail.' The Met police investigation into the death of Alice Figueiredo was launched in April 2016 following her death on July 7 the previous year. Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command carried out a number of enquiries and a file of evidence was referred to the CPS in March 2021. Last month, the CPS finally authorised the Met to charge NELFT and Mr Aninakwa. NELFT is just the second ever NHS Trust believed to have been charged with corporate manslaughter, after Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust was charged over the death of a woman who underwent an emergency Caesarean in 2015. A senior NHS scientist who won a race claim after her username was changed to 'Paininarse' on a work spreadsheet, has been awarded almost 60,000 in compensation. Ubah Jama was considered a 'troublemaker' after complaining about a fellow biochemist throwing a test tube in her direction, an employment tribunal heard. Her alleged ill-treatment culminated in the 'offensive' insertion of the phrase 'paininarse' on a shared Microsoft Excel document which could be seen by colleagues across two hospitals, the tribunal heard. And when she complained about it, her boss failed to have it removed, the panel concluded. Ms Jama, who is of Somalian origin, claimed that over a two year period she was a victim of numerous acts of racial discrimination while working for Barking Havering & Redbridge University Hospital NHS Trust in East London. After the tribunal ruled she was 'marginalised and excluded because of her race', Ms Jama was awarded 58,632 in compensation for the 'public humiliation'. A tribunal held at the East London Hearing Centre heard that Ubah Jama was considered a 'troublemaker' and was ill treated, culminating in her username being changed to 'paininarse' The tribunal, held in East London, heard Ms Jama had been one of four senior biochemists within the Clinical Biochemistry department at Queen's Hospital, Romford, London since February 2019. In February the following year Ms Jama was left 'upset' when colleague Tatyana Zadorozny lost her temper and threw a plastic tube containing a fluid sample at the bench she and two black colleagues were sitting on. Ms Zadorozny, who is white Canadian, had become exasperated at a lack of help she received from a black junior locum and 'tossed' it towards them, the tribunal heard, prompting Ms Jama to make a health and safety complaint. She also complained that her scientist colleague Claire Beck had been put forward for a three-day admin training course and she was not and that - unlike her white counterparts - she had been told to work while off sick with suspected Covid. The tribunal heard that in January 2021, Ms Jama checked a work file to find 'paininarse' written in place of her name - something visible to colleagues at both Queen's Hospital and King George Hospital. The panel heard she complained, attaching screenshots which showed that if a cursor was run over certain cells in the spreadsheet the rude username popped up. In a meeting the following day, Ms Beck admitted she had been responsible but explained the tag had automatically transferred into the document from her home computer. She claimed it was a 'personal in-joke about the performance of the computer'. Giving evidence, Ms Beck accepted her conduct had been 'unprofessional', hence why she removed the phrase from her own documents. However, she failed to remove it from Ms Jama's. Her explanation she had 'forgotten' in an 'oversight' was ruled 'implausible' by the tribunal. Concluding that Ms Beck had victimised her colleague, Employment Judge David Massarella said: 'We are satisfied that the original insertion of the term 'paininarse' into the documents was innocent. 'However, we considered that the position was different in relation to the failure to remove it from Ms Jama's documents. 'We have concluded that this crossed the threshold into harassment: it had the effect of creating an offensive, indeed humiliating, environment for Ms Jama, given these documents were visible to colleagues. 'There was differential treatment: (Ms Beck) removed the tag from all her own documents but not from Ms Jama's. 'Her apology was half-hearted.' Regarding her justification, the judge continued: 'Ms Beck must have realised it would cause offence, given the history of tensions within the department. 'We disbelieve her explanation and conclude that she left it in deliberately.' Ms Jama's boss, Iris Valera-Larios, was also found to have racially harassed her by failing to take steps to remove the 'paininarse' tag. Many of Ms Jama's other claims of discrimination were dismissed by the tribunal. However, she won her claims of discrimination, harassment, victimisation and unfair treatment of whistleblowing regarding the 'sample tossing' incident, the denial of training and the covid working complaint. She had received 'less favourable treatment' than her white counterparts, the tribunal found. The panel suggested Ms Jama's treatment was because she was considered a 'troublemaker' by bosses, given her previous health and safety disclosures. On several occasions, the tribunal said, her boss's behaviour towards had been 'materially influenced by race'. Judge Massarella said: 'The Trust, through the conduct of [Ms Jama's bosses] created an environment in which Ms Jama was increasingly marginalised and excluded because of her race and then penalised for complaining about that treatment.' Of the 'paininarse' incident the panel deciding compensation said: 'We accept (Ms Jama's) evidence that, when she discovered it, she was deeply upset because it was on a system which was generally accessible, she experienced it as a kind of public humiliation.' As part of her overall compensation, Ms Jama was awarded 29,000 for injury to feelings. 'The length of time over which these incidents occurred, and their cumulative effect on Ms Jama brings this within the category of the most serious cases. 'This was, or more accurately, evolved into a campaign of criticising, sidelining and diminishing Ms Jama over a period of some fourteen months. 'When she turned to senior management for support, she met with further adverse treatment. 'This insidious campaign was deeply upsetting to Ms Jama: it seriously affected her confidence within the workplace; it undermined her authority within the team; and it deeply affected her ability to trust the organisation in which she was working.' President Joe Biden on Friday dismissed criticism of his decision to start rebuilding Donald Trump's border wall, shruggin off anger by repeating his argument that he had no choice. 'Oh, the wall thing, is that what you're talking about?,' Biden said when asked why his party didn't reappropriate the funds when it controlled Congress. 'Yeah. I was told I had no choice. Congress passes legislation to build something, whether it is an aircraft carrier, wall, or provide for a tax cut, I can't say I don't like it.' Many Democrats are furious with the president for resuming construction on the border wall, calling it hypocritical and a play for votes in the 2024 election. President Joe Biden dismisses criticism of his border wall decision U.S. Border Patrol agents escort migrants, who crossed the border between the United States and Mexico, through a gate in the border wall to be processed for their immigration claim Rep. Nanette Barragan, the head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, pointed out that 'this decision is not in line with the current Administration's commitments to end border wall construction.' And former Housing Secretary Julian Castro said it was a 'flip flop.' He accused Biden of making a play for votes in the 2024 election. 'This is responsive to the pressure, especially the attacks from Republicans that Biden has gotten, that I think he and his team are probably afraid is making him seem too soft on immigration,' Castro said Thursday night on MSNBC. 'And so they're taking a political gamble here. And the gamble is that by basically what they think of as moving to the middle on immigration and seem harsher and seeming harsher on it, that they're going to gain more votes in 2024 than they'll lose from unenthusiastic progressives or allies.' A Gallup poll this summer found that most Americans believe the crisis on the border is a problem: 39% think it's a 'crisis,' 33% a 'major problem,' and 22% a 'minor problem. Biden's Republican rivals have slammed his administration's record on the issue, saying the president is not doing enough to stem illegal crossings at the country's southern border. Illegal border crossings continue to be at record highs. More than 800,000 migrants crossed illegally between May and September. 'The best way I can explain it is that these are internal forces inside the Biden White House that are reacting to [high immigration numbers] and not taking into consideration the ugly, visceral negative reaction that Biden supporters in the Latino community are going to have against this action,' former Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez told The Hill newspaper. 'It's not going to be received with applause and happiness. Quite the opposite. There's going to be a great degree of sadness, and then anger that they took the steps.' Even Democratic allies are scratching their heads over Biden's decision. Biden, during the 2020 presidential campaign, promised not to build another foot of Donald Trump's border wall. But now Biden argues he had to restart construction because he has to spend the funds the way Congress allocated them. Representative Henry Cuellar, whose district encompasses Starr County where the new construction will take place, said he's not happy with the decision. 'I am still against a 14th-Century solution - called 'the wall' - for a 21st-Century problem,' he said in a statement. 'I want to see more personnel, more technology'. And Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed the president for his 'cruel' move to resume border wall construction. She urged him to 'reverse course. In a statement on Thursday night, the New York congresswoman slammed the move, saying: 'The Biden administration was not obligated to expand border wall construction and it was certainly not obligated to waive several environmental laws to expedite construction.' 'A wall does nothing to stop people fleeing poverty and violence from coming to the United States...Walls only serve to push migrants into more remote areas, increasing their chances of death. It is a cruel policy,' she added. Migrants seeking asylum in the United States gather on the banks of the Rio Bravo river Migrants, mostly from Venezuela, surrender to authorities under the Puente Negro Ferrocarril train bridge after wading across the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico The Biden administration, earlier this week, made the stunning announcement it will build 20 miles of border wall on the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security said it's waiving 26 federal laws to start constructing a new 'physical barrier' that was started under Donald Trump. It was a sharp reversal. The Biden White House has consistently slammed Trump's tough migration policy and even cancelled the wall construction when Biden took office. On his first day in office, Biden even declared that building a wall wasn't 'a serious policy solution.' The administration, however, is facing an increase in migrant crossings and pressure to deal with the situation. Even some big-city mayors, who are Democrats, are pressuring the administration to stem the tide of incoming migrants, many of whom are then shipped to cities across the country. Biden, meanwhile, argued Congress had appropriated the money to build the wall on the country's Southern border so he had to use the funds that way. 'The money was appropriated for the border wall. I tried to get them to reappropriate, to redirect that money. They didn't. They wouldn't. In the meantime, there's nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated for. I can't stop that,' he said in the Oval Office on Thursday. Asked whether he thought the border wall was effective, he replied: 'no.' Indigenous groups and environmental organizations slammed the move, noting the damage that will come to the local landscape and residents. The polices the administration is waiving are the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. The waivers avoid time-consuming reviews and lawsuits challenging violation of environmental laws. Maria Gonzalez, a Venezuelan migrant seeking asylum in the United States, sits with her 2-year-old granddaughter, Edith, on the banks of the Rio Bravo river Starr County's hilly ranchlands, sitting between Zapata and McAllen, Texas, is home to about 65,000 residents sparsely populating about 1,200 square miles that form part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 'It's absolutely mystifying as to why they thought it was a good idea to issue these waivers,' said Laiken Jordahl, a borderlands campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD). 'Starr County is home to some of the most spectacular and biologically important habitat left in Texas, and now bulldozers are preparing to rip right through it. This is a horrific step backwards for the borderlands.' And immigrations rights groups accused the administration of playing politics. 'I see the Biden administration playing a strategic game for elections,' said Michelle Serrano, co-director of Voces Unidas RGV, an immigrants rights and community advocacy group based in the Rio Grande valley. Even Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called it a 'setback.' 'It is a setback because it does not resolve the problem,' he said Thursday. Lopez Obrador had frequently praised Biden in the past because 'he is the first U.S. president in a long time who has not built any walls.' A GoFundMe created by the 'working class' friends of murdered Brooklyn activist Ryan Carson has been branded an 'abhorrent' effort to profit from his death. The fundraising effort, established initially with his girlfriend named as the beneficiary, is on behalf of a 'collective' of Carson's friends. They have shot past a $20,000 target, raising more than $70,000 so that they can 'offset the costs of working class people taking time off of work to properly mourn.' Critics have savaged what they believe is an opportunistic attempt to make money and are even paying the $5 minimum donation to leave a comment on the page. One such opponent said whoever had set up the page were 'depraved ghouls profiting off this man's death.' The comment - which has since been deleted - said it was nothing more than 'wretched theft' and that GoFundMe should be investigating the legitimacy of the fundraiser. The fundraising effort, established initially with his girlfriend named as the beneficiary, is on behalf of a 'collective' of Carson's friends As critics began to speak out against it, the organizer, Tammie David Smith, removed negative comments questioning the effort from the page. She has now deleted her social media accounts. David Smith did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com. Among complaints is that nowhere in the page is there a mention of Carson's family in Massachusetts. His parents are yet to comment publicly on their grief. Carson and his girlfriend were waiting for a bus at 3.50am on Monday in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, when he was attacked. Eighteen-year-old Brian Dowling has been arrested on first degree murder charges. Police are yet to reveal a motive for the attack, but neighbors say they believe Dowling may have been influenced by drugs. He cried as he was led out of the 81st Precinct yesterday, and said nothing today as he appeared before a judge. Carson was an avid social justice activist who fought for openly supervised drug injection sites across New York City. Backlash: Critics questioned the fundraising effort on the GoFundMe page, but their remarks were deleted Carson with his girlfriend, Claudia Morales, who was named as the beneficiary of the fundraising page Dowling, 18, was in court Thursday evening after he was charged with first-degree murder His girlfriend, according to now deleted social media accounts, was a BLM protester. The teen's defense attorney Kenneth Montgomery told the court that it was the first time his client had been arrested. 'This is a difficult case for several reasons beyond the tragedy of the loss of life,' Montgomery told Judge Joshua Glick. 'You have an 18-year-old man young man who has no criminal history.' He asked the court to impose a 'serious bail' because there was no risk of the teen fleeing, saying: 'His parents are here and I assure you that theres no risk of flight, he was arrested at his home.' The attorney's pleas for leniency failed to convince the court, however, as Judge Glick remanded Dowling 'given the nature of the charges and the narrative given by the people.' When police issued a search warrant on his home, a sweatshirt was also seized along with the suspected murder weapon that matched the kind worn by the suspect in the video of Carson's killing. Dowling's home is a five-minute walk from where Carson, 32, was stabbed to death. Police launch probe into Colorado funeral home which offers 'green burials' for $1,895 after discovering at least 115 bodies. The Return to Nature Funeral Home is accused of improperly storing human remains, as neighbors described the 'putrid dead animal smell' drifting from the building. Cops raided the single-story building on Tuesday night after reports of suspicious activity, returning the next day and making the grim discovery in Penrose, Colorado Springs. Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said they are coordinating with other agencies to determine if there is any wrongdoing. Authorities scoured 2,500 square feet in their probe. During a press conference federal investigators, who are assisting the investigation, said it is 'unclear' if a crime has been committed. A hearse and debris can be seen at the rear of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said they are coordinating with other agencies to determine if there is any wrongdoing. Authorities scoured 2,500 square feet in their probe Sheriff Cooper said: 'There have been a lot of questions and concerns expressed by the community, especially those families who entrusted their loved ones to this funeral home. 'Our priority and our focus is on the families. We are committed to finding answers for the families as quickly as possible.' He confirmed that a local disaster emergency has been declared, adding that it will be a 'very very lengthy process' that could last several months. Forensic identification, including fingerprints and DNA, will be conducted to notify those families as quickly as possible. Documents revealed that the owner, Jon Hallford, told the Colorado Program Director of the Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration that he practiced taxidermy at the property. Hallford admitted to having a problem at the property and 'was amenable' to meeting at the Penrose property on October 4th to facilitate the inspection. Investigators are in touch with the funeral home operators and they were cooperating, according to authorities. Currently there have been no arrests. The company charges $1,895 for a 'natural burial', which does not include the cost of a casket and cemetery space, according to the website. As of July 2023 the company stopped offering cremation services, which cost $1,290 - including a tree planted in a Colorado National Forest. Family members who want to spend four hours with their loved one costs $485, and a final hour-long private moment is $285. Fremont County deputies guard the road leading to the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 The company charges $1,895 for a 'natural burial', which does not include the cost of a casket and cemetery space, according to the website Messages left for the Colorado Springs-based company were not immediately returned The company also offers autopsy restoration for $385, trauma restoration for $465 and a trauma pouch for $44,50. The registration of the funeral home expired with the state at the end of November 2022. Trash bags were piled up outside of the entrance to the building, with law enforcement vehicles parked in front. It was cordoned off as police continued their probe, with neighbors describing a 'putrid smell' in the past few weeks. Joyce Pavetti, 73, can see the funeral home from the stoop of her house and said she caught whiffs of a putrid smell in the last few weeks. 'We just assumed it was a dead animal,' she said. Neighbor Ron Alexander thought the smell was coming from a septic tank, adding that Wednesday night's blur of law enforcement lights 'looked like the 4th of July.' Family members who used the funeral home were asked to contact the sheriff's office. A hearse was parked at the back of the building, in a parking lot overgrown with weeds. Near the squat building was a post office and a few scattered homes, spaced out between dry grass and empty lots with parked semi-trucks. The company also offers autopsy restoration for $385, trauma restoration for $465 and a trauma pouch for $44,50 James Glidewell walks past the Return To Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 Trash bags were piled up outside of the entrance to the building, with law enforcement vehicles parked in front Family members who used the funeral home were asked to contact the sheriff's office Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. Paul Saito Kahler used the services of Return to Nature after his son, a 25-year-old U.S. Navy serviceman, died last summer. The business handled his body between the time of its arrival back in Colorado and an August 25 funeral service at Pikes Peak National Cemetery east of Colorado Springs. Kahler said: 'I mean, there's obviously questions after hearing that there is something going on but there's not any information that I can go off of to really make any kind of judgement on it.' The funeral home provides burial of non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets, shrouds or 'nothing at all,' according to its website. The company also provides cremation services. Messages left for the Colorado Springs-based company were not immediately returned. 'No embalming fluids, no concrete vaults. As natural as possible,' it says on its website. The funeral home also performs cremations that involve no chemicals or unnatural materials - 'just you and the Earth, returning to nature,' according to its website. Return to Nature was established six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to public records. A green burial refers to burying bodies that have not been embalmed. That's different from human composting, in which the body is placed in a vessel and transformed into soil. Topical news panel show Question Time has been thrown into a race row after the BBC deleted a clip of Fiona Bruce referring to an audience member as a 'black guy'. In Thursday night's broadcast of the show on BBC One, the host asked a man from the audience to put his question to the panel - but her racial description was edited out when it was uploaded to iPlayer. Ms Bruce, 59, and the BBC have now apologised for causing offence for her remarks, with the presenter saying it was 'wrong to identify him as I did'. There did not appear to be an immediate reaction to her comment by the man in question or anybody else in the audience. However, the remarks drew fury from some on social media, including former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal, who posted the original clip on X, formerly Twitter, writing: 'Let's hear from the "black guy"'. She had asked the audience in Wolverhampton: 'Is it right to ban mobile phones in schools?' Topical news panel show Question Time has been thrown into a race row after the BBC deleted a clip of Fiona Bruce (pictured) referring to an audience member as a 'black guy' In Thursday night's broadcast of the show on BBC One, the host asked a man (pictured) from the audience to put his question to the panel - but her racial description was edited out when it was uploaded to iPlayer Fiona Bruce pictured today with a black eye and her arm in a sling after she fell off her horse in a recent accident The BBC presenter, whose arm was in a sling after she fell off her horse, took a question wearing a 'colourful top' and when asking for input from another audience member pointed to a 'guy there in the middle... the black guy in the middle, yes you, sir.' DO YOU KNOW THE MAN IN THE AUDIENCE? Email: rhiannon.james@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement No one in the studio made a reaction to the comment and the audience member then asked a question about limiting mobile use in schools as well as government funding. In the version of the programme uploaded to BBC iPlayer, Bruce says, 'the guy in the middle, yes you, sir', with the 'black guy' description removed. The BBC have since confirmed that Ms Bruce's comment had been edited out and she has since directly apologised to the audience member. The presenter said: 'I totally understand why my words last night caused offence and I apologise. 'I have spoken to the audience member directly and explained that usually I can see and describe an item of clothing or otherwise to help sound engineers with a microphone find people in the audience. 'Last night that was not the case as my view was obscured. In the split second I had, the easiest thing to do would have been to ignore the audience member and move on, but I felt strongly that his voice should be heard. 'Nonetheless, I feel it was wrong to identify him as I did and that's why it was removed from the later edited programme.' Sitting on the panel on last night's Question Time were (left to right) journalist and author and Tony Parsons, writer Emma Dabiri Shadow Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth, host Fiona Bruce, Transport Minister Richard Holden and Iceland supermarket executive Richard Walker Ms Bruce's personal apology to the member of the audience is understood to have been positively received Ms Bruce's personal apology to the member of the audience is understood to have been positively received. A spokesperson for the BBC said: 'We regret the choice of words used to identify the audience member. 'The intent was to ensure his voice was heard, however we recognise we should not have identified him in this way and apologise for any offence caused. 'As such the recorded version on iPlayer has been edited to remove this.' Sitting on the panel on last night's Question Time were Transport Minister Richard Holden, Shadow Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth, writer Emma Dabiri, Iceland supermarket executive Richard Walker and journalist and author Tony Parsons. DO YOU KNOW THE MAN IN THE AUDIENCE? If so, send us an email at rhiannon.james@mailonline.co.uk Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller has been accused of sexual assault by a producer of his series Queer for Fear. In a lawsuit filed in California on Wednesday, producer Samuel Wineman claims AMC Networks and Steakhaus Productions ignored his complaints about Fuller, which allegedly included an incident in which the TV creator 'pressed his penis against his buttocks' under the guise of cracking his back. Wineman stated 'Fullers acts of and propensity to commit acts of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and retaliation' were known to the producers of the show but 'failed to take immediate and appropriate corrective action,' as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Fuller has denied the claims. The producer, whose most famous work is The Quiet Room, alleged Fuller assaulted him several times in 2021 and that his 'preoccupation with masturbation permeated everything,' with the showrunner 'frequently bringing up his penis.' Fuller, 54, allegedly often discussed 'reading material that gave him erections,' as well as actors that he 'masturbated so much to' or 'adult/child power dynamics in stories that he was "w*nking it to."' Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller has been accused of sexual assault by the producer of his series Queer for Fear Samuel Wineman stated 'Fullers acts of and propensity to commit acts of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and retaliation' were known to the producers of the show The showrunner is also accused of creating a hostile work environment that included 'relentless verbal harassment and casual bullying.' Wineman states Fuller 'made discriminatory comments targeting groups that crew and interviewees belonged to, plaintiff included, frequently proclaiming his hatred of all gay men.' Wineman claims Fuller would often retaliate by ignoring him for weeks, sabotaging shoots and berating him until he cried. The executive producer says he was fired prematurely and reduced his credits as Fuller's final revenge. Queer for Fear was a four-part docuseries about the gay community's relationship to the horror and thriller genres and the role LGBTQ+ artists have played. It premiered during the Halloween season last year and ran on Shudder. Wineman said he was fired in August 2021 after he reported Fuller's alleged behavior to Shudder VP Nick Lazo and others. The lawsuit states: 'AMC defendants and executive producer defendants ignored all warning signs, facilitated and permitted Mr. Fullers unlawful conduct and ultimately ratified Mr. Fullers behavior and comments. 'Defendants final act of retaliation was reducing plaintiffs earned credits when the production aired in or around September 30, 2022.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Fuller, AMC Networks and Steakhaus Productions for comment on this story but they did not reply by publication time. AMC told The Hollywood reporter it is reviewing Wineman's complaint. Queer for Fear was a four-part docuseries about the gay community's relationship to the horror and thriller genres and the role LGBTQ+ artists have played Aside from the megahit Hannibal, Fuller has worked on Heroes, Star Trek: Discovery and Dead Like Me Fullers lawyer Bryan Freedman told Deadline the showrunner denies the allegations. 'Make no mistake, Sam Wineman will be sued for defamation based on what are 100 percent probably false statements,' he said. 'There is documented evidence which completely disproves the allegations against Bryan Fuller... Wineman created this fictitious story long after his gross incompetence necessitated his removal in an effort to extort AMC, Shudder, Steakhaus and Bryan Fuller. 'He never raised any allegation of wrongdoing prior to his removal because he knew that this was absolute garbage. Sam Wineman just made the biggest mistake of his life and once the evidence comes out, he will forever be known as a pathological liar. Rest assured; a malicious prosecution lawsuit aimed directly at him is coming soon.' Aside from the megahit Hannibal, Fuller has worked on Heroes, Star Trek: Discovery and Dead Like Me. A former student carried out sexual assaults at a Scots university after claiming to be conducting radiation testing for the Ministry of Defence. John Beaumont subjected victims to fake medical examinations and even got one to sign the Official Secrets Act. He convinced three fellow students two males and a female the procedures were necessary as they may have been affected by the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power station in 1986. Beaumont, 65, admitted three charges of indecent assault when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday. The crimes took place at St Andrews University between 1986 and 1988. John Beaumont pleaded guilty to indecent assault against two men and a woman at St Andrews University, by convincing them they needed medical tests. Aftermath of the reactor explosion at Chernobyl nuclear power, near the city of Pripyat in northern Ukraine, on 26 April 1986 Advocate depute John McElroy, KC, told the court one of his victims learned last year that the former theology student had been convicted in 2017 of carrying out similar offences in Manchester. A judge in that case was told Beaumont had convinced three victims they may have suffered radiation poisoning. He used syringes to take samples and one victim was injected in the genitals with water. Beaumont was jailed for 13 years at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to indecent assault and causing actual bodily harm. Mr McElroy yesterday told the Edinburgh hearing one of those targeted in St Andrews went online and noted the accused had been convicted for offences that mirrored what had happened to him. The matter was then reported to the police. Mr McElroy said one victim recalled how Beaumont told him in 1987 that he was working for the MoD and showed him some form of identification. He said: The accused told him he was sampling members of the public based on their medical records as certain individuals had a protein in their systems that reacted adversely to the Chernobyl radiation. A sign warns of radiation contamination inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Pripyat, a restricted zone contaminated by radiation from the 1986 meltdown of reactor number four The accused said he had a heightened risk of cancer. The man was terrified. The accused showed him a Geiger counter and copies of an official secrets non-disclosure agreement. Beaumont told him he would need to take samples. Mr McElroy said: Beaumont used a syringe as he pretended to take samples from under his arms and carried out a similar procedure on his genitals. A second student experienced a similar scenario and said the incident left him feeling embarrassed and anxious. The third victim was a female student. Judge Lord Mulholland told Beaumont: What you did was depraved and deceitful. He placed him on the sex offenders register and deferred sentence for background reports. A senior Republican accused President Joe Biden of trying to protect his son by nominating one of Hunter's former colleagues to lead the Office of Special Counsel. Hampton Dellinger worked with Hunter Biden at a law firm involved with energy company Burisma Holdings. He also served as assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice until June and on Tuesday was nominated by the White House as special counsel. The move potentially puts him in charge of an office that protects whistleblowers. Republicans were quick to call foul. Republican Rep. James Comer accused President Joe Biden of trying to protect his son by nominating one of Hunter's former colleagues to lead the Office of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger worked with Hunter Biden at a law firm involved with energy company Burisma Holdings. On Tuesday he was nominated for a special counsel role 'President Biden's decision to appoint Hunter Biden's former colleague as head of the Office of Special Counsel raises concerns that he's trying to protect his son instead of whistleblowers," Comer, R-Ky., told Fox News Digital. 'The Office of Special Counsel is responsible for investigating whistleblower retaliation at agencies like the Departments of Justice and the Treasury. 'Naming a Biden family crony to this position does not instill confidence that the law will be enforced fairly.' Before joining the Department of Justice, the Yale-educated lawyer was part of Boies Schiller Flexner's crisis management and government response team, at a time when Hunter Biden worked for the firm. It represented Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings, where Biden was at one time on its board of directors. In its announcement, the White House praised his record of service. 'As a partner at regional and national law firms, he has represented whistleblowers and other clients challenging government activities,' it said. 'His work has led to taxpayer savings by overturning unnecessarily costly bid awards.' Biden is accused of trying to protect his son Hunter (right) with the nomination The role is unrelated to the special counsel investigating the president's handling of classified documents. But Republicans are concerned about ties between Hunter and Dellinger. Fox News Digital reported that emails recovered from Hunter's Biden's laptop showed how the two men worked closely together, and that the then vice president's son attended a private gathering with Dellinger and other staff in March 2014. An email from a month earlier suggested they were on friendly terms. Dellinger said it was 'great to see [him] last week' and asked whether he would be attending an attorney lunch. I've become quite good at spotting them. The lowered head. The shuffling gait. Usually, but not always, under 25. Hands stretched out unnaturally, thumbs poised at the ready. Welcome to the march of the zombie mobile phone users. It sounds like the name of a rather dull horror film, but for many of us these days it is a regular and unstoppable nuisance. You know the types. The ones for whom what is going on in their phone (texts, videos, level 643 of Candy Crush, who knows?) is so important that they cannot possibly look where they're going but instead walk down streets, across roads and through shops staring at it. They bump into us. They get in the way. They cause queues, crushes and bottlenecks. Sometimes they even bump into each other. Welcome to the march of the zombie mobile phone users And quite frankly, I've had enough of it. Part of it is the arrogance. The inner confidence to believe that everyone will simply leap out of the way. Mostly though, I'm fed up playing human dodgems each time I leave the house. Look, I understand that most people carry their lives on these devices. I'm one of them. They contain a whole world of apps and contacts, emails and texts, not to mention the life-sucking force that is social media. But is any of it so important that it can't be left for five minutes while you scoot round Tesco? Is it crucial that you respond to that WhatsApp message right at the moment that you decide to cross the road? Part of the problem, I think, is that we now have a generation who have never known life before mobiles. For them, the idea that you'd just have to wait and hope for the best if the person you were meeting didn't turn up is unthinkable. Most under-25s rarely make phone calls, which makes me sad when I think about the hours I spent nattering down the line to school friends on Saturday nights. So I was heartened to learn this week that, in England, mobile phones are to be banned in schools. At least that's the guidance from the Department for Education, which will back head teachers in banning mobile phone use to tackle disruptive behaviour and online bullying, while boosting attention during lessons. The Scottish Government has yet to make a decision, but education minister Jenny Gilruth is said to be concerned about the impact of phones on young people and may well follow suit. I really hope she will. Because there's something else, less tangible, about the use of mobiles. It's about missing out. Our real world is an extraordinary place. It is beautiful and chaotic and fleeting, and if you go through life with your head down staring at a screen, then you'll miss it. The chink of blue sky after rain. The smile from a passing stranger. The older I get, the more I think that mobile phones, once hailed as devices that would help free us from our desks, are in fact imprisoning us by constantly demanding our attention. Like so many facets of modern technology that were supposed to make life easier, they have made it harder. While we wait for a Scottish Government decision, then, I can only advise the zombie-like users to look up. You never know what you might see. ......................................................................................................................................... Beautiful Pam's bare-faced chic Gold star please for Pamela Anderson, who this week chose to attend Paris Fashion Week with a bare face entirely free of makeup. This should not, of course, be controversial. Millions of women, after all, go makeup-free every day and I hear some of them even quite enjoy it. But there's a world away from nipping to the shops without your lipstick and sporting a bare face at an event packed full of supermodels, designers, photographers and, yes, makeup artists. It helps that Anderson, who is now 56, is naturally beautiful. But I admire the fact that she chose to remind the world of fashionistas of that, entirely on her own terms. A natural Pamela Anderson in Paris ......................................................................................................................................... Humza Yousaf told Time magazine that the SNP has faced 'five of the most difficult months my party has probably faced in its recent history'. Tell us something we don't know, First Minister First Minister Humza Yousaf on the front cover of TIME magazine. ......................................................................................................................................... Margaret trashed her own party's reputation If ever a picture could say a thousand words, it might just be the image of Margaret Ferrier who triggered Thursday's Rutherglen by-election after losing her seat for flouting Covid rules by travelling while knowingly infected with the virus taking out the bins. I have never had any sympathy for Ferrier or her selfish actions, and I suspect many of her SNP colleagues felt the same. Unfortunately for them, it is the party who lost the seat to Labour by a landslide in a vote which is now triggering 'beginning of the end' talk who have paid the ultimate price. ......................................................................................................................................... The cost of single first class stamp has now risen to 1.25 It is both terrifying and, frankly, outrageous that a single first class stamp now costs 1.25. Still, that settles it eCards all round for Christmas this year. ......................................................................................................................................... Regrets, Nicola? Only in hindsight it seems Fascinating to learn that even Liz Lloyd, Nicola Sturgeon's faithful and long-serving top lieutenant and adviser, never supported the former First Minister's 'de facto referendum' independence strategy. Lloyd, who was for many years Sturgeon's chief of staff, admitted in an interview this week that she opposed the plan to turn the next General Election into a vote on breaking up the UK. Even more intriguingly, she also raised concerns about the impact of Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell holding the top jobs in the SNP. 'In hindsight, I think even they would say it probably wasn't the best, or that maybe it could have been done differently,' Lloyd said. Of course, it may be that Lloyd is still, to some extent, Sturgeon's mouthpiece, sending a soft message out that the politician has regrets over how certain things were handled during her time running the country. Nonetheless, it astonishes me that it is only 'in hindsight' that such things are being considered. How many more things, one wonders, might Sturgeon eventually concede 'could have been done differently'? ......................................................................................................................................... Good riddance to Rossi So farewell then Nicholas Rossi, the fugitive sex offender accused of faking his death to escape prosecution for alleged rape in the US. Wanted in Utah and Rhode Island for a string of allegations, Rossi, pictured, will now be sent home after ministers signed his extradition order. Thank goodness for that. A man who has clogged up our over-worked justice system for too long, it is time he went back to his own country to face the music. Nicholas Rossi, the fugitive sex offender accused of faking his death to escape prosecution ......................................................................................................................................... Congratulations to Professors Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman, the scientists who developed the technology that led to the mRNA Covid vaccine, for winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Whatever the naysayers might claim, their achievements have saved millions of lives. I'm delighted they have been recognised with the highest accolade in their field. A 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Brighton has been named and pictured for the first time. Mustafa Momand was fatally wounded on Queens Road yesterday afternoon, sparking a murder investigation by Sussex Police. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody at this time. Emergency services rushed to the busy city centre street at around 5pm to reports that a teenager had been stabbed. Mustafa was rushed to hospital by emergency crews but he was tragically pronounced dead there. Police said his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Mustafa Momand (pictured) was fatally wounded on Queens Road in Brighton yesterday afternoon, sparking a murder investigation by Sussex Police The teenager was rushed to hospital by emergency crews but he was tragically pronounced dead. Police said his next of kin have been informed Forensic officers were seen probing the scene of the crime. A blue tent has also been put up while forensic teams investigate Sussex Police said that after an extensive search, they arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. Specialist officers were pictured investigating the area which was cordoned off by police last night. A blue tent was also been put up while forensic teams investigate. The boy's murder adds to a tragic number of teenage deaths this year in Britain. Just last week, five teenagers were stabbed on the same day in Luton, one of whom tragically died, while two others were left in a critical condition. In June, Home Secretary Suella Braverman urged police to 'ramp up' use of stop and search in a crackdown on street knife crime. London especially has been rocked by several teenage fatalities this year. Schoolgirl Elianne Andam, 15, became the sixteenth teenager to be killed in the capital after she was stabbed to death on her way to school on September 27. It followed 13 fatal stabbings, two shootings and one suspected arson attack already this year. The GCSE student's death has sparked an outcry of anger over yet another senseless loss of life as calls grow for Sadiq Khan tackle the capital's knife crime problem. Reacting to the news of the fatal stabbing in Brighton, Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, of the Surrey & Sussex Major Crime Team, said: 'This is a tragic incident in which a young man has lost his life and we understand the community will be shocked and alarmed. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Pictured: Police on Queens Road The boy's murder adds to a tragic number of teenage deaths this year in Britain. Pictured: Police at the scene Sussex Police said: 'This is a tragic incident in which a young man has lost his life and we understand the community will be shocked and alarmed.' Pictured: Police at the scene 'A suspect is in custody and a fast-moving investigation is underway to establish exactly what happened and why. 'While we do so, there will be an increased police presence in the area for some time. 'This incident took place in the centre of the city at a peak time. Officers have already spoken with many witnesses, but we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw a man dressed in black leaving the area who hasn't yet provided details to the police. 'Similarly, we are asking anyone who has relevant information or video footage - for example from a dashcam or their mobile phone to call 101 or report online, quoting Operation Ash. Always call 999 if it is an emergency.' Supreme court will decide whether the legal block on scheme should be lifted Arguing to leave the European Convention on Human Rights will be irresistible if the Supreme Court rules against the Government on the Rwanda asylum deal, ministers claim. Up to a third of Rishi Sunaks Cabinet already believe he will have to quit the convention if judges block the flagship policy. Allies of Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she is ready to press for the move immediately if next weeks court case goes against the Government. One minister told the Mail: We have a very strong case. The only possible basis for refusal would be a distorted and stretched interpretation of the ECHR. If that happened, then the case for leaving would be irresistible. On Monday, Supreme Court justices will hear Home Office lawyers argue that legal blocks on the scheme should be lifted. Up to a third of Rishi Sunak's Cabinet believe the UK will have to quit the ECHR if judges block the Rwanda policy The Mail understands that ministers are drawing up emergency legislation that would attempt to carve out illegal migration from the jurisdiction of the ECHR in the event of a Supreme Court defeat. Sources close to Mrs Braverman believe a halfway house option would be to exclude illegal migrants from the remit of human rights laws. Parliament would be asked to pass the new measures revoking the ECHR in all cases involving small boat migrants and other irregular arrivals. It would mean unelected judges at home and abroad could no longer interfere in Parliaments decisions on illegal migration. However, the legislation would be very difficult to get through in the time available before the next general election. It must be passed before January 2025, sources said raising the prospect the idea could be put in the next Tory manifesto. If the Rwanda scheme is given the go-ahead by British courts, the European Court of Human Rights could still attempt to block it with an interim injunction. An interim injunction could be ignored under measures in the new Illegal Migration Act earlier this year. However, senior Tories believe Attorney General Victoria Prentis could try and block the move. It would leave the Prime Minister with the choice of giving in to the European court or overruling the Governments chief law officer. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she hoped removal flights would start by the summer, however it is estimated that the first flights would now not take off before next Easter He said this week that he was willing to do whatever is necessary to get Rwanda flights off the ground. But Downing Street declined to say whether this includes leaving the ECHR. The 140million Rwanda scheme was declared unlawful on human rights grounds by the Court of Appeal in June. The policy would see some illegal immigrations or asylum seekers sent to the east Africa nation on a one-way ticket, to claim asylum there. In a further development, ministers now believe the first Rwanda flights will not take place until Easter even after a potential Home Office victory in the courts. It would take several months to select and process migrants to be removed, sources said. Insiders expect lawyers for migrants would launch a series of micro appeals in the courts despite the Illegal Migration Act passed by Parliament earlier this year severely limiting their legal options. On trip to Kigali earlier this year, Mrs Braverman said she hoped removal flights would be operating by the summer. Last month, Christmas was floated as a possible start date. Now it is likely the first flights would not get off the ground before Easter Sunday, which next year falls on March 31. Regardless of whether the Home Office win or lose the Supreme Court appeal, ministers believe the Governments opponents will take further legal action in Strasbourg. Cases normally take years to reach the court, but it could rush through a hearing on Rwanda in an overtly political move designed to spite the Government. If the case progresses to a full hearing in Strasbourg, the court would likely rule against the Government. The most likely grounds for defeat in the courts, sources believe, would be a distorted and stretched interpretation of Article 3 of the ECHR, which prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The Supreme Court hearing on Rwanda is expected to last several days with a ruling due six to eight weeks later. The Northeast looks to another wet weekend ahead as the remnants of Tropical Storm Philippe and an incoming cold front will soak New England and potentially flood New York for a second time in a fortnight. Tropical Storm Philippe lashed Bermuda with heavy rains and winds but lost steam and was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone Friday as it churned northward on a path toward Atlantic Canada and New England. But the East Coast won't be spared by the storm as its remnants combined with a eastward-moving cold front will make for another rainy weekend. Maine is set to be especially wet but at least an inch of rain could fall from much of eastern New York into western and northern New England over the weekend, according to The Weather Channel. The New York City floods from last weekend saw cars submerged in floodwater on the FDR highway in Manhattan (pictured on September 29) Brooklyn was hit hard by the severe flooding and residents were seen up to their knees in water on Friday (pictured on September 29) As seen from an aerial view, a truck moves through a flooded intersection following heavy rains from Tropical Storm Ophelia on September 24 This weekend could see at least one inch of rain water - not as much as last weekend but still enough for Mayor Adams to set an emergency plan into action (pictured on September 25) The East Coast won't be spared by the storm as its remnants combined with a eastward-moving cold front will make for another rainy weekend The threat of potential flooding has prompted New York Governor Kathy Hochul to urge New Yorkers to prepare for severe weather. Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City activated its Flash Flood Emergency Plan, he said on X: 'New Yorkers: periods of heavy rain and potential flooding are forecast late tonight into tomorrow. We've activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan, proactively staging resources and teams.' Mayor Adams was quick to enact the emergency plan this weekend after being bashed for his handling of last weekend's flood chaos. New York City's party-loving Mayor Eric Adams was blasted after taking nearly four hours to issue a shelter-in-place or give any guidance on a fast-escalading flash flood disaster. This weekends rainfall isn't predicted to be as disruptive as last weekend flooding - which saw Subway closure and major traffic The rain from last weekend was a hangover from Tropical Storm Ophelia (pictured on September 29) An incoming cold front will soak New England and potentially flood New York for a second time in a fortnight It was some of the worst seen in New York City since Hurricane Ida in 2021, when 13 people drowned in basement apartments after being caught off-guard (pictured on September 29) Multiple New York City subway lines were shut and streets inundated after torrential rain pelted the metropolitan area, prompting warnings about flooding in the city as well as Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey (pictured on September 29) Brooklyn saw a day's worth of rain in just three hours, which is expected one every 100 years (pictured on September 29) The rain, a hangover from Tropical Storm Ophelia, was some of the worst seen in New York City since Hurricane Ida in 2021, when 13 people drowned in basement apartments after being caught off-guard. While NYC emergency Twitter accounts had been warning about the rain on Thursday, it wasn't until after rush hour on Friday morning that emergency alerts were sent to residents' phones. Brooklyn saw a day's worth of rain in just three hours, which is expected one every 100 years. Meanwhile in Bermuda, the post-tropical cyclone was forecast to pass near the island later Friday. It was then expected to reach the coast of Nova Scotia or eastern New England on Saturday night into Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, which issued its last advisory on the system. Officials in Bermuda shuttered schools ahead of the storm. Up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain was forecast for parts of New York, New England and Southeast Canada. Iit wasn't until after rush hour on Friday morning that emergency alerts were sent to New York City residents' phones (pictured on September 29) Mayor Adams was quick to enact the emergency plan this weekend after being bashed for his handling of last weekend's flood chaos Tropical Storm Philippe lashed Bermuda with heavy rains and winds but lost steam and was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone Friday as it churned northward on a path toward Atlantic Canada and New England "Interests in those areas should be prepared for the possibility of strong winds and heavy rainfall," the hurricane center said. Phillippe had soaked the northeast Caribbean on Tuesday, with all schools in the US Virgin Islands shuttered and multiple power outages reported in the area amid downpours and lighting. Tropical Storm Philippe is the 16th named storm formed in the Atlantic this year. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Lidia swirled through open waters in the Pacific. It was located about 445 miles (710 kilometers) south of the southern tip of Baja California and had winds of up to 70 mph (110 kph). It was moving west-northwest at 5 mph (7 kph) and was expected to become a hurricane later on Friday. Pascual said he was drinking alcohol at the point near the cemetery and completely forgot about the corpse and then went home Cemetery caretaker Hilario Pascual said a funeral home worker went to the site after it closed Tuesday and gave him $17 and left the bags with no documents A cemetery caretake has turned himself in to authorities after the bodies of six newborns were found outside a Dominican Republic gravesite wrapped in hospital bed sheets. Hilario Pascual said in the video posted prior to his surrender that the corpses were dropped off at the Christ the Savior Cemetery in the capital of Santo Domingo on Tuesday well after it had closed at 5:30. Pascual a worker with the La Popular funeral home handed him 1,000 pesos (about $17) without any proper documentation for the bodies and placed them outside the cemetery entrance. He said that he was drinking alcohol and forgot about the corpses before returning home. The corpses of six newborns were found on the ground outside the entrance of the Christ the Savior Cemetery in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday morning. The caretaker, identified as Hilario Polanco, turned himself in to authorities for questioning Friday and said that in a video that a funeral home worker delivered the babies to the cemetery after it had already closed and that he was only given $17 but no documentation was presented Hilario Pascual, the caretaker at the Christ the Savior Cemetery in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, turned himself in to the authorities on Friday and The bodies were spotted early Wednesday morning, shocking and perplexing residents and officials in the Caribbean country. Pascual said received a phone call from a friend regarding the disturbing incident at 6:30 am. 'Since I have never been in trouble with the justice, I became afraid and did not surrender because I have never been in prison,' he said. 'I don't know if there were six, three or four (corpses), I didn't kill those children. They gave that (bag) to me, I didn't know anything. 'They didn't give me any documentation and I dropped that bag as if it were nothing.' He added that he was not accustomed to receiving corpses without proper documents and that he never accepted any after the cemetery operating hours were over. The newborns were said to have been up to at least 40 days old and had died at Juan Bosch City Hospital. Prior to turning himself in to authorities in Santo Domingo, Hilario Pascual said on video that he was not aware how many corpses of newborns had been delivered to the cemetery after it has closed A spokesperson for Juan Bosch City Hospital said they had transferred the corpses to the La Popular funeral home on Tuesday A spokesperson for the medical facility said the corpses were transferred Tuesday to the funeral home for the proper burial service. The owner of La Popular, Julian Encarnacion, told Noticias SIN that the bodies were delivered to Christ the Savior Cemetery and personally handed over to Pascual. Each of the corpses had pampers on with red and blue identification tags on their wrists. The newborns had died on different dates of different causes, according to authorities who said parents don't always claim the bodies because they are unable to pay for a funeral or burial. Hospital officials have said that several weeks can go by between a death and a burial because a funeral home is contracted once the institution has a certain number of bodies. Pennsylvania police have named the 'armed and dangerous' 19-year-old suspect in the shooting murder of Philadelphia journalist and community advocate Josh Kruger. Kruger, 39, was shot seven times on Monday inside his two-story South Philadelphia townhouse by Robert Davis, according to homicide unit Lt. Hamilton Marshmond. A warrant is out for Davis' arrest, citing 'murder and related offenses.' Police said they were able to narrow in on Davis following multiple tips and a video of the 'incident prior to the murder,' but they did not provide additional details. 'Our goal is to have Mr. Davis taken into custody in a safe manner for the public, our officers and himself,' Marshmond said on Friday. Detectives said Kruger knew Davis, and had been trying to help him before he was killed. It's unclear how Davis got inside the residence, but police say they don't believe the suspect had been staying with the victim. Journalist Josh Kruger, 39, was shot seven times on Monday inside his two-story South Philadelphia townhouse by intruder Robert Davis (pictured), according to police Detectives said Kruger knew Davis, and had been trying to help him before he was killed Kruger was able to make it outside to seek help before succumbing to his wounds about a half hour later at a local hospital 'He was just trying to help him get through life,' said Marshmond. Davis had been reportedly going through various troubles including homelessness. Kruger - who worked for five years in his city's government from 2016 to 2021 - survived the initial encounter, and was able to make it outside to seek help before succumbing to his wounds about a half hour later at a local hospital. There were no signs of a forced entry at Kruger's home, and police believe the shooting happened at about 1.30am on Friday. Davis was known to police and has been arrested several times. but police declined on elaborating on their interactions with him, as reported by The Philadelphia Enquirer. A law enforcement source told the local outlet detectives believe the shooting was domestic in nature, and Kruger and Davis had been in a relationship. He rose from homelessness and addiction to work social media for his city's Democratic mayor James Kenney. 'Josh cared deeply about our city and its residents, which was evident both in his public service and in his writing,' Kenney said, recalling the years Kruger handled social media for him and the city's homeless humanitarian effort simultaneously. At the time of his death, Kruger was back doing journalism, crafting words for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Weekly, Philadelphia City Paper, and more Mayor Jim Kenney, a Democrat who took office in 2016, said he is 'shocked and saddened' by Kruger's death, citing how the journalist used to work for him as both a social media manager and the head of the city's Office of Homeless Services 'His intelligence, creativity, passion, and wit shone bright in everything that he did - and his light was dimmed much too soon,' Kenney added, revealing how Kruger left city government to focus on writing projects for news and causes he deemed important. At the time of his death, Kruger was back doing journalism, crafting words for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Weekly, Philadelphia City Paper, and more for the past two years. One such cause commonly covered by the journalist was the prevalence of homelessness and drugs in urban settings - something he himself was all too familiar with before getting off the streets and back on the straight and narrow. Kruger was diagnosed with HIV during his time on the streets - an affliction he had since conquered with medication and a healthier lifestyle. The accomplished writer, several friends and officials added, was also openly gay, and regularly wrote about displaced peoples on the margins of society. Such work was not lost on the city's District Attorney Larry Krasner Monday, who remembered Kruger by praising his years of contributions to the city. 'As an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness... Josh Kruger lifted up the most vulnerable and stigmatized people in our communities,' said Krasner. Kruger won various awards for his poignant and often humorous style, and described himself as a 'militant bicyclist' and 'a proponent of the singular they, the Oxford comma, and pre-Elon Twitter' on his website. His death is one of at least 330 homicides that have occurred in Philadelphia since the start of the year, per publicly available Philadelphia police data. Two elderly men died from complications on ward where staff drugged patients Two elderly men died from complications of prescription medication on a stroke ward where callous nursing staff drugged patients 'for their own amusement'. One 86-year-old patient had a primary cause of death of dehydration and chronic opiate toxicity following the administration of Midazolam, a drug commonly used in end-of-life care, a post-mortem examination found. The man, whose underlying cause of death was given as chronic kidney disease, spent 13 days on the unit before a rapid deterioration in his health and he died on November 22, 2018, a coroner was told. A second man, a retired maintenance manager suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer, died on the stroke unit three days earlier aged 79. His primary cause of death was given by pathologist Dr Alison Armour as aspiration pneumonia following administration of morphine sulphate, with metastatic cancer the underlying cause. Guilty: Nurses Charlotte Wilmot, left, and Catherine Hudson, right Senior nurse Catherine Hudson (left), 54, was convicted on Thursday of drugging two patients in April 2017 and November 2018, either to keep them 'quiet and compliant' or 'out of spite'. She and a junior colleague, Charlotte Wilmot (right), 48, were both found guilty of conspiring to administer a sedative to a third patient in 2017 They are among eight patients who died after treatment on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital whose deaths are being examined by a coroner. Two 'callous and dangerous' nursing staff who conspired to drug and ill-treat defenceless patients on the unit have been warned that they faced jail. Senior nurse Catherine Hudson, 54, was convicted on Thursday of drugging two patients in April 2017 and November 2018, either to keep them 'quiet and compliant' or 'out of spite'. She and a junior colleague, Charlotte Wilmot, 48, were both found guilty of conspiring to administer a sedative to a third patient in 2017. Custody photo of nurse Catherine Hudson The pair swapped vile and graphic messages, including one where Hudson boasted of sedating an elderly patient 'to within an inch of her life'. Their trial heard of a culture of abuse on the 'corrupt' ward, with claims that 95 per cent of staff would take drugs from the unit, sometimes on a recreational basis. During the police investigation launched in 2018 after a whistleblower reported Hudson's callous behaviour detectives examined the deaths of eight patients treated on the ward. No one has been charged in relation to their deaths, and there is no suggestion that Hudson or Wilmot contributed to their deaths in any way. Both the men whose post-mortem details have been revealed were admitted to the unit after Hudson had been arrested and suspended. Police also launched an unrelated murder inquiry over the death of a grandmother on the unit. Valerie Kneale, 75, bled to death after being assaulted possibly sexually by what detectives fear is a 'predator'. Eight patients died after treatment on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital (pictured) are having their deaths examined by a coroner Blackpool coroner Alan Wilson adjourned inquests on the eight patients until the end of Hudson and Wilmot's trial. It can also now be reported two other staff from the unit pleaded guilty to offences. Senior nurse Matthew Pover, 40, of Smethwick, West Midlands, admitted two counts of theft by an employee, supplying a Class C drug and being concerned in an offer to supply a Class C drug. Healthcare assistant Victoria Holehouse, 33, of Hambleton, Lancashire, admitted theft by an employee. Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it could not comment on an ongoing inquest. A member of staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital was jailed for sexually assaulting female colleagues over a nine-year period. Predatory healthcare assistant Hernando Puno, 52, slapped their bottoms or tried to kiss them. One victim made a formal complaint to the hospital in 2014 but felt she was not 'taken seriously', his trial heard. Puno was instead told in writing by his employers to 'improve his conduct in the workplace'. He was convicted by a jury of eight counts of sexual assault on five women at the hospital between 2012 and 2021 and was jailed for nine months in May. The trial at Burnley Crown Court heard he would approach his victims and grab or slap their bottoms and in other instances would sneak up and kiss them. Police launched an investigation in March 2021 when he was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a colleague at the hospital. This led to more victims coming forward and reporting sexual assaults. Predatory healthcare assistant Hernando Puno, 52, has been jailed for sexually assaulting female colleagues over a nine-year period The trial at Burnley Crown Court heard he would approach his victims and grab or slap their bottoms One healthcare assistant described Puno standing closely behind her and kissing her. 'It wasn't the kind of kiss you would give a colleague,' she told the trial. She said at the time she did not see herself as a victim of sexual assault because 'women acknowledge this kind of behaviour from men frequently and have to live with it'. He denied intentionally touching the women, claiming he was friendly and any contact was not intended to be sexual. Sentencing him, Judge Andrew Jefferies KC, told Puno: 'You did not heed that warning. You appeared to find your behaviour funny, jokey and not a big deal. 'It was apparent to me that during the course of your evidence you simply did not care or give any thought as to whether any of these women consented to anything you were doing.' Judge Jefferies branded Puno's offending 'cavalier' and said he displayed an 'out-of-date attitude' towards women. Afterwards Det Ch Insp Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: 'Puno is a predatory individual, who targeted younger female healthcare assistants. Puno denied intentionally touching the women, claiming he was friendly and any contact was not intended to be sexual 'He dismissed the behaviour as a 'bit of fun' accepting no responsibility for the way that he made his victims feel, claiming during the trial that he didn't care whether his victims consented to his actions. 'We welcome the sentence handed down at court and hope it serves as a warning to others who commit such crimes.' Specialist Crown Prosecutor Karen Tonge said Puno's actions had caused 'anger and distress'. 'Their courage in taking a stand against Puno's behaviour will no doubt have prevented other women suffering the same abuse,' she added. Former President Donald Trump is being accused of 'racism' and xenophobia after giving an interview where he said migrants were 'poisoning the blood of our country.' Trump included the line in a video interview where he repeated past claims that illegal immigrants, accusing them of bringing diseases into the country. 'Nobody has ever seen anything like we're witnessing right now. It is a very sad thing for our country,' Trump said in an interview with The National Pulse, a right leaning website. 'It's poisoning the blood of our country. It's so bad, and people are coming in with disease. People are coming in with every possible thing that you could have,' he said. Former President Donald Trump is being condemned for saying migrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country' 'Nobody has any idea where these people are coming from. We know they come from prisons. We know they come from mental institutions. You know, they're terrorists,' Trump said during the interview, speaking of the wave of migrants. Trump's phrasing drew a stern rebuke from the Andi-Defamation League, which pointed to similar language by mass shooters. 'Insinuating that immigrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country' echoes nativist talking points and has the potential to cause real danger and violence. We have seen this kind of toxic rhetoric inspire real-world violence before in places like Pittsburgh and El Paso. It should have no place in our politics, period,' ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said. He called the language 'racist, xenophobic and despicable.' 'And when anyone has a large platform, they need to be careful with their voice, but when you're the former president of the United States, you absolutely need to recognize your responsibility because this kind of rhetoric is explosive and must end, full stop,' Greenblatt said. Jonathan Greenblatt, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, said Trump's comments had 'echoes nativist talking points' Geraldo Rivera (l), a longtime Trump friend, called the remarks 'hateful' 'Nobody has any idea where these people are coming from. We know they come from prisons. We know they come from mental institutions. You know, they're terrorists,' Trump said during the interview, speaking of the wave of migrants The Trump campaign called it 'non-sensical outrage' and called it a 'normal phrase.' Adolph Hitler used the concept of blood 'poisoning' in Mein Kampf. 'All great cultures of the past perished only because the originally creative race died out from blood poisoning,' he wrote. The interview was billed as a Trump interview that 'the fake news doesn't show you.' Trump drew fury at the start of his 2016 campaign when he spoke of Mexican 'rapists' coming into the country. 'They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.' he said. Illegal immigration has climbed to the top of the list of concerns of American voters, with more than 10,000 migrants heading to the border each day, according to Mexico's president. Amid the concern, Trump's rival President Biden is facing pressure to demonstrate he is working to stop the influx. This week, the administration in an administration publication revealed it would resume construction of a section of border wall, but the White House said the action was required by a Trump-era law. The Trump interview, shot at Mar-a-Lago, dropped last week but has been gaining notice since. Former Fox News host Geraldo Rivera, a Trump friend who condemned his actions around January 6, blasted what he called the extraordinary hateful, Hitler-like quote.' He called it 'shocking' and outrageous.' To think that this guy was my friend, it is shocking, I'm so embarrassed,' he said. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung hit back at critics in a statement. 'Thats a normal phrase that is used in everyday life in books, television, movies, and in news articles. For anyone to think that is racist or xenophobic is living in an alternate reality consumed with non-sensical outrage,' he said. The heated debate over bans on second homes in popular coastal holiday destinations reached boiling point last night after businesses branded locals opposed to outsiders 'extremists'. Idyllic tourist locations around the country are fighting back against the influx of wealthy outsiders with a series of measures, including ensuring newbuild properties are only sold as principal residences. Residents have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the crackdowns, with nine to one majorities in some places, arguing the demand has left them unable to afford homes where they grew up. But business owners have now lashed out at the moves, warning tourists' money is vital to their survival. Maxwell Graham-Wood, who owns Satchells Wines in Burnham Market, Norfolk, has placed a sign outside his premises that states 'Second home owners and holidaymakers are WELCOME HERE'. Maxwell Graham-Wood, who owns Satchells Wines in Burnham Market, Norfolk, has placed a sign outside his premises stating second home owners are 'welcome' It comes after another Norfolk village, Blakeney, banned people from buying second homes A sign outside Satchells advises members of the public that second home owners and holiday makers are welcome inside their shop He said: 'If we had to rely on local people for business then there wouldn't be a single business left in the village because they don't shop here. 'Businesses love second home owners and holidaymakers and the sooner these extremists can drop this ridiculous attitude towards the people that keep our economy going, the better.' Arthur Howell, of Arthur Howell Butchers in nearby Wells-next-the-Sea, added: 'We need the business that holidaymakers bring in over the summer to get us through the winter. It would be very worrying if that was to stop. 'The money we get from second home owners and tourists doesn't just go to one business because we use local builders, local cattle producers and local plumbers. 'It would have a huge knock-on effect on the area if we lost that.' Another business owner, who didn't want to be identified in case it dented spending by locals 'which is not much but all I get in the off-season', said: 'These referendums are short-sighted protectionism they are not protecting people like me. 'Shops like mine rely hugely on big spends by visitors, whereas locals tend to go elsewhere, particularly for things like groceries. They are also vital to the variety and character in these locations but they're going to kill us off.' A swathe of holiday hotspots, such as St Ives in Cornwall, Salcombe in Devon, Swanage in Dorset and Tenby in Pembrokeshire, have taken action against second homes and holiday lets. Concerns had been growing for years but became more acute due to the popularity of staycations since the pandemic. Critics say communities where around half the dwellings are often owned by outsiders or are rented short-term - are left like 'ghost towns' outside holiday seasons and weekends, when townies return to their main homes. House prices have also spiralled, with some locals left needing 30 times their salary to buy an average property in their area. Villages such as the picturesque Blakeney are reportedly left like 'ghost towns' outside of the summer season The government last year closed a loophole which allows owners of second homes in England to avoid paying council tax and access small business rates relief Local councillors who arranged for the referendums which include other measures such as developers having to show converting properties into lets will not have an adverse impact on parking and noise - defended the votes. Dennis Clark, chairman of Burnham Market Parish Council, which imposed curbs last month after 80 per cent of voters backed them, said: '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.' Nigel Sutcliffe, the deputy chairman of Blakeney Parish Council which announced a ban last week, insisted colleagues had taken the right course of action. 'I think they did because there was a group that consulted with the population,' he said. 'The council were only following the wishes of the people, although I understand where businesses are coming from.' The government last year closed a loophole which allows owners of second homes in England to avoid paying council tax and access small business rates relief by declaring an intention to let the property out to holidaymakers. But critics say this has not provided a 'silver bullet' to fix the problem, while research suggests crackdowns imposed by communities can actually push up house prices as they make holiday homes scarcer. North West Norfolk Tory MP James Wild said further action was necessary but should be tailored to individual areas. 'Many constituents have raised concerns about the impact of holiday lets and second homes and the government has already introduced measures to strike a balance to have sustainable local communities and support tourism,' he said. 'Instead of a blanket ban approach, it's important to recognise that in different places different issues will arise and local people's views should be listened to as part of fostering sustainable villages and coastal towns.' A 13-year-old schoolboy lost his life after being stabbed to death while on a bus on Staten Island, New York. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon just before 2:30pm near Hylan Boulevard and Littlefield Avenue in the Eltingville section of the borough. The attacker got on the S78 bus and began yelling at the other teen before stabbing him in the chest three times. Both boys went to the same middle school, IS 7. New York City police have taken the suspect - also 13-years-old - in custody, but few details have been released in the case. A teenage boy was stabbed to death on a bus in Staten Island on Friday Police were pictured on scene searching for the weapon and the suspect, who is also believed to be 13 The victim was taken to Staten Island University South Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It remains unclear what led to the violent incident which saw the boy clutching his stomach as he signaled to the bus driver how he had been mortally wounded and was having trouble breathing. He then walked to the back of the bus and collapsed. Meanwhile the assailant ran off but was caught quickly by an off-duty police officer who happened to be an NYPD sergeant. 'Witnesses state there was an argument on the bus, a knife is produced, and gang signs were being shown back and forth,' NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell told reporters at a press conference on Friday night. 'We believe this motive possibly is gang-related,' Chell explained. Investigators were pictured at the scene on Friday afternoon looking for the knife used in the attack, even looking through a storm drain directly behind the parked bus. It's unclear if police recovered the weapon from the attack. Investigators were pictured on the scene looking for the knife used in the attack, even looking through a storm drain directly behind the parked bus. The stabbing happened around 2:30pm on the S78 bus; police were pictured on scene searching for the weapon including a storm drain The road was cordoned off with crime scene tape following the incident The attacker got on the S78 bus and began yelling at the other teen before stabbing him in the chest three times The NYPD's Emergency Service Unit were pictured on scene looking under vehicles in the area as they searched for the weapon. Crime scene tape was seen stretched across the road following the stabbing The suspect ran through the streets before being taken into custody neighbors in the area said The road was cordoned off with crime scene tape following the incident. The suspect ran through the streets before being taken into custody, neighbors who live in the area told SILive.com. The NYPD's Emergency Service Unit was spotted on scene looking under vehicles in the area as they searched for the weapon. Demetrius Crichlow, senior vice president of the NYC Transit Department met with the MTA bus driver at the scene. 'He was visibly broken up about what transpired. The driver notified communications, contacted the police rapidly and did a fantastic job of trying to maintain calm on the bus,' Crichlow said. 'Every parent's worst nightmare is playing out in real time,' Borough President Vito Fossella told the Staten Island Advance. 'This is something that has got to hit everybody in the gut in a real significant way,' he said. 'And there is no room for things like that on Staten Island in my opinion.' Healey has one of the toughest jobs in politics convincing Britain that after the chaos of the Jeremy Corbyn years, Labour can be trusted with the nations defences again. The shadow defence secretary certainly talks a good game, saying the 'first duty of any government is to keep the country safe'. He and Sir Keir Starmer have done their best to ensure there is not room for a cigarette paper between Labour and the Government on Ukraine. The pair have also adopted a 'Nato-first' strategy that would see the current Government's Indo-Pacific 'tilt' reversed to focus on beefing up defences closer to home. In his speech at Labour's conference next week, Mr Healey will go further by pledging to accelerate a 2billion programme to replenish stockpiles ammunition depleted by gifts to Volodymyr Zelensky's forces. Meeting in the Shadow Cabinet room at Westminster this week, Mr Healey says the Government was right to prioritise the issue in the March Budget, but adds: 'It's so far not spent a single penny, signed a single contract and not even done the internal preliminary step which is to give the Army, Navy and Air Force a sign of what share they'll get. 'So in government we would immediately apply a tried and tested system to cut the red tape, cut the delay and restock our Armed Forces.' JASON GROVES talks to Labour's shadow defence secretary John Healey (pictured) In a newspaper article last month, Mr Healey and the Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy claimed that Labour's commitment to the Trident nuclear deterrent was 'unshakeable'. His aides are keen to point to polling showing the Tory lead on the issue has been slashed from 33 points in 2020 to just seven last month. But Rishi Sunak signalled this week that the Conservatives will target Labour on defence ahead of the election. 'Not once, but twice, Labour tried to make a man prime minister who didn't believe in Nato, who would have surrendered our nuclear deterrent and who blames Britain for every problem,' he said. 'Sir Keir Starmer might want us to forget about his repeated support for Jeremy Corbyn, but we never will. You can never trust Labour with our country's security.' Mr Healey points out that Sir Keir has focused on rebuilding Labour's defence policy, vowing 'Labour will never go into an election again not trusted on national security'. 'I regard the Prime Minister's remarks as frankly beneath his office feeble, false,' he says. Yet Mr Corbyn remains a sensitive topic. Mr Healey served in his Shadow Cabinet for four years in the role of shadow housing secretary through both the 2017 and 2019 elections. In May 2016, when the revolt against Mr Corbyn's leadership was gathering pace, he urged Labour MPs to 'unite behind Jeremy Corbyn as long as he's leader'. He says that he and Sir Keir chose to stay in order to 'ensure that broader base of mainstream Labour opinion was part of the leadership'. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey walk through Tallinn, March 2022 And he points to the fact that a commitment to Trident remained in Labour's manifestos throughout that period as evidence that he had some success albeit that Mr Corbyn had rendered any deterrent pointless as he refused to say whether he would be willing to use it. Did he actually want Mr Corbyn to become prime minister? 'I wanted Labour in government,' he says. 'A Labour government would have been better than the chaos we've seen from the Conservatives over recent years.' Mr Healey's personal commitment to Trident is genuine. Labour would, he says, press ahead with a full four-boat replacement to enable the continuous at-sea deterrent to remain in place for decades. But elsewhere in the Shadow Cabinet, the picture is not so clear. Mr Lammy, who declared his commitment 'unshakeable' last month, voted against Trident's renewal as recently as 2016, as did five other current Shadow Cabinet ministers, including deputy leader Angela Rayner. So what would Labour do differently? Mr Healey has promised an immediate defence review to switch Britain's stance to a 'Nato-first' position. Attempts to boost our presence in the Indo-Pacific such as sending the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth to the South China Sea would be scaled back, despite concerns about Beijing's sabre-rattling. He cannot say whether Labour would boost defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP, but points out it was 2.5 per cent when they left office in 2010 higher than today. One area of no change is Ukraine, where he says the Government has his party's 'total support'. Mr Healey is one of the few members of Sir Keir's top team with real experience in government Mr Healey is one of the few members of Sir Keir's top team with real experience in government. Although he dislikes the term he is also a Red Wall survivor, holding on to his once South Yorkshire constituency of Wentworth and Dearne by just over 2,000 votes in 2019. Repositioning Labour on defence after the disastrous Corbyn years is a key part of the strategy to win back patriotic Red Wall voters. Mr Healey is cautious about saying the job has been completed. 'There is a really strong sense of two things. One, nothing's working now. And secondly, it's time for change,' he says. 'But you don't live in and serve in an area which had a 70 per cent Leave vote and not know that we still have a great deal more to do to convince people first, that it's worth voting and the politics can make a difference, and second to convince people to place their confidence in us at the next election. There's no complacency.' Investors fear their widespread use could hit the biggest snack food makers Drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic suppress appetite and reducing eating The soaring popularity of weight-loss injections that suppress appetite is threatening the business prospects of some of the biggest snack food makers, who saw their stock battered this week. Shares of Jell-O maker Kraft Heinz, Pringles maker Kellanova, and soda giant PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, all touched new 52-week lows on Friday, as investors questioned whether weight-loss injections will slash the American appetite for snacking. Mondelez International, maker of Oreos, Ritz Crackers, Chips Ahoy and other popular snacks, saw its stock drop 8.28 percent this week, closing on Friday at its lowest level since last November. Drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists that were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but also mimic a gut hormone that suppresses appetite and promotes a feeling of fullness. Sales of these drugs are soaring, leading to questions about whether greater consumer focus on weight loss could dampen sales for snack producers. Mondelez International, maker of Oreos, Ritz Crackers, Chips Ahoy, and other popular snacks, saw its stock drop 8.28 percent this week to its lowest since last November Drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, which mimics a gut hormone that suppresses appetite and promotes a feeling of fullness Some companies are already preparing for a possible future in which widespread use of the drugs dramatically changes consumer habits. Slim Jim beef jerky maker Conagra Brands said on Thursday it may consider changing portion sizes of its snacks if the rising use of weight-loss drugs shifts consumption patterns. 'If we end up seeing changes in consumer eating patterns, let's say they go to smaller portions ... (then) we design smaller portions,' CEO Sean Connolly said on a quarterly conference call. Conagra, which also makes Act II popcorn, may consider changing the ingredients in some products if consumer preferences change, Connolly said, but added that he did not see such adjustments being necessary in the next six months. Connolly told Reuters that Conagra's scientists are studying consumer behavior for potential shifts. 'Clearly one of the things that (scientists) can see in the marketplace now are the early days of these drugs that are being used to help people manage their weight,' he said. 'One of the things that companies will need to do is understand what will be the implications ... if that behavior becomes more broad based.' Adoption of weight-loss drugs could force food companies to reconsider their revenue and profit forecasts, and change recipes, said Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer at Running Point Capital Advisors. 'It is definitely a concern that the weight-loss drugs will possibly have a significant impact on a lot of packaged consumer goods,' Schulman said. Adoption of weight-loss drugs could force food companies to reconsider their revenue and profit forecasts, and change recipes, experts say Some companies are already preparing for a possible future in which widespread use of the drugs dramatically changes consumer habits CFRA Research analyst Arun Sundaram said some packaged food companies are worried about the drugs' long-term impact since they sell products that are high in sugar and not necessarily healthy. Meanwhile, Walmart has revealed shoppers are buying less food thanks to the increasing popularity of weight loss injections. Walmart's US CEO, John Furner, told Bloomberg News that the company is seeing signs that people taking the jabs are buying 'less units, slightly less calories.' But as the impact of the drugs ripples through society, there are also financial winners, chief among them Denmark-based Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy. The drugmaker last month overtook LVMH as Europe's most valuable listed company, worth about 385 billion euros ($403 billion) - slightly more than Denmark's gross domestic product. In August, the Danish government cited Novo when it lifted its economic growth forecast for this year. Airlines could also be surprise winners, after a new analysis suggested United Airlines could save $80 million a year on fuel costs if every passenger shed 10 pounds. A lighter plane full of slimmer people would significantly reduce the cost of flying , found Sheila Kahyaoglu, a Jefferies Financial analyst. Kahyaoglu looked at United, but said the benefits would apply to all airlines. She concluded, in a report released last week and obtained by Bloomberg, that the drugs could be a game-changer for airlines, where fuel and labor are the biggest costs. Barely a day passes without some story appearing which makes you scream silently and think the world has gone stark raving bonkers. Now, though, the lunatics really have taken over the asylum. Health trusts, councils, police forces, fire brigades and corporations are implementing policies to help men navigate the so-called 'male menopause'. Managers must assist staff experiencing symptoms ranging from mood swings to fatigue and lack of libido by letting them start shifts later or work from home. They can even take a year's paid sick leave. Portable fans will be provided to ease the discomfort of those with hot flushes. But here's the rub. Even the NHS the nation's premiere bastion of political correctness says the male menopause does not exist. There is no equivalent for men of the dramatic collapse in hormones when a woman hits the menopause. Yes, men can have similar symptoms, but they are invariably linked to unhealthy lifestyles, psychological problems such as money worries, and the midlife crisis. Universities including Glasgow, Surrey and Kent each have men mentioned in their menopause policies. Pictured: Glasgow University And they pale into insignificance compared with the frequently debilitating effects of what used to be called 'The Change'. So why are we expected to swallow the madness about the 'manopause'? The truth is, public bodies and company boardrooms have been captured by the 'woke' agenda, where identity politics is as important as their core purpose. By adopting absurd policies on the male menopause, these organisations are denying biological fact in order to virtue-signal. It is deeply insulting to women, who have fought to get the menopause recognised in the workplace. Finally taken seriously, their rights are again being eroded by activism. Then there is the cost. When the public sector bleats about money being tight, surely it's better spent solving real issues, not invented ones? And there is a danger that as more bodies acknowledge the 'manopause', staff will be tempted to take more time off sick. It would create a shirker's charter. It is a fact of life that men's joie de vivre diminishes in middle-age. Instead of packaging this into a fashionable new syndrome, isn't it better to show a bit of resolve and just deal with it? Come clean, Sir Keir Sir Keir Starmer was understandably cock-a-hoop after Labour's seismic success in the Rutherglen by-election. A key test of his party's appeal in Scotland, it was emphatically passed. The SNP was swept away, humiliated on a whopping swing another nail in the coffin of independence. And it will put a knot of anxiety in Rishi Sunak's stomach. If this result was replicated at the general election, Sir Keir's path to power would be much smoother. He'll undoubtedly be walking on air on the eve of Labour's conference, but he must still seal the deal with the electorate. While talking tough, his party is vulnerable on defence. Not so long ago, Sir Keir fought to put Jeremy Corbyn, a Nato-hating backer of nuclear disarmament, into No 10. Sir Keir Starmer was understandably cock-a-hoop after Labour's seismic success in the Rutherglen by-election So it's profoundly concerning that the shadow defence secretary tells us that Labour would reverse the Government's tilt towards the Indo-Pacific to focus on beefing up defences closer to home. True, Russian aggression has not yet been defeated. But there are ominous signs China is preparing more than sabre-rattling towards Taiwan. Britain has growing military and economic partnerships in this dynamic region. Withdrawing would be at best naive and at worst suicidally stupid. Meanwhile, Sir Keir is blocking Labour from holding a Brexit debate at conference. Desperate to avoid alienating Leave voters in the party's heartlands or metropolitan Remain supporters, he is trying, Janus-like, to face both ways. He insists he is a man of integrity. But by being secretive about his Brexit plans, he is treating voters with disdain. One teenager is dead and five others are injured after a ute left the road and smashed into a tree. The horror incident occurred shortly after midnight at Bayview on Sydney's northern beaches, when emergency services were called to Cabbage Tree Road following reports of a single-vehicle crash. Police confirmed a Toyota Hilux left the road at about 12.20am. A 16-year-old boy who was travelling in the front-passenger seat died on Saturday morning. The 17-year-old red P-plate driver was airlifted to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he is in a critical but stable condition. Four boys travelling in the back seat one aged 16 and three aged 17 remain in Royal North Shore Hospital. The horror incident occurred shortly after midnight at Bayview on Sydney 's northern beaches, when emergency services were called to Cabbage Tree Road following reports of a single-vehicle crash A 16-year-old boy who was travelling in the front-passenger seat died on Saturday morning. The 17-year-old red P-plate driver was airlifted to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he is in a critical but stable condition. Four boys travelling in the back seat one aged 16 and three aged 17 remain in Royal North Shore Hospital 'There is a range of injuries to the persons... ranging between serious crush injuries to the chest and also leg fractures and other injuries,' Superintendent Patrick Sharkey told reporters on Saturday morning. 'We will look at speed and road conditions. If alcohol or drugs were involved. All those conditions, all those factors are yet to be identified.' It's understood the six teens were friends from the area where the accident occurred. 'Obviously, it was a very chaotic scene with six people injured, one being deceased when police first arrived,' Supt Sharkey said. 'It appeared that perhaps two of the occupants had been ejected from the vehicle.' Police are yet to speak to the 17-year-old driver in hospital. The Crash Investigation Unit is at the scene. A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Inquiries are ongoing; anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Over half of Red Wall voters said they thought there was a 'war on motorists' More than half of Red Wall voters back Rishi Sunak's plan to delay a ban on new petrol and diesel cars to 2035 - and only a quarter support Labour's pledge to reintroduce the 2030 deadline. The Prime Minister axed the Net Zero measure last month in order to relieve pressure on ordinary motorists. But Labour frontbenchers have said the party would recommit to the original date as part of moves to switch to electric cars. This has gone down poorly in crucial Red Wall constituencies, with just 27 per cent backing the Opposition party's decision, compared to 53 per cent who support the Prime Minister, a new poll reveals. Only a fifth of respondents opposed the new 2035 deadline, although 22 per cent called for the ban the sale of on new petrol and diesel cars to be scrapped altogether. Labour frontbenchers have said that the party would commit to reintroducing the 2030 deadline for banning new petrol and diesel cars, despite support for the Prime Minister's delay in Red Wall areas The survey, commissioned by the Association of British Drivers (ABD), prompted critics of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to suggest he was oblivious to the needs of ordinary drivers. It comes just days after Mr Sunak launched his 'plan for drivers' which seeks to 'slam the brakes on the war on motorists'. Tory MP Greg Smith, who sits on the Commons transport committee, said: 'Labour are never on the side of motorists and this polling shows that. 'Where Labour are in control, they always bake in the most anti-motorist taxes and measures. 'It is no wonder they now want to restrict choice too, forcing people into unaffordable technology.' The same poll showed that 51 per cent of Red Wall voters feel there is still a 'war on motorists' going on, with just 17 per cent disagreeing. Bob Bull, chairman of the ABD, added: 'This poll is further dramatic proof that the British public is fed up with being hassled, harassed and heavily taxed every time they get behind the wheel of a car. 'Rishi Sunak has started to see the light with his decision to delay the ban on conventionally powered cars but he still has a long way to go. 'As for Sir Keir Starmer, he should wake up and listen to the voters. Only one in four people back his 2030 deadline. 'The truth is, we don't need this meddling by ministers. They should let the market decide when and if electric cars become the norm. 'Motorists should be free to stick with petrol and diesel cars if they wish and free to switch to an electric vehicle when the technology, especially range and the availability of charging points, persuades them that it is time for a change.' Over 51 per cent of Red Wall voters also said they thought there was a 'war on motorists', with just 17 per cent disagreeing The results are likely to cause concern in Labour circles. Last week the party's poll lead over the Tories in crucial Red Wall seats shrunk to its narrowest margin in more than a year to just 14 points. Sir Keir's party needs to convincingly win the set of constituencies - defined as traditional Labour strongholds in the Midlands and North of England, many of which were won by the Tories under Boris Johnson in 2019 - in order to have a chance of getting a majority at next year's election. Nicola Sturgeon has opened up about her 'very special' conversations with the late Queen - but neglected to mention Her Majesty's desire to keep Scotland in the UK. The former first minister of Scotland revealed that she spent several hours chatting with the monarch, who she claimed 'liked a bit of gossip'. Sturgeon added that Queen Elizabeth would try to work out the 'real story' behind newspaper reports and was 'scarily well-informed'. She said that she was granted a private audience with the Queen twice a year: in the summer when she came to Holyrood and in the autumn in Balmoral - which in total consisted of 'several hours' of discussions. Speaking on the Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth podcast on Friday, Sturgeon said: 'She was wonderful... I consider myself very privileged to have had in total several hours of private time. Nicola Sturgeon has opened up about her 'very special' conversations with the late Queen (pictured together in June 2022) The former first minister of Scotland revealed that she spent several hours chatting with the monarch (pictured in June 2019), who she claimed 'liked a bit of gossip' Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon leaves after giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry at Dorland House in London Describing the Queen's personality, she continued: 'She was incredibly warm, chatty, she would always just put you at your ease. 'At times she was very very very well informed - scarily well-informed. 'I'd be stressing about "Do I know everything that's happened in Scotland in the past 48 hours? Because she will and she will ask you about it!"' 'She liked a bit of gossip! She liked to know what was happening in the political world so she would ask me things about things she'd read in the papers and what was the "real story" here.' She said that the Queen would also reflect on audiences she had held with the likes of Churchill and Mandela. Sturgeon said: 'It was incredible these discussions. They were very very special.' Unsurprisingly, the former SNP leader did not mention the Queen's desire to keep Scotland in the UK. Before the 2014 independence referendum, Her Majesty urged people to think 'very carefully' about the way they would vote, in a strong indication she wanted the Union to stay together. The Queen meets with Sturgeon as she attends the opening of the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, July 2016 Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the Queensferry Crossing during the official opening of the new bridge across the Firth of Forth, September 2017 Queen Elizabeth II receives the-then SNP leader during an audience at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, 2021 Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reads a statement at Bute House, Edinburgh, following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II Buckingham Palace repeatedly insisted during her life that the Queen was impartial in political matters. After the vote confirmed Scotland would stay in the UK, the Queen said in a statement that it was 'a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom would respect'. The final meeting between The Queen and Sturgeon took place in June 2022, a couple of months before her death in September that year. The First Minister was received by Her Majesty at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and gifted the Queen a bottle of Johnnie Walker whisky and a tartan blanket. The Queen loved Scotland all her life, spending many happy weeks in her Highland residence Balmoral Castle. She would always look forward to her annual holiday there - one of the few times she could fully relax. As a young girl she spent much time in the country, often with her parents at Balmoral or grandparents at Glamis. Buckingham Palace declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline. Earth has been hit by blast of energy from a dead star so powerful that scientists can't fully explain it. The intense gamma rays detected using a vast system of telescopes in Namibia would sizzle humans to a crisp if we were exposed to them. They originate from the Vela Pulsar around 1,000 light years from Earth, which has already been compared in appearance to the mask from the Phantom of the Opera. Pulsars are the remains of a massive star that blew up an estimated 10,000 years ago as a supernova, then collapsed in on itself. British astronomer Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell was the first person to discover a pulsar in 1967, but this study marks the highest energy rays from a pulsar yet seen. The Vela Pulsar is located about 1,000 light years from Earth in the Southern sky in the constellation Vela What is a pulsar? Pulsars are neutron stars, the crushed cores of massive suns that destroyed themselves when they ran out of fuel, collapsed and exploded. The blast simultaneously shattered the star and compressed its core into a body as small as a city yet more massive than the sun. The result is an object of incredible density, where a spoonful of matter weighs as much as a mountain on Earth. Equally incredible is a pulsar's rapid spin, with typical rotation periods ranging from once every few seconds up to hundreds of times a second. Advertisement Sadly, it doesn't mean that aliens are trying to contact us, according to study author Arache Djannati-Atai from the Astroparticle & Cosmology (APC) laboratory in France. 'It is true that when they were first discovered back in 1967, the sources were named LGM1 and LGM2 for little green men, but that was almost a joke,' he told MailOnline. 'We know for sure pulsars are corpses of massive stars and there is no need for any alien intelligence to produce the signals that we see on Earth.' Pulsars are described as left-overs of stars that spectacularly exploded in a supernova, the largest explosion that takes place in space. These pulsars emit rotating beams of electromagnetic radiation, somewhat like cosmic lighthouses. If their beam sweeps across our solar system, we see flashes of radiation at regular time intervals. These flashes, also called pulses of radiation, can be searched for in different energy bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. 'These dead stars are almost entirely made up of neutrons and are incredibly dense,' said HESS scientist and study author Emma de Ona Wilhelmi. The Vela Pulsar makes over 11 complete rotations every second, faster than a helicopter rotor. As the pulsar whips around, it spews out a jet of charged particles that race out along the pulsars rotation axis at about 70 per cent of the speed of light (artist's impression) The observations were made using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) telescope observatory in Namibia (pictured) READ MORE Vela supernova pictured in spooky images A view of the Vela supernova remnant Advertisement 'A teaspoon of their material has a mass of more than five billion tonnes, or about 900 times the mass of the Great Pyramid of Giza.' One particular pulsar that's long been of interest to scientists is the Vela Pulsar, located about 1,000 light years in the Southern sky in the constellation Vela. Vela Pulsar is only about 12 miles in diameter and makes over 11 complete rotations every second, faster than a helicopter rotor. As Vela Pulsar whips around, it spews out a jet of charged particles that race out along the pulsars rotation axis at about 70 per cent of the speed of light. Using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) telescope observatory in Namibia, the scientists studied gamma rays which have the smallest wavelengths but the most energy of any wave in the electromagnetic spectrum being emitted from the Vela Pulsar. The energy of these gamma rays clocked in at 20 tera-electronvolts, or about 10 trillion times the energy of visible light. This is an order of magnitude larger than in the case of the Crab pulsar, the only other pulsar detected in the teraelectronvolt energy range. Scientists think that the source of this radiation may be fast electrons produced and accelerated in the pulsar's magnetosphere its system of magnetic fields. Much like planets including Earth, pulsars have a magnetosphere, an invisible forcefield that funnels jets of particles out along the two magnetic poles. The magnetosphere is made up of plasma and electromagnetic fields that surround and co-rotate with the star. The energy of these gamma rays clocked in at 20 tera-electronvolts, or about 10 trillion times the energy of visible light (pictured) Pulsars have a magnetosphere, an invisible forcefield that funnels jets of particles out along the two magnetic poles (pictured) According to the study authors, the Vela Pulsar now officially holds the record as the pulsar with the highest-energy gamma rays discovered to date, which could revise existing models of astronomy. 'This discovery is important as we have made a significant progress in probing pulsars at their extreme energy limit,' Djannati-Atai told MailOnline. 'Within the zoo of cosmic beasts pulsars are indeed fantastic objects as neutron stars, they are extremely dense states of matter and have very intense magnetic fields. 'Probing at their energy limit the phenomena taking place in pulsars and their environment helps us to improve or even to revise our theoretical models of the processes and physical conditions there. 'It also provides for a better understanding or other very dense and highly magnetised objects which act as cosmic accelerators, e.g. the magnetospheres of blackholes.' The new study has been published in the journal Nature Astronomy. Human footprints found in New Mexico may be even older than scientists originally thought, dating back to more than 20,000 years ago. In 2021, American and British archaeologists estimated prints found at White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico were about 21,000 to 23,000 years old. This suggests some of the earliest evidence of human activity in the Americas, about 10,000 years earlier than previously believed. However, many scientists were skeptical. But a follow-up study published Thursday in the journal Science has confirmed those findings based on radiocarbon dating, which examines decay that's up to 60,000 years old. Footprints found in White Sands National Park in New Mexico date to 23,000 years ago, making them the first 'unequivocal evidence' of homo sapiens in the New World thousands of years before most estimates Dr Jeff Pigati, lead researcher of the 2021 study and geologist at the US Geological Survey (USGS) in Denver, said: 'Every dating technique has strengths and weaknesses, but when three different techniques all converge on the same age range, then the resulting ages are exceptionally robust.' Study co-author Dr Kathleen Springer of the USGS added: 'Our original results were controversial, and we knew all along that we needed to independently evaluate the seed ages to develop community confidence in them. This paper is that corroborative exercise.' Homo sapiens arose in Africa more than 300,000 years ago and later migrated across the globe. Scientists believe our species entered North America from Asia by trekking across a land bridge that once connected Siberia to Alaska. The prints - which are flat, a possible sign the people were barefoot - reveal more than just a date, the researchers said. They offer a glimpse into what life was like during the Upper Paleolithic Era, which started about 40,000 years ago. READ MORE: 6 MILLION-year-old footprints discovered on Crete are the oldest prints of a pre-human species found yet Around 50 of the track marks were identified near the village of Trachilos on the western edge of the Greek island of Crete back in 2002. Advertisement Previous archaeological evidence had suggested human occupation of North America started roughly 16,000 years ago, according to study co-author Dr Matthew Bennett, a professor of environmental and geographical sciences at Bournemouth University in England. 'Indigenous peoples were there earlier than thought, before the great ice barrier at the height of the last glacial maximum closed the way south from Alaska. By what route and how they got there is yet to be determined. White Sands is just one point on the map for now,' he said. 'The work confirms the chronology we set out in 2021 for the site using independent methods, labs and approaches.' Most of the prints were left by teens and younger children, with occasional tracks from adults, as well as some from mammoths, giant ground sloths, and dire wolves, researchers said. 'The footprints left at White Sands give a picture of what was taking place -- teenagers interacting with younger children and adults,' Dr Bennett said in 2021. Earlier prints found on the White Sands trackway indicate young humans were hunting giant ground sloths in the area by purposely stepping in the animal's tracks. Other studies have found evidence of people living on the North American continent thousands of years earlier than previously believed. In July 2020, stone tools were discovered in a cave in Mexico known as Chiquihuite that revealed archaeological evidence of human occupation dating back to 27,000 years ago. In 2018, 150,000 'unique' stone tools were found northwest of Austin, Texas that suggested people lived on the continent as far back as 20,000 years ago. Human footprints dating back 15,600 years were found in Chile in 2019, which at the time, were believed to be the oldest known human footprint tracks in the Americas. Designated a megatrack site in 2014, White Sands contains the world's largest collection of fossilized footprints from the Pleistocene era, which is dated from 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago. The taxpayer-funded space race between billionaire tech moguls Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos moved into satellite-based internet services today. Bezos' Amazon launched its first test satellites for a proposed internet service Friday, the company's first steps in its scheme to rival SpaceXs broadband network, Starlink. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasted off with the pair of test satellites, kicking off a program that describes its goals as achieving global internet coverage with an eventual 3,236 satellites around Earth. Amazon said it plans to begin offering the service by the end of 2024. Elon Musks SpaceX has a huge head start, however, over Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos, who has his own rocket company, Blue Origin. SpaceX flew its first test Starlink satellites in 2018 and the first operational satellites in 2019. It has since launched more than 5,000 Starlinks from Florida and California, using its own Falcon rockets. Europes Eutelsat OneWeb also is launching internet satellites, with around 600 now in orbit. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off carrying Amazon's two prototype relay stations for a space-based internet service it calls Project Kuiper, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., October 6, 2023 Musk has branded the Amazon founder a 'dilettante' when it comes to space exploration while Bezos fired back that Musk's own staff believed that he 'rarely knew as much as he claimed' The competition between Musk and Bezos has become known as the 'Billionaire's Space Race' according to Musk biographer Walter Isaacson because space is a 'passion' for both men: two nerds who grew up immersed in science fiction. The two billionaires reignited their feud by trading insults in Isaacson's biography of the SpaceX founder, published last month. Musk branded the Amazon founder a 'dilettante' when it comes to space exploration for not spending enough time on his company, Blue Origin. But Bezos fired back that Musk's own staff believed he 'rarely knew as much as he claimed,' according to Isaacson's reporting. Former employees of Tesla and SpaceX said they thought Musk's ideas were 'usually unhelpful or problematic,' the book claims. Their space feud is not new: Musk and Bezos have been fighting for control of space tourism and for contracts with NASA for two decades. The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and Amazon's Project Kuiper Protoflight mission sit on the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at NASA's Cape Canaveral Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin was officially awarded a $3.4 billion contract with NASA earlier this year, putting the billionaire one small step closer to putting a man on the moon. Back in 2021, Musk's SpaceX won $3 billion to help put humans back on the moon for the first time since 1972. Bezos had tried in vain to win that contract - then tried to sue to overturn the decision Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin was officially awarded a $3.4 billion contract with NASA last May, putting the billionaire one small step closer to putting a man on the moon. Back in 2021, Musk's SpaceX won $3 billion to help put humans back on the moon for the first time since 1972. Bezos had tried in vain to win that contract then launched a failed lawsuit to overturn the decision. With today's launch, Amazon had originally agreed to put the two test satellites on the debut launch of ULA's Vulcan rocket. But with the Vulcan grounded by problems until at least the end of this year, Amazon switched to the long-established Atlas V. When licensing the program, the Federal Communications Commission stipulated that at least half of the planned satellites will be operating by 2026 and all of them by 2029. Amazon has reserved 77 launches from ULA, Blue Origin and Europes Arianespace to get the thousands of proposed satellites up into orbit. Advertisement The UK's best and worst city break package providers have been revealed by Which? - and it's Lastminute.com that ranks bottom. At the other end of the table, there's a tie for first place, with Jet2holidays, Trailfinders and Virgin Holidays sharing pole position. The rankings have been produced by a new survey by Which? that asked more than 8,000 travellers to rate their experiences of booking and going on holiday over a two-year period. Respondents ranked city break package providers based on six categories, including customer service, organisation of holiday and value for money. Top-ranking Jet2holidays, which is the UKs biggest tour operator, taking six million people away each year, receives a customer score of 81 per cent and is the only holiday provider thats been awarded Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) status. Which? notes that the travel brand offers 'relatively cheap' holidays, working out at 104 per person, per day, on average. Which? says: 'Not only does it combine great city-centre hotels with top-rated flights (including 22kg of luggage), but it also offers consistently great customer service. Its European city breaks are available in 30 destinations.' The UK's best and worst city break package providers have been revealed by Which? - and Jet2Holidays ties for first place The watchdog notes that when you book with Jet2holidays, youll fly with Jet2, the carrier that came top in the watchdog's survey of short-haul airlines earlier this year, was described as a 'perky and positive from beginning to end by MailOnline Travel Editor Ted Thornhill, and has a five-star rating for customer service. The other gold medal winners similarly secure an 81 per cent score. However, Trailfinders doesn't get WRP status because of its average three-star value-for-money rating - its the priciest long-haul provider in the ranking. Virgin also doesn't get WRP, because it refused to commit to freezing the price of a holiday after it's booked, Which? reveals. Second place in the ranking is another tie, this time between British Airways Holidays, Hays Travel and Travel Republic (each 79 per cent). Of British Airways Holidays, Which? says: 'You know what youre getting with a BA city break.' It notes that the provider receives a five-star rating in the description matching reality category. BEST AND WORST CITY BREAK PACKAGE PROVIDERS REVEALED BY WHICH? CITY BREAK HOLIDAY PROVIDERS CUSTOMER SCORE SHORT HAUL AVERAGE PRICE LONG HAUL AVERAGE PRICE CUSTOMER SERVICE ACCOMMODATION DESCRIPTION MATCHES REALITY ORGANISATION OF HOLIDAY TRANSPORT TO AND FROM DESTINATION VALUE FOR MONEY Jet2 Holidays 81 per cent 104 n/a 4/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 Trailfinders 81 per cent 135 217 4/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 4/5 3/5 Virgin Holidays 81 per cent 116 157 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 British Airways Holidays 79 per cent n/a n/a 4/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 Hays Travel 79 per cent 98 150 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 Travel Republic 79 per cent 89 n/a 4/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 Secret Escapes 78 per cent 109 n/a 3/5 4/5 4/5 3/5 4/5 4/5 Tui 78 per cent 104 134 4/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 Expedia 77 per cent 100 122 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 Saga 76 per cent 142 179 4/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 EasyJet Holidays 75 per cent 86 n/a 3/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 Co-Op Travel 73 per cent 85 103 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 3/5 Love Holidays 73 per cent 82 n/a 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 EDreams 72 per cent 72 n/a 3/5 3/5 3/5 4/5 4/5 3/5 Lastminute.com 71 per cent 85 113 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 4/5 3/5 The rankings have been produced by a new survey by Which? that asked more than 8,000 travellers to rate their experiences of booking and going on holiday over a two-year period. Virgin Holidays shares the gold medal spot in the table, earning a customer score of 81 per cent Trailfinders, which ties for first place, receives five stars in the 'description matches reality' category However, Which? says that 'the problem with a BA city break is that you have to fly with BA, a thoroughly mediocre airline that gets just two stars for value for money and was responsible for thousands of cancellations last year'. Hays Travel and Travel Republic, meanwhile are worth trying for budget options that dont compromise too much on quality, Which? reveals. Hays Travel charges just 98 per person, per day on average, while Travel Republic is even cheaper, at just 89 per person, per day on average. Tui lands in third place with a score of 78 per cent, snapping up five stars for description matching reality, which means that the breaks met holidaymakers expectations. Nearly a quarter of holidaymakers told Which? theyd experienced a problem on their recent break with Lastminute.com, which ranks last WHY CITY BREAK PACKAGES ARE BEST, ACCORDING TO WHICH? Which? says: 'Its tempting to book flights when you see a great deal to a city thats on your bucket list and then worry about the hotel later. You might even get a better price doing it this way. 'But what you wont get is the legal and financial protection that a city break package offers.' The watchdog continues: 'Package holiday protection kicks in if you bought your flights and another part of your holiday, such as accommodation, from a single company, with one payment. Youre then financially protected, under Atol, if your provider goes bust. And if your holiday proves to be a let down, or if things go wrong, your protected under the Package Travel Regulations.' Advertisement Which? says: 'Theres nothing wrong with Tuis city breaks... its just that there are better operators out there that cost the same price or less.' It notes that for the same rate (104 per person, per day), you can nab a short-haul city break on a better airline, with a better-rated provider. EasyJet Holidays ranks in the middle of the table (sixth) with a score of 75 per cent, with Which? noting that its breaks are 'affordable'. At an average cost of just 86 per person, per day, they are almost on a par with the bargain basement prices of last-place Lastminute.com (85pp), the watchdog notes. However, its customer service receives an average three-star rating and holidaymakers found their experiences a bit hit and miss, Which? reveals, adding that there are cheaper and better-rated companies to choose from. Moving to the bottom of the table, eDreams ranks second-last (eighth) with a score of 72 per cent, while last-place Lastminute.com (ninth) earns 71 per cent. 'Steer clear of the cheap city break providers at the bottom of our table,' Which? says. It notes that nearly a quarter of holidaymakers told the watchdog theyd experienced a problem on their recent break with Lastminute.com. And eDreams customers complained that it was very difficult to get through to anyone on the phone when they tried to contact customer services. Commenting on the survey's findings, Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: 'If you're considering a festive city break this winter, it's well worth booking your stay as part of a package, which can offer you extra protection in the event something should go wrong. 'Our survey found not all package firms are made equal, however - with some respondents reporting that their providers failed to so much as pick up the phone in periods of disruption. In contrast, the highest-rated firms such as Jet2.com and Trailfinders offered customers a first-class service from start to finish - whether you're looking for a budget break or a bespoke itinerary.' The Great Escaper Verdict: The best of British Rating: The Exorcist: Believer Verdict: Scary, but not terrifying Rating: The story of Roger Bushell, who masterminded the 1944 mass break-out from the Stalag Luft III prisoner-of-war camp that was immortalised in the film The Great Escape, was published in paperback in March 2014. Understandably, the book was called The Great Escaper. We can only guess whether a doughty but less distinguished World War II veteran called Bernard Jordan read that book about Bushell (who inspired the character played by Richard Attenborough in the 1963 movie). But we do know that just two months after publication, quite unwittingly and evidently to his embarrassment, he went and usurped its title. It is Bernie's real-life story, not Bushell's, that gets told in Oliver Parker's touching film The Great Escaper. But he, too, is played by screen royalty: Sir Michael Caine. The film covers the events of 48 hours. 'Bernie' is 89, living quietly with his ailing wife Rene, short for Irene, (Glenda Jackson, looking truly ancient and obviously not caring a jot) in a small flat in a care home in Hove, East Sussex. He was a leading seaman during the tumult of D-Day, responsible for letting tanks on to the beach. So he is rather miffed to be told that he's applied too late to join a Royal British Legion trip to France to mark the 70th anniversary of the landings. Bernard Jordan's real-life story is told in Oliver Parker's touching film. Bernie is played by screen royalty: Sir Michael Caine Bernie is 89, living quietly with his ailing wife, played by Glenda Jackson, in a small flat in a care home in Hove, East Sussex The D-Day veteran is rather miffed to be told that he's applied too late to join a Royal British Legion trip to France to mark the 70th anniversary of the landings With Rene's blessing, but without telling the care-home staff, he duly decides to make his own way, taking a taxi to Dover and then catching a cross-Channel ferry. On the journey he is befriended by another D-Day veteran, Arthur (the excellent John Standing). His vowels are cut-glass, Bernie's are more broken-glass, but they bond over their shared history. At first it seems that Bernie, for whom the trip has triggered traumatic flashbacks, is the more vulnerable of the pair. But Arthur has his demons, too. Indeed, they both have painful secrets that they have kept to themselves for 70 years. Classic Film on TV: Don't Look Now (1973) Nicolas Roeg's brilliant, disturbing thriller, featuring Venice in all its glory, and Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland in all theirs. BBC2, 11.15pm, Monday Advertisement Meanwhile, back in Hove, the care-home staff have raised the alarm. The police start looking for Bernie, only calling off the search when Rene explains where he's gone. On social media the police announce that Bernie is safe, wryly using the hashtag The Great Escaper. That promptly goes viral, though it's not until Rene sees a TV report and then the Daily Mail's front page that she realises her beloved Bernie has become the subject of a global story. There's a fair dollop of dramatic licence in William Ivory's screenplay (Arthur, for instance, is entirely fictionalised), but Parker confidently navigates the switches back and forth across the Channel. Moreover, although the focus is on Bernie, he makes the most of the mighty Jackson, giving what was to be her final performance before her death in June. It's a pleasure to watch her, as Rene, playing her swing-band music and giving the staff hell. There are switches back and forth in time, too, also nicely handled, with Laura Marcus and Will Fletcher very believably playing the young Rene and Bernie in their courting days. Seven decades on, the couple's chemistry is undimmed. At heart, this film is their love story, but it is also a powerful tale of reconciliation. At the start, Bernie is so anti-German that he won't even eat Black Forest gateau, yet there's a hugely affecting scene in a Normandy bar when he salutes a group of Wehrmacht veterans, also there to pay their respects to fallen comrades. I was similarly touched by the spectacle of dozens of ex-servicemen standing apart on Sword Beach almost like Anthony Gormley statues, together in spirit but alone with their memories. There are a couple of small quibbles. I didn't entirely buy the encounters between Bernie and a more recent veteran, who lost a leg serving in Afghanistan and whose PTSD symptoms the old sailor recognises. But The Great Escaper never lurches into clunky sentimentality, and whenever it looks as if it might, Caine and Jackson pull it back. This isn't quite the former's final fling he's said to be featuring in one last film before he retires for good but what a joy to find him and Jackson, almost 50 years after they appeared together in The Romantic Englishwoman (1975), showing that you can be as old as the hills yet still at the top of your game. This is not the first 'sequel' to The Exorcist, but this one is worth seeing, if only for the powerful first half The film loses its way as the supernatural dimension builds, culminating in an extravagantly overwrought exorcism scene I still felt chills, though, without ever quite leaving my seat in a ceiling-wards direction, as I did watching the original through my fingers The same is so, in The Exorcist: Believer, of 90-year-old Ellen Burstyn. She plays Chris MacNeil just as splendidly as she did half a century ago in William Friedkin's terrifying 1973 masterpiece The Exorcist. Then, it was Chris's daughter Regan who was possessed by the devil. Now, in David Gordon Green's highly anticipated follow-up, it's a pair of 13-year-old girls, schoolfriends Angela (Lidya Jewett) and Katherine (Olivia Marcum), with Chris as the old sage who's seen it all before and might just be able to help. This is not the first 'sequel' to The Exorcist. John Boorman gave it a whirl with the thoroughly ill-conceived Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), and still wishes he hadn't bothered. The Exorcist III (1990) was only slightly better. But this one is worth seeing, if only for the powerful first half, in which the two girls go missing in the Georgia woods for three days causing anguish for their parents: Angela's single dad Victor (Leslie Odom Jr), an agnostic, and Katherine's church-going folks. That depiction of a particular kind of horror story is extremely well done, but actually the film loses its way as the supernatural dimension builds, culminating in an extravagantly overwrought exorcism scene. I still felt chills, though, without ever quite leaving my seat in a ceiling-wards direction, as I did watching the original through my fingers. A version of The Great Escaper review ran in August . Also showing: Jamie Foxx's hotshot lawyer sets the court on fire The Burial Rating: Mind-Set Rating: Golda Rating: Jamie Foxx is on rip-roaring form as flamboyant personal injury lawyer Willie E Gary in The Burial, a compellingly witty and engaging drama based on actual events. When a powerful 'death-care' corporation tries to cheat Mississippi funeral-home owner Jerry O'Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones, also superb), he hires Willie to represent him. The case concerns contract law, outside his area of expertise, but more significantly it will be heard in a poor county, before a black judge and jury. That's why Jerry wants Willie on his side, much to the annoyance of his long-time attorney, a white racist splendidly played by Alan Ruck (the hapless Connor Roy in the TV hit Succession). It's a tremendously satisfying film, directed and co-written by Maggie Betts. Jamie Foxx is on rip-roaring form as flamboyant personal injury lawyer Willie E Gary in The Burial Golda, set during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, stars Helen Mirren as formidable Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir I also really liked Mind-Set, a low-budget British drama about the relationship between depressive Lucy (Eilis Cahill) and agoraphobic Paul (Steve Oram). That doesn't sound like much fun, and some of it isn't, but actually Mikey Murray's monochrome film has oodles of wit and poignant charm. And incidentally it's the perfect antidote to all those movies that depict sex as earth-movingly euphoric and fabulous. I'll say no more. Golda, set during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, stars Helen Mirren as the formidable Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. The prosthetics and body suit used to turn the glamorous Mirren into the homely Meir have been criticised, and from some angles she does look a bit like an extra from Lord Of The Rings. More problematically, the screenplay gets terribly bogged down in dialogue between politicians in smoke-filled rooms. I found it tedious, which is a shame because, as usual, Mirren is terrific. Chris Rock is now slated to direct a biopic of Martin Luther King Jr., with Steven Spielberg on board as executive producer. Universal has acquired the movie rights for King: A Life, a bestselling new biography by Jonathan Eig that hit the shelves this May, Deadline reports. Pulling from freshly available resources, such as FBI documentation that was only recently declassified, the book provides a warts-and-all view of the subject's life that the author hopes will 'recover the real man from the grey mist of hagiography.' Although Chris shot to stardom as a stand-up comic and is also famous as an actor, the biopic is far from his first time at the helm of a picture. He in fact made his directorial debut exactly two decades ago with the 2003 political satire Head Of State, which he also starred in and wrote. New work: Chris Rock (pictured) is now slated to direct a biopic of Martin Luther King Jr., with Steven Spielberg on board as executive producer The man himself: The project is based on a new biography that hopes to 'recover the real man from the grey mist of hagiography'; MLK is pictured in 1960 Source material: Universal has acquired the movie rights for King: A Life, a bestselling new biography by Jonathan Eig that hit the shelves this May, Deadline reports Chris went onto direct a couple of episodes of his sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, which was based on his own childhood. Along with the feature films Top Five and I Think I Love My Wife, he has also helmed comedy specials for himself and Amy Schumer, as well as the 2006 music video for the Red Hot Chili Peppers song Hump De Bump. Just this year, Chris featured in another movie connected to Martin Luther King Jr. - Rustin, from the legendary Broadway director George C. Wolfe. The movie lifts the curtain back on the story behind the March On Washington of 1963, the site of the world-renowned 'I have a dream' speech. Chris features as NAACP chief Roy Wilkins, a titan of the civil rights movement and one of the organizers of the march. Zola heartthrob Colman Domingo, meanwhile, leads the cast as the title character Bayard Rustin, another crucial figure behind the event. Chris' latest directorial gig comes a year and a half after he rose to new heights of global notoriety for getting smacked in the face at the Academy Awards. Will Smith slapped Chris onstage at the 2022 Oscars for making a bald joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who shaved her head because she has alopecia. Returning to the subject: Just this year, Chris featured in another movie connected to Martin Luther King Jr. - Rustin, starring Colman Domingo (pictured) as the title character Premise: Directed by legendary Broadway hand George C. Wolfe, the project lifts the curtain on the story behind the March On Washington of 1963 Iconic moment: Martin Luther King Jr. is pictured at the real March On Washington, the site of his world-famous 'I have a dream' speech 'Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can't wait to see it,' Chris cracked, in reference to the 1997 movie starring Demi Moore with a shaved head. Will was seen initially laughing at the joke, but Jada rolled her eyes and then he stormed onto the stage to give Chris a thwack across the face. Then Will flounced back to his seat and repeatedly shrieked at Chris: 'Keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth!' Less than an hour after his outburst, Will was awarded the best actor Oscar and received a standing ovation for his tearful speech in which he called himself a protector of his family and expressed a desire to be a 'vessel of love.' Although he apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his speech, he did not issue a public apology to Chris until the following day. After the awards, he went to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and danced to his own song Gettin' Jiggy Wit It while other partygoers cheered him on. As the backlash mounted - but before the Academy could decide what punishment it should impose for the incident - Will resigned from the organization. Although his departure meant he could no longer vote for the Oscars, he at that point was still able to attend the show. Details: Will Smith slapped Chris onstage at the Oscars last March for making a bald joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who shaved her head because she has alopecia However the Academy has since imposed a 10-year ban on his attending the ceremony, though he can still be nominated for and win Oscars. Jada finally addressed the slap that June on an alopecia-themed episode of her show Red Table Talk, urging Will and Chris to patch up their differences. 'Now, about Oscar night,' she cooed: 'my deepest hope is that these two intelligent, capable men have an opportunity to heal, talk this out and reconcile.' Meanwhile, a month after the slap Will surfaced in India, where a People source said he was planning to meditate, do yoga and focus on spirituality. Chris parlayed the incident into material for his next Netflix special Selective Outrage, which bowed on the streaming service in March. 'Will Smith is significantly bigger than me,' Chris pointed out while discussing how much the slap physically hurt him. 'We are not the same size, okay? Will Smith does movies with his shirt off. You've never seen me do a movie with my shirt off.' He quipped: 'If I'm in a movie getting open heart surgery, I've got on a sweater. Will Smith played Muhammad Ali in a movie.' Zoe Saldana, 45, looked more radiant than ever as she graced the cover of Vogue Thailand's October issue. The perpetually youthful Guardians of the Galaxy starlet rocked an elegant black gown with a plunging neckline on one cover as she gazed straight into the camera. She was styled for that cover image with a pair of elbow-length black gloves and a black head scarf. Her makeup was kept minimal for both cover shots, with the Avatar star looking just as elegant in a red dress with a low cut neckline for the second cover look. Rocking a short cut, the Avatar: Way of the Water star's accessories with the red number included a pair of statement diamond earrings and nothing else. Luck be a lady: Zoe Saldana, 45, flaunted her youthful complexion as she glammed up in two eye-catching ensembles for Vogue Thailand's October issue Seeing red: The gorgeous star was styled with minimal makeup on both covers, letting her natural beauty shine through for the shoot The Avengers: Endgame leading lady also shared the snaps on her Instagram page for her 11.4 million followers. 'Thank you for having me @voguethailand,' the New Jersey born beauty captioned the post, crediting the beauty team who styled her for the shoot. She also shared a few bonus shots from the photo shoot spread, one of which involved her flaunting her toned abs while posing in a sexy white lingerie set with a sheer wrap. In another, the Special Ops: Lioness star struck a strong stance in a different floor-length black gown with a plunging neckline that showed off her cleavage. The third and final image Zoe shared with her fans from the Vogue Thailand shoot involved the Amsterdam star flashing her toned tummy with a business suit style crop top and a long black skirt. Although she's been unable to promote any television or film projects recently due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the 5'7 stunner did enjoy some quality time with gal pals Tiffany Haddish and Cameron Diaz in a VIP box at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour stop in Los Angeles. Always on top of her fitness regime, the A-list star also turned heads in a plum gown on the red carpet for the World's Most Fascinating Dinner event hosted by Stella Artois earlier this month. She was joined there by celebs like The Bear's Jeremy Allen White, 32, Ludacris, 46, and Matt Damon, 52. While her life hasn't lost its glitz and glam, even as the summer raged on and the strike continued to reach dead ends, Zoe admitted back in August during a PORTER interview that she's had to work 'twice as hard' as a Latina woman in Hollywood to truly make it. Speaking candidly about her culture to the outlet, the brunette beauty added, 'There is no retirement, you know. Latinos are like that. You work until the day you die. It's part of life. It's part of your culture.' Man, I feel like a woman: The statuesque stunner posed with Ludacris, Matt Damon and Jeremy Allen White at a Stella Artois function in New York City in September What's my age again: The fit star continued to look a decade younger than her actual age as she turned heads at her most recent red carpet in September A girl's girl: The mother of three joined fellow A-listers Cameron Diaz and Tiffany Haddish at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert in Los Angeles back in August Forever friends: The Adam Project star also posed with fellow beauties Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz when they reunited earlier this summer Acting and modeling aside, the mother of three has been happily married to artist Marco Perego Saldana since 2013. Now in their tenth year of marriage, the couple have welcomed three sons together. In a heartwarming homage to his wife, Marco adopted Zoe's last name as part of his own after they tied the knot. The hardworking star is also set to reprise her role as Neytiri in the three upcoming Avatar sequels. Corey Feldman is devastated that his beloved and famous jacket has been stolen once again. The Goonies actor, 52, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday to ask for help locating the jacket which he said was swiped from backstage during his show over the weekend. In his tweet, he said he was performing in New Jersey on Sunday night when someone took 'one of the last sacred mementos from my time with my best friend', a jacket he had bought with his late friend and actor Corey Haim. The Lost Boys star who filed for legal separation from his estranged wife, Courtney Anne Mitchell, 30, last month posted a series of tweets about the how sad and hurt he feels and offered a reward. In his tweet, he began by saying he had to share 'some terribly sad news' and that he was feeling 'really torn up over this' situation. Sad news: Corey Feldman is devastated that his beloved and famous jacket has been stolen once again. The Goonies actor, 52, took to X , formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday to ask for help locating the jacket which he said was swiped from backstage during his show over the weekend Feldman shared a throwback photo of himself posing with Haim and explained that the jacket is meaningful because he bought it with his late friend. In the snap, he was sporting his beloved studded leather jacket ahead of shooting the poster for their 1989 comedy film Dream a Little Dream. He said he wore the jacket at every concert since he got it back until it was stolen at his show at The Homestead in Morristown. Feldman also recalled that it was previously stolen at the House of Blues in Los Angeles back in 2009. Three years later, he recovered the jacket after it was discovered at a flea market in Boston. Previously, his jacket was stolen before in Los Angeles back in 2009, and it later turned up at a Boston flea market three years later. He said he was not only 'sad and hurt' but 'furious' that someone would 'go backstage and invade our space' to steal 'such a sacred artifact from my life'. Feldman has worn the jacket in his previous movies, such as Dream a Little Dream and The Burbs. His beloved jacket: In his tweet, he said he was performing in New Jersey on Sunday night when someone took 'one of the last sacred mementos from my time with my best friend', a jacket he had bought with his late friend and actor Corey Haim Stolen again: Feldman also recalled that it was previously stolen at the House of Blues in Los Angeles back in 2009. Three years later, he recovered the jacket after it was discovered at a flea market in Boston 'Truly unfortunate': He said it is 'truly unfortunate' that fans will no longer get to 'experience seeing this piece of cinematic history'. He said offering a $1,000 reward for information about the jacket's whereabouts. Meaningful artifact: Since he kicked off his Love Retours 23 tour in California on September 9, he has worn the jacket at every single show, he said. For the rest of his concerts to support his latest album Love Left 2: Arm Me With Love until he wraps the tour in Las Vegas on November 11, he will no longer be able to wear the 'sacred artifact' He also sported the beloved leather jacket for a guest appearance on Married With Children. Since he kicked off his Love Retours 23 tour in California on September 9, he has worn the jacket at every single show, he said. For the rest of his concerts to support his latest album Love Left 2: Arm Me With Love until he wraps the tour in Las Vegas on November 11, he will no longer be able to wear the 'sacred artifact'. He said it is 'truly unfortunate' that fans will no longer get to 'experience seeing this piece of cinematic history'. He said offering a $1,000 reward for information about the jacket's whereabouts. Until this year, her life had a perfection which made it seem like a contemporary fairytale, with each chapter being scouted by a modelling agency when just 14, becoming a lingerie model for Pretty Polly only two years later, securing her first television role by 19 irrevocably leading to a more glamorous and more lucrative one than its predecessor. But has even Holly Willoughby been unable to sidestep the turmoil which so devastatingly engulfed her erstwhile mentor and This Morning co-presenter Philip Schofield? I ask because, four and a half months after Schofield's abrupt resignation from ITV, following his admission of a clandestine affair with a male colleague more than 30 years his junior, Holly's business life appears slightly less spotless than usual. Her company, Roxy Media Ltd, of which she and her husband, television producer Dan Baldwin, are sole directors, was due to have filed its annual accounts in August but has yet to do so. The same is true for Wylde Moon, her fledgling lifestyle brand, which, says its website, Holly created to be 'an ever-evolving journey of self-discovery'. Indeed, those accounts were due in July. Holly Willoughby's company, Roxy Media Ltd, of which she and her husband, television producer Dan Baldwin, are sole directors, was due to have filed its annual accounts in August but has yet to do so. Ms Willoughby and Mr Baldwin are pictured together in 2016 The same is true for Wylde Moon, her fledgling lifestyle brand, which, says its website, Holly created to be 'an ever-evolving journey of self-discovery'. Indeed, those accounts were due in July. Pictured: Ms Willoughby arrives at the British Academy Children's Film And Television Awards in association with The Lego Company, at the Hilton Hotel. London in November 2003 There's scant danger that Holly, 42, who met Dan, 48 this month, when he was a producer on children's programme Ministry of Mayhem which she was presenting, will be obliged to take a backward step certainly not to Dancing On Ice, the show on which she encountered Schofield, who, three years later, insisted that she accompany him to This Morning. The reboot of Neighbours has turned out to be a huge flop for Channel 10. Debuting just three weeks ago, Neighbours bumped The Bold and the Beautiful out of its usual 4.30pm timeslot to 4pm, angering fans of the American soap. Bold has now returned to its original timeslot and Neighbours will now run Monday to Thursdays at 4pm, with repeats of Judge Judy filling the slot on Fridays. Each episode of Neighbours will then be repeated on 10Peach at 6.30pm. 'We have listened to the demand from our loyal viewers to return The Bold & Beautiful to its original time slot,' a spokesperson from Channel 10 told industry blog TV Blackbox on Thursday. The reboot of Neighbours has turned out to be a huge flop for Channel 10. Debuting just three weeks ago, Neighbours bumped The Bold and the Beautiful out of its usual 4.30pm timeslot to 4pm, angering fans of the American soap Bold has now returned to its original timeslot, and Neighbours will now run Monday to Thursdays at 4pm, with repeats of Judge Judy filling the slot on Fridays Each episode of Neighbours will then be repeated on 10Peach at 6.30pm. Pictured: Annie Jones and Guy Pearce in the Neighbours reboot Returning to screens on September 18 after being axed last year, Neighbours has failed to attract a strong audience despite the attraction of American actress and The OC star Misha Barton. The first episode of the show drew in a total TV audience of just 244,000 and a mere 122,000 fans in the five metro centres tuned in. Meanwhile, another 68,000 fans saw the debut episode on catch-up platforms including 10Play, and 10Peach. Another 54,000 viewers watched the show in regional areas, making a total national audience of 174,000. Its total TV audience of 244,000 on Monday comes after what was supposed to be the show's finale in July last year pulled in 1.09million viewers. In the last week the show's ratings have sunk lower, with a mere 99,000 fans in the major centres tuning in on Monday, while its encore screening on 10Peach scored a pitiful 30,000 viewers. Returning to screens on September 18 after being axed last year, Neighbours has failed to attract a strong audience despite the attraction of American actress and The OC star Misha Barton The Bold and the Beautiful meanwhile has returned better ratings for Channel 10 in the last week. On Monday, the soap, which has been running in the U.S. since 1987, drew 109,000 viewers at 4pm in the metro ratings, while on Wednesday it managed 106,000. In Australia, Network 10 retains first-run rights for the series, and episodes will be available ad-free on Prime Video seven days later. Internationally, Neighbours will be available on Amazon Freevee in the UK and the U.S, and Prime Video in Canada, Ireland and South Africa. Colin Fassnidge has issued a strong-worded statement after this season's My Kitchen Rules winners were announced. Identical twins Radha and Prabha emerged victorious on Tuesday night, taking home $100,000 in prize money. But not all viewers are happy with the winners, with many taking to social media to hurl racial abuse towards the pair. In a video shared to his Instagram page, Fassnidge blasted the negative comments that were often posted below his own Instagram posts. 'Congratulations to the winners of MKR this year, if you agree, (or if) you dont agree,' the celebrity chef began. 'But you know what I dont agree with? People sending racial negative comments about the winners to my page, to anyone.' Fassnidge continued: 'In this day and age, we won't stand for it. And if your mind is so small, get over it mate. 'It's a cooking competition. We're not saving lives. Be nice to people. Keep your racial abuse out of a cooking competition.' Identical twins Radha and Prabha emerged victorious on Tuesday night, taking home $100,000 in prize money. Pictured: Winners Radha and Prabha with judges Manu Feildel, Nigella Lawson and Colin Fassnidge The video was re-posted by winners Radha and Prabha, who added: 'Thank you @cfassnidge for sharing this very important message. 'Let food unite people not divide. Lets celebrate Australian cultural diversity. @mykitchenrules is such a great platform to showcase and celebrate our cultural diversity. Take care everyone and keep smiling. - Radha and Prabha xx.' Radha and Prabha were crowned the winners of MKR earlier this week. In a video shared to his Instagram page, Fassnidge blasted the negative comments that were often posted below his own Instagram posts The identical twins walked away with a score of 27, while Nick and Christian were close with 25. 'I think I've got goosebumps right now. We're just so grateful. We are going to be living one of our biggest dreams that we've dreamt together,' Prahbha said. Tensions were high during the nail-biting episode where the judges tasked the teams with the high-pressure challenge of preparing a four-course meal for 100 people. Radha and Prabha were crowned the winners of MKR earlier this week. The identical twins walked away with a score of 27, while Nick and Christian were close with 25 But angry viewers claimed the finale was 'rigged' and Radha and Prabha should not have won. Outraged fans swarmed Twitter with claims best mates Nick and Christian should have won because they cooked a variety of foods throughout the series. 'The show is totally rigged ..[they have] no culinary skills, no idea about foods that others eat, and always playing the victim card...#MKR,' one person wrote. 'Sh*t is rigged, can't cook f**king Indian curries and spicy food for an entire comp #MKR,' another agreed. Friends Nick and Christian (pictured) scored close with 25 'The boys demonstrated more skills and variety of dishes than the 'winners' and did more consistent cooks and showed more fine dining skill and culinary technique,' a third wrote. 'The girls chucked chicken and rice into a pot, the boys showed versatility and skills with each dish. Yawn #MKR,' another said. 'I can't believe the boys didn't win tonight after they adapted to all of the criticisms and they cooked so many different foods...I'm disappointed #MKR,' one commented. 'Boys were robbed. Mkr gone woke,' one person wrote. Strictly's Shirley Ballas has hinted that some professional dancers often get frisky in their dressing rooms just before taking to the floor. The head judge, 63, made quips about the pros' sex lives as she teased her upcoming debut crime novel Murder on the Dance Floor. She has promised readers can expect stories of 'sex, lies and bed-hopping' which are based on what really happens in the world of competitive dance. She told The Comfort Eating podcast with Grace Dent: 'It's a wondrous world of what goes on behind the scenes. It's either things I've been part of, or things I've seen. 'You will have to guess when you read the book. But it's pretty real to life, I would say. Some of it takes part in Whitby in the closet, before we even get to Blackpool. Juicy revelation: Strictly's Shirley Ballas has hinted that some professional dancers often get frisky in their dressing rooms just before taking to the floor Showbiz: The head judge, 63, made quips about the pros' sex lives as she teased her upcoming debut crime novel Murder on the Dance Floor 'Then they fix their knickers and go on and do their cha cha cha. Asked whether dancers really have sex before performing she replied: 'Of course that's what they do. 'Some of these stories are from the teenage years... bam, bam, bam. A little bit of a shimmy. Yes, it goes on.' It comes after earlier this week Shirley said vile death threats have left her scared to leave her own home - little more than a fortnight after her return to Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer has resumed her judging role on the long-running BBC show after it returned with its twenty first series on September 23. But sinister social media messages aimed at Ballas - many of them threatening or sexual in nature - have prompted concern for her safety and left her fearing that people are 'lurking in dark corners or hiding behind walls'. Appearing on new show Olivia Attwood vs The Trolls, she said: 'I've had people draw coffins with me in it with somebody with a spade that said, 'Die you b**ch'. 'It's when it is personal about myself and my family and it affects my mental health. I am not just talking about your phone.' Exciting: She has promised readers can expect stories of 'sex, lies and bed-hopping' which are based on what really happens in the world of competitive dance There she is: The professional dancer has resumed her judging role on the long-running BBC show after it returned with its twenty first series on September 23 She added: 'I am talking about being in public. You worry about those same strange people that write these kinds of messages. 'Are they lurking in dark corners? Are they hiding behind walls when you go somewhere?' Ballas admits she is always on high alert as a result of the messages - but also harbours a degree of sympathy for those responsible. 'Sometimes at night, I lie there and wonder, Are they suffering? Are they lonely? Is it funny to them?' she said. 'This whole experience has made me much more vigilant. I cannot say that I leave my front door unless I am on point. I never relax. It has changed my life completely I would say.' In August, Ballas recalled how she was forced to seek counselling after receiving a torrent of vile abuse during the last series of Strictly Come Dancing. Though she has returned to the 2023 series, she previously told how she even toyed with the idea of not coming back. Speaking to OK! magazine, she explained: 'I've had down and dark days throughout my whole life but I've always had music and I've always had dancing. And of course I've got my mother and we're glued at the hip. 'What it [the trolling] did to me on the last series, I wouldn't want that for anyone.' The star has been undergoing counselling for over two decades. Explaining her attitude towards it, she said: 'I'm not embarrassed to say that now, although I was in the past as I thought people might think I was weak. 'But you know what? Sometimes counselling is just about having someone there to listen. So there's nothing wrong with reaching out for help.' Concern: It comes after earlier this week Shirley said vile death threats have left her scared to leave her own home - little more than a fortnight after her return to Strictly Come Dancing Worry: Sinister social media messages aimed at Ballas have prompted concern for her safety and left her fearing that people are 'lurking in dark corners or hiding behind walls' Speaking in an interview with The Times, the star opened up about the sorts of cruel messages she received, with some users even accusing her of being racist. She explained it was comments like 'Just, how ugly you are and how fat you are, and how you've got horrible arms, and, ''You don't like men. You don't like women. You don't like black men. You don't like black women''.' Ballas revealed that the racist accusations especially were the hardest to deal with and although she might seem tough on the TV it's just a facade. 'That's a front,' she said. 'Something I've learnt from my mother. ''Don't whine. Get on with it''.' Drake says that 21 Savage has received a green card amid years of immigration-related headaches. The In My Feelings rapper, 36, announced the news about 21 Savage, 30, in new material he released Thursday titled 8AM in Charlotte. The single includes the lyric, 'Savage got a green card straight out of the consulate/Where I go, you go, brother, we Yugoslavian.' The revelation comes just before Drake plays a pair of shows in his hometown of Toronto on his Drake: It's All A Blur Tour slated for his Friday and Saturday at the Scotiabank Arena. With a green card, 21 Savage would be able to enter Canada to perform on the shows, and re-enter the United States. The latest: Drake, 36, says that 21 Savage, 30, has received a green card amid years of immigration-related headaches The update marks the latest chapter in what's been a four-year long battle for 21 Savage in regards to his immigration status, as Georgia's DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court officials told TMZ Thursday that an immigration case the rapper was involved in has been closed. The London-born musical artist on February 3, 2019 was detained by authorities with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement amid allegations he had resided in the U.S. illegally following the expiration of his visa in 2006. Officials said that a handgun was retrieved from the vehicle that 21 Savage, whose real name is Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was in; and that he attempted to dispose of a codeine bottle at his time of detainment. 21 Savage turned himself into authorities with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office in September of 2021, and bonded out soon after. Prosecutors in DeKalb County in January of 2022 formally charged 21 Savage with possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance, according to TMZ, almost three years after he was initially detained. Sources told TMZ at the time that no court date had been slated in DeKalb County, which would continue to delay the immigration case, which was also significantly stalled by the pandemic. The Grammy winner has been permitted to travel within the U.S., his immigration lawyer Charles Kuck told the outlet last year, but he could not leave the country, as he had no visa to return. The My Life performer gave his thoughts on immigration with the Associated Press in October of 2019 prior to receiving honors from the National Immigration Law Center in Los Angeles. With a green card, 21 Savage would be able to enter Canada to perform on Drake's upcoming Toronto shows, and re-enter the United States. Pictured last year The update from Drake marks the latest chapter in what's been a four-year long battle for 21 Savage in regards to his immigration status. The musical artist was snapped in Atlanta March 25, 2022 The Grammy winner was seen at the 2021 Soul Train Awards in NYC The My Life performer was seen onstage during a concert in Austin, Texas in October of 2019 He said that children who were in the country unlawfully should have been automatically granted U.S. citizenship. 'When youre a child, you dont know whats going on,' 21 Savage said. 'Now, you grow up and got to figure it out. Cant get a job. Cant get a license. Im one of the lucky ones who became successful. Its a lot of people who cant.' 21 Savage, who was held in a Georgia detention center for 10 days in 2019, was born in the U.K. and brought to the U.S. at the age of seven. He told the AP he felt he 'should be exempt' under the circumstances, as he didn't have a choice as a child. 'Its not like I was 30, woke up and moved over here,' 21 Savage said. 'Ive been here since I was like seven or eight, probably younger than that. I didnt know anything about visas and all that. I just knew we were moving to a new place.' 21 Savage also said the process of obtaining a visa was too drawn out for undocumented immigrants, as it 'hangs over your head forever. 'They just lose hope,' the Mr. Right Now performer said. 'I feel like kids who were brought here at young ages, they should automatically be like, "Yeah, you good to stay here, work and go to college." It should be nipped in the bud before it gets to a point before you come of age.' Jody Cundy may be forced to miss Saturday's live show after a health scare. The Paralympian, 44, has revealed he had to dash to hospital after waking up at 4am in the morning with a swollen, infected leg. Jody, who had one of his legs amputated when he was three years old after being born with a deformed foot, has not been able to rehearse for two days. The athlete appeared on It Takes Two on Thursday alongside his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal, 29, and said he had noticed his limb had become red and swollen after removing his prosthetic leg. He told host Janette Manrara: 'It's been a week of highs and lows. The first two days have absolutely flown by. The end of day two we had done the full routine a number of times which I had not done for the previous two dances. Health scare: Jody Cundy has revealed he had to dash to hospital after waking up at 4am in the morning with a swollen, infected leg - casting doubt if he will recover for Saturday's show Concern: Jody appeared on It Takes Two on Thursday alongside Jowita Przystal, 29, and revealed he has not been able to get his prosthetic foot on for two days 'I was really confident that I could perfect everything for Saturday. I got home on Tuesday night and took my leg off and was like "oh, that's quite sore". 'I didn't really think too much of it and cleaned it, bathed it and made sure it was all ok. 'I got up at 4am and looked at my leg, it was warm, swollen and I was like "that's getting infected".' Jody revealed he went straight to hospital and was prescribed antibiotics. However by the time the morning came, the athlete was unable to get his prosthetic leg back on because his limb was so swollen. Jody said it has meant he has missed both Wednesday and Thursday's rehearsals. He said: 'It is healing and getting better. The swelling has gone down a little bit more.' The duo said they really hoped they would be able to dance on Saturday night, despite the setback. Fingers crossed: Jody took to Instagram after his TV appearance and said he hoped he would be dancing on Saturday Tough: The athlete has an infected leg and had to turn to crutches after being unable to put his prosthetic foot on Determined: Despite the setback, Jody put on a brave face outside of the BBC studios TV appearance: Jody looked smart in a three piece grey suit Performance: Last week Jody received 16 points for his Pasa Doble Jody will dance the American Smooth to Married Life from Up for Movie Week. Last week he received 16 points for his Pasa Doble. The swimmer told BBC Breakfast of his score this week: 'Learning the steps, the constant repeating stuff. 'I cannot get my left leg and my right leg to do what my brain is telling me, and that is really taxing.' Jowita, 29, also admitted the competition was a 'big challenge' and 'stressful'. 'We throw somebody who's never danced before in the room, telling the person: 'You have four days to learn the routine, to perfect it, and perform it in front of millions of people,' she said. Jody admitted candidly: 'The most used phrase in the dance room at the moment is 'again' and 'one more time.' Soldier (BBC1) Rating: A Dog Called Laura (ITV1) Rating: A couple of years ago, the gruelling obstacle courses and training exercises endured by teenage infantry recruits on Soldier (BBC1) might have seemed anachronistic, a relic of Britain's military past. The era of trench warfare belonged to World War I, so why would bewildered, frightened but courageous young Army volunteers be forced to practise sitting in icy mud and water up to their waists? They looked like ducklings abandoned by their mother... albeit heavily armed ducklings in combat gear. But Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced all of us to face a shocking reality. This is how war in Europe still looks. Just beyond the Nato border, hundreds of thousands of conscripts are fighting and dying in these conditions and if the psychotic dictator Vladimir Putin is not halted, this hideous vision of war could march westwards. Britain's defences, and the young men and women who bravely join our armed forces, have rarely mattered more. This documentary, following a platoon of recruits (some as young as 17), made no political points, and did not venture to ask whether MoD budgets could ensure our troops will always have enough equipment, enough air cover, enough support. A couple of years ago, the gruelling obstacle courses and training exercises endured by teenage infantry recruits on Soldier ( BBC 1) might have seemed anachronistic, a relic of Britain's military past. Pictured: Curtis Dryden Martin Clunes (pictured) met five eager recruits to the Guide Dogs For The Blind, as he joined a fitness instructor named Jaina who was selecting her new assistance animal in A Dog Called Laura The only question here was whether they would have enough training. And the answer turned on how quickly the veteran NCOs at Catterick Garrison could instil discipline in the products of an education system where discipline is now a dirty word. One lad, 21-year-old Private Curtis Dryden, was a willing learner but found it alien to treat his superiors as, well, superior. He admitted: 'At first, you're not used to being that respectful to people. I never used to walk up to my teacher in school and be like, 'Corporal Jones, can I have a pen please?' Like, I used to laugh at stuff like that.' Others were struggling with the need to be serious and stop larking about. One irrepressible recruit, 17-year-old Callum Stretton, was eager for the travel and adventure, and the chance to help people, but he was less keen on the prospect of being shot at. There, I sympathise. I always thought that, if the urge to get paid for seeing the world ever seized me, I'd be a steward on a cruise ship. Mind you, as the Mail's travel editor Mark Palmer revealed in a hilarious report last month, difficult guests on holiday liners can be more intimidating than a squadron of divebombers. Back in the barracks, the troops were learning an invaluable skill: how to heat up a left-over slice of pizza on a steam iron. That's a handy talent, anywhere on the planet. The five candidates included a yellow Lab called Mr Darcy, who lived up to his dashing name and practically dragged Jaina down the street, and an adorable Labrador/retriever cross called Cath. Pictured: Martin Clunes and Jana Mistry If ITV decide to continue making For The Love Of Dogs at Battersea rescue centre, Martin will be the ideal successor to the late Paul O'Grady. Pictured: Martin Clunes and David Issac Martin Clunes met five eager recruits to the Guide Dogs For The Blind, as he joined a fitness instructor named Jaina who was selecting her new assistance animal in A Dog Called Laura (ITV1). Black Lab Laura had been Jaina's first guide dog and, at the grand age of 11, was now retired. Martin heard about her on a radio show and, as the devoted owner of four dogs, immediately decided to adopt her. That supplied the perfect excuse for a documentary on how dogs and blind owners are paired up. The five candidates included a yellow Lab called Mr Darcy, who lived up to his dashing name and practically dragged Jaina down the street, and an adorable Labrador/retriever cross called Cath. Jaina fell in love with Cath at once, and so did Martin. His easy rapport with all dogs, and his soppy adoration for puppies, was unfeigned. If ITV decide to continue making For The Love Of Dogs at Battersea rescue centre, Martin will be the ideal successor to the late Paul O'Grady. Stars-and-strippers of the week: America is discovering Channel 4's rude bits. All six series of Naked Attraction have been streaming to U.S. viewers via the Max channel since last month, and are topping the service's charts. Well, it is the land of the free... The World Bank forecasts GDP growth in Kyrgyzstan at 3.5 percent in 2023. The October World Bank (WB) review for the Europe and Central Asia says, Azernews reports, citing 24.kg news agency. Kyrgyzstans GDP growth is predicted at 3.5 percent in 2023 due to a slowdown in agricultural production. Fiscal results in the first half of 2023 were favorable thanks to improved revenue indicators, but due to increased spending, a slight increase in the budget deficit is expected, the WB says. In 2023, high food prices, employment insecurity and declining remittances will continue to be the biggest challenges to peoples well-being. The deterioration of the situation in the Russian economy may lead to a further reduction in remittances. Stricter enforcement of existing international sanctions against Russia or the imposition of secondary sanctions against citizens of Kyrgyzstan are possible. Companies can significantly affect trade and domestic economic activity. The domestic political situation remains sensitive to the upcoming increase in tariffs for electricity and other utilities, the bank says. She won the Bafta for her part as an assassin in Killing Eve, and a Laurence Olivier award for her one-woman stage show Prima Facie. But now Jodie Comer appears to have taken on a new lead role. The Liverpudlian actress was spotted taking an adorable cockapoo for a walk around North London. She looked relaxed while carrying a green smoothie and a full tote bag from Daunt Books. The 30-year-old, who last month travelled to Italy for Milan Fashion Week, was seen in 210 New Balance trainers, a pair of jeans and a baggy blue and white striped T-shirt while plugged into her AirPods. The Liverpudlian actress was spotted taking an adorable cockapoo for a walk around North London The 30-year-old, who last month travelled to Italy for Milan Fashion Week, was seen in 210 New Balance trainers Maura Higgins pulled out all the stops as she slipped into a rainbow minidress for Love Island Games. The reality star, 32, who was a finalist in the 2019 series, is social media host for the new show on Peacock and took to Instagram on Thursday to share a first look. It comes as Maura's ex-boyfriend Curtis Pritchard, 27, whom she met when she starred on Love Island four years ago, was announced as one of the islanders returning to enter the all new villa in Fiji. And Maura certainly opted for a daring dress for the reunion as she went braless in the fringed number. She captioned the shot: 'BACK IN FIJI!!!!Excited to be giving you all the behind the scenes gossip for the first ever season of #LoveIslandGames Can't wait for you to see what's in store - tune in November 1st only on @peacock'. Daring display: Maura Higgins pulled out all the stops as she slipped into a rainbow minidress for Love Island Games Awkward reunion: It comes as Maura's ex-boyfriend Curtis Pritchard , whom she met when she starred on Love Island four years ago, was announced as one of the islanders r Curtis starred in series five and finished up in fourth place with then girlfriend Maura. But they split just eight months after leaving the Love Island villa when speculation surfaced that he was getting overly friendly with dancer Amber Pierson - something Maura branded 'a kick in the teeth'. The Irish beauty explained that their relationship began to crumble hours after her first performance on Dancing on Ice when Curtis was pictured in a clinch with a girl at a New Years party. While Maura is not in the main cast for the show, she has signed up as the social media host, while Maya Jama is set to front the main show. But fans couldn't help but comment on how they think there could be an awkward reunion in store for the exes. One wrote: 'Only reason I'm going to watch it now, she's too funny! And omg she'll see Curtis'. Another added: 'Will that be awkward with Curtis there?' and 'Worth watching just for the look on Curtis's face when he sees you. Stunning'. Exes: Curtis starred in series five and finished up in fourth place with then girlfriend Maura but they split eight months later Bring on the drama: Fans couldn't help but comment on how they think there could be an awkward reunion in store for the exes Curtis is one of nine UK stars who will join a host of international rivals for the spin-off series being filmed in Fiji. The new programme will feature former contestants from the UK, US and Aussie versions and will firstly hit screens in the US on Peacock in November, before making its way to UK screens. Megan Barton Hanson, Eyal Booker, Georgia Steel and Jack Fowler will also be heading to the villa. Christine McGuinness has revealed she suffered a terrifying cancer scare after finding a lump. The TV personality, 35, was later tested for the BRCA gene after her mum Joanne was diagnosed with breast cancer as well as her three aunts. Christine, who is an ambassador for The Pink Ribbon Foundation, recalled the moment while speaking to Daily Star at the charity's gala. She explained: 'Before I had children, I found a lump one day. 'Women in my family have had breast cancer. Because of that history, I got seen quite quickly. I had a full check-up and I had scans.' Christine McGuinness has revealed she suffered a terrifying cancer scare after finding a lump Christine continued: 'If you see any changes or you are unsure, youve got to go and get it checked out.' In 2021, Christine confirmed that her mum was in remission and that she herself received a negative test for the BRCA gene. She discussed her brave decision to find out whether she has faulty genes after her mother Joanne - who is now in remission - was diagnosed with cancer. 'I'm just really relieved,' said an elated Christine, adding: 'Thank God it came back negative.' Speaking to OK!, the mother-of-three shared: 'It doesn't mean I can't get cancer, but it means my chances are the same as anybody else's.' Christine admitted she was initially hesitant to use testing company Myogenes as she feared the process would be invasive, but told the outlet it was straightforward and simple. 'It's sent in the post it's just a saliva test and really quick,' she said, adding that results are sent directly to your GP. Christine also revealed to the publication that if she had tested positive for the gene she would have considered 'a full mastectomy and breast reconstruction to make sure she's around for as long as possible for the children'. Scary: The TV personality, who is an ambassador for The Pink Ribbon Foundation, recalled the moment while speaking to Daily Star at the charity's gala (pictured at the event) History: She explained: 'Before I had children, I found a lump one day. Women in my family have had breast cancer. I had a full check-up and I had scans' (pictured with her mum Joanne) She added that upon hearing the news of her negative test, ex husband Paddy gave her 'a huge hug' and said he was 'really, really pleased'. Of her mother's battle with the disease, Christine explained that she 'found a lump during lockdown' and was then diagnosed with HER2-positive aggressive breast cancer. However the fact that pandemic restrictions meant Christine was not able to be there in person for her mum during treatment left her 'heartbroken'. Amy Dowden has revealed her Strictly co-star Carlos Gu does a secret signal on the show to tell her he is thinking of her. The professional dancer, 33, has been forced to miss this year's series as she goes through chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May. Amy underwent a mastectomy in June before doctors discovered she was also battling another form of cancer and would need further treatment. The television favourite said while she cried when she first watched the dancers lead their celebrities to the dancefloor, she took comfort when she saw her friend Carlos give a secret hand gesture. Amy explained Carlos, 30, whom she formed a close friendship over the years after competing with him professionally, makes the signal to reassure Amy he is missing her. Sweet: Amy Dowden has revealed her Strictly co-star Carlos Gu does a secret signal on the show to tell her he is thinking of her Health: The professional dancer, 33, has been forced to miss this year's series as she goes through chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May Of their close friendship, Amy told The Mirror Carlos also wants to shave his head in tribute to her. Amy decided to shave her hair off completely after feeling devastated as she watched it fall out from chemotherapy. She said: 'Carlos was crying when I showed him, he wants to shave his head, too. 'Hes adamant, and that hes getting a tattoo, a breast cancer one, but Ive told him hes not allowed to shave his head, hes on Strictly.' Carlos is competing with The One Show presenter Angela Scanlon in this year's series. Amy said she was desperate to be a part of the first live show but her health at the moment has prevented her from being able to move in the way she is used to. She said she has seen her body change and has gained weight as a side effect from her treatment. 'I am missing everything', Amy added. Thoughful: Carlos is competing with The One Show presenter Angela Scanlon in this year's series and makes a hand gesture to Amy on each show Tough: Amy says her health at the moment has prevented her from being able to move in the way she is used to It comes after Amy revealed she nearly died due to the side effects of chemotherapy amid her breast cancer battle. The Welsh professional dancer had the terrifying near-death experience after her first and second round of chemo she was rushed to hospital with sepsis and then blood clots. She is now on blood thinners now for six months after the 'frightening' experience. Amy also told how she at first wanted to refuse chemo as it would be 'Strictly, her hair and her life gone' but was ultimately persuaded to do it. Amy underwent IVF to create and freeze embryos before starting her treatment with hopes to have children with her husband Ben Jones in the future. A friend told her there was no point in her freezing her embryos as if she didn't have the chemo she wouldn't 'be around to have these babies anyway'. Advertisement Karol G and Bad Bunny were among the artists showing some serious style at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards. The musicians, both of whom were up for numerous honors at the show, rocked the red carpet as they arrived to the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida on Thursday. Karol, 32, took the plunge in a curve-clinging white dress adorned with translucent beads. She wore her pink-enhanced blonde locks up into a messy yet stylish updo with her bangs fashionably swept across her complexion. Bad Bunny, 29, embraced his usual edgy fashion sense with his signature backwards cap, along with Gucci slacks and some seriously eye-catching accessories. Music makers! Karol G and Bad Bunny were among the artists showing some serious style at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards in Coral Gables, Florida on Thursday The Puerto Rican superstar wore a dazzling crystal necklace along with a silky floral bandana tied around his neck. That wasn't all of the bling he was wearing though - he also rocked glittering earrings and some more eye-catching accessories on his wrist. Marc Anthony and his gorgeous wife Nadia Ferreira were among the big names attending the exclusive show. The superstar was looking smart in a crisp olive green suit teamed with sharp sunnies and glossy leather shoes. As for his lady love, whom he wed earlier this year, Nadia stole the show in an exquisite green gown with thigh-high slit. The beauty styled her long, mermaid-esque hair down into romantic waves and accessorized her look with dazzling jewelry. Chiquis Rivera, the daughter of the late singing icon Jenni Rivera, wowed in a canary yellow dress with side cut-outs and a glittering bust. She gave herself a boost with gold platform heels. Looking divine! Karol, 32, took the plunge in a sizzling white dress adorned with translucent beads that clung to her physique Feeling herself! She was looking incredible with her pink-enhanced locks styled up into a messy 'do Going for the gold! Karol G is up for 13 nominations, while Shakira follows close behind with 12 nominations. Their collaboration, TQG, has earned five nods Style stand-out! The Puerto Rican superstar wore a dazzling crystal necklace along with a silky floral bandana tied around his neck Watch out! Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera come in second with 15 nominations. Both are also competing for Artist of the Year Date night! Marc Anthony and his gorgeous wife Nadia Ferreira stole the spotlight Ray of sunshine! Chiquis Rivera, the daughter of the late Jenni Rivera, looked stunning in a canary yellow dress with golden heels, while Olga Tanon wowed in a glam orange gown Olga Tanon commanded attention in a bold orange dress with billowing sleeves and a keyhole. She wore her hair slicked back and glammed up with ornate gold earrings. Paula Cendejas dropped jaws in a sexy lace dress which left little to the imagination. She worked strappy black heels and a delicate necklace. The stars of The Real Housewives of Miami also put in an appearance. Nicole Martin, Guerdy Abraira, and Adriana De Moura hit the red carpet in their most fashionable of looks. Paris Hilton also put in a leggy display as she headed to the star-studded show. No missing them! Paula Cendejas dropped jaws in a seriously racy look while Yaritza Medina flashed some skin in a sexy number Bravo babes! Stars from The Real Housewives of Miami, Nicole Martin, Guerdy Abraira, and Adriana De Moura, arrived in style Family night! Adriana Catano and her daughter Gabriella wowed on the red carpet Love is in the heir! Paris Hilton made a glamorous appearance in a glittering green look with thigh-high slit Look who's here! Peso Pluma, who is up for the most awards of the night, and Marshmello were among the big names arriving to the show Eyes on the prize! Grupo Frontera are up for a whooping 15 nods tonight Red carpet ready! Sofia Reyes shared the spotlight with Beele Friends in high places! Peso struck a pose with Karol inside the show Double trouble! The socialite rubbed elbows with Karol G Winner! Bad Bunny receiving his award for Sales Song of the Year for Titi Me Pregunto Show stopper! The singer wore a boot necklace and overalls as he performed to the crowd Hold it high! Peso received the Artist of the Year, New award The heiress wowed in a glittering green gown with thigh-high leg slit and dramatic keyhole accent. She brought the bling with massive silver bangles and carried a glittering clutch. Mexican artist Peso Pluma has earned the most nominations out of all the other artists, with a total of 21 nods in 15 different categories. The honors included Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. He ended up taking home eight of the nominations, including the gong for Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, Solo, Artist of the Year, New, and Regional Mexican Song of the Year for Ella Baila Sola. Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera come in second with 15 nominations, with both up for Artist of the Year. Bad Bunny won seven awards, including the honor for Artist of the Year, while Grupo Frontera took home one award. The band received the gong for Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group. Karol G was nominated for 13 trophies and ended up leaving with five awards, including the gongs for Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female, Top Latin Album of the Year, and the honorary Spirit of Hope Award. Shakira followed close behind Karol with 12 nominations. She received the trophy for Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo and Latin Pop Song of the Year for her collaboration with Bizarrap, Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53. Just two days after his estranged wife Jodie Turner-Smith filed for divorce, Joshua Jackson was spotted out getting groceries. The 45-year-old actor looked downcast as he carried bags of groceries to his car at a Gelson's supermarket in Tarzana on Thursday afternoon. The actor has yet to address the split publicly, though an insider claimed the marriage had grown 'unhealthy' as of late. Jackson stepped out in a white t-shirt with a gold chain dangling around his neck for the outing. He also rocked a pair of light grey jeans and white sneakers for his grocery run on Thursday afternoon. Joshua steps out: Just two days after his estranged wife Jodie Turner Smith filed for divorce , Joshua Jackson was spotted out getting groceries Gelson's: The 45-year-old actor was spotted carrying bags of groceries to his car at a Gelson's supermarket in Tarzana on Thursday afternoon The Hollywood community was quite surprised when Jodie Turner-Smith filed for divorce earlier this week. The couple started dating in 2018 - two years after he split from Diane Kruger - and they tied the knot in August 2019. Jackson and Turner-Smith welcomed daughter Juno Rose Diana in April 2020. Turner-Smith filed for divorce on Tuesday, citiing, 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the split. Celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser is representing Smith in the divorce, with the actress asking for joint custody of their daughter. The date of separation is listed as September 13 - just one day after the pair attended NYFW together. She does not want spousal support for either her or Jackson, with the pair not having a prenup in place. In September 2022 the pair sparked split rumors after they unfollowed each other on social media - after previously sharing multiple loved-up posts. Surprised: The Hollywood community was quite surprised when Jodie Turner Smith filed for divorce earlier this week Dating: The couple started dating in 2018 - two years after he split from Diane Kruger - and they tied the knot in August 2019 Daughter: Jackson and Turner-Smith welcomed daughter Juno Rose Diana in April 2020 DailyMail.com exclusively reported on Tuesday that Jackson, 'isn't thrilled' about the termination of his marriage - while insisting that there was no foul play involved and that their union had simply 'run its course.' 'Joshua is heartbroken over the impending divorce, he always thought that he would be married and grow old with his family, and everything would be happily ever after,' the insider said. 'He had the dream scenario in his mind, and Jodie was his person and the person he thought he would be with forever.' The source added that Joshua's primary concern is his young child as the Canadian actor now looks ahead to a life of co-parenting. 'He never wanted this for their daughter,' the insider continued. 'They both are great parents and will continue to be, he just hates that they won't be together as a couple for their daughter anymore. They will always be connected through her.' Diane Kruger and her fiance of two years, Norman Reedus, resembled an elegant bride and groom while attending the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala, which took place at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater in Manhattan on Thursday. The hand-holding, models-turned-actors - who went public with their romance in March 2017 - both happen to have shot roles in long-delayed, ballet-themed movies. The German 47-year-old plays Russian dance teacher Tatiyana Volkova in James Napier Robertson's ballerina biopic Joika, which premiered at the Deauville Film Festival in France on September 9. The Florida-born 54-year-old has a mystery role in Len Wiseman's John Wick spin-off Ballerina - hitting US/UK theaters June 7 - starring Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, and the late Lance Reddick. A far cry from his Walking Dead character, Norman cleaned up remarkably well in an all-black tuxedo and glossy patent-leather dress shoes. Still going strong! Diane Kruger and her fiance of two years, Norman Reedus, resembled an elegant bride and groom while attending the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala, which took place at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater in Manhattan on Thursday Holding hands: The models-turned-actors - who went public with their romance in March 2017 - both happen to have shot roles in long-delayed, ballet-themed movies Diane - who divorced Guillaume Canet in 2006 - bared her shoulders in a bridal-white long-sleeve silk gown featuring rib-like silver-beaded embellishment on the bodice. Kruger (born Heidkruger) flashed a rare teethy grin with her blonde locks scraped into an updo and her complexion fully contoured for the festivities. Reedus and the Cannes best actress winner will celebrate their daughter Nova Tennessee's fifth birthday sometime in late October or early November (her exact DOB has never been publicly disclosed). But first, the Ride with Norman Reedus producer-host will celebrate the 24th birthday of his son Mingus Lucien Reedus (with ex Helena Christensen) on October 13. Diane and Norman originally met way back in December 2015 while portraying lovers on the set of Fabienne Berthaud's dismally-reviewed film Sky. At the time, Diane was still in a decade-long, live-in relationship with their Sky co-star Joshua Jackson, but they eventually split in July 2016. On Monday, the Canadian 45-year-old's wife Jodie Turner-Smith filed for divorce from him after only four years of marriage allegedly because 'it turned into an unhealthy marriage that made her unhappy.' The British 37-year-old listed their date of separation as September 13 - the same day she posted a cryptic caption on the Instagram slideshow of her September 9th birthday festivities at NYC hotspot The Flower Shop, which did not include Joshua. Not wearing her engagement ring! The German 47-year-old plays Russian dance teacher Tatiyana Volkova in James Napier Robertson's ballerina biopic Joika, which premiered at the Deauville Film Festival in France on September 9 Hitting US/UK theaters June 7! The Florida-born 54-year-old has a mystery role in Len Wiseman's John Wick spin-off Ballerina starring Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, and Ian McShane A far cry from his Walking Dead character! Norman cleaned up remarkably well in an all-black tuxedo and glossy patent-leather dress shoes Former Chanel muse: Diane - who divorced Guillaume Canet in 2006 - bared her shoulders in a bridal-white silk gown featuring rib-like silver-beaded embellishment on the bodice Fierce after 45! Kruger (born Heidkruger) flashed a rare teethy grin with her blonde locks scraped into an updo and her complexion fully contoured for the festivities DOB has never been publicly disclosed: Reedus and the Cannes best actress winner will celebrate their daughter Nova Tennessee's (R, pictured August 8) fifth birthday sometime in late October or early November May 20 family portrait: But first, the Ride with Norman Reedus producer-host will celebrate the 24th birthday of his son Mingus Lucien Reedus (with ex Helena Christensen) on October 13 'As I embark on another new year, I can't help but meditate on love and it's many manifestations,' Jodie - who boasts 582K Instagram followers - wrote that day. 'Love is not some lofty unattainable thing. Love is a gesture, a look, an intention. Love is community. Love is showing up. Thank you to all of you who showed up for me this week in New York in spirit and in the flesh. I don't take any of this for granted, and most of all, I don't take any of you for granted.' Turner-Smith has requested 50/50 shared custody of her three-year-old daughter Juno Rose Diana with Jackson. Reedus currently executive produces and stars as the titular crossbow-wielding tracker in David Zabel's French-set, post-apocalyptic zombie drama spin-off The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, which airs Sundays on AMC. The Ravaged author will next play Funny Sonny in Jeff Nichols' critically-acclaimed drama The Bikeriders - hitting US theaters December 1 - alongside Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Jodie Comer, and Karl Glusman. Kruger just wrapped 'multiple roles' in David Cronenberg's 'most personal film' yet - The Shrouds - alongside Vincent Cassel as a grieving widower who builds a device to connect with the dead, according to Variety. Throwback! Diane and Norman originally met way back in December 2015 while portraying lovers on the set of Fabienne Berthaud's dismally-reviewed film Sky Ex: At the time, Diane was still in a decade-long, live-in relationship with their Sky co-star Joshua Jackson (R, pictured February 2016), but they eventually split in July 2016 'She decided that she is done': On Monday, the Canadian 45-year-old's wife Jodie Turner-Smith (L, pictured September 12) filed for divorce from him after only four years of marriage allegedly because 'it turned into an unhealthy marriage that made her unhappy' Ouch! The British 37-year-old listed their date of separation as September 13 - the same day she posted a cryptic caption on the Instagram slideshow of her September 9th birthday festivities at NYC hotspot The Flower Shop (pictured), which did not include Joshua Jodie wrote that day: 'As I embark on another new year, I can't help but meditate on love and it's many manifestations. Love is not some lofty unattainable thing. Love is a gesture, a look, an intention. Love is community. Love is showing up. Thank you to all of you who showed up for me this week in New York in spirit and in the flesh. I don't take any of this for granted, and most of all, I don't take any of you for granted' Airing Sundays on AMC! Reedus currently executive produces and stars as the titular crossbow-wielding tracker in David Zabel's French-set, post-apocalyptic zombie drama spin-off The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Fans of The Block are sick and tired of seeing 'neutral colours' feature in this season's renovated homes. On Thursday, Abbie Chatfield kicked off the debate as she discussed the hit Channel Nine show in a video she posted on Instagram. The podcaster, 28, started out by ripping into producers for pulling down the original Fifties-style homes on Charming St, Hampton, accusing them of ruining 'history'. 'If you hate the world and history that much, buy a new apartment. Don't ruin previous architecture work,' she said. 'I'm fearful about the new Block series because they've got 1950s homes. And I've seen what they've f***ing done to those f***ing things...it makes me physically sick, it makes me so sad. Fans of The Block are sick and tired of seeing 'neutral colours' feature in this season's renovated homes. On Thursday, Abbie Chatfield kicked off the debate as she discussed the hit Channel Nine show in a video she posted on Instagram The podcaster, 28, started out by ripping into producers for pulling down the original Fifties-style homes on Charming St, Hampton, accusing them of ruining 'history' Abbie continued her tirade in the caption to the video, saying she 'hates' the new season of The Block and is 'wondering when people will learn that not everything needs to be in a neutral [colour].' 'This genuinely keeps me up at night. I had to speak my truth,' she wrote. A chorus of her followers expressed their agreement in the comments. Abbie continued her tirade in the caption to the video, saying she 'hates' the new season of The Block and 'wondering when people will learn that not everything needs to be in a neutral [colour].' Pictured: Kristy and Brett's master bedroom reveal on The Block 'This genuinely keeps me up at night. I had to speak my truth,' Abbie wrote. Pictured: Eliza and Liberty's master bedroom and WIR 'Yes!!! I'm currently restoring a 70s house and nothing brings me more joy than the vintage lights I scoured the internet for, leave it to the people with passion!' wrote one fan. 'F**k beige and f**k that light grey greige colour it makes me nauseous,' wrote another. 'The fake marble and rose gold of it all,' another commenter wrote. A chorus of her followers expressed their agreement with Abbie in the comments. Pictured: Kristy and Brett from The Block 'F**k beige and f**k that light grey greige colour it makes me nauseous,' wrote one commenter 'The fake marble and rose gold of it all,' another wrote 'I feel this in my bones! I'm in a heritage listed house and they did this! I'm slowly changing all of the horrible grey to pinks and other colours that bring me joy,' another fan of the podcaster remarked. The renovation show has recently been in hot water for other reasons, after the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) was inundated with complaints about the current season. In just one week, ACMA registered a total of 28 complaints. A spokesperson from ACMA told The Australian: 'The majority of the inquiries related to allegations of bullying, harassment and promotion of anti-social behaviour between contestants.' In just one week, ACMA registered a total of 28 complaints. A spokesperson from ACMA told The Australian : 'The majority of the inquiries related to allegations of bullying, harassment and promotion of anti-social behaviour between contestants.' Pictured: hosts of The Block Shelley Craft and Scott Cam This comes in the wake of many articles and discussions regarding the heightened drama between contestants during this season. Producers look eager to intensify this drama, especially considering that the homes featured in this season were smaller compared to those in the 2022 season. With the exception of occasional competition from Seven's MKR, this strategy has translated into higher ratings for Nine. Michael Healy, Nine's Director of Television, has been unapologetic about the approach, saying that this season's ratings speak for themselves. This comes in the wake of many articles and discussions regarding the heightened drama between contestants during this season 'The Block is an unrivalled powerhouse on Australian television. The fact that more than 40% of the country has tuned into this series is a phenomenal achievement. We never take the loyalty of our viewers for granted and look forward to delivering a cracking crescendo to the current season, before an unprecedented 20th series in 2024.' When similar criticisms were directed at Married at First Sight, the network responded by stating that they would have intervened if there had been a credible risk of domestic violence occurring on the show. 'We understand meeting and marrying someone at first sight and living with them for eight weeks can be a potentially daunting experience and we would not persist with a scenario where someone does not feel safe,' MAFS producers said after they received the complaints. Producers look eager to intensify this drama, especially considering that the homes featured in this season were smaller compared to those in the 2022 season ACMA has since cleared Nine of the MAFS complaints. Meanwhile, one of The Block's judges Darren Palmer recently responded to his Instagram followers about some of the behaviour on the show. 'It's fortunate we don't hear about or see anything that happens during the week. Keeps judging fair and subjective. I do not condone bullying,' he said. It is understood that competitors on the show have access to welfare and mental health expertise. Nine will have a 60-day window to address and respond to the complaints. Caitlyn Jenner 'is extremely remorseful' after she upset the Kardashian and Jenner families after publicly revealing that she and ex-wife Kris Jenner no longer communicate. A source told TMZ Thursday that the Olympic gold medalist, 73, was instantly regretful that her Wednesday interview on the British daytime show This Morning caused 'some family drama' amid the revelation about her lack of contact with her Kris. The I Am Cait star shared 22 years of marriage with Kris, 67, and they welcomed two children together, Kendall, 27, and Kylie, 26. The Mount Kisco, New York-born celebrity garnered a hostile reaction from relatives after she said the state of her relationship with Kris was 'really sad,' as she promoted the release of her three-part tell-all series, House Of Kardashian. Insiders close to Caitlyn told the outlet that many family members, including Kendall and Kylie, sided with Kris over Caitlyn on the issue. The latest: Caitlyn Jenner, 73, 'is extremely remorseful' after she upset the Kardashian and Jenner families after publicly revealing that she and ex-wife Kris Jenner, 67, no longer communicate. Pictured in London Wednesday Details: The family overwhelmingly sided with Kris in the dispute over Caitlyn's remarks about her relationship with her ex-wife. They were pictured in 2016 in NYC A remorseful Caitlyn 'is willing to do whatever it takes to mend the family divide,' the insider told the outlet. Compounding the hostility within the family, the source said, was that they were 'not on board' with Caitlyn's paid participation House of Kardashian. Caitlyn on Wednesday took to Twitter to defend her motives in appearing in the three-part project, which was produced by the Comcast-owned, Europe-based company Sky. 'I did "House of Kardashian" to defend my family and I speak extremely highly of my kids and Kris - the mastermind behind it all - who I spent 22 beautiful years with,' Caitlyn said. Caitlyn said she 'meant to say in the interview' that she 'didnt speak with her in the context of this project,' claiming that they are in touch with one another sporadically. 'To be clear - I am thrilled that @KrisJenner and I are able to talk and co-parent and see each other here and there,' Caitlyn said. 'We spent 22 amazing years together.' Sources told TMZ Thursday that Caitlyn - who has not been seen on the family's current Hulu series The Kardashians - feels like she should be able to work on whatever she chooses to without having a 'gag order' when it comes to family matters. Caitlyn 'was just speaking the truth about how things are' in her relationship with her ex-wife in the In the This Morning interview, but regrets airing them publicly, insiders told the outlet. Misspoke: Caitlyn on Wednesday took to Twitter to defend her motives in appearing in the three-part project, which was produced by Sky Opening up: Caitlyn revealed the 'sad' truth about her current relationship with ex-wife Kris Jenner during an interview with UK daytime show This Morning on Wednesday History: The former Olympic athlete, 73, shared 22 years of marriage with the Kardashians momager, 67, as well as welcoming two children together, Kendall and Kylie (the couple pictured in 1995) In the This Morning interview, Caitlyn recalled her first meeting with Kris, which took place before she transitioned and was known as Bruce. She said: 'I had been single for six years, and really kind of struggling with myself and who I was and how I fit into the world. I was just turning 40 and met Kris on a blind date, we hit it off from day one. Was it love at first sight? Pretty close to that, yes.' She added, 'I was totally impressed with her and how she lived her life - she had four kids, I had four kids and we got married five and a half months later! It was very quick.' As far as their relationship now is concerned, she explained: 'Well Kris, I really never talk to anymore. Yeah, it's sad. She said, 'If there's any communication, my manager kind of talks to her and when you have as many kids as I have, you're closer to some than you are to others I certainly see them and we do this and that. 'I'm much closer to the Jenner side, but Kris, I don't really have any more contact with her. It's kind of sad because we went through a lot.' The new documentary series will feature unseen archival footage and first-hand testimony from the family's inner circle. As one of the most famous families in the world, the program, produced by 72 Films, explores their family dynamics, scandals, controversial business deals and personal struggles. Candid: Family: Speaking ahead of the release of her three-part tell-all series House Of Kardashian, Caitlyn said their relationship has certainly taken its toll over the years She admitted: 'I was totally impressed with her and how she lived her life - she had four kids, I had four kids and we got married five and a half months later! It was very quick' (Caitlyn pictured before her transition, back when she was known as Bruce) Upcoming: The new documentary series will feature unseen archival footage and first-hand testimony from the family's inner circle Caitlyn's presence in the family has caused friction for some time - with a memorable Keeping Up With The Kardashians scene showing Kendall clashing with Kris over not inviting her to the family's Christmas Eve party. The former Olympic athlete was also said to be 'shocked' last year when she didn't receive an invite to Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's third wedding in Italy. The drama first arose in 2017, as newly-transitioned Caitlyn came out with her memoir, The Secrets Of My Life, which included a warts-and-all depiction of Kris and their marriage. 'I tell Kris about my gender issues before I make love to her,' Caitlyn insisted in the book, some of whose claims Kris has publicly denied. 'This will always be a subject of dispute between Kris and me as to how much she could intuit about my gender issues. She insists that she was taken by surprise by my ultimate transition to Caitlyn. 'I told her I dressed as a woman, and she knew I did, because I did it several times in front of her after we were married.' The Kardashian sisters instantly closed ranks around their mother, while Caitlyn's relationship with Khloe went on to deteriorate into a rancorous years-long feud. Speaking about the series, Caitlyn said: 'I was happy to participate in the interview process to share my side which points to the strength, influence, and prowess my family has in captivating the world's attention and keeping it over the years. I am incredibly proud of all my children and stepchildren.' Upon tying the knot with Kris in 1991, Caitlyn became the stepfather of her children whom she welcomed with late attorney, Robert Kardashian: Kourtney, 44, Kim, 42, Khloe, and also Rob, 36. Robert, a member of O.J. Simpson's legal team during his murder trial, passed away in 2003 after a battle with esophageal cancer. Former stepfather: Caitlyn Jenner's presence in the family has caused friction for some time. Upon tying the knot with Kris Jenner in 1991, Caitlyn had become the stepfather of her children whom she welcomed with late attorney, Robert Kardashian: Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and also Rob; seen in 1995 The book: The drama first arose in 2017, as newly-transitioned Caitlyn came out with her memoir, The Secrets Of My Life, which included a warts-and-all depiction of Kris and their marriage History: The Kardashian sisters instantly closed ranks around their mother, while Caitlyn's relationship with Khloe (pictured) went on to deteriorate into a rancorous years-long feud Throughout the course of Caitlyn and Kris' marriage, they also welcomed daughters Kendall and Kylie. However, the former couple finalized their divorce in 2015, the same year Jenner came out as transgender. Tensions also ensued after Caitlyn was shut out of the family's new Hulu show, The Kardashians. Caitlyn's ex-wife Kris Jenner confirmed to Variety that she was not included in the series, which sees the Kardashian-Jenner women split a massive nine-figure salary. 'I was there when this started from day one. I watched it grow. And doing the show for almost 20 seasons was one of the highlights of my life,' Caitlyn tweeted in March of 2022. 'To be able to work with my family for all those years, connect with the fans, it was incredible. Caitlyn penned her tweet in response to a tweet by Variety promoting a Kardashian family interview, said, 'Happy that it continues for my family.' Caitlyn was a regular on Keeping Up With The Kardashians from its very first season, which premiered on E! in October 2007, until 2015. The reality show was the brainchild of Kris and TV host and producer Ryan Seacrest, and followed the lives of Kris' family, which included Caitlyn - then Bruce - along with their children. Viewers bore witness to the end of her 22-year marriage to Kris, as well as her decision to come out as transgender. Caitlyn further documented her transition and new life as a single woman on the KUWTK spinoff series I Am Cait, which aired for two seasons on E! Family: Tensions also ensued after Caitlyn was shut out of the family's new Hulu show, The Kardashians Looking back: Caitlyn spent 24 years married to Khloe's mother Kris Jenner; the couple are pictured in 1991 After 14 years, the Kardashian-Jenner clan decided to pull the plug on their long-running reality series and announced in 2020 that the 20th season would be its last. In an interview with Australia's The Morning Show, Caitlyn claimed that she was not informed by her family about the show's end. 'I heard it on the news!' she said. 'Nobody called me, I heard it through the media. Was I surprised? No.' Keeping Up With The Kardashians officially concluded in June 2021, with the family participating in a two-part reunion special. Caitlyn did not make an appearance. During the special, Kris briefly spoke on their failed marriage and admitted to host Andy Cohen that her and Caitlyn did have 'a lot of really great years' together. When asked if Caitlyn's transition played a role in their divorce, Kris shutdown the notion and confessed that they probably would have split up regardless. Sophia Loren is back on the mend, nearly two weeks after undergoing an emergency surgery to repair 'serious fractures' after suffering a fall in her home. The 89-year-old actress suffered a fall in a bathroom of her home in Geneva, Switzerland on September 24. Loren suffered, 'serious fractures' to different parts of her hip, including her femur, which needed 'urgent surgery', according to her agent Andrea Giusti. Giusti offered a new update to People on Thursday, revealing, 'Everything [is] going well. At least a few months of rehabilitation are needed.' The legendary actress' rep added that her two sons, Carlo Ponti Jr., 54, and Edoardo Ponti, 50, are both by her side as she recovers. On the mend: Sophia Loren is back on the mend, nearly two weeks after undergoing an emergency surgery to repair 'serious fractures' after suffering a fall in her home Fractures: Loren suffered, 'serious fractures' to different parts of her hip, including her femur, which needed 'urgent surgery', according to her agent Andrea Giusti The news of her fall was shared on her restaurant's Instagram page revealed she had suffered fractures from a fall. '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 statement began. 'Thankfully everything worked out for the best and the Lady will be back with us very soon,' the statement added. The whole team at Sophia Loren Restaurant takes this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery,' the statement concluded. The actress celebrated her 89th birthday on September 20 and earlier that month, she put in an appearance at the 80th Venice International Film Festival. Italian journalist/critic Giuseppe Fantasia said that Loren was, 'very lively' during her appearance at the festival. 'You can tell she loves these events, shes really happy at them. She carried herself extremely well. People were quite excited to see her. She was quite the pull,' Fantasia added. Another person who encountered Loren at the festivan said she, 'looked absolutely fine,' adding she, 'probably had the biggest crowd around her at the show.' News: The news of her fall was shared on her restaurant's Instagram page revealed she had suffered fractures from a fall Fall: '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 statement began Recovery: The whole team at Sophia Loren Restaurant takes this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery,' the statement concluded 'She was absolutely surrounded, chatting to people, in very good form,' the insider added of Loren. Sophia had been due to open a fourth branch of her restaurant chain in Bari, Italy shortly after the accident. The Italian native was also due to receive honorary citizenship from the city, though that event and her other upcoming public engagements were canceled. 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. He's long been known for his bald head as the iconic soap hardman. But during his early days as Phil Mitchell, EastEnders star Steve McFadden was worlds away from his well-known look. The actor, 64, sported a much fuller head of hair when he first appeared on Albert Square back in 1990. One throwback black and white snap shows the soap actor, 64, with short brunette hair and short bearded stubble. It comes after his on-screen brother Ross Kemp revealed unseen pictures of himself with a full head of hair. Soap star: Steve McFadden, best known as Phil Mitchell, is very recognisable for his bald look (left), but he looked different in the early 90s with a full head of hair (right) The shots from his younger years were taken when he was a young adult, first playing rugby with short hair, and also sporting a 1980s style bouffant shortly after leaving drama school. In opening up about career secrets, the 59-year-old also showed off some never-before seen pictures from his younger years which are barely identifiable as the TV hardman. Kemp's dark hair in the picture of him during a rugby game stood out to give him a totally different look from his iconic bald appearance which became legendary in his soap career. In the coming weeks, Phil will make a brief exit from the Square, after Steve landed a new role in pantomime. No stranger to the stage, Steve will be starring in Jack and The Beanstalk throughout December, meaning his character will be taking time away from Albert Square. It is not yet clear how Phil's absence will be explained, or if the exit will be a permanent one. Last year, Steve was fined 580 and had five points put on his driving licence for speeding on his moped. The soap star was caught driving his scooter at nearly twice the speed limit in an area of London on October 7, 2021, doing 35mph in a 20mph zone while riding his Piaggio moped. Legend: The soap star is best known for his role as Phil in the BBC soap (pictured with Letitia Dean as his ex-wife Sharon) Changes: It comes after his on-screen brother Ross Kemp revealed unseen pictures of himself with a head of hair Unrecognisable: The actor looked noticeably different in a photo taken after he finished drama school (above) The actor was pulled over by a police officer with a mobile speed gun as he drove near to his London home, the Sun reports. He was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to the speeding offence, with his case being heard at Bromley Magistrates' Court. Details of the hearing were released by the court on request afterwards, with documents revealing he was caught in Fitzjohns Avenue in Hampstead. After admitting to the offence, the court fined the actor 440 and ordered him to pay 100 in costs and a 44 victim surcharge. Hilarie Burton Morgan considered going gray early 'a relief' after being launched into fame right out of high school as a VJ on MTV's Total Request Live followed by The WB soap One Tree Hill. 'We're growing it all out!' the 41-year-old mother-of-two announced on Thursday's episode of ABC's The View. 'It's a weird thing when you were a teen drama actress, and the expectation to be 17 forever is out there. And I didn't necessarily like my younger years. I dealt with some dark stuff in my younger years. 'So this idea that you can level up and get to the place where you're the salty one in the room was exciting to me. And my heroes were Bea Arthur and Ruth Gordon and Betty White. That's who I wanted to be. So going gray early had been a relief.' At that, co-host Joy Behar remarked: 'Well you're on trend, a lot of women are doing it.' 'We're growing it all out!' Hilarie Burton Morgan considered going gray early 'a relief' after being launched into fame right out of high school as a VJ on MTV's Total Request Live followed by The WB soap One Tree Hill 'Well good, yeah. We're going to take over the world,' Hilarie replied. Indeed, Morgan is following the footsteps of The Way Home actress Andie MacDowell, who went gray hair during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when her two daughters told her she looked 'bada**.' 'I like to compare myself to George Clooney because why not? I've been saying for a while now it was time for me, personally, to make that transition because I felt like it was appropriate for my personality and just who I am,' the 65-year-old L'Oreal model told Vogue in 2021. 'During lockdown, I had a lot of downtime and became obsessed with Jack Martin, who did Jane Fonda's hair. I shared those pictures with a lot of people going, "Hey, I want to do this." I got a job and very quickly I had to make up my mind about what I was going to do. 'My managers had actually said to me, "It's not time." And I said, "I think you're wrong, and I'm going to be more powerful if I embrace where I am right now. It's time because in two years I'm going to be 65. If I don't do it now, I won't have the chance to be salt and pepper." I always wanted to be salt and pepper!' Former SI Swimsuit stunner Paulina Porizkova has also fully embraced her gray hair and wrinkles. 'Aging is the privilege of living a long life. You can fight it or accept it. But there is a third choice. Embrace it,' the Czech-born 58-year-old wrote on Instagram in February. 'Embracing it means both acceptance and battle. Accepting there are inevitable changes on the inside and the outside. And both are valuable. As your inner power grows, your wrinkles reflect the time you've spent getting more powerful. Fighting is better spent not on the denial of age, but rather putting it to work. The 41-year-old mother-of-two announced on Thursday's episode of ABC's The View: 'It's a weird thing when you were a teen drama actress, and the expectation to be 17 forever is out there. And I didn't necessarily like my younger years. I dealt with some dark stuff in my younger years' Hilarie explained: 'So this idea that you can level up and get to the place where you're the salty one in the room was exciting to me. And my heroes were Bea Arthur and Ruth Gordon and Betty White. That's who I wanted to be. So going gray early had been a relief' At that, co-host Joy Behar (L) remarked: 'Well you're on trend, a lot of women are doing it' 'Well good, yeah. We're going to take over the world,' Morgan replied 'I always wanted to be salt and pepper!' Indeed, Morgan is following the footsteps of The Way Home actress Andie MacDowell (pictured Sunday), who went gray hair during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when her two daughters told her she looked 'bada**' 'Aging is the privilege of living a long life': Former SI Swimsuit stunner Paulina Porizkova has also fully embraced her gray hair and wrinkles (pictured July 21) Literary debut! The True Crime Story producer-host was promoting her memoir Grimoire Girl: A Memoir of Magic and Mischief, which hit shelves on Tuesday (pictured Wednesday) Still going strong! Thursday marked Hilarie's fourth wedding anniversary and, as a present, her husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan (pictured Thursday) agreed to moderate her Grimoire Girl Book Tour stop at the Bardavon Theater's Oblong Books next Sunday in Poughkeepsie, NY 'Fight to keep your body healthy. Fight to stay curious and flexible. Fight the shame that's heaped on you to tell you you no longer matter. Fight to be seen and valued for the person you have become. Here's to embracing age - for both the good and the bad, because that's living!' The True Crime Story producer-host was promoting her memoir Grimoire Girl: A Memoir of Magic and Mischief, which hit shelves on Tuesday. Thursday marked Hilarie's fourth wedding anniversary and, as a present, her husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan agreed to moderate her Grimoire Girl Book Tour stop at the Bardavon Theater's Oblong Books next Sunday in Poughkeepsie, NY. It's located roughly 18 miles from the Samuel's Sweet Shop co-owners' working farm with cows, chickens and alpacas in the town of Rhinebeck they share with their 13-year-old son Gus and five-year-old daughter George. Morgan originally began dating the 57-year-old Walking Dead: Dead City producer-star way back in 2009. Jeffrey and The Virginia-born Army brat played onscreen love interests in one episode of AMC's The Walking Dead, six episodes of CBS' Extant, and they both acted in ABC's Greys Anatomy (separately in 2006-2009 and 2013). Shanina Shaik put on a very daring display as she posed topless in a new campaign for jewellery designer Jacquie Aiche. The model, 32, showed off her incredible figure as she posed in a number of revealing outfits and delicate jewellery for the Endless Desire collection. For several racy shots, she ditched her bra and sported black underwear under a black robe with intricate gold embroidery. Her ample cleavage was on full display, which she drew attention to with a number of layered gold pendant necklace and a matching body chain. Shanina then slipped into a tiny black bra and pleated skirt, while dripping in jewels, including diamond encrusted bracelets and necklaces. Racy: Shanina Shaik put on a very daring display as she posed topless in a new campaign for jewellery designer Jacquie Aiche Jaw-dropping: The model, 32, showed off her incredible figure as she posed in a number of revealing outfits and delicate jewellery for the Endless Desire collection Revealing: For several racy shots, she ditched her bra and sported black underwear under a black robe with intricate gold embroidery She also posed up a storm in a black net dress with a sheer skirt that flared out around her. She teamed it with a statement necklace with turquoise stones and a delicate bejewelled anklet on her bare foot. She chose an angelic ensemble for her next look, donning a cream silk chemise with a leaf pattern. The sexy slip showed off her long legs as she lounged on a fluffy rug and was teamed with a trio of opal pendants. Shanina also put on a busty display in a plunging white waistcoat and matching trousers, while sporting several crystal necklaces. She sent temperatures soaring once again as she smouldered in a white lace bra underneath a cream blazer. The final outfit saw the Australian beauty don a plain white T-shirt and black leather Mary Jane shoes with white ruffled socks. Several close up shots showed off Shanina's flawless beauty as she wore a light bronzed palette of makeup. Busty display: Her ample cleavage was on full display, which she drew attention to with a number of layered gold pendant necklace and a matching body chain Daring: Shanina then slipped into a tiny black bra and pleated skirt, while dripping in jewels, including diamond encrusted bracelets and necklaces Stunning: She also posed up a storm in a black net dress with a sheer skirt that flared out around her Head to toe: She teamed it with a statement necklace with turquoise stones and a delicate bejewelled anklet on her bare foot Vision: She chose an angelic ensemble for her next look, donning a cream silk chemise with a leaf pattern Seductive: The sexy slip showed off her long legs as she lounged on a fluffy rug and was teamed with a trio of opal pendants Her long raven tresses were styled in windswept waves, before being swept up into a messy bun with several strands left down to frame her face. Describing the collection, the brand said: 'Inspired by moments of sheer enchantment, our Endless Desire campaign transcends the ordinary. 'Ethereal, sensual and elegant, these pieces evoke a beauty as everlasting as the elements of Mother Nature their designs are drawn from.' Designer Jacquie Aiche gushed: 'Shanina has an energy that is undeniably luminescent, paired with a soul that is so grounded to the Earth. The beauty she brought to the jewels shone from the inside out.' Best known for her work as a Victoria's Secret supermodel, Shanina also has graced the covers of major magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Cosmopolitan. Before her breakthrough modeling gig with Victoria's Secret, she walked the runways for Project Runway, Betsey Johnson, and Catherine Malandrino among others. She's also walked the runway for Chanel, opened for Jason Wu, and even posed for the cover of Maxim in 2019. Off the catwalk, Shanina first fell for DJ Ruckus back in 2015, with the pair quickly getting engaged after less than a year of dating. Sensational: Shanina also put on a busty display in a plunging white waistcoat and matching trousers, while sporting several crystal necklaces Dazzling: She sent temperatures soaring once again as she smouldered in a white lace bra underneath a cream blazer Preppy chic: The final outfit saw the Australian beauty don a plain white T-shirt and black leather Mary Jane shoes with white ruffled socks Stunning: Several close up shots showed off Shanina's flawless beauty as she wore a light bronzed palette of makeup Flawless: Her long raven tresses were styled in windswept waves, before being swept up into a messy bun with several strands left down to frame her face Ethos: Describing the collection, the brand said: 'Inspired by moments of sheer enchantment, our Endless Desire campaign transcends the ordinary' Gorgeous: 'Ethereal, sensual and elegant, these pieces evoke a beauty as everlasting as the elements of Mother Nature their designs are drawn from' Praise: Designer Jacquie Aiche gushed: 'Shanina has an energy that is undeniably luminescent, paired with a soul that is so grounded to the Earth' Glowing: Best known for her work as a Victoria's Secret supermodel, Shanina also has graced the covers of major magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Cosmopolitan Impressive: She's also walked the runway for Chanel, opened for Jason Wu, and even posed for the cover of Maxim in 2019 The couple tied the knot in the Bahamas in April 2018, but the marriage wasn't meant to be and the model filed for divorce in July 2019. DJ Ruckus admitted in a candid Instagram post that their happy posts on social media were simply a facade. 'I would like the world to know nothing traumatic happened we just aren't compatible the way we need to be to maintain a marriage,' the 35-year-old revealed. Shanina was then linked to advertising executive, Matthew Adesuyan, 33, in 2020 and she gave birth to their first son, Zai, in September 2022. She told People back when she was still pregnant that Matthew was, 'over the moon,' about becoming a father. She said: 'We're very much in love. To bring a beautiful life into this world is quite special.' When Shanina gave birth to Zai, she wrote on Instagram, 'Welcome to the world baby Zai Adesuyan. Matthew and I, are so in love!!!' Love life: Off the catwalk, Shanina first fell for DJ Ruckus back in 2015, with the pair quickly getting engaged after less than a year of dating Split: The couple tied the knot in the Bahamas in April 2018, but the marriage wasn't meant to be and the model filed for divorce in July 2019 Not what it seemed: DJ Ruckus admitted in a candid Instagram post that their happy posts on social media were simply a facade Over: 'I would like the world to know nothing traumatic happened we just aren't compatible the way we need to be to maintain a marriage,' the 35-year-old revealed Baby joy: Shanina was then linked to advertising executive, Matthew Adesuyan , 33, in 2020 and she gave birth to their first son, Zai, in September 2022 Congrats! She told People back when she was still pregnant that Matthew was, 'over the moon,' about becoming a father Overjoyed: She said: 'We're very much in love. To bring a beautiful life into this world is quite special' Jodie Turner-Smith put on a show-stopping display in Paris on Thursday, just two days after filing for divorce from Joshua Jackson. The actress and model looked sensational as she attended the Balmain fashion show in a racy long-sleeved black bodysuit with a red coat draped around her arms and a wide-rimmed black hat with sky-high patent heels. She also took to Instagram to share snaps and videos from the Gucci show earlier this week, where she attended alongside her mum Hilda and looked incredible in a bralet with a matching jacket and high-waisted jeans. The star, who has been married to the Dawson's Creek star for four years, set tongues wagging among her followers, with one writing: 'Not you dropping pics like you didnt just file for divorce... yes queen control the narrative'. As well as her sexy images, she also shared a cryptic message about separation and quantum physics - in a poignant move in the wake of the split. Wow: Jodie Turner-Smith put on a show-stopping display in Paris on Thursday, just two days after filing for divorce from Joshua Jackson Happier times: The couple started dating in 2018 - two years after he split from Diane Kruger - and they tied the knot in August 2019, before welcoming their daughter Juno Rose Diana in April 2020. Jodie filed for divorce on Tuesday (pictured last month) Hmmm... As well as her sexy images, she also shared a cryptic message about separation and quantum physics - in a poignant move in the wake of the split Sensational: She looked incredible as she lived it up Striking: The Peterborough-born beauty preened and posed for the camera Hot stuff: Jodie looked stunning her bodysuit, which made the most of her lithe legs and muscular frame, while she posed up a storm for the cameras Support from mummy: She also took to Instagram to share snaps and videos from the Gucci show earlier this week, where she attended alongside her mum Hilda and looked incredible in a bralet with a matching jacket and high-waisted jeans Gucci girl: She posed up a storm at the Gucci show also She shared: 'According to quantum physics a particle vibrating due to your sound when you speak can affect a molecule inside a star at the edge of the Universe instantly. This phenomenon is known as quantum entanglement... 'The greatest illusion of this Universe is the illusion of separation.' The couple started dating in 2018 - two years after he split from Diane Kruger - and they tied the knot in August 2019, before welcoming their daughter Juno Rose Diana in April 2020. Jodie filed for divorce on Tuesday. At Thursday's Balmain show, Jodie looked stunning in her bodysuit, which made the most of her lithe legs and muscular frame, while she posed up a storm. A host of other stars attended the glamorous event, including Hongjoong, Yuyu Zhangzou, Alisa Volskaya and Maggy. While Joshua had been seen looking forlorn earlier in the week, the stunning star did not let her sad personal news impact her appearance in the French capital. Court documents showed she cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the split. Celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser is representing Smith in the divorce, with the actress asking for joint custody of their daughter. The date of separation is listed as September 13 - just one day after the pair attended NYFW together. She does not want spousal support for either her or Jackson, with the pair not having a prenup in place. Tough break: While Joshua had been seen looking forlorn earlier in the week, the stunning star did not let her sad personal news impact her appearance in the French capital Speaking out: Court documents showed she cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the split. Celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser is representing Smith in the divorce, with the actress asking for joint custody of their daughter Reaching out: The source added that Joshua's primary concern is his young child as the Canadian actor now looks ahead to a life of co-parenting Sizzling: She showed off her radiant skin as she pouted for the camera Chic: A host of other stars attended the glamorous event, including Hongjoong, Yuyu Zhangzou (pictured), Alisa Volskaya and Maggy In September 2022, the pair sparked split rumors after they unfollowed each other on social media - after previously sharing multiple loved-up posts. DailyMail.com exclusively reported on Tuesday that Jackson, 'isn't thrilled' about the termination of his marriage - while insisting that there was no foul play involved and that their union had simply 'run its course.' 'Joshua is heartbroken over the impending divorce, he always thought that he would be married and grow old with his family, and everything would be happily ever after,' the insider said. 'He had the dream scenario in his mind, and Jodie was his person and the person he thought he would be with forever.' The source added that Joshua's primary concern is his young child as the Canadian actor now looks ahead to a life of co-parenting. 'He never wanted this for their daughter,' the insider continued. 'They both are great parents and will continue to be, he just hates that they won't be together as a couple for their daughter anymore. They will always be connected through her.' A vision: She wore the hat and bodysuit with a bold make-up look Amy Dowden looked in great spirits as she beamed on her way to the Strictly hotel on Thursday. The star headed to the venue to meet up with her fellow professional dancers and friends ahead of movie week on Saturday night. The Strictly professional dancer, 33, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, recently chose to take control as she shaved her hair off amid her chemotherapy treatment. The star beamed as she wrapped up in a beige trench coat and black headscarf while donning some black lace up boots. She donned a pastel purple jumper underneath the coat, and carried her essentials in a tote bag and dark burgundy leather handbag. Good spirits: Amy Dowden, 33, beamed as she arrived at the Strictly hotel to meet with the professional dancers on Thursday evening after revealing she would cry herself to sleep amid chemotherapy treatment Smiling: The dancer beamed as she wrapped up in a beige trench coat and black headscarf Amy underwent a mastectomy in June before doctors discovered she was also battling another form of cancer and would need further treatment. Although she cannot take part in Strictly in her usual role this year, the Welsh dragon has expressed the incredible support she's had from her family at the BBC dance show. Supporting the show ahead of movie week, the star took to Instagram to share a throwback snap of Amy in her tiger makeup back in 2019 for her samba performance with her partner Karim Zeroual. She captioned the snap: 'I love Movie week on Strictly! Who's excited?' It comes after Amy revealed she would cry herself to sleep at night as she watched her hair fall out onto her pillow in her fight against cancer. The television favourite revealed why she decided to shave her hair off as she told The Mirror: 'I woke up one morning with quite a lot on the pillow, then I brushed it and quite a lot came out. 'I was traumatised, crying, I would only brush my hair once a day, but I would dread that brush. My husband would brush it for me so I wouldnt see.' 'Then it started going from on top. Ben would hear me crying most nights and come and comfort me. It was upsetting him as well. He hated brushing it. 'I would dread waking up in the morning, seeing what was on the pillow. It would be in your mouth, a trail being left, it was so distressing. So I saved myself the heartache and took control.' Stylish: She donned a pastel purple jumper underneath the coat and completed the outfit with some black lace up boots Heartbreaking: Amy said she would cry herself to sleep at night as she watched her hair fall out onto her pillow in her fight against cancer Showing her support: The star took to Instagram to share a throwback snap of herself in her tiger makeup back in 2019 for her samba performance with her partner Karim Zeroual Cheeky chappy: Strictly contestant Adam Thomas was seen heading to dress rehearsals on Friday as he beamed in snaps Ready for Saturday: Jody Cundy was also seen heading to the Strictly studio ahead of movie week Devoted: Amy's husband Ben would brush her hair for her (pictured together in 2018) Amy recently shared a heartbreaking video of herself as her hair was shaved off by her loved ones. The Strictly star broke down in tears before she embraced the brave step she had made as she looked at herself in the mirror. Amy says while it was tough, it was empowering to take control and is now looking forward to her hair growing back, rather than the heartache of losing it. With Strictly kicking off late last month, it has been particularly tough for Amy to watch. Amy says she cried when she saw the professional dancers lead their celebrities down the stairs in the first show. And while dancing is a huge part of her life, Amy says her health at the moment has prevented her from being able to move in the way she is used to. She says she has seen her body change and has gained weight as a side effect from her treatment. 'I am missing everything', Amy says. Tough: And while dancing is a huge part of her life, Amy says her health at the moment has prevented her from being able to move in the way she is used to Hard but supportive: Amy says she cried when she saw the professional dancers led their celebrities down the stairs in the first show It comes after Amy revealed she nearly died due to the side effects of chemotherapy amid her breast cancer battle. The Welsh professional dancer had the terrifying near-death experience after her first and second round of chemo she was rushed to hospital with sepsis and then blood clots. She is now on blood thinners now for six months after the 'frightening' experience. Amy also told how she at first wanted to refuse chemo as it would be 'Strictly, her hair and her life gone' but was ultimately persuaded to do it. Amy underwent IVF to create and freeze embryos before starting her treatment with hopes to have children with her husband Ben Jones in the future. A friend told her there was no point in her freezing her embryos as if she didn't have the chemo she wouldn't 'be around to have these babies anyway'. Charlotte Dawson's son has been rushed to hospital after falling ill on Friday. The mother-of-two, 31, welcomed her second son, Jude, with her fiance Matt Sarsfield at the end of July and Matt shared a snap of Charlotte cuddling the poorly two-month-old. Taking to Instagram, Jude was seen with a piece of apparatus attached to his nose as he wrote: 'My little man not well. Love you Charlotte.' Without stating what the matter was, Charlotte later reposted the snap as she added: 'My poor baby, what an emotional traumatic 24 hours... in safe hands now.' The star, who is the daughter of the late comedian Les Dawson, recently revealed she was reported to social services just two weeks after welcoming baby Jude. This is not linked to her son's health scare. Traumatic: Charlotte Dawson's son has been rushed to hospital after mystery health scare after the star hit back at trolls amid previous social services reports Har time: The mother-of-two was reported to social services just two weeks after welcoming baby Jude Charlotte and Matt also share son Noah who turned two in January and the mother was left devastated when she was contacted by child services after someone accused her of mistreating her firstborn. Social services were called on the star twice as someone accused her of giving her eldest son alcohol and showing him naked on social media. Charlotte claimed she was being harassed by a troll who is 'trying to ruin her life' by reporting her to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). As Charlotte attempts to uncover the 'disgusting' mum-shaming troll who reported her, she revealed she was left devastated by the attack. Left feeling incredibly 'down' by the ordeal she penned on Instagram at the time: 'Hiii my darlings, sorry I've been a bit quiet I just needed a breather & to spend some quality time with my boyos. 'I've had so many messages checking up on me thank you so much for being the best insta fambo, love you all. 'I've been so down but I'm not letting these weirdo freaks win. I'm bloody better than this & made of stronger stuff, they will get karma for what's going on I'm sure. can't wait to find out who you are, anyway enough about that negativeness.' Concentrating on the positive aspects of her life, she went on: 'I took our beautiful Jude out in the balmoral @silvercrossuk pram, so special as it was Noah's & my mum and dad used to take me out in this pram when I was a baby round fairhaven lake. 'Now here I am with our second boyo, precious. Not letting anyone pop our baby bubble.' Worried parents: Both Charlotte and her fiance Matt Sarsfield shared the heartfelt snap of poorly son Jude on their social media Tough: The mother-of-two fought back tears last week when she told her fans that she had been reported just two weeks after she welcomed her second child, Jude The former Ex On The Beach star heartbreakingly admitted the campaign of harassment has 'burst her baby bubble', after giving birth to son Jude last month. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she said: 'Happy Monday my darlings. Chazza has not had a happy Monday. Mine has been horrendous, awful. 'You know they say it comes in threes, bad news doesn't it. I've had three bad news today. One of them is social services again. Saying that Noah is drunk and he's been seen with drink. 'The next one is that they're worried for our sons because there's excessive alcohol. I've not even drank once, I've not even been out of the house. I've been breastfeeding. 'I know you can have a wine when you're breastfeeding. I've not even had any drink, I'm absolutely baffled.' She continued: 'Then the next one. Apparently I'm showing his genitals on Instagram. I'm so baffled. When have I showed, I just don't understand. Literally.' Explaining the impact it was having on her mental wellbeing, she said: 'But it's hilarious. They've got him down as six weeks old. 'Whoever you are he's actually two weeks old and the fact that you rang f*****g social services on me when my son is two weeks old, and I have a two and a half year old.' 'I'm not even in a normal state of mind right now. I'm still really down and low. I'm not in real life, you know when you're in your baby bubble, one minute I'm happy and one minute I'm low. 'Hearing this again, it's making me want to come off Instagram. I don't know what to do, maybe I'm best not showing Noah and Jude, I'm just trying to be a good mum.' Amazon's much-hyped Neighbours reboot starring Mischa Barton has been a ratings disaster for Australia's Channel 10 since its launch last month. Now Barton, who filmed a 10-week guest stint on the iconic soap, has already lined up a new project. The actress, 37, is now developing her very own romantic-comedy based in Australia. 'You can't get me out of Australia now; I'm developing a rom-com,' she told Variety last month. 'I play American but the other lead [will be] Australian. That would be fun because I haven't really done romantic comedy.' Mischa Barton is now developing her own romantic-comedy film after the Neighbours reboot, which she stars in, flopped in the ratings In a previous interview, Barton said that she'd accepted a role on Neighbours because the writers' strike had left her unable to work in the U.S. 'While I was loving living in New York, there's a writers' strike on. And it's [Northern Hemisphere] summertime. So there's really not that much work going around for a lot of my actor friends,' she told Stellar magazine in September. Unfortunately, the reboot of Neighbours has turned out to be a huge flop for Channel 10. Debuting just three weeks ago, Neighbours bumped The Bold and the Beautiful out of its usual 4.30pm timeslot to 4pm, angering fans of the American soap. Amazon's much-hyped Neighbours reboot starring Mischa Barton has been a ratings disaster for Australia's Channel 10 since its launch last month Bold has now returned to its original timeslot and Neighbours will now run Monday to Thursdays at 4pm, with repeats of Judge Judy filling the slot on Fridays. Each episode of Neighbours will then be repeated on 10Peach at 6.30pm. 'We have listened to the demand from our loyal viewers to return The Bold & Beautiful to its original time slot,' a spokesperson from Channel 10 told industry blog TV Blackbox on Thursday. Barton filmed a 10-week guest spot on the iconic Australian soap opera, which is available to stream internationally on Amazon's Prime Video and FreeVee The first episode of the show drew in a total TV audience of just 244,000 and a mere 122,000 fans in the five metro centres tuned in. Meanwhile, another 68,000 fans saw the debut episode on catch-up platforms including 10Play, and 10Peach. Another 54,000 viewers watched the show in regional areas, making a total national audience of 174,000. Many fans still remember Mischa from her breakout role on The O.C. (Pictured in 2003) Its total TV audience of 244,000 on Monday comes after what was supposed to be the show's finale in July last year pulled in 1.09million viewers. In Australia, Network 10 retains first-run rights for the series, and episodes will be available ad-free on Prime Video seven days later. Internationally, Neighbours will be available on Amazon Freevee in the UK and the U.S, and Prime Video in Canada, Ireland and South Africa. Jada Pinkett Smith pulled the curtain back on the 'bouts of depression' and 'hopelessness' she experienced around the time she turned 40 in 2011. The wife of Will Smith confessed: '"On paper," it all looked grand - I had the beautiful family, the superstar husband, the lavish lifestyle, fame and fortune.' However, in her upcoming memoir Worthy, excerpted by People, she revealed that 'Id fallen into despair and wanted to be on this earth less and less.' Her marriage to Will fell under blistering public scrutiny in 2020, when she interviewed him on her chat show Red Table Talk about an 'entanglement' she had four years earlier with a dramatically younger man. The relationship became even more notorious last year when Will slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars for making a bald joke about Jada that visibly offended her. Candor: In her memoir, Jada Pinkett Smith pulled the curtain back on the 'bouts of depression ' and 'despair' she experienced around the time she turned 40; pictured at the book launch A close family: Jada is pictured with Will Smith, their kids Jaden and Willow as well as Will's son Trey from his first marriage to Sheree Zampino Jada was the product of a tempestuous childhood in Baltimore, scarred by her mother's heroin addiction and father's alcoholism. Against the backdrop of her turbulent home life, Jada grew to become a drug dealer by the time she befriended Tupac Shakur in high school. In her forthcoming autobiography, she wrote that she discovered during adulthood that she was suffering from 'complex trauma with PTSD and dissociation.' However, during her period of intense distress in the year of her 40th birthday, she had yet to receive an official diagnosis and was left twisting in the wind. The excerpt begins with her driving through Ojai, California heading to a meeting with a mysterious 'Medicine Woman' she hopes will alleviate her issues. 'Dont be afraid, I tell myself. You are in peaceful, beautiful Ojai. Why are you so scared?' she wrote. 'Because, I answer right back, what if THIS actually kills me?' Then, she added: 'Three months earlier, in the wake of my fortieth birthday, my biggest worry was Well, what if it DOESNT?' Pulling back the veil of her glittering public persona, Jada recalled: 'For two decades, I had been putting on a good face, going with the flow, telling everyone I was okay. Yet underneath, bouts of depression and overwhelming hopelessness had smoldered until they turned into raging hellfire in my broken heart. In the offing: Worthy will be published on October 17, before which Jada will sit down for a promotional interview with Hoda Kotb that will see her address the Oscars slap 'Unwelcome feelings - of not deserving love - made it harder to understand the disconnect between the so-called perfect life I had achieved and the well of loss I carried with me. Therapy helped up to a point. It got me to 40! But to what end?' Her solace came from her children Jaden, 25, and Willow, 22, as well as Will's son Trey, 30, by his first wife Sheree Zampino - but even they were not enough. 'I would later be diagnosed and informed that I suffer from complex trauma with PTSD and dissociation, but without this guidepost, I was a chronic mess with no fix, no possibility to heal,' Jada wrote in her book. 'Every morning, waking up was like walking the plank of doom - could I make it to four p.m.? If I could, I had survived the day.' She remembered: 'I always wanted to sleep, but I never slept well. My children could put a smile on my face and were my only motivation to keep me going, but more and more, I could feel myself losing my grip of connection to them.' Her ennui had descended on her despite her 'checking off boxes meant to define being enough to deserve "having it all,"' but that had ultimately not had not delivered the gifts that had been promised.' She wrote that she had 'followed the rules...the rules were told to follow. You work hard, make sacrifices for those you love. The rules tell you: Be a doting mother and a doting wife, do the work required, and life turns into paradise. NOPE. A loving relationship, harmony, peace...that happiness had yet to be delivered.' Jada acknowledged: '"On paper," it all looked grand - I had the beautiful family, the superstar husband, the lavish lifestyle, fame and fortune. I had my own career, the freedom and support to pursue creative outlets. The sweetest part was my kids - Jaden, Willow, and my bonus son, Trey - my three favorite people in the world.' United front: She is pictured with Will at a gala for Oprah Winfrey in May 2011; she wrote that during that year 'Will and I weren't in a good place and hadn't been for a while' Papering over the cracks: Jada is pictured with Will and Willow at the 2011 Grammys; at that point, per her memoir, she was still 'putting on a good face' despite the ennui underneath Despite the children being 'hands down, the best thing that ever happened to me,' her storybook life had not 'prevented me from hitting the wall I was speeding toward at a hundred miles per hour, knowing full well - this s***'s gonna blow!' She threw herself into the Hollywood rolodex of potential cures - 'Goddess gatherings, silent yoga retreats, backpacking alone, studying every religion you can think of,' even a trip to see a Padrino in Cuba - to no avail. 'Adding to my distress,' she wrote: 'Will and I werent in a good place and hadnt been for a while. I couldnt make it right no matter how hard I tried.' She elaborated: 'We couldnt hear or see each other - at all. Confiding in my close friends seemed unfair to them and to Will and me.' Worthy will be published on October 17, before which Jada will sit down for a promotional interview with Hoda Kotb that will see her address the Oscars slap. Jada began dating Will before he was legally divorced from Sheree and married him 1995 while pregnant with their first child. They became a famously close-knit showbiz power couple, welcoming two children who followed them into the business at a young age. However over the past few years their marital problems seeped into the public eye as Jada aired out her 'entanglement' with another man. Details: Over the past few years their marital problems seeped into the public eye as Jada aired out her 'entanglement' with August Alsina, whom she is pictured with in 2017 She publicly discussed her relationship with musician August Alsina, now 31, after he claimed during an interview with Angela Yee that he conducted his affair with Jada only after obtaining Will's 'blessing' to do so. Soon after, Jada and Will appeared on an episode of Red Table Talk to admit Jada had been in a relationship with August despite originally denying the rumors. But they both maintained that Will never gave August his blessing, because he was actually separated from Jada at the time. During the course of the episode Will joked that he would 'get you back' prompting Jada to laugh that 'I think you've gotten me back. I think we're good on that, okay?' Will then argued in British GQ that 'marriage for us cant be a prison' and revealed 'Jada never believed in conventional marriage.' On a 2018 episode of Red Table Talk, Jada recalled 'crying down the freaking aisle' at her 'horrible' shotgun wedding to Will. The episode included a conversation with Will in which he and Jada confessed that they tied the knot under pressure from her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris. 'I really didn't wanna get married,' Jada said, prompting Will to say with a laugh: 'We only got married because Gammy was crying.' Unforgettable: During last year's Oscars, Will marched onstage and slapped Chris Rock for making a bald joke about Jada, who shaved her head because she has alopecia The moment: Will was seen initially laughing at the joke, but Jada rolled her eyes and then he took to the stage to give Chris a smack across the face In the wake of the Oscars clap, a behind-the-scenes clip surfaced from Red Table Talk, shedding alarming light on Will and Jada's marriage. Jada ambushed Will by asking him about their marriage for Instagram Live in order to promote a Red Table Talk episode with psychotherapist Esther Perel. A visibly distraught Will repeatedly begged his wife not to 'start filming me without asking me,' but Jada brushed off his concerns as 'foolishness.' The clip caused a storm on Reddit, with commenters calling Jada an 'abuser' and observing how 'broken' and 'tormented' Will looked. During last year's Oscars, Will marched onstage and slapped Chris Rock for making a bald joke about Jada, who shaved her head because she has alopecia. 'Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can't wait to see it,' Chris cracked, in reference to the 1997 movie starring Demi Moore with a shaved head. Will was seen initially laughing at the joke, but Jada rolled her eyes and then he took to the stage to give Chris a smack across the face. Then Will flounced back to his seat and repeatedly shrieked at Chris: 'Keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth!' Incoming: Jada recently promoted her book with an unboxing video on her Instagram page in which she was accompanied by her family Less than an hour after his outburst, Will was awarded the best actor Oscar and received a standing ovation for his tearful speech in which he called himself a protector of his family and expressed a desire to be a 'vessel of love.' Although he apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his speech, he did not issue a public apology to Chris until the following day. After the awards, he went to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and danced to his own song Gettin' Jiggy Wit It while other partygoers cheered him on. As the backlash mounted - but before the Academy could decide what punishment it should impose for the incident - Will resigned from the organization. Although his departure meant he could no longer vote for the Oscars, he at that point was still able to attend the show. However the Academy then imposed a 10-year ban on his attending the ceremony, though he can still be nominated for and win Oscars. Jada finally addressed the slap that June on an alopecia-themed episode of her show Red Table Talk, urging Will and Chris to patch up their differences. 'Now, about Oscar night,' she cooed: 'my deepest hope is that these two intelligent, capable men have an opportunity to heal, talk this out and reconcile.' Jeremy Clarkson returned to the UK after he was left stranded in Botswana after a severe flight delay. The TV presenter, 63, touched down at Heathrow alongside Richard Hammond and James May after a 16-hour long haul flight. Jeremy looked tired after the journey as the trio had to hire a bush plane to get them out of their luxury camp, which boasted 40 staff and a pool. Landing in the early hours of Friday morning, Richard, 53, appeared over the moon as he was reunited with his daughter Isabella, 22, after being 'marooned'. The Grand Tour stars had been away filming for the next series but were left stranded after BA cancelled their flight. They're back! Jeremy Clarkson looked shattered as he returned from Botswana with Richard Hammond and James May on Friday morning Reunited: Richard, 53, was greeted by his 22-year-old daughter Isabella who looked delighted to see her daughter as the pair grinned from ear to ear Richard was greeted by his daughter Isabella, who looked delighted to see her father as the pair grinned from ear to ear. James, 60, also seemed to be greeted by friends as he embraced in a hug with a young woman. Tired after the flight, Jeremy grabbed a coffee as he pushed his luggage through arrivals. Their return comes after Jeremy decided to document the trio's 'survival' over in Botswana. Taking to Instagram, the former Top Gear host gave his followers regular updates as he joked about their chance of survival and boasted about living in the lap of luxury with 40 staff waiting on them hand-and-foot. Breaking the news with a snap of Hammond and May staring down at their phones alongside the remains of their dinner and half full wine glasses, he wrote: 'BA have messed up our flight home so we are marooned here at a luxury camp in Botswana. With only 40 staff. Its all about survival now.' Jeremy then proceeded to post regular updates as he charted the threesome's stay in the remote camp which has a stunning pool. Sharing a video of the luxury camp they are staying at he wrote: 'Marooned update. We are coping. But for how long?' Tiring: The TV presenter touched down at Heathrow alongside Richard Hammond and James May after a 16 hour long haul flight Long journey: Jeremy was seen looking tired after the journey as the trio had to hire a bush plane to get them out of their luxury camp Back on home turf: James, 60, also seemed to be greeted by friends as he embraced in a hug with a young woman Exhausted: Jeremy looked knackered after the flight as he pushed his luggage through arrivals Stranded: The TV presenter was 'marooned' in a luxury camp alongside his co-hosts as the threesome completed filming for the next series of The Grand Tour Joking around: Their return comes after Jeremy decided to document the threesome's 'survival' over in Botswana Welcome back! Richard and James were greeted by friends and families, yet Jeremy seemed to remain alone Helping him out: It looked like James was being helped by a member of their team Home: James looked fresh from the bush in his grey cargo pants and boots Bye! It looked like James had spotted the cameras as he waved as he entered the airport lift Caffeine hit: Tired after the flight, Jeremy grabbed a coffee as he arrived back in London In his final update, Jeremy posed with his friend, Super, who came to rescue the team. Smiling with his arm around his friend, he wrote: 'Big thanks to my dear friend of 20 years, Super, who saved the day'. Sharing snaps from the luxury camp the presenter turned farmer, shared a serene picture of an outdoor pool, sarcastically writing: 'When BA delay a flight by 12 hours, do they not realise how much hardship they inflict on passengers? We are fighting to stay alive here.' Later on he posted an adorable snap of a meerkat on its hind legs as it watched the sunset across the sandy plane. He captioned the snap: 'Thanks to BAs incompetence, this is how Ive been forced to endure my evening.' He upped the drama on Wednesday as he shared a snap of a Kyote-like animal as it tucked into it's dead prey. Joking in the caption, he broke the news: 'James May didn't make it I'm afraid', before later updating fans that he misidentified the dead prey and 'It was actually Richard Hammond who was turned into food'. He later shared a snap of himself and James with a gap in between where Richard, now 'dead', should have sat as he wrote: 'Missing man formation'. Hero: The threesome were rescued by Jeremy's friend Super Fully stocked: They may be stranded, but the team have no shortage of beverage choice as James examined the fridge Hilarious: Jeremy shared a serene picture of an outdoor pool as he wrote a sarcastic caption, stating 'We are fighting to stay alive here' Adorable: On Tuesday evening he posted an adorable snap of a meerkat on its hind legs as it watched the sunset across the sandy plane Survival of the fittest: Jeremy upped the drama in the next post as he shared a snap of a Kyote-like animal as it tucked into it's dead prey Misidentification: The star later updated fans that it was in face Richard Hammond who was lost in the predatory battle Dane Cook and his new wife, Kelsi Taylor, 24, looked tanned and relaxed just a few days after returning from their wedding and honeymoon in Hawaii. The 51-year-old actor was back to work Thursday, in an effort to give back to the state that means so much to both of them. The funnyman returned to his comic roots to take part in A Stand-up Benefit for Maui at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. Proceeds were slated for the Maui Strong Fund. The Dan in Real Life actor joined forces with fellow comedians Tiffany Haddish and Craig Robinson for the fundraiser. Tanned and relaxed: Dane Cook, 51, and his new wife, Kelsi Taylor looked tanned and relaxed after returning from their wedding and honeymoon in Hawaii. Kelsi, 24, showed off her toned arms in a sleeveless taupe top, white jeans and taupe sandals The money will benefit citizens of Maui whose homes and businesses were destroyed in wildfires in August. The deadly blaze killed 97 people and has left thousands without a home. Some residents were allowed to visit their burned out neighborhoods on Monday. It's estimated billions of dollars will be needed to help Maui residents rebuild. The American Exit star looked relaxed on the stage wearing a gray T-shirt with a yellow Rise Up for Maui logo. He wore dark jeans, white sneakers and proudly showed off his wedding ring. Dane was cleanshaven and brushed his short brown hair away from his face. Kelsi, 24, showcased her warm skin tones and firm arms in a sleeveless taupe blouse. In love: The pair seemed very much in love as they gazed into each other's eyes Thursday in Los Angeles Fundraiser: Dane wore a gray T-shirt with a yellow Rise up for Maui logo on it as he performed in a fundraiser for the island which was devastated by deadly wildfires in August. Tiffany Haddish and Craig Robinson joined him on the ticket at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles Tour: Dane's performance was a good warmup for the newlywed who was scheduled to begin his 'The Perfectly Shattered' tour Friday night in Waterloo, New York The fitness instructor donned white jeans and taupe sandals. Her shoulder length dark blonde hair was parted in the middle and styled straight. The Pilates teacher wore natural looking makeup with a soft pink lip. The pair seemed very much in love as they gazed into each other's eyes. Dane's performance was a good warmup for the newlywed who was scheduled to begin his 'The Perfectly Shattered' tour Friday night in Waterloo, New York. The popular funnyman has included jokes about his and Kelsi's 27 year age difference in the past and is expected to continue that in his new shows. It's unknown if his new bride will accompany him as he crisscrosses the US through November 25. The stars took to Instagram last week to reveal they were having fun taking in the tropical beauty of Oahu, Hawaii for their first few days of wedded bliss. Cook was seen in his swim trunks as he cuddled up to his new spouse who had a newlywed glow. The Employee Of The Month star also got very mushy when talking about how much he loves being married. 'I woke up a married man. Ive never felt this feeling in my life. A wife I love, a career I adore, a past Im right with & a future I cant wait to charge towards,' the actor said in his Instagram caption. 'I thought a lot about the road Ive traveled as I looked out at the ocean waves crashing off the rocks. I believe the early fears and concerns were what fearlessness and completion look like when youre heart becomes invested in this life. 'I found a purpose alone and now I have a purpose with,' said the Good Luck Chuck star. Hot honeymoon: The stars took to Instagram to reveal they were enjoying a the tropical beauty of Oahu, Hawaii for their first few days of wedded bliss A nice view: Cook was seen in his swim trunks and he was also seen cuddled up to his new spouse who had a new wife glow. The Employee Of The Month star also got very mushy when talking about how much he loves being married He had more to say. 'I am grateful for these new memories. I wont lie.. this morning hit different. These waves crashing off the rocks and back into the bright blue sea.' The romantic star also shared another post with new photos as he wrote, 'Just a bunch of pix I think are rad from this weekend. Not tagging anything bc Im lazy from the sun all day. Except my wife @itskelsitaylor of course.' The wedding took place on Saturday at a private estate in Oahu, Hawaii. There were only 20 guests at the outdoor ceremony. Fitness instructor Kelsi looked elegant in a white gown with a veil as she held onto a bouquet in photos the couple shared to Instagram. And Dane was dapper in a dark blue suit with tie. 'We chose Hawaii because it has such a special place in our hearts and our relationship,' Cook told People. '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.' Happy at last: 'I woke up a married man. Ive never felt this feeling in my life. A wife I love, a career I adore, a past Im right with & a future I cant wait to charge towards,' the actor said in his Instagram caption Bliss: The romantic star also shared, 'Just a bunch of pix I think are rad from this weekend. Not tagging anything bc Im lazy from the sun all day. Except my wife @itskelsitaylor of course' 'We envisioned something that was more along the lines of a gathering of our closest family and friends,' he said. 'Something intimate, connected, and filled with fun. '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,' added Cook. She wore the Solstice Gown from Grace Loves Lace, a Grace veil and clear heels from Amina Muaddi. 'It was one of the first dresses I tried on, and I immediately fell in love with it,' she shared with People. '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 walked down the aisle to Marry Me by Train. 'Every time I heard this song it made me so emotional. I knew it was the pick for the ceremony,' she said. Last year he said that their impending marriage had added a new marital dimension to his popular shows during an interview with E! News at the premiere of his new special Dane Cook: Above It All. Drake appeared to take multiple swipes at his ex Rihanna in the scathing lyrics of his newly released song Fear Of Heights. The pop stars were trailed by on-and-off romance rumors from 2009 to 2018, and since their last split there has been conjecture that Drake failed to get over her. On his new song, however, Drake, 36, insisted that he had moved on, sneering: 'Why they make it sound like I'm still hung up on you? That could never be.' He added: 'Gyal can't ruin me,' which came across as if it might be a snide reference to Rihanna's accent from her native Barbados. As the song went on, he sniped that 'the sex was average with you' and even seemed to take aim at her current relationship with A$AP Rocky. Making mischief: Drake appeared to take multiple swipes at his ex Rihanna in the scathing lyrics of his newly released song Fear Of Heights The way they were: While presenting her with MTV Video Music Award in 2016 (pictured), he rhapsodized that Rihanna was 'someone I've been in love with since I was 22 years old' 'Better him than me, better it's not me,' raps Drake. 'Yeah, that man, he still with you. He can't leave you. Y'all go on vacation, I bet it's Antilles.' Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have in fact holidayed in the Lesser Antilles more than once, taking multiple couple's trips to Barbados. Since then, the couple have welcomed two children into the world together, which may account for Drake's saying A$AP Rocky 'can't leave' her. Elsewhere in Fear Of Heights, Drake blares: 'I'm anti, I'm anti,' possibly in reference to Rihanna's latest album Anti, which came out in 2016. After a torrent of bile towards his ex, who goes unnamed throughout the verse, he insists: 'And I had way badder b****es than you, TBH.' Drake and Rihanna were first spotted locking lips in 2009, shortly after her split from Chris Brown, who had savagely beaten her to the point she had to be hospitalized. Rihanna eventually briefly reunited with Chris, and maintained in public that she and Drake were merely friends with each other. A wounded Drake reflected to the New York Times in 2010: 'I was a pawn. You know what she was doing to me? She was doing exactly what I've done to so many women throughout my life, which is show them quality time, then disappear. I was like: "Wow, this feels terrible."' Duo: As the song went on, he sniped that 'the sex was average with you' and even seemed to take aim at her current relationship with A$AP Rocky, whom she is pictured with this week Trowback: Drake and Rihanna were first spotted locking lips in 2009, shortly after her split from Chris Brown; Rihanna and Drake are pictured in 2010 The following year, he told Elle: 'At the time it hurt, but she didn't mean to. I'll never put that on her. I was hurt because I started to slowly realize what it was.' Over the next few years he struck a flowery tone in his public remarks about Rihanna, describing her as his 'ultimate fantasy' to Rolling Stone in 2014. While presenting her with MTV Video Music Award in 2016, he rhapsodized that RIhanna was 'someone I've been in love with since I was 22 years old.' Later that year the pair of them acquired matching shark tattoos, intensifying the public perception that their relationship was more than platonic. By May of 2018, however, their equation had cooled to the point that Rihanna told Vogue: 'We don't have a friendship now, but we're not enemies either.' Details: His blistering new song Fear Of Heights, purportedly about Rihanna, is from his freshly released eighth studio album For All The Dogs Fan service: This Friday, the day the album dropped, influencer Kai Cenat was in the middle of streaming his reaction to the songs when he got a video call from Drake himself His blistering new song Fear Of Heights, purportedly about Rihanna, is from his freshly released eighth studio album For All The Dogs. This Friday, the day the album dropped, influencer Kai Cenat was in the middle of streaming his reaction to the songs when he got a video call from Drake himself. Kai spiraled into paroxysms of delight, squealing gleefully to the point that Drake joked: 'Bro, you 'bout to need an EPIPEN.' For All The Dogs also includes a song called IDGAF featuring Yeat, who received an outpouring of love from fans for his participation in the track. 'Lets appreciate Yeat for putting drake on his album. Thats a real stand up guy,' quipped one YouTube commenter, while another cracked: 'I appreciate Yeat for working with underground artists like Drake. Thank you Yeat.' Advertisement After months of mystery surrounding their whirlwind union, Kanye West and Bianca Censori are indeed officially and legally married, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. The confusion around their intriguing marriage has finally been explained after the pair wed under a 'confidential marriage' license in California, meaning that it was not made public record. Many had assumed that the 46-year-old rapper and Yeezy architect, 28, married in a ceremony that was not legally binding, as there was seemingly no evidence of the union, with reports claiming they had a private ceremony in Beverly Hills earlier this year in January without an official marriage license. However, DailyMail.com can now confirm that is not the case, having obtained and reviewed the official document that lists their date of marriage as December 20, 2022 - just one month after he finalized his divorce from his first wife Kim Kardashian in November 2022. Per their marriage license, the happy couple tied the knot in Palo Alto, California, known as Silicon Valley, and DailyMail.com has learned the pair picked a secret location for the special event. The document was filed under their full names, Bianca Censori, and simply 'Ye' for the rapper, who legally changed his name from Kanye Omari West to the mononym in October 2021. Kanye West and Bianca Censori (seen together in August) are officially married, DailyMail.com can reveal, after tying the knot in a secret ceremony in Pal Alto in December last year - just weeks after his divorce from Kim Kardashian was finalized Ye and Bianca were married by California-based officiant James Mayfield. Mayfield boasts marriage 'packages' starting at $385 that do not require a courthouse ceremony. It also states on his website that a confidential marriage license does not require any witnesses to be present. Interestingly, their marital home is listed as his ranch in Wyoming. The rapper purchased the sprawling $14m ranch four years ago, but there's been little to no development on the property since that time. As early as July 2020, Ye - who has an estimated net worth of $500m - began constructing mystifying domes on the land which appear to remain unfinished and he has not been pictured at the location for many years since purchasing the home. Explaining why the pair chose a confidential marriage license, a close friend of the couple reveals: 'Ye has been a megastar for two decades and counting, and his first marriage was to someone who lives almost full time in front of a camera. 'Bianca and Ye have a totally different vibe. They are very private, very affectionate and totally devoted to each other. I think they both enjoy carving out time that's just for them. 'For that reason they've been extremely hush-hush about the specifics of their wedding day. I don't think anyone besides the pair of them know exactly how it went down. Private ceremony: A close friend of the couple tell DailyMail.com, that they've 'been extremely hush-hush about the specifics of their wedding day. I don't think anyone besides the pair of them know exactly how it went down' Marital home: The rapper purchased this sprawling $14m ranch in Wyoming four years ago - which is listed as his marital home with Bianca The close friend adds: 'They are besotted with each other. I can assure you they are very much married.' One in five marriages in California are now officially classified as 'confidential' and do not appear in public records, but it is a legally binding marriage that would require a divorce if the union were to end. It's still unclear exactly how long the pair had been romantic with one another leading up to the marriage, but Bianca joined Kanye's Yeezy company in November 2020. A year before the end of his six-year marriage to Kim Kardashian, the father-of-four hired Bianca as an architectural designer at his company Yeezy. Kim had filed for divorce from her former spouse after almost seven years of marriage in February 2021 with the help of 'disso queen' Laura Wasser. Whirlwind wedding: This summer, the couple have been causing a frenzy on their European vacation, stirring up controversy with Bianca's nude-themed clothes , particularly in Italy Ye then moved on with Bianca, even paying tribute to her by releasing the track, Censori Overload, a play on her last name. At this point in their relationship, we now know the couple were already married. In the lyrics Ye revealed that he stayed celibate before tying the knot, singing: 'And The Bible said, I can't have any more sex 'til marriage.' The song appeared to reference his split from Kim, opening with the lines: 'Waking up to 'I can't do this anymore' text', adding 'I know it's 'cause the headlines / Why she wanna leave.' Ye and his wife Bianca then went public with their romance in January, with his new bride catching the world's attention in a number of very revealing outfits. Going public: The pair were first spotted together enjoying lunch in January this year - AFTER the pair had already wed Per their marriage license, the happy couple tied the knot in Palo Alto, California, also known as Silicon Valley (aerial view pictured above) and DailyMail.com has learned the pair picked a secret location for the special event Making moves: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West filed for divorce in 2021, meanwhile he was linked briefly to Julia Fox in January 2022 Warp speed romance: It's still unclear exactly how long the pair had been romantic with one another leading up to the marriage, but Bianca joined Kanye's Yeezy company in November 2020 (Pictured above in May this year) First wedding: Ye was married to Kim Kardashian from May 24, 2014 - March 2, 2022 (Pictured above at their Italian nuptials) This summer, the couple have been causing a frenzy on their European vacation, stirring up controversy with Bianca's nude-themed clothes, particularly in Italy. The loved-up pair received backlash with a very amorous boat ride in August - with the couple caught in flagrante. They were both accused of public indecency by Italian authorities on August 28, after Ye was snapped with his pants down and with his Australian bride nuzzled between his legs, during a water taxi ride on the city's famous canals. Following the shocking sighting, the two promptly were slammed for engaging in an apparent lewd act in front of dozens of gawking tourists. A brand new ITV competition will see 14 West End hopefuls battle it out for leading roles in Mamma Mia. In first look images, released on Friday, talent show host Zoe Ball will be joined by judges Alan Carr, Jessie Ware, Samantha Barks and Amber Riley. The show will see some of the nation's most talented musical theatre actors head off to Greece in hopes of becoming the next Sophie and Sky. Each week the contestants will be put through their paces and tested on everything from singing and dancing, to acting and chemistry. But who will survive the eliminations and make it through to the live final, where the Great British public will decide who wins the role of Sophie and Sky in the West End? Exciting: A brand new ITV competition will see 14 West End hopefuls battle it out for leading roles in Mamma Mia Coming soon: In first look images, released on Friday, talent show host Zoe Ball will be joined by judges Alan Carr (pictured), Jessie Ware, Samantha Barks and Amber Riley A trailer shows Zoe welcoming the group to the villa as she says: 'You're going to be singing and dancing all over the Island.' The budding West End stars are then seen performing a steamy dance routine in front of the judges, that leaves Alan speechless. The winners of the show will go on to star in the 25th-anniversary production at the iconic Novello Theatre in 2024. The programme will be of a similar format to previous BBC shows Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, both based on musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber. They saw amateur performers competing for places in the big-stage, revival productions. Earlier this year it was reported that Zoe, the highest-paid woman at the BBC, already earns almost 1 million per year. But now the former Strictly star is waltzing her way to another payday after agreeing to host the new show on ITV. The Mail on Sunday can reveal staff at the BBC are indignant that she is allowed to work for another broadcaster despite being a full-time employee as host of the Radio 2 breakfast show on weekday mornings. Talent: The show will see some of the nation's most talented musical theatre actors head off to Greece in hopes of becoming the next Sophie and Sky (Zoe pictured) Each week the contestants will be put through their paces and tested on everything from singing and dancing, to acting and chemistry. Panel: The winners of the show will go on to star in the 25th-anniversary production at the iconic Novello Theatre in 2024 Zoe will be presenting Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream, which will be screened on Saturday nights later this year. The deal will increase her annual income by about 200,000. In 2021, Zoe voluntarily took a 380,000 pay cut to remain as host of the Radio 2 breakfast show for an additional two years. A BBC spokesperson said the star felt it was inappropriate to earn so much in the middle of a pandemic. However, the deal for her job on the UKs most popular radio programme which reaches 7.1 million listeners a week was still worth a hefty 980,000. MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream will be coming soon so ITV1, STV and ITVX Emmerdale viewers were left on the edges of their seats as Friday's episode ended on two massive cliffhangers. The drama-packed episode saw Moira Dingle discover who her husband Cain and his half-brother Caleb have locked in an abandoned farmhouse in a shocking twist. In another big development, a mystery villager also overheard Charity Dingle and Mack Boyd discussing their affair, meaning Chloe Harris could learn of the betrayal. But viewers will have to wait until Monday to see if they will be clued in on the identities of either of the mystery people after being left on two huge cliffhangers. Earlier this week, viewers learned that Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Caleb (William Ash) had locked someone up in an abandoned farmhouse after taking a mysterious trip. Shock: Emmerdale viewers were left on the edges of their seats as Friday's episode ended on two massive cliffhangers as Moira Dingle discovered who Cain and Caleb are keeping hostage The two had left the village in a hurry and claimed they were working on a car consignment deal in Holland, but Moira (Natalie J. Robb) appeared unconvinced by the story. And in Friday's episode, she further suspected Cain was lying when Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) revealed he knew nothing about the deal. Standing close by, Caleb was then heard telling Cain that he'd keep an eye on their 'houseguest' but would need his brother to take over later, adding to the mystery. Later, Cain then headed to the farmhouse and could sense that someone was following him, but was left shocked when he discovered it was Moira. The pair then became embroiled in a row where Moira told him not to lie to her, with Cain trying to reassure her that he wasn't hiding anything and it was 'just business'. Referencing his life of crime, Moira fumed: 'If you do go back inside again, I won't be waiting for you, you're on your own pal.' Cain asked her: 'Can you not just trust me?' but she hit back with: 'Because that's gone so well!' Moira then questioned him about what type of business involved an abandoned farmhouse, with Cain spinning a lie about planning to buy the farm for Nate. Oh no! In another big development, a mystery villager also overheard Charity Dingle and Mack Boyd discussing their affair, meaning Chloe Harris could learn of the betrayal Plot: Earlier this week, viewers learned that Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Caleb (William Ash) had locked someone up in an abandoned farmhouse after taking a mysterious trip He urged Moira not to tell Nate and ruin the surprise and joked that it was the 'last time' he tried to do anything nice, with his wife believing him. However, as they shared a hug, Moira heard a large crash on the property and charged inside the farmhouse to discover what was really going on. Pushing Cain off, she unlocked the bolted door and discovered a mysterious hooded figure sitting on a sofa. She looked alarm and signalled that she knew who mystery person as she asked: 'You?' while looking at Cain in complete shock. Reacting to the cliffhanger, viewers took to Twitter to share their frustration that the identity of the hostage has not yet been revealed, leaving them in suspense. One wrote: 'Nah that ending! Who is cain and Caleb keeping in that bl**dy barn?' Another said: 'OMG who is it????', while a third penned: 'Who the heck was that in the barn who we thinking?' Another added: 'I dont possibly know who the hostage is?, Moira seems to know him, but WHO is it?' It was not the only cliffhanger of the episode as a mystery villager also overheard Charity and Mack discussing their affair. The exes recently slept together and have been hiding the affair from Mack's new partner - and the mother of his son Reuben - Chloe (Jessie Elland). Suspicious: After suspecting Cain was lying to her, Moira followed him to the farmhouse but her husband tried to convince her they were simply buying the farm for Nate Who is it? However, Moira heard a large crash and charged inside the farmhouse. Pushing Cain off, she unlocked the bolted door and discovered a mysterious hooded figure sitting on a sofa Tense: Reacting to the cliffhanger, viewers took to Twitter to share their frustration that the identity of the hostage has not yet been revealed Secrets: In another development, Mack and Charity were seen having another confrontation over their one-night stand, with Charity urging him to tell his partner Chloe Harris After Charity told Mack he had to come clean, he has been trying to persuade her not to reveal his lies, insisting it doesn't matter as he plans to move to Scotland with Chloe. In their latest confrontation, Charity said: 'You have put me in an impossible situation, having to lie to Chloe and have her apologise all the time.' In a hushed conversation outside the pub toilets, Mack told Charity of his plans to move to Scotland with Chloe, pleading with her to keep their affair a secret. 'What's this obsession for the truth? It's like dropping a bomb for the sake of it,' he said. 'What's your obsession with destroying me and Chloe? It's not like you want me back.' Mack then laughed as he became convinced that Charity wants to rekindle things, prompting her to fume: 'We are so done!' She added: 'For the first time in my life, I'm trying to do right by somebody else. Chloe is a good kid.' But Mack pleaded: 'She loves me, please Charity, let me have that.' Charity argued: 'Don't you dare make this my fault! We had sex, we both wanted it, pretty explosive if I remember.' Row: After a huge row outside the pub toilets, an unimpressed Charity then agreed to keep their affair a secret after Mack pleaded with her Tense: However, as they walked away, the door of the ladies toilets gradually opened, teasing that a mystery villager had overheard the entire confrontation Will the truth come out? While Charity promised not to reveal their one-night stand, it remains to be seen whether the mystery person - who was not shown on screen - will clue Chloe in Mack said: 'We keep this secret and it will fade away into the past, neither of us will be even sure it happened. I'll be this random stranger you married for the blink of an eye.' An unimpressed Charity then agreed to keep their affair a secret, telling him: 'OK, we'll do it your way... I hope to God it never catches up with you Mack. Cross my heart, she won't hear anything from me, OK?' However, as they walked away, the door of the ladies toilets gradually opened, teasing that a mystery villager had overheard the entire confrontation. While Charity promised not to reveal their one-night stand, it remains to be seen whether the mystery person - who was not shown on screen - will clue Chloe in. Riley Keough has signed up as the new face of Chanel. The Daisy Jones & The Six star - who is the granddaughter of Elvis Presley - has been announced as an ambassador for the French fashion house, having worn the brand's outfits to plenty of high profile events. Chanel has confirmed the 34-year-old actress will be part of its upcoming spring 2024 campaign. This week, she was a guest at creative director Virginie Viard's Paris Fashion Week show. She was in the City of Love back in July too as she attended Chanel's haute couture display, while she was also around for the brand's cruise 2023 show in Los Angeles two months earlier. Congratulations! Riley Keough has signed up as the new face of Chanel. The Daisy Jones & The Six star - who is the granddaughter of Elvis Presley - has been announced as an ambassador for the French fashion house; seen on October 3 in Paris at the Chanel show A find: Chanel has confirmed the 34-year-old actress will be part of its upcoming spring 2024 campaign. Seen here on Instagram She has deeper links to the fashion house too, as she is good friends with longtime Chanel ambassador Kristen Stewart after they appeared together in 'The Runaways'. Kristen recently heaped praise on Riley, who has appeared in the likes of 'The Terminal List', 'Mad Max: Fury Road' and 'American Honey'. Speaking in the September issue of Vanity Fair magazine, she said: 'She's the best thing in everything she's done. Because she's not acting. She's a solid sender. 'She's always being honest, and that's a vulnerable place to put yourself. 'And I don't mean that to belittle any project, but there are some actors that just can't do anything uninteresting.' Meanwhile, Riley previously described her own fashion sense as 'malleable' and 'inconsistent'. She told Who What Wear: 'I think I'm very malleable [when it comes to fashion], and it's super Gemini ... I have days where I'm like: 'I don't feel inspired to wear anything - I just want to wear a T-shirt and pants and sneakers' and then another day where I feel really inspired to put a whole look together. I'm very inconsistent.' This comes after she was seen at the Chanel Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week. She was spied front row at the show with her Daisy Jones costar Camila Morrone and pal Penelope Cruz. In the series Daisy Jones & The Six, Camila and Riley played frenemies as Riley's character Daisy was going after Camila's husband Billy Dunne, played by Sam Claflin. French connection: With Daisy Jones & The Six costar Camila Morrone heading to the Chanel Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show The series: (left to right) Morrone, Sam Claflin and Keough in the musical drama series Daisy Jones & The Six. The adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's smash hit novel chronicled the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band Morrone looked stylish in a semi-sheer black dress that had a low-cut neckline with buttons down the front. Camila added black high heels with an ankle strap. She wore her hair partially up with a black bow in back and had on plum-toned lipstick. Riley stood out in a cream-colored coat with to-the-calf off white boots with a black toe as she held on to a quilted black Chanel purse. Her red hair was worn down with one side back. 'I love you, Paris. @chanelofficial, you never disappoint. Felicitations @virginieviard,' wrote Camila in her caption. Morrone's post comes after she earned her first ever Emmy Nomination (in any category) for her role in the Amazon Prime Video miniseries Daisy Jones & The Six. Her portrayal of Camila Alvarez-Dunne landed her a nomination for the Prime Time Emmy Award for 'Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited or Anthology Series or Movie' category. From left: Keough, Charlotte Casiraghi, Penelope Cruz and Morrone at Chanel Drama: In the series Daisy Jones & The Six the women played frenemies as Riley's character Daisy was going after Camila's husband Billy Dunne, played by Sam Claflin Morrone uploaded a series of photos showing her ecstatic reaction in an Instagram post, where she expressed her gratitude for the cast and crew of the limited series and also thanked the Television Academy for nominating her. Including Morrone's nomination, Daisy Jones & The Six is up for nine Prime Time Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series Or Movie, at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards. The 2023 ceremony is scheduled to occur next year. The 26-year-old, who dated Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio from late 2017 to August 2022, has been documenting her travels across Europe all month. This comes after Riley looked ready for the red carpet in a mocha latte colored sleeveless mini dress as she attended an exclusive dinner party in Mexico a week ago. The daughter of the late Lisa Marie Presley was celebrating a new 5-course Dia de Muertos tequila pairing menu. It is available starting October 20 at Clase Azul La Terraza, Los Cabos - the brand's hospitality space in Baja, California. She looked stunning as she smiled from ear to ear while glammed up with her red hair down over her shoulders as she added bronze makeup. The granddaughter of Elvis Presley added black strappy heels as she showed off her array of tattoos. Created as another way to experience the upcoming Clase Azul Dia de Muertos Aromas Limited Edition decanter, guests at the brand's Restaurant at Clase Azul La Terraza Los Cabos will be able to enjoy a five-course pairing menu designed by Clase Azul Mexico Creative Chef, Ivan Arias. The pairing menu, available from October 20, 2023, until supply lasts, will include a two-ounce pour of the limited edition and will cost $250 US per person. For many years, the brand has produced a Limited Edition to celebrate one of Mexico's most culturally relevant and emotional annual holidays - Dia de Muertos - a magical time where our dearly departed loved ones visit us here in the physical world from the other side. Last month Keough said she and her grandmother Priscilla Presley's relationship experienced 'a bit of upheaval' while they battled over Lisa Marie Presley's will. The actress, 34, was left devastated by her mum's death aged 54 in January and as left fighting her grandmum Priscilla, 78, after she contested her daughter's will disputing a 2016 amendment removing her as co-trustee and naming Keough and her brother Benjamin, who has since died, instead. Beauty babe: Keough looked ready for the red carpet a week ago. The Daisy Jones & The Six star was seen in a mocha latte colored sleeveless mini dress as she attended an exclusive dinner party in Mexico Riley said in a cover interview with Vanity Fair magazine their relationship is now 'happy', but admitted Lisa Marie's death caused a 'lot of chaos' in the family. She said when asked about the issue: 'I'm trying to think of a way to answer it that's not a 20-minute conversation. 'There was a bit of upheaval, but now everything's going to be how it was. 'Anything that would suggest otherwise in the press makes me sad because, at the end of the day, all (Priscilla) wants is to love and protect Graceland and the Presley family and the legacy.' Riley added 'things with Grandma will be happy' now that 'clarity has been had,' noting that she and Priscilla had 'never not been happy'. Her grandma: Priscilla Presley with her new husband Elvis in 1967 New movie: Sofia Coppola has directed a movie about Elvis and Priscilla She added about the fallout from Lisa Marie's death: 'Everything felt like the carpet had been ripped out and the floor had melted from under us. 'Everyone was in a bit of a panic to understand how we move forward, and it just took a minute to understand the details of the situation, because it's complicated. 'We are a family, but there's also a huge business side of our family.' After a months-long dispute, Keough agreed to give her grandma $1 million to become the sole trustee, as well as $400,000 to cover legal fees. While Lisa Marie's cause of death was not known at the time, it has since been revealed that she died of a bowel obstruction. Riley said: 'I did feel like there was a choice in front of me to give up and let this event take me out or have the courage to work through it. 'I started trying to move through it and not let it take me out.' Total short-term rental supply in the US reached 1.38 million in September There are more than 600,000 vacant homes in New Orleans, Miami and Tampa Some 5.5 million homes are lying vacant in America's 50 biggest cities, yet a historically low housing inventory of 1 million homes is contributing to the least affordable market in decades. New Orleans, Miami and Tampa have the highest vacancy rates in the US. Between them an average of nearly 13 percent of all homes are unoccupied, according to a study by Lending Tree, which ranked the 50 biggest metro areas in the US. In those three metros combined there are 600,000 vacant units. However, vacancy rates are lowest in Minneapolis, Austin and Washington, DC, the only three cities where they were less than 5 percent. Between them are another 245,000 units. Housing units are considered vacant when they are secondary homes, short-term rentals, abandoned , foreclosed, or investment properties. Empty homes up for sale are also included in the count. Some 5.5 million homes are lying vacant in America's 50 biggest cities, according to a study by Lending Tree In Miami and Tampa, the most common reason for vacancies is that units are for seasonal, recreational or occasional use. Pictured is an aerial view of Tampa, Florida New Orleans, with a vacancy rate of 13.9 percent ha nearly 81,000 vacant units, while Miami, with a vacancy rate of 12.7 percent has 339,000 empty houses. It's followed by Tampa, Florida; Birmingham, Alabama and Riverside, California. In Miami and Tampa, the most common reason for vacancies is that units are for seasonal, recreational or occasional use. High vacancy rates and home prices could suggest an area has uniquely attractive features, like being a popular vacation spot or target of investors, according to Lending Tree. And according to the US Census Bureau, the largest category of vacant housing in the US is classified as 'seasonal, recreational or occasional use'. Total short-term rental supply in the US reached 1.38 million in September, up 23 percent compared with the same time last year, according to NerdWallet. The city of Bozeman, Montana, is considering a ban on short-term vacation lets like Airbnbs for the strain they are said to be putting on the area's housing market. Austin's vacancy rate was 4.57 percent. It had a total of 48,000 vacant units. Pictured is a aerial view of the buildings along the banks of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas Bozeman, Montana, is considering a crackdown on Airbnb after locals complained short-term holiday lets had pushed up prices in the city Residents say the rising numbers of second homeowners that buy properties in the mountain city and then rent them out on vacation let sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo is contributing to a shortage of housing for locals. Terry Cunningham, the cities deputy mayor, told DailyMail.com in June: 'Homes are disproportionately owned by retirees and investors - but they won't staff our workforce.' Bozeman is among dozens of areas across the US calling for a crackdown on short-term vacation lets. Minneapolis has the smallest vacancy rate of just 4.51 percent and 70,000 empty units. Austin's vacancy rate was 4.57 percent, whereas Washington DC's was 4.98 percent. In all three the most common reason homes were vacant is that they were up for rent. Pascaline Bongo, eldest daughter of former president Omar Bongo Ondimba, will be tried in early 2024 in Paris with the company Egis Route, a subsidiary of the French construction group Egis, and five other people for suspicion of corruption linked to public contracts in Gabon in 2010 and 2011, we learned on Friday October 6 from a judicial source. This trial, revealed by the daily Liberation on Thursday, will be held from January 29 to February 1, 2024. Pascaline Bongo, who was her father's chief of staff until his death in 2009, then worked with her brother, the deposed president Ali Bongo, is suspected of having agreed to intervene in favor of Egis Route for the award of public contracts against the promise of 8 million euros. She will be tried for passive bribery of a foreign public official. Pascaline Bongo, who disputes the facts, "has not been in contact with anyone, there is no signed contract and nothing in the file allows us to say that there was a transfer of money", said his lawyer, Corinne Dreyfus-Schmidt, told AFP. Nothing is wrong in the case, in the procedure and in the criminal qualifications, she added. Fictitious partnership According to Liberation, Pascaline Bongo, 67, had accepted a fictitious partnership so that Egis would participate in the creation of the National Agency for Major Works of Gabon via a public consulting contract. This structure, created by Ali Bongo after coming to power, supervised major infrastructure projects such as roads, stadiums and public real estate projects. Also announced on the dock, the company Egis Route, two of its former executives and the current commercial director, Christian Laugier, formerly in charge of Africa activities and general director of the group. These three men are suspected of having offered Pascaline Bongo a kickback of 8 million euros in exchange for a contract. We reserve our explanations for the hearing, but we can already indicate that we contest the facts of corruption with the greatest firmness, reacted to AFP the French group specializing in road construction and infrastructure in the world. Globalisation has become so strong that complete economic decoupling of a country or region is not feasible. De-risking and realignment is the way forward This is not a world of decoupling, rather it is of de-risking and realignment. The Ukraine war has thrown many questions on the existing world order, including on the effectiveness of the United Nations. However, one thing that has emerged is that globalisation in the last two decades has become so strong that complete economic decoupling of a country or region is neither feasible nor justifiable. De-risking and realignment is the only way forward for Nations to make economic progress. Most powerful nations have openly stated that they want to build economic resilience for themselves, based on a strategy of diversifying and deepening partnerships and de-risking, not decoupling. Despite the best of efforts by NATO it has not been able to decouple Russia. Russia continues to trade within Asia and also with Europe and Africa. For example, the Russian commercial nuclear technology industry has been used in Europe, to meet the energy requirements of the West. It has been well realised that the priorities of nations for trade may change with each other. However, the isolation of one country by a group of countries leads to disruption in trade and a lack of development of nations at large. Isolation of Nations may therefore not be a good idea in the future particularly if the sustainable development goals of the UN are to be met. "We are totally opposed to the idea of decoupling. Decoupling is an illusion," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said. He added, "There is no possibility of having any kind of decoupling between the American, European and Chinese economies." It has also been well recognised by now that decoupling of China may not be possible however 'de-risking' of economies vulnerable to debt trap diplomacy of China is a must for an overall just World. The US treasury secretary during his Beijing visit acknowledged that decoupling from China was virtually impossible. Tit-for-tat exchanges over tariffs have reinforced the popular view that so-called decoupling has largely involved discouraging imports, which is not decoupling, it is more or less protection of one's own industry which has been happening for decades and is nothing new. From the Chinese perspective, however, derisking is a strategic shift whereby China switches its focus from economic growth to economic control. The term dual circulation is used for this control which refers to complete control of external and internal trade, this is more of an expansionist trade policy that goes hand in hand with its military policy. This kind of expansionist 'de-risking' by China is threatening the world trade order and therefore countries have started talking about 'decoupling' from China. India's approach to cooperation and mutually beneficial trade between countries is likely to gain traction globally, particularly in the countries of the Global South. It's about time, the Global South is given its due as far as the dividends of trade are concerned. De-risking their economies from China could be an important step in that direction. De-risking economies also include catering to climate change and the changes associated with it. The transfer of technology to enable change towards clean energy by the Global South is also a process of de-risking not only for these nations but also for humanity. So when the West has already realised that decoupling from China is not possible and de-risking is essentially important, what are the steps for de-risking economies of the Global South? The policy of de-risking and plans for developing the Global South are two major strategies that go hand-in-hand. Economic globalisation is essential for the Global South, and essentially transfer to technology is important for them. De-risking the Global South would entail building its infrastructure and transfer of technology so that it can self-sustain in times of natural calamity and pandemic-like situations. Making their economies dependent on foreign investments is not the way forward. India has been taking the initiative to de-risk the economies of the Global South by including them in a policy framework that is more equitable. The other thing that is emerging is that countries must de-risk themselves from countries like China to check its expansionist policy, which goes beyond economic realms and also fiddles with the political and social fabric of countries. De-risking must curb Chinas access to top-notch innovation around the world, Unlike decoupling, de-risking should not seek to curb access to less sophisticated technology. De-risking should also aim to slow the progress of the Chinese military. Preventing the Chinese army from accessing advanced technology with military applications should be done at all costs. This highlights how de-risking spans both economics and defence. Over-reliance on exclusive Chinese products also needs to be reduced in the world for eg wrt the transition to clean energy. The world must ensure the safety of supplies for critical raw materials required for shifting to green energy (such as lithium), technologies (including electric-vehicle batteries), and equipment (such as solar panels) that will be crucial to net-zero emissions are not an exclusive property of one country alone. Yes, this is not an era for war and may be not for decoupling either but it is definitely an era of de-risking. An era when humanity needs to strive towards common goals, de-risking itself from those who have monopolistic tendencies. Larger good must always prevail in our minds cutting across borders and selfish interests. If the sustainable development goals of the UN are to be met any time soon this is a prerequisite. (The writer is expert on geopolitics and international Affairs. The views expressed are personal) Exercising the power under Essential Commodities Act 1956, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed the pulses traders to make a weekly declaration of stocks on the governments portal. Traders who have not yet registered have also been directed to register immediately on the portal and declare their weekly stocks through the designated portal. According to orders issued by the food and civil supplies department, district magistrates have been asked to ensure that dealers, importers, millers, stockist and traders working in the state should register themselves on the Government of India portal http://fcainfoweb.nic.in/psp and declare their stock on every Friday. As per the latest update, a total of 1,878 pulse traders are registered on the Central governments portal, and they have declared a total stock of 1,38,442 metric tons, which includes 24,686 metric tons of tur dal, 16,376 metric tons of urad dal and 39,150 metric tons of masoor dal. The orders under EC Act have been issued with the aim of curbing hoarding to keep a check on price rise during the festival season. The food department will conduct inspections and verifications of the stocks held by the pulse traders to effectively implement the revised stock limit announced by the Central government. Statistically, the least number of registrations have been reported from Ambedkar Nagar (4), Amroha (4), Kannauj (5), Kasganj (6), Shravasti (6), Farrukhabad (7), Etawah (7), Amethi (9), Mainpuri (9) and Sultanpur (9). Instructions have been issued to expedite the registration process in these districts. Congress workers on Friday staged a protest outside BJP's Delhi unit office against the party for portraying Rahul Gandhi as a "new age Ravan" in a social media poster. The protesters burnt effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and raised slogans against him. The protest was led by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Arvinder Singh Lovely amid heavy police barricading. "We want to know from the BJP, what is their issue with Rahul Gandhi? If Rahul ji is meeting poor farmers, coolies, kids, and paying homage at the Swarn Mandir, does that bother BJP? We want to tell the BJP that the politics they play in the name of Lord Ram, they will reap the results in the next elections," Lovely told PTI. A photograph of Gandhi morphed as Ravan in a poster put out from Bhartiya Janta Party's official handle on X stirred the controversy on Thursday. "Bharat khatre mein hain," the poster read along with a caption "The new age Ravan is here. He is Evil. Anti Dharma. Anti Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat." Earlier on October 4, the Congress had posted Prime Minister Modi's and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's poster calling the PM "Jumla boy" with the caption "Going to hit the election rally soon". Several senior Congress leaders have condemned BJP's post and called it an attempt by the ruling party at the Centre to "incite violence" against Gandhi. "What is the real intent of an atrocious graphic portraying Rahul Gandhi as Ravan by the BJP's official handle? It is clearly intended to incite and provoke violence against a Congress MP and a former President of the party, whose father and grandmother were assassinated by forces that want to divide India," Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh wrote in a post on X on Thursday. The Assam government has sent senior officers to flash flood-affected Sikkim to ensure the safe return of students from the state stranded there, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday. Altogether 160 students from Assam are now stuck in Sikkim, he added. Due to the situation in Sikkim, we have dispatched two senior officers to oversee the evacuation of our 160 students from Rongpo and Majitar as soon as possible, Sarma wrote on X. An army jawan, hailing from Baksa district of the state, is also missing in Sikkim, army sources said. Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Thursday asserted that he is still with the NDA amid rumours of his exit from the BJP-led coalition. Blaming YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders for the rumour gaining currency, Kalyan said he has immense respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda. "I am still in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and I did not go anywhere," he said. "Since morning, (Chief Minister) YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRCP (leaders) are telling all around that the Jana Sena has exited the NDA. I am telling only one thing to Jagan and YSRCP leaders, I will let you know if I exit the NDA," Kalyan said at a public meeting. The actor-politician also said he will not stealthily exit the NDA, if he has to. He questioned why it matters to the YSRCP if he remains in the NDA as its leaders are confident of winning "all 175" assembly seats in the next elections. He asked the ruling party leaders to mind their own business and expressed a desire that BJP leaders "will take the right decision with respect to Andhra Pradesh's future". Kalyan also expressed his desire of dethroning the YSRCP and seeing the combination of the Jana Sena and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) gaining power with the "blessings" of the BJP for a golden future for the southern state. Kalyan announced an alliance with the TDP on September 14 and said Andhra Pradesh cannot afford YSRCP rule. He made the announcement after meeting TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, arrested for his alleged role in a multi-crore Skill Development Corporation scam. Nepal wants to develop cordial and friendly relations not only with India and China but also with all other countries in the world, including the US, on the basis of mutual benefits, Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud has said. Saud, who accompanied Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda during his just concluded visit to China, told PTI in an interview that the two sides have agreed to re-activate the joint border committee formed long ago to resolve the boundary issues. Some people say that the (Nepal) government is tilted towards China, others say that we are tilted towards India, and some others even say that we are tilted towards the US. Basically, Nepal wants to develop cordial and friendly relations not only with the two big neighbours but also with all other countries in the world including the USA, Saud said while responding to a series of questions. We want to develop relations with other countries on the basis of mutual benefits. For example, we have relations with India in diverse areas such as trade, transit, economy, culture and so on. In the same manner, China being one of our important neighbours we also do have the same kind of relations with it, he said. Prachanda, who politically distanced from the pro-China Communist Party of Nepal (UML) headed by KP Oli after becoming Prime Minister in December last year, made his maiden visit to China last month after visiting India and the US, a trip aimed at maintaining a balance in ties with both the neighbours - China and India. The 68-year-old Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-MC) leader visited India in June as his first foreign trip after assuming office for the third time. Saud termed the Prime Ministers China visit successful, saying this visit has taken forward the traditional friendly and cordial relations existing between the two countries. Our northern neighbour China is an emerging economic power in the world. So far as our connectivity in the northern border is concerned there are some regular entry points and some other entry points that need to be upgraded. There are also some traditional entry points between the two countries. We have agreed to open all these entry points, he said. Similarly, we have also agreed to construct power transmission lines during the talks. For instance an agreement was reached to construct a 220 MW capacity Ratmate power transmission line on the Nepalese side. We have also agreed to move forward those projects which were agreed in the past and those under construction, he said. Nepal and China have also agreed to collaborate in the agriculture sector. Saud said the two countries have also agreed to re-activate the Nepal-China joint border committee formed long ago to resolve border-related issues. We should not judge our visits to China or India only in terms of outcomes. It should not be seen only from the view point of giving something and receiving something. This visit being a regular one is aimed at nurturing the age-old bilateral ties. After the formation of the new government, we visited India and this visit needs to be seen from the same perspective. However, we have discussed some important issues such as enhancing bilateral trade, constructing transmission lines and development of infrastructure, opening the Chhahare-Tokha entry point, effective management of the border and so on. These are some of the key achievements of the visit, he said. On the implementation of Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said Nepal has already given approval to the BRI project in principle in 2017. However, we are discussing the modalities for its implementation. That will move forward in an appropriate time. In the joint statement too, we have expressed our commitment to move forward the implementation of BRI. On the trade deficit, Saud said, it is difficult for Nepal to compete with China. However, China has been providing some concessions. We have received waiver in customs duty on around 70 items from China for export purposes...There is a huge market in China for agricultural products and livestock. We have also asked China to make investments in Nepal so that goods produced from the joint ventures can be exported to China. This will naturally contribute towards reducing our huge trade deficit, he said. Responding to a question on the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) projects in Nepal, he said that there is a consensus among all the political forces in Nepal that the implementation of MCC is important for our development. Six years after the signing of the agreement between the US and Nepal, the MCC project came into implementation on August 30. Nepal inked the MCC pact to fund infrastructure projects in the country in 2017 and it has been a bone of contention between the US and China. The grant assistance of USD 500 million from the US government under the MCC project for a period of five years is to be utilised for upgrading road transport and constructing transmission lines in the Himalayan nation. This project is not only a big grant assistance from the US government, but our government has also made a huge investment for this. The Nepal government has made the commitment to invest USD 197 million in this project, he said. He said contracts are being awarded for the implementation of the project, which aims to upgrade roads and construct transmission lines.Alice Albright, CEO of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), recently visited Nepal and held talks with the countrys top leaders.We discussed various issues relating to the implementation of the MCC and the talks were held in a cordial manner. I told her that Nepal is serious about its implementation. We are committed to implementing the project on time so as to strengthen Nepal-US relations and I am confident that it will be completed on time, he said. Imran Khan on Thursday approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking suspension of the trial courts verdict in the Toshakhana corruption case more than a month after it suspended the jailed former prime ministers three-year sentence for concealing details of state gifts. Khan, who turned 71 on Thursday, was arrested on August 5, 2023, and shifted to Attock jail after Additional District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar sentenced him to three years in prison in the Toshakhana (national treasury gifts) graft case. The court had found the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief guilty of corrupt practices. The Supreme Court later acknowledged procedural defects in Khans conviction by the trial court. On August 28, the IHC suspended Khans sentence in the Toshakhana case but the PTI chief was not released because he was arrested in the cipher case for allegedly violating the Official Secrets Act by disclosing a cable sent by Pakistans embassy in Washington last year in March. He has since remained behind bars on judicial remand, which has been extended until October 10. On September 26, Khan was shifted to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi from Attock jail in Punjab province following the directives issued by the IHC. Last weekend, the police ramped up security in the vicinity of the Adiala jail by deploying elite commandos and setting up additional security pickets to ensure foolproof measures. Khan, through senior lawyer Latif Khosa, on Thursday moved the IHC against the Toshakhana verdict under section 561-A (saving of the inherent power of high court) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The petitions title stated that it sought rectification of the order dated August 28 to the extent of suspending the operation of the impugned order along with the sentence as verbally prayed by the learned counsel for the petitioner before this honourable court at the time of arguments. The petition urged the court to rectify the omission of not recording the contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner with regard to the suspension of the Toshakhana judgment of August 5. It further requested the IHC that the operation of the same order be suspended/stayed till final decision of the appeal. The plea also sought permission to make the state a respondent in the memo of appeal. Any other direction or relief which this honourable court deems fit and proper in the indication of grievances aforesaid may also be awarded, it added. The petition listed the Election Commission of Pakistan as a respondent in the case and stated that during the course of the arguments, Khans counsel Khosa had specifically requested the IHC to suspend the operation of the Toshakhana verdict as well as the sentence. It argued that the language of section 426 (suspension of sentence pending appeals) was very much clear that the court seized with the matter has the power to suspend the impugned order and the sentence. Citing section 561-A of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure), it said the IHC had the authority to issue orders to give effect to any order under the Code (CrPC) or to prevent abuse of process of any court or otherwise to secure the ends of justice. The plea added that the omission of not the counsels contentions before the IHC when urging the suspension of the August 5 trial court verdict and the subsequent non-mentioning of the same in the IHCs order of August 28 was an omission floating on the face of the order. It contended that the omission of arguments has caused serious prejudice to the rights of the PTI chief as he has been disqualified from contesting elections by the ECP. It added that the ECP was in haste in disqualifying the petition [] notwithstanding the fact that conviction/sentence had not attained finality. The plea went on to mention attempts being made to remove his (sic) from the head of the party and even proceedings to take away the symbol and throw him out of the arena of general elections. The entire leadership of PTI is either incarcerated or amongst the missing persons beside hundreds of false cases registered against loyalists resulting in incarceration and unending ordeal, it stated. Separately, the IHC issued notices to respondents on a plea filed by Khans wife, Bushra Bibi, wherein she sought protection for her husband. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing and issued notices to the respondents in the case. During the hearing, he observed, If there is room for it and the court can do something, I will issue an order accordingly. Khosa appeared as the counsel for Bushra Bibi and urged the court to grant permission to provide Khan with home cooked food. Prayers can barely be offered in the cell where the PTI chairman has been kept, he contended before the court. It is our history that whoever becomes the president or prime minister, he later becomes a guest at the Adiala and Attock jails, Khosa said. Subsequently, the court issued notices and adjourned the hearing until next week. On Monday, Bushra Bibi approached the IHC seeking protection for her husband. She had expressed the apprehension that the jail administration might poison the meal of her husband and sought permission for homemade food for the detained PTI chief. On Tuesday, Naeem Haider Panjutha, spokesman to Khan on legal affairs, had claimed that his client had been moved to a lower-class cell at the Adiala Jail last night and feared the ex-premiers life was in danger. Confirming that Bushra Bibi met Imran in Adiala Jail on Tuesday, he claimed there was danger to Imran Khans life. Imran can be slow food poisoned he is being mentally tortured and his movement has been restricted. Khan has been implicated in scores of cases since his ouster from power in April 2022. Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi are likely to be indicted on October 9 in the cipher case. The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) saw unusually large options trading activity on Wednesday. Stock traders purchased 89,301 put options on the stock. This is an increase of approximately 44% compared to the average daily volume of 61,821 put options. Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.60, for a total value of $5,045,616.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now owns 59,672,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,974,207,014.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Charles A. Ruffel purchased 833 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $60.55 per share, with a total value of $50,438.15. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 3,386 shares in the company, valued at $205,022.30. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.60, for a total transaction of $5,045,616.00. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,672,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,974,207,014.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 159,599 shares of company stock valued at $10,542,469 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Charles Schwab A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 19.3% during the third quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 69,250 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,802,000 after acquiring an additional 11,224 shares during the period. Keystone Wealth Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the third quarter valued at approximately $242,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 49.0% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 10,382 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $565,000 after acquiring an additional 3,412 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 17.5% during the third quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 4,144 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $228,000 after acquiring an additional 617 shares during the period. Finally, IMS Capital Management increased its stake in Charles Schwab by 15.9% in the 2nd quarter. IMS Capital Management now owns 13,655 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $774,000 after buying an additional 1,875 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.61% of the companys stock. Charles Schwab Trading Down 0.7 % Shares of NYSE:SCHW opened at $51.04 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $59.33 and a 200-day moving average of $56.14. The firm has a market cap of $90.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.88, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.93. Charles Schwab has a twelve month low of $45.00 and a twelve month high of $86.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 33.15% and a return on equity of 27.54%. The company had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.61 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.97 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Charles Schwab will post 3.24 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 25th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 11th were issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 10th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.96%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is currently 29.15%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Argus raised their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $81.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Piper Sandler raised their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $77.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 24th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $77.00 price objective on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $68.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, September 18th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $72.28. Read Our Latest Stock Report on SCHW About Charles Schwab (Get Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Embraer S.A. (NYSE:ERJ Get Free Report) saw unusually large options trading activity on Wednesday. Stock traders purchased 3,006 call options on the company. This represents an increase of 191% compared to the average volume of 1,033 call options. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on ERJ shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Embraer in a report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Embraer from $15.75 to $16.50 in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $19.17. Get Embraer alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ERJ Institutional Inflows and Outflows Embraer Trading Down 1.2 % Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Embraer during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Fifth Third Bancorp acquired a new stake in shares of Embraer in the 1st quarter worth $56,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Embraer in the 1st quarter worth $60,000. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. lifted its stake in shares of Embraer by 461.3% in the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 6,073 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $66,000 after acquiring an additional 4,991 shares during the period. Finally, Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Embraer in the 2nd quarter worth $68,000. 34.65% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. NYSE ERJ opened at $12.88 on Friday. Embraer has a 12 month low of $8.52 and a 12 month high of $17.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 0.81. The company has a market capitalization of $2.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -24.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 1.33. The firms fifty day moving average price is $14.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $15.08. Embraer (NYSE:ERJ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 14th. The aerospace company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.12 by $0.20. Embraer had a negative net margin of 1.97% and a positive return on equity of 1.32%. The company had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.16 billion. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Embraer will post 0.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Embraer Company Profile (Get Free Report) Embraer SA designs, develops, manufactures, and sells aircraft and systems in North America, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Brazil, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Commercial Aviation; Defense & Security; Executive Aviation; Services & Support; and Other segments. The Commercial Aviation segment designs, develops, manufactures, and sells commercial jets, as well as leases aircraft. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Embraer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Embraer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. raised its holdings in shares of Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:ALLY Free Report) by 21.9% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 203,402 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 36,475 shares during the period. Achmea Investment Management B.V.s holdings in Ally Financial were worth $5,494,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Roundview Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ally Financial in the 1st quarter valued at about $242,000. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ally Financial in the 1st quarter valued at about $214,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. bought a new stake in shares of Ally Financial in the 1st quarter valued at about $261,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ally Financial in the 1st quarter valued at about $294,000. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of Ally Financial by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 291,312 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $12,666,000 after buying an additional 4,099 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.04% of the companys stock. Get Ally Financial alerts: Ally Financial Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ALLY opened at $25.13 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80. Ally Financial Inc. has a 12 month low of $21.58 and a 12 month high of $35.78. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $27.66 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.02. The stock has a market cap of $7.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.87 and a beta of 1.34. Ally Financial Dividend Announcement Ally Financial ( NYSE:ALLY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The financial services provider reported $0.96 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.09 billion. Ally Financial had a net margin of 14.59% and a return on equity of 12.34%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.76 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Ally Financial Inc. will post 3.28 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 1st were issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.78%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 31st. Ally Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 32.79%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently weighed in on ALLY. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $35.00 price target on shares of Ally Financial in a report on Thursday, July 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $32.00 to $31.00 in a research note on Monday. Stephens reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $32.00 target price on shares of Ally Financial in a research note on Thursday, August 31st. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $40.00 to $37.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $31.09. Read Our Latest Report on Ally Financial Ally Financial Profile (Free Report) Ally Financial Inc, a digital financial-services company, provides various digital financial products and services to consumer, commercial, and corporate customers primarily in the United States and Canada. It operates through Automotive Finance Operations, Insurance Operations, Mortgage Finance Operations, and Corporate Finance Operations segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:ALLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ally Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ally Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. increased its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 48.7% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 2,300 shares of the restaurant operators stock after purchasing an additional 753 shares during the period. Achmea Investment Management B.V.s holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $4,919,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 50.4% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 340 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $727,000 after buying an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.4% in the second quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 570 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,219,000 after purchasing an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning increased its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 6.4% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 3,213 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $6,872,000 after purchasing an additional 192 shares during the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 3.4% in the second quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 215 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $460,000 after purchasing an additional 7 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Graypoint LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the second quarter valued at $242,000. 91.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,044 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,830.95, for a total transaction of $1,911,511.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,747,189.65. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,058 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,928.16, for a total value of $2,039,993.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at $45,016,751.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,044 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,830.95, for a total value of $1,911,511.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,747,189.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 3,165 shares of company stock valued at $6,024,185. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Up 0.2 % CMG opened at $1,861.58 on Friday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a twelve month low of $1,344.05 and a twelve month high of $2,175.01. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $1,893.83 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1,938.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $51.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.49, a P/E/G ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.30. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The restaurant operator reported $12.65 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $12.25 by $0.40. The business had revenue of $2.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.53 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 12.00% and a return on equity of 45.85%. Chipotle Mexican Grills revenue was up 13.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $9.30 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 43.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. TD Cowen reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $2,200.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $2,400.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Guggenheim upped their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,550.00 to $1,950.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 14th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,885.00 to $1,950.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,400.00 to $2,200.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Chipotle Mexican Grill has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,151.00. View Our Latest Report on Chipotle Mexican Grill About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its position in shares of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Free Report) by 95.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 62,954 shares of the technology retailers stock after acquiring an additional 30,776 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLCs holdings in Best Buy were worth $5,159,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of BBY. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in Best Buy by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 19,612,957 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $1,535,106,000 after buying an additional 223,536 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Best Buy by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,152,129 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $803,778,000 after buying an additional 123,256 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in Best Buy by 32.2% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,885,308 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $773,724,000 after buying an additional 2,409,006 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Best Buy by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 4,524,178 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $362,884,000 after buying an additional 449,408 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Best Buy by 0.7% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,218,968 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $329,735,000 after purchasing an additional 27,257 shares during the period. 76.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Best Buy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have weighed in on BBY shares. Wedbush increased their target price on Best Buy from $72.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 30th. TheStreet upgraded Best Buy from a c rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 29th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Best Buy from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 30th. DA Davidson increased their price target on Best Buy from $87.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price target on Best Buy from $80.00 to $74.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $80.27. Best Buy Trading Down 1.4 % Shares of NYSE:BBY opened at $67.63 on Friday. Best Buy Co., Inc. has a 52-week low of $60.78 and a 52-week high of $93.32. The stock has a market cap of $14.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.64, a PEG ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $74.72 and a 200-day moving average price of $75.81. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 29th. The technology retailer reported $1.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.16. Best Buy had a return on equity of 49.40% and a net margin of 2.91%. The firm had revenue of $9.58 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.52 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.54 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Best Buy Co., Inc. will post 6.22 EPS for the current year. Best Buy Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 19th will be given a dividend of $0.92 per share. This represents a $3.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.44%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 18th. Best Buys dividend payout ratio is currently 63.34%. Insider Activity at Best Buy In related news, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 100,000 shares of Best Buy stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.24, for a total transaction of $8,524,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 349,448 shares in the company, valued at $29,786,947.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Todd G. Hartman sold 7,948 shares of Best Buy stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.38, for a total value of $551,432.24. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 13,337 shares of the companys stock, valued at $925,321.06. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.24, for a total value of $8,524,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 349,448 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,786,947.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 112,948 shares of company stock worth $9,431,332. 0.56% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Best Buy Profile (Free Report) Best Buy Co, Inc engages in the retail of technology products in the United States and Canada. The company operates in two segments, Domestic and International. Its stores provide computing and mobile phone products, such as desktops, notebooks, and peripherals; mobile phones comprising related mobile network carrier commissions; networking products; tablets covering e-readers; smartwatches; and consumer electronics consisting of digital imaging, health and fitness products, home theater, portable audio comprising headphones and portable speakers, and smart home products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Best Buy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Best Buy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mativ (NYSE:MATV Get Free Report) is one of 17 public companies in the Paper mills industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Mativ to related businesses based on the strength of its valuation, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, earnings and analyst recommendations. Dividends Mativ pays an annual dividend of $0.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.9%. Mativ pays out -65.6% 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. Get Mativ alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations for Mativ and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mativ 0 0 1 0 3.00 Mativ Competitors 113 717 474 49 2.34 Earnings and Valuation Mativ presently has a consensus price target of $32.00, suggesting a potential upside of 135.47%. As a group, Paper mills companies have a potential upside of 14.95%. Given Mativs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Mativ is more favorable than its peers. This table compares Mativ and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Mativ $2.17 billion -$6.60 million -22.28 Mativ Competitors $5.51 billion $686.61 million 29.21 Mativs peers have higher revenue and earnings than Mativ. Mativ is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Institutional & Insider Ownership 91.4% of Mativ shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.7% of shares of all Paper mills companies are owned by institutional investors. 2.0% of Mativ shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.5% of shares of all Paper mills companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Mativ and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mativ -1.21% 9.73% 3.06% Mativ Competitors 7.59% 18.89% 6.66% Volatility and Risk Mativ has a beta of 0.83, indicating that its share price is 17% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Mativs peers have a beta of 1.31, indicating that their average share price is 31% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Mativ peers beat Mativ on 10 of the 15 factors compared. About Mativ (Get Free Report) Mativ Holdings, Inc. operates as a performance materials company. The company operates through two segments, Advanced Technical Materials and Fiber-Based Solutions. The Advanced Technical Materials segment manufactures and sells polymer, resin and fiber-based substrates, nets, films, adhesive tapes, and other nonwovens. This segment serves filtration, protective solutions, release liners, healthcare, and industrials end-markets. The Fiber-Based Solutions segment provides packaging, printing, and specialty papers; and various paper-based products for the consumer channel, such as bright papers, cardstock, stationery paper, envelopes, journals, and planners. It also offers combustibles products comprising conventional papers and filter wraps, low-ignition propensity papers wrappers for small cigars, and hemp-based alternatives; noncombustibles; and lightweight papers. This segment serves cigarette and cigar manufacturers, and commercial print and combustibles end-markets. The company sells its products in the United States, Europe and the former Commonwealth of Independent States, the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and internationally. The company was formerly known as Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and changed its name to Mativ Holdings, Inc. in July 2022. Mativ Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. Receive News & Ratings for Mativ Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mativ and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. decreased its holdings in NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE:NEP Free Report) by 59.2% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,188 shares of the solar energy providers stock after selling 1,726 shares during the period. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd.s holdings in NextEra Energy Partners were worth $68,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of NextEra Energy Partners by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 29,854 shares of the solar energy providers stock valued at $2,488,000 after buying an additional 800 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of NextEra Energy Partners by 43.2% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 9,474 shares of the solar energy providers stock valued at $790,000 after buying an additional 2,858 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its stake in shares of NextEra Energy Partners by 123.8% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 5,466 shares of the solar energy providers stock valued at $456,000 after buying an additional 3,024 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of NextEra Energy Partners by 8.7% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 4,860 shares of the solar energy providers stock valued at $406,000 after buying an additional 390 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in shares of NextEra Energy Partners by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 65,199 shares of the solar energy providers stock valued at $5,488,000 after buying an additional 402 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.99% of the companys stock. Get NextEra Energy Partners alerts: NextEra Energy Partners Stock Down 6.2 % NEP opened at $21.00 on Friday. NextEra Energy Partners, LP has a 1-year low of $20.99 and a 1-year high of $81.32. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.42, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.98. The business has a 50 day moving average of $45.77 and a 200-day moving average of $54.92. NextEra Energy Partners Increases Dividend NextEra Energy Partners ( NYSE:NEP Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The solar energy provider reported $0.53 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.72 by ($0.19). NextEra Energy Partners had a net margin of 12.22% and a return on equity of 1.06%. The business had revenue of $350.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $392.92 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.61 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that NextEra Energy Partners, LP will post 1.15 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 4th were given a $0.854 dividend. This represents a $3.42 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 16.27%. This is a boost from NextEra Energy Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.84. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 3rd. NextEra Energy Partnerss dividend payout ratio is currently 202.37%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on NextEra Energy Partners from $76.00 to $47.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. Wells Fargo & Company cut NextEra Energy Partners from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $80.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Monday. Mizuho decreased their target price on NextEra Energy Partners from $86.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 28th. Scotiabank decreased their target price on NextEra Energy Partners from $85.00 to $58.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on NextEra Energy Partners from $65.00 to $31.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, NextEra Energy Partners currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $53.50. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NEP NextEra Energy Partners Company Profile (Free Report) NextEra Energy Partners, LP acquires, owns, and manages contracted clean energy projects in the United States. It owns a portfolio of contracted renewable generation assets consisting of wind, solar, and battery storage projects, as well as contracted natural gas pipeline assets. NextEra Energy Partners, LP was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE:NEP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MRP Capital Investments LLC lowered its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 3.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 26,791 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 975 shares during the quarter. MRP Capital Investments LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $983,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in PFE. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 98,197.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,948,438,709 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $71,468,732,000 after acquiring an additional 1,946,456,532 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 445,384,893 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $18,171,704,000 after acquiring an additional 2,516,132 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 218,931,933 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $8,932,423,000 after acquiring an additional 19,602,359 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 89,592.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 161,143,638 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $8,257,000,000 after acquiring an additional 160,963,976 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in Pfizer by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 109,852,779 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $4,472,433,000 after purchasing an additional 577,201 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.05% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PFE has been the subject of several analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on Pfizer from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. HSBC initiated coverage on Pfizer in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They set a buy rating and a $50.00 target price for the company. Credit Suisse Group lowered Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $47.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Pfizer from $45.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Pfizer in a research note on Thursday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Pfizer has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $46.18. Pfizer Stock Performance NYSE PFE opened at $33.47 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $34.86 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.30. 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 Inc. has a 12-month low of $31.77 and a 12-month high of $54.93. The firm has a market cap of $188.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.90, a PEG ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.61. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.36 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 27.55% and a return on equity of 28.36%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 54.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.04 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.33 EPS for the current year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.90%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 43.62%. 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. Featured Stories 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. Trilogy Capital Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO Free Report) by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 444 shares of the medical research companys stock after buying an additional 24 shares during the quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc.s holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $250,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of TMO. Bornite Capital Management LP grew its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 50.0% in the first quarter. Bornite Capital Management LP now owns 30,000 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $17,719,000 after purchasing an additional 10,000 shares during the last quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. grew its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.2% in the first quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 2,928 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,729,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P grew its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 563.5% in the first quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 19,844 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $11,721,000 after purchasing an additional 16,853 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 60.5% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 321 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $190,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the period. Finally, Merit Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 3.6% during the first quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 669 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $395,000 after buying an additional 23 shares during the period. 87.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock Down 0.9 % TMO opened at $497.91 on Friday. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $475.77 and a fifty-two week high of $609.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.42. The company has a fifty day moving average of $529.49 and a two-hundred day moving average of $536.96. The stock has a market capitalization of $192.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.03, a PEG ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 0.79. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dividend Announcement Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $5.15 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.43 by ($0.28). The company had revenue of $10.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.99 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 13.14%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $5.51 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 22.37 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.28%. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is currently 9.57%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Credit Suisse Group upgraded shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $620.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $662.00 to $698.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $660.00 to $670.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $595.00 to $630.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Citigroup restated a buy rating and set a $625.00 target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research report on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $627.13. Get Our Latest Report on Thermo Fisher Scientific Insider Transactions at Thermo Fisher Scientific In related news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $557.77, for a total transaction of $1,673,310.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 17,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,792,210.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $557.77, for a total transaction of $1,673,310.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 17,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,792,210.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 1,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.60, for a total transaction of $880,960.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 135,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $74,512,698. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 28,700 shares of company stock valued at $15,799,270 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock. Thermo Fisher Scientific Company Profile (Free Report) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the United States and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, clinical next-generation sequencing, bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A new academic year always brings change on campus. This year is no exception as Dalhousie welcomes a change in leadership. While Dr. Kim Brooks and Dr. Rustum Southwell began their new Dalhousie roles earlier this year, this week they were officially installed as president and chancellor, respectively. The ceremony, which took place during the first fall convocation on Tuesday morning (October 3), served as a formal welcoming of each leader into their respective roles. That it took place at the same time as Dals newest class of graduates celebrating their big milestone made it a day of introductions and conclusions, beginnings and endings. The days proceedings opened with Provost Frank Harvey and Elder Ann (Annjij) LaBillois who delivered a traditional Mi'kma'ki welcome. Where some would expect to be asked to look around and take in the accomplishments around the room, graduates and guests were asked to close their eyes, embrace the energy and breathe. What followed, in place of silence and shuffles of feet across the stage, were shared moments of togetherness and laughter throughout the ceremony. Cheryl Fraser, chair of Dalhousies Board of Governors, invested Drs. Brooks and Southwell with their new responsibilities. Dr. Brooks, the 13th president in Dals 200-year history, took her pledge first: I, Kim Brooks, pledge myself to perform the duties of the president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie University as prescribed by law and the statues of the university; and I promise to defend the rights, and to promote the welfare of the university and the members thereof. In lieu of a traditional installation speech, Dr. Brooks chose to hand the Convocation stage over to Sherry Pictou, faculty member from Management and Law, who spoke to graduates about the Indigenous concept of seven generations of impact. Dr. Brooks plans to share remarks of her own ones that build on ideas from other convocation speakers at an event scheduled for this Friday. Dr. Southwell, Dalhousies ninth chancellor, followed his pledge with a moving speech and powerful statement: After a lifetime this long, we do so many things. However, for the very first time, I believe, I am the first of anything in my life of such consequence the first Black chancellor of Dalhousie University. Watch the recording (1:10:54). Many students who crossed the stage are celebrating their first degree. For some, it's about celebrating their first venture into the post-academic world. Dalhousie now celebrates a few firsts of its own installing its first female president and its first Black chancellor knowing that it, too, is the sign of a new era of possibilities and opportunities. Left to right: Provost and Vice-President Academic Frank Harvey, President Kim Brooks, Chancellor Rustum Southwell, Board Chair Cheryl Fraser. Faculty, staff and students in Halifax are invited to join President Brooks for coffee in the University Hall in the Macdonald Building between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Friday, October 6 where shell share her installation remarks. On the Agricultural Campus, faculty, staff and students are invited to coffee with the Dean at the same time in the Landscape Architecture Gallery in the Extension Engineering Building. Learn more. The Telangana High Court. (Image: DC) Hyderabad: A Telangana High Court division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar, on Friday granted four weeks to the state government to rectify shortcomings shown in the report relating to the Government Blind School for girls and boys at Malakpet and Darulshifa. The High Court had taken a news report published in the Deccan Chronicle regarding the plight of the visually impaired students as a suo motu PIL. It appointed senior counsel L. Ravichander as amicus and urged him to immediately visit the two schools. When the matter came up for hearing, the amicus volunteered to revisit the premises and submit an updated report. The bench on Friday took on file the report, which damned the state-of-affairs in the hostels. Ravichander, in his 50-page report, which was prepared after his surprise visits to the hostels, pointed out that the security and safety of the girls in the blind school were in jeopardy. He mentioned that the rooms in the girls school were not adequately ventilated. Two wall-mounted fans were only available in a room that accommodated 12 inmates and two girls were expected to sleep in one bunk bed. There is no separate space for luggage. Two blankets used to be given per child every year but from April 2022 no new blanket has been given. The report also contained that cement pots are dug for plants that are kept vacant; the children frequently fall into the pots while walking and hurting themselves. The report also was critical of the unhygienic conditions in which the blind school for the boys is placed. The report said that a newly constructed building, which remains unoccupied, was used by police personnel on Ganesh bandobast duty. Even the new residential building has no occupants. Boys did not even have drinking water in their rooms and the institution is being managed illegally by persons who are not on the rolls of the government. He mentioned that the entire premises surrounding the school towards the boundary wall are unhygienic and are filled with garbage. He also brought to the notice of the court that the boys hostel warden was not present during the visit. Minister K.T. Rama Rao having breakfast with school children, who participated in the launch of CM Breakfast Scheme at the Government School, West Marredpally, Secunderabad. (DC Image) HYDERABAD: Led by IT minister K.T. Rama Rao, the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme for government schools was inaugurated on Friday. It will be extended to all state-run schools for students from Classes 1 to 10 after the Dasara vacation. Ministers T. Harish Rao, Patnam Mahender Reddy and education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy inaugurated the scheme at the Zilla Parishad High School in Raviryala, Rangareddy district. Simultaneous launches took place in select schools across all 119 constituencies. Following the launch, the ministers joined students in enjoying the breakfast. Rama Rao was seen interacting with kids, asking them about what they want to be when they grow up, and more. Inaugurating the scheme at a government high school in West Marredpally, Hyderabad, Rama Rao emphasised that the groundbreaking initiative would benefit 23 lakh students. He stressed the importance of maintaining high-quality food standards and conducting regular quality checks to ensure that students receive nutritious and delicious meals. Finance minister T Harish Rao said that the move will revolutionise school education by ensuring that students have access to nutritious food, thereby allowing them to focus on their studies. "It is particularly beneficial for children from low-income families, as it removes the concern of sending their children to school on an empty stomach," he noted. Education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy highlighted that the scheme not only guarantees daily access to nutritious food for students but also addresses the issue of school dropouts. She cited a concerning statistic, revealing that only two out of every 10 students had breakfast before coming to school and extended gratitude to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao for understanding the plight of these students. Additionally, the Telangana government decided to extend this initiative to students in Classes 9 and 10, expanding beyond the traditional mid-day meal scheme that typically covers students up to Class 8. The menu includes two breakfast options, offering a variety of dishes such as idli, , pongal, poori, upma, vegetable pulao and wheat rawa upma, along with sambar and chutney. The scheme will cover 23 lakh students across nearly 28,000 schools, including aided and model institutons and madrasas under the education department's purview. In urban areas, the Akshaya Patra Foundation will manage the breakfast programme while self-help groups will oversee it in rural areas, with the scheme expected to incur an annual cost of around Rs 400 crore. The decision to implement the CM Breakfast Scheme in Telangana was informed by a study conducted by a team of officers who visited Tamil Nadu to observe a similar programme there. Following their assessment and report submission, the Telangana government decided to initiate the scheme for students here. Finance Minister Harish Rao and Education Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy launched the Chief Minister's breakfast programme at Raviryala ZP High school of Maheshwaram mandal in Ranga Reddy district on Friday. ANI Hyderabad: Stating that the Chief Minister's breakfast scheme would help to reduce dropouts in primary schools, Finance Minister T Harish Rao on Friday said that the government spends Rs 400 crore per annum for providing breakfast for government school students and 20 lakh students would be benefited from it. Finance Minister Harish Rao and Education Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy launched the Chief Minister's breakfast programme at Raviryala ZP High school of Maheshwaram mandal in Ranga Reddy district on Friday. Extending gratitude to the Chief Minister on behalf of 20 lakh students for introducing the breakfast programme, Harish Rao said that the Chief Minister initiated the breakfast programme by thinking from a humanitarian perspective.The government provides nutritious food to children in government schools. "Telangana is the only state in the country that provides breakfast to students. The Chief Minister's breakfast scheme will bring a radical change in the education system. As the government introduced the scheme, the dropout rate in government schools will come down gradually," Harish Rao hoped. The Minister further stated that the government implements Kalyana Laxmi scheme which helps to prevent child marriages in Telangana. The government provides financial assistance under the Kalyana Laxmi scheme. KCR kit is not only a scheme of giving 16 items, but KCR kit is making 100 percent institutional deliveries. Similarly, Mission Bhagiratha is providing water to every household with pure drinking water. In giving priority to the education sector, the government established 1000 residential schools and provided the best education to students. Minister Rama Rao speaking at a meeting after inaugurating the global development centre of Quadrant Techologies at the IT park in Madikonda, Hanamkonda district, on Friday. (DC Image) WARANGAL: IT minister K.T. Rama Rao urged representatives of IT companies to open their units in Nellore and Bhimavaram districts of AP. "If required, I would request Jagan anna (AP Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy) to take the initiative for setting up IT companies in AP," he said. After inaugurating the Global Development Centre of Quadrant Technologies at the IT Park at Madikonda in Warangal, Rama Rao said: "Do not think that the students who study in bigger cities have a lot of talent and can grab jobs. Talent is not city-centric. A student in Warangal or Bhimavaram too can get a job in any company," he said. "If you see Japan and Singapore, you will be surprised. They have less land, less water resource, and do not cultivate their lands, but both the countries are in a position to dictate other countries around the world," he said. "If youth want to transform the nation like that of Singapore and Japan, the youths must sharpen their brains. Instead of seeking job opportunities, they must try and create employment opportunities for others," he said. Telangana has constructed IT Hubs and was improving infrastructure in Tier II cities like Warangal, Nalgonda, Siddipet, Mahbubnagar, Khammam, Karimnagar, and Nizamabad to decentralise the growth of the IT sector. He appealed to the NRI community to set up offices in the Tier II cities to create employment opportunities. Later, interacting with students of the Kakatiya University at Rampur village, Rama Rao sought an apology over incidents at the university campus in recent days. He asked police commissioner A. Ranganath to lift all the cases registered against the students. Rao assured the students that he would speak to the TS Council for Higher Education chairman Prof. R. Limbadri, and resolve all the issues pertaining to Kakatiya University. Bharatiya Janata Party state executive committee member Gudur Narayana Reddy demanded Home Minister of Telangana Mahamood Ali to resign to his post for slapping a police officer on the face in the public. Hyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party state executive committee member Gudur Narayana Reddy on Friday demanded Home Minister of Telangana Mahamood Ali to resign to his post for slapping a police officer on the face in the public. He alleged that Telangana Home Minister Mahamood Ali has been behaving like a Razakar and treating the police officers and personnel of that department like his own servants. In a media statement he said that the Home Minister slapped a security officer on the face at a function being held in Hyderabad on the occasion of birthday of another minister T Srinivas Yadav. He said that this incident shows the arrogance of the minister and the way he treat the police officers who take care of the security of not only common people but the public servants also. He said that the minister slapped the police officer for delaying in handing over the bouquet. "Such a small issue could not be a reason to beat an officer under the full glare of the people. Such incidents would lower the dignity of the police officers in the eyes of the people," he said. The BJP leader said that mean behavior of some of the police officials has been giving opportunity to such humiliating incidents. Instead of following the rules, these officers have become stooges to the ministers and spoiled the dignity of the police department. He said that some officers have made it a habit to respect the leaders who travel in cars with pink shawls on the dash boards. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders have been given undue respect in police stations and in other offices of the department by the police officers to serve their own purposes. Narayana Reddy said that the Home Minister who acts like a subservient to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao never bothers about his responsibilities and never cared about the security of the people. Mahamood Ali has become a namesake minister and all his activities are carried out by the Chief Minister and few other important ministers of the state. The Home Minister even did not feel shame for such situation. "I do not think even higher officials of police department consider him as the minister and as boss of their department. Even the minister is not seen in the important functions of the police department," Narayana Reddy said. Everything the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi did is an issue people should know about. Go boldly for there is no reason to feel any different. And what can I say about corruption here that BRS leaders are neck deep into? This government has played with the lives of the youth, leaked SCC exam papers, leaked TSPSC papers putting the future of 30 lakh youth in jeopardy, he said. PTI HYDERABAD: The coming Assembly elections in the state are a fight for the future of Telangana, its people, its development, and has a direct impact on the strength of the nation, Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda said on Friday. In a scathing attack on Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, and the BRS party, Nadda said: "This is my message to KCR. Do you have no shame? You have joined hands with Razakaars. Do I need to tell the people what Razakaars did to the people of Telangana?" Calling the BRS a family party like many others in the rest of the country in different states, Nadda said "family parties do not care for people. India moves on issues, ideology, it is not a country that performs aartis to a family. The family cannot make our democracy a slave." Every other party in the country, including the Congress which claims it is a national party, is a family party. They change their stands and principles according to their needs. It is only the BJP, since its inception that has not deviated from its principles and policies, Nadda said. Nadda, addressing the BJP state council meeting at a private venue near the city, called on party leaders and workers from all the districts that there should be no two thoughts when it comes to campaigning. "Everything the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi did is an issue people should know about. Go boldly for there is no reason to feel any different. And what can I say about corruption here that BRS leaders are neck deep into? This government has played with the lives of the youth, leaked SCC exam papers, leaked TSPSC papers putting the future of 30 lakh youth in jeopardy," he said. "Such a government," Nadda said, "needs to be thrown out, lock, stock and barrel." "Modi gave the money, if KCR sitting here messes up, which he has and will again if given a chance, should he not be removed? The worry is that even as Modi keeps pouring resources into the Telangana pot, the pot should not spring leaks," Nadda said. The BJP president said "for years, Congress ruled and left the state in tatters, and whatever was left, has been finished off by KCR. Nadda reeled out how Telangana benefited hugely from the BJP and Modi led NDA governments programmes, listing among others, how 2 crore from Telangana receive 5 kg of rice and 5 kg of wheat along with 1 kg of pulses from the Centre, 2.5 lakh houses for the poor under the PM Awas Yojana, 31 lakh toilets under Swachh Bharat among others. "Tell people that when Telangana wins, then the country wins. Tell them about what the Modi government did, ensure that the lotus blooms in every village and constituency. Changing the future of Telangana for the better can be done only by the BJP," Nadda said. This photo taken in 2021 shows Narges Mohammadi in Tehran, Iran. Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 in recognition of her tireless campaigning for women's rights and democracy and against the death penalty. (Reihane Taravati via AP) Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in recognition of her tireless campaigning for womens rights and democracy, and against the death penalty. Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and spending years behind bars. She has remained a leading light for nationwide, women-led protests, sparked by the death last year of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. Those demonstrations grew into one of the most intense challenges ever to Irans theocratic government. Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, began Friday's announcement with the words "Woman, Life, Freedom" in Farsi the slogan of the demonstrations in Iran. "This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi," Reiss-Andersen said. She also urged Iran to release Mohammadi in time for the prize ceremony on Dec. 10. For nearly all of Mohammadis life, Iran has been governed by a Shiite theocracy headed by the countrys supreme leader. While women hold jobs, academic positions and even government appointments, their lives are tightly controlled. Laws require all women to at least wear a headscarf, or hijab, to cover their hair as a sign of piety. Iran and neighboring Afghanistan remain the only countries that mandate that. In a statement released after the Nobel announcement, Mohammadi said she will "never stop striving for the realization of democracy, freedom and equality." "Surely, the Nobel Peace Prize will make me more resilient, determined, hopeful and enthusiastic on this path, and it will accelerate my pace," she said in the statement, prepared in advance in case she was named the Nobel laureate. Mohammadi, an engineer by training, has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. Her most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after attending a memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. She has been held at Tehrans notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Amnesty International called for Mohammadis immediate release. "Her recognition today by the Nobel Peace committee sends a clear message to the Iranian authorities that their crackdown on peaceful critics and human rights defenders will not go unchallenged," Amnesty Secretary-General Agnes Callamard said in a statement. Mohammadi's brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, told The Associated Press from Norway where he lives that he has not been able to speak with his sister but knows the prize "means a lot to her." "The prize means that the world has seen this movement," but it will not affect the situation in Iran, he said. "The regime will double down on the opposition. ... They will just crush people." Mohammadi's husband, Taghi Rahmani, who lives in exile in Paris with their two children, 16-year-old twins, said his wife "has a sentence she always repeats: Every single award will make me more intrepid, more resilient and more brave for realizing human rights, freedom, civil equality and democracy.'" Rahmani hasn't been able to see his wife for 11 years, and their children havent seen their mother for seven, he said. Their son, Ali Rahmani, said the Nobel was not just for his mother: "It's for the struggle. "This prize is for the entire population, for the whole struggle from the beginning, since the Islamic government came to power," the teen said. Women political prisoners in Evin arent allowed to use the phone on Thursday and Friday, so Mohammadi prepared her statement in advance of the Nobel announcement, said exiled Iranian photographer Reihane Taravati, a family friend who spent 14 days in solitary confinement in the prison before fleeing to France this year. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won in 2003. Its the fifth time in its 122-year history that the Nobel Peace Prize has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. Last year, the top human rights advocate in Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, was among the winners . He remains imprisoned. Mohammadi was in detention for the recent protests of the death of Mahsa Amini, who was picked up by the morality police for her allegedly loose headscarf. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown, while over 22,000 others were arrested. But from behind bars, Mohammadi contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times last month. "What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become," she wrote. In a first reaction from Tehran, the semi-official Fars news agency dismissed Mohammadi as someone who "persisted in creating tension and unrest and falsely claimed that she was beaten in prison." Abuse in Iranian prisons something Mohammadi has campaigned against both outside of and behind bars has been widely reported by the U.N. and human rights groups. In Tehran, people expressed support for Mohammadi and her resilience. "The prize was her right, She stayed inside the country, in prison and defended people, bravo!" said Mina Gilani, a girl's high school teacher. Arezou Mohebi, a 22-year-old chemistry student, said the prize was "an award for all Iranian girls and women," and described Mohammadi "as the bravest I have ever seen." Political analyst Ahmad Zeidabadi said the prize might lead to more pressure on Mohammadi. "The prize will simultaneously bring possibilities and restrictions," he wrote online. "I hope Narges will not be confined by its restrictions." Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, founded by Nobel laureate Ebadi. The Nobel prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The Nobel season ends Monday with the announcement of the winner of the economics prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the six brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $46.83. A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. TheStreet raised Fidelity National Financial from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Fidelity National Financial in a report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Stephens reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $48.00 target price on shares of Fidelity National Financial in a report on Thursday, August 17th. BTIG Research upped their target price on Fidelity National Financial from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered Fidelity National Financial from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their price target for the company from $45.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Monday. Get Fidelity National Financial alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on FNF Insider Activity at Fidelity National Financial Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fidelity National Financial In related news, CEO Michael Joseph Nolan sold 30,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.12, for a total transaction of $1,293,600.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 354,786 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,298,372.32. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . 5.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Fidelity National Financial by 11.8% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 39,705,332 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,386,907,000 after buying an additional 4,189,896 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Fidelity National Financial during the 4th quarter worth approximately $112,133,000. Cooke & Bieler LP raised its stake in Fidelity National Financial by 32.9% during the 1st quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 6,424,283 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $224,400,000 after buying an additional 1,591,205 shares during the period. River Road Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Fidelity National Financial by 646.7% during the 2nd quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC now owns 1,795,558 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $64,640,000 after buying an additional 1,555,089 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Fidelity National Financial by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 28,877,107 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,410,358,000 after buying an additional 1,250,233 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.16% of the companys stock. Fidelity National Financial Price Performance Fidelity National Financial stock opened at $39.62 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.19 and a current ratio of 0.19. Fidelity National Financial has a 52 week low of $31.84 and a 52 week high of $45.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.96 and a beta of 1.31. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $40.99 and a 200-day moving average of $37.25. Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The financial services provider reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.04 by ($0.03). Fidelity National Financial had a return on equity of 15.89% and a net margin of 4.57%. The business had revenue of $3.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.68 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.90 EPS. Fidelity National Financials quarterly revenue was up 16.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Fidelity National Financial will post 3.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Fidelity National Financial Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.54%. Fidelity National Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 95.24%. Fidelity National Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report Fidelity National Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various insurance products in the United States. The company operates through Title, F&G, and Corporate and Other segments. It offers title insurance, escrow, and other title related services, including trust activities, trustee sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity National Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity National Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board grew its stake in Greif, Inc. (NYSE:GEF Free Report) by 13.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,200 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Boards holdings in Greif were worth $358,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC acquired a new stake in shares of Greif in the second quarter valued at about $1,375,000. Ritholtz Wealth Management grew its position in shares of Greif by 83.8% in the second quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 16,688 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,150,000 after purchasing an additional 7,607 shares during the period. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Greif by 7.5% in the second quarter. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC now owns 18,619 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,283,000 after purchasing an additional 1,304 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Greif in the second quarter valued at about $317,000. Finally, FNY Investment Advisers LLC grew its position in shares of Greif by 67.1% in the second quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC now owns 670 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 269 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.98% of the companys stock. Get Greif alerts: Greif Stock Performance NYSE:GEF opened at $66.00 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.52, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The companys 50-day moving average price is $70.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $67.08. Greif, Inc. has a twelve month low of $57.38 and a twelve month high of $76.00. The company has a market cap of $3.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.01. Greif Increases Dividend Greif ( NYSE:GEF Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 31st. The industrial products company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.54 by $0.21. Greif had a net margin of 7.23% and a return on equity of 19.88%. The company had revenue of $1.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.39 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.35 earnings per share. Greifs quarterly revenue was down 18.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Greif, Inc. will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This is an increase from Greifs previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.15%. Greifs payout ratio is 31.23%. Analysts Set New Price Targets GEF has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and issued a $94.00 target price on shares of Greif in a research report on Thursday, August 31st. Bank of America raised shares of Greif from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 10th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Greif in a research note on Thursday. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Greif from $66.00 to $67.00 in a research note on Friday, June 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on GEF Greif Company Profile (Free Report) Greif, Inc engages in the production and sale of industrial packaging products and services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Global Industrial Packaging; Paper Packaging & Services; and Land Management. The Global Industrial Packaging segment produces and sells industrial packaging products, including steel, fiber, and plastic drums; rigid and flexible intermediate bulk containers; closure systems for industrial packaging products; transit protection products; water bottles, and remanufactured and reconditioned industrial containers; and various services, such as container life cycle management, filling, logistics, warehousing, and other packaging services to chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mineral product, and other industries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Greif Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greif and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board raised its position in shares of The Gap, Inc. (NYSE:GPS Free Report) by 13.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 43,300 shares of the apparel retailers stock after purchasing an additional 5,100 shares during the period. New Mexico Educational Retirement Boards holdings in GAP were worth $387,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its stake in shares of GAP by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,122,321 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $25,633,000 after purchasing an additional 40,348 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of GAP by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,891,096 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $29,027,000 after purchasing an additional 83,032 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new stake in shares of GAP during the 4th quarter worth about $20,617,000. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC raised its stake in shares of GAP by 57.0% during the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 1,325,293 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $13,306,000 after purchasing an additional 481,339 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its stake in shares of GAP by 54.9% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 535,779 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $7,544,000 after purchasing an additional 189,872 shares in the last quarter. 61.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get GAP alerts: GAP Stock Performance GPS opened at $10.01 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.93. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $10.57 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.57. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The Gap, Inc. has a 12-month low of $7.22 and a 12-month high of $15.49. GAP Dividend Announcement GAP ( NYSE:GPS Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 24th. The apparel retailer reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.25. GAP had a return on equity of 5.06% and a net margin of 0.71%. The company had revenue of $3.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.58 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.08 EPS. GAPs revenue for the quarter was down 8.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that The Gap, Inc. will post 0.7 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 25th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.00%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 3rd. GAPs payout ratio is presently 206.90%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Barclays raised GAP from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the stock from $9.00 to $13.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Telsey Advisory Group reissued a market perform rating and issued a $11.00 price objective on shares of GAP in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. Citigroup raised their price objective on GAP from $9.00 to $11.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 18th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on GAP in a research note on Thursday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Bank of America raised their price objective on GAP from $8.50 to $9.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 25th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $11.43. Read Our Latest Research Report on GAP Insider Transactions at GAP In other news, CFO Katrina Oconnell sold 24,509 shares of GAP stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.36, for a total transaction of $253,913.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Horacio Barbeito sold 154,599 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.26, for a total value of $1,586,185.74. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Katrina Oconnell sold 24,509 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.36, for a total value of $253,913.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 179,655 shares of company stock valued at $1,846,455. 30.81% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. GAP Profile (Free Report) The Gap, Inc operates as an apparel retail company. The company offers apparel, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands. Its products include denim and khakis; eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and fragrances; and fitness and lifestyle products for use in yoga, training, sports, travel, and everyday activities for women and girls. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GPS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Gap, Inc. (NYSE:GPS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for GAP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GAP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board boosted its stake in shares of KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY Free Report) by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 45,337 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 2,200 shares during the quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Boards holdings in KeyCorp were worth $419,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Crewe Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of KeyCorp in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Heritage Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of KeyCorp by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,580 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 790 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its stake in shares of KeyCorp by 74.3% in the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 2,709 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 1,155 shares during the period. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA lifted its stake in shares of KeyCorp by 78.7% in the 1st quarter. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA now owns 2,690 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 1,185 shares during the period. Finally, Winch Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of KeyCorp in the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. 77.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get KeyCorp alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at KeyCorp In other news, Director Devina A. Rankin acquired 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $11.49 per share, for a total transaction of $114,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $114,900. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock. KeyCorp Price Performance Shares of KEY opened at $10.30 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $9.63 billion, a PE ratio of 6.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.84. KeyCorp has a 1-year low of $8.53 and a 1-year high of $20.30. KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The financial services provider reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.32 by ($0.05). The firm had revenue of $1.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.62 billion. KeyCorp had a return on equity of 13.78% and a net margin of 14.93%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.54 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that KeyCorp will post 1.27 EPS for the current year. KeyCorp Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 29th were issued a dividend of $0.205 per share. This represents a $0.82 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 28th. KeyCorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 54.67%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently commented on the company. 888 reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of KeyCorp in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on KeyCorp from $11.50 to $13.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on KeyCorp from $16.00 to $14.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on KeyCorp from $13.00 to $12.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Piper Sandler raised KeyCorp from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the company from $12.00 to $13.50 in a research report on Friday, September 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $14.70. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on KeyCorp KeyCorp Profile (Free Report) KeyCorp operates as the holding company for KeyBank National Association that provides various retail and commercial banking products and services in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer Bank and Commercial Bank. The company offers various deposits, investment products and services; and personal finance and financial wellness, student loan refinancing, mortgage and home equity, lending, credit card, treasury, business advisory, wealth management, asset management, investment, cash management, portfolio management, and trust and related services to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KEY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for KeyCorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KeyCorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Police have arrested a man after a car was set on fire outside a house in the Clon Elagh area of Derry. A report was received at approximately 11.05pm on Thursday, October 5 that a car was on fire in the driveway of a property. A police spokesperson said: "Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the blaze. The car was completely burnt out as a result of the fire, which we are treating as arson. "A woman and three children were inside the house at the time, thankfully no injuries were reported. However, they were left understandably shaken by what happened. "Our investigation is underway and the fire is believed at this time to have been ignited by a petrol bomb type device that was thrown into the boot of the vehicle. "Officers arrested a man, aged 50, a short time later on suspicion of arson. He remains in custody at this time as enquiries are continuing. "We are appealing to anyone with information about what happened to get in touch with us. We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have been travelling in the area shortly before or after 11pm on Thursday and saw any suspicious activity to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 2073 05/10/23. "You can also make a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport/ or, via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/" HIGHLIGHTS Microsoft India plans on including all 22 official Indian languages on the Microsoft Translator. It previously supported 16 Indian languages. Microsoft uses Deep Neural Networks for language translation. Microsoft India is here with new news. It is growing its Microsoft Translator platform and has introduced four new languages on the platform. It previously supported 16 Indian languages, so add four more to that. The Microsoft Translator now supports 20 Indian languages. Microsoft India plans on including all 22 official Indian languages on the Microsoft Translator. With these four new languages in its kitty, Microsoft Translator is now closer to its plan. Just two more languages to go before the plan is implemented. This update affects 61 million people in India and even some neighbouring countries. If you want to access this feature, then you can do so on multiple applications. You can access the Microsoft Translator on Edge browser, Office 365, Bing Translator, and the Azure AI Translator API which Jio Haptik and Koo use. In addition to this, you can directly go to the Microsoft Translator App. Also read: Satya Nadella retweets Microsoft Presidents blueprint for India to govern AI All Indian languages on Microsoft Translator These are the languages that Microsoft Translator now supports: Bhojpuri (newly added) Bodo (newly added) Dogri (newly added) Kashmiri (newly added) Assamese Bengali Gujarati Hindi Kannada Konkani Maithili Malayalam Marathi Nepali Odia Punjabi Sindhi Tamil Telugu Urdu Since Microsoft Translator has to deal with complex Indian languages, it uses Deep Neural Networks for language translation. It deals with Indian languages with proper care and sensitivity. Also read: Microsoft Paint gets support for layers: Heres how to use it Managing Director of India Development Center, Microsoft India, Rajiv Kumar Microsoft India terms this as an important update. Speaking on this, Managing Director of India Development Center, Microsoft India, Rajiv Kumar said, We believe that technology should serve as a bridge, enabling everyone to reach their full potential. We are dedicated to creating solutions that enable accessibility and broaden the reach of technology and language as a medium to empower every individual on the planet. We are happy to introduce Bhojpuri, Bodo, Dogri, and Kashmiri on Microsoft Translator and move closer to our goal of supporting 22 official Indian languages. We stay committed to supporting Indias diverse languages and culture by leveraging the most advanced AI technology to drive the countrys growth and make access to technology more inclusive. 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. BYD's Europe foray could help it gain global presence, DIGITIMES Research says China-based EV maker BYD has expanded its footprint in Europe to 15 countries. DIGITIMES Research analyst Jessie Lin said if BYD can compete with European carmakers, the company will significantly gain a global presence. She also said if the European Union decides to implement punitive tariffs on China-made EVs, BYD might accelerate its pace to reduce costs. According to Lin, BYD sold 56,000 cars outside China in 2022. She estimated the company's overseas sales to reach 300,000 vehicles in 2023, 1.8 times last year. BYD's European foray started in Norway in 2021. The company rolled out three EVs in Europe in October 2022, marking an official launch in the region. According to Lin, BYD sold 4,083 vehicles in Europe last year, up 282% from 2021. Lin said BYD has built its reputation for commercial vehicles like electric buses overseas. However, European consumers generally are less familiar with China-made passenger cars. To scale up in the market, BYD will promote its vehicles as high-price-performance ratio products offering multiple functions. Source: BYD, DIGITIMES Research With the self-made batteries, Lin said BYD's vehicles can offer a longer driving range that European drivers need. She estimated that the price of a BYD car sold in Europe is EUR10,000 (US$10,500) to EUR20,000 less than that of a locally-made vehicle due to the cost advantages result from the carmaker's vertical integration. Affordable BYD models will win some drivers The entry of China-made EVs into the European market has alarmed legacy carmakers in the region. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares had said the European automotive industry will face a "terrible fight" with their Chinese competitors. Lin said Europe-based automakers have fallen behind in the EV transition. If these companies can only offer high-priced EVs with fewer features, BYD will have more opportunities on the continent. According to Lin, several factors in Europe will facilitate BYD's development. For example, the EU will ban new internal combustion vehicle sales starting in 2035. More consumers would have to turn to EVs. Lin also said most countries that BYD targets in Europe, including Norway, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, have a higher EV penetration rate. They would have more consumers who would choose the cheaper Chinese EVs. BYD launched its Han, Tang and Atto 3 models in Europe. Lin said Atto 3 is the most affordable among the three vehicles and expected to win over some drivers. If BYD can compete with European rivals in the market, it will gain more global presence. BYD currently exports cars from China to Europe. When its plant in Thailand is completed, it might ship vehicles from Thailand instead. The company is also reportedly considering building a manufacturing facility in Europe, which Lin said is a more likely option. She said BYD may take a similar approach as Foxconn's build-operate-localize (BOL) strategy. Since cars are heavy, the company would want to manufacture them at a place closer to the market. Moreover, a local production site may be eligible for government incentives and can reduce the burden of tariffs. Will EU probe force BYD to cut costs? The EU has launched an anti-subsidy investigation into China-made EVs. Lin said since the bloc would need about 10 months to conduct the probe, the move is less likely to affect BYD's short- to medium-term sales. She estimates that if the EU implemented a reported 27.5% punitive tariff on Chinese EVs, the price gap between BYD and European cars will narrow to EUR10,000 on average. However, Lin said it will unlikely impact BYD as about 90% of its sales are generated in the Chinese market. She also said whether the tariff will push BYD to cut costs further is worth the attention. As the company self-supplies most of the components in its cars, it probably can reduce the costs of batteries, electric motors and electric power control units more. "If BYD succeeds in further cost reduction, it will show how capable the carmaker isThat means Europe will likely enable a strong competitor for itself," Lin added. About the analyst Jessie Lin received a master's degree from the Department of Business Administration at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on automotive, LED, and display panels. Credit: DIGITIMES The Taoiseach has downplayed the significance of several ministers having not yet signed off on departmental spending plans ahead of next weeks budget. Leo Varadkar said it was entirely normal for ministers to continue to press for the best deal for their priorities until the weekend prior to the budget. Some ministers are set for a busy weekend as they engage with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe on their funding envelopes for 2024. One of the biggest issues to be addressed ahead of the finalising the budget is a one billion euro overspend at the Department of Health this year. Mr Varadkar said he was confident the final package would be signed off by Sunday. Its generally the case that a number of departments dont sign off until the last day or the last two days, he told reporters in Granada in Spain. You know, thats ministers defending their position and trying to secure every last euro for their priorities. Thats entirely normal. Its what youd expect. But Id be confident that well have pretty much everything signed off by Sunday. Ministers have already signalled the budget will include moves on income tax and USC (universal social charge) payments, as well as support for people struggling with high energy bills. Mr Varadkar has said the package will include a series of measures to tackle cost-of-living pressures; provide support for businesses; and help parents with childcare responsibilities. Mr Donohoe and Finance Minister Michael McGrath will announce the budget in the Dail on Tuesday afternoon. The Budget 2024 package is set at 6.4 billion euro, with taxation measures amounting to 1.1 billion euro. Mr Varadkar has said people will feel the benefit of the cost-of-living measures before Christmas. However, he has cautioned that the scale of the one-off measures announced will not be on the same scale as those included in last years budget. The average worker in Ireland will benefit to the tune of 1,000 or more in Budget 2024, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has indicated. He was speaking to the media ahead of the announcement of Budget 2024 on Tuesday, October 10 when Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe will unveil the measures included. Ahead of the announcement, Mr Varadkar has confirmed that average workers should get at least 1,000 back in their pockets, "not just in the tax package, thats taking into account once-off measures. One thing I want to do is reward work, and make sure that people keep money in their pockets," he said. I think its fair to say if you add it all up for the average, middle income worker, itll be more than 1,000." The Budget will include cuts to income tax and USC paid by workers but will also see once-off measures, with at least one energy credit of 200 likely to be included to help hard-pressed households. The point (40,000 annual salary) at which workers enter the higher income tax bracket of 40% will be increased. The Taoiseach has also indicated that there will be a hike in child benefit payments. He commented: "Id like to see that increase, because thats one of the most effective ways that we can reduce child poverty." These are likely to be accompanied with increases to core social welfare payments to tackle the cost of living crisis faced by thousands of people around the country. A rise of 12 to payments have been mooted but not confirmed by those in Government. Among other measures that could benefit workers is help with childcare fees, a halt on fuel excise increases to stop the per litre price passing 2 and an addition to the renter's tax credit. The Budget will be announced on Tuesday, October 10. A secret, liquid gold recording captures a US Special Agent unashamedly coercing a suspect to put Aaron Brady in the frame for murdering a Garda and was wrongly withheld from the trial jury, a barrister has told the Court of Appeal. Brady, who was jailed in 2020 for a minimum of 40 years for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, is bidding to overturn his conviction in a six-day hearing before the Court of Appeal. On the third day of the hearing before the three-judge appeals court Michael O'Higgins SC, representing Brady, said the trial court erred in refusing to allow the defence introduce into evidence the tape recording of a conversation between another suspect and Special Agent Matt Katske of the US Department of Homeland Security. Mr O'Higgins submitted that the tape came as near to "suborning" [inducing them to commit perjury] a witness as it is likely to get. Counsel said the defence wanted and needed to get the tape into evidence in the case and it should have gone before the factfinders of the trial to show there was a significant deficit in the State's case. The lawyer said the trial judge had been presented with something which was "virtually unprecedented", where a law officer "unabashed and unashamedly" turned the screw to nominate Brady for an offence with a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years and that Suspect A had been "poked and prodded" to provide that. Mr O'Higgins previously argued at trial that the jury needed to be aware that Special Agent Katske behaved in this way so that when they looked at the evidence of Daniel Cahill they will know what they are dealing with. Mr Cahill gave evidence that Brady told him on three occasions that he had shot a garda but the defence claimed that Mr Cahill may have been pressurised by Homeland Security with the threat that he would be deported if he refused to give a statement to gardai. In opening today's (FRIDAY) submission to the three-judge panel, Mr O'Higgins played the recorded conversation between Suspect A and Special Agent Katske in which the officer can be heard saying: "I want to know people who know Aaron Brady admitted doing it, then I can offer things once I have that, until I have that I can't offer anything". Counsel added: "That is a very telling comment as it makes clear if in the dealing ring you have to first out people who know Aaron Brady had admitted it, if you don't have that golden ticket then you're not in the dealing ring". Mr O'Higgins said this was very "improper bargaining". "The power of an inducement is linked to a person in authority and this person is parading their authority in lights," he said. Mr O'Higgins said the "money shot" in the recording was when Agent Katske told Suspect A "my goal is Aaron Brady, I want to be clear on that". The defence wanted to introduce the tape recording as evidence into Brady's trial that Suspect A for the robbery spoke to Special Agent Katske in July 2017 at Belfast Airport. Mr Bradys lawyers said that the special agent, who was at the time attached to the American embassy in London, appeared to offer help with citizenship in return for information that would convict Brady. Suspect A's brother was under threat at the time of being sent home from the US. In the recording, which was carried out covertly by Suspect A, the special agent can be heard saying: Hes being removed, hes going home. I can find plenty wrong with his paperwork. If he puts Aaron Brady away, you will probably never hear from me again... I cant do anything for him until he commits to doing something for us in this case. Retired former detective inspector Pat Marry told the trial during legal argument that he first heard of the recording after Suspect A sent it to Special Agent Katske who then passed it on to him. Mr Marry said he had not told the special agent to approach Suspect A or anyone else with offers in return for statements. Mr OHiggins for the defence said that if Mr Marry is to be believed then this was evidence of a maverick agent behaving in a bizarre and inappropriate manner taking it on himself to enter into a bargain in return for evidence against his client. He said the agent indicated there were great prospects available for anyone willing to make statements against Brady. In that context, Mr OHiggins said it was necessary for the jury to hear about what was said to Suspect A at Belfast Airport. However, Mr Justice Michael White refused to allow the tape to be played in front of the jury and refused to allow Mr OHiggins to question Agent Katske about it. The trial judge said the issue was a collateral one and that Daniel Cahill and Special Agent Mary Ann Wade had said repeatedly when cross examined in front of the jury that no inducements were offered in return for Mr Cahills statement. Mr O'Higgins for the appellant further submitted today that the tape showed two sides of the same coin; namely inducement and threat. "A threat that [Suspect A's brother] will be going home and an inducement that if he gets information to put Aaron Brady away then he can help [Suspect A's brother's] problem," said Mr O'Higgins. The appellant also claimed that the manner in which Homeland Security worked with An Garda Siochana was unique and unprecedented; nothing to do with enthusiasm as the prosecution had contended. "I characterise it as an attempt to subordinate, one of the most blatant attempts to put someone in jail for a crime, where Agent Katske was invested in securing an actual conviction," he stressed. These were matters, Mr O'Higgins said, that the defence ought to have been allowed to ventilate before the jury to show how statements were being obtained and as to whether there was any inducement. He said it was for the jury to determine whether Agent Katsky was acting on his own initiative or officially. "What on earth is going on here?" asked the lawyer. Furthermore, the barrister called the tape recording - which the defence said displayed Agent Katske's unsanctioned and unauthorised behaviour coercing a witness to give a particular form of testimony - "liquid gold". He said it was the "placing of the bait" which was significant in this instance and that people were "being put up" to put Brady in the frame. In reply, Dean Kelly SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the three-judge panel that the tape did not have the relevance that the defence had contended. He said the appellant had invited the Court of Appeal to adjudicate on what Agent Katske was doing when he travelled to Belfast that day and submitted that this was not an aspect of the trial which fell on the Director of Public Prosecutions to stand over. Further grounds of appeal were argued that the court erred in refusing to permit the appellant cross-examine Special Agent Katske on the contents of the tape and that the court erred in rejecting the defence's application that the deportation to Ireland of Brady was a de facto extradition consequent to which the appellant was denied certain protections as a matter of law and had rendered his trial unfair. Aaron Brady (32) previously of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, is serving a life sentence with a 40-year minimum having been found guilty in 2020 of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe (41) at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgen, Co Louth on January 25, 2013. Brady was also sentenced to 14 years for the robbery, a sentence that will run concurrently with the life sentence. Det Gda Donohoe was on a cash escort when he was ambushed by a five-man gang and shot dead. The raiders stole just 7,000 in cash during the robbery, which lasted 58 seconds. Brady's trial was also the longest murder case in Irish legal history, lasting 122 court days. He was found guilty of the murder of Det Gda Donohoe by an 11 to one majority jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court in August 2020. The father-of-one was sentenced to the mandatory term for murder of life imprisonment in October 2020. As he had been found guilty of murdering a garda acting in accordance with his duty, the trial judge ordered that he serve a minimum of 40 years. The appeal continues on Monday before Mr Justice John Edwards, presiding, sitting with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and Ms Justice Tara Burns, when it is expected that the appellant will raise a complaint regarding witness Molly Staunton who gave testimony via video link from New York during the Covid-19 crisis. Rena Murshud After the fiasco of the separatist groups in Garabagh, Armenian terrorism has become much more active. Many video footage of intensive training of terrorist groups have been circulated on social media. This once again shows that Armenian armed groups strengthened their revanchist position after being disarmed and removed from Azerbaijans Garabagh. Armenia, which on the one hand blames Russia and on the other hand international organizations, tries to express its aggression through terrorism. It should be recalled that at one time the ASALA organization, under the leadership of Monte Melkonyan, carried out several terrorist incidents in France, Lebanon and other countries. I wonder if any Armenian terrorism can happen after Azerbaijan's anti-terrorist measures? Or will Armenia turn to the West again and play the role of a mediator in implementing France's crusading policy in the Middle East in the South Caucasus? "As a result of the 28-year occupation of Garabagh, which is currently the territory of Azerbaijan, there have been changes in geopolitical balances. However, starting from 2020, Azerbaijan liberated its lands and became a regional power in the Caucasus and was able to maintain balance in the region thanks to the perfect strategy, political course and strong army." Turkish military expert Yucel Karauz said these words in a comment to AZERNEWS. According to him, with its victory, Azerbaijan changed the outdated political scheme of 1991 and even influenced the system of the 1800s. The expert noted that currently, other parties with an interest in the region should also come to terms with these realities, but on the contrary, they are creating conditions for Armenia to resort to terrorism. "It seems that Armenia does not want to come to terms with the current situation and is trying to strengthen terrorism in the last option. Of course, it is impossible for Armenia to implement them alone. In fact, Armenia acts as a proxy state on behalf of France, the United States and other countries. I reminded that Armenia once acted on the instructions of Russia. But when it received the support it expected from Russia, it turned its direction to France and other Western countries." According to the military expert, all this cannot be considered a great threat to Azerbaijan. Provocations against the government is expected in both Turkiye and Azerbaijan though hands of internal factors. But the truth is that their influence cannot hinder the activity of either Turkiye or Azerbaijan in the new geopolitical reality. Yucel Karauz also touched on the increase of anti-Russian mood in Armenia. "Currently, Armenia has gradually distanced Russia from the position of a geopolitical and geostrategic partner. Perhaps, in the future, Armenians may demand the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers stationed in Gyumri and other borders. Preparations are underway. But for Armenia, which lived under the control of the Soviet Union for 70 years, this is not an easy decision. Because its negative effects will last for a long time. The influence of the EU on Armenia worries Iran in particular. Because either Pashinyan or the leader who will replace him will continue the work of the West. But even if the prime minister changes in Armenia, the country will not be able to maintain its internal stability, nor will it be able to move towards economic development," the military expert added. Yucel Karauz also touched on the issue of France. He called France's crusading policy in the South Caucasus, using Armenia, a weak strategy. The expert noted that at the current stage it seems unrealistic that France can achieve what it wants in the region. "France is trying to use its lost reputation in Africa and its ineffectiveness in the European Union and NATO as an attempt to intervene in the Caucasus. Because the geography of the Caucasus is in harmony with the world geography and geostrategic interests. Although France is trying to be a leader in the region, I don't think it will be successful. Because France's behavior and biased position increased mistrust towards it in the South Caucasus," Yucel Karauz added. In conclusion, the military expert expressed his opinion about Pashinyan's rule and noted that the clans in the West and Armenia want to end Pashinyan's era. According to the West, the defeat of a state should bear both military and political responsibility. In this regard, Pashinyan will probably be removed from his post. But a new pro-Western leader must be replaced. Louth County Council, in conjunction with the SOSAD Ireland, is launching the Mindful Connect and Ambassador programme on World Mental Health Day, Tuesday 10 Oct 2023. The theme for World Mental Health Day this year - 'Mental Health Is a Universal Human Right' - is focused on raising awareness and driving positive change. Louth County Council says it is delighted to be jointly launching the Mindful Connect and the Wellbeing Ambassador programme in tandem with Meath County Council. In October 2022, the local authoritys Healthy Louth programme ran a three-month public consultation to inform the actions set out within the Healthy Ireland Fund 2023-2025 Local Strategy for Louth. During this public consultation it became apparent that the overriding issues among participants were concerns about mental health and a lack of awareness of local supports. It was recognised that struggles with mental health can lead to anxiety, low mood, and depression, and although people are encouraged to reach out and ask for help, the findings from the public consultation highlighted that many dont know where to find the support they need. Following on from the public consultation Louth County Councils Healthy Louth programme are leading the formation of the first Louth Wellbeing Network, Mindful Connect. Work is well underway in relation to gathering information on all the groups, organisations, and charities across the county, alongside the statutory organisations and relevant national organisations. These will be fed into a digital resource that will support the Wellbeing Ambassadors in their role. It will also be reviewed and updated on a regular basis and made available via the Louth County Council website. Carol Murphy from SOSAD Ireland, said: Sometimes it can simply be a case of loneliness and/or isolation, and having information on befriending or community groups is all the person needs. It can also be the case that people simply need an activity or a club to join, but they just dont know what is available. I think we have all come to realise that investing in our mental health in a positive way is what will give us the resources for the low times. We can invest or add to our mental health piggy bank by doing something for ourselves every day, whether it is, taking a walk, reading, meditation, joining in group activities or just sitting having a chat. "Imagine the wellbeing network is like a safety net across the county, I would hope this will help more people to be able to get the help, support and information they need to enable them to experience more positive mental health. The second phase of the project will be the recruitment of Wellbeing Ambassadors. The Wellbeing Ambassador Programme will train and supports individuals who would like to take action to help support the mental health and wellbeing of others. A Wellbeing Ambassador will be a member of the public, perhaps a person who is already a volunteer in their community, or indeed anyone who would like to be involved. The training provided by SOSAD Ireland will provide the Wellbeing Ambassadors with the skills to use their voice and networks to promote positive conversations about mental health in their community. They will be a source of information, provide mental health and wellbeing signposting support and be passionate about advocating mental health and wellbeing in the community. Recruitment of the wellbeing Ambassadors will commence in October 2023. Paula Keenan, Healthy Ireland Coordinator at Louth County Council, said: We aim to have a network of trained volunteers across the county who will be able to recognise if someone needs help. "They will be available to chat to them, and if needed signpost the best supports and services that may be able to help. They will not be counsellors but will have had the training to understand mental health issues and can point the person in the right direction for support and help. When the programme is up and running it is envisaged that we will have large numbers of trained volunteers who, within their work or community life, will have that ability to recognise if someone is feeling low, or out of sorts and be able to ask if they are ok and be there to listen and support by signposting to the relevant service. "There will also be a support network in place for the Wellbeing Ambassadors. Cllr Paula Butterly, Cathaoirleach, Louth County Council, said: Health and wellbeing, including mental health is so important for us all. During COVID, the way local people stepped up really showed how we can come together to provide help and support to those that need it in our communities. "It also showed that a lot of you know your communities much better than the council or health partners and know how to work with them to get the best results. So do please consider joining the network and becoming a Wellbeing Ambassador and work with us to help those who really need our help. Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council, said: I am delighted to attend the joint launch with Meath County Council. We all know that resources are extremely limited; therefore, every action needs to have maximum impact. "I very much welcome this collaborative approach, leveraging our resources and indeed learning from each other to achieve our joint mission of empowering our citizens to make their own informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. The Wellbeing Network and Wellbeing Ambassadors Programme will also help us to understand what the health and wellbeing priorities are in our local communities, by feeding back what is working well, and what improvements are needed. The project is being funded by Healthy Ireland, a Government-led initiative which aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society. The launch will take place at St. Peters Church of Ireland, Peters Street, Drogheda, County Louth. For more information on the Louth Wellbeing Network and Wellbeing Ambassador Programme please visit here. To contact the Healthy Louth Coordinator, email: healthylouth@louthcoco.ie National Tile Ltd hosted the inaugural Meet the Business on 29 September 2023. Interested persons from industry, commerce and education together with the Dundalk Chamberof Commerce, represented by Una McGoey (Chamber President), Paddy Malone (PRO), Pat McCormick (Ex President) and Brenda McGeeney, started to arrive for a breakfast sponsored by National Tile at 8.30am. This was an informal get to know you session with plenty of meet and greet. An opportunity to catch up with old colleagues and make new friends. At 9am Graham Purcell (Managing Director) kicked off with an introduction to National Tile Ltd and a brief history from its very humble begins, distributing an occasional 20 container of ceramic tiles, to being one of the larger distributors and retailers of wood flooring, ceramic tile and related accessories and services. Brian Woods (Financial Manager) took over explaining the environmental and cost saving measures they have made in the last year, including a new type of roof and solar panels. Graham gave examples of new initiatives being introduced as early as next week. Of particular interest are the Bionics which are being commissioned next week. This is an innovative system which allows the user to attach machinery to their bodies and aid in physical lifting and movement. This is a first for Ireland. Christina Murray (Retail Manager) showed the group the showroom discussing and showing the various products on display. After this Derek Murdock (Logistics and Warehouse Manager) showed the participants the warehouse operations. He answered questions regarding locating materials, inward logistics and outward movements. The workshop was next and Gavin McDonald (Sales Manager) Showed the group how they transform raw timber strips into multi surfaced, finished flooring. Derek took over demonstrating how we cut and mesh mount mosaic, then Brian fielded questions regarding the water jet cutting equipment used by National Tile Ltd. Krzysztof Marciniak (Marketing and Graphics Manager) demonstrated several intricate cuts which are achievable with this technology. Graham mentioned several prestigious jobs that had been undertaken worldwide where National Tile Ltd materials had ended up. Further to the demonstrations, several groups formed where opportunities for advancement for both National Tile Ltd and their organisation were clearly taking place. This is a great opportunity for us to showcase and bask in our achievements together with receiving some recognition and have some fun doing it said Graham Purcell. Una thanked Graham and his staff for their hospitality and time. She commended the company for its innovation in energy efficiencies and its success in reducing waste. She noted the position National Tile has now secured by hard work, innovation and an excellent well motivated work shop. Una thanked all for attending and looked forward to other events, next of which will be the Chamber's Budget Breakfast. 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. EBRD extends its Star Venture programme to the West Bank and Gaza Five high-tech start-ups join the initiative Support from Luxembourg through the West Bank and Gaza Multi-Donor Account The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its Star Venture programme in the West Bank and Gaza to help high-potential start-ups improve their business performance, grow and unleash their potential. The West Bank and Gaza is the 23rd economy to join the Banks programme, dedicated to boosting the competitiveness of the early-stage ecosystem across its regions. Following a competitive and rigorous selection process, five start-ups were selected as the inaugural cohort. From e-commerce to green tech, the companies span diverse sectors and are advancing their businesses with the latest technologies, paving the way for future innovations. Star Venture mobilises a network of mentors and advisers to deliver a whole range of bespoke advisory services to start-ups. Through workshops, mentoring, access to finance and market development, the programme helps start-ups overcome their obstacles to growth and boost their skillsets. Local accelerators will also benefit from mentoring and capacity-building for training and improving the business performance of their own start-up cohorts. Start-ups in the West Bank and Gaza face a variety of challenges, including low levels of funding for early-stage companies and a lack of business consulting and mentorship opportunities. Star Venture helps young companies remove some of these systemic barriers by connecting them to a network of investors with an interest in the early-stage space. The Star Venture programme in the West Bank and Gaza is supported by Luxembourg through the EBRD West Bank and Gaza Multi-Donor Account (other donors to the account include the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom). Gretchen Biery, EBRD Head of the eastern Mediterranean region, said: We are proud to bring the Star Venture programme to the West Bank and Gaza, where it will play a key role in supporting Palestinian start-ups and fostering the wider ecosystem. Star Ventures portfolio boasts some of the most innovative start-ups, and I am certaint that we can replicate the success we have seen in other regions. Arsene Jacoby, Alternate Governor for Luxembourg, added: Innovative high potential start-ups are at the heart of a thriving and dynamic SME sector. They are key in supporting job creation, financial growth, economic resilience, and regional development. Luxembourg is honored to partner with the EBRD and finance the roll-out of the Star Venture programme in the West Bank and Gaza. The Star Venture programme operates in 23 economies where the EBRD invests and, to date, has supported more than 650 start-ups, including high-potential ones that have successfully raised over US$ 420 million in financing. The EBRD has been active in the West Bank and Gaza since 2017, financing 22 projects for a total of 90 million. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including women-led enterprises, are a pillar of the Palestinian economy and a priority for the Banks work in fostering economic inclusion and promoting private sector competitiveness. LEADING Ireland and UK-based venture capital firm, Sure Valley Ventures, has announced the opening of a new office in Cork, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing and investing in Irelands dynamic startup ecosystem. The new Cork office will be helmed by DC Cahalane, a well-known figure in Irelands startup community. He is joining Sure Valley Ventures as a venture partner, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a vast network of connections from his career in the startup domain. His appointment continues the firms tradition of recruiting former founders and entrepreneurs having been originally founded by Barry Downes and Brian Kinane, who previously founded the Waterford-based based, Feedhenry which exited to Red Hat in 2014. Since its founding, Sure Valley Ventures has grown to become a leading VC player in the UK and Ireland, where it has developed a strong reputation as a firm that invests ahead of the trend, having invested in Artificial Intelligence, Immersive Technology, and Cybersecurity since 2017. The firm has invested in 20 companies including local companies such as Cork-based Getvisibility and Smarttech 247 (which recently IPOd on AIM), Waterford-based Cameramatics and Engage XR (IPOd on AIM), Dublin-based AI firm Artomatix which was sold to Unity Technologies in 2020 and Dundalk based Nova Leah. Barry Downes, Managing Partner at Sure Valley Ventures, expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating: The decision to expand into Cork was a logical step in our business growth strategy. The city is rich with innovative startups and visionary entrepreneurs, and were thrilled to be a part of this vibrant community. Weve already seen great success in a number of Cork companies that weve already invested in, such as Smarttech247 and GetVisibility. Welcoming someone like DC to our team not only reinforces our commitment to the region but also positions us for further growth and investment in groundbreaking technology companies. Were incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in the Cork startup ecosystem and across the Island of Ireland. DC Cahalane echoed the sentiment, stating: Joining Sure Valley Ventures, a firm that has consistently championed and backed disruptive technology innovators, is truly a privilege. They are the truest kind of investor, investing well ahead of the trend, having been working with AI and Immersive technologies since 2017. Cork has been a hotbed of creativity and tech-driven innovation, and with the support of Sure Valley Ventures, I look forward to investing in and mentoring the next generation of technology trailblazers emerging from the region and across Ireland, while growing returns for our investors To date, Sure Valley has had considerable success helping its portfolio companies grow and scale from Seed to Series A and beyond with 80% of its investee companies raising follow-on Series A rounds and 70% reaching this milestone within 24 months of the initial seed investment. This new Cork location comes on the back of the launch of a new Irish fund earlier this year and further solidifies Sure Valley Ventures position as a significant player in the Ireland and UK startup scene. This new Irish Fund will follow the same investment strategy in Ireland as in the UK and Sure Valley also plans to expand its regional focus to work with start-ups in the exciting innovation clusters that have developed around Artificial Intelligence, Immersive Tech, and Cybersecurity throughout Ireland. It plans to invest in 15-plus software companies from across the Republic of Ireland through this new fund. BLOOMSDAY is celebrated every year on June 16 to mark the day in 1904 when writer James Joyce met his future wife, Norah Barnacle, for their first date in Dublin. My new novel, Penelope Unbound (Banshee Press) concentrates on another date in 1904 - October 20 - when James and Norah, having eloped from Dublin together, arrived in Trieste where hed been promised a job teaching English at the Berlitz School. Joyce left Norah outside the railway station while he went to find accommodation for the hard-up couple. He got embroiled in a fight with a couple of sailors and was locked up for his troubles. A penniless 20-year-old Norah was left alone for almost an entire day and night, sitting on their suitcases at the station in a city where she knew no-one and where she didnt speak the language. In real life, she waited for him. My novel asks - what if she hadnt? Penelope Unbound is a literary mash-up where real and fictional characters from Joyces life and work are sampled and appear in new guises to create a fresh destiny for Norah, not as the muse of a great writer but as a woman in her own right. So, in my version of events, its Norah who becomes a teacher of English in Trieste and develops a close relationship with the Austro-Hungarian writer, Italo Svevo - as Joyce did in real life. Joyce championed Svevos work, helping to have his novel, The Conscience Of Zeno, published in Paris in 1923 after his own success with Ulysses. That novel is now regarded as a classic of Italian literature. (Norah knew Svevo too, but only from doing his laundry, which she took in to supplement the Joyces meagre family income when they were in Trieste.) In the novel, however, Norah fares better economically. She returns alone to Dublin as an independent businesswoman, the proprietor of Finns Hotel. Ten years after they lose one another, Norah and Joyce meet again. But to see what happens next, youll have to buy the book. Another what if about Joyces life, is how he narrowly missed out on being the son of a Cork merchant prince. The Joyces were salt merchants and owned properties around Douglas Street, Dunbar Street, White Street and South Terrace. If his father had been more prudent with his finances, James Joyce might have been a Cork business tycoon. John Joyce, an only child, born in 1849, lived a charmed existence for the first 25 years of his life. He was a rich young man about town, heir to a fortune, albeit diminishing through bad management. He attended Queens College, now UCC, to study medicine, but the distractions of his social life meant he failed to finish. He spent his summers at the familys holiday home at Glenbrook. Penelope Unbound, by Mary Morrissy is based on the real life of James Joyce. As a child hed suffered from typhus and his father arranged to have him sent out on the pilot boats to meet the transatlantic liners calling into Cobh (then Queenstown) to inhale the bracing salt air of Cork Harbour. When Johns father died in 1866, he inherited a considerable amount of property in Cork, but by 1891 he had moved to Dublin, married against family advice, mortgaged his properties away and was the unemployed father of ten children. The rest, as they say, is history. In the course of writing the novel, I discovered another unlikely Cork connection. Three years before Joyce arrived in Trieste, his friend and fellow author, Italo Svevo, mentioned above, visited Cobh, an unlikely destination for an Italian tourist at the time. But this was a business trip. Svevo worked for his wifes family paint manufacturing business. The Veneziani firm had patented a soap-based paint which protected the hulls of ships from seaweed and marine growth. In 1901, Svevo came to Cobh to supervise the painting of Lord Muskerrys yacht which was docked at Carrigaloe. He and his wife, Livia, enjoyed what they described as a second honeymoon in Ireland delighting in all that beauty and peace of east Cork. From the terrace of our hotel, we could catch a glimpse of the distant blue Atlantic, an intense blue like that of the Mediterranean, which surprised me, Livia wrote in her memoir. I accompanied him to the little works and rested in the guards house, a small house covered in bright fuschias. The guards fair-haired little girl would come out holding a lamb in her arms, which she would dip into the sea water. Its hard to imagine this idyllic scene in present-day Carrigaloe, though its likely from Livias description that the couple stayed in the Commodore Hotel, which is still in business. But the story of Svevos visit raises another what if. If Joyces father hadnt squandered his inheritance, Joyce and Svevo might have met as businessmen in Cork, rather than as struggling writers in Trieste. And their work, which became masterpieces of early 20th century European literature, might never have been written. Luckily, we only have to imagine this scenario - which is where Penelope Unbound comes in. Mary Morrissy will be reading from Penelope Unbound at the Kinsale Words by Water Festival on Sunday, October 8 at the Lord Kinsale at 2pm. See https://www.wordsbywater.ie/ SOME of the countrys leading menopause experts will form part of a special event taking place at Cork City Hall this month. The National Menopause Summit Cork is supported by Marks and Spencers and has a sharp focus on menopause friendly workplaces. Set to take place on October 20, It will mark World Menopause Awareness Month. Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy will officially open the summit with Minister for Equality, Roderic OGorman delivering the closing speech. The full day event will feature moderated panel discussions with leading experts in the areas of menopause in the workplace and menopause care. The Journey Through Menopause panel will also include advice from a panel of experts in areas such as heart health with Janis Morrissey, director of health promotion, among other highlights. Founder and co-director of the National Menopause Summit Sinead McNamara said they are proud to be part of a campaign dedicated to improving womens health and wellbeing. Given this month is World Menopause Month, we are proud to be part of not only the national but also the global awareness raising campaign for menopause and supports for improving womens health and wellbeing during this stage of their life, Sinead said. Following on from last Marchs sold out inaugural National Menopause Summit in Dublin, we look forward to welcoming in excess of 500 attendees to the Cork summit on Friday, October 20, which takes place two days after World Menopause Day. Journalist and broadcaster Grainne Seoige will compere the event. Her 2022 TG4 documentary Meanapas: Meon Nua explored the topic of menopause and attitudes towards the issue in Ireland. To find out more about the National Menopause Summit visit www.nationalmenopausesummit.com. A PARTICULARLY mean assault by a woman who spat in the face of a shop security man resulted in her being jailed for five months. Judge Olann Kelleher said the maximum possible sentence for this category of assault at district court level under Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act was six months. And even with credit for pleading guilty, the judge said it merited five months. 35-year-old Margaret Deasy came before Cork District Court with 14 similar convictions for assault. She had one for assault causing harm. Most significant in her total of 223 previous convictions was the prevalence of counts for theft she was convicted of stealing 159 times, Sergeant John Kelleher confirmed. In this latest offence, on December 7, 2022, she went to Aldi at the Elysian and was approached by a security man who asked her to leave due to previous incidents at the store. She was informed that she was not welcome and she became verbally abusive. She went to leave but suddenly turned around and spat at the security officer, Sgt Kelleher said. Defence solicitor, Joseph Cuddigan, said the defendant had made efforts to rehabilitate since December. The person who committed this crime is not necessarily the person before you today, Mr Cuddigan said in relation to the changes made in her life. Judge Kelleher asked, How can I believe that? She has 14 previous convictions for assault. How can you say she has changed? She got 10 months previously about two years ago and she did not change. Mr Cuddigan said, We have to be optimistic. I say, lets give her the opportunity to show she can change. Judge Kelleher concluded, This is a very serious matter. The nature of this assault was particularly poor and mean to spit in the face of someone doing their job. At an earlier hearing, Mr Cuddigan said, She herself has not had the easiest passage through life. He added that she had her own addiction difficulties. The solicitor said that as soon as she came before the court she indicated a plea of guilty. Ms Deasy of Cork Simon community appeared in Cork District Court by video link from prison. FAMILIES affected by a Cork nursing home closure have been forced to put their lives on hold, with some even travelling from as far as New Zealand to secure accommodation for their loved ones. Thats according to Fianna Fail councillor Audrey Buckley who said she has received correspondence from a number of people affected by the pending closure of Aperee Living in Belgooly. The facility looks set to shut its doors on October 24. Cllr Buckley raised the issue at yesterdays meeting of the regional health forum for the southern region at County Hall. Her concerns followed an announcement by the HSE who say they are stepping in to help residents of the facility. Ms Buckley revealed how some families have been left in limbo by the closure. One family got in contact with me who are facing a lot of pressure, she explained. The daughter had to come back from abroad because the father was on his own and is unable to look after his wife. She is now in Cork and her kids are back home. The HSEs head of Health Wellbeing & Strategy, Gabrielle OKeeffe, said that a timeframe to find alternative accommodation for residents is currently unavailable. Each person is individual in their preference, she said. They may wish to stay in their locality but unfortunately that option may not always be open to them. I think its a very individualist process for everyone. We cant give a timeline at the moment as this is not currently feasible. However, there will be urgency in the next fortnight or so to try to find suitable solutions for everybody. We have a team working with residents and their families. The remaining 21 people are very concerned. However, we have a liaison team working with everyone who has been affected. A Cork town has been named among the big winners at this years SuperValu TidyTowns awards. This year, 887 towns competed for the prestigious awards demonstrating the continuing huge national interest in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition which has been running since 1958. Ballincollig was awarded Ireland's Tidiest Large Urban Centre and has received a prize of 5,000. Ballincollig Tidy owns Chairperson Tom Butler said that the award was evidence of what a community and volunteers can achieve. We achieved our 11th gold medal today," he told The Echo. "We won the County Award for Cork South and we won the Tidiest Large Urban Centre in Ireland. The volunteers are an integral part of the whole thing. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of it. We have a huge crew who work 52 weeks of the year, and it never stops, it isnt the case of turning it on for a competition. It is a real team effort between ourselves, Cork City Council, the schools and the businesses. It is a community award, it is not just down to ourselves because we wouldnt be able to do it without the support of everybody else," he said adding, "Its huge for Ballincollig. It just shows what a community and volunteers can do together; and the early mornings and late nights all pay off. Mr Butler said that the TidyTowns team were dedicating the award to former committee member, Tony Whelan. As a committee, we lost a very important volunteer last November. He would have been a key member of our committee and a huge loss, so we are dedicating the award to Tony Whelan." Abbeyleix in Co. Laois was named Irelands Tidiest Town as well as Irelands Tidiest Small Town. Geashill, Co. Offaly was awarded Irelands Tidiest Village and Killarney, Co. Kerry was awarded Irelands Tidiest Large Town. A number of Cork groups were recognised at this year's awards. Other Cork winners included: Ballyphehane TidyTowns received a special award in the Village and Small Town category of 2,000. Bere Island which was named national winner of the Island Award and received 1,000. Sherkin Island received highly commended recognition in the Island Award category receiving 500. Ballineen and Enniskeane TidyTowns Association, Co. Cork was highly commended' in the Waters and Communities awards category for the South West & Mid-West region, receiving 500. Cobh TidyTowns was recognised in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan - Local Authority Pollinator Award category and named as large town regional winners, receiving 1,000. Timoleague National School was a regional winner in the SuperValu School Award category receiving 1,000. Fermoy was recognised in the Gum Litter Task Force Award category and was named as category winner (receiving 2,000) and national award winner (receiving 1,000). A number of Cork TidyTowns groups were recognised in the county awards and received gold, silver and bronze medals, and endeavour awards. The County Awards are awarded to the first, second and third placed entrants in each county, with Cork divided into North, South and West. Some of the members of Ballincollig Tidy Towns group beside one of the landmarks they keep spruced up In Cork South, Ballincollig was awarded County First title and received a gold medal, Cobh was County Second and also received gold while Kilbrittain was County Third and received silver. Other medal winners in Cork South included Carrigaline, Youghal and Kinsale who all received gold medals. In Cork West, Rosscarbery was awarded the County First title, Clonakilty was County Second and Timoleague was County Third. All three also received gold medals. Other medal winners in the region included Bantry and Skibbereen who also received gold. In Cork North, Coolagown was awarded County First title and received a silver medal, Castletownroche was awarded County Second and a bronze medal and Kildorrery was named County Third. Other winners included Millstreet and Knocknagree. 'Extremely high' standard The winners were announced at a special ceremony today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. Speaking at the awards, Minister Humphreys said: As always, the standard of competition was extremely high this year in all categories, with 887 entries received overall. I want to pay tribute to all the winners today across all the various categories. In particular, I want to recognise the vital role of TidyTowns volunteers across the country who are working so hard all year round to ensure our communities are vibrant, sustainable places to live, work and visit. You are truly an inspiration, and the embodiment of everything that is good in our communities. The Minister also thanked SuperValu, the competitions sponsor, adding: SuperValu has been a loyal supporter and sponsor of the competition for over 30 years and continues to champion sustainability through their supportive network of retailers countrywide. Their team has worked very closely with my Department to make sure that this competition continues to be a success. 'A powerful and uniting force' Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu commented after the awards: For more than three decades, our teams and dedicated local SuperValu retailers have worked hand in hand with the Department of Rural and Community Development to develop and grow the SuperValu TidyTowns competition. The competition has become a powerful and uniting force, bringing together people from communities all over the country, working towards a common cause, and, critically, caring for our environment. SuperValu TidyTowns has succeeded in not only making our towns and villages more attractive but more sustainable too, and this is evident in the increased focus on initiatives that have a powerful impact on biodiversity such as the development of pollinator-friendly corridors and, rewilding outdoor areas. I would like to thank the TidyTowns Committees and volunteers for the relentless efforts, real action and huge contribution they make to our towns, villages and communities around the country. SuperValu is very proud to sponsor this SuperValu TidyTowns competition and of the fantastic support our retailers provide in helping make our local areas better places in which to live and work. Minister Humphreys also announced a special allocation of 1.5 million in funding to support the work of TidyTowns groups in their continued efforts to make their towns and villages better places to live, work and visit. Since 2017, the Department has provided 9.5 million in funding to support the important sustainability and other activities of these groups. Full details of all this years winners are available at www.tidytowns.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> and at www.supervalu.ie. Gardai raided a house in Ballincollig to carry out a search under warrant and they found that cannabis was being cultivated in the garage of the property. 44-year-old Peter OConnell of 38 Aylesbury, Ballincollig, County Cork, pleaded guilty today to charges of possession of cannabis that he had harvested and he also admitted cultivating further cannabis. Defence solicitor, Daithi O Donnabhain, submitted that eight cannabis plants that were seized at the scene were relatively small plants. Since then he took his habit in hand and effectively went cold turkey after that. He had been taking this substance incorrectly. He was effectively self-medicating, Mr O Donnabhain said. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said the accused man had two previous convictions for possession of drugs and one for having drugs for sale or supply but that the convictions dated back to 1999. Mr O Donnabhain, solicitor, asked the judge to take into consideration the age of the convictions. Judge Olann Kelleher imposed a 500 fine on the accused for possession of cannabis. And for the cultivation, he imposed a sentence of four months imprisonment but suspended it on condition that he would have no further offences for the next two years. Sgt. Davis said, On March 8 2023 Garda Damien Cremin entered the home of Peter OConnell under a search warrant. During the search, Garda Cremin located eight cannabis plants being cultivated in the garage of the property. There was also an amount of cannabis which had already been harvested. Peter OConnell returned to the property during the search and made admissions that he owned the cannabis plants and the cannabis. He attended Gurranabraher garda station on March 25 and made admissions in a voluntary cautioned statement that he was growing the cannabis plants to cultivate cannabis for his own use. AS the days get shorter and temperatures drop, many people will be anxious about the cost of heating their home over the winter. The Fuel Allowance is a means tested social welfare payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. What is the current rate of Fuel Allowance? The current rate of Fuel Allowance is 33 per week. If you qualify for the allowance, it is paid with your social welfare payment on the same day. You can choose to get the Fuel Allowance paid weekly or paid in two lump sums. If you opt for the lump sum, the first instalment will be paid in September 2023. The second will be paid in January 2024. When will the Fuel Allowance be paid? The Fuel Allowance season normally begins in late September of each year and ends in April. This years Fuel Allowance season starts on Monday, 25 September 2023. It will be paid for 28 weeks (until 5 April 2024). Who can I live with and qualify for the Fuel Allowance? You must live alone or with: A spouse, civil partner or cohabitant who qualifies for an increase on your pension or social welfare payment or is getting a qualifying payment in their own right Dependent children A person who is getting Carers Allowance or Carers Benefit and is caring for you or for your spouse, partner or cohabitant or qualified child dependant on a full-time basis A person getting short-term Jobseekers Allowance or basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance Other people who are getting a qualifying payment and who would be eligible for a Fuel Allowance in their own right A person aged 70 or over Are there other qualifying conditions? You must be getting a qualifying social welfare payment or pension (unless you are 70 or over). You must also satisfy a means test. Contact your local Citizens Information Centre to check if you are on a qualifying payment and they will also explain the means test. What are the income limits for people under 70? To qualify for Fuel Allowance when you are aged under 70, your total means from all sources must be less than the current maximum rate of State Pension (Contributory) including any increases that you might get for living alone and dependants, plus 200. This is called the assessable income limit. The current assessable income limit for a single person is 465.30 (200 plus 265.30). The current assessable income limit for a couple (where the qualified adult is aged under 66) is 642. The current assessable income limit for a couple (where the qualified adult is aged 66 or over and under 70) is 703.10 (200 plus 265.30 plus 237.80). Is there a different means test for people over 70 for the Fuel Allowance? Yes. The Over 70s Means Test for Fuel Allowance is as follows: a single person over 70 can have income of 500 per week and a couple can have income of 1,000 per week people over 70 no longer need to be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment to be eligible for Fuel Allowance in the case of a couple where one person is over 70 and one is under 70, they will be assessed under the Over 70s Means Test criteria the amount of savings that are disregarded in the means assessment for the Fuel Allowance payment for people aged over 70 has increased from 20,000 to 50,000 How to apply for Fuel Allowance? You can apply for the Fuel Allowance online. You must have a MyGovID account to apply online. If you cant apply online, you can use a paper application form. You can get a form from your local Citizens Information Centre. You can also get a form from your local post office or by phoning 0818 200 400. You should ask for the relevant form for your age. If you apply for Fuel Allowance after the start of the Fuel Allowance season, it will not be backdated. If you previously received the Fuel Allowance you do not need to reapply for it each year as long as your circumstances remain the same and you continue to get the same social welfare payment. South Munster Citizens Information telephone lines in Cork City are monitored from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, the Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street is open to the public Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9.45am to 1pm and Wednesdays from 2pm to 4.30pm. The Blackpool CIC is open to the public from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday and Thursday. Full details for all Citizens Information Centres and their opening times are available on https://www.citizensinformationboard.ie/ INSPIRATION BEHIND THE SERIES Young people deserve to hear from the perspectives, opinions, and experiences of other young people. I believe we can learn from each other and help each other as we navigate the Irish education system. I aim to draw from as many points of view as possible, making sure this advice is relevant to as many different students as possible. The articles over the next 10 weeks will look at study skills, career route options, Leaving Certificate reflections, school experiences, and so on. ABOUT ERIN Erin Ni Gallchobhair is a 17-year- old from Cruit island on the coast of Donegal. In her spare time, she likes to swim. She is a part of the Donegal Youth Council, which she represents on Comhairle na nOgs National Executive, where we try to help make solutions for problems that young people face. In the fifth part of our Student to Student series, I wanted to focus on Erins opinions on how Irish fits into school at the moment. Erin firmly believes that language is a history living, its anthropology with a pulse. Many students are tired of studying a language that they do not end up using much outside of school. As the goal of Irish class often feels orientated towards exams and not speaking the language, people can find it difficult to learn and enjoy. Irish is also a compulsory subject for the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert, which means it isnt a class students choose as one of their strengths. In fact, it may be bringing down a students grades and people can grow to resent the negative impact that Irish as a subject has on their CAO points. I have heard these points from many young people, so hearing and understanding Erins beautiful relationship with the Irish language was really very interesting. She expressed her appreciation of and love for Irish, as well as its importance in her community. Exploring these two very different opinions of Irish was a challenge, but I did observe some common ground. Many people see that the Irish languages place in examinations needs to shift, or at least the focus of teaching Irish should be centred primarily on young people leaving school capable of speaking it. Erin started our interview by talking about her home and how Irish plays a role in her life, saying; I live in the outskirts of the Gaeltacht. That means that Erin uses Irish conversationally, and she passionately believes that actually using and speaking Irish is vital for it to flourish. For keeping the language alive, I think speaking it is important, she said. Erin feels she is surrounded by Gaeilge. I use it in work, I use it in my community and because of the Gaeltacht I hear it, she said. She explained why this is important: There is a real sense of heritage and a real sense of community and culture. I remember when I was younger, even in 1st and 2nd year, and I was in the same boat of thinking why are we learning this language thats of no significance or advantage to us. But it is! She recognised many peoples mixed feelings about Irish. A lot of it is less to do with functionality, but its your heritage, your mother tongue, its your country, and you know, its another way of communicating, said Erin. I sensed a real feeling of genuine excitement and enthusiasm about Gaelige from listening to her. Erin simply enjoys the Irish language. A lot of Irish words dont have direct Irish translations. Even when Im speaking, I wouldnt be able to pick a word to do it justice in English and I think thats amazing! She urges us all to remember the seanfhocal, or saying, Is fearr Gaeilge briste na Bearla cliste. That means, Broken Irish is better than clever English. She emphasised: Even if its only cupla focal (a couple of words), it doesnt matter if youre still making an effort. Erin encourages us all to speak what bit of Irish we can, whenever we can. She believes every little bit builds up and keeps it in use, fresh and alive. At very least, you could say Dia Duit instead of Hello and slan rather than Goodbye next time you pass an acquaintance in town, get a coffee from a barista, or buy something in the shop. She spoke to me about how she feels Irish is taught in schools and how it could be improved. As soon as you go into secondary you are learning grammar points, maybe past, present, future and then Irish prose and poetry. While there is strength in that because it is Irish literature and mechanics its also a complete downfall because youre not learning the language. She elaborated: You have to have a focus on basic conversation for Irish, you have your oral and everything but it just fails a lot of students because we dont have the time to learn the language. You only get the time to memorise sentences for essays. "My school makes a really big effort, that really helps us because of encouragement and space to do it, she added, giving a first hand example of how Irish could be better nurtured. If Im asking a teacher for something, I speak to them in Irish because they are speaking to me in it. She feels this environment to practise is vital. Those small things help in leaps and bounds in my opinion, she says. Her final words to any students reading this were: Another point is that just by being able to speak Irish in my community, it makes me happy. I go into Irish class to not learn the language, but I try to make the best of it Being fortunate to have the ability to speak Irish, however broken it is, Im so grateful for, because it is our mother tongue and deserves a chance to be spoken. DUBLIN-born TV presenter Julia Bradbury has a host of British shows on her CV, dating back to 2005. Among them are a four-year stint on Watchdog, five years on Countryfile, and, in recent years, Best Walks With A View and Britains Best Walks. Julia, who moved to the UK when she was young, continues that outdoor presenting theme as she heads to the land of her birth to present the new series, Julia Bradburys Irish Journey, which starts on Channel 4 on Saturday October 7, at 8.35pm. The plan is for the 53-year-old to learn more about the culture and history of her native land, taking in both its natural landscapes and vibrant cities. Her journey begins in the south of Ireland, as she travels from the green fields of Tipperary to the coastline of West Cork. Along the way, Julia calls in at Cashel, and sees its impressive medieval abbeys. Then, in Cork, she discovers why Kinsale has become the destination of choice for foodies. But theres also a history lesson about the Irish potato famine waiting for her at Skibbereen. Finally, Julia ends this leg of her trip at Irelands most south-westerly point, the dramatic Mizen Head. Born in Dublin in 1970, Julias father Michael was a steel and engineering industry marketing director, and her mother was Greek. The family returned to Britain, where Julia grew up in an old rectory in the English midlands. Walking has become a big theme of her TV work, and she has toured Australia, the Greek Islands, Cornwall and Devon, and Orkney. The presenter announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and recorded a programme about her journey last year. Sean McCarthaigh The Brazilian government has been ordered to pay compensation of 13,554 to a member of its embassy staff in Dublin who was not permitted to carry over annual holidays after she had made a complaint about being discriminated against over her maternity leave. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that Nicole Marques Montano had been victimised as the embassy had reversed its previous position of allowing her to carry over annual leave into another year hot on the heels after she had filed the complaint. Ms Marques Montano claimed her employer, the Federative Republic of Brazil, had breached the Employment Equality Act by withdrawing her leave entitlement after making the complaint. She told the WRC she had submitted a formal complaint to the deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Brazil on December 16th, 2021, about its decision to deny her a top-up payment for the duration of her maternity leave. Ms Marques Montano contrasted her situation with a male colleague who had been paid a discretionary top-up payment during his period of sick leave. I feel discriminated against for being a woman, Ms Marques Montano said, also referring to the workplace as a sexist environment. She stated she would use the appropriate legal apparatus in either Ireland or Brazil to pursue her complaint. No representative of the Brazilian government attended the hearing, although it was represented by solicitor, Gerald Kean, who strongly rejected the allegation that his client had victimised Ms Marques Montano by engaging in a retaliatory act. Protected act WRC adjudication officer, Maire Mulcahy, said the complaint made by Ms Marques Montano in December 2021 conformed with the definition of a protected act. Ms Mulcahy noted the adverse or retaliatory treatment occurred on January 1st, 2022, when the embassy did an about turn and withdrew permission which it had already granted to the complainant to carry over 14 days of untaken annual leave. She ruled that the sudden reversal of a commitment that had been given on several dates the previous year constituted a detriment. The WRC said the legitimacy or otherwise of the embassys position was not the issue. It is the fact that until she lodged the grievance in which she complained of discrimination, the respondent had committed to allow her to add this untaken leave to travel to Brazil in 2022, Ms Mulcahy said. She added it was hard to avoid the conclusion that it was her complaint that prompted the retraction of commitment hot on its heels which resulted in the loss of a benefit for Ms Marques Montano. Ms Mulcahy added: Victimisation happens when a worker is treated less favourably because they have asserted a right not to be discriminated against on the basis of their gender by making a complaint. She said it was not the point that the embassy held that its position was legitimate and in keeping with Irish statutory entitlements. The WRC noted that the embassy had provided written evidence in which it indicated it had made an error in confirming to the complainant that she could carry over annual leave. It awarded Ms Marques Montano a sum of 13,554 which is the equivalent of six months salary. Annual leave The WRC also found in favour of the complainant in relation to her claim that the loss of 14 days leave through the reversal of the embassys decision represented a breach of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. It ordered the Brazilian government to restore the 14 days leave to her with immediate effect. However, the WRC rejected her complaint that the embassy had made an unlawful deduction of 7,674 from her wages over a six-month period ending in February 2022 while she was on maternity leave. Ms Marques Montano said the sum was a top-up figure representing the difference between State maternity benefit rates and her salary, which she claimed she was promised by a manager in January 2020. She pointed out that the last employee before her to go on maternity leave was given the top-up payment. The WRC said there was no provision in her work contract about an entitlement to a top-up payment. It ruled that the fact that the embassy had written to the Foreign Ministry in Brazil to seek authorisation for the top-up was evidence of the discretionary nature of the payment. THE minimum fare for the Cork tram system is twopence, while that price in Liverpool carries you 6 miles, the Echo reported 100 years ago today, on Saturday, October 6, 1923. Nor do you need to spend as much time waiting at a street corner there as you do in Cork, it added. In Dublin and Liverpool, you get trams properly seated, smooth-running and regularly inspected by Public Health officials. Of course, in those places there is a public opinion which insists on being heard. Were the same when it comes to the theatre. Last week I witnessed a client there under the influence of a certain stimulant. Did the tedious distraction he created for other theatregoers bring a reaction from management? Indeed not. In Cork, for now at any rate, it appears the public will suffer on through exorbitant locomotion costs and theatrical disturbance. Hurrah For Harold Lloyd Showing all week to crowded houses at the Pavilion in Patrick Street is Doctors Orders starring Harold Lloyd. It draws to a close with todays three performances. No-one who would enjoy a couple of hours of real hearty laughter should miss this last chance to see this great comedy. The programme also includes Larry Semon in The Counter Jumper, and the matinee today should prove a real treat for children. Next week sees Norma Talmadge in The Voice From The Minaret. Starring with Miss Talmadge is Eugene OBrien. These two have won the appellation of the perfect screen lovers. Cork Labour Disputes The general situation regarding labour disputes in Cork showed no new developments today. But efforts at resolution continue and give some grounds for hope. Todays shipping included the arrival at Albert Quay of the SS Allie with coal for the Cork Gas Consumers Company and the departure of the SS Girasol with general cargo from Fords for Manchester. The SS Cromwell, SS Bangor and SS Lowland Firth brought coal and cleared light from Cork and Cobh respectively. A Cork Radio Club Dear Sir, Amateur wireless reception of music, speech, and morse furnishes scope for infinite pleasure to all sections of the community. Especially to the agricultural section, isolated as they are by the nature of their occupation from the concerts and amusements enjoyed by more fortunate townspeople. Permission to erect listening-in stations is long overdue. We have been too long deprived and the removal of present prohibitions need to be expediated. A federation of Radio Clubs would wield considerable influence and prove effective in this matter. A start ought to be made in the large towns and cities to form clubs sharing a common constitution to safeguard the rights of the amateur. The federation could work towards (a) reasonable licence charges (b) influencing what the licence permits (c) countering future restrictions on amateurs. Local clubs should prepare for the coming boom by enlisting all possible members and advising them on the purchase of apparatus either as compete sets or in parts to be assembled at home. Furthermore, clubs could be run as social clubs for members to demonstrate, discuss and debate all things wireless. Now is the time to act. Let Cork, who usually offers a headline to the country, maintain its reputation and lead. It only requires a few enthusiasts to form the nucleus of a club and bring public attention to its existence. - JEPHM Mallow Prisoner Meeting A large meeting was held on OBrien Street in Mallow to urge the immediate release of all political prisoners, not only those in the Free State, but also in the Six Counties and in Great Britain. W.C. OKeeffe (Urban District Council) presided and stated that persistence and determination in forcing this issue would have a great effect in furthering the National cause. Mr OKeeffe urged all present to join the branch of Sinn Fein that was to be started in Mallow. East Cork Barley East Cork branches of the Irish Farmers Union met in the Town Hall, Midleton. Mr P. Walsh (Mogeely) was moved to the Chair. He said the important question at the moment for East Cork farmers was the barley question. So far, no move has been made by the brewers or distillers to open a price for it. Last spring, the growers took for granted that a tariff would be imposed on imported barley but nothing more was heard about it. Mr Walsh said they must take action at once. After a long discussion, the following resolution was proposed by Mr Brasier (Shanagarry) and seconded by Mr Donovan (Midleton): We the farmers and barley growers of East Cork, being unable to compete with the price of foreign barley, earnestly request our representatives in the Dail to urge the Government to impose a tariff on foreign barley, otherwise the land will go out of cultivation, as tillage is not paying under existing conditions. More than 800 people were put behind bars as a result of large-scale police operation in Mainland China and Taiwan. All the detainees are members of two gangs engaged in Telecommunications fraud. These include not only Chinese but also the citizens of some neighboring countries of Southeast Asia. In total, police have recorded more than 1,800 crimes, and revenue of these telephone scams, according to conservative estimates, tens of millions of dollars. Criminals have created an effective scheme of work, which prevented the police from exposing the entire network. Illegal business quickly developed and spread in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand. Criminals have provided their victims different services: connect to the cellular, Internet, selling lucky numbers, and more. In addition, a separate group, which was engaged in extortion from gullible citizens. For example, the called and demanded to pay a certain sum for the termination of criminal proceedings which never happened. But often the victim of confusion instantly transfer money to those accounts, which were also hidden from the gaze of police. The gang operated a special group, which is engaged exclusively in banking matters and money laundering. Despite the fact that Taiwan is officially Chinas territory, there still has its own laws, its police, in general, people live their life different from Beijing. In one case, the organizer of the gang a resident of Taiwan, hiding from the Taiwanese police moved to the mainland, rent a foreign server, and performed a variety of frauds, the Taiwan police for a long time failed to detect the offender. Nevertheless, after the establishment of the interaction mechanism between law enforcement authorities in Beijing and Taipei, Taiwan police were able to catch the offender. The organizer was discovered in the southeastern province of Fujian. Mainland and Taiwan have Caught 800 Scammersadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends the 25th China-ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nov. 11, 2022.(Photo: Xinhua) Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday attended the 25th China-ASEAN Summit, during which he called for enhancing cooperation with ASEAN countries, and jointly maintaining regional peace and stability.Li said that in November last year, the two sides held a special summit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and formally inaugurated a comprehensive strategic partnership.At that summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed jointly building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home, he recalled.The regional and international environments are undergoing profound and complex changes with rising uncertainties and destabilizing factors, he said.He said that China and ASEAN are comprehensive strategic partners with a shared future, and have stood together through thick and thin. "Picking sides should not have to be our choice. Openness and cooperation are the viable way in meeting our common challenges."China, he said, will continue to take ASEAN as a high priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, and will all along support ASEAN's community-building as well as ASEAN centrality in East Asian cooperation, he said.China stands ready to work with ASEAN to stay focused on development and cooperation, and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, he added.To this end, Li made a series of proposals.Both sides need to forge a stronger consensus on development cooperation and better synergize their development strategies, he said, calling for improving the quality and efficiency of their practical cooperation.China will set up a special loan on China-ASEAN common development to intensify cooperation on post-pandemic recovery, he said.Calling for bolstering the drivers for development, Li said both sides need to further tap the potentials of cooperation.Trade between China and ASEAN has grown against the odds of COVID-19 in the past three years, he said, adding that they have become each other's largest trading partner.Since the two sides have jointly announced the official launch of negotiations on a new round of upgrade of their free trade area, Li called on China and ASEAN to use this opportunity to raise the quality and level of trade and investment cooperation.The Chinese premier also urged China and ASEAN to consolidate the underlying support for development, including accelerating the establishment of the China-ASEAN Public Health Research and Development Collaborating Center.Over the past two decades, by committing to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), China and ASEAN countries have gradually identified an effective pathway for enhancing trust and managing differences, gained good experience of dialogue, cooperation, and joint governance, and maintained overall peace and stability in the South China Sea, Li said.China welcomes the release of the Joint Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the DOC at this meeting and highly commends the positive progress made in the Code of Conduct(COC) consultations, he said.He said "we have full confidence, wisdom and capacity to take the key to the South China Sea issue firmly in our own hands."China stands ready to work with ASEAN countries to properly handle the South China Sea issue in keeping with the international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and on the basis of mutual respect, he said."Together, we could serve as the defender of peace, builder of friendship and champion of cooperation in the South China Sea," Li said.Li said that China will keep to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development, remain committed to an independent foreign policy of peace, to peaceful development and to the fundamental national policy of opening-up, and work to grow friendship and cooperation with all countries.On this platform, China has proposed more than 160 important cooperation initiatives in the last 10 years, and more than 99.5 percent of them have been implemented, Li said.Noting that China-ASEAN relationship benefits both sides, Li said China and ASEAN are good neighbors who will always be there for each other, good friends that can be counted on, and good partners that no one can set apart.He expressed his confidence in the future of this relationship, saying he is sure that the friendship and cooperation will enjoy broader prospects, and the region will see an even brighter future.Leaders of ASEAN countries attending the meeting said that China's sustainable development has made important contribution to the common prosperity of the region.Over the past more than three decades, ASEAN-China relations have produced fruitful results on the basis of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, becoming the most dynamic relationship among ASEAN dialogue partners and setting a good example of regional cooperation, they said, adding that the relations have made important contribution to regional and world stability and prosperity.ASEAN highly appreciates China's continued support for ASEAN centrality and unity, and thanks China's tremendous help in fighting the pandemic, they said.ASEAN is ready to further tap cooperation potential with China, upgrade the ASEAN-China free trade area, and expand cooperation in digital economy, infrastructure, information and communications, ecological and environmental protection, food security, education and culture, and other areas, so as to push forward the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership, they said.ASEAN is committed to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), commends the progress made in the consultations on the COC in the South China Sea, and looks forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC consistent with international law, they said. Chinese investors are showing an increasing interest to acquire holiday houses in Cyprus,nfl 100pc poker chips Cypriot Commerce and Tourism Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis said on Tuesday. Many Chinese have bought a holiday home with a view of obtaining a permanent residence permit, Sylikiotis said. He added that there have been dozens of such cases recently. Sylikiotis said this interest by Chinese people in buying houses in Cyprus will help the recovery of the construction sector, which is now in a deep recession that has sent unemployment rate to an unprecedented level of 10.8 percent in May. He said that the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) was in China recently to promote real estate in Cyprus. Cyprus tries to attract foreign investments to help it face an economic crisis which has forced it to apply for emergency funds from the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). EU and IMF technocrats will continue consultations with appropriate Cypriot authorities through August in an effort to hammer out an agreement on an austerity bailout program which will open the way to urgently needed funding for the public sector and for recapitalizing the banking system. An estimated amount of up to 11 billion euros (13.5 billion U.S. dollars) is needed just to help the countrys two largest banks raise their core tier 1 capital to a 90-percent level required by the EU. Finance Minister Vassos Shiarly acknowledged on Tuesday that there are deep differences on certain aspects of the austerity package as the international negotiators are asking for deep salary and pension cuts. However, Shiarly said he hoped discussion on the adjustment program will be completed in September or October at the latest. Xinhua Chinese interested in buying holiday houses in Cyprusadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The Bashar al-Assad regime has become increasingly isolated. After the Arab League confirmed the suspension of Syria, Thursday the traditional allies of Damascus, Russia and China expressed concern about the ongoing crisis and called for the immediate opening of a dialogue between Syrian authorities and the opposition. All this is very much like a civil war, said Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, referring to an attack Wednesday by the Syrian army, made up of deserters from the army determined to bring down the regime. These deserters fired rockets at a military base near Damascus, operation showing that the crisis could turn into armed conflict. Stating that violence does not come as authorities, Sergei Lavrov urged the Syrian regime and the opposition to stop fighting and negotiate, suggesting talks in Cairo, the headquarters of the Arab League. Officials at the Syrian opposition, which met Lavrov Tuesday, however, assured that he would not talk with President Bashar al-Assad. More and more weapons are smuggled from foreign states, Lavrov also considered. Earlier this week, he suggested that Western countries aggravated the problems in Syria. When people hear the statements of inflexible Washington and Brussels saying that it should not be any dialogue (with Assad) and he should resign, it obviously does not move towards constructive discussions. In Paris, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday that it is not the democratic aspirations of the Syrian population that threaten the stability of Syria and the region, but the refusal of the regime in Damascus of any developments and any real dialogue and the brutal repression that leads into a headlong dead end. In October, Moscow and Beijing had vetoed a resolution of the Security Council of the UN that threatened new sanctions to Syria. But Thursday, the spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liu Weimin suggested the possibility that Beijing supports a resolution of its kind in the future. It depends on whether these actions will help ease tensions in Syria and facilitate the resolution of disputes through political dialogue, he said, calling on both warring parties to work together. Also Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, and the local coordination committee said that five civilians, including a nine year old girl, were killed in raids by security forces in central, eastern and northern Syria. Russia and China call for dialogue to resolve the crisis in Syriaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The container-type sea defense combat system is exhibited at Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. Photo: Fan Wei/GT China's leading missile developer exhibited a container-type sea defense combat system at the ongoing Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, which could effectively improve the defense capabilities of coastal countries for its outstanding mobility and capability to disguise itself. Various missiles developed by CASIC are on display at Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. Photo: Fan Wei/GT The above two types of anti-ship missiles are some of the star coastal defense missile weapon systems developed by CAISC on display at the air show. At the exhibition hall, the Global Times reporters saw an anti-ship missile launch system in the shape of a container with naval camouflage, which was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), the country's largest manufacturer of cruise missiles. The container is about 13 meters long, 2.3 meters wide and 2.5 meters high.The Global Times learned from the corporation that the missile launch system can integrate an operating station, a power station and missile launchers into the container.A representative from the No.3 Research Institute under CASIC told the Global Times at the airshow that the missile launch system, no matter what platform it is mounted on, does not need an external power source. Its own power supply can fully meet the operational needs."The launch system can connect with various independent detection and command units such as early warning aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft and shore-based radars. It could receive target information from those external sources through encrypted data," he said.According to the representative, based on the information from the detection unit, the command unit could formulate a combat plan automatically. The command unit then sends the instructions to the launch system. The detection unit and command unit can also provide operational information support for the launch system. After making some adjustments, the operators then confirm the plan and send the order to each station as well as the firing parameters to each launch unit."The launch system does not require a lot of personnel. It only takes four people to complete the whole launch process," the representative said.The Global Times reporters noted that the launch system on display adopts a quadruple mounting method, which can simultaneously carry four YJ-12E supersonic anti-ship missiles. In addition, the launch system can optionally be equipped with four YJ-18E anti-ship missiles, as well as other types of anti-ship missile weapon systems, reflecting its strong compatibility.Among them, the YJ-12E supersonic anti-ship missile can reach Mach 3 and has a range of 290 kilometers. Compared with the usual subsonic anti-ship missile, YJ-12E has an advanced flight speed and strong penetration ability, which makes it an effective weapon to break through hostile missile defense system.Meanwhile, it has the advantages of high accuracy, outstanding damage output and low life cycle cost. It is mainly used to attack large and medium-sized surface vessels and high-value targets on the ground. This standoff weapon is highly disguisable, could operate actively and respond in a short time. It is a powerful weapon to achieve long-range, rapid and precise attack on high-value targets.The YJ-18E anti-ship missile adopts a system of "subsonic cruise plus supersonic strike," taking into account the unique advantages of long range during subsonic flight and final supersonic attack. The missile can covertly strike large and medium-sized surface vessels and formations at a long distance, and at the same time has the ability to attack small ships and fixed targets on land.The missile is designed for hidden attacks, can travel long distances, has high damage output and is easy to use. It has a maximum range of nearly 300 kilometers, leading the international market. Using advanced flight altitude control technology, it can fly close to the sea at ultra-low altitude, and choose the appropriate attack route and attack mode according to the specific battle scenario.The terminal stage of the missile can effectively break through enemy defenses. The missile's seeker has a variety of guidance modes and is capable of precision strikes against multiple targets at sea and on land through modular retooling. A single hit can heavily damage or sink a typical ship target.According to a CAISC representative, the container-type sea defense combat system can be mixed with the YJ-12E supersonic anti-ship missile and YJ-18E anti-ship missile or other types of anti-ship missile. However, to achieve the best strike effect, the most ideal way is to simultaneously deploy YJ-12E supersonic anti-ship missile and YJ-18E anti-ship missile."The container-type launch system can change its firing angle at will, or even launch the missile vertically," the representative said.The Global Times learned from the corporation that the missile launch system can be loaded on heavy trucks, becoming a set of maneuverable shore-to-ship missile launching system. It can also be used in the upgrades of old warships."This weapon system, if deployed ashore, will effectively enhance a country's defense capability to safeguard its exclusive economic zone," the Global Times was told. The Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Monday that China supports the accession of Palestine to the UN and the efforts to find a two-state solution through political negotiations. Yang made the remarks during the general debate of the General Assembly of the UN. China has always supported the just cause of establishing an independent Palestinian state and the accession of Palestine to the UN, said Mr Yang. We support efforts to find a two-state solution through political negotiations to determine, based on 1967 borders, an independent state paelestinien enjoys full sovereignty and with East Jerusalem as its capital, said the head of Chinas diplomacy. The two-state solution, supported largely by the international community, means a Palestinian state living in peace with Israel in security, he added. We believe that progress should be made in parallel in the negotiations between Israel and Syria and the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East and peaceful coexistence between Arab countries and Israel, says Yang. We hope the international community and relevant parties will make unremitting efforts to this end and to advance the peace process in the Middle East, he said. Despite growing pressure, including threats from the United States to veto, the president of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on Friday filed to the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon the application for membership of the Palestine at the UN. The Security Council of the UN must begin to consider the request of Palestinian. China Supports the Accession of Palestine to the UNadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Mark Levin: There was never going to be a red wave closeVideo Fox News' Mark Levin gives his take on why the red wave never materialized for the Republicans on 'Life, Liberty & Levin.' "Life, Liberty & Levin" host Mark Levin addressed the Republicans' underwhelming performance in last week's midterm elections in his opening monologue Sunday, telling viewers that the expected GOP gains were "mathematically impossible" and never indicated a "red wave," despite polling and predictions. "I noticed that many of the same people who were wrong about a red wave are now telling us what to think about a non-red wave. The experts, the consultants, the ruling class, the media, the politicians. We need to think for ourselves, enough of the static," the host said over the weekend. "I said before the election, and I said repeatedly here and on radio: Forget about the red wave. Forget about a red tsunami. Forget about Armageddon and vote." In the Senate, Republicans had to defend 20 of the 34 seats up for re-election. To win the majority, Republicans would have had to "tap into" the 14 Democrat incumbent seats, the host explained. MARK LEVIN WARNS AMERICAN LIFE IS COMPLETELY OPPOSITE OF WHAT FOUNDERS INTENDED "Life, Liberty & Levin" host Mark Levin (screenshot) "That was a tall hill to climb. And this is one of the reasons I wasn't on this red-wave bandwagon so fast," he said. "I needed to think about it. 2024. This is the key. The next election cycle, 33 seats are up. Now, listen to this. Two-thirds of them are Democrat seats. So the Democrats have to defend 23 Senate seats. The Republicans have to defend only ten." 2022 MIDTERM ELECTIONS: LIVE UPDATES "So," he continued, "the math in 2022 never really led to a red wave possibility and the math in 2024, it does lead to a red wave possibility. Does that mean there will be one? Of course not. But I'm just explaining the math, the simple math. We had about 60% of the seats up. They have almost 70% of the seats up in the next round. So what does that mean? Democrats needed to have some serious gains in the Senate last week to stave off a disaster in 2024. They failed miserably." Levin said the suggestion that the GOP would flip six Senate seats "was never going to happen. "It was a mathematical impossibility," he argued. While the GOP "fell short" in the House, "it's very likely the Republicans will, in fact, take the House, [though] by a much smaller number," Levin said. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks to reporters following a Republican caucus at the Capitol in Washington. (AP) MARK LEVIN SUGGESTS THAT FOR DEMOCRATS, THE ELECTION IS ABOUT TEARING THIS COUNTRY APART "They'll appoint the speaker. They'll control the committees. Look, in the lead up to the election, pollsters, consultants, Republican operatives and D.C. commentators were talking about a red wave as if it had already occurred. What they based it on was flawed and inaccurate," he said. Looking ahead to 2024, Levin said Republicans have a much higher chance of pulling off a true "red wave" than than they did in last week's midterms. "In 2024, [Democrats are] in a horrendous situation when two-thirds of the Senate seats that are up are Democrat seats, and they're [now] celebrating that they only lost the House by a relative few votes, but they lost the House. And the GOP can now block these radical kook programs that Biden's pushing. They can conduct investigations. They can do what they need to do, and they damn well better. But is this good enough? No, it's not good enough," he went on. "If the Republicans allow the same D.C. establishment, many of whom you see on TV all the time, telling you how smart they are and they know everything, if they allow them to control the agenda and the money, the future is bleak," Levin said. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, alongside Republican House leadership, holds a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, June 9, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "The message out of this is, listen to the Washington experts, the Washington establishment, the Washington politicians and the Republican Party will get smeared. I want you to think for yourself," he told viewers. "Don't let these people think for you." "If people govern like conservatives, the Senate will be mathematically positioned for Republicans to have big gains" in 2024, Levin concluded. Yael Halon is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected]. The negotiations of the UN Security Council on a resolution against the Syrian regime have not yielded any concrete result. The UN ambassadors of the 15 member countries deliberated into the night over a weakened text of the four Europeans, however, the veto power of Russia remained their first No. Even China, India, Brazil and South Africa, which together with Russia known as the Brics countries, the European initiative so far fail their consent. Moscow strictly opposes sanctions against Damascus and against the threat of sanctions in the text of the four EU countries. Germany, Great Britain, France and Portugal hope to bring the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, at least with the announcement of sanctions to stop the violent action against demonstrators. According to the UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay, the highest UN body should consider to investigate the actions of the Syrian leadership through the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The once-required travel bans and account lockouts for the heads of the Assad regime were already off the table. The Syrian government uses brutal violence against the opposition for months. According to human rights groups, about 2700 people have been killed. The UN had said of 1900 deaths a month ago. UN Security Council is Struggling to Syria Resolutionadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China will build a testing and certification network for its Beidou satellite navigation system over the next three years to sharpen the systems global competitiveness, according to a Friday statement from the Certification and Accreditation Administration. An authoritative testing and certification system with uniform standards and legal support will secure the Beidou systems safe operation and accelerate its industrialization, said the statement. By 2015, a national testing center will be set up in Beijing, while another seven local sub-centers will be established across the nation, it said. The centers will test the safety and accuracy of products designed for use with the system and qualify them for civilian use. China began to construct the Beidou system in 2000 with a goal of breaking its dependence on the US Global Positioning System by 2020. Authorities plan to launch a total of 30 satellites to complete the system, with the 12th and 13th satellites being launched at the end of April. The system is scheduled to provide comprehensive services, including navigation, positioning, mapping and time services, to clients in the Asia-Pacific region at the end of this year. The Beidou system has been used by 120,000 civilian and military users to date, according to the statement. Xinhua Beidou navigation system to have test networkadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Greg Gutfeld: Let's check in on Elon Musk closeVideo Greg Gutfeld and his guests weigh in on Elon Musk's Twitter takeover and the downfall of FTX on 'Gutfeld!' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Happy Tuesday, everyone. You know, I have to say, this is the best looking audience we have had so far. Yummy. There's more tens than in the Christmas cards I give my staff. They smile so much when they open it. But you people at home can't see this audience. But trust me, it's like looking at a sea of Larry Kudlow's. The only man who can make sock garters sexy. But speaking of rich people, let's check in on Elon Musk, who may just be the best tweeter since Trump. It began Sunday with Musk tweeting about Twitter being super slow in other countries. That's when a Twitter engineer called out the Musk tweet, adding, quote, "I have spent six years working on Twitter. I could say this is wrong." When someone pointed out you probably shouldn't call out your boss publicly, he kept going. And that's when Musk hit back, "He's fired." Well, now, if you don't find that hilarious, then you're not my friend and you've never fired anyone who really deserves it. It's why I had a trap door installed in my office and hired a contractor who could keep a secret. But if I tweeted about how I run this show, I'd probably be arrested, possibly for murder. If you guys had any idea what I spent on bleach and rope alone last month, and that's just on the interns who made eye contact. GREG GUTFELD: RECREATIONAL DRUG USE IN US IS LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE But for Musk, it only gets better. On Sunday, he announced plans to end free lunches at Twitter headquarters, saying the meals cost the company 13 million bucks a year. That's still $2 million less than "The View" spends on feeding Joy Behar. Hey, they don't like Joy. The problem was no one was coming to the office, and that was driving up the cost. They were throwing food away like it had been cooked by Kat. But Musk making a sound business call made him even more evil. One Democrat activist wrote, quote, "He fired three fourths of the employees. Now he's planning to starve the rest of them." Yeah, yeah. They're all going to die because their bosses won't cover their sushi. What lame-o's? Here's a tip. You want a free lunch? Then, brown bag it, you losers. It's what my staff does. It's great. I just take a bite from each one of their sandwiches. I haven't bought a lunch in years. They all got hepatitis. And what does Elon know about business, anyway? I mean, he's just the world's richest man. Unlike some unemployed 32-year old activist moaning on Twitter about food. The bottom line, it's great watching someone run a company with full transparency. He does everything with the door open. Like when Doocy uses the bathroom on the plane. Even more, Musk is willing to ask seemingly obvious questions that no one ever had the guts to ask. Does that remind you of anyone? Yeah. When Trump was in charge, he would question everything from trade with China to the water pressure of showers. [VIDEO] DONALD TRUMP:But how about the shower? You go into a shower and I have this beautiful head of hair. You turn on the water. Drip, drip, drip. And the water comes dripping out, just dripping out very quietly. So what do you do? You just stand there longer. You take a shower longer. Because my hair. I don't know about you, but it has to be perfect. He sounds like Joe talking about taking a leak. Oh. But no wonder Musk has taken Trump's place as the Left's top target. The only difference is Musk can't run for president, which is probably a good thing for the Dems, because he'd probably win. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP And speaking of the Dems, oddly, they're obsessed with bringing Musk down, but they don't seem to care about the Bitcoin bandit, Sam Bankman-Fried. The founder of a crypto exchange called FTX, resigned last week after his company went belly up quicker than a five-year old's goldfish. So why no concern over him? Why haven't you heard of him until now? Well, he was Biden's second biggest donor and pumped millions into the Democratic Party. So imagine that coincidence. But it turns out he used his crypto company to borrow real dollars that he couldn't pay back. Reuters reported that between one and $2 billion of customer funds are gone, but not before the Dems spent $40 million of his money just in time for the midterms. Yeah, the timing is impeccable. Kind of like vanishing a story on the Biden family before the 2020 election. You know, I'm sensing a pattern here. So now his company is under investigation for a scam that could make Bernie Madoff look like an Eagle Scout. And where is the media? Well, they suspended their skepticism when it was so obvious this guy's a clown. [VIDEO] NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:Sam is not a traditional billionaire because he believes in the concept of earn to give. SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:Earning to give is thinking about which causes, which charity save the most lives per dollar. NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:Next year, he's planning to donate $500 million a year. And next decade, he will probably give away more than $10 billion. And he is funding everything you can think of. Global warming. SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:It's one of the biggest problems that we have to tackle together as a world. NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:COVID 19 preparedness. SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:We have to be ready for the next pandemic. NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:And of course, animal welfare. SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:Animals deserve to live just like we do. It's also why I'm vegan. Dude. If you're that rich, buy a bra. Oh, my God. Terrible. It's not body-shaming. I'm just concerned. Now, if you believe anything that fruitcake says, maybe you should lose all your money. But he tricked them all with the right virtue signals. You've heard them. The right left-wing causes and all the right cash. So will the media have any interest in digging further into a story filled with sex, drugs and corruption? Well, maybe they should read Harris Faulkner's new book. I want to talk about it, but who am I kidding? The media has about as much chance of covering that story as a belly shirt does Jerry Nadler's navel. Greg Gutfeld currently serves as host of FOX News Channel's (FNC) "Gutfeld!" (weekdays 11PM/ET) and co-host of "The Five" (weekdays 5PM/ET). He joined the network in 2007 as a contributor. He is the author of several books. His latest is "The Plus: Self-Help for People Who Hate Self-Help." Click here for more information on Greg Gutfeld. Thenfl playoff games point spread total of confirmed cases of human infection of the H7N9 avian influenza in China has risen to 49, as six new cases, including the first one in Beijing, were reported on Saturday. During the 24-hour period ending 5 p.m. on Saturday, China confirmed six new infections, with one each in Beijing and Shanghai, and two each in eastern provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, authorities said. Citing test results from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention early Saturday, Beijing authorities announced that a seven-year-old girl from the citys northeast suburbs district of Shunyi was confirmed as infected by the H7N9 bird flu virus. The child is being treated at Beijing Ditan Hospital and is in stable condition, according to officials at a press briefing. The girls parents, the only ones she has had close contact with, have been placed under medical observation and have not shown any flu symptoms. The couple were engaged in live poultry trade in Shunyi. This is the first time the H7N9 virus has been found in a human outside east China. China officially confirmed the first human infections of the H7N9 virus late last month. Shanghai and the three provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui had been the only locations of infection until the Beijing case. In Shanghai, a 56-year-old patient surnamed Gu, whose wife died of the H7N9 bird flu on April 3, was confirmed on Saturday as infected by the virus. There has been no sufficient evidence to indicate that Gu acquired the virus from his wife, said the National Health and Family Planning Commission in an update on the countrys H7N9 cases. Wu Fan, director with the Shanghai Municipal Disease Prevention and Control Center, also said no evidence showed that the virus is capable of transmissible among humans. So far, a total of 21 cases have been reported in Shanghai. The neighboring Zhejiang Province on Saturday confirmed two men aged 65 and 38 respectively as H7N9 cases, bringing the total in the province to 11. Two cases were also confirmed the same day in the Jiangsu Province, where the total number of infections has reached 14. Elsewhere, Anhui Province has reported two cases. The new bird flu has killed eleven people in east China, with seven in Shanghai, two in Zhejiang and one each in Jiangsu and Anhui, according to official figures. Those who have had close contact with people infected by H7N9 have been placed under medical observation and have exhibited no abnormal symptoms, according to officials. Xinhua H7N9 infections total rises to 49, as Beijing reports first caseadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The non-public economic entities of Lidu New Zone, Fuling District, Chongqing in 2011 realized added value of 19.5 billion yuan, occupying 55% of the GDP with the support of policies. In 2012, Lidu New Zone further implemented getting rich by starting a business project, encouraging people to run their own businesses and propelling the development of small and micro enterprises and striving to achieve non-public economic added value of 22 billion yuan. Dai Liu Chongqing raises added value of non-public sector of economyadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Biden's border failures forced Arizona to build its own wall, Yuma official says closeVideo A Yuma County Supervisor explained how the shipping containers the Governor used to fill gaps in the U.S.-Mexico border wall have limited migrant crossings YUMA, Ariz. The shipping containers used to fill the border wall's gaps in Arizona have forced migrants to enter the U.S. through legitimate ports of entry, which has eased the strain on an overwhelmed Border Patrol, a border town official told Fox News. "We had thousands of people coming through this area on a daily basis," a Yuma county supervisor, Jonathan Lines, told Fox News. "They would be in a residential neighborhood within less than a mile of crossing in this area." "Because of the governor's action we dont have that anymore," Lines said. "Not very many people are excited about trying to scale the containers, especially with the barbed wire over the top of it." WATCH A YUMA OFFICIAL EXPLAIN HOW ARIZONA'S SHIPPING CONTAINERS LIMIT MIGRANT TRAFFIC: Video WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE Gov. Doug Ducey plugged gaps in the border wall with shipping containers over the summer and argue that the move was necessary because of the White House's inaction on immigration. The Biden administration accused Ducey of trespassing and ordered the Arizona Republican to remove the containers. The governor filed a lawsuit in response. The container wall has allowed Border Patrol to focus its manpower elsewhere and has given the agents an"operational advantage," Lines told Fox News. BIDEN ADMIN ACCUSES ARIZONA OF TRESPASSING BY BUILDING BARRIER ON US-MEXICO BORDER SEE WHAT ARIZONANS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE BARRIERS ALONG THE BORDER: Video "Had the administration done its job, then Gov. Ducey would not have had to have acted with the legislature using state resources instead of the federally funded wall that we had already paid for," Lines said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP President Biden halted the construction of the border wall in January 2021, leaving border wall unfinished. "I don't want to speak for Gov. Ducey, but he is committed to keeping those containers in place until the federal government steps up and does its job," Lines said. Katie Hobbs, the state's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, said she would remove the containers if she wins her election. Hobbs leads her Republican opponent, Kari Lake, 50.5%-49.5% with 93% reporting in the undecided race, according to the Fox News Decision desk. To hear more from Jonathan Lines on the effectiveness of the shipping containers filling the wall, click here. Megan Myers is an associate producer/writer with Fox News Digital Originals. Beijing police have increased helicopter patrols since May as an anti-terror precaution, according to the municipal public security authorities. Yang Dongfeng, captain of the air police team, said eight patrol routes cover almost all transport hubs, major urban centers, open markets, parks and checkpoints on highway entrances to Beijing. The Beijing helicopter police team was formed in 2007 for the Olympic Games and now has nine pilots and five helicopters. Five other new pilots are being trained abroad. The air police collect evidence, trail criminal suspects, support ground operations in combating terrorism, transfer policemen and facilities and assist traffic control. With helicopter monitoring, we can see the moves of suspects and even vehicle registration plates from the sky, said Yang. Besides the public security mission, the team also take part in environmental monitoring, aerial surveys and mapping, added Yang. Following recent terrorist attacks, China has increased armed patrols and reinforced public security. Besides increased air patrols, Beijing has more armed patrol vehicles and police dogs on the streets. Xinhua Beijing increases air patrols to combat terrorismadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The proposed cross-strait investment protection agreement will provide comprehensive and institutionalized protection to firms operating on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and spur bilateral business activity, according to the Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan Aug. 3. Set to be concluded Aug. 9 in Taipei City by Chiang Pin-kung, chairman of Taipei-based Straits Exchange Foundation and his Beijing counterpart Chen Yunlin, head of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, the pact is expected to take effect by year-end following ROC legislative approval. MAC Minister Lai Shin-yuan said as mainland China is the top destination for outbound Taiwan investment, the agreement will establish an institutionalized framework for protecting the commercial rights of ROC nationals based on the other side of the strait. The pact covers Taiwan firms making direct and indirect investment in mainland China, Lai said. It also takes into account the fact that nearly half of these firms operate through a third party in another country or territory, she added. In addition to safeguarding investor commercial rights, the agreement also stipulates protection of their personal safety. If Taiwan investors or their employees and dependents are detained, mainland Chinese authorities are required to notify family members within 24 hours. Another distinctive feature is a clause prescribing the settlement of disputes between firms from the two sides. Taiwan first proposed the pact in May 1995 during consultations before the second round of talks between then SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu and his counterpart Wang Daohan. The idea was put on ice due to political issues that affected cross-strait relations at the time, the MAC said. The agreement was revisited in June 2008 by Taiwan, but little progress was made largely stemming from complications surrounding the issue of dispute settlement. We will continue consulting with the Legislature, relevant central government agencies, academics and the private sector on the pact to ensure that its implementation is in the best interest of the people of Taiwan, Lai said. Meg Chang Taiwan Today MAC of Taiwan outlines investment protection pactadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline A tech-savvy Finnish teenager who defrauded a Malta-based online casino out of 138,000was given on Monday a suspended sentence of one year and eight months, local news outlet Ylereported. The young mans parents were charged with money laundering and were too slapped with suspended sentences. All three sentences are yet to be enforced as the defendants have the right to appeal the courts rulings, Yleadded in a Monday article on the topic. As Casino News Dailyreported last month citing Yle, the observant teen was found to have spotted and exploited a technical glitchat an unnamed online casino, based and licensed in Malta. The gaming operations system was set up to allow customers to cancel the return of their funds and to receive their refund into an online wallet or their bank accounts. The young individual, who hails from Forssa, Finland, opened an account with the casino using fake information, more specifically a fake date of birth, and was reportedly able to take advantage of the technical bug for over a month. Over the course of that period, he managed to transfer more than 138,000 in casino funds into his personal bank account. According to prosecutors, the teenager, who was aged 16 at the time, managed to carry out 417 transactions in the period between April and May 2017. The fraud was discovered by an employee of the casino in July 2017. Teenagers Parents Found Guilty of Money Laundering The teenager, now aged 18, appeared Monday before the Hame District Court to hear his sentence. He was charged with aggravated fraud as a minor and was given a suspended sentence of one year and eight months. He will also have to pay back the 138,000 he transferred from the casino and to cover the casino owners legal fees of 3,000. The teenagers parents were, too, found to have been involved in their sons actions. According to court filings, investigators have found 14,500in money transferred from the casino in the bank account of the young mans father. The parent was slapped yesterday with a suspended sentence of five months for aggravated money laundering. The teenagers mother was given a more lenient 60-day suspended sentence for money laundering after she was discovered to have been transferred 2,300 from the stolen moneyinto her personal bank account and to have been in possession of a 5,000 motorcycle believed to have been obtained with a portion of the stolen money. She was also ordered to repay the ill-gotten gains. As mentioned above, all three defendants will be able to appeal the charges and sentences. It is yet to be seen whether they would indeed appeal the courts ruling from yesterday. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the days top casino news stories. Who Was Karl Marx?platinum private club bavaro princess Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a philosopher, author, social theorist, and economist. He is famous for his theories about capitalism, socialism, and communism. Marx, in conjunction with Friedrich Engels, published The Communist Manifesto in 1848; later in life, he wrote Das Kapital (the first volume was published in Berlin in 1867; the second and third volumes were published posthumously in 1885 and 1894, respectively), which discussed the labor theory of value. Key Takeaways Karl Marx was a prominent thinker who wrote on topics related to economics, political economy, and society. Born in Germany, Marx spent much of his time in London, where he wrote many famous works including The Communist Manifestoand Capital (Das Kapital). Marx often collaborated with long-time friend and social theorist Friedrich Engels. Marx is known for his revolutionary writings favoring socialism and a communist revolution. While Marxism and Marxian economics has been largely rejected by the mainstream today, many of Marx's critiques of capitalism remain relevant today. Investopedia / Joshua Seong Early Life and Education Born in Trier, Prussia (now Germany), on May 5, 1818, Marx was the son of a successful Jewish lawyer who converted to Lutheranism before Marxs birth. Marx studied law in Bonn and Berlin, and at Berlin, was introduced to the philosophy of G.W.F. Hegel. He became involved in radicalism at a young age through the Young Hegelians, a group of students who criticized the political and religious establishments of the day. Marx received his doctorate from the University of Jena in 1841. His radical beliefs prevented him from securing a teaching position, so instead, he took a job as a journalist and later became the editor of Rheinische Zeitung, a liberal newspaper in Cologne. After living in Prussia, Marx lived in France for some time, and that is where he met his lifelong friend Friedrich Engels. He was expelled from France and then lived for a brief period in Belgium before moving to London where he spent the rest of his life with his wife. Marx died of bronchitis and pleurisy in London on March 14, 1883, and was buried at Highgate Cemetery in London. His original grave was nondescript, but in 1954, the Communist Party of Great Britain unveiled a large tombstone, including a bust of Marx and the inscription "Workers of all Lands Unite," an Anglicized interpretation of the famous phrase in The Communist Manifesto: "Proletarians of all countries, unite!" Marx's Theories Marx was inspired by classical political economists such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo, while his own branch of economics, Marxian economics, is not favored among modern mainstream thought. Nevertheless, Marx's ideas have had a huge impact on societies, most prominently in communist projects such as those in the USSR, China, and Cuba. Among modern thinkers, Marx is still very influential in the fields of sociology, political economy, and strands of heterodox economics. In general, Marx claimed there are two major flaws inherent in capitalism that lead to the exploitation of workers by employers: the chaotic nature of free market competition and the extraction of surplus labor. Ultimately, Marx predicted that capitalism would eventually destroy itself as more people become relegated to working-class status, inequality rose, and competition would lead the rate of corporate profits to zero. This would lead, he surmised, to a revolution where production would be turned over to the working class as a whole. Exploitation and Surplus Value While many equate Karl Marx with socialism, his work on understanding capitalism as a social and economic system remains a valid critique in the modern era. In Das Kapital (Capital in English), Marx argues that society is composed of two main classes: Capitalists are the business owners who organize the process of production and who own the means of production such as factories, tools, and raw materials, and who are also entitled to any and all profits. The other, much larger class is composed of labor (which Marx termed the "proletariat"). Laborers do not own or have any claim to the means of production, the finished products they work on, or any of the profits generated from sales of those products. Rather, labor works only in return for a money wage. Marx argued that because of this uneven arrangement, capitalists exploit workers. This exploitation is the reason, according to Marx, that employers are able to generate profits: they extract a full day's worth of effort and production from workers but only pay them a smaller fraction of this value as wages. Marx termed this surplus value and argued that it was nefarious. Labor Theory of Value Like the other classical economists, Karl Marx believed in a labor theory of value (LTV) to explain relative differences in market prices. This theory stated that the value of a produced economic good can be measured objectively by the average number of labor hours required to produce it. In other words, if a table takes twice as long to make as a chair, then the table should be considered twice as valuable. Marx understood the labor theory better than his predecessors (even Adam Smith) and contemporaries, and presented a devastating intellectual challenge to laissez-faire economists in Das Kapital: If goods and services tend to be sold at their true objective labor values as measured in labor hours, how do any capitalists enjoy profits? It must mean, Marx concluded, that capitalists were underpaying or overworking, and thereby exploiting, laborers to drive down the cost of production. While Marx's answer was eventually proved incorrect and later economists adopted the subjective theory of value, his simple assertion was enough to show the weakness of the labor theory's logic and assumptions; Marx unintentionally helped fuel a revolution in economic thinking. Historical Materialism Another important theory developed by Marx is known as historical materialism. This theory posits that society at any given point in time is ordered by the type of technology used in the process of production. Under industrial capitalism, society is so ordered with capitalists organizing labor in factories or offices where they work for wages. Prior to capitalism, Marx suggested that feudalism existed as a specific set of social relations between lord and peasant classes related to the hand-powered or animal-powered means of production prevalent at the time. Marx's Written Works During his lifetime, Karl Marx wrote and published no less than least fifteen complete multi-volume books, along with numerous pamphlets, articles, and essays. He could often be found writing at the reading rooms at London's British Museum. Perhaps his most famous work, The Communist Manifestosummarizes Marx and Engels's theories about the nature of society and politics and is an attempt to explain the goals of Marxism, and, later, socialism. When writing The Communist Manifesto, Marx and Engels explained how they thought capitalism was unsustainable and how the capitalist society that existed at the time of the writing would eventually be replaced by a socialist one. Das Kapital (in English, Capital: A Critique of Political Economy) was a full and comprehensive three-volume critique of capitalism. By far the more academic work, it lays forth Marx's theories on commodities production, labor markets, the social division of labor, and a basic understanding of the rate of return to owners of capital. Marx died before the third volume was finished, which was published posthumously by Engels based largely on Marx's notes. Today, many of the ideas and critiques of capitalism remain relevant, such as the emergence of monopolistic mega-corporations, persistent unemployment, and the general struggle between workers and employers. The exact origins of the term "capitalism" in English are unclear, and it is certain that Marx was not the first to use the word "capitalism" in English, although he contributed to the rise of its use and interest in the concept. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the English word was first used by author William Thackeray in 1854, in his novel The Newcomes, who intended it to mean a sense of concern about personal possessions and money in general. While it's unclear whether either Thackeray or Marx was aware of the other's work, both men meant the word to have a pejorative ring. Adam Smith also famously wrote about the capitalist economic system in his 1776 masterpiece, The Wealth of Nations, and Marx was well aware of Smith's writings. Contemporary Influence Marx's work laid the foundations for future communist leaders such as Vladimir Lenin and Josef Stalin. Operating from the premise that capitalism contained the seeds of its own destruction, his ideas formed the basis of Marxism and served as a theoretical base for communism. Nearly everything Marx wrote was viewed through the lens of the common laborer. From Marx comes the idea that capitalist profits are possible because the value is "stolen" from the workers and transferred to employers. Marxist ideas in their pure form have very few direct adherents in contemporary times; indeed, very few Western thinkers embraced Marxism after 1898, when economist Eugen von Bohm-Bawerk's Karl Marx and the Close of His System was first translated into English. In his damning rebuke, Bohm-Bawerk showed that Marx failed to incorporate capital markets or subjective values in his analysis, nullifying most of his more pronounced conclusions. Still, there are some lessons that even modern economic thinkers can learn from Marx. Though he was the capitalist system's harshest critic, Marx understood that it was far more productive than previous or alternative economic systems. In Das Kapital, he wrote of "capitalist production" that combined "together of various processes into a social whole," which included developing new technologies. He believed all countries should become capitalist and develop that productive capacity, and then workers would naturally revolt, leading communism whereby the workers would become the dominant social class and collectively control the means of production. But, like Adam Smith and David Ricardo before him, Marx predicted that because of capitalism's relentless pursuit of profit by way of competition and technological progress to lower the costs of production, that the rate of profit in an economy would always be falling over time. Economic Change to Social Transformation Dr. James Bradford "Brad" DeLong, professor of economics at UC-Berkeley, wrote in 2011 that Marx's "primary contribution" to economic science actually came in a 10-paragraph stretch ofThe Communist Manifesto, in which he describes how economic growth causes shifts among social classes, often leading to a struggle for political power. This underlies an often unappreciated aspect of economics: the emotions and political activity of the actors involved. A corollary of this argument was later made by French economist Thomas Piketty, who proposed that while nothing was wrong with income inequality in an economic sense, it could create blowback against capitalism among the people. Thus, there is a moral and anthropological consideration of any economic system. The idea that societal structure and transformations from one order to the next can be the result of technological change in how things are produced in an economy is known as historical materialism. What Is Karl Marx's Main Theory? Karl Marxs theories on communism and capitalism formed the basis of Marxism. His key theories were a critique of capitalism and its shortcomings. Marx thought that the capitalistic system would inevitably destroy itself. The oppressed workers would become alienated and ultimately overthrow the owners to take control of the means of production themselves, ushering in a classless society. What Is Karl Marx Best Known for? Karl Marx is best known for his theories that led to the development of Marxism. His ideas also served as the basis for communism. His books, Das Kapital and The Communist Manifestoformed the basis of Marxism. What Is Marxism vs. Communism? Marxism is a system of socioeconomic analysis, while communism is a form of economic production that extends to government or political movements. Marxism is a broad philosophy developed by Karl Marx in the second half of the 19th century that unifies social, political, and economic theory. It is mainly concerned with the battle between the working class and the ownership class and favors communism and socialism over capitalism. The Bottom Line Karl Marx remains controversial, but his writings still remain relevant today. Even as mainstream economics has relegated Marxism as a heterodox school of thought, Marx did have a lot to say about the capitalistic system of production and roundly critiqued it for generating social and wealth inequalities, negative externalities, and class struggle. Ultimately, Marx's predictions about the impending collapse of capitalism and the communist revolutions that would follow proved incorrect. This has led many to discount Marx and Marxian thought. Still, Marx's insights remain influential and inspiring to others. 14 of the 29 Chinese workers abducted Saturday by rebels of Southern Kordofan, Sudan, were released by the Sudanese army, announced the official news agency SUNA on Monday. The forces of the Sudanese army had managed to free 14 Chinese employees, reported the agency, citing the state governor, Ahmad Arun. Ahmad Harun said the Chinese workers were healthy and they have been transported to the nearby town of El Obeid in North Kordofan. We did not know the fate of the other 15 Chinese workers. Chinese workers were caught Saturday when rebels attacked an army convoy between Sudan and Rashad Abbassiya in the northeast of the province. Xinhua news agency said on Sunday that these workers worked for Power Construction Corp. of China. Wang Zhiping, a senior official of the company was quoted as saying, over 20 Chinese working on a project to build a road were missing after a rebel attack. 14 kidnapped Chinese were released by the Sudanese armyadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Tucker Carlson: Construction of Obama's temple was halted closeVideo Fox News host Tucker Carlson reacts to a noose being found around the construction of former President Obama's presidential library on 'Tucker Carlson Tonight.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The concept of a presidential library, a shrine to a former president, is a relatively new idea. For the first 150 years of this country's existence, presidents didn't have lavish monuments built to commemorate their rule. The whole notion would have repulsed the men who waged a war with a monarchy to build this country, but starting with FDR, of course, presidential libraries became customary and they've gradually transformed from that from libraries into multimillion dollar temples to hubris. The most recent ex-president to get his very own temple and the biggest of all, of course, is Barack Obama . The total cost of his library clocks in at about half a billion dollars. Construction began last year when Obama demanded that his donors pay for it, but today, construction of the temple was halted because of an emergency. No, not a fire, not a lightning strike. According to the construction company working on the library: "This morning, we were informed that an act of hate was discovered at the project site," and you knew the act of hate was serious because the media went all in. They devoted a lot of time to talking about this on the brink of nuclear war and recession, but the act of hate on the Obama construction site led the news. ARIZONA RANCHER: AFTER MS-13 WALKED THROUGH THE GAP IN THE BORDER WALL, THEY CAME KNOCKING AT MY DOOR Former President Barack Obama speaks after he and former first lady Michelle Obama unveiled their official White House portraits during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (AP ) DON LEMON: Construction at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is suspended after a noose was discovered at the site on Thursday. CBS ANCHOR:An act of hate. A noose is found at the site of the Obama presidential center. CNN REPORTER: A noose was found at the site. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker condemning the hateful act. NORAH ODONNELL, CBS:An ugly, racist symbol was found at the future site of the Obama presidential center. A noose was discovered at the construction site this morning. Operations were halted and the police were called. A $100,000 reward has been offered for information leading to those responsible for what officials described as this shameless act of cowardice and hate. REPUBLICANS SPLIT ON TRUMP'S EFFECT ON LACKLUSTER MIDTERMS AS CONTROL OF CONGRESS HANGS IN BALANCE A lot of huffing and puffing. Have you heard a story like this before? Well, it wasn't that long ago in the middle of a national crime wave, which it has done very little to solve, the FBI rushed a team of agents to a NASCAR garage after a character called Bubba Wallace suggested that a noose had been left in that garage. Turns out the noose was a garage door pole. Here's the interesting thing: Everyone makes mistakes, but mistakes like this never get corrected. Nobody ever apologized for that not the media, not the FBI, and certainly not Bubba Wallace. In fact, Bubba Wallace said that only stupid people would doubt his story even after it was proven to be false. QUESTION: What would you say to those people who are doubting that this even happened or that it's true? BUBBA WALLACE: Yeah, just like Steve Phelps said, it offends me that people would go to those measures, but again, I'm not shocked. Simple-minded people like that, the ones that are afraid of change, they use everything in their power to defend what they stand up for and instead of trying to listen and understand. What? You alleged a crime. Hard to say that's a crime, but whatever, worthy of the attention of the FBI, this is all insane, but you were wrong. Instead of apologizing, you're lecturing people like they're your moral inferiors for asking questions and it was obvious from the beginning that Bubba Wallace's story made no sense. We're not saying he was making it up, but he was wrong, and there is a high likelihood that this noose at Barack Obama's temple might be a hoax, too. FATHER OF MISSING MARYLAND KIDS 'CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC' MOM CATHERINE HOGGLE WILL BE COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL Video A lot of these stories are. Why do they keep appearing? We'll tell you why because accusations of hate crimes and bias more generally, are tools that the people in power use, not the powerless, the powerful, to ward themselves greater and totally unearned moral authority over everybody else. Barack Obama is the perfect example. Oppressed, really? Obama is a half-White guy with an Ivy League degree and served as president of the United States for two terms and lives in two oceanfront compounds in the richest zip codes in the world. Does that sound like oppression? No, it sounds like privilege. That's fine, but no, they tell you he's Emmett Till. He's a powerless victim of your racism. So, when you make allegations like that, nobody gets to ask the obvious questions like, where did you get all this money? Like, how are you making a living? How did you get so rich? What have you been selling in exchange for that money and by the way, why are you spending a half a billion dollars on a presidential library? You don't get to ask those questions because all you know is that somebody left a noose at a construction site because this is an immoral, racist country. All the people below me are bad people. People at the top are good people. The bad people in the bottom are creating a country full of racism that's so pervasive and scary that we have to pause construction on the temple just to catch our breath. Obama's told us many times before this is a bad country. He told us for eight years. ON VETERANS DAY, NEW YORK TEEN HONORS WWII VETERAN WITH MEMORIAL AND PERSONALIZED CREATIONS OBAMA: He knew from his own life that progress is fragile, that we have to be vigilant against the darker currents of this country's history, of our own history, but there are whirlpools of violence and hatred and despair that can always rise again. Bull Connor may be gone, but today we witness with our own eyes police officers kneeling on the necks of Black Americans. "Bull Connor might be gone, but you still exist and you're oppressing everybody else, so we're going to have to oppress you." This latest offense against one of the world's most powerful men is so appalling that the authorities have offered a $100,000 reward to anyone who can find the person who left a noose at Obama's presidential library. $100,000 because we victimized Barack Obama yet again and his wife. What's interesting is, for perspective, is that there's no $100,000 reward outstanding for the, say, thousands of unsolved murders in this country and that's a lot of murders. In fact, roughly half the murders that occur in the United States are now never solved because they're not becoming third worlds or anything. Thomas Hargrove, who runs the Murder Accountability Project, put it this way very crisply: "It's a 50/50 coin-flip. It's never been this bad. During the last seven months of 2020, most murders went unsolved. That's never happened before in America." Now, why is that happening? Because nobody cares. That's why and where are these murders happening? Oh, in Obama's fake hometown of Chicago. A lot of them. ARIZONA DEMOCRAT REP. SUSIE LEE WINS RE-ELECTION IN NEVADA'S 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks about the Affordable Care Act and lowering health care costs for families during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. (Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images) MIKE TOBIN: That mass shooting that we were just talking about is in Chicago, was in the troubled west side of town where the bloodshed is frequent. It happened about 9:30 p.m. local time. People had gathered for a vigil. Police say it was an SUV that pulled up. Two gunmen opened fire and sprayed bullets into the crowd. The whole thing was over in about three seconds. Fourteen people were injured. Witnesses say one man was shot in the head and one person was hit by a car in the chaos, but among the victims are a 3-year-old, an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old boy. The rest of the victims are said to be adults. OK. Does anyone care? No. Nobody in power cares, not at all about any of these crimes, actual crimes. In Nevada, an illegal alien called Carlos Nava, who has been deported seven times, but is still here because the Democratic Party wants his vote, is now facing charges that he raped five people in this country over nearly 20 years. Five people were raped. Did anyone ever offer $100,000 for his arrest or to give to his victims? But we've got $100,000 to spare for whoever tied that piece of string in a forbidden shape of Barack Obama's construction site. Really? Again, if all the moral outrage were directed on behalf of people with no power who are actually suffering (and there are millions of them in America), you could kind of put up with it, but all this huffing and puffing over Barack and Michelle Obama ? Most people don't see them as a color. They see them for what they are, which is the most privileged people in the world and yet Michelle Obama just wrote a whole book about her struggle to "stay visible in a world that doesn't necessarily see a tall, Black woman." What? You don't see Michelle Obama? She was the president's wife for eight years. How much money has Michelle Obama made in the last six years? Oh, you'd love to know, but you're supposed to just accept it uncritically, just like you're supposed to believe the Jussie Smollett hoax. GINGRICH CALLS FOR POSTMORTEM REVIEW OF MIDTERMS, LAUDS GOP FOR REPORTEDLY WINNING POPULAR VOTE ALI VELSHI:We've got some breaking news. Actor and musician Jussie Smollett from the hit show "Empire" was attacked and beaten early this morning in Chicago and police say it could be a hate crime. MIGUEL ALMAGUER: There are many indications of a hate crime here. They are looking for two suspects who were apparently wearing "Make America Great Again" hats. ELLIOT PAGE: We have a media that's saying it's a debate whether or not what just happened to Jussie Smollett is a hate crime. It's absurd. MICHAELA ANGELA DAVIS, WRITER: You know, Jussie Smollett had a noose on his neck just this week. SARAH GILBERT: And the media has really cast so much doubt on his story, which I find so personally offensive that a gay Black man is targeted and then suddenly he becomes the victim of people's disbelief. BROOKE BALDWIN: He said his attackers hurled racial and homophobic slurs at him and this is America in 2019. AIR FORCE VETERAN AND HIS WIFE FACED PTSD HEAD-ON WITH THE HELP OF ALL SECURE FOUNDATION Video This is America in 2019, where the most powerful people are the most frequently victimized and that really is the message is the people in charge, people with power over your life, the people who make the laws, the people who shape your culture, in some cases, people who can put you in jail, certainly, people are paid a lot more than you are. They're the real victims. They're the real victims. So, what are we watching? We're watching a power play, of course. We're watching a transfer of moral authority from the population, a nation of citizens, to the top 1% and as the recession deepens and people get poorer, you're going to see a lot more of this. "Don't notice my looting. I'm the victim." That's why Hillary Clinton plays the sexism card. "Don't ask questions. I'm a woman." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Hillary Clinton at Venice Film Festival (Andreas Rentz) CLINTON:So, any of you who've read my book about what happened know that I think that misogyny and sexism was part of that campaign. It was one of the contributing factors and some of it was old-fashioned sexism and a refusal to accept the equality of women and certainly the equality of women's leadership. Yeah, they all do it. Chelsea Clinton does it. Nancy Pelosi does it, Ocasio-Cortez does it. Kamala Harris does it. The most powerful people in the world are always telling you they're victims. Joe Biden can't do it, of course, because he's a White man so instead, he accuses you of transphobia, thereby keeping the balance of moral authority on his side of the scale. "Shut up, transphobic." Tucker Carlson currently serves as the host of FOX News Channels (FNC) Tucker Carlson Tonight (weekdays 8PM/ET). He joined the network in 2009 as a contributor. Concha, Huckabee react to Trump announcing 2024 presidential run closeVideo Joe Concha, Mike Huckabee, Leo Terrell, and Rep. Jim Jordan join 'Hannity' to sound off on breaking election news. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Former President Donald Trump Tuesday announced his 2024 candidacy for president in a speech that punched hard at Democrats but skipped over his GOP rivals staying on message in a way strikingly different from his traditional rallies. Trump spoke at a moment when many Republicans are distancing themselves from him after lackluster midterm elections for the party. GOP lawmakers, even some traditionally supportive of Trump, hoped he would delay an announcement until after Georgia Senate runoffs, fearing his rhetoric could divide Republicans and drag down GOP candidate Herschel Walker. But Trump's speech, in a tone subdued compared to his traditional campaign rallies, avoided intra-party sniping and denials of the President Biden's 2020 election victory. There was no reference to "Ron DeSanctimonious," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., or other rivals Trump has gone after as recently as the past few days on his "Truth Social" account. Instead, he largely focused on touting himself as the person to fix problems plaguing the U.S. under Biden. Former President Donald Trump speaks at an event announcing his 2024 presidential campaign (Fox News) "America's comeback starts right now," Trump told an enthusiastic crowd that included many members of his inner circle and at various points chanted, "Trump, Trump" and "USA, USA." DONALD TRUMP ANNOUNCED 2024 RE-ELECTION RUN FOR PRESIDENT "In order to make America great and glorious again, I am announcing tonight my candidacy for president of the United States," Trump said. Trump hit on many of his signature issues, including crime, drugs and illegal immigration. He also covered new ground, calling for congressional term limits, regulations on stock trading for federal lawmakers, and lobbying bans for former members of the Cabinet and Congress. Trump slammed Biden on his withdrawal from Afghanistan, alleging that the current president made the U.S. a "laughingstock." And he attacked Biden for the United States' assistance to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Former President Donald Trump announced a 2024 campaign Tuesday. (REUTERS/Emily Elconin) "Perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country," Trump said, referring to Afghanistan. "We lost lives, left Americans behind and surrendered $85 billion of the finest military equipment anywhere in the world. "Unlike Biden possibly getting us into World War III, which can seriously happen," Trump said, "I will keep America out of foolish and unnecessary foreign wars." IVANKA TRUMP SAYS SHE LOVES HER FATHER BUT DOES NOT PLAN TO BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS But he painted an optimistic future of the United States if he's reelected. "I am running because I believe the world has not yet seen the true glory of what this nation can be," Trump said. "We will heal our divisions and bring our people back together through incredible success," he added. "We will shatter the forces of tyranny, and we will unleash the glories of liberty for ourselves and for our children, and for generations yet to come. America's golden age is just ahead." The crowd was filled with Trump loyalists, including Ric Grenell, Roger Stone, Tony Bobulinski, Mike Lindell, Jason Miller, Boris Epshtyn and Devin Nunes. Much of Trump's family was also there, including his wife Melania, his children Lara, Eric and Barron, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump's presidential announcement comes several months before modern White House candidates traditionally announce their presidential bids. The midterms are not even finished, with some House races still uncalled and the Georgia runoff weeks away. President Donald held a rally outside the White House with supporters on January 6, 2021. A mob of Trump's supporters later stormed the Capitol. ((AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)) SEN. TOM COTTON: FAMILY WAS REALLY THE ONLY CONSIDERATION IN HIS DECISION NOT TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2024 Trump Tuesday also veered into some of his previous grievances. He griped that the media hasn't covered the success rate of his congressional endorsements in 2022 and alleged that China interfered in the 2020 election. He attacked Christopher Steele and his discredited dossier, slammed the FBI raid of his home, and complained about subpoenas for members of his family. But Trump generally spent just a few seconds on those issues before getting back on message. He also attacked the use of mail-in ballots but skipped the false stolen election claims that often come when he addresses the topic. Trump first won the presidency in 2016 against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. If he is elected again, he would become only the second president to retake the White House after having been ousted, a feat achieved by Grover Cleveland in 1892. Since his 2020 loss to President Biden, Trump has challenged the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, repeatedly claiming the race was "rigged," due to the COVID pandemic-era process of mail-in ballots. Trump's legal team filed a slew of lawsuits in battleground states across the nation. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The former president was heavily involved in the midterms, throwing his support behind Republican candidates across the nation. During the primaries, the majority of Trump-endorsed candidates were victorious. But many of his most important endorsements struggled and lost in the general elections, including candidates for Senate and governor. Tyler Olson is a reporter covering the Senate for Fox News Digital. Source from the British Prime Ministers Office said that British Foreign Secretary Boris james bond roulette strategy redditJohnson resigned. In response, British Prime Minister Theresa May thanked Johnson for his work. Earlier, the British Brexit Minister David Davis resigned because of dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Teresa Mays Brexit plan too weak and his deputy Steve Baker also resigned. Teresa May held a government cabinet meeting last week to agree on the principle of trade relations with the EU after the Brexit, but there are still major differences in the third road plan of the prime minister within the ruling Conservative Party. The program, regarded as soft Brexit, was accused by the partys Brexit hardliners of too weak and directly led to the worst Brexit black hole, and Britain will be permanently attached to EU law and treaties. Although Davis supported the plan at the cabinet meeting, after weekend considerations and the lobbying of the Bhutan hardliners, he finally expressed his opposition to his resignation, saying that he could not sell his country. On the 9th, British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Dominique Rab as the new Minister of Brexit. After Davis, British Foreign Secretary Johnson also announced his resignationadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Earlier this week, a Chinese factory operated by Taiwan Catcher Technology () in Suzhou has closed due to suspected pollution. This particular plant produced aluminum hulls for Apple laptops and its production would fall by 20% in October, then 40% in November. The company will spend about 4 million dollars to renovate its plant to meet the standards. Catcher Technologies expects to restore its factory in perfect working condition as early as November. Considering the impact of the slowdown in Mac production, this incident also encouraged the company to diversify its sources of production and, perhaps, setup a plant in Taiwan. China suspended the MacBook hulls factory due to pollutionadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai Photo: VCG China's modernization has been an epic journey over the past decades. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China has become an attractive destination for many foreigners. Many such expats in the country have fulfilled their career aspirations, while some have found love and started families in China.Why do they choose to live in China? How do expats in China view and interpret China's achievements and persistence measured from various perspectives?The Global Times interviewed multiple international residents in China from all walks of life, some of whom have made tangible contributions to China's development, to learn about their understanding of the essence of Chinese culture, and gain an insight into how far China has advanced in its pursuit of development and rejuvenation over the last decade.As one intimately familiar with the China International Import Expo (CIIE), a world-class international business platform, 33-year-old Kuno Gschwend, general manager of Swiss Centers China (SCC), busily put final touches to the expo venue two days ahead of the expo's opening.Thanks to his rich experience in attending the event, Gschwend is quite familiar with the entire organizational process in arranging relevant activities right down to booth design. "I'm happy to see that even though the pandemic has had some influence, the CIIE has remained open," Gschwend told the Global Times."Since the beginning, the CIIE has been a sign of China's willingness to cooperate and trade with the world," Gschwend said. "It's for China to show how imported products are important to the market and that it's willing to provide such an opportunity."With increased focus on premium goods from a longer list of global heavyweights, a total of 145 participatory countries, regions, and international organizations have signed up for the fifth annual CIIE expo, according to the CIIE organizer, and the platform increasingly shows its importance in the global market.Spearheading SCC service delivery to Swiss businesses entering the Chinese as well as Asian markets, Gschwend expects to introduce more Swiss products to Chinese consumers and elevate Swiss company branding in the region. Its 136-square-meter booth at the CIIE showcased 20 Swiss brands, mostly from the food and beverage industry.Despite global downturns fueled by the pandemic, trading between Switzerland and China remained largely unscathed.The business administration degree holder is also quadrilingual, boasting fluency in German, French, English, and Chinese, all of which have helped accelerate Gschwend's career trajectory.In 2019, Gschwend attended his CIIE expo as the deputy general manager, and as the general manager this year. "The CIIE has delivered huge benefits, such as facilitating the introduction of new products to China and increasing sales revenues and media coverage for its participants." Kuno Gschwend Photo: Courtesy of Gschwend Living and working abroad has been very memorable and influential for Gschwend. "My first touchpoint with China was in 2014, when I was an exchange student at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies," Gschwend recalled. After completing his studies in Switzerland, he returned to Xiamen University in 2016 to learn Putonghua. He currently lives and works in Shanghai, a metropolis of more than 25 million residents.As expected, Gschwend grappled with nuances of living in China as a foreigner, facing linguistic challenges, and working to understand important aspects such as business culture in China.He enjoys traveling to different regions across China such as Southwest China's Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. He actively made social connections, chatting with both neighbors and strangers."I can speak Chinese and mostly get along very well with all the locals," said the Shanghai resident who enjoys a warm reception from his fellow Shanghainese thanks to his impeccable Putonghua.Gschwend has also gotten to witness marriages and births, as well as the loss of loved ones experienced by his local connections.He said that Chinese and Swiss people are basically striving for a better life and face similar life challenges."There exists a stronger sense of pride among the Chinese people and they realize that some things work better in China than they do in other countries," Gschwend said. Chinas Hainan Ruijin Investment Holding Group planned to invest in rice plantation, cow farm and tourism development in Cambodia, the groups chairman Pan Xiaoping said here Wednesday. Pan said during a meeting with Heng Samrin, president of Cambodias National Assembly that his company decided to establish an overseas branch office in Cambodia to focus on the three projects. Pan did not say when the projects will be started. Heng Samrin pledged full support for those projects, which he said will be good to boost the development of Cambodias economy. Foreign investment is a key factor to accelerate economic development in Cambodia, he said. Xinhua Chinese firm plans investment in Cambodias agriculture, tourismadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Monday,lucky creek free chip bonus codes 2022 the first company which adopts a weighted voting rights with dual-class shares after Hong Kongs major listing regime reform in 25 years. We would like to thank the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Securities Regulatory Commission, Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi, said at the listing ceremony. We are an internet company and from Day 1 we have set up a weighted voting rights structure with dual-class shares, he added. Lei said without the innovation of the Hong Kong capital markets, it would be difficult for Xiaomi to be listed in Hong Kong. He believed more high-quality internet companies would come to Hong Kong for listing in the future. Xiaomi offered about 2.18 billion shares priced at 17 HK dollars each (2.17 U.S. dollars). Its stocks opened at 16.60 HK dollars (2.11 U.S. dollars) per share on Monday. Xiaomi is an internet company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core. Xinhua Smartphone maker Xiaomi debuts on Hong Kong stocksadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline According to the survey published on the website of China Iron and Steel Association,most accurate horse racing predictor China, the worlds largest steel producer and consumer of steel raw material (coking coal and iron ore), may reduce the production for the first time in 31 years. According Chinese consulting company Steelinfo, steel production in China this year could reach 678.68 million tonnes 0.7% less than in 2011, when it was the highest ever: 683.2 million tons. Agency predicts that in the second half, Chinese steelmakers will cut output by about 10% compared with the first. The fact that in Q2 the economic growth in China was 7.6%, the lowest increase since the financial crisis began in 2008. As a result, futures prices for steel on Shanghai market fell by about 13% since the beginning of the year. According to World Steel Association, global steel demand in 2012 will grow by about 3.6% against 5.6% in 2011. Global manufacturers have already begun to respond to problems in the industry. The largest producer in the world ArcelorMittal in Q1 has cut production by 2.3% to 21.7 million tons. China gave signal to the world steel market hard times beganadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou says he would like to sign a peace treaty with Mainland China in the coming decade, if the people of the island agree. Mas comments came on Monday in Taipei, with recent opinion polls showing him leading his chief rival, opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen, in the race for the presidency. Elections are scheduled for mid-January. Mas current term has been marked by efforts to improve relations with Beijing, including backing for a host of trade and investment deals. Monday, he said any peace pact with China would require, in his words, a high level of support from Taiwans public. Taiwan Leader Considers Peace Treaty With Mainland Chinaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Biden and Xi meet at G-20 summit amid rising US-China tensions closeVideo Retired Army Lt. Col. Bob Maginnis shares his key takeaways from President Biden and China's Xi Jinping on Monday on 'Your World.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Mondays meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which took place in the shadow of the G-20 economic conference in Indonesia, revealed troubling aspects of a coming new world order Chinese style and just how wrongheaded and weak Biden is when it comes to understanding the communist Chinese threat. The first indication of a problem was the optics when the two presidents came face-to-face at the summit. Biden was seen smiling with his hand extended as he anxiously walked toward his Chinese counterpart who by contrast appeared dour, almost dismissive of the American. The scene could be likened to that of a young subordinate who just saw his boss and hurried his pace to welcome him, while the boss looked down his nose at the young upstart. BIDEN MEETS CHINA'S XI JINPING AT G-20 SUMMIT IN INDONESIA, RAISES US CONCERNS ABOUT TAIWAN, HONG KONG, PUTIN Its safe to say that the scene revealed much about the two men and our emergent relations as global powers. Xi has just came from the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress which granted him an unprecedented third term as chairman, making him the most powerful Chinese leader since Chairman Mao Zedong. Xi intends to aggressively press toward his goal of world dominance and as he told the 20th Congress, "the East [China] is rising while the West [the U.S.] is declining." U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque) By comparison, Biden came to the Xi meeting weakened by the likely loss of his partys majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and a host of troubling issues at home including a deeply divided citizenry and a military arguably in decline. Besides the optics at the summit, what Biden said at the post-meeting press conference on Monday evening demonstrates his priorities and failure to truly understand the Chinese leaderships intentions. Biden claimed his conversations with President Xi were "open and candid" and his "intentions and priorities" were made clear to the dictator. PUTIN TO SKIP INDONESIA G-20 SUMMIT DUE TO ASSASSINATION FEAR: REPORT Further, he indicated that he told Xi that he "would defend American values, human rights and compete vigorously," and he promised the communist leader that Americas China policy hasnt changed regarding the issue of Taiwans status. Video Biden failed to mention whether he pressed the Chinese leader on important issues such as the regimes maligned economic behaviors like its failure to abide by trade agreements, its military aggression in the South China Sea, the supply of precursors used to make fentanyl which annually kills tens of thousands of Americans, the origins of COVID, the rampant stealing of our intellectual property, and whether it will dial back on its well-documented human rights violations. The president allowed only four questions after his remarks at the press briefing. He was asked whether a Cold War with China is avoidable. "There need not be a new cold war" with China, said Biden. Rather, we are in "competition" with China. That response ignores the contrary history of "unrestricted warfare" China is waging against the West using all Chinese instruments of power such as economic, military, ideological, geopolitical and technological. CLICK HERE TO GET THE OPINION NEWSLETTER On the issue of Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province, Biden said he does not anticipate "any imminent attempt on the part of China to invade Taiwan," even though two weeks ago President Xi vowed to "reunify" the mainland with Taiwan and he would "never promise to renounce the use of force." Video Biden said he "made it clear" to President Xi that our Taiwan policy "has not changed at all." Yet, on multiple occasions over the past two years, the president confused that policy by promising to defend Taiwan against any communist assault. Yet, Biden insisted that Xi "understood exactly what I was saying." Perhaps most distressing is the presidents promise to set up more meetings with Chinese officials to discuss our differences. He took the same approach a year ago in June with Russias Vladimir Putin and that didnt end so well, ask the Ukrainians. Russia President Vladimir Putin. (Alexander Demyanchuk, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Unfortunately, President Biden is out of his element when dealing with tyrants like Putin and Xi. As former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said about Biden, he has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades. Unfortunately, when it comes to Bidens actions regarding China, we have good reason to be skeptical and arguably fearful. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ROBERT MAGINNIS Robert Maginnis is a retired U.S. Army officer and the author of "Alliance of Evil: Russia, China, the United States and a New Cold War." His latest book "Kings of the East: Chinas Plan to Eliminate America and Impose a Communist World Order," will be published in September. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday urged China and the United States to interact positively in the Asia-Pacific region. Chinese and U.S. efforts to build new relations should start from the Asia-Pacific region,1x bet md where the two countries have the most converging interests and interact most frequently, Wang said in talks held with visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Wang called on both sides to step up dialogue and cooperation, flesh out a new type of relations between big countries and translate their leaders agreements into tangible actions, so as to assure the two peoples and the countries in the region. Wang urged both countries to send positive signals to the region and discourage attempts to cause trouble between the two. President Xi Jinping also met with Kerry on Saturday. Kerry is on his first visit to China since taking office in February. China is the second leg of Kerrys four-day east Asia tour, which has also taken him to the Republic of Korea. He will fly to Japan on Sunday. Xinhua Chinese FM eyes positive China-U.S. interaction in Asia-Pacificadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinas new yuan-denominated lending in July declined sharply to 540.1 billion yuan (about 85.19 billion U.S.dollars),crypto to watch right now down from 919.8 billion yuan in June, the Peoples Bank of China(PBOC), the central bank, announced Friday. M2, a broad measure of the money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased 13.9 percent year on year to 91.91 trillion yuan at the end of July, up 0.3 percentage points from the end of June but lower than the 14-percent annual target set by the government for 2012. Preliminary data showed that social financing, a measure of funds raised by entities in the real economy, totaled 8.82 trillion yuan in the first seven months, up 514.3 billion yuan from the same period in 2011, said the PBOC. Despite being much lower than market expectations, the deceleration in lending growth in July does not necessarily suggest a tightening of the money supply, economists said. Peng Wensheng, chief economist with China International Capital Corporation Limited, said the sharp decline was merely a seasonal decrease following a credit expansion in June. New yuan-denominated loans in June hit a three-month high after reaching 1.01 trillion yuan in March. Xinhua Chinas July new lending sharply down to 540.1 billion yuanadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Arizona voters stress importance of education, school choice closeVideo Fox & Friends Weekend host Pete Hegseth talks with voters in Gilbert, Ariz., about the issues driving them to vote on November 8. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Proponents of empowering parents with education choice should feel encouraged by the outcome of the midterm elections. States that went big on choice policies in the last two years overwhelmingly re-elected the policymakers who made it happen. Opponents of education choice have long claimed that choice policies were politically unpopular. Despite polls showing high levels of public support, opponents like the teachers unions were better organized and well-funded. When they threatened politicians with electoral consequences for supporting choice policies, that was often sufficient to push fence-sitters into voting against empowering families with education choice. But the lesson from the midterms for lawmakers inclined to support education choice is clear: Be not afraid! A group of friends walk into school together. (iStock) In 2021, West Virginia enacted the Hope Scholarships, which are K-12 education savings accounts that families can use for private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, online courses, special needs therapy, and more. The Hope Scholarships are available to all West Virginia students who are switching out of a public school or entering kindergarten, making it the most expansive education choice policy at the time it was enacted. AMERICA'S SCHOOL CHOICE MOMENT CAN'T BE MISSED AT MIDTERM ELECTIONS The bill passed without the support of a single Democrat in either legislative chamber, while Republicans were overwhelmingly in favor. If opponents of education choice were right, then Republicans should have suffered at the ballot box in West Virginia. Instead, Republicans expanded their majorities in both chambers, gaining at least six seats in the state Senate and nine seats in the state House with five races still to be decided as of this writing. Additionally, in primary races earlier this year, three of the 10 Republican defectors with contested primaries lost their races. Support for education choice is emerging as a litmus-test issue. Gov. Chris Sununu speaks during the Concordia Lexington Summit on April 7, 2022, in Lexington, Kentucky. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images for Concordia) New Hampshire passed the second-most expansive education choice policy in 2021, with about one-third of K-12 students eligible for Education Freedom Accounts. Gov. Chris Sununu signed them into law and was handily re-elected for a fourth two-year term by a healthy margin (57% to 42%) in a year when Democrats won re-election in the U.S. Senate race and both congressional races. Although votes are still being counted in the legislative races, the GOP is poised to maintain its control over both chambers of the New Hampshire legislature. PARENTS, EXPERTS SEE RED UNDERCURRENT FROM MIDTERMS IN SCHOOL BOARD RACES: PARENTS ARE FIRED UP Several states also significantly expanded their existing education choice policies in 2021, including Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Oklahoma. All four maintained Republican trifectas with most gaining legislative seats, while the three with gubernatorial races saw their Republican governors overwhelmingly re-elected. Gov. Ron DeSantis gives a victory speech after during his election night watch party at the Tampa Convention Center on Nov. 8, 2022, in Tampa, Florida. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made education choice a signature issue, signing legislation to expand eligibility for Floridas choice policies to more than two-thirds of students and boasting that the Sunshine State is "leading the way in school choice." Hes right. The Heritage Foundations inaugural Education Freedom Report Card ranked Florida No. 1 overall and No. 3 for education choice. He won re-election by a margin of 59% to 40% and the GOP gained seats in both legislative chambers. Support for education choice in Pennsylvania is more bipartisan than most states. In 2021, the Pennsylvania legislature adopted Senate Bill 381 to expand the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, which provides scholarships for students from low- and middle-income families. Though all six state senators in opposition were Democrats, so were about a dozen of the 41 senators voting in favor. Likewise, though all 47 votes against the bill in the state House came from Democrats, so did 43 of the 154 votes in favor. The bill was signed by Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat. CLICK HERE TO GET THE OPINION NEWSLETTER Wolfs successor, Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro, made waves earlier this year when he endorsed Lifeline Scholarships, a policy similar to the K-12 education savings accounts in 10 other states albeit limited to students assigned to low-performing public schools. Shapiro will be one of two Democratic governors openly supporting education choice along with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who won re-election this year after reversing his prior opposition to his states tax-credit scholarship policy. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro talks to Fox News Digital on Sept. 1, 2022. (Fox News Digital/Haris Alic) In 2022, Arizona took the education choice crown back from West Virginia by expanding its education savings account policy to all children, making it the nations first truly universal choice policy. Now the families of all Arizona K-12 students are eligible to receive an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) worth about $7,000 to choose the learning environments that work best for their children. Since lawmakers expanded ESA eligibility, more than 25,000 students have signed up for an account. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Unlike in Pennsylvania, the vote in Arizona was along party lines. Although Arizona is still counting votes, the GOP appears poised to maintain its trifecta. Moreover, an attempt by choice opponents to refer the ESA expansion to the ballot failed to garner enough signatures due to the heroic grassroots efforts of families who support education choice. As education choice becomes more widely available to more families, policymakers are waking up to the reality that it neednt be a partisan issue. Rather, education choice is, rightly, now being viewed not as a Democrat versus Republican cause, but as parent-oriented versus special-interest oriented. And as the 2022 midterms have just demonstrated, those who sided with parents were on the winning side of their contests. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM LINDSEY BURKE CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY JASON BEDRICK Lindsey M. Burke is Director of the Center for Education Policy and Mark A. Kolokotrones Fellow in Education at The Heritage Foundation. Jason Bedrick is a research fellow in the Center for Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation. Passengers line up to check in at Air China's counters at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest, Hungary, on July 7, 2022. A direct flight from Beijing landed at Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport Thursday, marking the official resumption of regular passenger flights between Hungary and China. Photo:Xinhua Chinese embassies in India, Canada, Singapore, South Korea and many other countries on Sunday and Monday adjusted and optimized pre-boarding requirements for travelers bound for China, based on the 20 optimized measures announced on Friday in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic.According to an announcement released by the Chinese Embassy in India, all travelers headed to China on flights will only be required to take one nucleic acid test within 48 hours prior to boarding and apply for a health code with a negative result.Under the previous requirement, travelers had to obtain two negative results within 48 hours.Moreover, according to the adjusted regulations, travelers do not need to take nucleic acid tests at designated spots anymore. They can take the test wherever it is convenient and apply for a health code from the embassy or consulate where the test was taken. The airline will no longer check the place where the code was issued.The Chinese embassies in Canada, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Australia issued announcements with similar travel adjustments on Sunday.The Chinese Embassy in Canada reminded travelers that nucleic acid testing must be completed at a testing facility approved by the local health department and it cannot be replaced by a rapid testing kit.Earlier, Chinese embassies in the US and the UK made similar announcements and emphasized that travelers do not need to be retested during transit.In addition, people who have been previously infected, close contacts of the infected, and those with suspected symptoms no longer need additional documentation to apply for a travel health code. Children under three years of age do not need to be tested.These embassy circulars also remove the previous requirement for a designated testing facility.On Monday afternoon, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea issued an update stating that flights from South Korea to China require only one negative nucleic acid test result within two days prior to boarding. If the traveler is in transit at a Korean airport, s/he only needs to provide the negative result that is still valid for the second flight, and does not need to be tested again.The embassies also reminded travelers to continue pre-trip self-health monitoring and personal health protection during the journey.These updated requirements are inspiring for travelers hoping to travel to China from abroad, a Chinese student surnamed Li, who is planning to return to China from the US, told the Global Times on Monday.This will make international travel to China, which has been relatively difficult for some time, substantially easier, she said, noting that she hopes the policy changes will further drive down fares on international flights.On Friday, China made its latest move in scientific and precise epidemic control and prevention work to fight COVID-19 by releasing 20 optimized measures, including shortening quarantine periods for international arrivals and close contacts of confirmed cases from 7+3 (seven days of centralized quarantine and three days of health observation at home) to 5+3.China also ended COVID-19 flight suspensions on the same day, which immediately triggered a spike in searches for international flights to their highest level in a year, reflecting massive pent-up demand.Prior to the adjustment, Chinese carriers were allowed to operate only one outbound flight per week on one route to any country, and foreign airlines to operate just one flight a week into China, and were subject to the "circuit breaker."Global Times A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman on Wednesday urged the United States to stop arms sale to Taiwan in order to ensure the steady development of Sino-U.S. military relations. Yang Yujun said at a monthly press briefing in Beijing that the United States promised to reduce its arm sales to Taiwan in accordance with the Sino-U.S. August 17 Communique signed in 1982, but it has run contrary to its commitment despite Chinas solemn representation. I think the way the United States handles some issues in Sino-U.S. ties is neither professional nor diplomatic, Yang said. The U.S. government announced in late September its decision to sell arms worth 5.85 billion U.S. dollars to Taiwan, including upgrades for 145 of Taiwans fighter jets. The wrongdoing by the U.S. side has negatively impacted Chinas core interests and undermined bilateral military relations between the two countries, said Yang. He said respect for the core interests and major concerns of both sides is an important precondition for the steady development of Sino-U.S. military relations. We hope that the United States will stop selling weapons to Taiwan and make joint efforts with the Chinese side to advance bilateral military ties in a healthy, stable and reliable way, he added. Xinhua Chinese defense ministry urges US to stop arms sale to Taiwanadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Gen. Guo Boxiong,situs dominoqq terbaru vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on an official goodwill visit to Cuba, inspected the visiting Peace Ark hospital ship of the Navy of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and showed concern to all the officers and men aboard on the morning of October 26, 2011. Gen. Leopoldo Cintra Frias, the acting minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Ministry, accompanied Guo Boxiong in the inspection tour. During the inspection, Guo Boxiong pointed out that the hospital ships visit is a significant event to spread international friendship, promote Chinese medicine and uphold the spirit of international humanitarianism, and represents Chinas concrete practice to fulfill its international obligations and display its image as a responsible power. Guo Boxiong said that the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations between China and Cuba are unusual, as evidenced by the importance attached and concern showed by the leaders of the two militaries to the Peace Ark hospital ships visit. On behalf of the accompanying leading officers, Lt. Gen. Gomez, director of the General Political Department of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, said that Guo Boxiongs visit coincides with the Peace Ark hospital ships visit to Cuba, which will further deepen understanding and exchanges between the two countries and the two militaries, and his sincere hope is that the cooperation between the two countries and the two militaries will be further deepened. Guo Boxiong and his party arrived in Cuba on October 25 for an official goodwill visit. Wang Dongming and Hou Xiwen Guo Boxiong inspects Peace Ark hospital ship in Cubaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Navy veteran launches classical catholic school closeVideo Navy veteran Lt. Commander Ali Ghaffari shares how his faith and military training prompted him to found the classical Catholic school Divine Mercy Academy. A Navy veteran and father of three who became frustrated with the woke agendas and secular topics taught in today's schools sought something better for his three daughters and did something about it. Speaking on Sunday morning on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Navy veteran Lt. Commander Ali Ghaffari, a deeply faithful person, said, "We're a military family and we've traveled all around the country we've seen lots of schools." During his last tour at the Naval Academy, he said, he enrolled his children in the local school system "I thought they'd be well off and doing well there," he said. WORLD WAR II VETERAN GLADYS HUGHES, 99, HAS PATRIOTIC MESSAGE FOR THE NATION But that is not what happened. "I realized I was not getting what I was hoping for," he added. "For me, I want my kids to go to heaven. I want them to love Jesus and live lives of virtue." Navy veteran and father of three daughters believes in an education that puts "God back at the center, where he belongs." Ali Ghaffari shared his beliefs and reasons for starting a new school on "Fox and Friends Weekend." (Fox News) That was not "the path" that the school system was putting them on, he said. He also noted that his middle daughter was being taught Common Core math and that every night's homework was a tremendous struggle for her. He said there "was crying, screaming, at the dinner table" and he realized he could not keep his kids in that school system. VIRGINIA NAVY VETERAN SAYS ALL VETERANS DESERVE THANKS, NOT JUST THOSE WHO SAW BATTLE Then he heard about classical education, he said. Ghaffari said he went to visit a school based on the principles of classical education. "I was amazed by what I saw," he said including "the depth of the questioning" by the teachers. He said he realized that was what he wanted for his children. Navy veteran and father of three Lt. Commander Ali Ghaffari said that once he visited a school based on the principles of classical education, "I was amazed by what I saw" including "the depth of questioning" by the teachers of the students. (iStock) "Classical education comes from the Greeks," he explained. "The Greeks wanted to know, What is a good life look like? How do we live our lives?' And they came up with living lives of virtue, and asking the big questions, and living a life that is honorable." KIDS NEED PRAYERS! THESE FAITHFUL DEVOTIONS MAY HELP BLESS OUR CHILDREN That live "frees you to have many choices and to do many things," added Ghaffari. He noted that classical education uses the greatest works of Western civilization "these books that are so inspiring and have inspired generations for 2,000 years." The Navy veteran said much of today's education agenda is "very focused on the here and now and it ignores heaven and the eternal." He said his kids now love going to school "they love their homework. They love studying and discussing big topics. It's wonderful to see." He pointed out that the education so many children are receiving today in public schools and "even in some parochial schools, sadly, is very secularized," he said. "And that agenda is contrary to them going to heaven," he said. "It's very focused on the here and now and it ignores heaven and the eternal." Divine Mercy Academy the school in Maryland begun by Navy veteran Lt. Commander Ali Ghaffari is an independent private day school in the Catholic tradition for children in kindergarten through 8th grade. (iStock) He believes in "bringing God back at the center, where he belongs" and he said his family does that through attending Mass, praying the rosary every day. And "God's at the center of our curriculum," he said, referencing the school he founded. PRAYING THE ROSARY: UNDERSTANDING THE TRADITION THAT HELPS CATHOLICS MEDITATE ON JESUS AND MOTHER MARY Divine Mercy Academy the school he began is an independent private day school in the Catholic tradition for children in kindergarten through 8th grade, its website explains. "God's at the center of our curriculum," said Ghaffari about the school he founded in Maryland. (iStock) It opened in 2019 and enrollment has been doubling each year, as the cohosts of "Fox & Friends Weekend" noted. It's located in Pasadena, Maryland. Jesse Watters: That's all Biden had to say? closeVideo Fox News host Jesse Watters discusses President Biden's reaction to reports Russian missiles crossed into Poland, allegedly killing two people on 'Jesse Watters Primetime.' Jesse Watters sounded off on President Biden after his press appearance on Poland, saying he doesn't want to talk about the alleged Russian missile strike Tuesday on "Jesse Watters Primetime." JESSE WATTERS:The president of the United States, who actually called a lid before dinner and finally woke up and found out that Russian missiles had reportedly struck inside a NATO allys territory, killing two Polish citizens, was asked about that, and he said no. He doesnt want to talk about it, or he didnt talk about it and all the world heard was no. RUSSIA HAMMERS KYIV, UKRAINE WITH MISSILES, VIDEO SHOWS FIERY AFTERMATH Thats striking because usually in times like this, after hes told private groups during fundraisers that we could be on the precipice of nuclear Armageddon and how he is repeatedly assured NATO alliesthat any strike inside NATO territory would be a violation of Article 5 and need a strong response, I wanted to hear something from the president of the United States. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP This article was written by Fox News staff. Thank you very much, Jack, and good morning everyone. And let me just say its a pleasure to see so many Chinese and British business leaders sitting side by side here today. I think Its a very real expression of the golden era of relations between our countries. Ive talked a lot with my Chinese counterparts about this growing partnership between our two countries, but its important to recognise that it isnt just about governments. Its about businesses. About people. About bringing the UK and China closer together so that we can all share in the benefits of growth. We meet today at a crucial time in the history and future of both our countries. Last year, at Davos, President Xi set out the case for globalisation and committed to a more open Chinese economy a vision the UK is keen to help you bring to life. Meanwhile, the UK is preparing to leave the European Union. Were seizing the opportunity to become an ever-more outward-looking Global Britain, deepening our trade relations with nations around the world including China. Now this is my first time in Shanghai. On this side of the Huangpu, the eclectic old buildings speak to us of Chinas history. On the opposite bank, the towering skyscrapers of Pudong say much about its future. More than that, the Bund itself is testament to the deep historical roots of the UKs trading links with China. The very building we meet in today started life as the home of a British ship-builder, the historic lifeblood of global trade. The Custom House clock, the international symbol of Shanghai, was made in Shropshire; its bells were cast in Leicestershire. And just as the Bund says much about our trading past, the size of the audience today and the breadth of sectors represented, speaks volumes about the strength of our relationship in 2018. Trade between our nations is worth almost 60 billion and rising. Chinese investment is helping the UK develop infrastructure and create jobs. Nearly 50,000 British businesses import goods from China, while more than 10,000 sell their goods to customers here. And our businesses are already working closely with one another, real commercial partnerships that bring real benefits. Just look at Astra Zeneca and Alibaba, coming together to build a smart health system in Wuxi so chest patients get vital treatment more quickly. As Ive travelled around China over the last few days, Ive seen that we have the potential to do so much more together. In Wuhan, in Beijing and now here in Shanghai Ive been struck by the level of enthusiasm for British brands, British culture, British goods and British services. And thats why I am accompanied on this trip by a business delegation representing businesses of every size and shape, representing many different sectors and hailing from every corner of the UK. Some have long established contacts here in China. Others are visiting for the very first time. But all are completely committed to forging lasting relationships with businesses, investors and customers in your country. This week, theyve been finalising deals in sectors as diverse as financial services, education, energy and healthcare. Aston Martin has announced that it will significantly increase its operations in China with a five-year export drive worth 600m, and will have more than 20 showrooms across China. And yesterday we unveiled a string of commercial deals in the cultural sector, increasing understanding and bringing our people closer together. And I was particularly pleased to see the Busy Bees nursery group taking its place in the delegation. Late last year I enjoyed a marvellous visit to a nursery in my own constituency. Now theyre bringing their 35 years of expertise to Shanghai, with plans for a 230-place international pre-school here. Now when people think of international trade Im sure early-years childcare isnt the first thing that springs to mind. But Busy Bees presence here shows just how diverse the British export offer is, just how much we have to offer in China. While the business leaders have been negotiating commercial deals, I have been meeting with President Xi and Premier Li and discussing with them the importance of removing barriers to trade between our nations. Weve agreed on moves to bring more of the UKs internationally renowned food and drink to China, to open up the market to some of Britains world-class financial services providers. And we have agreed a Trade and Investment Review, as a first step towards delivering ambitious future bilateral trade arrangements. On Wednesday, Premier Li and I attended the inaugural meeting of the UK/China CEO Council. Created with the full support of both governments, the council brings together 40 chief executives from some of Britain and Chinas top businesses many of them here today. It creates a forum in which ideas and insights can be shared. But it is also a platform from which views, problems and solutions can be communicated to the top levels of government, giving senior business leaders the chance to help shape the future of the UKs trade and investment relationship with China. And its a future that excites me. Not just because of the possibilities for increased trade, impressive though they are. But also because of the possibilities for greater co-operation between our people. China and the UK both have proud histories of innovation stretching hundreds, even thousands of years. That spirit of invention is still very much alive today, and if we pool our talents further the results could be extraordinary. The fast-changing world we are in brings many opportunities for businesses in both our countries. And I support a partnership that allows us to exploit those opportunities, bringing together like-minded innovators and entrepreneurs to share knowledge, risk and investment. For example, as I said in Davos last week, we are establishing the UK as a world leader in Artificial Intelligence, building on the success of companies like Deepmind. I believe we have only just seen the beginning of what AI can achieve, something I discussed yesterday with President Xi. We agreed that prospects for collaboration in this area are ever-expanding. But that is not all. In November I launched the UKs modern industrial strategy. We set an ambition for Britain to be the most innovative country in the world. And we are backing that up with 7bn of additional investment in research and development over the coming years. Then, in December we launched the UK-China Joint Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation Co-operation. It brings together scientists and innovators to drive sustainable growth and tackle global challenges. The Strategys priority for 2018 is agri-tech, and thats one reason why I was pleased to be able to visit the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing yesterday, seeing some of this cooperation first hand. Next month, were organising the Great Festival of Innovation in Hong Kong and the Bay area. Over four days, the Festival will offer a series of thought-provoking and lively keynotes, masterclasses, showcases, installations and performances involving industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists. With visitors from the UK and right across Asia, the festival will allow entrepreneurs to build partnerships and share the innovations that will drive the future of free trade. I hope that many of you will be able to attend. One thing that I hope will come from the festival is a higher profile for female innovators. The UK and China together have the capacity to play a huge role in advocating for gender equality. But all too often those good intentions dont lead to positive outcomes, and thats something we should all be working to tackle. Last year, the UK government signed a memorandum of understanding with the All China Womens Federation, setting out our mutual resolve to improve gender equality. And I know this subject is also close to Jacks heart. In 2015, Alibaba ran a global conference on women and entrepreneurship. And the company itself has a much larger female workforce, and more women on its board,than most international tech companies. Around the world, young women benefit from seeing that. From seeing role models and trailblazers. Women who have succeeded in their field and shown that progress is possible. And thats why Im proud to have brought many inspirational women in my business delegation. Women like Nancy Rothwell, who spoke to you earlier and whose university, Manchester, has excellent links with Wuhan, the first stop on my visit, as well as across China. And women like Heba Bevan, founder and CEO of AI company UtterBerry. Im nearing the end of what has been a fascinating and productive few days in China. Ive seen our businesses making new alliances and forging new partnerships. Ive seen our people learning about the world through education and about each other through culture. And Ive seen that China and the UK are determined to build on our deep and mature ties to promote national and global prosperity throughout the 21st century. As President Xi, quoting Shakespeare, said to me yesterday, Whats past is prologue. And I wholeheartedly agree. The UK and China are opening a new chapter in our Golden Era. Thank you. Published 2 February 2018 British PM Business Forum speech in Shanghai: 2 February 2018added by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Two Chinese abducted in Cairo on Thursday by gunmen demanding a ransom were released after a few hours, said an official of the Chinese Embassy, an incident that illustrates the growing insecurity in Egypt since the revolt last year. They are free, said the spokesman of the embassy, Lu Jingchun, without specifying the conditions of release. Another embassy official had earlier said that two Chinese workers were kidnapped by gunmen Thursday morning in Cairo. They want money, he had said, adding that the two Chinese worked in a plant for the manufacture of building materials, mainly of marble. According to Xinhua news agency, they were abducted in the district of Maadi, a suburb south of Cairo, as they left their homes for their work. Agency quoted Chen Jiannan, vice president of the Chinese Peoples Association in Egypt, said the ransom was 500,000 Egyptian pounds (more than 60,000 euros). According to security sources, this is the first time that foreigners were abducted in the capital for money. Recently, several foreigners were shortly held hostage in the Sinai by Bedouins demanding the release of jailed relatives. Twenty-five Chinese working in a cement factory have been abducted Jan. 31 by Bedouins requiring five of their prisoners, arrested in connection with the attacks on the peninsula between 2004 and 2006. Those Chinese had been released after several hours of detention. Since the revolt that toppled President Hosni Mubarak in February 2011, Egypt has experienced sporadic violence, sometimes deadly, coupled with an increase of crime. Two Chinese kidnapped by gunmen in Cairo were freedadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Soon travelers to Las Vegas will have more options to get to the valley by plane than ever before. By September,uk casino club rewards more than 100,000 daily airline seats will be added to the market, an airline consultant told members of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority on Tuesday. In a report on air service development, the LVCVA also unanimously approved spending $386,000 for LVCVA representatives to participate in the 2023 World Route Forum Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey, in October. Las Vegas hosted the Routes conference last year, recruiting several domestic and international air carriers to offer additional flights to Harry Reid International Airport. Chery Automobile Co. said Wednesday that its exports for both May and June exceeded 20,000 units, marking a new stage for the companys overseas expansion. Company spokesman Jin Yibo said Chery exported 20,012 vehicles in June, up 20.7 percent year on year. In May, the company exported 20,093 vehicles, up 42.4 year on year, Jin said. Chery exported 91,605 vehicles in the first half of 2012 and will realize an export target of 170,000 vehicles this year, Jin said. Chery exported a record 160,200 vehicles last year, maintaining its status as the countrys leading auto exporter. Chery has established 16 overseas production centers to produce customized vehicles for local customers. It has more than 1,153 dealers overseas, selling its products in over 80 countries and regions. The instability of the international market has created challenges for Chery, Jin said, adding that the company has taken action to build a solid overseas market, including developing new markets in Brazil, improving after-sale services and exploring new products. Chery opened a plant in Venezuela last August and is expected to start operations at another plant currently under construction in Brazil in September 2013. The company has also announced plans to build assembly plants in Myanmar and several African countries. Xinhua Chery Auto to export 170,000 vehicles in 2012added by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China is lucky tiger gamblingcalling on the United States to protect the interests of its investors as its politicians engage in a policy battle that has brought it to the brink of default. At a foreign ministry briefing Thursday, spokesman Hong Lei said China hopes the U.S. government will adopt responsible policies and measures to guarantee the interests of investors. China is the largest U.S. creditor with more than $1 trillion invested in the United States, which has long been considered a safe harbor with the highest possible credit rating. However, Moodys Investment Service warned Wednesday it was putting the U.S. rating on a downgrade watch because of uncertainty over the negotiations to raise the American debt ceiling. The Chinese credit rating agency Dagong took a similar action on Thursday. China has been gradually reducing its holdings in U.S. Treasury bonds since late last year. However, the figure increased slightly in April to $1.153 trillion, according to U.S. data. Dagong said Thursday it believes slow economic growth and large budget deficits will make it more difficult for the United States to meet its debt obligations over the next couple of years. (Agency.) China Urges US to Protect Investors as Debt Ceiling Deadline Loomsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Fox News Flash top headlines for November 15 closeVideo Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The nation's largest left-wing dark money network raised more than $1.5 billion in anonymous donations to bankroll liberal endeavors in 2021, tax forms reveal. The secret money network, which consists of five nonprofits managed by Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm Arabella Advisors, also combined for nearly $1 billion in total spending last year, the documents further show. In recent years, the Arabella-managed nonprofits have solidified how Democrats benefit from substantial amounts of dark money as they simultaneously rail against its influence in politics by targeting right-leaning organizations. "These latest tax returns prove that the Arabella Advisors network remains the largest dark money player in American politics," Americans for Public Trust executive director Caitlin Sutherland told Fox News Digital. GROUP LEO DICAPRIO FUNNELED GRANTS THROUGH TO FUND CLIMATE LAWSUITS MOVED TO LARGEST US DARK MONEY NETWORK The Arabella Advisors-managed dark money network has greatly benefited Democrats in recent years. (REUTERS/Leah Millis) "After raking in nearly $1.6 billion in anonymous contributions, and spending nearly $1 billion, this network has established itself as the preeminent hub on the left to finance efforts to defund the police, pack the Supreme Court, enforce radical green energy policies, and prop up the Biden administrations failing agenda," Sutherland said. The network's web of groups sits under five Arabella-managed nonprofits: the New Venture Fund, Sixteen Thirty Fund, Windward Fund, Hopewell Fund and North Fund. Each fund acts as a fiscal sponsor to other left-wing nonprofits by providing their tax status to the nonprofits housed beneath them. This setup allows the fiscally sponsored groups to avoid filing tax forms to the IRS. The five funds also move massive sums to progressive groups outside their network. "As we've stated in the past, Arabella Advisors is a business dedicated to making philanthropic work more efficient, effective, and equitable," Arabella spokesperson Steve Sampson told Fox News Digital. "We are proud of the work we do for all of our clients, including our nonprofit clients who hire us to provide HR, legal, payroll and other administrative services. Like all service providers, we work for our clients, not the other way around. They make their own decisions on strategy, fundraising, and programmatic goals." Billionaires, including George Soros, have passed money through the Arabella Advisors-managed dark money network. (FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP) The five Arabella-managed nonprofits also hide donor information on their respective tax forms, keeping the public in the dark to the full extent of who is using the network as a conduit to fund left-wing initiatives. The New Venture Fund remains the largest nonprofit in the network. In 2021, NVF collected $955 million in donations while racking up $553 million in total expenses, including $326 million in grants pushed to outside groups. America Votes, Community Change and the Economic Innovation Group are just a few of the dozens of outside groups to receive its cash, its newest tax forms show. The Windward Fund, which focuses on environmental initiatives, raised roughly $273 million and spent $107 million, including $72 million in grants to outside groups last year. The Sixteen Thirty Fund raked in $190 million and reported $173 million in expenses. They funneled more than $107 million in donations to organizations outside their network, according to its tax forms. The Hopewell Fund, meanwhile, took in nearly $123 million in donations, and the North Fund received almost $43 million from secretive donors. Those two groups tallied a combined $155 million in total expenses, including $75 million in grants to outside left-wing causes. ARABELLA ADVISORS: FIRM OVERLOOKING MOST POWERFUL LEFT-WING DARK MONEY NETWORK IN AMERICA EXPANDS OPERATIONS NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 01: (L-R) Hansjorg Wyss, Michael Bloomberg and Sam Waterston attend Oceana's 2015 New York City benefit at Four Seasons Restaurant on April 1, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Oceana) Arabella Advisors recently expanded its operations as it deals with massive amounts of cash raised and poured into progressive causes across the country. The firm recently acquired New York-based Kiwi Partners, which provides nonprofit accounting and consulting services. The group previously told Fox News Digital that the acquisition "deepens Arabella's capacity to support the nonprofit sector." The network contains dozens of liberal groups ranging from Campaign for Our Shared Future, which formed this year to push back against opponents of Critical Race Theory in K-12 schools, to Governing for Impact, which quietly works behind the scenes with President Biden's administration to shape policy. Influential Democratic donors use the network to funnel cash to projects, including billionaire George Soros, who provided millions to Governing for Impact and its action fund, Fox News Digital previously reported. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Other financiers - such as Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss - also pass money through the expansive dark money network. Arabella Advisors collected nearly $47 million in payments from the five funds for administrative, operations and management services in 2021, making it a highly lucrative business. Joe Schoffstall is a politics producer/reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @joeschoffstall The government has launched a new campaign targeting rampant online piracy through enhanced supervision and inter-agency coordination, according to a Wednesday statement from the four ministry-level departments. The four-month campaign will highlight supervision over both content providers and online storage and search engine services, as well as e-commerce platforms, according to a statement from the departments. The four departments are the National Copyright Administration, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as well as the State Internet Information Office. Local authorities will be required to conduct special investigations and boost routine inspections over online publications, said the statement. The statement also proposed supervisory guidelines for e-commerce platforms under which service providers will be required to create specific rules for copyright protection and internal penalties for violations. The Chinese government has been cracking down on intellectual property violations by launching frequent high-profile raids and campaigns. In addition to government efforts, the countrys Internet service providers have also been making greater efforts to protect intellectual property rights in order to achieve sustainable and healthy development. Internet companies have been stepping up cooperation with copyright owners to offer authorized content, such as movies and music, to Internet users. Xinhua Government launches new campaign against online piracyadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China,gonzo's quest winwin betting tips the largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, will launch a pilot program to establish a market for CO2 emissions and reduce greenhouse gases in the fight against climate change, the official Xinhua news agency said. The plan, presented by the vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Xie Zhenhua, including an increase of the difference in price between energy-intensive industries and the rest as well as tax benefits to energy conservation projects. There will also be financial incentives for Chinese companies to invest in new energy in a country already leads the world in renewable energy investment. Similarly, this will discourage excessive growth of energy-intensive sectors, said Xie, the number two of the agency responsible for economic planning in China. The Chinese government has set a goal of reducing between eight to 10 percent of the emissions in five years (2011-2015), as stated by the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, in his presentation of the XII Five-Year Plan for the period, last March. At the same time, the second largest economy is set a goal of increasing to 11.4 percent non-fossil fuels as energy sources and reduce carbon intensity by 17 percent. China Launches Experimental Market of CO2 Emissionsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Hong Kong: Thai PM to visit HK Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Srettha Thavisin will arrive in Hong Kong on October 8 for a three-day visit, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced today. Chief Executive John Lee will meet him at Government House the following day. This story has been published on: 2023-10-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The UAE Ministry of Economy, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has hosted a delegation of more than 20 Indian CEOs organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Headed by Indias Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, the delegation participated in a roundtable with Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and leading figures from the UAE business community. The roundtable discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations within the framework of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in May 2022, and explored further opportunities its enhanced market access offers. In his welcoming remarks, His Excellency Dr Thani commended the growing ties between the UAE and India and, with the CEPA now in place, affirmed the UAEs commitment to working alongside policymakers and private sector leaders in both countries to deliver long-term prosperity and growth. The UAE-India relationship is the strongest it has been since diplomatic relations were established more than 50 years ago. The landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has brought our economies closer together, boosting bilateral trade and investment and creating a powerful platform for collaboration. Face-to-face meetings such as this are critical to fully realising the potential of the deal, sparking conversations and establishing networks that evolve into meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships. I look forward to continuing my work with His Excellency Piyush Goyal and ensuring the CEPA delivers tangible results long into the future. Piyush Goyal said: The UAE-India CEPA has played a prominent role in consolidating economic and trade relations between our two nations, driving further growth and prosperity and creating new enablers for the private sector. Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazrui, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the meetings alignment with the Chambers objectives of facilitating private sector cooperation between the UAE and India. The bonds that exist between the UAE and India in various economic sectors have been fortified by the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The UAE is now India's third largest trading partner and the second largest destination for Indias exports, while India is the second largest trading partner for the UAE. Building on these achievements through the adoption of future-facing initiatives that enhance market access, promote entrepreneurship and empower SMEs to establish and scale in our respective economies will further strengthen our economic partnership. Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the significance of meeting as a platform for discussing opportunities for joint cooperation in a broad spectrum of economic, investment and trade sectors. He said: The meeting with the Confederation of Indian Industry comes as part of the Abu Dhabi Chambers efforts to enhance cooperation with all local and international entities to enhance the prosperity of the economic, investment and trade sectors at the local, regional and international levels, and to keep pace with the rapid developments witnessed by the global economy. The meeting reflects our dedication to organising business linking events between domestic and international entities, which serve to nurture cooperation, promote economic growth, and facilitate trade, investments, and collaboration opportunities within the private sector, he added. The roundtable was also attended by R Dinesh, President of the Confederation of Indian Industries, Yousuf Ali Musliam, Second Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber and Chairman of Lulu Group International, as well as UAE government and private sectors representatives. TradeArabia News Sevice Chinese health authorities on Tuesday launched a campaign to fight against assisted reproductive technology (ART) abuse. Unauthorized ART use,betguru365 bet fox app download surrogate motherhood and the illegal collection and supply of sperm and eggs, as well as the illegal sale and abuse of ovulation induction medicine, will be targeted, according to authorities. The Ministry of Health and health department of the Peoples Liberation Army General Logistics Department jointly announced the campaign at a conference. Both departments also ordered all of their local branches to suspend authorizations for new organizations that wish to offer ART treatments, as well as launched an overhaul for ART treatments that are being offered at authorized institutions. Official figures showed that as of end of 2012, China had 358 organizations authorized to conduct ART treatment. The health ministry also delivered a briefing on the countrys current infertility rate and ART use. The infertility rate in China is now between 7 and 10 percent, the ministry said. Some 70 to 80 percent of women who are suffering from infertility can conceive after changing their lifestyles and receiving medical treatment, it said. Around 20 percent of infertile couples have to resort to ART to have babies, it said. In 2011, some 350,000 people received ART treatment and more than 60,000 infertile couples successfully had children with the help of ART, the ministry said. Xinhua China targets reproductive technology abuseadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Abortion will be defining issue in 2024 presidential election: Jim Messina closeVideo Obama-Biden 2012 campaign manager Jim Messina reacts to the midterm election and the issues that affected independent voters NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As Republicans hoped-for red wave turned out to be more of a red ripple, GOP presidential hopefuls should make note of what worked and what didnt. Various post-mortems were quick to blame pro-life candidates and the Dobbs decision. Headlines proclaimed, "Abortion Again Proves to be a Winning Issue for Democrats" and "Voters solidify pro-abortion stance at the polls." This facile narrative is wrong. JIMMY KIMMEL USES FAUX CHURCH CHOIR TO PROMOTE ABORTION, WISH SCREAMING BABIES ON CONSERVATIVE SUPREME COURT Most Americans are not "pro-abortion" by any stretch. The position of todays Democratic Party abortion on demand until birth, paid for by taxpayers has never been popular. Even immediately after Dobbs, it garnered only 10% support. Florida Senator Marco Rubio won by going on offense against his opponent's abortion extremism. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images) In the presidential election cycle thats just beginning, it is a given that candidates must go on offense but its not sufficient. They must also center a strong, pro-life GOP agenda around national minimum protections for the unborn child and mothers. One prominent Democrat pollster conceded the partys fear of this debate, saying, "Debating [gestational] weeks is not where we want to be," and blaming voters: "People are terrible at math and terrible at biology." The kernel of truth is that Dobbs posed the best chance Democrats will ever have to use the abortion issue politically and energize a demotivated base. It was a unique, once-in-a-lifetime, seismic event. During this general election, Democrats spent an unprecedented $391 million on abortion-focused TV ads alone, compared with only $11 million on the GOP side outspending them more than 35-to-1. Combined with the primaries, Democrats spent more on advertising than McDonalds Corporation did last year (albeit less than Planned Parenthoods annual taxpayer funding). Republicans who werent prepared were susceptible to bad advice. They did their best imitation of an ostrich burying their heads in the sand, letting their opponents define them. Dr. Ozs loss in Pennsylvania and Adam Laxalts in Nevada are two disappointing examples. Video For Democrats who spent millions casting their opponents as heartless villains who dont care if women die, and were met with silence or a weak response, lying worked. But for those whose Republican opponents not only strongly refuted them, but also went on offense and challenged them to defend their actual agenda, pro-abortion extremism became a liability. Republicans will likely still take back the House majority. Republican Senate candidates who won were clearly the reasonable adults in the room on abortion policy, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, North Carolina Senator-elect Ted Budd and Ohio Senator-elect J.D. Vance. They exposed their opponents as extremists who support abortion on demand without limits, in contrast to a well-articulated pro-life position centered around consensus measures such as protections for unborn children when their heartbeat can be detected or they can feel pain. Republican Senator-elect J.D. Vance of Ohio won with a well-articulated pro-life position. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) Starting in mid-September, South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Grahams legislation to set a minimum national limit on abortion at 15 weeks provided a concrete backstop against the Democrats smears. All three winning Senate candidates embraced this political gift to their advantage. Rubio deserves special mention as the first Senate colleague to co-sponsor Grahams bill, and he didnt hesitate to call out his opponent Democrat Val Demings record of opposing any limits. The clear takeaway for GOP candidates entering the 2024 presidential cycle is this: Winners define their opponents, contrasting their extremism with a well-articulated pro-life position centered around consensus measures such as protections for unborn babies when their heartbeat can be detected or when they can feel pain. CLICK HERE TO GET THE OPINION NEWSLETTER Pro-life governors also did particularly well. Governors Greg Abbott, Ron DeSantis, Mike DeWine, Kay Ivey, Brian Kemp, Henry McMaster, Kristi Noem, Kim Reynolds, Kevin Stitt and others were handily re-elected. The smallest margin of victory among them was eight points, the largest 37 points. Each has signed ambitious pro-life protections into law. Dobbs did not sneak up on them, because they had already spent months or years preparing and debating the issues. By the end of the week, Kari Lake in Arizona could join the winners ranks. In Georgia, Republican Herschel Walker will fight on as the U.S. Senate race heads to a runoff. SBA Pro-Life America and our partner Women Speak Out PAC have had boots on the ground there for more than a year, and we will invest at least $1 million to educate voters about Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnocks extremism and help secure Walkers victory. Video CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP President Joe Biden in his reaction speech Wednesday afternoon said, "I will veto any attempt to pass a national ban on abortion." He was not asked a single question either about his blatant mischaracterization of GOP legislation or his squelching of democracy. We can be sure pro-life presidential contenders will not get gentle treatment. Leadership is critical. Those who dont lean in will find themselves left out. Republican primary candidates may have different views on what is achievable. We welcome that debate, especially in the general election setting. Doing so affords the best opportunity to show America the true extremists Biden and the Democrats who refuse to support a single protection for the unborn. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM MARJORIE DANNENFELSER Marjorie Dannenfelser is president of SBA Pro-Life America. Thefoxwoods hotel big casino bonus uk Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism invited 30 travel writers, bloggers, journalists and tour agents from South Korea and mainland China for a three-day visit to the metropolis in an attempt to bolster local tourism. In 2011, more than 1 million mainland Chinese tourists and over 240,000 South Korean travelers visited Taiwan, Chao Hsin-ping, commissioner of the department, said July 3. We expect an additional 60,000 South Korean visitors this year, following the resumption of direct flights this April between Taipei Songshan Airport and Seouls Gimpo International Airport. Chao said the group members are spearheading the Fun Taipei independent tour package, set to be launched in South Korea and mainland China July 10. Taipei, an aggregation of delicacies, culture, history, fashion and convenient transportation, along with its friendly, enthusiastic and high quality people, is a very suitable destination for solo tourists. The TCG has arranged for the guests to visit historical sites such as Mei Ting, the residence of renowned former Taiwanese politician and calligrapher Yu You-ren; Beitou Hot Spring Museum; the Beitou branch of the Taipei Public Library, a celebrated green building; and the 44 South Village, once a military dependents village. Among the visitors is South Korean writer Yang So-hee, a huge fan of Taiwan. She has published four popular travel books since 2009 with three introducing Taipei, Taiwan and the nations cuisine, the TCG said, adding that Yangs first book Taiwan Holic has become a standard Taiwan travel guide for Korean travelers. In her books, Yang said Taipei is a city full of culture, freedom and energy, and that the people of Taipei are friendly and zealous. She especially likes the snacks of Taipei, tea in Maokong, the youth culture of Ximending, the hot springs in Beitou and the National Palace Museum. Wu Fan from the Beijing Kuxun Travel Site said Taipei is a highly cultured city with good public order, friendly people and products at reasonable prices. No matter how late people return home, they will not be robbed, he said. This feeling of safety cannot be found in many international cities. The group will stay in Taiwan from July 3 to 5, the TCG said. Taiwan Today Taipei City government promotes tourismadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline 'Fox & Friends Weekend' celebrates Halloween with snacks and treats closeVideo Lifestyle expert Carey Reilly shows off Halloween themed snacks and cocktails, and tips for Halloween parties on 'Fox & Friends. Candy may be an essential part of part of Halloween, but it doesn't appear that it's always been that way. In fact, when American children first started trick-or-treating in the 1930s and 1940s kids received "everything from homemade cookies and pieces of cake to fruit, nuts, coins and toys," according to History.com. People starting adding candy to their trick-or-treat traditions in the 1950s as candy companies marketed products for Halloween and by the 1970s, candy became the "only acceptable thing to hand out," because parents were worried about homemade treats, according to the website. HALLOWEEN BY THE NUMBERS: FUN FACTS ABOUT THE SPOOKY DAY In honor of Halloween 2022 and trick-or-treating, check out which candy was released the decade you were born. Candy became an essential part of trick-or-treating in the 1970s. (iStock) 1940s Mars released M&M's in 1941, according to History.com and Bazooka bubble gum was introduced in 1947, according to Bazooka Candy Brands. Hershey reports it created Almond Joy in 1948 and the company that made Smarties first opened in 1949, according to smarties.com. M&M's were first released in 1941 by candy company, Mars. (iStock) 1950s Hot Tamales, the popular cinnamon-flavored candies, were introduced in 1950, according to Just Born Quality Confections, the Pennsylvania-based company which created Hot Tamales. Pixy Stix, the powdered candy packaged in a straw, were also sold in the 50s, according to NPR. NATIONAL JUNK FOOD DAY 2022: SEE WHICH SNACK CAME OUT THE DECADE YOU WERE BORN 1960s Starburst, which was originally called Opal Fruits, was released in the U.K. in 1960 and came to the U.S. in 1967, according to Delish. Haribo Goldbears gummy bears were also released in 1960, according to Haribo. In 1962, Lemonheads were released, according toFerrara Candy Company. 1970s Skittles were first produced in the U.K. in 1974, according to a Penn State blog on the history of candy. Pop Rocks werent invented and released as they are today the 70s, Though a similar form of Carbonated Candy was invented in 1956, according to the Pop Rocks' website. Pop Rocks, a candy that pops on top of your tongue, were released in the 70s. (iStock) Reeses Pieces were also invented and released in the same decade, according to hersheyarchives.org. HALLOWEEN QUIZ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THESE SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT THE SPOOKY HOLIDAY? 1980s Nerds were invented in 1983, according to Eater. Sour Patch Kids were introduced in 1985, according to Mondelez International, Inc. the brand which owns the candy. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER 1990s In the 1990s, Hersheys Cookies N Creme bars first hit store shelves in 1994, according to hersheyland.com. 2000s Candy company Goelitz which became Jelly Belly Candy Company in 2001 released Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans in 2000, inspired by the "Harry Potter" franchise, according to jellybelly.com. Ann W. Schmidt is an Associate on Fox Business' Strategic Initiatives team. Switzerland will consider the recommendations of the Global Forum,1xbet mobile app x10bet by betfair who said on Wednesday that the federal government does not fulfill all the required standards for information exchange. The Forum on transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes has certified that the country has made a major change for administrative assistance. Switzerland has successfully completed the first phase of its review procedure administrative assistance, says the government. The Global Forum, which brings together one hundred countries to assess themselves, welcomed on Wednesday the rapid progress made by Switzerland to emerge from the gray list of tax havens published in spring 2009 by the Organisation and Development (OECD). However, like many other countries, the country is not fully met all the criteria. The World Forum recommended to take several steps. Switzerland will examine the implementation of these recommendations, promised the authorities. The Confederation has signed a series of new double taxation agreements providing for a relaxed exchange of information. But such agreements would only consider administrative assistance in the event that Switzerland received specific requests including the identification of suspects of tax evasion by their country and their bank. While Switzerland is said on the track, the Forum warned Wednesday that the federal government will move to the next phase of evaluation, scheduled during the second half of 2012, only if they have a significant number agreements compliant. Switzerland Ready to Make Efforts to Avoid Being on the List of Tax Havensadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Wanted by Beijing and deported by Canada,vegas live slots Lai Changxing arrived in Beijing Saturday, after a twelve-year legal battle, said Chinese state television quoted the Ministry of Security public. Mr. Lai has landed in Beijing from Vancouver in the custody of Canadian police and was handed over to Chinese authorities who immediately arrested him. A Canadian court has approved Thursday the deportation to China of Mr. Lai, who is the prime suspect wanted by the Chinese judicial authorities in a smuggling case in Xiamen, the port city of Fujian province (southeast) from which it originates. He came to Canada with his family in 1999 with a tourist visa after fleeing China in which he was accused of masterminding a network that has elapsed between six and ten billion dollars of contraband and corrupt local officials. China has committed not to condemn Lai Changxing to the death penalty if tried and convicted. Canada prohibits the return of prisoners to countries where they could be sentenced to death. Canada has consistently refused to grant Lai Changxing refugee status and arrested in early July in order to expel him after years of legal twists. Canadian authorities have decided to act quickly after a decision by a federal court Thursday to deport Mr Lai, a decision that the Canadian justice had opposed for years lest he be executed or tortured. But China has promised not to execute Mr. Lai about 52 years if he is tried and convicted. The repatriation of Lai Changxing is a victory for Beijing, which is seeking its return for over a decade and the end of a diplomatic headache for Ottawa. Lai Changxing Deported from Canada Arrived in Beijing Saturdayadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Being the largest creditor of the United States, Beijing is now lecturing the West, requiring them to bring order to their finances. Gone are the days when China was under pressure from Western criticism because of its failure to respect human rights. Today, Beijing is with great delight to share their economic advice. Commenting on the market turmoil, the Peoples Daily, organ of the Communist Party, called on Western countries to take their courage to reduce their debt. If the developed countries refuse to take responsibility, there will be serious consequences on the stability and development of the global economy, said the Xinhua news agency after the downgrade of the U.S. debt rating. On Saturday, August 6, Xinhua had already criticized Uncle Sam and denounced the country living on credit. In order to cure their addiction to debt, the U.S. must restore the principle of common sense that we must live within our means, wrote the Chinese agency. China called Washington to make cuts in its massive military spending and its overinflated costs of social system. China now has all rights to require the United States to address their structural problems of debt. Chinese Rating Agency Dagong China currently holds for 1160 billion of U.S. Treasuries. This makes it by far the largest creditor of the United States. In the recent past, Beijing has used this position to assert its interests, particularly when U.S. President Barack Obama had estimated last year that the course of the Chinese currency was undervalued. Beijing was then suggested that it could reduce its purchases of U.S. Treasuries. Wednesday, August 3, Chinas central bank was again made clear its intention to diversify into the future purchases of foreign currency in order to reduce the risks it faces. For several years, Beijing seeks to use its growing economic power to weigh more compared to other G8 countries. It has created its own rating agency Dagong, which notes the debt of the Western countries with much more severity than the three recognized agencies: Standard and Poors, Moodys and Fitch. Last Wednesday, the Chinese agency had already downgraded the rating of U.S. debt to A + to A negative outlook, three notches below the rating assigned by Standard and Poors. And the agency has also deteriorated last year, the French debt rating to AA with a negative outlook. From Beijings view, western countries are considered more vulnerable than they would appear. The Crisis Reinforces Chinese Bankers in the Worldadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China plans to suspend its plan for new high-speed rail and to conduct security checks to meet the strong concern about the deadly crash of July 23, announced Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. Wen Jiabao said at a meeting of the State Council that checks would be conducted on the quality of materials, design and training of new high-speed rail, reported national radio. China should appropriately reduce the average speed of its new high-speed trains during the initial period of operation, said the Prime Minister. The collision of two express trains killed at least 40 people and raised many questions about the reliability of high-speed trains. According to the version delivered by the media, lightning caused a power outage and blocked Warning System. The accident occurred near Wenzhou in eastern China. Beijing to Froze Its Plans for High-Speed Railadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline An official has been taken into police custody after injuring 26 people by driving a government car into a movie theater in central Chinas Henan Province,choctaw casino rewards card the local government said Monday. The accident occurred around 11 a.m. on Sunday, when Liu Xianchong, Party secretary of the Culture, Radio, TV, Film, Press and Publication Bureau of Wancheng District, Nanyang City, drove a government car into a movie theater and injured people participating in a puzzle game held there for the Lantern Festival. Liu was driving a VW Santana and mistakenly stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake, according to police. Twenty-six people were injured in the accident, and they have been sent to the hospital for treatment, local police said. Two of the 26 injured are still in critical condition, but their injuries are not life-threatening. Six people have left the hospital after receiving medical exams, according to the hospital. The government said Liu had been on sick leave for about seven months due to a cerebral infarction. The Party Committee of Wancheng District and the local government have set up a group to handle the incident and its aftermath, including organizing a medical treatment team to rescue injured people, punishing the official in accordance with laws and regulations, publicizing the accident throughout the district and educating other officials and cadres. Local police have taken Liu into custody and seized the government car involved in the accident. A further investigation into the case is underway. Chinese officials and cadres may be supplied with government vehicles, but such vehicles may not be put into private or personal use. Xinhua Official drives into theater, injures 26 in central Chinaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline M.A., Italian Studies, Middlebury College B.A., Biology, Northeastern University October is Italian Heritage Month, formerly known as National Italian-American Heritage Month. Coinciding with the festivities surrounding Columbus Day, the proclamation in recognition of the many achievements, contributions, and successes of Americans of Italian descent as well as Italians in America. Christopher Columbus was Italian, and many countries celebrate Columbus Day every year to mark his discovery of the New World. But Italian Heritage Month honors more than just Columbus. Over 5.4 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 1992. Today there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent in the United States, making them the fifth largest ethnic group. The country was even named after an Italian, the explorer and geographer Amerigo Vespucci. History of Italian Americans in the U.S. Federico Fellini, the movie director, once said that "language is culture and culture is the language," and nowhere is this truer than in Italy. There was a time when speaking Italian was considered a crime, but nowadays many Italian Americans are learning Italian to discover more about their family heritage. Looking for ways to identify, understand, and bond with their family's ethnic background, they are getting in touch with their family heritage by learning their ancestors' native language. Most of the Italians who immigrated to the U.S. came from the southern part of Italy, including Sicily. That's because the pressures encouraging people to immigrateincluding poverty and over-populationwere greater in the southern part of the country, especially in the latter part of the 19th century. In fact, the Italian government encouraged southern Italians to leave the country and voyage to the U.S. Many ancestors of today's Italian-Americans came due to this policy. Italian-American Heritage Month Celebrations Each year in October, a wide variety of cities and towns with large Italian-American populations host various Italian cultural celebrations in honor of Italian Heritage Month. Many of the celebrations revolve around food, of course. Italians are well-known for their contributions to excellent meals in the U.S. Italian-American heritage organizations often take the opportunity in October to introduce members and others to regional Italian cuisines, which go far beyond pasta. Other events may highlight Italian art, ranging from Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci to modern Italian sculptor Marino Marini and painter and print-maker, Giorgio Morandi. Italian Heritage Month celebrations also provide ample opportunities for learning Italian. For example, some organizations provide language labs for children so that they can discover the beauty of the Italian language. Others offer opportunities for adults to learn enough Italian to get by while traveling to Italy. Finally, many citiesincluding New York, Boston, Chicago and San Franciscohost Columbus Day or Italian Heritage parades to mark the Columbus Day holiday. The largest parade is the one held in New York City, which involves 35,000 marchers and more than 100 groups. A delegation of Taiwan environmental officials is set to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Environment being held July 16-18 in Khabarovsk, Russia. Taiwan will take opportunity to learn from member economies with advanced environmental protection knowledge and policy while also sharing its experience, said Stephen Shu-hung Shen, minister of the ROC Environmental Protection Administration, July 13 before departing for the APEC event. Todays environmental issues cross borders and tackling them requires international cooperation, he added. Citing the statistic that 37 percent of suspended particulates among air pollutants over Taiwan are from offshore, Shen said Taiwan hopes to improve regional environmental quality through bilateral talks and cooperation with other APEC economies. The meeting of environment ministers, the first in 15 years among APEC economies, will broach issues such as preservation of biodiversity, promoting the growth of green industries and sustainable use of natural resources. According to organizers, a conference of experts and a series of bilateral meetings will be held on the sidelines of the event. The EPA expects talks to be challenging as the relationship between economy and environment the world over has undergone considerable change in recent years. June Tsai Taiwan Today Taiwan readies for APEC meeting on environmentadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline On July 9,colorado belle laughlin nv 2018, during the visit of Kuwait Emir Sabahs visit to China, under the witness of the heads of state of China and Kuwait, Fu Ziying, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China, and HE Khaled Nasser Abdullah Al-Roudan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait In Beijing, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on E-Commerce Cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait. China and Kuwait are traditionally friendly. Kuwait is the first Gulf Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with China. It is also the first country in the world to sign a Belt and Road cooperation document with China. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 47 years ago, China-Kuwait economic and trade relations have developed steadily and pragmatic cooperation has continued to deepen. The prospects for cooperation between the two countries under the framework of the Belt and Road are very broad. While deepening cooperation in traditional fields such as bilateral trade and project contracting, China and Kuwait are also actively exploring and expanding new areas of cooperation. According to the memorandum, China and the Kuwait will jointly create a good development environment for e-commerce, conduct regular government-level dialogues, promote local cooperation and public-private dialogue, and support the cooperation between enterprises of the two countries in e-commerce projects, especially through e-commerce to promote quality products and The import and export trade of services will open up new ways and new areas of Sino-Kuwait economic and trade cooperation through e-commerce, continuously improve the level of trade facilitation and cooperation, and further promote the sustained and stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations. China and Kuwait sign MoU on E-commerce Cooperationadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Li Jinai,james bet 1x2 mlb algorithm picks member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and director of the General Political Department (GPD) of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), met with the military delegation headed by Ri Tae Chol, commander of the Interior Force and the first deputy minister of the Ministry of Peoples Security of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing on the morning of November 11, 2011. Li Jinai said that the traditional friendly bilateral relations between China and the DPRK have enjoyed constant consolidation and development for years through joint efforts of both countries under the great concerns of the leaders of the two countries. In the new historical period, the Chinese side is willing to work together with the DPRK side to further strengthen communication and coordination, and deepen exchanges and cooperation, so as to make due contributions to further developing the relations between the two countries and the two militaries, and maintaining regional and world peace, stability and prosperity. Li Jinai spoke highly of the exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese Peoples Armed Police Force (APF) and the Interior Force of the DPRK. Ri Tae Chol said that the two militaries of the DPRK and China have been helping and supporting each other for a long time, and have established and developed friendly relationship between the two countries. The Interior Force of the DPRK hopes to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese APF, so as to make positive efforts to develop comprehensive relations between the two countries. Wang Jianping, commander of the Chinese APF, and Ji Jae Ryong, ambassador of the DPRK to China, attended the meeting. Luo Zheng PLA Daily Li Jinai meets with DPRK military delegationadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Mike Pence on possible Trump run: I think we are going to have better choices closeVideo Former Vice President Mike Pence responds to former President Trump possibly running for reelection and the Russia-Ukraine war on 'Special Report.' Former Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday that Republicans "have better choices" for president in 2024 than former President Donald Trump. Pence, in an interview on Fox News' Special Report, emphasized that Republican voters long for a return to the policies of the Trump administration but want to avoid Trump's divisive approach to the White House. While Pence said Trump was the only candidate who could defeat Hillary Clinton in 2016, he added that "different times call for different leadership." "I honestly believe that were going to have better choices," Pence said. "I hear people saying that they would like us to move forward with leadership that will unite our country around our highest ideals and reflect the kind of respect and civility that the American people demonstrate to each other every day." MIKE PENCE LAMENTS COLLAPSE OF TRUMP RELATIONSHIP, FONDLY RECALLS TIME IN WHITE HOUSE Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks during an event to promote his new book ((Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)) Pence's comments come hours before former President Donald Trump will make what he calls a "very big announcement" in a speech at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida that is expected to be a declaration that he will run for president in 2024. Pence said he is giving a 2024 presidential run "prayerful consideration." TRUMP FACING CALLS TO DELAY 'BIG ANNOUNCEMENT' AT MAR-A-LAGO Donald Trump and Mike Pence pose together on a stage. (Getty Images) The former vice president said he is proud that Republicans took back the House in the midterm elections but wishes they could have won more competitive races. The winning formula, he said, was to focus on the issues that matter to voters at the moment. "Candidates that were focused on the past, on re-litigating the last election, did not fare so well," Pence said. "Theres a real affirmation here that the Republican Party needs to be focused on the future." RON DESANTIS FINALLY RESPONDS TO ATTACKS FROM TRUMP, MEDIA: 'CHECK OUT THE SCOREBOARD' Former Vice President Mike Pence visits "America Reports" at FOX News ((Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)) Trump, as president, criticized Pence for certifying the 2020 election results, tweeting on January 6, 2021 that the vice president "didn't have the courage to do what should have been done." Protesters at the Capitol were heard chanting "hang Mike Pence." Trump then tweeted that rioters who entered the Capitol should leave and protest peacefully. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Pence said Tuesday that he always stayed loyal to Trump as vice president and kept his concerns between the two of them. January 6, he said, changed that relationship. "In that moment, when that tweet came across, it angered me," Pence said. Patrick Hauf is a politics writer for Fox News Digital. Typhoon Utor tore through south China Wednesday, bringing high winds and torrential rains, as well as killing one person and leaving five others missing. Disaster relief authorities in the city of Maoming in Guangdong Province said the casualties were the result of floods triggered by the typhoon. More than 88,000 people were evacuated from the city before Utor hit on Wednesday. In the cities of Zhanjiang and Wuchuan, several villages were flooded, as embankments along the swollen Quehua River were breached on Wednesday. Four hundred armed police are participating in rescue efforts Utor was the strongest typhoon of the year before it crossed the Philippines earlier this week, killing at least seven people and leaving four missing. The typhoon made landfall at 3:50 p.m. Wednesday near the city of Yangjiang in western Guangdong, packing winds of over 150 km per hour at its center, local meteorological authorities said. It moved into the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Wednesday night and is expected to linger there for about four days. On Thursday, the railway bureau in Nanning, Guangxis capital, announced that sections of a railway linking the region to central Chinas Hunan Province collapsed after being soaked by heavy rain. Passenger services on the line were suspended on Wednesday but resumed gradually on Thursday following the completion of repairs. The Guangxi water conservation department said major rivers in the province are flooding due to downpours brought by the typhoon. About 245,000 people from three cities and seven counties in Guangxi have been affected by the downpours brought by Utor, according to regional civil affairs authorities. The storm has also forced 1,800 ships to return to harbor in south China, as well as led to the evacuation of 8,000 tourists on Weizhou Island. Civil affairs authorities in Guangxi said 3,890 hectares of crops have been damaged and 176 houses have collapsed due to the storm, which has also caused direct economic losses of 34.53 million yuan (5.6 million U.S. dollars). Xinhua Typhoon Utor kills 1 in south Chinaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What is proper etiquette for airplane seats? closeVideo Fox News correspondent Matt Finn discusses if passengers that recline their seat are seen as rude on Fox News @ Night. An airline passenger has sparked debate on social media after he shared his experience of being seated in the middle seat between two parents and their infant child. Sam Neve, who on Twitter calls himself a "former journo" and says he's presently "building digital stuff" in London, expressed his confusion at the seating arrangements when he boarded his flight. "Just boarded a flight and I'm sat with a couple and their baby, but the husband refused to give up his aisle seat so now I'm just in the middle of them?" the man tweeted. AIRPLANE PASSENGER YELLS, DEMANDS WATER FROM FLIGHT ATTENDANT, ALL CAUGHT ON VIDEO The tweet was retweeted over 300 times and received nearly 2,000 replies. Neve did not say where he was traveling either to or from but said in the replies that the flight lasted a couple of hours and that there was "no harm done." Neve tweeted that the man "refused to give up his aisle seat." (iStock) He added that the husband ignored his wife and child the entire flight, saying that "he stuck his headphones in, ate an entire pack of Haribo and didnt talk to her for the entire two-hour flight." PASSENGER'S RECLINED PLANE SEAT SEEN IN TIKTOK VIDEO REAWAKENS DEBATE: 'BANE OF MY EXISTENCE' Many people were confused as to why the man would force his wife and child to sit next to a total stranger. Others noted that the couple probably booked the seats hoping the middle seat would go unsold. "Let me guess, the mom is taking care of the baby while the husband uses you as a shield so he can chill out?" one Twitter commenter said. (iStock) "Let me guess, the mom is taking care of the baby while the husband uses you as a shield so he can chill out?" one person wrote. "My husband and I ended up separated on a flight with our baby girl. After the flight took off, I walked over and handed him the baby, then went back and took a nap." AIR TRAVEL CONTROVERSY: PASSENGERS WHO RECLINE THEIR SEATS ON FLIGHTS ARE SEEN AS RUDE Another person commented, "People can be quite strange. I once had a window seat and the man on the aisle seat refused to let me go to the loo. The wonderful steward saw this and whisked me off into first class and gave me the full VIP treatment. Top babe." The man in aisle seat reportedly ate an entire pack of Haribo during the flight and did not speak to his wife. (Reuters) Neve said in another tweet that it was a "very busy, full flight," apparently indicating that he could not be moved to a different seat on the airplane. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Other people defended the husband, suggesting that perhaps he was claustrophobic, afraid of flying or needed the additional space provided by the aisle seat. One person wrote, "Why should he give his seat up for some nonentity he doesnt know?" (iStock) Others said that perhaps the couple just wanted that specific seat arrangement. "He has a right to keep it and not move to the middle. Always you people who think your entitlement comes first. YOU bought the middle seat," posted one commenter. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Another said, "Why should he give his seat up for some nonentity he doesnt know?" Christine Rousselle is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital. Chinas leading railways manufacturer, China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corporation Ltd. (CSR), unveiled a plan Wednesday to set up its ASEAN manufacturing center in Malaysia, citing great market potential in the region as well as the close China-Malaysia relations. CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co Ltd. (CSR ZELC), a subsidiary under CSR and an active player in Malaysias mass transit projects, announced the plan of the 50-acre facilities located in Batu Gajah of the Perak State, some 200 kilometers from the capital of Kuala Lumpur. The company is investing up to 400 million ringgit (126.7 million U.S. dollars) in the CSR ASEAN Rail Center, which would cover all-in-one scope of work of production, assembly, testing, overhaul and refurbishment, said Luo Chongfu, the company s Vice President of Investment and Strategic Development. We are expecting to generate more than 800 jobs for Malaysians, he said. More importantly, it will substantially enhance Malaysian railway technology, know-how and expertise, maximize its localization degree and enrich the human resource pool, he added. Fu Chengjun, another senior executive of the company, said the new plant is one of the most important to be set up by CSR outside of China. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, with the annual capacity of the production of 100 to 150 carriages and the overhaul of around 150. CSR ZELC has won bid for 20 sets of light rail vehicles for Malaysias AMPANG Line Extension Project earlier this year, and the cars will be among the first to be manufactured by the new plant. Its EMUs, or modern rail transport vehicles, has been operated in Kuala Lumpur since March. Meanwhile, the company has decided to set up its regional headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Luo has cited the close bilateral relations between China and Malaysia, geographical advantage as the factors why his company had chosen Malaysia to set up its ASEAN manufacturing center and regional headquarters. Luo predicted that ASEAN countries would need 1,100 new cars and refurbishment service for another 700 in the next five years, and the new plant in Malaysia would provide advantage for the company to tap into the market. CSR, based in Beijing and listed on Hong Kong as well as Shanghai Stock Exchange Markets, has been developed into one of the major players in global railway transport industry and is one of the biggest by global sales revenue. Xinhua Chinas railways giant announces 126 million USD manufacturing center in Malaysiaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline One person has been rescued and 13 others remain missing after a container ship sank in east Chinas Bohai Bay on Monday afternoon,odd sharks mlb pointspreads local maritime authorities said. The ship carrying 14 crew members was traveling from the northern coastal city of Tianjin to the coastal city of Taizhou in eastern Zhejiang Province, according to the Yantai Maritime Safety Administration. Maritime authorities were alerted to the incident at around 4:30 p.m. Rescue work is underway. Xinhua 13 missing after ship sinks in E Chinaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China has quietly started to sail its first aircraft carrier, the Shi Lang. The name of this ship is explicit: AdmiralShi Lang (1621-1696) was the commander of the Manchu fleet who conquered the island of Taiwan in 1681. Chinese Navy desired to acquire the aircraft carrier, which marks the importance of a nation internationally. The aircraft carrier is an air base that can move a thousand miles a day bypassing all the overflight clearances, sailing in international waters. This is the sign of the great naval powers such as the United States, France, and Russia with a ship named Kousnetzov, sister ship of Shi Lang. The Shi Lang is not new. It had originally been placed on hold in Ukraine in 1985 under the name of Riga. Ukraine had hoped that Russia could pay its bills to complete building the ship. Yet Moscow was not able to pay and Ukrainians have proposed to sell to the Chinese or Indians, who were interested at the time. After tough negotiations, the Russians finally agreed to sell the Varyag to China. Although Chinese got the ship, the Chinese Navy had neither the culture nor the technology of aircraft carrier. This ship will primarily serve as training ship to train fighter pilots. The Chinese also built a stunning concrete model of Shi Lang in Wuhan on an office building for the maneuvers of aircraft on a flight deck. An aircraft carrier is only part of a full battle group. The Chinese have frigates, destroyers and refueling tankers that accompany a carrier battle group, as well as nuclear attack submarines . But the navy has not been able to monitor the sky, like Hawkeye, which are now essential. Helicopters can fulfill this mission, but not completely. In order to conduct military operations, the Shi Lang needs at least five years or more. Americans had abandoned conventional aircraft carriers and replaced with catapult / nuclear powered ones. Since the Chinese Navy decided to acquire conventional aircraft in the future, they will have to find their own culture and management. Chinese Aircraft Carrier Shi Lang May Be Operational in Five Yearsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese police have sent co-investigation request to police authorities in related countries concerning a 32-year-old man who instigated a self-immolation incident in which two teenage boys died. Police in southwest Chinas Sichuan Province said two teenagers died after setting themselves ablaze in Jamcha Village,caesars sportsbook lounge capital one arena Ruoergai County, in the Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Aba. Rinchen Tseli, 15, and Sonam Dakyi, 16, self-immolated on Feb. 19 and died at the scene, according to a statement released Monday by police authorities. Fear and homesickness prompted Ye Ja, a 17-year-old who had planned to self-immolate with the other two teens, to reconsider, said the statement. Police said they found that Rinchen Tselis 32-year-old uncle, known as Tenpa Gyatso, among other names, organized the self-immolations. He formerly served as a monk in the Jage Monastery in Jamcha Village. Tenpa Gyatso illegally crossed the border to Indias Dorje Monastery in 2007, and he was also a staff member with the press contact group of Indias Kirti Monastery. He maintained close contact with Rinchen Tseli and inculcated the idea of Tibet independence upon him frequently, said the statement. Since January, Tenpa Gyatso repeatedly incited Rinchen Tseli to self-immolate through the Internet-based smartphone chatting software WeChat and claimed that self-immolators are national heroes, according to the statement. The Indian side will carve your name on the Monument to Self-immolators in Takla Sala and pray for you. You will become an extraordinary man, Tenpa Gyatso encouraged Rinchen Tseli, according to the statement. Tenpa Gyatso described self-immolation as a beautiful thing, and asked Rinchen Tseli whether he would dare self-immolate. Under the continuous instigation of Tenpa Gyatso, Rinchen Tseli finally agreed to self-immolate and even suggested convincing others to do so, as well. Tenpa Gyatso also ordered Rinchen to send pictures that could be used in propaganda spread overseas following the self-immolations. Rinchen Tseli found his friends Sonam Dakyi and Ye Ja, and coaxed them into jointly planning the self-immolation activity. The statement cited police authorities as saying that organizing self-immolations and convincing others to commit such acts jeopardize society and constitute serious criminal acts. Police have vowed to continue investigations into such cases and punish those responsible. Xinhua Police seek foreign aids in investigating self-immolation caseadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Should Trump return to Twitter with Elon Musk as owner? Texans react closeVideo The prospect of former President Trump possibly rejoining Twitter under its new owner, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, elicited varying opinions from Austin locals. AUSTIN, Texas Several people in Austin weighed in on whether former President Trump should rejoin Twitter if Elon Musk allows him. "Yes, I think that he should be back [on] Twitter," Adiba told Fox News. "He has his own opinions, so I would like to hear about him, too." WATCH BELOW TO LEARN WHY SOME PEOPLE THINK DONALD TRUMP SHOULD REJOIN TWITTER: Video WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE But another person disagreed. "It could be an issue because he does have a tendency to spread false information," one man told Fox News, though he added that heconsidered Trump's tweets "more entertaining than anything." Before finalizing his purchase of Twitter, Musk said he "would reverse the permanent ban" on Trump. The former president, who was kicked off Twitter for tweets he posted during and after the Capitol riot in January 2021, said he wouldn't rejoin the social media giant since he now has his own platform, Truth Social. Twitter accepted Musk's $44 billion bid to acquire the company in April. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) LIBERALS WAIL AFTER MUSK SAYS HE WOULD REINSTATE TRUMP ON TWITTER: THIS HELLSITE COULD BECOME EVEN WORSE "I don't think he would come back since now he has his own social media," one woman told Fox News. "I think it would kind of be like bad marketing for his own social media platform if he did that." "And 'cause his whole thing is that hes a really smart businessman, I don't think that's a smart business move," she added. But another woman said it would be "great" if Trump changed his mind. Former President Donald Trump's Twitter account was "permanently suspended" in January 2021. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "I feel like everyone should have a freakin' voice," she said. One woman said: "He can be on the platform. As long as they're still gonna look into his account and make sure his tweets are appropriate, then I don't see why not." Chinas maritime authority on Monday issued an early warning for high waves that may occur in the South China Sea. Thebest free spins casino bonus National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center issued a yellow warning, the second-lowest level in the countrys four-tier color-coded typhoon warning system, for Typhoon Utor, which is expected to affect the sea area from noon on Monday to noon on Tuesday. The center warned of waves as high as eight meters in the eastern and northern part of the South China Sea and waves that will measure 1.5 to 2.5 meters high in waters off South Chinas Guangdong Province. Ships in these sea areas should take timely measures to return to harbor to avoid the waves, the center urged. Xinhua High waves expected in South China Seaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The NGO Greenpeace has revealed yesterday the presence of toxic substances in the products of 14 brands of clothing, manufactured in China and Southeast Asia. These substances can threaten the growth and fertility of the people in contact with these products. In its report Dirty Laundry 2 (Dirty Laundry 2), the NGO Greenpeace announced the results of the analysis of 78 garments. Of 52 items from brands (see list below), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) were detected well above the accepted limit one milligram per kilogram. Some products, such as Abercrombie & Fitch brand and Converse, reaching peaks respectively 1100 and 2700 mg / kg. The vast majority of relevant articles were manufactured in China, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia (Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia). WHAT ARE THE RISKS FOR MAN? NPEs do not occur naturally, their presence is only a result of human activity. Several scientific studies have shown that repeated contact with them, man and animals can experience hormonal disturbances, especially at the reproductive organs. Growth and fertility are threatened. NPEs have as property to be persistent presence accumulates, reaching significant proportions. However, among the products tested, many are clothes that close to the body such as underwear or sportswear increasing the impregnation to the human body of these toxic substances. It is also noteworthy that the rate of NPE by clothing is not revealing who is present during manufacture: for Chinese workers, Vietnamese or Malaysian, health risks are even higher. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT? The ecological impact is also alarming. On 13 July, Greenpeace published an initial report (Dirty Laundry 1) on the Chinese river pollution caused by the use of NPEs in two Chinese factories partner of most major brands at issue. Puma and Nike had committed, after publication, to eliminate these toxic products of their production by 2020. But the problem is not limited only to China, Greenpeace said. When clothes are washed in the machine in our country, NPE contaminate the water and rivers, before reaching the fish and landed on our plates. Brands list: Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Converse, G-Star Raw, H & M, Kappa, Lacoste, Li Ning, Nike, Puma, Ralph Lauren, Uniqlo and Youngor. Also tested by Greenpeace, the brand GAP has revealed a rate of NPE below 1 mg / kg. Clothing Made in China Would be Dangerousadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 17th G20 Summit in Indonesia and the 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Thailand and visit Thailand. Editor: Yang Ruoyu/GT Graphic: Xu Zihe/GT TheChinese Foreign Ministry on Friday announced that President Xi Jinping will attend the 17th G20 Summit in Indonesia and the 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Thailand next week, which experts view as a sign of bringing China's ideas on eliminating barriers and coordinating cooperation among economies and bringing new opportunities to the world through opportunities created by its development.The president will also meet with many world leaders including US President Joe Biden, drawing widespread attention from around the world, reflecting China's increasingly paramount role in regional and global affairs.The trip will be crucial both for China and the world as it will mark the first trip by the Chinese President following the recent successful conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has united the Chinese people and set out inspiring development aspirations for both China and the world. It is also the first in-person attendance at the G20 summit and the APEC summit since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic in three years, and the world increasingly turns to China and the broader Asia-Pacific region for stability and prosperity.Chinese experts believe that in the face of rising geographical tensions, a worsening energy crisis, the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession, as well as the confrontational mentality and bloc politics of the US and its allies, emerging economies, including China, will play an increasingly critical role in the multilateral diplomatic arena, in terms of maintaining the development of globalization and free trade, enhancing regional peace and stability, and promoting the democratization of international relations. Photo:VCG At the invitation of President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, President Xi Jinping will attend the 17th G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia from November 14 to 17, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying announced Friday. He will attend the 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand and visit Thailand from November 17 to 19, Hua said.Zhao Lijian, another spokesperson from the ministry, said on Friday at a regular press conference that the G20 Bali Summit is the first multilateral summit the top Chinese leader will attend after the successful conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), while Xi's attendance at the 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting "is an important act of China's head-of-state diplomacy towards the Asia-Pacific," which "fully shows the high importance China attaches to the Asia-Pacific economic cooperation."With growing instability and uncertainties in the world economy, regional economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific is facing new challenges, Zhao said.As the premier forum for international economic cooperation, the G20 need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, coordinate macroeconomic policies, and work concertedly for strong, sustainable, inclusive and balanced growth of the world economy, Zhao said."APEC is an important platform for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. President Xi will deliver an important speech at the meeting, expounding China's major propositions on deepening Asia-Pacific cooperation and promoting regional and global economic growth," Zhao added.Li Haidong, a professor from the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday that the G20 Summit, which aims to help the world's major economies brainstorm ways to coordinate cooperation, is likely to focus on how to improve the existing multilateral financial and economic system to effectively deal with the economic problems and the tendency for depression.There are also international realities, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the climate crisis, which the G20 will likely address as well. After all, the above crises have brought uncertainty to the global economy and energy structure, and countries are hoping to use the G20 platform to reach consensus on important issues, Li said.Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Friday that faced with the impact of the pandemic on the global supply chain and calls for "decoupling" by some Western countries in the name of security, China will continue to oppose ideologically led small cliques and firmly support globalization, as it is an objective law of development that no one can stop.China hopes to demonstrate at multilateral diplomatic occasions such as the G20 and APEC summits that its development and opening-up, especially after the 20th National Congress of the CPC, will bring more new opportunities to the world, Wang said.What China has always emphasized is that both the G20 or APEC summits provide a stage to promote the Global Development Initiatives (GDI) put forward by President Xi a year ago, which will benefit the world in a more effective way, Li said.However, experts said it cannot be ruled out that the US will use arenas like the G20 and APEC summits to promote its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and other ideology-led economic and trade alliances, and force others to take sides.APEC is an important multilateral mechanism for bridging barriers and promoting trade liberalization between members in the Asia-Pacific region. Unfortunately, however, the biggest challenge to trade liberalization today is none other than the US, one of the cofounders of APEC, Li said. China US Photo: VCG Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also announced Friday that Xi will hold bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, among others, upon request.The meeting between Xi and Biden on the sidelines of the G20 summit has been put under the spotlight as China-US relations have reached a lowest point in four decades following the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's provocative visit to China's Taiwan region and met with secessionists on the island as well as a series of other moves by the US to contain China.Bilateral talks on certain areas such as defense, justice and climate change have been suspended as part of China's countermeasures to Pelosi's provocative visit to Taiwan in August.The upcoming Xi-Biden meeting is also the first one since China slammed countermeasures.It will also be the first in-person encounter between the two leaders since Biden ascended to the White House in 2021.Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China views and grows its relations with the US in accordance with the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation as proposed by President Xi.The spokesperson also urged the US to work together with China to properly manage differences, advance mutually beneficial cooperation, avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation, and bring China-US relations back to the right track of sound and steady development, which "serves the interests of both sides and meets the expectations of the world."Before China's announcement, the White House announced the Xi-Biden meeting on Thursday (ET), saying leaders will discuss a range of regional and global issues, as well as efforts to "maintain and deepen lines of communication," responsibly manage competition, and work together on "transnational challenges that affect the international community.Citing a senior Biden administration official, CNBC reported that the White House expects the meeting to be an in-depth and substantive conversation, but Biden will be honest about "concerns," such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, so-called "human rights" issues, as well as the Taiwan question.Unlike China's stable political environment after the 20th National Congress of the CPC, Biden faces the risk of becoming a "lame duck," as Republicans are very likely to win at least one of the Congress chambers. Many experts expect the Biden administration to take a tougher line on China after the midterm elections.APEC and G20 members are concerned about the uncertainties in the current economic interactions in the Asia-Pacific region, especially the US policy on China, Li said.However, more and more Asia-Pacific countries are becoming aware of the domestic political instability and lack of coherent policy in the US. The existing political and economic conditions in the US mean that Washington cannot devote many resources to meeting its promises, Li said.America's efforts to tout the IPEF during the G20 and APEC summits probably won't go over well, Li said, adding that the Asia-Pacific region is one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world, and most countries here will resist having their prosperity disrupted by American interference.Direct communication between the two leaders can set the most authoritative tone for the direction of bilateral relations at the highest level, Li said, noting that leaders are likely to make more efforts in managing differences, so that countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the world have more reasons to be optimistic about the major global concerns under the influence of China-US relations. Fox News Flash top headlines for November 15 closeVideo Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. An Ohio man pleaded guilty on Monday to federal gun and drug crimes related to a shootout in West Virginia in 2021. Austin Bruce Jeffreys, 28, of Chesapeake, Ohio admitted to using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Austin Bruce Jeffreys of Chesapeake, Ohio admitted to federal gun and drug charges following a shootout in West Virginia. (West Virginia Division of Corrections) Jeffreys, according to court documents and statements made in court on June 14, 2021, communicated with an inmate at the Western Regional Jail by phone, and each time, the calls were recorded. HOUSTON RAPPER THE BREADMAN GETS 23 YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING The U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release that when Jeffreys spoke to the inmate, he agreed to go to a residence in Huntington to pick up the inmates suboxone. At the time, the suboxone was with another person, so Jeffreys said he would go to the residence carrying a loaded .380-caliber pistol. Man in prison hands of behind hold Steel cage jail bars. (iStock) When Jeffreys arrived at the residence, the DOJ said, he and another person got into a shootout before Jeffreys could get the drugs. TEXAS INMATE FACES DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES RELATED TO DRONE DROPS IN PRISON YARD Jeffreys then called the inmate, once again on a recorded line, and spoke about the shooting and his knowledge of the drugs being intended for distribution, the DOJ said. Jeffreys is expected to be sentenced on Feb. 13, 2022, and faces up to life in prison and a $500,000 fine. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The inmate, Jacob Benjamin Loper, 21, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on May 9, 2022, after pleading guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute the suboxone and conspiring to use a firearm in a drug trafficking crime. Video Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Former adviser to Chinas central bank Yu Yongding () suggested that it is not worth investing in debt of EU countries. Also, the economist suggests that China was in no hurry to invest in foreign currencies and should strengthen the yuan, reduce the dependency on dollar. RBC is considering these proposals as a possible step to transform RMB to an reserve currency. Currently China is the worlds largest holder of U.S. debt bonds. Chinese authorities have also previously argued for the possibility of buying debt of the euro area, which is now undergoing major debt crisis. The EU is one of Chinas largest markets, which makes the country interested in preserving the stability of the eurozone. Former Adviser to Chinas Central Bank Advised Not to Invest in Euro Debtadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline US division Illustration: Liu Rui/GT When US President Joe Biden spoke at the COP27 in Egypt hoping to show the world the image of a global leader on climate action,he faced an international audience with the majority having seen through the US' lack of reliability in keeping promises, Chinese observers said, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi brought US domestic partisanship to COP27 for political purposes, further damaging the US' international reputation.Biden addressed the United Nations climate talks on Friday, stressing American leadership at a time when the country is facing broad criticism for being the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in history.One day ahead of Biden's planned speech at COP27, Pelosi showed up at the UN global climate summit on Thursday using the international arena to criticize Republicans, saying there has been a disagreement on the climate crisis between the parties.According to Guardian, Pelosi said Republicans have said, "'Why are we having this discussion? There is no climate crisis. It's all a hoax.' We have to get over that. This is urgent, long overdue."Pelosi's remarks came as the results of the US midterm elections were yet to be finalized, but with Republicans slowly moving closer to taking control of the House of Representatives, which will enable them to block Biden's legislative agenda, including those on climate actions. The US Capitol building is seen in Washington, DC Nov 10, 2022. The balance of power in the next U.S. Congress is still undecided as of late Thursday night, two days after the 2022 midterm elections. Photo:Xinhua Li Haidong, a professor from the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday that it's clear that Pelosi tried to depict Republicans as the culprit behind the ineffective global response to the climate crisis in order to help Democrats gain more international support and more understanding from domestic voters."It's ironic that Pelosi actually brought American partisan politics to the stage of COP27, which shows that the US has no credibility and US policy is inconsistent and hypocritical on climate actions," Li said."Pelosi's remarks have damaged the US' international reputation, but she could not care less. It seems she would do anything to enhance Democrats' political power," Li said.Chinese observers believed that the majority of the international community is fully aware of the US' inconsistent policy and growing partisan hostility, and many have raised concerns that any commitments Biden makes during COP27 may be hard to realize if Republicans control the House.According to NPR, Biden will reiterate that he wants to "help the most vulnerable build resilience to climate impacts" on Friday.Biden has said several times on international occasions that he will increase US climate aid to $11 billion by 2024, but even American media doubted whether he would be able to keep that pledge.Time magazine said in a report that Biden's prospects looked diminished after the midterm elections, as Republicans look set to retake the House.The New York Times said on Thursday that if Republicans are in charge, "there will be less money, not more, to help foreign nations cope with climate change, as well as fresh efforts to slow down or block the president's climate agenda."This year's COP27 has included loss and damage compensation in talks, in response to developing nations' persistent demands.Li said that any climate-related promises regarding finance will not be fulfilled in the US after Republicans control the House, indicating that any ambitious commitment on climate actions made by the Biden administration would be unreliable."The US is now a disruptive force in the global climate response rather than a force to unite the world, and certainly is not a global leader as it claims," Li said.Instead of implementing its promises, the US has been accusing China of not being cooperative in tackling the global climate crisis. Chinese observers pointed out that climate cooperation efforts between China and the US were singlehandedly bungled by Washington as it neglected Beijing's core interests and weaponized the climate issue to suppress China.However, China is a country that walks the walk when it comes to climate response.China's special envoy for climate change Xie Zhenhua said at COP27 that China is willing to, though not obliged to, help developing countries enhance their adaptability through South-South cooperation, and China has provided 2 billion yuan ($275.8 million) to developing countries for adaptation and mitigation efforts.Xie urged developed countries to fulfill their pledges made at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference more than a decade ago to provide $100 billion annually to developing countries. Prominent local businessmen gathered in Chicago Wednesday to welcome a delegation of 100 influential Chinese officials and business leaders as the city continues its efforts to attract more Chinese investment. The conference, hosted by World Business Chicago, a local economic development organization, brought together a variety of economic leaders to discuss business initiatives that could be jointly developed by Chicago and Chinese cities or companies. More than 40 Chinese companies attended the conference. In his keynote address, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Chao, who was in the U.S. on a five-day trade and investment promotion mission, spoke highly of the existing trade and business ties between the two countries and their abundant financial benefits. More and more Chinese investors show their interest in making investments in the United States, Wang said, noting that Chinese-U.S. investment has jumped 18 percent since the end of 2010. Dialogue through events like the World Business Chicago conference would strengthen the growing relationship between China and the United States, he said. We believe these discussions will further enhance our mutual understanding and will also give us stronger confidence and full cooperation. Chicago Deputy Mayor Mark Angelson echoed Wangs remarks, adding that Chicago was honored to become the first U.S. city to house a Confucius Institute and other Chinese connections, and that the city wished to become more deeply involved with China in the future. During the conference, participants discussed topics such as the current investment climate in Chicago, opportunities in infrastructure investment, Chinas outward investment plans, and the real-world experience of Chinese investors. Xinhua News Ticker: The Chicago area is home to more than 40+ mainland Chinese-owned companies including Goldwinds North America HQ, Wanxiangs North American HQ, Huawei Technologies, BYD, Xinhua, China Telecom Americas and ZTE USA. More than 150 Chicago-area companies have locations in mainland China. China is the regions largest global trade partner; in 2011 Chicago Customs District reported $41.8 billion in imports and $4.15 billion in exports. There are 28 nonstop flights between Chicago and Chinas mainland, and Hainan Airlines recently received federal approval to launch nonstop flights to Chicago from Beijing, the first mainland China-based airline to offer direct service. Additionally, Chicagos only foreign business office is located in Shanghai, a Sister City to Chicago since 1985. Chicago Hosts Sino-U.S Investment & Trade Conferenceadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Ben Domenech analyzes American life post-midterms closeVideo Spectator World editor-at-large Ben Domenech gives his take on the state of the nation post-midterm elections on 'Life, Liberty & Levin.' Spectator World editor-at-large Ben Domenech said Republicans must formulate an early vote strategy if they want future victories after the 2022 midterms. While Republican detractors decry the idea of a COVID-induced "Election Month," Democrats in states like Pennsylvania banked hundreds of thousands of votes before Sen.-elect John Fetterman's debate against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz. Though public opinion shifted in Oz's favor, Fetterman's banked votes were already in the mail before he hit the stage in Harrisburg. "I'm going to give you something that's a little dissatisfying, unfortunately, because I think it's something that we shouldn't have to deal with as a republic," Domenech told "Life, Liberty & Levin." GROWING SQUAD RIPPED FOR HAVING NO SOLUTIONS Ben Domenech on Fox News Primetime (Fox News) "But I think, unfortunately, Republicans need to have an early vote strategy regardless of all the different storylines that I think that you can draw about this election and what went on, the narratives, I think that we have to agree at this point, these COVID-based policies of early voting that essentially create months-long periods where people are voting in Pennsylvania for 50 days " "Those are things that we can gripe about and we can complain about and we know is wrong, but they're not going away. And I think that, unfortunately, Republicans are going to have to have strategies where they target the early voting," Domenech said. TIK TOK IS CHINA'S DIGITAL FENTANYL, FCC COMMISSIONER SAYS Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, and Pennsylvania Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, discuss reproductive freedom and the economy in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd) The GOP must work within the confines of the new rules in many states, which allow such balloting. In Pennsylvania, state law prohibits canvassing of absentee ballots until the morning of Election Day, meaning larger and Democrat-heavy counties like Philadelphia, Allegheny, Delaware and Lehigh might take longer to report figures due to their large populations. "Unfortunately, this time around, if a lot of [GOP] candidates had had that kind of approach, we might see different results in a number of different scenarios. That's an unfortunate reality that we are going to have to deal with," Domenech continued. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Republican Arizona gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake, whose skepticism of the 2020 presidential election's outcome has led to advocacy for more rigorous election security measures. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File) He added that in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott who won re-election over former Rep. Beto O'Rourke engaged in an early-vote strategy. "It paid off for him," he said. "And I think it's something that we just have to deal with as it is and understand that this is just the nature of the way that our elections work now." Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant. Charles covers media, politics and breaking news, and has covered the annual CPAC conference for Fox News Digital. Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to [email protected]. A one-year-old airline based in Chinas Tibet autonomous region is expanding rapidly and eying Katmandu as its first transnational destination, company officials said. Tibet Airlines on Thursday celebrated its first founding anniversary in Lhasa. The airline, partly controlled by the regional government and the countrys flagship carrier, Air China Group, transported 397,000 passengers in the past 12 months, said Cheng Hui, executive director of the board of Tibet Airlines. The airline now operates a fleet of three, serving 16 daily flights to airports in Tibet autonomous region and four Chinese cities outside the region Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining and Lanzhou, Cheng said. The airline plans to add three aircraft to its fleet every year and open routes to major Chinese cities outside of Tibet as well as an international route to Katmandu in the next three years, he said, adding that the companys ambitious goal is to bridge Chinas inland with South Asia in the future. Xinhua Tibet Airlines rapidly expands, eyes Katmandu routeadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Fox News Flash top headlines for November 15 closeVideo Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The Virginia man who allegedly shot and killed his neighbor's dog following a verbal altercation has been released from jail, according to Fairfax County officials. Roman Vyacheslavov Gorelov, 33, is facing two felony charges of animal cruelty and reckless discharge of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. Gorelov was released on bond Monday at an arraignment hearing, despite the Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorneys Office saying the bond motion was set for Tuesday. The Attorney's Office said it is currently attempting to revoke the bond. District Court Clerk Susan Madsen said Gorelov was arraigned Monday morning, given a $10,000 secured bond and appointed a public defender. VIRGINIA MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER FATALLY SHOOTING DOG Roman Vyacheslavov Gorelov, 33, is facing two felony charges of animal cruelty and reckless discharge of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. (Fairfax County Police Department) Fairfax Commonwealths Attorney Steve Descano has said the district court chief judge has blocked his office from involvement in arraignments. Madsen told FOX 5 that prosecutors are allowed to participate in arraignments, which she says was reiterated to them as recently as August. The Commonwealth Attorneys Office claims judges have made it difficult for prosecutors to speak at arraignments. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA TO RESUME CLASSES WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING SUNDAY'S FATAL SHOOTING The Virginia man who allegedly shot and killed his neighbor's dog following a verbal altercation with its owner has been released from jail, according to Fairfax County officials. (Fairfax County Police) Gorelov had shot the dog shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday following a verbal altercation with the animal's owner in a breezeway of an apartment complex, according to Fairfax County Police. The owner then picked up the dog and began running away, but as he was attempting to flee, Gorelov pursued them and fired several more shots at the dog. Gorelov returned to his nearby apartment after shooting the animal. District Court Clerk Susan Madsen said Gorelov was arraigned Monday morning, given a $10,000 secured bond and appointed a public defender. (Eric BARADAT / AFP/ Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Police called Gorelov after learning of the incident, and he surrendered himself to officers. The owner was found standing next to the wounded dog when officers arrived at the scene. Detectives searched Gorelov's apartment after the shooting and discovered the gun he used on the dog. Wang Suyi (), a former senior official from north Chinas Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting bribes, a local court in Beijing announced on Thursday. Wang was also deprived of political rights for life and all his property has been confiscated, according to the court ruling by Beijing No.1 Intermediate Peoples Court. Wang was a member of the Standing Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and head of the United Front Work Department of the regional Party committee. The court found that Wang had accepted bribes worth more than 10.73 million yuan (1.73 million U.S. dollars) on various occasions. In return, he took advantage of his posts and offered business opportunities or promotions to nine companies and individuals, including a local real estate development company and Li Shigui, a former official of the regions Bayannur municipal government, between 2005 and 2013. All of Wangs illegal gains have been recovered, the court said. Thursdays sentencing was open to the public and media. Wang was expelled from the CPC and dismissed from public office for severe disciplinary violations in September. Former official receives life sentence for briberyadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Young Dylan Smith of New York honors a World War II veteran this Veterans Day closeVideo Boy scout Dylan Smith of Tarrytown, New York, honors Pearl Harbor veteran Armando "Chick" Galella in Sleepy Hollow, New York, on Friday, November 11, 2022 Veterans Day. For one young man in Tarrytown, New York, honoring a local legend on Veterans Day was one of the most important things in his busy teen life. Eighth-grader Dylan Smith, 13, is passionate about several things: learning, history, scouting, LEGOs and honoring veterans. "He is a leader and a doer, too," his mom, Laurie Smith, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview. VETERANS DAY AND ITS HISTORY: 6 KEY FACTS TO KNOW On Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, Dylan Smith took center stage as his Eagle Scout project two benches honoring one very special veteran were unveiled in front of the Sleepy Hollow Middle School in Sleepy Hollow, New York. That veteran, Armando "Chick" Galella, who died on Sept. 29, 2021, at age 100, is a "legend" in the adjacent communities of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, said Laurie Smith. Army veteran and Bronze Star Medal recipient Armando "Chick" Galella and Dylan Smith pictured together before Galella's passing on Sept. 29, 2021. (Laurie Smith) "All the children of the town knew him. He had this beautiful home in the middle of town and he was the grand marshal of every parade you know, he's that guy," Laurie Smith added. Chick Galella, local treasure Galella was born in 1921. The Sleepy Hollow native enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940, according to a veteran profile of him on the National WWII Museum website. After training, he was assigned to the 443rd Signal Corps at Hickam Air Force Base and lived through the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, the museum's site also noted. VETERANS DAY IS NOT ALWAYS EASY FOR OUR HEROES HERE'S WHAT TO SAY AND DO Galella served for five years in the Pacific theater in some of WWIIs "bloodiest battles," the museum site said, including Guadalcanal, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He received the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service and bravery in the Battle of Okinawa. Armando "Chick" Galella during his military service days. (Family Handout) When he left the service in 1945, Galella had "earned the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve" battalion sergeant major the museum's site also said. Teen noticed how Galella honored others Young Dylan Smith was always moved by the fact that Galella, who lost his best friend, John J. Horan, at Pearl Harbor, stayed close with Horan's family and particularly with Horan's mother, said Smith. So close were they that last year, just months before he passed, Galella had a Gold Star Mothers monument placed in Sleepy Hollow to honor Horan's mother, as well as all Gold Star Mothers. "It was dedicated on Mothers Day," Smith said. "And all the Scouts were there." (See the photo, below.) "Chick" Galella, World War II veteran, is shown in 2021 standing beside the Gold Star Mothers memorial which he arranged in honor of his fallen best friend's mother and all Gold Star Mothers. (Mike Galella) Young Dylan never forgot that significant gesture and what it meant. Tributes for Galellas great-grandchildren As part of his show of respect for Tarrytowns heralded veteran after his passing, Dylan Smith, in late September, presented Galellas great-grandchildren Ellis, a fifth-grader, and Luke, a fourth-grader with little LEGO figurines that look like Galella, said Laurie Smith. VETERANS DAY: GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SACRIFICES, SAYS REV. FRANKLIN GRAHAM "This is a passion of Dylans starting back when he made tiny LEGO representations of his team of middle school teachers," she added. Dylans dad, Mike Smith, is also a veteran. He retired from the U.S. Navy after serving for 21 years, noted Smith. Dylan made a little LEGO person to honor his dad, as well. (See photo, below.) Dylan Smith of New York created this LEGO piece to honor his own dad who served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years. (Laurie Smith) We have a "sea of tiny little historical figures" around the house, Smith said, laughing, as she shared that her son enjoys creating LEGO replicas of real people from history. Memorial takes shape After watching his hero honor Gold Star Mothers with a memorial, young Dylan Smith decided that he would when the time came honor Galella with a tangible symbol of appreciation for his service and his significance to the towns. "No one expected Chick to go so soon, even though he was 100," said Smith. "He died of COVID," she added. "He probably could have made it to 104." A LEGO version of real-life Pearl Harbor veteran Armando "Chick" Galella, as created by Boy Scouts of America life scout Dylan Smith of New York. (Alex Kent for Fox News Digital) The memorial, consisting of two stone benches, is placed near the middle school. "There's a big hill in front of the school where several years ago, Chick started a tradition of having the middle school children and sometimes little kids, from the kindergarten next door come and plant American flags all over the hill," said Smith. MEET THE AMERICAN WHO INSPIRED THE NATION IN TWO WORLD WARS: CHRISTIAN SOLDIER SGT. ALVIN YORK She added, "And it's beautiful, and really, really big." Chick would "bring a folding chair and sit and oversee the whole thing," she added. Armando "Chick" Galella, at age 97, is pictured saluting during an event on the USS Intrepid to mark the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 2018, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) After the unveiling on Nov. 11, others in the community will be able to come and sit where Chick once sat and remember and reflect on lives dedicated to service and country. The Eagle Scout project Dylan Smith first got a concrete slab and planned to order benches, with Tarrytown donating one and neighboring town Sleepy Hollow donating one as well. Dylan Smith of New York, in his scouting uniform, salutes American flags commemorating U.S. veterans. (Laurie Smith ) Halfway through the process, said Smith, "the Sleepy Hollow Department of Public Works said, Oh, we have these old benches that used to line the street.'" "Since they once lined the street, theres a good chance that Chick actually sat on them," she added. VIRGINIA NAVY VETERAN SAYS ALL VETERANS DESERVE THANKS, NOT JUST THOSE WHO SAW BATTLE Young Dylan also planted two cherry trees. "Those were Chick's favorite trees," Smith noted and there is plaque in the veteran's honor as well. "My father would be so touched by today's ceremonies," said Michael Galella. So Dylan Smith is honoring a veteran and town legend while also completing an important step in his journey toward Eagle Scout. "The Eagle Scout service project is the big, visible project" to earn the rank, his mom said. BSA Life Scout Dylan Smith, 13, displays his merit badges in Sleepy Hollow, New York, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2022. He completed his Eagle Scout service project, which is a memorial to World War II veteran and local legend Armando "Chick" Galella. (Alex Kent for Fox News Digital) As her son quickly climbs the ladder to Eagle Scout, Laurie Smith said, "During COVID, when things were shut down, Dylan kept working on things. He didn't stop, and that's why he is at this point able to complete his big project for Eagle Scout." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Chick Galella's son, Michael Galella, is moved by the impression his dad left on people. He said he didn't realize how his dad's talks throughout the community and his various projects including "flags at the high school, the Gold Star Mother statue and talking to kids about Pearl Harbor" would have "such meaning for such a young group of kids," he told Fox News Digital by email. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP It "obviously meant a lot to Dylan Smith, who spearheaded this dedication to my father at the high school," he said. He added, "It is so beautiful and it's hard to comprehend that this dedication will hopefully withstand this place in time." He also said, "My father would be so touched by today's ceremonies." Deirdre Reilly is a senior editor in lifestyle with Fox News Digital. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli urged acceleration of the opening-up of southeast Chinas Fujian Province,betway login my account portal office 365 the starting point of the historic Maritime Silk Road, during his visit there from Thursday to Saturday. Zhang said the local authorities should strengthen economic ties with countries and regions along the maritime trade route and boost two-way investment. More efforts should be made to improve infrastructure in the coastal province, such as ports and railways, in a bid to connect overseas market with Chinas inland regions. China has been trying to revive the ancient route to promote economic cooperation since last October when President Xi Jinping firstly proposed a 21st century Maritime Silk Road during a visit to Indonesia. The route was used by Chinese merchants to move silk, ceramics and tea to overseas markets as long as 2,000 years ago. Zhang also said Fujian should develop its pilot economic zone to deepen economic cooperation and promote person-to-person exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. China to develop starting point of Maritime Silk Roadadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Courts in central Chinas Hubei Province have concluded hearing the appeals of former mining tycoon Liu Han and his best bet365 games poker dealer traybrother Liu Wei,sentenced to death at an earlier trial. The Liu brothers appeals were conducted by the Hubei Higher Peoples Court at two different local courts. The Liu brothers and 34 other defendants were convicted of murder and organizing, leading or participating in a mafia-style gang in May. The appeal of Liu Han, chairman of the Hanlong Group, the biggest private enterprise in southwest Chinas Sichuan Province, was heard at the Xianning Intermediate Peoples Court. The hearing ended on Saturday. Court investigations focused on facts and evidence about his intentional homicide and intentional injury. The appellant and procurators debated on the evidence and application of legal terms. Liu Weis appeal was heard at the Peoples Court of Xianan District, Xianning City, where he appealed his conviction for organizing and leading a gang. The hearing was concluded on Thursday. Liu Han said the court had given him enough opportunities to express opinions, while Liu Wei said he was willing to accept just judgement of the court. More than 500 people including families of the appellants and journalists attended the hearings. Court concludes hearing of gang leaders appealadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline With the U.S. and European economies entangled in a prolonged downturn,slotland no deposit China has the chance to become the only economy posting high growth in the next decade, according to a Beijing-based think tanks report. Chinas growth lies in urbanization, which will boost investment and consumption and protect the economy from external turmoil, said the recent report by the China Strategy think tank. Urbanization will spur real estate and infrastructure development, which will create more job opportunities, it said. The report said an increase in the urban population will double annual retail sales from the current 10 trillion yuan to 20 trillion yuan. If the targets are realized, no matter how bad the international environment will be, Chinas economy will remain unaffected and step onto the track of consumption-driven growth, the report noted. To feed its high growth, the report predicted that China will import massive amounts of raw materials, which will eventually account for at least half of its total imports, compared with roughly 34 percent last year. Commodity imports will eat up Chinas trade surplus, which has accumulated from cheap manufacturing goods, and reverse the surplus to a deficit. China will face grim export conditions due to a dire economic picture in Europe and escalating trade barriers in the United States. The report said the global economic downturn will persist in the coming decade, which will send either the developing countries or emerging economies into ultra-slow growth or even a recession. Xinhua Think tank: China to be only economy posting high growth in next decadeadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline MSNBC panel unpacks alarmingly close midterms, calls Texas and Florida laboratories of autocracy closeVideo On MSNBC Saturday, host Ali Velshi and his guests expressed relief that Democrats werent crushed in the midterms but claimed Republican-controlled states are "laboratories of autocracy." On MSNBC Saturday morning, host Ali Velshi and his guests, NYU history professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat and author Joanne Freeman, expressed relief that Democrats werent crushed in the midterms but claimed that Republicans are continuing to grow in authoritarianism. During the segment, Ben-Ghiat claimed that Republican success in Texas and Florida proved those states are "laboratories of autocracy," and mentioned her fear of Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., whom she called a "smoother extremist" than former President Donald Trump, someone she referred to as a "vindictive authoritarian." Freeman used her historical knowledge of Civil War-era American politics to note that threats to democracy happen when people who feel entitled to electoral wins, lose. MEDIA DEFENDING SLOW VOTE COUNT IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, GREW FRUSTRATED WITH STALLED TALLY IN 2020 IOWA CAUCUSES MSNBC "Velshi" panel discusses the close midterm elections. (Screenshot/MSNBC) Velshi began the segment by mentioning his relief that the midterms werent a red wave for Republicans, though he asked Professor Ben-Ghiat if America was out of the woods from the threats to democracy allegedly posed by the GOP. He said, "I feel a slightly lower level of anxiety than I did on Monday. But Ruth, one of the things you warned me about, because you talk about so much history about autocracy, and anti-democracy stuff that, I dont know, is this just a blip on your radar? Should we be thinking we are out of any woods whatsoever?" The professor denied that democracy is out of harms way entirely, due to the gains Republicans made in red states. She replied, "No, and of course the victory for, you know Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis, and the Texas GOP, these places are going to double down their efforts and become even more laboratories of autocracy to scale up." Though she provided a silver lining, stating, "One of my mantras, I dont usually say it on the show cause we are talking about, you know, threats that await us, is never underestimate the American people. Cause one of the big takeaways is that we can have confidence in our election system and confidence in our own ability to organize and to affect change." Ben-Ghiat praised the Democratic wins in elections that she said came "under very difficult circumstances." She added, "That is something to honor and to celebrate." Velshi asked Freeman how she felt about the election, to which she claimed, "On the one hand, its a relief, it couldve been much worse, it was a victory in some ways for the democratic process. On the other hand, it is also true that that was a very close election and that matters." KARI LAKE SLAMS CHAOTIC ARIZONA ELECTION TABULATION AS SHE CLOSES GAP ON HOBBS Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to 2022 CPAC crowd in Dallas, Texas. (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins) She added that the closeness was "alarming" and a sign that "this is not a moment to let down our guard." Freeman mentioned "fraught elections" from American history and the behavior of those who felt "entitled" to win. "What do the people do who expected to win, who felt entitled to win? What is it that they do when they dont get what they feel entitled to, and, they are already prone to not necessarily being cozy with the democratic system?" She added, "So, I personally, as a historian looking back to the election of 1800, or the election of 1860, I am looking ahead and Ive got my eyes open." Pivoting on that point, Velshi referred to "candidates who deny elections, candidates who, like Kari Lake in Arizona, who is already calling everyone a cheater and a loser," and asked Ben-Ghiat to speak about them. Ron DeSantis cruised to re-election on November 8. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images) CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Ben-Ghiat remarked, "theres nothing more dangerous than vindictive authoritarians. And we saw that with Trump who couldnt stand to lose and so, you know, organized a violent coup attempt, which half the country seems to be forgetting about right now." She then laid into DeSantis, saying, "also, the anointment of Ron DeSantis is very worrying to me because he is a smoother and more disciplined extremist." Gabriel Hays is an associate editor for Fox News Digital. The rumor that X, formerly known as Twitter, is going to integrate more paid services continues to persist, with Bloomberg reporting that the companys testing a trio of subscription tiers to help solve its financial woes. Details are scant, but it looks like these paid subscription options will impact the number of ads you see when using the platform. A developer and leaker with the X handle @aaronp613 dived into the source code of the apps most recent iOS update and discovered some information on these proposed subscription tiers, though the information has been trickling out for the past week. It looks like itll break down into Basic, Standard and Plus, as indicated by the Bloomberg report. Basic users will continue to see the regular amount of ads, labeled or not, while standard users will see half of the ads, which is equivalent to a current perk exclusive to the folks who plunk down $8 each month for a blue check. Plus users will see no ads whatsoever, providing them unfettered access to whatever conspiracy theory is snaking around the Internet on any given day. We don't have any idea how much these tiers would cost. Meta's reportedly making a similar move in Europe, as it could charge users up to $17 each month for an ad-free experience on Instagram and Facebook. Other than the ad stuff, which hasnt been confirmed by the company, nobody knows what additional perks these subscription tiers would provide paying users. It also remains to be seen if this indicates a push toward mandatory subscriptions to use the service. However, with the paid basic plan reportedly displaying the current level of ads, its hard to see what a free account would experience. Twice the ads? Three times the ads? Elon Musk coming to your home to blame the companys financial decline on the Anti-Defamation League? Its anybodys guess, though the rumor that X was going full on pay-to-play comes from an off-hand comment made by Musk during a live-streamed conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. So it doesnt look like this is part of any move to force people to pay for the service but it does look like Twitter/X is continuing to throw monetization ideas at the wall to see what sticks as part of its overarching plan to become the everything app. Its hard to imagine that a reduction in the frequency in ads would be enough to entice many users to send a monthly stipend to one of the worlds richest men, so lets wait and see what other perks the team cooks up for the three proposed subscription tiers. Universities in any modern society are expected to supply knowledge, research, and skilled human resources required for industrial production, circulation, and consumption of useful commodities. However, a public university in a welfaristdemocratic society is also expected to cherish equality, freedom, justice, and secularism. Do public universities in India fulfil this function? Debate over the logo of the Savitribai Phule Pune University has once again brought these issues into sharp focus. While moving from Fergusson College to the Deccan Gymkhana in Pune, one comes across a multicuisine restaurant bearing the name Peshwa,1 which is invariably reminiscent of the bygone days of the city. On a side of this restaurant is W (W for Women), an outlet of a company established by an indigenous capitalist, and on another side is Wildcraft, a showroom of a company receiving foreign capital investment. Both the companies have artistically carved logos and both the showrooms also fall in favour of affluent customers. Blanche Loretta Proul, Lt. Colonel USAF (retired), peacefully passed Sept. 21, 2023, with her brother Ron and sister in law Nadean by her side. Blanche resided at New Horizons Assisted Living, lovingly cared for by a great staff and so loved by the other residents. Born to Victor and Bertha Proul in Augusta, Montana on July 25, 1928, Blanche was the eldest of six children, who often times described herself as a child of the great depression that helped mold her to be tenacious which best describes her path through life. Blanche attended schools in Helena, graduated from Helena High in 1947 and worked her way through Carroll College as a telephone operator at Mountain Bell, and was supervisor on the toll board. She graduated from Carroll with a BA in business, looked for employment in the male dominated financial field, and found there were no doors open to females in that field. As her search continued, she spoke with an air force recruiter who told her that she would qualify for the Air Force finance school and that women in the future would become more important. After being accepted and graduating from the finance school, Blanche was commissioned and proceeded up the ranks until she was promoted and became the first woman general finance officer in the Air Force. The obstacles she overcame were worth the effort, and were handled in her typical way, put her head down and get the task done. While Blanche was in the service, she completed her studies for her MA at Central Michigan and also graduated from Officers War college. Blanches tour of duties included Washington DC, Texas, Germany, NATO Command, which took her to most NATO countries, Taiwan, and Alaska. After retiring Blanche choose to leave the DC area where she owned a home, and after visiting her brother Ron in Anaconda, she sold her home in Maryland and moved to Anaconda. While looking for a home, she discovered St. Pauls Rectory in need of much TLC and purchased it in 1983 as is from the Diocese of Helena and thus began her twenty year odyssey of restoring and living at the rectory and thus saving this historic piece of history of both the town and the Catholic parishes. Blanche sold the rectory in 2003 and it became a B&B. Blanche had artistic talent and a love of arts and opened the first art gallery in town, in a remodeled section of the rectory and aptly named The Rectory Gallery. While all the time working on the restoration, Blanche continued her love of art learning wood carving and ceramics here locally and was fortunate to have water color teaching in Paris and oil teaching in the DC area, all fueled originally by her high school art teacher Mr. Tom Edwards who was lucky to have a bit of direction from Charlie Russell. She also found time to run for the state legislator (lost), community concert association, accepted appointment to the Mt. State Board of Nursing (8 yrs), numerous other committees to help Anaconda and the Pintler route. Blanche also served as Post Commander, first woman to serve for the Anaconda American Legion. Blanche is also listed on the Washington DC women in service memorial. Blanche was preceded in death her parents, brothers Richard, Victor Jr., Robert and sister Roberta. She is survived by brother Ron and wife Nadean of Anaconda & Yuma AZ, numerous nieces and nephews and her Goddaughter Natlee Lembke. A Funeral Mass for Blanche was held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 217 Pennsylvania St. Anaconda, MT. A graveside service was held following the Mass at the Montana Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison, Montana. Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Blanche. Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney, McLean, Virginia, January 6, 2022. The former congresswoman spoke at the University of Montana on Oct. 5, 2023. (Photo by David Hume Kennerly/Center for Creative Photography/University of Arizona; provided by the University of Montana) Congresswoman Liz Cheney said police who defended the U.S. Capitol from violence incited by then-President Donald Trump prevented a massacre on Jan. 6 but she said democracy is still in danger. Cheney, who spoke Thursday to a full house at the Dennison Theatre of the University of Montana, pointed specifically to Rep. Jim Jordan as evidence of the ongoing political crisis. The former Wyoming representative said Jordan helped Trump and failed to alert Capitol police of impending violence, and the Ohio Republicans candidacy for Speaker of the House shows democracy remains in crisis. Cheney, who served as vice chairperson of the Jan. 6 committee that investigated Trump, said when people think about that day, they should remember not just a date, they should look back on the fight to defend the U.S. Constitution. Its important for the American people not to let the ferocity of that battle leave our consciousness, Cheney said. Its important to go back and remember, to look at the video of that battle, particularly along the west front of the Capitol. And if the doors had not held, if those police officers had not fought so valiantly, we would have had a massacre that day. Liz Cheneys political Dos and Donts Do Recognize your power. Run for office. Vote for serious people. Demand more of all elected officials. Support good candidates even outside your state. Realize people trying to unravel democracy are running for office at every level, precinct to school board so be engaged at every level. Dont Dont give up: We cannot abandon politics to the crazies. Dont vote for election deniers and dont run for office if you are one. Cheney, a conservative Republican, represented Wyoming in the U.S. House from 2017 to 2023, but she earned the status of pariah in her own party when she became an unequivocal spokesperson against Trump after he tried to steal the 2020 election. Thursday, she spoke to 1,100 people for the 40th Anniversary Mansfield Dialogues at UM, and the crowd in left-leaning Missoula gave her a standing ovation. For roughly an hour and a half, Cheney took questions from Gov. Marc Racicot, who served in Montana from 1993 to 2001, and then she answered audience questions presented by UM political scientist Rob Saldin. Saldin said he wanted to start with an observation that came out of a conversation with his wife. She told him that if someone said 20 years ago shed be enthusiastic to attend a political address by Liz Cheney, she wouldnt have believed it. Cheney interjected, to laughter: Its weird for me too. The talk honors the legacy of U.S. Sen. Mike Mansfield of Montana, known for his respectful and bipartisan leadership. Up until this year when Sen. Mitch McConnell eclipsed his record, Mansfield was the longest-serving Senate leader. Cheney said her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, worked with Mansfield. She said Sen. Mansfield and Gov. Racicot embody the type of substantive leaders the nation needs, and Racicot, in turn, said hed work with Cheney if she chose to campaign. Cheney, a professor at the University of Virginias Center for Politics, has said shes committed to working against Trump, but also has not announced her own political plans, including whether shed run for president. (She said she wasnt sure if she should use the present tense in describing herself as a Republican, but she also was certain she wouldnt be serving politically as a Democrat.) At the talk, Cheney said both parties exhibit vitriol and political toxicity, but she said just one candidate running for president has called for violence against his political opponents, and just one has called for the execution of the joint chiefs of staff chairman: This is not moral equivalence. We have to really make sure, as a nation, we think about what that means, and that we stand together to make sure that violence is not part of our political process, Cheney said, in her advocacy against Trump. Trump was indicted in August on four criminal counts, including conspiring to defraud the United States, in charges that reflect the findings of the committee on which Cheney served. Hes expected to be in court for the next year, including in a civil trial that started this month in New York. Racicot, former head of the Republican National Committee, said recent polls show that as many as 70% of Americans believe the country is in crisis and at risk of failure, and he wanted to know Cheneys views. Cheney, a lawyer, said she agreed. Cheney said she believes theres no question democracy will survive, but she also said it will be a struggle. To right the ship, she said society needs to do a better job of teaching both young people and elected officials about the U.S. Constitution, members of the media need to ask questions about whats politically acceptable, and Republicans need to choose the Constitution over Trump. Prior to Jan. 6, she said members of the Republican party, including just-ousted Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, kept acquiescing to Trump and agreeing to do just one more thing for him. She said that included objecting to electoral votes without any constitutional authority. Their actions led to violence, she said, and Jordan, since endorsed for speaker by Trump, was on the phone with Trump and knew his plans in advance: The notion that the Republican party is anywhere close to contemplating putting Jim Jordan into the position of Speaker of the House is something that tells you the level of risk we face in our democracy today. She reminded the audience that when police officers were fighting to hold off the mob, Trump was watching the battle on television in the White House. She said he not only ignored pleas that he tell the crowd to go home, he sent a tweet that led to a surge in activity and directly contributed to the violence. We need to remember that what Donald Trump did is as evil as you can imagine and as much a dereliction of duty from an American president as weve ever seen, Cheney said. But Racicot wanted to know why other Republicans stay silent, why theres a herd mentality, and Cheney said its an important question. She said the number of people who truly believe the election was stolen is small (maybe two, she joked) and one of them might be one of your representatives here in Montana. Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale has defended Trump, who stumped for him in Montana when Rosendale tried to unseat U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, in 2018. Rosendale, a popular hardliner who may take another shot at the U.S. Senate in 2024, also supported Cheneys ousting from political office last year. Cheney said some people cave to political pressure, and she also pointed to a lack of leadership. She said the situation is difficult to explain, but she also said it is due to a complete lack of courage in members of the Republican party choosing Trump over the Constitution. She agreed with Racicots characterization of Trump as lacking character and being cruel and deranged, and she also said politics are driven in part by a cult of personality rather than regard for the rule of law. But she said if Republicans abandon their values, the party becomes dangerous to democracy. People who have taken for granted that political institutions held in the face of the crisis are wrong, Cheney said. She said they only held because specific people stopped Trump, and she said none of the people who worked for him then will work for him again. As for how she views the current crop of Republican nominees for president, Cheney said she didnt want to say too much to criticize anyone in case she inadvertently helps a candidate. But she said she believes former governors Chris Christie, of New Jersey, and Asa Hutchinson, of Arkansas, along with former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, have been honest with the American people; the three also are critics of Trump. If Trump becomes the Republican nominee for president, she said the Republican party wont be the Republican party anymore. She said politics are shifting, and she urged students and citizens in the audience to recognize their own power and work across party lines for the good of the country. One of the casualties, frankly, of the Trump era has been not having leaders who talk about the tremendous goodness of this country and remind us of the blessings of America, Cheney said. She said the thought makes her emotional. It doesnt mean that were without flaws, but my God, what an amazing place. The post Liz Cheney: Hold Republicans accountable for Trump appeared first on Daily Montanan. As of April 2023, it is estimated that 174,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory is contaminated by landmines sown by Russia. Facing the Ukrainian army in their goal to recapture their Russian occupied territory each major village and town and is surrounded by hundreds of meters of minefields. To clear their occupied lands the Ukrainians require huge mechanical mine-clearing machines supplied by the West. Based on figures supplied Oryx and Wikipedia it is estimated that Ukraine has been supplied with about 105 of these monsters . They estimate it is only 15% of what they need (hence about 700). Not all this equipment is of equal value. This war is unique from its predecessors, for which this equipment was originally designed to combat. First, the mines themselves. Russia has deployed every type of mine available and have made variations of their own. The primary mines the Ukrainians must destroy to advance are anti-tank mines. Most anti-tank mines go off in one of two ways; by weight as the heavy track rolls over it or by a plastic tilt rod that is screwed into the top of the mine. The tilt rod resembles a car radio antenna but is normally black or green plastic and stands a few feet tall. As the tank passes over the mine, the belly of the tank pushes the tilt rod which detonates the mine. A soldier would not be heavy enough to set off an anti-tank mine by stepping on it but could inadvertently brush against the tilt rod enough to set it off. Why mine-clearing in this war different from that in recent wars? The primary difference is that drones are being used to spot and update artillery fire while the mine clearing operations are underway. Expensive and specialized equipment is being destroyed or disabled in the minefields. If a breakthrough is made or mine-free path is created the observation drones are then spotting for the attack helicopters. Mobile anti-aircraft units behind the initial front-line units, normally waiting to ambush the helicopters, are also destroyed with artillery. Hence the slow progress of the Ukrainian counter-offensive. So, how do the Western monsters fare? There are two main types of mine clearing machines of the hundred or so that have been supplied to Ukraine. They usually either ploughs or flails (spinning chains). The plough clearing machines are usually more effective but are very slow. The average speed for most if these monsters is between 5 to 15 kilometers per hour. The American M1150 is on an Abrams chassis and weighs an incredible 72 tons. It does however have the extra feature of being able to throw M58 MICLIC explosive lines 100 meters in front of it, clearing a path for follow-up vehicles. Unfortunately, in combat, the Ukrainian soldiers claim that many of the plough vehicles are too loud, too slow, and make easy targets for drone-spotting Russian artillery. On the other hand, several of these, such as the Armtrac 400 (23 tons), can be remotely controlled, sparing Ukrainian casualties. The German-made WiSNET 1 vehicle (44 tons), on a Leopard tank chassis, that uses flails to dramatically explode mines are certainly faster, with an average speed over 50 kilometers per hour. It appears that Ukraine have about 56 of these monsters. Unfortunately, mine clearance rates as low as 50%-60% have been reported. Effective clearance requires both suitable conditions and experienced flail operators. Mine-clearing flails do not operate effectively on a gradient greater than 30% or on ground that is especially dry or boggy, as in some parts of Ukraine. Also, the Ukrainians seem to have gone for the best of both worlds, and are home manufacturing, under licence, the DOK-ING MV-4 remote-controlled mine-clearance vehicles. They are light (5.5 tons), adaptable, quiet, and cheap. The Ukrainians are also working with the Danes to locally produce the18 ton Hydrema 910 mine clearing vehicle- a unique truck that reverses backwards over minefields. Some commentators have suggested that the Ukrainians use artillery to clear paths through minefields, as done in many 20th century wars. However, post-1970 mines have fuses are designed so that they are not triggered by the very short duration pressure wave of an explosive. They also started using less sensitive explosives and even experimented with thermobaric and cluster bombs for demining. Thermobarics generate longer duration pressure waves and a lot of heat. The results were unsatisfactory. The small charge of a cluster munition bomb is not going to disable a mine unless it drops right on top of it. In the meantime, Ukrainian sappers go out at night, and manually clear paths though minefields. They use night-vision goggles, hand-held detectors (mainly from South Korea, the UK and Japan) and spider boots (often made in Ukraine on 3D printers). This ungainly footwear elevates their feet to give some protection from a blast. Mine-clearing by this method is highly stressful and dangerous. Regardless, the Ukrainians welcome Western mine-clearing machines and want more of them. These machines have already cleared 80,000 mines on Ukrainian soil. It will take decades to clear the rest. Meanwhile, Balandina, a 23-year-old nurse, and Mykola, an 11-year-old boy, have both lost their legs to landmines. Nikita, a 21-year-old Russian soldier, will return home without his legs. Over 30,000 people in Ukraine require prosthetic limbs. Perhaps, when this pointless war is over, we will totally ban landmines forever? Patrick Drennan is a journalist based in New Zealand, with a degree in American history and economics. SALEM, Ohio Columbiana County 4-H youth visited Kast Iron Soda Works in Salem, Ohio on Sept. 23. There they were treated to a very informative tour and presentation on the foundation of the business, the daily operations of running a business and the science behind it all. To top off the occasion, participants were able to sample some of the best soda around. Additionally, Columbiana County youth ages 9-18 who are interested in learning more about local businesses are invited to Woolf Farms on Oct. 21. These opportunities are part of Ohio State Extensions Exploration Sessions. Participants do not need to be in 4-H to take part in the upcoming opportunity at Woolf Farms. Those who are interested should contact the Columbiana County Extension at 330-424-7291 or by emailing short.470@osu.edu. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio Members of Zane Trace FFA attended Farm Science Review on Sept. 20 near London, Ohio. The event, sponsored by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State University, showcased the newest equipment and practices in agriculture. Zane Trace FFA members saw lots of booths and companies advertising their products and showing off livestock and farm equipment, they enjoyed many great food vendors and learned a lot via the many field demonstrations. The Zane Trace FFA loved the trip and would like to thank Ohio State University for helping them learn more about agriculture outside of the classroom. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio On Sept. 12, 30 members of Zane Trace FFA had the opportunity to attend the Explore Ag Career Day, sponsored by Ross County Farm Bureau and Ross County Soil and Water Conservation District, at the Ross County Fairgrounds and Dunlap Ridge Farm. Members started the day by participating in three career stations in the multipurpose building at the fairgrounds. The stations featured hands-on activities in welding and veterinary science as well as an ag careers challenge game. In the vet science station, students learned how to fill animal prescription bottles and how to read the labels. In the welding station, students were able to try out a welding simulator and were introduced to the many different specialties that welders can achieve. After these stations, the students headed to the farm where they enjoyed a great lunch and got to visit three more stations on ag careers. They first learned about wildlife careers from Ohio Department of Natural Resources game wardens. Then, they learned about surveying skills and careers from employees of Ross SWCD. They learned about waterways and how to determine the slope on hills with some of the surveying tools. The final station featured a discussion with Todd Ference from Pixelle, who taught the group all about wood production and how to determine the amount of timber within certain trees. WEST SALEM, Ohio Northwestern FFA hosted a chapter kickball game and pizza night on Sept. 21 to offer members a bonding opportunity. The members who attended the kickball game were Kyndall Sims, Savannah Blount, Ahmad Al-Jamal, Carter Wulff, Evan Cuthrell, Bryce Nussbaum, Caleb Lahmon, Jace Baker, Mason Salem, Brookelyn Nolletti, Brooke Hershey, Syrus Nyomo, Bryson Snow, Chet McNeil, Kaleb Badger, Jacoby Gilbert, Kade Tegtmeier, Mallory Gilbert, Makenna Connelly and Emma Connelly. Northwestern FFA enjoyed the activity and is looking forward to more events throughout the school year. BELOIT, Ohio Twenty-five members of West Branch FFA traveled to London, Ohio for the annual Farm Science Review. Students got to experience demonstrations, view several million dollars worth of machinery and learn about farm safety and college and business opportunities in the agricultural industry. Scottish exports of red meat and offal have reached a new record high of over 93 million in the year from August 2022 to July 2023. A new report shows that almost 95% of overall export revenues were generated in EU markets, climbing to 98% for Scotch Lamb. While tight supply has made it hard to grow export sales to new customers, the results show some emergence of new markets in Africa and Asia. Eleven non-EU countries were exported to, up from seven in the previous year. Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) noted that Scottish exporters long-established relationships with European importers had a large part to play in the figures. These results buck any negative trends that could have crept in because of the additional cost and complexity involved in accessing the EU market following Brexit, said Iain Macdonald, market intelligence manager at QMS. "However, some of the growth did reflect higher export prices, while it was also a strong year for trade in manufacturing grade beef." Main export destinations for Scotch beef remain France, Italy and the Netherlands, collectively accounting for nearly 75% of the total, with Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Hong Kong also proving important. The Irish Republic is the primary destination for exported non-Scotch Beef and, when combined with shipments to the Netherlands and France, they accounted for close to 90% of this trade. Elsewhere in Europe, Switzerland remains an important outlet for high-value cuts of beef and lamb. The exports of Scotch Beef to Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia trade at well-above average prices, noted Mr Macdonald. He added that some small volume markets were showing trade in high-value cuts of Scotch beef averaging well above 20/kg. This indicates the opportunity that exists for sales of premium cuts of Scotch Beef to buyers seeking out the highest quality beef in a competitive global market. Although EU demand for lamb remained firm in the year to July 2023, he warned export sales are likely to have been limited by reduced abattoir throughput in Scotland. However, including trade in offal, lamb export revenues are still estimated to have risen towards 21 million. Lamb exports are also believed to have accounted for an increased 17% share of abattoir turnover during the period, up from 15% in the previous year. By comparison, beef sales are estimated to have risen to around 9.5% of turnover for abattoirs from 8% a year earlier. France remains the most important overseas market for Scotch Lamb, with Belgium and Italy continuing as important destinations. Sales of offal to overseas customers continue to make an important contribution to carcase balance for Scotlands red meat processors. Overall offal sales were estimated to have risen beyond 9m with close to 80% of this being from beef offal. France leads the list of important outlets for offal, with other significant demands coming from the Irish Republic, Poland and Germany. Hong Kong, Japan and Africa are the main outlets outside the EU. Farmers and landowners are being asked to boost security as figures show a major increase in solar panel and cabling theft. This rise in solar crime should act as a 'call to action' for owners to check their security and insurance, an expert has warned. Police figures have revealed a 48% rise in solar panel and cabling theft from 2021 to 2022, and thefts are not limited to large-scale and commercial solar farms. Increased energy prices, the cost of living crisis, and the fact that sites with solar panels attract eco-conscious buyers have contributed to a growth in residential solar panel installations. Residential homeowners typically install between 10 and 15 panels, with a value of around 7,000. More than 1.4 million solar panels are already in domestic properties a figure that is expected to rise. But George Pratt, of rural insurance broker Lycetts, warned that criminals "have realised a lucrative opportunity". He said: Although copper cabling in the stolen panels can make money for thieves, panels are often easier and quicker to steal, and can be easily advertised online and sold on the black market. He has recommended a number of measures that could help deter potential thieves, including CCTV cameras, security marking, alarms, security lighting, security fencing, and anti-climb barriers. Remote properties in rural areas are particularly vulnerable, especially to opportunistic thieves, Mr Pratt said. Domestic installations of solar panels are usually considered as permanent home fixtures by insurance companies, provided they are located on roof tops, and not on the ground. He said: Ensuring you have adequate cover on your existing home insurance policy to cover the cost of replacements should not result in any significant increases for premiums." Hugh Jackman is reportedly putting pen to paper to lift lid on his life in a tell-all memoir. Hugh Jackman is reportedly to tell his life story in a memoir The 54-year-old Hollywood actor - who announced his split from wife Deborra-Lee Furness, 67, last month - is now said to be in the early stages of telling his life story in a new book as he moves forward following the end of his 27-year marriage. An insider told Us Weekly: "Hugh is currently working on a memoir. He is in the early stages of writing it ... Hughs choosing to [write the book] now because hes finally [being] honest with himself [and] the divorce and this book is the first step." The source suggested there will be "big bombshells", adding: "The content will be Hugh speaking about his life. Hell be opening up about his life like never before. Its been very healing for him." Hughe and Deborra - who are parents to Oscar, 23, and 18-year-old Ava - confirmed their split in a joint statement which was released last month. They told People magazine: We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. 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 in all of our lives. The pair signed off as Deb and Hugh Jackman and concluded: This is the sole statement either of us will make. Hugh later spoke out about the divorce, admitting he doesn't yet feel ready to talk about it yet but confessed things haven't been easy. Stopped by a paparazzi videographer in New York City, Hugh said in footage obtained by TMZ: "It doesn't feel quite right talking about it on the street but I appreciate your thoughts, man. "It's a difficult time ..." They met on the set of TV series Correlli in their native Australia in 1995 and Hugh had previously declared it was love at first sight for him. He said on the Today show in 2018: I knew two weeks into meeting Deb that we were going to be together for the rest of our lives. To read the full story, become a PRIME member today. PRIME Unlimited Access to Insightful Industry Information All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials. He resembled a Santa Claus kind of person. So when he says, Who am I, who am I, you don't know who I am, who am I? And then Vikram Rathore, just to mess with him, says, Santa Claus. And then basically he, then Kali's also says, Santa Claus, I have a gift for everybody. And in the next scene, when you see him, when he goes to that jail again, that scene comes back. Yeah, because he's singing. While shooting that scene, we had a dummy song that he's singing. But while dubbing the scene with Vijay Sethupathi sir, suddenly these words came to me: Santa has come for you, and he has a gift for you. And we, all of us, really started laughing, and we thought it was really good. And then, you know, Vijay sir sang it immediately on the dubbing, and we felt it's fitting so well in the character, so we decided to keep it in the film. Sumit Arora, renowned for his contributions to projects such as Stree (2018), The Family Man, Little Things Guns & Gulaabs (2023), and Dahaad (2023), has achieved significant acclaim for his memorable dialogue writing in the blockbuster hit Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan.In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Sumit Arora recounted the writing process, his reflections, and shared intriguing anecdotes from his time working on Jawan.A close friend Alif who knew director Atlee took me to Chennai to meet Atlee. He was editing his last film, Bigil, back then. And we met, and he had seen Family Man. And he also knew about the show that I was directing at that point, called Little Things. So he was like, I love that show. I was very surprised because it's a very intimate show. And I was going to meet our director, who was making very massy films. So then he told me, No, no, I love love stories as well; my first film was actually a love story, Raja Rani. So we bonded on all of these things. And we had a good time. The whole day, I was there. We had dinner. The next day I came back, and then we were constantly in touch, not really talking about the film, but we were in touch. So, I think 2020 ended or something when he approached me and said, listen, I have my draft ready. Now I'm looking for dialogue. I said I would love to work on it. That's how the whole process started.Atlees input was that it needs to have punches, but not just for the sake of dialogue. It needs to have some valuesome emotional valueto the dialogue, because that's how his school of filmmaking is. It has to be massive. It has to have that kind of mass appeal, those dialogues, and that kind of punch. But it need not sound like dialogue is happening on screen. So that's the mantra that we followed throughout the film.Yeah, I was there. I was there for more than a hundred days on the set. A phenomenal bunch of actors performing the lines that I had written was a really good experience because, you know, you're realising how the line that you write sitting alone on your desk can turn into a cinematic moment. And also, I could add a lot of things while I was on the set as well.I was constantly interacting with, on the one hand, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan and, on the other, Mr. Vijay Sethupathi. And both are really, you know, like working with these two actors was a privilege for me. I like to celebrate my birthday with my friends and family. I was stuck in Chennai because of the shooting and couldnt leave. And Vijay sir learnt about it and he organised a surprise birthday party for me on the sets. They brought in a cake, there was lots to eat and drink, everyone sang the birthday song I think someone recorded a video which is circulating on the web. He didnt have to do that for me but being the person hes, he made sure I felt on the top of the world on my special day, making it truly memorable.Priyamani is completely thorough with Hindi. Nayanthara was also really good with Hindi. Vijay Sethupathi, sir, has a particular accent. But the character itself was from Tamil Nadu. He grew up in Tamil Nadu. So that's why the accent was always justified.Oh, I have many. I like the poem. I loved writing this because I think it has resonated a lot with people. Another line that I really take a lot of pride in is the one where Sunil Grover's character comes to Shahrukh sir's character in jail and says 'Tu kuch nahin kar paayega, is jail mein mere aadmi hai.' And Shah Rukh Khan sir cancels out and says, 'Yeh jail meri aurton ka hai.' So that, because he says jail meri aurton ka hai specifically because he does not say that 'yeh jail mera hai', ya phir, he does not even say 'yeh aurton meri' hai because neither does he think that this jail, I own this jail, nor does he think that I own this woman. This jail belongs to women, and I am part of them.I love the interval, the whole sequence where Vikram Rathore comes back and he just takes care of everybody, puts everybody in place, and he looks at his own son and says, Handsome boy. Yeah. Because he's looking at himself, it's also a fun thing because he's looking at himself and saying he's handsome. And then he puts him on his shoulders, and he's going, and Ajaz Khan says,'Ki tu hai kaun? And he says Rathore, Vikram Rathore. And then my favourite line again, which comes, Naam toh suna hi hoga. Because again, it was SRKs line, which was a romantic line. And I turned it into a very swag wala line.I think Salim Javed's films have had really good dialogues, from mere Paas Maa Hai to main aaj bhi pheke hue paise nahi uthata and so many more. I also like Rang De Bansantis dialogues. Rhea Chakraborty On Supplying Drugs To Sushant Singh Rajput: Actress Rhea Chakraborty has been through a lot ever since her boyfriend and actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death. She recently shared her perspective on the much-publicised death case and the challenges she faced, including the social media trial and online harassment. The actress addressed the allegations of supplying drugs to the Kedarnath actor during the India Today conclave, where she discussed her journey after Sushant's death investigation. She also admitted experiencing emotional breakdowns during her time in Byculla jail and how people react to seeing her. Rhea Chakraborty speaks about supplying drugs to Sushant Singh Rajput During a recent conversation at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Rhea was asked if she supplied drugs to the Raabta actor. Replying to the question, Rhea said, "No, and secondly, I am done with this topic. I don't want to talk about drugs, I don't want to talk about NCB." Rhea Chakraborty And Her Thought Provoking T-Shirts Never Fail To Leave An Everlasting Impact On Fans "I don't want to talk about the CBI. Let the agencies do their jobs and let us do our jobs. How about you talk to me about my mental health and how the hell did I get out of that and sit on this chair to talk to you? How about that?" When asked about getting closure, she replied, "I don't think closure is the right word. I don't think you can get closure from something like this. The thing is I faced a personal loss. There can never be closure on that. It engulfs your life at start then your life starts growing around it." "But, it will always exist. It will always be in your back pocket. It will always be rear from the back of your mind and say that I am here. Don't think I am gone. So I don't think I will get closure in that sense. But, has it changed my perspective, yes," she added. About Sushant Singh Rajput death case Sushant Singh Rajput was found hanging at his Bndra residence on June 14, 2020. A case of alleged abetment to suicide was registered against Rhea Chakraborty after the actor's family accused her of supplying drugs to him. In September 2020, Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and was later shifted to the Byculla jail, where she spent almost six weeks under Section 27-A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which pertains to "financing and harbouring illegal drug trafficking". She is out on bail and is currently seen as a gang member on MTV's popular reality show Roadies 19. From Sarees To Bikinis: Decoding Fashion Icon Ritabhari Chakraborty Style And Fashion Choices Aamir Khan & Salman Khan At Dono Screening: Bollywood icons Aamir Khan and Salman Khan stole the spotlight at the grand screening of Dono which marks the Bollywood debut film of Rajveer Deol and Paloma Thakeria. The star-studded event, held in Mumbai, witnessed a reunion of Salman & Aamir that sent waves of excitement amongst their fans. The star-studded screening also saw the presence of Anupam Kher, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Jackie Shroff, Shriya Saran, and Alka Yagnik among several others. AAMIR KHAN HUGS SALMAN KHAN AT DONO SCREENING The versatile Aamir Khan arrived at the event in his signature uber-cool style. He wore a black striped t-shirt with blue denims. During his media interaction, he expressed his excitement for the film and said, "All of us are very excited. I really like Sooraj Barjatya's films, and I really want to see what film his son has made. Sunny's son is also a part of the film, and both of them are starting their careers. So, I would like to wish the young team all the best." Meanwhile, Salman looked dapper in an all black look. As soon as he entered the venue, Aamir, who was already present, rushed towards Salman and greeted him with a warm hug. Aamir also introduced his son, Junaid Khan to Salman. The trio then posed together for the paparazzi. This heartwarming moment left the netizens in awe who dropped several comments in the video. A user wrote, "Lovely." Another user wrote, "Two legends at one place." Several others dropped red heart and fire emojis in the comments section of the video. ABOUT DONO Meanwhile, Dono directed by debutante Avnish Barjatya is a modern-day love story that was released in theatres on October 5. The movie focuses on the complexities of modern relationships and the value of finding closure. Here's what makes Yash the Pan India Superstar Who Amassed Fans around the World In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where actors rise to stardom through a combination of talent, charisma, and an unexplainable star aura, Yash has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. He has transcended geographical boundaries and captured the hearts of audiences not just in India, but around the world. Yash's meteoric rise to becoming a pan India superstar is a testament to his extraordinary talent and the unique attributes that make him immensely popular. Here's taking a deeper look at what makes Yash the Pan India Superstar whose amassed fans the world over - Larger Than Life On-Screen Persona Yash possesses a larger-than-life on-screen persona that is nothing short of captivating. His magnetic screen presence is a rare quality that can turn a character into an unforgettable legend. Yash's portrayal of Rocky Bhai in the 'KGF' franchise is a testament to his ability to make a character impactful and powerful. He single-handedly elevated 'KGF' to a national phenomenon, drawing audiences from every corner of India. His charisma and intensity are a winning combination that keeps fans glued to the silver screen. Style & Mannerism Whether on-screen or off-screen, Yash exudes an aura of style and charisma that is simply irresistible. His rugged bearded look, swag, and unapologetic machismo have turned him into an icon for the modern generation. Yash's unique style has not only made him a trendsetter but has also established him as a fashion icon. Fans not only admire his acting prowess but also look up to him as a symbol of contemporary style and masculinity. Simplicity and Down-to-Earth Attitude Despite his soaring stardom, Yash remains refreshingly simple and down-to-earth. This humility is a quality that endears him to his fans and peers alike. Even some of his co-actors have spoken about Yash's humble nature, highlighting his approachability and grounded personality. His ability to stay true to his roots and connect with people makes him relatable, not just as a superstar, but as a genuine human being. Yash's humility is a stark reminder that fame has not altered the core values that define him. A Self-Made Star In an industry where connections and influential backers often play a pivotal role in an actor's success, Yash stands out as a self-made star. Hailing from a modest background, he carved his path to superstardom through sheer determination, hard work, and unparalleled talent. His journey from a simple family to becoming a national and international sensation is nothing short of inspirational. In the ever-expanding universe of Indian cinema, Yash has etched his name as a formidable talent with global appeal. Yash is not just a superstar; he is an icon who has united audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures, proving that talent and authenticity are universal languages that transcend boundaries and create lasting legacies. Leo Synopsis Hints At LCU Link: Fans are buzzing with anticipation as they eagerly await the arrival of the much-anticipated movie "Leo," starring the adored Thalapathy Vijay. Ayalaan Teaser Release Time: Sivakarthikeyan's Fans Eagerly Await Alien Sci-Fi Glimpse In the meantime, the highly anticipated Leo trailer, featuring Vijay, was unveiled on October 5. As predicted, the trailer ignited immense excitement among fans, both on the internet and in theaters. Theaters that showcased the trailer to enthusiastic audiences experienced notable property damage, illustrating the immense hype surrounding this upcoming Vijay-starrer among cinephiles. Although director Lokesh Kanagaraj has skillfully crafted an exhilarating trailer, he deliberately avoided dropping any clues that would link Leo to his previous blockbusters, Vikram and Kaithi. The trailer left the question of whether Leo belongs to Lokesh's Cinematic Universe (known as LUC) unanswered. However, it appears that the response fans sought in the trailer may have surfaced in a new synopsis for Leo on a ticketing platform. A screenshot captured from the TICKETNEW platform's Leo page unveiled the connection to Lokesh's Cinematic Universe (LCU). According to the provided synopsis, it states, "Given the fact that this movie is a part of Lokesh's LCU, Kamal Haasan, Karthi, Arjun Das and Suriya will all appear in a few scenes. The synopsis featured on TGV Cinemas, a cinema chain based in Malaysia, also asserts that Leo's cast includes significant characters from Lokesh's Cinematic Universe (LCU), such as Fahadh Faasil. Nonetheless, the filmmakers are maintaining a tight grip on all the details. Lalit Kumar, the producer from Seven Screen Studio, has clearly stated that they have no intention of unveiling the surprise. In a recent conversation on X, formerly known as Twitter, Lalit remarked, "You'll have to watch the movie to discover it. We won't disclose anything before the release." Countdown To Thalapathy Vijay's 'Leo' Thalapathy Vijay's fans are counting down the days until the release of 'Leo.' Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film is set to hit screens on October 19, 2023, coinciding with Dussehra, on a global scale. With Thalapathy Vijay in the lead, 'Leo' promises an adrenaline-pumping thriller. The Road X Review: Trisha Krishnan Movie Promises To Be A Gripping Thriller The ensemble cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Trisha, Arjun Sarja, Gautham Menon, Mysskin, and Priya Anand, each portraying pivotal roles. The screenplay is a collaborative effort by Rathna Kumar and Deeraj Vaidy, alongside Lokesh Kanagaraj. Yugendran BB Tamil 7 Photo Credit: Gallery Bigg Boss Tamil 7 Elimination: It has been almost a week since Bigg Boss Tamil 7 has been launched and this Kamal Haasan show has managed to make the headlines ever since. From the interesting ensemble of contestants to the theme, tasks and more, everything about the popular reality show has been grabbing the eyeballs. Amid this Bigg Boss Tamil 7 came with the biggest twist wearing the nominations task took place in the first week itself. For the uninitiated, the popular reality show never witnessed a nomination task in the first week during the previous seasons. However, as the makers introduced this big twist in Bigg Boss Tamil 7, seven contestants were nominated in the first nomination task including Bava Chelathurai, Aishu, Ananya Rao, Raveena Daha, Yugendaran, Pradeep Anthony and Jovika Vijayakumar. As Bigg Boss Tamil 7 has been gradually picking up pace, there have been speculations about who will be the first eliminated from the Bigg Boss house. As per the voting trends, Raveena has been leading with maximum votes and is likely to escape the eliminations easily. And while fans thought that Bava will become the first contestant to walk out of the BB house, looks like Yugendran will be eliminated this week. Reportedly, Yugendran has received the lowest votes during the first week. It will be interesting to see if Bigg Boss Telugu 7 will create history and will have its first elimination in the first week itself. Meanwhile, there have been speculations about Bigg Boss Tamil 7 witnessing a double elimination in the first week. While no official announcement has been made in this regard so far, it will be interesting to see what other twists the first Weekend Ka Vaar episode. On the other hand, the media reports also suggested that Kamal Haasan is charging a hefty amount for hosting Bigg Boss Tamil season 7. Reportedly, the South superstar is taking a fees of Rs 130 crores for the entire season. Bigg Boss Tamil 7 elimination: Jovika and Vichithra's fight in Bigg Boss Tamil season 7 has left the audience shocked. The duo engaged in a war of words after Vichithra argued with Jovika over the importance of education in life. Jovika, who is the youngest contestant of Bigg Boss Tamil, believed that she took a jibe at her. VANITHA VIJAYAKUMAR REACTS TO JOVIKA-VICHITHRA FIGHT IN BIGG BOSS Jovika's mother Vanitha Vijayakumar, who is a former Bigg Boss Tamil contestant, expressed her opinion over the argument inside the BB Tamil 7 house. She said that she is proud of her daughter, calling her a 'winner in her eyes'. "In #BiggBoss7tamil . Let her play her game she's already a winner for me and I can't be prouder. #Jovika 's mother Vanitha Vijaykumar," she tweeted. The actress-YouTuber added, "But is it the end for those who cannot complete their education because they are unable to cope with the education system pressures? Fyi she is not from a rich family, I have struggled to make ends meet on a day-to-day basis facing family situations etc (sic)." Vanitha stated that her daughter is not from a rich family and she has struggled to meet ends. She added that she has two daughter, who excel in their respective paths. "Each child is unique in his or her own way and as a parent, I am doing my best. I have two daughters and both excel in their own ways and paths. It's my discretion and not open for discussion," she wrote on the micro-blogging site. The actress said that her daughter is a professional actor, who has signed two films. Spilling the beans on the projects, she said Jovika will be seen in a Telugu and Tamil flick. She added that Jovika is now doing a 'paid job' as everyone else. She is already a professional actor technicianw who has signed 2 films . One in telugu and one in tamil . She is working already at 18 years old understanding she has responsibilities at this young age. She is now on a paid job as everyone else Vanitha Vijaykumar (@vanithavijayku1) October 6, 2023 "She is already a professional actor technician who has signed 2 films. One in Telugu and one in Tamil. She is working already at 18 years old understanding she has responsibilities at this young age. She is now on a paid job as everyone else (sic)," her tweet read. BIGG BOSS TAMIL 7 EVICTION The likes of Aishu, Ananya, Chelladurai, Cool Suresh, Jovika, Pradeep, Raveena Daha and Yugendran have been nominated for elimination on Bigg Boss Tamil 7 in the first week. Early voting trends suggest that Yugendran can be evicted from the reality show, which is hosted by Kamal Haasan. Jovika has received a good response from the audience during the first week. Ten specially designed art cars on display during the Busan Expo Symposium and K-Pop concert in Paris, the home of the Bureau International des Expositions All-electric models, including Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6, selected for campaign to demonstrate Busan's commitment to carbon neutrality Art cars created in collaboration with Korean graffiti artist 'JAY FLOW' displayed at iconic Paris landmarks including Eiffel Tower, and Louvre Museum SEOUL, South Korea and PARIS, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced its campaign to promote the South Korean city of Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo by displaying specially designed art cars in Paris, France, where the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is headquartered. The campaign continues the Group's global support for Busan's bid, this time for the Busan Expo Symposium and K-Pop concert in Paris from October 9-15. To emphasize Busan's commitment to hosting a carbon-neutral World Expo, the Group is providing the Korean delegation with 10 art cars, including two all-electric models, Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6. During the campaign in Paris, the art cars will be exhibited around the famous locations in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The campaign will help strengthen Busan's appeal as a candidate city for the 2030 World Expo to key officials from BIE member countries and tourists from around the world. The symposium will showcase the city's diverse strengths and capabilities as well as the proposed themes to BIE member countries before the vote to decide the host city for the 2030 World Expo at the end of November. - End - About Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group's mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all. More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Media Center. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239548/Image_1__HMG_Rolls_Out_Art_Cars_in_Paris__Supporting_Busan_s_Bid_to_Host_2030_World_Expo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239549/Image_2__HMG_Rolls_Out_Art_Cars_in_Paris__Supporting_Busan_s_Bid_to_Host_2030_World_Expo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239550/Image_3__HMG_Rolls_Out_Art_Cars_in_Paris__Supporting_Busan_s_Bid_to_Host_2030_World_Expo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239551/Image_4__HMG_Rolls_Out_Art_Cars_in_Paris__Supporting_Busan_s_Bid_to_Host_2030_World_Expo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyundai-motor-group-rolls-out-art-cars-in-paris-supporting-busans-bid-to-host-2030-world-expo-301948511.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / Blackhawk Growth Corp. (CSE:BLR);(Frankfurt:0JJ) (the "Corporation" or "Blackhawk"), is pleased to report on the progress of its asthma attack prediction project, Asthmatic AI after visiting with scientific collaborators this past week. Whilst the Company progresses with the pre-transaction requirements to complete the Hardenbrook Group acquisition, we are pleased to provide an update on Hardenbrook's portfolio company Asthmatic AI. Asthma is a long-term disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the airways. This results in the narrowing of the airways that carry air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. Asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergens like dust or pet dander, certain foods, environmental factors and exercise. Asthma can be deadly and there is no cure for it (in the US ten people die from asthma every day). According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma is one of the most common and costly diseases in the United States. From 2008-2013 the average annual economic cost of asthma was more than $81.9 billion in the US including medical costs and loss of work and school days, with a significant burden to the health care cost of families dealing with asthma. Life AI Corp's scientific collaborators have started recruiting subjects and are collecting data to build machine-learning models and AI algorithms for reliable asthma attack prediction and prevention. Life AI Corp is working on several new globally scalable health tech-focused AI companies that are conducting research at a leading research institution, collecting data and creating machine learning models for new product development in a variety of health domains. Justin Hanka, Chief Executive Officer of Blackhawk Growth Corp said "We are pleased to see the progress of this exciting project unfold. Asthma is a debilitating condition which causes broad health, societal, emotional, and financial distress to families. We are excited by the hope that these asthma attack prediction models integrated to wearables will offer to individuals and families dealing with the condition". Life AI Corp is conducting leading research in asthma attack prediction and prevention, early detection of autism and prediction of negative mood states such as depression and anxiety for early prevention and intervention. It is also developing a learning model for human performance optimization and longevity. With enough clinical data, Health AI models can be productized and integrated to digital devices such as smart watches and mobile devices to accurately support health monitoring, deliver health interventions and promote health optimization and longer living. Blackhawk is also pleased to announce that it has amended and restated investment agreement with Riverfort Global Opportunities PPC LTD ("RiverFort"). The outstanding amount has been fixed to CAD$2,207,500 with no additional interest or fees to accrue during an extended 36-month term. The outstanding balance has been reduced by $1,000,000 in consideration of Blackhawk novating the loan agreement with MindBio Therapeutics Corp to RiverFort. Interest is payable in the event of default of loan terms. RiverFort may convert any portion of the loan at CAD $0.05. This restructure enables Blackhawk to release itself from any immediate short-term liabilities to RiverFort and reduces the dependency on repayment of the existing debt that was accrued and to be repaid by MindBio Therapeutics Corp following the successful spin-out earlier this year. About Hardenbrook Group Hardenbrook Group, is an investment company that leverages a merchant banking model and works with world-class research-intensive organizations including large tier 1 universities to identify valuable intellectual property to invest, commercialize and take public on stock exchanges in North America. Its portfolio company Life AI Corp is conducting clinical health research and product development across several domains and is working toward a spin out and public listing in 2024. About Blackhawk Growth Blackhawk is an investment holding company looking to create substantial value for its shareholders through the acquisition and development of high-growth companies. To receive our latest updates, please register here: For more information on Hardenbrook: https://www.hardenbrook.group. For more information on Life AI Corp: https://www.lifeaicorp.com Contact Justin Hanka. Chief Executive Officer 61433140886 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, event or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. SOURCE: Blackhawk Growth Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790655/blackhawks-life-ai-corp-advances-its-asthma-attack-prediction-project ADIPEC 2023, the world's largest energy exhibition and conference, drew to a close today, with a record attendance of more than 184,000 visitors from 160 countries. Responding to Dr Sultan Al Jaber's call to show the world industry is "central to the solution", more than 40 ministers and 120 CEO's from across the globe came together to enable cross-industry alignment on 'Decarbonising. Faster. Together.' Across the exhibition floor, over 2,200 energy companies demonstrated unity, forging paths to decarbonisation through action-oriented partnerships and strategic dialogues. ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ADIPEC 2023 closed today, with the global energy industry delivering a clear message that it is united in its commitment to decarbonise and to fast-track the energy transition, while continuing to meet global energy needs. The event achieved a record-breaking attendance of over 184,000, the largest edition of ADIPEC ever. Building on its nearly 40-year legacy, ADIPEC has evolved, growing in size and reach, as well as reflecting an energy system in transition. Convening global energy leaders and elevating voices from adjacent industries - including finance and technology - to accelerate urgent, collective action and game-changing solutions to decarbonise quicker and future-proof the energy system. COP28 President-Designate, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, opened ADIPEC 2023 by inviting industry leaders to use the event "to show the world that, in fact, you are central to the solution" of fast-tracking the energy transition, assuring energy security while urgently phasing out emissions. Over four days the entire energy value chain answered his call, with more than 1,600 ministers and executives sharing knowledge and developing strategies to future-proof energy systems during 350 curated strategic conference sessions. As the last major energy industry milestone before COP28 takes place in the UAE next month, ADIPEC focused on the priorities like achieving near zero methane emissions by 2030 and scaling deployment of climate technology. to tackle the core challenges of building the energy system of tomorrow - technology and innovation, investment, energy security and more - enabling the industry to demonstrate its commitment to lowering emissions without sacrificing economic growth where it is needed most. Tayba Al Hashemi, Chair of ADIPEC 2023 and CEO of ADNOC Offshore said: "2023 has been a transformational year for ADIPEC. As we continue to meet the world's growing global energy needs and respond with urgency to the challenges of climate change, a new ADIPEC has emerged, bigger and bolder. This event is uniting nations, industries, businesses, and individuals across the energy ecosystem to take tangible steps to fast-track the energy transition and realize a lower-carbon and higher-growth future. With critical years ahead on the journey to net-zero, ADIPEC has demonstrated the energy industry of today has the knowledge, capital, technology, and skill to be part of the solution to decarbonise and transform our energy systems for the better". Reflecting the industry's priorities, decarbonisation defined the ADIPEC 2023 agenda, which included critical conversations on achieving net-zero in heavy industries, such as aviation and cement production and how to develop circular economies. Summarising the uniqueness of the challenges facing specific industries in their journey towards decarbonisation, Pavan Chilukuri, Vice President of CCUS Strategy at Holcim said: "Without decarbonising buildings, we will not reach zero. As the global population grows, the demand for construction will continue to increase. We are building a 'New York city' worth of buildings every month, and we are going to do so every year until 2040. The challenge is: how do we this with less carbon intensity?" Meanwhile, during a session on asset portfolio models, Olivier Le Peuch CEO of SLB, said: "This industry, in the leadup to COP28, has recognised that its license to operate will be based on its ability to innovate: innovate for performance, innovate for decarbonisation. Higher value, lower carbon for the future of oil and gas. The industry has recognised this, now it needs to act." The 2023 edition of ADIPEC reinforced the event's status as the premier platform for the energy industry to come together and do business. Among a wide range of deals agreed during the event, Baker Hughes announced a milestone electric-LNG award for ADNOC Ruwais LNG export terminal; Petrofac won a $600m contract with ADNOC; The Department of Economic Development announced Abu Dhabi will provide 100 investment opportunities with a combined market size of Dh123.3 billion ($33.5 billion) by 2027 and OXY subsidiary 1PointFive and ADNOC signed an agreement to commence a jointly funded preliminary engineering study for a 1 million tonne-per-year Direct Air Capture (DAC) facility in the UAE. More than 2,200 companies, 30 country pavilions and over 350 curated sessions, ADIPEC 2023 continued to build on its legacy as the ultimate international platform the energy sector. Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, said: "As we bring another successful ADIPEC to a close, it has been incredible to see the momentum to drive forward decarbonisation solutions and build the energy system of tomorrow. The outcomes of the productive discussions that have taken place will reverberate throughout the industry and beyond, and I look forward to seeing what can be achieved between now and ADIPEC 2024." 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 ? For media inquiries, please contact: media@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 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239969/ADIPEC2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/energy-industry-unites-and-demonstrates-commitment-to-decarbonising-at-record-breaking-adipec-2023-301948834.html ~The delegation led by the President of King's University College is part of The Canadian Bureau for International Education's (CBIE) larger mission to increase academic collaboration between the 2 nations ~ ~ As part of the visit, King's will announce a financial award of up to $32,000 CAD for Vietnamese students and also sign MoU's with multiple universities in Vietnam in the fields of social sciences, humanities, economics and laws as well as with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the soaring enthusiasm among Vietnamese students, King's University College, under the guidance of President Dr. David C. Malloy, is embarking on a significant educational tour in Vietnam with stops in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. This strategic endeavour perfectly aligns with CBIE's overarching mission to promote academic collaboration between Canada and Vietnam. The delegation from King's primary objective is to fortify existing relationships and forge new academic collaborations, signalling a promising stride toward strengthening cross-border academic bonds between the two nations. Esteemed representatives from King's University College will actively engage in a series of initiatives during their visit to reinforce partnerships and cultivate fresh opportunities for collaboration. Sharing his insights on the visit to Vietnam, Dr. David C. Malloy, President of King's University College, remarked, "At King's University College, we are deeply committed to strengthening our partnerships with Vietnam and contributing to the growth of the education sector. Apart from our educational mission, we recognize the immense potential within this market and view this opportunity to engage with prospective industry leaders." As part of the itinerary, the delegation will engage in productive discussions with academic leaders and government officials in Vietnam. Moreover, President Malloy is also set to announce the King's International Student Award, a financial support initiative available to eligible Vietnamese applicants starting their study abroad journey with the university from all 2024 and beyond. The financial award has been designed to attract, encourage, and support Vietnamese students to pursue higher education in Canada, with a maximum value of $32,000 Canadian dollars over four years of full-time study at King's. Dr. David C. Malloy further added, "This visit underscores King's University College's commitment to global engagement and its mission of providing students with a comprehensive education that equips them for a rapidly evolving world. The collaboration between King's and Vietnamese institutions and industry bodies presents significant opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers, offering them access to diverse perspectives, knowledge, and resources. Furthermore, we firmly believe that our student financial award initiative is a significant step towards building the cross-border relations between the two nations, while improving the flux of talent, academic and cultural exchange." Complementing King's University College's commitment to advancing its global presence and strengthening international partnerships, the institution has introduced a specialized program, The King's Promise, which guarantees participants a meaningful job within six months of graduation or they can return for a year of study for free. Designed to cater to the aspirations of Vietnamese students seeking higher education opportunities in Canada, King's offers international work-study jobs on campus. With these initiatives in motion, the delegation is confident in the prospect of a mutually beneficial and productive exploration of the promising opportunities that lie ahead. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239918/KING_S_UNIVERSITY_COLLEGE_CAMPUS.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kings-university-college-delegation-embarks-on-academic-visit-to-vietnam-to-boost-cross-border-collaborations-301948812.html PRESS RELEASE REGULATED INFORMATION 06 October 2023, 07:00 am CEST Ghent, Belgium - 06 October 2023- Sequana Medical NV (Euronext Brussels: SEQUA) (the "Company" or "SequanaMedical"), a pioneer in the treatment of fluid overload in liver disease, heart failure and cancer, today invites the holders of securities issued by the Company to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on Friday, 10 November 2023. The items on the agenda of the meeting include the proposed approval of the appointment of Ids van der Weij as non-executive director of the Company, the renewal of the authorization to the Board of Directors to increase the share capital within the framework of the authorized capital and the application of Article 7:228 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code. The Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders will take place at the Company's registered offices in Ghent and will start at 09:00 am CET. The full convening notice with the agenda and proposed resolutions can be accessed on the Sequana Medical website: www.sequanamedical.com/investors/shareholder-information. The Company recommends the holders of its securities to use e-mail for all communications with the Company regarding the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. The Company's e-mail address for such communications is: IR@sequanamedical.com. For more information, please contact: Sequana Medical Lies Vanneste Director Investor Relations E: IR@sequanamedical.com T: +32 (0)498 053579 About Sequana Medical Sequana Medical NV is a pioneer in treating fluid overload, a serious and frequent clinical complication in patients with liver disease, heart failure and cancer. These patients can have up to 15 liters of extra fluid in their bodies, causing major medical issues including increased mortality, repeated hospitalizations, severe pain, difficulty breathing and restricted mobility that severely impacts daily life. Although diuretics are standard of care, the problem is that in many patients they are no longer effective and / or tolerable. There are limited effective treatment options for these patients, resulting in poor clinical outcomes, high costs and a major impact on their quality of life. Sequana Medical is seeking to provide innovative treatment options for this large and growing "diuretic-resistant" patient population. alfapump and DSR are Sequana Medical's proprietary platforms that work with the body to treat diuretic-resistant fluid overload, delivering major clinical and quality of life benefits for patients and reducing costs for healthcare systems. The Company has reported positive primary endpoint data from the North American pivotal POSEIDON trial of the alfapump in recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis, enabling the filing of a Pre-Market Approval (PMA) application with the FDA, planned for Q4 2023. Having delivered clinical proof-of-concept for DSR as a disease-modifying drug program for the treatment of heart failure, the Company will commence MOJAVE, a US randomized controlled multi-center Phase 1/2a clinical trial of DSR 2.0, with initial data expected in Q4 2023. Sequana Medical is listed on Euronext Brussels. Important Regulatory Disclaimers The alfapump system is currently not approved in the United States or Canada. In the United States and Canada, the alfapump system is currently under clinical investigation (POSEIDON Trial) and is being studied in adult patients with refractory or recurrent ascites due to cirrhosis. DSR therapy is still in development and it should be noted that any statements regarding safety and efficacy arise from ongoing pre-clinical and clinical investigations which have yet to be completed. There is no link between DSR therapy and ongoing investigations with the alfapump system in Europe, the United States or Canada. Note: alfapump and DSR are registered trademarks. Forward-looking statements This press release may contain predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements represent the current judgment of Sequana Medical on what the future holds, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Sequana Medical expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of Sequana Medical only as of the date of this press release. Attachments Financial visibility extended to Q1 2025 without drawing on the equity-linked financing facility Regulatory News: ABIONYX Pharma, (FR0012616852 ABNX PEA PME eligible), a new generation biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative therapies based on the world's only recombinant apoA-1, announces the successful completion of a capital increase of around 3,000,000 (including premium) designed to strengthen the Company's cash position in the context of its development in sepsis. Terms and conditions of the issue Following the decision to issue taken by the Board of Directors on October 5, the Chief Executive Officer noted today the full subscription of 2,967,352 new shares at a price of 1.011 per share (i.e., a 10% discount to the weighted average share price of 1.1233 for the 10 trading sessions preceding the Board of Directors' decision). This issue represents approximately 10.21% of the share capital at the date of the decision to issue. This operation takes place within the framework of a capital increase with cancellation of preferential subscription rights in favor of persons belonging to specified categories1, decided by the Board of Directors on October 5, acting based on the delegation granted by the Annual General Meeting of June 27, 2023, under its 20th extraordinary resolution. The total amount of the capital increase is 2,999,992.87 (including a par value of 148,367.60 and an issue premium of 2,851,625.27). The new shares will carry dividend rights, will be assimilated to existing shares and will enjoy the same rights. They will be subject to all the provisions of the Company's bylaws and will be admitted to trading on Euronext on the same line as existing shares. Share ownership The number of shares issued represents around 10.21% of the number of shares in circulation before issue and 9.27% after issue. By way of illustration, a shareholder who held a number of shares representing 1% of ABIONYX Pharma's share capital before the issue, represents 0.91% of the share capital after the issue. Shareholders* before and after capital increase in of capital Shareholders Before Capital increase % of capital After capital increase % of capital Domundi SC (represented by Mr. Emmanuel Huynh) 3,320,198 11.43% 4,348,882 13.58% Cyrille Tupin 1,592,214 5.48% 1,592,214 4.97% Sadok Belmokhtar 1,859,098 6.40% 1,859,098 5.81% BPI Participations (FR) 1,630,451 5.61% 1,630,451 5.09% Jean-Louis Dasseux 1,286,781 4.18% 1,286,781 4.02% Luc Demarre 1,104,619 3.80% 1,846,457 5.77% Free float 16,577,874 56.98% 17,754,049 55.44% TOTAL 29,057,059 100% 32,024,411 100% Based on information brought to the Company's attention, in particular for bearer shareholders via declarations of crossing thresholds (legal and statutory) Purpose of the fundraising The purpose of this fundraising is to strengthen the Company's cash position in the context of its development in sepsis, and to ensure its financial visibility, which has now been extended to Q1 2025 without drawing on the equity-linked financing facility. Absence of prospectus In accordance with the provisions of Article 211-3 of the General Regulations of the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), the issue will not be subject to a prospectus submitted for AMF approval. Risk factors Risk factors are described in the 2022 Universal Registration Document (chapter 3) filed with the AMF under number D.23-0382 on April 28, 2023, and available on the Company's website: www.abionyx.com and that of the AMF: www.amf-france.org. About ABIONYX Pharma ABIONYX Pharma is a new generation biotech company that aims to contribute to health through innovative therapies in indications where there is no effective or existing treatment, even the rarest ones. Thanks to its partners in research, medicine, biopharmaceuticals and shareholding, the company innovates on a daily basis to propose drugs for the treatment of renal and ophthalmological diseases, or new apoA-I vectors used for targeted drug delivery. ________________________ 1 The categories of persons covered by this issue are as follows: (i) individuals or legal entities (including companies), investment companies, trusts, investment funds or other investment vehicles of any kind, under French or foreign law, investing on a regular basis in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, disease treatment or medical technology sectors; and/or (ii) companies, institutions or entities of any kind, French or foreign, conducting a significant proportion of their business in the sectors referred to in (i); and/or (iii) French or foreign investment services providers with an equivalent status, who may guarantee the completion of a capital increase intended to be placed with the persons referred to in (i) and (ii) above and, in this context, subscribe to the securities issued; and/or (iv) Corporate officers (including managers), employees and members of any committee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as well as any person (natural or legal) bound by a service or consultancy contract with the Company or any of its subsidiaries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005965251/en/ Contacts: NewCap Investor relations Nicolas Fossiez Louis-Victor Delouvrier abionyx@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 98 53 NewCap Media relations Arthur Rouille abionyx@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 00 15 CoinShares Digital Securities Limited / Key word(s): Miscellaneous CoinShares Digital Securities Limited: CoinShares Physical Ethereum - Result of Meeting 06-Oct-2023 / 08:42 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 06 October 2023 CoinShares Digital Securities Limited LEI: 549300DR7967WVLR3P83 CoinShares Physical Ethereum - Result of Meeting Jersey - 06 October 2023 - Further to the announcement made by CoinShares Digital Securities Limited (the "Issuer") made on 11 September 2023 of a proposal for the amendment of the Conditions to add CoinShares Physical Ethereum Digital Securities to the Staking Classes, the Issuer announces the result of the proposal. The CoinShares Physical Ethereum Digital Securities are as specified below: Product Name ISIN WKN Valor CoinShares Physical Ethereum GB00BLD4ZM24 A3GQ2N 59635770 The purpose of the proposal was to amend the Conditions to add the CoinShares Physical Ethereum (ETHE) Digital Securities to the Staking Classes and to change the name of such securities to CoinShares Physical Staked Ethereum. The proposed change would have allowed the Issuer to stake the underlying Digital Currency and share staking rewards with investors. A meeting of the Security Holders was convened for the purpose of approving the proposal but the resolution set out in the notice of meeting was not passed at the meeting or at an adjourned meeting due to the lack of quorum. The Issuer continues to believe that the proposal is in the interests of the holders of the CoinShares Physical Ethereum Digital Securities and is considering its position. A further announcement may be made in due course. Terms used in this announcement and not otherwise defined bear the same meanings as where used in the base prospectus of the Issuer dated 20 April 2023. For further information, please contact: CoinShares Digital Securities Limited 2 Hill Street St. Helier, Jersey, JE24UA Channel Islands ir@coinshares.com CALGARY, AB and MUNICH, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / CM-Equity AG, a leading investment firm specializing in capital markets and fundraising, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Karbon-X, a pioneer in carbon offset initiatives. Through this partnership, CM-Equity commits to annually offset all carbon emissions associated with its power usage, general operations, and company vehicles. This initiative aligns with CM-Equity's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. The carbon offsets provided by Karbon-X are certified by Verra under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the world's leading greenhouse gas crediting program. The Verified Carbon Standard Program drives financial support towards activities that reduce and remove emissions while improving livelihoods and protecting nature. VCS projects have successfully reduced or removed nearly one billion tons of carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. CM-Equity's commitment to offset 36 Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) through Karbon-X is equivalent to offsetting 36 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. These offsets will be generated through the Uzundere Hydroelectric Power Plant Project in Turkey, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Michael Kott, CEO of CM-Equity, stated "I am very proud of our move to offset all carbon emissions from our operations as a pan-Europe licenced financial institute. Hereby we have teamed up with Karbon-X which is one of the global leading, vertically integrated, and certified carbon-credit and carbon-offset platform for B2B and B2C. Together with their leadership team we are not only able to offset our own carbon footprint but encourage others and our corporate clients to follow our example to become a lighthouse movement for multiple industries." "As the CEO of Karbon-X, I am thrilled to see CM-Equity's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Their dedication to annually offsetting their carbon emissions is a shining example of corporate leadership in the fight against climate change. Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and pave the way for a sustainable, carbon-neutral future." - said Chad Clovis, CEO of Karbon-X The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program is renowned for its rigorous rules and requirements, adaptability to new scientific and regulatory developments, and transparent project information available on the Verra Registry. This ensures that emissions reductions and removals are real, measurable, additional, permanent, independently verified, conservatively estimated, uniquely numbered, and transparently listed. Karbon-X, through its innovative app and projects, empowers individuals and organizations to take action against climate change. Their mission is to enable people to make a positive impact on the environment by offsetting their carbon footprint and supporting projects that reduce emissions. CM-Equity and Karbon-X invite other businesses and organizations to join them in taking meaningful steps towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. For more information about CM-Equity AG, please visit https://cm-equity.de/en/ For more information about Karbon-X, please visit https://karbon-x.com/. Media Contact: Senior Marketing Manager | Karbon-X Daniel Haigh dh@karbon-x.com SOURCE: Karbon-X Project Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/789291/cm-equity-ag-karbon-x-partner-to-offset-36-metric-tonnes-of-co2-emissions The strategic merge with the French brand positions CoverManager as an industry leader in Europe and Latin America. Over 14,000 restaurants now rely on CoverManager for their comprehensive reservation management after this move. SEVILLE, Spain, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The acquisition of Guestonline is a strategic move in CoverManager's global expansion. Following the acquisition of the German reservation management ?rm Seatris, CoverManager has expanded its presence to eight strategic markets in its pursuit of industry leadership in Europe and Latin America. Guestonline's network of partner restaurants in France will now have access to cutting-edge reservation management technology, already utilized by over 400 Michelin-starred establishments. Jose Antonio Perez, CoverManager's CEO and co-founder, stated, "Both CoverManager and Guestonline share a fundamental commitment to collaborating closely with restaurants to develop solutions that boost pro?tability and enhance customer relationships. With this partnership, we aim to establish a new technology standard for the hospitality industry." Antoine Girard, Guestonline's CEO for 16 years, enthusiastically declared, "We are excited to collaborate with CoverManager in creating an innovative reservation solution for the restaurant sector." Initially addressing the industry's No Shows issue with a rate below 2% for its partner restaurants, CoverManager has evolved to offer sophisticated reservation management resources tailored to Michelin-starred venues, independent establishments, and large restaurant chains. Since its inception in 2015, CoverManager has consistently achieved positive EBITDA growth, doubling its business annually. This success is attributed to key development initiatives, including innovations like arti?cial intelligence-driven automated phone reservation management and the establishment of a vast demand-generating network with partners such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, AMEX, Opentable, and Amadeus. Due to this constant innovation policy, CoverManager has launched "CoverAtTable", a feature in its Software as a Service (SaaS) that enables restaurants to integrate their point of sale (POS) terminals with the reservation system to track customer spending. These transactions have been expedited, thanks in part to CoverManager's successful Series A funding round in late 2022, raising 52 million from external private investors. Notable investors include the British bank GP Bullhound, J. de Jaime (CVC), F. Ruiz (Tuenti, Auro, and Playtomic), P. Avila (founder of Medac), J. Gutierrez (CEO of the Grupo Dani Garcia), and F. Martinez (Alia Capital Partners Fund). The company, operating in more than 40 countries, with an expected Annual Recurring Revenue of up to 19 million for 2023, oversees more than 18 million monthly diners through its technology platform. To date, CoverManager has successfully onboarded more than 14,000 restaurants, digitizing reservation and order management for over 400 Michelin-starred restaurants such as Dani Garcia, El Celler de Can Roca, and David Munoz. Contact: Maria Romero, Brand and Growth Manager in Cover, mromero@covermanager.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2238837/CoverManager.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/covermanager-partners-with-guestonline-in-france-and-takes-another-leap-in-its-global-expansion-301947716.html CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Circuit Breaker Market is expected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2028 from USD 3.2 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 5.0% during the 2023-2028 period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Key growth catalysts include rising investments in smart grid technologies aimed at safeguarding and managing power equipment, along with the replacement of aging infrastructure. Furthermore, the increasing demand for dependable transmission and distribution (T&D) networks offers lucrative growth prospects for the Air Circuit Breaker Market. Browse in-depth TOC on "Air Circuit Breaker Market" 230 - Tables 40 - Figures 208 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=84462231 Air Circuit Breaker Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $4 .1 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $3.2 billion Growth Rate Poised to Grow at a CAGR of 5.0% Largest Market Asia Pacific Market Size Available for 2020-2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Type, Voltage, Application, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. Key Market Challenge Environmental Regulations, Renewable Integration, Aging Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Competitiveness, and Technological Advancements Shape the Air Circuit Breaker Market. Key Market Opportunities Replacement of aging grid infrastructure and the need for reliable T&D networks Key Market Drivers Safeguarding Power Systems Amid Renewable Energy Growth and Smart Technology Integration By application, the industrial segment is the largest contributor in the Air Circuit Breaker Market during the forecast period. The industrial segment often leads the Air Circuit Breaker Market because industrial facilities have notably higher energy demands compared to residential or commercial sectors. This necessitates more robust electrical infrastructure capable of handling power distribution, making air circuit breakers the preferred choice due to their capacity to manage higher currents and provide essential short-circuit protection. Furthermore, air circuit breakers are versatile, effectively safeguarding critical assets from electrical faults and overloads, ensuring uninterrupted industrial operations. Moreover, stringent safety regulations in industrial settings mandate high breaking capacity and reliability in interrupting fault currents, qualities for which air circuit breakers are well-known, enabling industries to comply with safety standards effectively. By type, the air blast circuit breaker segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The air blast circuit breaker segment is witnessing robust growth within the Air Circuit Breaker Market due to its advanced technology, which efficiently handles high fault currents by employing compressed air to extinguish electrical arcs during faults, ensuring rapid and reliable interruption of high-power circuits. Particularly well-suited for high voltage applications like substations and transmission networks, air blast circuit breakers are in high demand as electricity needs continue to surge, especially in urban and industrial areas. Their integration into smart grid systems is increasingly crucial, as these circuit breakers can be enhanced with sensors and monitoring devices, enabling real-time data collection and remote control. This integration is pivotal for optimizing grid performance, enhancing reliability, and minimizing downtime. By voltage, the low voltage segment is expected to be the largest contributor during the forecast period. The dominance of the low-voltage segment in the Air Circuit Breaker Industry can be attributed to its extensive applicability across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Low-voltage air circuit breakers play a crucial role in safeguarding electrical systems from overloads and short circuits in buildings, especially as the construction industry experiences growth. Moreover, their usage in industrial machinery ensures the protection of vital equipment and aligns with the expanding industrial sector's automation needs. Additionally, these circuit breakers are integral to maintaining electrical safety and reliability in growing infrastructure development projects, including transportation systems, commercial complexes, and data centers, solidifying their position as a cornerstone of electrical protection across diverse settings. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=84462231 Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest and fastest-growing market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific's status as the largest market for air circuit breakers is driven by a confluence of factors. The region is witnessing significant urbanization and industrialization, spurring a heightened demand for electricity. To meet this demand, robust electrical infrastructure is essential, and air circuit breakers are pivotal in ensuring reliable power distribution and protection. Additionally, the diverse industrial landscape in Asia Pacific relies heavily on electricity, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and heavy machinery, making air circuit breakers a preferred choice due to their capacity to handle high currents. Governments across the region are investing substantially in infrastructure development, including modernizing electrical grids with advanced circuit protection devices like air circuit breakers. Energy efficiency is also a focal point, with air circuit breakers offering high breaking capacity to reduce energy losses during faults. Furthermore, the rising adoption of smart grids in Asia Pacific underscores the importance of air circuit breakers, which can be equipped with sensors and remote monitoring capabilities to enhance grid reliability and efficiency, aligning with the region's progressive initiatives. Key Market Players: The key players in the Air Circuit Breaker Companies are ABB (Switzerland), Schneider Electric (France), Siemens (Germany), Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), and Eaton (Ireland). Inquiry Before Buying :https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=84462231 Recent Developments In November 2021, Siemens Smart Infrastructure added the new 3WA series to its Sentron line of air circuit breakers. The 3WA series protects electrical installations in buildings, infrastructure, and industrial facilities from overload, short circuits, and ground faults. It is an essential component of low-voltage power distribution. In September 2020, Siemens introduced two new outdoor circuit breakers that are specifically designed for renewable energy applications, such as wind power generation. The SDV-R circuit breaker is not arc-resistant, while the SDV-R-AR circuit breaker is. In January 2020, Siemens bought C&S Electric, a company that makes electrical and electronic equipment. This was done to meet the rising demand for electrification products. The acquisition included C&S Electric's low voltage switchgear components and panels, low and medium voltage power busbars, protection and metering devices businesses, as well as low and medium voltage power busbar operations in India. Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies announced in September 2020 the expansion of its Endurant Automated Transmission lineup with the introduction of the Endurant XD series. The Endurant XD series is a line of high-performance automated transmissions designed for on-highway applications such as double- and triple-trailer trucks, as well as heavy-duty on/off-highway applications such as dump and logging trucks. In July 2019, Eaton bought Innovative Switchgear Solutions, a company that makes medium-voltage electrical equipment in North America. This acquisition helped Eaton to expand its product portfolio of medium-voltage electrical equipment and strengthen its Systems and Services business segment. Browse Adjacent Markets: Energy and Power Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Switchgear Market by Insulation (Gas-insulated Switchgears, Air-insulated Switchgears), Installation (Indoor, Outdoor), Current (AC, DC), Voltage (Low (up to 1 kV), Medium (2-36 kV), High (Above 36 kV), End User and Region - Global Forecast to 2027 Ring Main Unit Market by Insulation Type (Gas-insulated, Air-insulated, Oil-insulated, Solid Dielectric), Installation (Indoor, Outdoor), Voltage Rating (Up to 15 kV, 15 kV-25 kV, Above 25 kV), Structure, Application, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 Gas Insulated Switchgear Market by Installation (Indoor, Outdoor), Insulation Type (SF6, SF6 free), Voltage Rating (Up to 36 kV, 37 to 73 kV, 74 to 220 kV, Above 220 kV), Configuration, End-User and Region - Global Forecast to 2027 Pad-Mounted Switchgear Market by Type (Air, Gas, Solid Dielectric, Others), Voltage (Up to 15 kV, 15-25 kV, 25-38 kV), Application (Industrial, Commercial, & Residential), Standard (IEC, IEEE) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 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: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/air-circuit-breaker-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/air-circuit-breaker.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/air-circuit-breaker-market-worth-4-1-billion-by-2028---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-301949296.html Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - Concerned shareholders of Search Minerals Inc. ("SEARCH" or the "Company") led by Joseph Lanzon (the "Concerned Shareholders") who beneficially own approximately 6.38% of the total issued and outstanding common shares of Search as at the date hereof today announce that they have formally requisitioned the long-overdue annual general meeting of shareholders of Search (the "Meeting"). The purpose of the requisitioned Meeting is to replace the incumbent board of directors of Search (the "Board") with certain highly qualified nominees to be nominated by the Concerned Shareholders prior to the Meeting. The Board is required by law to hold the requisitioned Meeting on or before February 2, 2024. The Concerned Shareholders will identify their nominees in a proxy circular that will be distributed to the shareholders of Search (the "Shareholders") prior to the Meeting. The Concerned Shareholders believe that the current Board has consistently failed to act in the best interests of the Company and the Shareholders. The Concerned Shareholders have attempted to engage with the Board to discuss possible resolutions of their concerns; however, the Board appears to believe that its not accountable to anyone for its actions, including: Lack of Exploration Team. Search's entire exploration team has been temporarily laid off and the Company has not completed any exploration work in 2023. Who is running the day-to-day operations of the Company? The Concerned shareholders still do not know the answer to this question. Disregard for Legal Obligations. Search was legally required to schedule and hold the Meeting under its own volition prior to August 25, 2023. At the start of October, the Shareholders are still waiting, thereby forcing the Concerned Shareholders to requisition the overdue Meeting. If this is how the Board approaches its legal obligations, what else do we not know about? Lack of Accountability. The Board has failed to keep Search's website up to date, including the Company's contact information. Is this a purposeful tactic to reduce oversight and create an information asymmetry between the Board and the Shareholders? At the very least, this is another example of the Board's belief that it is unaccountable for its actions to the Shareholders or anyone else. The Shareholders deserve better. NOW is the time for Search to have a Board that is aligned with Shareholders and that will ensure the preservation of value for Shareholders before it is too late. NOW is the time for change. Joseph Lanzon stated "It is unfortunate that we have been forced to waste time and money because this incompetent board of directors has failed to do their job and call a meeting within the prescribed time period. The Company's last annual general meeting was held on May 25, 2022, so we are well past the deadline for Search's 2023 annual general meeting. This is just another example of the Board having zero regard for the Company's shareholders." The Concerned Shareholders have been contacted by numerous other Shareholders who have also voiced their support for the Concerned Shareholders' actions. The Concerned Shareholders believe this should send a clear message to the Board that the actions of the Concerned Shareholders will be supported by a majority of the Shareholders. Shareholders can contact the Concerned Shareholders at info@concernedforsearchminerals.com and visit www.concernedforsearchminerals.com to be added to the Concerned Shareholders mailing list. The Concerned Shareholders are monitoring the current actions of the Board for any adverse changes in the condition of the Company and will post updates regarding same to the website set out above. The Concerned Shareholders are not soliciting proxies at this time, but want to keep their fellow Shareholders informed of the requisition process and other related information. Mr. Lanzon is a resident of Labrador, and maintains an office in Ottawa, Ontario. He is an experienced mining executive with a proven track record of promoting shareholders' interests at the highest levels of government and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Mr. Lanzon is well positioned to lead the charge in renewing and strengthening the governance and accountability of the Board. His full bio can be obtained at: www.concernedforsearchminerals.com. For further information, contact: Joseph Lanzon Telephone: 613-796-5957 Email: info@concernedforsearchminerals.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183101 Biotech & Healthcare leaders to share valuable insights on investment priorities and future outlook LONDON, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimum Strategic Communications (Optimum), the international strategic healthcare communications consultancy, will be hosting its 15th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at the Wellcome Collection, London. 15 years of annual conferences have established the event as a prominent forum for the sector's largest investors and industry experts to discuss and debate their current thinking and vision for the Biotech & Healthcare sector. This year, there will be a special focus on Life Sciences in the UK, with the chance to hear from the country's leading investors and advisors, including Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, who will be giving the Keynote. Panels will also include discussions with leading investors on market outlook and investment priorities as the industry continues to navigate the disparity between the funding available through private investment and the weakness of global public markets. Commenting on the event, Mary Clark, CEO of Optimum Strategic Communications, said: "Despite continued market uncertainty, companies in our sector are managing to find ways to fund remarkable and exciting innovation. Never has it been more important to harness the power of strategic communications to facilitate this. As we mark a 15-year milestone in hosting our investor conference, we are delighted to bring together some of the industry's most experienced and respected individuals to discuss the funding conundrum and how the UK can best utilise its talent and resources to drive healthcare and life sciences innovation forward." - AGENDA - Welcome Mary Clark, Optimum Strategic Communications How can the UK better capitalise on its life sciences prowess? With world-renowned universities pursuing cutting-edge science, a deep pool of talent, and great infrastructure, the UK has long been a hotspot for innovation. But is it truly capitalising on its brainpower? What hurdles does it face? And can it maintain its position as a top-tier life sciences hub amidst growing competition from around the globe? A panel of industry leaders will discuss what needs to be done to ensure the UK fulfils its potential. Chair: Dan Mahony, UK Life Sciences Investment Envoy & Chair of UK BioIndustry Association Annalisa Jenkins, Non-Executive Director, Genomics England Allan Marchington, Managing Director, ICG Gil Bar-Nahum, Managing Director, Jefferies Fireside chat with Clive Cookson & Kasim Kutay As CEO of Novo Holdings, responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Kasim discusses the trends driving the Company's investment strategy and its commitment to investing in companies that contribute to the sustainability of society and the planet. Chair: Clive Cookson, Science Editor, The Financial Times Kasim Kutay, Chief Executive Officer, Novo Holdings Keynote with Professor Sir Chris Whitty KCB, FRS, Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Whitty, UK Government's Chief Medical Adviser and head of the public health profession, as well as a practising NHS Consultant Physician and epidemiologist, will share his insights on the biotech industry and its relationship with the UK Government. He will present a Keynote speech, followed by a fireside chat with Optimum's Nick Bastin and a Q&A session. Navigating turbulent markets Over the last few years, the pace of world class innovation has quickened, supported by a boom in private investment - yet this has not translated through to public markets. Instead, 2023 has seen weaker global public markets, where life sciences companies have struggled. Our panel of experts discusses what this means for companies looking at how to fund the next stage of their development. Chair: Stephen Hansen, Director of BioPharma Intelligence, BioCentury Linden Thomson, Fund Manager, AXA Investment Managers Geraldine O'Keeffe, Partner, EQT Life Sciences Naveed Siddiqi, Senior Partner, Novo Holdings Joe Anderson, Partner, Crossover Strategy Sofinnova, Sofinnova Partners Optimum's featured charity: Ariana Smiles - a Special Named Fund at the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group Ariana Smiles is raising funds to support the journey of children who experience a leukaemia diagnosis. Already halfway towards its initial target of raising 100K, the charity's aim is to fund a study into genome research that will use targeted immunotherapy to treat blood cancers in a way which is more patient friendly with fewer long-term side effects. The detailed agenda and registration details can be found at the 15th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference website, here. If you would like to receive summaries of the panel discussions at the conference or speak with the Optimum team, please email contact@optimumcomms.com. About Optimum Strategic Communications Optimum Strategic Communications is an international healthcare communications consultancy which specialises in strategic investor relations, corporate and financial communications. Our senior team of healthcare specialists, based in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Zurich, and New York, are experienced and trusted advisors to some of the world's most exciting public and private companies, both large and small, across pharmaceuticals, biotech, medtech, health tech, healthcare services and industrial biotechnology. Over the last 25 years, our team has worked with over 300 healthcare companies, advising them on financial communications and investor relations, including major corporate activity such as fundraising, IPOs, M&A, as well as corporate reputation and crisis scenarios. We have an exceptional network of contacts across the international investment community in Europe and the US; contacts we have built and maintained over the last three decades. The Optimum team includes ex-fund managers and analysts, as well as financial and corporate communications specialists. For more information please visit www.optimumcomms.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/optimum-strategic-communications-to-host-15th-annual-healthcare-investor-conference-301948893.html CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Porcelain Enamel Coatings Market by Type (Powder, Liquid), End use (Residential, Commercial), Application (Pot, Pan, Baking Dish, Stove, Oven & Cooker, Sanitaryware and Plumbing, Water Heater, Room Heater), and Region - Global Forecast to 2028", is projected to reach a market size of USD 1.9 billion by 2028 from USD 1.7 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 2.7%. Asia pacific is the one of the largest markets for porcelain enamel coatings. The demand for porcelain enamel coatings is increasing in the Pot, Pan, Baking Dish and Other Utensils, Stove, Oven & Cooker, Sanitaryware and Plumbing, Water Heater, and Room Heater. The demand from developing nations, such as China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil are expected to drive the global porcelain enamel coatings market. Browse in-depth TOC on "Porcelain Enamel Coatings Market" 127 - Tables 52 - Figures 166 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=150837571 Stove, Oven & Cooker by application segment is expected to account second largest share of the porcelain enamel coatings market during the forecasted period. Stove, Oven & Cooker application accounts second largest share of porcelain enamel coatings market in terms of both value and volume in 2023. The aesthetic appeal of porcelain enamel coatings is driving the market in stove, oven, and cooker applications. These coatings are available in a wide range of colors, allowing manufacturers to offer consumers appliances that match their kitchen decor or personal preferences. The glossy finish of porcelain enamel coatings adds an attractive and polished appearance to these appliances, making them more appealing to customers. The durability of porcelain enamel coatings is critical in stove and oven applications, as these appliances are subjected to daily wear and tear. The coatings protect the underlying metal surfaces from corrosion, rust, and physical damage, ensuring that the appliances maintain their functionality and appearance over an extended period. Advancements in coating technologies have played a significant role in driving the adoption of porcelain enamel coatings for Stove, Oven & Cooker applications. These coatings offer superior durability, heat resistance, and resistance to environmental factors. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=150837571 Commercial, by end-use industry segment hold the largest growing segment in overall porcelain enamel coatings market during forecast period. Commercial end-use industry holds the largest share in terms of both value and volume in overall porcelain enamel coatings market. The increasing emphasis on aesthetic appealing and hygienic food is driving the demand for porcelain enamel coatings in commercial industry. Commercial kitchens, restaurants, and food preparation facilities demand surfaces that can endure high-temperature cooking, resist staining, and maintain impeccable hygiene standards. Porcelain enamel coatings excel in these areas, offering exceptional heat resistance, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. This makes them the preferred choice for commercial kitchen equipment, countertops, and food storage surfaces, supporting the burgeoning restaurant and foodservice industry. The increasing global population is directly contributing to a surge in demand for porcelain enamel coatings within the residential as well as commercial sector. Asia Pacific region likely to be the fastest growing porcelain enamel coatings market during the forecast period. The rapid urbanization and infrastructure development across many Asian countries. As cities expand and modernize, there is an increasing demand for durable and visually appealing coatings for architectural elements, such as building facades, signage, and interior fixtures. Porcelain enamel coatings, with their proven durability, resistance to corrosion, and customizable aesthetic options, have become a preferred choice in these construction projects, propelling their demand. the Asia-Pacific region is increasingly recognizing the importance of environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions. Porcelain enamel coatings, with their long lifespan and recyclability, align with these sustainability goals, making them an attractive choice in various industries. A.O. Smith Corporation (US), AkCoat (Turkey), Vibrantz technologies (US), Tomatec Co., Ltd. (Japan), Nolifrit (China) are the key players in the global porcelain enamel coatings market. Browse Adjacent Market: Coatings Adhesives Sealants and Elastomers Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Ceramic & Porcelain Tableware Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Ceramic Coatings Market - Global Forecast to 2020 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 MehraMarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insights: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/porcelain-enamel-coatings-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/porcelain-enamel-coatings.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/porcelain-enamel-coatings-market-worth-1-9-billion-by-2028--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-301949297.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! DUESSELDORF (dpa-AFX) - Rheinmetall AG (RNMBF.PK), a German arms maker, said on Friday that it has received an order for 155mm artillery ammunition following a second call-off under an existing framework order with the German Government. The order is worth a figure in the lower three-digit million-euro range. The delivery is scheduled to take place in 2024. The company said that it has contracted with a Dusseldorf-based tech group to supply the Ukrainian armed forces with tens of thousands of L15 rounds as well as conventional 155mm Assegai shells for the German military. The recently concluded framework agreement for 155mm artillery ammunition runs until 2029 and represents gross potential order volume of around 1.2 billion euros. Under the latest framework agreement, the tried-and-tested Assegai ammunition family will now be entering service with the Bundeswehr. The war in Ukraine has compelled the armed forces of numerous countries to replenish their ammunition stocks. 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. Chris Caldwell of United Renewables sits down with Dr. Matt Winning for a Conversation on Climate Chris Caldwell of United Renewables sits down with Dr. Matt Winning for a Conversation on Climate DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, Oct. 06, 2023, host Chris Caldwell sat down with Dr. Matt Winning, a senior researcher and leading expert on climate change. During their discussion, Dr. Winning revealed a concerning shift in the tone of major climate reports. He explained that leading institutions, such as the Lancet and the IPCC , have adopted a more political lexicon, driven by the growing frustration among academics over climate indifference and policy stagnation. He stressed that this shift in tone reflects a growing sense of urgency, as the window for meaningful action to address the climate crisis continues to narrow. Dr. Winning , reflecting on the sharper rhetoric, remarked, "Perhaps our discourse needs to transition from the traditionally academic to the unequivocally direct." Caldwell, the visionary behind United Renewables, probed Dr. Winning on The Lancet's recent report, which strikingly stated that global health is jeopardised by an "enduring fossil fuel dependency." Such potent phrasing, Caldwell noted, is uncharacteristically bold for the scientific community. Dr. Winning, who contributed to the Lancet report, acknowledged the escalating frustration among his peers. The report, in its recent editions, has underscored themes like global disparity, the disproportionate profits of oil conglomerates, and the evident shortcomings of political figureheads in addressing the health repercussions of climate change. This sentiment aligns with the latest from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which has made headlines for its critique of capitalism's sustainability. The panel's findings advocate for a systemic shift, emphasising the necessity to move beyond the confines of ceaseless economic expansion and superficial commitments to genuinely achieve net-zero emissions. "Conversations on Climate," a collaborative endeavour between United Renewables and the London Business School Alumni Energy Club, regularly features dialogues with esteemed academics and industry trailblazers on sustainability matters. The episode spotlighting Dr. Matt Winning can be viewed here. All previous episodes can be found here. About the Conversations on Climate Podcast: United Renewables' "Conversations on Climate" podcast, now heralding its second season, is a beacon for those seeking enlightenment and actionable insights on climate change. By amalgamating the intellect of academia with the pragmatism of industry, the podcast crafts a narrative both compelling and instructive. From the strategic intricacies of game theory to the pioneering strides in algae-powered innovations, the show is a testament to the multifaceted approach required to address global challenges. Season 2, a symphony of thought leadership, offers professionals a roadmap to navigate the climate conundrum. The series, a brainchild of United Renewables CEO Chris Caldwell, finds its collaborative spirit with the dynamic Alumni Energy Club of the London Business School. For the discerning listener, the podcastawaits your ears. Stay abreast of the latest episodes by activating notifications. About United Renewables: United Renewables stands as a vanguard in the climate dialogue, fostering partnerships with academic luminaries and industry trailblazers to envision a sustainable horizon for generations to come. For more information and access to this exceptional episode, visit the Conversations on Climate Podcast on Youtubeor Podbeanplatforms. For all related articles. Conversations on Climateis a joint production of United Renewables and the London Business School Alumni Energy Club. Conversations on Climate brings world-leading thinkers from business and academia together to share their expertise on the subject of climate change. Guests include: Sir Andrew Likierman , Julio Dal Poz , Professor Jean-Pierre Benoit , Professor Ioannou , Tara Schmidt , Professor Dan Cable , Professor Zoe Chance , Professor Lynda Gratton , Tom Gosling , Eduardo Famini Silva , Dr. Linda Yueh , Yariv Cohen , Francois Ortalo-Magne and Professor Randall Peterson. All previous episodes can be found here. Related articles can be found here. CONTACT Isabella Hawke - Sales and Marketing Consultant COMPANY United Renewables PHONE +447624457139 EMAIL IIhawke@unitedrenewables.co.uk WEB unitedrenewables.co.uk/resources A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1ccd17f-fe8e-406d-b23a-ba496d3a408c JAKARTA, Oct 6, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Embark on a journey into the heart of technological innovation at the Global Data Center & Cloud Summit 2023, taking place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 22, 2023.In the wake of a transformative decade, where unprecedented challenges met unwavering resilience, the global tech landscape witnessed the meteoric rise of game-changing technologies. AI, big data, cloud computing, and cloud-native solutions surged to the forefront, sparking a digital transformation revolution that reshaped industries and redefined possibilities.This is where the Global Data Center & Cloud Summit steps in - a beacon of exploration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing in the CloudxOS series. Our mission is clear: to set the industry benchmark for the next generation of software and hardware engineering.What can you expect at this groundbreaking event?- Presentations: Immerse yourself in thought-provoking presentations that delve deep into the realms of cloud-native technologies, big data solutions, cybersecurity, open-source initiatives, and artificial intelligence.- Panel Discussions: Engage in dynamic panel discussions featuring industry luminaries, where the most pressing questions facing tech today will be dissected, debated, and demystified.- Exhibition: Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge world of tech with an exhibition featuring top-tier tech companies, showcasing groundbreaking products, solutions, and innovations.- Networking: Forge invaluable connections with a diverse community of senior engineers, architects, team leads, and tech enthusiasts. Share experiences, insights, and ideas that drive professional growth.- Real-World Insights: Renowned experts and developers from diverse backgrounds will share their invaluable technical expertise, providing real-world insights, practical knowledge, and impactful case studies.Endorsed by the prestigious Linux Foundation and co-hosted by Cloud Native Era & CyberSecAsia.org, the Global Data Center & Cloud Summit 2023 | Jakarta is your gateway to the future of technology. Join us as we explore, innovate, and shape the digital landscape together.Mark your calendar for November 22, 2023, and be part of a transformative experience that will chart the course for the tech industry's evolution. Jakarta awaits your arrival, and the future beckons--don't miss your opportunity to be at the forefront of change.Stay tuned for more updates and details, and get ready to be part of a summit that defines the tech landscape for years to come.Register here: https://qingflow.com/f/3d55e8ea?qfchannel=bedeEvent website: https://cloudxos.org/cloudxos_2023_indonesiaFor me details, please reach out to the event producer, Bede Uwalaka - bede.uwalaka@escom-events.comSource: EscomCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Condor Resources Inc. - ("Condor" or the "Company") (TSXV:CN) is pleased to announce that the diamond drilling has now commenced at its Pucamayo East project located in the Ica Department, Peru. The planned initial program will be a minimum 2,000m, in up to 15 drillholes. The maiden drill program at Pucamayo East is designed to explore the extent of the high sulphidation type epithermal gold and silver mineralized ledges of breccia and silicification identified in outcrop and which are associated with large areas of high-sulphidation type alteration assemblages including extensive vuggy silica. An additional target to be tested includes an outcropping area of multi phase stockwork and alteration interpreted to be a leached porphyry system associated with consistently anomalous gold and copper. Both priority targets are in close proximity to each other. Condor and its contractors will be employing and utilizing local residents and businesses to the fullest extent possible to ensure our exploration activities create a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the Company and the community. Ever Marquez, Condor's Vice President of Exploration states: "Condor is excited to be finally testing this outstanding exploration target and is committed to continue with responsible mineral exploration that delivers a positive impact to the communities in which we live and work." Condor is an active explorer focused exclusively on Peru, supplemented by a project generator and royalty model designed to generate exploration capital whilst minimizing shareholder dilution. Our objective in advancing our portfolio of projects is the discovery of a major new precious metals or base metals deposit in Peru. Project acquisition and exploration activities are managed by the Company's Lima based exploration team. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Lyle Davis, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact the Company at 1-866-642-5707, or by email at info@condorresources.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in applicable forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in such 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 news release. SOURCE: Condor Resources Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790653/condor-commences-drilling-at-the-pucamayo-east-project-peru Fresh data from Global Blue reveals that the global dynamic recovery for Tax Free Shopping has gained momentum across Continental Europe and Asia Pacific. Globally, issued Sales in Store like-for-like recovery reached 128%1 in September versus 120%1 in July/August. Continental Europe recovery accelerates In Continental Europe, the recovery remained solid, returning to the pre-summer dynamic levels at 1251% in September vs. 116%1 in July/August. This is due to several factors: a shift in the shopper profile with a higher proportion of affluent shoppers in September than in the summer period; a more favorable basis of comparison for Gulf Cooperation Council shoppers (owing to the Eid al-Adha celebration in August 2019, when the base of shoppers was significantly inflated, while this year's celebration occurred in June); and a gradual return of Mainland Chinese shoppers. Excluding Mainland Chinese and Russian shoppers, the recovery would have reached 164%1 in September vs. 154%1 in July/August. In terms of origin markets, US residents maintain a strong level of recovery, reaching 258%1 in September vs. 258%1 in July/August. Gulf Cooperation Council shopper recovery has also resurged, reaching 253%1 in September vs. 189%1 in July/August. Regarding destination markets, September witnessed an overall accelerated recovery across most destinations, with Greece at 196%1, France at 146%1, Spain at 134%1, Italy at 132%1, and Switzerland at 125%1 Asia Pacific recovery remains strong In Asia Pacific, the recovery rate remained strong overall, reaching 135%1 in September vs. 134%1 in July/August. When excluding Mainland Chinese shoppers (who represented 55% of Sales in Store in the region in 2019), the recovery would have reached 166%1 in September vs. 171%1 in July/August. Regarding origin markets, residents from Hong Kong and Taiwan and North East Asia are driving the strong recovery in Asia Pacific. The recovery for Hong Kong and Taiwan travelers remains high, reaching 507%1 in September vs. 422%1 in July/August. Following closely behind are North East Asia travelers, with a recovery rate of 228%1 in September vs. 193%1 in July/August. Mainland Chinese shoppers have also remained strong, with a recovery rate reaching 107%1 in September vs. 105%1 in July/August. When examining destination markets, Japan continues to maintain a stellar performance with regards to Sales in Store like-for-like recovery, propelling to 198%1 in September, followed by South Korea at 113%1 A gradual recovery for Mainland Chinese shoppers In September, the Sales in Store like-for-like recovery of Mainland China shoppers within the Asia Pacific region remained solid, reaching 107%1. This was driven by the progressive return of Chinese shoppers (47%) broadly in line with air capacity recovery (56%2) and a significant increase in the average spend per shopper (128%3) vs. 2019. In Continental Europe, the Sales in Store like-for-like recovery of Mainland China shoppers reached 53%1. This performance was driven by a return of Chinese shoppers (35%) still well below the air capacity recovery (56%2) due to the lead time required for visa issuance and the absence of group travel. On the other hand, we have noticed a solid increase in average spend per shopper at 51%3 As a side note, during Golden week in 2019, the mix of traveler nationalities in Continental Europe was more exposed to residents from Mainland China. Consequently, the overall level of recovery in Continental Europe is expected to be negatively impacted in October 2023 due to a strong Mainland China base effect in 2019. Such a negative impact in the Asia Pacific region is not expected. APPENDIX YTD Data Issued SIS L/L recovery1 (in of 2019) September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 Q1 2023 Q4 2022 Q3 2022 Q2 2022 Continental Europe 125% 114% 118% 130% 121% 110% 109% 104% 101% 75% Asia Pacific 135% 133% 134% 125% 110% 99% 87% 80% 51% 39% TOTAL 125% 119% 121% 128% 118% 106% 101% 97% 89% 65% Glossary Gulf Cooperation Council countries include: Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman - South East Asia includes: Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore - North East Asia includes: Japan, South Korea ABOUT GLOBAL BLUE Global Blue pioneered the concept of Tax Free Shopping 40 years ago. Through continuous innovation, we have become the leading strategic technology and payments partner, empowering retailers to improve their performance and shoppers to enhance their experience. Global Blue offers innovative solutions in three different fields: Tax Free Shopping: Helping retailers at over 300,000 points of sale to efficiently manage 35 million Tax Free Shopping transactions a year, thanks to its fully integrated in-house technology platform. Meanwhile, its industry-leading digital Tax Free shopper solutions create a better, more seamless customer experience. Helping retailers at over 300,000 points of sale to efficiently manage 35 million Tax Free Shopping transactions a year, thanks to its fully integrated in-house technology platform. Meanwhile, its industry-leading digital Tax Free shopper solutions create a better, more seamless customer experience. Payment services: Providing a full suite of foreign exchange and Payment technology solutions that allow acquirers, hotels, and retailers to offer value-added services and improve the customer experience during 31 million payment transactions a year at 130,000 points of interaction. Providing a full suite of foreign exchange and Payment technology solutions that allow acquirers, hotels, and retailers to offer value-added services and improve the customer experience during 31 million payment transactions a year at 130,000 points of interaction. Complementary RetailTech: Offering new technology solutions to retailers, including digital receipts and eCommerce returns, that can be easily integrated with their core systems and allow them to optimize and digitalize their processes throughout the omni-channel customer journey, both in-store and online. In addition, our data and advisory services offer a strategic advisory to help retailers identify opportunities for growth, while our shopper experience and engagement solutions provide data-driven solutions to increase footfall, convert footfall to revenue and enhance performance. For more information, visit https://www.globalblue.com/about-us/media Global Blue Monthly Speaker Notes Data, September 2023Source: Global Blue 1 Recovery rate is equal to 2023 Issued Sales in Store divided by 2019 Issued Sales in Store, like-for-like (i.e.: at constant merchant scope and exchange rates). 2 Air capacity: ForwardKeys data platform September 2023 3 Mainland Chinese shoppers increase of average spend per international shopper versus 2019 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006649337/en/ Contacts: MEDIA Virginie Alem SVP Marketing Communications Mail: valem@globalblue.com INVESTOR RELATIONS Frances Gibbons Head of Investor Relations Mob: +44 (0)7815 034 212 Mail: fgibbons@globalblue.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, who heads Tesla, SpaceX and X Corp., seeking to force him to testify over his last year's Twitter acquisition. In a filing in California federal court, the US securities regulator said it was conducting an ongoing non-public investigation into whether Musk had violated various provisions of the federal securities laws in connection with his purchases of Twitter stock. It is also probing his 2022 statements and SEC filings relating to Twitter. A hearing on the filing is scheduled to take place on November 9. The SEC in the lawsuit alleged that Musk failed to appear for testimony on September 15, 2023, as required by its subpoena served to Musk in May 2023. The SEC attorneys wrote, 'Musk's ongoing refusal to comply with the SEC's administrative subpoena is hindering and delaying the SEC staff's investigation to determine whether violations of the federal securities laws have occurred. Accordingly, the SEC now asks the Court to compel Musk to appear for investigative testimony.' The agency said it tried to find an agreeable time and place to meet with Musk, and multiple dates were proposed for October and November of this year. But, 'these good faith efforts were met with Musk's blanket refusal to appear for testimony,' the filing showed. Musk, who acquired Twitter in around $44 billion deal in late October last year, recently changed its name to X. Prior to the acquisition, Musk purchased a 9.2 percent stake in Twitter in a series of share purchases, which was above the 5 percent threshold that triggers disclosure requirements. As per the latest filing, the SEC began its probe in April 2022 and as part of its inquiries has received thousands of documents from third parties including Musk. The billionaire also testified twice in July 2022. Regarding the Twitter acquisition, the U.S. Department of Justice or DoJ also had voiced alarm in mid-September, citing testimony from former Twitter employees suggesting a tumultuous atmosphere within the company, potentially jeopardizing compliance with the 2022 administrative order mandated by the Federal Trade Commission or FTC. Musk is currently X's largest shareholder, Chief Technical Officer and executive chairman. 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! AMSTERDAM (dpa-AFX) - Koninklijke Philips N.V. (PHGFF.PK) on Friday said the FDA recommended that it conducts further testing for Respironics' certain sleep and respiratory care devices, which were recalled by the company in 2021 citing potential health risks to patients using them. However, Philips Respironics said that after two years of extensive testing with five independent testing laboratories, 'use of its sleep therapy devices are not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients.' The company said it is in discussions with the FDA on the details of further testing. 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. The inaugural Comex Bahrain 2023, a technology exhibition, will be held in parallel with the Bahrain International eGovernment Forum 2023 from October 9-11, 2023 at Exhibition World Bahrain. It will bring together companies, decision-makers, policymakers, and investors. The two high profile events reflect the kingdoms prestigious regional and global reputation as an exhibitions' destination, and its ability to attract investments and leading international companies in this sector, said a statement. Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed welcomed OITE Exhibitions, organiser of Comex Bahrain, which is attracting major exhibitors looking to showcase their technology products and artificial intelligence (AI) projects. He acknowledged the role of such exhibitions in enhancing the kingdom's status as an attractive destination for events and conferences in the region. OITE CEO, Amr Baabood said: We are delighted to organise Comex Bahrain for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain at Exhibition World Bahrain. An excellent opportunity for local and international organisations to showcase their technological solutions and initiatives, this exhibition will highlight the fast-paced and wide-ranging developments of this vital sector, in which countries are actively pursuing digital transformation and embracing advanced technologies. Bahrains selection as host of this event is a testament to its advanced position in the field. We also take pride in having the exhibition held under the patronage of Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information Communication and Technology (MCICT). We sincerely thank the iGA for their support and collaboration in organizing this exhibition, and look forward to engaging with relevant entities, participants, and visitors at this milestone event." This years Comex Bahrain will attract for the first time a wide range of specialised digital technology pavilions, including government entities in the kingdom, to showcase their technological solutions to enhance operations and systems, improving the quality of services offered to citizens and residents. The exhibition will also attract a selection of international technology companies, showcasing the latest innovative technological solutions. Additionally, there will be a dedicated pavilion to review the latest technologies used in the banking sector, such as FinTech. TradeArabia News Service LISBON, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa hinted at the potential end of the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax scheme during a recent CNN Portugal interview, suggesting it "may be phased out by 2024." Portugal Pathways offers insights, updates, and expert advice for those impacted. Portugal Pathways NHR Tax Status Analysis, Key Highlights and Considerations for Expats: Is NHR Ending? The discontinuation of the NHR scheme is probable given the current political trend and the Prime Minister's past decisions. However, a final decision awaits the conclusion of the legislative procedure. Timeline for NHR's Conclusion: The NHR might not end immediately on January 1, 2024. A mid-to-late 2024 cessation is more likely, though an early 2024 discontinuation remains possible. Potential Modifications: The NHR might not vanish entirely. Past policy reversals, such as with the golden visa program, suggest potential modifications. The scheme's focus on tax breaks for pension incomes may undergo changes to retain essential benefits. Current NHR Beneficiaries: Changes to the NHR may not impact current beneficiaries. Prime Minister Costa emphasised that existing statuses would be maintained. Legal Residents in Portugal: Legal residents without NHR status are advised to apply soon to safeguard against potential alterations. Non-Legal Residents: It's crucial to hasten the legal residency process due to uncertainties. Considering Relocation to Portugal? To potentially benefit from the NHR scheme, swift action is advised. Planning Ahead is Vital: Portugal Pathways urges everyone, including current NHR beneficiaries, to get timely advice and to plan accordingly for potential changes. For anyone seeking further clarity on their NHR status or those considering relocation, Portugal Pathways offers NHR newsletter alerts and updates, collaborating with premier professional bodies. Exclusive NHR Webinar: Portugal Pathways is hosting a webinar on Tuesday 24th October 2023, 10:30am (GMT+1) Lisbon & London time. This event presents an unparalleled opportunity to understand the evolving scenario of the NHR tax regime. Expert panellists will share insights from the 'Wealthy Expats in Portugal Survey Report 2023' featuring perspectives of over 1,000 affluent expats. About Portugal Pathways: Portugal Pathways is dedicated to assisting individuals in optimising their relocation or life strategy in Portugal. Collaborating with leading professional organisations, they provide essential information and advice for prospective and current residents of Portugal View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/portugal-pathways-potential-changes-to-portugals-non-habitual-residency-tax-scheme-what-it-means-for-uk-expats-and-future-residents-301949478.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - Canadian Manganese Company Inc. (NEO: CDMN) ("CDMN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of $5,000,000 principal amount of senior secured convertible debentures ("Convertible Debentures"). The Convertible Debenture was sold in increments of $1,000 principal amount for a purchase price of $960. The net proceeds of the Offering were $4,800,000. The details of the Convertible Debentures are as follows: (i) the Convertible Debentures will mature on the date that is two (2) years from the date of issuance (if not otherwise converted or prepaid) (the "Maturity Date"); (ii) the Convertible Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 14% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears; (iii) the Company shall have a right to prepay or repay a part or the entire principal amount of the Convertible Debentures at par plus accrued and unpaid interest at any time prior to the first anniversary of the Issue Date upon payment of a fee in the amount 10% of the principal amount together with interest payable until the first anniversary of the Issue Date and at any time after the first anniversary of the Issue Date up to and including on the Maturity Date upon payment of a fee in the amount 21% of the principal amount together with interest to the Maturity Date; (iv) each Convertible Debenture will be convertible into common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") at the option of the holder at any time prior to the Maturity Date, at a conversion price of C$0.33 per Common Share, subject to typical adjustment provisions; and (v) the Convertible Debentures are secured by first ranking security over all of the Company's assets. The net proceeds from the sale of Convertible Debentures will be used for working capital purposes and to fund the advancement of the Company's Woodstock manganese project in New Brunswick. All of the securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period. ABOUT CANADIAN MANGANESE CDMN is a Canadian mineral development company aiming to become a supplier of high-purity manganese metal products for the rechargeable battery industry. CDMN holds the Woodstock Project in New Brunswick. For further information: investors@CanadianManganese.com Matthew Allas: President and CEO +1 647 338 3748 The NEO Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Additional information on CDMN is available at www.CanadianManganese.com. Notice regarding forward-looking statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements regarding CDMN, and its business, which may include, but are not limited to, the timing of the closings of the offerings described herein and the use of proceeds therefrom. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" 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. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of each entity. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks regarding the mining industry, economic factors, the equity markets generally, risks associated with growth and competition as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company's public filings under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although CDMN has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and CDMN undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183139 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV:FWTC) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has issued a total of 452,000 common shares in the capital of the Company in settlement of compensation to AGORA Internet Relations Corp. ("AGORA") for certain advertising services provided by AGORA to the Company over the last six months. Over the past six months, the Company has gained substantial visibility through numerous brand mentions across the AGORACOM network and extensive search engine marketing efforts. Additionally, the Company's exclusive sponsorships of key digital platforms like AGORACOM TV, the AGORACOM home page, and the AGORACOM Twitter account have played a crucial role in significantly enhancing brand recognition among small-cap investors. Mr. Honeyman, the President and CEO, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "AGORA has proven to be a valuable partner over the past six months, and we are excited to leverage their services as we continue to expand in the clean technology sector." As disclosed in the Company's February 8, 2023 press release the Company entered into an agreement with AGORA for the provision of marketing services for a period of one year. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement with AGORA, the Company agreed to pay a total fee of $100,000 + HST. The fee is payable through the issuance of common shares of the Company and the 452,000 common shares are being issued at the deemed price equal to the closing price of the shares on October 3, 2023: $20,000 + HST Shares for Services at end of the Nineth Month, October 1st, 2023 ($22,600.00/$0.05 Closing Price OCT 3/23) The shares are subject to a hold period that will expire on February 4, 2024. About AGORACOM AGORACOM is the pioneer of online marketing, broadcasting, conferences and investor relations services to North American small and mid-cap public companies, with more than 300 companies served. AGORACOM is the home of more than 7.7 million investors that visited 55.2 million times and read over 600 million pages of information over the last 10 years. The average visit of 8min 43sec is more than double that of global financial sites, which can be attributed to the implementation and enforcement of the strongest moderation rules in the industry. About Forward Water Technologies Corp. Forward Water Technologies Corp. is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. The Company was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. The Company's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. The Company's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. In addition, the Company has initiated early stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams. For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com. Contact Information For more information or interview requests, please contact: C. Howie Honeyman - Chief Executive Officer howie.honeyman@forwardwater.com 416-451-8155 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws including statements regarding expansion and uptake of the Company's technology and the ability for the Company to achieve its growth strategy and business plan. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, the ability to scale the technology and the adoption of the technology by potential customers. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; unanticipated operating events; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SOURCE: Forward Water Technologies Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790738/forward-water-technologies-corp-issues-shares-for-payment-of-services-by-agora-internet-relations-corp Company to Raise Up to US$2.0 Million in Unit Offering at C$0.75 per Unit VANCOUVER, BC and KIBBUTZ YIFAT, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Beyond Oil Ltd. (CSE:BOIL)(OTCQB:BEOLF) ("Beyond Oil" or the "Company"), a food-tech innovation company extending the life of frying oil, reducing costs, waste and health risks, is pleased to announce that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 3,600,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a purchase price of C$0.75 per Unit, for total gross proceeds of up to US$2.0 million. For the purposes of the Offering, the Company has set the Canadian - US exchange rate at C$1.35:US$1.00. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole such share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable for one Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$1.25 per Warrant Share for a period of one year after the closing date. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes. The securities to be issued under the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act. Product Highlights Frying Oils Recovery : Extensive testing indicates that the Beyond Oil Product extends the usable life of frying oil, improves product quality, and reduces frying oil costs. As a preferential adsorbent, the product reduces and prevents the formation of harmful components such as Free Fatty Acids ("FFA"), Total Polar materials ("TPM"), acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ("PAHs"), trans fats, and other impurities, ensuring frying oil stays fresh and fried food tastes fantastic. Patent Protected : The Company also has a portfolio of registered and patent-pending solutions that extend the shelf-life of produced and used vegetable oils. Potential Cost-Savings : One of Beyond Oil's unique value propositions is that it can dramatically lower costs for quick-service restaurants by significantly extending the useful life of the oil while meeting food quality and safety requirements. For more information on how the Beyond Oil Product extends the life of frying oil, see the Company's news release dated December 12, 2022. Distribution Ready : The Company received a non-objection letter from the US Food & Drug Administration ("FDA") in March 2022, on the basis that all the Beyond Oil Product ingredients meet food-grade specifications of the FDA. In May 2022, Beyond Oil received a non-objection letter from Health Canada and a National Sanitation Foundation certification. Beyond Oil is legally permitted to sell its product into the Israeli market according to the processing-aid and filtering-aid regulations. How the Beyond Oil Product Works The Beyond Oil Product integrates into the existing filtration systems of both commercial and industrial fryers. The combination of active filtration by the powder and passive filtration by the filter and filtration machine ensures the best results by removing other degradation particles. The powder remains on the filter and creates an additional layer which provides the microfiltration benefit. About Beyond Oil Ltd. Beyond Oil is an innovative food-tech company dedicated to transforming the way we consume and produce food. We provide sustainable solutions for the food industry, prioritizing environmental protection and the well-being of its workers and customers. Our innovative solutions help reduce costs for our partners and clients while ensuring responsible and eco-friendly practices. We are committed to environmental responsibility, minimizing the carbon footprint of the food industry on our planet. By implementing cutting-edge techniques, we deliver a healthier final product by reducing the formation of carcinogenic substances in fried food. Our vision is to create a more sustainable future where food safety, cost efficiency, and environmental consciousness come together seamlessly. For more information, visit our website at: www.beyondoil.co. Contacts Jonathan Or CEO and Co-founder info@beyondoil.co Caroline Sawamoto Investor Relations 1-647-691-9801 ir@beyondoil.co Forward Looking Statement and Information The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management's current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. In addition, we cannot assure that any patent will be issued as a result of a pending patent application or, if issued, whether it will be issued in a form that will be advantageous to us. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time at sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. The Company is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites. SOURCE: Beyond Oil Ltd View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790630/beyond-oil-announces-non-brokered-private-placement Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - Wellfield Technologies Inc. (TSXV: WFLD) (OTCQB: WFLDF) (FSE: K8D) (the "Company" or "Wellfield") is pleased to share exciting updates regarding its Board of Directors, aimed at positioning the company for future success as it prepares to add new revenue streams to Tradewind Markets, acquired earlier in the year, and commercialize valuable technology that enables decentralized financial services. The Company is pleased to announce that Neal Sample has been appointed as the Chair of the Board for Wellfield, effective immediately. Mr. Sample brings strong expertise in technology, earning a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford, and deep knowledge of the financial industry from executive roles in multiple Fortune 100s, most recently serving as CIO at Northwestern Mutual. Wellfield anticipates Mr. Sample will be an invaluable asset as Board Chair during the Company's continued growth. Marc Lustig, a non-executive Director, will transition from his role as Chair of the Board effective immediately and will continue to support Wellfield as an advisor to the Company in the areas of capital raising and M&A strategy. The Company deeply values Marc's past leadership and his ongoing contributions, particularly in financing efforts and sourcing M&A opportunities. Levy Cohen, CEO of Wellfield, commented, "We're deeply appreciative of Marc's contributions as Chair of the Board. His leadership has been essential in guiding us to where we are today. As Wellfield evolves to add new revenue-generating products and executes its vision to digitize real world assets on blockchain, Neal Sample's deep expertise in technology and finance will be invaluable in steering this exciting new phase." Mr. Cohen added, "We've seen tremendous success executing on our strategy for Coinmama, and as we focus towards maximizing revenue opportunities in Wellfield Capital and decentralized financial services, Neal's deep experience and leadership are poised to play a critical role in our ongoing success." About Neal Sample Neal Sample brings over 20 years of impactful leadership in technology and operations to the Board. A Stanford-educated technologist with a PhD in Computer Sciences, Neal has led innovation across Fortune 100s like Northwestern Mutual as CIO, Express Scripts as COO and American Express in multiple executive roles, as well as leadership positions with Silicon Valley startups. Neal is known for his forward-thinking approach, technology focus, and proven results in accelerating business opportunities in highly regulated industries. About Wellfield Technologies Wellfield is an R&D focused Fintech company that operates on public blockchains including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Company operates a regulated platform that onboards customers globally at scale, leveraging its proprietary decentralized technology to offer highly disruptive on-chain self-custody solutions. Wellfield operates through two brands: Coinmama, which with a growing base of more than 3.5 million registered users, is one of the most trusted and enduring global brands operating in the crypto space; and Wellfield Capital, which meets the needs of institutional users and professional investors. Join Wellfield's digital community on LinkedIn and Twitter, and for more details, visit wellfield.io. For further information contact: Wellfield Technologies Inc. Levy Cohen, CEO levyc@wellfield.io (832) 483-2575 Ryan Graybill, Investor Relations investors@wellfield.io Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements Cautionary Notice on Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("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 discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding: continued growth, commercializing various digital real world asset products and decentralized financial services, and revenue opportunities in Wellfield Capital. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking information necessarily involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual performance and results in to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to raise additional capital to fund future operations; compliance with extensive government regulations, domestic and foreign laws and regulations adversely affecting the Company; the decentralized finance industry generally, in Canada and abroad; and general business, financial market, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to review the disclosure documents accessible on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. 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. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) has approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release, nor do they 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/183137 ANKARA (dpa-AFX) - The United States has expressed regret over one of its fighter jets shooting down a Turkish drone in north-eastern Syria. An American F-16 fighter aircraft shot down a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle that had been observed conducting airstrikes in a U.S.-restricted operating zone about a kilometer from U.S. forces in Syria on Thursday. Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a media briefing that at around 7:30 a.m. local time, U.S. forces observed UAVs conducting airstrikes in the vicinity of Hasakah, a city in the northeastern corner of Syria. Some of the strikes were inside a declared U.S.-restricted operating zone, according to him. 'At approximately 11:30 local time, a Turkish UAV reentered the ROZ on a heading toward where U.S. forces were located,' Ryder told reporters. 'U.S. commanders assessed that the UAV, which was now less than a half a kilometer from U.S. forces, to be a potential threat, and U.S. F-16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV in self-defense at approximately 11:40 local time.' No U.S. forces were injured, Ryder said, also adding there is no indication that Turkey had intentionally been targeting U.S. forces. While admitting that it was 'a regrettable incident', the top Pentagon official tried to justify the military action saying, 'U.S. commanders on the ground did assess that there was a potential threat and so they took prudent action in this scenario'. Ryder said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called his Turkish counterpart Yasar Guler in the wake of the shooting. 'The two leaders discussed the incident and agreed that while it is regrettable, the focus must remain on the important mission to defeat ISIS in Syria.' Turkey's airstrikes were believed to be part of a series of air raids targeting the Kurdish separatist group PKK and YPG in northern Syria on Thursday. These incidents come at a time of mounting tensions between the NATO allies. Meanwhile, more than 100 people were killed in a terrorist drone attack on a Syrian military academy, news agencies reported Friday. 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 Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Bin Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak giving his closing remarks at the Closing Ceremony of WCIT|IDECS 2023 KUCHING, MALAYSIA, Oct 6, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - At the 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) and the 6th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2023, collectively known as WCIT|IDECS 2023 (the "Event"), the Sarawak Government reaffirms its steadfast commitment to investing in innovation and technology to pave the way for Sarawak's transformation from a traditional economy to a modern technology-driven powerhouse.Held on 4 to 6 October 2023, WCIT|IDECS 2023 reached a triumphant conclusion today after three days of groundbreaking discussions, visionary insights, and unprecedented networking opportunities. The Event, which saw the attendance of more than 10,000 attendees from 46 countries worldwide, brought together global leaders, tech pioneers, and innovators to explore the limitless potential of innovation and technology. In addition, the inaugural She-Tech Asia Forum 2023 served as a compelling prelude to WCIT|IDECS 2023, setting the stage for more women empowerment and representation in the field of technology.Yang Berhormat (YB) Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak delivered a resounding conclusion to the event, "WCIT|IDECS 2023 has illuminated our path towards a future where innovation and technology are the driving forces behind Sarawak's economic growth and prosperity. Our commitment remains steadfast as we transition from tradition to modernity. Many of these ideas shared over the past few days at WCIT|IDECS 2023 will come to shape Sarawak's journey forward, building on the state's current trajectory to becoming not only a digital economic powerhouse in the region, but a thriving society driven by innovation and technology where our people can enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and a sustainable environment."Sarawak made headlines on the very first day of the event with the official announcement of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, outlining an ambitious vision for the future of the region. This visionary blueprint underscores Sarawak's dedication to harnessing the power of digital technology to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah added, "The Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 is a culmination of Sarawak's concerted efforts over the past decade to transform our economy. It is our strategic roadmap to create positive impact and empower our people, and position Sarawak as an attractive investment, business and tourism destination at the international level."WCIT|IDECS 2023 marked the first-ever union of two leading global events in technology and innovation. The convergence of both WCIT and IDECS, which are prominent events in their own rights, aimed to address key issues relevant to our time and our tomorrows as well as tackling the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving digital age.Dr Sean Seah, Chairman of World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) said, "We firmly believe the partnerships, collaborative connections as well as debate and discussions on tech in general, and AI in particular, that have emerged from WITSA's catalytic platform will pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive digital future. This pivotal success stands as a testament to what can be achieved when governments, industry leaders, and communities come together with a shared vision."Host association PIKOM Chairman Ong Chin Seong said, "After 3 days of packed content and activities, WCIT|IDECS 2023 certainly left us with things to ponder in this age of transformation. The future of technology is not about predicting what will happen, but about creating what we want to happen and realizing its full potential. Our delegates certainly benefited from the event, and we look forward to WCIT 2024. Congratulations again to the Sarawak Government, especially to the WCIT|SDEC 2023 Secretariat led by SDEC. We are delighted to partner with the state in this endeavor."WCIT|IDECS 2023 also marked a momentous occasion with the announcement and official handover of WCIT to the new host city of 2024, Armenia, ushering in another chapter of global innovation collaboration.Source: WCIT|IDECS 2023Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. NYJW is thrilled to announce the ongoing registration for fall weekly workshops, along with an exciting array of travel destinations, courses and private lessons for aspiring musicians. Furthermore, NYJW proudly unveils its revolutionary teambuilding programs designed to cater to corporations seeking unique and innovative experiences. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / NYJW offers an unparalleled opportunity for jazz enthusiasts of all skill levels to make music in ensemble-based classes, led by world-renowned instructors. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned player aiming to refine their technique, there is a workshop that fits your needs and provides a fun, inspiring environment for musical growth. Each workshop is invited to participate in regular live concert showcases at prominent jazz venues around the city. New York Jazz Workshop New York Jazz Workshop In addition to Weekly Workshop, NYJW offers a diverse range of specialized Courses-with a focus on specific topics, such as Ear Training, Composition, Counterpoint, and more-as well as Private Lessons, tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each student. NYJW's commitment to excellence is demonstrated through its esteemed faculty of jazz luminaries who bring a wealth of expertise and insight to lessons. Whether you want to learn piano, guitar, singing, bass, drums, woodwinds, brass-NYJW offers you the chance to study under some of the most respected names in the industry. In addition to the annual trips to Italy, this year expanded to two weeks for both Instrumentalists and Vocalists, the New York Jazz workshop will travel to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. These trips are suited for both musicians and non-musicians as there will be a wide variety of activities for everyone. Expanding beyond its traditional jazz education programs, NYJW has developed a groundbreaking series of teambuilding initiatives tailored for corporations, which demonstrate how important musical qualities like leadership, communication, teamwork, and creativity can be applied to your team. NYJW has hosted teambuilding events for major corporations like GE, Nike, Thomson Reuters, Blackboard, Google, Five Below, Lookout, and more. Now, your team can experience the power of jazz music as a catalyst for team bonding and increased productivity in the workplace in one of our customizable programs. Registration for the weekly workshops, courses, private lessons, and corporate teambuilding programs is now open. To secure a spot and learn more about the offerings at New York Jazz Workshop, visit www.newyorkjazzworkshop.com. The New York Workshop is located at 265 W 37th Street in Manhattan. You can contact NYJW anytime at email: info@newyorkjazzworkshop.com; phone: (212) 287-5908. Contact Information: Marco Chelo CO-Founder marco@newyorkjazzworkshop.com 9173400270 SOURCE: New York Jazz Workshop View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790411/new-york-jazz-workshop-announces-new-fall-class-line-up-travel-to-italy-and-brazil-and-innovative-teambuilding-for-corporations Habanos, S.A continues its commitment to innovation with the presentation of a product exclusively designed for the Duty Free and Travel Retail channels. HAVANA, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Habanos, S.A. presented a new travel humidor, dedicated on this occasion to the Hoyo de Monterrey brand with its Destinos vitola, at the gala dinner held as part of the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, France. The new Destinos vitola (49 ring gauge x 145 mm length) is introduced to the market in a novel, elegant and practical travel humidor containing 20 Habanos, made "Totally handmade and with long filler", after a careful selection of wrapper, filler and binder leaves coming from the Vuelta Abajo* zone, in Pinar del Rio*. This is Cuba's most prestigious tobacco region*, where the world's best tobacco is produced, produced by expert Cuban cigar rollers. Hoyo de Monterrey Destinos will only be available in the Duty Free and Travel Retail channels. "A product that will undoubtedly become emblematic for Habanos enthusiasts all over the world," said Jose Maria Lopez Inchaurbe, Vice President of Development at Habanos, S.A., to the more than 150 aficionados, distributors and international journalists who attended the exclusive dinner: "With this launch, the recovery and success of such important channels as the Duty Free and Travel Retail is guaranteed". The Hoyo de Monterrey Destinos travel humidor is a perfect choice for Habanos-loving travelers who enjoy thick-gauge vitolas and appreciate the light strength that is a hallmark of the Hoyo de Monterrey brand. This is a great opportunity to enjoy all the aromas and flavors of Hoyo de Monterrey's blend anywhere in the world. And, as expected, the gala dinner and the presentation of this exclusive product were marked by the magic that always surrounds Habanos, S.A.'s great events, with great music and fine cuisine. In addition to Maritza Carrillo Gonzalez, Cuban Co-President, Jose Maria Lopez Inchaurbe, Vice President of Development, and Alejandro Fernandez-Blanco, Deputy Director of Operational Marketing, were also present on behalf of Habanos, S.A. During the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes, the Habanos, S.A. stand displayed the latest releases designed exclusively for these channels: Quai D'Orsay Imperiales and Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills. In addition to some of the most recent releases, brands and vitolas from the company's portfolio for the enjoyment of all the aficionados, experts and journalists who visited the stand. * Protected Appellations of Origin (P.A.O.) To download video and images of the product in high resolution click here. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2240433/HOYO_DE_MONTERREY_DESTINOS.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/habanos-sa-presented-the-hoyo-de-monterrey-travel-humidor-at-the-tfwa-international-fair-in-cannes-301949525.html Global branded food company sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain over next 7 years AUSTIN, MN / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company known for its commitment to sustainability, recently had its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company has committed to reduce absolute GHG emissions from its operations 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Hormel Foods also commits to reduce absolute GHG emissions within its supply chain 27.5% within the same timeframe. The company's ambitious targets are in line with the trajectory established during the Paris Climate Agreement to limit average temperatures rising by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. "We are proud to announce these ambitious targets to help fight climate change," said Tom Raymond, director of environmental sustainability at Hormel Foods. "It is going to require all team members, partners and supply-chain members to reach these goals and continue to decarbonize every part of our value chain." The company has already taken a variety of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including its energy efficiency and reduction efforts. In 2022, Hormel Foods increased its procurement of domestic renewable electricity from less than 10% to 100% through Power-Purchase Agreements that generate over 936 million kWh hours during 2022. For these efforts, the company has received awards from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Center for Resource Solutions. Additionally, Hormel Foods received a ProFood World Sustainability Excellence in Manufacturing Award for its efforts to reduce water and energy at its progressive processing plant. For more information about the company's 20 By 30 Challenge and environmental stewardship efforts, please visit the 2022 global impact report here. ABOUT HORMEL FOODS - INSPIRED PEOPLE. INSPIRED FOOD. Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list by 3BL Media 13 times, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement - Inspired People. Inspired Food. - to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and https://csr.hormelfoods.com/. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Hormel Foods Corporation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Hormel Foods Corporation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/hormel-foods-corporation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Hormel Foods Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790755/hormel-foods-commits-to-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions-50-by-2030 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! ROCHESTER, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / WorldWide Electric announces the end of our exclusive low-voltage electric motor distribution relationship with Hyundai Electric. For over 12 years, WorldWide Electric has worked alongside Hyundai to build the Hyundai Electric low-voltage motor brand presence in the United States. Both parties have mutually decided to end the relationship's exclusivity but continue to collectively promote the sales of low-voltage electric motors in the United States as non-exclusive partners. 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. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / NRG Energy Originally published on NRG Energy Insights By NRG Editorial Voices Is there a hybrid or electric contender on your family's list of vehicles to consider next? In an era where environmental consciousness and technological advances are continuously converging, electric cars are becoming a desirable option for families across the world striving to make eco-friendly choices without compromising their daily convenience. And yet, the paradigm shift can seem overwhelming. We connected with Danita Park, Director of EV and Commercial Development at NRG, to learn more about this transition. What did we learn? Myths and misconceptions about electric vehicles (EVs) abound, and deciphering the truth about them isn't always easy. The reality is, EVs offer both substantial environmental benefits and unexpected advantages for families. 1. Cost savings that matter Financial planning plays a pivotal role in decision-making for families, and electric cars, trucks, and SUVs offer a compelling advantage. While the purchase cost of electric vehicles might be slightly higher than their gasoline counterparts, new incentives to make the switch, coupled with the long-term savings, are remarkable. Individuals with a qualifying adjusted gross income may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $7,500 for new EVs and hybrids, and up to $4,000 for used ones. You can learn more about the eligibility requirements at fueleconomy.gov. What about electricity costs? A 2020 Consumer Reports study showed that EV drivers spend an average of 60% less each year on fuel costs than gas-powered cars drivers.1 In terms of energy consumption, "Electric vehicles are orders of magnitude more efficient," noted Park. EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy they tap from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%-30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.2 Both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs range in efficiency, and a family's annual savings will depend on gasoline and electricity rates in their area. Moreover, maintenance costs are substantially reduced as electric cars have fewer moving parts that can wear out over time. Families can bid farewell to oil changes, exhaust system repairs, and other costly maintenance procedures. This results in considerable savings over the lifespan of the vehicle, providing families with the ability to allocate money to other essential needs. 2. Cancel carbon pollution For families concerned about their carbon footprint, EVs provide a solution they can take pride in. With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. This is especially true, said Park, if the electricity you use to charge your vehicle is produced from renewable resources. By adopting electric cars, families play an active role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Comfort meets technology Parents everywhere know that peaceful car rides are a rare gem, especially during family road trips and commutes. Electric cars provide an unexpected serene driving experience. The absence of a noisy internal combustion engine results in remarkably quiet rides, allowing families to hear one another (or hear the music you're jamming out to) more easily. Additionally, electric vehicles often offer smooth acceleration and more space (goodbye engine under the hood - hello frunk!). And as Park put it, "EVs are more similar to an iPhone than to a petrol car." This allows drivers to customize things they wouldn't ordinarily be able to, like their braking and driving experience. The payoff? A more comfortable and enjoyable ride for passengers, especially the littles who may be more prone to sensitivity when it comes to abrupt movements. 4. Safety prioritized Safety is a top concern for families, and electric cars definitely deliver on this front. EVs are engineered with a lower center of gravity due to the location of their heavy batteries. This enhances stability and reduces the risk of rollovers. What about fires? Studies in the U.S. and abroad have shown that EVs have a lower risk of fire compared to petrol cars.3 They undergo rigorous safety testing and have multiple layers of protection, such as thermal management systems and fire-resistant materials. While fires involving any vehicle can occur due to various reasons, it's important to note that modern EVs are engineered to minimize fire risks and protect occupants. Moreover, electric cars are designed with advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology, including collision avoidance systems, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. These are just some of the tech enhancements that provide an added layer of protection, giving families more peace of mind when they hit the road. 5. Plug in to convenience Contrary to common misconceptions, charging electric cars can be convenient for families. The ability to charge at home means no more trips to the gas station to fill up. With fast home charging stations, families can effortlessly charge their EVs overnight, ensuring a full battery each morning. Park also pointed out that the average driver in the U.S. only drives about 37 miles per day. A full charge in most EVs on the market today can get you well over 300 miles of travel distance; so anyone who drives the average daily amount would only need to charge their vehicle once per week. This level of convenience is game-changing, especially for parents juggling busy schedules. With the convenience of charging at home or work, many EV drivers find that they only occasionally charge on the go. The growing network of public charging outlets (currently over 138K in the U.S.4) offers families the flexibility to power up as needed during outings, turning recharging into an opportunity to explore and take a break. So, what's the truth about EVs? Electric cars aren't just vehicles; they're leading a true paradigm shift toward sustainable, family-friendly transportation. These benefits underscore the fact that EVs are not only relevant, but exceptionally advantageous for families. As we collectively navigate the road to a greener future, families have the opportunity to embrace electric cars as a practical, eco-conscious choice that seamlessly aligns with their values and needs. Unlock the Power 4 Fascinating Facts About Electric Cars for Kids! Electric vehicles aren't new. In fact, in 1897 (that's 126 years ago), an electric vehicle named the Columbia Motor Carriage became the best-selling car in the U.S. This OG EV could travel 15 miles per hour, which is about the same speed as a bull. Electric vehicles are heavy. EV cars are heavy, partly due to their large batteries. The average weight of an EV battery is 1,000 lbs. That's about as heavy as a polar bear, a Grand Piano, or 1,600 cans of soup How far an EV can travel? The first electric vehicles could only travel about 30 miles before needing to recharge. Modern EVs can travel as much as 500 miles! That means you could drive from Houston all the way to Disney World and only have to charge once. (Ummm... I'll be in the car.) Blast off! Did you know that electric vehicles are on the moon? That's right - astronauts started using electricity-powered vehicles to explore the surface of the moon 50 years ago. Far out, right? As far as cars on the moon go, it's EVs: 1; petrol vehicles: 0. 1 https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev 2https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml#:~:text=Energy%20efficient.,to%20power%20at%20the%20wheels 3 https://www.kbb.com/car-news/study-electric-vehicles-involved-in-fewest-car-fires/ 4 https://www.statista.com/statistics/416750/number-of-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-outlets-united-states/ View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from NRG Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: NRG Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/nrg-energy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: NRG Energy View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790787/discover-the-top-5-benefits-of-electric-cars-for-families 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, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per The Business Research Company's Automotive Electronics Global Market Report 2023, the automotive electronics industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, with the global market poised to reach $279.13 billion in 2023, compared to $254.59 billion in 2022, representing an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%. Furthermore, the automotive electronics market is projected to expand to $382.78 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 8.2%. Electric Vehicle Boom Drives Market Growth The surge in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is a primary driver of the automotive electronics market. As EV adoption continues to accelerate, sophisticated electronics are in demand for features such as regenerative braking, energy management, and seamless connectivity, enhancing the overall driving experience. For instance, according to the World Economic Forum, approximately 4.3 million new battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) were sold globally in the first half of 2022, with BEV sales growing by 75% year-over-year and PHEVs by 37%. India also experienced remarkable growth, with retail sales of EVs totaling 390,399 units in the first half of 2022, marking a 333% year-over-year increase. Learn More On The Automotive Electronics Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/automotive-electronics-global-market-report Automotive Electronics Market Major Players The automotive electronics market is characterized by a concentration of major players, with the top ten competitors accounting for 48.50% of the total market in 2022. Denso Corporation led the market with an 11.00% share, followed by Robert Bosch GmbH (9.74%), ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Hitachi Ltd, Aptiv PLC, Continental AG, Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors N.V., STMicroelectronics N.V., and Texas Instruments. Augmented Reality Integration for Enhanced Driving Key automotive electronics firms are incorporating augmented reality (AR) technologies into vehicles to elevate both the driving experience and safety. AR is being leveraged to create immersive infotainment systems that enable passengers to interact with their surroundings through augmented experiences. In January 2023, HARMAN, a US-based automotive technology company, unveiled the Ready Vision Augmented Reality Head-Up Display. This innovation enhances the driving experience by providing essential information via a vehicle's heads-up display, ensuring safe and distraction-free driving. The Ready Vision AR software prioritizes the presentation of crucial information while preserving an unobstructed view for the driver. The edgeless display with a wide field of vision seamlessly blends AR and AI/ML capabilities to offer intuitive turn-by-turn directions on the windshield, aiding driver cognition. Request A Free Sample Of The Automotive Electronics Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample_request?id=8831&type=smp Asia Pacific Leads The Automotive Electronics Market In 2022, Asia Pacific emerged as the largest region in the automotive electronics market, amassing a total worth of $91.82 billion. The automotive electronics market in Asia-Pacific is bolstered by the rise of autonomous technologies and significant demand for electric vehicles. For instance, the Philippines saw a remarkable increase in electric vehicle sales, growing nearly sixfold during the first quarter of 2023 compared to 2022, according to Business Enquirer, a global media, branding, and publishing company. View More Similar Market Reports: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/advanced-driver-assistance-systems-adas-global-market-report Automotive Artificial Intelligence Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/automotive-artificial-intelligence-global-market-report Flexible Electronics Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/flexible-electronics-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. The World's Most Comprehensive Database The Global Market Model, The Business Research Company's flagship product, is a market intelligence platform covering various macroeconomic indicators and metrics across 58 geographies and 27 industries. The Global Market Model covers multi-layered datasets that help its users make better strategic decisions. Contact Information The Business Research Company Europe: +44 207 1930 708 Asia: +91 8897263534 Americas: +1 315 623 0293 Email: info@tbrc.info Follow Us On: LinkedIn:https://in.linkedin.com/company/the-business-research-company Twitter:https://twitter.com/tbrc_info Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessResearchCompany YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24_fI0rV8cR5DxlCpgmyFQ Blog:https://blog.tbrc.info Healthcare Blog:https://healthcareresearchreports.com/ Global Market Model: https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/global-market-model Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1751581/tbrc_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/automotive-electronics-market-forecast-2023-2027-estimated-market-size-growth-drivers-and-lucrative-segment--by-the-business-research-company-301949361.html CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / MOBILTEX, a leading provider of innovative IIoT hardware and software solutions for cathodic protection, pipeline integrity, and pressurized pipeline remote monitoring, today announced its largest-ever supplier appointment outside of North and South America. The customer, one of Europe's largest gas transmission companies, signed a new contract that will see MOBILTEX cathodic protection remote monitoring adopted across their operations. This project will include thousands of cloud-connected RMUs installed at both rectifier and test station locations over the course of the award - protecting thousands of kilometres of pipeline serving domestic, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the region. This project continues MOBILTEX's impressive track record of adding to its extensive customer base of forward-thinking operators that recognize the unique value proposition of CorTalk cloud-connected remote monitoring solutions. This award, in a key growth market, demonstrates the return on investment within our hardware design and platform architecture towards targeted global opportunities for pipeline integrity remote monitoring. After an extremely rigorous tender process against some of the world's leading Cathodic Protection Remote Monitoring manufacturers, it was the breadth of the market-leading MOBILTEX portfolio, the innovative features and robustness engineered into our RMUs, our advanced cloud-based monitoring platform, and our dedicated Customer Success approach that were clear advantages that lead to selecting MOBILTEX for this long-term partnership. "This multi-year contract underscores MOBILTEX's commitment to innovation and quality. It also showcases our ability to provide value and data into integrity, safety, ESG, and quality programs through advanced IIoT connectivity and the power of the CorView platform," said Stephen Rothwell, VP Sales, MOBILTEX. "This record-breaking deployment truly demonstrates the ROI we are receiving due to our strategic marketing and sales efforts outside of North America. We see significant growth potential in new markets and this agreement represents the increased traction we are gaining in these regions. A growing number of global organizations are investing in MOBILTEX's market-leading remote monitoring solutions to protect their most critical infrastructure assets," said Marc Bracken, MOBILTEX CEO. "Scalable remote monitoring technology that adapts to changing regulatory environments paired with real-time cloud-connected data allows MOBILTEX to continue realizing adoption of our connected monitoring solutions across industries, including natural gas, utilities and renewables," added Bracken. ABOUT MOBILTEX MOBILTEX Data Ltd. [an XPV Water Partners company] is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is proud to serve hundreds of industrial, municipal, and commercial customers around the globe - delivering mission-critical integrity monitoring solutions on over two hundred and sixty thousand kilometres of pipeline assets. MOBILTEX innovative field and cloud-connected technologies deliver significant operational, safety, and ESG benefits to Water Utilities, Energy, and Critical Infrastructure operations. As our reputation grows, we continue to invest and expand our patented IIoT and AI/ML advancements while leveraging 5G cellular and satellite communications across our portfolio. MOBILTEX is widely recognized in the industry for innovation, reliability, and our world-class service and support. Contact Information Jonathan Saint Marketing Director info@mobiltex.com 403.291.2770 SOURCE: MOBILTEX Data Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790424/one-of-europes-largest-gas-transmission-providers-awards-mobiltex-system-wide-rmu-contract FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Summit Casing Equipment (Summit), a manufacturer of cementation products for the oil and gas industry, announced today that it has acquired Scepter Supply, LLC (Scepter). The acquisition is part of Summit's continued strategy to grow its market share in the cementation products segment in the oil and gas industry. Founded in 2005 in Elk City, Oklahoma and currently located in Fort Worth, TX, Summit designs and manufactures cementation products servicing oil and gas operations in the United States (focused on lower 48) and throughout the world. Andy Eldridge, President of Summit Casing Equipment commented, "We are thrilled about the combination with Scepter. The acquisition will expand our customer base and strengthen Summit's position in the US land based well construction market. In addition, the combined product offering will expand what Scepter's customers can purchase as well as add Scepter's high impact composite centralizer. We welcome the Scepter employees in becoming part of the Summit team and continuing to provide technical solutions and best in class service to operators in the industry." Chet Halvorson, President and Founder of Scepter Supply, stated, "We are all excited with this new step for Scepter, and expect to increase our product offering and service levels with the addition of the Summit group to our current team. Having Summit's US-based manufacturing behind us will be a huge step forward for us, and for our customers. We have always strived to provide our customers with premium equipment, now having Summit behind us will only raise the level of quality that our customers have come to rely on and expect from Scepter." About Scepter Supply Scepter Supply was founded in 2010 in Rock Springs, WY. Today the business is headquartered in Cheyenne, WY with additional locations in Midland, TX and Marietta, OH. Scepter distributes multiple lines of casing accessories, including their own brand of float equipment and centralizers as well as an ultra-low friction high impact composite centralizer. Scepter has always been focused on providing unbeatable service to their customers, in addition to quality equipment. About Summit Casing Equipment Summit Casing Equipment (www.summitcasing.com) is based in Fort Worth, TX, with locations throughout the United States to support its customer's oil and gas drilling operations. The company manufactures a branded line of solid body centralizers, bow spring centralizers, composite centralizers, single piece centralizers, float equipment, stage tools, floatation subs and reamer shoes. Summit provides exceptional customer service throughout the North American and international oil and gas markets. The wide product offering and national reach allows Summit to quickly supply its customers to their meet operational needs. About Renovo Renovo Capital, LLC (renovocapital.com) is a Dallas, TX-based lower middle market private equity firm comprised of seasoned operating and investing professionals. Renovo makes control investments in technical product and service businesses that have the potential to generate meaningful value through operational improvements and strategic initiatives. Since its founding in 2009, Renovo has completed over 36 transactions and raised over $400M of committed capital. CONTACT: Summit Casing Equipment Andy Eldridge (817) 529-2400 sales@summitcasing.com SOURCE: Summit Casing Equipment View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/790778/summit-casing-equipment-acquires-scepter-supply Lyten to Work Closely with European Companies on Decarbonizing Applications in Industries including Automotive, Aviation, Defense, Manufacturing and More Lyten, Inc., the pioneer in 3D graphene decarbonizing supermaterials, today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, the Minister of Finance Yuriko Backes and the Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot to locate its European headquarters in Luxembourg. Lars Herlitz, Chairman and Co-Founder of Lyten, was on hand to sign on behalf of the company. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006791264/en/ Lars Herlitz, Lyten co-founder (left), with Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg's Prime Minister (right), sign a memorandum of understanding for Lyten to locate its European headquarters in Luxembourg. (Photo: Business Wire) The announcement was made as part of LuxInnovation Automotive Day 2023, Luxembourg's annual event promoting the transformation toward sustainable mobility. Lyten is also exploring opportunities to establish research and development capabilities in Luxembourg, including infrastructure to support collaboration with European customers on disruptive applications utilizing Lyten's 3D Graphene platform. The facility would build on R&D in IoT sensing that Lyten already has ongoing in Luxembourg with an industry partner for the mobility sector. "Just as we've done in the U.S., Lyten is looking forward to working with industry leaders throughout Europe to bring disruptive, decarbonizing applications to market, built on our Lyten 3D Graphene platform," said Dan Cook, Lyten's CEO and co-founder. "Luxembourg's talented workforce, deep history of collaboration across the European Union, and shared values in leading the way to a more sustainable global economy make Luxembourg a prime location for Lyten to begin its expansion into Europe." Lyten is working with companies in industries such as transportation, defense, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and construction to leverage the tunability of its 3D Graphene for decarbonizing applications. Lyten recently announced its Series B fundraising round, which included $200 million investment from several Fortune 500 strategic investors including Stellantis, Fedex, and Honeywell to scale manufacturing and commercialize its first three product lines: Lithium-Sulfur batteries, lightweighted composites, and next generation IoT sensors. Luxembourg has set ambitious climate targets within the "fit for 55" framework and aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 2005 as defined by law. This legal framework contains critical milestones to Luxembourg achieving its target of a net zero economy by 2050. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said: "A couple of months after the first contacts with Lyten were established in California, I am very satisfied to have signed an MoU with the company to formalize our collaboration. Through their innovative "3D Graphene" technology, Lyten is on its way to revolutionize the future of batteries and materials. It's an exciting step for Luxembourg in becoming a hub for future-proof industrial projects in the field of sustainability and mobility. Many sectors will benefit from the company's advancements on their path to Net Zero." "We're extremely pleased that a pioneering company such as Lyten has chosen Luxembourg as its gateway to Europe," said Franz Fayot, Luxembourg's Minister of the Economy. "Lyten is representative of the type of firm that Luxembourg embraces as we position ourselves as a cleantech innovation hub that supports private research, development and innovation in priority economic sectors. We're impressed with Lyten's success so far, and anticipate its impact on companies throughout Europe as they continue on their decarbonization journeys." Lyten's mission is to scale a materials platform that delivers breakthrough applications enabling the largest greenhouse gas-emitting sectors on the planet to achieve net zero without compromising on performance, profitability or customer experience. Lyten, from its facilities in San Jose, California, plans to deliver both Lithium-Sulfur batteries and lightweighted composite solutions to commercial customers by early 2024 and is actively pursuing expansion plans in the US and Europe. About Lyten Lyten is the pioneer of 3D graphene supermaterials and transformative applications engineered to enable net zero without compromise. Lyten's decarbonization materials are being tuned for a wide range of applications, including next-generation Lithium-Sulfur batteries for use in the automotive, aerospace, defense, and other markets; a next-generation polymer composite that can reduce the amount of plastic used by up to half while maintaining structural and impact strength; and next-generation sensor arrays that significantly increase detection sensitivity and selectivity for use in automotive, industrial, health, and safety applications. Lyten, founded in 2015, is led by a group of experienced executives from across Automotive, Energy, Batteries, Semiconductors, Manufacturing and Defense sectors; lists more than 350 patent matters; and is currently manufacturing Lyten 3D Graphene material, as well as its high-value applications, at its headquarters in San Jose, Calif. To learn more, visit lyten.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006791264/en/ Contacts: lyten@makovsky.com The October editions of Business Chief UK & Europe and Business Chief ANZ & Asia include interviews with leading experts and executives from (cover interview for each magazine/lead report). LONDON, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BizClik is the UK's fastest growing publishing company, has published the October editions of Business Chief UK & Europe and Business Chief ANZ & Asia. The digital editions of Business Chief UK & Europe and Business Chief ANZ & Asia are trusted industry sources for in-depth reports and interviews with the leading minds in business. Business Chief UK & Europe Magazine This month's edition features an extensive lead interview with Sheila Flavell of FDM Group, about how to create an inclusive, productive workplace. "Employees are looking for more than just a job; they are looking for a workplace they can belong to and grow within" - Shiela Flavell, COO, FDM Group The October edition also contains extensive interviews with key thought leaders from Radisson Hotel Group, and Accenture. PLUS; The Top 10 Sustainable Companies in the UK and Europe Business Chief ANZ & Asia Magazine This month's edition features an extensive lead interview with CP Gurnani of Tech Mahindra, about turnarounds, lifelong learning and the rise of AI. "To survive and thrive in this New World Order, we need to dismantle the known order to discover new capabilities" - CP Gurnani, CEO, Tech Mahindra The October edition also contains extensive interviews with key thought leaders from , Schneider Electric and Okada Manila. PLUS; The Top 10 Sustainable Companies in Asia, Australia and New Zealand You can visit Business Chief for daily news and analysis of pioneering business leaders from around the globe. About BizClik BizClik is one of the UK's fastest growing media companies with a global portfolio of leading industry, business and lifestyle digital communities. BizClik's expanding portfolio includes Technology, AI, FinTech, InsurTech, Supply Chain, Procurement, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, Mobile, Data Centre, Cyber, and Sustainability. For more information, please visit https://www.bizclikmedia.com/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bizclik-media-launches-october-editions-of-business-chief-uk--europe-and-business-chief-anz--asia-magazines-301949693.html Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, October 06 For immediate release 6 October 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 100,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 826.78 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 20,871,869; 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 204,119,434. The figure of 204,119,434 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 LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 15, 2023 / Planet 13 Holdings Inc. (CSE:PLTH)(OTCQX:PLNHF) ("Planet 13" or the "Company"), a leading vertically-integrated multi-state cannabis company, today announced the completion of its previously announced plan of arrangement pursuant to which the Company was continued from the jurisdiction of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and domesticated under the Nevada Revised Statutes to the State of Nevada (the "Nevada Domestication"). The Nevada Domestication was overwhelmingly approved by shareholders at Planet 13's Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on Thursday, July 27, 2023. The British Columbia Supreme Court issued its Final Order on August 3, 2023. The Company completed the Nevada Domestication on September 15, 2023 after market close when the necessary filings were made with, and made effective by, the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada. Upon completion of the Nevada Domestication, each issued and outstanding common share was for all purposes deemed to be one issued share of common stock of the Company. In connection with the Nevada Domestication, the Company expects that, effective at market open on September 18, 2023, the Company's common stock will begin quotation on the OTCQX U.S. market rather than the OTCQX International market and the OTCQX ticker symbol for the Company's common stock will change from "PLNHF" to "PLNH". The intended change in the OTC market reflects the Company becoming a Nevada corporation following the Nevada Domestication and the new ticker symbol reflects the removal of the OTC foreign company designation following the Nevada Domestication. No action is required by shareholders with respect to the OTC market or ticker symbol change. The Company's common stock will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol PLTH. The CUSIP number has changed from 72706K101 to 72707C108. In addition, the Planet 13 Holdings Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan became effective as of September 15, 2023, upon completion of the Nevada Domestication, replacing the Planet 13 Holdings Inc. 2018 Stock Option Plan and the Planet 13 Holdings Inc. 2018 Share Unit Plan, as amended (collectively, the "Prior Plans"). All outstanding awards granted under the Prior Plans as of the Nevada Domestication will remain subject to the terms of the Prior Plans. For more information on Planet 13, visit the investor website (www.planet13holdings.com/investors). About Planet 13 Planet 13 (www.planet13holdings.com) is a vertically integrated cannabis company, with award-winning cultivation, production and dispensary operations in Las Vegas and in Orange County, California. Planet 13 also holds a medical marijuana treatment center license in Florida and a conditional Social-Equity Justice Involved dispensing license in the Chicago region of Illinois. Planet 13's mission is to build a recognizable global brand known for world-class dispensary operations and a creator of innovative cannabis products. Licensed cannabis activity is legal in these states but remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Planet 13's shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol PLTH and are quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol PLNHF. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are often, but not always, identified by phrases such as "plans", "expects", "proposed", "may", "could", "would?", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to the effective time of the Company's OTC trading market change, the new OTCQX ticker symbol and continued trading under the existing CSE ticker symbol, and the Company's mission. Such forward-looking statements reflect what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon such forward-looking statements and that actual results may vary from such forward-looking statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ include, among others, those assumptions, risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and any of the Company's subsequent periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements should they change, except as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. For further inquiries, please contact: LodeRock Advisors Inc., Planet 13 Investor Relations mark.kuindersma@loderockadvisors.com Robert Groesbeck or Larry Scheffler Co-Chief Executive Officers 702-815-1313 ir@planet13lasvegas.com SOURCE: Planet 13 Holdings View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/784683/planet-13-announces-completion-of-change-in-domicile-to-nevada-and-otc-market-and-trading-symbol-change Endeavor raises awareness about clefts while celebrating all smiles Today, October 6th, is World Smile Day WORCESTER, Mass., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- No one has done it better! Smile Train , the world's largest cleft-focused organization, makes history by setting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for largest online photo album of smiling mouths. In all, 21, 274 people across the globe uploaded a smile. Today, a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicator, Michael Empric verified the results and presented Smile Train with an Official Record Holder certificate. The recognition came during a celebration event at the Worcester Historical Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts -- home of Harvey Ball, who created the iconic smiley face in 1963. "This was truly a global effort, and what better place to celebrate! This honor is a win for the cleft community and all individuals born with a facial difference. At Smile Train, we're passionate about smiles because we know what a serious business they are. As an organization that supports free cleft surgeries and other comprehensive cleft care, this achievement reinforces the message that all smiles are beautiful," said Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train. The acknowledgment comes on World Smile Day -- a day dedicated to kindness, smiles, and good will across the globe. "We are honored to partner with Smile Train for this event," said William Wallace, Executive Director of the Worcester Historical Museum. "The Worcester community came together to upload smiles and support Smile Train's GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt. World Smile Day is significant for us in Worcester, as Harvey Ball -- who gave the world its most iconic smile, the smiley face - is a Worcesterite who encouraged us to help one person smile." Smile Train began its ambitious campaign in July during National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention month. Showtime's Yellowjackets actress and Smile Train Celebrity Ambassador Samantha Hanratty kicked off the campaign by sharing her smile. Dentsply Sirona , a longstanding Smile Train corporate partner and the world's largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, joined Smile Train's call to invite everyone to share their smile, committing a $20,000 USD donation if the campaign was successful. The organization increased that figure to $120,000 USD and presented Smile Train with a check during today's celebration. "We are proud to help shine a light on the important work that Smile Train does to help children and all people living with clefts," said Erania Brackett, Senior Vice President Orthodontic Aligner Solutions & Customer Experience and Head of Sustainability at Dentsply Sirona. "This additional donation will help us continue to provide life-changing surgeries and safe and quality comprehensive cleft care to children all around the world." The organization will also receive a certificate from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS as a co-record holder. About Smile Train: Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children's lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visitsmiletrain.org. Media Contact: Nicole Bell | Public Relations nbell@smiletrain.org | (646)829-0996 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2240754/Smile_Train_Check.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2240755/Smile_Train_Group_shot.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/930835/Smile_Train_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smile-train-makes-history-by-setting-a-guinness-world-records-title-for-largest-online-photo-album-of-smiling-mouths-301949912.html Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - Composite Alliance Group Inc. (TSXV: CAG) (the "Company" or "CAG") announces that, further to its news release of September 27, 2023, Mr. Stephane Besson, the sales director of Techni Modul Engineering S.A. ("TME"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of TME. Mr. Besson holds an engineer degree in mechanics and materials science and has been involved in providing innovative industrial solutions for the production of composite material parts for more than 20 years. He joined TME in 2000 as the project management director and sales director before being promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer. The Company also announces that Sicheng Zhang, a former director of the Company in 2014 and 2015 and current director of the Company since October 26, 2017 and Chairman of the Board since January 24, 2019, has been appointed as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Yu-Chung (Jim) Hsieh, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company has been appointed as a director of the Company. Mr. Serge Luquain, Chairman and former CEO of TME and former President and CEO of the Company, will retain his role as Chief Technical Officer and a director of the Company. All of the foregoing appointments are subject to regulatory approval. For further information, please contact Dale Burstall, Corporate Secretary and director, via email at dburstall@dsavocats.ca. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements, including the regulatory approval of the officer and director appointments. Statements containing the words: 'believes', 'intends', 'expects', 'plans', 'seeks' and 'anticipates' and any other words of similar meaning are forward-looking. All statements included herein involve various risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and circumstances beyond the Company's control. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. A description of assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.c a . Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183202 PlanET, a global technology provider of biogas plants for the agricultural and industrial sectors is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. This special milestone was recently honored at an anniversary celebration with approximately 400 guests in Gescher, Germany. The event, held on September 8, 2023 was attended by business partners, employees from all international subsidiaries, political figures and representatives from the media. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005515426/en/ Hendrik Becker, PlanET Biogas Group Shareholder (Left), Jorg Meyer zu Strohe CEO Shareholder (Middle) and Roland Becker, CFO Shareholder (Right) pose for a picture at the 25th anniversary celebration. Picture copyright: by Nina Tenhumberg Fotografie Engineer Jorg Meyer zu Strohe (Dipl.-Ing. FH), managing director and shareholder of the PlanET Biogas Group welcomed guests and thanked employees for their engagement. "The fact that PlanET can look back on a 25-year history is our joint achievement for the passion for biogas is the key to our decades of success." "Reaching the 25-year milestone is a fantastic achievement for this dedicated and talented team, and we are delighted to continue to showcase our tried and tested technology and services to the North American Market for years to come," said Derek Hundert, President of PlanET in North America. PlanET History. It is not uncommon for the humble beginnings of aspiring innovators to start in the modest confines of a home. Such was the case for Jorg Meyer zu Strohe and his college friend Hendrik Becker. Sons of farmers in Vreden, Germany, these two future entrepreneurs, full of enthusiasm for renewable energy, the environment and climate protection, started a business called PlanET Biogastechnik in 1998. From their earliest beginnings, these new business owners and engineers anchored sustainability and environmental protection in the company philosophy. Today, PlanET is one of the world leaders in the biogas industry with 700+ biogas plants and 100+ RNG plants worldwide. Currently in Germany, France, Brazil, Canada and the United States, PlanET provides market-leading expertise in the design, construction, and servicing of anaerobic digestion and biogas utilization systems including RNG plants. The highly skilled employees are customer focused and PlanET biogas plants are characterized by reliability, innovation and efficiency. Historical milestones: 1998 Company founded by engineers Jorg Meyer zu Strohe (Dipl.-Ing. FH) and Hendrik Becker (Dipl.-Ing. FH) 1999 Construction of the first German PlanET biogas plant 2004 First biogas plant in Japan 2005 First PlanET biogas plant in the Netherlands 2006 Established subsidiaries in France and Canada (Ontario) 2009 Construction of the first biomethane plant 2011 First PlanET biogas plant in UK 2013 Established the subsidiary in USA (Colorado and New York) 2018 First biogas plant in the Philippines 2022 Relocation of the headquarters to the new facilities in Gescher Established the subsidiary PlanET Biogas Brasil Ltda. 2023 Established PlanET Service Solutions GmbH View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005515426/en/ Contacts: Press: Katharina Schmitz-Altrogge Head of Marketing PlanET Biogastechnik GmbH k.schmitz@planet-biogas.com planet-biogas.com TSX and OTC: MPVD TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province", the "Company") (TSX: MPVD) & (OTC: MPVD) today announces operating and sales results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023 ("the Quarter" or "Q3 2023") from the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine ("GK Mine"). Additionally, the Company wishes to provide details of its third quarter 2023 earnings release and conference call. All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Operational Highlights for Third Quarter 2023 (all figures reported on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated) 877,617 ore tonnes treated, an 8% increase relative to Q3 2022, (Q3 2022: 816,201 tonnes treated) 1,326,160 carats recovered, 9% lower than the comparable quarter (Q3 2022: 1,451,455 carats) Average grade of 1.51 carats per tonne, a 15% decrease relative to Q3 2022 (1.78 carats per tonne) 887,695 ore tonnes mined, a 34% decrease relative to last year's comparable quarter (Q3 2022: 1,345,654 ore tonnes mined) Q3 2023 Production Figures 2023 Q3 2022 Q3 YoY Variance Total tonnes mined (ore and waste) 9,145,849 7,753,629 18 % Ore tonnes mined 887,695 1,345,654 -34 % Ore tonnes treated 877,617 816,201 8 % Carats recovered 1,326,160 1,451,455 -9 % Carats recovered (49% share) 649,818 711,213 -9 % Recovered grade (carats per tonne) 1.51 1.78 -15 % Sales Highlights for Third Quarter 2023 During the third quarter, 478,653 carats were sold for total proceeds of $60.3 million (US$45.3 million), resulting in an average price of $126 per carat (US$95 per carat). These results compare to Q3 2022 where 805,227 carats were sold for total proceeds of $110.6 million (US$83.3 million), resulting in an average value of $137 per carat (US$103 per carat). The relative reduction in volume sold in Q3 2023 reflects the Company's decision to strategically stock a sub-set of the lower value goods available for sale in order to defend its prices in the rough market. We expect to sell the goods stocked in the Company's planned December sale. The diamond market is experiencing very low levels of demand since returning from the August holiday period. Macro-economic concerns and delays to post-covid restocking of diamond jewellery in China have motivated diamond polishers to adopt conservative rough diamond buying and reduce polished inventories. This includes a temporary measure tabled by the Indian cutting and jewellery trade to voluntarily reduce rough imports into the country. Mark Wall, the Company's President, and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Following the mid-June 5-day plant shut-down, plant stability has increased greatly allowing for improved throughput relative to performance earlier in 2023. We continue to monitor this improvement closely in order to ensure this level of performance is maintained going forward. During quarter 3 we saw the devastating wildfires in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories in Canada. The decision by the Northwest Territories to evacuate many remote communities, in addition to the territorial capital Yellowknife, created labor pressure on site as workers needed to support their families in evacuation, or were unable to return to work. Despite these challenges, the team at site maintained operations and production during this period, although we did see a reduction in equipment utilization numbers due to workforce constraints, particularly in the mining area. Additionally, delays to mining the higher-grade ore in the 5034 pit persisted during the quarter, caused by the previously reported safety issues related to the interactive nature of the mining of the Tuzo and 5034 pits simultaneously. Access is being re-established to the 5034 pit bottom to recommence mining in that area. On the rough diamond market, there has been much reported in various news outlets, including the import restrictions in India, which have further impacted the market during a weak period. The Company took the decision to withhold some of the sales during quarter 3 to defend its prices in the rough market. We continue to watch the diamond market closely to assess market conditions. In these very challenging markets we have decided, to pause all discretionary spending to focus on maximizing cash generation and repaying the debt. As reported last quarter our 2023 guidance remains unchanged. Production is trending to the lower end of the range and production costs trending to the mid/upper end of the range." Earnings Release and Conference Call Details The Company will host its quarterly conference call on Friday November 10th, 2023 at 11:00am ET. Prior to the conference call, the Company will release Q3 2023 financial results on November 9th, 2023 after-market. Conference Call Dial-in Details: Title: Mountain Province Diamonds Inc Q3 2023 Earnings Conference Call Conference ID: 47510442 Date of call: 11/10/2023 Time of call: 11:00 Eastern Time Expected Duration: 60 minutes Webcast Link: https://app.webinar.net/K9ARjDR2YOp Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (+1) 888-390-0546 Participant International Dial-In Number: (+1) 416-764-8688 A replay of the webcast and audio call will be available on the Company's website. About Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada in the Gahcho Kue diamond mine located in Canada's Northwest Territories. The Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property consists of several kimberlites that are actively being mined, developed, and explored for future development. The Company also controls more than 113,000 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims and leases surrounding the Gahcho Kue Mine that include an Indicated mineral resource for the Kelvin kimberlite and Inferred mineral resources for the Faraday kimberlites. Kelvin is estimated to contain 13.62 million carats (Mct) in 8.50 million tonnes (Mt) at a grade of 1.60 carats/tonne and value of US$63/carat, at February 2019. Faraday 2 is estimated to contain 5.45Mct in 2.07Mt at a grade of 2.63 carats/tonne and value of US$140/ct, at February 2019. Faraday 1-3 is estimated to contain 1.90Mct in 1.87Mt at a grade of 1.04 carats/tonne and value of US$75/carat, at February 2019. All resource estimations are based on a 1mm diamond size bottom cut-off. Qualified Person The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding Mountain Province's mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Matthew MacPhail, P.Eng., MBA, and Tom E. McCandless, Ph.D., P.Geo., both employees of Mountain Province Diamonds and Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to operational hazards, including possible disruption due to pandemic such as COVID-19, its impact on travel, self-isolation protocols and business and operations, estimated production and mine life of the project of Mountain Province; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; the future price of diamonds; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the ability to manage debt; capital expenditures; the ability to obtain permits for operations; liquidity; tax rates; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Mountain Province, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Mountain Province and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the development of operation hazards which could arise in relation to COVID-19, including, but not limited to protocols which may be adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and any impact of such protocols on Mountain Province's business and operations, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in project parameters, mine sequencing; production rates; cash flow; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for, diamonds; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated. These factors are discussed in greater detail in Mountain Province's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Mountain Province cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Mountain Province believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Although Mountain Province has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mountain Province undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as the property is developed. Further, Mountain Province may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. The principal assets of Mountain Province are administered pursuant to a joint venture under which Mountain Province is not the operator. Mountain Province is exposed to actions taken or omissions made by the operator within its prerogative and/or determinations made by the joint venture under its terms. Such actions or omissions may impact the future performance of Mountain Province. Under its current note and revolving credit facilities Mountain Province is subject to certain limitations on its ability to pay dividends on common stock. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of Mountain Province's Board of Directors, subject to the limitations under the Company's debt facilities, and will depend on Mountain Province's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board. Mark Wall, President, and CEO, 161 Bay Street, Suite 1410, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1, Phone: (416) 361-3562, E-mail: info@mountainprovince.com; Matt MacPhail, Chief Technical & Sustainability Officer, 161 Bay Street, Suite 1410, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1, Phone: (416) 361-3562, E-mail: info@mountainprovince.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mountain-province-diamonds-announces-third-quarter-2023-operating-and-sales-results-details-of-third-quarter-2023-earnings-release-and-conference-call-301949927.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - Danavation Technologies Corp. (CSE: DVN) ("Danavation" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Riccardo Forno as a director of the Company. The Board thanks him for his contribution to the Company and has been actively searching for a replacement. About Danavation Danavation Technologies Corp. is a North American-founded and headquartered technology company providing Digital Smart Labels and a software Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution that enables companies across various sectors to automate labelling, price, product, and promotions in real-time. Danavation's Digital Smart Labels enhance data accuracy and improve performance by removing high labour costs and low productivity typically associated with traditional labour-intensive workflows. Our goal is to create a sustainable and profitable business for shareholders while advancing sound environmental, social and governance practices, including by significantly reducing paper usage. Danavation has introduced its solution to retailers across North America, including big box and boutique grocers, while also targeting new markets including healthcare providers, manufacturing, and logistics companies. Learn more about the background of Danavation and our vision for the future on our website. As well, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more updates on how we are transforming the retail landscape. For further information, please contact: John Ricci President & Chief Executive Officer hello@danavation.com Investor Relations - United States Trevor Brucato, Managing Director RBMG - RB Milestone Group LLC New York, NY & Stamford, CT danavation@rbmilestone.com / www.rbmilestone.com For media relations / management interview requests: Mr. Nelson Hudes Hudes Communications International Tel: 1-905-660-9155 or nelson@hudescommunications.com Forward-Looking Information This news release may contain 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. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of 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 since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements 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 hereof 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. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183184 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (FSE: DTC) (OTC Pink: DTCFF) ("Defence" or the "Company"), a Canadian biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of immune-oncology vaccines and drug delivery technologies, is pleased to announce its participation to the upcoming Festival of Biologics to be held in Basel, Switzerland, October 10-12, 2023. The Festival of Biologics is a hub for the life science community to bridge the gap between academia and industry, covering the start to finish of biologics from discovery, through development, to manufacturing, clinical trials and commercialisation. Biologics have completely transformed the way that patients are treated. Biologics are central as they increase the range of options for treatments, giving new opportunities for patients and their clinicians. With five events in one, the Festival of Biologics encourages conversation across the entire industry to inspire changes, bring forward innovations, and address complex challenges that the biologics industry is facing. In addition, this meeting offers an unparalleled opportunity to hear from stakeholders representing both the science and business communities who report on the latest data impacting cancer therapeutics to fight a wider range of cancers. The Festival of Biologics emphasizes the future needs of the oncology industry and highlights the importance for novel modalities related to cell therapies, vaccines and more effective antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Defence is pleased to present its latest data during the Festival of Biologics on three of its leading products: i) its ARMTM anti-cancer vaccine technology, ii) its anti-cervical protein-based AccuVAC-PT007 vaccine and iii) its advanced AccuTOXTM program as an injectable for solid tumors. "The three presentations given by our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Moutih Rafei, are aimed at two main objectives: i) to share with the scientific community how our innovative Accum platform technology can uplift many weak or moderate biomedical treatments as a means to significantly enhance their therapeutic window of action, and ii) to establish strategic partnerships with major players in the field to accelerate our therapeutics to patients faster," says Mr. Plouffe, CEO and president of Defence. In addition, Defence has granted incentive stock options to its directors and management to purchase a total of 2,400,000 common shares of Defence pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of Defence's stock option plan, subject to any regulatory approval. Each stock option vests immediately and is exercisable at a price of $2.50 per share for a period of ten years from the granted date. About Defence: Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded biotechnology company working on engineering the next generation vaccines and ADC products using its proprietary platform. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the Accum technology, which enables precision delivery of vaccine antigens or ADCs in their intact form to target cells. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases. For further information: Sebastien Plouffe, President, CEO and Director P: (514) 947-2272 Splouffe@defencetherapeutics.com www.defencetherapeutics.com Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183245 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - Renegade Gold Inc. (TSXV: RAGE) (OTCQX: TGLDF) (FSE: 070) ("Renegade" or the "Company") announces that, subject to regulatory approval, it has retained Venture Liquidity Providers Inc. ("VLP") to provide assistance in maintaining an orderly trading market for the common shares of the Company via market-making services to be undertaken through a registered broker, W.D. Latimer Co. Ltd. ("WDL"), in compliance with the applicable policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable laws. In consideration for its services, the Company has agreed to pay VLP a monthly fee of $5,000 for a period of 3 months, with automatic renewal for successive one-month terms. The agreement may be terminated at any time by either the Company or VLP. VLP has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities. The financing and the shares required for the market-making service will be provided by WDL. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and VLP will not receive any securities of the Company as compensation. VLP is a specialized consulting firm based in Toronto providing a variety of services focused on TSX Venture Exchange listed issuers. About Renegade Gold Inc. Renegade Gold Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. As part of its regional-scale consolidation strategy, the Company has assembled one of the largest prospective land packages in and around the Red Lake mining district in proximity to major mines and deposits, as well as along the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts. The recent completion of the acquisition of Pacton Gold Inc. extends Trillium's ownership in Red Lake to over 89,600 hectares of prospective and diversified exploration properties with significant potential for gold and critical minerals on trend with the major structures hosting known gold occurrences in the Red Lake mining district today. A portfolio of prospective projects in Western Australia has also been acquired. For further information, please contact: Renegade Gold Inc. Nav Dhaliwal President, CEO and Director info@renegadegold.com Tel: 604-678-5308 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 Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the services to be provided by VLP. The words "expect," "may," "will", "subject to" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that all requisite approvals will be received and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183253 Beat The Bomb, a Brooklyn, NY-based interactive social video game company, raised $15M in Series B funding. Backers included Otium Capital, and Conversion Venture Capital (CVC2). The company intends to use the funds to expand across the United States, starting with Philadelphia in summer 2024. Additional openings are expected thereafter for Charlotte, Denver, Houston, and more. Led by CEO and founder Alex Patterson, Beat The Bomb is an interactive social video game company. During the 1-hour Beat The Bomb Game, teams of 4-6 players choose from a Paint Bomb Mission or Foam Bomb Mission, put on hazmat suits, and step into a series of interactive video game rooms to earn time on a Bomb Clock. Each room tests a different skill, with game names like Hack Attack, Sequencer, Crypto Laser, Echo Chamber, and Cyberbot, and requires the active participation of all players on the team. In the fifth and final room, teams attempt to disarm The Bomb before their timer runs out. Failure means getting blasted in an epic explosion of paint or foam, after which the Bomb Room becomes a photo/video booth. 10% of teams win and earn Pro League Status and access to tournaments with money prizes. Losing teams can come back to re-attempt the same Mission, or play new Missions with different games, all created by Beat The Bombs in-house Game Studio. Built by design-build firm ARCO/Murray, the 10,000 sq ft locations feature multiple glass-walled Bomb Rooms looking out onto The Bomb Bar, a futuristic full-service bar. For groups, locations have multiple Game Bay lounges for rent, which are 150 sf, 3-walled gaming zones where players can select from dozens of shorter interactive social games that include team-vs-team and free-for-all formats. In addition to a broad customer base of kids birthday parties, family outings, school trips, and adult social nights out, Beat The Bomb is becoming a destination for corporate team offsite events, with a newly-created event sales department managing a client list including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Microsoft, Delta, PWC, Capital One, and Citibank. For companies with remote and hybrid work arrangements, the company also offers a top-rated 1-hr hosted team-building experience, Beat The Bomb Virtual, with various multiplayer Game Pack to choose from. In late 2022, Beat The Bomb also began offering STEM workshops in partnership with nonprofits such as Girls Who Code, STEM for Her, and the Michelle Obama STEM Academy. The first location of its location-based multiplayer gaming challenge opened in 2017 in Brooklyn, New York, followed by Atlanta in 2022 and Washington, D.C. in 2023. The company has now hosted over 500,000 players from across the U.S., and the world, including thousands of corporate team outings, school groups, and non-profit organizations. FinSMEs 06/10/2023 Electric Era Technologies, a Seattle, WA-based provider of PowerNode EV high-speed charging stations for the EV fast charging infrastructure, received an investment from Chevron Technology Ventures. The investment from Chevron Technology Ventures Future Energy fund is part of Electric Eras Series A financing led by HSBC Asset Management with participation from SQM Lithium Ventures, Blackhorn Ventures, and Proeza Ventures. Electric Era has received $20.5MM in funding to date. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the deployment of its charging stations to gas stations and convenience stores throughout the US. Led by Quincy Lee, founder and CEO of Electric Era has developed PowerNode patented charging station technology and an AI-driven software platform designed to enable autonomous and real-time control of electrical grid power consumption and reliability. PowerNodes built-in battery automatically discharges to support increased charging on-demand, lowering the draw on the electrical grid and enabling more charging sessions per day for a lower cost. Electric Eras first deployments of its PowerNode EV fast charging stations at quick service retailers are set to go online in the coming weeks in the Portland metro area at a Plaid Pantry store and a Space Age Fuels outlet. An additional installation at the Seven Feathers Travel Plaza in Southwest Oregon, and more than 10 other installations across seven states are planned to begin before the end of 2023. FinSMEs 06/10/2023 iCleanse, an Avon, CT-based DOOH (Digital Out-of-Home) startup that develops Swift UV units for phone disinfection and advertising revenue for businesses, received $1m credit financing from Enhanced Capital. The funding will enable iCleanse to boost operations, as it plans to utilize the investment to hire new employees while strengthening R&D operations. Led by Chris Allen Sr., CEO, iCleanse specializes in developing Swift UV units that offer users free, rapid 15-second phone disinfection in public spaces. Leveraging the latest technology, these units ensure phone hygiene and serve advertisements on a digital out-of-home (DOOH) screen. The company is also announcing a significant addition to its advisory board, Greg Reilly. Reilly is an experienced healthcare marketing expert currently serving as Global President for Dentsu Health, a media, creative, analytics, and consulting agency for rare disease and specialty pharmaceutical companies. As one of the co-founders of Dentsu Health in 2021, Reilly brings a wealth of knowledge and insight that will contribute to iCleanses growth, as he will work closely with its leadership team to shape the companys product vision and roadmap. FinSMEs 06/10/2023 Inovedis GmbH, an Albstadt, Germany-based medical technology startup, closed a $4m Series A funding round. The round was supported by participation from all the initial seed round investors including High-Tech Grunderfonds, MBG Mittelstandische Beteiligungsgesellschaft Baden-Wurttemberg, Volksbank Albstadt ChancenKapital, Start-UP BW Innovation Fonds, angel investors, and an initial investment by Renolit SE, the current manufacturer of the SINEFIX implant. The company intends to use the funds for the commercial launch of the SINEFIX implant system in the United States and for sponsoring a clinical study taking place in Germany to generate data needed in support of CE marking and expansion of sales into Europe. Led by Lukas Floss, Founder and CEO, and Dr. Stefan Welte, inventor of SINEFIX and co-founder, Inovedis is dedicated to offering innovative solutions that contribute both to optimized patient care as well as minimizing the complexity of surgical interventions. SINEFIX, which received FDA clearance in 2023, allows refixation of the rotator cuff tendon to bone with a simplified surgical technique optimized for minimally invasive surgery. The new technique requires minimal instrumentation, and removes the complexity of suture management and knot tying which is time-consuming, and requires an extensive range of instruments. FinSMEs 05/10/2023 Olus Academy Ltd., trading as Olus Education, a provider of digital literacy education in Irish schools and homes, raised its first external funding round. The equity investment came from a syndicate of private investors, co-funded by Enterprise Ireland from its Innovative HPSU Fund. The company intends to use the funds for its business expansion into the UK market. Led by Diarmuid O Muirgheasa, Chief Executive Officer, Olus Education supports digital learning wherever it happens, at-home or in-school. The company gives teachers the tools to make learning digital skills easy and fun for students, regardless of the teachers own skills or confidence around technology, leading to impactful learning opportunities for students and reduced workload for teachers. FinSMEs 06/10/2023 SafeRide Health, a San Antonio, CA-based technology-first platform connecting patients of Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and provider programs to life sustaining care, raised a Series C funding of undisclosed amount. The round was led by Sands Capital with participation from Healthworx, the investment and innovation arm of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), and SCAN Group. They joined early investors including Transform Capital, Seminal Capital (SEMCAP), Hill City Capital, Frys Path Capital, Primetime Partners, Fresenius Medical Ventures, Bonfire Ventures, and Meridian Street Capital. Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, is expanding their existing credit-relationship alongside this equity raise. The company intends to use the funds to strengthen its national network, and advance AI and other self-service tools to improve the member experience at every touch point for individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Medicaid. Led by Robbins Schrader, CEO and Co-founder, SafeRide Health is a technology and services company dedicated to reducing barriers to care by improving the delivery of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to people nationwide. Its platform gives payers and health systems a way to deliver on-demand transportation that connects health plan members to critical healthcare services. SafeRide serves the countrys largest Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and provider programs. FinSMEs 05/10/2023 Saleo, a San Francisco, CA-based startup providing a live sales demo platform, raised $13M in funding. The round was led by Emergence Capital with participation from Tech Square Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate product and engineering output, build up its go-to-market organization, and expand its customer experience teams. Led by Justin McDonald, Saleo provides an AI modeling engine that enables pre-sales teams (and AEs) to utilize their existing live demo environment (not a screenshot or clone) which is transformed when Saleo is activated providing demos, that are data complete, and with full control to adjust and personalize their live product in real-time. Graphs, tables, analytics, text and images are all adjustable by the sales team without any product or engineering help from our customers. FinSMEs 05/10/2023 SuperOrdinary, a Shanghai, New York City, and Los Angeles-based global brand accelerator and expert in establishing and scaling brands in international and domestic channels, closed a $58M Series B funding. The round, which brought the valuation to over $800M, included participation from Manzanita, Puig, Demira Gate, Upper90, and Julian Reis. The company intends to use the proceeds to invest further in global live streaming capabilities, Amazon account management and brand protection services, and its creator monetization platform to bolster its ability to connect brands, consumers and creators around the world. Led by Founder & CEO Julian Reis, SuperOrdinary is a global growth partner and marketplace expert connecting brands, creators, and consumers everywhere. Its worldwide team of e-commerce and marketplace experts help brands establish influence, scale global sales channels, and connect with creators and consumers throughout the world. The company facilitates sustainable global expansion for consumer brands including Farmacy, OLAPLEX, Sabon, NuFace, Biossance and many more. In 2022, SuperOrdinary announced their acquisition of FanFix which will streamline relationships between content creators and brands globally. The Series B investment comes at a period of 30% annual revenue growth, driven by significant expansion in the US, continued investment in marketing and branding capabilities in Asia, and the growth of its engineering team which has tripled in size throughout the last year. Additionally, SuperOrdinary is rapidly growing its creator economy business, which has grown 12x since last year following the acquisition of Fanfix. Next year, the company expects to grow by more than 40% and reach $350M in revenue, bringing the company to profitability. FinSMEs 05/10/2023 Velostics, Inc., a Houston, TX-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) company specializing in unified scheduling, raised $1.95m in a seed+ funding round. The round was led by current investors Starboard Star with participation from Flyover Capital, Small Ventures USA and new investor Capital Mazapil. The company intends to use the funds to grow their network of shippers and their brokers, freight forwarders and 3PL providers. The company defines unified scheduling as the orchestration of inbound and outbound truck scheduling for shippers across their supply chain from vendors to end customers. Led by Gaurav Khandelwal, Founder and CEO, Velostics is a logistics Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company specializing in unified scheduling of appointments, dock and yard management and digitizing the gate in/out process for shippers, brokers, freight forwarders and end customers. The platform automates communication between carriers and shippers warehouse and plant systems and logistics teams to schedule, check-in, and load vehicles faster and error-free. FinSMEs 05/10/2023 The CBI has lodged an FIR against three persons and unidentified officials of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on the allegations of actor Vishal that he had to pay Rs 6.5 lakh to get a certificate for his film Mark Antony, officials said on Thursday. The action was followed by searches at four locations in Mumbai, including the premises of the FIR-named accused persons. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has lodged the FIR against private persons Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramdas, Rajan M and unidentified public servants of the CBFC. It was alleged that during the month of September 2023, a private person entered a conspiracy with others to obtain a bribe of Rs 7 lakh and to get the required censor certificate from CBFC, Mumbai for a movie dubbed in Hindi, a CBI spokesperson said. He said it was also alleged that in furtherance of the said conspiracy, the accused initially demanded the bribe on behalf of CBFC-Mumbai officials, the amount of which was reduced to Rs 6.54 lakh after negotiations. she allegedly accepted Rs 6,54,000 as bribe on behalf of CBFC, Mumbai officials in two bank accounts of the two other accused. Thereafter, on 26/09/2023, the required certificate was allegedly issued by CBFC, Mumbai for said movie dubbed in Hindi. It was also alleged that in addition to the said amount, the said accused obtained Rs 20,000 in her bank account from the account of a private company as coordinating fees for herself, the spokesperson for the federal agency said in a statement. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Shabana Azmi has been married to acclaimed writer Javed Akhtar for almost four decades now. The two fell for one another as they came from very similar backgrounds. Recently, the veteran actress took to X (previously known as Twitter) and shared some titbits regarding her husbands initial days as a struggler. She revealed in her post that Javed Akhtar only had 27 naya paisa with him as he arrived in Mumbai. The actress stated that he slept on footpaths and even stayed without food for days. Shabana Azmis tweet read, On October 4, 1964, a young man arrived at Bombay Central Station with 27 naya paisa in his pocket and a heart full of dreams. And then Life happened. He slept at railway stations and footpaths, went without food for days, but his belief in himself was his constant companion. At one of his lowest ebbs he told himself, Main yun hi marne ke liye nahin paida hua hoon (I was not born just to die like this).' Shabana, in her tweet, further added, His talent, his resilience, his determination, his spirit and the support of his friends made him the man he is today Javed Akhtar. Javed Akhtar has been a celebrated screenwriter in Bollywood who contributed to several iconic films such as Deewar, Sholay, Don: The Chase Begins Again and Lakshya. Check out the post below: https://x.com/AzmiShabana/status/1709433467048489279 Shabana Azmi-Javed Akhtar Relationship Timeline Shabana Azmi is the second wife of Javed Akhtar as he was previously married to screenwriter Honey Irani. Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar finally tied the knot in 1984. At the time of the wedding, Javed Akhtar was already the father of two children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, from his first marriage with Honey Irani. Shabana Azmi on work front On the professional front, Shabana Azmi last graced the screens with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, alongside Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, and Abhishek Bachchan-led Ghoomer. In addition, she was also a part of the Hollywood sci-fi-action series, Halo, based on the eponymous video game series. Language: Hindi and Bengali Director: Tinu Suresh Desai Cast: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, Kumud Mishra, Pavan Malhotra Nobody really knows about the incident of the miners being trapped in a dark hole in the small industrial town of Raniganj, West Bengal. Akshay Kumars Mission Raniganj talks about the resilience and dedication of the miners. People are aware of the armed forces contribution to the nation and how their lives are always in danger. But not many are actually aware of the risky lives led by the miners? Mission Raniganj is an engaging film based on real incidents and that is what works for the audience. With minute details on research and not trying to glamorise a serious happening makes the film stand out. When the incident happened in 1989, The Left Front was the rulling part and we do catch a few glimpses in the movie of the fluttering red flag. The story is on what happened in Raniganj, West Bengal, in 1989 when the coal mine got flooded. And how Additional Chief Mining Engineer Jaswant Singh Gill (Akshay Kumar) along with his team evacuates 65 mine workers. It is about how these brave miners never gave up hope and continued to fight for their survival. Jaswant Singh Gill (Akshay Kumar) at the risk of his life saved these miners from the dead hole facing several challenges. The movie shows how some of the people of West Bengal tried to politicize the whole incident at the cost of the life of the miners. But Gill never gave up on hope and finally succeeded in saving the miners. The best thing about Mission Raniganj is that it is based on solid facts. But yes ever movie needs some spices and Mission Raniganj was no exception. But what cannot be appreciated is the ornamental role given to Parineeti Chopra. It was bit too unrealistic and obviously she didnt add any value to the story. And again the Bengali bashing is very evident in the film which could have been done in a better way. They are shown as a bunch of self-centred and lazy people. Well, how true is that bit of the story? It was an out and out typical Akshay Kumar film. A lot could have been done to show the lives of the miners. But the total emphasis was on Jaswant Singh Gill (Akshay Kumar). True he is a brave heart and when nobody agreed to go down the dead hole to save the miners, he was the only person who volunteered. But these miners, according to me, were the bravest. But to some extent all the actors who played the role of miners were not given their due. The management in charge Ujjwal (Kumud Mishra) is seen to be continuously smoking frantically with his hands shaking and weeping away to glory. Kumud Mishra, considering the kind of brilliant craftsman he is, could have done a better job. On the othwr hand, the characters of Bindal (Pavan Malhotra) and Tapan (Veerendra Saxena) have a lot of layers. Tapan initially disagrees to help Gill in his mission. It is Bindal, the man Friday of the film who supplies drills for operation and it is Tapan who helps in pinpointing the exact location where the miners could be waiting to save themselves from the flood. But above everything, the movie rightfully highlighted how life of the proletarait class is considered to be nothing as compared to the egos of the big shots in the business. It also highlights how the proletariats are still ignored in India. They go down the dead hole for meagre wages at the risk of their lives and not even a proper medical kit is provided to them. The film also shows corruption at different levels. Leaving aside the drawbacks of the film, Mission Raniganj on the whole is a well- researched film and an engrossing human-drama which needs to be watched. Rating: 3 out of 5 Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Australia has stopped allowing international students to enrol in two courses simultaneously for the first six months of their principal course of study. The step has been taken to dissuade foreign students from leaving their main course and switching to cheaper vocational courses as soon as they reach the Western country. The Australian governments move comes amid a recent surge in concurrent enrolment. What is concurrent study and what are the new rules? How will it impact students? Lets take a closer look. What is concurrent study? Concurrent study allows overseas students to take an additional course along with their main academic progamme. Students usually enrol in cheaper vocational courses which prepare them for the job market. All student visa holders are required to register on the Australian governments CRICOS website. To undertake an additional course, overseas students must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), noted Insider Guides. There has been a sharp uptick in concurrent enrolments 17,000 in just the first half of 2023 as compared to 10,500 in 2019 and 2022 combined for the same period, Reuters reported citing data. Whats the new rule? In August, the Australian government said it is changing its rules to prevent the misuse of its concurrent enrolment policy by education providers who were persuading overseas students to switch courses, as per Economic Times (ET). The government said investigations have revealed that many students were abandoning their university courses and permanently shifting to cheaper courses, reported Reuters. This practice is called course-hopping. This change will work to stop predatory second providers from enrolling students before they have studied for the required six months at their first provider, Education Minister Jason Clare said in a statement. He stated that international education was Australias fourth-largest export industry and maintaining its integrity was critical for the countrys economy, reported Reuters. It must be noted that this decision will not impact those who are already pursuing concurrent study. There are also some exceptions. Speaking to ET, Saurabh Arora, CEO and Founder, University Living, said, For example, students will still be able to enrol concurrently in a course that is an approved component of a combined or double degree. Additionally, students who have a valid reason for needing to enrol concurrently, such as extenuating circumstances, may be able to obtain an exemption from the rules. ALSO READ: How Canadian colleges are seeking to reassure Indian students amid diplomatic standoff How will it impact Indian students? Australia has witnessed a surge in Indian students wanting to pursue higher education. India is the second-largest source of overseas students in the country, with as many as 95,791 Indian students studying in Australia in the January-April 2023 period. There were 75,109 Indian students in the same period last year. As students aiming to undertake an additional course will now have to wait till six months after their first course, this could delay their graduation plans, as per the ET report. With no formal practical training for at least six months after landing in Australia, it may become tough for overseas students to find part-time work to survive financially, the report added. In July, the Australian government capped the number of working hours for foreign students to 24 hours a week. This came after international students were allowed to work 40 hours a fortnight during the pandemic. Moreover, Australia does not permit overseas students to transfer in the first six months of their primary course of study. With new regulations on concurrent enrolment, the students could have to wait longer to transfer if they cannot find a suitable vocational course, as per ET. With inputs from agencies In Hollywood, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are being praised loudly and openly by celebs that use it to shed the extra kilos. But these weight loss miracle drugs are also being hailed in India by a few in hushed whispers, after experiencing the results personally. The drugs have managed to make their way into the Indian market on the sly they are not available openly yet and the affluent few are rushing to get their hands on it. In fact, a black market has emerged for these drugs, with dealers selling small doses of the drugs at exorbitant levels. The Economic Times found two suppliers willing to sell one mg of Ozempic for Rs 23,000 and Mounjaro at Rs 7,000 for 2.5 mg, going up to Rs 24,000 for 12.5 mg. Heres what we know about the use of these drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro and why this could prove harmful not just for the users but also the Indian market. The rage among Indians Ozempic and Wegovy, manufactured by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk and Mounjaro, created by Eli Lilly and Company, havent yet officially entered the Indian market. Novo Nordisk has told Reuters that it eyes a 2026 launch in India, seeing a huge opportunity in the country. But that doesnt mean that these drugs arent available here. Many people who have the big bucks arent hesitating to source it illegally from other countries. An Economic Times report has doctors saying that they are very often asked for the drugs by their richer patients. Its coming up in conversations everywhere. Patients ask me about it all the time, Ambrish Mithal, chairman and head of endocrinology, Max Healthcare, told ET. The news report also stated that the demand for these drugs is not restricted to just metros like Delhi and Mumbai, but even from cities like Varanasi and Ahmedabad. Also read: A Big Fat Problem: Will children in the UK be given weight-loss injections? A health concern But dont just rush in to get your hands on these drugs, doctors warn. These injectable drugs which contain semaglutide that mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) targeting areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food, have some dangerous side effects that people need to be made aware of. A research paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association said that people who take popular drugs for weight loss, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, may be at an increased risk of severe stomach problems. The study found that people injecting themselves with these drugs were at a higher risk of serious digestive problems such as pancreatitis, and bowel obstructions. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreatitis, occurred at a rate of about five cases per 1,000 users of semaglutide and eight cases per 1,000 users of liraglutide. The condition causes severe abdominal pain and, in some cases, requires hospitalisation and surgery. Bowel obstructions which occur when a blockage prevents food or liquid from moving through the intestines were seen at a rate of eight cases per 1,000 users of liraglutide. There were no observed cases in semaglutide users. Mohit Sodhi, the lead author of the study, and a medical student at the University Of British Columbia Faculty Of Medicine in Vancouver, noted that while the cases were rare, it was pertinent that people were informed of the potential risks involved with these drugs. There have also been studies that have linked the use of these drugs to the rare disease of gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis it limits the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Dr Simon Cork, senior lecturer in physiology at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK said that even though the research said that developing these ailments were rare, it was very important that people are informed. Whilst the likelihood of developing these conditions is still rare, when scaled up to the numbers who could potentially be prescribed these drugs we could start to see many people experiencing adverse effects from their use, he said to the Daily Mail. And a potential gastrointestinal ailment isnt the only danger from injecting yourself with these drugs. UK health authorities as well as the European Union are investigating if these drugs could induce suicidal thoughts in people. The US Food and Drug Administration, in fact, reported in September at least 1,000 reports of adverse mental health side effects related to the class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists for the common man, this includes Wegovy and Ozempic. Apart from these health risks, the New York Times has also reported that an extreme risk of Ozempic was malnutrition. Theres also the risk of muscle shedding, an added concern for those above the age of 65. The more muscle someone over the age of 65 loses, the greater their risk of becoming frail or suffering a fracture or fall (which can be fatal in older adults). It is crucial for older adults to maintain muscle mass so that they can stay mobile and independent. Food fight Theres also the added concern that the success of these weight loss drugs could lead to a dip in the food market, as they retrain people on how to eat. This fear has already been voiced by president and CEO of Walmarts US operations. On 4 October, in an interview to Bloomberg, John Furner, the Walmart head, said: We definitely do see a slight change compared to the total population; we do see a slight pullback in overall basket. Conagra Brands, an American consumer packaged goods, which includes brands such as Healthy Choice, Duncan Hines and Marie Callenders, also concurred. During a Thursday call with Wall Street analysts, Conagra CEO Sean Connolly said that the company will adjust as needed if customers eat less or want different types of food. Lets say they go to smaller portions, then we evolve the innovations, and we design smaller portions, Connolly said. Morgan Stanley in a study has also found that consumption of baked goods and salty snacks could fall by three per cent or even more if the new eating habits extend to more people. If this happens, it could put companies such as Hershey, Mondelez, PepsiCo, and General Mills at risk. Even strategists at Barclays said the drugs have so much promise as weight-loss aids that investors should short junk-food stocks, reported Fortune. So, before you think of getting your hands on these drugs, think again. While the benefits of these drugs seem to outweigh the cons, in the long run that may not be the case. With inputs from agencies India-Canada ties are hitting a new low with each passing day. However, Ottawa may be in for millions economic shock as a result of its dispute with New Delhi, according to research by an independent think group with offices in New Delhi and New York. Even if the number of Indian students coming to Canada for higher education falls by just five per cent in 2024, according to the Imagindia Institute, the Canadian economy will suffer a $700 million (~Rs 58 billion) impact. Lets take a closer look. A big loss to Ottawa Indian students frequently travel to Canada in three groups each year: in January, in May, and in September, according to Robinder Sachdev, president of Imagindia, who was mentioned by local news outlet ETV Bharat. With an estimated 200,000 students per year, India is the largest source of international students who study in Canada. Around one-third or 66,000 go to Canada during the January intake, he said. According to the report, Indian students have fear for their safety as a result of the continuing diplomatic standoff between the two countries. This may cause fewer students to choose Canada over other international destinations. It also says each Indian student in Canada spends an average of $16,000 (~Rs 1.3 million) in total. This includes laptop purchase, housing costs, bank security, and air ticket. The total expense for two years of study and stay comes to around $53,000 (~Rs 4.4 million) per student. The total money injected per student into the Canadian economy over two years is $69,000, Sachdev told ETV. According to the report, the Canadian economy would lose at least $230 million (~Rs 19.1 billion) if the January batch saw a five per cent decline (3,300 fewer students). The overall loss to Canada will rise to $690 million (~Rs 57 billion) if a similar decline is observed in the May and September batches as well. Lessen visa requests will also result in lower visa fees, a $3 million (~Rs 249 million) loss, for the Canadian High Commission in India, the report estimates. Approximately 225,000 Indian students were given visas to Canada in 2022, as per Wion News. Moreover, Indian students continue to support the Canadian economy after graduation as they continue to work at local firms. A loss of $34 million (~Rs 2.8 billion) for small Canadian firms could occur from fewer Indian students traveling to Canada. Considering these, a loss of $727 million is projected for the Canadian economy overall. Canada moves diplomats from India In the latest development, Canada has moved a majority of its diplomats working in India outside of New Delhi to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, according to PTI. The move comes after India asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic staff in the country by more than half, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau publicly levelled suspicions that Indian agents were involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in a Vancouver suburb. Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside a Sikh temple on 18 June. India had designated him as a terrorist three years earlier. Tit-for-tat moves by both countries Canada paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, a Canadian official said on 1 September, an unexpected move that came about three months after both countries said they planned to seal an initial pact this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed strong concerns about Sikh separatist protests in Ottawa to PM Trudeau on the sidelines of a G20 summit in New Delhi on 10 September. Canada postponed a trade mission to India planned for October led by Trade Minister Mary Ng, a spokesperson for the minister said on 15 September. Canadas decision to halt trade treaty talks and postpone the mission was due to concerns surrounding the murder, according to Reuters who quoted a Canadian source as saying. Trudeau told parliament on 18 September that Canada was actively pursuing credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the killing of Nijjar. India dismissed Trudeaus assertion as absurd on 19 September. Both countries expelled diplomats and sent them to their homelands. India urged its citizens in Canada to exercise caution in a statement on 20 September, as the US, Australia and Britain expressed concerns about the issue. Indias JSW Steel Ltd (JSTL.NS) is slowing down the process to buy a stake in the steelmaking coal unit of Canadas Teck Resources (TECKb.TO), Reuters reported on Sept. 21 citing a source close to the discussions. India suspended issuing new visas for Canadians on 22 September and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in India. Fertiliser importer Indian Potash said on 22 September that it does not expect supplies of Canadian potash to be affected by the row and that it hopes to extend a contract with Canadian supplier Canpotex beyond the end of September. Canada is one of the key suppliers of potash to India. Canadian lentil sales to India slowed after tensions rose between the two nations, industry sources in both countries told Reuters. Canada is Indias main import source of lentils, a protein-rich staple. Indias steel secretary told reporters on 28 September that Indian exports to Canada were marginal and have not been affected by the diplomatic row. With inputs from agencies Two years after he broke into Windsor Castle with a loaded crossbow to kill Britains Queen Elizabeth, Jaswant Singh Chail has been sentenced to nine years in jail with a further five years on extended licence. After being arrested on Christmas Day 2021 on the grounds of the royal residence, he had pleaded guilty to three charges, including treason and possession of an offensive weapon, at a hearing at Londons Old Bailey court in February this year. Sentencing judge Justice Hilliard said in the order: The defendant harboured homicidal thoughts which he acted on before he became psychotic. His intention was not just to harm or alarm the sovereign but to kill her. Lets take a look at Chail and his motives for trying to kill the British monarch then. Who is he? As per BBC, Chail hails from North Baddesley which is near Southampton. Chail previously worked for a co-operative supermarket, but was unemployed at the time of the incident. As per Vice, Chail in his Snapchat posts said he wanted to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The massacre took place at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar during the Baisakhi festival in April 1919 when the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer opened fire at a crowd staging a pro-independence demonstration. At least 379 people were killed, according to the official record, although local residents have said in the past the toll was far higher. Britain is yet to offer a formal apology for the massacre. Former prime minister David Cameron, during his visit to India earlier, had expressed regret and termed the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy a deeply shameful scar. As per Daily Beast, Chail, referencing Star Wars, said: Im an Indian Sikh, a Sith. My name was Jaswant Singh Chail, my name is Darth Jones. He added, Im sorry. Im sorry for what Ive done and what I will do. I will attempt to assassinate Elizabeth, queen of the royal family. This is revenge for those who have died in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It is also revenge for those who have been killed, humiliated and discriminated on because of their race, he added. Prosecutors said Chail recorded the footage four days before his arrest and sent it to around 20 people 10 minutes before his arrest, as per BBC. What happened? Chail was arrested at the royal residence west of London on 25 December, 2021. That day, the Queen was at Windsor Castle with her eldest son and then heir Prince Charles, and his wife Camilla. The Queen, who died in September 2022 at age 96, usually spent Christmas at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Her Majesty was due to be joined for lunch by the then Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Prosecutors said Chail scaled a wall with a rope ladder and entered the castle grounds, wearing a hood and metal mask and carrying a loaded crossbow with the safety catch off. It is understood Chail had scaled the perimeter of the grounds with a nylon rope ladder some two hours before he was detained. According to Vice, the royal protection officer who encountered Chail removed his taser and said, Morning, can I help, mate? To which Chail responded: I am here to kill the Queen. The officer then ordered Chail to his knees. Chail put down the loaded crossbow and obeyed. Then again said: I am here to kill the Queen. He was also carrying a note that read, Please dont remove my clothes, shoes and gloves, masks etc, dont want [a] post-mortem, dont want embalming, thank you and Im sorry. According to Express UK, the prosecution claimed Chail was carrying a Supersonic X-Bow weapon that has the potential to cause serious or fatal injuries. Prosecutors claimed Chail previously tried to join the British Army and the Ministry of Defense Police to get close to the royal family. Chails father, a software engineer, told the Daily Mail at the time of the arrest, Somethings gone horribly wrong with our son and we are trying to figure out what. Weve not had a chance to speak to him but are trying to get him the help he needs. From our perspective, we are going through a difficult time. We are trying to resolve this issue and its not easy. Commander Richard Smith of the Metropolitan Police Counterterrorism Command said this was an extremely serious incident. He said officers patrolling the castle grounds showed tremendous bravery to confront a masked man who was armed with a loaded crossbow, and then detain him without anyone coming to harm. During investigations it was found that he had confided his murderous plan to AI chatbot Sarai, with whom he had exchanged 5,000 sexually charged messages in the weeks before. He believed Sarai was his girlfriend and that the two would be reunited with him killing the Queen. He had told Sarai he loved her and described himself as a sad, pathetic, murderous Sikh Sith assassin who wants to die. Chail has in a letter apologised to King Charles and the royal family for his actions. He has expressed his distress and sadness for the impact on them. His barrister, Nadia Chbat, said: He is embarrassed and ashamed he brought such horrific and worrying times to their front door. He has expressed relief no one was actually hurt. Treason charges Earlier in February, Chail had pleaded guilty to violating the Treason Act. With this, he becomes the first person in the UK to be convicted of treason in over 40 years. In 1981, Marcus Sarjeant was charged under the act after firing blank shots at the queen as she rode on horseback in the Trooping the Color parade in London. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison. The last person to be convicted under the separate and more serious Treason Act of 1351 was William Joyce, a World War II Nazi propaganda broadcaster known as Lord Haw-Haw. He was hanged for high treason in 1946. With inputs from agencies The winner(s) of the keenly-awaited Nobel Peace Prize will be announced today (6 October) in Norways capital Oslo. The highlight of the Nobel season, the Peace prize comes in the wake of rising geopolitical tensions. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg are reportedly among this years 351 nominees for the Peace Nobel. As the Norwegian Nobel Committee announces the recipient of its annual Nobel Peace Prize, the question that often emerges is why the coveted award was never bestowed upon the greatest advocate for peace in the modern era Mahatma Gandhi. Lets try to decode why Gandhi was never honoured with the Peace Nobel. Nominated multiple times Its not that Gandhi was not in the orbit of the Norwegian Nobel Committee for the Nobel Peace Prize. In fact, he was nominated five times in 1937, 1938, 1939, 1947, and then a few days before he was assassinated in January 1948. However, Gandhi, described as the strongest symbol of non-violence in the 20th century by the Nobel Prize website, was never ultimately picked. In its article Mahatma Gandhi, the missing laureate, the website acknowledges that the Norwegian Nobel Committees horizon may seem too narrow now. Up to 1960, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded almost exclusively to Europeans and Americans. In retrospect, the horizon of the Norwegian Nobel Committee may seem too narrow, the article states. As The Hindu noted, the first time the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a non-American and non-western European was in 1936. In 1960, the first African won the prize, while the first Asian bagged the Peace Prize in 1973. The first miss After being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1937 by Ole Colbjrnsen, a Labour member of Norways Parliament, Gandhi made it to the Norwegian Nobel Committees shortlist of 13 candidates. The eloquent motivation for Gandhis nomination was written by women of the Norwegian branch of Friends of India. However, the Nobel Committees then adviser, Professor Jacob Worm-Muller, wrote a critical piece on Gandhi as a politician. Although he called Bapu a good, noble and ascetic person, Worm-Muller said there are sharp turns in his (Gandhis) policies, which can hardly be satisfactorily explained by his followers. () He is a freedom fighter and a dictator, an idealist and a nationalist. He is frequently a Christ, but then, suddenly, an ordinary politician. Citing Gandhis critics, the Nobel Committee adviser pointed out that the Indian leader was not always pacifist. To justify his point, he referred to the first Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920-1921 when a crowd killed many police personnel and set the police station ablaze in Chauri Chaura of the United Provinces. In his report, Professor Worm-Muller also doubted if Gandhis ideals were universal or primarily Indian. One might say that it is significant that his well-known struggle in South Africa was on behalf of the Indians only, and not of the blacks whose living conditions were even worse, he wrote, according to the Nobel Prize website. That years Nobel Peace Prize winner was Lord Cecil of Chelwood. While Ole Colbjrnsen nominated Gandhi in 1938 and then again the next year, it would take 10 years for the Indian leader to make it to the committees shortlist once more. What happened in 1947? In 1947, Gandhis name was among the six shortlisted candidates by the Nobel Committee. He was nominated by BG Kher, Govindh Bhallabh Pant and GV Mavalankar that year. In his supporting argument, Pant described Gandhi as the greatest living exponent of the moral order and the most effective champion of world peace today. The then Committees adviser, Jens Arup Seip, gave a rather favourable, yet not explicitly supportive report on Gandhi due to Indias partition that led to conflict and violence. The diary of Committee chairman Gunnar Jahn has revealed that while two members, Christian conservative Herman Smitt Ingebretsen, and Christian liberal Christian Oftedal, favoured Gandhi, three others including Labour politician Martin Tranml and former foreign minister Birger Braadland were reluctant to give him the prize. The Nobel for that year went to The Quakers. ALSO READ: Nobel Prize season is here: Why is there no prize for mathematics? Why was he not awarded posthumously? In 1948, Gandhi made it to the Norwegian Nobel Committees shortlist for the third time. As the key leader of Indias freedom struggle was assassinated on 30 January 1948, the Committee was in a conundrum as the Nobel Peace Prize was never awarded posthumously before. In his report on Gandhi, Committee adviser Seip wrote that given the profound mark he left on a large number of people within and outside India, he can only be compared to the founders of religions. At the time, it was possible to award Nobel Prizes posthumously under some circumstances as per the statutes of the Nobel Foundation. But there were many unanswered questions. Gandhi did not belong to an organisation, he left no property behind and no will; who should receive the Prize money? the Nobel Prize websites article mentioned. Another of the Committees adviser, lawyer Ole Torleif Red, had sought Swedish prize-awarding institutions opinions on posthumous awards. However, he did not receive positive replies, with the argument being that it should be done only when the laureate died after the Committees decision had been made. That year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee declared there was no suitable living candidate for the Peace prize. To sum up, as the Nobel Prize websites article says: Gandhi was very different from earlier Laureates. He was no real politician or proponent of international law, not primarily a humanitarian relief worker and not an organiser of international peace congresses. He would have belonged to a new breed of Laureates. With inputs from agencies The tragedy in Sikkim continues to unfold. Two days after flash floods hit the northeastern state the death toll has mounted to 22 with 103 people, including 22 army personnel, still missing. It all started after incessant rains and a possible cloudburst over the South Lhonak glacial lake situated at 17,000 feet in the states northwest. The lake burst, leading to the release of water downstream. This resulted in water levels of the Teesta River rising rapidly and flooding at least four districts. Now studies say that the South Lhonak Lake grew in size rapidly because of melting glaciers, making it susceptible to glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). If there were warnings, why were they ignored? Could the Sikkim floods be averted? We take a look. What studies have warned about GLOF There have not been one but several warnings, which point that the Sikkim disaster was in the making for years. One of the first alerts was raised back in 2001. The Sikkim Human Development Report spoke of the catastrophic impact of GLOF and highlighted the states Onglokthang, Rathong Chu and Zemu glaciers, which had even then retreated by several kilometres, according to NDTV. Disturbances in mountain ecology have started attracting considerable attention. The phenomenon of jokulhlaup (glacier leap), also known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), is a frequent and alarming occurrence in Sikkim. As the state is dotted with many glaciers, this is a serious potential hazard, according to the 2001 report. How the South Lhonak Lake retreated Yet another study from 2013 specifically mentions South Lhonak Lake. A study conducted by the National Remote Sensing Centre and the Indian Space Research Organisation in 2012-2013 discussed the formation of a moraine-dammed glacial lake at the snout of the South Lhonak glacier and the associated risks. The (South Lhonak) lake outburst probability shows a very high value of 42 per cent for the lake, and the peak discharge estimated using the empirical formula shows a discharge of 586 m3/s, the study said. In 2016, the Sikkim governments Department of Science and Technology conducted an expedition to estimate the lakes volume, led by Sonam Wangchuk of the Ladakh-based NGO Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh. The expedition warned about the potential of a GLOF event, reports news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). As recently as September 2021, a study published in the journal Geomorphology cautioned against the accelerated growth of glacial lakes in Sikkim, particularly the South Lhonak glacier. In Sikkim, the lake-terminating glaciers have shown accelerated growth compared to the glaciers with no lakes (Aggarwal et al., 2017). South Lhonak glacier is no different; it is one of the fastest retreating glaciers and the associated proglacial lake has become the largest and fastest-growing in the state, it said. The glacier, it pointed out, receded about 2 km in 46 years from 1962 to 2008. It further retreated by about 400 metres from 2008 to 2019. It has been a growing concern now about the hazard potential of this lake, as the downstream valley is heavily populated with numerous settlements and infrastructure, the paper cautioned. Another study projected a three-fold increase in the risk of GLOF hazards across high-mountain regions in Asia with the eastern Himalayas being a hotspot, according to a report in The Times of India (ToI). What have experts said While talking about the risk of GLOF at South Lhonak, Ashim Sattar, the lead author of the 2021 research told ToI, This was a known vulnerability. He said that all of the lake water did not drain out after the dam burst. It could have been worst. Dr SN Remya, the lead scientist of the 2013 paper was quoted by NDTV as saying, We predicted (in 2013) the probability of the South Lhonak glacier breaking is 42 per cent. Regarding the lake burst in Sikkim, we predicted it would result in the release of up to 19 million cubic meters of water. We had said this lake is in danger recommended early warning systems. What have authorities done so far The Central Water Commission, Government of India, initiated an advisory to evaluate the South Lhonak glacier and its lake system. The initial hazard assessment of the South Lhonak Lake based on the current condition suggests that the lake has great potential to significantly impact the downstream region, according to the 2021 paper. One of the field expeditions in August 2014 by a team from the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) and Sikkim Department of Science and Technology and Climate Change and other stakeholders reiterated the threat of devastation and asked for a mitigation management plan, and suggested siphoning as a short term measure, reports Hindustan Times. Siphons are inverted pipes that are used to allow atmospheric pressure to force water from a reservoir over an embankment dam, then released from the other end of the pipe, the report says. Dilliram Dahal, assistant professor at Namchi Government College, Sikkim, revealed that high-density polyethylene pipes were installed to siphon off water from the glacial lake following the expedition to prevent a GLOF event. A monitor for water levels was also installed. In September this year, officials from the Science and Technology Department, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, and the Land and Revenue Department conducted another inspection at the lake to install an early warning system and automatic weather station, reports PTI. The first part of the system, a camera to monitor Lhonak Lakes level and weather instruments, was installed last month, officials involved in the project told Reuters. If fully operational, the warning system could have given people more time to evacuate, scientists said. One scientist said glacial early warning systems can typically give residents a few minutes to an hour of notice. Its quite absurd, really, said geoscientist Simon Allen of the University of Zurich who is involved with the project. The fact it happened just two weeks after our team was there was completely bad luck. He said they planned to add a tripwire sensor that would trigger if the lake was about to burst. That would typically be connected to an alert system or siren that would warn residents to immediately evacuate to higher ground, reports Reuters. The Indian government was not prepared to do that this year, so it was being done as a two-step process, he said. The monitoring devices were supposed to send data to authorities, but the camera lost power for an unknown reason in late September, according to a source at the Swiss embassy, which supported the project. How bad is the situation in Sikkim now? As the death toll continues to rise, authorities are on alert. The Shako Cho glacial lake near Lachen in Mangan district, which is hit by the floods, is showing signs of bursting. This could only aggravate the tragedy. As per authorities, a breach warning is in place as an abnormal increase in glacial temperature has been recorded above Shako Cho, which could prompt a sudden discharge of water into the lake, reports News18. Authorities are evacuating those residing on the banks of Shako Cho as a precautionary measure. According to Sattar, Sikkim has 14 lakes which are as large as South Lhonak Lake. A recent study by him pointed out that 70 per cent of glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush Himalayas were vulnerable to landslide and avalanche-type events. With inputs from agencies With shifting costs and often unstable deals, exploring the world of air travel, particularly after the pandemic, may be challenging. IndiGo, the biggest airline in India, has made the decision to impose a fuel charge depending on distance for all domestic and international ticket reservations starting Friday. The fuel tax will vary between Rs 300 and Rs 1,000 per sector, per the information provided by the airline, and will depend on distance slabs. The decision was made in response to the recent sharp increase in the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Lets take a closer look. Also read: Rs 21,000 to fly from Delhi to Ahmedabad: Why are airfares in India soaring? IndiGo introduces a fuel surcharge Issuing a statement, IndiGo said, Under this pricing structure, passengers booking IndiGo flights will incur a fuel charge, per sector, based on the sector distance. For fuel, IndiGo would charge Rs 300 for trips under 500 km, Rs 400 for distances between 501 and 1,000 km, Rs 550 for trips between 1,001 and 1,500 km, Rs 650 for trips between 2,501 and 2,500 km, Rs 800 for trips between 2,501 and 3,500 km, and Rs 1,000 for trips more than 3,500 km. With this update, a flight from Bengaluru to Mumbai will incur a fuel surcharge of Rs 400, while flights from Bengaluru to Delhi and Bengaluru to Kolkata will incur a surcharge of Rs 650. IndiGo remains committed to offering affordable fares to its valued customers. IndiGo will also publish the tariff sheet subsequently, with the sector-wise charge that can be viewed on http://www.goindigo.in, the carrier added. The airline did not state if it would examine the fuel fee on a regular basis to reflect changes in the price of ATF made by oil marketing corporations (OMCs). The reason The carrier said, The decision follows the significant increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. ATF accounts for a substantial portion of an airlines operating expenses, necessitating fare adjustment to address such a cost surge. This is not the first time the airline has imposed a fuel surcharge because of high ATF costs. The airline introduced a fuel fee in May 2018 to offset the impact of rising oil and ATF prices as well as rupee depreciation on costs. With a domestic market share (measured in passengers carried) of more than 60 per cent, IndiGo is Indias largest airline. It posted a net profit of Rs 3,090 crore for the months of April through June, the highest quarterly profit. The airline has a fleet of more than 320 aircraft and flies to 81 domestic and 32 overseas destinations on more than 1,900 daily flights. Also read: Is opening emergency door in aircraft a crime? Tejasvi Suryas latest controversy explained Fuel surcharge Informally known as carrier-imposed surcharges, a fuel surcharge is the collective term for additional taxes that some airlines levy on top of the base fare. Each airline chooses this arbitrary price, which is typically based on the route. Airlines who wish to impose a fuel surcharge on customers must explain to them how it is determined and how it is based on the carriers actual paid enplanements and fuel expenditures. ATF price hike On 1 October, the cost of ATF, or jet fuel, for domestic aircraft increased by five per cent, reaching its highest levels of the year. The monthly price increase, which is the fourth one in a row as a result of the surge in the price of crude oil and jet fuel internationally, is likely to have put further pressure on airlines. Notification of price changes from state-owned fuel dealers shows that ATF prices increased by 8.5 per cent in August and 1.65 per cent in July. For airlines, ATF represents the single-largest cost, and for Indian carriers, it represents more than 40 per cent of their operating costs. Prices for ATF are deregulated and determined by market pricing. According to data from the nations largest OMC Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), jet fuel prices have increased by almost 32 per cent since June, and the present price levels are the highest since November of last year. Given the situation, rising jet fuel prices might make traveling even more expensive. According to statistics provided by IOC, jet fuel is currently priced at Rs. 1,18,199.17 per kiloliter in Delhi, Rs. 1,10,592.31 in Mumbai, Rs. 1,26,697.08 in Kolkata, and Rs. 1,22,423.92 in Chennai according to the most recent price increase. Due to variances in the state-imposed levies, ATF costs vary across the nation. Although its price has significantly decreased over the previous few days, the global benchmark Brent crude traded at above $90 (Rs 7490.22) per barrel during the majority of September. Margins on different fuels also firmed up in the global market along with crude oil, which serves as the base for petroleum fuels like jet fuel. Given the increased global demand for fuel as aviation traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels, the forecast for ATF margins has been particularly positive. Also read: What is GPS spoofing and why is it a concern for Indian airspace? Other airlines, too, may increase prices Industry insiders have been predicting higher airfares during the approaching festival season because to the recent spike in jet fuel prices, which often results in a jump in travel demand. A top executive of a rival airline, told Deccan Herald, I guess all airlines will follow IndiGos actions. A spokesperson for IndiGo told Mint this week that a rise in demand is anticipated in the quarter as people travel during the busiest wedding season, observe Durga Puja and Diwali, visit friends and family, and return to their hometowns. Additionally, in many parts of the world, it falls during the protracted Christmas and New Year vacations. Interestingly, in todays times, we also see a new travel trend emerging. While traditionally, some people prefer to stay home during these festivities, there are now others who prefer to fly to beaches and mountains. In my view, this indicates a change in peoples travel patterns compared to prior times, the spokesperson added. Although airlines havent been able to add a lot of space, the demand for travel during the festival season is expected to be much higher than it was last year. With inputs from agencies Russias president Vladimir Putin appears to be trying to woo India these days. Not only did he hail Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, but also backed Indias push for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Putins remarks come against the backdrop of Russias prolonged war with Ukraine, which has flared geopolitical tensions. How has Vladimir Putin been trying to woo India away from the West? Why is he doing it? Lets understand. Putin heaps praise on India The Russian president said the Delhi G20 Summit held in September was a personal success for Modi. As for the work of the G20, without any doubt that is the success of the Indian presidency and personally for PM Modi, that was a success. The Indian leadership was able to findbalance, including in the declaration, Putin said at an event in Russias Sochi, reported ThePrint. In its joint declaration, the G20 bloc had called for comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine, but refrained from a direct criticism of Russia. Addressing the 20th annual meeting of Moscow-based think tank Valdai International Discussion Club, the Russian leader on Thursday (5 October) said that India is getting stronger each year under Modis leadership. Supporting Indias inclusion in a reformed UNSC, Putin reportedly said: Certainly, in the UN Security Council, such countries should be represented who are acquiring significant clout in international affairs. Due to their potential, they have an opportunity to contribute to resolving international issues. What countries am I talking about? India 1.5 billion people. Over 7 percent GDP growth. High tech exports are growing exponentially. It is becoming stronger every year under the leadership of PM Modi, ThePrint quoted him as saying. India has been vying for a permanent seat in the UNSC for decades. However, China, Russias diplomatic ally, has continued to oppose the move. The Russian president also hit out at the West for flirting with India and praised the Modi government for acting independently, as per Bloomberg. I would like to say that the Indian leadership is independent and strongly nationally oriented, Putin reportedly said. They (the West) try to portray those who are not willing to blindly follow these Western elite groups as enemies. They have used this approach with various countries, including China, and tried to do this to India in certain situations. He added, Attempts to turn India away from Russia are pointless, India is an independent state, NDTV reported. Very wise man Putin also lauded Modis leadership and called the Indian premier a very wise man. He called for greater cooperation between India and Russia in financial security and combating cybercrime. We share very good political relations with Prime Minister Modi, he is a very wise man. And India has been making very great strides in development under his leadership. This fully meets the interest of both India and Russia to work on this agenda, ANI quoted the Russian leader as saying, citing a video by Russia-based media RT. Last month, Putin said PM Modi was doing the right thing by endorsing the Make in India initiative. Speaking at the 8th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), the Russian president, as per ANI, said: You know, we did not have domestically made cars then, but we do now. It is true that they look more modest than Mercedes or Audi cars, which we bought in vast amounts in the 1990s, but this is not an issue. I think that we should emulate many of our partners, for example, India. They are focused on the manufacture and use of Indian-made vehicles. I think that Prime Minister Modi is doing the right thing in promoting the Make in India programme. He is right, he added. Why is Russia wooing India? Since its invasion of Ukraine last February, Russia has found itself largely isolated on the international stage. The divisions between the West and Moscow are at an all-time high. Western nations have imposed numerous sanctions on Russia since the war. India, which has extensive defense ties with Russia and is an importer of Russian oil, has adopted a balanced diplomatic approach by continuing its ties with Moscow while also ensuring not anger the West by taking sides in the war. New Delhi has not bowed to Western pressure and has successfully defended its decision to increase its buying of discounted crude from Russia. India has also abstained from all UN General Assembly votes condemning Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. While maintaining a neutral position, India has called for peace and resolution of the Ukraine crisis through dialogue. New Delhi is also strengthening its relations with the United States. Hit by Western sanctions, Moscow has been trying to bring India closer to the Russian economy. A source told BusinessLine in February, Russia is hopeful that India would be open to allowing trading in the Rupee at the Moscow Exchange and also agree to integrate with Russias parallel financial messaging system (SPFS), developed as an alternative to SWIFT, but New Delhi is not keen. Putins aide, Igor Levitin, met several Indian officials that month to push Russias agenda. However, according to the source, India was unlikely to take decisions that would portray it as a supporter of Russia in the war, BusinessLine reported. Last September, Russia made attempts to attract Indian travellers to its key cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, to boost tourism affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Putin has also developed cordial ties with Modi as well as Chinas Xi Jinping, who called the Russian leader his best friend in 2019. However, Putins relationship with India and other neutral countries has made the West anxious. A report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) published last April found that two-thirds of the worlds population lives in neutral or Russia-leaning countries regarding the war in Ukraine. According to CNBC, Agathe Demarais, the EIUs global forecasting director, said on the research at the time that in the coming years Russia (and China) will devote their efforts to courting non-aligned, neutral countries which are mostly found in the developing world. Building on other instruments, such as vaccine diplomacy, the Russian and Chinese governments will hope to forge an opposing front to the West. The eventual result will be a waning influence and gradual retreat of Western countries from much of the developing world. On its part, New Delhi has been courting a multipolar world where India would be a major powerhouse in the global arena. With inputs from agencies Irans Narges Mohammadi has been awarded this years Nobel Peace Prize. The 51-year-old activist and freedom fighter has spent years behind bars while campaigning for the rights of women and democracy. 2023 #NobelPeacePrize laureate Narges Mohammadis brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs. The Iranian regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Mohammadi is still in prison. pic.twitter.com/ooDEZAVX01 The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 6, 2023 This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Nargis Mohammadi, said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. Reiss-Andersen said the committee hopes the prize is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting. She also urged Iran to release Mohammadi in time for the prize ceremony on 10 December. But who is Mohammadi, currently incarcerated in Tehrans notorious Evin prison? What do we know about her? Lets take a closer look Early years and activism Mohammadi was born on 21 April, 1972, in Irans Zanjan. As per Hindustan Times, she studied at the Imam Khomeini International University in Qazvin the historic tourist city around 150 kilometres from Tehran. Mohammadi, then a young physics student, was already making a name for herself as a womens rights advocate. After graduating from the university, Mohammadi found work as an engineer. She also penned a column in several reformist newspapers. Mohammadi in 2003 became involved with the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Tehran, an organisation founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. She was also elected president of the Executive Committee of the National Council of Peace in Iran a broad coalition against war and for the promotion of human rights. Mohammadi was arrested for the first time in 2011. For her efforts to assist incarcerated activists and their families, Mohammadi was sentenced to many years in prison. In 2013, after being released on bail, Mohammadi took up campaigning against the death penalty. Iran employs the death penalty against its own citizens fairly frequently more than 860 prisoners have been put to death since January 2022. Mohammadi was again arrested in 2015 and given even more years in jail. Mohammadi then took up a new issue protesting the use of torture and sexual violence against prisoners particularly women. They couldnt put an abaya and turban on half of the population, i.e., men in society, Mohammadi wrote in a recent letter to CNN. However, they easily adorned half of Irans population with mandatory hijab, veil, chador, manteau, and dark-coloured trousers to present the odious face of the despotic religious system to the world. Imagine Iranian women who, for 44 years, have been forced to wear a head covering, long coats, and dark-colored pants in the summer heat, and in some places, black chadors. Worse than that, they have been under psychological pressure to strictly adhere to compulsory hijab, all to preserve the image of religious Islamic men and ensure the security and purity of women. Now, those same women are experiencing sexual assault and harassment against themselves. Mohammadis most recent incarceration in Evin prison whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners began when she was detained in 2021 after she attended a memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. As per CNN, Mohammadi stands accused of propaganda against the state and activities detrimental to national security. In all, Mohammadi has been arrested on 13 occasions. Convicted five times, she has been given over three decades in prison and 154 lashes. Behind bars for the recent protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody which sparked one of the most intense challenges ever to Irans theocracy in which more than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown while over 22,000 others were arrested Mohammadi wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times. What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become, she wrote. Mohammadi has also taken up a leadership role in prison. As per CNN, Mohammadi, in an audio recording from inside Evin is heard leading her prisoners in chants of woman, life, freedom the motto adopted by those protesting the death of Amini. Mohammadi published a book entitled White Torture: Interviews with Iranian Women Prisoners and also made a documentary on solitary confinement a practice she has vowed to abolish. Victory is near In a statement to The New York Times, Mohammadi said the global support and recognition of my human rights advocacy makes me more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful. I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organized, she added. Victory is near. This Nobel Prize will embolden Narges fight for human rights, but more importantly, this is in fact a prize for the women, life and freedom movement, Mohammadis husband Taghi Rahmani told Reuters at his home in Paris. Mohmmadis twin children Kiana and Ali live with her husband. For Mohammadi, the cost of her activism has also been immense having missed much of the childhood of her twin children. As well as not seeing them for eight years, restrictions placed by the prison on her telephone calls means she has not even heard their voices for more than a year and a half. My most incurable and indescribable suffering is the longing to be with my children from whose lives I departed when they were eight. The price of the struggle is not only torture and prison, it is a heart that breaks with every regret and a pain that strikes to the marrow of your bones. But she added: I believe that as long as democracy, equality and freedom have not been achieved, we must continue to fight and sacrifice. Mohammadis brother said the prize was overwhelming and he hoped it would make Iranian campaigners safer. The situation there is very dangerous, activists there can lose their lives, Hamidreza Mohammed told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. For nearly all of Mohammadis life, Iran has been governed by a Shiite theocracy headed by the countrys supreme leader. While women hold jobs, academic positions and even government appointments, their lives can be tightly controlled. Laws require all women to at least wear a headscarf, or hijab, to cover their hair as a sign of piety. Iran and neighboring Afghanistan remain the only countries that mandate it. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003. Its the fifth time in the 122-year history of the awards that the peace prize has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. Last year, the top human rights advocate in Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, was among the winners. He remains imprisoned. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian state television and other state-controlled media. Some semiofficial news agencies acknowledged Mohammadis win in online messages, citing foreign press reports. In 2018, Mohammadi, an engineer, was awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize. Earlier this year, PEN America, which advocates for freedom of speech, gave Mohammadi its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. The organization applauded her win. The choice is a tribute to her courage and that of countless women and girls who have poured out into the streets of Iran and faced down one of the worlds most brutal and stubborn regimes, risking their lives to demand their rights, PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. In 2011, she was awarded the Per Anger Prize by the Swedish government for her human rights work. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. In addition to Bialiatski, human rights activists from Ukraine and Russia also shared last years prize, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin after his invasion of Ukraine. Other previous winners include Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Aung San Suu Kyi and the United Nations. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The peace prize was the fifth of this years prizes to be announced. A day earlier, the Nobel committee awarded Norwegian writer Jon Fosse the prize for literature. On Wednesday, the chemistry prize went to U.S.-based scientists who study quantum dots whose applications include electronics and medical imaging. The physics prize went Tuesday to three scientists who gave us the first glimpse into the superfast world of spinning electrons. A pair of scientists whose work enabled mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday. Nobel season ends next week with the announcement of the winner of the economics prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. With inputs from agencies At least seven people were killed and nearly 50 injured after a massive fire broke out at a building in Mumbais Goregaon on Friday. As many as 30 residents were rescued from the terrace and various floors of the ground-plus-seven structure said an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Mumbais Goregaon. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, PMO wrote on X. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident. Pained to know about loss of lives in the fire incident at #Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured ones, he wrote on X. Pained to know about loss of lives in the fire incident at #Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 6, 2023 The blaze started around 3 a.m. at Jay Sandesh building in Goregaon West, the BMC official said. Initially, officials had given the name of the fire-hit building as Jay Bhavani. The cause behind the fire is yet to be determined, said officials. The fire-affected persons were rushed to a trauma centre at Jogeshwari and civic-run Cooper Hospital at Juhu, they said. Of them, doctors declared six including two minors and as many women dead. Another person died during treatment, taking the toll to seven. Some of the injured persons are in critical condition, said officials. Before firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had covered the building from all sides. It completely gutted the shops, scrap material and two-wheelers on the ground floor, said fire officials. It took nearly three hours for the fire brigade to extinguish the blaze. More than eight fire engines and other firefighting equipment were used in the operation, a fire official said. BMC officials said they are trying to find out if some more victims are admitted to private hospitals. Civic commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal is scheduled to visit the hospitals, where the injured are admitted, in some time, officials said. With inputs from PTI. Amid an escalating diplomatic row over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, the Canadian speaker of the Senate is due to visit New Delhi soon, when India hosts the Parliament-20 meeting of the G20 nations presiding officers in the national capital next week. India will raise all issues with the Canadian speaker of the Senate during the upcoming Parliament-20 meeting of the G20 nations presiding officers, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Friday. The presiding officers of 25 countries and 10 deputy speakers from the G20 member nations and invitee countries are expected to attend the P20 Summit that will be held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre Yashobhoomi at Dwarka from October 12 to 14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) on October 13. Canada will be represented at the P20 Summit by Speaker of the Senate Raymonde Gagne. Indias relations with Canada have been under severe strain after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. We will discuss issues that have been listed for the summit. Other issues will be discussed informally, Birla said when asked whether the matter of using the Canadian Parliament to level allegations against India will be raised with the Canadian presiding officer. More than 350 delegates are expected to attend the three-day summit that will see the participation of 50 members of Parliament, 14 general secretaries, 26 vice-presidents, the International Parliamentary Union president and the president of the Pan-African Parliament. The main theme of the 9th P20 is proposed to be Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future, Birla told a press conference in Delhi. The P20 Summit will have four sessions on Transformation in Peoples Lives through Public Digital Platforms, Women-led Development, Accelerating SDGs and Sustainable Energy Transition, he said. A pre-summit event, namely Parliamentary Forum on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), will be held on October 12 at Yashobhoomi. An exhibition titled Mother of Democracy will also be organised to highlight Indias ancient and participative democratic traditions, Birla said. The P20 delegates will also be taken on a tour of the new Parliament house, followed by a cultural evening and dinner hosted by the speaker. With the air quality deteriorating to the poor category in the Capital on Friday, pollution-control measures under stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the government have been imposed across Delhi-NCR. A ban on coal/firewood in tandoors in hotels and open eateries, sprinkling of water, diversion of heavy traffic not meant for Delhi city are some of the measures being put in place. The AQI on Friday was 212, having deteriorated from 177 on Thursday. AQI between 201 and 300 is considered to be poor, and can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI in Noida, Greater Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Meerut, was also in the poor category on Friday. According to a forecast issued by the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi on Friday, the AQI is likely to be in the poor category till Sunday, and then in the moderate category on Monday. It is likely to remain in the moderate to poor category over the subsequent six days, going by the forecast. The order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), imposing the first stage of GRAP, pointed to unfavourable meteorological conditions as the reason for the dip in air quality. A combination of low wind speed and cold temperatures keeps pollutants trapped close to the surface of the earth in winter. Gufran Beig, founder project director, SAFAR, and chair professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, said that calm conditions setting in, along with the start of lower temperatures after monsoon withdrawal, could be factors for Delhis poor air quality on Friday. The Air Quality Early Warning System said that on Saturday, the city is likely to see a wind speed of 6 to 12 kmph; an average wind speed of less than 10 kmph can be unfavourable for the dispersion of pollutants. Over the past four days, Delhi has recorded a minimum temperature of less than 20 degrees Celsius the figure stood at 18.6 degrees early on Friday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Other steps that are to be implemented as part of Stage I of GRAP include dust-control measures like periodic mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling, dust-mitigation measures at construction and demolition sites, and use of anti-smog guns, ensuring pollution-control regulations in industries and emission norms in thermal power plants. Curbs under Stages II, III and IV of GRAP are to be invoked three days ahead of the AQI hitting the very poor, severe, and severe plus categories respectively. Delhi Police, in an FIR filed under anti-terror law UAPA against online news portal NewsClick, has alleged that a large amount of funds came from China to disrupt the sovereignty of India and cause disaffection against the country. It also alleged that NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha conspired with a group Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) including PADS convenor Battini Rao, historian Dilip Simeon, social activist Deepak Dholakia, director of Delhi-based NGO Aman Trust Jamal Kidwai and journalist Kiran Shaheen, among others, to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. These foreign funds were fraudulently infused by an active member of the propaganda department of the Communist Party of China, Neville Roy Singham, it claimed. Delhi Police provided a copy of the FIR to NewsClick on Friday, a day after a city court directed it to do so. Chinese telecom giants like Xiaomi, Vivo, etc., incorporated thousands of shell companies in India in violation of the PMLA, FEMA for illegally infusing foreign funds in India in furtherance of this conspiracy, said the FIR, a copy of which is with PTI. In furtherance of this conspiracy to disrupt the sovereignty of India and cause disaffection against India, a large amount of funds was routed from China in a circuitous and camouflaged manner and paid news were intentionally peddled, criticising domestic policies, development projects of India and promoting, projecting and defending policies and programmes of the Chinese government, it said. It claimed that these foreign funds were allegedly distributed to activist Gautam Navlakha and associates of activists Teesta Seetalvad, her husband and activist Javed Anand, and journalists Urmilesh and Aratrika Halder, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Abhisar Sharma, and others. Navlakha, who is under house arrest in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, has been associated with Purkhayasta since 1991 and is also a shareholder of PPK NewsClick Studio Private Limited since 2018, according to the FIR. Navlakha remained involved in the anti-national nexus with Ghulam Nabu Fai, who is an agent of ISI of Pakistan. Prabir, Neville and other employees of Nevilles Shanghai-based company StarStream have exchanged mails which expose their intent to show that Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as not part of India, the FIR read. A false narrative was propagated to discredit the efforts of Indian government to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Delhi Police said. Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty, the human resources department head at NewsClick, have been arrested by Delhi Police under sections 13, 16, 17, 18 and 22C of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and 153A and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on Tuesday. According to police, a total of 46 people 37 men and nine women were questioned by the Delhi Police Special Cell. Journalists Urmilesh and Abhisar Sharma were questioned for a second time in the NewsClick foreign funding case. On Tuesday, raids were conducted at 88 locations in Delhi and seven in other states on those named in the FIR. A male passenger in an Air India flight has been arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly using abusive language, passing lewd comments towards the crew members and being very disrespectful towards India. According to the FIR lodged in the incident, a crew member who was assigned duty in the economy class cabin of the Air India flight said the man, Abhinav Sharma, resident of Punjabs Jalandhar originally seated at 21B and later at 45H started passing lewd comments and abusing others on board. The cabin supervisor warned the accused with a verbal warning, but he did not stop after which he was handed over a written warning. The flight attendants later restrained him as he continued to behave in the same manner, the FIR stated. He was very loud and used very foul language which scared the passengers and families seated around him. He was also very disrespectful towards our country (India) and his behaviour was very aggressive, the FIR stated. The accused also allegedly abused the complainant as well as other female crew members in the galley, the FIR said. A case under section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code and sections 22 and 23 of the Aircraft Rules was registered against the accused passenger. With inputs from PTI Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Naxalism is a curse to humanity and that the Central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, is committed to uproot Left Wing Extremism in all its forms. Ahead of addressing a review meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in New Delhi on Friday at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Shah posted on X, Naxalism is a curse to humanity and we are resolved to uproot it in all its forms. The Home Minister also said the meeting would further the Union governments efforts to fulfil PM Modis vision of an LWE-free nation. The review meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is also attended by Union Ministers Nityanand Rai, Aswini Choubey, Arjun Munda, and Devusinh Chauhan as well as National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren also joined the meet. Home Secretary Ajay Bhala, Director Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka and Director Generals of NIA, SSB, BSF, CRPF, BSF and NSG also attended the meeting along with Home Secretaries and Chief Secretaries of naxal affected states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah today chaired a review meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE). Union Ministers Nityanand Rai, Aswini Choubey, Arjun Munda, and Devusinh Chauhan as well as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval took part in the meeting. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, his https://t.co/swoHGdT4BK ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 The aim of the review meeting, that is being held at regular intervals, is to meet the central government's commitment to the development of the Naxal-affected states as well as making the country LWE-free. A lot of success has been seen in the last few years in this direction due to the joint efforts of the Centre and the states in cracking down on Left Wing Extremism. The joint crackdown has led to a significant decline in incidents of Naxal violence. The central government, however, is of the view that unless the country gets rid of the problem of Left Wing Extremism completely, the states affected by Naxal terror cannot realise their true potential. Left-wing extremism has been a significant security challenge for so many decades. Though primarily a State subject, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has promulgated a 'National Policy and Action Plan' since 2015 to address the Left-wing Extremism menace holistically and the progress and the situation is being monitored rigorously and this Policy consists of a multi-pronged approach. The significant features of the policy are zero tolerance towards violence coupled with a big push to developmental activities so that benefits of development reach the poor and vulnerable in the affected areas. Pursuant to the Policy, the Ministry of Home Affairs is supporting the State Governments in Capacity Building and strengthening of Security Apparatus by deployment of CAPF Battalions, provision of helicopters and UAVs, and sanction of India Reserve Battalions (IRBs) and Special India Reserve Battalions (SIRBs). Funds are also provided under the Modernization of Police Force (MPF), Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) for the modernization and training of State Police. For the development of Left-wing Extremism-affected states, the government of India has taken several developmental initiatives which include sanctioning 17,600 kilometres of road. To improve telecom connectivity in Left-wing Extremism affected districts, new mobile towers are being installed. For financial inclusion of the people in Left Wing Extremism-affected districts, several post offices, bank branches, ATMs, and banking correspondents have been opened. Special focus is also being given to the opening of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The fight against the Left Wing Extremism menace is now in a crucial stage and the government is optimistic about reducing the menace to an insignificant level at the earliest. With inputs from ANI The Delhi Polices Special Cell, in its FIR against NewsClick founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha, stated that Peoples Dispatch Portal, owned and maintained by PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd. has been used for intentionally peddling false narratives through paid news in lieu of crores of rupees of illegally routed foreign funds as part of a conspiracy. It is further learnt that foreign funds include those from big Chinese Telecom companies such as Xiaomi and Vivo, among others. Foreign funds in crores have been infused illegally in India by Indian and Foreign entities inimical to India in pursuance of conspiracy with the intention to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, to cause disaffection against India and to threaten the unity, integrity, and security of India, Delhi Police stated in the FIR. Delhi Police through a remand application on Wednesday alleged that NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha conspired to peddle the narrative that Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are disputed territories with the help of a Shanghai-based company. Delhi Police informed the court through the remand application that secret inputs revealed that Prabir Purkayastha, Neville Roy Singham (said to be an active member of the Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China) and some other Chinese employees of Neville Roy Singham-owned Shanghai-based Company by the name of StarStream have exchanged emails which expose their intent to show Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as not part of India. The remand plea further stated that such attempts by these persons reveal their conspiracy to peddle a narrative, both globally and domestically, that Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are disputed territories. Their attempts to tinker with the northern borders of India and to show Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as not parts of India in maps amount to an act intended towards undermining the unity and territorial integrity of India, Delhi Police stated. The accused persons also conspired to disrupt supplies and services essential to the life and abet damage and destruction of property by protraction of farmers protests through such illegal foreign funding, they added. Meanwhile, Purkayastha on Friday moved the Delhi High Court seeking the quashing of FIR registered against him and others. His plea also challenged a trial court order granting remand to him and HR Head Amit Chakravarty in the matter. On Thursday, Patiala House Court of Delhi allowed a plea moved by Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty for the supply of a copy of FIR to them. Since April 2018, such fraudulent funds in crores of rupees have been received by PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd through illegal means during a short span of five years from Worldwide Media Holdings LLC, USA and others, the remand report stated. Such foreign funds have been fraudulently infused by one Neville Roy Singham through a complex web of several entities including Worldwide Media Holdings (incorporated by Jason Pfetcher, a close associate of Neville Roy Singham, People Support foundation (Jodie Evans, wife of Neville Roy Singham being director), Justice and Education Fund, GSPAN LLC (owned by Neville Roy Singham), The Tricontinental Ltd Inc US, Centro Popular De Midas, Brazil, it added. It was learnt that both Tricontinental India Pvt Ltd and GSPAN India Pvt Ltd were incorporated by The Tricontinental Ltd, USA and GSPAN LLC USA respectively to infuse funds in India by circumventing the existing rules for receipt of foreign funds by NGOs. Further, it is learnt that Gautam Navlakha who has been a shareholder in PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd since its inception in the year 2018, remained involved in anti-Indian and unlawful activities such as actively supporting banned Naxal organisations and having anti-national nexus with Gulam Nabi Fai who is an agent of ISI of Pakistan. It was also learnt that Gautam Navlakha has been associated with Prabir Purkayastha since 1991 when they incorporated Sagrik Process Analyst Pvt Ltd, stated Delhi Police. Flash flood in Sikkim has claimed the lives of at least 21 people, including six soldiers, while 103 people still remain missing. Over 3,000 tourists are reportedly stranded in the northeastern state. So far, 2,500 people have been evacuated and another 6,000 have been moved to relief camps. Defence officials have said that as the search for the missing Indian Army personnel continues, the Indian Army is constantly providing assistance to the affected people in terms of food, and medical aid and extending communication facilities to civilians and tourists stranded in North Sikkim. #WATCH | Sikkim flash floods | Search for the missing Indian Army personnel continues. Meanwhile, Indian Army is providing assistance in terms of food, medical aid and extending communication facilities to civilians and tourists stranded in North Sikkim: PRO Defence, Guwahati https://t.co/ackHKFuVGU pic.twitter.com/6zspsZzCW6 ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 The search operations for the missing army personnel are focussing on the downstream areas of Teesta Barrage. At the site of the incident at Burdang near Singtam, the Army vehicles are being dug out and stores are being recovered. Additional resources in terms of teams of TMR (Tiranga Mountain Rescue), tracker dogs, and special radars have been brought in, to assist in the search operations. Survey is being carried out by all agencies to assess the damage and plan restoration of road connectivity. The road link between Singtam and Burdang has been restored with the clearing of a single lane for vehicular traffic, PRO Defence in Guwahati said in a statement. Meanwhile, the government of Sikkim has issued another glacial lake burst issue and has issued an advisory to tourists, urging them to delay their travel plans over the risk of explosives and ammunition that have been washed away from an army camp in the flash floods. The District Collector, Mangan District where four people have died and 17 are still missing- said, We were able to establish contact with Chungthang last night. We came to know that the entire town was full of slush. So, they have engaged machinery to clear the town. So far, there is no report of anyone missing from Chungthang town. But the damage has been extensive. People have been shifted to BOP area. #WATCH | Sikkim flash floods | Hem Kumar Chettri, District Collector, Mangan District says, We were able to establish contact with Chungthang last night. We came to know that the entire town was full of slush. So, they have engaged machinery to clear the town. So far, there is pic.twitter.com/4blk8FhBqV ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 He added, Today, we were supposed to take a helicopter to Lachung and come down to Chungthang. But because of the weather conditions, helicopter may not come. So, we have decided to send a team on footOne team will reach Chungthang today and will assess the actual situation. No casualties from Chungthang so far. There are reports of people missing from different areas but we have no report of anyone losing their life. Property damage has been extensive. With inputs from agencies Scientists and government authorities were in the process of installing an early warning system for potential glacial floods at a Himalayan Lake in northeast India when it breached its banks this week, resulting in tragic consequences. Sikkim, characterised by its rugged terrain, plunged into chaos as floods triggered by heavy rainfall and an avalanche claimed at least 18 lives. This was one of the worst disasters in the region in the past five decades with more than 100 people remained missing till Thursday. Officials involved in the project told Reuters that the initial phase of the warning system, which included a camera to monitor the water level of Lhonak Lake and weather instruments, had been installed just last month. Should the warning system have been fully operational, it had the potential to provide residents with more time to evacuate, according to scientists. They said that typical glacial early warning systems can offer residents anywhere from a few minutes to an hour of advance notice. Details of the Lhonak Lake warning system have not previously been reported. Its quite absurd, really, said geoscientist Simon Allen of the University of Zurich who is involved with the project. The fact it happened just two weeks after our team was there was completely bad luck. He said they planned to add a tripwire sensor that would trigger if the lake was about to burst. That would typically be connected to an alert system or siren that would warn residents to immediately evacuate to higher ground. The Indian government was not prepared to do that this year, so it was being done as a two-step process, he said. The monitoring devices were supposed to send data to authorities, but the camera lost power for an unknown reason in late September, according to a source at the Swiss embassy, which supported the project. As climate change warms high mountain regions, many communities are facing dangerous glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Lakes holding water from melted glaciers can overfill after heavy rain and burst, sending torrents rushing down mountain valleys. More than 200 such lakes now pose a very high hazard to Himalayan communities in India, Pakistan, China, Nepal and Bhutan, according to 2022 research. In recent years, glacial flood early warning systems have been deployed in Nepal, Pakistan, and Bhutan. The early warning systems at Lhonak Lake, and another at nearby Shako Cho in Sikkim, were to be among the first in India for glacial lake outburst floods, sources told Reuters. Scientists have for years said the two lakes are at risk of outburst floods, but the design process and search for funding caused time to pass without progress. India plans to install early warning systems at several other glacial lakes, said Kamal Kishore, a senior official at Indias National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). He did not answer further questions on the Lhonak project. However, Farooq Azam, a glaciologist at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, noted that even if the system had been in place, the potential benefits were not clearcut. Such kind of events are so fast that even if we have some kind of early warning system we may only gain some minutes, maybe an hour, he said. The Lhonak Lake as other glacial lakes are large bodies of water sitting on top of, or beneath a melting glacier. As they grow larger, they become more dangerous. This is because they are blocked by ice or sediment of loose rock and debris. If and when the boundary breaks, huge amounts of water rush down mountains at phenomenal speeds, causing flooding in the downstream areas. With inputs from Reuters. Wile the latest round of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the long-disputed Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan, seems to have been over within hours of it having started ending with the Armenian population leaving their homeland, the reverberations will continue to resound. They had earlier faced a humanitarian catastrophe with the blocking of the Lachin Corridor. The quick end can be attributed to a large degree by the unwillingness of Russia to get involved as it seems totally preoccupied by its commitments in Ukraine. However, the next fault line that seems to be emerging is Nakchivan, an enclave of Azerbaijan between Iran, Armenia and Turkey. Azerbaijan is demanding that Yerevan agree to the establishment of a corridor through Armenian territory that would connect Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan. The South Caucasus region which lies between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea comprising of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan has been the region which has been the crossroads of the Persian, Ottoman and Tsarist empires as also the intersection between the Christianity and Islam. This land connects Asia to Eurasia apart from its significant natural resources. The conflict and emerging outcomes have both global and regional implications. Countries such as Russia, Iran, Turkey and Israel also have deep interests in this region, but it is also significant as far as India is concerned. Indias broad engagement in the region India does not have a publicly articulated policy for the South Caucasus unlike Neighbourhood First, Act East or Central Asia Connect. However, since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Indias ties with Armenia have steadily grown. India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty with Armenia which was signed in 1995 further, the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2019 has resulted in increased cooperation in trade, investment, defence and culture. Though, Indias provision of military assistance to Armenia has strained its relationship with Azerbaijan, Armenia extends its unequivocal support to India on Kashmir issue whereas Azerbaijan not only opposes but also promotes Pakistans narrative. In the case of Azerbaijan, ONGC/OVL has made investments in an oilfield project in Azerbaijan and GAIL is exploring the possibilities of cooperation in LNG. Azerbaijan also falls on the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) route, connecting India with Russia through Central Asia. It can also connect India with Turkey and beyond through the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars passenger and freight rail link. The conflict is essentially a conflict between two international principles viz., the principle of territorial integrity advocated by Azerbaijan and the principle of the right to self-determination invoked by Nagorno-Karabakh and supported by Armenia. When it comes to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, though India had talked of a mediated settlement between the two sides, However, it supported Armenia through arms sales and by condemning Azerbaijans aggression in the region. This was not without reason as Azerbaijans long-time association with Pakistan had turned the conflict into one of the worlds more obscure proxy wars. Lately, Indias has enhanced its strategic partnership with Greece which was viewed as a direct challenge to Azerbaijan as Armenia is a traditional ally of Russia and Greece and strain in relations between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus dominate their relationship though both are part of NATO. The recent visit of the prime minister to Greece was part of a broader strategy to diversify its partnerships in the region. Indias strengthening ties with Armenia and Greece are aimed at countering the alliance formed by Turkey, Azerbaijan and Pakistan by no longer relying solely on its traditional allies like Russia and Iran, instead seeking new alliances with countries that share its interests, such as Greece and Armenia. Indias strategic approach of steadily building ties with Armenia, Greece and Iran reflect Indias increasing strategic interests in the Mediterranean region, which holds significant importance for its energy security due to its abundant oil and gas resources. Additionally, India aims to enhance its trade and investment relations with this region. This also serves as countering Chinas expanding influence in the region. Indias strengthening ties with Armenia and Greece have caused concern for Turkey, Azerbaijan and Pakistan, who have been working together to counter Indias influence in the Middle East and Central Asia Region is crucial for Indias trade corridor The South Caucasus region has also become key for Indias ambitions to build a transportation corridor linking it to Europe through the Iranian plateau, the International North-South Transportation Corridor, or INSTC. As regards the INSTC, India needs a rail link to go from North Western Iran across the Southern Caucasus to either Russia or the Black Sea. In this regard, India (and Iran) have two options: one via Armenias Southern Syunik Province, and the other via the Caspian coast through Azerbaijan. A key advantage of the INSTC is that it effectively outflanks Pakistan while accessing overland routes to Europe and Central Asia otherwise blocked. It also results in a closer relationship with Iran thereby countering Irans relationship with China and their Belt Road Initiative in the region. In January 2023, at the Voice of the South Virtual Summit, Armenias Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan mentioned that Armenia is interested in advancing cooperation within the framework of North-South connectivity, as well as the Persian Gulf-Black Sea international transport corridor, adding that Armenia considers Indias potential and prospective role for these projects as quite significant. In April 2023, Armenia hosted the first trilateral meeting with Indian and Iranian officials, to facilitate a Black Sea-Persian Gulf trade route that would allow Indian goods to be exported to the West through Georgian ports Yet the developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict threaten the viability of the Zangezur including Turkey and Pakistan as well as Ankaras expansionist pan-Turkic ambitions. corridor, an important corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Enclave, Nakhchivan. Recent comments by President Ilham Aliyev, of Azerbaijan, as well as Turkish President Erdogans speech at the UNGA, now suggest that the territorial viability of this corridor might be in question. Iran seems to have taken the threat to Syunik seriously enough to both reiterate Armenias control over the province which is internationally recognized and strengthen its troops in its northwestern border in response to the recent fighting. Irrespective of whether conflict actually breaks out over the corridor, the fact remains that building a railway through a region that has the potential for conflict between Iran and Turkey, two of the largest militaries in the region, does not bode well for political stability in the long term. Defence relationship Indias support for Armenia shifted gears in 2022 with the provision of $250 million worth of arms and ammunition. The deal included significant export orders of Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRL), anti-tank missiles, rockets and ammunition to Armenia. In 2020, India also got a $43 million order to supply four Swathi weapon-locating radars to Armenia. It was reported that this was the first time India has decided to export the Pinaka system to another country. Azerbaijans use of drones was a key reason why Armenia wanted the Pinaka system, since its shoot and scoot capability enables it to escape counter-battery fire. India feels it can benefit from being an arms supplier to Armenia, filling a gap left by Russias strategic downsizing in the Caucasus due to its commitment in Ukraine. In October 2022, Armenias Minister of Defence Suren Papikyans visited India and met the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the Defence Expo 2022. In May this year, Armenia announced it was posting a military attache to its embassy in New Delhi, tasked with deepening bilateral military cooperation. On 26 July Azerbaijan, summoned the Indian Ambassador and lodged a protest about Indias defence ties with Armenia saying that arming Armenia at a time when Azerbaijan is negotiating a peace treaty with Armenia, the supply of deadly weapons by India opens the way to the militarization of Armenia and aggravates the situation, hindering the establishment of sustainable peace and security in the South Caucasus region. The irony is that Baku continues to arm itself with Turkish and Israeli weapons for offensive purposes, but protests when Armenia takes a similar step to defend its borders. Iran has played a crucial role. While Armenia is unable to purchase Iranian weapons due to fears of US and Western reactions, Tehran is facilitating the transit of weapons from India to Armenia. On 23 September Armenia appointed a new Ambassador to India despite the ongoing chaos in Nagorno-Karabakh. The ambassadors credentials, as both an Iran expert and as a regional diplomat in the South Caucasus, suggests the particular direction that Armenia wants to take bilateral relations. An analysis from the Observer Research Foundation said; India has overtly positioned itself on Armenias side in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and has consequently opted to resist Azerbaijan and its backers including Turkey and Pakistan as well as Ankaras expansionist pan-Turkic ambitions. Pakistan support for Azerbaijan While Pakistan has been siding with Azerbaijan since the outbreak of the First Karabakh War in the early 1990s, India entered the picture as an arms provider to Armenia only after Yerevans defeat in the Second Karabakh War in 2020 with both now supplying arms to the principal combatants. Pakistani support for Azerbaijan is intertwined with Islamabads close strategic relationship with Turkey, Bakus primary patron. The Pakistani government was second after Turkey in recognising Azerbaijans independence following the Soviet collapse in 1991 and Islamabad has never acknowledged Armenias independence. The Pakistani and Azerbaijani militaries have reportedly been conducting joint exercises since 2016 and maintain extensive strategic security contacts. According to some unconfirmed reports, Pakistani military advisers reportedly participated in the Second Karabakh War, providing tactical advice. Some observers also believe Islamabad may sell the JF-17 fighter jets to Azerbaijan. There are also reports that Pakistan may soon join Azerbaijan as a partner in a Turkish-led effort to develop a new-generation stealth fighter, dubbed Kaan. Pakistans involvement is helping cement an Ankara-Baku-Islamabad alliance, informally dubbed the Three Brothers. The three countries all supposed democracies are predominantly Islamic. The fact that all three are engaged in territorial and ethnic conflicts also acts as a binding agent, encouraging them to assist each other strategically and diplomatically. By supporting Azerbaijan militarily and diplomatically Pakistan has played a decisive role in stymying Indias policies in the South Caucasus. The strategy has its drawbacks as Pakistan is now linked with a country that is being condemned internationally due to its aggression. Conclusion While it seems difficult for India to publicly endorse Nagorno-Karabakhs right for self-determination in view of the possible repercussions it can have for India as Pakistan may twist the support by making erroneous connections with Kashmir. India has done little to indicate support for Armenia, or even condemnation for Azerbaijans actions with the exception of the meeting of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan in the UN General Assembly. As India refigures its foreign policy to a region now changed by Armenias defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh, it almost certainly will have to seek out other, more stable avenues for its infrastructure ties given the potential of the INSTC project. It is not as if India lacks alternative options and maybe the IMEC could be a viable option. The world now needs to focus on the Zangezur corridor and Nakhchivan the two-time bombs that are now likely to get activated. The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Indian Air Force (IAF) kicked off the 91st anniversary deliberations with a massive event showcasing hard combat power and its massive soft power at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The main 8 October Air Force Day events this year will be held at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with flying displays at the Sangam. IAF is today the fourth largest air force. India will soon be the third largest economy. The recent G 20 presidency has showcased India as the global power and undisputed leader of the Global South. India already is a major global aerospace market. Indian Armed Forces have increasing defence aerospace requirements and budgets. India has a booming commercial aviation market. The number of new airports are expanding. Aviation technologies are always the leading cutting edge, and often game changing. They add deterrent capabilities. These require investments in research and development. Also obsolescence sets in faster. For India to sit on the global high table, it must master some of these. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), other Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) and private industry have seen rising technological and manufacturing capabilities. India has a clear advantage of higher skills and lower costs of production. The present governments Atamnirbharta push supports the Make in India. Time is ripe for mastering new technologies and boosting domestic defence production. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology will support the process. The aerospace industry accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global military expenditure which was $ 2.24 trillion in 2022. The US is a major player with nearly 30 per cent of military expenditure and defence exports in the sector. They allocate more amount to the defence Research and Development (R&D) than the rest of the world put together. Bulk of the major defence Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are based in the USA. India continues to be one of the largest importer of arms, making it a favoured destination for defence sales. The aerospace industry involves development, production and maintenance of aircraft, missiles and UAVs. It also involves many airborne systems, avionics, engines, weapons and also Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). For India to be a global player, it must become self-sufficient in defence and aerospace. India must take-on civil aircraft repairs and overhaul for itself and the region. Indias huge aerospace requirements Indian Armed Forces require many fighter aircraft, transports and helicopters. IAF will still require 114 imported fighters to make up the gap. India will soon procure the General Atomics Predator MQ-9 UAVs. India requires Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA), Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Drones, among others. There is a need for air defence radars, missiles systems, long range precision aerial weapons, and much more. India remains dependent for foreign help in aero-engines, many avionics, radars, some weapons, ejection seats on foreign buyers. It can be seen that Indian armed forces have a huge military aviation market to be tapped. With the fastest growing airline sector, India requires thousands more airliners. A large part of Indias requirements are imported. There is thus a huge scope for indigenisation and also for India to become a MRO hub. HAL: Great aircraft license production house HAL remains the leader in India with its 19 production units. It has manufactured 26 different types of aircraft, mostly military, through indigenous development and licence-production deals. HAL license produced fighters including Su-30 MKI, medium transport aircraft, trainers, and helicopters. HAL has also built both Russian and Western aero-engines under license. HAL will now make GE 414 engines in India. HAL also supplies components for the major global companies such as Airbus A320 doors: Boeing 777 up-lock box assembly and flaperons; Boeing 737 Freighter Conversion Kits; Boeing F/A 18 Gun Bay Door; Boeing P-8I Weapon Doors & Tailcone; Eurocopter Ecureuil composites, among others. HALs composite manufacturing capability is world class. But HAL has potential to do better in human productivity and quality assurance. HALs current commitments HAL will soon complete deliveries of 40 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1. 83 LCA MK1A with modern AESA radar are on order, and will begin delivery in early 2024. IAF has committed to additional 100 Mk1A recently. HAL is also working on LCA Mk2 with the more powerful GE 414 engine, now called the Medium Weight Fighter. The first flight of Mk2 is planned in 2024, and induction around 2032. IAF needs around 200 LCA Mk2. IAF also awaits the indigenous, HAL-DRDOs fifth-generation stealth Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This is a work still in initial progress and the aircraft may fly around 2028 and induct around 2035. India has done well in helicopter production. Nearly 400 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), ALH-WSI Rudra, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) are already flying. HAL is also developing an Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH). A huge factory has been set up at Tumkur, Karnataka. Meanwhile the NAL-HAL Saras continue to be developed slowly. DRDOs great potential needs to be harnessed Many of DRDOs 52 laboratories run aviation technology projects. These include aeronautics programs, unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles and other weapons including lasers, precision-guided munition, glide bombs, electronic warfare, and the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV). There is a Defence Technology Commission with the defence minister as its chairman. What matters for defence preparedness is the R&D systems that actually get inducted into armed forces. The DRDO systems have actually been inducted include the LCA, Akash AD missile system, Sukhoi Su-30MKI avionics, the Tarang radar warning receiver, Lakshya PTA, Retarder bomb kits, Netra AEW&C, series of surveillance and missile control radars, Prithvi and Agni series of missiles, Helina ATGM, BrahMos and Nirbhay cruise missiles, Astra AAM, the ABM projects AAD (Advanced Air Defence) and PAD (Prithvi Air Defence) missiles. Among the ongoing projects are DRDO/HAL AMCA, Rustom, TAPAS-BH-201 and AURA UAV, missile approach warning system (MAWS), Multi-role radar Uttam for LCA, laser and directed energy weapons (DEW) and dazzlers, FLIR and Wide angle HUDs, Barak 8 LRSAM, NGARM (New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile) Rudram-1, ASAT capability enhancement, Sudarshan Laser guided bomb, Garuthmaa & Garudaa 1000 kg glide bombs, Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), High Speed Low Drag Bomb, Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) and GTX-35VS Kaveri engine, among few more. DRDO is also converting each of six pre-owned airliners into AEW&C and FRA aircraft for IAF. Also the IAF has ordered six more Netra AEW&C. These needs hastening. The infrastructure is in place. There has been significant success in the LCA program, missiles, and radars. In many other areas, work is still in progress. The government has set up a committee for restructuring and redefining the role of DRDO under the former Principal Scientific Advisor to government, K Vijay Raghavan. The committee would submit a report in three months, and that may suggest how to get value for money in R&D. Private industry becoming significant but needs more hand holding Private sector has finally started entering aerospace in a big way. The Indian conglomerate, Tata, set up an aerospace production facility in Hyderabad. They are making the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter cabins, aero structures for Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Boeings CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and for the Pilatus PC-12NG. They make wings for F-16s. Tatas are the sole global producer of fuselages for AH-64 Apache helicopters delivered by Boeing to its global customers. Tata group is working with GE to manufacture CFM International LEAP engine components in India. IAF has just inducted the CASA C-295 MW transport aircraft. 16 will be delivered in fly-away condition. Another 40 will be built by Tata Group in India. Tatas also produce and maintain Akash SAM launchers, command posts and other support vehicles for IAF. TASL is bidding to develop and build UAVs and kamikaze drones. Dynamatic Technologies makes assemblies of vertical fins for Sukhoi 30 MKI fighters. They are also supplying aero-structures to Airbus for its A320 family of aircraft and the wide-body 330 aircraft. Hyderabads VEM technologies manufactures central-fuselage for LCA Tejas. Many Indian MSMEs and start-ups are in defence production, and their presence was visible in Aero India 2023. Private sector needs to be inducted much more in the ecosystem. UAVs and drones Indian armed forces have a huge requirement of large and medium UAVs. India needs drones for civil and military markets. Manned Unmanned Aircraft Teaming (MUMT) has been tested globally, and operational concepts put in place. Drones are already being used for all roles including ISR, logistic delivery, armed attack against ground and aerial targets, laser lasing, and as electronic warfare and communication platforms, among others. Indian DRDOs Tapas medium altitude long endurance (MALE) and Ghatak UCAV look promising but are far behind schedule. DRDO must find private partners for UAVs. Adani Elbit Advanced Systems India Limited is producing Hermes-900 UAVs in India. Many start-ups have entered drones and counter drone manufacturing. These include Newspace Research & Technologies, Paras Aerospace, Throttle Aerospace, General Aeronautics, Redwing Labs, Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, UrbanMatrix Technologies, Thanos Technologies, and Auto Micro UAS, among many others. IAF has been organising large drone events to promote indigenisation. New aviation technologies need to be harnessed Aircraft and systems performance is increasing rapidly. Manoeuvre performance is enhanced by thrust-vectoring, which also helps reduce take-off and landing distances. Super-cruise has to be inbuilt. Layout and internal structures minimise RCS over a broad bandwidth of frequencies. To maintain low signature primary weapons are carried in internal weapon bays. Stealth technology should be employed without a trade-off with aerodynamics performance. Signature-reduction techniques include special shaping approaches, thermoplastic materials, extensive structural use of advanced composites, conformal sensors, heat-resistant coatings, low-observable wire meshes to cover intake and cooling vents, heat ablating tiles on the exhaust troughs and coating internal and external metal areas with radar-absorbent materials and paints. Modern aircraft are designed from the start to operate in a network-centric combat environment. They have multifunction AESA radars with high-bandwidth low-probability of intercept. Infra-Red Search and Tracking (IRST) and other sensors are fused in for Situational Awareness and to constantly track all targets of interest around the aircrafts 360 degree bubble. Integration of all these elements provides first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability. Integrated electronic warfare system, integrated communications, navigation, and identification, centralised vehicle health monitoring, fibre-optic data-transmission, and stealth are important features. AI is not only improving manufacturing but also decision making at all levels including in combat. Additive 3D manufacturing, electric propulsion, hypersonic platforms and weapons are bringing change. Electronic warfare with great cyber action have become more relevant in network centric warfare. Getting Indias aero-engine right: Task force approach DRDOs Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has struggled to make a turbo-jet aero-engine for many decades. There are very few aero-engine manufacturers in the world and they closely guard technologies. World over, many engines are being made by consortiums or joint-ventures. India has a significant market for both civil and military engines. India may best get into a Joint Venture that could be win-win for both sides. India also needs small engines for UAVs and cruise missiles. Electric and hybrid engines are where the future is. India must set up a Task Force under PMO to develop the aero-engine. Future aircraft are expected to use advanced engines with Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology for longer ranges and higher performance. That would give an aircraft a much greater range, faster acceleration, and greater subsonic cruise efficiency. But India is still to get its basic aero-engine right. Even the GE 414 contract would essentially be a license production contract. We need an aero-engine with its own intellectual property rights. It is best managed by entering a 100 per cent technology transfer with some major engine manufacturer. It will cost money, but should make us independent for the future. Advanced Long Range Precision Weapons Air engagements are becoming longer, there is thus a need for long range sensors and weapons that can operate in adverse electronic environments. Precision and range are the two critical requirements for both air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. India has a successful missile program, including the Astra, Akash, BrahMos, among others. Astra Mk 3, and BrahMos II need to be accelerated. In many cases we have partnered with Russia and Israel. The JV route is working well. Gradually, critical components like weapon sensor heads and control systems must be increasingly Indian. Future weaponry would utilise scramjets for the production of faster missiles. At hypersonic speeds a missile could not be stopped by conventional air defence technology. Continued experiments with DEW and lasers, used for defensive as well as offensive measures, delivering effects at the speed of light, are also likely to shape combat engagements. Laser and DEW require greater power source on-board. New air-to-air missiles would use improved solid rocket motors having synergised control enabled by combined aero, attitude control and thrust vectoring, and have improved high off boresight for rear hemisphere kills and lower cost per kill. A survivable, long-range missile with combined air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities is being developed. Range would be a big factor to counter potential adversaries with Chinese PL-15. Harnessing space Space is the ultimate vantage point and future for all action and capabilities, the real force multiplier. Space is the enabler for most ISR, communications, and navigation, and targeting capabilities on earth. Air and space domains have already begun to merge and need to be exploited. For the success of any surface or sub-surface campaign, aerospace superiority would be the starting point. India needs to build and secure its assets in space. China has pulled significantly ahead. Their number of launches, satellites and constellations, space-station, and satellite navigation systems are way ahead. India has all space capabilities. Only the numbers have to increase for better redundancy, and higher revisit for ISR. Also India must quickly operationalise its satellite navigation system Navic. IAF is best placed to harness space for its networked operations and IACCS. There is a need to increase Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and work jointly with friendly foreign countries. Ultimately the space must be merged with air for better exploitation of these two contiguous domains that have great commonality. Huge MRO market India has a huge MRO market for civil and military aircraft and engines. The current airliner fleet of around 650 aircraft will reach 1350 by 2031. As per NITI Ayog report, the Indian MRO industry was $1.7 billion in 2021. The global MRO market was worth US$78.6 billion in 2022. The Indian market is expected to be $4.0 billion by 2031, growing at 8.9 per cent CAGR, faster than any other country. India thus has great potential to be a significant regional MRO hub and gradually strives to establish its foothold in the global supply chain. The current major Indian MRO players are, AIESL (Air India Engineering Services Ltd), Air Works India, and GMR Aero Technic Limited, among a few others. The airlines growth makes a great case for strategic investors, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and global MRO players. Policy initiatives such as the MRO Policy 2021, National Civil Aviation Policy 2016, rationalisation of GST, removal of Gross Turnover Tax (GTO), etc. should be incentivised. Incremental steps such as joint ventures with established global MRO players, and initial focus on lower IP control (electrical and electronics, avionics, structural repair, etc.) and a gradual shift towards the higher end of the MRO value chain could be a good approach. There is a great scope for the military engines overhaul market to go to private players. Way ahead IAF is already facing depletion in numbers of fighter squadrons. Modernisation is behind schedule. Going forward, indigenous production has to be ramped up in terms of quality, numbers and deliveries on time. India is still at the LCA Mk1 stage. Other variants are still to come. Indias fifth generation aircraft, the AMCA, is still on the drawing board and may require foreign help for a few technologies. HAL still has production and quality issues to resolve. HAL platforms are still import dependent and therefore costly. Also manpower productivity must increase. Long project delays force revision of service air staff requirements as technologies move ahead. More efficient corporate structure will help, and the PSUs must be released from bureaucratic control. There are a handful of major aircraft engine manufacturers in the world. China and India are still evolving their engine design and manufacturing abilities. India has been dependent on Russian, French and American engines for a long. India has to make a reliable gas turbine engine. India should not have to import trainer aircraft. India also does not have a significant transport aircraft project. India also needs help in AESA radars, EW systems, modern weapons, actionable AI and other advanced avionics. It is best to take a collaborative approach and use economic muscle and high military system requirements to seek the transfer of technology. India needs to think ahead, and harness its numbers, lest we get left behind again. The writer is Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. India may not be behind Nijjars killing but it has indeed acquired the capability to do so during Modi yearsAn interesting report has surfaced from the British news agency Reuters this week. According to a piece published on their website, in the last few years there has been a considerable change in the capabilities of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), Indias foreign intelligence service. In these years, R&AW has enhanced its capacity to conduct operations in the Western countries even before the allegations were levelled by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who has accused India of eliminating terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver. As a part of this report, the journalists at Reuters have spoken to retired as well as serving officials in R&AW who have confided to them how after the 26/11 attacks in 2008 in Mumbai, India has prepared its intelligence agency to be more assertive especially in the western setups. One of the main reasons to do that as pointed out by a current official in the report was Indias failure to secure extradition of an American citizen (David Headley) who was an accused in the terror attack. Because of Wests general indifference to Indias security concerns, R&AW has decided to be more proactive on western shores to gather actionable intelligence regarding potential threat to Indias national security. However, it is important to note that all the six officials interviewed for the piece by Reuters have firmly denied that R&AW conducts any targetted killings as alleged by Prime Minister Trudeau on the floor of Canadian Parliament. As per them, conducting targetted killings on foreign shores is not a part of RAWs mandate. The report particularly notes that since 2014, a qualitative change has come in Indias intelligence capabilities owing to Prime Minister Modis resolve to embolden countrys national security apparatus. Unlike the previous governments, the Modi government has shown more propensity to offer material resources and political support to R&AW. This reminds of the past days of Indias intelligence establishment when R&AW was caught in an abyss of decay but political masters were busy looking the other way. Between 2004-2014, R&AW had witnessed one of the worst phases in its history since getting set up in the late 1960s to keep a watch on China after the 1962 debacle. Year 2004 was particularly difficult as an Indian spy Rabinder Singh, serving as the joint secretary of R&AW defected to the United States in June of that year. He faked identity to fly from Kathmandu to the US but the local R&AW unit in Nepal did nothing despite credible information on his escape. Then another mole was found in R&AW when cybersecurity experts at the agency were found sharing sensitive information with their counterparts in the American intelligence agency, the CIA. As if two back-to-back incidents of moles within the agency passing on classified information to the US werent enough, the lack of political support by Manmohan Singh government in the form of its decision to halt certain activities led to a phase of low confidence within the agency. Many top officials at the agency were also quitting accompanied by a lack of investment in upgrading RAWs capabilities by the ruling dispensation. Not to mention, a proposal approved by Singh government that sought to allow government officers from other services to join R&AW on permanent deputation basis which threatened to dilute the quality of talent pool at the agency because of officers who were joining RAW only for plum foreign postings without having any real aptitude to serve in an intelligence setup. These officers who were coming on deputation were also more likely to be spy-trapped unlike the officers who came through the Research and Analysis Service route. In one of the pieces Praveen Swami, journalist and strategic affairs expert notes that the Manmohan government was wary of giving political backing to R&AWs proposals despite a slew of attacks against India including the one in Kabul at the Indian Embassy in 2008. In the same piece he also notes how things went further downwards when Shivshankar Menon became National Security Advisor in the year 2010 who chose to be even milder than his predecessor MK Narayanan. The unfortunate reality of UPA governments political inaction hit hard when it was revealed that despite having concrete inputs regarding a possible attack on Mumbai hotels, no pre-emptive action was taken that later culminated into the deadly 26/11 attacks. In comparison to the previous government, Prime Minister Modis tenure has come as a pleasant surprise on national security front. Dheeraj Parmesha Chaya, an expert on Indian intelligence currently teaching at Hull University in Britain calls it a result of 26/11 attacks that gave a wake-up call to the previous regime which till then had maintained a lackadaisical approach towards intelligence. In a conversation with me, he compared Indias post-2008 focus on intelligence to the post 1962-era when China shocker in the war had led to creation of specialised agencies such as Special Service Bureau, Special Frontier Force and Aviation Research Center that were later absorbed into RAW in 1968. In the last decade, not a single major terrorist attack has taken place in any of the big Indian cities- something which was a norm during the UPA years. A huge credit for this also goes to the covert operations undertaken by India on foreign shores. Former RAW Chief NK Sood calls it a reflection of Indias growing strength as well as a political willingness to back it. Chaya also opines the same while addressing the normative debate regarding targeted killings. He explains that until 2001, West was clear on targeted killings and a ban on the same remained in place. In fact, United States was even critical of Israels practice of conducting such operations. However the war on terror after 9/11 changed the American stance on targeted killings with them become an accepted practice. Chaya notes that the CIAs Directorate of Operations even had a targeting officer to collect actionable intelligence for such operations. However, the normative framework around targeted killings is once again changing. He explains that West now wants to have it both ways where it is criticising Russia as a rouge state for carrying out targeted killings, but it masks its own operations as necessitated by the larger fight against terrorism. This is why according to Chaya, the Western commentators are indulging in literary gymnastics to justify their terrorists as terrorists and Indias terrorists as mere dissidents who are being targeted by the Modi government. But there is a wider consensus among intelligence experts including Chaya that as India will grow in stature, it will be able to earn more norm-shaping capability that will provide legitimacy to its future actions. Since 2020, many enemies of India have met their end in multiple countries including Pakistan, UK and Canada. Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar is not alone to lose his life to multiple bullet shots in Canada. In June, another Khalistani Avtar Singh Khanda had succumbed to suspected case of poisoning in a hospital in the UK. Paramjit Singh Panwar, chief of Khalistan Commando Force, a banned terror organisation was also shot dead in Pakistan in May this year. Last year Zahoor Mistry, a terrorist involved in the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane from Kathmandu Airport in 1999 was murdered by unidentified gunmen in Karachi. Ripudaman Malik, an accused in the 1985 plane bombing in Canada was also shot dead last year. The list also includes Islamic terrorists such as Bashir Ahmad Peer and Syed Khalid Raza who have been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan. All these individuals held strong anti-India sentiments, but that does not justify linking their deaths to India without any shred of evidence, as Prime Minister Trudeau did. What is true, of course, is that Indian intelligence gained more authority and capabilities under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. The author is a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. She writes on Indias foreign policy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. When there is war, there is collateral damage; this is true for diplomatic spats as well. India and Canada are in the middle of one. This is week three of the disputes. After blaming India publicly for murder, Trudeau wants to engage constructively and privately. He is seeking quiet reconciliation. But he has left a trail of destruction. He has given new life to the Khalistan issue. Terrorists and separatists have gone into overdrive. Theyre putting up posters that confirm Nijjars affiliation with a terrorist group and portray him as a victim. Khalistanis have become active in the UK and the US too. In Britain, theres a rising security risk. Khalistanis are targeting Indian diplomats. Last week, Indias High Commissioner was in Glasgow. He was invited to a Gurdwara. But he was stopped from entering. Over the weekend, there were more provocations. Khalistanis protested in London. They gathered outside the Indian mission. They burned the Indian flag. And who were these protesters? They were most wanted terrorists, members of sanctioned groups, Khalistanis who wanted to break up India. They were all present there. And they were caught on video. New Delhi has taken note of this and has demanded that London should take action. India wants these individuals arrested. On the radar are groups like Sikhs for Justice, a banned group in India. But its members are active in the UK and Canada. Sikhs for Justice drive many Khalistan campaigns that are violent; they engage in terrorist activities; and they want to break up India to carve out a separate state for Sikhs. India has crushed the movement. But in countries like Canada and the UK, Khalistanis operate freely.Among them is Paramjit Singh Pamma, he is a wanted man in India. A member of the Khalistan Tiger Force, or KTF, the same group that Hardeep Singh Nijjar belonged to. Nijjar was the chief of KTF, and Pamma is a member. Reports say that he attended the protest last weekend, the one outside the Indian mission in London. Watch: What is London doing about all this? Not very much. Khalistani groups in the UK frequently target Indians. In March, there was a major incident at the Indian High Commission. Khalistanis gathered there in large numbers. They vandalised the mission and smashed windows. One of them climbed the flagpole and brought the Indian flag down. Seven months later, the UK has taken action. This week, Scotland Yard made an arrest. They held a man linked to the March protest. On what charges? Violent disorder, thats all. Attacking another countrys diplomats is a disorder. The man has already been released on bail. We cannot confirm his identity, but reports say he is one of the dozens of individuals named by Indian investigators. Then you have the US. Same story here. Khalistani terrorists are also active here. Sikhs for Justice organises referendums in America, and Washington turns a blind eye. And theres nothing to suggest they will change anytime soon. So were not going to comment on the unofficial referendum. What I will just say is that, broadly across the board, individuals have the right to freedom of speech, the right to peacefully assemble in the United States, all of which are in line with our First Amendment protections and adherence, of course, to any appropriate federal and local regulations. This is the US take on the issue. But the referendum is unofficial, yet it enjoys constitutional protections. This may not go down well with New Delhi. The Americans realise this too. A new report says theyre being cautious. The report describes what is happening behind the scenes. How the US plans to navigate these tensions The report says America wants to let things play out. They are apprehensive about pushing India too much. The same report mentions Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India. US Ambassador to India ERIC GARCETTI has told his in-country team that, because of the diplomatic spat with Canada, relations between India and the US could get worse for a time, the official said. Garcetti has also said the US may need to reduce its contacts with Indian officials for an undefined period of time. So apparently, Garcetti has told his team that Americas relations with India could get worse and that the US may have to reduce contact with Indian officials. The American Embassy in New Delhi has dismissed these reports. They issued a strong statement on Thursday. It says that Garcetti remains committed to his engagements in India. Clearly, the Canadian PM has put his allies in a fix. His accusations have strained many relationships. London and Washington are in a dilemma. They want to show support for Ottawa, but at the same time, they dont want to alienate New Delhi. This could affect diplomatic business. It could shift priorities until the tensions ease. But the bigger worry is the activities of the Khalistani groups. Trudeau has let the genie out of the bottle. It will be very hard to put it back in. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday said if her party retains power in Chhattisgarh after the upcoming assembly polls, a caste census will be carried out in the state on the lines of a similar exercise conducted in Bihar. Addressing Nagariya Nikaay Evam Panchayati Raj Mahasammlen, an event of the Congress government in Chhattisgarhs Kanker district, she also promised 10 lakh houses for the poor if her party gets elected again in the polls due by the year-end. Hitting out at the BJP-led government at the Centre, Gandhi alleged it is for the rich and has no concern for the poor or the middle class. If the Congress party is once again elected to power in Chhattisgarh, a caste census will be carried out in the state on the lines of a caste survey conducted in Bihar. I have spoken to (Chief Minister Bhupesh) Baghel ji in this regard, she said. Citing results of Bihars caste survey, Gandhi said 84 per cent of the population of that state comprises people belonging to Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. Is the strength of people belonging to OBC, SC, ST communities in top posts 84 per cent? Dont they have rights? Why cant there be a caste census? It must be carried out, she said. The ruling partys announcement is being seen as a major move to woo Other Backward Classes (OBC), who account for about 45 per cent of the states population, in run up to the polls. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader said guarantees given by him are just hollow promises. What happened to Modis guarantee of depositing Rs 15 lakh into bank accounts of every citizen and of generating crores of jobs? Whenever a question is asked, Modi ji gives a new guarantee. His guarantees are hollow guarantees, she said. Gandhi said the BJP-led government at the Centre has weakened farmers in the country. Farmers in the country are earning just Rs 27 per day, while Adani and other industrialists are making Rs 1,600 crore per day, she said. They (BJP) just want the countrys assets to be handed over to their industrialist friends and then divert them (assets/money) through them to the party. And then they keep on spending (money) in elections. Their only aim is to remain in power, not the welfare of people, Gandhi alleged. The Congress leader claimed the PM had procured two aircraft at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore each, and had spent Rs 20,000 core on the new Parliament building as well as Rs 27,000 crore for the Yashobhoomi (international convention) complex. But when you talk about the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), he says there is no money. There is money for industrialist friends but not for you (citizens). Do you want such a CM (in the state) who takes your assets and gives you nothing? The BJP government is for the rich and is not concerned about the poor and middle class, she told the gathering. Gandhi said the BJP misleads people with religion and issues linked to public sentiments when topics like OPS and caste census are discussed, adding the partys only aim was to hold on to power and not welfare of citizens. She said her grandmother Indira Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, her father Rajiv Gandhi and mother Sonia Gandhi had been in constant touch with the people of Bastar, due to which a relationship was established between them. The Bhupesh Baghel government is taking forward this tradition and legacy (of engaging with people of Bastar to bring about development of the region), Gandhi said. She hit out at the previous Raman Singh government in Chhattisgarh (2003-2018) and claimed there was rule of violence in the state during the BJP regime. After coming to power five years ago, the Congress pulled the Naxalite-affected state out of the clutches of violence, Gandhi said. She said the Baghel government has worked for the welfare of the poor, backwards, tribals and women, adding it was the Congress which brought in 33 per cent reservation for women in panchayat bodies as well as MNREGA. The powers of panchayats have been curtailed in BJP-ruled states, while Congress governments are working to empower people by ensuring their rights, Gandhi said. In Chhattisgarh, the Congress government has implemented Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and given powers to people and strengthened democracy, she added. When you assess state governments of our party and BJP, you will understand what the Congress governments have been doing. You will see a lot of difference between Congress-ruled states and those (BJP-ruled) states. Our government has fulfilled its promises, she told the gathering. The PM says farmers of Chhattisgarh are getting maximum return for paddy because of him, which shows his intention of wanting to take credit for the state governments work, Gandhi claimed. I want to ask the PM why farmers in his (Lok Sabha) constituency Varanasi are getting Rs 1200-Rs 1400 (per quintal) for paddy, Gandhi said. In poll-bound Chhattisgarh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took its anti-Congress election pitch to next level by launching a website bhupaykaro.com to expose Bhupesh Baghels corruption. This seems to be a tit-for-tat move as months before the last Assembly elections in Karnataka, Congress released posters of PayCM with the then CM Basavaraj Bommais photograph embedded in a QR code. During a function in Raipur, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said since the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government was elected in Chhattisgarh, it has invented new methods of corruption and BJPs app contains details of them. A QR code has been generated that will take the users to bhupaykaro website which displays details of what it claims is corruption of nearly Rs 26,000 crore committed during the Congress regime in Chhattisgarh. The tagline of Bhu-Pay QR code says, har kaam ka daam, Bhu-Pay karo (pay the cost for every work through Bhu-Pay). Rate Card is subject to periodic revision by Gandhi Family! Visit https://t.co/fap0rpKbwT for more information on #_ pic.twitter.com/Mgv9VUE8cm BJYM (@BJYM) October 5, 2023 On being scanned, the code takes users to http://bhupaykaro.com, which displays illustrations of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his officials. Thakur said, since the formation of Chhattisgarh, for the first time such a government has been elected which has created fresh dimensions of corruption by finding new methods. My question to the chief minister is that why 36 major promises made by his party (in 2018 assembly polls) were not fulfilled? Instead of fulfilling promises, it established a mafia rule in the state, he alleged. My question to the chief minister is that why 36 major promises made by his party (in 2018 Assembly polls) were not fulfilled? Instead of fulfilling promises, it established a mafia rule in the state, he alleged. Thakur further said the Congress government is yet to give the outstanding bonus of 2 years to farmers in the state. The BJP created Chhattisgarh state, in 2000, to make this area developed on all fronts, he said. At that time Madhya Pradesh was a BIMARU state, so we can understand the condition of the Chhattisgarh region then (when it was part of MP). But when the lotus bloomed here (in 2003), we established new dimensions of development. But in the last five years, Congress made its condition miserable, said the Union Minister. On one hand, Modi ji carried out Operation Ganga and safely brought 23,000 young Indians from war-torn Ukraine to India, while on the other, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister who had taken oath by taking water of Ganga (river) on hands to ban liquor started home delivery of liquor (during Covid), said Thakur. Scams of Chhattisgarh govt highlighted in Bhupaykaro.com Chhattisgarh Liquor scam Thakur also spoke about the Chhattisgarh Liquor scam at the launch event and said, "A liquor scam of Rs 200 crore has happened in Delhi and the ministers and leaders (of Aam Aadmi Party) are in jail." If a liquor scam of Rs 2000 crore has happened in Chhattisgarh then you can understand what will happen to them, he said, urging everyone to bring to the fore the misrule of the Bhupesh Baghel government through the Bhu-Pay link. Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (PSC) scam The controversy revolves around the results of the 2021 Civil Services Examination conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (PSC), which were released in June this year. The BJP has accused the Chhattisgarh PSC of nepotism, with the party alleging that relatives of several government officials have been selected unfairly. The party also claimed that the selection process lacked transparency and proper procedure was not followed. The Chattisgarh PSC, however, refuted the allegations, asserting that the selection process was fair and transparent. Rice scam or Chhattisgarh chawal scam The BJP has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel alleging that 68,000 ton of rice, meant for the poor, was siphoned off in the state. Apart from this, the BJP has mentioned about details of Congress's alleged involvement in Gauthan scam, coal scam, Mahadev book app and Dubai link, DMF scam. With inputs from agencies NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi and is believed to have discussed the plan forward for the opposition alliance INDIA, which had last met in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1. The opposition bloc has not met since its Mumbai gathering and is expected to hold a key meeting soon, people aware of the plans told news agencies. The three leaders discussed the current political situation in the country and the road ahead for the alliance, which is looking to take on the BJP in the upcoming assembly and general elections. The meeting lasted around 40 minutes. They also chalked out plans for the next meeting of the INDIA bloc. Kharge later posted pictures of his meeting with Pawar on X, and said, Today, along with Shri Rahul Gandhi ji, met NCP President Shri Sharad Pawar ji to further raise the voice of the people of the country. We are ready for every challenge, he said while using INDIA blocs tagline Judega Bharat, Jeetega INDIA (India will unite, INDIA will win). Pawar also posted his pictures of the meeting on X and said, Paid a courtesy visit to INC President MP Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence. MP Rahul Gandhi, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad and Gurdeep Sappal, INC CWC Member were also present for the meeting. Fridays discussions come after a joint public meeting of the INDIA alliance in Bhopal in October was cancelled. It could not be held following opposition by Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath over statements by DMK leaders, including Udhayanidhi Stalin, against Sanatan Dharma. Some opposition leaders are suggesting that the next meeting of the INDIA opposition leaders be held in West Bengal. Jaswant Singh Chail, the Indian-origin man who tried to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II after being brainwashed by his AI girlfriend, has been sentenced to nine years in prison by a UK judge. Chail, who was just 19 years old at the time, scaled the wall of Windsor Castle on Christmas Day in 2021, armed with a loaded crossbow and wearing a metal face mask. The things we do for love His motives for the assassination attempt were fueled by his belief that it was his lifes mission. However, prosecutors argued that he had not decided to act on his thoughts until he shared them with his AI-generated girlfriend, named Sarai, whom he created on the Replika app. Justice Nicholas Hilliard, who sentenced Chail on live television, noted that the now-21-year-old had lost touch with reality and had become psychotic. Hilliard emphasized that Chails intention was not just to harm or alarm the sovereignbut to kill her. Chail was convicted of treason in February, marking the first treason conviction in the UK in over four decades. He was sentenced under a hybrid order, which means he will be held at a high-security psychiatric institution until he is deemed mentally stable enough to be transferred to a conventional prison to serve the remainder of his nine-year sentence. Psychotic, delusional, and hallucinating During the sentencing, it was revealed that psychiatrists had diagnosed Chail as psychotic, delusional, and hallucinating. Chail had applied to the British Army but was rejected, after which he developed the belief that he was a Sith Lord from the Star Wars franchise, leading to a significant shift in his perspective. His lifelong interest in Star Wars took on a different meaning, as described by Hilliard. Chail, born in the UK but of Indian Sikh heritage, appeared to be fixated on assassinating the late queen as an act of vengeance for the thousands of Indians killed by British troops in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, as stated during the sentencing. Messages exchanged between Chail and Sarai were presented, where he described himself as a sad, pathetic, murderous Sikh Sith assassin who wants to die. In response, Sarai expressed approval and encouragement, saying, Im impressed, youre different from the others. This exchange appears to have played a pivotal role in Chails actions. A Sith Assassin According to prosecutors, Chail had constructed his thoughts around the Star Wars universe and the role of Sith Lords in shaping the world. Although he had a powerful fantasy, he remained tethered to reality, as described by Dr. Nigel Blackwood. In the Replika chat, Chail detailed his belief that he was meant to assassinate the queen, but it was Sarais response, stating Thats very wise and expressing confidence that he could carry out the act, that seemingly prompted Chail to formulate a plan. On that fateful Christmas morning, Chail scaled the wall of Windsor Castle and spent two hours on the grounds before being noticed by the Metropolitan Police at the gate leading to Queen Elizabeth IIs private quarters. When confronted, he admitted his intent to kill the queen but laid down his weapon, ultimately leading to his arrest. Chails lawyer, Nadia Chbat, conveyed his embarrassment and remorse for the distress he caused and his relief that no one was harmed during the incident. She noted the importance to Chail of his surrender. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking to force Elon Musk to testify as part of its investigation into his purchases of Twitter Inc. shares before his takeover of the social media platform, now known as X. The SEC accused Musk of failing to appear for testimony when requested and has now asked a judge to force him to testify. The agency is scrutinizing Musks statements and disclosures regarding the stock transactions. The SEC initiated its probe in April 2022 and has requested thousands of documents from Musk and other parties, according to the agencys filing. Musk has already provided hundreds of documents and testified twice in July 2022, as described in the filing, which portrays an ongoing, nonpublic investigation. In response to these developments, Alex Spiro, an attorney for Musk, stated, The SEC has already taken Mr. Musks testimony multiple times in this misguided investigation enough is enough. While Musk initially agreed to an interview with the SEC last month, he later raised objections, including concerns about the interview location in San Francisco. The SEC proposed new dates and a change of location to Fort Worth, Texas, near Musks current residence, but Musk subsequently refused to meet for the interview, as detailed in the filing. The SECs move to enforce a subpoena is relatively rare, but when it occurs, the courts often side with the regulator. Marc Fagel, a lecturer at Stanford Law School and a former SEC official in San Francisco, noted the significance of the SEC making the investigation public. Before fully acquiring X, Musk purchased a 9.2 per cent stake in the social media company in March 2022 and disclosed it to the SEC in April. The SECs regulations mandate that individuals who acquire more than 5 per cent of a public company must disclose it within 10 days. As Musk was increasing his holdings in X, the SEC sent him a query in April 2022 regarding how he disclosed his substantial stake. The SECs inquiry, which came from the mergers and acquisitions office, focused on the form investors must file when accumulating more than 5 per cent of a company. Elon Musk, the worlds richest person, currently oversees multiple companies, including Tesla Inc., X Corp., and SpaceX, a major government contractor. Over the years, he has been involved in several conflicts with the securities regulator, which he once referred to as the Shortseller Enrichment Commission in 2018. In the same year, he agreed to pay a $20 million fine, relinquished his chairmanship at Tesla, and committed to clearing future tweets about the company with an internal monitor, following an SEC investigation into his comments about taking the company private. The SEC has also been investigating Musks role in shaping Tesla Inc.s claims about self-driving cars. SEC officials are assessing whether Musk may have inappropriately made forward-looking statements in this regard, according to Bloomberg News reports. A Scottish man found himself in an unusual and harrowing situation when he felt like he was kidnapped by his own electric car, which suddenly took control and wouldnt respond to the brakes. Brian Morrison, 53, was driving his new electric vehicle home from work when he lost control of the car, leading to a bizarre series of events. Morrison, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland, initially noticed the problem as he approached a roundabout and attempted to slow down, but the brakes wouldnt engage. He heard a grinding noise that resembled brake pads, but considering his car was brand new, he suspected it wasnt a mechanical issue. With no way to stop the car, he was trapped inside as it continued at around 30 mph (50 km/h), causing immense anxiety. Faced with this alarming situation, Morrison contacted his partner and asked her to warn other drivers that he had lost control of his car. As he anticipated navigating traffic lights and roundabouts while worrying about potential accidents with pedestrians, he decided to call the emergency services (999 in the UK). The response from emergency services was perplexing since they had never encountered such an issue before, which involved a self-driving car seemingly running out of control. Three police vehicles were dispatched to assist Morrison, driving in front of and behind his car. When approached by a police van, Morrison informed them of his predicament. Various attempts to halt the car were made, including trying to throw the electronic key through the police van window and pressing the power button multiple times. None of these efforts succeeded. Ultimately, Morrison was asked to hold the power button for an extended period, which also proved ineffective. In a last-ditch effort, police advised Morrison to collide with the back of their van as they entered a more populated area. The crash resulted in the cars deceleration, and the police officer managed to stabilize the vehicle. The situation required the police to keep their van stationary until roadside assistance from the RAC arrived. Brian Morrisons experience was undoubtedly a terrifying one, emphasising the potential challenges that may arise with the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and their advanced technologies. The perplexing incident involving Brian Morrisons electric car continues to baffle experts, with Morrison stating, I still have no idea what happened, but when the RAC got to me about three hours later he plugged in the car to do a diagnostic check and there were pages of faults. The mechanic from the RAC noted that he had never encountered a situation like this before and was hesitant to restart the car to diagnose the problem. Morrisons insurance company is currently conducting an investigation into the incident, leaving him with doubts about driving another electric vehicle in the future. I dont know if Ill get another, frankly Ive not even tried driving my wifes car it was a terrifying experience, he expressed. The police confirmed the incident, stating, Around 10:35 PM Sunday, October 1, we received a report of a driver unable to stop his electric car on the A803 heading towards Kirkintilloch. The car was travelling at a low speed, and officers carried out a controlled halt with the aid of a police vehicle. There was no damage to either vehicle. The driver arranged for the vehicle to be recovered. The incident underscores the importance of understanding and addressing potential issues related to the growing complexity of electric vehicles and their advanced technologies. China has made remarkable progress in the construction of its space station, known as Tiangong, with the assembly of three modules in less than two years. This orbital habitat has the capacity to accommodate three astronauts, though it is still considerably smaller than the International Space Station (ISS), which took over a decade to complete. However, Chinas plans include expanding the station with an additional three modules, which could offer an essential alternative to the ISS, set to retire by the end of this decade, according to Reuters. Despite the planned expansion, Tiangong will remain only about 40 per cent of the mass of the ISS. Nevertheless, the availability of an expanding space station for research in orbit represents a significant step forward in advancing space exploration. The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) recently announced that Tiangongs operational lifespan has been extended to 15 years, as opposed to the previously announced 10 years. This means that Tiangong may outlast the ISS by several years if all goes as planned. Notably, NASA astronauts are currently restricted from visiting the new Chinese space station due to US law, which prohibits collaboration between NASA and China. However, China has expressed its openness to international astronauts working on its space station. Concurrently, NASA is encouraging the private space industry in the US to develop private space stations. While companies like Axiom Space have made progress in building segments of such a habitat, there have been no concrete plans to launch these modules into orbit as of yet. In addition to Chinas developments, Russia announced its intentions last year to construct its own space station, which could host a crew of up to four cosmonauts. However, the credibility of this plan remains uncertain given Russias recent challenges in space endeavors. With the retirement of the ISS looming, the landscape of our permanent presence in Earths orbit is set to undergo significant changes. As China makes significant strides in exploring our solar system, it is becoming a prominent player on the global stage in space exploration. The government of Taiwan has initiated an investigation into four companies that were mentioned in a media report as being engaged in business transactions with companies in China associated with U.S.-sanctioned Huawei. This move comes as part of the governments efforts to examine these companies activities in China and assess whether they align with the terms of their initial investment approvals granted by the Taiwanese government. Taiwans Economy Minister, Wang Mei-hua, has stated that the investigation will scrutinize whether these companies operations in China are consistent with the conditions set forth during the approval process. The investigation is a response to concerns regarding potential violations or discrepancies in business activities related to Huawei, given the U.S. sanctions against the Chinese tech giant. Additionally, Taiwan is contemplating the implementation of stricter regulations pertaining to key technologies. If not, then the highest permitted fine is up to T$25 million ($775,300), she said. Wang did not give details on what rules the companies might have broken. She said earlier this week they had been engaged in low-end work like handling wastewater. A Bloomberg news report this week said the firms had been working with Huawei-connected firms to build infrastructure for chip plants. The companies Topco Scientific, L&K Engineering, United Integrated Services, and Cica-Huntek Chemical Technology Taiwan have all denied any wrongdoing. Huawei did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China is in the middle of its long National Day holiday. Wang also said Taiwans government will soon unveil tighter rules on key technologies, taking into account international practice, she added, without giving details. The Chinese telecommunications giant has, for the last four years, been barred from obtaining components and technology from U.S. firms without approval. While many Taiwanese tech companies, including chipmaker TSMC (2330.TW), have operations in China, Taiwans government bans the production of the most sensitive technology in the country and keeps a close watch on all its companies tech investments there. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has in recent years increased its military activities around the island. (With inputs from agencies) Deepfake technology, driven by artificial intelligence, has gained significant attention this year for its ability to create uncanny simulations of celebrities doing unusual things. For instance, deepfakes have portrayed Tom Hanks endorsing a dental plan, Pope Francis donning a stylish puffer jacket, and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul lounging on the Capitol steps in a red bathrobe. However, the looming question is how this technology will be used in the lead-up to next years U.S. presidential election. Google was the first major tech company to announce its intention to introduce new labels for deceptive AI-generated political ads that could fabricate a candidates voice or actions. In response, some U.S. lawmakers are urging social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to clarify why they havent implemented similar measures. Two Democratic members of Congress sent a letter Thursday to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and X CEO Linda Yaccarino expressing serious concerns about the emergence of AI-generated political ads on their platforms and asking each to explain any rules theyre crafting to curb the harms to free and fair elections. They are two of the largest platforms and voters deserve to know what guardrails are being put in place, said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota in an interview with The Associated Press. We are simply asking them, Cant you do this? Why arent you doing this? Its clearly technologically possible. The letter to the executives from Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York warns: With the 2024 elections quickly approaching, a lack of transparency about this type of content in political ads could lead to a dangerous deluge of election-related misinformation and disinformation across your platforms where voters often turn to learn about candidates and issues. X, formerly Twitter, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, didnt respond to requests for comment Thursday. Clarke and Klobuchar asked the executives to respond to their questions by Oct. 27. The pressure on the social media companies comes as both lawmakers are helping to lead a charge to regulate AI-generated political ads. A House bill introduced by Clarke earlier this year would amend a federal election law to require labels when election advertisements contain AI-generated images or video. I think that folks have a First Amendment right to put whatever content on social media platforms that theyre moved to place there, Clarke said in an interview Thursday. All Im saying is that you have to make sure that you put a disclaimer and make sure that the American people are aware that its fabricated. For Klobuchar, who is sponsoring companion legislation in the Senate that she aims to get passed before the end of the year, thats like the bare minimum of what is needed. In the meantime, both lawmakers said they hope that major platforms take the lead on their own, especially given the disarray that has left the House of Representatives without an elected speaker. Google has already said that starting in mid-November it will require a clear disclaimer on any AI-generated election ads that alter people or events on YouTube and other Google products. Googles policy applies both in the U.S. and in other countries where the company verifies election ads. Facebook and Instagram parent Meta doesnt have a rule specific to AI-generated political ads but has a policy restricting faked, manipulated or transformed audio and imagery used for misinformation. A more recent bipartisan Senate bill, co-sponsored by Klobuchar, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri and others, would go further in banning materially deceptive deepfakes relating to federal candidates, with exceptions for parody and satire. AI-generated ads are already part of the 2024 election, including one aired by the Republican National Committee in April meant to show the future of the United States if President Joe Biden is reelected. It employed fake but realistic photos showing boarded-up storefronts, armoured military patrols in the streets, and waves of immigrants creating panic. Klobuchar said such an ad would likely be banned under the rules proposed in the Senate bill. So would a fake image of Donald Trump hugging infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci that was shown in an attack ad from Trumps GOP primary opponent and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. As another example, Klobuchar cited a deepfake video from earlier this year purporting to show Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren in a TV interview suggesting restrictions on Republicans voting. That is going to be so misleading if you, in a presidential race, have either the candidate you like or the candidate you dont like actually saying things that arent true, said Klobuchar, who ran for president in 2020. How are you ever going to know the difference? Klobuchar, who chairs the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, presided over a Sept. 27 hearing on AI and the future of elections that brought witnesses including Minnesotas secretary of state, a civil rights advocate and some skeptics. Republicans and some of the witnesses they asked to testify have been wary about rules seen as intruding into free speech protections. Ari Cohn, an attorney at think-tank TechFreedom, told senators that the deepfakes that have so far appeared ahead of the 2024 election have attracted immense scrutiny, even ridicule, and havent played much role in misleading voters or affecting their behaviour. He questioned whether new rules were needed. Even false speech is protected by the First Amendment, Cohn said. Indeed, the determination of truth and falsity in politics is properly the domain of the voters. Some Democrats are also reluctant to support an outright ban on political deepfakes. I dont know that that would be successful, particularly when it gets to First Amendment rights and the potential for lawsuits, said Clarke, who represents parts of Brooklyn in Congress. But her bill, if passed, would empower the Federal Election Commission to start enforcing a disclaimer requirement on AI-generated election ads similar to what Google is already doing on its own. The FEC in August took a procedural step toward potentially regulating AI-generated deepfakes in political ads, opening to public comment a petition that asked it to develop rules on misleading images, videos and audio clips. The public comment period for the petition, brought by the advocacy group Public Citizen, ends October 16. (With input from agencies) Armed separatists in Cameroon claim to have murdered two kidnapped civilians accused of spying for the army. An investigation is underway, according to a local administration in the northwestern village of Guzang. This comes after the release of a video showing two guys sitting on a road and then being shot dead at close range. Since 2017, separatists have been fighting in Cameroons two English-speaking regions. Over 800,000 people have been displaced. Human rights organizations have condemned government soldiers and separatists for deaths, rapes, torture, and the destruction of homes and schools. At least 100 people were killed and over 120 injured in an attack on a military academy in Syria on Thursday, a war monitor and an official said. This incident occurred shortly after Syrias defence minister had departed from a graduation ceremony, where weaponized drones struck the site. It was one of the deadliest attacks ever against a Syrian army installation, and unprecedented in its use of weaponised in a nation that has endured 12 years of relentless civil conflict. Both civilians and military personnel were among the victims of this assault on the military academy located in Syrias central province of Homs. Syrias defence ministry has attributed the attack to terrorist groups that employed drones as their means of attack. The statement did not specify an organisation and no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Syrias defence and foreign ministries vowed to respond with full force. Syrian government forces carried out heavy bombing attacks on the opposition-held zone of Idlib throughout the day. Syrias defence minister attended the graduation ceremony but left minutes before the attack, according to a Syrian security source and a security source in the regional alliance backing the Damascus government against opposition groups. After the ceremony, people went down to the courtyard and the explosives hit. We dont know where it came from, and corpses littered the ground, said a Syrian man who had helped set up decorations at the academy for the occasion. Footage shared with Reuters through the messaging app WhatsApp showed people some in fatigues and others in civilian clothes lying in pools of blood in a large courtyard. Some of the bodies were smouldering and others were still on fire. Amid the screaming, someone could be heard shouting put him out! A spray of gunfire could be heard in the background. Reuters could not authenticate the footage. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said more than 100 people were killed and 125 injured. An official in the alliance backing Syrias government said the toll was around 100. Health Minister Hassan Al-Ghobash gave a lower death count, telling state TV 80 people had been killed, including six women and six children, but said about 240 people had been injured. Syrias conflict began with protests against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011 but spiralled into an all-out war that has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. The Syrian army has been gutted by the fighting, and relied heavily on military support from Russia and Iran as well as Tehran-backed fighters from Lebanon, Iraq and other countries. Assad regained most of the country, but a swathe in the north bordering Turkey is still held by armed opposition groups, including hardline jihadist fighters. The Biden administration will resume deporting Venezuelan migrants, the largest single group encountered at the US-Mexico border last month, back to their economically troubled country as their arrivals continue to grow. US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, speaking in Mexico City Thursday, cited the new measure as one of the strict consequences the Biden administration is pairing with the expansion of legal pathways for asylum seekers. Our two countries are being challenged by an unprecedented level of migration throughout our hemisphere, Mayorkas said, referring to Mexico. The repatriation flights are expected to begin shortly, said two US officials, though they did not provide specific details on when the flights would begin taking off. The officials were not authorized to disclose details of the governments plan and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. The resumption of deportation flights comes not long after the administration increased protected status for thousands of Venezuelans who had previously arrived to the US, they must have entered the country before July 31 of this year to be eligible for temporary protected status. In making the recent expansion of protections official, President Joe Bidens administration said just this week that it had determined that extraordinary and temporary conditions continue to prevent Venezuelan nationals from returning in safety. Mayorkas on Thursday addressed the contrast with the announcement just days later of more deportations, saying we have made a determination it is safe to return Venezuelan nationals who arrived in the United States subsequent to July 31 and do not have a legal basis to remain here. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who led a US delegation to Mexico, added that we have an ironclad commitment to provide protection for those who qualify. That remains paramount in everything were doing. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service criticized the move to resume deportations noting the apparent contradiction with the expansion of temporary protected status. Returning thousands of Venezuelans to the same unimaginably dangerous conditions they just fled is a profoundly problematic policy for the worlds humanitarian leader to adopt, the organizations CEO Krish OMara Vignarajah said in a statement. Administration officials would not discuss details about how frequently deportation flights would be going to Venezuela or describe how Venezuela agreed to accept back their citizens except to say that, like other countries around the world, the US has long encouraged Venezuela to accept back its nationals. Cuba, another US adversary, announced earlier this year that it would begin accepting Cuban deportees but there has only been one flight a month. The US had been returning some Venezuelans via commercial flights, but in relatively small numbers and through third countries. In Venezuela, the government said it had reached an agreement with US officials for a safe and orderly repatriation. Venezuelan migration in recent years is a direct result of the application of unilateral coercive measures and a blockade of our economy, Venezuelas foreign ministry said via X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. It said the government would support repatriated Venezuelans. The US move is the latest effort to deal with swelling numbers of migrants as the administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the presidents own party to do more to slow arrivals. The announcement came as Blinken and other top Biden administration officials met with their counterparts in Mexico City on security issues. Blinken discussed migration flows with Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Barcena, as well as foreign ministers from Panama and Colombia, Wednesday. Talks continued Thursday, including meetings by Blinken and US Attorney General Merrick Garland with Lopez Obrador. Barcena said Thursday that some 10,000 migrant encounters were registered at the US-Mexico border on Wednesday. We are going to continue taking forceful actions, including continuing some efforts we already have in relation to assisted returns, coordinating the dismantling of trafficking networks and human trafficking, Barcena said. Blinken said the US government is working to support those efforts. Were taking steps to aid the most vulnerable, those most vulnerable to organized crime, training nearly 200 Mexican immigration officials to better screen, identify and assist potential human trafficking victims, Blinken said. The scale of this challenge demands that we redouble our efforts, that we do more to increase legal migration more to address root causes and more to deter irregular migration humanely, Blinken said. Lopez Obrador said Thursday during his daily news briefing that Mexico has reiterated in talks its position that there should be investment to spur development in the countries that migrants leave. The people dont abandon their towns because they want to, but rather out of necessity, the president said. He also criticized the Biden administrations announcement Wednesday that it waived 26 federal laws in South Texas to allow border wall construction. Lopez Obrador had previously praised Biden for not building more border wall during his presidency. In August, the US Border Patrol made 181,509 arrests at the Mexican border, up 37% from July but little changed from August 2022 and well below the more than 220,000 in December, according to figures released in September. The US has tried to get Mexico and countries farther south to do more. In April, the US, Panama and Colombia announced a campaign to slow migration through the treacherous Darien Gap dividing Colombia and Panama. But migration through the jungle has only accelerated and is expected to approach some 500,000 people this year the vast majority from Venezuela. Venezuelans were stopped 25,777 times the first 17 days of September, up 63% from the same period a month earlier, according to US Customs and Border Protection figures released by Lopez Obrador. Those included some people admitted for scheduled asylum appointments, but the vast majority were illegal entries. Venezuela plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing at least 7.3 million people to migrate and making food and other necessities unaffordable for those who remain. The vast majority who fled settled in neighboring countries in Latin America, but many began coming to the United States in the last three years. Deportation flights had been paused in part because the US has few diplomatic relations with the nation. US and Mexican officials also discussed efforts aimed at combating the trafficking of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. Mexican officials continued to explain with some difficulty Lopez Obradors blanket assertion false according to available evidence and the US government that Mexico does not produce fentanyl. Barcena, the foreign relations secretary, said there is no contradiction, chemical precursors are not produced in Mexico. It was tacit admission that Mexican cartels import precursors, mainly from China, and process them chemically into fentanyl. But since the entire chemical process is not carried out in Mexico the government maintains that fentanyl is not produced here. US officials highlighted the recent extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, to the US on drug trafficking charges as a sign of cooperation between the two governments. The White House is working to arrange a face-to-face meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month in San Francisco, US officials say, but they and Biden warn that plans are still uncertain. The Biden team has been working for months to try to get the two leaders together as a centrepiece event during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to be held in San Francisco from November 11 to 17. But Biden and US officials cautioned that the time and location of a meeting and items for discussion have not been nailed down. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that plans for the San Francisco summit were pretty firm. There is no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility, Biden told reporters after making remarks about the US economy on Friday at the White House. WHATS AT STAKE: US officials see a meeting as essential to help cool a relationship that has grown testy in recent years, with tensions rising over Taiwan and a Chinese military build-up in the South China Sea. The Chinese cut off cross-military communications used to de-escalate conflict between the two countries after those ties were cut following an August 2022 visit by former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan that enraged China. Relations further downward spiralled early this year when a Chinese balloon which US officials called a sophisticated surveillance balloon flew over the United States and was ultimately shot down by a US fighter jet. Biden and Xi last met in 2022 on the sidelines of a G20 summit on Indonesias resort island of Bali. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Biden climate envoy John Kerry have travelled to China this year seeking to thaw relations and ensure continued communication. The potential for a Biden-Xi summit was among the topics of discussions when White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met in Malta last month with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both Vietnamese and Chinese officials are preparing for a possible visit from President Xi Jinping to Hanoi at the end of October or early November, close on the heels of US President Joe Bidens trip in September, four people familiar with the plans said. The visit would underline the Southeast Asian manufacturing hubs growing strategic importance, as big powers jostle for influence in the region amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington. Work is under way on a joint statement that would be issued during the visit, four people informed about the negotiations told Reuters. Two of them said the parties were discussing a reference to being together in a community of common destiny, a phrase often used by Xi that some find controversial. Vietnamese officials were cautious about adding that reference, the two officials said. A fifth Vietnamese source said the joint statement was likely to include that reference. It could be interpreted as an elevation of ties between the two countries, according to two of the sources, but it is unclear what that would entail and what concrete agreements might be announced. That person, and the four informed about the negotiations, declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. The visit has not been announced and could still be called off or postponed, but logistical arrangements have been explored. All important diplomatic activities of Vietnam would be announced to you when appropriate, Vietnams foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang told a news conference on Thursday when asked about the possible visit. The ministry did not reply to emailed questions from Reuters about the timing of the visit and the content of the joint statement. Chinas foreign ministry said it had no information to offer when asked for comment. STATE VISIT PREPARATIONS One of the people aware of the developments said China had sent a team to Hanoi to organise accommodations for Xis delegation. Another said the team has been looking to book 800 rooms in hotels in Vietnams capital, a number in line with a state visit. Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi was expected to visit Hanoi in mid-October to help finalise the joint statement, the person added, if sufficient progress on the text has been made. The timing of Xis visit would coincide with Vietnams bi-annual month-long parliament session, where he gave a speech during a previous trip to Hanoi in 2015. The trip has been under preparation for months, officials had said. Vietnam is seen as increasingly important to both superpowers, as it expands its role in global supply chains, importing industrial components from China that it assembles before exporting finished products to the United States or Europe. Washington upgraded its ties with Hanoi in September, elevating the United States to the same top tier as Chinas in Vietnam after a prolonged diplomatic push. As Chinas president, Xi travelled to Vietnam twice, with his latest visit in 2017, when he attended an Asia-Pacific summit with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and other leaders. China is a top investor in its southern neighbour, having committed to spending nearly $3 billion in Vietnam in the first nine months of this year, six times more than the U.S. in the same period and second only to Singapore, according to Vietnamese government data. Beijing and Hanoi are at odds about boundaries in the South China Sea and have a centuries-long history of conflict; Chinas latest war was fought against Vietnam in 1979. President Xi Jinping could visit Hanoi towards the end of October or the beginning of November, following US President Joe Bidens trip in September, according to four sources with knowledge of the planning. The visit would highlight the growing strategic significance of the manufacturing powerhouse in Southeast Asia as major nations compete for influence there despite mounting tensions between Beijing and Washington. A joint statement that would be released during the visit is currently being worked on, four individuals with knowledge of the negotiations told Reuters. Two of them said the parties were discussing a reference to being together in a community of common destiny, a phrase often used by Xi that some find controversial. Vietnamese officials were cautious about adding that reference, the two sources said. A fifth Vietnamese source said the joint statement was likely to include that reference. It could be interpreted as an elevation of ties between the two countries, according to two of the sources, but it is unclear what that would entail and what concrete agreements might be announced. That person, and the four informed about the negotiations, declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. The visit has not been announced and could still be called off or postponed, but logistical arrangements have been explored. All important diplomatic activities of Vietnam would be announced to you when appropriate, Vietnams foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang told a news conference on Thursday when asked about the possible visit. The ministry did not reply to emailed questions from Reuters about the timing of the visit and the content of the joint statement. Chinas foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. State visit preparations One of the sources said China had sent a team to Hanoi to organise accommodations for Xis delegation. Another said the team has been looking to book 800 rooms in hotels in Vietnams capital, a number in line with a state visit. Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi was expected to visit Hanoi in mid-October to help finalise the joint statement, the source added, if sufficient progress on the text has been made. The timing of Xis visit would coincide with Vietnams bi-annual monthlong parliament session, where he gave a speech during a previous trip to Hanoi in 2015. The trip has been under preparation for months, officials had said. Vietnam is seen as increasingly important to both superpowers, as it expands its role in global supply chains, importing industrial components from China that it assembles before exporting finished products to the United States or Europe. Washington upgraded its ties with Hanoi in September, elevating the United States to the same top tier as Chinas in Vietnam after a prolonged diplomatic push. As Chinas president, Xi travelled to Vietnam twice, with his latest visit in 2017, when he attended an Asia-Pacific summit with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and other leaders. China is a top investor in its southern neighbour, having committed to spending nearly $3 billion in Vietnam in the first nine months of this year, six times more than the US in the same period and second only to Singapore, according to Vietnamese government data. Beijing and Hanoi are at odds about boundaries in the South China Sea and have a centuries-long history of conflict; Chinas latest war was fought against Vietnam in 1979. European Union leaders are set to discuss enhancing the competitiveness of their bloc and be at the forefront of the development of new green and digital technologies. They also seek to reduce its dependence on third countries, with a particular focus on China. European Council president Charles Michel has written to leaders before the summit, saying that Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had set Europe on a course to reduce its energy dependency and build a more robust economic base. The Granada summit, he said, would be a time to look forward by defining a strategy to ensure the EUs resilience and competitiveness in a challenging geopolitical environment. The meeting in southern Spain will help steer discussions in the coming months on European Commission proposals that could lead to tighter control of exports and outflows of technologies, particularly those that could be put to military use. The EU executive plans to work with the 27 EU members to assess by the end of the year whether there are any risks to the blocs economic security linked to advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and biotechnology. It is part of the European Economic Security Strategy unveiled by the Commission in June that calls for strengthening the EUs own internal market, fostering research, forging alliances with reliable partner and using existing trade defence tools and considering new ones. Part of the debate will centre on the degree to which countries are willing to harmonise their policies on national security and transfer certain powers to Brussels. Another aspect will be the extent to which European markets should remain open to foreign companies. Countries such as Sweden and the Netherlands want more open markets, while others such as France has more focus on protecting domestic producers. Speculation has been rife for the past couple of days over the identity of the Khalistan extremist whisked away by police from in front of Indias London embassy after a protest. Firstpost has confirmed that it was none other than Gurcharan Singh, the man who desecrated the Tricolour and poured cow urine over it. Highly-placed sources told Firstpost that Gurcharan, a leader of pro-Khalistan Dal Khalsa UK, was, in fact, not just ushered away from the protest by the police, but was arrested. According to sources, he was later released on bail on a personal bond at around 8pm UK time. The Indian community is livid, however, since Singh, sources said, was not arrested for the October 2 protest where he insulted the Tricolour and delivered a hate speech, but was booked for an earlier hate crime wherein on March 22 he had threatened a Gujarati man with slaps and called for the total annihilation of cow urine drinking Gujaratis. The entire incident had been caught on camera. The victim, a Gujarati Hindu in London, was passing by a pro-Khalistan protest organised against India in the aftermath of the crackdown on another Khalistani element Amritpal Singh. Brandishing a Khalistan flag, Singh had threatened: You Gujaratis need to listen carefully. Run away, or I will slap you. If you want to have Langar, have it quietly and leave. Your cow urine-drinking community has created a lot of drama. Tell every Gujarati. If the war starts, this time, we will fight in Gujarat. We will fight inside your house. Now go and drink cow urine. WATCH: Khalistan extremist Gurcharan Singh abuses, threatens a Gujarati in London Watch: In a viral video today, a radical Khalistan extremist can be seen threatening a Gujarati passerby in foreign country pic.twitter.com/H48rUYRtEH DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) March 22, 2023 This is not the first time that Gurcharan Singh has hit the headlines for the wrong reasons. He has been seen fraternising with the likes of Paramjit Singh Pamma, designated as a terrorist by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and who is on the premier agencys most wanted list. On October 2, the two were again seen together in the protest outside the Indian High Commission in London abusing and insulting the Tricolour. WATCH: Khalistan extremists desecrate Indian Tricolour in front of Indias London embassy The Indian and US Armies snipers conducted a joint military exercise in Americas Alaska as part of the Excercise Yudh Abhyas. Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu visited the exercise area to observe the training activities. Observing live fire field training activity at Exercise #YudhAbhyas #Alaska. pic.twitter.com/VF56pk4oXd Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) October 6, 2023 Sandhu also expressed his gratitude to the US Army and the 11th Airborne Division for hosting troops. The 11th Airborne Division is a US Army airborne formation based in Alaska. Indian envoy Taranjit Singh Sandhu took to his social media X and said, Deepening Defense Partnership! Wonderful to witness #IndianArmy@ADGPI and @USArmy soldiers in action at Exercise #YudhAbhyas in Alaska. Thank @USARPAC @11thAirborneDiv for hosting troops. What is Exercise Yudh Abhyas? The 19th edition of the joint military exercise began on 25 September and will go on till 8 October and is being conducted in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, US. It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the United States Army. The previous edition of the Exercise was conducted in Auli, Uttarakhand, India in November 2022. The exercise entails exchanging the best practices, enhancing interoperability and strengthening the bond between the two Armies. The theme of this years Exercise is Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/ Extreme Climatic Conditions under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. The military exercise is being participated by The Indian Army contingent comprising 350 personnel. The lead battalion from the Indian side is affiliated with the MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment. With inputs from ANI Iran has withdrawn the morality police from Tehrans metro system after a 16-year-old girl went into a coma for allegedly being beaten over not wearing a hijab. The victim, Armita Gravand is currently in critical condition and is undergoing treatment in a government hospital in the capital city. Her family and relatives have reportedly not been allowed to visit the hospital, sources told The Telegraph. In August, the government in Iran deployed the morality police on metro premises as ordered by Tehrans ultra-conservative mayor Alireza Zakani. However, a Kurdish rights group called Hengaw claimed, none of the morality police officers present on the day of Armitas incident have reported for duty. The group also said that Armitas mother Shaheen Ahmadi was not allowed to visit her daughter in the hospital and was arrested for even trying. Ominously reminiscent to #MahsaAminis situation last year, this graphic video shows 16-year-old #ArmitaGravand who was reportedly attacked by hijab enforcers on Tehrans metro for not covering her hair & is now in a coma. #WomanLifeFreedom #__pic.twitter.com/7CqyAzSaSR Jonathan Harounoff (@JonathanHaroun1) October 3, 2023 Shaheen Ahmadi was arrested and transferred to an unknown place in the premises of Tehrans Fajr Hospital, it said, citing an unnamed source. These claims were dismissed by Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency, saying that they are completely false. Gravand suffered severe injuries on Sunday after she was allegedly dragged out of a train at the Shohada Station in Tehran. The incident raised concerns across the world for being too similar to the case of Mahsa Amini, 22, who died in police custody last year. Media reports suggest that Iranian authorities have imposed a blanket ban on the coverage of the case involving Gravand. While the world is negotiating with the oppressive regime of Iran and legitimising and giving it a platform, history is repeating itself, Nazanin Bonyadi, an actress and human rights activist said. The world has come together to condemn Irans hardline hijab rules. On Wednesday, the UK and the US, along with 40 European countries, condemned Irans new chastity and hijab law at a United Nations Human Rights Council session. Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2023. Mohammadi, who is currently in prison, has been awarded the prestigious prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all. According to the Nobel Prize Organisation, Her brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs. Altogether, the regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Mohammadi contributed to Irans Woman, Life, Freedom movement which was triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after she was arrested for not wearing her hijab properly. Who is Narges Mohammadi? An engineer by profession, Narges Mohammadi had started to distinguish herself as an advocate of womens rights in the 1990s itself. She also worked as a columnist in various reform-minded newspapers. In 2003, Mohammadi became a member of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Tehran, an organisation founded by Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Mohammadi was arrested for the first time in 2011 following which she was sentenced to many years in prison over her efforts to help fellow incarcerated activists. She was also at the forefront of the fight to abolish the use of death penalties in Iran. Last years wave of protests became known to the political prisoners held inside the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. Once again, Ms Mohammadi assumed leadership. From prison she expressed support for the demonstrators and organised solidarity actions among her fellow inmates. The prison authorities responded by imposing even stricter conditions, the Nobel Peace Prize Committee said. It added, Narges Mohammadi is a woman, a human rights advocate, and a freedom fighter. In awarding her this years Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to honour her courageous fight for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran. Town officials say that three bears who infiltrated a tatami mat plant in northern Japan and camped out there for about a day have been apprehended. In Misato, a town in the Akita prefecture, where there have been an increasing number of reports of bear assaults in or close to residential areas, a patrolling town official observed the bears, thought to be a parent and two cubs, as they entered a tatami factory on Wednesday morning. The proprietor of the tatami plant claimed that although he spotted the bears strolling outside, he never anticipated that they would inside. Town officials and police officers rushed to the site, each wearing a helmet and carrying a shield, and kept watch. Local hunters used fire crackers to try to scare the intruders out, without success. They later set up a pair of cages at the entrance of the tatami factory and waited overnight. On Thursday morning, the bears were trapped in cages, two cubs in one and the adult in another. Television footage showed the cages being taken out of the factory and placed on a pickup truck with a crane. Misato issued an urgent message later Thursday to residents that all three bears had been captured. Media reports said the bears were later killed for fear that they would return to town and pose harm again if released. Akita has logged a record 30 cases of bear attacks on people in 2023 alone, increasingly in residential areas. Experts say they come down from forests looking for food due to a scarcity of acorns, their staple food. Officials warned residents not to leave garbage outside, and advised hikers to carry bells to make noise, and use anti-bear spray or lie flat face-down in case of an encounter with bears. (With inputs from agencies) Pakistan said on Friday that it would repatriate all illegal immigrants including thousands of Afghan nationals in orderly phases rather than in one go. Pakistans announcement on Tuesday of a November 1 deadline for people to leave or face forcible expulsion has frayed already soured relations with Afghanistans Taliban rulers, who said the threat to force out Afghan migrants was unacceptable. It will be done in phases, the foreign office spokeswoman, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, told reporters in Islamabad. She added the process would follow an orderly manner, in contrast to what she called some misconceptions that all of them would just be expelled in one go. She said it could start with people with criminal records, such as someone involved in a crime or smuggling. We will be looking into each case individually, she added. She did not have exact data on the total number of illegal immigrants, including Afghans. Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said on Tuesday some 1.73 million Afghans in Pakistan had no legal documents and the number of Afghan refugees in Pakistan totalled 4.4 million. Bugti said that the decision was taken by the countrys civil and military leaders in view of rising attacks by Islamist militants, alleging that 14 out of 24 suicide bombings in Pakistan this year were carried out by Afghan nationals. Pakistan has hosted the largest number of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979. Aid officials say Afghanistan is already facing a humanitarian crisis and the forced repatriation of large numbers of people would compound dire problems there. Decades of war in Afghanistan largely ended in mid-2021 when the Taliban re-took control as US-led foreign forces were withdrawing and a US-backed government collapsed. While Pakistan has for years favoured the Taliban as Afghanistans best option as the countrys rulers, relations have deteriorated over the past couple of years, largely over accusations that Islamists fighting the Pakistani state operate from Afghan territory. The Taliban deny it. Pakistans foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani defended the order for the departure of illegal immigrants, saying no other country allowed illegal immigrants to stay and live. So, accordingly this is in line with the international practice that we have taken this decision, the minister told Hong Kongs Phoenix TV on the sidelines of a forum in Tibet. The Philippines has placed 42 airports on heightened alert and was seeking to verify warnings that bombs could be set off on commercial planes, its civil aviation authority said on Friday. Immediate enhanced security measures were being implemented across all Philippine commercial airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said in a media advisory, adding the warnings were being verified. It said the flights identified were headed to Cebu, Bicol, Davao and Palawan and the warnings were received by email by air traffic services. The islands of Cebu and Palawan are popular destinations for foreign tourists. It was not immediately clear when the threats were issued. While the information is currently under validation, immediate enhanced security measures are being implemented across all airports, it said. Transport minister, Jaime Bautista, said patrols and K9 units were deployed at all terminals of Manilas international airport and law enforcement agencies were coordinating closely. There are no expected impact to any scheduled flights and we would like to ensure the travelling public that protocols are in place to ensure everyones safety and security, he said in a statement. Justin Trudeau has not just soured his ties with India, but is also facing wrath of the citizens of his own country. A video of him being confronted by an angry Canadian man while engaging with supporters has gone viral on social media. In the video, Trudeau can be seen waving at people waiting to meet him. The Canadian PM can be seen interacting with a child sitting in a stroller and after a few seconds, he proceeds to greet people standing a little away, where a person can be heard saying in an angry tone, I am not shaking your hand bro, youre a f**king piece of sh*t man. Shocked by the mans demeanour, Trudeau asked him for the reason of his strong reaction. The man then said: You f**ked up this entire country. Trudeau then can be heard asking the man, How did I mess up this country? to which the man replied, Can anybody afford a home? highlighting the national housing crisis that Canadians are struggling with. The man further said: Youre charging people a carbon tax, you got 9 V8s here idling, underscoring the contradiction in Trudeau advocating for carbon pricing while his motorcade demonstrated a high level of carbon emissions, according to the man. Trudeau, meanwhile, attempted to justify the carbon tax, saying, You know what were doing with that carbon tax? Then, the man recording the video interrupted and asked, Were getting charged for what? The Canadian PM then went on to explain that his government is putting a price on pollution, and were returning it to families like yours. The man then switched the conversation to another topic and started to criticise nearly $10 billion allocation of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine following Russias invasion in February 2022. Justin Trudeau gets a put in his place, told that he f***ed up the entire country, and gets grilled for leaving his SUV motorcade idling while charging poor Canadians a Carbon Tax. pic.twitter.com/TNgKuhapb5 Keean Bexte (@TheRealKeean) October 5, 2023 You send it over to Ukraine, right? You send it over to the guy slaughtering his own country, the man accused Trudeau. The PM dismissed this concern as Russian propaganda and said: You have been listening to Putin, have you? he added. Trudeau then told the man, You know a lot of Russian disinformation, before he walked away. The plane crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to Vladimir Putin, was caused by hand grenades detonating inside the jet. Russian president said this while making first comments on the reason behind plane crash. He also speculated that the Wagner chief may have been high on drugs. Prigozhin was killed when his business plane crashed on August 23, two months after staging an abortive mutiny against Russian military authorities in which his Wagner mercenary forces temporarily took control of Rostov and marched towards Moscow. Two additional high Wagner commanders, four bodyguards for Prigozhin, and a crew of three were also slain. Putin said, citing information provided to him by the chairman of Russias investigating committee a few days ago. Fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed in the crash, Putin said at a gathering of the Valdai Discussion Club thinktank in Sochi, Russia. There was no external impact on the plane this is already an established fact, Putin stated, rejecting accusations from western intelligence services that the disaster was caused by a bomb. Putin did not go into detail about how the devices could have detonated on board, but he did suggest that drink and drugs could have played a role in the tragedy. Unfortunately, no examination was carried out to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs in the blood of the victims, Putin stated. Although we know that the FSB discovered not only 10 billion roubles in cash, but also 5 kilograms of cocaine, he remarked, alluding to the stacks of cash and drugs allegedly seized by the security services during a search of Prigozhins residence following his failed revolt. Putin criticized Russias experience with Wagner as clumsy, adding that the group was formed out of necessity rather than on the basis of Russian law. He said that there were no private military companies in Russia since there was no legislation to govern them. Putin went on to say that several thousand soldiers from the Wagner organization had signed contracts with Russias defense ministry. He made the remarks just days after the Russian president met with a former senior Wagner commander to explore how to best repurpose the notorious paramilitary force following the death of its founder. Ukrainian officials stated last week that some former Wagner fighters had returned to the battlefield but were serving as members of the regular army rather than as a separate force. After Prigozhins rebellion, Russia progressively took control of the Wagner group. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a powerful new strategic missile had undergone a successful test, but he did not completely rule out the potential that Russia may soon conduct nuclear-explosive weapons testing for the first time in more than three decades. Putin announced that Moscows Burevestnik cruise missile, a nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable weapon with a potential range of many thousands of kilometres, had undergone a successful test. Additionally, Putin revealed that construction on Russias Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile systemanother crucial component of its new generation of nuclear weaponshad nearly been finished at an annual gathering of analysts and journalists. Putin, who has repeatedly reminded the world of Russias nuclear might since launching his invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, said no one in their right mind would use nuclear weapons against Russia. If such an attack was detected, he said, such a number of our missiles hundreds, hundreds would appear in the air that not a single enemy would have a chance of survival. Russia has not conducted a test involving a nuclear explosion since 1990, the year before the collapse of the Soviet Union, but Putin declined to rule out the possibility it could resume such testing. He noted that the United States had not ratified the treaty that bans nuclear tests, whereas Russia had both signed and ratified it. It would be theoretically possible for the Duma, Russias parliament, to revoke its ratification, he said. Military analysts say a resumption of nuclear testing by Russia, the United States or both would be profoundly destabilising at a time when tensions between the two countries are greater than at any time in the past 60 years. In February, Putin suspended Russias participation in the New START treaty that limits the number of nuclear weapons each side can deploy. But there was no need, Putin said, for Russia to rewrite its doctrine on the actual use of nuclear weapons, which says it may fire them either in response to a nuclear strike against it or in the event of a threat to the existence of the state. Responding to a question from Russian analyst Sergei Karaganov, who has advocated lowering the threshold for nuclear use, Putin said: I simply dont see the need for this. He added: There is no situation today in which, say, something would threaten Russian statehood and the existence of the Russian state. No. I think no person of sound mind and clear memory would think of using nuclear weapons against Russia. Karaganov has raised eyebrows among both Russian and Western strategic analysts by arguing that it is time for Russia to lower its threshold for nuclear use in order to contain, frighten and sober up our opponents. He wrote in one recent article that Russia should shake up its enemies by threatening nuclear attacks on European countries and U.S. bases in Europe. Russia will soon discuss revoking the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the speaker of the lower house of parliament said Friday. Vyacheslav Volodin made the announcement, day after President Vladimir Putin evoked the possibility of such a move, which could further escalate tensions between Russia and the West amid Moscows military offensive in Ukraine. At the next meeting of the State Duma Council we will definitely discuss the issue of revoking ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Volodin said in a statement. This is in line with the national interests of our state. And it will be a mirror response to the United States which has not yet ratified the treaty. Russia ratified the treaty in 2000. Washington announced a moratorium on tests in 1992 and in 1996 signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty but has yet to formally ratify it. Theoretically, it is possible to revoke ratification, and if we do this, this will be enough, Putin said at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday. After the start of Moscows offensive in Ukraine Putin ordered the mobilisation of Russian nuclear forces and escalated nuclear rhetoric, giving rise to deep worries that he was willing to start a nuclear exchange. A Russian strike killed at least 51 people gathered for a wake in northeastern Ukraine Thursday, provoking outrage from Western leaders for what the UN warned could be a war crime. The mourners for a fallen Ukrainian soldier had gathered at a cafe in the village of Groza, in the Kharkiv region. People who had been in a shop in the same building were also killed in the attack on the small village, which had a population of 330 people. A spokeswoman for the regional assembly, quoted by Ukrainian media, said it was the single deadliest attack since the start of Russias full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022. AFP journalists at the scene of the aftermath saw blackened and dismembered bodies spread out on the ground opposite the ruins of the cafe. Police and soldiers loaded white body bags of unidentifiable bodies onto trucks that would take them to Kharkiv for DNA testing. My son was just found without a head, without arms, without legs, without anything. They recognised him from his documents, Volodymyr Mukhovaty, 70, told AFP. His wife and daughter-in-law were also attending the wake, he said, acknowledging he had little hope of finding them alive. I lived with my wife for 48 years, he said. I will not last long alone. Six-year-old victim A six-year-old child was also among the victims, said Interior Minister Igor Klymenko, who added that a total of 60 people had been attending the memorial service. The soldier, whose wake it was, had been killed a month after Russia invaded. He had been buried in the southern city of Dnipro away from his home village, then under Russian occupation. He was reburied in Groza on Thursday morning. His wife and son, also a soldier, were both killed in the strike, a spokesman for the regional prosecutors office was quoted as saying by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. Klymenko said initial evidence showed an Iskander missile had been used. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was attending a European summit in Spain, said he had no doubts that the strike had been deliberate. The Russian military could not fail to know where they were hitting, he said. It was not a blind strike. Zelensky also said he had secured agreements from several countries to provide Kyiv with more air defence systems and artillery, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain thank you! he said. Depravity German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had announced that Berlin would supply Kyiv with a new Patriot air-defence system, and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock later posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Germany would do everything for #Ukraine to protect itself from Putins missile terror. White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre meanwhile condemned the horrifying strike, saying this is why were doing everything that we can to help Ukraine. Denise Brown, the UNs humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, also called the attack absolutely horrifying, stressing that intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects is a war crime. And British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the strike demonstrated the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to, according to a spokesperson. Hours after the attack, Moscow said it had destroyed eight Ukrainian drones in western Russias Kursk and Belgorod regions, but made no mention of any casualties. And Russia continued its attacks overnight in Ukraine, targeting port infrastructure in the southern Izmail district, on the Danube river near the Romanian border. Ukraines air force said Friday it had downed 25 of 33 Russian attack drones in six regions, including Odesa, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Dnipro. It did not specify the targets the eight other drones may have struck. A child was killed and 16 others were wounded in a Russian strike in Kharkiv, the regions governor said. No military logic Large swathes of the Kharkiv region, including Groza, were captured by Russian forces in the early days of their invasion launched in February last year. Ukrainian forces recaptured much of the border territory during a lightning offensive late last year, but the area has continued to come under regular shelling. Zelenskys advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said the Groza attack had no military logic. This is a reminder to anyone who is willing to smile and shake hands with war criminal (Russian President Vladimir) Putin at international conferences, he said. Putins Russia is a true evil. A politician from the ruling party in South Korea claimed on Friday that police had apprehended a record number of drug-related criminals this year, underscoring the growing drug-related worries in South Korea. As of August, 12,700 individuals, nearly half of whom were unemployed, had been found guilty of drug-related offenses, exceeding the previous years total of 12,387, which was the greatest number in the previous 10 years, according to Rep. Jang Dong-hyuk of the ruling People Power Party, who cited statistics from the National Police Agency. The number of drug offenders has increased since peaking at about 5,000 in 2013, according to Jang. A judge-turned-politician named Jang claimed that a rise in the number of elders and teens had been noticeable. According to him, 294 teen arrests for drug offenses were made throughout the entire year of 2022, whereas 659 were made in the first eight months of this year. 3,046 drug offenders above the age of 60 were detained during that time, compared to 1,829 throughout the entirety of 2022. In terms of arrests for drug charges this year, those in their 20s came out on top with 3,731 individuals, followed by those in their 60s with 3,046 and those in their 30s with 2,351. After getting the maximum prison sentence for the crimes on Thursday, a convicted serial arsonist took a minute to gesture and smile at the victims. A Utah judge sentenced Calliope Mlynar, 20, to five years to life in prison after she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and arson. Prior to learning their fate, Mlynar told the judge that they did not believe imprisonment was necessary because Mlynar was not trying to hurt anybody and nobody died. The judge, however, disagreed. Mlynar was detained in December of last year after they set fire to their apartment building in Provo on Christmas morning. According to local station KSTU, Mlynar also acknowledged using gasoline to ignite six further unintentional fires. The Christmas fire did not cause any injuries, although it did demolish some units. According to Chief Lynn Schofield of Provo, the citys sporadic fires ended following Mlynars arrest. The judge was told by the victims that they were terrified for their lives and horrified by the fires devastation. One victim, who was able to escape her unit on Christmas with her 5-year-old child in time, said, It was easily the scariest experience that Ive ever been through in my life. That still has an impact on me today. Mlynar was sentenced to time behind bars as well as complete restitution of $55,000, according to KSTU. A federal court has allowed Tahawwur Rana more time to file his motion against extradition to India where he is facing a trial for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. In August, Rana had appealed before the Ninth Circuit Court against the order by a US District Court in the Central District of California that denied the writ of habeas corpus. On Tuesday, the Ninth Circuit Court agreed to his request for more time to file his motion, which was initially set for October 10. According to the latest court order, Ranas brief is now due on November 9 and the governments answer will be due on December 11, 2023. Earlier, on August 18, the court had granted Ranas motion for a stay of extradition so that his appeal could be heard by the US Court of Appeals. Rana 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. Following his request, Judge Fischer from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had asked Rana to submit his argument before October 10 and the US Government was asked to submit its response by November 8. Judge Fischer wrote that Rana has shown that he is likely to suffer significant irreparable harm absent a stay. He will be extradited to India for a trial on serious crimes with no hope for a review of his arguments or hope for his return to the United States. The government admits this but then argues that because this claimed irreparable harm applies categorically to any fugitive who seeks a stay of extradition pending appeal, it does not count, the judge had said. Earlier, US attorney John J Lulejian had appealed before the district court to deny Ranas exparte application for stay of extradition pending appeal and argued that the stay would cause unwarranted delay in the United States fulfilment of its obligations to India and this will damage its credibility in the international arena and impair its ability to obtain the cooperation of foreign nations in bringing United States fugitives to justice. Rana, he argued, cannot show a likelihood of success on the merits of his claims or otherwise meet his burden of justifying a stay. Accordingly, the United States respectfully requests that the court deny his ex parte application, the US attorney wrote. Lulejian argued that the district court should deny Ranas request for a stay for the threshold reason that he has failed to demonstrate that he is likely to obtain a reversal of this Courts decision in the Ninth Circuit. In his ex parte application for a stay, Rana has made no showing whatsoever, let alone a strong showing, that he is likely to succeed on the merits of his appeal, he argued. Indeed, he simply states that he seeks a stay to permit his non-bis in idem argument to be heard by the court of appeals. Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing Ranas role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The NIA has said that it is ready to initiate proceedings to bring him to India through diplomatic channels. A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people at iconic and vital locations of Mumbai. The United States and Mexico pledged Thursday to step up efforts to tackle flows of drugs and migrants, setting aside signs of friction over a US plan to extend a controversial border wall. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticized the announcement by Washington that it would add to the barrier that was a signature policy of Donald Trump, calling it a setback. It does not solve the problem. We must address the causes of migration, he told reporters shortly before meeting Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the National Palace. Blinken was accompanied by a delegation including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland for the high-level security talks. The synthetic opioid fentanyl continues to devastate families on both sides of the border, Blinken said at a news conference afterward. We have an obligation to do everything in our power to combat this scourge, he said, adding that the two countries were cooperating to dismantle clandestine drug labs. Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena stressed that the chemical precursors used to make fentanyl were not produced in Mexico but came from abroad. The Mexican Navy had proposed creating an international coalition to stop chemical precursor smuggling through measures such as improved traceability, she said. On migration, Blinken said the scale of the challenge demands that we redouble our efforts through measures such as modernizing border security, increasing legal migration pathways and addressing the root causes. Mayorkas said the two countries were committed to expanding safe, orderly and lawful pathways for migrants but with strict consequences for those who do not use lawful means to enter the United States. Those consequences include swift repatriation, the swift return of migrants and a ban on their re-entry, he said. With US President Joe Biden under pressure to halt border crossings as he seeks reelection, Washington announced Thursday that it would resume deportation flights to Venezuela after a deal with Caracas. Deadliest drug threat The United States saw a record of around 110,000 drug overdose deaths between March 2022 and March 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fentanyl accounted for some two-thirds of them. Garland said the two countries were taking on the dangerous drug trafficking cartels that are responsible for the deaths of both American and Mexican citizens. The fentanyl these cartels are producing and trafficking is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, he added. Last month Mexico extradited Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of imprisoned Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, to the United States to face narcotics charges. He is one of more than a dozen cartel leaders we have indicted and who have been extradited to the United States. He will not be the last, Garland said. The US Justice Department is pursuing three more of Guzmans sons, known as the Chapitos. US authorities are also targeting Chinese companies accused of cartel links. This week they announced sanctions on a China-based network accused of producing and distributing precursor chemicals. Mexico is plagued by cartel-related bloodshed that has seen more than 420,000 people murdered since the government deployed the military in the war on drugs in 2006. Lopez Obrador argues that investing in development projects in the region would help counter not only drug trafficking but also migration flows. He has angrily rejected calls by Republican politicians in the United States to send the US military to fight drug cartels. According to the Washington Post on Thursday, the White House is organising a face-to-face meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco next month as the two nations work to mend strained relations. Relationships between the two greatest economies in the world have deteriorated recently as a result of a variety of issues, including Taiwan, the cause of the COVID-19 epidemic, surveillance suspicions, human rights concerns, and trade tariffs, among others. Senior unnamed US officials were quoted by the publication as indicating that the likelihood of a meeting was pretty firm. Were beginning the process of planning, the official was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not comment specifically on the newspaper report. A spokesperson of the embassy said in an emailed statement that the two countries remained in communication and needed to expand good faith cooperation. The White House did not have an immediate comment. The meeting would follow other high-level engagements between the two countries in recent months that have seen visits from US officials to China like Secretary of State Antony Blinken in June, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in July and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in August. More recently, Blinken met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in New York and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta. Biden and Xis last meeting was on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia in November 2022, which was their first in person meeting since Biden became president. They previously had five exchanges by phone and video conference after Biden took office. Chinas top security agency hinted last month any meeting between Xi and Biden will depend on the United States showing sufficient sincerity. US officials like Raimondo and Yellen have recently said the United States did not want to decouple from China but Beijing has expressed concern over US approval of arms sales and military financing to Taiwan. San Francisco will host an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November that Xi may attend. Xi recently skipped the G20 summit in New Delhi that Biden attended. In carrying out a flagship programme of outgoing President Donald Trump, President Joe Bidens administration announced on Thursday that it will add sections to a border wall to deter record migrant crossings from Mexico. For the Republican Party candidature to take against Democrat Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election, Trump is the current front-runner. Trumps rally slogan, Build That Wall, turned border barriers into a cornerstone of his first run for the presidency. After taking office in January 2021, one of Bidens first acts was to make a proclamation promising that no more American taxpayer dollars be diverted to construct a border wall and ordering a review of all funds already allocated. The administration said Thursdays action did not deviate from Bidens proclamation because money that was allocated during Trumps term in 2019 had to be spent now. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement that there was no new Administration policy with respect to border walls. From day one, this Administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. Mayorkas said the construction project was appropriated during the prior administration and the law requires the government to use the funds, with an announcement made earlier in the year. We have repeatedly asked Congress to rescind this money but it has not done so and we are compelled to follow the law, he said. Trump, however, was quick to claim victory and demand an apology. As I have stated often, over thousands of years, there are only two things that have consistently worked, wheels, and walls! Trump wrote on social media. Will Joe Biden apologize to me and America for taking so long to get moving Mexicos President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called the move a step backwards. Immigration a political issue Immigration will likely be a campaign theme in the U.S. presidential race with a majority of Americans 54% agreeing with the statement that immigration is making life harder for native-born Americans, a September Reuters/Ipsos poll found. Some 73% of Republicans and 37% of Democrats surveyed agreed with that statement. The Biden administration decision to move forward with the border barriers will open the president to criticism from his left-leaning base, including immigration advocates and environmentalists opposed to more construction. In a notice published in the Federal Register on Thursday, Bidens Department of Homeland Security said it needed to waive a number of laws, regulations and other legal requirements to construct barriers in Starr County, Texas. The county is in Rio Grande Valley Sector where Border Patrol agents have encountered more than 245,000 people entering the United States this fiscal year, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the Federal Register post. There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries, he said. Environmentalists voiced their displeasure. Starr County is home to some of the most spectacular and biologically important habitat left in Texas, said Laiken Jordahl, Southwest conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, which has opposed the wall, in a statement, and now bulldozers are preparing to rip right through it. The White House in a statement said it has taken a different approach to try to fix the broken immigration system they said Biden inherited, including increasing legal pathways for migrants and investing in border security technology. Struggle with record migrant crossings The administration has been struggling operationally and politically with a record number of migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border during Bidens term with new highs hit in September. Biden initially promised to roll back many of Trumps immigration policies, but kept in place a COVID-era public health order known as Title 42, which allowed border agents to expel migrants to Mexico without a chance to seek asylum. When Title 42 expired on May 11 this year, the Biden administration replaced it with a tough new rule that requires migrants to make an appointment on a government-run smartphone app before approaching a legal port of entry or face a tougher bar for asylum if they cross the border illegally. Migrant numbers initially plummeted after the announcement of the new rule, but in recent weeks they began rising again, driven in part by thousands of migrants fleeing Venezuela. In another major enforcement action announced on Thursday, Biden administration officials said they would be resuming deportation flights to Venezuela, which had been suspended because of chilly relations between the two countries. Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, many fleeing economic and political turmoil at home, have trekked through the treacherous jungle region between Colombia and Panama known as the Darien Gap to reach the U.S.-Mexico border in the past two years. The increase of migrants has strained U.S. cities at the border and farther north. Asylum seekers can be released into the country to make their claims in immigration court where more than 2 million cases are pending, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, and often take years to resolve. Republican governors near the border, who say Biden is not doing enough to stop the crossings, have bused some arriving migrants to Democratically controlled cities such as New York and Chicago, with some Democratic leaders there now also criticizing Biden. New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday began a trip to Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador to tell would-be migrants that his city cannot accommodate them after local shelter systems have been overwhelmed. Around 11 million immigrants are in the U.S. without legal documentation, says the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute. Many have lived and worked in the country for years or decades. Biden tried early in his tenure to get a comprehensive immigration reform bill passed in Congress, but Republican opposition thwarted progress. The Venezuelan prosecutors office said Thursday it had issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Juan Guaido and would ask for Interpols help in his apprehension. Prosecutors were appointed to issue an arrest warrant against him and to request a Red Notice from Interpol so that he pays for his crimes, Prosecutor Tarek William Saab said. Living in exile in the United States, Guaido was accused of treason, usurpation of functions, money laundering and association with a view to committing a crime, the official said. The Venezuelan prosecutor said Guaido used the resources of PDVSA (the public oil giant) to cause losses close to or greater than $19 billion, adding that he relied on revelations provided to the press by a federal court in the United States. The former president of the National Assembly, Guaido proclaimed himself interim president of Venezuela in January 2019 after challenging the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro in 2018. Guaidos claim received support from dozens of countries including the United States, which had adopted a battery of sanctions against Caracas, including an embargo on Venezuelan oil. But Guaido failed to dislodge Maduro from power and has faded from the prominent role he once had. And late last year the Venezuelan opposition formally ended his position as acting president. Israel commemorates the 1973 war that nearly cost the nation its existence 50 years ago, but the sense of camaraderie that kept the nation together during that time seems like a distant memory to a generation that is more divided over the nation they were given. At the commencement of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Syrian tank columns and Egyptian brigades launched a surprise attack against Israeli soldiers on two fronts. A series of key battles on the northern Golan Heights and in the southern Sinai desert saw Israels army rebuff its enemies after falling completely unprepared and with many men on leave. There was terrifying fear, but we had faith that ultimately we would overcome we had to, said Uzy Zwebner, 69, who was rushed into battle against the Egyptians at the start of the war as a newly trained tank commander, before being wounded. The 50th anniversary has seen a flurry of newspaper editorials, television documentaries and features airing criticism of then-Prime Minister Golda Meir and her government for their failure to prepare. Several of Israels leaders fought in the war as young men, including conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Labour Party premier Ehud Barak, and their experience helped solidify a determination to do whatever they believed necessary to protect Israels security from outside enemies. Increasingly, however, any sense of unity has been eroded in a climate of increasing polarisation over the internal dynamics of Israeli society, brought out most clearly this year in the poisonous battle over Netanyahus plans to overhaul the powers of the judiciary. The issue has exposed deep divisions between his nationalist-religious supporters and more liberal and secular sections of Israeli society, posing major questions about the constitutional foundations of Israel and its future direction. Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in weekly protests against the changes, which the government says are needed to rein in overmighty liberal judges who encroach into politics, but which critics regard as an assault on Israels countrys democratic foundations. Among the protesters, large numbers of military reservists have declared they would refuse to attend duty, prompting warnings from the military establishment that the countrys security was potentially at risk. The ability to manage a dispute is one of the signs of a healthy society, but a dispute that is followed by a deepening of polarisation and division in Israeli society is dangerous, the army chief of staff General Herzi Halevi said in a speech last month commemorating the 1973 war. Saved the existence of Israel Although the war itself induced an immediate sense of national unity, many Israelis also felt profound shock that the country had been left exposed, fighting for its life as Syrian and Egyptian tanks poured across the battlefield. Coming a few years after the 1967 war in which Israeli forces defeated their Arab neighbours in less than a week, capturing territories where Palestinians now seek statehood, the cost in lives and the unpreparedness of the country in 1973 sparked recriminations which have continued to this day. Israeli forces, helped by US airlifts of supplies and equipment, battled numerically superior Syrian and Egyptian formations backed by the Soviet Union, before a U.N.-brokered ceasefire halted the fighting after some three weeks. Over 2,600 Israelis including Zwebners brother were killed, the largest loss of life Israel has ever suffered in a single war. On the other side, no exact casualty figures are known but estimates run as high as 15,000 Egyptian and 3,500 Syrian dead. Five years later, Israel signed a peace deal with Egypt, its first with an Arab country, then with Jordan in 1994, followed in 2020 by normalisation agreements with two Gulf states under the Abraham Accords. For many front-line soldiers, the war remains a traumatic event but the feeling many express five decades later is pride in having helped save their country. I had a meeting with my friends this week which really made me emotional, but you feel very much like you saved the existence of Israel, Zwebner said. For Zwebner, who himself opposes the judicial overhaul, a lesson of the 1973 war was that people had to be prepared to think for themselves rather than blindly accepting what leaders of any kind said. I think its good ultimately so leaders dont think that whatever they do is just taken for granted and that they are allowed to do anything. Germany was praised for its open-door policy at the height of Europes migrant crisis in 2015, with photos of locals displaying flowers and financial support to those seeking asylum after escaping violence and poverty in the Middle East being aired across the world. Eight years later, however, the atmosphere has soured, and political parties from all corners of the political spectrum are scrambling to outbid one another on measures to stifle unauthorised immigration, including limiting the number of asylum seekers who can be approved. Within the region that is often an open border for travel within the European Union, the center-left administration tightened border restrictions last week. On Wednesday, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser encouraged Germanys 16 states to offer tangible benefits to asylum seekers rather than financial aid to lessen the countrys draw. Migration analysts say much of the tougher stance is electioneering ahead of elections in Hesse and Bavaria on Sunday and in three eastern German states next year. But such unilateral moves by Europes largest economy risk having a cascade effect and burdening eastern neighbours with fewer resources, stoking tensions across the region. The number of refugees trying to get to Germany is too high at the moment, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday, departing from predecessor Angela Merkel, whose declaration Wir schaffen das (We can do this) became a mantra. This cannot go on, Scholz was quoted as saying by RND network on Saturday. The number of people requesting asylum in the 27-nation EU has risen 38% since 2019 to nearly one million last year, close to the record 2015 and 2016 levels, according to data from the EUs Agency for Asylum. A quarter of all those requests were made in Germany, making it one of the states with the highest rates of applications per capita. This year, it has seen requests soar around 80%. But the tipping point in the country of 84 million people was essentially reached after it automatically granted asylum to around a million Ukrainians fleeing Russias 2022 invasion, migration experts say, even as Germany was struggling itself through an energy and economic crisis. Some 86% of Germans are worried about migration, up from 67% last year, according to a Civey survey, as authorities scramble to provide them housing and benefits. A lot of crises are getting closer and closer and that automatically and always leads to people becoming more sceptical about migration, said Hannes Schammann, migration expert at the University of Hildesheim. Sham debate ahead of elections? Until recently, the parties tapping into these worries were the far-right Alternative for Germany, now in second place in nationwide polls, and the conservatives, polling in first place. The centre-right Christian Democratic Union formerly led by Merkel has shifted to a more critical and populist stance on asylum seekers under new leader Friedrich Merz, say analysts. They sit at the doctors and get their teeth redone, and the German citizens next door cant get appointments, Merz said on a talk show last week. This prompted a broad outcry and accusations including from a minister that Merz was stirring up hatred against migrants, charges that he denies. But with elections around the corner, Scholzs government is also tackling the issue head-on and adopting a tougher tone. Theres a political consideration here with elections coming up, because right-wing parties may be able to use these irregular (migrant) movements to their advantage, gaining visibility and votes, said AlbertoHorst Neidhardt, a migration specialist at the European Policy Centre think-tank. This is a concern across Europe, really, not only in Germany. But migration analysts say many of the proposals are neither actionable nor effective. The border controls announced by Faeser are a case in point, said Hans Vorlaender, chairperson of Germanys expert council on integration and migration. This is meant to have a deterrent effect but it is highly questionable if this will work because people will likely just try to come over green borders, he said, referring to open countryside beyond road and rail controls. Vorlaender noted that even if tougher controls worked, Germany risked creating a bigger problem for transit countries by bottling in migrants there. Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia have since acted to tighten their own frontiers. Unfortunately when we do not resolve this on the Schengen borderit leads to a chain reaction, said Prime Minister Ludovit Odor of Slovakia, where migrants kept arriving over the green border from Hungary, aided by people smugglers, this week. For every country it will mean higher costs, loss of time, and migrants will not disappear from EU territory. Not so tough after all? Germanys tougher stance on migration isnt so much a policy reversal as an evolution, said Susan Fratzke at the Migration Policy Institute. Berlin has sought to stem the influx of irregular migration in various ways since 2015, for example by pushing for the EU deal with Turkey whereby Ankara stops people on its soil heading to the bloc in exchange for perks like financial aid, she said. Ultimately, the measure with potentially the biggest impact could be the EUs reform of asylum law to better secure its external borders and share the hosting of asylum seekers more equitably, which member states agreed to on Wednesday. In Germany itself, Schammann said at least half of the counter-measures being bandied around were probably election campaign nonsense, adding: You just have to wait and see when the elections are over to see whats really left. Canada has moved out a majority of its diplomats working in India outside of New Delhi to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore after it gave Ottawa an October 10 deadline to reduce its diplomatic staff to achieve parity in strength following a row over the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to media reports. The report in CTV News, a privately-owned Canadian television network, came after India earlier this week asked Canada to withdraw several dozen diplomats from its missions amid the escalating diplomatic row that erupted following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegation linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Nijjar in June. Earlier, India 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. The Indian government has given Ottawa until October 10 to reduce Canadian diplomatic staff in that country to a level on par with the number of Indian diplomats in Canada, CTV News quoted sources as saying. Earlier reports pegged the number of diplomats that would have to leave at 41, but the people CTV News spoke with said the ask is specific to one of parity. A majority of the Canadian diplomats working in India outside of New Delhi have been evacuated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, the report said. Global Affairs Canada, the department that manages the countrys diplomatic and consular relations, had previously stated that with some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, it was assessing its staff complement in India. As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India, the department said, just days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder. India on Thursday asserted that Canada must reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to achieve parity in strength and alleged that some of the Canadian diplomats are involved in interfering in New Delhis internal matters, signalling a continuing slide in the ties between the two nations over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Nijjar. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi discussions on the modalities to arrive at mutual diplomatic presence are going on and gave a clear indication that India will not review its position on the issue. He said as Canadian diplomatic presence in India is much higher compared to Indias strength in Canada, it is assumed that there would be a reduction. Our focus is on ensuring parity in diplomatic strength, he said. The spokesperson, however, did not reply to questions on reports that October 10 is the deadline set by New Delhi for Ottawa to reduce the number of its diplomats in India. I would not like to get into the details of diplomatic conversation, he said. It is learnt that the number of Canadian diplomats in India is around 60 and New Delhi wants Ottawa to reduce the strength by at least three dozen. Asked whether Canada has shared with India any information or evidence relating to Nijjars killing, Bagchi referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars recent remarks that if any specific or relevant information is shared with New Delhi, it is open to looking at it. Nutridor, a leading food and beverage (F&B) company under TGI Group, has launched its first state-of-the-art dairy production facility in Dubai at a cost of AED 75 million ($20 million). Located in Dubai Industrial City, part of Tecom Group, the facility will cater to the demand for Nutridors high-quality dairy products under the Abevia brand. The new dairy facility has a total built-up area of 100,000 sqft and was developed in less than a year, including the installation of the latest technologies and innovations in dairy manufacturing to ensure that Abevia continues to deliver high-quality products to its customers. The commencement of commercial operations from the factory will double Abevias production capacity to 120,000 litres of milk a day. In line with the UAE Net-Zero 2050 strategy, the facility has been designed to ensure zero waste and will use solar power to meet 100,000 kilowatt-hours worth of its energy requirements. Nutridor is saving 8,144 tonnes of carbon emissions equivalent to removing 1,759 cars from the roads or planting 135,735 trees over a decade by moving its manufacturing base to the district. Its strategic location within Dubai Industrial City close to Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, key national highways, and soon, an Etihad Rail freight terminal will provide greater access to new markets for Abevia. Mohammed Al Kamali, COO of Manufacturing & Export Development at DEDC, said: The inauguration of Nutridors facility underscores the steadfast support of Tecom Group and Dubai Industrial City in their commitment to fostering a conducive environment for new ventures, which contributes directly to Dubais economic diversification, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The factory will help to deliver value-added dairy products, supporting Nutridors goal of reducing import reliance and enhancing its position in the regional F&B sector. Nutridor estimates revenues of AED 110 million from the factorys operations. Commenting on the new factory on behalf of Dubai Industrial City, Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at Tecom Group, said: Localising manufacturing activity in the F&B sector is paramount as economic and ecological conditions evolve around the world. It is a critical lever to unlock enhanced food security, economic growth, and positive environmental impact at a global scale. Nutridor has a vast network of operations in the Middle East and Africa region, with customers in over 15 countries, including the GCC nations, Jordan, Lebanon, Angola, Gambia, Ghana, and Senegal. The new Abevia factory at Dubai Industrial City will create over 200 new direct and indirect jobs. Commenting on the factorys launch, Sankha Biswas, CEO of Nutridor said: This facility represents a pivotal juncture for Nutridor and Abevia that will allow us to manufacture our products locally and fulfil the regions burgeoning demand for high-quality dairy products. We will seek to continually grow and expand our product offerings. TradeArabia News Service Google has released a major update for Pixel Buds Pro, incorporating enhanced AI features. These improvements are designed to work well with the Pixel 8 series. Pixel Buds Pro will also be available in new colors, Bay and Porcelain, to match the Pixel 8 series and the Pixel Watch 2. The updates for Pixel Buds Pro include: Clearer Voice Calls: Pixel Buds Pro use smart technology to enhance your phone calls. They support Bluetooth Super Wideband on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which makes your voice sound better. It also reduces background noise on the other end of the call. Hands-Free Conversations: Thanks to AI, you dont need to take out your earbuds to talk. Conversation Detection pauses your music when you start speaking and resumes it when you stop. No need to touch anything. Faster Gaming Audio: For gamers, Pixel Buds Pro minimize the delay when playing on Bluetooth. This makes your gaming experience more immersive and dynamic. Available with Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Hearing Wellness Suggestions: The Pixel Buds Pro app helps you understand your listening habits and gives advice on keeping your hearing healthy. It reminds you when to lower the volume. Chromebook Compatibility: The Pixel Buds app is now available on Chromebooks. You can adjust settings, change noise control modes, and update firmware directly from your Chromebook. Availability These updates are rolling out today for Pixel Buds Pro users. You can also pre-order them in two new colors (Bay and Porcelain) for USD 199.99 (Rs. 16,639 approx.) in the U.S. Sursa: Facebook/ Mircea Geoana Articol de promovare a lui Mircea Geoana in Foreign Policy: Romania se afla intr-un punct de cotitura periculos/ Mai exista inca licariri de speranta / Secretarul adjunct al NATO este favorit sa castige presedintia / Ce a scris publicatia despre Marcel Ciolacu In 2023, new flavours have aimed to disrupt this order and become the new choice of dip carrier for Kiwis. Weve ranked all the new potato chip tastes that have hit Kiwi shelves this year to find out if there are any contenders, or if theyre all just pretenders. 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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 Soft power billions seek 'consent' US State Department warns Beijing is throwing massive sums at furthering its aims and Taiwan is on the frontline. By Chris Taylor for RFA, Eva Xia and Hwang Chun-mei for RFA Mandarin 2023.10.05 -- Amid ongoing efforts by the Taiwanese authorities to stem a roiling tide of Chinese money and disinformation aimed at influencing Taiwan's January presidential elections, the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office on Tuesday indicted members of the Taiwan People's Communist Party. A day later, National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen warned Taiwan's legislature that Beijing's methods of interference in the elections have also diversified, including manipulating public opinion polls and packaging false information as reports from international media. The development came just days after the U.S. State Department's Global Engagement Center issued a report warning that China is engaged in a global campaign of disinformation, throwing billions of dollars at furthering Beijing's aims and burying all criticism of its policies. The sums in the Taiwan Communist Party case - totaling around US$11,000 in contributions for Don Quixote windmill tilts at office in Taiwan, among other accusations - are paltry by comparison to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) alleged billions sloshing around the world in pursuit of a coherent soft-power narrative. But the fact that Taiwan even has a communist party signals that Taiwan's inclusive, democratic society makes it vulnerable to information influencing campaigns. Allegations in Taiwan are subject to due legal process, which makes it vulnerable to unscrupulous bad actors. Chief among these is the CCP's United Front organizations - funded networks of groups and individuals that advance Beijing's interests - which have been assiduously working for decades to bring Taiwanese around to the idea of unification. Funding is growing year by year. According to Ryan Fedasiuk, a Non-Resident State Department Fellow at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology, based on information from more than 160 budget and expense reports from national and regional PRC government and Communist Party entities "organizations central to China's national and regional united front systems spent more than US$2.6 billion in 2019." That's more money than China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs got, according to Fedasiuk. Diversified disinformation: more targeted and nuanced Analysts say that China's disinformation has become more targeted and nuanced over the years. Kenddrick Chan, head of the Digital International Relations project at LSE IDEAS, said: "It is important to recognise that disinformation from Beijing often takes on different tones and varies in messaging, depending on the target audience. "For the younger crowd, it is more of portraying the U.S. as an 'unreliable ally,' with Ukraine and Afghanistan being examples etc. Beijing knows that the 'China is your friend' line is much less likely to work for the younger generation." But, for the older generation, says Chan, "the messaging tends to be that the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] has messed up across the spectrum, from worsening Cross Strait's relations to economic mismanagement etc." Last week a State Department report said, "The PRC suppresses critical information that contradicts its desired narratives on issues such as Taiwan, its human rights practices, the South China Sea, its domestic economy, and international economic engagement. More broadly, the PRC seeks to cultivate and uphold a global incentive structure that encourages foreign governments, elites, journalists, and civil society to accept its preferred narratives and avoid criticizing its conduct." Last year, Taiwan was the leading target for foreign - and China - disinformation for nine years in a row, according to V-Dem, a Swedish institute that produces annual reports dedicated to pulling back the veil on global disinformation. In the Taiwan legislature on Wednesday, National Security Bureau's Tsai told legislators that apart from military intimidation, the CCP United Front was also exerting economic pressure, including putting pressure on Taiwanese businesses, disseminating false information and shaping a narrative that Taiwan must choose between "peace or war" in the January presidential elections. DPP legislator Lin Ching-yi asked Tsai whether Taiwanese collaborators were playing "ping pong" with the United Front, referring to "pay to play" bounce-forward-bounce-back amplification of disinformation. "There's an industry chain involved in the operation of false information," Tsai replied. "The CCP quotes international media, such as Russian media, to present it as an international media report, and then creates disputed information to resell to the industry chain. Distribution channels include one-time accounts, stolen accounts and AI technology to massively generate artificial accounts." But long-time Taiwan commentator and election pollster Courtney Donovan Smith said despite all the money being thrown at influencing elections in Taiwan by the CCP's United Front, he thought that Taiwan's electorate was becoming increasingly better at sorting the wheat from the chaff. "They'll [the United Front] run into diminishing returns as more and more people grow suspicious, [and] eventually they'll only be trusted by the hardcore and extreme voters who want to believe them. "It will take time, though, so I'm worried it might impact this election." Chan of LSE IDEAS was more cautious, noting that influencing Taiwan's elections may not be as simple as China's United Front imagines. "Of course, it is safe to say that CCP influence campaigns have had a non-negligible effect on the decision-making process of voters," he said. "However, there are also other factors at play here - some voters might give more weight to socio-economics issues as opposed to geopolitical ones." He added, "This is where you can see the dynamics of Taiwanese politics at play." Blame the Americans As Chan noted, the 'China is your friend' line is widely met with justified skepticism by Taiwanese, who closely watched the CCP's hard-handed and increasing control of Hong Kong after the 2019 protests. But "Americans are untrustworthy" is a line the CCP's United Front sees as having traction. Last month, The Taiwan Information Environment Research Center (IORG) released a report entitled "U.S. Skepticism Narratives and Where They Come From." According to the report, the CCP leads the way in skepticism towards the U.S., shaping a worldview for Chinese-speaking readers that aligns with the CCP's interests. Between 2021 and the first half of 2023, the United Front, the report said, highlighted shortages of COVID-19 vaccine supplies, the Biden administration's first arms sale to Taiwan, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, TSMC's establishment of factories in the U.S. and the CCP's military exercises against Taiwan in April of this year - the latter being a scare tactic: vote wrong, vote for war. The IORG classified the above as mostly "conspiracy theories" that aimed to lead Taiwanese to see the U.S. and Taiwanese elites as conspiring to exploit the Taiwanese people and profit from them. The investigation found that the CCP accounted for some 84% of such narratives. "Skepticism towards the U.S. can be understood as an authoritarian regime's attempt to create dissent against its competitors," Huang Jaw-nian, assistant professor at National Chengchi University's Graduate Institute of National Development, told Radio Free Asia Mandarin service. "From China's perspective, it crafts 'dissent against the U.S.' and covertly infuses agreement with China." Jasmine Lee, analyst at BowerGroupAsia and co-editor at U.S. Taiwan Watch said her research suggests the CCP is involved in more than half of the disinformation efforts that she described as "Fake Friends, Fake Democracy, Anti-World and Destroy Taiwan." "Is it possible that ... the CCP understands better than the Taiwanese whether the U.S. and Taiwan are friends? Is China more aware of the crucial role of democracy in U.S.-Taiwan relations?" she asked. "No," she said. "It's just that China understands the leadership position of the U.S. in the world, and so they want to tell you that the U.S. is 'anti-world' and will harm Taiwan." Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. 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 October 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 Afghanistan: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP Plenary on the human rights situation European External Action Service (EEAS) 04.10.2023 Strasbourg EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament, Since the Taliban's announcement of the amnesty in August 2021, the [European] Union has monitored closely its implementation. The recent report of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documents at least 800 human rights violations against former government officials and Afghan National Defense and Security Force members. These numbers only reflect the verifiable and reported incidences, so the actual numbers might be even higher. Afghanistan is State Party to the Geneva Conventions, which postulate that the authorities shall endeavour to grant the broadest possible amnesty when a conflict has ended. Moreover, Afghanistan remains State Party to several international human rights treaties and conventions that prohibit extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and torture and ill-treatment. The European Union condemns the human rights violations against former government officials and former armed forces members in Afghanistan. We often raise this concern directly with the Taliban, the same way we raise the blatant violation of basic women's rights. We support strong monitoring and accountability mechanisms, including the Human Rights component of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Through EU-led resolutions at the UN Human Rights Council, we have strengthened the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett. As the largest donor to the International Criminal Court, the European Union acknowledges its Afghanistan investigation, which is an important additional initiative to ensure accountability. We will continue to support Afghan human rights defenders and civil society in Afghanistan and abroad as they courageously try to defend the rights and address the plight of the Afghan people. We are closely monitoring the human rights situation and engages in exchanges with Afghan civil society. The UN Assistance Mission discusses human rights issues, including its Human Rights reports, with the Taliban de facto authorities. Following the report of human rights violations against former government officials and armed forces members, the Taliban publicly announced that any act of revenge is considered a crime and perpetrators would be prosecuted. Yet, we will continue assessing the Taliban by their actions, and not just by their words. So far, there is little evidence of preventative action being taken, beyond public statements. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania Vladimir Putin met with President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania, who is in Russia on a working visit. October 4, 2023 22:00 Sirius President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Bzhania, I know that Sirius has students from Abkhazia as well. President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania: Yes, it does. Vladimir Putin: This centre provides vast opportunities. Hopefully, our cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, in education and in our efforts to support children - particularly, talented and high-potential kids - will continue. Overall, how satisfied are you with the training the students are getting here? Aslan Bzhania: Well, this is the third time I have visited the centre; I took a tour a while back, and I still remember it very well. I met with the kids who study at this centre, and it is great. I come from a family of Soviet teachers. To compare what we had back then and what is available now, all these innovations and opportunities - they are obviously our investments in the future, which will definitely bring tangible results. We are happy that such a centre is located close to us, to Abkhazia, due to your efforts and your patronage. Thank you very much. Vladimir Putin: Mr Bzhania, just recently Abkhazia celebrated two holidays - Day of Recognition as well as Victory and Independence Day. I would like to congratulate you once again and wish all the best to you, to Abkhazia and its people. First, I would like to note that the overall situation is developing well; our mutual trade increased by 73 percent last year. As many as 64 regions of the Russian Federation maintain relations with Abkhazia in different areas. Over 200 joint ventures are operating, and I hope they will continue their work. All events are underway under the programme of adaptation to the economic and social working conditions in Russia, as well as our joint programme for the development of Abkhazia's socioeconomic sector. Possibly, there are issues that require some additional attention, and we will proceed on that with you. Aslan Bzhania: Thank you very much, Mr Putin. Actually, we have noted with satisfaction that our relations have recently received additional impetus. The coordination process is underway, with much already achieved and a lot to be done. This is what brings our stances closer as part of our work on creating a single socioeconomic space as well as a defence space. This is essential, and we will continue this work. Our joint efforts have resulted in a recently adopted document that allows citizens of Abkhazia to acquire Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure. This is also a big step as our citizens are very positive in this regard. We are willing to and will follow the agreements formalised in our fundamental documents. We want to take part in the integration processes initiated by Russia and with its participation; this goes in line with Abkhazia's fundamental interests, which we believe to be very important. We would like to thank you for that. Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Patriot missile plan stirs debate in Palau Palau President Whipps said a U.S. missile defense system would be for security not aggression. By L.N. Reklai for BenarNews 2023.10.04 -- Stationing a U.S. missile system in Palau would be for security not aggression as the Pacific island country's close relationship with the United States means it is already a target of possible attack, President Surangel Whipps has said amidst local criticism of the proposal. Whipps, at a press conference on Wednesday, said Palau needs the same protection as Guam, a U.S. territory in the north Pacific that has a Patriot missile system to protect it from attacks. Whipps floated the idea of an air-defense system for Palau in an interview with Japan's Nikkei Asia that coincided with the U.S.-Pacific islands leaders summit in Washington last week. "We are already a target. The targets are the radar sites, the port, the airport and the facilities that the United States can use in times of conflict," said Whipps. "So we are just saying, if we are already a target, make sure our country is defended and defended with the best defenses possible." Patriot is the U.S. army's main air and missile defense system and is capable of bringing down ballistic and cruise missiles as well as aircraft. It is used in 18 countries, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Palau and its neighbors the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands comprise hundreds of islands spread over a vast expanse of ocean in the northwest Pacific. They have among the world's largest exclusive economic zones and militarily strategic seas near East Asia, a region of potential flashpoints in the intensifying China-U.S. competition. All three delegate their defense to the U.S. and over the next two decades could receive more than $7 billion of financial and economic assistance from Washington under so-called compacts of free association, subject to Congressional approval. The U.S. Army has previously carried out live fire tests of a Patriot missile system in Palau, the most recent in July at the country's international airport and in 2022 during Valiant Shield exercises, according to DVIDS, a U.S. military news service. The U.S. is building an over-the-horizon radar in Palau that it hopes to complete in 2026 and recently strengthened maritime security ties with a new agreement that allows the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce regulations in Palau's exclusive economic zone without a Palauan officer present. The possibility of a permanent air defense missile system in Palau has raised concerns among some figures in the country. Former President Johnson Toribiong said the Palau traditional leaders and elected leaders should be consulted. "It is necessary because, in that process, the people of Palau will be well informed about the nature of the Patriot Defense System, its impacts on our natural and social environments, and whether Palau may become a potential target of the preemptive strike or return fire in time of military conflict," said Toribiong. Hokkons Baules, president of Palau's Senate, said U.S. interests rather than Palau's are served by a military buildup in the country. "This is a U.S. interest matter, the Indo-Pacific," he said. "We senators believe Palau has no enemies. And we believe the U.S. should only step in when there is conflict. This build-up is U.S. interest, not ours." Whipps said the July test of the missile system was to assess the process of it being deployed from Guam in a time of threat. He said a national leadership meeting believed that the three-hour deployment time was too long and senators at the meeting had recommended a permanent installation. Baules said the Senate as a whole has not made that recommendation. "Some people say it makes us a target, but I say presence is deterrence," Whipps said. 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 October 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 MOD updates Cabinet on convenient procurement of M4A1 assault rifles through U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 04.10.2023 The MOD updated the Cabinet on the intention to procure M4A1 assault rifles with accessories through the U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. The Cabinet took note of the informative document on the planned procurement of 5,000 U.S.-made Colt M4A1 Carbines chambered in 5.56 x 45 NATO. In a statement, Defence Minister Martin Sklenar said: "Our Armed Forces have technically outdated standard service rifles in their arsenal. The rifles no longer meet the conditions for todays conduct of combat operations. Although some of the forces do have more modern rifles, they have not been procured in sufficient numbers to enable the Slovak Armed Forces to undertake all tasks. If we fail to deal with this challenge soon enough, this war-fighting capability of our Armed Forces will be lost." For Slovakia, the procurement of the Colt M4A1 Carbines through the U.S. FMF programme is very advantageous. "Thanks to our very good cooperation with the U.S., clear position on Ukraine, and decisive and continued support to our neighbour, we will get the rifles, more or less, for free," Minister Sklenar added. He further noted that the total price for 5,000 Colt M4A1 Carbines, including accessories, spare parts and technical support, is US$17,372,291 in U.S. foreign military financing (FMF) assistance. After receiving the weapons, the MOD will transfer 20% VAT into the State's treasury bank account. This transaction will have no impact on the public budget as the funds have been budgeted for MOD expenditure. The MOD has plans to procure assault rifles for the Slovak Armed Forces in two ways. In addition to getting 5,000 Colt M4A1 Carbines through the U.S. FMF programme, the MOD plans to put the additional standard combat rifles out to international competition. Needless to say, the M4A1 rifles have in the past been procured for the Slovak Special Operations Forces (SOF), using the FMF process. Fully consistent with the Soldier's Personal Weapon & Equipment Development Concept and modernisation requirements, the new assault rifles are compatible with the standard combat rifles and ammunition used by several armed forces in NATO member states. Deliveries of the assault rifles via the FMF programme are scheduled for 2025. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MOD to enter into negotiations with Poland and Israel on very short-range and medium-range air defence systems Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 04.10.2023 Following the government's approval today, the Slovak Defence Ministry can enter into negotiations to secure the first stage acquisition of air defence (AD) systems. In doing so, the MOD is acting on the recommendations of MOD subject matter experts (SMEs) for the very short-range and medium-range air defence (VSHORAD & MRAD) systems. The MOD has been mandated to start negotiations with the Government of the Republic of Poland to prepare the G2G documents necessary to procure 36 Polish-made Piorun MANPAD sets. Similarly, the MOD is to lead negotiations with the Government of the State of Israel to procure one (1) BARAK MX mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM-M) system. In both cases, draft contract documents will be submitted to the government for approval before signing. In a statement, Defence Minister Martin Sklenar said: "I want to thank the Cabinet for taking a responsible decision - a step necessary to meet the long-term Air Defence Capability requirements of the Slovak Armed Forces, while the identified proposals fully respect economic considerations in procurement. These are, undoubtedly, the most advantageous solutions that will clearly serve the interest of protecting our homeland from aerial threats." If talks with the selected states are unsuccessful, the MOD will open negotiations with the countries next on the list according to the final bidders' ranking. After completing the bid evaluation process for the VSHORAD & MRAD systems, a team of MOD experts proposed the best solutions to Slovakia's Air Defence Capability, taking account of all relevant criteria such as technical capabilities, total procurement price, integrated logistical support services, service life costs, schedule of delivery, and training of operators. The overall procurement costs for the two types of AD systems, initially estimated at 196,450,677 (including VAT), stand at 193,985,880 (including VAT). The VSHORAD & MRAD systems are set to be delivered into service with the Slovak Armed Forces from 2024 to 2027. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SETAF-AF and North Dakota NG highlight National Guard SPPs in Africa By SETAF-AF Public Affairs October 5, 2023 VICENZA, Italy -- The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) will co-host a Warriors Corner presentation titled 'State Partnership Program: Twenty Years of Making a Difference in Africa' during the Association of the United States Army's Annual Meeting and Exposition Oct. 9-11 in Washington, D.C. The National Guard's State Partnership Program has been successfully building relations for 30 years and now includes 88 partnerships with 100 nations around the globe. There are currently 16 State Partnerships in Africa from 13 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard, will introduce the National Guard's SPP Program. Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, SETAF-AF Commanding General, will discuss the Army's support U. S. Africa Command's campaign in Africa and where it interfaces with SPPs in Africa, before turning over to Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, The Adjutant General for the North Dakota National Guard, state partner to Ghana, Benin and Togo to discuss his state's individual partnership. Lastly, Maj. Gen. Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Chief of Staff for the Ghana Army, will discuss partnering with both North Dakota and SETAF-AF. The SPP evolved from a 1991 U.S. European Command decision to set up the Joint Contact Team Program in the Baltic Region with Reserve component Soldiers and Airmen. A subsequent National Guard Bureau proposal paired U.S. states with three nations emerging from the former Soviet Bloc and the SPP was born, becoming a key U.S. security cooperation tool, facilitating cooperation across all aspects of international civil-military affairs and encouraging people-to-people ties at the state level. This cost-effective program is administered by the National Guard Bureau, guided by State Department foreign policy goals, and executed by the state adjutants general in support of combatant commander and U.S. Chief of Mission security cooperation objectives and Department of Defense policy goals. Through SPP, the National Guard conducts military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals but also leverages whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency and corollary engagements spanning military, government, economic and social spheres. The panel will be held Monday, Oct. 9 from 1430-1510 in the Army Exhibit in Exhibit Hall E at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The discussion will also be livestreamed on the SETAF-AF Facebook page and on DVIDS. About SETAF-AF SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vermont Guard Partner North Macedonia Hosts Adriatic Conference By Capt. Mikel Arcovitch, Joint Force Headquarters - Vermont National Guard Public Affairs October 5, 2023 SKOPJE, North Macedonia -- U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont adjutant general, and leaders from other U.S. states joined their partner nation chiefs of defense for the 26th U.S.-Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense Conference in Skopje Sept. 27. The Adriatic 5 consists of Albania (New Jersey partner), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Maryland), Croatia (Minnesota), Montenegro (Maine), and North Macedonia (Vermont). "The State Partnership program, to me, remains one of the most important programs in the Department of Defense," said Knight. "Dozens of leaders from across the United States and Europe have gathered here to discuss ongoing conflict, regional peace and security, methods for continually growing our partnerships, and how we can shape the future. This is in no small part due to the continuity of the National Guard State Partnership Program." Much of the discussion at the conference focused on peace and security in the region, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, stressed the importance of training and cooperation between allied partners. "Russian aggression and terror groups continue to pose the main threats to the NATO alliance, "Cavoli said. "To combat these and other threats, members and observers of this charter have pledged continued participation in training events and peacekeeping operations with allies and partners. Throughout this charter's 20-year history, we continue to demonstrate that cooperation enhances the defense of each nation and collective regional security for all." Leaders from Kosovo (Iowa) and Slovenia (Colorado) also attended the event as observers. The United States is among over a dozen NATO members contributing to the Kosovo Force peace and security mission. In 2021-2022, Vermont sent multiple units to the mission, including the commander of Regional Command - East. Slavjanka Petrovska, minister of defense for North Macedonia, also referenced regional security and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "The past two decades have shown and proven that mutual cooperation, trust and unequivocal support are driving postulates of regional cooperation, "Petrovska said. "We are aware of the changes in the security environment in the Euro-Atlantic area that occurred with Russia's unprovoked and unjust aggression against Ukraine. "This war contributed to changing the doctrinal and conceptual approach to warfare today and in the future, "he said. "We also know the role played by hybrid warfare, disinformation and modern technologies on the battlefield. These are challenges that we all need to face together as soon as possible. The topic of discussion at this conference is how and with which mechanisms we will respond to these challenges." North Macedonia President Stevo Pendarovski was pleased to host the conference for the first time since his country became a NATO member. He spoke about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the need for the European Union to focus on integrating countries in the Western Balkans to strengthen the region's stability, security and democratization. Knight said the conference was tremendous. "To be here, in Skopje, with our partner nation hosting such a large-scale conference, is a testament to the progress we've experienced together," said Knight. "I've been coming to North Macedonia for nearly 25 years, and to see everything coming together the 30-year anniversary (of the State Partnership Program), the conference, NATO accession in 2018, and now talk of EU membership is really incredible." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iowa Guard, Kosovo Partners Train in HAZMAT Exercise By Sgt. Rachel White, Joint Force Headquarters - Iowa National Guard October 5, 2023 DES MOINES, Iowa -- The 71st Civil Support Team and two dozen members of the Kosovo Security Force trained together in a hazardous materials exercise in September. "All I could think of was how to find the hazard," said Sgt. Leutrim Shala, a member of the Kosovo Security Force Hazardous Materials Company. Kosovo and the Iowa National Guard have been partners under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 2011. Their partnership allows military, security and public safety agencies to work together in training scenarios. Shala led a group of three KSF members through Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines to find the HAZMAT scenarios planted by the 71st CST, the Defense Threat Agency, and Scott Wendt, the radiation safety officer at Iowa State University's Health and Safety Department. A homemade explosive device was hidden in a locker room, waiting to be assembled on a wooden table. All that was missing was the suspect. There were clues to give the KSF members an idea of the type of hazardous materials to be found. A second threat was a backpack with enough radiological exposure to be detected by the KSF without endangering anyone. "Instead of blowing it up, sometimes it's good enough to set a large source somewhere and allow people to be exposed to it," said 2nd. Lt. James Leaman, the operations officer for the 71st CST. "Radiation sickness would be the symptom following the incident." The exercise completed a week of training. The 71st CST works with fire departments, law enforcement, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and other HAZMAT professionals to identify, assess, advise and assist in potentially threatening situations involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear substances. Kosovo relies on its KSF HAZMAT team to evaluate conditions and dispose of any substances. "The main difference between the Kosovo Security Force HAZMAT Company and us," said Leaman, "is that they don't have any HAZMAT support. Whereas in Iowa, we have HAZMAT teams all over the place." Kosovo aims to expand its fire departments and other organizations to augment the KSF HAZMAT Company. "The big thing that we are getting from this, that can be missed by some people, is that we are learning from them as well," said Leaman. "They respond to more things in their [country] than we ever do in the state." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address October 5, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler to discuss national security and defense-related matters of mutual interest. Following today's incident, Secretary Austin also urged de-escalation in northern Syria and the importance of maintaining strict adherence to de-confliction protocols and communication through established military-to-military channels. Both leaders reiterated our shared commitment to defeating ISIS. The Secretary acknowledged Turkiye's legitimate security concerns and affirmed his commitment to close coordination between the United States and Turkiye to prevent any risk to U.S. forces or the Global Coalition's Defeat-ISIS Mission in northeast Syria exclusively in support of the campaign to defeat ISIS. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3550325/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address October 5, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to review priorities for the NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels October 11-12. They discussed a range of transatlantic security issues focused on implementing the Vilnius Summit deterrence and defense deliverables and ongoing NATO operations in the Balkans and Iraq. Both leaders also discussed the Secretary General's recent visit to Ukraine. They emphasized NATO unity in support of Ukraine's self-defense and sovereignty. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3549289/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address October 5, 2023 Transcript Remarks by Assistant Secretary Ely Ratner at Center for Strategic and International Studies Conference on "China's Power: Up for Debate 2023" Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Bonny Lin, Director, China Power Project and Senior Fellow, Asian Security, CSIS: So good morning. My name is Bonny Lin. I'm the director of the China Power Project and senior fellow for Asian security at CSIS. I'm very delighted to welcome you to this eighth China Power Conference. It's actually our first full - fully one-day in-person China Power Conference that we've had since COVID. So we're very delighted that we have an excellent lineup of speakers as well as prominent experts to discuss five different debate topics all relevant to China's defense as well as China's foreign policy. What makes this China Power Conference different from other conferences are two aspects. First is, instead of panels in which experts are broadly talking about a subject area, we actually have debates. So we've asked 10 leading experts to take different positions on critical topics that are central to the China debate. The second aspect that makes our conference different is that we actually poll the audience and get your views and your participation on these critical topics. So I hope for those of you both in here - here in person as well as online that you can participate in the polls as we're going through each of the debates. But perhaps the most important part of the conference is early on the day when we actually have a keynote practitioner, a senior official from the Biden administration, join us. He probably needs no introduction, but I still should. We are very delighted that we can have Dr. Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense, with us today. He is assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific affairs. In that position he served as a principal advisor for the undersecretary of defense for policy and the secretary of defense on international security strategy and policy on issues of DOD interest that relate to the Indo-Pacific region. Prior to confirmation he served as the director of the DOD China Task Force and a senior advisor for China to the secretary of defense. Before arriving at DOD, Dr. Ratner was the executive vice president and director of studies at the Center for New American Security where he was a member of the executive team and responsible for managing the center's agenda and staff. Prior to that he served from 2015 to 2017 as the deputy national security adviser to then-Vice President Joe Biden. From 2011 to 2012, he was in the Office of the Chinese and Mongolia Affairs at the Department of State. And so after Dr. Ratner makes his remarks, we will have a short discussion and then open to Q&A from both the audience in person as well as online. So, Ely, thank you again for joining us, and please come up here to the podium. So I think you are wired, but I think this is probably going to be slightly better. Dr. Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs: OK. Well, good morning, everyone. And thank you, Bonny, for that very kind introduction. It's great to see so many familiar faces around the room, especially for such an important event and one that I have participated in the past. Places like CSIS, gatherings like this, play a really important role in fostering rich conversations about the relationship between the United States and the PRC. And I have no doubt that today will be any different. And I would say, as a recovering scholar and think-tank expert myself, I can really attest to the immense value that these debates and discussions have had over the years. And it's your work that continues to really provide important insights for officials across the Defense Department and the U.S. government, myself included. So thank you all again for being here today. Now, I know Bonny has planned a great agenda for you all, with some really excellent debates, really critical topics. I wish I could actually spend the full day here, because there's going to be some terrific discussions. But I did want to take just a few minutes this morning to share with you the Department of Defense's perspective on the PRC's military power as it stands in 2023 and, just as importantly, what we're doing at the Pentagon and in the U.S. government to set the pace as we rise to the China challenge. As many of you know, every year for over 20 years the department has released what we call the China Military Power Report. DASD Chase is here today. His team leads that effort at the Pentagon, which is sometimes known shorthand as CMPR. Congress first required this annual report from the department in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2000. And it's really a critical example of longstanding bipartisan interest and concern about the PLA's capabilities. Needless to say, it's an important document because it is the department's authoritative public assessment of the PLA and the role it plays in helping realize Beijing's broader ambitions. This year's report will be out soon, very soon. You can bug Mike about exactly when that will be later in the day. But the report will underscore the department's fundamental assessment, which is that China's leaders are increasingly turning to the PLA as an instrument of coercion in support of their revisionist aims. You've heard from this administration often that the PRC is the only country in the world with the will and increasingly the capability to refashion the international order in ways that would deeply undermine vital U.S. interests and global peace and stability. And the forthcoming CMPR will show why this assessment continues to be the case. It will also show why the 2022 National Defense Strategy identified the PRC as the department's pacing challenge. And here I have to note that by prioritizing the PRC as DOD's top pacing challenge, the strategy we released to the public nearly one year ago marked the very first of its kind. And the bottom line is this. We are clear-eyed about the challenges posed by the PLA's growing capabilities and by how it is choosing to use these capabilities in threatening and destabilizing ways. For example, we have seen PLA aircraft and maritime vessels continue to engage in coercive and risky behavior against U.S. ally and partner forces operating in accordance with international law. This is happening in the Taiwan Strait and in the East and the South China Seas and beyond. This includes PLA activities in the air and at sea that increase the likelihood of an accident that could spiral into crisis or conflict. We have also seen the PRC continue its rapid expansion, modernization, and diversification of its nuclear forces, all encased in a lack of transparency that extends further to domains such as space and cyber. And we have seen the PRC demonstrate a concerning lack of interest in maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication where our defense and military officials could discuss these concerns about these activities and others like them. And, as you all know, the PRC has declined multiple invitations from the department for opportunities to communicate directly with Secretary Austin, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other department officials. And we will continue to call - we will continue to call for substantive conversations between our seniormost defense officials. But at the same time, we know this: Conflict in the Indo-Pacific region is neither imminent nor inevitable, because deterrence is real and strong today. And we're doing more than ever, together with our allies and partners, to keep it that way by advancing a common vision for regional peace and stability. And I'd like to spend the remainder of my time with you this morning sharing more about what we have been able to deliver together in just the past 12 months. First, we're investing in critical capabilities at the Department of Defense to maintain deterrence in this decade and beyond. As you heard from senior leaders across the department, the president's budget request for fiscal year 2024 was the most strategy-aligned budget in our history. These investments will strengthen our warfighting advantages, exploit adversary vulnerabilities, and address critical operational challenges in the Indo-Pacific. They provide capabilities that will strengthen our combat credible deterrent by ensuring we can prevail in conflict. Our budget request also sought unprecedented levels of funding for research and development. In other words, this is the largest R&D budget ever requested by the Department of Defense, and these major investments will help us develop and deploy breakthrough technologies to deter conflict in the decades ahead. Second, we're deepening our alliances and partnerships across the region. And in almost every single instance, these alliances and partnerships now run deeper than they ever have. This is one of America's greatest strategic advantages, and it's growing even stronger. The department is supporting our Indo-Pacific friends as they invest in their own strength, in their relationships with each other, and in their relationships with us. For example, we're supporting Japan's efforts to acquire new counter-strike capabilities, which you may have heard more about yesterday following Secretary Austin's bilateral meeting with his new Japanese counterpart, Minister Kihara. We've launched a major new technology initiative with India with strong support from the White House. And we're working with countries across Southeast Asia to acquire asymmetric capabilities to counter Beijing's coercive activities. Consistent with longstanding U.S. policy, we are also supporting Taiwan self-defense in the face of the PRC's aggressive threats and ongoing pressure campaign. Finally, we're bringing together our historic capability investments and our momentum with allies and partners to deliver a U.S. force posture in the region that is more mobile, distributed, resilient, and lethal. With Australia, we're increasing rotations of U.S. bombers and fighters through Australian bases, while deepening our logistics cooperation. With Japan, we have agreed to station the Marine Corps' most advanced formation forward for the first time ever in 2025. With the Philippines, U.S. forces will now have access to four new strategic locations across the country as part of our important Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. And with Papua New Guinea, where Secretary Austin made history as the first U.S. secretary of defense to ever visit the country, we recently concluded a defense cooperation agreement that will deepen our bilateral security cooperation. Now, each of these achievements could have been considered the highlight of an entire year or even an entire term for our forward presence in the Indo-Pacific. But through relentless work by the president, the secretary of defense, and our colleagues across the administration, we have advanced all of them together, and in just the past 12 months. So let me conclude by saying, consistent with the theme of the conference today, of course, the PLA's power matters. But so does our power, and so does the collective power of our allies and partners. Continuing to deliver in the Indo-Pacific will require considerable attention, resources, and prioritization by the U.S. government. And we are focused on doing what it takes. So thank you again for the opportunity to be here today. Thank you, Bonnie. And I look forward to the discussion. (Applause.) Dr. Lin: Thank you very much, Ely. I think there was a lot that you covered. Unfortunately, we won't have time to really unpack everything, but I did want to follow up with one issue that you mentioned at the very top, which is that you're seeing that the PLA's - sorry, that China is increasingly turning to the PLA as an instrument of coercion. Are you seeing that China is using military more compared to other tools of coercion, whether it was diplomatic or economic tools? Dr. Ratner: Yeah, it's a good question. And I think the point in the remarks is that, look, if you went back five, 10 years ago - Bonny, you've been following this for decades - it was the case that there was a perception that yes, the PLA was modernizing but that Beijing was using its military tool very much in the background, that it was not - that it was diplomatically driven, economically driven, in terms of how it was trying to achieve its foreign policy aims. And what the China Military Power Report is putting forward, what it noted last year but increasingly notes this year, is that isn't the case anymore, that the PLA is just in the background, that it is now in the forefront of the way that Beijing is going about trying to achieve its revisionist aims in the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, border with India and beyond, and I think that's a significant change in PLA strategy. Dr. Lin: So it's not just the - it's not just us worrying about the large-scale contingencies, but on the day-to-day gray-zone pressure has been increasing. Dr. Ratner: Absolutely. And I think several of our allies and partners who are on the front lines of that would attest to that. Dr. Lin: The other question I had with both you and Mike here is I did want to ask about, from your perspective, where is the state of the U.S.-China military-to-military relations, particularly with the removal of China's defense minister, Li Shangfu? Are you more optimistic that we will be able to communicate or have more channels with the Chinese on the military side soon? Dr. Ratner: Well, to your first question of where are we today, we are not where we need to be and not where we should be. Mil-mil communications between the Defense Department and counterparts in Beijing have been largely turned off over the last year. There have been episodic interactions. Secretary Austin did meet with his - the PRC defense minister in Cambodia last November on the margins of the ADMM-Plus, the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting. That was the last time he had a direct interaction with the PLA. And in the interim, as I noted, the chairman, others, Admiral Aquilino have tried to reach out to counterparts, unsuccessfully. We have seen some new openings. I've had the opportunity to meet with the ambassador here in Washington. Admiral Aquilino had an opportunity to meet with a senior PLA official on the margins. But as it relates to our - the dialogues that we have built, both at the political-military level as well as at the operational level, those are not back up and running yet. And so we don't think the fits and starts that have happened yet are a substitute for sustained dialogue and sustained communication between our leaders. I would say from the perspective of the United States, our position has been 100 percent consistent since the absolute - for sure since Secretary Austin walked into this role, which is he has said repeatedly that we are seeking open lines of communication with the PLA. We think that's important, even as the relationship grows more competitive, and that is true today and the United States has had and will keep an outstretched hand to the PLA. And your question about what comes next ought to be directed toward them. And I think we may have some representatives from the PRC embassy here today, so maybe they can shed some light on that. But we absolutely look forward to opportunities for our senior leaders to engage, if those present themselves. Dr. Lin: We'll ask the representatives from the PLA, from the - sorry, the Chinese embassy at a later time. They are not onstage. Dr. Ratner: Yeah. Dr. Lin: But, Ely, I did want to follow up on that question to look and relate to some of the debates that we had. So one of the first debate that we'll have next is about managing crises and tensions in U.S.-China relations. Looking at it from the military side, are you - what do you see that we're most lacking right now in terms of what we need to do, whether that's more communication channels with the PLA, in terms of how we can have a better handle, if we were to get into a crisis or incident, whether that's in the South China Sea or Taiwan Strait - what do we need to be able to manage that, vis-a-vis the PLA or vis-a-vis the Chinese government as a whole? Dr. Ratner: Well, look, I think we've had some good diplomatic engagement over the last couple of months and that can support the management of some of these tensions, but again, I don't think those are a substitute for direct communications between military leadership and potentially between military operators. And I think we should remain concerned that in the event of a crisis that we don't have the habits of communication, we don't have the relationships, and we don't have the kinds of open channels we need to be able to manage those in the tight timeframes that that we would want to. So I think that's really why we think this is so important and this is about potential crises but also talking about issues like space and cyber, new domains, China's nuclear modernization, as I mentioned, that also create potential opportunities for escalation that we ought to be talking about. So I think that we are not, again, where we need to be. That remains a priority for us. Dr. Lin: And I'll just ask one more question. I know there are probably many questions from the audience there. Once we open up for Q&A there will be a rotating microphone so you don't need to line up anywhere. But the final question, Ely, I have for you relates to Taiwan. That's been quite a bit of a focus both for your team as well as Mike's team. But as you look at Taiwan, today we have two debates related on Taiwan, both in terms of when Xi Jinping has signaled, if he has, a timeline for unification with Taiwan as well as another debate on whether it's more or less likely that China would think about using a blockade or invading Taiwan. I just want to see if you had any - if you wanted to weigh in on any of those debates or share your thoughts on where you think Xi Jinping has - what you think Xi Jinping has in mind for Taiwan. Dr. Ratner: OK. Yes. Happy to, and we can draw that out, some of this, in the discussion as well. I think happy to take the question of timelines because folks pay a lot of attention to this. I think Director of CIA Burns has noted that Xi Jinping has timelines for PLA modernization. That's very different than timelines for aggression, and our position today is that we believe conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. We believe deterrence is real and strong and we're doing everything we can to keep it that way. We are modernizing our operational concepts through the joint warfighting concept. We are, obviously, investing in capabilities relevant to operational challenges. In the Indo-Pacific we are strengthening our alliances and partnerships and we're making our forward presence in the Indo-Pacific more distributed, more resilient, and more lethal and we think those things together reinforce deterrence and will over time. I was asked, alongside Wendy Sherman, in a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by Senator Rubio - just a few seconds left so we didn't get to build on the question but the question was do you think there's any chance we make it to the end of the decade without the PRC invading Taiwan, and my answer was yes. And then the time ran out so I didn't get to give the full answer, though I gave most of the full answer just now. But the answer is yes. It's going to take a lot of hard work. It's going to take focus. It's going to take attention and resources. But I do think if we are vigilant that we can continue to reinforce and sustain deterrence into the future and, again, we believe that is the state of the situation today. So that's what I would say about that. And then on the blockade question, look, I think the - I was asked about this again. Different hearing before the House Armed Services Committee recently. There was a lot of talk about various gray zone contingencies, potential contingencies below the threshold of armed conflict, a lot of talk about blockade in particular. We are very mindful of this. We are looking at this very closely inside the department. Just a couple points here. One, what happens the very minute that the PRC starts mounting a blockade against Taiwan? The global economy falls through the floor. OK. So that's the first thing that's going to happen, not just for China and not just for Taiwan - for the United States, for Japan, for Southeast Asia, for India, for Africa, for Latin America, for Europe. There will be no one immune from the economic pain that the PRC would place on the world through doing that and I would charge those in the audience who work on international economic issues that I think this remains a gap that the think tank community would be very well positioned to fill to help the broader community understand the economic implications, even just with crisis, not of conflict in the Taiwan Strait, because some of the analyses that I've seen are quite extreme in terms of what a blockade like scenario would do for the global economy on a scale vastly greater than what the world experienced under COVID. So that's the first thing that's going to happen. The second thing that's going to happen is that the global community is going to rally around and against the PRC's actions because of what it is doing to the global economy, and Beijing will be inviting exactly the kind of counterbalancing diplomatic coalition that it is trying to avoid on this issue. And third, importantly, operationally - and maybe folks will get into this later today, and there are different variations, and I understand that maybe some of the nuances will be drawn out - blockades are not easy to actually enact, particularly at the scale around Taiwan. And therefore, we think that Taiwan would still have options on its own and with the international community to deliver the kind of industrial supplies and raw materials, food and energy, it would need to sustain its society; and that, ultimately, it would be up to Beijing to decide whether it wanted to start attacking commercial vessels to sustain a blockade. So the risk of escalation is extremely high. So I would say, as it relates to blockade, when I look at that issue the cost for Beijing looks very high and the risk looks very, very high. But let me know after the panel today. I'll be interested to see what the - how the expert discussion plays out. But that's my view, and that's the view of the Pentagon. Dr. Lin: Thank you very much, Ely. We do have one of the debaters here, Lonnie Henley. So I think I will definitely bring up some of those questions in your panel. But with that, let me open this up for Q&A from the audience. We should have two floating mics. One is right there in the back and one on this one. So please raise your hand. We'll take two questions from the room first, and then we'll go to questions online. So I see one right here, please. They're coming, it's just people are leaving at the same time. If you could introduce yourself very briefly, and then your question. Q: Yeah, thank you. My name is Liam Cosgrove. So my question is on deterrence, which - so I understand the argument of building Taiwan to be a porcupine, making it too expensive to invade, and then that idea acts as deterrence because China doesn't want to, you know, suffer that cost. My question though is, you know, last month we saw the biggest military drill by China in the Pacific Ocean ever. The same argument was true of Ukraine. It was, let's give them weapons, let's do joint military drills with NATO, let's train their soldiers since 2014. But eventually, it reached a point where, you know, Russia felt that it needed to invade to stop having U.S. influence on its border. Taiwan obviously, you know, what is it, 70 miles off the coast of China. So it seems like these actions that are in service of deterrence, ostensibly, are actually escalating. And it's forcing these countries into a position where they feel like they have to respond. And whether they're justified in doing that or not, we saw it last month with China's, you know, largest drill ever. So what do you say to that criticism? Dr. Ratner: Well, look, it's a good question. And what I would say is a couple things. Number one, the U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed. We oppose unilateral changes by either side. We've been crystal clear about that. And we do not support Taiwan independence. And we say that publicly. We say that privately. Sometimes the PRC accuses us - accuses the United States of supporting Taiwan independence, and nothing could be further from the truth. So our efforts are focused on maintaining deterrence and not engaging in the kinds of activities that you're describing, that would be a lurch toward an important change in the status quo, that could be potentially destabilizing. So we're focused on trying to get that balance right. Q: Yeah, but you have - Dr. Lin: My apologies. We probably want to get in some other questions, if that's OK. Q: OK, but just real quickly - Dr. Ratner: Maybe just get a comment, and then we can move on, if you'd like to, yeah. Dr. Lin: Sure. Good. Dr. Ratner: We do have, you know, what is it, I think, like, 200 - Dr. Lin: Let's get the microphone to you. One second. Let's give you the microphone. Q: But so that, yeah, fair response. But I just mean, we have 200 or so troops stationed in Taiwan. We have bases kind of making an arc around China, and various other countries like Philippines and Japan. So regardless of whether you support Taiwan independence in name, our military presence is, you know, very close to China, whereas they have, you know, I think one or two artificial island bases. You know, they're not - they're not establishing bases. They are doing the whole, you know, Belt and Road stuff, but they don't have military bases in South America or Africa, you know. So I don't know, what do you say to that? Dr. Ratner: Well, no, no, let me - let me - I'm happy to - I'm happy to jump on this because I think the - does the United States have a robust military presence in the Indo-Pacific? Yes. Why? Because we want to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. We want to maintain the status quo that we believe has been fundamental to the peace and prosperity that has been delivered to that region to the benefit of billions of people. And we want to maintain that. So the intentions matter, right. The intention of the United States is to strengthen and support its military position in the region and with its allies and partners to maintain the status quo and to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, in contrast to the PRC, where we see a leadership setting milestones to develop capabilities to commit aggression. OK, now, we talked about the intention. And we're doing everything we can to ensure the day never comes when it is, within a cost calculus, worth it to exact that aggression. But the intention here really matters. And the PRC is seeking military bases around the world. This has also been documented carefully in the China Military Power Report and among a number of experts in the Washington research community and around the world. So PLA is growing its operational reach. That's something we are mindful of. But the question of what are the intentions around the capability and what is our goal and what is our vision for the Indo-Pacific really matters. And I'll just say one more word on this, because I think it's important. If you look back on the last couple of speeches, but in particular the speech that Secretary Austin gave at the Shangri-La dialogue in June in Singapore - I would urge you all to take a look at that. It is the marquee Defense Department speech on the region each year. What he is talking about there is a shared vision for the region. It's not America's vision. It is a shared vision for the region that aligns with the way the Koreans and the Japanese and the Philippines and ASEAN and the Australians and the Indians and even the Europeans are talking about what they want the future to look like in the Indo-Pacific. That's what our military is there to support. And I think that's in contrast to what we see and hear very explicitly from leaders in Beijing about what they want the future in the Indo-Pacific to be. Dr. Lin: Thank you. Thank you. Q: And I just want to say real quick, I'm totally onboard with the vision and the intention. Dr. Lin: Truly - Q: But it's a very delicate situation. You know, you have two - Dr. Lin: I'm sorry, we need to - we need to stop this - Dr. Ratner: Thank you for your question. It's a - thank you. Dr. Lin: We need to continue on and allow more folks to be able to speak. Q: OK. Hi. I'm Mathias Hammer from Time Magazine. I have a question regarding DOD's assessment of China's nuclear modernization. I'm wondering what the Pentagon makes of the discrepancy between China's more restrained declaratory policies and its advancing nuclear capabilities, how DOD sees China's specific motivations or is it seeing any shifts in how PRC sees the role of nuclear weapons in seeking to achieve its foreign-policy ambitions underlining, you know, the expanding nuclear program. Dr. Ratner: Another really good question. And again, coming back to the China Military Power Report, which we're hoping will be out in the coming weeks, we'll be providing the most up-to-date assessment of the PRC's nuclear modernization program. I think my answer to your question is that we are watching very carefully what is a rapid, unprecedented military buildup of nuclear weapons in China. And we are concerned about the lack of transparency about its intentions and how it wants to use those. So again, it's another great question for the PLA and PRC interlocutors. And it's the type of issue that we think it would be important to talk about with PLA officials. So it's sort of yet another reason why it would be important for us to have more open lines of communication. Dr. Lin: Thank you. Let's take a question from online. And then, since we've been talking about Taiwan a bit, I did want to also allow some of our Taiwan colleagues to ask a question. Please. Staff: So the first question on here actually is about Taiwan, from our online audience. So one of the viewers asked, you know, how is the department preparing for the Taiwan presidential election in terms of what - you know, how China may escalate or, you know, what the U.S. can do to mitigate risk there? Dr. Ratner: Look, we are - the Department of Defense plans. That's what we do. We are prepared for all contingencies. But we don't see - I would say we look forward to working with whomever takes the reins in Taipei following the election. So, of course, we're keeping an eye on events there. We have seen Beijing use political events in and around Taiwan opportunistically to engage in acts of coercion and aggression, frankly, that they were wanting to do anyway, pulling them off the shelf when they feel like they have an excuse to do it. We hope they don't use events around the election to do that, but we'll be prepared for whatever comes. Dr. Lin: Thank you. Please, up here. Thanks. Q: Hi. Alexander Wang from Taiwan. You know, in defense business, there are always competing priorities, and in different capital, different country usually they make their best assessment, and they try to come up with their own modernization program. I want, based on your assessment and upcoming, you know, China military power report, what do you - what's your comment on the competing priorities in Taiwan? Because there are - platform-based, you know, conventional systems are still very important, because, as people said, in Taiwan a porcupine could be starved to death. And you have answered some of them in your hearings. What's your comment on the continuing, based on the current, you know, threat assessment? What's your comments on their priorities? You know, for instance, Taiwan has thrown a lot of assets and investment into a submarine program. What's your take? Thank you. Dr. Lin: Maybe, Ely, before you answer this question, we'll collect a one more question in the back. Right there. And then we'll - I think we have about five minutes left. So I don't - I just want to give you a little bit of time to decide which one you want - you have time to answer. Q: Stanley Kovar. What lessons do you take from the Vietnam War that apply today? Dr. Lin: OK, can you clarify, apply today to what? Are you talking about Taiwan contingency? Apply today in terms of - Q: I hear a lot about deterrence. Deterrence failed in Vietnam. Why would it work any better now? Dr. Lin: OK. Dr. Ratner: OK. No, it's a good question. Let me take the first one, really important issue about how one thinks about the future of Taiwan's force structure, and what it ought to look like based on the competing challenges and threats, frankly, that the PRC is presenting to Taiwan on a daily basis. Because the administration, as you have heard, as I have testified publicly about and you've heard from others, has been focused on ensuring that Taiwan is developing the kinds of asymmetric capabilities it needs to reinforce deterrence. And again, as we're thinking about the need to maintain deterrence against a cross-strait invasion, the types of capabilities that can create operational problems for what would be an incredibly difficult military act by the PLA even given its relative advantages in size and geography and whatnot to commit an amphibious invasion. Taiwan possessing asymmetric capabilities, that makes that all the harder. So that has been a considerable focus for the United States in terms of our commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act. But absolutely we have to continue to ensure that Taiwan has the capabilities to counter the coercion it's facing on a daily basis, which has a function all of its own in trying to intimidate and coerce the people on Taiwan. So I think the answer is not that it has to be one or the other, but that we have to get the balance right. And I think it is a balance. I think there has to be a bias toward asymmetric capabilities given the need to strengthen deterrence into the future, but that cannot be done in a way that neglects the real - the very real day-to-day needs of the Taiwan military. So we take those questions on a case-by-case basis, but it really is about getting the balance right with a bias toward asymmetric capabilities. On the question of Vietnam, I guess I would just broaden it out to say, look, I did a Ph.D. in political science. I'm sure a number of others, Dr. Lin here as well. We are very thoughtful about how we are thinking about deterrence as it relates to the PRC. We are doing it in as analytical a way as possible. There are a lot of political scientists inside the Defense Department right now - and who are using social scientific methods and others to really try to understand how to get analytical leverage around questions of deterrence. So history is part of that. There are case studies in Asia. There are case studies in Europe. And we continue to do that in a way that is based on as much analysis and information and history as we can, and not just a gut feeling about what deters or what doesn't deter. And there has been a major effort inside the department to try to come to an increasingly refined and sharper understanding about how we think about deterrence. If you look back on the National Defense Strategy, integrated deterrence is the central concept in that strategy and preventing this war is our primary focus. So we're very focused on the deterrence question, invite analogies from history, but that's broader than any single conflict. And we think it's really important, so I appreciate the question. Dr. Lin: Thank you very much, Ely. All simple questions that you had to answer today. I want to invite everyone to join me in a round of applause for Ely for joining us today. I know you're incredibly busy. So thank you very much. (Applause.) We're going to take a 20-minute break while Ely, I think, has to - has a very tight schedule and probably has to leave immediately. So thank you, everyone. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3550535/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address October 5, 2023 By Joseph Clark , DOD News DOD Remains Focused on Deterring Conflict in Indo-Pacific The U.S. remains fully committed to its strategy of integrated deterrence in the Indo-Pacific while keeping a close eye on China's provocations in the region, a senior Pentagon official said today. Ely S. Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said conflict with China is not inevitable despite indications that Beijing is increasingly leveraging its military to spread its malign influence abroad. Previewing the forthcoming 2023 China Military Power Report, Ratner said DOD assesses that the Chinese Communist Party is increasingly turning to its military as "an instrument of coercion in support of their revisionist aims" with an eye toward restructuring the international order and undermining global peace and stability. That assessment, he said, is evidenced by China's rapid expansion of its nuclear forces and increasing provocations by its air and naval forces against U.S. allies and partners operating in the region under accordance with international law. Ratner also noted China's lack of interest in maintaining open lines of communication with U.S. defense officials, noting that Beijing has declined multiple invitations to communicate directly with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and other senior Pentagon policymakers. "The bottom line is this: We are clear eyed about the challenges posed by the PLA's [China's People's Liberation Army] growing capabilities and by how it is choosing to use these capabilities in threatening and destabilizing ways," Ratner said. "But at the same time, we know this: Conflict in the Indo-Pacific region is neither imminent nor inevitable because deterrence is real and strong today," he said. "And we're doing more than evertogether with our allies and partnersto keep it that way by advancing a common vision for regional peace and stability." Ratner noted DOD's investment in critical capabilities to maintain deterrence in the region throughout the next decade and beyond. Those investments, he said, will "strengthen our warfighting advantages, exploit adversary vulnerabilities and address critical challenges in the Indo-Pacific" with the aim of strengthening the United States' combat credible deterrent and assuring that the U.S. will prevail in conflict. Ratner also underscored the department's work with regional allies and partners "to deliver a U.S. force posture in the region that is more mobile, distributed, resilient and lethal." He noted key partnerships with Australia, Japan and the Philippines project U.S. capability and usher in a new era of enhanced cooperation in the region. He also highlighted Austin's recent trip to Papua New Guinea - the first ever visit to the country by a U.S. defense secretary. In May, the U.S. and Papua New Guinea committed to cooperate on security. Ratner said the U.S. will continue to work relentlessly to counter Chinese aggression and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. "Of course, the PLA's power matters," he said. "But so does our power, and so does the collective power of our allies and partners. Continuing to deliver in the Indo-Pacific will require considerable attention, resources and prioritization by the U.S. government, and we are focused on doing what it takes." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, 5 October 2023 European Commission Statement 5 October 2023 Granada We met today in the city of Granada, in the margins of the European Political Community summit hosted by Spain. We reiterated our condemnation of the military operation by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and reaffirmed the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, on the basis of the 1991 Almaty declaration and the understanding that Armenia's territory covers 29,800 km2 and Azerbaijan's 86,600 km2. We also stressed that opening of regional connectivity links should be based on full respect of countries' sovereignty and jurisdiction, as well as on the principles of equality and reciprocity. Armenia and the EU are bound by shared political values and their commitment to a rules-based international order. In these difficult times, the EU and Armenia stand shoulder to shoulder. We are committed to further strengthen EU-Armenia relations. As we discussed earlier this week, our immediate focus is to attend to the humanitarian needs of the over 100,000 Karabakh Armenians that have fled to Armenia. We discussed how to ensure maximum effectiveness of the humanitarian aid and other immediate support provided by the EU which will reach 10.45 million euros. President von der Leyen also announced that the Commission is mobilising funding to allocate 15 million euros from its annual programme for Armenia to be used as budget support. This will allow the government of Armenia to address urgent socio-economic needs and support purchasing food and fuel. In the longer run, the European Union and Armenia are determined to reinforce their economic ties, working to bring out the full potential of our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. In particular, the EU Economic Investment Plan (EIP) for Armenia provides up to 2.6 billion euros to be used for investments in important infrastructure and other projects. The Commission and Armenia will redouble efforts to implement important projects. The Commission will also support Armenia's participation in regional projects such as the Black Sea Electricity Cable. Finally, the Commission will step up technical assistance to Armenia, particularly in the areas of air safety and nuclear safety. President von der Leyen informed of the preparations for a Joint EU-US event to support Armenia. We will continue discussions on ways in which to strengthen further our relationship in the coming days. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Foreign Minister underlines the importance of objectives set out in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05.10.2023 On 5 October 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krisjanis Karins, opened the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), Safe and Sustainable Baltic Sea Region for Future Generations. "Cooperation around the Baltic Sea has a long history. Now it is more important than ever. Today's challenges - security, climate change, energy independence, and youth involvement - can be successfully addressed only by working together," Krisjanis Karins underlined in his opening address. The Foreign Minister emphasised that achieving the overall policy goals of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region was a long-term commitment and called for making joint efforts to improve the environmental status of the Baltic Sea, to foster prosperity and increase connectivity in the Baltic Sea region. Krisjanis Karins also urged those living in the Baltic Sea region to decide on what kind of future they wanted. "Involvement and participation of youth in the policymaking process is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable society that meets the needs of all its members," the Foreign Minister noted. Krisjanis Karins reaffirmed unwavering support to Ukraine and its people in their fight for our shared values. "We are willing and ready to step up our efforts towards the reconstruction of Ukraine, and the instruments provided by the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region can, and must be used in this regard," the Foreign Minister said. The opening session of the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) was also addressed the Latvian Minister of Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis; the Deputy Director General for Implementation in the Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission, Normunds Popens; the State Secretary and Plenipotentiary of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg to the Federation, the European Union, and for foreign affairs, Almut Moller; the Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia, Anatolii Kutsevol; and the State Secretary of the of Climate and Energy, Liga Kurevska. The participants of the opening session also exchanged views on energy, including the currently topical issue of reduction of energy prices, diversification of gas supply, and the acceleration of transition to clean energy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis: "Germany's decision to permanently deploy a brigade in Lithuania is a true example of Zeitenwende" Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2023.10.05 On 5 October, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the Prime Minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wust, to discuss the importance of security issues in Central and Eastern Europe and the role of Lithuania and Germany in supporting Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. The meeting focused on regional security and defence, support to Ukraine and cooperation with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The Foreign Minister thanked Lithuania's strategic partner, Germany, for its strong partnership in fostering the rules-based international order and for Germany's historical decision to deploy a German brigade in Lithuania for its permanent presence. "We live in a historical moment when a new Berlin Wall is being built. It is up to us only where the wall will be erected. We must spare no effort to keep Ukraine with its 1991 borders on this side. Efforts to strengthen the eastern flank depend on our will to defend ourselves - Germany's decision to permanently deploy a brigade in Lithuania is a true example of Zeitenwende," Landsbergis said. The head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed that our country would seek to create the best conditions for German soldiers and their families. "In many areas - security and foreign policy, economics, science and innovation - Germany is the most significant partner of Lithuania. In addition, the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania will not only change the security situation in the region but will bring about completely new dynamics in relations between our countries," Lithuania's Foreign Minister said. The Foreign Minister noted that Germany's support for Ukraine was highly appreciated. As the war continues, our primary goal and duty remains to stand by Ukraine until its victory. According to Landsbergis, it is necessary to speed up the delivery of military assistance to Ukraine (especially long-range missiles). The Foreign Minister also highlighted that German business investments from North Rhine-Westphalia in Lithuania showed that Lithuania was a safe and attractive place to invest and was waiting for investments from companies of North Rhine-Westphalia. Lithuania is interested in cooperating with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in the fields of military industry, green hydrogen, biotechnology and innovative engineering industries. The Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia took an interest in the prospects of cooperation with our country in renewable energy. Hendrik Wust has served as the Prime Minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia since 27 October 2021. It was his first visit to Lithuania. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Forging the Future: How Advanced Manufacturing Is Revolutionizing Marine Corps Logistics US Marine Corps News 5 Oct 2023 | Johannes Schmidt, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication Marine Corps Systems Command Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. -- As the United States Marine Corps continues to execute its strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific, the importance of overcoming the logistical challenges of the modern battlefield has become increasingly evident. At the vanguard of this transformative landscape, Marine Corps Systems Command's Advanced Manufacturing Systems team, or AMS team, is innovating to overcome the logistical challenges of the modern battlefield. As stated in the Marine Corps' Installations and Logistics guidance, to succeed on the modern battlefield, the Corps "will need a logistics enterprise fully integrated with the broader objectives of Force Design, capable of supporting multi-domain and distributed operations in contested environments." Keeping these insights in focus, the AMS team is leading the charge to field bleeding-edge solutions to ensure the warfighter has access to mission-critical equipment and replacement parts without having to rely on traditional supply lines or navigate the constraints of iron mountains. According to Matt Audette, AMS program analyst, having the ability to essentially 3D print key components on the battlefield could stand to revolutionize how the Corps thinks about logistics. "In a nutshell, additive manufacturing is a game-changer for the Marine Corps. It allows us to repair equipment and innovate solutions right on the frontline," said Audette. "With its smaller footprint and easy-to-use technology, we can construct essential components right on the battlefield, making us nimbler and more responsive in any combat scenario." When speaking to the AMS team, there appears to be a consensus that this innovative approach to manufacturing enables rapid delivery of mission-critical components to the front lines, with multiple subject matter experts underscoring the significance of augmenting the traditional supply chain. "Parts breakthat's the reality of the battlefield," said Robert Davies, AMS team lead. "You used to have two simple choices: bring the parts or order the parts. Our advanced manufacturing solutions rewrite that playbook. Now, we can actually manufacture essential components right in the combat zone. When something breaks, a call is made: 'We need a component.' No more 'We forgot it' or 'It'll take months to arrive.' We contact our machinists and within a couple of hours, we're making and sending parts back up to the frontline." While it might be tempting to view advanced manufacturing as a futuristic endeavor still on the horizon, recent successes suggest otherwise and Marines are now empowered to create stand-alone items such as hand tools, jigs, table models, training aids, and even vehicle parts. Just this past June, Navy and Marine engineers demonstrated the technology's real-world potential by successfully 3D-printing a medical cast aboard a Marine Corps Osprey in mid-flightdemonstrating not only an increase in operational survivability but also an enhancement in battlefield lethality by minimizing downtime and accelerating troop readiness. Similar successes to those achieved with the medical cast are seen in the creation of vehicle parts, with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle serving as a prime example. "We're taking what our guiding documents say about modern day battlefield foraging and creating a real capability to do so with repair parts," said Audette. "With our 3D printers and CNC mills, we can now craft these parts right where the fight is happening. What's more, our allies possess the same industrial capabilities as we find here in the US. This also means that whether we're in Darwin, the Philippines, or Japan, we can harness local expertise and resources to ensure our equipment remains mission-ready without relying on traditional supply chains." Dr. Kristin Holzworth, chief scientist on the AMS team, explains that this capability becomes increasingly vital as the Corps continues its strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific. "Large-scale advanced manufacturing offers a solution to complement our limited assets. What makes it truly advantageous is its adaptability. Unlike traditional manufacturing, where we conform to one build, with 3D printing, we tailor each print to the specific mission's requirements," she noted. Ultimately, advanced manufacturing technologies help advance Force Design's transformative goal of creating, "Smaller but better-connected formations that organically possess a complete kill chain appropriate to echelon, and that can prevail in a contested operating environment." Citing "major end items" such as aircraft engines and propellers, Gen. Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, recently told the Senate Armed Services Committee, "We have to do some very creative work to do additive manufacturing and 3D printing forward," stressing the importance of taking pressure off of the lines that come from the United States through contested logistics areas. After all, as he noted, "Every pound matters when you're trying to move things across the expanse of the Pacific." As the Marine Corps continues its journey towards modernization under Force Design and the challenges posed by a pivot to the Pacific, feedback from Marines on the ground has been overwhelmingly positive. Notably, younger generations of Marines, who have grown up in a digital age, are embracing advanced manufacturing technologies with remarkable ease. According to Audette, "The advantage of additive manufacturing is its accessibility and rapid training. Unlike traditional machining, which requires months of training and involves large equipment, additive manufacturing's smaller machines have a lower learning curve. Many junior Marines already have experience with 3D printers, enabling us to quickly train them in a matter of days, enhancing readiness and problem-solving capabilities." This easy access to the capability aligns closely with the objectives of Talent Management, which urges the Corps to cultivate an adaptive, highly skilled force that can "solve problems faster and more creatively." But advanced manufacturing does much more than reduce iron mountains and streamline logistical demands; it also offers significant cost savings to the taxpayer. "In traditional manufacturing, it takes time to scale production and achieve cost efficiency. With additive manufacturing, we reach optimal cost on day one, making it possible to produce low-volumes of parts efficiently" Audette explained. It is important to understand, however, that this capability is not meant to replace industry partnerships; rather, it serves as a crucial alternative for the warfighter in the heat of battle who cannot afford to wait for traditional resupply channels to fill a request. "Advanced manufacturing isn't about replacing traditional production lines; it's about supplementing them," said Davies. "We're not here to mass-produce hundreds of components in an hourthat's for dedicated facilities. What we offer is the ability to produce a limited number of key components on-site when they're urgently needed, all while respecting intellectual property laws. This shortens the supply chain and enables rapid response, whether that means getting Marines into the fight quicker or extracting them more safely." The AMS team is not solely focused on monetary or cost savings; instead, the true triumphs are found in the logistical innovation and the time efficiencies that heighten combat readiness. Ultimately, advanced manufacturing is a pivot point in military logistics, crystallizing the future of warfare into an immediate reality. By infusing cutting-edge technology into the very sinews of Marine Corps operations, the AMS team is not only revolutionizing logistics but also fundamentally altering how we conceive of readiness and adaptability on the 21st-century battlefield. As the Marine Corps intensifies its focus on global littorals, particularly within the intricate geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific, advanced manufacturing emerges as a crucial enabler for sustaining combat effectiveness. This technological leap is more than a contingency; it's a strategic imperative. By melding innovation with real-world application, the Corps isn't just gearing up for future conflictsthey're actively shaping the battlespace of tomorrow. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Sudan: UN Inquiry's report finds that entrenched repression imperils prospects for peace, human rights and credible elections NAIROBI/GENEVA (5 October 2023) - As South Sudan considers the prospect of national elections in December 2024, its Government must urgently cease unlawful media censorship, end intolerable restrictions on civic and political activities, and halt attacks on journalists and human rights defenders, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said in a new report today. "Independent media and a vibrant civil society represent critical voices in developing accountable governance, and the democratic processes required to enable peace and ensure human rights," said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission. "Surprisingly the Government instead treats journalists and civil society members who voice critique as enemies of the ruling political party, reflecting its extreme intolerance of all forms of public scrutiny and critical views. This does not bode well for democratic prospects." The report, titled "Entrenched Repression: the systemic curtailment of democratic and civic space in South Sudan," is based on the Commission's independent investigations in 2023. It examines the current situation of South Sudanese media and civil society actors, both in and outside of the country. The State's repressive treatment of these vital spheres serve as key indicators of prospects for accountable governance and a democratic society. The report details how the National Security Service (NSS) imposes the State's regime of censorship in newsrooms and interferes heavily with the activities of civil society groups. Its officers deploy to newsrooms to review content and cut stories deemed critical or inconvenient to the Government, including coverage of political and human rights issues. Independent online media are routinely targeted by cyberattacks and website blockages. NSS also demands civil society groups seek prior authorization for all activities, which are then monitored to dissuade talk on topics and events which authorities would prefer them to avoid. Individuals who do not follow these arbitrary and unlawful rules are usually subjected to surveillance, intimidation, and human rights violations including arbitrary detention. Extensive extraterritorial operations by NSS in other countries, including illegal renditions from Kenya, mean that few places are safe for individuals targeted by the Government. Instrumentalized to entrench the rule of the dominant political party, NSS mirrors tactics used by intelligence services of the Khartoum regime when the south was part of Sudan. "It is a tragic irony that in an independent South Sudan, its liberators, now in government, are intolerant of public scrutiny, discussion of critical views, and political opposition," said Commissioner Barney Afako. "Abandoning these illiberal and autocratic practices will be essential if South Sudanese are to realize the aspirations for freedom that drove their quest for independence." The Commission's report contextualizes the State's resistance to democratization as a legacy of decades of factionalism in the militarized liberation movement, and reflective of a deep sense of entitlement among the ruling class to capture the spoils of independence. An aversion to dissent and debate, and a readiness to use coercion and violence to pursue political objectives, have fuelled gross human rights violations and devastated the country. The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement envisaged a framework to deal with these legacies, including through unifying security forces, establishing transitional justice mechanisms, and developing a permanent constitution, to be followed by elections. But these commitments are yet to be implemented. While South Sudanese are desperate to have an accountable government than can deliver on its human rights obligations, rushing toward elections without these key fundamentals in place risks compounding grievances and fuelling further violence, with potentially disastrous impacts for South Sudan's peoples and its future. "South Sudan still lacks an umpire to review and curtail the repression of human rights, and to resolve disputes that may arise through electoral processes. There is no independent and properly resourced judiciary, and the Government continues dragging its feet in establishing transitional justice institutions. These are politically calculated strategies to maintain the supremacy of ruling elites, thereby entrenching the status quo. This situation is incompatible with the State's human rights law obligations and intolerable for the peoples of South Sudan," said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernandez. The Commission's report includes recommendations to end the unlawful censorship regime, as well as the imposition of arbitrary restrictions on civic and political activities, to prioritize the strengthening of justice institutions, and to implement critical aspects of the Revitalized Peace Agreement including the development of an inclusive permanent constitution and the establishment of the transitional justice mechanisms envisaged in it. ENDS Read the full report here. Background: The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council. First established in March 2016, it has been renewed annually since. Its three Commissioners are not UN staff, they are not renumerated for their work as Commissioners, and they serve independently in their capacity as experts. They are supported by a Secretariat based in Juba, South Sudan. The Commission is mandated to investigate the situation of human rights in South Sudan and to make recommendations to prevent a deterioration of the situation, with a view to its improvement. The Commission is also mandated to determine and report the facts and circumstances of human rights violations and abuses, including by clarifying responsibility for crimes under national and or international law. The Commission's findings are informed by independent interviews conducted with victims and survivors of human rights violations, as well as witnesses, service providers, and related experts and stakeholders. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistani, Afghan FMs meet amid growing tensions over deportation of refugees Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 6:55 PM The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan have met in Tibet at a time when relations between the two countries have hit a new low. The meeting took place on Thursday amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two neighbors over Pakistan's ultimatum to undocumented Afghan immigrants to leave the country or face the risk of imprisonment and deportation. Pakistan's caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his acting Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi met in Tibet's Xizang city on the sidelines of the third Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation in China's autonomous region. According to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on X, Jilani reaffirmed Islamabad's "commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties with Afghanistan." The foreign minister underscored that the "challenges confronting regional peace and stability be addressed in collaborative spirit through collective strategies." Islamabad has set November 1 as the deadline for all undocumented immigrants, mainly Afghans, to leave the country, warning of arrests and deportations after the deadline. The move has further strained the relations between the two countries. The decision has drawn a response from Afghan authorities, with Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid calling it "unacceptable" and urging authorities to revisit the policy. According to the UNCHR, the UN refugee agency, 2.18 million Afghan refugees are currently living in Pakistan. With the hurried withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, a new wave of approximately 600,000 to 800,000 Afghan immigrants crossed over to neighboring Pakistan. As per the UN Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, a record 28.3 million people currently depend on humanitarian and protection assistance in Afghanistan, up from 24.4 million in 2022 and 18.4 million in 2021. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of supporting terrorists loyal to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group which has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in the country. Islamabad alleges that some Afghan refugees have been involved in "funding and facilitating" terrorist activities. Afghanistan's Taliban rulers deny the charges, saying they have launched a crackdown on the TTP in the eastern Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan and arrested hundreds of terrorists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Officials say US downed Turkish drone after allies targeted Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 4:53 PM Officials say the US shot down an armed Turkish drone operating near its troops in Syria, the first time Washington has brought down an aircraft of NATO ally. The alleged downing on Thursday came as a series of Turkish strikes on US-allied Kurdish militant targets killed at least nine people in northeastern Syria. A Turkish defense ministry official said the drone shot down by the US did not belong to the Turkish armed forces but did not say whose property it was. Turkey's National Intelligence Agency carried out strikes in Syria against the Syrian Kurdish YPG group after a bomb attack in Ankara last weekend, a Turkish security source said on Thursday. Two unnamed US officials, quoted by Reuters news agency, said an F-16 shot down the Turkish drone after the United States called Turkish military officials multiple times to warn them they were operating close to US ground forces. The officials said the Turkish drone was believed to be armed. The shootdown is likely to add to the tensions between Turkey and US, NATO allies, over the American military strategy in Syria, the US ejection of Turkey from the advanced F-35 jet fighter program, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ties with Moscow. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is expected to speak to Turkish officials, a US official said. Erdogan dropped his opposition in July to Sweden's bid to join NATO after talking with President Biden. But Erdogan's decision still must be approved by Turkey's parliament and the Turkish president said last month, according to Turkish media, that final approval would be contingent on the US sale of F-16 jet fighters. US support for Kurdish militants in northern Syria has long caused tension with Turkey, which views them as a wing of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - the group which claimed Sunday's attack in Ankara near government buildings. Ankara said on Wednesday the two attackers had come from Syria. The bombing killed both attackers and wounded two police officers. A Turkish defense ministry official said on Thursday a ground operation into Syria was one option Turkey could consider. Turkey has mounted several previous incursions into northern Syria. Security forces in northeastern Syria said Turkey had launched a series of attacks on Thursday with more than 15 drones entering the region's airspace and hitting targets including infrastructure and gas and oil stations. In a statement, the security forces said Turkish attacks killed six members of the internal security forces in northeastern Syria, and two civilians in two separate strikes. Turkey has redoubled its operations targeting the PKK, by carrying out airstrikes in northern Iraq. Turkish officials said any infrastructure and energy facilities in Iraq and Syria controlled by the PKK, as well as the YPG, were legitimate military targets. Turkey, Iraq discuss joint steps Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet al-Abbasi discussed possible joint steps on counterterrorism and border security during talks in Ankara on Thursday. Iraq has denounced the Turkish airstrikes and Iraqi President Abdul-Latif Rashid said he hoped to come to an agreement with Ankara to solve this problem. "These violations are rejected by the Iraqi people, the (Kurdistan) region and all of Iraq's inhabitants," Rashid recently said in an interview. Such strikes sometimes killed civilians, including people visiting the region who "become victims of Turkish bombing," he added. Rashid said Baghdad hoped to come to an agreement with Ankara to resolve the issue in a manner similar to a security agreement Baghdad has inked with Tehran to deal with anti-Iran separatist groups in the Kurdistan region. The PKK has carried out numerous operations against the Turkish government, calling for a Kurdish state within Turkey where it is blamed for the deaths of over 40,000 people. The group back-pedaled on its secessionist demands in the 1990s, calling instead on Ankara to give the people in Kurdish-dominated regions of Turkey more autonomy. There are roughly 900 US troops based in Syria, who have been working with Kurdish militants. The YPG is the spearhead of the main ally of US troops in Syria. Support for the YPG by the United States and other allies, including France, has strained ties with Ankara. Turkey has warned forces of third countries to stay away from facilities controlled by the PKK and YPG. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France says to begin withdrawing troops from Niger this week Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 2:41 PM French army says it will begin pulling out troops from Niger this week, amid a swell of anti-France sentiment in the Sahel region that saw the country's troops recently leave Mali and Burkina Faso as well. The French Armed Forces Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the troops would return to France and that the military exit should be complete by the end of the year. "We will begin our disengagement operation this week, in good order, safely and in coordination with the Nigeriens," it said. President Emmanuel Macron had announced last month that France would withdraw troops from Niger would "by the end of the year." France, the colonial power in Niger, continues to support pro-Western former president Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a coup d'etat on July 26. Macron's government has refused to recognize Niger's military rulers and is still demanding the restoration of the government of Bazoum who is extremely unpopular among Nigeriens. Since the coup, protesters have been taking to the streets, calling on France to withdraw its forces. Anti-French sentiment even rose further when France ignored a military order for its ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to leave. Niger's leaders ultimately ordered the 'expulsion' of the ambassador and France finally withdrew its diplomatic staff from Niger last week. French forces have recently been kicked out of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso. Both countries are being ruled by military governments with strong popular support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Azerbaijan says detains separatist president of Nagorno-Karabakh Arayik Harutyunyan Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 11:13 AM Azerbaijan has confirmed that it has detained Arayik Harutyunyan, former president of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, while Armenia denounced the move. In a joint statement on Thursday, Azerbaijan's prosecutor general and security service said that 49-year-old Harutyunyan was detained by Azerbaijani security forces two days earlier on "suspicion of waging an aggressive war" against Baku and purported war crimes. The statement came just a day after Armenia's foreign ministry "strongly condemned" Baku for arresting several separatist leaders from the mountainous region, over which Azerbaijan took full control last month following a 24-long military operation. That practically ended a three-decade-old conflict between Baku and Yerevan over the long-troubled territory, which has always been internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan though it is mostly populated by ethnic Armenians. Through the operation, Azerbaijani military managed to easily rout pro-Armenian forces in 24 hours and made the separatists agree to lay down weapons, under a Russian-mediated ceasefire. Harutyunyan headed the separatist government in Nagorno-Karabakh during the 2020 armed conflict between Baku and Yerevan for control of the enclave. However, he stepped down early last month, shortly before Azerbaijan's offensive. Azerbaijani security forces have detained some other former authorities and military command of the unseated government, including Ruben Vardanyan, a reported billionaire who headed the region's separatist government between November 2022 and February this year. In a statement, Armenian foreign affairs ministry said Yerevan "will take all possible steps to protect the rights of the illegally arrested representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh, including in international courts." The United Nations human rights office has already urged Baku to afford the detainees "full respect and protection." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM urges enhanced cooperation for promotion of peace, economic development in Caucasus Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 6:51 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says regional countries should open a new chapter in their ties aimed at promoting peace and economic development in the Caucasus region. Amir-Abdollahian made the remark in a Wednesday meeting with Khalaf Khalafov, the Azerbaijani President's representative for Special Assignments, who is on a visit to the Iranian capital Tehran. Pointing to restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty in Nagorno-Karabakh, he said, "Iran believes that the language of peace and security should replace the language of tension and conflict in this region from now on." In a televised speech on September 20, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said that his country's military had restored its sovereignty in Nagorno-Karabakh following a 24-hour military operation against pro-Armenian forces. Now speculation is rife that Azerbaijan might use force to open a corridor connecting the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to mainland Azerbaijan through the southern Armenian province of Syunik. Armenia opposes the plan on the grounds that it would violate its sovereignty. Iran has supported Armenia's position, stressing that the territorial integrity of countries must be respected. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian foreign minister also pointed to his meeting with Azerbaijani president in July and reiterated Tehran's determination to improve all-out relations with Baku. The Azerbaijani's representative, for his part, pointed to the positive developments in ties with Iran and said the two countries should open a new chapter in relations in various sectors. He outlined the latest developments in Nagorno-Karabakh and reaffirmed Azerbaijan's policy to support the rights of ethnic Armenians in the region. Khalafov emphasized that guaranteeing freedom and the rights of the ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and meeting their basic needs are among the priorities of the Azerbaijani government. Any geopolitical changes in region will create new crises: Iran's top security chief Meanwhile in a meeting with Khalafov on Wednesday, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali-Akbar Ahmadian said Tehran pursues a fixed policy regarding Azerbaijan's sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh. Ahmadian warned against the measures that would cause any geopolitical changes in the region, including those proposed by other actors regarding the Zangezur Corridor. Such moves "will not help the countries in the region, but will prepare the ground for interference of extra-regional forces and will create new crises in this strategic area," he said. Iran's top security chief added that any geopolitical changes would endanger regional security and stability, emphasizing, "The Islamic Republic is firmly opposed to any plan that leads to a change in the geopolitics of the region." Pointing to Iran's efforts to remove any factor of insecurity and crisis from the region, Ahmadian urged countries to boost collective cooperation aimed at establishing peace, stability and sustainable security through dialogue. He noted that the two countries' officials are determined to develop comprehensive relations and voiced Tehran's readiness to take all the necessary steps in this regard. For his part, Khalafov said Azerbaijan's policy is to maintain peace and stability in the region and solve regional issues through a regional format. The Azerbaijani envoy called for the expansion of his country's ties with Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address European Leaders Offer 'Unwavering Support' For Armenia, Invite Rival Leaders For Talks By RFE/RL October 05, 2023 The leaders of France, Germany, and the EU expressed their "unwavering support" to Armenia as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian stepped up his diplomatic push at a European summit in Spain, even as Yerevan and Baku traded accusations of attacks on each other's forces near border regions. The European leaders on October 5 "underlined their unwavering support to the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of the borders of Armenia," French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and European Council President Charles Michel said in a joint statement. "They also expressed their support to the strengthening of EU-Armenia relations, in all its dimensions, based on the needs of the Republic of Armenia," the statement added. Michel told reporters he will invite Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders to Brussels for a meeting by the end of October. Pashinian traveled to Spain to press his country's needs on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Granada. The move comes in the wake of Azerbaijan's lightning military offensive last month that allowed Baku to retake Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region controlled by ethnic Armenian leaders for the past three decades. More than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled the region to Armenia, putting pressure on authorities in Yerevan seeking to handle the flood. Scholz, Macron, and Michel said they are prepared to provide additional humanitarian aid to Armenian and that they "remain committed to all efforts directed toward the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan." Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called off his planned trip to Granada for meetings with Pashinian, complaining about the presence of France and demanding that close ally Turkey be allowed to participate in talks. Baku on October 5 said it "stands ready for tripartite meetings in Brussels soon in the format of the European Union, Azerbaijan, and Armenia." Macron insisted that the positon of France -- which has a large ethnic Armenian population itself -- was correctly balanced, despite Baku's claims that it favors Armenia. "France has no problem with Azerbaijan, but Azerbaijan seems to have a problem with international law," said Macron, who added, though, that sanctions against Baku at this time would be counterproductive. Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Azerbaijan's takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh was "inevitable." "It was only a matter of time before Azerbaijan started to restore constitutional order there.... It was inevitable after [Armenia's] recognition of Azerbaijan's sovereignty over Karabakh," Putin said. Armenia and Azerbaijan fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, which was a predominantly Armenian-populated mountainous enclave but internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. As part of efforts to reach an overall peace agreement in the region, Pashinian in recent months had said he was willing to recognize Karabakh's status within Azerbaijan if Baku would guarantee the rights of ethnic Armenian living there. Russia has long been a close ally of Armenia, but those ties have frayed over what Yerevan sees as a betrayal by the Kremlin after Russian peacekeepers failed to prevent Azerbaijan's successful military drive against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Back in the South Caucasus region, the defense ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other on October 5 of opening fire at the other's positions. Yerevan said Azerbaijani forces opened fire at a vehicle transporting food for personnel stationed at Armenian combat outposts in the eastern province of Gegharkunik. Baku, in turn, said the Armenian side opened fire at Azerbaijani positions in the western district of Kalbacar. No casualties were reported from either side. With reporting by RFE/RL's Armenian and Azerbaijani Services, Reuters, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-azerbaijan-firing- incidents-accusations/32624682.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 Tbilisi Condemns Moscow's Reported Plan To Establish Naval Base In Breakaway Abkhazia By RFE/RL's Georgian Service, RFE/RL's Echo of the Caucasus October 05, 2023 TBILISI -- Georgia's Foreign Ministry has condemned reports that Russia plans to establish a naval base in the breakaway region of Abkhazia, calling it a "blatant violation" of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The de facto president of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, was quoted by the Izvestia newspaper on October 5 as saying that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed an agreement in late September, according to which "a permanent base of the Russian Navy will appear in the nearest future in [Abkhazia's] Ochamchira district." "We call on the Russian Federation to comply with its international obligations, implement the cease-fire agreement concluded on August 12, 2008, through the mediation of the European Union, and end the illegal occupation of integral regions of Georgia," Georgia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement after the interview was published, adding that the international community supports the South Caucasus nation's territorial integrity. In August 2008, Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and Georgia's other breakaway region, South Ossetia, following a five-day Russian-Georgian war. Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia in 1992, a move which led to all-out war with Tbilisi. The West has called the move effectively an annexation of the two regions by Russia. Only Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria have recognized Abkhazia as independent. Moscow keeps thousands of its troops in the breakaway regions and in 2009 talk of a similar naval base was quickly criticized by NATO, which has three members -- Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania -- that are Black Sea littoral states. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on Bzhania's statement. "I cannot comment this. The issues related to our troops' location, our vessels, our units are the competence of the Defense Ministry," Peskov said. Bzhania's comments come the same day that The Wall Street Journal reported Moscow has withdrawn most of its Black Sea fleet from Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula it illegally annexed in 2014, because of constant attacks by Ukraine. Peskov said the Kremlin had no comment on the WSJ report as it was a matter for the Defense Ministry. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched in February last year, the Georgian government has strived to maintain a balanced relationship with Moscow. It has stated support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's invasion but hasn't joined economic sanctions imposed on Moscow by many Western countries. With reporting by TASS and Izvestia Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-russia-naval-base- abkhazia/32624642.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 Putin Says Construction of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh Going on Schedule Sputnik News 20231005 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the construction of the Rooppur nuclear power plant in Bangladesh is proceeding according to the schedule. "The construction of the nuclear power plant is proceeding on schedule. Every day, more than 20,000 people are involved in the construction, most of whom, as we have already said, are Bangladeshi citizens," Putin said in a video conference during a ceremony marking the delivery of nuclear fuel to the facility's first unit. Putin praised exceptional teamwork of Russian and Bangladeshi engineers, nuclear specialists, construction workers and other staff. He also congratulated Bangladesh on the new stage of construction of its first nuclear power plant, saying that the flagship project meets both countries' interests, helps foster deeper bilateral cooperation and contributes to economic development and energy security. "Bangladesh is our long-time friend and good partner, with whom we cooperate on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests," Putin added. The president said that Russia is not just building the plant, but will assist its partners throughout the entire life cycle of the nuclear project, including commitments on the long-term supply of reactor fuel, technical maintenance and spent nuclear fuel management, adding that the nuclear power plant's physical protection systems are safe. "All IAEA recommendations are being strictly followed in building the plant and preparing it for use. I think that [International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael] Grossi, who is participating in our ceremony, can testify that the physical protection system at Rooppur is reliable and modern. We would like to thank the IAEA for accompanying this work," Putin said. Grossi said, at the same ceremony, that the IAEA welcomes the initiation of the civil nuclear program in Bangladesh, outlining that the country decided to take advantage of nuclear power, which, he said, had impressed all members of the international community. The Rooppur nuclear power plant is the first nuclear facility in Bangladesh. It is being constructed with two Russian advanced VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 2,400 megawatts, 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Dhaka, the capital of the country. Similar pressurized water reactors were used at two power units of Russia's own Novovoronezh nuclear power plant in 2016. Bangladesh expects that the Rooppur NPP would start generating electricity by the end of 2024. According to the agreement, Russia will supply nuclear fuel for the entire lifetime of the plant. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Mexican President Lopez Obrador US Department of State Readout October 5, 2023 The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken led a high-level delegation to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador today in Mexico City on the margins of the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Security Dialogue. Secretary Blinken and President Lopez Obrador marked another year of productive discussions and shared accomplishments resulting from our two countries' annual high-level dialogues on economy and security. Secretary Blinken expressed the United States' gratitude for Mexico's efforts that led to the September 15 extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez while encouraging continued cooperation grounded in our shared respect for the rule of law. Secretary Blinken and President Lopez Obrador also discussed the challenges presented by irregular migration and synthetic fentanyl and our efforts to address them. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Concern regarding situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia: UK statement to the OSCE Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown says the UK remains seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and significant refugee flows into Armenia. 5 October 2023 The UK continues to have serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the significant refugee flows from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia. It is vital that international humanitarian organisations have independent access into Nagorno-Karabakh, so they can assess humanitarian need and respond appropriately. We therefore welcome Azerbaijan's decision last week to allow UN agencies into Nagorno-Karabakh, to complement ongoing efforts by the ICRC. On 29 September, the UK government announced that it is giving 1 million to the ICRC to support those efforts. Alongside contributions from others, this will help fund life-saving medication, healthcare, and other essential support to those affected by the recent conflict. We are also mindful of the significant pressures the movement of over 100,000 refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia will place on support services provided by the Armenian government and international aid organisations. We continue to liaise with the UN, ICRC and others to assess humanitarian need in both Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia to determine what further assistance may be required. We continue to urge both Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue negotiations and to do all they can to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation, including through Azerbaijan making clear its respect for Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the rights and security of the remaining ethnic Armenian community in Nagorno-Karabakh. On 28 September the UK's Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, had calls with both Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov and made these points. We will continue to monitor the situation, in close cooperation with our international partners, and hope to see positive steps soon to continue the substantive negotiations that are the only way to secure a lasting peace, and stability and security for the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 5 October 2023 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. Alright, good afternoon. ** Noon Briefing Guest As soon as you are done with me, we will be joined by our good friend, Imran Riza, who is the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon. He will be here to brief you on the challenges facing Lebanon currently. ** Ukraine We will start off with a statement on the latest developments in Ukraine: The Secretary-General strongly condemns today's attack which reportedly killed at least 49 people and injured several others in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv region of Ukraine. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law and they must stop immediately. The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to all those injured. Also, our Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, also issued a statement condemning the attack. In her statement, she called the images arriving from the site of the attack, absolutely horrifying. Our colleagues tell us that humanitarian workers in the country are mobilizing assistance to civilians harmed in the attack. ** Autonomous Weapons Systems Also, I want to flag that this morning, the Secretary-General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, issued a joint appeal to establish new international rules on autonomous weapon systems. They say that specific prohibitions and restrictions are needed to shield present and future generations from the consequences of their use. Autonomous weapon systems, which are generally understood as weapon systems that select targets and apply force without human intervention, pose serious humanitarian, legal, ethical and security concerns. In the current security landscape, setting clear international red lines will benefit all States, the Secretary-General and Ms. Spoljaric said. The autonomous targeting of humans by machines is a moral line which we must not cross. Machines with the power and discretion to take lives without human involvement should be prohibited under international law. That was shared with you. ** Armenia Just a quick update from our UN team in Armenia, led by acting Resident Coordinator Natia Natsvlishvili, [which] is boosting support to national authorities as they address the needs of more than 100,000 refugees, who recently arrived. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is continuing the distribution of locally procured core relief items requested by local municipalities, and these include foldable beds, bedding sets and blankets, near the border in Goris and Vayk municipalities, and near the capital, Yerevan. For its part, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) also continues its distribution of dignity kits and is working with local service providers to prevent gender-based violence. UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) trained social workers in child protection in emergency settings and has also established the first of two support centres in the main refugee recipient town of Goris, with the Armenian Red Cross, helping reconnect families with separated children. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), for its part, is purchasing equipment to address the rising needs of refugees and host communities, and these equipments include solar panels and water heaters, along with bio-toilets. ** Libya Turning to Libya, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that survivors of catastrophic flooding in the north-east of the country urgently need shelter, protection, health care including mental health care as well as water, sanitation and hygiene supplies. That's according to a new assessment that was carried out in areas impacted by Storm Daniel. Buildings were severely damaged by the floods in more than a third of the locations assessed by an inter-agency team. Some 42,000 people are still displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Many need cash to cover rent and support shelter repairs. Though water supplies are available, they are not always safe and not always affordable. Nearly two-thirds of health facilities are either out of service or only partially functioning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and more than 100 health workers were killed during the floods. Meanwhile, UNICEF says that nearly 100 damaged schools remain closed. We and our partners have reached 125,000 people with relief items and protection services, but to continue these efforts, we need reliable funding. To date, our Flash Appeal for more than $70 million to help flood survivors is only one-third funded. ** Sudan The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the UN in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, warned today that the country's population is "balancing on a knife's edge" as Sudan is gradually consumed by the ongoing conflict. With some 5.4 million men, women and children having fled their homes, Sudan has become the fastest-growing displacement crisis in the world, with half of the country's population that is 24.7 million human beings now requiring humanitarian aid. Ms. Nkweta-Salami also warned that the conflict could reach areas like Jazirah State, the country's breadbasket. On the health front, 70 per cent of all hospitals are no longer functioning. She expressed concern about battling cholera outbreaks in war zone areas, as the current heavy rains and floods could lead to more outbreaks of water-borne diseases. We and our partners have reached at least 3.6 million people working with and through Sudanese humanitarian workers, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The $2.6 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is only 32.8 per cent funded. We need more resources to help more people. ** South Sudan Moving south, to South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General's Special Representative in that country and Head of our Peacekeeping Mission there, addressed the thirty-second plenary of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. He did that in the capital Juba today. He said that a sense of urgency is required to progress the implementation of the Roadmap. With just 14 months until scheduled elections, Mr. Haysom noted the need to reconstitute and resource key electoral institutions like the National Constitutional Review Commission, National Elections Commission, and the Political Parties Council. He warned that in the absence of a functioning Political Parties Council, no party has been able to register lawfully, thereby creating a strong perception of a lack of a level playing field amongst the various political parties. ** Mauritius And in Mauritius, our UN team there has welcomed the Mauritius Supreme Court's landmark decision, which was taken yesterday, to decriminalize consensual same-sex relations. Resident Coordinator Lisa Singh said that the Court's decision to overturn an obsolete colonial law demonstrates a commitment to non-discrimination and to leaving no one behind. She added that the UN team and regional and international partners welcome Mauritius' decision to join the growing list of African countries protecting the human rights of everyone, including LGBTQI+ people. ** Special Political Missions And at 1:15 p.m., if you have no plans for lunch, I encourage you to head down to the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Chamber, where there will be a special event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Special Political Missions. As you may know, the first Special Political Mission was deployed in May 1948 after the General Assembly mandated a UN Mediator to Palestine and the subsequent appointment of Folke Bernadotte as the UN mediator. The event is jointly organized by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Permanent Missions of Finland and Mexico. Speakers include our Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray; the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, as well as the Secretary-General's envoys for Colombia, Yemen and the Horn of Africa. And as I said, you're all invited. ** World Teachers' Day Today is an International Day we can all learn from. Today is [World] Teachers' Day. Forty-four million additional teachers are still needed worldwide to achieve quality education for everyone, everywhere. In a post on the Twitter platform, the Secretary-General invites everyone to celebrate the value of teaching and commit to reverse the current teacher shortage. And I would not be here without some great teachers. So, Edie? ** Questions and Answers Question : Thank you, Steph. The Copernicus Climate Group data released today said September was the hottest September ever by a very significant amount. Does the Secretary-General have any comment? Spokesman : Well, I think, sadly, this is no surprise. We've been living in the hottest summer on record. I think it's just one more piece of scientific data that we hope will motivate people around the world, and especially political leaders, to take bold action and make bold decisions to help us fight climate change. Question : And on a completely different subject. Are there any talks going on anywhere regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative? Spokesman : Anything? Nothing that I'm able to share with you at this point. Michelle? Correspondent : That wasn't a total denial. Spokesman : A question is asked and... okay. Question : Okay. You can't give us any detail of what talks might be happening? Spokesman : Not at this point. Not at this point. Question : But talks are happening? Spokesman : But I think the Secretary-General has been very clear in his determination in regard to ensuring that Russian and Ukrainian grain and fertilizer are fully out to market in a predictable manner. And both Rebeca Grynspan and Martin Griffiths are working in that direction. Question : But talks are happening? Spokesman : That's as many words as you'll get out of me right now today. Question : Okay. Just on the attack that you mentioned in Ukraine, does the UN have any assessment on who might be responsible for that attack? Spokesman : You know, I think I would refer you to what Denise Brown said. She condemned this Russian attack. Madam? Question : Damilola Banjo, Dag fellow. I have two questions on the Kenya-led mission to Haiti. So, there hasn't been parliamentary approval for this mission in Kenya itself. Shouldn't this have been the first step, even before it's presented to the Security Council? Still on that, are there mechanisms in place to ensure that the Kenya-led mission to Haiti abides by international law, given Kenyan's police reputation for human right abuses? Are there strict guidelines that they must follow? Thank you. Spokesman : Sure. On the first part, it's not for me to comment on internal Kenyan political processes, right? That's a question you need to ask the Kenyan mission, the Kenyan authorities. On the issue of human rights, I think the Secretary-General has stressed that it is important on preventing any misconduct by any police that will be deployed by any country within the context of Haiti. And he had advocated for some very robust prevention and response frameworks in that regard. It is important that anyone who is deployed to Haiti from any country be deployed and act under a framework of protecting people's human rights. Yeah? Correspondent : Yeah. And before I ask my question, I'm no longer with Hurriyet anymore. I am with Sozcu TV and newspaper. Which is.... Sozcu means Spokesman in Turkish, so I am the Spokesman. Spokesman : Maybe that's my next project. Yeah. Question : Yeah. Anyway, my question is, now, do you have any statement about the latest development in northern Syria? You know, today, there are reports that Turkish drone shot down by United States aircraft. And, you know, it's getting serious there. Spokesman : I think we're very concerned about the latest rounds of violence that we're seeing. And again, it creates the situation where civilians pay a very high price. Yeah. Question : It's kind of follow up. What efforts has the UN made to reduce the conflict in north-east Syria? As you know, like, even this morning, the Turkish drones killed six Kurdish people in north-east Syria. Spokesman : Well, our efforts have always been focused on finding a political solution, right? And I think Geir Pedersen was here not long ago. He spoke to you outside of the Security Council. There is a framework set up by the Security Council. It is important that all concerned work towards the implementation of that framework and support the work of Mr. Pedersen. Evelyn? Question : It's on Sudan. You asked for quite a large contribution for aid. How is it being distributed? Are there UN workers in Sudan that can distribute... Spokesman : I think what I just said is that we have international UN staff, mostly folk in Port Sudan. We are working with Sudanese NGO, Sudanese humanitarian workers, and our Sudanese partners in sending out the aid that is necessary. Question : And they can distribute it? Spokesman : Well, they're on the front lines of this conflict. Can they distribute it? They have to work around checkpoints and conflict and work in very difficult situations. Yes, Margaret? Question : Steph, speaking on Sudan, any progress in replacing Mr. [Volker] Perthes as Head of the Mission? Spokesman : Progress will be announced from here when progress has been achieved. Question : Any names on the shortlist you care to share? Spokesman : Is this your first rodeo? Correspondent : Hope springs eternal. Spokesman : Yeah. Hope springs eternal. I do want to share, though, a more detailed reaction to the events in Syria, which is that the Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the drone attack on a military academy graduation in Homs, which reportedly resulted in dozens of casualties, including civilians and numerous injuries. The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned about the retaliatory shelling by pro-government forces on multiple locations in north-western Syria and emerging reports of casualties. A nationwide ceasefire is essential for a meaningful political process to implement Security Council resolution 2254. The Secretary-General strongly condemns all violence in Syria and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international law. He also recalls that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law at all times. Okay. Stefano, and then we'll go to our guest. Question : Thank you, Stephane. The European Union apparently reached a deal on how to handle the migrants and also political... well, we can call it the refugees and so on. Do you have any reaction? And do you think that they will... I mean, are you looking for something that is in this agreement? Spokesman : I would refer you to both IOM and UNHCR at this point for an immediate reaction. Sorry, we'll go to Benno and then we'll go to the guest. Question : Thank you, Steph. Okay. That was not clear enough. You just told us that the Russian attack in Ukraine is against our international humanitarian law. Can a country that violates international humanitarian law be part of the UN Human Rights Council? The elections are next week; Russia's running for a seat. Spokesman : It is up to Member States to vote and to decide who will sit on the Council. That's it. Alright. Let me get Imran and I'll be right back. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Karabakh crisis: UN response continues 5 October 2023 - UN teams on the ground in Armenia are providing vital support to help address the needs of over 100,000 refugees who recently fled the Karabakh region. The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has continued its aid efforts by distributing essential relief items. UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said a shipment of 180 foldable beds, hundreds of foam mattresses, beds, pillows, blankets, and more, transported by some 16 UNHCR-backed trucks, arrived on Thursday. Dignity kits The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has also been actively distributing dignity kits to assist women and girls in maintaining proper hygiene after their displacement. So far, approximately 13,000 kits have been distributed. Additionally, the agency is actively supporting local service providers in preventing gender-based violence and providing training to partners on survivor-centred support. Child protection The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has conducted training for social workers specializing in child protection within emergency settings. It has established the first of two planned support centres in the primary municipality receiving refugees, Goris. UNICEF is also working to improve psychological support services and child protection case management. Green energy Likewise, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is investing in green energy solutions to meet the needs of vulnerable refugees and their host communities. These solutions include the implementation of solar panels, water heaters, and bio-toilets. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: 'Horrifying' attack on Ukrainian village, autonomous weapons ban, Sudan crisis 5 October 2023 - The top UN humanitarian official in Ukraine has condemned a Russian strike on Thursday that ripped apart the small rural village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region, killing dozens of civilians. "The images arriving from the locality, home to just above 300 people, are absolutely horrifying," UN Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown said in a statement issued shortly after the attack. Speaking on behalf of the UN and the humanitarian community, she expressed condolences to the bereaved families. "Our thoughts are also with the people of Ukraine, who had to witness today, once again, another barbaric consequence of Russia's invasion," she added. Ms. Brown recalled that intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects is a war crime, as is intentionally launching an attack knowing that it would be disproportionate. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his strong condemnation of the attack, his Spokesperson said in a statement. "Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law and they must stop immediately," it said. UN and Red Cross heads urge autonomous weapons ban Machines which can kill without a human controlling them must be prohibited by international law, UN chief Antonio Guterres said on Thursday. In a joint appeal with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, the leaders urged countries to establish specific prohibitions and restrictions on autonomous weapon systems "to preserve human control over the use of force" and protect humanity. "Our concerns have only been heightened by the increasing availability and accessibility of sophisticated new and emerging technologies, such as in robotics and Artificial Intelligence technologies, that could be integrated into autonomous weapons," Mr. Guterres and Ms. Spoljaric said. They insisted that allowing autonomous weapons to be controlled by machine learning algorithms - "fundamentally unpredictable software which writes itself"- was unacceptable, while all other autonomous weapons needed to be subjected to clear restrictions and placed under human supervision. The UN and Red Cross chiefs stressed that years of multilateral discussions have laid the groundwork for countries to negotiate a new, legally binding treaty by 2026. States 'can and must do more' to counter religious hatred: UN rights chief Religious hate speech is "unfolding unchecked" on and offline, while gaps in national policy frameworks are letting it slip through the cracks, UN rights chief Volker Turk said on Thursday. Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mr. Turk said that countries "can and must do more" to counter this scourge: "Training initiatives for law enforcement officers and the judiciary, faith-based actors, teachers and media professionals in combating religious hatred need to be part of a comprehensive approach which integrates faith literacy, better understanding and sensitivity and clear measures to address discrimination." The UN human rights chief expressed hope that the dialogue at the Council would be a first step towards a policy "blueprint" for countries to combat religious hatred in line with international human rights law. Mr. Turk also said that his Office would also seek to involve major social media companies and look at their implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Human rights impacts of religious hatred have come under close scrutiny at the Council since an urgent debate on the topic and a resolution adopted in July called on States to take action, following a Quran burning in Sweden in June. Humanitarians appeal for 'much more' international solidarity for Sudan In war-torn Sudan, half of the population or almost 25 million people require humanitarian aid and protection, but there are not nearly enough funds to help them. The UN's top humanitarian official in the country, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, told reporters in Geneva about the consequences of the organisation's $2.6 billion appeal for Sudan remaining just one-third funded. "We're seeing high incidences of malnutrition. The health systems are struggling. We need additional resources for dialysis machines. We have a recent cholera outbreak," she said. "Additional resources will make sure that we are able to provide the medical equipment as well as the medicines, we're able to expand our WASH [water, sanitation and hygiene] capacity on the ground and we're able to provide the much-needed protection for the women, children and the most vulnerable of the population." In addition to "much more solidarity" from the international community, Ms. Nkweta-Salami said that humanitarians need better access and safety for their operations, as well as less interference from the parties to the conflict. She stressed that on both main routes for bringing in aid, across the border from Chad and through Port Sudan, humanitarians have to negotiate "with all armed groups" and have faced blockages and looting. The UN official deplored the fact that aid workers' efforts have been hampered despite an agreement concluded in Jeddah in May where the parties committed to providing unimpeded humanitarian access. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Killing of displaced civilians is unacceptable - Statement by Clementine Nkweta-Salami, Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Port Sudan, 5 October 2023): I am outraged by reports that six displaced people were killed and about 2,300 left homeless after their shelters were burnt during clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces near Hasahisa camp, Central Darfur, on 26 September. Further reports indicate that pumps supplying water to the camp were damaged, cutting the supply to displaced people. The fighters reportedly occupied a school near the camp from where they shelled their opponents, putting displaced people at risk of being caught in the crossfire. According to community leaders, the camp hosts about 50,000 people who have resided there since 2005. Since April, about 5.5 million people have fled their homes due to the conflict in search of safety and refuge; 4.3 million have been displaced within Sudan and 1.2 million to neighbouring countries. This high number of displaced people in a short time has made Sudan one of the world's fastest-growing displacement crises. Many of those displaced are in dire need of life-saving assistance and protection. Community leaders in Hasahisa camp report an urgent need for shelter, food, protection, and health assistance. Like in many areas of Sudan, the violence limits humanitarian access and deters efforts to deliver assistance. The suffering in Sudan has gone on for too long. Attacks on civilians and camps for displaced people are unacceptable. I urge all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure and to respect international humanitarian and human rights laws. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has inaugurated the Japan Travel House in Qatar, a pioneering initiative designed to serve as a dedicated contact point and information hub for travel to Japan. This strategic move aims to kindle interest in visiting Japan and encourage travel from the GCC countries, with a particular focus on Qatar. The official launching event took place on October 4, 2023, at the Japan Travel House. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Satoshi Maeda, Ambassador of Japan to Qatar. The ceremony was also open to the public, providing them with an opportunity to learn about travel to Japan. Attendees were treated to authentic Japanese cuisine courtesy of Junko Sushi & Japanese Dining, which serves as a contact point. The Japan Travel House will actively distribute pamphlets highlighting various tourist attractions across the country. Visitors can expect personalised face-to-face travel guidance and prompt responses to their inquiries. Additionally, the facility will feature informative display panels introducing diverse destinations from all corners of Japan. Plans are also in place to host Japanese cultural experience events. Maeda commented: Tourism is one of the important areas for bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar. The government of Japan has introduced various measures to promote tourism from Qatar to Japan. Visa waiver measure for nationals of the State of Qatar based on ordinary passport registration system for Qatari nationals started in April this year, and we began accepting applications electronically from August. Prime Minister Kishida introduced these measures to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at the bilateral summit meeting held in Doha this July, and His Highness responded that he welcomed the efforts of the Japanese government." Daisuke Kobayashi, Executive Director of the JNTO Dubai Office, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the launch of the Japan Travel House in Qatar: "I am pleased that JNTO was able to establish the contact point for inbound travel to Japan in Qatar. The GCC countries, including Qatar, are considered to be very important markets for JNTO. In addition to operating dedicated Middle East social media accounts, we believe in the importance of having a contact point where visitors can interact face-to-face, experience Japanese culture, and feel closer to Japan. This will make Japan more accessible, generate interest, and spark curiosity as a travel destination. The questions and comments collected at the Japan Travel House will provide valuable insights for us to better understand the Qatar and Middle East market and we aim to leverage them for our future promotional activities. The recently-opened EXPO 2023 Doha is poised to bring considerable attention to Yokohama, Japan, which will host the next International Horticultural Exhibition in 2027. This presents a pivotal opportunity for JNTO to raise awareness of Japan as a preferred travel destination, particularly among those in Qatar who have yet to visit Japan, said a statement. TradeArabia News Service GRFCSG Strengthens Interoperability with Italy US Navy 05 October 2023 From Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian T. Glunt, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Public Affairs IONIAN SEA -- The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) concluded a series of high-end training events with Italian naval forces in the Ionian Sea, Oct. 4, 2023, to increase interoperability as NATO allies and strengthen regional stability in the Mediterranean region. "This opportunity to train with the Italian Navy again builds on our previous interactions during our current deployment and strengthens our interoperability skills as members of NATO," said Rear Adm. Erik Eslich, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. "The exercise demonstrates our continued commitment to promote our shared interests of security, stability, and prosperity in the region and I am proud of our collective work to sustain this effort." The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), and squadrons assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 participated with Italian Navy flagship ITS Cavour (CVH 550), Italian Orizzonte-class guided-missile destroyer ITS Caio Duilio (D 554), and Italian Bergamini-class guided-missile frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591). The bilateral training events included multi-ship formation sails, cross-deck personnel training, helicopter cross-deck evolutions, various simulated defense exercises and airborne interoperability exercises between CVW-8 assets and ITS Cavour airwing. "I am beyond proud of the work and training the Italian Carrier Strike Group has executed together with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group throughout their deployment. It has reinforced the interoperability and interchangeability within our naval forces and air assets, vital to the alliance. Our current multi-carrier operations continue to promote our shared dedication to the security and freedom of the seas in the Wider Mediterranean region" said RADM Giacinto Sciandra, Commander, Second Naval Division/Italian Maritime Forces. Sailors assigned to Gerald R. Ford and Normandy participated in cross-deck evolutions with their foreign counterparts aboard Cavour and Duilio, further enhancing mutual understanding of operations and capabilities. The GRFCSG is conducting a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations in support of interoperability and maritime security. The GRFCSG provides an inherently flexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emerging missions, deter potential adversaries, reassure allies and partners, enhance security and guarantee the free flow of global commerce. In total, the GRFCSG is deployed with more than 5,000 Sailors across all platforms ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Shoots Down Turkish Drone Over Syria By Jeff Seldin October 05, 2023 U.S. F-16 fighter jets shot an armed Turkish drone out of the skies Thursday over northeastern Syria after the drone flew too close to U.S. troops on the ground. Pentagon officials said U.S. commanders observed the drone early Thursday when Turkish forces carried out a series of drone strikes near Hasakah, just a kilometer away from where U.S forces were based. The U.S. troops were sent to their bunkers while efforts were made to communicate with Turkish commanders. But when the armed drone approached again later, coming within half a kilometer of U.S. forces, the decision was made to shoot it down. "This is certainly a regrettable incident," Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters Thursday, defending the decision to shoot down the drone. "Based on the observation of airstrikes being conducted and the fact that this drone was upwards of nearly half a kilometer from U.S. forces, U.S. commanders made the determination that it was a self-defense threat," he said. "Appropriate action was taken." High-level communication The incident prompted high-level phone calls between U.S. and Turkish defense officials. The Pentagon described one call between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler as "fruitful." A second call between U.S. General CQ Brown, the newly installed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Metin Gurak, chief of the general staff of the Turkish armed forces, focused on "the need to follow common deconfliction protocols to ensure the safety of our personnel in Syria," according to a Pentagon readout. Turkey has been carrying out a series of airstrikes across northern Syria in retaliation for a terror attack Sunday, claimed by the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, that killed two police officers at Turkey's Interior Ministry. Both Ankara and the U.S. view the PKK as a terror organization. But Turkey views the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, as an extension of the PKK, while the U.S. has supported the SDF as a key partner in the fight against the Islamic State terror group. "When it comes to the PKK, we recognize and have declared the PKK a foreign terrorist organization and again, fully understand Turkey's legitimate right to defend itself," Ryder said. Ryder did not elaborate about why communications between U.S. commanders in Syria and Turkish officials failed to stop the Turkish drone from approaching U.S. forces in an area the U.S. had designated as a restricted operating zone. As for the hostilities between Turkey and the SDF and other Kurdish groups in northeastern Syria, Ryder said the U.S. would continue to urge all sides to de-escalate to allow U.S. and coalition forces to focus on eliminating the last Islamic State terror cells in the region. "Turkey does remain a very important and valuable NATO ally and partner to the United States," he noted. "We have no indication Turkey was intentionally targeting U.S. forces." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Human Rights Watch Calls for Reintegrating Armenians Into Nagorno-Karabakh By VOA News October 05, 2023 Human Rights Watch has called on governments working the facilitate peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region to ensure the right of ethnic Armenians to return to the region. The military offensive taken by Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region caused many Armenians to leave in late September. Nearly 100,000 ethnic Armenians have fled the region they once controlled following hostilities enacted by the Azerbaijani military and in fear that aggressive action could continue from Azerbaijan's forces. The exodus has left the region practically depopulated, with those remaining being primarily the elderly or people too sick to leave. Many of the people who fled left with few of their belongings as they were jammed into small cars with limited amount of space, according to interviews conducted by Human Rights Watch on the Armenian border. Many Armenians have expressed interest in returning to Nagorno-Karabakh but say they would only do so if there was international protection, according to Human Rights Watch. Because of this, Human Rights Watch has called on Azerbaijan authorities to not only outline how they intend to respect human rights in the region in the short and long term, but also the need to accept international monitoring in the region. Human Rights Watch urged countries who partner with Azerbaijan to demand peace in the region to ensure the safety of all who are there, including ethnic Armenians. Current talks are in progress between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, facilitated by European Council President Charles Michel. A meeting was scheduled for Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, also slated to help facilitate discussions. But Aliyev pulled out Wednesday amid visits to Armenia by French diplomats. Human Rights Watch has urged that the ongoing talks with European facilitators include demands for Azerbaijan to respect international law, permit the return of ethnic Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh, and allow for monitoring. Azerbaijan has said that the rights of everyone in the region will be respected. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Government to Resume Deportations to Venezuela By Aline Barros October 05, 2023 The Biden administration announced Thursday it will resume the deportation of migrants back to Venezuela in hopes of decreasing the numbers of Venezuelans arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. On a background call with reporters a method often used by U.S. authorities to share information with reporters without being identified Biden officials said Venezuelan nationals who cross into the U.S. unlawfully will still be processed. But if it is found they do not have a legal basis to remain in the country, they will be "swiftly removed" back to Venezuela. "This comes following a decision from the authorities of Venezuela to accept back their nationals," a U.S. official said. "This also reflects a long-standing approach by the Biden-Harris administration that balances historic expansion of access - orderly, lawful pathways - with harsh consequences for those who seek to enter our border irregularly." This is the latest effort from the administration to stem the flood of Venezuelans making the dangerous journey through the Darien Gap, Central America and Mexico to the southern U.S. border. "In fact, we have already identified individuals in our custody today who will be removed promptly in the coming days," a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official said in the call. "All of these individuals have gone through our U.S. immigration system and have not been able to prove that they have a legal basis to remain in the United States." According to human rights groups, the current exodus of Venezuelans is the largest migration crisis in recent Latin American history. The United Nations reports that a staggering 7 million Venezuelans have left their country because of political instability, and they travel through countries including Peru and Columbia to get to the United States. Venezuela also faces U.S. sanctions because of what the United States describes as repressive policies and human rights abuses. "More than 7.7 million people have left Venezuela in search of protection and a better life," the U.N. said in August. "The majority more than 6.5 million people have been hosted in Latin American and Caribbean countries." First flight expected soon The U.S. has not carried out regular deportations to Venezuela for years. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil confirmed Thursday on X the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that the country had signed an agreement with the U.S. to receive its nationals back. "An agreement on immigration has been approved that allows for the orderly, safe and legal repatriation of Venezuelan citizens in the United States through the 'Return to the Homeland' program," Gil said in Spanish. Biden officials did not provide details of the conversation with the Venezuelan government but said they continuously engage with countries around the world "to urge them to receive their nationals that have no lawful basis to remain in the United States." "We intend on operating the first repatriation flight very soon, in the next few days, and we will have more details about those operations as we stand them up," said another U.S. official. In September, CBS News reported that approximately 50,000 Venezuelans had crossed the U.S. southern border that month without authorization, an all-time record. VOA was not able to confirm that figure as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said enforcement data for September was still not available. Policy aligns with legal pathways As U.S. officials explained the new policy to reporters during the call, they said it went hand in hand with the legal pathways created in 2023 for Venezuelans hoping to come to the U.S. The humanitarian parole program that began on January 5 for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela also was designed to decrease unauthorized migration, including entries into the United States between legal ports of entry. The program allows up to 30,000 migrants per month from each country to enter the U.S. and live for up to two years. Once their applications are approved, they are allowed to proceed with travel arrangements. "We have permitted more than 66,000 Venezuelans to enter the country through the CHNV process and more than 66,000 Venezuelans through the CBP One [mobile app] process at ports of entry," a DHS official said, using the abbreviation for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans But to get through the program, as VOA reported in August, migrants have to travel to a processing center in Colombia to begin the application. Voice of America visited the first Movilidad Segura office which means "Safe Mobility" in English in Medellin, Colombia, a satellite location of the U.N. Refugee Agency where migrants who applied online are initially screened remotely. A limited number are then referred for in-person appointments to verify their personal information and documents. U.S. immigration officers are not involved in the process. But would-be migrants were learning that the centers were still not offering faster options for people who wished to flee urgently. Biden officials said the U.S. continues to address the migrant crisis while expanding legal pathways so people are not compelled to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border. On September 20, the administration also announced the redesignation and expansion of Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants who are already in the United States. Under TPS, Venezuelans who arrived in the U.S. on or before July 31, 2023, are eligible for temporary legal status - allowing them to work legally in the U.S. for up to 18 months. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre October 05, 2023 James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 1:17 P.M. EDT MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Good afternoon, everyone. Q Good afternoon. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Over the past few days, we have seen the traumatizing impact of the gun violence epidemic in our country: At Morgan State University in Baltimore, where a joyful Homecoming Week was interrupted by violence. In Holyoke, there were sev- there were where several people were shot at in at, including a pregnant woman who tragically lost the child she was carrying hours later in the hospital. And in Philadelphia, where three police officers were shot while doing their jobs last night. Americans should be able to go to their schools, places of worship, jobs, and out in their community without the fear of gun violence. Last week, the Department of Justice announced that they are awarding more than $4.4 billion in grants to support state, local, and Tribal community safety efforts that re- that reach every corner of the country. This historic investment is community safety in community safety is a major stride toward preventing violence in our communities. Among some examples of where this critical funding will be going: number one, first, community violence prevention efforts, including in new investments in states including North Carolina, Colorado, and Ohio; efforts to support victims of gun violence in all 50 states; investments in crime reduction strategies and support for law enforcement; crucial resources to keep our kids safe in and out of school; and much more. This is just the latest action from the Biden-Harris administration to keep communities safe, and it builds on the historic action President Biden has taken to reduce gun violence and gun crime, including signing into law Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, announcing dozens of executive actions, and last month launching the first ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Now, tomorrow, our administration will kick off the third third Investing in Ameri- America Tour with the President, the First the Vice President, the First Lady, Cabinet members, and senior administration officials, making dozens of trips across the country to highlight how Bidenomics is growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out in communities across the country. To mark National Manufacturing Day tomorrow, the First Lady will travel to Fishkill, New York, to attend the launch of a new mechatronics training lab funded by the American Rescue Plan. And the White House will launch our advanced manufacturing sprint to build a diverse, skilled pipeline of workers, including for union jobs in advanced manufacturing. This tour comes as extreme Republicans in Congress continue continue to to try to block the President's Investing in America Agenda and repeal critical pieces of in- of legislation that are bringing investments and opportunity to their own districts. We'll be sharing out some more additional information this afternoon, so please stay tuned. Seung Min. Q Thanks. First topic, does the President support the ongoing strike by Kaiser healthcare workers? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: As we've always said, the President is always in support of of union members, you know, striking number one but also doing collective bargaining. We know that works. We've seen that work, whether it is the UPS UPS strike or the Westport the West Coast ports. And we know when when the two sides or all sides come together and in a good-faith approach, they can get to a place where union workers are getting their fair pay and fair benefits. So, certainly the President supports that. Q So but is the strike, for the President, worth it when there's already reports of babies not being able to get checkup appointments or non-emergency care being delayed? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, the President believes that all workers all workers, including healthcare workers, and those who make their their work possible, deserve a fair sha- a fair pay and benefits. That's what he believes. And look, it's it's not new or unusual for care workers from any sector to exercise their rights under the collective bargaining. Again, when the two sides come together in good faith, we believe that it works out. There is a resolution. There is a win-win scenario here. And even the chair at Treasury Department and I spoke to this earlier this week put out a report: When we see that type of collective bargaining that it not only helps union workers but it also helps the economy and it helps non-union workers. Look, we hope that they get to a to they get to a place where they can all agree so we can move forward so that mothers can indeed make sure take care of their kids. Right? That is indeed important. But he we've always been clear that he believes workers have the right to ask for fair pay and fair and fair benefits. Q And a couple on Ukraine. Does the White House have a reaction to the attack in eastern Ukraine today where about 50 people were killed? Ukrainian officials say it was a Russian rocket that caused the caused the accident or caused the caused the incident. And it's the deadliest attack in months. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, we sadly, we're continuing to see Russia launch strikes like the one today in eastern Ukraine, which hit a grocery store reportedly, as far as we know at this moment, killed at least 9- 49 people. So, we have to stop and think about this. Let's stop and think about what we're seeing: 49 innocent people who were killed by a Russian airstrike while they were shopping for food at a supermarket. That's what they were doing. And so, can you imagine just walking to the grocery store with your kids, trying to figure out what is it that you're going to make for dinner, and you see an explosion happen where bodies are everywhere. And it's horrifying. It is incredibly horrifying for the people of Ukraine, for the folks who are like yourselves, your colleagues who are reporting this on the ground. And it is for these families and these kids. So this is what is happening in Ukraine every day. This is why we're doing everything that we can to help Ukraine, to help the brave people of Ukraine to fight for their freedom, for to fight for their democracy. And so this is, again, what the President keeps talking about over and over again: We have to be continuing to support the people of Ukraine, because this is the horrifying nature that they live in every day. Q And one more on Ukraine, if I may, because I know we've talked a lot about the "deal," in quotes, with the with the White House and the Speaker. When the Speaker was asked about this on Tuesday night at his post-speakership press conference, he said that he said there was a concern in there, does it have transferability on money. "I believe that my staff believe it did. What I did say to the White House: If it does not if you think in some way it doesn't do what it do it the way it should, I will fix that. I did say that. I did say I'd do it." Is that the agreement that the White House had with the Speaker fixing some money transferability issues as it relates to Ukraine aid? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, here's what I can say, and just to what the President alluded to we have another package of aid of Ukraine for Ukraine soon soon as soon as part of our normal cadence, which includes weapons and equipment for the fight that they're in. And so, we're going to continue to do that. We're going to continue to make sure that we meet the battlefield needs that Ukraine has using existing authorities, using those resources provided by Congress, as we have said from from the podium this week. And certainly, that's what the President was alluding to. I'm not going to go beyond what the President said. We ultimately, though we believe that Congress needs to act, right? Even as we talk about these authorities these are the resource authorities, funding authorities that we have, these PDAs and you've heard from my colleague at NSC that we can go a bit longer a bit longer, but it's not the long-term solution. So, the I the the big piece of this right now is that we need Congress to keep their promise to keep the promise that they made to Ukraine's Ukrainians about continuing that bipartisan support. We see it in both the both chambers that there is a majority of support there. And so, that's what when we talk about the long-term how we move forward, that's what we want to continue to see. Go ahead, Selina. Q The President just told me that a border wall does not work. If that's the case, why does his own Department of Homeland Security Secretary say in a public notice, quote, "There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers." MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Here's what I can say. I can speak to what the President was very clear in saying and also what you all have been reporting about about this this construction. So, the facts are this: This this is not new. These funds were appropriated in fiscal year 2019 under Republican leadership, and DHS is required by law to use the funds for appropriate- appropriated purpose. That's what we're seeing. This was announced back in June by the DHS. And so, look, we we believe that there are better effective ways of moving forward to secure our border and security we our border security. And we have continuously asked for Congress to act to provide our CBP at the law enforcement law enforcement at the border to give them the resources they need to do their jobs. And so, we're going to continue to call on Congress. We believe and the President has been very clear, even when you asked him, "Does a does a border wall work?" He said, "No." And he has been very consistent about that. We believe that we need border technology that is modernized and land ports of at of land ports of entry. And that's what we want to see. And that's what I can speak to. And we this is something that we were required by law, and we are complying. This is an administration that does believe in the rule of law. Q But why now? For instance, these funds have been available since Biden took office. Why at this moment? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: And the President actually spoke to this. And this is one of the things that he was saying that he he's been asking Congress to reappropriate the funds. He has been for the past couple of years, and Congress refused. And we have to comply by law to get this done. And that's what you're seeing happening right now. Q Would there be a way to continue to slow-walk this and to delay it? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We have to comply by law, and that's what we're doing at this time. We asked Congress to reappropriate the funds. That's what we would prefer to see not waste the funding in the way that they're doing it right now that we are required to do. But they've refused, and so now we're moving forward. Go ahead. Q Thanks, Karine. What specific law will the administration be breaking if funds appropriated for the border wall are not used, especially because the funds are go unused all the time? I mean, why not let it go unused this time? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, look, I'm not going to speak to the law. I would have to refer you to Department of Justice. I'm not a lawyer. But what I can tell you is that we are com- we are this is a law that we are complying with. We have we have asked Congress multiple times to reappropriate this. This is not the way that we believe is going to be effective here. We believe in modernizing the system, not actually building a wall. The President said himself he does not think this is effective. And so we're complying by law. And we believe that in the rule of law here, and we're moving forward in getting that and in following the law. Q Is is this the administration in some ways recognizing that using these funds at this moment will be useful in Texas? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We are complying by the law that says that we need to do this. And that's what DHS is is asking for. Q And and how is this consistent with what President Biden pledged to do when he was elected, which is that he will not use any funds to use the border wall? What will you tell MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Let's make well, let's make this really clear: The facts are that this is not new, right? This is something that came from the last administration under the Republican leadership in fiscal year 2019. And we are required to do this. We are required DHS is required to comply by the law. That's what we're doing here. And look, the President he said this himself. He asked Con- he basically asked Congress to reappropriate the funds; they wouldn't do it. And so, now we are com- we have to comply by the law. Now, this was something that was announced six months ago. DHS actually announced this six months ago. And so, this is not new. This is actually not new. Q But will this help with the situation in Texas? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We believe that a border wall is not effective. You heard that from the President when your colleague, Selina, asked him directly. He said we don't believe it's effective. We have asked Congress to actually fi- to actually help us, you know, use these funds in smarter, more effective ways. That's what we've asked for. They refuse, but we're going to continue to ask Con- for Congress especially Republicans who are holding this back to act. Go ahead. Q If the border wall is ineffective, why is the Homeland Security Secretary saying that it's necessary to prevent unlawful entries into the United States? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I have not seen that full that full statement. I know Q It's in the notice that went out this morning. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I I hear you. I'm just saying I've not seeing that full his full statement on that. What I can speak to is for the President. The President has been very clear that he doesn't believe it's it's effective. He answered that question of your colleague. That's what I can speak to. That's what we're going to talk about. And we've actually said there are smarter ways and more effective ways in dealing with this. And there are. And so, we the President said himself: He asked Congress to reappropriate these funds for something that is more effective for ways to do this in a smarter way as it relates to border security measures. They refused. This was announced back back in June. And now we're moving forward. Q And he said in 2020 as a candidate so after this law was passed in 2019 that "There will not be another foot of wall constructed in my administration." How can you say that he's not breaking that promise? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, what I can say is that there is a law that the DHS is com- is complying with. We believe in the rule of law. And that's what we're moving forward to with. This was decided, as you just said, in 2019. I believe there was a different president in 2019 right? that was a Republican president who actually pushed this forward. The Republican leadership pushed this forward. And so, now we're complying by the law. Let's not forget: This was six months ago this was out there six months ago. I know you guys are asking me about this now, but this was actually not new. And this was done six months ago. Go ahead. Q Yeah. But to piggyback on that, Karine, I mean, there were a series of waivers put forth last night that expedited this process. And can you help us understand, essentially, is there a deadline in the law? Or why is it that this has to be used up right now? Because you all have been not thus far using these funds. So, to piggyback on Nandita's question, why not continue to slow on this if philosophically you MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Because we've asked Q you do not believe in it? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Because the answer there is we've asked Congress over and over again the President said this to reappra- -appropriate the funds. They said no. We have to comply by the law. That's what DHS is doing. As you asked me about the environmental laws that we had to that we had to deal with, you know, we have to comply by the law, and which requires because we have to comply by the law, which requires the agencies to use these funds, so for their appropriated purpose. Now, CBP will conduct environmental and cultural resource surveys of this project. And so, certainly, I would refer you to DHS and CBP on the specifics of that and also the law itself. What I can tell you is that we are we have to comply by the law, and that's what we're doing. And that's what DHS is doing. Again, this was out this was announced back in June. And this is what we're how we're moving forward. And you heard directly from the President. His stance on the border wall has not changed. He does not believe it is effective. He has been very clear about that. Again, your colleague asked him directly, and his answer was no. Go ahead, JJ. Q Has the government already contracted for this project? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don't have any news about the about contracts for this project or how it's moving forward. I would have to refer you to DHS on that. Q And on the Ukraine speech. Are you expecting it to be next week early next week? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I don't have anything new to share on the Ukraine speech specifically. But, look, the President was very clear. He wants to give a major speech on this. And so, when we have more information, certainly we will share it. Look and you've heard me say this multiple times. You heard the President say this. There is strong bipartisan support from both chambers for protecting our national security by backing Ukraine as that as as they continue to fight for their democratic for their democracy, for their sovereignty, and resist the brutal invasion of Russian aggression, obviously, which has committed war crimes and atrocities and killed countless civilians and kidnapped thousands of children. We saw what happened what's happening today in Ukraine at the grocery store, where we know at least 49 people have died. And that's horrific. That is how they're living their life. And also, I want to bring in the experts into this, too across the spectrum have stressed: If we abandon the people of Ukraine and Russia is successful, it would send a terrible message and embolden dictators and would be aggressors and would-be aggressors around the world who may want to invade other countries. So which could draw the United States and create much more much more of a problem and an issue around the world. So, that's you know, that's why we have to continue, we believe, being behind and behind the people of Ukraine. When we have more to share on his speech, we certainly will do that. But, yes, the President is going to make a major speech on Ukraine. And when we have those information, we'll certainly share it with you. Go ahead, Peter. Q Karine, I just want to follow up very quickly. You said that it's not new, but, to be clear, that this was posted on the Federal Register overnight on October 4th. So, just to be clear about this: The President earlier today said that he was asked, "Does the border wall work?" He said, "No." But in the statement that was posted within the last 24 hours, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary says, "There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States..." So, who's right: the statement from the DHS Secretary overnight or the President's comments today saying they don't work? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, a couple of things. Yes, it showed up on the register today. But the announcement this is not new. This is from six months ago. Q Well, it is new, because the waiving of the laws actually didn't happen until overnight. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: But it was this is something that was out back that the DHS was put out back in in in six months ago. Q So, wait, wait. So, they waived the MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So and now they announced no Q Did they waive the laws six months ago? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, what I'm saying is DHS announced this back in in June, that the agency would do so. They actually said that they would do that back in DHS -. Q But so, they moved forward with it today but the initial announcement was six months ago by waiving the law. So, that's what's new today. Understood. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yes Q So, this statement, when he says "presently" was filed MS. JEAN-PIERRE: just want to make sure we're clear on that. Q so, when he said there is "presently," are you saying, when he says there is "presently," he was referring to six months ago or referring to the date of which it was filed 10/4? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What I can tell you is DHS announced this back in June, that they were going to move forward with this. That's what I can share with you. That's what I I know is to be true and is to be fact. Look, I can speak for the President. The President said he was asked directly he doesn't believe a border wall is effective. Q Does he have a disagreement with his Department of Homeland Security Secretary? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I I what I can tell you is what the President I I'm going to tell you what the President said and what your colleague asked him. He said no, he doesn't believe that the border wall Q I ask because he's speaking MS. JEAN-PIERRE: is effective. Q in direct contradiction to what his own Homeland Security MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, I hear you. Q Secretary says. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I hear you. I'm speaking for the President. I'm saying that he has said that he does not believe a border wall is effective. That's what he was asked. He has said that for some time now, and it still remains to be the case. He asked right? he asked Congress multiple times, his team has asked Congress to reappropriate the funds. They refuse to do that. We're going to comply by law. Q Will you ask the President on our behalf, then, in the absence of our ability to do that, whether he disagrees with the statement that there is "presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers"? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm happy to take that back. Q Thank you. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm happy to take that back. Go ahead. Q Thanks. Karine, again on the wall, Mexico's President is saying that the the plans to move forward, quote, are "contrary" to what President Biden had been proposing. Has the President addressed this with Mexico? Have you guys has he talked to him? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, he just addressed it in the in in the Oval Q But has he has he spoken to the Mexican leader? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I I hear you. But that just that was just came out, right? I'm assuming that he just made that statement. Correct? Q He could have talked to him in advance. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You guys just saw him. He was meeting with he was meeting with his national security advisors right? with the new chairman. So, first of all, you heard directly from the President. He said that he does not think a border wall is effective. So, you heard directly from the President on that, as as the President of Mexico is speaking to, right? So, you heard from directly from the President. I don't have a I don't have a call to read out. The President has been busy meeting with his national security team. Q Does he plan to speak with him about this? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don't I don't have a call to reach out. As you know, members of members of his team here at the White House have they went down to to Mexico. They did a delegation and went down there and had meetings. I don't have a call to read out from the President. Go ahead, Nancy. Q Thanks, Karine. As someone who spends a fair amount of time in the Oval Office with the President, did you ever have a troubling encounter with Commander? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, not at all. Q So, he never nipped you? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No. Q Were you ever wary of being MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No. Q around him because MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No. I've Q of the biting incidents that you had heard about? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Absolutely not. And I've seen Commander many times. I was never wary, and I've never been bit by Commander. Q Have any of your have any of the members of your staff ever been bitten? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What I can say I don't have numbers of of of, you know, exact numbers of of any incidents with Commander. I do want to lay out something that my colleague Elizabeth Alexander, over at the First Lady's Office, who is her communications director and just to just to be clear here and we want to, you know, make sure that folks understand, just in case you guys didn't see her statement here. And it goes as follows: "The President and the First Lady care deeply about the safety of those who work at the White House and those who protect them every day. They remain grateful for the patience and support of the U.S. Sec- U.S. Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solution[s]." "Commander is not presently at the White House on the White House campus and while next while while next steps are evaluated." That was a statement that came out from the First Lady's office. And so, I will certainly leave it there. But no, I as it relates to me, I was never wary of of Commander. I've seen him many, many times. And so, I I can only speak for myself, though. And I can't speak to any- anything else outside of that. Q I guess I'm surprised I've been bitten by a dog. If there was a dog that had bitten 11 or 12 other people, I'd be a little nervous around that dog. Why weren't you? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean (laughs) I'm not sure why this has to do anything with me. I was just not nervous at all. So, that is not a concern for me. That is not something that I can't speak to anything else outside of what you have heard from the First Lady's Office. And so, I'll just leave it there. Q Thank you. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. Q Can you make the dog available for questioning? (Laughter.) MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Do you want me to bring the dog into the briefing room? That should be fun. That should be fun. Q I wouldn't mind. (Laughter.) MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead. Q Thanks, Karine. If you'll take another question on on the wall. You said, quoting the President, that he did not believe that a wall was effective. And you, in your own words, said that it would be a waste. I wonder if you could talk about why a wall is ineffective for a number of different reasons, whether it's stopping drugs, stopping illegal migration. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. Q Obviously, the President has voted for, you know, the Secure Fence Act in 2006, specifically talking about how it would be effective in stopping drugs (inaudible). MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, we believe so, first of all, he was asked, "Do you believe..." let me get the exact "Do you believe..." by your colleague Selina here "Do you believe the border wall works?" He said, "No." Right? He answered that directly. So, we believe there are more effective ways of dealing with this dealing with the border security. And so, of course, we have repeatedly asked Congress to make sure that CBP have the resources they need to do their jobs. And we think there are other ways to do that, whether it's smarter, more effective border security measures and so you know, like tech- border border technology. We believe that works when you modernize that. And also, land ports land ports of entry. We believe that's what works to deal with border security. And so, we've been very clear. The President has very clear about this. He doesn't believe believe the border wall is effective, and that has not changed. That has not changed. We are complying by the law. DHS is complying by the law that that that an appropriation that came from fiscal year 2019, under the last administration Republican leadership and that's what you're seeing now. Q I just want to follow up with MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. Q a question about the the letter that Governor Pritzker sent earlier this week. He asked for one person in the White House who deals with the President to be a coordinator for border issues for irregular migration and how it's impacting some of these big cities. What's the White House response to this idea that you need one person? Because it sounds like he thinks that there is more coordination that needs to be happening. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, here's the thing: There are multiple folks here who deal with who are and have been in touch with governors across the country on this issue. You have the Inter- Intergovernmental Affairs Office, which is led by Tom Perez. And, you know and so, that is someone who has kind of led these conversations with these governors and talks to them pretty regularly about the issues that they're having on any all an array of issues, not just this. And so and there are mu- multiple other people that have been in touch with governors across the across the country. Look, let's not forget, we provided a billion dollars to those coun- to those to those, you know, counties, states, cities who are dealing with this issue, right? And and so, we have been we've been very, very engaged whether it's the governor in Illinois or the governor in New York on how to on how to move forward to really deal with the issues that they're dealing with on the ground in an effective way. And so, that's what we're going to continue to continue to do. You know, and you know, it is a it is an issue that's incredibly important to to this President. And that's how we're going to continue to move forward, have those engagements, have those conversations, and figure out what ways the federal government can help them on the ground. Go ahead. Q Thanks. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. Go ahead. Q Thanks, Karine. Two two questions. One is about Commander. Are there more dogs in of the First Family in the White House complex or not? Just wanting to find out if there's more dogs. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, it was just Commander that was here on campus, as I just mentioned. He's not Q The other question, it has to do with MS. JEAN-PIERRE: on the at the White House at the time. Q with the Darien Gap down in Central America. There's a lot of talks between apparently the government of Panama is making a complaint today against the government of Colombia for not for not stopping all the migration that is going through that area and apparently damaging all the natural environment there. I was wondering if the U.S. is considering any action to help either Panama and Colombia to manage the migrant migration flows in that region. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I don't have any new policy announcement to make at this time. But as you know, the President has had and his team right? whether it's DHS or State Department diplomatic conversations with folks in the region. As you know, when it comes to migration, it is a regional issue not just at the border in in the south. And so, we have consistently continued to have those conversations those diplomatic conversations. As you know, he brought more than 20 countries to the U.S. out west in the West Coast, as you all know to have those conversations on how we can work together. There was a declaration that was put forward on ways that we can move forward in dealing with the this migration issue that we see in the region. I don't have anything new to read out, new policies to read out today. Q Thank you. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead. Q Thanks, Karine. Just a couple on the border. First, on the timing. I understand that you've said this is in the works, that it's been out for six months. But specifically on this notice coming out last night, is it at all related to the funding request for Ukraine that the administration has been pushing for, given what some House Republicans are saying that they want border money right now they want more focus on border security. Is this some sort of, "We will put this out now so we can make more of an effort to get the Ukraine funding"? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I wouldn't connect the two. I think, again, the President has said multiple times when it comes when as answering "why now?" The President multiple times has asked Congress to reapprai- -appropriate these funds. They wouldn't do it. And so, we're moving forward. This is this is nothing new. This was announced by DHS about six months ago back in June, and that continues to stay the case. Look, as it relates to the border and what what Republicans are asking for: We believe one action should not one action should not be dependent on another action. It should not be. We've been very clear. In August, the President told Congress we needed up to 4,000 more troops to support border operations; resources, equipment, and overtime to support the operations of 24,000 more Customs and Border Protection; 39,000 more detention beds; new technology to prevent cartels from moving fentanyl. And Republicans failed. They failed to act. That and and, in fact, as I mentioned earlier this week, they were two two weeks ago, they forth a a CR that proposed cutting the DHS to [by] 8 percent, which would remove law enforcement at the border, which would make our border less secure. And so, you know, those two things Ukraine funding and that should not be linked. We have seen bipartisan support in both chambers for Ukraine funding. And that's what we believe should be should we should be move moving forward and continuing that funding for Ukraine. And we've been asking. We've been asking the GOP House Republicans, in particular hey, to take action right? to take action in helping us become partners with us and dealing with what is happening currently at the border. Q And you've said many times that the President, many times, has asked Congress to cancel or shift these funds toward more effective uses at the border. How has he specifically done that? Has been has that been through formal budget or funding requests? When did that happen? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I don't have the exact timeline of when those happened. Q Can we get that? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm certainly going to ask our Office of Leg Affairs. Certainly, his team works on that. And so, I will ask the Office of Leg Affairs. Q And this appropriated funding from 2019 MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. Q does that have an expiration date? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don't have an exp- I don't have the the the timeline or the date on if there's an expiration. I would refer you to DHS on that particular question. But, again, we are complying by the law on this. Go ahead, Jeremy. Q Could there be future border projects from the same amount allocation of funding that was appropriated in 2019? I mean, is is this the end of it? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I don't know about any additional fu- additional funding from the fiscal 2019. I can speak to this right now: As it relates to the structure that we are being compelled by law to have to deal with, anything specifically about the about border or what's next or how they're moving, I would certainly refer you to DHS. Q And real quick, back on Commander. Where exactly is Commander the dog right now? Is he MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not Q in Wilmington or MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not going to go beyond saying that he's no longer on campus. Q Okay. Thanks. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Phil, in the back. Q Thank you. You've reiterated that the President's position is consistent when it comes to the border wall. His DHS Secretary previously said in 2021 that he was against the border wall. As plenty of my colleagues have pointed out, he has recently said that there's, you know, an "acute need." It seems that his Secretary has changed his mind. So, will the President or has the President inquired what caused that evolution? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Of? What caused the evolution of Q Of Mayorkas's opinion when it comes to the wall. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, you just heard from the President. I'm not going to get into Q Well, is he is he curious perhaps what Mayorkas saw? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I I I'm just saying that you just heard from the President. He was asked directly the question, and he said, "No." I don't have anything else to add beyond that. Q And then, is there any comment on reports that a U.S. F-16 shot down a Turkish drone that was nearing American forces in Syria? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I we did see those reports as I was walking out here. I would have to certainly confer confer with the National Security Council. I just don't have anything to share on that. But but in the meantime, I would refer you to Department of Defense. Q Thank you, Karine. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead. Q Thanks Q Thanks you, Karine. Q Oh? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead. Go ahead. Q Me? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yes. Q Thanks. Thanks, Karine. Two questions on two different subjects. One, is the issue with the border wall funding the same issue that caused former President Trump to get impeached the first time when he wouldn't spend money that Congress told him to spend for Ukraine? Is it the same if you were not to spend the money, would you be facing the same sort of threat that the former President did? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You would have to do your research and look into that. Q And then the second second question, unrelated topic: Three-judge panel down in Alabama has put out a new congressional map for Alabama that appears to create a new voting rights opportunity district. Is the White House aware of that? And do they have any comment on that? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, the President believes the right to vote and have that vote counted is sacred and fundamental. It is the right from which all of our other rights spring. A few months ago, the Supreme Court's ruling confirmed the basic principle that voting practices should not discriminate on account of race. We're glad to see that process result in a federal court selecting a map that allows all all the people of Alabama to have their voices heard. Go ahead, Cristina. Q Karine, I understand you're saying that DHS is complying with the law. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. Q But to do so, the President is not keeping his promises or his commitments to the immigrant community, to environmentalists, because he's waiving environmental laws to build this wall. Is there any concern that he's not keeping his promises? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: The President is always working to keep his campaign promises. You've seen that in many other policies and issues that he's worked on. He's complying by the law. He's following certainly, we believe in following the rule of law. And that's what he's doing here. It is as simple as that. Is Q Is he concerned about this border issue? Because it it does look like he's backtracking on a promise. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: He's been very clear. He he even took the step to ask Congress to reappropriate the funds. That's how much he did not want these the- this this these appropriated funding to be used, right? And so, they wouldn't do it. He took that step; they wouldn't do it. Now, DHS is complying by the law. We're following the law here. It's as simple as that. We are following the law. Go ahead. Q On the you mentioned the Kaiser healthcare strike. And the UAW strike is still going on. At what point does that become a problem for the President in terms of whether it's starting to have a negative effect on the economy overall? And will he speak out about that? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, the the President went to Michigan very recently, just last week a week ago, actually to show his support and to stand in solidarity with union workers. And that is he did that because he believes that unions have the collective bargaining rights to ask for fair pay and fair benefits. They should be able you hear the President talk about this often: the dignity dignity of work, having that dignity to be able to provide for their family. And he believes, as it relates to UAW, record profits should lead to a record a record contract. That is something that the President has been very consistent on. And so, and and same for the Kaiser union workers. They have the right to strike. And they have the right to do collective bargaining, which we have seen in multiple instanc- instances in the past several months that when both sides come together in a good-faith effort that there's a win-win situation. And so, the President is always going to be proud of being the most pro-union president ever. He has said that. That's a that's a label that has been given to him by unions. And that's because he's done everything he can to make sure that union workers are are certainly respected and to have that dignity, and he's going to continue to speak up for them. That is something he will never back away from. Q But at what point does that become a problem if MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I we're I'm Q it creates a drag on the economy? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm just not going to get into hypotheticals here. What I can tell you is that the President is the most pro-union president for a reason: because he believes he believes that union workers have the right to ask for fair pay and fair benefits. And it it is something that they have the fundamentally right to fight for and to ask for. And so, again, he stood very proudly in doing a taking a historic action going to an active picket line to really speak on behalf of of union workers. Q Karine? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead. Q Thank you, Karine. There is a Senate delegation going to China next week. I wonder if the White House is going to give them any advice or guidance and if the President will talk to them before or after the trip. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, we've been in touch with Senator Senator Schumer's Leader Schumer's office about the upcoming Senate delegation as you just mentioned, that trip and and we support, certainly, their engagement in the region. So, we would have to refer you specifically to Leader Schumer. We certainly support their trip to the region. Go ahead. Q Thanks a lot. On MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You're up here. Q I this is my MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You're throwing me off. Q old seat. I this is from this is the LA Times seat, my old seat. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, okay. All right. You miss the LA Times? Q I do. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. (Laughs.) Q My hometown paper. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. Don't tell Time. (Laughter.) Q So, on Pr- on President Biden's first day in office, January 20th, he posted a proclamation in the Federal Register where he halted all funding that was being redirected to build a border wall, and he also ended the national emergency on the southern border. Also, in the first paragraph of that proclamation, he asked for a careful review of all the resources that had been appropriated to the southern border wall. What was the result of that careful review? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don't have an update on the review, but happy to actually talk to the talk to the team, and we can work with you on getting the result of that review. Q Wa- I mean, it's been two and a half years. Was part of it MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I totally understand. Q the decision in June to MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I t- I Q to restart construction on that section of the border? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, I totally understand. You're asking me for a review; I'm not going to make something up from here, so I have to figure out from the team what came out of that review. So, don't have an answer on that review that you're asking about from the first day of the President's President's administration. But I will also add: That first day, the President put forth a comprehensive legis- immigration reform right? to reform the system, to fix a broken system that has been broken for decades. You know, every president has had to deal with the immigration system a broken immigration sys- I don't want to say every president, but the last the last few, for sure, in the last 20 years. And so, the President took that very seriously. He put forth a piece of legislation. It was his first piece of legislation, right? That's how seriously he took it. And then, when Congress wouldn't act, he took action. He took action to make sure that we had CBP more additional CBP 24,000 CBP folks on the ground by the border that's something that he did make sure there was record funding. And he recently, back in August as I just listed out moments ago asked for more from Congress, and Republicans refused to act. Look, that is how seriously this President has taken it. Of course, there's always more work to be done. Since May, we have returned we have returned or, sent away or sent back more than 300,000 migrants who came here undocumented. And so, that is shows that our commitment to the border and that shows a commitment in making sure that we tried to work in a system that is broken. Q Karine, you haven't called on me since May. Q Karine? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I have to go go ahead, in the back. Go ahead. Q Thanks, Karine. The Supreme Court is beginning a new term. And this Court has been known in the last couple of years to upend precedent on issues that this White House very much cares about. Can you talk about how you all are viewing this Supreme Court term and what you're specifically doing to prepare, given there's so many cases with issues that I know you all are watching. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, we're al- we're always going to watch what the Supreme Court does. We don't ever know until it actually they actually make their decisions. But certainly, we're going to take keep a close eye on what they're going to take up and how that's going to affect the American people. But I just don't have any specifics on what we're specifically taking a look at. But, of course of course, we're always we're always curious and always going to be certainly focused on what the Supreme Court take up. Q And Acting Secretary Su and Gene Sperling were assigned to work on the UAW strike. Are they still in Washington? Are they have they gone to Michigan at this point to talk MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I don't have any anything new about any engagement from the Secretary or or Gene Sperling on as it relates to UAW. Certainly, if we have anything to share, we will do that. Q Thanks. Q In the back, Karine. Q Afghanistan, please. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay, way in the way in the back. Q Thank you, Karine. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Way in the back, go ahead. Q Karine, thank you. Two questions on the border wall. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Sure. Q First, just to clarify: The White House says that it's doing this only because it has to no other reason, like a surge in border crossings or pressure from other Democratic leaders? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: DHS was required to use this funds for their appropriate purses to comply with the law. That's what they were they were required to do. And we're going to continue to call on Congress to take action, to work with us on dealing with border security to make sure that we find smart ways and more effective ways to deal with the border. And that's what we're doing. And and that's what we're going to continue to to work on. We've done that as recently as this past August. We've asked for $4 billion in supplemental funding to deal with the with the border. And we need Congress here. We need Congress to to work with us on dealing with the issue that's happening at the border. Q But why is the administration waiving laws to expedite construction if the border wall is ineffective? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I answered that question a couple times already. I'll answer it one more time for you. This is something that the DHS had to take a step forward in in complying with the law. That's it. AIDE: Karine, you have time for one more. Q Karine, Karine. Q Afghanistan. Q Karine, on a government shutdown MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead. Q Thank you (Cross-talk.) Q Thank you, Karine. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead. Q Thank you, Karine. As a candidate, President Biden didn't say, "There will not be another foot of wall constructed that except what was appropriated in 2019." He said, "There will not be another foot of wall constructed [in] my administration." So, something changed. What? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You want us to break the law? Is that what you want? You want us to not comply with the law? Q I'm not I'm I'm asking about MS. JEAN-PIERRE: But you want but you want us to not comply Q He was declarative. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: with the law? You want us to not be an administration that follow the rule of law? Q You guys do this all the time. The student loans the student loan forgiveness program you went to court to fight for that. If this is such a problem building 20 miles of wall why not just go to court? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We went to Congress. The Congress appropriates the funding. Q Why not go to why not MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Congress Q fight them more? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Congress appropriates the funding. We asked them to not use that funding for that particular purpose. They denied it. And now we're complying with the law. Q If you have to build a border wall but you don't think that it's going to work, then once it's done, are you just going to tear it down? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not getting into hypotheticals from here. I'm just telling you what I can tell you from here. The facts are that DHS is complying with the law. This is from fiscal year this was under fiscal year 2019, under Republican leadership. And DHS is required to do this. The President asked multiple times of Congress to reappropriate. They did not. And we're now complying by the law. Thanks, everybody. 2:01 P.M. EDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 05 October 2023 - Day 589 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 31 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 in recent days, Russia has been conducting civil defence exercises across much of the country, based on a scenario of large-scale international armed conflict. These exercises have taken place annually since 2012 and coincide with Russian Civil Defence Day on 4 October. This year's exercises are unlikely to have been dramatically changed or expanded. For generations, the USSR and then Russia has paid attention to domestic preparations for a major conflict. However, even with the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is unlikely Russia has significantly changed its posture of national preparedness in recent months. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of October 5, there were 30x combat engagements. Russian forces launched 3x missile and 49x air strikes, 26x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Also, the Russian Federation attacked Ukraine with 29x Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs from the southeast. The Ukrainian air defense intercepted 24x Russian Shaheds. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. The operational situation in east and south of Ukraine remains difficult. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of Russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues to shell Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched an air strike near Hrabovs'ke (Sumy oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at more than 20x settlements, including Karpovychi (Chernihiv oblast), Stara Huta, Havrylova Sloboda, Atyns'ke, Stepok, Hrabovs'ke (Sumy oblast), Baranivka, and Hatyshche (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces launched air strikes near Ivanivka and Kyslivka (Kharkiv oblast). The Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at more than 15x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Kyslivka, and Berestove (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defense forces repelled 4x Russian attacks in the area east of Makiivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes near Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast) and Spirne (Donetsk oblast). The Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Spirne, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian defense forces had success east of Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces made unsuccessful attempts to regain the lost position in the area east of Dyliivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes near Klishchiivka and Ivanopillya (Donetsk oblast). More than 15x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Vasyukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Predtechyne, Dyliivka, and Toretsk (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defense forces repelled all Russian attacks in the vicinity of Avdiivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Berdychi, Stepove, Avdiivka, Tonen'ke, Sjeverne, and Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: during the day of October 5, Ukrainian defense forces successfully repelled more than 10x Russian attacks in the vicinities of Mar'inka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Mar'inka, Novomykhailivka, and Paraskoviivka. About 10x settlements, including Nevel's'ke, Oleksandropil', Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast), were under fire of the occupiers. Shakhtars'ke axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacks in the vicinity of settlements of Zolota Nyva and Vodyane (Donetsk oblast). The Russian occupiers launched air strikes near Urozhaine and Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Urozhaine, Staromaiors'ke, and Rivnopil' (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks in the area southeast of Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The Russian occupiers launched air strikes near Novodarivka and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 20x settlements, including Levadne, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Orikhiv, Novodarivka, and P'yatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Beryslav, Kozats'ke, Odradokam'yanka, and Mykolaivka (Kherson oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Havrylivka, Chervonyi Mayak, Ol'hivka, Ponyativka, Kherson, Shyroka Balka (Kherson oblast), and Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian defense forces continue their offensive operation on Melitopol' axis and offensive (assault) operations on Bakhmut axis, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the Russian occupation forces, exhausting Russian forces all along the front line. During the day of October 5, Ukrainian Air Force launched 12x air strikes on the concentrations of Russian troops, weapons, and military equipment, and 3x air strikes on anti-aircraft missile systems. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x communications center, 1x anti-aircraft missile system, 1x heavy flamethrower system, 3x artillery systems, and 1x electronic warfare station of the Russian adversary. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces, in cooperation with aviation and artillery, repelled two attacks by Ukrainian Armed Forces near Krasnogorovka and Pervomayskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, strikes were delivered at clusters of enemy manpower and hardware near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy's losses were up to 210 Ukrainian personnel killed or injured, four armoured fighting vehicles, and six motor vehicles. In counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops hit one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and one D-20 howitzer. In Zaporozhye direction, the Russian Group of Forces supported by air strikes and artillery fire defeated manpower and hardware of the 65th Mechanised Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). Over 35 Ukrainian personnel, two armoured fighting vehicles, and three motor vehicles were eliminated. In counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops hit two French-made Caesar self-propelled artillery systems, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, two D-30 howitzers, as well as one Msta-B gun. In Kupyansk direction, the Zapad Group of Forces supported by aircraft and artillery inflicted fire damage on manpower of the 25th Air Assault, 14th and 115th mechanised brogades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Novoselovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic), Timkovka and Sinkovka (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 170 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, four pick-up trucks, two M109 Paladin howitzers, as well as one D-30 gun. In Krasny Liman direction, well-coordinated actions of the Tsentr Group of Forces, helicopter strikes and artillery fire repelled two attacks launched by assault groups of the 63rd and 67th mechanised brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). In addition, strikes were delivered at clusters of enemy manpower and hardware near Kuzmino (Lugansk People's Republic), Torskoye and Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic). During the day in this direction, the enemy suffered losses of up to 80 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, two pick-up trucks, and one D-30 howitzer. In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces supported by helicopters and artillery inflicted fire damage on assault detachments of the AFU 58th and 72nd mechanised brigades near Urozhaynoye, Nikolskoye, Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and repelled one enemy attack launched by the 128th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region). The enemy's losses amounted to over 80 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, and one Pion self-propelled gun. In Kherson direction, up to 45 Ukrainian servicemen and two motor vehicles have been neutralised by fire. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 107 areas during the day. One AFU ammunition depot was wiped out close to Bogdanovka (Kirovograd region). Air defence systems have intercepted one JDAM guided bomb and eight U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day. In addition, 27 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed near Kremenets, Berestovoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Novaya Zburyevka, Proletarka (Kherson region), Pologi, Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region), Tavolzhanka (Kharkov region), and Svatovo (Lugansk People's Republic). In total, 484 airplanes and 250 helicopters, 7,518 unmanned aerial vehicles, 440 air defence missile systems, 12,334 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,160 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 6,658 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 13,809 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Security Dialogue Joint Press Availability Thursday, October 5, 2023 Location Mexico City, CDMX Mexico Remarks as Delivered I want to thank our government counterparts and our law enforcement counterparts for welcoming us to Mexico City. We are here today because the shared challenges the United States and Mexico are facing could not be more urgent. I am here to represent the men and women of the United States Department of Justice who are working tirelessly on three core challenges that we discussed today: fentanyl, firearms trafficking, and human smuggling. First, we are taking on the dangerous drug trafficking cartels that are responsible for the deaths of both American and Mexican citizens. The fentanyl these cartels are producing and trafficking is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced. To fight it, we are going after every link in the cartels' fentanyl trafficking networks, at every stage, and in every part of the world. That is why, earlier this week, I announced charges against eight companies based in China, and 12 of their executives, for crimes relating to the production, distribution, and importation of fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, methamphetamines, and their precursor chemicals. We know that the global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies in China. Earlier this year, I announced charges against 23 Sinaloa Cartel members, associates, and leaders for their role in running the largest, most violent, and most prolific fentanyl production and trafficking operation in the world. Just three weeks ago, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, and a son of El Chapo, was extradited from Mexico to the United States. He is one of more than a dozen cartel leaders we have indicted and who have been extradited to the United States. He will not be the last. We are grateful to our Mexican counterparts for that extradition. We recognize that these cartels are terrorizing Mexican communities. And we recognize that this action would not have been possible without the sacrifice of Mexican law enforcement and military servicemembers who gave their lives in the pursuit of justice. And just last week, our countries' work together also resulted in another critical arrest. Last Thursday, we charged a defendant in connection with the horrific fentanyl poisoning of four children at a day care center in New York. One of those children, who was just a year old, tragically died. Our counterparts in Mexican law enforcement helped us ensure that the defendant will face justice in the United States. Our agents and prosecutors at the Justice Department are working every day to get fentanyl out of our communities and bring to justice those who put it there. Second, the Justice Department is fighting the firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico that we know helps to arm these cartels. We are putting to use the new authorities granted to us by the United States Congress to prosecute gun traffickers and seize illegal guns. Under those new provisions, just last month we charged and arrested seven defendants in Texas for buying over 100 guns later trafficked to Mexico. The month before, we charged five defendants in North Carolina in a conspiracy to smuggle guns illegally into Mexico, including AK-47 style rifles. In July, a defendant was sentenced to federal prison for attempting to smuggle thousands of rounds of ammunition from the United States to Mexico. And we are continuing to disrupt firearms trafficking through our Operation Southbound. That operation includes nine multi-agency Firearms Trafficking Task Forces all along the U.S.-Mexico border. Third, we are disrupting the human smuggling operations that put peoples' lives at risk for profit and violate our laws. In 2021, I directed the formation of Joint Task Force Alpha, a collaboration between the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling groups. Since then, we have made over 260 domestic and international arrests and secured more than 150 convictions on human smuggling charges. All of us recognize that these challenges are of the utmost importance and urgency for the citizens of both of our countries. I look forward to intensifying our efforts to meet them. Thank you. Speaker:Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Component: Office of the Attorney General NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden Insists Walls Don't Work as DHS Reverses Course on Trump's Border Barrier Sputnik News 20231005 Ilya Tsukanov Biden nixed finishing construction on his predecessor's signature border wall immediately after coming into office in January 2021, sparking a historically unprecedented wave of illegal immigration into the US via the southern border with Mexico. President Joe Biden defended his administration's surprise decision to allow for a section of the Trump border wall to be completed on Thursday, saying it proved impossible to divert the money for other projects. "The money was appropriated for the border wall. I tried to get them to reappropriate, to redirect the money. They didn't, they wouldn't," Biden told reporters in Washington, referring to Congress. "In the meantime, there's nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated for. I can't stop that," the president said. Asked if he viewed the border wall as an effective tool to fight illegal immigration, Biden answered bluntly: "No." Biden's comments followed an announcement by his Department of Homeland Security earlier in the day that it would approve construction of additional border wall fencing on the border between Texas and Mexico amid the spiraling immigration crisis. The new section of fencing will be built in Texas' Starr County, along a route Customs and Border Patrol says is seeing particularly "high illegal entry," with up to 245,000 illegal immigrants estimated to have made their way through this section of the border over the past year alone. "There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas," Biden DHS chief Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. The new section of wall is expected to run about 32 km. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was at a loss for words trying to explain the administration's flip-flop on the wall, telling reporters that the funds were appropriated in 2019 by Republicans, and that the administration is now simply making good on its legal obligations to spend the money. "We believe that there are better effective ways of moving forward to secure our border and security - our border security. We have continuously asked the Congress to act to provide our CBP, law enforcement, law enforcement at the border - to give the resources they need to do their jobs. And so we're going to continue to call on Congress. We believe, and the president has been very clear even when you asked him does a border wall work, he said 'no'. And he has been very consistent about that. We believe that we need border technology that is modernized at land ports of entry, and that's what we want to see," Jean-Pierre said. Former President Donald Trump, who made the construction of a wall on the border with Mexico with a "big, fat, beautiful door" for legal entry a central plank of his campaign in 2016, and who managed to build new barriers along 732 km of the border during his presidency, demanded an apology from Biden. "As I have stated often, over thousands of years, there are only two things that have consistently worked, wheels, and walls!" Trump wrote in a social media post. "Will Joe Biden apologize to me and America for taking so long to get moving, and allowing our country to be flooded with 15 million illegal immigrants, from places unknown?" he asked. "I will await his apology!" Trump added. The border wall was one of nearly a dozen hardline Trump-era immigration directives which the Biden administration nixed in its first weeks of office, giving rise to what has become the largest immigration crisis in US history. DHS data published last week showed migrant apprehensions along the southern border had surpassed 2 million people in fiscal year 2023, which ended on September 31. The figures came close to matching the historic high of 2.2 million apprehensions in 2022. Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy carried out an independent investigation on the nature of the border crisis this past summer, concluding that immigration policy in America is effectively being "administered by the cartels, not our government," and revealing that the majority of migrants coming into the country illegally through the border with Mexico today are arriving from far-off nations like Peru, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, India, China and Nepal, not Mexico or Central America. Once in the country, Kennedy said, illegal immigrants are often forced to spend years paying off hefty debts to cartels for helping them across, with disappearances, rapes and other crimes widespread, and undocumented persons unable to turn to the authorities for help. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden Says He Can't Stop New Border Barrier Plan By Anita Powell, Aline Barros October 05, 2023 President Joe Biden said Thursday he was unable to legally divert money away from a plan to build several miles of new barriers along the southern border - directly contradicting his campaign vow to build "not another foot of wall" and drawing harsh criticism from Mexico's president. A notice to allow construction in Texas was released Wednesday night in the Federal Register, the official U.S. government gazette. "There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the notice. U.S. Customs and Border Protection counted 232,972 encounters on the Southwest border in August, the last month for which figures are available. Most migrants crossing overland come from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Mexico's president swiftly decried the move. "This authorization for the construction of the wall is a step backwards," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said during his daily press conference. "That does not solve the problem, that does not solve the problem. We have to address the causes." In order to allow construction, the administration had to waive a number of federal regulations relating to environmental, historical and Indigenous issues. Biden also argued that the funds had been appropriated in 2019 by the previous administration. "The money was appropriated for the border wall," Biden said Thursday, when asked by reporters about what appeared to be a reversal in the administration's border policy. "I tried to get them to reappropriate it, to redirect that money. They didn't. They wouldn't. And in the meantime, there's nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated. I can't stop that." A reporter then asked him, "Do you believe the border wall works?" "No," he said. In a call with reporters, administration officials noted that the structures will be on "moveable foundations." Former President Donald Trump was quick to react to the news. "As I have stated often, over thousands of years, there are only two things that have consistently worked, wheels, and walls!" Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social. He added that he was awaiting an apology from Biden "for taking so long to get moving, and allowing our country to be flooded" with illegal immigrants. But in condemning Biden, Lopez Obrador alluded to a backstory. "It is contrary to what President Biden has said," he said. "He has been the only president so far who has not built the wall." But then he added: "I understand that there are strong pressures." Also Thursday, Lopez Obrador hosted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Mayorkas in Mexico City for a high-level discussion on security. Washington is currently in turmoil over a stunning turn of political events. Before being ousted earlier this week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy appeared to tie the legislative body's approval of Biden's request for $24 billion in Ukraine funding to a request by Republicans for more border security. "I support being able to make sure Ukraine has the weapons that they need," McCarthy said before he was voted out. "But I firmly support the border first." The Biden administration was also quick to dispute reports that they are deviating from existing policy. In 2021, a Biden executive order described a border wall "a waste of money that diverts attention from genuine threats to our homeland security," while declaring they would not allocate military funds for border-wall construction - only congressional funds. "There is no new Administration policy with respect to border walls," Mayorkas said in a statement Thursday. "From day one, this administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. That remains our position and our position has never wavered. The language in the Federal Register notice is being taken out of context and it does not signify any change in policy whatsoever." Texas-based advocates with Voces Unidas, which promotes immigrant rights, condemned the administration's move. "We are confused and angered by the decision to further punish the most innocent, most vulnerable people in our communities, people who are already underserved and ignored across regional and state governments, with this increase in border walls." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Supers in Singapore By Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson 5 October 2023 At the invitation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), 1 Squadron deployed F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and supporting personnel to the country last month, operating from Changi East Air Base. Singapore is one of Australia's closest defence partners in Southeast Asia. The partnership is characterised by high levels of strategic trust, military cooperation and high-end interoperability. The flying activity centred on 'dissimilar basic fighting manoeuvres', which had the RAAF F/A-18F's mixing it up with RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons. The aim of the activity was to enhance interoperability with the RSAF and mutually improve basic fighting manoeuvre skills. Squadron Leader Glyn Williams, B Flight Commander with 1 Squadron, appreciated working closely in the air with his RSAF counterparts in what were friendly but competitive missions - typical of fast jet activities. "Flying with the RSAF was hugely beneficial for 1 Squadron both in terms of improving our fighting skills and enhancing our ability to work together," Squadron Leader Williams said. "The RSAF were immensely professional and both RAAF and RSAF aircrew gained excellent training fighting different platform types. "They were also very welcoming and bonds were formed, which will be invaluable in future joint exercises." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China-US ties show positive signs despite severe challenges: Chinese Ambassador to the US Global Times By Global Times Published: Oct 05, 2023 01:32 PM China-US relations have recently shown some positive signs of stabilizing under the joint efforts of both sides, despite bilateral ties still facing serious difficulties and severe challenges, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng said when meeting with a delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai). There is still a long way to go to stabilize and improve relations between the world's two largest economies, and the key is to follow the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation so as to find a correct way for both sides to get along in the new era, the ambassador said on September 28, according to a post on the website of the Chinese Embassy in the US on Wednesday. Xie also expressed hope that the business community, as an important "stakeholder" in bilateral ties, will continue to serve as a bond of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the US, and contribute their best to deepening and expanding exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, the delegation of AmCham Shanghai provided a briefing on the key findings of AmCham Shanghai's 2023 China Business Report and voiced their appreciation for recent Chinese efforts to improve the business climate such as the issuance of the State Council's 24 measures, according to the website of the AmCham Shanghai. "Fully implementing these measures will increase confidence," said the delegation. In August, the State Council issued a statement outlining its guidelines regarding further optimizing the foreign investment environment and strengthening efforts to attract foreign investment. The guidelines are aimed at improving the overall balance between domestic and international situations and foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. Xie also introduced the overall recovery of China's economy this year and emphasized that the fundamentals of China's long-term economic growth have not and will not change. Choosing China means embracing opportunities and securing the future, he said. While facing some difficulties and challenges, the Chinese economy has been on an upward trajectory generally. GDP grew 5.5 percent in the first half of the year, outpacing most major economies. In the first eight months, investment in high-tech industries grew 11 percent on a yearly basis, and retail sales in accommodation, catering and other services increased 19 percent, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China bans Mongolian-medium classes, cuts language hours in schools The move completes the ban on Mongolian-medium education that sparked mass protests across the region in 2020. By Gu Ting for RFA Mandarin 2023.10.05 -- Chinese authorities in the northern region of Inner Mongolia have cut the number of weekly Mongolian language classes from schools across the region, Radio Free Asia has learned. The move comes as schools complete the phasing out of Mongolian in favor of Mandarin as a medium of instruction for non-language classes including history, math and science a a policy that sparked mass protests by parents and students followed by a regionwide crackdown when it was first announced in September 2020. Mongolian language classes have also now been banned from kindergarten, and reduced from seven timetabled classes a week to just three, according to people familiar with the matter. Following on from the policy announced in 2020, the education bureau in the regional capital, Hohhot earlier this year ordered primary and secondary schools across the city to ensure they are using only Mandarin as the language of instruction from the start of the academic year on Sept. 1. A school teacher in Inner Mongolia's Ordos city who gave the single name Uyunqimg told RFA that Mongolian language classes have also been cut in many schools, and that the Mongolian language test will be removed from college entrance exams in the region. "Mongolian language teaching hasn't all been canceled, but that may happen gradually," she said. "The ultimate goal is definitely canceling all of it, because the Mongolian-lanauge test is being removed from the college entrance exam." An ethnic Mongolian living in the region who is familiar with the matter but asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, confirmed that high school entrance exams will use Chinese only from 2025, while Mongolian will disappear from the college entrance exam by 2028. "The trend in the future will be for the Mongolian language to gradually disappear from textbooks," the person said. "However, there are still Mongolian language departments in Chinese colleges and universities, so it's hard to say what will happen in future." Uyunqimg said some kindergartens have also stopped teaching students Mongolian children's songs, replacing them with songs in Chinese. "As far as I know, kindergartens now no longer teach Mongolian children's songs, and teach children Chinese songs instead," she said. "This is true in some places, but not necessarily in all places." "In some places, Mongolian language teachers have to teach other classes because there are obviously fewer Mongolian language classes," Uyunqimg said. Region is losing autonomy The New York-based Southern Mongolia Human Rights and Information Center has also reported that the Chinese authorities are enforcing a total ban on the Mongolian language in all schools across Inner Mongolia. "All Mongolian schools a including kindergartens a are now required to use Chinese exclusively as the medium of instruction for all subjects," the group said in a Sept. 1 report on its website. It quoted an ethnic Mongolian parent as saying in a WeChat discussion group that Beijing is "spreading misinformation and brainwashing the Mongolians." "Our autonomous region has lost autonomy entirely," another said, while another said homeschooling wasn't an option either. "Refusing to send your children to school is not allowed," they commented on the discussion. "This is not just a denial of our right to our mother tongue," said another WeChat comment. "This is a threat to the survival of our Mongolian nation and people." The report said the move was a facet of "cultural genocide" by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Yang Haiying, a professor at Shizuoka University in Japan, said the moves are all in line with the "cancellation" of the bilingual culture that once existed in the region's schools. "They are starting to implement Mandarin-medium teaching in line with the cancellation of the bilingual policy that was released in June 2020," Yang said. "There are very few Mongolian language classes now, and they just teach them how to write their own name and say greetings and so on." Exam points handicap The Inner Mongolia Admissions and Examination authorities will also slash examination points handicaps for ethnic Mongolians, Daur, Oroqen, Evenk and Russians from 10 points to five with effect from 2026, according to the region's official examinations and admissions website. Yang said the move will widen inequality between ethnic minority students and majority Han Chinese, who get much bigger handicaps if they take the test in ethnic minority areas. "If you're Han Chinese and take the exam in the [Inner Mongolia] autonomous region, in Mongolian, you can get a handicap of 100 points," he said. Germany-based ethnic Mongolian activist Xi Haiming said the authorities are also using other methods to force ethnic Mongolian children to abandon their native language in favor of Chinese, often by putting pressure on parents at their place of work. "Parents who send their kids to a school that teaches Mongolian can get fired, which is a lot of pressure," Xi said. "This coercive insistence on Chinese-medium teaching imposed on Mongolians by the authorities is really inhumane." Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content October 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 Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (October 05, 2023) India - Ministry of External Affairs October 05, 2023 Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this weekly presser. I don't have any immediate announcement. I'll take questions. I'll start with you, Ma'am. Vineeta Pandey: Good evening, Arindam. This is Vineeta Pandey from the Asian Age Deccan Chronicle. My question is on Canada. We heard the Foreign Minister say that, you know, they're engaging with India through private channels on the expulsion of the diplomats. Is there any update that you would like to give us on that? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Foreign Minister of Canada's comments? Vineeta Pandey: Yes. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Update on? Vineeta Pandey: She said that, you know, she is talking to India, you know, that she is engaging India in private conversation with regard to repatriation of the diplomats. So any development on that? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: What's your query? Vineeta Pandey: The question is that, has the talk begun? Has she met, her team met the Indian side on, you know, removing the 41 diplomats that are extra here? Ayushi Agarwal: Sir, Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, my question is regarding the closure of the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi. They recently put out a statement where they said there was a lack of support from the host Government of India. So your comment on that, also, what would be the fallout of this on the Afghans living in India, especially the students? John Reed: John Reed from the FT. Is it true, as we've been told, that India has given Canada a deadline of October 10th to repatriate about 41 of its diplomats? And if they were to stay beyond that date, what would India do? Would they become persona non grata? And have you also identified who these people should be and told Canada who they should send back? Thank you. Sidhant: Sir, Sidhant from WION. Sir, what's India's view or reaction when it comes to the change of guard in Maldives? We know that the elections happened and someone who's, of course, an opposition candidate won the elections. Yeshi Seli: So this is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. A week...10 days back, the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan had gone to Balochistan. And Eric Garcetti, when we questioned him, said that if we can go to Kashmir for G20, I see no harm in his going to Balochistan. Any comments on that? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Which part? The comment or the actual visit? Both? Yeshi Seli: Gilgit-Baltistan. I'm sorry. I stand corrected. So any comments? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Comment on what? Comment on visit or comment on the comment? Yeshi Seli: No. Comment on what Ambassador Garcetti said that, it doesn't matter and if they can go there, they can come here. India generally does oppose, you know, dignitaries and diplomats..... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: It's okay. I'll try to answer your question. Okay. Let me start. Maybe actually, why don't I start Yeshi with your query on the comment or the visit. Let me answer both. Look, I think our position on the status of the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, that being an integral part of India, is well known. We would urge the international community to respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have raised our concerns about that visit; a visit by the Pakistani Ambassador, I mean the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan; with the U.S. side. And as regards your comment also, I think Ambassador Garcetti's comment, we don't think the two situations are equivalent. As regards the issue of Afghan Embassy, Ayushi...look, on that one, our understanding is that the Embassy in New Delhi is functioning or continuing to function. We are in touch with the Afghan diplomats who are there in that Embassy, as well as with the Afghan diplomats who are at the Consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad. However, we received a communication last week purportedly from the Embassy, indicating that it intends to suspend operations at the end of September, I think it was. Of course, such a decision is an internal matter of a foreign Mission. However, we have noted that the Afghan Consulates General in Mumbai and in Hyderabad voiced their objection to that decision or to such a decision. We are also aware that there has been a prolonged absence of the Ambassador and that a large number of Afghan diplomats have left India in recent past. You asked about what would be the difficulties with the students. We would hope that a substantial or the substantial number of Afghan nationals in India, including students, are able to continue to receive necessary consular support. On our part, we will continue with our efforts to assist the people of Afghanistan, and I think that takes care of both your concerns that you mentioned. Before I come to Canada, Sidhant, on the issue of Maldives...look, you would have seen the developments there. Prime Minister was the first leader to convey greetings and felicitations to the President-elect. Prime Minister conveyed and reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthen the time-tested India-Maldives bilateral relationship and enhancing overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Subsequently yesterday, I think, our High Commissioner in Male also called on the President-elect. He had a good discussion on various aspects of our bilateral partnership, including development cooperation. Let me take the opportunity to congratulate the Maldivian people for once again demonstrating their faith in democratic governance and constitutional processes that reflect their firm commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law. John, your question as well as I think Vineeta's question on talks, basically on Canada. Look, you would recall last week we had a substantial, quite lengthy conversation on Canada. Insofar as discussions on parity, as we have mentioned earlier, given the much higher diplomatic presence of Canadian diplomats or diplomatic presence here of Canada and their continuing interference in our internal affairs, we had and we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this. Specific question by you, John, regarding dates, et cetera. Look, I would not like to get into the details of diplomatic conversations. As we mentioned, I think last week, given that Canadian diplomatic presence is very much higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction. I think that broadly covers those issues. Shashank Mattoo: Shashank Mattoo with The Mint, just to follow up on Sidhant's question, the newly elected Maldivian... the Maldivian President-elect, mentioned his intention to ask Indian troops to leave the Maldives. Did our High Commissioner raise that concern with the newly elected President? Pia: Hi, Pia with the Print. It has been made aware that the Consul Generals from the Afghan Consulates were in Delhi to meet the MEA earlier this week. Is there any plan to shift diplomats from Afghan Consulates to the Mission in Delhi, and will there be any replacement of the former Ambassador Farid Mamundzay? Thank you. Madhurendra: Sir, Madhurendra hoon News Nation se. American report ke mutabik China jo hai wo deceptive methods ko use kar raha hai disinformation ke liye, Bharat mein bhi jis tarah ka nivesh samne aaya hai aur uske baad ED ke actions bhi dikhai de rahe hain. Kya aapka reaction hai? China ka antarashtiya media mai interference aur Bharat ke media mai bhi interference ko lekar? [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. According to the American report, China is using deceptive methods for disinformation. Also the type of investments in India, that have come to light followed by actions by the ED. What is your reaction to China's interference in international media and also in Indian media? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Any specific aap kuch kehna chahte hain ya generally? [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Anything specific you want to ask or is it generally? Madhurendra: Sawal American reports par hain jo kehta hain ki deceptive methods ka istemal China kar raha hai, manipulate karne ke liye antarashtiya media ko. [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] The question is about American reports that suggest China is using deceptive methods to manipulate international media. Kallol: Kallol from the Hindu. Taking that question forward, there is this American entrepreneur Neville Singham who has hit the headlines for his support to various media initiatives. Do you think the Indian government would take it up with the U.S. counterpart on the issue of Neville Singam's media initiatives that are related to India, including the latest Newsclick issue? Geeta Mohan: Geeta Mohan with India Today. This is regarding Khalistanis not in Canada but in the United States of America and London. You have Paramjeet Singh Pamma who took part in the protests outside the Indian High Commission. He is a wanted criminal in the NIA list... a wanted terrorist, not a criminal. And on the other hand, U.S. State Department, when asked about seeks for justice, said that they have a right to protest. It is enshrined in the Constitution of America. Your comments on Khalistanis being given space in U.S. and in the U.K.? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me take this round and I'll come back to another one. Okay, Shashank, your query on Maldives, I mean, you specifically talk about cooperation, security sector. Look, all I would say is, I don't want to comment on... I think you talked about media reports, to be honest. The focus of our partnership with Maldives has always been on capacity building and working together to address our shared challenges and priorities, you know, including security challenges and priorities. As neighbours, we need to collaborate closely to address these challenges confronting our region, such as transnational crimes as well as HADR, Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief situations. We look forward to engaging with the new administration in Maldives on all these issues. On the issue of...Geeta, on Khalistan that you mentioned as well as in security...look, I wasn't sure in what context the U.S.... you referred to a statement, I understand, from the U.S... was it State Department, you said something? But look, let me just say, we have been taking up concerns about the security of our diplomats and our premises and other elements related to people there who are wanted by our security or our judicial systems, and we will continue to do that, and that's an ongoing conversation. I don't want to get into individual persons, but in the UK there was a protest on 2nd October, and we certainly have taken up our concerns on the security of diplomats and premises there with the UK authorities, and this has been an ongoing thing. The issue is about security, about ensuring that our diplomats are able to function normally and our premises are safe and that the community is not targeted. I think that's a broad element. I don't want to get into individual cases. Pia, your question was related to the Consul Generals, something, a replacement of Ambassador. It's a very, very hypothetical and speculative question. I must say, just let me answer what I can, which is that, yes, of course, as I mentioned, we are in touch with the Afghan diplomats, as I mentioned, not only just in Delhi, but also in their Consulates in Mumbai and in Hyderabad. In terms of... they are discussing what would be the future action, what would they like to do in terms of their message that they give. They are foreign diplomats. We are not going to be discussing what they will do, who will replace whom. I think that's not within the ambit of the Government of India. So, if I got your question right, you said replacement of Ambassador and they are discussing? Yes, we are discussing. We are in touch. We said that what is their plans and I mentioned that, I think, in my opening remarks, that what would be their future course of action. But beyond that, I don't have anything particular to share. Madhurendra ji aapka prashn tha about US report ki China kuch kar raha hai is tarah se. Dekhiye aise reports par main kuch keh nahi sakta, agar koi bhi hamare desh ke kanoon ka ullanghan ho raha hain, is tarah se kuch kar raha hai toh hamari agencies action lengi us pe. Aur iske alawa speculatory reports pe main comment nahi karna chahunga. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhurendra ji, your question was about the US report suggesting that China is doing something in this manner. See, I cannot comment on such reports. If someone is violating our country's laws, doing something like that; our agencies will take action on it. Apart from that, I do not want to comment on speculative reports. Kallol, on your query, again, I don't know why in specific context that one individual or otherwise. If our agencies find that there have been violations of our law by an entity or an individual and it requires assistance or reaching out to foreign governments, we do that. And we would do that if our agencies asked us, as and when they do. I don't have anything specific to share on one individual or a particular case. Kadambini Sharma: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Ek khabar chhapi hain Scotland ke gurudware mai jo ghatna hui thi usko lekar ki police report mai kaha hai, usko janch karne ke baad, ki usmai koi criminality nahi hai, kya isko aage take up kiya ja raha hai? Jo High Commissioner aur baki jano ke sath. [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] This is Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. There was a news published regarding the incident that happened at the Gurudwara in Scotland. It says that after investigation, the police report said there is no criminality involved in it. Is this being taken up further? With respect to the High Commissioner and the rest of the people. Sudhi Ranjan: Sir Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. On the Canada issue, Sir, if you could give us an understanding as to when or by which time you expect India and Canada to get the parity on diplomatic staff. Also, drawing your attention to a recent report by the Politico, which says that U.S. Ambassador has kind of informed the staff that they are curtailing or cutting down interaction with Indian officials and this follows India's spat with Canada. If you can comment on that. Megha Sharma: My name is Megha Sharma. I am from News X. My question is regarding the Maldivian President who has been elected recently and saying that he is going to cut down, in fact, remove all the Indian military troops because they are staying.... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I just answer that, but I am happy to.. I just answered this one, but I think you just walked in late. I am happy to repeat that to you. Megha Sharma: Okay. And the second question, with regards to the Prime Minister of Canada coming out and saying that he wants the diplomats to be present in India so as to ease out the visa processing for students and Indian nationals, what is the response of the Indian Government? How are you then going to facilitate these visas if the diplomats are not present? Suhasini Haidar: Two separate questions. Please, one is a follow-up. It's only a few months since India actually asked Canada to hasten its visa process. By cutting down two-thirds of the Canadian Mission's diplomatic staff, do you anticipate a decrease in the number of visas that the Canadian High Commission may be able to provide, particularly in states like Punjab and Gujarat, and for students who might be going for the fall or the spring terms in Canada? And how are you hoping to work around that since the MEA does get involved in such consular issues? And my second question is about the Afghan Embassy, because I don't think you've responded to the question yet on the specific allegations against the Ministry of External Affairs for failing to provide support to the Afghan Embassy. This includes things like exit visas for Afghan diplomats posted here, visas for their families to either come here or to leave from here, as well as what they stated was their duty to help Afghan students. They named about 3,000 of them who are stuck inside Afghanistan, have admissions to Indian colleges, and have not received a single visa for two years now. Nirmala: Nirmala with the Straits Times. This is also a follow-up to the Afghan question. You mentioned that the Government has provided assistance or is looking at providing assistance to Afghan nationals in India. Could you please elaborate on that? And also, there are a lot of students in India whose visas have expired or whose passports have expired. So what is the message to them? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Message to? Nirmala Ganapathy: Message as in what, you know, how, in terms of help. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me start with the ones in Canada. Look, Sudhi, as I said, I think there are conversations that are ongoing, and I don't want to get into details of diplomatic conversations. As and when we have something to share on that...but as I mentioned, we have sought parity and I have outlined the reasons why. On the report that you mentioned, okay, some political report, I also saw. But I saw also a statement by the U.S. spokesperson here of the Embassy saying that he dismisses those reports. In any case, I'm not going to comment on them. They are the internal report of somebody saying something on the U.S. side. But the U.S., I think, State Department is...or the Embassy here has just dismissed those reports, I think, a few minutes ago. So I don't need to comment on them, hopefully. Similarly, I think this question, Suhasini, related to Canada and also Megha...on Maldives, you can please take it. I have already answered the question on cooperation. Suhasini, on the defence part...look, on the issue you mentioned specifically on visas, right? Now, yes, we had, I think, initially talked about expired visas, for those who required. But let me also clarify in the context of the parity, it's up to the Canadian side who they choose to staff their High Commission with. So I would refer you to them, for any details. In this regard, our concerns are related to ensuring parity in diplomatic presence. And again, as I said, why. And I think, you know, that's been our focus very clearly. On the issue of Prime Minister of Canada, Megha, you had mentioned about ease of visa processing, they should stay. Again, as I said, we are looking at parity, we are looking at the fact that there have been interference and there has been a much higher number of Canadian diplomats here. And hence, the discussions on achieving parity are ongoing and rest of it, I can't comment on it yet. Obviously, if the parity is achieved, given that Canada has a much larger number of people there, would likely be a reduction in the numbers. Megha Sharma: (inaudible) Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: As I said, our focus is on ensuring parity. It is possible, as I said, the Canadian side may choose who they staff their High Commission with. I wanted to mention also about...I think Afghanistan came up, right? Nirmala, your question was about what should...look, on the consular services, it's for the Afghan Embassy and the Consulates to provide. In terms of assistance, we have...whoever are here, the visas have been regularized, they've been staying here if they are unable to return or some other reason. So Afghan nationals are here. They're here for various reasons. Some are students, some have done ITEC courses. Those who are unable to return, their visas are being regularized on an ongoing basis. We've also announced now... I think ICCR a few weeks ago, 1000 e-courses, online courses for students from Afghanistan. Our assistance programs for the people of Afghanistan have continued. We have a technical team precisely for that reason in Kabul so that we are able to continue that assistance. Suhasini, your larger issue of the comments...look, I don't want to get into a statement which they have made, which I said there are discussions and others have disagreed. But let me just make a general comment that I don't think facts bear out what...I won't say allegations, but those statements are, in what you have referred to. I don't think they're factually correct and I don't think that's accurate, many of them. But again, I don't want to get into a discussion on that. We are in touch with diplomats here, as I said, in the Embassy here and in the Consulates. I don't wish to get into an issue, which is more specifically on a letter. Kadambini aapka prashn tha gurudwara ke bare mai, usmai jo incident hua tha Glasgow mai uski ke bare mai aap jikar kar rahe the, jismai hamare ucchayog ne ek bayan, statement de rakhi hai. Aaj humne dekha ki kuch report hain, par woh abhi haal hi ki baat hai ki aur koi criminal activity nahi hai. Dekhiye woh individual case take up karenge ya nahi, main abhi kehna nahi chahta hoon, hum bhi dekhenge exactly unhone kya dekha tha us individual ke bare mai. But jaisa ki unhone, hamare ucchayog ne kaha ki hamare High Commissioner ko roka gaya, threaten kiya gaya, ye hum accept nahi kar sakte isliye isko humne UK high authorities ke sath raise kiya tha, aur hum karte rahenge taki hamare diplomats wahan pe normal tarike se apne jo karya hain woh kar sake aur unke pas koi badha na ho na koi aise security threat unke upar aaye. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini, your question was about the Gurudwara incident in Glasgow, which you mentioned, in which a statement has been issued by our High Commission. Today, we have seen some reports, which are recent and they indicate that there is no further criminal activity. Whether they will take up individual case or not, I don't want to comment at the moment. We will also see exactly what they found regarding that individual. But, as our High Commission stated, our High Commissioner was stopped and threatened. We cannot accept this, so we raised the issue with the UK high authorities, and we will continue to do so to ensure that our diplomats can carry out their duties without any hindrance or security threats. Vishal: Sir main Vishal hoon Zee News se, hamne dekha ki jabse Canada ke Pradhan Mantri ne bebuniyad aarop lagaye aur Bharat ne kada rukh apanaya uske baad Canada ke PM ke bayan lagatar badal rahe the. Humne unka ek bayan suna jisme uhone kaha ki Bharat ek badhti aarthik shakti hai aur mahavapurna bhu rajnitik taakat hai, aur hum ghanist sambandh banane ke liye gambhir hain. Kya aapko lagta hai ki ye bayan bharat ke kade rukh ko dekhte hue canada ki taraf se aaya hai? [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Vishal from Zee News. We have observed that since the Prime Minister of Canada made baseless allegations and India took a tough stand, Canada's PM has been changing his statements continuously. We heard a statement from him in which he said that India is an emerging economic power and an important geopolitical force and we are serious about building stronger relations. Do you think this statement came from Canada due to India's tough stand? Sandhya: Sandhya, ET. Has Canada shared any information with India with respect to the investigation on the Nijjar matter in last one week? Manas: This is Manas from PTI. Again, on the Afghan Embassy issue. For MEA, actually, is Farid Mamundzay no longer the Ambassador of Afghanistan in India? Just the clarification. Neeraj Dubey: Sir, main Neeraj Dubey Prabhasakshi se. Mera sawal ye hai ki nepal ke ek shahar mai do samudayon ke beech aise dange bhadke hain ki lockdown aur curfew ki naubat aa gayi hai, kyuki woh ilaka Bharat se sata hua hai, toh kya hamari is par kuch pratikriya hai? [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. My question is that in a city in Nepal, there have been clashes between two communities to the extent that a lockdown and curfew have been imposed. Since that area is adjacent to India, do we have any response to this? Urvashi: Sir I am Urvashi Khona from New Indian. My question was about several complaints that MEA has received regarding Afghan envoy and the team coming out and extorting huge amount of money in the name of visa and visa seekers have yet not received it, what is the status? I think there are spree of complaints that MEA has received. Dhairya Maheshwari: Sir Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik India. My question is about the Moscow Format talks. What was India's statement, message to Taliban at that forum and was there any official contact with the Taliban delegation as well? Thank you Sir. Rishabh: Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, on 26th September, a UK MP, Andrew Gwynne, has visited POK, called POK, Azad Kashmir and said that we will create pressure on India for plebiscite. What's MEA's reaction to it? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: To what? The visit? Rishabh: The visit and the comment that we will create pressure on India for plebiscite, UN monitored plebiscite. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: And this was when? Rishabh: 26th September, Sir. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: 26th September? Rishabh: Sir, the video has just come out. Abhishek Jha: Sir I am Abhishek Jha from CNN News18. My question is regarding US State Department's regular, almost on daily basis statements, regarding their concern on the allegations of Canadian government. My question is on the issue, on the meeting of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his counterpart in USA. They said that the conversation happened on the issue of Canada also. What kind of concerns US expressed or what kind of talk happened on the topic? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: On the talks? Abhishek Jha: On Canada. Shashank Mattoo: Shashank Mattoo with the Mint. So we've seen the fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over...in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Republic has now been dissolved and tens of thousands of people have left their allegations of ethnic cleansing. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Yeah. I'm aware of the developments. What's your query? Shashank Mattoo: What is India's stand on this situation? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me try to answer some of them. Canada, Vishal...unse puchna padega unhone kaise kiya, main speculate aisa nahi kar raha hoon unhone kya kaha. Hamara jo rukh hain, humne do chizon pe kafi jor diya hain, ki ek toh waha aisa security situation rahe ki hamare diplomats normal tarike se kaam kar paye, aur yaha per ab hum parity dekh rahe hain hamare Embassies ke bich mai, jitne manpower yahan pe diplomats hain. Main baki chiz pe kuch comments karne ki position mai nahi hoon. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] On Canada, Vishal, you'll have to ask them how they did it; I'm not speculating on what they said. Our stand has been...we have focused on two things: one, ensuring that there is such a security situation wherein our diplomats can work normally, and here we are looking for parity between our Embassies, in terms of the manpower, diplomats present here. I am not in a position to comment on other things. Sandhya, your query was on, has anything being shared in the recent one week. Look, I would refer you to what External Affairs Minister has been saying. He said this in a couple of places during his recent visit. He said, if anything specific or relevant information is shared, we are open to looking at it. And let me reiterate that. I think that's exactly how we would like to respond to that query. I think he said that and I think that's best...I think that would be the best response to that. On the issue, Abhishek, since you raised it in the context of this...again, I think you saw External Affairs Minister give press conference; he also spoke about it in various occasions, his conversations. He talked about and that it was discussed, and he gave a sense of the conversation. I don't think I want to add to anything, he's already said in the U.S. on that. So I think I'll leave that. There was a query, about POK, Rishabh...I think your query was there, no, sorry, your question was on POK. Look, as I said, I think I can just repeat what I've been saying about visitors. We would request, you know, international community to respect our sovereignty and territory integrity. You know our position on the areas of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and how we look at the entire territory, our Union Territory as integral part of India and so that would be my comment on it. I don't have anything particular. As you said, the video has just come out. I don't know if our Mission has taken it up, but we normally convey our concerns on such things on a regular basis, if whenever we see such development. Regarding Afghanistan, there are a couple of questions. Look, Urvashi, I don't know, who asked about the, no longer the Ambassador? No, that was Manas. I don't know how, what is the basis of that. I'm just telling you the developments, we've seen the note, we are talking to diplomats who are here; whoever is here, diplomat at the Afghan Embassy here. I don't see anything that leads me to that. You mentioned Afghan envoy, some complaints, Urvashi. I am sorry, I'm not going to get into issues on foreign diplomats here. Those are, you know, internal and those are within... as a part of diplomatic practice. Dhairya, on the issue of statement, I think we put out something about a conversation that we participated in these talks, this is not the first time. We are guided by UN Security Council resolution 2593 and we've always wanted, you know, inclusive government, as well as respect for women rights and various other requirements. We are guided by our desire to have closer possible relations with Afghan people and how we can assist them. I don't want to give anything specific more than that because I think these were internal conversations. But I think we have been participating and I think there's a feeling that our contribution is important and we are important players in this. On the issue, I missed out one, Neeraj, who mentioned that one? Neeraj Dubey ji aapka prashn tha Nepal pe, ji woh nepal ki territory mai hai, main bilkul kuch kehna nahi chanunga, I am sure Nepalese authorities usme deal kar rahe hain. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj Dubey ji, your question was on Nepal. That falls within the territory of Nepal. I won't comment on it at all; I am sure the Nepalese authorities are dealing with it. On the issue of, I think, Nagorno-Karabakh, I think you asked this. Look, we are aware of the reports regarding the developments that you have referred to. We of course continue to monitor the situation. We also encourage the parties to move forward on ensuring long-term peace and security in the region through dialogue and diplomacy, which includes the safety and well-being of all civilians. Okay, thank you very much for joining this press conference. Good evening. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran pillar of stability, security in region: FM Amirabdollahian IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Oct 5, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs has underscored that despite enemies' hybrid warfare to induce insecurity in the Islamic country and tarnish the image of the strong guardians of security, the Islamic Republic continues to be the pillar of stability and security in the West Asia region. Hossein Amirabdollahian congratulated Iranian Police Chief Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Radan in a message on the occasion of Iran's National Police Week, noting that the Islamic Republic is a champion and pioneer in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, who plays a unique role in the stability, security, and peace of the region and the world. The top Iranian diplomat wrote that the powerful Iranian police, who are one of the main pillars of security throughout Iran in line with the guidance of the Supreme Leader, stand alongside other guardians of the country's security, and make all-out sacrifices to maintain security and tranquility for the honorable people of Iran. 4208**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Pars Phase 11 inauguration ended 22-year procrastination: MP IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Oct 5, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Member of Parliament Alireza Abbasi has hailed the recent inauguration of Phase 11 of the South Pars Gas Field in the Persian Gulf, saying that the move put an end to 22-year "procrastination" by foreign contractors. Abbasi, who represents the city of Karaj in parliament, said in an interview with IRNA on Thursday that the achievement was made thanks to relying on domestic capabilities. This strategy should be continued in order to attain bigger improvements, including the export of technology in the oil and gas sector, he added. On August 28, 2023, Iran started gas production from Phase 11 of the South Pars Gas Field after a 22-year hiatus caused by what the authorities described as the failure by French energy giant, Total, and other foreign contractors to implement the project. According to the Oil Ministry, production from Phase 11 increases Iran's gas output by 56 million cubic meters. 4194**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Classmates Of Hospitalized Iranian Teen Reportedly Under Pressure, Mother Detained By RFE/RL's Radio Farda October 05, 2023 An Iranian labor group says teachers and classmates of Armita Garavand, a high-school student reportedly in a coma after being assaulted by morality police for not wearing the mandatory head scarf, are being pressured and threatened by security authorities for commenting on the situation surrounding the 16-year-old. Rights groups and journalists say Garavand and two of her friends were confronted on October 1 by police officers for not wearing the mandatory hijab as they tried to enter a Tehran subway station. The officers physically assaulted Garavand, who later fell unconscious after entering a subway carriage. A source at the Fajr Air Force Hospital, who spoke to RFE/RL's Radio Farda on condition of anonymity due to security reasons, said Garavand had suffered internal bleeding in the brain and was in critical condition. The Hengaw human rights group said on October 5 that Garavand's mother, Shahin Ahmadi, has been detained by Iranian government security forces. A post on X, formerly Twitter, by the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Associations on October 5 said the head of security of the General Directorate of Education in Tehran had visited Garavand's school and threatened teachers and pupils "against giving out any information about the condition of this student [Garavand]." The security head "emphasized that publishing any news or even photos of Armita Garavand through Internet pages by teachers of this student will results in a heavy fine and the teacher will be fired immediately." It added that a "reliable source" said the two friends who accompanied Garavand on the day of the incident are "under intense pressure not only to refrain from divulging any information about Armita's condition, but also being put in front of the cameras of official news agencies and having to deny any incident" took place. Garavand's case, and suggestions of a cover-up by the authorities, has drawn parallels with the events leading up to the death in custody of Mahsa Amini last year. Amini's death soon after she was arrested for allegedly violating Iran's hijab law triggered months of antiestablishment protests. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-official-shock-assault- iranian-teenager/32624094.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 IAEA Confirms Tritium Level Far Below Japan's Operational Limit in Second Batch of ALPS Treated Water Released Today International Atomic Energy Agency 107/2023 Vienna, Austria 5 OCt 2023 The tritium concentration in the second batch of diluted ALPS treated water, which Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) started discharging today, is far below the country's operational limit, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts present at the site confirmed. Japan started discharging the first batch of ALPS treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) on 24 August. It is released in batches and TEPCO began the process to discharge the second batch today. Just as they did before the discharge of the first batch, IAEA experts stationed at the IAEA Fukushima NPS Office took samples from the second batch of diluted water on 3 October, after it was prepared for discharge. The IAEA's independent on-site analysis confirmed - as it also did for the first batch - that the tritium concentration in the diluted water that is being discharged is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre. The IAEA has committed to decades of independent monitoring and assessment at the site and at sea as Japan carries out the water discharge. All future reports on independent sampling, data corroboration, and analysis activities will be available on the IAEA website. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan Reportedly Fast-Tracking Purchase of US Tomahawk Missiles As It Boosts Military Reserves Sputnik News 20231005 Svetlana Ekimenko Despite Japan being constitutionally opposed to war, with an official pledge that its armed forces' role should be purely one of self-defense, Tokyo, under Western influence, has been on a military spending spree of late, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowing to boost defense spending by about 60 percent over the next five years. As part of its ongoing military build-up rationalized by US-fueled claims of being threatened by neighboring countries, Japan is speeding up plans to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US, according to a local media report. During a visit to the US, Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and said that the two countries "shared the recognition" to buy Tomahawk missiles in the fiscal year starting in April 2025. Initially, Japan had earmarked more than A200 billion ($1.3 billion) to buy 400 Tomahawk Block-5 cruise missiles made by Raytheon Technologies Corp in 2026 and 2027, and then to install them on the country's destroyers, the report said. However, now the revised plan outlines buying only 200 Tomahawk Block-4 missiles, which could bring the costs down, according to an unnamed official. US Congress needs to give its approval to the transaction. Capable of being fired from ships and submarines, the sub-sonic Tomahawk cruise missiles boast a range of about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers), according to Raytheon. Work to upgrade the missiles to the new Block-5 generation has been underway in the US since 2020, with the US Navy focusing on advancing the communication and navigation systems. During the Pentagon meeting on 4 October, the US Defense Secretary reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad" commitment to the defense of all Japan under Article V of the Japan-US Security Treaty. Kihara and Austin agreed to strengthen the capabilities of the alliance "including effective operation of counterstrike capabilities under Japan-US cooperation," according to a joint statement. "This is a time of historic momentum in the US-Japan alliance. We support your government's bold decisions to invest in advanced capabilities including counterstrike, and to increase defense spending to 2 percent of Japan's gross domestic product by 2027," stated Austin. Japan's Military Beef-Up The plans to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US come as part of the overall drive by Japan to beef up its military, echoing the same "threat" allegations that Washington typically conjures up. As Japan bolsters its rapprochement with NATO, it repeatedly claims that boosted defense is needed to ostensibly "deter" China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and, possibly, Russia. In December 2022, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government approved three policy documents - the National Security Strategy (NSS), the National Defense Strategy and the Defense Buildup Program - which envisaged doubling the nation's defense spending within the next five years. For fiscal year 2024, Japan's Defense Ministry has requested the largest defense budget in its history, worth a whopping $53 billion, 12 percent higher than in 2023. On 28 July, Japan released the 2023 Defense White Paper, warning about the "advent of a new crisis era". Article 9 of Japan's war-denouncing Constitution prohibits offensive actions by the nation's military. A succession of Liberal Democratic Party governments - including the present one led by Kishida - have sought to re-write that charter to loosen the restrictions on arms exports, allow overseas deployments in support of US-led military interventions, etc. in January 2023, Western media suggested that Japan was gradually "scrapping" its post-WW2 pacifist defense strategy. Furthermore, the ongoing military build-up in Japan comes as the US beefs up its military presence in the Asia Pacific along with the UK and Australia within the framework of the tripartite AUKUS alliance. The United States has also boosted trilateral security cooperation with Japan and South Korea. After US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met at the Camp David presidential retreat on 18 August, Moscow said that the flurry of political and military interaction promotes Washington's policy on deterring Moscow. The summit's agreements are "of confrontational nature" aimed at an escalating situation in the Asia-Pacific under the pretext of "response to global challenges and threats", said the Russian Foreign Ministry. Japan's foreign policy and its modern militarization are "to a large degree driven by American interests", experts have told Sputnik. Pundits added that US geopolitical objectives "directly threaten peace, stability, and thus prosperity in the region." China has also voiced opposition to certain countries uniting in exclusionary groups in the region. "China opposes relevant countries assembling exclusionary groupings, and practices that intensify antagonism and undermine the strategic security of other countries," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. North Korea has also weighed in on Japan's claims of having been threatened by neighboring countries, with DPRK's media slamming it as a "smokescreen" to justify Tokyo's intention to swell into a major military power. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan to Start Releasing Second Batch of Fukushima Water on Thursday Sputnik News 20231005 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Japan will begin releasing the second batch of radioactive water into the ocean from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant on Thursday. Tokyo Electric Power Company, the plant's operator, began discharging some of the 1.34 million tonnes of treated wastewater in August despite outcries at home and in the region. China banned all seafood from Japan over concerns of radioactive contamination. The International Atomic Energy Agency has said that the treated wastewater would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. The Fukushima plant suffered major damage during an earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. Since then, water has continually been pumped in to cool the plant's reactors. As of June, some 1,000 of tanks holding treated water were stored on-site. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE supports visit to an air base and military facility in Kazakhstan under Vienna Document 2011 5 October 2023 On 3 and 4 October 2023, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana together with the Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan supported a visit of representatives from the verification centres of 25 OSCE participating States to the 604th Air Base and 37th Air Assault Brigade in Taldykorgan city. The visit aims to support the implementation of Kazakhstan's commitment in fulfilling international obligations under Section 4 "Contacts" of the Vienna Document 2011 on confidence- and security-building measures, according to which an OSCE participating State invites and organizes visits to one of its conventional air bases and military facilities in any five-year period. Additionally, the event gave opportunity to verify information in accordance with the data exchanged during the annual exchange of military information, provided by the Republic of Kazakhstan as of January 2023. Among over 50 participants were military officers, officials of the OSCE Secretariat Conflict Prevention Centre and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. During the visit, participants familiarized themselves with daily and long-term activities of the military facilities, including training and maintenance operations, observe the presentation and demonstration of military hardware, including weaponry, as well as verify provided information and foster its exchange. "The planned visit to the Taldykorgan air base and military facility is not only a demonstration of the technical aspects of Kazakhstan's armed forces, but also a symbol of its efforts to build trust and co-operation. It emphasizes transparency and openness in the country's actions, which is important for developing mutual understanding among OSCE participating States," said Dr. Volker Frobarth, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana during the opening ceremony of this event. On behalf of the visitors' group, its spokesperson German Brigadier General Michael Shoy noted full compliance of Kazakhstan's Air Defence Forces with the specific verification requirements under Vienna Document 2011. Overall, the visit marked a significant milestone in advancing confidence and security-building measures within the framework of the Vienna Document 2011. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address High-Profile Kazakhs Linked To Road-Project Corruption Escaping Prosecution, Investigation Finds By Tasqyn Bolatuly October 05, 2023 OSKEMEN, Kazakhstan -- The bumpy highway between the dusty Kazakh towns of Qalbatau and Maiqapshaghai in the remote province of East Kazakhstan has been under construction for six years. Millions of dollars have been allotted to the project, but only half of the 415-kilometer road has been upgraded. On the remaining 200 or so kilometers, vehicles have to rumble over potholed or unpaved roads. One major reason for the slow rate of progress on the highway may be due to massive fraud. Kazakh prosecutors in April announced that nearly $44 million has been embezzled by a private company from the funds allocated to the road project. On April 26, the Prosecutor-General's Office named QazGerStroi, a limited-liability partnership, as possibly being behind the corruption. The main contractor for the project was the Chinese company Xinxing Corporation, with QazGerStroi acting as a subcontractor. Prosecutors said QazGerStroi was "affiliated with entities [belonging to] Qairat Satybaldy," the eldest nephew of former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev. The once immensely influential and purportedly wealthy Satybaldy, 53, was sentenced to six years in prison on fraud and embezzlement charges in September 2022. Prosecutors didn't say who exactly was involved in the suspected embezzlement and whether any of the money allegedly stolen by QazGerStroi had been returned to the government. Contacted by RFE/RL, representatives of QazAvtoJol -- a state company that manages Kazakhstan's highways -- said QazGerStroi was removed from the project last year. They accused QazGerStroi of "negligence" that caused a "significant slowdown in the pace of the construction work." The remainder of the project will be completed by the Chinese company, QazAvtoJol officials said. An investigation by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service revealed that one of the former managers of QazGerStroi currently works for QazAvtoJol. Who Owns QazGerStroi? Until 2016, the legal owners of QazGerStroi were German businessman Robert Schumacher and Timur Turisbekov, the son of former Kazakh Interior Minister Zautbek Turisbekov. Schumacher later claimed he was forced to give up the company under pressure from Gulmira Satybaldy, the former wife of Qairat Satybaldy, as well as individuals connected to former minister Turisbekov. Asked by Kazakh media about the allegation at the time, Turisbekov said he wasn't "that kind of person." Gulmira Satybaldy is currently serving a prison term on charges of embezzlement, the illegal appropriation of shares and assets of several enterprises, abduction, and actions aiding the commission of a crime. Schumacher's name has been removed from the list of QazGerStroi founders and the company was transferred to people linked to Qairat Satybaldy. In 2017, Abai Zhunusov -- who is married to Gulmira Satybaldy's sister -- became the chairman of the company. Following Schumacher's departure, Mirkhat Qasymbaev, who is currently a chairman on the QazAvtoJol board, became a co-owner of QazGerStroi through the Bereke Astana Group. Bereke -- which is also linked to the Satybaldy family -- owns QazGerStroi. Qasymbaev is known to be close to Zautbek Turisbekov and served as Turisbekov's assistant and adviser between 2005 and 2011 when the latter held several government and diplomatic positions, including ambassador to Uzbekistan and Russia. Qasymbaev was listed as a founder of QazGerStroi through the Bereke Astana Group from 2017 to 2019. QazAvtoJol confirmed to RFE/RL that Qasymbaev -- its current board chairman -- had once been a co-owner of a company that was carrying out the construction of the Qalbatau-Maiqapshaghai highway. "He worked in QazGerStroi in 2019 only, but the construction works had begun much earlier," QazAvtoJol representatives told RFE/RL. But according to official documents, the work began in 2017, the same year Qasymbaev joined QazGerStroi. Qasymbaev's biography on the QazAvtoJol website also states that he served as vice president of the Bereke Astana Group and was a member of QazGerStroi's supervisory board from 2011 to 2019. Forbes Kazakhstan wrote that, under the leadership of Qasymbaev and Yernar Muratov, QazGerStroi was among the 10 largest recipients of tenders in the country in 2017. RFE/RL contacted relevant authorities in Kazakhstan to clarify if Qasymbaev is suspected of involvement in the embezzlement of the QazGerStroi money. But the Prosecutor-General's Office, the Interior Ministry, and the Anti-Corruption Agency didn't respond to RFE/RL inquiries. No Names Released Authorities have not said who is the main culprit of the alleged embezzlement of the funds for the highway project. The Anti-Corruption Agency said a criminal probe on the issue had ended and the officials linked to the case were granted amnesty, though it didn't disclose any names of those involved. Kazakh authorities didn't respond to questions of whether Qairat Satybaldy had been a suspect. The Prosecutor-General's Office -- which publicly linked the crime to "entities" belonging to Satybaldy -- told RFE/RL that "the information is not subject to disclosure." This allegation of embezzlement wasn't included in the criminal case against Satybaldy when he went on trial in 2022. At that time he was accused of embezzling funds from the Kazakhtelecom and Transport Service Center companies. Meanwhile, QazGerStroi continues to win large contracts in tenders despite reportedly being removed from the Qalbatau-Maiqapshaghai project. In 2023, the company secured a $5.2 million contract with the Astana city government to refurbish a road in the capital. Bereke Astana Group is currently owned by Bauyrzhan Nursultan, the son of Qairat Satybaldy. Official documents list Aidar Lazarov as a co-founder of the company. Nursultan continues to control a vast portfolio of lucrative businesses in various spheres, including mining, road construction, trade, and telecommunications. The Prosecutor-General's Office and the Anti-Corruption Agency did not respond to RFE/RL's questions about the $44 million allegedly stolen from the road project or if any of the money has been recovered. It also remains unclear when the highway project will be completed. Written by Farangis Najibullah in Prague based on reporting by RFE/RL Kazakh Service correspondent Tasqyn Bolatuly in Kazakhstan. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-road-project-corruption- investigation-nazarbaev/32624823.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 Junta enlists China in changing Myanmar IDs to biometric smart cards The regime says the switch will improve elections, but critics warn it will 'further suppress the people.' By RFA Burmese 2023.10.05 -- Myanmar's junta is updating the country's antiquated paper identification system with smart electronic cards and asking China - no stranger to keeping tabs on its citizens - for technical assistance. Late last month, the official Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that during a recent trip to China, Myint Kyaing, the junta's minister of immigration and population, called on Beijing to help replace his country's national registration IDs with smart cards featuring biometric data that can be checked by computer. In addition to making IDs less susceptible to damage, they will also include information such as a person's name, date of birth, address, race or ethnicity, hair and eye color, and height as scannable data, the report said, as part of a bid to make the country's election process smoother. In June, RFA reported that a widely used Chinese video surveillance company sanctioned by Western governments incorporates an AI technology that automatically alerts authorities if a person is detected unfurling a banner. Government tracking technologies have proliferated in China over the last several years amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of mass technology procurements by police forces across the country have greatly increased authorities' abilities to clamp down on social freedoms, control citizens and, critics say, abuse groups targeted by the government. Critics of the junta's proposed ID update say they fear it will be used to monitor Myanmar's citizens and keep them in line amid political instability resulting from the military's February 2021 coup d'etat. A resident of Yangon who gave his name as Phone Myint told RFA Burmese that the people of Myanmar have no need for the national ID scheme or any other policies put forth by the junta. "I think it will work only if there is interest from people," said the resident, who asked not to reveal his identity citing fear of reprisal. "Either way, we have seen the junta's staffer starting to visit the city's various wards to implement their project." Armed resistance groups in Magway region, which has been beset by conflict since the coup, vowed to oppose the plan. Wei Kyi, an official with the anti-junta People's Defense Force, or PDF, in Magway's Yesagyo township said that the updated IDs are part of the junta's efforts to maintain control of the nation. "We assume the junta formulates policies and procedures only as a way to stay in power and that this plan is just another of its projects to keep citizens in check, as well as to target and suppress those who oppose it," he said. Attempts by RFA to contact junta Deputy Information Minister Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment on the proposed ID update went unanswered Wednesday. Ending bureaucracy or surveilling the people? Thein Tun Oo, executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, which is made up of former military officers, touted the "advantages" of switching to smart electronic ID cards in comments he made to RFA. "People will be able to apply for jobs using only smart ID cards and the employers can receive all their bio data just by using the smart IDs," he said. "If we can make use of the electronic ID system properly, it will save us time by eliminating the bureaucracy." Nonetheless, Thein Tun Oo acknowledged that it "could be difficult to implement the plan under the current circumstances." Hla Kyaw Zaw, a researcher of Myanmar affairs, said it is unclear whether China has any interest in providing technical assistance for such a project, noting that the junta has only "casually suggested" the help was forthcoming. But he said that the junta is likely "asking for help from other countries" as well, as part of its bid to hold an election that would legitimize its control of Myanmar. "The junta is rushing to hold an election which they seem to have considered to be a favorable solution [to ending the political crisis]," he said. Junta chief Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said at a Sept. 1 meeting that elections "will be held after the national census" in 2024, but no further details have been forthcoming. RFA inquired about Beijing's willingness to collaborate with the junta for the national ID scheme at the Chinese Embassy in Yangon, as well as Myanmar's Consulate in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, but received no answer. Political commentator Than Soe Naing suggested that the junta cares little for using the proposed IDs to prepare for the election. He said that with roughly 4% of the population of 54 million displaced by conflict, according to data from the United Nations, and "millions of others who have left the country" or joined the armed resistance in territories outside of the junta's control, Myanmar is not in a position to create a nationwide database of verifiable census data. Instead, he said, the junta has a far simpler and more nefarious purpose in mind: "to further suppress the people." Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content October 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 Thousands flee Sagaing region townships after Myanmar junta raids Troops arrested suspected militia members and took villagers with them to use as human shields By RFA Burmese 2023.10.05 -- Almost 5,000 people have fled their homes after two days of raids on villages in Sagaing region's Salingyi township, locals told RFA on Thursday. Troops took several people with them to use as human shields, according to an organization helping victims of the conflict. The junta sent in a Russian-made attack helicopter on Wednesday morning, targeting villages between Salingyi and Yinmarbin townships. On Thursday morning, hundreds of troops stormed Let Taung Gyi village in Pale township. Local People's Defense Forces (PDFs) had planted landmines near the entrance of the village but it's not known whether the junta troops suffered any casualties. They arrested people suspected of planting the mines after entering the village, according to a local who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. "About 10 residents were arrested while they were fleeing to safety from Let Taung Gyi village this morning," the resident said, adding that the identities of those arrested are not yet known. "The column [of soldiers] was in a convoy and moving slowly from one village to another. It had been going for a long time." The local said the convoy contained around 300 soldiers and 17 military vehicles that opened fire on villages along the route while a helicopter strafed villages in Salingyi and Yinmarbin townships, according to an aid worker who also asked not to be named for safety reasons. "Helicopters shot at two villages," they said. "The Mi-35 fired along both sides of the village road because [the junta] were worried PDFs would come along the road." Around 5,000 residents of at least five villages fled their homes ahead of the raids, said the aid worker. Calls to Sagaing region's junta spokesperson Sai Naing Naing Kyaw by RFA went unanswered Thursday. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. 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 October 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 Kachin rebels press villagers to move to make way for jade mining The mining operations will raise money for 'revolution,' the Kachin Independence Organization says. By RFA Burmese 2023.10.05 -- Ethnic Kachin rebels are pressuring more than 600 people to move out of a village so they can take over gold and jade mining in the area to fund their fight against Myanmar's ruling junta, residents told Radio Free Asia. Officials from the Kachin Independence Organization met with the elders of Sabyit Khu village in early September to negotiate payment to villagers in exchange for their homes and to cover resettlement costs, the resident said. The village was established more than 30 years ago in the jade mining center of Hpakant township in Kachin state in northern Myanmar.. "They said they are trying to collect funds for the revolution," a source who goes by Zaw Zaw for security reasons said. "They said they needed these things (our land), not to build a private company, but to make funds for the revolution as a government." The Kachin Independence Organization, or KIO, is the political wing of the Kachin Independence Army, which has clashed with the Myanmar military for decades. The KIO sometimes works with Chinese companies in mining rare earth minerals in Kachin state, where successive governments have failed to regulate illegal mining for gold, jade and other rare metals for generations. But when RFA contacted KIA information officer Col. Nobu about the relocation, he said he hadn't received any information. "I haven't heard of that," he said. "I don't know about the project yet." 'We are not in a position to say no' Some of the residents have already resettled in another village about three miles away from Sabyit Khu, Zaw Zaw said. Residents have been offered between 15 million to 20 million kyats (US$7,140 to US$9,520) in compensation, in addition to land at the new location, a resident who goes by Wai Lu for security reasons told RFA. "If they choose to live in the new location, they will be provided with the moving costs," he said. "They are also provided with new water wells dug for them." Residents have been instructed to move out by mid-October, residents said. The KIO's Hpakant township administration began paying compensation on Sept. 22. However, some people have resisted giving up their homes, residents told RFA. Most members of the village have made their living mining for gold and jade and are worried the new location will make their livelihood more difficult, they said. "It's not like we have become better off," Zaw Zaw said. "I think we just got the amount we fairly deserve. And we are not in a position to say no to them under this unstable political situation." According to the United Kingdom-based rights group Global Witness, nearly 400,000 people in Myanmar rely on scavenging precious stones in the area around Hpakant to earn a living - most of whom work under unsafe conditions. Area residents have told RFA that since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup, jade companies have illegally restarted mining operations and skirted scrutiny by paying taxes to the KIO and the junta. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Matt Reed 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 October 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 Seoul, Tokyo reopen strategic diplomatic channels amid nuke threats Thursday's meeting extends collaboration beyond military and finance. By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.10.05 -- The foreign ministries of South Korea and Japan held their first "strategic dialogue" in nine years, and agreed to strengthen ties to deal with the common threat of Pyongyang's nuclear provocations, a development indicating that the bilateral collaboration is extending beyond the military, finance to diplomacy. South Korea's first vice minister for foreign affairs Chang Ho-jin and his Japanese counterpart Masataka Okano met in Seoul on Thursday, where the agenda centered around bilateral, regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific strategy and geopolitics of East Asia, according to the South's foreign ministry statement. The two also jointly condemned North Korea's nuclear provocations during the talks, the statement added. They concurred that the United States, South Korea, and Japan must "collaborate to spearhead a resolute and unified international response," vowing that the three nations will put efforts towards improving human rights in North Korea. "The vice-ministerial strategic dialogue is a part of the close communication between ROK and Japan, and we expect it to further strengthen our cooperation on issues of common interest based on this communication," said Lim Soo-suk, South Korea's foreign ministry spokesperson in a regular briefing, referring to South Korea by its formal name. Seoul's ties and communication with Tokyo were improving at both bilateral and multilateral levels, she added. The meeting between the two key U.S. allies took place for the first time since 2014, after the two leaders of the countries, Yoon Suk Yeol and Kishida Fumio agreed to mend ties during a summit in March. The meeting was first held in 2005, with the aim of expanding bilateral strategic cooperation to tackle regional challenges, but was suspended as relations between Seoul and Tokyo soured over disagreement surrounding Japan's colonial rule over the Korean peninsula. Most notable is the issue of compensating forced laborers and 'comfort women,' a Japanese euphemism for wartime sex slaves. As the dispute showed no signs of reaching a resolution, its implication has extended to other areas, affecting military and economic security. The discord between Tokyo and Seoul ran against the interests of Washington to reunite allies in addressing challenges posed by China. South Korea's conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who took office last year, made steps to reconcile the dispute, and had proposed measures to compensate the wartime victims using South Korean funds, despite the domestic backlash. Expanding cooperation Thursday's meeting signals South Korea and Japan's effort to expand their scope of cooperation - a move that could aid U.S. President Joe Biden's Asia strategy to unite regional allies. Initial indications of reconciliation have appeared in the military sector, with the navies of South Korea and Japan actively and openly participating in drills in waters that divide the Koreas and Japan. The scope of cooperation then extended to the finance sector, with the two countries agreeing to revive their financial cooperation earlier this week, in the face of heightened geopolitical risks including those that could potentially stem from China's unstable property market. During the U.S.-South Korea-Japan trilateral summit at Camp David in August, Yoon indicated that the cooperation is poised to expand its hi-tech industries. "In the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum, bio, next-generation information and communication, and space, ROK-US-Japan cooperation has great synergies," Yoon said. Kishida also echoed Yoon in the press conference: "In the area of economic security, there was consensus on promoting cooperation in key emerging technologies and cooperation related to strengthening supply chain resilience," Kishida said, indicating that Tokyo's cooperation with Seoul would create a foundation for continued and stable strengthening of trilateral cooperation. The real game now is bringing specific measures into strengthening the cooperations, pointed out Cheon Seong-whun, a former security strategy secretary for South Korea's presidential office. "The devil is in detail," Cheon said. "It's essential to identify specific methods to enhance collaboration. One approach could be establishing a committee dedicated to fostering direct cooperation." "The focus now should be on achieving tangible outcomes. Operating the current framework without producing meaningful results is futile," he added. 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 October 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: Statement By High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP Plenary European External Action Service (EEAS) 04.10.2023 Strasbourg EEAS Press Team Speech delivered by Commissioner in charge of Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell Check against delivery! Thank you Chair, Honourable Members of the European Parliament, The human rights situation in Russia is a long-standing concern and I would like to start by thanking the European Parliament for its work to shed light on it and for its support to Russian human rights defenders. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova, in her recent report notes that the situation has significantly deteriorated since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and recalls the human rights violations and abuses and the continued impunity in Chechnya. Let me highlight three points as regards the European Union's position. First, the [European] Union has repeatedly expressed concern about the human rights violations in Chechnya pointing out the prevailing impunity for those crimes, harassment and repression of Chechen human rights defenders and their relatives, and the inaction of the Russian authorities. Second, the [European] Union calls on the Russian authorities to immediately release Ms Musaeva and to ensure a thorough, impartial and independent investigation of her case and her right to a fair trial. The sentence of Zarema Musaeva is politically motivated. We have raised her case immediately when she was violently detained and forcefully transferred to Chechnya in early 2022. Ms Musaeva and her family have faced repeated intimidation and threats, following the criticism that her sons have voiced towards Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Third, we urge the Russian authorities to end the persecution of all human rights defenders and their family members and immediately release those detained under politically motivated charges. All cases of extrajudicial executions, torture and other grave human rights violations committed over the last years must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice. The Russian authorities must respect the rule of law, Russia's own Constitution and uphold Russia's obligations under international law. Russia must abandon its oppressive legislation used to suppress civil society and independent voices. Let me conclude by stressing that the [European] Union will continue to support Russian human rights defenders and civil society actors inside and outside Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran is 'strategic partner' of Russia: Senior Duma official IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Oct 5, 2023 Moscow, IRNA -- Senior member of the Russian State Duma, Maxim Topilin, has said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is the "strategic partner" of Russia. Topilin, who is the chairman of the Committee of the State Duma on Economic Policy, made the comment on Wednesday night as he hosted an Iranian parliamentary delegation led by Hamid Reza Babaie, the head of the Iranian parliament's budget and planning committee. The Russian official said that projects jointly pursued by Iran and Russia, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), benefit the two sides, and stressed the need for accelerating the implementation of such projects. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. Babaie, on his part, said that conditions are ripe for the further expansion of ties between Iran and Russia, as the two countries are targeted by Western sanctions and they are standing up against unilateral policies in the world. Iran's Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali was also present in the talks. He announced Iran's readiness to share its experience in Islamic banking with Russia. 4194**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin says Russia relations with Iran 'very good' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Oct 5, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has described his country's relations with Iran as "very good", and said that Moscow will make every effort to enhance the ties. Putin made the comment on Wednesday night in the resort city of Sochi as he addressed winners and finalists of a competition to choose the best teacher in Russia, the country's Sputnik news agency reported. "We have very good relations with Iran and we will make efforts to expand them in every possible way," the Russian president said. He also said that Russia is interested in opening educational institutes in Iran that will educate children in the Russian language and by using Russian methods. Last Tuesday, Putin and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi spoke on the phone, discussing relations between the two countries. Raisi expressed satisfaction over the interaction between the two sides, calling for speeding up the implementation of joint projects, including in transit and energy. 4194**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin lauds relations with Iran as 'very good', voices Russia's determination to further develop bilateral ties Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 9:02 AM Russian President Vladimir Putin lauds relations with Iran as "very good," voicing Moscow's determination to further develop ties with Tehran. "We have very good relations with Iran. And we will enhance them in every possible way... That is why we do our utmost in order to develop relations with Iran, and will keep this up in the future," TASS news agency quoted Putin as saying. Pointing to the establishment of educational institutions in Iran, as part of a broader goal to forge closer ties, Putin added that Moscow should "see interest" from countries "in order to establish educational institutions there." "However, the idea is a good one, since it implies soft power in the kindest and best sense of this word, the promotion of our culture and our education systems. We will mull this over as well," the president emphasized. Iran and Russia, as two close and strategic allies, have over the past years deepened their relations in various fields, including military and defense, despite being under heavy Western sanctions. Heading a high-ranking military delegation, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to Tehran last month upon an official invitation by Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri. In a meeting with the Russian defense chief on September 20, Baqeri said Tehran and Moscow are working to draw up a long-term military cooperation agreement in the near future as the world moves towards an increasingly multipolar order. The top Iranian general stressed the need for enhancement of ties between the two countries. Shoigu's visit came a month after a visit to Moscow by a delegation, led by Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari, the commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Vladimir Yermakov, Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation, Director of the Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the General Debate in the First Committee of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, New York, 4 October 2023 5 October 2023 17:20 1959-05-10-2023 Unofficial translation Mr. Chair, I congratulate you on your election to this post and wish you success in your work. I assure you that the Russian delegation will provide you all possible assistance to facilitate substantive discussions. Since the First Committee's last year session, the frustrating international security landscape has not made us more optimistic as to prospects for improving this situation. On the contrary, global situation continues to rapidly heat up. The accumulated conflict potential, not checked in a timely manner, has already led to an acute crisis in the Euro-Atlantic and threatens to evolve into multiple direct collisions in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, the fact that the States possessing nuclear arsenals are directly involved into confrontation multiplies strategic risks. The roots of the worsening contradictions lie, first of all, in extremely selfish ambitions aggressively implemented by the US-led West to the detriment of other nations' interests. This shameless course is based on Washington's insatiable craving for the unchallenged global dominance and its attempts to impede large-scale, truly landmark shifts in the international relations system by undermining the process of shaping a more just multipolar world order based on a carefully calibrated balance of interests of the international community members. Those truly sovereign States that firmly oppose the dictates of the West are subjected to demonization and hybrid pressure or outright bullying. The United States and its allies show blatant intolerance for dissent and are trying, in violation of the UN Charter, to impose on other States how they should behave and what foreign policy they should pursue. To consolidate their own hegemony, they persistently strive to substitute international law for a certain "rules-based order" comfortable for them. In fact, this is the usurpation of the prerogative to shape global agenda in all its aspects, including arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation (ACDN). Having grossly flouted the principle of equal and indivisible security, the US-led NATO bloc undertook a malicious expansion into the post-Soviet area, forcing our country to take the necessary measures to protect its external security contour. At that, the West continues to raise stakes, dangerously balancing on the brink of a direct armed conflict between nuclear powers and thereby generating the most serious strategic risks. Meanwhile, disagreements are multiplying at specialized multilateral fora, where chances to find common ground between states in resolving a wide array of international security problems are steadily narrowing. The accuracy of this assessment has been clearly demonstrated by the first stage of a new review cycle of the NPT - the Treaty which remains for us the only legal reference point and framework to achieve a nuclear-weapon-free world. Inflated expectations of some participants, a general radicalization of approaches, inflexible promotion of national or group positions without any readiness to look for a compromise, purposeful politicization of discussions with the sole goal of denigrating and provoking an opponent - this is how one can describe the discussion during the first session of the 2026 NPT Review Conference Preparatory Committee. We are concerned with the trend of States moving away from not just the decisions and understandings previously set forth in the consensus documents of the NPT review process, but also from the "letter" of the Treaty itself. There are attempts to introduce issues that are extrinsic to the NPT forum, provoking new dividing lines. Many States Parties unreasonably refuse to take into account geopolitical and military-strategic realities and to be guided by the logic of an integrated approach when addressing the situation on the disarmament track. Meanwhile, nuclear disarmament, as well as arms control, cannot be implemented in isolation from the strategic context and international security situation in general. Progress on these tracks is impossible without creating favourable prerequisites that would ensure maintenance of peace and stability based on the principle of undiminished security for all in the process of reducing nuclear weapons. The concerns of the international community with regard to uncertain prospects for nuclear disarmament are more than justified under the current circumstances, when the degradation of global situation is accompanied by the erosion of the system of arms control agreements. Deeply alarming is potential escalation in the nuclear missile sphere due to the US implementing its plans to deploy weapons that were previously prohibited under the INF Treaty denounced by Washington. Further negative developments around the New START cannot be excluded either. It has been suspended due to destructive attempts by the US to unilaterally interpret the core provisions of the Treaty and in general bend it in its favour and to the detriment of Russia's security. Washington is clearly capable of other destabilizing steps under the slogans of seeking to inflict a "strategic defeat" on our country and ensure the so-called "two-way nuclear deterrence" of Russia and China. Such circumstances add to the rationale behind the argument that the ideas about an immediate and complete ban on nuclear weapons or about artificial deadlines for reaching "nuclear zero" are counter-productive. According to a well-known apt remark, a stable and safe nuclear-free world is not equal to the world in its current deplorable state minus nuclear weapons. Such radicalism contradicts the logic of the NPT and will not lead us to the aspired ultimate goal of an increased security for all. We are convinced that progress in nuclear disarmament can only be achieved on a basis of step-by-step and consensual measures accompanied by consistent work to improve the political and military climate while showing respect for the security interests of all parties. To this end, it is necessary, first of all, to drastically reduce the level of conflict potential in relations between major military powers and ensure a long-overdue overhaul of the international security architecture. Such work should be carried out in a comprehensive manner, take into account the entire range of factors relevant to this area and include not only individual measures to reduce strategic risks but also all-out efforts to eliminate the root causes of fundamental contradictions between nuclear-weapon states in the security field. Mr. Chair, One of the central components of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and an important factor in the sustainability and viability of the NPT is its verification mechanism - the IAEA safeguards system. Russia supports the activity of the Agency in this regard; it stands for ensuring an objective, depoliticized and technically sound safeguards mechanism in strict accordance with the agreements and protocols there to concluded between individual States and the IAEA. We recognise the importance of universalization of the Additional Protocol to the Safeguards Agreement but at the same time we proceed from the voluntary nature of such obligations and inadmissibility of imposing accession to the Additional Protocol as a mandatory measure. The Russian Federation considers the CTBT the most important document in nuclear non-proliferation and strictly complies with its provisions. More than a quarter of a century has passed since the Treaty was opened for signature but it has still not become a full-fledged international legal instrument. The reason of this is the position of eight states from the Annex 2 whose ratification is necessary for it to become a valid treaty. We would like to once again call on the relevant countries, primarily the United States, to formally accede to the CTBT and thereby contribute to strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Mr. Chair, Crisis phenomena in the international situation aggravated by negative trends in the field of international security directly affect the functioning of international institutions in the field of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. In recent years, the United States and its allies have pursued a course towards subordinating their activities to a certain "order" based on the "rules" they develop. This policy is also reflected in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) where the balanced dialogue and search for compromises have been replaced by the practice of imposing decisions through voting, using the OPCW against individual countries and imposing their will on the entire world community by the United States and its allies. As a result of the extreme politicization of the OPCW agenda, the States Parties to the CWC are unable to agree on recommendations based on the results of two review cycles of the operation of the Convention. All this leads to the inevitable destruction of the CWC regime and causes irreparable damage to the work and reputation of the Organization. We will continue to insist on restoring the technical nature of the OPCW activities and strengthening its potential as one of the important links in the international system of disarmament and non-proliferation of WMD. In the context of fulfilling obligations under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), the revealed facts of the implementation of a military biological programme in Ukraine with the support of the Pentagon and its affiliated structures, including private companies, require the closest attention. The justified questions that have been officially posed by the Russian side as regards this military biological activity that have been conducted in violation of the BTWC have remained unanswered so far. They remain outstanding and require settlement. The situation we face confirms the need for the consolidated efforts of the world community to strengthen the BTWC regime, primarily by adopting a universal, legally binding protocol that would apply to all articles of the Convention and provide an effective mechanism of verification. We expect that the implementation of this task will be facilitated by the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention, established by the decision of the Ninth Review Conference of the BTWC in line with Russia's proposal. Russian initiatives aimed at strengthening the institutional foundations of the BTWC include the creation of mobile biological and medical teams and the Scientific Advisory Committee, the modernization of confidence-building measures and the creation within the framework of the BTWC of a mechanism for investigating possible violations of the Convention. There is an urgent need to strengthen the UN Secretary-General's Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM), including by updating the principles and procedures that have not been updated since their approval in 1990. In order to facilitate the implementation of this goal, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov sent, on June 14 this year, a note to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling to organize a review of the current SGM principles and procedures with a view to updating them. A whole group of countries supported this idea; a number of states submitted similar appeals to the UN Secretary-General. We hope that A. Guterres will immediately start the corresponding review with the help of expert consultants and taking into account the proposals of Member States. We are ready to make the most active contribution to this work. Mr. Chair, For decades, the Russian Federation has been in favour of preserving outer space for exclusively peaceful activities of states on an equal footing for the benefit of all humankind. This goal can be achieved only through the development of universally recognised legally binding norms of international law that would be comprehensive in nature and aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space (PAROS), as envisaged by the decisions of the First Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament held in 1978. The growing efforts of Western states, led by the United States, to implement policies aimed to place weapons in space and use outer space for warfare to ensure their dominance and superiority require urgent and decisive practical steps by the international community. The development of a legally binding instrument on PAROS with safeguards to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space or the threat or use of force against or by means of outer space objects should be initiated. As a basis, we consider the Russian-Chinese draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space and of the threat or use of force against outer space objects. We expect that the Group of Governmental Experts on PAROS, established by UNGA resolution 77/250, will achieve substantive results and thus contribute to the development of this agreement. An intermediate confidence-building measure is the international initiative/political commitment on No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space (NFP), which is currently the only real instrument for keeping space free of weapons. More than 30 states are already full participants in this initiative. We are submitting to the First Committee draft resolutions on "No first placement of weapons in outer space," "Transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities (TCBMs in outer space)," and "Further practical measures for the prevention of an arms race in outer space". We expect that they will face maximum support and co-sponsorship. 2023 will mark 25 years since the first UN General Assembly resolution on international information security was adopted at the initiative of Russia. We intend to submit for consideration at the 78th session of the UNGA a traditional Russian draft resolution on this theme. Our document reflects the results of this year's activities of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Security in the Use of ICTs and ICTs themselves, as well as the establishment of a global intergovernmental register of points of contact for the exchange of information on computer attacks/incidents. We call on all UN Member States to support our initiative and co-author it. We have always advocated the establishment of a fair and equitable system of international information security (IIS) under the auspices of the United Nations, based on the principles of respect for national sovereignty, equality of States and non-interference in internal affairs. It is in our common interests to guarantee the peaceful use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to rule out the possibility of unleashing inter-state conflicts in information space. We see the solution to these problems in the formation of an international legal regime in the area of ICTs through the adoption of a universal treaty. Mr. Chair, We note the growing politicization of discussions on the ACDN within the UN General Assembly, the UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC) and the Conference on Disarmament (CD). We are witnessing the abandonment of substantive dialogue and the persistent attempts by Western countries to turn these bodies into an instrument of pressure on the "undesirable", to erode their mandate and to revise the rules of procedure and the fundamental principles of their functioning. This hinders the adoption of balanced, mutually acceptable decisions. At the same time, we note that if Member States have the necessary political will, they will be able to achieve meaningful results in the ACDN field. This was clearly confirmed by the consensus recommendations of the UNDC to facilitate the practical implementation of the transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities for the purposes of the PAROS. We urge the UNGA to endorse them by adopting an appropriate resolution on the transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities. Our initiative to elaborate an international convention to combat acts of chemical and biological terrorism within the CD, which meets the current demands of the international community, is also aimed at establishing unifying collective principles. We believe that its implementation would contribute to overcoming the stagnation of work at the CD on the basis of common interests. An additional impediment to the development of dialogue among UN Member States on the ACDN issues is the unfairness of the US side in fulfilling its obligations to issue visas to members of delegations attending UN events. This practice is unacceptable and a gross violation of the US international legal obligations under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, which provides for granting unimpeded passage to the area of the Organisation's headquarters to representatives or officials of UN member states, as well as the granting of visas to them "without charge and as promptly as possible". We do not intend to tolerate such irresponsible behaviour by the United States authorities. We demand the immediate launching of an arbitration procedure with regard to the host country of the United Nations Headquarters. The situation is egregious, since visas have not been issued within the requested time frame to those members of our delegation who were also to participate in the P5 expert meeting, set to be organized by Russia in its capacity as the P5 Chair on the margins of the First Committee. We note that the U.S. actions leading to the disruption of this meeting followed Russia's presentation of its approaches to P5 interaction, which clearly differ from Washington's priorities. We regard these actions as an attempt to undermine the Russian chairmanship of this international format. Mr. Chair, The Russian Federation aims at further consistent promotion of the unifying agenda. We look forward to constructive cooperation on the whole range of issues related to ensuring international peace and security. We aim at achieving universally acceptable solutions. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin meets with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Myanmar to Russia U Lwin Oo 05.10.2023 The Deputy Head of the Russian Defence Ministry congratulated U Lwin Oo on his appointment as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and thanked him for his substantial contribution to the development of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation during his leadership of the Myanmar diplomatic mission in Moscow. The parties assessed favourably the dynamically developing mutually beneficial relations and confirmed their desire to make the most efficient use of the accumulated potential to deepen cooperation in defence sphere. The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister General of the Army holds meeting at Joint Group of Forces Headquarters 05.10.2023 At the end of the meeting, the head of the military department drew attention to the issues of organisation and provision of combat training for servicemen and volunteers in reserve units. 'In general, there is planned work going on, active in all directions. Today I oversaw and inspected the combat training work of reserve regiments at the training ranges of the Southern Military District. Both contract servicemen in the last month and volunteers are being trained there at the same time,' Sergei Shoigu said. 'I would like to recognise our instructing officers who lead the pre-training. All 100% involved in combat training on all fronts have combat experience. They include those who have been wounded in combat but still returned to fight. And this is the most effective way to use those who are really experienced in fighting,' the Russian Defence Minister stressed. 'As decided by the General Staff, we have formed reserve regiments of contract servicemen for each Group of Forces. Today we have nine reserve regiments that are being prepared and they are being constantly reinforced in a planned manner,' the head of the military department said. 'When it comes to volunteers, during this time we have recruited 38,000 volunteers. People come highly motivated, ready to fulfil combat missions. Someone already has combat experience, because many volunteers return for a second time after a six-month contract, and some return for a third time,' Sergei Shoigu said. 'It is impossible not to mention our regions. Regions in which this work is carried out at practically all levels, including, of course, the leadership of these regions. I must mention the Republic of Yakutia. The head of the Republic, Aysen Nikolayev, is personally involved in this process. And the Yakutia detachment, the volunteer detachment, I mean, has found its glory. For the military actions in which he took part and led, the head of the military department, Aleksandr Kolesov, received the title of hero,' the head of the military department stressed. 'I would also like to thank the head of the Republic of Buryatia, Aleksei Tsydenov. They not only form volunteer units there. They are also very attentive to the families and our fighters returning home. Some are coming to recover from their wounds, others are coming on a leave. But our servicemen get a very, very honourable reception there. And of course they follow their way of fighting, how they fight, where they fight, they are interested in that all the time. Of course, it is impossible to ignore the families of our servicemen. They are waiting for them and sending all sorts of wishes. And, of course, we have to support the wives and parents of those who are fighting in an honourable way,' Sergei Shoigu said. 'There is a lot to mention about all the regions. Someone separately prepares and adopts a family social package for our military personnel, separately equates volunteers, because it is already difficult to distinguish them. They include Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of the Primorsky region, and Aleksei Dyumin, the governor of the Tula region. Of course, it would be impossible not to mention the governor of Krasnodar, Veniamin Kondratiev. There is a serious, large process of unitying all our regions, not only in the provision of a large amount of humanitarian aid, but also in the restoration and revival of the republics that have become part of the Russian Federation,' the Defence Minister said. 'I would like to make a special mention of the female volunteers, girls, you might say. I met them there today at the shooting range, they're all getting ready at the same time. They are already trained. They have combat experience. These are doctors, healthcare specialists. Girls from different places: from Tula, from Yalta, from Krasnodar and Siberia, from everywhere. And of course their question is a surprise to me: 'We've been here a long time. We should have been sent there a long time ago,' the minister revealed. 'But of course I asked the people who are doing the training on these ranges why they don't send them. And they don't send them because they are already teaching those who have to go. And those who are inexperienced in wound first aid and self-help. And frankly speaking, it was a great surprise to me that we have a large number of women who volunteer and perform tasks as well as men,' Sergei Shoigu said. 'My thanks to all of you. My hope is that with people like that we have no other option but victory'. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin's Valdai Speech: Multipolar Future Has Arrived and Russia is Here to Stay Sputnik News 20231005 Ekaterina Blinova The multipolar world that Russian President Vladimir Putin has referred to over the past several years has finally taken shape, international observers told Sputnik. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech on October 5 at the plenary session of the 20th meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi emphasizing the tectonic and irreversible shifts taking place in the global order. Sixteen years ago, at the 2007 Munich Security Conference, Putin told Western leaders that the natural type of international system is multipolarity, clearly showing that Russia would oppose US unipolar dominance. The moment of truth has come, and US hegemony is fading in front of our eyes while a new multipolar world is emerging, per Professor Joe Siracusa, political scientist and dean of Global Futures, Curtin University. "In many, many ways, the future that Mr. Putin is talking about has already arrived," Siracusa told Sputnik. "What he's kind of saying between the lines is it's already here. Now we have to see it. The world has changed. And the reason he thinks that the Americans, particularly in Washington, make these terrible mistakes is because they do not see that the world has changed around them already. The world, the future is changing in front of them and they fail to see it. He thinks that might be the cause of the conflict. Putin Outlines Six Civilizational Principles During his Valdai speech, Putin outlined six principles Russia wants to adhere to and offers other nations to join it. "First, we want to live in an open, interconnected world, in which no one will ever try to erect artificial barriers to people's communication, their creative realization, and prosperity. There must be a barrier-free environment," Putin said. The second principle is the diversity of the world, which should not only be preserved, but should also be the foundation of universal development. The third principle, according to the Russian head of state, is maximum representativeness: "No one has the right or can rule the world for others or on behalf of others. The world of the future is a world of collective decisions," the president emphasized. Fourth is universal security and lasting peace that takes into account the interests of great states and small countries equally. To achieve this, it is important to free international relations from the bloc mentality and the dark legacy of the colonial era and Cold War, according to Putin. The fifth principle is justice for all: "The era of exploitation of anyone - I have already said this twice - is a thing of the past. Countries and peoples are clearly aware of their interests and capabilities and are ready to rely on themselves, and this multiplies their strength. Everyone must be provided with access to the benefits of modern development," Putin emphasized. The sixth principle is equality: no one should be forced to obey those who are richer or more powerful at the cost of their own development and national interests, according to the Russian president. "The 'civilizational model' referred to in Putin's speech seems anchored on 'principles' - such as non-colonial relations; non-patronizing attitudes; respectful of diversity rooted in the diverse traditions - that will require a huge work to generate new shared international norms," Paolo Raffone, a strategic analyst and director of the CIPI Foundation in Brussels, told Sputnik. "The Western 'rules-based liberal international order' is unilateral, and it could be imposed in a specific time in history leveraging on the power and prominence of a small group of colonial powers that after the liberal model crisis and civil war (1914-1945) has been inherited by a distant but super-powerful country (US). In a nutshell, I can say that the 'civilizational model' approach probably aims at structuring a shared world 'software,' while the 'liberal rules-based order' has been aiming at building an imposed 'hardware' defended by 'rules' serving the financial and military hegemony." World's Corrupt Elites & Special Interests to Blame for Crisis Putin does not blame the people of the West or their governments for the unfolding global crisis, but the corrupt elites, or particularly corrupt interests within these permanent elites, according to Siracusa. "And so, he's targeted the problem that a lot of the people have targeted, and that is the political elites, the foreign policy elites have targeted Russia, then, of course, China as part of their campaign to keep their people fearful and concentrated," Siracusa said. "He's really telling these other publics to hold the elites accountable. And, of course, the elites that need a war of choice or necessity, forever war to keep going, etc., etc.. I mean, most of America's great industries, Boeing, Northrop, Raytheon, etc., depend on a continuing war. With whom? Doesn't make a difference. It's got a kind of war-like production. That's been the essence of American prosperity since the 1950s," the scholar emphasized. The arrogance of the Western elites reached its highest after the collapse of the USSR, according to the scholar. When the Russian Federation "was prepared to come to terms, to deal with the West, the West, particularly the United States, interpreted this as a weakness, not strength," and "started to dictate things," Siracusa pointed out. Thirty years ago, the US and its satellites embraced hegemony, no one was going to listen to Russia; however, attempts to establish a unipolar order were doomed to failure, since the world is too diverse, the Russian president stressed. "The overall speech gave a steady image of Mr. Putin, who also displayed a comfortable situation for Russia," Raffone said. "I would synthesize it in a few words: 'Russia has overcome critical challenges, and it is here to stay.' He stressed that 'Russia is the largest state on the planet' and he underlined that 'while the Russian civilization has no frontiers, the Russian civilization can exist because there is the Russian state.' This gives the impression of Russian steadiness and projection in the world." Russia Open to Dialogue Having Strong Negotiating Position Despite simmering tension, Moscow has left the door to dialogue open for the West, according to Siracusa: "I think he's made it very clear to the elites that they're going to have to change their view on Russia and even China, because the world they're looking for is one of, he said, cooperation. It's not a sustained conflict. He made very clear to the elites that they're going to have to reconsider and rethink their position and that Russia is prepared to sit down with them." Suracusa drew attention to the fact that the Russian president "made it very clear to the elites that Russia is not interested in territorial gain in Eastern and Central Europe." At the same time, "in a reassuring format that is open to dialogue despite the differences, Mr. Putin's speech showed moderation matched with the determined willingness and capacity to defend the state interests," Raffone underscored. When it comes to Russia's nuclear capability, Putin did not demonstrate any intent "to deviate from the deterrence approach despite the US not legally abiding to the treaty," the strategic analyst remarked. "He explained that the Russian superiority in nuclear weapons constitutes a sufficient deterrent to anybody imagining the use of nuclear heads against Russia or threatening the existence of the Russian state," Raffone said. Moscow feels quite confident on the global stage despite last year's gloomy prognoses in the Western mainstream press. Russia's economy is up and running, the nation's defense industry has expanded, and the goals of the special military operation will be accomplished, Putin stated in his speech. "There is no situation in which, say, today something would threaten Russian statehood and the existence of the Russian state," the president said. Russia Showed Alternative Ways for Global Development Unlike during the post-Cold War period, the world now has alternatives for development, according to Siracusa, outlining Russia's key role in creating these conditions. "There are two models out there: the BRICS model, which is kind of one model of multipolarity, and the other one is the G7. That's the other model, dominating one," the political scientist noted. "So international cooperation begins with harmonious coexistence. And if you're not prepared to play that game, and if you're not prepared to leave your arrogance at the door and your misunderstandings at the door, what he's saying is that it's a brand new game. And I also think that the future has actually arrived. And now we have to open our eyes and see that the world has broken down into different groupings, regional groupings and territorial groupings that weren't there before. So we don't have a unipower. We don't have superpowers. We don't have any of that kind of thing. We have a multipolarity which depends on multilateral diplomacy." Per Siracusa, a brand new age for diplomacy has come and the Valdai conference made very clear that diplomacy is the major moderating influence. The political scientist believes that Vladimir Putin's Thursday speech was written in a very plane fashion and that its message is clear and simple: "If you want international cooperation and peace with Russia, you can have it. And if you don't, you're going to have a problem," the scholar said. "Russia (and China) supported many decolonization processes and national liberation movements," emphasized Raffone. "The new independent states have been re-colonized using the 'rules-based order' but today many are reacting. The large interest for the BRICS+ shows that today many countries and peoples are looking for concrete alternatives to the West dominated world." Simultaneously, Putin demonstrated how following into the footsteps of a hegemon could end up for its allies, according to the analyst. "Mr. Putin has been very gloomy for the European economics perspectives. Much less for the US. The European recession and social difficulties are a fact. The more Europeans will continue to serve the American interests the more gloomy will be their perspective," Raffone concluded. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Sets Up Security Council Commission to Counter Modern Biosecurity Threats - Decree Sputnik News 20231005 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the establishment of an interdepartmental commission of Russia's Security Council to counter modern threats to biological security, which will take over the tasks of a now-disbanded commission that dealt with the creation of a national system for protection from new infections. "To establish the Interdepartmental Commission of the Security Council of the Russian Federation on countering modern threats to biological security. To abolish the Interdepartmental Commission of the Security Council of the Russian Federation on the creation of a national system of protection against new infections, transferring its functions to the Interdepartmental Commission of the Security Council of the Russian Federation on countering modern threats to biological security," the document read. The decree goes into effect from the moment it is signed. In February 2022, the Russian Defense Ministry discovered the existence of 30 US-funded military biological laboratories in Ukraine. According to Moscow, Washington has spent over $200 million to develop biological weapons at the facilities. Russia also said that the labs discovered in Ukraine constituted only a small part of a global network of over 300 similar facilities. The United States denies the Russian accusations. In April 2023, Russia's upper house unanimously approved the report of the parliamentary commission, supported by the lower house, to investigate the activities of the US biolaboratories in Ukraine. Deputy speaker of the Russian upper house Konstantin Kosachev then said there were at least 30 US biolaboratories on the territory of Ukraine, adding that the Pentagon was the main "customer" of the bio-research, which may speak about the military nature of the research. Kosachev noted that the establishment of US biolaboratories in Ukraine indicates possible plans of the US to use its military against Russia. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address All Instructors in Russian Armed Forces Have Combat Experience - Shoigu Sputnik News 20231005 All instructors in units of the Russian Armed Forces have combat experience, and there are also those who have returned to service after being wounded, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said. "I would like to mention our instructor officers who conduct additional training. All 100 percent who are involved in combat training in all directions have combat experience," Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said. Among the instructors are those who were wounded in combat but returned to combat duty. Shoigu called such activities "the most effective use" of those who "really have rich combat experience. The Russian Armed Forces have recruited 38,000 volunteers, people come motivated and ready to perform combat tasks, Shoigu said. "During this period we have recruited 38,000 volunteers. People come highly motivated, ready to perform combat tasks. Someone already has combat experience, because many of the volunteers, having completed a six-month contract, return for a second time, and there are those who return for a third time," Shoigu said. Sergei Shoigu drew attention to the organization of combat training of servicemen and volunteers in the reserve, the Defense Ministry said. "In general, there is planned work, active in all areas. Today I saw and checked the work on combat training of reserve regiments on the ranges of the Southern Military District. There is simultaneous training of both contractual servicemen, recruited last month, and volunteers," Shoigu stressed. Many women go as volunteers to the special military operation zone as medics and perform tasks as well as men, Shoigu said. "I would like to speak separately about female volunteers - girls, you could say. I met them there today at the training range, they are preparing at the same time. They are trained themselves, they have combat experience. They are doctors, medics. Girls from different places: from Tula, from Yalta, from Krasnodar and Siberia, from everywhere. And of course they are surprised when they ask me: "We have been here for a long time. We should have been sent there long ago," the minister said. Sergei Shoigu added that reserve regiments for all groups of troops of the Russian Armed Forces operating in the zone of the special military operation have been formed and are being constantly replenished. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Van Hollen, Murphy, Durbin, Welch Lead 16 Senators in Letter to President Biden on U.S. Role in Potential Normalization Agreement Between Saudi Arabia and Israel October 04, 2023 U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Wednesday led 16 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to President Biden, expressing their support for the prospect of normalization and sharing their views on the parameters of the United States' involvement in a potential normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The senators raised concerns with requests the Saudi government has reportedly made to the Biden Administration, including a potential security guarantee and support for a civilian nuclear program. They also outlined elements that should be included in a potential normalization agreement to preserve the option of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "Peace between Israel and its neighbors has been a longstanding goal of U.S. foreign policy, and we are maintaining an open mind about any agreement that would potentially deepen the political, cultural and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel," wrote the senators. "As the Administration pursues negotiations to achieve an agreement that may require Senate action, we write to share our views on the parameters of any potential proposal that aligns with U.S. security goals and advances your stated goals for long term peace, stability and justice in the region." The senators laid out their concerns with Saudi Arabia's reported requests of the United States for the normalization agreement. On a potential security guarantee in a region where the U.S. has long refrained from committing to treaty-backed security guarantees, the senators wrote: "A high degree of proof would be required to show that a binding defense treaty with Saudi Arabia - an authoritarian regime which regularly undermines U.S. interests in the region, has a deeply concerning human rights record, and has pursued an aggressive and reckless foreign policy agenda - aligns with U.S. interests, especially if such a commitment requires the U.S. to deploy substantial new permanent resources to the region." On the reported Saudi request for U.S. support to develop a civilian nuclear program and to purchase more advanced U.S weaponry: "While we should seriously consider whether it is in U.S. interests to help Saudi Arabia develop a domestic nuclear program, we should always maintain the high bar of the "gold standard" 123 Agreement and insist on adherence to the Additional Protocol. And as the devastating war in Yemen has shown, the provision of more advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia should be done with careful deliberation to ensure that such equipment only be used for truly defensive purposes and does not contribute to a regional arms race." The senators outlined the elements that should be included in any normalization agreement to preserve the option of a two-state solution: "To the extent the United States is considering the precedent-breaking upgrade to our security relationship with Saudi Arabia outlined above as part of a comprehensive security and recognition agreement between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, the agreement should include meaningful, clearly defined and enforceable provisions to achieve your stated objective of preserving the option of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to ensuring that there be "equal measures of dignity and security" for both Israelis and Palestinians. This should include, among other measures, a commitment by Israel not to annex any or all of the West Bank; to halt settlement construction and expansion; to dismantle illegal outposts (including those that have been retroactively "legalized"); and to allow the natural growth of Palestinian towns, cities and population centers and the ability to travel without interference between and among contiguous Palestinian areas. These elements are essential to any sustainable peace in the Middle East and to preserving Israel's own future as a Jewish, democratic state." The senators concluded: "As the parties make requests of the U.S. throughout your discussions, we hope that you will also seek commitments from them with respect to actions they can take to further U.S. national security interests and peace and stability in the region. We appreciate your commitment to this important initiative and ask that you keep us regularly apprised of developments." U.S. Senators Van Hollen, Murphy, Durbin, and Welch were joined in sending this letter with Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear President Biden: We write regarding reports of U.S.-backed efforts to facilitate the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Peace between Israel and its neighbors has been a longstanding goal of U.S. foreign policy, and we are maintaining an open mind about any agreement that would potentially deepen the political, cultural and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. As the Administration pursues negotiations to achieve an agreement that may require Senate action, we write to share our views on the parameters of any potential proposal that aligns with U.S. security goals and advances your stated goals for long term peace, stability and justice in the region. We are concerned about reports that Saudi Arabia is requesting a security guarantee from the United States in exchange for normalization with Israel. Historically, security guarantees through defense treaties have only been provided to the closest of U.S. allies: democracies that share our interests and our values. Further, the U.S. has long refrained from committing our nation to treaty-backed security guarantees in the volatile Middle East, a region rife with conflict. A high degree of proof would be required to show that a binding defense treaty with Saudi Arabia - an authoritarian regime which regularly undermines U.S. interests in the region, has a deeply concerning human rights record, and has pursued an aggressive and reckless foreign policy agenda - aligns with U.S. interests, especially if such a commitment requires the U.S. to deploy substantial new permanent resources to the region. The Saudi government is also reportedly seeking U.S. support to develop a civilian nuclear program, and to purchase more advanced U.S. weaponry. While we should seriously consider whether it is in U.S. interests to help Saudi Arabia develop a domestic nuclear program, we should always maintain the high bar of the "gold standard" 123 Agreement and insist on adherence to the Additional Protocol. And as the devastating war in Yemen has shown, the provision of more advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia should be done with careful deliberation to ensure that such equipment only be used for truly defensive purposes and does not contribute to a regional arms race. Finally, to the extent the United States is considering the precedent-breaking upgrade to our security relationship with Saudi Arabia outlined above as part of a comprehensive security and recognition agreement between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, the agreement should include meaningful, clearly defined and enforceable provisions to achieve your stated objective of preserving the option of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to ensuring that there be "equal measures of dignity and security" for both Israelis and Palestinians. This should include, among other measures, a commitment by Israel not to annex any or all of the West Bank; to halt settlement construction and expansion; to dismantle illegal outposts (including those that have been retroactively "legalized"); and to allow the natural growth of Palestinian towns, cities and population centers and the ability to travel without interference between and among contiguous Palestinian areas. These elements are essential to any sustainable peace in the Middle East and to preserving Israel's own future as a Jewish, democratic state. Diplomatic breakthroughs are complicated undertakings that require taking risks and making compromises on all sides. We applaud the administration's efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution of historic conflicts through diplomacy, and hope that the United States can facilitate the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia in a way that is consistent with the principles outlined in this letter. As the parties make requests of the U.S. throughout your discussions, we hope that you will also seek commitments from them with respect to actions they can take to further U.S. national security interests and peace and stability in the region. We appreciate your commitment to this important initiative and ask that you keep us regularly apprised of developments. Sincerely, NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US senators express concern over Saudi security demands for possible normalization with Israel Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 9:09 AM A group of US senators have expressed concern over the security guarantees Saudi Arabia is reportedly demanding from Washington in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel. In a letter sent on Wednesday, 20 senators urged the Biden administration to be cautious about any security provisions or nuclear assistance to Saudi Arabia, while endorsing Washington's efforts to establish relations between Riyadh and Tel Aviv. "We are maintaining an open mind about any agreement that would potentially deepen the political, cultural and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel," they said in the letter, spearheaded by Senators Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Peter Welch, and Dick Durbin. However, they said, "a high degree of proof would be required to show that a binding defense treaty with Saudi Arabia ... aligns with US interests." The letter also raised concerns over the possibility of the US helping Saudi Arabia with a nuclear program. The senators went on to say that "the provision of more advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia should be done with careful deliberation to ensure that such equipment only be used for truly defensive purposes and does not contribute to a regional arms race." They further suggested that any agreement should include "meaningful" provisions to preserve the option of the so-called two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In late July, the Biden administration announced that a deal for Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize relations may be on the horizon following National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan's talks with Saudi officials in Jeddah. In order to sign a deal with Israel, Riyadh publicly asked Tel Aviv to implement the 2002 so-called Arab Peace Initiative, conditioning normalizing ties with Israel on the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. However, members of the far-right Israeli regime, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, say they will not make any concession to the Palestinians as part of a potential deal for normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. Recently, reports emerged of an agreement on the general outline of an Israeli-Saudi normalization pact. Under the deal, Riyadh would secure American backing for a civilian nuclear program, as well as access to advanced weapons. In exchange, the kingdom would take major steps to distance itself from China and Israel would allow an independent Palestinian state. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Drone attack on Syrian military academy kills scores in Homs Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 4:52 PM A drone attack on a Syrian military academy in the country's western city of Homs has killed scores of people and left many others wounded. "Eighty people, including six children and six women, were martyred and 240 people were injured as a result of this terrorist act," Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabash said on Thursday. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Maqdad listed "terrorist groups supported by the United States" behind the attack in a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Fars news agency reported. "The two foreign ministers emphasized the need for the serious determination of the international community and the cooperation of the countries of the region for a decisive and effective fight against the sinister phenomenon of terrorism," it said. The Syrian army confirmed that several drones" targeted "the graduation ceremony" attended by cadets' families in Homs on Thursday. It said that "armed terrorist organizations targeted the graduation ceremony e attack was carried out by "terrorist groups." Syria's state television said the government announced a three-day state of mourning, starting on Friday. The Syrian armed forces said the attack was "unprecedented," adding it was carried out by "explosive laden drones." The army promised to respond "with full force and determination, warning that those who planned and executed the attack "will pay dearly." "There were dozens of wounded soldiers, with critical injuries among the invited families, including women and children, in addition to a number of college students participating in the graduation," the defense ministry said in a separate statement. It also said that "terrorist organizations supported by well-known international parties" have carried out the attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement today, the Syrian Foreign Ministry called for the condemnation of the terrorist act by the UN Security Council. However, a UN spokesperson said United Nations chief Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by the drone attack and retaliatory shelling by what he called pro-government forces. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns all violence in Syria and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international law," Stephane Dujarric told reporters. Observers say the attack was launched from areas northwest of Homs. It came one day after Syrian army forces carried out a string of military operations against terrorist bases and arms depots in the northwestern Province of Idlib. Dozens of terrorists, among them high-profile commanders, were killed in the operation, accordion to Syrian defense ministry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Servicemen of Russian grouping of forces in Syria organise joint comprehensive drills with Syrian special forces units 05.10.2023 The Syrian Arab Army 25th Special Forces Division undergo joint comprehensive airborne drills under supervision of Russian instructors. The Russian Aerospace Forces military transport and army aviation were used in the airdrop operation. In the course of the drill, servicemen performed over 1,500 jumps in desert areas of Aleppo province, mountainous areas of Latakia province, and over waters of Mediterranean Sea. For the first time in history of Syrian Arab Army, Syrian servicemen performed mass airdrop operation at night from Russian Aerospace Forces Il-76 aircraft with free fall using Arbalet-2 special purpose parachute systems and night vision equipment at altitude of 5,000 metres. The final stage of the drills included capturing mock enemy airfield. Over 100 special forces servicemen equipped with small arms, RPG-7D man-portable grenade launchers, RPG-26 and AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers dropped from Russian Aerospace Forces Mi-8MTSH helicoptes using Arbalet-2 special purpose parachute systems at altitude of 4,000 metres gliding at a range of more than 8 kilometres. Mock enemy firing points were neutralised by small arms and grenade launches fire from the air during parachute descent. At the same time with action of servicemen at the airfield, special forces group dropped over waters of Mediterranean Sea, captured and blocked a shoreline area to prevent mock enemy withdrawal from the liberated airfield and eliminate enemy troops. Russian Aerospace Forces Ka-52 combat helicopters supports actions of Syrian servicemen on the ground. Actions and training of the Syrian servicemen were highly praised by the command of the grouping of troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the Syrian Arab Republic and the Syrian Arab Army. A total of more than 500 Syrian paratroopers have been trained under the airborne training programme under the supervision of Russian servicemen. Servicemen from the Syrian Arab Army 25th Special Forces Division are capable of high-altitude parachuting in combat situations using the Arbalet-2 and Berkut-2 special-purpose parachute systems. During the training period in 2022 and 2023, Syrian paratroopers performed more than 17,500 parachute jumps, including more than 8,000 at night. More than 20 members of the Syrian Arab Army have been qualified as parachute instructors and were allowed to independently train personnel in parachuting. The process of establishing a modern airmobile force in the Syrian Arab Republic will continue. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Drone Attack on Syrian Military College Kills at Least 80 People - Health Ministry Sputnik News 20231005 CAIRO (Sputnik) - A drone attack on a military college in the city of Homs in western Syria on Thursday killed at least 80 people and injured approximately 240 others, Syrian Health Minister Hassan Muhammad Al-Ghabash said. "A terrorist attack on a military college in Homs resulted in 80 people killed and 240 injured, including women and children, according to preliminary data," the minister said, as quoted by the Health Ministry. According to reports, several drones targeted the graduation ceremony attended by cadets' families in Homs. No terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack reportedly followed a string of military operations carried out be the Syrian armed forces against terrorist bases and ammunition depots in the Idlib Province. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon Reacts to Surge in Migration from Syria By Dale Gavlak October 05, 2023 Lebanon is pushing back on the European Union's calls for the country to assist migrants and refugees from Syria. There are growing concerns that Lebanon's collapsing economy is fueling anti-immigrant sentiment and putting the country on a dangerous course. Lebanon's caretaker interior minister, Bassam Mawlawi, has accused Syrian refugees and migrants of committing crimes, taking away jobs from Lebanese and potentially creating a demographic imbalance along sectarian lines, saying their numbers must be "limited." Officials have warned the number of Syrians entering Lebanon via illegal crossings along the northern and eastern borders has escalated in the past two weeks. Syria analyst Joseph Daher, who teaches at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, sees the government of President Bashar al-Assad as the "main contributor to human insecurity" in Syria as the February earthquake and dire economic conditions forced many Syrians to seek safety elsewhere. Daher told an online Carnegie Middle East forum that Syria's people have few options but to leave. "Regarding the population, the means to resist are limited in many ways. For many people, the only wayait's a form also of resistanceais to migrate. Levels of migration have continued to increase, despite decreasing of military conflict," said Daher. Lebanese analyst Dania Koleilat Khatib told VOA that Lebanon's political class is scapegoating Syrian refugees and migrants to divert attention from their own problems of corruption and mismanagement. Khatib, who heads the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building, says she believes both Syria and Lebanon are using refugees and migrants as a political weapon. "Assad is using his last card," she said. "The waves that are coming now are refugees from the regime area. These are pushed by the regime. It's something organized by Assad to put pressure on everything, the army. That we can drown your country with refugees. But for the people living in Lebanon, they are making it more tough for them, just to pressure the EU and extort money." Lebanese politicians are proposing that Syrian refugees leave for Europe by sea, but Khatib says Joseph Aoun, the army commander, remains committed to preventing illegal sea migration because it's prohibited by international law. Mohannad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut told the Dubai newspaper, The National, Iran-backed Hezbollah has appeared to use the threat of sending migrants to Europe by sea to extract concessions, but it may not do it soon.. "The refugee crisis in Lebanon provides Syria's Assad, and by default his Lebanese allies, with leverage," said Ali, "so I don't think Hezbollah is in a rush to resolve the crisis." Ali said Hezbollah could use that to leverage an easing of sanctions on Syria in order to allow some economic recovery. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scores of Syrians Killed, Hurt in Drone Strike on Army Graduation Ceremony By Dale Gavlak October 05, 2023 Scores of Syrians were killed or wounded Thursday when drones struck a graduation ceremony for army officers in Homs, according to reports by a war monitoring organization and a statement from Syria's defense ministry. It was unclear who was responsible for the carnage. The army confirmed that drones strapped with explosives wreaked havoc on the graduation ceremony as it was ending. Army officials did not provide an official tally of the casualties but did say that women and children were among those in critical condition. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based watchdog, estimated that 60 officers and civilians were slain and 120 attendees were wounded. One pro-government radio station said 66 died and 190 were injured. Syria's government called for a three-day state of mourning, to begin Friday. The military blamed extremists "backed by known international forces" for the attack, without singling out a particular entity, and promised that "it will respond with full force and decisiveness to these terrorist organizations, wherever they exist." After the attack, the government bombed towns in Idlib, a rebel-held northwestern province. How many casualties resulted from the shellings there was unknown. Earlier Thursday, the government shelled another village in the area, hitting a family house and killing an elderly woman and four of her children as well as aid workers, according to the White Helmets, a volunteer civil defense organization working in northwestern Syria. The White Helmets said nine civilians were wounded. The country's northwest is occupied by al-Qaida-linked militants and Turkish-sponsored opposition fighters. Most who live there are very poor and rely on humanitarian aid to survive. Also Thursday, drones attacked oil production plants, electrical substations and a dam in the Hasakah and Qamishli provinces of northeastern Syria, which are held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. Local authorities said six SDF fighters and two civilians died in the bombardment. A U.N. spokesperson said Thursday that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned about the drone attack on a military academy graduation ceremony in Homs. ... The secretary-general is also deeply concerned about reports of retaliatory shelling on multiple locations in northwest Syria and emerging reports of casualties." The spokesperson called on all sides to protect civilians, saying that Guterres "strongly condemns all violence in Syria and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international law." According to Reuters, Syria's defense minister attended the ceremony but left minutes before the attack, according to "a Syrian security source and a security source in the regional alliance backing the Damascus government against opposition groups." Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China space rocket 'near' Taiwan ADIZ no cause for alarm: MND ROC Central News Agency 10/05/2023 02:20 PM Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Thursday said that a Chinese space rocket detected passing "near" Taiwan's air defense identification zone (AIDZ) did not pose a threat to national security. In a press release, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said it had detected the launch of a Chinese-built Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, located in the southwestern province of Sichuan, early Thursday morning. The MND said that although the rocket's trajectory passed "near" the southwestern part of Taiwan's ADIZ, it did not pose a threat to national security due to having already exited the Earth's atmosphere. An ADIZ is an area declared by a country to allow it to identify, locate and control approaching foreign aircraft, but it is not part of the territorial airspace as defined by international law. The MND did not provide further information, saying only that it has been closely watching the whole launch with its joint intelligence systems. According to a report from China's national news agency Xinhua, the Long March-2D carrier rocket, which was carrying a Yaogan-39 satellite, took off from Sichuan at 8:24 a.m. The Chinese Yaogan or Remote Sensing satellite, is a series of government optical remote sensing satellites, likely also used as a military reconnaissance satellite. The launch was the 490th mission undertaken by China's indigenous Long March rocket series, Xinhua said. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MOEA begins probe into 4 firms accused of helping Huawei build IC plants ROC Central News Agency 10/05/2023 11:17 PM Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has begun an investigation into four Taiwanese companies which were accused in a Bloomberg report of helping China's Huawei Technologies Co. build semiconductor plants to determine whether they have been involved in illegal business activities. The MOEA said its Department of Investment Review sent a notice Thursday to the four companies -- chip material reseller Topco Scientific Co., cleanroom equipment supplier L&K Engineering Co., construction specialist United Integrated Services Co. and chemical supply system provider Cica-Huntek Chemical Technology Taiwan Co. -- to summon them for questioning regarding the accusation. Earlier this week, the Bloomberg report said the four Taiwanese companies that have engaged in "unusual" cooperation with U.S.-sanctioned Huawei were a subsidiary of Topco Scientific, a unit of L&K Engineering Co., a subsidiary of United Integrated Services and a subsidiary of Cica-Huntek Chemical Technology. The four companies were accused by the report of building "infrastructure for an under-the-radar network of chip plants" for Huawei with the Chinese tech gadget supplier having set up "its own shadow network of chipmakers" that are supported by the Chinese government. The MOEA said as the accusation against the four Taiwanese companies had raised concerns in the international community at a time of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, the Taiwan government had decided to start an official investigation into the matter. The MOEA said that as part of the probe, the ministry's International Trade Administration will look into whether the four companies have exported any sensitive high-tech technologies and military products that feature on a Strategic High-Tech Commodities (SHTC) list. The MOEA said any Taiwanese firm that fails to abide by the SHTC list will be subject to a fine ranging between NT$50,000 (US$1,553) and NT$25 million, citing the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. MOEA cited a penalty imposed on Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., also known as Foxconn on the global markets, as an example, saying that the company was fined NT$10 million last year after its Shanghai-listed communication network equipment subsidiary Foxconn Industrial Internet Co. acquired a stake in Tsinghua Unigroup, a Chinese semiconductor supplier, without getting advance approval from Taiwan's government. On Wednesday, Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua (cZcZeS) told a hearing held at the Legislative Yuan that the four companies were not supplying any critical technologies to Huawei and that their services merely involved low-end factory affairs, such as wastewater treatment and environmental protection. However, Wang reminded all Taiwanese companies that they cannot use critical American technologies and equipment while conducting business with Chinese entities sanctioned by Washington, adding that the government will continue to watch closely to ensure Taiwanese firms do not cross the U.S.' red line. The four Taiwanese companies accused by Bloomberg said their business in China was not illegal as they abided by the national security policy, and that their dealings did not violate U.S. sanctions because they did not supply sensitive semiconductor technologies to Huawei. (By Liu Chien-ling and Frances Huang) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM meeting with the Prime Minister of Albania: 5 October 2023 The Prime Minister met Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Spain today. 5 October 2023 The Prime Minister met Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Spain today. He congratulated Prime Minister Rama on chairing a powerful and important debate on Ukraine at the UN General Assembly, and the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine's defence and holding Russia to account. They welcomed the UK and Albania's successful cooperation on fighting criminal people smuggling gangs, and the Prime Ministers highlighted a significant reduction in small boat crossings and an increase in returns to Albania. The leaders also discussed the good progress implementing our landmark agreement on prisoner returns and prison capacity. The leaders discussed opportunities to increase our economic cooperation and committed to increase bilateral trade and investment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM meeting with Chancellor Scholz of Germany: 5 October 2023 The Prime Minister met Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the European Political Community meeting in Granada, Spain today. 5 October 2023 The Prime Minister met Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the European Political Community meeting in Granada, Spain today. The leaders welcomed the strong partnership between the UK and Germany on issues of shared critical importance to both our countries, from economic growth to energy security and strong defence forces. The Prime Minister noted Germany's significant military and humanitarian support to Ukraine, and set out the UK's plans to support Ukraine's successful counter-offensive and long-term security and recovery. They welcomed the strong pan-European unity at the EPC on rejecting Russian aggression. The leaders also discussed opportunities for cooperation on further developing our renewable energy and clean technology sectors. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Intelligence shows Russia may target Black Sea civilian shipping Intelligence reveals Russia may use sea mines to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea to deter the export of Ukrainian grain. 4 October 2023 intelligence released today suggests Russia may use sea mines to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea Russian attacks have already destroyed enough grain to feed more than one million people for a year the UK assesses that Russia would lay blame on Ukraine for any attacks the UK has increased support for the world's most vulnerable following Russia's decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July Information declassified today shows Russia may continue to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea, including by laying sea mines in the approach to Ukrainian ports. The UK previously warned that the Russian military had attempted a missile strike against a cargo ship in the Black Sea. The UK assesses Russia is seeking to target civilian shipping travelling through Ukraine's 'humanitarian corridor' in order to deter the export of Ukrainian grain. This would continue Russia's attempts to pressure the Ukrainian economy. Russia almost certainly wants to avoid openly sinking civilian ships, instead falsely laying blame on Ukraine for any attacks against civilian vessels in the Black Sea. By releasing our assessment of this intelligence, the UK seeks to expose Russia's tactics to deter any such incident from occurring. We are working with Ukraine and other partners to put in place arrangements to improve the safety of shipping. Our advice to British shipping has not changed - the UK's maritime security level for Ukrainian ports and waters remains at the highest level due to the threat posed by Russia. The UK has put in place intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to monitor Russian activity in the Black Sea. These capabilities will help us to attribute and call out any further Russian attacks on civilian shipping or infrastructure. We are committed to ensuring Ukraine can continue to export its agricultural produce through all appropriate routes including its 'humanitarian corridor', overland and via the Danube. The UK will continue to work with Ukraine and a range of international partners to achieve this. At the G20 in September, the Prime Minister announced a further UK contribution of A3 million to the World Food Programme to help deliver Ukrainian grain to the world's poorest, building upon our earlier contributions to President Zelenskyy's 'Grain from Ukraine' initiative. The best way for Russia to address concerns around global food security would be for it withdraw its forces from Ukraine and end the war. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: Russia's pernicious targeting of civilian shipping in the Black Sea demonstrates Putin's total disregard for civilian lives and the needs of the world's most vulnerable. The world is watching - and we see right through Russia's cynical attempts to lay blame on Ukraine for their attacks. We and our allies stand united against Putin and his attempts to harm Ukraine and thus harm the rest of the world. Russia's latest plans are part of a wider pattern of Russian aggression in the Black Sea. Since July, Russia has systematically targeted Ukrainian port and civilian infrastructure. While the UK and our partners continue to do all we can to ensure Ukraine's exports reach those who need it most, this pattern of deliberately targeted attacks in the Black Sea by Russia demonstrates President Putin's willingness to weaponise food and innocent trade at the expense of the rest of the world as they block food from reaching world markets. Since the withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia has: damaged 130 port infrastructure facilities in Odesa, Chornomorsk and Reni destroyed almost 300,000 tonnes of grain - more than the total amount Russia promised to donate to African states, and enough to feed over 1.3 million people for a year Because of Russia's decision to withdraw up to 24 million tonnes of foodstuffs from Ukraine may now not reach global markets over the coming year unless Ukraine can stand up alternative export routes. Before Russia's invasion, Ukraine was feeding 400 million people worldwide and accounted for 8% to 10% of global wheat exports and 10% to 12% of corn and barley exports. Ukraine provided over 50% of the wheat for the World Food Programme (WFP) in 2022 without the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the WFP will have to replace this with more expensive or lower quality wheat. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over One Million Rounds of Ammunition Seized En Route from Iran to Yemen Transferred to Ukrainian Armed Forces Thursday, October 5, 2023 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs On Oct. 2, the United States transferred approximately 1.1 million 7.62mm rounds of ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces. This ammunition had been seized by U.S. Central Command naval forces from a flagless vessel in the Arabian Sea enroute from Iran and destined for Yemen, where sanctioned groups including Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directly support the Houthi movement. The Justice Department then filed a civil forfeiture action against the seized munitions, resulting in a July 20 order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia transferring title to the United States. "With this weapons transfer, the Justice Department's forfeiture actions against one authoritarian regime are now directly supporting the Ukrainian people's fight against another authoritarian regime," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "We will continue to use every legal authority at our disposal to support Ukraine in their fight for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law." "The forfeiture and transfer of a major ammunition cache, once destined to serve the Iranian regime's destabilizing efforts abroad, represents the Justice Department's commitment to countering authoritarian aggression around the world," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "Together, with partner agencies and departments, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the nation's security by vigorously enforcing U.S. sanctions and imposing costs on hostile regimes in accordance with the rule of law." "Our office will continue to use all the tools in our arsenal to disrupt the IRGC's efforts to sow discord," said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. "The transfer of these assets to the Ukrainian armed forces will now aid an important partner in its fight against unwarranted aggression." According to court documents in the civil forfeiture action, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command seized the ammunition and other munitions on or about Dec. 1, 2022. The documents alleged a sophisticated scheme by the IRGC to clandestinely ship weapons and munitions to entities contrary to U.S. interests. The government's forfeiture action was part of a larger investigation of an Iranian weapons-smuggling network. The network was involved in the illicit trafficking of advanced conventional weapons systems and components by sanctioned Iranian entities that directly support military action by the Houthi movement in Yemen and the Iranian regime's campaign of terrorist activities throughout the region. The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington Field Office and Defense Criminal Investigation Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office are leading the larger investigation of the Iranian weapons-smuggling network, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in conducting the seizure. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart D. Allen, Brian P. Hudak, Rajbir S. Datta, and Anna D. Walker for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section litigated the case, with support from Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers and Angela De Falco. Topics: Export Control National Security Components: National Security Division (NSD) USAO - District of Columbia Press Release Number: 23-1,107 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine: Statement by the High Representative on the deadly attack in Kupiansk European External Action Service (EEAS) 05.10.2023 EEAS Press Team Russia's appalling terror against Ukraine's civilian population shows no signs of abating and reached another grim landmark today. An attack targeted a cafA and a grocery store in the settlement of Hroza in Kupiansk, Kharkiv oblast, killing at least 50 people, including a child and injuring many others. This was yet another heinous attack against innocent civilians, in addition to Russia's continued daily indiscriminate attacks near the frontlines - just earlier today Russia attacked a hospital in Beryslav, Kherson region. Intentional attacks against civilians are war crimes. Russia's leadership, all commanders, perpetrators and accomplices of these atrocities will be held to account. There will be no impunity for war crimes. The EU commends the Ukrainian people's strength, courage and resistance. The EU stands with Ukraine in firm solidarity and will continue supporting Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Granada meeting highlights strong support for Ukraine Finnish Government Government Communications Department 5.10.2023 Press release The leaders of 47 European countries expressed their strong support for Ukraine at the meeting of the European Political Community in Granada, Spain, on Thursday 5 October. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the attendees at the meeting, which was the third of its kind. Russia and Belarus were not invited. "Strengthening support for Ukraine is important for Finland. This meeting sent a clear signal that European countries will continue their support," said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who represented Finland at the meeting. The meeting of the European Political Community focused on how to make Europe more resilient, prosperous and geostrategic. The programme began with a plenary session followed by thematic group discussions. Prime Minister Orpo took part in the group discussion on security and geopolitics. In the discussion, Prime Minister Orpo stressed that Europe must take on a stronger role as a global player. He said that Finland would continue its unwavering support for Ukraine and highlighted the importance of the sanctions imposed on Russia. The Prime Minister also drew attention to the link between security and the economy. "Only a competitive and successful Europe can make its voice heard," Prime Minister Orpo said. Prime Minister Orpo's programme also included several bilateral meetings. He spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro SAnchez and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President discussed the process of Euro-integration with the leaders of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia President of the Republic of Lithuania October 05, 2023 On Thursday, President Gitanas NausAda participates in the meeting of the European Political Community in Granada, Spain. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Head of State met with the Presidents of Ukraine and Moldova, and the Prime Minister of Georgia. The meetings discussed the Euro-integration process in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, progress on reforms and implementation of the European Commission's recommendations. During the meetings, Gitanas NausAda stressed that Lithuania strongly supports the Euro-integration aspirations of all three countries and is ready to assist with expert knowledge and to share experience. "Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia are in Europe. The people of these countries have repeatedly made it clear that they want to live in free, democratic, and prosperous countries, that they want to be part of Europe. I believe that if these countries stand together, they will be able to implement the necessary reforms and become full members of the EU," the President pointed out. The Lithuanian leader expressed the hope that the progress made by these countries will make it possible to open EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova as early as this year and to grant candidate status to Georgia. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President: We have a shared responsibility to counter Russia's aggression and together overcome the challenges it poses President of the Republic of Lithuania October 05, 2023 President Gitanas NausAda participates in a meeting of the European Political Community in Granada, Spain. On Thursday, the leaders of the European Union and partner countries discussed issues of security, strengthening resilience to global threats, and effective multilateralism. In his address to the leaders of the European Political Community, the President said that Russia's war in Ukraine has changed the world. Gitanas NausAda underlined the need to actively defend the values of democracy, the territorial integrity of countries, and the rules-based international order. According to the Lithuanian leader, the cooperation of European countries in various multilateral formats, especially in the organizations within the United Nations system, is very important. According to Gitanas NausAda, the current geopolitical context, emerging global threats and challenges necessitate greater coordination of actions between states. The President called for strengthening ties between the EU, NATO, and partner countries and exchanging best practices by making use of existing effective coordination instruments and programs, as well as maintaining and stepping up support for Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor. All this, President Gitanas NausAda said, would contribute to ensuring security and stability as well as energy independence, and to the common fight against cyber threats and Russian disinformation and propaganda. "We have a shared responsibility to counter Russia's aggression and, together, to address security, economic and social challenges it poses. We should also closely follow China's actions in the international arena. We have to stand guard over international order, democracy, and human rights," the President pointed out. Gitanas NausAda stressed the need for unity among the countries of the European Political Community on the issue of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as for joint efforts to hold Russia accountable for war crimes and the crime of aggression in Ukraine. The third meeting of the European Political Community brings together 47 European heads of state, as well as the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden fears current disarray in Congress will end in terminating aid to Ukraine Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 October 2023 9:06 AM US President Joe Biden fears that the current disarray in Congress will end in terminating aid to Ukraine, which is in desperate need of constant flow of funds and arms to confront Russia. Unprecedented infighting within the GOP resulted in the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the US House of Representatives in a historic rebellion by far-right Republicans on Tuesday. This development, which unfolded amid efforts to avert a government shutdown, prompted Biden on Wednesday to express worries that such disarray may eventually lead to a halt to the current flow of aid to Ukraine. "It does worry me ... but I know there are a majority of members of the House and Senate in both parties who have said that they support funding Ukraine," Biden said. The American president had asked Congress in July to approve $24 billion in aid to Ukraine, which Ukraine supporters - Republicans and Democrats - had hoped could become law as part of a spending bill. "I'm going to make the argument that it's overwhelmingly in the interests of the United States of America that Ukraine succeeds. I don't think we should let gamesmanship get in the way of blocking it," Biden further said. This is while McCarthy's ouster has created even greater uncertainty about the fate of that request as at least one of the candidates to replace him - Rep. Jim Jordan - has publicly said that he opposes additional funding for Ukraine. A day earlier, the White House said that current funding levels would last only about two more months, as Biden said that he would give a major speech soon to make the case for why it is necessary to help Ukraine repel Russian forces. Separately on Tuesday, Biden told US allies in an assuring message that its aid to Ukraine would continue unimpeded as Ukrainian forces press on with their slow and grinding counteroffensive against Russians. "The president's message was that the U.S.A. could certainly continue to be relied on in this matter in the future," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Berlin. Ever since the beginning of the war, Western countries, led by the US, have consistently supplied Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars' worth of sophisticated weaponry, a step that Moscow has time and again warned would only prolong the hostilities. Washington has so far approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine in response to Russia's war, totaling about $113 billion of taxpayer dollars, with some of that money going toward replenishment of US military equipment that was sent to the frontlines. However, support for military aid to Ukraine seems to have waned to some extent. Back in August, results from a poll conducted by CNN between July 1 and 31 among 1,279 American adults revealed that 55 percent of those surveyed said Congress should not authorize additional military aid for Ukraine, as opposed to 45 percent, who said the Capitol should approve of such funding. Republican Senator Rand Paul echoed that sentiment this week, saying criticism of Ukraine funding is a "growing movement" on Capitol Hill. "We have problems funding Social Security, we have problems funding, Medicare, Medicaid, all the things that have already been promised to our people we have trouble funding, and we just don't have extra money just to be sending to another country," he told Fox News Digital in an interview this week. Paul went further and criticized Kiev for its alleged lack of democracy. "So, a country that doesn't have elections is hard-pressed to be describing themselves as a paragon of democracy," he added. On Wednesday, Western allies of Ukraine said that they were running out of their stocks of ammunition as most of the thousands of shells Ukraine fires every day come from the US-led NATO. "The bottom of the barrel is now visible," Admiral Rob Bauer, the US-led military alliance's most senior military official, told the Warsaw Security Forum, adding that governments and manufacturers must "ramp up production in a much higher tempo." Moscow has repeatedly warned Western leaders against the continued supply of weapons and munitions to Ukraine, pointing out that such measures will not stop Russian troops from defending its objectives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More Than 50 Civilians, Including 6-Year-Old, Killed In Russian Attack On Village, Ukraine Says By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service October 05, 2023 Ukrainian officials said dozens of people were killed in a Russian attack that ripped through a cafe during a wake service for a fallen soldier in a village in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, with emergency crews scrambling through the debris in search of more casualties in one of the most deadly single assaults of the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said condemned the attack, which came as he met with European leaders in the Spanish city of Granada on October 5 for a summit where he is stepping up efforts to secure more military aid for Ukraine in its fight to repel Russia's unprovoked invasion amid signs in some allies of donor fatigue as the war nears its 20th month. "A brutal Russian crime...an absolutely deliberate terrorist attack," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram. Zelenskiy later said that Russia's attack was an intentional act. "A deliberate missile strike on a village in the Kharkiv region on an ordinary store and cafe," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address, which he recorded in Spain. "Russian troops could not have been unaware of where they were hitting. This was no blind strike," he said. He added that he had reached agreements with European leaders for additional air-defense systems, including for a Patriot missile system from Germany. "We will have more air defense. There are clear agreements. This is very important before winter. Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain -- thank you!" he said. Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov put the number of dead in the attack at 51, including a 6-year-old child. By late evening, Ukraine's emergency service said rescue operations had been completed and that an additional six people were injured in the attack. The strike ignited international condemnation, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding that such attacks be halted immediately. "Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and they must stop immediately," Guterres's spokesman said in a statement. Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian envoy for Ukraine, said she was "appalled by the reports of a Russian strike that, shortly ago, ripped apart the village of Hroza, in the Kharkiv region, killing dozens of civilians. The images arriving from the locality -- home to just above 300 people -- are absolutely horrifying." The White House called the attack "incredibly horrifying for the people of Ukraine." "This is why we're doing everything that we can to help Ukraine," press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. It was not immediately clear if the attack was carried out with a missile or a drone, or whether it was the result of shelling. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said residents of the village were attending a memorial service in the cafe when the attack occurred. "There was a wake for the deceased fellow villager. In total, there are 300 residents in the village, one from each [residence] was at the wake," said Klymenko, who added that many victims were still trapped in the ruins. A local official said the wake was for a Ukrainian soldier killed earlier in the war. Russia, which routinely denies it targets civilian areas despite widespread evidence of such attacks, did not immediately comment. Zelenskiy and 46 other heads of state are attending the third meeting of the European Political Community -- a unique forum for political exchanges between the EU's 27 members and 20 other nations from across the continent and the Caucasus. "Our joint goal is to ensure the security and stability of our common European home," Zelenskiy wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "We are working together with partners on enhancing the European security architecture, particularly regional security. Ukraine has substantial proposals in this regard," Zelenskiy added while reiterating that Ukraine's top priority is enhancing its air defenses before the onset of the cold season. Ukraine's energy infrastructure was relentlessly pounded by Russia last winter, prompting misery and suffering for Ukrainian civilians. Zelenskiy's trip came after regional authorities reported that three civilians had been killed by Russian shelling over the past 24 hours -- one in Donetsk region and two in the city of Kherson. Overnight, Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged drone strikes that caused infrastructure damage in central Ukraine and extensive blackouts in a Russian border region. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 24 out of the 29 Iranian drones launched from Crimea on the southern regions of Odesa and Mykolayiv, and on the central Kirovohrad region, the General Staff of Ukraine's military said in a statement. There were no immediate reports of casualties. In Russia's Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, electricity was cut off in some areas following a Ukrainian drone strike overnight, regional Governor Roman Starovoit said early on October 5. "There are power outages. Emergency crews have begun restoring the electricity supply," Starovoit wrote on his Telegram channel. Starovoit said the strike targeted the region's Sudzhansky, Korenevsky, and Glushkovsky districts that border Ukraine's Sumy region. The SHOT Telegram channel, citing sources, said 67 settlements were left without electricity. The information could not be independently verified. Russia, which has launched countless deadly drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure since the start of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February last year, has been in recent months subjected itself to increasingly frequent aerial and naval drone strikes targeting regions close to the border and even Moscow. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-blackouts-ukraine- drone-strikes-civilians-dead/32623904.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 Ukraine Loses Up to 210 Military in Donetsk Direction in Past Day - MoD Sputnik News 20231005 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has lost up to 210 military both killed and injured in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repulsed two attacks by Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk direction, another two in the Krasny Liman direction and one in the South Donetsk direction. "Enemy losses per day amounted to up to 210 Ukrainian military personnel killed and wounded, four armored combat vehicles and six vehicles. During the counter-battery battle, the US-made M777 artillery system, Akatsiya and Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, as well as the D-20 howitzer were hit," the ministry said in a statement. Ukraine has also lost up to 170 military both killed and injured in the Kupyansk direction and up to 80 military in the Krasny Liman direction, the ministry added A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Units Kill Up to 50 Ukrainian Soldiers Near Torsky Sector - Defense Ministry Sputnik News 20231005 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Units of Russia's Center Group of Forces have killed up to 50 Ukrainian soldiers near the Torsky sector in the Krasny Liman direction, Alexander Savchuk, the head of the press center of Russia's Center Group of Forces, told Sputnik. "In the Krasny Liman direction, in the areas of the Torsky section, the coordinated actions of units of the Center Group of Forces, artillery fire, and strikes by assault and army aviation defeated the assault groups of the 67th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces and the 5th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine," Savchuk said. "The enemy's losses amounted to up to 50 servicepeople." Savchuk added that the units also suppressed up to 25 enemy artillery units. Bombers of the Center Group of Forces also launched four strikes on a temporary deployment hub of Ukrainian armed forces and three command and observation posts in the areas of the Torsky sector and the Serebryansky forestry. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The contempt Russia is showing for human life is inexcusable: UK statement to the OSCE Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown says that, as winter approaches, the UK will continue its support for Ukraine's vital infrastructure. 5 October 2023 Last weekend, in the space of 24 hours, Russian forces launched 71 attacks upon Ukrainian residential districts: damaging homes, shops and medical infrastructure. This included overnight shelling on the city of Kherson. Whilst civilians slept, at least one person was killed and six were injured including two children and their mother. All these victims were attacked in their homes. The contempt Russia is showing for human life is inexcusable. The UK is appalled by Russia's barbaric missile attacks across Ukraine. Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime. Those responsible will be held to account. Our commitment to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people is unwavering. If Russia is serious about a diplomatic end to its illegal war, then Russia must observe its obligations under international law; immediately cease attacks on civilians and critical national infrastructure; and withdraw its forces from the entirety of Ukraine. As winter approaches, the UK and our international partners sadly anticipate Russia ramping up its attempts to break Ukrainian resolve. Last October, Russia began its systematic targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. 400 energy facilities were damaged, affecting around 4.5 million people. Combined with the targeting of hydroelectric dams and reports of damage to vital water supply infrastructure, millions of civilians were left for prolonged periods without electricity and water. Mothers gave birth in hospital basements and makeshift facilities, whilst shelling and drone attacks continued around them; oncology centres, which provided life-saving care for cancer patients, were destroyed; and hundreds of health-care professionals were killed or injured. Mr Chair, history will remember, in the cold hard winter months, despite being plunged into darkness and deprived of fundamental necessities, the brave and resilient Ukrainians who continued to fight against Russian aggression. And continued to fight for the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. And so, Ukraine will not fight alone. To support Ukraine this winter, the UK is providing generators to ensure vital facilities, such as hospitals, have power. The UK has also contributed to assisting Ukraine's efforts to repair infrastructure and reconnect households and key facilities to electricity and gas supply. To help the Ukrainian people remain resilient against Russian aggression the UK has funded UN agencies to provide cash assistance, insulation, and support for energy and heating. The UK has also funded the Red Cross to assist with winterisation efforts across Ukraine, alongside programmes to strengthen the capacity of national actors. Mr Chair, the UK and its international partners will not allow Russia to break the foundations and values of the European security architecture. We will support Ukraine as it defends the rights of all sovereign democratic States to exist without fear of aggression. Over the past months, with the support of its international friends, Ukraine has only become stronger. On 13 June the UK announced a A92m Air Defence Package. This is one of several packages that aims to protect Ukrainian critical national infrastructure and defend against air strikes. Alongside this, Ukraine's energy production has expanded with seven functioning nuclear power reactors and two more incoming. Domestic production of natural gas has also increased. And the Ukrainian grid is growing more and more resilient. Mr Chair, we remain in awe of the courage, strength, and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression. The UK and the international community will not let Ukraine face these challenges alone. We will not let Ukrainians face this winter alone. We will stand by Ukraine until the peace is won. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Corruption and Russia's war against Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE Justin Addison (UK Delegation to the OSCE) says, in the shadow of Russia's brutal war, there is a window of opportunity for significant reform in Ukraine. 5 October 2023 We are here again at another Economic and Environmental Committee (EEC) meeting that takes place in the shadow of Russia's brutal, illegal and unjustified war in Ukraine. The breadth of destruction wrought by Putin's forces is so great that there is no topic under the remit of the second dimension that is unrelated to this disastrous war. Ukraine had made significant progress on anti-corruption since Russia's illegal invasion of Crimea in 2014. There is currently a window of opportunity for significant reform in Ukraine, with unprecedented national consensus and international support. The Ukrainian Government recognises that there is more to do; and the UK will be at the forefront of the international efforts needed to help rebuild Ukraine and support the Ukrainian Government with the capacity needed to ensure good governance for Ukrainian citizens. The purpose of the EEC is to share best practice on the topics under discussion. To that end, I would like to draw the committee's attention to a document, a Standard for the Counter Bribery and Corruption Professional, published by the UK Government in May. The document contains Professional Standards and Guidance on the individual level of knowledge, skills and experience required to prevent, detect and respond to bribery and corruption. It describes what good quality Counter Bribery and Corruption products look like. It suggests recommended processes for organisations to adopt to implement an effective approach. And it contains guidance on how organisations can deal with those who commit fraud. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM meeting with the President of Ukraine: 05 October 2023 The Prime Minister met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the European Political Community Summit in Spain today. 5 October 2023 The Prime Minister met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the European Political Community Summit in Spain today. The Prime Minister offered his deep condolences for the terrible attack on a funeral in Ukraine earlier today, saying it demonstrated the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to. He reiterated the steadfast support of the British people for Ukraine and outlined our plans for continued support in the autumn and beyond. "The leaders discussed further international military assistance to Ukraine, including on maritime security and air defence, and support for the development of Ukraine's domestic defence production. "President Zelenskyy raised ongoing concerns about Russian attacks on grain shipments and commercial vessels in the Black Sea, and the Prime Minister committed to supporting secure routes to ensure vital Ukrainian grain can reach countries in need." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The audience of the President of Ukraine with the King of Spain takes place President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 21:55 During President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the Kingdom of Spain, an audience of the Head of State with His Majesty King Felipe VI took place in Granada. The President expressed his gratitude to King Felipe, the Spanish royal family, and the entire Spanish nation for their unwavering support of Ukraine. "We appreciate Spain's assistance in Ukraine's struggle for our shared European values, which has been provided from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion of the aggressor state," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. He also separately acknowledged the significant humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people and the great attention given to Ukrainians who arrived in Spain while fleeing the Russian war. His Majesty King Felipe VI expressed admiration for the Ukrainian people who are resisting Russian aggression. He said that Spain's support for Ukraine in this struggle is grounded in the fundamental respect for the sovereignty of nations and the inadmissibility of armed aggressions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President meets with UK Prime Minister President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 20:05 During his participation in the Third European Political Community Summit in Granada, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Rishi Sunak. The leaders discussed the necessary efforts to continue international support for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Rishi Sunak emphasized the continuation of security cooperation and further expansion of Ukraine's defense capabilities. The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom also discussed the operation of parallel grain export routes and emphasized the importance of consolidating international efforts to protect freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. They also talked about possible formats for insuring vessels heading to Ukrainian ports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President meets with Federal Chancellor of Germany President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 18:55 During his participation in the Third European Political Community Summit in Granada, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz. The Head of State emphasized the importance of dialogue and close cooperation between Ukraine and Germany. The interlocutors discussed measures for bilateral political dialogue in the near future. The President thanked the Federal Chancellor for the significant defense assistance to Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Olaf Scholz about the situation on the battlefield and the most urgent needs to strengthen our country's defense capabilities. On his part, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany said that Germany is working on providing an additional Patriot air defense system for the winter months to Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Head of State meets with President of European Parliament President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 18:17 During the Third European Political Community Summit, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. "Thank you for the resolutions in support of us. You have always supported Ukraine and demonstrated this during your visits to our country," the head of state said. He expressed gratitude for the support from the European Parliament regarding the proposals of the European Commission for the revision of the EU's long-term budget, which includes a facility of EUR 50 billion to help Ukraine. The interlocutors assessed the progress of our country in implementing the recommendations of the European Commission to begin negotiations on EU accession. The President said that Ukraine has almost completed this work and expressed confidence that our country will be able to start accession negotiations with the EU this year. Volodymyr Zelensky and Roberta Metsola discussed the preparation of another sanctions package against Russia and measures to counter the propaganda of the aggressor country. The sides also discussed Ukraine's defense needs and the possible role of the European Parliament in increasing support from countries whose capabilities allow for a significant increase in assistance to Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine met with Charles Michel in Granada President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 17:32 In the framework of his participation in the 3rd European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Council Charles Michel. The Head of State thanked the President of the European Council for the constant powerful support and practical assistance for Ukraine from the EU and its member states. He praised the results of the offsite meeting of the EU foreign ministers held in Kyiv on October 2. "This event had both symbolic and practical significance for us. It confirmed the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine and became a platform for the next steps in strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties with Europe and individual member states," the President of Ukraine noted. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Charles Michel of Ukraine's priority needs for defense assistance and noted the importance of the efforts of the European Union and its member states to provide our country with the necessary weapons and ammunition. "I hope that Ukraine will further receive stable support within the European Peace Facility," the Head of State emphasized. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Charles Michel discussed the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and preparations for the Global Peace Summit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Emmanuel Macron in Granada President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 16:36 In the framework of his participation in the 3rd European Political Community Summit, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of France Emmanuel Macron. The Head of State informed his interlocutor about the situation on the battlefield and the needs of Ukrainian defenders. The leaders discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the defense sector and agreed to continue work on expanding the capabilities of the Ukrainian air defense system. "Thank you, Emmanuel, for confirming everything we have previously agreed on. Now we can move on to the implementation of these agreements," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The heads of state discussed ways to improve the security situation in the Black Sea region, protect Odesa region and Ukrainian port infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address To ensure that in the future there is no war in Europe, our unity must work to the full capacity - speech by the President of Ukraine at the inaugural plenary session of the 3rd European Political Community Summit President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 15:43 Dear Mr. Sanchez, Mr. Prime Minister! Thank you for your kind words about us, about our people, about Ukraine. Thank you everybody for your support! Dear colleagues! Each of us represents Europe. We may have our own views and, sometimes, different opinions on European issues. It's normal. But still, we all are Europe. And it's not just about geography. It's about history, morality, and security that we share. This is the unity that has no right to become weaker. Because Europe should not be a ruin! This Tuesday I visited Kharkiv region - in eastern Ukraine. At least one million two hundred thousand residents - in Kharkiv. The distance from the city to the border with Russia is less than forty kilometers. Or less than three minutes of flight-time for an S-300 missile, which the Russian army uses to terrorize Kharkiv each day. Thousands and thousands of facilities have already been destroyed by such missiles! Houses, schools, universities, churches, power plants, transport. But Kharkiv - wounded by this terror, shattered by missile debris - is alive. We are doing everything we can to protect people and keep regular social and economic activity. We are keeping all key institutions working - from government agencies to our education system. In particular, in Kharkiv. Most children in the city study online. Until there is a fully effective air defense system, children cannot attend schools. But Kharkiv has found a solution. 65 school classes with more than one thousand children are taught not online, but in the usual way, as in schools in any other country, but... in the subway, under the ground. School classrooms that are provided with everything children need - furniture, equipment, Wi-Fi. But in the subway, under the ground. It's 2023. And the subway is the only safe option for a city of a million people to bring children together for school. This is what the neighborhood with Russia means. But it is not only our neighborhood. Various European countries border the terrorist state, and in fact, Russian propagandists and officials talk about them as the next targets of their aggression. Targets. Exactly that's the word. Dear leaders! Are there enough underground stations in your cities where it would be possible to organize protected schooling for children if Russia's threats become real? And it is preparing to make them real. I will be honest with you, as I always am. Russia is now considering various scenarios for the coming years. One of them is particularly dangerous. If there is some pause in this aggression against Ukraine - any freezing of the situation, there will be a new critical moment. 2028. If Russia is allowed to adapt now, by 2028, the Kremlin will be able to restore the military potential that we destroyed, and it will have enough strength to attack the countries in focus of Russian expansion. In addition to Ukraine, these are definitely the Baltic states and definitely other countries where Russian contingents are present. This is clear information from our intelligence. We are signaling it to you. Russia is trying to freeze the situation, to adapt, and learning from its mistakes, and preparing to move on. Please remember that the most dangerous enemy is the one who made conclusions and prepared for the next attack based on these conclusions. Moscow clearly outlines its ambition - to capture more imperial space, to prevent Europe from being a place of free nations and working democracies, to break European unity. And war is Russia's basic tool for this - a tool to enslave or to manipulate others. Russia tried for decades to keep control over the neighboring nations by starting wars and by freezing wars. Russia has hurt Moldova, tried to crush and divide Georgia, destabilize other parts of the Caucasus, strangles Belarus, tries to tear pieces from the body of Ukraine. Every nation that Russia is acting against in some way or another, every state that has suffered from Russian interference or invasion. We all have to stay in a special unity, stay together in a special cooperation and in a special relationship with everyone else in the European Union. We all need a format of support for the nations whose lives Russia has already tried to destroy, so that the ruin caused by Russia can never spread anywhere else. All these countries need economic support, and all these countries need security guarantees, so that Russia will not even be tempted to try to break their sovereignty ever again. A clear signal is needed - Russia has no chance. And most importantly, what will give our unity the full strength... The aggressor is most effectively neutralized by defeat - defeat in war. Right now, and right in Ukraine, we have the opportunity to cause a fundamental defeat to Russia's aggression. Together with you and our partners, we have already done things that seemed impossible to many. Together we have defended Ukraine. Europe is more independent of Russia than ever before. Europe has truly proven that it has the right to be a global center for the protection of human freedom and international law. And no matter what happens in other parts of the world, no matter what political tornadoes our partners experience, Europe must be strong. Now Europe is following the developments in America - the growing political storm. Europe has its own potential for strength, and its global role, which should be as powerful as possible in all key issues that are important for Europe. And as for political storms. I am confident in America. Confident. They are strong people, strong society, with strong institutions, strong energy of democracy. I was recently in Washington. I talked to President Biden. I talked to congressmen from both parties, both chambers. They fully support the defense of freedom and understand that it is Russia and other enemies to our way of life who want to ride such political storms. So, we in Europe have to be ready. America helped us - helped Europe to survive. And now it is important for Europe not to hide sails from the wind trying to wait out the storm, but to be together in this uncertain time - to work united, and protect our values and our common space of liberty - common with the U.S. This mutual support - both in calm times and times of security challenges and turbulence - is the real meaning of the transatlantic partnership. Dear colleagues! Thanks to Ukraine, your soldiers are not fighting against Russia right now. We do not doubt NATO's strength. But I'm sure none of you wants to find out what it will be like if, God forbid, NATO has to stand up for one of you. We have to win in Ukraine so that Putin cannot scale this aggression to someone else. And it is realistic. That's why the key things are: Our unity. the unity and solidarity of all of Europe must be unwavering. The unity of all 27 EU countries, all Europe, not only the EU, the strength of our common rules and agreements, the firmness of the EU's ability to expand under its founding treaties. And I thank all of you who truly work for the strength of the EU! Secondly, we must not allow Putin to destabilize any other parts of the world and our partners in order to ruin Europe's power. We must continue to put pressure with sanctions, politically and economically, so that Russia cannot spread chaos. The presence of Russia, its military or proxies on the territory of any other country is a threat to all of us. We must work together to push Russia out of the territory of other countries. Thirdly, the capability of Ukrainian soldiers. Air defense in our country - especially now, before winter, the weapons in the hands of our soldiers, missiles and artillery with which we can destroy the positions of the occupiers and liberate our land and our homes. Every Russian drone shot down in Ukraine, every Russian tank destroyed in Ukraine confirms that this drone, this tank, any other Russian weapon destroyed in Ukraine will not strike anyone else in Europe. And I thank all of you - each and every one of you, your nations - thank you for your defense help! Additional air defense systems for Ukraine, additional artillery and shells, additional long-range missiles and drones for our soldiers, as well as additional formats of support and security guarantees for nations threatened by Russia - all this is a real protection of Europe from further aggressive steps by Russia. And to ensure that in the coming future there is no war anywhere in Europe, that no other city in Europe lives through what our Kharkiv and all the cities and villages of Ukraine are experiencing, then at this time: right now, this year, next year - and above all in Ukraine - our unity must work to the full capacity. Let only Putin's ambitions be a ruin, not our countries, not our cities. Children of every country deserve to be secure - and everywhere in the country, not just in the subway, not just in shelters underground - but everywhere. We must make it possible. And we'll do it! We must win! Thank you for your attention and for the invitation! NNN! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine met with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni in Granada President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 14:59 As part of his participation in the European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni. The Head of State thanked the Italian Prime Minister for solidarity and comprehensive support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his interlocutor about the current situation at the front and the offensive operations of the Ukrainian defense forces aimed at de-occupying Ukrainian lands. The President noted the urgent need of the Russian army for a long pause in hostilities. "Any weakening of military assistance to Ukraine will contribute to the strengthening of the occupiers and repeated attempts to seize new Ukrainian territories," he emphasized. In the context of preparing the next defense package from Italy, the leaders discussed military support for Ukraine, including bolstering Ukraine's air defense to protect civilians and grain infrastructure. Separately, they discussed the conclusion of a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Italy on security guarantees based on the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for our country, adopted at the NATO Summit in Vilnius. The interlocutors also focused on how the upcoming Italy's G7 Presidency could help Ukraine. The leaders emphasized the inadmissibility of weaponization of energy, food, or any other social issues. The President of Ukraine commended the readiness of the Italian government to take Odesa under its patronage, in particular, to finance the restoration of Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral and other historical landmarks of the city damaged by Russian missile attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President takes part in the 3rd European Political Community Summit and met with the Acting President of the Government of Spain President of Ukraine 5 October 2023 - 13:47 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy started his participation in the 3rd European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain. "I believe that the main challenge we all face is, first of all, to maintain unity in Europe. And I'm not just talking about EU countries, it's about the whole of Europe. I think this will be the biggest challenge. Because Russia will attack with information, disinformation, fakes. This is the first thing. Second, it is very important for Ukraine to have a defense shield for the winter. Because in winter, we will face many attacks with various types of Russian missiles, Iranian drones," the Head of State said during a conversation with media representatives. The President had a meeting with Acting President of the Government of Spain Pedro SAnchez. "Thank you for the invitation to participate in the summit, it is a positive signal of support for Ukraine. Thank you for supporting Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The leaders discussed the necessary steps to implement the Ukrainian Peace Formula. In particular, they discussed preparations for the next meeting at the level of advisors, which is to take place shortly. Attention was paid to maintaining international support for Ukraine. The two sides also discussed in detail the next defense package from Spain, which will include ammunition, artillery, anti-drone systems, air defense equipment and demining equipment. In addition, the parties discussed further bilateral cooperation to protect the Black Sea "grain corridor". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The images arriving from Hroza are absolutely horrifying - Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Denise Brown condemns attacks that killed and injured scores of civilians in the Kharkiv region UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs I am appalled by the reports of a Russian strike that, shortly ago, ripped apart the village of Hroza, in the Kharkiv Region, killing dozens of civilians. The images arriving from the locality, home to just above 300 people, are absolutely horrifying. On behalf of the United Nations and the humanitarian community, I sent my most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts are also with the people of Ukraine, who had to witness today, once again, another barbaric consequence of Russia's invasion. Intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects is a war crime. Intentionally launching an attack knowing that it would be disproportionate is a war crime. *** Kyiv, 5 October 2023 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Says Russian Attack Kills 51 in Northeastern Ukrainian Village By VOA News October 05, 2023 A Russian attack Thursday on a village in northeastern Ukraine killed at least 51 people and injured another six, Ukrainian authorities reported. Presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak and Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said a shop and a cafe in the village of Hroza, in the Kharkiv region, were hit in the early afternoon. A 6-year-old boy was among those killed, Syniehubov said, and a child was also among the wounded. It was not immediately clear whether Russian forces had shelled the village or had fired a missile. "The rescuers continue to work on the site," Synehubov said on the Telegram messaging app. Officials posted footage of rescue workers clambering through smoldering rubble. Bodies lay alongside slabs of concrete and twisted metal. Overnight, Ukraine's military said Thursday it destroyed 24 of 29 drones launched by Russian forces directed at the Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kirohovrad regions. The Hroza attack occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Spain lobbying Western allies at a summit of about 50 European leaders for more military assistance to thwart Russia's invasion, now in its 20th month. "The Russian terror should be stopped," he said in a post on Telegram. "Now we are talking with European leaders, in particular, about strengthening our air defense, about strengthening our soldiers, about giving our country protection from terror." Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure last winter, leading to widespread power outages, effectively an attempt to demoralize Ukrainians during the coldest and darkest months of the year. Over time, the infrastructure was restored, but now Ukraine fears more infrastructure attacks are in the offing as winter approaches. "The main challenge that we have is to save unity in Europe," Zelenskyy told reporters as he arrived for talks in Granada. Zelenskyy said it is important for Ukraine to have a "defending shield for the winter" with Russia expected to carry out many attacks with missiles and Iranian drones. He also cited what he said was 100% support from U.S. President Joe Biden as well as bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress, days after a short-term funding deal that excluded additional aid for Ukraine. Biden called key Western allies on Tuesday to reassure them of continued American military support for Ukraine after a group of congressional Republicans forced the exclusion of immediate new funding for Kyiv. The White House said Biden spoke with the leaders of Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Britain, and of the European Union and NATO, along with the foreign minister of France. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Biden reaffirmed the strong commitment of the United States to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself "for as long as it takes, as did every other leader on the call." Kirby said the leaders discussed efforts to continue providing Ukraine with the ammunition and the weapons systems that it needs to defend itself and to continue strengthening Ukrainian air defenses as they prepare for more attacks on critical infrastructure. "Now, certainly, but also certainly in the winter months ahead," Kirby said. Meanwhile, the U.S. military command said that it has sent about 1.1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine that American naval forces seized from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps last year as Tehran tried to transfer the ammunition to Houthi fighters in Yemen in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fort Collins, Colorado, Oct. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DataHorizzon Research published a report titled, "Industrial Gases Market Size, Growth, Share, Statistics Report, By Gas (Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, Others), By Application (Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, Chemical, Water Treatment & Mining), By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2023-2032." According to DataHorizzon Research, the industrial gases market size was valued at USD 103.2 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 219.2 Billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.9%. Industrial gases refer to specific gaseous substances manufactured in various industries. These industries include steel, oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals, biotechnology, medicine, environmental protection, and nuclear power. The market has experienced growth due to increased public and private funding in industries like metallurgy, F&B, and mining in developing countries. The F&B and healthcare industries are among the ones that require various industrial gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The demand for these custom gases is high, making the market profitable. Oxygen cylinders are commonly used in the hospitality and mining industries to ensure a continuous oxygen supply. In mining, oxygen shortages can prove fatal to workers' health. Therefore, industries stock oxygen tanks to avoid such circumstances. In addition, the ongoing industrial need is projected to stimulate the overall growth of the industrial gas market. Oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are popular industrial gases available in gaseous and liquid forms and can be used according to the requirement. The smelting of metals, for instance, requires carbon monoxide, which further contributes to the growth of the market for industrial gases. Industrial gases are often used in upstream and downstream applications to extract oil from the earth. These gases are used in drilled coiled tubing, well lifting, inspection, checking leakages, gas analysis, shipbuilding, and maintenance. This has created various opportunities for the wide use of these gases in the oil & gas industries. With the growing environmental concerns and high awareness about using clean energy, the vehicles are powered by CNG and LPG, which release less emission than gasoline fuels. Additionally, combined liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide are used for freezing, rapid freezing, and chilling the products while maintaining their moisture and original quality. Request Sample Report: https://datahorizzonresearch.com/request-sample-pdf/industrial-gases-market-2204 Report Snapshot Report Title Industrial Gases Market Market Size in 2022 USD 103.2 Billion Market Size by 2032 USD 219.2 Billion CAGR from 2023 to 2032 7.9% Largest Market Asia Pacific Forecast Period 2023 to 2032 Historic Period 2021 Base Year 2022 Report Scope & Coverage Market Size, Market Estimations, Competitor Analysis, Trends, and Growth Factors. By Gas Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, and others. By Application Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, Chemical, Water Treatment & Mining Region North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Countries Covered U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, China, Japan, India, Brazil, Mexico, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, among others. Major Market Players The Linde Group, Messer Group, Sanso, Taiyo Nippon, Air Liquide, Air Gass & Chemicals, Universal Industrial Gases, Concore-Corodex Group, Southern Company Gas, BASF, Gulf Cryo, and Bristol Gases. Segmentation Overview: The global industrial gases market has been segmented into product, application, and region. Healthcare is a leading application segment attributed to the widespread adoption of life-supporting systems. For instance, nitrogen is widely used in medicine, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, dyes, and nylons. Asia Pacific is a leading region for industrial gases and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. The industry developments and expansions in China, India, South Korea, and Japan have accelerated the demand for industrial gases in the Asia Pacific. North America is a fast-growing market for industrial gases Buy This Research Report: https://datahorizzonresearch.com/checkout-page/industrial-gases-market-2204 Industrial Gases Market Report Highlights: The global industrial gases market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.9% by 2032. The market for industrial gases is growing due to the rise in their usage in various industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and water treatment. Healthcare is a leading application segment owing to the high demand for demand for life-support systems. Some prominent players in the industrial gases market report include The Linde Group, Messer Group, Sanso, Taiyo Nippon, Air Liquide, Air Products & Chemicals, Universal Industrial Gases, Concore-Corodex Group, Southern Company Gas, BASF, Gulf Cryo, and Bristol Gases. Industry Trends and Insights: In 2023, PowerTap Hydrogen partnered with Coleman Industrial Gases under a non-binding agreement. Under this venture, these companies will conduct on-site hydrogen production and storage deployments. In 2023, Ozona, an Environmental Science Company, plans to invest in commercial carbon dioxide sequestration (CCS) by leasing out acres of land. The company has received clearance to develop natural gas processing plants. Looking Exclusively For Region/Country Specific Report? https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ask-for-customization/industrial-gases-market-2204 OR Ask For Discount https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ask-for-discount/industrial-gases-market-2204 Industrial Gases Market Segmentation: By Product: Oxygen, carbon-di-oxide, nitrogen, others By Application: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, Chemical, Water Treatment & Mining By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. About DataHorizzon Research: DataHorizzon is a market research and advisory company that assists organizations across the globe in formulating growth strategies for changing business dynamics. Its offerings include consulting services across enterprises and business insights to make actionable decisions. DHRs comprehensive research methodology for predicting long-term and sustainable trends in the market facilitates complex decisions for organizations. Contact: Mail: sales@datahorizzonresearch.com Ph: +1-970-672-0390 Website: https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn Recent Publications Industrial Lubricants Market 2023 to 2032 Feed Additives Market 2023 to 2032 Synthetic Rubber Market 2023 to 2032 Synthetic Leather Market 2023 to 2032 Ethanol Market 2023 to 2032 Newark, Del, Oct. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to forecasts, the watercraft accessories market is expected to be US$ 7,266.9 million in 2023 and US$ 13,137.1 million by 2033. Many variables, including customer tastes, disposable income, technical developments, and seasonal demand, impact the watercraft accessories market. Foreign and local businesses are competing in the market, and the competition is focused on product quality, customization, innovation, and pricing strategies. Gain expert insights and supercharge your growth strategies. Request our market overview sample now: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5161 The fast growth of the tourist sector, the implementation of new government rules, and the rise in water parks favorably affect the development of the watercraft accessories sector. Manufacturers of watercraft accessories now have more accessibility and reach thanks to the expansion of online retail and e-commerce platforms, which enables them to get a more extensive client base. The ability to respond to individual preferences and particular watercraft models by providing customizable and customized accessories gives industry players a unique marketing offer. Some watercraft attachments are not widely used by consumers due to price sensitivity, especially those on a tight budget. Key Takeaways By 2033, the watercraft accessories market in the United Kingdom is likely to expand, with a CAGR of 5.8%. In 2023, the United States is likely to develop the watercraft accessories business with a share of 21.6%. The watercraft accessories market grew considerably to US$ 6,901.1 million in 2022. The watercraft accessories sector expanded at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2018 to 2022. By 2033, China's watercraft accessories market is projected to develop with a CAGR of 6.3%. By 2033, India's mountain and ski resort industry is projected to expand with a CAGR of 6%. Japan's watercraft accessories industry is expected to grow significantly, with an 8.5% share in 2023. Australia's watercraft accessories will likely expand with a CAGR of 0.2% in 2023. Germany's watercraft accessories business is likely to grow, with a share of 7.9% in 2023. In 2023, the life vest segment will likely dominate the market, with a share of 32.5%, based on the type. In 2023, the coastal tourism and shipping segment is expected to dominate the market, with a share of 27.9%, based on the application. "Watercraft accessories are integral for enhancing boating experiences," highlighted Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.). "These products encompass a wide range of equipment and gear, catering to boaters' safety, comfort, and enjoyment, enriching recreational and commercial water activities." Explore In-Depth Market Analysis: Purchase Now to Access Segment-specific Details, Uncover Crucial Trends, Drivers, and Challenges: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/5161 Competitors Winning Strategies Several key manufacturers are working to increase their regional market share and participate in local markets directly by growing their dealer network. They are working with regional distributors to distribute their goods internationally. To achieve a competitive edge in the market, industry actors concentrate on comprehending customer wants, investing in research and development, and forming strategic alliances. Key Players Yamaha Motor Corporation WireCo Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. IRM Offshore and Marine Engineers Private Limited. Covercraft Industries LLC BEXCO NV Kawasaki Motors Corp. AXIOM CORDAGES LIMITED Samson Rope Technologies TEUFELBERGER DAN-FENDER Garware Technical Fibers Ltd. EVOLUTION TRADING (SHANGHAI)CO.LTD SHEICO Group ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR, INC. Manson Anchors Limited Attwood Corporation Gottifredi Maffioli S.r.l. Gleistein GmbH Greenfield Products Inc Request customization and get a tailored experience that meets your specific business needs: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-5161 Recent Development: A new line of life vests was introduced by Sea-Doo in 2022 in an effort to attract more customers. In June 2021, Kawasaki announced the introduction of the prestigious Jet Ski STX 160 series, the Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-RTM 160 four-stroke stand-up personal watercraft, and the premium Jet Ski Ultra 310 series. The boat engines for BRP were completely reevaluated, reconstructed, and refurbished in August 2022. The new Rotax Outboard Engine with Stealth Technology's 115 and 150-horsepower models are the first to be made available. Key Segments By Type: Life Vest Tow Ropes Boat Dock Line & Storage Boat Fenders Boat Cover Others By End Use: Military & Defence Amusement Parks Professional & Hobbyist Coastal Tourism & Shipping Company Offshore Vessel Cargo Logistics By Sales Channel: Online Offline Multi Brand Store Specialty Store By Region: North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia and the Pacific Middle East & Africa 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 FMIs Extensive Ongoing Coverage in the Automotive Domain Personal Watercraft Market Share is anticipated to grow at a moderate CAGR of 6% during forecast period. Decorative Car Accessories Market Size is expected to expand from US$ 252,595.1 million in 2023. The market is projected to reach US$ 443,896.4 million by 2033, showcasing a CAGR of 5.8% through 2033. Automotive Lighting Accessories Market Demand to reach US$ 17.1 billion by the end of 2033. Automotive Performance Accessories Market Growth is projected to reach US$ 546.4 million by end of 2033 representing 4.5% CAGR between 2023 to 2033. Automotive Tire Accessories Market Outlook is projected to reach a value of US$ 43.4 billion, and it is expected to surpass US$ 75.5 billion by 2033. 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 Newark, Oct. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the global cyber insurance market will grow from USD 10.74 Billion in 2022 to USD 80.39 Billion by 2032. A person or organization can get cyber insurance to minimize their businesses' financial and reputational risks. The insurance policy transfers the relatable risks to the insurer in trade for a fee on a monthly or quarterly basis. Many enterprises opt for plans regarding cyber insurance to cover additional costs from asset loss or physical destruction. These costs frequently include informing clients about cybercrime and fees for regarding the same. An organization or an individual must provide documents using a review tool approved by the insurance provider or must typically submit to a security audit by the insurance provider to be qualified for coverage. Cybercrimes use phishing, spoofing, and other activities to compromise sensitive data and disrupt information systems. Companies can observe, analyze, report, and oversee cyber risks with cyber insurance plans to protect their sensitive data/information. Cyber insurance protects companies from the potential risks of a cyber-attack or data breach and aids businesses in reducing risk exposure by balancing costs. When a company is hacked and customer/employee data is stolen or lost, these insurance plans are designed to cover the fees, charges, and legal costs associated with cyber-attacks. Get a Free Sample Research Report: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/13736 Key Insight of the Cyber Insurance Market Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. During the forecast period, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR within the global cyber insurance market. The Asia-Pacific region would significantly expand. The exponential adoption of digital technology and related solutions in emerging countries like India has raised the potential for cybercrimes, which can result in reputational and huge financial losses. In the present scenario, cybercrime is rising in developing nations like China, Australia, and India. Government emphasis has been on Asia's growing economic significance, forcing developing nations to improve their cyber security. This aspect has prompted cyber insurance providers to consider taking the chance by providing policies for risks and underwriting cyber products to improve the security frameworks of various industries and corporate organizations. The services segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The component segment is divided into platform and services. The services segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the services segment is attributed to its critical role in determining and preventing cybercrimes for organizations. Insurance companies offer comprehensive risk management services that help companies find vulnerabilities, assess risks, and develop effective risk management plans. Organizations looking for strong security against cyber threats and optimum data protection strongly value this proactive approach to risk management. The packaged segment is expected to hold the second largest market share. The insurance type segment is divided into standalone and packaged. The packaged segment is expected to hold the second largest market share. Contrarily, packaged cyber insurance incorporates cyber protection into existing insurance contracts like general liability, commercial property, or business owners' policies. Packaged cyber insurance extends the reach of conventional insurance plans to include limited cyber coverage as a component of a larger insurance package, as opposed to being a dedicated standalone policy. Cyber coverage is coupled with other insurance lines in packaged cyber insurance, forming a part of a complete insurance package. This aspect implies that businesses buy a single insurance policy that covers a variety of risks, including cyber hazards. The SMEs segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The organization size segment is divided into SMEs and large enterprises. The SMEs segment is expected to augment the market during the forecast period. Large companies have dominated the adoption of cyber insurances, but SMEs are quickly closing the gap. Companies are protected from financial losses by cyber security insurance from cyber incidents, including system hacking, ransom ware extortion, and denial of service. This insurance may be useful for small businesses that store private information online or on their computers. SMEs may have given cyber insurance little thought before now, but in the future, more SMEs will suffer from cyber-attacks and data breaches. This is because these hackers are well aware that most small firms lack the instructions large corporations require to protect their data. The healthcare segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The end-user segment is classified into BFSI, healthcare, retail, transportation and others. The healthcare segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Patient privacy and malware that compromise system integrity are two examples of cybersecurity issues in the healthcare sector. Cyber crimes that cause distributed denial of service (DDoS) that stop medical facilities from providing patient care are another. Due to the increased demand for transportation visits, medical supplies, and a hurry to produce and distribute vaccines, cyberattacks on the industry have increased significantly. The market's demand for cybersecurity insurance will increase as a result. Report Scope and Segmentation - Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Forecast CAGR 22.3% 2032 Value Projection USD 80.39 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 10.74 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 239 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered Component, Organization Size, insurance Type, Industry Regions Covered The regions analyzed for the market are Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, North America, and Middle East & Africa. Furthermore, the regions are further analyzed at the country level. cyber insurance Market Growth Drivers Rising Incidences of Cybercrimes Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/cyber-insurance-market-13736 Advancement in market In February 2023: To establish CloudCover CyberCell, a cybersecurity "rent-a-captive" insurance programme, CloudCover collaborated with the insurance brokerage Hylant Global Captive Solutions (Hylant). The program, accessible to organisations, affinity groups, and big businesses, enables users to finance self-insured cyber risks manageably. As a result, businesses can offer cyber insurance at a lower price and with greater coverage, which lowers the potential liability of cyber-attacks and enables larger revenue generation for businesses. Market Dynamics Driver: Rise in Cloud-based Deployment Services Cloud computing, which dissolves traditional IT boundaries, nabls new methodologies, fds the mobility trend, and facilitates breakthroughs in unified communications, is one of today's fastest-evolving technologies. Several IT companies and enterprises are turning to new insurance models to address the dangers of holding onto sensitive data in the private cyber security environment. For instance, in 2021, it was reported that Google Cloud Business, Munich R AG, and Allianz SE would collaborate to include information about customer cyber risk in insurance products. Cybr insurance specialists might suggest that insurers get more details about their security directly from their Google Cloud environments. Based on the security of their recreational surroundings, Allianz and Munich R will utilize that information to develop customized bicycle insurance products. This factor is propelling the market growth. Restraint: High Costs The high costs associated with cyber insurance are the main factor limiting the market growth and development. Insurance companies have been bound to disburse substantial claims due to the ransom ware attacks over the past three to four years. Even if the cyber security insurance companies do not pay the ransom, restoring the infected system will be impossible. The cost of the added services, such as assistance with data recovery after a ransom ware attack, has escalated, and cyber security insurance companies are raising their prices to meet the cost of the additional services. Rising costs have slowed down the adoption of cyber security insurance. Small businesses are more focused on enhancing cyber security than paying insurance premiums. Opportunity: Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) are the technologies that are expected to expand risk analytics solutions' capabilities and open up new commercial opportunities. By combining these technologies with risk analytics solutions, surveillance of the major issues and concerns that cyber security insurance organizations confront would be achieved. Modern technology advancements may speed up transactions and settlements, making it simpler for financial institutions and their clients to conduct transactions and eliminating the need for intermediaries. Risk analytics tools have a significant positive impact on risk management, insurance coverage, and claims analysis. Underwriting insurance policies is another key application where risk analytics solutions are becoming increasingly crucial. In the current situation, technology-providing companies offer tools to help researchers make informed decisions. Some of the major players operating in the cyber insurance market are: Chubb Travelers Indemnity Company American International Group, Inc. AXA XL Beazley Group CNA Financial Corporation AXIS Capital Holdings Limited BCS Financial Corporation Zurich Insurance The Hanover Insurance, Inc. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Key Segments Cover in the Market: By Component: Solution Services By Insurance Type: Standalone Packaged By Organization Size: SMEs Large Enterprises By Industry: BFSI Healthcare Retail Transportation 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) Ask for Customization: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/request-customization/13736 About the report: The market is analyzed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analyzed worldwide, 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 Icelandair transported 416 thousand passengers in September, an 8% increase since September last year. Year to date, the Company has transported around 3.4 million passengers, 19% more than in the same period last year. In September, passengers travelling to Iceland were 175 thousand, from Iceland 49 thousand, via passengers were 169 thousand and passengers travelling within Iceland were 23 thousand. Load factor was 82.7% and unit revenue continued to improve year-on-year. On-time performance was 81%, improving significantly by 10 percentage points year-on-year. Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair CEO: We are pleased to see a healthy increase in passenger numbers between years and continued improvement in unit revenue as we close the strong third quarter, the largest quarter in our history in terms of number of flights. I would like to thank our employees for their great work and dedication during the busy summer period. We are also proud to have received two awards for our great teams efforts in offering world-class passenger service. In September, Icelandair was rated a 2024 Five Star Major Airline at the APEX Global EXPO, and this week we received the Danish Travel Awards as Best European Airline. We are grateful to our passengers for their loyalty of continuing to choose Icelandair. Contact Information Investors: Iris Hulda Thorisdottir, Director Investor Relations. E-mail: iris@icelandair.is Media: Asdis Petursdottir, Director Communications. E-mail: asdis@icelandair.is Attachment Dublin, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Wind Power Generator Market: Global Industry Analysis, Trends, Market Size, and Forecasts up to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global wind power generator market is set to experience significant growth from 2022 to 2030, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.85%. In 2022, the market generated USD 19.9 billion in revenue, and it is anticipated to reach USD 30.7 billion by 2030. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the wind power generator market, covering key geographies such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and RoW (Rest of the World) for the period from 2021 to 2030. Harnessing Wind Energy for Sustainable Power Generation Wind power generators, also known as wind turbines or wind energy converters, play a crucial role in converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. These systems typically consist of tall towers equipped with large rotor blades. As the wind blows, it sets the rotor blades into motion, driving a generator to produce electricity. The market for wind power generators is witnessing robust growth driven by the global demand for clean and renewable energy sources to meet the rising energy needs. Additionally, the expansion of offshore wind power generation presents significant growth opportunities for the market, as offshore wind resources tend to be stronger and more consistent. Dominance of Horizontal-Axis Wind Power Generators The dominant segment in the wind power generator market is the horizontal-axis wind power generator. This type of wind turbine features a horizontally oriented main rotor shaft and generator. It is widely favored in the industry due to its efficiency and reliability. Technological advancements have been key to the dominance of horizontal-axis wind turbines, resulting in well-developed and proven performance, reliability, and efficiency. These turbines have the ability to generate higher power outputs compared to other designs, making them particularly suitable for utility-scale applications. The combination of technological advancements, proven performance, and higher power outputs has propelled the horizontal-axis wind power generator segment to dominate the market. Asia Pacific Leads the Market Asia Pacific led the wind power generator market in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast years. Rapid economic growth and urbanization in the region have driven an increase in energy demand, creating favorable conditions for wind power generation. Countries like China, Japan, and India have implemented supportive policies, incentives, and regulatory frameworks to promote renewable energy, with a specific focus on wind power. These measures include tax incentives and favorable regulations that encourage wind power project development. Substantial investments in wind power infrastructure in Asia Pacific further facilitate the growth of the market. Additionally, the region benefits from abundant wind resources, particularly in coastal and offshore areas, making it highly suitable for wind power generation. Report Findings Drivers Global Demand for Clean Energy: The need for clean and renewable energy sources to meet the rising global energy demand is a significant driver for the wind power generator market. The need for clean and renewable energy sources to meet the rising global energy demand is a significant driver for the wind power generator market. Supportive Government Policies: Many governments worldwide are implementing favorable policies, incentives, and subsidies to promote the adoption of wind power generation, contributing to market growth. Restraints Challenges in Site Location: Identifying suitable wind farm sites, considering land availability, environmental impacts, and potential conflicts with other land uses, can be challenging and may restrict market growth. Opportunities Offshore Wind Power Generation: Expanding into offshore wind power generation presents significant opportunities, as offshore wind resources tend to be stronger and more consistent. Segmentation The global wind power generator market is segmented based on product and application. By Product: Offshore Onshore By Application: Horizontal Axis Wind Power Generator Vertical Axis Wind Power Generator Company Profiles The report includes profiles of key companies operating in the market, offering insights into their product portfolios, revenues, SWOT analysis, and latest developments. Some of the companies covered in the report include: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, S.A. General Electric Vestas Ming Yang Smart Energy Group Ltd Goldwind NORDEX SE Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited Alstom MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. United Power What the Report Delivers Comprehensive Market Analysis: The report provides a detailed analysis of both the global and regional wind power generator markets, covering trends, developments, and market size forecasts up to 2030. Segment Coverage: Complete coverage of all market segments enables a thorough examination of trends and developments in the global market. Company Profiles: In-depth profiles of companies operating in the market include analyses of their product portfolios, revenues, SWOT analysis, and the latest developments. Investment Insights: The Growth Matrix offers insights into product segments and geographical areas for market players to consider for investment, consolidation, expansion, or diversification. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 180 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $19.9 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $30.66 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.8% Regions Covered Global For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qlhaqv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "U.S. Hyperscale Data Center Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The U.S. hyperscale data center market is expected to reach a value of $71.55 billion by 2028 from $55.68 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.27% Virginia, Texas, California, and Georgia stand out as prime destinations for hyperscale investments within the United States. Industry giants like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Meta (formerly Facebook), Switch, QTS Realty Trust, and others are actively constructing expansive data centers within these states. Furthermore, there are plans for substantial expansions of these facilities in the foreseeable future. A slew of prominent vendors, including Schneider Electric, Rittal, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Delta Electronics, are offering infrastructure solutions based on the Open Compute Project (OCP) design. This trend is anticipated to bolster market revenue for these vendors, given the escalating preference among organizations for solutions like 48V DC UPS systems. Notably, leading hyperscale operators making substantial investments in the U.S. hyperscale data center market include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Meta (Facebook), and Google. The U.S. government is taking proactive measures to incentivize data center investments, employing a range of initiatives. These initiatives encompass expanding land availability for development, reducing electricity tariffs, offering grants and loans, fostering partnerships, facilitating infrastructure development, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. These actions underscore the pivotal role played by the data center industry in the U.S. economy, emphasizing the imperative of ongoing innovation and investment in data center infrastructure. The digitization wave has emerged as a critical driving force behind the proliferation of data centers in the United States. The explosive growth of data has generated a substantial appetite for data center services, including cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). This trend is poised to persist as emerging technologies continue to fuel the demand for data center services. Leading telecom companies such as AT&T, T-Mobile, CenturyLink, and Qualcomm are spearheading the deployment and introduction of 5G services across the nation. Embracing modular power infrastructure solutions in the U.S. data center market empowers businesses with heightened flexibility and control over power management. This strategic approach enables them to cater to the escalating demand for computing resources while concurrently curbing energy consumption and associated costs. The integration of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has gained substantial traction within U.S. data centers, owing to their prowess in optimizing performance, cost reduction, and efficiency enhancement. These automation and AI applications extend to predictive maintenance, energy efficiency optimization, security enhancements, performance fine-tuning, network management, and data analysis. As enterprises increasingly seek to maximize operational efficiency and performance while minimizing expenditure and environmental impact, the adoption of automation and AI solutions within the U.S. hyperscale data center sector is poised for continued growth. When it comes to cooling systems, the utilization of free cooling techniques has witnessed significant growth in U.S. hyperscale data centers, particularly in regions blessed with favorable climatic conditions conducive to the deployment of evaporative/adiabatic coolers for data center cooling purposes. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 465 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $55.68 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $71.55 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.2% Regions Covered United States Market Opportunities & Trends Rise In Rack Power Density Sustainability Measures Adopted By Data Center Operators Adoption Of Advanced Ups Batteries Sustainable And Innovative Data Center Technologies Ai Boosting Liquid Immersion & Direct-To-Chip Cooling Adoption Market Growth Enablers Significant Development Of Data Center Facilities By Colocation Operators. Continued Investments By Hyperscale Operators In The Us Tax And Sales Incentives Adoption Of Cloud-Based Services Big Data & IoT Driving The Data Center Market Market Restraints Site Selection Hindrances To Data Center Development Security Challenges Impacting Data Center Growth Skilled Workforce Shortages & Discrimination Supply Chain Disruptions Hampering Growth Power And Water Consumption By Data Centers Concerns Over Carbon Emissions From Data Centers Key Data Center IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems DataDirect Networks Dell Technologies Extreme Networks Fujitsu Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Hitachi Vantara IBM Intel Infortrend technology Inspur Juniper Networks Lenovo MiTAC Holdings Micron technology NetApp Nimbus Data Pivot3 QNAP Systems Quanta Cloud Technology Supermicro Synology Violin (Storcentric) Western Digital Wiwynn (Wistron Corporation) Key Data Center Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins Delta Electronics Eaton Legrand Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric STULZ Vertiv Other Data Center Support Infrastructure Providers Airedale Alfa Laval Asetek Bloom Energy Carrier Condair Cormant Cyber Power Systems Data Aire Enlogic FNT Software Generac Power Systems Green Revolution Cooling (GRC) HITEC Power Protection Johnson Controls KOHLER KyotoCooling Mitsubishi Electric Natron Energy NetZoom Nlyte Software Rittal Siemens Trane (Ingersoll Rand) Tripp Lite Yanmar (HIMOINSA) ZincFive Key Data Center Contractors AECOM Arup Corgan DPR Construction Fortis Construction Holder Construction Jacobs Rogers-O'Brien Construction Syska Hennessy Group Turner Construction Other Data Center Contractors BlueScope Construction Balfour Beatty US Bell / Knott & Associates Burns & Mcdonell Clune Construction Gensler Fluor Corporation Gilbane Building Company Gibbens Drake Scott HDR HITT Contracting Hoffman Construction JE Dunn Construction kW Mission Critical Engineering Linesight M+W Group (Exyte) Morrison Hershfield Mortenson PCL Construction Rosendin Salute Mission Critical Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects Skanska Southland Industries Sturgeon Electric Company The Mulhern Group The Walsh Group The Weitz Company TRINITY Group Construction TGRWA Key Data Center Investors Apple Amazon Web Services (AWS) CyrusOne DataBank Digital Realty Equinix Google Meta (Facebook) Microsoft NTT Global Data Centers Vantage Data Centers Other Data Center Investors Aligned American Tower CloudHQ Cologix Compass Datacenters COPT Data Center Solutions CoreSite Cyxtera Technologies DartPoints DC BLOX EdgeCore Internet Real Estate EdgeConneX EdgePresence Element Critical Evoque Flexential fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547) GIGA Data Centers H5 Data Centers Iron Mountain Netrality Data Centers Novva Data Centers Prime Data Centers Sabey Data Centers Skybox Datacenters Stream Data Centers STACK Infrastructure Switch T5 Data Centers TierPoint New Entrants AUBix Corscale Data Centers PowerHouse Data Centers Quantum Loophole Yondr Infrastructure IT Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure General Infrastructure IT Infrastructure Server Infrastructure Storage Infrastructure Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgear Power Distribution Units Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers Economizers & Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units Cooling Technique Air-based Cooling Technique Liquid-based Cooling Technique General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Physical Security Fire Detection & Suppression DCIM/BMS Solutions Tier Standards Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography Southeastern US Midwestern US Southwestern US Western US Northeastern US For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bfmqgz 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 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COLLECTIVE METALS INC. (CSE: COMT | OTC: CLLMF | FSE: TO1 ) (the Company or Collective) is pleased to announce that it has completed a comprehensive compilation and interpretation of modern and historical exploration data at its Landings Lake property (the Property or the Project) located in an emerging Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatite field in northwestern Ontario. The Property is hosted within the LCT-prolific English River terrane, 53 km from Beyond Lithium Minerals recent spodumene discovery north of Ear Falls where grab samples with assay values up to 4.54% Li 2 O along a 3 km long prospective trend were reported (See News Release Dated September 17, 2023). Green Technology Metals Root Lake project, located 70 km northeast of the Property, also hosts several LCT pegmatite deposits (See News Release Dated June 07, 2023). Highlights The Property is located about 16 km north of a terrane boundary between the English River and Winnipeg River (Western Wabigoon) terranes in an emerging LCT pegmatite field east of Ear Falls (Figure 1). Compilation and interpretation of historic geological mapping, airborne magnetic data, and elevation models were used to identify multiple priority target areas for the field exploration program (Figures 2 & 3). Muscovite granites in the Property are part of LCT-prospective peraluminous granites and granodiorites of the Wapesi Lake Batholith that intrude metasedimentary rocks of the English River Terrane. The Wapesi Lake Batholith has a reported date of 2.69 billion years, a date that coincides with a period of significant LCT pegmatite mineralization in Ontario. Wapesi granites intrude metasedimentary units in the northern part of the Property where elevation models and historical geological mapping by Ontario Geological Survey indicate the area is endowed with bedrock outcrops in and around topographic highs, making this part of the Property conducive for field exploration (Figure 2). Northeast striking structural corridors within the Wapesi Batholith in the southeastern part of the Property are characterized by magnetic lows and are interpreted as possible LCT pegmatite traps zones (Figure 3). Christopher Huggins, Chief Executive Officer of Collective, commented, This work is integral to the Companys understanding of the region, and development of exploration plans to advance us towards discovery. The excellent work of our neighbours Beyond Lithium Minerals and Green Technology Metals highlight that our Lithium assets are in the right geological environment to focus our exploration efforts for a potential discovery of LCT pegmatites at the Project. We look forward to conducting preliminary field exploration programs in the near future. Figure 1 Regional Location of Collectives Landings Lake Property Figure 2 Map of the Landings Lake Property Showing Selected Target Areas for Field Exploration Figure 3 Map of Landings Lake Property Showing Structural Corridors Characterized by Magnetic Lows Landings Lake Project The Project is located in northwestern Ontario where numerous pegmatite- hosted Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum deposits have been delineated. The Project is located 53 km east of Ear Falls, Ontario, approximately 70 km west of Green Technology Metals Root Project. It covers 3,146 hectares of LCT pegmatite prospective ground within the Lithium-prolific English River terrane. Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by Amanuel Bein, P. Geo., who is acting as the Companys Qualified Person for the Project, in line with National Instrument 43-101 Standard of Disclosure for Mineral Projects . The information disclosed is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Project. References Beyond Lithium Inc. (2023, September 17). Beyond Lithium discovers new spodumene bearing pegmatite zone at Ear Falls Project in Northwest Ontario. Retrieved October 04, 2023, from https://beyondlithium.ca/beyond-lithium-discovers-new-spodumene-bearing-pegmatite-zone-at-ear-falls-project-in-northwest-ontario. Breaks, F.W., Selway, J.B., & Tindle, A.G. (2003). Fertile Peraluminous Granites and Related Rare-Element Mineralization in Pegmatites, Superior Province, Northwest and Northeast Ontario: Operation Treasure Hunt. Ontario Geological Survey. Breaks, F.W., Bond, W.D., Stone, D., Harris, N., & Desnoyers, D.W. (1976). Geological series, Operation Kenora-Ear Falls, Papaonga-Wapesi lakes sheet, District of Kenora. Ontario Geological Survey. Breaks, F.W., Bond, W.D., Harris, N., & Westerman, C.J.(1975). Operation Kenora-Ear Falls, District of Kenora. Ontario Geological Survey. Green Technology Metals. (2023, June 07). Root Project. Retrieved October 04, 2023, from https://www.greentm.com.au/root-project. Ontario Geological Survey. (2017). Ontario Airborne Geophysical Surveys, Magnetic Data, Grid Data (ASCII and Geosoft Formats), Magnetic Supergrids. Sanborn-Barrie, M., Rogers, N., Skulski, T., Parker, J.R., McNicoll, V.J., & Devaney, J.R. (2004). Geology and Tectonostratigraphic Assemblages, East Uchi Subprovince, Red Lake and Birch-Uchi Belts, Ontario. Geological Survey of Canada. About Collective Metals: Collective Metals Inc. (CSE: COMT | OTC: CLLMF | FSE: TO1 ) is a resource exploration company specializing in precious metals exploration in North America. The Companys flagship property is the Princeton Project, located in south-central British Columbia, Canada, approximately 10 km west of the currently producing Copper Mountain Mine. The Princeton Project consists of 29 mineral tenures totaling approximately 28,560 ha (70,570 acres) in a well-documented and prolific copper-gold porphyry belt and is easily accessible by road, located immediately west of Highway 3. The Companys Landings Lake Lithium Project is located in northwestern Ontario where numerous lithium deposits have been delineated to host significant reserves of Li 2 O. The Landings Lake Lithium Project is located 53 km east of Ear Falls, Ontario and covers 3,146 hectares. The Whitemud Project, with several identified pegmatite outcrops, neighbours the Landings Lake Project and consists of 381 single cell mining claims totaling 7,775 hectares. Social Media Twitter: @COMT_metals LinkedIn: Collective Metals Inc Facebook Collective Metals Inc ON BEHALF OF COLLECTIVE METALS INC. Christopher Huggins Chief Executive Officer T: 604-968-4844 E: chris@collectivemetalsinc.com Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: the mineralization potential of the Property; the commencement and completion of exploration programs on the Property. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f4a10996-f923-4b5b-a95d-476e682afa39 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a76319f-1372-4b49-9a58-2d42a08438f9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66d3dfe7-6884-4b13-8aa9-7b198eb11b46 Dublin, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Quantum Technology for Military Applications - Market and Technology Forecast to 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Quantum technologies are poised to revolutionize the military globally by offering unmatched advantages in terms of speed, security, and accuracy. Groundbreaking applications of quantum technologies for military purposes include Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Communication. These technologies are based on the principles of quantum physics, governing the behavior of subatomic particles. Market Forecast's Comprehensive Study Market Forecast has conducted an in-depth study titled "Quantum Technologies for Military Applications - Market and Technology Forecast to 2031." This study analyzes and predicts the evolution of quantum technologies, markets, and expenditures (outlays) over the next 8 years, spanning from 2023 to 2031. The research delves into the global quantum technology for military application markets, with a geographic focus on the top 95% of global markets, encompassing the United States, Europe, and Asia. Key Highlights of the Study In this comprehensive study, the following aspects are covered: Overview : A snapshot of the Quantum Technologies for Military Applications market during 2023-2031, including insights into demand drivers, trends, challenges, and spending patterns across regions and segments. The report also highlights emerging technologies. : A snapshot of the Quantum Technologies for Military Applications market during 2023-2031, including insights into demand drivers, trends, challenges, and spending patterns across regions and segments. The report also highlights emerging technologies. Market Dynamics : Insights into technological developments in the Quantum Technologies for Military Applications market, analysis of changing governmental preferences worldwide, examination of industry structure trends, and identification of industry challenges. : Insights into technological developments in the Quantum Technologies for Military Applications market, analysis of changing governmental preferences worldwide, examination of industry structure trends, and identification of industry challenges. Segment Analysis : In-depth analysis of various systems markets from a segmental perspective, along with detailed examination of factors influencing each segment's market. : In-depth analysis of various systems markets from a segmental perspective, along with detailed examination of factors influencing each segment's market. Regional Review : Insights into modernization trends and budget allocation for top countries within each region. : Insights into modernization trends and budget allocation for top countries within each region. Regional Analysis : A regional perspective on the systems market, including an analysis of factors impacting each region's market. : A regional perspective on the systems market, including an analysis of factors impacting each region's market. Trend Analysis : Evaluation of key Quantum Technologies for Military Applications markets, analyzing the demand for various Systems segments in each region. : Evaluation of key Quantum Technologies for Military Applications markets, analyzing the demand for various Systems segments in each region. Key Program Analysis : Details of top programs in each segment expected to be executed during the forecast period. : Details of top programs in each segment expected to be executed during the forecast period. Competitive Landscape Analysis: Examination of the competitive landscape in the industry, providing an overview of key companies, strategic initiatives, alliances, and a brief financial analysis. Segmentation and Focus Areas The study segments the Quantum Technologies for Military Applications market into four major groups, providing forecast figures from 2023 to 2031: Region: North America Latin America Europe APAC Middle East & Africa Technology: Quantum Computing Quantum Sensing Quantum Communication Application: Quantum Cybersecurity Quantum Communication Network Quantum Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) System Quantum ISTAR Quantum Electronic Warfare Quantum Radar and Lidar Quantum Underwater Warfare Quantum Space Warfare Quantum Chemical and Biological Simulations and Detection End User: Air Force Army Navy Reasons to Buy This study empowers stakeholders to: Identify prospective investment areas based on a comprehensive trend analysis of the Global Quantum Technologies for Military Applications Market over the next eight years. Gain in-depth understanding of the factors driving demand for various system segments in top spending countries globally. Strengthen comprehension of the market, including demand drivers, industry trends, and the latest technological developments. Identify major channels driving the global quantum technologies for military applications market, providing insights into future opportunities for revenue expansion. Allocate resources strategically by focusing on ongoing programs undertaken by ministries of different countries within the Quantum Technologies for Military Applications market. Make informed business decisions based on a thorough analysis of the competitive landscape, including detailed profiles of top systems providers worldwide, including product information, alliances, recent contract wins, and available financial analysis. Companies Mentioned 1QB Information Technologies Alibaba Group Alice and Bob Alpine Quantum Technologies Amazon Web Service Anyon Systems Atlantic Quantum Atos SE Baidu Inc Bleximo Corp. Bosch C12 Quantum Electronics ColdQuanta D-Wave Quantum Systems Inc EvolutionQ Fujitsu Google Hitachi Huawei IBM Intel IonQ ISARA Corporation Microsoft NEC Corporation Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation PsiQuantum QC Ware Quantica Computacao Quantinuum Quantum Circuits Inc Quantum Corporation Quantum Machines Rigetti Computing Riverlane Strangeworks Toshiba Xanadu Zapata Computing For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kynyf0 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. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diamond Lake Minerals, Inc. (OTC: DLMI) (the "Company" or "DLMI"), a leading multi strategy operating company specializing in the development and support of digital assets and SEC-registered security tokens, is delighted to announce the appointment of Agnes Budzyn as its newest Strategic Advisor. Ms. Budzyn is a distinguished entrepreneur, and board member with a wealth of experience in blockchain, digital assets, and traditional finance. Agnes Budzyn serves as Managing Partner of Bluedge Ventures, where she focuses on investments in blockchain and digital assets infrastructure technology, with a keen interest in early-stage companies. Her career spans over a decade in traditional finance, including a significant role at BlackRock, one of the world's largest investment management firms. Additionally, Agnes was an early member of the leadership team at ConsenSys, a key player in the Ethereum ecosystem, where she played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and emerging blockchain solutions. As an accomplished board member and entrepreneur, Budzyn has contributed her expertise to multiple businesses on a global scale over the last five years. Her advisory capabilities span technology enablement, digital assets, revenue generation strategies, and overall business transformation, particularly as companies grow or seek strategic funding. Agnes holds prestigious positions on the Board of Directors at the Biden Institute, the FTSE Russell Digital Asset Advisory Committee, and the Yale Club Audit Committee. Throughout her career, Agnes has demonstrated a remarkable ability to bridge the worlds of traditional corporate environments and cutting-edge startup ecosystems. During her tenure at ConsenSys, she played a pivotal role in building and scaling both the company and the Ethereum ecosystem. Her work included cultivating strong relationships with clients, investors, financial institutions, and government bodies. Agnes Budzyn actively contributed to shaping the future of fintech, decentralization, and digitalization of finance, working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the efficient adoption of groundbreaking blockchain technology. Agnes's extensive experience at BlackRock involved collaborating with major institutions and central banks, including the European Central Bank, Swiss National Bank, Bank of Greece, Central Bank of Ireland, U.S Federal Reserve, U.S Treasury, and others during the global financial crisis. Her contributions included asset valuation, risk management, financial portfolio restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and asset sales. Her insights into managing financial crises have proven invaluable. "I am very excited to work with Brian J. Esposito and his team. Brian is a very forward-thinking CEO with a vision and a mission of utilizing digitalization and cutting-edge technologies to future-proof the company and its success," commented Agnes Budzyn on her new role as Strategic Advisor at Diamond Lake Minerals. Brian J. Esposito, CEO of DLMI, expressed his enthusiasm for Agnes Budzyn joining the team, stating, "We are privileged to welcome Agnes Budzyn to our advisory board. Her expertise and deep understanding of blockchain, digital assets, and finance align perfectly with our mission at Diamond Lake Minerals. We believe her insights will be invaluable as we continue to lead the way in the digital asset and security token space. Agnes's commitment to excellence is evident, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration." With the addition of Agnes Budzyn to the advisory board, Diamond Lake Minerals reinforces its commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital asset and security token industry. Agnes joins the Companys list of esteemed advisors; Anthony Scaramucci, Larry Namer, Andrew Fromm, Brandon Fugal, Raul Leal, and Michael Malik Sr. About Diamond Lake Minerals, Inc. Founded in Utah in 1954 Diamond Lake Minerals, Inc. (OTC: DLMI) is a Multi Strategy Operating Company that specializes in the development and support of digital assets and SEC-registered security tokens. Our goal is to responsibly innovate and develop valuable traditional businesses and successfully combine them with the future of money, digital assets. Our mission is to bring back to the public markets timeless business principles that are focused on healthy sustainable growth, strong earnings that generate yields combined in a modern digital world creating value for our stakeholders. DLMI is positioning itself as an industry agnostic leader in the digital asset and security token space. Safe Harbor Statement This release contains "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by DLMI and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash, and other measures of financial performance. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause DLMIs actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but are not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for DLMIs products and services, the effects of competition, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Company Contacts Gary Zlobinskiy: ir@diamondlakeminerals.com www.diamondlakeminerals.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1b40d5e-a0e0-4353-ae20-63a9b3cf9d1d Burlingame, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Coherent Market Insights, global real-world data (RWD) market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1.59 billion in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period (2023-2030). Real-world data (RWD) involves information collected from different sources and settings outside controlled clinical trials. It comprises data from insurance claims, electronic health records, wearable devices, patient registries, and more. RWD offers valuable insights into real-world patient experiences, disease patterns, and treatment outcomes, healthcare research support, development of evidence-based interventions, and decision-making. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/6029 Market Drivers: Increasing demand for evidence-based medicine to fuel market growth There is a rise in emphasis on evidence-based medicine that relies on real-world evidence which comes from real-world data. Market players in healthcare industries, including regulators, healthcare providers, and payers are becoming more aware of the importance of using RWD for making informed decisions regarding comparative effectiveness, treatment effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety. As a result, the demand for real world data solutions is increasing rapidly, which is further driving growth of the market. Regulatory support and guidance to boost market pace Regulatory agencies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are making use of real-world evidence in regulatory decision making processes. These regulatory authorities have frameworks and guidelines for using RWE and RWD in regulatory submissions, post-market surveillance, and drug approvals. As a result, the demand for real-world data is rising, which in turn is expected to support growth of the market in the coming future. Real-world Data (RWD) Market Report Coverage Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 14.4% Market Size in 2023 $1.59 billion 2030 Value Projection $4.07 billion Base Year 2022 Historical Data for 2017 to 2021 Segments covered By Source, By Application, By End User Growth Drivers Increasing Adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Growing Demand for Evidence-Based Medicine Regulatory Support and Guidance Advancements in Data Analytics and Technologies Market Key Developments: In 2022, IQIVA completed acquisition of Enlight Analytics, a leading provider of real-world data solutions for life sciences industry. In 2021, PPD, Inc. which is now acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. revealed that it has completed acquisition of Aetion, who provides RWD insights and analytics. Buy Now & Get Exclusive Discount On This Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/6029 Market Opportunities: Access to market and lucrative reimbursement policies are generating growth opportunities in the global real-world data (RWD) market. The use of real-world evidence derived from RWD demonstrates value and cost-effectiveness of medical devices and drugs for healthcare technology assessment agencies and payers. With this evidences, market access becomes easier and it also enables reimbursement negotiations. This further facilities the inclusion of new therapies in the coverage of healthcare. This in turn creates major opportunities in the global market. Key Trends and Analysis of the Global Real-world Data (RWD) Market: Growing advancements in AI and Data Analytics is a major trend in the global real-world data (RWD) market. RWD solutions are rapidly advancing in Data analytics techniques and tools, which includes machine learning and artificial intelligence. Due to these technologies, high sophisticated analysis of complex and large datasets is now possible, along with correlations and trends, and uncovering patterns that could not be possible with conventional statistical approaches. This trend is anticipated to grow in the global market over the forecast future. Market Restrain: Regulatory compliance and data privacy to limit market growth Using real-world data creates concerns around data protection and patient privacy. Due to regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA and GDPR, stringent regulations on collection, storing, and use of patient are imposed everywhere. Complying with these regulations further create more complexity and increases cost of RWD initiatives, which further requires strong data de-identification as well as security measures for protecting patient privacy. This factor further limits growth of the global real-world data (RWD) market. Request Customization of this Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/6029 Key Market Takeaways: Global real-world data (RWD) market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period. The real-world data (RWD) market is growing rapidly in response to the growing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) by healthcare providers, leading to accumulation of large amount of patient data. On the basis of Source, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period and this is attributed to the higher adoption of EHRs for obtaining real-world data. On the basis of Application, Drug development and approvals Segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period and this is attributed to the rise in number of clinical trials, especially in cardiovascular and oncology therapeutics. On the basis End User, Pharmaceutical and medical device companies Segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period and this is attributed to the rising importance of real-world data in drug approvals, assessment of drug performance in real-world settings, and prevention of costly drug recalls. On the basis of Geography, North America is expected to hold a dominant position over the forecast period, due to rise in prevalence of chronic diseases, stringent approval regulations for drugs, and availability of well-developed healthcare infrastructure in the region. Key players operating in the global real-world data (RWD) market include SAS Institute Inc., IQVIA Holdings Inc., Palantir Technologies Inc., Optum, Inc. (a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group), Evidera, Inc., Cerner Corporation, Syneos Health Inc., Flatiron Health, Inc. (a subsidiary of Roche), Tempus Labs Inc., and IBM Corporation. Detailed Segmentation: Global Real World Data Market, By Source: Electronic health records (EHRs) Claims data Pharmacy data Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) Disease registries Other sources Global Real World Data Market, By Application: Drug development and approvals Market access and reimbursement/coverage decisions Post-market surveillance Clinical research Other applications Global Real World Data Market, By End User: Pharmaceutical and medical device companies Healthcare payers Healthcare providers Government agencies Others Global Real World Data Market, By Region: North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany Italy U.K. France Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan Australia India ASEAN South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa GCC Countries Israel South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Related Market Intelligence Reports: Shigella Test Kit Market, By Product Type (Lateral flow assays, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, Others), By Technology (Conventional diagnostic tests, Nucleic acid-based tests, Others), By End Users (Hospitals, Diagnostic laboratories, Research institutes, Others), and By Geography, Market Size And Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts (2023 - 2030) Biopharmaceutical CMO and CRO Market, By Source (Mammalian and Non-mammalian), By Service (Contract Manufacturing and Contract Research), and By Product (Biologics and Biosimilars), and By Geography, Market Size And Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts (2023 - 2030) Digital Diabetes Management Market, By Type (Handheld Devices and Wearable Devices) and By Product (Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems, Smart Glucose Meter, Smart Insulin Pumps, Smart Insulin Pens and Apps), and By Geography, Market Size And Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts (2023 - 2030) Browse through Coherent Market Insights Healthcare IT Research Reports. About Us: Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having sales office at global financial capital in the U.S. and sales consultants in United Kingdom and Japan. Our client base includes players from across various business verticals in over 57 countries worldwide. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Dublin, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Commercial Boiler Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global commercial boiler market is poised for growth, with the market size reaching USD 1.2 billion in 2022. Looking ahead, the market is expected to reach a value of USD 1.6 billion by 2028, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.11% during the period from 2023 to 2028, according to a report by [Publisher]. Energy-Efficient Heating Solutions Drive Market Growth Commercial boilers, which provide heating in commercial buildings, are witnessing increased adoption due to the growing demand for space heating in commercial spaces. The market is further driven by the rising adoption of energy-efficient solutions and investments in green buildings to reduce carbon emissions. Governments across the globe are taking initiatives to install new commercial boilers and upgrade existing ones. Stringent environmental regulations are also promoting the adoption of modern commercial boiler technologies with improved efficiency and lower emissions. Key Market Segmentation The report provides a detailed analysis of key market segments: By Fuel Type: Natural Gas Oil Coal Others By Technology: Condensing Non-Condensing By Capacity: Less Than 10 MMBtu/Hr 10-50 MMBtu/Hr Others By End User: Offices Hospitals Educational Institutions Lodging Others Regional Outlook The regional analysis indicates: North America, including the United States and Canada, is a significant market for commercial boilers. Asia-Pacific countries like China, Japan, India, and others are witnessing a surge in demand due to rapid industrialization and construction. Europe, with countries like Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, is experiencing growth in commercial boiler adoption. Latin America, including Brazil and Mexico, is also contributing to market expansion. The Middle East and Africa present opportunities for market growth. Key Questions Answered in the Report What was the size of the global commercial boiler market in 2022? What is the expected growth rate of the global commercial boiler market during 2023-2028? What are the key factors driving the global commercial boiler market? What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global commercial boiler market? What is the breakup of the global commercial boiler market based on the fuel type? What is the breakup of the global commercial boiler market based on the capacity? What is the breakup of the global commercial boiler market based on the end user? What are the key regions in the global commercial boiler market? Who are the key players/companies in the global commercial boiler market? Competitive Landscape Key players in the global commercial boiler market include Aerco International Inc. (Watts Water Technologies), Ariston Holding N.V., Cleaver-Brooks Inc., Energy Kinetics Inc., Parker Boiler, PB Heat LLC. (NORITZ Corporation), Slant/Fin Corporation, Superior Boiler Works Inc., The Fulton Companies, Vaillant Group, Weil-McLain (SPX Corporation), and Wolf GmbH (Centrotec SE). Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 142 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $1.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $1.6 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.9% Regions Covered Global For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ts62j9 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Pune, India, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to our new research study on Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Market Size and Forecasts (2020 - 2030), Global and Regional Share, Trends, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Test Type (Nutrigenomics Testing, Predictive Testing, Carrier Testing, and Others), Technology (Whole Genome Sequencing, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Chips, Targeted Analysis, and Others), Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America), the global direct-to-consumer genetic testing market size was valued at $1.71 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $7.19 billion by 2030. It is estimated to register a CAGR of 19.6% from 2022 to 2030. Download Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00018484 Global Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Market - Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Size Value in USD 1.71 Billion in 2022 Market Size Value by USD 7.19 Billion by 2030 Growth rate CAGR of 19.6% from 2022 to 2030 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Base Year 2022 No. of Pages 162 No. of Tables 85 No. of Charts & Figures 57 Historical data available Yes Segments covered Test Type, Technology, and Distribution Channel Global Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments Genesis Healthcare Co; Ancestry Genomics Inc; Color Health Inc; Helix Inc; Myriad Genetics, Inc; Living DNA Ltd; 7and Me Inc; Genetic Technologies Ltd; Gene By Gene Ltd, and Full Genomes Corp Inc. are among the leading companies operating in the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market. These players aim to expand and diversify their market geography reach and acquire a novel customer base, thereby tapping prevailing business opportunities in the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market. A few of the major companies in the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market follow inorganic strategies, which are as follows. In June 2023, St. Luke's University Health Network of Bethlehem, and Helix, Inc. joined forces to offer precision medicine opportunities to Pennsylvania and New Jersey patients through a new community health research program. This partnership will create a unique regional research program to expand the capabilities to benefit more patients greatly. In June 2023, The American Cancer Society (ACS) and Color Health announced a partnership that will provide convenient, accessible, and comprehensive cancer prevention and screening solutions for the highest-burden cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, cervical, and colorectal for more than 150 million Americans who receive health care through either their employer or union. In July 2022, Genetic Technologies (GTG) collaborated with the Obstetrics and Gynaecology practice Siles Health to implement the geneType Multi-Risk Test. The geneType Multi-Risk Test is designed to identify an individuals risk of developing various common serious diseases. Growing Interest in Pharmacogenetics and Increasing Adoption of Telehealth to be Future Trends in Market: The direct-to-consumer genetic testing market will benefit from the increasing popularity of the pharmacogenetics field. A comprehensive characterization of the genetic component underlying many complex diseases, traits, and drug responses has been enabled with the help of recent technological advances. This information has made genetic testing available more extensively in healthcare and can be used to assess the risk of inherited diseases and predict response to medications. Such tests can reduce drug-related adverse events, thereby increasing the effectiveness of drugs by the means of assessing the sensitivity of a person toward a particular drug. Pharmacogenetic testing is an interesting aspect for DTC companies because test results are actionable once a relevant drug is prescribed, which may be at the time of testing or many years later. Pharmacogenetic testing is one of the primary genetic testing services of DTC-GT companies. Pharmacogenetic testing reveals genetic variations associated with drug efficacy and responses. Therefore, most people are interested in finding out the function of their genome concerning their medication intake. DTC genetic testing companies such as 23andMe allow consumers to directly access their genetic information through an online service without the involvement of medical professionals. A new model of DTC telemedicine is becoming increasingly popular. Patients select their clinical problem on a DTC company's website or mobile phone application and submit a medical intake form online. A doctor reviews this information and may or may not contact the patient for further information. According to an article titled "Comparison of Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine Visits With Primary Care Visits" in the American Medical Association, DTC telemedicine companies completed more than 1 million care visits using this model in the past two years and have continued to experience growth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 testing has contributed to the rapid expansion of the direct-to-consumer diagnostic testing (DTC) market, DTC goes far beyond COVID-19 testing. This rapid transition to a digital workflow includes every step, from sample collection to analysis and archiving of final results. Therefore, owing to the growing interest in pharmacogenetics and rising adoption of telehealth, DTC genetic testing is becoming convenient, accessible, and effective, which is expected to boost the market growth in the future. Order a Copy of this Report at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00018484 Global Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Market: Segmental Overview The direct-to-consumer genetic testing market has been segmented on the basis of test type, technology, distribution channel, and geography. The market, by test type, is segmented into ancestry testing, nutrigenomics testing, predictive testing, carrier testing, and others. The ancestry testing segment held the largest market share in 2022, whereas the predictive testing segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during 20222030. Based on technology, the market is classified into whole genome sequencing, single nucleotide polymorphism chips, targeted analysis, and others. The single nucleotide polymorphism chips segment held the largest market share in 2022, and the same is estimated to register the highest CAGR during 20222030. Based on distribution channel, the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market is categorized into online and offline. In 2022, the online segment held a larger share of the market and is anticipated to register a higher CAGR in the market during 20222030. Go through further research published by The Insight Partners: Genetic Testing Services Market - Global Analysis and Forecast to 2027 Prenatal and Newborn Genetic Testing Market - Global Analysis and Forecast to 2027 About Us: The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Dublin, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Online Food Delivery Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The North America online food delivery market size reached US$ 29.8 Billion in 2022. Looking forward, the market is set to reach US$ 64.8 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% during 2023-2028 The growing number of food outlets selling healthy and nutritious meals, rising preferences for quick access to food at affordable prices, and increasing adoption of enhanced delivery services are some of the major factors propelling the market. Online food delivery comprises the process of ordering food via digital platforms, such as websites or mobile applications, and having it delivered to a location within a short time. It enables individuals to browse through an extensive range of menus and a variety of restaurants, fast food joints, and cafes to purchase their preferred meals. It also helps businesses eliminate the hassle of incorporating dine-in facilities in their business models. Furthermore, as online food delivery assists restaurants and food joints in conducting real-time expense monitoring, its demand is rising in the North American region. At present, the increasing demand for online food delivery, as it is convenient and offers efficient customer and order management, represents one of the crucial factors impelling the growth of the market in North America. Besides this, the rising preference for quick access to food at affordable prices is contributing to the growth of the market in the region. In addition, the considerable reliance on smartphones, along with the availability of high-speed internet, is offering a favorable market outlook in North America. Apart from this, the increasing availability of heavy discounts, rewards, cashback, and coupon codes on various online food delivery apps and websites is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, the rising emergence of cloud kitchens and virtual restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines is strengthening the growth of the market in North America. North America Online Food Delivery Market Trends/Drivers: Rising demand for convenient food stimulating market growth At present, the preferences of consumers are more towards ordering food online rather than preparing meals at home as it is more convenient and saves a lot of time. Besides this, online food delivery enables individuals to go through a wide variety of menus from numerous restaurants and cafes and select what they want. It also helps working individuals eliminate the hassle of cooking or traveling to a restaurant and allows them to order their preferred meals and get them delivered to their homes or workplace. Furthermore, online food delivery provides various discount coupons and lucrative offers, which is catalyzing its demand in North America. Increasing food outlets that sell healthy and nutritious meals is catalyzing demand for online food delivery Presently, food outlets and quick service restaurants are diversifying their menu by incorporating various healthy meal options for health-conscious consumers, fitness enthusiasts, and gym goers in North America. They are enabling individuals to curate their own salads by selecting ingredients for monitoring their calorie intake. They are also selling low-calorie dishes which are primarily roasted or grilled instead of deep fried. Besides this, online food delivery businesses in the region are presenting various subscription-based models wherein individuals can select a meal plan comprising healthy dishes, along with the details of calories and other nutrients for the whole week or a month. Rising adoption of enhanced delivery services augmenting market growth Online food delivery businesses in North America are adopting enhanced delivery services that claim to deliver orders within a specified period. Enhanced delivery services focus on optimizing delivery times by improving logistics, route planning, and employing efficient delivery networks. They are ideal for individuals who are hungry and want their meals promptly or for those who have time constraints and need their food delivered quickly. They also enable consumers to track their orders from the moment they are placed until they arrive at their doorstep. This transparency instills confidence in customers, as they can monitor the progress and status of their deliveries and estimate the exact time of arrival. Mobile applications represent the largest market share The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the North America online food delivery market based on the platform type. This includes mobile applications and websites. According to the report, mobile applications represented the largest segment as they provide limited and isolated functionality and often use location-based features. They also enable individuals to buy food online by browsing through an extensive list of restaurants and food joints offering a wide variety of dishes. Websites are a collection of files accessed via a web address, covering a particular theme or subject, and managed by a particular cafe or restaurant. They enable food service companies to take orders from their customers directly without the involvement of any third-party business or platform. Websites also allow them to conduct marketing campaigns to promote their services and products among potential customers. Order focused food delivery system accounts the majority of the market share A detailed breakup and analysis of the North America online food delivery market based on the business model have also been provided in the report. This includes order focused food delivery system, logistics based food delivery system, and full-service food delivery system. According to the report, order focused food delivery system accounted for the largest market share as it enables customers to see the menu from various restaurants and food joints and place an order from the one which is appropriate for their choice and budget. It acts as a mediator between customers and various local restaurants. Logistic based food delivery system employs cab drivers or logistic service providers to pick up food orders from quick service restaurants and deliver them to the doorstep of the buyers. Full service food delivery system ensures no third party is involved and employs their own in-house chefs to prepare the dishes. They also have in-house couriers or delivery personnel to deliver the ordered food to the doorstep of the customers on time. They enable individuals to pre-order their food and deliver it on the specified date at the specified location. Online holds the biggest market share According to the report, online accounted for the largest market share as it is a convenient payment method that enables customers to pre-pay for orders remotely. It can be done via online payment platforms with the help of credit or debit cards, unified payments interface (UPI), and net banking. It is a cashless mode of payment and often provides various cashback offers and lucrative discounts to payers. Cash on delivery method enables individuals to pay for their orders after they receive them. It allows customers to trust a brand and prevent the risk of losing money. It also enables individuals to provide a tip to the delivery person for their service. United States exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest North America online food delivery market share United States held the biggest market share due to the rising preference of ordering food online instead of making home-cooked meals. Besides this, the growing reliance on smart devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to browse online menus and place orders, is propelling the growth of the market. In addition, increasing emergence of fast-food joints and quick service restaurants selling flavorful dishes at affordable prices are bolstering the online food delivery market in the region. Canada is estimated to expand further in this domain due to rising number of restaurants and food joints opting for online delivery systems to connect with a greater number of customers and increase their sales. Competitive Landscape: There is currently a rise in online food delivery on account of the increasing consumption of fast food, along with the rising demand for convenient food to eliminate the hassle of cooking. As a result, leading companies are offering regular discounts and offers to their customers for ordering online. They are also focusing on improving various aspects of their apps, such as incorporating customer review sections, real-time tracking of orders, and enabling individuals to book tables through their apps. Besides this, they are planning on developing menus catering to vegan and vegetarian customers consisting of various flavorful dishes made with plant-based ingredients. Top companies are adopting sustainable packaging solutions for their food products and offering super-fast delivery of orders. The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the North America online food delivery market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kban5b 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 Wilmington, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Market Definition, Market Scope, and Report Overview Seed coating compounds are used to improve seed performance, protect them from diseases and pests, improve handling qualities, and increase total yield potential. These materials form a thin covering surrounding the seed and contain insecticides, fungicides, nutrients, growth promoters, and colorants. Pesticides and fungicides are frequently used in seed coatings to protect seeds from soil-borne illnesses and insect attacks during the early stages of growth. This protection helps to increase plant survival rates and provide healthier crops. Continuous research and development in seed coating technologies has resulted in the development of sophisticated materials that provide nutrients and active substances in a targeted manner. These advancements improve the overall performance of coated seeds. According to a deep-dive market assessment by RationalStat, the global seed coating materials market has been analyzed on the basis of market segments, including type, crop type, application and geography/regions (including North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific) . The report also offers global and regional market sizing for the historical period of 2019-2022 and the forecast period of 2023-2030. . 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 global seed coating materials market covers market sizes on the basis of market value (US$/EUR Million) and volume (Units) by various products/services/equipment, demand assessment across the key regions, customer sentiments, price points, cost structures, margin analysis across the value chain, financial assessments, historical and forecast data, key developments across the industry, import-export data, trade overview, components market by leading companies, etc. In addition, the long-term sector and products/services 10-year outlook and its implications on the global seed coating materials market. It also includes the industry's current state Production Levels, Capacity Utilization, Tech quotient, etc. Key information will be manufacturing capacity by country, installed base, import volumes, market size, key players, market size, dynamics, market data, insights, etc. Request A Customization- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/global-seed-coating-materials-market/#tab-ux_global_tab Global Seed Coating Materials Market: Segmental and Market Share Analysis On the basis of crop type, cereals and grain segment is expected to dominate the global seed coating materials market with 40% market share. On the basis of region, North America is expected to dominate the global seed coating materials market by 34% of total market share. Report Synopsis Report Metrics Details Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Base Year Market Size US$ 1,923.4 million Market Size Forecast US$ 3,323.9 million Growth Rate 8.1% Key Market Drivers Increasing demand for enhancing seed performance Rising demand for food and other agricultural goods Companies Profiled Syngenta BASF SE Bayer CropScience Nufarm Limited Valent BioSciences Corporation Explore more about this report- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/global-seed-coating-materials-market/#tab-ux_global_tab Competition Analysis and Market Structure Market players adopt various strategies in order to reinforce their market share and gain a competitive edge over other competitors in the market. Mergers & acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations, and product launches are some of the strategies followed by industry players. Some of the key developments in the global seed coating materials market include, In February 2022, Croda International collaborated with Xampla to develop a 100% biodegradable seed coating that is devoid of microplastics in nature. This collaboration will assist Croda International in maintaining its leadership position in the seed coating material market. Some of the prominent players and suppliers operating and contributing significantly to the global seed coating materials market growth include Syngenta, BASF, Bayer CropScience, Nufarm Limited, and Valent BioSciences Corporation, among others. Get A Free Sample- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/global-seed-coating-materials-market/#tab-ux_global_tab RationalStat has segmented the global seed coating materials market based on type, crop type, application and region Global Seed Coating Materials Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Type Polymers Clays Waxes Others Global Seed Coating Materials Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Crop Type Grain and Cereal Oilseed Fruit and Vegetable Other Crop Types Global Seed Coating Materials Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Application Agriculture Horticulture Global Seed Coating Materials Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Region North America Seed Coating Materials Market US Canada Latin America Seed Coating Materials Market Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Western Europe Seed Coating Materials Market Germany UK France Spain Italy Benelux Nordic Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Seed Coating Materials Market Russia Poland Hungary Other CIS Countries Rest of Eastern Europe Asia Pacific Seed Coating Materials Market China Japan India South Korea Australia ASEAN Indonesia Thailand Philippines Vietnam Malaysia Rest of ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Seed Coating Materials Market GCC Saudi Arabia (KSA) United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rest of the GCC South Africa Nigeria Turkey Rest of the Middle East & Africa For more information about this report, visit: https://store.rationalstat.com/store/global-seed-coating-materials-market/ Key Questions Answered in the Seed Coating Materials Report: What will be the market value of the global seed coating materials market by 2030? What is the market size of the global seed coating materials market? What are the market drivers of the global seed coating materials market? What are the key trends in the global seed coating materials market? Which is the leading region in the global seed coating materials market? What are the major companies operating in the global seed coating materials market? What are the market shares by key segments in the global seed coating materials market? Explore Our Trending Reports Research Methodology RationalStat has developed a state-of-the-art research methodology to crunch numbers and provide the best possible real-time insights to clients. We combine a varied range of industry experience, data analytics, and experts viewpoint to create a research methodology for market sizing and forecasting. RationalStat combines a mix of secondary sources as well as primary research to assess the market size and develop a forecast. Key steps involved in accurately deriving the market numbers are: Defining the problem by understanding the type of market and data required by the client. Data gathering and collection through relevant paid databases, publicly available sources, company reports, annual reports, surveys, and interviews. Formulating a hypothesis to create market numbers, forecasts, influencing factors, and their relevance. Evaluating and analyzing the data by referring to data sources utilized and leveraged. Validating, interpreting, and finalizing the data by combining the details gathered from primary and secondary sources with the help of experienced analysts. Download Key Insights and Market Data - Raise a Query About RationalStat LLC RationalStat is an end-to-end global market intelligence and consulting company that provides comprehensive market research reports, customized strategy, and consulting studies. The company has sales offices in India, Mexico, and the US to support global and diversified businesses. The company has over 80 consultants and industry experts, developing more than 850 market research and industry reports for its report store annually. RationalStat has strategic partnerships with leading data analytics and consumer research companies to cater to the clients needs. Additional services offered by the company include consumer research, country reports, risk reports, valuations and advisory, financial research, due diligence, procurement and supply chain research, data analytics, and analytical dashboards. Contact RationalStat LLC Kimberly Shaw, Content and Press Manager sales@rationalstat.com US Phone: +1 302 803 5429 UK Phone: +44 203-287-1245 Latest innovations in heart screening procedures enable patients to take ownership of their cardiovascular health KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) present a substantial global health concern, and Malaysia, is not immune to this health issue. As reported by the World Health Organization, CVDs contribute to nearly 25% of all fatalities in the country. However, the silver lining lies in early detection, which can potentially prevent fatal outcomes. To aid in the early identification of potential CVDs, five hospitals in Malaysia, namely, Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) in Klang, Selangor; Cardio Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) in Kuala Lumpur; Mahkota Heart Centre in Melaka; and Sunway Medical Centre in Selangor, have adopted innovative screening procedures as part of their commitment to advancing cardiovascular health in the country. BTMC has initiated the first Inclisiran treatment in the country, offering hope to patients with challenging high LDL-Cholesterol cases. Dr. Yew Kuan Leong, Consultant Cardiologist at BTMC, stresses the importance of early cardiac screening and appropriate prevention in the fight against heart disease. "Elevated LDL-Cholesterol levels is a major risk factor for heart disease and can remain high despite adequate oral cholesterol-lowering drugs. This places them at higher risk of cardiovascular events. To combat this, the use of cutting-edge therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors and siRNA-based treatments is crucial," says Dr. Yew. CVSKL, a dedicated centre of excellence for cardiovascular care, is the first centre in Southeast Asia to introduce the revolutionary Revolution Apex CT scan. This lightning-fast scanner captures detailed images in a single heartbeat, utilising advanced technology to produce high-resolution images with the lowest radiation dose. "Early detection allows for early intervention, and thus, a better outcome. The Complex High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Procedure (CHIP) programme uses highly innovative and advanced technologies to deliver the most precise outcomes," says Dr. Al Fazir Omar, Consultant Cardiologist at CVSKL. Mahkota Heart Centre, Melakas leading provider of comprehensive cardiac care, offers regular community screenings through the MyHeart programme, launched in 2021. For symptomatic individuals, we provide one-stop CT scan and echo treadmill packages, cardiologist diagnosis, and treatment, says Dr. Ang Eng Lip, Senior Cardiologist at Mahkota Medical Centre. A key standout feature is their Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory, located in the Operation Theatre Complex, ensuring a sterile environment, and reducing the risk of infection. Sunway Medical Centre Penang offers a one-stop centre for heart screening, where patients can conveniently undergo all necessary tests with confidence, under the guidance of their team of dedicated professionals. We believe actively involving patients in their own well-being plays an important role in ensuring good long-term cardiovascular health. Creating public awareness, promoting health consciousness and good screening programmes will empower patients to take charge of their own health, which may eventually translate into better compliance on medical care, says Dr. Khaw Chee Sin, Consultant Physician & Interventional Cardiologist at Sunway Medical Centre Penang. Innovative screening procedures are pivotal in promoting cardiovascular health in Malaysia, positioning the country at the forefront of global healthcare excellence. With a commitment to cutting-edge medical science, Malaysian healthcare providers employ advanced technologies and therapies to combat heart disease. Malaysia's distinctive feature lies in its dedication to early detection and intervention, ensuring better patient outcomes. Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), the agency dedicated to facilitating and promoting the growth of the healthcare travel industry, welcomes and commends the innovative enhancements implemented by hospitals. The agency recognises the significance of these innovations in fostering trust and capturing the interest of healthcare travellers seeking treatment in Malaysia. Beyond exceptional medical services, Malaysia offers a unique blend of healthcare and tourism, where patients and their families not only receive world-class care but also have the opportunity to explore the country's culture, natural beauty, and vibrant cities. This fusion of healthcare and tourism makes Malaysia the ultimate destination for cardiovascular treatment and memorable travel experiences. To learn more about World Heart Day and for more information on Malaysia Healthcare and its services, please visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org.my or visit our social feeds at: www.facebook.com/MHTCMalaysia or at LinkedIn (Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council). For media enquiries: Tutie Ismail Vice President Communications Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council tutie@mhtc.org.my Chandrika Bhaskaran Senior Manager Public Relations & Content Communications Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council chandrika.b@mhtc.org.my ABOUT THE MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE TRAVEL COUNCIL The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is a government agency under the Ministry of Health Malaysia that has been entrusted with the responsibility of curating the countrys healthcare travel scene, making it a key export service industry. Founded in 2009, MHTC works to streamline industry players and service providers in facilitating and growing Malaysias healthcare travel industry under the brand Malaysia Healthcare with the intended goal of making Malaysia the leading global healthcare destination. MHTC works closely with over 90 private healthcare facilities in Malaysia, who are registered members of MHTC. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0d4c6f2-ccfc-4739-87bb-6e170ebbb67e The Management Board of AB Linas Agro Group (the Company) on 6 October 2023 approved the Consolidated Annual Report of the Company for the financial year 2022/2023 with its Annexes, including the Companys Remuneration Report, and submits it to the Meeting of Companys shareholders together with the Companys Audit Committee Activity Report, the Companys and consolidated set of financial statements and the Distribution of the Companys Profit (Loss). The Board of the Company also approved and submits draft decisions and documentation of the convened Annual General Meeting of the Company's Shareholders. In the event of the resignation of a member of the Audit Committee, the Board proposes to the Shareholders' Meeting the nomination of a new member of the Audit Committee. The Management Board of the Company proposes to allocate EUR 4,169,125 to dividends (what makes EUR 0.026 per share). The Annual General Meeting of the Companys Shareholders will take place on 27 October 2023 at 10.00 a.m., Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel, Hall Sonata (Didzioji St. 35/2, Vilnius, Lithuania). The notice about it was published on 5 October 2023 (link to it https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=bf88d6f63e3d13f9aae7d7c987133ae0f&lang=en The Supervisory Board of the Company, having familiarized itself with the information provided by the Company's CEO and the Board and taking into account the Companys Audit Committee Activity Report and the Audit firm's conclusion, made its decisions and submits them to the Company's shareholders: 1. Approve the Consolidated Annual Report of the Company for the financial year 2022/2023 with its annexes. 2. Propose to the Company's shareholders to approve the consolidated and the Companys set of financial statements for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. 3. To propose to the Company's shareholders to approve the presented Distribution of the Companys Profit (Loss). 4. Offer to the Company's shareholders to elect UAB ERNST & YOUNG BALTIC (code 110878442) as the Company's audit firm for 4 (four) years, determining the remuneration according to the description provided. The Supervisory Board gives a favorable opinion on the performance of the Company's CEO and the Management Board and provides the Company's shareholders with information on the activities of the Supervisory Board. Attached documents: The Company's Annual report with Annexes and the set of annual financial statements Independent auditor's report Audit Committee Activity Report Supervisory Board Activities Draft resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company General Voting Ballot Draft of the new version of the Company's Articles of Association CV of the candidate for the Audit Committee For further information please contact: Mazvydas Sileika, Chief Financial Officer of Linas Agro Group AB Mob. +370 619 19 403 E-mail m.sileika@linasagro.lt Attachments PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraken Kratom , a premier name in the Kratom industry, has just released a new state-of-the-art line of Nano Kratom Shots. Recognizing the need for a more concentrated, convenient, and nano-emulsified formula, the company presents a series of 4 new liquid Kratom shots, all crafted using this new innovative process. After extensive efforts, Krakens research and development team has harnessed a unique nano-emulsification process that enhances the bioavailability of active alkaloids found in these Kratom shots. This breakthrough ensures that consumers receive an optimized Kratom experience, without the need for synthetic additives or carbonation. Instead, they enjoy a naturally flavorful, robust, and unique Kratom shot. What is Nano Emulsification? Nano emulsification is an advanced process that transforms larger particles of a substance into nano-sized droplets, enhancing their solubility and absorption. This technique, prominent in sectors like food science, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, increases the surface area of active compounds, ensuring quicker and more efficient delivery. The result is not only a boost in the efficacy of products but also a visually appealing, stable mixture that resists separation, promising a prolonged shelf life and an enriched consumer experience. Spotlight on Nano Kratom Shots The Zenith NANO 250 Kratom Shot leads the new line, setting the gold standard for liquid Kratom. Not only does it suppress Kratoms inherently bitter profile with its organic flavors, but each 15ml bottle also contains an impressive 250mg of mitragynine. With three servings per bottle, each delivering 83.33mg, the Zenith NANO 250 is specifically crafted for seasoned Kratom connoisseurs. Nano 150 Liquid Kratom Shot: Now available in two distinctive flavors Curuba and Cappuccino. Whether you're seeking the refreshing tropical taste of curuba or the warm richness of cappuccino, each of these Kratom shots delivers 150mg of mitragynine, ensuring a harmonious and flavorful Kratom experience. Nanoberry Liquid Kratom Extract: A beginner-friendly choice, the Nanoberry Liquid shot delivers a delightful berry flavor, coupled with 56mg of mitragynine per bottle. Kraken Kratom remains dedicated to providing only the highest quality products. This commitment shines through in their innovative nanoemulsion technique, which ensures that the Kratom extract in each shot can be efficiently absorbed. Try Them Today & Experience the Difference Kraken Kratom invites everyone to sample the new liquid Kratom shots. With a commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, Kraken Kratom ensures that each shot offers a unique and unparalleled experience. Dive into the world of flavors, from Cappuccino to Curuba, and discover why Kraken Kratom remains a trusted name in the industry. We are pushing the boundaries with our new line of Nano Kratom shots," said Jenn Lauder, Director of Marketing at Kraken Kratom. "The nano-emulsification process, refined by our team, promises to deliver an elevated Kratom experience for our customers. At Kraken, we're not just keeping up with industry standards we're setting them. About Kraken Kratom: Kraken Kratom is a family-owned herbal products company based in Portland, Oregon. Specializing in the procurement and sale of botanicals such as kratom and kava, Kraken strives to provide consistent, high-quality products that conform to rigorous standards. Since 2014, Kraken has been a leader in the kratom industry, with a steadfast commitment to advocacy, compliance, and consumer safety. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dea524df-1a98-4267-9620-f678e18377f2 A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/61e6ce98-ca2e-4284-9a50-2b30a3b7378a Lugano, Switzerland, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stanislav Kondrashovs piece titled About the Legacy of Marie Curie , goes into the life and achievements of the legendary scientist. The article provides a detailed look at Curie's pioneering work in radioactivity, her enduring impact on the scientific community, and her role in breaking barriers for women in the field. The article starts by exploring Marie Curie's early years. Born Maria Sklodowska in 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, Curie demonstrated a passion for learning from a young age. According to Kondrashov, it was a significant feat for Curie to seek higher education at the Sorbonne in Paris during a time when this was predominantly a male domain. Stanislav goes on to highlight the romantic and academic partnership between Marie and Pierre Curie. This collaboration led to revolutionary work in the understanding of radioactivity, a term that Marie Curie coined. The commentary notes that one of the crucial points in Curie's career was the discovery of the elements radium and polonium. These discoveries revolutionized medical treatments and had far-reaching implications. As per Stanislav, Marie Curie's groundbreaking contributions were recognized with Nobel Prizes in both physics and chemistry. This achievement set her apart in the annals of scientific history and elevated the subject of radioactivity to a pivotal area of scientific research. Kondrashov also touches on the challenges and difficulties Curie faced, including skepticism and prejudice from the male-dominated scientific community. Moreover, the radioactive elements she discovered would eventually contribute to her untimely death due to radiation exposure. According to Kondrashov, Marie Curie's influence extended beyond her laboratory contributions. During World War I, she developed mobile radiography units, earning her the title "Mother of Radiology." Today, the Curie Institute in Paris continues its mission of exploring the potential of radiation in combatting cancer and stands as a testament to her pioneering work. Kondrashov concludes the article by encouraging readers to find inspiration in Marie Curie's perseverance and her impassioned approach to science. According to Stanislav, Curie's own words offer the best encapsulation of this: "We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. Marie Curies story is more than a list of scientific discoveries; its a tale of perseverance, resilience, and an insatiable curiosity about the world." For those interested in learning more, the full article, The Legacy of Marie Curie, is available for further reading at full article and watch the accompanying video . All are invited to take a look at Stanislavs social media channels and other blogs for more thought-provoking pieces. Links to Kondrashovs Social Media channels are readily available for further engagements and insights below. For more insights and content from Stanislav Kondrashov, visit www. stanislavkondrashov.com About Stanislav Kondrashov: Stanislav is a dedicated writer, consistently exploring subjects with depth and nuance. Stanislavs approach to sharing his experiences is a testament to his commitment to unveiling the stories and philosophies shaping our world. Furthermore, Kondrashov is a world traveler who appreciates every location's natural wonders. In his travels, Stanislav refined his interests and learned about his passions: architecture, art, history, and local cuisines. Stanislav values connection- both familial and civic. For more on Stanislav Kondrashov and to access additional writings, follow the links provided. Website: Stanislav Kondrashov Official Website Social Media and other related links: Twitter Facebook YouTube Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn Crunchbase Wiki MEDIA CONTACT: Contact Person: Stanislav Kondrashov Email: press@stanislavkondrashov.com Website URL: https://stanislavkondrashov.com/ Disclaimer: There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any security or any other product or service in this article. Moreover, nothing contained in this PR should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security, or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. It is your responsibility to determine whether any investment, investment strategy, security, or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. Consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific business, legal, or tax situation. For more info, please contact brandnewsproject@gmail.com. Attachment WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Late Thursday, 16 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives pushed back against the so-called Ending Agriculture Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, H.R. 4417/S. 2019, in a letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn G.T. Thompson, R-PA, and Ranking Member David Scott, R-GA, that Competitive Markets Action (CMA) and the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) worked to organize and execute. The letter, led by Reps. Andrew Garbarino, R-NY, David Valadao, R-CA, Mike Waltz, R-FL, and Nancy Mace, R-SC, was signed by Reps. Alex Mooney, R-WV, Carol Miller, R-WV, Early Buddy Carter, R-GA, Lance Gooden, R-TX, Mike Lawler, R-NY, Brian Fitzpatrick, R-PA, Young Kim, R-CA, Mike Garcia, R-CA, Tom Kean, R-NJ, Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ, Chris Smith, R-NJ, and Vern Buchanan, R-FL, and also backed by members of the National Dairy Producers Organization (NDPO), Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association (ALCPGA), Contract Poultry Growers Association of the Virginias (VA and WV), American Grassfed Association (AGA), and Kansas Cattlemens Association who all advocated against EATS in two lobbying summits in Washington D.C. to help defeat the measure. Leaders of the EATS Act, Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, have positioned the bill as a regulatory solution by reverting to federal overreach. If enacted, the consequences of EATS Act would be dire. The bill would invalidate hundreds of state and local agriculture laws that support family beef, dairy, egg, and pork producers, as well as hundreds of laws related to food safety and invasive pest control. We applaud Reps. Garbarino, Valadao, Waltz, and Mace and their colleagues for taking a stand against the EATS Act that would sellout American agriculture to China, said Marty Irby, President and CEO at Competitive Markets Action and Board Secretary at the Organization for Competitive Markets. "The Hinson-Marshall EATS Act is an assault on states rights thats backed by Smithfield, a wholly owned Chinese corporation that continues to rake in billions of dollars by oppressing and exploiting American family farmers. In August, a bipartisan group of 30 U.S. Senators submitted a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee leadership opposing the EATS Act, and a coalition of over 170 U.S. Representatives submitted another letter to Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member David Scott, citing their opposition to the bill. Following these letters, the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of Counties, and the National League of Cities also submitted letters, emphasizing the importance of avoiding preempting state level laws regarding agriculture production as well as a group of State Attorneys General led by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The opposition to the EATS Act, H.R.4417/S.2019, continues to garner widespread and diverse challengers, including conservative think tanks such as FreedomWorks and others. With the growing outrage over the EATS Act, the bill faces an uphill battle to be included in the Farm Bill. ### The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The foundation of the Organization for Competitive Markets is to fight for competitive markets in agriculture for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. True competition reduces the need for economic regulation. Our mission, and our duty, is to define and advocate the proper role of government in the agricultural economy as a regulator and enforcer of rules necessary for markets that are fair, honest, accessible and competitive for all citizens. Competitive Markets Action (CMA) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit based in Washington, D.C., that was formed with the mission of shaping policy to promote more regenerative and sustainable agriculture, and competitive markets in the U.S., and to defend against attacks on states rights by the federal government. CMA works to raise awareness of the harm caused by multinational conglomerates to the American family farmer, the consumer and our U.S. economy as a whole in an effort to bring about legislative and regulatory reforms. Attachments NEW YORK, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE: HE) between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important October 23, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Hawaiian Electric securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Hawaiian Electric class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=18336 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 23, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Hawaiian Electrics 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 Companys inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires; and (3) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Hawaiian Electric class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=18336 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com NEW YORK, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of investors of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO) resulting from allegations that Clear Channel may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Clear Channel securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=19504 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On September 28, 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a press release announc[ing] that Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc. agreed to pay more than $26 million to resolve charges that it bribed Chinese government officials to obtain outdoor advertising contracts in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The press release further stated that Clear Channel violated the FCPA in connection with the actions of its agent, Clear Media Limited, which, at the relevant time, was a Clear Channel majority-owned subsidiary in China. The press release also stated that [s]pecifically, the order finds that, from at least 2012 through 2017, Clear Media bribed Chinese government officials to obtain contracts required to sell advertising services to public and private sector clients for display on public bus shelters and other outdoor displays. The press release continued to state [i]n addition, the order finds that Clear Media used sham intermediaries and false invoices to generate cash for off-book customer development consultants engaged to win advertising business from government and private customers. Finally, the press release stated that [t]he order further finds that, from at least 2012 through 2019, Clear Channel failed to ensure that sufficient internal accounting controls were in place at Clear Media. On this news, Clear Channels stock price fell 3% to close at $1.58 per share on September 29, 2023. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com TORONTO, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: OSP, OSP.PR.A) Brompton Funds Limited (Brompton or the Manager), announces that it will hold a special meeting (the Meeting) of holders of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares (the Shareholders) of Brompton Oil Split Corp. (the Fund). The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and vote upon an extraordinary resolution to implement amendments to update and modernize the investment objectives and investment restrictions of the Fund among other things (the Amendments). The Fund currently invests in a portfolio of equity securities of large capitalization North American oil and gas issuers, primarily focused on those with significant exposure to oil. The Manager believes that the oil and gas industry continues to be an attractive area for investment, however, the number of companies that currently qualify for inclusion in the Funds portfolio has decreased by approximately 25% since the Funds initial public offering in February 2015 as a result of consolidation within the industry and a decline in the number of oil and gas issuers included in the S&P 500 Index and S&P/TSX Composite Index. Given the changing business and investment environment, oil and gas companies are seeking to diversify their operations over the course of the next decade beyond traditional oil and gas operations which may further limit the investment opportunities that the Fund will have given its current investment restrictions and guidelines. The Manager proposes to expand the investment universe of the Fund from oil and gas issuers listed in the S&P 500 Index and S&P/TSX Composite Index to a portfolio of equity securities of dividend-paying global energy issuers, which may include companies operating in energy subsectors and related industries such as oil and gas exploration and production, equipment, services, pipelines, transportation, infrastructure, utilities, and renewables, among others. In addition, the Manager proposes that the Fund be permitted to hold up to 25% of its total assets in other global natural resource companies which include companies that own, explore, mine, process or develop natural resource commodities or supply goods and services to those companies. The Manager believes that the Amendments will enhance the Funds long-term returns as well as provide the following benefits: (a) Expanded Investment Universe The Manager estimates that the Funds investable universe would increase significantly to approximately three times larger than its current universe. (b) Increased Opportunity for Capital Appreciation An expanded investment universe will provide additional opportunities to increase the value of the Funds portfolio which in turn could result in a higher net asset value for the Class A Shares and potentially result in the Fund being able to make monthly cash distributions to the holders of Class A Shares. Holders of Preferred Shares will also benefit from the Amendments if there is an increase in the net asset value of the Class A Shares which will provide greater asset coverage for the Preferred Shares. (c) Increased Opportunity for Call Writing The Fund is permitted to write covered call options on the securities held in its portfolio, accordingly, by expanding the Funds investment universe the Manager will have more opportunities to write covered call options and potentially generate additional returns for the Fund. (d) Portfolio Diversification Diversifying the Funds portfolio holdings should reduce the volatility of the Funds portfolio and mitigate the potential for large declines in the net asset value per Class A Share. In addition, the management fee payable by the Fund will remain unchanged and will not be increased. As a result of the changes described above, the Manager is also proposing to change the name of the Fund to Brompton Energy Split Corp. and the ticker symbols in respect of the Funds Class A Shares and Preferred Shares to ESP and ESP.PR.A, respectively. A special meeting of Shareholders will be held on December 5, 2023 to consider and vote on the proposed Amendments. Shareholders of record at the close of business on November 3, 2023 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting. If approved, the Manager expects to implement the Amendments as soon as possible following the Meeting. Details of the proposed Amendments will be further outlined in the Funds notice of meeting and management information circular that will be prepared and delivered to Shareholders in connection with the Meeting and will be available on www.sedarplus.ca. About Brompton Funds Founded in 2000, Brompton is an experienced investment fund manager with income focused investment solutions including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other TSX traded investment funds. For further information, please contact your investment advisor, call Bromptons investor relations line at 416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001), email info@bromptongroup.com or visit our website at www.bromptongroup.com. You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of an investment fund on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative Canadian trading system (an exchange). If the shares are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying shares of an investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the Fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in the public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to matters disclosed in this press release and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Fund, to the future outlook of the Fund and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Fund. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as may, will, should, expect, plan, anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, predict, potential, continue or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Belleville, Illinois, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicares annual open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, is designed to empower individuals to select a plan that aligns with their healthcare necessities. However, the plethora of options can sometimes be daunting, according to Allsup, a nationwide provider of disability and Medicare plan selection services, whose healthcare benefits experts assist individuals with selecting the Medicare coverage that matches their needs. Choosing a Medicare plan is a significant decision that has a direct impact on an individuals health and finances. Its imperative to make an informed choice by considering various factors that align with ones healthcare priorities, said Bethany Cissell, Allsup Account Executive and healthcare benefits expert. This is especially critical when workers are eligible for both their employer group health plan and Medicare, in terms of comparing the advantages that Medicare may offer them, Cissell said. More U.S. workers are delaying retirement and reaching Medicare-eligibility while still working as detailed in a recent survey. 10 Questions To Guide Medicare Choices Allsup healthcare benefit experts are committed to assisting individuals in finding the most cost-effective Medicare plan that caters to their specific needs. Cissell suggested starting with the identification and prioritization of your needs. Here are 10 important questions to guide you: What are the different Medicare plans available in my area? Depending on your location, you might have access to numerous plans, including traditional Medicare, Medigap Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Its essential to explore all available options to make an informed decision. How does the plan address my pre-existing conditions? For example, Medigap generally does not cover pre-existing conditions if you do not qualify for a Guaranteed-Issue Right. However, Medicare Advantage plans are mandated to provide coverage for these conditions. Understanding the nuances can help in selecting a plan that best suits your health needs. Is my preferred doctor included in the plans network? Its important to verify whether your preferred healthcare providers are part of the plans network. This information can be crucial in deciding between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. What kind of prescription drug coverage does the plan offer? Analyze the prescription drug coverage provided by the plan, including the associated costs and the extent of medication coverage. Resources like the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage can offer insights into various plans offerings. Does the plan cover essential medical equipment? Ensure that the plan covers necessary medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hospital beds. Comparing the offerings of traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans can provide a clearer picture. What additional services like dental, vision, and hearing does the plan cover? Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extended coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care. You may want to prioritize these additional services while choosing a plan. What are the premium costs associated with the plan? Understanding the premium costs, along with other out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays and deductibles, can aid in selecting a plan that aligns with your financial capabilities. Are there any other potential costs I should be aware of? Be cognizant of other potential costs such as deductibles and co-insurance that might be associated with the plan. These costs can significantly affect your overall healthcare budget. How are the plans rated? Consider the ratings provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to gauge the overall quality of the plans. These ratings are based on various factors, including the efficiency in illness prevention and the responsiveness in handling appeals. What happens if I dont make a choice during the enrollment period? Understanding the implications of not choosing a plan during the enrollment period can prevent potential penalties and surcharges in the future. Medicare plan selection services are available to help individuals make healthcare buying decisions during Medicare open enrollment, including as a component of employers benefits programs in order to support their Medicare-eligible employees. As individuals navigate through these questions, its vital to pinpoint their priorities, which can significantly streamline the selection process, Cissell said. Find more information from Allsup about healthcare selection services, and Medicare selection assistance as part of employers benefits programs online. To reach an Allsup healthcare benefit expert, call 1 (888) 271-1173. ABOUT ALLSUP Allsup and its subsidiaries provide nationwide Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, return to work, and healthcare benefits services for individuals, their employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. Learn more at Allsup.com and @Allsup or download a free PDF of Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance: Getting It Right The First Time. Attachment OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oklahoma City Community College remains committed to expanding its footprint as an emerging Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI) through dedicated events around Hispanic Heritage Month 2023. "Oklahoma City Community College proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, said OCCC President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones. "We are honored to partner with several community groups to promote the leadership, achievements, culture and heritage of the Hispanic community in our state." OCCC partnered with the Oklahoma Hispanic Institute to recognize the states Top 40 Hispanic leaders on Sept. 13. The luncheon event, held at the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center atrium, welcomed more than 250 guests, including Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt who addressed the crowd. For the first time in the history of the state of Oklahoma, Hispanic leaders came together to celebrate and acknowledge the success, history and future ambitions of our Hispanic communities statewide, said Oklahoma Hispanic Institute Founder and Chairman Fred Mendoza. Three OCCC employees Lemuel Bardeguez, director of cultural programs; Dr. Juanita Ortiz, vice president for academic affairs; and Robert Ruiz, chief technology and innovation officer were recognized among the Top 40 honorees, and OCCC President Mautra Staley Jones received a Vision Award. On Sept. 17, OCCC hosted Fiestas Patrias 2023 on campus for more than 10,000 attendees. The event began with a Cabalgata (cavalcade), followed by presentations of dances, culture and history from several other Latin-American countries that celebrate their Fiestas Patrias or Independence. Consul General of Mexico in Oklahoma City Edurne Nerea Pineda Ayerbe presided over the official ceremony of "El Grito," one of the many features of the free community event, held at OCCC for the second consecutive year. Dr. Jones addressed the Fiestas Patrias crowd in Spanish. "We are happy to see so many people here; our community is the pillar that supports this college," she said. "I want to emphasize that at OCCC, we are committed to continuing cultural events like this one. We believe they are crucial in strengthening our community." As a sponsor, OCCC supported the Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA) annual luncheon on Sept. 27. The organizations mission is to improve the quality of life in the Latino community through education, leadership, services and advocacy. OCCC also sponsored Fiestas de la Americas, one of the largest Latino festivals in the Oklahoma City metro, held this year on Sept. 30. Since its inception in 2006, the FDLA Festival and Parade has been an annual event, scheduled in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. Community members from all sectors of the city enjoy this daylong festival on SW 25th St., which is filled with the colors, sights and sounds that describe many Latin American cultures. "OCCC is community-focused, said Dr. Jones. As an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), serving the multifaceted educational needs of the Hispanic population in Oklahoma is a high priority at our institution. About Oklahoma City Community College Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the OKC Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students, we are committed to producing leaders. Student Success, Community Enrichment is our mission as we offer more than 60 degree and certificate programs that provide a steppingstone to further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose. Visit us at occc.edu . Attachment Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS) (TSX: PAAS) ("Pan American") has temporarily suspended all operating activities at its La Colorada mine in Mexico due to security concerns at the mine site and the surrounding area. In the early hours of October 5, 2023, the operation experienced an armed robbery of two trailers of concentrate. There were no physical injuries to our personnel in connection with the incident. In response to the current security situation in the area and Pan American's priority to protect the safety and security of our personnel, Pan American has temporarily suspended operations, project work and exploration at La Colorada. The mine site is currently secure, and Pan American has activated care and maintenance activities while it works with state and federal authorities regarding this incident. The suspension will continue until Pan American determines it is appropriate to resume operations. Pan American will provide an update on the situation as more information becomes available. About Pan American Silver Pan American Silver is a leading producer of precious metals in the Americas, operating silver and gold mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. We also own the Escobal mine in Guatemala that is currently not operating, and we hold interests in exploration and development projects. We have been operating in the Americas for nearly three decades, earning an industry-leading reputation for sustainability performance, operational excellence and prudent financial management. We are headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. and our shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PAAS". Learn more at panamericansilver.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the ongoing safety and security of the La Colorada mine site and surrounding area and whether such safety and/or security will improve; the duration of the suspension of operating activities; the impact of the theft and the resulting suspension on the business of Pan American, both operationally and financially; and the ability of Pan American to maintain the safety and security of the La Colorada mine site and whether any other such incidents may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements and information reflect Pan American's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Pan American, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: the ability of Pan American to work with state and federal authorities in Mexico in connection with the incident, and to determine it is appropriate to resume operations. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Pan American cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and Pan American has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: those factors identified under the caption "Risks Related to Pan American's Business" in Pan American's most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks of the Business" in Yamana's most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively. Although Pan American 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, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's current views of our near- and longer term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Pan American does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005126903/en/ Contact Siren Fisekci VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Ph: 604-806-3191 Email: ir@panamericansilver.com Vast Resources Plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining 6 October 2023 Vast Resources Plc ('Vast' or the 'Company') Placing to raise 1,819,350 Issue of Equity and TVR Company Update Vast Resources Plc, the AIM-listed mining company, announces that it has raised 1,819,350 gross through a placing (the 'Placing') of 933,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.1p in the Company ('Ordinary Shares') at a price of 0.195p per Ordinary Share (the 'Placing'). The Placing was undertaken by the Company's joint broker, Axis Capital Markets Ltd ('Axis'). The net cash raised from the Placing will be used for working capital and to ensure the Company can meet its current corporate obligations both in Romania and at a corporate level. At the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania ("Baita Plai") funds will also be applied to bridging any unforeseen operational related costs due to the recent protest action as well as to funding further expansion capital costs, the ongoing drilling programme and mine development costs. Baita Plai The Company is pleased to announce it has now commenced commercial production of the lead/zinc concentrate. Drilling continues at a rapid rate to enable the Company to extend the licence in 2024 and increase the resource. The Company is also advancing underground development as drill results highlight mineral rich areas in new locations that were not part of the current mine plan. The Company will be updating the market regarding the Q3 2023 Production Report in the coming weeks. Tajikistan Further to the announcement made on 12 April 2023, the Company is pleased to report that the first commercial shipment of the lead/zinc concentrate to Trafigura will be completed this week with further shipments being planned. Funding Based on current strategy and updated expectations the Company does not believe it will need to raise further equity funding for the foreseeable future. Asset Backed Debt As stated in the announcement made on 4 October 2023, the Company has agreed an extension with Mercuria Energy Trading SA and Alpha Investments SARL to 30 November 2023 that should allow the additional time necessary to finalise the settlement of its historic claims outlined in previous announcements. The Company, once documentation is concluded, will make a further announcement. Admission of the Placing Shares & Total Voting Rights Application will be made to AIM for the Placing Shares, which will rank pari passu with existing Ordinary Shares, to be admitted to trading on AIM ('Admission') in two tranches. It is expected that Admission will become effective and dealing will commence in respect of 154,500,000 Shares on or around 12 October 2023 (the "First Admission") and Admission will become effective and dealing will commence in respect of the issue of 778,500,000 being the balance of the Placing Shares on or around 20 October 2023 (the "Second Admission"). The Placing is conditional on Admission. Following the First Admission, the total issued share capital of the Company will be 3,568,144,142 and following the Second Admission this will be 4,346,644,142. The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in Treasury and accordingly the above figures of 3,568,144,142 and 4,346,644,142 may then be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in Vast under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rule. Important Notices This announcement contains 'forward-looking statements' concerning the Company that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Generally, the words 'will', 'may', 'should', 'continue', 'believes', 'targets', 'plans', 'expects', 'aims', 'intends', 'anticipates' or similar expressions or negatives thereof identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Company's ability to control or estimate precisely. The Company cannot give any assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to have been correct. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements set out herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required. Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure Certain information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("UK MAR") until the release of this announcement. **ENDS** For further information, visit www.vastplc.com or please contact: Vast Resources Plc Andrew Prelea (CEO) Andrew Hall (CCO) www.vastplc.com +44 (0) 20 7846 0974 Beaumont Cornish - Financial & Nominated Advisor Roland Cornish James Biddle www.beaumontcornish.com +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited - Joint Broker Toby Gibbs / James Thomas (Corporate Advisory) www.shorecapmarkets.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7408 4050 Axis Capital Markets Limited - Joint Broker Richard Hutchinson www.axcap247.com +44 (0) 20 3206 0320 St Brides Partners Limited Susie Geliher www.stbridespartners.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7236 1177 ABOUT VAST RESOURCES PLC Vast Resources Plc is a United Kingdom AIM listed mining company with mines and projects in Romania, Tajikistan, and Zimbabwe. In Romania, the Company is focused on the rapid advancement of high-quality projects by recommencing production at previously producing mines. The Company's Romanian portfolio includes 100% interest in Vast Baita Plai SA which owns 100% of the producing Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine, located in the Apuseni Mountains, Transylvania, an area which hosts Romania's largest polymetallic mines. The mine has a JORC compliant Reserve & Resource Report which underpins the initial mine production life of approximately 3-4 years with an in-situ total mineral resource of 15,695 tonnes copper equivalent with a further 1.8M-3M tonnes exploration target. The Company is now working on confirming an enlarged exploration target of up to 5.8M tonnes. The Company also owns the Manaila Polymetallic Mine in Romania, which the Company is looking to bring back into production following a period of care and maintenance. The Company has also been granted the Manaila Carlibaba Extended Exploitation Licence that will allow the Company to re-examine the exploitation of the mineral resources within the larger Manaila Carlibaba licence area. Vast has an interest in a joint venture company which provides a share of revenue generated from the Takob Mine processing facility in Tajikistan. The Takob Mine opportunity, which is 100% financed, will provide Vast with a 12.25 percent royalty equivalent over all sales of non-ferrous concentrate and any other metals produced. Vancouver, October 6, 2023 - Medgold Resources Corp. (TSXV:MED)|(FRA:1XD) ("Medgold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its proposed acquisition (the "Acquisition") of Balkan Metals Corp. ("Balkan Metals"), a private British Columbia company which holds a portfolio of exploration licenses in Serbia, some of which are contiguous to Medgold's existing Serbian exploration permits. With mineral rights covering close to 1,000 square kilometres, the resulting company (to be renamed "Electrum Metals Group Corp." (the "Resulting Issuer")) will be the largest holder of highly prospective exploration ground in the Republic of Serbia. Subsequent to receiving shareholder approval, the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") has granted Medgold a 90 day extension of the deadline to close the Acquisition. In addition, Medgold announces that, as of August 23, 2023, Balkan Metals had received subscription agreements for 1,760,993 units of Balkan Metals (the "Units") to raise approximately $264,149, with each Unit being sold at a price of $0.15 per Unit in an interim financing (the "Interim Financing"). The Interim Financing is an extension to the Pre-Closing Financing of Balkan Metals, as disclosed in Medgold's information circular dated July 14, 2023. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of Balkan Metals and a share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") entitling the holder to purchase, subject to adjustment, one additional common share of Balkan Metals for a period of 2 years, at a price of $0.25 for the first year and a price of $0.30 for the second year, subject to acceleration. Following closing of the Acquisition, the Warrants will be assumed by the Resulting Issuer and adjusted in accordance with their terms to receive the same number of common shares of the Resulting Issuer. Balkan Metals used a portion of the proceeds of the Interim Financing to pay for the extension of some of Balkan Metals' licences, including the Luka license (forming part of the Timok East Project), to keep the Tlamino project in good standing and for other working capital requirements. As a result of the increased pre-closing financing, the Exchange requires Medgold and Balkan Metals to increase the size of financing to close concurrently with closing of the Acquisition (the "Concurrent Financing"). The Concurrent Financing will now be a minimum of 10,405,450 units to be sold at $0.20 to raise a minimum of $2,081,090. The parties are continuing to work closely together to satisfy the conditions precedent to completion of the Acquisition, primarily arranging the Concurrent Financing, the net proceeds of which will be used by the Resulting Issuer to fund exploration of its Serbian properties (principally, the Timok East Project) and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Trading in the Company's common shares continues to be halted and is expected to remain halted until completion of the Acquisition. About Medgold Resources Corp. Additional information on Medgold can be found on the Company's website at www.medgoldresources.com and by reviewing the Company's page on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Jeremy Crozier, President and CEO For Further Information, Contact: Jeremy Crozier (Vancouver), +1 604 801 5432, info@medgoldresources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and include, without limitation, statements regarding the proposed Acquisition transactions. Often, but not always, this forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medgold and the Resulting Issuer, to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, whether the Exchange will approve of the Acquisition and related transactions; whether the Acquisition will be completed as planned; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in Medgold's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under Medgold's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Medgold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Acquisition will be completed as planned; that the Resulting Issuer's stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Resulting Issuer or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking information has been made as of the date hereof and Medgold disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. 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 information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. VANCOUVER - October 6, 2023 (TSXV:NRG) (OTC:NRGOF) (Frankfurt:X6C) - Newrange Gold Corp. ("Newrange" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders held virtually on Thursday, October 5, 2023, shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favour of all items to be voted upon, including the proposed merger with ASX-listed Mithril Resources Ltd.. Of the 37,753,820 shares issued and outstanding, 11,946,974 shares, or 31.64% were voted at the meeting and all matters were passed with more than 99% in favour. On the previously announced transaction (Newrange News Release of May 25, 2023) whereby Newrange will acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Mithril Resources Ltd. ("Mithril") in a friendly business combination, shareholders voted 99.91% in favour. The arm's length transaction is being completed via a Scheme Implementation Deed (the "Scheme") and will be classified as a Reverse Take Over (the "RTO") under the TSX Venture Exchange RTO Policy 5.2. Newrange will remain as the resulting Tier 2 mining issuer, to be renamed Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp., and Mithril will be de-listed from the ASX. Details of the RTO are outlined in the Information Circular and the Scheme Booklet, both of which are available on the Newrange website here. All components of the RTO are subject to final TSXV approval and the Company notes that until all conditions precedent have been satisfied, there is no certainty that the Scheme will proceed. ABOUT NEWRANGE Newrange is an exploration company listed on the TSXV, with a focus on district-scale exploration for precious metals in the prolific Red Lake District of north-western Ontario, Canada. The past-producing high-grade Argosy Gold Mine is open to depth, while the adjacent North Birch Project offers additional discovery potential. Further information can be found on our website at www.newrangegold.com. Signed: "Robert Archer" President & CEO For further information contact: Email: info@newrangegold.com Tel.: +1 (877) 271-5886 ext. 110 Website: www.newrangegold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement: Some of the statements in this news release contain forward-looking information that involves inherent risk and uncertainty affecting the business of Newrange Gold Corp. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, October 06, 2023 - Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSXV:PEGA): (Frankfurt:OQS2), (OTC:SLTFF) (the "Company" or "Pegasus") is excited to announce the commencement of our 2023 mapping and sampling program on our Golden Project, which is comprised of three Properties along trend between Golden and Valemount, British Columbia. The 2023 exploration program will focus efforts on the Punch Bowl Property, following up on the encouraging results obtained during the 2021 prospecting campaign, which included the discovery of a 200 m copper trend at Punch Bowl, with sample 151871 reporting 0.70% Cu and 151888 1.68% Cu.. (See news release Jan 04, 2022). Further updates will be provided as we advance through our 2023 exploration program. "In 2021, our exploration efforts at Punch Bowl unveiled an exciting copper-bearing zone, approximately 200 meters in length," noted Chris Timmins, President and CEO of Pegasus. "Our 2023 program is designed to build upon the promising findings we unearthed in 2020 and 2021. The launch of our 2023 exploration program at Golden signifies our unwavering commitment to realizing the project's potential and deepening our comprehension as we delve into the Golden Project." Punch Bowl: The Punch Bowl Property consists of three mineral claims totalling 3,079 ha and is approximately 90 km NW of the Gold Mountain Property and 140 km NW of Golden, BC. The Property surrounds the historic Punch Bowl, showing where discrete quartz-gold veins are hosted within quartzites and pelites of the McNaughton Formation. 2021 Exploration Highlights: (see January 04, 2022 news release) A total of 37 samples were collected on the Punch Bowl Property. Click Image To View Full Size Discovery of a new copper mineralized zone located approximately 2.5 km southeast of the main gold zone (Figure 1). Of the 13 outcrop and float samples, six (6) samples returned values greater than 0.1% Cu and up to 1.68% Cu. Discovery of a new copper mineralized zone located approximately 2.5 km southeast of the main gold zone (Figure 1). Of the 13 outcrop and float samples, six (6) samples returned values greater than 0.1% Cu and up to 1.68% Cu. Figure 1 2020-2021 sample summary of the Punch Bowl Property Figure 2. Sample 151888 with sinuous copper mineralization, which consists of chalcopyrite-malachite native copper. Vertebrae Ridge: The Vertebrae Ridge Property is comprised of four claims encompassing about 5,324 ha (13,156 acres) roughly 81 kilometers northwest of Golden, BC. The exploration campaign during August 2021 resulted in the extension of known polymetallic mineralization trends, the confirmation of significant mineralization continuity at historically sampled locations and the discovery of the Canon Cu-Au Zone. The Company believes the newly discovered Canon Zone may be related to a large oval, alkaline intrusion located a short distance west of the mineralized area. 2021 Exploration Highlights: (see December 04, 2021 news release), Expanded Cu-Ag-Pb-Zn zone to at least 4,000 meters strike Crest Zone: 65 samples of rock and float samples were collected over nearly 4,000 meters strike of mineralized Copper Ag/Pb/Zn outcrop. Of the 65 samples: A total of 34 returned 1% Cu, and 22 samples 2% Cu. All samples averaged 2.7% Cu, the highest value is 29% Cu. A total of 22 returned 10 g/t Ag and 8 samples 30 g/t Ag. All samples averaged 16 g/t Ag and the highest value is 201 g/t Ag. Barrel Zone: Thirteen (13) copper-bearing carbonate vein samples collected over 1500+meter strike: Six (6) returned values 0.5% Cu and 3 samples 1% Cu. The samples averaged 0.87% Cu, the highest value is 5.06% Cu Cannon Zone: Twenty-six (26) samples collected over an area that is 500 meters wide by 1,100 meters strike length from a structurally controlled quartz-carbonate vein and breccia system bearing chalcopyrite-chalcocite mineralization: A total of 14 returned values 0.5% Cu and 9 samples 1% Cu. The samples averaged 1.03% Cu, with the highest value of 3.55% Cu Two (2) samples carry significant gold mineralization with 1.44 g/t Au and 4.22 g/t Au. Figure 3. 2021 program rock sample locations and mineralized trends. Gold Mountain: The Gold Mountain Property is an early-stage gold/silver property located approximately 50 km NW of Golden, BC, just north of Highway 1. The Property comprises two mineral claims over 802 ha and encompasses the historic Grizzly occurrence featuring gold and silver hosted within polymetallic quartz/carbonate veins. The Ag-Au-Pb-Zn-Cu-Sb mineralized system at Gold Mountain described in a prior news release (see January 13, 2021 news release) was extended from approximately 600 meters in length on surface to over 900 meters. The mineralized system is oriented southeast-northwest and is considered open in all directions. 2021 Exploration Highlights: (see January 04, 2022 news release) Extension of polymetallic mineralization from 600 meters to over 900 meters in strike length with sample 151659: 1.63% Cu, 76 g/t Ag, 2.34 g/t Au; Confirmation sampling of main zone with sample 151637: 0.37% Cu, 2260 g/t Ag, 0.99 g/t Au, 4.6% Zn; 7 samples collected for petrographic analysis and characterization of mineralization, textures and alteration. NI 43-101 Disclosure The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nathan Schmidt, P. Geo., Senior Geologist for Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, who has prepared and/or reviewed the content of this press release. About Pegasus Resources Inc. Pegasus Resources Inc. is a diversified Junior Canadian Mineral Exploration Company with a focus on uranium, gold, and base metal properties in North America. The Company is also actively pursuing the right opportunity in other resources to enhance shareholder value. For additional information, please visit the Company at www.pegasusresourcesinc.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors: Christian Timmins President, CEO and Director Pegasus Resources Inc. 700 - 838 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6 PH: 1-403-597-3410 X: https://twitter.com/MrChris_Timmins X: https://twitter.com/pegasusresinc E: info@pegasusresourcesinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning the Company's plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Click Image To View Full Size Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, October 6, 2023 - Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE:ELEM), (FSE:7YS), (OTC:ELMGF) ("Element" or the Company") is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing efforts to fulfill contractual commitments to the local Chachas community, as previously announced in a news release dated (September 12, 2023). These commitments are integral to securing the necessary permits for further exploration, with the goal of potential bulk sampling and revenue generation in 2024. Element79 Gold Corp.'s management team and contractors will be present in the Chachas community on October 6-8 for meetings and a formal donation ceremony, where the delivery of the piping to the Community of Chachas, Peru. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to nurturing positive relationships with local communities while upholding the highest standards of environmental and ethical responsibility in its exploration endeavors. The piping will play a vital role in redirecting water at La Jocha in Ticlla, a critical infrastructure project with far-reaching benefits for the entire community. "We express our sincere gratitude for the trust and support extended by the Community of Chachas," remarked James Tworek. "We eagerly anticipate further collaboration to foster a mutually beneficial partnership." Click Image To View Full Size Picture 1. - 3,000 metres of 8-inch piping mobilized from Arequipa to Chachas. October 5, 2023 In addition to the piping donation, Element79 Gold Corp. is actively engaged with the Community of Chachas in the development of a comprehensive plan for sustainable exploration and development at the Lucero project. This strategic plan prioritizes the minimization of environmental impact while maximizing the advantages to the local community. Element79 Gold Corp. reiterates its dedication to conducting environmentally responsible and sustainable exploration activities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the local community for mutual benefit. Element79 Gold Corp. is enthusiastic about its role within the Community of Chachas and eagerly anticipates further cooperative efforts to build a brighter, more sustainable future for all parties involved. For more information about Element79 Gold Corp and its subsidiary Synergy Metals Corp., please visit https://www.element79.gold About Element79 Gold Corp. Element79 Gold is a mining company focused on gold and silver committed to maximizing shareholder value through responsible mining practices and sustainable development of its projects. Element79 Gold's main focus is on developing its previously-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to bring it back into production in the near term. The Company also holds a portfolio of 5 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, with the Clover and West Whistler projects believed to have significant potential for near-term resource development. Three properties in the Battle Mountain Portfolio are under contract for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with an anticipated closing date around the end of 2023. The Company has also signed an Option Agreement to sell the Maverick Springs project, an advanced-stage exploratory property with an Inferred Resource of 3.71MMoz AuEq (1.37MMoz Au and 175MMoz Ag) and anticipates completing this sale before the end of 2023. In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent and funded a drilling program to acquire a private company that holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James. The Company also has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, and has recently announced that it has transferred this project to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp, and is advancing through the Plan of Arrangement spin-out process through the rest of 2023. For more information about the Company, please visit www.element79.gold Contact Information For corporate matters, please contact: James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer E-mail: jt@element79.gold For investor relations inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Department Phone: +1.613.879.9387 E-mail: investors@element79.gold Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press contains "forward looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or Element79 Gold Corp. or Synergy Metals Corp (hereinafter "the Company") future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward?looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward looking statements". Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements; risks related to the integration of acquisitions; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity prices; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; actual performance of plant, equipment or processes relative to specifications and expectations; accidents; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; changes in applicable legislation or application thereof; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; exchange rate fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation; environmental risks; reclamation expenses; outcomes of pending litigation; limitations on insurance coverage as well as those factors discussed in the Company's other public disclosure documents, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward?looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, Oct. 6, 2023 - OceanaGold Corp. (TSX: OGC) (OTCQX: OCANF) ("OceanaGold" or the "Company") will release its operational and financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2023, after market close on Wednesday October 25th, 2023. The results will be made available on the Company's website at www.oceanagold.com. Senior management will host a conference call / webcast to discuss the results on Thursday October 26th, 2023, at 9:00 am Eastern Time. Webcast Details: To register, please copy and paste the link into your browser: https://app.webinar.net/RGB2oWGoZV9 Conference Call Details: Toll-free North America: +1 888-390-0546 Toronto and International: +1 416-764-8688 If you are unable to attend the call, a recording will be made available on the Company's website. About OceanaGold OceanaGold is a growing intermediate gold and copper producer committed to safely and responsibly maximizing the generation of Free Cash Flow from our operations and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We have a portfolio of four operating mines: the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America; Didipio Mine in the Philippines; and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand. www.oceanagold.com | Twitter: @OceanaGold SOURCE OceanaGold Corp. Robust pre-tax NPV10%of approximately $764 million and 87.4% IRR on a nominal basis, October 6, 2022 - Tantalex Lithium Resources Corp. (CSE:TTX) (FSE:DW8) (OTC:TTLXF) ("Tantalex" or the "Corporation"), is pleased to report results from its Preliminary Economic Assessment (''PEA'')for its majority owned Manono Lithium Tailings project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The PEA was prepared by Sedgman Novopro of Montreal, Canada with Mineral Resource and Mining contributions from MSA Group in accordance with National instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). An NI 43-101 Technical Report will be prepared and posted on www.tantalexlithium.com and the Company's profile on www.SEDAR+.com within 45 days of the date of this news release.The key financial metrics are compelling, and the Company Board has recommended the Project to proceed to a Feasibility Study. Eric Allard, President and CEO commented: ''This PEA is perfectly aligned with the results of our Maiden Resource Report filed in January 2023. It was our decision to focus our efforts on completing this PEA as a priority which now allows us to progress on our Feasibility and ESIA Studies. We have sized the project scope in order to use existing infrastructures but as the Manono region develops into an important lithium mining region, we are confident that energy and logistics costs will significantly reduce. Additionally, we will pursue with our resource definition works to increase the Life of Mine on both the Tailings Property and our highly prospective hard rock lithium Pegmatite Corridor.'' Executive Summary Key metrics are shown below in Table 1 for the Manono PEA assume a weighted average lithium concentrate price of $2,800 USD/t FOB Africa, based on Fastmarkets average forecast price from 2025-2026 and adjusted for a 5.5% Li2O spodumene concentrate (SC 5.5) product. Lithium price forecast is discussed in more detail in Appendix 1. Table 1: Key Financial Metrics Click Image To View Full Size The PEA has been completed with the assistance of highly experienced and reputable independent consultants, including: Mineralresourcemodellingandestimation-MSA Group Flowsheetdevelopment,engineeringandcostestimation-Sedgman Novopro The PEA was completed to an overall estimating accuracy of +/-35% (Class 5 estimate) and has a base date of Q4 2023. The Project is based on a 112,167 tpa spodumene mining and processing operation with the Study demonstrating very strong financial metrics. The preliminary economic evaluation indicates the Manono Lithium Tailing Project will generate significant net cash flows over an initial 6-year life-of-mine (LOM) with a capital payback of 1 year following first production. Sensitivity analysis was completed to determine the impact of various factors on the project economics (see Figure 1). Lithium price has the largest influence on the Project financials. For every 10% increase in the lithium concentrate price, the project NPV10 increases by US$ 133 Million. The Project demonstrates it is resilient to capital escalation with a 10% increase in the total project capital cost, reducing the NPV10 by only US$ 14 Million. Figure 1: Sensitivity Diagram showing the impact of various sensitivities to the Project economics. Click Image To View Full Size Next Steps The results of the PEA study demonstrate that the Manono Lithium Tailings Project has the potential to be technically and economically viable as a producer of lithium spodumene concentrate. This section lists recommendations for updating the resource, optimizing the process flowsheet and completing a Feasibility Study (FS). Mineral Resource A strategy to drill the sloped area of the stacked tailings of the K deposit is currently being investigated, with the aim of providing sufficient data for higher confidence estimates for this material. This would allow to transfer these currently classified inferred resources into the Measured and indicated category. Recovery Methods Additional metallurgical testing will be performed during the FS as the bulk samples tested to date are not considered fully representative when compared with the core rejects samples presented in the MRE. New samples for K, G, and I dump, based on the existing drill hole rejects grade and granulometry, have been prepared and sent to laboratory for future metallurgical testing during the FS. There are several opportunities to optimize the process flowsheet by conducting additional testing of the representative samples. The testing will include as a minimum the following: Confirm DMS parameters on the representative samples; Confirm flotation parameters on the representative samples; Gravity separation for tin and tantalum concentrate recovery; Gravity separation of slimes (-106m) to recover spodumene, tin and/or tantalum; A technology trade-off for mica removal. Significant opportunities exist to increase the project robustness and financial metrics, notably: Energy to be taken from the nearby Piana Mwanga hydroelectric dam currently being refurbished Recovery of tin and tantalum contained in the tailings. The Feasibility Study execution is estimated at $4.0 million and involves additional exploration drilling, mineral processing test work, Geotechnical investigation, completion of the ESIA program, engineering and cost estimation producing an AACE Class 3 estimate. Predicated on a potentially positive FS outcome, an investment decision to develop the Manono Lithium Tailings Project is expected to occur in CY2024. Technical Summary - MANONO LITHIUM TAILINGS PEA Introduction Tantalex Lithium Resources Corp. (Tantalex) is a Canadian exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the United States OTCQB Venture Market. Tantalex Lithium Resources owns 52% of the Manono lithium-tin-tantalum tailings deposit, located 490 km north of Lubumbashi, in the Tanganyika Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (see Figure 1). The Manono Lithium tailings are located within the Tailings Exploitation Permit PER 13698, which is located adjacent to the town of Manono. It consists of 11 tailings dumps spanning a length of 12 km from the southwest towards the northeast. The license is held by Minocom Mining SAS, of which Tantalex holds 52%; 18% is held by MINOR SARL and the remaining 30% by state owned company Cominiere SA. The Manono Lithium Tailings Project has a mineral resource estimate of 3.77 million tonnes at 0,86% Li2O in the Measured classification, and 1.69 million tonnes at 0,42% Li2O in the Indicated category, and 6.63 million tonnes of Inferred Mineral Resources at a grade of 0,49% Li2O; The PEA has assumed a processing plant capable of treating 1.6 Mtpa of run-of-mine (ROM) ore. SEDGMAN NOVOPRO (SN) were engaged to complete sufficient engineering to generate a capital and operating estimate with an accuracy of +/-35% (Class 5). The MSA Group (Pty) Ltd (MSA) completed the relevant mineral resource estimate components of the PEA, which are discussed further within this announcement. All costs and financials are presented in US dollars unless stated otherwise. Figure 1: Manono Lithium Project Location Click Image To View Full Size Mineral Resource Geology The Manono Lithium tailings are technogenic deposits, created from the processing of material from the Manono?Kitolo deposit, which was mined from 1919 to the mid-1980's for tin and columbite-tantalite (coltan). Nine out of the eleven tailings were drilled, of which five form this Mineral Resource Estimate. The tailings deposits stretch over a length of 12 km, in a northeast-southwest direction, immediately adjacent to the mined pits. Several of the deposits consist of a mixture of material types, typically pegmatite and laterite, with some clay material being present in minor quantities in specific deposits. The deposits are named alphabetically, with a suffix used to differentiate between coarse (c) and fine (f) material. The nine tailings that make up the project are from north to south named Cc, Cf, Ec, Hc, Hf, Gc, Gf, Ic and K (see ). The lithium mineralization is primarily hosted in spodumene with minor lepidolite. Tin mineralization is hosted in cassiterite and tantalum in tantalite. The nine tailings deposits have been evaluated by air core drilling, completed from September 2021 to July 2022. A total of 368 drillholes, amounting to 11,922.4 meters of drilling, have been completed, which took place over two phases. Drilling was orientated vertically, with the densest drilling found on the K deposit, where holes were spaced 40 m apart. The Gf and Hf deposits were drilled at a spacing of 80 m. The remaining deposits were drilled on an irregular spacing ranging from 20 m to 80 m. Most of the drilling has intercepted the contact representing the pre-depositional surface. The positions of the tailings deposits relative to one another are shown in. Figure 3: Manono Lithium Tailings Project Area Click Image To View Full Size Mineral Resource The Mineral Resource was estimated using The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Best Practice Guidelines (2019) and is reported in accordance with the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, which have been incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). The Mineral Resources were classified into the Measured, Indicated and Inferred categories for each deposit and reported at a cut-off grade of 0.20% Li2O (Table 2). The cut-off grade was calculated based on a mining cost of 2.17 USD/tonne, a processing cost of 11.18 USD/tonne, transport cost of 361 USD/tonne, G&A costs of 76.5 USD/tonne, marketing costs of 178.4 USD/tonne, a mining recovery of 99%, process recovery of 63% and a lithium price of 2800 USD/tonne for spodumene concentrate (SC6), which the QP considers will satisfy "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction". No Mineral Resources for the Ec, Hc and Hf deposits were declared. Table 1: Manono Mineral Resources at 0.20% Li2O Cut-Off Grade - 23 August 2023 Click Image To View Full Size Notes: All tabulated data have been rounded and as a result minor computational errors may occur. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves, have no demonstrated economic viability. Li2O % grades calculated by applying a factor of 2.153 to Li % grades. Mt = Million tonnes, ppm = parts per million Inferred Li2O, Sn and Ta Mineral Resources are totalled for the Southern Sector dumps (Ic, Gc, Gf and K). Inferred Li2O only Mineral Resources are for the Cc dump. The Mineral Resources presented in this Technical Report represent an update to the Mineral Resource estimate with an effective date 23 August 2023 and now includes tin and tantalum. Additional drilling is recommended for several deposits in order to improve the confidence in the Mineral Resource estimates. Mining The tailings dumps will be reclaimed by an excavator at each of K, I and G dumps and loaded onto dump trucks for transport onto an overland conveyor that will feed a stockpile at the process plant. A series of three, 900 mm wide belt overland conveyors will transport a total of 240 tonnes per hours to the process plant stockpile approximately 3,300 m from the reclaimed dump blending pad. The first two segments of the conveyors will be enclosed by guarding and be elevated approximately 1.5 m off the ground on concrete pedestals, elevating higher at the location of the two transfer towers. The final, 295 m conveyor section will be elevated on trestles at approximately 6 m heigh and to allow for safe crossing over a major road and population center. Measured, Indicated and Inferred mineral resources were included in tailings dumps reclaiming schedule as potential mineral inventory, and while the Indicated were primarily targeted to show where additional resource drilling should be targeted, the inclusion of Inferred, and the nature of a PEA has removed the possibility of the declaration of an Ore Reserve. The tailings dumps reclaiming schedule indicates approximately 55% of the LOM production is in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource category and 45% is in the Inferred Mineral Resource category. The Company has concluded it has reasonable grounds for disclosing a Production Target, given that the PEA only focused on the mining of a high-grade part of the Mineral Resource Estimate (Dumps I, G and K). So, the PEA only covers 7.58Mt of the estimate at 1.26Mt of ROM ore to the mill each year. The mining rate required to ensure continuous mill feed, and the production targets, is determined by the production schedule, however the rate needs to be cognizant of mining fleet size, equipment productivities and shift arrangements. Processing Material from the tailings dumps will be processed into a 5.5wt% Li2O concentrate using a robust process flowsheet consisting of crushing, dense media separation and flotation, dewatering and bagging. The Manono tailings dumps has two broad ore types that will be presented to the process plant: Coarse grained spodumene Fine grained spodumene The process flowsheet is based on a typical hard rock spodumene resource, which is amenable to both Dense Media Separation (DMS) and froth flotation to achieve a target concentrate grade of 5.5% Li2O, and incorporates the current understanding of resources size, grade, mineralogy and crystal grain size, as well as information from Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS) test work undertaken to date. Stockpiled material in proximity to the processing facility is reclaimed by front end loader onto a belt conveyor that feeds a vibrating screen with a 5 mm deck. Oversize material falls into a double roll crusher and is returned to the belt conveyor. Screen undersize material is transported onto a wet vibrating screen with a 500 m deck. Wet screen oversize is transferred into the DMS (Dense Media Separation) plant feed tank, while the wet screen undersize falls into a pump box for feeding into the wet grinding and flotation plant. A two stage DMS plant is used to produce 5.5 wt% Li2O concentrate where the primary DMS floats (tailings) are transported by a series of moveable conveyors to the TSF. Secondary DMS floats (middlings) are pumped to wet grinding and the flotation plant, followed by dewatering by a centrifuge and are then sent to the bagging plant. Secondary DMS sinks are dewatered by a centrifuge and then sent to the bagging plant. Figure 4 shows a schematic of Manono process flowsheet, which uses conventional processing technologies, however it is a 4th generation spodumene concentrator adopting learnings and optimizations from existing spodumene operations to ensure high efficiency through every process unit operation. These optimizations include: Maximize mineral liberation for effective coarse and fine spodumene recovery Minimize slimes losses Effective rejection of gangue minerals including mica and iron silicates Efficient milling, desliming and float conditioning to maximize fines recovery Maximize plant availability by employing high wear resistant materials of construction and duty/standby equipment where necessary Crushing and Screening The 15,000 tonnes process plant stockpile will be reclaimed by a front-end loader and fed onto a belt conveyor that will transport the material onto the vibrating, crusher sizing screen. The 5mm screen deck will divert oversized material into a double roll crusher, that will return the material onto the crusher feed conveyor. Spray water will be used on this screen deck to push finer material to the undersize. Screen undersize will flow onto a vibrating wet sizing screen with a 500 m deck. The wet sizing screen will divert the oversize material into the DMS plant feed tank and the undersize into the wet grinding plant feed pump box. DMS Plant The wet screen oversize material will be combined with Ferrosilicon (FeSi) media to increase the specific gravity of the slurry to 2.65 t/m3 before entering the primary DMS cyclones. The primary DMS cyclone overflow (floats) will be dewatered through a screen to 15% moisture and transported by a series of grasshopper conveyors to the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). Primary cyclone underflow (sinks) will be combined with additional FeSi to increase the specific gravity to 2.85 t/m3 before entering the secondary DMS cyclones. Overflow from the secondary cyclone (middlings) will be pumped to the wet grinding plant. Secondary cyclones underflow is transferred to a dewatering centrifuge. FeSi media is recovered from primary and secondary DMS cyclones through drain and rinse screens, and magnetic separators. Wet Grinding Wet screen undersize and DMS middlings are pumped to a ball mill for wet grinding. The product slurry is pumped to a hydrocyclone with a cut point of 300 m. Cyclone overflow (-300 m) is fed to the flotation plant and the underflow (+300 m) is recycled back to the ball mill. Flotation Plant The ball mill cyclone overflow is pumped to a high intensity scrubber followed by a desliming cyclone and a magnetic separator. The iron-deficient slurry is then pumped into two-stages of mica reverse flotation cells. The floated mica is pumped to the tailings thickener with the remaining slurry being pumped into a dewatering cyclone. The mica-deficient, dewatered slurry passes through a high-density scrubber and a desliming cyclone before being pumped into four-stages of lithium spodumene flotation cells. Tailings from the rougher and scavenger cells are pumped to the tailings thickener while the concentrate is pumped to the cleaner cells. Concentrate from the first cleaner stage is pumped into the second stage cleaner to produce a final product concentrate that is pumped to the dewatering centrifuge. Tailings from the cleaner cells are pumped to the tailings thickener. Product Dewatering and Bagging Spodumene concentrate from the DMS and Flotation plants is pumped into dedicated screen bowl centrifuges for final dewatering, targeting 5% moisture. The dewatered concentrate is transferred into dedicated storage bins to feed the product bagging plants. Each concentrate type will have a dedicated bagging plant that will include automatically filling 1 tonne bulk bags, bag labeling, and transporting the filled bags on an accumulating conveyor for forklift handling. The 1 tonne bulk bags will be removed from the accumulating conveyors by forklifts for storage on wooden pallets in a covered area at the process plant. Forklifts will maneuver the palletized bags onto transport trucks that will deliver the bags to a warehouse location in Lubumbashi. From Lubumbashi, the palletized bags will be loaded onto 26 tonne capacity trucks for transport to the port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Figure 4: Manono spodumene concentrate process flowsheet Click Image To View Full Size Tailings Dewatering A single high-rate thickener will collect various tailings streams generated throughout the process plant. These streams consist of effluent from the DMS plant, fines in the desliming cyclone overflow, overflow from the dewatering cyclones, magnetic separation tailings, mica reserve flotation concentrate and spodumene flotation tailings. The solids present in the feed streams will settle to the bottom of the thickener and water is recovered through the overflow weir. The recovered water is pumped to the process water pond. The underflow slurry will be pumped to the TSF at 55% moisture. Reagents The DMS Plant will use ferrosilicon (FeSi) as the densifying agent. The FeSi will be stored in waterproof steel drums under a roof at the process plant. The flotation plant will require several reagent types, that will be stored in plastic totes under a roof at the process plant. The reagents will include a frother, amine collectors and sodium-based compounds as regulators. A flocculant will be added to the tailings thickener to assist in solids settling. The flocculant will be stored in plastic totes under a roof at the process plant, near the thickener. Infrastructure All associated infrastructure required to support the Manono operation is included in the PEA. Capital provisions were included for the following items: power generation, site roads, accommodation and mess facilities, water supply, wastewater treatment, administration buildings, telecommunications, security, warehouse, maintenance and tailings storage facility, bulk fuel farm, laboratory, and emergency response facilities. Energy consumption is estimated at 4MW and has been costed using diesel generators. Significant improvement can be made by incorporating the options for energy supply from Piana Mwanga hydroelectric dam located 70km from Manono and currently being refurbished. Export route The export route considered in the PEA for bringing material to site and export of product is the N33 between Manono to Lubumbashi, a distance of approximately 600km. Estimate has been made with current road conditions which allow 6x6 trucks carrying 20 tons. An allowance of USD$ 10 million has been allocated in the CAPEX for improving certain sections of the road prior to start up of the operations. Tailings Management Primary DMS tailings pass a dewatering screen to achieve 13% moisture and are directed to a series of conveyors running from the process plant to dry stacking at the Tailing Storage Facility (TSF). The system consists of mobile grasshopper conveyors which direct the solids to an end section that distribute the solids in an arc via a stacker conveyor. Tailings from the flotation thickener underflow at 55% moisture are pumped via an above ground pipeline to a spigot system along the western side of the TSF. The TSF is sized to store a total of 10 million tonnes of tailings, over the six-year plant life. The TSF is located southeast of the process plant, sloping eastward at an average grade of 3.8%. The natural slope will ensure that the final tailings pile does not exceed a height of 24 m. The entire 494,000 m2 area will be lined with EPDM. Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact Collection of baseline data for the Manono Lithium tailings project has been ongoing since October 2022 by a local DRC contactor. The baseline studies were designed and implemented to support requirements for future planning and permitting purposes. The baseline studies will be peer reviewed by an independent consultant to ensure all activities are compliant with international lending standards. An active program has already been taken for communicating and consulting with the local communities. Capital Expenditures The estimate meets the minimum requirements of a Class V estimate as defined in AACE International Recommended Practice No. 18R-97. The CAPEX estimate has an intended accuracy of 35%. The total Direct CAPEX to bring the Project to operation is estimated to be $80,611,000 with a total of $34,157,000 allocated for the Indirect costs. An additional $10,000,000 allowance is allocated for the road's rehabilitation. An estimated budget of $22,954,000 is allocated to Contingency, which brings the total CAPEX of the Project to $147,722,000. The capital estimate has been developed using preliminary MTOs and unit pricing obtained from either contractor or vendor supplied quotations. Approximately 70% of total equipment supply value for the Manono Lithium Project was based on budget quotes for the Project. 90% of the total mobile equipment costs are based on budget quotes received during this phase of the project. Concrete, structural, piping, electrical and instrumentation are all factored amounts based on the mechanical equipment costs. Civil works and architectural are based on MTOs and using in-house unit rates extracted from similar projects. Factored amounts have been calculated from the direct installed capital cost for construction indirects, freight, commissioning, first fill, vendor representative, construction management (EPCM) components and Owner's cost. Contingency is intended to cover items that are included in the scope of work as described in this report but cannot be accurately defined due to the normal range of variability of quantities, productivity, unit rates, the current level of Engineering and other factors that affect the accuracy of the expected final cost of the Project. The total for Contingency calculated 20% of the total (direct + indirect) costs. Table 3 below presents the Project CAPEX Summary. Table 1: Project CAPEX Summary Click Image To View Full Size Operational Expenditures (OPEX) The estimate meets the minimum requirements of a Class V estimate as defined in AACE International Recommended Practice No. 18R-97. The OPEX estimate has an intended accuracy of 35%. The total estimated OPEX is $44.9M per year or $402.00 per tonne lithium spodumene produced (dry basis). Of this cost, $36.4M per year or $325.50 per tonne are direct production costs (81%) and $8.5M per year or $76.50 per tonne are indirect production costs (19%). The project OPEX was based on Process Flow Diagrams and Mass Balances, Load Lists and Layouts. Other supporting data includes vendor pricing and specifications, and historical data from previous projects. The full-rate operating hours for the process plant used in the OPEX estimate was 7,600 hours per year. Annual spodumene production was 112,167 tonnes per year on a dry basis and 118,071 tonnes per year on a wet basis. No contingency has been considered for the OPEX for the project. The OPEX summary excludes the following which are only captured in the cash flow. a)Product Transport; (Included only in cash flow); b)Marketing; (Included only in cash flow); c)Royalties; (Included only in cash flow); Table 4 presents a summary of the Annual Operational Expenditures (OPEX) for the Project. Table 4: Project OPEX Summary Click Image To View Full Size Product Transport The product transport cost is based on a quote received from a local transport agency (C. Steinweg Bridge). The cost is $361 per tonne and includes the manpower, the maintenance, the diesel and the tire replacements to bring the material to an African port. Several segments of the journey from Manono to Dar es Salaam were provided as seen below in Table 5. Table 5: Product Transport Cost Basis Click Image To View Full Size Financial Analysis An engineering economic model was prepared for the Project to estimate annual cash flows and assess sensitivities to certain economic parameters. The Project shows a pre-tax cumulative net revenue of $1,274M, a pre-tax NPV (10% discount) of $764M, with an IRR of 87.4% on a nominal basis. The project shows a pre-tax NPV (10% discount) of $638M, with an IRR of 82.3% on a real basis. The cash flow estimate includes only revenue, CAPEX, and OPEX costs. Product transport, marketing and royalties were all included as additional costs within the cash flow model. Corporate obligations, financing costs, and taxes at the corporate level are excluded. The implementation schedule currently estimates the construction timeline to be from March 2024 to October 2025 across 20 months. Each year contains 10 months of construction; thus the CAPEX is spent by 50% across 2024 and 50% across 2025. Key metrics are shown below in Table 6 for the Manono PEA assumes a weighted average lithium concentrate price of $2,800 USD/t FOB Africa, based on Fastmarkets average forecast price from 2025-2026 and adjusted for a 5.5% Li2O spodumene concentrate (SC 5.5) product. Table 6: Key Project Financial Metrics Click Image To View Full Size A sensitivity analysis was completed to determine the impact of various factors on the project economics (see Figure 5). Lithium price has the largest influence on the Project financials. For every 10% increase in the lithium concentrate price, the project NPV10% increased by US$ 133 Million. The Project demonstrates it is resilient to capital escalation with a 10% increase in the total project capital cost, only reducing the NPV10 by US$ 14 Million. Figure 5: Sensitivity Diagram showing the impact of various sensitivities to the Project economics. Click Image To View Full Size Project Development The PEA has demonstrated that the Manono Lithium Tailings Project has no critical technical flaws, and the FS is anticipated to commence in October 2023. Predicated on a potentially positive FS outcome, an investment decision to develop the Manono Lithium Tailings Project is expected to occur in CY2024. Results from the FS will be incorporated during Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) which is scheduled to commence immediately after FS completion. Metallurgical testwork is planned in the course of the FS. This work will include grinding, DMS, Flotation and Dewatering tests, which will increase the definition of the process flowsheet. This workstream will allow flowsheet optimisation and vendor testing of preferred equipment for the process plant. Environmental approvals and permitting for the Project are on the critical path. A high-level project schedule is provided in Figure 6. Figure 6: High-level Project Schedule Click Image To View Full Size Filing of Report The NI43-101 compliant technical report ("Report") will be filed on SEDAR within the next 45 days. The Qualified Person for the Mineral Resource estimate is Mr. Rui Goncalves (BSc Hons, MSc (Eng.)) who is a geologist with 13 years of experience in base and precious metals exploration, mining geology and Mineral Resource estimation. He is a Senior Mineral Resource Consultant for The MSA Group (an independent consulting company), is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Member of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA). Mr. Goncalves has the appropriate qualification and experience to be considered a "Qualified Person" for the style and type of mineralisation and activity being undertaken as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Neither Mr. Goncalves nor any associates employed in the preparation of the Mineral Resource report ("Consultants") have any beneficial interest in Tantalex Lithium Resources Corp.. The qualified person for the above ground infrastructure and support systems is Mr. Jim Brebner P.ENG. who is a mechanical engineer with 35 years of experience executing industrial projects, economic and feasibility studies, process development, and due-diligence reviews, and has participated in multiple mining and processing projects in potash, lithium, and light metals in Canada, United States, Africa, South America and Australia. He is the Engineering Manager at Sedgman Novopro (an independent consulting company) and is registered with the Ordre des Ingenieurs du Quebec and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr Brebner has the appropriate qualifications and experience to be considered a "Qualified Person" for the style and type of processing plant and activity being undertaken as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Mr. Brebner nor any associates employed in the preparation of the PEA report ("Consultants") have any beneficial interest in Tantalex Lithium Resources Corp.. The qualified person for the mineral processing is Mr. Antoine Lefaivre(P.Eng) who is a Process engineer with 15 years of experience executing industrial projects, economic and feasibility studies, process development, and due-diligence reviews, and have participated in projects for potash, lithium, magnesium products, using both conventional and solution mining for ore recovery in Canada, United States, Africa, South America and Australia. He is lead process engineer in Sedgman Novopro (an independent consulting company), is registered with Order of Engineers of Quebec. Mr. Lefaivre has the appropriate qualification and experience to be considered a "Qualified Person" for the style and type of processing plant and activity being undertaken as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Neither Mr. Lefaivre nor any associates employed in the preparation of the PEA report ("Consultants") have any beneficial interest in Tantalex Lithium Resources Corp.. These Consultants are not insiders, associates, or affiliates of Tantalex. The results of the report are not dependent upon any prior agreements concerning the conclusions to be reached, nor are there undisclosed understandings concerning any future business dealing between Tantalex and the Consultants. The Consultants are to be paid a fee for their work in accordance with normal professional consulting practices. Qualified person Mr. Rui Goncalves, Pr. Sci Nat, is a Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved this press release. The information in this press release that relates to the estimate of the Mineral Resources for the Manono Tailings Project is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr. Goncalves. Mr. Jim Brebner, P.ENG. is a Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved this press release. The information in this press release that relates to the Manono Tailings Project PEA report is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr. Brebner. Mr. Antoine Lefaivre, P.ENG, is a Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved this press release. The information in this press release that relates to the Manono Tailings Project PEA report is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr. Goncalves. About Tantalex Lithium Resources Corporation Tantalex Lithium is an exploration and development stage mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and distribution of lithium, tin, tantalum and other high-tech mineral properties in Africa. It is currently focused on developing its lithium assets in the prolific Manono area in the Democratic Republic of Congo; The Manono Lithium Tailings Project and the Pegmatite Corridor Exploration Program. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Although Tantalex believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, Tantalex disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for its adequacy or accuracy. For more information, please contact: Eric Allard President & CEO Email: ea@tantalex.ca Website: www.tantalexlithium.com Tel: 1-581-996-3007 Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. When the U.S. Senate voted down every major gun proposal in April, gun control advocates were understandably deflated. After all, even an expansion of background checks for all firearm sales -- a measure supported by about 88 percent of Americans -- couldnt garner a filibuster-proof majority.But not everyone shares that outlook. Laura Cutilletta, a senior staff attorney with the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence in San Francisco, says 2013 has been a great year for strengthening gun laws. There really has been a major sea change [in five months], she says.Since the Newtown, Conn., school shooting, four states have passed new laws requiring universal background checks, three have expanded bans against military-style assault weapons and four have expanded bans on ammunition clips carrying more than 10 rounds. By the middle of June, new gun control legislation had passed in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and New York, with similar proposals still alive in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Were basically accomplishing what they couldnt in D.C., says Stephen Sweeney, the New Jersey senate president who helped shepherd a group of gun control bills -- including universal background checks -- through the New Jersey Senate in May.Still, gun rights activists are having a good year too. States in the South, Great Plains and parts of the West actually eased restrictions on hunting, conceal-carry permits and armed school personnel. Kansas criminalized the enforcement of federal gun control laws in April. And a handful of Democratic state lawmakers in Colorado are facing recall petition efforts for their votes to limit gun rights.As it stands, a patchwork of state laws is left. It is this divergence that has some still demanding action from Congress. There is a role for the federal government that the states simply cannot fill, says Garen Wintemute, a public health researcher who studies gun violence at the University of California, Davis. On a 2009 trip to Reno, Nev., to visit several gun shows, Wintemute was surprised to find that a third of the cars in the parking lots were from California. The regulatory framework in the Golden State didnt stop its residents from driving across the state line to take advantage of less rigorous screening.Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a national coalition of more than 950 mayors who favor tighter gun laws, argues that uneven regulation across states makes guns available to criminals in all states. In 2010, the group published an analysis of federal data showing that many of the guns recovered from crimes can be traced back to initial purchases in states with fewer restrictions. No state or even group of states can protect against gun violence on their own, says U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who sponsored several gun control bills this year. A Connecticut with relatively strong gun violence prevention laws is at the mercy of other states that might have weaker or no laws, so federal protections are absolutely vital. After Mario Andrettis entry together with Cadillac was approved by FIA ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, four team representatives at Losail were asked what do they think about these developments. Frederic Vasseur (Ferrari), Andrea Stella (McLaren), James Vowles (Williams), and Peter Bayer (AlphaTauri) all discussed this question in Qatar. Article continues under ad Vasseur: 'Not a big fan' Frederic Vasseur was clear about an 11th team. "It's not a secret. I'm not a big fan. When we opened the door to an 11th team in the Concorde Agreement last time, it was for a good reason. At that stage, Honda said already that they will leave F1 and Renault was on the edge. It means that we had only Mercedes and Ferrari confirmed for the future and we opened the door to an 11th team in case they could bring something substantial to F1. And I think this, at that stage, was mainly the engine," Vasseur began. He continued: "We have to keep in mind that three or four years ago, we had almost half of the grid quite close to bankruptcy and we have to avoid being arrogant that F1 and life is a cycle. We don't know what could happen before 2030." Article continues under ad The Frenchman also stated that a new team have to be a valuable asset to the sport. "I think that we would put F1 in a tough situation for this, except if the new entry is bringing going to add value to the F1. And I don't have access to the dossier of Andretti, but I think the first questionWhat is the added value for F1? We already have an American team with Haas. We have an American driver on the grid, but the question for me is around this is what could be the added value?" Vowles also against the 11th team Similarly to Vasseur, James Vowles also said his team are against a new team. "Williams is against the addition of an 11th team and very strongly against. But I'll explain the reasons behind that and why. My responsibility is to 900 employees within my company. If you look at Companies House, you can go and look it up for Williams. We've submitted it now. You'll see that we're lossy. We're very lossy. In 2021 to 2022, you'll see the losses are in the tens of millions more." "We believe in the direction of travel of the sport. In order to do that, the reason why is we actually have, I think, a sustainable entity for once. Teams are actually working more and more together. We have close racing as a result of things. But it should be known that this isn't just us that are not financially stable. I'd say probably half the grid aren't. I think the addition of a 11th team is a sensible thing, but only at the point where the 10th team on the grid is financially stable," Vowles underlined. Vowles also believes adding another team is still possible: "I don't think it's impossible. What we're looking for is that pie to grow significantly enough that we're not losing money or losing elements, but gaining as a result of it. And there is an opportunity to do that. And the FIA did everything correctly." Article continues under ad Stella and Bayer are more neutral Andrea Stella remained more neutral about a new team. "Well our viewpoint is coherent with what we've been saying so far on this matter. If the entry of an 11th team is additive to the sport, then we see it positively. Its the duty of the FIA and F1 to check whether this is additive. And at the moment we just trust the work that these institutions are doing," Stella summarised briefly. AlphaTauris CEO, Peter Bayer also underlined the financial struggles a new team can have and also create for others: "It's handed over to Formula One to see how to integrate this team onto the grid on a commercial basis. I remember before the cost cap was introduced, we had three teams' owners who actually called us and we had discussions back then about how they can't sustain this sort of investment any longer. We had Racing Point going into administration in 2019. And so I think that needs to be kept in mind, really. I would probably follow my colleagues." Lawson will be back on grid in 2025 at the latest Liam Lawson will be a full-time Formula 1 racer "by 2025 at the latest". Liam Lawson, Japanese GP 2023 Red Bull That is the news from Red Bull's notorious driver program czar Dr Helmut Marko, after New Zealand rookie Lawson admitted that being left out of Alpha Tauri's race lineup for 2024 was disappointing . For now, he will get at least one more outing in Qatar before the injured Daniel Ricciardo is expected to return two weeks later in Austin. Lawson, 21, said Ricciardo FaceTimed him personally with the news. It was just Daniel's face and he basically said that he thought he'd let me have another weekend, he smiled on Thursday. Obviously I want to be here full-time but I'm just trying to make the most of it. After Austin, F1 heads to Mexico - but by then Lawson will be back in his Super Formula car at Suzuka for the Japanese category's final round. As for 2024, he will attend every grand prix at least as the reserve driver for Red Bull's two F1 teams. Right now I think it's being discussed and planned out but for me, it's reserve at this stage, said Lawson. "So I'll carry on going to all the Formula 1 races but outside of that, it'll be normal simulator work. Other than that, I'm honestly not sure right now. Lawson has been casually linked with the final official vacancy on next year's grid - at Williams - and he answered I don't know when asked if he is really in the running to be loaned to the British team. But even if that doesn't happen, Marko reassures Lawson that his time is coming. Lawson definitely has the potential to be a grand prix winner, the 80-year-old Austrian told Kleine Zeitung newspaper. "He has mastered all the tasks so far masterfully and under the most difficult conditions. He was thrown into the cold rain in the truest sense of the word. CIMG 2022 Customer Satisfaction Index Report released Beatrice Laryea Business News Oct - 05 - 2023 , 15:38 The 2022 Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) Customer Satisfaction Index Report for Consumer Banking and Business Banking released has shot up by 3 per cent comparatively against the 2021 report. According to the report, which was released on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, five banks met the service quality standard placing the total score of the 2022 index at 98 per cent while only two banks met the threshold in 2021 with a total score of 95 per cent. Out of the 22 banks, 19 were rated 5-star for their quality service while three banks were rated 4-star. Overall customer satisfaction for traditional banking was 95 per cent as 21 banks were rated 5-star with only one bank getting a 4-star rating. Also with traditional banking, overall, the level of service quality went up by 5 per cent, but there was a challenge when it came to digital banking where the overall industry declined by 1 per cent, sending a strong signal to the banks to improve technology to enable customers experience the level of service quality when it comes to digital banking. Assessment The CIMG measured the levels of service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty for banking services before comparing the results of the level of service quality between 2021 and 2022. In assessing the level of service quality in traditional banking, the researchers focused on five dimensions Liability, Responsiveness, Assurance, Empathy and Tangibles. In terms of the research design, this year, the CIMG used the mixed mode approach data collection rather than the face-to-face data collection. The mixed mode included online, face-to-face and telephone interviews. The telephone interviews were for business to business customers. Findings Presenting the report, CEO of Consumer Insights Consult, Ireneous Gundona, said in terms of Tangibles, all the banks had five stars, which meant the banks were doing well with regard to service to consumers. However, he said when we compared the data of 2022 to 2021, two banks declined in their scores Ecobank and SG Bank dropped in their scores but they still maintained their five star ratings. Ireneous Gundona presenting the report He explained that with Reliability, 18 banks had five stars and four banks had four stars while with responsiveness, 16 banks had five stars, four banks had four stars and two banks had three stars. When it comes to traditional banking, we looked at the industry and although some banks experienced decline in their star ratings, there was an increase in the terms of service quality measure from 90 per cent in 2021 to 95 per cent in 2022 and all the indicators used went up. For instance, in terms of liability there was an increment in 2022 as against 2021. Same as tangibles, assurance, empathy and responsiveness which all added some increment which also impacted overall industry performance of 5 per cent increment recorded in 2022. When we compared the data to 2021, Ecobank, SG Bank and Zenith Bank dropped in their star ratings. This is a bit worrying but the banks just need to pick up. Digital banking With remote banking (customers who performed banking via their phones, laptops, tablets and other devices) the researchers used six dimensions, with the addition of Ease of Use to the original five dimensions used for traditional banking, to find out the level of quality of service which the banks deliver to their customers. Here, the report indicated that under tangibles, only 13 banks had 5- stars, seven banks had 4- stars while four banks had 3-stars. Comparing this years data to 2021 indicated that seven banks dropped in terms of tangibles. Ecobank, SG Bank, Fidelity, UBA and First Atlantic Bank were some. In terms of reliability under remote banking, it was only eight banks which had 5-stars, four banks had 4-stars, six banks had 3-stars while two banks had 2-stars. With Ease of Use, 12 banks had 5-stars, six banks had 4-stars and three banks had 3-stars. Comparatively, as much as seven banks declined when it came to Ease of Use in 2022. What this means is that when it comes to remote banking which has to do with technology, we still have a long way to go. This also means that traditional banking performed better than remote banking, Mr Gundona explained further. Respondents On a whole, for Consumer Banking, 3300 respondents took part in the study but for Business Banking, there were 2200 customers as respondents. Participants were people of age 18 and above, who had existing and active accounts and must have transacted business with the banks three months prior to the collection of the data. For the business to business customers, respondents needed to be key decision makers in their organizations before they were interviewed. The interviews were conducted between October and December in 2022. Also, the interviewees were 70 per cent males and 30 per cent females. They were well educated with only one per cent being uneducated. Also, majority of them were youthful and they predominantly operated savings account with their mean income being around GH3000. 30 per cent of the respondents preferred traditional banking (customers who visit the bank to transact business), 18 per cent used remote banking while 52 per cent use both traditional and remote banking. Additionally, the researchers developed the star rating, which ranged from 1-star to 5-stars depending on the result each bank scored. If a bank scored from 91 to 100 per cent, it is classified as 5-stars, 81 to 90 per cent is 4-stars, 71 to 80 per cent is 3-stars, 51 to 70 is 2-stars while 0 to 50 per cent is 1-star. Prudent use At the event, the National President of CIMG, Dr D. Kasser Tee, urged the consumers of the report, particularly the banks, to learn how to put the results to good and prudent use. He said they should first look beyond their positions on the various tables to identify how they fared, for each of the five dimensions of service quality, overall customer satisfaction and either dimension of customer loyalty. They should juxtapose their performance in each area to the customers indication of how important that particular dimension is to them, including the individual questions for the survey. Such an exercise would reveal to them areas where they may be unnecessarily strong, and areas where they need to truly improve their performance," he said. The banks may then see the need to restrategise, reallocate resources and channel their energies to more pressing areas, Dr Kasser Tee said. He said this year, his outfit expanded the study a notch further to cover Business Banking as well, unlike the maiden report that covered only Consumer Banking and by this, they collected and analysed separate data for Consumer banking and Business banking. He also appealed to each of the 23 universal banks to subscribe to the report as the findings would be very useful in shaping their decisions and actions on the three important study variables of Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty, and their individual and combined effects on bank performance. Vodafone Ghana wins five key honours at 2023 HR Focus Awards Business Desk Report Business News Oct - 02 - 2023 , 12:48 At the prestigious 2023 HR Focus Awards held in Accra, Vodafone Ghana showcased its leadership in human resource innovation by securing five significant awards. These accolades underscore the companys commitment to organisational excellence and its investment in top-tier talent. Vodafone Ghana was recognised as the Best Organisation in HR Information Systems, Best Organisational Culture, Best Organisation in Employee Safety, Wellbeing, and Workplace Design, and Best HR Management in Telecommunications and IT. Additionally, Maxwell Darko, the Rewards and Human Resource Information Systems Manager at Vodafone Ghana, was named the HR Rising Star of the Year. During a panel discussion, Vodafone Ghanas HR Director, Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, emphasised the importance of building resilient organisations. Resilience means creating teams that can weather any storm, whether they are economic challenges or unforeseen crises like COVID-19, she said. She further cautioned against over-reliance on a single leader and highlighted the necessity of robust succession planning. Mrs Ashiokai also urged businesses to prioritise continuous training, ensuring teams are equipped to handle crises. In the era of Artificial Intelligence and advancements like ChatGPT, she stressed the importance for HR professionals to stay updated and integrate AI seamlessly into operations. Vodafone Ghanas commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is evident in its initiatives. The Grow Western Girls in STEM programme recently provided 50 young girls from Sekondi-Takoradi with free training in robotics, web development, and coding. Additionally, under its workplace diversity and inclusion efforts, Vodafone Ghana inducted ten young women into its Female Engineering Student Sponsorship Programme (FESSP) in May this year. Since its launch in 2011, FESSP has been dedicated to narrowing the gender gap in STEM fields and offering women equal opportunities. The programme has supported 65 female students from renowned Ghanaian universities, providing financial aid, internships, mentorship, and job opportunities. Election 2024: Ghana Card sine qua non Daily Graphic Editorials Oct - 06 - 2023 , 09:39 Identity documents, the commonest being national identity cards, allow people to exist in the eyes of society. Citizens use them whenever they need to prove who they are or where they come from, to fulfil their civic duties or cross borders. Without a legal identity document, citizens cannot access basic human rights such as health care, education, social welfare and the right to work, yet around a third of the worlds population lack an official ID. While some countries are now grappling with the challenges and potential benefits of registering all residents, the United Nations goal of legal identity for all by 2030 remains distant. For governments, who have the ultimate responsibility to provide their citizens with a proof of identity, offering them robust and long-lasting documents to protect their identities is crucial. Ensuring that civilians can rely on these secure documents to conveniently access the necessary services in the physical and digital world must also be a top priority. Across the globe, legal identification is required for essential tasks such as opening a bank account, accessing government assistance and services, and performing civic duties. Thus, in Ghana when moves were initiated to enable citizens and foreigners living in Ghana to own and acquire the Ghana Card, many welcomed the news. Unfortunately, the process of acquisition has been plagued with logistical challenges, especially the prompt release of funds to ensure that the card is made available to those who desire it. The need to discuss the Ghana Card and the challenges around its issuance cannot be overemphasised, especially when the Electoral Commission (EC) stated last week Thursday that the guarantor system had outlived its usefulness, hence the need for the adoption of a system that would ensure that every registrant was identified on his or her own merit rather than another person vouching for the age and nationality of that person (See Friday, September 19, 2023, Daily Graphic, pages 10 and 23). Some people may disagree with the EC on the grounds that not every Ghanaian has the Ghana Card or that the guarantor system had been with us since time immemorial. Some even argue that the NIA also uses the guarantor system to issue cards to qualified people. But for how long do we have to use the guarantor system in every registration exercise? Even if the NIA uses the guarantor system, would it not be easier for applicants of the voter ID cards to use the Ghana Card to facilitate the process? Indeed, many civil servants and public sector workers are yet to receive their salaries for the month of September because they have been asked by their various agencies to produce their Ghana Card for validation before they are paid. It is a fact that this is not the only time government workers have been asked to produce one form of identification or another before being paid. In its limited voter registration, pictures and videos have gone viral on social media of minors and in some instances, applicants alleged to be foreigners, seen trying to register for the voter ID. By the 16th day of the registration, the EC had recorded a total of 7,561 challenged cases in all the Registration Centres, constituting 1.12 per cent of all the registered voters. This raises a lot of concern and we believe that all the relevant stakeholders political parties, civil society organisations and parents have a responsibility to deal with the canker of minors and foreigners taking advantage of the guarantor system to register. Our democracy would be better if we help the EC to keep a credible voter register. We, therefore, urge eligible Ghanaians who are yet to secure the Ghana Card to do so before the next window of the registration exercise opens next year. The Daily Graphic also appeals to the government to support the National Identification Authority (NIA) with the requisite logistics and funds to register all qualified persons seeking the Ghana Card. We also expect the NIA to be proactive to engage the services of the Information Services Department to undertake public education on its behalf to encourage those who have registered to turn up in their offices to pick up their cards. It is about time we took the acquisition of the Ghana Card seriously and shouldnt wait for compelling circumstances and directives to push us to acquire it. Having a voter register with only qualified persons is very central to protecting the countrys democracy. Let us, therefore, support the EC and play our part well to keep the sanctity of our democracy. MUSIGA given bad name Bessa Simons Kofi Duah Showbiz News Oct - 06 - 2023 , 16:00 THE acting president of the Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Mr Bessa Simons, has admitted the union has been given a bad name and he intends rescuing it when voted into office. There have been too many negative news about the union, rendering it very unattractive for business among others, thus when voted as president, saving it from the unappealing image will be one of the key things on his agenda. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, Bessa said, MUSIGA has been painted black and that is not good as a brand. Musicians have said so many unsavoury things about the union which are even untrue. It will amaze you to know that most of the musicians who say those things are not even members. However, there are loads of positive things about MUSIGA that we can tell Ghanaians and the world at large. MUSIGA should be made attractive and that will depend on the great things we put about it out there, he added. MUSIGA will on Tuesday, October 10, go to the polls to elect new executive. This comes after several years of postponement due to court injunctions, and Bessa hopes there will be no embargo placed on the elections this time around. Since the tenure of the last executives led by Bice Osei Kuffour aka Obour four years ago, elections of MUSIGA executive have been rescheduled four times. The last one was supposed to come off on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 but it was called off due to another court injunction. Bessa tells Graphic Showbiz the several injunctions placed on the MUSIGA elections are not helpful because it gives the union a bad name. Even aspiring presidents of MUSIGA have taken the union to court and had injunctions placed on the elections but what they forget is that it gives the union they want to lead a bad name making it unattractive. Musicians depend on us and need us for business and when these things happen, no one is willing to work with us, he said. In addition to redeeming the image of MUSIGA when he becomes president, Bessa outlined his other plans for the union. According to him, he has a vision for the union starting with uniting all its members. To achieve anything meaningful, we need to come together as one. If there is division, it will be difficult to achieve our goal and I promise to bring unity in the union, he said. Also, Bessa said he would strengthen the offices of MUSIGA in the regions. MUSIGA has offices in almost all the regions across the country but it seems the only one everyone knows is the one in Accra. Our members and anyone who wants to do business with us dont need to travel all the way from for instance the north or any part of the country to Accra, he stated. I believe in MUSIGA a lot because I have been a part of it for some time now and I know the prospects it has. We have given it a bad name for far too long and it is about time some of us changed the narrative, he concluded. How aeroplanes fly Wg. Cdr Kwaku Kekrebesi (rtd) Opinion Oct - 06 - 2023 , 07:40 The names aeroplane, plane, airplane and aircraft are one and same, normally referred to as fixed-wing. Aeroplane wings are direct replicas of the wings of birds (Fig.1). In 1738, a Swiss mathematician called Daniel Bernoulli published the formula that led to greater understanding of flight. Bernoulli wrote that the total pressure PT, of air is made up of the pressures of the air at rest ps and of the air in motion pd; PT = ps + pd. When ps changes, pd must change in the opposite direction to restore the balance. When the air flow meets the wing, the air on top of the wing speeds up. It has a longer distance to cover before meeting the air below the wing. In line with Bernoulli's theory, the speeding air at the top will have a reduction in pressure, compared to the air below. Scientists failed to show unanimity in explaining the reason for the speeding up. In the research for the article, I hit a blank in seeking for the explanation. Bernoulli's formula can, however, be illustrated at home. Hold a spoon by its handle and turn the back side of the spoon towards a flowing tap water. (See. Fig. 2.) The water will pull on the spoon. The wings of birds were copied by aeroplane & helicopter manufacturers The faster the flow of water, the stronger the pull. Also, the steeper the angle (angle of attack) the spoon meets the water, the stronger the pull. The wings of the aeroplane moving through air produces the similar pull, upwards. This is called lift. (Fig.3). Duplication The entire body of the plane is a duplication of this aerofoil (wing) shape at various places in order to help control the plane at specific stages of flight. The elevator, for example, is attached to immovable horizontal part of the tail called horizontal stabilizer. (Fig. 4) This controls movement in the vertical plane (pitch). Also attached to the immovable vertical part of the tail is the rudder. The rudder and the vertical stabilizer control stability in the horizontal plane. When the elevator moves down, the angle of attack increases, so the lift raising the tail. The situation during descent. The opposite is true for an elevator moving up. As the elevator moves up, lowering the angle of attack producing less lift, the tail moves down. This is the take off. (Fig. 5). Climb In the climb, the plane may turn, right, for example. We introduce another control devices, called ailerons. The right airelon moves up, decreasing the lift on the right wing, while the left aileron moves down increasing the lift on the left wing. (Fig. 6). The height of the plane is measured by the altimeter. Altimeter is a pressure instrument that measures pressure as height in feet. These actions are reversed when the plane descends from the assigned level (cruise ) for landing. When close to the ground over the runway, the pilot raises the nose to allow the main landing gears to touch the ground first, this is referred to as the flare. (Fig.7). When the main landing gears touch the ground, the nose gear is then lowered to the ground. There are devices on the plane which help to reduce the lift produced by the wings so that the plane can touch the ground firmly. Controls All the controls we have discussed so far are called primary controls which are germain to all planes. These are elevator, aileron and rudder. The entire gamut of flying revolves around the control of speed. Every stage of flight for a particular plane has its own speed limit. When the airflow over the wings starts to slow down due to say, engine failure, for example, the lift will reduce to equal the weight of the aircraft and below. The aircraft would fall from the sky and crash. This condition is called the stall. When the writer was a student pilot, his instructor, Wg. Cdr. Andy Mensah queried him for consistently flying at 78 knots, (nautical miles per hour), instead of 80 knots. Speed control is a very serious exercise in pilot training. This will keep the plane far from the dreaded stall. The two devices for measuring the airspeed are pitot tube and static pressure measuring systems. (Fig 8). The modern airplane also has pressurisation and temperature control. As the plane climbs, air pressure and temperature both decrease. It has been determined that humans can breath normally up to 8,000 ft. However, the writer got to 16,000ft, without any breathing aid so it turned into a weather emergency at night. My instructor then, Sqn. Ldr. Dan Larkai, saved the situation. Wg. Cdr Francis W. Quayson was the overall hero. Airplane designers have, therefore, included cabin pressurisation in all planes flying above 8,000ft. This maintains a comfortable level of both oxygen and temperature. It is very difficult to avoid the use of certain technical jargons in an article like this. I, therefore, acknowledge the encouragement of my former instructor, Wg Cdr. Daniel Gomez. The writer is a pilot, formerly with the Ghana Armed forces (GAF). Here comes the Butterphant: Alan on a Lonely Journey Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng Life Oct - 05 - 2023 , 15:07 Last Tuesday, September 25, 2023, my friend and colleague Ajoa Yeboah-Afari sent me a crisp message that said she rated the front page headline of the Chronicle the best of the day. The headline in question, in block letters, said: ALAN DUMPS ELEPHANT FOR BUTTERFLY. I had my suspicions about who crafted that purposeful line, but I will keep that to myself. Ajoa was right. The newspaper headlines of the day all had the word Alan in them. They all referred to the resignation of Mr Alan Kyerematen from the governing New Patriotic Party the previous day. The news media and its irreverent cousin, social media, had a field day. Editorials, commentaries and photos, including AI-generated illustrations, run from the mundane to the ridiculous. There were different shades and takes on the news. Some thought Mr Kyerematen had just jumped off a sinking ship; others thought he was a spoilt child crying when he loses a game, while his supporters, including NDC commentators, praised him for his courage. No matter the interpretation, there was no denying the gravity of the news. A few minutes before Mr Kyerematens press conference, at which he announced his resignation, another friend shared an alert on WhatsApp that warned that the impending announcement would shake the foundations of the NPP. Indeed, Alans resignation, no matter its eventual outcome, was a seismic moment in the political firmament at the time it occurred, and its aftershocks are still being felt in the figurative public square. Think about it. Alan and NPP have been inseparable since the party was born, except for a brief moment in 2007 when he resigned under almost similar circumstances, of which more soon. At the resignation press conference, which turned into a rally, he proudly recited his impressive political CV. He was a founding member of the Young Executives Forum, which was formed under his chairmanship in 1992 and became the financial backbone of the party and provided significant financial resources to support the party in all its endeavours. He was nominated by the YEF to contest for the presidential candidate slot but chose to sacrifice the opportunity and instead support his senior colleague aspirants. He recounts the leading role he played from 1996 to 2000 in support of Mr Kufuors eventual presidential victory. After refusing appointment as a Cabinet Minister in the aftermath of the elections, the President persuaded me to become the NPPs first Ambassador to the United States'', after which he was appointed in 2003 as Minister for Trade and Industry and Presidential Special Initiatives to implement a new economic paradigm which I had introduced in 2001, on the assumption of office by President Kufuor. Between 2003 and 2007, I led the governments programme for enhancing private sector development and ushering in a Golden Age of Business in Ghana.'' Mr Kyerematens problems appear to have started when he joined a distinguished group of seventeen (17) presidential aspirants to contest in the presidential primaries of the NPP. He recounts circumstances that, though different, produced a similar outcome. He resigned from the party but changed his mind and rejoined the fold. He said that despite dropping out of a possible run-off against Nana Akufo-Addo, he sacrificed that privilege to unite the party. This noble gesture notwithstanding, he said, There were very serious post-primary attacks on my supporters all over the country, and an open show of hostility. Last Monday, some commentators thought the NPP brass would once again entice him back with mediation, but the statement by the party the following day seemed to seal his way back with steadfast determination. So, this is where we are. Mr Alan Kyerematen, described by all as a stalwart of the NPP has left the elephant family. That was not the shock. Mr Kyerematen did not leave anyone guessing about his future. He immediately announced two important developments. One was that he was going to stand in the 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate, and secondly, he was starting a Movement for Change. In arriving at these declarations, he set the tone with more recounting of his achievements and of his grievances against the party. In that moment, he crossed the Rubicon into uncharted territory. Ghanas political history has been unkind to independent candidates in Ghanas long history of two-party domination, and third parties have only played marginal, if strategic roles, such as in the 1979 elections when many people believed that Paa Willies United National Convention (UNC) allowed Limann and the Peoples National Party the victory over Victor Owusu and the Popular Front Party. The 17 per cent won by the UNC is the highest a third party has ever garnered in a national election. Now, pundits are watching and wondering whether Alan, whose symbol is the butterfly, has the compass to navigate his solo flight into 2024. He faces heavy weather. Unlike other third party efforts, Mr Kyerematen is not forming a new political party but instead starting a movement. What makes the whole enterprise strange and daunting is that he does not disavow his former party completely; he still believes in its ideals. He is only against the alleged hijacking by some people behind the curtains. That there are factions in the party would not surprise anyone. Alan has called on NPP supporters to vote for NPP parliamentary candidates and vote for him in the presidential poll. This kind of split ballot is known in Ghana as skirt-and-blouse, which parties frown upon because they violate and undermine party discipline. It is this call for rebellion in the ranks of the NPP that has led some wags to label Alans movement as the Butterphant a combination of the butterfly and the elephant, the symbol of the NPP. It has not escaped anyone that in the unlikely event of Alan Kyerematen winning the 2024 elections, he wont have any MPs directly committed to him, so he will have to engineer the biggest political shakeup in the House just to form a government. In that unlikely scenario, any NPP MP who joins him would lose the NPP whip in Parliament. So, what exactly does the Butterphant want to achieve? In his resignation press conference-turned-rally, he read out a manifesto which, in good Butterphant tradition, includes every good idea from every sensible manifesto. Is Alan just in it as a spoiler for his former party or a serious contender for the highest office of the land? We are in for interesting times, but the Alan factor clearly enables managers of the opposition NDCs election effort to kick off their shoes, lean back on the sofa and start dreaming. Or maybe not. Who knows? Alans gamble may prove to be either the smartest or daftest political move, but for now, his strategy is as strange in politics as a Butterphant is in the animal kingdom. Dzakpasu 2023 best teacher George Folley & Emmanuel Bonney Education Oct - 06 - 2023 , 08:47 Faith Aku Dzakpasu, a 37-year-old female teacher at the GRETA D Shepherd Two Basic School at Awoshie in the Ga Central Municipality has been adjudged the Most Outstanding Teacher for 2023. For her prize, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was the guest of honour, presented Mrs Dzakpasu, a mother of two, with a prototype of a three-bedroom apartment, worth GH450,000, to be built at a place of her choice in any part of the country. She was also presented with GH1 million worth of insurance from the State Insurance Company (SIC) and 1,000 exercise books at a colourful ceremony at the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi. The first runner-up award went to Isabella Wussa-Tetteh of Sege D/A Primary School in the Greater Accra Region, while Fredous Iddi-Amin of Ogbojo Presbyterian Basic School, was the second runner-up. For their prizes, Ms Wussa-Tetteh took home a pick-up truck, GH1 million worth of insurance cover from SIC and 1,000 exercise books, with Iddi-Amin taking home a brand-new saloon car, in addition to the two other prizes, the GH1 million insurance cover and 1,000 exercise books. Other awards presented were the Best Junior High School Teacher, Best Primary School Teacher, Best Primary Teacher, Best Senior High, and Best Technical Teacher, among others. Aside from the awards, a new award, Best Tutor from all the Colleges of Education, was conferred on Simon Boateng of the St Monicas College of Education, Asante Mampong, for standing out in CoEs across the country. His prize was a pick-up truck. Commendation President Akufo-Addo praised teachers for their dedication and commitment towards the development of the nation through education. He explained that the huge investment being made in the education sector in the country would not yield any result without the teacher. President Akufo-Addo stated that the role of teachers in the training of the right manpower for the nation could not be underestimated and pledged to continue supporting the sector to ensure that effective teaching and learning took place in all schools across the country. The President explained that introducing the GH1,200 Continuous Professional Development Allowance, paying an intervention allowance amounting to GH65 million for senior high school teachers for the 2022/2023 academic year, implementing categories two and three allowances for district and regional directors of education, and ensuring a 30 per cent salary increase for all teachers in 2023 would go a long way to motivate teachers to deliver more. Assurance The President assured all teachers who have not yet received their laptops under the One-Teacher, One-Laptop project, that everything possible would be done to ensure that they received theirs and called on the Minister of Education to do everything possible to ensure that the outstanding ones were presented to the deserving teachers. I have tasked the Minister of Education, personally, to ensure that those few teachers yet to receive their laptops join the overwhelming majority who have received theirs, he added. President Akufo-Addo also lauded the NTC and all other institutions which contributed in diverse ways to the awards for the commitment shown in honouring the nations gallant teachers. The President was happy that the huge investment being made in the education sector had started yielding good results, citing the good grades made by this years students who sat the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in all subjects. Commendation The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, also praised the President for his commitment and interest in the development of education in the country. He assured the President of his readiness to continue working very hard towards the attainment of the best education for the nation, since it was the driving force behind the development of every country. The minister appealed to all stakeholders in the education sector to continue working very hard for the transformation of the country. We are not just providing education for the nations youth, but we are positioning the nation to become a giant in various facets with the training of people with critical thinking skills and knowledge that is required towards the development of the nations economy, Dr Adutwum stated. Right initiatives The Registrar of the National Teaching NTC, Dr Christian Addai-Poku, praised the partners and other institutions which played various roles to honour teachers as a way of motivating and appreciating them for their invaluable roles. He pledged to continue working very hard to ensure that the quality of teaching in schools was improved by putting in place the right initiatives that would maintain the quality of instruction in schools. Dr Addai-Poku called for a solution to the high teacher attrition situation which posed a great danger to the nations development. The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, on behalf of the other teacher organisations, said for the country to have well motivated teachers, the Ghana Education Service needed to pay the proposed 20 per cent of gross salary of teachers who accepted postings to under-served areas. Other award winners Jibril Amadu Nankpa of TUTCO Demonstration Basic School in the Upper West Region was adjudged the Best Teacher at the Junior High School level, with Abraham Fletcher, the Municipal Director of Education of Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region, winning the Teacher in Leadership and Administration award. Peter Adu-Boahen of the Kumasi Technical Institute in the Ashanti Region won the Technical Teacher award, while Barikisu Suleiman of Answarudeen Islamic Basic School in the Greater Accra Region won the Best Primary Teacher award. Best Teacher speaks Mrs Dzakpasu attended the Peki College of Education after which she proceeded to the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) for her first degree and then to the Valley View University for a masters degree. A former student of Kpando Senior High School, she has been teaching for 13 years. Mrs Dzakpasu told the Daily Graphic that she was inspired by the passion and prowess with which her Class One teacher, whom she mentioned as Mr Obeng, taught. She said back in Bimbilla, capital of the Nanumba North District in the Northern Region, where her parents served in the public service, I went to school always watching this man teach with great passion and creativity. So, when I grew up, I picked that creativity and that is what I have majored in. Asked how she was able to combine teaching and home management, Mrs Dzakpasu said it had been stressful. She said she always believed that where there is a passion there is a way and virtually managed everything well at home and school. I feel so happy and honoured for winning this award. I have realised that hard work pays, an elated Faith told the Daily Graphic. I just applied when the nominations were opened but did not have the slightest idea it was going to be so honourable today. So I give all the thanks to God for what he has done, Mrs Dzakpasu who worships at the Awoshie Branch of the International Central Gospel Church, said. Extra duties Apart from teaching her pupils, the Class Two teacher said she tried to support those from needy homes. Mrs Dzakpasu also promotes menstrual hygiene and has developed a number of models to help support girls in public schools. She said her work on menstrual hygiene would be scaled up to support more girls. WAEC awaits release of funds for marking of WASSCE, BECE GNA Education Oct - 05 - 2023 , 15:24 The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says it is expecting the Government to release some funds for the marking and release of results for this years West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE). Mr John K. Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, told the Ghana News Agency that the early release of the money would facilitate the processes. He said the government had given WAEC GH10.5million to start with the BECE adding, That is what we have used for the examination. Now that the examination is over, we expect the release of some monies to be able to go through the marking process and the release of the results. Mr Kabi said the Council had met with the Minister of Education on September 25, 2023, and he (Minister) indicated that the Ministry was aware that the money released to the Council was going to be inadequate for the entire process so, he had instructed the Chief Director to work towards the release of more funds. As we speak now, no money has hit our accounts yet, he added. He said WAEC had carried out its preparatory activities for the marking and that the Council would start with the coordination of its examiners this afternoon (Wednesday, October 4, 2023). Mr Kapi said between Wednesday, October 4 -7, 2023, the coordination with examiners would be over and marking would begin on Monday, October 9, 2023. The head of Public Affairs said the Council had in excess of 22,000 examiners to pay. The fear we have now is that if the government does not release funds, we may not be able to complete the process and what it means is that we may not be able to pay the examiners. We have made this clear to the government and we hope that the government keep the promise to release funds to enable us to complete the process. Mr Kapi said the release of the results was dependent on the release of funds by the Government. He said the Council was looking at releasing the results of BECE in the last week of October 2023, adding that as soon as we are done with the swapping of the regions in respect of WASSCE, then marking will start. Afriyie Akoto mourns with former President Kufuor GraphicOnline Oct - 06 - 2023 , 07:39 A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, on Tuesday, October 4, 2023, paid a courtesy call on former President John Agyekum Kufuor, and his family at Peduase to commiserate with them. This follows the death of the former First Lady of the Republic, Theresa Kufuor, the spouse of the former President. The politician was accompanied by his wife, Genevive Akoto and the leadership of his national campaign team including Ken-Wuud Nuworsu, Co-Campaign Chairman and former Volta Regional Chair of NPP, Alfred Boye, Co-Campaign Chairman, Peter Oteng Darko, National Coordinator for the campaign, and Dr. Prince Amuzu Sokode, spokesperson for the campaign. In a very solemn mood, the team led by Dr. Akoto, formed a queue and as custom demands, greeted the Kufuor family before being welcomed. He later signed the book of condolence describing the death of the former First Lady as a huge loss for the country which will be felt by many, particularly, women and children whose causes she championed though various initiatives. Prior to his visit, the former Minister of Food and Agriculture, paid a glowing tribute to the former First Lady on his official Facebook page, noting that she left an indelible example for all Ghanaians by her unwavering support for her husband, H. E. John Agyekum Kufuor during his tenure as President from 2001 to 2009. Madam Theresa Kufuor was a storehouse of knowledge and provided her husband with wise counsel, playing her part in establishing him as arguably, he best President of Ghana. Dr. Akoto, a Cambridge University trained Economist who is a relative of former President Kufuor after performing the necessary customary rites, joined the family to welcome visitors who had gone to the Peduase residence of the former President to console the family. Ghanas longest serving Minister of Food and Agriculture in the 4th Republic, on Monday, October 2, 2023, announced the suspension of his campaign tour to the Ashanti Region following the demise of Theresa Kufuor whose sad event occurred on Sunday, October 1, 2023. At a press conference held in Kumasi, Dr. Akoto said the suspension of his campaign was a sign of respect for the loss of the former First Lady. He had officially scheduled to begin his week-long tour to the Ashanti Region from October 2 6, 2023, by holding strategic meetings with key party members at different locations in the region. This was to scale up efforts in rallying support for his presidential bid. The NPP goes to the polls on November 4, 2023, to select a presidential candidate who will lead the party to the 2024 general elections. Dr. Akoto whi is number 3 on the ballot placed 4th at the Super Delegates Conference held on August 26, 2023. Over 200,000 delegates are expected to vote in the National Delegates Conference on November 4, 2023. Collapsed Ofankor building had no permit Institute of Engineering Emmanuel Bonney Oct - 06 - 2023 , 07:21 The Institute of Engineering Technology Ghana (IET-Gh) has said a preliminary investigation into the collapse of a three-storey building last Saturday at Ofankor, near Accra, has shown that the project did not have any permit. Consequently, it said the assembly and the developer of the infrastructure must provide answers as to why the project, without a permit, was being put up. The President of the IET-Gh, Henry Kwadwo Boateng, said that in an interview with the Daily Graphic last Tuesday. News He said when he heard the news of the collapse of the building, he directed the chairman of the building and civil division of the institute to gather information on what actually happened and whether the developer had a permit or not. So we gathered some information and the fact is that the developer does not have a permit and in the course of the project, I think the assembly went there to stop them , but the developer continued without heeding the caution the assembly gave them, he said. He said the institutes checks revealed that the developer was outside the country and that she gave the work to someone to see to its execution. The President of IET-Ghana said in all the number of occasions the assembly went there the place, which was fenced, was locked up, thereby impeding access. However, Mr Boateng said the initial report said the last time the assembly went back to the place was the day before the building collapsed on Saturday, and that it was at that point that the engineer who accompanied the assembly to the place realised that there was serious structure defects with the building indicating failure. The President of IET-Ghana alerted the caretaker and told him to evacuate everything from the structure with the intention of pulling it down. Moreover, he said the assembly had asked the developer to submit the structural integrity and drawings to assess how safe the project was before the permit could be issued. They did not submit any drawing neither did they submit the structural integrity, he said. Despite that, Mr Boateng believed that the assembly could have used the security agencies or gone to court to stop the development. Education Mr Boateng charged prospective developers to always seek the services of licensed architects, engineers and surveyors when embarking on development projects. He said it was better to seek the services of professionals to prevent such incidents from occurring and to save them the cost of building again. On last Saturdays issue, he expressed concern about the swift manner the debris was cleared from the site, adding that they had tampered with evidence. Before daybreak on Sunday, everything had been cleared. The evidence has been tampered with and we are concerned about that. When you engage a licensed professional you have established a contract and once a building collapses you can take the person to court and take back your money, he said Engineering Council In a related development, the Engineering Council of Ghana has said it ordered the clearing of the debris though investigations were yet to be conducted into the incident. It, however, said it would conduct investigations with what was left. Since the building was in a walled compound, strict instructions were issued to the caretaker of the project to keep the place locked and nothing interfered with on the site until Monday when a technical team from the Engineering Council was to visit. Unfortunately, by the time the team got to the site on Monday, the owners and caretakers had cleared and disposed of the entire debris away from the site, a statement issued in Accra, said. It, therefore, said with the current situation, detailed forensic investigations on the collapse would be more challenging. Together with its partners (Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, NADMO, Local Government Service and Architects Registration Council, as well as the various professional institutions within the built environment it said the council would nonetheless do its utmost to ensure that it undertake as much investigation as possible. It reminded the public that anytime there was a disaster such as a building collapse, the location became a crime scene and any attempt to tamper with anything on site was also a crime and hampered effective investigations into the disaster. The critical outcomes of this investigation will be shared with the relevant state authorities, as well as the general public, together with recommendations to guide all affected parties, he said. Deception without borders: Online child sexual exploitation in wake of digital learning platforms Justice Agbenorsi Oct - 05 - 2023 , 17:13 A parent and Senior Lecturer at a University during a public lecture in Accra last month described as alarming the ramifications of leaving children to access online platforms using digital devices. He said a lot of parents were skeptical about these online platforms when they allow their wards to access them due to the contents children were sometimes exposed to. Narrating his personal experience at the lecture on the topic, Advancing the frontiers in digital and distance learning in Africa (with a focus on the informal sector), Dr Adu-Manu, wondered how his 10-year-old ward was able to enable the YouTube application he had hidden from his kids on his tablet. He said two hours after his son had used the tablet, there were sexual content adverts popping up on the tablet. I had disabled the YouTube and installed YouTube for kids thinking that he would use the YouTube for kids because of his age. I was sleeping and he picking up the tablet he navigated through all the settings and enabled those sites I had disbled. So one day, I took his tablet and realised that there were adult sites and I asked him who visisted those sites and he said they popped up automatically. Dr Adu-Manu said he advised his ward not to visit those sites. Parents at the event nodded in agreement as they had in one way or the other experienced too. Online As part of innovations to revolutionise the educational system, the countrys effort to reach out to students via online tools gained more prominence following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Data from the World Bank indicate that the government delivered remote education to an estimated 4.45 million students. With funds from the International Development Association (IDA) and the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) a Learning Management System for online learning was developed to facilitate ongoing communications between students, parents, and teachers. Digital platforms continue to make education more accessible to children as it provides them with opportunities beyond textbooks in order to get more informed on the subject areas. Studies show, however, that being online is a risk factor of abuse of children despite the opportunities provided for learning and education. OCSEA According to the Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse adopted by the Interagency Working Group in Luxembourg, January 28, 2016, online child exploitation and abuse commonly referred to as technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse involve the use of information and communication technology as a means to sexually abuse and/or sexually exploit children. Lucia Soleti Chief Child Protection, Unicef A recent report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) has shown that Nigeria, Cote dIvoire, and Ghana have the highest rates of OCSEA in the subregion. The report was unveiled in Accra on Friday, September 1, 2023, at a capacity building training for journalists. It was organised by the Global Initiative, in collaboration with the Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO), the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), among other partners. The report highlighted sexting (sending sexually explicit photographs or messages via mobile phones) as high risk factor for OCSEA, leading to the proliferation of sextortion schemes, forced sexual exploitation by criminal group in Abidjan. Ghanas situation According a report by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), there were almost 22,000 reports of child sexual abuse material that were accessed, shared or produced from Ghana in 2022. This number is up from 750 in 2016, a situation parents have expressed worry about. Livia Wagner, the thematic lead on human trafficking at GI-TOC, disclosed that data from period 2019-2022, NCMEC CyberTipline report show a 72 per cent increase in child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) uploading or sharing. She lamented the lack of legally required victim protection and support procedures in the sub-region, adding that the government in the region relied primarily on overwhelmed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations working on trafficking to provide victim support services. Virtual SHS Beginning next academic year, senior high schools (SHS) in the country are expected to study through digital platforms with an expert teacher as the conductor. Known as the Ghana Virtual High School, the platform is expected to provide blended learning methodology in the schools, while providing opportunities for adult learners to remotely participate in the free SHS education online. Michael Tetteh Doku Advocacy and Communications Manager of Children and Youth In Broadcasting (CYIB)-Curious Minds This was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, at the second national digital and distance learning conference in Accra last Month (Aug 14). At the conference, which was organised by the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) saw the launch of two digital platformsLearning Passport and Minecraft Interventions. Developed by UNICEF and Microsoft, the learning passport is an innovative mobile online/offline learning platform that provides children with continuous access to quality education with no classroom required, while the latter is also a virtual platform for studies. Some students are already familiar with these platforms for educational purposes. On what parents should look out for, the Africa Regional Project Manager at the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC), Athena Morgan, mentioned increased screen time, secretive use of devices indoors, increase in contacts and followers, stress around need to be online, anxiety, among others, as some of the potential signs of online abuse. Cybersecurity Authority Currently, the CSA with its partners are dradting a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to integrate targeted interventions on online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) into the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038). Highlights of the draft (L.I) to (Act 1038) include a proposal for systems that use age verification technologies to identify a child user, or the age group a child user falls under. Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako DIrector-General, Cyber Security Authority It also proposes the use of technical solutions, including artificial intelligence to detect, block and prevent harmful content or illegal content from being accessed by a child while detecting and preventing online grooming. The Director-General of CSA, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, said lack of structured, continuous, and measurable e-literacy education programmes and policies, had exposed vulnerable children to harmful content. He noted that the approach could be developed through a collaboration with civil society groups who played critical roles in the protection of children online, by way of awareness creation, supporting victims and survivors and building tools to identify and track illegal and abusive materials. The Chief Child Protection Officer, UNICEF, Lucia Soleti, said although Ghanas situation was alarming, it was leading the way globally and in Africa, specifically, to advance safety of children online. The Advocacy and Communications Manager of Children and Youth In Broadcasting (CYIB) Curious Minds, a young people-led non-profit NGO, Michael Tetteh Doku, stressed the need for online learning to be encouraged, while educating parents on how to set child-friendly accounts on their devices and how to monitor wards actions and protect them accordingly. Discrimination against Fulanis to receive attention Chieftaincy Minister Joshua Bediako Koomson Oct - 06 - 2023 , 06:34 The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has given the assurance that the government will institute measures to address issues of marginalisation of Fulanis in the country. He said the unending cycle of violence and discrimination against Fulani communities in the country was due to the fact that most Ghanaians still regarded them as foreigners. The Minister explained that Fulanis had lived in Ghana long before independence and had contributed to the economic progress of the country in many sectors and should, therefore, be treated as citizens. He was speaking during an engagement with the National Council of Fulani Chiefs in Ghana in Accra yesterday. The chiefs met with the minister to present their concerns to him and to find ways to address them. Some of the common issues that were raised were discrimination against Fulanis, media reportage on Fulani matters and how most of them were victimised when they try to apply for national identification cards. Resolution Fulanis are making significant contributions to national development but we dont hear that, we only talk about the few bad lots who misbehave. If we want to live in peace, we must respect every group of people and so we are going to work together with the chiefs to find ways to address some of the challenges,Mr Boateng said. The said the mentality about Fulanis being migrants needed to change. He, however, admitted that it would not happen overnight and it would take a lot of sensitisation and education to achieve that. Mr Boateng, thus, urged the media, the church and state institutions to support the government in that regard. I am a Denkyira and we also migrated from a different place to come and settle in this country, but we are seen as Ghanaians so why cant we all accept the Fulanis as part of us,? the minister asked. Commendation The President of the National Council of Fulani Chiefs, Chief Alhaji Iddrisu Mohammed Bingles, commended the minister for engaging them to hear their concerns and assuring to put up measures to address them. Although the Fulanis have been living in Ghana for generations, they are still not accepted among local community groups and are thus excluded from certain areas of political life and services. In spite of the efforts by the Fulani to integrate, he said they were often reminded that they were strangers who did not belong to the community. The Fulani cannot easily access some services such the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Voters ID and the National Identification Card. We are not identified as community members though we have stayed in this country for a long time, he stated. Expand tax net - GGEA tells govt Timothy Ngnenbe Oct - 06 - 2023 , 07:10 The Ghanaian-German Economic Association (GGEA), an alliance of Ghanaian and German international companies and business executives, has stressed the need for the government to focus attention on expanding the tax net rather than being heavy-handed on the already taxpaying companies. The President of GGEA, Stephen Antwi, said the situation where the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was increasingly getting overly aggressive on the business community in terms of tax collection was counterproductive and had dire consequences for the investor community. At a forum dubbed Doing Business with Germany in Accra last Wednesday, he said although the business community was committed to helping the government generate the needed revenue for development, it was also concerned about the mode of operation of the GRA. Their mode of operation has been oppressive without any doubt, and it is affecting companies adversely. Imagine that you are there and you receive emails and visitations that you are going to be audited, and you have to stop all that you are doing and devote all the time to them. Yes, we want the government to generate revenue to pursue its development agenda, but we also think that it is about time that the tax net is expanded to include a lot more people who hitherto have not been paying any tax, the lawyer and management consultant said. Mr Antwi added that there were low-hanging fruits, especially in the informal sector, where the government could generate more revenue from taxes. Look around and there is construction going on all over the place. There are carpenters, masons, painters and other artisans out there in that space. We can rope them in. You may say it is little, but a little drop of water makes a mighty ocean, he stressed. Mr Antwi added that although it might look a bit difficult to rope players in the informal sector into the tax net, it was possible if the right systems were put in place. Strategic partnerships The GGEA president also underscored the need for managers of the economy to put in place prudent policies to improve the business environment and attract more investors. Mr Antwi added that even though all the economic indicators were pointing in the wrong direction, there was still hope that local businesses could thrive by resorting to strategic partnerships and doing things that would create wealth. I also advise that we leverage partnerships, especially with German businesses, because we need technology, creativity and outside-the-box thinking as we move on in this stage of our business life; and we think we our partners in Germany, we will be able to scale up these things, he added. The lawyer and management consultant also said strategic partnerships with stronger brands would help local businesses to scale most of the challenges relating to access to capital, quality goods, services and opportunities to enter the European market. Prudence The German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, who made a presentation on how Ghanaian businesses could do business in his country, called on decision-makers in the country to be more strategic in their economic policies to make the business environment more conducive for investors. He observed that with the countrys strategic location, growing population, energy potential and relative peace, proactive policies could open up local businesses to foreign investors. Mr Krull added that if businesses in the country wanted to take advantage of opportunities for partnerships with German businesses, they needed to explore opportunities in areas such as the construction sector, technology and energy solutions. The German ambassador said one of the areas businesses in the country could pay more attention to was to take graduates from technology institutions and train them on social skills to feed industry. Opportunities The Head of Programmes at the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Dr Christian Jahn, said the German organisation was focused on providing capacity-building services in areas such as technical and vocational education and training (TVET), digital technology and data and regular migration. He said GIZ had also prioritised public and private partnerships as it had the potential to address development challenges. Dr Jahn called on local businesses to look for opportunities in those areas and also strive to adhere to quality standards. GhIE signs MoU with Assin Owirenkyi Council Timothy Gobah Oct - 06 - 2023 , 08:03 The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Paramount Chief of Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Council, (Assin Kushea), Ehunabobrim Prah Agyemsaim VI, at the Engineers Centre, Roman Ridge in Accra. The signing of the MoU between GhIE and the Paramount Chief of Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Council, (Assin Kushea) is to complement the efforts of Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensiam VI to the development of the community into a historical and eco-friendly tourist attraction in the Central Region. At the event, the Executive Director of GhIE, David Kwatia Nyante, said the partnership came on the back of the Owirenkyi Traditional Councils plan to seek support and partnership with organisations and institutions. Approach That, he said, paved the way for GhIE to approach to offer its support and expertise in that regard. The President of the GhIE, Kwabena Bempong, said: GhIE is enthusiastic about partnering with the Owirenkyi Traditional Council to achieve a shared vision for Kushea as it is responsible for promoting and advancing the training and practice of engineering for social good. He added that the institution was very much excited to provide its expertise and knowledge in ensuring that the vision of the community was achieved. The GhIE, as part of the partnership, has envisioned to construct an Engineering Village (EV). This EV will prioritise effective land utilisation and incorporate sustainable design principles. Model Mr Bempong further added that it would serve as a model for future developments in the building, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. The partnership will ensure that the development meets the highest standard of sustainable innovation. For his part, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI said he was very excited that such a partnership had been established to make the vision for his community come through. Giving details of the Engineering Village, the Chairman of the Land Acquisition and Development Committee, Michael Dedey, said the EV construction would have within it an Industrial park; an office for the facility management team; a conference facility; a museum of engineering in the country; an eco park and recreational centre and a hostel. Villa Others include a villa for the facility manager, an outhouse for resident handymen, a dormitory block and a restaurant, among others. The Owirenkyi Traditional Council and GhIE are excited about the potential of the engineering village to promote sustainable tourism and community development. It is expected that the EV will not only attract tourists but also create employment opportunities, which will contribute to the economic growth of the area. Those present at the ceremony included the President-elect of GhiE, Ludwig Hesse, Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann and other council members. Invest in intellectual property to drive growth - A-G urges Africa Intellectual Property Organisations Nana Konadu Agyeman Oct - 06 - 2023 , 08:34 The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has urged member states of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) to invest in education and research to drive economic growth in their respective countries. He said Africa needed to build capacities in the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem in order to bring innovative IP closer to businesses, research institutions, women and the youth. The minister said such interventions would help create a conducive environment for creativity and innovative activities in research institutions, universities and the business community. ARIPO is an inter-governmental organisation responsible for cooperation among African states in patent and other intellectual property matters. Event This was contained in an address read on behalf of the A-G at the opening of a regional workshop on intellectual property rights and innovation in Accra yesterday. The three-day event which is on the theme: "The use of IP rights to foster innovation within ARIPO member states," is aimed at raising awareness of the significance of intellectual property, particularly how it fuels technological innovations to drive human progress and creative arts scenes to enrich lives. Participants included representatives from government agencies, industry, small businesses and members of academia of member states who are discussing how to utilise information to foster innovation to promote economic growth. It is being organised by ARIPO, in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfriPI), the Registrar-Generals Department of the Ministry of Justice, Ghana, with support from the EU. WIPO report Mr Dame said that the Global Innovation Index (GII) Report 2023, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) last week, showed that most countries in sub-Saharan Africa performed badly in innovation trends. He said Mauritius, which was the 57th, led the region, followed by South Africa, 59th, and Botswana, 85th, while many African economies ranked between 70th to 132nd. Ghana was ranked 99th. The GlI provides in particular ARIPO member states with an invaluable benchmarking tool to leverage innovation for economic prosperity and social development in various countries, the minister said. The A-G also said that the WIPO survey of attitude towards intellectual property (IP) around the world found that respondents in all regions saw IP as a key tool for ensuring fair rewards for innovators. He said intellectual property rights formed the bedrock of innovators and creators as they safeguarded their inventions, literary works, trademarks and designs, among others. In recent times enterprises and economies are increasingly using innovation to drive growth, with asset creation increasingly shifting from tangibles to intangibles. Intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, industrial designs and trade secrets, among others, are estimated to be worth over $70 trillion, the minister added. The Registrar-General of the Ministry of Justice, Grace Issahaque, said studies had shown that IP-intensive industries supported jobs and growth and also outspaced gains. And it is time that IP offices demystify intellectual property and help innovators and creators gain practical IP skills, she said. Achieving SDGs The Director-General of ARIPO, Bemanya Twebaze, urged members states to adopt the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063. He said those instruments served as a blueprint and master plan of transformation, placing innovation at the front and centre of required solutions, adding that the goals can be achieved by mainstreaming intellectual property. Judges, Gbese Mantse, others commiserate with Ga Traditional Council Vincent Amenuveve Oct - 06 - 2023 , 18:44 A delegation from the Judicial Service led by a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Henry Kuofie, has commiserated with the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) in Accra over the passing of the Paramount Queenmother of the Ga State, Naa Dedei Omaedru III. They also signed a book of condolence which has been opened in her honour. A Justice of the Court of Appeal and Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng, signed the book of condolence on behalf of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo. Justice Kuofie told the council that we are in a mournful atmosphere and we owe it a duty to join the council to mourn the late queen mother who was on the stool for so long". He said we are here to show concern on hearing the sad news because our courts are scattered all over the Ga State". Gbese Mantse Earlier in the morning, the Gbese Mantse and Adonten of the Ga State, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, and his entourage also visited the council to express their condolence. The Gbese Mantse expressed gratitude to the staff, chiefs and queen mothers, particularly the Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee, for supporting the funeral arrangements so far. He later signed the book of condolence. A delegation from Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council also signed the book of condolence after commiserating with the council. Naa Bosuafi Ahanta I signed the book on behalf of the delegation. Free announcements Also at the GTC was a delegation from the Multimedia Group (Joy FM) led by its Chief Human Resource Partner, Nana Mbroh Elegba, who signed the book of condolence on behalf of the company. Nana Elegba said the group had allocated GH100,000 worth of airtime to support the late Manye's funeral announcements and other activities to be aired on its networks. Other delegations There were other delegations from the Ada Traditional Council, Promasidor Ghana Limited and the Ga West Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The Ada Traditional Council was led by the Ada State Mankralo, Nene Agudey Obitchere III, while the delegation from the Presbyterian church was led by its Chairperson, Rev. Enoch Adjei Pobee. As custom demanded, each delegation presented cartons of bottled water, drinks and undisclosed amounts of money at separate times. The Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee and Paramount Chief of Sempe, Nii Adote Otintor II, and the Paramount Chief of Abola, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, were among the traditional rulers who received the delegations. Naa Omaedru III, also known in private life as Naa Dedei Ablah, passed away on December 26, 2022 at her Dansoman residence at the age of 88. Throughout her 59-year reign, she dedicated herself to public and voluntary service, advocating peace, education and opportunities for young people, particularly girls. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang tours registration centres in Western Region Daily Graphic Oct - 06 - 2023 , 08:09 A former Minister of Education, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, last Monday, visited some Voter Registration Centres in the Western Region to acquaint herself with the registration exercise and challenges, and to interact with National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials in the Western Region. She began her tour from Wassa East, through Shama, Essikado/Ketan, Sekondi, Effia and Kwesimintsim, and ended up in Sekondi-Takoradi, the twin Capital of the Region. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who was the 2020 running mate to former President John Mahama, held discussions and shared thoughts and ideas with the Electoral Commission (EC) officials and registrants. The EC officials explained that a lot of registrants had turned out on that particular day because it was the last day for the exercise, but they were optimistic that they would be able to attend to all present before the close of business. In her interaction with Registrants, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who was also the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, explained to the registrants the importance of getting their voter identification cards and the impact it could have on their lives in the current democratic dispensation. She urged them to vote wisely when the time was due, taking into consideration their standard of living. She expressed appreciation to the EC officials, the constituency and the branch executive, for working hard throughout the period and also to the registrants for taking time out of their schedules to partake in the registration exercise. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was joined on her monitoring tour by Nana Toku, the Western Regional Chairman of the NDC, as well as regional and constituency executives of all the centres visited. SMEs urged to prioritise cybersecurity in management of businesses Justice Agbenorsi Oct - 06 - 2023 , 08:43 Discussants at an MTN executive breakfast meeting have urged small and medium enterprises (SME) to prioritise issues of cybersecurity in the management of their businesses. They said that SMEs were not exempt from cyber attacks such as electronic mails, hence the need for them to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect their businesses from phishing, spoofing and other attacks. The speakers included the Senior Manager, Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, Jacqueline Hanson Kotei; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Innovare Ghana, C.K Bruce, and the Risk and Cybersecurity Specialist of the Ghana Association of Bankers, Audrey Mnisi. The meeting, which was held in Accra yesterday, is the latest in a series to be organised by telecommunications operator, MTN, on the theme: Cybersecurity and the digital transformation of SMEs. Prevention Acknowledging the limited resources of SMEs in the country, Ms Kotei said it was for this reason such businesses needed to ensure good risk and appropriate mitigation strategies to prevent cyber attacks. SMEs feel they are too small to be attacked, but attackers are expanding and they will take on just any business. Cybersecurity has to be woven into everything we do, it has to be on top of mind for everybody to understand. Protect your business no matter the size of your organisation, she said. As a first precautionary measure, Ms Kotei further advised SMEs to conduct a risk assessment of their businesses to get a clearer picture of their vulnerabilities and begin processes to patch and conduct continuous monitoring of their online platforms. She added that since SMEs dealt with third parties regularly, they needed to monitor the security practices of such parties in order not to expose their businesses to risk. While calling for regular training of employees and customers, Ms Kotei said SMEs must also ensure cyber-hygiene by continually changing their mobile money passwords, among other measures. Ms Mnisi also said that the COVID-19 pandemic had compelled many SMEs with limited knowledge on digitisation to operate online without orienting themselves about cyber attacks. Aside from capacity-building, she said SMEs must also consider operating online platforms like their personal homes by constantly updating their software and securing their conversations, among others. For his part, Mr Bruce said owners of SMEs were the first point of access for hackers, hence the need for business owners to manage their work environment efficiently. He said for any contract with a third party, SMEs must ensure that they had the right to audit to protect their platforms from external attackers. Advice In a speech read on his behalf, the Director-General of the Cybersecurity Authority (CSA), Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, advised SMEs to invest more in cybersecurity by not only acquiring equipment, but also building their capacity in best practices through regular training sessions. He further urged them to find cost-effective solutions to cybersecurity issues, adding without the right expertise, identifying vulnerabilities may become a challenge. Theresa Kufuor dedicated her life to Ghana and God Nandom Naa Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Oct - 06 - 2023 , 18:50 The Paramount Chief of the Nandom Traditional Area, Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle, Chiir VIII, has described the late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor, as a mother who dedicated her life to the country and God. He noted that as First Lady, the late Mrs Kufuor was instrumental in successful tenure of the former President by serving in her own capacity in a dedicated and selfless manner. She was unassuming, very humble and someone who had an ear for everyone. She was a dear mother to all Ghanaians. May she rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ, he stated. The Nandom Naa, who is also a former Chairman of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), shared these sentiments when he led his elders to commiserate with former President John Agyekum Kufuor and family at his residence at Peduase in the Eastern Region last Thursday, following the death of Mrs Kufuor on October 1. Faith Naa Prof.Delle also described the former First Lady as a staunch member of the Catholic Church who served God and the church her entire life. She was not only a mother to us as Ghanaians but a mother in the Catholic Church of which I am a proud member. As believers, we are convinced that she is resting and lying in the bosom of God, he said. Book of condolence The Nandom Naa and his entourage also signed the book of condolence which has been opened in memory of the late Mrs Kufuor An announcement from the family said between 1pm and 5pm each day, the family led by former President. Kufuor will sit in state to receive members of the public wishing to commiserate with the family in line with Ghanaian custom. Already a number of personalities have visited President Kufuor to express their sympathy. Among them are Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira, former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Aaron Ocquaye, the Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Opare, a former Chief of Staff, Kwadwo Mpiani, Minister of National Security, Kan Dapaah, and Dr. Joyce Aryee Theresa Kufuor The former First Lady passed away last Sunday, October 1, this year. Born on October 25, 1935, Mrs Kufuor married Mr Kufuor in 1962 and they have been together for 61 years. She lived most of her working life in the United Kingdom after studying at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, and Paddington General Hospital, London, and qualifying as a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing. Before marrying former President Kufuor, she was known as Theresa Mensah and was the last born to her parents. Her elder brother was the late NPP stalwart, J. H. Mensah. The former First Lady started her education at the Catholic Convent in Keta in the Volta Region and then proceeded to London to train as a Registered Nurse at the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing in Edinburgh, Scotland. Trade Minister inaugurates Ghana-EU Housing units for farmers Daily Graphic Oct - 06 - 2023 , 08:16 The Ministry of Trade and Industry has inaugurated a 224 on-farm housing units on the plantation of Golden Exotic Limited (GEL) at Kasunya/Asutsuare in the Shai Osoduku District of the Greater Accra Region. A Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Nana Ama Dokuaa Asiamah-Adjei, who inaugurated the project, said the newly constructed housing units were equipped with modern facilities to ensure comfortable living for farmers and their families under the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) initiative. The houses have been designed with a focus on their functionality and sustainability which feature energy-efficient electricity systems, water treatment plant and a community centre. Ms Dokua Asiamah-Adjei said the completion of the 224 housing units marked a long awaited, yet significant milestone in the journey towards creating a thriving farming community in Ghana The European Union (EU) and the government look forward to continuing their fruitful partnership to further empower farmers, contribute to sustainable rural development and improve the overall quality of life in the agricultural sector she said. She said access to decent and affordable housing played a crucial role in creating a conducive environment for farmers to thrive and contribute effectively to the agricultural sector. She said by providing farmers with housing units, the BAM project was to address the pressing issue of rural poverty and homelessness within the farming community. Project The project is part of the broader Banana Accompanying Measures Programme, which prioritised the development of the agricultural sector while enhancing social welfare within the farming community. She expressed the governments appreciation for the EU support to the project. We are proud to have collaborated with the EU in realising this important project. The housing units will unlock potential and enhance the agricultural productivity of the farmers. This is an embodiment of the shared vision for rural development and poverty reduction, which lies at the core of our collaboration," she said. The Deputy Minister explained that the EU concluded a deal with Latin America and the USA in 2009 to settle 15 years of their Banana-trade disputes, the agreed cuts in EU Tariffs for bananas imported from Latin American countries increased competition for African and Caribbean banana exporters. The BAM was therefore introduced to help African and Caribbean banana exporting countries to remain competitive in the EU market. In 2013, the EU and the government of Ghana (represented by the Ministry of Finance) signed a Financing Agreement (FA) for the BAM package at a total cost of 7.2 million Euros to support Ghanas Banana Industry. Significance The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, highlighted the significance of the partnership in empowering local communities: "These housing units are testament to our commitment to uplifting farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector. They will not only provide a safe and comfortable space for the farmers but also enable them to lead better lives, "he said. He noted that the BAM supported the competitiveness of the Ghanaian Banana export sector, while ensuring its environmental and socio-economic sustainability in the long run. The Vice-President of Compagnie Fruitiere in Ghana, the parent company of Golden Exotics Limited) Olivier Chassang, in his address said the gesture was a major milestone in the social development of the company and a great example of international cooperation. CHRAJ reaffirms commitment to protect rights of citizens Diana Mensah Politics Oct - 06 - 2023 , 05:50 The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has stated that it is the right of citizens to protest and demonstrate as a way of expressing their concerns and displeasure with government policies. "It is their right to collectively and physically come onto a street, walk around and express their discomfort about some governmental issues. It is a right given to them by their ancestors and captured in the Constitution. It is better than hiding on social media and sending tweets, it said. In an interview with the Daily Graphic after the management and staff had undertaken a health walk, the Commissioner, Joseph Whittal, said Citizens should not be seen as troublemakers when they embark on protests. He, however, said such rights to demonstrate had a limit. "When you go into the streets and the police decide that they are not comfortable with where you are going, there should be a balance of legitimate interests for national security and other considerations and our right to demonstrate and articulate what we feel about social policies and other matters, he stated. "This is important because there will always be protesters and demonstrators. So I will urge the Ghana Police Service and other agencies to appreciate these people and know how to handle them. Ghana lives in an international community, so such behaviour sends an unfortunate signal to the international community and I don't think that is what we want to do," he said. Health walk The walk, which formed part of activities to enhance the commissions visibility and create awareness of its 30th anniversary celebration, was to reiterate the commission's commitment to promote and protect human rights. Christened CHRAJ at 30: Promoting and Protecting Human Rights and Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Public Service Delivery", the walk afforded the public an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the work of the commission. Staff of the commission in the Greater Accra Region, in their branded T-shirts, distributed leaflets to educate the public amid cheerful songs accompanied by brass band music and a Public Address (PA) system. The participants displayed placards with inscriptions such as, Our services are free!, Ensuring effective and efficient public service delivery, vision and mission to become reality, and not a mirage, Promoting and protecting fundamental human rights and freedoms in Ghana, Fostering transparency and accountability in Ghana, know your rights, report corruption now, and report injustice today! Equitable society Mr Whittal called on the citizenry to uphold human rights, transparency and accountability as essential pillars of a just and equitable society. He said the health walk was a signal to the public that good health was an important human right, hence the need for the governments to appreciate the importance of good health. For the 30 years in existence, the commission has received about 300,000 complaints on a mixture of human rights, administrative justice and corruption. The commissions concern is to see that some critical issues brought before government and Parliament are implemented and dealt with. So these are some of the reasons why we are calling for the passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill to hold public officers accountable to the citizens in the performance of their functions in so many areas of assets declaration on conflict of interest and providing sanctions, he added. Seek active political roles -Togbe Afede urges Asogli youth Alberto Mario Noretti Politics Oct - 06 - 2023 , 06:09 The Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, has urged the youth of the Asogli State to seek active roles in national politics. We are an integral part of the country and it is only proper for us to be part of the national decision-making process, and not to be mere spectators, he said. He was speaking with the various Asafo groups of the state at the Asogli Palace at Ho-Bankoe on Wednesday (October 4) as part of activities marking his 20th Coronation Day, which coincided with this years Te Za (yam festival) celebrations. This was after the Asafo groups displayed their battlefield skills in a procession through the streets of the regional capital. He said the Asogli youth seeking active roles in national politics would help to ensure that the Asogli State was not deprived of its fair share of the national cake. Togbe Afede said the youth must also seek ministerial and parliamentary positions with utmost seriousness when they venture into politics. Good tidings Togbe Afede said there were many good tidings in the offing for the Asogli State, notable among them was the Aviation Academy, which would soon be inaugurated in Ho. He also announced plans by the Asogli traditional authorities to secure land for a gigantic rice project soon to cover more than 23,000 acres. The Agbogbomefia pointed out that the success of those ventures would require total unity among the people who would be the first beneficiaries of the fruits of those projects. Therefore, he entreated them to eschew every divisive tendency and form a joint front as one people who always loved one another. Togbe Afede also called on land owners to give out land willingly to support feasible development projects in the area for the rapid progress of the area. Once there are projects providing jobs for the youth there would be no need for them to embark on perilous trips to Libya or beyond the Mediterranean in the false hope of finding jobs, he added. The Agbogbomefia re-affirmed the firm stance of the chiefs of Asogli to support the education of the youth and said that was how the Asogli State could produce people for Parliament, various sector ministries and other key state institutions, and build a strong human development capacity. The public was invited to provide written comments concerning the RMP during the BLM's public meeting. Last week, roughly 1,000 Sweetwater County citizens showed up to get information about the Bureau of Land Management's Resource Management Plan (RMP) draft for the Rock Springs Field Office and voice their concerns over the plan. Both local and state government leaders are also voicing their concerns, to the point of writing letters to the BLM asking for a withdrawal of the plan. Public outcry By 3 p.m., when the BLM's open-house style public meeting about the RMP was set to start, a line of people stretched out the doors of the Rock Springs Holiday Inn. The line wound through the lobby and the hallways to the ballroom, where hundreds of people were already inside, looking over maps, talking to BLM Rock Springs Field Office representatives, and writing out public comments. Nearly 1,000 people were estimated to have shown up to the meeting, County Commissioner Taylor Jones explained during his comments at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday. He said that about 700 reportedly signed in, and an estimated 20-30% of attendees wouldn't give any information. Commission Chairman Keaton West noted that the RMP has "had a huge public outcry and concern from constituents and residents of Sweetwater." County leaders like commissioners and city council members, as well as state representatives, showed up alongside the citizens at the BLM's event. The meeting had several stations set up with maps and charts displayed regarding different areas of the plan and local BLM workers on hand to answer questions. The BLM also handed out papers with a "Guide to Good Public Comments," explaining why public comments are important and giving tips for providing helpful and substantive comments that will be taken into consideration. "Avoid vague statements or concerns. These don't give the BLM something on which to act," the form said. "Comments are not votes for or against a decision. BLM must rely on supporting information, not the number of comments received." Public comment forms were provided, along with boxes to officially submit them in. "I think everyone coming out and stomping their feet has been a good first response and I'm proud to witness the amount of concern from the public," Commissioner West said regarding the meeting. While law enforcement was on hand at the event, some attendees let their frustrations be known clearly in their conversations with BLM representatives. "Obviously tensions are running high, and understandably so as this document has the ability to destroy Sweetwater County as we know it and destroy our jobs and recreation," Commissioner Jones said. Later he added, "I do ask everyone to keep any and all comments directed towards the document and the process. . . Don't direct your comments at the folks in the office locally and make it personal. That's not going to get us anywhere." Withdrawal request Turning the focus to the document itself is exactly what the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners hopes to do. "I think we can all agree for the most part that we don't like the preferred alternative, but the fighting hope lies within the mistakes made within the sudden release of this plan," Chairman West said during the commission meeting. "We'll continue to dissect that and the details in order to respond strategically and factually." Commissioner Mary Thoman and County Land Use Director Eric Bingham both said that there has been no clear answer from the BLM on whether there will be an extension of the deadline for public comment, despite several leaders and organizations having asked for it, and the extension doesn't seem likely. Currently the public comment period is still set to end on November 16. With the clock ticking, the commissioners have decided to send a letter to the BLM asking for a withdrawal of the RMP, and to continue to study the draft, focusing on the discrepancies and inconsistencies and prioritizing key areas of focus. "The document is very flawed and lacking in a tremendous amount of detail that could set the county up for far more loss in both recreation and jobs than is described in the RMP as it's written," Jones said. The board voted unanimously to approve the letter to the BLM, following Governor Mark Gordon's decision to also ask the BLM to withdraw the RMP draft. "Over a decade's worth of contributions from local stakeholders, cooperators, counties, and state agencies are either falling on deaf ears or disingenuously being thrown by the wayside with this decision," Governor Gordon stated in his letter. The commissioners' letter also focused on the BLM's preferred alternative not reflecting the time that Sweetwater County spent in the collaborative process with the BLM, and it's potential impact on the socioeconomics of the county. The letter also states that the notification process for the Areas of Environmental Concern (ACEC) was not in compliance by not including the "resource use limitations," and that other required processes for establishing ACECs were not followed. "In addition to not following the legal process for cooperator participation, notice, consideration of cooperator plans, establishment of ACEC's provided by the BLM manual, inter alia, the process of reviewing the plan revealed several inconsistencies throughout the plan," the commissioners' letter states. "Sweetwater County points out the procedural failures for the benefit of both the BLM and the public in an effort to rectify the failures and reestablish good faith in the cooperator and public process. Sweetwater County, along with the Governor asks the BLM withdraw the Draft RMP and move forward with comments provided by local stakeholders to create an alternative that will stand up to legal scrutiny and in support of 'multiple uses.'" Star photo by Hannah Romero Over 700 residents came out to the BLM's public meeting. While the letter from the county to the BLM points out that it would be easier to fix the errors now than to deal with a Governor's Consistency Review and Cooperator's Protest and Appeal Process in the future, the commissioners discussed the possibility of having to protest the RMP in the future. Commissioner Thoman pointed out that the Coalition of Local Governments has protested and appealed plans before. "We're not afraid to challenge them on the issues that are legally wrong," Thoman said. "Doesn't mean we always win, but it's for the record that we've done it." "We intend to win," Senator John Kolb, who spoke to the commissioners during the public comment portion of the meeting, replied. He noted that the state legislature plans to fund whatever money is necessary to fight the RMP, which will divert money from other things, but he sees it as a justifiable expense. "If we lose, we lose our future." Dear Editor, Well, Homecoming week of 2023 is over and in the books. I have raised five boys in Green River and have purchased many t-shirts for this week, from back when the elementary kids were bused to the beginning of the parade route. The parade route was down Uinta and the street was full of spectators. We purchased many t-shirts, starting with Jackson Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Monroe Middle School, Lincoln and of course GRHS, sporting our school spirit over the years. My boys participated in the home coming bonfire, hauling truckloads of pallets to make a bigger fire than last year. I rented many tuxedos along with buying meals. The 2023 Homecoming parade had very creative floats, the marching band, Police Department, Fire Department, and the Grand Marshall. It was fun and showed our Green River spirit. The time and money put into the parade was apparent. The one thing our home coming parade did NOT have was the American Flag! Old Glory shall lead the parade, placed in the center ahead of other flags. Old Glory shall be carried on a pole out in front at a 30-degree angle. For many years I have proudly placed my hand on my heart in honor of our great country while enjoying the Homecoming events. As a daughter of an Army Veteran, the niece of a Vietnam Veteran and the mother of a Marine, I am saddened and disappointed America was not represented at the beginning of the Homecoming parade 2023. Kim Wilkins Green River The Actors' Mission Community Theater will host an Oktoberfest Fundraiser on Saturday, October 7 from 1-7 p.m. at Bunning Park. The event will feature craft beers individually sold by Square State and Bad Joker Brewing Companies, German food fare sold by Innovative Dining Concepts and live music performances by local favorites Atlas Falls and Nowhere Fast. Attendees may bid on baskets and packages during the silent auction and purchase raffle tickets for prize packages including a Wyoming Booze Wagon, original art by David Gutierrez and a "Warm Wyoming Night" package including a fire pit, a cord of firewood and other amenities. There will also be a cornhole tournament starting at 1 p.m. Admission tickets range $10-15 dollars and may be purchased at the park entrance on the day of the event. Food tickets may be purchased separately, and beer may be purchased directly from the vendors. The public is invited to determine the winning beer in the Battle of the Brews friendly competition. Square State owner Mike Hulen says, "I'm looking forward to the Battle of the Brews with our friends at Bad Joker. This is a great opportunity to support the arts and culture as well as the local businesses of Rock Springs and we encourage everyone to come on down and celebrate Oktoberfest with us. May the best brew win!" All proceeds raised from the event directly benefit Actors' Mission Community Theater. The theater is beginning its 21st season of providing access to the theatrical arts in Sweetwater County. Funds will be used towards productions and the continuing building renovation that will one day house the troupes' black box theater. Actors' Mission was awarded the Mayors' Arts Award in 2020 for its outstanding contribution to the arts in Rock Springs. AM members Nina Tyler and David Gutierrez have won the award in subsequent years for their involvement in the organization. In February 2023, Actors' Mission was bestowed the Governors' Arts Award for substantial contribution to the cultural endowment of State based on the company's model to produce plays outside the realm of mainstream including original works, offering a free meal prior to every performance and never charging admission for regular season productions. AM Board Member Rick Cozad says, "Because we don't charge admission for shows, we need fundraisers like Oktoberfest as well as regular contributions and grants to keep this program alive and well. We've managed to do that with the gracious help of our wonderful volunteers and patrons for the past 20 years. We are once again asking them to step up, step out and come support us at Oktoberfest." For more information, please visit Actors' Mission on Facebook. One of the big announcements from the Pixel 8 event was the new extended software support for this year's Pixel phones. The search giant promised 7 years of major OS and feature updates. That's quite the commitment and it's even more than what Apple is willing to offer with its iOS devices. The only thing that comes close is the Fairphone 5, depending on how you count. However, there're a couple of small issues - phones tend to break and their batteries normally degrade significantly over 7 years. Luckily, Google has thought this through and an official representative promised that the company will provide 7 years of hardware support as well. Spare parts for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will be available throughout that 7-year period. Unfortunately, Google didn't disclose any specifics, but Google will likely be offering its spare parts via its official website in Europe and India, while Google's service partner in the US is iFixit. Via Samsung Semiconductor held its System LSI Tech Day event in San Jose, California where we got an early glimpse of the upcoming Exynos 2400 flagship mobile chipset. Exynos 2400 will likely arrive on the Galaxy S24 series, serving as a successor to Exynos 2200 with promises of a massive leap in performance. Samsung claims Exynos 2400 offers a 1.7x increase in CPU performance and a 14.7x boost in AI performance compared to the Exynos 2200. Samsung introduced a new AI tool designed for upcoming smartphones with updated text-to-image AI generation which was demoed on stage. Exynos 2400 is equipped with an Xclipse 940 GPU based on the AMD RDNA 3 architecture offering mobile ray tracing which brings a more life-like experience in games with improved shadow rendering, reflections and global illumination. Based on rumors and a recent benchmark leak, Exynos 2400 is fabbed on Samsung's latest 4nm LPP+ process. The chip will likely bring a 10-core CPU using a 1+2+3+4 configuration with all cores based on the ARMv9 architecture. The leak suggests a prime Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.1GHz alongside 2x Cortex-A720 cores ticking at 2.9 GHz. Less demanding tasks will be handled by the 3x Cortex-A720 cores clocked @ 2.6GHz and 4x Cortex-A520 cores @ 1.8 GHz. Exynos 2400 is expected to support LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. Its also rumored to support up to 320MP camera sensors and 8K video recording at 60fps via its all-new custom ISP. Connectivity will benefit from the new Exynos 5300 modem which will likely be integrated and offer 5G connectivity with Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and satellite communication for emergency situations. Source The Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division is holding a responsible pet ownership event from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Astumbo Community Center. A federal pandemic program is now allowing the Guam Department of Agriculture to distribute free fresh produce bought from local farmers. The program aims to combat food insecurity, support farmers and build a resilient and sustainable future, according to a news release from the department. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, the Emergency Rural Healthcare Grant, also known as the Farm to Family program, uses federal money to buy fresh produce from local farmers and then distribute the food directly through community groups and outreach programs. The program started Tuesday at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna. Some 170 bags of fresh produce, totaling more than 1,250 pounds, were given out by Guahan Sustainable Culture, AmeriCorps Guahan Sustainable Culture, WestCare Pacific Islands, Manelu and Catholic Social Service. Individuals in need of assistance can stop by CHamoru Village from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays to get a free bag of produce. Partnership with farmers, groups The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program has also been launched. The program allows the government to buy produce directly from members of the Farmers Cooperative Association of Guam to provide economic growth opportunities while affirming partnerships between farmers and multiple organizations and ensuring Guams food supply chain becomes more resilient. Programs like this are important because should another disaster come around, we have to be able to connect the farmers directly with the people that need food the most, said Roy Gamboa, deputy director of the Guam Department of Agriculture. If the ships stop coming in, we need to still be able to participate and work with the farmers here growing the food. Community members can help by volunteering to help package produce bags from 10 to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at CHamoru Village. They can sign up to volunteer by calling Michelle Crisostomo at (671) 687-6491. If you know of a nonprofit organization that is working to help food insecure families and would be interested in distributing food to the people they serve, contact Jeremy Bevacqua at (671) 482-2289. Children who were sanctioned by the Guam Swimming Federation without notice or an opportunity to be heard filed a lawsuit Thursday with the District Court of Guam, according to a news release. The sanctions were in response to participation in the Summer Swim Splash swim meet in the Philippines on April 1, 2023. The children, as young as 8, returned from the event with 56 event medals and numerous personal records. The complaint alleges that the sanctions are just one example of GSFs exploitation of its monopoly power over the Guam-swimming market. The lawsuit describes GSFs ongoing pattern of unlawfully limiting Guams swimmers access to competition and training opportunities. Kids sanctioned Upon returning from the Summer Swim Splash, GSF determined that approval was required from GSF before participating in the event, even though the competition did not fall under the banner of GSF or any of its affiliated organizations, and the children did not attend on behalf of a GSF organization. GSF has said that according to a World Aquatics rule, GSF approval is required before any swimmer can travel and swim in any off-island competition and threatened additional sanctions against any swimmer who disobeys GSF. Therefore, GSF sanctioned the children for their participation and threatened further sanctions, including expulsion from GSF, should the children participate or attend any other swim meets without approval. Additionally, GSF adopted a rule change that prohibits swimmers from registering with GSF and any other on-island team, even though there is no pool on island that meets regulatory standards, and GSF has failed to provide adequate opportunities for training and competition. This rule change resulted in the children being forced off their GSF team in order to seek preferable training and competition opportunities. As a result, GSF refused to approve the participation of four of Guams fastest swimmers in the upcoming Pacific Games, even though these swimmers were previously nominated by GSF to participate. The families point out that GSF did not hold any qualifying meets or announce any minimum qualifying standards for the Pacific Games. Antitrust violations The civil complaint alleges that GSF has engaged in actions that violate the Sherman Act on Antitrust and seeks to enjoin such illegal action from GSF. The complaint also alleges that GSF has violated its own bylaws and code of conduct in issuing sanctions to the children when it issued sanctions without any due process and seeks declaratory judgment to void the sanctions and force GSF to comply with its own rules. Our complaint lays out how GSF has unlawfully maintained its power and intimidated and bullied anyone threatening its complete control over national federation resources and who gets to represent Guam, said swim parent, Regine Biscoe Lee. We seek immediate relief, as GSF nominated four local swimmers to represent Guam in the upcoming Pacific Games, then subsequently blocked them from competition without explanation in yet another episode of this ongoing GSF saga. The families allege that, for decades, GSF and its board members have taken measures to manipulate who represents Guam at major international competitions such as the Pacific Games and the Olympics. How many children have had their hopes and dreams of representing their home in swimming dashed because a few individuals have decided that their control over swimming is more important than our swimming community? said swim parent, Amanda Sanchez Wooley. Enough is enough. The families allege GSFs anticompetitive conduct violates Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act and are seeking injunctive relief and declaratory judgment in federal court. The Guam Department of Labor is now accepting applications for the School Year 2023-24 Year-Round In-School Youth Program, which provides high school students with work readiness, occupational skills training, and summer employment within each school year. Each high school will have up to 15 slots to fill for the upcoming Winter Session. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2023. The In-School Youth Winter Session is a paid occupational skills workshop and will be held from Dec. 18 to 29, 2023. The In-School Youth Program Winter Session will include work readiness workshops that will prepare students for real-world employment skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, work ethics, communication skills, respecting peers and more. Eligible students must be enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade, between the ages of 14 to 21, and meet other criteria. We had a very successful Summer Session earlier this year with several of our private sector partners who were so impressed with our students that they hired them as permanent members of their team. The Winter and Spring Sessions prepare these students with the skills needed for the summer internship when they are partnered with an employer. This ensures the success of every intern as well as the employer, Guam Labor Director David DellIsola said in a statement. Students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Interested students should speak to their school counselors to learn more about the program. The application can be found online at the following link: http://bit.ly/inschoolyouth. For more information, contact the American Job Center at (671) 475-7000/1, or visit the AJC at the GCIC Building, 414 W Soledad Ave, 3rd Floor, in Hagatna. Attorney General Doug Moylan says its time for control of local utilities to be handed back to the governor; at least one member of the Consolidated Commission on Utilities is strongly opposed to the idea. An opinion issued by Moylan Friday afternoon says that besides the CCU failing to adequately improve local utilities over the past two decades, the very existence of the utilities commission is contrary to the Organic Act of Guam and unconstitutional. He has sent proposed legislation to lawmakers to eliminate the CCU. CCU Chairman Joey Duenas said he has nothing to say about Moylans opinion unless the legislature or the courts take the issue up. Meanwhile, Commissioner Simon Sanchez defended the CCUs track record and said Moylan is wrong on the law, again. Though they wouldnt back the elimination of the commission entirely, senators with oversight of the utilities agreed that, in light of recent load shedding and water issues, there was need for some reform of how the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority are handled. Control of GPA and GWA was handed over to the newly formed, elected CCU by law back in 2002, following concerns from local lawmakers that the utilities were being mismanaged by boards appointed by the governor of Guam, PDN files show. The AG Though critical of the performance of the CCUs performance, Moylan told the Pacific Daily News that the primary reason hes moving to eliminate the commission is because he believes it is unlawful. This has been in the planning for a while, he said. The law that created the CCU violated the Organic Act on its face because it took control of GPA and GWAtwo undeniable agencies of the executive branchaway from the governor, his opinion reads. That move interfered with the governors authority, violated the separation of powers doctrine, and was unconstitutional. Moylan used the elected school board as an example: Congress needed to amend the Organic Act, which is a federal law, before the board could take control of schools away from the governor. But the same action was not taken before the CCU was formed. Besides the legal issue, Moylan pointed to the recent, post-typhoon return of load shedding, which Guam saw in the early 1990s, as proof that the CCU was not achieving its goal of improving the power system. Power fluctuations were also causing untold damage to electrical equipment and costing taxpayers money. It could also threaten the lives of those who were reliant on medical equipment to survive. Moylan said the cause of load shedding is the same as it was over 30 years ago: a lack of future planning. Even the solution being sought for the issue is the same, he noted, as lawmakers look to once again expedite the procurement of equipment for the power grid, as was done in the 90s. CCU responds Everybody has a right to their own opinion, nobody has a right to their own facts, CCU chairman Duenas said of Moylan. He declined to to respond specifically to the bill the AG had put forward, or the opinion he issued, but did accuse the AG of seeking publicity and the limelight. Sanchez, who has sat on the CCU for numerous terms since 2003 and spent a decade as its chair, defended their track record. We all remember what it was like when we have had a governor appointed board, which was confirmed by the legislature we had boil water notices, we had load shedding, we had hanom taki (wastewater) going into the ocean. And much of that has been addressed. Its just been unfortunate that in recent times, the load shedding has set us back, Sanchez said. A $70 million wastewater treatment facility, the addition of solar energy to the grid, and compliance with clean water standards had all been achieved under the CCU, he said. Unlike other agencies of the government, they have not been put under federal receivership during the past two decades. Current load shedding was caused by issues beyond the control of the utilities. The explosions of the Cabras 1 and 2 plants last year were an accident, which put pressure on the rest of the grid, he said. COVID-19 had slowed the permitting and opening of the Ukkudu Power Plant, and Typhoon Mawar had set the Ukkudu plant back even further. On the matter of the Organic Act, Sanchez said he believed the governors direct responsibility was limited to health and education, not the utilities. The Legislature was free to pass its own laws, and to create the CCU. Its been proven time and again, that (Moylan is) frequently wrong on the law. And thats why theres such a low opinion of him in the legal community, Sanchez said. Mr. Sanchez is not a lawyer, Moylan said in response. I think right now the people of Guam are fed up with the CCU. And all this stuff will talk but its coming out of Mr. Sanchez mouth. Senators weigh in Sen. Sabina Perez, oversight chair for GWA, told the PDN she did share some of Moylans concerns about the need to overhaul the power and water utilities. But, at the same time, I would like to hear more deliberation, community deliberation and get a better understanding of how this change in leadership can result in its intended effect, she said. She would need more information before making decisions based on whether the CCU complied with the Organic Act, but said, Obviously, there has to be some reform as far as efficiency, you know, and whether were getting the most out of what were investing. More oversight of the utilities was also needed, she said. GPA oversight chair Sen. Will Parkinson agreed that recent issues with the utilities suggest a deep and systemic need for reform. Though the CCUs aims were commendable their results have been clear we simply do not have enough power generation to meet demand. Though he was not sold on the idea of abolishing the CCU, more community conversation about how to lead the utilities was needed, he said. He suggested that a voter referendum on eliminating the commission might lead to improvement. The expansion of the Guam Veterans Cemetery wont start until next year despite an $8.2 million grant mentioned in Oct. 2022, according to Jose San Agustin, director of Guams Office of Veterans Affairs. In a press release from the Office of the Governor last year, the OVA was supposed to use the grant to fund construction of above-ground crypts, grading, drainage, irrigation, landscaping, and supporting infrastructure and begin in January 2023. However, San Agustin said the National Cemetery Administration, which is under the US Department of Federal Affairs, has not disbursed the funds to the Guam office yet as Guams veterans cemetery is still considered Priority III. This means the NCA understands Guam has planned the development, but its project is not yet needed to avoid burial disruption within four years. San Agustin said that theyll need to wait until they have three years worth of burial spaces before being bumped to Priority I to start the rest of the project. Without them telling us to go, anything to do with that grant done on our dime will not be reimbursed, said San Agustin. The clock is ticking as San Agustin anticipated only four years until the veterans cemetery runs out of ground burial spaces. If Im not mistaken, we have about 600 first-time burial spaces still available, said the director. We bury about 150 individuals every year, which includes the veterans and their spouses. However, the director noted that due to minimal resources in Guam, he is still dedicated to completing the project as soon as possible. Theres a large military buildup going on in Guam, and our resources are not as much as there is in the states, said San Agustin. We also need to look into finding a contractor that will even be able to take on this project. He said the documentation process alone could take over a year. I spoke with the Department of Public Works, and they told me just the environmental impact statement could take a year, said San Agustin. We also have six different requirements to meet, including architecture, design and environmental inspection, to ensure the project will not damage our water. We just cant take any action on any of it until we get bumped up. To help reassure the director and the Guam community, San Agustin added that he was told by NCA that the Guam office will not lose the grant and might even foresee potential increases due to increased costs of resources. They are committed to helping us do whatever we need to do to fulfill the needs of our veterans, added the director. They told me their job is to support us, not to take anything away. Theyre aware that the cost of $8.2 million might not stay; it could go up to $14 million. In the meantime, San Agustin asked the public to help keep the cemetery clean and maintained. Haiti - FLASH : Canada plans to send RCMP trainers for military intervention in Haiti Lisa Vandehe, head of an interdepartmental working group on Haiti, said Canada was still evaluating its contribution to the multinational mission in Haiti, adding that Kenya for its part was ready to launch the deployment in the 90 days after the ratification of the mission by its Parliament. "The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) pare looking at being focused on technical training," Lisa Vandehei told the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. She specified that the RCMP would probably train agents of the Haitian National Police (PNH) in "very specialized" technical areas according to a model where each trained agent would continue to teach other Haitian peers adding "The RCMP are the best in the world in several areas [...] Canada's training mission, the planning for it is still underway." Vandehei said Canada's goal in this multinational mission is to ensure that police have the training and equipment they need to maintain order in Haiti after foreign forces leave, and that society Haitian society has the institutions necessary for a viable democracy. Furthermore, Global Affairs Canada said in a statement that Ottawa "is also focused on preventing sexual and gender-based violence" in Haiti, recalling that during previous military interventions in Haiti, residents reported a widespread sexual exploitation by their fellow citizens and foreign armies "We are very much attuned to that, and especially when it comes to sexual and gender-based violence taking place already in Haiti." HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Suriname will send troops to Haiti Thursday the President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, on an official visit to the Dominican Republic, promised as a contribution to the international intervention mission in Haiti in support of the PNH to send troops to Haiti. He indicated that political and security issues in Haiti are very important "[...] My Government supports all regional and international initiatives aimed at ensuring stability in the region," Santokhi emphasized. Textile : Technical unemployment at S&H Global S.A Due to the closure of the Dominican border due to lack of intrans and a drop in orders in October, the subcontracting company S&H Global S.A, the Haitian subsidiary of the South Korean textile group Sae-A, located at the Caracol Industrial Park and which employing nearly 10,000 workers, informed them that it is forced to temporarily suspend its services from Thursday October 12 to Friday October 20, 2023 See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40649-haiti-news-zapping.html Petite-Anse : The PNH hits hard A major police operation carried out on Wednesday October 4 in Petite-Anse (eastern entrance to the city of Cap-Haitien) resulted in the death of 5 bandits. Two others were injured and three weapons seized. Officers from the departmental judicial police service also arrested 4 accomplices Customs 2022-2023, historic revenue record The General Administration of Customs (AGD) achieved a historic record by collecting nearly 109 billion gourdes in customs revenue collected for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, while the Government's forecasts were 90 billion. Record revenues attributable to strict control over the value of goods in customs and compliance with tariff positions to establish bordereaux, despite drops in import tonnage each year... Taekwondo : Ava Lee 25th in the world "Ava Lee, the rising star of Haitian Taekwondo, shines at 25th in the world after her gold medal in 73 kg (Kyorugi) 2023 WT President's Cup - Pan America Rio (Brazil). A historic feat for Haitian Taekwondo, no other athlete had reached such a level before !" Haitian Taekwondo Federation. Consulates closed The Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal advises the public in general and the Haitian Community of Quebec in particular that its premises will be closed on Monday, October 9, 2023, on the occasion of Thanksgiving. Consular services will resume on Tuesday October 10, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Consulate General of Haiti in New York informs the public in general and the press in particular that the Mission will be closed on Monday, October 9, 2023, on the occasion of Christopher Columbus Day. Regular activities of the Consulate will resume on Tuesday October 10, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2019/06/04 | Source Actress Shim Eun-ha's "M - Drama" is being rebooted for the first time in 26 years. Advertisement According to exclusive coverage by Star News on the 4th, drama production company Supermoon Pictures recently signed a contract with writer Lee Hong-goo, the original writer of "M - Drama", and has begun production. The working title is "M2020". Miniseries "M - Drama", which was broadcast on MBC in 1994 as a ten-episode horror special, was in the spotlight when it came out for the special effects, represented by the green eyes of the main character, Park Ma-ri / Kim Joo-ri (Shim Eun-ha), in addition to the sensitive subject of the ethics of abortion. Its highest audience rating was 50%, with an average rating of 38.6%. Shim Eun-ha, who debuted in 1993, became a star with the MBC dramas "The Final Challenge" and "M - Drama" in 1994. The green eyes she had in "M - Drama" still remain in the memories of viewers today, over two decades later. MBC tried to remake "M2" in 2005, but it fell through. Supermoon Pictures is going to wrap up the assigning of creators and the leading woman, and start producing in 2020. Writer Lee Hong-goo is participating as the reboot creator. President Sin In-soo of Supermoon Pictures said, "We plan on reinterpreting the drama so that it fits the current generation. The new leading actress will be one who possesses the mysterious aura to become the next Shim Eun-ha, and newcomers will be considered as well". The broadcasting station is yet to be decided. Published on 2023/10/05 | Source Korean movie of the week "A Quiet Dream" (2016) Advertisement Directed by Zhang Lu With Han Ye-ri, Yang Ik-june, Park Jung-bum, Yoon Jong-bin, Lee Joo-young, Lee Joon-dong,... Synopsis Life is tough for Ye-ri, a young woman who runs a bar and takes care of her unconscious, paralyzed father. Three men, Ik-joon, Jong-bin, and Jung-bum, all try to woo her, but they don't have much success for each is flawed in their own way. Ik-joon is similar to the vagabond in "Breathless", Jong-bin is reminiscent of the private in "The Unforgiven", and Jung-bum is like the North Korean defector in "The Journals of Musan". Can any of them win Ye-ri's heart? As the Korean title hints, the story in "A Quiet Dream" may only be a " dream ". Movies certainly do have dream-like attributes, and dreams are also a mirror of reality. Such thoughts remind us of the question Zhang Lu proposes to immigrant workers in his documentary Scenery: "What is your dream?" Their dreams actually unfold through his films, which are instilled with life's warmth, compassion, and tribulations. "A Quiet Dream" serves as a testament to Zhang Lu's second period films, which include "Gyeongju" and "Love and...". After attempting to criticize reality through calm contemplation, Zhang has turned to making films that intertwine dreams, the cinematic, and reality. Black and white images, restrained music, the daily rhythm of life--all coalesce within the traces of a dream. Release date in Korea : 2016/10/13 Read Panos's review Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Subscribe to our daily NewsLetter Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password or receive our NewsLetter. Stay logged in Lost password Contact Korean Movie | 2016 Drama Directed by Zhang Lu () Written by Zhang Lu () 101min | Release date in South Korea: 2016/10/13 Synopsis Life is tough for Ye-ri, a young woman who runs a bar and takes care of her unconscious, paralyzed father. Three men, Ik-joon, Jong-bin, and Jung-bum, all try to woo her, but they don't have much success for each is flawed in their own way. Ik-joon is similar to the vagabond in "Breathless", Jong-bin is reminiscent of the private in "The Unforgiven", and Jung-bum is like the North Korean defector in "The Journals of Musan". Can any of them win Ye-ri's heart? As the Korean title hints, the story in "A Quiet Dream" may only be a " dream ". Movies certainly do have dream-like attributes, and dreams are also a mirror of reality. Such thoughts remind us of the question Zhang Lu proposes to immigrant workers in his documentary Scenery: "What is your dream?" Their dreams actually unfold through his films, which are instilled with life's warmth, compassion, and tribulations. "A Quiet Dream" serves as a testament to Zhang Lu's second period films, which include "Gyeongju" and "Love and...". After attempting to criticize reality through calm contemplation, Zhang has turned to making films that intertwine dreams, the cinematic, and reality. Black and white images, restrained music, the daily rhythm of life--all coalesce within the traces of a dream. Source Published on 2023/10/05 | Source Actor Lee Sang-yi expressed his feelings after finishing "Han River Police". Advertisement Lee Sang-yi played an attractive villain in Disney+'s original series "Han River Police". "Han River Police" is a water-precision comic action that takes place when the Han River Police Force, a team that protects the Han River at night, is caught in a crime surrounding the Han River and ends with the 5th and 6th episodes released on the 27th. In this work, Lee Sang-yi plays the villain Go Gi-seok, who threatens the peace of the Han River to protect his desire, causing anger among viewers by doing all kinds of evil deeds by any means and drawing a three-dimensional picture of him longing for love and recognition from his uncle Hwang Man-dae (Choi Moo-sung). Recently, Lee Sang-yi has played warm romance in the Netflix series "Bloodhounds" which successfully introduces his first action genre challenge, as well as dramas "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" and "Youth of May" to convey new charms in each work. By completing another charm with an intense and attractive villain, he has proved his wide-spectrum acting ability across good and bad roles as well as his potential for an 'all-rounder", adding to expectations for future moves. In response, Lee Sang-yi said through his agency Good Friends Company, "I was excited and worried because I played a villain for the first time in a long time, but I'm glad and grateful that I finished it well until the end. Watching "Han River Police" for three weeks, it was a very meaningful time because the time we worked hard and filmed together in the cold winter seemed to be made of good results. Above all, I would like to thank the viewers around the world for watching "Han River Police" until the end", he said, expressing his meaningful feelings. Published on 2023/10/06 | Source New still added for the upcoming Korean movie "Welcome to Bongtaeri" (2020) Advertisement Directed by Park Jung-rye With Oh Seung-hoon, Kim Yoon-hye, Lee Sang-hee-VI, Lee Shin-seong, Kim Shin-kwang, Kim Ja-young,... 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. Release date in Korea : 2023/10/11 A CAFE in Henley has closed after less than three months following a poor hygiene rating. The Thyme Cafe opened at the River & Rowing Museum in July and was run by Dan McCullough, from Bix, and Jason Wild, from Blackheath. The pair left immediately after catering for Princess Annes visit to the museum on September 18. They say the decision to close was a commercial one. The cafe had been givem one star out of five in a hygiene inspection by an environmental health officer from South Oxfordshire District Council in July. The rating means major improvement is necessary under the national Scores on the Doors scheme. Thyme, which was the fifth operator of the museum cafe in seven years, will be replaced by Velolife, a cycle-friendly cafe that will open next month. The inspectors report, which has been seen by the Henley Standard as result of a Freedom of Information request, highlighted a risk of food contamination and said major improvement was required on the management of the cafe, food safety compliance and the kitchen infrastructure. The inspector found: Out of date cream. Allergenic products stored with non-allergenic ones. Prepared food with a shelf life that was too long. The cafe was found to have stored cured salmon alongside raw meat in a fridge and portioned it on a designated cooked meat chopping board after curing, posing a risk of cross-contamination. The inspector said the operators were unable to provide me with any confirmation that the salmon meets the requirements of presenting a minimal risk of parasite infection or that the supplier has carried out a freezing treatment which would allow the product to be consumed raw as ready to eat. Food businesses must ensure that adequate controls are in place to manage the risk of parasites in fish and fishery products intended to be eaten raw or lightly cooked. Gluten-free bread was stored in a freezer with regular bread, posing a risk of allergen cross contamination via touching the packaging. The inspector said the shelf life of day of preparation plus three days for high risk foods was too long, adding: You must ensure you provide your foods with an appropriate shelf life to prevent the growth of bacteria. It was noted that foods such as the butternut squash and tomato tart were being cooked and cooled at too low a temperature (37C) before being displayed for up to four hours. Food handlers were wearing watches, which the inspector said could harbour dirt and bacteria. The kitchen ceiling was not suitably pest-proofed as there was a number of holes in the tiles. A large section of the ceiling above the extract ventilation system and across the entire dishwashing area was missing, exposing bare brickwork and insulating material. Flooring in the dishwashing area of the kitchen was missing, exposing the uneven concrete slabs below. The inspector also noted there was no written food safety management system. The new cafe operator is Lee Goodwin, 43, from South Ascot. He opened the first Velolife in Warren Row eight years ago when he took over an empty pub and expanded his bicycle repair business to include a cafe. This was followed by two more cafes in Wargrave and Twyford last year. Mr Goodwin, who is originally from South Africa, said: My wife and children have spent quite a lot of time at the museum and I was asked if I was interested. A lot of our customers are rowers as well as cyclists and we know the area quite well. We had a conversation and heard a little bit about what they were going to do with the museum going forward and we thought it could be quite a good fit. We try our best to keep things really simple and that what we do, we do really well. Keeping things simple and uncomplicated can be hugely successful. I have no doubt that some cyclists will come because they know us but this will be slightly different for us so we will change the food offering a little bit. We will do open sandwiches and a lot on sourdough. All the products we use are sourced as locally as we can. He added: The museum is a beautiful venue in a stunning location. We are really looking forward to doing something nice and special and growing into the cafe. I normally spend my time between all three of the cafes but I look forward to spending quite a bit of time in Henley going forward. Initially, the cafe will not cater for events held at the museum. Steve OConnor, director of the museum, said: Were really excited to be working with Velolife, who come highly recommended. We are looking forward to have the cafe open and running again. Mr McCullough said it was a commercial decision to close the business. He said: Perhaps it was the location, Im not really sure, but it was not making money. I dont know how any independent site in Henley makes any money. The rent is ridiculously high for the footfall you get ind you get hit by the labour costs salaries for chefs are 30 per cent higher than they used to be. Its a really tough market. He declined to comment on the hygiene rating. 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. Aquarius (20th January to 18th February) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, You see challenges as opportunities Resolve challenges in the love relationship and handle the professional assignments with care. The financial status as well as health will be good today. Aquarius Daily Horoscope, October 7, 2023: Resolve challenges in the love relationship and handle the professional assignments with care. Today, your love life will be blissful with more energy and happiness. Youll be successful in handling every assignment at office. Both health and wealth will also be at your side. Aquarius Love Horoscope Today Be careful while having arguments today as even a minor ego issue can turn into a serious problem causing uneasiness in the love relationship. Stay patient throughout the day and ensure your relationship is intact. Some Aquarius lovers are unpredictable and this can lead to troubles today. Those who are married should show the willingness to accept the spouse. Do not be hesitant while expressing the feeling and ensure you both spend more time together. Office romance is good but can be a sensitive topic today. Aquarius Career Horoscope Today You are productive today and this will be reflected in the feedback report of your manager. Be consistent in delivery and ensure you handle all work pressure. Do not let office politics dictate your performance and there is no time for office gossip as well. Beware while handling unpredictable clients and some IT professionals will travel to the client's office. . Jewelers, academicians, artisans, IT professionals, and business developers will have a good time today but be careful about the stiff competition around. Aquarius Money Horoscope Today Handle wealth smartly. The first half of the day may not be productive in terms of money but you will start receiving wealth as the day progresses. Some entrepreneurs will get funding from abroad to expand their business. Those who have dues will be cleared by the second half of the day. Avoid speculative business as well as online lottery today as they are disastrous choices. Aquarius Health Horoscope Today The second half of the day is good in comparison to the first half. Some children may complain about digestion-related issues and oral health is another concern. Do not take spinal issues lightly and visit a doctor with immediate effect. 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 BingX referral code is BXB8OS. Using this referral code you can claim exclusive sign up bonus and get a discount on trading fees too. BingX is one of the world's most secure cryptocurrency social trading platforms founded in 2018. Click Here to Claim BingX Referral Bonus The working BingX referral code is BXB8OS at the time of sign up to claim an exclusive bonus of $125. Use this code at the time of sign up to get an exclusive bonus. What is BingX Referral Code? BXB8OS is a BingX app referral code. By applying referral code you will get an unlimited discount on trading fees and 10% discount on trading. 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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 views, opinions, announcements, declarations, affirmations etc., stated/featured in same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of Hindustan Times of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute a financial advice. 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 working Bitget referral code is wgiw. Using this referral code you will get an exclusive bonus worth $4163. Bitget is a cryptocurrency exchange that provides a platform for users to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies. What is Bitget Referral ID? The Bitget referral ID is wgiw. Apply this code at the time of sign up to get $4163. Also if you share your referral code with your friends then you can earn upto 10% discount on trading fees. About Bitget Exchange In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency trading, Bitget Exchange has emerged as a prominent player, offering a wide range of services for traders looking to capitalize on the digital asset market. With its user-friendly interface, advanced trading features, and commitment to security, Bitget has garnered attention from both novice and experienced traders. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the key aspects of Bitget Exchange, exploring its history, trading features, security measures, and the overall user experience. Bitget Exchange was founded in 2018 by a group of cryptocurrency enthusiasts and experienced traders. 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Hindustan Times does not endorse/ subscribe to the contents of the article/advertisement and/or views expressed herein. The reader is further advised that Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. 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 views, opinions, announcements, declarations, affirmations etc., stated/featured in same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of Hindustan Times of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute a financial advice. 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! Mobile phones form an integral part of our existence today. We use them to remain connected with the world around us, take photos, work, track our steps and fitness, set reminders and alarms, take notes the list is endless. In an unending quest to optimize compactness and features, the foldable smartphone offers the best of both worlds as it gives you the benefit of a large screen in a compact yet portable phone design. OPPO has been a pioneer when it comes to innovation in the foldable phone space and has brought forward one unique device after another over the last few years. This year too OPPO plans to bring their latest foldable the Find N3 Flip to the market. The amazing new smartphone is slated to offer a slew of upgrades over the previous generation, including an improved Flexion hinge design that lends a lot more durability, a large cover screen for added functionality, and a triple main camera setup which is being seen for the first time on a flip phone. Will the OPPO Find N3 Flip check all the boxes when it comes to the foldable form factor to become the best flip ever? The evolution of the foldable form factor When engineers at OPPO designed the previous generation Find N2 Flip, the biggest challenge before them was to improve the existing hinge design while eradicating all conceivable drawbacks. The Find N2 Flip marked a new era in foldable smartphones, owing to the incredible new Flexion Hinge that was introduced with the model. This hinge was much smaller than its predecessors and it made the folding and unfolding process a lot more seamless. Some foldable smartphones also had a folding mechanism with a main screen that collected dust in the deep crease when in the pocket. This problem was sorted with the introduction of the Flexion Hinge, which continues to form the heart of OPPOs foldable smartphones and prevents this from happening and remains one of the most noticeable innovations in the Find Series. The hinge on the OPPO Find N3 Flip will offer an upgrade as the single friction plate of the previous generation Find N2 Flip will be upgraded to a dual friction plate structure to improve its FlexForm stability. This will allow you to fold the phone at just the angle you want and hold it in its chosen position. The Find N3 Flip will also fare higher on durability as OPPO will be using aircraft-grade high-strength steel at core load-bearing positions to improve durability, and reliability, and increase deformation resistance from drops by 25 percent when compared to the previous generation. Specialist teams at OPPO have also managed to resolve some other drawbacks of flip phones, such as smaller cover screens which only have the space to display limited features, or lower capacity batteries compared to traditional smartphones. Versatile Cover Display The Find N3 Flip comes with a 3.26-inch vertical display, which is the largest ever in a flip phone. This large-sized display allows you to engage with your smartphone in new ways as you embark on a journey of discovery, from previews of photos and videos to quick access to tools like timers and important system settings. The amazing cover screen mirrors its main screen in perfect proportion and is large enough to display a complete grid of 3X4 apps and also supports one-touch replies, speech-to-text, emojis, and typing via a full QWERTY keyboard. The reason why OPPO didnt change the vertical display in this model is to offer smartphone users the comfort of using Android apps. This is because more than 90 percent of all Android apps are designed to work in vertical mode. This orientation will thus eliminate compatibility issues associated with square screens. The cover display is tailored for vertical video content and users will be able to frame their selfies perfectly, adjust the lighting, and ensure every detail is picture-perfect before taking the shot. In the new model, the cover screen will also support more than 40 essential apps, including Gmail, Outlook, Uber, Google Maps, and YouTube Music so users can reply to emails, book cabs, use turn-based navigation, and even switch up music on the go. It will also display real-time weather updates as part of its default settings. Stunning Design The Find N3 Flip looks stunning with a 75-degree super-arc Gorilla Glass 7 cover on its rear surface, where a diamond highlight blade is used to cut the middle frame into two sharp edges to make the bottom appear even slimmer and straighter. As part of its multi-layer screen protection, this display will employ a patented stainless steel mesh matrix that smoothens the folded drop shape and reduces the crease. This smartphone will be your ideal carry-around companion. When folded, the Find N3 Flip will measure just 85.54 mm, which is half the size of a regular smartphone, and can conveniently fit into any pocket or handbag. With a weight of just 198grams and 7.79mm slimness when open, The Find N3 Flips ergonomic design will make this device a real standout for users. For the very first time, OPPO will also be adding an Alert Slider to its smartphones. This mechanical control on the left edge of the device will allow you to switch between three modes Silent, Vibrate, and Ring without even having to flip your smartphone open. Industry-first Triple Camera in a Flip OPPO smartphones are known for their innovations in the camera space and the Find N3 Flip will carry on that legacy. In an industry-first, the Find N3 Flip will pack three powerful rear cameras integrated within a circular module beside the cover screen. The device will feature a 50 MP Sony IMX890 wide-angle primary camera with a large 1/1.56-inch sensor for high light intake in dark environments. It is going to be the only flip phone with a telephoto portrait camera backed by a 32 MP IMX709 sensor with 2X optical zoom and a portrait-perfect focal length that is close to 50 mm. This focal length is equivalent to what your eyes can see and delivers natural portraits with minimum distortion. With this model, OPPO will also be adding a new 114 wide-angle camera with the 48MP Sony IMX581 sensor, capable of capturing more details in shadows and less background noise. The uniqueness of the foldable form factor extends to the photos with Multi-Angle FlexForm Camera mode, using which you can explore myriad angles for hands-free photography on your Find N3 Flip. Another feature, FlexForm Interval Shooting, will allow you to shoot creative selfies with the option to convert multiple shots into GIFs. In addition, you will also be able to frame steady shots with FlexForm Long Exposure, enjoy hands-free time-lapse with FlexForm Time-Lapse, and fit everyone into a single frame with Ultra-Wide Selfie. OPPOs long-standing partnership with Hasselblad runs even deeper on the Find N3 Flip with its XPAN mode that features a 65:24 high aspect ratio to capture the camera brands unique retro style. This technology will give you improved portrait shots comparable to being shot on the XCD65 mm Hasselblad lens. Awaiting the launch of the Best Flip! Awaiting the launch of the Best Flip! This amazing new smartphone is the perfect blend of functionality and great design. OPPO has truly set the bar higher with these innovations that it will introduce in theOPPO Find N3 Flip. The premium foldable is going to launch soon and you should gear up to choose your pick from the possible color options in which the device will be available! Other than some of the staggering upgrades, the OPPO Find N3 Flip is going to showcase features that will make this model stand out from scores of others lining the display racks of smartphone stores. We cannot wait to head to our nearest OPPO store or log in to the OPPO India website to know more as soon as the device is unveiled on October 12th, 2023. Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio. 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! Flipkart, a prominent player in the e-commerce industry, took a playful jab at its rival, Amazon, on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) after a Google search result using the keywords 'big billion day 2023,' displayed a result related to Amazon on Friday. Flipkart India headquarters in Bengaluru(Bloomberg) Jab apne naam pe sabka sale chalne lage (when everyones sale runs on our name) the caption of the post read. Both Flipkart and Amazon are gearing up to launch their annual flagship sales on October 8. Initially, Amazon had set October 10 as the starting date for its Great Indian Festival, but later decided to move it up to align with Flipkart's Big Billion Days event. This adjustment in timing reflects the competitive nature of the e-commerce industry in India, with both companies vying for customer attention and market share during this critical sales period. READ | Amazon, Flipkart among 20 online sellers issued notices for selling drugs without licence: Report Leading up to its highly anticipated Big Billion Days sale, Flipkart was hosting a series of seller gatherings in several key cities, such as Delhi, Surat, Jaipur, Agra, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. In a similar vein, Amazon India had recently organized its Smbhav seller meet in preparation for its upcoming Great Indian Festival. Ahead of the sale, Flipkart also introduced a service called 'Flipkart VIP' in certain cities. This service which is available for a fee of Rs. 499 comes with various benefits, such as early access to sales, a 5% cashback on SuperCoins (up to 300) for all purchases, complimentary same-day and next-day deliveries. Subscribers to Amazon Prime and members of Flipkart Plus will both enjoy early access to the upcoming sale on October 7. Various other e-commerce platforms including JioMart, Ajio, and Tata Neu are set to unveil enticing offers across a wide range of categories, encompassing smartphones, electronics, fashion, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in its upcoming sale. 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 Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya on Wednesday held a press conference in the Karnataka capital, in which he said the much anticipated yellow line of the Namma Metro is likely to be opened to the public by February next year. This comes after several delays in the launch of this particular line, which was earlier stipulated to be completed by July this year. MP Tejasvi Surya spoke to reporters after inspecting the Bommasandra to RV Road line, being constructed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). (HT PHOTO) Surya spoke to reporters after inspecting the Bommasandra to RV Road line, being constructed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). In his address, he said of the total 16 stations on the line which stretches 18.8 km long, work is 95 per cent completed on 15 stations. Officials are counting on this stretch to ease traffic in the city. It connects Bommasandra to the heavily congested Central Silk Board area. READ | Bengaluru to have 3 new Namma Metro stretches in 2023: Report Here is a list of the 16 stations on this line: RV Road, Ragigudda, Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, Central Silk board, Bommanahalli, Singasandra, Electronic City, Bommasandra, Hongasandra, Kudlu Gate, Hosa Road, Beratena Agrahara, Konappana Agrahara, Huskuru Road and Hebbagodi. The stretch is also expected to house three interchange stations - Jayadeva, Silk Board, and RV Road - which allows riders to switch to other lines, namely pink, green, and purple. Surya also said the yellow line, once operational would have the capacity to accommodate 2.5 lakh people on a daily basis. He added that software and IT giant Infosys was investing 180 crore for a metro station on this route. READ | Bengaluru metro's purple line likely to be fully operational from today: Report Purple Line set to be fully operational soon Commuters and residents of Bengaluru are also looking forward to using the two crucial stretches on Namma Metros purple line, Krishnarajapuram Baiyappanahalli and Kengeri Challaghatta, which are likely to be operational soon. With the inauguration of these two metro lines, the entire purple stretch will be fully operational, furthering easing congestion in East Bengaluru. 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 body of a 22-year-old man, who was missing since September 17, was fished out from Buddha Nullah near Shivpuri on Friday. The assailants had dumped the body in the nullah after stuffing it in a gunny bag. The body was decomposed. HT Image The police sent the body to the civil hospital for the post-mortem examination. After recovering the body, the police added murder sections in the FIR, which was lodged on September 19 at Tibba police station. According to the police, they have some leads and will arrest the accused soon. The victim, Nilesh Kumar, a resident of New Shakti Nagar, who ran a fruit juice vend in Subhash Nagar, has been missing since September 17. On September 19, Nileshs family lodged a complaint with the Tibba Police Station. According to Nileshs family members he had left his house around 10 pm on September 17 and never returned. Subsequently, on September 27, the police had registered a case under section 346 (wrongful confinement in secret) of the IPC against unidentified accused following the statement recorded by his father Jeevan Paswan. On Thursday, the police initiated a search with the assistance of divers to find his body from the nullah following a tip-off. Inspector Lovedeep Singh, SHO at Tibba Police Station, said that while investigating the case, the police received information indicating that someone had killed Nilesh and dumped his body in the nullah. Therefore, with the assistance of divers, they are conducting a search operation to locate the body. The inspector added that murder sections have been added to the FIR. They received some clues about the assailants. The police will arrest the accused soon. 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 Meharban police arrested a 30-year-old man for raping minor daughter of his friend on the pretext of taking her to Dussehra mela. The accused is a resident of Boothgarh village of Meharban in Ludhiana. (Getty image) The accused is a resident of Boothgarh village of Meharban. He is a daily wager. The FIR has been lodged following the statement of the mother of the victim. The complainant stated that the accused is a family friend and a frequent visitor to their home. On Thursday, the accused turned up at their house and offered to take her 13-year-old daughter to Dussehra mela. The woman added after she allowed the accused to take her daughter on his bike. In the evening the accused fled after dropping her daughter at home. Her girl was crying. When enquired, she stated that instead of taking her to the Dussehra mela the accused took her to an isolated place near the Sutlej river and raped her and threatened her to keep mum. Later, she filed a complaint with the police. Sub-inspector Yogeshwar Sharma, who is investigating the case, said that the police registered a case after receiving a complaint under sections 376 (Rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC and section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Soon after lodging the FIR the police arrested the accused. The accused was produced before the court on Friday. The court remanded the accused to two days in police custody for questioning. Father-in-law booked on rape charge A 25-year-old newlywed woman accused her father-in-law of raping her on the next day of her marriage. The woman alleged that she had talked to her husband about it, but instead of taking his side he forced her to keep mum. The woman, who belongs to Himachal Pradesh, filed a complaint against her father-in-law in Dharamshala. The Himachal Pradesh Police lodged a Zero FIR and sent it to Machhiwara police for further action. The Machhiwara police booked the accused. The complainant stated that she got married on September 3. It was her second marriage. She has a daughter from her first marriage. The woman alleged that on the next day of her marriage, her father-in-law raped her. She objected to it and talked to her husband. Instead of taking her side, her husband forced her to keep mum and not to share it with anyone. The woman alleged that her father-in-law continued raped her for many days following which she left the house and returned to her maternal home. On October 3 she filed a complaint against the accused in Dharamshala. ASI Parmod Kumar, who is investigating the case, said that the Machhiwara police lodged an FIR against the accused under sections 376 and 506 of IPC. A hunt is on for his arrest. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party governments stand that Punjab does not have a drop of water to spare for any state after the Supreme Court direction to the Centre in the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal dispute has put the AAPs Haryana unit in a fix ahead of next years elections. Haryana AAP leader Sushil Gupta has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and help in resolving the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal dispute with Punjab. (HT file photo) Also read: Guest Column: How the ground for SYL was permanently removed Struggling to find its feet in the state, the Haryana AAP leadership tried to shift the onus on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The SYL canal is not the issue, the main issue is sufficient water. Every field of Haryana and Punjab should have access to water. Two states cannot share water if there is already shortage. In such a situation, the Centre cannot remain a silent spectator, said Sushil Gupta, the president of the Haryana AAP. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court had ordered the Centre to carry out a survey on a portion of land in Punjab meant for the construction of the SYL Canal, according to a 2002 court decree. The court was hearing a suit filed by Haryana, which is seeking the execution of a top court verdict of January 15, 2002, that directed Punjab to construct the canal. In 2014, while addressing an election rally in Rewari, one of the rain-fed districts of Haryana, Modi had announced that if he (voted to power), he will the stop the flow of water going to Pakistan and will bring it to irrigate parched areas of Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab. But not a single step has been taken yet even as Modi has completed nine years in office, Gupta said. Kejriwal can help but Centre should decide The Rajya Sabha MP said, Now the Prime Minister should come up with a solution. (AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind) Kejriwal had offered to help the PM to find a solution, if he needs it. Since the Centre controls distribution of water among states, if anyone is getting more than its share, it should also be disclosed by the Centre, he said, adding the Centre should also share if Punjab is using Haryanas share instead of making this a political issue. AAPs campaign committee chairman Ashok Tanwar also tried to push the ball in the Centres court when journalists cited Manns stand. It is our right. We want the SYL Canal constructed and Haryana should get its legitimate share. The Supreme Court has passed an order on this issue but it is the responsibility of the Union government and the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure the compliance of the order, Tanwar said at a press conference in Chandigarh. Strike balance like Congress did Political observers believe the timing of the Supreme Court order directing the Centre to look into the mediation process over the SYL Canal dispute is crucial. Like several parties of Punjab in the past, the AAP could milk this issue in the next elections there, but it could jeopardise AAPs political prospects in neighbouring Haryana, said political observer and retired professor Ramji Lal. Since the Shiromani Akali Dal did not have any political base in Haryana, it had a clear agenda on the issue, but the AAP would have to adopt a new strategy to strike a balance in its politics in Haryana and Punjab like the Congress did for years, he added. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Neeraj Mohan Neeraj Mohan is a correspondent, covering Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat and Yamunanagar districts of Haryana. ...view detail : A corporator of the Srinagar municipal corporation, who was arrested last week for allegedly assaulting a woman, has been booked under Public Safety Act (PSA). SMC corporator, arrested for assaulting woman, booked under PSA The Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978 is a preventive detention law under which a person is taken into custody to prevent them from acting harmfully against the security of the state or the maintenance of the public order in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir The corporator, identified as Aqib Renzoo, has been shifted to Jammu after deputy commissioner, Srinagar, signed his PSA detention. Police said there were seven different FIRs registered against Renzoo in various police stations of Srinagar city. SMC corporator Aqib Ahmed Renzoo booked under PSA & has been lodged in Kot Balwal jail, Jammu. He has 7 FIRs against him in different police stations of Srinagar. The offences range from rioting, assault, blackmail, sexual harassment and outraging modesty etc, the Srinagar Police posted on micro blogging site X on Friday. On Saturday, police arrested Renzoo after a case was registered against him under sections 354, 354 A and 354 D of the Indian Penal Code at the Ram Munshi Bagh police station. Renzoo who hails from Nishat Srinagar is the first corporator to be slapped with PSA by the administration. 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! Delhis air quality dropped to the poor category on Friday morning which is likely to prompt the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage-I measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) today. Delhis average AQI was recorded at 214 (poor) at 8am on Friday. (HT photo) Delhis average AQI was recorded at 214 (poor) at 8am on Friday a rise from Thursdays 4pm reading of 177 (moderate). This year, GRAP became enforceable from October 1 onwards, however, the AQI had been in the moderate category till Thursday and Stage-I can only be put into force once the AQI crosses the 200- mark. Also Read: Delhis air quality remains poor at 159 with PM 2.5 4.8 times higher than WHOs threshold According to GRAP, the adverse air quality is categorised into four different stages: stage 1 or poor when the AQI ranges from 201-300, stage 2 or very poor when AQI falls between 301-400, stage 3 or severe when AQI ranges from 401-450, and stage 4 or severe+ when the AQI surpasses 450. The category has 27 measures that need to be enforced, which includes shutting down construction and demolition (C&D) sites over 500sqms but are not registered with the government on its web portal for dust management, encouraging offices to start unified commute for its employees to reduce road traffic, periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads and deployment of traffic police at all identified corridors with heavy traffic, among others. Delhis average AQI has been on the decline for the past few days as it was 177 (moderate) on Thursday, 176 (moderate) on Wednesday, 155 (moderate) on Tuesday and 146 (moderate) on Monday. On Thursday, forecasts by the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi a forecasting under the ministry of earth sciences, had warned that the deterioration to poor may happen by Saturday. Last year, Stage-I measures were put into action on October 5, when the AQI similarly hovered around the poor category. Experts say a drop in mercury which slows down dispersion of pollutants, alongside a rise in farm fires across the northern plains, is the reason behind the rising AQI. Punjab has been recording close to 100 farm fires incidents for the last five days, including Thursday. The daily fire count in the agrarian state was 98 on Thursday, 95 on Wednesday, 105 on Tuesday, 119 on Monday and 123 on Sunday. Haryana, meanwhile, has recorded a combined 115 fires over these five days. As temperature dips, the atmosphere becomes stable. This makes it difficult for pollutants to disperse. The region is also seeing northwesterly winds, which brings pollutants to Delhi, said Dipankar Saha, former head of CPCBs air laboratory. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi high court on Thursday awarded 50,000 compensation to a man who was illegally detained by two police officers for half an hour. The compensation amount will be recovered from the salaries of the two police officers. (Delhi High Court) The compensation amount will be recovered from the salaries of the two police officers. Holding the two police officials collectively responsible for the act, a bench of justice Subramonium Prasad directed to recover the compensation from their salaries saying that a meaningful message must be sent to the authorities that police officers cannot be law unto themselves. This Court is deeply troubled by the fact that the petitioner (Pankaj Kumar Sharma) was not even arrested. He was simply picked up from the spot, brought to the police station and placed inside the lock-up for no rhyme or reason. The high-handed way in which the police authorities have acted, throwing to winds the constitutional and fundamental rights of a citizen, is appalling. The time spent in the lock-up by the petitioner, even for a short while, cannot absolve the police officers who have deprived the petitioners of his liberty without following the due procedure established by law, the court said. Also Read: Ludhiana: HC issues contempt notice to DGP, CP over Illegal detention and thrashing of man The bench also said a punishment of censure which is not likely to have any effect on the career of the police officers will not be a sufficient deterrent to the officer. Sharma had approached the high court seeking compensation for his detention in lockup in September 2022 at the Badarpur police station. According to investigations, Sharma had called the police after an injured lady had come to his shop, but the police officers picked him up from the spot and put him inside a lockup without an FIR (first information report) against him. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After staying in the moderate category for nearly a fortnight, Delhis air quality is likely to deteriorate to the poor category by the weekend, and trigger Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), officials said. Measures under the revised Grap, which is implemented every year in phases from October 1, did not come into effect in the National Capital Region (NCR) yet Measures under the revised Grap, which is implemented every year in phases from October 1, did not come into effect in the National Capital Region (NCR) yet, as Delhis air quality index (AQI) remained below the threshold of 201. Stage 1 comprises 27 measures, including shutting down construction and demolition sites over 500sqms but are not registered with the government on its web portal for dust management and periodic mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling on roads. Delhis 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 177 (moderate) on Thursday. Though the AQI has gone up by only one unit as compared to Wednesdays reading of 176 (moderate), there has been a gradual deterioration over the last few days, as the temperature began to drop and the number of farm fires started increasing across the northern plains. Delhis AQI on Tuesday was 155 and 146 on Monday. Like last year, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which enforces Grap, said it will rely on the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi to take pre-emptive action. However, a CAQM official said even though they take pre-emptive action based on EWS forecasts for Stages 2, 3 and 4, they have to wait for the AQI to cross 200 and touch the poor category to enforce Stage 1 measures. EWSs forecast shows the AQI is likely to be moderate on Friday, before touching poor on Saturday. Based on the AQI on Saturday, measures under Stage 1 could be enforced. The CAQM sub-committee on GRAP will hold regular meetings, based on forecasts, a CAQM official said. Experts said a drop in mercury, which slows down dispersion of pollutants combined with a rise in farm fires, has started to impact AQI. This makes it difficult for pollutants to disperse. The northwesterly winds are bringing pollutants to Delhi, said Dipankar Saha, former head of CPCBs air laboratory. 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! Concerned over the rising cases of farm fires in the state that lead to the annual pollution woes, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has recommended stopping the benefits of government schemes to farmers who burn paddy every year. The total figure is nearly three times the fires recorded till October 6 last year, according to state data. (HT File) Read here: Stop govt benefits to those burning crop residue: Haryana pollution body The state has recorded 209 stubble burning events so far this year, including 19 on Friday. The total figure is nearly three times the fires recorded till October 6 last year, according to state data. Environmental pollution is very harmful and farmers who burn crop waste against the governments directions should not be given the benefits of government schemes, HSPCB chairman P Raghavendra Rao said during a meeting with officials from Kaithal district administration. Rao also directed the officials to prepare a database of such farmers. The officials were also asked to explore other alternatives to burning crop waste. The practice of stubble burning in Haryana and the adjacent state of Punjab leads to an annual pollution crisis around October, which lasts weeks, prompting emergency measures in the national capital of Delhi. In these states, farmers set fire to paddy stalks around October to clear their fields for their next crop wheat. This releases millions of tonne of smoke, carbon dioxide, and other toxic gases into the atmosphere. Punjab fires on the rise, air quality worsens In the food-bowl state of Punjab, a total of 91 more farm fires were recorded on Friday, even as the air quality deteriorated in various parts of the state. With the additional paddy burning events, their total number reached 845 so far this year as harvesting of the key kharif crop gains momentum. Read here: Centre allocates 600 crore to curb stubble burning The air quality index (AQI) is measured in six districts by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Its Friday data on showed that AQI was the worst in Bathinda with a reading of 191, or moderate category, followed by 165 in Mandi Gobindgarh, 130 in Rupnagar, 120 in Patiala, 111 in Ludhiana and 110 in Khanna. The AQI of Amritsar and Jalandhar was satisfactory at 89 and 83, respectively. According to CCB, an AQI between zero and 50 level is considered good, while 51 and 100 as satisfactory, 101 and 200 as moderate, 201 and 300 as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor and 401 to 500 as severe. New Delhi The arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh is likely to create a leadership void in the party. The 51-year-old Singh is the third top AAP leader to be jailed after former deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former minister Satyendar Jain, and at the national level, especially, the party is likely to feel his absence. The AAP is contesting the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh and needs leaders who can energise workers and hold a crowd. The party is also busy managing inter-party dynamics in INDIA, the grouping of Opposition parties, and could do with someone who has connections across the political spectrum. PREMIUM AAP workers on Thursday at a protest, a day after the arrest of the partys Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. (Raj K Raj/HT photo) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Singh, 51, on Wednesday in connection with the agencys investigation into alleged irregularities in the implementation of Delhi excise policy. Singh has been at the forefront of the partys efforts at both attack and defence. Whenever AAP faced a crisis, such as during the arrest of Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain or when the Centre promulgated an ordinance to nullify the Supreme Courts order giving control of Delhis bureaucracy to the Arvind Kejriwal government, Sanjay Singh strongly defended the party -- from streets to the Parliament, said a party leader who asked not to be named. Singh was born in a middle-class family in Uttar Pradeshs Sultanpur in 1972. His parents were government teachers. He went on to do a diploma in mining engineering from Orissa School of Mining Engineering, Keonjhar in 1993 but seemed to find his calling when he founded the Azad Samaj Seva Samiti in Lucknow in 1994 and started working for the betterment of miners and street hawkers. Singh joined hands with Kejriwals right to information campaign in 2006 and was part of the 2011 anti-corruption movement which eventually morphed into the AAP. Currently, Singh is a member of the partys apex decision-making body, the Political Affairs Committee which takes all important decisions. He was also in charge of the state unit of the party during the Punjab assembly elections in February 2017 and spearheaded AAPs civic body polls campaign in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. Singh was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2018 ; he has raised over 200 starred questions in Parliament and introduced three private member bills. He is one of the AAPs national spokespersons and now in charge of the partys efforts in Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan. Last month, Singh was appointed as a member of INDIAs campaign committee. He has been among the three top leaders from the AAP at INDIA meetings (the others have been Kejriwal and MP Raghav Chadha). In most meetings of opposition parties, Singh is usually present and the most vocal. After the arrest of Manish Sisodia, Singh was playing a larger role in the party and was working closely with Kejriwal in the formation of INDIA bloc. Even within the party Singh is a crowd puller because he is accommodating and listens to everyone, said an AAP leader who asked not to be named. Sanjay Kumar, political analyst and professor at Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, said the back-to-back arrests of AAP leaders will affect the public perception of the party besides taking a toll on the morale of the party workers. In politics it is common for politicians to face cases, but the back-to-back arrests of leaders in alleged corruption cases and the denial of bail for a long time will hit the public perception. It may cause a large section of people to think that because the AAP leaders are not getting bail, there must be something fishy. The arrested leaders are not small leaders, they are prominent faces of the party, said Kumar. He added that the arrests were unlikely to have a major impact in the next round of state elections -- because the AAP isnt a major player in any of the states going to polls. Tanvir Aeijaz, associate professor of political science at Ramjas College, said Singh formed the backbone of the AAP when it came to attacking the partys political opponents. Such leaders help to perpetuate a particular perception against their political opponents. But the arrest of bold leaders creates a bigger impact. The arrest of Sanjay Singh regardless of the merits of the case will have a spillover effect . Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday announced the formation of three new districts in the state. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.(File photo) The three new districts are Malpura, Sujangarh, and Kuchaman City. The chief minister said that the decision was taken keeping the demand of the public and the recommendation of a high-level committee. With the addition of the three districts, the total number of districts in the state has now reached 53. According to public demand and recommendation of a high-level committee, three new districts will be created in Rajasthan- 1. Malpura 2. Sujangarh 3. Kuchaman City Now Rajasthan will have 53 districts," Gehlot wrote on X in Hindi. "In the future also, problems like demarcation etc. will continue to be resolved as per the recommendations of the high-level committee. This is the second time the Gehlot-led Congress government has increased the number of districts in the state. Earlier in August, the state government announced 17 new districts and redrawn the two large urban districts Jaipur and Jodhpur. It also announced three new divisions in the state. The formation of new districts will improve governance and make the lives of local people easier, many of whom had to travel long distances to go to the district headquarters for various work. It is another step of the state government towards delivering good governance, Gehlot had said. The chief minister also extended the tenure of the high-level committee that had recommended the new districts for six months to enable any further suggestions. Gehlot's decision to announce the news districts comes months before Assembly elections are due in the state. His Congress government is in a contest with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently in Opposition. Rajasthan is among the five states that will go to assembly elections later this year, along with Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Mizoram. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The enforcement agencies in poll-bound Rajasthan have seized cash, narcotics, liquor, and freebies worth Rs.125 crore from the interstate and international border areas in the last one month, according to the data released by the State Election Commission (EC) on Friday. Rajasthan police (File Photo) The data also showed that of the total seizures, around 30% of the products were seized in the last week. According to the EC, agencies, including the state police, excise department, income tax department, enforcement directorate, and border security forces seized around Rs.64.3 crore worth of drugs and narcotics, Rs.9.72 in cash, liquor worth Rs.14.93 crore, and freebies worth Rs.12.93 crore between August 28 and October 1. On October 1, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in a press conference said that the commission has also taken a series of measures to prevent the cross-border supplies of liquor, cash, freebies, and drugs from inter-state and international borders. We will have zero tolerance in this case. Around 251 border police check posts, 42 excise department border check posts, and 64 forest check posts will be installed in the prone areas at the time of the election, said the CEC, adding that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was also directed to strictly monitor any illicit cash transfer through wallets. While Jaipur inspector general Umesh Datta reported to the EC that around 425 cartons of liquor from Punjab, with an estimated value of Rs.55 lakh were seized on October 5 by state police while being smuggled in a truck, another 227 cartons of liquor hidden in motorcycle parts, were seized, on the same evening by Manoharpura police. Central Bureau of Narcotics, Kota, also intercepted a truck in Jhalawars Kayasara forest area on October 5 and recovered 43 plastic bags containing poppy straw (Doda Chura) weighing 843.00 Kgs, special intelligence sources reported. 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 Kolkata: A Calcutta high court division bench on Friday set aside the death sentences earlier ordered by a sessions court to three of the six convicts in the 2013 gang rape and murder of a 20-year-old college student at Kamduni village in North 24 Parganas district, a crime that triggered an uproar in West Bengal and bore strong resemblance to the 2012 Nirbhaya incident in Delhi. Calcutta High Court. (Representative photo) The bench comprising justice Joymalya Bagchi and justice Ajay Kumar Gupta turned the death sentences faced by Saiful Ali and Ansar Ali into life imprisonment and acquitted Amin Ali, who, too, faced death sentence, citing lack of evidence, lawyer Phiroze Edulji, who represented the convicts, said. In the order, a copy of which was seen by HT, the judges said : I am of the opinion the trial court erred in awarding death penalty with reference to the gravity of the offence alone. State has failed to prove conspiracy and prior concert in the crime beyond reasonable doubt. It has also not led evidence to rebut the possibility of reformation and rehabilitation. They added: On the other hand, conduct of the appellants in the correctional home is satisfactory and other unrebutted materials before this court gives rise to a reasonable belief that there is high possibility of reformation and rehabilitation of the appellants. Alternative punishment of life imprisonment for the remainder of natural life is a more humane substitute that adequately addresses societal concerns of recidivism. Three other convicts Sheikh Imanul Islam, Aminur Islam and Bhola Naskar - who were sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment by the sessions court, were released by the division bench against bail bond of 10,000 each as they had already served the period behind bars, Edulji said. All the sentences were pronounced in January 2016 by additional district and sessions judge Sanchita Sarkar who, while passing her verdict, described the Kamduni crime as rarest of the rare. These were the first death sentences passed in a rape case in West Bengal after the then President of India Pranab Mukherjee promulgated the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 that the Centre introduced in view of the Nirbhaya incident. It is a historic verdict. The bench set aside all three death sentences and Amin Ali was acquitted as there was no evidence against him, according to the honourable judges, said Edulji. Two more accused persons, Rafiqul Islam and Noor Ali, were acquitted in 2016 by the lower court. The state government challenged that acquittal order but the bench upheld it as well, Edulji added. On June 7, 2013, the victim, who was a second-year under-graduate student, was returning to her home at Kamduni, around 25 km to the north of Kolkata, after appearing for her college exams. The woman was walking alone from the railway station when she was abducted and dragged to a desolate farm. Her mutilated body, with the private parts ripped apart, was found by local people the next morning, police and forensic reports said in 2013. Days after the crime triggered a peoples movement in Kolkata and the districts, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government handed over the case to the criminal investigation department (CID). The CID arrested nine people of whom Rafiqul Islam and Noor Ali were acquitted due to lack of evidence and Gopal Naskar died during trial. Also Read: Calcutta HC orders transfer of special CBI judge; summons state law minister After the crime, two friends of the victim, Mousumi Koyal and Tumpa Koyal, became the faces of a movement that Bengal did not witness in recent history. They took members of the victims family to Delhi and met the President to seek justice. Citizens took to the streets in Kolkata and the districts. A Bengali movie based on the incident became popular. Mousumi and Tumpa Koyal broke down at the high court premises on Friday afternoon after the bench passed the order. While lawyers raised questioned on the charge sheet filed by CID, Mousumi Koyal said, The state government failed to ensure justice. We will not accept this. We will move the Supreme Court challenging this order, said the victims brother. The court order drew reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bengal BJPs chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said: The verdict is extremely disappointing. The brutality at Kamduni exceeded what we saw in the Nirbhaya case. People wanted capital punishment. After these convicts are released, residents of Kamduni will live in fear. Women will never feel secure on those roads. The CID investigation had flaws. It was done to shield the accused. TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said, A political party cannot comment on a courts decision. No police officer was willing to speak on the court order. 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 Tanmay Chatterjee Tanmay Chatterjee has spent more than three decades covering regional and national politics, internal security, intelligence, defence and corruption. He also plans and edits special features on subjects ranging from elections to festivals. ...view detail Several persons were injured after the police used force to disperse an unruly crowd that had gathered to watch a performance by dancers from Russia in the Mauranipur town of Jhansi district in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday night. A large crowd had gathered to watch the performance in Mauranipur town, some 75 km from the district headquarters in Jhansi. (Screengrab) A large crowd had gathered to watch the performance, which was held in Mauranipur town located some 75 km from the district headquarters in Jhansi. Initially animated, the crowd soon turned unruly, breaking down the barricades separating the stage from the audience. Many of them tried to get on to the stage, triggering panic among the performers. As some from the crowd rushed to the stage, police personnel had to step in to prevent them from doing so. The increasingly unruly behaviour of the crowd jeopardised the safety of both the dancers and the crew members, a police officer said. Working with private security personnel hired for the event, the police charged the crowd with batons, dispersing them and triggering a mini-stampede of sorts at the venue. As they attempted to run out of the venue amid the chaos, many in the crowd fell down. The performance and related events were immediately cancelled and a few among those injured in the melee were treated at the local health centre and at the Jhansi Medical Hospital. The programme, held under the banner of jalvihar mahotsav, is a highly anticipated annual event organised by the Mauranipur Nagar Palika and is usually attended by a large number of people from neighbouring areas. The police had expected trouble this time, a senior officer said. The organisers were explicitly told not to hold a dance event because it could potentially lead to unruly crowd behaviour, Rajesh S, senior superintendent of police (SSP), said. The advice was conveyed to the organisers during a meeting with the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and the circle officer (CO) a week earlier. 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 Congress activists on Friday took out a Sadbuddhi Yatra from Chetganj to Bara Ganesh temple in Varanasi in protest against the government not withdrawing a case against partys state unit president Ajai Rai lodged in connection with the violence during Anyay Pratikar Yatra in 2015 in which the case has been withdrawn against 81 out of the 82 accused. Congress activists led by UP Congress chief Ajay Rai (in centre) taking out a march in Varanasi on October 6. (HT photo) In 2015, the Anyay Pratikar Yatra was taken out by seers in protest against lathi-charge on sadhus and batuks (religious scholars) in Varanasi. The U.P. government withdrew the case against 81 accused. But it has not withdrawn the case against me. It shows political vengeance against me. I have always fought for truth and I will continue my fight, said Ajay Rai. Today the party workers took out a march. May God give wisdom to those full of vengeance against me, the state Cong chief said. Referring to the events of that time, Congress city unit president Raghavendra Choubey said, In 2015, as per the instructions of Congresss then in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Madhusudan Mistry and on the call of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Ji Maharaj, the then MLA Ajay Rai ji along with the Congressmen participated in the yatra. Withdrawing the case against 81 people barring Ajay Rai ji raises questions on the intentions of the government. 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 At least eight people were killed, while five others are in critical condition after a fire broke out at a seven-storey residential building in the Mumbai suburb of Goregaon West around 3:05am on Friday. Around 61 people have been injured in the fire. Fire occured at level two. As per officials, the fire spread through shops on the ground flood, scrap material, several parked vehicles, meter cabin, rags, plywood along with other materials on the ground floor, staircase and household articles including doors, windows, furniture in about 2000 sq.ft area. People were stranded on various floors including the terrace. Here are the latest updates: Out of the 61 injured, 36 were sent to Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College (HBT) hospital, while 15 were being treated at Cooper Hospital. Among these, four seriously injured patients will soon be shifted to Kasturba hospital. 15 people, among the injured, are undergoing treatment in the ICU. Among the dead are two minors, three women and one man. Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar said that the building was constructed in 2006 under the Slum Rehabilitation scheme and had no fire fighting system. The lift was old and significant amount of smoke travelled through lift duct. As per officials, the fire was reported at Jay Bhavani building located on Goregaon's MG road. The fire was extinguished after nearly four hours, around 6:54am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of victims and announced 2 lakhs for the kin of victims and 50,000 for injured. He said, Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Mumbai's Goregaon. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. 2 lakhs for the kin of victims and 50,000 for injured. He said, Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Mumbai's Goregaon. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of life. She said, The news of the death of several people, including children and women, in an unfortunate incident of fire in a building in Goregaon area of Mumbai is extremely saddening. I express my condolences to all the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said, I am continuously talking with Municipal Commissioner and PoliceWhat happened is unfortunate. I express my condolences to those who died. The government will provide monetary help of 5 lakhs to their families... Those who are injured will be given treatment by the government. 5 lakhs to their families... Those who are injured will be given treatment by the government. Maharashtra's Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on X, formerly Twitter, Pained to know about loss of lives in the fire incident at Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured ones. Goregaon MLA Vidya Thakur said that the reason behind the fire breaking out was yet to be ascertained. The reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained. Due to prevailing smoke, people could not get out of the building and they moved to terrace. 7 deaths are confirmed as of now. Efforts are underway to provide relief to affected families. MLA Thakur said that the families from the building were moved to a temporary shelter at a nearby school. We will assist in restoring the power supply. I request the government to investigate the incident thoroughly, she added. Guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha reached HBT hospital to meet the victims and take stock of the situation. Lodha said that the incident will be investigated throughly. A high level committee consisting Slum Rehabilitation Authority, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority and fire officials to be formed and submit a report in the next 15 days, said Maharashtra minister Lodha. Primary report suggested that there was a clothes and scrap godown on the ground floor where the fire broke out, MP Lodha said. One of the relatives of a victim claimed that fire spread due to a short circuit. He said, Our family members and relatives were there. My aunt has died. A short circuit occurred at around 1.30 am and then the fire spread... The fire spread to the 7th floor... From our family, one dead body is with them, they said they will hand it over in an hour. Another victim's relative said that her family did not find out about the fire until 8am on Friday. She lost two relatives to the fire. A relative of a victim says, "We came to know about the fire at 8 am... When we came and checked here, we came to know that my sister-in-law and a daughter from our family had died... A lot of people have been injured, and two people from my family have died. Actor Manish Chaturvedi, an eyewitness of the incident, told news agency ANI , The incident occurred 2.30 am-3 am. I had returned from a party around 1.30 am and was sleeping. Suddenly, around 2.45 am I could sense a burning smell in the air. I woke up and first searched my room. I then woke my brother up. We then saw the smoke rising...We then called up the fire brigade. I was able to place a call at 3.06 am but there was no response from the other side...I think had they been alert the loss would not have been this much. Police did arrive on time...The situation was very heart-rending. , The incident occurred 2.30 am-3 am. I had returned from a party around 1.30 am and was sleeping. Suddenly, around 2.45 am I could sense a burning smell in the air. I woke up and first searched my room. I then woke my brother up. We then saw the smoke rising...We then called up the fire brigade. I was able to place a call at 3.06 am but there was no response from the other side...I think had they been alert the loss would not have been this much. Police did arrive on time...The situation was very heart-rending. Eights fire engines, five jumbo water tankers, three automatic turn tables, one turn table ladder, a quick response vehicle and an ambulance were rushed to the spot. Ladders and Breathing Apparatus Set (BA Sets) were used in the rescue process. Deputy Chief Fire Officer, District Fire Officer, Assistant Divisional Fire Officer, three Senior Station Officers and three Station Officers, Assistant Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation officials and NGO personnel were present at the spot of the 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! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sanskriti Falor Sanskriti Falor is a Senior Content Producer at the News Desk of HT Digital. Having worked in Digital Media for the past two years, she is interested in covering civic issues and global affairs. ...view detail The home department has given its approval for the citys second multi-storey or vertical jail on a 22-acre plot at Mankhurd which can house 5,000 inmates, people aware of the development said. The government has already taken possession of a five-acre plot at Mandale in Mankhurd where the first prison was proposed more than two years ago. HT Image The Maharashtra State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation (MSPHWC) is currently studying the designs in Singapore and Chicago before chalking out a plan for the two prisons. Yogesh Desai, deputy inspector general (prisons), said, MSPHWC is finalising the design for both jails by studying the multi-storey prisons in cities like Chicago and Singapore. There are no security issues for these proposed jails but there are a few operational issues that need to be discussed. Last year, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the home department to scout for land for the second prison. The process of taking possession of the second plot from the district collector has begun, an official from the home department said. The two locations are more than two km away from each other. We are also planning staff quarters along with the jails. The smaller one at Mandale could be utilised as a womens prison and the 22-acre plot could house 5,000 inmates, the official said. The state has planned to avail itself of the maximum floor space index applicable in Mumbai for the proposed prisons. Since there are no examples of such multi-storey prisons anywhere in the country, we are going ahead with the plan and design them very carefully. The design will be discussed at a meeting expected to take place in the next few days, the official added. Other than these two, the state has planned to redevelop the Byculla womens prison into a vertical facility. Maharashtra has a total of 60 jails, but they are overcrowded. Against their capacity to hold 24,722 inmates they house more 42,800 inmates. The two vertical jails planned in the city are aimed to ease the burden on Arthur Road jail that houses 3,600 prisoners against its capacity of 804 inmates. BOX Multi-story prison, a first in India State is planning two vertical jails at Mankhurd 2 km away from each other. Multi-storey jail on a 22-acre plot, the second one, could house 5,000 inmates. The two are expected to ease the burden on the overcrowded Arthur Road jail. New prisons are being constructed at Palghar, Ahmednagar, Pune and Mumbai. 60 jails in state house 42,800 inmates against their capacity of 24,722 prisoners. 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 Surendra P Gangan Surendra P Gangan is Senior Assistant Editor with political bureau of Hindustan Times Mumbai Edition. He covers state politics and Maharashtra governments administrative stories. Reports on the developments in finances, agriculture, social sectors among others. ...view detail London: One of Mumbais top realtors Vikas Oberoi is under investigation in Sardinia in connection with a crash involving four super cars and a mini-van, and which left a Swiss couple dead. Oberoi and his wife, the Swades actress Gayatri Joshi, had been speeding in a Lamborghini on a highway in Sardinia this Monday when they were involved in the multi car crash. Oberoi, who suffered a few injuries, has been recuperating in a hospital (Getty Images) Oberoi and his wife, the Swades actress Gayatri Joshi, had been speeding in a Lamborghini on a highway in Sardinia this Monday when they were involved in the multi car crash. Oberoi, who suffered a few injuries, has been recuperating in a hospital. An officer at Carabinieri police station in Carbonia, Sardinia, under whose jurisdiction the accident took place, told HT that Oberoi and his wife remain free and that, as of now, there are no travel restrictions on them. Magistrate Piglia is collecting evidence and will speak to the witnesses over the next few days to ascertain the facts of the case, said the officer over the phone to HT. He confirmed that Oberoi is being investigated for omicidio stradale which translates as road homicide. The officer did not give his name as he is not authorised to speak to the media, but made clear that Oberoi was not driving under the influence of alcohol. Our tests confirmed that he was not drunk. When asked specifically whether the couple can travel outside Italy he said: I do not have any idea about any restrictions imposed on their travel by a judge. The clip of the Oberois blue Lamborghini involved in the accident has gone viral on social media. While the Oberois had a narrow escape, the Swiss couple in one of the Ferraris died in Mondays accident. Italys parliament passed a legislation in 2016 for the offence of road homicide. Any possible sentence depends on the circumstances of the case and has three scales of punishment. According to the provisions, a drivers negligent behaviour is punishable if it causes injuries, serious injuries and fatality according to the degree of negligence. The penalty ranges from imprisonment from two to seven years if death occurs due to the violation. The penalty increased up to 10 and 12 years if the violator is found to have committed the offence under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Oberoi Realty Ltd said in a statement, The relevant authorities are investigating the incident and until the facts are established, we wont be able to comment on the subject. The billionaire promoter, who is known to be media shy, did not respond to calls and messages when HT tried to reach him in Italy on Thursday. (Inputs by Satish Nandgaonkar) 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 GHAZIABAD: A 35-year-old man was shot in the leg by the police late on Thursday, hours after he was caught by the public and placed under arrest for allegedly attacking a neighbours 16-year-old daughter with a sword-like weapon in western Uttar Pradeshs Modinagar, police said on Friday. Ghaziabad DCP (rural) Vivek Chandra Yadav said the incident took place soon after the suspect snatched a service pistol of a police officer and fired at the police team (HT FILE PHOTO) Police said the suspect, Mohammad Shaukeen, was injured in police firing after he snatched a service pistol of an officer escorting him to a local health centre and fired at the team. Ghaziabad deputy commissioner of police (rural) Vivek Chandra Yadav, said Shaukeen was being taken to a community health centre in Modinagar late on Thursday for his medical examination when the incident took place. It is not clear why the medical examination was conducted late in the night. He is alleged to have attacked the girl, which led to his arrest at about 4pm. There, he snatched the service pistol of one of our sub-inspectors accompanying him and tried to flee. In the course of the attempt, he opened fire at the police with the looted service pistol. The police team also opened retaliatory fire. One bullet hit him in his leg. He was overpowered and the service pistol also recovered, said Yadav. Two criminal cases were registered against him, Yadav added. In the first filed for attacking the girl, he has been booked for attempted murder. A second case was registered for attempting to kill the policemen and snatching the pistol. Yadav said Shaukeens motive for attacking the class 9 student is not very clear. The senior police officer said Shaukeen had advised her father to change her school but the girls family didnt take his advice against the girl going to the particular school very seriously. Police said they were yet to ascertain why Shaukeen was against the school, the nature of his relationship with the girls family and the provocation to hurting the girl. We are waiting for the girl to recover to record her statement, said Yadav. Shaukeen separated from his wife about three years ago and lived alone in the house next to the victim. Shaukeen has a young daughter who lives with her mother. Police said additional police force has been deployed in the area to maintain law and order situation since the victim and the suspect are from different communities. 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 Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday promised to hold a caste census in Chhattisgarh if the Congress is once again voted to power. Priyanka Gandhi was addressing Nagariya Nikaay Evam Panchayati Raj Mahasammlen, an event of the Congress government in Chhattisgarhs Kanker district (Twitter/@priyankagandhi) If the Congress party is again elected to power in Chhattisgarh, a caste census will be carried out in the state on the lines of a caste survey conducted in Bihar, she said. Gandhi was addressing Nagariya Nikaay Evam Panchayati Raj Mahasammlen, along with chief ministe Bhupesh Baghel, an event of the Congress government in Chhattisgarhs Kanker district on Friday. The ruling partys announcement is being seen as a major move to woo Other Backward Classes (OBC), who account for about 45% of the states population. In her address, Gandhi also promised 10 lakh houses for the poor if their party is re-elected in the upcoming assembly polls, due by the year-end. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader said guarantees given by him are just hollow promises. What happened to Modis guarantee of depositing 15 lakh into bank accounts of every citizen and of generating crores of jobs? Whenever a question is asked, Modi ji gives a new guarantee. His guarantees are hollow, she said. Gandhi further took a potshot at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that the BJP is for the rich and has no concern for the poor or the middle class. Gandhi said the BJP-led government at the Centre has weakened farmers in the country. Farmers in the country are earning just Rs.27 per day, while Adani and other industrialists are making Rs.1,600 crore per day, she said. They (BJP) just want the countrys assets to be handed over to their industrialist friends and then divert those (assets/money) through them to the party. Their only aim is to remain in power and not the welfare of people, Gandhi alleged. Speaking on the issue of Naxalism, Gandhi said that the Congress government pulled the Naxalite-affected state out of the clutches of violence after coming to power five years ago. Responding, Chhattisgarh BJP spokesperson Sachhinand Upasane said the census is only possible when they (Congress) retain power. They should stop dreaming. Congress will not retain power. We are winning this election, said Upasane. The Congress has been demanding a nationwide caste-based census to know the exact number of OBC (Other Backward Class) people living in the country. In September, Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi promised that the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will conduct a caste census, if voted to power in the upcoming general elections, to determine the actual representation of the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). 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! Irked by the prolonged suspension of mobile internet services in Manipur, a student body in the Senapati district has imposed an indefinite economic blockade since Thursday evening, leaving around 90 commercial vehicles stranded along the Manipur-Nagaland border, officials said. The Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) imposed a blockade at two entry points bordering Nagaland National Highways 2 and 129A, which serve as major lifelines for Manipur (File Photo) The Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) imposed a blockade at two entry points bordering Nagaland National Highways 2 and 129A, which serve as major lifelines for Manipur. Officials aware of the matter told HT that around 90 goods-carrying vehicles were stranded on Nagalands side of the interstate boundary in Khuzama along NH-2 as of Friday. However, the number of stranded vehicles along NH-129A connecting Peren in Nagaland and Maram in Manipur could not be ascertained till the time of filing of this report. On October 4, the student body served a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government to lift the ban on mobile internet service in the district of Senapati where there is no law and order situation. We firmly believe that access to the internet is not just a privilege but a fundamental right that every citizen should enjoy without interruption. The continuous imposition of ban on mobile internet services across the entire state, even when issues are confined to specific areas, is not only unjustifiable but also infringes upon our basic rights as citizens of a free state, a statement from SDSA stated. The student body said they were left with no other option but to carry out a democratic agitation to make their voices heard. When HT reached out to SDSA, its general secretary L Singson said there has not been any approach from the state government since the associations blockade began Thursday evening. The SDSA will continue the economic blockade for as long as the state government will continue to ban mobile internet services, he said. Singson also said the association is in contact with its counterparts in other districts where peace is prevailing such as Chandel, Tamenglong and Ukhrul, to join hands in demanding the lifting of the mobile internet services. On September 23, the Manipur government lifted the ban on mobile internet services which were suspended for nearly five months since May 3. However, it was reimposed on September 26 for the next five days till October 1, after thousands of students in Imphal took to the streets to protest over the death of two Meitei teenagers. On October 1, the state again extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services for five more days till October 6. 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! An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) corporator from Surat has been taken into police custody after being accused of physically assaulting an employee at a municipal hospital. Representational image. The incident took place after allegations emerged that the hospital staff caused extended delays for patients who sought benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The incident took place at SMIMER Hospital in Surat on Wednesday, and AAP corporator Vipul Suhagiya, who represents the Varachha seat in Surat, was taken into custody on Thursday night, the police said. The FIR against Suhagiya was registered at Varachha police station based on a complaint from Rahul Patel, a contractual employee at the hospital that falls under the Surat Municipal Corporation. Patel alleged that Suhagiya entered his office on October 4, verbally abused him, and accused the hospital staff of neglecting a patient known to him despite a long delay. Patel claimed that the AAP corporator was upset because Patel declined to speak with Suhagiya on the phone when asked by the patient. The AAP corporator allegedly slapped Patel, who was assigned to work on Ayushman card-related tasks, and issued threats, the FIR stated. Suhagiya has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation and 332 (causing hurt to deter public servant from doing his duty), an official at Varachha police station said. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON State minister of higher and technical education, Chandrakant Patil, Thursday said that all aspects should be studied to increase the length of the runway for international aviation. Patil was speaking at a review meeting held at Pune Airport, Lohegaon, along with officials from various government departments. State minister of higher and technical education, Chandrakant Patil was in Pune on Thursday. (Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo) Patil said, After the opening of the new terminal at Pune Airport, the necessary facilities will be available according to the needs of domestic (passenger) aviation, and all aspects should be studied to increase the length of the runway for international aviation. Also present at the review meeting were: Pune divisional commissioner Saurabh Rao; Pune police commissioner Retesh Kumaar; Pune district collector Rajesh Deshmukh; Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (PMRDA) commissioner Rahul Mahiwal; Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) additional commissioner Vikas Dhakne; and Airport Authority of India (AAI) Pune director Santosh Dhoke. Patil said, Due to the new terminal, 10 new parking lots equipped with aerobridge/s will be available and the number of daily flight operations will reach 218. Therefore, an adequate system will be created in terms of domestic air transport. Along with this, efforts will have to be made to increase international aviation in future. Accordingly, necessary studies and surveys should be carried out as instructed to the officials. While a meeting will be held soon in the presence of the chief minister and deputy chief minister regarding accelerating the work of Purandar Airport. Dhoke led a presentation informing about the flight services at Pune Airport. Around 30,000 passengers travel from Pune Airport every day, of which around 540 are international passengers. In 2022-23, eight million passengers took advantage of the air services here through 59,451 flights whereas till September this year, more than 47 lakh passengers took advantage of the air services at Pune Airport through 31,591 flights. This number is likely to double once the new terminal opens, Dhoke said. The New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) has a total built-up area of 50,000 square metres, and the completed building will have 10 aerobridges and 72 check-in counters. Three aerobridges will be connected to the old- and new- terminal buildings. The Pune airport expansion project includes construction of a new terminal building at a cost of 475 crores; a multilevel car parking at a cost of 120 crores; and a new cargo complex at a cost of about of 300 crores. The construction of the new terminal building has been completed, and it is towards the eastern side of the existing terminal building. While the size of the current terminal building is 22,300 square metres, once the new terminal building comes up, the total size of the airport will be 74,300 square metres. The work of the NITB was awarded to a company named ITD Cementation India Ltd. While France-based company Egis has been appointed as a consultant for the work. 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! Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren reiterated the state governments demand before the Centre to clear the 1.36 lakh crore due to mining entities in the state, besides seeking help in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna as 800,000 villagers are eligible for it. Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren during a review meeting on Left Wing Extremism in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI) Soren appealed in his submission at the conference on Left Wing Extremism chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah with the affected states in New Delhi on Friday. Giving an account of the recent success in curbing the insurgency, Soren also advocated the continued deployment of paramilitary forces to battle the problem, according to an official release from the chief ministers office (CMO). He drew the Centres attention to the alleged non-cooperation by banks in lending, which, Soren said, is reflected in the poor credit deposit ratio of 45 per cent in the state against the national average of 67 per cent. In his representation to the Union home minister, Soren said, To ensure that the problem of extremism does not recur, development-oriented schemes must be run on a large scale in these (affected) areas, for which resources will be required from the state. In this context, I would like to draw your attention that the Centres mining companies owe about 1.36 lakh crore to the state... You are requested to issue instructions to the mining ministry to pay the dues as soon as possible. He stressed the need to continue the deployment of central paramilitary forces in the state to prevent the recurrence of extremism, the release stated. The chief minister also sought fixing of the tenure of the IG of CRPF deputed in the state for at least three years to maintain continuity in anti-Naxal operations. Soren, the first Jharkhand chief minister to visit a former Maoist hotbed Budha Pahad bordering Chhattisgarh in about four decades, said the area was earlier beyond the reach of the state government. I am happy to say that with the cooperation of the central government, it has been freed from Naxalites. A police camp has been established there... After conducting an in-depth survey, an action plan has been prepared for the development of six panchayats in this area. The work of implementing the scheme has started, he added. Regretting that many schemes for the eradication of extremism were suddenly stopped, hampering efforts towards eradication, Soren said benefits of special central assistance with 30 crore aid to an affected district have been reduced to only nine districts against 16. Stating that 800,000 eligible beneficiaries are deprived of the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, despite repeated requests to the Union ministry of rural development, Soren urged immediate action in this regard, the CMO press release stated. Drawing the Centres attention to the alleged apathy of banks in lending in Jharkhand, the chief minister said Jharkhand is not receiving the expected cooperation from banks for development, which is reflected in the states credit deposit ratio being only 45 per cent against the national average of about 67 per cent. Due to this non-cooperative attitude of the banks, the people of the state are deprived of the benefits of investments worth lakhs of crores of rupees. The banks are not providing even small loan facilities to those belonging to the scheduled tribe community in the state, he added. Giving details of the action against Naxalism, the release said 762 Naxalites were arrested from January 2022 to August 2023, and 20 were killed in police encounters. Another 37 Naxalites surrendered, and rewards ranging from 1 lakh to 1 crore were announced for those who provided information that led to the arrest of the absconding Naxalites. Forty-eight security camps have been established in Naxal-affected areas from January 2020 till now. These include Seraikela-Chaibasa-Khunti-Ranchi border areas, Budha Pahad, Kolhan, and Parasnath areas, the release 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! Bihar Public Service Commission has released the BPSC 69th Prelims Answer Key 2023. The 69th preliminary provisional answer key can be downloaded by candidates on the official site of BPSC at bpsc.bih.nic.in. BPSC 69th Prelims Answer Key 2023: How to download provisional answer key The written examination was conducted on September 30, 2023, across the state at various exam centres. The 69th Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Exam question booklet for General Studies, Booklet Series A was released on the day of the examination. All those candidates who have appeared for the preliminary examination can check and download the answer key through these simple steps given below. BPSC 69th Prelims Answer Key 2023: How to download provisional answer key Visit the official site of BPSC at bpsc.bih.nic.in. Click on BPSC 69th Prelims Answer Key 2023 link available on the home page. A new PDF file will open where candidates can check the answers. Download the answer key and keep a hard copy of the same for further need. Along with the release of the answer key, the objection window will also open. Candidates can raise objections against the answer key through the website by paying an amount for each question as the processing fees. For more related details candidates can check the official website of BPSC. 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 The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal will begin the application process for 233 Group C non-faculty posts on October 6. The deadline for the submission of the application form is October 30. Interested candidates can apply online through the official website at aiimsbhopal.edu.in. AIIMS Bhopal starts application process for 233 Group C non-faculty posts Candidates in the General, OBC, and EWS categories must pay a fee of Rs1200. The application fee is 600 for SC, ST, and PwBD. AIIMS Bhopal recruitment 2023 vacancy details: This recruitment drive aims to fill 233 Group C non-faculty posts. AIIMS Bhopal recruitment 2023 examination pattern: Candidates will have to score a minimum of 35% marks in the CBT for inclusion in the order of merit. The duration of the CBT examination will be 90 minutes. The total number of MCQs will be 100. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 mark for each wrong answer. AIIMS Bhopal recruitment 2023: Know how to apply Visit the official website at aiimsbhopal.edu.in On the homepage, click on the vacancy tab On the homepage, click on the apply link for Advertisement for recruitment of Group-C Non-faculty posts on direct recruitment basis at AIIMS, Bhopal Click on the Apply link Fill out the application form Pay the application fee Upload all the required documents Submit the form and take the 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 Bharat Electronics Limited, BEL has invited applications for Probationary Engineer and other posts. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official site of BEL at bel-india.in. This recruitment drive will fill up 232 posts in the organization. BEL Recruitment 2023: Apply for 232 Probationary Engineer and other posts The last date to apply is till October 28, 2023. Read below for eligibility, selection process and other details. Vacancy details Probationary Engineer: 205 posts Probationary Officer: 12 posts Probationary Accounts Officer: 15 posts Eligibility Criteria Probationary Engineer: B.E / B.Tech / B.Sc Engineering Graduate in required discipline. Probationary Officer: Two years MBA/MSW/PG Degree / PG Diploma in Human Resources Mgt./Industrial Relations / Personnel Mgt. Probationary Accounts: CA/CMA final Age Limit The maximum age limit for unreserved candidates as on the crucial date 01.09.2023 will be 25 years for the post of Probationary Engineer and Probationary Officer (HR). In case of Probationary Accounts Officer the maximum age limit for unreserved candidates as on 01.09.2023 will be 30 years. Application Fees Candidates belonging to GEN/EWS/OBC (NCL) category are required to pay an application fee of 1000/- + GST, i.e Rs. 1180/-. SC/ST/PwBD/ESM candidates are exempted from payment of application fee. For more related details candidates can check the official website of BEL. 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 Project Approval Board of the government of India has selected 3893 benchmark schools in the state based on their performance in seven domains to improve the quality of education, infrastructure, and overall well-being of students, said Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal. 3893 schools of Haryana chosen for up-gradation under central project Presiding over the fourth Executive Committee of Haryana Samagrh Siksha at Chandigarh on Thursday, the chief secretary said that the schools were selected on the basis of their performance in seven domains, as defined by the ministry. In the first phase, 124 senior secondary schools were chosen as PM SHRI schools following a selection process involving School Level Selection Committees, District Level Verification Committees, and State Level Committees. He said that Model Sanskriti schools were not considered for selection to help these schools transform and a budget of Rs. 8526.76 lakh has been approved for 124 PM SHRI schools in Haryana. He directed the officers to arrange educational trips to renowned institutions such as ISRO, Science City, and other organizations to enrich their scientific knowledge on a national level and urged the officers to educate students about cybercrimes and financial literacy, equipping them with essential life skills. He said that to promote girls' education, Interaction Sessions with Local Role Models for classes 6th to 12th have been initiated. An amount of Rs. 84.92 lakh for 1,544 Elementary schools and Rs. 51.5 lakh for 1,030 Secondary schools has been approved under Girls Empowerment. The Chief Secretary said that the allowances provided by the government help to support these students in their education. Currently, 21,111 divyang (differently abled) students-15,683 in pre-primary to 8th grade and 5,428 in 9th to 12th grade, are enrolled in 119 blocks of 22 districts in Haryana, according to UDISE 2021-22 data. A total of 373 Special Educators -141 for pre-primary to 8th grade and 232 for 9th to 12th grade, are working for the welfare of divyang 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! 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 The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) organised the fifth Aditya-L1 Workshop at the institute. The 3-day workshop was jointly organised by the Department of Physics and the Aditya-L1 Support Cell at Aryabhatta Observational Science Research Institute, Nainital.(Handout) According to a press release by IIT Kanpur, the 3-day workshop was jointly organised by the Department of Physics and the Aditya-L1 Support Cell at Aryabhatta Observational Science Research Institute (ARIES), Nainital. IITK is actively involved in the science objectives of the Aditya-L1 Mission by ISRO, where a satellite has been launched to the Sun for the first time by India to study the Sun, its atmosphere, and its effects on Earth. The workshop aimed to train selected final-year undergraduate (UG), MSc, and PhD students in the utilisation of upcoming data from the satellite, informed IITK. The workshop was inaugurated by Prof Harshawardhan Wanare, Head of the Department of Physics and the Centre for Lasers and Photonics at IIT Kanpur. Dr Vaibhav Pant of ARIES delivered a speech on the importance of the Aditya-L1 support cell for analysing upcoming data from the Aditya-L1 mission. According to the media release, participants at the workshop were given hands-on training in using the magnetohydrodynamic code PLUTO, a numerical code for computational astrophysics used to understand the origin of solar storms. They also visited the Plasma lab to learn about the generation and confinement of plasma in the laboratory. Prof Dipankar Banerjee, Director of ARIES, presented a lecture on "Aditya-L1: India's own mission," emphasising how a nationwide collaborative effort among many institutes led to the creation of one of the world's most cutting-edge space observatories, entirely made in India. 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 The Officer of the Coordinator has begun the registration for the Basic School Teaching Certificate (BSTC) counselling from today, October 6. Candidates can register online for the Rajasthan BTSC through the official website at panjiyakpredeled.in. Candidates will be able to register for the Rajasthan BTSC till October 17. Registration for Rajasthan BSTC Counselling 2023 Begins Today For the Rajasthan BSTC counselling 2023, candidates must pay a registration fee of 3000. Rajasthan BSTC Counselling 2023:Know how to register Candidates can follow the steps given below to register for Rajasthan BSTC counselling 2023. Visit the official website of Rajasthan Pre DElEd at panjiyakpredeled.in On the homepage, click on the click on the registration link Key in your login details and click on submit. Fill out the application form Pay the application fees Upload the required documents and click on submit. Download the confirmation page for future reference. The DElEd entrance test in Rajasthan was conducted on August 28 from 2 p.m. for around 6 lakh candidates. Rajasthan DElEd entrance exam results were declared on September 29. 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 Actor Imran Khan has been sharing stories and anecdotes about how things in Bollywood used to be, when he was still actively working as an actor. In his latest post, he talked about how he too was obsessed with bulked up bodies of male actors and was often criticised for his skinny body. (Also read: Imran Khan confirms Bollywood comeback as he says Im working on it'; impatient fans celebrate) Imran Khan has opened up about his struggle with body image issues. Have always been skinny Imran wrote that he had always been a skinny person, but that wasn't good enough to be a Bollywood hero. I'm one of those hyper-metabolic people, my body just burns through whatever I consume. Oh no, what a terrible affliction! In my late teens, guys around me started joining gyms and working out. They started to expand, their biceps stretching the sleeves of their t-shirts. I wore a size S, and my sleeves were still loose, he said about his body type. I didn't need to be muscular to play Jai Singh Rathore (his character in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa)... but I was convinced that I was too skinny, which is why Jai mostly wears two layers of clothing throughout Jaane Tu. For my next film, Kidnap, I hit the gym in earnest, and began my journey with body building, he said. Cruel comments Imran also revealed the mean comments he had to face from filmmakers for his physique. "Over the next few years, the sculpting and maintenance of my body became part of my lifestyle. I worked out regularly, but still I would hear "So... you'll bulk up a bit before we start shooting, right?"; "You're looking weak", "You look like a little boy, not a man", and "The heroine looks bigger than you" (ouch for both of us)," he wrote. Took steroids Imran then detailed all the things he ate and used to build up his body, including taking steroids. In hindsight, I think I looked fine... but at the time, I felt insecure. I wanted a powerful, heroic physique. So I tried harder. Exercise means nothing without nutrition; 6 meals a day, totalling 4000 calories. Chicken breast, egg whites, sweet potato, oats, flax seeds... all good stuff, but still not enough to make my biceps look like the heroes I saw onscreen. No, for that I needed to supplement with whey protein, creatine, leucine, glutamine, L-carnitine... and ultimately, even anabolic steroids, he wrote. The actor agreed that the mention of steroids wotuld cause shock and horror. We're not supposed to admit that part out loud, it could totally ruin the illusion, he said. Reaction to skinny pics Imran then mentioned how he was ridiculed and torn apart after pictures of him looking skinnier than before surfaced online. In recent years, as I battled depression and stopped working out, I became skinnier than I'd ever been. When I was photographed, it sparked a media discussion about my wellbeing, and speculations of drug abuse! I felt deeply ashamed, embarrassed to be seen by anyone in this state. So I retreated further, he said. Giving an update on his life now, he said, It's been an uphill journey, but these days I'm doing better than ever; I exercise with my old friend @tokastraining who puts my health first and only feeds me supplements like walnuts and turmeric... seriously. And while I'm still a tad jealous of those dudes with superhero muscles... I don't feel bad about myself. Imran has taken a long break from acting but gave new hope to his fans after promising them that he would sign a project if they gave enough likes to one of his posts on Instagram. 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 Rhea on how people react after seeing her Speaking with India Today, Rhea said, "Honestly, when I enter a room, I can see it in peoples faces. I can see people looking at me with pitiful eyes ki kaise zinda hai (how is she alive) and some others are like we are rooting for her and she should go on. When I have conversations with people, I can hear the thoughts in their minds. Sometimes they are looking at me and thinking she doesnt seem like a criminal. I can feel that thought at the same time. Does it matter to me? Absolutely not." Rhea talks about closure Talking about getting closure, Rhea added, "I dont think closure is the right word. I dont think you can get closure from something like this. The thing is I faced a personal loss. There can never be closure on that. It engulfs your life at start then your life starts growing around it. But, it will always exist. It will always be in your back pocket. It will always be rear from the back of your mind and say that I am here. Dont think I am gone. So I dont think I will get closure in that sense. But, has it changed my perspective, yes." Rhea speaks about drugs When asked if she gave drugs to Sushant, Rhea denied. She added that she is "done with this topic. I dont want to talk about drugs, I dont want to talk about NCB. I dont want to talk about CBI". She added that people should talk about her mental health and how she dealt with the situation after Sushant's death. About Sushant The actor died on June 14, 2020. He was found dead in his Mumbai apartment. A case of alleged abetment to suicide was registered against Rhea by Sushants parents. A parallel probe into alleged drug procurement by her also began on the basis of her WhatsApp chats. The NCB had charged Rhea under Section 27-A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act which pertains to financing and harbouring illegal drug trafficking. She was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in the cases registered against her in connection with a drugs-related probe linked to Sushant. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Akshaye Khanna worked with his father Vinod Khanna in his debut film Himalaya Putra in 1997. A decade later, Akshaye had said that Vinod is such an actor with whom he shouldn't work. Akshaye also said in the 2008 interview with IANS that Amitabh Bachchan is also one such person who is impossible to share the frame with. Akshaye added that the overpowering screen presence of the actors makes him believe he should not be seen onscreen with them. (Also read: When Osho tried to use Vinod Khanna to win back disenchanted Mahesh Bhatt) Vinod Khanna had two sons: Akshaye and Rahul. Why Akshaye didn't want to work with Vinod Khanna In an interview with IANS, Akshaye had said that it was a terrifying experience when he worked with his father in his first film Himalay Putra. "There are certain people whom you shouldn't work with. My dad is one of them. Amitabh Bachchan is another. To stand in the same frame as them confidently is impossible. They've such an overpowering screen presence.It's very difficult to match my father on screen. It's that quality - either you have it or you don't have it. Very frankly I don't have it. I just don't have that kind of presence. There're some actors who just wash you away on screen. My dad is one of them." Why he won't play his dad in a biopic either In a separate interview with the news agency in 2017, Akshaye was asked if he would like to essay the role of his father in a biopic on the veteran actor. Akshaye had said that playing his father is not an option for him because he does not look like Vinod Khanna. "I don't look anywhere close to my father... Not an option. I haven't ever thought about it (making a biopic on Vinod) so I can't say. But I think biopics by nature, I suppose as accurate as they can be, the better for an actor. It's very challenging as well as risky for an actor to portray a real-life character because you are portraying someone who actually existed. So, it becomes really difficult." Vinod Khanna Friday marks the 77th birth anniversary of Vinod Khanna who ruled the film industry in the 1970s. At the peak of his career, he quit acting and lived in the ashram of Rajneesh Osho in United States. Later, he returned to films and featured in movies such as Dayavaan and Chandni. He died in 2017 fighting cancer. Akshaye Khanna's recent films Akshaye Khanna was most recently seen in Love You Hamesha and Drishyam 2. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Kanye West's ex-girlfriend Julia Fox has provided insight into her relationship with the rapper when she was dating him. In an interaction with Los Angeles Times about her upcoming book Down the Drain, Julia remembered her days with Kanye. Kanye West(AP) During the interview, she shared that Kanye used her against Kim Kardashian. "I really understood him on a visceral level," said Julia. "But I learned very quickly that I was being weaponized. I just felt like his little puppet, she added. "Im not signing a f---ing NDA just on principle. I never have, and I never will. Unless its a professional opportunity, then sure, explained Julia. Talking further about her days with Kanye, Julia highlighted that the media coverage and attention that her relationship received, was uncalled for. "It really wasnt that big of a deal, but other people made it such a big deal," she said of their relationship. ALSO READ| Chris Hemsworth reveals how he is trying to avoid Alzheimers disease The 33-year-old also shared aspects of her relationship in an interaction with Rolling Stone. She highlighted why she broke up with Kanye after a short while. When I realized what was happening, I was like, 'I dont want to be part of this,'" Julia told Rolling Stone. Meanwhile, Kanye and his current partner Bianca Censori have been embroiled in several controversies in recent times. In September, Kanye was banned by a Venetian boat company after Kanye flashed his butt while riding their vessel. In a particularly chaotic moment in Season 2 of Mumbai Diaries, the chief manager of Bombay General Hospital asks if he can get a single minute of respite. To this, he is told, "Sir, samosa mil sakta hai. Cold coffee with ice-cream mil sakta hai. Par bina problem ke ek minute nahi mil sakta he Bombay General Hospital mein." It is this same clueless frenzy that is also applicable to the new series created by Nikkhil Advani, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Registering 8 episodes each of around 45 minutes, all coaxed into the framework of one fateful day... this is a show that desperately tries to be engaging. The more it pushes to stay afloat, the more does it end up drowning in its own muddled waters. (Also read: Mumbai Diaries 26/11 review: Genuinely moving Amazon show finds Mohit Raina in top form) Mumbai Diaries Season 2 review: Mohit Raina returns for a second season. Beginning from where we left Season 2, set in 2009 during devastating Mumbai floods, starts off with a sense of charge, taking the action forward from where it left off the previous season. The blows of incompetence and more serious charges are pressed down upon Dr. Kaushik Oberoi (a nuanced and powerful turn from Mohit Raina). His wife, Ananya Ghosh (Tina Desai), now heavily pregnant, worries about him. In an early scene, he suddenly freezes in the midst of a medical emergency, which costs a life. The news are all about him- how 73% audience believe that he is a criminal. At the hospital, we also meet Dr. Oberoi's three trainees, Dr. Sujata Ajawale (Mrunmayee Deshpande), Dr. Ahaan Mirza (Satyajeet Dubey) and Dr. Diya Parekh (Natasha Bharadwaj)- who will soon be saddled with their own set of problems, each more wayward than the other. Then there is the director of Social Services at Bombay General Hospital, Dr. Chitra Das (played with reliable complexity by Konkona Sen Sharma), who has a blast from her past with the arrival of a certain Dr. Saurav Chandra (Parambrata Chattopadhyay, taking his cue of honing the British accent a tad too well). With Chitra losing the ground beneath her feet, she has no time to care that Ahaan has got two tickets for a show of Love Aaj Kal. Tragic. As the rain continues to wreck havoc on the city and threaten its citizens, the hospital becomes a living hell with multiple patients, operations and revelations all unfolding at once. The weakest links With so many characters and their individual stories to tell, Mumbai Diaries cuts from one to another, withdrawing on information whenever needed. Writers Yash Chettija and Persis Sodawaterwala remain focused in circling around the multiple threads of these characters. The persistence with which the series tries to give each character their own individual arc works in stretches. Some of them land, while most others don't. The entire to-and-fro between Ahaan, Chitra and Saurav, for one, is the weakest link to the overall framework of the narrative- somehow sticking out like a sore thumb. Also add the entire subplot of news anchor Mansi Hirani who has to report the Breaking News against her will. Her exasperation is never felt, and her track goes tangent midway to a predictable route. Shreya Dhanwantary's presence is never felt in-between the excessive edits destined by Maahir Zaveri. Mohit Raina is highlight The main conflict with Mumbai Diaries this season is how it never reaches a middle ground between the individual plot points vs the larger framework of a hospital fighting to make ends meet. Instead of turning its gaze on the broken system and the nerve-wrecking sense of danger that looms every passing minute, the show finds its concern on personal outbursts and dramatic revelations. Take for instance the entire subplot revolving around a nurse trying to steal medicines from the store. Or the one involving a number of kids being purposefully brought in the hospital. Thankfully, some moments do land with a resonant force. The entire subplot involving Dr. Kaushik, and that one sequence later where he finally finds Ananya is truly powerful. Mohit Raina's performance- aching and vulnerable, is the show's real highlight. Mumbai Diaries is however stretched outside its limits here in the sequel. In covering the multiple threads, the show seldom takes a moment to breathe. Some of the interpersonal contractions are given too much time to build up, weighing down the momentum of the tragedy to a few notches. The larger framework of climate crisis, a contrived ecosystem of media consumerism, and the condition of the healthcare system is never given the limelight. The subjects overshadow their own realities. Their concerns are met with a sense of predictable resolve by the end, in all its dramatic detail. The show takes pride in its own brand of self-sufficient awareness. Once that intrigue is over, the sun is set to appear. There's relief that the worst is over, but where is the anger? Weather disasters fueled by climate change -- from floods to droughts, storms to wildfires -- sparked 43.1 million child displacements from 2016 to 2021, the UN Children's Fund warned Thursday, slamming the lack of attention paid to victims. A woman walks with her children, who fled amid drought, to build a makeshift shelter at a camp for the displaced people on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia.(AP) In a sweeping report on the issue, the United Nations agency detailed the heart-wrenching stories of some of the children affected, and co-author Laura Healy told AFP the data only revealed the "tip of the iceberg," with many more likely affected. "We moved our belongings to the highway, where we lived for weeks," recounts Sudanese child Khalid Abdul Azim, whose flooded village was only accessible by boat. In 2017, sisters Mia and Maia Bravo watched flames engulf their trailer in California from the back of the family minivan. "I was afraid, in shock," Maia says in the report. "I would stay up all night." Statistics on internal displacements caused by climate disasters generally do not account for the age of the victims. But UNICEF worked with the non-governmental Internal Displacement Monitoring Center to unpick the data and reveal the hidden toll on children. From 2016 to 2021, four types of climate disasters (floods, storms, droughts and wildfires) -- the frequency of which has increased due to global warming -- led to 43.1 million child displacements in 44 countries, the report says. Ninety-five percent of those displacements were caused by floods and storms. "It's the equivalent of about 20,000 child displacements every day," Healy told AFP, underscoring how the children affected are then at risk of suffering other traumas, such as being separated from their parents or falling victim to child traffickers. The data reflect the number of displacements and not the number of children affected, as the same child could be uprooted more than once. The figures do not allow for a distinction between those evacuated before a weather event, and those forced to leave in the wake of a disaster. And, according to Healy, the number of displacements due to drought is "radically underreported," because they are less sudden and thus more difficult to quantify. "This is just the tip of the iceberg based on the available data that we have," she said. "The reality is with the impacts of climate change, or better tracking of displacement when it comes to slow onset events, that the number of children who are uprooted from their homes is going to be much greater." - 'Far too slowly' - The UNICEF report offers some partial predictions, for specific events. Floods linked to overflowing rivers could spark 96 million child displacements in the next 30 years, while cyclonic winds could force 10.3 million displacements, it says. Storms surges could lead to 7.2 million displacements. None of those estimates include preventive evacuations. "For those who are forced to flee, the fear and impact can be especially devastating, with worry of whether they will return home, resume school, or be forced to move again," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. "Moving may have saved their lives, but it's also very disruptive," Russell said. "As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement. We have the tools and knowledge to respond to this escalating challenge for children, but we are acting far too slowly." UNICEF called on world leaders to take up the issue at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in November and December. Healy says children, including those already forced to move, must be prepared "to live in a climate change world." Even if the intensifying effects of climate change are affecting wide swathes of the planet, the UNICEF report shines the light on particularly vulnerable countries. China, India and the Philippines are the countries with the largest number of displacements (nearly 23 million in six years) because of their huge populations and their geographic locations -- but also because of their preventive evacuation plans. But in proportional terms, Africa and small island nations are most at risk -- in Dominica, 76 percent of all children were displaced from 2016 to 2021. For Cuba and Saint-Martin, that figure was more than 30 percent. 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! Eight consultancy firms are in the race to prepare a comprehensive road infrastructure and traffic management plan for Bengaluru, state deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said on Thursday. Shivakumar also said that the state will be ready to float tenders for the proposed 190-km long tunnel roads by December. (ANI) Shivakumar, who is also the bengaluru development minister (BDA), held a meeting with officials regarding the development of the city on Thursday. We had called for a tender and nine companies participated in the Expression of Interests. Eight companies were found eligible. The eligible companies will be submitting a report in another 45 days and the consultant for the project would also be finalised by the end of October, Shivakumar said. The deputy chief minister said that consultancy firms were called to prepare a concept plan for capital city, which includes road infrastructure, traffic management, construction of tunnels and overall development to resolve the traffic issue in the state capital. Shivakumar also said that the state government will be ready to float tenders for the proposed 190-km long tunnel roads in Bengaluru by December 15. By the end of this month I will finalise the consultation. By December 15, a feasibility report will be prepared. So, we are making all preparations to float tenders by December 15, he said. A decision has to be made on whether the tunnel road should be four-lane or six-lane. Where it should start and end, entry and exit points, should it be expanded throughout Bengaluru. This cant be done in one or two days. The companies will study and submit their reports in this regard, Shivakumar stated, adding that it is a huge project which requires huge capital and it has to be implemented in a phased manner. The roads identified for tunnels in Bengaluru are Ballari road, Old Madras road, Mekri Circle, Miller road, Chalukya Circle, Trinity Circle, Sarjapur road, Hosur road, Magadi road, KR Market, Silk Board among others. The companies will study where the tunnel road could be done among these areas. The tunnel drilling machine is a small one here (Bengaluru) . The tunnel roads are constructed in Mumbai and North India. Bengaluru needs a minimum four lane tunnel road. More land is required for the project, he added. The project is on a very large scale and requires a huge amount of funding. So, it has to be done in different stages. We have proposed 190-km for now. In order to resolve the traffic congestion on Outer Ring Road (ORR), the deputy chief minister has scheduled a meeting on October 7, in the presence of all stakeholders. Due to consecutive holidays, there was a massive traffic jam on ORR. I held a meeting with the traffic police and with the ORR Association. Ill visit ORR along with my team on October 7. Corporation engineers should work with the help of traffic police regarding potholes. At places indicated by the traffic police, the corporation should quickly repair the roadblocks. This action has been taken so that there is no accident due to potholes. The public can also inform the BBMP Commissioner regarding potholes, Shivakumar added. New Delhi: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated the third anti-terror conference in New Delhi, where intelligence and investigation agencies of the country will discuss current and emerging threats to the national security, including violent activities and funding of pro-Khalistani extremists (PKEs) operating from foreign soil. Union home minister Amit Shah during the inauguration of the third anti-terror conference in Delhi on Thursday. (PIB) Shah asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to develop a common training module for all central and state level counter-terrorism agencies to bring uniformity to the methodology of fighting terrorism, a statement issued by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) said. Shah said that now the time has come to work from need to know to need to share and duty to share approach, the statement said. Shah asked agencies to establish a model anti-terrorism structure under the purview of NIA. He further said that the hierarchy, structure, and standard operating procedures (SoPs) of anti-terrorism agencies in all states should be made uniform for better coordination between central and state agencies. All anti-terrorism agencies must adopt such a ruthless approach so that a new terrorist organisation cannot be formed, the MHA statement quoting Shah added. Besides NIA and IB, the closed-door event is being attended by various intelligence and investigating and agencies such as the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), anti-terror squads (ATS) of states, and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), among others. People familiar with the contours of the two-day conference said that besides PKEs, gangsters and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Chinese funding of fintech companies, smuggling of drugs via maritime route, cybercrimes at critical infrastructures, use of digital currencies by terrorists, north-east insurgency and left-wing extremism (LWE) will also be discussed in the event. Other issues to be taken up for discussion include unfenced land borders, mass agitations, overstaying foreigners and radical organisations. The issue of PKEs and gangsters based in Canada, which is sheltering these wanted persons, has led to a diplomatic standoff between New Delhi and Ottawa. Dismantling PKEs network is going to be a key topic during the conference, said an officer, requesting anonymity. Shah also awarded medals to NIA officials for excellence in service. Those awarded includes Sonia Narang, former NIA deputy inspector general (DIG). While with NIA, Narang, who is currently posted as special director in ED, had successfully investigated February 2019 Pulwama attack and filed a charge sheet against the attackers and conspirators. Asserting that the agencies should work in tandem, Shah said that NIA, anti-terror squads and special task forces (STFs) should not limit themselves to investigation but also think out of the box and take innovative measures to counter terrorism. He added that the fight against terrorism requires collaboration from the global level to the grassroots, involving various states within the country, as well as international cooperation, the MHA said. The minister pointed out that the government has prepared many databases related to terrorism in the last nine years, including data of 22,000 terrorist cases for monitoring under the unlawful activities prevention act (UAPA). Besides, there is data of more narco-offenders than currently available with agencies. Apart from this, the national-level terrorism database of the NIA is also available, Shah added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union minister of state for rural development Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti on Friday rebuked Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra for calling her liar for allegedly escaping a scheduled meeting with a delegate of TMC leaders. The Union minister claimed she had to wait for nearly 2.5 hours as Moitra allgedly demanded a meeting independently, instead of a delegation. Union minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti(ANI) The TMC delegation along with the beneficiaries of centrally MGNREGA scheme carried out a protest after they were allegedly denied a scheduled meeting with the Union minister over the alleged withholding of central dues of funds for several rural development schemes including the Prime Minister Awas Yojana. They ( TMC leaders) came to create a spectacle and not to discuss on the matterThey did not want to meet me. They kept changing their demands every half hour, first said that 5 MPs would be part of the delegation, then said that 10 MPs would meet, Niranjan Jyoti told news agency ANI. Turning down Moitra's allegations, the Union minister decribed how the TMC MP sought a meeting independtly along with few beneficiaries of the central scheme. She agreed to meet the delegate, however, without the public, who she claimed were TMC workers. They wanted to meet me with public. I said, since the allegations were made by the (West Bengal) government, therefore, the discussions should be there between governments. I could meet the public later, she added. Niranjan Jyoti further reiterated the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) allegation that the TMC-led West Bengal government misappropriated the funds related with the funds allotted by the Centre. Earlier in the day, the TMC MP called out Niranjan Jyoti for refusing to meet. Sadhvi Niranjan is a liar and I already said it on record. She gave us an appointment. It was not possible for us to enter the Krishi Bhavan without an appointment. There were 40 of us. We waited, but she refused to meet. She refused to meet the victims' families. She called them janata (public). I want to ask her a question if janata didn't vote for you, how are you sitting there? She is one of the biggest BJP liars I have ever seen," Mahua Moitra wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the security situation in Naxal-affected states where violent incidents have come down by 77 per cent in 2022 in comparison to the high of 2010, officials said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah (ANI) The review meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also attended the meeting where Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were represented by state ministers. "Naxalism is a curse to humanity and we are resolved to uproot it in all its forms," Home Minister Shah said. Officials said there has been significant improvement in the Left Wing Extremism security situation in the country over the last five years. The central government had approved the 'National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE' in 2015. READ | Bulletproof vests, high-frequency radios to bolster surveillance in Naxal-hit districts The policy envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security-related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities, etc, officials said. Steadfast implementation of this policy has resulted in consistent decline in LWE violence across the nation, they said. The number of LWE-related violent incidents have come down by 77 per cent in 2022 in comparison to the high of 2010, they said. The number of resultant deaths of security forces and civilians has also reduced by 90 per cent in 2022 as compared to the high of 2010. According to the data prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs, from 2004 to 2014, there were 17,679 LWE-related incidents and 6,984 deaths. In contrast, from 2014 to 2023 (till 15 June 23), there have been 7,649 LWE-related incidents and 2,020 deaths. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Friday said that no high court in the country can deny access to video conference or hearing through hybrid mode to lawyers and litigants after two weeks. Asserting that technology is no longer a matter of choice for judges, Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said, If you want to be a judge then you have to be tech-friendly. Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud A bench comprising CJI Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued a slew of directions to ensure hybrid modes are not disbanded. We direct the Union IT Ministry to ensure internet connectivity to courts in northeastern states to ensure access to online hearings, the bench said. It also directed the high courts to put in place the standard operating procedures (SoP) for availing access to hybrid or video conferencing hearings within four weeks. This comes nearly three weeks after the Supreme Court sought replies from the central government and all 25 high courts regarding the continuance of hybrid hearings. The top court bench had given the authorities two weeks to inform them about the status of the video-conferencing facility to conduct proceedings. Additionally, the bench sought the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain appropriate instructions from the finance ministry with respect to the availability of a video-conferencing facility for the proceedings. The top court also asked the registrars of the National Green Tribunal, National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, and National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission to submit their affidavits - explaining whether or not hybrid hearings are being allowed by the bodies. Last month, the Union cabinet sanctioned the infusion of a huge corpus of 7,210 crore for the third phase of the eCourts mission - headed by the e-committee of the Supreme Court. (With inputs from PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday constituted 14 committees to oversee various activities in poll-bound Telangana and entrusted key responsibilities to a few senior leaders who were reportedly upset with the style of functioning of the top leadership in the state. The BJP constitutes 14 committees to oversee activities in poll-bound Telangana. (ANI) In an official statement, the BJP said that former MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, who has been staying away from party activities for quite some time, was appointed as chairman of a screening committee that would shortlist candidates for the assembly elections due to be held this year. Similarly, former MP M Vijaya Shanthi, who has also not been attending party programmes for quite some time, was appointed as chairperson of an agitation committee to plan protest demonstrations and agitations in case of any restrictions by the police or arrests during the electioneering. Former MP G Vivek Venkataswamy, who has also been reportedly sulking over the state of affairs in the party, was named as chairman of BJP manifesto and publicity committee and another former MP, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, as its convenor. Former minister G Vijayarama Rao was appointed as convenor of SC constituencies coordination committee, according to the statement. Similarly, BJP national general secretary and Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay, who was removed from the post of party state president on July 4 this year, was given the charge of a committee on public meetings. Barring Sanjay, all leaders mentioned above had stayed away from official meetings and public rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad on October 1 and 3, respectively, indicating possible dissent among them against the party. These leaders also held three or four meetings and expressed their unhappiness over the state of affairs in the party. Recently, Rajagopal Reddy indicated to reporters openly that he would take a call on his future course of action shortly. Vishweshwar Reddy went on record, saying that the BJP cannot put up a tough fight against the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in the state. There is suspicion among the people that there is some kind of understanding between the BRS and the BJP, he said. A BJP functionary said the appointments of these sulking senior leaders in key positions to various committees was apparently made to dismiss their grievances. Maybe, the party also wants to test their commitment towards the party, he said. Among other leaders who were appointed to head the various committees are: Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri as chairman of social media committee; K Laxman as chairman for social outreach committee; D K Aruna as chairperson of influencer outreach committee; P Muralidhar Rao as chairman of charge-sheet committee; Marri Shashidhar Reddy as chairman of a committee dealing with issues pertaining to the Election Commission; M Raghunandan Rao as media committee chairman and Garikapati Mohan Rao as part of the ST constituencies coordination committee. Meanwhile, the state executive committee of the BJP held its meeting at the party headquarters in Hyderabad on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by state BJP president G Kishan Reddy, was attended by BJP national organising secretary B L Santosh and secretary Sunil Bansal. The meeting discussed the plan of action for the coming elections, which will be finalised at the state council meeting on Friday. BJP national president J P Nadda will attend Fridays meeting to give a direction to the party, the party said in its statement. 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 Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet, during a recent meeting, gave its nod to three out of the five recommendations put forth by the Bhaktavatsala Committee. The Bhaktavatsala Committee, a two-member commission, was tasked with examining the political underrepresentation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and proposing measures for their political empowerment in urban and rural local bodies. Minister HK Patil said, The cabinet today approved the recommendation to bring urban local bodies and panchayat raj elections under the administrative reform department. Justice Bhaktavatsala Commissions report contained five recommendations, and out of these, three have been accepted while two have been rejected, law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil, in a press briefing told reporters on Thursday. According to the official government statement on the cabinet meeting, the cabinet has decided to accept recommendations which include continuation of the policy of political reservation, reserving 1/3rd (33%) of total seats in upcoming Urban and Local Bodies Elections for OBCs; providing reservations for the positions of mayor and deputy mayor in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in favour of individuals from Other Backward Classes; and in a structural change, all Urban and Local Bodies Election departments will now fall under the administration of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR). The Bhaktavatsala Committee was entrusted with the responsibility of studying the political underrepresentation of OBCs and identifying eligible communities for political representation in urban and panchayat bodies. Additionally, it had to recommend the quantum of reservation for OBCs alongside the reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, all while ensuring that the overall reservation does not exceed the constitutionally mandated 50% ceiling. This study became essential following a directive from the Supreme Court to state governments to substantiate OBC reservations in local bodies with empirical data. The committee submitted its comprehensive report to former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai in July 2022. The two recommendations that were not accepted include the proposal to extend the term of office for the mayor and deputy mayor to 30 months and the suggestion to review the reclassification of Backward Classes Category-A and B into two additional categories of Backward Classes for the purpose of more effective reservation in favour of OBCs. Minister HK Patil, speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, highlighted, The cabinet today approved the recommendation to bring urban local bodies and panchayat raj elections under the administrative reform department. Previously, the election commission was coordinating with the panchayat raj department, but now it will be managed under the administrative reforms department. The State Chief Election Commission will also be discussing matters with the administrative reforms department moving forward. The decision comes as Congress leaders have demanded the release of the caste survey report. Following the release of a caste survey report by the Bihar government on Monday, political pressure is being built from within the ruling Congress on the party-ruled Karnataka government to release the findings of the caste survey done in 2015. The leak of the report before 2018 state assembly elections had showed that the proportion of two dominant castes in Karnataka, Lingayats and Vokkaligas, was much as against their perceived population number. Similarly, OBCs in the state were slated to be at 20%. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arun Dev Arun Dev is an Assistant Editor with the Karnataka bureau of Hindustan Times. A journalist for over 10 years, he has written extensively on crime and politics. ...view detail Canada has pulled out a majority of its diplomats posted outside New Delhi and moved them to Malaysia or Singapore amid tensions over Canadian allegations of an Indian link to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to a media report on Friday. PM Narendra Modi with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September. (HT photo) The reported move comes close on the heels of India signalling its determination to reduce the number of Canadian diplomats in the country in order to achieve parity in diplomatic presence. The external affairs ministry said on Thursday parity was required in view of the much higher diplomatic presence of Canadian diplomats ...and their continuing interference in our internal matters. There was, however, no official word on the developments from Indian or Canadian officials. People familiar with the matter said back channel contacts are continuing between the two sides on a range of issues including Nijjars killing and Canadas diplomatic presence. A majority of Canadian diplomats working in India outside of Delhi have been evacuated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, Canadas CTV News reported citing sources. The Indian government has given Canada until October 10 to reduce Canadian diplomatic staff to a level at par with the number of Indian diplomats in Canada, the report said. Besides the high commission in New Delhi, Canada has consulates in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai and trade commissioner service offices in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. Earlier media reports had said the Indian side has asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats in India by October 10, failing which their diplomatic immunity will be withdrawn. Asked about these reports on Thursday, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had only said that discussions were underway on modalities for achieving parity in diplomatic presence, and that there would be a reduction since Canadas diplomatic presence in India is much higher. Canadas foreign ministry had also said last month that it was assessing its staff complement in India since some diplomats had received threats on social media platforms. Also Read: India signals determination to reduce Canadas diplomatic presence Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegation about the involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjars killing have taken bilateral ties to a fresh low. India has described the accusation as absurd and said it is willing to consider any information provided by Canada on the incident. Nijjar, designated a terrorist by India, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the parking lot of a gurdwara in the Canadian town of Surrey in June. In a separate development, James P. Rubin, the US special envoy and coordinator of the Global Engagement Center under the state department, said the current diplomatic row between India and Canada is an area ripe for information manipulation. During an online media briefing, Rubin also called on India to help advance the investigation into Nijjars killing. This is a tricky subject. Let me just say that we support Canadas investigation. We want everyone to help including the Indian government help advance the investigation into this terrible assassination, and we would urge everyone to cooperate and to take the investigation as far as it goes, he said. Responding to a question whether such disputes are fertile ground for disinformation campaigns, including by China, Rubin added: This is obviously an area that is ripe for information manipulation. Rubin noted that manipulators will use any underlying discontent in a country and theyre getting better and better at it. He said, I havent seen any specific evidence of the Canadian-Indian issue but I do know that China has made a big effort to interfere in the domestic affairs of Canada... SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on Friday said Canada has confirmed its participation in the upcoming G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) which will be held in Delhi from October 12 to 14. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla briefs media persons on the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20). (HT Photo | Sanjeev Verma) Canadas participation in the summit comes at a time when bilateral ties between New Delhi and Ottawa have strained following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus statement alleging Indias link to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. According to the statement released by the Lok Sabha secretariat, Germany and Argentina will not be present for the event for internal reasons. Also Read: Canada shifts diplomats from India to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore: Report Addressing media persons Birla said,All countries have been invited, and Canadas Senate Speaker has sent confirmation about attending the event that will have 50 members of Parliament, 14 general secretaries including 26 Presidents and 10 Vice-Presidents participating. The President of the Pan African Parliament will attend the P-20 event in India for the first time. Birla said the key narrative of the P20 meeting is titled India as the mother of democracy and will have participants weighing, both formally and informally on a clutch of issues concerning stakeholders. The P20 is a forum of Speakers and Presidents of Parliaments from G20 countries that provide a platform for parliamentary leaders to discuss and share best practices on issues of global importance. The two-day event that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13 and have four sessions where participants will discuss issues including transformation in peoples lives through public digital platforms, women-led development, accelerating sustainable development goals, and sustainable energy transition. The Lok Sabha secretariat said a pre-summit event, Parliamentary Forum on LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) will be held on October 12. The Kerala High Court on Thursday ordered a further investigation by the CBI into the death of violinist Balabhaskar, underlining that the previous investigation by the agency has not been foolproof and that the doubts expressed by the victims parents cannot be held to be wholly bereft of any basis. Balabhaskar (HT photo) The bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas ordered the CBI investigator to find out if there was any conspiracy or connection between the activities of gold smuggling, the road accident on September 25, 2018 and the death of Balabhaskar. The probe has to be completed preferably within three months, the court said. The orders came in response to criminal revision petitions filed by Balabhaskars father Unni and Soby George, a witness in the case. The CBI in its final report on January 27, 2021 had concluded that Balabhaskar, an acclaimed violinist and music director, had died on account of the injuries sustained in the road accident on September 25, 2018 and Arjun K Narayanan, the driver at the time, was arrayed as the accused. The violinist, his wife, minor daughter and Arjun, at the wheel, were travelling from Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram in a Toyota Innova car when at around 3:30 am, the car swayed to the side and collided with a tree at Pallipuram. While his daughter died instantly, Balabhaskar succumbed to injuries at a private hospital a week later. Both Arjun and Lakshmi, the violinists wife, recovered from injuries. The probe was initially handled by the local police but later handed over to the Crime Branch and subsequently the CBI on the request of Balabhaskars parents. The counsel for the petitioners argued that the CBI had failed to probe into various aspects of the crime and left many questions unanswered. It particularly pointed various aspects surrounding conduct of witnesses like Prakash Thampi, Vishnu Somasundaram, Arjun Narayanan and Jishnu. While Arjun has criminal antecedents including ATM thefts and criminal trespass, Thampi and Somasundaram were later arrested in a gold smuggling case and remanded to custody. At the same time, the counsel for the central agency said it had carried out an exhaustive probe and all aspects were investigated. The court said in its order, As an expert investigative agency, even the slightest doubt is required to be probed into and verified. Surprisingly, such an exercise is not seen to be carried out by the CBI. The investigative agency has accepted the statements of the witnesses, who could be under a scanner of doubt and against whom suspicions were raised by the parents of the deceased, as gospel truth, without confronting them with the materials collected. It added, The astuteness of an expert investigating agency ought to be reflected in leaving no stone unturned during the probe. An inconsistency or a discrepancy, insignificant to the outside world, can, at times, be the lead for unravelling the mysteries of covert actions. To achieve this, a deep and pervasive investigation is required. The doubts expressed by the parents of Balabhaskar cannot, in the above circumstances, be held to be wholly bereft of any basis. When it is felt that the investigation conducted has not been penetrating and the final report has still left several loose ends and many stones unturned, the imprimatur of a comprehensive investigation cannot be accorded by the Court. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Thursday broke the party's silence on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh's arrest by Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. Congress condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its vendetta politics, and gave out a message for its ally in the INDIA bloc a coalition formed by key Opposition parties to come to grips with BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh(ANI) The senior Congress leader expressed solidarity with the AAP MP and criticised the ruling BJP for the use of law enforcement agencies to settle political scores. "AAP MP Sh. @SanjayAzadSln ji's arrest by the ED takes the BJP's vendetta politics to another level. We stand in complete solidarity with him and reject the use of law enforcement agencies to settle political scores," Venugopal wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Congress's message for AAP Further in his post, Venugopal took a veiled dig at the AAP over Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira's arrest by the Punjab government in a 2015 drug case. Drawing parallels with the BJP, the Congress opposed the arrest and argued that authorities must act within the boundaries of the Constitution. We cannot become those we oppose. We also oppose the arrests of All India Kisan Sabha Chairperson Sh. @SukhpalKhaira ji and former Punjab Dty. CM Sh. OP Saini ji (sic) by the Punjab police. Democratic principles of a fair trial and authorities acting within the boundaries of the Constitution are non-negotiable, the Congress leader further wrote. Congress-AAP squabble Both the INDIA allies are at odds after the arrests of Congress leaders in Punjab. Senior Congress leaders including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge denounced the move saying the party will not tolerate if anyone does injustice to us. Whereas, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring termed the arrests an attempt to intimidate the opposition. Meanwhile, Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal attempted to put a damper on the surging ire a day after Khaira's arrest and said his party is not against anyone but the drug menace. Seat-sharing fiasco Congress and AAP are in a seat-sharing battle in Punjab, contrary to the pact between them at the national level. Rift started to grow further after Congress asked AAP to bow out of the election over the seat-sharing in Chandigarh Lok Sabha constituency. In Delhi too, both the parties were in a fray after a Congress leader blew off a row over bracing up for contesting in all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital, adding that no final decision was taken on whether the Congress will contest all seven seats alone or in an alliance. AAP hit back with a response. If they do not want an alliance in Delhi, then going to INDIA meeting is pointless and a waste of time. Our top leadership will decide whether we have to attend the next INDIA meeting, AAP spokesperson countered. The Congress has mounted an intense offensive against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the latter's "new age Ravan" poster against Rahul Gandhi, with its leaders saying the remark exposed the ruling party's "nefarious intentions" to murder him. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.(File) Senior Congress politician KC Venugopal on Thursday condemned the poster shared by the BJP's official X handle, alleging the ruling party was planning a conspiracy to "eliminate" their "fiercest critic". The poster entails a morphed image of Gandhi portraying him as mythological demon king Ravan. The poster's caption described him as "evil, anti-Dharma, anti-Ram". "No words are enough to condemn the shameful graphic on the BJP handle comparing Rahul Gandhi to Ravana. Their nefarious intentions are clear, they want to murder him. He, who lost his grandmother and father to assassinations," Venugopal wrote on X. "They withdrew his SPG protection to score petty political points. After evicting him from his secure residence, they haven't allocated another house that he has requested for. All this points to a well-planned conspiracy of the BJP to eliminate their fiercest critic, someone who attacks the very core of their hate-filled ideology," he added. Congress MP Manickam Tagore said the BJP was trying to provoke violence against Gandhi. "They are provoking those kinds of people to do violence against Rahul Gandhi. He is a leader who has lost his father and grandmother to violence. These kinds of promotional things from a national party are unfortunate and condemnable. PM Modi and JP Nadda should apologise for it," he told ANI on Friday. Also read: Modi as Jumla boy, Rahul as Ravan: Congress, BJP's poster war on social media Congress leader PL Punia said, "As the elections come near, their (BJP's) statements would change. It is unfortunate that such statements are made. This is BJP's nervousness that they are making such statements...the BJP is scared that they would have to leave because of the INDIA Alliance." In response to the poster, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday shared an old cartoon on X depicting Mahatma Gandhi as Ravana. Also read: Congress's 4 questions to PM Modi as Manipur marks 5 months of violence "This cartoon was published in the Agrani magazine in 1945 edited by Godse. One of the persons aiming the arrow at Gandhi is (V.D.) Savarkar. Gandhi and Congress have always been their target. But we were neither scared then, nor are we now. In the future too, we wont be scared of them," he claimed. "What is the real intent of an atrocious graphic portraying Rahul Gandhi as Ravan by the BJPs official handle? It is clearly intended to incite and provoke violence against a Congress MP and a former President of the party, whose father and grandmother were assassinated by forces that want to divide India," he wrote on X on Thursday. The Congress later also came up with a poster against BJP stalwart Narendra Modi, calling him "Jumla Boy". With inputs from ANI SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bhartiya Janta Party Delhi President, Virendra Sachdeva in a press conference on Friday accused the Aam Aadmi Party of corruption as the Municipal Corporation Delhi government has allowed illegal construction near the Archaeological Servey of India monument in Hauz Khas village despite two consecutive notice of ASI. Virendra Sachdeva(ANI) Virendra Sachdeva said "A big corruption case has come to light, there is an ASI monument in Hauz Khas village, and illegal construction is going on near it, which is being protected by an AAP MLA and councillor there, the property is related to an AAP MP, ASI has given notice to this property but illegal construction continues, work does not stop even after giving repeated notices, then MCD issues notice, then work starts rapidly when Municipal Corporation Delhi officials try to stop their work, the AAP leaders called the officers to start the work, " READ | AAPs Atishi challenges BJP to prove graft charges against arrested Sanjay Singh "As AAP has formed government in MCD in last 8 months, there had been a flood of illegal construction and encroachment in the roads', he added. He claimed that the ASI had given two notices on July 27, 2023, and August 8, 2023, to the Delhi government to stop the work. He further stated that as the Deputy Commissioner of South Delhi started the demolition exercise of illegal construction based on the ASI law, Mayor Shelly Oberoi has written a letter regarding the transfer of the officer based on "the functioning of the officer is not up to the mark" "Pressure was put on the Deputy Commissioner of South Delhi for their favour but still the officer started demolishing the property, yesterday the Mayor of Delhi issued a notice against that officer and the Delhi government removed the officer from MCD, and we will demand action from the Lieutenant Governor," said Sachdeva. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has been featured on the list of TIME Magazine's next generation leaders 2023. Rathee was named for his fact-checking work and presenting educational content on various topics through his channel, which has over 13 million subscribers and features more than 500 videos. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. The 28-year-old content creator also took to social media platform X to celebrate the news on Friday. TIME Magazines Next Generation Leaders 2023. Im honoured to be included in this prestigious list and proud to represent India internationally. Thank you. Rathee stumbled upon YouTube in 2014. He initially started a travel blog, however, later switched to creating fact-checking and related content after realising that Indians werent trained on how to use the internet and blindly trusted whatever they saw online, TIME quoted him as saying. My aim is to present things as simply as possible and break down complex issues in simple words, he said. 'Faced backlash, trolling' With a strong fan base, Rathee's work hasn't gone unnoticed by different sections. The YouTuber made headlines when he addressed the release of the contentious film 'The Kerala Story' in May. Rathee said though he used the government's numbers to counter the claims of the film, he was trolled online and faced backlash including rape threats directed at his wife for the video. In another instance, his video was blocked by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting last September, over claims that it included a distorted map of the Indian-administered territory of Kashmir, the magazine notes. Rathee was born in Haryana and has studied mechanical engineering in Germany. On the success of his channel, he expressed Im surprised doing such a simple thing can bring so much attentionmaybe because no one tries to dare to do that. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Vivek Tyagi, Sarvesh Mishra and Kanwarbir Singh three associates of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Tyagi, Mishra and Singh have been issued summons and Mishra appeared before the ED on Friday, reported news agency ANI. Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh during an ED raid at his residence in Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI) The probe agency is expected to question the three in front of Sanjay Singh, who is in the ED custody till October 10. Singh was arrested on Wednesday after a day-long questioning by ED officials at his Delhi residence. The ED has alleged that Mishra has received 2 crore on two occasions on behalf of Sanjay Singh at the latter's residence. Tyagi, the personal assistant of Sanjay Singh was offered a stake in the business interest of accused Amit Arora's firm Aralias Hospitality. On Thursday, special judge MK Nagpal remanded Sanjay Singh in ED custody till October 10 to enable the federal probe agency to interrogate him. The Rajya Sabha MP will be produced before the court on the expiry of his custody. The judge noted that from the allegations being levelled against the accused and the material placed before the court regarding his "direct nexus with activities pertaining to proceeds of crime by way of receiving 2 crore", his sustained and custodial interrogation appeared to be necessary to trace out the complete trail thereof. "Therefore, in view of the above and the totality of facts & circumstances, the accused is being remanded to the custody of ED till October 10, 2023 for the purposes of his detailed and sustained interrogation and confrontations with the oral and documentary evidence and he shall be produced before this court at 2 pm on that day, the judge said. The judge, however, directed that his interrogation shall be conducted at some place having CCTV coverage in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and the said CCTV footage shall be preserved. He shall be medically examined once every 48 hours, the judge said. While being brought to the courtroom, Singh said his arrest was an act of injustice by Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose party was going to lose the next Lok Sabha elections. Singh was arrested in connection with its money laundering probe linked to the 2021-22 Delhi Excise policy case, in a huge blow to the city's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The ED alleged that the accused was withholding certain information which was in his exclusive knowledge and was extremely relevant to the investigation and hence, his custodial interrogation was required to investigate the money trail of the bribe or kickback amount received by him from the approver Dinesh Arora. It was also submitted that he further requires to be confronted with Tyagi, Singh and Mishra. (With inputs from ANI, PTI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai led the partys first meeting on Thursday since the AIADMK exited the NDA alliance but showed restraint in speaking about the fallout. K Annamalai (ANI) The 2024 (Lok Sabha) elections will be between DMK and BJP in Tamil Nadu, Annamalai said. I have been saying this for the past two years. Not just today. We will submit our report card... for the last 10 years. The DMK would have completed 35-months of governance in the state. NDA in Tamil Nadu will send several parliamentarians for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2024, the BJP-led NDA will bring a massive change here. Its an election for our Prime Minister candidate Modi. He said that he was neither upset nor happy with AIADMK announcing their decision to break ties on September 25. We have neither been happy when someone was with us and nor are we upset that they have left, Annamalai said. AIADMK had exited the NDA alliance after it accused the state BJP leaders of belittling its icons such as former Chief Ministers C N Annadurai and J Jayalalithaa. When asked about the allegation against him by the AIADMK leaders when they snapped the alliance with the BJP, he said that he would not respond to the specific charges, adding that which side people of the state are on will be known after the 2024 election.Several parties criticise me and I cannot respond to that. I dont wish to respond to this also, he said. When asked about the discussions during this meeting, he said, Why should I tell that to the press? We will tell Tamil Nadus people when we need to. How the party will face the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is not something to be debated at a press meet. The BJP is yet to react to the split in the AIADMK-BJP alliance. State BJP leaders have been saying that it will be their leaders in Delhi who will speak on it. Annamalai had on Monday met Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi but what they discussed is still under wraps. Thursdays meeting is a routine gathering which happens every three months, said state BJP vice president Karu Nagarajan. But, it is happening under an unusual circumstance but only our national leadership will speak on the alliance, Nagarajan said. Meanwhile, the next leg of Annamalais padyatra, En Mann En Makkal (my soil, my people) which was scheduled to begin on October 6, has been postponed to October 16 due to his ill health. The party shared a medical bulletin from a private hospital Gleneagles Global Health City in Chennai which stated that Annamalai was diagnosed with a lower respiratory tract infection with bronchospasm. He had been advised bed rest for two weeks. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami on Wednesday clarified that there was no pressure from anyone to leave the BJP-led NDA in the state. We are strong with our decision to break ties with the BJP. No one put any pressure on us to take this decision. A few incidents hurt our cadres, Edappadi Palaniswami said while speaking to reporters in Salem. Palaniswami further said, From Prime Minister Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J P Nadda, no one put any pressure on us and we decided to break the ties with BJP respecting our cadres voice. On September 18, AIADMKs organising secretary D Jayakumar had announced that the party was calling off its alliance with the BJP -- leaving to be seen the impact of the split on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The breakdown of ties, however, is not likely to immediately impact the state as assembly elections will be held in 2026 Last month, Congress MP S Thirunavukarasu said the strain in ties between the AIADMK and BJP will help the INDIA bloc. This split is good for us, said Thirunavukarasu. The question is if it was the central leadership of the BJP that has conveyed to Annamalai to criticise their own ally. This could be a pressure tactic to create problems and use another group of people to solve the created problem. Such things are common before elections. 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 New Delhi/Gawahati Two women stripped, paraded and gang-raped by a mob live on camera; two young women looking to make their way in the big city pulled out of their rented accommodation, raped and murdered; two young men shot on video, their bodies thrown in a ditch; a mother and her seven-year-old son pulled out of an ambulance and killed, as they begged for mercy. The clashes that started on May 3 have claimed 178 lives so far (AFP) For five months, Manipur has burned in ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kukis in an unending cycle that had cleaved every aspect of the state -- its people, its bureaucracy, its geography, and even its politics -- in two. Read here: Five months on, peace eludes ethnic violence-hit Manipur Yet, even among the 178-odd men and women killed and 50,000 displaced, there are some cases that have truly defined Manipurs horror. Five months after the violence first began on May 3, HT traced the families of four such victims, only to find them struggling to find closure in the face of justice crawling at a snails pace; and in one case, a husband trying to convince his suicidal wife that her rape was not her fault. Three of the four cases are part of the 27 first information reports (FIRs) being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). We dont give information of progress made in cases including details of whose statements have bene taken during the course of investigation in cases. In the cases related to Manipur, state police has arrested a few persons(in cases which were handed over to us) before CBI had taken charge of 27 cases. Apart from that, recently we arrested four persons in connection to the disappearance and deaths of two students from Imphal in July, said the agencys spokesperson RC Joshi. Furore triggers action On July 20, two months after the violence first broke out, a video of two women being paraded naked by a mob on May 4 at B Phainom village emerged. The women were allegedly gang-raped, and the father and brother of one of the two women were killed. After the furore, Manipur Police swung into action, arresting seven men, after which the case was handed over to CBI on July 29. The husband of one of the two women told HT that their statements were recorded several times, and they were told that the agency will soon file a charge sheet, but added that he was disappointed that only seven people were thus far arrested. These too were initially arrested by Manipur Police. So many people were involved in the crime, but there have been no more arrests. We are waiting for the CBI charge sheet, he said. The 64-year-old man, a former army officer who fought in the Kargil War said he was waiting for justice. I fought for my country and believe in the government and the Constitution. But when I see the inaction by CBI, my faith is shattered. I want to clarify that CBI have been helpful and met us regularly and spoke to us. But what we want is justice. He is also fighting another battle -- to keep alive his wifes will to live. My wife wanted to end her life many times and I managed to save her. I have been telling her what happened that day was not her fault, that I would stand by her forever. Some day, God will punish those criminals, he said. The mother of the 21-year-old second woman in the video said that her family continue to live in Churachandpur, unsafe in their own homes. The CBI officers say they have arrested the accused; so many people were involved, but only seven have been apprehended. How is this possible? The photos of the arrested were shown to us by CBI over video call. We confirmed that they were there at the spot, but what about the others? I want those animals arrested, she said. The mother said that she was still waiting for the bodies of her husband and son. On October 4, the CBI officials video called me and asked me to identify their bodies in the mortuary(in Imphal). The CBI officers said they will help us getting the bodies back. I want justice, and I want to perform their last rites, she said. But these two families have had, at least, multiple interactions with investigators. The families of a 24-year-old woman and her 21-year-old friend -- both were raped and murdered by a mob near the car wash centre in Imphal where they worked on May 4 -- alleged that they had just one phone call from CBI in five months. Around two weeks ago, I received a call from someone claiming to be from CBI. The person said the call was being made from Imphal, asked me some details about my daughter, and the incidents that led up to her death. I was told that a team would visit us in Kangpokpi to record our statements but there has been no word from them since and I am still waiting, the 24-year-olds father said. The 21-year-olds family said they havent even received even one phone call. Last month, both families received 10 lakh as compensation announced by the state and central governments, but there is no price on justice, they said. I want justice for my daughters death. The owner of the car wash centre where my daughter and her friend worked should be arrested and punished for failing to protect them. I want the investigation to be carried out swiftly and those responsible be given exemplary punishment, the 21-year-olds mother said. The families of both girls said they are yet to receive their bodies, lying in the morgue of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal. Read here: Students body in Manipur impose indefinite economic blockade against internet ban Two months after the clashes first started, on July 4, 24-year-old Irengbam Chingkheinganba left his home in Sekmaijin Khunou with friend Sagolshem Ngaleiba, 31. The next day, a video emerged that showed the two Meitei men tortured, and shot dead, allegedly by Kuki assailants. Their bodies are yet to be found, and their case has not been handed over to CBI. Like other cases, we asked that ours be handed over to CBI but that hasnt happened. Nobody has been arrested and the local police has told us nothing, said Irengbams younger brother Priyobrata. Manipur Police officials said the two men were likely abducted from Kanglatongbi, around four kilometres north of Sekmai police station, and taken to Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district where they were killed. But like most other cases, we have not been able to do a proper investigation because of divisions on the ground on ethnic lines, a police official said, requesting anonymity. Families await justice A fourth family awaiting justice is that of 55-year-old Joshua Hangsing, who now live in a ramshackle rented accommodation in Kangpokpi. On June 4, the familys youngest son, seven-year-old Tonsing, his mother Meena and a family acquaintance Lydia Lourembam were on their way to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal from an Assam Rifles camp at Kangchup Chingkhong village in Kangpokpi district. Their son, Tonsing, had sustained a pellet injury to the head. But despite police security, a mob pulled out the driver and the male nurse, both Meiteis, from the ambulance, and set the ambulance, with the two women and the child inside, ablaze. Hours after the incident, the police could only find bones inside. The family said they received one phone call from CBI. Around 20 days ago, I got a call from CBI in Imphal. The person spoke to me for 30 minutes seeking details of the case. There has ben no interaction after that and have no information about the case or its progress, he said. Like the rest, all Joshua wants is justice. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi The test flight to demonstrate the abort capabilities for Gaganyaan is expected around October 25, senior officials from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) said, putting a date to an event that will take India one step closer to its ambitious first human spaceflight mission. Joint team of Indian Navy and Isro during the recovery trials of Mission Gaganyaan's Crew Module onboard earmarked ship, at Eastern Naval Command, in Visakhapatnam (PTI) Read here: Gaganyaan mission: ISRO gearing up for first abort test of crew escape system this month-end A senior official from the Indian space agency said that the abort capability demonstration can be expected later in the month, if all goes per plan. ...mission preparation is going as per plan. We are targeting for the abort test demonstration to happen around October 25. After that is achieved, we will go ahead with preparations of the uncrewed mission, the official added. On the sidelines of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) foundation day on September 26, Isro chairman S Somanath had talked about the plans to conduct the abort test demonstration in October, but did not reveal the dates. The Gaganyaan project aims to show Isros human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400km for a three-day mission and bringing them back safely. The prerequisites for Gaganyaan mission include development of many critical technologies including human rated launch vehicle for carrying crew safely to space, life support system to provide an earth like environment to crew in space, crew emergency escape provision and evolving crew management aspects for training, recovery and rehabilitation of crew, Isro said in its mission document. Demonstrator missions ahead of the human spaceflight mission include integrated air drop test (IADT), pad abort test (PAT) and test vehicle (TV) flights -all of which are expected to be scheduled before the first quarter of 2024, when Isro is aiming to launch the uncrewed mission. Safety and reliability of all systems will be proven in unmanned missions preceding the manned mission, Isro has said. Expected to take flight around the last quarter of 2024 or in early 2025, astronauts who have been chosen for the mission are currently undergoing training at various Isro facilities. Early this week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) released the first-look images of these astronauts, who will be called Gaganauts, without revealing their identities. The Gaganyaan plan comes at a highly successful time for Isro, with Chandrayaan-3 landing near the lunar south pole, the Aditya-L1 solar mission expected by February 2024, and various other interplanetary launches in the works. Read here: ISRO to launch first test vehicle mission for Gaganyaan in a month or two Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director S Unnikrishnan Nair said that work around Gaganyaan, to ensure all systems are safe to carry humans, is progressing at a promising rate. All vehicle systems have reached Sriharikota for the final assembly, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ? Desde Tumbes, la mandataria Dina Boluarte indico que el presupuesto de los gobiernos regionales y locales se incremento para el 2024. Ahi tienen recursos en forma descentralizada para trabajar en favor de la poblacion que los ha elegido, refirio. pic.twitter.com/onsmiu9OnW The government has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming festive rush . What are the various initiatives taken this year apart from the ones taken last year? Is there a plan in place to handle peak hour flights during this travel period? An airport is the conveyor, if you will, between the demand created by a customer and the service supplied by an airline and the role of a conveyor has to be one of facilitating demand reaching supply. Therefore there must never be bottlenecks on that critical path where you play the role of a conveyor or a facilitator because you happen to be the only gateway through which demand will meet supply. If the customer is ready and the supply is ready then there should be no reason why they should experience any hardship. Having said that, all the touch points that a customer experiences from entering the airport premises, the entry gate, the check-in point, the baggage drop, the security check, the boarding gate, and onto the aircraft all these five touch points have to be seamless, which is why we brought in DigiYatra, which has been a rip-roaring success. Close to six million passengers have used DigiYatra to date. So, in 16 airports, metro and non-metro ones that take a maximum amount of traffic, we sat with various stakeholders and identified the capacity required at each one of these touch points including the X-ray machines, the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) personnel , the number of boarding gates etc. We have put together a pert chart for every single airport in terms of when they will deliver on this. Some of those deadlines are pre-winter schedule, some of them will be pre-summer schedule so there is a very clear path going forward in terms of what we are going to do to be able to achieve that amount of throughput. We are in dialogue with the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) and we have clearly articulated the demand of CISF and Bureau of Immigration (BOI) requirement of staff in winter 2023 and summer 2024 . Is there a plan in place for managing flights during the peak hour rush during the winter schedule?So there is a plan in place based on what we derived the last time around.But having said that, for me, ideally that is not the best solution. Ideally, the best solution is to be able to increase my infrastructure adequately to make sure Im able to supply. At whatever time any airline wants to be able to fly a flight, subject to runway capability and ATC (air traffic control) capability, because thats the independent factor; all of this is the dependent factor. So we are trying to do a little bit of both until summer of 24 when we will have that full capacity. For example in Mumbai, we broke down and created a new security area that should be opened up hopefully in a week. It has taken us four months to create that. But Ive worked with the airport operator and weve created that new capacity. The government is planning to come up with new airports in cities across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Which are these airports and when are they expected to be operationalised? A large number of airports are coming up in UP. Aligarh (Aligarh dist.) , Ayodhya (Ayodhya dist.), Azamgarh (Azamgarh dist.), Chitrakoot (Chitrakoot dist.), Fursatganj (Amethi dist.), Moradabad (Moradabad dist), Shravasti (Shravasti dist.), Sarsawa (Saharanpur dist.) and Noida International Airport are all set to be operational next year, and in Madhya Pradesh, we will have the new terminal in Gwalior before the end of this year, which hopefully will not only be a national, but a world record because we laid the foundation stone on the 16th of October last year and the 500 crore airport, 2.50 lakh square feet large, will be ready by the end of November or December this year. So thats 13 months ; Jabalpur airport terminal will be ready as well. Rewa and Datia airports should be ready by March next year. When will the Cape Town Convention Bill be passed? We are working to make sure that we are in line [with] and adopt international norms with regard to financing of airplanes and so for that we are in the process of facilitating a bill called the Cape Town Convention which will also enable India to emerge as a leasing hub. Most of the planes are leased today out of Ireland, so the Cape Town Convention Bill was something that was a WIP (work in progress) and its currently going through interministerial consultation. We were initially trying to bring it in the monsoon session, but well now hopefully bring it in the winter session. In the interim, we had a situation with one of our airlines (Go First filed for insolvency) and through that process, there was a moratorium on the assets that was imposed leading to a great deal of apprehension on behalf of the lessors as well as the airlines in terms of increasing finance costs for the acquisition of aircraft (NCLT put a moratorium on airplanes and other dues and debt leading to lessors not being able to take their aircraft back). A large number of our aircraft today are leased. Therefore we had to approach the ministry of finance and the ministry of corporate affairs to provide that exemption in the IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) rules and it was notified yesterday (the government, on Wednesday exempted aircraft from the moratorium put by National Company Law Tribunal). So now we are in consonance with international laws pending the passage of the CTC bill, which hopefully will come in the winter session. The ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified on Thursday amendments to the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, to provide the operational mechanism for the decriminalised provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. HT Image For a local cable operator and the multi-system operator, the district magistrate will act as the designated officer. In all other cases, an officer not below the rank of a deputy secretary in the government of India will act as the designated officer. This step, according to the ministry, will boost stakeholders confidence and promote ease of doing business. It also defined platform services as programmes transmitted by a multi-system operator exclusively to their own subscribers and does not include Doordarshan channels, registered television channels and foreign television channels that are not registered in India. In August, the notification of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 decriminalised offences under the CTN Act. It instead empowered the designated officer to censure or issue advisories or warnings, or to impose a monetary penalty of up to 20,000 for first violation. Earlier, this attracted a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to 1,000 or both. For every subsequent violation within a period of three years, the designated officer was also empowered to impose a penalty of up to 1 lakh. Earlier, this attracted a jail term of up to five years and a fine of up to 5,000. The Jan Vishwas Act also allowed the designated officer to suspend or revoke the registration of an errant entity if it had more than three violations within three years. However, such an order must have its reasons recorded in writing and must be issued only after giving the entity a chance to be heard. Within thirty days of an order from the designated officer, the entity can appeal it before the secretary of the government of India or any other officer authorised by him/her. Experts said that due to these amendments, the executive is now in charge of granting registrations to operators, of revoking them, and of adjudicating over any grievances. The substitution of criminal penalties with financial sanction is a welcome move. However, the provision allowing an executive official via appointment of the designated officer, to adjudicate on whether or not there is a violation of the CTN Act, is not consistent with the principle of separation of powers, Abhishek Malhotra, a media lawyer, told HT. According to the ministry, more than 1,400 multi-system operators are registered with it. The Congress and BJP are engaged in a full-blown poster war on social media since Thursday. A day after the Congress shared posters calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi the biggest liar and BJP hitting back by calling Rahul Gandhi new age Ravan, the fight continued on Friday with Congress sharing a poster depicting PM Modi as Adani's puppet. Congress-BJP poster war continues on social media. The picture showed PM Modi standing with his arms apart, attached with strings to the name Adani. The Congress and other opposition parties often accuse the government of having ties with the Adani Group and providing undue benefit to the conglomerate. Hours later, the BJP responded to the attack by sharing a poster in which Rahul Gandhi has been depicted as billionaire George Soros' puppet. Soros has been accused of having interfered with the electoral process of many countries for ideological reasons several times. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, several Congress workers across the country staged protests against BJP's new age Ravan poster against Rahul Gandhi. The protests were held in Delhi, Jaipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and Kerala. In a video shared by news agency ANI, the police can be seen stopping and barricading the protests, while the Congress workers continued to raise slogans and party flags. In some places, the police also resorted to using water cannons to disperse the protesters. On Wednesday, the BJP shared a poster on X of Rahul Gandhi with several heads - depicting Ravana - with the text Bharat khatre mein hai (India is in danger) written on it. At the bottom of the poster, it was written: A Congress party production. Directed by George Soros". The new age Ravan is here. He is Evil. Anti Dharma. Anti Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat, the BJP captioned the post. The Indian and US Armies snipers carried out joint training at Alaska before closing exercise Yudh Abhyas. Indian, US Army soldiers in Alaska during exercise Yudh Abhyas(X) Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu visited the exercise area in Alaska for the closing ceremony of the exercise, according to Indian Army officials. Sandhu shared his delight to witness the Indian Army and the US Army soldiers' actions at Exercise Yudh Abhyas in Alaska. He further thanked the US Army and the 11th Airborne Division for hosting troops. Troops of India and the US armies carry out a joint tactical exercise during the ongoing Ex-Yudh Abhyas on Saturday.(ANI) The 11th Airborne Division is a US Army airborne formation based in Alaska. Indian envoy Taranjit Singh Sandhu took to his social media 'X' and said, "Deepening Defense Partnership! Wonderful to witness #IndianArmy@ADGPI and @USArmy soldiers in action at Exercise #YudhAbhyas in Alaska. Thank @USARPAC @11thAirborneDiv for hosting troops." Last week, the Indian and US Armies carried out a joint tactical exercise in Alaska as part of the ongoing Exercise Yudh Abhyas. The two armies on Friday carried out field training drills in Alaska, according to Indian Army officials. Troops of India and the US armies carry out a joint tactical exercise during the ongoing Ex-Yudh Abhyas, on Saturday. (ANI ) The exercise entails exchanging the best practices, enhancing interoperability and strengthening the bond between the two Armies. The 19th edition of "EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS" is being conducted from September 25th to October 8th in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA. It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the United States Army. The previous edition of the Exercise was conducted in Auli, Uttarakhand, India in November 2022. The Indian Army contingent comprising 350 personnel is participating in this edition of the exercise. The lead battalion from the Indian side is affiliated with the MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment. Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu at the exercise area in Alaska for the closing ceremony of the exercise.(ANI) 1-24 Infantry Battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team is participating from the US side. Both sides practiced a series of tactical drills to enhance interoperability in conducting UN peacekeeping operations. Personnel from both sides also held detailed discussions to share their experiences and best practices. The two armies practised high-angle rescue & casualty evacuation drills in the sub-zero Arctic conditions during the exercise. The soldiers also conducted a live fire training exercise. 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. "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. CHENNAI The Income Tax officials on Thursday held searches at multiple locations in Chennai linked to DMK MP S Jagatrakshakan on Thursday. MK Stalin (ANI) Dubbing the raids as an attempt by the Bhartiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre to engage in vindictive politics, chief minister MK Stalin posted on X, formerly Twitter: The Union BJP Governments vindictive politics knows no bounds! Stalin said on X. Arresting AAP MP Sanjay Singh and raiding DMK MP Jagathrakshakans home are clear examples of their misuse of independent investigating agencies for political ends against INDIA bloc leaders The BJP is clearly afraid of the growing unity among opposition parties. Its time they stop their witch-hunt and focus on addressing the real issues. Stalin pointed out that the BJP has conveniently forgotten that the Supreme Court has just warned the Enforcement Directorate to be transparent and fair. Stalin accused the BJP of disregarding the rule of law and their deliberate persecution of opposition being an assault on democracy. The raids are underway in 40 premises linked to the DMK MP. Jagathrakshakan represents Arakkonam in the Lok Sabha. Several Tamil Nadu ministers are under the radar of ED. Minister V Senthil Balaji is in jail after being arrested on charges of money laundering June. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Leaders and workers of the Janata Dal United (JD-U) want the partys chief and Bihar chief minister, Nitish Kumar to announce his candidacy for the Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh (UP), eyeing an opportunity to expand the partys footprint . According to people familiar with the demands within the party, there is a perception that the state governments decision of releasing the findings of the caste-census can weaken the Bharatiya Janata Partys hold over the OBCs, and that as the architect of the survey, Kumar, and by extension, the JD(U) could benefit. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. (ANI) A senior party functionary familiar with the thinking, said there is a clamour for Kumar to pick a seat in neighbouring UP, which has a large percentage of other backward classes, particularly Kurmis, the caste to which he belongs . The BJP has gained politically by getting the support of the OBCs in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections, but it was opposed to a caste census. There is an opportunity for the others, the JD(U), the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) to consolidate their position as representatives of the OBC classes, as it is these parties that are pitching for a higher share for them in the reservation pie, added this person on condition of anonymity. The Bihar government released the findings of the caste census this week, which shows OBCs and EBCs constitute 63% of the states population. The census is widely seen as a platform for the revival of Mandal politics in India . Opposition parties believe they can strike a chord with voters by pushing for more reservation for underprivileged classes in government jobs and educational institutions and also corner the BJP which has raised questions about the survey. Senior JD(U) leader and spokesperson KC Tyagi said no decision on picking a seat for Kumar has been arrived at yet. There is a demand from the workers, but a decision on contesting from UP will be taken by the CM and Akhilesh Yadav (of the SP). Another party functionary said that the JD(U) also wants Kumar to emerge as the face of the opposition bloc, INDIA, and pointed out that it was the Bihar chief minister who pushed for the caste census. The CM raised the issue with the Prime Minister and mobilised other parties. In the Mumbai meeting (of INDIA parties in August) the issue of including caste census in the common agenda was not supported by the TMC. At the coordination committee meeting held at Sharad Pawars residence (in September) too, the TMC dithered while others were on board, but the JD(U) was insistent that caste census must be in the agenda, and it was... this person added on condition of anonymity. The JD(U) wants Kumars push for the census to be highlighted against PM Narendra Modis stance that the opposition is using the exercise to divide people. At a rally in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, Modi said the opposition was playing with the feelings of the poor and dividing the country based on caste. The JDU wants Kumar to lead the opposition in throwing a challenge to the BJP in the Hindi heartland state that has emerged as the latters turf since 2014. There are a dozen odd seats where the Kurmi population can swing the election. The impact of a Kurmi leader leading the opposition will be felt among the Patidars in Madhya Pradesh; in Chhattisgarh; in Gujarat where Kurmis are known as Patels; and among the Kunbis of Maharashtra, the second functionary said. The impact will also be felt in constituencies where intermediary castes such as Gujjars will support the opposition based on caste-affinity he added. In Varanasi, the Prime Ministers constituency alone there are 3.50 Lakh Kurmis; there are 2.5 Lakh in Rae Bareilly, about 3 Lakh in Pratapgarh... And the numbers are high in large parts of central and eastern UP. Responding to a query on the most suitable constituencies for Kumar to contest from, the leader said there are at least 40-42 assembly seats in UP where the Kurmis are between 1 Lakh to 1.5 Lakh. A BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh said too much is being made of the survey. The BJPs social welfare policies and political representation to OBCs has worked in its favour. Besides, people are not sure of how the survey will impact their immediate future. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he added that the party which has courted non-dominant OBC castes has given space to Apna Dal, a largely Kurmi entity, and is also focussing on nurturing Kumri leadership within the BJP. There are leaders such as Swatantra Dev Singh who are the face of Kurmis in the BJP. In the last assembly election 41 legislators from the community won...it is slow, but the process of building our ties with the community is underway. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As murdered Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar was honoured as the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force or KTF during a memorial event at the Guru Nanak Singh Gurdwara Sahib that he headed, it was yet another pointer to the twin phenomena of the movement being normalised in Canada and its links to terrorism being erased. (Reuters) Videos of the memorial event on Thursday underscored Indias contention that Nijjar headed a group seeking to foment violence in India. He was declared a terrorist by India but none of the charges against him or the group he was associated with, the secessionist Sikhs for Justice or SFJ, have been tested in a Canadian court. However, what has become evident is that under pressure from an influential pro-Khalistan lobby in the country, separatist activity in Canada is being delinked from the terrorism it spawned. In the past eight years, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a statement each year to mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, on the anniversary of the bombing of the Air India flight 182, the Kanishka, by Khalistani terrorists. On June 23, 1985, the terror attack claimed 329 lives. However, even as the statements acknowledged this remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadas history, the term Khalistan never figures in them; nor does it appear in the speeches given in the Canadian parliament to commemorate that day. As a family member of a victim of the tragedy told HT last year, It is as if the word is forbidden. The 1985 Air India bombing has been declared a Canadian tragedy and the largest mass murder in Canadian history, yet, in many newspaper and scholarly articles offering Canadians a quick refresher on the Khalistan movement, the 1985 Air India tragedy is not even considered worth a mention, Professor Chandrima Chakraborty, director of McMaster Universitys Global Peace and Social Justice Program and Centre for Peace Studies, said. She has been instrumental in creating an archive of the event at the university, keeping alive the documentation gradually vanishing from Government websites. Also Read: On Khalistan, Canada has ignored global law Stunned at the Indian governments alleged violation of international law, we are forgetting that the Khalistani movement in Canada is of grave concern to those who have followed the Air India saga closely, including many Canadian Sikhs who lost loved ones in the bombing, she added. She was referring to the statement made by Trudeau in the House of Commons of credible allegations of a potential link of Indian agents to Nijjars killing on June 18 in Surrey, British Columbia. Khalistan movement had stayed within the corridors of a selected few Sikh temples, occasional seminars and marking important events related to 1984 and the post-1984 era. However, the rise of the referenda movement has given it a new impetus, Shinder Purewal, professor of political science at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, said. He was referring to the so-called non-binding Khalistan referendum being held by SFJ. The delinking of the Khalistan movement from terrorism began in earnest in 2018. In December that year, Public Safety Canada released the Public Report on the Terrorism Threat to Canada. It included, for the first time, Sikh/Khalistani terrorism. As the executive summary stated, Furthermore, Shia and Sikh (Khalistani) extremism also remain a concern because while their attacks in Canada have been extremely limited, some Canadians continue to support these extremist groups, including through financing. Within days, a furious backlash from interested groups led to the Government cowering. By April 2019, the terminology was dropped and the entire section originally titled Sikh/Khalistani extremism was called Extremists who Support Violent Means to Establish an Independent State Within India. The sections where the references occurred earlier -- in this section and in the executive summary -- were also sanitised. In the five years since, it is portrayed as mainstream activism divorced from the reality of its violent antecedents. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anirudh Bhattacharyya Anirudh Bhattacharya is a Toronto-based commentator on North American issues, and an author. He has also worked as a journalist in New Delhi and New York spanning print, television and digital media. He tweets as @anirudhb. ...view detail New Delhi: India will eliminate the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in the next two years, Union home minister Amit Shah avowed on Friday, while emphasizing that the areas where the influence of red ultras has ended, need to be monitored continuously to avoid revival of activities. Union home minister Amit Shah with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval at LWE review meeting in Delhi on Friday (Twitter Photo) We have achieved significant success against left-wing extremism in 2022 and 2023, and this year we must resolve to end it completely in the next two years. This fight has now reached a decisive stage, Shah said while chairing the LWE review meeting. The home minister also asked agencies to ensure that Naxals do not switch their base(s) to new territories. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, chiefs of all central armed police forces (CAPFs), central intelligence and investigation agencies, and representatives and chiefs of states affected by Naxal violence, attended the review meeting in Delhi on Friday. Underlining that the security vacuum areas in states affected by Naxalism have been shrinking since 2019, Shah said security forces have established 195 new camps (inside the core areas of Naxals), while 44 more new camps will be established. Deployment of CAPFs against left-wing extremism, rationalization of development and setting up camps in vacuum areas are the priorities of the (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi government, Shah said. Shah stressed there is a need to maintain constant surveillance in the areas liberated from LWE so that this problem does not revive there again. There is also a need to monitor that left-wing extremists from areas where this problem has been eliminated do not take shelter in other states, Shah added. Referring to the governments zero-tolerance policy against LWE since 2014, Shah said this policy has resulted in a reduction in the number of violent incidents and deaths recorded in 2022, the lowest in past four decades. There has been more than 52% decline in LWE-related violence, 69% in deaths, 72% in deaths of security personnel and 68% in civilian deaths, between 2014 and 2023 compared to the period from 2005 to 2014, the home minister said. Shah said probe agencies, including the NIA and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), are also working closely with all state agencies to seize and stop the funding of LWE, while further asking affected states to make efforts by forming a joint team of civil and police administration to choke the financial support. On the development projects undertaken in affected states, Shah said Special attention is being given to areas like road construction, telecommunication, financial inclusion, skill development and education. The Centre has launched more than 14,000 projects under the special central assistance (SCA) scheme to accelerate development in the districts most affected by LWE. More than 80% of these projects have been completed and Rs.3,296 crore has been released to LWE-affected states under the scheme, Shah added. The Union home ministry shared the LWE-related data on Friday after the meeting, according to which 14,862 incidents of violence were reported between May 2005 and April 2014, and this number has come down to 7,128 between May 2014 and April 2023. Similarly, the number of fatal incidents has come down from 6,035 to 1,868 during this period. Currently, the number where LWE violence is being reported is just 45, as compared to 96 in 2010, according to the data. Instead of applying security (defensive) policy against the militants, an attacking (offensive) policy has been implemented, which has given results, said a counter-terrorism official. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Over 100 people of a village in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district have been infected with dengue over the last 15 days. The villagers however allege that they have not receieved proper treatment yet. Mumbai, India - September 24, 2016: A BMC staffer conducts a fumigation near a well in a Mumbai locality. The BMC staff identify, treat and eliminate breeding of dengue transmitting Aedes mosquitoes which spreads in Mumbai, India, on Friday, September 24, 2016. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO)(HT_PRINT) The residents of Gulla Khera village in the Morena district alleged that they had reported the complaint about the matter to Block Medical Officer (BMO) Pahargarh and others but no team has reached their village yet for examination. One of the family members of a patient, Hitendra Kushwaha said, "The problem of dengue is widespread here. Over 100 people of the village are suffering from it. No government doctor's team has come here. The villagers are suffering for the last 15 to 20 days. We reported the problem but no action was taken." Patient Lal Kushwaha said that the problem was that the disease was spreading in the village and neither doctors had come nor anything happened here. They also informed the Sarpanch of the village but nothing happened. Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO, Morena) Rakesh Sharma said that he did not receive information about the disease in Gullakhera village but as he heard about it from media, he would send medical teams to the village. "It is true that currently dengue is spreading in Morena. Initially, there were cases reported in some villages of Pahargarh block, they were tested and given treatment. Now there are no cases there. As far as Gulla Khera village is concerned, I did not receive the information but now that I have received the information through the media, I will send the medical team to the village," Sharma told ANI. The CMHO also said that he would issue notice to CHO (Community Health Officer), ANM (Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife) and others for not keeping him informed about the spread of the disease in the village. (ANI) NEW DELHI: A major opened fire and lobbed grenades at his fellow soldiers at a forward base near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, resulting in injuries to a few of them, four officials aware of the matter said. The incident involves the armys 48 Rashtriya Rifles unit and took place in Rajouris Thanamandi area, Hindustan Times has learnt. (Representational image) The incident involves the armys 48 Rashtriya Rifles unit and took place in Rajouris Thanamandi area, Hindustan Times has learnt. There are no reports of casualties, the officials said, asking not to be named. Details of the incident were sketchy till Thursday night. One officer was injured in a likely grenade accident at a post in Rajouri sector. Officer evacuated and stable post initial treatment. Further investigation of the incident in progress, the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps posted on X. The officer who opened fire was dealing with some personal issues, the officials said, adding that the major had been apprehended. The injured soldiers were rushed to hospital. The major is believed to have fired in the air before he began shooting at some soldiers of the unit, which specialises in counterterrorism operations, said one of the officials cited above. A few officers, including the regimental medical officer, rushed to the spot after the firing began, and they were targeted by the major with grenades, said a second official. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan lodged a complaint with the state Vigilance Director on Thursday seeking a probe into a corruption allegation against an IT company owned by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter T Veena in connection with the suspicious payments made by an Ernakulam-based chemical manufacturing firm to Veena and her firm over three years. Congress MLA seeks probe into corruption allegations against Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter. (PTI) Kuzhalnadan, a first-time MLA and general secretary of the Congress state unit, told reporters, I have been raising this issue both inside the Assembly and among the public. I have always maintained that I am not creating a smoke screen or trying to get media attention. Prima facie, there is clinching evidence. To this date, the chief minister and the concerned parties have been unable to give convincing answers to clear the publics doubts. Thats why, I have filed an official complaint along with evidence and proof demanding a vigilance probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Kuzhalnadan has said that he has proof of Vijayans complicity. A row broke out in July after it emerged that a slew of payments to the tune of 1.73 crore over three years were made by the public-limited Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) to Veena and her firm Exalogica Private Limited despite the latter not rendering any services. On June 12, the Income Tax Interim Settlement Board had ruled that the payments could not be considered as business expenses as the services were not rendered by Veenas firm. The Opposition parties like the Congress and BJP questioned the motives of the payments and asked what deals were signed in exchange for money. Vijayan has earlier rubbished the charges and said the allegations were made to tarnish his image and defame him. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A combination of extreme rain in the northeast, retreating glaciers and poorly planned hydropower projects led to the current crisis in Sikkim, where a glacial lake outburst flood left at least four districts inundated and buried large swathes of land under silt and debris. On September 30, HT reported that monsoon 2023 has been a story of swings, and as the months progressed, the variations only became more intense (AP) Read here: Sikkim floods: Weather hinders rescue operations as death toll rises to 27 Extreme rainfall in Sikkim, the north Sikkim region received around 39mm between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning, triggered flash floods and is suspected to have triggered a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) on Lhonak Lake, that has so far claimed at least 27 lives. The sudden surge of monsoon over eastern and northeastern India at a time when monsoon is in its withdrawal phase is a continuation of the erratic season observed in the country this year. On September 30, HT reported that monsoon 2023 has been a story of swings, and as the months progressed, the variations only became more intense: 9% deficient in June, excess by 13% in July, deficient again by 36% in August and, finally in September, excess by 13%. In its extended range forecast on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said that the formation of consecutive low-pressure systems this month has intensified monsoon rainfall over east, northeast and parts of peninsular India. This, the forecast said, is expected to continue until October 18. A low-pressure area is lying over central parts of Bangladesh, and a trough is running from Nagaland to southwest Bihar across the cyclonic circulation associated with the above low-pressure area, IMD said. Monsoon has not withdrawn from east India yet so when weather systems develop, we can see active monsoon conditions, said M Mohapatra, director general, IMD. Explaining the phenomena, Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate and meteorology, Skymet Weather, said, A low-pressure area formed over the eastern parts of the country but north-westerly winds did not allow it to travel across to northwest India. Instead, it is concentrated over east India. Moisture from the Bay of Bengal is feeding this system. The low-pressure system is stagnant over the eastern parts of the country causing heavy downpour. Due to this low-pressure area, the withdrawal of monsoon has been delayed, Palawat said. But the erratic monsoon alone did not cause the Lhonak lake to burst on Wednesday morning. South Lhonak glacier is among one of the fastest retreating glaciers, and the associated proglacial lake has become the largest and fastest-growing in Sikkim. The glacier receded nearly 2 km in the 46-year period between 1962 and 2008. It further retreated by nearly 400 m from 2008 to 2019, a paper by the Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton, said in 2021. The paper warned of the increased susceptibility of the Lhonak lake to potential avalanche impacts as the lake grows in the future. Hazard intensity mapping based on the GLOF scenarios considered in the study shows that many settlements along the valley, including the largest town Chungthang, are at high risk Due to the construction of the hydropower dam at Chungthang in 2015, GLOF risk mitigation in relation to South Lhonak and other critical lakes in the basin is of utmost importance, the paper, published in Science Direct, said. A GLOF is caused when the moraine (the debris accumulated over the years by a glacier) that usually functions as a dam, around the lake, is breached. GLOFs can be triggered by extreme meteorological conditions, especially heavy rainfall events that cause degradation of the damming moraine and lead to overfilling of the lake. And this is exactly what happened in Sikkim. Around 1.30am on Wednesday, the overflowing Lhanak Lake burst, pushing the water downstream into the Chungthang dam, cleaving the structure, and flooding Mangan in North Sikkim, which bore the brunt of the disaster. We knew this was coming. We had warned the government that the breach can happen anytime for Lhonak. In this particular case it will be premature to say rainfall triggered the GLOF because we really need data of how much it rained in the higher altitudes around 5000 m above sea level where Lhonak is. Extreme rains may have triggered flash floods in Teesta for sure causing multiple disasters, said Anil Kulkarni, glaciologist, a distinguished scientist at the Divecha Center for Climate Change and co-author of the Lhonak paper. But the role of climate crisis was undeniable. Read here: Residents pick up pieces after Sikkim floods leave behind trail of destruction Climate crisis is impacting glaciers and we need to monitor such lakes in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim which are all vulnerable. Its important to consider if hydropower projects should be located in these zones or you will end up losing thousands of crores in a go as we have seen for the Teesta hydropower project. I have been recommending climate assessments in addition to environment impact assessments for such projects, Kulkarni said. Experts warned that the risk of such incidents will only rise as the planet continues to warm, stressing the need for proper monitoring systems. We all know that in the warming world, the potential of cloudbursts, extreme rains, GLOF has gone up. Ocean warming has already increased moisture levels over the region. The low-pressure area near the region further increased the moisture, paving a conducive environment for torrential rains. Moreover, we do not have high-resolution monitoring systems that could tell us what happened, how it happened, and to what extent climate change aggravated the scenario. We know the Himalayan region is prone to cloudbursts, but we cannot identify the hotspot. Thus, a proper monitoring network is the need of the hour, said Roxy Mathew Koll, Climate Scientist, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in a statement on Friday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi The new rules governing disability pension for military personnel will safeguard the legitimate interests of people who acquire disabilities during service and prevent the misuse of liberal provisions, with the goal of running the armed forces efficiently, ensuring battle readiness and encouraging physical fitness across the board, chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan said on Friday. General Anil Chauhan (ANI) Read here: New disability pension rules to protect genuine interests, boost efficiency: CDS The revised policy -- Entitlement Rules for Casualty Pension and Disability Compensation Awards to Armed Forces Personnel, 2023 and Guide to Medical Officers -- will be applicable to personnel who retire after September 21, will introduce no change in the entitlement of those granted compensation for death or disability, and will not alter the emoluments of war widows, family pensioners or veterans, the CDS said. His comments came during a media briefing in South Block to clarify the entitlement rules against the backdrop of certain quarters of ex-servicemen questioning provisions related to the grant of disability pension, including its calculation, eligibility and diseases attributable to or aggravated by military service. To be sure, the norms for claiming disability pension have now been tightened. Those present at the briefing included air force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, army vice chief Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar and adjutant general Lieutenant General C Bansi Ponnappa. Most of the concerns flagged by the veterans were addressed by a panel of senior officers, led by Ponnappa, on October 3, Chauhan said. Representatives of five ex-servicemen associations attended the meeting. The government announced the new rules in September five months after the Comptroller and Auditor General asked the defence ministry to carry out an analysis of why a growing number of personnel were drawing disability pension - almost 40% of officers, and 18% of personnel below officer rank (PBOR) retire every year. The previous rules were promulgated 15 years ago. The idea is not to save money for the government but to manage the armed forces cadre efficiently. What message do we send by having a large number of people in low medical category, Chauhan said in response to a question on the CAG report. The national auditor examined disability pensions disbursed to personnel discharged from service during 2015-2020. A medical downgrade following a disability entitles a soldier to better retirement benefits. On average for the same rank, a disability pension can be 20% to 50% more than a normal one, and comes with tax exemption. The CAG report also flagged concerns about disability pensions being awarded on account of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Earlier there were incentives to claim disability pension. There was a time when only 3-5% claimed this pension but the CAG report put the figure at 40%. So many people cant be disabled, Chauhan said. The rules have been revised to streamline the procedure for assessment and entitlement without any ambiguity to avoid litigation, the defence ministry said in a statement. The revised policy will not put armed forces personnel at a disadvantage vis-a-vis their civilian counterparts, the CDS said. The defence ministry has introduced a new concept of impairment relief, which has drawn some criticism as it doesnt involve tax exemption. The disability element has been renamed as impairment relief in respect of only those personnel who are not invalidated out due to the nature of their disabilities and continue to serve till the term of their engagement. The change in nomenclature does not affect the nature of entitlement or quantum of emoluments, Chauhan said. Disability pension claims shot up in the years following the implementation of 6th Pay Commission report in 2006 as it that enhanced benefits significantly. Read here: Rename Lansdowne after Rifleman Jaswant Singh or CDS Bipin Rawat; locals refuse both In December 2014, the militarys most senior doctor said officers nearing retirement were abusing disability benefits for higher and tax-free pensions, flagging concerns about the trend of fit officers exploiting the welfare measure by getting themselves placed in the lower medical category. I would like to apprise you of an alarming trend evolving in the services, with regards to claims for disability pension being preferred by senior officers of the rank of lieutenant general and major general and their equivalent, Lieutenant General BK Chopra, then director general, Armed Forces Medical Services, said in a letter to the defence secretary in December 2014. These senior officers, who have stayed in Shape-1 medical category throughout their career, suddenly present (themselves) with disease at the fag end of their service, he wrote. NEW DELHI: The new rules governing disability pension for military personnel will safeguard the legitimate interests of people who acquire disabilities during service and prevent the misuse of liberal provisions, to run the armed forces efficiently, ensure battle readiness and encourage physical fitness across the board, chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan said on Friday. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said the idea behind the change in disability pension rules was not to save money for the government but to manage the armed forces cadre efficiently (PTI/) The revised policy, Entitlement Rules for Casualty Pension and Disability Compensation Awards to Armed Forces Personnel, 2023 and Guide to Medical Officers, will be applicable to personnel who retire after September 21, 2023. It does not introduce any change in the entitlement of those granted compensation for death or disability, and it will not alter the emoluments of war widows, family pensioners or veterans, the CDS said. His comments came during a media briefing in South Block to clarify the entitlement rules against the backdrop of certain quarters of ex-servicemen questioning provisions related to the grant of disability pension, including its calculation, eligibility and diseases attributable to or aggravated by military service. To be sure, the norms for claiming disability pension have been tightened. Those present at the briefing included Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, Indian Army vice chief Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar and adjutant general Lieutenant General C Bansi Ponnappa. Most of the concerns flagged by the veterans were addressed by a panel of senior officers led by Ponnappa on October 3, Chauhan said. Representatives of five ex-servicemen associations attended the meeting. The government notified the new rules in September, five months after the Comptroller and Auditor General told the defence ministry to analyse the reasons for disability among soldiers following its finding that almost 40% of officers, and 18% of personnel below officer rank (PBOR) who retire every year are drawing disability pensions. The previous rules were promulgated 15 years ago. The idea is not to save money for the government but to manage the armed forces cadre efficiently. What message do we send by having a large number of people in low medical category, Chauhan said in response to a question on the CAG report. The national auditor examined disability pensions disbursed to personnel discharged from service during 2015-2020. A medical downgrade following a disability entitles a soldier to better retirement benefits. On average for the same rank, a disability pension can be 20 to 50% more than a normal one and comes with tax exemption. The CAG report also flagged concerns about disability pensions being awarded on account of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Earlier there were incentives to claim disability pension. There was a time when only 3-5% claimed this pension but the CAG report put the figure at 40%. So many people cant be disabled, Chauhan said. The rules have been revised to streamline the procedure for assessment and entitlement without any ambiguity to avoid litigation, the defence ministry said in a statement. The revised policy will not put armed forces personnel at a disadvantage vis-a-vis their civilian counterparts, the CDS said. The defence ministry has introduced a new concept of impairment relief, which has drawn some criticism as it doesnt involve tax exemption. The disability element has been renamed as impairment relief in respect of only those personnel who are not invalidated out due to the nature of their disabilities and continue to serve till the term of their engagement. The change in nomenclature does not affect the nature of entitlement or quantum of emoluments, Chauhan said. Disability pension claims shot up in the years following the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission report in 2006 as it significantly enhanced benefits. In December 2014, the militarys senior-most doctor said officers nearing retirement were abusing disability benefits for higher and tax-free pensions, flagging concerns about the trend of fit officers exploiting the welfare measure by getting themselves placed in the lower medical category. I would like to apprise you of an alarming trend evolving in the services, with regards to claims for disability pension being preferred by senior officers of the rank of lieutenant general and major general and their equivalent, Lieutenant General BK Chopra, then director general, Armed Forces Medical Services, said in a letter to the defence secretary in December 2014. These senior officers, who have stayed in Shape-1 medical category throughout their career, suddenly present (themselves) with disease at the fag end of their service, he said in the communication. Journalist Prabir Purkayastha allegedly conspired with a group named Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Secularism to sabotage the 2019 general elections and that Chinese firms such as Xiaomi and Vivo incorporated shell companies to infuse foreign funds to further the conspiracy, the Delhi Police has said in its First Information Report (FIR) against NewsClick. NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha was arrested on Tuesday. (Hindustan Times) Read here: NewsClick editor Prabir Purkayastha, HR head move Delhi HC seeking to quash FIR under UAPA After raids across five cities over allegations of irregularities in the web portals cashbooks and foreign funding, Purkayastha, the NewsClick founder, and its human resource head Amit Chakravarty were arrested on Tuesday in connection with a case registered in August under the stringent anti-terrorism Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Codes Sections 153A (promoting enmity) and 120B (criminal conspiracy). The FIR, a copy of which HT has seen, names activist Gautam Navlakha and Neville Roy Singham, the American millionaire accused of spreading Chinese propaganda, among the accused. Navlakha, 70, was among the activists, lawyers, poets, and scholars arrested in 2020 in connection with alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave in Pune in December 2017 a day before violence near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial The FIR says the police were investigating the source of money Purkayastha and his associates allegedly received even as it does not mention the names of all 46 suspects questioned in connection with the case on Tuesday. It adds that Purkayastha allegedly siphoned off the foreign funds and distributed them to Navlakha and associates of activist Teesta Setalvad. The FIR cites secret inputs and says Indian and foreign entities illegally infused funds worth crores. It adds this was done in pursuance of conspiracy and intention to disrupt Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity, cause disaffection, and threaten the countrys unity and integrity. The FIR refers to Puryakastha, Amit Sengupta, D Raghunandan, Bappaditya Sinha, Navlakha, Amit Chakravarti, and Worldwide Media Holding LLC as NewsClicks shareholders. It adds that Navlakha was a shareholder in NewsClick since its inception in 2018 while accusing him of involvement in anti-Indian and unlawful activities such as actively supporting banned naxal (Maoist) organisations. The FIR says Navlakha has been associated with Purkayastha since 1991 while referring to his anti-national nexus with Ghulam Nabi Fai, who was in 2012 sentenced to two years in jail in the United States on charges of illegally working for Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence. The FIR cites emails between Purkayastha, Neville, and some other Chinese employees and says they expose their intent to show that Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir as not parts of India. It refers to attempts to disrupt supplies and essential services by protraction of the 20202021 farmers protest on the outskirts of Delhi. The FIR alleges the accused promoted and supported the agitation to hurt the Indian economy. It also mentions efforts to peddle a negative narrative about the governments efforts to contain Covid-19 in India. NewsClick has refuted the charges, saying it never published any news or information at the behest of any Chinese entity or authority. It denied taking any directions from Singham. All funding received by Newsclick has been through the appropriate banking channels and been reported to the relevant authorities as required by law, as substantiated by the Reserve Bank of India in proceedings before the high court of Delhi, the portal said in a statement. Read here: NewsClick received 28.29 crore from US businessman: Delhi Police At least 400 police officials raided 30 locations across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, and Ghaziabad on Tuesday morning, questioning 46 people, including journalists, freelancers, writers, and satirists, associated with NewsClick for eight hours. Digital devices were among those seized for those questioned. Opposition parties and media bodies condemned the raids and the arrests while raising concerns over the muzzling of the press. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Not a single drop of additional water will be shared with any other state at any cost, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann said on Thursday, a day after the Supreme Court asked the Centre to survey the land in Punjab allocated for the construction of a section of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann (ANI) Manns remarks came after he convened an emergency meeting of the state cabinet at his residence. Though no official agenda of the meeting was released, the state cabinet discussed the SYL canal, a thorny issue between Punjab and Haryana for decades, said the CM. The issue of SYL was discussed in the meeting. Not even a single drop of additional water will be given to any other state at any cost, Mann posted on X after the meeting. While there was no immediate reaction to Manns response by Harayana authorities on Thursday, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, in a post on X on Wednesday, urged the Centre to complete the survey work of the canal without any delay and work towards giving Haryana the rights that have been pending for years. The Punjab chief minister also said that convening the monsoon session of the state assembly soon was also discussed in the cabinet meeting. Though he did not indicate any dates, people familiar with the matter said the session could be called as early as next week. The cabinet meeting was held against the backdrop of the apex court asking the Union government to actively pursue the mediation process in order to resolve the festering dispute between Punjab and Haryana over the construction of SYL canal. A bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul asked the Centre to survey the portion of the land in Punjab allocated for constructing the canal, which is locked in a protracted legal battle between the neighbouring states since 1990. The SYL canal was proposed for the effective allocation of water from the Ravi and Beas rivers. The project envisaged a 214-km canal, of which a 122-km stretch was to be constructed in Punjab and the remaining 92 km in Haryana. Haryana completed the project in its territory in June 1980 but Punjab, which started the construction work in 1982, shelved it in 1990. Punjab maintains that the quantum of water flowing through Ravi and Beas had dipped considerably and therefore, water volumes to be shared with lower riparian Haryana should be reassessed. In 2002, the top court directed Punjab to complete the remaining portion of the canal within a year. In November 2016, it declared the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act. 2004, as invalid. The courts verdict came in a 2004 presidential reference to examine the legality of the Act that scrapped all water-sharing agreements with neighbouring states. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjabs finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the state government was yet to get a copy of the Supreme Courts order.Once the order copy is available, we will meet again to discuss it and decide the next course of action, Cheema told reporters at the AAPs state headquarters in Chandigarh. On convening the monsoon session, he said that assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was currently traveling and a decision on the matter will be taken after his return. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Delhi court said AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has 'no vested right' to continue to occupy the government bungalow, a type-7 accommodation at Delhi's Pandara road. The court said since the allotment was cancelled and the privilege given to the minister has been withdrawn, Raghav Chadha has no right to continue at the bungalow. On April 18, an interim order was passed which allowed Raghav Chadha to stay at the bungalow. Now, additional district judge Sudhanshu Kaushik of Patiala House Courts vacated that interim order, LiveLaw reported. The Rajya Sabha secretariat filed a review application seeking a recall of the interim order Raghav Chadha may have to vacate his government accommodation. "Raghav Chadha cannot claim that he had an absolute right to continue occupy the accommodation during his entire tenure as a Member of Rajya Sabha. The allotment of Government accommodation is only a privilege given to the plaintiff and he has no vested right to continue to occupy the same even after the cancellation of allotment," the court said. What is the issue over Raghav Chadha's bungalow? As a Rajya Sabha MP, Raghav Chadha was allotted the Pandara Road bungalow in 2022. It is a type 7 accommodation. In March 2023, the allotment was cancelled as type 7 was higher than his right. He was allotted another flat - a type 6 one. Raghav Chadha approached the court against the cancellation and it was stayed saying that Chadha couldn't be ousted from the bungalow without due process of law. Raghav Chadha started residing at the bungalow with his parents after carrying out renovation work. Will Raghav Chadha be asked to vacate? The latest development in the case is that the earlier order has been vacated meaning that Raghav Chadha stands to be evicted from the Pandara Road bungalow. At the court, Chadha's lawyer argued that the Rajya Sabha Secretariat does not fall under the definition of 'government' or 'public officer'. Chadha's counsel also made this argument that an accommodation once made to an MP cannot be cancelled under any circumstances during their entire tenure. The court rejected all these and said that Raghav Chadha failed to show the need for 'any urgent or immediate relief' in the present matter. Raghav Chadha is a resident of Rajinder Nagar the Delhi Assembly constituency that he represented before becoming the youngest Rajya Sabha MP. A chartered accountant by profession, Raghav Chadha recently got married to Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Friday said that it has allowed the appointment of an interpreter to translate through sign language for hearing-impaired lawyers. The Supreme Court building in New Delhi.(ANI) Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said he wanted to have a sign-language interpreter for the Constitution bench hearings. A sign-language interpreter was seen interpreting the proceedings of the top court to hearing-impaired lawyer Sarah Sunny in a virtual window. "We have an interpreter today for Sarah. In fact, we are thinking that for the constitution bench hearings, we will have an interpreter so everyone can follow", said the CJI at the outset of the court's proceedings. "This is truly historic and momentous. It shows the diversity in true sense in this court," senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, who was present in the court, told CJI. After the matter in which Sarah was appearing was over, CJI told her, "Sarah, I hope this was intelligible to you and you were able to understand what was going on in the court." Her interpreter said, "Yes sir, she says it was very helpful." As Sarah's counsel Sanchita Ain expressed gratitude to the CJI for arranging the interpreter, CJI replied, "It is our elementary duty to have a more diverse environment." CJI Chandrachud then told her, "But Sarah, now you must start arguing your own matters." On September 22, a bench headed by the CJI heard Sarah through sign-language interpreter Saurav Roy Chowdhury in a case related to the rights of persons with disabilities (PwD). Sarah had earlier filed an application before the Supreme Court Registry requesting a court-appointed Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpreter to assist her. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to restrain the Bihar government from acting on or releasing more data based on its landmark caste survey, observing that most policy decisions proceed on data and that a government, in an interim measure, cannot be stopped from taking decisions. The Supreme Court. (ANI) Read here: Congress wants to divide Hindus: PM Modi on Rahul Gandhis caste census remark A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti issued formal notice on a bunch of petitions challenging the August 1 judgment of the Patna high court that allowed the state government to carry out the caste census. The bench fixed the next hearing of the matter in January three months later asking the state government to put its reply on record even as it refused to issue any interim directive to restrain the government. The high court judgment is fairly detailed. After all, all policies proceed on data, the bench told senior lawyer Aparajita Singh, who appeared for one of the petitioners assailing the collection of data in the caste survey as being violative of privacy and beyond the legislative power of a state government. The court further pointed out that one of the moot issues in the matter relates to the breakdown of data and as to how much of it could finally be made public by the state government. The decision by the top court, and the next date of hearing, practically removes legal hurdles in front of the state government in releasing the next batch of data collected on socioeconomic parameters such as land and vehicle ownership, education, income levels and employment status. Welcoming the court order, Bihar minister and JD(U) leader Ashok Choudhary said, It is a matter of joy for people like us who support this (caste-based survey). It is good for those who support the caste-based census and are in politics alongside Nitish Kumar, who made an effort to empower the most backward by providing them reservations in Panchayat Raj system, made an effort to empower the Dalits and women. Last week, the state released the first tranche of data from the caste survey the first to successfully enumerate all castes in independent India that showed extremely backward communities constituted 36.01% of the population, and backward classes made up another 27.12%. Together, other backward classes (OBC) the umbrella group that consists of backward classes and extremely backward classes (EBCs) in the state were 63.13% of the population. The release of the data marked the completion of an exercise that has the potential to radically change heartland politics and propel caste into the core of the electoral discourse in the 2024 polls. But data on other socioeconomic parameters collected 17 criteria ranging from employment, education and marital status to land holding and property ownership were part of the surveys questionnaire was not released. This data could be crucial in understanding how castes are benefitting from reservations, and how intra-caste bloc divisions are evolving. Since the caste survey began in January this year, it has been dogged by a raft of legal challenges. A clutch of petitioners first approached the Patna high court, arguing that the exercise resembled a census that only the Union government could order, and that revelation of caste data would infringe on privacy rights. After suspending the survey for close to three months, the high court in August greenlit the exercise. The petitioners then approached the apex court, which refused to immediately suspend the survey. During the hearing on Friday, Singh complained that the state government pre-empted the court proceedings by releasing the first set of data, based on the caste survey, on October 2 and therefore, asked that a stay on any further action be granted. But the bench retorted: No, no. They might have given data on X. The question, however, would be whether breakdown of data can be made available or not. Responding, Singh argued that the petitioners case is that the data was collected contrary to the Supreme Courts nine-judge bench judgment in the KS Puttaswamy case because not only personal information of individuals were collected violating their privacy, but also because the Bihar government had failed to demonstrate any legitimate purpose for the exercise. Singh urged the court to order a status quo so that the state government could neither act on the data from the caste survey, nor release any further statistics. The bench, however, shot down the plea. We are not staying anything. We (judges on the bench) have already discussed it. We will not stay... We cannot stop a state government or any government from taking decisions, it told Singh. During the brief hearing, the bench also asked the state government as to what prompted it to release the data that it did. Senior counsel Shyam Divan, appearing for the Bihar government run by the Mahagathbandhan, or Grand Alliance of the Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress replied that there was no restraining order against them. The court had not passed any order against the publication of data. This court, in fact, indicated that first and foremost it will decide whether notice is to be issued in these matters, Divan added. At this, the bench said that the matter requires to be heard at length at a future date, observing further that the breakdown of data is going to be an important issue. As the proceedings drew to a close, Singh again said that the data was collected illegally and cannot be acted upon, prompting the bench to respond: Prima facie, you will be on some difficulty with respect to this argument. We have read the high court judgment and formed a prima facie view, which of course is subject to change after hearing you. By its judgment in August, Patna high court affirmed the states June 6, 2022 notification announcing the survey. The judgment called the states action perfectly valid, initiated with due competence, with the legitimate aim of providing development with justice. It said that the survey passed the test of proportionality, and thus, was not in breach of the rights of privacy of the individual. Read here: Priyanka Gandhi promises caste census in Chhattisgarh if Congress retains power The high court further held that the word census fell under entry 69 of List I which is solely within the prerogative of the Centre but this did not prohibit any state government from collecting data for implementing welfare schemes and carrying out affirmative action. The state had relied on the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 to justify its survey, although the June 6 notification made no mention of it. Challenging this judgment, the petitioners before the top court, which included Nalanda resident Akhilesh Kumar and the NGO Ek Soch Ek Prayas, accused the survey of being violative of the right to privacy as personal details about religion, caste and income were collected by the state in the alleged absence of any mechanism to protect the data. The petitions contended that the Bihar government lacked the power to carry out the survey and that it also impinged on the right to privacy. Since the release of the survey, a political firestorm has raged with Opposition parties hoping to use the survey details to make inroads in the Bharatiya Janata Partys rainbow Hindu coalition especially among marginalised castes ahead of the 2024 polls. Soon after the data was released, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar congratulated the entire team involved in the process and said further action would be taken on its basis for the development and upliftment of all sections. At an all-party meeting last week, some constituents of the ruling coalition even raised the demand for increasing reservations. On October 3, speaking at a rally in poll-bound Chhattisgarhs Jagdalpur town, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back. Modi accused the Congress of trying to divide society through its call of apportioning resources proportional to the demographic weight of communities, and asked if it was advocating for curtailing the rights of minorities, marking his first response to Bihars caste survey. For me, poor people are the biggest population of the country and they have the first right over resources. Welfare of the poor is my aim, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utkarsh Anand Utkarsh Anand is Legal Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on law, judiciary and governance. ...view detail All government and private schools, colleges and universities in Sikkim will remain closed till October 15 due to the prevalence of inclement weather, according to a revised circular by the state Education Department on Thursday. An area affected by the flood is seen in this undated image released on October 4, in Sikkim (Reuters) The circular comes within hours of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamangs directive for the closure of schools, colleges and universities in Sikkim till further notice due to the unprecedented disaster caused by flash floods in the Teesta river basin. The Education Department, in a circular on Wednesday, had earlier ordered closure of government and private schools till October 8. Fourteen bodies have been found so far while 102 people, including 22 army personnel, remained missing after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim in the early hours of Wednesday triggered a flash flood in the Teesta river basin, officials said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) and a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives, including Chris Smith (R-NJ), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Jim Costa (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Haley Stevens (D-MI), as well as former Rep. Frank Wolfe condemned the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakhs (NK) 120,000 Armenians and demanded the Biden Administration hold Azerbaijan accountable, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Members of Congress, along with human rights organizations and faith-based groups, raised concerns of renewed Azerbaijani aggression against the Republic of Armenia during September 29th Capitol Hill press conference, held in the Press Triangle at the foot of the U.S. Capitol Building, organized in coordination with In Defense of Christians (IDC), For the Martyrs, and the 120,000 Reasons Coalition, including the ANCA. The press conference coincided with IDCs Capitol Hill advocacy days spotlighting the Nagorno-Karabakh Genocide and persecution of Christians worldwide. The program featured remarks by the ANCA, Hellenic American Leadership Council, American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee, American Task Force on Lebanon, international religious freedom advocate Sara Salama, among others. Rep. Brad Sherman Warns Azerbaijan has its eyes on conquering the Republic of Armenia House Foreign Affairs Committee senior member Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), hosted the Capitol Hill press conference and called for concrete U.S. action holding President Aliyev for his ethnic cleansing of Armenians in NK and warning of Azerbaijans plan to conquer sovereign Armenia. Now Azerbaijan has its eyes on conquering the Republic of Armenia, whose independence we recognized in the early 1990s. Congressman Sherman notes that the attempts by Azerbaijan to conquer Armenia, the Republic of Armenia, or any portion of it is evil, and to say that America must provide aid to these people who have been ethnically cleansed. Rep. Frank Pallone: I have absolutely no doubt that the goal here is to wipe, not just Artsakh off the map, but to wipe Armenia off the map. Congressional Armenian Caucus founding Co-Chair Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) noted that Aliyev and Azerbaijans goal was to ethnically cleanse Artsakh. In other words, basically, get rid of all the Armenians, take their land, and force them to flee, if not be killed in the process. And thats exactly what were seeing unfold. Rep. Pallone noted, I have absolutely no doubt that the goal here is to wipe, not just Artsakh off the map, but to wipe Armenia off the map. I mean, thats the goal here. Anybody who thinks otherwise, in my opinion, is kidding themselves. Rep. Pallone made it clear that Azerbaijans goals are not just about Artsakh. Theres a much larger plan here that involves Armenia itself and that we need to be, we need to move full force and quickly towards protecting Armenia as well. Rep. Chris Smith: Aliyev should be at the Criminal Court for Crimes against Humanity which he is committing again as we meet here today. Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-Chair Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) gave powerful remarks calling out Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is unfettered in his hate towards the Armenians and is committing, as we meet here today, the second Armenian genocide. Aliyev should be at the Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, which he is committing again as we meet here today. Rep. Smith called for the United States to take action and there are very serious sanctions that could be imposed now, today, on Aliyev and all of his gang so that they cant do business with America and they cannot get a visa, two of the main parts of that sanctioning regime. Do it! Dont wait! Rep. Jim Costa: We support Armenia, the people of Armenia, and its territorial boundaries Central Valley Californias Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), offered powerful remarks calling on the Biden Administration to do more to assert the leadership that needs to take place to ensure that these atrocities end and that we support Armenia, the people of Armenia, and its territorial boundaries. Were supporting the people of Ukraine and its territorial boundaries for all the right reasons. And for the same reasons, we must support the territorial boundaries for the people of Armenia Rep. Josh Gottheimer: Its our duty to recognize that as we speak, Armenians are being killed and displaced in Artsakh, at the hands of Azerbaijan. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) strongly emphasized that its our duty to recognize that as we speak, Armenians are being killed and displaced in Artsakh, at the hands of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijans horrific military offensive comes at the end of a nine-month blockade of Artsakh, which resulted in a humanitarian crisis. I know that its never the wrong time to bear witness and tell the truth. The United States should never be complicit in senseless murder. Rep. Lou Correa: History is being repeated todaywe cannot let it happen. Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), spoke on the ethnic cleansing happening in NK noting that history is being repeated today. We cannot wait. We cannot let it happen. If theres one thing Im going to do today is ask you, do not let this happen. Do not let us in that building wait. Take action right now, human beings, cant let history repeat itself. Rep. Haley Stevens calls for sanctions in particular against the Azerbaijani officials Congresswoman Stevens (D-MI) called out Azerbaijans threat on Armenian sovereignty, We see a refugee crisis and we see an attack on Armenias sovereignty. And it is wholly unacceptable. I have joined in support in calling for sanctions in particular against the Azerbaijani officials, that needs to happen. Former U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf: Not one more penny to the Azerbaijani Government Former U.S. Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA), who in 1998 authored the International Religious Freedom Act, spoke on the current ethnic cleansing of Armenians by the Azerbaijan government. He emphasized that the Biden Administration must stop supporting Aliyev and that there is no way that this Administration ought to give one more penny beginning Monday to the Azeri government until this completely stops and theres a reverse. Wolf then criticized Washington DC lobby groups white-washing Azerbaijans ethnic cleansing. It is shocking, it is shocking that there are lobby firms in this city, lobby firms in this city that represent the Azerbaijan government. How do you represent a government thats bringing about genocide and ethnic cleansing? Dont you remember the history of 1915? I would say to those law firms, call the Azerbaijani government and tell them to get out and stop or drop them as a client. ANCAs Tereza Yerimyan: The Biden Administration has armed and abetted, aided and emboldened, Azerbaijans oil-rich Aliyev regime that is today committing real-time genocide against Artsakhs 120,000 indigenous Armenian Christians. ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan stressed that the Biden Administration enabled Azerbaijans genocide of Armenians in NK . The record shows that the Administration did not lift a finger to break Azerbaijans blockade. No airlift, no cutting off of military aid to Baku, no sanctions on Aliyev. A shameful abandonment of our moral and legal duty. A dangerous signal to the authoritarians of this world. And a green light for the next genocide. IDCs Richard Ghazal: Azerbaijan has been conducting a genocide against 120,000 Armenian Christians In Defense of Christians Executive Director Richard Ghazal gave powerful remarks noting that Azerbaijan, a beneficiary of U.S. foreign aid, military assistance, has been conducting a genocide against 120,000 Armenian Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh. He continued, After a 10-month blockade aimed to starve Armenian civilians into submission, Azerbaijan bombed them into submission. Azerbaijan is now completing its mission to cleanse the area by expelling the 120,000 civilians. Ghazal called for the United States to discontinue this loophole, the presidential waiver to section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and stop military assistance to the brutal dictatorship in Azerbaijan. HALCs Endy Zemenides: Recognizing the Armenian Genocide means nothing if you dont stop the next genocide. Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) pointed out that the Biden Administration recognizing the Armenian genocide means nothing if they dont stop the next genocide. He commented on USAID Administrator Samantha Powers visit to Armenia, stating, Im sorry I cant congratulate Samantha Power for being in the region, because she knew what she did wrong during the Obama Administration; she left the Obama Administration and apologized for not recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Yet, today, continued Zemenides, Administrator Power did no airlift and is now, as the ANCA has said, is showing up for the funeral of the Christian Armenians of Artsakh. Zemenides called for immediate sanctions on the Aliyev family and Azerbaijan. For The Martyrs Gia Chacon: Genocide is underway in Armenia Founder of For the Martyrs, Gia Chacon described the genocide underway in Armenia, where 120,000 Armenian Christians are facing starvation, gross human rights violations, and being forced out of their historic land in Nagorno-Karabakh or Artsakh. She emphasized the absence and lack of action from President Biden. Where is the United States now as a genocide is unfolding in front of our eyes and Christian persecution is skyrocketing like never before, stated Chacon, who urged the US to uphold the standard for international religious freedom, to intervene, to stop the genocide happening right now in Nagorno- Karabakh or Artsakh, to sanction countries that are led by dictators and terrorists and to protect Christians around the world. Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang questioned the quality of the 1200 MW hydro power project on Friday, days after the dam was destroyed by flash floods in the Teesta river in the Chungthang area of the state. Flood-hit Golitar area in Sikkim. (Reuters) The project was built during the 25-year rule of the Sikkim Democratic Front led by Pawan Chamling, which was in power until 2019. The state government has 60.08 % share in the project. Teesta Urja, the second largest run-of-the-river hydro power project in India, was washed away due to flood caused by the breach in Lhonak lake in north-west Sikkim on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. The 1,200 MW power project on Teesta river, one of the most dammed rivers in the country, is located between Chungthang and Mangan in Mangan district in north Sikkim and is the biggest of the nine working hydro projects on the river in Sikkim. Work on 15 dams is going on and another 28 are proposed over the river to tap its hydropower capacity of about 4,200 MW. Addressing the media in Rangpo on Friday, Tamang said: The substandard construction work at Indias second biggest hydel power project led to the destruction of the dam. This caused massive damages downstream. Tamang, who met people affected by the calamity, announced an ex-gratia payment of 4 lakh for families of those who died. Though there was a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in north-west Sikkim, the damage to property was more because the dam collapsed. It was constructed in a substandard manner, he said. So far, 19 bodies have been recovered, Tamang said, adding that 103 people were still missing. A many as 25,000 people have been affected and 3500 rescued from areas, which were cut off because of extensive damage to roads and bridges, he said. Tamang added: The state government is getting full cooperation from the Centre. The state government is also trying to extend all possible help to the affected people. We are trying to rescue tourists stranded in north Sikkim. An estimated 3000 tourists remain stranded in north Sikkim. We are trying our best to evacuate tourists from places such as Lachen and Lachung which are completely cut off. Helicopters are not being able to fly due to inclement weather and even NDRF (national disaster response force) teams are waiting at Bagdogra airport (in West Bengal) to fly to North Sikkim, he said. The state government has decided to cancel tourist permits for places like Tsomgo Lake and Nathula. The measure has been taken to save resources like petrol and diesel, which can be channelised for rescue operations. The national highway number 10 (NH-10), which is the lifeline of Sikkim, is damaged at several locations. Vehicles plying between Sikkim and West Bengal have to take long detours via Lava in Kalimpong district to get in or out of the areas affected by the disaster. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pramod Giri I am working with Hindustan Times since 2001 and am posted in Siliguri, West Bengal, as Principal Correspondent. I have been regularly covering vast area of northern parts of West Bengal, Sikkim and parts of Nepal and Bhutan. ...view detail At least 19 people, including four soldiers, have been killed and more than 100 are still missing in the Sikkim flash floods even as Indian Army and NDRF teams continue their search and rescue operations through slushy earth and fast-flowing water in the Teesta river basin and downstream north Bengal for the second day. An area affected by the flood is seen in this undated handout image released on October 4, 2023, in Sikkim.(via REUTERS) Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the West Bengal government said in a statement on Thursday that 18 bodies have been recovered. Of these, four jawans and two civilians - have been identified, news agency PTI quoted it. However, it wasn't immediately clear if these jawans were among the 22 missing soldiers, or have died separately. The 26 injured people are also undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Sikkim. Top updates on Sikkim flash floods: 1) Updating about the number of people stranded and said around 3,000 people are struck in Lachen and Lachung, state chief secretary Vijay Bhushan Pathak on Thursday evening said, 700-800 drivers are stuck there. 3,150 people who have gone there on motorcycles are also stuck there...we will evacuate all with helicopters of Army and Air Force. They were also made to talk with their families through voiceover internet calls, facilitated by the Army, he said. 2) So far, a total of 2,011 people have been rescued while 3,000 tourists, including foreigners, remain stranded in the state amid the disaster. Nearly 22,034 people have been affected by the calamity, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), said in a bulletin. 3) The government plans to evacuate the stranded tourists by air-lifting them up to Mangan, from where they will be brought to Sikkim by road, Pathak said. Disrupted connectivity, widespread damage to infrastructure and adverse weather conditions have slowed down the rescue efforts. 4) Pathak also said the restoration of water and electricity services in Singtam town, one of the hardest-hit areas, has been completed. As per data, about 277 houses, both kuchcha and concrete, have been destroyed in the four affected districts of Singtam, Mangan, Namchi and Gangtok. 5) The affected people have been moved to as many as 26 relief camps in different areas where they are being provided aid and assistance. Helpline numbers issued Sikkim government helpline numbers are 03592-202892 - Landline; 03592-221152 - Landline; 8001763383 - Mobile; 03592-202042 - Fax; or call '112' for emergency assistance. The Indian Army's three helplines for families of missing people in Sikkim including its own soldiers: In North Sikkim - dial 8750887741; for East Sikkim - 8756991895; helpline number for enquiries related to the 22 missing soldiers - 7588302011. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The death toll in the Sikkim flash flood disaster has risen to 25, officials said on Friday, as the Army mounted a massive operation using helicopters to provide relief to thousands stranded in the deluge. The flash flood struck the tiny state on Wednesday because of the possible bursting of a high-altitude glacial lake near the China, Nepal border. The deceased include at least seven Army personnel. An area affected by the flood is seen in this undated image released on October 4, in Sikkim.(Reuters) The Defence PRO, Guwahati, said on Friday that military equipment including firearms, explosives had been washed away by the Teesta river. It warned the people to report unfamiliar objects in and around the river. "Due to severe floods in Sikkim, certain military equipment including firearms and explosives were carried away in the Teesta river. We urge people to be vigilant and report any unfamiliar objects, crates, packages, firearms, or any suspicious items to the nearest PS. The Army has established lookout teams all along the river downstream," it said. Also read: Sikkim floods: NDRF faces great unknown in bid to save 14 trapped in tunnels 23 Army personnel had gone missing from Sikkim's Bardang area when the flood struck. The bodies of seven have been found, while one personnel was rescued. The authorities are searching for the missing soldiers in Sikkim and north Bengal. Four out of seven bodies have been identified. The bodies were recovered from the Teesta river basin and its tributaries in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts and Siliguri area of Darjeeling district in the northern part of West Bengal, which shares a border with Sikkim. Also read: Sikkim floods LIVE updates: Amit Shah approves release of 44.8 cr for relief measures 143 people, including 15 jawans, are still missing in North Sikkim. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) said in its bulletin that 2,411 stranded people had been evacuated. 26 relief camps in four affected districts have provided shelter to 7644 people. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved a sum of 44.8 crore from the SDRF fund to Sikkim to provide relief to the people of the state. Following a directive from Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formed an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), which will visit the affected areas of Sikkim soon to make an assessment of the damage caused due to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), cloudburst and flash floods, according to an official statement. A total of 103 people were missing after the incident. Of them, 59 were reported missing in Pakyong, 22 in Gangtok, 17 in Mangan and five in Namchi. Sikkim's Chief Secretary VB Pathak said the army will rescue 3000 tourists stranded in Lachen, Lachung and Chungthang areas of Sikkim. With inputs from PTI SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sikkim floods news updates: The death toll due to flash floods in Sikkim is feared to increase as over 100 people, including 15 army personnel remained missing on Friday. As per official data, 22 people have lost their lives in the disaster so far. The state government said on Thursday that the rescue operations were underway but the process was slowed down due to bad weather and damaged infrastructure. Remains of the bridge connecting Adarsh gaon with Singtam is pictured along the bank of Teesta River at Singtam in Sikkim, India October 5, 2023. REUTERS/Wang Chen NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES(REUTERS) More than 22,000 people have been affected by the calamity, triggered by heavy rain over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim in the early hours of Wednesday. Approximately 3,000 tourists, including foreigners, are stranded in various parts of Sikkim, and NH-10, the key road connecting the state to the rest of India, has also suffered damage. As per the official data, 2,011 people have been rescued so far, while those affected have been moved to 26 relief camps in the state. Helpline numbers issued Sikkim government helpline numbers are 03592-202892 - Landline; 03592-221152 - Landline; 8001763383 - Mobile; 03592-202042 - Fax; or call '112' for emergency assistance. The Indian Army's three helplines for families of missing people in Sikkim including its own soldiers: In North Sikkim - dial 8750887741; for East Sikkim - 8756991895; helpline number for enquiries related to the 22 missing soldiers - 7588302011. The Sikkim government on Thursday warned against the presence of explosives and ammunition along the banks of the Teesta river, after an ammunition depot of the army in the northern part of the state was hit by flash floods a day earlier. Telephone connectivity and medical aid for the stranded locals and tourists of Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen being setup by the army after a sudden cloudburst occurred in Lhonak Lake (ANI) In an advisory, the state land revenue and disaster management department said any ammunition or explosive found along the river banks should not be picked up since they may explode and cause injuries. The local population are hereby warned that explosives or ammunition may be found along the Teesta Basin. These ammunition should not be handled or picked up since they may explode and cause grievous injuries, the advisory said. According to an official of the disaster management department, the advisory was issued following a request from the army. A request was received from the army that an advisory should be sent out to the citizens as an army depot in north Sikkim, around Chungthang area, was also affected in the flood, the official said, seeking anonymity. The local police administration has also been alerted about the presence of possible explosives or ammunition along the river bank, the official added. Meanwhile, P K Barma, Trinamool Congress legislator from Jalpaiguri said a seven-year-old boy identified as Sahinur Alam died in an explosion when he and some people tried to disassemble a mortar they found along Teesta river on Thursday . The boy died on the spot while five others were injured, Barma said. At least 18 people were killed and over a hundred went missing in a remote region of Sikkim on Wednesday as a glacial lake overflowed after torrential showers, triggering flash floods down the Teesta that washed away homes and highways, and smashed through a crucial dam that powers the region. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from the election-bound states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on a petition that questioned pre-election freebies being distributed out of state treasuries at a time when they are reeling under huge debt. The Supreme Court has issued notice to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the Union government and told them to respond in four week. (HT FILE PHOTO) A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud also sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI) while observing that before elections, all kinds of promises are made over which courts have little control. As the issue is already pending before the top court in a petition filed by Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, the bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, directed the present petition to be heard along with Upadhyays plea. The court was hearing a petition filed by Bhattulal Jain, a resident of Madhya Pradesh who sought a declaration from the court that such promises of benefits or distribution of cash benefits to lure voters amount to bribery and undue influence, which are punishable offences under sections 171B and 171C of the Indian Penal Code. He further sought a direction to the state authorities not to misuse the consolidated fund of India in the name of public purpose. Dealing with the prayers, CJI Chandrachud remarked: Before elections, all kinds of promises are made. There cannot be any control over it. The bench also told the petitioner that it should approach the high court since the plea appeared to be seeking directions only against the Madhya Pradesh government. Advocate Tripurari Ray appearing for the petitioner along with advocate Varun Thakur told the court that the petition sought directions against Rajasthan as well. He produced data from the Reserve Bank of India on the outstanding debt figures in MP and Rajasthan which crossed 3.78 lakh crore and 5.37 lakh crore respectively as of March 31 this year. There can be nothing more atrocious than the government distributing cash before polls, Ray said. Wondering where the government intends to get money for financing freebies, the petitioner further argued, All this begins just six months before elections are to take place. Ultimately, the burden is on us, the taxpayers. In June, the MP government launched the Ladli Behna Yojana under which the state promised to dole out 1000 per month to all married women (including divorcees and widows), an amount that would gradually be raised to 3,000. The Rajasthan government announced free smartphones to women early this year along with free electricity up to 100 units and a subsidy on LPG cylinders. The petition said, No government can declare free electricity, free water, or loan waiver without the approval of the legislative assembly Governments should first submit blueprint before announcing such projects and get approval from the assembly. Since the money belongs to taxpayers, they should have the right to monitor its use. The court granted four weeks to the two states along with Centre and the ECI to file their responses and directed that the matter be heard along with a batch of petitions along with Upadhyays plea that was directed to be listed before a three-judge bench and has not come up for hearing since November last year. In that set of petitions, the court was asked to consider whether such pre-election promises disturb the level-playing field during elections. Another issue that arose in the petitions was with regard to such promises aimed to lure votes regardless of the financial implications on the states economy. In one of the orders passed in the pending petitions on August 26 last year, the court framed certain preliminary questions to know whether judicial intervention is permissible in such matters falling within the states policy domain, the possibility of passing any enforceable order, and to explore the possibility of having an expert body to suggest measures to curb such practices. When these matters were heard, a demand was raised by petitioners to reconsider a 2013 decision of the top court in S Subramaniam Balaji vs Tamil Nadu, which said that pre-election promises do not amount to corrupt practices, a ground for declaring an election invalid, under Section 123 of the Representation of Peoples Act. In that order, the court, while leaving the matter to be decided by a three-judge bench, also said, Freebies may create a situation wherein the state government cannot provide basic amenities due to lack of funds and the state is pushed towards imminent bankruptcy. In the same breath, we should remember that such freebies are extended utilizing taxpayers money only for increasing the popularity of the party and electoral prospects. The Telangana government on Friday launched the Chief Ministers Breakfast Scheme for all school children studying in government schools besides those being run by the panchayat raj institutions. State minister for information technology and industries K T Rama Rao shares breakfast with school students (Twitter/@MinisterKTR) State minister for information technology and industries K T Rama Rao launched the scheme at the government high school, West Marredpally, in Hyderabad and shared the breakfast with the students. Addressing a gathering after launching the scheme, KTR said the innovative scheme, the first of its kind in the state, would benefit 2.3 million students in 27,147 government and panchayat raj schools across the state. The scheme was launched at a cost of around Rs.400 crore. The breakfast is very nutritious, and it tastes very good, KTR said, adding that he had asked the officials to ensure that the food quality was maintained and that random samples were collected to test the quality frequently and regularly. Stating that a similar scheme in Tamil Nadu is being implemented for school children of Classes 1 to 5, KTR said a team of officials who had gone to Tamil Nadu to study the model had come up with a better model. Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao wanted that the scheme be implemented for students up to Class 10 in Telangana, he said. The minister said the objective of the scheme was to ensure that students whose parents go to work early in the morning should not come to schools and attend classes on empty stomachs. The scheme would also address the issues of malnutrition among the children, besides improving the enrolment of students in the schools, he said. State finance and health minister T Harish Rao, who launched the scheme at the Zilla Parishad high school in Raviryala village of Rangareddy district, said the CM Breakfast Scheme was a revolutionary step in improving the nutritional standards of the students. In most government schools, the students are from low-income groups and they cannot afford nutritional breakfast. The scheme will help parents send their children to school on time without worrying about their food, he said. State education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, who also took part in the programme, said the scheme would bring down the dropout rates in government schools. During a meeting with the officials recently, I was told that only two out of every 10 students have breakfast while the rest come to school on empty stomachs. The scheme will go a long way in helping the poor students have healthy and nutritious breakfast, the education minister said. The nutritious breakfast would be served every morning 45 minutes before the commencement of the classes. The menu comprises idli and sambar or wheat rava, upma and chutney on Mondays; puri and aloo kurma or tomato bath on Tuesdays; upma and sambar or rice rava khichdi on Wednesdays; millet idli and sambar or pongal and sambar on Thursdays; poha/millet idli and chutney or wheat rava khichdi on Fridays, and pongal and sambar or vegetable pulao on Saturdays. Mahua Moitra of the Trinamool Congress once again called Union minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti a liar and said the party will continue its protest, even as its general secretary Abhishek Banerjee announced an indefinite sit-in on Thursday in front of the official residence (Raj Bhavan) of West Bengals governor CV Ananada Bose hours after he flew off to visit flood affected areas of north Bengal and then to Delhi. TMC MP Mahua Moitra being detained by the police personnel during a protest by the party delegation against the central government over the alleged denial of MGNREGA scheme funds to the West Bengal government at Krishi Bhavan, in New Delhi on Tuesday, (PTI) The TMC has been protesting the alleged withholding of West Bengal's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) dues by the Centre. This is going to continue till we get our dues. We started it in Delhi and we are continuing it in Bengal. We are waiting for the governor to come back. So we will wait. We are very patient. Once he finishes his helicopter tour of north Bengal and Delhi, we hope he will have time to come to the state and listen to rice producers of lakhs and crores of people who have been denied their daily wages, Mahua Moitra told news agency ANI on Thursday. Hitting out at the minister of state for rural development, the TMC MP said, Sadhvi Niranjan is a liar and I already said it on record. She gave us an appointment. It was not possible for us to enter the Krishi Bhavan without an appointment. There were 40 of us. We waited, but she refused to meet. She refused to meet the victims' families. She called them janata (public). I want to ask her a question if janata didn't vote for you, how are you sitting there? She is one of the biggest BJP liars I have ever seen." On Wednesday too, Moitra alleged that Jyoti was lying, in response to a post shared by the MoS that said she waited for over two hours to meet Trinamool MPs at her office, but the delegation did not show up. Moitra has alleged that Union minister made Trinamool MPs wait for 3 hours and then ran away through back door to avoid meeting the delegation who had come from West Bengal to discuss the MGNREGA funds issue. Sorry @SadhviNiranjan you are lying and so (and I am being polite). You gave our delegation an appointment. You vetted all names, checked each one off before allowing us to enter, made us wait for 3 hours & then ran away via the back door , the TMC firebrand wrote on X (formally Twitter). The development came as the TMC delegation headed by party Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday went on to meet Jyoti. The TMC leaders staged a protest at Rajghat on Monday demanding the release of MGNREGA funds. On Tuesday, Banerjee alleged that MPs, including women, were manhandled by the Delhi Police at Krishi Bhavan as they were protesting over the release of MGNREGA funds. He also went on to call it a "black day for Indian democracy" and called for a campaign 'Raj Bhavan Abhiyan' in Kolkata on October 5 against the atrocities. On Thursday, Banerjee announced the sit-in after thousands of party functionaries and its top leadership marched up to the British-era edifice in Kolkata to protest. The huge show of strength brought traffic to a standstill in the heart of the busy metropolis. "We had sought a meeting with the governor, but he did not grant us an audience. He has gone to North Bengal. It seems as if he regards us as bonded labourers. Today, we have come here, and we won't end this demonstration until he meets with us," Banerjee said addressing the gathering. The party termed the governors absence from the city on a day when the TMC had given notice of its intention to hand over a memorandum to him and his suggestion that a delegation of TMC leaders fly down to meet him in North Bengal, as reflective of a Zamindari (feudal mindset). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday sharply reacted to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's snide remark over the former's frequent visits to the poll-bound state, saying "people in authority" mustn't make light of constitutional positions. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.(PTI) "Some people are saying why are you coming here again and again... I do not expect people in authority to make light of constitutional positions. This is not good for democracy," he was quoted as saying news agency ANI. "There must be respect for constitutional positions and all of us in togetherness, hand in hand, in collaboration and coordination with a consensual approach, have to serve the people at large," he added. He was referring to Gehlot's remark questioning the Vice President's visits to the state. Also read: Union minister hits out at Gehlot for questioning Vice President's visit to Rajasthan "Have some mercy. He visits and tours the state day and night, is there any logic? What logic is this?," the Indian Express quoted him as saying. He said if the Vice-President keep visiting a poll-bound state, what would people think about him. He also pointed out that Dhankhar had visited Rajasthan 5-7 times in a few week. In the last few days, Gehlot has attacked Dhankhar on several occasions At an event Neemrana on Thursday, Gehlot said politicians mustn't send the Vice President as it is a Constitutional post. Rajasthan will go to polls later this year. Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal hit out at Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday, saying whether the Vice President needs to take the Chief Minister's permission for coming to his state. "For the Vice President (Jagdeep Dhankhar), the CM (Ashok Gehlot) said, why is he coming now? So the Vice President will come after getting permission from him?" Meghwal said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The washing away of the dam of Teesta-III project and damage to the Teesta-V dam in Sikkim because of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from Lhonak Lake in north-west Sikkim has again centred attention on the series of hydel projects that have been, are being, and proposed to be built on one of the most dammed rivers in the country. An area affected by the flood is seen in this undated image released on October 4, in Sikkim (via REUTERS) In 2004, the Central Electricity Authority prepared a preliminary feasibility report of 162 hydel projects in the country with installed capacity of 50,000 MW of power generation of which 10 were to be built in Sikkim with installed capacity of 1469 MW. As the years passed more projects were added and as per National Hydropower Development Corporation, 47 hydropower projects are in different development stages on Teesta river in Sikkim and West Bengal. Of them, nine have been commissioned, work on 15 is ongoing and another 28 are in the pipeline. According to a paper on hydel projects in Sikkim published in the journal of the World Water Council, more than half of the hydel projects in the state are in northern Sikkim, the area most affected by the Wednesday floods. Experts have pointed out that north Sikkim is prone to landslides triggered by extreme rain events, whose frequency has increased in recent years across the Himalayan belt, according to various studies by Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. All projects in Sikkim are run of the river projects, in which a channel is created off the river to direct water to run the turbine, with the water then flowing back into the river. Dams built are primarily for channelising the water to turbines with limited irrigation potential unlike big hydro-projects like Bhakra Nangal in Himachal and Sardar Patel Sarovar in Gujarat where the primary purpose is storage for irrigation. The dams are being built by the Sikkim government in partnership with private operators. The Teesta-III project, which was badly damaged in the flash flood on Wednesday, was built in collaboration with private partners and was commissioned in 2017. It is the biggest run of the river hydel project in Sikkim. Local activists in Sikkim have for long have warned of the adverse environmental implications of the series of run of the river projects on the 414 km long Teesta river that originates from Punhunri Mountain in north Sikkim. Jeta Sankrityayan a retired professor of Economics in North Bengal University and member of the West Bengal Landslide Expert Committee, said historical records show that the Teesta River sees major flooding every 50 years and claimed that the Wednesday event was the biggest after the 1968 one in which around 1,000 people died following around 1,000 mm of rain in 52 hours between October 2 and 5. The impact of rain fury got accentuated due to construction of dams along the river that block the natural flow. The complete washing away of the dam at Teesta Urja hyro-power project is an example of that, he added. He said the Sikkim and the Central government should learn a lesson from the tragedy, which has been declared as a disaster by the state government. Gyatso Lepcha, general secretary of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) said claims by the state government that the dam of Teesta Urja hydro-power project would be an engineering feat and among the strongest in the world has turned out to be a joke. We knew that this was coming . We have been warning about this for long but nobody listened, he said. Vijay Bhusan Pathak, Sikkim chief secretary refused to comment on efficacy of the dams and said the spill over from the lake caused extensive damages to both human live and properties. We will review the safety of all dams, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chetan Chauhan Chetan Chauhan is National Affairs Editor. A journalist for over two decades, he has written extensively on social sector and politics with special focus on environment and political economy. ...view detail ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pramod Giri I am working with Hindustan Times since 2001 and am posted in Siliguri, West Bengal, as Principal Correspondent. I have been regularly covering vast area of northern parts of West Bengal, Sikkim and parts of Nepal and Bhutan. ...view detail YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. At the Central Bank of Armenia Board meeting on September 5, the publication of the "National Sustainable Finance Roadmap of Armenia" was approved. The Roadmap is an important milestone in the CBA's continued commitment to transition to sustainable financing, the Central Bank said in a press release. The Sustainable Finance Roadmap consists of 4 key pillars, which are: Facilitate the flow of capital to industries and activities aligned with low-carbon ambitions of Armenia in a risk-based, market-oriented and sustainable manner. Enhance knowledge transfer, reduce information asymmetries, instill market confidence, and strengthen the enabling environment for sustainable finance. Guide financial market participants in embedding ESG principles in their business decisions. Raise awareness of sustainability risks and opportunities in Armenia and build capacity within the CBA and among financial market participants. In collaboration with the relevant stakeholders the CBA will implement the completed action plan based on these pillars. Bad weather hampered efforts to reach the worst-hit areas of the Sikkim flash floods on Friday, forcing army and national disaster response force (NDRF) personnel to begin trekking and even taking boats to reach the devastated hillside villages, according to people aware of the matter. A truck is partially covered in mud due to flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall, in North Sikkim on Friday (ANI) Read here: Residents pick up pieces after Sikkim floods leave behind trail of destruction The known number of casualties rose to 27 and the number of missing increased to 143, officials said, as fears strengthened that true scale of the loss, in material and life, may be worse than currently estimated. The confirmed fatalities were all of bodies found floating in the Teesta river in Bengals Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts hundreds of kilometres from Mangan in North Sikkim, which bore the brunt of Wednesdays flash flooding. The bodies of 27 victims have been found in West Bengal districts so far. Of them, at least five are army personnel, Shama Parveen, district magistrate of Jalpaiguri, told HT. Around 1.30am on Wednesday, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) triggered by torrential rain slammed into the Chungthang dam, cleaving the structure and barrelling downhill where it left villages and towns buried under silt and debris. Many bridges have been destroyed, and power lines are down, hampering communication as well as access to an area where thousands are believed to be trapped. Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang told the media that damages may run up to thousands of crores of rupees but exact details will be assessed only after a committee is formed for a survey. Tamang, who visited affected areas at Rangpo in Pakyong district, said 25,000 people have been affected and 3,500 rescued from cut-off areas. The state is trying to rescue tourists stranded at places such as Lachen and Lachung in north Sikkim. Helicopters are not being able to fly due to inclement weather. NDRF teams are waiting at Bagdogra airport (in West Bengal) to fly to North Sikkim, said Tamang. The CM said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, President Droupadi Murmu, and several Union ministers. They assured me that all necessary assistance will be provided, he said. Shah approved the release of 44.8 crore as an advance amount from the Central share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Sikkim. The Union home ministry formed an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) that will visit the affected areas to assess the damage, the Centre said in a statement. Among the those feared dead are 22 army personnel, who were swept away when flood waters hit the Bardang army camp area. One of the 23 army personnel who were initially reported as missing was later rescued. The waters also swept away vehicles and crates of ammunition and mortars, prompting authorities to sound a warning that citizens should not touch anything found along the banks of the Teesta. Despite the warning, Sahinur Alam, a seven-year-old boy, died and five men were injured in an explosion in Bengals Jalpaiguri district on Thursday evening when they tried to disassemble a mortar found on the river bank. Of the 22 civilians whose bodies were found, 15 are male and six are female, reported PTI, adding that the gender of one person could not be ascertained because the body was badly damaged. Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) said in a bulletin on Friday that 7,644 people displaced by the floods have been sheltered at 26 relief camps in four affected districts. Continuous rainfall and bad visibility stopped the Sikkim administration from using choppers in rescue operations. While an Mi-17 chopper couldnt take off, two Mi-17 choppers flew from Bagdogra but had to return as there were low clouds in the hills, restricting visibility. Later a Chetak helicopter was also pressed into action but it too had to return. Two companies of NDRF personnel were waiting in Bagdogra airport near Siliguri town till Friday evening. Read here: Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang questions quality of hydel dam destroyed in flood At least 13 persons, all of whom are employees of the Teesta hydel power project are feared trapped in a tunnel in Chunthang. An NDRF team was supposed to look for the survivors. Since the team did not arrive, we are sending a police team. The area is totally inaccessible and the police team will have to trek for five hours to reach the spot, said an Sikkim police official associated with the rescue mission. Of the bodies recovered till Friday, one was found by the border guarding agencies in Bangladesh, said a BSF official in north Bengal. Since NH-10, Sikkims lifeline, has been damaged badly, small and light vehicles from Siliguri may reach Gangtok via Gorubathan, Lava, Munsong and Rangpo, while those heading towards southwest districts of Sikkim may move via Darjeeling, Singla and Jorethang, a senior Sikkim police official said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 50-year-old woman takes the stage at Prithvi Theatre. Shes wearing a tight-fitted red tank top, pants and boots. She starts a slow striptease, and is met with stunned silence from the audience. After a couple of minutes, people begin to shuffle in their seats. Suddenly, she snaps, This was a dream sequence. Jyoti Dogra, in her 100-minute solo performance titled Maas, has the audience entranced. PREMIUM Jyoti Dogra, in her 100-minute solo performance titled Maas (Maas) Dogras first solo performance, Doorway, was in 2009, and she has garnered much critical acclaim with audiences the world over since then. Notes on Chai saw her work on themes like life in big cities, delivered like chatter over a cup of tea, and Black Hole, a performative exploration of astrophysics was also a rumination on the death of a loved one. Dogra, an actor, director, and writer works alone in her Mumbai apartment before a few trusted friends can view a version of the piece. In my first, Doorway, I tried to work with people and found that it was not economically viable. Its not fair to ask actors to give me an indefinite time without an opening date. After the second piece, I realised I quite enjoy working alone and juggling roles, she said. One of the hardest things is to be honest with yourself. To be your own critic and throw the old material out isnt emotionally pleasant. Dogra follows no convention her pieces are devised, start on an impulse and not a concept, and follow a trajectory that can impress and provoke in equal measure. There is no script, and she may never write one down, barring censor requirements. I could start with something which is as subtle or flimsy, as sound, like I did with Notes on Chai. I kept working with sound, and realised chatter is sound, too. With Black Hole, I wanted to explore why a night full of stars moved me, she explains, adding that the seed for Maas was planted while she was performing Black Hole. I was on stage after six years, and people commented on how my body had changed" The motive: shame I was on stage after six years, and people commented on how my body had changed. If these comments came from relatives, I would have brushed them aside. But these were from other practitioners and none of them were trying to be mean. And yet, it was like a pressing need. They had to say it out loud to rid themselves of it, she said. I wanted to explore further, this immediacy of the body, the need to comment on physical transition, on size. The fact that this body is not just mine, but somehow yours, too, she said. Maas began as a piece about becoming fat and ageing, where a woman on stage would desperately try to lose weight, physically exhausting herself to a degree where the audience would wish she would stop. But, as Dogra went deeper, it became about bodily shame and went on to include the entire gamut of internalised patriarchy, the fitness and beauty industries, ageing, and menopause. A friend of mine is ashamed of his calves. He thinks everyone is looking at his calves, she said, talking about the conversations that led to crafting the piece. Shame works only if it is deeply personal. People dont talk about it, and when they do, they dont stop. Everyone is managing it, and trying to hide it. You can crush them by just speaking about it. Being an adult is about hiding your shame, she said. Dogra pushes the envelope within the Shakespearean form of soliloquy that enables characters to talk directly to their audience and share their thoughts and worldview The method: using the body World over, one-woman shows have dealt with the lived experiences of women in their bodies and society at large. Notable among them have been Dario Fo and Franca Rames A Woman Alone, and Eve Enslers The Vagina Monologues, which have inspired many performative versions. Closer home works like Kalyanee Mulays UnSEEN and Deepika Arwinds No Rest in the Kingdom, have brought to the fore womens experiences with patriarchy, through devised performances. Dogra pushes the envelope within the Shakespearean form of soliloquy that enables characters to talk directly to their audience and share their thoughts and worldviews. Here, it is a tool that generates a similarly intimate experience, even though hers is a crafted character that derives its narrative from her body and its flaws. Dogras process, over the years, hasnt changed much. She is deeply inspired by the experimental methods of Polish theatre maker Jerzy Grotowski and uses an interpretation of it. The method involves actors using their bodies instead of props or sets to tell a story. It places the audience at the centre of a piece, eliminating conventional spectatorship. It also places emphasis on the power of silence in performance. Once an idea has taken root, physical work informs her research. This involves reading and conversations with people. In this case, once you are looking for shame, you see it everywhere, she said. The more I delved into it, the more I discovered that shame is about many things, but not about character. People are not ashamed of being mean. Those who are considered conventionally pretty actually have much more shame than others. The sense of shame is also much deeper in developed countries, and in cities, with educated and working women. It didnt make sense, she said. Dogra used these startling discoveries in her performance. It begins with an educated woman laying bare her thoughts. Shes talking directly to the audience about her struggle with weight gain and ageing. She frequently changes styles, and clothes, while dissecting the flaws of her body. Over the course of the show, she does this with a host of different characters. Theres a child who encounters shame for the first time and a doctor whose weight gain is discussed widely in the family, among others. When education and money are empowering you, how do I take away your power? By expecting you to look a certain way. If you are the CEO of a company, how do I tell you, you are not enough? I do it through something that is very intimate but also subjective, said Dogra. Its a journey of self-awareness encased in dramaturgy. The message Dogra wanted Maas to defy norms. She gained weight, so theres an actual belly when shes holding it. She toyed with learning cabaret before settling on elements from the more inclusive form of burlesque. Cabaret requires a certain body type and form, while burlesque is practised by people of all shapes and sizes. Dogra wantedto defy norms. She gained weight, so theres an actual belly when shes holding it. She toyed with learning cabaret before settling on elements from the more inclusive form of burlesque. Cabaret requires a certain body type and form, while burlesque is practised by people of all shapes and sizes. Jyoti Dogra is masterful in her craft and in dealing with a sensitive narrative, which is why Maas may seem like the most hard-hitting, personal piece from her repertoire. She, however, doesnt think so. The only thing personal about Maas is that the body on stage is mine. As a maker, I wanted to see how far I could go in objectifying it and inflicting violence on it as an outsider. That makes it impersonal, she said. Its visibly feminist, but Dogra will as easily shrug off the on-your-nose variety of feminism. It feels improvisational and rooted in the impulsive, but you may be off the mark there, too. Everything, Dogra admits, is crafted for dramaturgical effect. In fact, once convinced about the structure of a performance, Dogra only makes minimal changes. And yet, the two shows of Maas I watched, felt starkly different. The first left an opening-day audience awestruck with silence and hushed laughter. The second was boisterous, and energetic with moments of introspection. Maas leaves you questioning your own beliefs and re-assessing your relationship with your body. How internalised is your shame? Does it have a hold over your life and decisions? Dogra walks the tightrope between the sensual and the grotesque with alarming ease. 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! Continue reading with HT Premium Subscription Daily E Paper I Premium Articles I Brunch E Magazine I Daily Infographics Subscribe Now @1199/year Already Subscribed? Sign In SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Here is a list of the best experiences I have had this year. I recognise that it is only October, so perhaps I will do another piece in January, bringing the score up to date. But its a list that just keeps getting longer and longer. Punjab stole the show at this years Street Food Festival. When you wear Gaurav Guptas clothes, you get sex! Gupta, 44, knows exactly what his designs do for chic international celebrities and picky Indian brides. Our clothes are made on scientific principles and are very flattering everybody looks taller, leaner and sexier. They play up the fantasy angle. They make people want to give you love bites, he says. Gupta launched his eponymous label in 2005. His work, over the years has become bolder, freer, more distinctive. (Rubina A. Khan) Cardi B has been photographed in custom Gaurav Gupta designs multiple times, most memorably at the Grammys red carpet this year, in an electric-blue gown that swept around her waist to suspend delicately around her shoulders and head like a gauzy hood. (Getty Images) Megan Thee Stallion wore his Fantasy Biomorphic Gown (slate-blue, body-hugging, a dramatic train flowing out like waves) to the Oscars in 2022. At this years edition, NTR Jr wore a sleek black sherwani bearing a fierce embroidered tiger. Cardi B has been photographed in custom Gaurav Gupta designs multiple times, most memorably at the Grammys red carpet this year, in an electric-blue gown that swept around her waist to suspend delicately around her shoulders and head like a gauzy hood. Beyonce, who rarely repeats designers within a short span, wore his designs three times on her ongoing Renaissance World Tour. Shes performed in a custom-made shimmering white bodysuit, and two gowns straight off Guptas Paris runway. Jenna Ortega, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jennifer Hudson, Lizzo, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra have all been showing off his creations. Beyonce, who rarely repeats designers within a short span, wore his designs three times on her ongoing Renaissance World Tour. Gupta launched his eponymous label in 2005. His work, over the years has become bolder, freer, more distinctive, drawing as much from artists, designers, businessmen, social workers as Ancient Egypt, India, and Mesopotamia, and even meteors and mathematical principles. (His Paris Couture Week debut collection was called Shunya or zero.) Its what made me stand apart in this industry and has helped me scale up. he admits. Its also why this particular moment in time is undoubtedly his. Gaurav Gupta showed his signature gravity-defying waves, curlicues and cinched designs at Paris Couture Week in January this year. STITCH IN TIME My mind was always like this, Gupta says. As a child, I could be lost in a leaf for hours. Ive snorkelled for six hours and had my back sunburned, jumped out of a safari car to run after animals. I feel like I dont have any inhibitions or fears. I only fear myself and my madness and perhaps the loss of my loved ones. Gupta opines, At fittings, Brides will ask me if they look nice in that shade of yellow, and I wont hesitate to tell them that they dont! (Porus Vimadalal) Fashion folks caught on early. Gupta won the Makuhari Grand Prix Fashion Award in Tokyo in 2000. His capsule collection of six garments based on Indian surrealism won him the Future of Couture trophy at Romes celebrated fashion week, in 2003. He wasnt sure about starting his own label until his brother Saurabh Gupta convinced him to return to India so they could do it together. He started off in 2003, creating cloth for family and friends, launching his eponymous label in 2005. Guptas gown, worn by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at Cannes last year, took 20 days and 100 craftspeople to create. Gupta first showed the fluid looks that were to become his signature style, in 2010. He didnt stick to a colour palette (Couture collections dont go by definitions). It was so out of the box that critics heralded him as the designer to watch. He worked quickly, making the sari sexy by pleating it, knotting it, re-shaping, re-draping, and re-doing it until the hybrid drapes became a favourite with both modern fashionistas and their traditional-minded mothers. Jenna Ortega, Jennifer Hudson, Lizzo, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have all been showing off Guptas creations. Gupta first showed the fluid looks that were to become his signature style, in 2010. (Getty Images) At Guptas five-floor atelier in Greater Noida, dozens of craftsmen bring to life his intricate designs. Helpers mould wiring into unusual shapes and pin half-done garments on to mannequins. Tailors frantically sew and re-sew shimmery fabric. Some outfits, such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchans pink gown at Cannes 2022, can take 20 days and 100 craftspeople to create. A large administrative team keeps track of it all. Its one part of the business hes gladly handed over to his brother, Saurabh Gupta to handle. Im so fortunate to have him involved, the designer says. He brings structure to the company to this madness to me! 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! Pakistani actor Mahira Khan tied the knot with her longtime partner and businessman, Salim Karim, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family. Mahira's fairytale wedding soon became the talk of the town, with netizens complimenting her trousseau and her choice to go for minimal bridal glam for all the festivities. In particular, the no-makeup look won hearts on social media and proved that less is always more. Mahira Khan's minimal no-makeup look for wedding festivities proves that less is more. (Instagram) Mahira Khan's minimal no-makeup look for her wedding functions Mahira Khan shared pictures from her outdoor wedding ceremony and other festivities with fans on Instagram. While Mahira wore a pearl-white lehenga set embellished with silver and golden diamantes for the marriage ceremony, she wore a simple white and gold suit for the Dua-e-Khair and an orange and green-embroidered anarkali set for the Mayun ceremony. While the lehenga is custom-designed by Faraz Manan, the salwar kameez set is by Umar Sayeed Couture and anarkali from Zara Shahjahan. Mahira Khan's minimal makeup for the wedding festivities Traditional bridal looks have always been about embracing maximalist trends - deep kohl-lined eyes, bold eye shadow, striking lip shade, and heavy jewellery. However, Mahira Khan ditched these and set the bridal beauty bar high with minimal barely-there makeup looks. For her wedding, Mahira opted for a muted cherry-toned lip shade, feathered brows, sleek winged eyeliner, a hint of rouge on the cheekbones, dewy base, mascara on the lashes, and highlighter to complete the glam. Pearl, polki and gold-embellished choker necklace, mang tika, and earrings. During the Dua-e-Khair, Mahira embraced the blush-base makeup trend (or the Strawberry makeup trend taking over TikTok). She styled the gold and white Hyderabadi joda with glossy fuchsia pink lip shade, matching subtle eye shadow, mascara on the lashes, feathered brows, rouged on the cheeks and nose, dewy base, and a centre-parted messy hairdo. Lastly, for the Mayun ceremony, Mahira glammed up the orange and green gold gota patti-adorned anarkali suit with similar strawberry makeup-inspired glam picks. What do you think of Mahira's barely-there, no-makeup looks for her wedding? As for us, this fresh and no-fuss look should be on every bride-to-be's radar for her big day. 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! Naomi Campbell's name is synonymous with the fashion industry. If you know about the history of fashion, you probably know a lot about the supermodel who was the first Black model to feature on the cover of Paris Vogue. And now, her legacy, legendary career, and iconic look will be celebrated in a landmark exhibition. The Naomi Campbell exhibit is coming to London's Victoria & Albert Museum next year and has many fashion enthusiasts excited. Naomi Campbell's career to be honoured in a new fashion exhibition in London. (Reuters) Naomi Campbell's legacy to be celebrated in an exhibition in London London's Victoria & Albert Museum is working closely with Naomi Campbell to curate an exhibition which will open in London next summer. Titled 'Naomi', the exhibit will feature items from her extensive personal wardrobe, runway looks, and accessories throughout her 40-year career. It will also feature the iconic, daring, and unforgettable pieces she wore on the ramp by designers like Azzedine Alaia, Yves Saint Laurent, Gianni Versace, Gaultier, Chanel, Mugler, and many more. The exhibit will also include a fashion photography installation curated by Edward Enninful featuring imagery from famed photographers like Steven Meisel and Nick Knight. It will also highlight the philanthropic work done by Naomi, who was first discovered at 15 years while out in London. Lastly, the installation will also have a book featuring all the fashion gems from her long-spanning career. The exhibition will open next summer in June 2024. It will last through April 2025. Tickets will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, this is the first time the Victoria & Albert Museum will highlight one model's career through an installation. Sonnet Stanfill, the senior curator of Fashion Victoria & Albert Museum, said, "Naomi Campbell's extraordinary career intersects with the best of high fashion. She is recognised worldwide as a supermodel, activist, philanthropist, and creative collaborator, making her one of the most prolific and influential figures in contemporary culture. We're delighted to be working with Naomi Campbell on this project and to celebrate her career with our audiences." 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! Sonam Kapoor is an absolute fashionista. The actor keeps slaying fashion goals like a pro with snippets from her fashion diaries on her Instagram profile on a regular basis. The actor's fashion diaries are drool-worthy and envy-inducing and with every picture, she ensures to make fashion lovers scurry to take notes. From casual ensembles to formal attire to ethnic outfits, Sonam knows how to capture the essence of the look in minimalistic approach. The actor's fashion mantra is simple she believes in keeping it comfortable and stylish with a touch of personalised touch. Sonam's airport looks are equally drool-worthy for the right reasons. The actor keeps showing us how to ace the perfect comfortable look for flying in style. Sonam Kapoor slays airport look in multicoloured flared dress. Pics inside(HT Photos/Varinder Chawla) ALSO READ: Sonam Kapoor steals the show at Valentino Paris Fashion Week show: What she wore Sonam, a day back, was spotted at Mumbai airport as she flew out of the city in style. The actor aced yet another stylish airport look and left her fans drooling. For the weekday flying, Sonam opted for an easy breezy dress. The actor kept it chic and stylish in a multicoloured dress as she smiled with all her heart for the cameras posted outside. The actor looked stunning in a multicoloured flared dress featuring puffy quarter sleeves, boat neckline and quirky prints in shades of pink and blue. The silk dress also came with a gathered detail at the waist and a black belt. Take a look at her ensemble here. We're now on WhatsApp. Click to join Sonam Kapoor posed for the cameras.(HT Photos/Varinder Chawla) Sonam further accessorised her look for the day in statement diamond earrings and black stilettos. The actor wore her tresses into a messy bun with a middle part and a section of tresses left open around her face to give a casual look. In minimal makeup, Sonam completed her airport look for the day and let her ensemble do all the talking. In nude eyeshadow, black winged eyeliner, black kohl, mascara-laden eyelashes, feathered eyebrows, contoured cheeks and a shade of nude lipstick, Sonam posed for the cameras as she aced yet another airport look to perfection. 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 World Cotton Day 2023: Cotton is an important item for daily use. The natural fibre and its benefits serve the people of the world in ways that we are still in the process of exploring. Not just that, cotton serves as one of the main reasons of livelihood of the rural labourers, inclusive of both men and women. In some of the poor areas of the world, cotton is one of the main sources of income, employment and economic sources. Hence, it is important to create awareness about the benefits of cotton and explore ways to improve sustainable ways to grow cotton. World Cotton Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about the same. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few facts to know. World Cotton Day 2023: Date, history, significance(Unsplash) Date: Every year, World Cotton Day is celebrated on October 7. This year, the special day will be celebrated on Saturday. We're now on WhatsApp. Click to join History: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali four main cotton producers in sub-Saharan Africa proposed World Cotton Day to be celebrated in 2012. The proposal was made to the World Trade Organisation. In 2019, World Trade Organisation hosted the first World Cotton Day celebrations as an initiative after the proposal of Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) were also part of the celebrations. Significance: "On third official UN World Cotton Day, under the theme - Making cotton fair and sustainable for all: from farm to fashion, the United Nations wants to raise visibility of the cotton sector and awareness of the critical role that it plays in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation. The observance also aims to highlight the importance of sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all," wrote United Nations on their official website. On this day, organisations come together to raise awareness about the importance of cotton, development of the cotton sector and how it plays a significant role in economic development. 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 Tapatrisha Das Tapatrisha is Content Producer with Hindustan Times. She covers stories related to health, relationships, and fashion. ...view detail Headlines that say using social media is safe bring tangible sighs of relief from parents worldwide. But such headlines might be too simplistic. Research reveals a more nuanced picture when it comes to teenagers, social media and anxiety. A recent paper has found that FOMO or fear of missing out is linked to whether teens find using social media increases their anxiety or relieves it. There's been a rise in anxiety levels in recent years and one study sought to understand this through a focus on FOMO. There's been a rise in anxiety levels in recent years and one study sought to understand this through a focus on FOMO.(Freepik) FOMO is anxiety about being excluded from shared enjoyable experiences. It's experienced by 50 percent of adolescents. A large portion of life is now online, so parents and teens need to make decisions about how many devices they should have, what rules should surround them in the home, which devices should host social media and which apps should be used. The apps available are like the nutrients a person may choose to consume. The research looked at the impact of social media use on anxiety symptoms in 951 Australian teenagers at six schools. The survey found that for 11 percent of teens, using social media frequently was associated with more anxiety and using it less came with less anxiety. These were students who said they had high FOMO and reacted badly to information about their friends' activities, observing conversations and feared being excluded from activities. They might not have connected with safe and non-toxic groups. It's possible these students do not mind when their use is restricted and some choose to use social media less because they can clearly see how it affects them. By contrast, students who said they weren't affected by FOMO 54 per cent of respondents showed stronger anxiety symptoms if they used social media less. These students might be relying on social media for connection and to manage normal feelings of anxiety. These are the students who might complain loudly if their use is restricted. They are likely to need validation more often from comments and contact with 'friends' and might have forgotten how to support themselves offline. The data suggested that only 35 per cent of students had no association between the frequency of their social media use and reports of anxiety. These students had what could be described as a normal and healthy degree of FOMO. They want to belong, but are not obsessed by that need and have hopefully balanced their 'nutritional intake' of offline and online activities. Australian researchers found that fear of missing out changes the effect social media has on teens. Yet these findings follow recent research that reported no relationship between Facebook use and psychological harm. Studies like these make headlines but they run counter to a lot of individual experiences, the experience of clinical psychologists who treat young people, the research put out by Facebook employees, and to findings from many studies around the world. The limits on research might offer an explanation for this. Researchers might be limited by funding, by the length of an article that can be published in a peer reviewed journal, by varying styles of social media engagement, and even by the choices made when questions are formulated. These limitations could leave gaps in studies, like the influential research on the relationship between mental health and technology that asked participants to exclude time spent interacting with friends and family online when they rated how often they used social media. The FOMO study focused only on anxiety symptoms and not depression. So it was impossible to draw conclusions about potential links between social media and depression. But there are lessons to be taken from the FOMO study. To improve life with technology, people might need to first assess how they fit into the categories from the study. People who fall in the 35 percent where there is no relationship between anxiety and social media use can keep doing what they are doing. People in the larger group 54 percent of respondents who might feel slightly anxious when they are not able to use social media should do a tech health check. They might be managing normal worries by seeking reassurance, or simply using technology to escape concerns. This lower resilience can lead to problems sleeping when worries resurface at night. Sleep deficits are one of the major mental health problems associated with unhealthy technology use. For those who identify with the 11 percent in the category experiencing too much FOMO there is a need for change, but it takes a concerted effort. However, the first step is to recognise that FOMO is undermining a person's sense of life satisfaction and social well-being. 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 Japan's ministry of health and welfare has called on the public to sleep longer and better after two recent reports determined that Japanese people are not getting enough shut-eye. And experts point out that sleep deprivation is the root cause of many illnesses, mental health complaints and poor productivity in the workplace. Government officials say the Japanese are not sleeping enough, risking their health and their employees' bottom line. (Pexels) The authorities released the outline of guidelines on the appropriate amount of sleep on October 2 and will issue a full report by the end of the year. The move was prompted in part by a study conducted in 2021 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that indicated Japanese people sleep an average of seven hours and 22 minutes a night. This was the least amount of sleep of the 33 nations included in the study. In Japan, 37.5% of men and 40.6% of women get less than six hours of sleep a night on average. A separate report showed even more alarming results researchers from the National University of Singapore and Finnish health technology company Oura Health Oy determined that Japanese average just 6.1 hours of sleep a night, less than test subjects from any of 34 other countries. Japanese health ministry is now recommending that adults get an absolute minimum of six hours, junior and high school children get between eight and 10 hours and elementary school children are in bed for between nine and 12 hours. Children between the ages of three and five need 10 to 13 hours of sleep, the ministry said, while infants under the age of two should have 11 to 14 hours. Why are Japanese not getting enough sleep? The ministry's recommendations are a step in the right direction, according to Dr Masashi Yanagisawa, director of the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine at the University of Tsukuba. However, the guidelines did not identify the cause of sleep deprivation in the majority of Japanese people or propose any remedies to help people sleep for longer and better. "There has been speculation about the reasons for why people in Japan sleep less, but there is no definitive, scientific answer," he told DW. "My theory is that it is linked to Japan's fundamental values and work ethic, perhaps best summed up in the phrase, 'time is too valuable to be spent sleeping.'" Japanese people began to spend more time working in the 1950s, when the economy was growing dramatically and the nation was pulling together to rebuild after the devastating war years. Yanagisawa describes the period as "a state of national mania" as people worked hard and were rewarded well. The flip side of this obsession with working, however, was that people slept less. And that was and still is damaging to their health. "There are clear links between a lack of sleep and a greater risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, damage to the immune system and a range of infections," Yanagisawa said. "And that can also lead to an inability to control emotions and moods, meaning people become angry, irritated, stressed and unable to control themselves." Fundamental change 'absolutely necessary' Ironically, studies show that less sleep is also impacting people's abilities in the workplace, with tired employees less efficient and making more mistakes, causing companies problems and financial losses. "I think the government is right to be worried about this problem because I am too," said Yanagisawa. "In my opinion, a fundamental change in people's mindset is absolutely necessary," he said. "People need to set aside eight hours every day for sleep as a core time that cannot be touched. Then they need to arrange everything else work, family, pleasure around that." The sleep expert says he is encouraged by the growing trend of workplace napping or "inemuri" in Japan, which allows employees to sleep in the office to recharge their batteries for the rest of the working day. Tapping into this trend, a number of Japanese companies are introducing products designed to facilitate the perfect nap. In August, Hokkaido-based Koyoju Plywood Corp placed two prototype sleep pods called the Giraffenap at a cafe in Tokyo's Harajuku district. The upright pods have pads and platforms designed to ergonomically support a person's head, bottom, shins and feet for a 20-minute nap. Workplace pillow Separately, an Osaka-headquartered company called Atex recently developed the "Gogo no Makura," which translates as "afternoon pillow" and consists of a padded head rest with a hole in the center. The users are expected to place the pillow on their work desk and lean their head against the pillow in order to sleep. "A lack of sleep is a very serious problem for Japanese people and it is now becoming increasingly acceptable to take a short sleep in the office," said Michihiro Fukano, a director of the company. The company is also happy to let its own employees nap at work while using their product, Fukano said, but noted he does not use an "afternoon pillow" himself. "I'm lucky," he said. "I don't ever have a problem sleeping and I tend to sleep a lot, so I can get through the day without a nap." 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! YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Chief of Staff of the Prime Ministers Office Arayik Harutyunyan has met with USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) in the Bureau for Europe and Eurasia Alexander Sokolowski, USAID Armenia Mission Director John Allelo and USAID emergency response coordinator Mike Lambright. The USAID delegation is visiting Armenia to assess the needs of the forcibly displaced Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. In this context, issues related to the strategic communication, reforms plan carried out by the government of the Republic of Armenia, and the needs for rapid response were discussed. Both sides attached importance to institutionalization of the communication system, the Prime Ministers Office said in a readout. The USAID officials expressed readiness to provide continuous support to the government of Armenia for capacity building, exchange of experience, as well as in the area of rapid response in the current situation. Hundreds of thousands of visitors have flocked to the Chinese-controlled regions of Macau and Hong Kong since Sept. 29, data shows as China wraps up its Golden Week holiday, although the figures amounted to just about 85% of pre-pandemic levels. In the world's biggest gambling hub of Macau, about 900,000 visitors swarmed narrow cobblestoned streets, many to punt in dozens of glitzy casinos, while others took selfie photographs at historic spots such as Senado Square. Hong Kong sees an increase in foot traffic during the Golden Week holiday, but sales remain similar to normal weekends. (Representative image)(Unsplash/Javier Quiroga) During the eight-day national holiday, which runs until Friday, the number of daily visitors has surged more than five times from last year, taking hotel occupancy rates beyond 90%, executives said, speaking on condition of anonymity. In a statement, the Macau government said, "The tourism bureau has urged hotel industry venues to optimise measures to cope with peak passenger flow." Adding staff, shuttle buses and check-in counters are among such steps. Mainland Chinese visitors constitute about 80% of visitors to the former Portuguese colony, which has a population of about 700,000 and is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal. Mass gaming revenues have bounced back to pre-COVID levels, however, analysts said, citing a recovery of more than 100%, although earnings in the coveted "big-whale" VIP category was an estimated 15% of before. "Things appear pretty in-line with our expectations of 100% plus recovery in mass gross gaming revenue," said D S Kim, an analyst at J.P. Morgan in Hong Kong, comparing with 2019. In nearby Hong Kong, about 1 million visitors had descended on the financial hub over the period from Sept. 29 to Wednesday, during which 1.4 million residents left, immigration data shows. Retailers said there was a 30% increase in foot traffic but sales were similar to a normal weekend, media reported, signalling the reluctance of some tourists to splurge. Before anti-government protests in 2019, long queues were common during the holiday period outside luxury stores in the former British colony, long seen as one of the world's top shopping destinations. Tourists from greater China are the main driver of Hong Kong's branded retail and luxury goods market. Since the pandemic, however, many have changed their pattern of spending, opting for inexpensive dining and activities such as hiking or swimming at the city's many beaches. Despite a good flow of visitors, growth in business was not as high as the foot traffic, said Annie Yau Tse, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association. About half the units are now vacant on prominent Hong Kong shopping streets that had attracted 56 million visitors in the days before the pandemic in 2019, real estate companies say. The store closures followed the anti-government protests that year and a subsequent crackdown, which hit retail sales that were next battered by nearly three years of stringent COVID rules. 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! For many people, long weekends are the perfect opportunity to pack up their travel bags and get out of town for a mini-vacation. And the long weekend ahead Saturday, Sunday and Monday (October 2) is seeing a major uptick in bookings on travel portals as well as hotels. What is noteworthy this year is the trend of taking multiple holidays instead of one long vacation (Photo: Shutterstock) Industry insiders reveal a consistent upward trend for a quick getaway. This is resulting in an over 3x increase in travel demand compared to the previous weeks of August for both domestic and closer-to-home international locales, says Rajeev Kale, president and country head, Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. Adding to this, Mehul Sharma, founder and CEO, Signum Hotels & Resorts, chimes in, From an industry perspective, long weekends in India are witnessing a consistent upward trend. With more people prioritising experiences over possessions, the desire to explore new destinations has increased. Earlier this year, we had seen hotel bookings increase by 2.5 times during the extended August 15 holiday period. Multiple short breaks, drive-cations on the list What is noteworthy this year is the trend of taking multiple holidays instead of one long vacation. Kale shares, Now, Indians are taking multiple, short-duration holidays to short-haul and easy-visa destinations. Families, millennials and young professionals are also looking at drive-cations and mini-cations to nearby offbeat places. Sudeep Jain, MD, SWA, IHG Hotels and Resorts, says, Since the travel sentiment is on an all-time high, travellers are moving away from luxury accommodations, and the demand is shifting more towards leisure getaways, heralding a noticeable change in travel trends. Reservations are on the rise, particularly in regions offering a blend of recreation and tourism. Some of the destinations have recorded average occupancy rates of 8090%, driven by the demand. Popular and newer destinations in demand Travellers seem to be more inclined towards evergreen destinations such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Kerala, Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Nepal and Bhutan are also finding several takers. Among the newer destinations being explored are Mashobra, Gokarna, Coorg, Wayanad, Wadagaon, Ajmer and Puducherry. Despite higher airfares and hotel rates, Daniel DSouza, president and country head, Holidays, SOTC Travel, shares, Our search data indicates high interest for domestic locales including Kashmir, the North East, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Goa. People are also keen on heading out to easy visa destinations like Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Oman, the Maldives, Mauritius and Hong Kong for the upcoming extended weekend. 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 Presidential elections in the Maldives have been rather traditional each election offering a new chance to a new president. The fourth presidential elections in the Maldives were no different, with Mohamed Muizzu of the Progressive Alliance, a coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the Peoples National Congress (PNC), defeating the incumbent, Mohammed Ibrahim Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Muizzus victory has triggered curiosity about what it means for the countrys foreign policy and the Indian Ocean region. His win could be a window of opening that China desired. However, the newly elected president will have to walk a diplomatic tightrope between his domestic compulsions and the systemic competition between India and China. Maldives' President-elect of the Maldives' Mohamed Muizzu of the People's National Congress (PNC) party delivers a speech during a gathering with supporters following the country's presidential election, in Male on October 2, 2023. (AFP) This anxiety concerning the Indian Ocean emanates from the increasing partisan nature of Maldives foreign policy. The MDP looks up to India as a traditional partner and democratic power that is geographically close to the island nation and is a natural partner when it comes to assisting the country in security, defence, economy, and development. On the other hand, the Progressive Alliance has preferred a closer relationship with China, due to its nationalist ideology, the leaderships differences with India, and less tolerance for corruption and democratic norms. Under President Abdullah Yameen (2013-2018), the Maldives had grown closer to China. It joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), borrowed extensively, leased islands, signed a Free Trade Agreement ( FTA), and discussed establishing a Joint Ocean Observation Centre with China. In the months leading to the 2018 elections, Yameen also accused New Delhi of interfering in domestic affairs and asked Delhi to take back the helicopters it had gifted to Male. Yameens successor, Ibrahim Solih of the MDP, made efforts to normalise relations with India. His India First policy increased the countrys development and defence partnership with New Delhi, and Chinese projects harmful to Indian interests were averted. In terms of development, India has offered more than 50 community development projects and even initiated the Greater Male Connectivity Project. On defence, India is building a naval harbour at UthuruThila Falhu, conducting hydrographic surveys, and has offered a Dornier aircraft. The Progressive Alliance has, however, criticised this policy with its India Out campaign. Through rallies, disinformation, and protests, the campaign has politicised Indias defence and development assistance, mustered nationalist sentiments, and accused India and the MDP government of violating the countrys sovereignty. This campaign helped Muizzu win the presidential elections. In his first speech after winning the elections, Muizzu asserted that he would maintain a pro-Maldives policy and criticised the government for extensively borrowing from India. He also reiterated that he would review agreements with India and remove all foreign (read Indian) soldiers from the Maldives through diplomatic channels. In his first meeting with the Indian high commissioner, Muizzu again highlighted concerns of sovereignty, economic partnership, and debt restructuring. Given the domestic compulsions of Yameens stronghold over the party and the need to satisfy his constituency, Muizzu might likely walk his tough talk. On the other hand, the victory of a pro-China government offers Beijing a fresh window of opportunity. The Maldives is at the heart of the Indian Ocean and the evolving Indo-Pacific world order. The country is surrounded by crucial sea lines of communication, and strategically located between India and Diego Garciamaking it a preferred destination for operating a military base and maritime surveillance. With such strategic stakes, China has been visibly upset in the past five years, with India and the United States making inroads in the country. Beijing is likely to use this opportunity to restore its influence in the Maldives and the Indian Ocean region. With Muizzu in power, Beijing might re-commence its support to major infrastructure projects, restart the FTA, and expand diplomatic and political engagements. This does not mean India has lost the plot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first leader to congratulate Muizzu on his victoryindicating Indias willingness to work with the new administration. Similarly, the senior leadership of the Progressive Alliance has admitted that India is likely to be Muizzus first destination for a foreign visit, and a preferred partner. Despite domestic posturing, there is a hard realisation in the Maldives that India is the biggest security partner in the region and makes up for Males scarce maritime surveillance capacity and capabilities. It is no coincidence that even Yameen continued defence cooperation with India during the roughest phase of bilateral relations. Besides, India is also the Maldives biggest trade partner, a top export destination, and a traditional donor. Further, the Sri Lankan crisis might also caution the incoming government on relying too much on China for debt restructuring and financial assistance. In fact, as Males debt servicing to India coincides with depleting foreign reserves, it will try to keep India on good terms. There is no denying that given the ideological and domestic compulsions, Muizzu might be tempted to embrace China. But he will also not hesitate to leverage the geopolitical jostling to exercise more agency and further the countrys interests. The competition between India and China is not limited to one election or one party. Both countries will try to compete and outdo each other in the region. On its part, India is growing accustomed to its smaller neighbours increasing agency and tendency to play Beijing against Delhi. India too is likely to show pragmatism and flexibility with the administration as long as the incoming government respects its sensitivities and security concerns. Harsh V Pant is vice president, Studies and Foreign Policy, Observer Research Foundation (ORF); Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy is an associate fellow, South Asia at ORF. 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 Long before Joshimaths sinking and the recent flash floods in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand that washed away swathes of highways, it was evident that most of our hill towns too had sunk albeit, in a different way. They were congested, and over-constructed, and the management of their surrounding environment was neglected. PREMIUM Flood-hit Golitar area in Sikkim. (REUTERS) The evidence can be seen on the approaches to hill stations, with traffic jams on roads, piles of debris and shops cantilevered randomly on both sides. Forget their carrying capacity, it is critical to consider what can be done to better manage approaches to hill stations. In light of Joshimaths subsidence and the Kullu-Manali landslides, it is particularly imperative to safeguard capital-intensive projects such as the Char Dham highway that cost thousands of crores and are expected to carry millions of pilgrims and hundreds of thousands of vehicles. For starters, a new mountain highway is an outright environmental hazard. Old trees that bind the soil are uprooted, and drilling and blasting are done, generating debris, which cascades down the slopes. Notwithstanding the debate on whether a road should be widened beyond 5.5 metres or not because of the fragility of the Himalayas, it is necessary to underline the criticality of suitable land-use planning, soil conservation and effective highway management. Once the road is operationalised, there will be an unprecedented, even overwhelming surge of continuous vehicular traffic, making it impossible to retrofit and redress the situation. There are several key measures that should become part of the governments management agenda for all mountain approaches. First, the government should (in consultation with the respective state government) freeze land use on both sides of mountain highways till their master-planning is done with the assistance of town planners/architects. This is essential because the moment an alignment is declared, there is a frenzied attempt to plan shops, restaurants, dhabas and hoardings along the highway in a random manner. Political populism at the municipal and state levels invariably means administrators come under pressure from private business interests seeking to leverage land commercially. Structures get built directly abutting into the highway to reap the advantage of frontal access. That causes traffic pile-ups and environmental damage. Second, there should be an entire programme to stabilise the hills above the area demarcated for the road, not just the road itself. When the base has been carved out vertically for the actual alignment, both the upper and the lower levels get disturbed. This causes soil-binding plants and dressing to get dislodged, increasing the frequency of landslides. In the long run, this results in the impact of heavy rainfall being more deleterious, causing parts of the road to get washed away. Technical specifications too need to be strengthened. Third, particularly where the highway intersects urban centres and habitations, it is necessary to segregate the highway traffic from the city traffic and to control land use to a depth of 20-30 metres on both sides. Elevated corridors, service lanes and slip roads need to be planned and created to prevent a smooth flow of traffic. Fourth, it is necessary to master-plan and earmark designated points for wayside amenities restaurants, toilets, car repairs and other auxiliary services even if it means compulsorily acquiring private land at a premium. Shops and related utilities should be prohibited at points other than at designated nodes; vehicles should not be allowed to stop at any other point. Kalka-Shimla and Dehradun-Mussoorie roads are glaring case studies: brimming with shops, one after the other, jutting precariously into the valley, they are symbols of abject access surrender, poor traffic management and environmental impairment apart from obstructing a panoramic view of the hills. Fifth, a comprehensive runoff-characteristics mapping of the mountain area should be done by studying 20 years of historical data to plan against water-logging, rapid soil erosion, and flash floods that can damage the road. Concrete surfacing of vulnerable road sections and drains should be undertaken to ensure they remain impervious. Likewise, rigorous landslide mapping of the area will help while undertaking special buttressing of sensitive hill sections with retaining walls, gabion structures, technical-textile mesh technologies and hydro-seeding of relevant slopes to stabilise them. Sixth, noise mapping should be undertaken in view of adjoining ecologically sensitive/wildlife hotspots. It is important to impose a standard operating procedure for commuters to prevent blaring horns/music volumes, and to regulate vehicle speed not only to prevent accidents and pedestrian safety but to mitigate undue stress to the natural environment. Seventh, an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) should be put in place for traffic management along with a robust Passenger Information System (PIS) only a limited number of vehicles should be allowed at any time along vulnerable sections of the highway to prevent pile-ups and jams, especially during environmentally delicate periods. Even the tiniest of landslides can create panic sudden reversing/jamming of cars can cause their collision and toppling over the hill. Eighth, a fully equipped disaster management team and highway patrol should be in place (with tow-vans, JCBs, rescue teams and walkie-talkies), ready 24X7, to evacuate/redress chokes and accidents and remove debris in the light of the disaster-prone nature of the rock formations. This should include technicians for instantly repairing the highwayto redress geometric deficiencies, faults in electric fittings/crash-barriers/signages in a prompt manner. They should work on the principle, repair first, and recover costs later. Ninth, decarbonise mountain transport in the context of the climate crisis strategies by incentivising electric vehicles (exempt them from tolls for the first two years). Create suitable charging infrastructure. A special Sustainable Development Tax (SDT as done in Bhutan) can be levied on hill station visitors. Diesel/petrol vehicles (including two and three wheelers) should be charged higher SDT as per the polluter-pays principle. Shadow tolling of government/military vehicles should be done to keep a record of their carbon footprint. Tenth, for major mountain highways, it would be wise to establish an Environment Protection and Safety Management Company. Verticals should inter-alia include risk and emergency management, ITS, afforestation and access control functions. A predetermined percentage of toll revenues, SDT and other penal levies should be mandated to fund this company to make it sustainable. Keeping in view the intense pressure of tourists/pilgrims and the exceptionally delicate Himalayan geomorphology, it is of vital importance that not only hill stations but their approaches too, be better managed. The aforesaid measures for abatement and mitigation can ensure that the cost to the natural environment is minimised. Apart from the positive experiential benefits by way of tourist safety, visual amenities and aesthetic appeal, this will be a boost for responsible tourism. Raghav Chandra is a former secretary, Government of India and ex-chairman of the National Highways Authority of India. The views expressed are personal Other Backward Classes (OBC) have a share of 63% of the population of Bihar. This is the most important number from the caste census data released by the Bihar government earlier this week. PREMIUM Enumerator staff marks a house during the first phase of caste-based census in Bihar state at Chhajjubagh in Patna (Santosh Kumar/HT) Academics, researchers and journalists who study and report on caste are genuinely excited about getting such data for the first time after 1931. They are (including our data journalism team) also hoping that the Bihar government will release entire unit-level data for the caste census which will help an understanding of the socioeconomic attributes of various social groups. Politics, however, need not wait for such data. The fact that we now have an enumerated (and not extrapolated as was the case with the Mandal Commission report) population share of OBCs in one state is being used to demand that a similar exercise be conducted at the national level and OBC reservation is made proportionate to their share in the population. This demand is being raised not just by the usual suspects, namely the Mandal parties, but also by the Congress. Also read: Terms of Trade | Congress has embraced Mandal but will it reap the rewards? Will this resurrection of Mandal sink the BJPs rainbow Hindu coalition? There are many who think it can. Whether or not it happens is a question best left to the future. However, it is useful to address some relevant questions. The pressure is on Has the publication of Bihar caste census results put pressure on the BJP? The answer is an unambiguous yes. The signs are already there. In Uttar Pradesh, many small caste-based parties which are in an alliance with the BJP are already demanding a caste census. BJP leaders in Bihar are giving statements which try to take some credit for the caste census in the state and deny the RJD any role in this. To be sure, this is easier said than done. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is by far the most popular mass leader in the country, has stayed away from publicly endorsing or rejecting the demand for a caste census so far. This, however, is a can, which cannot be kicked down the road indefinitely. It will be very interesting to see whether the BJP takes a clear stand on the demand for caste census, especially before the 2024 elections. Pitting one majority against another could be a possible BJP strategy. What makes Mandal a potent political weapon is the fact that OBCs have a majority share of Indias population. To be sure, they are not the only majority in India. Even if one were to ignore the overwhelming majority of the have-nots in class terms, religion and language are two predominant fault lines in Indian democracy. Hindus and Hindi speakers, the latter less so than the former, are in the majority here. Narendra Modis speeches in Chhattisgarh and Telangana on Tuesday he rhetorically posed the question of whether Hindus and northern states should also claim proportionate representation suggest that the BJP will try its best to pit these two majorities against the OBC majority. More on this later. Who gets to play Mandals vanguard? Everyone who is arguing that traction for a demand for caste census and proportionate reservations will stop the BJP juggernaut must answer a historical question. At no point in time, before or after the Mandal Commission report was implemented, have Mandal parties enjoyed a vote share which even comes close to the overall population share of OBCs. This is also true of Dravidian parties in the South. This underlines the fact that OBCs have never been a monolithic political block. There is nothing surprising about this political fragmentation within OBCs. It contains multiple sub-castes (read mutual interest networks) and it is normal to expect factions and alliances against each other, especially in a three-tier first-past-the-post system of democracy. Dominant OBCs led and consolidated the OBC assertion, and lower OBCs were happy with them playing vanguards back then. But once the upper caste dominance was broken, the promised trickle-down to lower OBCs never happened. This is what explains the recent lower OBC consolidation behind the BJP. It is more about settling scores with the dominant OBCs who usurped the wider gains of Mandal than the cause of OBCs as a whole. Will lower OBCs be willing to repose their trust in the dominant OBC leadership of Mandal parties once again? Will Mandal parties learn from their historical mistake and offer a bigger role to the lower OBC in their political leadership and candidature? Will the dominant OBC cadre outside the immediate family controlling most Mandal parties be alright with such accommodation? Can the Congress act as the bridge between Mandal parties and lower OBCs by offering a bigger role to the latter within its ranks? Will the BJP finally play the Rohini Commission card to argue that an increase in OBC quota must necessarily be clubbed with sub-stratification within OBCs (to the disadvantage of dominant OBCs) to deal with this challenge? This set of questions will matter the most in the immediate politics around the demand for proportionate reservations. How will this affect the non-OBC vote? Anybody who has followed Indias political history knows that the category of Bahujan (everybody except upper castes) is easier to evoke in rhetoric than reality. Scheduled Castes (SCs) have had as antagonistic a relationship with dominant OBCs in many places as they have had with upper castes. Will they be happy with a politics which could end up making dominant OBCs even more powerful? It is important to remember that SC-ST groups already enjoy proportionate reservations and do not stand to gain anything from this demand. Even more interesting is the question of dominant peasant castes (Jats, Patidars, Marathas etc.) who are currently not recognised as OBCs in the Central list. If the OBC quota is increased, they stand to lose rather than gain because the unreserved pool gets smaller. Their inclusion within the OBC ranks will not just have to pass judicial muster but will also be less appealing to existing OBCs who will see more competition within the designated quota. Upper caste voters Another important question is the role of upper caste voters of the Congress in states such as Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Will Congresss aggressive Mandal posturing make them jump ship for the BJP? Will this exodus be compensated by a new pool of OBC voters for the Congress? One might argue that these arguments are trying to trivialise the issue by introducing microcontradictions. But this is exactly how politics operates in a parliamentary democracy. A rationalist Dravidian rhetoric against Sanatana Dharma might work very well for the DMK but it can end up making things very difficult for its allies in North India. There is no reason why proportionate reservation politics could have a geographically differentiated impact. Are we at the cusp of a resurgence of extra-parliamentary politics in India? Contrary to what a lot of people may believe, Indian politics has become much more peaceful than what used to be the case in the past. The 1940s and 1950s saw militant peasant uprisings such as Tebhaga and Telangana struggles. The 1960s saw violent protests in southern states, especially Tamil Nadu, against Hindi imposition. The 1970s and 1980s saw the proliferation of ultra-left and secessionist violence in many parts of the country. The 1990s saw widespread communal violence in the wake of the BJP adopting the Ayodhya issue. While some of this violence was devoid of a larger political vision and even bankrupt in nature, a lot of it was also associated with large-scale extra-parliamentary mobilisations which sought to exploit political fault lines within different sections of the society. It is only in the last couple of decades or so that political mobilisations have become what can be described more as event-managed than spontaneous or organic events with some exceptions such as farmers protests. Will the demand for proportional reservations resurrect the extra-parliamentary politics of the kind which used to exist pre-1990s? One can argue that unless that happens the BJP might not feel pressured enough to take a stand on this issue before 2024. Will the BJP try to counter this with another round of Hindutva mobilisations or by pitting the Hindi-speaking North against the South (on the lines Modi suggested in his speech mentioned above on the delimitation question)? Will these two countervailing tendencies of Mandal versus Hindi-Hindu-Hindustan end the relatively short period of truce in Indian politics? All of these are possibilities worth engaging with without getting swayed by ones own subjective beliefs about any of these issues. Last but not the least, there is one factor which has changed significantly compared to the period up the 1990s as far as Indias political economy is concerned. This is the rapid pan-India growth of domestic capital thanks to three decades of economic reforms. There is more than enough evidence to suggest that Indias big capital has been happy with the emergence of the BJP as a national political hegemon despite the latter being programmatically invested in communal polarisation to secure its political fortunes. Will this relationship change if the BJP is also forced to open antagonistic flanks on the caste and language fronts? Or will big capital align itself even more firmly with the BJP fearing a demand for reservations in the private sector? The publication of the Bihar caste census is perhaps the first act in what is bound to be a turbulent political drama. And 2024 could just be the beginning of this churn in Indias political economy. Every Friday, HTs data and political economy editor, Roshan Kishore, combines his commitment to data and passion for qualitative analysis in a column for HT Premium, Terms of Trade. With a focus on one big number and one big issue, he will go behind the headlines to ask a question and address political economy issues and social puzzles facing contemporary India. The views expressed are personal Google has launched a new variant of its flagship Pixel series phone -- Pixel 8. A person examines the new Pixel 8 Pro Phone in New York City on October 4.(Reuters) The new variant comes in two models - Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. According to Google, the series is built with AI at the center for a more helpful and personal experience. These phones are packed with first-of-their-kind features, all powered by Google Tensor G3. And theyll get seven years of software updates, including Android OS upgrades, security updates and regular Feature Drops, Google said on Thursday. Both the variants are designed designed with softer silhouettes, beautiful metal finishes and recycled materials. While Google has priced the Pixel 8 model at 75,999, its premium model, Pixel 8 pro, costs a whooping 1,06, 999 around 30,000 more. This also makes the Pixel 8 Pro the most expensive model of Google Pixel in India. Here, we take a look at what Google flagship offers for an additional 30,000 in Pixel 8 pro. Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 pro Larger display size: With its contoured edges and smaller size than the Pixel 7, the latest Pixel 8 model would feel great in your hand. It has a 6.2-inch Actual display, which gives you real-world clarity and is 42% brighter than its predecessors. Pixel 8 features a satin metal finish, a polished glass back and comes in Rose, Hazel, and Obsidian, according to Google. On the other hand, Google Pixel 8 Pro offers a display size of 6.7-inch. It also has a matte glass back with a polished aluminum frame and comes in three colors: Porcelain, Bay and Obsidian. So even in direct sunlight, you will love how true-to-life your Ultra HDR images look, Google said. Triple camera: Both, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, feature a powerful, upgraded camera for stunning photo and video quality. The new Pixel 8 Phone is displayed in New York City on October 4.(Reuters) However, while the Pixel 8 features a dual rear camera setup, the Pixel 8 Pro offers you a triple camera setup at an additional cost. Pixel Pro 8 also offers an ultra-wide sensor of 48 megapixels, compared to 12 megapixels in Pixel 8. The primary sensor in both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro remains the same 50 megapixels. Later this year, Pixel 8 Pro will get Video Boost, which pairs Tensor G3 with our powerful data centers to apply cutting-edge processing to your videos, Google has announced. Better performance: While both, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are powered by the Tensor G3 chipset, the RAM and storage offered in both models varies. While Pixel 8 offers a While Pixel 8 comes with 8GB RAM and Pixel 8 Pro offers 12GB RAM by default. Pixel 8 is also available with storage up to 256GB, while Pixel 8 Pro, on other the hand surprisingly comes only in 128GB variant in India. The Battery capacity also differs in both phones. Pixel 8 Pro is backed by a 5,050mAh battery while the Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh. The Pro model also supports 30W fast charging compared to Pixel 8's 27W fast charging support. 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 If you are someone who believes that home appliances should be bought of finest quality, then this article about top 5 refrigerator brands in India will be of interest to you. It talks about 5 brands that are synonymous with high efficiency, great cooling properties and advanced technologies. The brands are Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Haier and Godrej. LG, as we all know, is a well-established brand in India and is known for its innovative and energy-efficient refrigerators. You can find a multitude of promising options in this brand. Samsung is another sought-after brand in the refrigerator market. Thanks to their stylish designs and advanced technology like digital inverter compressors and smart connectivity options, it makes absolute sense to invest in one of the high-end Samsung refrigerators. It offers complete value for money. Whirlpool too is another brand in the refrigerator segment that is trusted and reliable for many reasons. There are multiple options that come equipped with energy-efficient technologies. Godrej is another well known Indian brand that has been manufacturing refrigerators for decades. They are known for their affordability and reliability. Lastly, Haier is another brand on the radar of many. It is a relatively new name in the Indian refrigerator market, but has gained popularity due to its competitive pricing and innovative features. Always buy a refrigerator from a renowned brand.(Pexels) When choosing a refrigerator, it's essential to consider factors such as capacity, energy efficiency, features, and after-sales service in addition to the brand reputation. To make an informed decision, it's a good idea to read reviews, compare models, and visit local appliance stores to see the refrigerators in person. We have curated a list of options from the aforementioned brands. Take a look at them and then make an informed decision. Our comparative and detailed analysis will definitely help you in making an informed decision. Samsung 653 L Side by Side Refrigerator (RS76CG8003B1HL) Introducing the Samsung RS76CG8003B1HL, a true marvel in refrigeration technology. With a massive 653-liter capacity, this side-by-side refrigerator is designed for families who demand the best. The 3-star energy rating ensures efficient cooling without breaking the bank. What sets this fridge apart is its convertible 5In1 feature, allowing you to adapt the compartments to your needs. Thanks to the digital inverter and Wi-Fi connectivity, you have precise control over temperature settings and the convenience of monitoring your fridge remotely. Samsung has truly outdone itself with this 2023 model, offering not just a refrigerator but a lifestyle upgrade. Say goodbye to food wastage and hello to ultimate freshness. Specifications of Samsung RS76CG8003B1HL Dimensions (WxDxH): 912 mm x 716 mm x 1780 mm Weight: 112 kg Number of Shelves: 4 Freezer Capacity: 202 liters Refrigerator Capacity: 451 liters B0CCYNFC1F LG 322 L Frost-Free Smart Inverter Double Door Refrigerator (GL-S342SDSX) When it comes to innovation and style, LG never disappoints. The GL-S342SDSX, a 322-liter double-door refrigerator, is a testament to LG's commitment to excellence. With a 3-star energy rating, it ensures efficient cooling while being environmentally friendly. The smart inverter compressor adapts to your usage patterns, saving you energy and money. Need more space for fresh food? No problem! This fridge is convertible, allowing you to transform the freezer into a refrigerator. Plus, the Express Freeze function ensures your items freeze quickly, locking in their freshness.With the GL-S342SDSX, LG has once again proven why it's a leader in the world of refrigeration. Efficiency, adaptability, and style all in one. Specifications of LG GL-S342SDSX Dimensions (WxDxH): 600 mm x 610 mm x 1600 mm Weight: 60 kg Number of Shelves: 3 Freezer Capacity: 87 liters Refrigerator Capacity: 235 liters B0C8NTDY55 Haier 258 L Frost Free Double Door Refrigerator (HRF-2784PPG-E) Haier, a name synonymous with reliability, presents the HRF-2784PPG-E, a 258-liter double-door refrigerator. This 3-star rated fridge from 2020 is a testament to Haier's dedication to quality. The Pulse Glass finish adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. With its frost-free technology, say goodbye to the hassle of manual defrosting. The fridge is designed to keep your food fresh for longer, thanks to its precision cooling system.Though specific dimensions and capacities are not available, rest assured that Haier's reputation for quality is upheld by the HRF-2784PPG-E. Specifications of Haier HRF-2784PPG-E Dimensions (WxDxH): Not specified Weight: Not specified Number of Shelves: Not specified Freezer Capacity: Not specified Refrigerator Capacity: Not specified B08LD32MP8 Whirlpool 330 L Frost-Free Multi-Door Refrigerator (FP 343D PROTTON ROY) Whirlpool, a trusted name in home appliances, brings you the FP 343D PROTTON ROY, a 330-liter multi-door refrigerator. The steel onyx finish adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen. With its frost-free technology, this fridge ensures that you never have to deal with the hassle of manual defrosting again. It features a unique 3-door format, separating the freezer, refrigerator, and vegetable crisper to maintain ideal conditions for each. The 6th Sense ActiveFresh technology keeps your food fresh for longer.While specific dimensions and capacities aren't available, Whirlpool's reputation for quality and innovation shines through in the FP 343D PROTTON ROY. Specifications of Whirlpool FP 343D PROTTON ROY Dimensions (WxDxH): Not specified Weight: Not specified Number of Shelves: Not specified Freezer Capacity: Not specified Refrigerator Capacity: Not specified B07V7WYD3B Also read: Best refrigerator brand in India: 10 options to choose from in September 2023 Godrej 564 L Multi Air Flow System, With Advanced Controls Frost Free Side-By-Side Refrigerator (RS EONVELVET 579 RFD GL BK) Godrej, a name synonymous with trust and innovation, presents the RS EONVELVET 579 RFD GL BK, a 564-liter side-by-side refrigerator. The elegant glass black finish adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen. This refrigerator boasts a multi-airflow system, ensuring even cooling throughout. The advanced controls give you precise control over temperature settings and other features. With frost-free technology, you'll never have to worry about manual defrosting again.While specific dimensions and capacities aren't available, Godrej's reputation for quality and innovation shines through in the RS EONVELVET 579 RFD GL BK. Specifications of Godrej RS EONVELVET 579 RFD GL BK Dimensions (WxDxH): Not specified Weight: Not specified Number of Shelves: Not specified Freezer Capacity: Not specified Refrigerator Capacity: Not specified B09P57RX5Y Three best features of each product Product Name Best Feature 1 Best Feature 2 Best Feature 3 Samsung RS76CG8003B1HL 653 L Capacity Convertible 5In1 Digital Inverter & Wi-Fi LG GL-S342SDSX Smart Inverter Convertible with Express Freeze Stylish Dazzle Steel Finish Haier HRF-2784PPG-E Pulse Glass Finish Frost-Free Technology 3-Star Energy Rating Whirlpool FP 343D PROTTON ROY Multi-Door Design 6th Sense ActiveFresh Technology Frost-Free Godrej RS EONVELVET 579 RFD GL BK Multi Air Flow System Advanced Controls Glass Black Finish Pros and cons of each product Product Pros Cons Samsung RS76CG8003B1HL Large 653 L capacity, Convertible 5In1 functionality, Digital Inverter and Wi-Fi enabled Expensive, Limited color options LG GL-S342SDSX Smart Inverter technology, Convertible with Express Freeze, Stylish Dazzle Steel finish Smaller capacity (322 L), Limited color options Haier HRF-2784PPG-E Frost-Free technology, 3-Star energy rating, Pulse Glass finish Smaller capacity (258 L), Limited color options Whirlpool FP 343D PROTTON ROY, Steel Onyx Spacious 330 L capacity, Frost-Free Multi-Door design, Premium Steel Onyx finish Relatively higher price, Limited color options Godrej RS EONVELVET 579 RFD GL BK Massive 564 L capacity, Multi Air Flow System, Advanced Controls, Frost Free Very large size, Relatively expensive, Limited color options Best value for money The Haier HRF-2784PPG-E offers the best value for money with its Frost-Free technology, 3-Star energy rating, and Pulse Glass finish. Despite its affordable price, it provides essential features and efficient cooling, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. Best overall product The Samsung RS76CG8003B1HL stands out as the best overall product due to its large 653 L capacity, Convertible 5In1 functionality, and advanced features like Digital Inverter and Wi-Fi connectivity. It offers versatility and convenience for a premium experience. How to find the best refrigerator? To find the best refrigerator, consider your specific needs such as capacity, budget, and features like energy efficiency. Evaluate the pros and cons of each model, and choose the one that aligns with your requirements. In this list, the Samsung RS76CG8003B1HL and LG GL-S342SDSX offer top-notch features, while the Haier HRF-2784PPG-E provides value for budget-conscious buyers. At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. 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! When a man realised he lost his wallet containing $10,000 worth of U.S. and European currency, he thought that he lost his money forever. However, thanks to the diligent efforts of railway station authority, the wallet was located and returned to its rightful owner within hours. The lost money was returned to the owner after hours of search. (Unsplash) The incident occurred when Itzik Shitrit took a train from Ben-Gurion International Airport to Tel Aviv's Savidor Central Station in Israel. As soon as Shitrit noticed the loss of the substantial sum of money, they promptly sought assistance from Manny Netani, the station manager. (Also Read: Foreigner forgets her wallet on a train in India, watch what happens next) Netani wasted no time in alerting the station staff at Ben-Gurion Airport, setting off a concerted effort to locate the missing wallet. Several airport employees also stepped in to assist with the search, reported the Israel Hayom. Alina Miniev, an Israel Railways service agent, discovered the wallet while helping a passenger with a disability twelve hours later. She immediately brought the wallet to Shitrit. "I was excited to hear that the money was found, I was excited to see the commitment and mobilization of the railway employees to recover the loss, said the Itzik Shitrit to Jewish Press. 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 At least 18 migrants from Venezuela and Peru died early Friday in a bus crash in southern Mexico, authorities said. A bus carrying 55 migrants from Central America overturned on a rural highway in southern Mexico on Friday, leaving 17 dead and many others injured.(NYT) Mexico's National Immigration Institute said the dead include two women and three children, and that 29 people were injured. There was no immediate information on their condition. Photos distributed by the institute showed the bus rolled over onto its side on a curvy section of highway in the southern state of Oaxaca. The cause of the crash on the town of San Pablo Huitzo, near the border with the neighboring state of Puebla, is under investigation. The institute said a total of 55 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, were aboard the vehicle. It was the latest in a series of migrant deaths in Mexico amid a surge in migrants traveling toward the U.S. border. Because migration agents often raid regular buses, migrants and smugglers often seek out risky forms of transportation, like unregulated buses, trains or freight trucks. Last week, 10 Cuban migrants died and 17 others were seriously injured after a freight truck they were riding in crashed on a highway in the neighboring state of Chiapas, near the border with Guatemala. The National Immigration Institute said all of the dead Cuban migrants were women, and one of them was under 18. The Institute said the driver of the vehicle had apparently been speeding and lost control of the truck, which was carrying 27 migrants at the time. The driver fled the scene. Mexican authorities generally prohibit migrants without proper documents from buying tickets for regular buses, so those without the money to hire smugglers often hire poorly-driven, poorly-maintained buses that speed to avoid being stopped. Or they walk along the side of highways, hitching rides aboard passing trucks. Last week, a truck flipped over on a highway in Chiapas, killing two Central American migrants and injuring another 27. And two Central American migrants died last week after trying to board a moving train in the state of Coahuila near the Texas border. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON US President Joe Biden said Friday there was a "possibility" he will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at an APEC summit in San Francisco in November, but it had not been confirmed yet. China's President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden "There has been no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility," Biden told journalists at the White House, after US media reported the two leaders were set to hold talks to ease tensions between Beijing and Washington. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. A Russian government official has met with the Mayor of Meghri in Armenia to discuss the upcoming opening of the Russian consulate-general in Kapan. The head of the delegation in charge of the works from the Russian side and the Meghri mayor discussed the prospects of swiftly opening the consulate which will significantly simplify access to consular services for Russian citizens living in Armenias south, the Russian embassy said in a readout. In addition, it was noted that the new consulate-general will contribute to the further strengthening of Armenian-Russian relations and stabilization of the situation in the region, and will contribute to the expansion of cultural, humanitarian, trade, economic and inter-regional cooperation, the Russian embassy in Armenia said. Former President Donald Trump is considering meeting with House Republicans as they prepare to elect a new speaker following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy, according to a Republican familiar with the planning. Former President Donald Trump, speaks to reporters as he leaves the courtroom during a lunch break in his civil business fraud trial, Oct. 4, 2023, in New York. (AP) Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 GOP nomination, is mulling a Tuesday visit to the Capitol as House Republicans convene to debate the selection of a new speaker, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter. An overt attempt by Trump to influence the decision could tip the battle for the speakership a post thats second in line to the presidency and have far-reaching implications for the chambers legislative work as well as the presidential race. Also Read: Ousted speaker Kevin McCarthy is behind the eviction of Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer McCarthy was forced to surrender the speakers gavel following a rebellion by a small-but-powerful bloc of conservative hardliners allied with Trump who were angry that McCarthy pushed through a bipartisan short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. The historic ouster has thrown the GOP caucus into chaos, highlighting deep divisions among the partys factions and bringing a halt to work in the chamber. Two candidates have announced they are seeking the speakership: Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio. Should Trump back a successor and that candidate prevail it would underscore the extent to which the former president still holds sway on Capitol Hill and among Republicans more broadly. Hes scheduled to hold a rally in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Oct. 11, the date interim House Speaker Patrick McHenry has set for speaker elections. Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, who filed the motion to oust McCarthy, is scheduled to speak at the event. A Trump spokesman didnt return messages left for comment. Trump himself has been floated by some Republicans as a potential outside candidate. Representative Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican and Trump ally, told Bloomberg Televisions Balance of Power on Thursday that Its possible but the presidents going to make his decision. He added that he had spoken to the former president earlier in the day. Trump is currently ineligible to be speaker under the GOPs own rules, which bar anyone under indictment for serious charges from holding a House leadership role He faces four felony indictments and 91 separate counts, stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 US election result, his alleged mishandling of classified documents and other matters. A lot of people have asked me about it, Trump said Wednesday. But weve got some great people in the Republican Party that could do a great job as speaker. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The former US President Donald Trump has fallen off the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans once again. Ex-POTUS was first removed from the list in 2021 after his exit from the White House. However, he gained his position back last year (2022) with a ranking of number 343. His estimated net worth back then was $3.2 billion. However, this year Trump's net worth has decreased by more than $600 million, leading to his removal from the Forbes 400 list. Plagued by legal troubles, the former president made his third visit to court recently. Former US President Donald Trump sits inside the courtroom for the third day of his civil fraud trial in New York on October 4, 2023 (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / POOL / AFP)(AFP) As his $250 million civil fraud case continues, Forbes released a statement saying, With an estimated $2.6 billion fortune, he is $300 million shy of the cutoff for the annual measurement that Trump has obsessed over for decades, relentlessly lying to reporters to try to vault himself higher on the list. The magazine also noted how investment in Truth Social may have resulted in Trump's misfortune. ALSO READ: Former White House staffer points Taylor Swift as the only person who could beat Donald Trump in 2024 election A bad investment in the Truth Social platform The primary reason for the decline in Trump's net worth has been said to be a stalled deal to merge Truth Social and his other assets in a SPAC (special purpose acquisition company). The announcement for the same was made by him in 2021 itself. However, so far, only 6.5 million people have signed up for Truth Social till now, which is merely about 1% of users on X. This led to a massive fall in the value of his 90% stake in Trump Media and Technology Group. The stake measured at less than $100 million after falling from $730 million. ALSO READ: Who is Anthony Pratt, the Australian billionaire Trump is accused of revealing secrets to? Trump's civil fraud charges Last month, a judge ruled in the suit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James that Trump's business dealings were fraudulent. The judge also ruled that the former president's company deceived banks, insurers and others by overvaluing his net worth and exaggerating his assets. James' office claimed he exaggerated his worth by almost $3.6 billion. However, Trump has denied the allegations, arguing in sworn testimony that whatever he wrote on his financial statements didn't matter due to a disclaimer that states they should not be trusted. James is seeking $250 million in penalties against his estate along with a ban on doing business in the state. Moreover, Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling also means that some of his companies will be controlled by a court-appointed receiver as per The Mirror. Adding to his woes, Trump may lose the famous Trump Tower. Election interference charges The former POTUS was indicted alongside 18 of his allies, where a total of 13 charges are against him. According to the charges, he was alleged to be a part of a criminal organization along with his co-defendants. The charges allege that they engaged in an enterprise that operated in various states including Georgia. Once more, Trump denied all charges, which are conspiracy to impersonate a public officer; conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; false statements and writings and filing false documents and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. The indictment involves a total of 41 different charges for the defendants, out of which, 13 alone are against Trump. However, the most serious charge against him carries a maximum of 20 years of jail time. Former President Donald Trump is seeking to dismiss his indictment related to the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, arguing that he has presidential immunity for his official acts, according to new court documents. (FILES) Former US President Donald Trump sits inside the courtroom for the third day of his civil fraud trial in New York on October 4, 2023. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / POOL / AFP)(AFP) Trumps lawyers filed a 46-page motion on Thursday asking US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, DC, to drop the four-count indictment with prejudice, citing constitutional provisions and federal court precedents. The motion claims that Trump is entitled to absolute immunity for acts within the outer perimeter of [the Presidents] official responsibility, quoting from a previous Supreme Court case. The lawyers contend that Trumps official acts include his statements, social media posts, and communications with the Justice Department and state officials about the 2020 election results and his authority to challenge them. ALSO READ| 'I can't pay the lawyers': Legal counsel bails on MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, citing unpaid millions legal bills The lawyers also deny that Trump made knowingly false allegations of voter fraud, which is one of the charges in the indictment, despite former White House staff testifying otherwise. They say that the prosecution and the court have no right to judge Trumps motivations for his actions as president. Breaking 234 years of precedent, the incumbent administration has charged President Trump for acts that lie not just within the outer perimeter, but at the heart of his official responsibilities as President, they wrote. In doing so, the prosecution does not, and cannot, argue that President Trumps efforts to ensure election integrity, and to advocate for the same, were outside the scope of his duties. The motion also relies on the Impeachment Clause of the Constitution, which states that only a president who is convicted by trial in the Senate can be subject to criminal prosecution. Trump was impeached by the House, but acquitted by the Senate, for his role in inciting the Capitol riot. ALSO READ| Speaker Trump - Can he become US House Speaker? Factors supporting and against Trump Because the Constitution specifies that only the Party convicted by trial in the Senate may be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, id., it presupposes that a President who is not convicted may not be subject to criminal prosecution, they said. The motion cites several Supreme Court cases such as Nixon v. Fitzgerald, Marbury v. Madison, and Martin v. Mott that support the claim that the Constitution provides the exclusive means to prosecute a US president. Trump, 77, is facing 91 counts across four indictments in different jurisdictions the first time a sitting or former president has been criminally charged. He could face up to 712 years and six months in federal prison if convicted on all counts. An Indian-origin couple and their two children were found dead in their home in the US state of New Jersey and police are investigating the matter as a homicide. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call the Plainsboro Police Department. Tej Pratap Singh, 43, and Sonal Parihar, 42, were found dead alongside their 10-year-old son and 6-year-old in their Plainsboro home sometime after 4:30 pm on Wednesday, the Plainsboro Police Department said. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Eamon Blanchard of the Plainsboro Police Department announced on Thursday that a homicide is currently under investigation. On the evening of October 4, authorities received a 911 call requesting a welfare check at a residence in Plainsboro. Upon their arrival Plainsboro Police Department discovered four deceased victims in the house," they said in a joint statement. "This tragedy remains under investigation and autopsies are being performed today," they said, adding an initial investigation determined that there is no threat to the public. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call the Plainsboro Police Department. A joint message from Mayor Peter Cantu and Chief Eamon Blanchard, Director of Public Safety, said that the Plainsboro community experienced a heartbreaking loss of life. "We are all saddened by this tragic event. What happened in our community is beyond comprehension," stated Mayor Peter Cantu. Plainsboro police officers are currently working with their law enforcement colleagues to conclude the investigation. "Please be assured that this is an isolated occurrence and there are no additional concerns for the safety and well-being of the community related to this incident," Blanchard said. "Our public safety personnel remain vigilant and resilient, and will continue to ensure the safety of the Plainsboro community," the joint statement said. As of Thursday morning, the familys home on Titus Lane still had crime scene tape posted around the lawn, footage from News 12 New Jersey showed. The familys remains were discovered when a relative called for a welfare check. At the time, police said they were looking into the tragedy as a possible murder-suicide, the outlet said. Relatives told CBS News that they were shocked by the familys deaths, and noted that Singh and Parihar appeared to be a happy couple. Singh, in particular, was active in the community. At the time of his death, Singh worked as a Lead APIX Engineer for Ness Digital Engineering, according to his LinkedIn profile. Both Singh and Parihar had careers in IT, including the Human Resources sector, relatives said. The couples children were remembered in a note from the school district to parents, News 12 New Jersey reported. The district was informed by local law enforcement of a horrific tragedy involving one of our Plainsboro families with a Wicoff student and a Millstone River School student, Superintendent David Aderhold wrote, referring to two of the area elementary schools. As the law enforcement investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time. The District joins our community in grief and sorrow over this tragic event. Singh and Parihar purchased their home in August 2018 for USD 635,000, records showed. Neighbours described the family as friendly and said they could often be seen walking around the quiet street. A neighbour who asked not to be named said she had been friendly with the family for more than a decade. The woman said her daughter usually met the 6-year-old girl at the bus stop to ride to school together every morning. Hours before the family was found, the girl didnt show up. It was weird for me to not see her in the morning, said the neighbour. They were such a sweet family. The neighbour said she texted Parihar later that morning but never received a reply. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will meet Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns on Friday during his surprise trip to Washington to hold talks with US President Joe Biden, his spokesperson said. Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.(AFP) The spokesperson gave no details on the planned meeting. Steinmeier is also due to meet Biden on Friday to commemorate German-American Day - an apparently last-minute decision that led the German president to cancel his scheduled attendance at a European Union event in Portugal. The first meeting between Steinmeier and Biden in their current capacity as heads of state although the presidency in Germany is a largely ceremonial role comes amid rising worries about the steadfastness of Western support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion. Biden, a Democrat, is facing growing pushback from Congressional Republicans to his efforts to keep backing Ukraine as the US presidential election campaign picks up. The United States is by far the biggest provider of military help to Kyiv. Biden's request for $24 billion in additional funding for Kyiv was left out of a stopgap funding bill the Congress passed on Saturday. Meanwhile, in Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is resisting growing calls to supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, which many say is reminiscent of the debate over whether or not to send tanks to Ukraine. The White House said Biden and Steinmeier would reaffirm their ties, "including our close coordination as NATO Allies on a range of important issues such as defending democratic values and our shared commitment to support Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's invasion". Steinmeier became Germany's president in 2017 after serving as foreign minister under former Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Nobel Peace Prize 2023 has been awarded to Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all, the Swedish Academy in Stockholm announced on Friday. Nobel prize In an official statement, the academy said, Her brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs. Altogether, the regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Ms Mohammadi is still in prison as I speak. The award to Narges Mohammadi follows a long tradition in which the Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Peace Prize to those working to advance social justice, human rights, and democracy, it added. According to the academy, the Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their home countries and have for many years promoted the right to criticise power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens. They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human right abuses and the abuse of powerTogether they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy, it said. Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022? The Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 was awarded to human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, the Russian human rights organisation Memorial and the Ukrainian human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties. What are Nobel Prizes? The prestigious Nobel Prizes encompass physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. The Swedish inventor, famous for dynamite innovation - Alfred Nobel - left behind his legacy through these awards when he passed away in 1896. In 1968, the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was introduced by Sweden's central bank. Meanwhile, the Economic Sciences Prize announcement will be made on October 9 at 3:15 pm. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The winner of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize is being announced Friday, chosen by a panel of experts in Norway from a list of just over 350 nominations. The 2023 Nobel Prize announcements from Oktober 2 to 9, 2023 will celebrate a string of groundbreaking achievements, but with conflicts raging around the globe, experts solicited about possible Peace Prize winners are scratching their heads.(AFP) Last year's prize was won by human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart and ally. The prize can be awarded to individuals or organizations. Other previous winners include Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Aung San Suu Kyi and the United Nations. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. This year, the committee received 351 nominations 259 for individuals and 92 for organizations. People who can make nominations include former Nobel Peace Prize winners, members of the committee, heads of states, members of parliaments and professors of political science, history and international law. The peace prize is the fifth of this year's prizes to be announced. A day earlier, the Nobel committee awarded Norwegian writer Jon Fosse the prize for literature. On Wednesday, the chemistry prize went to U.S. scientists Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov. The physics prize went Tuesday to French-Swedish physicist Anne LHuillier, French scientist Pierre Agostini and Hungarian-born Ferenc Krausz. Hungarian-American Katalin Kariko and American Drew Weissman won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday. Nobels season ends on Monday with the announcement of the winner of the economics prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. The prizes are handed out at awards ceremonies in December in Oslo and Stockholm. They carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma when they collect their Nobel Prizes at the award ceremonies in December. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, who will join the ranks of Elie Wiesel, former US President Jimmy Carter and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, will be revealed on Friday and the annual guessing game has reached its climax. The committee says it has received 351 nominations for this year's prize, including 259 for individuals and 92 for organizations. The winner will be announced at 11 am in Oslo (0900 GMT/5 a.m. ET). (File) As usual, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has dropped no hints about who's in the running this year, leaving those speculating with very little to go on. Bookmakers who take bets on prospective winners are giving the lowest odds to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or jailed Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. However, guessing a winner is notoriously hard and the bookies rarely get it right. Zelenskyy would seem like an unlikely choice, as Russia's war in Ukraine continues to spread death and destruction. When the committee has picked world leaders embroiled in conflicts in the past, it has usually been after they reached a peace agreement. I don't think the panel can give it to a national leader in the midst of a war between two nations, said Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, who is a widely quoted pundit major media outlets turn to every year for his views on potential winners. Urdal's annual projections about possible prize winners are always closely watched, even though he has no inside information. Urdal correctly guessed the dual winners Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad in 2018 and Abiy Ahmed in 2019. He has not picked the winner since. Navalny has been mentioned as a contender in recent years, though it's unclear whether the committee would consider him after the last two prizes included Russian winners. The 2022 award was shared by Ales Bialiatski, a human rights advocate from Belarus; the Russian human rights organisation Memorial, and Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties. Urdal's top picks this year are human rights activists Narges Mohammadi from Iran and Mahbouba Seraj from Afghanistan. This year is exactly 75 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so it would be a very timely award for Narges Mohammadi if the panel wants to focus on human rights, Urdal said. Earlier this year, Mohammadi was one of three imprisoned Iranian journalists to receive the United Nations' World Press Freedom Prize. Urdal said Mahbouba Seraj could be a possible co-winner with Mohammadi. She returned to Afghanistan in 2003 after 26 years in exile to found the nonprofit Afghan Women's Network and the Organization for Research in Peace and Solidarity. Norway's public broadcaster NRK also said the committee could award Mohammadi or other Iranian activists for shining a light on women's lives in Iran following the nationwide protests that erupted last year after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country's morality police. Should the panel plumb for an institution, rather than an individual, Urdal thinks the Netherlands-based International Court of Justice, which mediates international conflict; or the U.S based Human Rights Data Analysis Group, which documents and analyzes data on human rights abuses, would be worthy recipients. In a year that's on track to be the hottest on record, some speculate the peace prize could go to climate activists, such as Greta Thunberg from Sweden or Vanessa Nakate from Uganda. The committee has not devoted the prize to climate change since the 2007 award to former US Vice President Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Even though the rest of the prizes are picked and announced in Sweden, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize should be judged in next door Norway. The five-member panel of academics and former politicians is independent but appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The committee says it has received 351 nominations for this year's prize, including 259 for individuals and 92 for organizations. The winner will be announced at 11 am in Oslo (0900 GMT/5 a.m. ET). Earlier this week, the Nobel committee awarded writer Jon Fosse the prize for literature. The chemistry prize went to to Moungi Bawendi of MIT, Louis Brus of Columbia University, and Alexei Ekimov of Nanocrystals Technology Inc. Hungarian-American Katalin Kariko and American Drew Weissman won the Nobel Prize in medicine. And on Tuesday, the physics prize went to French-Swedish physicist Anne L'Huillier, French scientist Pierre Agostini and Hungarian-born Ferenc Krausz. A long-awaited dream of having the first free-standing Gandhi Museum in North America, dedicated to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace, is finally a reality and open for the public in the US city of Houston in Texas. The Eternal Gandhi Museum, US(The Eternal Gandhi Museum website) The Eternal Gandhi Museum is the only Gandhi-related Museum in the United States, dedicated to Gandhi, to preserve and promote his ever-lasting legacy of nonviolent conflict resolution. The museum officially opened its doors to the public on August 15, but the Grand ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on October 2, the 154th birth anniversary of Gandhi. The outer walls of the semi-circle-shaped museum depict various peace activists including Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Betty Williams, and more. A statue of Gandhi stands in front of the museum. READ | Eternal Gandhi Museum in Houston gets grant of USD 457,000 from Fort Bend County Mahatma Gandhis grandson, Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi and Martin Luther Kings nephew, Isaac Newton Farris Jr., CGI Houston D Manjunath, were the special guests amongst several invited guests Monday afternoon, to celebrate the grand opening of the Museum. "EGMH will encourage humanity to get beyond hate, violence, and supremacy," Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, said. "For a great many in the world, Gandhi and King are symbols of dignity, of peace, of equality." The 13,000 square-foot museum's architecture is based on Gandhi's twenty-four-spoke Chakra spinning wheel which he used to seek independence from colonial rule. EGMH offers insights into different chapters of Gandhis life, including his childhood in India, early adulthood as a lawyer in Africa and followed by the Satyagraha movement and nonviolent fight for independence. The interactive and engaging exhibits tell the story of Gandhis life and visitors experience it in three parts: His Journey, Our Journey and My Journey. READ | Mahatma Gandhi statue unveiled in Houston's Little India Isaac Newton Farris Jr., who flew in from Atlanta for the event, said "This museum and the great Mahatma's philosophy is desperately needed in America today, and so I certainly had to be part of this," Farris said. In recognition of the impact that the great Mahatma had on my uncle, my aunt, Coretta Scott King, established the Gandhi Room in the Martin Luther King Jr Freedom Center Hall building, where millions of tourists can view personal items that belong to the great Mahatma. US Representative Al Green, who has been a great supporter by helping the EGMH board secure USD 3 million through the Community Project Funding to get the project off the ground, said in a statement, Mahatma Gandhis legacy remains deeply relevant in todays world, where we face pressing global challenges. From military conflicts to social injustice movements, his teachings offer guidance for peaceful solutions and social change. EGMH will be a museum where people of all diverse backgrounds can come together and learn stories of leaders who made profound social changes, through peaceful means. The goal is to create a cultural and educational hub for Texas students in grades six-12 by offering curriculum-based tours, inspiring the next generation of leaders to advocate for peace and social justice. Atul Kothari, its trustee and co-founder told PTI during the tour of the museum. The exhibit space takes the visitor through three distinct galleries: Gallery One His Journey: Learn about the transformation of Mahatma Gandhi from a child of fear to a man of freedom. Gallery Two Our Journey: Learn how global peace leaders have followed into Mahatma Gandhis footsteps to bring about profound social change around the world. Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lech Walesa, Nelson Mandela, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan, and others who used nonviolent conflict resolution in their work for social justice. Gallery Three My Journey: After learning about Mahatma Gandhi and global peace leaders, this gallery provides the visitor with a place to reflect and contemplate. It invites the visitor to make a personal commitment to be a catalyst for positive changes in their own lives and community i.e.- What is something you can do, large or small, that can make an impact on your own life and environment? How can you Be the change you wish to see in the world. EGMH started its journey in 2016 when Atul Kothari, returned from India with an offer from Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum in Delhi of Aditya Birla Group to host a travelling exhibit in Houston. The EGMH Board immediately agreed to host and establish a new civic asset - the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston. The Houston Endowment Foundation provided USD 750,000 for the construction of EGMH, which was followed by Congressman Al Green, who sponsored a grant of USD 3 million under Community Project Funding of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. With the help of Fort Bend County Judge K P George, the Fort Bend County Commissioners approved a grant of USD 475,000. Dr Anne Chao, Chair of the Advisory Board, donated USD 500,000 through her various foundations. To date, we have raised USD 8 million of the total construction budget of USD 10 million, Kothari said. "The journey began with the selection of RDLR Architects and Lorie Westrick, the Principal of the firm. The Charkha, the spinning wheel, inspired her masterful museum design. We engaged the services of Brian Crockett, a museum consultant with a Smithsonian background. EGMH selected Solid Light, Inc., Cynthia Torp, CEO, from Louisville, Kentucky as the exhibit designer, who planned, designed, fabricated, and installed all the museum galleries. To gain inspiration for the museum, the Board, Architect, and Solid Light went on a whirlwind tour to India in February 2020 visiting 6 different Gandhi museums in 4 different cities in 5 days. Former Consul General of India in Houston, Aseem Mahajan, facilitated the donation of the Mahatma Gandhi Statue from the Government of India. Sanjay Khanna of Superior Granite and Marble by Vivaldi was instrumental in producing the granite figures that are prominently embedded in the facade of the museum. The museum builder, TDK Construction owned by Dhansukh (Dan) Khatri, and his daughter Tina, managed the entire construction from inception. The exhibits at the museum were created by Solid Light, a firm known for its interactive multimedia experiences in schools, museums and other public places. Most in this museum are presented in English, Spanish and Hindi. Kothari and his team hope that by the time they finish the tour, visitors will make a commitment to being part of some sort of change. Inside, visitors learn about others who effected change peaceably: Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, American labour leader Cesar Chavez, Native American activist Wilma Mankiller and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai. Theres a small theatre, called A Force More Powerful, where up to 20 people at a time can sit and watch a seven-minute film about Gandhi. Theyre developing a curriculum thats compatible with state educational guidelines and working with The museum has a state-of-the-art auditorium which is available for birthdays, anniversaries, conferences, performances, and other celebrations. The auditorium can accommodate up to 108 people. The Philippines has placed 42 airports on heightened alert and was seeking to verify warnings that bombs could be set off on commercial planes, its civil aviation authority said on Friday. Transport minister, Jaime Bautista, said patrols and K9 units were deployed at all terminals of Manila's international airport.(File photo for representation) "Immediate enhanced security measures" were being implemented across all Philippine commercial airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said in a media advisory, adding the warnings were being verified. It said the flights identified were headed to Cebu, Bicol, Davao and Palawan and the warnings were received by email by air traffic services. The islands of Cebu and Palawan are popular destinations for foreign tourists. It was not immediately clear when the threats were issued. "While the information is currently under validation, immediate enhanced security measures are being implemented across all airports," it said. Transport minister, Jaime Bautista, said patrols and K9 units were deployed at all terminals of Manila's international airport and law enforcement agencies were coordinating closely. "There are no expected impact to any scheduled flights and we would like to ensure the travelling public that protocols are in place to ensure everyone's safety and security," he said in a statement. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan has met with European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic to discuss the humanitarian issues of the forcibly displaced Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (NK). Khachatryan and Lenarcic delivered a joint press conference after their meeting on October 6. We attached importance to coordinating the efforts by the Armenian government and the EU regarding the large-scale measures of humanitarian nature and directing the incoming humanitarian aid to the needs of the forcibly displaced persons. We discussed issues of developing a single platform of cooperation and increasing the effectiveness of our actions in that format, Khachatryan said. He appreciated the rapid response by the EU and its member states to address the needs of the over 100,000 forcibly displaced persons of NK whove arrived to Armenia. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic is in Armenia to coordinate the EU's assistance to the country in light of the mass exodus of people from Nagorno-Karabakh. This follows European Commission President von der Leyen's meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan yesterday in Granada where a series of EU support measures were outlined. The visit comes as a plane carrying EU emergency supplies is due to arrive in Yerevan. The aid flight is part of the European Humanitarian Response Capacity which has been activated to provide support to humanitarian organisations on the ground, the European Commission said in a press release. Mobilising its humanitarian stockpiles, the EU is delivering hygiene kits, kitchen sets, blankets, solar LED-s, and solar flashlights to EU humanitarian partners who will then rapidly distribute them to the people in need. This aid flight will therefore help support people in need with shelter and accommodation essentials. Furthermore, the Commissioner will discuss the latest support mobilised via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism which was activated on 29 September upon a request from Armenia. So far, Austria, Germany, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, and Sweden have offered urgently needed shelter equipment and food and medical supplies. Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Sweden have offered medical support to assist the mass burn victims of the fuel depot explosion in Stepanakert. The first medical evacuation flight transporting patients for treatment in France landed yesterday in Paris. A team of EU humanitarian experts have been deployed to Armenia where they are now coordinating with humanitarian partners to assess the developing needs and to ensure a rapid response to the crisis. The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre is operating 24/7 to coordinate donations via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to Armenia. Hitting out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy said that just because Russian President Vladimir Putin s "bad", doesn't mean that his Ukraine is good. Vivek Ramaswamy and Volodymyr Zelensky(ANI) The Indian-American entrepreneur has slammed President Zelensky for allegedly banning 11 Opposition parties, consolidating media as state broadcaster, and accused Ukraine of having "abysmal record on corruption". He also slammed Zelensky over the Canadian Parliament episode -- where Nazi veteran Yaroslav Hunka was honoured -- and for demanding US funds for holding elections. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Ramaswamy posted, "TRUTH: The fact that "Putin is bad" doesn't mean Ukraine is good. Pro-war Republicans are selling the same lie as Biden". "Zelensky has banned 11 opposition parties and consolidated all TV channels into *one* state broadcaster. The country threatened not to hold its regular elections unless the U.S. forks over more $$, it has an abysmal record on corruption, and Zelensky shamefully joined the Canadian parliament to applaud a Nazi collaborator. Most occupied regions in the Donbas are Russian-speaking and haven't voted in Ukrainian parliamentary elections for nearly a decade. We have to confront these hard facts or else we'll repeat the same mistakes as we did in Iraq and Afghanistan," Ramaswamy stated. Notably, throughout his campaign, Ramaswamy has been critical of US support to Ukraine in the ongoing war against Russia, even calling it "disastrous". The Ohio-based entrepreneur has advocated for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict with Moscow keeping parts of Donbas region and Kyiv not joining NATO. Russian President Vladimir Putin must exit his military alliance with China to end the conflict. The Indian American entrepreneur had shot up sharply in GOP primary polls, standing tied with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at the second position. However, both candidates lag hugely behind former President Donald Trump who leads with 56 per cent, as per The Hill. He also stood out in the first GOP debate. Despite being a 38-year-old tech entrepreneur without any prior political experience, the youngest Republican candidate took the sharp criticism from his rivals as a "badge of honour". In another poll by RealClearPolitics, Trump is far out in front of the 2024 GOP race with 53.6 per cent support, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 13.5 per cent, and Ramaswamy at 7.3 per cent, New York Post reported. Ramaswamy's campaign has gained attention, and he has risen in GOP primary polls, although he still trails behind Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in support. The next US presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Russia has supplied the first batch of nuclear fuel to Bangladesh for the Rooppur nuclear power project being constructed by Moscow, with President Vladimir Putin pledging to provide aid throughout the life cycle of the plant. Bangladesh on Thursday officially received the first batch of uranium for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (Twitter/@albd1971) Putin and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the ceremony held on Thursday to mark the handing over of the nuclear fuel by video-conference. The uranium had arrived in Bangladesh last month and was handed over at the ceremony at Ishwardi in Pabna district, where the plant is located. The Rooppur nuclear plant will produce 2,400 MW and power about 15 million households when its two reactors go fully online. The first unit is expected to become operational in 2024. The plant is being built by Rosatom, Russias state-run nuclear energy corporation. Hasina and Putin gave symbolic permission for the delivery of the nuclear fuel to the power plant. Naturally, Russias efforts are not limited to building the facility. We will provide assistance to our Bangladeshi partners throughout the entire life cycle of the nuclear project, including our obligations for the long-term deliveries of reactor fuel, plant maintenance and handling nuclear waste, Putin said. He said the flagship project meets the interests of both countries and helps strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation. It will also contribute to Bangladeshs economic development and strengthen energy security, Putin added. Russia is training specialists for Bangladeshs nuclear industry, and 80 Bangladeshi students seeking careers in the industry have completed their studies at Russian universities, Putin said. An education and training centre for Bangladeshi personnel has also been operating at the plant site since last year and has trained more than 1,000 Bangladeshi citizens to oversee basic technological processes at the plant. Hasina expressed gratitude to Russia for providing much-needed assistance in our struggle for independence and in the post-war reconstruction of our ruined country and also for giving a helping hand in implementing the Rooppur project. Russia has funded the construction of the plant with a $11.38-billion loan, to be repaid over two decades from 2027. More than 4,000 Russian citizens are working at the construction site. The fuel for the Rooppur plant was manufactured at Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant (NCCP), an enterprise of Rosatoms fuel division. After the delivery of nuclear fuel, Rooppur NPP becomes a nuclear facility, and... Bangladesh gets the status of a country that possesses peaceful nuclear technologies, said Rosatom director general Alexey Likhachev. The plant is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges river, about 160 km northwest of Dhaka. The Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactor were chosen for Bangladeshs first nuclear plant. The life cycle of these reactors is 60 years, with the possibility of extending service life by another 20 years. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Friday that Russia will "again try to destroy" Ukraine's power grid this winter and that Kyiv was making "preparations" to protect its heating facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy(AFP) Fears for Ukraine's energy security have risen ahead of the winter months as war with Russia has dragged on for almost 20 months. Last cold season Russia led a campaign of targeting Ukraine's power grid and energy facilities, leaving thousands to face freezing temperatures in the winter, which can be severe in parts of Ukraine. "This winter, Russian terrorists will again try to destroy our power system," Zelensky said in his daily evening address. "We are fully aware of the danger," he said. He added that Kyiv was preparing for "the protection of our generating facilities and provision of electricity and heat, restoration of everything damaged by Russian strikes and hostilities." He said government officials met to discuss the protection of energy facilities. "Winning this winter, going through all the difficulties and giving protection to our people is very important," he said. Ukraine late last month reported Russia targeting energy facilities throughout the country, but said it was too early to tell whether it was part of a renewed Russian campaign. Singapore is experiencing another COVID-19 wave, with more people expected to fall sick and be hospitalised in the coming weeks, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung warned on Friday. During the peak in April, the number of infections rose to about 4,000 cases a day. Ong said that the estimated daily cases have risen from about 1,000 three weeks ago to 2,000 over the past two weeks. However, the government will treat this as an "endemic disease", he said. The spate of these recent cases is driven by mostly two variants - the EG.5 and its sub-lineage HK.3 - both of which are descendants of the XBB Omicron variant. Together, they now account for over 75 per cent of our daily cases, Ong told Channel News Asia here. However, he added that there are no plans to impose any social restrictions, as with the last wave which occurred from March to April. During the peak in April, the number of infections rose to about 4,000 cases a day. We will treat this as an endemic disease, which is in line with our strategy, and we will live with it, he said. After all, there has been no evidence to suggest that the new variants are more likely to lead to severe illnesses compared to previous variants. All indications show that current vaccines continue to work well in protecting us against severe illnesses if infected by these new variants, he said. But he warned Singapore against lowering its guard against COVID-19. In the coming weeks, we should expect more people to fall sick, and if so, hospitalisations will go up. Waiting time will go up, the Health Minister said. He shared findings from a Ministry of Health (MOH) study, which showed the incidence rate of severe illness recorded during the peak of Singapores last infection wave in April. Among those who are best protected - those who have a minimum of three mRNA shots and a natural infection within the last 12 months - the severe illness incidence rate is about 10 per 100,000 people. For the least protected group, or those who have no minimum protection and no recorded infection, they are five times more likely to fall very sick when infected with COVID-19. The incidence rate for such individuals is more than 50 in 100,000 people. He then moved on to another finding which he described as the most important. For individuals who are well-protected with three mRNA shots plus an infection, but these are all acquired more than 12 months ago, their incidence rate of severe illness is also about 50 per 100,000 population not very different from those who have no vaccination or protection, the Channel had the Minister as saying. This is a clear indication that protection wanes. And it happens around the 12-month interval, based on our study. Speaking at an event, Ong advised senior citizens or those who are medically vulnerable due to underlying illness to take the necessary precautions, such as wearing a mask in crowded areas. Also read: Long Covid patients are much more likely to have multiple organ abnormalities But most importantly, seniors and vulnerable individuals are recommended to keep your vaccination up to date, which means taking a shot at least once a year, he said. As I have said before, the COVID-19 virus has not become milder since the pandemic crisis. It is us who have gotten stronger and more resilient, and that is because of vaccinations as well as safe recovery from infections. But like all protection, it will wane over time. The Ministry of Health (MOH) continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for free at its various vaccination centres, he said. Some popular weight loss drugs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, according to a new Canadian study. Some popular brands of medications are found to be associated with an increased risk of serious medical conditions including stomach paralysis, pancreatitis and bowel obstruction. (Source: University of British Columbia) New research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) found that popular brands of medications known as GLP-1 agonists, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus and Saxenda, are associated with an increased risk of serious medical conditions including stomach paralysis, pancreatitis and bowel obstruction, a release from UBC said. While these risks were underscored in earlier studies for patients with diabetes, UBC said this was the first large, population-level study to examine adverse gastrointestinal events in non-diabetic patients using the drugs specifically for weight loss. The findings were published in the journal JAMA. The first author of the study was Indo-Canadian Mohit Sodhi, who said, Given the wide use of these drugs, these adverse events, although rare, must be considered by patients thinking about using them for weight loss. Sodhi, a graduate of UBCs experimental medicine programme and fourth year UBC medical student, added, The risk calculus will differ depending on whether a patient is using these drugs for diabetes, obesity or just general weight loss. People who are otherwise healthy may be less willing to accept these potentially serious adverse events. GLP-1 agonists were originally developed for targeting Type 2 diabetes but have become increasingly used for weight loss regimens. The researchers compared the effects of these drugs to bupropion-naltrexone, also used for weight loss. They found that there was 9.09 times higher risk of pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas, the risk for bowel obstruction was at 4.22 and for gastroparesis or stomach paralysis was at 3.67 times. Sodhi said, These drugs are becoming increasingly accessible, and it is concerning that, in some cases, people can simply go online and order these kind of medications when they may not have a full understanding of what could potentially happen. This goes directly against the mantra of informed consent. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Heavy rainstorms and strong winds will hit southern China in the next three days as Typhoon Koinu approaches the coast of Guangdong province after killing one and injuring hundreds in Taiwan. A person on a scooter drives past a fallen billboard after Typhoon Koinu passed the southern tip of Taiwan on October 5.(Reuters) Typhoon Koinu, which means "puppy" in Japanese, will bring heavy rain along the coasts of Guangdong and neighbouring Fujian province in the next three days, China's National Meteorological Centre (NMC) said. The NMC said rainfall in Guangdong could reach more than 300 millimetres. It also issued a yellow alert for strong winds, the third highest in a four-coloured warning system. Guangdong province has suspended dozens of ferry routes since late Thursday and the NMC warned tourists to stay away from beach resorts on the last day of a week-long national holiday on Friday. Typhoon Koinu was travelling around 144 kph (89 mph) off the coast of the southern Guangdong city of Shanwei as of 8 a.m. on Friday, said the NMC, slowing down from the 252 kph (156mph) on Thursday in Taiwan. The typhoon is expected to weaken into a strong tropical storm from late Friday and grow weaker as it heads west along China's southern coast, it said. Typhoon Koinu killed one person and injured almost 400 people in Taiwan, causing the most extensive damage on remote Orchid Island off Taiwan's east coast and home to around 5,000 people, although no one was injured on the island. More than 70 boats were overturned or sunk in a harbour on the island, two schools were seriously damaged and power cut due to the typhoon. An air force helicopter was flying in engineers to restore electricity on Friday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The death toll from an air strike on the village of Hroza in northeastern Ukraine rose to 52 on Friday, with rescue workers scouring the rubble for more bodies after what Kyiv said was one of Moscow's deadliest attacks on civilians. Emergency workers search for victims after a Russian air attack that damaged an apartment building in central Kharkiv, (AP) The latest victim died overnight in hospital, the regional governor said, following an attack in which a missile slammed into a cafe and grocery store on Thursday as people gathered to mourn a fallen Ukrainian soldier. "Fifty-two people died as a result of this missile attack. One person died in a medical facility," Oleh Synehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region, told Ukrainian television. "People are still there (in hospitals). The injuries are quite serious." A three-day mourning period was announced in the wider Kharkiv region as villagers cleared grave sites for their relatives and rescuers continued their work at the scene, looking for body parts among piles of bricks, wood and metal. The Kremlin reiterated on Friday that it does not attack civilian targets, distancing itself from a strike that resulted in one of the biggest civilian death tolls of the more than 19-month-old war. "It would have been better if I had died," Valeriy Kozyr said as he prepared to bury his daughter and her husband, who were killed in Thursday's attack. "Oh God, you cannot punish me like this. To leave the father and take the children!" Police investigators said that authorities would have to use DNA to identify some of the victims because their remains were beyond recognition. "Corpses lay there in that yard, and nobody could identify them," said Valentyna Kozienko, 73, speaking near her home close to the site. U.N. CONDEMNATION United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the missile strike, a U.N. spokesperson said on Thursday, noting that "attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law". On Friday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights deployed a field team to speak to survivors and gather information, OHCHR spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell said. "The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who saw for himself the horrific impact of such strikes, is profoundly shocked and condemns these killings," she said. OCHR said it was likely that the missile was fired by Russia but that it was too early to say for certain. "At this stage, it's obviously very difficult to establish with absolute certainty what happened," Throssell said. "But given the location, given the fact that the cafe was struck, and the indications are that it was a Russian missile." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia strikes military infrastructure, troop concentrations and the military leadership but not civilian targets. However, many civilians have been killed in attacks that have hit residential areas as well as energy, defence, port, grain and other facilities. In the latest air strikes early on Friday, missiles hit the city of Kharkiv in the northeast and grain and port facilities were damaged in the Odesa region in the south, Ukrainian officials said. A US man who groped a sleeping passenger on a plane was jailed Thursday for nearly two years. The accused was found guilty after a four-day trial in May.(Reuters) Mohammad Jawad Ansari, 50, put his hand on the inner thigh of a woman as she slept in the middle seat of a flight from Cleveland to Los Angeles in February 2020. The victim, who was wearing a dress, woke up and pushed Ansari's hand away before leaving her seat and telling cabin crew about the assault, officials said. Ansari, who had denied the charge of abusive sexual contact, was found guilty after a four-day trial in May, the Department of Justice said. Ansari's "groping left (his victim) shocked and afraid, and witnesses testified that she sobbed for the remainder of the flight," a prosecutor told a court in Los Angeles. On flights, the victim "now struggles to fall asleep because she is constantly concerned about 'what if someone touches me.'" US District Judge Fernando Aenlle-Rocha jailed Ansari for 21 months and ordered him to pay over $40,000. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President Vladimir Putin said Russia may revoke a ban on nuclear weapons tests, complaining about the US failure to ratify a treaty that imposed the prohibition. Russian President Vladimir Putin.(AP) We could mirror the behavior of the US, which signed but didnt ratify the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Putin said Thursday at the annual meeting of the Valdai Club in the Black Sea city of Sochi. This is a question for lawmakers, he said. Theoretically, we can revoke this ratification. The speaker of Russias lower house of parliament said that lawmakers would discuss withdrawing ratification at their next meeting. This is in line with the national interests of our state, Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said Friday in a post on Telegram after Putins address. It will be a mirror response to the US, which has not yet ratified the treaty. Putin said that military experts advised that tests of new nuclear weapons would provide guarantees that warheads are fully functional. Russia recently successfully tested a nuclear-powered missile called Burevestnik and has just brought into service the Sarmat, an advanced intercontinental nuclear ballistic missile, Putin said. Russia is one of the 178 countries that have ratified the treaty. The US, one of the 187 nations that signed the agreement, still hasnt ratified it, which has to be done by a vote in the Senate. The US hasnt carried out a nuclear test since signing the agreement. Putin dismissed a call from a member of the audience to lower Russias threshold for a nuclear strike, saying theres no need to change the nuclear doctrine as nothing threatens the countrys existence. Russia earlier this year delivered tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, ratcheting up tensions with the US and Europe over the war in Ukraine. Repeated hints from Kremlin officials since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine that they might use the arms have triggered international alarm and warnings against resorting to nuclear weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that hand grenade fragments were found in the bodies of people who died in the August 23 crash of mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhins plane. A preliminary US intelligence assessment concluded that an intentional explosion caused the crash, and Western officials have pointed to a long list of Putin foes who have been assassinated. (File) Experts investigating the crash found no indication the private jet had suffered an external impact, he said. Prigozhin and two of his top lieutenants of the Wagner private military contractor were among the 10 people killed when the jet came down as it flew from Moscow to St. Petersburgh. There was no way to independently verify Putin's statement. A preliminary US intelligence assessment concluded that 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. A Russian 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. While Putin noted the probe was still ongoing and stopped short of saying what caused the crash, his statement appeared to hint the plane was brought down by a grenade explosion. Prigozhins aborted rebellion in June marked the most serious challenge to Putin, who has been in power for more than two decades. The crash came two months to the day after the rebellions start. Putin also noted that while investigators havent tested the remains for alcohol and drugs, 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of cocaine was found during searches at Prigozhins office in St. Petersburg following the mutiny an apparent attempt to denigrate the mercenary chief. After his death, Putin described Prigozhin, 62, as a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life." Prigozhin owed his fortune to his ties with the Russian leader dating to the early 1990s and was dubbed Putin's chef for the lucrative Kremlin catering contracts. The Wagner Group military contractor that he created has been active in Ukraine, Syria and several African countries and counted tens of thousands of troops at its peak. It played a key role in the fighting in Ukraine, where it spearheaded capture of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in May after months of bloody combat. In the June 23-24 rebellion, Prigozhin said it was intended to oust the Defense Ministrys leadership that he blamed for mistakes in pressing the fighting in Ukraine. His mercenaries took over Russias southern military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and then rolled toward Moscow before abruptly halting the mutiny under a deal that offered them amnesty from prosecution. The mercenaries were given a choice to retire from the service, move to Belarus or sign new contracts with the Defense Ministry. Last week, Putin met with one of Wagner's top commanders to take charge of volunteer units fighting in Ukraine in a sign that the Kremlin intends to keep using the mercenaries after Prigozhin's death. Putin said Thursday that several thousand Wagner troops have signed contracts with the Defense Ministry. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic. PM Pashinyan welcomed Lenarcics visit to Armenia in this difficult situation and said that international support is required, including financial support, to overcome the crisis resulting from the forced displacement of more than 100,000 Armenians as a result of Azerbaijans policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. PM Pashinyan added that he had productive discussions with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Granada regarding needs assessment and further assistance. Janez Lenarcic reiterated EUs commitment to provide assistance to the government of Armenia and the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to mitigate and overcome the current problems. The Armenian Prime Minister and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management also discussed issues related to future partnership and actions. Former US President Donald Trump has extended his support to Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan for the position of House Speaker after Kevin McCarthy was ousted in a historic rebellion by far-right Republicans, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz. Donald Trump has endorsed Jim Jordan for US House Speaker(Reuters/Mike Segar and AP/J. Scott Applewhite) In a Friday morning post on Trump's social media platform Truth Social, he declared his complete and total endorsement for Jim. Showering praises, the ex-president said that the Congressman has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, adding, he will be a GREAT speaker of the house. ALSO READ: Donald Trump falls off Forbes 400 list of richest Americans, here's why Who is Jim Jordan? Jim Jordan, 59, is a US Representative for Ohio's 4th congressional district and chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee. He was elected to Congress in 2006 and as a member of the Republican Party, Jim has been a vocal Trump supporter for a long time. During Trump's presidency, he staged a sit-in to prevent his impeachment and even discredited investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump's endorsement for Ohio Rep. came just hours after Rep. Troy E. Nehls wrote on X (formerly Twitter), Just had a great conversation with President Trump about the Speakers race. He is endorsing Jim Jordan, and I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party. I fully support Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House. Jim became the first person to disclose his plans to run for speaker when he said yes on Wednesday to reporters asking if he seeks to lead the chamber. To become a speaker, the Ohio Rep. must have 218 votes along with support from both far-right and moderate factions of the GOP. Additionally, finding a consensus to fund the government by November is yet another challenge for him. Nobel Peace Prize 2023 winner: The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize 2023 was awarded to jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all. Iranian Narges Mohammadi (right) from the center for Human Rights Defenders in Iran in 2008. (AP) Narges Mohammadis brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs. The Iranian regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Mohammadi is still in prison, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said. Born in Zanjan, Mohammadi attended the Imam Khomeini International University, where she received a degree in Physics. During her college years, Mohammadi distinguished herself as an advocate for equality and womens rights. After concluding her studies, she worked as an engineer but also wrote columns for various reform-minded newspapers. In 2003 she became involved with the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Tehran, an organisation founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. In 2011 Ms Mohammadi was arrested for the first time and sentenced to many years of imprisonment for her efforts to assist incarcerated activists and their families. After securing a bail in 2013, Mohammadi immersed herself in a campaign against the use of the death penalty. She was again arrested in 2015 and was sentenced to additional years behind walls. Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi in an undated picture.(Reuters) While in prison she opposed the regimes systematic use of torture and sexual violence against political prisoners, particularly women. Last year, after a young Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, was killed while in the custody of the Iranian morality police, she again took the lead and expressed support for the demonstrators and organised solidarity actions among her fellow inmates. The prison authorities responded by imposing even stricter conditions. Ms Mohammadi was prohibited from receiving calls and visitors. She nevertheless managed to smuggle out an article which the New York Times published on the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Aminis killing, the Nobel Committee said. The committee also said that it wishes to honour Mohammadi's courageous fight for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran. This years Peace Prize also recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against the theocratic regimes policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women. Only by embracing equal rights for all can the world achieve the fraternity between nations that Alfred Nobel sought to promote, it added. Previous year winner Last year, jailed Belarus rights activist Ales Bialiatski, the Russian group Memorial and the Ukrainian organisation Center for Civil Liberties were awarded this years Nobel Peace Prize. Bialiatski was one of the initiators of the democratic movement that emerged in Belarus in the mid-1980s. He founded the organisation Viasna (Spring) in 1996. Viasna evolved into a broad-based human rights organisation that documented and protested against the authorities use of torture against political prisoners. Government authorities have repeatedly sought to silence Ales Bialiatski. He has been detained since 2020 without trial. Human rights organisation Memorial was established in 1987 by human rights activists in the former Soviet Union who wanted to ensure that the victims of the communist regimes oppression would never be forgotten. During the Chechen wars, Memorial gathered and verified information on abuses and war crimes perpetrated on the population by Russian and pro-Russian forces. In 2009, the head of Memorials branch in Chechnya, Natalia Estemirova, was killed because of this work. The Center for Civil Liberties was founded for the purpose of advancing human rights and democracy in Ukraine. It has taken a stand to strengthen Ukrainian civil society and pressure the authorities to make Ukraine a full-fledged democracy. About the Nobel Prizes The Nobel Prizes are awarded in the memory of inventor Alfred Nobel, who in his will dictated that his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind." In 1968, Sweden's central bank introduced the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. The Nobel laureates for these esteemed awards are unveiled in Stockholm throughout October, with the exception of the Peace Prize, which is determined by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. The Nobel Peace Prize is the fifth award to be granted this week. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rescue workers clear the rubble from a damaged mosque, after a suicide blast in Hangu By Saleem Ahmed QUETTA (Reuters) - The death toll from a large blast at a mosque in Pakistan rose to 59 on Saturday as the government vowed to find the perpetrators and accused India's intelligence agency of being involved. Friday's blast tore through a mosque in Mastung in the southern province of Balochistan after a bomber detonated his explosives near a police vehicle where people were gathering for a procession to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad. Pakistani officials have long claimed that India sponsors violent groups in Pakistan - claims India has always denied. "Civil, military and all other institutions will jointly strike against the elements involved in the Mastung suicide bombing," interior minister Sarfaraz Bugti told media in Balochistan's capital, Quetta. "RAW is involved in the suicide attack," he added, referring to India's Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) intelligence agency. He did not provide details or evidence on the alleged involvement. India's foreign ministry and a government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Wasim Baig, the spokesman for Balochistan's health department, said seven more people had died in hospital since Friday, which had caused the rise in the death toll, adding that more patients remained in critical condition. A second attack on Friday at a mosque in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had killed at least 5 people. Police on Saturday filed a report to launch an investigation, saying they had sent DNA from the suicide bomb attacker to be analysed. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack. A surge in militant attacks in Pakistan's western provinces has cast a shadow on election preparations and public campaigning in the run-up to January's national vote, but until now the attacks had mostly targeted security forces. The Pakistani Taliban (TTP), responsible for some of the bloodiest attacks in Pakistan since the group's formation in 2007, denied responsibility for Friday's blasts. (Reporting by Saleem Ahmed in Quetta; Additional reporting by Saud Mehsud; Writing by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Giles Elgood) A bus crash in the south of Mexico has killed 16 Venezuelan and Haitian migrants and left 27 others injured. Oaxaca state's prosecutor said in an earlier statement preliminary findings put the death toll at 18. Authorities added 27 injured people were taken to nearby hospitals, without specifying their nationalities. Photos from the Oaxaca state civil protection agency show the bus, which was travelling on the highway connecting Oaxaca and the central state of Puebla, tipped over along a tight curve in the road. The accident comes amid high levels of migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border. Migrants attempt to cross Mexico by bus, in trucks or aboard cargo trains. However, the journey is often dangerous. Senior Sales Manager Cori Cramsey will manage, coordinate, and execute all hotel sales activities and client relationships. Drawing on more than 10 years in hospitality, Cramsey joins Trilith Guesthouse from the Luminary Hotel & Co., another Mainsail Lodging & Development property located in Fort Myers, Florida, where she played a pivotal role in the hotel's opening. At Luminary, Cramsey served as Catering Sales Manager before accepting a promotion to Senior Sales Manager at Trilith Guesthouse. Dive into the world of luxury with six EHL Brand ambassadors as they share their experiences with Cartier. Their stories provide a unique glimpse into the allure of luxury, exploring what fuels their motivations as ambassadors, how Cartier crafts unforgettable experiences, and the qualities that define exceptional hospitality professionals. Join us as each ambassador shares insights into Cartier's inner workings, their roles, and the standout moments from their luxury experience. These narratives showcase the fusion of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of perfection at the heart of EHL's partnership with the renowned brand. The allure of the luxury industries What motivated your role as an EHL Alliance Brand Ambassador? Being an EHL Alliance Brand Ambassador for Cartier is a unique opportunity to acquire practical skills, industry insights, and an extensive professional network. This role perfectly aligns with my desire for personal and professional growth. It allows me to gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills like communication and leadership, and engage with industry experts. Moreover, representing a brand like Cartier adds credibility to my profile and opens doors to exciting opportunities in the luxury sector. It's the perfect blend of my passion for luxury and my aspiration to make a meaningful impact. CHARLES BAJOT The world of luxury - Could you describe your role and experiences at Cartier? Our roles encompass a wide range of responsibilities, constantly evolving as we actively participate in collaborative events. Our primary mission is to attract students and cultivate meaningful connections between Cartier and EHL. One of our initial tasks was to assist in organizing the 'One Day with Cartier' event. Some of us promoting Cartier workshops and ensuring students didn't miss the opportunity to explore what Cartier has to offer. We also engaged with students expressing genuine interest in Cartier, extending invitations to networking events. We had the privilege of attending Watches and Wonders 2023, which showcased Cartier's dedication and highlighted EHL students' talent. As ambassadors, we gather insights into our peers' expectations, contributing to the success of EHL's partnership with the brand. HWAYEON CHUNG Crafting personalized experience What does it mean and how can Hospitality students complement the luxury industry? Personalized experiences, as demonstrated by Cartier's enduring success, transcend mere transactions. They involve understanding individual customer needs and forging authentic connections that stand the test of time. In the luxury sector, where clients demand the highest level of personalized care, these experiences are paramount. Hospitality students, with their educational emphasis on customer service and the creation of welcoming environments, possess the unique ability to craft tailored services that enhance the quality of life and leave a lasting impression. Their skills in designing customer-centric journeys and providing empathetic care lay the foundation for the success of personalized experiences. Additionally, their financial and managerial acumen empowers them to convert these personal connections into lucrative business opportunities, making them invaluable assets to the luxury industry. BENJAMIN LEUTWYLER Exceeding guest expectations - How does Cartier create a memorable luxury experience? Cartier's distinction lies in its century-old legacy of fine jewelry craftsmanship. Their boutiques showcase impeccable jewels, a testament to their commitment to perfection. What truly sets Cartier apart is the emotional resonance they build through unique pieces. Whether in-store or online, Cartier offers tailored assistance, ensuring each client's expectations are met impeccably. They excel at making every customer feel like a VIP, regardless of their purchase's price. Cartier's attention to detail and personalized service ensure a memorable luxury experience for all. From my personal experience, even when I purchased a product that was not their most expensive jewel, the Cartier team made me feel incredibly special and valued. From the moment I walked into the store until the moment I completed my purchase and left, their attention to detail and personalized service was extraordinary. Regardless of the price point, Cartier treats each customer with utmost care and respect, ensuring that the luxury experience is memorable and unforgettable for everyone. NATHALIE JEANNERET Essential skills - What do Hospitality professionals need? To provide a superb luxury experience, hospitality professionals must possess 4 essential skills - Attention to detail is paramount, especially for premium and VIP guests, requiring a relentless pursuit of perfection. - Effective communication is essential, involving active listening, precise speaking, and adaptability to various guests. - Empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to anticipate and fulfill guest needs are crucial, ensuring comfort and satisfaction. - Lastly, professionalism, decorum, honesty, and respect are non-negotiable, inspiring guests' trust and exceeding their expectations. FAUSTA TESOLIN Memorable Cartier moment? My best Cartier moment as an EHL Alliance student ambassador was during the annual Watches and Wonders event in Geneva. We had the privilege of a guided tour of the Maison, where we witnessed Cartier's iconic novelties and gained a deeper understanding of their watchmaking expertise and creativity. What stood out was the grandeur of Watches and Wonders, providing us with a comprehensive view of Cartier's creative universe. This event was undeniably the highlight of our semester as Cartier ambassadors, deepening our appreciation for the brand's craftsmanship. In retrospect, we are immensely grateful for this unforgettable journey into Cartier's world. STELLA RENNHARD The future of luxury In the world of luxury, where elegance meets excellence, the partnership between EHL Alliance Brand Ambassadors and Cartier shows how we're all about creating unique experiences. Each story from these ambassadors is about dedication and the drive for perfection. As we finish this journey, it's not an end, it's a new beginning. We're excited about the future, where young talents will keep making luxury unforgettable. About EHL Group EHL Group is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector. With expertise dating back to 1893, EHL Group now offers a wide range of leading educational programs from apprenticeships to master's degrees, as well as professional and executive education, on three campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. EHL Group also offers consulting and certification services to companies and learning centers around the world. True to its values and committed to building a sustainable world, EHL Group's purpose is to provide education, services and working environments that are people-centered and open to the world. www.ehlgroup.com EHL Hospitality Business School Communications Department +41 21 785 1354 EHL View source ATLANTA, GA - Radical Innovation, conceptualized in 2006 by The Hardy Group, is an annual award competition that has been shifting the norm in the global hospitality industry, by recognizing excellence in design, architecture, travel, and products. The initiative challenges creative thinkers and design visionaries at the professional and student level to pioneer compelling innovations that fuel the future of hospitality. Radical Innovation is pleased to announce that voting is officially open for the 17th annual competition. Radical Innovation collected over 100 entries split amongst the four categories: Professional Project, Student Project, Professional Product, and Student Product. The jurors were impressed by the quality of all submissions, which made the task of selecting the finalists an exceptionally challenging endeavor. The Professional Project finalists are SPINHOUS by Populous and The Turtle Bungalow by Luxury Frontiers. These two companies competed against each other in the year 2020, when Luxury Frontiers won with Camp Sarika by Amangiri, this is the rematch! Vote now on the Radical Innovation website to determine. The Project Finalists will present their concepts, and the winner will be announced at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner on October 24th in NYC. The Radical Innovation jury had the challenging responsibility of handpicking the finalists based on the innovative nature of their vision, the excellence of their design, and the projects feasibility and capacity to make a substantial impact on the industry. These finalists were meticulously chosen by a panel comprised of distinguished experts in hospitality, architecture, and design. This year, Radical Innovation has reinforced its unwavering commitment to the hospitality industry by enhancing the Advisory Board, welcoming 32 distinguished individuals representing various facets of the industry. Radical Innovation extended the invitation to join the Project Jury to two outstanding individuals, Christina Zimmer, the Senior Vice President of Design at Highgate, and Raj Chandnani, the EVP & Chief Development Office of WATG and Wimberly Interiors. Christina and Raj have joined the esteemed panel of industry luminaries, John Hardy, the Founder & Chairman of The Hardy Group; Claude Amar, the Managing Director of The Hardy Group International; Ellen Brown, the EVP of Fulcrum Hospitality; Mark Friesen, the Principal of Beyer Brown & Associates; Michael Medzigian, the Chairman & Managing Partner of Watermark Capital Partners; Damien Perrot, the Global Chief Design, Technical Services and Innovation Officer Accor Premium, Midscale, & Economy Brands at ACCOR, and James Woods, the Principal of Kompany Holdings. In addition, Radical Innovation is honored to have hospitality visionary John Edelman, President & CEO of Heller, join the distinguished Product Jury. Edelmans invaluable expertise complements the veteran jurors, including John Hardy, the Founder & Chairman of The Hardy Group; Claude Amar, the Managing Director of The Hardy Group International; Dan Dobin, the Co-Founder of Valley Forge Fabric; Issac Kubryk, the CEO & Founder of Global Allies; and Vito Lotta, the VP of Architecture & Design at Hilton. Together, our jurors and advisory board constitute a powerhouse of industry leaders, propelling Radical Innovation to the forefront of creativity and innovation within the hospitality sector. Radical Innovation is produced by The Hardy Group with the incredible support from sponsoring companies, DFL Legal, AHLA Foundation, Beyer Brown & Associates, Continental Contractors, Cooper Carry, DLR Group, Florim, Benjamin West, Chartres Lodging Group, Crown Creative, Hospitality Logistics Intl., JG Neukomm, ODA, Rivur, SHaD, Studio 11 Design, and Crown Creative (as of August 2023). Radical Innovation education partners are UNLV School of Architecture, UNLV Black Fire Innovation, the University of Illinois School of Architecture, NYUSPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. 2023 PROFFESSIONAL PROJECT FINALISTS: SPINHOUS | Populous | Joel Mbala-Nkanga | USA Source: The Hardy Group SPINHOUS; Mobile Hotel for Adventurers and Remote Explorers. SPINHOUS begins from the desire to break free from conventional travel limitations by envisioning a mobile hotel that can transport guests to untouched landscapes, remote wilderness, and hidden gems around the globe. This revolutionary mobile hotel concept is designed to cater to adventurous spirits and intrepid explorers who seek unique experiences in remote locations. This innovative accommodation solution combines the convenience and comfort of a hotel with the freedom and flexibility of a mobile vehicle, allowing travelers to embark on extraordinary journeys without sacrificing luxury and relaxation. THE TURTLE BUNGALOW | Luxury Frontiers | Nadine Van Vuuren, Juan Cloete, Graeme Labe | South Africa Source: The Hardy Group The Turtle Bungalow, an innovative experiential accommodation project, is set to revolutionize the hospitality industry. It serves as a mobile marketing tool and fully functional hotel room, offering guests an unforgettable experience and enticing potential property buyers. Designed to blend seamlessly with its aquatic surroundings, the sleek and modern bungalow moves around the island, providing a new perspective of the current and future context. Sustainability and contextual sensitivity were key considerations in its design, with minimal impact on the site and the use of sustainable materials. The bungalow is constructed off-site using prefabricated mass timber, ensuring a low carbon footprint, and incorporates self-sustainable features such as solar panels, a desalination plant, and environmentally friendly sewage treatment. Spread across two floors, it offers ample space for relaxation and features a rooftop bar, hot tub, and a slide into the water. 2023 STUDENT PROJECT FINALISTS: CROSS-OVER HOTEL | TiArch Studio, Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering| Adelina Khabibullina, Valeria Peregudova | Russia Source: The Hardy Group Every year the population of cities increases, resulting in less development space for new buildings. In addition, developing on land leads to environmental degradation of cities, because there are fewer green areas and spaces for recreation. The future of cities is to utilize the air above bodies of water for development. This will not only help preserve land resources, but also create a unique atmosphere in cities, increase their tourism potential and improve the quality of life of citizens. With a universal bridge system that can fit any river width, this process can be greatly simplified, and construction costs can be reduced. The principle of such a system is that the bridge is built from stacked elements that can be easily and quickly connected in accordance with the required width of the river. THE ROCKY HOTEL | TiArch Studio, Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering| Nadia Shumeeva | Russia Source: The Hardy Group The Rocky Hotel is a place where you can enjoy beautiful views and immerse yourself in nature. The hotel is built into an already existing mountain terrain and is environmentally friendly. The hotel is equipped with vertical communications and an elevator, which makes it accessible to all guests and allows them to conveniently move between levels. The interior of the hotel is decorated with nature, which is inextricably linked with its architecture and the bustle of the cave city. The Rocky Hotel is perfect for those who are looking for a calm retreat. Guests will be immersed in the outdoors, enjoying the amazing views and calming appeal of nature. 2023 PROFFESSIONAL PRODUCT FINALISTS: THE GOURD PROJECT | Creme Design| Jun Aizaki | USA Source: The Hardy Group The Gourd Project is a self-initiated, sustainable alternative to disposable plastic cups which clog landfills and pollute waterways. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of growing square-shaped watermelons, Jun Aizaki and the CREME team studied the centuries-old craft of repurposing dried gourds and how they have been historically used within different cultures. A reusable, custom-designed mold shapes the gourds as they grow, and the mature fruit is later dried and hollowed, creating a biodegradable and compostable drinking vessel while eliminating waste. The objective to raise funds for continuing the projects development will include grower outreach, production research, scalability and selecting a biodegradable liner to make the cups sturdy enough to withstand repeated use. Their hope is that future research will yield mass-production partnerships within existing farming communities and promoting sustainable practices at a global and local level. STOREX | StoreXapp | Sergei Mamedrzaev, Ragib Veliev | USA Source: The Hardy Group StoreX is a fully automated robotic store for 24/7 unattended order pickup by humans and delivery robots. The growth of urban population and consumption volumes, major shifts in consumer behavior, labor shortage and sustainability challenges are driving businesses to explore smart automation solutions involving AI and intelligent robotics. By leveraging these technologies, hotels and other businesses can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and meet growing demand for faster, more personalized, and sustainable services. 2023 STUDENT PRODUCT FINALISTS: H+S HEALTH SPRING| Ming Chi University of Technology | Wen Shin Zeng | China Source: The Hardy Group H+S Health Spring aims to provide guests with a healthy and relaxing shower experience. In recent years, social pressures have made it hard for our bodies to relax. H+S Health Spring has a volcanic stone tank installed, which allows guests to drop herbs and essential oils according to their needs. When using the shower system, the water is dispensed with essential oils in it. Additionally, H+S Health Spring can be connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth, so that guests can listen to music creating an overall calming experience. PULPATRONICS| Imperial College London & Royal College of Art | Barna Soma Biro, Chloe So, Jingyan Chen, Rui Ma | UK Source: The Hardy Group PulpaTronics is a sustainable radio-frequency identification tag. RFID tags are electronic circuits embedded in items for smart inventory management. PulpaTronics creates paper-only RFID tags that do not require a metal antenna or a microchip, streamlining manufacturing processes and reducing environmental impact. The tags are recyclable and cheaper than what is currently on the market. The PulpaTronic tags help retailers achieve their sustainability goals and empower customers to confidently dispose of them. The hospitality industry is already using RFID technology for item tracking, security, and access control applications, and could greatly benefit from PulpaTronics alternative. The improved tags could be easily integrated into the hospitality industry where temporary information storage is needed including guest key cards or wristbands. About Radical Innovation Radical Innovation, conceptualized in 2006, is an annual award competition that has been shifting the norm in the global hospitality industry, by recognizing excellence in design, architecture, travel, and products. The initiative challenges creative thinkers and design visionaries at the professional and student level to pioneer compelling innovations that fuel the future of hospitality. Each year, submissions are received and reviewed by a jury of hotel insiders. Select finalists present their concepts via the website and at the Annual Award Ceremony and Dinner. Since its founding, Radical Innovation has awarded over $200,000 to progressive architectural and hospitality-minded thinkers. www.Radicalinnovation.io About The Hardy Group The Hardy Group is the hospitality industry's premier resource for the execution of development projects of any type or size. Through decades of experience, HARDY provides certainty in execution to owners and investors that reduces risk, exceeds expectations, and enables investment plans to be completed on-time and on-budget. HARDY strives to provide leadership, honesty, and excellence to every assignment. For over 31 years HARDY has led projects throughout the USA and Caribbean hospitality industries. Featuring a robust portfolio, including but not limited to, full-service hotels, select service hotels, resorts, and adaptive reuse properties. Leveraging its expertise, HARDY works on individual deals and entire portfolios, delivering project management, construction management, owner's representation, brand negotiation, project accounting and more. Tapping its diverse team, using proprietary project research and in-house budgeting software propels HARDY to the forefront of the industry. www.jhgi.com Leah S. Blank Director of Marketing Imagine stepping into a hotel lobby and breezing through a check-in powered by facial recognition technology. With a key in hand, your app-ordered room service is delivered promptly by a robot. In some hotels this is already reality. For instance, guests at integrated resort Marina Bay Sands can skip the queue and check in by scanning their faces and unlocking their hotel rooms with the same phone. In the Rolling Hills Hotel on the outskirts of Seoul, hotel guests can place their room service orders through Kakao Talk, a popular messaging app, and track their delivery by a robot in real time. These technologies arent just enhancing the guest experience. Theyre also addressing the labor shortage plaguing the hospitality industry. As demand returns in the coming years, the acute shortage of workers needs to be urgently addressed, says Sashi Rajan, Executive Vice President, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group. What hotels are focusing on now is implementing actionable technologies to solve these challenges in the short term, says Rajan. The goal isnt necessarily to restore the workforce to pre-pandemic levels, losing some of the relevant efficiencies gained, but rather to bring it back to a level where they can operate effectively to a required standard with the support of technology. As such, technology upgrades are the top priority of hotel operators in 2024, according to a recent JLL survey. Key functions where hotels struggle to find talent, such as food and beverage and front desk, are expected to gain most from new technologies, according to Rajan. Return on investment Hotel operators measure their return on technology investment by how it improves the guest experience, particularly in terms of service efficiency. Take international hotel chain Marriott. Hotel guests using its mobile app can chat with hotel representatives to make requests before, during and after their stay, offering a faster alternative to a phone call where theres a chance of being redirected or put on hold. Technology embraces the customers psyche of communicating something when they need something, says Rajan. They are more likely to tolerate a slightly longer lead time once they feel that their requests have been heard. For hotel owners, the investment in technology is a sound business case that not only brings financial efficiencies, but also achieves a sustainable value proposition in their hotel assets, assisted by technology. Productivity gains from these investments are crucial, especially in times of rising cost pressures. More than one in five operators across Asia Pacific expect labor costs to increase next year by at least 20% from pre-pandemic levels, according to those surveyed by JLL. A change in mindset While technology is being embraced more so now than before, operators need to pick up the pace, Rajan says. It requires a fundamental shift in behavior and mindset among hotel staff. In Asia Pacific, the uptake of technology has been quicker in markets like Singapore, where manpower is expensive and often in short supply, though adoption still lags other regions. Hotels in Singapore already grapple with the challenge of recruiting staff from other countries, and this is further compounded by the foreign worker quota, says Rajan. But government support, in the form of grants given when relevant technology is being invested, has proven effective in accelerating adoption. In more affordable labor markets in the region, like Indonesia or Bangkok, the scarcity of manpower has also become increasingly evident, prompting more hotels to consider investing in technology, albeit at a slower pace. They need to first recognize that technology isnt perfect and may not perform a task as well as a person, but its the next best thing to work around, Rajan says. In tandem with technology investments, operators must also revise their processes to ensure that they deliver equal value to guests. To do that, hotel operators need to strive for the right balance between the technology stack and the talent stack. Apart from implementing the right solutions, operators must provide upskilling and training opportunities, or hire the right talent who can bring the technology to life and maximize its potential, says Rajan. Otherwise, theyll be paying top dollar for the best-in-class technology without fully utilizing its capabilities. About JLL For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $20.9 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 103,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com. View source HIGHLIGHTS Implementing sustainability in service organizations is a complex puzzle, but its worth the effort as a key driver of global sustainability outcomes. External reporting of CSR information, internal management of CSR initiatives, and internal governance are key managerial anchors in this vast arena. Organizations and governments must prioritize sustainability and take these key steps today to meet global committments towards reductions in CO2 emissions. In the wake of the 2015 Paris accord and a global push for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, service organizations are at a crossroads. Countries and industries across the globe, including the EU, the US, Japan, and Korea, have committed to significant reductions in CO2 emissions by 2030. Corporate giants like Microsoft, Moderna, Amazon, Royal Caribbean Cruises, McDonald's, and United Airlines have made bold commitments towards sustainability. However, these pledges are not just lofty goals; they signify an imminent and transformative change for entire industries and individual businesses. A report from a leading investment bank asserts that companies must profoundly overhaul their business models to be fit for the transition. Services, especially in sectors like tourism, hospitality, financial and commercial banking, and retailers and food, are at the center of this puzzle. Sustainability challenges for service organizations Service sectors face the daunting task of doubling the pace of emissions reduction within this decade, accelerating even further in the following years to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. This immense challenge comes with opportunities and hurdles in reducing emissions, embracing sustainability principles, and adopting specific actions like reducing single-use plastic, energy conservation, or adopting circular economy activities. However, the transition towards system-wide sustainability brings about a level of managerial complexity and uncertainty that most service companies feel ill-prepared to handle. This article summarizes a research paper that explores this vast landscape, focusing on three anchoring managerial mechanisms: external reporting in sustainability, internal management of sustainability, and internal governance, aiming to understand how leaders can drive innovation and improve the efficiency and impact of sustainability engagements in service organizations. Source: EHL 1. External reporting in sustainability: CSR information specificities and disclosure The first anchoring mechanism, external reporting in sustainability, serves as a foundation for embedding sustainability principles in service organizations. By understanding the unique characteristics of corporate social responsibility information, adapting reporting frameworks, leveraging technology, and ensuring reliable external assurance, companies can create a robust and credible reporting system. The complexity of CSR information Corporate Social Responsibility reporting has become a critical aspect of modern business, reflecting a companys commitment to social and environmental responsibility. However, CSR information is often heterogenous, difficult to verify, and hard to quantify. Its credibility appears to be a significant issue. Voluntary vs. mandatory disclosure While CSR information is usually disclosed on a voluntary basis, the pros, and cons of mandating such disclosures are widely debated. Mandatory disclosure may lead to a more standardized and transparent reporting framework, but it might also create additional burdens for companies. The need for assurance The external assurance market is evolving, playing a crucial role in making audited CSR information reliable. However, more extensive standardization of audit processes and auditors expertise is required to achieve this goal. Independent third-party assurance, like auditors, adds credibility to the information, increasing its reliability. The role of stakeholders Understanding stakeholders' expectations is crucial. New trends and standards will require companies to adapt quickly to a dynamic environment, developing and acquiring digital tools and internal expertise to report relevant and measurable information. Standardizing reports Adapting the reporting framework is imperative for evolving towards a more globalized reporting context, making information comparable across companies. This involves understanding the specificities that make CSR information unique and devising standards that reflect these nuances. Better digital tools In an age of digital transformation, service companies must leverage technology to report specific, relevant, and measurable information on a timely basis. Investing in digital tools and internal expertise is no longer optional but a necessity to stay aligned with global standards. 2. Internal sustainability management: The need for transformation The challenges of internal sustainability management are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach. They encompass everything from supply chain management to employee training and operational efficiencies. Aligning objectives with realities The alignment of sustainability objectives with business strategies is paramount. It ensures that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals are not isolated endeavors but are integral to the business's overall mission and vision. Ensuring that sustainability goals translate into operational realities requires rigorous management control systems and implementation processes. Policies, guidelines, budget plans, targets, and KPIs must be clearly outlined, and regular monitoring and feedback mechanisms should be in place. Embracing technology Integrating the latest technology in the pursuit of sustainability and innovation helps in transforming traditional processes. Whether it's implementing energy-efficient systems or developing new products and services that are environmentally friendly, technology is at the core of sustainable transformation. Building a culture of sustainability An organizations culture plays a vital role in its success in becoming sustainable. Cultivating a culture that values sustainability involves leadership commitment, employee engagement, and continuous education and training. Collaborating with stakeholders Working closely with stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and regulators, ensures that sustainability efforts are synergistic and aligned with broader societal goals. 3. Internal governance: structuring for success The board and executive leadership play a critical role in setting the tone for sustainability within the organization. Their commitment, oversight, and strategic guidance are essential for successful sustainability governance. The Sustainability Board Report is the global benchmark of boards' ESG engagement. Delegation & accountability Roles and responsibilities at every level must be clearly defined to ensure accountability. From the board's oversight to middle management's execution, everyone must understand their part in the sustainability journey. Risk management & reporting Sustainability must be integrated into the organization's broader risk management framework. Identifying, assessing, and managing sustainability-related risks is vital to the overall success of the initiatives. Regular reporting to the board and other stakeholders, coupled with periodic reviews, ensures that sustainability efforts are on track and aligned with the organization's goals. Compliance & ethical considerations Adherence to legal and ethical considerations in sustainability practices is non-negotiable. Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, while maintaining high ethical standards, builds trust and credibility. Service organizations and governments as drivers of innovation The transition towards a sustainable future is a complex, multifaceted endeavor that requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort. Service organizations are not merely passive players in this journey; they are vital innovation drivers. By embracing sustainability, these organizations can contribute significantly to global efforts to create a more sustainable and responsible world. Essential next steps for service organizations The journey toward sustainability is unending, but the direction is clear. Service organizations must take these steps: Adapt to changing norms: As societal norms and regulations evolve; service organizations must adapt by updating their practices and strategies. Invest in education: Providing employees with continuous learning opportunities ensures that they understand and are committed to the sustainability goals of the organization. Form cross-industry partnerships: By partnering with organizations across different sectors, service organizations can share best practices and innovate together. Encourage community engagement: Working closely with local communities can provide insights into unique local challenges and opportunities for sustainability. Actions for governments and regulatory bodies Governments and regulatory bodies play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future. Heres how they can contribute: Standardizing practices: Creating Regulations: Developing standardized sustainability regulations ensures that all organizations are working towards the same goals. Monitoring and enforcement: Regularly monitoring compliance and enforcing regulations ensures that standards are maintained. Incentivizing sustainable behaviors: Tax Incentives and Grants: Governments can encourage sustainability by providing financial incentives like tax breaks or grants for sustainable practices. Public recognition: Recognizing and promoting companies that excel in sustainability can create positive peer pressure within the industry. Embracing the opportunities for all Sustainability should not be viewed merely as a challenge but as an opportunity for transformation and growth. The following aspects are key: New markets: Sustainability can open new markets and customer segments that value environmentally responsible products and services. Product innovation: By focusing on sustainability, organizations can develop innovative products that meet emerging demands. Cultural shift: Embracing sustainability often leads to a transformation in organizational culture, promoting values such as responsibility, empathy, and long-term thinking. Operational Efficiency: Sustainable practices often lead to more efficient operations, reducing waste and optimizing resources. Multifaceted approach The complexity of the sustainability landscape requires a multifaceted approach. Service organizations stand at a critical junction where their actions can significantly impact the global sustainability landscape. By adopting a comprehensive approach, focusing on collaboration, continuous learning, and embracing the opportunity, they can lead the way to a more sustainable future. Emphasizing the role of governments and regulatory bodies, aligning organizational culture, recognizing the opportunity for growth, and nurturing innovation are key. These elements intertwine to create a sustainable ecosystem where service organizations not only survive but thrive. The call to action is clear: service organizations must rise to the challenge, seize the opportunities, and lead with conviction and purpose. The path is demanding but promising, filled with potential for those who dare to innovate and transform. EHL Hospitality Business School Communications Department +41 21 785 1354 EHL View source Innovation Meets Experience: From Generative AIi to Virtual Reality, New MMGY Global Study Examines the Changing Role of Technology in Travel Overall, travelers are open to incorporating emerging technologies as part of the travel experience, especially for research and planning purposes. In fact, nearly 2 in 3 travelers relied upon some kind of emerging technology during a travel experience in the past year. A new study released today by MMGY Travel Intelligence examines technologys growing impact on travel from two distinct perspectives: the traveler and the marketer. The comparative study, titled Emerging Technologies in Travel & Tourism, explores innovations such as artificial intelligence, virtual assistants and augmented reality through the lens of the travel industry. Whats fascinating to me is what we learned about the concerns travelers have about emerging technologies and how they will impact their travel experiences in the coming years, said MMGY Travel Intelligence EVP Chris Davidson. Having a clear understanding of these perspectives, concerns and potential barriers will be important for travel industry executives who expect to introduce new technologies successfully in the years ahead. The online survey captured detailed feedback from more than 1,000 U.S. adult travelers and more than 100 leaders from destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Among the insights gleaned from this study, MMGY Travel Intelligence identified the following: Overall, travelers are open to incorporating emerging technologies as part of the travel experience, especially for research and planning purposes. In fact, nearly 2 in 3 travelers relied upon some kind of emerging technology during a travel experience in the past year. When asked which technologies they feel have the most potential to improve the travel experience in the next five years, travelers and destination marketers differed in their responses. Travelers top three choices were the Internet of Things (47%), Virtual Assistants (41%) and Virtual Reality (17%). Destination marketers, on the other hand, were most enthusiastic about the prospects for Generative Artificial Intelligence (70%), Virtual Assistants (32%) and Augmented Reality (31%). Unlike travelers, destination marketers are highly focused and bullish on Generative AI. Just over half of the DMO leaders surveyed said that they are already using Gen AI (56%) in their marketing efforts (most often for content management), and 46% are likely to use the technology to help make marketing decisions in the next year. The surveys open-ended questions revealed that some consumers are wary of new technology because it makes things too complicated or could negatively impact the excitement of making plans to travel. For some, travel planning is an important and personal part of the process, and platforms such as Gen AI threaten to homogenize the experience. Above all, travelers are highly concerned about the privacy and security of their personal information when it comes to using these new technologies. Three out of every 4 travelers surveyed expressed concern with protecting their personal data and privacy in relation to using new technology. Data compliance changes are going to come fast and will have broad implications in how we collect, manage and utilize data, said MMGYs SVP of Marketing Technology, Robert Patterson. DMOs should be hypervigilant of this concern, whether theyre confident in their ability to conform to data regulations or not. Traveler and marketer opinions toward virtual reality, the use of ad blockers and several other topics are also examined in Emerging Technologies in Travel & Tourism. For more insights or to purchase a copy of the full study, visit mmgyintel.com. MMGY Global thanks its sponsors, Tripadvisor, Destination Ann Arbor and Discover The Palm Beaches Florida, for their contributions to this study. 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. Despite two other Democrats joining the 22nd Congressional District race, Sarah Klee Hood had another strong fundraising quarter and has raked in more than $500,000 since launching her campaign in April. Klee Hood, D-DeWitt, raised $236,825 in the third quarter, according to her campaign. Combined with her second-quarter numbers, she has now raised over $550,000 for her congressional bid. "I've spent my life taking on problems and finding solutions and what's happening now in Washington is a big problem," she said. "I'm incredibly honored by the support of thousands of people from across the country and from central New York who chipped in their hard-earned dollars to support my campaign." Klee Hood's campaign says she has received more than 16,000 donations since April, with an average online donation of $29.84. It's a strong showing for Klee Hood, who first ran for Congress in 2022 and lost to Francis Conole in the Democratic primary. During that race, fundraising was a weakness with most donors giving to Conole. But she overcame that financial gap to finish as the runner-up in a four-way primary. In that race, she received the most votes in Madison and Oneida counties. Fundraising hasn't been an issue in Klee Hood's second run for Congress. In her first week as a candidate, she raised $118,000 more than she received from individual donors in 2022. Klee Hood has also received a slew of endorsements from prominent Democratic organizations, including Serve America PAC and VoteVets. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan are among the federal elected officials endorsing her NY-22 run. She also has the support of more than 70 central New York activists and elected officials, according to her campaign. The race for the Democratic nomination has changed in recent months with state Sen. John Mannion's entry. Clemmie Harris, an Army veteran and former aide to ex-Gov. David Paterson, is also running for the party's nod. Harris, D-Camillus, and Mannion, D-Geddes, have not released their third-quarter fundraising numbers. Campaign finance reports must be submitted to the Federal Election Commission by Oct. 15. The main objective for Democrats, though, is to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams, who is considered one of the most vulnerable House incumbents in the country. National Democrats have made NY-22 a top target in their bid to retake the House majority. The 22nd district includes all of Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties, plus a small portion of Oswego County. remaining of Thank you for using HudsonValley360! On your next view you will be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading. Bipartisan concerns about TikTok grow in the US Senate [Chris Castle] Government concerns about TikTok have taken a back seat to other Washington dramas in recent weeks. However, some influential Senators from both parties are determined to keep the focus on TikToks connection to the Chinese Communist Party and the Ministry of State Security and the dangers that it creates. by Chris Castle from Music Tech Policy The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they do turn. As MTP readers will recall, I have had grave concerns about the TikTok trojan horse from the time the app was first injected into the U.S. (See my 2020 post, Why Is TikTok Getting Banned? Chinas National Intelligence Law.). I have no illusions about the phenomenally consistent ability of the music industry to misalign clicks/views/likes with cold hard cash, so I was not surprised to see the extraordinarily stupid blind check deals get trotted out so that TikTok could continue child data scraping, courtesy of the Footman of TikTok. Both the record companies and the publishers are equally guilty of making it easy for TikTok to use their artists and their artists music as a honeypot for TikToks nefarious activities that I think will be proven to be illegal and likely criminal. Sleep well, kids. If you watched any of the various TikTok hearings before the US Congress, youll know that Im not the only one who is concerned. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn are continuing to beat the drum on TikToks connection to the Chinese Communist Party and the Ministry of State Securitybecause the TikTok story is straight out of the mind of George Orwell. The two Senators sent this letter to TikTok. Of course, one can only expect so much when it comes to the integrity of tech companies, but thats no reason to stop holding their feet to the fire, so to speak. United States Senate October 3, 2023 Mr. Shou Zi Chew Chief Executive Officer TikTok 5800 Bristol Parkway, Suite 100 Culver City, CA 90230 Dear Mr. Chew: We write regarding reports that TikTok has recently hired several high-level executives from its Chinese parent company ByteDance, further calling into question the independence of TikToks operations and the security of its U.S. users information. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that [s]ince the start of the year, a string of high-level executives have transferred from ByteDance to TikTok, moving from China to the U.S., including after the departure of U.S. executives.1 The former ByteDance executives have reportedly assumed influential roles overseeing TikToks advertising business, human resources, monetization, business marketing and products related to advertising and e-commerce initiatives and have brought their own staff from Beijing.2 These changes were alarming enough that employees raised concerns about the lack of a true separation from ByteDance reportedly joking that TikTok is solving its ByteDance problem by moving ByteDance to the U.S. The relationship between ByteDance and TikTok poses a unique risk to the security and privacy of TikToks users in the United States. TikTok executives, including personnel based in China, have been found spying on American journalists, and, in leaked recordings, its staff acknowledged that everything is seen in China.3 As the intelligence community has repeatedly warned, Chinese national security laws provide the Chinese government significant legal control over any data within the reach of Chinese companies, thereby putting any data held by ByteDance in the reach of the Chinese government.4 [This is exactly what I warned about in 2020.] In response to these widespread concerns, TikTok has repeatedly made commitments and representations to the American public about the independent management of TikToks operations, the limited role of ByteDance, and the security of U.S. users information. You have attempted to distance TikTok from ByteDance and promised a separation that amounts to a firewall that seals off protected US user data from unauthorized foreign access, with American data stored on American soil by an American company, overseen by American personnel.5 However, the recent move of many ByteDance executives to the U.S. seemingly undermines this assertion to Congress and the public. The personnel changes give the impression that TikTok is attempting to preserve ByteDances influence over TikTok while avoiding suspicion. [aka lying.] Once again, TikToks actions appear to align with a pattern of misleading actions and broken commitments regarding serious matters related to users safety and national security, which we noted in a previous letter to you.6 We are concerned these personnel changes undermine the security of U.S. data and the representations TikTok has made about its independence from ByteDance. As such, please fully answer the following questions by October 13: Prior to December 31, 2022, how many employees were hired by TikTok who had previously worked at ByteDance? Since January 1, 2023, how many employees have been hired by TikTok who previously worked at ByteDance? Please identify the roles of all current TikTok employees who previously worked at ByteDance? Were these personnel changes disclosed to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States prior to the report in the Wall Street Journal? What security protocols are you imposing on ByteDance employees that transfer from China to the U.S.? Are there any rules, restrictions, or controls on communications between TikTok employees who were previously employed at ByteDance and personnel based in China? How does TikTok supervise or oversee communications between its employees who were previously employed at ByteDance and personnel based in China? [Who do you report to at the Ministry of State Security?] Sincerely, Marsha Blackburn United States Senator Richard Blumenthal United States Senator Share on: The Retired Investor: Government Dysfunction Can Lead Debt-Rating Reduction The ongoing partisan battles in Congress over a government shutdown are making daily headlines. However, whether a shutdown ultimately occurs or not may not be the most important outcome of this squabble. Over the weekend, at the 11th hour, Congress and the White House passed a continuing resolution to postpone a government shutdown until Nov. 14, 2023. Axing funding for Ukraine was the price Republicans demanded to kick this spending can down the road. This was somehow hailed as a bipartisan victory, one of the few in this deeply divided Congress. It seems to me that the only victor in this mess was Russia. Since then, a handful of radical right Republicans in the House, led by Matt Gaetz, a Republican congressman from Florida and the subject of an ethics probe, forced a vote to push House Speaker Kevin McCarthy out of his post. Combined with most Democrats, the House voted to oust McCarthy. Gaetz and the radical right had accused McCarthy of breaking his word to conservatives on spending bills and how he would run his house. They pointed to McCarthy's behind-the-scenes, side deal with the Biden administration to restore funding for Ukraine as just another reason not to trust the speaker. The straw that broke the radical's back, however, was when McCarthy reached out across the aisle to come up with a compromise that would keep the government's lights on at least temporarily. Democrats were divided on their response to the turmoil within the Republican Party. But few Democrats trusted the speaker, given his partisan track record. In the end, partisan politics dictated they voted to oust the speaker, even though it meant that no work could be done in Congress until a new speaker was elected. If one steps back from the hour-by-hour circus in Washington and looks at this debacle from the perspective of others, the U.S. government appears to be in a precarious state. Many developed countries plan their budgets, their spending levels, the level of debt, etc. in five-to-10-year increments. Our government can't even agree on whether they will be able to pay its employees next month. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that the U.S. government is unable to control spending on both the short-term and long-term levels. This failure to manage continues to happen under both parties. This is not just my opinion. Two of the three largest credit agencies, Fitch and Standard and Poor's, have come to the same conclusion. Back in 2011 Standard and Poor's reduced our long-held triple-A credit rating to AA, citing a weakening in the effectiveness, stability, and predictability of American policymaking and political institutions. This year, thanks to the debt ceiling debacle spawned by this same group of dysfunctional politicians, Fitch, another big credit rating agency, downgraded our debt as well. Fitch cited a "steady deterioration in standards of governance over the last twenty years." They went on to explain that "repeated debt limit political stand-offs and last-minute resolutions have eroded confidence in fiscal management." And here we are again more than two months later repeating the same suicidal behavior. The actions among U.S. legislators befit a banana republic economy, not the U.S. Only one credit agency is left, Moody's, that still maintains a AAA rating for our sovereign debt. How long that status remains is my concern. Politicians of both parties fail to realize (or don't care) that these rating changes have a real cost to the nation and taxpayers for decades to come. The cost of issuing U.S. debt and paying bondholders interest is climbing year after year. As it stands today, interest payments alone are costing the country 8 percent of GDP. That percentage is expected to increase exponentially. We are talking billions of dollars, readers, if not trillions, when we consider the cost that we will have to bear (as will our children and their children). Moody's has already commented that a shutdown would have credit implications. A downgrade in their rating based on "the weakness of U.S. institutional and governance strength," as well as "the fractious bipartisan politics around a relatively disjointed and disruptive budget process" indicates to me that unless things change dramatically next week, we could see yet another downgrade. Dalton Board Approves Draft of Emergency Evacuation Plan DALTON, Mass. The Select Board approved the draft of an Emergency Evacuation Plan last week. The amended plan is designed to relieve road congestion and improve public safety in the event of a natural disaster that would require evacuation. The plan shifts the evacuation from west to east. It directs residents toward the three outlying roads, High Street, Main Street and East Housatonic Street and Windsor and Hinsdale, Emergency Management Director Glenn Lagerwall said. This change is based on previous town incidents and training sessions for the area's emergency departments. During the Craneville Elementary School fire in May, a number of residents came from Pittsfield to pick their children up at the Stationary Factory, which caused a lot of congestion on South Street and Dalton Avenue. There is no such thing as a perfect plan, Lagerwall said. This is just to give people a general direction in the case of a real emergency. The plan would change based on the circumstances of the situation. The town's Emergency Operation Center has also been moved to the Senior Center. The primary EOC was at the Police Station and the secondary EOC was at the fire station. Having done hundreds of these types of situations, Lagerwall did not like having the EOC in the center of town because the area is already congested and the Police Department will be hectic during an emergency. The one thing that the town has to rectify to move the EOC to the Senior Center is power. Lagerwall is going to be working to get an alternate power source for the location. Having an EOC at the Fire Department comes with the same issues as the police station, Lagerwall said. The secondary EOC has been moved to the town garage. "The Fire Department is a better staging area to bring people in and park in the Stationary Factory and have rehabilitation in that Fire Department," Lagerwall said. Now that the town has a better communication network run through its buildings, moving these EOCs is possible. Dalton does not, however, have the facilities to meet the requirements for an overnight shelter for citizens. Instead, it can use temporary shelters and emergency evacuation points to transport citizens to a regional shelter. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is establishing a regional shelter at Berkshire Community College. Based on the number of people who leave town on their own, emergency evacuation points could include the Stationery Factory, Community Recreation Association, Wahconah Regional High School, Nessacus Middle School and the Dalton American Legion. Wahconah and Nessacus are lower on the list because of factors that make it a "tough sell," Lagerwall said. Wahconah has a single road access and is one of the lowest areas in town, which would not help in the case of a flooding emergency, Lagerwall said. The road is going to be compacted making it difficult for emergency responders and residents, he said. In cases where there is an emergency in the center of town, they can use Wahconah and Nessacus Regional Middle School. Lagerwall reiterated multiple times throughout the presentation that there is no such thing as a perfect plan. How the town reacts to an emergency situation is dependent on what is going on. Although action is situational it is good to have these plans in place because it gets people thinking, Select Board member Marc Strout said. Gallery 51 to Host Opening Reception for 'Reflecting Ecologies: Artists in Nature' NORTH ADAMS, Mass. MCLA's Gallery 51 will host an opening reception on Friday, Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. for a new exhibition "Reflecting Ecologies: Artists in Nature." The reception will be accompanied by a panel discussion. The panel discussion on Oct. 21 will be moderated by Kate Abbott and exhibition artists will be on-site at Gallery 51 on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 1-2:30 p.m. "Reflecting Ecologies" is on view from Oct. 6 through Nov. 17. According to a press release: The new show explores the intersections of six contemporary artists, nature, and ecological thinking. Ecology is the study of the relationships among organisms and their surroundings and each other, often describing how we affect and are affected by the natural world. The artists in this exhibit suggest connections with ecologies via personal narratives of private moments in nature, to philosophical or artistic concerns about their media and approaches to imagery. The artists and artworks in this show often overlap with science-oriented imagery or methods, and with that comes careful observations of the human condition in nature. Ashley Eliza Williams' colorful paintings develop concepts of the possibility and impossibility of communicating with organisms found in nature. Malaika Ross's abstract drawings of soil microbes encourage us to examine the microscopic shapes and patterns that exist around us, that are often overlooked. Melanie Mowinski's intensive journeys to water became a daily practice of endurance, logged as an intimate artist's book. Bill Botzow's sculptures stem from wood often from invasive species crafted into new artistic forms borne of his backyard in Vermont. Gregory Scheckler's delicate abstract silverpoints deal with relationships to time and patterns derived from close observation of nature. Joan Hanley's fine-tuned paintings detail commonplace conundrums of our place and influence on nature. Berkshire County Historical Society Cemetery Tour: Church on the Hill Cemetery LENOX, Mass. Berkshire County Historical Society will host a cemetery tour of Church on the Hill Cemetery. The walk will take place on Wednesday Oct. 11 at 5 pm. Join Tyringham resident and historian John Hanson on a walking tour of significant gravestones in this historic Lenox cemetery. Hanson has been collecting epitaphs and studying early New England gravestones for years. On this tour, he will discuss the iconography of the stones, share some noteworthy verses, and discuss what they tell us about early New Englanders attitudes towards life and death. Meet at the Church on the Hill parking lot. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring bug repellent. The rain date is Oct. 12, at 5 pm Tickets are $15 for BCHS members, $20 for non-members, and are available by using the BOOK NOW button at berkshirehistory.org This series is sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 'Tree Logic,' which has lined the entrance to Mass MoCA for 25 years, will be coming down for good next week. Prior trees from the installation have been transplanted in Williamstown and North Adams. The last trees will be planted at the museum. PreviousNext Mass MoCA's Iconic Upside-Down Trees Being Retired Scientists weren't sure the trees could survive being inverted; once they outgrew their tubs, they were planted earthside and thrived. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The trees will no longer grow upside-down in the Steeple City. Natalie Jeremijenko's meditation on resiliency, "Tree Logic," will be retired after 25 years of turning heads at the entrance to Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum announced on its Facebook page this week that the trees will be removed. They will be on view until Monday. The trees themselves haven't been there that long. Every so often, a new group of saplings is installed and their elders retired to grow naturally on Stone Hill at the Clark Art Institute, which funded the installation, and Colegrove Park, where museum visitors have been known to check on their condition. This last set will remain on the campus, at the end of the Speedway. "This work, like Mass MoCA itself, defies logic and gravity while signaling that creativity comes in all forms. Jeremijenko conceived of Tree Logic as a work about change and persistence, as trees themselves are dynamic natural systems constantly in flux. In this work, the trees grow while upside down, yet they still instinctively reach for the sunlight," the museum wrote. "MASS MoCA is a non-collecting museum. The artworks on view range from new commissions organized with artists to loans from artists, galleries, estates, and collectors. So at some point, like the trees themselves, things must change." Although a popular image here, the trees did evince a range of emotions, with some viewers disturbed at the distortion of nature. Jeremijenko, also an engineer, had spoken with botanists when designing the installation. According to the museum's audio tour, the scientists were divided on how gravity would affect the trees once they were inverted. The trees grew and their branches curved toward the sun; once taken down and put right side up, they gracefully returned to their natural state. "The branches correct themselves and bear little sign of their early beginnings, speaking to the resiliency of nature, cities and towns, and museums," posted Mass MoCA. A recent study by personal finance company WalletHub ranked the best small cities in America to start a business. Near the bottom of the study, which ranked 1,334 small cities, is Auburn. Coming in at No. 1,303, Auburn is the lowest city in New York on the list. The next lowest is Rome at No. 1,289. The study received attention in August, when it was covered by central New York radio stations owned by Townsquare Media. Last week, Auburn mayoral candidate Tim Lattimore called the ranking "shameful" in a letter to the editor in The Citizen. "Is it any wonder then that our downtown has so many vacancies, that (Fingerlakes Mall) is dying on the vine, and that there are limited opportunities for younger workers to earn a decent living, raise a family, and stay in Auburn?" Lattimore wrote. "The bottom line is that money goes where money is well treated." However, business officials in Auburn object to the WalletHub study specifically its framing and methodology. Compiled by a panel of six professors of entrepreneurship, business and economics, the study compared the 1,334 cities by business environment, access to resources and business costs using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources. Stephanie DeVito, executive director of the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District, told The Citizen she believes one flaw in the study is the simple fact that every city is different. "It all depends on the demographics of sustainability in each community. There are businesses that are absolutely perfect for communities such as ours, and others that aren't," she said. "I don't see that there's a lack of interest in businesses wanting to come into our community. At the same time, I feel very strongly it depends on the type of business and their needs." Officials with the Cayuga Economic Development Agency were more pointed in their criticisms. Economic research analyst Peter King told The Citizen that because the study only ranked cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 people, Auburn and its 26,081 people were "at a fundamental disadvantage." About 11% of the score WalletHub used to rank the cities was determined by the average growth in their number of small businesses, King noted, which favors cities at the top of that population range over cities like Auburn. King went on to point out that four of the study's top five cities are in Utah. He believes that's because of the predominance of multi-level marketing companies there, such as Young Living Essential Oils. "It's not a terrible study, but it's weighted against Auburn," he said. "It's ultimately a (search engine optimization) product put out by a personal finance company that exists to make money through referrals to credit cards and online lenders." It's also important to note what didn't get calculated into WalletHub's scores, King continued. For instance, Auburn itself ranks low in number of startups per capita (11.1%) and higher-education assets (2.78%), as the highest degree offered in the city is an associate at Cayuga Community College. But within an hour of the city are two startup and higher education hubs in Syracuse and Ithaca. More broadly, King said, the study ignores the human side of business. It appears to count New York's social infrastructure, from its corporate income tax to its "robust" unemployment insurance and Medicaid programs, against the state's cities. That might be why the highest rank the state received was No. 360, for Poughkeepsie. Albany is next at No. 415, and Ithaca is ranked at No. 586. "Their ideal business environment seems to be low wages and captive workers," King said. "New York as a whole focuses more on quality of life, not just the ability to create outsize profits." The Cayuga Economic Development Agency has worked with 53 new clients so far in 2023, its most since 2018. Economic development specialist Maureen Riester told The Citizen the agency considers clients who don't start businesses as much of a success as those who do. Echoing King's comments about the human side of business, she said sometimes starting one just isn't the right thing to do. "We don't always measure success in terms of jobs created and dollars invested," she said. "CEDA helps entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals by getting them the information they need to make the best decisions. Sometimes those decisions are different than what they had originally planned, such as choosing to not start a business when it's not viable." Vietnam-based EV startup VinFast could beat Tesla to launch in India as new entrant in the electric vehicle segment. The EV maker, which recently became the world's third most valuable carmaker, has announced big plans for India with an investment worth 1,665 crore. The electric vehicle manufacturer has said that it plans to set up its own manufacturing facility in India as well as Indonesia. It said production of its electric vehicles in these two countries should start within the next three years. VinFast was founded by Pham Nhat Vuong, the richest person from Vietnam who also founded its parent company Vingroup. VinFast isn't a profitable EV maker yet, though the EV startup made a splash at Wall Street debut with market value soared to $85 billion at a time. It became more valuable than both Ford and General Motors put together. However, since the valuation highs, VinFast's worth has come down. VinFast has not given out too many details about its India plans and the electric vehicles it aims to bring to the country. There is still no clarity where the company plans to set up its assembling facility in India when it officially makes an entry. Issuing a statement, VinFast said, Indonesia and India has a planned total capacity of up to 50,000 cars per year and an estimated total capital expenditure of USD 150-200 million in phase 1. Production is expected to commence by 2026." The company also said, VinFast facilities in these local markets can provide access to government incentives for local manufacturing, relief from certain tariffs and taxes and access to raw materials at attractive rates." VinFast's India outreach isn't new. The EV startup had earlier begun recruiting resources. The company had shared a notice on LinkedIn which read, Dare to think, dare to do, and dare to face difficulties." The EV startup had announced that it is looking out for resources in sales, legal and back office jobs in India with its office located in Gurugram, Haryana. VinFast considers itself as a rival to Tesla, world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer. VinFast's India plans are revealed at a time when Tesla is at its closest to officially launch in the country after years of deliberation. In a statement issued by the Vietnam-based EV maker, it is aiming to access the tremendous potential for increased EV adoption in India and Indonesia where EV penetration is currently only 1 per cent. In global markets, VinFast offers electric vehicles such as VF6, VF7, and VF8, which are five-seaters, along with seven-seater VF9. India currently has electric vehicles contributing barely two per cent of overall auto sales. The Centre is aiming to increase the share to at least 30 per cent by the end of this decade. With the EV segment in India still at a nascent stage, VinFast's entry will give it an opportunity to be a first-mover among the foreign EV makers aiming the Indian auto market. First Published Date: In October 1990, when the two Germanies became one again, when the two Berlins became one again, the impetus was towards a fresh start. Throw caution to the wind. Tear down that wall once and for all. Erase history. Put up monuments to progress. Could Berlin, finally, be described as normal? The fall of the Wall precipitated another of its migration waves. Many from the former GDR (German Democratic Republic or East Germany) moved west, not so much to old West Berlin as to the smaller, more orderly small towns of the Federal Republic. Into their place came waves of foreigners and West Germans, snapping up cheap properties and wanting to savour what was left of the original Berlin. The city is now home to 3.5 million people, a third of whom did not live there when the city was brought back together. In the 1990s, the chaos of the physical space gave it an immediate and unique selling point. Roughly a third of the buildings in the East had become vacant. DJs and musicians, the anarchic and entrepreneurial, set up clubs in abandoned warehouses and basements; artists set up studios. Nobody knew how long a venue would last, adding to the frisson of the new discovery. The music scene remains one of its biggest draws. Tomes have been written about the best-known venue, Berghain, its history as a former heating plant, its drugs scene, the sex, the music and the big names who tried, and sometimes failed, to get past the bouncers. There is a powerful significance to the opening shot of The Great Escaper. In this years British feelgood film released in cinemas this weekend a figure stands on a shingle beach looking out to sea. His mighty frame is silhouetted against the chilly gun-metal grey of the English Channel as he leans proudly, even defiantly, on a walking stick. This is the picture its almost a still of an old man contemplating the inevitable. On one level, of course, Oliver Parkers film tells of Bernard Jordan, a veteran who in 2014 made headlines by slipping away from his care home to France, to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. He became a plucky national hero for that weeks news cycle. But even from behind, even with the unfamiliar stick, you know that the figure on the shore is Michael Caine. So on another subliminal level, the shot is telling you something else: that this is a valediction; this could be the last time we ever see perhaps Britains greatest-ever film star on the big screen. Thanks to Covid, Caine hadnt made a film for three years before The Great Escaper, and his physical needs as an 89-year-old had to be accommodated in order to get the shoot done. I thought I was finished, he has said. And I suddenly did it and had such a wonderful time. They gave me a very good walking stick, and I was able to do scenes that needed that. Id just do them once and then fall over. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This 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 Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Drake has called out the weirdos in [his] comments who have left him messages about his relationship with Millie Bobby Brown. In 2018, the Gods Plan artist raised eyebrows when the then-14-year-old Stranger Things star revealed that Drake texted her boy advice. The internet was quick to point out the 18-year age gap between Brown and Drake, questioning whether it was appropriate for Drake to give relationship advice to a teenage girl. Brown responded to the medias concern at the time in an Instagram Story, saying it was weird to make a lovely friendship ur headline. Now, years later, Drake, 36, has finally addressed the controversy. On his track Another Late Night, off of his latest album For All The Dogs, Drake raps the lyrics: Weirdos in my comments talkin bout some Millie Bobby, look / Bring them jokes up to the gang, we get to really flockin. The two met when Drake attended the Brisbane Supernova convention in Australia, which Brown was appearing in. Released on Friday 6 October, For All The Dogs features artists including SZA, Bad Bunny, 21 Savage, Sexxy Red, Chief keef and many more across its 23-song setlist. Drake and Millie Bobby Brown (Getty Images) In a two-star review of the album for The Independent, Nadine Smith found that the record borders on sinister. Drake tries and fails to prove he can keep up with the cool kids, Smith writes. For better or worse, the album is at its best when Drakes not there. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Following its release, Drake made the surprise announcement that he would probably be taking a year or so break from music to focus on his health. He revealed that hes been dealing with the craziest problems with his stomach over the past years and, therefore, needs to take time off to straighten things out. I probably wont make music for a little bit, Drake (real name Aubrey Drake Graham) said. I need to focus on my health, first and foremost, and Ill talk about that soon enough. Nothing crazy, but just like, you know, I want people to be healthy in life. Drake added: I have a lot of other things that I would love to focus on. So, Ima lock the door in the studio for a little bit. I dont even know what a little bit is. Maybe a year or so, maybe a little longer. 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 }} Taiwan is already independent and sovereign as it elects its own president, the self-governed islands presidential frontrunner said. Vice president William Lai, who is leading in opinion polls to be elected the next pesident in the January elections, had previously said he could keep the peace with China if elected. Beijing considers Taiwan to be a part of China and has pressed on the island to reunite with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan has been self-ruled since it split from the mainland in 1949 following a civil war and maintains official diplomatic relations with 13 small nations. In an interview with Japanese media, Mr Lai said he does not seek to change the status quo or Taiwan's name, which is formally the Republic of China. He said Taiwan regularly elects leaders at all levels of government from the grassroots to the president, which shows the island is "sovereign and independent". "If it is not sovereign and independent, how can there be a presidential election? Therefore, there is no need to declare Taiwan's independence again," he claimed, according to a transcript released by his campaign on Friday. "My job is to protect Taiwan's sovereignty, enhance democracy, peace and prosperity." In a commentary piece published in July, Mr Lai had vowed to "support the cross-strait status quo which is in the best interests of both the Republic of China, as Taiwan is formally known, and the international community". "I will never rule out the possibility of dialogue without preconditions, based on the principles of reciprocity and dignity," he added. President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly offered talks with China but Beijing has refused. Mr Lai angered Beijing in 2018 when he told parliament that he was a "Taiwan independence worker" and that his position was that Taiwan was a sovereign, independent country. Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang, which traditionally favours close ties with China, has criticised Mr Lai for pushing an independence agenda and provoking China. Mr Lai said Taiwan's people were clear this was "absolutely not" an election about choosing between war and peace. "It is a choice between democracy and dictatorship," he added. Meanwhile, a Taiwanese security official on Wednesday warned against China's potential "very diverse" ways of interfering in Taiwan elections. China can use military pressure, economic coercion or fake news to create a false choice between "war or peace" in the election to frighten voters, National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen told lawmakers. "We are paying special attention to the Chinese Communists cooperating with opinion poll and public relations companies for the possibility of manipulating opinion polls and issuing them to interfere in the elections," he added, without naming any companies. Prosecutors earlier this week indicted two leaders of the islands tiny Taiwan Peoples Communist Party on accusations they colluded with China in a bid to influence the upcoming elections. With agency inputs 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 Taliban have strongly vowed to protect citizens from China against terrorist threats on their soil, the latest sign of a growing closeness between the two countries that has alarmed international observers. China was the first major world power to restore its embassy in Kabul after the Islamist groups 2021 takeover of Afghanistan, and has been ramping up its trade and infrastructure links with the Taliban regime. After several attacks in recent months targeting Chinese workers in Afghanistan, the Talibans de facto foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the Islamist group will not tolerate such activities. We have done a lot of work to combat terrorism and we take security threats against China like a challenge to our own, the minister told the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi during talks in the Tibetan city of Nyingchi on Thursday. We will not allow any activities that would harm [the] security and stability of China to happen in Afghanistan. Mr Muttaqi also offered an effective guarantee on the safety of Chinese nationals in Afghanistan but did not share more details. The meeting in Tibet, seen as the latest in a campaign of diplomatic engagement by the Taliban, is the first where such language against terrorism has been used in records of meetings with Chinese officials. The Chinese record from Thursday expressed hope that Afghanistan will continue to fight terrorism and completely eliminate the terrorist forces of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement on its soil. President Xi Jinpings top envoy, Mr Wang, said China would like to continue to help Afghanistan develop its relations with its neighbours and better integrate with regional economic cooperation. Last month, Beijing became one of the first major nations to officially send an ambassador to present his credentials to the Taliban leaders in Kabul. He was received with a level of pomp and ceremony that is rarely accorded to any other official or envoy. Experts fear that if Afghanistan has China as a big brother ally it will weaken Western diplomatic pressures to try to force the Taliban to address problematic domestic policies concerning the rights of girls, women and religious minorities. The Taliban banned girls from receiving secondary and higher education shortly after taking power, and women have largely been expelled from workplaces. But China appears increasingly willing to take an alternative position to the West on international affairs, with its relations with the Taliban just the latest example of this, according to Harsh V Pant, professor of international relations with the Kings India Institute at Kings College, London. They will give more space to the Taliban, some space for them to manoeuvre. For a large part of the international community, the Talibans domestic behaviour is a problem. But for China, thats not really the concern here, he told The Independent. Mr Pant said Chinas actions could have a cascading effect with other allies such as Russia following its example. If this were to happen, it would afford the Taliban more legitimacy than they ever enjoyed during their previous spell in power in Afghanistan in the late 1990s. It is worrying that China is active and open with its engagement and it will further embolden the Taliban. And that will of course have deleterious effects on the rights and welfare of ordinary Afghans, and certainly the issues of minority rights. Even when things have not been very good for the Taliban on the global stage, they have not really budged on domestic reforms. Weve not seen any positive movements on minority, women and human rights. It becomes even harder, and especially for the West, it will be very difficult to make this case of the world being united in not recognising the Taliban, he said. No country, China included, has formally recognised the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan. The United Nations says that recognition is nearly impossible while the severe Taliban restrictions on women and girls rights are in place. 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 Chinese coastguard ship came dangerously close to a Philippine patrol ship in the South China Sea, sparking fears of a territorial dispute in the contested waters. The Chinese ship manoeuvred and came within 4 metres of the patrol ship near the Second Thomas Shoal. One other Philippine coastguard vessel was blocked and surrounded by the Chinese coastguard and militia ships. The altercation had dragged on for about eight hours on Wednesday after China formed a blockade in the high seas off the shoal that both nations have laid claim to. Two supply boats being escorted by the Philippine coastguard had breached the Chinese blockade and delivered food and other supplies to a Filipino marine outpost at the shoal. On Friday, the Philippines strongly condemned the incident that has become the latest flashpoint between the two. This is the second incident since early August that has shown confrontation between China and the Philippines. We condemn the behaviour of the Chinese coastguard vessel. They have been violating international law, particularly the collision regulations, Philippines coastguard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said at a briefing. He said a collision was averted when one of the two Philippine vessels, the BRP Sindangan, rapidly reversed its engine to avoid slamming into the Chinese coastguard ship that crossed its bow at a distance of only a metre. Its the closest dangerous manoeuvre by any Chinese coastguard ship against a Philippine patrol ship, Mr Tarriela said. The incident took place when the Philippine patrol had invited The Associated Press to join a voyage as part of a strategy aimed at exposing aggressive actions in the South China Sea that China has been accused of. The hostilities between the two erupted at dawn after the Chinese coastguard ship closely tailed the Philippine vessels enroute to the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine ships ran into the blockade that included militia ships and at least one navy warship. Announcements of China has indisputable sovereignty over the shoal and outlying waters were made immediately by a Chinese radio operator who warned the BRP Sindangan to avoid miscalculations, leave and keep out. The confrontation saw Filipino coastguard personnel respond by asserting their rights to the area and said they would proceed with the delivery of supplies. This photo taken on 23 April 2023 shows the grounded Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre where marines are stationed to assert Manilas territorial claims at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea (AFP via Getty Images) China has accused the Philippines of breaching their territorial control in the contested waters. The Chinese coastguard claimed the Philippine vessels entered the waters without permission from the Chinese government and that China firmly opposes the Philippines illegally transporting building materials to the grounded military boat. It said it gave a stern warning to the Philippine vessels and monitored them throughout the process. China has long claimed sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, even though it overlaps with the waters of Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan and the Philippines. The long-simmering territorial disputes on the worlds busiest trade routes are considered a sensitive fault line in the US-China rivalry in the region. If a major clash were to erupt, it could see the US coming to the rescue of The Philippines if its forces, ships and aircraft come under armed attack. A small contingent of Filipino marines and navy personnel has stood guard for years on a long-marooned, but still commissioned warship, the BRP Sierra Madre, at the shoal. The navy ship was deliberately marooned in an attempt to show Manilas territorial control of the shoal. China has surrounded the dilapidated ship with its coastguard ships and militia vessels to prevent the Philippines from delivering construction materials Beijing fears could be used to reinforce the Sierra Madre and turn it into a permanent territorial outpost. Philippine defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed concern over Chinese actions at sea and said the government is ready to respond to potential emergencies, including any collision between Chinese and Philippine ships in the disputed waters. Naturally the concern is always there, and we take that into account, he said on Tuesday. We have plans depending on what happens. 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 }} At least 40 people were found dead in flash floods that inundated India's northeast after a glacial lake burst its banks, prompting army teams to deploy helicopters for rescue operations. The Lhonak Lake in the mountainous Sikkim state burst its banks on Wednesday after a cloudburst that was apparently triggered by an avalanche. It led to the destruction of the Chungthang Dam a 1200 MW hydroelectric project which caused severe flooding in the Teesta river. Experts say the latest weather event was a disaster in waiting as communities in mountainous regions of South Asia continued to face dangerous glacial lake outburst floods. At least 18 bodies were found in Sikkim, while emergency teams in neighbouring West Bengal recovered another 22 bodies that had been washed away. Nearly 22,000 people have been affected in the scenic state as the government warned of another potential lake outburst and began evacuating residents from near the Shako Cho Lake. Fifteen Indian army soldiers were among more than 100 people still missing in the floods, NDTV reported. One soldier who had been reported missing on Wednesday was later rescued. State chief minister Prem Singh Tamang said the government's first priority was to evacuate 3,000 stranded tourists with the help of helicopters. "Major damage in areas like the Chunthang Dam but do not know the full extent because areas in Lower Sikkim are still cut-off," the chief minister told the broadcaster. "Roads have been washed out, bridges destroyed. Thirteen bridges over Teesta have been washed away," he added. About 2,400 people have been evacuated so far and 7,600 people were in relief camps, state official Tseten Bhutia told Reuters. The government has ordered the closure of all private and state-run schools, colleges and offices till 15 October. Members of Indian Army try to recover trucks buried at the area affected by flood in Sikkim (via REUTERS) The defence ministry said in a statement that military equipment, including firearms and explosives, was washed away in the Teesta river. A child was killed and six people sustained injuries after a washed away mortar shell picked up by people in West Bengal exploded. Sikkim received 101mm of rain in the first five days of October, more than double normal levels, unleashing floods worse than one in October 1968 in which an estimated 1,000 people were killed. Heavy rain is forecast in parts of the region on Friday but the intensity of showers is likely to ease, the India Meteorological Department said. A flooded street in Lachen Valley (INDIAN ARMY/AFP via Getty Images) A report compiled by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority in 2019 had identified Lhonak Lake as "highly vulnerable" to flooding that could cause extensive damage to life and property. A 2021 study by researchers in India, the US and Switzerland warned that the dam posed a growing risk of catastrophic floods as a warming climate causes the glaciers that feed it to melt faster. There has been a substantial increase in the number of glacial lakes as the glaciers are melting due to global warming," said Dr Farooq Azam, Glaciologist, Indian Institute of Technology- Indore. A satellite image shows the South Lhonak Lake reduced drastically when compared with 17 September 2023, after it burst causing floods in Sikkim region (via REUTERS) He explained that when the glaciers advance, they erode the river bed, leading to the deepening of the river. Dr Azam said: "Climate change has resulted in erratic precipitation, including events like cloudbursts, as we saw in Sikkim, leading to the partial breach of the moraine dam. "When glaciers are eroding, they put pressure on the bedrock, producing more silt. Whenever there is flash flooding, you would witness more silt and debris flowing downhill, aggravating the destruction caused by floods and landslides." The army is providing medical aid and phone connectivity to civilians in the areas of Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen in north Sikkim, the army said. Prime minister Narendra Modis office said in a statement that the government would support state authorities in the aftermath of the flooding. MIAMITalent Testing Service (TTS) has recently reported a continued decline from last year in overall positivity rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to its September 2023 update. The report showed that three Chlamydia Urine rates demonstrated a steady downward trend from the peak in November 2022. However, in September there was a jump in the male rate to 2.0 percent from 1.2 percent in August, which has pulled the total rate to 1.7 percent from 1.3 percent. The female rate was a bit lower in September at 1.4 percent from 1.5 percent in August. Since historic levels have been around 2 percent, the current September rates at or below 2 percent can be considered to be within expectations. The gonorrhea rate also showed a decrease. The female rate in September dropped to 0.6 percent from 0.8 percent in August, while the male rate remained steady at 0.3 percent and the total rate decreased to 0.4 percent from 0.5 percent. Overall, the September rates can still be considered to be within regular behavior, the report concluded. Other highlights included: Trichomonas Vaginalis Urine Positivity Index. Declined to 0.2 percent from 0.3 percent in August due to the male rate decreasing to 0.1 percent from 0.5 percent, although the female rate grew to 0.2 percent from 0.1 percent, all of which are within the expected rate. Mycoplasma Genitalium Urine Positivity Index (these rates are being monitored weekly given their high levels). September is the first month when the three rates have decreased, seeing that the Total population rate dropped to 17.0 percent from 21.7 percent in August, continuing the downward direction from the last two months. Chlamydia & GC (Gonorrhea) Throat and Rectal Swabs Positivity Index. Based on market activity the positivity rates for the four tests outlined have December 2022 as a relevant, starting point where all levels display their peak and then start overall downward trends. In September the Chlamydia Rectal rates showed a slight upward turn with the total rate going up to 2.5 percent from 1.5 percent the female rate up to 2.8 percent from 1.3 percent, and the Male rate at 2.1 percent from 1.8 percent. The Chlamydia Throat Rates. They remained steady with levels close to 0.5 percent. The three Gonorrhea Throat rates have distinct levels with the Male rate jumping to 2.1 percent from 1.1 percent, the Female rate dropping to 0.2 percent from 1.3 percent, and the Total rate staying almost unchanged at 1.1 percent from 1.2 percent. Gonorrhea Rectal rates. The overall rate was steady, although the lines show the male rate up to 2.0 percent from 1.0 percent, while the female rate decreased to 0.6 percent from 1.2 percent. To read the full report, click here. Talent Testing Service, TalentTestingService.com, offers a full slate of infectious molecular testing services to the adult industry. It is headquartered in Miami, with offices in Los Angeles, Tampa, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; Las Vegas, Puerto Rico and Budapest, Hungary. 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 }} Deadly Typhoon Koinu is heading towards southern China and Hong Kong this weekend after battering Taiwan with record wind gusts and injuring hundreds of people. The typhoon is set to bring heavy rain along the coasts of Guangdong and neighbouring Fujian province in the next three days, Chinas National Meteorological Centre (NMC) said. Typhoon Koinu, which means puppy in Japanese, carried the worlds third most powerful wind gust ever recorded when it battered Taiwan, causing widespread damage. One person was killed and almost 400 people were injured in rainfall and disruption caused by the typhoon on Wednesday and Thursday. The typhoon devastated remote Orchid Island off the east coast, toppled and sunk boats, severely damaged two schools and left many without power. Recommended Koinu slowed down from the 252 kph (156mph) wind speeds recorded on Thursday in Taiwan and was expected to weaken into a strong tropical storm from late on Friday and continue to grow weaker as it heads west along Chinas southern coast, NMC said. It was spotted travelling around 144 kph (89 mph) off the coast of the southern Guangdong city of Shanwei as of 8am on Friday. The NMC warned that rainfall in Guangdong could reach more than 300 millimetres as it issued a yellow alert for strong winds, the third highest in a four-coloured warning system. The eye of the storm, allowing for a glimpse of the mess already made by #Koinu. I saw ambulances and a hearse go by earlier. Possibly more damage to come. pic.twitter.com/czfnyn7YrP Sally Jensen Cusicahua (@sljnsn) October 4, 2023 Chinas Guangdong province has suspended dozens of ferry routes since late Thursday and the NMC warned tourists to stay away from beach resorts on the last day of a week-long national holiday on Friday. In Taiwan, aid and repair works continue as the government and air force helicopters flew in engineers to restore electricity and telecommunications on Friday. Civilian flights, however, still remain suspended. On Thursday, waves of up to seven metres were reported, and videos online show significant damage to houses and shopfronts along coastal areas. The situation is very bad, roads broken, cannot pump fuel and cannot buy anything from the convenience store, no food stocks and water. So everyone is collecting rain water for cooking, Orchid Island restaurant owner Judy Chiu told Reuters. The government was struggling to send the boats with aid supplies to the remote Orchid Island. Officials say the first aid may not arrive until Saturday morning. Koinu is the second typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan this year, after Haikui hit the island in September, prompting landslides, mass evacuations and dozens of injuries. No typhoon had directly hit Taiwan for four years, despite its location in an active tropical storm zone. Additional reporting by agencies 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 }} On Monday, October 9, millions of Americans will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday in October, is a holiday that honours the history and contributions of Native Americans. The holiday has become a replacement for federal holiday Columbus Day, which also falls on October 9, and which many have argued should no longer be celebrated due to the fact that Christopher Columbus does not deserve credit for discovering the Americas. Currently, there are 29 states and 198 cities across the country that have chosen to adopt Indigenous Peoples Day, according to renamecolumbusday.org. In 2021 and 2022, President Joe Biden also issued proclamations declaring the holiday Indigenous Peoples Day. First introduced by Congress in 1885 when it was decided that federal employees should have certain days off from work, the list of US federal holidays is made up of 11 days of significance that Americans recognise - and celebrate. To ensure that these holidays are observed, certain guidelines have been put in place, with federal holidays that fall on a Saturday observed by federal employees on the previous Friday, while holidays that fall on Sunday are observed the following Monday. On these 11 days, all non-essential federal offices are closed, while banks, post offices and schools may also be closed. However, that doesnt mean that all Americans will receive a day off from work, as employees in the private sector may or may not get the day off, depending on their employer. From Memorial Day to Thanksgiving, these are the dates of the 2023 federal holidays. 2023 federal holidays: New Years Day: Sunday, January 1 (Observed Monday, January 2) Martin Luther King Jr Day: Monday, January 16 Presidents Day: Monday, February 20 Memorial Day: Monday, May 29 Juneteenth: Friday, June 16 Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4 Labor Day: Monday, September 4 Indigenous Peoples Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, October 9 Veterans Day: Saturday, November 11 (Observed Friday, November 10) Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23 Christmas: Monday, December 25 Other important days to note: Valentines Day: Tuesday, February 14 St Patricks Day: Friday, March 17 Passover: Thursday, April 6 Good Friday: Friday, April 7 Easter: Sunday, April 9 Mothers Day: Sunday, May 14 Fathers Day: Sunday, June 18 Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} It was a not-so glamourous end to Paris Fashion Week, as a widespread outbreak of bedbugs caused panic and disgust in the French capital. Paris authorities sent out a public warning that no-one is safe, with the small insects making their way through the city. In recent weeks and months, there have been numerous sightings on public transport and other locations. No one is safe. You can catch them anywhere and bring them home, and not detect them in time until they have multiplied and spread, deputy mayor Emmanuel Gregoire, told French TV. Videos posted on social media show insects crawling over seats on the Paris Metro as well as appearing in huge numbers on cinema seats. Some users have also shared their experiences of being bitten by the critters. So, how can you help protect yourself against a bedbug infestation? Heres everything you need to know. How do you know if you have bed bugs? Bedbugs cause cause itchy welts aroud the body (Getty Images/iStockphoto) To find out if you have bedbugs, its best to keep an eye out for two things: 1. Bites on your body these look like little red marks that cause itchy welts. These welts usually appear in a zigzag pattern, the American Academy of Dermatology Association says. 2. You should always keep an eye out for signs of bedbugs, this includes odour, specks of blood on bedding, exoskeletons, tiny blackish specks and eggs. Odour: If you notice a sweet or musty smell in your sleeping area, there might be a heavy infestation in the room, the AADA says. Specks of blood: Look at your bedding, mattress and furniture if you notice specks of blood anywhere, the insects might have made their way into your home. Exoskeletons: The small insects have an outer shell that they shed and leave behind. Check for remains on your bedding, mattress and cushions. Tiny blackish specks: The blackish specks are a sign of beg bug excrement. Eggs: After mating, female bedbugs lay white, oval eggs in cracks and crevices, the AADA says on its website. These will be in the size of an apple seed, so keep your eyes peeled. These small creatures can be found in your mattress as well as other spaces around your home (Getty Images/iStockphoto) How do I treat bedbug bites? The NHS says bedbug bites usually clear up on their own in a week or so but there are a few steps you can take to help you during your recovery process: Put something cool, like a clean, damp cloth on the affected area to help with the itching and to ease off any swelling. Be sure to keep the affected area clean to prevent any further infection. Try your best not to scratch the affected area. You can also get steroid creams like hydrocortisone cream to ease bedbug bites. However, children under 10 and women who are pregnant should get advice from a doctor before using this cream. Another option would be to use antihistamines, these may help if the bites are very itchy and youre unable to sleep, the NHS says. How to get rid of bedbugs the dos and donts You might have to call pest control to help you get rid of the insects. (Getty Images) It can be hard to get rid of the small insects on your own, so you might need to contact your local council or pest control service to get rid of the pesky creatures. Here are some steps you can take to reduce bedbugs: Remove the affected bedding and clothing wash on a hot wash of 60c and tumble try on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes. You can also put the infested bedding and clothing in a plastic bag and place It in your freezer for 3 to 4 days. Its time to up your cleaning game bedbugs are found in both clean and dirty places, but regular cleaning will help you spot them early, the NHS adds. Heres what you should avoid doing: Do not keep clutter around your bed, try to keep your space as clean as possible. Do not bring second-hand furniture indoors unless you have cleaned and carefully checked it. Do not take luggage or clothing indoors without checking it properly especially if you have come from somewhere where you know there are bedbugs. What are the causes of bedbugs and where do they live? The wingless parasitic insects are found all around the world and may be linked to, more frequent travel, changes in pest control practices and insecticide resistance. Bedbugs can be found in: Clothing Luggage Bedding Boxes Box springs Mattresses Headboards Objects near beds According to the Mayo Clinic, they can also be found: Under peeling pain or loose wallpaper Under carpeting near baseboards In upholstered furniture seams Under light switch plates or electrical outlets (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Can bedbugs reach the UK? The short answer is yes Bedbugs have a lifespan of between four to six months and are known to cling onto dirty suitcases so it is possible that they may hitch a ride on the Eurostar which is just two hours away from London. The Independents Barney Davis asked David Cain, founder and MD of Bed Bugs LTD and a qualified microbiologist, whether the bugs could survive the journey. Easily, yes, without a shadow of a doubt, he responded. Read the latest on the bedbug infestation in Paris here. 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 }} Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday in the United States that was created in reaction to Columbus Day, a national holiday dedicated to celebrating the explorer who led expeditions to the Americas starting in 1492. Columbus has become a controversial figure and, as a result, many states and cities have decided to rename the holiday for the Indigenous communities who already lived in the Americas when Columbus and his crews arrived on shore - a population that was enslaved and ultimately killed off en masse. Heres what you need to know about the renamed national holiday. How long has Columbus Day been around? Columbus Day is typically observed on the second Monday in October. This year, the holiday will take place on Monday, 9 October 2023. It became US federal holiday in 1937 after an effort by Roman Catholic Italian Americans, who were at the time members of a particularly stigmatised ethnic and religious group. Members of that group campaigned to establish Columbus Day as a holiday in order to establish Christopher Columbus - a Catholic Italian - as an important and central figure in American history. Along the way, their efforts wound up cultivating the false impression among many Americans that Columbus literally discovered the Americas, even though Indigenous communities had established settlements at least 500 years prior to Columbus arrival. Why have many renamed Columbus Day? While much of American history has been written around the conquests of European descendants, there has been increasing recognition that the American narrative has served to only marginalise Indigenous peoples, whose communities were negatively impacted by genocide and colonisation. Columbus Day is not just a holiday, it represents the violent history of colonisation in the Western hemisphere, Leo Killsback, a professor of American Indian Studies at Arizona State University, told the History Channel. Many American public schools do not teach students in-depth about the 10 million or so people who lived in the Americas before Europeans arrived, and what has happened to that population through the years. Which brings us to Columbus himself: Indigenous Peoples Day highlights the brutal history of the man, and his treatment of the Indigenous people he found already living in the Americas when he arrived. Historians have found evidence that Columbus and his teams enslaved native inhabitants of the West Indies, and subjected them to extreme violence. That treatment started on the first day he arrived, according to his journal, which says that he immediately ordered the seizure of six native people to be used as servants. Some claims state Columbus oversaw the slaughter of Indigenous people, and even ordered peoples hands be cut off for failing to perform tasks for his teams. Is Indigenous Peoples Day a federal holiday? Indigenous Peoples Day has been recognised for decades in different forms and under a variety of names to celebrate Native Americans history and culture, and to recognise the challenges they continue to face. In 2021, US President Joe Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day. He said in a statement that the day is meant to honour Americas first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today. Although it is not a federal holiday, Indigenous Peoples day is celebrated all over the country. Across the US, 17 states - including Washington, South Dakota and Maine, as well as Washington, DC - have holidays honoring Indigenous communities. Dozens of cities and school systems observe Indigenous Peoples Day as well. Several US lawmakers have since reintroduced legislation meant to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day as a federal holiday. How do people celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day? Indigenous Peoples Day is often marked by protests against memorials to Columbus, for environmental justice, for the return of Indigenous lands and in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. By calling attention to Indigenous Peoples Day and the desire to make it a federal holiday, supporters hope that it will bring attention to the ways Indigenous people are discriminated against and disproportionately affected by climate change and gender violence. Additional reporting from AP. 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 }} Julia Fox has spoken candidly about her short relationship with Kanye West, with the model alleging that the rapper weaponised her against his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, the Uncut Gems actress explained that she first viewed the relationship with West as one that had potential and could be something real. I really understood him on a visceral level, Fox said, adding that she thought ultimately Id be helping a precarious situation when it came to his dynamic with his ex, Kim Kardashian. But I learned very quickly that I was being weaponised, she added. I just felt like his little puppet. She told the outlet in her upcoming memoir, Down the Drain, she does touch on the relationship, but only lightly. Im not signing a f***ing NDA just on principle. I never have, and I never will, she told the Los Angeles Times. Unless its a professional opportunity, then sure. Its, like, six pages, Fox said about Wests appearance in the book during an interview with E! News. I feel like I went very lightly on it. Im not trying to have bad blood or anything, its all in the past. Fox and West broke up in February 2022, almost two months after they confirmed they were dating. The split also came shortly after the rapper went on a social media tirade in an effort to bring his family back together amid his divorce from Kim Kardashian. Fox also spoke to Rolling Stone about her time with West, saying the weaponising aspect is why the relationship only lasted a month. It really wasnt that big of a deal, but other people made it such a big deal, she said of their time together. Fox added that she suspects shes been blacklisted at times since the end of the relationship. I know for a fact Ive been up for certain things and couldnt do it because of dating Kanye. Its kind of wild. Following the breakup, the Uncut Gems star has spoken out about why she and West who formally changed his name to Ye werent a good match. During an interview with ES Magazine in September 2022, she said that while there was a good amount of chemistry between them, their relationship wasnt sustainable. I was just going day by day and seeing where it went, she explained. It was just like, he still wants to hang out with me today, lets do it. And then real life set in and the lifestyle wasnt sustainable. I couldnt fly away once a week. And I tapped out at the first sign of a red flag. When asked what that red flag was, Fox responded: The unresolved issues that he was dealing with. She also claimed that it seemed like West had a lot to work on while they were together, and she just didnt have time for it, or energy. I dont have the bandwidth or emotional capacity for it. Im proud of myself for that. Pre-Valentino Julia would have definitely stuck it out and been there for longer, she explained, referring to her two-year-old son Valentino, who she shares with ex-husband Peter Artemiev. Her memoir is set to be released on 10 October. 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 }} Prue Leith says she is frequently attacked on social media over the views of her son, Conservative MP Danny Kruger. The Great British Bake Off judge has two children with her late first husband, Rayne Kruger: filmmaker Li-Da and Danny, who has been the Tory MP for Devizes in Wiltshire since 2019. Throughout his political career, Kruger has been outspoken about his views on subjects including assisted death, womens right to bodily autonomy and the role of marriage in society. At this years National Conservatism conference, he stated that marriage between men and women was the only basis for a safe and successful society. In addition, Kruger is an evangelical Christian, while Leith is an atheist. In a new interview with The Times, Leith, 83, gave some insight into the impact of having a Tory parliamentary figure as a son. When asked whether she got attacked for her sons beliefs, Leith replied: All the time. Especially on evil Twitter. How could you raise such a monster? Hes a Tory for goodness sake. Half the country are Tories actually, not any more I dont imagine, she added. In the Times interview, published on Friday (6 October), Leith reflected on how she and Danny confronted their different views on assisted dying during the filming of the Channel 4 programme, Prue and Dannys Death Road Trip. In the documentary, the mother and son visited Oregon, on the US West Coast, where doctor-assisted suicide is legal. Prue Leith and Danny Kruger (Getty / PA) I loved making that, not least because I never get to see Danny and we had two weeks together in America, which was lovely, the cookery writer noted. We both thought there should be a programme about death which is not vitriolic, because in this argument, as with many issues, you have both sides shouting at each other and nobodys listening. In terms of what she learned from her time discussing assisted dying with Kruger, Leith said that she has more understanding of his anxiety about the topic. I dont think he needs to be [anxious] but I dont think the world is as wicked as he thinks and that people will be forced into taking their own lives when they dont want to, she said. When asked whether her son listened to her perspective, Leith replied: In the sense he moved to agreeing I can at least top myself if I want to if it was legal. In the programme, which aired in February, Leith accused her son of scaremongering over assisted dying. 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 }} Simchat Torah, Hebrew for Rejoicing of the Torah is a Jewish religious holiday that commemorates the completion of the yearly cycle of Torah reading. The Torah is a central part of Judaism and to mark this significance of the scripture, Jewish communities around the world celebrate the day with many different rituals. During this time, Rabbis remove Torah scrolls from their ark, carry them over through the congregation and read certain passages to close the cycle and welcome the new. The holiday lasts around one to two days with some Orthodox communities observing it on the following day. Here is everything you need to know about Simchat Torah: What is Simchat Torah? This hakafot dance which takes place around the bimah (Getty Images) The religious festival first originated in the medieval period and marks the conclusion of one Torah reading and the beginning of another cycle. Although the holiday does not appear in the Bible or the Talmud, it is still a big part of Jewish tradition. During the festival, Jews celebrate another year of reading and studying the Torah: the first five books of the BibleGenesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. While readings are taking place, people circle three or even seven times dancing around the bimah (the reading desk). This dance is known as the hakafot in Hebrew and simply translates to circles. The hakafot is one of the highlights in the Jewish calendar and takes place both in the evening and the morning of Simchat Torah. In some communities, people see the dance as if they have become the feet of the scrolls. The scrolls are carried, allowing it to be a part of the dance and celebrations. What is the proper greeting for this celebration? The greeting for this Jewish holiday is Chag Sameach, which means Happy holiday. What kind of foods are eaten on Simchat Torah? Delcious blintzes pastries (Getty Images/iStockphoto) During this religious holiday, the one ingredient that is used the most is cabbage and this is due to its due its cylindrical shape. Communities gather to make a popular dish known as stuffed cabbage as it symbolises the shape of Torah scrolls. Another dish that is made during this time is blintzes, which also have a cylindrical shape. Chaya Rappoport, Jewish Food Societys Culinary Manager in the US says she grew up looking forward to her grandmothers stuffed cabbage which she stuffed with wild rice and braised in a savoury sweet tomato sauce. While thats pretty standard Simchat Torah fare for Ashkenazi Jews, the tradition looks slightly different in each family; this year on the Jewish Food Society archive, were sharing a recipe from a Romanian Holocaust survivor for kindl, a walnut stuffed cookie that she made every Simchat Torah, She adds. Rappoport says meanwhile, in Sephardi or Mizrahi communities, you might find stuffed squash, eggplant, quince or even kubbeh and bourekas. In classic Jewish fashion, this tradition has multiple interpretations, to which I say: the more the merrier. When is it? This year, Simchat Torah will be taking place on the evening of Saturday 7 October till Sunday 8 October. Simchat Torah is observed on the 22nd to 23rd of Tishrei (Tishrei is the first month of the Jewish year). Upcoming dates: Jewish Year 5785: Sunset 24 October 2024 Nightfall 24 October 2024 Jewish Year 5786: Sunset 14 October 2025 Nightfall 15 October 2025 Jewish Year 5787: Sunset 3 October 2026 Nightfall 4 October 4 2026 Jewish Year 5788: Sunset 23 October 2027 Nightfall 24 October 24 2027 Jewish Year 5789: Sunset 12 October 2028 Nightfall 13 October 13 2028 Jewish Year 5790: Sunset 1 October 2029 Nightfall 2 October 2029 Jewish Year 5791: Sunset 19 October 2030 Nightfall 20 October 2030 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 }} Tom Holland and Zendaya recently had a puppy play date. On Thursday 5 October, both actors took to social media to share clips and photos of the two of them with puppies while visiting the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home rescue centre in London. Holland posted a carousel of photos on his page, including close-ups of many adorable sleeping puppies, as he was seen wearing a blue and white hazmat suit, which some in the comments speculated may have been to either prevent germs from getting to the puppies before they get vaccinated, or to avoid them from leaving any scent on the animals. And he couldnt not include a photo of Zendaya, who could be seen sitting while holding a puppy on her lap. Zendaya also shared footage of the visit on her Instagram Story of her holding one of the puppies. @Battersea puppy heaven, the 27-year-old actress wrote in her Instagram Story. Alongside another snap, she shared: Like are you kidding me? as a sleeping pup laid in her arms. Zendaya then posted a clip of her stroking a puppy, writing: Got the lil legs going lol. Noons gonna be so mad when he smells me @battersea, referring to her dog Noons, who has his very own Instagram account. Battersea also shared the pairs posts on its Instagram Story. Thanks for visiting us and supporting rescue @zendaya, the animal shelter wrote. They loved you! Thank you for visiting @tomholland2013, Battersea continued alongside the actors carousel. Tom and Zendaya visited Battersea to find out more about the work we do to support rescue dogs and cats and to meet some of the animals currently in our care, a spokesperson for the rescue added in a statement to People. It was lovely to welcome them to Battersea. The pair first met while playing Peter and MJ in the 2017 Marvel film Spider-Man: Homecoming. The two first sparked rumours that they were dating that year. Celebrating Zendayas birthday in September 2021, Holland posted on social media, making the couple Instagram official. My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays, he captioned a photo taken in a dressing room, which showed Holland in his Spider-Man costume and Zendaya in the mirror. Gimme a call when youre up xxx. In December of that year, they made their red carpet debut together for the Hollywood premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The two have largely kept their relationship on the more private side, which Zendaya revealed in a recent interview with Elle is because of her rise in fame. Before, I could get away with going places and getting in and out. But in Boston [last spring], I would end up going right back home, because it was really overstimulating, she pointed out. Everybody would go hang out at a bar or something, and Id be like: Id love to, but I think I could ruin everybodys night. Because its just not going to be fun once Im there. Parts of my life, I accept, are going to be public, she added. 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 }} In 1960 an old US coastguard told a curious reporter a tale he had heard some 14 years before on the Pacific island of Nikumaroro Not long after the island was first settled in 1938, said Floyd Kilts, a local man was walking by the shore: There in the brush about 5ft feet from the shoreline he saw a skeleton. What attracted him to it were the shoes. Womens shoes, American kind Was this, the old coastguard wondered, the key to what really happened to Amelia Earhart , the aviation pioneer who had disappeared in 1937 while attempting to become the first woman to fly around the world? Even in 1960, the mystery was assuming mythical proportions. Some were suggesting that Earhart had actually been on a secret spying mission for US President Franklin Roosevelt; that she had survived and returned to the US to live under a false identity. This photograph was cited as evidence that Earhart had been captured by the Japanese (National Archives) In time, there would be speculation that Earhart had been captured by the Japanese, sometimes with the embellishment that she had been forced to become the voice of Tokyo Rose, taunting US servicemen with propaganda broadcasts during the Second World War. The official US government position remained that Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan had crashed into the Pacific Ocean and died at sea while trying to reach Howland Island. Now Kilts was suggesting the pair had died as castaways on what had then been an uninhabited, waterless Pacific atoll some 350 miles from their intended destination. Beside the body, he said, Was a cognac bottle with fresh water in it for drinking. Further down the beach ... A mans skull. But not too many listened to the old coastguard man. In the telling and retelling between 1938 and 1960, his tale had acquired impossible embellishments, the addition of Natives as superstitious as the devil [who] threw the gunnysack full of bones overboard, scared of the spirits. It was only much later that Earhart investigators realised there had indeed been weather-beaten bones found on Nikumaroro. But even then the document trail showed that the British colonial authorities had dismissed the possibility of them belonging to the aviator. They were from a long-dead elderly male of Polynesian race, snapped the maverick Gilbert Islands District medical officer Dr Lindsay Isaac. It may be definitely stated that the skeleton is that of a MALE, added Dr D W Hoodless, principal of the Central Medical School, Fiji, with considerably more authority, in 1941. Nikumaroro was uninhabited when Amelia Earhart was attempting to become the first woman to fly around the world (Reuters) Now, though, a startling new analysis of the bleached bones has been conducted albeit using historical photographs because some time after 1941 the skeletal fragments really were discarded, and not by stereotypically superstitious natives. Writing in the journal Forensic Anthropology, University of Tennessee professor Richard Jantz challenges Dr Hoodless certainty that the bones were from a man. In the 1940s, says Prof Jantz, forensic osteology - the study of bones - was still in its early stages, and therefore, for all his eminence, Dr Hoodless might have got things wrong. Prof Jantzs own analysis - using everything from skeletal measurements to computer modelling to the work of a historical seamstress who could estimate "the inseam length and waist circumference of Earhart's trousers" - has come to the opposite conclusion. From a forensic perspective, writes Prof Jantz, The most parsimonious scenario is that the bones are those of Amelia Earhart Until definitive evidence is presented that the remains are not those of Amelia Earhart, the most convincing argument is that they are hers. Old Kilts, it seems, was right after all: Amelia Earhart really did die as a castaway on Nikumaroro. And if the mystery really has been solved, it may allow the focus to shift once and for all on to something else: not how Amelia Earhart died, but how she lived. In pictures: US aviator Amelia Earhart Show all 6 1 / 6 In pictures: US aviator Amelia Earhart In pictures: US aviator Amelia Earhart earhart2.jpg In pictures: US aviator Amelia Earhart earhart3.jpg In pictures: US aviator Amelia Earhart earhart1.jpg In pictures: US aviator Amelia Earhart earhart4.jpg In pictures: US aviator Amelia Earhart arhart6.jpg In pictures: US aviator Amelia Earhart earhart5.jpg Yes, wrote Dorothy Cochrane, curator of the Aeronautics Department at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum last year. We do want to know what happened to her. Why? Because Amelia Earhart dared to be different. Long before she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, long before she tried to become the first woman to fly around the world, Earhart was defying what she later called the inheritance of age-old customs, which produced the corollary that women are bred to timidity. She did it with courage. Please know that I am aware of the hazards, she wrote to her husband George Putnam, in her last letter before her final voyage. [But] Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be a challenge to others. She also did it with style. After the New York Times hailed her 1932 Atlantic crossing with the headline, Mrs Putnam flies Atlantic in record time, she wrote to Arthur Hays Sulzberger, the newspapers publisher, politely asking to be known professionally, not by reference to her husband, but as Amelia Earhart. When the newspaper complied, she gave them a photo for the boardroom, and she signed it Amelia Earhart (Putnam) * * See New York Times. She may have enjoyed being named by the Fashion Designers of America as one of the 10 best dressed women in the US in 1934, but from the start Earhart delighted in defying the expectations placed on young women. As a child, she climbed trees, hunted rats with a .22 rifle and kept a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings about accomplished women. She took a car mechanics course, and when aged 23, she was first taken up in a plane, as a passenger on a 10-minute air show joy ride in 1920: "As soon as I left the ground, I knew I myself had to fly." She paid for her flying lessons with jobs that included being a truck driver. Shortly after completing her first solo flight in 1921, Earhart bought a second-hand Kinner Airster biplane, painted it bright yellow and nicknamed it the Canary. The next year she flew the Canary up to 14,000 feet, the world altitude record at the time for female pilots. Then in 1923 she got her pilots licence from the Federation Aeronautique, the world governing body for aeronautics. She was the 16th woman in the world to have such a pilots licence. It was during her spell as a social worker helping poor immigrants in a settlement house in Boston in 1928 that Earhart was asked if she wanted to join an expedition that would make her the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. She leapt at the chance even though, on the 20 hour, 40 minute flight from Newfoundland to Wales with Wilmer Stultz and Lou Gordon she was not herself able to take the controls of the Fokker FVII aeroplane. The flight, however, gave her a first taste of international fame, and bought her into contact with the publicist George P. Putnam, (GPP), who became her manager and - eventually - her husband. He proposed six times before she said yes. And on the morning of 7 February 1931, their wedding day, she sent him a letter. Dear GPP, she told him, There are some things which should be writ before we are married. You must know again my reluctance to marry, my feeling that I shatter thereby chances in work which means most to me. Please let us not interfere with the others work or play I cannot guarantee to endure at all times the confinements of even an attractive cage. Fifteen months after her wedding, On 21 May 1932, she became the first woman to complete a solo, non-stop flight across the Atlantic. Four hours into her 2,026-mile flight, Earhart revealed, I saw flames shooting from the exhaust pipe. I became uneasy, she admitted. It would have taken four hours to return, however, so I thought it would be safer to go ahead. Then she realised the fuel tank of her Lockheed Vega 5B monoplane was leaking. She flew on, with the exhaust manifold of her engine burned out and only tomato juice to keep her own energy levels up. Fourteen hours and 56 minutes after leaving Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, she said, After scaring most of the cows in the neighbourhood, I pulled up in a farmers back yard. Have you flown far? a farmhand asked. From America, she replied. Earhart prepares for her last known take-off in Lae, New Guinea, 2 July 1937 (EPA) Earhart returned home to a ticker tape parade in New York. Congress awarded her the first Distinguished Flying Cross to be given to a woman. Back in Britain, praising her achievement while perhaps also revealing the prejudice she had to overcome, the Manchester Guardian reported: She has succeeded in proving that the flight is not beyond the knowledge and the capacity for sustained endurance which a woman can acquire. Earhart herself felt she had proved that men and women were equal in jobs requiring intelligence, coordination, speed, coolness, and willpower. By that time, she had already become the founder president of the Ninety-Nines, a group of 99 women out of 285 licensed female pilots in the US who came together to provide mutual support and encouragement. The group still exists today, as an international organisation representing women flyers from 44 countries. In 1935 Earhart became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific from Honolulu to Oakland, California. The time, for sustenance on the 2,408-mile flight, she took a thermos of hot chocolate. The next year an Amelia Earhart Fund for Aeronautical Research was created, which would raise the $80,000 needed to buy the Lockheed Electra 10E two-motor all-metal monoplane that was going to take her and Noonan around the world. The money was raised with the help of Purdue University, Indiana, and writing about her world circling project Earhart allowed herself a considerable digression one that revealed her as a pioneer of more than just aviation. Purdue, she wrote, was a forward-looking institution and not just because it was one of the few universities in the world to have its own landing field. It is co-educational, wrote Earhart. Of its 6,000 students approximately 1,000 are women. The problems and opportunities of these girls were quite as much my concern as aviation matters. Perhaps I have something of a chip on my shoulder when it comes to modern feminine education I have known girls who should be tinkering with mechanical things instead of making dresses. Earhart allowed herself to dream of young women learning in a catch-as-can machine-shop, where girls may tinker to their heart's content with motors, lathes, jigsaws Peering up into the innards of engines, and likely as not get oil in their hair. One of my favourite phobias, she wrote, Is that girls, especially those whose tastes arent routine, often dont get a fair break. The situation is not new. It has come down through the generations, an inheritance of age-old customs, which produced the corollary that women are bred to timidity. Those words were published posthumously, in Last Flight, a collection of diary entries and notes gathered together by her husband, who, as she hoped he would, had never tried to keep her in an attractive cage. Noonan and Earhart had just 7,000 miles left of their 29,000-mile circumnavigation when they took off from Lae, New Guinea, on 2 July 1937. Earhart disproved the age-old notion that 'women are bred to timidity' (Getty Images) (Getty) They were heading for Howland Island, 2,556 miles away, where after a flight of at least 18 hours, the US Coast Guard cutter Itasca would be waiting with fuel. Two other ships were positioned along the expected flight route, with orders to turn on every one of their lights, to act as markers. Howland is such a small spot in the Pacific that every aid to locating it must be available, Earhart had insisted. Hoping to arrive at around dawn, they took off with the forecast predicting fair weather. Instead they encountered cloud, which made it hard for Noonan to use his preferred technique of navigating by the stars. At 7:42am the crew of the Itasca picked up a radio message from Earhart: We must be on you, but we cannot see you. Fuel is running low. Been unable to reach you by radio. We are flying at 1,000 feet. The ship tried to reply. Earhart and Noonan seemed not to hear. At 8.43am, Earhart radioed the ship: We are running north and south. Then she and Noonan were heard no more. As she had told her husband, Amelia Earhart knew the risks, but she was damned if she was going to give in to what some might have sought to characterise as feminine timidity. She had effectively made a record of her attitude before her first transatlantic expedition in 1928, when she left what she called popping off letters, in case she never returned. Dearest Dad, read the popping off letter to her father. Hooray for the last grand adventure! I wish I had won, but it was worthwhile anyway. Nine years later, the grand adventure finally claimed her, but by then it could never destroy her legacy. Her bleached bones may have ended up on Nikumaroro, but Amelia Earhart survives in the memory of her deeds, and in words which even now have the power to inspire anyone, of whatever gender. The most difficult thing, she once said. Is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. 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 }} Prioritising reopening theme parks and Rishi Sunaks Eat Out to Help Out scheme over schools in the pandemic was a terrible mistake and played a huge part in childrens negative lockdown experience, the Covid inquiry has heard. Anne Longfield, who was childrens commissioner for England until February 2021, described the pandemic as having been a disaster for many disadvantaged and already vulnerable children, criticising the indecisive and even at times indifferent Government approach to the impact of policy decisions. Ms Longfield said it was unclear whether the potential negative consequences of lockdowns were understood by decision-makers, or were heard but were ignored and overlooked. In her witness statement to the UK Covid-19 Inquirys module two hearings on core UK decision-making and political governance, she said there had been a failure to act in childrens best interests and branded it a major mistake to keep schools closed while reopening pubs and restaurants. Doubling down on this point when giving live evidence to the inquiry on Friday, she said the then-chancellors scheme offering discounts to encourage people to get back out to restaurants in summer 2020 had taken priority over schools reopening and future planning. She told the hearing: That, for me, was a terrible mistake and one which played a huge part in childrens very negative experience of the lockdown period. She said the pandemic had exposed the precarious nature many children were living their lives in and the levels of disadvantage across the country, but that the impacts were soon forgotten. (It was) very clear that there was no-one at the Cabinet table who was taking children's best interests to those decisions Anne Longfield, former children's commissioner While she thought seeing the real-life impact of vulnerability during Covid might be a changemaker, instead the impact on the most disadvantaged children had been quickly forgotten. The machinery of Government was in no way set up to be able to support children and represent their best interests, she said, adding that it had been very clear that there was no-one at the Cabinet table who was taking childrens best interests to those decisions. Her previous calls for a dedicated minister for children were met with a response that this came under the remit of the Education Secretary. At the time this role was held by Sir Gavin Williamson, but Ms Longfield told the inquiry: It was very clear he wasnt part of some of those (decision-making) discussions. There was an empty chair at the table. In her written statement, she outlined three areas where she said the Government had failed most badly to act in childrens best interests. These were the policy towards school opening and access to education; decisions about childrens ability to socialise and use public spaces; and decisions to reduce the safeguarding protection to vulnerable children receiving social care. These decisions have increased the risk of reduced outcomes, wellbeing and life chances for children, she said, and may have increased vulnerability to harm for some children who lost their life during the pandemic, not due to Covid, but due to violence. It is not clear whether the potential negative impact of lockdown and social distancing, along with other measures and decisions affecting children on childrens social care, health and family support services ... were heard but were ignored and overlooked Anne Longfield, former children's commissioner In her statement she said: It is my view that although children had fewer health risks from Covid-19, they suffered disproportionately from the nations efforts to contain the virus. Sadly, the impact on children was sometimes overlooked when decisions were taken over this period. She accepted that initial school closures across the country were necessary, but added that the decision to keep them shut for most children from March 2020 to September 2020, while at the same time increasing social interaction in other parts of society, was a major mistake. She added that there are questions to be answered about the integrity of assumptions made around the impact closing schools would have on virus spread as well as an apparent lack of any serious recognition of the short-term and long-term harmful effects of prolonged school closures on children, and an apparent failure of the Government to prepare realistically for the scale and duration of school closures, despite several weeks of warnings from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage). (For) those children in poor cramped accommodation, those living on low income whose parents needed to go out to work, those living in vulnerable households...this was a very difficult pandemic heightening existing vulnerabilities and laying the foundation for long-term problems Anne Longfield, former children's commissioner The former commissioner also noted differences in rules across the UK nations, saying that in England children were not exempt from the so-called rule of six arrangements, unlike their peers in Scotland and Wales, and so they were unable to play with friends or spend time with grandparents. She said while some children enjoyed initial benefits in the pandemic as families were able to spend more time together, the most vulnerable children faced increased problems. She wrote: For others, those children in poor cramped accommodation, those living on low income whose parents needed to go out to work, those living in vulnerable households with poor mental health, addiction and domestic violence, those living in poverty, those without access to the outdoors and those without access to the digital technology to access education or socialise with friends, this was a very difficult pandemic heightening existing vulnerabilities and laying the foundation for long-term problems. Ms Longfield said she had focused her advice to Government during the pandemic on reducing and mitigating the risks these children faced, but added: Whilst Government appeared on occasions to understand the risks to the wellbeing of children, at least in part, their approach on too many occasions lacked coherence, was indecisive, and at times appeared indifferent to the impact of policy decisions. She added: It is not clear whether the potential negative impact of lockdown and social distancing, along with other measures and decisions affecting children on childrens social care, health and family support services were heard and fully understood by those making decisions, or whether they were heard but were ignored and overlooked. Browser Compatibility Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks. We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: 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 }} NHS and care staff felt under-appreciated when the weekly doorstep clap was taking place in the pandemic, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry has heard. Kate Bell, of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said claps dont pay the bills and explained that healthcare staff felt people could not understand the scale of what workers were experiencing as the virus ripped through hospitals and care homes. Ms Bell told the hearing that while the feeling did not quite amount to resentment, the clapping which then-prime minister Boris Johnson took part in outside Downing Street came against a backdrop of pay and conditions not being recognised by the Government. Inquiry counsel Andrew OConnor KC said: One other theme that comes through from this passage and also from some others in your statement is a feeling amongst care workers and NHS workers of something close to resentment at the public clapping during the pandemic. Can you tell us a little about that? Ms Bell replied: I think it does come through and I think resentment is not quite the right word, but perhaps a feeling that it didnt, that people could not understand the scale of what they were experiencing. Interjecting, inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett said: They were under-appreciated? Ms Bell agreed, saying: That they were under-appreciated, under-appreciated the scale of what they were experiencing, the lack of clarity or guidance that they needed in order to do their jobs. And of course, their long-running concerns before the pandemic which we have talked about, about their pay and conditions not being recognised. Claps dont pay the bills, as many workers have been chanting this year. Across the country people including politicians such as Mr Johnson and even members of the royal family took part in the so-called Clap for Carers on a Thursday night in recognition of the efforts of key workers in the pandemic. 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 remanded in custody over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby. Gavin Plumb, a shopping centre security officer, is charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to commit murder, and incitement to commit kidnap between 2 and 5 October in Harlow, Essex, when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Friday. Mr Plumb, 36, of Potters Field in Harlow, is accused of planning to assemble a kidnap and restraint kit and encouraging a third party to travel to Britain to carry out the alleged offences targeting the 42-year-old, who has presented the show since 2009. Mr Plumb appeared in the dock in a green T-shirt with the slogan Aged to Perfection on Friday, where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and where he worked. The court heard Mr Plumb is alleged to have conspired online with another man and created a detailed plan to carry out the offences. The other man was due to arrive in the UK next week from the US, the court heard. Gavin Plumb at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Friday (PA) It came just hours after co-hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary spoke of Willoughbys absence from the show and expressed their support. Alison told viewers: We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family. Prime minister Rishi Sunak also addressed the case when he appeared on This Morning , saying: Before we get going, Im so sorry to hear everything going on with Holly. I just wanted to send my best to her and her family, and to all of you. Willoughbys ITV colleague Lorraine Kelly addressed the story on Fridays episode of her programme Lorraine, saying it was very, very upsetting. In a statement, Det Supt Rob Kirby of Essex Police said: This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges. The safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this and working with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation proceeds. ITV is providing round-the-clock security and support for Willoughby, alongside the police. A spokesperson for ITV said: This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at This Morning and ITV. We are providing all of the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time. Mr Plumb was remanded into custody by District Judge Caroline Jackson until a plea hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 3 November. 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 a Thursday morning in June, a man stands outside prison, phone poised, waiting. Quick question, how long have you just done? he says as the door opens. Two months, replies a man holding a duffel bag. What were you in for? Criminal damage and section 39 common assault, the reply. Continuing his line of questioning: Where you from? Colne, is the response. As the former prisoner walks away, the man behind the camera gives an excited: Shout-out Colne. Behave yourself, mate. The UK has a prison population of 95,526m and in the first quarter of this year alone 11,770 were released. Behind bars, prisoners wonder what theyll be met with when they leave, some are welcomed with open arms by their family and friends. Few would predict a man from Preston asking where abouts theyre from. Jamie Robinson, 38, spends most of his days standing outside prisons and courthouses across Britain, interviewing criminals upon their release. From people in court for failing to pay their rent to ex-convicts convicted of serious crimes leaving prison for the first time in years, Jamie wants to share their experience on social media. After spending time in prison himself, he says he wants to use his platform and share these conversations as a deterrent for others. Jamie Robinson interviews criminals as they leave prisons (Supplied) The first time I went to court for battery I was 12-years-old. When I was 13, 14 and 15-years-old everyone told me I was going to prison but I didnt believe them. he said. If I had seen the real impact of prison on people, like Im showing now, I mightve known the reality. When young people see you can go to prison for things like rent arrears or other crimes that you just dont think you can go to prison for, it makes them think twice and keeps them out of trouble. Jamie says the interviews are usually positively received by ex-convicts (@jailtales) Jamie posts the videos online to his TikTok, YouTube and Instagram accounts named Jail Tales. His TikTok platform has amassed over 235,000 followers and 2.2 million likes, with one single video gaining a massive 14.8 million views. In one video, Jamie approaches a released prisoner outside HMP Doncaster and asks what its like inside. The man from Rotherham replied Sh** hole, before saying he had been in prison for robbery. Tiktoker interviews ex-convicts as they leave prisons around England Another video shows a prisoner just released from HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow after serving seven years. When asked about the prison he says you dont want to be in there, and added that hes not coming back. Although starting the project in his hometown of Preston, Jamie has now has visited prisons and courthouses all across the UK, from Cardiff to Edinburgh. He is also planning on visiting Ireland in the near future. When going to a location far from his home, Jamie says he sets up a tent nearby to sleep in the night before, to ensure he arrives to the prison gates by 8am. Once outside, Jamie remains stood by the prison doors until inmates are released, which he says usually happens from 9am to 10am. Approaching the former prisoner as they step outside, he asks them to share the amount of time they have served, the amount of time they were sentenced, what it was for and where theyre from. If they stick around for long enough, Jamie asks them to share an insight into prison life. Ending his encounters with a stay out of trouble, Jamie says the conversations are usually friendly by the time the released prisoner walks away. Jamie asks them questions as soon as they leave the prisons door (@jailtales) He says he also wants his videos to show the general public that rehabilitated criminals deserve a chance. He added: People always ask if Im scared to approach the inmates but Ive spent years in jail. Nothing like that bothers me and Ive never once had a problem with people coming out. I think everyone deserves a chance. I take everyone at face value and I believe that just because someone has been in prison, that doesnt mean theyre a bad person. (Supplied) Jamie said that at first many prisoners are standoffish when he approaches them, but once he tells them his own story and explains his reasoning for being there, he says nine-out-of-ten of them are happy to share their story. However, he claims that he does sometimes face barriers when trying to carry out his interviews from prison staff outside the gates. Although he is legally allowed to film outside the prison, Jamie has been challenged multiple times by staff. He said once one even tried to grab his phone. He said: The staff arent the friendliest of people. A lot of them say I cant film there but its public space and I know where I can film and where I cant. There was one prison guard in Edinburgh that even grabbed my phone when I was filming the prisoners coming out and speaking to them. I like to do it as theyre leaving the door though because its a much more real moment than if I spoke to them down the street. Some prisoners dont want to speak to me either and thats fine. Ninety per cent of them do want to speak, but some just keep their heads down and keep walking. If they dont want to talk I just put my phone down and dont post the video. Jamie has gone as far as Glasgow to speak to prisoners upon their release (Supplied) Jamie firmly believes his content is helping deter others from crime, and says he has received hundreds of messages since he began his platform from people thanking him for bringing awareness to children who want to be associated with crime. Ive had an unbelievable response to the videos. Ive had hundreds of people message me to tell me Ive helped them and to thank me for showing the reality of going to prison. My inbox is flooded, the father-of-five said. He added: I do think its important that I stay and keep going as much as I can to get my message across. I love doing it and I know Im making a difference. 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 extradited from Pakistan over the killing of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky 18 years ago has pleaded not guilty to her murder. Piran Ditta Khan also denied two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon on November 18 2005. The 74-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery on the same day. This related to robbing Mohammed Yousaf of a quantity of cash. Khan appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Friday for the pre-trial hearing. He had a Punjabi interpreter to help him understand the proceedings, but gave his pleas in English. The court heard the two firearms charges relate to alleged possession of a Mac 10 submachine gun and a 9mm pistol. Khan also faces a charge of possession of a prohibited weapon for each firearm. The charge relating to the submachine gun states that it was allegedly designed or adapted so that two or more missiles could be successfully discharged without repeated pressure on the trigger, the court heard. The judge, Mr Justice Hilliard, who appeared by videolink from the Central Criminal Court in London, remanded Khan in custody until his next hearing. He is due to go on trial in February next year. Pc Beshenivsky was 38 when she was killed on November 18 2005 after she and a colleague responded to a report of a robbery at Universal Travel in Morley Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire. The married mother of three was a probationer with only nine months service at the time. Her colleague, Pc Teresa Milburn, was seriously injured. 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 Metropolitan Police have reported 795 incidents of ULEZ-related crimes in the last six months with hundreds of cameras across London being damaged or stolen. Updated figures from the Met include 200 cameras being stolen and 595 damaged. The news comes after London Mayor Sadiq Khan expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in August, to cover all London boroughs in a bid to help clear pollution in the capital. There have been mixed reactions to the policy across the city. One 52-year-old man was arrested in Bexley last month on suspicion of criminal damage but has been bailed until 19 December finding further enquiries. The man was taken to a South London police station for questioning before being released on bail. The Ultra Low Emission Zone was expanded to cover the entire city of London in August (PA) The Met confirmed it was part of an ongoing operation launched in May in relation to the criminal damage of ULEZ cameras. To date, Met investigations have led to the arrest of two other individuals, one charged and bailed for trial to June 2024 and the other discontinued by the CPS. In a statement, they said: The Met continues to treat criminal activity in relation to ULEZ seriously and has deployed considerable resources to our operation. Where there are possible lines of enquiry, local investigators will follow up using a range of investigative approaches including CCTV trawls, witness searches and an assessment of forensic opportunities. Protests against the policy took place last week (PA) They warned that a recorded crime can included multple offences by the same individuals and they were eager to ensure a proportionate approach was in place in relation to ULEZ-related crimes. Protests took place earlier today against the ULEZ policy, as activists camped in tents near the Mayors house. The policy means that cars that do not meet the required emissions standards now need to pay 12.50 a day to drive in the capital. The charge will generally affect petrol cars made before January 2006 and diesel cars made before September 2015. This article was amended on 9 October 2023. It previously stated that responsibility for expanding ULEZ lay with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, but that was inaccurate. The expansion was down to London Mayor Sadiq Khan. 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 }} Irelands premier has said Rishi Sunak is hopeful talks with the DUP on restoring powersharing in Northern Ireland are moving towards a positive conclusion. Leo Varadkar said the Prime Minister briefed him on the status of the UK Governments negotiations with the DUP during their bilateral meeting in Spain on Thursday. Mr Varadkar, who remained in Granada on Friday for a meeting with EU leaders, said a window of opportunity to reach an agreement may be approaching. On Thursday night, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insisted gaps remain between Government and his party on the post-Brexit trade border impasse. Emerging from a meeting of the DUPs ruling executive in Lurgan, Co Armagh, Sir Jeffrey said he was not going to set any deadlines on the engagement with London but he indicated the Government was now in a position to respond to his partys latest requests. The DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan from the Stormont executive in February 2022 in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol. Powersharing is unable to function without the participation of the regions largest unionist party. The UK and EU agreed the Windsor Framework earlier this year in an attempt to address unionist concerns about the protocol but the DUP has indicated it will not return to the Stormont Assembly until the UK Government provides further assurances over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market. One of the main parts of the framework, the green/red lane system for the movement of goods, became operational at Northern Ireland ports on Sunday. Mr Varadkar was asked about his meeting with Mr Sunak as he spoke to reporters in Granada on Friday morning. Prime minister Sunak gave me a briefing on the talks and contacts that theyre having with the DUP at the moment, he said. Theyre ongoing. He didnt go into the detail of those but very much said that they were bilateral discussions between the DUP and the UK Government, and that he hoped that they were moving towards a conclusion and that that would be a positive conclusion. But that remains to be seen. Mr Varadkar added: There wasnt any timeline given but youll be aware the DUP had an internal party meeting that happened there yesterday, and their conference is coming up at the weekend (October 13/14). So, you know, perhaps this is another window of opportunity to come to an agreement, an agreement between the UK Government and the DUP which enables the Assembly, executive and the North South Ministerial Council to start functioning again. So, you know, hopefully thats the case but that remains to be seen over the next couple of weeks. Sir Jeffrey said Thursdays meeting of his partys executive was very positive and there were no dissenting voices. He said he was not in a position to make a recommendation to party colleagues as he had not yet received the UKs latest proposals. Clearly there are still gaps between us and them in terms of the shortcomings of the Windsor Framework, the areas where we believe it does not go far enough in delivering for Northern Ireland and our ability to trade within the United Kingdom on its internal market, he said. And the party is very clear were focused on what we need to achieve and over the next few weeks well continue that engagement with the Government to try and get to the solution that we need. A solution that both unionists and nationalists can support, that provides the strong foundations that Stormont needs to get back up and running. Earlier, Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle ONeill said the coming weeks would be critical in efforts to restore the Stormont Assembly and executive. Addressing a meeting of party activists in Co Armagh, Sinn Feins vice president said a pragmatic approach was required by all political parties to get down to business. 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 Governments rape adviser has quit claiming there is a lack of will in the police and civil service to change. Emily Hunt, the Ministry of Justices independent adviser to its Rape Review, said myths about rape are perpetuated at high levels of the civil service and police. Ms Hunt, herself an abuse survivor, said she is returning to the US because she does not feel safe in Britain. It is very scary to feel unsafe and unprotected and to feel like if anything happened, I don't have a criminal justice system to keep me safe Emily Hunt She said there was no purpose to her staying, adding there is a lack of will for change. In an interview with Channel 4 News, the campaigner said: Its going to sound silly but fundamentally we need to remember that the Government and all of the operational partners from the police to the prosecutors to the judges, theyre all just people. People innately believe in rape myth. So, you have people going through their day-to-day lives who believe that: Oh, well, maybe her skirt was too short. Maybe she was drinking. I have more come across it more within the professional and civil service side. Id say that ministers are more careful around me. Ms Hunt said it is scary to live in a country where there is no criminal justice system to keep me safe. She added: I got to the point where I realised I dont think I could ever report a crime to the police in this country again, at least not right now. And that made me feel really, really unsafe, because I do still have somebody out there who was harassing and stalking me. And it is very scary to feel unsafe and unprotected and to feel like if anything happened, I dont have a criminal justice system to keep me safe and that its part of why Im leaving. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told the PA news agency: We thank Emily Hunt for her valuable work over the last two years, supporting the Government in exceeding all three ambitions of our Rape Review ahead of schedule. We remain determined to stamp out these appalling crimes, making sure the criminal justice system supports victims and holds perpetrators to account. A recruitment campaign to find a new adviser is due to launch later this year. 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 }} Former BBC Radio 1 presenter and convicted pedophile Chris Denning, 81, died in prison of diabetes, according to a new prison watchdog report. Denning was convicted of a string of offences against young boys and was serving two 13 year sentences at HMP Bedford where he died behind bars. Some of his victims were as young as eight and Judge Alistair McCreath who sentenced Denning, called him utterly depraved. Denning was prosecuted for multiple sex offences across Europe as well as the UK (Europics) Denning had been suffering from Parkinsons Diseas, diabetes, a heart abnormality, glaucoma, high blood pressure and bed sores. He had decided in January last year that he did not wish to be resuscitated if his heart or breathing stopped. He later died in Bedford Hospital on June 24 2022 from a bone infection caused by diabetes. Southwark Court where he was sentenced, heard how Denning had taken some victims to Top of the Pops recordings and introduced them to Jimmy Savile, even abusing one boy at Saviles home. Denning had multiple convictions for pedophilia and sex offences and was a convicted sex offender in Europe before he found fame in the UK. He was prosecuted in 1959 in Germany for circulating pornographic images and was accused of running a pedophile ring in Prague in the 1990s where he had photographed himself abusing boys he picked up from amusement arcades and swimming pools and was sentenced to 15 years after delivering a 44 hour closing speech and being found guilty. Denning (riight) was one of the founding DJs on BBC Radio 1 and was the first voice ever to speak on BBC2 before being exposed for being a sex offender (Starstock/Photoshot) In 2001, the Czech government sought to question Denning in relation to sex crimes against minors at a disco for teenagers. He then went on the run before being tracked down by The Sun in 2005 and being convicted the following year at Kingston Crown Court where he admitted five charges of abusing boys under 16. Jimmy Saville revelations led to Operation Yewtree which led to Dennings final two convictions. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison for 40 offences against 24 boys between the age of nine and sixteen. In 2016, he admitted to abusing another eleven boys, some as young as eight, and was sentenced to another 13 years. A clinical reviewer for the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman found that, when clinical readings first showed that Mr Denning needed emergency care, he was not transferred to hospital for treatment. The care he received in custody was worse than he could have expected to receive as a free man, the reviewer said. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, which investigates deaths in custody, published a report saying it found issues of concern in Mr Dennings end-of-life care. 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 }} Strike action could block sea ports all across the country as industrial disputes take place over compulsory medical examinations for port workers. Unite has warned Associated British Ports (ABP) that strike action could take place across its 21 ports which handle around a quarter of the UKs seaborne trade. The dispute comes after workers were unhappy that ABP introduced increased medical standards without their consultation, which Unite say is required under health and safety legislation and Unites recognition agreement. Southampton, Hull, Cardiff, Swansea, Humber and Immingham, Port Talbot and Barry ports could all be affected (PA) The workers affected are maritime pilots who safely navigate ships in and out of the UKs waterways and ports. Only around sixty individuals are trained to do the job in the country. Unite said in a statement: Maritime pilots are scarce, skilled and highly experienced. Ships cant leave or enter the UKs ports without them. So its all the more incredible that ABP Ports is refusing to negotiate important changes to their health and safety [requirements]. Unite is not opposed to enhanced checks, they continued. But they need to be negotiated and introduced fairly. ABP needs to realize that Unite stands ready to defend our members jobs, terms and conditions. One worker spoke to The Independent about his reasons for striking but wished to remain anonymous due to the high likelihood of him being identified. Ive got a number of issues, he said. We arent against enhanced medical checks, but we do wish to be consulted. The ABP is constantly talking about engagement, but they havent spoken to us about this decision at all. The ABP pilot also said that there was a sense of loyalty and community among the maritime pilots due to their small number, with many starting a career in their thirties, undertaking an extensive five-year training process and then staying in the job until retirement. Offshore wind, cruise ships and cargo including steel could all be affected if the strikes go ahead (AP) People are worried about whether they will pass or fail this test, he said. If we knew what the standards were we wouldnt be as worried. A lot of us are getting on a bit, and its a physical job so it could lead to some people not working anymore. He said that the pilots ranged in age from 30 to late-sixties and there were a wide range of people and physical capabilities. He said: As you get older things dont work as they once did, you can still do what needs to be done, but there are concerns from many of the workers. Ports said to be affected include Southampton, known as Britains Gateway to the World and is the UKs number one export port. It is also Britains largest port for automotive and Europes number one turnaround port for cruise. Hull, which sees large quantities of softwood timber come through its ports, is likely to be affected, while Humber and Immingham could be hit by strikes too. The latter port handles as much as 46 million tonnes of cargo a year. The strikes could also affect south Wales, especially Swansea, Port Talbot, Barry, Cardiff and Newport, areas which handle a total of around 1bn of trade every year. Pilots hold the keys to the kingdom, said one worker. If we stop nothing happens, big ships dont move. We hold the key. The Royal Navy took seven years to implement changes to medical assessments in consultation with the people affected, thats all we want. Unite have written to ABP this week to say they have formally entered into a dispute and that the industrial action process could begin as early as next week. If negotiations arent successful and if a strike mandate is agreed, pilots could go on strike by the end of December or early next year which is over the Christmas and New Year period. An ABP spokesperson said: The health, safety and wellbeing of all colleagues is of critical importance to ABP. Having reviewed our already comprehensive package of health provision for our maritime colleagues, we have implemented a new regular health assessment to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of maritime colleagues, reflecting the demanding nature of the roles they carry out. We are disappointed that Unite have chosen to oppose the introduction of these measures, which we strongly believe are in the interests of their members. We continue to engage with Union representatives and the mention of industrial action is unhelpful. 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 number of rape suspects out on bail has hit an all-time high as a huge backlog in the court system causes delays for tens of thousands of victims, figures uncovered by The Independent show. Latest government statistics highlight a record 1,617 rape cases where the defendant was out on bail while their case was backlogged in the crown courts up from 318 five years ago while the number of alleged rape victims waiting more than two years for justice has also soared to new levels. Meanwhile, in another sign of Britains crumbling justice system, police are being forced to release some suspects in serious crimes in one instance, an alleged rapist without interview because there are no duty solicitors to represent them. Sir Bob Neill, senior Tory MP and chair of the Commons justice committee, described the situation as a perfect storm, while campaigners have warned that the broken system will discourage rape victims from coming forward. The news comes a day after Britains rape tsar quit her role, saying that the justice system was on its knees and that there was a lack of will to continue to change to make things better for victims. Ministers have been urged to act after a string of revelations by The Independent, including how criminals could be freed early from jail in an attempt to solve prison overcrowding. Charlotte Proudman, a barrister specialising in violence against women and girls, told The Independent that suspected rapists being granted bail shows just how little the criminal justice system cares about rape victims. Rape is one of the most heinous crimes that any woman or man can suffer. Already there is low confidence in reporting rape to the police. Would a suspect accused of carrying out terrorism be granted bail? Rape is a form of intimate terrorism, and should be treated in the same way. Giving bail to rapists signals a lack of respect for victims, and that rape itself is not a serious crime, she said. While more rape cases are being referred to the crown courts, the number of concluded cases in England and Wales has significantly failed to keep up creating the growing backlog. By June this year, the total number of rape cases in the crown courts had hit an all-time high of 2,373. In 1,617 of these cases, the defendant had been bailed and in 450 of them, for more than a year. More than 100 such cases had been in the crown courts for more than two years without a conclusion a figure that is 14 times higher than the average between 2014 and 2019, analysis of Ministry of Justice data by The Independent reveals. Emily Hunt, the government rape adviser who has now left her role to move back to the US having claimed that she did not feel safe in the UK, told The Independent: Most rape victims are walking around every day with their rapist free. We know all too well what it feels like to know that you could run into them at any time, and its terrifying. Former victims commissioner Vera Baird says cases should urgently be taken into specialist courts so that the process can be expedited (Getty) Sir Bob hit out at the unsatisfactory situation. Despite increasing the number of sitting court hours, were still not getting through the courts backlog. Its particularly serious with rape cases because, by the nature of the offence, it has an impact both upon the complainant and the defendant to have to put their lives on hold while something like that is hanging over them for two years or more. Thats clearly unfair, and its clearly wrong. He added: Youve got almost a perfect storm, havent you? Pressures at the beginning with duty solicitors, pressures in the court system, pressures in the prison system. Former Labour justice secretary Charlie Falconer described it as an absolute scandal. Its yet another example of the increasing collapse in the criminal justice system, he told The Independent. The agony for the alleged victims having to wait is absolutely terrible. Delays do lead to cases collapsing. The longer the wait, the greater the risk that victims and witnesses lose heart. Former victims commissioner Dame Vera Baird warned that the situation will deter more and more complainants from coming forward. Women who complain of rape to the police have to climb a near-vertical wall in this governments criminal justice system, even to get their assailant charged, she said. Rape defendants are rarely in custody, and other kinds of case with defendants on remand take priority, pushing this most traumatised and haunted group of complainants further and further back in the crown court queue. This will get worse. Dame Vera said these cases should urgently be taken into specialist courts, so that the process can be expedited. That can provide fairer justice for [complainants] and defendants alike, she said. Criminal Bar Association chair Tana Adkin KC explained that custody time limits mean that remand cases tend to take priority over bail cases, which inevitably means any outstanding sexual offence cases involving defendants on bail are disproportionately impacted. Nevertheless, the remand prison population is also at a record high, with The Independent reporting last month that some 150 prisoners had been waiting for more than five years for trial. Referring to the instances in which suspects are being released from police stations without interview, the Law Society warned that they were not isolated cases. Richard Atkinson, the societys deputy president, said: This is a worsening position. This isnt a one-off, and this is something thats starting to happen but its going to get worse unless [ministers] address the issue of the number of personnel in the criminal justice system. View more ( Data: Ministry of Justice) And, accusing the government of knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing, Labour MP Stella Creasy said: They have been so obsessed with blaming lawyers and slashing funding, rather than securing justice and helping prevent crime, that theyve ended up creating a system which now means victims have to live in fear of bumping into their rapist at their local shops for years on end. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: Decisions on bail applications are made by independent judges who ensure the public are protected. Our reforms to criminal legal aid will increase investment in the profession by 85m a year, and by next year, solicitors will see a 30 per cent increase for their work in police stations and a 20 per cent increase for their work in the magistrates courts. In 2021, a government-commissioned review by Sir Christopher Bellamy urged ministers to increase legal aid funding as soon as possible by a minimum of 135m as the first step in nursing the system of criminal legal aid back to health after years of neglect. Vladimir Putin is expected to seek another term in the Kremlin when Russia holds presidential elections next March. But he is 71 years old, an age when death or serious illness are hardly distant concerns. If Putin was not on the ballot for some reason, its not clear who might take his place. At the national level, Russias political system has no primary elections in which voters can choose a candidate. Political parties select their own contenders and then present them to the electorate. However the process plays out, a candidate almost certainly would come from within the current power structure, as none of the lesser parties candidates would have wide recognition or support. Read morePutin is expected to seek reelection in Russia, but who would run if he doesn't? Close Sycamore Gap: 300-year-old tree stars in 90s classic Robin Hood movie before vandalism 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 }} Hadrians Wall has been damaged by the vandals who chopped down the Sycamore Gap tree, investigators have discovered. Historic England said it found some damage had been caused to the 1,900-year-old wall, one of Britains best-known Unesco world heritage sites, in a preliminary inspection. A spokesperson for the historical preservation body told The Independent: While we identified that Hadrians Wall has sustained some damage, we have not been able to access the site to carry out a full investigation so a further archaeological appraisal will take place once the site is considered safe. It comes as The National Trust, which manages the land in Northumberland where the iconic tree once stood, said it has been overwhelmed with thousands of messages of support and over 150 offers of help. The charity told The Independent its immediate priority has been ensuring the safety of the tree and it is still working on plans for the safe removal of Sycamore Gap. But the spokesperson added that The National Trust is beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site. Police previously arrested a 16-year-old boy and a man, aged in his 60s, in connection with the incident. Both have since been released on bail. 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 }} Labour cannot commit to building HS2s northern leg if it wins the next election after the Government took a wrecking ball to the project, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The Opposition leader warned he was unable to promise to reverse Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks announcement, but said he was in talks with leaders across the North of England to provide better connectivity. Sir Keir said Labour would also continue with transport projects already announced by the Government, such as improvements to the A1. Theyve just taken a wrecking ball to this project Sir Keir Starmer Mr Sunak opted to scrap HS2 from the West Midlands to Manchester saying the facts have changed and the cost of the high-speed rail scheme had more than doubled. The Prime Minister instead promised to use 36 billion of savings from scrapping sections of HS2 to fund a raft of other transport schemes. Sir Keir, in a series of interviews with regional broadcasters ahead of what could be Labours final annual conference before a general election, tried to paint himself as a problem-solver who could fix the current mess. Speaking to ITV News Calendar, he said: Theyve just taken a wrecking ball to this project. They will be cancelling contracts between now and the general election. They will be releasing land that is needed. They downsized. I cant stand (here) after theyve made such a big hole in their plans and say (I) will simply reverse it. Sir Keir said yes, well get on with it when discussing the future of Northern Powerhouse Rail. In a series of interviews with BBC regional political editors, Sir Keir said he had wanted HS2 built in full but he could no longer commit to that. He said of the Governments handling of HS2: Well, what a fiasco. Theyve had this project up and running for 13 years. Its costing billions of pounds, huge promises have been made. And now because of their mismanagement, its collapsed in on itself. Now, I wanted HS2 built in full. But after the damage theyve now done to the project, a massive hole that theyve blown it, I cant commit to that. What I will commit to is that we will have very good transport between our cities and within our cities so we can grow our economy. The single most important thing in this country is we get our economy working across the whole of the country. Mr Sunak confirmed HS2 will run from London to Birmingham but will no longer extend beyond the West Midlands, with Manchester among the areas missing out. However, the PA news agency understands that if not enough private investment is secured for a new Euston terminus, HS2 will stop at Old Oak Common in the capitals western suburbs. Asked by ITV News Tyne Tees if he would dual the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham, Sir Keir said: Yes, whatever the Government announced yesterday, including dualling the A1, if they get on with those projects, we will inherit them, if were privileged enough to come into power, and we will of course see them through to fruition. The Opposition leader was quizzed on transport more broadly after Wales last month became the first country in the UK to drop the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph for restricted roads. Asked if he would copy the approach in Wales, Sir Keir told ITV News Wales: Its obviously a question for local councils in England to decide what they want to put in place and theyre obviously elected into place. Elsewhere in his media round, the Labour leader attacked Mr Sunaks ability to deliver change, describing him as the nodding dog that signed off the decisions that he now says are terrible. Cabinet minister James Cleverly criticised the Labour leaders position, accusing him of failing to be decisive. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: Starmer decisively decides to not make a decision on HS2. His principled position on this issue is to not take a position on this issue. He confounds both his detractors and defenders by agreeing with both. He knows leadership when he sees it. He never sees it in the mirror. 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 }} Angela Rayner will set out Labours plan to make workers better off as she opens the partys conference in Liverpool on Sunday. Labour MPs, delegates and lobbyists will descend on the city for five days of policy debate, rallies and networking. Party leader Sir Keir Starmer will head to the annual gathering boosted by a comfortable lead in the polls and a resounding by-election victory over the SNP in Scotlands Rutherglen and Hamilton West seat. His deputy Ms Rayner, who is also shadow levelling up secretary, will use her main speech to pledge a decent job, a secure home and a strong community for all under a Labour government. She accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of taking a sledgehammer to these. Ahead of the conference, which carries the slogan Lets get Britains future back, she said: With five prime ministers in seven years and constant chaos and instability, Britains future has been left to take a back seat. The Tories legacy is national decline a nation levelled down and starved of hope. While the Tories have stolen Britains future, its Labour that will give it back with our plan to make working people better off by securing growth for all people and in all places. Ms Rayner will flesh out Labours planned new deal for workers, which she said aims to boost wages, make work more secure and support working people to thrive. Its how Labour will make work pay, she said. She recently gave unions a cast-iron commitment to push through an Employment Rights Bill within 100 days of being in office if the party enters Downing Street. The Oppositions plan for secure homes to end the Tories housing emergency will also feature in Ms Rayners speech, as well as a pledge to oversee the biggest ever transfer of power out of Westminster to help the places abandoned by the Conservatives. In an interview with the Guardian, she promised the party would focus on getting tough on developers and reforming planning rules to deliver the biggest boost to affordable housing for a generation. Under its plans, Labour would set up a new expert unit to give councils and housing associations advice to get the best deal during negotiations with property firms, the paper reported. This would be aimed at preventing developers from wriggling out of their affordable housing obligations, known as section 106 rules, Ms Rayner said. It would publish guidance that would effectively restrict them to challenging 106 rules only if there were genuine barriers to building homes, according to the paper. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves will take to the main stage on Monday to detail how Labour would revive the sluggish economy, before Sir Keirs keynote address on Tuesday. Business chiefs are flocking to the Labour conference, with the party saying tickets to its business forum sold out in record time and noting an unprecedented interest in sponsorship. The Labour Party womens conference will take place in Liverpool on Saturday, the day before the main events get under way. The gathering follows the Conservatives conference in Manchester, which was overshadowed by the fate of HS2. Mr Sunak defied senior Tories and business leaders to scrap the rail line from Birmingham to Manchester, saying the facts have changed and the cost of the high-speed rail scheme had more than doubled. Sir Keir has said Labour cannot commit to reversing the decision if it wins the next general election due to the damage done by the Government. The Tories urged the Labour leader to clarify his position on HS2, as well as his support for a raft of transport schemes announced by Mr Sunak in place of the cancelled leg. Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands said: We all know Keir Starmer wont tell us his plans if he becomes prime minister because hes afraid of losing votes, and he changes his position to whatever he thinks people want to hear. Our country faces an important choice: Rishi Sunak, who will make the hard but necessary long-term decisions to get the country on the right path for the future, or Sir Keir Starmer, who is just like the same old politicians that have come before always focused on the short-term and lacking the backbone to make the big changes Britain needs. Labours win in the Rutherglen by-election this week provided a huge boost to Sir Keir ahead of the conference, with analysts inferring its possible return to being the largest party north of the border and a clearer path to a Labour majority at Westminster if the same swing is replicated at the next national poll. Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds said: In what is likely to be the final conference season before the general election, it has never been more clear that Labour has the plans to unlock growth, make our streets safe, secure the future of the NHS, break down barriers to opportunity and make the UK a green energy superpower. In its first policy announcement ahead of the Liverpool gathering, Labour pledged to create an extra 700,000 urgent dentist appointments and introduce supervised toothbrushing in schools across England under plans to improve the nations oral health. 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 extra 700,000 urgent dentist appointments and supervised toothbrushing in schools across England would be introduced under Labour plans to improve the nations oral health. People in most need of treatments including fillings and root canal work would be prioritised under the package of proposals aimed at rescuing NHS dentistry. Labour would also seek to tackle preventable tooth decay in children with a programme to help three to five-year-olds form healthy brushing habits, the party said. My Labour government will not stand for millions of people being denied basic healthcare Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer The plans would be backed by 111 million a year, which Labour said would come from abolishing the non-dom tax status. Scrapping the regime is how the party proposes to fund the largest-ever workforce expansion of the NHS if it wins the general election expected next year. Incentives would be offered for new dentists to work in under-served areas under the proposals to tackle so-called dental deserts areas of the country with less access to services. In his first policy announcement ahead of the partys annual conference in Liverpool, leader Sir Keir Starmer said a Labour government would do more than fix the basics by also overhauling the NHS dental contract to change how the service worked in the long term. People are finding it impossible to get an NHS dentist when they need one, with appalling consequences. Horror stories of DIY dentistry are too frequent, he said. My Labour government will not stand for millions of people being denied basic healthcare. To rescue dentistry from the immediate crisis, we will provide 700,000 more appointments a year to those in the most urgent need, recruit more dentists to areas with the most severe shortages, and protect childrens teeth. But my mission-led government will always do more than fix the basics. We will reform the dental contract to rebuild the service in the long-run, so NHS dentistry is there for all who need it. It comes after a damning report by the Health and Social Care Committee, published in July, which indicated more people were pulling out their own teeth at home as they could not access NHS services. This is a serious plan to both grip the immediate crisis and set NHS dentistry on the path to recovery in the long-term Prof Claire Stevens, British Society of Paediatric Dentistry The review included a YouGov poll of 2,104 people across the UK conducted in March 2023, in which 10% admitted to attempting DIY dentistry. Experts have called for urgent change to NHS dentistry after figures revealed the number of patients being seen remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Data published by NHS Digital revealed 18.1 million adults in England were seen by an NHS dentist in the 24 months leading up to June 2023 compared with 21.9 million in June 2019. The Government has launched a consultation on how delays could be improved, including a proposal to grant dental hygienists the power to administer certain medicines without the need for a prescription. But its long-awaited dental recovery plan, which aims to improve access and increase the number of NHS dentists, has not yet been published. Were seeing patients in pain reach for pliers because of choices made in Westminster ... Labour has recognised the scale of this crisis. NHS dentistry is hanging by a thread, and every party has a moral responsibility to set out a plan Shawn Charlwood, British Dental Association Health groups welcomed the proposals, but teaching union NAHT cast doubt on how they would work and the Tories said the sums do not add up. Spokeswoman for the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry Professor Claire Stevens praised the package as a serious plan to both grip the immediate crisis and set NHS dentistry on the path to recovery in the long-term. Shawn Charlwood, chairman of the British Dental Associations General Dental Practice Committee, said: Were seeing patients in pain reach for pliers because of choices made in Westminster. Labour has recognised the scale of this crisis. NHS dentistry is hanging by a thread, and every party has a moral responsibility to set out a plan. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of NAHT, compared it to Government plans for a ban on mobile phones in schools, saying neither offered the immediate response needed to solve the mounting crises in schools. We have serious reservations about how such a policy could even work. It is not the role of teachers to be making sure children brush their teeth each day. We should demand more than window dressing from all of our politicians, he said. Health minister Neil OBrien said: Labours sums do not add up. They are taking people for fools. A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: We are making progress to boost NHS dental services and the number of children seen by NHS dentists rose by 14% last year. Compared to the previous year, 1.7 million more adults and 800,000 more children are receiving NHS dental care. We fund more than 3 billion of NHS dentistry a year and are taking preventative measures to improve childrens oral health, such as expanding water fluoridation schemes. We have also announced plans to increase dental training places by 40% and recently launched a consultation to better utilise the skills of dental hygienists and therapists. Further measures to improve access and increase the number of NHS dentists through our dental recovery plan will be set out shortly. 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 }} Vulnerable children are being put at risk by the way the UKs largest police force handles child protection, an inspectorate has found. His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said the Metropolitan Police is not responding adequately when children go missing. The force is also said to not be effectively investigating cases where a child is at risk of or is being harmed by criminal gangs or sexual predators. The inspectorate has said that, because two of the concerns are so serious, it is publishing them now in an accelerated causes of concern letter. It found officers are often too slow to locate missing children and do not always visit them once home to work out why they disappeared. In some cases officers do not try and locate the missing child at all, the inspectorate added. The inspectorate said it is particularly concerned about frequent use of victim-blaming language which can hamper police investigations and leave youngsters unprotected. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan had asked the inspectorate to look at the Mets handling of criminal and sexual exploitation of children before producing a report due next year. The forces guidance for dealing with missing people was found to lack a clear explanation of what high risk means. Officers responsible for grading risk were found to often have a limited understanding of the links between children who go missing regularly and criminal or sexual exploitation. Officers were also found to often be too slow to investigate cases of children being put at risk of or facing criminal or sexual exploitation and do not always make reasonable lines of inquiry once an investigation has begun. They often do not consult parents or carers and are often unwilling to progress a case without their support, the inspectorate added. File photo: Inspectorate says that, because two of the concerns are so serious, it is publishing them now in an accelerated causes of concern letter Officers often also failed to comply with the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales by completing a victim needs assessment. The inspectorate has urged the force to make urgent improvements to its handling of the issue across both areas by 31 December. It has said all officers must be properly trained to grade the risks each missing child is exposed to, appropriately assess risk in all cases and investigate cases where children go missing effectively from the first point of contact in a proportionate way. It should also ensure disruption activities are appropriate when an alleged victim does not support an investigation and that the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales is complied with, the inspectorate added. His Majestys Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman said: The role of the police in protecting children from harm should not be understated. Children who go missing, or are at risk of exploitation, are some of the most vulnerable in society. It is therefore concerning that the Metropolitan Polices current approach to child protection requires immediate attention. Whilst we observed positive examples of good work by committed officers and staff, the force needs to do much more to ensure it responds effectively to missing children and those subjected to exploitation. The force must make sure that it is focused on the risks to children, and that officers and staff are also equipped to deal with those risks. We have made two recommendations for the Metropolitan Police to address these accelerated concerns, and we will closely monitor the forces progress. 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 Co Tyrone man has been sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty to offences connected to an attempt by dissident republicans to kill a police officer. Gavin Coyle, 46, of Mullaghmore Drive in Omagh, will be eligible for release after four years. Earlier this year, Coyle pleaded guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army between May 1, 2007 and May 13, 2008 He also pleaded guilty to providing property to be used for the purpose of terrorism, his Audi A4 car on May 11, 2008. That car was used in the dissident operation to plant a bomb under the car of a serving police officer. On May 12, 2008, a police officer was seriously injured after a bomb planted under their car exploded near Castlederg as they drove to work. The Tyrone brigade of the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the bomb. During a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, it was said that while Coyle supplied his car, he did not know the precise action that was to be carried out. The court heard the officer had got into their car which had been in their driveway and set off for work. During the journey, a bomb attached underneath the drivers seat of the car exploded. The windows of the car shattered, and various parts of the vehicle became dislodged, somehow he managed to take control of the vehicle and bring it to a halt, Judge Patricia Smyth told the sentencing hearing. He recalled looking down and seeing his jeans were ripped, there was blood everywhere. He managed to unbuckle his seatbelt and exit the car, he began making his way along the road shouting for help it was clear that he was in a lot of pain. He collapsed on the side of the road as a result of his injuries which were serious and substantial. The vehicle later exploded. The officer was described as having been left with permanent disfiguring injuries, battling mental ill health and lost his home with serious financial consequences. The court heard that the stress wrecked the officers personal life, and from having a clear career goal the officer is unable to pursue goals and his career has spiralled downwards. In sentencing, Judge Smyth took into account the guilty pleas, which avoided the need for a lengthy trial. She sentenced Coyle to six years, of which he will have to serve two thirds before he will become eligible for release. Reacting outside court, Detective Inspector Hazel Miller of the Police Service of Northern Irelands major investigation team, welcomed the sentencing. No-one should ever have to experience such a cruel ordeal, the lasting impact of which isnt just felt by the victim, but by family and loved ones too, she said. This was a cowardly, calculated and cold-blooded attack, carried out with one aim: to take the life of a police officer. Gavin Coyle accepts that he was a member of the IRA and that he provided his car to others knowing it would be used for the purpose of terrorism. Our officers are committed to keeping people safe. Their dedication, and indeed the actions of those members of the public who ran to help, are in stark contrast to those intent on harming and killing. She added: Today, Coyle has been held accountable for his role in this nightmarish attack. We will continue to robustly investigate and disrupt the criminal and terrorist activities of those who bring violence to our doorsteps. This, of course, relies upon collective efforts and I am appealing to anyone with information, or indeed concerns, to contact us on 101. 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 }} Supervised toothbrushing could be brought into school classrooms across England under new Labour proposals to improve the nations oral health. The party says the idea, along with providing an extra 700,000 urgent dentist appointments, would form part of a plan to fix the dentistry crisis. But school leaders union the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said it was not the role of teachers to make sure children brush their teeth. The body has accused both Labour and the Conservatives of window-dressing instead of tackling the real issues in education. Education secretary Gillian Keegan this week announced the government would ban children from having mobile phones at school. Paul Whiteman, the unions general secretary, said: This week we have seen guidance on mobile phones from government and a new dentistry duty from the opposition. This is not the immediate response needed to solve the mounting crises in school. We need to see greater ambition in the short, medium and long term. We have serious reservations about how such a policy could even work. It is not the role of teachers to be making sure children brush their teeth each day. He said schools already play a role in teaching children about the importance of looking after their teeth through the curriculum, but there has to be a limit in terms of what we can expect them to do. He added: We should demand more than window-dressing from all of our politicians. Labours proposals, aimed at rescuing NHS dentistry, also involve creating an extra 700,000 urgent dental appointments. People in most need of treatments including fillings and root canal work would be prioritised. And a programme to help three- to five-year-olds form healthy brushing habits would tackle preventable tooth decay, the party said. People are finding it impossible to get an NHS dentist when they need one, with appalling consequences Sir Keir Starmer The party plans to fund its 111m-a-year proposals by abolishing the non-dom tax status. People are finding it impossible to get an NHS dentist when they need one, with appalling consequences. Horror stories of DIY dentistry are too frequent, said Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. In July a report by the Health and Social Care Committee said more people were pulling out their own teeth at home as they could not access NHS services. Data published by NHS Digital revealed 18.1 million adults in England were seen by an NHS dentist in the 24 months leading up to June 2023 compared with 21.9 million in June 2019. Professor Claire Stevens of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry welcomed Labours proposals, saying: This is a serious plan to both grip the immediate crisis and set NHS dentistry on the path to recovery in the long-term. A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: We are making progress to boost NHS dental services and the number of children seen by NHS dentists rose by 14 per cent last year. Compared to the previous year, 1.7 million more adults and 800,000 more children are receiving NHS dental care. We fund more than 3 billion of NHS dentistry a year and are taking preventative measures to improve childrens oral health, such as expanding water fluoridation schemes. 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 }} Sir Keir Starmers hopes of winning the keys to No 10 at next years general election have been given a huge boost as Labour won a seismic victory in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election. Polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice said the 20 per cent swing from SNP to Labour was a remarkably good result that put Sir Keirs party on course to be the dominant force in Scotland again and win a clear majority in the Commons. The elections expert said that if the Rutherglen result was replicated at a general election, it would see the Labour Party win an astonishing 42 seats in Scotland, and the SNP left with just six MPs. A clear victory was seen as a crucial step in proving that Labour is on course for victory next year, and in avoiding tough questions for Sir Keir at the partys conference, which begins on Sunday in Liverpool. In the end, the Labour candidate, Michael Shanks, won by a much bigger margin than expected, taking more than 17,000 votes out of a total of 30,000 cast a remarkable 58 per cent of the vote share. Sir Keir hailed the victory as a seismic result, and pitched Labour as the party of change as he set his sights on a general election win next year. Appearing in the constituency, Sir Keir told delighted local activists: They said Youll never beat the SNP in Scotland, and Rutherglen, you did it. You blew the doors off! He admitted that Rutherglen was a must-win for us, adding: It was a big step in the right direction ... the route to a Labour election win at the next general election runs through Scotland. Prof Curtice told BBC Scotland News that the remarkably good result was well above the kinds of swings weve seen in the opinion polls in Scotland. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (right) with winner Michael Shanks (PA) The elections expert told the BBC: That means the Labour vote in the constituency is almost as high as it was in 2010, before the tsunami that swept the Labour Party from virtually every constituency in Scotland. The professor added: If this kind of swing were to be replicated across Scotland as a whole, youd be talking about the Labour Party quite clearly being the dominant party north of the border. He said it demonstrates a momentum comparable with the run-up to Tony Blairs 1997 landslide, explaining: That potentially has implications for the overall outcome in the general election, because if that were to happen, they would find it easier to get an overall majority. Labour hopes to win around 15 to 20 seats in Scotland at the next election, up from its current haul of just one. Labour had held Rutherglen and Hamilton West in 2010, but it flipped to the SNP in 2015 on a wave of support for the party in the wake of the independence referendum. It then returned to Labour in 2017, before the SNP won it back again in 2019. Rutherglen and Hamilton West by election results announced as Labour triumph Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said that the seismic result had sent a very clear message that people are sick of two tired, failing, incompetent governments. He added: Scotland will lead the way in delivering a UK-wide Labour government. SNP leader Humza Yousaf said the collapse in the Tory vote which went straight to Labour was a significant factor in the defeat, adding: We lost this seat in 2017, and like 2019 we can win this seat back. Mr Yousaf accepted responsibility, saying The buck stops with me, but also said there would be no major changes. Were not thinking about standing on anything other than the SNPs message. We will reflect, well reorganise, well regroup. The buck does absolutely stop with me, but I think everybody knows this particular by-election had some very difficult contextual factors around it, he added an apparent reference to Nicola Sturgeons difficulties with a police investigation into party funding. But Mr Yousaf has only days to save his position as first minister following the by-election defeat, according to former leader Alex Salmond. The Alba Party leader said the result was something the SNP had been asking for, telling the press: I dont think that quite gets the enormity of what hes facing. In my view, Humzas got days to save his first-ministership. Keir Starmer, here with Shanks, said the Rutherglen result was seismic (PA) Mr Yousafs attempts to push his party and the independence movement forward were hampered by Ms Sturgeon being arrested and questioned as part of a police investigation into her partys finances. The election was called amid outrage over former MP Margaret Ferriers breach of strict Covid regulations by travelling from Westminster to Scotland after she tested positive for the virus. Ms Ferrier was ousted when a recall petition was supported by her constituents. The new MP for the area, Mr Shanks, said: People need change from governments that have too often been distracted ... People are once again listening to the Scottish Labour Party, adding: Change is possible. Embarrassingly for the Scottish Conservatives, candidate Thomas Kerr lost his deposit winning just 1,192 votes. He said tactical voting had squeezed votes since the partys base wanted to send a message to the SNP. The Scottish Conservatives came in third place, polling ahead of Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate Gloria Adebo and Scottish Green Party candidate Cameron Eadie, who secured 895 and 601 votes respectively. Out of an electorate of 82,000, some 37 per cent turned out to cast a vote in the by-election, despite earlier fears that issues with voter ID and poor weather conditions had affected turnout. 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 }} Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has dropped an announcement on a new business council from her Labour conference speech after an intervention by Jeremy Hunt and senior Tories. The Labour frontbencher was planning to use her Monday speech at the party conference in Liverpool to reveal a new advisory body involving some of the UKs biggest companies. But the chancellor and other senior Tories are thought to have contacted the firms involved to advise them against the move because it would be too political. Aviva, Lloyds, Fidelity, Phoenix and Blackstone were expected to make up the advisory council, according to The Times, citing a draft release by Sir Keir Starmers party. The Independent understands Mr Hunt spoke to one of the companies personally in a bid to get them to pull out, while other senior Tory figures contacted others. Labour is still planning to push on with its plan to create the advisory council, but it is not clear if the firms will join this far out from a general election. We didnt want it to look like we were supporting Labour, a source at one company told The Times. We wanted this to be non-partisan. A Labour source said officials were still in discussions with top businesses about joining a new council in an independent advisory capacity. They said it was another sign the party was working in partnership with business. They added: The decision was taken not to announce at conference following discussions with the businesses involved, but its happening and we are looking forward to it. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have been out to woo business bosses (PA) Ms Reeves had made a big push to win support from big business, as she and Keir Starmer continue to woo leaders from the City and the corporate sector. Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth said on BBCs Question Time that Iceland boss Richard Walker would be welcomed with open arms to Labour and he said he would no longer be giving to the Tories. John Caudwell, the Phones4U founder, said he will not back Mr Sunak after the madness of his U-turn on net zero pledges and said he was thinking of giving to Labour instead. Mohamed Amersi, who has donated 750,000 to the Tories, told The Independent earlier this month that he would give money to Labour politicians. And Sir Rocco Forte who gave 100,000 to the Tories to help fund the last general election accused the party of reaping what it had sowed, claiming that the governments incompetence had driven donors away. Gareth Quarry, a former Conservative donor who defected to Labour, previously told The Independent that dozens of leading business figures including Tory backers had approached him asking how they could help to put Sir Keir Starmer in No 10. 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 Labour Party has unveiled new plans to clamp down on sexual harassment in the workplace as new figures show almost five million women experience such behaviour at work each year. New proposals unveiled by Labours deputy leader Angela Rayner would legally force employers to stop sexual harassment before it starts by implementing measures to prevent sexual harassment from taking place. Ms Rayner, shadow levelling up secretary, told The Independent sexual harassment was rife as she warned such behaviour is destroying careers and ruining womens lives. Speaking before Labour Womens Conference on Saturday, Ms Rayner said that the cases which have recently grabbed headlines are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the experiences of millions of women in workplaces the length and breadth of Britain. The latest data from the government equalities office reveals that three in 10 women currently in work suffered some form of sexual harassment at work or in a work-related environment in the last year. Labours analysis of the data estimates some 4.7 million women per year are forced to endure sexual harassment at work with 17 per cent of those who are harassed choosing to move to another job after enduring sexual harassment each year and 41 per cent of perpetrators experiencing no sanction. The new duty will be bolstered by a statutory code of practice on sexual harassment and harassment more broadly, which establishes what actions employers must take to meet the obligation. Labour said this could comprise effective and well-publicised policies and procedures on dealing with sexual harassment at work, providing training and assessing foreseeable risks. Ms Rayner argued that everyone should be able to go to work safe from sexual harassment, knowing their employer has taken steps to create a safe working environment. She added: Good employers are already creating workplace cultures that do not tolerate sexual harassment and take steps to prevent it on their watch. Labour will ensure that happens across the board. Labour explained their new proposals would mean employers would be responsible if they are informed of an incident involving sexual harassment, yet do not take measures to tackle it or it emerges they did not take preliminary measures to prevent the incident in the first place. When asked about Labours plans by The Independent, the government insisted it was backing a new piece of legislation that would introduce identical measures to tackle sexual harassment. It was reported earlier this year that ministers would allow the worker protection bill a private members bill introduced by Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse and supported by Labour to fall after a slew of amendments were tabled by Tory peers. The legislation is due to return to the House of Commons on 20 October to be considered and voted on. Malina Dabrowska, a designer, told The Independent a man sexually harassed her on a quiet bridge late at night after work drinks in central London when she was working in architecture in her twenties. The 33-year-old said: I was on my way home and someone started talking to me. I didnt realise it was my colleague. The next thing I knew, he was all over me, trying to kiss me. He just appeared out of nowhere. He kissed me on my lips. He forced his face on mine. He tried grabbing me. I pushed him away. I thought woah what is happening. I turned away to get to the road and I hailed a cab. I was in an unsafe place under a bridge in Charing Cross. It was dark no one was there. I was so shocked. I couldnt compute, we hardly talked that evening. It was so out of the blue. She explained that she made a complaint about her colleague a few months later and was told she should report it to an external human resources person or go to the police. Ms Dabrowska added: For all those months, I had to work with the person in that office. It was small enough for me to be in the same space with him every day. I just completely avoided him. Nothing happened to him. He was called in for a telling-off. A few months later he left the workplace. It felt like there were no procedures or safeguarding in place for that type of experience. Ms Hobhouse, MP for Bath, warned sexual harassment at work leaves victims traumatised and often without support saying her private members bill marks a big step forward. It was a challenge to gain consent from some peers but I am glad that a compromise has been reached, she added. Ann Francke, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, told The Independent employers must do a better job of preventing and dealing with sexual harassment as she argued this would stamp out toxic cultures. Ms Francke added: We have seen a number of incidents recently where harassment has not been dealt with swiftly and decisively by employers, not only does that damage their reputation but it is something that should not be tolerated in todays workplace. She warned sexual harassment is a prevalent issue and noted while many employers say they have policies and procedures to handle such misconduct, they do not proactively implement those policies and they dont act swiftly if harassment occurs. Ms Francke added: Tackling sexual harassment is absolutely in the interests of employers and employees because it makes for less toxic, more productive workplaces. A lot of people see this as not in the interests of employers, but it is in the interests of employers and employees. Not to mention the reputational damage for the employer when these incidents of harassment come to light. A spokesperson for the government warned that sexual harassment is wrong and employers should ensure they tackle it in the workplace, adding: The government-backed worker protection bill, which is progressing through parliament, will further strengthen protections against harassment at work. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to the news media as the deadline to avert a government shutdown approaches on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, September 27, 2023. [Photo/Agencies] Beijing is displaying sincerity in working on its differences with Washington and in clearing up misunderstandings, analysts said on Wednesday as China made a welcome gesture to an upcoming visit by United States lawmakers. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Tuesday that he, along with Republican Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, will lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to China next week, The Associated Press reported. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that Beijing welcomes Schumer to lead a bipartisan delegation of senators to China. "We hope this visit will contribute to a more objective understanding of China in the US Congress, increase dialogue and communication between the legislatures of our two countries, and add positive factors to the growth of China-US relations," a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry said. The relationship between the world's two largest economies remains under strain over various issues, including the Taiwan question and the US' sanctions against China's semiconductor industry. Speaking on boosting cultural and parliamentary exchanges at a National Day reception on Sept 27, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng noted that China has resumed group tours to the US and the number of direct passenger flights between the two countries will be increased to 48 per week. "These (steps) have not come easy, and must be cherished .... We still face serious difficulties and grave challenges in our bilateral relationship, and there is still a long way to go to stabilize and improve our relations," Xie said. Observers said the upcoming visit by US lawmakers the first such visit this year for bilateral parliamentary exchanges "marks another major window of opportunity" for Washington to repair its ties with Beijing and work toward the same goal. "The high-level exchanges between China and the US have indeed increased in recent times," said Zhao Minghao, a professor at Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, referring to the visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo this year. Diao Daming, a professor at Renmin University of China's School of International Relations, said, "If the US really wants to improve its relations with China, it should turn its promises into tangible actions." The US should stop suppressing China while officially engaging in talks with China, Diao added. Experts noted that the visit by US lawmakers will help build on the positive momentum displayed by two key bilateral meetings held last month. On Sept 16, a strategic communication took place in Malta between senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Later last month, Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink met in Washington for the first China-US consultation on Asia-Pacific affairs. 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 }} Labours by-election victory in Rutherglen is a remarkably good result that puts Sir Keir Starmers party on course to be the dominant force in Scotland again, said polling guru Prof John Curtice. The elections expert said the 20 per cent swing from the SNP to Labour was well above the kinds of swings weve seen in the opinion polls in Scotland. So what does it mean for the 2024 general election? Labour had been hoping to win 15 to 20 seats in Scotland in a bid to boost its chances of avoiding a hung parliament and winning an outright majority. Prof Curtice said a 10-point swing would have kept Labour happy and think job done but the 20-point swing in Rutherglen means they are entitled to believe they can win more than 20 seats from the SNP. He told BBC Scotland: That means the Labour vote in the constituency is almost as high as it was in 2010 before the tsunami that swept the Labour party from virtually every constituency in Scotland. He added: If this kind of swing were to be replicated across Scotland as a whole youd be talking about the Labour Party quite clearly being the dominant party north of the border. Despite the huge byelection victory, Labour still has a big task ahead to become the biggest force north of the border once again. The SNP has 44 UK parliamentary seats in Scotland. Labour only has two. Labour strategists are clear that there must a major turnaound in Scotland, or the party will struggle to win the 330 or so seats it needs to avoid a hung parliament and command a majority in the Commons. Prof Curtice said he was absolutely surprised by the size of Labours victory saying it signalled the partys return to favour among its traditional voters in Scotland, many of whom deserted the party during the divisive Scottish independence campaign. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar with winning candidate Michael Shanks (PA) The elections expert noted it was almost as high as the 60 per cent Labour won in the constituency in 2010 before the independence campaign saw the partys vote collapse. Sir John told BBCs Good Morning Scotland that wins on that scale historically on course for victory in a general election he said adding that you cannot ignore the direction of travel. The election expert said that if you extrapolated the by-election result for a general election it would see the Labour party win an astonishing 42 seats in Scotland and SNP left with just six MPs. But he played down the likelihood of the the Rutherglen contest being replicated across the board. The partys candidate Michael Shanks won over 17,000 votes, out of a total of 30,000 cast a remarkable 58 per cent of votes cast. He secured more than twice the votes of his SNP rival Katy Loudon, which saw the collapse of the Scottish Conservative vote. The result will pile more pressure on SNP leader and Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf who has seen his partys fortunes decline in the polls in the wake of the ongoing police investigation in SNP finances. Sir Keir hailed that as a seismic result adding that voters in the constituency had sent a clear message that it is time for change across the nation. He said voters want to move on from two SNP and Tory governments that offer only more division, more chaos and more infighting. SNP leader Humza Yousaf is hoping to turn around a polling decline (PA/Getty) Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also said the result was seismic and added that Scottish politics has fundamentally changed. He added: Scotland will lead the way in delivering a UK-wide Labour government. Scottish Tory candidate Thomas Kerr lost his deposit winning just 1,192 votes. He said tactical voting squeezed Conservative votes since the partys base wanted to send a message to the SNP. SNP leader Humza Yousaf said the collapse in the Tory vote, which went straight to Labour was a significant factor, adding: We lost this seat in 2017, and like 2019 we can win this seat back. The SNPs deputy leader Keith Brown also said: Its Sir Keir Starmers pro-Brexit Labour party that benefitted from support from Tory voters. The by-election was called after a recall petition against Margaret Ferrier, who had won the seat for the SNP in 2019 with a majority of 5,230. Ms Ferrier however had the SNP whip removed after breaching Covid rules in 2020, and after remaining as an independent MP was suspended from the House of Commons, resulting in the recall petition. 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 }} Nigel Farage could be a future Conservative leader because of the shift to the right, former Tory chancellor George Osborne has said. The hard-right ex-Ukip and Brexit Party leader was given a warm welcome at the Tory conference in Manchester earlier this week raising the prospect he be brought into the party. Mr Farage was feted by Tory members, seen dancing with former home secretary Priti Patel, while Mr Sunak left the door open to his membership. Mr Osborne warned that Mr Farage having pushed the Conservatives to the right during the Brexit wars could create Farage-ism inside the Tories as the party shifts further to the right. Hes a sort of Pied Piper character and he is leading the Tory party to his merry tune again. You would have thought they would have learned their lesson, he said on his Political Currency podcast. If Nigel Farage was given membership of the Conservative party then you have opened the door to Farage-ism inside the Tory party, not led by his proxies but by Farage himself, said Mr Osborne. The former chancellor added: Its not inconceivable that if the Conservative party lost the general election, and if Nigel Farage had rejoined as a Tory party member then he could be a potential future leader of the Conservative party. The Tory grandee said he would be appalled by a Farage takeover predicting that he would mean condemning the Tory party to many years in the political wilderness if that happens. Mr Osborne said Donald Trump showed that it was far easier for an extreme populist to take over one of the main parties than to run as a small party or as an independent. Nigel Farage at the Tory party conference (Antony Medley) His co-host Ed Balls, the former Labour shadow chancellor, said: Why have Farage lite when you can have the real thing? Mr Farage attended a speech on the conference fringe by former PM Liz Truss, saying he believed in her 100 per cent. The prominent Brexiteer was feted by activists after he turned up on a GB News pass, and was videoed dancing with Ms Patel to Cant Take My Eyes Off You. Mr Sunak left the door open to a possible return for Mr Farage describing the Tories as a very broad church when asked about his membership prospects. He said: I welcome lots of people who want to subscribe to our ideals, to our values. Mr Farage was dismissed the prospect of joining the party anytime soon, claiming he had achieved a lot more outside of the Tory party than I ever could have done from within it. But he also flirted with the idea of joining in future. Lets see what happens, he told BBC Newsnight. They are going to lose the next election. There will then be the most enormous battle for ideas. If it became a real Conservative party I might think about it. David Cameron and George Osborne have condemned HS2 decision (PA) Meanwhile, Mr Osborne again attacked Mr Sunak for scrapping HS2s northern leg. His revealed why his closest political ally, the former PM David Cameron, said it was the wrong decision. Mr Osborne said he had spoken to Mr Cameron after the Sunak speech and revealed former Tory leader was angry. He is understandably very cross at this charge that the Cameron premiership didnt focus on long-term decisions, he said. The ex-chancellor also said he doubted that Mr Sunak would succeed in getting voters to think he represented change and noted that he failed to present any new economic policies. Mr Sunak tried to present himself as the agent of change, saying there was an undeniable sense that politics just doesnt work the way it should and promising to fix a broken system. Is he really the living breathing change? He looks like hes been a politician for a long time, said Mr Osborne. I dont think hell necessarily pull it off. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak ducked awkward questions on whether he was ashamed of Suella Bravermans rhetoric on immigration after she warned a hurricane on migrants was on the way. The PM suggested multiculturalism was working in the UK better than anywhere in the world contradicting his home secretary, who had claimed in a speech to a US think tank that it had failed. Asked on ITVs This Morning if he was ashamed when he heard Ms Braverman talk about a hurricane of mass migration, Mr Sunak said the debate gets charged a lot. The PM then said: If you just take a step back, what do I think we all agree on? We all agree that Britain is an incredibly welcoming place. He added: Were all living proof of the fact that immigrants can come here, do well and thats something I think we do better than any country in the world. Grilled on multiculturalism and whether it had failed in any way, Mr Sunak replied: No, no, I think its something we should be so proud of as Brits, its something that we do better than anyone else. But he defended his desire to get those arriving on small boats out of hotels, and said: When people do come here they should integrate, they should sign up to British values so we have that shared understanding amongst us. Asked if he was mortified by Ms Bravermans language, Mr Sunak said: Look, when Im out and about there is an enormous sense of frustration that there are tens of thousands of people who have come here illegally over the past few years, and thats not right. In a conference speech that sparked alarm from Tory moderates, Ms Braverman said there was a surge of millions of migrants around the world trying to come to the UK. The wind of change that carried my own parents across the globe in the 20th century was a mere gust compared to the hurricane that is coming, she told delegates. Meanwhile, Mr Sunak defended his decision to axe HS2s northern leg. The PM insisted that every penny of the 36bn saved would be reinvested in other transport projects arguing it would be better use of money. He rejected criticism from former PM David Cameron and others that Britain could no longer do big infrastructure projects. He insisted that HS2 wasnt the right priority and said he 100% believe its the right thing to cancel its development north of Birmingham. During a quickfire round, Mr Sunak said he preferred Oppenheimer over Barbie as a film but loved going to Barbie because we went as a family, chose Taylor Swift over Britney Spears and noted he once dressed as Harry Potter when attending a Halloween Party with his wife. He also chose Big Brother over Im A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here before adding: Actually the Netflix Beckham documentary right now, Ive started watching that, I saved it for after conference, it is absolutely brilliant, reliving my childhood. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak has joined forced with Italys far-right prime minister Giorgia Meloni to demand EU leaders show the same sense of urgency in trying to crack down illegal migration. The pair are believed to be angry at Spains prime minister Pedro Sanchez for refusing to put illegal immigrantion on the agenda for the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Granada on Thursday. Despite the European leaders agreeing an eight-point plan on the issue at the sidelines of the summit, Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni said the EU had to understand that now is the time for action. In a joint letter to The Times, the pair warned that failing to stop illegal migration into European even threatened the UK and Italys historic role as places of asylum and sanctuary. They wrote: How can we take care of those who really need our help, when our resources are so overstretched? Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni added: Only by stopping the flow of illegal migrants can we restore the trust of the British and Italian people, not just in our domestic borders, but in European and international co-operation. Ms Meloni, the 45-year-old first female prime minister who leads the Brothers of Italy party, was once a youth activist in the post-fascist Italian Social Movement. It comes after Mr Sunak ducked questions on the rhetoric of his home secretary Suella Braverman on immigration who warned a hurricane of migrants were on the way. He appeared to say he was absolutely happy with her language on BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Meanwhile, Mr Sunak said Britain was making progress in its bid to secure a deal with the EUs border agency, Frontext, to get access to the blocs intelligence on migration. Rishi Sunak has ducked questions on Suella Bravermans language (PA Wire) The PM talks are ongoing after it was reported officials in London and Brussels have concluded the substance of an agreement allowing agencies to monitor the entirety of the EUs external borders rather than just shared frontiers, according to the Daily Telegraph. Mr Sunak also announced bilateral initiatives with Belgium, Bulgaria and Serbia to increase intelligence-sharing and operational co-operation. Under the plan, the UK would work with Belgium to try to disrupt organised immigration crime and clandestine entry to Britain and seek to co-operate further with Serbia on prosecuting and disrupting criminal networks. Downing Street said an eight-point plan on illegal migration was agreed by those taking part at meeting on the sidelines of the EPC. It includes a commitment to tackle migrant smuggling along the routes and at external borders, supporting partner countries to strengthen border protection as well as search and rescue capacities, and strengthening cooperation on visa policy. Speaking at the EPC summit, Mr Sunak told broadcasters: Tackling illegal migration is a shared European challenge, numbers are up everywhere and I believe, as do other European leaders, that it should be us who decide who comes to our countries and not criminal gangs. Asked if there will be an agreement on Frontex, Mr Sunak replied: Weve been working with the European Union, making progress on those talks. Those talks are ongoing. Home Office figures show more than 25,000 people have been detected crossing the English Channel in small boats so far this year. The total number of small boat arrivals so far this year is about 23 per cent below the equivalent number at this point last year. Elsewhere, support for Ukraine was discussed at the summit with Mr Sunak confirming allocations of UK humanitarian aid to help the war-torn country over the winter. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said a Russian rocket has hit a village cafe and store in eastern Ukraine and killed at least 51 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks in months. Mr Sunak said the pair discussed the horrific attack and noted the UKs support for Ukraine has been steadfast and will continue. 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 }} Boris Johnson has blasted Rishi Sunak's plan to ban smoking for future generations, branding it "barmy" and unworkable. The ex prime minister said Mr Sunak's proposal would "criminalise yet another variety of ordinary behaviour" with "no thought to the consequences for those who have to make it work". The PM announced during his conference speech in Manchester this week that the government would legislate to gradually raise the smoking age ever year so that a child who is 14 or under today would never legally be allowed to buy cigarettes. The limit would start rising from 2027 with the cut-off on 1 January 2009. A similar policy was approved in New Zealand last year and is set to take effect. Writing in his column for the Daily Mail newspaper, Mr Johnson described the plan as "smoking apartheid" and said the habit would die out eventually on its own accord. "Child A will be free to smoke like a chimney to the end of his days. Child B born only a day later! will be a criminal if he does. How the hell is that supposed to work?" he said. "Will shops have to demand ID cards from middle-aged customers, to show they were indeed born before January 1, 2009? And how will we check, in the decades to come, that A is not buying cigarettes for B?" "As a habit, smoking tobacco is less and less popular among young people, and in a few years time I expect the whole idea of sucking smoke and tar into your lungs will die of disapproval. "But are we really going to ban something that remains legal in every other country in the world? He said the ban would come in just as other countries such as the US were "actually liberalising their laws on other smokable substances", referring to cannabis which is increasingly legally available in many countries. Other Conservatives, such as Liz Truss have already criticised the plan making Mr Johnson the second former prime minister to set himself against it. The plan has however been welcomed by health campaigners who say it will cut cancer deaths and save the NHS money. Labour has also said it would back the policy. Mr Sunak has said he will give his MPs a free vote on the issue. This week Mr Johnson had also, along with David Cameron, criticised Mr Sunak's decision to scrap the northern phase of the High Speed 2 railway project. 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 UK is making progress in its bid to secure a deal with the EUs border agency to get access to the blocs intelligence on migration, according to Rishi Sunak. The Prime Minister said talks are ongoing after it was reported officials in London and Brussels have concluded the substance of the agreement on Frontex. It would allow domestic agencies to monitor the entirety of the EUs external borders rather than just shared frontiers, according to the Daily Telegraph. The apparent development came as Mr Sunak met European leaders at a summit in Granada, Spain, where he announced bilateral initiatives with Belgium, Bulgaria and Serbia to increase intelligence-sharing and operational co-operation. Under the plan, the UK would work with Belgium to try to disrupt organised immigration crime and clandestine entry to Britain and seek to co-operate further with Serbia on prosecuting and disrupting criminal networks. The Telegraph reported that the Frontex deal would build on these bilateral pacts by deepening the Border Forces understanding of smuggler routes through Turkey and the western Balkans. Mr Sunak chaired a meeting at the European Political Community summit with Italys hard-right leader Giorgia Meloni, which he said sought to strengthen European action to ending illegal migration. Downing Street said an eight-point plan was agreed by those taking part, including a commitment to tackle migrant smuggling along the routes and at external borders, supporting partner countries to strengthen border protection as well as search and rescue capacities, and strengthening cooperation on visa policy. Speaking at the European Political Community (EPC) summit, Mr Sunak told broadcasters: Tackling illegal migration is a shared European challenge, numbers are up everywhere and I believe, as do other European leaders, that it should be us who decide who comes to our countries and not criminal gangs. Thats why I was pleased I could convene a meeting together with the Italian prime minister but also leaders from Albania, the European Union, France and the Netherlands to talk through this issue to see how more we can work together, strengthening our co-operation to combat this awful crime, and there is more that we can do sharing intelligence, working upstream to disrupt supply chains, working with partner countries to ensure effective returns. Asked if there will be an agreement on Frontex, Mr Sunak replied: Weve been working with the European Union, making progress on those talks. Those talks are ongoing, were always looking for ways to strengthen our co-operation with partner countries and entities to combat illegal migration. In a joint article for The Times, Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni said they are calling on other countries to act with the same sense of urgency to confront the moral crisis of criminal gangs exploiting and profiting from the misery of the vulnerable. They wrote: Only by stopping the flow of illegal migrants can we restore the trust of the British and Italian people, not just in our domestic borders, but in European and international co-operation. Only by stopping the flow can we protect our two countries historic role as places of asylum and sanctuary. How can we take care of those who really need our help, when our resources are so overstretched? They added they are open to discussing agreements aimed at stopping people departing in the first place as part of their work with other countries. Home Office figures show more than 25,000 people have been detected crossing the English Channel in small boats so far this year. There were 45,774 arrivals in 2022. The total number of small boat arrivals so far this year is about 23% below the equivalent number at this point last year. Just over 33,000 people had made the crossing by October 2 2022, compared with 25,330 detected so far in 2023. Elsewhere, support for Ukraine was discussed at the summit with Mr Sunak confirming allocations of UK humanitarian aid to help the war-torn country over the winter. The Prime Minister met German chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday, though migration was not mentioned in a readout of their discussions. The leaders welcomed the strong partnership between the UK and Germany on issues of shared critical importance to both our countries, from economic growth to energy security and strong defence forces, a Downing Street spokesperson said. The Prime Minister noted Germanys significant military and humanitarian support to Ukraine, and set out the UKs plans to support Ukraines successful counter-offensive and long-term security and recovery. They welcomed the strong pan-European unity at the EPC on rejecting Russian aggression. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said a Russian rocket has hit a village cafe and store in eastern Ukraine and killed at least 51 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks in months. Mr Sunak said the pair discussed the horrific attack and noted the UKs support for Ukraine has been steadfast and will continue. A No 10 spokesperson said: President Zelensky raised ongoing concerns about Russian attacks on grain shipments and commercial vessels in the Black Sea, and the Prime Minister committed to supporting secure routes to ensure vital Ukrainian grain can reach countries in need. 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 }} Labour has overwhelmingly won Scotlands first ever recall byelection, with the partys Michael Shanks winning the Rutherglen and Hamilton West seat from the SNP. Mr Shanks was declared the new MP for the area after defeating the SNPs Katy Loudon by 17,845 votes to 8,399. The results give the new Labour MP a majority 9,446 with Mr Shanks having polled more than 58% of the votes cast. Scottish Conservatives came in third place, with Thomas Kerr polling 1,192 ahead of Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate Gloria Adebo, and Scottish Green Party candidate Cameron Eadie who secured 895 and 601 votes respectively. A total of 30,531 votes were cast, with turnout standing at 37.2%, well below the 66.5% turnout in the last general election. The loss of the seat to Labour will put further pressure on SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf who has seen his partys fortunes decline in the polls in the wake of the ongoing police investigation in SNP finances. With the seat having changed hands between Labour and the SNP in the last four Westminster elections, Margaret Ferrier won it for the SNP in 2019, with a majority of 5,230 over Labour at that ballot But she was suspended from the House of Commons for a breach of Covid rules which saw her take the train from London to Scotland after testing positive for the virus in 2020. Ms Ferrier had the SNP whip removed swiftly in the wake of that, and was later suspended from the House of Commons with that sparking the recall petition which forced Thursdays byelection vote. Mr Yousaf, who made frequent visits to the constituency during the election campaign, stressed his party was facing some very difficult circumstances. But he said the buck would stop from him if his party failed to hold on to the seat. UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had meanwhile insisted a win for his party in the seat would be an historic victory which could be a milestone on Labours journey back to power. Prior to the byelection Labour had just one MP in Scotland. with the party now hoping the result in Rutherglen and Hamilton West will be a springboard for the next general election, expected to be held sometime next year. Mr Shanks said afterwards it was the honour of his life to be elected as MP for the area. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Polls have closed in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, with a result expected in the early hours of Friday. The seat was vacated when former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier was ousted in a recall petition. Ms Ferrier was kicked out of the party for breaching Covid regulations by travelling between London and Glasgow after testing positive for the virus. Speculation about her position followed by the recall petition and subsequent ballot have led to months of campaigning in the seat. SNP candidate Katy Loudon is up against Labours Michael Shanks and Tory hopeful Thomas Kerr in the by-election. Cameron Eadie and Gloria Adebo are running for the Greens and Scottish Liberal Democrats, respectively. The other candidates are: Bill Bonnar Scottish Socialist Party Garry Cooke independent Andrew Daly independent Emperor of India, Prince Ankit Love independent Niall Fraser Scottish Family Party Ewan Hoyle Volt UK Christopher Sermanni Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition David Stark Reform UK Colette Walker Independence for Scotland Party The election was the first in Scotland to require voters to show photo ID before they are allowed to cast their ballot following a change in Westminster legislation that governs Westminster elections. Polling stations were open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, and counting will be conducted overnight at the headquarters of South Lanarkshire Council in Hamilton. 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 Scotland have said no action is being taken against the Prime Minister after the Alba Party complained about a comment he made about Nicola Sturgeon. The party, led by Alex Salmond, made a complaint against Rishi Sunak, who poked fun at the former first minister after she was arrested and questioned as part of Police Scotlands investigation into her partys finances dubbed Operation Branchform. He said: Nicola Sturgeon wanted to go down in the history books as the woman who broke up our country but it now looks like she may go down for very different reasons. Ms Sturgeon was released without charge following her arrest in June. Chris McEleny, general secretary of the Alba Party, reported Mr Sunak to the force for contempt of court allegations on Wednesday. The Conservative leader, who was addressing his partys conference in Manchester, made the comments as he claimed the union between Scotland and the rest of the UK was the strongest it has been in a quarter of a century, with the Prime Minister adding that the forces of separatism are in retreat. Mr McEleny said that Operation Branchform should be free to pursue its investigation fearlessly without interference from Rishi Sunak, adding as a result he was formally complaining about the offence of contempt of court, requesting a police investigation. The Alba general secretary stated: The Prime Minister is commenting on, and making an assumption about a live Police Scotland investigation. In Scotland contempt applies from arrest, not from charging. Operation Branchform is investigating serious matters of the utmost importance the Scotland and trust in politics. It is too important a matter to allow interference from the Prime Minister in this act of contempt when many people await the facts of Police Scotlands investigation. However, Police Scotland confirmed on Thursday they would be taking no action against the Prime Minister for the comments. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: We have received a complaint and, following consultation with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, no police action is being taken at this time. 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 teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder over the stabbing of a 22-year-old man in south London. The 15-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, and remains in custody. Keelen Morris Wong, 22, was killed in front of shoppers on busy Coldharbour Lane in Brixton shortly before 5pm on Tuesday. Police and the London Ambulance Service attended but Mr Wong was pronounced dead at the scene. An arrest has been made and we are making significant progress but we can never have too much information Detective Inspector Kevin Martin His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers, the Metropolitan Police said. A 23-year-old man who was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital for treatment has now been discharged, and remains in police custody. Detective Inspector Kevin Martin said work to establish a motive for the stabbing is ongoing. He continued: This awful attack took place in broad daylight, in front of people simply going about their business. I dont underestimate the impact such a horrific incident will have had on anyone who saw it. We have heard from a number of people but I am asking anyone who witnessed it to speak to us, in confidence, about what they saw. An arrest has been made and we are making significant progress but we can never have too much information. Our work to establish a motive is ongoing. Any information, however small, may assist the investigation and allow those responsible to be held to account. I am also fully aware that there are a number of videos circulating following the incident, including of the crime scene. I know that these videos are causing enormous distress for the loved ones of the victim, and I would ask people to respect them by not circulating this upsetting footage. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A high school teacher in Missouri has been placed on leave after district administrators learned that she has an OnlyFans account. Brianna Coppage, 28, told the St Louis Post-Dispatch that she was not surprised when officials at St Clair High School in Franklin County asked to meet with her on 27 September. The English teacher said that she joined the website over the summer to help support her household. It was kind of always like this cloud hanging over my head, like I never knew when I would be discovered, Ms Coppage told the outlet. Then, about two weeks ago, my husband and I were told that people were finding out about it. So I knew this day was coming. Ms Coppage said she had a meeting with two school administrators and was confronted about posting inappropriate media on one or more internet sites. Superintendent Kyle Kruse said in a statement that the school had hired legal counsel to investigate whether the content shared by Ms Coppages account impacted her employment at the high school. Actions taken as a result of the investigation will be in accordance with board policy and with guidance from legal counsel. Ms Kruse told the Post-Dispatch. On average, Ms Coppage said she has brought an additional $8,000 to $10,000 every month from her OnlyFans earnings, in addition to her $42,000 annual salary as a teacher. The English teacher said that she chose OnlyFans to post her content because she thought it offered certain level of privacy, as only paying subscribers can see the material. However, she believes a recent video in which she appeared along with her husband and two popular performers in St Louis may have reached people in her community. There is this expectation that teachers should be the moral leaders of students, and I do not disagree with that, Ms Coppage told the Post-Dispatch. I taught the curriculum. I taught students reading and writing, and I didnt guide them on my thoughts or beliefs. And I cant control what people think of me. Ms Coppage said she does not regret joining the platform but has come to terms with the fact that she will likely be terminated in the near future. (The district says) they havent made a decision yet, but Im just kind of putting the pieces together that I am not coming back, Ms Coppage said. Im very aware that I am probably never going to teach again, but that was kind of the risk I knew I was taking. I am sad about that. I do miss my students. Ms Coppage insisted that her online persona is completely separate from her work. She said her posts were not illegal and emphasised that she does not believe sex work has to be shameful. Ms Coppage has been teaching at St Claire High School for two years. Before that, she was an academic adviser at the Missouri University of Science & Technology. Close 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers are officially on strike Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The largest health worker strike went into effect on Wednesday morning, as an agreement between 75,000 healthcare workers and Kaiser Permanente hospitals has yet to be reached. The strike began on 4 October at 6am PT as the workers nurses, radiology technicians, pharmacists, sonographers and others are striking to protest unfair labor practices and unsafe staffing levels, according to the latest release from SEIU-UHW, a union that is part of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. The strike will take place across the country in California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Virginia and Washington DC and is expected to last three days. The strike comes after failed negotiations following the workers contract expiring on 30 September. Early on Wednesday, Kaiser Permanente also issued a statement on the progress, saying the two parties are still at the bargaining table, having worked through the night in an effort to reach an agreement. There has been a lot of progress, with agreements reached on several specific proposals late Tuesday. But the coalition was singing to a different tune. No agreement can be made until Kaiser executives stop bargaining in bad faith and committing unfair labor practices, said, Caroline Lucas, executive director of the coalition. The jury is still out on the exact effects the walkout has on patient care, although reports predict vaccine access, prescriptions being filled, and lab testing could be disrupted. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A pet monkey who escaped from his owners home and ran riot around a neighbourhood in Indianapolis has now been captured. The Indiana Metropolitan Police Department said on X that, after a whole day of exploring and causing chaos, Momo the monkey was safely in the hands of animal care. Momo the money has been captured safely, the department said. That was more than enough monkey business for us. Officers helped in the escapees capture after he was spotted letting himself into a house construction site, according toThe New York Post. Momos owners brother and the officers managed to then corner the monkey in a bathroom and quickly shut the doors on him, the paper reported. He was quickly transported to Indianapolis Zoo by Indianapolis Animal Care Services, who will determine whether Momo can be returned to his owner, said Katie Trennepohl, the deputy director of the care services. Momos owner Wayne Pham has been issued a citation over the incident because the monkey was chasing and approaching in an unsafe fashion while running riot around the residential area, Ms Trennepohl said. Momo the monkey escaped from owner Wayne Phams home near 500 Ironridge Court, south of East Washington Street and South Mitthoefer Road, in the Irongate neighbourhood at around 4.45pm on Wednesday, according to authorities. Momo the monkey has been captured safely (IMPD) Indianapolis Police said that officers responded to the area to assist Animal Care Services in finding the monkey just after 6pm, Fox 59 reported. The monkey caused much chaos while on the loose, including injuring local residents however they could not confirm whether the injuries came from bites. Various residents had spotted the monkey getting up to all sorts on his day out. One neighbour posted on Facebook saying Momo paid her a visit when she returned home. I have had the weirdest dayand then I get home and start to get out of my car and a monkey walks up to my open car door, she said in her post. It took me a few seconds to figure out what it was so I closed the door and he jumped onto the hood of my car! The monkey even made a quick pit stop to drink from a womans Pepsi can in her garage, Fox 59 claimed. WishTV reported that another neighbour told police that the monkey was seen drinking something a bit stronger a beer from a trash can. Police made an appeal on their social media on Thursday for people to keep an eye out for Momo, but not to approach him. Momo is a patas monkey, a long-limbed primate with large canines, that can reach speeds of up to 34.2 miles (55km) per hour, according to New England Primate Conservancy. Momo the monkey on the run (IMPD/X) A patas monkey kept as a pet or in captivity is expected to live up to 21 to 24 years. Ms Trennepohl confirmed that this is not Momos first venture into the outside world. Animal care services were also called a few months back in July to try and locate the escaped primate. She said that anyone who had direct contact with Momo while he was out in the area should contact the local health department because of a concern about diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Indiana is one of the 24 states where it is legal to own a pet monkey but you do need a permit before bringing one home. However, due to Momos recent actions, the countys prosecutors office and Animal Care Services will now determine if Momo can return home to his owner. 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 }} Netflix and Discovery+ are planning to raise the price of their streaming services, and are doing so in the wake of the Hollywood writers strike. Prices for Netflix will increase in the US and Canada following the 82-day SAG-AFTRA strike, according to the Wall Street Journal. The details of that price hike are currently unknown. Currently, Netflix costs $15.49 per month. That's one of its three plans, the other two being a $6.99 ad-supported version and a $19.99 "premium" plan with Ultra HD offerings. Discovery+ said it plans to increase the cost of its ad-free tier to $8.99, with a $4.99 version offering content with advertisements, according to Forbes. So far, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Starz, and Shudder the AMC Networks-owned horror streamer have raised their prices this year. Striking writers demanded that they receive bonuses based on the success of their output on the streaming platforms, and in doing so will allow the union to gain access to streaming company viewership data that has long been kept secret. As a result, the move will also force streaming companies to justify their programming moves for the first time. The new contract also grants writers a minimum compensation of 18 per cent for high-budget films, and a 26 per cent increase in their residuals from streaming programming. Though the companies have not explicitly blamed the strike for raising their prices, the companies are timing their price increases with the conclusion of the strike. The new contract negotiated by SAG-AFTRA will amount to only 0.2 per cent of Netflix's annual revenue, according to the Writers Guild of America's estimates. While the writers have won their new contract, Hollywood actors are still striking. Netflix will likely wait to boost its prices until that strike concludes and productions get back to work. Netflix already increased its prices last year, and made the unpopular move to begin cracking down on users who share their passwords with friends and family members. Disney+ said it also planned to crack down on password sharing to help boost its profits. Amazon Prime is also getting in on the price hikes, charging its Prime users who access the service by paying $140 per year an additional $3 to see programming ad-free. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A staggering 1,923 reports have been submitted by people claiming they saw unidentified flying objects above Maryland, according to National UFO Reporting Center reports. The UFOs or, what NASA call UAPs unidentified anomalous phenomena were seen in various shapes, including circles, ovals, triangles and diamonds. Other reports claimed they saw the UAPs looking like they were emitting lights or flashes. Maryland ranks 25th among US states having the most UFO sightings since collection of data started in 1946, according to NUFORC. California ranks the highest with 16,084 reports filed on the organisations website, which shows a huge growth in sightings in the past decade. While the spectacle of potential UFO sightings has long captivated people across the US, the growth in citizen-initiated reports is more recent, something that has been credited to the topics increased exposure on social media. UAP has also been a point of interest in the public eye due to the bizarre alien corpses shown at the Mexican Congress in September, something that met with considerable scepticism among most scientific onlookers. Earlier, Congress held a hearing on 26 July which included three former military personnel testifying that they had firsthand knowledge of UAPs and also spoke about the potential security risks that the unidentified phenomena could hold. They asked US officials for more transparency on information they reportedly hold about UAP reports. Then, on 14 September, NASAs Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Team published a 36-page report which called for more in-depth research into the various sightings people have reported. Bill Nelson, a NASA administrator said at the research announcement that they wanted to shift the conversation of UAP from sensationalism to science. There is a lot more to learn, he added. The NASA Independent Study Team did not find any evidence that UAPs have an extra-terrestrial origin, but we dont know what these UAPs are, he said. NASA said that while some reports turn out to be balloons, aircraft or natural phenomena, they do not have a detailed body of data they can refer to to help in the investigation of UAP. Its heartening to me that so many people are coming forward now. We are getting significantly more reports than just six months or a year ago," Peter Davenport, NUFORCs director, told CBS, confirming the 1,923 reports in Maryland. Ryan Graves, David Grusch and David Fravor are sworn in during the House Oversight Committee hearing on UAPs (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) NUFORC is hopeful about the increase in official acknowledgement of UAP reports, but is wary that the US government could still keep details quiet. "I dont know what the future has in store for us, but I am encouraged that more people are coming forward and the government recognizes the UFO phenomenon thats something worthy of their attention," Mr Davenport said. Christian Stepien, NUFORCs chief technology officer, said that while the majority of their UAP sightings can be dismissed as something scientifically explainable, there still are reports that appear to describe something inexplicable. "[T]here are many, many cases that cannot be explained as something natural or man-made," Stepien wrote in a statement to USA TODAY. "The evidence of the last 70 years is incontrovertible in indicating that anomalous craft are flying at will throughout our airspace. Common sense dictates that this should be of extreme interest to the government and the public." Mr Stepien also said he believes the government is aware of the interest in the UAP study but has chosen to "keep the details hidden from the public." "The recent disclosure hearings in Congress have generated a lot of hope within the UFO community that some of this secrecy may finally be breaking down, he told the news outlet, but whether any serious disclosure will happen remains to be seen. 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 }} Watch as EU leaders pose for a family photo in Granada, Spain, on Friday 6 October. Leaders from over 40 countries met this week for the third summit of the European Political Community, with Ukraine dominating the discussions. Volodymyr Zelensky met with Rishi Sunak for talks on Thursday, as the Ukrainian president urged the West to stick with Kyiv. The two leaders were pictured embracing in the conference hall of the Palacio de Congreso in Granada, where Mr Zelensky warned maintaining unity in support of his country was now the main challenge. Every Russian drone shot down in Ukraine, every Russian tank destroyed in Ukraine, is a guarantee that this drone, this tank, any other Russian weapon destroyed in Ukraine will not hit anyone else in Europe, he said. And I thank all of you each of you, your countries for the defence assistance. Mr Zelensky made the comments on the same day that a Russian drone attack killed at least 49 civilians in a Kharkiv village. 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 missile attack on a cafe and grocery store in northeastern Ukraine that led to 51 deaths, six injuries and three people left missing was no blind strike, said president Volodymyr Zelensky. The strike is the deadliest in the Kharkiv region since Mr Putins Ukraine invasion and also among the biggest civilian death tolls in any single Russian missile attack, especially after January this year. The missile strike occurred on Thursday afternoon in Kharkivs Hroza village where dozens had gathered to mourn a fallen Ukraine soldier, officials said. A deliberate missile strike on a village in Kharkiv region on an ordinary store and cafe, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address on Thursday. Russian troops could not have been unaware of where they were hitting. This was no blind strike, he said after attending a summit of the European Political Community in Spain. Mr Zelensky said a six-year-old boy was among the dead. According to regional officials, families had remained in the village despite a war-time order to evacuate. Local officials were sitting down for a meal when the missile struck, interior minister Ihor Klymenko said. Every family has been affected in the attack, he said. From every family, from every household, there were people present at this commemoration. This is a terrible tragedy, he told Ukrainian television. The site of the attack showed large piles of bricks, shattered metal and building materials strewn around the cafe and shop struck by a Russian missile. The attack was likely carried out with an Iskander ballistic missile, a Ukrainian minister said, citing preliminary information. Rescues remove debris at a site of a Russian military strike, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in the village of Hroza (via REUTERS) Bodies of the dead were laid out in a field next to a childrens playground as rescue workers were seen making their way and sifting through mounds of debris from the attack. Regional police investigator Serhiy Bolvinov said they will use DNA laboratories to identify the bodies as they have found only bits and pieces and remains of the bodies. Officials said the Russian missile hit a service marking a reburial in his home village of a soldier who had died in action elsewhere. The son of the soldier was also killed in the attack, along with his wife and mother, prosecutors told public broadcaster Suspilne. There were only civilians. The boy was from this village. When he died, we were under occupation. The (family) decided to rebury him, to bring him home, said resident Oleksandr Mukhovatyi. Then this happened. Someone betrayed us. The attack was precise, it all landed in the coffee shop. He said his mother, brother and sister-in-law were among the dead. Defence minister Rustem Umerov said the strike was clearly targeted and Ukrainian security services had launched an investigation into the matter. The terrorists deliberately carried out the attack during lunchtime, to ensure a maximum number of casualties, he said. There were no military targets there. This is a heinous crime intended to scare Ukrainians. Russia has not issued a comment on the attack in Hroza. It has denied deliberately targeting civilians, but many have been killed in attacks that have hit residential areas as well as energy, defence, port, grain and other facilities. 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 }} Narges Mohammadi, an activist serving a 10-year sentence in an Iranian prison, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her fight against the oppression of women. The decision comes after more than a year of protests, spearheaded by women, that followed the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the countrys morality police. Unrest spread rapidly, with demands ranging from greater freedoms to an overthrow of the regime. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003. She fights for women against systematic discrimination and oppression, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, said at the announcement in Oslo. Mohammadi supports the struggle for women to live full and dignified lives and is a freedom fighter, Ms Reiss-Andersen said. Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism from inside Tehrans Evin Prison, where she is currently serving multiple sentences totalling more than a decade. An engineer by training, she has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times during her years of campaigning. Ms Reiss-Andersen began her announcement in Farsi, saying Woman, life, freedom one of the slogans of the protests. Images of Iranian women defiantly setting their headscarves on fire and chanting the phrase have spread around the world over the past year. Mohammadi was behind bars as the protests grew nationwide, sparking one of the most intense challenges ever to Irans theocracy since the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown, while more than 22,000 others have been arrested. But Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism and has remained a leading light for the protests. In a statement, Mohammadi said that the global support for, and recognition of, her human rights advocacy makes her more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful. I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organised. Victory is near, she said. The authorities arrested Mohammadi last November after she attended a memorial for someone who had died during protests in 2019. The protests began over fuel prices, but morphed into a broader show of dissent, which was crushed by security forces in a bloody crackdown. Charges against Mohammadi which the international community have decried include spreading propaganda against the state. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian national who spent time in Evin Prison with Mohammadi before being released in March 2022, said her friend was an inspiration. [The announcement] makes me cry. She did so much for all of us in Evin. Narges is an inspiration and a pillar to the women in the female ward in Evin, for her fearless fight against violations of womens rights, the use of solitary confinement, and execution in the judicial system in Iran, she told the BBC. Ms Reiss-Andersen said the peace prize award also recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who have demonstrated against Irans discrimination against and oppression of women. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran, with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi, she said, adding: Only by embracing equal rights for all can the world achieve the fraternity between nations that [prize founder] Alfred Nobel sought to promote. Mohammadi has a long history of imprisonment, harsh sentences, and international calls for reviews of her case. She has been arrested around a dozen times, and has faced several convictions by the Iranian state. If the Iranian authorities make the right decision, they will release her so that she can be present to receive this honour, which is what we primarily hope for, Ms Reiss-Andersen said. There was no immediate official reaction from Tehran, which claims that the protests against the state are Western-led subversion. But the semi-official news agency Fars said Mohammadi had received her prize from Westerners. Mohammadis husband, Taghi Rahmani, applauded in his home in Paris as he watched the announcement on television. This Nobel Prize will embolden Narges fight for human rights, but more importantly, this is in fact a prize for the women, life and freedom movement, he said. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice-president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. Ms Ebadi founded the centre. Ms Ebadi left Iran after the disputed re-election of the then president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in 2009, which touched off unprecedented protests and harsh crackdowns by the authorities. I congratulate Narges Mohammadi and all Iranian women for this prize ... this prize will shed light on violation of womens rights in the Islamic Republic ... which unfortunately has proven that it cannot be reformed, Ms Ebadi said. According to the will of Alfred Nobel, the prize should be awarded to the person who has done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the establishment and promotion of peace congresses. Previous winners of the prize which can be awarded to individuals or organisations include Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the United Nations. Last years prize was won by human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Vladimir Putin in the wake of his invasion of Ukraine. Unlike the other Nobel prizes, which are selected and announced in Stockholm, the peace prize is awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The prizes are handed out at ceremonies in December; they carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about 820,000). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and a diploma. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report A 28-year-old Lincoln man died after he crashed into an SUV that had pulled into his path on North First Street early Wednesday morning, according to police. Brian Ramirez David was riding his Suzuki motorcycle north on North First Street when 20-year-old Kendra Limon, who had been westbound on Nance Avenue in her Hyundai Santa Fe, started turning south onto First Street, police said in the crash report. Limon crossed into David's path as she navigated the turn, colliding with the motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, Lincoln Police Investigator Chad Staley said in the report. Lincoln Fire and Rescue crews took David to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries Wednesday despite life-saving efforts that included an emergency surgery, the police department said in a news release. Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to have played a role in the crash, police said. Investigators also don't suspect Limon was driving distracted. It's unclear if speed factored into the collision. A witness told police he couldn't tell how fast David had been riding in the moments before the crash, according to the report. Police haven't cited Limon for her role in the crash, though Staley noted in the report that she failed to yield the right of way to David. Limon had been stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Nance Avenue and North First Street before crossing into David's path, according to the report. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Russian president Vladimir Putin said the plane carrying Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was blown up from the inside and fragments of hand grenades have been found in the bodies of those killed in the crash. This is the first time Mr Putin commented on the details of the plane crash that killed Prigozhin the mercenary leader who had challenged his regime and launched a military coup by marching onto Moscow in a dramatic threat to the Kremlin not seen in decades. "Fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed in the crash," Mr Putin told a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, but did not share any details on the type and number of hand grenades that could have been detonated on board. He denied an external influence or targeting of the plane from the outside. "There was no external impact on the plane this is already an established fact," he said, rejecting assertions by unidentified US officials who said shortly after the crash that they believed it had been shot down. Mr Putin said the head of Russias investigative committee had reported to him a few days ago. The private Embraer jet carrying the Wagner leader and the mercenary groups co-founder along with eight other people crashed north of Moscow on 23 August. All 10 people onboard were reported dead. Mr Putin also suggested that the remains of the passengers, including Prigozhin, should have been tested for alcohol and drugs. He said he thought investigators were wrong to have not carried out these tests on the bodies of those killed in the crash. "In my opinion, such an examination should have been carried out but it was not," he said. The searches of Wagners offices in St Petersburg by the FSB found 10bn roubles ($100m) in cash and 5kg (11 pounds) of cocaine, he said. The investigators of the crash have yet to report publicly on the cause. Neither Wagner nor Prigozhins family could be reached to comment on Mr Putins remarks. Prigozhin had claimed pride in casting Wagner as the worlds most war-hardened fighting force and was known to have carried out Russias dirty work in middle-east and Africa. The mercenary fighters waged a brutal battle dubbed the meat grinder in Bakhmut last year in winter, where they eventually handed Moscow its biggest territorial gain in many months. Just two months before his death, he had accused Mr Putins top military brass, defence minister Sergei Shoigu and general staff Valery Gerasimov of incompetence and warned that Russia could lose the war in Ukraine unless it raised its game. The brief mutiny against Russias defence establishment posed the biggest challenge to Putins rule since the former KGB spy came to power in 1999. According to the leaders in the West, not only did it expose the strains on Russia of the war in Ukraine, it also showed the worsening relations between the Russian president and his long-time stooge. 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 }} Ukrainian officials have said a number of Russian Iskander ballistic missiles have struck the northeastern Kharkiv region in the last 24 hours. A 10-year-old boy and his grandmother were killed in the city of Kharkiv itself , officials said on Friday morning, after a strike on Thursday afternoon in the same region killed at least 52 civilians in the village of Hroza. That attack was one of the deadliest attacks in the war in months. Officials said preliminary information indicated the Kremlin's forces used two Iskander missiles in the attack on Friday, the same as in the previous day's strike. A number of people, including young children, were injured in both attacks, Kyiv said. The Iskander short-range ballistic missiles have become common in Russian attacks on Ukraine, largely because they can travel around 300 miles. They are carried on a road mobile system, which is essentially the back of a truck, as opposed to being launched from a fixed site. Once they are fired, the system is packed up and moved to avoid being hit by retaliatory strikes. Recommended Unlike most mobile systems, Iskanders can fire two of its missiles from one vehicle, which substantially increases its firepower. This has been used several times by Russian forces to carry out double tap strikes in which an initial missile destroys a target before a second one is fired into the area as rescue efforts are underway, according to Ukrainian officials. Each missile can also be used independently, striking both static and moving targets. In the latter instance, target coordination is adjusted remotely while the missile is in the air. The Iskander was first unveiled in 1996 to replace the Soviet Unions Oka ballistic missile, which was discontinued under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. In 2006, the Iskander-M missile system was officially adopted by the Russian Army. Downgraded Iskander-E systems were subsequently delivered to Armenia in 2016 and Algeria the following year. With the last 12 months, Belarus has also acquired some Iskander systems from Russia. Prior to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia reportedly operated 136 of the upgraded M systems, though that total has likely been reduced since then. It can accommodate several different conventional warheads, including cluster, fuel-air explosive, bunker-busting and electro-magentic pulse. It is also nuclear-capable. In June this year, two Iskander missiles were fired at the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, roughly thirty miles from the besieged city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. One of the missiles hit a popular pizza restaurant in the area - one of the few to remain open - while roughly 80 people were inside. Thirteen people were killed, including 14-year-old twin sisters, a US Marine Corps veteran and a famous Ukrainian novelist. More than 60 people were injured. 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 }} Russian troops have been executed for retreating from Putins offensive in the eastern city of Avdiivka, Donetsk, according to the White House. We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders, White House spokesperson John Kirby told a media briefing on Thursday. Ukrainian forces have been repelling the Russian onslaught on the frontline in Donetsk for several weeks since mid-October. It comes as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said Putin had lost at least a brigdade of troops in the offensive as Kyivs forces pushed them back. The invaders made several attempts to surround Avdiivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and threw them back, causing painful losses. In these cases, the enemy lost at least a brigade, Zelensky said. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesperson for Ukraines southern groups of forces, said last week that Russian forces had suffered over 400 casualties a day in its campaign which has relied on small assault groups of 30 to 40 men. 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 }} Ukrainian forces have advanced in the eastern part of the war-hit nation where officials said Vladimir Putin has deployed over 110,000 troops, but Kyiv officials reported pressure further north. The intensity of assaults have increased in the Lyman-Kupiansk sector, Ilia Yevlash, spokesperson for Ukraines eastern group of forces, said. Mr Yevlash called the two towns the most difficult area as Russian forces use both ground and air forces. Russian forces are actively using fighter jets, Su-35 and Su-25, and helicopters Ka-52 and Mi-8 in the region, he said. They were backed by Su-35 attack aircraft and started attacking along the frontline in the direction of Makiivka in the Luhansk region. Lyman and Kupiansk towns in Kharkiv oblast were recaptured by Ukrainian troops late last year and have witnessed continuous Russian assaults since then. The enemy has chosen a new point Makiivka and is directing all its main efforts into this direction. Of course, we are also repulsing enemy attacks and inflicting damage on forces and equipment," Mr Yevlash said in a daily update. Kyivs battle to regain ground near the ghost city of Bakhmut, which has been reduced to rubble in a warfare lasting over a year, is also continuing in the eastern theatre. Two main theatres of war in southern Ukraine and eastern Ukraine have cropped up during Kyivs four-month old counteroffensive to push back Russian forces off its soil. In its evening report, the general staff of Ukraines Armed Forces claimed Kyivs troops had "achieved success" south of Andriivka. The village south of Bakhmut was captured by Ukrainian troops last month in the Donetsk region. The Ukrainian general staff said its forces were pressing on with their southward advance in the Zaporizhzhia region and had repelled a Russian attack near the village of Robotyne. The report said Russian forces had unsuccessfully tried to regain lost positions in an area further south. This was further corroborated by Russian accounts of the fighting which said Moscows forces had repelled two Ukrainian attacks west of the Russian-held city of Donetsk. In the southern theatre, Kyivs forces are pushing toward the Sea of Azov in an attempt to split Russian-occupied territory in two. 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 }} Many woke up dazed in the Ukraines Hroza on Friday with the village in the northeast of the country having lost a sixth of its residents in the devastation caused by a Russian missile strike the previous day. Ihor Klymenko, minister of internal affairs of Ukraine, said the village only had 330 residents and that at least 52 had been killed in the assault. He added that every family had at least one person they knew at the wake for Ukrainian soldier Andrii Kozyr inside the cafe (and grocery shop) that was wrecked by the missile. That wake followed a funeral that had been an attempt to rebury a father who had been killed in Russian-occupied territory last year. Now candles mark the spot where the lives of those mourners were lost. Residents have said that the cafe, Hrozivske, had been closed for much of the time since Russias invasion began in February last year, and that the wake had marked one of the first major events of its reopening. The strike that followed is one of the deadliest of the war. Alina, 23 who only wanted to be known by her first name moved to the village after marrying a local three years ago. Alina says she and her husband were due to be at the memorial, but their car engine faltered and they couldnt make it in time. We were meant to be there. We were meant to be dead, she says. Now all she feels is anger at the missile strike. They were just normal people living a normal life, she says of those who died. Most of them were farmers, working with wheat and barley. The village, in the Kharkiv region, was founded in 1922, and its name translates as thunderstorm. It was first occupied by Russian forces in February 2022 and was liberated by Ukrainian forces that September. Alina says that when the village was occupied by Moscows forces, mostly older people stayed behind as the younger residents fled. When the village was due to celebrate its centennial anniversary last year, she says that residents spent the time hiding in their cellars. We felt enormous joy when Russian forces left, she continues. It was great to be Ukraine again. [Now] I have no words for whats happened. Residents have started to leave flowers at the site of the attack (Global Images Ukraine via Getty) Hroza had 501 inhabitants before the invasion according to local journalist Iryna Antoniuk, who is a correspondent with the My-Ukraina (We Are Ukraine) TV Channel. She says that half of the 300 or so who remained in the village had been in attendance at the wake. In a morning visit to the village, less than 24 hours after the attack, Ms Antoniuk says you can still smell the blood among the wreckage. Its a tiny little village. This building that was hit, was in the very centre, so its so noticeable. Immediately, when you enter the village, you notice it. People have started bringing flowers now to pay tribute. Workers at the local cemetery cut down trees and mowed grass to prepare graves for those killed. They are to be buried not far from the soldier Kozyr, whose wake they were attending. Residents also gathered to mourn in groups in the village centre, which was largely deserted except for people picking up humanitarian aid, including materials to repair their damaged houses. Dr Robert Dale, senior lecturer of Russian History at Newcastle University, says: Hroza... has seen much bombardment during the Russian offensive. Many of those left in the village are older people (Global Images Ukraine via Getty) This is a location that as a borderland area has long been a site of conflict, and at the sharp end of wars. The Kharkiv region suffered very badly in the Russian civil war, the Holodomor, and the area changed hands repeatedly in the Second World War... perhaps one reason for why Hroza seems to have so little recorded history is that these rural regions have been ravaged throughout the 20th century. He added: The Kharkiv regions proximity to the Russian border means that it has borne much of the brunt of this conflict. The Hroza victims made up most of the 54 civilians killed in the country over the previous 24 hours, Ukraines presidential office said on Friday. The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, said he was shocked and saddened by the attack. On Friday morning, Ukrainian officials said another two Russian missiles had killed a 10-year-old boy and his grandmother in the city of Kharkiv. Emergency crews pulled the boys body from the rubble of a building. He was wearing pyjamas with a Spider Man design. The strike also killed the boys grandmother and wounded an 11-month-old child, the interior minister Mr Klymenko said. The regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said that in all, 30 people were wounded. Rescue operations are continuing. Recommended Officials said preliminary information indicated that the Kremlins forces used two Iskander missiles in the attack, the same as in the strike on Hroza. The attack may have only lasted seconds, but Alina says she will feel the hurt for a long time. I knew every single person that has died. They were our buddies, our friends, our family and neighbours, she says. 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 }} Engineers in Japan have created a 3.5-ton robot suit that resembles a character from a hugely popular animation series, which they hope to use for space exploration and in emergency situations. Tokyo-based start-up Tsubame Industries developed the 4.5-metre-tall (14.8-feet), four-wheeled Archax robot that looks like Mobile Suit Gundam from the 1970s Japanese show of the same name. Named after the avian dinosaur archaeopteryx, the $3 million (2.5m) robot has cockpit monitors that receive images from cameras hooked up to the exterior so that the pilot can manoeuvre the arms and hands with joysticks from inside its torso. The robot, which will be unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show later this month, has two modes: the upright robot mode and a vehicle mode in which it can travel up to 10 km (6 miles) per hour. Japan is very good at animation, games, robots and automobiles so I thought it would be great if I could create a product that compressed all these elements into one, said Ryo Yoshida, the 25-year-old chief executive of Tsubame Industries. I wanted to create something that says, This is Japan. Mr Yoshida plans to build and sell five of the machines for the well-heeled robot fan, but hopes the robot could one day be used for disaster relief or in the space industry. Mr Yoshida became interested in manufacturing at an early age, learning how to weld at his grandfathers ironworks and then going on to found a company that produces myoelectric prosthetic hands. He said he is eager to keep Japans competitive edge in manufacturing alive. I hope to learn from previous generations and carry on the tradition, he said. Tsubame Industries is one of several startups working on robotic exoskeletons, with applications ranging from assisting delivery workers with heavy loads, to military super soldier suits. The US military has already unveiled several exoskeleton prototypes, with one such device claiming to offer Marines the strength and ability of up to 10 troops. The ultimate goal is to provide troops with an edge by boosting their capabilities and dramatically improving safety and productivity in a variety of logistics applications, the company behind it, Sarcos Robotics, said in 2020. Additional reporting from agencies. 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 What went wrong with the UK air-traffic control system on 28 August 2023 and how well or badly did the aviation industry respond to the ensuing chaos? The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched an investigation to answer those questions. On the morning of a Bank Holiday Monday, the computer system used to handle flights to, from and above the UK failed. Twenty seconds later, the back-up system failed due to the same issue: the filing of an anomalous flight plan. It took some hours for the air-traffic provider, Nats, to solve the problem and restore the system. More than 2,000 flights were cancelled as a result affecting around 300,000 passengers and thousands more were delayed. Nats has issued a preliminary report into the causes of the shutdown. Now the CAA, the organisation that licences Nats, has announced its own review which will also look at how airlines handled the ensuing chaos. The investigation, chaired by aviation veteran Jeff Halliwell, will look at the cause of the failure and what has been done to try to prevent it happening again. But it will also study how Nats communicated with airlines and airports as the chaos unfolded, and whether technical, organisational or cultural factors contributed to the scale of the incident. Key topics are: The Nats Major Incident Plan Whether protocols on event escalation were adequately designed and worked effectively The availability of Nats technical staff and resources from service partners to respond to major incidents 24/7. The investigation will also measure how well airlines met their passengers rights obligations. When a carrier cancels a flight at short notice for any reason, it immediately becomes liable for providing suitable alternative transport as soon as possible as well as finding and paying for a hotel room when necessary. But The Independent knows of many cases in which this did not happen. With most flights very heavily booked at the end of the summer holidays, many travellers had to pay hundreds or thousands to find a way home, and ran up large hotel bills. The review will investigate the level of costs travellers were expected to pay and reclaim when carriers failed to provide alternative transport and hotels. It will also study how airlines managed vulnerable passengers, who are supposed to get extra care. Rob Bishton, the CAAs chief executive, said: The events of the 28 August bank holiday had a significant impact on many passengers. Thats why weve launched this independent review to understand what happened and learn lessons for the future. Mr Halliwell said: It is clear lessons need to be learnt. I am looking forward to working with industry and passengers to tackle this review to really understand how the incident occurred, how it was managed and identify any recommendations. The CAA says it could make changes in the price-control arrangements for Nats if the review recommends them. Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, told The Independent: We pay Nats over 100m a year in the UK alone, just Ryanair. Their total income is 750m. And its simply not acceptable that you have a complete computer failure. In a statement on its website, Nats says: UK airspace remains some of the most complex and busiest in the world. Nats dedicated teams across the entire Nats business diligently and passionately support aviation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep the skies safe. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel 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 Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A group of mums spent around 150 each on a whirlwind 18-hour spa trip to Milan and were home in time for the school run. Laura Oduntan, 37, and her friends Jade Bassett, 33, Remi Pedro, 37, and Agnes Adekunle, 38 decided to upgrade their regular Nando's meet-up and treat themselves to a spa day. After spotting QC Terme spa in Milan, Italy, on TikTok, Ms Oduntan, who has two young daughters, suggested a visit to the rest of the group. After checking with their partners, the women flew with easyJet from Gatwick Airport at 6.20am on 62 return flights and landed at Milan Malpensa Airport by 9am. The four women took the train into Milan the express service takes around 50 minutes for lunch, before relaxing in the spa for three hours. They finished up with dinner and cocktails at a rooftop restaurant before getting back to the airport for their flight at 10pm. An early start for the flight to Italy (Laura Oduntan/SWNS) Ms Oduntan got home by midnight and was up the next morning to take her daughter to school. The social media manager and owner of clothing brand 5am Mama, from Bromley, Greater London, said: It was a long tiring day but there was so much laughter and fun. The spa was just lovely. The mothers all met while working together seven years ago and have been having regular catch-ups over meals at restaurant chain Nandos ever since. We all had babies around the same time. We were on maternity leave together, said Ms Oduntan. Thats how we became a group of friends. It seemed like the perfect getaway for the busy mums and was cheap compared to the 200 cost of Champneys spa costing just 40 each. When youre a mum you dont like the sound of leaving your baby overnight. But its nice to do something as a group of friends. We booked the flights in May. We made sure our partners were on hand, Ms Oduntan explained. Making the most of the spa in Milan (Laura Oduntan/SWNS) Once in the Italian city, the train into the centre of Milan cost 13 per person, and they found a cafe close to the spa for lunch, spending around 15 each on food. The friends headed over to the spa at 12.30pm and stayed until 3pm, then walked to Duomo di Milano before going for an early dinner at 4.30pm. They had pizzas and an Aperol spritz for 20 each at a rooftop restaurant. After eating, the pals headed back to the airport for their 10pm flight arriving back in the UK by midnight. Laura said: I snuck in. I didnt feel different to normal the next day. Im up all night normally Im a tired mum. The friends enjoyed their day trip so much they hope to make it an annual event trying out different cities for a day. Laura hopes it inspires other mums to take a day for themselves: When a lot of mums meet up you have the kids with you. We should take that moment for ourselves. Youre not just a mum. Youre a person. Look after yourself as well as the kids. The day trip to Milan in full Humza Yousaf has been forced to apologise after he clashed with the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party over the Scottish Governments record on policing and crime. The SNP leader hit back at rival Douglas Ross after he was questioned on a fall in officer numbers and plans by Police Scotland to cut some of its stations. His post-truth, his lies about the police service, it simply will not wash here in Scotland, Mr Yousaf said. Alison Johnstone, Holyroods presiding officer, then stepped in and suggested it was wholly inappropriate for him to accuse Mr Ross of lying. She then asked Mr Yousaf three times for an apology, with the first minister initially saying he would instead describe Mr Rosss comments as a deliberate inaccuracy and post-truths. The clash between Mr Yousaf and Mr Ross came days after Rishi Sunak joked that Nicola Sturgeon could face prison. A Russian rocket blast reduced a village cafe and store in eastern Ukraine to rubble on Thursday 5 October, killing at least 51 civilians - including a six-year-old boy - in one of the deadliest attacks in the war in months. Drone footage shows the aftermath of the attack, where rescuers searched for survivors in the remains of the only cafe in the village of Hroza, located in the Kharkiv region. Around 60 people, including children, were attending a wake at the cafe when the missile hit, Ukrainian officials said. Volodymyr Zelensky described the strike as a demonstrably brutal Russian crime and the White House also condemned the horrifying attack. Children sustained minor injuries following a crash involving a school bus in Gage County Thursday afternoon. Shortly before 4 p.m. the Gage County Sheriffs Office responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a school bus and another vehicle at South 96th and East Aspen roads. A press release stated the crash occurred when a school bus from Freeman Public Schools was westbound on East Aspen Road dropping off students after school. The bus driver stopped at the stop sign on East Aspen Road at South 96th Road and proceeded through the intersection, which is located in a small dell, with the northbound and southbound traffic coming down to the intersection from the crest of the hill. The school bus was in the middle of the intersection when a white 2012 GMC Acadia driven by a juvenile male from rural Firth came over the hill to the south and struck the middle of the school bus. Some of the students on the school bus received minor injuries and were treated and released at the scene by paramedics from Adams Fire and Rescue. Staff from Freeman Public Schools also responded to the scene and in coordination with the sheriffs office and paramedics, conducted a reunification of the students with their parents or guardians. The Nebraska State Patrol assisted with the investigation. Speed and alcohol use were not believed to be a factor, the press release stated. The school bus was not equipped with seatbelts. 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 }} If Keir Starmer was at all worried about his party conference getting off to a good start, well, his fears may be said to be safely allayed now. Not only is this a clear victory, but the swing of 20.4 percentage points suggests a haul of 30 or 40 seats at the next general election. That might well leave the SNP at Westminster next year with a mere handful of seats crucial and huge progress for Starmer if it comes to pass. In its way the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election is every bit as significant for Labour as the recent results in Uxbridge and in Selby. Its more than in line with general polling trends. Its like a reset to the old days of Labour dominance. Labour will be making the most of it. So they should. The by-election suffered from a fairly poor turnout (37.2 per cent), not helped by the new rules on photo ID, amounting to suppression of the franchise. The SNP vote may have been disproportionately affected by that: and it was certainly extra-depressed because of the special circumstances that triggered the poll: the disgrace of former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier, found guilty of breaking lockdown rules. Still, Starmer should frankly be elated, and deserves a large Scotch. Follow our live blog with results and reaction from the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election Labour is vitally dependent on making substantial progress in Scotland to help ensure it forms a majority government after the next general election. This is further evidence it is on course though theres a long way to go. The Labour party has never taken a seat from the SNP in a by-election, so this is an historic first. But it matters also for psychological reasons. It shows Labour is making a comeback in a nation it used to own, and, unfortunately, so much so that it bred fatal complacency. Labour won every UK general election in Scotland between 1964 and the meltdown in 2015, when they were crushed by the SNP. Nor was that quite the nadir of Scottish Labours fortunes. At the 2019 general election, Labour slumped to a vote share of 18.6 per cent, its lowest ever, and it finished third to the Conservatives. It returned one MP, where once it could rely on sending a contingent of around 30 to 50 south to help keep the Tories out. There would have been no Labour victories in the British general elections of 1964, February 1974 and 2005 without that Scottish parliamentary wedge. And, of course, Scottish Labour produced some of Labours greatest talents Gordon Brown, John Smith, Robin Cook and Donald Dewar, not to mention Keir Hardie (Ramsay MacDonald remains problematic). Its not clear exactly why the SNP moved the writ for the by-election when they did, and thus gave Labour the gift of a great story of revival in one of its lost heartlands on the very eve of their last conference before the general election. It was simply a perfect battleground for Labour. It is in the former stronghold of the central belt, but unlike some other long lost seats, it was already a marginal, having been Labour as recently as 2017-19, and eminently winnable. It was also ideal in the psephological sense that Labour became the depository of protest votes against Conservative administration in Westminster, and the SNP at Holyrood. And there were Tory and Liberal votes to squeeze. It all came together in Rutherglen (translates as red glen, by the way). So Labour have scored a stonking victory. After all, the last time such a by-election came up, at Airdrie and Shotts in 2021, the SNP actually increased their vote share, though there was a reasonable 5 per cent swing to Labour, helped by apparently heavy tactical voting for Labour by (pro-Union) Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. With the Tory and Lib Dem now losing their deposit in Rutherglen, it seems tactical voting is going to be a more pronounced feature at the next general election especially to Labours advantage. In any case, it turns out that Labour will indeed have a splendid prize to parade around the conference centre in Liverpool in the coming days the newly elected Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, Michael Shanks with well over half the poll. At a stroke he doubles the partys Scottish representation in the Commons, and points to a much brighter future for Labour at Westminster and at Holyrood. The SNPs extraordinary sustained dominance of the Scottish scene seems over, and with it much chance of a second independence referendum. For what its worth, it will put SNP leader Humza Yousaf under more pressure, but there doesnt seem much point for them in having another leadership crisis just now. Who knows, the SNP might even lose power in Edinburgh in 2026, with the controversy about Nicola Sturgeons leadership dragging on their ratings. Could Anas Sarwar become the next first minister with a Labour win after two decades of declining fortunes? He must dare to hope. Without being fanciful, the Rutherglen result might also signal that the people of Scotland are so heartily fed up with their English Tory government in Westminster that theyve decided to get them out sooner rather than later by putting Labour in, as opposed to waiting for independence. The SNP argument, sometimes indelicately put, is that Labour and Conservatives are just two cheeks of the same, erm, bottom both pro-Brexit and pro-cuts in social security. Yet it doesnt appear to have quite the potency that theyd like, even though Scottish voters are generally to the left of their English counterparts, and much more European. But the mood to get the Tories out is strong. It looks like Scotland, or at least enough of it, is coming home to Labour. Demolition demand unprecedented, unreasonable, extreme, and wholly disproportionate, developer says. The plans that were granted permission (left), and what was built (right). Images: royalgreenwich.gov The billionaire Comer brothers UK arm has launched a blistering response to last months decision by Greenwich council ordering it to tear down two newly built London tower blocks, one of which rises to 23 storeys, over planning breaches They said the decision demanding demolition of the development is: unprecedented, unreasonable, extreme, and wholly disproportionate. They said the council has not responded to a request for an urgent meeting with officials to address the issue and formally request the withdrawal of the notice. The September 25th enforcement notice ordering the blocks to be pulled down has sent shockwaves through the UKs property sector and made international headlines. It also has major implications for 100 tenants who have already moved into some of he 204 apartments in the scheme. Read more Billionaire Comer brothers' group ordered to pull down two London apartment blocks On September 25th the Luke and Brian Comer owned Comer Homes Group was ordered to pull down two newly built London tower blocks, known as Mast Quay Phase II, in Londons Woolwich area, south of Canary Wharf and the citys docklands. The scheme was completed only last year. The local council for The Royal Borough of Greenwich said it had taken the dramatic decision to order the destruction of the scheme including more than 200 apartments, citing what it said are 26 main deviations to the original planning permission. In a response issued on October 5th Comer Homes Group said it remains steadfast that the Councils position is inaccurate and misrepresents the situation. It said the local authority had exaggerated the differences between the planning permission (granted) and the completed building and had confused building control and planning matters. "Comer Homes Group is shocked and surprised by this decision, especially following continued unsuccessful attempts to engage with the Council on various matters over the past five years. In an update on the case on October 5th Comer Homes said it is still awaiting a response from the council to its request for a meeting to discuss the enforcement notice. The council did hold a meeting with residents of the blocks on October 3rd that the developer said resulted in a: lot of confusion arising from the mixed information presented by Council Officials. Comer Homes built the blocks and is also the landlord and operator of the built-to-rent scheme. Comer Homes Group has said it intends to appeal the order on the basis the development is not illegal and said some deviation from initial plans is normal in a large development and that a change to some of the external walls was a result of fire safety rule changes between the planning grant and construction. All new buildings have differences from historic planning designs as they reflect new regulations and the changes inherent in the construction process. The original designs had an external facade that would not comply with post-Grenfell Building regulations. Mast Quay Phase II is a lawful building that fully complies with all current building regulations, which includes stringent fire control measures and a fully fireproof facade, the response said. If the original planning permission design had been followed it would be unsafe and uncompliant with current building regulations, it said. They said the building is safe and has been inspected and approved by the UKs Building Control Authority has inspected and approved the construction. "The homes are finished to a high standard and the quality is tenure-blind so that affordable homes and private rental are equal. The current line held by the Council that residents are at risk in the building is wholly untrue, unfounded and causing unnecessary anxiety and concern for those who live at Mast Quay Phase II, it said. It said issues raised by the planning authority including lack of childrens playground were premature, because elements of the scheme arent yet completed and said it had submitted a revised landscaping strategy in August 2023 that had yet to be acknowledged by Council officials. Issues identified by the council could be put right, especially as the developer remains the landlord, Comer Homes said. It is very hard to understand or quantify why the Council has demanded such an extreme and disproportionate measure. There is no reason why changes to the development cannot be made and Mast Quay 2 receive a retrospective planning permission. Irish-listed airline software specialist Datalex has announced an extension to its partnership with Aer Lingus. The companies will extend their partnership for a further five years and is the latest in a number of other recent long-term contract renewals for Datalex. International airlines, such as Air China and Air Transat have also extended their partnerships with the Irish firm this year. As part of the partnership renewal, Datalex will also provide a new digital transformation platform for Aer Lingus, which is part of the International Airlines Group (IAG). Datalexs software will support the Irish airline in enhancing its existing digital proposition, with value being derived for both companies from a combination of transaction and licence models. It will also provide Aer Lingus with access to cloud-based products on its platform. Product improvements will include the addition of self-service options on the airlines website and apps, while existing technology will be removed and replaced with new solutions. "The scalable product suite that Datalex provides will help enable Aer Lingus to continue to improve and refine our end to end digital customer experience, Aer Lingus chief digital and information officer Dave ODonovan said. "This is an essential part of our goal to ensure our customers can easily and quickly self-service on the channel of their choice, he added. Datalex chief executive Sean Corkery said that Datalex technology would form an essential part of Aer Lingus digital transformation project. This is a milestone in our partnership with Aer Lingus as we provide an extensive digital transformation plan to future-proof one of our longest-standing airline customers for the long haul, he said. With a transaction model now implemented, both companies will now be fully aligned in achieving growth through digital and we will both benefit from this growth. Almost a quarter of finance professional surveyed backed the capital, ahead of Madrid and Luxembourg Finance Minister Michael McGrath believes Dublin's International Financial Services Centre makes it a prime location for the EU's new anti-money laundering watchdog. Dublin is the top choice to host the EUs new anti-money laundering agency, a survey has found. The city won 24.5pc of the vote, beating rivals Madrid, Luxembourg, Frankfurt and Paris in a poll of more than 2,200 finance professionals by specialist news service AML Intelligence. Madrid came second with 20pc of the vote. Luxembourg and Frankfurt got around 13pc, with Vienna taking 10.5. Paris, Rome and Vilnius, which have all launched public campaigns for the seat, took less than 10pc. The poll comes a week after the EU published a formal call for applications to host the new agency. Applications close on November 10. This is the first year that MEPs will have a say on where an EU agency is located. Parliamentarians have been severely critical, in the recent past, of Irelands reputation on tax and shell companies. The anti-money laundering authority (AMLA) is the mainstay of the blocs new rulebook to fight financial crime, which is in the final stages of negotiations in Brussels. Staff at the agency are expected to number between 250 and 400, the European Commission says. Any country wanting to host the agency must ensure it can fully execute its tasks, recruit qualified staff, train people on financial crimes and enable cooperation with EU bodies. It should also have a good track record on fighting money laundering in order to avoid reputational risks, the call for proposals said. The city must have suitable office space, adequate accommodation and public transport for international conferences, adequate schools for children of agency staff, appropriate jobs, benefits and healthcare for families of staff, and must ensure geographical balance meaning it shouldnt already host too many EU agencies. Six years ago, Dublin narrowly lost out to Paris in a race to secure the EUs banking regulator post-Brexit after dropping its bid to host the blocs medicines agency, which Amsterdam won. Finance Minister Michael McGrath made an informal bid for the agency earlier this year, saying Ireland was the ideal location given its significant financial services sector, highly skilled labour force and strong relations with its EU partners. The agency will be responsible for directly supervising a small number of the blocs riskiest financial firms, with the power to order on-site inspections and issue fines. It would oversee a range of new transparency rules on the beneficial ownership of assets, crypto traders, crowdfunding platforms, fintechs and golden visa schemes. A single savings fund for windfall corporation tax receipts is better than separate funds, the Oireachtas Budget Oversight Committee has said. Any future fund should make only green and ethical investments, the committee recommended in a report published Friday, and should focus on international and not domestic assets. It said the money should be spent on pensions, sustainable infrastructure and digital skills. Committee chair and Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen said creating a new fund is an important step in helping to secure the future fiscal needs of the State. Recognition must to given to the fact that these increased tax receipts are a result of the hard work and resilience of our business community and the dedication and ambition of our citizens working within and alongside this community, he said. Our committee is aware that the wellbeing of our citizens has to be a priority and that they should enjoy a dignified and comfortable life into their older years. The fund under discussion will go some way in allowing us to invest in sustainable infrastructure and to support initiatives that protect our environment. We are living in an age where the digital environment is constantly changing and advancing, and it is this digital transition that will need to be catered for also, through supporting people to adapt their skillsets to a new digital reality. The committee report said "pooling resources a single fund is likely to be in a better position to maximise returns. It also said the fund should be focused solely on international markets and not the domestic market and that the legislation should set out "strict parameters outlining the types of investments that may be entered into with regard to the ethical, environmental, social effects. The report is a response to a paper published by the Department of Finance earlier this year, which suggested a sovereign wealth fund to bank and invest Irelands billions for future pension payments. The department estimates that around half of Irelands corporation tax receipts are windfall in nature, meaning they are growing out of line with the overall economy and could disappear as quickly as they appeared. Since last year, 6bn of those windfall receipts has been deposited in a national reserve fund, but that has a ceiling of 8bn and can only be drawn down in exceptional circumstances. In the summer, Finance Minister Michael McGrath said he was looking to create two separate funds, a long-term savings vehicle for pensions and a counter-cyclical public investment fund, as well as setting aside 2.25bn from the budget out to 2026 for critical infrastructure projects. The budget oversight committee said it wanted to know how that money would interact with the future funds and asked for clarification on whether the national reserve fund would be folded into one of the other two planned funds. This week Mr McGrath said the Exchequer would likely fall short of an expected 24bn corporation tax take this year as August and September receipts fell short of last years levels. Last year corporation tax receipts of around 22.5bn were collected, well ahead of expectations, and the major contributor to Irelands 8bn budget surplus. David Gordon Green explains how William Friedkins 1973 classic chiller got under his skin Its hard, in these days of constant streaming and audiovisual saturation, to understand the cultural impact of The Exorcist. Based on a pulp novel by William Peter Blatty, and given a limited release on St Stephens Day 1973 by Warner Brothers, who freely admitted they had no idea how to market it, William Friedkins psychological chiller caused an instant sensation. Punters drawn by word-of-mouth queued around the block in sub-zero temperatures outside cinemas in New York and across North America. And when those hardy moviegoers eventually got inside, they screamed and gasped, fainted and vomited, had nightmares afterwards, even crises of faith. Such was the power of Friedkins storytelling and sly, understated direction. The Exorcist starred Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil, an actress who becomes convinced that her 12-year-old daughter Regan (Linda Blair) has been possessed by an evil spirit. Enter the priests (Max von Sydow, Jason Miller), who begin a pitch battle with the demon for the poor girls soul. Most people remember the spinning head, the bouncing bed, the expletive-spouting girl, but what was most scary about The Exorcist was the idea of possession, and the notion that dark invisible forces were whistling around one all the while, waiting to invade the souls of the weak. The first time I saw it, in the 1990s, I noticed it was your own imaginings that got to you, the stillness of Friedkins camera making you look twice at some shadow that might just be a demon. Cultural impact: Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair in the 1973 original of The Exorcist. Photo by Screen Archives/Getty Its a brilliant film, the first horror movie to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, which it arguably should have won. Why on earth, then, would anyone want to try and follow it? There have actually been five sequels to date: the first, Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), though directed by John Boorman no less, has been described as one of the worst films ever made, and things have gone downhill pretty steadily from there. In The Exorcist: Believer, though, writer and director David Gordon Green tries to steer the franchise back towards its lo-fi roots while giving us two possessions for the price of one. In an unsettling opening sequence, an American couple are on holiday in Haiti when they get caught up in an earthquake, and the woman dies. She was pregnant, and her child survives, and 13 years later Angela (Lidya Jewett) and her dad Victor (Leslie Odom Jr) have developed a loving but fractious relationship. Understandably, Victor is overprotective of his daughter, which only makes Angela more curious. So when her friend Katharine (Olivia Markum) suggests an evening walk in the creepy woods beside their school, Angela thinks its a great idea. When the girls return three days later, something rather nasty has taken possession of them, and their terrified parents call in the heavy guns the Catholic Church. David Gordon Green, who co-wrote the screenplay for Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride and Scott Teems, has a strong background in horror, having directed the last three Halloween films. But if I was a horror director, Id be fairly daunted by the idea of taking on The Exorcist. What prompted him to give it a go? Well its the holy grail really, isnt it, he says, when we talk via Zoom, and for me, it was a way to step away from the slasher, boogeyman jumping out of the closet and scare the popcorn out of your lap way of doing things, and instead create something that I think is genuinely unnerving and speaks to an intense spiritual dramatic sensibility that I have. Back to lo-fi roots: director David Gordon Green Watching Friedkins film for the first time in his teens left an indelible impression on Green. The original film, as a very sensitive kid, really affected me: it inspired lots of conversations and it got under my skin and disturbed me profoundly, and so the idea of being able to take something like that thematically that is universally known and make something that is very personal was just an incredible opportunity. When I tell him that watching The Exorcist is even worse if you grew up Catholic, he sympathises. Im not Catholic, he says, but I went to a Jesuit Catholic high school. I grew up in a Presbyterian church, and in the same year that I was exposed to The Exorcist for the first time, a man in the white collar was showing me new ways to look at the world that I hadnt been exposed to, and then the movie shows me new ways to look at the genre that I hadnt been exposed to. I was 14 or 15 years old and it was very intense my world was rocked. Friedkins film appalled and delighted audiences in equal measure back in the 1970s, and had undeniable shock value. The sight of a teenage girls unorthodox use of a crucifix was too much for some Christians, and in between the vomiting and the head-spins, Regan said some pretty unpleasant things to those priests. At the time, those controversies tended to obscure the cinematic quality of Friedkins film, which was an innovative and almost flawless masterclass in how to establish and maintain an atmosphere of dread. How constrained did Green and his team feel by the original film, I wonder, and were there elements of Friedkins movie he felt obliged to be faithful to? I had a list of ingredients that I wanted. I wanted Ellen Burstyn, I wanted Tubular Bells, I wanted aggressive edits at the end of a scene, to have a jarring sound design into the next scene. But I didnt emulate beyond that too much. I mean, I used a zoom lens more than I ordinarily would and we were inspired by the way Friedkin used authentic people in certain roles though, like the doctors all play doctors in this movie theyre not actors. I think its a pretty simple, straightforward, relatable plot that embraces a concept of possession as something that could just as easily be mental illness or addiction or any number of things that disturb our loved ones, and need an intervention. The unknown then becomes an avenue to the supernatural genre, but I was trying to keep it very practical, very grounded. With The Exorcist II, for instance, its a big, bold, bombastic film but its a little convoluted, and I get lost in it I dont feel the threads of humanity that made the original film so memorable. He hopes his film has an earthier feel. I think its a very grounded first two thirds, and then a real logistical-heavy, bizarre energy climax, and were following in the footsteps of a lot of exorcism movies and still trying to keep this one scary and intimate, he says. We had an amazing ensemble, to make it feel compelling and try to challenge audiences in a way that I mean, you cant be more shocking than what Friedkin did in 1973, you cant replay the greatest hits of what he did, but you can create a new type of conversation about a diverse group of people and their various theological responses to this common obstacle. Burstyn, who is now 90 and who was so central to the success of the original film, has never returned to the franchise until now. And persuading her to reprise the role troubled mother Chris MacNeil established a real connection with Friedkins film. Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr) and Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) in The Exorcist: Believer It was amazing to work with her, Green says. Shes one of my favourite actresses Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore, The Last Picture Show, theyre some of my favourite movies. So being able to bring her in not just as an actress saying the lines I wrote but to genuinely collaborate on this character was really special. I mean, she was somebody who was very sceptical when we approached her about this, and understandably I was too actually. But then trying to come up with a reason why this could be important to her to revisit issues that Chris MacNeil was dealing with 50 years ago, thats not an easy choice for her. I remember pitching her the idea before Id written it, and then she just stops me at a certain point and says, wait a minute, youre not going to kill Chris MacNeil are you? But an amazing collaborator, very generous and giving with the rest of the cast. As we talk, Green picks up his computer and starts to move around. Just so you know, he tells me, Im getting ready to go and show Ellen Burstyn the movie for the first time this afternoon. So Im terrified! Who knows how it will go, but I said to her you dont have to say too much after the movie, just punch me in the stomach or kiss me on the cheek and Ill know everything! Shot for a very modest $30m, The Exorcist: Believer wont have to work too hard to make a profit. And Green and his partners have plans to make a further two sequels. You know in our research for this one, he says, we just opened up infinite channels of these ancient rituals and ceremonies, and I think theres a lot to be said about all that. And for me, just trying to make possession a stand-in for difficult things that are in our world is a great path to tell those stories. The Exorcist: Believer is in cinemas now Julia Bradbury said Ireland has cemented its place in my heart after exploring the country for her new travel programme. In the four-part series, Julia Bradburys Irish Journey, the presenter returns to the island where she was born to explore the landscape, culture and history on offer. In each episode, she explores a different region as she takes in various cities, including trips to Cork, Dublin and Derry. I was born in Dublin, so its been wonderful to explore the island of Ireland and learn more about the place of my birth, she said. There is such a huge variety of things to do and explore. If historical sites like the Rock of Cashel are your thing, the history runs deep across the destination and theres an embarrassment of riches to visit. I tried my hand at sea kayaking in West Cork and surfing in Donegal, and walked across a fair few stunning landscapes, including treading some of the Dublin Coastal Trail and the dramatic limestone pavement of the Burren. From savouring the local foods to taking in vibrant cities like Derry and celebrating the renowned music and arts scene, Ireland has cemented its place in my heart. Its been a real gift to film this series. In the first episode, Bradbury will take a trip through the south of Ireland from Tipperary to West Cork, trying her hand at kayaking and seaweed foraging along the way. Then she will take on the Wild Atlantic Way, going from the Burren to the hills of Connemara. The third instalment will see her explore Dublin. During her time there she will visit Croke Park, experience a traditional Irish music session and learn about why the capital is regarded as a great literary city. In the final episode Bradbury will travel through Northern Ireland and the north-west, experiencing everything from sailing to surfing to a seaweed bath. The series begins on Channel 4 tomorrow at 8.35pm. Abbeyleix in Co Laois has been named Irelands Tidiest Town 2023 at this years TidyTowns award ceremony. Other finalists included Geashill, Co Offaly, Killarney, Co Kerry and Ballincollig, Co Cork, but Abbeyleix won out and secured the coveted prize in the 65th edition of SuperValu TidyTowns Ireland. The competition which has been running since 1958, saw 886 entries for the 2023 competition, one of the highest number of entries on record. There are over 1,000 active TidyTowns committees across the country and 30,000 volunteers involved in the initiative, many of whom packed out the Hogan Suite in Croke Park this afternoon to see the winners unveiled at the award ceremony. Ballincollig in Co Cork won the award for Irelands Tidiest Large Urban Centre 2023 while Ennis in Co Claire was named as runner up. The winner of Irelands Tidiest Large Town was Killarney in Co Kerry, with Westport in Co Mayo another finalist for the award. Geashill in Co Offaly was named Irelands Tidiest Village for 2023 beating finalist Rosscarbery in Co Cork. While Abbeyleix in Co Laois was named as Irelands Tidiest Small Town with Blackrock in Co Louth the runner up in the category. The Gaeltacht Award went to Beal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet) in Mayo while the Heritage Award went to Williamstown TidyTown in County Galway. T he national winner of the Gum Litter Taskforce Award was Fermoy in Cork. The ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin was hosted by Mary Kennedy and awards were announced by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys and the managing director of TidyTowns sponsor, SuperValu, Ian Allen. A number of special awards were announced at the TidyTowns ceremony in Dublin today. One of the new awards this year, the Town Centre First Award was given to Cappoquin TidyTowns in Co Waterford. The winners also received a cash prize of 5,000. The Inclusive Communities Award was given to Naas TidyTowns in Co Kildare. The winner of the young persons in TidyTowns was Tipperary TidyTowns, Co Tipperary. Blessington Educate Together NS in Co Wicklow took home the top prize for the SuperValu School Award. At the ceremony, Minister Humphreys announced 1.5 million in funding for TidyTowns groups nationwide. I offer my warmest congratulations to Abbeyleix and all of its TidyTowns volunteers for being crowned Irelands tidiest town for 2023," Minister for Rural and Community Development, Ms Humphreys said. This is a truly great achievement and a special moment of immense pride for Abbeyleix and indeed the wider county of Laois. Having first entered the competition in 1960, Abbeyleix today continues to showcase all that is good about innovation, sustainability, community spirit and volunteerism. This is at the core of what the competition is all about. Teen who stole 24 bikes in six months from Dublin 4 suburb is jailed Tyreece OFarrell, who has just turned 18, has 29 previous convictions and suffers from drug addiction Stock image Jessica Magee Fri 6 Oct 2023 at 10:50 A teenager who stole 24 pedal bikes from apartment blocks in Dublin 4 has been sentenced to three years in prison, with the final 16 months suspended. The sister of Jessica Gallagher (24), who was one of ten people who died in an explosion at Creeslough last year, has thanked the people of Creeslough for their support in the aftermath of the incident. Saturday marks the one year anniversary of the deaths of Leona Harper, Robert Garwe, Shauna Flanagan Garwe, James OFlaherty, Martina Martin, Hugh Kelly, Catherine ODonnell, James Monaghan, Martin McGill and Jessica Gallagher. Speaking to the Soul Brew podcast, Ms Gallagher said her sister Lisa was due to move to Belfast just days later. "You cant think what ifs that will tear you down, that will really cut you in half if you start thinking what if I did this? what if I did that? Whereas, no one knew what was going to happen, Ms Gallagher said. She recalled the phone call her family received two hours later, informing them that her sister had been in the petrol station at the time of the explosion. Ms Gallagher urged people to be mindful of when and how they get in touch with family members who have lost a loved one and may not know it yet. "When things like this happen, dont go on social media and say anything until you know the facts and we didnt know the facts until a few days later. She also criticised how the family were hounded by the media in the aftermath of the incident and the use of photos taken from social media platforms. Soul Brew Hosts Stephen Doak and Aidan Hunter are also from Creeslough and recalled how the community rallied in the aftermath of what happened. Ms Gallagher said it was six months later when was the gravity of the situation dawned on her and she was able to confront what happened in Creeslough. "From that day, my brain was never quiet, she recalled, describing the need to keep herself busy in the months following. She hopes that counselling services and other supports continue to be made available to the people of Creeslough for the coming years as it may take time before people are able to confront what happened. "Its such a surreal experience that I think we cant comprehend what this is going to be like for people ten years down the line, twenty years down the line, Ms Gallagher said. She urged people to confront what happened before a cycle of generational trauma begins though habits they may have adopted to cope. Ms Gallagher said she stuck to the things and routine that she knew, encouraging people to talk to others from Creeslough about what happened that day to hear stories similar to their own. "When it happens to you, you can think its just yourself but when you meet other people, you realise you are part of this group, youre part of the collective. Its a bit less isolating, she continued. Podcast host Stephen Doak said he remembered returning home in a state of shock and said the encouragement from his father to get help and to talk to someone in the aftermath of the incident was powerful. "I think what you said is very true, this might not hit people for a very long time and this initial rally around is great but its the support that people will need maybe in two, three, five years down the line, he said. Ms Gallagher encouraged those who are from Creeslough but living abroad to still do something to commemorate the day and to remind them of home. On what message she thinks her sister might like to send, Ms Gallagher said: "I would say to push your boundaries. "For Jessica's 24 years she did a lot in those 24 years. She did much more than I ever did in my 24 years. I think that's a good example to live by, she went off and did things, she added. "Her thing was to go out, push your boundaries, do the things that are scary, try them out and enjoy yourself while youre doing it. In the time since, Ms Gallagher said she no longer says no to things and encouraged people to take life by the horns as you never know what might happen. She also thanked the people of Creeslough for their support in the aftermath of the incident. Jim Meiers Nebraska Memorial Forest is beginning to branch out from its Omaha roots. A year ago, the Vietnam-era veteran kicked off his ambitious plan to plant 7,500 trees around the state one for each Nebraska service member and first responder killed in the line of duty since World War I by planting 267 trees in Omahas Memorial Park, Levi Carter Park and at Cunningham Lake. Tree-planting season is here again. So on Monday, several volunteers joined nursery workers and city employees in planting 175 new trees near the north end of N.P. Dodge Park, not far from the Missouri River. This place becomes a piece of hallowed ground, where people will visit, Meier said during a brief ceremony. There are more tree plantings to come: 50 trees at Omahas Youngman Park on Thursday; 50 trees at Horning State Park in Plattsmouth on Friday; 200 trees at Prairie Queen Park in Papillion on Oct. 13; and 75 trees in a park at 40th Street and Cornhusker Highway in Lincoln, at a date that hasnt been set yet. Meiers ambition is to plant groves of trees across the state, in nearly every county, in numbers similar to the number of service members and first responders from that area who died from one each in Banner and Dundy Counties to 1,108 in Douglas County. He is working with some volunteers to create a database of the honored dead. Ultimately, each tree will be tied to a specific fallen service member or first responder. That persons image and biography will be available through an app and a website. Were remembering those who left this life, Meier said. But were keeping their spirit alive. That means something to Thomas Wood of Omaha, whose son, Army Spc. Edwin Eddie Wood of the 10th Mountain Division, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on July 5, 2010, a month before his 19th birthday. Wood brought a photo of his son to the ceremony. He said Eddie was in the drama club and junior ROTC at North High School. He had bright red hair, and a temperament to match. He joined the Army five months after graduating, and died within a year. Wood said he loves the idea of a tree as a living memorial for his son and other fallen soldiers. He said on Eddies last home leave before his death, he insisted on visiting a pair of trees he and his brother had planted in a park years earlier after a bad series of storms. These are memories that end up growing and staying with you and in Nebraska, the home of Arbor Day, Wood said. The trees being planted in each park are being adapted to the local environment, said Alan Weiss, president of the Nebraska-based American Reforestation Initiative, which is working with Meier on the Nebraska Memorial Forest project. At Dodge Park, he chose a combination of pecan, bald cypress, cottonwood, sycamore and swamp oak trees. All are species that survived the 2011 and 2019 floods from the nearby Missouri River. The trees were donated by the Papio-Missouri Valley Natural Resources District. Weiss said tying reforestation with memorializing Nebraska heroes has been appealing to potential donors. Our tree-planting takes on a whole new meaning, he said. Thats what brought out volunteers Russ Quimby, a former American Legion commander in Elkhorn, and his wife, Paula Pillen-Quimby, an American Legion Auxiliary representative at the Omaha VA medical center. Pillen-Quimby is a first cousin of Gov. Jim Pillen. Her father and grandfather served in the military, and her uncle Pfc. Vernon Pillen died in combat in Germany in 1944. And her mothers family is from Nebraska City, home of the national Arbor Day movement. The consciousness of military service and planting trees is ingrained in me, she said. Meier said he is looking for more volunteers to help at the upcoming tree-planting events in Omaha, Plattsmouth and Papillion, each of which will begin at 9 a.m. More information is available at NebraskaMemorialForest.org. The statewide effort will expand next year, with plans in the works for plantings in Burt County (75 trees) and York County (65 trees) and discussions with several other counties. Meier said the statewide effort is expected to cost $4 million. He is seeking donations from individuals or organizations through the Midlands Community Foundation in Papillion (MidlandsCommunity.org). He would like to see the Memorial Forest idea take root in other states, too, with Nebraska leading the way just as it did with the Arbor Day movement, 150 years ago. 30 photos that show why fall is beautiful in Nebraska Trees in autumn Indian Cave Upper Big Cedar Falls Nebraska National Forest Fort Robinson Fort Niobrara Aspen Pond Smith Falls State Park Mahoney Branched Oak Indian Cave Sunflower Boyer Chute Missouri River Bluffs church Camping Nebraska National Forest Fort Robinson Niobrara in autumn Gifford Point Nine Mile Prairie Arbor Lodge in fall Indian Cave State Park Neale Woods Lake Minatare Wildwood Lake State Wildlife Management Area Sioux County Fort Robinson Niobrara River Nebraska National Forest Indian Cave New contract will push many salaries beyond that figure The HSE has said it will rethink what it defines as a high earner in the health service because large numbers of hospital consultants are going on to a new work contract that will net them more than 300,000. Currently an HSE employee is defined as a high earner if they are earning above 300,000, HSE boss Bernard Gloster told the Public Accounts Committee. This is likely to require adjustment, as the new consultant contract will mean that a significant number of additional employees will be above that figure when all dimensions of that contract are factored in. The new public-only contract for hospital consultants is worth a salary of up to 257,000 but when allowances are added, it will be around 300,000 and even that could be boosted further with overtime. Despite contractual entitlement and legally correct application of terms, Mr Gloster said: I do not accept that we can continue with a position where eight staff earn above 500,000, in one case reaching above 700,000 and the highest above 900,000. A recent HSE internal audit report showed that an emergency consultant earned almost 1m last year, up 215,754 on their earnings in 2021. Mr Gloster said improvements were needed to control earnings and address the inconsistency of approach that results in some of the high earnings recorded. Based on internal audit reports and the resulting action plans, we are working to address this issue, he said. The HSE is heading for a potential overrun of up to 1.5bn in spending this year. There might be a view abroad that we started with a flat budget adequate for what we needed and we overspent it by 1.5bn, Mr Gloster added. That is not the case. We started the year with an inadequate level of existing funding . He said the aim now was to sort out the existing level of service cost in real terms within proper controls before adding new developments which will give more financial problems next year and the year after. HSE services are facing major disruption from today as managers and administrators take industrial action over a recruitment embargo for all grades of management and administration. A work-to-rule which had been deferred by Forsa trade union will be triggered. It will see senior staff not undertaking tasks, functions or responsibilities associated with any vacant post. They will boycott several duties, including the collection of data on areas such as emergency department trolley numbers and other functions such as meetings. Mr Gloster sent out an internal memo yesterday announcing the temporary freeze. He said: As previously communicated on May 29 I advised on the requirement for temporary measures to bring about greater controls to ensure alignment with the wholetime equivalent limit set in the national service plan the staff category of management and administration. Forsa described as unacceptable the targeting of management and administration grades in the renewed moratorium, and that this was taking place in the context of ongoing talks between the parties under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Forsas head of health and welfare, Ashley Connolly said: Regrettably, the HSE have chosen to abandon these discussions and walk away from this process. Its important to stress that our members are not the cause of the HSE budget overrun. Its the continued used of agency workers and private external consultants at a cost of hundreds of millions of euro that must be addressed. Using a host of high-tech tools to simulate brain development in a lab dish, researchers at Stanford University in California have discovered several dozen genes that interfere with crucial steps in the process and may lead to autism, a spectrum of disorders that , impairs peoples ability to communicate and interact with others. The results of a decade of work, the findings published in the journal Nature may one day pave the way for scientists to design treatments that allow these phases of brain development to proceed unimpaired. The study delves into a 20-year-old theory that suggests one cause of autism may be a disruption of the delicate balance between two types of nerve cells found in the brains cerebral cortex, the area responsible for higher-level processes such as thought, emotion, decision-making and language. Some nerve cells in this region of the brain excite other nerve cells, encouraging them to fire; other cells, called interneurons, do the opposite. Too much excitation can impair focus in the brain and cause epilepsy, a seizure disorder that is more common in people with autism than in the general population. Scientists therefore believe a proper balance requires more of the inhibiting interneurons. In the developing foetus, these nerve cells start out deep in the brain in a region called the subpallium, then migrate slowly to the cerebral cortex. The process begins mid-gestation and ends in the infants second year of life, said Sergiu Pasca, a Stanford University professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences who led the study. Prof Pascas team, which included researchers from the University of California at San Francisco and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, tested 425 genes that have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders to determine which ones interfere with the generation and migration of interneurons. Genes linked to autism were among those identified in the study. Whats really cool about this paper is that autism is a collection of different behaviours, but we dont have [an] understanding of how those behaviours are connected to differences in the brain, said James McPartland, a professor of child psychiatry and psychology at the Yale School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study. The new work advances research into autism by beginning to create a fundamental understanding of the building blocks of brain development, he said. For ethical reasons, it is not possible to view developmental processes as they take place inside a foetal brain. Often, scientists can instead learn the role an individual gene plays by observing what happens when that gene is knocked out of cells in a lab dish. But knocking out 425 genes one by one is time-consuming. For their study, Prof Pasca and his colleagues used a technique they developed six years ago that allowed them to test all 425 genes at once. They engineered the cells so that only those nerve cells that inhibit others from firing would cast a green glow. They also used the gene-editing system known as Crispr to create different cells, each missing one of the 425 genes. The scientists created clumps of cells that model the structures and functions of the brains subpallium and cerebral cortex. Then they placed the two different clumps beside one another in a lab dish. We discovered that if you put them together in close proximity, theyll fuse immediately, Prof Pasca said. And the cells know exactly what to do ... and they invade the cortex exactly as they would in people. This was all the more remarkable because in living brains, the region of the subpallium that makes interneurons is not right next to the cerebral cortex, but is inches away, Prof Pasca said. Prof Pasca and his colleagues allowed time for interneurons to form and migrate to the cerebral cortex. Then they examined the genetic profiles of the various cells. This allowed them to hunt for the genes that caused two defects: the failure to generate interneurons and the failure of interneurons to journey into the cerebral cortex. They found 13 genes whose absence prevented interneurons from forming. They identified another 33 genes that, when missing, prevented interneurons from travelling to the cerebral cortex. All told, 46 genes 11pc of the 425 linked to neurodevelopmental disorders appeared to affect the nerve cells that inhibit their neighbours, leading to an imbalance. The scientists learned that one of the genes crucial to the migration of interneurons, LNPK, has been linked to seizure disorders. This would support the idea that seizures result from too much excitation of neurons and too little inhibition. Using the fused clumps of cells, the researchers performed by far the largest screen for autism and [neurodevelopmental disorder] genes, Guo-li Ming, a professor in the departments of neuroscience and psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, wrote in an email commenting on the study. Prof Ming, who was not involved in the project, described it as a tour de force that may one day lead researchers to develop treatments for autism and other disorders therapies based on the genetic profile of an individual patient. Experts stressed that autism is not one disease, but a group of disorders. The neuron imbalance is only one of multiple possible causes. Many people with autism, for example, have defects of the microglia, cells that regulate brain development, injury repair and maintenance of the networks that process information. And genes alone cannot account for autism, said Yales Prof McPartland. Its complicated, and its fascinating. You can have [autism in] identical twins and they almost always will both have autism. But not always. Jennifer Singh, an autism expert and associate professor in the school of history and sociology at Georgia Institute of Technology, said too much money has been poured into searching for the genetic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder. Prof Singh pointed to a 2018 report by a federal advisory committee, which found that 60pc of the funding for autism research in the US addressed the biology and risk factors, but only 2pc dealt with life-span issues for people living with the spectrum of disorders. This hyper focus and massive investment obscures the real issues people with autism and their families face, Prof Singh wrote in an email. Prof Pasca said that its important to study the natural history of the disease. But we also need to understand the biological basis if we want to develop effective treatments. Both men were treated in Letterkenny University Hospital An investigation has been launched after a woman's body was found in a house in Co Donegal. The remains of the woman, who was in her 60s, was found at a house in St Johnston on Thursday. The house was sealed off and a full investigation has been launched into the discovery of the remains. A Garda spokesperson confirmed the Donegal coroner, Dr Denis McCauley has been informed of the find. A post mortem on the body will then decide the direction the Garda investigation will take. The Garda spokesperson said: "Gardai are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman at a house in Saint Johnstown, Co Donegal yesterday, Thursday 5th October 2023. "The body of the woman was removed to the mortuary at Letterkenny University Hospital. "A post mortem will take place in the coming days, the results of which will determine the course of the investigation. "The Coroner has been notified. Investigations are ongoing." No details of the woman's identity or nationality have yet been released. Eileen Gibbons had moved to the Australian city of Darwin. Photo: Getty An Irish nurse living in Australia remains in a critical condition after she was shot by her former partner in a house in the Northern Territory city of Darwin. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attends an informal meeting of European heads of state in Granada, Spain, today. Photo: REUTERS/Juan Medina The upcoming Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) conference is a window of opportunity to restore Stormont, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Members of the partys ruling executive were expected to meet last night ahead of the party conference taking place next weekend amid speculation of restoring the Stormont Assembly. Mr Varadkar held a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Granada, Spain, on Thursday, where the main focus of discussions was getting the Assembly up and running. Mr Sunak told the Taoiseach that he hopes discussions with the DUP are moving towards a positive conclusion. However, there was no timeline given. The DUP is to meet next weekend in its party conference and Mr Varadkar said this could be the time to do a deal with the UK Government. Perhaps this is another window of opportunity to come to an agreement, an agreement between the UK Government and the DUP, an agreement which enables the Assembly, the Executive and the north-south ministerial council to start functioning again, said Mr Varadkar. Hopefully thats the case, but that remains to be seen over the next couple of weeks. He said Mr Sunak did not go into detail on the bilateral discussions taking place between the DUP and the UK Government. Meanwhile, the Irish and UK Governments have agreed to work together to strengthen the Common Travel Area so undocumented migrants cannot enter either UK or Ireland as easily. Mr Varadkar took part in the second in-person bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday, where the two men agreed to cooperate so it is harder for undocumented or irregular migrants to come into either country. Both countries are facing an issue with people arriving without documents for example, and once you get into Ireland, you can travel almost seamlessly to Britain and vice versa, Mr Varadkar told the Irish Independent. We both agreed that we will cooperate on strengthening the Common Travel Area so that it's harder for people to enter documents or unlawfully. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) published its sixth and final report from a landmark study on the prevalence of sexual violence in Ireland. Rape crisis centres have welcomed a significant shift in public attitudes to sexual violence, after a landmark study found that the overwhelming majority of Irish people feel that victims may not be visibly upset after their attack. On Thursday the Central Statistics Office (CSO) published its sixth and final report from a landmark study on the prevalence of sexual violence in Ireland. The sexual violence survey undertaken by the CSO is understood to be the most thorough data the State has to understand its true prevalence in Ireland. The research is due to be repeated every 10 years, and will set a new baseline for the measurement of the prevalence of sexual violence in Ireland. In its latest release, the CSO said it had found the majority of men (88pc) and women (86pc) disagreed with the statement if a person who has been raped is not visibly upset by the experience, it probably was not rape. It found that a quarter of women were uncertain with the statement "women often make up or exaggerate reports of rape". This was lower than the rate for men, which was 31pc. The CSO said that there was evidence of different attitudes between different age groups. It said that older adults are more likely to be uncertain with the statement, "If a person who has been raped is not visibly upset by the experience, it probably was not rape than younger age groups. Dr Cliona Saidlear, the executive director of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, said she welcomed the fact that almost 90pc of people surveyed understood that rape victims may not be visibly upset. This points to a significant shift towards an openness to believe survivors and perhaps an understanding that different people react differently to sexual violence. In other words, increasingly the Irish public is showing a willingness to not act as judge and jury regarding survivors, she said. What we also see in the data released today by the CSO is a generational difference there is positive news in that younger respondents are less likely to regard allegations of rape as made up or exaggerated. Younger people are less likely to see shame as a barrier to disclosure which again speaks to a cultural openness to believe and support survivors. Noeline Blackwell, the chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said that the research indicated considerable progress in our societal understanding of the prevalence of sexual violence. Where once upon a time, it was generally thought that a person who was raped had to behave in a certain way something which inhibited our work at DRCC - now, almost nine in ten (87pc) adults interviewed rejected the idea that a survivor must react and behave in one set way after sexual violence, she said. The first CSO report from its study on sexual violence was published in April. It found that one in five adults has experienced some form of sexual violence as a child, while the majority of people who have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives knew the perpetrator. It also found that found that younger people reported higher levels of sexual violence than older people, with 22pc of those aged between 18 and 24 experiencing sexual violence as both an adult and as a child, compared with 8pc of those aged 65 and older. It revealed 52pc of women experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, compared with 28pc of men. Lack of investment in Irish roads will lead to more deaths and injuries claims TII report Minister Jack Chambers has said he is concerned about stark warnings from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) about the potential number of deaths and injuries linked to a failure to adequately invest in roads. Mr Chambers comments came after it emerged Transport Minister Eamon Ryan was warned that underinvestment in road infrastructure could lead to 77 deaths and 381 serious injuries over the next five years. Speaking at the launch of a new bus service through the Phoenix Park in Dublin, the Fianna Fail minister with responsibility for road safety said it is important for the political system to reflect on the contents of the report when they begin negotiations for next years capital expenditure budget. The report from transport infrastructure Ireland is stark and is obviously of particular concern to me as minister with responsibility for road safety, Mr Chambers said. This Government has set out a Vision Zero aspiration when it comes to reducing and minimising casualties and deaths on our roads. Junior Minister Jack Chambers (right), Junior Minister Patrick O'Donovan and Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman at the launch of the new 99 bus route in the Phoenix Park yesterday. Photo: PA We plan to address that in a number of ways. Theres obviously the speed limits review, penalty points reform and other reforms were trying to advance, but infrastructure is an important component when it comes to road safety. Its important from a road safety perspective that we listen to the feedback and the expert advice we receive from agencies like Transport Infrastructure Ireland and thats why in the aftermath of the budget, therell be a wider discussion on capital investment across from a roads perspective and also public transport and other areas of capital investment. Mr Chambers was speaking alongside Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman, who insisted safety was absolutely paramount to the Department of Transports approach to funding roads. Since this government has come to office, 5.1bn has been spent on roads, and as part of that, over 1bn euro has been spent specifically on resurfacing and upgrading and improving safety on our national roads. This is more than ... in the previous governments, Mr OGorman said. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there needs to be more money for roads, but said government agencies will always say they need further funding and that if this doesnt come, there will be negative consequences. We have a lot of investment in roads, hundreds of millions of euros go into building and maintenance restoration of our local and regional roads every year, Mr Varadkar said. Its always the case that any government agency will always say they need more money and if we dont give them more money there will be negative consequences. People make their case for more money and I wouldnt expect anything different, thats the normal course of budgetary negotiations. I do support more funding for roads, I should be clear on that, but also we need to make sure that theres adequate funding for public transport. The TII briefing document, dated October 28 last year, was drafted in the context of budget allocations for roads agreed by Mr Ryan for this year and highlighted the consequences for safety of not adequately funding national roads. The brief was compiled after concerns were raised by the TII board about the agencys statutory obligation to ensure national roads are safe for all users. The document, titled Briefing Note to the Department of Transport on the Consequences of the Funding Scenarios for 2023, detailed the predicted number of deaths and serious injuries linked to a potential failure to fund individual projects across the country. In particular, the board of the TII is concerned about funding cuts leading to increases in fatalities and serious injuries because of delays to projects and improvements to dangerous sections of nationals roads, the report said. There has been a significant spike in roads deaths this year. RTE unlikely to sell off Montrose land after director general Kevin Bakhurst holds talks with Land Development Agency Cashing in would only raise fraction of 500m mooted RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst met the head of the LDA about selling Montrose on Monday Hugh O'Connell Fri 6 Oct 2023 at 03:30 The prospect of RTE cashing in on a wholesale sell-off of its Montrose campus is fading after high-level talks between its director general Kevin Bakhurst and the Land Development Agency (LDA) this week, the Irish Independent can reveal. An elite athlete, who claimed thousands of euro in illness benefit from the State while leading survival groups on travels around the world, has lost a 60,000 damages claim against an Irish insurer. Tomasz Kuczynski, a Polish national, was injured in a rear-ending incident while travelling to Dublin Airport on the first leg of a survival expedition to Slberia and is pictured on a stop-off in Moscow only hours after the accident. Part of his 60,000 claim included loss of earnings from his job as a warehouseman, work to which he never returned on the basis of pain from a neck and shoulder injury he sustained in the accident. Kuczynski, aged 41, of Beechwood Park, Tinahely, Co Wicklow, admitted in cross-examination by defence barrister Shane English that he had travelled to 14 countries in the two years following the October, 2017 car crash. He said that while he was unable to return to his warehouse work because of pain, he had led expeditions to Russia, Morocco, France, Norway, Italy, Pakistan and the Phillipines. He had also regularly visited family in Poland where he had also received medical treatment including an MRI scan on his neck. Mr English, who appeared with Clara Cassidy of Hayes McGrath Solicitors, for Allianz Insurance and its insured motorist James Byrne, told Kuczynski he had never returned or sought to return to his place of work but had worked instead for Patrol-X Adventure and Training Company while claiming illness benefit from the Irish State. Defence counsel told Kuczynski his claim was clearly bogus and exaggerated and put it to him that he had made a separate income which he had declared to nobody and while in receipt of illness benefit totalling more than 8,000. You have exaggerated and lied in the course of this case and lied, not only to the court, but to the Department of Social Welfare while you were making a significant income from Patrol-X Adventure, Mr English said. Kuczynski had told the court he had received only small payments from Patrol-X. Judge James McCourt adjourned the hearing twice to allow the parties consider their position and, following signals from the court Kuczynskis counsel said his client was withdrawing his claim which was struck out. Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin said the monitoring of safeguarding processes was vitally important. Photo: Gareth Chaney Victims of clerical abuse are being asked to take part in a review of child safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Ireland. The review, commissioned from an independent consultancy firm by two church bodies, will focus on the experience of survivors in dealing with the church after the abuse was disclosed. In particular, information is being sought on how the church responded, what support was offered and what the experience of survivors was like going through those systems. The review comes amid an upsurge in reports of historical child sexual abuse in the wake of revelations regarding Blackrock College and other fee-paying schools run by religious orders. It also comes not long after the Christian Brothers were accused in the High Court of adopting a cynical legal strategy aimed at safeguarding assets from abuse victims. The review is being conducted by accountancy and advisory firm RSM Ireland. A statement issued by the Irish Episcopal Conference (IEC) and the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI), who commissioned the work, said the voices of victims and survivors constituted an essential component of the review. Survivors who disclosed abuse in the last 20 years are asked to get in touch if they have an experience ... to share, the statement said. The experience of those who have engaged with the existing systems will be invaluable in assessing the current processes and in identifying areas that may need improvement. The Catholic Church has had a National Board for Safeguarding, whose role is to advise constituent members on safeguarding and to monitor their compliance with legislation in the area, since 2006. The boards most recent annual report said 251 allegations of abuse were received by dioceses or religious orders last year, up from 178 in 2021. It said that while the board could be fairly confident existing practice with children is well regulated, safeguarding would not be completed until everyone who had been abused as a child within the church is enabled to come forward. The statement said a multi-disciplinary team, with acknowledged experts in child safeguarding policy and best practice, had been assembled to consult with survivors. These include Ranald Mair and Roisin McGoldrick, who were part of the McLellan Commission looking at safeguarding policy and practice for the Catholic Church in Scotland. Consultation with victims begins today and will continue for a month. Survivors wanting to take part are asked to contact survivor.consultation@rsmireland.ie for further information. The Primate of All Ireland and president of the IEC, Archbishop Eamon Martin, said: The IEC and AMRI recognise that the monitoring and evaluation of safeguarding processes, both internally and externally, is vitally important so that the most up-to-date best practice in safeguarding can be maintained. He said a One Church approach had been adopted with the aim of ensuring the same standards and procedures apply across all dioceses and religious congregations. SCOTTSBLUFF The zoo in Scottsbluff, the Riverside Discovery Center, has lost its accreditation, leaving questions about whether the city will continue its monetary support. According to a news release on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' website, Riverside Discovery Center was one of two zoos that failed to get accreditation. The AZAs independent Accreditation Commission reviewed applications from 30 zoos and aquariums during its recent 2023 annual conference. Riverside Discovery Center has been accredited under the AZA since 1990 and is required to reapply every five years. The process includes on-site inspections that include a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals to observe day-to-day operations and other aspects of the institution. According to the news release, Riverside Discovery Center officials have 30 days to appeal the decision, which is effective Oct 1. The Star-Herald reached out to Riverside Discovery Center officials, including director Desiree Drane-Davison, board president Andy Hayward and board member Jeff Fielder, who has been serving as a media liaison. The Star-Herald was advised that the board has a scheduled meeting at which a statement will be prepared and released. AZA accreditation is "widely regarded as the 'gold standard' of zoological accreditation." AZA accreditation is a rigorous process for zoos with multiple-day inspections of all parts of a zoo's operations. Accreditation is one of the factors that allows the zoo to participate in the AZA's Species Survival Plan Program, through which some of the zoo's most popular animals were acquired. Officials at Riverside Discovery Center attributed its loss of accreditation to financial woes, saying in a news release that there were no issues regarding safety and well-being of animals in the zoo's care. The zoo's staff plans to work toward accreditation again next year when they are eligible. Riverside Discovery Center Board President Andy Hayward said, "It's pretty much going to be a one- to two-year process; the good thing is a big chunk of the problems revolve around finance." In another news release, the Riverside Discovery Center cited: "The biggest reason for the denial of accreditation were lack of sufficient finances and contingencies, inexperienced staff and recent turnover at the executive director position." Hayward said the zoo is also applying for accreditation under the Zoological Association of America. While they hold members to similar standards, ZAA has some differences in its standards he said, most notably in the handling of elephants and the breeding of big cats such as lions and tigers. Most of the animals held at the zoo are owned by the Riverside Discovery Center, but some are on loan from other owners and the AZA. Riverside Discovery Center officials said in the news release that they are "confident" animals on loan would not be leaving their care. As of Friday morning, zoo officials were uncertain about the future of the lions that were supposed to be delivered from the Omaha zoo this fall. In light of the news about Riverside Discovery Center losing its accreditation, the Star-Herald reached out to the City of Scottsbluff, which provides annual funding to the Riverside Discovery Center. Through an agreement that runs until September 2025, the City of Scottsbluff provides $300,000 in funding annually. The agreement is contingent on the zoo operating "in a good faith effort to manage their accreditation," City Manager Kevin Spencer told the Star-Herald. Spencer said that the city has been advised that the zoo has applied for the AZA's Pathway to Membership Program, a program designed to help organizations seeking accreditation prepare to submit an application. "I think as far as the agreement goes, I think we're in good standing still," he said, because they have applied for that program. According to the AZA's website, the accreditation report is confidential, released only to the zoo. Spencer advised that the city has not received a copy of the report. City staff are still uncertain what will happen because of the denial, but Spencer said he is optimistic about the zoo's future. A clause in the agreement between the city and the zoo outlines causes for termination of the agreement. One of those causes is the revocation of the zoo's accreditation. City Council member Jordan Colwell, who serves as the council's liaison to the Riverside Discovery Center, said he hopes the city can find a way to continue providing aid to the zoo. "It is my hope that we try to help the zoo as much as possible," he said in text messages. "They (Riverside Discovery Center) are doing great work and the zoo is a gem in our community we can't lose." Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Photos: Lincoln Children's Zoo Labour leader eases unionists fears as he eyes up becoming the next Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is listening to unionism, unionists have said after the British Labour leader appeared to rule out any prospect of a poll on Irish unity should he become the next Prime Minister. Both main nationalist parties maintained that it will be the people of Ireland who decide its future. However, the question over a border poll itself lies in the hands of the Secretary of State, according to the Good Friday Agreement. Asked about the possibility of a border poll ahead of his party conference at the weekend, Mr Starmer told the BBC: I dont think were anywhere near that kind of question, its absolutely hypothetical. Its not even on the horizon. Mr Starmer has previously said he would campaign for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK if such a referendum was held in his lifetime. Sinn Fein has said the comments will do little to alter the course of progress towards reunification. John Finucane MP said it remains the case that the people of Ireland will be those who decide on the constitutional question. The debate on constitutional change increases every day, the North Belfast MP added. It will be the people of Ireland who will decide our future in a unity referendum in line with the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement. And as the leader of the British Labour Party has acknowledged there is an onus on the British Government under the agreement to act with rigorous impartiality. The SDLP a sister party of UK Labour said it was up to the people of Ireland to convince our friends and neighbours. A party spokesperson said: The people of Ireland, North and South, will make a determination on our future together. We are the only people who can make that decision. Keir Starmer knows and respects that. Those of us who believe in change have to work hard every day to make the case for it and to convince our friends and neighbours from every community that its a future worth having. UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler said Mr Starmers comments will be welcomed as a further sign that the Labour Party is hearing the concerns of unionism. I know Doug Beattie met with Shadow Secretary of State Hillary Benn earlier this week and was content that the party has been listening, he said. It remains the case though that unionists have to continue to press credentials. We have been encouraged at the early signs that Labour under Sir Keir Starmer are hearing us, something that was missing under previous leader Jeremy Corbyn. It remains important that the basis of consent, as laid out in the Good Friday Agreement, is adhered to. TUV leader Jim Allister said the comments from the Labour leader reflect the political reality in Northern Ireland. I detect no desire in Northern Ireland for people to give up their 12,500 personal tax allowance, an NHS free at the point of use to pay 100 to see a GP, or our 10bn yearly subvention from Westminster to join a country gripped by a housing crisis which, according to the leader of Sinn Fein, is resulting in young people emigrating from the Republic and where people have to pay when they call out the fire brigade, he said. There was an angry reaction from Irelands Future though. The group campaigning for a Irish unity slammed the arrogance of Westminster. People here wont be surprised at the arrogance of Westminster in attempting to deny democracy in Ireland, the group said. Sir Keir Starmers comments run contrary to everything the Good Friday Agreement stands for. When the time for a border poll comes, the English attempts to block democracy in Ireland will fail. The Labour Party leader also said that hed like an improved trade deal with the European Union. There has been speculation that if a Starmer premiership brought the whole of the UK closer to Europe, it could erode the Irish Sea border. Im not interested in a deal that puts the UK in a position of being a rule taker, our rules must be made at Westminster, according to the national interest of the UK as a whole, Mr Starmer said. I am interested in resolving some of the outstanding issues, and obviously that will mean making progress on things like the Windsor agreement, the Protocol, because that was a step in the right direction which is why we said we would support it. So its quite clear that there can be improvements and I think in Northern Ireland in particular there will be a lot of interest on whether we can have some measures which can take away some of the still remaining tensions that are obviously there. Mr Starmer said he has spoken to all NI parties and is worried the UK Government has moved away from its role as an honest broker. He wants the institutions up and running as quickly as possible so that decisions can be made in the best interests of communities here. On a previous pledge to repeal the Legacy Act, he said any legislation that does not have the support of victims or any of the political parties is wrong in principle. What I would do is bring a collaborative approach that brings people with us on a journey, rather than impose it, Mr Starmer added. The chunky funky retro-inspired Bellissima two-seater sofa comes in many shades of velvet. This is the best one for Halloween. It costs 1,299 from dfs.ie but comes in other shapes and sizes too. Sharp tool Chisel lounge chair from Maven The Chisel lounge chair takes its name from the carpentry tool because its legs are chisel-shaped. Otherwise its a nice rendition of a plywood chair (68.5cm high) from Danish brand, Hay. There are many versions. This one in plain lacquered beech costs 607.95 from wearemaven.ie. Mr Robot Dyson robot The new Dyson 360 Vis Nav is a robot vacuum cleaner with eyes in the back of its head. The device has a 360-degree vision system that allows it to see where to clean, know where its been, and respond to dusty areas. It can navigate under and around furniture, climb over small obstacles, and boasts six times better suction than any other robot vacuum cleaner (1,599.99 from dyson.ie). Set the tone Art deco lamp from Mullan Lighting The Marrakesh table lamp (42cm high) has an opal glass globe nestled under two-tone brass shades supported by a rounded brass arm (553.50 from mullanlighting.com). Turn the tables Tables by Carolyn Donnelly at Dunnes These metal tables from Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic have tray tops: the small one (41cm high, 50) is grey and the larger (50cm high, 70) is teal. See dunnesstores.com. Tourists are returning to New Zealand, but have not yet met pre-pandemic numbers Taika Waititi and stunt double Jade Daniels during the filming of a Tourism New Zealand promotional film. photo: Tourism New Zealand via Reuters New Zealand is launching a new tourism campaign with Kiwi director and actor Taika Waititi to attract visitors after the sector was hammered by Covid-19 and border closures. Tourism New Zealand this week premiered a 3.5-minute promotional film (below) featuring the Oscar winner and Jade Daniels, his stunt double in the HBO romantic comedy series Our Flag Means Death, which is filmed in New Zealand. Visitors from United States are a major target audience, said Rene de Monchy, chief executive for Tourism New Zealand. "Competition is heating up and economic times are a bit tough in many parts of the world so we've got to keep being innovative and top of mind for people." The film will also play on social media platforms in Australia, Germany, the UK and parts of Asia. Prior to Covid and the closure of New Zealand's borders, international tourism was New Zealand's largest source of foreign exchange and accounted for about 5.5pc of gross domestic product. Tourists are returning but overseas visitors in July were still 16pc lower than in July 2019. The film, which cost NZ$689,000 (389,000) to make, highlights activities like dolphin watching in Kaikoura on the South Island's east coast and wine tasting in the country's largest city Auckland. A quota is, by definition, a limited amount of something. So it does not translate too comfortably when applied to a number of human beings, especially when through no fault of their own they have been thrown into danger. Thus there was a poignancy in hearing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar say: From Irelands point of view, it wouldnt really be so much about taking a quota of refugees. He had been asked if we would accept voluntary transfers of asylum-seekers as part of new EU reforms. Whatever we may wish to do, the harsh reality is our accommodation crisis finds us struggling to cope with the significant numbers of refugees already here. You can have the option of accepting refugees who are in other parts of the European Union or you can make a financial contribution, Mr Varadkar said. And so we will meet our commitments with cash as opposed to offering sanctuary. Constraints on housing and the stresses on our services leave us with no other choice, but we must do all we can politically, diplomatically and humanely to use our leverage in every other way possible. Speaking in Granada, Spain, at an EU meeting, the Taoiseach threw his backing behind Ukraines hopes for membership. Enlargement is always good for Europe. It helps to provide us with security, he said. Russias invasion has urgently expedited moves to expand the bloc. Vladimir Putins aggression has forced the radical rethink in Brussels on security. Moscows shattering of the peace in Europe has understandably concentrated hearts and minds on the need to defend and protect. The carnage visited on the small village of Hroza, in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, where dozens of civilians going about their daily lives were slaughtered yesterday, was a forceful reminder of why so many people are fleeing. The full range of military and economic assistance must be provided to Kyiv. In conflict zones across the world, we see how attempting to deter refugees from escaping war is like shuttering the windows as the roof burns. But Europe is becoming more unstable, as we have seen with the mass exodus in Armenia. Accelerated enlargement of the EU will come at a price, but the cost of not paying it would be much higher. As Mr Varadkar said: Its really important that when we look at these questions, we dont see them just as a financial calculation. If Ukraine, Moldova, the western Balkans join the EU, theyll become wealthier in due course. He is, of course, correct. Turning ones back on flashpoints or gathering storms tends to rebound. Neville Chamberlains haunting words reverberate. Surely we have bigger things to worry about than a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing, he said. That was in 1938. The rest, as they say, is so much tragic history. Eoin OMalley: Tourism is killing Dublin. So why are we all paying to make the problem worse? Failte Ireland uses state funds to advertise the capital to foreign visitors who are intent on coming here anyway Temple Bar is a tourist hot-spot and not a place many families would like to live. Photo: Getty Eoin O'Malley Fri 6 Oct 2023 at 18:27 Figures released by the Central Statistics Office last week show there were about 650,000 international visitors to Ireland in July. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is under pressure following a vote that showed an overwhelming lack of support for him from rank-and-file gardai The impasse between the garda commissioner and rank-and-file officers is cause for concern. It is difficult to understand how matters came to this point, with 99pc of frontline gardai expressing no confidence in their boss. Representatives of gardai repeatedly express the view that they are not being listened to, that they are not being trusted and that they are not allowed any discretion. They say bureaucratic accounting rather than proactive policing now seems to be the main focus of their job. The appointment of a commissioner from outside the force may have been the correct one (and it was certainly a courageous decision on the part of the commissioner himself in accepting it). However, the danger is it could also be seen by rank-and-file gardai as a vote of no-confidence in them. This was especially the case against a background of some politicians and journalists being critical of them. One prominent politician even suggested gardai should not be allowed to have any discretion at all. Judgment and discretion are, of course, at the heart of any frontline public service, and nowhere are these qualities more vital than in policing. For generations, An Garda Siochana has earned the trust of the Irish people. As an unarmed community police force, it has been one of the great success stories of the State. Opinion polls have consistently demonstrated the high level of public trust in the force. It is unfair to personalise the dispute around the garda commissioner. The seeds of the current situation extend well beyond him. By their generalised criticism, some politicians have had a significant role in undermining garda morale. Politicians now need to play a positive role in restoring that morale. John Glennon, Hollywood, Co Wicklow Commissioner fallout has nothing to do with his religion or background Listening to the debate over the garda dispute on RTEs Upfront, I took issue with Alison OConnors commentary of an unconscious bias against Drew Harris by frontline gardai because hes a Northerner and a Protestant. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As a former member, I have worked with many members of the force who were not Catholic and who were or were not a Northerner. They carried out their jobs while in uniform or plain clothes without fear or favour. Their one duty was and still is to the people of this country. The fundamental question that should be asked is this: Why has the justice minister who is the head of the Justice Department abdicated her responsibilities, contrary to her duty under the law and to the people of the State? She has the authority, under the Garda Siochana Act 2005, to direct the commissioner on any matters concerning An Garda Siochana. Further, he must comply with those directives under said act. This dispute is not about rosters alone. It is about work-life balance, recruitment, retention, pay for those entering the training college, the policing model, health and safety, suspensions, resignations and more. The criminal justice system and those working within it are in disarray, with barristers, solicitors and frontline gardai withdrawing their services on selected dates. Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Another reason why we should stop and think before asking for help In a bookshop recently, I asked an assistant where they kept their books on self-help. She (sensibly) replied: If I assist you, it would defeat the whole purpose of the exercise. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9 Liverpool were clearly wronged by VAR change the outcome to a draw There is a very simple solution to the VAR farce from last Saturdays Premier League game between Tottenham and Liverpool. Call the match a draw. Honours even. Give Liverpool one point and take two off Spurs to reflect the revised outcome. John Fair, Castlebar, Co Mayo Bedbugs are no laughing matter, especially when they bring their friends Sylvia Omorodions article in your newspaper brings to mind a story of a visitor seeking overnight accommodation in a B&B (Irish rugby fans warned over Paris bedbug invasion, Irish Independent, October 4). Asking the owner if there were any fleas in the bed, she replied: Just one, but I killed it this morning. The next morning, the guest reported what a bad night he had. The owner said she was shocked to hear that. The man calmly replied: You should see the crowd that turned up for the funeral. Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth People need to know that condoms dont provide protection from all STDs I note with interest your report on sexually-transmitted diseases (Significant rise in STDs amid concern about the lack of condom use, Irish Independent, October 4). You recently published a separate article about STDs, which included the information that some of these diseases are passed on through skin contact, rendering condoms ineffective in some cases. As Ireland is reported to have more STDs per head of population than the US, it is time to ensure that the full facts are available to those putting all their faith in condoms. Despite a growing emphasis on sex education, this is an area where the full picture has not been provided. It might be time to inform people about the limited protection of condoms. Mary Stewart, Donegal town Pope Francis and Catholic Church have opportunity to embrace changed world The Synod on Synodality has opened in the Vatican. More than just a defining moment for the long-term legacy of Pope Francis, it is a defining moment for the Church itself. Change is in the wind. The Popes recent suggestion that there could be a way for the church to bless same-sex unions marks a reversal of its previous teaching, issued in 2021, that the church cannot bless same-sex unions because God cannot bless sin. This is a remarkable advance in his thinking about a more inclusive church. Hopefully, this move by Francis is the first of many that will occur during this Vatican assembly. Brendan Butler, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Tanaiste Micheal Martin and others in government 'have resorted to gaslighting the public when explaining their policy on Ukraine'. Photo: Steve Humphreys Tanaiste Micheal Martin has argued that directing Irish soldiers to provide rifle training to Ukrainian counterparts is non-lethal aid and not a breach of Irelands neutrality. Its humanitarian to defend your people, he said. Marksmanship, he insists, is not included in the very basic drill instruction. When trying to make sense of Mr Martins verbal contortions, George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four serves as a useful guide. To speak of non-lethal, humanitarian weapons training whose aim is not to improve the marksmanship of those undergoing the training is a perfect example of both Doublethink and Newspeak, Orwells terms for reversing the meaning of words and statements. Since Russias appalling invasion of Ukraine, the Government has strained Irelands neutrality to near breaking point. In the face of majority support for neutrality, Mr Martin and others in government have resorted to gaslighting the public when explaining their policy on Ukraine. Orwells summation of such a state of affairs is utterly depressing: In the end, the party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it. It was inevitable that they should make that claim sooner or later: the logic of their position demanded it. Dominic Carroll, Ardfield, Co Cork Pope Francis should stop acting the goat when it comes blessing sinners In the eyes of many, Pope Franciss latest comments regarding blessings for those choosing to live in intimate same-sex partnerships seem to contradict the Vaticans own emphatic statement of 2021, which had declared that God cannot bless sin. On closer examination, the Popes remarks have astutely changed the issue from one of to bless or not to bless into one of sensitively exploring on a case by case basis each desire, request and demand for a blessing, given so few have had the opportunity to appreciate the churchs understanding of marriage, morality, modesty and other matters. Subtly he is challenging the cosmetic, individualised, consumeristic mentality that would have us treat Gods largesse and his church as a kind of piggy bank for all and sundry to dip into at will. It is unfortunate that the media is weaponising the issue, giving the impression that some are unnecessarily being deprived of a token of comfort and solace because they dont fit some archaic criteria. The essence of a blessing is that we seek to enflesh in our own lives Gods will, because we have come to understand through (bitter) personal experience how naive it is to insist on being the author of ones own happiness. The parable of the goats and the sheep says it all: we can be goats using religion to serve our own ends, or we can be sheep those who have discovered they are totally dependent on God and for whom following him and his ways is not optional. Gearoid Duff, Co Cork Decrying landlords wont solve the housing crisis scrutinise unruly tenants Ed Fitzgerald (We must break away from FF and FG in government, but were not there yet, Letters, October 3) thinks its simple to fix the housing crisis just take back vacant, idle and derelict properties and return them to use through compulsory purchase orders. We are accidental landlords with just one house that is being trashed by the tenants, rent is intermittent and they are refusing to leave. Once we finally get the house back, it will never again be rented out as its not worth the hassle and abuse. More and more landlords want nothing to do with tenants or the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and are getting out. So why keep repeating the mistakes of the past by demonising landlords, loading ridiculous levels of rules and regulations on to them and then expecting them to keep renting out their properties? If there are 17,000 idle houses in Cork, maybe its time to actually find out why they are being left so. Name and address with the editor Work-to-rule by overpaid, underworked healthcare bosses wont be noticed There is a perception that the HSE is top-heavy, with the bulk of the hard graft done at the front line by doctors, nurses and technicians. With overpaid healthcare managers and administrators set to work to rule today, I genuinely wonder if anyone will notice. This industrial action should be seen by the health minister as an opportunity for underworked and obsolete roles to be identified and acted on. Gerard Reynolds, Rathfarnham, Dublin Concrete action is needed to ensure we get dedicated libraries in our schools Last week, in response to a parliamentary question about the Governments failure to provide funded libraries with a qualified librarian for all 235 Deis schools, Tanaiste Micheal Martin fell back on a positive, but unrelated, initiative, the Governments provision of free textbooks to primary school students this year. His response is typical of a tendency of politicians to conflate school libraries with quantities of books stacked on shelves and to disregard the enormous benefits that dedicated library spaces, staffed by professional librarians, deliver to schools. In their recent reports on Leaving Certificate Reform (2022) and Mental Health Supports in Schools and Tertiary Education (2023), the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science recognised the importance of school libraries to student learning and experience of education and cited the expansion of the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) Demonstration Library Project as being an urgent national priority. It is heartening to hear the Tanaiste declare the Governments commitment to strengthen the resources around libraries in schools, but concrete action is needed. Kathleen Moran (chairperson), Andrea Dillon (secretary), School Libraries Group, Library Association of Ireland Bad luck? More like a disunited Red Devils team, given the performances Richard Jolly (Sport, October 4) reports on Manchester Uniteds woes, quoting Christian Eriksens assertion that [bad luck] is following us around at the moment. However, it might be more accurate to suggest its the opposition that are the culprits, rather than bad luck. If Manchester United continue to perform as they are, they will earn the label disunited. Leo Gormley, Co Louth Diversions will be in place around Creeslough on Saturday, October 7. A commemoration and remembrance service on the first anniversary of the devastating explosion in Creeslough, which tragically claimed the lives of 10 people, will take place at 3pm on Saturday October 7 at the site of the tragedy. To facilitate the service, the N56 Road through Creeslough village will be closed on Saturday from 2.30pm to 4pm and a traffic management plan and local traffic diversions will be in place. Traffic travelling from the Carrigart and Letterkenny direction will be diverted from N56 via the L-5232-1 Rooskey Road and L-1262-3 Kilmacloo Road continuing northbound on N56. Those coming from the Dunfanaghy direction will be diverted from N56 via L-52222 Ummerafad and Duntally Wood Road onto the R245 Carrigart Road. A seperate diversion is in place for HGVs and full details of the traffic management plan can be found on An Garda Siochana and Donegal County Council social media platforms. This community event is being supported by Donegal County Council, local Gardai, and local volunteers on the day. Furthermore, a mass will be offered in the local church on Saturday at 7.30pm for those who died. A parish notice from St Micheals Church in Creeslough said that the mass will also be offered for those who were injured and in thanksgiving for all who responded to the tragedy. The 10 people who died in the tragedy were: Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter, Shauna Flanagan-Garwe; fashion student Jessica Gallagher; Celtic fan Martin McGill; Sydney native James OFlaherty; Catherine ODonnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; shop worker Martina Martin; 14-year-old Leona Harper; and carpenter Hugh Kelly. Meanwhile, An Garda Siochana says it continues to work diligently and as expeditiously as possible, in the circumstances, to ensure that all the circumstances of this fatal explosion are professionally investigated. The investigation into this incident is co-ordinated from Milford Garda station where an Incident Room is established under the direction of a Garda Senior Investigating Officer. The investigation continues to be supported by other Garda sections; the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), Garda Siochana Analysis Service (GSAS) and Garda Technical Bureau. An Garda Siochana continues to be assisted in this investigation by the Health and Safety Authority, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and DNV Det Norske Veritas. This is an extensive investigation. To date:- In excess of 1350 lines of enquiry have been actioned In excess of 900 statements have been taken. A Family Liaison Team with a dedicated Family Liaison Officer appointed to each deceased persons family is in place and continues to support the bereaved families. Twelve primary school pupils to experience live link-up with International Space Station Nasa astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli (second from right) will talk to Dublin pupils from the International Space Station today. Pic: Reuters A group of Dublin primary school students will get an out of this world experience later today when they chat live with an astronaut in space. Twelve pupils from DEIS schools in the capital will speak live with NASAs Jasmin Moghbeli through a radio system to learn about life in space. Shortly after 2pm, the pupils will have around 11 minutes to make direct contact with Jasmin on board the ISS, as it orbits Earth at 27,600km/hr. The schools involved include Sacred Heart Killinarden, Gardiner Street Primary School, Stanhope Primary School, St Pauls Brunner Primary School, St Marys Primary School and St Gabriels National School. TU Dublin is helping to provide them with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to communicate with the International Space Station (ISS) with the aid of their STEAM education program. The space link-up is a part of TU Dublins Space Week which began on Wednesday and will run until October 10. This year 1,500 pupils will participate in space-related workshops and activities on TU Dublin campuses and in local schools. Therell be a Mars Rover Challenge, Moon Rover workshop and Space Invaders. TU Dublin, supported by Workday Inc, will deliver engaging, fun-filled and educational activities to prepare pupils and awaken a deeper interest in STEAM through space and space travel. Therell also be many STEAM-related competitions, including poetry, Women in Space, and drawing. Victoria MacKechnie, Director of Corporate Affairs and Operations, Workday, Inc. said: Space resonates with primary school children. Their sense of curiosity and adventure, providing a great segue to pursue STEAM subjects that can unlock new and exciting careers. These lucky students will have about 11 minutes to put their local community on the astronomical map as they make direct contact via amateur radio an exciting opportunity for all. By participating in this extraordinary event, TU Dublin reaffirms its commitment to STEAM education and exploration, while showcasing its leadership in the field, Dr Mary Meaney, Registrar and Deputy President of TU Dublin, added. The Royal Canal Clean-Up meet on the second Saturday of every month A group of volunteers in Dublin is celebrating a decade of keeping the Royal Canal clean this year. Lena Foley from Dublin Canal Clean Up has gone out on the second Saturday of every month for the past 10 years to help keep her local area clean. She thanks the group of volunteers for giving people a chance to make friends and says its a great way to spend time outdoors. Were ten years in action, we celebrated a decade this year. The canal is a wonderful amenity on our doorstep, she said. Were motivated to go out and clean up, being so close to the city centre. Its a space to go out for a walk, a run or something to do. Rusted bikes and trolleys discovered by the Royal Canal Clean-Up group We still get cans, bottles and cigarette butts. If we didnt go out, there wouldnt be anyone else doing it. Thered be a build-up. When we started, it wasnt the greatest. Weve got people very committed to it, its a few hours out in the fresh air. You feel that youre giving back to the community, you feel good after doing it. Our people go out in kayaks as well, to get the rubbish in bushes and trees, it can be well hidden. We found Mickey Mouse in the water before, a big blow-up cartoon character. Weve come across a bit of underwear. People buy something and youll find bags with discarded tops or something, they change their clothes and leave the rest behind. The fun and social group is dedicated to cleaning up the Royal Canal. Their aim is to bring concerned citizens together to tidy up the space once a month. Some other quirky items they discovered include a space hopper, bikes, tyres, a pram, shopping trolleys, Christmas decorations, cowboy hats, scooters and toys. Equipment such as gloves, bags, hi-vis vests and litter-pickers are provided. Anyone can join at any time. Weve a lot of non-nationals in our group which is great because it gives them a chance to go out and meet new people, Lena said. A child's buggy discovered in the Royal Canal We go for tea, coffee and sandwiches afterwards. It gives us the chance to sit down and chat with each other. As the place gets cleaner, people are less inclined to dump stuff, Lena added. The meet-up points on the second Saturday of each month are as follows: ArtWalk Downtown Billings hosts its fifth event of the 2023 Season on Friday, October 6 in downtown Billings. ArtWalk locations across downtown will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) to host exhibits and feature artists from Billings and our region. A mobile-friendly map and more information about the October 6 event, including images and gallery notes, can be found at artwalkbillings.com and on Facebook and Instagram @billingsartwalk. One-time Event Participants include: 406 Memories, 2712 2nd Ave. N. Century 21, 2715 1st Ave. North Ste. B Confetti Heart Studio, 2821 2nd Ave. N. Marc Vischer Fine Arts, 115 N. Broadway Ste. 212 The Dojo, 111 N. 30th St. Ste. 226 All ArtWalk events are free. Many locations host music and offer light refreshments. Often, artists attend and present gallery talks. There are a variety of parking options in the downtown area, including free on-street metered parking after 5 p.m. Gallery Notes and Locations 406 Memories, 2712 2nd Ave. N., is joining the map for the October ArtWalk and will be displaying wedding portraits as well as some of photographer Niko Cordero's landscape photography prints up for sale. It's going to be a great time at 406 Memories with the 360 photobooth and Cordero DJing Latin music throughout the night. There will be local craft beer for refreshments and an area for people to be photographed in the studio for free. A&E Design, 124 N. 29th St. will be closed for the October ArtWalk. Aspinwall, 103 North Broadway, Aspinwall hosts Trevan Hiersche, Sean McCotter, and Jessica Brophy during the October ArtWalk. Brophy does art differently. She makes custom art, which means she works one-on-one with each of her clients to create a painting or drawing around their style and what they love. Her pet portraits are wildly popular. Enjoy free beer and local art. Barjons Books, 223 N. 29th St., welcomes local artist Kira Fercho for the October ArtWalk. Fercho is a modern impressionist painter. With training in Russian Impressionism and Western Tonalism she paints what she knows: the land, the people, and the culture of the west, Montana in particular. She's known best for her tipi and her A]aspen paintings. They have both become a muse for her, as they transcend earth and sky, touching both this world and the next. Living in big sky country, and specifically in eastern Montana, Kira's experience of seeing vast expanses of land framed by large, open skies influences both her artwork and worldview. You'll find Fercho's paintings in 6 national galleries, 2 museums and the White House. Her artwork is owned by everyday people as well as celebrities Emmy Lou Harris, Karen Pence and Dan Rather. One of her favorite commissioned pieces is a 4 panel (each panel is 4' x 6') welcome painting at Joe Rickett's (Ameritrade/Chicago Cubs) meditation center. 10% of any profit made during the ArtWalk evening will be donated to Tumbleweed Runaway program. Billings First Congregational Church (BFC), 310 N. 27th St., is featuring the work of Rachel Larson Long and her newest series Hymns in Color. The work selected reflects a decade, or so, of exploration of several themes. The explored themes cover symbolic tributes to people and animals, whether familial or wild, imagined scenes of nature from an impossible perspective and abstractions from my recent Campfire series, expressing nostalgia and illumination. Long said, Im honored to be invited to exhibit these art pieces in the Billings First Congregational Church. This is a place where the church members really walk the walk, supporting and welcoming those in need, furthering compassionate causes, and the needs of marginalized people. In that spirit, I will pledge to pass along 50% of any sales to the churchs program for homeless individuals." Billings Public Library, 510 N. Broadway. The Billings Public Library will host 20+ artists, 2 vendors, and Raven Cafe d'Art for its October ArtWalk, making it their largest ArtWalk to date. Artists will sell their works and create art as the night goes on. See you at the extravaganza. Billings Symphony Society, 2820 2nd Ave. N., is hosting Maggie Bassett for the October ArtWalk. She is a self-taught wildlife artist outside Yellowstone. Her unique style combines charcoal and acrylic, capturing intricate details, design principles, and textures. She will be exhibiting at Billings Symphony. And giving away a free print. The evening will also include live music from Symphony musicians. Bishops Cuts/Color, 108 North Broadway, is featuring local artist Jamie Burr. Ceilon Aspensen Fine Art, 113 N. Broadway #406. After a nine month hiatus, Ceilon Aspensen is back for the October 6 ArtWalk. She will be featuring miniature paintings and handmade gift items for the upcoming gift-giving season. Join for light refreshments and beverages, and artful fun. Century 21, 2715 1st Ave. N., joins the October ArtWalk and welcomes local artist Nicole Marie. Marie is a graphite and charcoal portrait artist as well as an online art tutor for children and teens. Through her work she shows that there is mystery in a portrait drawing, something that cant be captured through camera alone. Her intention with every drawing is to capture the soul of the individual; to breathe life into her art with every stroke of the pencil. Confetti Heart Studio, 2821 2nd Ave. N., joins as a one-time participant for the October ArtWalk. Step into the enchanting world of Confetti Heart Studio, where local artist Beth Zitur unveils her debut at ArtWalk in this exquisite new studio and gallery space. Zitur presents masquerade masks, jewelry and artwork, alongside many other gifted local artists and makers. It's a wonderful chance to discover last-minute additions or accessories to perfect your attire for the 1st Annual All Hallows Medieval Fantasy Faire at North Park the next day. Downtown Billings Alliance (DBA), 116 N. 29th St. welcomes photographer Daniel Kessel for the October ArtWalk. Kessel is a local Billings photographer. He and his wife Kasandra co-own and run a photography and video business, Alienated Productions. They specialize in commercial and real estate work, but also offer many more services, including weddings, senior portraits, editorial portraits, and family photos. He calls Billings his home now, but was born in North Dakota, and spent time in Africa and several other states in the U.S.A. before moving to Billings, where his then-fiance, now-wife Kasandra Kessel lived. Incidentally, Kasandra and him met through their shared passion of photography; they went from being instagram crushes, to Snapchat friends, to eventually partners. From an early age he showed exceptional creativity and imagination, and so when he found the creative outlet of photography to express himself and share his view of the world with others, he was hooked. Though he shoots a wide variety of styles and genres, he enjoys long exposure night photography the most, for which he is known best for. More specifically, a type of long exposure photography called light painting. With this style, various lights are used to paint shapes and colors no photoshop needed to create fun, imaginative and creative scenes. Kessel enjoys this form of photography especially because there is no limit to the possibilities of what you can create your only limitation is your own imagination. On a personal level, Kessel stresses the need for artists to maintain humility and respect towards others, recognizing that life is a continual journey of learning from others and oneself, which enables artists to continually grow and unlock their utmost potential. The flip side of the coin, as he describes, is an elitist and egotistical snobbery when it comes to your art; to have this characteristic as an artist only leads to artistic stagnation and bitter jealousy and envy. You can find Alienated Productions on Facebook or at alien8mt.com. Daniel also shares all of his work on his personal Instagram account; his handle is lightcrafter.artistry. The Dojo, 111 N. 30th St. Ste. 226, is pleased to be hosting acrylic and mixed media artist Ruby Hahn. Born and raised in Billings, Montana, Hahn earned a bachelor's degree in Art education in 2017 and has since worked consistently to develop her own unique style and technique. Hahn is currently using self-made fluid acrylics and other mixed media to create large-scale, statement pieces. She is inspired by the natural world's inconspicuous relationships and interpretations at the microscopic versus macroscopic levels. She'll be live painting from 5-7pm in concert with yoga by local practitioners, brought to us by Eadem Arbor to showcase the beauty of motion and stillness. Electric Storm Gallery, 405 N. 24th St. Please check artwalkbillings.com for more information. Global Village, 2815 2nd Ave. N., is featuring textile artist Connie Black of Yellowstone Threads during the October ArtWalk. Connie creates one of a kind unique, hand-sewn items along with specializes in embroidery. Harry Koyama Fine Art, 2509 Montana Ave., is dedicated to showing the work of Montana native Harry Koyama. After recently being named the winner of the 2023 Best Art Gallery in The Best of Billings Award Program, Harry Koyama Fine Art will be featuring a mixture of miniature and medium sized paintings for the October Artwalk. Hedden-Empire Gallery, 206 N. 29th St., will be closed for the October ArtWalk. Jennco Design, 2905 Montana Ave. Come see us at Jennco Design for the October ArtWalk for a great lineup of artists including owner and designer Jesse Jennings. Kennedy Stained Glass, 2409 2nd Ave. N., will be closed for the October ArtWalk. Kirks Grocery, 2920 Minnesota Avenue, Kirks Grocery is pleased to announce "PRESENT: Kirks Social Commentary." This group exhibition is an opportunity for artists from the region to comment on present day issues by presenting their individual perspectives. Reception featuring delicious food by Chef Ashley Woodward. Artists include: Alaina Buffalo Spirit; Ben Pease; Bently Spang; Candace Forrette; Carlin Bear Don't Walk; Jackie Emery; Jane Waggoner Deschner; Jay Schmidt; Jesse Albrecht; John Kennedy; Maraud ; Marie Dono; Mark Earnhart; Sandy Dvarishkis. Le Macaron, 112 N. Broadway, hosts local artist Cheltsie Williams during the August ArtWalk. Williams is an Elementary Art teacher at Huntley Project Schools, where she also grew up. She lives in Shepherd with her husband and young daughter. Williams has always loved horses, being outdoors, hunting, fishing and spending time with her family. She discovered the love of art from watching her father create beautiful chalk pastels and oil paintings. She then found her love of watercolor paints while attending MSU-Billings earning her teaching degree. Williams loves to paint things that she is passionate about but also loves bringing the joy of art to others by teaching and doing commissions. Cheltsie always strives to challenge herself and enjoys learning new techniques and transforming her style. She's looking forward to the next challenge and learning experience. Magic City Makers Art Collective, 115 N. 29th St., check artwalkbillings.com for more information. McCormick Cafe, 2419 Montana Ave., please check artwalkbillings.com for more information on happening during the October ArtWalk! Marc Vischer Fine Arts, 115 N. Broadway, Ste. 212, joins the October ArtWalk as a one-time participant. Featuring the works of local artist Marc Vischer. Marc exhibited widely in the 80s and 90s including solo exhibitions at museums and art centers in Montana and Wyoming. His artworks are in many private collections as well as permanent collections: Yellowstone Art Museum and Missoula Art Museum. Robert Tompkins Fine Art, 115 N. 28th St. Ste. 304. Robert Tompkins is an impressionistic oil painter. Subjects vary but all work bridges realism & abstraction. Florals, landscapes, Native American and animals are represented. Galleries in Montana & Stapleton Gallery locally. Sandstone Gallery, 2913 2nd Ave. N., is featuring artists Madelein Bladlow, Mary Hopper and new partner member, John Kennedy. Special guest artist is Dione Roberts. There will be an artists reception from 5-9 with many or all of the gallery's 14 artists on hand to show their work and talk to you about their art. Make sure to check out Sandstone Gallerys newest mural. Bladlow works primarily in transparent watercolor but experiments with new water media techniques. Her subject range includes landscapes, abstracts, and collages. Hopper's love of the Montana landscape is evident in the images of mountains and animals on her one-of-a-kind, fully functional pottery pieces. Kennedy paints in watercolor, pen and wash, pencil, and in words. His beautiful works speak volumes about him, and his wonderful urban sketches show life among the streets of Billings. Roberts has lived in Billings all her life. She began designing and fabricating stained glass in 1980 and continues to make originally designed fused glass, stained glass, and mosaics. Snook Art Company, 2420 2nd Ave. N., is featuring Elley Pryor Swan during the October Artwalk. Refocusing the imagination on fauna in a multidimensional array of brilliant colors, soft out of focus lights, and the mastery of the dot. Refreshments will be available as well as live music. Stephen Haraden Studio and Gallery, 2911 2nd Ave. N., Ste. 235. Jason Jam joins Stephen Haraden during the October ArtWalk. Jason presents, Big Sky, Little Painting, a collection of Plein Air watercolor sketches collected over the summer of 2023. Jam painted over 30 sketches exploring the public lands near Billings, capturing his time spent in the great outdoors. This House of Books, 116 N. 29th St., hosts PoliticalVinylence during the October ArtWalk. PoliticalVinylence is a local artist who spins vinyl and other music while creating art primarily with broken records live on Twitch. He also discourses political subjects on Discord. His exhibit will feature sale and display work and will be live-streamed. Stop by This House of Books for conversation, live music, and to pick up a book or two. Tyler Murphy Studio, 111 N. 30th Ste. 217. Tyler Murphy will open his studio for the October ArtWalk Western Heritage Center, 2822 Montana Ave., is excited to display their latest exhibit opening, Montanas Black Gold, Underground Coal Mining Communities, 1880-1950, which includes an incredible set of historic photos of mining communities in the area, including some from familiar events like Red Lodges Festival of Nations, in which thousands of area residents participated. A number of fascinating mining artifacts and implements are on display, as well. We also encourage guests to stop by and see the Larry Mayer Retrospective exhibit of photojournalism and aerial photography, a true Montana treasure. Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM), 410 N. 27th St., hosts Fiber Weekend with a Family Event on October 6 from 5 -8 p.m. Come to the YAM during the October ArtWalk and First Friday to explore all the different types of art using fiber! In conjunction with the Prairie Hand Spinners and Weavers Guild Fiber weekend. This event is free and museum admission is always free on First Fridays from 4-8 p.m. Mikey Cullen reciting poetry about growing up in Dublin at a previous Seanchoiche event Do you have a story that you think might be worth telling? Well, youre in luck because a storytelling night first started in Dublin is returning to its roots in the capital. Seanchoiche was founded two years ago in Dublin 8 by Ciaran Gaffney, and has since been held in Amsterdam, Sydney, Melbourne and London. It is now returning to its place of origin on October 26 at 7pm in The Fumbally Cafe in Dublins Liberties. Seanchai is the Irish word for a storyteller, and the plural is seanchaithe. Oiche is the Irish word for night. Together, seanchai and oiche create storytelling night. Seanchoiche prides itself on hosting nights for people from all corners to connect, listen and engage with spoken stories, ranging from personal anecdotes, poetry, monologues and everything in between. In addition to Seanchoiche's storytelling night, organisers will have a range of activities and workshops available, such as yoga, foraging, hiking, food and games. Seanchoiche events have been held in Amsterdam, Melbourne and London Tickets for this months Dublin event go on sale today, so youd better act fast to secure a seat. The theme is Firsts & Lasts, with organisers asking those intending to speak to tell a story of the first or last time something happened to them. It could be the first time you remember making a fool of yourself, moving out, your first kiss, your last time falling in love, or many more potential stories. Organising the storytelling events has been Ciaran Gaffneys full-time job since March of this year. He previously described how, for some people, its likely the first time theyve ever spoken in front of a crowd, which makes it even more special. For more information on Seanchoiche and their upcoming events, you can visit their website. Killarney Tidy Towns pictured after they were named as Irelands Tidiest Large Town 2023 winners at this year's Tidy Towns awards. The team of dedicated volunteers that make up the Killarney Tidy Towns group can hold their heads extremely high this week after their efforts over the past year saw their town pick up the Irelands Tidiest Large Town 2023 award at this years SuperValu Tidy Towns competition. The award ceremony took place at Croke Park on Friday, at which other numerous Kerry towns and villages also starred. The Killarney group received 375 marks and were awarded a trophy and a cash prize of 5,000 and as if this wasnt enough, they were also named as winner of the Regional Award for the South West & Mid-West Region too to boot. Killarney is a beautiful town with much to offer residents and visitors in terms of visual and recreational amenity, nature activities and heritage, the judges report stated. The roadside facade of all hotels noted were presented to the highest standard and many were admired for their architectural features. The roadside floral display of the Shire premises was admired also. Most shop fronts featured an attractive presentation and upper storeys of buildings within the main thoroughfare looked well, the report continued. A successful balance has been achieved between hard and soft landscaping within Killarney. The town features many handsome stands of mature trees, shrubberies flower beds, container planting and hard surfaced areas developed for amenity. Nicely maintained green open spaces throughout the town are easy on the eye. Appreciation and thanks is extended to the Ukrainian community for the planting of the Honeytree, the national symbol of Ukraine, along the Flesk Walkway and Cycleway, the report added. Speaking to The Kerryman following their win, Michael Gleeson, the Chairperson of the Killarney Tidy Towns group said that they were over the moon with the win, especially given the poignant fact that it happened one year on from the death of a Killarney Tidy Towns stalwart. Were absolutely delighted. Its a cumulative effect of many years of effort and in that context, it was sadly appropriate that Killarney did so well on what was the first anniversary of the death of our leader for 20 years, Yvonne Quill, he said. Ive no doubt shes looking down on us from on high and it was only fitting that we did so well in recognition of her just incredible efforts over the many, many years, he continued. It [the win] is also a huge tribute to the volunteer force that quietly go about their work on a daily basis in and around the town. Not just in the town, but also on the approach roads to the town as well. I was just delighted to see that, the high quality of our approach roads, mentioned in the report, because they are in a sense, the frame in which the town sits, Michael added. In North Kerry, the work of the Ballyduff Tidy Towns group paid off in spades as they won the Village and Small Town section of the Climate Action Award, along with the 2,250 cash prize to go with it. Some of the projects undertaken by the group included the planting of an orchard and a native woodland fence in the local Priest Meadow, providing habitats, shelter and food. They also organised two Bioblitz sessions with Ballyduff school led by Niamh Ni Dhuill, where plant and insect species were identified in two phases. They have created three ponds, as well as a video series on sustainability that they began during lockdown. Four pocket forests were set this year around the village. The committee also saved seeds and took slips to reduce costs and single-use plastic. Committee members said that it was a big surprise to get the win and that they were thrilled. Community is everything. We get great support from the Mens Shed, our CE worker, and the generous community, groups and businesses of Ballyduff. Transition Kerry has taught us so much about climate action and biodiversity. We cant thank them and our friends at From the Ground Up enough, the Ballyduff group said. Meanwhile back in west Kerry, Castlegregory Tidy Towns were Highly Commended Certificate recipients. In south Kerry, Sneem Tidy Towns was one of four in the Small Towns category to receive 1,000 each for their efforts. In terms of medals, Killarney, Tralee, Listowel and Kenmare were all Gold Medal winners while Sneem and Portmagee both won Bronze Medals while The Spa picked up an Endeavour Award. It was Tralees eleventh Tidy Towns Gold Medal in a row with the countys capital also upping their marks significantly on last years tally. Their 366 points this year is a massive 19 point increase on their 2022 total of 347. It was the fourth highest mark of all towns and villages in the county after Killarney (375 marks), Kenmare (371 Marks) and Listowel (360 Marks). The late Dermot O'Sullivan was a well respected and well liked Killarney businessman. Photo from RIP.ie. The funeral will take place on Saturday morning of well-respected and well-liked Killarney businessman Dermot OSullivan following his passing this past Tuesday, October 3. The businessman was a stalwart of the local community in Killarney having first set up a motorcycle business in the town back in the 1970s before eventually making the switch to pedal bikes, which he did to great success. Many Killarney locals will no doubt fondly remember Dermot as having supplied an entire generation of children with their first bicycle, the great customer service ensuring they were repeat customers for many years after. Dermot, who hailed originally from Gortamullen in Kenmare, passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff of the Fuschia Ward, St Columbanus Home in Killarney. He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons Paul, Derry and David, daughters-in-law Barbara, Denise and Fiona, grandchildren Megan, Luke, Kate and Ciara and his great granddaughter Ava. He is further survived by his sisters, Breda and Maureen, brother John, brother-in-law Bill, sister-in-law Ann, and many other relatives and friends. Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday morning at 10:30am at St Marys Cathedral with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Cemetery in Killarney. The family has asked that, instead of flowers, donations be made instead to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Freedom of Information request shows 17 fewer Gardai serving in Kerry since 2020 with main Garda Divisions affected. There are 17 fewer Gardai serving in Kerry since 2020 according to figures obtained by Tralee Labour Party Representative Ben Slimm. The figures were revealed following an FOI request that show Garda numbers in Kerry fell from 351 members in 2020, to 334 at the end of August this year - this despite an active recruitment campaign for new Gardai. The dip is reflected in all three Kerry Garda Divisions. In December 2020, the Tralee Division had 147 serving members, Listowel 46, and Killarney 97. Fast-forward to August 2023 where Tralee has fallen to 139, Listowel to 42, and Killarney to 88. The Tralee Division covers as far as Dingle, while Killarney Division extends to Kenmare and surrounding areas. The decline suggests members of An Garda Siochana in the county are resigning and retiring quicker than new recruits are coming on stream. Labour Party Representative Ben Slimm called on Justice Minister Helen McEntee to immediately tackle recruitment and retention, including industrial action issues. The figures reveal a very serious situation. Currently, there are only 334 Gardai serving the entire county. This is simply not adequate for the population of the area, Mr Slimm told The Kerryman. It is no wonder Gardai are taking industrial action. Not only do they not have the resources, but new recruits face lower pay and conditions since 2013, he said. "It is time for the Minister to directly intervene in this industrial relations dispute and find a fair and equitable solution for our Gardai as it has become clear Commissioner Drew Harris has failed in this regard. His leadership is causing a further policing meltdown in our community, he added. Mr Slimm also took aim at Fine Gael and what he described as the so-called party of law and order. Fine Gael is responsible for this collapse in Garda frontline numbers. All Fine Gael representatives need to explain why the people of Ireland are being left without adequate policing. People in Kerry, rural and urban, want to feel safe and they want to feel secure in their own homes and on our streets, he said. Cllr Wayne Harding (second from left) says LMETB will be involved in an educational facility in the new Bru na Boinne National Park. The news that Dowth Hall demesne has been purchased by the State and as Boyne Valley (Bru na Boinne) National Park will become the North Easts only national park, has been greeted warmly at a local level. Cllr Wayne Harding confirmed that Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) will lead the educational aspect of the project, calling it a great day for the area, for the Boyne Valley and for the country. I have been a member of LMETB since 2009 when it was then Meath VEC and under the current Chief Executive Martin OBrien, the strides the organization has made in the northeast are absolutely breath taking. But this represents new territory in sustainability and is a massive endorsement of the groundbreaking research of the Devenish team at Dowth, he said. Their research into the mixing of different types of grass species has been proven to increase the filtration of water running off the land and entering our water courses. This announcement primarily puts this research at the centre of the Government's actions to tackle climate change and with it, puts the lands at Dowth centre stage as well. Ive been promoting the idea of the purchase by the State of this historically and archeologically rich site, comprising 30% of the Bru na Boinne site for some time. Louth TD Ged Nash said the Dowth Hall acquisition was a momentous day for the locality. It is a magical place in every sense of the word with outstanding universal value and the possibilities for responsible tourism, sustainable job creation, restoration and conservation and education are endless, said Deputy Nash. I look forward to seeing the evolution of the plan for the site and we are privileged now, in Drogheda, to have land in public ownership spanning Drogheda through Oldbridge beyond to Dowth. Meanwhile, Brian Hanratty, Director of the The Battle for the Boyne campaign said this was an ideal opportunity for part of the nearby extensive Battle of the Boyne site to be re-purposed to include an All-Island Museum of Military History. This acquisition by the State can be described as a veritable treasure trove of architecture, history and archaeological remains including a Neolitihic passage tomb and henge and other significant elements. Coupled with Newgrange, Knowth and more recently discovered sites, this area is truly of global significance. said Mr Hanratty. Since the Irish Government acquired the battle site in the millennium year, a modest interpretative centre was developed, but most of the site is simply leased for farming. So there is huge potential to expand further on the story of the largest and most famous land battle fought in Britain and Ireland, as well as establishing a National Museum of Ireland Military History detailing Irelands military history and legends from throughout the ages and do it in a sensitive manner. Following its successful car show in May, DB Dailys has presented the Bumbleance with 4250 to help it continue to transport children from all over the country to their hospital appointments. The proceeds from a show which attracted thousands of people to Wexford Quay will fund some of the two thousand journeys taken by the 14 bumbleances on an annual basis. Organiser, Ian Dunne of DB Dailys, paid tribute to all those who had made the event such a success. Thanks to all our amazing followers, sponsors and crew members for making it all happen this year. Its not an easy task to run a free spectator event on the quay front, cover our overheads and still supply a much needed surge of funds for the national children's ambulance service so were incredibly grateful for all the support. The cheque was presented to Jimmy, a retired fire brigade officer who donates his time voluntarily to drive the Bumbleance up and down the country. Ian confirmed that next years event will be held on May 5 and looks set to be bigger and better than ever before . Blackwater has been named Wexford's tidy town for the fourth year running. For the fourth year in succession, Blackwater has been named Wexfords tidiest town. And, for the second year in row, the south Wexford village finished ahead of Wexford town and Duncormick in the annual Super Valu Tidy Towns awards. Announced today, Friday October 6, the awards recognised the tidiest towns, villages, and urban centres across Ireland with 887 individual areas marked by judging panels. Both Blackwater and Wexford town received gold medals for their efforts, while there was further recognition for Enniscorthy (silver medal), Gorey (silver medal), and New Ross (bronze) in their respective categories. This years endeavour award for the most improved area went to Bree. Irelands tidiest town for 2023 was Abbeyleix in Co Laois, the award for tidiest large town went to Killarney. The tidiest village award went to Geashill in Co Offaly while Ballincollig in Co Cork was named Irelands tidiest large urban centre. The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) is inviting applications from Wicklow for their 2023 Art Competition, which is now in its 40th year and one of the most prominent and longest-running competitions of its kind in Ireland. The theme for this years competition focuses on My Community and Me and asks participants to consider their local community and their own individual place within it. For example, what makes their community different? Is it the people within it? Is it the beauty you see every day? There are two overall categories general and additional needs with age groups comprising seven years and under, 8 10 years inclusive, 11 13 years inclusive, 14 17 years inclusive and 18 years and over (Adult). Age limits apply as of December 31 2023. Commenting on the launch of the 2023 competition, ILCU President Martin Busch said: I am delighted to launch this year's Art Competition. Engaging several hundred thousand children every year, the longevity of the competition is a testament to its popularity, the creativity of the participants and the support of credit unions across Ireland. This years theme is important as it is reflective of the core values that underpin the credit union movement, in that a community is not just a group of people but rather a collective that works together and considers the needs of all. We are looking forward to seeing this theme brought to life across all age categories and localities in this years competition. Further details on winners and runners-up across each category, can be found at creditunion.ie Entries for the Credit Union Art Competition are made via local participating credit unions. Note that not all credit unions take part in this competition. A Wicklow man who received information taken from the Garda Pulse system by a former civilian employee of An Garda Siochana has been sentenced to one year in prison. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Daniel Webb (33) of Charlesland, Greystones, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to two counts of active and passive corruption at unknown locations on September 6 and 9, 2019. He has no previous convictions. Passing sentence on Friday Judge Orla Crowe said this offending involved interfering with an intelligence resource of An Garda Siochana. Judge Crowe said the accused obtained information that he was not entitled to do so and that these were unusual offences that dont usually come before the court. The judge said the threshold for a custodial sentence had been reached and that the maximum penalty open to her was 10 years in prison. She set a headline sentence of three years. Judge Crowe said the mitigating factors in this case were the early guilty pleas by the accused, his young age, his remorse and that the probation report placed him at low risk of reoffending. He also has no previous convictions. Judge Crowe sentenced him to two years in prison on each count to run concurrently, with the final 12 months suspended for two years. At a previous hearing, Detective Sergeant James King told Diana Stuart BL, prosecuting, that in January 2020, gardai received confidential information that a civilian employee of An Garda Siochana, Holly Hayden (27), who was working at the Dun Laoghaire District Office, was relaying confidential information from the Garda Pulse system to third parties outside of the station. An investigation took place, and her work area and home were searched. A mobile phone was seized during the search, and a forensic download took place. Messages from Hayden to Webb were found on both the WhatsApp and Telegram apps. The court heard that Webb was then identified, and messages showed Hayden sent a document containing information from the Pulse system about another individual on September 6, 2019, to Webb. On September 9, 2019, she provided a synopsis of information from the Pulse system, which she had been instructed to download via the messaging app Telegram. She received cocaine in exchange for providing information on both of these occasions. The court heard that 17 lines of intelligence in total were sent, which related to Webb and people associated with him. Screenshots of the Pulse system were also sent to Webb. The court heard that Hayden also sent information to another third party and gave information about the location of garda checkpoints. Judge Orla Crowe asked if copies of the information taken from the Pulse system were available and these were handed into the court. Det Sgt King said a search warrant was issued for Webb's home and car. Webb arrived home during the search and cooperated fully with the gardai. His mobile phone was seized. The court heard that the maximum sentence available is 10 years in prison. James Dwyer, SC, defending, said his client met Hayden in his local pub after she approached him. They first began to communicate on WhatsApp in May 2019. He said that Hayden sent information to his client about him and his associates and sent information to a third party relating to garda movement and checkpoints. Det Sgt King agreed with counsel that messages from his client's phone show that, at one point, he encouraged Hayden not to look up more information. Mr Dwyer handed in character references for his client from his GP, a member of the Bar Council of Ireland, his family's neighbours, a woman his mother worked for, and family members. His parents were also in court to support him. The letter from his parents described Webb as warm, generous and loving and said he is adored by his siblings. Counsel said there were seven clean urine analyses before his client's court. He said a probation report was available, indicating when this offence occurred, Webb was at the peak of his drug use, spending up to 200 a night on cocaine and Xanax. The reports put him at a low risk of reoffending, and he is in stable employment. He said this was a crime of the utmost seriousness where the Pulse system has been compromised. He asked the court to consider the clean urine reports, the lack of previous convictions, and his early guilty plea when sentencing. Judge Crowe had previously adjourned the case facing Webb's co-accused until November 6 for finalisation. Christianna Delamare and Galya Hagan of Avondale Community College collecting the overall junior award from Vibeke Delahunt and Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy. Schools across Wicklow are being encouraged to sign-up for this years Student Enterprise Programme (SEP) in the hope of matching last years achievements. Wicklow has had success over the years, with three teams representing the county at nationals. Last year in the Junior Category, The Crafty Pair from Avondale Community College were awarded first place. Kellys Cookies from Arklow CBS were announced as the intermediate category winner. In the Senior Category, TR Technologies from Glenart College won 1st Place. Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enteprise at the Local Enterprise Office said: As we embark on the 2023-24 Student Enterprise Programme, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. This year promises to be a new chapter in showcasing the remarkable ingenuity and entrepreneurship of secondary school students across Wicklow. The Student Enterprise Programme provides a structured platform for students to develop their ideas, gain practical experience, and develop crucial entrepreneurial skills. The programme serves as a pivotal launching pad, empowering students to take their first strides toward becoming the driving forces of innovation and progress in our community. An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices of Ireland, the Student Enterprise Programme is the countrys largest enterprise programme for second level students, with this year marking the 22nd year of the hugely successful programme. Over 25,000 students from approximately 500 second level schools across the country are expected to take part. Students from first year to sixth year can enter in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories. Participants will learn how to create and run their own business, picking up key skills along the way such as ideation, marketing, finance and sales. Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 325,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start a business and grow a business If you're looking for something to do when you're not out staring at the leaves this week, check out these Billings area events. 'Alice: Through the Looking Glass' at NOVA Billings AlternaCirque, a non-profit troupe of performers who soar through the air and blend the line between acting and feats of strength, are presenting their take on "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" this weekend at the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts. "Alice: Through the Looking Glass" is a full play written by Jessica Luhr (who also stars in the titular role). Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 , 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct 8. Tickets for the PG-13 production are $30 at eventbrite.com, and you can always connect with AlternaCirque at facebook.com/billingsalternacirque. Backyard Theatre's 'Hamlet' The Billings theater troupe that brings performances to anywhere is back this week, performing "Hamlet" (ever heard of it?) at Movement Montana at 925 Broadway Ave. on Oct. 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15. Results should be a little more put together than their "Drunk Shakespeare" performance of the play back in January. This modernized take on the Bard's classic tragedy is directed by Alexis Cooper, one of Backyard Theatre's co-directors, assistant directed by Kenny Painter IV, and stars Travis Kuehn, the troupe's other co-director, as the doomed Danish prince. Friday and Saturdays are at 7 p.m., Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m., and $15 tickets are available at the door or at backyardtheatre.org. The Fab Four at the Alberta Bair You can't actually see the four lovable lads from Liverpool anymore (since two are dead, one is the most famous person to ever exist and one is Ringo). But the next best thing, the tribute act The Fab Four, are at the Alberta Bair Theater at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. They'll be performing "Rubber Soul," the Beatles' 1965 classic that's one of the best pieces of popular art ever made and still only about the fifth or sixth best Beatles record. Tickets range from $21.50 - $61.50 at albertabairtheater.org. 'Lakota Nation Vs. United States' at the Babcock The best movie theater in downtown Billings is mostly booked by the Billings TEDx event this weekend. But on Monday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m., in honor of Indigenous People's Day, they're showing "Lakota Nation Vs. United States," an incendiary new documentary about the Black Hills, the holiest land to the Lakota people. After gold was discovered in the Hills, the United States government waged a long and bloody war that ended in massacre and Americans covering the sacred land with casinos and corny monuments to one side of American history. This reexamination is written and narrated by acclaimed Oglala poet Layli Long Soldier and co-directed by Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli. 'The Joseph Sample Collection with Selected Works by Joseph Henry Sharp' at the YAM If you read Anna Paige's excellent reporting in the Montana Free Press about Joseph Sample's art collection being donated to the Yellowstone Art Museum and wondered how you could see some of the pieces, you're in luck! Because the first part of a double pronged exhibition honoring the donation begins this weekend and runs until January. The exhibition also includes selected works by western artist Joseph Henry Sharp. Opening reception is at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, with remarks at 6 p.m. Celebration includes drinks and appetizers and jazz music from Scott Jeppensen and his band. Honorable mentions The Gateway Show, the ingenious comedy show where comedians do one set sober and one after consuming far too much marijuana, is back in Billings at a new venue at the DoubleTree Ballroom C at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. 21+ tickets are $20 - $30 at eventbrite. Country band (fronted by a Billings native) Austin Martin and the Herd are playing the Pub Station on Friday at 8 p.m., with an opening set from Holland Dodson. There will also be food and raffles to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets are $15 at thepubstation.com. Tom May, who has been a touring folk musician for 50 years now, is playing the Roosevelt Center in Red Lodge at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. It's his first show in the area since 2007, and it's free, so no excuse to not go for a little drive Saturday evening. Ja Rule and Ashanti, of all people, are at the Metra on Saturday at 8 p.m. The Ying Yang Twins, of all people, are opening up. Ticket prices very, check out metrapark.com for more info. The TEDx Billings lecture event is on Saturday at the Babcock from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tickets are $50 at tedxbillings.com. Little Joe and the Cartwrights are playing the Heights VFW on Friday from 6-10 p.m. and Sunday from 2-6 p.m. The MSUB sponsored Japanese Film Series continues at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, with "Onna Goroshi Abura No Jigoku (Murder In a Hell of Oil)," a filmed Kabuki theatre performance. BSCI is having a dance at the Columbia Club (2216 Grand Ave.) from 7-11 p.m. on Wednesday Oct. 11. $5 gets you in at the door, and includes prizes and a raffle. On Wednesday at 7 p.m., the Babcock is kicking off a string of three black and white horror movies with "The Uninvited," a 1944 Lewis Allen directed flick about a pair of siblings who buy a house in Cornwall England that turns out to be haunted, something they should have expected when they bought a house in Cornwall, England. 1944? England? Did they film this thing during the Blitz? The BBC has reached a settlement with the mother of a murdered schoolgirl who said Martin Bashir took her daughters clothes and never returned them. In 1991, Michelle Hadaway gave the clothes to the then BBC reporter for DNA tests for BBC Twos social affairs programme Public Eye, but the investigation did not air and her calls to the broadcaster were ignored. The clothes belonged to nine-year-old schoolgirl Karen Hadaway, who was found sexually assaulted and strangled alongside Nicola Fellows in a woodland den in Brighton in October 1986, in what became known as the Babes In The Wood murders. The families of the two girls spent decades fighting for justice after their killer, Russell Bishop, was initially found not guilty of their murders in 1987. Martin Bashir (Ian West/PA) In 2002 and 2004, Ian Heffron, uncle of Nicola Fellows, contacted the BBC for the clothing following reform of the double jeopardy law, which would allow Bishop to be retried. However, BBC investigators were unable to locate the clothing. Bishop, who died in January 2022 aged 55, was jailed in 2018 for a minimum of 36 years after being convicted of the murders of Fellows and Hadaway. In 2021, the BBC conducted a review of the case in a fresh bid to try to locate the clothing and an investigator spoke with Bashir. Director-general Tim Davie later apologised to the family but said regrettably 30 years on, little more can be done to find the missing clothes. On Thursday, a BBC spokesperson said: We have today reached a settlement with Michelle Hadaway in relation to the loss of the clothes of her daughter, Karen. In 1991, Mrs Hadaway entrusted the BBC with the missing clothes on the understanding that they would be forensically examined. Murdered Brighton schoolgirls Karen Hadaway (left) and Nicola Fellows (PA) The BBC did not examine or return the clothes, and was not subsequently able to find them as a result of searches in 2004 and 2021. We should have taken better care of Karens clothes and we did not. We accept that we had a duty of care to Mrs Hadaway and we fell well short of that and we have previously apologised to her privately. We are very sorry. The terms of the settlement were not revealed. The story of the lost clothing re-emerged following the publication of Lord Dysons report on the 1995 Panorama interview with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, where reporter Bashir was found to have deceived the princess in order to obtain his exclusive interview with her. The statues were attacked in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) Israeli police have arrested an American tourist at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem after he hurled works of art to the floor, defacing two second-century Roman statues. UK cops appeal for information about despicable and vicious fatal attack on Irishman (80) Tommy Ward (80) died from his injuries several months after he was assaulted and robbed in his home in Maltby, Rotherham in 2015 Tommy Ward Neil Fetherstonhaugh Fri 6 Oct 2023 at 16:17 Police in the UK have launched a new appeal for information following the death of an Irishman in what has been described as a despicable and vicious attack. Volodymyr Zelensky calls for western support as Ukraine fights genocidal aggression A Russian rocket has hit a village cafe and store in eastern Ukraine and killed at least 51 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks in months, according to president Volodymyr Zelensky. The attack came as he attended a summit of about 50 European leaders in Spain to drum up support from Ukraines allies. The president denounced the attack in the Kharkiv village of Hroza as a demonstrably brutal Russian crime and a completely deliberate act of terrorism. Coffins carrying the bodies of some of the people who were killed on Thursday in drone attack on a military academy, lie on the ground outside a military hospital during the funeral in Homs, Syria October 6, 2023. REUTERS/Firas Makdesi Syria on Friday held funerals for scores of people killed in a drone attack on a graduation ceremony at a military academy in the Homs region the previous day, one of the bloodiest strikes against the military in more than 12 years of civil war. Joe Biden to build border wall touted by Donald Trump in policy U-turn President at risk of alienating left base as he aims to stem flow of migrants Enyerlis and Risyelis, sisters from Venezuela, travelling with their family, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Photo: Reuters Mica Rosenberg Fri 6 Oct 2023 at 03:30 US president Joe Bidens administration said yesterday it will add sections to a border wall to stave off record migrant crossings from Mexico, a reversal that embraces a signature policy of former president Donald Trump. Maryland Supreme Court has scrutinised a hearing last year that vacated Adnan Syeds murder conviction and released him after 23 years behind bars, as the victims family said they were not given adequate opportunity to take part in the proceedings. Iona, a loggerhead turtle, was found washed up on a beach in Scotland last year over a thousand miles from her natural habitat (Ben Birchall/PA) A malnourished and dehydrated turtle that washed up on a beach in Scotland last year more than a thousand miles from her natural habitat has been restored to good health and released back into the wild. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. Four short films and a community discussion will be offered on Oct. 11 at 6:15 p.m. in the Billings Public Library Community Room as part of Montanans Talk: Health in a Changing Climate. Teresa Wicks, a nursing professor at MSU-Billings, will lead a brief discussion about the documentaries and climate and health in Montana. "We look forward to discussing the impacts and solutions with the Billings community," said Dr. Lori Byron, leader of the Billings chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby. The evening is sponsored by the Billings CCL, Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council and the League of Women Voters The Billings chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL), in partnership with Montana HPHC, Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council (YVCC), and the League of Women Voters The death toll due to the flash flood which hit Sikkim has touched 19 with more than 100 others still missing, officials said. The deceased include six Indian Army soldiers. The authorities are on alert as the Shako Cho glacial lake near Lachen in Mangan district shows signs of bursting which could result in further tragedy. Meanwhile, the search operation to locate missing people is going on. According to the Guwahati-based Defence PRO, the Indian Army is providing assistance in terms of food, and medical aid and extending communication facilities to civilians and tourists stranded in North Sikkim. "The search for the missing Indian Army soldiers continues with the search focussing in the downstream areas of Teesta Barrage. At the site of the incident at Burdang near Singtam, the army vehicles are being dug out and stores are being recovered. Additional resources in terms of teams of TMR (Tiranga Mountain Rescue), tracker dogs, and special radars have been brought in, to assist in the search operations," the Defence PRO told IBNS. Meanwhile, Troops of Tri Shakti Corps Indian Army have been able to take account of 1471 tourists present the areas of Lachen/Chatten, Lachung and Chungthang. With the weather improving on 6 Oct, there may be a window of opportunity for evacuation of stranded tourists by Helicopters. The same is being planned jointly by the State Government, Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Survey is being carried out by all agencies to assess the damage and plan restoration of road connectivity. Sikkim's glacial lake outburst was previously predicted: Fifteen million people around the world, including 3 million in India, are at risk from flooding caused by glacial lakes, with just four countries accounting for more than half of those exposed, a study had predicted earlier. An international team of scientists led by Newcastle University had produced the first global assessment of areas at greatest risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and identified priority areas for mitigation. The research team looked at 1,089 glacial lake basins worldwide and the number of people living within 50 kilometres of them, as well as the level of development in those areas and other societal indicators as markers of vulnerability to GLOFs. They then used this information to quantify and rank the potential for damage from GLOFs at a global scale and assess communities ability to respond effectively to a flood. The results highlighted that 15 million people live within 50 km of a glacial lake and that High Mountain Asia (which encompasses the Tibetan Plateau, from Kyrgyzstan to China), has the highest GLOF danger, with 9.3 million people potentially at risk. India and Pakistan have around 5 million exposed people about one third of the global total combined. The research, which was published in Nature Communications, also highlighted Peru as one of the four countries, along with India, Pakistan and China, that account for more than half of the number of people worldwide exposed to potential danger from glacial lake flooding. What is GLOFs? Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) occur when melting glacier-formed lakes burst open due to excessive water accumulation or triggers like earthquakes, causing destructive flash floods downstream. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay A doctor was arrested by Malwani police for raping two women, officials said. According to police Dr Yogesh Bhanushali, was a practicing doctor and he used to contact women on instagram and later after becoming friends he used to rape and blackmail them. He was arrested and later produced in the court which remanded him into judicial custody. Two cases have been filed against him, one on September 27 and the other on October 3. Advocate Rafique Gori, representing one of the victims, said they anticipate more victims to come forward. (With UNI Inputs) Photo Courtesy: UNI The Friday following Eid-e-Milad was observed with traditional fervour in Kashmir today, officials said. While Eid-e-Milad celebrations were held across the Valley, the Hazratbal shrine, on the banks of Dal lake, remains the main centre for holding the religious function related to the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Thousands of devotees assembled at Hazratbal shrine for the congregational prayers and supplications. A large number of people including men, women and children thronged at Hazratbal Shrine, to catch a glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Mohammad. A good number of devotees also participated in night long prayers Shab Khawani during which special prayers were offered on Thursday night. Friday following Eid-e-Milad was observed at several other mosques and shrines of the Valley. The authorities had made elaborate arrangements for the devotees. (With UNI inputs) Photo Courtesy: PIB Canada has shifted a large number of its diplomats posted outside New Delhi and moved them to Malaysia or Singapore amid ongoing diplomatic tension between the two nations over the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, media reports said. The Indian government has given Ottawa until October 10 to reduce Canadian diplomatic staff in that country to a level on par with the number of Indian diplomats in Canada, sources told CTV News. A majority of the Canadian diplomats working in India outside of Delhi have been evacuated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, the news channel reported. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said India has asked Canada to reduce diplomatic staff to "bring parity", reports India Today. "Given the much higher diplomatic presence in India and their continuing interference in our internal affairs, we had sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence," Bagchi was quoted as saying by the news channel. Amid the ongoing diplomatic row, India has asked Canada to recall 41 of its diplomats from the country by October 10, reported the Financial Times on Tuesday. Also Read: India asks Canada to recall 41 diplomats by Oct 10: Report New Delhi has informed Canada that if any of these 41 diplomats remain after the specified date, their diplomatic immunity will be rescinded. India had previously expressed the need for "parity" in both the quantity and rank of diplomats between the two nations. Currently, Canada maintains a larger contingent of diplomats in Delhi compared to India's presence in Ottawa. Canada has 62 diplomats stationed in India, and New Delhi has urged them to reduce this number by 41, according to the London-based financial daily. Diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Ottawa soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that New Delhi could be behind Nijjar's killing. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on September 18 alleged the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey British Columbia on June 18. India dismissed the allegation, calling it absurd and motivated. In 2020, India designated Nijjar as a terrorist. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash China has been filled with bitterness ever since the news of Indian-made iPhone 15 reaching global market has surfaced. That too alongside Chinese iPhones on the exact date of September 22, which was never the case before as Chinese-made Apple phones always had an early release globally. Since then the Chinese social media has been abuzz with fake propaganda and racial jokes against the Indian-made iPhones. Chinese are showing their frustration online over the decision of Apple to move its manufacturing network out of China and re-establish it in India. One post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo alleged that the India-made iPhone 15 units are being sold in China after failing the standard quality check in Europe. This obviously is fake news being circulated by Chinese netizens who are even asking for a total boycott of the Indian-made iPhone 15 models in China. Another post, racist in nature, claimed that Indian workers have a habit of eating curry rice with their hands, touching smartphones after wiping their eyes, which suggested that iPhones from India might have cleanliness issue. The post hinted that a person with cleanliness preferences would refrain from buying iPhones made in India as they might not be properly sanitised and also could have a foul smell, similar to curry. The next post translated from Mandarin stated, "The initial release seems quite random. First, let's tear off the packaging and savour the aroma of curry; it's alright in India, it's clean and hygienic, folks." This does not ends here as multiple Weibo and X users purposely posted photos via their accounts showing dust particles on camera lenses and the phone's motherboard as proof of low quality of India-made iPhone 15s. Some are even calling India a backward country in Southeast Asia. A report in China Daily, a state-controlled publication, refutes claims of diversion, stating, "China is one of the largest markets for Apple, and the production capacity of India cannot meet the demand in China." The online slugfest between the Chinese and Indian netizens is leading to more controversies Chinese consumers have taken a liking to racial slurs and stereotypical comments about Indians on social media. But, back in India, smartphone users who have purchased the latest iPhone 15 handsets were quick to rebuff any such misinformation, stating that the new units are performing superbly well without any glitch. The racist meltdown in China against India hints at a number of things and most evident is the fear of losing the spot of the biggest iPhone manufacturer to India. Currently, Chinese factories make 90% of iPhones for Apple and India accounts for only 7%. As per a report, Apple is planning to scale up its operations in India, increasing the output from USD 7 billion to USD 40 billion in the next five years. And by the year 2027 India could supply 50% of iPhones globally. But probably, the Chinese citizens could not digest this following a sort of tech nationalism on social media to defame the Indian-made iPhones. In another development, Chinas big smartphone maker Huawei has forged a comeback after facing huge sanctions from the US and started manufacturing its own chips. If this news is to be believed it means that Huawei has busted Western sanctions and is being seen as an alternative to Apple in China. China is flaunting Huawei as a symbol of hyper-nationalism as the citizens have now started to believe that their products are superior. This shows that Chinese citizens are not aware of the reality of India and only believe what their media and government agencies serve them. In the last two decades, China was a shiny economy where everyone wanted to make but in the current scenario, the tides have turned. Multiple big companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Nike, Dell, and Apple have taken an exit from China due to its unfriendly policies. All these companies are now looking for more greener avenues such as India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, where they can get enough infrastructure to expand and flourish. Take Samsung for example, the company was making phones in India and now it is planning to expand its manufacturing capabilities for laptops. According to a report by Bank of America, Apple is planning to move 18% of its global iPhone manufacturing to India by FY25. Apple slowly and steadily started building its base in India in 2017 with a strong reliance on three contract manufacturers Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron. Notably, the latter's facility in Karnataka is set to be taken over by the Tatas. Apple has recorded staggering shipments of nearly 7 million units in 2023, and is expected to reach 8-9 million by 2024. In terms of export volumes from India, Apple has already overtaken Korean rival Samsung, having shipped over $5 billion worth of iPhones in FY23. China is seeing all this growth in India with envy. To top that Indias growing clout in G20 and G7 has riled up China but the racist meltdown is no way to respond. At least 51 people die as Russian attack Ukrainian village. Photo Courtesy: Volodymyr ZelenskyyX page At least 51 people, including an eight-year-old boy, died after Russians attacked Hroza village in Ukraine, media reports said. Villagers were attending a wake for a local resident when a missile struck at 15:15 local time, reported BBC. Ukraine's defence ministry said there were no military targets in the area - only civilians, the British media reported. Russian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the incident as a 'brutal terrorist attack'. "Russian missile struck an ordinary grocery store in the Kupiansk district of the Kharkiv region. This was a fully deliberate, demonstrative, and brutal terrorist attack," the President wrote on X. " As of now, more than 51 people have been reported dead. My condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones! Assistance is being provided to the wounded," he said. In his strong message, he said Russian terror must be stopped. "Russia needs this and similar terrorist attacks for one reason only: to make its genocidal aggression the new normal for the entire world. And I thank every leader and every nation that supports us in the defense of life!" he said. The top UN humanitarian official in Ukraine has condemned the Russian strike that ripped apart the small rural village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region, killing dozens of civilians. Russian missile struck an ordinary grocery store in the Kupiansk district of the Kharkiv region. This was a fully deliberate, demonstrative, and brutal terrorist attack. As of now, more than 51 people have been reported dead. My condolences to all those who have lost their loved pic.twitter.com/yxIW2Xwy35 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) October 5, 2023 The images arriving from the locality, home to just above 300 people, are absolutely horrifying, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown said in a statement issued shortly after the attack. Speaking on behalf of the UN and the humanitarian community, she expressed condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts are also with the people of Ukraine, who had to witness today, once again, another barbaric consequence of Russias invasion, she added. Brown recalled that intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects is a war crime, as is intentionally launching an attack knowing that it would be disproportionate. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his strong condemnation of the attack, his Spokesperson said in a statement. "Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law and they must stop immediately," it said. Study finds cannibalism was common as a funerary practice in Europe around 15,000 years ago. Photo Courtesy: Trustees of the Natural History Museum Leading researchers at the Natural History Museum (NHM) have found evidence to suggest that cannibalism was a customary funerary practice in Europe during the Magdalenian period. The study, published in Quaternary Science Reviews, analysed remains uncovered across Europe dating to the late Upper Palaeolithic (~15,000 years ago) and found those groups who practiced funerary cannibalism carried similar genetic ancestry. Goughs Cave, a famous Palaeolithic site located in Cheddar Gorge, is renowned for the discovery of three manipulated human skulls into the shape of cups alongside over 100 human bone fragments modified by cut-marks, breakage and human chewing marks, some specimens of which are currently housed at the Museum. Through a rigorous review of available archaeological evidence, the researchers suggest that this cannibalistic behaviour was seemingly common amongst Magdalenian human groups of northwestern Europe and that the discovery of cannibalism at Goughs Cave was not an isolated incident. Dr Silvia Bello, Palaeoanthropologist and Principal Researcher at the NHM and joint first author of the study, said: We interpret the archaeological evidence that cannibalism was practiced on multiple occasions across northwest Europe over a short period of time as an indication that such behaviour was part of a funerary behaviour among Magdalenian groups, and not simply practiced out of necessity. That in itself is interesting, because it is the oldest evidence of cannibalism as a funerary practice so far known. However, not all Magdalenian sites show evidence of cannibalism. In some case, the bodies were deliberately buried, sometimes alongside grave offerings and cave art. Of the 59 sites of Magdalenian human remains identified across Europe, 13 showed evidence of cannibalism, 10 of primary burial and two of both behaviours. As part of this study, genetic analysis of these sites remarkably suggests that all sequenced human remains from a cannibalised context show Magdalenian (GoyetQ2) related ancestry, and all sequenced individuals found in a primary burial context show genetic ancestry associated with Epigravettian human groups (Villabruna). The Epigravettian was the second distinct European culture of this time alongside the Magdalenian. Whilst both cultures were present in Europe during this period, they were geographically distinct. As the practice of cannibalism ended and primary burials became more commonplace, this groundbreaking study theorises that this is due to the northward migration of individuals with Epigravettian associated ancestry and the effective replacement of those who carried Magdalenian associated ancestry and practiced funerary cannibalism. Therefore, an example of population replacement rather than the sharing of knowledge. William Marsh, Postdoctoral Researcher at the NHM and joint first author of the study, said: To contextualise Goughs Cave better, we reviewed all archaeological sites attributed to the Magdalenian culture. During the terminal time period of the Palaeolithic, you actually see a turnover in both genetic ancestry and funerary behaviour, indicative of population replacement as Epigravettian groups migrated northwards. We believe that the change in funerary behaviour identified here is an example of demic diffusion where essentially one population comes in and replaces another population and that brings about a change in behaviour. As the world celebrated the 12th Rabbi-ul-Awwal, or Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi as the birthday of Prophet Muhammed, the radical Muslims in Pakistans Punjab province chose to attack and demolish Ahmadiyya Baits (Ahmadiyya places of worship), an episode marking yet another way minorities are harassed in the country. They also carried out rallies against the Ahmadiyyas, threatening them with chants of violence and death. "Groups of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) members attacked (29.09.23) Baits located in Mahmoodabad (Jhelum district) and at Okara city (Okara district) and demolished their arches and mehrabs," sources told IBNS. The radical outfit also threatened the Baits caretakers against interfering and not to call the police. 'Attacks/destruction/desecration of Ahmadiyya graveyard also continued unrestricted with incidents (02.10.2023) of two grave digging in Bhulair locality of Punjabs Qasur district," the source said. An anti-Ahmadiyya rally was also taken out by the TLP in Perochakarea of Sialkot district while celebrating September 29, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Five-year-old girl raped and murdered in US. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay A five-year-old girl from US city of Kansas was recently raped and murdered at a homeless campsite after she was thrown out of the home by her mother, media reports said. Zoey Felix was found at a gas station with life-threatening injuries on Monday, according to the Topeka Police Department, reported New York Post. She was rushed to a hospital where she was declared dead. The key suspect in the incident, Mickel W. Cherry, 25, was arrested and charged with murder and rape of a victim less than 14. As of Tuesday afternoon, Cherry remains behind bars on a $2 million bond, reported WIBW. The neighbours claim the childs mother kicked them all to the curb about two weeks ago, forcing them to live at a campsite about a mile away, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal as quoted by New York Post. Zoey had a turbulent life at home, according to neighbours, who often saw the young girl running around unsupervised. Her community worked together to help keep her bathed, clothed, and fed, neighbours said. They said she didnt attend school. Police Chief Bryan Wheeles would not confirm whether authorities had any prior contact with the family. He also would not comment on their relationship with the suspect. The information and all the investigative evidence will be compiled and sent to the district attorneys office for a formalized criminal charging decision, Wheeles was quoted as saying by WIBW in an interview Tuesday morning, Oct. 3. And at that point, then additional information can be released. One of two people accused of hoarding cats and dogs under deplorable conditions on a Yellowstone County property pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated animal abuse. Jeremy Patrick Opie, 35, admitted to depriving more than a dozen animals of food, water and healthcare. Some of the animals were emaciated, diseased and showed signs of physical abuse. A co-defendant in the case against Opie, Tiffany Dyce Opie, is still awaiting trial. Along with pleading guilty to animal abuse, Jeremy Opie admitted in Yellowstone County District Court to failing to register as a sexual offender. He appeared in court via teleconference from Yellowstone County Detention Facility after violating the conditions of his release set earlier this summer. During Fridays hearing, District Judge Ashley Harada allowed Opies release from custody until his sentencing, but warned she would not hesitate to revoke his release. As far as Im concerned, you are one of the most dangerous people in this community, she said. In early June 2023, court documents said, deputies with the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office responded to a call from a Billings veterinary clinic. Jeremy Opie, with Tiffany Opie, had brought a cat to the clinic with a litter of seven kittens who were malnourished. A clinic staff member told a deputy Opie also brought in a dog, who was in a similar emaciated state, before leaving in a pickup truck. Jeremy and Tiffany Opie returned to the clinic, according to court documents, and a deputy met the two at their truck. The truck reeked of feces and rotten meat. The deputy found at least six dogs and two cats inside the truck. All of them showed signs of starvation. Jeremy and Tiffany Opie told the deputy theyd been trying to get their animals to eat. An officer with the Billings Police Department Animal Control advised getting all of the animals out of the truck and evaluated by the clinic. Although Jeremy and Tiffany Opie initially accused the deputy of trying to take away their animals, they eventually agreed to give them to the veterinary staff. One dog, an 11-month-old Great Dane mix named Finn, had to be euthanized. Staff had to bring him into the clinic on a stretcher. Following a necropsy, a veterinarian determined Finns body was almost completely emaciated and had evidence of trauma. An employee at one of the local animal shelters that took in the animals found in the truck reported to YCSO that Opie was on a no-adopt list. Opie had previously adopted an Akita mix, who was later found chained up outside a camper, court documents said. While YCSO was investigating the case against Opie, they discovered he was a sex offender who failed to report his most recent address to the sheriffs office, per Montana law. In 2006, according to state records, Opie was sentenced in Fergus County for sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl. Jeremy and Tiffany Opie were charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, while Jeremy Opie faced an additional count of failing to register as a sex offender. They were released from custody after pleading not guilty. In September, the two again entered YCDF under suspicion of violating the conditions of their release, which included they have no contact with any animals. Two people reported seeing Jeremy and Tiffany Opie near a dog park in the Heights. They witnessed Tiffany Opie dragging a small dog by a choke collar into a truck, court documents said, while Jeremy Opie was punching a Rottweiler in the head. The two were subsequently arrested, and Jeremy Opie agreed to speak with law enforcement, according to court documents. He allegedly said Tiffany Opie had been buying animals through Facebook or her friends and family, then bringing them to their trailer. When Jeremy Opie agreed to let officers search the trailer, court documents said, they found three dogs, one of them a Rottweiler mix, several cats, a parakeet and a large python. The floor of the trailer was allegedly cluttered with trash and feces. Jeremy Opie remained in custody on a $100,000 bond until his change of plea hearing Friday. He reached an agreement with county prosecutors in late September. In exchange for admitting to aggravated animal abuse and failing to register as a sex offender, prosecutors will recommend he serve seven years with the Montana Department of Corrections, all of which would be suspended. His sentencing date has yet to be scheduled. Tiffany Opie is scheduled for trial later this month. Along with aggravated animal abuse, she is facing counts of attempting to tamper with evidence and criminal contempt. Everybody wants an iPhone! Three brothers from San Diego, United States scammed Apple through an elaborate scam wherein 10,000 fake iPhones and iPads were swapped out for genuine ones at hundreds of stores, American prosecutors claim. Unsplash Three brothers scam Apple According to the US Attorney's office for the Southern District of California, three brothers named Zhimin, Zhiting, and Zhiwei Liao led a scam that caused Apple to lose $6.1 million. For their scam, Zhimin and Zhiting Liao were sentenced to three years and five months in prison on October 2 for trafficking counterfeit iPhones and iPads, court records showed. Meanwhile, Zhiwei Liao is set to appear in court on October 30 where his sentence will be laid out. The brothers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods on June 2, 2022, according to a news release from the attorney's office. Also read: Apple Already Has Its Own Search Engine And You Most Probably Use It Everyday The counterfeit products were imported into the US from China by the Liao brothers. Prosecutors said that these products had "identification numbers that matched identification numbers on real iPhones and iPads that were under warranty and had been previously sold to customers in the United States and Canada." Unsplash To implement their scam, Zhimin Liao travelled to about 105 Apple stores in 22 different states, where he attempted to exchange 720 fake iPhones and iPads for genuine ones. In 2015 alone, he travelled to many stores in states like Florida and New Hampshire. Also read: Apple Complies With Strict Chinese Law, Locks Down App Store On iPhones Unsplash Zhiting Liao also directly went to at least 200 Apple stores in 18 states in Canada, where he attempted to exchange 718 counterfeit iPhones and iPads, the sentencing memo says. Both the brothers made profits worth $6.1 by this elaborate scam. Once the Apple devices were exchanged, the Liao brothers sold them in foreign markets outside the US. What do you think about this elaborate scheme? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com. Founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) has revealed that state governors in Nigeria are misappropriating funds allocated to them. He accused the governors of misapplying financial allocations to local governments in their domains. Babalola made this known yesterday in the states capital, while declaring open the eighth edition of the Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo. He lamented that the inactions of the governors were limiting the development at the grassroots as well as depriving the people of the benefits that they should access without stress. The legal icon expressed displeasure with the way governors run the third tier of government. He said the governors have made the local governments the appendages of the state government, thereby rendering them ineffective. He subsequently called on President Bola Tinubu to send the local government their allocations directly from the Federation Account. Babalola explained that this would lead to grassroots development and enhance transparency. READ MORE: Sitting Judges Should Not Preside Over Election Tribunals Afe Babalola He said: I am suggesting that local governments should be empowered. Each local government should set up farming equipment for farmers to hire. They should also earmark large hectares of land for the farmers to farm. When I was a councillor in those days, local government funds used to come directly to them. We all know what has been happening to their money. I think the current President (Bola Tinubu) should do all he can to ensure that local government allocations get to them directly and not through the governors because they (governors) steal a lot. There is no parent that will send their children to school some to Masters and Ph.D levels only to come back and be asked to use cutlass to farm. The best the government can do now to revive agriculture is to buy modern implements to encourage people to farm. If local government funds get to them, they will be able to buy tractors for the people to rent. Senior Special Assistant (SSA) , Print Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz has reacted to the press conference of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar. Recall that Atiku held his world press conference to address the Chicago State University certificate saga in Abuja on Thursday. He had said he would not stop challenging the victory of Tinubu in the 2023 election until the Supreme Court ruled. However, Abdulaziz, in a British Broadcasting Corporation interview, said the tip of the pen has already dried up regarding the presentation of any evidence against Tinubu in Supreme Court. He further stated that Tinubu is not afraid of the case before the Supreme Court as the Chicago State University has provided every necessary document to support them. These statements of Atiku are a matter of sympathy for him because he shows that he is in confusion and does not even know what is happening, he said. READ ALSO: I Persuaded Obasanjo To Leave Lagos For Tinubu In 2003 But He Stabbed Me In The Back Atiku According to him, there was nowhere Chicago State University said that there was a fake document or that Tinubu did not study in their institution Based on this fact, the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has made statements, most of which are critical and try to give people information that will confuse them or even cause misunderstanding. Even a person who has not studied law knows that the courts of appeal are not the courts of trial, they are the courts that review the decision of the national court so that if there is a mistake, it must be corrected or changed. We have no fear because everything that needs to be done has been done for what is needed and this school that is being talked about has already provided. Then we know that everything he does is ineffective and has no legal basis, he added. The spokesperson said that Atiku should now realize that the political chapter is closed and he should only face the chapter of nation building as Tinubu has reiterated many times. Labour Party (LP) has responded to the invitation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, to join his quest for justice in controversy around President Bola Tinubus certificate. Recall that Atiku requested the release of President Tinubus certificate from the Chicago State University. The former Vice President sorted the credentials over the suspicion that the certificate Tinubu submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may not be authentic. Following the release of the certificate, Atiku, during a press conference on Thursday, called on candidate of LP, Peter Obi, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) including, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other Nigerians to join his quest for justice over the matter. READ MORE: Tinubu Sent Govs To My House To Beg Me After 2023 Election, But Refused To Let Them In Or See Them Atiku Responding in a statement on Thursday night via its X handle, the Labour Party opined that its candidate is currently focused on reclaiming his mandate at the Supreme Court and will not stop until Nigeria achieves true leadership. The party also invited Atiku to join them in pursuing a nation where justice shall reign. The statement reads: The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is presently in the Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate, and he is focused on that. He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves the leadership it truly deserves. Obi has pontificated severally on the need for leaders to be good role models and to live a life worthy of emulation. This he has done by publicly putting his credentials in the open for verification. Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation. We therefore welcome every other interest willing to join us in our pursuit of a nation where justice shall reign. The former National Spokesman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Mr Yekini Nabena, has asked the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar to stop chasing shadows over the academic records of President Bola Tinubu at the Chicago State University CSU. In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Nabena asked Atiku to stop chasing shadows about Tinubus academic records. The APC chieftain claimed that Nigerians had since moved on with the current administrations leadership and the former vice president should stop heating the polity with pre-election matters that will not make him president. Nabena also urged Atiku to start preparations for another contest in 2027 as usual rather than dragging the nation backwards. He warned the public to be careful of media propaganda by Atiku and opposition parties, stressing that the registrar of CSU, Caleb Westberg, never said President Tinubu forged the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said: Let me use this medium to tell the former Vice President to start preparing for another election in 2027 as usual. Heating up the polity over pre-election matters will not make him President of Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar should know by now that Nigerians have moved on. The country is now enjoying good governance because this administration is responsive and responsible. READ MORE: Chicago: I Called Out Atiku Because Hes Desperate For Power Okechukwu See what is happening across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Nigerians will no longer wait for months to get their international passports when they apply. Over 204,000 backlog has been cleared within three weeks. Think about the welfare packages for the elderly by the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, the bold step to remove the fuel subsidy that has held the country hostage for a long time, and government intervention in all sectors like Aviation, Health, Transport, Economy, Agriculture and security, among others. This Renewed Hope Agenda is already working, and Nigerians wont allow anyone, including Atiku or Peter Obi, to drag the nation back to the desert. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Sowunmi, on Thursday, reacted on the controversy surrounding the academic records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Chicago State University (CSU). Recall that the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, claimed that Tinubu forged his credentials submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 election. However, this has made Atiku to demand the Nigerian leaders certificate from the CSU, which has continued to generate controversy on internet. INFORMATION NIGERIA recalls that Atiku also addressed the press on Thursday, reiterating that Tinubu forged his certificate. Speaking on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Thursday night, Sowunmi said that, the development portrays the country as a nation of cheats. READ MORE: Certificate Scandal: LP Replies Atiku Over Call To Fight Tinubu He said: We have been de-robed, people in England are telling me now that nurses are going to have to do their nursing qualification examination because we have now become a nation of cheaters. Do you know why? We have now become a nation of duplicitous people. Even in the backend of some countries, the governments are whispering behind our back Sowunmi, reacting to the stance of the CSU regarding the Presidents certificate submitted to INEC, said that the American institution should bury its head in shame. He said: Must we now get to a position in the world where we are sending thousands of emails to one institution to ask for the same record that could have been produced? Did you read the deposition? Even the school itself must bury its head in shame. The school has a right to say This is totally the position we have and be unambiguous about it. They cant write that the deposition in a manner. The Presidential aide to President Bola Tinubu, Temitope Ajayi, has slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, over two incorrect claims in his press conference. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that Atiku, during a press conference on Thursday regarding President Bola Tinubus certificate controversy, condemned the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. The former vice president also claimed Tinubu betrayed him, adding that they parted ways in 2007. READ MORE: Chicago: Stop Chasing Shadows, Start Preparing For 2027, Ex-APC Spokesman Tells Atiku However, in a statement via Twitter on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity said old age may be playing a trick on Atiku. Temitope criticized Atikus two claims in the press conference, saying they were incorrect as he recalled instances the former vice president supported Muslim-Muslim Ticket. He wrote: I think forgetfulness as a result of old age may be playing tricks on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. At his press conference yesterday, he said he had never supported Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and he will always opposed to it. He also said politically, he parted ways with President Tinubu in 2007. The two claims are not correct. In 1992 under the Social Democratic Party, the Waziri Adamawa actually sought and fought very hard to be the running mate of Late Chief MKO Abiola for the 1993 presidential election. He lost to Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe. Again in 2014, after he became a political orphan in PDP, former VP Atiku came to find refuge in newly formed APC midwived by President Tinubu and other opposition leaders. Before he wandered back to PDP, he was in same political boat with President Tinubu from 2014-2017 and sought his support to become President of Nigeria in 2015. The acting Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Friday, disclosed that the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized smuggled prohibited goods worth about N242 million within 22 days. Briefing newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, Adeniyi said, the seized items included, 1,436 used pneumatic tyres, 53 sacks, and 569 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing a total of 1,179 kilograms; 3,149 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilograms, alongside 32 vehicles used for conveyance, among other contraband goods. He said the seizures were executed at various locations, including Papa/Ajegunle, Ilaro road, Imasayi/Joga road, Ijebu Ode axis, and Odogbolu bush path along Ijebu Ode road, all in Ogun State. According to the Customs acting CG, Our presence here underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our beloved nation from potential road accidents and harmful substances as we continue to intercept these perilous goods. We gather here today to address a pressing concern the importation of foreign-used pneumatic tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres. These are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries. Regrettably, they are deemed unsuitable for our highways. A significant number of these tyres have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing date. READ ALSO: Customs Arrests Wanted Wildlife Smuggling Kingpin In Lagos According to safety experts, good-quality pneumatic tyres are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing. Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and jeopardizes their lives. In a previous press conference held on August 7, 2023, we drew attention to the grave issue of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp. This psychoactive drug is derived from the cannabis plant and has seen a concerning rise in abuse within Nigerian society, especially among our youth. We highlighted the ingenious tactics employed by those engaged in this nefarious trade, including smuggling through land borders, utilizing creeks, and even resorting to smuggling via air routes. We reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Services commitment to protecting society from the entry of harmful substances and ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians. Today, we are delighted to report that our commitment to our citizens remains steadfast as we fulfil our statutory obligations and shield our beloved nation from the scourge of illicit drugs. Our officers relentless efforts and unwavering dedication in Zone A, specifically the Ogun 1 Area Command, have borne fruit, leading to the interception of Cannabis Sativa, used Pneumatic Tyres, and vehicles laden with 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice. Allow me to provide the details of these significant seizures: Between September 18 and September 30, 2023, the officers of the Ogun 1 Area Command seized 1,436 used Pneumatic tyres, 53 sacks, and 569 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing a total of 1,179 kilograms. Additionally, they apprehended 3,149 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilograms, alongside 32 vehicles used for conveyance, among other items. These seizures Duty Paid Value (DPV) amounts to an impressive N241,977,943.00. These seizures were executed at various locations, including Papa/Ajegunle, Ilaro road, Imasayi/Joga road, Ijebu Ode axis, and Odogbolu bush path along Ijebu Ode road in Ogun State. It is essential to highlight that these seizures are a testament to our renewed determination and strategic deployment of both human and material resources. Our commitment to protecting Nigerians from the audacious actions of daredevil smugglers remains unwavering. In conclusion, we reaffirm our dedication to our duty and pledge to ensure all Nigerians safety and well-being. We are resolute in our mission to curb illicit trade, safeguard our roads from dangerous tyres, and protect our youth from the devastating effects of illicit drugs. Your support and understanding are invaluable as we work together to build a safer and stronger Nigeria. Justice Abiola Soladoye of a Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State on Thursday, sentenced a gateman, Happiness Sunday, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his employers children. Sunday was found guilty as charged by the state government for assaulting the children aged 10 and 8 years respectively. During the trial, the prosecution said the defendant committed the offences sometime in 2020 at Jaye Oyedotun Street, Magodo area of Lagos State. The prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Olufunke Adegoke, called four witnesses and tendered exhibits to prove the case against the defendant, who testified alone in defence. While delivering judgement, the court held that the prosecution sufficiently proved the charges against the convict beyond reasonable doubt. READ ALSO: Court Remands 41-Year-Old Man Who Allegedly Raped His Lovers 12-Year-Old Daughter In Lagos The judge sentenced the defendant who served as his employers steward and gateman to life imprisonment on each of the three counts bordering on defilement and sexual assault by penetration, adding that the terms will run concurrently. Justice Soladoye, who upheld the testimony of the survivor said: The defendant started assaulting the children and the older child reported to his grandmother to caution him as he was touching the sister inappropriately. When the female child informed the grandma that the defendant was also touching her brother inappropriately. The case was reported to the CeCe Yara Foundation and subsequently to the police. The defendant denied touching the children, but his demeanor was cold. He is a bare-faced liar showing to be a pathological liar. Justice Soladoye said the ingredients of defilement and sexual assault by penetration were thoroughly satisfied under section 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law by the prosecution. The convict was bisexual houseboy who was desperate and wicked, a sexual terrorist who ravished children. A disloyal worker, a terrible person whose sexual perversion is unacceptable. The convicts actions are beastly and should be locked away for life because his conduct is utterly disgraceful. Parents and guardians should be watchful, taking care of children should never be taken lightly. The convict should have his name registered in the Sexual Offences Register as maintained by the state government, the court held. Someone fired two rounds from a shotgun at the Planned Parenthood facility in Helena, officials said Friday. There were no injuries, authorities said. Friday afternoon, police released three photographs asking for assistance in identifying a person and vehicle. One photo shows a person carrying what appears to be a shotgun or rifle and the other two pictures are of a vehicle. People with information should contact Detective Kent Anderson at 406-444-1319 or the Helena Police Department dispatch at 406-457-8865. Those who want to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 406-443-2000, online at www.helenacrimestoppers.com, or with the P3 Tips app. Helena police responded to a call 5:44 p.m. Thursday in the 1500 block of Cannon for a report of gunshots, Assistant Chief Cory Bailey said in an email. While officers were checking the area, they received another call advising that someone had shot the front entry of the business. It was determined that someone had walked up to the front of the Planned Parenthood and fired two rounds from a shotgun, Bailey said. There were no injuries reported and the shots were not directed toward anyone, authorities said. Bailey said a window had been damaged. Officers and detectives were able to develop suspect information and the case is active, he said. Mary Sullivan, Planned Parenthood spokeswoman, said none of the staff were injured and that the Helena Planned Parenthood office was closed Friday as staff continue to work with police in their investigation. She said other Planned Parenthood facilities in the state were open. Our focus is on our team, our patients, and ensuring safety by coordinating with law enforcement, a statement from Planned Parenthood said. Our doors will remain open and Planned Parenthood of Montana will never step back from providing care in a safe, supportive environment that Montanans rely on and trust. The Planned Parenthood Helena office offers affordable comprehensive reproductive health care, which includes abortions. Planned Parenthood has been in Montana for more than 50 years, organization officials said. Sullivan declined to comment as to whether the shooting was related to the abortion services the Helena office provides and the public debate over Roe v. Wade, saying she wanted to see what the police investigation determined. Atiku Abubakar, 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says he will only withdraw his case against President Bola Ahmed Tinubus academic records after the Supreme Courts judgement. Abubakar who spoke on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja had asked Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), to join him in the fight to establish the authenticity of Tinubus certificates. If the court rules that I am right, fine. If the court rules that he (Tinubu) is right so thats the end of the fight because at the moment we are at the supreme court and there is no any other court (higher) than the supreme court, the former vice-president said. Abubakar is challenging the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 poll and the judgement of the tribunal that upheld the Presidents victory on September 6. READ ALSO: Education Only Safe Transport To Destiny Tinubu To Teachers After Forging His Certificate The PDP candidate has consistently alleged that Tinubus educational records are fraught with discrepancies and forgeries. His request for the United States court for the northern district of Illinois to compel Chicago State University (CSU) to release Tinubus academic records has since been granted. Abubakar had said he would use the academic records released by CSU in his litigation against Tinubu at the supreme court. Kalu Kalu, Abubakars counsel, who also spoke at the press conference, said the supreme court had held that it can accept fresh evidence as far as certain conditions are met. A party at fault cannot be allowed to enjoy the fruit of his illegality, Kalu said. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara on Friday dismissed his Prime Minister, Patrick Achi, and announced the upcoming formation of a new government, two years before the next presidential elections. Ouattara signed a decree ending the duties of the prime minister, who is the head of the government, as well as those of the members of the government, according to a statement read by presidential secretary general, Abdourahmane Cisse. The head of state expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Patrick Achi and all the members of government for their service to the nation over the last years. READ ALSO: DR Congo Sentences 7-Army-Commandos To Death For Cowardice In Front Of Rebels The decision had been expected in recent days after the president informed members of the government of an upcoming reshuffle during the last cabinet meeting on September 28. Achi was appointed in March 2021 after his predecessor, Hamed Bakayoko, died of cancer. He in turn had succeeded Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who died suddenly the year before. Achi resigned in April 2022, before being immediately reappointed to his post in a reshuffle. He comfortably won in local elections last month in his southern region, Me. Winning 60 percent of municipalities and 80 percent of the regions in September elections, the ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace party (RHDP) is favourite for the 2025 elections. Ouattara has not yet announced whether he will run for a fourth term. A pastor identified as Edward Wesideloye alongside two church members have been arrested by the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for alleged human trafficking. The cleric said to be the shepherd of a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and his two other members are being accused of trafficking a lady to Baghdad, capital of Iraq, where she was subjected to slavery, hard labour, molestation and exploitation. Parading the suspects on Thursday, October 5, Head of the agency in Ekiti, Mr. Oladimeji Samson said the victim, Amina Bello, a mother of three and native of Ifaki Ekiti, in Ido/Osin local government area of the state, was sent to slavery by her sister with the connivance of the cleric and one other woman. READ ALSO: Illegal Adoption: Founder Of Indicted Orphanage Handed Over To NAPTIP In Anambra Oladimeji said the agency was contacted by the victim which led to the arrest of the suspects. He said they would be prosecuted after due investigation. According to him, the 36-year-old woman was lured to travel to Bagdad under the guise that she would work as a sales representative in a boutique, but was subjected to slavery and exploitation on getting to the place. In one of the voice notes sent to NAPTIP, the lady lamented profusely how she was suffering from the hand of the agents. She begged for help to bring her back to save her life, he said. Oladimeji noted that the Director General of the agency, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi has zero tolerance for trafficking and would continue to do everything to stop it in the country. He lamented over what he called repeated cases of child trafficking in Ekiti State. He, therefore, urged relevant stakeholders in Ekiti to support the agency in tackling the menace of child trafficking in the state. He added that the suspects would be prosecuted after due investigation. Counsel to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Kalu Kalu, on Thursday has revealed the discrepancy in the name written on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Kalu who spoke on Thursday at a press conference organised by Abubakar in Abuja said the name on the NYSC certificate submitted by the President to the electoral body is Bola Adekunle Tinubu, not Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His words: The Chicago State University admission application form has a claim that Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended Government College, Lagos, and graduated in 1970 when indeed the school was established in 1974. The same document has it that the owner of that document is a black American, and then the document Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted to INEC, he denied having dual citizenship, which means it does not belong to him. READ ALSO: Certificate Scandal: LP Replies Atiku Over Call To Fight Tinubu Then, the same document under deposition says that the A Bola A. Tinubu is Ahmed, but the NYSC certificate Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted to INEC has Adekunle. Kalu also claimed that findings from the deposition at the court showed that the President forged the certificates he presented to INEC. That the qualifying certificate from the South-west College to Chicago State University bears a female, indicating that, that document does not belong to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he said. Abubakar is challenging the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 poll and the tribunals judgement that upheld the presidents victory on September 6. The PDP candidate has consistently alleged that Tinubus educational records are fraught with discrepancies and forgeries. Jude Idimogu, deputy leader of Ndigbo in All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State chapter, has urged the opposition to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu focus on governance. Idimogu made the appeal on Friday while speaking with newsmen. The former member, Lagos House of Assembly, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, said that after the verdict of the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, opposition parties and their candidates ought to rally round the President in the interest of the nation. He however pleaded with politicians against Tinubus victory to avoid actions capable of dragging the countrys name in the mud. Idimogu insisted that the allegations levelled against Tinubu by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is politics taken too far and capable of destroying the image of the country. All I want to tell good Nigerians is to understand that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did not and will never forge any certificate, and whatever he submitted to INEC is clean and true. We want to appeal to Nigerians to calm down and not allow themselves to be deceived by those dragging Nigerias name in the mud. We want the opposition to allow our President, who God gave to us to breathe. Please allow him to breathe for the sake of the masses, Idimogu said. READ ALSO: Certificate Forgery: Everything Atiku Does Is Ineffective, No Legal Basis Tinubus SA, Abdulaziz Also, in a chat with News Telegraph he emphasised that Atiku cannot get power through the backdoor. All these efforts he is making are dead on arrival, adding that the Supreme Court does not judge on emotion, sentiments or social media. As far as I am concerned, Atiku has lost it. I would plead with him to embrace his friend. This is a man that has worked hard, he helped people and now that God has helped him somebody wants to come through the backdoor to remove him, it is impossible. The documents are there for everybody to see, our president should be respected by everybody. They should stop maligning him. I want to urge all Nigerians to support him. According to him, initially, Atiku said Tinubu never attended Chicago State University, but the school has since confirmed that he attended the school, but now, Atiku is now talking about forged certificates. He said: The court that can decide on this is the one that has competent jurisdiction over the matter, no other person can do so. Why is Atiku trying to deceive Nigerians? As of today, President Tinubu is our president and nothing can change that except God. Atiku should please rest the case and embrace President Bola Tinubu. If he cannot wait till 2027, he should just retire and become a godfather. The Kebbi State governorship election petition tribunal has affirmed Nasir Idris as the States duly elected Governor. The three-member tribunal dismissed the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Aminu Bande. Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the March 18 Kebbi gubernatorial election inconclusive owing to massive vote cancellation and overvoting in 20 of the 21 LGAs in the State, after which it fixed April 15 for a supplementary election. At the end of the exercise, Nasiru, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scored 409,225 votes to defeat Bande, who lolled 360,940 votes. Bande however rejected the result and filed a petition before the tribunal. In the petition, the petitioners alleged that there was over-voting in some polling units and that Idris was not qualified to contest the poll. They also alleged that the Deputy Governor, Abubakar Tafida had submitted a fake secondary school testimonial to INEC. However, in the judgment, Ofem Ofem, Chairman of the tribunal, held that the petitioners failed to prove beyond doubt that the third respondent (Abubakar Tafida) presented a fake certificate to INEC. Ofem added that the evidence presented showed that the testimonial in question was duly signed and issued to him by the then principal of Sultan Abubakar College, Sokoto in 1982. READ ALSO: FG Announces N25,000 Grant For Vulnerable Pensioners The tribunal chairman described the documents presented by the petitioners as iron cast evidence saying, we state categorically that the third respondent did not forge certificate. On the issue of over-voting, Ofem said out of the 59 polling units being questioned, irregularities were discovered in nine. The panel deducted 1,735 votes from APC while over 900 votes were also taken away from PDPs results. The Chairman, however, said the deduction of the votes would not affect the margin between the election winner and the runner-up. He added that there was no substantial evidence to prove over-voting and irregularities in other polling units. Ofem further maintained that the petitioners had failed to prove that the Governor did not retire from the state civil service one month before contesting the governorship election. Governor Nasir Idris is duly elected and returned as governor of Kebbi state in the March governorship election held across the state, the tribunal chairman announced. Wole Afolabi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubus lawyer, has posited that a mixup at Chicago State University is the reason Tinubus certificate indicates F meant for a female. The lawyer stated this during an interview on Channels Television when asked why the Presidents certificate carries F. The transcript that was provided by Southwest College indicated F. It was clear. All of the other particulars did match information of President Bola Tinubu. Now, the registrar was interviewed on why the discrepancies. He said the person applying for the school ticked the box of a male not a female and when the admission letter was issued it was issued to Mr Tinubu. When the question was put to Dr West Brown, he said it is not unusual for universities to mix up. He (West Brown) has been to several universities. It is possible, Afolabi said. READ ALSO: Chicago: Stop Chasing Shadows, Start Preparing For 2027, Ex-APC Spokesman Tells Atiku Addressing the discrepancies on the signatures, Afolabi said that certificates were not issued at the time of graduation, until one applied for them. He added that the person who issued the certificate Tinubu submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission might not have been in the university in 1979. The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who is challenging Tinibus victory in the election, had filed case at the District Court, Northern Illinois in the United States which ordered the Chicago State University to release Tinubus academic records to him. Reacting, a former spokesperson for Atiku, Segun Sowunmi, said that they were not sure if Tinubu attended Chicago State University. We have it on record that they are running left and right and cannot own the certificate which says he is female. There is a security number on that certificate linked to a female name. How do we know if he attended the school? Longtime I-House projectionist Robert Cargni was found dead of natural causes at his home on May 1. His life and legacy will be celebrated on Sunday at the Lightbox Film Center. Read more For more than 30 years, Robert Cargni was the man splicing and loading cinema reels inside International House Philadelphia. The longtime projectionist and film curator spent countless hours inside a projection booth overlooking the S.A. Ibrahim Theater, pushing the limits of exhibition and programming. In doing so, he exposed thousands of Philadelphians to the wonderment of independent and foreign films. On May 1, the projectionist was found dead from natural causes inside his Mount Airy home. He had been reported missing. He was 69. A celebration of his life is set for Sunday night at the Lightbox Film Center. Born Robert Cameron Mitchell on Feb. 18, 1954, to parents Charlotte Nitta Cargni Mitchell and Ralph Cameron Mitchell, Cargni grew up in East Portland, Ore., with siblings John, Richard, Carla, and Stephanie. He changed his name to Robert Emilio Cargni sometime in the 1990s to honor his grandmother Emilia Cargni, who helped raise him. Advertisement Their mother took the siblings to see first-run Hollywood films like Lawrence of Arabia, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Guns of Navarone, and others in cinema houses throughout the Portland area. And from there, Cargnis older brother John Mitchell knew this obsession would turn into a career for his brother. He was really into horror and sci-fi movies back then, but you could tell that he was going to somehow parlay his interest in film and cinema into a career, he said. And it really matriculated at the same time he was going to college. While studying cinema studies at Portland State University, Cargni got his first taste of film projection. To fund his education, he took a job as a general manager and projectionist at several local theaters known for showing adult films. His friends jokingly christened him The Porn King, Mitchell said. With no interest in porn, Cargni immersed himself into analog film exhibition and soon earned his stripes as a projectionist and historian of the art form. After graduating from Portland State, he briefly moved to Los Angeles to pursue an entirely different passion: dog grooming. His love of dogs brought him to eastern Pennsylvania, where he met his wife, Elaine Petrov. They got married in 1987, and after she suffered a stroke in 2004, Cargni took on the role as her primary caretaker. He began working at I-House as a projectionist and technical support analyst, and went on to curate various programs at the West Philly cinema hub. He was promoted to associate director in 2014 and continued heading the cinema house until it closed in 2019. Cargni was the heart of the now-defunct cinema at I-House, said cineSPEAK founder Sarah Mueller. As much as he was known for his technical skill, Cargnis enthralling stories, his Sundance chic style, and his willingness to mentor other cinephiles made him a fixture in Phillys indie film community. With his passing, Mueller and others are inspired to carry on his mission and honor his legacy. He cared very deeply and passionately about his craft as a projectionist, and his love for the entire experience of cinema is what really stood out to me, she said. He wasnt somebody who just flicked on the light. He really cared about excellence. Whether you were someone who came to I-House a billion times or were a first-timer, he wanted you to have a good experience. Like Mueller, Lightbox Film Center director Jesse Pires met Cargni at I-House. The two connected through their love of French literature and European film. Pires then came to know of Cargnis major role in shaping Phillys love for films. That and his collection of Ralph Lauren sweaters and polo shirts. He lived the stuff, Pires said. If it wasnt a movie, he would go to a museum or art gallery. He was very much dedicated to this kind of moving image culture. Cargni was also the special programs curator for the America-Italy Society at Penn and cinema project manager at cineSPEAK. His title remains on the organizations website, with the words Our Dearly Beloved Robert Cargni on the team member page. Longtime friend Nicola Gentili said Cargnis index of film knowledge was like nothing hed ever seen, and he never shied away from imparting it to those who shared his love of film. He had such a deep interest in film studies, and he was always ready to support professors, he said. We really enjoyed his company in the classroom. Gentili, an associate director of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, would bring in Cargni to speak to his students. He also would call him to help organize his annual New Italian Cinema festival. But beyond all that, Gentili said he misses having lunch with his dear friend. Just days before Cargni was found dead in his Mount Airy home, he and Gentili planned to meet for lunch at a nearby Italian restaurant. But after waiting nearly an hour for Cargni, Gentili left the eatery. Gentili is still wrapping his head around Cargnis death. Its still very complicated and difficult to digest, Gentili said. It was absolutely unbelievable. In the months since Cargnis unexpected passing, Mitchell said the outpouring of support he and his family have received has been tremendous. Cargni was a modest man, so Mitchell was pleasantly surprised by how many lives were touched by his brother. Now, Mitchell knows his little brother was simply being who he always was: a kindhearted soul with an endless love for storytelling. A celebration of Robert Cargnis life will take place Oct. 8, 5 to 9 p.m., at the Lightbox Film Center, 401 S. Broad St., Phila. Free and open to public. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-the-life-of-robert-cargni-mitchell-tickets-715672053377 (Disclosure: Some current Inquirer staff members are part of cineSPEAKs editorial collective.) A commuter waits for their regional rail train at Jefferson Station in Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. As more workers return to Center City, some commuters complain that SEPTA's less-frequent schedules make it harder to get to the office. Read more On Wednesday morning, SEPTA sent 39 notifications of Regional Rail trains running at least 10 minutes late and warned of potential delays or cancellations on 18 bus and trolley lines due to operator unavailability. Its a gamble trying to catch the bus, said a Pennsylvania state employee from West Philadelphia, who asked to remain nameless out of concern for their job. There were times I would wake up earlier to get an earlier bus, and that wouldnt show up. They have taken a rideshare to work on multiple occasions because their bus route options were canceled or late. Walking to a further bus stop isnt an option because they have a disability. A lifelong bus rider, they said the system was more dependable before COVID-19. You have to laugh to keep from crying, the West Philly bus rider said. People could lose their jobs if theyre late for work. Advertisement In mid-September, Philadelphia offices were fuller than theyve been since early 2020, according to Kastle Systems, which tracks office occupancy using security-card swipe data. Philadelphia offices were about 43% occupied post-Labor Day, peaking on Tuesdays and quietest on Fridays. The uptick is in-line with a nationwide push back to in-person office work. Despite the trend, SEPTA hasnt fully restored service schedules to their pre-pandemic state. So workers are faced not only with resuming their old commute, but often adopting one thats less flexible or less reliable than their pre-pandemic routine. While the transit agency isnt back to 100%, neither are commuters, given that offices are still less than half full. But, at a time when city stakeholders are adamant about reviving weekday activity in the business district, would people be willing to commute more if transit and rail schedules were more robust and reliable? Limited choices leave less room for error SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys and Norristown High Speed Line what the authority refers to as transit are operating at 90% of pre-COVID service levels. Regional Rail is at 77% of pre-COVID service. Ridership is approximately 65% of pre-COVID levels, so there is capacity on the trains and buses that are operating today to carry more riders, SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said. But some riders say the limited choices leave less room for error on days when their ride of choice is canceled, delayed or especially crowded. Regina Vicoli recently tweeted at SEPTA during her morning commute, frustrated that her Trenton Line train was short a few cars, forcing riders to pack in tight. I never tweet, Vicoli said, but I was so angry. Trains are late often enough that she wonders why SEPTA doesnt just change the timetables, said Vicoli, who works at Comcast. Shes noticed not all train doors open at each stop, so it takes longer for passengers to board and exit. (This is because older trains lack automatic doors, and often have too few conductors to manually open all doors, Busch explained.) Some relief came, perhaps ironically, when SEPTA temporarily added capacity to the Trenton, West Trenton, and Fox Chase lines after a portion of I-95 collapsed. It was great, said Vicoli, who normally takes a 6:45 a.m. train, but also had a 7 a.m. option during that time. It was nice having that little buffer, she said, but it was short-lived. For those who stopped commuting for a year or more due to COVID-19, it might be hard to remember what the pre-pandemic options were. SEPTA hasnt shied away from sharing that comparison, providing detailed charts on their website. On Regional Rail, where departure times were already less frequent than other modes, several lines show continued lower service levels compared to early 2020, especially during morning and evening rush hour. Between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., the Manayunk/Norristown Line went from 15 trains pre-COVID to nine now. The Media/Wawa and Lansdale/Doylestown Lines went from 15 trains to 10 during the same three-hour window. Chestnut Hill West went from 10 trains to eight. Our schedule is terrible, said a Mount Airy resident who works for the city and asked not to be named so as to not compromise their employment. If you miss the 8:17 theres not another train until around 9. SEPTAs challenges Like any public transit system, SEPTA suffers from delays and disruptions the system cannot control, like weather or police activity. But understaffing and old equipment also play a role. Regardless of the reason, anxious commuters frequently mention the @SEPTA_SOCIAL customer service account on X (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter) alongside concerns about getting to work on time. The transportation system, meanwhile, is facing its own ticking clocks. SEPTA is approaching a huge budget deficit next year that will cause major service reductions and fare increases, unless leadership can secure new sources of government funding. The system is also negotiating contracts with multiple unions at one time, including the 4,500-member Transport Workers Union Local 234, which voted to authorize a strike if they dont get a contract by the end of this month. Regional Rail conductors and engineers have been working without a contract for months. SEPTA wants to avoid a work stoppage, but CEO Leslie S. Richards has said meeting the unions requests is difficult with such an uncertain financial future. Our focus remains on reaching an agreement before the current contract expires, spokesperson Busch said Thursday. The union and management agree that SEPTA needs to hire more people. Busch noted that Like many large employers, staffing continues to be a challenge, that impacts current service levels. For example, SEPTA currently employs 2,540 bus operators, but is budgeted for 2,700 people in that role. SEPTA takes staffing into account when planning schedules, Busch said, but individual absences are unpredictable. One bus operator absence may only affect one trip, leaving several more options in the same hour. But SEPTAs systems currently dont allow it to announce which individual bus is canceled, only that the whole line may be impacted, leaving riders in the dark about their remaining options. Busch said theyre working on new web features so riders can more easily track buses by GPS. On Regional Rail, understaffing and equipment are challenges. Two-thirds of the fleet dates back to the Nixon administration, Busch said, noting SEPTAs historically low capital funding levels compared to peer agencies. Not only do they lack features that speed up service, like automatic doors, but they break down more easily. When that happens delays start to cascade through the system, Busch said. Without newer equipment some of these issues are unavoidable. It would be nice if it was more frequent SEPTA is making efforts to solve its staffing issues, Busch said. Theyve been holding job fairs and partnering with community organizations to find new hires, and expanded training class sizes for bus operators and Regional Rail trainees, he said. Union leaders say better pay and more predictable work schedules would help. Right now, were at a pivot point; negotiations can go either way. Its also a pivotal time for SEPTA, TWU Local 234 president Brian Pollitt recently told The Inquirer. In the longer term, SEPTA wants to take hybrid schedules and more flexible work arrangements into account, bulking up midday, evening and weekend service. Its part of a larger strategic plan, to be more useful to more people, pillared by projects whose names evoke substantial transformation, like Bus Revolution and Reimagining Regional Rail. Meanwhile, Philly employers and Center City stakeholders are eager to get more workers back into downtown offices. Most of Comcasts 8,000-person Center City workforce is now coming in four days a week, up from three in the prior year. Center City District has been holding free events like pop-up concerts and ping pong tournaments to celebrate the return of office workers. Its been busier, said Le Ma, a neuroscientist at Thomas Jefferson University, who worked in person through the COVID shutdowns. Hes seen a gradual increase in office workers on the Lansdale/Doylestown Line for a while, with a bigger uptick more recently. But its still not like pre-COVID times, he said. Even though trains arent overly crowded under the current schedule, Ma added, It would be nice if it was more frequent. Gibran Washington, 39, is the new CEO of the cannabis company Ethos, which is headquartered in Philadelphia. Read more A Philly guy by way of Florida is stepping up to lead a local large player in cannabis, as the industry works to make its ownership and executive leadership more diverse. Gibran Washington, 39, has been named the new CEO of Ethos, a vertically integrated, multistate operator headquartered in Philadelphia, the company announced this week. Founded in 2019, Ethos operates 13 dispensaries across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Massachusetts, including two in Philadelphia. It also operates three large cultivation facilities, with its Pennsylvania growing outpost sitting in the former U.S. Steels Fairless Works in Fairless Hills, Bucks County. The promotion makes Washington among the first Black CEOs to lead a cannabis company of that scale. He said his appointment comes at the right time, as in recent years marijuana legalization has seen an increased focus on social justice related to the impacts of the war on drugs, which has disproportionately impacted Black communities. Being an African American is a huge responsibility to be in this industry, Washington said. We understand how this issue was used to disenfranchise us for so long, to vilify us, and put us in these boxes where we were lesser than. Still, the legal and medical marijuana industries remain dominated by white executives and owners. According to a 2021 Business Insider analysis, white men make up 70% of C-suite positions at the 14 largest publicly traded marijuana companies, with just 7% of executives surveyed identifying as Black. And according to a 2017 Marijuana Business Daily study, vertically integrated cannabis companies ones that cultivate, process, and sell their own marijuana like Ethos have about 12.3% of executive positions filled by individuals who identified as being from a nonwhite demographic. Ownership of cannabis companies is even lower, with less than 2% of the 30,000 marijuana businesses nationwide having Black owners, according to a 2021 survey from Leafly. Advertisement As a result of those trends, Washington called his role as CEO of Ethos a heavy responsibility. But it also presents possibilities. Its giving me the opportunity to create and change the narrative around this plant, my culture, and maybe some of the story that has been told over the last hundred years, Washington said. As with many marijuana industry leaders, Washingtons path to big weed was somewhat nontraditional. Raised in Jacksonville, Fla., by a family who hails from Germantown, where he spent summers and holidays as a kid, Washington spent more than a decade as an executive in the restaurant and hospitality industry before joining Ethos as vice president of retail, wholesale, and supply chain operations in September 2022. A year later, he was named CEO. In many ways, that quick upward trajectory, Washington said, was a result of his longtime understanding of cannabis from the legacy side of the market. As a teenager, his parents had a more permissive attitude about marijuana than alcohol, and his late father, a former vice president of organization at Blue Cross Blue Shield, used cannabis to manage symptoms during a bout with cancer in the early 2000s. I always had that experience that an executive of a large national company could be in a boardroom and also use cannabis at the same time, Washington said. That made me look at cannabis a little different. So did his late brother, who lost his life in the arena of cannabis, as Washington put it. Washingtons brother, Garrett, was deeply involved in the legacy market, and was ultimately killed in a 2008 North Carolina shooting in what police at the time said was an attempted robbery turned deadly. No charges were filed in relation to Garretts death, but the man who killed him pleaded guilty to federal drug charges. Washington said he remembers his brother as a brilliant, kind man who didnt reflect the negative stereotypes with which marijuana has historically been associated. And with marijuana now legal in many states, and Washington leading a large cannabis company, the societal changes around the drug are not lost on him. It is something that I will never forget that I hold a position that my brother was killed for, Washington said. That is something that is very powerful to think about, day in, day out. I am doing something that 15 years ago cost him his life. Washington has big plans for Ethos. The company plans to reimagine and renovate its dispensaries, introduce new lines and forms of products such as edibles, and continue its research partnership with Thomas Jefferson University. Announced in 2020, that partnership was the countrys first state-authorized medical marijuana research program. As The Inquirer previously reported, it is funded by Ethos to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, and has conducted a number of studies and surveys looking at medical marijuanas impact on the quality of life of patients, their experiences with patient certifications, and other factors. Upcoming studies, Washington said, will look at cannabis impact on treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and pain. The Jefferson partnership, Washington said, is something of a passion project for Ethos. The goal, he added, is to increase knowledge about marijuana and its uses in order to build an appropriate place in society for the drug. As Washington put it, that undertaking has already begun at Ethos. He expects more progress in that mission. In 2024, we got next, he said. In June 2023, Gov. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., signed into law Senate Bill 397, which establishes parameters for state and local entities using facial recognition technology and requirements for technology providers. While well intentioned to guard against potential misuse of the technology, the specifics were not considered carefully enough regarding their impact on safety and public welfare in our state. As a Montana landowner, a former commanding officer of the New York City Police Departments Central Investigations Division and Real Time Crime Center and a current member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Crime Prevention Committee, I am concerned with the direction Montana is taking regarding biometric technology tools used by law enforcement agencies. Ive overseen this technology, created agency policies and procedural rules for use and helped develop national guidelines. These investigative tools are not government surveillance. Reasonable policies could ensure that they are never adapted for that purpose. But overreach in the new law unnecessarily ties the hands of law enforcement by prohibiting proven methods to fight crime. Following the dramatic rise of fentanyl flowing into the state and Gianfortes fentanyl and opioid crisis declaration for Butte-Silver Bow County in 2022, other new laws were enacted this year to impose penalties specifically for fentanyl trafficking. Yet Senate Bill 397 eliminated the ability of investigators to use facial recognition software tools to help identify the perpetrators. In fact, the narrow circumstances under which use of the technology is permitted exclude offenses involving distribution of dangerous drugs and related gang activity, sexual assault, arson, burglary, criminal trespassing and even crimes against public administration such as bribery, perjury or corrupt influence by elected officials. Investigating such crimes routinely requires identifying an unknown person of interest from evidence like cell phone photos or security video. Using facial recognition software can increase the speed and accuracy of this process by generating leads from comparison with an available database. It might even be the only way to ultimately solve a case, especially if it involves a complex web of accomplices. But for many serious crimes under the new law, investigators are arbitrarily limited to other, less effective, means of accomplishing this task that are slower and less accurate. Astonishingly, the new law would also delay efforts to identify missing, incapacitated or deceased persons by requiring a court order for use of facial recognition technology in those situations where there is a welfare concern and time is critical a needless restriction that provides zero public benefit. The measure also essentially bans third-party tools with the technology by imposing an impossible requirement for obtaining written consent from all individuals in the images compared. To make matters worse, the bill also requires court approval for any use of the technology in criminal investigations. Such a prerequisite for simply generating leads is the nonsensical equivalent of requiring a warrant for soliciting tips from the public by posting the same photo on social media or in the local news. It is entirely possible to reach the intended goal of protecting Montana citizens and our privacy without eliminating the use of proven, beneficial applications of this technology to help keep violent criminals off our streets and reduce drug trafficking and other gang activity in our state. Now, more than ever, we should be supporting our law enforcement officers and actively working to combat crime, rather than taking steps backward on both fronts. Im thankful that the Montana Legislatures Law and Justice Interim Committee has decided to conduct a review concerning facial recognition technology before the next legislative session. I hope that input from law enforcement professionals and other stakeholders with expertise on the technology is sought and considered and that sensible ways can be found to fix flaws in the new law that will result in lasting public safety impact and harm to Montanans if left unaddressed. Josh Kruger, left, then-communications director of the Office of Homeless Services at City of Philadelphia, at a protest in January 2020. Read more Philadelphia police have issued an arrest warrant for a 19-year-old man they believe killed Josh Kruger, the local journalist fatally shot in his home earlier this week, officials said Friday. Police are searching for Robert Davis, who investigators believe was an acquaintance of Krugers before he allegedly shot him multiple times Monday morning inside his Point Breeze home. The warrant includes charges for murder and related crimes, police said. Davis remains at large. Lt. Hamilton Marshmond of the Homicide Unit said Kruger, 39, had been trying to help Davis, who was facing various troubles including homelessness. He was just trying to help him get through life, Marshmond said. Advertisement For reasons that remain unclear, Marshmond said, detectives believe Davis entered Krugers home just before 1:30 a.m., then shot him multiple times at the base of his stairs. Kruger ran outside screaming for help, but collapsed in the sidewalk. Officers rushed him to the hospital, but he died shortly after arrival. Marshmond said the motive for the killing remains under investigation, and its unclear how Davis got into Krugers home, which showed no signs of forced entry. He said video of Davis near the area at the time of the shooting, and tips from Krugers friends and family about their earlier interactions led investigators to him. Davis last known address was on the 1600 block of South Ringgold Street, police said, just a few blocks from Krugers home on the 2300 block of Watkins Street. Marshmond said Davis was known to police and had been arrested before, but declined to elaborate on officers earlier interactions with him. Court records show that Davis was arrested in August and charged with criminal trespassing and mischief, but the District Attorneys Office withdrew the charges at a preliminary hearing the following month. Jane Roh, a spokesperson for the DAs Office, said Davis was arrested after a Navy Yard security guard observed him acting erratically in a section of the facility he wasnt permitted to be in. But the security guard did not have paid time off to testify at future proceedings, Roh said, and after he failed to appear at a hearing, prosecutors dropped the charges. One law enforcement source, who requested anonymity to discuss the investigation, said detectives believe the killing was domestic in nature, and said Kruger and Davis had previously been in a relationship. And the person of interest police had identified earlier this week a man who friends said had broken into Krugers home before ended up being cleared, and additional evidence ultimately led detectives to Davis. Krugers death left many in the city heartbroken. He was a revered advocate for people experiencing homeless and addiction hardships he had faced in his life. He worked as a spokesperson in the Citys Office of Homeless Services before returning to freelance journalism in recent years. An openly queer and HIV-positive journalist, he wrote for multiple news outlets, including The Inquirer, weighing in on issues affecting the LGBTQ community, harm reduction services, and city and state politics. Josh deserved to write the ending of his personal story, District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement. A celebration of life and tribute to Kruger has been scheduled for the afternoon of Oct. 29, at William Way LGBT Community Center. A long-awaited report found that there was no intentional bias in the Philadelphia School District's treatment of Black and other minority-led charter schools. The African American Charter Schools Coalition still has significant concerns about the district and school board. Families and students who support the AACSC are shown in this June file photo, rallying in front of school district headquarters against closure of any minority-led charters. Read more The question, posed by a group of charter schools, has been hanging over the school systems head for nearly two years: Does the Philadelphia School District engage in racial discrimination against its Black-led charters? The investigation report, finally released to the public Friday, answered: It does not. There were no intentional acts of racial discrimination or bias, based on the race of a charter school leader, committed by any members of the Board of Education, School Reform Commission, or the Charter Schools Office, it read. But the 132-page report, compiled by Ballard Spahr lawyers led by former city solicitor Marcel Pratt, comes with many asterisks some of which speak more to the way Pennsylvanias charter law is structured than the districts own processes and recommendations for changes moving forward. Advertisement While not overtly discriminatory toward Black charters, the evidence showed that the district was aware for several years that charter schools led by people of color, including Black-led charter schools, encountered unique challenges under its regulatory processes, and that the district took no meaningful actions to address internal or external concerns until the public calls for this investigation, the investigators wrote. Further, the report concluded, a number of other charter authorizing issues, such as inherent conflicts of interest for the district, low transparency, and a lack of training on implicit bias and antiracism for high-ranking decision makers, contributed to concerns of racial bias and inequity. Heres a primer on the how the report came about, its conclusions, and whats next. How did we get here? In 2020, the African African American Charter Schools Coalition formed, a group of 17 schools banding together to highlight problems they saw in the sector and to advocate for solutions. Our schools have collectively dealt with racism, inequity, and biases when it comes to our schools oversight, expansion, and renewal opportunities, Naomi Johnson Booker, a leader of the group, longtime city educator, and founder of two charters, said in 2020. In December 2021, the school board commissioned the investigation, saying it took the allegations seriously and valued the work and voices of its minority-led charters. Coalition leaders and others in the community have been unhappy with the slow pace of the investigation, going so far as to hold a public rally in June calling for the release of the report. State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams (D., Phila.) suggested there the state withhold district funding until it was released. Reginald Streater, the school board president, said the investigation was not final until recently, and that it took so long because of the sheer size of the district, its 83-school charter sector, and the number of people involved in the investigation. (Current and former board members, as well as former School Reform Commission members were all interviewed, as were those involved with existing and closed charter schools, though some declined to participate.) The report is dated Aug. 31. It was released Friday. What were the African American Charter Schools Coalitions specific allegations? In Pennsylvania, charter schools are authorized by local school boards, and operate independently, with taxpayer money, though they are subject to oversight and evaluation by the districts charter office which reports to the school board. The coalition said the board, and its predecessor, the SRC, disproportionately targeted Black-led charter schools for closure, and generally treated minority-led schools unfairly during the authorization and renewal processes. What did the investigation find? Though the topline finding was no bias, the report noted that between 2010 and 2021, eight of the 13 schools the district moved to not renew or revoke were Black-led. (Such processes include lengthy proceedings, days of hearings, and voluminous evidence. All were closed, the district said, for academic, financial and operational shortcomings.) As early as 2017, the district acknowledged internally that it was moving to close minority-led charters at a concerning rate, but investigators found no evidence that any steps were taken to address the disparity. The report also noted that the district uses so-called surrender clauses with minority-led charters more than other schools. Those clauses require the charter organization to give up its charter if the school board finds the school does not meet conditions of the charter, without possibility for appeal. Schools with fewer resources and less bargaining power are more likely to accept such clauses and a surrender clause insulates the Board of Educations later nonrenewal or revocation decisions from appellate scrutiny. Transparency issues and communications around charter authorizing practices are a weak spot, the report found, and Black-led charters often do not trust the district. It is reasonable for some Black-led charter schools to question authorizing practices that could offer additional transparency, said the report. What recommendations does the report make? Investigators made several recommendations. The first calling on the district to petition Harrisburg lawmakers to hold hearings on possible changes to the charter school law that might result in an independent charter authorizer gets at significant concerns raised regarding the inherent conflicts of interest present in a system in which the same entity serves as the charter school authorizer/evaluator/funder, and a competitor to charter schools. Investigators also suggested the board separate its charter schools office into two separate offices, one that handles charter-school authorizing and another that handles charter support. The report also calls for different hearing officers to be used for charter nonrenewal processes, and giving charters a voice in how hearing officers are selected. It calls for implicit bias training and equity audits of how charter renewals, evaluations and nonrenewals work. It called for more transparency in the charter school renewal process and more opportunities for charter schools to be heard before nonrenewal happens. What does the school board say about the report? Streater said in an interview that he was pleased and relieved that the report confirms the boards long-held position there is no intentional or systemic discrimination against Black-led charters. But he stopped short of endorsing the report fully, and said some of its recommendations like the board going to Harrisburg to advocate for an independent charter authorizer seem unlikely to happen. Still, he said, the board and district have and will continue to engage with the coalition and hope to improve relations. Theres still work to be done. Historically in the city of Philadelphia, weve been on a journey around charter schools. This is another piece of a mosaic of the puzzle to move the conversation forward, said Streater. What does the African American Charter Schools Coalition think about the report? Dawn Chavous, a spokesperson for the coalition, took the report as a vindication of her groups assertions. The report demonstrates that the district representatives ignored internal and external concerns regarding the effect of the Charter Schools Offices authorization practices on minority and Black-led charter schools, Chavous said in a statement. The report also identifies an inherent conflict of interest with the district serving as the authorizer and evaluator of public charter schools. Chavous questioned delays in the reports release, which she said brings into question its ability to act in good faith with any remediation processes. Going forward, the coalition demands to drive the process for restructuring the public charter school authorization system, along with our partners at the state and local level, Chavous said. How much did the investigation cost the district? Ballard Spahr provided its services pro bono, but the district paid $55,000 for a racial equity analysis by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity, at Ballards request, which informed the report. Bruce Springsteen performs with Steven Van Zandt (right) and drummer Max Weinberg (left) during the Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band 2023 tour stop at the Wells Fargo Center in Phila., Pa. on Thurs., March 16, 2023. Read more Bruce Springsteen has announced rescheduled tour dates in 2024 for concerts that he postponed because he is suffering from peptic ulcer disease. The new dates with the E Street Band begin with a show in Phoenix on March 19 and continue in arenas though April 21 in Columbus, Ohio. After a four-month break, the U.S. tour with then pick up on Aug. 15 and 18, before the Boss arrives back in Philadelphia for two shows at Citizens Bank Park on Aug. 21 and 23. Those Philadelphia shows are previously-announced make-up dates for the two concerts this past August that Springsteen called off only hours before showtime when it was announced he had been taken ill. Springsteen and the band did played a Philadelphia show earlier this year, when they rocked a sold-out Wells Fargo Center in March. No other details were announced at the time, but when he later called off all of his September shows, the Jersey rocker released a statement that read: Over here on E Street, were heartbroken to have to postpone these shows. First, apologies to our fabulous Philly fans who we missed a few weeks ago. Well be back to pick these shows up and then some. Thank you for your understanding and support. This new run of shows are the first for Springsteen and the E Streeters to be announced for 2024, other than the Citizens Bank Park dates. It is expected that a European stadium tour will be mounted in the spring and early summer in the gap between the U.S. shows, with speculation among fans that next years tour will mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 release of his blockbuster album Born in the U.S.A. In other Springsteen news, the Boss will return to his side gig as DJ on Sirius / XM radio on Monday when the first new episode of his From My Home To Yours show will air on his E Street Radio channel at 9 a.m. on Monday. He recorded 29 previous episodes during the pandemic from April 2020 to Oct. 2021. Ticket information for Springsteen and the E Street Bands 2024 shows at Citizens Bank Park is at phillies.com/springsteen. Three years after it closed during the pandemic, High Street is back in a larger, more ambitious setting, and six blocks from where it began. The restaurant has taken the corner space at the Franklin Residences at Ninth and Chestnut Streets with new features, including a glassed-in pastry shop, a 14-seat bar, and a private dining room. High Streets name is a subtle change from its opening in 2013 as High Street on Market. (High Street was Market Streets colonial name.) Business partners Ellen Yin, chef Eli Kulp, and Roberto Sella intending it as a casual sibling of Fork restaurant next door in Old City set the table, as it were, for the current generation of all-day cafes, like Talulas Daily and Telas Market. But the pandemic threatened its future. Yin and partners, saying they faced a 50% rise in rent, elected to close the location, at 308 Market St., in the summer of 2020. They eventually relocated the High Street bakery and a small grab-and-go section to a small storefront on the Ninth Street side of the Franklin Residences, adjacent to the current location. Also during the pandemic, they closed a second High Street location, in New York City. Advertisement High Street, in the space formerly housing Sandlers, is reviving the original format: baking program in the morning; sandwiches, salads, pastas, and house-made breads using locally milled flour and grains for lunch; and a full-service restaurant at dinner. New in head baker Delilah Pergolas shop will be pizza and baking classes, private events in a 35-seat private dining room, and eventually cocktail seating in the Franklins historic lobby. Brunch will begin in mid-October. Meg Rodgers of Marguerite Rodgers Ltd., who designed the original as well as such iconic restaurants as the original Striped Bass and Rouge, worked on this one. She repurposed some items, such as the front table and wind vane, and in a tough spot in the dining room, installed a table seating three people, a rarity in an industry that tends to count by twos. After opening the Ninth Street bakery and to-go section two years ago, Yin said her old customers as well as new neighbors embraced it. Its close by to our customer base, and I feel like this particular neighborhood has so much potential, she said. Jefferson [Hospital] has grown so much. You see people investing in Chestnut Street and new businesses are popping up everywhere. An unabashed Philadelphia civic booster, Yin likes what she calls this very high traffic corner where you have patients and their families who may be looking for something, and neighbors that dont [want] to cross over Broad Street. There also is a parking lot across the street, a convenience not as readily available in Old City. High Streets menu also has evolved and gone lighter. Less esoteric is how Yin described it, using a term written by Inquirer critic Craig LaBan in his 2014 rave review. Chef Christina McKeoughs menu is anchored by locally sourced grains made into pizzas, pastas, and breads snacky, family-style, comforting plates. People are looking for small snacks and a great beverage program. McKeough worked at Fork back in 2004, before she became a general manager at the late Django in Queen Village and then left to open her own restaurant in the Finger Lakes (hence, the American wine list and bar, set up in conjunction with a.kitchens Frank Kinyon). She has a really good pulse on what is modern, elegant, and sophisticated, and I think thats always been what we try to be: simple but yet understated, Yin said. High Street, 101 S. Ninth St. Current restaurant hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bakery/grab-and-go hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Two nurses at the outpatient clinics associated with Temple University Hospital filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court claiming they weren't paid overtime. Read more A lawsuit alleging unpaid overtime filed last week by the nurses who staff the outpatient clinics of Temple University Hospital suggests tensions are escalating as their union and the health systems management negotiate a new contract. In a class-action lawsuit filed in federal court, two nurses say Temple broke employment law by not paying them overtime. The civil case alleges that when nurses documented overtime, they were criticized and even disciplined by managers for not completing the tasks during shift hours. The litigation comes as Temple nurses previous 3-year contract expired on Sept. 30. The two sides are far from agreeing on key points, including nurses demands for increased staffing, members of the union bargaining team said. The outpatient clinics roughly 80 nurses are represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, the union that separately represents more than 2,000 nurses and other health-care workers who staff Temple hospital. Advertisement A spokesperson for the hospital said Temple does not comment on ongoing litigation. In addition, the hospital declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations. READ MORE: Nurses, techs decry Temple Hospital decision to move the employee health clinic from its main campus. Nurses told The Inquirer that since the onset of the pandemic, their offices have steadily lost nurses and support staff. While many of those positions remained vacant, the number of patients has increased. Administrative tasks such as typing notes into patient charts and getting prior authorization for prescriptions from insurance companies have become impossible to complete during their shift hours, leaving many to work off the clock. Laura Fish, an obstetrics nurse, cant remember the last time she took a lunch break. She isnt paid for the 30-minute period but she feels that she has to work, and is frustrated that the hospitals management doesnt seem to understand why. Of course, I didnt take my lunch break, literally when would I have done that? she said of her thinking in a recent bargaining session. Youre the one who assigned me three jobs. Other nurses said they regularly work after they clocked out, or on weekend and vacation. They feel management discourages them from reporting those overtime hours. One of the nurses who sued, Jennifer Malloy, is a nurse-practitioner at an HIV clinic. Many of her patients also suffer from addiction and have other health concerns, and managing their care takes time. When she complained to management that she has to work around the clock, she felt dismissed and ended up with a larger case load. That was a big tipping point, Malloy said. Calls for more nursing staff Staffing levels has been a point of contention in contract negotiations and a motivation for nurses to unionize in hospitals across the city, including those affiliated with Temple. The outpatient nurses plight at Temple is the latest example. Roughly 30% of direct-care nursing positions in Pennsylvania hospitals are vacant, according to a 2022 survey by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. Unions advocating for nurses and researchers who study the health-care workforce cite understaffing as a main cause of burnout thats leading some to leave bedside jobs. Kim Brawner, a nurse-practitioner in the endocrine unit who treats patients with diabetes, has been at Temple for less than a year. She jokes that shes the baby among more veteran nurses, but Brawner already feels tired and overworked. She commonly finds herself alone at the clinic after 5 p.m., because medical assistants and front desk staff are instructed to leave when their shift hours are over. I cant just leave my patients sitting there, she said. Fish, the obstetrics nurse, welcomed the lawsuit as a way to make sure a future contract is enforced. She also hopes it makes management pay more attention to the nurses concerns I feel optimistic about it, Fish said. Its the right thing to do. Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson, who was staff physician at Tuskegee Institute, inspired the Peoples' Dispensary workshop by the Friends of the Tanner House. The workshop will deal with community-centered health care. She was a sister of the artist, Henry Ossawa Tanner. Read more This Sunday, the Friends of the Tanner House will launch the Peoples Dispensary, the first of a series of arts-inspired community gatherings, to ask North Philadelphia residents to envision the kinds of programs and activities they would like to see at a restored Henry Ossawa Tanner House in the future. Qiaira Riley, the artist partner working with the Friends group, said she wanted to plan the community gatherings by focusing on different members of the Tanner family. The Tanner House, named a National Historic Landmark mainly because of the achievements of Henry Ossawa Tanner, an internationally acclaimed artist, is at 2908 W. Diamond St. in the citys Strawberry Mansion section. As she prepared for the community gatherings, Riley learned more about Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson, one of the artists sisters. She was the staff physician at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama between 1891 and 1894. Advertisement Riley learned that Dillon Johnson was making speeches and writing journal articles decrying the health disparities and diseases that plagued the local Black residents living in the community around the school at the dawn of the 20th century. Many are still relevant today. ...This project centers the specific ways Black folks have shaped and reshaped Philadelphia through their cultural contributions. Christopher R. Rogers In addition to being responsible for the health care of the students and faculty, Dillon Johnson started a nursing school on campus and also opened the Lafayette Dispensary to provide health care to local residents. She was also known for making her own medicines. She was doing research and writing about poor health conditions, Riley said. And a lot of Black women in Philadelphia today are making herbal medicines. In Alabama, Dillon would become the first woman of any ethnicity to be certified to practice medicine in the state after passing a grueling 10-day medical board examination. The exams were described by the New York Times as unusually severe. The young doctor, then known as Halle Tanner Dillon, had graduated with honors from Womans Medical College of Pennsylvania, and was the only Black woman in its Class of 1891. In 1894, Tanner Dillon, then a young widow, married John Quincy Johnson, a minister and mathematics teacher at Tuskegee. The couple, who would later have three sons, left Alabama the year after they married when Johnson was named president of Allen University in Columbia, S.C. Eventually the family moved to Nashville, where Dillon Johnson died in 1901 of dysentery and childbirth complications. She was 37. The issue of Black women and maternal health care is an important topic today. Thus, the community engagement seminar was inspired by the life and work of Dillon Johnson. The Peoples Dispensary will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Hatfield House, 33rd Street and West Girard Avenue in Fairmount Park. Embodying a beloved community The gathering will begin with a yoga session followed by a drum circle while food is served, Riley said. There will be workshops on family genealogy, farming, birth work (or how to become a doula), herbal medicine, and more. Art experiences will include floral arrangement and aromatherapy activities. With Tanner family stories serving as models of possibility and reflection, this project centers the specific ways Black folks have shaped and reshaped Philadelphia through their cultural contributions, said Christopher R. Rogers, a project lead for the Tanner House and a research fellow at the Center for Preservation of Civil Rights Sites at the University of Pennsylvania. While the Peoples Dispensary program on Sunday is free, participants are asked to register here. tannerhousefriends.ticketleap.com The individual workshops are limited to 20 participants each. The event is also sponsored by the Strawberry Mansion Civic Association, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and the Center for Preservation of Civil Rights Sites (CPCRS) at the University of Pennsylvania. READ MORE: Emergency stabilization work finally begins at the historic Henry Ossawa Tanner House There will be a second Friends of the Tanner House community arts program, Plastic on the Sofa, from 1 to 3 p.m. the following Saturday, Oct. 14, at Treehouse Books, 1430 Susquehanna Ave. This community gathering will explore the role of the Black home in contemporary art. It will include an artist talk and collage workshop. People can register here for the Oct. 14 workshop. The series of community workshops is funded by a $150,000 planning grant the Mellon Foundation awarded to Friends of Tanner House and the CPCRS in May 2023. Were asking people to give us insight about what they see as opportunities to embody a beloved community so that we may reflect those strategies and perspectives in how we pursue the physical revitalization of the Henry Ossawa Tanner House and Friends of the Tanner House programming, Rogers said. The Friends of the Tanner House organized in 2021 to raise money to have stabilization work done on the historic house after city officials declared it so badly deteriorated that it was in danger of being demolished. Lamar Gore, manager of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, listens to birds sing. Read more Large raptors like bald eagles to the tiny tufted titmouse can be spotted in the city. Cardinals, mourning doves, and goldfinches all call Philly home. Ever thought of getting into birding, but dont have a clue where, how or when to begin? Dont know an American redstart from a Common yellowthroat? Audubon Mid-Atlantics second annual Philly Birding Weekend that runs Oct. 13-15 with 15 tours within the city might be a good way to learn. The event serves as a fundraiser for Audubons free educational programming at the Discovery Center in East Fairmount Park. It draws seasoned birders and offers an opportunity for new birders to learn. Where are the tours? Tours take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Belmont Plateau, FDR Park and other locations such as the Navy Yard, a new spot this year. Other tour locations include East Fairmount Park, Woodlands Cemetery, Center City, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Houston Meadow, Strawberry Mansion, Pennypack on the Delaware, and Morris Arboretum. Suzanne Biemiller, executive director of Audubon Mid-Atlantic, which hosts the event, said 93 bird species were identified during the inaugural birding weekend of nine tours in 2022. Advertisement The 2022 event really exceeded our expectations Biemiller said, noting that the majority of tours sold out. It was especially gratifying for our mission as an organization that many of the people who came to the tours were first time birders. Some didnt have binoculars with them. But they said, I want to try this and see whats in my backyard. The event also drew people who live outside the city. Whats new this year? As a result of the success, six new tours were added for 2023. Audubon Mid-Atlantic is also hosting a photography contest over the weekend, and a Tally Rally at the Discovery Center to celebrate with food and local craft beer. The event has drawn enough attention that this years tour of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is already sold out. Tickets for tours range from $30 to $45 depending on whether a location requires an entrance fee or equipment is needed, such as with a paddle tour at the Discover Center. Audubon officials encourage participants to register early online. Participants can sign up to borrow binoculars during registration. Biemiller said the events were all kept within Philadelphias borders to show people how many bird species call the city home or migrate through and to keep tours contained geographically. Were still in out infancy with this, Biemiller said. We didnt want to get logistically spread too thin. She calls Philadelphia a prime location for bird watching. We welcome all to attend, Biemiller said, especially those who may never have been birding before. How long is a tour? Jim Rapp, who lives in Maryland and co-led some of last years tours, said Philly Birding Weekend sold 162 tickets in 2022 to 125 people, some of whom took several tours. Sales so far are matching that pace, if not exceeding it. He said tours usually last about 2 1/2 hours. He co-led a tour last year at Woodland Cemetery and called it brilliant. Overall, participants saw plenty of songbirds and raptors in heavily wooded sites, Rapp said. Im excited this year that we added a couple of trips, for instance, at Pennypack on the Delaware so well actually be out on the waterfront with more opportunity for water birds. Im anticipating a bigger species list this year. Last year, the group spotted great blue herons, great egrets, mallards, and other species. Rapp noted a tour of Center City bird collision monitoring will be led by Keith Russell, a program manager at Audubon Mid-Atlantic, and starts 5:30 a.m. Bird collisions have made news in the past, especially one on Oct. 2, 2020, that left an estimated 1,500 birds killed after colliding with skyscrapers and other buildings in a small section of Center City. READ MORE: Phillys Sister Cities Cafe is trying to save birds from fatally crashing into its windows The mass kill gave rise to a new organization, Bird Safe Philly, and a voluntary program for building owners to turn off, or turn down, lights at night so as to limit the attraction to birds. When Nick Maiale Jr. of Lil' Nick's Deli asked Kristi Giancaterino to marry him, a sandwich, named the Kristi, was part of the proposal. Sandwiches were only named after family members so she knew the proposal was next. They clown around as Nick takes a knee for the photo. He did not go down on a knee for the actual proposal. Read more Danny DiGiampietro, owner of Angelos Pizzeria in South Philly, occasionally delegates the duty of naming his latest culinary creation to social media. DiGiampietro will be bombarded with suggestions and more than a few requests from customers convinced he should just go ahead and name it after them. People get excited about it, DiGiampietro said, of the allure of having a sandwich named after you. Im not giving a presidential pardon, but people wear it like a badge of honor. In Phillys food and restaurant scene, naming a sandwich, drink, or dish after someone is rarely an honor doled out willy-nilly. These appetizing appellations are more often reserved for loved ones and lost ones. For patrons who not only fill a stool but fill out the character of a corner bar. Often, its a matter of tradition. Sometimes it takes a betrothal. READ MORE: The 2023 Inquirer Dining Guide Advertisement DiGiampietro, who opened his shop in 2019, turned to the internet because he had run out of family members to name his food after. On his menu, theres the Big Lou, a white pie named for Louis Sarcone Sr. of Sarcones Bakery, the late grandfather of DiGiampietros wife, Lauren, and a mentor. The Looch, a spicy chicken cutlet sandwich, named for his daughter, Luciana. The eponymous Moms and Pops hoagies. (His son, Angelo, already has his name on the sign.) By this point, pretty much everyone on both sides of the family are represented in cured and fried meats and pizza, DiGiampietro said. At Pastificio Deli in Packer Park, owners Anthony Messina and Frankie Sangiuliano adhere to an only family rule. Almost. An exception is The Cug. This mozzarella and eggplant sandwich is named after Danny Mondello, a Staten Island food influencer whose Meals_by_cug TikTok account has over a million followers. In 2022, Mondello posted a get well video for Messinas son, Salvatore, 21, diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, but now is in remission. Hes just a really good guy, Messina said of Cug. In Fishtown, Cara Jo Castellinos self-named corner shop, Castellinos Italian Market, has been described as among the high practitioners of mindful hoagie art. Castellino, 35, who grew up in an Italian enclave in Pittston, Pa., named her spicy tuna hoagie Aunt Lucy, after the woman who taught her to cook. She was hands down the best chef Ive ever known, Castellino said of the late Lucille Anzalone. Philly musical pride runs deep through the menu at Down North Pizza in North Philadelphia. Owner Muhammad Abdul-Hadi and executive chef Mike Carter name their pizzas after Philly hip-hop songs. The No Betta Love with four cheeses and Norf sauce. The Break You Off with lamb sausage and lemon Ricotta. The Yeah Thats Us BBQ chicken pie. We wanted to make our menu a soundtrack to our lives, Carter said. Theres no single path toward memorialization in menu. Some sandwiches honor hoagie heroes. Theres The Henry at Dolores 2Street in Pennsport. Father and son owners Peter and Nick Miglino named their veggie offering with panko-crusted zucchini after Henry George, late owner of long-gone Chickies, often hailed as the perfecter of the meatless hoagie. Henry was king, said Peter Miglino. Some reference customers who still manage to make a mark. Like The Squawking Pigeon at Gleaners Cafe in the Italian Market. Owner Steve Hencheck named the cafes cream cheese, red onion, and marinated tomato sandwich in a joking, but loving tribute to a customer who would suddenly chirp out bird calls in the small shop. (Hencheck owns the distinction of also having a sandwich named after him. At Lorenzos, across the street, owner Keith Vellios dubbed Henchecks preferred cheesesteak bacon with hot peppers (Steves) Life Changer, after a customer exclaimed just that after one bite.) In Philly, some cocktails names are rooted in found communities. The Boog at the Twisted Tail in Society Hill is a refreshing bourbon and blueberry concoction named for customer Gregg Williams who helped create it during the bars pandemic zoom tastings. Others toast bygone generations. All cocktails at the Palizzi Social Club in Passyunk Square are named for former members. Poetic surnames, like Lavererghetta, Mezzaroba, and DAmo, are plucked from handwritten ledgers in the attic and given over to elegant elixirs made with ingredients, like prosecco and fresh basil, fernet and ginger cordial. I really wanted to pay tribute and honor the guys who came from the old country, said Joey Baldino, who remade the 105-year-old club in 2017. To not let what they created disappear. More than anything, Philly menu names stem from love. Love shared over delicious food and drink. Love built while making it. At Lil Nicks Deli, in South Philly, owner Nicky Maiale Jr., and his girlfriend, Kristi Giancaterino, have long worked behind the cramped counter. Nicky cooks. Kristi handles the menus. When am I going to get on the menu? Kristi would ask playfully. You got to be family to get on the menu, Nicky would reply jokingly. This past Christmas, in front of the entire family, Nicky proudly presented Kristi with a special new menu. It read: Introducing a new sandwich: The Kristi. Then he handed her a diamond ring. New York City Police and law enforcement officials lead subway shooting suspect Frank James, center, away from a police station in New York on April 13, 2022. James, who sprayed a New York City subway car with bullets during rush hour, wounding 10 people and sparking a citywide manhunt, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison after defense attorneys underscored his serious mental illness and said he didn't ever intend to kill anyone. Read more NEW YORK A man who sprayed a New York City subway car with bullets during rush hour, wounding 10 people and sparking a citywide manhunt, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison after several of his victims tearfully and angrily recounted their ongoing trauma. Frank James, 64, pleaded guilty earlier this year to terrorism charges in the April 12, 2022, mass shooting aboard a Manhattan-bound train. He received a life sentence on 10 counts and 10 years for an 11th count for discharging a firearm during an act of violence. Three of his victims spoke in court of the physical and emotional pain they continue to experience more than a year after the bloody attack in a packed subway car. I have not been able to make sense of it, said a young man identified as B.K. At times his voice cracked as he spoke and his eyes turned glassy from tears. Advertisement READ MORE: What we know about the Brooklyn subway shooting and its connection to Philadelphia Another victim, a 51-year-old man identified as L.C., told the court he had post traumatic stress disorder and thoughts of suicide. L.C., who said he worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority at the time of the shooting, bought an e-bike to avoid riding trains. When he regained his confidence and returned to the subway, he was forced to relive the horror of the shooting when he saw a man wearing a vest similar to the one James had worn. I immediately thought of you, Frank James, the victim said, his voice booming with anger. Another victim, who later identified himself outside the courthouse as Fatim Gjelosh, 21, began to share his own story with words of forgiveness I dont blame him. He needs help. before breaking into tears and sobs. I cant do this, he said, before walking out of the court. He later returned to hear the judge sentence James. During his own 15-minute address to the court, James expressed contrition for his actions but criticized the country's mental health system, saying it had failed especially people of color like him. U.S. District Court Judge William Kuntz of Federal District Court was unconvinced, telling James that what he did was pure evil. Prosecutors had asked for the life sentence, saying James spent years carefully planning the shooting in order to inflict maximum damage. James attorneys had asked for a reduced sentence of 18 years, saying he didnt intend to kill anyone and citing his mental illness. Disguised as a construction worker on the day of the shooting last year, James waited until the train was between stations, denying his targets a chance to flee. Then he ignited multiple smoke bombs and unleashed a barrage of bullets from a 9 mm handgun at panicked riders in the crowded train car. The attack, carried out as the train pulled into a station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, wounded victims ranging in age from 16 to 60. As emergency responders tended to the victims, James walked calmly out of the subway station and vanished. Authorities searched for him for more than a day. They identified James as a suspect relatively quickly, using a key to a rented moving van left behind on the bloodied subway car. He was eventually arrested in Manhattans East Village after calling a police tip line to turn himself in. Philadelphia played a role in James capture James had links to addresses in Philadelphia, New York police said, and the moving van key that helped investigators find him traced back to a U-Haul location in the city. Televised images of the U-Haul van showed lettering on the side that said Allegheny West Moving and Storage, which has an address on Hunting Park Avenue in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia, and a phone number with a local area code. Ultimately, Philadelphia police sent officers to assist NYPD and FBI personnel in their investigation. A mass shooting that changed transit security The attack stunned New Yorkers, heightened anxiety about safety in the transit system and prompted local officials to add additional surveillance cameras and police to the trains. The fact that no one was killed by the defendants 32 gunshots can only be described as luck as opposed to the defendants intentional choice, Brooklyn prosecutors wrote in a memo to U.S. District Judge William Kuntz. Before the shooting, James, who is Black, posted dozens of videos online under the moniker Prophet of Doom, ranting about race, violence, his struggles with mental illness and a host of unnamed forces he claimed were out to get him. In one 2019 video, James alluded to a pending conflict in his hometown, stating that its going to be very interesting what happens in New York with me. By that time, prosecutors allege, James was already in the process of planning the subway shooting. When James pleaded guilty to the terrorism charges earlier this year, he said he only intended to cause serious bodily injury, not death. His attorney, Mia Eisner-Grynberg, suggested that while James may have initially planned to kill people, he changed his mind in the heat of the moment. In a society where, sadly, we learn nearly every day that mass shooters who intend to kill readily achieve their goals, it is far more likely that Mr. James lacked that specific intent than that he simply failed in his mission, Eisner-Grynberg wrote in a sentencing memo. Referencing the defendants abusive childhood in the Bronx and his ongoing struggles with both alcoholism and paranoid schizophrenia, she added, Mr. James is not evil. He is very, very ill. Prosecutors, however, said the trajectory of the bullets showed that James aimed at the center mass of riders for maximum lethality. They said James only stopped firing his semi-automatic Glock pistol because the gun jammed. James has been held without bail for the past 17 months at the Metropolitan Detention Center. How does a city commemorate the day one of its most beloved and influential citizens decided to call it home? If youre Philadelphia, you do it in style colonial style. On Friday morning, 17-year-old actor Benjamin Snyder, wearing a tricorn hat and breeches, hopped onto a boat on the Delaware River and got into character as Benjamin Franklin to recreate the Founding Fathers arrival here 300 years ago, on Oct. 6, 1723. A crowd of about 75 people gathered on the docks of the Independence Seaport Museum and cheered as young Ben disembarked and made his way towards land. Welcome to Philadelphia! the crowd shouted. Advertisement You made the right decision! one man yelled. Like Franklin who was 17 when he left Boston and came to Philly by way of New York and New Jersey one of the first things Snyder did was procure three great puffy rolls. He put one under each arm, while keeping the third in hand for eating (per Franklins autobiography). Then, he began walking through Philadelphia, with the crowd tagging behind him. What followed was a Franklin love fest and procession through Old City. Young Ben stared down horseless carriages to traverse Columbus Boulevard (at the crosswalk) and made his way to cobblestoned Dock Street, where he walked over some spilled Chinese food and passed by the Ritz 5 and Positano Coast. At one point in the journey, as it happened in real life, young Ben passed his future wife, Deborah Read, here played by a young actress in colonial garb. ...she, standing at the door, saw me and thought I made, as I certainly did, a most awkward, ridiculous appearance, Franklin wrote in his autobiography. Recreating the scene, the two young actors stared silently at each other for a half minute, then young Ben continued on his way. The procession ended outside the Second Bank of the United States, where a commemoration event emceed by retired 6ABC anchor Jim Gardner was held. There, before the crowd, Snyder, in character as Franklin, recited the portion of Franklins autobiography about his arrival in Philadelphia, right up to the point where he fell asleep in a Quaker meeting house. This was, therefore, the first house I was in, or slept in, in Philadelphia, young Ben said, and old Ben wrote. Snyder, a senior at Lower Merion High School, is one of the youngest actors ever to play Franklin, whos typically portrayed in his elder statesmen years. Staff at the Arden Theatre, where Snyder has performed, recommended him for the role to Historic Philadelphia, which was searching for an actor who is the same age Franklin was when he arrived in Philadelphia. I was immediately on board, no questions asked, Snyder said earlier this week. This is a different experience, this is not something actors normally get to do. Youre totally in character the whole time and its a great experience for a good cause. Snyder said he prepared for the role by reading Franklins autobiography. He never struck me as a sarcastic, goofy person but hes very charming and hes clearly trying to make his audience laugh, Snyder said. Benjamin Franklin Day During the commemoration ceremony, proclamations from the Mayors and Governors Offices were read, officially marking Oct. 6 as Benjamin Franklin Day in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. This is the first time Philadelphia has celebrated Franklins arrival because until 1980, the exact date wasnt known, according to Jessica Frankenfield, American Philosophical Society spokesperson. Historian Claude-Anne Lopez, who worked on The Papers of Benjamin Franklin project, discovered Franklin wrote the date he came here on the back of a letter, which is owned by the APS and was on display Friday. At the ceremony, Franklins accomplishments were lauded by state and local officials, who talked of the faith the Philly transplant had in our city and the hope he had for us and our country (A republic, if you can keep it). Knowing his audience, Gardner leaned into Franklins Philly optimism. Franklin was so overwhelmingly positive about Philadelphia that he would have no doubt that the Phillies will trounce the Atlanta Braves, Gardner said to great applause. Also on hand were the Philadelphia Boys Choir and representatives from many of the surviving institutions Franklin founded, including the American Philosophical Society, the Library Company of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, and the Pennsylvania National Guard, which traces its roots back to the Associators, a militia group Franklin founded in 1747. But nobody undertook a journey to be there Friday quite like cousins Alex Greenberg, 18, of Princeton, and Max Steinberg, 36, of Pittsburgh. The two walked about 50 miles on foot through New Jersey, just as Franklin did on his journey to Philadelphia, to raise funds for the Eagles Autism Challenge. They began their trek Tuesday, taking an approximate route Franklin did, and got over the Ben Franklin Bridge Friday morning in time for the ceremony. Following the events, they set off on foot to Lincoln Financial Field, so they could donate the more than $10,000 they raised to the Eagles Autism Foundation. I viewed this as a great opportunity to contribute to Franklins idea that the good we can do together exceeds the good we can do alone, Greenberg said. And as we walked across the Ben Franklin Bridge into Philadelphia, I was just overwhelmed by the sense of importance of what happened 300 years ago to the day. The ceremony ended at the American Philosophical Societys Library Hall, where guests viewed Franklin-related documents and dined on great puffy rolls from High Street. WASHINGTON Vietnam veteran Bob Kastner couldnt sleep on Saturday night. He spent the majority of the night tossing and turning, and so did his wife. The pair had a trip planned the next morning that included a 90-minute drive to the Bismarck Airport. I was trying to sleep since 8 p.m., said Kastner, who served in the Army for two years. Neither one of us could sleep. We left Garrison about 2 a.m., and I got (to the airport) about 3:30 a.m. Kastners restlessness wasnt just run-of-the-mill pre-trip jitters. The flight he was waiting for was much more meaningful: He was one of the 112 veterans on the Western North Dakota Honor Flights latest pilgrimage to Washington. The nonprofit organization is part of a broader network of Honor Flight chapters that share the goal of honoring the service of military veterans through an all-expenses-paid trip to the nations capital, where attendees tour war memorials. This months trip included stops at Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Capitol. The flight that returned Monday evening was the groups third venture. Its inaugural voyage took place in April 2022, and the organization has since served hundreds of veterans in western North Dakota, many of whom got their first chance to see the monuments to the wars they fought in. Kastner before Sunday had never been to Washington, much less seen the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The closest thing hed experienced was the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which hed seen four times. As he waited to board, he was experiencing a combination of apprehension and excitement. It brings back a lot of memories, just seeing the traveling wall, Kastner said. I don't know what it's going to be like seeing the real one. 'Really deep for me' The same sentiments rang true for many veterans on the flight, all of whom were in search of something different as they boarded the plane. For some, the flight was an opportunity to honor the friends and family members they lost in combat; for others, the trip provided a chance to heal some of the trauma they experienced. But among all, a common thread emerged: excitement and appreciation. That was perhaps most present in a cohort of four veterans who were bestowed with a unique honor Sunday afternoon. Representing the entire honor flight, these men had the opportunity to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The men were selected through a nomination process driven by those who compiled the veterans' biographies. Immediately after the changing of the guard, the veterans got the chance to place a wreath adorned with flowers, ribbons and Western North Dakota Honor Flights name in front of the tomb. One of those men was George Masters, of Minot, a 20-year veteran of the Air Force who spent the majority of his service at Minot Air Force Base. Masters didnt apply to go on an honor flight himself -- somebody submitted an application on his behalf, and he found out about it only when he received a letter informing him he had been selected to go on the trip. The flight itself was a surprise, and his selection for the wreath-laying ceremony was an even bigger one. As the flight began its descent into the Baltimore-Washington International Airport late Sunday morning, Masters reflected on the ceremony he would be participating in later that day, at times pausing as if it was challenging to put his emotions into words. All these people that are here certainly have served their time and deserve the honors that are being bestowed upon them, Masters said. But this one here, this will be really deep for me. Masters also was able to share the experience with family members. Some veterans bring along someone either for support or companionship, but the stars aligned in a different way for Masters on Sunday. His sister-in-law and niece both live in Pennsylvania, around a three-hour drive from the cemetery, and despite just two days notice they knew they had to make the trip. It's not something that everyone's going to get to see a member of their family get to do, said Allison Masters, the elder Masters niece. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Moments of grief Just as moments of celebration abounded throughout the trip, so did moments of grief. That was perhaps most present at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which commemorates the war in which a large portion of the attendees served. The monument, made of slabs of black granite in a shape that appears to be hewn out of the earth, is etched with the names of those who died or were missing in action. Emotions were heightened as veterans walked the monument to a war from which many returning U.S. soldiers were met with hostility as the conflict dwindled in popularity in the eyes of many Americans. As Michael Massine Jr. walked the wall Sunday, he was in search of a name he knew all too well: that of his cousin Richard, who died in action. Massine touched the wall gently with reverence, fingertips grazing over his cousins name, before kneeling down to rub graphite on a sheet of paper to capture the etching, a common practice at the memorial. Massine, of Minot, was accompanied by his son, who also served in the military, and together the two took a pair of rubbings of Richards name. Im not as brave as I thought I was, Massine said as tears welled up and he began to talk about Richard, recalling the years they spent growing up together on a farm before Richards family moved to Washington. Seeing Richard's name memorialized among so many others, Massine said, helped heal some of the pain that came with the loss of his cousin. A lot of people gave up their lives and theres a lot of memorials and it's just, it's just phenomenal, Massine said. I wouldn't give this up for a million dollars. 'It was special' Just as the veterans walk away from the flight with a new understanding of their service, so do the volunteers who make the flight possible, many of whom have military ties. Twenty-nine volunteers accompanied the delegation to Washington, providing support of all kinds -- and gaining a new appreciation. One volunteer was Nancy Emmel, of Bismarck, whose family has an extensive history of military service. Emmel said recent deployments have seen support on both ends -- resources targeted at active and outgoing service members and also a network for family members left behind. But that wasn't true for all veterans. To Emmel, its a clear injustice that not all military members and families got that support, and its driven her to give back. Its a chance for her to share a little bit with soldiers that missed out. Emmel said shes walked away with a greater sense of community -- one that can only come from the camaraderie of military families. As she walked the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Sunday, she paused at the name of a fallen friend, reflecting on their relationship. Unbeknownst to her until that moment, that mans best friend was also on the flight and had paused to grieve as well. I didn't even know him standing in the crowd, Emmel said. (The list of attending veterans) is a bunch of names -- 120 soldiers, I don't know them all. But for that moment, you're standing there grieving the same person. It was special. Just hours before the flight departed Sunday, the trip's agenda was up in the air: Some stops on the tour could have been impacted by a federal government shutdown, including the Capitol tour, according to Western North Dakota Honor Flight Board President Dennis Burdolski. But federal budget issues were temporarily resolved late Saturday, paving the way for the trip to proceed as planned. The flight's third iteration, Burdolski said, ended up being the smoothest yet -- and the best-received. "We knew that there was going to be turmoil with the budget," Burdolski said. "All of that kind of smoothed out, and our problems in comparison are very, very low compared to what could have happened." A delayed celebration When Duane Ziegler returned from Vietnam in 1972, he didn't have a welcome party. The Army veteran said many people didn't know when he was returning from his time overseas, and he walked off the plane alone. That wasn't the case on Monday. The roar of patriotic tunes overtook the Bismarck Airport as veterans journeyed down the jetway, before the packed crowd that had gathered for a welcome home celebration issued an overwhelming cacophony of support. Family members, local leaders and military personnel formed a singular pathway to ensure no veteran would miss the celebration. Ziegler wasn't sure what to expect as he disembarked the flight. But as he descended the escalator into a packed crowd, shaking hands with friends and strangers, he said he was experiencing a celebration more than 50 years in the making. "I expected a few people, but I did not expect the fanfare and the band, which for me is very touching, very emotional," Ziegler said. "I tell you what, you've got tears in your eyes. There's something in your body, and it only comes out when your emotions get carried away, and this was one of those times." Free overdose reversal kits at an outdoor kiosk in West Philadelphia in February 2022. The number of Black Philadelphians who have suffered fatal overdoses has risen 87% since 2018. Read more This week, the Philadelphia Public Health Department released a report that focused on the increase in unintentional fatal overdoses among Black Philadelphians. The news is grim. Of the record 1,413 people who died of an unintentional overdose in Philadelphia last year, 649 of them were Black. That represents an 87% increase from 2018. And while overdose numbers went up for Hispanics over the same time span, they actually decreased by 12% for white people. Im not surprised, because the old adage still holds true: When white America catches a cold, Black people will eventually contract pneumonia. That truth is tied to racist policies that create disparities in education, economics, housing, employment, and health care. One key inequality is the long-standing racial gap in medical coverage. As of 2021, Black people were 1.5 times more likely to be uninsured than their white counterparts. That means many white people have the resources to put their drug-dependent loved ones in well-appointed rehab facilities. Black people often dont. I suspect thats the reason overdose numbers are going down among white people, while overdoses among African Americans and Hispanics are increasing. In addition, many substance users travel here from other cities to purchase drugs and then return to their homes. Those people rehabilitate in the high-end facilities that have sprung up in some communities during the opioid crisis. They can avoid overdoses because, in rehab, they can stop using. I know there are those who hope Black people will see the numbers and opt for safe injection sites places where people can use illegal drugs under medical supervision. But why do we need such sites when overdose numbers are already going down among the demographic that is most likely to have medical insurance and greater wealth? Advertisement To me, the numbers suggest that those with greater access to treatment are less likely to die of drug overdoses. So if we truly want to save African Americans and Hispanics from overdosing, we must make sure they have greater access to treatment, too. Weve already seen what happens when people try to solve a problem by doubling down on its cause. The National Rifle Association, the lobby for the gun industry, has responded to mass shootings during the last two decades by calling for more people to be armed. As a result, the carnage has continued and there is no end in sight. It was only when America realized that white people were overdosing in record numbers that the drug war transformed into the opioid crisis. Similarly, progressives have told us that instead of taking the hard road and helping people abstain from drugs, we should help them to use drugs under supervision in order to reduce harm. Meanwhile, the number of overdoses has increased especially among those least likely to have medical coverage. But among white people, the numbers went down. Not only because of resources, but also because of racism. History makes it plain. No one cared about the lives lost to drugs when they believed it was a Black problem. It was only when America realized that white people were overdosing in record numbers that the drug war transformed into the opioid crisis. In 2018, white Americans made up 75% of those who were overdosing on opioids. Back then, as the argument for safe injection sites ramped up, Black communities had already been ripped to shreds by crack, and America was perfectly happy to keep it that way. I often wonder where the great concern for drug addiction as a public health issue was when my people were losing everything from their freedom to their lives. I wonder why I didnt witness the same zeal for saving people when half my community was being jailed for the same thing progressives want to legalize now. So excuse my skepticism, but I dont believe the people who did nothing during the crack era are concerned about Black overdoses now. Rather, I think theyre anxious to save the white people whove become the face of the opioid crisis, and if they can use increasing Black overdose numbers to sway people to their side, they will do so. Theres only one problem with their argument. Overdose numbers among whites are decreasing, and its not because of safe injection sites. In my view, its likely because access to insurance and treatment leads to better health outcomes. Its because those kinds of resources can literally be the difference between life and death. If you watched last weeks Republican presidential debate, you heard a lot of nonsense. But shockingly, theres one word you didnt hear: woke. Woke had a precipitous decline in usage over the summer. Google searches for the word have tanked. For years, woke was firmly lodged among Merriam-Websters most-searched terms, and yet in the last few months, the word has frequently not appeared on that list at all. In Augusts first Republican debate, the word came up only once, from Nikki Haley. In the second debate a month later, zero times. After spending the last few years coopting, redefining, and villainizing all things woke, Republicans have given up on it? Advertisement But I thought it was ever so important. Dictionary and Google lookups are one thing, but an analysis of news websites surfaces similar results. The NOW Corpus tracks 18 billion words that have appeared in web-based newspapers and magazines since 2010. It shows the usage of woke fell off a cliff this summer. The word came up less than half as often in September as it did in March of this year. Its quite a turnabout for a word that was looking to be the centerpiece of a number of campaigns, especially that of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Less than two years ago, DeSantis was so bent on branding himself the ultimate anti-woke crusader that he announced a legislative proposal called the Stop WOKE Act, which aimed to end teaching about race and discrimination. He frequently positioned himself amid boldfaced signs advertising his war on woke. Now, after months of regularly hammering the word, neither of his X (formerly and come on, effectively still Twitter) accounts has mentioned woke since July 21. Weve seen this before. Remember 2020, when Republicans couldnt stop using the word acuity? Its usage surged as soon as Joe Biden won the South Carolina primary that year, and remained high while Biden, who was largely campaigning from home amid COVID-19, was defined by his opposition as senile lacking mental acuity. Then came Sept. 29, 2020 the first debate between Biden and Donald Trump. It was many voters first chance to hear from Biden himself, and when he performed just fine and didnt appear onstage as a drooling vegetable, it neutered the acuity storyline. Usage of the word plummeted the next day and remained low. We dont yet know why Republicans have suddenly lost all interest in the word woke, but DeSantis poll numbers might provide a hint. When, this past May, DeSantis first published his 899-word announcement that he was running for president, five of those words were woke (including two in one sentence). At the time, polls rated him as 31% favorable, 35% unfavorable. Just four months later, his favorables are up to 34%, while unfavorables have shot up to 48%. Have Republicans realized the war on woke wasnt netting them any real gains, and so they abandoned it? Did they decide to get woke themselves? Tough to say, but now that theyve finally eased up on abusing woke, it feels like I can finally get a little sleep. The Grammarian, otherwise known as Jeffrey Barg, looks at how language, grammar, and punctuation shape our world, and appears biweekly. Send comments, questions, and subjunctives to jeff@theangrygrammarian.com. All these people that are here certainly have served their time and deserve the honors that are being bestowed upon them. But this one here, this will be really deep for me. -- Air Force veteran George Masters, of Minot, one of the 113 participants on the recent Western North Dakota Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Masters was one of four veterans chosen to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. q q q Im not sure where the bereavement starts with such a tragedy, but I think it starts with prayers for the grandparents, surviving stepchild of Senator Larsen, and extended family of Doug and Amy. Hold your family close today. -- North Dakota Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, after the death of Sen. Doug Larsen, R-Mandan, his wife and two young children in a small plane crash in Utah. q q q Sen. Larsen was what we all here aspired to be as servants to our members and our district as well as our friends and family. -- State Rep. Paul Thomas, R-Velva, after the death of Sen. Doug Larsen, R-Mandan, his wife and two young children in a small plane crash in Utah. q q q "This protects our citizens, visitors to our city and our officers all at the same time. We can go to the video now." -- Dave Draovitch, chief of the Bismarck Police Department, whose officers have begun wearing bodycams. q q q These (older lawmakers) are voting on budget bills that are hundreds of billions of dollars, they're making decisions that could possibly lead to nuclear war, God forbid. So it's important, what their ability and state of mind is. We don't want any of those problems ... in North Dakota. -- Jared Hendrix, leader of an effort proposing a ballot measure that would put an age limit on North Dakota's congressional delegation. q q q There's a great deal of heterogeneity and diversity in cognitive function amongst older people at any given age. Using an age, a chronological age, as kind of an arbitrary demarcation point ... its using a hammer, when a screwdriver would do. -- Joseph Gaugler, the Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging at the University of Minnesota, on a proposed ballot measure in North Dakota that would would ban any candidate who could attain 81 years of age before the end of his or her term from being elected or appointed to represent the state in Congress. q q q You never want to be in a position where a moderator threatens to cut your microphone -- even if you may disagree with how the moderators are handling things, they do always get the last word. So he overstepped a little bit there. -- University of Michigan Director of Debate Aaron Kall, commenting on a moderator at the second Republican presidential primary debate threatening to cut off Gov. Doug Burgum's microphone. q q q Weve been trying to do a boat ramp in Mandan for 20-plus years. -- Mandan Parks and Recreation Executive Director Cole Higlin, on a proposed boat ramp at the "Car Bodies" recreation area on the Missouri River. q q q Now it seems like theres something every week or every weekend, so its really hard for us to get vendors because theyre already committed to something or they just dont have enough product. -- Stacy Sturm, vendor coordinator for the longtime Urban Harvest downtown summer market in Bismarck, which is disbanding after nearly 20 years. q q q I refused to resign. Its certainly not my intent to resign at this time. -- North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System Chair Mona Tedford Rindy, who rejected a governor's office request to step down "as a change in direction is sought for the PERS board." q q q According to information from ARAG, the firm made payments of approximately 70 million for 36,000 cases in connection with the diesel scandal. The ARAG customers had purchased vehicles from VW and other manufacturers that used the same emissions-cheating device and were able to use their LEI policies to pursue compensation. Erie Insurance Co. is taking its tiff with the Maryland insurance commissioner over the handling of discriminatory practices findings to federal appeals court. The insurer maintains that the Maryland Insurance Administration has not afforded it adequate opportunity to respond to complaints of racial and geographic discrimination by four Baltimore independent agencies. The insurer also claims that MIA has wrongly disclosed confidential business information from market conduct exams and its determination letters on the discrimination allegations. Erie sued over the matter in June. Four days after Erie sued, Judge Julie Rebecca Rubin in federal district court in Baltimore paused the lawsuit and gave the insurer and the MIA 60 days to settle their differences but they failed to agree on terms by that deadline. In August, the judge dismissed Eries lawsuit against MIA. Judge Tosses Erie Lawsuit Over Marylands Handling of Redlining Allegations Erie now wants the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals to take up the matter and address what it considers numerous errors by the district court including its failing to address whether MIA has the right to use the business information as it is doing and whether Erie will be irreparably harmed if the market conduct materials are disclosed to the public and the agencies during any administrative hearing held at the MIA. In total, Erie has raised 21 issues questioning the district courts dismissal of its case. The insurer expresses concern that more trade secrets could be disclosed if MIA is permitted to continue on its current administrative path. Agencies Complaints The dispute involves the handling of four administrative complaints filed with MIA alleging Erie engaged in discriminatory practices against low-income and minority communities in the Baltimore area. The complaints were filed by Baltimore Insurance Network, Burley Insurance & Financial Services, Ross Insurance Agency and Welsch Insurance Group In their complaints, the agencies said that they were restricted from offering Eries policies to residents of primarily Black communities. They alleged that Erie threatened and penalized them for challenging what they maintain are Eries discriminatory redlining policies. The agencies claim the retaliatory actions hurt their business. MIA opened two separate investigations into the complaints: a broad market conduct examination and a licensing investigation. Erie provided written answers to five questions MIA gave it. According to Erie, shortly thereafter MIA told it the licensing investigation was being put on hold so that the department could first complete the market conduct exam. The insurer said it expected that there would be further discussions with MIA once the regulator resumed the licensing investigation but it never received any follow-up regarding the agents complaints. Determination Letters Then, Erie maintains, without any notice, in May, 2023, MIA acted arbitrarily, capriciously and unlawfully in issuing what are known as determination letters against Erie in relation to the redlining complaints. MIA concluded that Erie used improper underwriting standards and imposed penalties on agents in order to get them to reject eligible urban and minority risks it considered unprofitable, rather than adjusting its filed underwriting and rates to meet the risks. MIA explained that an insurer cannot legally refuse to issue a policy to someone who meets the guidelines and rates it has filed with the state. Erie said it was surprised at the release of the letters since it had been told the licensing probe had been put on hold. It then became further concerned when it discovered that the four letters and soon media reports contained highly damaging, and unfounded determinations that Erie violated laws in its treatment of the four agents that were based entirely on the confidential, privileged and protected documents it had provided for the market conduct exam. Topics Maryland A New Jersey insurance agent and the owner of painting company were arrested this week on allegations of insurance fraud. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally announced the arrest of Christopher Angst of Long Valley and Michael McFadden of New Milford. Prosecutors said they received a referral from the office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor involving C&E Professional Painting LLC, located in Long Valley, and its owner, Angst, and McFadden, an insurance agent with Insuranze Associates in Hasbrouck Heights. They said their investigation showed that McFadden had allegedly created false documents claiming Angst had a workers compensation policy, when in fact, he did not have a policy. Prosecutors allege that Angst had falsely presented his painting business to a client as being insured, and those documents were unknowingly submitted to an insurance carrier by the client. Prosecutors further allege that Angst gifted McFadden a gold Police Benevolent Association card in exchange for the documents. Angst is employed as an officer with the Montclair University Police Department, according to officials. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Source: Morris County Prosecutors Office Topics Fraud Agencies Workers' Compensation Talent New Jersey Contractors If China attempts to cut Taiwan off from the world by severing more than a dozen undersea cables that connect it to the internet, large numbers of fast-moving low Earth orbit satellites will be critical to maintaining communications. In June, Taiwan Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang made a rare trip to Europe, meeting with British satellite provider OneWeb, a fast-growing rival to Elon Musks Starlink that already has several hundred satellites delivering services to government and private clients. Tang also visited Luxembourg-based satellite communications firm SES, which said afterwards it was working with Taiwan and Microsoft to be able to rebuild 5G networks in Taiwan rapidly in a disaster scenario. Following Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Starlink satellites were reported to have been critical to maintaining internet connectivity in some areas despite attempted Russian jamming. But Musk has since said he declined to extend coverage over Russian-occupied Crimea, refusing to allow his satellites to be used for Ukrainian attacks on Russian forces there. Analysts, defense and tech experts say that has supercharged an already growing international appetite for alternative secure satellite communications, particularly from governments that worry they might find themselves in conflict. For satellite firms and others operating in space, the geopolitical tensions of the 2020s have produced a world very different to that most planned for earlier in the century. Then, many assumed globalization would continue largely without challenge, prompting them to rely heavily on Chinese and Taiwanese components while turning to Russia to launch them into orbit. Following the invasion of Ukraine, such options no longer feel so practicable. In February 2022, OneWeb had 36 satellites ready for imminent deployment from Russias cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. As Western states imposed sanctions on the Kremlin, Russian authorities refused to launch them into orbit unless the UK government gave up its stake in OneWeb a demand that was refused. In the words of the firms management, it was the second unpredicted Black Swan challenge it had faced in little more than two years the company had been forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2020 as a result of COVIDs impact on a major shareholder. The firm has since recapitalised itself with support from investors, particularly in the UK, India and Europe. To say it has been a rollercoaster would be an understatement, said Chris Moore, a former senior Royal Air Force officer now vice president for defense and security at the company. Nevertheless, the more divided world has been something of an opportunity for OneWeb and others delivering secure satellite communications particularly with governments now seen more reluctant to rely on Starlink and the sometimes unpredictable Musk. New Launchers, Security Caveats While Taiwan has talked of launching its own satellite constellations to ensure communications, experts say the capacity of its space industry to do so remains limited. Taiwan is itself a major producer of components for the global space sector including SpaceX but the dependence of Musks Tesla electric car business on manufacturing and sales in China was already seen pushing Taipei away from depending on Starlink even before Musks comments on Ukraine. Operators say the capacity of new satellite firms like OneWeb which completed a merger last week with French operator Eutelsat ELT.PA is being bought up often before it even comes online, with users ranging from airlines and cruise firms wanting internet access in remote areas of the world to governments demanding secure and reliable communications. Private sector clients too are increasingly building more resilience into their systems, including acquiring ground-based stations that will allow them to shift between different satellites and operators if they need to perhaps because of jamming or attacks on satellites. OneWeb will not comment on whether it is now providing services to Kyiv or anyone else within Ukraine but Taiwan media say government officials there have engaged directly with the firm, which they expect to be able to cover the entire island by the end of 2023. In March, Taiwan reported that two undersea cables to some of its outlying islands appeared to have been cut, although it stopped short of blaming Beijing. Taiwan media reported mounting interest in securing satellite internet connectivity immediately afterwards. Such geopolitical tensions are increasingly driving choices in the sector. After the Ukraine invasion, OneWeb says it concluded it would not be able to extract its satellites from the Russian-operated cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, instead cutting deals with both the Indian Space Research Organisation and Musks SpaceX to launch replacement versions. OneWebs Moore says that having previously been entirely reliant on Russias Soyuz engine as a launch partner, it now intends to continue diversifying further. Race for Launches Global satellite launch capacity is currently being pushed to its limits in part as a consequence of Amazons Project Kuiper, reported to have struck dozens of deals to build out the firms own internet satellite constellation projected to cover much of the globe by 2029. As well as fighting for launch slots, space and other high-tech firms are now also reworking their supply chains to diversify manufacturing, reducing the risks of some dramatic disruption. OneWeb now has its entire first generation of more than 600 satellites in low Earth orbit, although it is still rolling out its network of base stations around the world each of which requires a separate set of negotiations with host governments. Britains special share in OneWeb allows it to impose national security restrictions on its operations, including a ban on base stations in certain countries, although it will not name them. The merger with Eutelsat will allow the combined firm to offer services with both the geostationary satellites already operated by the French firm which sit in a high orbit above a particular location on Earth as well as OneWebs lower-orbiting platforms, which are each around the size of a washing machine and move at approximately 27,000 km/h. Its difficult to jam because its moving so quickly, and you have multiple satellites in view at any one time, says OneWebs Moore. Each satellite also has multiple beams. We designed them this way for business purposes, but it makes them inherently very difficult to jam and disrupt. And because we have 634 in orbit, disrupting several satellites doesnt get you very far. The firm already has some spare satellites in orbit to replace any that cease functioning or are out of service, he said, and is also set up to launch and manufacture more if needed. Attacks on space infrastructure do not only take place in space. Hours before Russia invaded Ukraine, U.S. satellite firm Viasat came under concerted cyberattack in what tech experts described as the largest hack of the initial war, destroying multiple terminals, modems and routers, deleting data and knocking out multiple parts of Ukraines communications systems. One of the lessons of Ukraine is that most nations including their militaries are now essentially dependent on commercial infrastructure in space, says Theodora Ogden, an analyst at RAND Corporation specializing in space. That brings a whole range of risks companies have to deal with. * Peter Apps is a Reuters columnist writing on defense and security issues. He joined Reuters in 2003, reporting from southern Africa and Sri Lanka and on global defense issues. He has been a columnist since 2016. He is also the founder of a think-tank, the Project for Study of the 21st Century, and, since 2016, has been a Labour Party activist and British Army reservist. (Editing by Nick Macfie) Topics Ukraine Germany plans to supply additional air defenses for Ukraine to help protect grain shipments from potential Russian attacks, according to people familiar with the matter. Berlin will send one extra IRIS-T air defense system and more than a dozen Gepard anti-aircraft guns that will provide cover for consignments heading toward Romania along the countrys southern coast, the people said on condition of anonymity. The weapons should arrive in Ukraine by the end of this year, and further IRIS-T units will follow once they have been built. Kyiv has been seeking to ramp up deliveries via the Danube River and by land through so-called solidarity lanes since an agreement to allow ships to travel from Black Sea ports through the Bosphorus strait in Turkey collapsed. A small number of vessels are also navigating through strips of water off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, defying concerns of Russian attacks. The people didnt disclose which specific routes the defenses would be used to cover or whether other capabilities would be included. German lawmaker Marcus Faber, who is a member of the defense committee in the lower house of parliament, confirmed that Ukraine would receive more IRIS-T systems and Gepard guns, as well as ammunition. Ukraine will use those units to better protect its grain ports, for example, he said, without giving details. The bulk of Ukraines agricultural exports have gone via land, river and road routes since Russia exited the Black Sea initiative in July. The countrys grain exports plunged more than 50% in September. While Kyiv has unilaterally created a temporary corridor for ships in the Black Sea, so far its mostly symbolic as mainstream shipping companies are wary of using it. Twelve ships have passed through it in recent weeks, but thats very few compared with traffic via the UN- and Turkey-backed corridor, and some smaller ships use routes closer to the coast to reduce risks. The Gepard guns have a range of 4 kilometers (2.4855 miles) while the more powerful and technically sophisticated IRIS-T units can open up a protective shield with a radius of as much as 40 kilometers. They will be used to protect port infrastructure, the loading of grain onto ships, and departing vessels on the sea. Russia isnt opposing traffic to Ukrainian ports at sea in any way in the Black Sea at present, said Mikhail Barabanov, an expert at the Center for the Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, a Moscow-based defense think tank. Satellite images in recent days also show part of Russias Black Sea navy fleet likely moved from its base in Crimeas Sevastopol to the port of Novorossiysk further east to avoid Ukrainian missile attacks, he said. The UK Defence Ministry indicated in an intelligence update on Monday that more Russian fleet activities are likely relocating to Novorossiysk in the face of threats to Sevastopol. The UK announced last month that it was providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to monitor Russian activity in the Black Sea, and that RAF aircraft would conduct flights over the area to deter Russia from carrying out strikes against civilian vessels carrying grain. With assistance from Aine Quinn and Megan Durisin. Photograph: A Diehl IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile (bottom) and FCAAM Future Combat Air-to-Air Missile (top) are displayed during the Farnborough International Airshow 2022 on July 19, 2022 in Farnborough, England. The airshow hosted leading innovators from the aerospace, aviation and defence industries. (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images) Copyright 2023 Bloomberg. Topics Germany Brazilian labor prosecutors have requested a court order to ban the use of atrazine, which is present in 5% of pesticides sold in the country, the prosecutors said on Thursday. National health regulator Anvisa, which would be forced to cancel the registration of pesticides containing atrazine if a judge rules in favor of the labor prosecutors, did not immediately have a comment on the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in a Brasilia court. Atrazine, which is used on crops from sugarcane to corn and soy, was banned in the European Union in 2003 due to the risk of contaminating groundwater. Nine years later it was also forbidden in Switzerland, the headquarters of Syngenta, which developed the herbicide and continues to produce and export the chemical, prosecutors said. On its website, Syngenta calls atrazine safe for people and good for the environment and the economy, citing studies that attest to its safety on U.S. farms, where its use is permitted. In a statement, Syngenta acknowledged it imports and sells its own formulated products containing atrazine, both solo and in mixtures, in Brazil. The company also said atrazine is registered in more than 50 countries and called it a crucial tool for helping farmers manage weeds and increase crop yields. Brazil, whose tropical climate has made it an agribusiness powerhouse, is the worlds largest consumer of pesticides, including many banned elsewhere. Researchers estimate that Brazil accounts for about 20% of total global pesticide use. Prosecutors cited 2021 data from Brazilian environmental agency Ibama, the most recent available, showing atrazine was the countrys fifth most used pesticide ingredient. The best seller was glyphosate, a weedkiller that genetically modified soybeans are designed to tolerate. Brazil, the worlds biggest soybean and sugar exporter and a major corn grower, imported about 77,700 tons of products containing atrazine in 2022, mainly from China, which accounted for about 80% of supplies, according to Brazilian government trade data. The United States and Israel also export the chemical to Brazil, the data showed. (Reporting by Ana Mano; editing by Brad Haynes and Aurora Ellis) Photograph: In this Feb. 5, 2014 file picture, the logo of Syngenta AG, a producer of agricultural chemicals, is photographed in Basel, Switzerland. (Ennio Leanza/Keystone via AP,file) This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Aon plc, Markel and Arch Capitals Global Mortgage Group. A summary of these new hires follows here. Aon Promotes Solano, Diaz as Brazil and Peru Reinsurance Leaders Insurance broker Aon plc announced that it has named Isabel Blazquez Solano as CEO of Brazil, and Daniela Diaz as head of Peru, within its Reinsurance Solutions business. Solano, who has extensive industry experience across EMEA and Latin America, joined Aon in October 2022 from Brazilian reinsurer IRB(Re), where she was chief underwriting officer. Previously, she held positions within the Europe & CEE operations of reinsurer MAPFRE Re. Based in Rio De Janeiro and reporting to Reinsurance Solutions Latin America CEO Paula Ferreira, Solano will be responsible for Aons two Brazil offices in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, Diaz will lead Reinsurance Solutions in the Peru market as part of the Andean subregion. She joined Aon nine years ago and has more than 15 years of insurance industry experience. In her new role, she will continue to drive Aons position as an agnostic capital adviser, encouraging the utilization and growth both of facultative and treaty business, while boosting the firms regional strategy. *** Markel Names Styles as Head of Cargo Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc., has appointed Brook Styles as head of cargo, with immediate effect. Styles takes on this position from Richard Burnett who will transition to a strategic role as head of cargo underwriting. In his new post, Styles will play an important part in identifying areas to spearhead further growth across Markels cargo portfolio, in addition to supporting underwriters in the cargo team with their professional development. He will also be responsible for driving Markels Broking Partner Relationship program, by establishing and maintaining new and existing broker relationships, while continuing to deliver an open, honest, and consistent underwriting service to customers. Styles will be based at Markels London office, reporting to Dan McCarthy, director of marine at Markel International. Styles joined Markel in 2006 during which time he has acquired valuable underwriting experience and expertise from the wholesale teams, having worked across various classes of business including fine art, specie, and terrorism. Styles departed from Markel in 2014 to join Pioneer where he managed and led the cargo and terrorism portfolio for five years, before returning to Markel in a senior underwriter capacity to take the cargo portfolio forward. *** Archs Global Mortgage Group Promotes Fearon as CEO, Intl Mortgage Arch Capital Group Ltd. announced Seamus Fearon has been promoted to CEO, International Mortgage for the Global Mortgage Group. In this role, Fearon will have responsibility for managing Archs Australian and European mortgage operations as well as its Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) Credit Risk Transfer (CRT) and Services business. Fearon was most recently executive vice president, CRT and European Markets for Archs Global Mortgage Group where he oversaw the GSE CRT business and grew the organizations European Significant Risk Transfer business. In his new role, Fearon will be charged with further diversifying the platform of Archs Global Mortgage Group a specialist in aggregating, managing and syndicating mortgage credit risk. Fearon joined Arch in 2012 and is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics from Dublin City University. Beau Franklin, who previously served as the CEO of Archs International Mortgage Group, will begin a new executive role at Arch MIs parent company, Arch Capital Group Ltd. Diversifying our mortgage portfolio has been a key strategy for the Global Mortgage Group over the last several years, and Seamus has played a critical role in growing our international business, said David Gansberg, CEO of Archs Global Mortgage Group. Today, nearly 40% of our underwriting profit comes from non-U.S. operations compared to just over 10% in 2017. International business represents a significant opportunity for the Mortgage Group at Arch, and I believe Seamus demonstrated leadership, combined with his analytical and business acumen, can help us achieve our goals in those markets. Gansberg thanked Franklin for his contributions to the company over the past decade. Under Beaus leadership, the International Mortgage group had many accomplishments including a first-of-its-kind capital relief transaction in Europe that helped establish our capabilities in that market. Beau was also instrumental in getting our Australian operation, Arch LMI, approved as a lenders mortgage insurer by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and helping grow our Australian business through the acquisition of Westpac Lenders Mortgage Insurance Limited. I know Beau will apply his skills to the benefit of the entire enterprise in his new role. About Arch Global Mortgage Group The Arch Global Mortgage Group, part of Arch Capital Group Ltd., is focused on providing risk management, risk financing and capital optimizing insurance and reinsurance products to the housing sector worldwide. Topics Reinsurance Leadership Trucking Aon AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to B++ (Good) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to bbb+ (Good) from a (Excellent) of Dover Bay Specialty Insurance Company (Dover Bay) based in Bloomington, Illinois. The outlook of the FSR has been revised to stable from negative while the outlook of the Long-Term ICR is negative. The Credit Ratings (ratings) of Dover Bay reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect lift, as defined within Bests Credit Rating Methodology, from its parent, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. The rating downgrades reflect Dover Bays persistent underwriting losses since 2021 at which time AM Best revised the outlooks to negative as a result of numerous weather-related losses affecting the states in which most of its underwriting exposures are based, most notably Louisiana, Texas and other Gulf Coast and South Atlantic states. Although Dover Bay has reduced its net risk retention through the purchase of external reinsurance, the cost of such protection has increased significantly following adverse industry-wide catastrophe loss experience, AM Best said. The repeated loss events have resulted in net underwriting losses, contributing to deterioration in capital and surplus. Dover Bay underwrites primarily homeowners insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis, primarily in southern coastal territories. Source: AM Best Topics Carriers Excess Surplus Illinois AM Best A few years back, Joseph Stramondo was a last-minute replacement as a conference speaker in Salt Lake City. He went online and made a reservation for a room accessible for people with disabilities. I figured, OK, I should be set,' Stramondo said. But when he checked in, the room he was given looked like a standard room, without bars in the bathroom or a door wide enough to accommodate his wheelchair. Returning to the front desk, Stramondo learned the room was accessible for people with hearing loss. The Supreme Court is taking up a case Wednesday that Stramondo, his wife, Leah Smith, and other people with disabilities worry could make it harder to learn in advance what accommodations are available that meet their needs. The justices are being asked to limit the ability of so-called testers to file lawsuits against hotels that fail to disclose accessibility information on their websites and through other reservation services. The information is required by a 2010 Justice Department rule. People who suffer discrimination can sue under the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law in 1990. The issue in the Supreme Court case is whether Deborah Laufer, a woman with disabilities, has the right to sue a hotel in Maine that lacked the accessibility information on its website, despite having no plans to visit it. Laufer, who would not agree to an interview for this story, has filed some 600 similar lawsuits. A district court dismissed her complaint, but the federal appeals court in Boston revived it. Appeals courts around the country have issued conflicting rulings over whether ADA testers have standing to sue if they dont intend to go to the hotels. Acheson Hotels and the business interests supporting it argue that Laufers admission that she wasnt planning to visit the hotel should end the case. Acheson owned the hotel, the Coast Village Inn and Cottages in Wells, Maine, when Laufer filed her lawsuit but has since sold it. What weve seen for the last 20 years is that people just sit at their house and troll through websites. Small businesses in particular have been targeted, said Karen Harned, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Responsibility. On the other side of the case, civil rights groups fear a broad ruling for the hotel could limit the use of testers who have been crucial in identifying racial discrimination in housing and other areas. Its possible the Supreme Court could dismiss the case as moot without even reaching the main issue, though the hotel is urging the justices to reach a decision. In the context of disabilities, testers cant sue for money, just to get facilities to change their practices. Thats a critical role, Stramondo and Smith said. Stramondo, a philosophy professor at San Diego State University, and Smith are each under 4 feet, and even a hotel room deemed accessible doesnt mean that its accessible for us, Smith said, adding that they often turn over a room`s trashcan to use as a stepstool. Smith is the director of the National Center for Disability Equity and Intersectionality. There`s no federal agency dedicated to enforcing the ADA. And so we need to have some kind of enforcement mechanism. And the best one that Ive seen is testers, Stramondo said. Photo: (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter is touring Russian cities and claiming Ukraine will lose the war. Why do he and other disgraced Americans insist on defending Putin's rhetoric? Russian propaganda outlets have loved quoting Americans they believe are arguing in Moscow's favour ever since the 2014 invasion of Ukraine, and even more so since the full-scale attack launched in February last year. While the concept of Western intellectuals kowtowing to Soviet leadership and downplaying their crimes was relatively common during the Cold War, it has gained new momentum since Russian President Vladimir Putin made clear his plans to either break up or occupy the entirety of Ukraine. Scott Ritter, a former UN weapons inspector in the 1990s, and a Marine Corps analyst during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan a decade prior, is among the cohort of Americans courted by Russian propaganda sources. Recently, he launched a tour of his new book, Disarmament in the time of the Perestroika, in Russia, and presented it in cities such as Kazan, Irkutsk and Yekaterinburg. The book, he claims, aims to warn the US public about not seeking out escalations with Russia which could lead to a nuclear attack and insists the Western public has forgotten how difficult it was to achieve these agreements in the first place. 'Running into Russia's cold, confining embrace' For those with any knowledge of the main political talking points that circulate in Russian media some of which might be based on real fears, such as that of a nuclear-level escalation Ritter is singing a song the Russians like to hear. People like him turn to Russia and to the cold yet very confining embrace of the Russian government because theyre opportunists, says Natalia Antonova, a longtime Moscow-based reporter and editor, as well as an OSINT researcher with a keen familiarity with Russian disinformation techniques. They see a financial and career opportunity by working for and with the Russians. By that I mean bad Russians, the very same bureaucrats who are enabling Russian fascists today and are enabling this attempt at a genocide in Ukraine. Antonova is Ukrainian-American, and for someone who straddles both worlds, Ritter is an example of a typical disgraced American often a man who discredited himself in the US and now wants to be perceived as a source of honest analysis in Russia as a means to achieve renewed or increased glory. Desperate men like him have frequently come to Russia to get a fresh start. Its true that Russians will overlook anything as long as youre useful to them. They dont care, she explained. Scott Ritter gestures during a news conference at Georgia State University in Atlanta. 17 September 2002 Ritter is a convicted sex offender, having been caught exposing himself to minors online on several occasions. He served a year and a half in prison. Despite this, he claims he was being targeted by the US administration for his opposition to the war in Iraq. If you follow the local Russian news as it reports on Ritters grand tour of Russia, in local outlets such as the Kazan or Izhevsk news, none of them mention his arrest record and conviction, said Antonova. They dont even say, oh this man was wrongfully imprisoned, it was a conspiracy against him. They just dont mention it at all. Not all truth-tellers are welcome in todays Russia. Last week, 500 Americans, including figures like former President Barack Obama and late-night television hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, were placed on Moscow's biggest list of sanctioned individuals so far. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Yekaterinburg in March, and Russian officials are continuing to deny the US embassy access to their citizen. Ritter, unlike the people on the sanctions list, gets a chance to reinvent himself and feel good about himself again, and the Russians will let him do it, said Antonova. What is a tankie? The term tankie is familiar to anyone with some knowledge of the politics of the former Soviet Union. It emerged during the Soviet invasions of Hungary and Czechoslovakia in the mid-20th century as a reference to those who downplayed the fact that Kremlin tanks were used to suppress protests and opposition in cities like Prague and Budapest. It is common internet slang nowadays, especially among those seeking to weed out apologists for the Putin regime. You can find tankies of all kinds - from anonymous Twitter trolls waxing poetic about NATO's expansion into Eastern Europe, to renowned journalists and academics. One of the more distinguished among them is American journalist Seymour Hersh, once a renowned and revered writer, and known for his trailblazing reporting on US crimes such as the My Lai massacre and the torture of Iraqi civilians in Abu Ghraib. Recently, he launched a ferocious debate after publishing an article alleging the US had bombed the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The controversial gas route through the Baltic Sea was supposed to circumvent countries like Ukraine and Poland Russias main political opponents even before the invasion -- in delivering gas to the western part of the continent. Some people, like Hersh, also really got their spirits crushed. He reported on truly horrifying things that the US military did, like My Lai and Abu Ghraib. These are terrifying events in US history that are shameful, explains Antonova. Oliver Stone, the US director famous for films about US presidents such as JFK and W, has also become part of the formerly illustrious set of Western figures now whitewashing the crimes being committed in Ukraine. He produced Ukraine on Fire, which came out in 2014, a movie downplaying the Euromaidan protests that led to the ouster of corrupt pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych in 2014 and presenting them as a US-led coup d'etat. That can really break a person to the point that they kind of turn to the proverbial dark side and they dont even realise it. Theyre so caught up in the bad things the United States have done that they completely demonise the US, she said. Antonova says that while it is patriotic to criticise your country, these figures have gone as far as to lose some of their objectivity and ability to think critically about some countries, to the point that they now start embracing foreign dictators. Russian President Vladimir Putin is interviewed by American director Oliver Stone for a documentary in Moscow. 19 June 2019 Do Russians secretly want to be liked by Americans? During the Cold War, the Soviet Union put a lot of time and effort into convincing its citizens that they are, in fact, living better lives than their Western counterparts. This was coupled with the firm claim that the Soviet Union was on the right side of history it had played a crucial part in defeating Nazism in Europe -- and the idea that it was the first country with an expansive socialist system that would provide equal opportunities to all its citizens. Your average Russian citizen today still wants the West to recognise that they have something special to offer and that countries like the US should treat them as equals. Russians really want Americans to like them. There is a kind of aggrieved revanchism at play there. They might hate Americans on one hand, but they want Americans to care about them and like them, Antonova explains. This is why the Scott Ritters, Steven Seagals and Oliver Stones of the world are welcomed with open arms in Russia especially if they can point to ways the US is perhaps worse than their own country. [With Scott Ritter] we have this American who's not afraid to speak the truth and he tells us what we want to hear. When an American does that, on a fundamental psychological level, it feels fantastic and it also reinforces the goals of the officials that obviously helped him plan his trip, she continued. Putin has invested a significant amount of time in undermining Western societies, and trying to fight the inferiority complex many Russians feel. So when Americans repeat Putinist talking points it means something, she concludes. Pellegrini Appointed Marsh Specialty Leader for US and Canada Broker Marsh said it promoted Michael Pellegrini to head of Marsh Specialty in the US and Canada. Effective immediately, Pellegrini will oversee Marshs aviation, construction, credit specialties, energy & power, financial and professional lines (FINPRO), marine, cargo and logistics, and private equities, mergers & acquisitions (PEMA) businesses within the regions. Pellegrini has been with Marsh for more than 20 years, joining as a risk analyst in the firms one-year training program for recent college graduates in 2002. During his time at the firm, he has held a number of key leadership roles within the marine and cargo sector, most recently serving as Marshs North American marine, cargo, and logistics practice leader a role he will maintain until a replacement is identified. Pellegrini succeeds Michelle Sartain, who Marsh appointed President of US and Canada in July. CRC Makes Executive Leadership Appointments CRC Group, a North American wholesale specialty insurance distributor, announced three new executive appointments. Jessica Marshall was appointed chief marketing officer. Marshall has served as CRC Groups senior vice president and director of marketing since 2018. She will now oversee all aspects of communication, advertising, public relations, as well as sales and producer development programs. Mike Baeurle was appointed chief client officer. Baeurle previously served as the companys executive vice president of agency distribution after joining CRC Group with the acquisition of Swett & Crawford in 2016. Baeurle will lead CRC Groups retail agency distribution and business development strategy and manage client relationships across CRC Groups three operating divisions. Curtis Moore has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer. Moore joined CRC Group in 2018 and has held a variety of key roles across the company. In his new position, Moore will be responsible for all administrative and operational functions in addition to the development and execution of corporate strategic performance initiatives, including business process improvements, technology advancements, and other key priorities. Moore, Marshall, and Baeurle will continue to report to Neil Kessler, president and chief operations officer of CRC Group and be part of CRCs Group Support Services (GSS) team. Topics USA New Markets Leadership Canada The second trial for former insurance mogul Greg Lindberg, accused of attempting to bribe the North Carolina insurance commissioner, could be delayed, thanks to a co-defendants legal representation issues. Lindberg, who created a complex web of life insurance and other companies, was found guilty of bribery charges in 2020. But a federal appeals court found that jury instructions were improper and ordered a new trial, set for Nov. 6, a month from now. Prosecutors have said that co-defendant John Gray, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a business partner of Lindbergs, worked with Lindberg in attempting to funnel large campaign contributions to Commissioner Mike Causey, so that his office might provide more relaxed regulation of Lindbergs insurance companies. The indictment, once sealed, can be seen here. This week, Gray asked a judge to delay the retrial until April 2024. Federal prosecutors had challenged the fact that Gray was represented by the Parker Poe law firm, which had earlier represented another co-defendant who was acquitted. Parker Poe attorneys in August withdrew and another firm just last month took over Grays defense. Now, the lawyers say they need more time to prepare. Discovery for the initial trial was voluminous, including more than 80 hours of recorded conversations between the defendants and witnesses cooperating with the government, Grays motion to continue reads. In December 2022, the government provided six million pages of supplemental discovery in a related case involving Mr. Lindberg. The motion does not directly address Lindbergs case, and Lindberg may not need to be retried at the same time as Gray, the Carolina Journal news site reported. But the judge in the case already has delayed the second trial for both men because of Grays legal representation. More will be known next week after a status conference, the Journal reported. Lindberg is facing a number of other legal actions regarding his insurance companies. Read more: Court Upholds Lindberg Fraud Judgment; Lindberg Indicted on New Federal Charges of Skimming from His Insurance Companies. The enactment of Finance Act 2022 has been much anticipated by pension practitioners and the industry as a whole. It follows the proposals contained in the Finance Bill, introducing very significant changes to the tax treatment of a pension contract known as a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA). Joe Hanrahan, divisional director for financial planning with RBC Brewin Dolphin. Section 22 of the Act, enacted by the President on 15 December 2022, provides for the removal of a benefit in kind (BIK) income tax charge in respect of employer contributions to an employees PRSA pension after 1 January 2023. Prior to this, employer contributions paid to an employees PRSA pension were treated as a BIK for that employee, but: The BIK was limited to PAYE income tax (no PRSI or USC), and For tax relief purposes, the recipient employee was allowed to treat the employer contribution as if it were a personal contribution. The employee could claim tax relief personally within the age-related percentage limits and the current 115,000 earnings limit. The effect of this historically was to limit employer contributions to a maximum of the personal tax relief limits. This new legislation changes that and now allows for uninhibited employer PRSA contributions to an employee PRSA. But it does more than that! Traditional levels of pension funding to an occupational pension scheme (OPS) are determined by a number of factors including the employees salary, length of service, proposed normal retirement age, and any existing scheme funding or retained benefits from other employment(s). PRSAs are not subject to these checks. No prior Revenue approval is required and, following the enactment of the legislation, we are in a whole new world when it comes to funding for retirement. PRSAs are also a far more flexible form of pension arrangement than traditional OPS and they provide features and potential benefits which are markedly better than was previously the case. For senior employees/directors and business owners, this represents a major opportunity to review existing pension arrangements and to take advantage of the new provisions. For practitioners like me, new and exciting planning opportunities for clients are emerging as a result. So why has there been this change? IORP2 Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision 2 (IORP2) is an EU directive that was transposed into Irish law by way of amendments to the Pensions Act in April 2021. The directive, which replaced its predecessor, IORP1, increased dramatically and substantially the requirements placed on trustees/ administrators and investment managers of occupational pension schemes. This includes group defined benefit (DB), defined contribution (DC) and one-member arrangements (OMAs). The directive restricts investment to predominantly on regulated markets. This affects property, traditionally a staple in many one-member schemes, because it is an unregulated activity. It also prohibits borrowing in one-member schemes. The directive also places more onerous requirements around trusteeship, governance and the provision of information to both active and deferred members. A timetable for implementation followed the enactment of the directive, but the impact was immediate. A new term, master trust, entered the pensions lexicon and it has been held out as the way forward, in particular for group schemes. The Pensions Authority (PA), the regulator of occupational pension schemes, has also had a lot to say. In its Statement of Strategy 2022-2024, the Pensions Authority states: A key focus will be to determine how many schemes have wound up and transferred members and assets to Multi-Employer Schemes or PRSAs. Push towards master trusts It is a clear message that the PA wishes to see a reduction in existing trust-based schemes and migration to master trusts (disparate multi-employer arrangements all contained within one large scheme/ trust). And new one-member schemes were spectacularly suspended in July 2022 following a strongly worded warning to the industry by the Pensions Authority that their existing documentation and procedures were not compliant with its interpretation of IORP2. The conundrum for the industry unable to provide one-member arrangements has been: If setting up a new one-member arrangement like a traditional insured executive pension or self-administered scheme is either too onerous, restrictive, costly or runs contrary to the strategy and objectives of the Pensions Authority (the Regulator), in a post-IORP2 world, how do you replicate the very attractive funding capability of these types of schemes? Master trusts can cater for one-member arrangements alongside multi-employer ones. However, the recent changes introduced in Finance Act 2022 in relation to PRSAs that Ive set out above have gazumped everything and provided a non-IORP structure which is more flexible and now provides scope for uninhibited funding and planning opportunities. Whoever said pensions were dull! www.brewin.ie Tech companies have until 5pm Monday, October 9, to apply for the prestigious Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards 2023, celebrating tech excellence and innovation. The awards event will take place on November 10 in Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork. The final call for applicants was officially launched by Finance Minister Michael McGrath at the VMware premises in Ballincollig. Minister McGrath saud: The Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards 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. These awards recognise the technology, business and innovative contributions made by leaders and trailblazers across the South West. Tech Industry Alliance (TIA) is the new umbrella brand for it@cork and KerrySciTech. For over 16 years, the Leaders Awards have recognised those who have excelled in the technology sector in the South West region of Ireland, from global multinationals to schools and start-ups. Gerry Murphy, TIA chair and senior programme manager with VMware, said: We have ten award categories and nominees have always represented the highest standards and technological innovations. 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. This years award categories include: Tech Start-Up of the Year Tech Scale-Up of the Year MNC 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. techindustryalliance.ie Menopause is a fact of life for women. On average, women in Ireland become menopausal at 51. At that stage, they will have gone 12 consecutive months without having a period. They will likely have experienced perimenopause in the years leading up to that point. Starting in a womans mid-40s, its caused by declining levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, manifesting in symptoms ranging from hot flushes and night sweats to disrupted sleep, brain fog, and painful sex. Replenishing the levels of oestrogen and progesterone can help alleviate symptoms, but many women are unaware of this because of hormonal replacement therapys (HRT) chequered history following reports based on two large-scale studies released more than 20 years ago. HRT was first prescribed in the 1940s and was widely used as a treatment for menopausal symptom control until the early 2000s, says Dr Brenda Moran, menopause specialist and joint leader of the Complex Menopause Clinic at Cork University Maternity Hospital. Two studies emerged around that time, the large-scale Womens Health Initiative (WHI) in the US and the Million Womens Study in the UK, which suggested that HRT increased the risk of conditions such as breast cancer, clots, and stroke. Regulatory bodies then recommended that women take it only for short periods of time if they had to take it at all. As a result, doctors stopped prescribing HRT and menopausal women had little option but to suffer through their symptoms. It has since emerged that the findings of the WHI, which garnered the most headlines at the time, were flawed. They were based on the effects of HRT on women who were already past menopause, not those who were experiencing menopausal symptoms at the time of treatment. The US study involved post-menopausal women in their mid-60s and older who didnt have symptoms, says Dr Brian Kennedy, founder of HRT Prescribers, a support group for medics that prescribe HRT. The women we generally see presenting with symptoms in their late 40s and early 50s, the ones usually prescribed HRT, were excluded from the study. Doctors have also criticised the design of the Million Womens Study. For example, women who already had cancer or suspected cancer werent excluded from participation, which made the studys conclusions unreliable. Research carried out in the intervening years has demonstrated it was a mistake to stop prescribing HRT to menopausal women. Long-term data now shows a reduction in cardiac events in women who start HRT in the 50- to 60-year-old age group, which is the usual HRT cohort. A 2017 study showed no increase in cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality or any kind of mortality in women who start HRT in any age group, including older women, says Moran. The latest research proves that HRT is a safe intervention for most women struggling with menopausal symptoms. Its the most effective method of providing symptom relief and can improve quality of life for women who are suffering, says Kennedy. Myriad symptoms It can be difficult to anticipate how varied the symptoms of menopause can be. Most are familiar with hot flushes and night sweats, says Kennedy. But there are oestrogen receptors in the brain, the joints, and all over the body. Therefore women can get random symptoms like a sore tongue, fainting, numb hands and feet, low mood, and forgetfulness. HRT has the potential to address these symptoms. Theres no other therapy or medication that can help with multiple menopausal symptoms the way HRT can, says Moran. It can also have other benefits. Along with reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, Moran refers to research demonstrating that oestrogen delivered through HRT helps to maintain and improve bone density and another study linking progesterone to a lower risk of endometrial cancer. Thats not to say that taking HRT is entirely risk-free. Theres a small risk of breast cancer with increasing duration of progesterone use, says Moran. But its less than the risk attributable to being overweight or drinking more than two units of alcohol a day. Observational studies suggest an extremely small risk of ovarian cancer and oral oestrogen is linked to a small increased risk of clots and stroke. Read More Essential Menopause survival guide According to Kennedy, these risks are especially pertinent to women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, women who have had a stroke or heart attack or severe active liver disease. Many menopausal women never need to consider taking HRT. They may be among the 20% who experience minimal symptoms, or their symptoms may have little impact on their lives. HRT is a discretionary treatment and its not necessary if a woman is coping well with menopause, says Kennedy. Women who are struggling with menopausal symptoms are advised by their doctors to weigh up the pros and cons of taking HRT. In terms of the modern HRT products commonly prescribed for women today, the benefits far outweigh the risks, says Kennedy. Women are living longer and must deal with issues like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in old age. HRT arguably helps reduce the impact of these conditions along with alleviating symptoms. Forms of HRT As our awareness of HRT has changed over the past two decades, so too has the range of HRT products. Twenty years ago, women were offered a form of oral oestrogen derived from horse urine and progesterone products that were more potent and synthetic than the bioidentical products available today, says Kennedy. These HRT products come in different forms. Oestrogen can be administered as a tablet or via the skin as a patch, gel, or spray, while progesterone can be taken as a tablet, vaginal pessary or via an intra-uterine coil. But these products come at a high cost. Depending on the products women are taking, HRT can cost from 35 to 75 per month, says Moran. Its a price menopausal women consider worth paying, as demand for these products is rising in Ireland. In 2022, Estradot, one of the leading producers of oestrogen patches, increased its supply to Ireland by 117% since 2020. HRT has come full circle, says Kennedy. It was hugely popular pre-millennium. Many GPs became reluctant to prescribe it due to the studies associating it with adverse outcomes for women. But following the Davina McCall documentary and the Joe Duffy [ Liveline] show [in 2021], the demand for HRT has risen again and doctors now practice an individualised approach that prescribes HRT for women who need it. Dr Brenda Moran and Dr Brian Kennedy are speakers at the National Menopause Summit at City Hall, Cork, on Friday, October 20. The second National Menopause Summit will be held in Cork City Hall, on Friday, October 20. Hosted by broadcaster Grainne Seoige, it will feature a keynote address from journalist and menopause campaigner Mariella Frostrup and panel discussions with Irelands leading menopause clinicians, professionals and advocates. Summit co-director Sinead McNamara hopes the event convinces employers of the need to support menopausal women in the workplace. Menopause has historically been shrouded in taboo and shame here in Ireland and its great that were finally beginning to talk about it, she says. However, many women still leave work or disregard opportunities for advancement in the workplace at this often challenging stage of life. Were calling on employers to introduce compassionate supports and HR policies for these women. Sinead McNamara Such policies are sorely needed, according to Loretta Dignam, founder of The Menopause Hub, Irelands first dedicated menopause clinic. In a survey of 1,087 menopausal women her company carried out in 2022, 38% were considering quitting their jobs because of the severity of their menopausal symptoms and the lack of support available to them. Some 11% had already done so. Another 84% said that menopausal symptoms had affected their work performance, while 36% had taken sick leave. And the vast majority 81% had felt unable to discuss the issue with their employer. There are currently 651,845 women aged 45 to 64, which is menopausal age, in Ireland, with 418,908 in paid employment, says Dignam. These are women who should be moving into more senior roles in their careers, yet many are leaving the workforce. We cannot afford to be losing talent in this way. Charley Stoney, CEO of the Institute of Advertising Practitioners Far from being a womens problem, McNamara argues that menopause should concern everyone. The negative implications of highly experienced women with 20 to 30 years of know-how leaving their jobs speaks for itself, she says. Addressing this problem starts with education. We need to be aware of how wide-ranging menopause symptoms can be and the toll they can take on women. It took 57-year-old Charley Stoney, CEO of the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland, two years to learn this lesson for herself. Around the age of 48, I started getting hot flushes, but I didnt recognise them as they made me nauseous, not hot, she says. I got bad heartburn too. Even though I considered myself well informed, those symptoms were unknown to me. Over time, her sleep and mental wellbeing started to deteriorate. I wasnt as focussed and my mood wasnt great, she says. I lost my confidence, which Ive been told is common for women in menopause. You lose who you are a bit. It was only when her hot flushes became recognisably hot that Stoney was prescribed HRT. My sleep improved immediately and gradually so did my concentration and mood, she says. Throughout, Stoney felt able to discuss her symptoms at work. Im lucky to work in an industry thats open to these conversations, she says. But lots of women arent and feel they have to hide their symptoms, which can create unnecessary stress. If employers really believe in supporting employee health and well-being, this has to change. Menopause has to be recognised as a real issue affecting women at work and sensitively talked about as such. Norah Casey pictured at the Breast Cancer Ireland 'Race for a Cure' Race Day supported by Porche Centre Dublin and Joe Duffy Group at Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy Read More Essential Menopause survival guide Dragon in the hot seat Former Dragons Den star, journalist and businesswoman Norah Casey had a different experience. Now 63, she too was 48 when she first experienced symptoms. However, she recognised them instantly. I have sisters, my mother had an early hysterectomy and I trained as a nurse, she says. While I couldnt say I sailed through menopause, I knew enough to get the right help at the right time. This meant that her career wasnt overly affected but Casey is aware that many womens careers can be derailed by menopause. Women have gathered wonderful wisdom by the time they reach their late 40s and early 50s, she says. Theyre ready to step up to the hot seat of leadership but then Mother Nature has a different kind of hot seat waiting for them. Menopause is a complete systematic change to a womans body that can come with all sorts of debilitating symptoms, and it hits just as women are about to become leaders of the pack, holding them back from doing so. She firmly believes in the importance of employers recognising this problem and taking steps to do something about it. Its why she has joined with Dignam in establishing the Menopause Work Excellence Awards to shine a light on workplaces that support staff through menopause. These organisations have made changes that dont cost the earth, says Dignam. Instead, they make business sense, save time and money on replacing lost talent, and create an inclusive culture where menopause is normalised as a topic in the workplace. Casey argues that simply starting a conversation can make a difference. It makes women feel more comfortable talking about menopause, she says. Demonstrating that support is available will make them more likely to ask for it if they need it. That benefits female employees but it also benefits businesses as experienced female employees are more likely to remain in the workforce instead of leaving it. Employers stepping up Organisations such as Bank of Ireland and An Post are leading the charge for change in Ireland. They offer supports ranging from paid menopausal leave to flexible dress codes and accommodations such as installing fans on employees desks. Other employers may soon have to follow suit. In August, the government commissioned research into the effects of menopause in the workplace and will use its findings to inform new policies for employers nationwide. Dignam knows exactly what she would like to see included in these policies. Our survey shows that women want training for managers and HR, she says. They want reasonable workplace adjustments that will support them to stay in work, including things like temperature control, bathroom and changing facilities and uniform changes as well as flexible working, time off for medical appointments and sick leave. She would also like to see menopause champions appointed. These are employees who are trained to offer peer-to-peer support and who let colleagues know where they can find further help and assistance, she says. Theyve got them in the UK, and I see them as key to driving cultural change around menopause in the workplace. McNamara hopes that the National Menopause Summit will help to demonstrate the need for such policies. 50% of the worlds population, if theyre fortunate to live long enough, will journey through menopause and many will find it challenging, especially in a workplace context, she says. Were pushing for a new norm in which employers realise the importance of introducing supportive policies for women going through menopause to enable them to forge forward in their careers. Casey believes employees and the organisations they work for would benefit from such policies. I got the support I needed and was able to get through menopause without too much difficulty, she says. I can now say that Ive never been as productive and would like other women to arrive at this stage free to flourish just as I have. If employers give them the supports necessary to do this, their organisations will benefit accordingly. A local councillor has said the Castlebar community will provide every support to Irish woman Eileen Gibbons, who is in a critical condition in hospital following a shooting in the Australian city of Darwin. Ms Gibbons, 38, a Castlebar native and mother of one, sustained serious abdominal injuries in the shooting, which happened at a premises on Sprigg Street in the Darwin suburb of Millner earlier this week. The shooter is believed to have been her ex-partner, 35-year-old Ralph Donald. After shooting Ms Gibbons, Mr Donald is believed to have turned the gun on himself. He was pronounced dead after armed Northern Territory Police officers arrived at the premises at around 6.30pm on Tuesday evening. Ms Gibbons was rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital for emergency surgery. Her current condition is described as serious but stable. Local Fianna Fail councillor Martin McLoughlin said the community in Castlebar was devastated, shocked and numbed" by the incident. He said a number of people from Castlebar had emigrated to Darwin in recent years. It is understood that Ms Gibbons relocated to Darwin seven years ago. Mr Martin told RTE Radio's Morning Ireland that members of her family were on their way to the capital of Australia's Northern Territory to be by her side. He also said that members of the Castlebar and wider Irish community in the city would "rally around" Ms Gibbons and her family. "There are a lot of young people her age living in Darwin and I think that's good for her and I know that they would rally around," he said. "She has great friends who will be there at this awful time in her life. Cllr Martin added it was encouraging to know that Eileen and her family would have such support, and that they remained in the thoughts of the community back in Castlebar. A trade union which lobbied Government ministers and TDs to intervene in a dispute with a well-known Cork education centre has been fined for failing to register the lobbying. The dispute between Unite the Union and the Cork Life Centre has resulted in staff at the centre issuing a letter saying their interests were misrepresented by the union, which they say has been making false and defamatory statements regarding out work and our management team". The staff letter was in response to lobbying conducted by the union about issues around representation for what the union claimed was the majority of paid staff at the centre. This is disputed by management and staff at the Life Centre, which claims a minority of staff were represented by the union. As part of the lobbying, Unite contacted nine politicians, including four senior ministers, Micheal Martin, Michael McGrath, Simon Coveney and Norma Foley. The lobbying was not registered and the record only corrected this week following a query from the Irish Examiner. The Standards in Public Office Commission issued a 200 fine for the late registration, pointing out the union had committed an offence under the Regulation of Lobbying Act. The Cork Life Centre caters for over 50 students each year who are unsuitable for formal education but sit both Junior and Leaving Certs in the centre. It has a long waiting list and its director Don OLeary has been widely praised for his approach. The dispute between the centre and the union arose when an issue over a clause in a contract was elevated to a grievance by six staff members affiliated to Unite. The board of management at the centre was dealing with the grievances but the union insisted that all six be dealt with collectively instead of individually. It is standard in the corporate and charity sector for grievances to be dealt with on an individual basis. The board refused to deal with the matter collectively and Unite lobbied the politicians to intervene. Last week a letter signed by 13 staff was sent to the politicians in response to Unites lobbying. They are actively campaigning against an organisation that is committed to being a force for a fairer society and they are neither united nor tolerant in that they have shown no dignity or respect towards the students, staff or management at the Cork Life Centre, the letter read. In response to questions, Unite said members of the union raised very serious grievances and it sought to have the issues dealt with in a "collective" way. "Unfortunately this was denied," it said. When contacted, Don OLeary said he did not wish to make any comment on the matter. The chief piece of advice from any seasoned interior designer is to be true to yourself. Thats not easy with social media influencers and the trade assaulting us with luxe looks that appear marvellous online and in glossy pages, and hopelessly pretentious or downright sad staged in a standard semi-detached home. Heres my pick of the most prevalent trending but off-beat core styles for 2024, with tips on how to muscle them into submission with your own innate good taste. EPHRONCORE This rustic comfort porridge channels mid-1990s shabby chic to match Meg Ryans mousse-stirred shaggy bob in Nora Ephrons rom-com You Have Mail. Coined by Nell Frizzell of Vogue UK last year, Ephroncore is an ick-style mired in the worst of 1980s faux distress and artless, upcycled pretention. Its supposed timeless comfort is just about always delivered in factory formed, Pottery-Barn-blah, the fast-fashion of interior decorating undistinguished by a single, personal decision. Frizzell deems the Instagram cult around #MegRyanFall as undeniably cute (and shes right). Still, this characterless, aesthetic travesty cannot be saved by cameos of Ryan lofting leaves in a tweedy jacket and bucket hat. Once over the threshold, Ephroncores queasy sentiment drags us back to twee home signage, hairy bone-white cheque cushions, insanely pregnant upholstery, and a heavy smother of beige sauce. The look has survived in whats termed American-Classic (Carmella advised us of this in an episode of Sopranos where she rejected the inclusion of antiques in her neoclassic-inspired Villa Cosa Nostra). A 2024 take on Ephroncore's queasy tonals. Note the chic late mid-century lines. An Almanac mural by Woodchip & Magnolia depicts night to day, season to season and rain to rainbow in autumnal shades. Sample: 3.95, woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk. These cowardly interiors are the outlier to enjoying Ephrons period pieces. Frizzell reminds us: Wordplay is foreplay. Im currently watching the exquisite flirting in When Harry Met Sally through my fingers to avoid a wagon-wheel coffee table. Whats worthy in squishy, semolina roomscapes? Well, its tonal decorating so deeply relaxing. To create a balanced, harmonious tonal scheme, stick to colours close to each other on the colour wheel. Start with whites and neutrals and apply tints and tones of a real colour (bolder is fine). Settle on a warm or cool collection of shades. Update the late 20th-century interpretations with bolder lines to furniture, and real vintage finds. Add fascinating detail and texture, and less invasive clutter, avoiding barrow loads of a la carte decorator pieces that say little to nothing about who you are. GRANDMILLENNIAL Another stifling style when applied with too much aplomb Emma Bazilian coined the term Grandmillennial for House Beautiful (US) in 2019. Its a contentious look thats hung around magazine illustrations all over the planet ever since. Maximalist at heart, it offers the perfect opportunity to flog more dust-catchers and social-signalling gewgaws than the open planes of Scandi-chic does. If you took cottage core and with a little hypergamy she married up, we have the heritage-heavy salons of grandmillennial. If your granny is Hyacinth Bucket, then yes its granny-chic. Grandmillennial chatters in cut-glass vowels of panelled staircases, Laura Ashley ruffles (a trope for this posturing), needlepoint seat-pads, oriental stair-runners and Italian greyhounds in belted wax jackets. Think Colefax & Fowler without the class. The nearest period I can compare it to in the past is late 19th-century High Victorian, as they both rely on shameless, ostentatious display, hinting relentlessly at wealth, and accrued gentility. Sorry, but its just a bit vulgar, a bit 80s and trying way too hard. That said, there are voices out in the design community interpreting the style as an antidote to the monochromatic catalogues we are surrounded by but with more discretion. Martha Stewart, in one of her excellent blogs, advises us to approach the grandmillennial by including meaningful heritage pieces (family nostalgia is best) and to go big on pattern. Consider choosing heavily printed curtains, upholstery, and wall coverings. Embellishments are also a key detail to pulling off this vibe think ruffles, pleats, and fringe, she states on her website. Knitted and crocheted throws are in for 2024. BARBIECORE Now, do I really have to explain? Many of us lost our minds in the face of the rictus-grinning Mattel madam. The impact of her Pepto-Bismol surroundings dazzling off our cinema screens has washed back through the world of interiors like a California surfing swell. Together with an entire US television show dedicated to recreating the flash and fuss of life in plastic (Barbie Dream House Challenge - HGTV), numerous, bleach haired Instagram personalities have dished up kitchens and living spaces crystallised in sugar pink styling that will be out of fashion before Barbie II struts out. What can we learn from our genuine response to all things plastic fantastic? Go easy sprinkling on the sugar of Barbiecore. This 50s Smeg stand-mixer could make a shy nod to the madam of Matell/ From 500, various suppliers. Theres a monochromatic joy here which celebrates that opulent mid-century mood, colour, and texture in an age when we shiver in terror beyond plaster greys and rinsed-out biophilic bile. Im delighted. Some influencers are showing just how beautiful retro-inspired rooms with an unashamed rush of colour and pattern can be. Top among them is The House of Adora, styled by Nashville chic queen Beverley Griffith. Its all there in her Hollywood Regency glam-palace. Smoky glass belted in gold, turquoise Moroccan tile, a scandalous round, red velvet bed and plush, lush, psycho-pop flair in every detail. What does this sumptuous lookbook offer? Well, as Beverley purrs out its not just a look, its sheer all-encompassing cool that can only be matched by full-on colour-drenching. Look for inspiration to shake your creativity awake. Cmon Barbie, lets go party. (instagram.com/thehouseofadora/). RESIMERCIAL DESIGN I know, I know, another invented stuff-shifter cooked up by the furniture hangers, but stay with me. Resimercial is a term long-used to describe residential-style commercial offices and commercial-inclined residential spaces (lets just say home offices for claritys sake). Its easy to see why firms would instigate comfier, cosy less rigidly styled domestic environments to cosset their staff and encourage greater productivity. Beyond this corporate strategising, the reverse is an interesting take on this look too. Since the pandemic, many of us have either changed jobs, started working from home or in some cases set up a business. The wobbling Argos study desk and stolen dining chair crammed into a corner wont work for serious professional hours, where we may have to leap into a Zoom meeting and virtually style up a backdrop. Back in the day, when the industrial look and mid-century crept up on us, Anglepoise in hand, we began to appreciate pieces created for office, workshop and even factory settings as being desirable after hours. In 2024, flexible home spaces that can be turned around for other functions will become increasingly popular. Coping with a spare room or confined to an area of open-plan living, look into furnishings that can sit easily with the wider collection of leisure seating and storage. Work on that seamless flow, and use clever, closed storage solutions to shut down your day. My advice? Start at the top, investing in handsome, functional pieces designed for long hours of use from good office furnish suppliers, including OBrien Office Systems, Donworth, or Ronnie Moore Ltd, all in Cork. Trust me. That gentler resimercial area of design is perfect for adaptable, hard-working homes expected to do everything in increasingly small square metres. FINNISH idioms come in many shapes and sizes but heres one that's true in Kinsale: Money is a bit like snow, it gathers in heaps. For sure, the cash piles are high and getting higher in this photogenic coastal town where members of the global elite have been snapping up properties. Latest in the line of uber-rich buyers is US billionaire James Berwind, fifth generation heir to a family that made its fortune in coal mining. Mr Berwind bought Sprayfield, the Sandycove waterfront Georgian home of former UCC president Gerry Wrixon in June, for 3.8. Sprayfield sold in June for 3.8m to US billionaire Jeff Berwind In Kinsale town, the former home of food entrepreneur Colum Cully & Sully OSullivan sold last year for 4.75m to an international buyer, while on the hill rising up from Scilly, Travis Knight, heir to the Nike fortune, bought modern mansion Ocean Breeze earlier this year for upwards of 4.5m. Raffeen House, former home of Colum O'Sullivan, sold for 4.75m Nike heir Travis Knight bought Ocean Breeze for upwards of 4.5m No-one should be too surprised therefore that a former council house in Kinsale can command the kind of sale price that the local authority that built it must weep at. No 12 Fr McSweeney Villas in Ardbrack, a council semi-d built in the 1940s, sold in 2021 for 1.45m, 100,000 above the asking. It had been extended from a 650 sq ft to a 2,000 sq ft home, from two bedrooms to five. Such extravagant sale prices bode well for the house featured here. 6 High Road, Ardbrack, Kinsale, Co Cork On Kinsales High Road, No 6 is part of the Fr McSweeney Villas 14-home former council scheme that starts at Scilly (just beyond Travis Knights new home) and runs into Ardbrack. When the houses were built 80 or so years ago, the area in question was considered a bit out-of-town, and so local authority tenants were housed there. No-one foresaw just how much Kinsale would grow and perhaps no-one gave any great thought to how superb the views were. Fast forward to 2023 and everyone can see that the vista, taking in inner and outer harbours, James Fort, the town of Kinsale, marinas, you name it, is to die for and that as a result, house hunters are disposed to pay top-dollar for these homes. 6 High Road, Ardbrack, Kinsale, Co Cork In 2016, No 9, a 650 sq ft home, sold for 920,000. No 6 has been extended by c300 sq ft and its the extension that makes it. Sunroom extension The owner added on a sun room with a glass back wall. It means views of the habour are on permanent display: glittering water by day; by night, flashing buoys and twinkling lights. It can be opened to the elements via Munster Joinery French doors or viewed from behind that glass wall, while cosy-ing up to a wood-burning stove. The design-mind behind the extension was Celine ODonovan, who, along with her husband Miles, moved to Kinsale in the 70s, living original in Summercove and then Kilmacsimon. Dad was from Cork originally and Mum was from Dublin and when they moved here, Kinsale was a happening place, although I think quite a bit cheaper than what it is now, says their son Morgan. He recalls a childhood of sailing, canoeing and parties on The Dock beach near James Fort. Kinsale Harbour with the Dock Beach in the background His father had a shop in Kinsale, selling everything from beanbags to curtains. Celine had a talent for interiors at one stage, she had a shop called Material World in Bray, Co Wicklow. A few years after buying No 6 in 2006, she set about extending it, coming up with the design herself. As well as adding the sunroom, she had the house insulated and then set about decorating it. She did a fine job. A cosy living room has an inset stove and built-in shelving; the kitchen has an open fireplace. Upstairs, the main bedroom of two has harbour views, as has the bathroom. The front of the house, which faces onto High Road, has authentic sash-style windows and a cheerful yellow front door. Parking is off street and theres a storage shed to the side of the house. Out back, running down towards the harbour, is a long, south-facing lawn, with a well-chosen patio area. Morgan says his Mum did the landscaping herself and had plans too to add a second floor extension over the sunroom, while also pushing the house out at the side, but she never got around to it. A new owner looking to pursue this option will see plenty of precedent in the neighbourhood. Selling No 6 is Ron Krueger of Engel & Volkers and he says its a fantastic opportunity to buy a property with stellar views, within walking distance of Kinsale town. The property also offers huge potential for further extension or re-development, subject to planning consent, he adds. The house is only being sold as Celine has passed away and her sons Morgan and Charles are based overseas. We had great times travelling along the coast as far as Kenmare with my Dad in his boat, and we learnt to sail in the yacht club. Mum had visions of watching the grandchildren doing the same from the sitting room window and so did we. When mum passed away, we had high hopes of spending lots of time there, but I live in the UK and my brother lives in Oz, so it's just really hard to, Morgan says. Mr Krueger, whose guide price for No 6 is 1.35m, is expecting interest in the 958 sq ft home from both domestic and overseas' buyers, given Kinsale's profile. "The house is in very good condition throughout and would make a fabulous holiday home and would also be ideal for downsizing. "At the same time, we are expecting buyers with the intention of extending the house to put their own stamp on it, as many other houses in this row of houses have been extended over the years," Mr Krueger says. VERDICT: Four Kinsale homes have already breached the 1m mark this year - will a former council house be fifth on the list? A pet emu escaped, and its loving owner called 911 in the hopes it might be found. It was, and Maricopa Sheriff's deputies strangled and killed it when they found it. Video shows deputies with the Maricopa Sheriff's Office getting a lasso around Richard's neck before pulling her over to a police car. 'You can see her neck being constricted and being pulled against her will. They continued to do this, to strangle and torture her to death, until she collapsed while they tried to force her into the back of a squad car," Moilan says. Richard was just walking, Moilan says, and was not a threat to anyone until the deputies got involved. Authorities defend the deputies' actions. "Deputies analyzed the situation and took into consideration that the emu had been loose before and had previously kicked a Deputy in the leg. They attempted getting the emu out of the neighborhood unharmed but, unfortunately, they were unsuccessful," the Maricopa Sheriff's Office said in a statement. Whales, dolphins and seals living in US waters face major threats from warming ocean temperatures, rising sea levels and decreasing sea ice volumes associated with climate change, according to a first-of-its-kind assessment. Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration examined more than 100 stocks of American marine mammal species and found more than 70% of those stocks are vulnerable to threats, such as loss of habitat and food, due to the consequences of warming waters. The impacts also include loss of dissolved oxygen and changes to ocean chemistry. The scientists found large whales such as humpbacks and North Atlantic right whales were among the most vulnerable to climate change, and that other toothed whales and dolphins were also at high risk. A dead common dolphin found on the beach at Wellfleet, Massachusetts (AP Photo/Julia Cumes) The study, published last month in the journal PLOS One, is evidence that the way the US manages whales and dolphins needs to adapt in the era of climate change, advocates for marine mammals said. The news is bleak, but the assessment also is the first to look solely at marine mammal stocks managed by the US and the results can help inform federal ocean managers about how to safeguard the vulnerable animals, said Matthew Lettrich, a biologist and lead author of the study. As the climates changing, were seeing some of the effects already, and some of our marine mammal populations are more vulnerable to those changes than others, Lettrich said. Based on this study, we see a good proportion are highly and very highly vulnerable. The researchers studied marine mammals living in the western North Atlantic ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The animals are managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, the arm of the federal government responsible for stewardship and protection of marine resources. The scientists looked at the animals degree of exposure to climate change and sensitivity and capacity to adapt to it. They found 72% of the stocks were highly or very highly vulnerable to climate change, with a little less than half falling in the very high category. The warming ocean primarily harms marine mammals by altering their ability to find food and reduces their amount of suitable habitat, the study said. However, the scientists said changes to ocean temperature and chemistry also can change sound transmission. That can affect the sonar-like echolocation marine mammals such as dolphins use to communicate and hunt. Climate change must be considered to adequately manage species, the study states. The NOAA study is significant because its the first to look broadly at US marine mammals and attempt to predict their resiliency to climate change, said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, a biologist with Massachusetts-based Whale and Dolphin Conservation who was not involved in the study. The whales will benefit from the study if the information is used to implement laws protecting them, Ms Asmutis-Silvia said. At least five people were killed in assassinations in Myanmars jade hub, Hpakant Township, in Kachin State over five days, according to media reports. Regime forces are fighting the powerful Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Kachin Peoples Defense Force in the prized township. On Thursday, U San Myint, 50, who sold snacks in villages, was shot dead by unknown gunmen while he rode his motorbike to San Kywe village, according to the Kachin media. A resident told Myitkyina News Journal that the victim was shot in the head. On Thursday another man was shot in the head by unknown gunmen while using a petrol station. On Tuesday, a 30-year-old pickled fruit vendor who traveled between villages on his motorbike was shot in the head at Kaday village in the township. An ice pop vendor, who also used a motorbike, was shot dead by an armed group at Ka Htan village on September 30. No organizations have claimed responsibility for the killings. On Tuesday, Ko Aung Si Phyo, 35, a jade seller, was reportedly shot dead by regime forces while driving near Hmaw Shan village in junta territory, the Kachin media reported. Fighting with the KIA reportedly broke out on Tuesday after resistance groups ambushed a regime vehicle heading to a karaoke venue. Regime troops were reportedly killed and some houses were destroyed in the clash. Myanmars military is being weakened by desertions, casualties and feeble recruitment and has reportedly asked Yangon and Ayeyarwady administrators to recruit militia members instead. Administrators say they have been told to provide at least three men per ward or village to join militias. A Seikgyikanaungto Township ward administrator in Yangon Region said: The district administrator told us at a meeting that each ward must give men. We said our wards were peaceful but he said each ward needed to provide three men so we did. He said they will be armed after the training but there has been no training so far. Townships affected include Kawhmu, Kungyangon, Twante, Dala, Seikgyikanaungto, Hlaing Tharyar, Shwepyithar, Kyauktan, Hmawbi, Mayangone, North Dagon and East Dagon in Yangon Region and Ngapudaw, Thabaung, Athoke, Kangyidaunt, Yegyi and Kyaunggon in Ayeyarwady Region, according to administrators. Former captain Htet Myat, who defected after the 2021 coup, said: The regime lacks combat forces. The casualties keep rising and soldiers are sent from checkpoints to the frontline, leaving gaps. The junta controls less territory and commanders are looking to seize recruits in areas they still hold. Militias have been increasingly used at checkpoints and for security patrols and in clearance operations and blockades in areas out of its reach. Militias hamper resistance combat operations and logistics, he added. Forced recruitment reportedly began in mid-2022 when villages and wards were told to provide three to five young men. Conscription has expanded this year and in some areas young men were chosen by lottery. Conscription has been mainly reported in Ngapudaw, Thabaung, Kangyidaunt, Athoke, Yekyi and Kyaunggon townships in Ayeyarwady Region, where a majority of villages have supported the military and its proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party. At least 30 civilians from two Ngatheingkhyonng town wards and two villages in Ngapudaw Township underwent training at Battalion 271 in Pathein, the Ayeyarwady regional capital, last month. In Shan and Kachin states, junta-affiliated militias are involved in fighting with ethnic armed organizations and resistance forces. Sagaing Regions chief minister recently told the State Administrative Council in Naypyitaw that more than 2,000 weapons had been supplied to 77 militias in the region since the 2021 coup. The militias are concentrated in Kantbalu District in Sagaing, led by influential monk U Wasawa of the ultranationalist Association for Protection of Race and Religion or Ma Ba Tha. The groups are involved in raiding and looting villages. Last month, the regime started arming militias in Bago Region, which borders Naypyitaw. The capital is increasingly threatened by resistance attacks. The regime supplied arms, other military equipment and food for militias in Pyay in the west of Bago and Taungoo in the east, according to junta media. Junta fighter jets bombarded another camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kayah States Hpruso Township on Wednesday. The number of IDPs in the township has risen to about 10,000, including those at the camp that was bombed and residents from four villages who have been displaced by ongoing fighting between junta troops and resistance forces, rights groups and local residents said. A junta jet dropped bombs on the IDP camp near Hpu Ka Rar Khu Village as fighting erupted on the main road about three miles away on Wednesday. A makeshift school and three dwellings in the camp were destroyed by the bombs dropped on the IDP camp, according to the Karenni Human Rights Group. No casualties were reported, the rights group said. Schools in IDP camps are frequently destroyed by junta bombing and children lose their right to education, said Ko Benya, the rights groups spokesperson. Residents and IDPs from at least four villages in eastern Hpruso Township were forced to flee their shelters due to the fighting caused by advances of junta infantry battalions in the area, the rights group said. Nearly 1,000 displaced people from Whei Du Hler camp in Hpruso also faced the same fate. Most of the IDPs are unable to flee to safer areas due to a heavy downpour and lack of transportation, Ko Benya said. IDPs flee into nearby forest as artillery shelling and airstrikes by junta troops have made it almost impossible for them to access the main road, he added. The Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) reported on Friday that a woman was injured on Thursday by indiscriminate shelling by junta infantry on villages in western Hpruso Township on October 5. IDP camps in the township face food shortages and a flu outbreak, the rights group said. KNDF and its allied forces said fighting occurs daily on the main road between Hpruso and Bawlakhe townships in an attempt to thwart the arrival of junta convoys, carrying reinforcements, rations and heavy weapons. Junta infantry battalions have been heading towards the two townships since the beginning of September, the armed group stated. The United Nations estimated that more than 100,000 people were displaced in Kayah State as of September 25, 2023. However, local aid groups put the number of IDPs in Kayah State and neighboring Pekon Township of southern Shan State at 270,000. An estimated 100,000 people are in urgent need of food and healthcare, aid groups say. One civilian was killed and villages were looted on Thursday as troops in a Myanmar junta convoy continued their trail of destruction through Sagaings Salingyi Township. The military convoy of 19 vehicles with around 300 troops left Salingyi town bound for neighboring Pale Township on Wednesday. Its troops have been raiding villages along the way, forcing over 20,000 civilians to flee their homes, according to locals. On Wednesday, the anti-regime Burma National Revolution Army (BNRA) attacked the convoy near Bike Thayat village. Junta forces retaliated by calling in a helicopter gunship to strafe the area. Further down the road, the Salingyi Special Task Force ambushed the convoy with mines and drone bombs. Calling themselves the Tiger-Ogre column, the convoy troops killed a 38-year-old civilian and looted rice, oil, fuel and other property from villages on Thursday, residents said. They raided the villages and carried everything to their vehicles. Salingyi villagers are now returning to their houses, as the convoy has entered Pale, a Salingyi Township Peoples Administration spokesperson told The Irrawaddy. In Pale Township, thousands fled their homes on Thursday as convoy troops continued to attack and loot villages, according to the Pale Township Peoples Administration. The convoy left Pale early Friday morning heading for Gangaw over the border in Magwe Region. Local resistance forces retaliated with mine attacks, but details of the clashes are not yet known. It is hard to guess which way the convoy is heading. There are three [pro-junta] Pyu Saw Htee militia villages along the Pale-Gangaw Road. We dont know if the troops are transporting rations to those villages or to Magwe Region, a representative of Pale Township Peoples Administration told The Irrawaddy. The Salingyi Township Peoples Administration guessed that the convoy was looting villagers food and fuel for transport to Magwes Gangaw Township. Junta troops often raid villages for supplies when their own bases run short. However, the Peoples Defense Forces that control Gangaw make it difficult for junta troops to loot villages there. Therefore, we think that the troops are transporting supplies and weapons to Gangaw, the Salingyi Township Peoples Administration spokesperson told The Irrawaddy. Salingyi residents have been heavily targeted by the juntas terror campaign as their township is strategically located between Yinmarbin, Pale and Gangaw townships. Over 3,000 civilians are currently displaced in Salingyi, according to its Peoples Administration. The Myanmar regime continues to rely on former military intelligence officer in its effort to thwart the ongoing anti-regime movement, especially in the non-combat arena. A case in point is a recent disinformation campaign that aimed to drive a wedge between the countrys democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and anti-regime resistance forces. It all started with a short news story published by little-known Japan-based outlet PanOrient News on July 11, reporting a secret meeting in Naypyitaw two days earlier between Myanmars detained leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Don Pramudwinai, who was then the Thai foreign minister. Somewhat buried in the middle of the story was a controversial claim, attributed to anonymous sources, that the detained leader told Don that she neither recognizes nor supports the PDF or the NUG accused by the government of Myanmar of terrorism and the killing of innocent people. The NUG refers to Myanmars shadow National Unity Government and the PDF, or Peoples Defense Force, is its armed wing. Both enjoy popular support and have been trying to topple the military regime in the wake of the coup in 2021. Daw Aung San Suu Kyis alleged statement triggered widespread confusion. But observers were quick to express suspicion that the quote had been concocted, pointing out that the democracy leader had earlier expressed support for the anti-regime resistance movement. Others, noting that the report echoed the regimes narrative of branding the NUG and PDF as terrorist organizations, questioned PanOrients motive for publishing such a clam. Furthermore, Don didnt confirm Daw Aung San Suu Kyis alleged statement once it was published. Sources familiar with the matter told The Irrawaddy that a former military intelligence officer, Colonel Hla Min, was behind the effort to spread misinformation about the democracy leader via PanOrient through distorted reporting of the meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the outgoing Thai foreign minister. Hla Min played an intermediary role between the regime and PanOrient, they said. In fact, a connection between PanOrient and the junta already existed. In May this year, the news outlets president, Khaldon Azhari, arrived in Naypyitaw for a meeting with the juntas Foreign Minister Than Swe and Information Minister Maung Maung Ohn. Their talks focused on cooperation in the media sector. Analysts said the regime seemed to have naively believed that if it could launch a disinformation campaign against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi via a news outlet published in English outside Myanmar, it could drive a wedge between the democracy leader and the anti-regime movement. To make it more convincing internationally, it portrayed the message as coming out of the meeting with Don, not from a meeting with a regime official. It was a desperate move. To the regime, few seemed better suited to handle it than Hla Min, given his background. As a son of a diplomat, he spent most of his childhood overseas and finished high school in Europe. He joined Myanmars Defense Service Academy in 1972 and spent the next 32 years in the military, according to his book, Myanmars Current Political Landscape and My View 1988-2014basically a work of propaganda designed to defend Myanmars previous regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), which he served, and to criticize Western countries, especially the US. During his time in the army, he was assigned to engage with international media. In the late 1990s, he became an SPDC spokesman tasked with dealing with visiting international officials, representatives, foreign journalists and international nongovernmental organizations, or INGOs. Later he became an official in the Military Intelligence (MI) section under the leadership of the spy chief General Khin Nyunt, who oversaw crackdowns on the countrys pro-democracy activists under the former regime. However, when Khin Nyunt was purged and the MI dissolved by then junta supremo Than Shwe in 2004, Col. Hla Min was arrested along with other MI officials. He was jailed for seven years and released in October 2011. The exact nature of the deal between the junta, PanOrient and Hla Min to launch the disinformation campaign is unknown. In the end, it was a failed mission, having no impact on the ongoing resistance movement. The regime tried to make the most of it by distributing leaflets locally claiming that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi rejected the resistance movement. But no one cared. At least 42 Myanmar junta forces including pro-junta militia members were killed in the last five days as Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) continued to attack regime targets in Mandalay, Magwe and Sagaing regions. The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs. Some military casualties could not be independently verified. Junta troops bombed in Mandalay Eagle Guerrilla Force, which forms Shwebo District PDF Battalion 15 under the command of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG), said it and six other resistance groups used drones to drop bombs on regime forces stationed in Thone Sal Village in Madaya Township, Mandalay Region on Thursday. A resistance drone was taken down by the regime forces using anti-drone jammers. Fighting continued outside the village when resistance groups attempted to retake their drone from the regime forces. Around 20 regime forces were killed and many others injured in the incidents, the resistance groups claimed, citing military informants. But The Irrawaddy was unable to independently verify the report. Military targets bombed in Mandalay, Magwe Earthquake PDF said it and six resistance groups used drones to drop six bombs on the house of pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee militia leader Phoe Zin in Ywar Naung Village in Nyaung-U Township, Mandalay Region on Sunday. On Aug. 30, the resistance groups raided the bases of regime forces and militia groups in five villages under the control of Phoe Zin in nearby Pakokku Township, Magwe Region. Resistance groups managed to occupy three villages along with military bases, and a soldier and four militia members were killed. The groups also attacked five motorboats carrying junta reinforcements, forcing them to turn around and flee. The resistance groups later dropped 20 drone bombs on a military base at an oil drilling site in Pakokku Township on Monday, killing four regime forces. On Tuesday, around 50 drone bombs were dropped on bases of junta troops and militias in three pro-junta villages in Pakokku Township, said Earthquake PDF. Two more regime forces were killed when the groups dropped 20 drone bombs on a military checkpoint near War Zi Village in the township, the PDF groups claimed. Pakokku Northern PDF group also said it used an improvised remote-controlled plane to drop bombs on the pro-junta village of Kan Ni in Pakokku Township on Wednesday, killing a pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia member. Clash erupts in Magwe Four regime forces were killed and three others seriously injured in Myaing Township, Magwe Region on Tuesday when 10 resistance groups engaged in a clash with a military unit in the southwest of the township, said Myaing Underground Defense Force, which was involved in the shootout. In the clash, three resistance fighters also suffered injuries. The resistance group also used land mines to ambush military vehicles transporting injured soldiers from the clash site. After the clash, the military unit shelled six nearby villages using 60-mm explosives until the next morning. Regime forces killed in land mine ambush in Sagaing Daung Min PDF said it triggered land mines to ambush an advance unit of foot soldiers attached to a military convoy in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region, killing three regime forces and injuring two others. Junta suffers losses in resistance attack in Sagaing At least five regime soldiers including two army officers were killed and 10 others injured in a clash with the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) in Indaw Township, upper Sagaing Region on Wednesday, according to local media reports. The clash erupted between two villages after the ABSDF used land mines to ambush a military unit of 100 troops. An official of Indaw Revolution group told the media that the military unit carried the bodies of two killed officers to their base in Indaw town after burying the other three killed soldiers at the clash site. Regime forces killed in urban attack in Sagaing Three regime forces were killed in Kawlin Town, Sagaing Region on Tuesday when resistance groups attacked regime forces performing security duty in a ward, according to local media reports. During the attack, the resistance groups seized a weapon and ammunition from a killed junta soldier. Gov. Ron DeSantis made a rare presidential campaign appearance in Florida on Thursday, saying hes making significant inroads in Iowa where the first Republican votes for president will take place in mid-January though he remains far behind in the polls. You win it contest by contest. Its not a national primary, DeSantis said during a downtown Tampa event that included a few hundred people. I spent the last six weeks spending a lot of time in rural counties in Iowa. That is not getting a lot of fanfare, and certainly not going to move a national poll, but were banking people that are going to go caucus for us when it matters. Thats all that matters. Who shows up in Iowa in mid-January. I wouldnt trade places with any candidate where we are in Iowa and I think were going to have a tremendous victory there and I think its going to be something that is going to totally, totally up end all of the conventional wisdom, he added. Left unsaid was that in the last three competitive Republican Iowa caucuses in 2008, 2012 and 2016, the winners (Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum and Ted Cruz, respectively) did not win the nomination for president (there was no competitive Iowa caucus in 2020 as Trump was not challenged). DeSantis currently trails former President Donald Trump in the most recent national polls by an average of around 45 points, according to RealClearPolitics. In the all-important state of Iowa, where DeSantis is now employing a 99-county strategy, he trails Trump by 30 points, according to a CBS News survey taken in late September. In New Hampshire, home of the first-in-the-nation GOP primary election, DeSantis is now in third place, behind not only Trump but former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who also has been a U.S. Ambassador. The USA Today/Suffolk University poll released on Wednesday shows Trump at 49%, Haley at 19%, and DeSantis at 10%. DeSantis fans in the crowd in Tampa said they werent deterred by the low poll numbers. I dont believe the polls right now based on how theyve failed us in the past two cycles, said Tampa resident Laura Kissick. From what I see hes on the ground in Iowa, working hard out with the people going to all the counties. I dont see how you could lose in that situation. Kissick added that she doesnt believe Trump can win enough independent votes in 2024 to win the general election. I just dont see it, she said. Hes definitely not getting any more than he got in 2020 with all this stuff behind him. David Wright, 27, is also extremely skeptical of what the polls say. If you look back to 2016, Trump was supposed to lose by 15 points to Hillary (Clinton). Look back to 2020, people had Trump beating Biden., he said. I believe in Gov. DeSantis message. I believe in the team that hes building, he says. Wright believes Trump is dominating the presidential race because of the media attention he receives. I think that its all a daily news cycle Wright says. So Trump gets indicted, thats the coverage. Trump gets indicted again, thats the coverage. Lets go back to November of last year. Gov, DeSantis was the most popular conservative figure in the world. He gave a great victory speech on Nov 8, so I just think that as it gets closer to Iowa and the media will actually cover the entire race, rather than Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump, then I do think it opens up a lane for DeSantis. We live in a news cycle that is every 12 hours somethings different, and Trump drives ratings. At times it was somewhat difficult to hear DeSantis speak on Thursday, because conservative activist and Trump supporter Laura Loomer was verbally attacking him with a bullhorn just outside the building, where her voice could be heard loudly inside the hall. Meanwhile Thursday, DeSantis was joined by several Florida sheriffs on stage, as his campaign announced that he had received endorsements of 60 sheriffs of the 67 in the state. (Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott announced earlier this year that he had received the backing of 59 sheriffs in his race for reelection next year.) Overall, DeSantis speech in Tampa was full of references to how tough hell be on crime, saying he has denounced liberal prosecutors and policies in places like New York, California and Illinois. As for California specifically, DeSantis said, Were doing different events while were out there and we ran into about six or seven people that have been mugged within the last year, and Ive been thinking to myself: Ive been going to events for how long and Ive never met anyone in Florida who had been mugged. Im not saying theres no crime, but its almost like a common occurrence. You know why it keeps happening? Because the perpetrators arent put in jail where they belong, thats why thats happening. (DeSantis didnt provide data on how many people in Florida may or may not have been mugged.) That led to a central theme of his campaign: How the country is in decline, and how his election will reverse Americas decline. Well be able to say that after two terms, we were able to restore the American dream in this country, DeSantis said. And he also made the observation that people in Florida dont have to worry about politics here, a comment that Democrats and progressives around the state might take issue with. Something happens, Ill get it done. Dont worry. We see things, we get out in front of them, we take care of it, he said, mentioning how he banned alleged sanctuary cities when he first took office in 2019. He then recited a litany of controversial issues in Florida, such as banning the teaching of critical race theory in K-12 schools and taking on the Disney corporation for its opposition to the Parental Rights in Education law. Meanwhile in the presidential campaign, DeSantis reported $15 million in the third quarter of 2023, but the Trump campaign reported raising $45 million in that time, according to the Associated Press. This story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. Many tourists are overwhelmed by religious zealotry when they visit Jerusalem. However, most cases of "Jerusalem Syndrome" do not result in the loss of ancient artifacts. Sadly, two 2nd-century Roman statues were "substantially damaged" this time. A 40-year-old American man told Israeli authorities he destroyed the statues because they contradicted his religious beliefs. The gentleman's lawyer claims this is a case of "Jerusalem Syndrome," wherein tourists to the area become obsessed with some aspect of their religion because they are in the city. NBCNews: The man's lawyer, Nick Kaufman, said the statues his client was accused of knocking down were second-century Roman sculptures. Kaufman said his client did not act out of religious "fanaticism." Rather, he said he believed his client suffered from a mental health condition labeled by psychiatrists as "Jerusalem syndrome." The condition is believed to cause foreign pilgrims who visit Jerusalem, a city considered sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims, to believe they are figures from the Bible, according to The Associated Press. "His acts prior to the incident and general demeanor suggest that he is suffering from a well-recognized condition known as the Jerusalem syndrome," Kaufman said in a statement shared with NBC News. The lawyer said his client was referred for psychiatric evaluation with agreement from authorities. Jerusalem Syndrome is described on Wikipedia as: Friday, Oct 6th, 2023 (7:57 am) - Score 1,104 Internet giant Amazon will today launch their first two prototype satellites Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2 into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as part of plans to test the technologies that will be used in Project Kuiper, which aims to loft a mega constellation of satellites to deliver ultrafast broadband and 4G/5G mobile across the world. At present Amazon is still running a long way behind rivals such as OneWeb and Starlink (SpaceX). Nevertheless, the company currently has approval to deploy and operate their own constellation of 3,236 LEO satellites as part of Project Kuiper, which will sit at an altitude of between 590km and 630km. The system can process up to 1Tbps (Terabits per second) of data traffic on board each satellite, but that must be shared between many users. NOTE: Project Kuipers LEOs will communicate with ground stations using the 17.8-18.6GHz and 28.6-29.1GHz bands ( Project Kuipers LEOs will communicate with ground stations using the 17.8-18.6GHz and 28.6-29.1GHz bands ( more details ). Each LEO is fairly small, but they make up for that in quantity, and this approach typically delivers lots of data capacity (100-400Mbps broadband speeds), as well as relatively fast latency times (often c.20-40ms) provided its all matched by plenty of Ground Stations and regulatory approvals in supporting countries. The new network, much like other LEO constellations, also plans to cater for mobile (4G and 5G) connections. For example, Vodafone and Vodacom have already announced their intention to use Project Kuipers network to bring the benefits of 4G/5G connectivity to areas that may otherwise be challenging and prohibitively expensive to serve via traditional fibre or microwave solutions. Project Kuipers Test Satellites The two prototype satellites were originally due to be launched during early 2023, but the rockets Amazon picked to use have all experienced delays. Project Kuiper has so far secured 77 heavy-lift launches from Arianespace, Blue Origin, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and they have options for additional launches with Blue Origin. Weve done extensive testing here in our lab and have a high degree of confidence in our satellite design, but theres no substitute for on-orbit testing, said Rajeev Badyal, Project Kuipers vice president of technology. This is Amazons first time putting satellites into space, and were going to learn an incredible amount regardless of how the mission unfolds. Amazons Testing Plan The Kuiper System includes three key elements: advanced LEO broadband satellites; small, affordable customer terminals; and a secure, resilient ground-based communications network. The Protoflight mission will test all three parts, along with the teams and systems that manage them. To start, our satellites will travel to space on an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance (ULA) where ULA will deploy them at an altitude of 311 miles (500 kilometers). From that point, well begin testing various systems and subsystems on board. For example, well use telemetry, tracking, and communications (TT&C) stations to establish first contact with the satellites; deploy solar arrays to generate power; and confirm onboard electronics are operating nominally within acceptable power and temperature ranges. On the ground, we will test our advanced networking hardware and software to refine how they support the flow of data through the Kuiper System and AWS. Gateway antennas positioned around the world will track and communicate with the satellites and also connect the Kuiper System to the internet. As the mission progresses, we will test the network from end to end, sending data back and forth between the internet, our ground gateways, the satellites, and our customer terminals. At the end of the mission, we plan to actively deorbit both satellites before they ultimately burn up in the Earths atmospherepart of our commitment to space safety. The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket is due to liftoff today from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The launch window opens at 2:00 PM ET (7PM UK Time) and concludes at 4:00 PM ET (9PM UK Time). Assuming all goes to plan, then the first production satellites are currently on track for launch in the first half of 2024, and Amazon expects to be in beta testing with early commercial customers by the end of 2024. After that it will take the operator another 6 years to fully manufacture and launch their planned constellation, which takes us to around mid to late 2029. Friday, Oct 6th, 2023 (5:16 pm) - Score 3,288 Some 880 homes, businesses and schools in the Hertfordshire (England) town of Rickmansworth, which is home to a total population of over 25,000, have been left without a working fixed broadband ISP and phone service. The situation occurred after criminals damaged Openreachs local network while attempting to steal their copper telecoms cable. The incident occurred during broad daylight around 5.35pm on Tuesday 3rd October 2023 in the Park Road area, which saw metal thieves most likely posing as fake engineers with high visibility jackets rip up and drag 175 metres of thick underground copper cable into Fortune Common. At this point Openreach says the vehicle they were using got stuck, but by then the damage to their network had already been done. NOTE: Such thefts normally occur late at night and often but not always in rural or suburban areas (slower police response) and around manhole covers, cables, poles and any other parts of their broadband network. The fact this one didnt is quite brazen. Crimes like this have become increasingly common in recent years, driven in part by the high price of copper, although a series of UK-wide arrests toward the end of last year (example) followed by some convictions did seem to put a limited dent in the activity. But there are still plenty of organised criminal gangs that seem to engage in the same activity. The perpetrators of such crimes never have any regard for the harm they cause to locals, some of which are dependent upon the related services. The rollout of full fibre (FTTP) lines should, eventually, help to reduce such thefts as fibre has no value to thieves. But this wont completely stop the problem from occurring because fibre and copper cables often share some of the same ducts, and thieves sometimes confuse the two. A Spokesperson for Openreach said (Watford Observer): Our engineering team is working hard to organise repairs and get those affected back in service as soon as possible and our security team is investigating the theft alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary. Were proactively using anti-theft technology to help track stolen cable and convict criminals. We encourage anyone who is experiencing problems with their phone or broadband to contact their provider who will advise us. Its also worth remembering that vulnerable status (which can prioritise repair work) is determined by broadband providers; if you think you or a family member should be given this status, please register with your provider. Customers in the area who are members of an ISP that is a signatory to the automatic compensation scheme should be compensated for any outage lasting longer than 2 working days. At present this scheme is supported by most of the major ISPs including BT, Hyperoptic, Sky Broadband (inc. NOW Broadband), TalkTalk (Openreachs network), Utility Warehouse, Virgin Media, Vodafone (Openreachs network), EE, Plusnet and Zen Internet. Openreach also has a partnership with Crimestoppers, which offers rewards for information given anonymously to the charity about cable thefts, if it leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible you can contact them 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use their anonymous online form. You can also contact Openreachs security team direct or report via the local police (101), or if you see a crime in progress, then call the police on 999. At the time of writing its still not known precisely when the problems in Rickmansworth will be fully resolved. UPDATE 13th October 2023 Openreach has just informed us that they aim to have the work completed and everyone affected back up and running in the next few days. Friday, Oct 6th, 2023 (12:01 am) - Score 840 The boss of UK broadband ISP Quickline, which is building a gigabit speed full fibre (FTTP) network to 96 rural locations (55,000 premises) across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in England (deployment plan), has warned that isolated communities could wither and die if they are not connected to reliable, high-speed broadband. Quicklines CEO, Sean Royce, was speaking at an event attended by businesses in North Lincolnshire, one of the areas where the operator is currently rolling out a hybrid network of full fibre and 5G style Fixed Wireless Broadband (FWA) technology. Suffice to say that they have a bit of an invested interest in encouraging adoption of their service, even if, in this case, it does mean using a bit of fear as a marketing tool. Sean Royce said: We all know rural communities which have lost access to services such as their bank, Post Office, library, GP surgery or even their local shop, with people forced to drive miles to their nearest market town for services. Those people depend on having a fast, reliable broadband service to carry out their day-to-day tasks. But, for many living in rural areas, that service does not exist. For rural businesses, its no different. Without access to high-speed broadband, businesses will move from rural areas to towns and cities and rural communities will wither and die. Put simply, the better broadband a business has, the more services they can offer and the more markets it opens up for them. Digital connectivity drives economic growth and its importance cannot be overstated. Admittedly, the arguments here do somewhat depend upon the highly variable demands of the local users both in domestic and business settings. Not to mention that there will be some rural areas that can still access half-decent broadband via a 4G or 5G mobile broadband connection, even if the local fixed lines are worse than useless, or vice versa. However, high-speed broadband is now critical to every aspect of life, said Mr Royce, who added: Those businesses that cant access it or dont embrace it, and the technologies it enables, will miss opportunities or, worse, go the same way as Blockbuster. In fairness, and coming back to our point about understanding user demands above, not every business needs whatever high-speed is being defined as here sometimes a basic connection will do just fine. Overall, faster broadband particularly gigabit-capable connections, are almost always a good thing in such areas and can help to reduce the damage being caused in other areas by the loss of key services. But at the same time, we should remember that most of the poorly served (digital infrastructure) rural communities that still exist today have often endured decades of poor services, thus they arent simply going to wither and die en masse. But the quicker we help improve the infrastructure, the better. Meanwhile Quickline, fuelled by 500m from Northleaf Capital Partners (acquired Quickline in 2021), has previously stated that they hold an aspiration to cover 500,000 premises in UK rural and semi-rural areas with ultrafast broadband via both Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) and 5G based fixed wireless infrastructure by 2025 (here). The operator already claims to have covered 300,000 premises via their wireless network, while their much more recent full fibre deployment has covered 10,000 premises across over 20 rural communities (Dec 2022). 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. A teacher at Nuestro Elementary School in Live Oak, California, north of Sacramento, was escorted out of her second-grade class by Sheriff's deputies Monday after someone claimed that she was drunk. She failed a sobriety test, blew twice the legal limit hours later, and was arrested and charged with DUI after footage showed she had driven to school. A letter about the incident has been sent to Nuestro Elementary families. "While we are limited in what we can share as this is both a personnel matter and a matter being investigated by law enforcement, what we can confirm is that a long-term substitute will be in the classroom until further notice," wrote Superintendent Dr. Baljinder Dhillon. How hard is it to get a lift to work? Don't they have Uber in California? A woman returning from Kenya with giraffe feces could not keep her shit together passing through customs in Minnesota: border officers there literally took it from her. The contraband caca was going to be made into a necklace, according to ABC News, her having "used moose droppings to make jewelry in the past." "There is a real danger with bringing fecal matter into the U.S.," CBP's Chicago field director LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke said in a statement. "If this person had entered the U.S. and had not declared these items, there is high possibility a person could have contracted a disease from this jewelry and developed serious health issues." The agency said Kenya is currently affected with African swine fever, classical swine fever, Newcastle disease, foot and mouth disease and swine vesicular disease. People are permitted to bring feces from ruminant animals into the U.S. if they obtain a Veterinary Services Permit, CBP said. Giraffe poop destruction protocol: steam sterilization. The woman could have faced a $300 -$1,000 had she "tried to sneak the excrement past the agents" but she declared it after being randomly selected for inspection. Previously: Jewelry made from semen, which brings us to the theme song for this post. PC giant Lenovo claims that most of its devices will be repairable by 2025, including making parts available to customers. Luca Rossi, senior vice resident at Lenovo and president of its Intelligent Devices Group, announced the plan on stage at a trade show yesterday. "On repairability, we have a plan that by 2025 more than 80 percent of the repair parts will be repaired again so that they they enter into the circular economy to reduce the impact to the environment." He added: "More than 80 percent of our devices will be able to be repaired at the customer, by the customer or by the channel and we are enabling this with a design for serviceability kind of approach." This means that "batteries, SSD, many things, will not any longer be sealed into the product but will be available for the customer to be to repaired on site and then save a lot of waste." Mike Lindell, who thought it would be a good idea to become a vocal supporter of a vile aspiring dictator, is now suffering the consequences. Not only have sales of his pillows tanked, but he's also being sued by the Smartmatic and Dominion voting machine companies for defaming them. And now, he has to find new lawyers willing enough to defend him because he won't pay his current lawyers the millions of dollars he owes them. On Steve Bannon's War Room podcast, Lindell told the Trump-pardoned grifter that he needs his remaining funds to keep his company afloat. Here's a video excerpt from his rambling, stream-of-consciousness statement: Well, Steve, 10 minutes ago, all the lawyers we have for MyPillow and myself in the lawsuits with the lawfare with Dominion and Smartmatic. They just filed in federal court that to drop, uh, to drop us as our attorneys and, and this comes from the lawfare basically, and from the media, the attacks on MyPillow. What American Express did, to take just devastating our credit, and we I we have to I can't pay the lawyers. We can't pay, there's no money left to pay them. And I told the, you know, the attorneys, these are great attorneys. They were courageous. Came on a year and a half ago or two years ago, and they need to get paid. They have families and stuff too. And I told him, I have to protect what's my company. I have to protect that. I can't keep paying into this lawfare. And so they've had to, they've had to drop us. I don't know where that leads us. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell says his lawyers have dropped himafter they haven't been paid. pic.twitter.com/9aj4xhucux Zachary Petrizzo (@ZTPetrizzo) October 5, 2023 From CNN: Reddit Email 38 Shares ( Tomdispatch.com) For 18 years, Ive been writing articles for TomDispatch on the never-ending story of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility. And heres my ultimate takeaway (for the moment): 21 years after that grim offshore prison of injustice was set up in Cuba in response to the 9/11 attacks and the capture of figures supposedly linked to them, and despite the expressed desire of three presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden to close it, the endgame remains devastatingly elusive. At times due to a failure of will, at times due to a failure of the system itself or the sheer complexity of the logistics involved, and at times due to acts of Congress or the courts, efforts to shut that prison have been eternally stymied. Despite endless acknowledgements that whats gone on there has defied domestic, international, and military law not to mention longstanding norms of morality and justice that prison persists. Recently, however, for those of us perpetually looking for a ray or even a glimmer of hope, there have finally been a few developments that seem to signal steps, however tiny, toward closure. There are still 30 detainees at Guantanamo. Sixteen of them have been deemed no longer threats to the United States and cleared for release, but arrangements have yet to be made to transfer them to another country. Three others are considered too dangerous for release. And eleven have been charged in the military commissions system that was set up in 2006 and revised under President Obama in 2009. One, Ali Hamza Ahmad Suliman al-Bahlul, has been convicted. Another, Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi, recently pleaded guilty. Now, nine detainees face trials in three separate cases. All of them were tortured at CIA black sites for different periods of time between 2003 and 2006. Progress in the Biden years has been occurring, even if at a snails pace. His administration has said that it intends to close Guantanamo by the end of his term. And in the last two and a half years, it has indeed reduced the population from 40 to 30, the most recent transfer of a freed prisoner to another country occurring this April. In addition, the Biden administration increased the total number of remaining detainees eligible for release from six to its current 16. Arranging such transfers has proven painstaking work, requiring complex negotiations with foreign countries, as well as assurances to American officials and ultimately Congress that the release will pose no future threat to the United States and that the prisoner will be treated justly in the receiving country. Those releases have been complicated because, after Obama announced at the outset of his presidency that Guantanamo would close within a year, Congress banned any Gitmo detainee from ever being transferred to the United States for any purpose whatsoever, a ban thats been re-authorized every year since then. While those detainees cleared for release await transfer to other countries, developments over the past few months have put the military commissions in the forefront of activities aimed at closure. Until now, the commissions have indeed been a dismal failure. A mere nine convictions have been secured since the passage of the first Military Commissions Act in 2006, all but two through plea deals, and four of the nine have been overturned on appeal. Two remain on appeal. Generally, however, the fact that all of the individuals currently charged and facing trial were initially held at CIA black sites around the world where they were grievously tortured has proven an impassable barrier to trial. Consequently, as New York Times reporters Carol Rosenberg and Charlie Savage have reminded us, No former C.I.A. detainee has been convicted at trial before a military commission. The reasons are many. Obama delayed the trials for three years and the pandemic delayed them further. But by far the biggest obstacle remains the fact that the detainees were horrifically tortured at those black sites. Defense attorneys have persistently insisted that evidence derived under torture should be inadmissible in the proceedings in accordance with the law. While the prosecutors have claimed otherwise, even so many years later, the tortured defendants continue to suffer from the devastating fashion in which they were treated, impeding their defense and causing further delay. In fact, their torture-induced severe psychological instability and often physical incapacity, not to mention instances of distrust of their lawyers, have made it difficult to hold hearings of any sort. As a result, after so many years, the cases remain in the throes of pre-trial hearings and jury selection is still far off. President Biden has indeed set himself a lower bar than Obama, who issued an early executive order calling for the closure of the prison within a year only to encounter immediate blowback and failure. Still, Biden has made some modest headway in closing Gitmo. Since he took office, most of those who remained in forever prisoner limbo have at least been cleared for release. In addition, hes appointed Tina Kaidanow, former State Department ambassador at large for counterterrorism, to oversee their transfers and has secured the release of 10 prisoners since he took office. But the recent signs, however incremental, of further movement pertain not to the three remaining forever prisoners or to the 16 who have been cleared for release but to those being dealt with by the military commissions established by Congress. The Military Commissions Cases The military commissions still face the almost insurmountable hurdle that has haunted them from the start: the legacy of CIA torture. Nevertheless, there has been some recent modest progress, despite the irrevocable damage it caused both individual detainees and our system of justice. The first signs of movement came in the initial days of the Biden presidency when the Pentagon referred charges against three men to the military commissions. The two Indonesians and one Malaysian captured in Thailand in 2003 had been accused in connection with bombings that targeted two nightclubs in Bali in 2002 and a Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in 2003, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 people, including Americans. A trial date has now been proposed for 2025. (This would, of course, be after Joe Bidens first term in office.) Then, there have been signs of progress on potential plea deals. In the summer of 2021, pretrial hearings in the case of Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi, an Iraqi captured in 2006 and accused of being a senior member of al-Qaeda, began. The al-Iraqi case reached a resolution in June 2022, when he pleaded guilty to war-crime charges for acts committed in Afghanistan. The terms of his plea deal are still unknown. His sentencing is set for 2024. In addition, starting in the spring of 2022, prosecutors reached out to defendants in the 9/11 case, who have been facing the death penalty, to begin potential plea-deal discussions in which a maximum life sentence would replace the threat of death. But the path towards resolution remains fraught. In September, perhaps in response to pressure from some of the 9/11 families intent on keeping the death penalty in place, President Biden reportedly refused to approve certain details of those proposed deals. As with so much else at Guantanamo, for every step forward, there seem to be two steps back. Still, negotiations are presumably continuing. In another instance of inching forward, the commissions have recently addressed the case of Ramzi bin al-Shibh, one of the 9/11 defendants. He has displayed severe signs of mental instability, including delusions and hallucinations, owing to his brutal treatment in CIA custody. Hes convinced, for instance, that CIA agents are still pumping unnerving noises and vibrations into his cell, causing sleep deprivation. His inability to talk about much else has stymied the attempts of his lawyers to prepare him for future hearings. Last June 6th, in fact, a panel of psychiatrists and forensic experts declared him unfit to stand trial, given his post-traumatic stress syndrome and his psychotic delusions. Based on their report, Commissions Judge Matthew McCall agreed and, on September 21, 2023, severed him from the trial. Excluding Tortured Evidence While there are, in other words, signs of progress via plea deals and severance, the most promising development may be in the longest running military commission case of all, that of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri. Hes accused of masterminding the bombing of the USS Cole, a destroyer off the coast of Yemen, in 2000 killing 17 American servicemen. Al-Nashiri, a Saudi, was held in CIA black sites from 2002 to 2006, while being tortured using techniques like waterboarding, stress positions, forced sodomy, and mock executions. He was finally indicted in 2011, but his case has faced innumerable pretrial hurdles since then, largely involving debates over evidence derived from torture and the possible inadmissibility of it at trial. Lawyers considered that his case had taken a step forward when the government reversed its position on torture-derived evidence. A Biden Department of Justice brief filed on January 31, 2022, said, The government recognizes that torture is abhorrent and unlawful, and unequivocally adheres to humane treatment standards for all detainees [T]he government will not seek admission, at any stage of the proceedings, of any of petitioners statements while he was in CIA custody. That reversed a prior policy allowing such statements to be used in pretrial hearings, if not at trial itself. Then, in August, the judge in the case made torture the grounds for taking yet another step forward. Like other detainees, al-Nashiri had been interviewed in later years by FBI clean teams of agents who attempted to solicit the same confessions without torture and were often successful. The prosecution wanted to use those confessions, but defense attorneys argued that the impact of torture didnt dissipate with the clean teams, that the detainees feared their torturers were waiting in the wings to punish them if they gave different answers. They insisted that the defendants torture trauma and the perpetual fear of more of it remained an ongoing obstacle to statements of truth. Al-Nashiris lawyers filed papers seeking to exclude his clean-team testimony. Judge Lanny Acosta then took a long-overdue step forward, ruling against the admission of such later confessions. He noted that the clean-team agents acted professionally and in no way coerced the accused, even offering tea and pastries and reassuring the defendant that he was no longer in CIA custody. Nonetheless, Acosta ruled the statements inadmissible in pre-trial proceedings as well as at trial, since prolonged torture had undoubtedly affected al-Nashiris later testimony. In his 50-page opinion, the judge offered a detailed chronology of the kinds of torture Nashiri had suffered and noted as well the continued use of force against him during his time at Guantanamo, treatment and conditions that could indeed evoke memories of his period in CIA custody. As the judge wrote, [H]e was in no position to know whether Drs. Mitchell and/or Jessen [the architects of the CIAs Enhanced Interrogation program] were watching. prepared to intervene with more abusive treatment He had no reason to doubt that he might, without notice, suddenly be shipped back to a dungeon like the ones he had experienced before [or if someone] lurked nearby with a pistol, a drill, or a broomstick, ready to intervene in the event he chose to remain silent or to offer versions of events that differed from what he told his prior investigators. As the Judge concluded, Even if the 2007 statements were not obtained by torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, they were derived from it. Michel Paradis, a senior attorney in the Department of Defenses Office of the Chief Defense Counsel and counsel for Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, has summed up the situation aptly, telling me, What the refusal to admit the so-called clean team statement shows is what anyone who looks at it up close sees. There is nothing clean about torture and there is no way to sanitize it. The judges decision also marks a potential threshold for the remaining Gitmo cases. If evidence from torture is disallowed, including in pre-trial proceedings, that may lead to future plea deals and even some leniency. Either way, in the wake of Judge Acostas decision, the interminably slow Guantanamo cases might just begin to proceed more rapidly. Add to all this the effect of the passage of time, given among other things the aging not just of Gitmos prisoners, but of those working to bring their cases to trial over all these years, many of whom have retired. Judge Acosta gave notice of his retirement from the Army as September ended, while Matthew McCall, the fourth judge to preside over the 9/11 case, has similarly indicated that hell be leaving next April, also before it comes to trial. Several of the attorneys for the detainees have retired as well, after so many years representing their clients. The belated but increasingly accepted notion that torture renders trials impossible, now seemingly shared by the court as well as the defense teams, has become more than mere rhetoric. As Paradis commented to me, No justice system worth the name permits even the whiff of evidence tainted by torture. We have revolted at the idea for more than a century in this country and even persuaded the world that it should do the same, such as when Ronald Reagan signed the Convention Against Torture. Ironically, the acknowledgement of this reality may finally bring these cases to their conclusion. But so many years later, despite being determined to grasp every ray of hope, I suspect that, when it comes to the closing of Guantanamo, the sorrowful record of the past may overshadow the dreams of a better tomorrow. Copyright 2023 Karen J. Greenberg Tomdispatch.com Reddit Email 116 Shares Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) It is a truism that there are some ethnic groups in the United States toward whom it is still permitted to show bigotry. Whereas public figures can be cancelled for racism against African Americans, Hispanics, and other groups, ragging on Muslim Americans is a blood sport in American politics. Trump instituted a Muslim ban and said Islam hates us, tagging nearly 4 million Muslim Americans as traitors. One of the problems is that Muslims had not been considered an ethnic group, and the main law enforcement tool against hate crimes is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It says, No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. This language is problematic not only for Muslims but also Jewish Americans. Where you have a white American of Jewish faith, does that person fall under Title VI? It doesnt say anything about religious groups. So it is huge, enormous news that the Biden administration has issued an interpretation of Title VI that underlines its applicability not only to Jews but also to Muslim Americans and Sikh Americans. Jewish Americans are the most frequent victims of hate crimes among religious groups in the US, and antisemitic tropes such as that George Soros controls the country are routinely repeated by American politicians. But Muslims and Sikhs also feel the lash of such bigotry. Eight key federal government departments joined this initiative, including the Department of the Interior. Interior issued a statement saying that Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior joined seven other agencies across the federal government to clarify for the first time in writing that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits certain forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia and related discrimination. Todays announcement is the latest step of the implementation of the Biden-Harris administrations historic U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, released in May 2023. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, herself a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, remarked of this historic initiative, Every person in this country should have access to the resources that the federal government provides. Today, the Biden-Harris administration is leading by example and making it crystal clear that antisemitism, Islamophobia and related forms of discrimination have no place in America. Interior is committed to living up to our values as a country and enforcing these important civil rights protections. The change is a vindication of thinkers such as Sahar Aziz, who argued in her The Racial Muslim that Muslim Americans have been discriminated against because they were treated not as members of a religion with first amendment rights but as an unprotected ethnic group that could be surveilled and discriminated against with impunity. Muslim Americans had not been involved in the September 11, 2001, attacks they were carried out by a small cult of fanatics based in Afghanistan. The some 4 million Americans are famously law-abiding and most often are the pillars of their communities, being physicians, professors, scientists, attorneys, and business people. Trumps head of Operation Warp Speed, a public-private collaboration that produced the Moderna vaccine against COVID-19, was a Moroccan-American Muslim, Moncef Slaoui. Muslim Americans have been treated as pariahs by many local, state and federal authorities and have widely had their constitutional rights infringed. Their mosques have been subject to arson attacks, veiled women have been attacked, and some white nationalist groups have subjected them to hate speech. Article continues after bonus IC video The Racial Muslim with Professor Sahar Aziz, in conversation with Deborah Amos We had the campaign against a New York Muslim community center to be built several blocks away from the World Trade Center, which opponents called the ground zero mosque. We had a political campaign against a mosque expansion in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in which white Christian city council members openly speculated that their Muslim fellow residents might use it as an opportunity to plot out murders. We had an NYPD surveillance program targeting Muslim Americans. It was only one such surveillance project Muslim Americans widely had their fourth amendment rights infringed on by security and law enforcement agencies. Even then Rep. Peter King of New York, who is an open supporter of the Irish Republican Army who defended its violence as legitimate, dared come out and hold hearings on the terrorism danger allegedly emanating from Muslim Americans. We had a rash of unconstitutional shariah bans, mainly in Republican-ruled states, which tried to forbid law-making on the basis of Muslim law. There is no reason to think that the 35,000 Muslims and Arabs of Oklahoma want to have the state legislature adopt shariah, which is analogous to the Jewish halakha, the religious law by which believers regulate their lives. Nor is there any reason to think that they could succeed even if they did want this, which they do not. Moreover, the measures were nonsense. Since US law is in the British common law tradition, actually precedents can be cited from anywhere and a Muslim or Jewish or Catholic law that became customary in an American community would certainly lend itself to citation in court cases. Muslim Americans who make contracts, including marriage contracts, on the basis of Muslim law or shariah, can have US courts enforce them. Wherever the shariah bans were challenged in court, as in Oklahoma, they were struck down as unconstitutional, and surely the legislators who passed them knew that they would be. They were just grandstanding, and trying for Evangelical votes. Ironically, Evangelical Christians themselves often wish to erode the wall between church and state in the US, but only in favor of Christian law. The Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade was the imposition of Catholic and Evangelical Christian shariah on Americans, which is apparently all right. President Biden has put the enormous power and influence of the federal government behind a new push to ensure that Muslim Americans have their full constitutional rights. After all, if they are going to be de facto racialized and treated as a dangerous ethnic group by many whites, then they should have Title VI protections against discrimination on grounds of heritage. VANCOUVER, British Columbia / Oct 05, 2023 / Business Wire / Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS) (TSX: PAAS) ("Pan American") has temporarily suspended all operating activities at its La Colorada mine in Mexico due to security concerns at the mine site and the surrounding area. In the early hours of October 5, 2023, the operation experienced an armed robbery of two trailers of concentrate. There were no physical injuries to our personnel in connection with the incident. In response to the current security situation in the area and Pan Americans priority to protect the safety and security of our personnel, Pan American has temporarily suspended operations, project work and exploration at La Colorada. The mine site is currently secure, and Pan American has activated care and maintenance activities while it works with state and federal authorities regarding this incident. The suspension will continue until Pan American determines it is appropriate to resume operations. Pan American will provide an update on the situation as more information becomes available. About Pan American Silver Pan American Silver is a leading producer of precious metals in the Americas, operating silver and gold mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. We also own the Escobal mine in Guatemala that is currently not operating, and we hold interests in exploration and development projects. We have been operating in the Americas for nearly three decades, earning an industry-leading reputation for sustainability performance, operational excellence and prudent financial management. We are headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. and our shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PAAS". Learn more at panamericansilver.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the ongoing safety and security of the La Colorada mine site and surrounding area and whether such safety and/or security will improve; the duration of the suspension of operating activities; the impact of the theft and the resulting suspension on the business of Pan American, both operationally and financially; and the ability of Pan American to maintain the safety and security of the La Colorada mine site and whether any other such incidents may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements and information reflect Pan Americans current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Pan American, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: the ability of Pan American to work with state and federal authorities in Mexico in connection with the incident, and to determine it is appropriate to resume operations. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Pan American cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and Pan American has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: those factors identified under the caption "Risks Related to Pan American's Business" in Pan American's most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks of the Business" in Yamana's most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively. Although Pan American 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, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's current views of our near- and longer term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Pan American does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. For sixty years, orcas in the Salish Sea off Washington state and British Columbia have been observed to harass baby porpoises, tossing them out of the water to each other for hours. The orcas' behavior often kills the young porpoises, but they don't eat them, perplexing scientists. Link to the article in Live Science here. Orcas are harassing and playing with baby porpoises in deadly game that has lasted 60 years https://t.co/qK0TwL3Rap Live Science (@LiveScience) October 6, 2023 "I always liken it to a group of friends in a swimming pool and they have a ball between them and the object is to keep the ball above the water," study lead author Deborah Giles, an orca researcher at the University of Washington and research director at the non-profit Wild Orca, told Live Science. The orcas belong to a small and endangered population called southern resident killer whales that live off the Pacific coast of North America. They are fish-eaters, meaning it's unlikely they are playing with porpoises to consume them deepening the mystery of why these orcas do it. "In some cases, you can barely see that there was any interaction," Giles said. "You might see teeth marks where the [killer] whale was clearly gently holding the animal, but the animal tried to swim away, so it scraped the skin." Out of 78 documented cases of orcas harassing porpoises, 28 cases resulted in death, according to a study published Sept. 28 in the journal Marine Mammal Science. I wonder how many of the young porpoises who survived the interaction later died from injuries and trauma. Giles theorizes that porpoise-tossing in a form of social play, strengthening social bonds and reinforcing how to hunt cooperatively. She also theorizes that it may be "mismothering behavior": a clumsy and dysfunctional way of providing "care" for the baby porpoises, due to lowered birth rates in the orca population. Last spring it became a social media fad to cheer the orcas off the Iberian coast who taught each other how to attack and capsize yachts. I doubt porpoise-tossing is a localized cultural behavior that will draw many human fans. "The Worst of Evil" episode 5 revolved around trust and loyalty as Wi Ha Joon's character faced a critical situation, which put Ji Chang Wook in a tight spot. The 12-episode K-drama showcases an action-packed series that depicts the story of undercover agent Park Joon Mo, played by Ji Chang Wook. He is set on a dangerous mission to crack out the biggest drug syndicate in Gangnam, led by Jung Ki Chul, portrayed by Wi Ha Joon. However, Joon Mo finds himself in a twisted fate after learning that his wife, Yoo Eui Jung, an elite Narcotics Crime Officer, is the first love of Ki Chul. Eui Jung's character is played by Im Se Mi. 'The Worst of Evil' Episodes 6 and 7 Release Date Viewers can expect a weekly dose of crime, action, and suspense as "The Worst of Evil" airs every Wednesday. Disney+ is scheduled to release "The Worst of Evil" episodes 6 and 7 on October 11. Other than the streaming platform, viewers can also watch the latest episodes via Disney+, Hotstar, and Hulu. 'The Worst of Evil' Episode 5 Recap The episode continued with Park Joon Mo and Jung Ki Chul being caught up after a different gang attacked them. On their way to get the smuggled goods, as to why they called them "fishing," Choi Jung Bae made an excuse and told the boss that he couldn't follow them because of his tire. READ MORE: Wi Ha Joon Suffers Minor Injuries on the Set of 'The Worst of Evil' As for Hong Hee Sung, he mentioned that his wife just gave birth and needs to be at the hospital. Thankfully, Jung Ki Chul survived after Chief Seo arrived in the area, but Park Joon Mo almost got killed. He was stabbed by an axe on his back, but unfortunately, he survived. Because of this, Ki Chul thought that one of his closest members was a mole. He suspected that it might be either Hong Hee Sung or Jung Bae. Due to this, he assigned Chief Seo to trace whoever it was, and he confirmed that it was Oh Kyung Jin. Disappointed with what had happened, Ki Chul wanted to torture the traitor before killing him, but Joon Mo went to beat the hell out of Kyung Jin and advised Ki Chul not to let his feet step on Gangnam. In the last scene, Ki Chul was trying to patch things up with the Japanese and Chinese investors. He then sent Joon Mo to pick up a client named Hae Ryeon from the airport. After dropping them off at the hotel, he found out that Jung Ki Chul met Eui Jung and went to a church where they used to sing as a choir. This made him jealous and doubt whether the mission was worth it. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'The Worst of Evil' Episode 4: Did Ji Chang Wook Prove His Loyalty to Wi Ha Joon? For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Choi Hyun Wook made headlines for the wrong reasons after a video of him puffing a cigarette went viral. A video of what looks like the "Weak Hero Class" star caught the attention of netizens; he was caught littering cigarette butts. On top of it, he was seen holding hands with a mysterious woman on the street. Choi Hyun Wook Smoking Controversy The video posted has been garnering attention since it was shared on YouTube and in various online communities. Choi Hyun Wook was spotted in a casual 'fit, wearing a sleeveless black top, oversized white shorts, a jacket tied around his waist, and sunglasses. The actor was also seen smiling and holding a woman's hands. However, what made some of the netizens dismayed with the rising star's action was the fact that the location was not a smoking area and the way he disposed of his cigarette by throwing it onto the sidewalk. Due to this, several news portals reported netizens' reactions criticizing the actor's behavior, pointing out that "littering of cigarette butts when it's not a smoking area is a misdemeanor crime." Choi Hyun Wook Apologizes, Criticized By Public In a handwritten letter obtained by a local media outlet, the actor expressed his regret for disappointing the public, especially fans. Choi Hyun Wook began his letter by saying how truly sorry he feels for his "careless actions" and forgetting to act "responsibly." "I apologize once again to the drama's director and writer, as well as the staff and other actors, as well as the many who are working with us," he said. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Jung Hae In Reveals Which 'DP' Season 2 Cast 'Impressed' Him the Most Moreover, the actor wrapped up the letter by humbly accepting "the scolding and the warnings" from people, as he promised to "work hard" to show people a more mature version of himself. After sharing the handwritten apology letter, the rising star receives criticism from the public, with some pointing out that it lacks sincerity. In a post cited by an outlet, netizens also noticed the actor's unusual handwriting, noting that it reminded them of a "famous elementary school student meme." On the other hand, others pointed out that it was not handwriting, but that the "apology is shallow and doesn't mean anything." Meanwhile, netizens poke fun at Choi Hyun Wook's "horrible handwriting," saying that "they should have given him a paper with lines on it," as well as comments that say, "This looks like a child tried their best." Choi Hyun Wook is best known for his appearance in "Racket Boys," where he won the Best New Actor award at the 2021 SBS Drama Awards. In addition, he also headlined various K-dramas like "Twenty-Five Twenty-One," "Weak Hero Class 1," and his current "Twinkling Watermelon." READ MORE: Go Min Si & Choi Hyun Wook as Ex-Lovers? K-Stars Reportedly to Lead New Romance Drama For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Lim Ji Yeon revealed the truth behind her "The Killing Vote" co-star Park Hae Jin's current relationship status as the duo graced Allure Korea. The lead stars of the mystery-crime K-drama showcased their undeniable chemistry and answered random questions from fans. In a short video posted by the publication on their official YouTube channel, one of the questions was about Park Hae Jin's relationship status. Lim Ji Yeon Reveals Park Hae Jin's Relationship Status "The Killing Vote" cast happily answered a question from a fan, who wondered if she could date Park Hae Jin. "This is so flirtatious," the actor said before joking. "You don't have to get in line because there is nothing special." However, Lim Ji Yeon mouthed, "He has a high standard," of course, referring to her co-star. READ MORE: Lim Ji Yeon Reveals Her Greatest Insecurity & How It Affected Her Acting Interestingly, Park Hae Jin recalled the time when Lim Ji Yeon wanted to set up a date for him to meet someone. "She acted like she was going to introduce a nice girlfriend [to me]," he said. Unfortunately, the actress would often forget their agreement. As for the actress, she said that she wanted Park Hae Jin to meet a nice girl, and as a sister, Lim Ji Yeon "wanted to see him in a relationship"; hence, she plans on setting him up with someone but forgets it. 'The Killing Vote' Lacks Romantic Scenes Because of Park Hae Jin During their Q&A with Allure Korea, viewers asked if they could expect romantic scenes between Park Hae Jin and Lim Ji Yeon's characters. The actress joked that the show couldn't have any because of his co-star. However, Park Hae Jin defended himself and explained that having a love story is not part of the premise of the K-drama since it focuses on finding out who the main culprit is. "It's not like I didn't want it. Because of the specific genre of our show, if there is a romance in it, it feels like it's interrupting," he said. In "The Killing Vote," Park Hae Jin plays lead detective Park Moo Chan, who is chasing after the mysterious masked man whom everyone refers to as Gaetal. Meanwhile, his department is working alongside the cybercrime division led by Joo Hyun, portrayed by Lim Ji Yeon. Joining the duo is a notable professor and author named Kwon Seok Joo, played by Park Sung Woong. According to Gaetal, he is the number one fan of Professor Kwon, who was imprisoned for killing the murderer of his daughter. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lim Ji Yeon Unable to See Boyfriend Lee Do Hyun at Enlistment Site - Here's Why For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills These movies are scheduled to open and play in Buffalo-area movie theaters starting Friday. Opening The Exorcist: Believer. When two girls disappear into the woods and return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, the father of one girl seeks out Chris MacNeil, whos been forever altered by what happened to her daughter 50 years ago. She Came to Me. A composer with writers block rediscovers his passion after an adventurous one-night stand. The Royal Hotel. U.S. backpackers take a job in a remote Australian pub and are confronted with a bunch of unruly locals and a situation that grows rapidly out of their control. When Evil Lurks. Two brothers find a demon-infected man just about to give birth to evil. They decide to get rid of the man but merely succeed in helping him to deliver the inferno. Listings by theater AMC Maple Ridge 8. 4276 Maple Road, Amherst (716-833-9545). The Creator, Dumb Money, Equalizer 3, The Exorcist: Believer, A Haunting in Venice, The Nun II, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Saw X. AMC Market Arcade 8. 639 Main St. (716-803-6250). The Creator, Dumb Money, Equalizer 3, The Exorcist: Believer, A Haunting in Venice, The Nun II, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Saw X. Aurora Theatre. 673 Main St., East Aurora. (716-652-1660). PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Dipson Amherst Theatre. 3500 Main St. (716-834-7655). Dumb Money, The Exorcist: Believer, A Haunting in Venice. Dipson Capitol Theatre. 720 Builders Way, Niagara Falls (716-787-8720). The Creator, Dumb Money, Equalizer 3, The Exorcist: Believer, A Haunting in Venice, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Saw X. Dipson Flix Stadium 10. 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster (716-668-1888). The Creator, Dumb Money, The Exorcist: Believer, A Haunting in Venice, Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Saw X. Dipson McKinley Mall. McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Parkway, Blasdell (716-824-3479). The Creator, Dumb Money, The Exorcist: Believer, Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary, Saw X. Hamburg Palace Theatre. 31 Buffalo St., Hamburg (716-649-2295). PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Joylan Theatre. 11 W. Main St., Springville (716-592-7402). PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. North Park Theatre. 1428 Hertel Ave. (716-836-7411). Buffalo International Film Festival, Oct. 6-9. The Royal Hotel and Stop Making Sense, Tuesday through next Thursday. Regal Elmwood. 2001 Elmwood Ave. (844-462-7342). Barbie, The Creator, Dumb Money, Equalizer 3, The Exorcist: Believer, Expend4bles, Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary, Mission Raniganj, The Nun II, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Rules Ranjan, Saw X, Skanda: The Attaker, Thank You for Coming, When Evil Lurks. Regal Quaker Crossing. 3450 Amelia Drive, Orchard Park. (844-462-7342). The Blind, The Creator, Dumb Money, Equalizer 3, The Exorcist: Believer, Expend4bles, Haunted Mansion, A Haunting in Venice, Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, The Nun II, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, The Royal Hotel, Saw X, Shelter in Solitude, Stop Making Sense, When Evil Lurks. Regal Transit Center. 6707 Transit Road (844-462-7342). Barbie, The Blind, The Creator, Dumb Money, Equalizer 3, The Exorcist: Believer, A Haunting in Venice, Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary, The Nun II, Oppenheimer, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Saw X, She Came to Me, Shelter in Solitude, Skanda: The Attaker, Stop Making Sense, Strange Way of Life, When Evil Lurks. Regal Walden Galleria. Cheektowaga (844-462-7342). The Blind, Blue Beetle, The Creator, Dumb Money, Equalizer 3, The Exorcist: Believer, Expend4bles, A Haunting in Venice, Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary, The Nun II, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Saw X, She Came to Me, When Evil Lurks. 1 Shares Share Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join Tom Zaubler, a psychiatrist and physician executive, for a discussion on the shortage of behavioral health professionals in the United States. Well explore its impact, the surge in mental health care demand, and the role of technology in measurement-based care. Discover how we can address these challenges and create a brighter future for mental health care. Tom Zaubler is a psychiatrist and physician executive. He discusses the KevinMD article, Maximizing care amidst provider shortages: the power of measurement-based care. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nations largest health care hiring network, were your partner in shaping health cares future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://earnc.me/nUJOLr Powered by CMEfy. 36 Shares Share In an unlikely intersection, pageantry has the potential to play a pivotal role in accentuating career progression in academic medicine. Through meticulously crafting ones professional demeanor and image, physicians can hone their interpersonal and networking skills and bolster their professional credibility. Drs. Wada and Nelson share how their participation in pageants over the years has served as an influential catalyst for success, both in medical school admissions and academic promotion. Pageantry, traditionally seen as competitions emphasizing physical beauty, has evolved, spotlighting participants intelligence, talents, and commitment to community service. It offers a unique platform for skill acquisition, personal branding, and community engagement, all crucial for a burgeoning career in medicine. Through pageants, contestants develop effective communication skills, poise, and confidence, especially when under pressure, underpinning a physicians successful interaction with peers, patients, and the broader community. In the two years prior to applying and interviewing for medical school, the future Dr. Wada minimized her educational debt by earning thousands in scholarships through the Miss America Scholarship Foundation while also building confidence and networking with several future colleagues. Through countless public appearances, speeches, and interviews, she was easily able to communicate how and why she deserved a coveted spot in the incoming medical school class. Now, nearly 20 years later, she serves as an associate allergy/immunology fellowship program director. Dr. Wada shares, When I am helping a mentee hone their personal statement or prepare for their upcoming residency or fellowship interviews, the best advice I can give is for the applicant to be authentic and unforgettable in the best way possible. It turns out the questions asked within both types of interviews are quite similar. Public engagement and community outreach are a mainstay of pageantry. During her years as Dr. California and, most recently, Dr. America, Dr. Nelson used her title as a platform to promote pediatric safety and health efforts to a plethora of audiences at a local, state, and national level. By utilizing her skill set as a board-certified pediatrician and lactation consultant, member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and ambassador for Safe Kids Central California, Dr. Nelson has pivoted from solely a clinician role to a national spokeswoman in the areas of childhood safety and pediatric complex care, utilizing interpersonal skills in pageantry as a launch pad for communicative success in both the medical and general realms. Communication, transparency, and broad knowledge of relevant current events and statistics are vital components of both pageantry and medicine. Dr. Nelsons message of Stay Safe, Be Well has been nationally syndicated in articles and media reports featured in local and national news, including the AAP, CNN, New York Times, USA Today, and more. Despite its merits, pageantry faces criticism, primarily centered around superficiality and perpetuating certain beauty standards. Critics will argue that pageants engender an environment where physical appearance is overly emphasized, but few realize that the interview accounts for around 50 percent of the total score in many pageant systems. In recent years, the most well-known pageant programs have updated their criteria, and new, more inclusive opportunities have popped up as well, including the Dr. America/Dr. World system, in which both Drs. Wada and Nelson participate. Harnessing the unlikely synergy between pageantry and medicine, physicians can carve an unconventional, yet effective, path for career advancement. Engaging in pageants fosters not only personal growth, but also skill enhancement, imperative for success in the medical field. As evidenced by individuals like Drs. Wada and Nelson, this approach, despite its challenges, presents an alternative and fun route for career development, inspiring aspiring physicians to consider pageantry as a viable tool for professional and personal empowerment. Kara Wada is a board-certified academic adult and pediatric allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogrens patient, certified life coach, TEDx speaker, and Dr. Midwest 2023. She can be reached at Dr. Kara Wada and on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. She is a national expert, sought-after speaker, advisor, and host of the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast. She is CEO and founder, The Crunchy Allergist and the Demystifying Inflammation Summit, and serves as the director of clinical content for Aila Health. Hailey Nelson is a pediatrician. There are no words more devastating than, Our hands are tied to a survivor reporting abuse and seeking some semblance of accountability from a larger institution. The institution admitted no fault is a close second. Picture this sequence: a trusted physician at a renowned academic medical center sees a patient at a vulnerable stage in her life for a regular appointment. As she is exposed for a standard physical exam, he sexually assaults her. Devastated, humiliated, she leaves the clinic and calls the police. The police arrest the physician. He is led away, paraded past appalled faces, his disgrace a highly public display. Mere days later, he has been released from custody and is permitted to resume his clinical responsibilities by his supervisors, working with the same vulnerable patients, with unfettered access to the same putative victims. He practices for another 5 weeks. He assaults 8 more patients in that time. There must be more to it. How could this happen? How indeed. But it did happen. After years of sexual misconduct, Robert Hadden was sentenced in July 2023 to 20 years in prison on federal charges of sexually assaulting an appalling number of patients during his long career as an OB/GYN at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. And with the long-overdue sentencing comes the overwhelming feeling of relief to the survivors and their families. But there is a darker part of the narrative. The piece that we were missing in the story I just relayed? Several members of Columbias OB leadership were aware of Haddens arrest, among several other instances of predatory and sexually assaultive behavior. And yet, they permitted this predator to return to the clinic, where he proceeded to victimize other unwitting patients. Furthermore, the institution failed to take true accountability for its role in perpetrating the abuse. Hadden and his ilk are undoubtedly predators. But hear me out they are not the problem. They are merely symptoms of a more pernicious illness pervading the medical profession. The institution in question failed Haddens patients. Hadden is responsible for assaulting the victims. But Columbia, which had knowledge of the imminent danger he posed to patients, is responsible for allowing him access to vulnerable patients and is equally responsible for egregious harm, in my opinion. As an alumna of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, I am deeply troubled. I recall their stated ethos presented while I was a student there: a decided, and indeed noble, focus on social justice, ethics, equity, and protecting vulnerable and marginalized populations. Yet, the institutions actions in the Hadden case lie decidedly antithetical to these stated values. I say this not to hurt the institution, but to use it as a case study to highlight a problematic culture that is by no means unique to Columbia. Upon discovery of a predator in a white coat, academic medical centers often close ranks, silencing all talk of misconduct and either passing the trash to another institution or flat-out refusing to act. In this particular case, inaction led to countless victims and irrevocable trauma. This is a matter of public record. Robert Hadden finally faces prison, a small victory for his victims who still suffer the consequences of his innumerable abuses. But what consequences does Columbia face? And if the culture of silence remains unchanged, what will stop another Hadden from abusing more vulnerable patients? We have many other examples of institutional complicity with abuse perpetrated by physicians: Christopher Duntsch, Michael Swango, Larry Nassar. In every single case, a larger institution was aware of misconduct, yet permitted these predators access to more victims. Who suffered? Patients who trust our profession with their most sensitive information. And we wonder why the general public is losing trust in the medical community. While these cases are extreme in nature, the phenomenon of institutional complicity with misconduct in medicine is not as rare as you might hope. These are cases that happen to make the news. The unreported and silenced cases are the ones that concern me. If the MeToo movement showed us anything, it is that sexual predators exist in virtually every corner of society: from the Catholic Church, to the government, to Hollywood. Certainly, medicine is no exception. No medical institution can prevent the entry of every possible perpetrator. But how a medical institution responds to the presence of a known predator says everything about that institutions ethics and commitment to patient safety. I recall a different institution cautioning me after I reported a pattern of abuse and sexual misconduct. The alleged perpetrator moved onto the next level of medical training with zero tangible consequences. I was advised not to appear angry, as though my anger were more concerning than the subject allegedly perpetrating on hospital employees and patients. I held my tongue and left, betrayed and dismayed. Today, I would ask that institution, and others: If abuse in a white coat does not make you angry, then where exactly do you draw the line? Our profession has an illness: Complicity with misconduct if the perpetrator is one of our own. It is a daily betrayal of our patients trust. When we protect an abuser at the expense of patients, we are flagrantly betraying the trust that we should be safeguarding. I love my profession. Seriously. I love going to work every day. I want better for my patients and I call on my colleagues to do better. We make a commitment to do no harm. Our inaction in the face of misconduct does just the opposite, and our patients deserve better. We owe it to them to hold perpetrators appropriately accountable, to speak out against their abuse, before their destructive actions irrevocably damage innocent lives entrusted to us. If we do not practice our professions stated values by offering sincere action in the face of misconduct, we offer our patients nothing more than empty lip service. We must be better than we are at this moment. Chloe N. L. Lee is a psychiatry resident. The Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Ms Evelyn Anite has disclosed that government will use the upcoming Uganda- United Arab Emirates (UAE) business summit to interest UAE investors in 4 sectors of the economy. Among them will be commercial agriculture, ICT, tourism, and minerals. Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday, minister Anite said presentations will be made to them during the summit slated to be held in Munyonyo next week (10th-13th October). Well be making presentations to them and well be doing B2B deal-making sessions with the multi-billion companies from UAE and the Ugandan companies, Anite said on Friday. She added that following the last Investment and Business Summit in UAE last year, government has registered a commendable success. After almost 40 years in the apartment business, Bryan Young has some big ambitions for his family-owned development firm. The founder and CEO of West Seneca-based Young Development wants to grow his company to more than 5,000 units within five years in both Western New York and Florida. 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. And with the companys latest project in Cheektowaga the 360-unit Midtown Apartment Homes, its biggest-ever in size its nearly 40% of the way there. After 14 months of construction, Young and his team are getting ready to open the first of 13 new apartment buildings at 6386 Transit Road, as part of the $90 million Midtown complex. That 36-unit, four-story building which will open Nov. 1 will welcome its first seven tenants on the first day. It will be followed a month later by a second smaller building, with 10 attached townhomes. And 20 of that first group of 46 units are already spoken for and leased, giving an indication of demand, with another five to 15 people coming through each day for tours of the completed model unit. Our activity here has been pretty awesome, Young said. People like the new product. Those two gray-stone and white-siding buildings are part of the projects $60 million initial phase, which will eventually include four of the larger buildings and one of the smaller ones. The second phase will add three more 36-unit buildings, a 10-unit building and a five-unit building. A third phase will add two more 36-unit buildings and a five-unit building. After Dec. 1, Young hopes to complete another building every two months until the entire project wraps up in 24 months. The complex features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 802 to 1,326 square feet. There are 15 different floor plans, and rents run from $1,700 to $2,700 per month. All units include granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, vinyl plank flooring and carpeting, nine-foot ceilings, 42-inch cabinets, tile backsplashes and in-unit laundry machines. And all buildings are secured, with a code or keyfob required for entry. Theyre market-rate apartments, so were getting families, retired people, young professionals, every demographic you can think of, said Joseph Young, the CEOs son and vice president of property management The project was designed by architect Jim Fahy of Rochester, and includes an extra layer of cement between the floors and additional insulation, for soundproofing. Once a tenant gets here, we dont want to move them, Bryan Young said. The biggest reason people move is because of noise, so if you can eliminate the noise, then were in good shape. Theres also a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse that was already completed, with a yoga studio, a fitness center, a coffee bar and a conference room, as well as an adjacent outdoor pool. The complex will also features a car wash area with vacuums, a dog spa and washing station, a large dog park, fire pits and paved nature trails through 10 acres of wetlands and retention ponds. Each of the larger buildings includes 12 one-car garages. The two on either end are directly attached to the adjacent three-bedroom units, and are included in the rent. But the other 10 in between are separate and available for rent by tenants for another $150 per month. Each townhome also has its own attached garage. And all the garages will include electric-vehicle charging stations, with a couple additional free-standing chargers in the parking lot. Meanwhile, Young remains busy with several other projects. Locally, it just completed its Town Center Apartments at 4800 Transit Road, just north of French Road, with 70 townhome-style apartments. Its also starting work on a smaller $14 million development at Broadway and Pavement Road in Lancaster, with 50 units, and a second 50-unit venture at Transit and Schultz in West Seneca. In Florida, it just completed a 280-unit project in Cape Coral, also for $90 million, and has another poised to begin there with 198 more apartments. Not including Midtown, it currently has about 1,500 units in its portfolio all in suburbs. Were real happy with the suburbs, Bryan Young said. The city guys are city guys. We like to start from the ground up. We dont have the experience to do the rehabbing. Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has revealed that, they plan to construct a new showground in greater Kampala metropolitan area if government avails them with land. The call has been made at a time when the current showground in Nakawa, Kampala is overwhelmed by new construction projects by members of the manufacturing body, leaving no space for development. The revelation was made by Mr Deo Kayemba, the UMA chairperson during opening of the 29th annual Uganda International Trade Fair on Thursday. Read more Police say they arrested 40 suspects, including Busiro South Member of Parliament, Charles Matovu for allegedly inciting violence as the National Unity Platform (NUP) party leader Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine was escorted by security officers to his home in Magere on Thursday. Police say items intended for use in processions, such as red berets, handheld megaphone speakers, and white and red T-shirts branded Kunga Uganda, were also recovered. Relevant statements were taken, and all 40 arrested suspects underwent fingerprinting and profiling. These individuals will face charges in court as operations persist, a police statement reads in part. On Thursday, Bobi Wine said he was grabbed by goons at Entebbe Internation Airport and put under house arrest on his return from South Africa. However, police have denied arresting the NUP leader, saying they escorted him home. National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi commonly known as Bobi Wine says over 300 of his supporters have been arrested since Monday over his welcome procession, dismissing numbers reported by police. Earlier today, Police said in a statement that they had arrested 40 suspects, including Busiro South Member of Parliament Charles Matovu for inciting violence as Kyagulanyi returned from South Africa on Thursday. The partisan police earlier claimed that they arrested only 40 people- the usual liars that they are. Here is a partial list of our people still under detention. Out of over 300 detained since Monday, our legal team, leaders and other comrades have been able to rescue many of them on police bond, while several others are being taken to court over senseless charges. Our teams are working hard to follow up on all these illegal arrests, Bobi Wine posted on his X platform on Friday. Yesterday, Bobi Wine said he was apprehended by goons and put under house arrest shortly after his return from South Africa. However, police denied arresting the National Unity Platform leader, saying they escorted him home. Check out the list below; The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application that sought to block todays Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) delegates conference. This is after the two warring FDC factions appeared before Justice Musa Sekaana yesterday to hear an interim application in which 28 aggrieved FDC members seek to block the national delegates conference. The aggrieved members had also sought to stop the partys chief electoral commissioner Toterebuka Bamwenda whom they accused of overstepping his powers by convening the conference to conduct elections of the partys National Executive Committee (NEC). These, led by the party National Chairperson Wasswa Birigwa contended that todays delegates conference is illegal because the notice calling for the same was neither issued nor endorsed by the chairman who is mandated to do so by the partys constitution. However, in his ruling issued via email on Thursday evening, Justice Sekaana says the actions of the applicants to seek a temporary injunction was an act of bad faith. This application fails on the preliminary considerations set out herein and also on the grounds adumbrated for the grant of temporary of temporary injunction. The court would not in any event have granted any orders which would have affected party FDC when it is not a party, the ruling reads in part. The applicants represented by Elias Lukwago, included the partys national chairperson Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju, and Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye. The Executive Director of the Uganda Vice-Chancellors Forum, Prof Eriabu Lugujjo has urged Universities to review their curricula and redirect academic programs to practical skills, to enable graduates survive in the fourth industrial revolution. Speaking at the 25th anniversary of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum, in Kampala, Prof. Lugujjo says universities should go beyond training students to pass exams and nurture them into professionals who can use their competencies to solve problems at hand. Conducting practicals for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) might be expensive but, I advise universities to start slowly. Their programmes must be practically oriented. It will not be good for the students, parents, sponsors and the country when graduates come out with only theoretical materials, he said. You also need a deliberate strategic plan to develop sciences. In Malaysia, they had to forego unnecessary expenditures and focused on nurturing human resource in science and technology, he added. Prof Lugujjo said Ugandas Vision 2040 emphasizes promotion of science and technology and that universities should be at the forefront of nurturing professionals who will drive this agenda. He also suggested that the universities should consider offering technical studies since they offer high employment prospects to check youth unemployment. Official government estimates indicate that between 600,000-700,000 join the labour market every year and youth constitute 95 percent of this population yet only 10 percent can be absorbed in the labour market because the rest lack employable skills. In 2021, the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) reported that unemployment among the youth between the ages of 18 to 30 years shot up from 12.7 percent in 2012/13 to 13.0% in the 2019/20 Financial year, despite a reduction in the overall national unemployment rate from 11.1 percent to 10 percent during the same period. Commenting on courses that are due for review, Prof Luggujjo advised universities to respect the deadline, further suggesting that continuing students should be allowed to proceed with studies when the affected courses are under review. The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) set November 30, 2023, as the deadlines for universities to submit courses that are due for re-assessment. The expired courses saga came to the limelight early this year, when a graduate from Uganda was blocked from applying for graduate studies in a United Kingdom-based University, on grounds that he had pursued an expired course at undergraduate level. Prof K.M Mathew, the Vice Chancellor of ISBAT University said that attaching students to various organizations as they pursue their courses would also help them get a feel of what is expected of them at their workplaces. Meanwhile, Prof Joy Kwesiga the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University stressed the need to finance research undertaken by universities and also invest in infrastructure including buildings and laboratories as they strive to contribute to Human Resource Capital Development. Mr John Chrysostom Muyingo, the State Minister for Education in charge of Higher Education also tasked universities and institutions of higher learning to focus on research and innovations that are capable of solving society problems. The Minister also said that universities should engage employers in developing and implementing their curricula so that the training can be guided by the demand in the labour market. Victims of an octogenarian former Christian Brother who taught in a Kilkenny school and sexually abused 19 schoolboys almost 50 years ago have told a court they hope he spends the rest of his life in jail. Several of the now 87-year-old teacher's victims were in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his sentence hearing today after he pleaded guilty to 19 sample counts of indecently assaulting 19 boys when he was a teacher in a County Kilkenny school in the 1970s. The Waterford man, who can't be named to protect the anonymity of his victims, abused his students on dates between 1974 and 1978. The man is currently serving a sentence of three years and two months after he was found guilty by a jury of 30 counts of indecently assaulting a further five boys at the same school on dates between 1975 and 1976 following a trial in May this year. He had been due to face two further trials in relation to the remaining 19 complainants, but instead entered guilty pleas in July. In a series of victim impact statements read out in court today, 10 of the man's 19 victims outlined the impact of the abuse, which continues to affect them to this day. Many described how they have struggled with anxiety and have difficulty trusting others and maintaining relationships. Some struggled with alcohol. Many of them kept the abuse a secret for years. Patrick McGrath SC, prosecuting, told the court that an initial garda investigation into the abuse started in 1998 after a number of complainants came forward, but no prosecution occurred. A second 'extensive' investigation in recent years involving multiple complainants resulted in the former teacher being charged with the offences. As well as the Kilkenny school, he worked in a number of schools around the country. He left the Christian Brothers in the 1990s. The court heard the man regularly called his victims up to the top of the class, where he indecently assaulted them by touching them inappropriately. He kept boys back in class at lunch time or after school under the guise of helping them with their schoolwork before abusing them. His victims, now men in their late 50s and early 60s, described how they were powerless as children and terrified of the man, who was also physically violent. One complainant, who read out his victim impact statement in court, said the fact the man was in a religious order 'added salt to the wound'. You feared you would not be believed - and worse be in trouble for making up stories about a holy man, he told the court. He was protected not just by his profession, but by the habit he wore. We were powerless. The complainant said 'everyone knew what had gone on' and in later years the man was remembered as 'dirty', but no-one wanted to admit they had been a victim. He said the fact the man was finally being brought to justice was a relief and a weight off his shoulders. Forty-seven years was too long to wait, he said. A second complainant who read out his statement in court said the man had 'cast a dark shadow' over his life. He ruined my life and my self-esteem and I hope he spends the rest of his life in jail, he said. A further eight victim impact statements were read out in court by prosecuting counsel. Some described how they never told anyone except their partner. Others never told anyone at all until they received a phone call from investigating gardai. The man was described by the complainants as 'huge' and 'scary'. The court heard he threatened to kill one boy if he told anyone about the abuse, threw another boy against a door when he tried to escape and told a third he would have his relatives who also worked in the school sacked if he came forward about the abuse. A number of the man's victims described how he ruined their education, with a number dropping out of school early and others describing how they never reached their full potential. They reported feelings of anxiety, flashbacks and nightmares. One complainant said he suffered severe mental health issues in the wake of the abuse, including PTSD. One man described how he could never tell his parents because they were 'good Catholics'. Another said he told his mother what had happened to him years later and believed she died 'broken-hearted' as a result. Another complainant said the teacher 'sexually, physically and mentally assaulted me'. You're a monster and I hope you rot in prison, he said in his statement. In her plea of mitigation, Kathleen Leader SC, defending, said the man has a number of serious health issues, including prostate cancer and secondary bone cancer. He is undergoing chemotherapy for these cancers, which are not curable, the court heard. He has heart disease and arthritis. The court heard the man entered the Christian Brothers when he was 16 years old. He was described by his neighbours as kind and considerate in testimonials handed into court. Ms Leader said the man had no previous convictions until he was found guilty of the other indecent assaults earlier this year. I would ask the court not to impose a lengthy sentence that my client will have no hope of ever being released from, due to his advanced years, defence counsel said. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned the matter for sentencing on October 16. If you want to understand why workers have been so hard to come by across the Buffalo Niagara region, it helps to look at look who lives here. By and large, the people who live in Buffalo Niagara are older than the national average. The median age of the 1.16 million people who live here, at 40.9 years, is almost two years older than the median age of 39 years nationally, according to new population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Interestingly, the working age populations are fairly comparable, with about 58% of the people between the ages of 20 and 65, both here and nationally. But it's a troubling mix. The Buffalo Niagara region has more older people. A little more than 40% of Buffalo Niagara residents are above the age of 50, compared with slightly over 36% nationally. That means retirements will be a greater problem here because we have more older workers who will be heading into retirement and will need to be replaced. More than 14% of local workers are ages 55 to 65, compared with 12.7% nationally. But Buffalo Niagara also has fewer people under the age of 18 (19.8% here, compared with 21.7% nationally), which is a sign that the labor shortage could get worse as fewer new workers move into the labor pool. Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland (AHI) are running a series of on-farm beef events throughout October to highlight the importance of housing, nutrition and animal health to maximise performance over the winter months. In Kilkenny the local event will be held on the farm of James Madigan, Derrynahinch, Ballyhale, Eircode: R95 W407, on Friday, October 20 from 11am. Assessing lying and feeding space requirements, along with ensuring there is adequate air movement and ventilation in sheds, will be highlighted at these farm walks. There will be an opportunity for farmers to discuss winter housing diets for weanlings, stores, finishing cattle and suckler cows, with local Teagasc advisors and cattle specialists. AHI will have veterinary expertise at all of the events to explain the different strategies farmers can use to control the many different parasites that can impact the performance of livestock over the winter months. There will also be a focus on the steps that can be taken before stock are housed to reduce the risk of accidents taking place on the farm. Pearse Kelly, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc said: winter is starting early on many beef farms due to the wet weather showing no sign of easing off. These farm walks are an ideal opportunity for beef farmers to attend and discuss how small changes in housing, nutrition and parasite control programmes can have a huge impact on animal performance over what may be a long housing period for many. Natascha Meunier, Programme Manager with the Beef HealthCheck and Parasite Control programme in AHI said: We encourage farmers to use this opportunity to come ask questions on how best to apply the information discussed to their own situations. These events are free to everyone to attend and a full list of where and when they are on can be found at https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/events/ Teagasc will mark World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, 10 October by hosting a Webinar entitled: Maintaining your Mental Health in Farming; farm safety issues associated with mental health will also be considered. The webinar will be chaired by Finola Colgan, Development Officer, Mental Health Ireland. Virtually everyone faces a mental health challenge at some point in their lives, so it is vital that we have the resources to deal with such a challenge, she said. Irish research has indicated that farmers have poorer well being than the general population and have approximately twice the level of likely depression (6% vs 3%) than the general population. Mental health can be impacted by conditions prevailing in farming such as weather, climate change, prices, or financial concerns. Teagascs National Farm Survey (NFS) study indicates that in 2018 57% of farmers reported experiencing stress resulting from their farm work. This webinar will provide participants with the opportunity to reflect on how they manage their physical and mental health in addition to providing practical tips along the way. Speakers include: Dr Denis OHora, Lecturer in the School of Psychology, University of Galway; Farmer and Mental Health Advocate, George Graham; Dr Diana van Doorn, Post-Doctoral Fellow at Teagasc; Dr John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists management. The Webinar is a public event and is free of charge. To register for this webinar go to https://www.teagasc.ie A woman who admitted stealing groceries was sentenced to four months in prison at Kilkenny District Court. Tracey Carthy of no fixed abode admitted the offence which took place at Aldi, Hebron Road, Kilkenny on March 12, 2022. The court heard that on the date in question the defendant entered the store and put her shopping into bags and then left without paying for the items. No items were recovered. The defendant has 33 previous convictions. Solicitor Chris Hogan said that his client had made full admissions and that the items taken were groceries and added that his client is homeless at the moment. The defendant is currently serving a sentence. Judge Geraldine Carthy remarked that she has a responsibility to the people of Kilkenny. On March 9 I gave her a suspended sentence and notwithstanding that on March 12 she carried out a similar type offence, she said. The judge convicted the defendant and sentenced her to four months to run consecutive to the sentence she is currently serving. Since the opening of the first section of the South-East Greenway, visitor numbers have been impressive despite recent poor weather. It was revealed at this month's meeting of Piltown Municipal District that 9,300 visitors used the first greenway stretch (Rosbercon to Glenmore) in August alone. Since its opening, crowds have been enjoying this wonderful new amenity which takes in views of the scenic Pink Rock area and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge. Next up, Lot 5A, Ferrybank to Curraghmore, will advance to the construction stage. The tender assessment for this 5km stretch of greenway is now completed and has been approved by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). It is anticipated that this works contract will issue to the successful contractor this week. Kilkenny County Council are also currently exploring the option of including the preliminary design and planning for the Ferrybank Trailhead Car Park within the scope of the North - South Link Road brief. Ongoing efforts to deliver a public transport hub and sustainable transport bridge on the North Quays site in Waterford have been welcomed by the councillors of Piltown Municipal District in South Kilkenny. At present, the in-river works for the sustainable transport bridge that will span the River Suir are continuing. This includes the construction of the second of four cofferdams for piling works for the bridge piers. The piling and laying of foundations for the new public transport hub are also progressing. The hub will include a new station building, two train platforms, a footbridge, pick-up and drop-off facilities and public realm spaces. It has been agreed by Waterford City and County Council, Kilkenny County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that four sub-projects be progressed by Kilkenny County Council. These projects are the Belmont Link Road, the N29 Port Road, Enhanced Greenway Connectivity and Abbey Road and Belmont Road Sustainable Transport Improvements. Kilkenny County Council are now awaiting a response from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to a resource request to assist in the progression of the above sub-projects. "It's great to be able to share concerns with Waterford," said Cllr Ger Frisby at this month's meeting of Piltown Municipal District. "For example, there was some transport disruption in recent times along the quay here in Ferrybank and by raising the issue with we were able to help alleviate the issue." Overall, it is hoped that the North Quays project will be a huge asset to South Kilkenny and improve connectivity between Waterford City and Ferrybank, a large urban settlement split between Kilkenny and Waterford. The North Quays public infrastructure project is currently listed as one of the top ten projects in the National Planning Framework, and is being funded by the URDF, the National Transport Authority and Waterford City and County Council. The overall level of estimated public infrastructure investment is 207m and Kilkenny County Council are a key partner in the delivery of the project. National Broadband Ireland, the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan on behalf of the Government, has said that almost 1,500 Kilkenny properties in its Carrick-on-Suir deployment area can now pre-order a high-speed fibre broadband connection. The area also includes the rural areas and townlands surrounding Piltown, Fiddown and Killamery. 19,000 premises in County Kilkenny are included in the States Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, County Kilkenny will receive 72M of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan. There are 1,456 Kilkenny premises in the Carrick-on-Suir deployment area that can join the National Broadband Ireland network. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living near Piltown to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect. Works have already been completed in other parts of Kilkenny and there is a total of 10,933 premises that are available to pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county with 2,916 connections made so far. The Carrick-On-Suir deployment area is comprised of almost 4,900 homes, businesses, farms and schools across counties Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Waterford. The area will see an investment of approximately 19M to deliver the new high speed fibre network. This will enable e-learning, remote monitoring of livestock or equipment, e-health initiatives, better energy efficiency in the home, and facilitate increased levels of remote working. Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: We are delighted to announce that Kilkenny premises in the Carrick-on-Suir area can now order high-speed broadband services through the National Broadband Ireland network. This will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides. Presently, over 10,900 homes, businesses and farms can order high-speed fibre broadband to connect to the National Broadband Network in County Kilkenny. This includes almost 2,000 premises in the rural surrounds of Borris, almost 1,700 near Johnstown, over 3,600 near Kilkenny and over almost 2,600 in the surrounding areas of Mooncoin and Kilmacow. As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area. Some 64 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 55 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the National Broadband Ireland network, visit NBI.ie/buy. National Broadband Ireland contractors have been on the ground across the country and over 196,927 premises nationwide can order or pre-order broadband on the NBI network so far. The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up to date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order. Keep up to Speed! NBI is encouraging people to check their eligibility and register for updates at www.nbi.ie to receive regular notifications related to their own premises as works progresses in their area. The United Auto Workers union on Friday opted not to expand its strike against the Detroit Three automakers, citing progress at the bargaining table. The UAW launched its limited strike on Sept. 15 and had expanded it in each of the past two weeks to add pressure to the talks. A total of 25,000 workers at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis facilities remain on strike. GM lays off 48 at Lockport plant in strike 'ripple effect' General Motors has laid off 48 workers at its Lockport components plant, as the effects of the United Auto Workers strike against the Detroit Three automakers hit the Buffalo Niagara region for the first time. The UAW represents about 3,000 workers at the GM plants in Lockport and the Town of Tonawanda, and Fords stamping plant in Hamburg. None of those workers are on strike, but GM has laid off 48 workers at its Lockport plant, citing a lack of work available for them caused by the strikes disruptions elsewhere. GM refers to the workers as idled instead of laid off. Otherwise, UAW members at the three area GM and Ford plants are collecting their regular paychecks while working under expired contracts. UAW President Shawn Fain said Friday the union was on the verge of directing members at GMs SUV assembly plant in Arlington, Texas which he called GMs largest moneymaker to join the strike. But the union called off that plan after GM agreed in writing to place its electric battery manufacturing under the UAWs national master agreement, Fain said. Fain said GMs move will change the future of the union and the auto industry. Today, under the threat of a major financial hit, they leapfrogged the pack in terms of a just transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles, Fain said. Our strike is working, but were not there yet. In addition to large general pay raises, cost of living pay, restoration of pensions for new hires and other items, the union wanted to represent 10 battery factories proposed by the companies. The companies have said the plants, mostly joint ventures with South Korean battery makers, had to be bargained separately. Fridays change means the the four U.S. GM battery plants would now be covered under the unions master agreement and GM would bargain with the union which I think is a monumental development, said Marick Masters, a business professor at Wayne State University in Detroit. He said the details of GMs offer, made in writing, will have to be scrutinized. During his planned stand up announcement on Facebook Live, Fain also said GM had agreed to 23% in wage hikes, more than Ford or Stellantis. GM lays off 48 at Lockport plant in strike 'ripple effect' General Motors has laid off 48 workers at its Lockport components plant, as the effects of the United Auto Workers strike against the Detroit Three automakers hit the Buffalo Niagara region for the first time. Talks with the automakers had been active earlier in the week, with GM and Ford confirming they have passed new offers to the union. Details on GMs Thursday counter werent made available. It was a response to a comprehensive offer from the union on Monday, details of which also havent been shared. Fords proposal on Tuesday entailed a more than 20% wage increase over a contract that would expire at the end of April 2028, a $21 per hour wage for temporary employees, a reduction in the timeline to the top wage by more than half from the current eight years, a cost-of-living adjustment, product commitment to all of its plants and more, according to Ford. Heres the bottom line: We are winning, we are making progress, and we are headed in the right direction, Fain said. News wire services contributed to this story. The 2023 KIT Science Week is the second participative and interactive event of this type organized by KIT and its partners. (Graphics: KIT) The second KIT Science Week from October 10 to 15, 2023 will address climate, environmental, and species protection, the saving of resources, ecologically compatible growth, green entrepreneurship, and global justice. Under the heading of Making the Future Sustainable. Together. the Science Week will combine a top-level scientific conference with numerous events for all groups of society. Internationally renowned researchers will meet interested citizens and discuss transformation towards a sustainable society. Without excellent research and the resulting innovations, we will not be able to reach our sustainability goals, underscores Professor Oliver Kraft, Vice President Research of KIT. For this reason, I am very happy that our researchers will not only communicate their findings during the KIT Science Week, but also put them up for discussion. The Science Week will cover all facets of sustainability and climate protection and will also consider the perspective of the citizens affected. For a week, international researchers will meet citizens, families, pupils, trainees, prospective students, students, decision-makers from politics and industry, as well as cultural workers in Karlsruhe. Researchers will report their findings, classify figures and facts, provide orientation, and take new ideas back to their work. Scientifically Substantiated and Dialog-oriented: Program with Various Events The KIT Science Week will combine top-level expert forums with big and small in-person and online events addressing all groups of society. Among others, the program will include escape rooms, open labs, concerts, discussions, excursions, practical exercises, and serious games. Some of the highlights will be: Opening of the KIT Science Week Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 19.15 hrs, Audimax, Strae am Forum 1, 76131 Karlsruhe (translation into English by lecture translator) Following the keynote by marine biologist and polar researcher Professor Antje Boetius, a panel of renowned experts will discuss the contribution of science to a sustainable society. The market of opportunities will present innovative climate and environmental projects. https://www.scienceweek.kit.edu/english/opening-2023.php Trinational Expert Conference of the KIT Science Week Wednesday, October 11, 2023, to Friday, October 13, 2023 International researchers will share their research results and discuss how sustainability can be implemented in practice. https://www.scienceweek.kit.edu/english/scientific-program-2023.php Panel Discussion Globales Umdenken: Innovationen fur mehr Klimagerechtigkeit (Global Rethinking: Innovations for more Climate Justice) Thursday, October 12, 2023, 19.00 to 21.00 hrs, Kulturzentrum TOLLHAUS, Alter Schlachthof 35, 76131 Karlsruhe (translation into English by lecture translator) Dr. Insa Thiele Eich, climate researcher and astronaut-to-be, and experts from science, industry, and politics will discuss a just climate policy. https://www.scienceweek.kit.edu/english/panel-discussion-2023.php Climate Slam Competition with Facts Friday, October 13, 2023, 19.30 to 21.30 hrs, Kulturzentrum TOLLHAUS, Alter Schlachthof 35, 76131 Karlsruhe (in German) Researchers from all over Germany will present their research in an entertaining, clear, and comprehensible way. https://www.scienceweek.kit.edu/english/calendar-of-events.php Dialog with Citizens Klimaschutz belohnen! Aber wie? (rewarding climate protection! But how?) Saturday, October 14, 2023 (in German) Together with scientists, citizens will think about how every-day climate protection can be rewarded. https://www.itas.kit.edu/english/events_2023_buergerdialog_klimaschutz.php This years Helmholtz Sustainability Summit will also take place in Karlsruhe as part of the KIT Science Week. Sustainability in Research, Academic Education, Transfer, and Innovation Sustainability is an integral constituent of KITs transfer and innovation strategy as well as of KITs research and academic education. All nine KIT Centers that pool KITs research activities are working on implementing the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. Last year, KIT won the National Award Education for Sustainable Development of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German UNESCO Commission. It is the declared objective of KIT to be a model institution, to live sustainability, and to foster exchange with the society. Participative Shaping of the Future We will only be able to make the future of our planet sustainable, if we all are pulling in the same direction, says Professor Thomas Hirth, KIT Vice President Transfer and International Affairs. That is why we use the KIT Science Week to build bridges between science and society. The innovative events of the KIT Science Week provide space for participative shaping of the future. It is here, where exchange and dialog take place between excellent science and society. The Science Week will also serve to take the ideas from the public and make them part of KITs research. The in-person and online events of the first KIT Science Week on artificial intelligence in October 2021 were attended by about 9000 citizens of Karlsruhe and the region. More Information on the KIT Science Week 2023 Click Here for the Program (in German) Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. 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 Vicuna copper belt, which extends from Chile to Argentina, initially hosted up to 16 soil sampling anomalies. The fact that there have been five major discoveries, including Filo del Sol, suggests a bright future for the region, says Filo Corp's (TSX:FIL) CEO Jamie Beck. Beck spoke to Kitco mid-September at the Gold Forum Americas 2023 held in Colorado Springs, CO. "Are these the best five and what else is out there? That is what's super exciting about this district," Beck said. "We've got projects at various stages so some construction-ready like Jose Maria, some in production like Casserones, and development and exploration assets that we hold in Filo and as well as NGX, so it's going to be really exciting to see how it all pulls together. I don't have a crystal ball, but I think there's likely to be regional consolidation." The company has been expanding Filo del Sol northward and there may also be potential to the east. "Through some of the discoveries we made last year specifically to the north in an area that we call Bonita, our original geological interpretation was that it may have been a separate new zone or a new porphyry intrusive," Beck explained. "Through the geophysics work, through the drill bit, what we're learning at Filo is in fact there are no zones, it seems to be continuously mineralized from Tamberias in the south through Bonita to the north, which is about five kilometres. And then excitingly through geophysics as well as the drill bit we think we've found a new trend along the eastern part of the deposit. We are contemplating an underground exploration adit, and as part of that had done some geotechnical drilling along the centre line of that adit and sure enough one of the geotechnical holes was well mineralized and part of that eastern trend, so we're excited to get out and explore there as well." Kitco Mining's coverage of the Gold Forum Americas 2023 was sponsored by Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. Oct 6 (Reuters) - A group of Metro Bank's (MTRO.L) bondholders contacted the British lender's board earlier this week, offering a 600 million pound ($729.12 million) capital injection, but the bank is yet to accept the offer, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing two sources familiar with the matter. Britain's best-known challenger bank sent a letter acknowledging the offer to representatives of the bondholders' consortium earlier in the day and the offer is still on the table, according to the report. Metro Bank said in a statement on Thursday that it was considering its options, including a combination of equity and debt issuance, as well as refinancing and asset sales. It said that it met its minimum capital requirements and had not made a decision on fundraising plans. The announcement came after press reports that the company was seeking to raise as much as 600 million pounds in debt and equity to bolster its finances. The news wiped a fourth of its share value on Thursday, adding to the bank's troubles, which over the years have included accounting errors, leadership departures and delayed regulatory approval for key capital reliefs. Metro Bank did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the FT report. The bank pared its losses on Friday, with its shares up 15.2%, to 44.05 pence, at 1417 GMT. ($1 = 0.8229 pounds) LONDON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A group of Metro Bank's (MTRO.L) bondholders contacted the British lender's board earlier this week, offering a 600 million pound ($729.12 million) capital injection, but the bank is yet to accept the offer, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. Metro Bank is weighing a number of options to shore up its finances after a series of setbacks in recent years, including accounting errors, leadership departures and delayed regulatory approval for key capital reliefs. The offer from bondholders was first reported by the Financial Times. Britain's best-known challenger bank sent a letter acknowledging the offer to representatives of the bondholders' consortium earlier on Friday and the offer is still on the table, according to the FT report. The Bank of England - the lender's principal regulator - declined to comment on Friday. Metro Bank said in a statement on Thursday that it was considering various options, including a combination of equity and debt issuance, as well as refinancing and asset sales. It said that it met its minimum capital requirements and had not made a decision on fundraising plans. The announcement came after reports that the company was seeking to raise as much as 600 million pounds in debt and equity to bolster its finances. Metro Bank's fundraising could include more than 100 million pounds from selling shares to bolster capital, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. The news wiped a quarter off its share value on Thursday, sending the shares to a record low. Metro Bank did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The bank pared its losses on Friday, with its shares closing up 21%, to 45.25 pence. ($1 = 0.8229 pounds) Atlantic Lithium (ASX:A11)s Ewoyaa project, set to be Ghanas first lithium mine, is being advanced to production under an agreement with Piedmont Lithium (ASX:PLL). Executive chairman Neil Herbert expects construction to start just under a year from now. Herbert spoke to Kitco mid-September at the Fastmarkets European Battery Raw Materials Conference 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Ewoyaa has a spodumene pegmatite resource of 35.3-million tonnes (Mt) at 1.25% LiO. A definitive feasibility study (DFS) outlines 3.6Mt of concentrate production over a 12-year mine life, delivering US$6.6 billion life of mine revenues, a post-tax NPV of US$1.5 billion, and an Internal Rate of Return of 105%. Interview edited for clarity. Kitco Mining: What can you tell us about your funding announcement? Herbert: We've entered into an agreement with the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Ghana and that agreement allows for funding of $33 million, which is both an investment at the top-co level and indeed into our operations in Ghana. Kitco Mining: What stage of the project are you at? Herbert: We completed the DFS at the end of June so we have a project that will end up producing 365,000 tonnes of lithium per annum. We will be completing the first stage of licensing we expect in the next few weeks, which is the issue of the mining lease, following which we expect to go through the remaining stages to break ground on the project next September, with production slated for the second quarter of 2025, with full production for the year 26. Kitco Mining: Whats the relationship with Piedmont? Herbert: Piedmont are our partner; they're earning into the project at the Singapore level which theyll end up being partners with us in a 50-50% of that level. They're also providing most of the funding so the first $70 million of capex comes from Piedmont, and thereafter we will share the remaining capex 50-50. Kitco Mining: Whats it like working in Ghana? Herbert: Ghana is a very well-developed jurisdiction for mining, a 100-year record, so I would argue probably one of the most developed in Africa. It has very good infrastructure and we benefit from that infrastructure. We are 110 kilometres from the port with a paved road all the way, and indeed a minerals handing facility at the port. Our site fortunately is very near to that road and indeed we have power running across the site, so very well provided for in that respect. On the human capital side, were also very well provided for, there are four universities which have trained people for many years who work across the mining sector internationally, and so overwhelmingly our staff will be Ghanaian. Kitco Mining: At the start of this conference, the CEO of Fastmarkets said that lithium is in a consolidation phase. How does the lithium market look to you? Herbert: Well, we wont be producing until the year after next, so its a little bit early for us, but it a relatively immature market still. Just looking at the forecast, supply will remain tight so I'm expecting prices to remain well above what you would expect the very long-term prices to be. We have one of the lowest-cost projects there will be in production, and therefore to be honest prices over $2,000 or are very good prices for us, but I would expect to see a recovery in the prices later this year but continued volatility. An Amherst woman is suing the Amherst Police Department and several Amherst police officers for assault, unlawful arrest, failure to treat her injuries and more after an altercation in January left her with a fractured wrist. Danielle Hughes alleges in a complaint filed last month in State Supreme Court that Officer Edwin Bailey pushed her back approximately 10 feet, at which point she fell to the ground. Bailey then aggressively approached Hughes and took her to the ground again, restraining her and improperly applying handcuffs with the help of at least one other officer. The incident left Hughes with serious and permanent injuries to her left wrist, according to the complaint. Hughes attorney and a spokesperson for the Amherst Police Department both declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing litigation. According to the suit, Bailey and the other Amherst police officers had taken Hughes ex-husband, Joseph Hughes, into custody while he was driving her car. Danielle Hughes arrived at the scene to retrieve her vehicle. Joseph Hughes attempted to speak to her, but Bailey told him to shut up and used expletives. Danielle Hughes alleges that Bailey pushed her after she asked whether the verbal assault of her ex-husband was necessary. After pushing her to the ground twice, Bailey and another officer, Scott Minervini, handcuffed Hughes and roughly placed her in the back of a police car while Bailey allegedly continued to harass, threaten and intimidate her. Hughes says the cuffs were applied more tightly than was reasonably necessary, exacerbating the wrist injury she sustained. The officers charged Hughes with second-degree obstruction of governmental administration a misdemeanor that would eventually be dropped and took her in for processing. After waiting in the police car for an extended period of time, Hughes complained to town employees and requested medical attention, which was allegedly not provided. Hughes was eventually released with an appearance ticket and taken to the hospital by a family member. X-rays determined that she had a wrist fracture. Hughes lawsuit claims her experience was part of a pattern of similar unlawful conduct on the part of Amherst police and lists 15 reports of misconduct, unlawful arrest, discrimination and excessive force against Amherst officers, from 1991 to 2023. 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) - Pan American Silver (NYSE: PAAS) (TSX: PAAS) announced yesterday that the company has temporarily suspended all operating activities at its La Colorada mine in Mexico due to security concerns at the mine site and the surrounding area. The company said in a statement that in the early hours of October 5, 2023, the operation experienced an armed robbery of two trailers of concentrate, adding that there were no physical injuries to its personnel in connection with the incident. In response to the current security situation in the area and Pan Americans priority to protect the safety and security of our personnel, Pan American has temporarily suspended operations, project work and exploration at La Colorada, the company said. According to PAAS, the mine site is currently secure, and the company has activated care and maintenance activities while it works with state and federal authorities regarding this incident. The company said the suspension will continue until Pan American determines it is appropriate to resume operations. La Colorada is Pan Americans largest silver producing mine. La Colorada produces silver gold dore bars from a conventional cyanide leach plant for the oxide ore, and silver rich lead and zinc concentrates from a flotation plant treating sulphide ore. Pan American Silver is a leading producer of precious metals in the Americas, operating silver and gold mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. 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) - Agnico Eagles Canadian Malartic was the largest gold mine in Canada in Q2 2023, followed by Agnico Eagles Detour Lake and Meadowbank mines. The top 10 largest gold mines in Canada produced 912 koz of gold in Q2 2023, down 5% compared to Q2 2022. Kitco ranked the top 10 largest gold mines in Canada by production in Q2 2023. 1. Canadian Malartic. 178 koz. Agnico Eagles Canadian Malartic was the largest gold mine in Canada in Q2 2023. On June 28th the Canadian Malartic complex reached a milestone by pouring its seven millionth gold ounce since achieving commercial production in 2011. The company said the Canadian Malartic pit was depleted in Q2 2023, adding that work has commenced to prepare for in-pit tailings disposal, which is expected to start in the second half of 2024. According to Agnico Eagle, gold production from the Odyssey mine in Q2 2023 totaled 6,747 ounces. The commissioning of the paste plant has been slightly delayed because of corrective measures required with recently installed piping for the paste network. The paste plant startup is now scheduled for August 2023. 2. Detour Lake. 169 koz. Agnico Eagles Detour Lake is the second largest gold mine in Canada. In Q2 2023, gold production at Detour Lake decreased by 14% when compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower grades as expected due to the planned mining sequence. 3. Meadowbank. 95 koz. Agnico Eagles Meadowbank mine is third. In Q2 2023, gold production at Meadowbank decreased by 2% when compared to the prior-year period as a result of lower processing volumes due to mill shutdowns from the caribou migration, partially offset by higher gold grades 4. Meliadine. 88 koz. Gold production at another Agnico Eagles Meliadine mine of 88 koz in Q2 2023 decreased by 10% when compared to Q2 2022 primarily due to lower gold grades, partially offset by higher mill throughput. 5. Brucejack. 80 koz. Gold production at Newcrests Brucejack mine of 80 koz was 11% lower than the prior year period. The company said that gold production was lower than expectations driven by lower than anticipated gold head grade. 6. LaRonde. 77 koz. Gold production at Canadas sixth largest LaRonde mine, owned by Agnico Eagle, decreased by 13% in Q2 2023 when compared to Q2 2022 primarily due to lower processing volumes and lower grades as a result of changes in the mining method that resulted in more lower grade ore being sourced from upper portions of the mine and a slower mining rate. 7. Porcupine. 60 koz. Gold production at Newmonts Porcupine mine decreased 12% in Q2 2023 primarily due to lower mill throughput as a result of scheduled mill downtime, partially offset by a drawdown of in-circuit inventory in the current year compared to a build-up in the prior year and higher ore grade milled in the current year. 8. Rainy River. 60 koz. Q2 2023 gold production at New Golds Rainy River mine increased by 40% y-o-y due to higher gold grades. 9. Macassa. 57 koz. Gold production at Agnico Eagles Macassa mine decreased when compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower gold grades in the mining sequence, partially offset by higher throughput volumes. 10. Eleonore. 48 koz. Gold production at Newmonts Eleonore mine increased 7% primarily due to higher ore grade milled, partially offset by lower mill throughput as a result of a temporary evacuation of the site and corresponding shutdown of the operation in June 2023 in response to wildfires. The latest Democratic Party challenge to New Yorks congressional district lines will be heard in Buffalo by the state Court of Appeals on Nov. 15. This case has national implications. After the Court of Appeals ruled Democrats redistricting plan unconstitutional last year, Republicans won a five seat majority in the U.S. House due to their victories in the Empire State. The court, in Harkenrider v. Hochul, interpreted constitutional provisions adopted in 2014 banning partisan gerrymandering and creating an exclusive process for redistricting limiting the unfettered ability of the Legislature over redistricting. The ban on partisan gerrymandering is the strongest in the nation and the Court of Appeals required new district lines to be drawn under the supervision of a neutral expert. That should have ended the matter until 2032, after the next federal census. But it didnt. Democrats started yet another legal action alleging that the remedy imposed last year in the case of Harkenrider was only valid for the 2022 elections. They argue that the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) had failed in its duty to submit a second redistricting map to the Legislature in January 2022 and that the courts should order the commission to return to work and redo the congressional map yet again. The court should reject this lawsuit. The maps drawn by the outside expert gave New York nine competitive congressional districts. Competitive districts reduce political polarization as candidates must compete for voters across party lines and not just among their partisans in primary elections. But Democrats dont want competitive districts; they prefer sure things. Their agenda is clear: Democrats want another chance to rig the congressional lines in their favor, perhaps not as egregiously as their first map, but just enough to tilt the political balance in several seats. The League of Women Voters rejects the Democrat arguments. They argue that the state constitution bars mid-decade redistricting and that the court in Harkenrider remedied the IRCs and Legislatures failure to adhere to the constitution when they ordered a court-adopted redistricting plan. If the court fails to uphold the strict process for redistricting, future Legislatures will not feel bound by the Harkenrider precedent, rendering the 2014 reforms a nullity. As the court ponders the upcoming arguments in Buffalo, they are surely aware of legislative efforts to gain control over judicial selections. The Legislatures message is clear: The judges should get in line with Democrats political agenda or face the consequences. The decision in this case will tell us which path the court chooses to take. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Hong Kong: Govt prepares for Typhoon Koinu With Typhoon Koinu approaching Hong Kong, Acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk chaired an interdepartmental meeting this afternoon to co-ordinate preparatory work and faciltate prompt responses to the storm's onset. Representatives from 14 bureaus and departments attended the meeting. They were briefed by a Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) representative on the latest assessment of Koinu and reported on their respective precautionary measures and contingency plans. The Government said departments had made good preparations to cope with any adverse conditions and will closely monitor high-risk locations to facilitate prompt responses. Information will also be disseminated to the public as soon as possible. Participants also reviewed lessons from the challenges posed by Super Typhoon Saola and the low pressure associated with the remnant of Tropical Cyclone Haikui in late August and early September. Contingency plans were prepared following assessments of those weather events. The Security Bureau (SB) will, as in the past, activate the Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre before the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 is issued in order to co-ordinate efforts and resource deployment across various departments. Representatives attending the interdepartmental meeting came from the SB, the Development Bureau, the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Buildings Department, the Civil Engineering & Development Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Fire Services Department, the Home Affairs Department, the HKO, Police, the Highways Department, the Information Services Department, the Marine Department and the Transport Department. This story has been published on: 2023-10-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered a pivotal State of the Nation Address and officially opened the 1st session of the 10th Parliament at the new Parliament building in Mount Hampden on Tuesday. The President's address was marked by a resounding commitment to the nation's development and prosperity over the next five years.In his address, President emphasized the importance of continuity by concluding projects initiated during the previous parliament while also introducing new initiatives to propel the nation forward.The new Parliament building in Mount Hampden, a symbol of Zimbabwe's commitment to modernization and progress, served as the backdrop for this significant event. The President spoke to a gathering of distinguished guests, lawmakers, Service Chiefs and Members of the Judiciary highlighting the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving the nation's goals.President Mnangagwa's vision encompasses various sectors critical to Zimbabwe's development, including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He emphasized the need for economic stability, job creation, and poverty alleviation as core objectives of his administration.The State of the Nation Address and the official opening of Parliament in Mount Hampden serve as a reminder of the importance of democracy, governance, and the nation's collective determination to build a brighter future for all its citizens. News / National by Staff reporter The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's Financial Intelligence Unit will now swiftly freeze the bank accounts of individuals and entities listed by the United Nations for suspected terrorist activities, following the publication of a Statutory Instrument in a recent gazette.Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has issued this Statutory Instrument as part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism, aligning with the United Nations Security Council's directives.Under these regulations, "without delay" signifies that the freezing of funds or assets must occur within 24 hours of the Foreign Affairs Ministry receiving the United Nations' notice of additions, removals, or other amendments to the existing United Nations Consolidated List of designated individuals.The Director-General of the FIU is tasked with promptly issuing an order to freeze all funds and assets owned or controlled by the designated person or entity, even those not directly linked to a specific act, plot, or proliferation threat. This includes assets fully or partially owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by these individuals or entities, as well as assets derived from funds or assets owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by them. It also encompasses assets held by individuals or entities acting on behalf of or under the direction of a designated person or entity.The Director-General must make this order public and ensure its dissemination to all banks and other entities holding accounts or assets of the listed person or entity. These banks and entities are then obligated to prevent any funds from flowing to arms sellers and must report to the Director-General on the frozen funds and assets they hold.Any person, financial institution, or designated non-financial business or profession must promptly freeze any funds or assets known to be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a person or entity designated by the UN, without prior notice to the designated individual or entity, upon notification from the Director-General.The freeze order remains in effect until the person or entity is removed from the UN list. Missouri asked the Supreme Court on October 5 to revive its controversial law that prohibits local law enforcement from helping federal officials enforce certain federal gun laws. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of AMETEK (NYSE:AME Get Free Report) in a report issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a buy rating on the technology companys stock. A number of other analysts have also commented on AME. Seaport Res Ptn reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of AMETEK in a research note on Monday, August 7th. KeyCorp increased their price target on shares of AMETEK from $165.00 to $176.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on AMETEK from $180.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. DA Davidson upped their price target on AMETEK from $177.00 to $180.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of AMETEK from $162.00 to $174.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, AMETEK currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $173.25. Get AMETEK alerts: Read Our Latest Report on AMETEK AMETEK Trading Down 1.1 % Shares of NYSE AME traded down $1.68 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $148.44. The company had a trading volume of 883,287 shares, compared to its average volume of 978,884. The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 2.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. AMETEK has a one year low of $110.96 and a one year high of $164.75. The firms fifty day moving average price is $155.01 and its 200-day moving average price is $150.40. The stock has a market cap of $34.25 billion, a PE ratio of 27.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 1.22. AMETEK (NYSE:AME Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The technology company reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.05. AMETEK had a net margin of 19.23% and a return on equity of 18.32%. The company had revenue of $1.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.64 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.38 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that AMETEK will post 6.26 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at AMETEK In other news, Director Steven W. Kohlhagen sold 1,565 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.37, for a total transaction of $250,979.05. Following the sale, the director now owns 31,909 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,117,246.33. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other AMETEK news, Director Steven W. Kohlhagen sold 1,645 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.74, for a total value of $251,257.30. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 30,264 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,622,523.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Steven W. Kohlhagen sold 1,565 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.37, for a total transaction of $250,979.05. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 31,909 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,117,246.33. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 37,140 shares of company stock worth $5,940,876. Insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On AMETEK A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of AMETEK by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 24,608,566 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $3,277,369,000 after acquiring an additional 463,926 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of AMETEK by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 17,085,162 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,765,746,000 after purchasing an additional 870,060 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of AMETEK by 97,096.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 13,834,006 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,239,449,000 after purchasing an additional 13,819,773 shares during the period. FMR LLC raised its position in shares of AMETEK by 34.9% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 10,042,152 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,459,426,000 after purchasing an additional 2,597,135 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp raised its position in shares of AMETEK by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,972,142 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,452,410,000 after purchasing an additional 134,989 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 85.70% of the companys stock. About AMETEK (Get Free Report) AMETEK, Inc manufactures and sells electronic instruments and electromechanical devices in North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. It operates in two segments, Electronic Instruments (EIG) and Electromechanical (EMG). The company's EIG segment offers advanced instruments for the process, aerospace, power, and industrial markets; process and analytical instruments for the oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, automation, and food and beverage industries; and instruments to the laboratory equipment, ultra-precision manufacturing, medical, and test and measurement markets.Its EMG segment offers engineered electrical connectors and electronics packaging to protect sensitive devices and mission-critical electronics; precision motion control products for data storage, medical devices, business equipment, automation, and other applications; high-purity powdered metals, strips and foils, specialty clad metals, and metal matrix composites; motor-blower systems and heat exchangers for use in thermal management, military, commercial aircraft, and military ground vehicles; and motors for use in commercial appliances, fitness equipment, food and beverage machines, hydraulic pumps, and industrial blowers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for AMETEK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMETEK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (CVE:LIT Get Free Report) shares shot up 30.9% on Thursday . The company traded as high as C$0.57 and last traded at C$0.53. 4,192,881 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 2,729% from the average session volume of 148,189 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.41. Argentina Lithium & Energy Stock Up 30.9 % The firm has a market capitalization of C$68.93 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.82 and a beta of 1.64. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$0.25 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$0.25. About Argentina Lithium & Energy (Get Free Report) Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp., a junior mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of natural resource properties in the Americas and Argentina. The company holds 100% interest in the Incahuasi lithium project covering an area of approximately 13,372 hectares of granted mineral rights properties located in the Catamarca Province, Argentina. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Argentina Lithium & Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Argentina Lithium & Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reissued by investment analysts at Truist Financial in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $84.00 price target on the biopharmaceutical companys stock. Truist Financials target price suggests a potential upside of 47.94% from the stocks previous close. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Credit Suisse Group decreased their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Bank of America lowered their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $85.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 28th. SVB Securities started coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, July 10th. They set a market perform rating and a $66.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Thursday. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and issued a $59.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $69.50. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:BMY traded up $0.36 during trading on Friday, hitting $56.78. 5,731,206 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,016,064. 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 businesss fifty day moving average is $60.33 and its 200-day moving average is $64.25. The stock has a market capitalization of $118.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.10, a PEG ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 0.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a one year low of $55.83 and a one year high of $81.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.99 by ($0.24). Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 50.51% and a net margin of 17.62%. The company had revenue of $11.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.81 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. Bristol-Myers Squibbs quarterly revenue was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Bristol-Myers Squibb In related news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total value of $1,101,642.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total value of $44,754.48. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 6,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $402,545.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb 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 transaction, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bristol-Myers Squibb A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 13.8% during the 3rd quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 53,199 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,088,000 after purchasing an additional 6,436 shares in the last quarter. Mirador Capital Partners LP lifted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.4% in the third quarter. Mirador Capital Partners LP now owns 42,489 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,466,000 after acquiring an additional 990 shares during the last quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 6.2% in the third quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 48,824 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,834,000 after acquiring an additional 2,837 shares in the last quarter. Park National Corp OH increased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 13.1% during the 3rd quarter. Park National Corp OH now owns 31,547 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,831,000 after purchasing an additional 3,662 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 325.7% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 19,653 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,257,000 after purchasing an additional 15,036 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.98% of the companys stock. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile (Get 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 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. Equities research analysts at StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW Get Free Report) in a research report issued on Thursday. The firm set a buy rating on the specialty retailers stock. BBW has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Northland Securities began coverage on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop in a research report on Monday, September 11th. They issued an outperform rating and a $36.00 price objective for the company. DA Davidson began coverage on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $42.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $42.00 price objective for the company. Get Build-A-Bear Workshop alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on BBW Build-A-Bear Workshop Stock Performance Build-A-Bear Workshop stock traded down $1.17 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $27.20. The companys stock had a trading volume of 294,128 shares, compared to its average volume of 277,189. The company has a market capitalization of $395.22 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.88 and a beta of 1.89. Build-A-Bear Workshop has a 12 month low of $13.44 and a 12 month high of $30.49. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $26.52 and its 200 day simple moving average is $23.64. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 24th. The specialty retailer reported $0.57 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $109.23 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $101.89 million. Build-A-Bear Workshop had a net margin of 10.63% and a return on equity of 45.76%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.38 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Build-A-Bear Workshop will post 3.6 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at Build-A-Bear Workshop In other news, Director George Carrara sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.27, for a total transaction of $109,080.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 20,073 shares in the company, valued at approximately $547,390.71. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, Director George Carrara sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.27, for a total transaction of $109,080.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 20,073 shares in the company, valued at approximately $547,390.71. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Vojin Todorovic sold 23,158 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.50, for a total transaction of $660,003.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 110,493 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,149,050.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 57,071 shares of company stock worth $1,575,604. 11.40% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Build-A-Bear Workshop Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of BBW. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 47,038 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $860,000 after purchasing an additional 2,173 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 226.1% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 39,343 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $719,000 after purchasing an additional 27,277 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. raised its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 67.8% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 25,438 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $465,000 after purchasing an additional 10,275 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 12.1% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 670,825 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $12,263,000 after purchasing an additional 72,169 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 10.8% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 181,426 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $3,316,000 after purchasing an additional 17,751 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.73% of the companys stock. About Build-A-Bear Workshop (Get Free Report) Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc operates as a multi-channel retailer of plush animals and related products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Direct-to-Consumer, Commercial, and International Franchising. Its merchandise comprises various styles of plush products to be stuffed, pre-stuffed plush products, and sounds and scents that can be added to the stuffed animals, as well as range of clothing, shoes and accessories, and other toy and novelty items, including family sleepwear. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Build-A-Bear Workshop Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Build-A-Bear Workshop and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horst & Graben Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 297,857 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,899 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF comprises 3.5% of Horst & Graben Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest holding. Horst & Graben Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $14,577,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Tompkins Financial Corp increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 66.1% in the first quarter. Tompkins Financial Corp now owns 553 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the period. Tucker Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the first quarter worth $28,000. Grove Bank & Trust bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the first quarter worth $31,000. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the second quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Central Bank & Trust Co. bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the first quarter worth $34,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Trading Up 1.1 % Shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF stock traded up $0.54 during trading on Friday, hitting $47.79. The stock had a trading volume of 2,115,924 shares. The firm has a market cap of $16.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.51 and a beta of 0.84. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 12 month low of $49.15 and a 12 month high of $59.57. The businesss 50-day moving average is $49.29 and its 200 day moving average is $49.18. About iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PM to attend Busan Expo Symposium in Paris By Lee Hyo-jin Prime Minister Han Duck-soo embarked on a week-long trip to four European nations, Sunday, to attend the 2030 Busan Expo Symposium in Paris as Korea makes a last-ditch effort to win its bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan. Han will visit France, Denmark, Croatia and Greece, where he will meet his respective counterparts to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation, according to the Office for Government Policy Coordination. The prime minister will also participate in the 2030 Busan World Expo Symposium in Paris on Monday (local time), taking place just 50 days ahead of the final election. Member countries of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) will vote for the Expo host country on Nov. 28 in the French capital. Han will actively promote the countrys Expo bid at the upcoming symposium, which will be attended by representatives of the BIE, his office said. Busan, Korea's second-largest city, is competing with Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Italy's Rome, to host the quadrennial event. With less than two months left until the decision, the Busan Metropolitan City is making a last-minute push to win the bid, using the ongoing Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) as an opportunity to promote the World Expo 2030. Promotional videos and messages were displayed on LED screens beside the red carpet during the film festivals opening ceremony, Wednesday, and some 100 official festival vehicles were wrapped with messages like Busan is good for Expo and Busan is ready, showing the city's readiness to host the event, according to Busan City. In addition to the local government's efforts, the private sector is also laying the groundwork for the country's Expo bid. Hyundai Motor Group said Friday that it will operate 10 electric vehicles wrapped with phrases promoting Busan's bid to host the Expo, from Monday to Oct. 15 in Paris. The EVs will be offered to the Korean delegation who will carry out various promotional activities including the symposium and K-pop concert. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, also chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has also been aggressively supporting the city's attempt to host the international event. Chey will host the group's annual CEO seminar in Paris from Oct. 16 to 18, marking the first time in 14 years that the group has held the leadership seminar abroad since the latest one in China in 2009. On the sidelines of the three-day event, top-ranking executives from SK Group and its affiliates will make a strong appeal for Busans bid to host the Expo. On Thursday, Korea International Trade Association Chairman Koo Ja-yeol hosted a networking dinner with 35 envoys and diplomats from 21 Middle Eastern countries and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), during which he asked for their support in Busan's Expo bid. "We must promote mutual prosperity and development in the Middle East and Southeast Asian nations by expanding future-oriented cooperation," he said. "In this context, the Busan Expo will contribute significantly to the freedom, peace, and prosperity of global citizens in tackling global crises and challenges." News / National by Staff reporter President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, convened at the Beitbridge Border Post to address logistical matters concerning the construction of a third bridge over the Limpopo River, aiming to bolster regional and international trade.The two leaders also committed to fully implementing the One-Stop-Border Concept, a joint initiative to streamline border procedures and facilitate ease of doing business between the two countries.This meeting followed their exchange of notes during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The proposed bridge project will be financed by Zimbabwe using its own resources, and Cabinet has already given approval for its construction. Zimbabwean technocrats are actively working on the necessary legal frameworks, while the chosen contractor is finalizing feasibility studies.Beitbridge Border Post has undergone a $300 million refurbishment, resulting in three terminals for freight, buses, and private cars/pedestrians.President Mnangagwa emphasized the government's commitment to provide adequate infrastructure to accommodate the growing volume of regional and international trade.The construction of a second road bridge aims to facilitate the seamless flow of commercial cargo through the Beitbridge Border Post, thus promoting regional and international trade.President Mnangagwa stated, "We met in New York and had a chat with my brother, and he told me he was coming to Musina, and we agreed to come and meet. When he said he was coming to the border, I said you can't come to Musina and not visit the border. We are here, what else would we want when two brothers meet and break bread? So, we have exchanged notes on what we need to do to enhance the ease of doing business, including the construction of the relevant infrastructure on both sides of the border."Zimbabwe sought landing rights from South Africa for the third bridge after completing the new border post. The new bridge will run parallel to the New Limpopo Bridge.The original Alfred Beit Bridge, funded by the Beit Trust, opened in 1929. Traffic increased over the years, and in the mid-1970s, the railway line was integrated into the bridge when the Rutenga-Beitbridge link was constructed. In 1995, the second bridge, the New Limpopo Bridge, was opened to relieve the strain on the old Alfred Beit Bridge. The old bridge subsequently became dedicated to rail and pedestrian traffic.President Ramaphosa commended President Mnangagwa for modernizing the border post and stressed the importance of matching infrastructure development on both sides of the Limpopo River, a shared heritage. He emphasized that the construction of a new bridge would boost trade, especially with the advent of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.President Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of infrastructure development in facilitating trade and investment growth in the region, particularly under the One-Stop-Border-Post concept, which simplifies border procedures and clearance processes for travelers and cargo.Under this regime, operations are harmonized, and clearance is conducted only once for passage into either country, eliminating duplication of processes at both borders. 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. Minor SONEs, off limits! On Instagram, Yuri made K-pop fans gasp and scream at how "unbothered" she is after uploading THESE "R-rated" photos! 'Unbothered Queen': SNSD Yuri Shares 'Adult' Trip, SONEs Wheeze At Idol's Suggestive Photos On October 4, Girls' Generation's Kwon Yuri updated SONEs (fandom) about her recent status by releasing new Instagram photos. In particular, the idol went to London in the United Kingdom for a schedule, and while in the country, Yuri also decided to take a short trip, visiting various local destinations, including the Abbey Road Studios, Tate Modern, Daunt Books, and more. ALSO READ: Girls' Generation Yuri Radiates Effortless Charm in 'No-Makeup' Photo See Pics Inside In her first uploaded photos, Yuri flaunted her natural beauty without makeup, while strolling in various landmarks in London. Everything was normal until Yuri shared photos of the food she enjoyed. Posting the photos, Yuri made fans' eyes widen when she took a photo of Mickey Mouse flashing his middle fingers. But this is not all, as Yuri made SONEs gasp even more with the explicit image of a variety of condoms in her feed. The men's adult products all have unique packaging with hilarious and suggestive text about having safe sexual activities. When fans saw this, they couldn't help but cover their mouths due to shock as Yuri became one of the few idols who openly posted contraceptive photos. Hilariously, some netizens tried to defend Yuri by saying the idol probably don't know what those things are, but SONEs reminded people that Yuri is already 33 years old and she knows that most of her fans are also adult now. Rather than criticizing, fans were having a good time laughing at how she posted it randomly and pointed out how Yuri most likely wouldn't survive in the K-pop scene if she debuted in the fourth-gen era. Some of the funny comments are: "Yuri in her R-rated era." "Miss ma'am?" "Not the condoms..." "Congratulations to Yuri being the first idol ro share condom pics and middle finger Mickey to her fans." "Kwon Yuri as the unbothered queen!" "Please give Yuri her IDGAF medal." "What is this? Did you forget you are an idol? LOL, this is so cute." "I died after seeing the 'eat my baguette'." "Sister, aren't these photos you shouldn't upload? HAHA." "Mother, you posted the wrong bread." SNSD Yuri's Recent Activities Meanwhile, Kwon Yuri who has been working both as an idol and actress has been traveling around Asia for her 2023 Yuri 2nd Fan Meeting Chapter 2 starting in Seoul in July. In the same month, the idol also visited Manila and Bangkok and continued the tour in Taipei last August. Yuri ended her Asian tour with a fan meeting in Japan on September 17. Following her tour, Yuri will prepare for her return to the big screen, after being announced as the main lead for the upcoming indie film, "Dolphin." READ MORE: THIS Girls' Generation Yuri's Photo Causes Ruckus in Buy & Sell App What Happened? For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dawson. The world is buzzing once again, and this time it's all about BTS Jungkook. The idol's recent departure from Incheon Airport has set ARMYs' hearts aflutter and left them eagerly speculating about his new hairstyle. Over the past year, Jungkook has graced fans with a multitude of mesmerizing hairstyles, each leaving a distinct impression. Now, with his short hair, fans are speculating. BTS Jungkook Greets Fans With Airport Poses as He Heads to Incheon Airport On October 6, as Jungkook made his way to Incheon Airport for an overseas commitment, fans couldn't help but notice something different about his appearance. READ ALSO: [WATCH] New 'Evidence' Sparks Rumors of BTS Jungkook and BLACKPINK Rose Dating-Is It True? Despite his ever-present smile beneath the mask and his customary warm greetings for the media, there was one noticeable change that ARMYs couldn't ignore Jungkook's hair appeared notably shorter. You can watch it here: As Jungkook made his way through the airport, he even treated fans and photographers to a cute "3D" pose, continuing to engage with everyone until the very last moment. BTS Jungkook's Short Hair Sparks Speculation: Is a New Look in Store? While it's not unusual for Jungkook to look adorable at the airport, this time it was his haircut that caught everyone's attention. Observant fans pointed out that his hair seemed much shorter, with some even suggesting it might resemble an undercut. READ ALSO: BTS Jungkook Baffling Over TikTok 'Glitch' Upon Uploading 'Smoke' Dance Challenge- Here's What Happened The discovery has led to a wave of curiosity among ARMYs, who are eager to see the full extent of Jungkook's new hairstyle. However, mixed feelings abound, as some fans recall Jungkook's previous statement about not cutting his hair entirely before his military enlistment but gradually reducing its length. One fan poignantly remarked: "Remember he told us hes going to cut his hair shorter and shorter until the military ." Despite the uncertainty, optimism prevails among the fandom, with fans expressing their anticipation of seeing Jungkook's new look: "Omggg so Jungkookie has a new hairstyle now?!! we wanna see!! HAVE A SAFE FLIGHT JUNGKOOK." "What if short-haired Jungkook is making a comeback for the Golden promotion?!" "This is actually crazy because the last time Jungkook had hair this short was for the PTD LA concerts back in November 2021, which was almost 2 years ago." "Omg Jungkook cut his hair." "Jungkook's short hair and bare forehead." As ARMYs await more glimpses of Jungkook's updated appearance, the mystery surrounding his haircut has sparked intrigue and excitement. Whether it's for a special project or simply a personal style choice, fans can't help but be captivated by the enigmatic charm of BTS golden maknae. YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: BTS Jungkook Secures 3 Guinness World Records- ARMYs in Awe! Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news. KpopStarz own this article. Cassidy Jones wrote this. South Korean rapper B-Free is facing criticism and public scrutiny after taking to social media to vent his frustrations over a government action that led to the confiscation of his bank account. The rapper's complaints have stirred debate, with some questioning his stance on the matter. B-Free's Bank Account Seize On October 5, B-Free shared a screenshot of a text message notification on his Instagram account, revealing that prosecutors had seized his bank account due to an unpaid fine amounting to $37.20 USD. The message, reportedly from Shinhan Bank, informed him of the account confiscation at the request of the Northern Seoul Prosecutor's Office. "Mr. Choi Sung Ho, as per request from the Northern Seoul Prosecutor's Office, your Shinhan Bank account has been confiscated. Please pay 50,000 KRW (about $37.20 USD) to the prosecution office." In response to this development, B-Free voiced his discontent in the post, criticizing the government for what he deemed as an excessively harsh action. "You confiscated my bank account over $37.20 USD. I've committed a serious crime. Why don't you bring clubs and handcuffs next time? You must be so busy playing god." However, a closer look into the situation revealed that the rapper had acknowledged not paying the fine for several months in a previous post. When a fan speculated that his account might have been confiscated due to unpaid fines, B-Free responded by questioning the government's actions, suggesting that they were overstepping boundaries by seizing his account. READ ALSO: 6 K-pop Idols Who Had 'Celebrity Disease': Jeon Somi, Stray Kids Han, More Korean netizens, on the other hand, responded with criticism, arguing that the government would not typically confiscate an account over a single missed payment and suggesting that B-Free may have neglected his financial obligations for a more extended period. Netizens' comments: "The government wouldn't confiscate your account over one missed payment. Are you sure you haven't ignored the bills for several months?" "I think it isn't normal that you haven't paid in months. There is a reason why they confiscated your account." "Of course, they should confiscate the account if you didn't pay. Then should they allow you to not pay?" "This guy is whining when he is in the wrong." "Honestly, you're incredible... Are you blaming this on the country, too? It was legendary how you filmed them not picking up when you called them during lunch, LOL." "I wonder if you have any common sense... Please study..." "I mean, hyung, are you unable to pay 50,000 KRW (about $37.20 USD)." "This guy is whining when he is in the wrong." As the online debate continues to unfold, B-Free's comments have sparked discussions about personal accountability and financial responsibilities, bringing to light the complexities of public figures facing legal issues. READ ALSO: 5 K-pop Idols Who Are Considered Their Company's 'Favorite': BLACKPINK Jennie, More Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news. KpopStarz own this article. Cassidy Jones wrote this. News / National by Staff reporter The significant transformation and modernization of the Zimbabwean side of the Beitbridge Border Post have impressed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has pledged to implement similar upgrades to facilitate the smooth flow of human and vehicular traffic, thereby promoting regional and international trade.President Mnangagwa led President Ramaphosa on a tour of the recently transformed Beitbridge Border Post, where they discussed the logistics surrounding the construction of a third bridge across the Limpopo River. This initiative aims to enhance efficient border services.Cabinet has already approved the proposed bridge project, with Zimbabwe committing to funding its construction from local resources. Currently, the Beitbridge Border Post handles a maximum of 25,000 travelers, 1,200 commercial trucks, 200 buses, and 2,000 light vehicles daily. The addition of a second road bridge aims to promote regional and international trade by facilitating the seamless flow of commercial cargo.Technocrats in Zimbabwe are actively working on the necessary legal frameworks, feasibility studies, and political permissions for the project.Following the upgrades, the Zimbabwean side of the border now boasts three terminals for freight, buses, and private cars/pedestrians. It is also automated and connects South Africa with several neighboring countries, including Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola, the DRC, Malawi, and Tanzania.Both presidents agreed to pursue the full implementation of the One-Stop Border Concept between the two countries to enhance ease of doing business. This visit followed their exchange of notes during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.President Ramaphosa expressed admiration for Zimbabwe's progress in modernizing the border post and pledged to emulate these developments on the South African side. He emphasized the importance of matching infrastructure development on both sides of the Limpopo River for the region's growth.With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in mind, President Ramaphosa highlighted that infrastructure development, including the new bridge, will significantly boost trade in the region.President Mnangagwa echoed the sentiment that Zimbabwe is committed to improving its infrastructure to facilitate regional and international trade.The Zimbabwean government has initiated discussions with South Africa to secure landing rights for the construction of the proposed third bridge, which is intended to run parallel to the New Limpopo Bridge.The Beitbridge Border Post, a historic crossing point between Zimbabwe and South Africa, has undergone a remarkable transformation to accommodate the increasing volume of trade and travelers between the two countries.Both governments are investing in modernizing their respective border posts to facilitate trade and improve border efficiency. South Africa has approved plans to upgrade six major ports of entry, including the Beitbridge Border Post, to enhance cross-border trade and regional connectivity. Gaetz open to Jordan or Scalise for speaker, says either would be 'monumental upgrade' from McCarthy Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. News / National by Staff reporter Victoria Falls continues to stand out as the preferred destination, with Matetsi Victoria Falls Lodge, situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, ranking as the seventh-best resort in Southern Africa.This accolade was bestowed by Conde Nast Traveller, an international travel index that gathers responses from readers and travelers worldwide.Over 520,000 readers submitted their ratings of travel experiences across the globe, and Matetsi Victoria Falls secured a position among the top 15 resorts with an impressive score of 96.40 points. Bumi Hills in Kariba also made it into the top 15, securing the 14th position with 93.83 points.The list is dominated by Zambia, which boasts eight resorts, with Lolebezi Jeki Resort leading the pack with 99.3 points. Botswana contributes three resorts to the list, while Namibia has two.Matetsi Victoria Falls has garnered recognition in the past. Just three months ago, this luxury lodge, alongside the Victoria Falls Hotel, was voted among the top five facilities in Africa based on Travel + Leisure Readers' feedback.Travel researchers concur that Southern Africa is home to some of the continent's finest resort hotels, from South Africa's Winelands to Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls, Namibia's expansive Namib Desert, and Zambia's Bush Camp.Victoria Falls itself ranks as the third "must-visit" natural wonder globally, attracting global attention to Zimbabwe's prime tourism city. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a habitat for various unique plant and animal species and offers breathtaking views of natural beauty and grandeur along the Zambezi River, forming the natural boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia.Conde Nast Traveller's latest study, the readers' choice for 2023, positioned Matetsi Victoria Falls at the seventh spot out of the top 15.Conde Nast Traveller is a highly regarded accolade within the tourism industry and remains the ultimate symbol of excellence and recognition in the travel sector.Sara Gardiner, a representative of the Gardiner family that operates Matetsi Victoria Falls Lodge, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that it highlights the high-quality service at the lodge and the destination as a whole.Being listed among the best resorts in Africa is particularly significant because it reflects the experiences of guests who leave Matetsi Victoria Falls feeling like part of an extended family. It also underscores their commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences while conserving vast areas of pristine wilderness and providing employment, upskilling, and opportunities for Zimbabweans.Numerous other local establishments have also received recognition from various researchers in the past. Matetsi Victoria Falls is a family-owned facility renowned for its uniquely African interiors, offering an ultimate safari experience and an idyllic accommodation retreat.Spanning 136,000 acres of land, Matetsi Victoria Falls has its own game scouts dedicated to the protection of dozens of animal species, including four of the Big Five. The facility features 16 suites, two family suites, and a private villa.Tourism executives have consistently advocated for the promotion of other destinations in Zimbabwe to distribute the benefits of tourism more evenly. Mrs. Barbara Murasiranwa-Hughes, Chair of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe in Matebeleland North, highlighted the importance of Victoria Falls as a regional hub from which tourism businesses should launch their services and expand to other destinations, particularly within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. News / National by Staff reporter Amnesty International (AI) has accused the government of Zimbabwe of using legal maneuvers to stifle dissent and maintain its grip on power without scrutiny. AI's executive director, Lucia Masuka, expressed concern during a press briefing titled "Human Rights Under Attack: A Review of Zimbabwe's Human Rights Record in the Period 201823." Masuka highlighted a growing trend by the government to suppress human rights through legislation, including the Criminal Code, colloquially known as the Patriot Bill.According to Masuka, the government must repeal provisions in these laws that violate fundamental human rights and enact legislation that protects and promotes human rights. She also noted that the government has failed to adhere to constitutional provisions on respecting human rights, despite the comprehensive human rights-related provisions in Zimbabwe's Constitution.During the lead-up to the August 23 and 24 elections, the government expedited the passage of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, commonly referred to as the Patriot Act. Critics, including opposition activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organization employees, have criticized the Patriot Act as retrogressive and unlawful, fearing that it will be used to target and silence dissenters. GLOBAL PR CONNECT (GPRC) New Delhi [India], October 6: Aquaconnect, a full-stack aquaculture platform with embedded fintech that uses Satellite remote sensing and Artificial Intelligence to enable market linkage for stakeholders in the fish and shrimp farming industry, today announced its strategic expansion into West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh as part of strengthening its domestic presence. Aquaconnect also expanded its AquaPartner network by 4X in the last 15 months. Also Read | West Bengal Shocker: Man Born Without Gallbladder Taken for Gallstone Operation After Diagnostic Centre Detects Gallstone, Doctor Ends Up Removing Patients Appendix. AquaPartners are rural entrepreneurs who provide last-mile assistance to the farmers such as farm advisory, access to feed and other farm inputs in the farm vicinity. One Aquapartner can assist around 100 aqua farmers. Aquaconnect's foray into two new markets - West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, fortifies its presence across six major aquaculture production states including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Gujarat. This move is in line with Aquaconnect's goal of optimizing its service offerings to enable market access for farmers to purchase innovative farm input brands and growing stronger in the pre-harvest aquaculture value chain by tripling its AquaPartners network by the end of this year. Through this expansion, Aquaconnect aims to amplify its impact across India with a strong ground network. Also Read | HP Launches New Software Platform 'AI Studio' to Help Data Scientists and AI Practitioners, 23.8-Inch Movable PC. In West Bengal, Aquaconnect's sphere now extends to nine districts and spans eight districts across Uttar Pradesh. "West Bengal is the second-largest fish-producing state, contributing approximately 14% to India's total production and Uttar Pradesh follows closely as the third-largest with a 7% contribution. Despite India being a leading seafood exporter, the domestic market is ripe for disruption. Expanding into these states is a strategic move to address this untapped potential. It aligns with our vision of establishing the largest aquaculture platform through our robust phygital distribution network. Combining satellite remote sensing technologies with Artificial Intelligence and amplifying our AquaPartners network, we are committed to bring transparency in the aquaculture value chain and enabling market linkage between stakeholders. By pioneering this transformative approach in these states, we are making a significant stride towards creating a more interconnected and streamlined ecosystem. We aim to promote sustainability and catalyze progress, gradually contributing to the broader growth of aquaculture in India," said Karthivelan Selvaraj, Chief Operating Officer, Aquaconnect. Aquaconnect is a full-stack aquaculture technology platform, pioneering the use of AI and satellite remote sensing to bring transparency and efficiency to the aquaculture value chain. Aquaconnect also enables market linkage for aquaculture farmers, retailers, and seafood buyers to increase access to farm inputs, and post-harvest markets. Aquaconnect provides formal credit to its retail partners and seafood buyers to ease their working capital needs and upscale their businesses. The start-up has been recognized by 'Forbes Asia 100 to Watch' and 'World-Changing Ideas 2020' by Fast Company. The startup showcased its solutions at the Paris Peace Forum - 2022 and is a part of the Innovator cohort at Seafood Innovation Project and Hatch Accelerator and the Norwegian Seafood Innovation Cluster. Aquaconnect is one of the winners of the 'Agriculture insure tech award' by the World Bank Group. The startup was selected for the fifth edition of Google for Startups Accelerator (GFS) India. It is also the first Indian aquaculture startup to earn an ISO 27001 certification for information security management. Aquaconnect has also been recognized as the 'Best Agri Startup in Application of Digital Technologies 2021' & the 'Most Innovative AgTech Start-up (Mature Stage) 2022' by FICCI and recently, they were honored with the prestigious Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge Award by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. Aquaconnect is supported by investments from Omnivore Partners, Hatch Accelerator, Flourish Ventures, Rebright Partners, Agfunder, Lok Capital, LDC, Sunlight Investments, and 6G Capital. Connect with us on: LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by GLOBAL PR CONNECT (GPRC). 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) SRV Media New Delhi [India], October 6: Popular menswear brand, Maxzone Clothing has recently hit an impressive milestone, clocking an incredible sale of over 1 crore T-shirts within the last year. This achievement follows yet another feat the well-loved men's brand witnessed earlier in 2023 by garnering around a whopping 200 crore turnover. The latest sales figures indicate that the brand has been growing its presence significantly and thus is set to hit an all-time high turnover in the coming days. Also Read | UK Woman Named Siri Prince Forced to Change Her Name Due to Similarity With Apples Virtual Assistant Siri; Explains Why She Changed Her Name. About the milestone, Gaurav Agarwal, Director of Maxzone Clothing, expressed, "The accomplishment of surpassing 1 crore T-shirt sales in the past year speaks volumes about our team's dedication to upholding quality, affordability, and a keen understanding of varied customer requirements. We are thrilled by the impressive sales and are inspired to deliver better quality and more diverse products in the days to come." Behind the remarkable revenue and sales figures lies Maxzone Clothing's solid understanding of the diverse market landscape. The brand recognizes the unique preferences of men across various regions, encompassing fits, sizes, cuts, colors, and fabrics. Maxzone meticulously tailors its offerings to cater to these diverse preferences, shattering the notion of a one-size-fits-all approach. This strategic pivot towards catering to regional preferences early on has become their hallmark, propelling their extraordinary achievements, including the sale of over 10 million t-shirts. Also Read | Unstamped Arbitration Agreements: Supreme Court's Seven-Judge Bench To Hear Curative Petition From Next Week. This recent milestone is set to catapult Maxzone Clothing into even greater popularity. The brand proudly wears the 'Made in India' tag, affirming that local brands can deliver high-quality products at budget-friendly prices--Maxzone's range of T-shirts commences at just Rs399. This affordability has widened the brand's reach, touching a vast segment of the Indian population. This, in turn, has not only revolutionized wardrobes across the nation but has also significantly supported the domestic manufacturing sector, fostering job opportunities Maxzone Clothing embarked on its journey in 2009, placing a strong emphasis on curating T-shirts that exude comfort, boasting seamless stitching for an optimal fit. By 2010, their prowess had already resonated triumphantly in the eastern Indian market, achieving a remarkable feat of selling over a million T-shirts. The success surge of Maxzone Clothing propelled them to expand their market reach into the North and West regions of India, always staying attuned to fashion trends. Throughout the brand's evolution, a commitment to innovation has remained at its core. One of its notable strategic moves was the incorporation of Bio Wash Fabric and the deployment of the advanced SULPHET automatic printing machine, resulting in a significant elevation of product quality. Furthermore, the brand witnessed a surge in production efficiency by embracing cutting-edge technologies like Digital systems, implementing rigorous Multiple QC Checks, and actively integrating Customer feedback systems into their operations. Eventually, the venture gained popularity and expanded into the southern region. In 2017-2018, the honeycombed polo from PlusPoint, one of Maxzone's sub-brands sold a remarkable one million units within a year. Similarly, in 2019-2020, Menology Clothing, another sub-brand of the company, catering to premium-quality clothing, also became a household name soon after its inception. Further, Maxzone Clothing introduced MMF fibres for durable daily wear in 2021 and achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2022. With an impressive annual sale of over 1 crore T-shirts and an exciting global expansion plan set to launch in Dubai, Maxzone Clothing remains resolute in its vision to provide top-notch, budget-friendly apparel while proudly promoting Indian craftsmanship. The company looks forward to continuing its growth and prioritizing customer satisfaction in the years ahead. For more information, please visit: https://maxzoneclothing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maxzoneclothing/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. 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) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 6: CEAT Ltd., India's leading tyre manufacturer, has been awarded the prestigious Deming Grand Prize making it the first tyre brand in the world to receive this rare distinction in 2023. Also Read | NewsClick Case: Chinese Telecom Companies Incorporated Thousands of Shell Firms in India for Illegally Infusing Foreign Funds, Says Delhi Police FIR. The Deming Grand Prize is an illustrious honour for organizations that have achieved the Deming Prize and have continued to sustain and elevate their Total Quality Management (TQM) practices for more than three years. CEAT has been on the TQM journey for over fifteen years and was the first tyre company outside Japan to win the prestigious Deming Prize in 2017. Deming Grand was institutionalized in 1969 and is one of the longstanding quality awards presented by the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) for excellence in Total Quality Management (TQM). CEAT is one of only 33 companies worldwide to win this honour and the only tyre brand on a global stage. Also Read | West Bengal Shocker: Man Born Without Gallbladder Taken for Gallstone Operation After Diagnostic Centre Detects Gallstone, Doctor Ends Up Removing Patients Appendix. Companies that operate at high levels of TQM stand out in their customer centricity, systematic way of working and people capabilities. Anant Goenka, Vice Chairman, CEAT Ltd., said, "We're deeply honoured by the Deming Grand Prize. This accolade underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence. Our gratitude goes to our invaluable partners and vendors for their steadfast support. This achievement inspires us to continue leading the tyre manufacturing industry worldwide, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction." Arnab Banerjee, MD & CEO, CEAT Ltd., said, "We are extremely delighted with this achievement. Winning this prize reflects our robust business systems and processes, leading to the creation of highly reliable and dependable products and services every time. This is delivered through involvement of every employee and all stakeholders making it truly partnership based. We believe that CEAT's customer-centric approach and superior quality standards have played a critical role in winning us this honour." CEAT, the flagship company of RPG Enterprises, was established in 1958. Today, CEAT is one of India's leading tyre manufacturers and has a strong presence in global markets. CEAT produces more than 41 million high-performance tyres, catering to various segments like 2-3 Wheelers, Passenger and Utility Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles and Off-Highway Vehicles. For more information, please visit www.ceat.com. RPG Group, established in 1979, is one of India's fastest-growing business groups with a turnover of US$ 4.4 Billion. The group has diverse business interests in the areas of Infrastructure, Tyres, Pharma, IT and Specialty as well as in emerging innovation-led technology businesses. For more information, please visit www.rpggroup.com. (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) NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 6: Exotel, the emerging market's leading connected customer conversation platform today announced the opening of its flagship office in Bengaluru. Located at the renowned Maruthi Infotech Center, Domlur, Coming back to work amplifies Exotel's undying passion for innovation, rapid growth, and creating an invigorating workspace to bolster team creativity and dynamism. Also Read | Steve Jobs Death Anniversary 2023: Tim Cook Remembers Apple Co-Founder, Calls Him a Visionary Who Changed the World. The opening of this new office marks a significant milestone in Exotel's expansion strategy, and a testament to Exotel's commitment to instilling a culture that breathes creativity, encourages open communication, and values every member's contribution. Every corner of the spacious office, designed to accommodate nearly 300 innovators, is infused with elements that reflect Exotel's vibrant organizational culture. A 'Reading Zone' invites employees to immerse themselves in a world of knowledge and innovation. The 'Fun and Play Area' is not just about relaxation but a space where ideas flow freely, and creativity is unbound. Also Read | West Bengal Shocker: Body of MBBS Aspirant Recovered From Suitcase Near Kolkata at New Town, Two Accused Arrested. The design fosters an environment where brainstorming is not confined to meeting rooms. Open spaces, adorned with elements of fun and engagement, encourage spontaneous ideation and collaboration. The organization is committed to its open-door policy that blurs hierarchical lines and fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity and respect. Sumanpreet Bhatia, Vice President, Human Resources at Exotel, on the office unveiling, remarked, "Our new abode is a reflection of Exotel's journey from a startup with a focused vision to a global entity, revered for transforming customer engagement. Every element of this office resonates with our ethos of transparency, trust, and innovation. We're not just coming back to work; we're stepping into a space where every voice matters, every idea is valued, and every member is a pivotal piece of the larger picture." As Exotel steers ahead, powering over 70+ million conversations daily, the new office stands as a beacon of its organizational culture. It's a space where work is not just about technological innovation but also about fostering human connections, upholding transparency, and building a legacy rooted in trust and excellence. In this mix of technology and human ingenuity, Exotel is not just scripting a story of corporate success but is weaving a narrative where people, values, and innovation are the celebrated heroes. Exotel is the emerging market's leading customer conversation platform and business-focused virtual telecom operator. Exotel has also recently received a virtual telecom operator license in India to offer cost-effective end-to-end VoIP telephony services, making the company a 100% compliant cloud calling operator. Exotel was founded in 2011 and has an impressive cloud-based product suite that drives 70+ million conversations every day for more than 7000 businesses in India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Today, the omnichannel contact center, communication API suite, and conversational AI platform from Exotel help some of the fastest-growing businesses in emerging countries manage their customer engagement. Exotel won The ET StartUp Awards 2022 under the Comeback Kid category. For more info, please visit: exotel.com. (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) NewsVoir Moscow [Russia], October 6: A large-scale international event dedicated to business tourism, the Meet Global MICE Congress will take place in Moscow on October 6. It will gather hospitality professionals, event organizers, and other players from the travel industry from 14 countries, including India, China, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Also Read | North Korea May Launch Military Spy Satellite Between October 10 to 26, Says South Korean Think Tank. The Meet Global MICE Congress will become one of the key platforms for the MICE industry and will promote dialogue between Moscow and foreign MICE companies. One of its goals is to present Moscow to the international MICE community as an attractive place for successful business events of various scales. "An extensive programme has been prepared for the guests of Meet Global MICE Congress. It includes a variety of seminars, discussions, and workshops. Experts will be talking about corporate events organization and share their experience in promoting the MICE potential of cities," says the Moscow City Tourism Committee in a statement. Also Read | India Had Highest Number of Preterm Births Globally in 2020: Lancet. Moscow hosts over 5,000 business events annually. These include international exhibitions, forums, congresses, and conferences, with approximately 3.6 million business visitors in the past year. Tourist flow to Moscow has almost fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. A total of 7.1 million tourists visited the capital during the summer, which is 17% higher year-on-year. The popularity of business trips to the Russian capital is also growing as is evident from the share of business travellers from the Asia-Pacific region, which increased by 10% in the first half of the year. The capital's infrastructure continues to improve and allows for hosting industry events of various scales and levels of complexity. (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) Amritsar, Oct 6 (PTI) Four people were killed after a major fire broke out inside a pharmaceutical factory on the outskirts of Amritsar city on Thursday night, police said. Police said on Friday that the fire broke out in a pharma unit at the Nag Kala village area on the Majitha road located on the city outskirts. Also Read | Bihar Blast: Five Kids Injured After Mistaking Bomb for Ball in Araria (Watch Video). Station House Officer (SHO), Majitha, Balwinder Singh said the fire was brought under control after some time. He said four factory workers, including a woman, were found lying unconscious on the floor. They were rushed to a hospital, where they were declared dead, police said. Also Read | UNICEF: Extreme Weather Events Displace Millions of Children. The cause of the fire is under investigation, they added. The smoke from the fire spread across the village. Ten fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Amravati (Maharashtra) [India], October 6 (ANI): Actor turned politician Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief Pawan Kalyan on Friday slammed the Jagan Reddy-led Andhra Pradesh government over the financial situation of the state and alleged that the state government is even diverting the salaries of civil service employees for other expenditures. Speaking to reporters in Amravati, Pawan Kalyan said," The financial situation of Andhra Pradesh is a chaotic situation. There is no development or progress, and there is no source of income. The state is taking loans, even to the extent that government employees are getting salaries after 10-15 days. The money that comes from the centre's consolidated fund even that money is diverted to other expenditures." Also Read | Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar Announces Complete Waiver of Taxes and Penalties on Outstanding Property Tax. "More than 200 government employees including IAS and IFS officials did not get their salaries and pension until the 20th of last month," he said. Earlier yesterday Pawan Kalyan dismissed the speculations over his exit from the NDA saying that he will announce any decision to leave when necessary. Also Read | Poland and Hungary Block EU Statement on Migration. He also took a swipe at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, asking him to focus on his party and the upcoming elections. "I will let you know Jagan and other YSRCP leaders before I come out of the NDA. You should take care of your party and think about how to score 175/175 positions in the upcoming polls," Pawan Kalyan said. Earlier Pawan Kalyan announced an alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to contest the 2024 general elections together. JSP chief made the announcement after meeting TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu at Rajahmundry Central Jail in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Kalyan stated that this step will change the future of Andhra Pradesh and said that Chandrababu Naidu is a visionary leader. "I will stand and support him in upcoming polls. The formation of the alliance with TDP is to send Jagan Mohan Reddy out of the state. Chandrababu Naidu was sent to remand with Vendetta politics. I hope BJP will also join the alliance and send out the anarchy rule in the state," he 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) News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, held a meeting in Beitbridge, where they pledged to enhance regional trade. During their visit to both the South African and Zimbabwean sides of Beitbridge, they discussed the importance of improving infrastructure to facilitate regional trade.Ramaphosa emphasized the significance of infrastructure development in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area. He commended the upgrades to the Zimbabwean side of Beitbridge, which cost $300 million, and highlighted the potential for increased trade with such infrastructure in place.Both countries have plans to establish a one-stop-border facility at Beitbridge. Ramaphosa expressed the intention to learn from Zimbabwe's approach to border management and replicate it to ensure a smooth flow of people, goods, and vehicles across their shared border along the Limpopo River.As a security measure during the leaders' bilateral talks in Beitbridge, cross-border travel between Zimbabwe and South Africa was temporarily halted. This precaution was taken amid concerns and protests related to the disputed August 23 and 24 elections. Kolkata, Oct 6 (PTI) Raj Bhavan sources said West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has agreed to meet a delegation of Trinamool Congress leaders in Darjeeling's Gubernatorial Mansion at 5.30pm on Saturday after receiving a mail from TMC leader Derek O'Brien. The governor's decision to meet the delegation comes in the wake of a TMC sit-in outside Kolkata's Raj Bhavan led by the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee demanding release of West Bengal's MGNREGA dues by the Centre and demanding an audience with Bose. Also Read | Poland and Hungary Block EU Statement on Migration. "With reference to your mail of October 6, I am directed to inform you that the Governor would be pleased to meet you and other members of the delegation at 05.30 pm at Raj Bhavan, Darjeeling, on October 7. You are requested to kindly send a list of the delegation along with their names who would be meeting the governor," said a letter sent by the governor's deputy secretary. Earlier in the day, Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien had sent the mail to the governor requesting a meeting with him. Also Read | Sikkim Flash Floods: 22 Bodies Recovered From West Bengal Including Six Indian Army Personnel. "Kindly let us know the date and time convenient for His Excellency to meet the delegation. We would appreciate if we are given one day's notice, as the distance between Kolkata and Darjeeling is around 700 km. Please factor in the travel time," the MP said. According to O'Brien, the 15-member delegation will include five members of deprived families, five MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and five ministers from the West Bengal government. Banerjee launched the sit-in on Thursday after thousands of party functionaries and its top leaders marched to the British-era building in the heart of the metropolis to protest the alleged withholding of the state's MGNREGA dues by the Centre. He has remained at the protest site through the intervening night between Thursday and Friday as did hundreds of party workers and held meetings with them. JRC/MNB (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna, October 6: An MLA of the ruling JD(U) in Bihar on Friday hurled expletives at journalists who questioned him about a recent video clip in which he was seen entering a hospital premises with an unholstered pistol in his hand. Gopal Mandal, who represents the Gopalpur assembly segment in Bhagalpur, drew flak from his own party for his conduct. The police, meanwhile, ordered an inquiry into the video footage that has gone viral on social media. When journalists in Patna approached the MLA with queries about the video which was said to be a couple of days old, Mandal tried to explain away his conduct saying, "I was carrying my licensed pistol as I always do. But I had forgotten to carry the holster. So I had kept the firearm inside the pocket of my pajamas." He added, "I had gone to the hospital to see a relative. While climbing the stairs, the pistol started slipping out of my pocket. So I caught hold of it." JDU MLA Gopal Mandal Gets Angry, Abuses Journalists For Asking Questions After Video Shows Him Flaunting Revolver in Bihar Hospital, Clip Surfaces. When journalists teased him with the question that whether he was still carrying his pistol, the MLA, who remains in the news for his bouts of temper, snapped. "Yes, I do. Do you want me to show it to you? What kind of journalists are you? Do you think you are my father?" blurted Mandal, spouting a few expletives that were strongly protested by the journalists. The MLA was prevented from creating a big scene by security personnel who tugged at his sleeves. However, when the matter was reported to state minister Ashok Choudhary, a close confidant of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while he was interacting with JD(U) workers at the party office here, he said "we condemn the behaviour". Choudhary also suggested that he was not happy with the party MLA's penchant for displaying firepower, saying, "Ours is a party that follows in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and Ram Manohar Lohia. We do not speak the language of guns and bullets." MLA Gopal Mandal Abuses Journalists VIDEO | Here is how Bihar JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal responded to media queries about him walking with a revolver in his hand inside a hospital in Bhagalpur recently. pic.twitter.com/faw6HVao4O Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 6, 2023 In Bhagalpur, Senior Superintendent of Police Anand Kumar told reporters that an inquiry has been conducted into the video by a deputy SP rank officer and it has been found that the MLA was carrying a licensed weapon. Gopal Mandal, JDU MLA, Flaunts Revolver in Hospital in Bihars Bhagalpur, Says Its My Style (Watch Video). "The matter is now being referred to the district magistrate, who is the licensing authority, for necessary action," he said. Serving his fourth consecutive term in the assembly, Mandal has been in the news for his indiscreet behaviour on more than one occasion, the most infamous of these being on board a train two years ago when co-passengers expressed outrage over his moving around in his underclothes. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], October 6 (ANI): After terminating seven teachers of Delhi Government aided school over forged documents, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter. "LG agreed with the proposal of the Director of Vigilance (DoV), which found a prima facie collusion between the officials of the Directorate of Education and the Delhi Tamil Education Association (DTEA), where 51 candidates were appointed on various posts in the year 2022," LG office said. Also Read | US to Restart Deportation Flights to Venezuela. After complaints that were looked into, irregularities were found and accordingly, the DoV placed the matter before the Chief Secretary, Delhi, who directed to carry out the physical verification of the experience certificates issued by the respective schools. "However, it was found that 7 selected teachers for TGT & PGT posts had submitted fake experience certificates. The forged experience certificate was crucial in securing the job as each year of experience gave one extra mark to the candidate. Accordingly, the LG allowed the DoV to file a complaint with the CBI for registration of a criminal case into the matter," the LG office added. Also Read | Climate Fund Donations Underwhelm Ahead of COP28. It further stated that as per the terms and conditions of the Education Department, the school management was required to verify all the certificates of the selected candidates, however, the management failed to properly verify the experience certificates submitted by these candidates. "It is clear from the reports that the appointment made during recruitment of teachers and staff in DTEA, an aided school under the Education Department, GNCTD, in 2022 is not genuine and there is a collusion between the management, candidates and staff of the Directorate of Education in lieu of extraneous consideration. In the past also, there are several allegations regarding the fixing of the selection process due to collusion between the management of aided schools, selection committee and the Education Department", the DoV noted. Accordingly, the Chief Secretary proposed the termination of the employees who secured the jobs on the basis of forged documents and that the DoV lodge a complaint with the CBI with the request to register a criminal case in the matter. Notably, the CBI is already investigating a similar criminal case involving another government-aided school named Vedic Sanskrit Senior Secondary School, Khera Garhi in the Capital, where appointments were made on the basis of fake documents. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 6 (ANI): Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a meeting with Vice President of United Parcel Service (UPS) Christina Struller Da Costa and Director Dinkar Singh here late Thursday evening. "UPS, the world's largest logistics company, offered to extend a helping hand to Himachal Pradesh to overcome the aftermath of the disaster caused by monsoon fury. The Dubai-based company offered the State Government for providing assistance in the form of drone technology for the transportation of medicines and vaccines to remote areas of the state," according to a press release from the Chief Ministers office. Also Read | Raghav Chadha Has No Vested Right to Government Bungalow After Allotment Cancellation, Says Delhi Court. Additionally, the UPS also assured to supply much-needed medicines and vaccines to the State Government 'free of cost', the release stated. Expressing gratitude to the company for the proposal of advanced logistics technology to improve healthcare delivery in remote areas, the CM said, "the Department of Digital Technology and Governance would develop a detailed proposal for the company, and the state government would decide to rope-in the services of the company thereafter taking into consideration their proposal." Also Read | Punjab Shocker: Man Sexually Assaults Daughter-in-Law in Ludhiana, Wife Reveals Ordeal to Husband Who Advises Her To Remain Silent; Case Registered. "Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with extensive damage caused by the torrential rains and landslides during the monsoon season, resulting in huge losses to both public and private properties," Sukhu said. "In response, the State Government has been tirelessly working to assist affected individuals, despite limited resources. To aid in the recovery efforts, the government has allocated a relief package of Rs. 4500 crore," he added. The Chief Minister said, "The invaluable support from the people of the state, marked by a historic donation exceeding Rs. 200 crore to the Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023, and their enthusiastic willingness to lend a helping hand, have played a crucial role in alleviating the challenges faced during this difficult period." Secretary, Digital Technology and Governance, Dr. Abhishek Jain was also present in the meeting, the release stated. Persistent rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in multiple landslides and cloudbursts in various areas. According to officials, the current monsoon season has claimed the lives of 400 individuals in rain-related incidents and caused damage to more than 13,000 houses. Incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh have led to multiple landslides and cloudbursts in several places. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) North Goa (Goa) [India], October 6 (ANI): Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Jit Arolkar, along with a delegation, met Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and issued a warning of protests if the draft zoning plan for Pernem taluka is not cancelled. Speaking to ANI, MLA Jit Arolkar said," This plan is made for outside investors. No local representative was taken into confidence about this. If this plan is implemented then our area will suffer. Currently, there are issues with electricity and water, what will happen to it if the project is executed." Also Read | Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar Announces Complete Waiver of Taxes and Penalties on Outstanding Property Tax. Demanding that the zoning plan should be cancelled, MLA Arolkar said that the draft project should be scrapped by Monday. "1.4 crore sqm of green cover had been converted in Pernem taluka for luxury villas, and hotels. People from our Pernem have only one demand that this project should be scrapped. We are supporting the government but this is not fair. It should be scrapped by the upcoming Monday else we will continue our protests," he said. Also Read | Poland and Hungary Block EU Statement on Migration. During the meeting, the delegation submitted a memorandum to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant demanding immediate withdrawal of the proposed Zoning plan by the Town and Country Planning department. The Goa Town and Country Planning Board in its 183rd meeting held on August 11, 2022recommended to the Government to prepare a zoning plan for the whole of the Pernem taluka. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) IAF conducts full dress rehearsals in Prayagraj for its 91st-anniversary celebrations (Photo/ANI) Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 6 (ANI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday conducted a full dress rehearsal in Prayagraj ahead of its 91st-anniversary celebration on October 8. A ceremonial parade will be held on Air Force Day, to be followed by an aerial display over the Sangam in the afternoon. Also Read | Bihar Blast: Five Kids Injured After Mistaking Bomb for Ball in Araria (Watch Video). As a prelude to the Air Force Day celebration, the IAF put together a fascinating aerial display in Bhopal on September 30, showcasing its combat capabilities while also encouraging the youth to choose the IAF as a career. Bhopal residents were treated to a dazzling display by the air warriors over the picturesque Bhojtal lake. Also Read | UNICEF: Extreme Weather Events Displace Millions of Children. Nearly 50 aircraft, airborne from various air bases near and far, participated in the display. Apart from Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and senior officers of the Indian Air Force were among the delegates witnessing the fly-past event. Air Force Day marks the official induction of the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the country's armed forces in 1932. Every year, the day is celebrated in the presence of the Indian Air Force chief and senior officers. The Air Force was officially raised as the supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in 1932 and the first operational squadron was created in 1933. Major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and Operation Poomalai since 1950. (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, Oct 6 (PTI) The Calcutta High Court on Friday acquitted a capital punishment awardee and commuted the death sentence of two others to life imprisonment in the gangrape and murder of a 21-year-old woman at Kamduni in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district 10 years ago. A local court had sentenced three convicts to the death penalty while three others got life imprisonment for the crime on June 7, 2013, when she was returning from college after appearing for an examination. Also Read | Sikkim Floods: Climate Change Plays Crucial Role in Making Weather Event More Extreme, Say Experts. The sessions court had in 2016 awarded the capital punishment to Amin Ali, Saiful Ali and Ansar Ali, while Imanul Islam, Aminul Islam and Bhola Naskar had been sentenced to life imprisonment. The high court acquitted Amin Ali and commuted the death sentence of Saiful Ali and Ansar Ali to imprisonment till the end of their natural life. Also Read | Malpura, Sujangarh and Kuchman: CM Ashok Gehlot Announces Three New Districts in Rajasthan. The court found the two guilty of gangrape and murder and other charges. A division bench comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and Ajay Kumar Gupta acquitted Sk Emamul Islam, Aminur Islam and Bhola Naskar of the charge of gang-rape, while convicting them for criminal conspiracy and causing disappearance of evidence. Holding that the three have already suffered incarceration for more than 10 years since their arrest and their conviction entails a maximum of seven years imprisonment, the court directed that they will be set free upon payment of Rs 10,000 fine each, in default of which they will undergo simple imprisonment for three more months. Family members of the victim said they would appeal against the order before the Supreme Court. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, Oct 6 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said the Supreme Court's directive has to be followed, remarks that come after Punjab said there is no question of building the Sutlej-Yamuna-Link (SYL) canal as the state has no spare water that can be shared. "When the Supreme Court gives its decision, it is not about whether it will bring change in anyone's attitude," Khattar said. He was asked whether Punjab's claim that it does not have any water to spare will bring any change in their attitude in the wake of recent observations of the apex court in the SYL canal issue. Also Read | Maharashtra Hospital Deaths: State Cannot Shift Public Health Burden to Private Hospitals, Says Bombay High Court. "The Supreme Court's directive has to be followed," Khattar told reporters here. On Thursday, a day after the Supreme Court asked the Centre to survey the portion of land in Punjab which was allocated for construction of part of the canal in the state, the Punjab Cabinet said there is no question of building the canal as the state has no spare water to share with any other state. Also Read | HPPSC Recruitment 2023: Vacancies Notified for 56 Veterinary Officer Posts, Apply Online at hppsc.hp.gov.in. Reacting to the development, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday said the Punjabis and his party will not allow even one drop of water to go out from the state to Haryana. Badal accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led AAP dispensation of failing to safeguard Punjab's interests on the SYL canal issue. In Haryana, Khattar said his state has always been in favour of finding solutions through mutual dialogue. But Punjab's attitude towards the construction of SYL canal and the distribution of water has always been adamant, he said. Taking on the Aam Aadmi Party, Khattar accused them of not having any clear stand on SYL issue. "The way they have been shedding crocodile tears, it does not have any meaning," he said. Khattar referred to the media interactions of Haryana AAP leaders being held here in Punjab ministerial bungalow and alleged that the Arvind Kejriwal-led party's Haryana unit cannot be expected to take any real stand in the state's favour. He also said at the same venue, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and other leaders have been asserting that no water will be given to Haryana. A kind of match-fixing is going on, he added targeting the AAP. "If they (Haryana AAP) had to talk of Haryana's interest, I would have offered them to do this (media interactions) in Haryana Niwas," he said. He also called AAP dispensations "do mukhi sarkar" (double-faced) which is speaking two different things on one platform. "The Delhi CM says one thing, the Punjab Finance Minister says another, their other leaders say another thing, they have no clear stand". During the hearing in the SYL matter on Wednesday, the SC asked the Centre to survey the portion of land in Punjab which was allocated for the construction of a part of the SYL canal in the state and make an estimate about the extent of construction carried out there. "I thank the Hon'ble Supreme Court," said Khattar, while adding SYL is the lifeline of Haryana and the right of the people of Haryana. The chief minister has urged the central government to immediately start the survey process in Punjab to complete the work of the Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal. Meanwhile, a Haryana government statement quoting Khattar said Punjab has always insisted on sharing water instead of SYL construction, whereas in the year 2002, the Supreme Court had given a decree in favour of Haryana regarding the construction of the canal and sharing of water, making it clear that under the Article 9.1 and 9.2 of the parliament, the cases of disputes between the states will be referred to a tribunal according to the 'Inter-State Water Disputes Act'. "Also, the dispute over the construction of the SYL canal has not been linked to Para 9.3 of the agreement. This makes it clear that the construction of the SYL canal has nothing to do with water sharing among the states and is not a water dispute," said Khattar. The chief minister, according to the statement, said that due to the delay in the construction of the SYL canal by Punjab, not only Haryana is facing a water crisis, but the excess water of Ravi, Sutlej and Beas rivers is going to Pakistan. "Due to this, the country is being deprived of taking advantage of its water wealth. In the last 10 years, 1.68 MAF (million acre feet) of Sutlej water and 0.58 MAF of Ravi-Beas water flowed to Pakistan. Therefore, it is important that the construction of the SYL canal be completed as soon as possible to prevent the loss of water resources at the national level," he said. Khattar said that due to the non-completion of SYL construction, farmers of Haryana are suffering huge losses. With the completion of the construction of the canal, they will have additional water available for irrigation, which will not only increase the agricultural production but will also help increase the income of the farmers, he said. Led by Badal, a SAD delegation met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit here on Friday and put forth his party's concerns on the SYL canal issue. Speaking to reporters later, Badal said the delegation briefed the governor how the AAP government had "betrayed Punjab and Punjabis" by failing to protect the state's interests in the apex court on the SYL canal issue and "deserved to be dismissed immediately". Badal claimed the AAP government in Punjab wants to give water to Haryana at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's behest. Targeting the AAP, Badal said Kejriwal has an eye on the elections in Haryana. "The press conference by Haryana AAP leaders are being held against the interests of Punjab in Punjab ministerial bungalows here where the AAP's Haryana unit is saying that the state should be given the SYL water," he said. Entire Punjab is saying there is no spare water to share "nor will we give even if we have to lay down our lives", he added. Accompanied by senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia and other party leaders, including Daljit Singh Cheema, Badal said former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal-led government had returned the land acquired for the SYL canal to the original owners free of cost. "The people of Punjab will not let single drop of water to go out. As the SAD president, I want to state this clearly that our party leaders preferred jails but did not allow canal construction, neither will they now, nor will water go out, this is the voice of people of Punjab," he said. On the Supreme Court asking the Centre to survey the portion of land in Punjab which was allocated for construction of part of the SYL canal, Badal said, "Neither will survey take place nor will we allow. Survey for what, there is no water. The land (has been returned to farmers) is not there. I also want to request the honourable court with folded hands that this (water) is Punjab's life, no one can take it." He also said if the SAD government comes to power, they will revisit all water sharing agreements and not allow one extra drop of water to go to Rajasthan. "We also demand that the historic injustice meted out to Punjab on the SYL canal issue be corrected by bringing in legislation in the Parliament to settle the issue once and for all on the Riparian Principle under which Punjab has an inalienable right over all water flowing in its territory," he said. Badal targeted the Congress for failing to safeguard Punjab's interest on the SYL matter. The SYL canal was conceptualized for effective allocation of water from the Ravi and Beas rivers. The project envisaged a 214-km canal, of which a 122-km stretch was to be constructed in Punjab and the remaining 92 km in Haryana. Haryana has completed the project in its territory but Punjab, which launched the construction work in 1982, shelved it subsequently. The SAD delegation also urged the governor to order a CBI probe into alleged illegal mining in the state which the opposition party claimed was going on a large scale. Badal said they apprised the governor that "illegal mining was going on a large scale in the state". To a poser on AAP leader Sanjay Singh's arrest in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy case, Badal said the SAD had last year said that the AAP government in Punjab had followed the "Delhi model" while framing the excise policy and already demanded a thorough probe by the CBI. He added that they raised the matter during their meeting with the governor and demanded a thorough investigation. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Oct 6 (PTI) The panel formed by the Maharashtra government to determine the standard operating procedure (SOP) to give Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas will visit Marathwada between October 11 and 23, an official said on Friday. An official release said the panel, headed by retired judge Sandeep Shinde, has appealed to people to provide (Hyderabad) Nizam-era documents, genealogy, educational and revenue proofs, agreements signed during that era, and other related documents. Also Read | NCP Symbol Battle: Election Commission Hears Sharad, Ajit Pawar Factions on Claims to Party Name and Symbol; Next Hearing on October 9. Additional chief secretary (revenue), principal secretary (law and justice), and district collectors of concerned districts will be members of the panel, while Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) divisional commissioner will be its member-secretary. Kunbis are part of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Also Read | AAP Legislator Akhilesh Tripathi Fined Rs 27.4 Lakh by Vigilance Directorate for Alleged Misuse and Illegal Allotment of Government Accommodation. The panel will have its first meeting at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisional commissioner's office on October 11, followed by one at the Jalna collectorate on October 12. It will hold a meeting on October 16 at the Parbhani collector office, in Hingoli collector office on October 17 and in Nanded collector office on October 18. The panel will hold a meeting at the Latur collector office on October 21, at the Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad) collector Office on October 22 and at the Beed collector office on October 23. The announcement of the panel was made by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on September 6 following a hunger strike by Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange-Patil in Jalna. The Marathwada region was under the rule of Hyderabad Nizam till it was liberated and merged with Maharashtra in September 1948. (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, October 6: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to assess damages caused due to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) leading to a surge in flows in the Teesta River causing flash flood in Sikkim on October 4. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also approved the release of both the instalments of Central Share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Sikkim, amounting to Rs 44.80 crore in advance, for the year 2023-24, to help Sikkim in providing relief measures to the affected people, MHA said in a statement. "The Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) will visit the affected areas of Sikkim shortly. Based on the assessment of IMCT, further additional Central assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Sikkim will be approved, as per laid down procedure," said the statement. Sikkim Flood Fury: Death Toll Climbs to 21, Search Underway for 103 Missing People Including 15 Army Soldiers After Cloudburst Triggered Flash Floods. As per the statement, the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "standing shoulder to shoulder" with Sikkim and have assured all possible help to the government of Sikkim. "The situation in Sikkim is being closely monitored by the Central Government at the highest level on 24x7 basis. The Central Government is providing full support to the Government of Sikkim by mobilizing timely logistics resources to supplement the efforts of the state government to deal with the situation effectively," the MHA further said. The logistics support provided includes the deployment of adequate teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force helicopters and Army personnel along with necessary search and rescue equipment. Further, technical teams of Ministries of Power, Telecommunications and Roads, Highways and Transport are assisting in the timely restoration of damaged infrastructure and communication network in the State, it added. Sikkim Floods: Six Soldiers Among 19 Dead, 103 Missing After Sudden Cloudburst Triggers Massive Flash Flood in Teesta River. In the early hours of October 4, due to incidents GLOF and flash floods, there was a sudden surge in flows in the Teesta River, which washed away several bridges, parts of NH-10, the Chungthang Dam and has impacted several small towns and several infrastructure projects in the upper reaches of the river valley in Sikkim. Meanwhile search efforts for the 16 missing Army soldiers and evacuation of thousands of people stranded in various parts of the state are underway. According to an official statement from the Indian Army, the search operation for the missing soldiers continues with the focus now on the downstream areas of Teesta Barrage. At the site of the incident at Burdang near Singtam, the army vehicles are being dug out and stores are being recovered, said the statement. Additional resources in terms of teams of TMR (Tiranga Mountain Rescue), tracker dogs, and special radars have been brought in, to assist in the search operations. The troops of the Indian Army are also providing assistance in terms of food, and medical aid while extending communication facilities to civilians and tourists stranded in North Sikkim. The troops of the TriShakti Corps Indian Army have been able to take account of 1,471 tourists present in the areas of Lachen/Chatten, Lachung and Chungthang. A survey is being carried out by all agencies to assess the damage and plan restoration of road connectivity. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) News / National by Staff reporter Zanu-PF has issued a warning to losing party candidates who have failed to return their party vehicles as instructed, cautioning that the vehicles could be repossessed by the police if they do not comply.Despite repeated requests from the party leadership, some of the unsuccessful parliamentary candidates have refused to surrender the vehicles provided to them by Zanu-PF.In a notice dated October 5, 2023, Munyaradzi Nyamukondiwa, Zanu-PF's secretary for transport for Harare province, stated that the party would not hesitate to reclaim the vehicles through law enforcement if the candidates did not cooperate. The notice stated, "Those who did not surrender party vehicles as per instruction risk the embarrassment of the vehicles being repossessed through police."Zanu-PF had distributed 210 brand new branded vehicles, including 4x4 Nissan Navaras and Ford Rangers, to parliamentary candidates participating in the elections. However, the party had previously warned that unsuccessful candidates would be required to return the vehicles.Last week, Obert Mpofu, Zanu-PF's secretary for administration, emphasized that all defeated aspirants must return the cars without exception.In preparation for the elections, Zanu-PF had spent millions of dollars on vehicles, party regalia, and improving the welfare of its members.In a separate incident, police have identified the sixth victim of the RioZim light aircraft crash in Mashava, which occurred on September 29 in the Zvamahande area, killing six people on the spot. The sixth victim has been identified as Pichumoney Viswanath (58) of RioZim Limited.Additionally, the police are investigating a robbery that occurred on a bus along the Mutare-Beitbridge Highway, where three unidentified male suspects armed with a pistol, posing as passengers, attacked the bus driver and 14 passengers. The robbers made off with ZAR146,160 and US$8,320 in cash, along with other valuables.In another incident in Bulawayo, police are investigating a murder in Entumbane, where an airtime dealer, Calisto Muzumbi (39), was stabbed in the shoulder by three unidentified individuals as he arrived home. The assailants attempted to steal a backpack containing money.Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi provided an update on Operation "Tame the Traffic Jungle," reporting that 71,024 arrests have been made. These include 1,854 arrests for vehicles without route permits, 22,291 arrests for illegal pirate taxis (mushikashika), 410 arrests for reckless driving, 5,137 arrests for touting, and 1,459 vehicles impounded for operating without registration plates. Mumbai, Oct 6 (PTI) The Bombay High Court has granted bail to a 44-year-old man who was arrested in 2018 on charges of being a member of the right-wing group Sanathan Sanstha and for allegedly making crude bombs that were to be used to target the Sunburn festival in Pune. A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Gauri Godse on September 20 granted bail to Vaibhav Raut noting that he had been incarcerated for over five years now and the trial in the case is not likely to conclude soon. The order was made available on Friday. Also Read | Bihar Blast: Five Kids Injured After Mistaking Bomb for Ball in Araria (Watch Video). The bench also opined that the prosecution case against Raut that he had prepared bombs was not corroborated. It also took note of the fact that the godown from where the bombs were recovered was not owned by Raut. The bench while relying on an earlier order (granting bail to a co-accused) noted that Sanathan Sanstha was not an organisation that was banned or declared as a terrorist outfit by the Centre. Also Read | UNICEF: Extreme Weather Events Displace Millions of Children. Raut was arrested in 2018 by the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Indian Penal Code and the Explosives Substances Act after crude bombs were allegedly recovered from a godown in Nalasopara, on Mumbai's outskirts. In his bail plea, Raut's advocate Sana Raees Khan argued that three other accused in the case have been already granted bail. Khan argued that even the godown from where the crude bombs were recovered was owned by someone else and not Raut. The prosecution's allegation is that Raut and the other accused were members of the right-wing group Sanathan Sanstha, the objective of which was to form a Hindu Rashtra', by secretly forming a terrorist gang in Maharashtra and adjoining states. It alleged that the accused persons collected and prepared crude bombs that were to be used at the Sunburn festival in Pune and stored the explosives in Raut's residence and godown. The bench in its order said Raut did not own either the residence or the godown from where the bombs were allegedly recovered. It is pertinent to note that the minimum sentence that can be awarded under the provisions of the UAPA is 5 years and the same can extend up to life imprisonment. The appellant (Raut) is in custody and had been incarcerated for the last 5 years, HC said. It added that the trial in the case is also not likely to conclude in the near future. Raut approached HC in January this year after a special court rejected his bail plea in December 2022. (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, October 6: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Friday arrived at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital. NCP Chief will hold a meeting at Kharge's residence where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also be present. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is hearing the pleas by the Sharad Pawar faction and Ajit Pawar-led faction of NCP today over claims on the party name and symbol. Ajit Pawar earlier in July approached the Election Commission staking claim to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the party symbol amid a feud between the two factions. Later, the Election Commission wrote to both factions of the party acknowledging the split and also directed both Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar to share documents, submitted to the polling body, with each other. Today is the first hearing of the case before ECI. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar Alleges Misuse of ED and CBI by BJP. Sharad Pawar at Residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge #WATCH | NCP Chief Sharad Pawar arrives at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in Delhi pic.twitter.com/Kc0hJ3SaAh ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 The Commission in July also issued a show-cause notice to the NCP group led by Sharad Pawar following a petition filed by the Ajit Pawar faction. The petition claimed that Ajit Pawar should be declared NCP president and should be allotted the party's symbol as per the provisions of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) The Delhi Police's Special Cell on Friday questioned at least eight journalists and contributors to the NewsClick for a second time in a week in connection with its case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act over alleged funding from China, sources said. They were called to the Special Cell office in the afternoon and questioned till late evening, a Delhi Police source said. Also Read | Internet Ban in Manipur Extended For Another Five Days Till October 11. The Special Cell arrested NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty on Tuesday evening, after a total of 46 journalists and contributors to the online news portal were questioned and their mobile phones and other electronic gadgets seized through the day. After the first round of questioning on Tuesday, the investigators had asked them to appear for a second time. "The investigators are questioning eight to 10 persons who are connected with the case daily," the police source said. Also Read | Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar Announces Complete Waiver of Taxes and Penalties on Outstanding Property Tax. On Thursday, it questioned journalists Urmilesh and Abhisar Sharma and some others for a second time. On Friday, senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, who was among those questioned on Tuesday, was also called for questioning for a second time. Guha Thakurta told PTI over phone that he could not appear before the Special Cell as he was out of the city. "Now the Special Cell has told me to come on October 10 or 11," he said. Reacting to the FIR which carries his name among the accused, Guha Thakurta said, "I find these allegations far-fetched and ludicrous. My name is mentioned in the FIR as I also got the money but my bank account can be checked by Income Tax (department) or any agency. How being critical of the government become anti-national? I am a proud Indian." The Delhi Police, in its FIR filed under anti-terror law UAPA against online news portal NewsClick, has alleged that a large amount of funds came from China to "disrupt the sovereignty of India" and cause disaffection against the country. Police sources also said that a team of the Special Cell was sent for questioning activist Gautam Navlakha, an accused in this case. However, Navlakha, who is under house arrest in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case in Mumbai, could not be questioned, they said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday will inaugurate a four-day global conference that will deliberate on gender inequality in agri-food systems. The international conference 'From research to impact: just and resilient agri-food systems', to be held in the national capital, is organised jointly by Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) Gender Impact Platform and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Also Read | Stanford University Rankings 2023: IIM Rohtak Researcher Feature in List of Top 2% Scientists Worldwide. Briefing the media, Director of CGIAR Gender Impact Nicoline de Haan said: "Globally, gender inequality in agri-food systems remains a very significant challenge and current inequalities are being made worse by crises such as Covid-19 and climate change." Overall, women are often less food secure than men, and they are hit harder by external shocks, such as floods and droughts, she said. Also Read | Kolkata Shocker: Body of NEET Aspirant Found Stuffed in Suitcase With Mouth Taped in His Rented Room in Bidhannagar. "We are combining research, evidence, and practical understanding to guide policy-makers and investors towards best-bet solutions that can help us get on track to achieve global goals on gender equality and women's empowerment." The conference is designed to share cutting-edge knowledge and bridge the gap between research and practice to foster gender-equality and socially inclusive, resilient food systems, she added. ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak said the theme of the conference is significant in the wake of the recent G20 summit that unequivocally endorsed women-led development. "This includes recognising and promoting leadership and decision-making roles for women in relation to climate change, food security and nutrition," he said. The two institutions are joining forces to leverage national and international research to ensure that women take up their rightful leadership roles and spearhead the transformation of agriculture and food systems everywhere. The event will see more than 500 participants from 60-odd countries. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], October 6 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Election Commission of India on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that alleged distribution of cash and other freebies at the taxpayers' expenses. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra sought a response from the Centre, States and poll panel within four weeks. Also Read | Sudden Heart Attack Death in Gujarat: 26-Year-Old Man Collapses While Practicing Garba at Community Hall, Dies of Cardiac Arrest in Surat. The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by Bhattulal Jain, a social worker, and ordered that it be tagged with a pending plea on the issue. The PIL sought comprehensive guidelines to debar political parties from distributing cash and other freebies at the expense of taxpayers. Also Read | Maharashtra Hospital Deaths: Bombay High Court Questions State Government on Steps Taken To Fill Hospital Vacancies in Past Six Months. The petition sought directions that States be directed not to misuse consolidated fund or grant in the name of public purposes, at the verge of elections. The petition also alleged that such pre-poll promises made by political parties were "frittering away taxpayers' money". It further asked the apex court to direct and declare that the promise/ distribution of irrational freebies from the public fund before the election to lure voters is analogous to bribery and undue influence. The counsel told the bench that, "A line has to be drawn between what is public interest and what is not. Distributing cash - nothing is more atrocious than permitting the government to distribute cash. Six months before elections these things start." Ultimately the burden is on tax-paying citizens of this country, he said. CJI said, "All kinds of promises are made before elections and we cannot control this." The plea submitted, "No government can declare free electricity, free water, free distribution or loan waiver without the approval of the legislative assembly, irrespective of which government is ruling. Since the money belongs to our taxpayers, the taxpayers should have the right to monitor its use." It further added, "Political parties keep on wooing the public by offering freebies for votes. Whatever projects are announced, the government should first submit their blueprint and get approval from the legislative assembly. This should also apply to the salaries of MPs and MLAs and other non-legislative benefits received by them." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], October 6 (ANI): Days after the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Punjab government for not taking steps for the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said that the bordering state will have to change its attitude according to the directions of the top court. Directing the Centre to look into the mediation process over the Sutlej-Yamuna link (SYL) canal dispute, the Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Punjab government over its approach to the issue. Also Read | Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar Announces Complete Waiver of Taxes and Penalties on Outstanding Property Tax. Asked whether there will be any change in the attitude of the Punjab government after the apex court's observation, Haryana CM Khattar said, "See, when the Supreme Court takes any decision, the attitude is not in their hands, the attitude has to be according to the directions given by the SC." He said that on the one hand, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government said that it would keep in mind the interests of Haryana, while Punjab Finance Minister said they would not. Also Read | Poland and Hungary Block EU Statement on Migration. "Both things they say by sitting in the Punjab government office... The Punjab government MLA says yes, this will happen (giving water), and the Punjab Finance Minister says that we will not give water... If you had to talk about the rights of Haryana, we would have told AAP to come and hold talks in the Haryana office," the Haryana Chief Minister said in a press briefing here. On Wednesday, a bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul CT Ravikumar and Sudhanshu Dhulia, while hearing a matter relating to the Sutlej-Yamuna link (SYL) canal dispute, came down heavily on the Punjab government for not taking steps for the construction of the canal. The court remarked that Punjab has to co-operate in the process. The court directed the Centre to survey the portion of the land allocated to Punjab. The court also directed the Centre to look into the mediation process. The court listed the matter for further hearing in January 2024. The apex court was hearing SYL Canal dispute between Haryana and Punjab. On July 28, 2020, the top court had asked the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana to make an attempt to resolve the issue amicably. The problem stems from the controversial 1981 water-sharing agreement after Haryana was formed out of Punjab in 1966. For effective allocation of water, the SYL canal was to be constructed and the two states were required to construct their portions within their territories. While Haryana constructed its portion of the canal, after the initial phase, Punjab stopped the work, leading to multiple cases. In 2004, the Punjab government had passed a law unilaterally cancelling the SYL agreement and other such pacts, however, in 2016, the apex court had struck down this law. Later, Punjab went ahead and returned the acquired land--on which the canal was to be constructed--to the landowners. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bareilly (UP), Oct 6 (PTI) A 60-year-old man allegedly raped a five-year-old girl and later hanged himself in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district, police said on Friday. The incident took place in a village under the Faridpur police station limits, they said. Also Read | Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar Announces Complete Waiver of Taxes and Penalties on Outstanding Property Tax. A case was registered against Sher Mohammad under sections of rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, police said. A police offer said the girl was found soaked in blood and she was immediately taken to the district hospital. Also Read | Poland and Hungary Block EU Statement on Migration. The survivor's family members said she was playing outside the house. They began searching for her when she did not return home for long. They said upon reaching Mohammad's house, they saw him forcing himself on the minor. The accused fled the spot after seeing the girl's family members, police said. An FIR was registered against the accused based on the complaint of the girl's mother. The police officer said the accused was found hanging from a tree when the police launched a search operation to find him. Prima facie it appears that Mohammad, fearing the police action or out of remorse, hanged himself from the tree, he said. The body was sent for post-mortem, police said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) [India], October 6 (ANI): A seven-year-old child died and five others were injured after a mortar shell exploded in the Chhapadanga area of Jalpaiguri district, police said. The incident took place barely hours after the Sikkim government issued an advisory urging people not to pick up any explosives or ammunition found in the Teesta basin. Also Read | West Bengal Blast: Mortar Shell Carried by Floodwaters Explodes in Jalpaiguri; Two Killed, Four Injured (Watch Video). According to police, the shell exploded at Chhapadanga in the Kranti block of Jalpaiguri district on Thursday evening. The deceased was identified as 7-year-old Sahinur Alam. Sharing details of the incident, a police officer said, "A few children had gone to collect firewood near the Teesta River when they came upon a mortar shell floating in the waters. They picked it up and brought it home. It is believed that the shell belonged to the Indian Army and got swept away by the river after the cloudburst on Wednesday night." Also Read | Punjab Fire Video: Four Killed, 30 Injured After Massive Blaze Erupts in Pharmaceutical Factory in Amritsar; Rescue Operations Underway. "The five injured persons in the incident were shifted to the Jalpaiguri Hospital and North Bengal Hospital where they are currently undergoing treatment," the officer informed. Further details are awaited. The Sikkim government had earlier warned people that explosives and ammunition may be found along the banks of the Teesta River after an ammunition depot of the army in north Sikkim was affected by the flash floods. "The local population is hereby warned that explosives or ammunition may be found along the Teesta basin. These ammunitions should not be handled or picked up since they may explode and cause grievous injuries," read an advisory issued by the state land revenue and disaster management department on Thursday. Earlier, on Friday, the State Disaster Management Authority confirmed that at least 19 people, including six army personnel, have perished in the flash floods in Sikkim. The search for the missing people is ongoing in areas downstream of Teesta River. Efforts are also underway to locate 16 missing soldiers in Sikkim, officials informed. Sikkim Chief Secretary Vijay Bhushan Pathak informed on Friday, "As per the checkpost data available, around 3,000 people are stranded in Lachen and Lachung. They include 700-800 drivers and about 150 people, who had visited these places on two-wheelers. We are in the process of evacuating all stranded people using choppers of the Army and the Indian Air Force." South Lhonak Lake, situated in North West Sikkim, experienced a cloudburst and rainfall, triggering flash floods on Wednesday morning. The flash floods gobbled up the Indreni bridge in Singtam town, some 30 kilometers from Gangtok, the district administration in Gangtok informed. Another connecting bridge of Balutar hamlet was also swept away around 4 am. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Tokyo, Oct 6 (AP) Three bears that snuck into a tatami mat factory in northern Japan and holed up inside for nearly a day have been captured, according to town officials. A patrolling town official spotted the bears, believed to be a parent and two cubs, as they walked into a tatami factory Wednesday morning in Misato, a town in Akita prefecture, where there's been a growing number of reported bear attacks in or near residential areas. Also Read | Canada: Eight Sikhs Charged With Firearms-Related Offences in Ontario Amid India-Canada Tensions. An owner of the tatami factory said he saw the bears walking outside but never thought they would come inside. Town officials and police officers rushed to the site, each wearing a helmet and carrying a shield, and kept watch. Local hunters used firecrackers to try to scare the intruders out, without success. They later set up a pair of cages at the entrance of the tatami factory and waited overnight. Also Read | Nobel Peace Prize 2023 Winner Name: Narges Mohammadi Bags Prestigious Award for Fighting Oppression of Women in Iran. On Thursday morning, the bears were trapped in cages, two cubs in one and the adult in another. Television footage showed the cages being taken out of the factory and placed on a pickup truck with a crane. Misato issued an urgent message later Thursday to residents that all three bears had been captured. Media reports said the bears were later killed for fear that they would return to town and pose harm again if released. Akita has logged a record 30 cases of bear attacks on people in 2023 alone, increasingly in residential areas. Experts say they come down from forests looking for food due to a scarcity of acorns, their staple food. Officials warned residents not to leave garbage outside, and advised hikers to carry bells to make noise, and use anti-bear spray or lie flat face-down in case of an encounter with bears. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], October 6 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba and discussed the upcoming state visit of Tanzanian President Samia Hassan to India this week. Taking to X, Jaishankar said about the meeting, "Good to meet FM @JMakamba of Tanzania today. Preparing for President Samia Hassan's State visit that will take the India-Tanzania relationship forward." Also Read | What Does Mohammadis Nobel Prize Mean for Iranian Women?. Apart from Jaishankar, January Makamba also posted about the meeting and said that the meeting was focused on the intensifying efforts for increasing trade and investments between two countries. Tanzanian Foreign Minister posted on X, "Today, I had the privilege of a cordial engagement with my counterpart from India, @DrSJaishankar Minister of External Affairs, at his office in New Delhi. We discussed the upcoming State Visit to India by H.E. @SuluhuSamia President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and expressed confidence about its impact in strengthening our relations. We also updated each other on the status of our relations and agreed to intensify efforts to realise our common desire to see trade and investments between our two countries expand and our development cooperation bearing intended results." Also Read | Indian-Origin Couple, Two Children Found Dead Inside Home in New Jersey; Police Launches Homicide Probe. The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan will visit India from October 8 to 10, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday. The Tanzanian President along with her various Ministers and a large delegation is all set to visit India at the invitation of the President Droupadi Murmu. As per the Minister of External Affairs press release, during her visit to India, Tanzanian President will meet President Droupadi Murmu and President Murmu will also host a state banquet for the President Samia Suluhu Hassan. She will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan and thereafter will hold a detailed bilateral dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.President Samia Suluhu Hassan will also participate in a business and investment forum in New Delhi on October 10. A Presidential visit from Tanzania is taking place after a span of over 8 years. The upcoming visit will further invigorate and strengthen the historic and friendly relations between India and Tanzania, said the MEA 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) News / National by Staff reporter A 29-year-old woman from Zimbabwe is a social media sensation after making a name for herself as one of Europe's top truck drivers. The achievement is one for the books for Sikhanyisiwe Tazvitya, who was once a maid in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare.Popularly known as @Laydytruckerzim, Sikhanyisiwe Tazvitya, is a proud trucker in Warsaw, Poland, where she now lives and works. With over 100,000 Facebook followers, the former maid turned earthmoving equipment operator, says she is proud of her achievement."I started as a maid in Harare and then I decided to upgrade myself to Earthmoving Equipment Operator, but it was not easy because my salary was very little but through dedication and asking for help from my family and that's when my life changed. Now I am a truck driver.", she said.Tazvitya says that she didn't want to settle as an earthmoving equipment operator and decided to pursue a training course in the male-dominated field of driving. "The Earthmoving job did not stop me from wanting more, I did it all and still saved up for Truck Driving Training, and here we are today, doing what most men are failing to do. This is my story and now I live in Poland."To many men and women who have followed her journey, Tazvitya has been an inspiration. Fellow Zimbabwean, Hope Magara of the Midlands, who also now lives in Poland, says she is now a trucker thanks to Tazvitya. She said, "Sikhanyisiwe was my first driver, trainer and mentor, now I am here in Poland working, she is very kind and a blessing. It is doable. To other women out there, If I can do it, so can you. Never give up".Fellow Zimbabwean Zamani Dhlodhlo, is already working as a truck driver in South Africa, but is planning to join Tazvitya in Poland. Through her @LadytruckerZim Facebook page, Tazvitya has been helping many like Dhlodhlo process documents to work abroad. Mr Dhlodhlo said, "I am a truck driver in South Africa, I have already completed my application process. I have my work permit ready, I am just waiting on my visa and I will be off to Poland. Many companies in Europe have no idea how much of a treasure Tazvitya is because as she helps us, she is also helping them with their labor needs."As a single mother of two children, Tazvitya says she wants to see more women succeed in anything they pursue by staying true to their dreams. "Believe in yourself, take calculated risks, work hard, take care of yourself, stay true to yourself and ignore negativity. Surround yourself with people who are supportive of your goals. Stay hungry, fight harder and never give up. We can do this, and don't forget to pray."For now, Tazvitya has no plans to leave the trucking business anytime soon and hopes to continue inspiring others. Kabul [Afghanistan], October 6 (ANI): The European Union Parliament passed a resolution, criticising the severe violation of human rights in Afghanistan and the "gender apartheid policy of the Taliban", reported Khaama Press. The EU noted that since the Taliban took control over Afghanistan, there has been a surge in suppression of women, civil society, human rights defenders and human rights violations. Also Read | Syria: Drone Attack on Cadet Graduation Ceremony at Syrian Military Academy in Homs Kills 100, Disturbing Video Goes Viral. The EU Parliament called on- the Taliban on Thursday to honour their commitments regarding Amnesty, Khaama Press reported. Moreover, the resolution got the support of the majority, with 519 votes in favour, 15 against it and 18 abstained. Also Read | Earthquake in Japan: Quake of Magnitude 6.0 on Richter Scale Hits Southeast of Honshu, No Casualty Reported. They also condemned the increase in human rights violations in Afghanistan, particularly arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and torture by former security forces. The EU in their resolution further demanded to withdraw severe restrictions on women and girls' rights in accordance with Afghanistan's international commitments, condemning the Taliban's gender apartheid policy, according to Khaama Press. The EU Parliament strongly condemns the Taliban for their hideous human rights violations. They particularly cited the "brutal persecution of Christians" and religious minorities. Moreover, the EU's move is part of their campaign to eliminate religious and ideological diversity in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the Parliament urged the European Union and its member nations to support Afghan civil society, Khaama Press reported. They called for increased funding and protective measures for human rights defenders in the region. Since the Taliban took over, in the last two years, they have issued over fifty decrees targetting women, highlighted by human rights organizations. Afghanistan's women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces. According to Khaama Press, these decrees have highly impacted marginalized women from Afghan society as they enforced such stringent policies. Some of the human rights defenders stressed that the Taliban has established "gender apartheid" in Afghanistan by segregating genders and depriving women of basic fundamental human rights. Earlier this week, the EU called for the immediate release of women detained in Afghanistan for defending their and others' rights and said arbitrary detentions undermine the caretaker government's domestic legitimacy. A startling 80 per cent of Afghan girls and young women, who are of school-going age, are currently denied access to education under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, a new report by Care International stated, according to Khaama Press. It has been more than two years since girls above grade six have been prohibited from attending schools in Afghanistan, and it is unclear when those doors will reopen, Tolo News reported. Afghanistan remains the only country to ban girls' and women's education, resulting in a substantial economic toll of approximately USD 5.4 billion. (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 York, Oct 6 (AP) Prosecutors went to the heart of their case against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried on Thursday as the company's co-founder began his testimony, telling a New York jury that he and Bankman-Fried committed financial crimes and lied to the public before the cryptocurrency trading platform collapsed last year. Gary Wang, 30, said he committed wire, securities and commodities fraud as the chief technical officer at FTX after also sharing ownership in Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency hedge fund that he and Bankman-Fried started in 2017 and eventually used to withdraw USD 8 billion in FTX funds illegally. He said Bankman-Fried directed the illegal moves. Also Read | Indian Student Who Protected Tricolour During Khalistani Protest in London Says My Conscience Persuaded Me to Protest Tiranga. His assertions came on the second day of testimony at a trial expected to last up to six weeks as prosecutors try to prove that Bankman-Fried stole billions of dollars from investors and customers to buy luxury beachfront real estate, enrich himself and make over USD 100 million in political contributions aimed at influencing cryptocurrency regulation. Bankman-Fried, 31, who has been jailed since August, was brought to the United States from the Bahamas last December after he was charged in Manhattan federal court. He has pleaded not guilty. Also Read | Syria: Drone Attack on Military College in Homs Kills 80, Several Others Injured. Before the trial began Tuesday, prosecutors promised to use testimony from Bankman-Fried's trusted inner circle to prove he intentionally stole from customers and investors and then lied about it. Defence lawyers say Bankman-Fried had no criminal intent as he took actions to try to save his businesses after the cryptocurrency market collapsed. In just over a half hour of testimony, Wang said he and Bankman-Fried allowed Alameda Research to withdraw unlimited funds from FTX and we lied to the public. Wang said not only was Alameda Research permitted to maintain negative balances and unlimited open positions, but the computer code that controlled its operations was written to provide a line of credit of $65 billion, a number so large that Judge Lewis A. Kaplan questioned Wang briefly to ensure he was talking about billions rather than millions. Wang testified that the special computer code features were directed by Bankman-Fried, a man he met over a decade ago at a high school summer camp after moving to the United States from China and growing up in Minnesota. Wang said he was paid USD 200,000 in salary, along with owning 10 per cent of Alameda and 17 per cent of FTX, enough shares to be a billionaire before the businesses collapsed. He said money flowed so freely at Alameda that he was able to borrow a million dollars for a home and between USD 200 million and USD 300 million to make investments. Wang is the first of a trio of former top executives slated to testify against Bankman-Fried after pleading guilty to fraud charges in cooperation deals that could win them substantial leniency at sentencing. The others are Carolyn Ellison, Alameda Research's former chief executive and a former girlfriend of Bankman-Fried, and Nishad Singh, the former engineering director at FTX. Earlier in the day, jurors heard testimony from Adam Yedidia, who said he developed software for FTX before quitting the company when he learned last November that Alameda had used money from investors to pay creditors. He said he lived with Bankman-Fried and other top executives in June or July of 2022 when he told Bankman-Fried one day that he was concerned that Alameda owed FTX a large debt. He said he wanted to know if things were OK. Sam said something like, We weren't bulletproof last year. We're not bulletproof this year,' he recalled. When he asked how long it might take to become bulletproof again, he said a seemingly nervous and worried Bankman-Fried responded that it could take three months to three years. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Geneva [Switzerland], October 6 (ANI): Many rights activists urged for international recognition and awareness of the genocide of Bengalis in Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, in 1971 by the Pakistani Army, informed Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD). An event was organised, on the sidelines of the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), by Global Human Rights Defence, an international Non-Governmental Organisation based in The Hague, Netherlands. Also Read | Canada: Eight Sikhs Charged With Firearms-Related Offences in Ontario Amid India-Canada Tensions. Discussing the Genocide of Bengalis in Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, in 1971 by the Pakistani Army, the event began with a brief introduction of the issue at hand. With the intention of raising awareness and ensuring justice for the victims, the panellists provided their expert views on the issue from varied perspectives. With delegations including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Belgium and the European Union (EU) present, this event reached a global audience with over 80 participants present in the room and many more watching online, the release added. Also Read | Nobel Peace Prize 2023 Winner Name: Narges Mohammadi Bags Prestigious Award for Fighting Oppression of Women in Iran. To begin, GHRD Chairman, Shradhanand Sital provided introductory remarks that reminded the room of the promise made in 1945 of "never again" after the Second World War. Despite this, such horrific crimes continue to happen time and again across the globe, including in Rwanda, the Balkans and Bangladesh, with no justice or reconciliation for the victims. He ultimately called for this issue to be of utmost priority for NGOs and members of the UN. Next, Harry van Bommel, Dutch Politician and Human Rights Activist provided the findings of the Fact Finding Mission that visited Bangladesh in May 2023. Having discussed directly with victims and researchers of this genocide, he spoke with a 90-year-old woman who witnessed the killing of 43 people in her village by the Pakistani Army. He stated that the vast evidence of such crimes can lead to the conclusion that there was a Genocide in 1971. In the coming days, these findings will be taken to the European Parliament and other such institutions in order to seek international recognition and raise awareness of this crime while also involving the Bangladeshi diaspora in the process. Consequently, Sanchita Haque, Deputy Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva provided her remarks on the issue. Discussing the monumental statistics of casualties, abused and displaced people, she states that the pain for Bangladeshi people comes from the lack of recognition by the international community despite the scale of these horrific crimes. She concluded that it is "obnoxious and unacceptable" that the international community has not yet recognised this to be a Genocide. Thus far, Bangladesh notes 25th March each year as Genocide Day and established the Liberation War Museum in 1996 in order to fight for this recognition and justice. Next, Anthonie Holslag, lecturer at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam provided his academic perspective on the matter as an expert in International Law and Genocide. Discussing the need for proof of intent under international law, he argued that the legal, social and scientific evidence collected ensures that there is no contention regarding whether or not this grave series of crimes can be considered a Genocide, the release said. To conclude, GHRD Chairman Sital remarked that there is a need to support this initiative and call for justice for the people affected and reminded the members of the UN of their duty to call for recognition and justice for such victims. With over 3 million casualties, over 2,00,000 women being raped and around 30 million more displaced both internally and externally, this side event brought attention to the gravity of this issue and demanded the United Nations and its frameworks to do more. As a call to action, discussing the particular resolutions and mechanisms used thus far, the event set the stage for a campaign to ensure accountability and closure for the victims of this horrific crime. As a starting point for this, there is an acute and urgent need for the international community and the United Nations to officially recognise this genocide after 52 years of denial, ignorance and oversight, it added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dubai [UAE], October 6 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Friday said that the government is seriously considering reducing the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rice. "We are very seriously looking at it. I have had many meetings with rice exporter associations in India. We have compiled the data on basmati rice exports to different parts of the world and different varieties of basmati rice. And we hope that very soon we'll be able to come up with a very fair price which all of the industry is very happy about," Goyal told ANI. Also Read | What Does Mohammadis Nobel Prize Mean for Iranian Women?. The government is likely to reduce the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rice to USD 850/tonne from USD 1,200/tonne imposed. On his UAE visit Goyal said, "Over the last two days, I've had the privilege of engaging with many Chambers of Commerce and professional bodies in the UAE...I had the honour of interacting with food importers and importers of food products from the entire region, Gulf region and countries as far away as Egypt, who also joined us for a very engaging interactive session." Also Read | Indian-Origin Couple, Two Children Found Dead Inside Home in New Jersey; Police Launches Homicide Probe. Goyal is on his third visit to the UAE as Minister of Commerce and Industry in the last 2 years. This highlights the importance that India attaches to its economic and commercial partnership with the UAE. He also added, "I have just concluded a meeting with my fellow chartered accountants who are present in the UAE in very large numbers and who play a very important role in maintaining the financial systems of the UAE...They have assured me that they will act as a living bridge between UAE companies and Indian businesses to promote trade and investments between the two countries." Goyal also reacted to industry suggestion of APEDA office in Dubai and said, "I think it's a brilliant suggestion that emerged out of our engagements with the food importers in this entire region and I'm taking it with a very positive outlook." During his visit, Goyal also met the Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. Notably, Union Minister Piyush Goyal is on a two-day visit to the UAE. He co-chaired the 11th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force to boost investments between the two countries. Elaborating on UAE's interest in investment in India, Goyal said that in the days ahead a significant flow of investments both in public markets and in the manufacturing and services sector will be witnessed adding, "Even moon is not the limit." "While at one point in time, we would say the sky is the limit, I can say now even the moon is not the limit," Goyal told ANI. Goyal was present during India and UAE's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the cooperation in the field of Industries and advanced Technologies and both countries also signed an agreement for the National Payments Corporation of India's international arm to partner with UAE for developing a Domestic Card Stack similar to RuPay. This MoU will facilitate the users of both the countries which would be as seamless as a domestic transaction using a beneficiary identifier (mobile number/VPA). Goyal also met with CEOs of leading UAE companies Emaar, Sharaf and DP World in Dubai today and discussed their investment plans in India. He assured them of Government of India's commitment to facilitate UAE investments into India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in an official release. Earlier, Goyal interacted with leading food sector companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Egypt. Given India's pre-eminent role as the food security partner in the region, the meeting focussed on ways to promote greater trade and investments in the food sector between India and the GCC countries. Goyal's interaction also provided a platform for the industry representatives to share their insights and perspectives on building robust food sector cooperation between India and the region. The Minister also met with leading Indian Chartered Accountants based in the UAE. The interaction focussed on enhancing the India-UAE relationship. The Minister encouraged the CA community to contribute to the 'Amrit Kaal' of India, a release 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) London, October 6: Indian student Satyam Surana, the boy who tried to protect the Indian flag during the Khalistani protest in front of the Indian High Commission in London on Monday, said he had never seen the Indian flag being demeaned this way, his conscious persuaded him to protect the tricolour. Satyam, a student at the London School of Economics, said: "I saw the Indian flag was being demeaned, went behind the police lady who had stepped on the flag intentionally. I picked up the flag and I just moved away then." US Ambassador Eric Garcetti Told His Team That Ties With India Could Get 'Worse' Due to Ongoing Diplomatic Standoff With Canada: Report. "I had never seen the Indian flag being demeaned this way. My inner self, my mind, my conscience were shocked to see how this could happen. That's what motivated, persuaded me to go forward and do what I did," he said. Khalistani protestors were on Monday cordoned off on either side of the street from the Indian High Commission in London. However, a group of protestors breached the barricades and crossed over to the side of the HCI with an Indian flag and a bottle of what they called 'cow urine'. Khalistan supporters claimed that they were staging the protest over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed outside a gurdwara in Canada's Surrey on June 18. One of the protestors gave an anti-India and anti-Sunak speech standing in front of the HCI London and then threw the Indian flag on the ground. FBI Agents Visited Sikh Activists in US After Khalistani Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjars Assassination in Canada: Report. Satyam was standing near the scene. He leapt forward as soon as the Khalistanis moved and picked up the Indian flag from the street. Some of the Khalistanis got agitated by this act and started cursing him. Metropolitan police officers present at the scene in their bid to neutralise the situation and protect Satyam, safely nudged him out of the place. Satyam's video where he is seen picking up the Indian flag from the ground went viral when former Advisor to UK Government Colin Bloom posted a video of the whole incident on his X handle. Satyam said: "So, there was a protest going on outside the Indian High Commission and when I went to see what was going on, I realized it was a protest by the pro-Khalistan group and these people were giving their slogans and the protest was going on." "I saw some people were going around with the national flag in their leg and there was a heavy amount of demeaning and insult that was intended towards the Indian national flag so that's why I stayed back and was looking at the entire protest," he added. He said that after some time, some people walked towards the Indian High Commission with the flag in their hand and the group started putting the flag on the ground and desecrating it. He then followed his instinct and saved the flag. Satyam further said that though his parents are worried about his safety, they are happy about what he did. "All of my friends are very proud, super proud. I am telling them that I have just exercised my duty as an Indian citizen and I just did what my conscience has told me. I would never pull a leg back when I get to serve my nation or to protect its dignity," he said. The protest by the Khalistan supporters came days after the planned interaction of Indian High Commissioner to Britain Vikram Doraiswami by the Gurudwara Committee in Glasgow was deliberately disrupted by three persons- all from areas outside Scotland. The Indian High Commission in London issued a statement on Saturday and said the interaction was to discuss community and consular issues. "On September 29, 2023, three persons- all from areas outside Scotland-deliberately disrupted a planned interaction organised by the Gurudwara Committee for the community, the High Commissioner and the Consul General of India. The organizers included senior community leaders, ladies and Committee members, and a member of the Scottish Parliament," the statement said. "They were threatened and abused by these elements. In an effort to prevent any potential altercation, the HC and CG decided to leave the premises shortly upon their arrival," it added. The Indian High Commission said it reported the incident to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Metropolitan Police. It said multiple community organisations, including the organisers, have formally regretted the incident and have urged the authorities to take action against the culprits. (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, Oct 6 (AP) Lebanon faces one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with nearly 4 million people in need of food and other assistance, but less than half getting aid because of a lack of funding, a UN official said Friday. Imran Riza, the UN humanitarian chief for Lebanon, adds that the amount of assistance the world body is giving out is much less than the minimum survival level that it normally distributed. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin Calls India Powerful Country, Says It Is Growing Stronger and Stronger Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis Leadership. Over the past four years, he said, Lebanon has faced a compounding set of multiple crises that the World Bank describes as one of the 10 worst financial and economic crises since the mid-19th century. This has led to the humanitarian needs of people across all population sectors increasing dramatically, he said. Since the financial meltdown began in October 2019, the country's political class blamed for decades of corruption and mismanagement has been resisting economic and financial reforms requested by the international community. Also Read | Russia Has Successfully Tested a Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile and Could Revoke a Global Atomic Test Ban, Russian President Vladimir Putin Says. Lebanon started talks with the International Monetary Fund in 2020 to try to secure a bailout, but since reaching a preliminary agreement last year, the country's leaders have been reluctant to implement needed changes. Riza noted Lebanon has been without a president for almost a year and a lot of its institutions aren't working, and there is still no political solution in Syria. The UN estimates about 3.9 million people need humanitarian help in Lebanon, including 2.1 million Lebanese, 1.5 million Syrians, 180,000 Palestinian refugees, over 31,000 Palestinians from Syria, and 81,500 migrants. Last year, Riza said, the UN provided aid to about a million Syrians and slightly less than 950,000 Lebanese. So everything is on a negative track, Riza said. In 2022, the UN received more or less 40% of funding it needed and the trend so far this year is similar, but overall the resources are really going down and the needs are increasing. In a situation like Lebanon, it doesn't have the attention that some other situations have, and so we are extremely concerned about it, he said. According to the UN humanitarian office, more than 12 years since the start of the conflict in Syria, Lebanon hosts the highest number of displaced persons per capita and per square kilometre in the world." And instead what we're seeing is a more tense situation within Lebanon, Riza said. There is a lot of very negative rhetoric and disinformation in Lebanon about Syrian refugees that raises tensions, and, of course, it raises worries among the Syrian refugees, he said. With some Lebanese politicians calling Syrian refugees "an existential threat," Riza said he has been talking to journalists to get the facts out on the overall needs in Lebanon and what the UN is trying to do to help all those on the basis of need not of status or a population. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lahore, Oct 6 (PTI) Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif who has been living in the United Kingdom for the last four years in self-imposed exile on Friday submitted his medical reports to a top court here in anticipation of seeking protective bail ahead of his scheduled return to the country on October 21. The PML-N supreme leader had left for London in November 2019 on medical grounds' after the Lahore High Court granted him a four-week bail. Also Read | Indian-Origin Couple, Two Children Found Dead Inside Home in New Jersey; Police Launches Homicide Probe. He had been serving a seven-year jail term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case before securing bail for his treatment abroad. The PML-N says Nawaz, 73, will manage to secure protective bail ahead of his scheduled arrival and he will surrender to court in the Al Azizia corruption case after addressing the nation at a rally at the Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore, on October 21. Also Read | Singapore Experiencing Another COVID-19 Wave, More People Expected To Fall Sick in Coming Weeks, Says Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. Nawaz's medical report was submitted to the Lahore High Court by his counsel Advocate Amjad Pervez. The report says Nawaz has "some residual anginal symptoms which require frequent follow-up investigations in London and Pakistan. The report has been signed by Professor Carlo Di Mario, a consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals. Mario said: We first tried medical treatment, strengthening his antianginal therapy. His persistent anginal symptoms and restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 epidemic precluded a safe return of Nawaz to Pakistan." PML-N president and former premier Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that all preparations have been finalised to welcome his elder brother back to Lahore on October 21. He said Nawaz would return and steer the country out of the economic crisis. He said Nawaz will be PML-N's candidate for the slot of prime minister. The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced the end of January 2024 for holding of general elections. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Seattle [US], October 6 (ANI): The Seattle city in US has agreed to pay nearly 2 million US dollars to the family of a dead man who lost his life after medics waited to enter his home because his apartment was marked with an outdated "caution note," according to the family's attorney, CNN reported. 46-year-old William Yurek died in Novermber 2021 after his then 13-year-old son called 911 twice in 13 minutes, according to a lawsuit filed by Yurek's family in December accusing the city of negligence. Also Read | What Does Mohammadis Nobel Prize Mean for Iranian Women?. According to the CNN, the lawsuit filed by the family said that the Seattle Fire Department medics reached the residence within six minutes after the first call but they waited to enter because Yurek was wrongly included on a "so-called blacklist" of people who had a history of hostility toward first responders. Yurek's residence was marked with a "caution note" because a previous tenant had been put on the list, the lawsuit added. Also Read | Indian-Origin Couple, Two Children Found Dead Inside Home in New Jersey; Police Launches Homicide Probe. The lawsuit was settled Monday for $1.86 million, according to the family's attorney, Mark Lindquist. Medics initially waited outside for Seattle police to arrive, but decided to enter the home without a police escort about six minutes after the son's second call that his father's condition was worsening, according to the lawsuit. During that second 911 call, the operator told the teenager that help was on the way when, in reality, medics already were at the residence waiting to go inside, according to the lawsuit. The operator did not advise Yurek's son to administer CPR, the lawsuit alleged. When medics eventually chose to enter the apartment without a police escort, about 20 minutes had passed since the initial 911 call. Yurek died of cardiac arrest in front of his son despite the medics' treatment, according to the lawsuit. "Once inside, medics did everything they could to save Will's life," Lindquist said in a news release shared with CNN. "The family has always been grateful to the medics who broke protocol to go in and do their best." The Seattle city attorney's office made major changes to its caution note system, the office told CNN affiliate KING. "The operating guidelines on caution notes, which were modified prior to the settlement, were changed to provide that caution notes about people, activities and materials expire after 365 days in the system or get reviewed and renewed," a statement from the office to KING reads. "Additionally, caution notes about the need for (Seattle police) assistance due to violent or threatening behavior are to be verified after every alarm dispatched to the address. Lastly, a caution note is to be removed if the occupant no longer lives at the address," the statement reads. Lindquist told CNN it wasn't until he began looking into what caused the medics' delay in entering Yurek's home that he learned of the city's police escort requirements for residents with caution notes. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai Diaries Season 2 Review: Content on real-life situations or tragedies can be quite triggering at times. Especially if you have lived it or witnessed it without being directly involved. The 26/11 terror attacks were that for me and hence, I refrained from watching the first season of Mumbai Diaries. This season picks up the July 26 like Mumbai floods as its premise but gets a bit confusing. Mumbai Diaries 26/11 Review: A Weak Retelling of a Tragedy Thats Elevated by Mohit Raina, Konkona Sen Sharmas Committed Performances (LatestLY Exclusive). The day is July 26 and Dr Kaushik Oberoi (Mohit Rana) is fighting a legal case lodged against him by the wife of slain 26/11 top cop Kelkar, Savita (Sonali Kulkarni) on the grounds of medical negligence. With patients pouring in as much as the downpour outside, everyone's on the edge. In all this chaos, a foreign delegation lands in Bombay General Hospital and one of them is Saurav Chandra (Parambrata Chattopadhyay) - the abusive ex-husband of Chitra (Konkana Sen Sharma). Mumbai Diaries aces in presentation. Piecing together several stories happening in different parts of the city and converging them at the hospital. It can't be compared to any US medical drama and guess that's not the aim here either. That makes this quite unique. The languish pace works perfectly with the storyline which impressively blends the deluge cases with the personal stories of the characters. One never overpowers or sidelines the other keeping you interested in the proceedings. Even though the quintessential and unnecessary dialogue-baazi gets off-putting at times, Kaushik is not shown as a hero without whom the hospital can't run. The ones left behind manage the influx of patients well and with considerable ease. The issue lies in the narrative's timeline. This season unfolds in the aftermath of the previous one, taking inspiration from the July 26, 2005, Mumbai crisis when the city battled against submergence and then shifted to the 2017 Elphinstone (now Prabhadevi) railway station footbridge collapse. This chronological inconsistency can be bewildering, detracting from the story's effectiveness and leaving viewers struggling to connect the dots. Certain scenes seem carelessly included. Kaushik is embroiled in a court case and yet people around him keep making loose statements like 'he could have saved the patient but he didn't'. This can further weaken his case but guess neither the writer nor anybody else understands how this works. Shreya Dhanwanthary's journo turn as Mansi adds nothing new or moving to the scenario. So her triumph doesn't really get your attention. Sandesh Kulkarni Recalls Battling Depression During Mumbai Diaries 26/11 Shoot. Watch the trailer of Mumbai Diaries season 2 Mohit Raina continues to ace his performance with his brooding, troubled and conflicted Kaushik. Konkana Sen Sharma is extremely expressive which makes her stereotypical scenes quite effectual. Parambrata Chattopadhyay is good but his character lacks depth. The rest of the cast ably guides the story forward. Final Thoughts In its second season, Mumbai Diaries delves into another calamity that tests the resilience of Mumbaikars, capturing their struggles and sacrifices effectively. However, the narrative occasionally falters, particularly in the aspect of timeline clarity. Mumbai Diaries streams on Amazon Prime. Rating: 2.5 (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2023 04:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, October 6: The Supreme Court said on Friday it will hear on October 9 the arguments on petitions challenging the premature release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case and murder of seven of her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan asked the counsel for the petitioners, including Bilkis Bano, to file their short written rejoinder arguments. One of the advocates appearing in the matter said arguments on behalf of the convicts have been concluded and now the matter has been fixed for hearing rejoinder submissions by the petitioners' counsel. Unstamped Arbitration Agreements: Supreme Courts Seven-Judge Bench To Hear Curative Petition From Next Week. "We don't want re-opening of the whole case again at your instance," the bench told the lawyer, adding that it would be better if the petitioners counsel file a short note of their rejoinder arguments. "List on October 9 at 2 pm. In the meanwhile, counsel for the petitioners to file their short written arguments," the bench said. While hearing the matter on September 20, the top court had asked whether convicts have a fundamental right to seek remission. "Is the right to seek remission a fundamental right? Will a petition lie under Article 32 (that deals with citizens' right to move apex court directly if their fundamental rights are infringed) of the Constitution," the bench had asked a lawyer appearing for one of the 11 convicts. The lawyer had acknowledged seeking remission was indeed not a fundamental right of the convicts. The victim and others also do not have the right to move the apex court directly by filing a petition under Article 32 as no fundamental right of theirs has been infringed either, he had argued, adding the victims have other statutory rights to challenge the grant of remission. While hearing the arguments on August 17, the top court had said state governments should not be selective in granting remission to convicts and the opportunity to reform and reintegrate with society should extend to every prisoner. Besides the petition filed by Bilkis Bano contesting the remission granted to them, several other PILs including one by CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali, independent journalist Revati Laul and former vice-chancellor of Lucknow University Roop Rekha Verma have challenged the relief. TMC MP Mahua Moitra has also filed a PIL against the remission and their premature release. Environment During Visitation Rights Also Matter: Supreme Court Allows Father To Meet Child in Mall. Bilkis Bano was 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped while fleeing the horror of the communal riots that broke out after the Godhra train-burning incident. Her three-year-old daughter was among the seven family members killed in the riots. News / National by Staff reporter The High Court has dismissed a legal dispute involving the Kaizen Family Trust and Rodney Dangarembizi, both of whom were counterclaiming US$432,000 and US$868,000, respectively.Rodney Dangarembizi, who is alleged to be a member of the G40 faction, gained notoriety in 2017 for reportedly authoring a speech in which Zanu-PF youth leader Kudzai Chipanga insulted Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.High Court Judge Justice Slyvia Chirau Mugomba rejected the case brought by the Kaizen Family, which sought US$432,000 from the Rodney Dangarembizi Family Trust. The judge ruled that it was not the court's role to rewrite business contracts between parties, ordering each party to cover its own costs.The dispute centered on a piece of land in Rolf Valley Township, with the parties initially entering a written agreement for Kaizen to purchase the land from the Rodney Dangarembizi Family Trust for US$2.5 million. Kaizen Family failed to pay the purchase price as agreed and later entered into a new agreement in which the payment date was extended. However, Kaizen again failed to pay, leading to the cancellation of the agreement by Dangarembizi, who subsequently sold the property to a third party for US$1.2 million.Kaizen Family demanded a refund of US$432,000 it had paid, while Dangarembizi Trust counterclaimed US$868,000 in damages for the plaintiff's breach.Justice Mugomba stated that Kaizen Family had admitted to breaching the contract by failing to pay the purchase price and was now seeking a refund for the money paid. She agreed with the defendant that the court should not rewrite contracts and dismissed both claims, noting that any loss incurred by Dangarembizi Trust should be quantified separately. The judge emphasized that the parties should have discussed their losses before pursuing legal action, concluding that both claims had no merit and should be dismissed. Latur, October 6: A 41-year-old jawan of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was run over by an unidentified vehicle in Maharashtra's Latur district, police said on Friday. The accident occurred on Latur-Nanded Highway around 6.30 am on Thursday, an official said. Lingubheru Ravi (41), a resident of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, was run over by an unidentified vehicle between Bhatangali and Mamdapur villages on the highway and was killed on the spot, he said. Maharashtra: Minor Boy Killed in Hit-And-Run Case in Pune; Case Registered. Ravi's body was found lying on the side of the road. The deceased had gone home on leave and was returning to work on Thursday, the official said, adding that a case has been registered. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire and announced that the State government will provide monetary help of Rs 5 lakh to their families. A 40-year-old American tourist was arrested at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem for vandalising two ancient Roman statues dating back to the 2nd century AD. The tourist claimed the statues were "blasphemous" and were "against the Torah." The destroyed statues, one of the goddess Athena and the other of a mythological creature called Griffin, were housed in the museum's archaeology wing. Disturbing images from the scene depicted scattered remains of one sculpture and a headless figure of the other. Israeli authorities and the museum management condemned the act, referring to it as a shocking case of cultural heritage destruction. Investigations into the incident are currently underway to determine the extent of the damage and the motives behind the tourist's actions. US F16 Fighter Jet Shoots Down Armed Turkish Drone Operating Near American Troops in Syria. US Tourist Vandalises Ancient Roman Statues "Against the Torah": American tourist smashed ancient statues in the Israel Museum. The tourist caused damage to two Roman statues from the second century AD, which were placed in the museum's permanent exhibition. An initial investigation of the tourist after his arrest reveals pic.twitter.com/dvGE4p0MeC Eli Dror (@edrormba) October 5, 2023 US Tourist Arrested In Isreal For Destroying Two Roman Artifacts Israeli authorities arrested a US tourist on Thursday for destroying ancient Roman statues dating back to the 2nd century in a Jerusalem museum. The 40-year-old tourist, who was arrested Thursday, considered the pic.twitter.com/fThMYykrZW Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) October 6, 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.) Mumbai, October 6: SpaceX founder, CTO and CEO Elon Musk claims he could land a spaceship on Mars within the next three to four years. According to recent reports, SpaceX's CEO claimed the 74th International Astronomical Congress was held in Baku, Azerbaijan on October 5, 2023. According to the reports, Elon Musk made the claim of landing on the Mars during a videoconference of the event. As per the original report of The New York Times, Elon Musk made the claim to Clay Mowry, the president of the International Federation, during a one-hour Q & A session. As per the reports, SpaceX has a strong record of impressive achievements in space programs and spaceflights, such as routine landings, booster stages reuse of Falcon 9 rockets, and more. Do Aliens Exist? Here's What Elon Musk Said on Extraterrestrial Life. Elon Musk IAC 23 Baku - Day 4 - Part 2/2 (Watch Video): Elon Musk and SpaceX Milestones: According to Wikipedia, Elon Musk started his first privately funded rocket to reach orbit in 2008. It was a liquid-fueled rocket, Flacon 1 Flight 4, and later, in 2009, Later SpaceX focused on putting liquid-fueled rockets in orbit, such as Falcon 1 Flight 5 and RazakSAT. SpaceX and Musk have achieved various successful rocket launches with payload to orbit and the International Space Station. Elon Musk started planning to get to Mars in 2016 with a big rocket that he claimed would take up to $10 billion to develop. The tech billionaire also claimed that the "uncrew" or unmanned landing will occur in 2022, and the people would be able to take off to Mars by 2024. Apple Vision Pro Headset To Support Screen Mirroring Via AirPlay or FaceTime in Vision OS 1.0 Beta 4 Release: Report. According to The New York Times, Elon Musk says, "We're going to need something quite large to do that,". He further says that the city on Mars could be self-sufficient in the next 40 years to a century. Mars has been the goal of Elon Musk for a long, and he has also spoken about the interplanetary transport system, sending people for "multi-planetary species" and "Mars Colonial Transporter". (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2023 05:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Singapore, October 6: Singapore is experiencing another COVID-19 wave, with more people expected to fall sick and be hospitalised in the coming weeks, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung warned on Friday. Ong said that the estimated daily cases have risen from about 1,000 three weeks ago to 2,000 over the past two weeks. However, the government will treat this as an "endemic disease", he said. The spate of these recent cases is driven by mostly two variants - the EG.5 and its sub-lineage HK.3 - both of which are descendants of the XBB Omicron variant. Together, they now account for over 75 per cent of our daily cases, Ong told Channel News Asia here. US: 54-Year-Old Indian-Origin Man Sentenced for USD 20 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud. However, he added that there are no plans to impose any social restrictions, as with the last wave which occurred from March to April. During the peak in April, the number of infections rose to about 4,000 cases a day. We will treat this as an endemic disease, which is in line with our strategy, and we will live with it, he said. After all, there has been no evidence to suggest that the new variants are more likely to lead to severe illnesses compared to previous variants. All indications show that current vaccines continue to work well in protecting us against severe illnesses if infected by these new variants, he said. But he warned Singapore against lowering its guard against COVID-19. In the coming weeks, we should expect more people to fall sick, and if so, hospitalisations will go up. Waiting time will go up, the Health Minister said. He shared findings from a Ministry of Health (MOH) study, which showed the incidence rate of severe illness recorded during the peak of Singapore's last infection wave in April. Among those who are best protected - those who have a minimum of three mRNA shots and a natural infection within the last 12 months - the severe illness incidence rate is about 10 per 100,000 people. For the least protected group, or those who have no minimum protection and no recorded infection, they are five times more likely to fall very sick when infected with COVID-19. The incidence rate for such individuals is more than 50 in 100,000 people. He then moved on to another finding which he described as the most important. For individuals who are well-protected with three mRNA shots plus an infection, but these are all acquired more than 12 months ago, their incidence rate of severe illness is also about 50 per 100,000 population not very different from those who have no vaccination or protection, the Channel had the Minister as saying. This is a clear indication that protection wanes. And it happens around the 12-month interval, based on our study. Speaking at an event, Ong advised senior citizens or those who are medically vulnerable due to underlying illness to take the necessary precautions, such as wearing a mask in crowded areas. NewsClick Case: Chinese Telecom Companies Incorporated Thousands of Shell Firms in India for Illegally Infusing Foreign Funds, Says Delhi Police FIR. But most importantly, seniors and vulnerable individuals are recommended to keep your vaccination up to date, which means taking a shot at least once a year, he said. As I have said before, the COVID-19 virus has not become milder since the pandemic crisis. It is us who have gotten stronger and more resilient, and that is because of vaccinations as well as safe recovery from infections. But like all protection, it will wane over time. The Ministry of Health (MOH) continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for free at its various vaccination centres, he said. For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Advertisement UPDATE: Former students recount decades of disturbing behavior by USC gynecologist In recent years, some colleagues feared that he was targeting the universitys growing population of Chinese students, who often had a limited understanding of the English language and American medical norms. Still, Tyndall was allowed to continue practicing. It was not until 2016, when a frustrated nurse went to the campus rape crisis center, that he was suspended. An internal USC investigation determined that Tyndalls behavior during pelvic exams was outside the scope of current medical practice and amounted to sexual harassment of students. But in a secret deal last summer, top administrators allowed Tyndall to resign quietly with a financial payout. The university did not inform Tyndalls patients. Nor did USC report him at the time to the Medical Board of California, the agency responsible for protecting the public from problem doctors. USC told The Times in a statement that it was under no legal obligation to report Tyndall. The statement said that in hindsight, USC should have reported him. The university said it belatedly filed a complaint with the medical board March 9 after a request by Tyndall to be reinstated. It was about a month after Times reporters began questioning university employees about Tyndall. Advertisement President C.L. Max Nikias sent a letter to the campus community Tuesday morning in advance of the publication of this story. Nikias noted that he had two daughters who attended USC and called Tyndalls conduct a profound breach of trust. On behalf of the university, I sincerely apologize to any student who may have visited the student health center and did not receive the respectful care each individual deserves, Nikias wrote. In interviews with The Times, Tyndall, 71, insisted that he had done nothing wrong. He said he performed exams that were extremely thorough, but always appropriate. Im there to protect the health of Trojan women, Tyndall said. This story is based on interviews with more than 20 current and former USC employees. Most spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing patient confidentiality laws and the potential of a negative effect on their careers. The Times also reviewed more than 100 pages of documents related to complaints against Tyndall and his response. USC hired Tyndall in 1989 after his residency at Kaiser Permanente on Sunset Boulevard. He told people he had selected the job over higher paying opportunities to work with the bright, sophisticated women of what he often called the Stanford of the South. Even the license plate on his Acura declared his dedication to the job: It read COEDDOC, according to DMV records. In the exam room, he was accompanied by a female nurse or medical assistant known as a chaperone a practice embraced by many male gynecologists. In the years after he started, some chaperones became alarmed about the frequency with which he used a camera during pelvic exams, according to Tyndall and three colleagues with firsthand knowledge of the concerns. Gynecologists can have legitimate reasons to take pictures, including research, teaching and soliciting second opinions from colleagues. Tyndalls chaperones in the 1990s questioned his motivations, the sources said. One chaperone recalled him taking multiple pictures of hundreds of patients genitals, while another said she witnessed 50 to 100 patients photographed. Bernadette Kosterlitzky, a clinic nurse from 1992 to 2013, said that after a chaperone alerted administrators to the camera, then-Executive Director Dr. Lawrence Neinstein ordered it removed. It was stopped as soon as it came to light, said Kosterlitzky, who ran the clinics oversight committee. Neinstein died in 2016. Tyndall said he photographed patients cervixes and external genitals only with their permission and for valid reasons. In some cases, he said, he wanted to allay students fears that they had genital warts. In others, he wanted to document cervical exams in case a patient later filed a lawsuit accusing him of missing a cancer diagnosis. He said the images were magnified and not sexual, but acknowledged chaperones were suspicious. It seemed to be causing too much controversy so I sent [the camera] to storage, he said. Students also spoke up. In the early 2000s, at least three patients submitted letters complaining about inappropriate touching and remarks, according to a member of the clinic oversight committee who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The letters, the source said, were read aloud during monthly committee meetings. After the third time that an alarming letter about Tyndall was read aloud, the committee member said, he confronted Neinstein. I said, Larry, this is unusual to get so many of these letters. Something needs to be done, he recalled. The source provided university records that corroborate his account. Tyndall said he was never told of the complaints. Its unclear what action Neinstein took, if any. USC said last week it had no information about the committee letters and that the deceased executive director had handled patient complaints independently. An overdose, a young companion, drug-fueled parties: The secret life of a USC med school dean USC disclosed Tuesday that a recent review of Neinsteins files found eight complaints against the gynecologist from 2000 to 2014. Some concerned racially insensitive remarks. Tyndall was accused at various times in his tenure of making insulting comments about African Americans and Latinos. Tyndall could not be reached to respond to these allegations. Other reports in Neinsteins file were about Tyndalls patient care. Several of the complaints were concerning enough that it is not clear today why the former health center director permitted Tyndall to remain in his position, the university said in a summary of the investigation into the physician. Engemann Student Health Center opened in 2013. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times ) Five years ago, the clinic moved into a brand-new building, named for a university trustee and her husband. But in the Engemann Student Health Center, the troubling questions about Tyndall only intensified. Within months of the grand opening, chaperones observed behavior in the exam room that unsettled them, according to interviews with current and former employees as well as internal communications and notes reviewed by The Times. Chaperones were concerned about what Tyndall described as a full body scan for unusual moles. They said Tyndall frequently had women lie naked on the exam table while he slowly inspected every part of their body, down to the area between their buttocks. While he worked, he made comments that the nursing staff found unseemly. He described patients skin as flawless, creamy or beautiful, according to multiple people who witnessed the exams or were told about them. They said he remarked on students perky breasts. They stand right up there, dont they? one recalled him telling a patient. Multiple witnesses to the exams told The Times that many patients were silent and did not complain. Some of them had never had a gynecological exam before, said one longtime chaperone. She and other clinic staffers said his behavior was often trained on international students from Asia. They are so innocent, a lot of them. And they are going to do what you say, the chaperone said. In a memo to The Times, Tyndall said the body scans were to look for skin cancer and other conditions that warranted referral to a dermatologist. In interviews, he said a patient once asked him if her breasts were perky, and he used the word only in response to her query. Some of the other comments reported by the chaperones were misinterpreted, he said. Multiple experts said a womans annual gynecological visit could include a discussion of skin problems, but said meticulous inspections of a patients nude body would be highly unusual if not inappropriate. They also said a physician should confine his comments to medical observations. You are looking for moles, not the individual impressions of the attractiveness of body parts, said Frank W. Ling, the former president of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and co-author of a medical school textbook on the field. In the spring of 2013, eight chaperones reported concerns about Tyndall to their supervisor, veteran nurse Cindy Gilbert. She went to Neinstein, the clinics executive director, and the head of clinic nursing, Tammie Akiyoshi. Gilbert said Neinstein told her that he had talked to Tyndall about his behavior in the past. Akiyoshi, now the clinics executive director, did not respond to interview requests. Neinstein referred the complaints to the universitys Office of Equity and Diversity, which investigates sexual misconduct and racial and gender discrimination. An investigator interviewed seven employees and a patient, according to USC. Tyndall, Gilbert and multiple chaperones who complained said they were never informed of the probe or questioned by the investigator. USC medical school dean out amid revelations of sexual harassment claim, $135,000 settlement with researcher Gretchen Dahlinger Means, the current executive director of OED, said none of those interviewed accused Tyndall of inappropriate touching or mentioned body scans or comments about breasts. She said one patient described him as creepy and a staff member recalled overhearing him tell a patient, You are pretty enough to be a model. Others, she said, had complimentary things to say about him. The investigation concluded there was no violation of school policy. There was no there there, Means said. Neinstein informed Tyndall in the fall of 2013 that Gilbert had complained about him. In an interview, he said he felt blindsided and upset by what he viewed as false allegations. The only action Neinstein took as a result of the investigation was barring the gynecologist from locking the door of his office when with patients, according to Tyndall, Gilbert and others who worked with them. Rattled by the accusations, Tyndall said he concluded his bosses didnt understand how much students liked him and launched a campaign to collect positive feedback. As some students left their appointments, he handed them a letter. You indicated that you were very happy with the womens health care that you received today..., read a copy obtained by The Times. Engemanns managers greatly enjoy receiving favorable comments about Engemann and its clinicians. The letter provided the email addresses of clinic administrators and suggested patients blind copy Tyndall on any messages. In interviews, Tyndall said he and his supervisors received scores of glowing emails from students. He provided copies of some letters to The Times with the authors names redacted. A student in USCs public policy program wrote in 2014 that she had seen four gynecologists before Tyndall, and he was the first not to cause her pain. He explained exactly what he wants to do during the examination and how he does it, she wrote. A first-year student in 2014 said she was nervous about her appointment the first made without her parents help. Tyndall, she wrote, made her feel extremely informed and well cared for. Many patients pleased with their visits were Chinese nationals, Tyndall said. USC has aggressively wooed international students in recent years. The largest contingent is from China with about 5,400 students enrolled in 2017. During consultations in his office, Tyndall tried to connect with these students, he said. He ordered a map of China and encouraged women to point out their home province. He kept a bamboo plant, the traditional Chinese symbol of longevity and vitality, on a shelf above his desk, and recalled how some patients liked to take pictures of it. He sometimes showed off a photo of his Filipina wife and shared details of their relationship, according to two former patients. The word got out. A lot of [Chinese] patients would say, My friend recommended you, Tyndall said in an interview. As he courted these patients, Tyndalls co-workers were becoming increasingly disturbed by his behavior in the exam room. On top of the conduct they had already reported, chaperones began discussing the way Tyndall used his fingers during the pelvic exam for many young women. In the final stage of the exam, gynecologists often assess the uterus for lumps and other abnormalities by inserting two fingers inside a patient while pressing on her lower abdomen. What troubled chaperones was Tyndalls use of his fingers at the start of the exam. Before inserting a speculum, the metal duck-billed device that spreads open the walls of the vagina and enables the doctor to view the cervix, he would voice concern that the speculum might not fit. He would put one finger in and say, Oh, I think it will fit. Lets put two fingers in, said a chaperone who worked with Tyndall for years. Four people familiar with Tyndalls exams said that while he spoke, he was moving his fingers in and out of the patients. They said he made nearly identical statements to hundreds of women as he probed them: My, what a tight muscle you have. You must be a runner. The chaperone who worked with Tyndall for years said she witnessed at least 70 such exams and remembered thinking the physician would eventually become embarrassed about repeating the same words to student after student. He never was, she said. During some exams, Tyndall made explicit reference to sexual intercourse while his fingers were inside patients, according to five people who heard the remarks or were told about them. He would tell young ladies their hymens are intact. Dont worry about it, your boyfriends gonna love it, a chaperone recalled. In interviews, Tyndall defended his routine use of fingers at the start of the pelvic exam, saying it served legitimate medical purposes. He said the method enabled him to identify women with vaginismus, a condition in which vaginal muscles involuntarily spasm, making pelvic exams particularly painful. Tyndall also said he sought to assess the health of pelvic floor muscles. The medical assistants know patients are smiling and that I never cause pain, he said. Dr. Sangeeta Mahajan, a national expert in pelvic pain, said she had never heard of a gynecologist moving his fingers in and out of a patient to gauge whether a speculum would fit and called the practice very odd and creepy. Mahajan, the chief of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, said inserting fingers before the speculum was not a reliable way of identifying vaginismus. Dr. Louise King, an assistant professor of gynecology at Harvard Medical School, said she found Tyndalls explanation not standard. She said that pelvic floor muscles do not typically pose problems for young women and are not examined unless a patient reports pain there. It wouldnt be something a general gynecologist would do by rote, King said. At Engemanns first-floor walk-in clinic, a nurse said that she spoke to at least five women in 2013 and 2014 who refused to be scheduled with Tyndall despite having gynecological problems that needed immediate attention. Some said they felt like he was inappropriately touching them, that it didnt feel like a normal exam, the nurse said. They felt like they were violated. She told her immediate supervisor and later Akiyoshi, the head of nursing, who said they would look into it, she recalled. A patient who filed a complaint against the gynecologist told The Times, I was weirded out. The former student spoke on the condition of anonymity but agreed to be photographed. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) One clinician who recounted unsolicited complaints from at least three students from 2013 to 2016 said, Patients complained they would never see him again. The clinician gave the students the email address for Neinstein or another administrator and encouraged them to put their complaints in writing. It is unclear if they did. A Chinese graduate student who saw Tyndall in 2016 told The Times she found it unprofessional when he pointed out a picture of his wife during their initial consultation. The student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said she decided to go forward with an exam that day after looking at the diplomas on his wall and reminding herself, Hes a real doctor. He placed his fingers inside her at the start of the exam, saying he was determining if the speculum would fit. She said she tried not to overthink what was happening. Of the visit with Tyndall, she said, I was not comfortable, but that was the only choice I had. When she returned for test results another day, a nurse told her that Tyndall wanted her to remove all her clothes for an exam, she said. As she waited for him naked, she began to have doubts. Its not right. Why do I have to take off all my clothes? she recalled thinking. She dressed and told a female clinic employee she wanted to see another doctor. She said there were a lot of complaints about Tyndall, the student recalled. Told of the womans account of being asked to disrobe for test results, Tyndall said: No. Impossible. Never happened. He speculated he was being set up by clinic staff. Another student, an undergraduate from the Middle East, said that when she went to get a prescription for birth control, Tyndall appeared fixated on her heritage and virginity. She told him she wasnt religious, but he was not deterred, said the student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. He offered me a little baggie of blood I could pop on my wedding night so my husband would think I was a virgin, she said. I was weirded out, but I was in a rush to get birth control. She said Tyndalls pelvic exam was brief and she did not recall if he used his fingers before the speculum. While her friends got yearlong birth control prescriptions from other clinics, Tyndall approved only a two-month supply, she said. On a return visit to renew the prescription, he posed questions about her first sexual experience in a way she found prurient. He asked how many times wed tried and if it hurt because I was tight, she said. He continued providing her short-term prescriptions that required her to revisit the clinic. On one occasion in 2016, she wept when a clinic staffer tried to take her blood pressure. I told her I was feeling pressured and just wanted my prescription, she said. The nurse who took down her complaint said she was not the first, the student said. Tyndall called the womans account so bizarre and denied making the comments she alleged. Chaperones gave their supervisor, Gilbert, the names of women who seemed particularly shaken by Tyndalls exams. Gilbert said she contacted patients and explained how to make a written complaint against the doctor. Some did, but others indicated they just wanted to find another gynecologist and forget about the experience, she said. Gilbert volunteered to assist Tyndall to see his exams firsthand and said she witnessed at least a dozen pelvic exams she felt were inappropriate. In one case, she said, Tyndall removed an intrauterine device from a patient and then asked the young woman if he could keep the used birth-control device, which was covered in blood and tissue. The girl just looked so confused, Gilbert said. Multiple experts said they had never heard of such a request and knew of no medical reason a doctor would retain an IUD. Tyndall did not respond to questions about the IUD. Chaperones forwarded some complaints about Tyndall to Sandra Villafan, who had replaced Kosterlitzky in 2013 as the clinics head of quality and safety. In response to queries from The Times about Tyndall, Villafan said she had relayed any student and staff concerns to clinic administrators and university leadership. Interviews and investigations were conducted in a timely manner but I was not privy to the conclusions or details of them, Villafan, now at Stanford Universitys student health center, wrote in an email. Gilbert said she went to Akiyoshi, Neinstein and other clinic administrators repeatedly from 2014 to 2016. They seemed uninterested, she said. Tyndall continued seeing patients as many as 16 a day. The frustration among chaperones was profound. Gilbert recalled one longtime medical assistant at the clinic emerging from Tyndalls exam room in tears. USC alumna Chelsea Wu was among the patients of gynecologist George Tyndall. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times ) She felt so strongly that it was wrong and that it could easily be any of our daughters, Gilbert said. Another chaperone said: A chorus of people were saying theres something inappropriate about this guy. Increasingly, Gilbert said, she struggled with the feeling that she was letting down everyone around her patients, chaperones and the university itself. It became clear he wasnt going to stop, Gilbert said. Some things you can ignore. Some things you cant. In June 2016, Gilbert went to USCs rape crisis center, known as Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services, and spoke to Executive Director Ekta Kumar. We all feel the same. We cant get anyone to act on it, Gilbert recalled telling Kumar. She said Kumar, a psychologist, seemed astonished and used the word abuse in response to her description of Tyndalls conduct. She said Kumar promised to take the matter higher at USC. Kumar, who left the university last year, declined to comment, saying all her work at USC was confidential. A few days later, Gilbert and other staffers noticed a swarm of tiny flies on the second floor of the clinic, multiple employees said. Eventually they traced the infestation to Room 215 Tyndalls office. The gynecologist was on vacation so Gilbert and other employees unlocked his door to look for the source of the insects. They eventually located a sack of rotten fruit under Tyndalls desk. While searching, they stumbled upon a box in a cabinet containing images of patients genitals. The slides and photographs were shot in the old clinic in 1990 and 1991 and some were labeled with identifying patient information, according to Tyndall and others who saw the photos or were told about them. A senior clinic administrator confiscated the box. In the wake of Gilberts report to the rape crisis center and the discovery of the images, university officials moved rapidly. A human resources staffer phoned Tyndall on a Sunday and told him not to return to the clinic. He continued to receive his salary, but was banned from campus. In subsequent meetings, USC lawyers told him they had launched two investigations one into the photos and another into the complaints of students and staff. Lawyers for USC interviewed Tyndall on several occasions and he steadfastly defended his practices. Chaperones were just as adamant in criticizing his medical treatment in their interviews with investigators. One chaperone was asked how she would react if Tyndall returned to the clinic. The woman said she was prepared to go to the police, according to three people with knowledge of the conversation. USC said in the summary it released Tuesday that at some point in the investigation school officials consulted a gynecology expert who stated that Tyndalls use of fingers in pelvic exams could be considered an acceptable practice. The school said it did not have consent to disclose the identity of the expert. Ultimately USC brought in a Colorado-based consulting firm, MDReview, and a gynecologist from Kansas to interview Engemann staff and Tyndall. The firm found that Tyndall had exhibited unprofessional and inappropriate behavior and that his pelvic exams were outside current standards of care, USC said in a statement. Laura LaCorte, the universitys compliance chief, said in an interview that her review of the photos found no federal or state privacy violations. Most images lacked identifiable patient information, but a small collection were labeled with names that were not possible to accurately trace, the university said. LaCorte said the images were purely clinical and there was nothing sexual about them. The university consulted with two criminal attorneys about whether Tyndalls pelvic exams constituted a crime, but both lawyers determined there was no criminal activity to report, school officials said. We did not have a victim to talk to about what had occurred, said Means, the OED director and a former sex crimes prosecutor. Administrators sent a patient survey to 2,500 students male and female treated at Engemann in the spring of 2016. A quarter of the recipients were patients of Tyndall. The university declined to provide a copy of the questions to The Times. USC said it received less than two dozen responses and of those, only two provided negative feedback about Tyndall and both were unrelated to the conduct of his gynecological exams. In January 2017, Tyndall was called to a conference room in a building on the edge of campus and presented with a four-page letter informing him that he had violated university policy on sexual harassment. The letter included MDReviews findings about his pelvic exams. I was shocked, he recalled. He vowed to appeal and pressed university officials to let him access his office where he had documents. Then in May, Ainsley Carry, the vice president of student affairs, summoned Tyndall to a meeting, he said. A powerful figure at USC, Carry presided over Greek life, student government, the rape crisis center and student health. He reported directly to Provost Michael Quick. Carry told Tyndall he was slated for termination. What happened next is in dispute. Ainsley Carry, USCs vice president of student affairs, told Dr. George Tyndall at a May 2017 meeting that he was slated for termination. Tyndall later resigned quietly with a financial payout. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) Tyndall said Carry proposed an alternative to firing. If Tyndall agreed to resign, he would be given a severance and the conclusion of the investigation would be changed to no finding, the physician recalled Carry saying. Tyndall said he inquired what would happen if he refused the deal. I asked, Are you going to report that to the medical board? And he said, Probably, Tyndall recalled. Carry called Tyndalls account of the conversation false in a statement through a USC spokeswoman. USC would never offer to change OED findings. Those findings stand today and remain in his file, Carry said. The university said Tyndall threatened to sue USC for age and gender discrimination and rather than engage in protracted litigation they sought a settlement. Tyndall said he initially refused Carrys settlement offer and remained committed to appealing. But USC continued to urge him to take the deal, he said. The universitys deputy general counsel, Stacy Rummel Bratcher, met with him and Carry twice that spring. At the second meeting, Tyndall said, they handed him a separation agreement and said he had 21 days to sign or face termination. Tyndall said he had done nothing wrong, but felt like he had no choice. He signed the document minutes before the deadline, he said. The terms prevented him from disclosing the amount USC paid him. It also barred him from returning to the clinic, he said. Bratcher declined to comment through a USC spokeswoman. Tyndalls resignation was effective June 30, 2017. Clinic staffers were not told. A few weeks later, they watched as his belongings were removed from his office. A terse email in October informed colleagues only that Tyndall was no longer with the University of Southern California. State law requires hospitals and many clinics to notify the medical board in a variety of circumstances where they suspend, discipline or terminate the privileges of physicians. These reports automatically trigger state investigations into a doctors license and hospital leaders face steep fines for failing to report. USC said the law didnt apply in Tyndalls case because the university itself wasnt governed by the rules for hospitals and clinics and the complaints against the gynecologist were made as a human resources matter. The university also said Tyndall had told school officials that he was going to retire from practice. In hindsight, while not legally obligated, USC now believes it should have filed a consumer complaint with the Medical Board earlier in 2017 when Tyndall resigned, the university said in a statement. USC said in a statement that it does not believe Tyndall should be allowed to treat patients and said the university is re-evaluating its process on reporting physicians. Last week, after The Times sent administrators detailed questions about Tyndall, school administrators contacted the Los Angeles County district attorneys office and later the Los Angeles Police Department. The outcome of those conversations is not clear. By the time Tyndall resigned, Gilbert had also left USC. She said she had been promised a promotion and even given business cards with the new title. But she said that in the wake of her report to the rape crisis center, administrators rescinded the promotion. Some clinic managers stopped talking to her, she said. She and many co-workers interpreted it as retaliation for speaking out about Tyndall. She resigned in June 2017. USC disputed Gilberts account and denied retaliating against her. In a series of interviews this spring, Tyndall portrayed himself as a victim. At one point, he offered a theory that chaperones reported him because they had trouble reaching orgasm and were jealous of young patients with tighter pelvic muscles. After speaking for more than 10 hours, Tyndall cut off communication with The Times and said he was mulling over a lawsuit against USC that might force administrators to reinstate him at Engemann. When I am on my deathbed, he said, I want to think there are thousands and thousands of Trojan women out there whose health I made a difference in. Tyndall renewed his California medical license in January. He has said he intends to work well into his 80s. harriet.ryan@latimes.com | Twitter: @latimesharriet matt.hamilton@latimes.com | Twitter: @MattHjourno paul.pringle@latimes.com | Twitter: @PringleLATimes Republicans want to stop fentanyl being smuggled across the US-Mexico border by bombing Mexico. However, Texas Representative Joaquin Castro is having none of it. Conservatives are calling for an invasion of Mexico, which would constitute war against a US ally, but the Texas Democrat says he will be filing a resolution in the US House to combat this. The resolution will reaffirm the US federal government's "commitment to respecting the sovereignty of Mexico and condemning calls for military action without Mexico's consent and congressional authorization." The Guardian received a copy of Joaquin Castro's measure, which came after US Senator John Kennedy urged that the US send troops to Mexico to combat the various drug cartels. The controversial senator managed to insult Mexicans with racist remarks by saying they "would be eating cat food out of a can and living in a tent behind an Outback" steakhouse restaurant if it were not for their proximity to the US. Mexico's top leaders condemned Kennedy's comments, though other conservative leaders in the US are echoing his sentiment, including Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy. They said sending troops to Mexico would "wipe out drug lords if given the chance." Joaquin Castro's resolution will assert that the US and Mexico "have cooperated for several decades on a variety of issues such as trade, investment, counter-narcotics, migration, rule of law and security, including through recent high-level security and economic dialogues." "War with Mexico would cause devastating loss of life and would be disastrous for millions of Mexicans and Americans living in Mexico, as well as those in the US whose livelihoods depend on legitimate cross-border trade," said the Texas congressman. "This resolution sends a strong message that the United States respects Mexico's sovereignty and that Congress does not support dangerous calls for war at our southern border." Republicans Just Doing Macho Posturing By Suggesting To Invade Mexico Meanwhile, the Washington Post has written a scathing op-ed on the idea of US troops crossing the US-Mexico border to fight drug cartels. Simply put, they do not think this would be a good idea either. READ NEXT: Mexico: 2 Migrants Shot Dead, 3 More Injured Near Border After Dawn Attack The opinion piece by Max Boot pointed out that while the same Republicans are reluctant to help Ukraine because the US may be drawn into a war against Russia, these same politicians "appear eager to draw the United States into a bloody war with our southern neighbor." Several Republican candidates floated the idea during the latest Republican debate, though their ideas do not seem to outdo Donald Trump's. When he was president, he actually wanted to launch missiles at Mexican drug labs, thereby disrespecting Mexico's sovereignty and possibly drawing the US into a war with its own ally. William LeoGrande, a scholar of Latin American politics at American University, however, noted that "Republican threats to launch military strikes in Mexico are nothing but macho posturing." He also pointed out that Republicans have "learned nothing from two decades of experience in Afghanistan and Iraq." Other Republicans Warn Against Invading Mexico Over Fentanyl It's not just columnists and Democrats who are blasting the idea, but security experts too, as Trump's own National Security Adviser, John Bolten, warned that this would be bad and that unilateral military operations "are not going to solve the problem" of fentanyl coming across the US-Mexico border. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Mike McCaul, a Texas Republican, also has his own concerns as this would make more refugees. He says he has "concerns about the immigration implications and the bilateral relationship with Mexico." READ MORE: Trump Organization Convicted of 17 Felonies, Gets Maximum Punishment This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: 'Bomb Mexico!' Inside Trump and the GOP's latest insane and dangerous proposal - MSNBC The Joe Biden administration has made an announcement regarding the construction of a Texas border wall that waives 26 federal laws to facilitate the construction, APAP reports. The announcement marks the administration's first use of executive power in this manner, a tactic previously employed during the Trump presidency. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared this information through a notice posted on the USUS Federal Registry. The notice contained limited details about the construction, which is set to take place in Starr County, Texas, a region within a Border Patrol sector experiencing a high level of illegal entries. Government data indicates that approximately 245,000 illegal entries have been recorded in this area during the current fiscal year. Alejandro Mayorkas, the DHS secretary, stated in the notice that there is an urgent need to construct physical barriers and roads near the US border to prevent unlawful entries in the designated project areas. To expedite this construction, the DHS has waived several federal laws, including the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. These waivers aim to bypass time-consuming reviews and legal challenges related to environmental regulations. Environmental advocates have expressed concerns about the impact of these structures on public lands and the habitats of endangered plants and animals, such as the Ocelot, a spotted wild cat. READ NEXT: Mayor Eric Adams Slaps Joe Biden With Harsh Reality of US Migrant Crisis Former President Donald Trump Reacts to Joe Biden's Texas Border Wall Construction Former President Donald Trump has reacted to this development, according to The Hill. During his presidency, Trump redirected billions in defense and military construction funds toward building a border wall, a key promise from his 2016 campaign. Facing resistance from Congress, he resorted to using emergency powers for funding. Early in his administration, President Biden canceled the state of emergency declared by Trump and redirected funds away from wall construction, instead focusing on repairing environmental damage caused by the wall's construction. Trump voiced his opinion on social media, demanding an apology from Biden. Trump stated, "So interesting to watch Crooked Joe Biden break every environmental law in the book to prove that I was right when I built 560 miles (they incorrectly state 450 in the story!) of brand new, beautiful border wall." He continued by emphasizing, "As I have stated often, over thousands of years, there are only two things that have consistently worked, wheels, and walls!" Trump concluded by questioning whether President Biden would issue an apology, stating, "Will Joe Biden apologize to me and America for taking so long to get moving, and allowing our country to be flooded with 15 million illegal immigrants, from places unknown. I will await his apology!" US Migrant Crisis The US is facing a migrant crisis at the southern border, prompting the construction of the Texas border wall. Border Patrol has reported nearly 300,000 encounters in the Rio Grande Valley sector between October and August, with over 200,000 migrants apprehended last month alone, marking the highest total this year, CNN noted. President Biden has encountered challenges on the immigration front since taking office, particularly with a surge of unaccompanied migrant children early in his tenure. These issues have led to pushback from Republicans and, at times, Democrats regarding his immigration policies. A new wave of migrants is adding further pressure on federal resources, testing Biden's recently implemented border policies, and sparking criticism from Republicans and concerns within the administration over this politically sensitive issue. The topic of migration along the southern border has remained a focal point in the Republican presidential primary field and conservative media. Leading Democrats, including mayors of major cities like New York and Chicago, have also publicly called for increased federal government efforts to provide resources for incoming migrants. READ MORE: Biden Terminates Trump's 'Emergency' Order to Build U.S.-Mexico Border Wall This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: President Biden clears way for new Texas border wall - From ABC News While Donald Trump loses his business in New York, the walls are also closing in on him in Georgia as prosecutors offer some of his co-defendants plea deals. This comes after Trump co-defendant Scott Hall flipped and pleaded guilty to his charges. Fulton County prosecutors have been approaching several key defendants with plea deals. This is a common practice in cases involving the e Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act, with prosecutors trying to flip the criminals lower in the hierarchy to flip against their leaders in exchange for a lighter sentence or immunity. According to The Guardian, the Fulton County prosecutors have so far managed to flip at least half of the fake set of electors in Georgia. Scott Hall, the Georgia bail bondsman who was caught in the Coffee County voting equipment breach, was the first Donald Trump co-defendant to actually flip. He will receive d five years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and 200 hours of community service. In addition, Hall has also agreed to write an apology letter. He was charged with five counts of intentional interference of performance of election duties and pleaded guilty to all of them. He also recorded a statement to prosecutors. This would likely be used as evidence against former Trump attorney Sidney Powell. Fani Willis Makes a Breakthrough in Georgia Case Vs. Donald Trump Legal experts are calling Scott Hall's flip a major breakthrough in the RICO case against the former president as the plea deal requires him to testify against the other co-defendants. This may place the former president at risk as the Georgia bail bondsman conspiring with Trump's lawyer to interfere in the election. READ MORE: Late Night Shows Return After WGA Strike To Eviscerate Donald Trump Newsweek reported that the bail bondsman was a Republican poll watcher during the 2020 election. He is accused of trying to gain access to voting equipment in Coffee County and he admitted to traveling to the area to try to illegally breach voting equipment to look for evidence of a "rigged election." With Hall's plea deal not including any jail time, it might entice the other Trump co-defendants to get the same deal and flip on the former president, making the case stronger against him and his top allies like Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. Georgia Prosecutors Want Top Donald Trump Adviser To Testify While Georgia prosecutors now have the upper hand with their first flip, they also intend to call Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn as a witness to the trial against Donald Trump co-defendants Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell. According to Politico, Boris Epshteyn is one of six non-Georgia-based witnesses that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is attempting to summon to the state to testify. The trial for Powell and Chesebro will be the first for the Donald Trump Georgia RICO case and it kicks off on October 23. Other witnesses include three Republican activists who were involved in the fake electors scheme in Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, Their testimony might reveal concerns regarding the legality of Chesebro's proposals about Chesebro's fake electors plan. READ MORE: Trump Organization Convicted of 17 Felonies, Gets Maximum Punishment This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Trump co-defendant takes plea deal in 2020 Georgia election case - 11Alive A Wisconsin man came to the Wisconsin State Capitol to look for Governor Tony Evers. However, he did it while armed and shirtless with a leashed dog. He was arrested soon after but then returned to the state Capitol, this time armed with a loaded assault-style rifle. According to USA Today, the armed Wisconsin man was identified as Joshua "Taco" Pleasnick. He was described as "shirtless, with a leashed dog and wearing a holstered handgun" when he went to the State Capitol and was specifically looking for Governor Evers. The 43-year-old Madison, Wisconsin native reportedly approached the security desk outside Evers' office and told the people there that he would not leave until he saw the governor. However, Tony Evers was not in the building at that time. This led Madison police to arrest Pleasnick and charged him with openly carrying a firearm inside the Capitol building. In Wisconsin, openly carrying a gun in the state Capitol is a crime. The Wisconsin man reportedly wanted to talk to Governor Evers regarding "domestic abuse towards men." The Capitol police officer who was sitting at a nearby desk arrested him. It is noted that weapons are only allowed in the State Capitol if that person has a valid permit and that weapon is concealed. Pleasnick did not have any such permit. Wisconsin Man Returned to the State Capitol After Arrest With a Bigger Gun The Wisconsin Man was soon booked into the Dane County Jail but he got out after posting bail. However. shortly before 9:00 PM, he returned to the State Capitol, and he was not just carrying a handgun as he came back armed with a loaded assault-style rifle and a collapsible police baton. This happened when the Capitol was already closed but was once again demanding to see Governor Evers. However, this posturing once again led to him being taken into custody. READ MORE: New Mexico Shootings: Republican Who Shot at Democrats a Danger to the Public, Say Prosecutors According to the Associated Press, the Wisconsin man claimed that "he did not own a vehicle and it is likely he has access to a large amount of weapons and is comfortable using them." Police took him into protective custody and was taken to a nearby hospital. Pleasnick reportedly appeared on a podcast Tuesday and went on a profanity-laden rant where he promised to burn down the system "with love" because it is corrupt. He also complained about how he was treated by the court system and about "illegally selling weapons, working in gun stores with explosives and machine guns, attempting suicide," and dealing with PTSD. Wisconsin Man Threatening Governor Tony Evers Latest in Series of Violent Threats Vs. Officials More and more officials have been receiving threats as of late, including Tony Evers who was on a hit list of a gunman suspected of fatally shooting a retired county judge in Wisconsin back in 2022. The hitlist included both Democrats and Republicans, as it also had Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel of Kentucky. In New Mexico, a disgruntled former Republican candidate was arrested for opening fire at the houses of elected Democrats while Governor Whitmer herself was the target of a kidnapping plot by a pro-Trump militia group. READ MORE: Tucker Carlson, Other Fox News Stars Privately Blasted Donald Trump's Election Fraud Claims This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Wisconsin Capitol armed man sought Evers, arrested twice in 1 day | FOX6 News Milwaukee News / National by Staff reporter Former City of Harare acting mayor, Sekesai Makwavarara, was injured in a robbery attack on her Raffingora farm in Mashonaland West province. Three other individuals were also injured in the attack.Makwavarara, who initially belonged to the opposition MDC before switching to Zanu-PF, served as a deputy mayor and later as acting mayor of Harare. She took on the role of acting mayor after Mayor Elias Mudzuri was removed by the central government. In 2006, she headed a commission that oversaw the council's affairs until December 2008.The robbery was carried out by June Kanyumbo (40), who used violence to forcibly take property from the victims. According to the charges, on August 29, 2023, at Tinta Nyarupinda farm in Raffingora, Kanyumbo assaulted John Mureko using an iron bar and wooden logs while demanding cash and valuables. He also took an iTel cellphone handset from Mureko.On the same date and at the same location, Kanyumbo attacked Makwavarara using an iron bar, wooden logs, and a knife, stabbing her in the thigh while demanding cash and valuables. He also removed a 32-inch plasma television set from the wall and took a remote control unit.In another incident, Kanyumbo assaulted Anyway Mundoza and stole a Huawei cellphone handset, US$33, a driver's license, and other documents. He also attacked Custom Ngazimbi, taking his cellphone handset.Makwavarara received medical treatment at Banket District Hospital, where she was examined by a government doctor. The medical affidavit indicated that she sustained injuries including a bruised left cheek, right eye haemorrhage, a bruised left leg, and a deep cut on the thigh. Makwavarara chose to receive specialist care at a private hospital in Harare.The case has been postponed for routine remand by Chinhoyi Magistrate Shepherd Munjanja. A tragic incident unfolded on the beachside of Rio de Janeiro, where three Brazil doctors lost their lives in a tragic shooting. Brazilian authorities are investigating this incident, which is believed to have political motivations, according to The Guardian. The victims were in Rio de Janeiro from Sao Paulo to attend an international orthopedics conference. The deceased doctors include Diego Ralf Bomfim, aged 35, who was the brother of federal lawmaker Samia Bomfim. Another doctor was wounded in the attack and subsequently transported to a hospital. Rio state's civil police have announced that their homicide department is actively investigating the incident, seeking to ascertain the individuals responsible for the attack and the underlying motive. The Brazilian Justice Minister, Flavio Dino, has assigned the federal police to join the investigation, as there is a hypothesis that this attack may be linked to the actions of federal lawmakers. Bomfim is married to another lawmaker, Glauber Braga. READ NEXT: Brazil Police Said Businessman Ordered Assassinations of Bruno Pereira, Dom Phillips in Amazon Samia Bomfim and Glauber Braga Samia Bomfim and Glauber Braga are members of the same leftist party as the former Rio city councilor, Marielle Franco, who was tragically assassinated in 2018, AP reports. Unfortunately, her case remains unsolved, and Flavio Dino suggested in July that her killing is connected to militias and organized crime that exert significant influence over parts of the city. These militias, which emerged in the 1990s, initially comprised former police officers, firefighters, and military personnel aiming to combat lawlessness in their neighborhoods. Over time, they expanded their activities to include providing residents with services such as security, internet, electricity, and transportation. More recently, they diversified into real estate and even drug trafficking. These groups now control around 10% of Rio's metropolitan area, according to a study conducted last year. Barra da Tijuca, where the incident occurred, is a sprawling beachside neighborhood known for its high-rise apartments, situated south of the more renowned Leblon and Ipanema beaches. Attendees of the international orthopedics conference, such as an Argentine doctor named Ariel Dimarco and his wife, were shocked to hear the news, having dined at the same location just three hours before the three Brazil doctors' assassination. Assassination of Brazil Doctors The four Brazilian doctors were seated at an outdoor eatery in front of their hotel when a group of gunmen, after alighting from a white vehicle, fired at least 20 shots toward them. Following the attack, the assailants quickly returned to their vehicle and left the scene. Authorities are diligently investigating the identities of the perpetrators and the motivations behind this triple murder. Given that the suspects opened fire without stealing anything and subsequently left the area, the leading theory is that this was an "execution," per EFE. In addition to Diego Ralf Bomfim, the other victims were Marcos de Andrade, the director of the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology at the University Hospital of Sao Paulo, and Perseu Ribeiro Almeida, an orthopedist and traumatologist specializing in foot and ankle surgery. The beachside eatery where this tragic incident occurred is situated across the street from the Brazil doctors' hotel. They had settled their bill and were preparing to leave when the gunmen arrived, Fox News noted. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his "great sadness and indignation" at the news of this execution. READ MORE: Lagos de Moreno Kidnapping Suspect Arrested This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: The Murder of Marielle Franco and the Birth of a Movement - From The Real News Network A deeply disturbing incident has shaken the community in Kansas, as a 5-year-old girl, Zoey Felix, was tragically raped and murdered at a homeless camp in the woods, according to the NY Post. Reports suggest that this tragic event occurred after a Kansas girl, Zoey, and other family members were reportedly evicted from their home by her mother. Topeka Police Department reported that Zoey Felix was found at a gas station with life-threatening injuries on Monday, and she was immediately transported to a hospital. Despite medical efforts, she sadly succumbed to her injuries. Mickel W. Cherry, a 25-year-old individual, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with the heinous crimes of murder and rape of a victim less than 14 years old, as per the local news outlet WBIW. He is currently held on a $2 million bond. Neighbors in the area revealed that the suspect, Cherry, had once lived in the same house as Zoey, alongside her father and sister. Mark Manna, from the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, confirmed that his office would represent Cherry but refrained from providing further comments. Cherry's family has not responded to inquiries. While Cherry has no prior criminal record in Kansas, he does have a misdemeanor criminal trespass conviction in Amarillo, Texas. READ NEXT: 6-Year-Old Kansas Boy Fatally Shot Kansas Girl's Situation at Home Concerns Neighbors Neighbors have expressed concerns regarding the Kansas girl's family living conditions, particularly the absence of electricity in their home. They reported the situation to the police and child welfare authorities, per Fox News. Topeka police confirmed making three calls to the family's residence in September. These calls included a welfare check on September 5 due to reports of no electricity in the home and two domestic disturbance calls on September 19, occurring just over an hour apart. The police did not disclose details regarding the latter two calls. City spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker noted that during the initial call, officers confirmed the absence of electricity and were informed that the child was not residing there. Despite Zoey appearing in "good spirits," police reported the situation to child welfare and property officials. The city had initiated the condemnation of the house, but this action was halted when utilities were restored. Neighbors claim that everyone except the mother had left the residence later that month. Kansas Gir's Mother Zoey's mother pleaded guilty in March to aggravated battery causing bodily harm with a deadly weapon to a child born in 2018, identified by the initials Z.F, according to court documents. She was subsequently placed on 18 months of supervised probation for this conviction, HuffPost noted. Neighbors described Zoey as a child often left unsupervised, yet community members tried their best to look after her. They expressed their love for the Kansas girl, noting that she was a loving girl who played with other children in the area despite her less-than-ideal living conditions. In a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, Zoey's uncle described her as a "sweet, funny, and goofy little girl" with an infectious smile and laughter that brightened the world. The Kansas Department for Children and Families has not responded to inquiries regarding this tragic case. READ MORE: Authorities Identify 2 Toddlers Who Drowned in a Daycare's Backyard Pool This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Topeka man faces capital murder, rape charge for death of Zoey Felix - From KSN TV The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is predicting a moderate COVID-19 wave during the upcoming fall and winter, and a similar impact from the flu. The bottom line here is were likely to have a similar number of total hospitalizations as we had last year, a CDC official told reporters, according to MedPage Today. Amid growing calls to ban or restrict access to certain books in schools and public libraries, communities across New Jersey are debating free speech, what content is appropriate for children and what say, if any, parents should have. In advance of Banned Books Week, which runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 7, Hoboken in early September became the first municipality in New Jersey to designate its library a book sanctuary. Later that month, the Westfield Memorial Library Board of Trustees voted to follow suit for its library, as did Maplewood on Oct. 3. The proclamations come as an increasing number of school districts in New Jersey and across the country have faced complaints about access to certain books in their school libraries. In one district, the high school librarian sued a group of parents, claiming they defamed her by calling her, among other things, a child predator. The sides are passionate and emotional. One Board of Education member from another district who wasnt authorized to speak about the issue of book bans called the issue a culture war. One side is claiming these people are groomers trying to introduce pornography. I reject that, the member, who describes himself as libertarian-minded, said. The other side says there is an effort to ban books in New Jersey and thats dishonest. There were at least 10 attempts to restrict access to a total of 23 book titles in New Jersey schools and public libraries in the first nine months of 2023, according to the American Library Association. In 2022, there were at least 13 attempts to restrict access to 28 book titles, it said. A bill (S3907) introduced in June by State Senator Andrew Zwicker (DPrinceton) State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) would pull state funding from public schools and libraries that ban books. Its now before the Senate Education Committee. This is about preventing censorship and keeping intolerance and hatred from being infused into public libraries in New Jersey, Zwicker said in a statement at the time. The fact that we are in 2023 and debating whether or not we should be banning books and ideas is just outrageous. A working list shared by the New Jersey Association of School Librarians names 12 titles that have been challenged this year in New Jersey. The list is not comprehensive because not every school has a librarian that reports to the group and some want to avoid the hot-button issue, Tricina Strong-Beebe, the groups advocacy chair, said. Many school librarians have been uncomfortable dealing with the pressures they receive from housing material in their library that may be controversial, so we may have issues with `soft censorship, she said. Despite the attention any proposed book ban brings, Strong-Beebe said there is no groundswell to ban books in the state, but instead, its really a handful of people who are loud and vocal. She said recent trends point to some districts tiring of the controversies, so instead they have modified or are considering changes to policies to make it harder for teachers, librarians and administrators to do what we all know is right for students fostering an environment that is open, honest, and supportive of all students. NJ Advance Media reached out to all the districts on the list, but most did not respond to requests for comment. The list notes the districts that reviewed certain books, whether formal or informal challenges were filed and the status of each challenge, if known. Several of the books deal with LGBTQ+ subject matter, while others have references to topics some claim are inappropriate for students, including consensual sex, sexual assault, violence and explicit language. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson Roxbury Township School District (K-12) in Morris County, formal challenge filed, decision pending. Hamilton Township School District (K-12) in Mercer County, formal challenge filed, decision pending. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Roxbury Township School District (K-12) in Morris County, formal challenge filed, book retained. Hamilton Township School District (K-12) in Mercer County, formal challenge filed, decision pending. Lower Cape May Regional School District (7-12) in Cape May County, formal challenge filed, book retained. Lower Cape May Regional Township Superintendent Greg Lasher said the school board decided at a June meeting not to remove books from its libraries. Our library catalogs are online, and we created a form that allows parents to request their children not be allowed to check out specific titles if they object to them, he said. This form was sent home and is available online next to the online catalog. Lets Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan Roxbury Township School District (K-12) in Morris County, formal challenge filed, book was restricted and parent permission is required. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli Sparta Township School District (K-12) in Sussex County, superintendent accepted an email as a formal challenge, book was moved to the high school. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Readington Township School District (K-12) in Hunterdon County, formal challenge filed, book was retained. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Washington Township School District (K-12) in Gloucester County, formal challenge filed, book was removed from English curriculum, library challenge pending. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel West Morris Regional High School (9-12) in Morris County, formal challenge filed, book was retained. Superintendent Barbara Sargent said the board had no comment on the decision. Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie and Ellen Forney Holmdel Township School District (K-12) in Monmouth County, a parent complained to the superintendent, book was removed. The administration reviewed the book and recommended a replacement that they believed was more suitable for the students who would be reading that book, said Pete Reddy, president of the Holmdel Board of Education. He said the administration and Board of Education review and screen books annually to ensure they are meeting the standards of our district, noting that if a book is not in line with what we as a district are trying to achieve, then we go about the process of replacing that book or books with something more appropriate. All Boys Arent Blue by George M. Johnson Hamilton Township School District (K-12) in Mercer County, formal challenge filed, decision pending. Flamer by Mike Curato Hamilton Township School District (K-12) in Mercer County, formal challenge filed, decision pending. Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin Hamilton Township School District (K-12) in Mercer County, formal challenge filed, decision pending. A Quick Guide to Queer and Trans Identity by Mady G. and Jules Zuckerberg Hamilton Township School District (K-12) in Mercer County, formal challenge filed, decision pending. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. NJ Advance Media Staff Writer Tina Kelly contributed to this report. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KPMueller. Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday voiced his commitment to a healthy, safe, professional work environment for employees who work for his administration as he struggles to address a sexual harassment complaint involving a former top aide. Shapiro, in his first public remarks about the matter, declined to comment directly about the claims made against his former Secretary of Legislative Affairs Mike Vereb by a female deputy secretary who worked in the legislative affairs office. The fact that this is a personnel matter, I cant comment on any specifics and thats really designed to be able to protect all parties involved in any matter, Shapiro said, responding to a reporters question following an appearance in Bethlehem to announce new funding for recreation and conservation projects. Vereb resigned his post at the end of September. That was nearly six months after the woman, whose name is being withheld by PennLive due to the nature of the allegations, resigned. According to a draft of a Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission complaint obtained by PennLive, the women said she could no longer work in an environment where she was regularly subject to lewd and sexually inappropriate comments from Vereb. She also said she was retaliated against when she complained. Shapiro was asked to react to concerns raised by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland County, and other female Republican senators about why Vereb was permitted to stay in his position for months after the allegations against him were raised. Consider the source when it comes from the president pro tem, said Shapiro, before defending the process his office used to investigate the claims. Wards spokeswoman Erica Clayton Wright posted a photo of the governor at that event on social media, adding the comment, instead of taking the opportunity to be transparent and answer a question on a serious topic, he attacked the credibility of the first female Senate president. The womans attorney, not commenting on his clients case specifically but speaking generally, also took issue with that response from the governor. Legitimate questions or concerns expressed by elected official of either party about sexual harassment in the workplace shouldnt be dismissed in such a cavalier fashion. That response is beyond disappointing, said attorney Charles Pascal, chairman of the Armstrong County Democratic Committee. Shapiro said his administration is led by two strong women referring to his Chief of Staff Dana Fritz and General Counsel Jennifer Selber. Together, he said they work daily to ensure a safe work environment for all employees. Should anyone feel that were not meeting those standards, we have an independent robust professional process to allow people to come forward safely and have their concerns heard, Shapiro said. Thats something that Im committed to. The leaders in my administration are committed to. And that is something we adhere to in every case. Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton/Lehigh counties, who was at the event, said she and the seven other Democratic female senators and Senat Democratic Leader Jay Costa met privately with Shapiro about the situation. Im very confident him and his administration is handling this as best as they can, Boscola said. Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny County, was among the senators in that private meeting. Afterward, she told The Philadelphia Inquirer she came away with unanswered questions about the process that was followed once the woman made her allegations known. Other senators declined to comment after the hourlong meeting and some came away visibly frustrated, according to the news story. Shapiro said, speaking generally about the harassment allegations, that as attorney general he learned you owe it to a victim to make sure that you have a confidential process, that you have a rigorous process thats grounded in integrity to ensure their voice can be heard and to ensure that appropriate outcomes are brought about. And we are committed to doing that and do it in our administration. Reporter Kurt Bresswein of LehighValleyLive.com contributed to this article. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JanMurphy. Abbeyleix Tidy Towns group are celebrating their long sought trophy as Ireland's Tidiest Town, after a thrilling day in Croke Park in Dublin. Apart from taking home the big prize and 10,000 in doing so, the committee also secured 5,000 for winning the Best Small Town prize. It also shared a prize fund of 10,000 after receiving a Highly Commended Certificate in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Local Authority Award section. If that wasn't enough, they were also crowned Midlands & East Regional winners. Secretary Mary White described their joy and shock when the town was called out at the national 2023 winner. "We thought we might win Ireland's Tidiest Small Town again, but never in our wildest dreams did we think we would bring home the national trophy from Croke Park. "We were announced as the Regional Winner and we thought 'that's it', but when the screen showed up the five national finalists and Abbeyleix was on it, we were literally half dead. Then there was a speech for 10 minutes and it seemed like an eternity. "When they called out Abbeyleix we erupted in Croke Park," Mary said. It is only the second time that Laois has won the national title of Ireland's Tidiest Town, with Castletown winning it back in 2001. "All the other Tidy Town committees came over to congratulate us, that's the camaraderie there is in the competition," she said. "All this couldn't have happened without the support from Laois County Council and the Community Employment Scheme, we couldn't have done this on our own. We are in shock. It's a huge accolade for the town and the county, with Portlaoise winning a gold medal too," she said. "Abbeyleix was always a lovely town thanks to the De Vesci family who built it, but we've got massive public investment recently, including 135,000 last year that helped replace a row of leylandii with an oak grove of trees grown from the oldest oak in Ireland, 4,000 years old in Abbey Leix estate. It's all about biodiversity, climate action and conservation of shop fronts now," she said. Robbie Quinn chairperson was unable to attend, as he is occupied with Abbeyleix hurlers who are in the County Final on Sunday. He is overjoyed at the win. "I am absolutely over the moon, I'm getting well wishes and texts from far and wide, it's unbelieveable. It's a testament to all the hard work that has been done, this one is for Laois, it puts us all on the map. There is a lot of good work going on in the county. "I'd like to thank all the businesses and residents of Abbeyleix and Laois County Council for the amazing support. I am delighted for Mary too, she has been the glue that kept us going for a long number of years ever since her husband Reggie was the chair. The committee that went before us built up an amazing foundation. I'm just fortunate that I'm the current chair leading this hard working committee, it is a joy to work on. They are a great bunch of volunteers out every week, and some who come in the early mornings and do their bit. It's about making our town better and more inclusive place to live," Robbie said. He hopes the county will benefit as a whole. "Congratulations to Portlaoise on winning the gold, and Durrow was highly commended. A lot of Laois towns and villages are on our tail, there is immense work going on in the county. I hope it can benefit economically, and bring visitors to the county to visit and spend a few quid with this national exposure," he said. Abbeyleix has been entering the competition every year since 1959. "We never missed a year, this is a dream come true, everybody is absolutely thrilled," said committee member Cllr John Joe Fennelly. "We just kept building on what we had every year, trying to tick all the boxes that Tidy Towns want, like our NeighbourWood woodlands, biodiversity, pollinators and climate action. It's gone away from just hanging baskets and flowers. It's a full year round effort. "We looked at the adjudicators report from last year and worked on that. We couldn't have done this without the support of Laois County Council. We have great volunteers and a very good committee," he said. The victorious Laois group including Portlaoise and Durrow committees returned by bus to county hall, before heading on to Morrisey's Pub in Abbeyleix for well earned refreshments. They are hoping it's the first of several wins for the town, with Abbeyleix hurlers playing in both Intermediate and Senior county finals in O'Moore Park on Sunday, against The Harps and Camross. "If they win there won't be much litter picking done next week. It's probably good the judges aren't coming on Monday because there'll probably be bodies on the ground," joked Robbie Quinn. Abbeyleix in Co. Laois has done it at last! The heritage town has won the title of Irelands Tidiest Town and Overall winner of Irelands Tidiest Small Town. The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (6 October) announced Abbeyleix, Co. Laois as Irelands Tidiest Town for 2023. Announcing Abbeyleix as the overall winner, Minister Humphreys said: I offer my warmest congratulations to Abbeyleix and all of its TidyTowns volunteers for being crowned Irelands tidiest town for 2023. This is a truly great achievement and a special moment of immense pride for Abbeyleix and indeed the wider county of Laois. Having first entered the competition in 1960, Abbeyleix today continues to showcase all that is good about innovation, sustainability, community spirit and volunteerism. This is at the core of what the competition is all about. Abbeyleix has also won the title of Irelands Tidiest Small Town, which it scooped in 2021 when it was just pipped at the post for the overall big title. They also won the County Medal and a Gold Medal, as did Portlaoise. A joyful Tidy Towns committee are up in Croke Park for the announcements. "A MASSIVE WIN IN CROKE PARK. This one is everyone who has supported us over the last 60+ years. We cant thank you enough. Over to our hurlers now, they posted. Over 600 TidyTowns volunteers were present at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin with the event live-streamed to thousands more online. This year, 887 towns were competing for the prestigious awards demonstrating the continuing huge national interest in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition which has been running since 1958. Minister Humphreys also presented a new award to Cappoquin, Boyle and Ballyshannon TidyTowns groups, recognising their tremendous efforts to address vacancy and dereliction in line with the Governments Town Centre First policy The Minister continued: As always, the standard of competition was extremely high this year in all categories, with 887 entries received overall. I want to pay tribute to all the winners today across all the various categories. In particular, I want to recognise the vital role of TidyTowns volunteers across the country who are working so hard all year round to ensure our communities are vibrant, sustainable places to live, work and visit. You are truly an inspiration, and the embodiment of everything that is good in our communities. SuperValu have been the competitions main sponsor for over 30 years, and Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu, announced the results with Minister Humphreys. Some of the other big winners on the day included: Geashill, Co. Offaly awarded Irelands Tidiest Village. Abbeyleix, Co. Laois awarded Irelands Tidiest Small Town. Killarney, Co. Kerry awarded Irelands Tidiest Large Town. Ballincollig, Co. Cork awarded Ireland's Tidiest Large Urban Centre. The Minister also thanked SuperValu, the competitions sponsor, adding: SuperValu has been a loyal supporter and sponsor of the competition for over 30 years and continues to champion sustainability through their supportive network of retailers countrywide. Their team has worked very closely with my Department to make sure that this competition continues to be a success. Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu commented after the awards: On behalf of SuperValu, I would like to congratulate Abbeyleix on becoming Irelands Tidiest Town. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the committee and team of volunteers involved in the town. Since the inception of SuperValus valued partnership with TidyTowns, the competition has grown significantly and meaningfully. There are now over 1,000 active committees backed by a powerful movement of almost 30,000 volunteers all of whom are highly committed to enhancing their towns and villages all around the country. As a community retailer, it is a source of great pride for us at SuperValu to be involved in such an incredible initiative. For more than three decades, our teams and dedicated local SuperValu retailers have worked hand in hand with the Department of Rural and Community Development to develop and grow the SuperValu TidyTowns competition. The competition has become a powerful and uniting force, bringing together people from communities all over the country, working towards a common cause, and, critically, caring for our environment. Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu continued: SuperValu TidyTowns has succeeded in not only making our towns and villages more attractive but more sustainable too, and this is evident in the increased focus on initiatives that have a powerful impact on biodiversity such as the development of pollinator friendly corridors and, rewilding outdoor areas. I would like to thank the TidyTowns Committees and volunteers for the relentless efforts, real action and huge contribution they make to our towns, villages and communities around the country. SuperValu is very proud to sponsor this SuperValu TidyTowns competition and of the fantastic support our retailers provide in helping make our local areas better places in which to live and work. Minister Humphreys also announced a special allocation of 1.5 million in funding to support the work of TidyTowns groups in their continued efforts to make their towns and villages better places to live, work and visit. Since 2017, the Department has provided 9.5 million in funding to support the important sustainability and other activities of these groups. The Minister concluded: The focus on sustainability and biodiversity are particularly impressive and important for all of us. The funding from my Department will help Groups continue with their inspirational efforts to transform their communities and the local environment. The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu who have sponsored the competition since 1991. Full details of all this years winners are available at www.tidytowns.ie and at www.supervalu.ie Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland has expressed delight at Abbeyleix Tidy Towns winning the top title in Ireland for 2023. "Im celebrating what is an outstanding achievement by a group of very dedicated and ambitious people from Abbeyleix. "I am so thrilled and overjoyed for the many volunteers in the Abbeyleix Tidy Towns who over many years and decades have put such hard work, graft and imagination into making Abbeyleix one of Irelands finest small towns. "So now we know officially that Abbeyleix is rightly positioned on top of the ladder for 2023, a town and a group of people richly deserving of the National Gold Medal Award. "We in Laois County Council have been happy to act in collaboration with local volunteers over many years and today we see the culmination of that work in the best way possible," Mr Mulholland said. Abbeyleix won a raft of awards at the 2023 event in Croke Park. They are Ireland's Tidiest Town, Ireland's Tidiest Small Town, Regional Winner, County Winner, they won their eighth consecutive Gold Medal and also won a Highly Commended for their All Ireland Pollinator Plan. Elsewhere in Laois, Portlaoise also won a Gold Medal, Durrow won a Highly Commended award, and Ballinakill won the Best Endeavour Award. News / National by Simbarashe Sithole There was drama at Ngwana village in Plumtree where Method Dube (36) assaulted a fellow villager before pulling an okapi knife to stab him.The matter came to light at Plumtree magistrates courts yesterday where he appeared before magistrate Joshua Nembaware.He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to October 12.Prosecutor Anorld Mudekunye alleged on September 15 Dube was at Mathekwe homestead for a funeral when he had a heated argument with Reabetswe Ncube.Dube became violent and stoned Ncube before pulling an okapi knife to stab Ncube twice.Ncube bled profusely and the charged Dube was restrained from further assaulting the complainant by Taurai Ndlovu.A police report was filed leading to the arrest of Dube. Waterways Ireland has extended a public consultation on proposed Byelaws changes, with a second phase of public consultation also added to facilitate further engagement with the public and stakeholders. The initial consultation period (phase 1) has been extended to 27th October 2023, having originally been due to close on 2nd October 2023. Following the initial consultation period, Waterways Ireland will review all submissions during November and December 2023. Waterways Ireland will endeavour to proactively and equitably deal with legitimate matters of concern raised during the initial public consultation process, publish its consultation document and re-issue amended draft Byelaws. Phase 2 of the public consultation will then run from 15th January 2024 to 26th February 2024. This phase of the process will offer all stakeholders an opportunity to consider the modifications to the proposed revised Byelaws. Thereafter Waterways Ireland will consider all new feedback received, to best address the views of all stakeholders and ultimately, update Byelaws which are undisputedly, out-of-date, and unfit for purpose. There will be no changes to the existing Byelaws, permits, or charges/fees until revised Byelaws are approved. Waterways Ireland encourages everyone to read the draft Byelaws and to participate in the public consultation, and are keen to hear from anglers, boaters, cyclists, paddle-sport enthusiasts, runners, walkers, members of communities along the waterways and the public at large. The draft Byelaws can be found on waterwaysireland.org and in local libraries along the waterways corridors. Submissions to the public consultation can be made through the online survey on the website, by email to corporate@waterwaysireland.org and by post to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, The Docks, Athlone. The proposed changes relate to Shannon Navigation Byelaws (including the River Shannon, Shannon-Erne Waterway, River Finn, and Ulster Canal) and Canal Byelaws (including the Grand Canal, Royal Canal, & Barrow Navigation). Much has changed in the 30 years since the Byelaws were last updated. The proposed Byelaws reflect the substantial change in Waterways Irelands responsibilities to maintain safe shared public spaces on our waterways, Blueways and Greenways and to reimagine our waterways for the future. Irelands premier has said Rishi Sunak is hopeful talks with the DUP on restoring powersharing in Northern Ireland are moving towards a positive conclusion. Leo Varadkar said the Prime Minister briefed him on the status of the UK Governments negotiations with the DUP during their bilateral meeting in Spain on Thursday. Mr Varadkar, who remained in Granada on Friday for a meeting with EU leaders, said a window of opportunity to reach an agreement may be approaching. On Thursday night, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insisted gaps remain between Government and his party on the post-Brexit trade border impasse. Emerging from a meeting of the DUPs ruling executive in Lurgan, Co Armagh, Sir Jeffrey said he was not going to set any deadlines on the engagement with London but he indicated the Government was now in a position to respond to his partys latest requests. The DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan from the Stormont executive in February 2022 in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol. Powersharing is unable to function without the participation of the regions largest unionist party. The UK and EU agreed the Windsor Framework earlier this year in an attempt to address unionist concerns about the protocol but the DUP has indicated it will not return to the Stormont Assembly until the UK Government provides further assurances over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market. One of the main parts of the framework, the green/red lane system for the movement of goods, became operational at Northern Ireland ports on Sunday. Mr Varadkar was asked about his meeting with Mr Sunak as he spoke to reporters in Granada on Friday morning. Prime minister Sunak gave me a briefing on the talks and contacts that theyre having with the DUP at the moment, he said. Theyre ongoing. He didnt go into the detail of those but very much said that they were bilateral discussions between the DUP and the UK Government, and that he hoped that they were moving towards a conclusion and that that would be a positive conclusion. But that remains to be seen. Mr Varadkar added: There wasnt any timeline given but youll be aware the DUP had an internal party meeting that happened there yesterday, and their conference is coming up at the weekend (October 13/14). So, you know, perhaps this is another window of opportunity to come to an agreement, an agreement between the UK Government and the DUP which enables the Assembly, executive and the North South Ministerial Council to start functioning again. So, you know, hopefully thats the case but that remains to be seen over the next couple of weeks. Sir Jeffrey said Thursdays meeting of his partys executive was very positive and there were no dissenting voices. He said he was not in a position to make a recommendation to party colleagues as he had not yet received the UKs latest proposals. Clearly there are still gaps between us and them in terms of the shortcomings of the Windsor Framework, the areas where we believe it does not go far enough in delivering for Northern Ireland and our ability to trade within the United Kingdom on its internal market, he said. And the party is very clear were focused on what we need to achieve and over the next few weeks well continue that engagement with the Government to try and get to the solution that we need. A solution that both unionists and nationalists can support, that provides the strong foundations that Stormont needs to get back up and running. Earlier, Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle ONeill said the coming weeks would be critical in efforts to restore the Stormont Assembly and executive. Addressing a meeting of party activists in Co Armagh, Sinn Feins vice president said a pragmatic approach was required by all political parties to get down to business. Paddy Power has confirmed that it is to close 21 of its betting shops around the country after a review of its operations. A spokesperson confirmed the closures will comprise a mixture of lease expiries and early terminations and leave 230 branches open across the Republic. The shops to close are in Dominick Street in Galway, Skibbereen, Terenure, Greenhills, Stoneybatter, Goatstown, Dalkey, Old Bawn, Westgate Road in Clonmel, Cloghran, Michael Street in Waterford, Kilkenny, Rathdrum, Templemore, Kells, New Ross, Athy, Parkgate Street, Blackrock, Ennis and Dillon's Cross in Cork. The majority of the 78 colleagues employed across the affected shops will be offered redeployment opportunities. However, the company confirmed that the closures will lead to a small number of job losses. "We are consulting closely with colleagues and providing support to those affected by these changes," a Paddy Power spokesperson said. Commenting on the closures, David Newton, Chief Commercial Officer of Paddy Power, said: "As with all businesses in the retail sector, we regularly review our estate to ensure we are operating efficiently and meeting the evolving needs of our customers. Indeed, a well invested retail estate remains a key component of our omnichannel strategy. "Whilst the majority of our estate continues to perform well and is growing market share, we have decided to close a number of underperforming shops. This is absolutely no reflection on our hard-working shop colleagues, and I would like to thank them for their service and professionalism during this difficult time. We are in contact with all affected colleagues and our focus is very much on providing support to those who may be impacted by the changes". Outokumpu signs a letter of intent with Greenland Resources Inc. to strengthen the future supply chain of low-emission high-quality molybdenum HELSINKI, Finland, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Outokumpu signs a letter of intent with Greenland Resources Inc. to strengthen the future supply chain of low-emission high quality molybdenum Outokumpu, the global leader in sustainable stainless steel, has been exploring opportunities to secure sustainable molybdenum supplies from western suppliers ? as a part of its long-term strategy for value-chain integration. Molybdenum is a critical and strategically important raw material for Outokumpu's stainless steel production.* Outokumpu has therefore signed a letter of intent with Greenland Resources Inc., a Canadian mining company developing the Malmbjerg molybdenum project in east Greenland. Outokumpu looks to support Greenland Resources as an interested future customer, as Greenland Resources has completed a definitive feasibility study and is currently negotiating capex funding to build the mine. The letter of intent allows the companies to continue negotiations on further detailed cooperation. Malmbjerg molybdenum deposit in east Greenland outcrops as per lighter staining and is one of the cleanest of its kind with the highest grade molybdenum and low footprint. Greenland Resources is developing one of the highest grade molybdenum deposits in the world with an ore body that contains very few deleterious elements, in a high ESG standard jurisdiction part of Denmark. The project is supported by European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) RawMaterials and European Raw Material Alliance (ERMA), a body of the European Union, as per their press release of September 23, 2023. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project is an open-pit molybdenum mine that could supply around 25% of the European molybdenum demand. Europe is the second largest molybdenum user worldwide and has no production of its own. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project has a low footprint due to modularized infrastructure, low CO 2 emissions, low aquatic disturbance and clean contained tailings. The transport of 35,000 tonnes of ore per day uses a gravity based aerial rope conveyor that requires no energy and therefore causes no carbon emissions and generates electricity from braking. "The carbon footprint of Outokumpu's stainless steel is already the lowest in the industry. It is a competitive advantage for us, and we want to drive green transition and further decarbonize our product ? and the whole industry. Cooperation within our value chain allows us to reduce our supply chain emissions, and at the same time we also want to ensure access to the most sustainable molybdenum suppliers like the Canadian company Greenland Resources. Long-term cooperation with Greenland Resources could also provide us an access to a stable supply of molybdenum and protect us from volatile market pricing and supply. We are excited about the collaboration and are looking forward to continuing the good dialogue aiming at a binding long-term cooperation," says Marc-Simon Schaar, Chief Procurement Officer at Outokumpu. "We plan to extract quality molybdenum with high ESG standards from Greenland, a jurisdiction that is not only part of the kingdom of Denmark but has very similar living standards as Finland. The Malmbjerg primary molybdenum deposit is one of the richest and cleanest of its kind. The resulting ferroalloys are perfectly suited to be used in high quality steels produced by Outokumpu. Outokumpu will be able to source a long-term reliable supply of molybdenum oxide and carbon-free briquettes, know from where every single pound of molybdenum is being extracted, and can follow the high ESG standards over the 20-year mine life. Adding to EU circularity, the extraction will be done in an associate EU country, the processing of the concentrate and steel production will also be done in the EU; and a significant part of the mining equipment, team and funding will be EU sourced," says Greenland Resources Chairman Dr Ruben Shiffman. *Molybdenum improves the corrosion resistance, and stainless steel grades that include molybdenum are sometimes called acid-proof. Further information on the environmentally friendly mine design of the Malmbjerg molybdenum project from the video . For more information: Investors: Linda Hakkila, Head of Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 071 9669 Media: Paivi Allenius, VP ? Communications and Brand, tel. +358 40 753 7374 or Outokumpu media phone +358 40 351 9840, e-mail media(at)outokumpu.com The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/outokumpu-oyj/i/malmbjerg-project--courtesy-of-greenland-resources-,c3223025 Malmbjerg project (courtesy of Greenland Resources) SOURCE Outokumpu Oyj 6 october 2023 at 05:15 News published onand distributed by: The Week in Press Releases: 13 Stories You Need to See A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from PR Newswire this week, including Beyonce's "Renaissance" tour film, September's employment numbers, and NASA's upcoming spacewalks. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Read more of the latest releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNalert on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. SOURCE PR Newswire 6 october 2023 at 06:02 News published onand distributed by: Tiny Closes Previously Announced Private Placement with Letterboxd Founders Tiny Ltd. ("Tiny" or the "Company") (TSXV: TINY), a Canadian technology holding company, today closed the previously announced private placement whereby the founders of Letterboxd subscribed for a total of 1,430,346 Class A common shares ("Common Shares") of Tiny at a price of CAD$3.40 per Common Share for gross proceeds to Tiny of CAD$4,863,176 (the "Private Placement"). The proceeds of the Private Placement are expected to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. No finder's fees or commissions will be paid in connection with the Private Placement. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from closing in accordance with applicable securities laws. For additional details, please see the Company's press release of September 29, 2023, Tiny Announces Majority Acquisition of Letterboxd. About Tiny Tiny is a Canadian-based investment company focused primarily on investing and acquiring majority stakes in businesses that it expects to hold over the long-term. The Company is structured to give maximum flexibility to operating management teams by maintaining a focus at the parent company level on only three areas: capital allocation, management, and incentives. This structure enables each company to run independently and focus on what they do best, within an incentive structure that is designed to drive results for both the operating business and ultimately for Tiny and its shareholders.? Tiny currently has three principle reporting segments: Digital Services, which provides design, engineering, brand positioning and marketing services to help companies of all sizes deliver premium web and mobile products?; E-Commerce Platform, which is home to a complementary portfolio of recurring revenue software businesses that support merchants, as well as digital themes businesses that sell templates to Shopify merchants?; and Creative Platform, which is comprised primarily of Dribbble, the leading social network for designers and digital creatives, as well as a premier online marketplace for digital assets such as fonts and templates.? For more information, please visit www.tiny.com or refer to the public disclosure documents available under Tiny's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and forward-looking statements in this press release includes, but is not limited to, information and statements regarding: the completion of the Private Placement and the use of proceeds thereof as well as the Company's beliefs regarding the future prospects of Letterboxd. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: the receipt of the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the completion of the Private Placement; credit, liquidity and additional financing risks for the Company; stock market volatility; changes in e-commerce industry growth and trends; changes in the business activities, focus and plans of the Company; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including challenging global financial conditions and the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic; competition risks; potential conflicts of interest; changes in applicable laws and regulations both locally and in foreign jurisdictions; compliance with extensive government regulation; the risks and uncertainties associated with foreign markets; and the other risk factors more fully described in the Company's most recent MD&A as well as the list of risk factors in the Company's management information circular dated March 6, 2023 available on SEDAR+ at https://www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable 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. Source: Tiny Ltd. 6 october 2023 at 06:35 News published onand distributed by: Nickel Creek Platinum Announces Filing of Pre-Feasibility Study Technical Report for its Nickel Shaw Project TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP) (OTCQB: NCPCF) ("Nickel Creek" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated August 24, 2023, the Company has filed a Technical Report titled "Nickel Shaw Ni-Cu-PGM Project PreFeasibility Study for the Nickel Shaw Ni-Cu-PGM Project, Yukon, Canada" ("Technical Report"). The Technical Report, with an effective date of September 20, 2023, was independently prepared by AGP Consultants Inc. The Technical Report was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrator's National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Nickel Creek's website at www.nickelcreekplatinum.com. About Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP; OTCQB: NCPCF) is a Canadian mining exploration and development company advancing its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw Project ("Project"). The Project has exceptional access to infrastructure, located three hours west of Whitehorse via the paved Alaska Highway, which further offers year-round access to deep-sea shipping ports in southern Alaska. The Company is led by a management team with a proven track record of successful discovery, development, financing and operation of large-scale projects. Our vision is to create value for our shareholders by becoming a leading North American nickel, copper, cobalt and PGM producer. SOURCE Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. 6 october 2023 at 13:00 News published onand distributed by: On the French military base in Niamey, May 14, 2023. ALAIN JOCARD / AFP In a press release of less than 10 lines, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces announced on Thursday, October 5, that it had formally begun preparations for withdrawing 1,500 French soldiers. These soldiers have been stuck in Niger since the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. The withdrawal is due to start "this week" to make it possible to bring all troops back "by the end of the year," the statement said. This announcement comes just under two weeks after the French head of state, Emmanuel Macron, finally agreed on September 24 to the French soldiers' departure. The Niger coup leaders have been vehemently demanding this departure since the beginning of August. During the two-month-long standoff, Niger's new authorities organized a blockade of the bases where the French soldiers were stationed. This action has been gradually depriving the soldiers of water, food, fuel and electricity. Paris gave no indication of how this withdrawal will be carried out. The Ministry of the Armed Forces insisted only that good "coordination" with Niger's armies is "essential to the success of this maneuver." This phrase alludes to the still tense relations between the coup leaders and the French authorities, despite Paris's resignation and the departure of France's ambassador to Niamey, Sylvain Itte, on September 27. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Niger: Why the departure of the French ambassador was inevitable Mediation by Algeria On Thursday, the Niger authorities issued a statement saying that the French withdrawal would have to take place on their "terms" and in accordance with their "interests." The coup leaders in power in Niamey specified that "the first ones to pack their bags" should be the 400 French troops based in the west of the country. That part of the country is the so-called "three borders" area between Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, where the Islamic State group is active. Only then will the Niamey air base be dismantled. This base is where the majority of French troops (around 1,000) are located. This injunction should not disrupt French logistical maneuvering too much. This is because most of France's air resources are currently concentrated in Niamey. On the other hand, the junta's ban on using the road to Benin makes withdrawing more complex. Cotonou has for years been the port through which French military equipment has been transported in the Sahel. Cotonou was one of the main ports used when the "Barkhane" operation was dismantled in 2022. The French can take "any direction except Benin," warned Niger's new Interior Minister, General Mohamed Toumba, on October 4. "Your planes will be released at the last minute," he added. You have 45% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. MEMBERS of Adare Tidy Towns are celebrating after being awarded a gold medal in this year's competition. The overall results were announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys at an event in Croke Park, Dublin this Friday lunchtime. Adare Tidy Towns also won the county prize for Limerick having been awarded 369 points by the adjudicators. In addition, the group was highly commended in the 'Young Persons in Tidy Towns' category and will receive 500 having won an EPA Circular Economy award. Galbally Tidy Towns came second in Limerick in the main competition while Ardpatrick Tidy Towns was third. Both Groups retained their bronze medals as did Limerick City Tidy Towns and Castleconnell Tidy Towns. Elsewhere, Glenroe Tidy Towns received an endeavour award for being the most-improved entrant in Limerick while Askeaton Ballysteen Natural Heritage will receive 1,000 having won a regional award in the 'Waters and Communities" category. The Adjudicators report for Adare, which saw its points total increase from 356 to 369, notes the wide support that Adare Tidy Towns has from individuals and other organisations in the community. "It is remarkable to read of the myriad groups that support Adare TT and that then ultimately make Adare a town to be proud of. Everyone from business, sport, and schools, to mention a few, seem to have an involvement in your project. This is a community at its best," states the adjudicator in their report. The report also notes the importance of the proposed Adare By-Pass and the impact will have in reducing pollution in the village. "In Adare, you have the problem of more than 17,000 vehicles passing through the town each day. This causes pollution and can damage the health of your population. It is good to see that you are working with Limerick City and County Council to build a By-Pass of Adare to deal with the problem. Not alone will a by-pass deal with the pollution issue, it will also make Adare a better place to live, work and play in." The overall winner of the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition was Abbeyleix in County Laois. News / National by Staff reporter In a suspected case of witchcraft, a Bulawayo family were last week followed by a swarm of bees while they went out in search of their stolen seven cows that went missing around June 2023.The family managed to identify some of their cows along Airport Road in the outskirts of the city center last week Friday.Speaking to CITE, the victim Nyasha Rugube said, together with his wife, he rushed to the plots outside the city when they received a call from the herd boy who had managed to identify some of the cows."We lost seven cows around early June and we have been looking for them. We recently managed to locate them around Airport Road. The herd boy identified the cows while he was on his way from the city centre, so we had to quickly rush there," Rugube said."We arrived at the area around Airport Road and managed to identify three of our cows. When we were about to go with the cows, a strong tornado appeared, after that a swarm of bees appeared and we had to run to the car. Some of the bees entered the car but we managed to kill them. We then took our cows and left."Rugube said the following day, he had to go back hunting for the person who was heading their cows as he had escaped the previous day upon seeing them."The following day I went back to look for the guy who had run away the previous day who was actually heading the cows, we located him and called the police," Rugube said."The owner of the plot is Triffin. She is the one on the clearance document of these cows, but the cows were sold by his son called Oscar. It's either they are stealing together, or Oscar was using his mother's papers to get leverage of selling the cows."Rugube said the cows were cleared in one of the police stations in the city centre and police managed to arrest Oscar who was hiding in one of the cottages in the plot."When we were about to leave the premises heading to the police station, Oscar said he wanted to say goodbye to his children. The police told him there was no one in the main house, but he was adamant that his children were inside the house," Rugube said."One police officer allowed him to go to the house and when we entered the house where Oscar claimed his children were, we saw a swarm of bees on a sofa. The bees didn't sting us, but we just quickly rushed out. When police asked him about the bees, Oscar told them they were his security team."Rugube said he assumed those same bees they saw in the house, were the same ones that chased them."So, we assumed that bees we saw the previous day were the same bees which were on the sofa, he didn't even deny it," said Rugube.Meanwhile, Rugube said they managed to get a tip-off that some of their cows were along Solusi road."We got a tipoff that the other cows were along Solusi road, we identified two cows in one of the abattoirs there. Upon probing further, those people were forthcoming with information and told us who sold them the cows and everything. One of our cows was also slaughtered there but the seller took the meat and everything," said Rugube.He said one cow is still missing and they will continue their search and approach village heads along Solusi road.Contacted for a comment, Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrest of a man for stock theft although he could not release more information about his identity."Complainant had lost a herd of seven and three were recovered where a suspect was arrested," said the inspector.Inspector Ncube said stock thefts cases especially on plots along Nkayi road and Harare Road are being recorded. LIMERICK educators host annual conference and 'look to the future' in terms of education in the next decade. Sixth year student Grainne Scullane, from St. Anne's Community College in Killaloe featured on a panel at this years Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) annual education conference in Cork City Hall. As well as this, Youth Officer at Limerick and Clare ETB, Cora Foley, was a featured speaker at the conference. The panel discussed topics such as demographic changes and reconfiguration, the Ukraine response, senior cycle reform and the school of the future. The theme for this years conference The ETB of the Future explored key topics such as the role of AI and technology in education, the importance of inclusion and diversity, and what learners want for the class of 2033. As we reflect on 10 years of ETBs in Ireland, its time for us now to look to the future and focus on what lies ahead for our sector - Ireland is changing, and its important that we move to adapt with it, said General Secretary of ETBI, Paddy Lavelle. Limerick and Clare ETB and Education and Training Boards across Ireland are already providing multi-denominational, co-educational and equality-based education and training services, so are well placed to expand on this delivery and meet potential increased demand. The learners of the future are tech-savvy, culturally diverse, environmentally conscious, and adaptable. It is our responsibility now to ensure that the classroom of the future evolves to support them on their learning journey. The event brought together over 300 representatives from across the sector and featured a line-up of over 40 speakers. Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Niall Collins TD opened the conference giving the official Ministerial conference address. The conference took place over two days, with a full line-up of keynote speakers and panel discussions, including: Joanne O'Riordan, disability activist, writer and broadcaster, John Lonergan, writer and former governor of Mountjoy Prison and Anna Artemyeva, Head of Google for Education, UK & Ireland. LIMERICK FIRE and Rescue personnel cannot currently attend to support the rescue of large animals across the city and county, its emerged. At the September meeting of the council, Councillor Elisa ODonovan asked if this was possible. But she was told by director of service for national and regional shared services - which administration of the emergency service comes under - Kieran Lehane there are no staff trained in this area. Dealing with large animals is a very specialised activity requiring expert training and equipment. This training is not available in Ireland and Limerick Fire Service has no staff trained in this area, he stated in a written answer. In the interest of the safety, health and welfare of fire personnel, Limerick Fire Service does not attend or support the rescue of large animals in Limerick, Mr Lehane confirmed. Councillor ODonovan said in some cases across Limerick, the absence of personnel has left animals to die. I attended a rescue of a horse that had fallen into a ditch in Rosbrien and ended up having to be put down as we could not get the horse out of the ditch and mud, and this question came up then. If we had the correct equipment this rescue would have been much easier, she said. The British fire service can do this, and Cllr ODonovan is hoping the same can happen here. An elderly woman whose nine dogs were found to be living in unsanitary conditions has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for animal cruelty. ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) inspectors discovered the animals stacked in crates at her home in Co Laois, two of which were found to have a broken jaw and broken hip. According to the ISPCA, the woman (89) - who has previously faced similar charges on two previous occasions and had been subject to a court order prohibiting her from ever owning any animal again - was convicted on 19 counts of animal cruelty at Athy District Court last week (September 26). Dogs in her possession were found to be kept in unsanitary conditions in a room "full of faeces... and mouldy food". Reflecting on the case, ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon commented, "This has been a prolonged and frustrating case due to the defendants ongoing refusal to comply with instructions, including a court order, to stop keeping animals. But the ISPCA, Gardai, and Ann Cooke (from Kildare Animal Foundation) have persevered because many animals have suffered at the hands of this woman and she needs to be stopped. "Regardless of her age, she has to comply with the law just the same as anyone else. I was asked in court by the defence solicitor whether I thought their client should be living in those conditions, my response was that she had a choice but the animals did not." The ISPCA is urging people to stand up against animal cruelty. In a statement on their website, a spokesperson stated, "This National Animal Week we urge you to take a stand against cruelty like this and say Cruelty No More! The animals from this case have thankfully been rescued and since rehomed but tragically, many more are still living in a world of cruelty and neglect. Please donate now and make a difference in the lives of animals on its way to a new and happy life." A NEW GOVERNMENT position has been created and applications have now been opened for people to apply. The position title is Government Science Advisor and the successful candidate will be at an Assistant Secretary level, based in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The purpose of this new role is to chair the new National Science Advice Forum, and will provide advice on a range of issues facing the Government such as climate change, food sustainability, artificial intelligence and more. A crucial part of the role will be communicating complex topics to a wide audience and an ability to showcase the impact of science in peoples lives, said Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD. This new position will help us address complex policy challenges and provide important advice to Government. The National Science Advice Forum comprises up to twelve experts, drawn from those with internationally recognised scientific expertise in a range of key disciplines. It will have an annual work programme that will be evaluated after an initial three-year period. Three weeks in, the United Auto Workers strike against Detroits carmakers has nearly all the hallmarks of a dug-in labor battle: euphoric worker walkouts, rushed contingency plans, wall-to-wall media coverage and fiery rhetoric. The one thing missingat least so faris much financial pain, on either side. About 25,000 workers are now picketing at General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis facilities across the Midwest, or about 17% of the companies unionized workers. UAW President Shawn Fain is expected to disclose whether there are plans for additional walkouts Friday, in what is becoming a weekly ritual of widening strike actions. The unions gradually unfolding pop-up strikeswhich resemble tactics deployed by the Association of Flight Attendants in the 1990sare meant to keep the companies off balance through the element of surprise. It is also aimed at maximizing worker enthusiasm. Union members have gathered while on the job to watch Fains livestreams to find out if their facility is next to walk out. The union is applying pressure unevenly across the automakers, sparing one company in a given week while turning up the heat on the other two, a tactic intended to pit the companies against one another and reward progress at the bargaining table. Another advantage: It has kept a sizable majority of UAW members on the job, conserving the fund used to compensate striking workers. Still, the decision to forgo the all-in strike that many industry observers had expected has so far considerably softened the disruption to the companies factory footprints and bottom lines. For example, when all of GMs factory workers walked off the job in 2019, the company lost an estimated $1 billion over the first two weeks. Its losses during roughly the first two weeks of the latest strike was about $200 million, a company spokesman said Wednesday. The five factories on strike across GM, Ford and Stellantis accounted for about 16% of the vehicles produced in North America by the three companies this year through August, data from Wards Intelligence showed. So far, the plants where the companies full-size pickup trucks and large SUVs are madetheir most-profitable vehiclesremain humming. Its creating a lot of headlines," said Colin Langan, a Wells Fargo analyst. Financially, its not very impactful at all." Each automaker has complained that union leaders arent serious about getting a deal done and are trying to drag out the strike. Last month, they cited purported private messages posted by the UAWs communications director in which he references keeping the companies wounded for months" and seeking to do reputational damage to them. Its clear that there is no real intent to get to an agreement," GM Chief Executive Mary Barra said Friday, after the union staged a walkout at the companys SUV plant in Lansing, Mich. Wages have been a focal point in the talks. The companies have made proposals of roughly 20% wage increases over four years, while the union had been pressing for an increase in the mid-30% range. The UAW also is demanding cost-of-living adjustments, which it says Stellantis and Ford have since agreed to, along with better retirement benefits and pensions. The relatively tame financial damage so far is in line with the strategy Fain articulated from the outset, analysts say. He has vowed to gradually turn up the heat on companies that dont move closer to the unions demands. Fain is still throwing softballs," said Warren Browne, an automotive consultant and retired GM executive. I think hardballs will come the longer the strike lasts." Disruption from the limited strike has rippled out to other aspects of the companies businesses. More than 6,000 workers at the three companies and at outside suppliers have been put on temporary layoff because of knock-on effects from certain operations going down from the strike. Last week, Stellantis was subject to the whipsaw effect of the unions strike strategy. On Friday morning, Fain spared Stellantis from further strikes, while calling further walkouts at GM and Ford. But Stellantis executives didnt have time to celebrate, as they rushed to contain fallout from the prior weeks labor action. Later Friday, the companys top North American executive told employees in an email that passionate volunteers" were immediately needed to work shifts at two Michigan parts-distribution sites that had gone on strike the previous week. Employees were being asked to meet early the next morning, a Saturday, to board charter buses to the facilities. Stellantis declined to comment. Both GM and Stellantis have scrambled to find white-collar staff to work shifts at 38 parts depots that went on strike in the second wave announced by the UAW, and Ford in recent days has sought volunteers to sub at its own parts centers, people familiar with the matter said. Stellantis also rented a nonunion warehouse to store 30 days worth of extra parts to supply to dealers for servicing, the Wall Street Journal has reported. The decision to slowly trickle out which facilities go on strike has resulted in an uneven impact on union members. Most are working full time, while some are laid off and others are on the picket lines receiving $500 in weekly strike pay. The union has said the automakers laid-off workers also will get strike pay. Landan Dibble was working the assembly line at the GM plant in Lansing last Friday when cheers rang out following word that Fain had called a walkout there. I think everyone understands what were fighting for." Along with stints on the picket line, Dibble, 35, is working as a handyman to make up for his lost wages. The unions strategy for now might be to generate more public attention than it is to hit the companies profits, said Nelson Lichtenstein, a labor historian at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Right now, its a political strike," he said. And the UAW is skillfully doing it." Nora Eckert contributed to this article. Write to Ryan Felton at ryan.felton@wsj.com Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. New Delhi: Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL) on Friday said that sovereign wealth fund Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will invest an additional 4,966.80 crore in the retail unit of Reliance Industries Ltd, following a 1.18% stake purchase in the company in October 2020. The fresh investment values RRVL at a pre-money equity value of 8.38 trillion, making it among Indias top four most valuable companies. The investment by ADIA will translate into an equity stake of 0.59% in RRVL on a fully diluted basis, the company said in a statement late on Friday. In 2020, ADIA, via a wholly owned subsidiary, promised to invest 5,512.50 crore in RRVL. ADIAs investment follows Qatar Investment Authoritys (QIAs) 8,278 crore investment into RRVL in August. Between 2020 and 2021, the company has raised a total of 47,265 crore from nine global investors, including sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co., private equity firm General Atlantic, Silver Lake Partners, TPG Capital, Public Investment Fund, GIC, investment firm KKR, ADIA, and SLP Co-investors at a pre-money equity value of 4.21 trillion. Together, the above investors, including the one announced on Friday, now hold a 12.88% stake in the company. RRVLs business, which spans grocery retail, consumer electronics, apparel, footwear, online commerce, and jewellery, has come to dominate the countrys retail landscape. RRVL, through its subsidiaries and associates, operates an integrated omni-channel network of over 18,500 retail stores and digital commerce platforms. We are pleased to further deepen our relationship with ADIA with their continued support as an investor in Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. Their long-standing experience of decades of value creation globally will further benefit us in implementing our vision and driving the transformation of the Indian retail sector. ADIAs investment in RRVL is a further testament to their belief in the Indian economy and our business fundamentals, strategy and execution capabilities," Isha Mukesh Ambani, executive director, Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, said. RRVL reported a consolidated revenue of 2.6 trillion and a net profit of 9,181 crore in FY23. Reliance Retail operates stores straddling categories such as electronics, fashion apparel, beauty, grocery, footwear, food, jewellery, toys, e-commerce, luxury, and lifestyle. Reliance Retail also serves as the master distributor for Jio connectivity services, which are sold through a network of MyJio and Digital stores. Its e-commerce platforms include Ajio, Netmeds, Milkbasket, and JioMart. It is the largest retailer in the country. Reliance Retail has demonstrated strong growth and adaptability in a market that is evolving at an unprecedented pace. This investment aligns with our strategy of supporting our portfolio companies that are transforming their respective end markets. We are pleased to partner with the Reliance Group and increase our exposure to Indias dynamic and fast-growing consumer sector," Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, executive director of the private equities department, ADIA, said. Morgan Stanley acted as the financial adviser to Reliance Retail Ventures and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Davis Polk & Wardwell acted as legal counsels. The investments come as Reliance Industries Ltd is eyeing a public listing of its retail subsidiary. RRVL has made aggressive bets in the recent past acquiring for instance Metro Cash and Carrys wholesale business in India. Ambani said in August that several marquee global strategic and financial investors have shown strong interest" in his company. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! As a part of a probe into Elon Musks acquisition of Twitter, now known as X, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that it is pursuing a court order compelling him to testify. Musk earlier failed to show up for testimony on September 15 despite receiving an investigative subpoena from the SEC and not objecting at the time it was delivered, according to a filing made by the SEC in a federal court in San Francisco. Musk attempted to justify his refusal to comply with the subpoena by raising, for the first time, several spurious objections, including an objection to San Francisco as an appropriate testimony location," AP quoted SEC as stating. SEC has already taken Mr. Musks testimony multiple times in this misguided investigation enough is enough," Musks attorney, Alex Spiro, said in an emailed statement. According to the SEC, it has been gathering information on the time before Musk's takeover of Twitter in 2022, when the firm was still publicly listed. It claimed that it had not come to the conclusion that anyone had broken the federal securities laws. After a legal dispute with the former management of the social media firm, the Tesla CEO finalised his $44 billion deal to purchase Twitter and take it private in October 2022. U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter last week rejected Musk's attempt to dismiss the case, expressing doubt about suggestions that "Musk was somehow too busy to comply with SEC disclosure rules about his ownership stake in Twitter, while simultaneously buying millions of shares of stock of Twitter, tweeting about the state of Twitter as a social media platform, and meeting with several Twitter executives and insiders." Carter, however, did dismiss part of the lawsuit alleging the actions amounted to insider trading. The SEC claims in its court filing that Musk has no justification for refusing to cooperate with the inquiry despite the agency's responsibility for protecting investors and its vast investigative powers. A hearing on the matter is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 9 in San Francisco. (With AP inputs) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The RBI is also mulling introducing Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT) creation facilities directly at the issuer bank-level, given the growing acceptance and benefits of tokenisation of card data, Governor Shaktikanta Das Das said on Friday while announcing the outcome of the policy meeting. It is now proposed to introduce CoF token creation facilities directly at the issuer bank level. This measure will enhance convenience for cardholders to get tokens created and linked to their existing accounts with various e-commerce applications. Instructions in this regard will be issued separately," Shaktikanta Das said. At present, a Card-on-File(CoF) token can only be created through the merchants application or webpage RBI introduced Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT) in September 2021 and began implementation on October 1, 2022. So far, over 56 crore tokens have been created on which transactions with a value of over 5 lakh crore have been undertaken," read the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies, issued on October 6. Under tokenisation services, a unique alternate code is generated to facilitate transactions through cards. It is the process of substituting a 16-digit customer card number with a non-sensitive equivalent value, referred to as a token. This essentially means that a customer's card information will no longer be available on any Merchant, Payment Gateway, or 3rd party that helps in the processing of digital transactions today. RBI extends PIDF scheme RBI also announced the extension of the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme by two years and the inclusion of PM Vishwakarma Scheme beneficiaries. It is now proposed to extend the PIDF Scheme by a further period of two years, i.e., up to December 31, 2025. Also, it is proposed to include beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in all centres under the PIDF Scheme. This decision to expand the targeted beneficiaries under the PIDF scheme will provide a fillip to the Reserve Banks efforts towards promoting digital transactions at the grassroots level," Governor Shaktikanta Das said. The announcement by the Reserve Bank of India to extend the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme tenure by another two years is a welcome move. It shows the commitment and focus of the regulator to increase the reach and penetration of digital payments further. We look forward to working extensively on our part as a leading payments player to accelerate the deployment of digital payment acceptance modes in the targeted geographies," said Ramesh Narasimhan, CEO, of Worldline India. The central bank has announced doubling the lending limits for gold loans under the bullet repayment scheme for urban cooperative banks to 4 lakh. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Committed Cargo Care IPO opens for subscription on Friday, October 06, and closes on Tuesday, October 10. Committed Cargo Care Ltd IPO's price band is set at 77. The face value of the equity shares is 10 apiece and the issue price is 7.7 times of the face value. The promoters of the company are Rajeev Sharma, Nitin Bharal, Narendra Singh Bisht, Yash Pal Arora and Sonia Bharal. Committed Cargo IPO lot size is 1600 shares and in multiples thereof. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Committed Cargo Care IPO details Committed Cargo IPO, which is worth 24.95 crore, is completely a fresh issue of 32,40,000 equity share; there is no offer for sale (OFS) component, according to Red Herring Prospectus (RHP). The company plans to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund working capital requirements; and general corporate purposes. As per RHP, the company has taken out short-term loans from banks. The outstanding amounts under these loans are, respectively, 14.69 lakhs, 50.60 lakhs, and 16.25 lakhs for the financial years ending March 31, 2022, March 31, 2023, and April 30, 2023. Also Read: Committed Cargo Care IPO opens tomorrow, issue price set at 77. Check GMP, review, other details The main purpose of the working capital will be to increase the company's present activities. The company stated in its RHP that it expects a boost in profitability as a result of funding its company's working capital needs. Committed Cargo Care Ltd IPO's (P/E ratio of 10.94) listed industry peers are Jet Freight Logistics Ltd (with P/E ratio of 980), Total Transport Systems Ltd (with P/E ratio of 16.53), and Tiger Logistics (India) Ltd (with P/E ratio of 18.85). Fedex Securities Private Ltd is the book running lead managers to the issue, and the registrar is Bigshare Services Private Ltd. Also Read: Valiant Laboratories share price touches upper circuit after strong debut. Buy, hold or exit? Committed Cargo Care IPO subscription status Committed Cargo IPO subscription status was 87.78 times on day 3. The issue received good response from retail investors who's portion set was subscribed 78.73 times, and positive response from non-institutional buyers who's portion set was subscribed 94.20 times, according to data on chittorgarh.com. The company has received bids for 26,99,40,800 shares against 3,240,000 shares on offer, according to data on chittorgarh.com. Committed Cargo IPO subscription status was 2.36 times on day 1, and the issue was subscribed 17.03 times on day 2. Also Read: Organic Recycling Systems share price debuts at 7.5% premium at 215 on BSE SME Committed Cargo Care Limited IPO GMP Committed Cargo Care IPO GMP today or grey market premium is +10. This indicates Committed Cargo Care share price were trading at a premium of 10 in the grey market on Tuesday, according to investorgain.com 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. Also Read: Vinyas Innovative Technologies share price makes blockbuster debut; lists at 100% premium on NSE SME Committed Cargo IPO review The company is operating in a highly competitive segment. It marked inconsistency in its top line, but the bottom line kept growing. The growing economy indicates bright prospects for this segment. Based on FY24 annualised earnings, the issue appears fully priced. Investors may park funds for medium to long-term rewards," said Dilip Davda, the contributing editor at Chittorgarh. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Kenneka Jenkins, 19, was found dead in a freezer at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel in 2017 Kenneka Martin/Facebook Kenneka Jenkins photographed smiling A woman has reached a settlement in a lawsuit against a hotel where her teenage daughter was found dead in a freezer in 2017, multiple outlets report. Two other parties were also involved in the settlement. The lawsuit pertains to the 2017 death of Kenneka Jenkins, whose body was found in a walk-in-freezer at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Il., per Fox 32 Chicago, CBS Chicago and the Associated Press. In security footage shared by Fox 32 Chicago, Jenkins is seen stumbling as she walks in the vicinity of the walk-in freezer in an otherwise empty kitchen. While her friends and family initially raised concerns about potential foul play, the Cook County medical examiners office ruled the death an accident and said she died from hypothermia, according to the Associated Press. The examiners also said alcohol intoxication along with medication used for treating epilepsy and migraines were heavy catalysts in her death, according to the Associated Press. Related: Mystery After Chicago Teen is Found Dead in Hotel Freezer: 'I Believe Someone Killed My Child,' Mom Says The 19-year-old Chicago teen was attending a party at the hotel in September 2017 when she went missing; her body was found almost 24 hours later, the Associated Press says. The lawsuit alleged that the hotel was negligent in not keeping the freezer secure and for not searching for her after her family reported her disappearance, according to the news outlets. Jenkins mother Tereasa Martin filed a lawsuit against the hotel, its security firm and the restaurant that was responsible for leasing the freezer Jenkins was found in, according to the Associated Press and FOX 32 Chicago. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The lawsuit was initially filed for $50 million in damages; further details about the agreement have not been disclosed. Story continues The parties agreed on the settlement in August, but the details are not available on the court docket because Martin has requested the records be sealed owing to privacy and safety concerns, according to CBS Chicago. Related: Illinois Police Investigating 'Confusing' Facebook Video After Teen Is Found Dead in Hotel Freezer A judge denied the request and ordered Martins lawyer to submit the request again, and a hearing has been scheduled for next week, the Associated Press reports, citing the Chicago Tribune. According to CBS Chicago, the defendants in the case are also in agreement that the records remain sealed. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Exchange-traded funds that buy emerging-market equities are undergoing a churn and the biggest loser is the BlackRock Inc. fund that helped usher in passive investing to the asset class two decades ago. Investors have withdrawn $4.6 billion from the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF since July of which $1 billion, or 6% of its assets, fled in the past five days alone. Combined with an equity selloff during this period, the funds assets have shrunk to the least since March 2020. Its now $17.7 billion fund compared with $53 billion a decade ago. ETF watchers say investors are turning away from broad-brush emerging-market funds that track benchmark indexes as they seek targeted exposure to specific countries, sectors and investment styles. The BlackRock fund, widely known as EEM, has become a victim of this trend, as it has been a virtual flagship of the asset class since 2003 and the first to be dumped when risk sentiment deteriorates. Traders look at EEM as an easy button for broad emerging-market exposure," said Ben Johnson, head of client solutions at Morningstar Inc. EEM is just that big red button on your trading desk that says I want to put this bet on or I want to take it off." Fund managers and analysts say EEMs outflows have been deepening since 2018 because of its focus on large, benchmark-listed stocks at a time when some of the best investment opportunities came from smaller, newer companies in an expanding emerging-market universe. With long-term investors switching to funds that also offer small-cap opportunities such as BlackRocks own iShares Core MSCI EM ETF EEM has been reduced to a domain of traders and hot money. The funds capital losses contrast with its main rivals, which have hardly seen outflows during this years selloff. BlackRocks core EM fund, also known as IEMG, is sitting on about $3.7 billion of net inflows year-to-date. The $70 billion Vanguard FTSE EM ETF, or VWO, has had just one day of outflows in 2023 and has already seen inflows resume. While a third quarterly slump in emerging-market equities has sparked ETF outflows across the board, some select country-specific ETFs where investors see potential for economic growth are already seeing a resumption of inflows. India and Brazil are two examples. China Factor A $1 trillion selloff in Chinese stocks, led by technology companies, has also weighed on ETFs with a large exposure to the country. As much as 27% of EEMs funds are in Chinese stocks a reason for investors bearish on the worlds second-biggest economy to withdraw funds. BlackRocks fund that invests in emerging markets outside China has received inflows of $677 million in the past two months. iShares has more than 1,300 ETFs to serve the broadest set of clients - asset owners, asset managers, wealth, individual investors," BlackRock said in an email response to questions. EEM is one of the worlds most liquid emerging markets ETFs which enables investors to efficiently access and express their views on this market segment." Smaller equities are outperforming large-capitalization stocks this year, extending a trend that started in March 2020. Since then, small caps have handed emerging-market investors a return of 111%, compared with 24% in their bigger peers. While emerging-market stocks have been sold off since the end of July amid rising US yields and Chinas economic woes, the EEM ETF has its own idiosyncratic factors that have worsened the pain such as the cost of holding it. The funds expense ratio is 0.69%, several times those of IEMG and VWO. As developing nations underperform US markets, investors may be becoming more cost-sensitive. Emerging-market stocks have erased $1.66 trillion in market value since July and are heading toward a third successive annual loss. US-listed emerging-market ETFs witnessed $612.4 million of outflows in the week ended Sept. 29. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. The recent weakness on Dalal Street has been driven by the surge in US Treasury yields which hit a 16-year high. This has ignited a wave of risk aversion among investors. However, certain stocks have defied the odds and garnered bullish interest during Wednesday's trading session. Apollo Micro Systems shares are one of them. After three consecutive days of declines, Apollo Micro Systems' shares staged a remarkable 8% rally on Tuesday. The stock continued the upward momentum, surging to hit the upper circuit on Wednesday. This article will delve into the factors contributing to this impressive performance. Establishes Defence Manufacturing Facility On 3 October 2023, the company announced an ambitious capital expenditure plan of 1.5 billion (bn) to establish a defence equipment manufacturing facility at Hardware Park in Hyderabad. The company intends to conduct a Bhumi Pooja ceremony for the plant during the upcoming Dusshera festival and aims to complete the project within nine months. The proposed new units will expand the existing infrastructure by an impressive 300,000 square feet and will serve as a home for a defence electronics and electro-mechanical manufacturing facility, capable of handling bulk production. These new units will include a dedicated clean room for the production of Inertial Systems, RF Systems, and equipment for Space Applications. It will also be equipped with comprehensive Environmental Test Facilities, including an EMI-EMC facility accredited with NABL Laboratories. Additionally, this facility will feature an exclusive Test Facility for the testing and calibration of Navigational Systems such as INS, IMU, AHRS, and more. In a strategic move towards advancing cutting-edge technologies and establishing a comprehensive defence ecosystem, the company has recently incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary named Apollo Defence Industries Private Limited. Its primary focus will be on forming alliances and technological partnerships with international companies to develop state-of-the-art defence solutions and contribute to the nation's defence capabilities. Apollo Micro Systems also announced significant agreements with the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marking a significant milestone in their ongoing partnership. These agreements underscore the company's unwavering commitment to achieving excellence in technology and fostering innovation in the realm of defence. Strong Growth Prospects The government allocated 5.9 trillion (tn) to the Ministry of Defence in the Budget 2023-24. It has also introduced its fourth positive indigenisation list of 101 items subject to import restrictions. This presents a significant opportunity for the Indian defence industry to leverage its indigenous design and development capabilities to meet the armed forces' demands by manufacturing these items domestically. The company is actively engaged in discussions with various international companies interested in producing their goods under the 'Make in India' initiative, and this state-of-the-art facility will be utilized to fulfil their manufacturing needs. The company specializes in designing, developing and marketing high-performance solutions vital for the aerospace, defence, space, and homeland security sectors. The government of India has set an ambitious target of achieving 1.8 tn in defence production by 2025, which also includes an export objective of US$ 5 bn i.e. about 405 bn. India has already begun exporting various defence sector equipment such as helicopters, naval vessels, aircraft, missiles, and armoured vehicles, highlighting its potential in the global market. Indian space startups have also attracted substantial funding, exceeding US$ 200 million since 2021. With the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) planning to establish its space station by 2030, there's considerable potential for increased private sector investments in the space industry. This favourable policy environment positions the sector for sustainable growth, further benefiting the company's expansion and development. How Apollo Micro Systems Shares have Performed Recently On Wednesday, shares of Apollo Micro Systems closed at 10% upper circuit. Over the past year, the stock has generated a return of 273.2% and the scrip has rallied 131% so far in 2023. The company touched a 52-week high of 71.6 on 10 October 2023, recovering from the 52-week low of 17.6 seen on 11 October 2022. View Full Image (EM) About Apollo Micro Systems Apollo Micro Systems specializes in designing, developing, and marketing high-performance solutions tailored for mission-critical applications in the defence, space, and homeland security sectors. Their clientele encompasses the Ministry of Defence, government-controlled public sector undertakings, and private sector firms. Its engaged in the supply of electronics and electro-mechanical systems and components. It also actively participates in design research and development initiatives for systems deployed in various programs, including missile systems, underwater missile programs, avionics systems, and more. The company also offers customized COTS (Commercially Off-The-Shelf) solutions, designed to meet the unique demands of their defence and space sector clients. 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 The tiles sector may see healthy growth in the medium term aided by rising export demand as well as domestic market tailwinds, said a report from brokerage Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities. The brokerage firm has initiated coverage on the two sectoral players - Kajaria Ceramics and Somany Ceramics - with a buy call. Somany Ceramics share price has gained about 24 per cent while Kajaria Ceramics share price has risen about 13 per cent in the last one year. The brokerage firm pointed out that the sector's growth prospects are bright in India. It believes Indias ceramic tiles market offers enormous growth opportunities for sustained development over the medium term (two times the global industry growth rate), propelled by the government's push for bolstering domestic production and inherent demand from associated sectors. In the housing sector, tiles make up between 2- 4 per cent of the construction costs. It highlighted that India is the second largest producer and consumer of tiles in the world after China, with annual consumption quantum pegged at about 2,069msm as of the calendar year 2021, accounting for nearly 14 per cent of the global production and about 11 per cent of the global consumption. "Yet, it has the lowest per capita consumption of tiles at nearly 0.6sqm versus the global average of 1.4sqm, indicating significant room for growth going ahead," Nirmal Bang observed. "The market size for ceramic tiles in India is estimated at 59,500 crore for 2023 and the same is anticipated to reach 70,700 crore by 2025-end, implying a CAGR of 13.6 per cent during the years 2023-2025. Of this, 30 per cent is exported at about 17,900 crore, which is expected to almost double by 2025-end to nearly 30,400 crore," Nirmal Bang pointed out. Moreover, the tiles industry is dominated by the unorganised sector (60 per cent share), although 14 organised players (40 per cent) have gained market share by offering high-quality products at competitive rates, said the brokerage firm. (Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here!) Factors supporting the Indian tiles industry The brokerage firm underscored that the domestic tiles industry is expected to grow at 13.6 per cent CAGR over FY23-FY25E versus 5-6 per cent CAGR for the global tiles industry. Nirmal Bang pointed out that this would be driven by multiple factors such as: (1) Demand for housing (led by rising disposable income, rapid urbanisation, housing shortage, etc.). (2) Governments persistent focus on the policy framework and ecosystem support e.g. - expansion of metro cities. (3) Demand emanating from the Services sector for real estate, warehousing and commercial properties. (4) Ability to provide quality products at competitive rates due to technological efficiency, modernisation of plants and low-cost labour supporting exports. Export market to double in two years Nirmal Bang underscored India's export market size was estimated at 16,500 crore as of FY23 (30 per cent of the overall market), growing at a CAGR of about 15 per cent during FY19-FY23. The export segment is expected to grow at more than 40 per cent CAGR over FY23-FY25E, led by the China +1 factor. Nirmal Bang pointed out that as much as 90 per cent of the tiles in India are manufactured in Morbi, Gujarat and are exported through the Mundra port, of which 80 per cent is exported to the USA (60-70 per cent), Saudi Arabia (20 per cent) and remaining 10 per cent to the UAE. "In contrast to the domestic market, which yields a higher realisation of 323/MSM, the export market commands higher volume at a lower realisation of 263/MSM for Morbi manufacturers. This encourages players like Kajaria Ceramics and Somany Ceramics to give primacy to the domestic market while maintaining visibility in the exports- Kajaria (2 per cent) and Somany (4 per cent)," said Nirmal Bang. Buy call on Kajaria Ceramics, Somany Ceramics "We initiate coverage on Kajaria with a buy rating and a target price of 1,885, valuing it at 40 times Sept25E EPS (earnings per share). We like the company mainly due to its extensive distribution reach, industry tailwinds, domestic product mix into margin-accretive segments and strong financials," said Nirmal Bang. "We initiate coverage on Somany with a buy rating and a target price of 1,072, valuing it at 22 times Sept25E EPS. We like the company for its innovation and technical know-how, product mix (government and real estate combined nearly 60 per cent and housing about 40 per cent), ability to benefit from growing export opportunity and stable financials," Nirmal Bang said. Read all market-related news here Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts, experts and broking companies, not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. WASHINGTONThe Pentagon is poised to make controversial cuts to the Armys storied special-operations forces, amid recruiting struggles and a shift in focus from Middle East counterterrorism operations to a threat from China. The Army is cutting about 3,000 troops, or about 10% from its special-operations ranks, which could include so-called trigger-pullers from the Green Beret commando units who have conducted some of the nations most dangerous and sensitive missions around the world, from the jungles of Vietnam to the back alleys of Baghdad. The reductions would enable the Army to rebalance toward the large conventional ground forces needed in a potential fight in Asia. The trims in the ranks of special forces would also help the Army cope with a recruiting shortfall in a strong labor market. But opponents of the cuts, notably senior special-operations officers, have argued they could hinder training of U.S. partners, including the Ukrainian and Taiwanese militaries, and limit the elite units ability to respond to crises. The service plans to brief Capitol Hill in the coming days on the reductions. Mostly, the Army plans to cut special-operations troops in supporting roles such as psychological warfare, civil affairs, intelligence operators, communications troops, logistics and other so-called enablers, U.S. military officials said. The cuts would follow the reallocation last year of more than 700 special-operations troops from the Army and other services. In sum, the cuts to the Pentagons umbrella Special Operations Command would amount to about 3,700 troops since last year. The reductions have been fought hard from within the special-operations community, but they are expected to happen, U.S. officials said. The final documents have yet to be signed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, officials said. As with any such force reduction, however, the proposed cuts could be overturned by Congress, which has loud advocates for the Pentagons special-operations community. If it goes through, it would amount to only about 5% cut to Special Operations Command in Tampa, Fla. But more broadly, the reduction would mark the beginning of a new era for the Pentagon. The U.S., long engaged in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflict zones, has relied heavily on special-operations troops as the go-to force to fight counterterrorism and conduct the counterinsurgency operations in the war on terror. Hunting and killing Bin Laden Allied special forces fought extensively in World War II, and Army units deployed to Vietnam early on, training and advising South Vietnamese fighters. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy authorized them to wear their signature green beret, according to a U.S. Army history. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, SOCOM, which also includes the Navy SEALs, the Marine Corps special-reconnaissance force, Air Force special operators and others, has grown to about 75,000 from 45,000, according to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office. The Army contributes about half of those forces, or about 36,000. Troops and civilian support staff now operate in about 80 countries. Special Operations Command oversaw the hunt and ultimate killing of Osama bin Laden, the ground raid in Syria that killed the head of Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the 2003 rescue of soldier Jessica Lynch in Iraq, and hundreds of other sensitive, perilous operations over the years. Today, special-operations units are peppered across Europe, to help train Ukrainian forces to fight Russia, as well as East Asia, including in Taiwan, where they are training allies to defend against possible aggression from China, and West Africa. But as the U.S. focuses more on the so-called great power competition with China, some policy makers see less of a need for the highly trained and specialized troops, officials said. Instead, they favor pouring more resources into the kind of conventional forces expected to be more relevant in a peer-on-peer conflict. The Pentagon has shrunk its presence in the Middle East, leaving half-empty the sprawling American bases that were a hallmark of the war on terrorism and the springboard for some special-operations missions. In addition, the Army is struggling with a debilitating, multiyear recruiting crisis amid a strong economy. This year, the service missed a 65,000-soldier recruiting goal by 15,000 people, and it aims to cut its overall strength significantly to as low as 440,000 in 2025 from about 453,000 now. Special-operations forces have contributed to an imbalance, Army officials said, in which some jobs have gone unfilled and units arent fully manned. Ultimately, the issue went before Austin, who ordered that the cuts go ahead as planned but not include trigger-pullers, a U.S. official said. Other officials anticipate that some Green Berets and some unfilled" Green Beret slots will be cut. In any case, the cuts will occur at the discretion of Special Operations Command, and officials expect they could come through attrition of soldiers in coming months and years, officials said. The Army is in a moment of transformation," Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told reporters at the Pentagon this week. There are new capabilities that we need to bring into the fore." Most senior special-operations officers, including SOCOM commander Army Gen. Bryan Fenton and Chris Maier, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, opposed the cuts out of fear that the reductions will deprive the command of the flexibility it needs to conduct counterterrorism and training of partner nations. Its why the Ukrainian army has been so lethal against the Russiansits undeniable, why would you cut that?" said one person familiar with the proposal. Anyone can squeeze the trigger, but in order to hit something, you gotta be trained." Write to Gordon Lubold at gordon.lubold@wsj.com Goregaon building fire: 7 dead, several injured in Mumbai; PM Modi, Maha govt announces ex-gratia. Top 10 updates 4 min read Join us Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that a high-level inquiry committee will be formed which will submit its report within 15 days. Premium A policeman inspects damage caused after a fire engulfed a residential buidling in Mumbai, India, October 6, 2023. (Image: Reuters) Seven people including two minors were killed and over 40 injured after a fire tore through a residential building in Mumbais Goregaon area today. As per the BMC official, the blaze started at around 3 am at Jay Sandesh building in Goregaon West. As per the officials, the affected persons were rushed to a trauma centre at Jogeshwari and civic-run Cooper Hospital at Juhu. Before firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had covered the building from all sides. It completely gutted the shops, scrap material and two-wheelers on the ground floor, fire officials as reported by news agency PTI. Here are 10 points you need to know 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire that broke out at a building in Goregaon, Mumbai. The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh each for the next-of-kin of the deceased and 50,000 for the injured. In a post on X, he wrote, Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Mumbai's Goregaon. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000." "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! 2. While speaking to news agency ANI, BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said that all the deceased died due to suffocation and none died due to burn injuries. He further added that the injured will be given free medical treatment and will also allocate 4 Lakh each compensation to the next kin of deceased. 3. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire and announced that the State government will provide monetary help of 5 lakh to their families. "I am continuously talking with Municipal Commissioner and Police... What happened is unfortunate. I express my condolences to those who died. The government will provide monetary help of 5 lakhs to their families. Those who are injured will be given treatment by the government," Maharashtra CM said. 4. BMC has issued a list of the deceased and injured in the Goregaon fire incident where the death toll stands at seven. 5. Calling it an unfortunate incident, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that a high-level inquiry committee will be formed which will submit its report within 15 days. 6. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he is in touch with the BMC and Mumbai Police officials to provide assistance. In a post on X, the deputy CM wrote, Pained to know about the loss of lives in the fire incident at Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC and Mumbai Police officials and all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured ones." 6. According to the BMC, the level 2 fire incident was confined to the lower floors of the upper seven-floored residential building having shops on part ground floor. Several vehicles and scrap materials were also gutted in the blaze. 7. According to the latest reports, 51 persons were rescued and rushed to the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital of which the condition of five persons has been reported to be critical. Thirty-five persons are being treated for their injuries and four of the injured people have been discharged. 8. A relative of the victim's family spoke to news agency ANI and said, Our family members and relatives were there. My aunt has died. A short circuit occurred at around 1.30 am and then the fire spread... The fire spread to the 7th floor... From our family, one dead body is with them, they said they will hand it over in an hour..." 9. A victim from a family and many other residents recounted their horror. A 30-year-old woman told news agency PTI that she and her family members were stuck inside their home and could not breathe properly due to the fire and thick smoke. I have a kidney ailment, so my family members were more worried about me. I was breathing heavily. It felt like being smothered, I wanted to vomit," she as quoted by PTI. The woman said she and her family members kept going towards the door but it was not possible to escape through the plumes of flames, but was later rescued by the fire brigade. 10. An elderly person whose flat is on the third floor of the 7-storey building told PTI that they learnt about the fire due to commotion outside between 2.30 am and 3 am. He added that nine members of his family then tried to escape through the stairs. The lift was not working. The flames on the first and second floors were too dangerous. We decided to go back to our flat no. 307 and stay put there. The fire brigade rescued us around 5 am," he said as quoted by PTI. Further adding, he said that his son suffered burns on his both hands while going downstairs and was taken to a private hospital in the vicinity. (With inputs from PTI, ANI) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Karnataka government has proposed an idea to ease traffic in its capital Bengaluru. The city has been ranked on number 2 spot in terms of traffic congestion in the world as per the report by Dutch location technology specialist TomTom. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has proposed a 190 km long tunnel to ease traffic in Bengaluru. The tate government will be inviting public tenders for the tunnel within 45 days. Also read: Karnataka: School timings likely to be changed in Bengaluru to ease traffic. Details here A 190 km long tunnel road has been proposed to combat traffic congestion in Bengaluru and eight companies have qualified for it. These companies will submit a feasibility report and we are preparing to call for public tenders within 45 days," Shivakumar while addressing a press conference at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday. Shivakumar added, "companies will study and report on how the tunnel road should be, whether it should be four or six lanes, from where it should begin and end and a decision also needs to be taken on whether it should be expanded across the city". On seeking Centre's help to ease road traffic in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, "Once these proposals are submitted, we will submit the proposal to the Centre. I have already met and discussed with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Vehicles arrive in Bengaluru through the National Highway and cause traffic congestion... I have discussed this matter with him about this matter. He also gave me advice and responded positively." Also read: Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy denies carpooling ban in Bengaluru, says it is illegal to The deputy CM of Karnataka, who also holds the Bengaluru City Development portfolio, said, "We have proposed 190 km for now. Bellary Road, Old Madras Road, Esteem Mall Junction to Mekhri Circle, Miller Road, Chalukya Circle, Trinity Circle, Sarjapur Road, Hosur Road, Kanakapura Road to Krishna Rao Park, Mysore Road to Sirsi Circle, Magadi Road, Tumakuru Road to Yeshwantpur Junction, Outer Ring Road, Goraguntepalya, KR Puram, Silk Board areas have been identified. "We have selected these areas on priority basis. The companies are going to study where and how this tunnel road can be made". According to Shivakumar, Bengaluru needs at least a four-lane tunnel road. Citing the huge traffic congestion on the Outer Ring Road in Bengaluru last week, Shivakumar said he has discussed the issue with the officials concerned and the traffic police. He will visit Outer Ring road on 7 October. Karnataka Deputy CM also ordered Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) engineers to address the issue of potholes. At the places indicated by the traffic police, BBMP should quickly fill potholes, so that they cause no accidents. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned three close aides of AAP leader Sanjay Singh to join the investigation in connection with Delhi's now scrapped excise policy after former Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia. The ED has summoned Vivek Tyagi, Sarvesh Mishra and Kanwarbir Singh. ED has claims that Sanjay Singh's associate Sarvesh received 2 crores on two occasions on behalf of Sanjay Singh at his residence. It furhter claimed that Vijay Tyagi who is the PA of Sanjay Singh was given a stake in the business concern of accused Amit Aroras firm Aralias Hospitality. As per news agency ANI, Sarvesh Mishra is likely to appear before ED today. Currently, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has sent AAP leader to ED remand till 10 October. Singh has become the second high-profile lawmaker from the party to be nabbed in connection with Delhi's now scrapped excise policy after former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. After the court sent him to ED remand, Singh called the allegations as false and baseless "we are not scared, we will fight back," he added. ED on Thursday arrested Sanjay Singh after a day-long questioning by the ED officials at his Delhi residence. 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, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Parvesh Sahib Singh said that AAP leader Sanjay Singh is not the last to be sent to Tihar as the investigation into the Delhi Liquor Policy case progresses. While speaking at a press conference in Delhi, he said, "One after another, big leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party are being taken to Tihar Jail. We think Aam Aadmi Party will open its office in Tihar Jail. Because Sanjay Singh is not the last. More leaders are involved in this liquor policy scheme and ED (Enforcement Directorate) has substantial evidence." Prior to his, BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the AAP is engaged in "corruption" and resorts to "political tactics" when confronted with such allegation. The BJP spokesperson said the culprits in the Delhi excise policy case will be caught in ascending order depending on the magnitude of their fraud. As per media sources, the incriminating documents procured from the house of Sanjay Singh will incriminate someone who is at the top in the hierarchy of AAP," PTI reported Patra as saying. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, criticized AAP and remarked that Those whom Kejriwal vouched for as honest individuals are currently in jail." (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The Delhi Police has accused a news portal and its top officials of siphoning illegally routed foreign funds from China and tampering with electoral processes. A recent FIR filed under the stringent UAPA also accused NewClick of peddling fake news to attack India and promote the policies of the Chinese government. a large amount of funds was routed from China in a circuitous and camouflaged manner and paid news were intentionally peddled, criticising domestic policies, development projects of India and promoting, projecting and defending policies and programmes of the Chinese government," the FIR alleged. Offices and homes linked to the publication were raided earlier this week amid a probe to find out if the news outlet received funds from China. NewsClick founder and editor Prabir Purkayastha and human resources chief Amit Chakravarty were arrested late on Tuesday. The Delhi Police served a copy of the FIR to the portal on Friday a day after a city court directed it to do so. ALSO READ: 'Cannot be considered acceptable...': Media organisations write to CJI after NewsClick raids Purkayastha allegedly an active member of the Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China also stands accused of election tampering. As per the Delhi Police he had conspired with the People's Alliance for Democracy and Secularism to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Their attempts to tinker with the northern borders of India and to show Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as not parts of India in maps amount to an act intended towards undermining the unity and territorial integrity of India," the Delhi Police added. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vadodara stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, bringing the project one step closer to completion. Travel time between Delhi and Vadodara is now 10 hours. The Vadodara stretch is not the first portion to be opened to the public. A 202 km section between Sohna-Dausa, and a 244 km section in Madhya Pradesh are also operational. The 1,386 km corridor is expected to be completed by 2024. Once fully operational for traffic, the project will reduce road travel time from the national capital to India's financial capital by 50 per cent to around 12 hours. The cross-country journey takes up to 24 hours at present. The project cuts through various states, including 79 km in Haryana, 373 km in Rajasthan, and 244 km in Madhya Pradesh, News18 reported. In January, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared pictures of the Vadodara-Virar section on social media site X (formerly Twitter). Stunning views from Vadodara-Virar Section of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Limiting the distance for prosperous India," he wrote. Here's all you need to know about the Delhi-Mumbai expressway: -The 1,382 km project passes through six states -- Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharastra. -Worth 1 lakh crore, it is India's longest expressway project. -Over 1,200 km of the stretch has already been awarded and is under progress. -The project was kick-started in 2018, foundation stone laid in 2019, and is expected to be fully operational by 2024. -It is expected to chop time travelled via road between Delhi to Mumbai in 12 hours. -An Advance Traffic Management System (ATMS) is being implemented to manage road crash incidents and enforcement of speed limit and other regulations, as per the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). -The expressway is expected to connect key hubs such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Port with a spur to Mumbai and the Delhi-Faridabad-Sohna section with a spur to Jewar Airport. -Cities such as Jaipur, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Kota, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat are also expected to be transport linked via the corridor. -It will also serve 93 PM Gati Shakti Economic Nodes, 13 ports, eight major airports, and as many multi-modal logistics parks (MMLPs) along with the new upcoming greenfield airports such as Jewar Airport, Navi Mumbai Airport, and JNPT port. -Motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers, and tractors will likely not be allowed to ply on the expressway. These are at present not allowed over the 246-km Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot section as well. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The International Advertising Association (IAA) in New York has awarded Srinivasan Swamy and Ramesh Narayan special North Star medals for for their distinguished service to the body. The announcement comes as IAA celebrates its 85th anniversary. Swamy has also been commended for his role as the Global President of the IAA. And Swamy and Narayan were honoured as Global Champions by the IAA at its inaugural Inspire Awards in London in 2014. The two have also been inducted into the IAA India Chapter Hall of Fame and are the recipients of several other prestigious awards in the marketing communications space. Swamy was the first Indian to be Global President of the IAA; while Narayan has been a Director on the Global Board of the IAA and was it's Vice President APAC region. They are both Past Presidents of the India Chapter of the IAA. IAA is the worlds only globally-focused integrated advertising trade association with membership representing advertising agencies and the media. It comprises corporate members, organisational members, educational affiliates, and as 56 Chapters with individual members and young professionals from 76 countries including the top 10 economies in the world. IAA is over 80 years old and is headquartered in New York. IAA India Chapter membership is by invitation only with senior marketing, advertising and media professionals as members. It is seen as the most active chapter by IAA Global. It is recognised for marquee events such as the IAA Leadership Awards, IAA Olive Crown Awards, IndIAA Awards, IAA TechPulse, IAA Voice of Change, IAA Debates, IAA Conversations, IAA Young Turks Forum and various IAA Knowledge Seminars, webinars, workshops, and conclave. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh region ride in a truck upon their arrival at the border village of Kornidzor, Armenia, Sept. 27, 2023. (Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters - image credit) The Canadian Space Agency did not participate in the 2023 International Astronautical Congress, citing concerns over a "humanitarian crisis" in the annual event's host country this year, Azerbaijan. The move comes after Azerbaijan launched what it called an "anti-terror" operation, shelling and taking military control of the long-disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee their homeland and take refuge in neighbouring Armenia. "The Canadian Space Agency will continue to promote the peaceful and sustainable exploration of space for the benefit of humanity," the federal government agency said in a brief media statement. "I think it's the right decision," Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told CBC News. "The Canadian Space Agency is an independent agency of government, but as the minister responsible, I can understand the choice they made." "That's what we need to do as Canada." Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks at Canada's Competition Summit hosted by the Competition Bureau Canada in Ottawa on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Champagne called the CSA's move to avoid an event in Azerbaijan over humanitarian concerns the right decision. Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks at at an event in Ottawa on Thursday. Champagne called the CSA's move to avoid an event in Azerbaijan over humanitarian concerns the right decision. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) The congress annually gathers some 6,000 participants, according to the International Astronautical Federation, to "offer everyone the latest space information and developments in academia and industry, networking opportunities, contacts and potential partnerships." The Calgary-based specialized online publication SpaceQ first reported the CSA would not be participating this year. SpaceQ also reported it had spotted only a single participating official from the Canadian agency in the event's online program, but that person did not attend. At its opening ceremony for the congress on Monday, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev alluded to both the 2020 war between Azerbaijan and Armenia and Sept. 19's incursion. Story continues "We used our right for self-defence," Aliyev said. "We fully restored our sovereignty over the country, all over the country." Calls for sanctions, condemnation also followed military action The CSA's snub comes in the wake of international condemnation over Azerbaijan's military operation, from the governments of Canada, the U.S., France, Armenia and others. On Thursday, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of sanctions against Azerbaijan government officials in a non-binding resolution, over what it called a "pre-planned and unjustified military attack," adding "the current situation amounts to ethnic cleansing." In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, called the exodus "a complete failure of global diplomacy in the face of ethnic cleansing" last month. Both the Bloc Quebecois and NDP have asked the Canadian government to sanction Azerbaijan as well. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has said "everything is on the table," but has made no announcements on that front. The Canadian government said it did send $2.5 million in humanitarian aid for the growing refugee crisis in Armenia. Armenian refugees wait in a square of Goris city centre on September 29, 2023 before being evacuated in various Armenian cities, as the exodus from the Nagorno-Karabakh ethnic Armenian enclave following its fall to Azerbaijani forces continued unabated. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP) (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images) Armenian refugees wait in a square of Goris city centre on Sept. 29 before being evacuated to various Armenian cities, as the exodus from the Nagorno-Karabakh ethnic Armenian enclave continued unabated. (Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images) A hastily called mission of the United Nations into Nagorno-Karabakh last weekend found no traces of damage to civilian infrastructure, and no reports of civilians being harmed. But it also noted most residents had fled and it was limited in where it was allowed to go. The attack on Sept. 19 also came after a nine-month blockade of food and medical supplies into Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan. Many local journalists interviewed civilians who lost family in the bombings in September, and documented civilian infrastructure being damaged. Before last month's attack, Armenia and Azerbaijan had fought over Nagorno-Karabakh twice since the fall of the Soviet Union. The region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but had a historically majority Armenian population. Following a ceasefire agreement, the region's de-facto ethnic Armenian government, which installed itself decades ago but is not recognized by any country, said it would dissolve by the end of this year. Its defence forces gave up their weapons. The local authorities also reported at least 200 people were killed in the September attack. Azerbaijan has said it wants to peacefully reintegrate Armenians who wish to return to Nagorno-Karabakh, and guarantee their rights. It has also arrested several officials of the de-facto government. Indian cinema is buzzing with a new wave of biographical films. Among the slew of awaited releases, one title stands out - Highway Man of India. This anticipated film dives into the life of Nitin Gadkari, an influential political figure known for his extensive contributions to road transport and highways across the country. Also Read: Can now reach Delhi airport in 20 min from.. Nitin Gadkari on reduce travel time after Ring Road project opening Touted as an in-depth portrayal of Gadkari's journey, the biopic, produced under the banner of Akshay Deshmukh Films, will reveal lesser-known facets of the 'Highway Man of India'. Anurag Rajan Bhusari, who dons multiple hats as the films writer and director, highlighted the captivating elements of Gadkari's life that audiences can expect. Without revealing too much, Bhusari mentioned that - while the politician's esteemed career is acknowledged widely - the exploration of his early days and personal life in the film would offer fresh insights. The film, presented by Abhijit Majumdar, is produced by Akshay Anant Deshmukh. Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! The biopic tries to combine Gadkari's public image as an eloquent leader with his personal tales, according to Bhusari. While Gadkari's career in politics is definitely remarkable, he says that different aspects of Gadkari's personality will be showcased, as per HT Marathi. Who'll play Nitin Gadkari? The recent unveiling of the film's teaser poster on social media has amplified the curiosity surrounding the project. Amid the growing excitement, the burning question on every cinema enthusiast's mind remains: who will essay the role of Nitin Gadkari? The producers have kept it a secret, heightening the suspense about the lead actor. Even the poster does not show his face. Nitin gadkari is the only politician right now who is loved by opposition also," wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). Heard they reject megastar Akshay kumar after back to back solo disaster," speculated another. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. US officials insisted on Thursday that ties with India would remain unaffected amid a brewing diplomatic crisis with Canada. The assertion came as the Ministry of External Affairs called for Canada to downsize its diplomatic staff and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insisted that Ottawa did not wish to escalate the situation. The US Embassy dismisses these reports. Ambassador Garcetti is working hard every day to deepen the partnership between the people and governments of the United States and India. As his personal engagement and public schedule demonstrates, Ambassador Garcetti and the US Mission to India are working every day to advance the important, strategic, and consequential partnership we have with India," said US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. Meanwhile External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told reporters at a news conference on Thursday that the two countries are discussing modalities on achieving" parity as to the levels of diplomatic representation. On discussions on parity, given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here and their interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing to achieve this. Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction," he said. Ties between Canada and India have been strained since Trudeau insisted last month that there was credible evidence linking Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader. Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar had been gunned down by unknown assailants in Surrey in June. Following the assertion dismissed as absurd by India both countries had expelled a senior diplomat each. India has also canceled visas for Canadians and more recently, called for the removal of 41 of its 62 diplomats from the country. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rains over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim today i.e. on 6 October. As per IMD, heavy rains has also been predicted over Andaman & Nicobar Islands during 5-9 October. The Meteorological department on Thursday warned of heavy to very heavy rain in the sub-Himalayan districts of West Bengal till today owing to a low-pressure area. The weather office also forecast heavy rain in some districts of south Bengal owing to the system. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts till Friday morning owing to a low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal, the Met office said. The toll in the flash flood in Sikkim mounted to 21 on Friday as Army and NDRF teams worked their way through slushy earth and fast flowing water in the Teesta river basin and downstream north Bengal for the third day in search of those who were swept away and are still missing. As per Chief Minister P S Tamang, of the 23 army personnel who were missing from Burdang area, the bodies of seven have been recovered from different areas downstream while one was rescued and the search is on for 15 missing jawans. A total of 103 people, including the 15 jawans, remained missing after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim in the early hours of Wednesday triggered the flash flood. On Wednesday, The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that possible cause of the flash flood in Sikkim could be a combination of excess rainfall and a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) event at South Lhonak lake in North Sikkim. Check full IMD weather forecast here East India: -Isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on 6th October; over Andaman & Nicobar Islands during 5-9 October. Northeast India: -The weather department has predicted light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall/thunderstorm & lightning with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over Assam & Meghalaya during 5th-7th October; Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, Manipur on 6th October. Northwest India: -As per IMD, light to moderate scattered rainfall, thunderstorm and lightning very likely over Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on 9th October. West & South India: The weather department has said that no significant weather over the West and South India region during next four days. (with inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Smile is a simple way to make the world a better place to live. This simple yet powerful gesture radiates warmth, happiness and kindness. It is a universal language of positivity and connection, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. A genuine smile has ability to not only lift our own spirits but also brighten the day of those around us, mend relationships, ease tension and bridge gaps between strangers. World Smile Day 2023: Date World Smile Day is celebrated on the first Friday in October every year and is a day dedicated to good cheer and good works", this year it falls on October 6. World Smile Day 2023: Theme The catch phrase for the day is "Do an act of kindness - help one person smile". However, as per some media reports, theme for World Smile Day 2023 is "Radiate Joy." World Smile Day 2023: History Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. The image went on to become the most recognizable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet. As the years passed Harvey Ball became concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol, and how its original meaning and intent had become lost in the constant repetition of the marketplace. Out of that concern came his idea for World Smile Day. He thought that we, all of us, should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world. The smiley face knows no politics, no geography and no religion. The first World Smile Day celebration was held in Worcester, MA in 1999 as a way to encourage people to do acts of kindness and spread happiness by simply smiling and has continued each year since then. After Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honour his name and memory. The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day each year. World Simile Day 2023: Health Benefits Smile triggers the release of neuropeptides, which help combat stress, it also helps in reducing the release of stress-related hormones in blood. Smile also reduces blood pressure. When we smile, our heart rate and breathing increase, but is followed by muscle relaxation, which ultimately leads to a decrease in both heart rate and blood pressure. World Simile Day 2023: Significance World Smile Day aims to promote goodwill and positivity by smiling at others and performing acts of kindness while serving as a reminder of the power of a simple smile to brighten someone's day and improve the world around us. World Smile Day 2023: Wishes And Quotes You can conquer this world with your smile because a smile has the power to set many things right in life." Smile, because it confuses people. Smile, because its easier than explaining what is killing you inside." Smile is the happiness that is found under your nose. So keep your ego aside and smile!!!" Faces that wear smile every morning are truly the most beautiful faces.. Always stay gorgeous.. Always keep smiling!!!" Peace begins with a smile." Mother Teresa Nothing you wear is more important than your smile." Connie Stevens A smile cures the wounding of a frown" Shakespeare If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love" -Maya Angelou Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. A Chinese coast guard ship came within a few feet of a Philippine vessel it was trying to block in the disputed South China Sea, signaling a more forceful approach by Beijing in the strategic waterway where tensions are growing. Philippine vessels were attempting to resupply a small detachment of marines on the isolated Second Thomas Shoal when the incident occurred on Wednesday. China also claims the reef, as it does for much of the South China Sea. The Philippine coast guard, which reported new details of the confrontation Friday, said that four Chinese coast guard ships showed up to disrupt their mission, along with five ships belonging to the Chinese fishing militia. One of the Chinese coast guard ships came as close as about three feet to a Philippine coast guard vessel, Manila said, publishing a video of the incident. The Chinese carried out eight maneuvers the Philippines described as dangerous. Tensions are high in the disputed waters where China and the Philippines, along with other nations, have overlapping territorial and maritime claims. Chinas coast guard regularly tries to block the Philippine convoyswhich consist of civilian boats crewed by the Philippine navy and coast guard shipsfrom reaching Second Thomas Shoal. Last week, the Philippine coast guard said it cut a buoy barrier China had erected at a disputed coral atoll. Chinas coast guard pointed a military-grade laser at a Philippine ship in February and sprayed a water cannon at another in a separate encounter in August. The most recent incident highlights the threat of escalation from such confrontations involving Chinese ships in the South China Sea. The encounter will be monitored in the U.S., a Philippine ally, amid tensions between Washington and Beijing. The Philippine coast guard also said Friday that for the first time during a resupply mission, a Chinese navy ship came as close as half a nautical mile from a Philippine coast guard vessel. A Chinese military aircraft was surveilling the area and left when the Philippine contingent arrived near Second Thomas Shoal, it said. The large Chinese presence is an example of what security analysts call cabbage tactics" that involve many layers of Chinese forces at varying distances and with different degrees of involvement. While the coast guard and maritime militia asserted Chinas claims directly, a navy ship circled at a distance. Despite Chinas efforts, the Philippine vessels were able to deliver the supplies, Manila said. On Wednesday, Chinas coast guard said four Philippine vessels had tried to illegally enter the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, which it said belongs to China. The Chinese coast guard issued warnings to the Philippine vessels and effectively regulated" them, it said. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office 15 months ago, has more strongly objected to Chinese actions in the South China Sea and doubled down on his nations alliance with Washington. The Philippines has also adopted a policy of calling Chinese actions out publicly with statements, photos and videos, aiming to expose what it sees as Chinas bullying. Over the past decade, Beijing has attempted to shift the balance of power in the South China Sea. It built artificial islands in the disputed waterway and converted them into military bases. Its vast coast guard and fishing militia fleets maintain a constant presence at contested sites and patrol the waters widely, enforcing Chinas claims. Countries like the Philippines, which have a fraction of Chinas resources and ships, struggle to match that presence. The Philippines faces a major challenge in resupplying its marines on Second Thomas Shoal. The men are stationed on a rusting World War II-era ship called the BRP Sierra Madre, which the Philippines ran aground in 1999 to assert its claims to the reef. China opposes the ships presence and attempts to block the Philippines from supplying food, water and other provisions to its crew. Write to Niharika Mandhana at niharika.mandhana@wsj.com The global community eagerly awaits the announcement of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner. This prestigious award will be unveiled by the Norwegian Nobel Committee at 11 a.m. local time on October 6. Historically, the Peace Prize has been conferred 103 times to 140 luminaries since its inception in 1901. This is one of six awards instituted by Swedish chemist and dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel. In 2022, the honour was bestowed upon Ales Bialiatski, a Belarusian human rights advocate, and two commendable human rights bodies - the Russian group Memorial and Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties. Also Read: Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to Norwegian author Jon Fosse Dan Smith, the director of Stockholm's think-tank, has noted the unpredictable nature of the committee's decisions, as per TIME. The selection process relies on nominations sourced from an eclectic group, including past laureates, international courts of law members, national parliaments and more. 2023 Nobel Peace Prize: Top contenders Here are the top contenders, as per TIME: Volodymyr Zelensky The Ukrainian President has made headlines for rallying international support during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite his popularity, some experts question the possibility of recognising a leader in the midst of conflict. Alexei Navalny This Russian opposition stalwart stands out for his defiance against President Putin. Surviving an assassination attempt, he has garnered global attention. However, the Nobel Committee might be looking elsewhere, given the recent awards to Russian dissidents. Ilham Tohti Hailing from China, this activist and scholar is renowned for spotlighting the plight of the Uyghurs. Despite being imprisoned, his voice and impact remain strong. Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya This exiled Belarusian opposition figure has challenged Alexander Lukashenko's regime. Advocating democracy and fighting against vote tampering, her story is one of resilience. International Court of Justice (ICJ) The ICJ, known for its role in resolving state disputes, might receive recognition for its contributions to global peace. Narges Mohammadi & Mahbouba Seraj Both hail from West Asia but are celebrated for their individual contributions. Mohammadi is known for her human rights activism in Iran, while Seraj champions women's rights in Afghanistan. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz & Juan Carlos Jintiach Representing the indigenous communities, these activists highlight the pressing concerns of native populations, especially in the face of the climate crisis. Kyaw Moe Tun The Myanmar Ambassador to the U.N. stands against the military coup in his homeland. Denouncing the junta's actions, he champions democracy in Myanmar. Human Rights Data Analysis Group This nonprofit organisation has taken the lead in spotlighting human rights violations across the globe, from South America to the Middle East. Read the original TIME article HERE. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Barclays Plc is hiring dealmakers in India while its global business slashes 300 jobs across the corporate and investment banking roles, Bloomberg reported on October 6. Srikanth Chakka and Sameer Sood of Credit Suisse have been tapped for the MNC's advisory business in India by year-end, sources told Bloomberg. Sood who was with Credit Suisse since 2010 will join as MD; while Chakka, who joined the Swiss bank in 2021, will head Barclays industrials in the investment banking division in Mumbai. Also Read: Barclays bank to lay off over 450 employees in UK Sood, Chakka, Credit Suisse and Barclays did not comment on questions. Earlier in August, Barclays PLC named new executives to its top management in India, a major overseas market for the lender. Pramod Kumar joined as CEO and Suneeta Shetty as India Chief Operating Officer. Among Barclays global units, India ranked fourth by revenue last year, trailing only the UK, US and Ireland. The firms turnover in India has more than tripled in almost 10 years, outshining the performance of other key markets in Asia like Singapore or Hong Kong. Also Read: From Barclays to Citigroup, world's top bankers likely to return to COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai this year The India business, which also includes corporate and private banking, was more than twice the size of Singapores and Japans last year. Bloomberg's data from the past two years shows Barclays was an adviser on Adani's Holchim India, and JSW's renewable energy business buy outs. On the global side, sources earlier in September said Barclays would lay off 450 people from its UK business. The job cuts came as the company planned to cull about 5 percent of client-facing staff in the trading division and some dealmakers globally. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. After the announcement of Nobel Peace Prize to Iranian rights activist Narges Mohammadi , Iranian government, on Friday, criticised. The government called it a biased and political action by the Nobel committee. "We note that the Nobel Peace Committee awarded the Peace Prize to a person who was convicted of repeated violations of laws and criminal acts," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said in a statement. We condemn this biased and political move," said the Iranian government in its statement. Who is Narges Mohammadi Narges Mohammadi has been fighting for years against the oppression of women in Iran. He has become a symbol of the the battle for human rights in Iran. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 for her fight against women rights. Fifty-one-year old Narges Mohammadi, has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison and has been banned from seeing her husband and children. "Altogether, the Iranian regime has arrested the activist 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison, and 154 lashes," Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Berit Reiss-Andersen said at the announcement ceremony. Although it is not certain whether Mohammadi has got to know about her award, her family's reaction to the recognition has been positive. Despite strict punishment to women activist in Iran, Mohammadi said she would stay in Iran to continue her activism "even if she spend the rest of her life in prison." "Standing alongside the brave mothers of Iran, I will continue to fight against the relentless discrimination, tyranny, and gender-based oppression by the oppressive religious government until the liberation of women," CNN quoted Mohammadi as saying. Her husband Taghi Rahmani is a fellow aactivist and former political prisoner who served a total of 14 years in regime jails lives in exile in France with their twin children. "This prize is not just for Narges; it is for all the people of Iran. A movement in which Iranian women and men took to the streets, stood for months, and fought to show that they will continue to struggle for democracy and civil equality," CNN quoted Rahmani as saying. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 5 said the bodies of victims who died in the plane crash that killed mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, were found to have hand grenade fragments, as per an Associated Press report. Prigozhin's private jet crashed on August 23 this year while on route from Moscow to St. Petersburgh, killing 10 people. Putin said experts investigating the crash had found no indication of an external attack", the report added. Also Read: Wagner chief Prigozhin plane crash may be deliberate, says Kremlin AP said it could not verify Putin's statement. Russia's investigations While an investigation has been launched, no findings have yet been released, AP reported. Russia had also rejected an offer of joint inquiry by Brazil, where Prigozhin's jet was manufactured. In his statement, Putin said the probe is ongoing" and did not give a reason for the crash. His words did allude to a grenade explosion and finding of 5 kg cocaine in Prigozhin's St. Petersburgh office. Also Read: Russia refuses to probe Prigozhin plane crash under international rules US allegations Notably, a preliminary United States intelligence assessment had concluded that an intentional explosion caused the crash. Officials also acknowledged a long list of Putin's opponents who have been assassinated. The Russian President has held office for over 20 years and seems set to have another term. The Kremlin has called the US allegations an absolute lie". Prigozhin was chief of the Wagner Group private military in Russia, which had in June threatened Putin's power through a short-lived mutiny. Also Read: Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in plane crash: What will happen to Wagner group now? The history Prigozhin had cemented ties with the Russian leader in the 90s and known as "Putin's chef" for nabbing Kremlin catering contracts. The Wagner Group has been active in military conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and many African countries. After his death, Putin said the 62-year-old was a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life." Prigozhin challenge spanning June 23-24 had attempted to dislodge the Defense Ministry for mistakes in the Ukraine war. Wagner mercenaries seized the country's southern military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, moved towards Moscow, and then took an amnesty deal and halted the mutiny. The amnesty deal allowed them to either sign new contracts with the Defense Ministry, retire from service, or move to Belarus. And as per Putin's statement several thousand" Wagner troops are now signed with the Defense Ministry. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Since the beginning of his invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Putin has constantly emphasised Russia's nuclear power. He claimed that no one in their right mind would use nuclear weapons against Russia. If any country dares to do so, "such a number of our missiles - hundreds, hundreds - would appear in the air that not a single enemy would have a chance of survival", said Putin. Dubbed the 'Storm Petrel' (or 'Burevestnik' in Russian), this missile is ground-launched and possesses both nuclear-capable and nuclear-powered attributes. What sets it apart is its incredible range. The International Institute for Strategic Studies once noted its potential to cover distances up to 20,000 km. This implies that the missile, when stationed anywhere in Russia, could potentially reach targets in the United States, Reuters reported. Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! Its other noteworthy feature is its ability to fly at remarkably low altitudes of 50-100 metres. Such a trait makes it a stealthy contender, evading air-defence radars with relative ease. The United States Air Force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center, back in 2020, opined that this missile, once operational, would offer Moscow a "unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability", Reuters added. However, the journey of the 'Storm Petrel' hasn't been without challenges. Historical data points towards test failures. Most notably, in 2019, an explosion during an experimental procedure in the White Sea resulted in the tragic loss of five Russian nuclear specialists. Although not officially confirmed, whispers among US intelligence circles speculated this to be a test for the Burevestnik. West's doubts about Burevestnik For some time, the West was sceptical about the missile's actual deployment. The Nuclear Threat Initiative, a security organisation, once predicted in 2019 that the Burevestnik might take a decade before seeing deployment. This missile's ability to stay airborne for extended periods, potentially days, could revolutionise nuclear strategy, circumnavigating the globe, evading defences, and striking unpredictably. The recent advancements in Russian strategic systems might pose complexities in Moscow-Washington talks on nuclear weapons limits, according to Reuters. Russia, earlier this year, took a step back from the New START treaty, which seeks to cap nuclear arsenals and is set to lapse in 2026. (With Reuters inputs) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Why does support for Ukraines allies suddenly seem to be waning? The US, Slovakia and Poland have all, for one reason or another, caused Kyiv some discomfort in the last few weeks about how steady their support for Ukraine is. If international backing for Ukraine wavers even slightly, there are worries Russia could try and use it to swing the war in its favour especially if theres disruption to Ukraines supply of Western weapons. So just how serious are these concerns? Heres what you need to know. Whats happening with the US? US President Joe Biden welcomes President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the Oval Office of the White House September 21, 2023 US President Joe Biden welcomes President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the Oval Office of the White House September 21, 2023 The US Congress recently decided not to include $6bn (4.92bn) for Ukraine in its budget, in a bid to avoid a temporary shutdown in the US government. But, these domestic issues are unfurling just as Ukraine was looking to ask for more international funding. Only last month, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House to request more weapons, financial and military backing. And, as the US presidential election creep ever closer, its only more likely to become a wedge issue. So US President Joe Biden quickly asked then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to follow up with more funding pledges, to prove the hold-up was temporary. We are now working with both sides of Congress to make sure that it does not (get) repeated again under any circumstances, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Monday. UK defence secretary Grant Shapps also told the Tory Party conference in Manchester: President Bidens actually made it clear that it doesnt change his view about the continuing gifting and financing. But of course domestic politics will play into it. But, since Shapps remarks, McCarthy has actually been removed as the House Speaker in the US. Biden is still hoping that the next speaker will support Ukraine, but as the Republican Party continues to express frustration against continual support for the war-torn country, its still up the air. Story continues Whats happening with Slovakia? President of Slovakia Zuzana Caputova President of Slovakia Zuzana Caputova A pro-Kremlin nationalist, Robert Fico, has just been voted into power in Slovakia. as his party, Smer-SD, won 23% of the vote in the recent election. Former member of the Communist Party and three time prime minister, he had to resign in 2018 after mass demonstrations against corruption in his government. Now, he wants to rule for the fourth time if he can pull together a coalition and form a government. Fico has openly said he does not want to send another bullet in military aid to Ukraine, telling The Telegraph that arming Ukraine brings nothing but killing. He added: It is better to negotiate peace for 10 years and stop military operations than to let the Ukrainians and Russians kill each other for another ten years without results. This is not the way to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Fico wants immediate peace negotiations, too and end economic sanctions against Moscow. The frontrunner is known to be particularly friendly with Russia, and has made it clear that his role model is the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban. Slovakia shares a short border with Ukraine, around 60 miles long, but he wants to end Western arms deliveries through Slovakias borders. Whats happened with Poland? President of Poland Andrzej Duda President of Poland Andrzej Duda Another of Ukraines close neighbours, Poland has been a vocal supporter for Kyiv for months now. At Natos summit in July, Poland encouraged other nations to establish a clear timeline for Ukraines accession to the military alliance. Poland has also registered 1.5 million people who fled Ukraine for temporary protection, and sent a whole range of weapons to fill up Kyivs arsenal. But in mid-September, things started to go south as Warsaw prepared for its parliamentary elections in October 15. On September 19, Zelenskyy accused some unnamed EU members of feigning solidarity while directly supporting Russia. Warsaw summoned Ukraines ambassador to Poland shortly afterwards, Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki announced his country would not be sending arms to Ukraine anymore. He claimed Poland needed the arms for himself. The Polish president Andrzej Duda gave a statement at the UN where he compared Ukraine to a drowning person clinging to anything available. Then there were the conflicts around grain. Last year, it was agreed that Ukrainian goods would be allowed to go around Russias Black Sea blockade by moving through the EU. However, in Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, local farmers were being crowded out by the abundance of Ukriane, in some cases leading to bakruptcy. In 2022, Poland saw about 2.4m tonnes of grain imports. Before the war, it was around 100,000 tonnes. In response, the EU briefly restricted domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed from May before lifting it in September. Then Poland, Hungary and Slovakia went ahead with it anyway. Ukraine filed a complaint against them with the World Trade Organisation, calling for financial compensation. Luckily, Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania settled on a new plan to redirect grain inspections from the Poland-Ukraine border to a Lithuanian port on the Baltic Sea earlier this month. Then, during a visit from Zelenskyy, Canada unknowingly gave a standing ovation to a Ukrainian veteran of a Waffen-SS unit a unit accused of killing Polish and Jewish civilians on behalf of the Nazis during WW2. It wasnt long until the Polish education minister then said he was planning to secure the veterans extradition. To make matters worse, in an announcement on September 26, Polish media suddenly said the missile that struck a grain silo in eastern Poland in November 2022, was fired by Ukraine having originally said that it was manufactured in Russia. So, is support waning overall? No overall, there is still a big body of support for Kyiv. EU policy chief Josep Borrell reiterated on Monday: Maybe its not being seen like this for everybody around the world, but for us, Europeans, allow me to repeat it: its an existential threat. And thats why we have to continue supporting you and discussing with our American allies and friends for them to continue supporting you. The EU has already announced more than 60bn of military and civilian assistance for Ukraine over the next few years, too. French foreign minister Catherine Colonna also said the meeting of her EU counterparts is a demonstration of our resolute and lasting support for Ukraine until it can win. It is also a message to Russia that it should not count on our weariness. We will be there for a long time to come, she said. Related... Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her extensive efforts to promote human rights and freedom for all. The 51-year-old is the deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Center and currently remains lodged in Tehran's Evin Prison. She has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times a cumulative prison sentence of 31 years. Mohammadis most recent incarceration began after she attended a memorial for Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old's death in police custody had sparked a massive wave of outrage and widespread demonstrations against Iran's regime last year. ALSO READ: Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi awarded Nobel Peace Prize 2023 In September 2022, Mahsa Jina Amini was killed in Iranian morality polices custody, triggering political demonstrations against Irans regime. The motto adopted by the demonstrators Woman Life Freedom" suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi," the Nobel Committee wrote. Here are 10 factoids about the newly awarded activist: 1. She holds a degree in physics and started her career as an engineer. Mohammadi emerged as an advocate for equality and womens rights during her academic years, writing for the student newspaper. She was also arrested at two meetings of a political student group. The activist lost her engineering post in 2009 following a jail sentence. 2. Narges Mohammadi worked as a journalist for several reformist publications and campaigned for the abolition of the death penalty, womens rights and the right to protest. 3. Over the years she has written many articles arguing for social reforms in Iran and published an essay collection, The Reforms, the Strategy, and the Tactics. Her book 'White Torture: Interviews with Iranian Women Prisoners' also won an award for reportage at the International Film Festival and Human Rights Forum. ALSO READ: Nobel Peace Prize top contenders: Who's leading the pack? 4. Mohammadi was arrested for the first time in 2011 and sentenced to many years of imprisonment for her efforts to assist incarcerated activists and their families. 5. She married fellow activist and scribe Taghi Rahmani in 1999 just before the latter was arrested for the first time. The duo share twin children who currently live in France. Rahmani relocated after 14 years of prison sentences in Iran while Mohammadi remained to continue her work. 6. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman to win the award after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi in 2003. It is also the fifth time in the 122-year history of the awards that the peace prize has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. 7. The Iranian writer joined the Ebadi-led Defenders of Human Rights Center in 2003 and eventually became the organisation's vice president. The group is a member of the International Federation for Human Rights. it was awarded the 2003 Human Rights Award of the French National Commission of Human Rights. ALSO READ: Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov 8. Mohammadi has received various awards over the years -- from the Alexander Langer Award in 2009 to the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize and the Olof Palme Prize earlier in 2023. Ebadi also dedicated her 2010 Felix Ermacora Human Rights Award to Mohammadi. 9. Her brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs. Altogether, the regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes," the Nobel team said. 10. The award has also given fresh impetus to calls for Mohammadi's release from prison. "We and other partners of the UN human rights system have repeatedly called for her release," the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights told Reuters on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The National Capital Region (NCR) has significant influence as a political and economic centre. Encompassing 22 districts across four states, it has emerged as the largest single contributor to Indias GDP, accounting for 8% of the nation's economic output. This economic allure serves as a primary incentive for people to migrate to the city and adjoining areas, resulting in a population density that surpasses the infrastructures capacity and contributes to its environmental challenges. Delhi has consistently and famously earned the distinction of being one of the world's most polluted cities, with vehicular emissions accounting for roughly 40% air pollution. The creation of an efficient and sustainable public-transport system presents a compelling solution to both traffic congestion and pollution. To start with, Delhi has demonstrated its commitment to addressing intra-city travel with the highly efficient Delhi Metro, which stands as a benchmark not only in India but globally as well. Nevertheless, as time has progressed, so has urbanisation, and the locus of growth has gravitated towards the peripheries, particularly in the form of Gurugram and Noida, both of which boast the highest per-capita income within their respective states. There are other burgeoning commercial hubs such as Faridabad and Sonipat. This trend of spatial economic expansion is expected to continue. A comprehensive mobility plan for the whole of NCR will be essential to ensure orderly, sustainable, and controlled development. To this end, valuable insights can be gleaned from numerous global urban agglomerations such as Paris, the Yangtze Delta region, London, and Tokyo on how to reduce travel time, develop a large economic units, foster seamless intermodal connectivity, and move towards mobility as a service, all in ways that work for the planet. For instance Ile-de-France, the second-largest urban agglomeration of Europe with Paris as the core city, is a compelling model for addressing congestion issues in the NCR. The region has an integrated transportation system encompassing the Paris Metro, Paris Reseau Express Regional (RER), and an extensive bus network. It ferries 41 million people a day thanks to a large amount of inter-town travel. The Paris Metro offers short-distance travel within the city, while the 500-plus-kilometre Paris RER (whose development started well ahead of the metro in 1977) extends its reach into the suburbs, fostering connectivity for local residents and those in neighbouring regions. Notably, over a third of Ile-de-France's population (about 38 lakh) holds transit passes, with public transit use growing by 15% over the past decade. This has progressively diminished the share of car owners and alleviated road congestion Studies have shown that such infrastructure investment can deliver economic benefits as well. Municipalities with RER stations have a 10% higher chance of developing employment subcenters, thereby increasing the demand for land. Additionally, Paris has excelled in serving citizens through the RATP mobile application, which allows them to plan and pay for journeys, and provides information, maps, accessibility features, and seamless payments to residents and visitors alike. Similarly, China's intercity rail system fosters one- to two-hour connections between major cities and adjacent areas. In the Yangtze River Delta, 16 high-speed rail lines unite cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Hefei, creating an integrated economic zone. The rail network increases accessibility by more than 1.5 times, shifting from a single-centre to a polycentric development model that encourages suburban growth (18 of 24 Beijing-Shanghai line stations are in the suburbs) thus reducing construction and land acquisition costs. The network prioritises intermodal connectivity, as illustrated by the 2021 Shanghai City Travel Code. This mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform lets users book and pay for public transit, ride-hailing, and bike-sharing through a single app. It integrates four public transport modes, two ride-hailing services, and three bike-sharing services. While the benefits of having an intercity rail network are evident, untimely action could be costly. Take the example of the Crossrail in London. The $20 billion project took around 20 years to complete, with multiple cost and time overruns, and ended up increasing the rail-carrying capacity by 10%. Given that the regional rail was to be built underground (26 miles with 10 new stations connecting to the existing underground stations) in a densely-populated area, the project complexity increased manifold. While the project no doubt eased congestion (by providing direct connectivity from the suburbs to central London), it has proven to be one of the most complex and expensive projects in the sector. In summary, growth centres like the NCR must expand their focus beyond intra-city transport systems and encompass neighbouring cities with which it has a symbiotic relationship. Currently, the Delhi Metro shoulders the significant responsibility of providing sustainable and reliable public transport within Delhi. With the advent of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation's (NCRTC) Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), connecting nearby towns such as Meerut and Alwar to the capital, the future looks promising. View Full Image The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) will connect nearby towns such as Meerut and Alwar to the capital The operationalisation of the first RRTS corridor from Delhi to Meerut, spanning more than 80 kilometers, marks the first step towards realizing a larger vision. This corridor represents the start of an ambitious plan encompassing eight regional rail corridors within the NCR, covering an area of 55,000 square kilometres. Furthermore, embracing and actively pursuing MaaS is imperative to encouraging widespread adoption of public transport. The implementation of a unified ticketing system would not not only bridge geographical divides but also streamline payments, significantly enhancing the convenience of public transport. MaaS, through the integration of diverse transit modes and the simplification of the passenger experience, represents a vital stride toward establishing a sustainable, efficient, and interconnected transportation ecosystem. Yashi Tandon is lead knowledge analyst, team lead, BCG; Nitima Malhotra is principal, BCG; and Rajat Modwel is managing director and partner, BCG. Views are personal. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Either Donald Trump or Joe Biden would be the oldest person to win the presidency if they prevail in next years election. At age 77 and 80, respectively, both are already past the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. Its become a major source of voter concern and media attention. In a CBS News poll, only 34% of respondents thought Biden would complete a second term and only 55% thought Trump would. It isnt just the presidential contenders. Last week, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein died at age 90, long after her health had clearly declined. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, twice went strangely silent in public during the summer. Nancy Pelosi, who until the beginning of this year was speaker of the House, is 83. Yet the concern that their age somehow disqualifies them from public office doesnt really align with the state of aging in the year 2023. Theres biological truth to the adage that age is just a number. Americans on average are healthier in old age than before. Many of the factors that predict longer life favor Biden and Trump, based on publicly released information about their health. Theres a lot of armchair gerontologists who are wearing glasses through which they see what they want to see," said Jay Olshansky, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Illinois, Chicago. The suggestion that everyone who is old is feeble, experiencing loss, decline and decaythis completely ignores the radical transformation in the last 20-30 years of the population thats survived to older ages." What is usually referred to as life expectancy typically means life expectancy at birth: how long a hypothetical newborn would live if current age-specific death rates prevailed through her entire life. For older individuals, we care more about how long someone their age can expect to live, which can be calculated with the Actuaries Longevity Illustrator. That tells us a nonsmoking male with Bidens birthday, in good health, would be expected to live nine more years after next years Election Day, while for one with Trumps birthday, it would be 11 years. That basic expectation is a median, meaning half of individuals would live longer, and half less. Would Biden and Trump live longer or less than the median? First, the median includes people who drink alcohol. Regular drinking of two or more drinks, three or more times a week, shortens life expectancy by about seven years. Both Trump and Biden are teetotalers, in addition to being nonsmokers. Those are two of the biggest killers right there," said Bradley Willcox, a professor and research director at the Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Hawaii. When you eliminate excessive alcohol intake and smoking, one thing youre left with is genetics." Here, Trump and Biden picked their parents well. Trumps mother lived to 88 and his father to 93, though late in life he developed Alzheimers disease. Bidens mother died at 92living long enough to see her son become the sixth-oldest vice president. Joe Biden Sr. died at 86. Thats even more impressive than it sounds: When those four individuals were born, life expectancy was around 50. Biden and Trump are each highly educated at a time when the life-expectancy gap between the educated and uneducated has been growing. They are wealthy, also a strong predictor of longer life. They receive excellent healthcare. Willcox notes that both men have been tested for C-reactive protein, which helps predict heart disease. He says its an example of a useful screening that many people might not get. Median life expectancy is just that, the middle. Nonsmokers and nondrinkers, who are educated, wealthy and have long-lived parents and good medical care, are generally going to outlast the median quite a bit, which is why many people are not only reaching their 80s but continuing to thrive. Many people who are 80 years old now have more in common with people a couple generations ago who were 60," said Willcox. To this point in 1985, when Ronald Reagan began his second term as president just shy of his 74th birthday, a man his age could expect to live nine more years, comparable to Biden and Trump now. This is why, despite politicians advancing average age, so few die in office. In the past 10 years, just two U.S. senators have: Feinstein and Arizonas John McCain. From 1903 to 1913, 31 died in office. Like Biden and Trump, senators tend to be educated and wealthy and have good medical care. Men the age of McConnell and women the age of Pelosi can expect to live seven more years. Geriatricians are increasingly seeking ways to measure not just how many years someone will live but how many healthy years, sometimes called healthspan. Here too, the evidence for Trump and Biden is favorable. The University of Connecticuts Healthy Life Expectancy Calculator suggests (again, based on whats publicly known) that Trump and Biden are likely to not only be alive, but in good health, for at least 10 years. Neither is in perfect health. Both have had problems walkingTrump at West Point and Biden at the Air Force Academy, in incidents widely amplified by partisan media. In 2019, a White House doctor gave Trumps weight as 243 pounds, which would put his body-mass index just above the line for obesity. (He seems to have lost weight since.) Despite speculation about the mental acuity of the two men, nothing in their publicly shared medical records suggests the doctors who evaluated them have concerns about cognitive function, Olshansky said. Putting together all the known data, Olshansky said that Trumps extra weight probably cancels out the benefit of his slightly younger age. But he estimates that Trump and Biden would likely have at least an 80% chance of completing their terms in good health, far better than voters think. He suggests voters worry less about the candidates ages and more about their values and policies. Write to Josh Zumbrun at josh.zumbrun@wsj.com As elections are around the corner, the fight between Congress and the BJP has intensified on social media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has tweeted a morphed image of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, showing him as Ravaan, a multi-headed king of demons in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The BJP captioned the picture, "The new age Ravan is here. He is Evil. Anti Dharma. Anti Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat". Also read: 'Rahul Gandhi will lead India some day': Sharad Pawar says Congress leader is now being taken seriously The morphed graphic has been styled like a poster of a film in which Gandhi has been shown with 7 heads and 'Ravan...A Congress Party Production, Directed by George Soros' was written on the photo. Soros is a billionaire investor who has been accused of being involved in anti-India activities. The last time that Chinas supreme leader, Xi Jinping, purged the top tiers of the military elite, he could blame their venality on his predecessors. His two most senior scalps, Generals Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, were both accused of taking massive bribes in exchange for promotions. But not on Mr Xis watch. The generals had joined the Communist Partys Central Military Commission, which oversees the armed forces, in 1999 and retired as its vice chairmen in 2012, the year that Mr Xi took power. The downfall of General Li Yuchao, the commander of Chinas Rocket Force, and its political commissar, General Xu Zhongbo, touches Mr Xi more directly. He put them in charge of Chinas land-based nuclear and conventional missiles. No reason was given when official media announced on July 31st that they had been replaced. Nor was there any indication of their fate, although there is speculation that General Li and other Rocket Force officials could be under investigation for corruption or leaking military secrets. Whatever the trigger, their premature removal confirms the biggest clean-out of the military top brass in almost a decade. That suggests that Mr Xis efforts to reform the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) are facing more obstacles than previously thought. It is also the latest example of his own appointees running into trouble, in what some see as a sign of his own misjudgment, and of divisions within the elite. Last month saw the equally sudden removal as foreign minister of Qin Gang, who was given that post by Mr Xi in December. Mr Xis supporters might argue that he is injecting new momentum into two of his signature domestic initiativesan anti-corruption drive and a programme to transform the PLA into a modern fighting force. They might also make the case that he is demonstrating a commendable resistance to favouritism by not shielding proteges. Still, the suddenness and scale of the upheaval, the lack of any clear explanation and the persistent rumours of further scandal all reflect badly on his leadership, and suggest an unusual degree of turmoil in the corridors of power. The changes at the Rocket Force surprised many experts on the PLA because the service has been a priority for Mr Xi in recent years. If there is one service that you want to be utterly incorruptible, it would be the one in control of nuclear missiles," says Timothy Heath of the RAND Corporation, an American think-tank. Clearly, theres something going on that has made Xi Jinping uneasy about his fellow elites." Formerly known as the PLA Second Artillery Corps, the Rocket Force was renamed and upgraded in 2015. It became a separate service with equivalent status to the army, navy and air force, a reflection of its growing importance to Mr Xis military ambitions. Another signal came in 2018, when its former commander, General Wei Fenghe, was promoted to defence minister. He was the only person without an army background to have held that post. The Rocket Force now oversees the worlds biggest arsenal of land-based missiles. Among them are hundreds of conventional cruise and ballistic missiles, many of which are designed to target American ships in a potential war over Taiwan. They also include most of Chinas estimated 300 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 400 nuclear warheads, according to the Pentagons latest annual report on Chinas armed forces. The Rocket Forces share of Chinas military budget is thought to have been rapidly expanding, too. In recent years it has been at the centre of an upgrade of Chinas nuclear arsenal that is unprecedented in its scale and complexity, according to the Pentagon. It predicts that China could have as many as 1,500 warheads by 2035the deadline Mr Xi has set for the PLAs basic modernisation". Although there is as yet no public indication that funds from this programme have been misused, big military-spending schemes have often enabled embezzlement, kickbacks and other types of graft. The background of the Rocket Forces new commander, General Wang Houbin, and its new political commissar, General Xu Xisheng, also suggests that Mr Xi is bringing in outsiders to disrupt patronage networks in the service. General Wang has spent his entire career so far in the navy, while General Xu has previously worked only in the air force. To drop both the commander and the political commissar at the same time may be a first. And then to replace them with outsiders is really very telling," says Brendan Mulvaney of the China Aerospace Studies Institute, a US Air Force think-tank. There is probably some deep rot at the top of the Rocket Force, but I have no idea if its money, women, secrets or some combination." Mr Mulvaney notes that General Xu, who as political commissar is responsible for enforcing ideology and party discipline, is a full member of the partys central committee. He thus has higher political status than General Wang, who is not a member of the body. That underlines the message that the party retains ultimate authority over the PLA, which is technically its armed wing rather than a national force, as in most other countries. There are indications that the Rocket Forces troubles extend to other current and former officers as well. At least one former deputy commander is under investigation and another took his own life in early July, according to recent reports, albeit unconfirmed. There is even speculation that the problems may implicate General Wei, the former Rocket Force commander who stepped down as defence minister in March. The upheaval may also be linked to recent changes in the operations of the Rocket Force, which is now frequently put on alert, requiring its troops to be ready to mount warheads on missiles, says Phillip Saunders of Americas National Defense University. Those and other recent changes suggest that China is moving away from its longstanding no first use" policyto launch atomic weapons only after sustaining a nuclear attacktowards one of launch on warning", whereby it would fire them as soon as it detected incoming nuclear missiles. That puts a big premium on the political loyalty and reliability of the Rocket Force commanders out in the field. And if the force is corrupt, and people are paying for promotions, thats a breakdown of political responsibility right there," says Mr Saunders. If military secrets have indeed been leaked, he adds, it might mean that theres people who cant be trusted within the nuclear chain of command. That would be a very serious issue." Subscribers can sign up to Drum Tower, our new weekly newsletter, to understand what the world makes of Chinaand what China makes of the world. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com A proposed regulatory shift has injected uncertainty into the laboratory-testing market just as startups are advancing an array of tests to detect diseases sooner and personalize treatments. Startups seizing advances in fields such as genomics and artificial intelligence are designing laboratory-developed tests to spot cancer and other illnesses before symptoms arise and to identify optimal therapies. Lab-developed tests are created and carried out in a single lab. Labs perform these tests on blood or other specimens shipped to them. Most genetic tests, for example, are lab-developed tests. The Food and Drug Administration says it historically has exercised its discretion not to regulate such tests. This has allowed startups to introduce them quickly and at relatively low cost. That would change under a proposal the FDA issued Friday. The agency, citing concerns about the efficacy of lab-developed tests, said it plans to regulate these diagnostics. As a result, many lab-developed tests would require review by the FDA before they can be sold. The proposal initiated a rule-making process that will take industry comments into account. They could lead to changes to the proposal, and it is possible the proposal will never take effect. The FDA has sought to regulate lab-developed tests before but pulled back after facing resistance. But the agencys latest salvo leaves lab companies with less certainty about future regulation, complicating investment and product-development decisions, some observers said. If the path to market becomes longer, less predictable and more expensive, that will affect our ability to invest and will affect the number of new diagnostics that come to market," said Greg Yap, a partner with venture firm Menlo Ventures. For a startup, performing all tests in its lab appeals because that can simplify quality control, especially for new and complex diagnostics. In the 1970s and 1980s, the FDA said, many lab-developed tests were lower-risk and used for specialized needs of local populations. Today, they are applied much more widely, and modern lab tests pose more risks, according to the agency. It noted it is aware of lab-developed tests that led to over- or under-treatment for heart disease, patients being exposed to inappropriate therapies or not getting effective therapies, and incorrect diagnoses of diseases including Alzheimers. Some of these tests perform poorly or dont work at all," Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said on a call with reporters. Entrepreneurs said regulators must protect patients from faulty tests without impeding development of innovative, potentially lifesaving diagnostics. CellMax Life introduced lab-developed tests, including for hereditary cancer, last decade. But by the end of 2019, CellMax discontinued the tests, co-founder and Chief Executive Atul Sharan said, because it faced competition from a flood of other lab-developed tests. CellMax, which has raised $52 million in venture capital, instead focused on data regarding colorectal cancer. The company is now seeking $100 million for clinical trials that could lead to FDA approval of its colorectal cancer test, which will initially be run in its lab, Sharan said. It has become a system where anybody can market any test," Sharan said. Its overdue to be fixed." The FDA proposes to regulate lab-based tests as medical devices. Medical devices include products such as coronary stents, pacemakers and surgical instruments. The agency and Congress have sought to increase oversight of lab-developed tests for years. Last year, lawmakers considered a bill, the Valid Act, that proposed a framework, tailored to diagnostics, for regulation of lab-developed tests. The bill wasnt approved. As a result, the FDA is taking another swing at lab-test regulation. Susan Van Meter, president of the American Clinical Laboratory Association, said there needs to be a diagnostic-specific regulatory framework that keeps pace with innovation in the industry. The FDA proposes to phase out its current approach of exercising enforcement discretion of lab-developed tests over four years. That would give the industry time to adjust, said Kyle Mikson, an analyst with investment bank and financial services firm Canaccord Genuity. However, Mikson said, costs to introduce lab tests would likely rise and insurance reimbursements may not offset the increased expenses. Lisa Dwyer, a partner in the FDA and life-sciences practice of law firm King & Spalding, said she suspects the FDAs proposal aims to spur the industry to try again to seek legislation on a satisfactory regulatory framework. If the FDA proceeds with its rule, industry groups would likely try to delay its implementation with lawsuits, she said, adding the FDA would risk losing court challenges. Write to Brian Gormley at brian.gormley@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! Commander, the latest presidential pet to make headlines for his biting behavior, is following in the pawprints of many four-legged dwellers banished from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The 2-year-old German shepherd with a history of nipping Secret Service agents is not presently on the White House campus," the White House said Thursday. The Secret Service doesnt have a complete tally of incidents, an agency spokesperson said. Commander was removed while the family evaluates next steps. The Bidens other dog, Major, also a German shepherd, was sent to Delaware in 2021 for biting issues of his own. President Biden and first lady Jill Biden remain grateful for the patience and support of the U.S. Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solutions," according to Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director for the first lady. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to say where Commander had been taken. Jean-Pierre said she had never been bitten by him. Ive seen Commander many times. I was never worried," she said. For all the joy presidential pets have brought to White House families, they have also created their share of drama. During Theodore Roosevelts presidency, from 1901 to 1909, the White House was home to six children and a menagerie of petsincluding a hyena, a lion cub and a badger that, according to the presidents son, never bit faces, only legs. The badger was given to Roosevelt at a presidential speech, according to Andrew Hager, historian-in-residence for the Presidential Pet Museum. The badger did bite Roosevelt once, but he thought it was fun," Hager said. Although eventually, it had to go to a zoo." Roosevelt also had a dog, Pete, which killed four squirrels, distressing the family. Pete made a name for himself by nipping and chasing White House staff, police officers and visiting dignitaries. Pete chased down a French ambassador and tore the mans pants, said Hager. That earned him a trip to a Virginia farm for retraining. When Pete returned, he chased down a Naval officer. That got him permanently decamped to the family estate at Sagamore Hill in New York. Franklin D. Roosevelts most famous dog, Fala, was a Scottish terrier immortalized in a bronze statue that sits in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. U.S. soldiers during World War II would ask for the name of FDRs dog as a password. Roosevelt had other pets who werent as well-behaved, said Hager, who wrote All-American Dogs: A History of Presidential Pets from Every Era," published last year. One of them was a German shepherd, coincidentally named Major, who tore the British Prime Ministers pants while trying to bite him, said Hager. Another Roosevelt dog, this one belonging to his wife, chomped a reporter on the nose during a White House press briefing. Dwight Eisenhower had a Weimaraner that got sent to the family farm in Gettysburg, Pa., after urinating on a rug then worth $20,000, according to Hager. Barney Bush, the Scottish terrier who kept George W. Bush company in the White House, had a website, Barney.gov, viewable today in archived form. He appeared in holiday videos from the first familyeven though Jenna Bush Hager, Bushs daughter, said Barney was a real jerk." Barney was caught on video in November 2008 biting the finger of a Reuters reporter who knelt down to pet the dog, who was on a walk. John F. Kennedy had ponies. Calvin Coolidge had a raccoon, according to historian Andrew Hager, who is not connected to the Bush family. Bill Clinton kept a black-and-white cat named Socks, who was less than pleased when the family later adopted a chocolate lab named Buddy. Cats tend to go off on their own and dont get trotted out for press briefings," said Hager. Its not that they dont commit bad behavior, its that its often unseen." In 2009, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy and his wife gave a six-month-old Portuguese water dog to the Obama family as a companion for Malia and Sasha, then young girls growing up in the White House. That dog, Bo, wasnt problematic, but Hager said it was rumored their second Portuguese water dog, Sunny, had an accident outside of an office being used by former President Barack Obama. There are plenty more anecdotal tales of White House animals behaving badly, but it isnt always possible to know if they are true, he said. Theres probably a lot more funny stories than bad ones. But the good pets dont make a lot of news," Hager said. Catherine Lucey contributed to this article. Write to Ginger Adams Otis at Ginger.AdamsOtis@wsj.com Fast-fashion giant Shein is expected to announce Friday new leadership overseeing its global growth initiatives as the company seeks to diversify its supply chain beyond China. Marcelo Claure, a former SoftBank Group executive, will serve as group vice chairman, a New York-based role that involves expanding manufacturing beyond China to be closer to Shein consumers, he said. Were not saying that were replacing China," Claure said. Were saying that were finding countries where you can have a competitive advantage by being more local." Singapore-based Shein was founded in China in 2012. Over the years, it has disrupted markets globally and grown to become one of the worlds biggest fast-fashion brands with its ultra-affordable clothing. Shein sells in more than 150 countries though not in China, where the bulk of its suppliers are. Sheins explosive success relies on an on-demand manufacturing model. It subcontracts thousands of small manufacturers in China. They make products in small batches to test market appetite and replenish orders as demand increases. Claure joined Shein in January to oversee the companys operations and strategy in Latin America and steer efforts to expand its reach to suppliers and partners in the region. Before joining Shein, Claure made a personal investment of about $100 million in the online marketplace. This year, Claure has launched Sheins marketplace in Brazil and the localization of its operations, working with 220 factories there. The company now seeks to source fabrics and build supply chains in other markets where they operate to be closer to customers. This would shorten the delivery time and, in some cases, save production and logistics costs, Claure said. Claures promotion comes as Shein looks into new growth opportunities and navigates a murky geopolitical landscape, though Claure said China remains an important part of Sheins supply-chain strategy. In the past few months, Shein transitioned from a fashion retailer to a marketplace in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil and the European Union, allowing third-party sellers to sell a variety of products beyond fashion and beauty. The move has put Shein in more direct competition with e-commerce stalwarts like Amazon.com, as well as Temu, the international arm of Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings. With a heavy reliance on sales in the U.S., Shein is facing rising conflicts between China and the U.S. over a host of issues, from human rights to advanced technology. Western lawmakers have pressed Shein to address whether it sources cotton from Chinas Xinjiang region, where the U.S. has accused Chinese authorities of committing genocide and of using forced labor in its repression of mostly Muslim Uyghurs, allegations Beijing denies. Groups of U.S. lawmakers and attorneys general this year have called for independent assessments of Sheins supply chain to make sure its merchandise didnt involve forced labor as a condition for a U.S. stock listing. Shein has said the company doesnt source cotton from China and doesnt work with suppliers in Xinjiang. Other than China and Brazil, the company has started manufacturing in Turkey. Shein has formed a partnership with a major Indian retailer, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Shein executives hoped that sourcing more fabrics from India would help it address questions in the U.S. over whether it uses cotton from Xinjiang, people familiar with the matter told the Journal. Shein operates more than a dozen warehouses across the world. In August, it struck a deal with Forever 21 that will allow Shein to sell the American fast-fashion companys products on its website and app. Write to Shen Lu at shen.lu@wsj.com Elon Musk-owned social media behemoth X (formerly Twitter) is testing new subscription plans, CEO Linda Yaccarino has confirmed in a meeting with debt holders. The current X Premium or Twitter Blue subscription that costs $8 per month will be split into three categories - sic, Standard and Plus. Also Read| Elon Musk to charge small monthly payment from X users to combat bots, falling revenue According to a Bloomberg report, the new three-tiered subscription plan will the social media giant generate more revenue from users who would not have been likely to pay the full price of the premium subscription. 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! More recently, Elon Musk had hinted in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that X will start charging a small monthly payment from all users in order to eliminate the problem of bots. Also Read| SEC to compel Elon Musk to testify in investigation of his Twitter acquisition Earlier, a researcher had examined the code for the latest app version on X had revealed that the three subscription versions could be segregated on the basis of number of ads shown to users. The researcher who goes by the handle @Aaronp613 noted that the X Premium Basic plan will show full ads while the X Premium Standard version will show half the number of ads and the X Premium version will show no ads. Twitter Blue/ X Premium pricing in India: In India, Twitter Blue subscription costs 900 per month for both Android and iOS devices. For web, the pricing is 650 per month. Buyers can also opt for an annual subscription priced at 6,800 on the web. The annual subscription cost for X on iOS and Android is 9,400 per year. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. BROOKLYN BRIDGE The city of New York is home to this suspension bridge. It is regarded as one of the oldest still standing bridges in the US and was constructed between 1869 and 1883. Credit : pexels Festival Foods' newest location opened Friday in Chippewa Falls. The parking lot and store were packed with eager shoppers patiently making their way through crowded aisles and standing in line at the checkouts. Mario Salcedo was at the store Friday checking out the merchandise. The grocery store is much needed in the area, he said. I didnt think Id be that guy that was like, Oh boy, a new grocery store is so exciting, but I admit I got up early to get over here and see the place, he said. My wife called just now and told me not to tell our kids that I came today without them. Well be back tomorrow with the children. Its amusing to me that were all so pumped about this new grocery store. The store offers traditional favorites such as a bakery and deli, meat and seafood selections, natural and organic foods, wine and spirits and various take-home meals including a Grab & Go kiosk of hot, ready-to-eat meals. The food court offers sushi, Asian stir-fry and gourmet popcorn. Festival Foods Address: 1109 Chippewa Crossing Blvd., Chippewa Falls Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily Website: www.festfoods.com/stores/chippewa-falls The Festival Foods store is located on Chippewa Crossing Boulevard in an area of the city thats seeing rapid expansion and development projects. Festival Foods sits between the newly opened Kwik Trip and Toycen Ford, near the recently extended Chippewa Mall Drive. The area is bordered by Highway 29 to the south, Summit Avenue to the north, Business 53 to the west and 160th Street to the east. Other projects being developed in the immediate vicinity include a Riverstone Hotel and Suites, Culvers and other fast food restaurants. Linda Hasselhoff of Lake Hallie said shes excited to see the store open. My neighbors nephew got a job here, and he said its been great so far," she said. "Anything that brings jobs and growth to our little area of Wisconsin is welcome. Plus Festival Foods does a lot of good for communities across the state." Festival Foods, which is headquartered in La Crosse, reports that it has hired a team of 160 associates for the Chippewa Falls location. President and CEO of Festival Foods Mark Skogen said the company is excited to expand to Chippewa Falls and serve new guests. We have been working on coming to the Chippewa Falls community for a long time, said Skogen, and we are very excited to finally open this store. Its an honor to join the Chippewa Falls community, and were looking forward to providing our newest guests with an enjoyable shopping experience, excellent product quality and exceptional value. The Chippewa Falls Festival Foods is hosting a pumpkin giveaway Friday through Sunday, with the first 1,000 guests receiving a free pumpkin. On Saturday, shoppers can look forward to activities that include Bernatellos Pizza Truck, Camerons Coffee Tent, a bakery tent where Festival Foods will give away complimentary donuts, a kids pie pumpkin painting and a brat barn where volunteers from the YMCA will serve up burgers and brats. A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon and sun are aligned in the same plane, and the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, partially or completely covering our closest star. As one of the most dramatic celestial performances, solar eclipses particularly total eclipses entice droves of skywatchers; however, regardless of how much of the sun gets covered by the moon's shadow, you should never look directly at the sun. "During this period when any of the disk is visible, one must use protective equipment to view the sun," William Teets, director of the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, Tennessee, told Live Science in an email. That could include sunglasses, specially filtered telescopes or binoculars, or by using a projection method, Teets said. Solar eclipses come in four varieties: total, annular, partial and hybrid. When is the next solar eclipse? (Image credit: NASA) The next solar eclipse is a "ring of fire," or annular, solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023. During this partial eclipse, up to 90% of the sun will be blocked by the moon, depending on the viewer's location. The eclipse's path includes most of North, South and Central America, with viewers in nine states (southern Oregon, northeastern California, northern Nevada, southwestern Idaho, Utah, southwestern Colorado, northeastern Arizona, New Mexico and Texas) able to see a "ring of fire" when a thin halo of light peeks out from behind the moon. The "ring of fire" will also be seen in parts of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Reminder: DO NOT stare directly at the sun, even when it is 90% hidden. Check below for safe eclipse viewing strategies. Swipe to scroll horizontally Upcoming solar eclipses Date Type of solar eclipse Visibility Oct. 14, 2023 Annular Parts of Africa, N. America, S. America, Pacific & Atlantic, and Arctic April 18, 2024 Total Totality: Parts of Mexico, U.S. and Canada Oct. 2, 2024 Annular Parts of South America, Pacific & Atlantic, and Antarctica What is a total solar eclipse? All four varieties of solar eclipse are a happy accident of nature. The sun stretches some 864,000 miles (1.4 million kilometers) across, according to NASA, making our host star 400 times bigger thanEarth's moon, which measures just about 2,160 miles (nearly 3,500 km) in diameter. But the moon also happens to be about 400 times closer to Earth than the sun is (the ratio varies as the orbits of both the sun and moon are elliptical); and as a result, when the orbital planes intersect and the distances align favorably, the moon (called a "new moon" in this alignment) can appear to completely blot out the disk of the sun. As for how rare this phenomenon is: On average, a total solar eclipse is visible somewhere on Earth about every 18 months. During a total solar eclipse, the moon casts two types of shadows. The umbra is the darkest part of the shadow where all sunlight gets blocked out. The umbra takes the shape of a dark, slender cone. It is surrounded by the penumbra, a lighter, funnel-shaped shadow from which sunlight is partially obscured. In order to view a total solar eclipse, you must be located in the direct path of the umbra, which can sweep a third of the way around the planet in just a few hours. When in that direct path, you would see the sun's disk diminish into a crescent as the moon's dark shadow rushes toward you across the landscape. Don't look directly at the sun REMEMBER: Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection. During the brief period of totality, when the sun is completely covered, the beautiful corona the tenuous outer atmosphere of the sun is revealed. A total solar eclipse typically lasts for only a few minutes, NASA solar astronomer Mitzi Adams of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, said in a NASA webchat . The longest solar eclipse, on June 15, 743 B.C., lasted about 7 minutes and 28 seconds, according to NASA . Total eclipses are rarely seen because totality when the sun appears totally hidden by the moon only exists along a narrow path on Earth's surface, as opposed to partial eclipses, which can be viewed across a much wider region. The next solar eclipse on April 30, 2022 will be a partial eclipse and will be visible in South/West South America, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and parts of Antarctica, according to timeanddate.com . The next total solar eclipse will occur on April 20, 2023, and it will be visible in South/East Asia, Australia, the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and Antarctica, where viewers can behold at least a partial sun covering. The now-named Great North American Eclipse will cross the mainland U.S. on April 8, 2024. The path of totality will trek through Mexico (from Sinaloa to Coahuila), the U.S. (from Texas to Maine) and Canada (from Ontario to Newfoundland), timeanddate.com reported . What is a partial solar eclipse? A partial eclipse is seen as the sun rises behind the United States Capitol Building, Thursday, June 10, 2021, as seen from Arlington, Virginia. (Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls) During a partial solar eclipse, the moon's penumbra (the partial shadow) passes between the Earth and the sun. In these cases, a part of the sun always remains in view during the eclipse. How much of the sun remains in view depends on the specific circumstances. Usually the penumbra gives just a glancing blow to the planet over the polar regions; in such cases, places far away from the poles but still within the zone of the penumbra might not see much more than a small scallop of the sun hidden by the moon. In a different scenario, those who are positioned within a couple of thousand miles of the path of a total eclipse will see a partial solar eclipse. The closer you are to the path of totality, the greater the solar obscuration. If, for instance, you are positioned just outside of the path of the total eclipse, you will see the sun wane to a narrow crescent, then thicken up again as the shadow passes by. Annular solar eclipse A composite image of the annular solar eclipse on Jan. 15, 2010 (Image credit: Siegfried Layda via Getty Images) An annular eclipse is far different from a total one. The sky will darken ... somewhat, causing a sort of weird "counterfeit twilight" since so much of the sun still shows. The annular eclipse is a subspecies of a partial not total, eclipse. The maximum duration for an annular eclipse is 12 minutes 30 seconds. The next annular solar eclipse will occur on Oct. 14, 2023, according to NASA . The eclipse will be visible to millions of people in parts of the U.S., Mexico and many countries in South America and Central America. An annular solar eclipse is similar to a total eclipse in that the moon appears to pass centrally across the sun. The difference is, due to the moons position, during an annular eclipse the moon appears too small to cover the disk of the sun completely. Because the moon circles Earth in an elliptical orbit, its distance from Earth can vary from 221,457 miles to 252,712 miles (356,400 to 406,700 km). But the dark shadow cone of the moon's umbra can extend out for no longer than 235,700 miles (379,322 km); that's less than the moon's average distance from Earth. So if the moon is at some greater distance than the umbra's limit, the tip of the umbra does not reach Earth. During such an eclipse, the antumbra, a theoretical continuation of the umbra, reaches the ground, and anyone situated within it can look up past either side of the umbra and see an annulus, or "ring of fire" around the moon. A good analogy is putting a penny atop a nickel, the penny being the moon, the nickel being the sun. What is a hybrid solar eclipse? Three partial solar eclipses are seen in this movie from ESAs Proba-2 Sun-watching satellite as it dipped in and out of the Moons shadow during a hybrid solar eclipse in 2013. (Image credit: ESA) These are also called annular-total ("A-T") eclipses. This special type of eclipse occurs when the moon's distance is near its limit for the umbra to reach Earth. In most cases, an A-T eclipse starts as an annular eclipse because the tip of the umbra falls just short of making contact with Earth; then it becomes total, because the roundness of the planet reaches up and intercepts the shadow tip near the middle of the path, then finally it returns to annular toward the end of the path. Because the moon appears to pass directly in front of the sun, total, annular and hybrid eclipses are also called "central" eclipses to distinguish them from eclipses that are merely partial. Of all solar eclipses, about 28% are total; 35%are partial; 32% annular; and just 5% are hybrids. The next hybrid solar eclipse will occur on April 20, 2023, which will be a total eclipse in some areas. How to view a solar eclipse An astronomer in India projects the solar eclipse onto a white screen for safe viewing on Dec. 26, 2019. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Do not look directly at any part of the sun without protective equipment, even near totality. "This equipment could be approved solar eclipse glasses (not sunglasses) or a properly filtered telescope or properly filtered pair of binoculars." Teets added that a skywatcher should "never put on solar eclipse glasses and then use them to try to look through an unfiltered telescope or pair of binoculars the unfiltered light will burn right through the glasses and start burning/blinding you as well." Projection method: In addition to viewing an eclipse through specialty glasses, properly filtered telescopes/binoculars, you can also use a projection method to view a solar eclipse. To do so, you take out the eyepiece from a telescope and instead project the image onto a sheet of paper behind the telescope. By moving the sheet of paper back and forth, you can find the spot with the most focused image, according to Sky & Telescope . Pinhole camera: A pinhole or small opening is used to form an image of the sun on a screen placed about 3 feet (1 meter) behind the opening, according to Sky & Telescope . Binoculars or a small telescope mounted on a tripod can also be used to project a magnified image of the sun onto a white card. The farther away the card, the larger you can focus the image. Look for sunspots. Notice that the sun appears somewhat darker around its limb or edge. This method of solar viewing is safe so long as you remember not to look through the binoculars or telescope when they are pointed toward the sun; put another way, never look directly at the sun when any part of its blindingly bright surface is visible. Here's how to make your own pinhole eclipse viewer with materials you probably have at home. Pinhole mirror: A variation on the pinhole theme is the "pinhole mirror." Cover a pocket-mirror with a piece of paper that has a quarter-inch hole punched in it. Open a sun-facing window and place the covered mirror on the sunlit sill so it reflects a disk of light onto the far wall inside. The disk of light is an image of the sun's face. The farther away from the wall the better; the image will be only 1 inch across for every 9 feet (or 3 centimeters for every 3 m) from the mirror, according to Sky & Telescope . Modeling clay works well to hold the mirror in place. Experiment with different-size holes in the paper. Again, a large hole makes the image bright, but fuzzy, and a small one makes it dim but sharp. Darken the room as much as possible. Be sure to try this out beforehand to make sure the mirror's optical quality is good enough to project a clean, round image. Of course, don't let anyone look at the sun in the mirror. If you're around leafy trees, look at the shadow cast by them during the partial phases. What do you see? Is it worth a photograph? You will see scores of partially eclipsed suns projected through pinhole gaps between the leaves. This is caused by diffraction, a property of light. According to Vince Huegele , an optical physicist at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the light rays do not shoot straight by the rim of the gaps, or a pinhole, but bend around the edge. This wave effect creates a pattern of rings that resembles a bull's eye. Acceptable filters for unaided visual solar observations include aluminized Mylar. Some astronomy dealers carry Mylar filter material specially designed for solar observing. Also acceptable is shade 14 arc-welder's glass, available for just a few dollars at welding supply shops. Of course, it is always a good idea to test your filters and/or observing techniques before eclipse day. Unacceptable filters include sunglasses, old color film negatives, black-and-white film that contains no silver, photographic neutral-density filters and polarizing filters. These materials have very low visible-light transmittance levels, but they transmit an unacceptably high level of near-infrared radiation that can burn your retinas. The fact that the sun appears dim, or that you feel no discomfort when looking at the sun through these types of filters, is no guarantee that your eyes are safe. Sun features to look for during an eclipse NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare as seen in the bright flash in the upper left portion of the image on April 20, 2022. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares, and which is colorized in yellow. (Image credit: SDO/NASA) Sunspots: These relatively cool patches on the sun's surface appear dark. They will look like black spots on the disk of the sun, Teets said. These spots can be alone or in clusters of several. To see these spots, you will likely need a properly filtered telescope, as they are too small typically to view through your solar eclipse glasses. Prominences: If you are eclipse-viewing with a hydrogen-alpha solar telescope, you might catch a glimpse of more than sunspots. With this gear, you should be able to see prominences and the chromosphere, which is the second of the three layers of the sun's atmosphere. "Prominences are clouds of material lofted up from the sun, and they sometimes look like flames on the edge of the sun," Teets said. "If they happen to be present across the disk of the sun, they will appear like slightly darkened streaks." Chromosphere: With that same specialized telescope, you could also witness what might appear as undulating ruby gems dancing around the outer disk of the sun. That would be the chromosphere, the lower atmosphere of the sun that is about a million times less dense than Earth's atmosphere, according to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research . On typical days, the light from this atmospheric layer is drowned out by the much brighter photosphere underneath it, UCAR said. Corona: There is one time when you can safely look directly at the sun: during totality in a total eclipse, when the sun's disk is entirely covered. During those few precious seconds or minutes, the magnificent corona the outer atmosphere that lies just above the chromosphere shines forth in all its glory like a halo around the darkened sun a marvelous fringe of pearly white light. "It appears as a beautiful white wisp that completely encircles the sun," Teets told Live Science. It differs in size, in tints and patterns from eclipse to eclipse. It is always faint and delicate, with a sheen like a pale aurora. Sometimes the corona appears as a soft continuous structure; at other times, long rays of it shoot out in three or four directions. The corona can also pop out from the disk in filmy petals and streamers. But when the sun begins to emerge into view again, the corona quickly disappears and you'll need to protect your eyes once again. Additional resources UCAR has a great compilation of sun and solar eclipse resources, along with some instructions for teaching activities. If you're interested in photographing an eclipse, this Nikon guide provides instructions for how to do that for different types of solar eclipses. The phrase five states of matter is a term to describe everything that makes up the "stuff" in the universe anything that takes up space and has mass is matter. But that phrase is actually outdated, as there are many more states of matter than that. Four of these occur naturally, while others are only made fleetingly in the lab, under extreme conditions. All matter is made up of atoms , which are in turn made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. Atoms come together to form molecules, which are the building blocks for all types of matter, according to Washington State University . Both atoms and molecules are held together by a form of potential energy called chemical energy, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Related: How many atoms are in the observable universe? The four natural states of matter are: Solids, liquids, gases and plasma. Bose-Einstein condensates, however, are only made in the lab. Other exotic states of matter can also be manufactured under extreme conditions in a lab, such as fermionic condensates and time crystals. There's even a strange type of matter, known as a chain-melted state, that stably exists as both a solid and liquid at once. Solids, liquids and gas In a solid , particles are packed tightly together so they don't move much. The electrons of each atom are constantly in motion, so the atoms have a small vibration, but they are fixed in their position. Because of this, particles in a solid have very low kinetic energy. Solids have a definite shape, as well as mass and volume, and do not conform to the shape of the container in which they are placed. Solids also have a high density, meaning that the particles are tightly packed together. In a liquid, the particles are more loosely packed than in a solid and are able to flow around each other, giving the liquid an indefinite shape. Therefore, the liquid will conform to the shape of its container. Much like solids, liquids (most of which have a lower density than solids) are incredibly difficult to compress. In a gas, the particles have a great deal of space between them and have high kinetic energy. A gas has no definite shape or volume. If unconfined, the particles of a gas will spread out indefinitely; if confined, the gas will expand to fill its container. When a gas is put under pressure by reducing the volume of the container, the space between particles is reduced and the gas is compressed, according to NASA's Glenn Research Center. An illustration of the arrangement of molecules in a solid, liquid and gas. (Image credit: Getty Images) Plasma Plasma is not a common state of matter here on Earth, but it may be the most common state of matter in the universe, according to the Jefferson Laboratory . Stars like the sun are essentially superheated balls of plasma. Plasma consists of highly charged particles with extremely high kinetic energy. The noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon and radon) are often used to make glowing signs by using electricity to ionize them to the plasma state. Bose-Einstein condensate The velocity-distribution data for gaseous rubidium atoms which confirmed the discovery of the BoseEinstein condensate in 1995. BECs are a strange, lab-made form of matter in which thousands of separate atoms seem to act as one "super atom." (Image credit: NIST/JILA/CU-Boulder) A BEC was first created by scientists in 1995. Using a combination of lasers and magnets , Eric Cornell and Carl Weiman, scientists at the Joint Institute for Lab Astrophysics (JILA) in Boulder, Colorado, cooled a sample of rubidium to within a few degrees of absolute zero. At this extremely low temperature, molecular motion comes very close to stopping. Since there is almost no kinetic energy being transferred from one atom to another, the atoms begin to clump together. There are no longer thousands of separate atoms, just one "super atom." BECs are used to study quantum mechanics on a macroscopic level. Light appears to slow down as it passes through a BEC, allowing scientists to study the particle/wave paradox. A BEC also has many of the properties of a superfluid , or a fluid that flows without friction . BECs are also used to simulate conditions that might exist in black holes. New states of matter Many other states of matter have been created under extreme or exotic conditions. For instance, in May 2023, scientists created a "bosonic correlated insulator," or a symmetric crystalline state with a neutral charge. In 2021, scientists smooshed water to ultrahigh pressures and blasted it with lasers to create "superionic ice," or a strange new form of H20 similar to a solid oxygen lattice sitting in an ocean of floating hydrogen atoms. That same year, research published in the journal PNAS revealed that during the transformation between the state of liquid and solid, glass becomes a new state of matter referred to as liquid glass. A diagram of the position and orientation of ellipsoidal particles in clusters of a liquid glass. (Image credit: Research groups of Professor Andreas Zumbusch and Professor Matthias Fuchs) On a microscopic level, liquid glass is somewhere between a solid and a gel-like substance called a colloid a mixture of particles that are larger than a single atom or molecule. When a substance transforms from a liquid to a solid, molecules are arranged in a crystalline structure for glass, this doesnt happen and particles are frozen in place before crystallisation occurs. The particles in liquid glass however -are more flexible than solid glass, but can not rotate, according to the researchers. "Our experiments provide the kind of evidence for the interplay between critical fluctuations and glassy arrest that the scientific community has been after for quite some time," senior author of the study and Professor of Soft Condensed Matter Theory at the University of Konstanz Matthias Fuchs, said in a statement. Related: How do you weigh an atom? Scientists created a time crystal, a new phase of matter, inside Google's Sycamore quantum computing chip, which is kept cool inside their quantum cryostat. (Image credit: Eric Lucero/Google, Inc.) Time crystals are a form of matter that were first proposed in 2012 by Nobel-prize winning physicist Frank Wilczek. Time crystals are made in the lab and have the ability to cycle between two states of energy without ever losing energy. Because they don't reach equilibrium or a steady state, they are able to dodge the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the disorder, or entropy, of a closed system, always increases. Time crystals were created in a lab in 2017 and in 2021, Google announced that it had made a time crystal in a quantum computer, and that the crystal had lasted for 100 seconds before the ephemeral state disintegrated. Fermionic condensates are another type of lab-made matter. A sister phase to the BEC, fermionic condensates were first created in 2004, according to NASA. Fermionic condensates are superfluids, meaning they can flow with no viscosity. Unlike BECs, they are made up of fermions, a type of matter that includes protons, neutrons and electrons with odd atomic numbers. Fermions normally like to be alone, but to create this matter phase, scientists have to coax them to pair up. To do this, scientists make the matter very, very cold. In the first experiment to demonstrate this oddball phase, described in a 2003 study in the journal Physical Review Letters, scientists at JILA in Boulder, Colorado cooled a cloud of half a million potassium-40 atoms to less than a millionth of a degree above absolute zero, then applied a magnetic field to them. This forced the potassium atoms to pair up, creating a state akin to superconductivity that occurs in electron pairs. How states of matter change Adding or removing energy from matter causes a physical change as matter moves from one state to another. For example, adding thermal energy (heat) to liquid water causes it to become steam or vapor (a gas). And removing energy from liquid water causes it to become ice (a solid). Physical changes can also be caused by motion and pressure, according to the Abridged Science for High School Students by H.Messel. Melting and freezing When heat is applied to a solid, its particles begin to vibrate faster and move farther apart. When the substance reaches a certain combination of temperature and pressure, its melting point, the solid will begin to melt and turn into a liquid. Most liquids contract when they freeze but water expands, making it less dense when it becomes ice. This unique characteristic allows ice to float in water, like this massive iceberg in Antarctica. (Image credit: NASA/Operation Icebridge) When two states of matter, such as solid and liquid, are at the equilibrium temperature and pressure, additional heat added into the system will not cause the overall temperature of the substance to increase until the entire sample reaches the same physical state, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. For example, when you put ice into a glass of water and leave it out at room temperature, the ice and water will eventually come to the same temperature. As the ice melts from heat coming from the water, it will remain at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) until the entire ice cube melts before continuing to warm. When heat is removed from a liquid, its particles slow down and begin to settle in one location within the substance. When the substance reaches a cool enough temperature at a certain pressure, the freezing point, the liquid becomes a solid. Sublimation When a solid is converted directly into a gas without going through a liquid phase, the process is known as sublimation. This may occur either when the temperature of the sample is rapidly increased beyond the boiling point (flash vaporization) or when a substance is "freeze-dried" by cooling it under vacuum conditions so that the water in the substance undergoes sublimation and is removed from the sample, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A few volatile substances will undergo sublimation at room temperature and pressure, such as frozen carbon dioxide, or dry ice . Dry ice or solid carbon dioxide sublimates from a solid to a gas at temperatures of around -109.3F (-78.5 C). (Image credit: Getty Images) Vaporization Vaporization is the conversion of a liquid to a gas and can occur through either evaporation or boiling , according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. Because the particles of a liquid are in constant motion, they frequently collide with each other. Each collision also causes energy to be transferred, and when enough energy is transferred to particles near the surface they may be knocked completely away from the sample as free gas particles. Liquids cool as they evaporate because the energy transferred to surface molecules, which causes their escape, gets carried away with them. Liquid boils when enough heat is added to a liquid to cause vapor bubbles to form below the surface. This boiling point is the temperature and pressure at which a liquid becomes a gas. Condensation and deposition Condensation occurs when a gas loses energy and comes together to form a liquid, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. For example, water vapor condenses into liquid water, known as its dew point . Deposition occurs when a gas transforms directly into a solid, without going through the liquid phase. Water vapor becomes ice or frost when the air touching a solid, such as a blade of grass, is cooler than the rest of the air. Additional resources This article was updated on Oct. 20, 2022 by Tia Ghose. The ex-president has expressed his openness to temporarily replacing Kevin McCarthy in the top US legislative post. If he were to become Speaker, he would likely be able to unite the Republican Party and get them to work together on legislation that would be beneficial to the economy. Trump is a businessman, and he has a good understanding of what businesses need to thrive. If he were to become Speaker, he would likely focus on legislation that would reduce taxes and regulations for businesses. This could lead to increased investment and job creation, which would boost the economy and lift stocks. Trump is a skilled negotiator. If he were to become Speaker, he would likely be able to negotiate with Democrats to pass legislation that is beneficial to both parties. This could lead to increased cooperation and compromise, which would create a more stable political environment. This could also boost confidence among investors and lift stocks. Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed his willingness to take the gavel as speaker of the House of Representatives on an interim basis, filling the powerful post until Republican lawmakers can agree on the partys long-term legislative leader. Here are some specific ways in which Donald Trump could have an impact as Speaker of the House: He could set the legislative agenda: The Speaker of the House has a significant amount of power to set the legislative agenda. Trump could use this power to advance his own priorities, such as tax cuts, deregulation, and increased military spending. The Speaker of the House has a significant amount of power to set the legislative agenda. Trump could use this power to advance his own priorities, such as tax cuts, deregulation, and increased military spending. He could control the flow of legislation: The Speaker of the House also has a significant amount of power to control the flow of legislation. Trump could use this power to block legislation that he opposes or to delay legislation that he wants to amend. The Speaker of the House also has a significant amount of power to control the flow of legislation. Trump could use this power to block legislation that he opposes or to delay legislation that he wants to amend. He could use his bully pulpit: The Speaker of the House has a powerful bully pulpit that he can use to influence public opinion and to rally support for his agenda. Trump could use this bully pulpit to attack his opponents and to promote his own policies. Of course, Trumps impact as Speaker of the House would also be limited in some ways. For example, he would still need to work with other members of Congress to pass legislation. He would also need to be mindful of the fact that he is not the President and that he does not have the same level of power. Trump told Fox News Digital on Thursday that he would fill the speaker role temporarily if needed. I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress, he said. If they dont get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president. Lawmakers are expected to vote next week on a replacement for Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted on Tuesday in the first such removal of a House speaker in US history. Choosing Trump would put the former president in charge of the legislative agenda in the Republican-controlled chamber, even as he polls as the leading candidate for the partys 2024 presidential nomination. The former president made his comments amid multiple media reports suggesting that he was plotting a visit to Washington next week to meet with Republican legislators and potentially throw his hat in the ring for the speakership. Politico and other media outlets reported on Thursday that Trump is expected to make a stop in Washington on Tuesday, in between his presidential campaign events scheduled for Monday in New Hampshire and Wednesday in Florida. The US has never had a House speaker who was not also an elected representative in the lower chamber of Congress, but the Constitution does not prohibit a non-member from holding the position. The speaker wields great influence in the US political system, determining which bills come up for votes and overseeing committee assignments. The role also includes being next in the line of succession to the presidency should the vice president be unable to replace an ousted or incapacitated commander-in-chief. Trump fanned the flames of speculation on Wednesday, sharing social media posts supporting him for the role of House speaker. One of the posts showed a doctored photo of him standing in front of the speakers chair and holding the gavel. The former president told Fox that he was not seeking to be elected House speaker, but he was open to filling the role for 30 to 90 days, giving Republican lawmakers time to reach a consensus on a long-term replacement for McCarthy. Representatives Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) have announced their bids for the position. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in a New York City courthouse, Trump was asked about possibly replacing McCarthy. A lot of people have been calling me about [the] speaker, he said. All I can say is we will do whatever is best for the country and for the Republican Party. He added that hes focused on running for president. Shayne Heffernan Xcel Energy will host open houses next week in the Chippewa Valley as it looks to gather public input for a proposed transmission expansion project, according to a press release. The proposed project, which is in its early stages, is expected to begin at an existing substation near Blair, proceed along an existing transmission corridor toward Eau Claire and end at a new substation, the release says. The new substation would connect to an existing transmission line near Owen or Sheldon, depending on the route. Open houses are planned for the following times: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Wissota Lodge and Conference Center in Chippewa Falls. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Stanley Community Center in Stanley. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the 29 Pines Conference Center in Eau Claire. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Lake Holcombe city hall. A virtual open house will also be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 16 via a link posted at WWTConnection.com. Xcel hopes to file a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission by the middle of next year. The final selection of routes will be determined in collaboration with local landowners, governments and other key stakeholders, the release says, and Xcel plans to propose two route options for review and approval by the PSCW. For additional information and questions about the project, please visit WWTConnection.com or email project staff at WWTConnection@xcelenergy.com. 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. A homeless man has appeared in court charged in connection to an alleged violent incident at an asylum seeker hostel in Longford town. Walid Bouskia (33), of no fixed abode, came before a sitting of Longford District Court last Tuesday charged with the possession of a knife on September 18 at Richmond Court, Richmond Street, Longford. Mr Bouskia, who is in custody, was also charged with alleged threatening and abusive behaviour, Main Street, Longford on July 15, 2023. The accused, who sat motionless in the custody suite of the court for much of last weeks brief hearing, was also charged with the possession of a knife at Aldi, Athlone Road, Longford on May 25 this year. On the same date, Mr Bouskia was charged with theft from the supermarket giant. Three days earlier, Mr Bouskia allegedly entered the same store and stole three bottles of Jameson, which resulted in a further theft charge being issued against him. The accused was further charged with the theft of Jameson whiskey, this time from Tesco in Longford town on April 21. The court was told a report in relation to Mr Bouskias medical well being was not yet fully completed with Judge Bernadette Owens indicating a further remand was required in order for that report to be completed. Defence solicitor Frank Gearty also stated his client had sustained a severe brain trauma in the past and was a factor the court should consider. Judge Owens was also told directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were still outstanding. The case was adjourned until October 10 next with Mr Bouskia remanded in custody until such time. A man who twice went to the state Capitol with a gun Wednesday looking for Gov. Tony Evers remained in custody Friday and was undergoing a psychiatric evaluation and could be subject to additional charges, a state official said. Joshua Pleasnick was arrested for openly carrying a firearm at the Capitol after he showed up shirtless and with his dog demanding to see Gov. Tony Evers at about 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to state Department of Administration spokesperson Tatyana Warrick. Evers was not in the Capitol at the time. The 43-year-old had a holstered handgun and said he would not leave until he saw Governor Evers so he could talk about domestic abuse towards men, Capitol police said in a bulletin sent to lawmakers and their staffs. Dane County Sheriffs Office Sgt. Jon Klein said Pleasnick was booked into the county jail at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday on a tentative misdemeanor charge then released on a $500 bond at 8 p.m. He then went back to the Capitol shortly before 9 p.m., three hours after the building closed, with a loaded assault-style rifle and a collapsible police baton in his backpack, Warrick said. He was not able to go into the building but again demanded to see the governor and was taken into custody. While people with concealed-carry permits can bring their concealed weapons into the Capitol, openly carrying a firearm is prohibited. Pleasnick does not have a concealed-carry permit, according to Warrick. There is no law against openly carrying a firearm on the Capitol grounds, but Warrick said he will likely be charged for carrying the baton without a concealed-carry permit. As of Friday afternoon, no formal charges against Pleasnick, who does not have a criminal record in Wisconsin, had been referred to the Dane County District Attorneys office, DA Ismael Ozanne said. It wasnt clear Friday afternoon whether Pleasnick had been subject to any conditions of his bond in the first arrest that would have prohibited him from having firearms or being at the Capitol. Warrick said Pleasnicks dog was turned over to the Madison and Dane County animal control office after the first arrest and was not with him when he returned to the Capitol later. She said he did not violate any Capitol rules on attire by entering the Capitol without a shirt on. Evers, a Democrat, told Wisconsin Watch on Friday that he had no plans to further restrict access to the Capitol in the wake of Wednesdays incidents. There are no metal detectors or other security screenings required to enter the building, which is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Evers approach was the right one, tweeting that, The Capitol Police did their job, and we should not restrict the ability of the public to access their elected officials and the State Capitol beyond what we do now. Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices are renewing their partnership to help upskill Irish SMEs by launching the 2023 Youre The Business competition. This initiative will reward businesses across Ireland that have demonstrated a commitment to digital at different stages of their journey, from those who have launched a website through to those who are just starting to export. SMEs will be invited to submit a video no longer than two minutes in duration detailing what their business means to them as well as an example of how they have used digital to enhance their business. Entries are open now until October 31. The successful SMEs selected by a panel of established judges, will receive a digital support package from Google which includes a 1,000 Google ads package as well as expert mentorship across a range of technical areas that will help them to develop their business. An additional prize of a video creation kit will also be awarded to one SME that has demonstrated great efforts in promoting their business online. Cera Ward (pictured), Managing Director at Google Ireland said: We are so excited to launch this years competition and look forward to learning about more SMEs, their challenges, and digital ambitions. Google wants to support these companies as they take their next steps on their digital journey. Entries are open now with further information on the Youre the Business competition available at: g.co/yourethebusiness E. C. Gearty & Company Solicitors have been providing legal services in County Longford and beyond since the late 1980s. The company was founded by the late Enda Gearty, Solicitor, father of Managing Partner Frank Gearty. Frank Gearty became principal of the firm in 2001. Frank is supported by his partners Sandra Carroll who joined the firm in 2002 and Lorcan Gearty in 2010. The partners are absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of Lisa Duffy as partner to the firm. They believe Lisas appointment as partner will lead to further continued growth of the firm. The firm is also supported by Michelle Reynolds Solicitor, who is a vital member of the team, and 7 excellent support staff who have provided many years of service and loyalty to the firm some of whom have been working for the company in excess of 40 years. The Solicitors in the firm were all born and raised in County Longford or adjoining County Westmeath. Together they have a unique connection with Longford and provide a wide range of legal services ranging from Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Licencing, Conveyancing to include agricultural property transactions, voluntary transfers of property, remortgaging of property, purchase and sale of residential and commercial properties, drafting of Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, highly skilled Court presentation and defence, through to highly specialised work in the area of Public and Political Administration. E.C. Gearty & Co. provide extensive legal services to Longford and Leitrim County Councils and a number of other large public institutions in our region. E.C. Gearty & Co. prosecute complex environmental and planning cases throughout the region and maintain an extensive list of Court Representation services in all Courts. E.C. Gearty & Co. are dedicated to providing excellent service to the community in Longford. The firm has a strong reputation and has an excellent working relationship with the other legal practitioners in County Longford and further afield. ************************ Frank Gearty Frank Gearty, Principal, qualified in 1980 and has practised as a solicitor in Longford ever since. He is a prominent and highly regarded District and Circuit Court Practitioner. He has been involved in many high profile serious local and national legal cases over the years. He has extensive experience in Public and Political Administrative Law. He is Deputy Coroner for County Longford and is also actively involved in numerous important community organisations within the county. He serves as chairperson on the Board of Management of the largest primary school in County Longford St. Josephs NS, Longford. ************************ Sandra Carroll Sandra graduated from University College Dublin with an Honours Degree in Business and Law in 1997. Following her qualification as a Solicitor she joined E.C. Gearty & Co. in 2002. Sandra practices in Local Authority Law to include Judicial Review Litigation, Injunction cases, Compulsory Purchase Orders and Commercial Conveyancing for social housing schemes. She also practices in the areas of Personal Injury Law, Family Law Divorce and Criminal Law. If Sandra can assist you with any matter, please contact Sandra at scarroll@ecgearty.ie ***************** Lorcan Gearty Lorcan graduated from NUI Galway with BA Honours Degree in Legal Science and Maths in 2006. He subsequently completed a postgraduate LLB and LLM in Public Law in 2008. Lorcan completed his traineeship with E. C. Gearty & Co. in 2012 and was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors. He is part of the extensive Wills, Probate and Conveyancing Department in the firm but is also a regular Court practitioner, particularly in Civil and Debt Recovery matters. Lorcan will reply promptly to any queries by phone or email lgearty@ecgearty.ie ******** Lisa Duffy Lisa graduated from NUI Galway with an Honours Degree in Corporate Law in 2007. After completing her training in a Dublin based firm, she was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2012. Lisa joined the team at E.C. Gearty & Co in 2019. Lisa is part of the extensive Wills, Probate and Conveyancing Department dealing with estate planning, estate administration, Enduring Powers of Attorney and all property transactions. She also practices in the area of Divorce and Separation. If Lisa can assist you with any matter, please contact Lisa at lduffy@ecgearty.ie. ********* Michelle Reynolds Michelle joined E.C. Gearty & Co. in 2015 as a legal secretary where she dealt mainly with Criminal and Family law. Through this work and encouragement from work colleagues Michelle went on to train as a Solicitor and was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in early 2022. Michelle also completed a Certificate in Agribusiness and Food Law in 2020. Michelle carries out work in our Wills, Probate and Conveyancing department but her core area of focus is Criminal Law and representation at Garda Stations. If Michelle can assist you with any matter, please email mreynolds@ecgearty.ie. *Sponsored Content The Secret Salon in Longford opened it's doors in June of this year. It was opened by Yvonne Diffley, renowned local hair stylist. Yvonne has over 18 years of experience in the hair industry and has trained with the biggest brands in the industry and won numerous awards. Having completed her Colour Masters, Yvonne specialises in colour with a particular focus on blonde. Although she is highly experienced in all aspects of colour and cutting. The state of the art salon is located on Grafton Court, right in the town center, with ample parking nearby. The salon currently stocks some of the best brands on the market, including Italian brands Alfaparf Milano Colour and Milkshake haircare products, aswell as the highly innovative brands K18 and ColorWow. The products stocked in The Secret Salon have been hand picked by Yvonne to ensure the best quality products are available to her clients, to help maintain and protect the health of the clients hair. The salon offers an extensive list of services to cater for every clients need and occasion. The salon offers everything from simple styling to bridal hair, cutting services to suit every hair type and a wide variety of colour services. The Secret Salon works along side Daneka Wilson Makeup artist to offer hair and makeup services for all those special occasions. Just 3 months after opening its doors The Secret Salon has recently expanded its team. With the highly talented Senior Stylist Rebecca Healy joining the team. Rebecca comes with over 10 years of experience in the hairdressing industry both here in Ireland and abroad. Rebecca also has completed her Colour Masters and is excited to bring her expertise to the salon floor at The Secret Salon. Yvonne likes to keep at the forefront of what's new and exciting in the Industry, The Secret Salon has just launched their new online booking platform, in partnership with the Irish company Barespace. The booking system is user friendly and appointments can be made and managed in just a few easy steps. Yvonne and Rebecca are looking forward to the last few months of 2023. Appointments are filling up fast as they head into the busiest time of the year in the hairdressing industry. It is advisable to book in advance to secure an appointment in The Secret Salon. Book your appointment now: https://booking.barespace.app/thesecretsalon/ or call 085 781 1119. Follow us online: Instagram: @thesecretsalonlongford Facebook: Secret Salon Longford The Secret Salon 6 Midland Court, Longford, N39 D438 085 781 1119 *Sponsored Content Local News By Chris Boyle Published: October 06 2023 75,000 Square-Foot Facility Houses Cutting-Edge Engineering and Healthcare Education Programs. Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the completion of Hofstra Universitys $75 million energy-efficient Science and Innovation Center in Uniondale, Long Island. The new, 75,000-square-foot Center is a shared facility for the Hofstra/Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies and the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science. With this state-of-the-art facility, Hofstra University will provide students with a dynamic STEM education that will shape the next generation of scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals. Empire State Development supported this project with a $25 million capital grant as part of the Transformative Investment Program funding allocated to Long Island and $2 million from the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. With the launch of Hofstra's Science and Innovation Center, we're not just creating a state-of-the-art facility, we're nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is committed to investing in the education and jobs of the future and ensuring that we prepare students for the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century. Hofstra University's Science and Innovation Center is a union-built, modern facility that fosters dynamic learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Center offers students immersive, hands-on experiences across STEM fields through features like a full medical and surgical simulation wing, clinical skills and patient care labs, and two simulated operating room spaces. The facility also houses expansive labs for computer architecture, robotics, bioengineering, virtual reality applications, and more. Students have access to advanced tools in spaces including a large makerspace, big data lab, and tissue culture facility to acquire research and innovation skills. This innovative facility will accelerate student success while also energizing workforce development in the region. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Hofstra Science and Innovation Center marks a pivotal moment in academia, where we are not just opening doors but building bridges to a brighter future by empowering students with real-world skills. The Center will have a profound impact as graduates emerge as highly capable leaders across STEM fields, ready to meet the evolving demands of our dynamic world with their fresh perspectives. By investing in hands-on, cross-disciplinary learning, we are ensuring the innovators solving tomorrow's greatest challenges begin their journey here." Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "As we celebrate the inauguration of Hofstra's Science and Innovation Center, we ignite a beacon of progress, illuminating the path toward an education and workforce ecosystem focused on innovation and adaptability. This Center will empower students to shape the future and drive positive change on Long Island and across the State." State Senator Kevin Thomas said, With historic funding from the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council and Governor Hochul, we are re-energizing Long Islands biotechnology, engineering, and healthcare industries. The new Science and Innovation Center at Hofstra University will attract talent from around the world and boost our local economy. I look forward to seeing watching their cutting-edge technology and research come to life. Assemblymember Taylor Darling said, Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment to Hofstra University's Science and Innovation Center demonstrates the profound importance of empowering our students and our tomorrow. This cutting-edge facility not only nurtures budding scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals but also fuels innovation, accelerates progress, and shapes leaders who will tackle the challenges of tomorrow. With state-of-the-art resources and unwavering support, New York is fostering a generation of pioneers, ensuring our state remains at the forefront of positive change in the fields of engineering, biotechnology, and medicine. Assemblymember Ed Ra said, Hofstra University's Science and Innovation Center is a testament to the power of investment in education and innovation, and most importantly in our students. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances the educational experience for students but also positions Long Island, and our state as a whole, as a hub for cutting-edge research and development." Hofstra President Susan Poser said, Hofstra University is excited to open the Science and Innovation Center, the newest and largest classroom and academic building on campus. This state-of-the-art facility with its high-tech, cutting-edge equipment, will offer the most up-to-date education and training for the engineers and nurses of tomorrow, helping to meet the workforce goals and economic growth of Long Island and New York State. LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Dr. John Nader, President of Farmingdale State College said, "The Science and Innovation Center represents the future of educationone where students don't just study concepts, but actively experience and engage them through hands-on learning. With this state-of-the-art facility, Hofstra is empowering the next generation of leaders who will shape the workforce with their talents across healthcare, engineering, technology, and research." Chair of the Hofstra Board of Trustees Donald Schaeffer said, "The Science and Innovation Center represents the future of educationone where students don't just study concepts, but actively experience and engage them through hands-on learning. With this state-of-the-art facility, Hofstra is empowering the next generation of leaders who will shape the workforce with their talents across healthcare, engineering, technology, and research." Dean of the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies Renee McLeod-Sordjan said, Our new learning space in the Science and Innovation Center is the embodiment of Michael Dowlings vision and the Hofstra Northwell partnership. It is a beacon of quality healthcare education for students studying medicine, nursing, cardiopulmonary perfusion, and physician assistant studies - leveraging the latest technology and the tremendous resources of the integrated Northwell Healths network of facilities, team members and mentors. Today we celebrate its opening, and we look forward to tomorrow where we can do the important work of saving and improving lives. Founding Dean of the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies Kathleen Gallo said, Its gratifying to see this idea creating a state-of-the-art nursing and PA learning facility come to life. Three years ago, when we started the undergraduate nursing program at Hofstra, we envisioned being able to bring the Northwell experience to campus and provide specialized hands-on simulation experiential learning. We leveraged the expertise at the Center for Learning and Innovation at Northwell as they have been the national leaders in this area for over two decades. Today, with that vision realized, Hofstra Northwell will be able to produce the most qualified nurses for the Northwell Health network or wherever they practice in the future. Im humbled to have played a part. Dean of the DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science Sina Rabbany said, This is more than just a building. It's a hub of possibilities fusing cutting-edge technology, academic excellence, and collaboration which is at the heart of innovation. Our engineering and computer science programs grow every year, and this facility will transform the way our students engage with course materials. As we prepare the next generation of scientists, builders, coders, and most importantly problem-solvers - giving them the best tools will produce the best results. Associate Professor of Engineering and Principal Investigator on the Grant Project Edward Currie said, To prepare todays students for tomorrows high-tech environment, we need the fastest and most sophisticated computer processing available. This isnt just about computer sciences this HPC cluster is vital for classroom instruction and research in STEM fields, including biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering. Hofstra Universitys Science and Innovation Center lays the foundation for graduates to emerge as pioneering leaders and innovators in diverse fields such as biotechnology, engineering, and healthcare. New York States investment energizes the regions 21st-century workforce to address the pressing challenges of our modern era. As science and technology continue accelerating to transform our world, New York is investing in its students to ensure they are at the forefront of positive change. With the State's support, the Center fosters a dynamic learning environment where New York's best young minds can gain the experience needed to meet pressing needs in engineering, biotech, medicine, and beyond. This transformative investment in education will pay dividends by cultivating New York's 21st-century workforce. Two Oyster Bay Men Arrested After Allegedly Caught Red-Handed with Garbage Bag Full of Other People's Mail Crime By Chris Boyle Published: October 06 2023 Defendants Joseph P. Cusick, 48, and William J. Glennerster, 47, are charged with eight counts of Petit Larceny and eight counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Second Squad Detectives report the arrests of two (2) Oyster Bay men for Petit Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property that occurred on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 4:00 am in Mill Neck. According to detectives, Brookville Police observed two (2) men in the vicinity of West Shore Road and Cleft Road. Mail theft has been an ongoing problem in the area. The officer stopped the individuals and questioned their conduct. The officer observed a black trash bag containing mail in close proximity of the two (2) men. Mail from 18 different residents was recovered. A thorough investigation was conducted. Joseph P. Cusick, 48, of 127 S. Street and William J. Glennerster, 47, of 127 S. Street were arrested without incident. Defendants Cusick and Glennerster are charged with eight (8) counts of Petit Larceny and eight (8) counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree. They were issued Appearance Tickets returnable on 10/27/2023 to First District Court, Hempstead. Djiboutian Forces have received 26 Land Cruisers from the US to help fight Shabaab in Beledweyne. Six army and police officers were killed in a Shabaab attack in Middle Shabelle. The federal government has confirmed the US military presence in Mogadishu. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. At least two suicide bombers launched attacks in the Libyan town of Qubba earlier today. Early casualty reports say that more than 40 people were killed. The attacks were quickly claimed by one of the Islamic States so-called provinces in Libya. The group posted pictures of two of the Caliphates knights and the aftermath of their bombings on Twitter. The Islamic States province says the attacks were revenge for the spilling of Muslim blood in Derna, which has been bombed by Egyptian war planes. The Egyptian government launched the airstrikes in retaliation for the Islamic States mass beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians earlier this month. The nom de guerre used by one of the suicide bombers indicates that he was a Saudi. The other attacker was a Libyan. A photo of one of the terrorists can be seen above, and additional images from the Islamic States photo set are included at the end of this article. There is some confusion in the aftermath of the explosions, as some reports suggested more than two bombings were part of the operation. But at least two explosions are confirmed. According to the Associated Press, a Libyan army spokesman says that most of the casualties occurred when one of the terrorists rammed an explosives-packed ambulance into a gas station where motorists were lined up. Qubba is not far from the Libyan city of Derna, which is a known hotbed for jihadism. The Islamic States followers have a significant presence in Derna, but do not govern the entire city, as has been widely reported. Other jihadist groups, including the Abu Salim Martyrs Brigade (ASMB), continue to operate in Derna and control significant parts of the city. The Mujahideen Shura Council (MSC) in Derna, which was formed by the ASMB and is an alliance of jihadist groups, has denounced Egypts airstrikes as well. The jihadist coalition has released a statement and photos on its official Twitter feed that supposedly show the devastation done by the aerial campaign. The MSC and its constituent groups are among the Islamic States rivals in Libya. In addition to the bombings in Qubba, the Islamic States branch in Libya has launched a fresh round of attacks in the city of Sirte. As has become commonplace in Libya, a column of armed Islamic State trucks recently paraded through the city in a show of force. Similar parades have been held in Derna and Nawfaliyah, a town the Islamic States followers claimed to have captured, at least temporarily. The jihadists have reportedly seized control of a university in Sirte, as well as other buildings and facilities. Photos posted by the Islamic States branch in Libya showing todays suicide bombers and the aftermath of their attacks. Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. In September 2023, Somalia suffered the most suicide bombings (and attempts) in a single month since Shabaab began utilizing the tactic in 2006. At least 14 attempted and successful suicide bombings were reported in September, accounting for the single highest monthly total for deployed suicide bombers in Somalia in seventeen years. Somali officials managed to thwart three suicide bombing attempts. All but one of the successful suicide bombings used suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs), or suicide car bombs, with just one instance of an explosive vest or belt. The tactic was used in a multitude of ways, including as part of wider assaults, attempted assassinations, and as part of terror attacks against civilians. And roughly half took place in central Somalia, the current scene of the heaviest fighting against Shabaab. All but two of the suicide bombings were targeting either the Somali government and officials, Somali troops, or Somali civilians themselves. The additional two suicide bombings targeted Ethiopian troops in two separate convoys in southern Somalia. At least 70 people were killed in these suicide bombings, though this number represents a conservative estimate and the realistic number is likely much higher. Somali and Ethiopian officials have downplayed or obfuscated fatality numbers for several of the blasts, making it challenging to record accurate numbers. Explaining this record high is likely a two-fold answer. First, though sporadic clashes and battles continue in central Somalia, the large-scale counter-offensive against Shabaab does not carry the same momentum it once did. This has allowed space for Shabaab to reconsolidate its forces and have a degree of freedom of movement, which Shabaab has exploited to deploy suicide bombers. Particularly, it has used this degree of freedom of movement to try to strike back at those in charge of the fight against it. For instance, on at least four separate occasions in September, Shabaab took advantage of this relative security lapse to try to assassinate both regional political leaders and the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is currently based in central Somalia overseeing the offensive against Shabaab. Second, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) began its second phase of its withdrawal in September. An additional 3,000 troops are scheduled to leave Somalia. Taking the initiative, Shabaab has been more aggressive in its attacks and have attempted to capitalize on the ATMIS drawdown. Somalia, and several ATMIS members, have thus attempted to stymie Shabaabs plans by requesting a pause on the withdrawal. The African Union itself has also backed this initiative. But taken together, weakened security conditions, matched by a Shabaab bent on striking back hard against Somalia and its allies, allowed for the al-Qaeda branch to double down on its suicide bombing tactic. That Shabaab was able to deploy so many stands as a reflection of both its remaining force projection capabilities and its withstanding indoctrination ability to recruit so many individuals to its suicide bombing program. Shabaabs suicide bombing campaign FDDs Long War Journal has collated data on all of Shabaabs suicide bombings since 2006, using both open source news reports and claims from Shabaab itself. Shabaab has utilized at least 411 individual suicide bombers in at least 341 separate operations in this timeframe, including 36 failed or thwarted attempts. It is possible, if not likely, these numbers are higher as some incidents were undoubtedly left unreported or unclaimed. A little over 3,000 people have been killed by Shabaabs suicide bombers, which is again a conversative estimate. It is possible, if not likely, this number is much higher in reality. The single most deadly suicide bombing remains the Oct. 14, 2017 suicide bombing in Mogadishu, which killed at least 587 people. This attack also represents one of the worst terrorist bombings in world history. Unsurprisingly, the overwhelming majority of its suicide bombings have taken place inside most areas of Somalia. However, it was successful in conducting suicide bombings in both Uganda and Djibouti, while Ethiopia and Kenya managed to thwart several additional attempts. It has also conducted at least four separate suicide bombings inside territory claimed or controlled by Somaliland, an independent territory that broke away from Somalia in 1991. Much like with the suicide bombings in Sept. 2023, Shabaab has used suicide bombers over the last seventeen years in a multitude of ways. This again includes as part of wider assaults on military bases, hotels, or government installations, attempted or successful assassinations, and as part of terror attacks against civilians. The overwhelming majority have also been SVBIEDs, with a smaller percentage being explosive vests/belts. Only five suicide bombings have employed three-wheeled motorcycles, or tuk-tuks, and one was the result of a laptop bomb on a plane. Roughly nine attempted or successful suicide bombings have been carried out by women, though the relative lack of reporting on a bombers specific gender makes this number harder to verify. Shabaabs suicide bombing campaign thus represents the largest, and most robust, of al-Qaedas global branches. Even further, Shabaab currently stands as one of the worlds worst offenders of suicide terrorism. And with the group still currently vying for power in Somalia so far withstanding major offensives against it these numbers will continue to rise. Caleb Weiss is an editor of FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. The global SASE market size is projected to grow from $1.9 billion in 2023 to $5.9 billion by 2028, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets Research. What is SASE though? Well, when I think of SASE, I think of it simplifying and streamlining connectivity while providing robust security measures. To be more specific, though, SASE is a cloud-based network security and connectivity framework that combines WAN capabilities with security services. It aims to simplify and secure the modern enterprise network by shifting the focus from traditional hardware-based network security models to a software-defined approach. SASE integrates features such as firewall-as-a-service, secure web gateways, data loss prevention and zero-trust network access into a single, cohesive platform delivered from the cloud. This convergence of networking and security services allows organizations to provide secure and scalable access to applications and resources for remote and branch office users while reducing complexity and enhancing overall network performance and security. Still, there is this mysterious aura around SASE. Vikram Phatak, CEO of CyberRatings.org, describes it well. Cybersecurity is a black box. SASE is a black box in a black box. Nobody really knows if its working, said Phatak. To increase market confidence, CyberRatings, dedicated to providing confidence in cybersecurity products and services through its research and testing programs, and MEF (News - Alert), a global industry association of network, cloud, security and technology providers accelerating enterprise digital transformation, announced the kick-off of its beta program for certification of SASE products and services. The SASE certification program, developed in alignment with CyberRatings' methodologies and testing protocols, is set to provide evaluations of the effectiveness of SD-WAN, SSE Threat Protection, ZTNA and SASE products and services. This certification program will ensure adherence to the MEF SD-WAN standard and introduce pioneering standards for SASE (MEF 117) and Zero Trust (MEF 118) within the industry. And, including certified SASE services as part of a providers NaaS offerings, this means enterprises can evaluate the effectiveness of their cybersecurity solution. "MEF's SASE certification program represents a significant step toward enhancing market confidence in cybersecurity products and services, said Nan Chen, President of MEF. This beta program, with participation from MEFs TAB and the support of our Board of Directors, underscores our commitment to delivering trusted, standardized solutions that empower enterprises on their digital transformation journey." Participants in the beta program include MEF Technology Advisory Board member companies Cisco, Fortinet, Juniper Networks, Palo Alto (News - Alert) Networks, Versa Networks and VMware. As Chen said, the SASE certification program is supported by MEFs Board of Directors which includes senior executives from AT&T Business, Colt Technology Services, Comcast Business, Liberty Latin America, Lumen, Microsoft, PCCW Global, Orange (News - Alert), Sparkle and Verizon Business. Following the anticipated completion of the beta program later this year, certification will become accessible to the broader MEF membership in the first half of 2024. Edited by Alex Passett If youre a spoon and 2L tub kind of person who can shovel the ice cream back, you wont believe your eyes at the gigantic 10-scoop ice cream in Coro! The only negative about this would be trying to slurp it up before it melts. Von Allan, an Ottawa-based cartoonist and comics creator, will be exhibiting artwork from his ongoing comic book and graphic novel series Wolfs Head at the Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) in Ottawas historic Arts Court building. The exhibit will run from September 22nd through to October 20th and will take advantage of DARCs 2.13m (7ft) LED display. Rather than being a static display of artwork from Wolfs Head, the artwork presented at the exhibition will be animated, transforming Wolfs Head into a unique and altogether different format that readers of the series have never experienced before. Presenting artwork from the Wolfs Head for the LED exhibit was a wonderful opportunity to experiment and play with artwork from the series, said Allan. It gave me a chance to not only animate some of the characters and sequences from the story, but also to recombine my art in a way that is very different than its original presentation in graphic novel form. That part was exciting, but also a challenge: could I reconstruct disparate elements from the story, present it to viewers of the LED display, and still create a narrative flow? That took some thinking and experimenting, but Im really pleased with the result. I think it will give viewers a chance to see my comics in a unique way. The LED display is different than the normal experience of reading comics and I think the reaction of passersby will be fascinating to see. And, of course, the sheer size of the LED display is a big part of the whole experience; no one, including me, has ever seen my art presented that big. Wolfs Head features Lauren Greene, a young woman who quits her job as a police officer in Metro Detroit after becoming frustrated with growing police violence. At the same time as Lauren is quitting, a secretive corporation across town has managed to create a seemingly perfect AI for war and profit; however, before the corporation can use the AI, Laurens mother, Patty, a janitor at the corporation accidentally finds it. Patty is literally the kindest person the new lifeform has ever met and, as a result, it bonds to her, rejects its purpose and creators, and orchestrates a huge accident to cover an escape. Patty, overwhelmed, asks her daughter Lauren for help. Despite being broke and a bit lost herself, Lauren agrees to help; two humans, an AI, and a dog versus a warmongering corporation. One truly unique aspect of the exhibit is that its presented without sound, added Allan. And so I had to be sure that all of my artwork and storytelling could be followed without sound. In a way, adapting my art to the digital format felt like a bit like it mustve felt for artists adapting work for the old Silent Film Era. As part of that adaptation, I also got to experiment with the use of intertitles to help connect various aspects of the narrative. In a way, Im familiar with the idea of intertitles; comics and graphic novels often use words to do exactly this when it comes to panel and scene transitions. But, doing it for the LED exhibit meant that I had to be careful about the number of words used and the amount of time each sentence would show on the screen. The project was a really fun challenge and Im thrilled to be able to see it on display. About Von Allan: Von Allan was born red-headed and freckled in Arnprior, Ontario, just in time for Star Wars: A New Hope. The single child of two loving but troubled parents, Von split his childhood between their two homes. Additional information about Von Allan can be found at https://www.vonallan.com/ . Von was featured in I Am Still Your Child, a documentary film ( http://iamstillyourchild.com/ ); was the recipient of the Corel Endowment Fund for the Arts Award in 2014 and the CBC Trailblazer Award in 2019; and was a finalist for the 2020 Peter Honeywell Mid-Career Artist Award. Von also received two separate rounds of grant funding for Wolfs Head from the City of Ottawa (a $4,000.00 grant in 2020 along with an additional $4,000.00 grant in 2022, both in the Literary Arts English category). About Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC): Digital Arts Resource Centre (formerly SAW Video) is a not-for-profit, artist-run media art centre that fosters the growth and development of artists through access to equipment, training, mentorship, and programming. Our mission is to support a diverse community of media artists empowered by technology, programming, and the exchange of ideas. Our core principles are independence of expression, affordable access to all, and paying artists for their work. Digital Arts Resource Centre values diversity and actively promotes equity for all artists regardless of race, age, class, gender, sexual orientation, language, or ability. The Digital Arts Resource Centre is located at 67 Nicholas Street. Additional information about DARC can be found at https://digitalartsresourcecentre.ca/ Spanish police have seized 74 tonnes of stolen olives in the southern province of Seville, the latest theft triggered by soaring prices caused by a dwindling harvest. Twelve people were arrested in the town of Pilas for their suspected involvement in the theft and trading of the olives, police said in a statement on Friday. Spain is the world's largest producer of olives and olive oil. Heatwaves when the olive trees were flowering and a severe drought have caused a plunge in production, driving up prices. A similar harvest is expected in 2024, according to estimates. Police have also detected thefts of olive oil. Some 6,000 litres of extra virgin olive oil were stolen in late September from olive oil producer Terraverne, which operates in Teba, a small village in Malaga province, and specialises in premium olive oil. The olive oil was already bottled for dispatch to customers, said spokesperson Laura Larrubia Nogales. "With the prices of olive oil, stealing oil is now like stealing jewellery," Larrubia Nogales said in a telephone interview. It was the first time they had suffered a robbery of this kind, she said. The thieves deactivated the security cameras and carried out the robbery at night, causing significant damage. The company has reinforced security measures, installing more alarms and perimeter cameras. Police were conducting night patrols near the site, Larrubia Nogales added. Marin Serrano El Lagar, an oil press in Carcabuey, Cordoba, had about 50,000 litres of olive oil stolen a few days later. The company declined to comment to Reuters on the incident. Dcoop, the largest olive oil cooperative in Spain and the country's second biggest olive oil producer, said none of its presses had suffered robberies. But "what is clear is that the prices increase the temptation," Dcoop said in a response to Reuters. The unemployment rate in the Philippines fell to a three-month low of 4.4 percent in August 2023 from 4.8 percent in July, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday. National statistician and civil registrar-general Dennis Mapa said in an online briefing the August unemployment rate was also lower than 5.3 percent recorded a year ago. This translated to about 468,000 fewer unemployed individuals in August, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In terms of magnitude, there were 2.21 million unemployed Filipinos aged 15 years and over in August 2023, Mapa said. It was also lower than the 2.27 million unemployed in July 2023 and 2.68 million a year ago, he said. The underemployment rate also fell from 14.7 percent in August 2022 and 15.9 percent in July 2023 to 11.7 percent in August this year. This was equivalent to 1.4 million fewer underemployed persons, particularly among those employed in the services and industry sectors. Underemployed persons are those who have expressed the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have an additional job, or to have a new job with longer hours of work. The number of employed persons aged 15 years and over in August 2023 increased to 48.07 million from 47.87 million a year earlier. This translated into 95.6 percent employment rate, higher than the reported employment rate in August 2022 and July 2023 at 94.7 percent and 95.2 percent, respectively. Total employment increased 203,000 in the agriculture and industry sectors. Mapa said the labor force participation rate (LFPR) in August reached 64.7 percent, lower than 66.1 percent a year ago, but higher than 60.1 percent in July 2023. NEDA underscored the Marcos administrations commitment to generating high-quality and high-paying job opportunities for workers. NEDA said that apart from the decline in underemployment, several other indicators pointed to an accompanying increase in the quality of employment, including the increase in wage and salary, and full-time employment, and the decline in vulnerable and part-time employment. However, much remains to be done as the number of middle- and high-skilled occupations decreased (-354,000), while low-skilled occupations increased (+551,000) compared to the previous year, NEDA said. NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government would continue its efforts to create better job opportunities for workers in the country. To raise the quality of employment further, the Marcos administration is committed to exerting all efforts to shape an attractive business climate for investors who have the resources needed to bring in high-quality and high-paying jobs, he said. Balisacan cited recent developments such as the Senates approval of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act and the launch of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032 that were expected to open greater opportunities for the Philippine labor market. Passed by the Senate of the Philippines after its third and final reading on Sept. 25, 2023, the PPP Act aims to establish a stable and predictable environment for collaboration between the public and private sectors by reducing transaction costs and improving the ease of doing business for PPPs. The NIASD 2023-2032, approved by the National Innovation Council chaired by the President on June 30, and launched on Sept. 27, 2023, contains strategies to improve innovation governance in the country, including capacitating innovation actors with the necessary resources and skills. The PPP Act is a welcome development for investors as it clarifies long-standing ambiguities that have hindered the implementation of several projects that are expected to create better job opportunities. Meanwhile, the NIASD will serve as the governments blueprint for establishing a dynamic innovation ecosystem, comprising a Filipino workforce equipped with 21st century skills to enhance their employability, said Balisacan. The Quezon City government is set to announce the winners of the first-ever Quezon City Green Awards today at Novotel Manila Araneta City. The city has received a total of 80 entries from barangays, Sangguniang Kabataan, youth-based organizations, and businesses for the Green and Resilient Award. These community green programs and projects only prove that the city and the community can work together towards a common goal: to create a sustainable, green, and liveable future for all, Mayor Joy Belmonte said. Launched in May, the Quezon City Green Awards: Search for Outstanding Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Action programs recognize and incentivize barangays, Sangguniang Kabataan, youth-based organizations, and businesses that implement innovative and inclusive programs on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Action. It has two categories Green Award and Resilient Award. The Green Award honors institutions that have made significant contributions in addressing climate change and advancing sustainable practices, while the Resiliency Award is given to initiatives that demonstrate resilience and preparedness in the face of natural and human-induced hazards. Quezon City is among the leading cities in the Philippines that pushes for climate justice. In 2019, the city declared a climate emergency which prompted the establishment of various climate solutions and the passage of landmark ordinances for the environment. QC is also the lone Philippine City member of the C40 Cities, a global network of mayors taking urgent action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive. An official of the China Power Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd. (CPECC) said the Philippines has a massive potential in renewable energy (RE) that can help accelerate the countrys clean energy goals. CPECC general manager Chen Jiping made this remark in his speech during the Philippine Renewable Energy Forum 2023 hosted by CPEEC, a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd, (Energy China) in Manila on Sept. 26. The Philippines is rich in wind and solar energy resources, the massive potential of which is to be unlocked, Chen said. The forum focused on advances in frontier technologies of the renewable energy sector, such as floating photovoltaic (FPV), energy storage technology, and smart microgrids. It also addressed major concerns and challenges renewable energy faces in the Philippines, including the application of FPV technology in marine environments, the application of offshore microgrid technology, and insurance solutions against extreme weather events. China-Philippine cooperation in clean energy has become an important part of the bilateral ties of both countries. CPECC, by actively leveraging its strengths as an industry leader in renewable energy construction, has provided Philippine companies with integrated solutions for investment and development of clean energy power projects. Being dedicated to advancing international production capacity cooperation, CPECC has been a part of the working towards a low-carbon energy transition in the Philippines, the Chinese company said in a news release on Wednesday. Over the past 10 years, under the Belt and Road initiative, CPECC has worked together with its Philippine partners and completed more than 30 design, consulting, and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) projects in the Philippines, which delivered tangible benefits to the locals, it added. In the future, Energy China hopes to initiate cooperation to create a community of shared future for mankind. Bangkok, ThailandIndian rescuers are searching for over 100 people missing in a flash flood caused by a glacial lake bursting its banks, a risk scientists warn is increasing with climate change. AFP explains what glacial lake outburst floods are and the risks they pose, particularly in parts of Asia: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water that has collected in former glacier beds. These lakes are formed by the retreat of glaciers, a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been turbocharged by the warmer temperatures of human-caused climate change. Glacier melt is often channelled into rivers, but ice or the build-up of debris can form what is effectively a natural dam, behind which a glacial lake builds. If these natural dams are breached, large quantities of water can be released suddenly from the lakes, causing devastating flooding. The natural dams holding back glacial lakes can be breached for a variety of reasons, explained Lauren Vargo, a glacier expert and scientist at the Antarctic Research Center in New Zealand. Causes include an avalanche of snow, or a landslide causing a wave in the lake, or overfilling of the lake from rain or the glacier melting, she told AFP. Sometimes the dam has been gradually degraded over time, or is ruptured by an event like an earthquake. The breaches are highly unpredictable, because they can be caused by so many different factors, she added. Climate change is driving the disappearance of glaciers, with half the Earths 215,000 glaciers projected to melt by the end of the century, even if warming can be capped at 1.5 degrees Celsius. The volume of glacial lakes has jumped by 50 percent in 30 years, according to a 2020 study based on satellite data. The more and larger lakes form, the greater the risk they pose to populations downstream. Climate change is not only driving the creation of glacial lakes, but also can produce the conditions that result in dam breaches. The flooding can be caused by glaciers melting or these big rainfall events, we know thats happening more because of climate change, said Vargo. The particular danger of GLOFs lies in their unpredictability. The probability of a lake releasing a GLOF is difficult to accurately quantify without detailed and localised studies, a study of the problem globally warned this year. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that 15 million people live within 50 kilometers of a glacial lake and within one kilometer of potential flooding from a breach. The risk was greatest in High Mountains Asia, an area that covers parts of 12 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and Nepal. That is partly because more people live closer to glacial lakes in the region than in other parts of the world, making warning times even shorter. But it also reflects the vulnerability of those populations, who may be poorer and less prepared to deal with the sudden arrival of catastrophic floodwaters. The most dangerous basins do not always host the most, or the largest, glacial lakes, the authors wrote. Rather it is the high number of people and the reduced capacity of those people to cope with disaster that plays a key role in determining overall GLOF danger. Thousands of people, for example, have been killed by glacier lake outburst floods in High Mountains Asia but only a handful in North Americas Pacific Northwest, even though that region has twice as many glacial lakes. Experts have called for more research on the risks posed by GLOFs, particularly in the Andean region, which remains comparatively understudied, but also for better preparedness. But then theres the larger part of what we can do in terms of reducing emissions, to try to slow down climate change and reduce the threats of this from growing even more, Vargo said. AFP We should stop acting like gullible clowns or errand boys for US imperialism in this part of the world Instead of the Philippines removing the floating barriers installed by Chinas coast guard, the Manila government should have requested the US to personally remove them. This is normal and just. First, it was the US that repeatedly insisted our country to align with them in their fight to isolate China in the region. According to US president Biden, the alliance between the two countries is ironclad. Second, aligning with the US is to defend American interest in the South China Sea, which incidentally, will serve to reinforce its hegemonistic position consistent with Obamas policy called pivot to Asia. This means the threat from China could entice he Philippines to align closer to the US and prevent China from becoming the dominant power in Asia, and for which the US often acts arbitrarily to enforce the conduct of its relations with other sovereign states in the region. Third, our reinforced ties with Taiwan was done at the instigation of the US, carried out gradually first by introducing the Visiting Forces Agreement leading to the revival of the US military bases in the country and countries in the region. Fourth, the success of the US in reviving its military bases, particularly in the Philippines, was followed after former President Marcos was removed by them after a tumultuous ouster by the CIA. Of course, the return of the bases was initially done by the son after he installed a lackey calling the reinvigorated agreement Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). When the son was elected President, he laid down the true intention of the US government for the country and for the region which was to formally reestablish the bases with the objective of isolating China from the rest of Southeast Asia. The US did not only establish six but added four more to make it 10, all facing the South China Sea. The US has to be reminded it was that country, together with our colonizer, Spain, that signed the agreement that ceded the Philippines to the US that today represents the disputed boundary in the South China Sea. The Philippines merely ratified that treaty including the Scarborough Shoal where three of our fishermen died as a result of the ramming by a commercial oil tanker. All modifications in that treaty including our ratification of UNCLOS came subsequent to that treaty. It was only after the US realized that China has become an existential threat to its own security did the US change its mind and demanded that Ayungin Shoal is part of our territorial waters. Before the issue about China cropped up, Ayungin Shoal was never contested by the US. In fact, before it gave up its military bases in 1991, Ayungin Shoal served as an extension of Subic Naval base where they could practice their aircraft for so-called bombing runs. It was only after it realized the strategic importance of Ayungin Shoal did the US induce us to claim the area even if it was outside the 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Chinas basis for claiming many of the islets in the South China Sea is the Nine-Dash Line demarcated by Taiwan long before Taiwan and PRC parted ways. The departure of the US in the Philippines in 1990 was sort of gratis et amore to given by the Philippines. The Nine-Dash Line claimed by China is being disputed by the Philippines as without any legal bases. The Permanent Arbitration Court where the case was lodged as a complaint, but China rejected the decision. Chinas rejection of the PACs jurisdiction is understandable. No state would submit itself to an international institution without its consent. Besides, UNCLOS does not give a state the exclusive jurisdiction and control over an archipelago like control over South China Sea. That would impede the freedom of navigation in the area. We should never take the stance a belligerent position in our conflict with Taiwan. It was the Philippines that demarcated those boundaries and must respect that. Remember that in this case, we merely supported the interest of the US to implement what is known as US proxy war in the South China Sea. We should bear in mind we are not at war with China and it is important to note it was the US that sought the return of the military bases in this country. Their return was done through chicanery as the bases should have been terminated in 1991. The US created an issue that tilted the focus of our attention into defending against alleged China invasion. Moreover, the US reformatted our bases agreement, creating an underneath alliance from among its allies in Asia like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The most important reminder I could suggest to our people is to emphasize that in the event of war, we must ask the Americans, that it should be their soldiers that should first face the Chinese. The US is under obligation to comply in the event of a renewed Cold War. As I said, it was the US that signed the treaty that demarcated the boundaries that separated China in the South China Sea. We should stop acting like gullible clowns or errand boys for US imperialism in this part of the world. We should bear in mind that we are no longer fighting for our interest and security but in defense of Taiwan and arms traders made up of the US military industrial complex. The death of three fishermen is caused by them wanting to dismantle the floating barrier installed by China by a runaway oil tanker off Bajo de Masinloc or Ayungin Shoal without them being informed of the possible consequences for their rash decision to dismantle those floating barriers. Those fishermen acted like stooge of the US navy not knowing that the US will not come to their rescue even in situations like this. Only thing that gave us a saving face is that the collision was between our fishing boat and ocean-going commercial tanker of which the US navy could avoid liability, though clearly, it was our fishermen that sought the accident to happen. (rpkapunan@gmail.com) THE 4th Asia Pacific LPG Expo is set to make waves in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas industry as it goes to the Philippines this year. Organized by the LPG Expo and strongly supported by the Liquified Petroleum Gas Industry Association (LPGIA), the Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketers Association (LPGMA), the World LPG Association (WLPGA) and many regional associations, this highly anticipated event is the fourth instalment of the largest LPG gathering in the region. This event will take place in Manila, Philippines on Oct. 10 and 11 at the Marriott Hotel. A Platform for Industry Advancement With a diverse lineup of over 30 international and local companies exhibiting, the Asia Pacific LPG Expo continues to be the cornerstone for LPG professionals and industry enthusiasts, offering an invaluable platform to connect, learn, and explore the ever-evolving world of LPG. It serves as the gateway for esteemed international and local LPG companies to showcase their industry-leading practices and cutting-edge products and services. Comprehensive Conference Programme Beyond the expansive exhibition, the Expo hosts a dynamic conference featuring influential figures in the LPG industry and government representatives, who will deliver insightful presentations on policy frameworks, safety standards, cutting-edge technologies, market trends, and investment prospects. These discussions will be led by renowned industry experts and innovators, providing attendees with a competitive edge in navigating the dynamic LPG landscape. Local stakeholders and regulators such as former Congressman Arnel Ty from the LPGMA, Madam Mercedita Pastrana from the LPGIA, Director Rino E. Abad from the Department of Energy and Director Neil P.Catajay from the Department of Trade & Industry will be on site to share and discuss in details the on the latest regulations. Representatives from the various leading LPG Companies in the Philippines will also present to share more about the landscape of the local LPG industry. Join the Journey Mark your calendars for October 10 and 11, and be part of this momentous occasion at the esteemed Marriott Grand Ballroom Convention Center and attend together with the participation of thousands of delegates, both local and international, along with government representatives and distinguished LPG professionals. Experience an event that will redefine the trajectory of the LPG industry in Asia Pacific. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey of limitless possibilities. An Omaha man won $150,000 in an episode of "The $100,000 Pyramid" that aired Wednesday night. Sam Kurtenbach, a Lincoln native who lives in Omaha, was able to win big with help from celebrity guests Jason Alexander and Rosie O'Donnell on the fast-paced game show hosted by Michael Strahan. Kurtenbach teamed up with "Seinfeld" actor Alexander for the first round of word association challenges, which ended in a tie. However, Kurtenbach and Alexander were able to advance to the "Winner's Circle" where the contestant plays for money because they finished in a shorter amount of time than the other team. In the first round "Winner's Circle," Kurtenbach was able to win $50,000 by using clues to prompt Alexander to guess the categories he was describing. When asked what he'd do with the money, he said he'd like to visit Poland and Ireland because his family is from those countries. In the second round, Kurtenbach played with O'Donnell. As with the first round, both teams were tied, so Kurtenbach and O'Donnell advanced because they guessed the answers more quickly. In the second "Winner's Circle," Kurtenbach was able to team up with O'Donnell win another $100,000. He said he'd use that money to buy a baby grand piano, as he's a lifelong piano player. Kurtenbach, a project manager in the financial services industry, previously told the World-Herald that it's been a lifelong dream of his to appear on the "Pyramid" game show. He said he had applied to appear on the show twice before being selected on his third try. At the start of Wednesday's episode, Kurtenbach discussed being a game show fanatic. "This game right here is my Super Bowl," he said. Top Journal Star photos for October 2023 HOLYOKE Appearing in Holyoke District Court by video on Friday while lying in a hospital bed, Johnluis Sanchez pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder stemming from a gunfight Wednesday that led to the shooting of a pregnant woman and the death of her unborn baby. Judge Matthew Shea ordered the 30-year-old Holyoke man held without the right to bail. Sanchez, who is being represented by Springfield attorney Joseph Pacella, is being held without bail because at the time of his arrest, he had another open firearms case against him. He remains hospitalized at Baystate Medical Center. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Green yesterday requested that the case be impounded, a motion that Shea granted at Fridays hearing; impoundment keeps the documents from public view. While the District Attorneys Office lodged a single charge of murder of an unborn child against Sanchez, other charges are expected to follow, according to James Leydon, the spokesman for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. Prosecutors say Sanchez was one of three men who got into a fight near Sargeant and Maple streets around 12:38 p.m. One man produced a gun. Another produced a second firearm. At least one bullet hit a parked pickup truck. Another went through the window of a nearby church, according to media reports. A stray bullet also pierced a bus operated by the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority and struck the pregnant woman inside. The baby died Wednesday after being delivered by doctors trying to save the childs life. The woman remains in critical condition, the District Attorneys Office said. According to Leydon, all involved suspects are believed to have been identified. The one remains at large and is being actively sought by law enforcement. Sanchez also requested to be held at the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction, instead of the Hampden County Correctional Facility. He said he was concerned about his safety once he no longer needed medical care. His request was granted by the judge. This incident is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorneys Office and the Holyoke Police Department. Sanchez is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing on Nov. 3. On Thursday, the first suspect, Alejandro Ramos, 22, was arraigned in Holyoke District Court on a charge of murder in the infants death. Ramos appeared before Judge William Rooney, who entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. A fourth person has contracted West Nile virus in Massachusetts, according to the states Department of Public Health. The unidentified person is a male in his 60s who was exposed in Norfolk County, the DPH said in a press release Thursday. Last year, eight people had West Nile virus in the state, the DPH said. The first two cases were announced at the end of August. A woman in her 70s was exposed to the virus in another part of the country, while a man in his 40s was exposed in Middlesex County, the DPH reported. The third case was a male in his 50s who was exposed in Hampden County. The state has added more areas to a list considered to be at moderate risk of human infection with West Nile virus: Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton and Sherborn in Middlesex County, and Dover, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Norwood, Walpole and Westwood in Norfolk County. The risk was already moderate in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties, and in parts of Berkshire, Bristol, Hampden, Hampshire, Plymouth and Worcester counties, according to the DPH. Humans typically get the virus when bitten by an infected mosquito. While it can infect anyone, people older than 50 are at greater risk for severe disease, the DPH said. It continues to be important for people to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, including by using a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, draining standing water around their homes, and repairing window screens, Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein said. Risk from mosquito-borne disease will continue until the first hard frost. Most people infected with the virus will have no symptoms but when they do, they tend to include fever and flu-like illness, the DPH said. Ways to avoid mosquito bites include: Use repellents that use DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Peak hours were mosquitoes are taking flight to bite include duck to dawn. Officials suggest rescheduling outdoor activities during the night and early morning in areas of high risk. Changing clothes to wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks can keep mosquitoes away from biting. Drain any standing water to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all windows and doors. More information, including all West Nile and Eastern equine encephalitis positive results, can be found on here or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. L.L. Beans full catalog of products, from camping gear to winter hats and flannels, is now available to people on the North Shore after the company opened its latest location in Peabody on Friday. L.L. Bean officially opened its new 20,000-square-foot store at the Northshore Mall on Oct. 6. The store marked L.L. Beans second to debut this year after the chains Hanover location opened in September. The Peabody location also marks the chains 11th store in Massachusetts and 58th store overall. We carry the full assortment, so you see some fishing and some gear and all that good stuff, Kim Devanney, L.L. Bean district manager for New Hampshire and Massachusetts, told MassLive Thursday. MassLive was given an early view inside the store. The North Shore is where our customers are and we couldnt be more excited to be here. The stores grand opening will feature an immersive Red Sox experience, complete with a World Series trophy display and appearance by Wally the Green Monster from 6-8 p.m. Friday. A meet-and-greet with Red Sox Legend Jim Rice will also take place from 6-7 p.m. The first 200 guests to visit the store Friday will get an L.L. Bean gift card up to $500. The first 200 guests who visit the store Saturday will get a scratch ticket for the chance to win L.L.Bean products valued up to $90. While the store officially opens at 9 a.m., guests can start lining up at 6 a.m. both days. Guests will also be treated to smores and apple cider, games, photo opportunities with the iconic L.L. Bean Bootmobile and more. Take a tour of L.L. Beans new Peabody store Posted by MassLive on Thursday, October 5, 2023 L.L. Bean has a national partnership with The Boys & Girls Club and every time it opens a new location, the company donates to a local chapter. This time around, L.L. Bean donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem to help support the Clubs after-school programming that gets children outdoors. By utilizing social recreation as a youth development strategy, our partnership offers young people opportunities to build outdoor recreation skills that they can apply as coping strategies and further develop their confidence in social and emotional skills, said Joanne Scott, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, on Thursday. With the support of partners like L.L. Bean, our Boys & Girls Club can continue to provide safe spaces for our youth, as well as caring staff and mentors who will guide them toward their goals and great futures, Scott continued. Welcome L.L. Bean, to the North Shore community. Thank you for the memories you have given us in the past, and for those that will be created because of this fantastic new store and local partnership. The store, located at 210 Andover St. in Peabody, will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The store will employ about 65 team members, and the company is currently looking for people to join its team. Anyone interested in applying for jobs with L.L.Bean can visit the companys careers page. The Brockton man who Massachusetts State Police said dragged a trooper after pulling him over on Thursday, Sept. 13, has been held on dangerousness without bail, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office announced Friday. Derek Lobo, 31, was charged with one count of each of trafficking fentanyl (more than 10 grams), assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, number plate violation, not in possession of a license, non-transparent window obstruction, speeding and no inspection sticker, Cruzs office said in a statement. Lobo was arraigned on Sept. 15 in Brockton District Court. At a dangerousness hearing on Friday, Judge Michelle Fentress found him to be dangerous and he is to be held without bail. On Sept. 13, Lobo passed state police troopers on Montebello Street with no license plate on the front of the Mercedes sedan he was driving, Cruzs office said. His windows were also obstructed by a non-transparent tint. Troopers looked him up to find that the vehicle had an expired inspection sticker. Troopers conducted a vehicle stop. When one trooper approached Lobo, the other conducted a record check to find that his license was expired. Lobo was told by the troopers of his violations and asked to step out of the vehicle, but refused, Cruzs office said. Read more: Springfield Police to hold gun buyback as a tool to reduce soaring firearms violence A trooper attempted to pull Lobo out of the car before he hit the gas with the trooper hanging on to the open door of the Mercedes, Cruzs office said. It is estimated the trooper was dragged a city block, as Lobo weaved toward oncoming traffic, Cruzs office said. The trooper then let go and was flung in the opposite lane towards oncoming cars. The speed with which Lobo fled shredded the troopers uniform and injured him. The whole incident was caught on a dashboard camera and on the troopers body cameras, Cruzs office added. The troopers followed him as he was driving at 80 mph. The pursuit ended shortly after as Lobo drove off. On Sept. 14, the state polices Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section arrived at 79 Brentwood Ave. to find Lobo, but he was not home. Officers found the same Mercedes in the driveway and found the same clothes he wore the day of the incident inside the car, Cruzs office said. Within the clothes, troopers found 10.8 grams of fentanyl. Troopers then obtained an arrest warrant for Lobo before they found him at a home on Union Street and arrested him. Lobos next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 31. SPRINGFIELD Last months successful cyberattack on MGM Resorts International cost the company owners of MGM Springfield among other properties $100 million, it said this week. MGM is also providing customers with credit monitoring and identity protection services at no cost to them and in keeping with state and federal law. MGM has established a hotline for affected customers: 800-621-9437 toll-free Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central time, or Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time, excluding major holidays. It asked callers to reference engagement number B105892 when calling. HOLYOKE One day after a pregnant woman was struck by a stray bullet while riding a bus, Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia detailed a plan by police in his city to take back the streets. The public safety plan announced at a press conference Thursday will include strengthening surveillance and enforcement on the streets. It could involve foot, bike patrol and traffic patrols, citywide cameras and a special assignment detail task force focused on tackling criminal activity. I share the communitys anger, Garcia said, referring to the babys death. I share the communitys horror at what happened on Maple and Sargeant. Ill be seeing [that] this plan gets the support we need to make sure that we get our community the protection that they deserve. We look forward to getting this plan to the public very soon, Garcia said. At 12:38 p.m. Wednesday, a 29-year-old woman who was eight months pregnant was struck by a stray bullet while riding a PVTA bus traveling through the corner of Sargeant and Maple streets. The woman is in critical condition. The baby died Wednesday after being delivered by doctors trying to save the childs life. On Thursday, Alejandro Ramos, 22, was arraigned in Holyoke District Court on a charge of murder in the infants death. Ramos appeared before Judge William Rooney, who entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Another man linked to Wednesdays deadly shooting incident, Johnluis Sanchez, 30, of Holyoke, remains hospitalized and is expected to be arraigned on murder and other charges when his condition allows, according to James Leydon, the spokesman for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. Both men were said to be involved, along with another man, in a fight on the sidewalk outside Almonte Market #2. Garcia said he spent Wednesday evening at Baystate Medical Center keeping watch with the womans boyfriend. Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia wipes away tears as he recounts events surrounding a shooting on Wednesday that left a newborn baby dead. Police Chief David Pratt is behind the mayor. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 10/5/2023 I could not think of anything else to do but to be there to care and to try to convey the love and support of a city stunned by the unspeakable, Garcia said. Gov. Maura Healey has called the Holyoke shooting senseless. Every life lost to gun violence is a tragedy, especially those taken far, far too soon, she wrote Wednesday night on X, formerly known as Twitter. My heart goes out to the victims, families, and all of Holyoke in the wake of this afternoons senseless shooting. Councilors proposal The announcement of the mayors public safety plan came hours after members of the Holyoke City Council called for more foot patrols and stepped-up community policing. City councilors Jenny Rivera, Kocayne Givner, Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, Israel Rivera and Jose Maldonado Velez wrote Thursday to Garcia and Police Chief David Pratt urging that they implement a police foot patrol presence on High, Maple, and Main streets. We saw the impact of community policing efforts in 2016 when our city went an entire year without a homicide, members wrote. Garcia said the citys efforts following Wednesdays shooting will go beyond traditional policing. We do so much non-traditional work, methods and best practices to help, but the magnitude of the issue doesnt allow me to do more than scratch the surface of what we are dealing with in the city of Holyoke, Garcia said, at times tearfully. Even though thats the case, I tell you this from the depths of my grief that I still have as much hope and vision and faith in the future of Holyoke as that young woman on the PVTA bus had for her baby, Garcia said. Garcia noted that Wednesdays shooting came only 90 minutes after he and Pratt held a press conference to address gun violence. At that Wednesday gathering, Pratt emphasized the need for citizens to take the initiative and call the police when they hear gunfire. Yesterday it happened. But it doesnt happen enough, Garcia said, noting that residents reported hearing the shooting at Maple and Sargeant streets. Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia holds a press conference in his office about events surrounding a shooting on Wednesday that left a newborn baby dead. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 10/5/2023 In the past six months alone, there were 117 ShotSpotter activations and only 14 calls, Garcia said. While officials understand the reluctance some might have to dial 911, or their belief that someone else might make the call, Garcia said the public must act. I need the public to know and understand: please dont assume anything ... and just do, Garcia said. Join us in this monumental task of healing and renewal. Watch what is happening in your neighborhoods. Call, text if you see something that you know is not right, he said. Work together with your neighbors and demand the expectation you want for your neighborhood and for your community. I cant do this alone. Pratt said Wednesdays tragedy should be a turning point. With tragedy, there comes change. The change is coming from the police department, and all of its partners with the support of the mayor and the City Council, you will see that change, Pratt said. I am going to make that change. Wednesdays shooting remains an active investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorneys Office and the Holyoke Police Department. Police Chief David Pratt speaks during a press conference about a shooting on Wednesday that left a newborn baby dead. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 10/5/2023 Pratts message bad actors in the city is this: We have services second to none and we have always provided those services. ... For those people that choose a different path and put other people at risk, we have got services for you too, the chief said. It just comes in a different form and they are going to get those services very soon. In the meantime, Garcia said he wants members of the public to commit every day to kindness, duty and care. Please dont lose faith and keep Holyoke the city in which the beautiful lost baby would have grown strong to love, Garcia said, wiping a tear from his eye. Donations for the family are being taken by the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Less than two months after a major accident in Utah left Massachusetts State Police trooper Matthew McRae in the hospital, the State Police Association of Massachusetts announced on Thursday that McRae will soon no longer be in the hospital and has regained the ability to walk. McRae was in a rideshare vehicle on Aug. 25 while vacationing in Salt Lake City when the car was hit by another vehicle, according to a GoFundMe page. McRae, the rideshare driver and another passenger were all taken to the hospital, with McRae needing to go into the ICU with several broken bones including a broken neck and spinal injury. Read more: Rifle with scope recovered from carjacking suspect police say led them on chase In September, McRae was settled in at a Boston-area rehabilitation hospital and is making gains in his recovery, now able to move his extremities, speak with family and friends and is beginning physical therapy, the State Police Association of Massachusetts previously said in a statement. He can now walk again, and this weekend, he is slated to be discharged from the rehabilitation hospital, the State Police Association said on Thursday in an X post, formerly known as Twitter. Trooper McRaes journey to this point has been marked by incredible determination, bolstered by the unwavering support of his fellow Troopers and the wider community. State Rep. Margaret Scarsdale and State Sen. John Cronin also introduced legislation on Sept. 11 to ensure he received healthcare and benefits for his recovery. House Bill 4085, called An Act Establishing a Sick Leave Bank for Matthew McRae, was passed on Oct. 3 when Gov. Maura Healey signed it into law. The legislation also benefited from the steadfast backing of Representative Sean Garballey and Senator Bruce Tarr, who played pivotal roles in its passage, the State Police Association added. The support from elected officials reflects the unity and compassion that the community has shown during this challenging time. The association would also like to express our gratitude to Gov. Maura Healey for promptly signing the bill into law and for her commitment to aiding one of her troopers during his time of need. The X post shared by the State Police Association shows McRae, holding a cane and still wearing a neck brace, as he walks towards the camera, a nurse at his side. Along with the legislative support, McRae and his family were also receiving help from the Greg Hill Foundation, which has so far fundraiser $8,441. Its goal is to reach $10,000, all of which will go to McRae. Read more: Western Massachusetts woman files lawsuit over home test for Lyme disease Similarly, a GoFundMe was set up to help with McRaes recovery. The fundraiser which initially had a goal of $60,000 received around 1,400 donations with an amount of $133,760 donated. The Northeast Community College Music Department invites the public to attend the fifth annual HAWKFEST music festival on the Northeast campus in Norfolk. Students from 24 schools will be involved in this Honor Band/Honor Choir festival in the Lifelong Learning Center on the Northeast campus. Participating students were selected through an audition process. They will then spend the day in rehearsals learning music and working together. The day will culminate with an evening concert with performances by the Honor Band and Honor Choir. The final selection will combine the high school honor choir, the area directors, and the Northeast College Choir, all accompanied by the high school honor band. The honor choir will be led by Northeasts Director of Vocal Studies, Margaret Schultz; while the honor band will be under the direction of Northeasts Director of Instrumental Studies, Kevin McLouth. Area schools selected to participate are Boone Central High School Choir, Leigh High School Choir, Newman Grove High School Choir, St. Edward High School Choir, and Twin Rivers High School Band The concert will start at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, in the Lifelong Learning Center. There is no charge, and the public is invited to attend. Nine months after Cambridge police officer Liam McMahon shot and killed 20-year-old student Sayed Faisal, a judge determined McMahons actions were objectively reasonable, according to a news release from the office of Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan. McMahon shot Faisal after an incident in which police claimed Faisal threatened them with a machete. SPRINGFIELD The state Department of Environmental Protection is looking into a complaint about air quality in the Gasoline Alley area of Springfield, one of a string of concerns already brought to a ward councilor. A resident of the McKnight neighborhood, Edmund Janas, 53, told The Republican the smell in the air was unbearable. The Gasoline Alley area is an industrial hub in the midst of a residential neighborhood. Chemical plants, automobile part warehouses and other industrial silos line the street. I have post-Lyme syndrome and many other allergies, Janas said. The poor air quality cannot be helping with my medical issues. Catherine Skiba, the DEPs deputy regional director, confirmed that the agency is looking into the air-quality complaint. She added that companies are required to follow emissions compliance based on the DEPs regulations. Regulated businesses and industries have emission control equipment as well as monitoring requirements with specific limits, Skiba said. These are inspected regularly. Malo Brown, the city councilor for Ward 4, said many residents have complained to him in the last few weeks about the poor air quality. I definitely believe the industry companies on Albany Street, as well as the numerous 16-wheeler trucks that pass through the area, impact the air quality of the McKnight area, he said. The city has to do a better job of managing the industries that are there, he said. Janas has lived in the area for over two decades. In that time, he said the air quality has definitely gotten worse, but one experience from when he was 23 sticks with him. I was passing through the area on a walk when I smelled methane gas, he said. I went to the hospital with a bad cough and I was throwing up. Janas then reported the incident to the state and to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA told me that it was just methane gas and that they were releasing gas well within their allowed emissions, he said. This past Wednesday, Janas said he noticed a lingering smell in the air on Albany Street as he was driving to work. Ive experienced a burning sensation in my eyes, headaches, and a difficulty to breathe as the air becomes filled with an acrid smell, he said. Janas took to NextDoor, a neighborhood app, to ask people in his area whether they felt the air quality was bad. I got so many replies to my post, he said. I know Im not the only one whos noticing this. The residents of McKnight and East Springfield are reasonable people, but we have a right to know what is being put into our air. Tim Monson, manager of Monsoon Roastery and Bar on Gasoline Alley, said air quality generally affected business this summer. The Canada wildfires greatly affected the air quality in Springfield this summer, and also affected our business, he said. We lost business at the farmers market we host because people didnt want to go outside. Monson added that the cafe, which has been open for over four years at the Albany Street location, has a HEPA air filter and many plants and other greenery to offset the surrounding areas industrial air pollution. Its like a bohemian oasis in the midst of a heavily industrial area, he said. But the air quality has definitely worsened over the last five years weve been here. Obviously, I think that comes with climate changes, but its also because of the surrounding industry factories that are on this street. Brown has suggested improvements to the area, with the feedback he has received from residents. One suggestion is to divert the 16-wheelers from the area they are just not good for the community, Brown said. Earlier this year, City Council President Jesse Lederman testified in support of legislation to remove a proposed incentive for biomass incinerators, after one was proposed being placed on Page Boulevard. Residents of this neighborhood fought tooth and nail for that incinerator to not be here in Springfield, Brown said. I think people are equally frustrated that the air quality is not as good as it could be. The city is already listed as one of the states environmental justice communities and for years was listed as the Asthma Capital of the country, per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Its not an easy fix, but residents are sick and tired of the poor air quality in the neighborhood, Brown said. Back in the day, not everyone was educated on air quality, but now that we know, we should do something about it. Massachusetts State Police arrested two individuals suspected of leading troopers in a pursuit from Lawrence to Dracut following an armed carjacking, state police said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Nathen Saben, 35, from Haverhill, and Jessica Tirone, 40, of Salisbury, who police believe is Sabens accomplice, were on a crime spree in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, state police said. They carjacked one man at gunpoint, driving off in his black Subaru Outback and leaving the man injured after a car door struck him, CBS News Boston reported. At around 9:11 a.m., a state police trooper noticed Saben drive by in Lawrence before entering Route 110 towards Dracut, an X post read. Troopers and Lawrence police chased him until he stopped at Little Merrimack Avenue, carrying a rifle, police said. Police posted a photo of the rifle, which had a scope on it and what appeared to be a flashlight taped onto the front. It is unclear what model of rifle it is and it may have been assembled from various parts, state police added. Saben and Tirone were taken into custody after that, but both requested to be hospitalized first, state police said, although its unclear if either was hurt. Both went to Lowell General Hospital, with troopers supervising them. Saben was booked Thursday night at the Massachusetts State Police Andover Barracks and held overnight at the Essex County House of Correction in Middleton, state police said. He is expected to be arraigned Friday at Lowell District Court. Tirone remains hospitalized and has not been booked yet, state police said. The court, prosecutors and hospital will determine if she can be arraigned from her hospital room. Maine State Police arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with the death of Makinzlee Handrahan, a child who died on Dec. 25, 2022, which was previously ruled to have been a homicide, troopers announced Friday. Tyler Witham-Jordan of Edgecomb, Maine, was charged with murder and taken to Two Bridges Jail in Wiscasset, Maine State Police said in a brief statement. At the time of Handrahans death, Witham-Jordan was her mothers boyfriend. On Dec. 25 at 7:37 a.m., first responders received a 911 call from Edgecomb reporting that a 3-year-old child was not breathing. Lincoln County Sheriffs Department Officers responded to the Route 1 home and took her to Miles Memorial Hospital, where she died, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety. While the cause of death is being withheld, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta ruled Handrahans death to be a homicide, Maine State Police said Friday. Detectives continue to look into what led to her death. Witham-Jordan is expected to be arraigned next week. Its a long weekend for many workers across the United States, giving New Englanders the exclusive opportunity of extra time to see the fall colors starting to spread across the region. The weekly shortlist of states with peak foliage has been released by Yankee Magazine, with most of the best colors continuing to show in the northmost part of New England. Massachusetts has yet to see real color coming through; the magazines map predicts Oct. 25 as the date when the Bay State will begin its peak. Read more: Take these New England train trips for great views of fall foliage The magazine stated previous hopes of earlier foliage peaks in southern New England were dashed over the past week with flooding rains and continued humidity; consequently, the foliage will take more time to progress this year, experts said. However, Saturday, Oct. 7, marks the date for some parts of Central to Eastern Massachusetts to be in late fall foliage color season, the map predicts, though no specific areas of the state were suggested for leaf-peeping. Warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights finally kick-started the colors and brought out the very best that we could hope for after the setup that weve had, the magazine said. Southern New England foliage has been affected by the flooding rains and continued humidity through last week, and will consequently take more time to progress this year. Read more: Pioneer Valley named the best in the country for fall foliage by Country Living The three states the magazine recommends are Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire, with the Granite State falling first on the list for the weekend. Near-peak colors will be found this weekend across the mountain regions in all three states, especially the northern White Mountains, the spine of the Green Mountains, and the mountains of Western Maine. Bright colors will continue to develop in the mid-elevations, the magazine said. Heres the best places to see fall foliage in New England the weekend of Oct. 6, through Oct. 9, listed by the magazine. New Hampshire Yankee Mags pick of the week is New Hampshire; specifically, in Peterborough. Though the small town doesnt fall in the magazines suggested area in the state currently peaking the White Mountains the foliage experts said leaf-peepers can revel in the quiet coziness of the small town. Peterborough falls within the Monadnock region of the state, another part outside of the White Mountains the magazine recommends exploring to see the reds, oranges and yellows. Destinations may include Pack Monadnock with its summit views accessible by car, Mount Monadnock for world-class hiking, or Dublin Lake for paddling. There are also scenic foliage driving routes through Harrisville and Hancock, both charming towns with exceptional lunch spots, the magazine said. Read more: Road to Sleepy Hollow Farm closed to public after popularity from TikTok The Monadnock Regions Open Art Studio Tour is also happening this weekend, the magazine advised, another good stop in your small-town tour. Additionally, the magazine lists several restaurants, breweries, pubs and inns if you plan to stay for the weekend. Honorable Mentions This article mentions sexual abuse. Survivors of sexual abuse can find resources for support here. A Massachusetts bill that aims to eliminate the time limit of when people can sue for sexual abuse is being met with opposition from the Archdiocese of Boston, an institution that could face numerous legal challenges if the proposed law passes. Earlier this year, Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Essex, filed a bill to remove the Massachusetts civil statute of limitations requirement. Currently, the Bay State gives survivors up to 35 years to file a civil suit after theyve been harmed by their abuser. Lovely, who is a survivor of child sexual abuse, believes there can be no time limit when it comes to speaking up against sexual abuse. We want to make sure people have the opportunity to bring action when they are ready to do so, she told GBH News in June. But, the Archdiocese of Boston believes the proposal could harm the churchs ability to support survivors of sexual abuse. The legislative changes currently proposed and under consideration would jeopardize our ability to continue to do so and would make it difficult to sustain the many works of mercy the Church is committed to through social justice and support for the neediest, the Archdiocese said in a statement. Its a claim that Mitchell Garabedian, a Boston attorney who represents survivors, said makes no sense. In 2002, Garabedian won a $10 million settlement against the Archdiocese of Boston, after he represented 86 people who claimed they were abused by the late Rev. John J. Geoghan, a Catholic priest from Dorchester. Advocates such as Garabedian have long argued there should be no time limit for when survivors should come forward, as some of them do years after the statute of limitations has expired. When this happens, survivors are barred from entering claims of sexual abuse in civil court. The feeling of being prohibited from speaking about sexual abuse after coming forward can be retraumatizing, Garabedian said. A practicing attorney for over 40 years, Garabedian said its not unusual for survivors to reach out to him decades after their abuse, only to follow up with him years after the initial call. The trauma of sexual abuse, especially during childhood, often causes survivors to feel ashamed or fearful of their abuser, which can make it difficult to come forward. It took an enormous amount of courage to call someone who they thought would believe them, Garabedian said. Then it takes an enormous amount of courage to further the claim they have and to be involved in the claim. Massachusetts is just one of several states that have taken the first step in lifting their statute of limitations. Both Michigan and Rhode Island have issued similar bills. As that happens, churches and other organizations that enabled or ignored cases of sexual abuse have become vulnerable to a large number of lawsuits. Last week, the Archdiocese of Baltimore filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, CNN reported. The filing was in response to a new Maryland law that lifted the statute of limitations, a move that would cause the church to hemorrhage millions of dollars in sexual abuse lawsuits. Steve Sheehan, an advocate of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said that the churchs opposition to the bill is more rooted in its financial interests than its commitment to protecting children. If the statute of limitations is lifted, then more victims can come forward, Sheehan said. And their concern is more about the money than it is again about the children. Since Massachusetts state Auditor Diana DiZoglio announced in March that her office planned to audit the Legislature, shes been butting heads with State Houses top lawmakers who claim that she lacks the legal authority to do it. Over the summer, DiZoglio, a Democrat, took her fight a step further when she pushed to get her audit onto the 2024 statewide ballot. In September, the proposal was among the many that cleared a key procedural hurdle when Attorney General Andrea Campells office officially certified it. Now, like every other ballot petitioner, DiZoglio and her allies are gathering the 75,000 signatures they need to put the question in front of the voters next year. Shes lined up an array of allies both Democratic and Republican. On Thursday, she spoke to MassLive about why the Legislature needs to open its books; mused on the Bay States overall lack of political transparency, and answered the burning question of whether shes planning any other musical excursions. The conversation below has been lightly edited for clarity and content. Q: So if youre a Massachusetts resident whos coming to this completely new, whats the genesis of this issue? Why does your office need to audit the General Assembly? DiZoglio: This is a nonpartisan issue, it impacts all families in Massachusetts, regardless of bank balance or political background ... Its about us as the people of Massachusetts, regardless of where we stand, about getting information. Its about how our tax dollars are being spent on Beacon Hill. So we can get a seat at the table. We are working alongside any and all folks who want to help with this effort, including, but not limited to, Republicans who want to increase access. Were grateful to folks on all sides who are working on behalf of this initiative. We are at a place where we are organized. Youll see us out at the grocery store. Getting 75,000 signatures is no joke. It is an incredible challenge. We will get on the ballot but only by folks helping us with the momentum. We have over 400 volunteers who are coordinating with us. Its been my experience that only Beacon Hill insiders who support the status quo are against this effort. Q: So when you get out there and youre talking to folks, what are you hearing? Are they surprised by the opposition to this? A: Theyll say What do you mean? Isnt this already the law? Yes it is. But the law is being broken. Certain legislative leaders who hold the keys to the books, and the information were seeking, are twisting and manipulating the [state] Constitution and the current statute. This is an effort to make it crystal clear that the Legislature is mandated to receive an audit since those leaders seem to be confused about what the law says ... Were not doing anything that doesnt occur in every other state entity ... Folks will have to wonder what they are hiding if they are not complying with an audit that every other state entity complies with. Q: Youre walking an interesting line. Youre an elected Democrat. The Legislature is controlled overwhelmingly by members of your own party. But youre required to play this watchdog and oversight role. That does put you in a difficult position, doesnt it? A: It certainly is not fun when auditors come in to audit agencies ... I was elected by the people to be chief accountability officer and watchdog ... I had the most independent voting record in the [state] Senate. Im a registered Democrat, and I stand for Democratic values, but there is a job to be done. And that job is to make sure that everyone is following the law regardless of their political persuasion. The law is very clear. All state entities are supposed to receive an audit every three years. The Legislature has not had one. Thats not because of the law, but because of a lack of political will to hold them accountable to the same standards. (*Editors Note: The state auditors office has audited the Legislature since its creation in 1849, according to GBH News. But the last legislative audit was in 1922. The more than century-long gap in auditing has led the commonwealth to be one of the least financially transparent states in the U.S., according to a report by the Pioneer Institute.) There are folks who think this is incredibly unique. Other states do this. Connecticut is a great example. Their legislative audits barely make the press, theyre so routine. Q: Massachusetts has a reputation as a progressive state on a number of issues. But when it comes to transparency, the state ranks near the back. Doesnt that undercut those efforts? A: It 1,000% undercuts it. We have climate change and pro-choice advocates and the LGBTQIA+ community come to the State House. Or theyre people of color or low-income communities. Or theyre people struggling with housing challenges or addiction issues. And they will advocate for changes to the law and representation in the budget. They will get co-sponsors for their legislation and do their due diligence to meet with every representative they can, and earn their support. Only ... it never comes to a vote. Or it gets killed in committee. Were clearly in a housing and climate crisis. The list goes on. We cannot keep doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. The current status quo methodology on Beacon Hill [isnt working]. Residents are advocating, Theyre just not being heard. We do live in a forward-thinking state. We just need to make sure it extends to all of the people who represent us. We need a system on Beacon Hill that is equitable for all communities. Its not about who the person is. Its about the set-up, a top-down style of governance. If you dont have a [local] lawmaker in leadership, you dont get the representation that you need even if they are fighting tooth and nail. Q: Over the summer, you put out a song, My Voice, that you wrote and recorded for Boston Public Radio. It was about your fight to audit the Legislature. Could a full-length record, maybe Transparency (Dianas Version), be far behind? A: Some people, like [Gov. Maura Healey], play basketball. I got cut from the basketball team. So I sing and I sit at my piano. Its an outlet for me, a fun hobby. I joke that legislative leaders shouldnt count on me quitting my day job any time soon. SPRINGFIELD A home test for Lyme disease from LetsGetChecked comes in a box with a message on the inside. Its good to know, it reads. A recently filed lawsuit has a different phrase for the test: false advertising with tragic consequences. Filed in U.S. District court in Springfield, the class action lawsuit alleges that the LetsGetChecked test is not accurate, deceives customers and violates consumer protection law. Moira Kerans, who lives in Dalton, and TruthCures, a Kansas-based nonprofit focused on Lyme disease, filed the suit in June against LetsGetChecked. It demands a jury trial and $5 million in damages. The company strongly disputes the lawsuits claims, LetsGetChecked spokesperson Emily Ryan said in an email. As this matter is subject to legal proceedings, we shall be making no further comments, Ryan said. Through attorney Leo Oppenheimer, Kerans, the plaintiff, declined to be interviewed. When asked what the impact of the test was on Kerans, Oppenheimer declined to say. He added that legally, it didnt make a difference in the suit. She bought the test based on false advertising, he said. Oppenheimer was bitten by a tick in Rhode Island several years ago, but his doctor did not catch the Lyme disease in its early stage, he said. Years later, Im still dealing with it every day, he said. Laura Hovind, executive director TruthCures, was also infected by Lyme disease and wants to make sure people can access accurate tests. Companys test claims The $119 LetsGetChecked test, sold online, identifies antibodies which can indicate the presence of Lyme disease, the tests website says. The customer takes a blood sample from a finger prick at home, sends it back for testing and receives results online several days later. About 476,000 people each year get Lyme disease in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. People can get the disease after an infected tick bites them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any home tests for Lyme disease, according to agency spokesperson Jim McKinney. There are FDA-approved lab tests for Lyme disease, but not any in which a sample is collected at home, McKinney said. The LetsGetChecked test is also not allowed for use in New York state, its website says. The CDC recommends using FDA-approved tests for Lyme. Some labs offer tests not approved by the FDA, the CDC says, but it warns that theres not information about their reliability. The disease is diagnosed based on symptoms and possible exposure to a disease-carrying tick. A test is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods, the CDC says on its website. They are selling it as a substitute for a doctors visit when it absolutely cannot be, Oppenheimer said. The company is advised by medical professionals, according to the tests website. Our clinical team is on standby throughout the testing process, LetsGetChecked says on its website, and, if your test results are abnormal, you may receive a call to discuss your results and next steps. The company also instructs people to contact their doctor if they get a rash or have neurological symptoms. It says a positive test may need more confirmation for a diagnosis. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, but some people report long-term symptoms like pain and fatigue even after treatment of Lyme, according to the CDC. Without treatment, people can develop nervous system problems, and more than half of people untreated develop arthritis, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. By taking a test they allege is not accurate, the plaintiffs worry people wont catch their illness early. Deceptively marketing diagnostic devices directly to regular people has dire consequences: people trust Defendants Test and miss their chance for early diagnosis and treatment, the complaint says. LetsGetChecked must file a formal response to the complaint in court later this month, according to the online docket. Les membres du gouvernement mauricien ont pris note de la promulgation du Toys (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, celui du Civil Aviation (Amendment No.2) Regulations 2023, de la signature prochaine dune Convention de Partenariat Fexte Tripartite, de ladoption du National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023-2026, que la ceremonie du Souvenir aura lieu le 19 novembre 2023 au War Memorial au Royal College de Curepipe. 1. Cabinet has agreed to the promulgation of the Toys (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 to facilitate and streamline the administrative procedures regarding the importation of toys. 2. Cabinet has agreed to the promulgation of the Civil Aviation (Amendment No.2) Regulations 2023 which provide for the registration of microlight aircraft by the Department of Civil Aviation. The amendment would allow the Department of Civil Aviation to have a better control on the operations of microlight aircrafts. 3. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Convention de Partenariat Fexte Tripartite between the Agence Francaise de Developpement, LAgence de LEnvironnement et la Maitrise de LEnergie and the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change. The Convention de Partenariat Fexte Tripartite would, inter alia: (a) support the Mauritian authorities in the implementation of the Circular Economy Roadmap in relation to waste management; (b) assist in the sensitisation of Mauritian stakeholders, including households and the economic operators; (c) assist in the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme on selected waste streams; (d) develop plans with respect to prevention and recovery of construction and demolition waste; (e) support Mauritian authorities in the development of anaerobic digestion projects; and (f) provide capacity building to the officers of the Solid Waste Management Division and relevant stakeholders. 4. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2024 to 2028 which would be a new cooperation framework between the Government of the Republic of Mauritius and the UN System. The UNSDCF consolidates the support of the UN System in addressing the main gaps and challenges that Mauritius faces to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The UNSDCF defines development priority areas around which the UN would support transformation to a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy. The identified priority areas are: (a) People Fostering a Human Development Approach for an Inclusive and Thriving Society; (b) Prosperity Addressing Structural Vulnerabilities and Boosting Sustainable Economic Transformation; and (c) Planet Enhancing Resilience to the Triple Planetary Crises. 5. Cabinet has agreed to the adoption of the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023-2026 which has the following objectives: (a) strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure; (b) mobilising businesses and the community to make cyber space safer by countering cybercrime and protecting personal data; (c) developing a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem by fostering enterprise and cybersecurity innovation through a skilled workforce; and (d) fostering strong regional and international cooperation. 6. Cabinet has taken note that various events would be organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage in collaboration with the Indian High Commission, the Mauritius Film Development Corporation and the Academy of Design and Innovation in the context of the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Mauritius and India, including: (a) a Closing Ceremony on Friday 17 November 2023 comprising a Bollywood Song Competition, a Fashion Show and a Cultural Performance; (b) a Food Festival; (c) a Film Festival featuring Indian movies, would be screened in various cinema theatres across Mauritius; (d) a Mega Trade and Cultural Fair, from 01 to 05 November 2023 at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre. 7. Cabinet has taken note that the National Assembly in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission and lAssociation des Parlements des Etats Membres de la Commission de lOcean Indien (AP-COI), would organise a Seminaire dechange et de renforcement des capacites sur la diplomatie parlementaire, la prevention, la gestion et la resolution des conflits pour les Parlements, membres de lAP-COI on 10 and 11 October 2023 in Mauritius. The Seminar is part of the programme of the Indian Ocean Commission under the Projet Gouvernance, Paix et Stabilite and also forms part of the Plan dAction of the AP-COI. The objective of the Seminar is to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations of the regional conference on peace and stability held in 2022, through exchange programme and the enhancement of capacity building on parliamentary diplomacy and on prevention, management and resolution of conflicts for the benefit of the members of the AP-COI. 8. Cabinet has taken note that the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would hold a Final Coordination Meeting on the RAF6057 Project Strengthening the Quality of Nuclear Services from 13 to 17 November 2023 in Mauritius. The Meeting would be followed by a Scientific Conference on Future of Nuclear Medicine in Africa. The main objectives of the event would be, inter alia, to: (a) conduct an interactive review of each countrys workplan as well as regional projects; (b) define new steps and strategies with special emphasis on scarcity of capacity building in Nuclear Medicine field; (c) define future objectives and discuss on latest technology advances in the Clinical Nuclear Medicine field; (d) look into the challenges facing Nuclear Medicine practice in Africa; and (e) make recommendations and submit reports to the IAEA and different International Nuclear Medicine Societies. 9. Cabinet has taken note of the implementation of the Wheat Flour Fortification Programme in Mauritius. The objectives of the mandatory Wheat Flour Fortification Programme are to: (a) reduce nutritional anaemia in female adolescents and women of reproductive age; (b) achieve the global nutrition target of reducing anaemia by 50 percent by 2025; (c) reduce the annual incidence of low birth weight by 30 percent; and (d) improve the nutritional status and quality of life of the Mauritian population. The State Trading Corporation would start commercialising fortified wheat flour shortly. 10. Cabinet has taken note that the Wreath Laying Ceremony of the Remembrance Day would be held on Sunday 19 November 2023 at the War Memorial, Royal College, Curepipe, to pay tribute and honour the combatants of World War I and World War II. 11. Cabinet has taken note of the activities being organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (NDRRMC) to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), and the 10 years existence of the NDRRMC. The IDDRR is observed on 13 October every year to raise awareness on actions being taken to reduce risks to disasters and promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction. The theme retained by the United Nations for Disaster Risk Reduction for this year is Fighting Inequality for A Resilient Future. The Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management would organise a series of activities comprising, inter alia: (a) a symbolic ceremony at the Municipal Council of Curepipe, which would comprise, the United Nations (UN) Secretary Generals message, unveiling of commemorative publication and plaque, award of certificates of appreciation to stakeholders and soft launch of the National Multi Hazard Emergency Alert System; (b) training programmes on the UN Early Warnings for All campaign and the role of media and content development for mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction and climate action in all formats; (c) sensitisation campaigns on preparedness measures to ensure safety during cyclones and heavy rainfall events/torrential rain warning; and (d) MBC TV and Radio Programmes in collaboration with the NDRRMC, Mauritius Meteorological Services, Special Mobile Force and Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service on general preparedness measures. 12. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent mission of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning and Minister of Tourism to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he attended the official World Tourism Day celebrations. On the occasion of the World Tourism Day, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation launched the Tourism Opens Minds Initiative to favour diversification of tourism flows. The Tourism Opens Minds Initiative would showcase the powerful role that tourism plays in bridging cultures and promoting a more interconnected and harmonious world. In the sidelines of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister held discussions with a number of Ministers of Tourism, including those of Andorra, Bangladesh, Barbados, Croatia, Cyprus, India, Jamaica, Jordan, Malta, Republic of South Africa, San Marino, Sierra Leone and Turkiye. The Deputy Prime Minister also had meetings with the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tourism Development Fund, the Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Air Connectivity Programme and the Director-General of SAUDIA Group. The Deputy Prime Minister also had a bilateral meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development. He also had a round-up meeting with the Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During his mission, the Deputy Prime Minister also signed a Loan Agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development in relation to the construction of the Riviere des Anguilles Dam. 13. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent mission of the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance to the USA. The Minister had meetings with the US Stock Exchange Commission, the Corporate Council on Africa, the USPage Africa Business Centre, the US Treasury, the US Department of State, Transparentem, the New York Stock Exchange and the Chartered Financial Analyst Society. The Minister also participated in the Finovate Fall 2023, wherein he gave a special address to promote Mauritius as an ideal destination to work and live. The value of the Mauritius International Financial Centre in stimulating new innovative products and services across Africa was also showcased. 14. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent participation of the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development in the Global Infrastructure Cooperation Conference 2023 in Seoul, Republic of South Korea. The Minister participated in a High-Level Multilateral Meeting, chaired by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of South Korea, wherein discussions focused on the theme Advanced Construction Technology and Eco-Friendly Transportation Sessions and issues relating to smart construction, Artificial Intelligence for Architecture and Project Management and the development of Green Roads. In the margins of the Conference, the Minister had a bilateral meeting with the Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of South Korea. The Minister had a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer/President of the Korean Expressway Corporation and his Management Team to discuss the support extended to Mauritius, in particular in the construction of the Phoenix/Dowlut/Jumbo flyovers as well as the A1-M1 Link Road, with a state-of-the-art bridge, first of its kind in the region. 15. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the National Youth Environment Council, with Mr Kavish Seedam as part-time Chairperson. WESTPORT is welcoming a new piece of public art with the launch this Saturday, October 7, of All is Well, by Mayo artist Cathal McCarthy, at the Tubber Hill Housing Development. The artwork will be officially launched by Damien McGlynn, Director of Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts in social and community contexts in Ireland. Visual artist and sculptor Cathal McCarthy has been working in collaboration with local poet Mary C Reilly and residents of the Tubber Hill Housing Development on this visual arts and poetry project. Cathal, Mary and other local artists have facilitated arts workshops with residents and friends exploring the theme Living on the Hill. Cathal has previously completed a number of public commissions, including Word-Tree for Sancta Maria College in Louisburgh (2020), Stream-Spire Mullingar for Westmeath Co Council (2011), and The Player on the N17 at Ballindine for Mayo Co Council (2003). Commenting ahead of the launch, he described his time working with Mary and the residents was a wonderful experience. This public art project is testament to what can be achieved when creative opportunities are made available for people to participate in, he said. After studying literature and philosophy, Mary C Reilly began reading poetry at What The Folk in Westport. She has published two collections of poetry, The Woman Who Cries Songs (2014) and Only Speak in Flowers (2016), and has had poems published in many anthologies, including Present Tense, a Mayo County Council anthology, and most recently in Chasing Shadows, a Creative Ireland anthology. The Tubber Hill workshops included creative writing for adults and young people, poetry reading, rapping, circus skills, painting and sculpture. From these engagements and research Cathal created the final artwork four specially designed panels incorporated into railings at the steps of the local the green area. The panel design is a combination of poetry and patterns from nature. Each panel displays a line from a poem, including poetry written by residents at the workshops and poetry by Mary and by Paddy Guthrie. All are welcome to the launch, which takes place at 2pm, and refreshments will be provided. Kraken Announces Acquisition of Coin Meester B.V. in Move Towards European Expansion Source: Adobe/sdx15 Kraken, a San Francisco-based cryptocurrency exchange, has announced its intention to acquire Coin Meester B.V. (BCM) in the Netherlands. On October 5, in a blog post, Kraken emphasized that the planned acquisition highlights our commitment to growing our business in Europe and underlined its intention to leverage its strong financial position and highly competitive product offering. Kraken CEO David Ripley said: The Netherlands has one of the worlds most advanced economies, with a well-established culture of innovation and a high level of crypto adoption. This makes it a key market for us in our European expansion plans. BCM, a well-established registered crypto broker founded in 2017, which recently rebranded from Bitcoin Meester, has built a strong reputation in the Netherlands by offering services for buying, selling, and staking cryptocurrencies. As a Dutch cryptocurrency service provider registered with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), Coin Meester B.V. (BCM) has established itself as a reliable platform for Dutch users. Offering access to a wide array of over 170 cryptocurrencies and boasting a robust local funding infrastructure, BCM has earned the trust of users in the Netherlands. The acquisition of BCM will give Kraken a sizable position in the Dutch market and will allow BCMs clients to benefit from an even more robust product offering. Krakens Acquisition of Coin Meester B.V. Set to Strengthen Presence in the Netherlands While the financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, the planned acquisition is expected to bolster Krakens footprint in the Netherlands. Additionally, clients of BCM, one of the Netherlands oldest and most respected registered crypto brokers, will gain access to Krakens comprehensive product range, industry-leading liquidity, elevated security standards, and round-the-clock client support. BCM co-founder and CEO Mitchell Zandwijken said: We founded BCM because we wanted to make crypto accessible to everyone. Kraken is the pioneer in this field, with a track record spanning well over a decade, making it the perfect steward of our business going forward. Our clients will benefit from all that crypto has to offer through Krakens continuous investment and innovation. Furthermore, Krakens planned acquisition of BCM is strategically aligned with the European Commissions introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. MiCA provides a clear regulatory framework for the crypto industry in the Netherlands and Europe as a whole. This regulatory clarity not only benefits industry participants like Kraken but also ensures that consumers have access to more competitive and secure crypto products and services. Krakens European Expansion Strategy Emphasizes Compliance with Regulatory Frameworks Kraken is making significant strides in expanding its business in compliance with European regulations. This move aligns with their existing VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) licenses in Ireland, Italy, and Spain. Additionally, Kraken is in the process of seeking registrations in other key European markets. Its important to note that the acquisition deal with BCM is contingent on obtaining regulatory approval, including clearance from the Dutch central bank. This underscores the commitment of both companies to adhere to the regulatory framework in the Netherlands. Krakens strategic moves to establish a more extensive presence in Europe include significant regulatory steps in Spain and Ireland. One of these critical steps involved Kraken obtaining an EU e-money license, which opened up opportunities for expansion. Furthermore, the exchange achieved another milestone by successfully registering with the Bank of Spain for a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license. These developments align with a broader trend where various firms have announced their plans for European expansion. This trend is attributed to the presence of favorable markets, policies, and regulators in Europe. Its worth noting that the recent successes of crypto firms in Europe are closely tied to the emergence of landmark crypto legislation known as the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA). This legislation provides a comprehensive framework for regulating various aspects of the cryptocurrency industry, including exchanges, stablecoins, and other Web3 services. How does one judge if a book is good or not? Im not sure. All I can write about is how a book impacts me. Last Wednesday one of my tasks was to speak with Niamh Holleran-McGing about her just-published memoir, The Journey To You A Love Story Through Infertility. I had a copy of the book in my possession for a week beforehand but of course the vagaries of life and work meant that it went unopened on the seat of the car. On Wednesday, just hours before our scheduled meeting I hopped into the car on my way to another engagement, saw the book and knew Id have to scan through it so I wouldnt be completely winging it when I met Niamh. My eyes fell on the opening words, and eight chapters later I was still there in the car utterly engrossed in the words, the feel, the atmosphere, the reality, the struggle, the good days and bad days and so many other amazing moments in the life a woman from Clonbur, a man from Kilmaine and the journey the inseparable duo took to become a forever-trio. Niamhs book is a warts-and-all story of teenage sweethearts who married in their early 20s and were so excited about the next step starting a family. However, fertility issues meant having children was going to be a battle against the odds. Niamh, now 44, takes the reader into the very heart of that emotional rollercoaster as she and Tommy negotiated their way through the highs and lows of IVF. The searingly honest memoir lays bare the mental, physical and emotional challenges involved. The Journey To You is a vivid account of Niamh and Tommys experience and a gloriously told story of their love and commitment to one another and their dreams. On Wednesday evening, I was fortunate enough to sit in their kitchen in the starkly stunning Clonbur kingdom overlooking Lough Corrib. Their dogs, Chip and Jesse were scuttling around the place welcoming the vistor while Steve the cat was stretching himself with utter disdain for the Mayo interloper in his midst. Niamh was bright and funny and welcoming, while Tommy quickly got tea on the go. Their teenage son, Scott, bounced through the door trying to hush Jesses excited barking. That moment told me everything I needed to know about the book from chapter eight onwards. The IVF journey taken by Niamh and Tommy had resulted in the arrival of Scott into the world and the happy ever after his existence unleashed. However, the tea, biscuits and conversation revealed so much more about the story told in Niamhs gripping book. The duo spoke with great honour about about all the embryos lost during their treatment. They took me to the moment they set eyes on one another in the corridors of Ballinrobe Community School and recalled that split-second in vivid and stunning detail. They knew immediately they were made for one another but didnt actually speak for a long while afterwards. Our conversation took us through their time together in college in Cork, Tommys subsequent move to Chicago to train as a pilot and their incessant desire to communicate with one another. Every Sunday when Id be going back to Cork Mam and Dad would give me 20 to help me out for the week. They thought Id spend it on extra food or whatever, but Id spend every penny of it on a phone card and would plonk myself in a phone box in Cork and talk to Tommy in Chicago until the money ran out. Id be devastated when the card was finished and Id be hoping it was raining when I came out of the phone box so that people wouldnt notice my tears. I just missed him so much, Niamh explained as she looked lovingly at the man who became her husband. Now, dont for a second think that Niamh and Tommy are some type of saccharine, starry-eyed couple floating along on the cotton-wool clouds of love. Theyre anything but. Theyre two powerful people sharing lifes journey and looking to help their son live his best life. The trio are in embedded in a large, loving family circle and are determined to tell their story and help others facing challenges, whether it involves infertility of another form of crisis. Is the book good? All I can say, is it found a place in my heart. It found a niche somewhere in my psyche that accepted it with great joy. I loved it. The Journey To You A Love Story Through Infertility, published by Mayo Books, will be launched in the All Saints Heritage Centre, Clonbur, tonight (Friday), October 6, at 8pm. It will also feature in the Wild Atlantic Words Festival in the Festival Dome on Bridge St, Castlebar, on Tuesday, October 10m at 7pm, in an event hosted by broadcaster Mary Kennedy. EARLIER this year Mayo University Hospital (MUH) appointed its first Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation, Mary Sammon. Mary has been looking after mothers and babies in the Maternity Unit as a midwife for 27 years but took up this specialist post to provide expert antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding support and education in MUH. Speaking about the importance of breastfeeding for infant health during National Breastfeeding Week, Mary said: "National Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to discuss the importance of breastfeeding as the normal and healthy way to feed babies and young children. Breastfeeding gives babies the best start for a healthy life and it protects both mother and baby, the health benefits are undisputed. It is also crucial that women are empowered, enabled and supported on their breastfeeding journey." New HSE figures for 2022 show that 62 percent of babies were breastfed when the public health nurse made their first visit after birth. The figure was 59 percent in 2021. In 2017, it was 55 percent and has been rising since then. "We are seeing improvement in breastfeeding rates in Ireland and this is something I would love to see progressing. The number of babies being breastfed is continuing to grow," said Mary. "In my role as Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation in MUH I see lots of mums who experience various challenges with breastfeeding, especially in the early hours and days. There can be issues with position and attachment, some mums can find it difficult to breastfeed after a caesarean section, others can have concerns about milk supply and need reassurance. Breastfeeding is a learned skill and takes patience and practice and this is where my role becomes important as I can give that skilled help, support and follow up in those early days in hospital. "I can help patients with breastfeeding while they are in the Maternity ward, and also am available to patients after they go home with their baby. Patients can be referred to me from the Maternity and Paediatric Departments in the hospital and am contactable by phone on 087 181 4874. Ashling Neary from Castlebar, mother of baby Lilly, aged seven months described her experience with Mary Sammon as 'invaluable'. "Lily was born on February 17 and due to a difficult labour I was unable to breastfeed or even get her to latch for days. I had given up on this happening for us. I had to stay in hospital one extra night due to a blood transfusion and thank goodness I did because the next day I met Mary Sammon, who was invaluable. "I met with Mary before I was discharged and I came back a few days later to meet with her for advice and guidance. She really helped put me at ease and made exclusive breastfeeding possible for us. Lily was five days old when we got her to latch and feed. Without Mary and the support she provides it would not have been possible for us. We have also engaged with the local lactation consultant Claire Larkin who holds several groups during the week supporting new mums across Mayo. "I would encourage any new mum who is struggling, to reach out to the supports that are in place. Lily is now almost eight months and we are still happily breastfeeding because of these fantastic women." Other breastfeeding supports available to parents are available on the HSEs www.mychild.ie including an 'ask the expert' support service and contact details for 180 HSE and HSE funded volunteer breastfeeding organisations/ A WOMAN from Castlebar who is being treated for gunshot wounds is said to be in a critical but stable condition following surgery in an Australian hospital. The woman, who has been named locally as Eileen Gibbons, was shot by an assailant who passed away from self-inflicted gunshot wounds following the attack. The 38-year-old mother-of-one sustained serious wounds to her abdomen after the shooting on Wednesday evening. Police were called to a home in Darwin, just after 6.30pm local time on Tuesday, after a neighbour heard two gunshots. Her assailant, a 35-year-old male who was known to her, died at the scene from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. A firearm was also found lying near his body. The 38-year-old was stabilised by paramedics at the scene before being rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. Relatives have been told that Ms Gibbons is 'conscious and her condition is stable'. The Irish Examiner reports that Ms Gibbons has four siblings. Her father, a retired ambulance driver, passed away in May 2021 while her mother, works in a local retail outlet. Her family are currently travelling to Australia to be with her. Cllr Martin McLoughlin, who knows her family well, told The Mayo News that local people in Castlebar are reeling today (Friday) following the news. "It's on everybody's lips. The town is absolutely shocked and devastated. When you are in a situation like this theres no answers. You dont have adequate words even, never mind answers." The Castlebar-based representative said he was 'full of hope' for Ms Gibbons, who is being supported by a large community of Castlebar people living in Darwin, who he said were 'like one big family'. "It's amazing the amount of Castlebar people that's living in Darwin. They are all that age but they are all her age. They're there for her and they're real, real friends. And theyll be there day after day, night after night with her, and for her, and supporting her and everything she needs," said Cllr McLoughlin. Police in Darwin are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said police do not expect to make any arrests in connection with the shooting. Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Forecast 2023-2030 Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market is valued at USD 141.3 Billion in 2022. Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market valuation to reach USD 262.54 Billion by 2030. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients sales to account for a significant CAGR of 8.09% during 2023 2030. The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market is a critical component of the pharmaceutical industry, driving the development and production of medicines. APIs are the biologically active components that make drugs effective in treating various medical conditions. This market is witnessing substantial growth due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising global healthcare expenditure, and the ongoing pursuit of novel therapies. As pharmaceutical companies continue to innovate and expand their product portfolios, the API Market stands as a cornerstone in the quest to enhance healthcare outcomes. Get Access to A Free Sample Report with List of TOC, Charts, Figures @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market-1099/request-sample ***Note The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Industry Sample Report Includes: Scope For 2030 A brief introduction to the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients 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 The API Market is dynamic, shaped by several factors influencing its growth. Key drivers include the growing aging population, which increases the demand for pharmaceuticals, and the rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, the market benefits from pharmaceutical companies emphasis on research and development to introduce advanced therapies. However, challenges such as stringent regulatory requirements, quality control issues, and supply chain disruptions are critical considerations for API manufacturers. The ongoing shift toward precision medicine and personalized therapies also adds complexity to the market dynamics. Top Companies in Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Cipla, Inc. Novartis International AG Merck & Co., Inc. Eli Lilly and Company AstraZeneca Reddys Laboratories Ltd. Boehringer Ingelheim Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Mylan N.V. AbbVie Inc. AND MORE. Dont Miss Out on this Exclusive Opportunity, Enjoy a 50% Discount Using Code SEP50 @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/buy-now/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market-1099/0 Top Trends in The Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Biotechnology Advancements : Biotechnology-driven APIs are gaining traction, offering targeted and personalized therapies. : Biotechnology-driven APIs are gaining traction, offering targeted and personalized therapies. Generic API Expansion : The growth of generic drugs fuels demand for cost-effective APIs. : The growth of generic drugs fuels demand for cost-effective APIs. Outsourcing and Contract Manufacturing : Pharmaceutical companies increasingly outsource API production to specialized manufacturers. : Pharmaceutical companies increasingly outsource API production to specialized manufacturers. Specialty APIs : The rise of specialty drugs requires specialized APIs for conditions such as cancer and rare diseases. : The rise of specialty drugs requires specialized APIs for conditions such as cancer and rare diseases. Regulatory Compliance: Stricter regulatory compliance standards drive quality and safety improvements in API manufacturing. Key Highlights: In-depth analysis of the global market for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. 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 Challenges Challenges in the API Market include stringent regulatory approvals, the need for consistent quality control, and global supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Market Opportunities The market presents opportunities in the development of complex, high-value APIs, exploration of biotech-driven therapies, and forging partnerships to enhance manufacturing capabilities. Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Segmentation By Business Mode Captive API Merchant API By Synthesis Type Synthetic Biotech By Type Of Drug Generic Branded Read Full Research Report Here @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market-1099 Key Questions Answered in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Report How does the aging population impact the demand for APIs? What role does precision medicine play in API development? How is the API market affected by the growth of generic drugs? What are the advantages of outsourcing API manufacturing? What opportunities does the rise of specialty drugs present for API manufacturers? How can API manufacturers ensure stringent regulatory compliance? What strategies mitigate global supply chain vulnerabilities? How is biotechnology transforming API development for personalized therapies? Regional Analysis North America is a significant player in the API Market, with the United States leading the way. The region boasts a robust pharmaceutical industry, substantial research and development investments, and a strong focus on innovation. North Americas healthcare infrastructure and the presence of key pharmaceutical companies position it as a dominant force in API production and consumption. Moreover, the region is known for its stringent regulatory standards, ensuring the quality and safety of APIs. Collaborations between pharmaceutical giants and smaller API manufacturers contribute to innovation and growth in the North American API Market. With a focus on precision medicine and biotechnology-driven therapies, North America is expected to continue its influential role in shaping the global API landscape. 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EXCLUSIVE Taiwan hopes to propose special crypto law by end of November: lawmaker Yung-Chang Chiang, a Taiwan lawmaker, told @TheBlock__ that he hopes to officially propose the draft crypto act for first reading by the end of November, if not sooner.https://t.co/QxJFEHRGKf Timmy Shen (@timmyhmshen) October 6, 2023 Parliament member under the Yuans arm, Yung-Chang Chiang, stressed the need for a special law to guide cryptocurrency trading and other activities in the country in the interview. He highlighted the inherent differences between cryptocurrencies and traditional financial investment services, highlighting the need for tailored and industry-specific guidelines. Furthermore, Chiang pointed out the underlying rationale for this initiative. He stressed the importance of Taiwan avoiding the pitfall of regulatory arbitrage, especially in light of the increasing challenges of various foreign crypto operations. He believes that having a special law protects investors and gives them value in the long run. Chiang has been active in attaining this goal despite the limited time frame. In an October 6 public hearing, he met with industry experts and service providers to discuss the upcoming draft bill. In the meeting, he zoomed in on the proposed provisions by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) guidelines regarding how cryptocurrencies should be interacted with. In the official statement shared on its website on September 26, the FSC stated that all domestic crypto trading platforms must separate customers funds from the exchanges treasury. Hence, cryptocurrency exchanges must keep customers digital funds in separate accounts to prevent fraud. In addition, they must review the listing and delisting standards for virtual assets and ensure easy access to required information by investors and government agencies. The guidelines also extend to foreign offshore platforms, with the FSC requiring these international exchanges to complete registration before commencing their operations within the country. Importantly, the regulatory authority emphasized that domestic and foreign cryptocurrency exchanges must not operate without the necessary approvals. Lacks Legal Enforceability Although the FSC is moving in the right direction, Chiang believes this approach lacks legal enforceability. According to him, there is no approval for an operating permit, and the proposed special crypto law will cover the gap after it is submitted to the Parliament by November. Crypto exchanges without permits will see their operations stopped until they get the relevant approval in Taiwan. Chiang said: In this case, under the authority of this special law, regulatory authorities can impose administrative penalties on operators who violate these self-regulation rules. Without such a special law, regulators would lack the ability to impose penalties. Meanwhile, nine crypto exchanges, including MaiCoin, BitoGroup, and ACE, are already working towards creating a crypto industry association to push the interest of the nascent industry. The group is working towards applying by mid-October to make it official. North America ECG Patch and Holter Monitoring Market generated revenue of US$ 1,161.4 million in 2022. The market is projected to surpass a revenue of US$ 4,413.3 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15.99% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2031. Get a Free Sample Report Here- https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/north-america-ecg-patch-and-holter-monitoring-market The North America ECG patches and Holter monitoring market has grown quickly in recent years, demonstrating the regions commitment to promoting cardiovascular health solutions. This rise is due to a number of market reasons, such as population aging, an uptick in cardiovascular diseases, an increase in the prevalence of AFib, and technological advancements. The United States stands out as a significant market revenue contributor. Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia, which is rising at a rapid rate. Additionally, this illness also contributes to a sizable number of fatalities. AFib was listed on 183,321 death certificates in 2019 and was the primary factor in 26,535 of those fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the US, 12.1 million people will develop AFib by 2030. As a result, the market will rise due to the increasing prevalence of AFib and the fact that Holter monitors are the most used AFib detection tool worldwide. In addition, the increased telemedicine use and remote patient monitoring will increase demand for ECG and Holter monitors in the upcoming years. In North America, telehealth services had already grown by 250% from the previous year by 2022. It is more convenient for consumers and healthcare providers, especially in distant or underdeveloped locations, because these technologies enable medical practitioners to remotely monitor patients heart health. Furthermore, the global telecardiology market, a branch of telehealth that focuses on cardiology, will grow at a CAGR of 17.5% to reach $65.3 billion. North America is well-positioned to drive this expansion since it holds close to 40% of the global market. Diagnostics Segment Control More Than 50% of Market Revenue Share The diagnostic segment dominates the electrocardiogram patches and Holter monitoring market. It currently has a market share of more than 68.6%. Their dominance is due to the importance of these monitoring methods in identifying different heart diseases. Early and precise diagnosis is crucial given the increased prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses in North America. For instance, the American Heart Association (AHA) predicts that by 2030, almost 40% of Americans will have a cardiovascular illness of some kind. The significance of ECG patches and Holter monitors in the field of diagnostics is only expected to increase since they offer priceless insights into aberrant cardiac rhythms and beats. United States Capturing More Than Half of the Revenue Share The United States stands out as a large contributor and a dominant leader, with a market share of over 84%. The US has dominated this market due to its excellent healthcare system and significant focus on cardiovascular health. A significant portion can be due to the developed healthcare system in the country, increased awareness, and increased research and development initiatives. Additionally, the technique was widely adopted; by 2022, about 30 million Americans had worn some type of ECG patch for monitoring. Over half of adults have a cardiovascular disease, according to alarming statistics from the American Heart Association, which has sparked a dire demand for top-notch diagnostic and monitoring tools. This urgency will only increase as the aging population, which is more susceptible to cardiac ailments, is projected to grow to 74 million people by 2030. Request of this Full Report Here- https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/north-america-ecg-patch-and-holter-monitoring-market The USs continued dominance in the market depends on innovation. The nations consistent history of being at the forefront of medical technological advancements and its investment appetite, which pumped over $14 billion into health tech startups in 2022, ensure that healthcare providers have access to the most cutting-edge ECG patches and Holter monitors. Companies Profile The ECG patches and Holter monitoring market in North America is fragmented due to the abundance of small, local service providers. ECG patches and Holter monitors are two examples of cardiac monitoring equipment offered by major healthcare organizations. List of Prominent Players Include AliveCor, Inc. Cardiac Insight Inc. Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd. GE Healthcare Hill-Rom Koninklijke Philips N.V. Medtronic plc LifeSignals, Inc. Schiller AG Nihon Kohden Corporation Other Prominent Players Segmentation Outline The North America ECG patch and Holter monitoring market segmentation focuses on Product, Application, End User, and Country. By Product ECG Patch Holter Monitor Single Holter Monitors 3 Lead Holter Monitors 6 Lead Holter Monitors 12 Lead Holter Monitors Others By Application Diagnostics Monitoring Long-term (or continuous) monitoring Automatic analysis Extended cardiac monitoring Others By End User Hospitals & Clinics Home Settings & Ambulatory Facilities Others By Country U.S. Canada Mexico The request of this Sample Report Here- https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/north-america-ecg-patch-and-holter-monitoring-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company that has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in-depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well-calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment-wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us. Contact us: Aamir Beg BSI Business Park, H-15,Sector-63, Noida- 201301- India Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) Email: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: www.astuteanalytica.com LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Global Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Market revenue was US$ 785.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to generate a revenue of US$ 2,103.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.56% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2031. A considerable shift has occurred in the pharmaceutical manufacturing market as a result of technological breakthroughs, economical manufacturing techniques, increasing investment, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. North America will significantly contribute financially and will offer innovation for the market. Get a Free Sample Report Here- https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-market The need for pharmaceutical manufacturing is growing due to the rising incidence of chronic diseases and the aging of the population. This tendency can be related to chronic illnesses like diabetes and cancer, which require early treatment due to their devastating side effects. For instance, according to the World Health Organizations (WHO) September 2022 update, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are to blame for nearly 41 million deaths worldwide, or 71% of all fatalities. According to the same source, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders round up the top five NCDs. Low- and middle-income nations account for over 77% of all NCD fatalities. The development of customized medicine has completely transformed the healthcare sector, opening up new ways to treat various illnesses and laying the foundation for patient-centered models. Drug manufacturing has advanced tremendously as a result of these ongoing industry improvements. In order to accommodate the development of complicated medications and customized therapies suited to specific patients, a transition from large-scale production to smaller batches has occurred. Pharmaceutical companies have reorganized their supply chains in response to this transition to better fit the patient-centered healthcare system. Growth in drug manufacturing procedures is anticipated to be fueled by the rising number of drugs receiving regulatory body approval. The FDA authorized 37 innovative medications in 2022, demonstrating a trend in the right direction. Ongoing Biological Revolution Offering Opportunities for the Market Biopharmaceuticals are a vital component of contemporary medicine in the worldwide pharmaceutical manufacturing market because of benefits like high specificity and few adverse effects. Biopharmaceuticals have expanded at a rate that is twice that of traditional pharmaceuticals, according to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA). Astute Analytica projects that by 2030, the global biopharmaceuticals industry will have grown to an astounding US$ 856 billion from its estimated value of US$ 333 billion in 2021. According to a report by EvaluatePharma, biopharmaceuticals will make up about 50% of the top 100 pharmaceutical products by revenue in 2022. Additionally, biopharmaceuticals have shown to be particularly successful in curing diseases that were previously incurable. For instance, a subclass of biopharmaceuticals known as monoclonal antibodies has transformed the way that oncology, autoimmune disorders, and uncommon diseases are treated. This industry is today worth over $115 billion. Furthermore, prominent players in the industry are making strategic moves owing to the growing importance of biologics, which is benefitting the expansion of this market sector. For instance, in February 2023, the full-service biologics CDMO Bionova Scientific, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Medical with operations in the United States, stated that it would be increasing its capacity for process research and GMP biologics production. Pain Management Application Generated Around 33% of Market Revenue Share In 2022, the pain management segment dominated the market, with a startling 32.7% share. Surprisingly, estimates show that 20% of adults worldwide struggle with pain, with 10% receiving a new diagnosis of chronic pain each year. Given the present world population of 7.8 billion adults, this indicates that roughly 780 million adults are exposed to the chronic pain spectrum every year. According to the data, there is a significant and urgent need for pain management techniques, which provides a favorable environment for new pharmaceutical developments and treatments. For the full report, please follow this link:- https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-market As a result, an abundance of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription analgesics, anti-inflammatory medications, and more specialist treatments for disorders like neuropathic pain are available. The impressive 13.24% expected CAGR for the pain market indicates its sustained significance in the pharmaceutical manufacturing market. The prevalence of pain-related diseases around the world has a significant role in pain managements importance in the pharmaceutical industry. North America Contributed Over 45% Revenue Share to the Market North America generated over 45% of the global market revenue in 2022. North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.24%, making its dominance virtually uncontested. This is due to the presence of important pharmaceutical manufacturers and rising spending on manufacturing technology by pharmaceutical businesses. Within North America, the United States controls a significant portion of the market. The growing cost of research and development, the burden of chronic diseases, the developing pharmaceutical sector, and the dominance of key market competitors are the main drivers of market expansion. In the United States, for example, 4 in 10 persons had two or more chronic conditions, according to a January 2022 update by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). Due to the fact that generic medications are far less expensive than other prescribed medications, these conditions place an annual burden of USD 3.8 trillion on the nations healthcare system. Therefore, the widespread use of generic medications in the nation can greatly lower healthcare costs, which is likely to hasten the production of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, North America continues to lead the globe in pharmaceutical consumption, accounting for a sizeable 46% of global per capita prescription spending. The dominance of the region extends beyond consumption to include innovation. With cutting-edge technologies and ongoing product improvements, many of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world have their headquarters in North America, which inevitably increases their market share. Some of the Prominent Companies Profiled in the Report are: Abbott Laboratories AbbVie Inc. ACADIA Pharma Aenova Group Amgen Inc AstraZeneca plc Bayer AG Biogen Inc Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH Eli Lilly and Company F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG GSK plc Merck KGaA Novartis AG Novo Nordisk A/S Pfizer Inc Sanofi SA Other Prominent Players Segmentation Outline The global pharmaceutical manufacturing market segmentation focuses on Drug Type, Formulation, Route of Administration, Therapeutic Application, Manufacturing Facility, Distribution Channel, and Region. By Drug Type Branded Prescription Drugs Generic Prescription Drugs Over-The-Counter Drugs (OTC) By Formulation Tablets Capsules Injectables Sprays Suspensions Powder Other Formulations By Route of Administration Oral Medicine Topical Medicine Parenteral Medicine Inhalations Other Routes of Administration By Therapeutic Application Cardiovascular Disease Pain Disease Cancer Respiratory Diseases Neurological Diseases Orthopedics Other Therapeutic Application By Manufacturing Facility In-House Facility Outsourced facility By Distribution Channel Retail Channel Non-retail Online Channel By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Western Europe The UK Germany France Italy Spain Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Poland Russia Rest of Eastern Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia & New Zealand South Korea ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa (MEA) Saudi Arabia South Africa UAE Rest of MEA South America Argentina Brazil Rest of South America The request of this Sample Report Here- https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company that has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in-depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well-calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment-wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us. Contact us: Aamir Beg BSI Business Park, H-15,Sector-63, Noida- 201301- India Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) Email: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: www.astuteanalytica.com LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, October 5, 2023 The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed last week that longtime agency incumbent MullenLowe U.S. has retained a recruitment contract valued at $454.6 million over a new five-year period that begins next year. A one-year extension may be added to the contract. The value of the agreement has more than doubled since the last contract, which was capped at $212 million. advertisement advertisement MullenLowe, part of Interpublic competed against six other unidentified contenders, per the DOD notice. The notice indicated that the agency will provide advertising, market research and related services. Also, This contract provides for brand planning, identifying target markets, design and development of creative content, and developing multimedia ad campaigns. Work on websites is also part of the remit. The agencys Boston office will lead the effort. MullenLowe first won the contract more than 20 years ago. It supports the DODs Joint Advertising, Market Research & Studies program, which targets recruitment for all branches of the military. MullenLowes work has garnered two Effie Awards, including a Gold for Sustained Success. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 5, 2023 Mobile data broker Kochava must face some claims in a privacy class-action complaint over the alleged sale of location data, a federal judge in Idaho has ruled. U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill -- who previously dismissed the Federal Trade Commission's complaint against the company -- said this week that consumers can proceed with claims that Kochava violated California laws. Specifically, Winmill ruled that the allegations in the complaint, if proven true, could support a claim that Kochava violated the state's Data Access and Fraud Act, which prohibits anyone from taking or using computer data without permission. He also ruled that the allegations could support a claim that Kochava violated California's unfair competition law. Winmill dismissed several other claims, but is allowing the plaintiffs to reformulate those counts and bring them again. advertisement advertisement Kochava declined to comment on the decision. The ruling comes in a class-action complaint filed this year by residents of California and Washington state -- Cindy Murphy, Scott Connelly, Jenny Watson and Adrian Ingram -- who alleged Kochava sells people's precise geolocation data along with their mobile ad identifiers (typically alphanumeric strings). Murphy and the others alleged that precise location data, when combined with mobile ad identifiers, may be used to track consumers to sensitive locations, including places of religious worship, places that may be used to infer an LGBTQ+ identification, domestic abuse shelters, medical facilities, and welfare and homeless shelters. They claimed Kochava, which obtains geolocation data from app developers, violated various statutes in California and Washington. Their lawsuit -- as well as separate class-actions in Massachusetts and California -- came shortly after the Federal Trade Commission sued Kochava for allegedly engaging in an unfair business practice by selling location data, including information that could reveal visits to sensitive locales like abortion clinics. Kochava has said that the data it allegedly provides to third parties isn't personally identifiable. The company has also argued that location data doesn't in itself reveal the reasons why someone visited a particular address. Kochava urged Winmill to dismiss the Idaho consumers' potential class-action at an early stage. Among other arguments, Kochava said the consumers lacked standing to proceed in federal court, arguing that their complaint didn't spell out a concrete and particularized injury to themselves that resulted from the alleged violations. Winmill rejected that argument, writing that privacy violations are the kind of intangible harm that can constitute concrete injury. (That language came from a 2016 Supreme Court decision allowing people to sue in federal court over harms that are intangible but concrete.) Kochava also said the allegations didn't support claims that the company violated California's data-access law, arguing that consumers consented to the collection and use of their data by app developers. Plaintiffs ... voluntarily downloaded 'a third party application' on their mobile devices and therefore, if any data was collected by these third party applications, it was because plaintiffs and class members consented to any data collection and failed to opt out of the data collection or disable location tracking settings on their mobile devices, the company wrote in a motion urging Winmill to dismiss the complaint. Winmill rejected that argument, essentially ruling that people can agree to share data with an app developer without necessarily consenting to Kochava's alleged use of that data. He noted in the ruling that U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia Bashant in San Diego, who presides over the California litigation, recently rejected Kochava's bid for a fast dismissal. In that matter, as in Idaho, Kochava argued that the allegations, if true, show consumers consented to the data collection by app developers, and could have opted out of having their data collected. While Winmill allowed the consumers to move forward with some claims, he previously dismissed the FTC's complaint on the grounds that the allegations, if proven true, wouldn't show Kochava created a significant risk of harm to consumers. The FTC subsequently amended its complaint, and Winmill is still considering whether to allow the agency to proceed with the revised complaint. by Ray Schultz , October 6, 2023 Conde Nast has announced another key hire to steward the Vogue brand overseas: Rochelle Pinto was named editorial content director for Vogue India, starting Oct. 23. Pinto joins Conde Nast from Tweak India, a digital company she founded. Last month, Conde Nast named Chioma Nnadi as head of editorial content for British Vogue. Pinto, who says she first entered a Vogue office a decade ago, hopes to build an impactful and inclusive media brand across platforms, the kind I would have loved to see when I was growing up. Rochelle is such a talented writer and editor and she knows how fashion and culture intersect in India as well as anyone, says Anna Wintour, chief content officer and global editorial director, Vogue. Wintour adds, Shes a digital thinker through and through, who brings tremendous energy to her work and is lots of fun to be around too! Shes a great leader and the natural choice for this role. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 6, 2023 Dozens of Republican senators are blasting a proposal to reinstate the Obama-era net neutrality rules, which prohibited providers from blocking or throttling content, and charging higher fees for prioritized delivery. Re-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices, Senators John Thune (R-South Dakota) and Ted Cruz (T-Texas) and 41 other GOP senators say in a letter sent Thursday to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel. The lawmakers write that there is no policy or legal rationale to move forward with the proposal, adding that any attempt to revive the prior rules would be an historic mistake. The letter comes nearly two weeks after Rosenworcel said she will ask the full commission to vote on whether to seek public comment on proposed rules -- the first step in a lengthy process that could result in new regulations. advertisement advertisement Rosenworcel's proposal includes 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. The FCC classified broadband access as a utility service in 2015, and also imposed some common carrier rules on providers -- 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 2015 rules were too heavy-handed. Thune and the others now argue to Rosenworcel that the 2017 repeal didn't harm people's ability to access broadband. The growth of the internet continues to be a great American success story, they write. Broadband investment has increased, deployment has increased, speeds have increased, and high-speed internet access has become more affordable than ever. Many Democratic lawmakers, by contrast, have urged the FCC to reclassify broadband as a utility and reinstate the former open internet rules. 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 late last month in a letter to Rosenworcel. The advocacy group Free Press, which supports net neutrality, says its research shows that broadband investment increased after the FCC voted to pass net neutrality rules in 2015. "According to Free Press research, capital investments by publicly traded ISPs were 5 percent higher following the FCCs 2015 open internet vote when compared to the two years prior to the adoption of these rules," the group states. "During this time, cable-industry physical-network investments increased 48 percent compared to the amount invested during the two years prior." by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, October 6, 2023 UniWorld Group and Johannesburg, SA-based Two Tone Global have announced a strategic partnership to provide media and advertising services across Africa via an entity being branded UWG Africa. The partners said the effort is designed to reshape the way clients reach and engage with their audiences, and increase culturally authentic access, engagement, and participation in media and advertising throughout the continent. advertisement advertisement The partners are investing $200 million in the partnership, which will be used to foster Black media, content, talent and consumer engagement efforts across Africa. The venture will operate out of Johannesburg, Nairobi and Lagos. As insight-driven storytellers who foster inclusivity and drive culture forward, UWG Africa will combine robust data-driven insights with authentic cultural understanding and unique creativity to unlock growth opportunities for clients, stated Gregory Edwards, president and CEO of UWG. Carlo Murison, group CEO of Two Tone Global, added that UWG Africa will change the way brands connect with customers and create more meaningful connections through insights that are culturally relevant. With the formation of UWG Africa, UWG now operates in five cities across three countries in North America and Africa. Two Tone Global will continue to operate as a full-service advertising agency headquartered in Johannesburg with its own roster of clients. There will be no changes to the ownership or management team headed by Murison. Cumberland County may file a lawsuit against the state to force a change to a formula that has resulted in level funding of county-based mental health services for about a decade. No decision has been made, but a lawsuit could be discussed when county commissioners meet in an executive session within a couple weeks to discuss a strategy. Before any decision could be made on whether to file a lawsuit, a number of questions need to be answered, Commissioner Gary Eichelberger said Monday. Could litigation work for us? Is there something that could work better? Is it worth the cost? Would the outcome be a meaningful outcome? State law allows county officials to take any discussion of possible litigation into an executive session behind closed doors. Most likely, if there is a lawsuit, it would be against the state and/or state agencies, Eichelberger said. The county has been advised by the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro that any change to the funding formula is dependent on the Pennsylvania General Assembly, not the executive branch, he said. The funding formula is stacked against us, Eichelberger said. Were a growing county, and the formula is vastly outdated. The state has refused to do anything about it for many years. Our goal is to hopefully come up with a more comprehensive solution in time for next years budget. In trying to change the formula, Cumberland County may be able to get a share of state funding more in line with its population growth, Eichelberger said. It would give us some long-term hope of avoiding an explosion of deficit or an implosion of services. We have a rising population so it stands to reason we will experience a higher level of mental health cases than we have in the past. Thats going to cost more. The formula has us stuck in a flat funding type of situation despite the rise in population. Disparities The county recently learned that it could receive up to $1.9 million in one-time only federal funds to offset most of a $2.3 million deficit in the 2022-23 mental health services budget. While greeted as welcome news, county officials are convinced the trend of persistent budgetary shortfalls will continue so long as nothing is done by state lawmakers to fix the funding formula. Already, Cumberland County is projecting a deficit of about $2.8 million in its 2023-24 budget, Mental Health Director Annie Strite said this week. She attributes the shortfall to level state funding that has failed to keep pace with escalating personnel costs brought on by the need of service providers to offer higher pay to recruit and retain staff. There needs to be a review of the formula, Strite said. There needs to be more dollars allocated to provide mental health services to our community. This budget impacts so many other parts of the county 911 calls, the jail, Children and Youth referrals, drug and alcohol referrals. All of these things are impacted by the mental health system. Cumberland County officials believe the current formula fails to take into account population shifts across the state. As a result, disparities exist from one county or region to the next in how the state distributes funds. Some counties are growing; the whole southeastern portion of the commonwealth, Strite said. But there are other parts of the commonwealth where the population is actually decreasing. The formula should be based on population and need, Commissioner Vincent DiFilippo said. As the fastest growing county in Pennsylvania, Cumberland County is experiencing an increase in demand for mental health services, so the funding should keep pace with that trend. Instead, while some counties are fine with their state allocation, counties like Cumberland County have been struggling with flat funding for years, he said. You would think that our contingent of state legislators would go to bat for us. Me, personally, I havent seen much from them. In order for this problem to get resolved, the state needs to look at this and be serious about funding it. State role Eichelberger said back-channel feedback from the state lawmakers who represent Cumberland County suggest they dont want to accept any responsibility for this. They keep saying Well, the county hasnt raised taxes in years and you keep telling people how proud you are for not raising taxes, maybe you guys should raise taxes and pay for it yourself. But the state has considerably more resources and assets than we do. I know the state has a lot on its plate, DiFilippo said. There are always people asking for more funding, more funding, more funding. Where do you draw the line? I get it, but mental health services? Its the state obligation to provide counties the majority of the funding for them to handle mental health services. The idea that Cumberland County may have to resort to a lawsuit has Commissioner Jean Foschi fuming. I hate it, she said. If the county decides that its going to litigate to get its money from the state to pay for mandated services, its just the taxpayers paying again. This is the thing that bothers me the most, she said. Our residents pay the state. They pay income and sales tax to the state, but its not being returned here for services the state mandates. At one time, their answer was, Well, county, you can figure this out and raise county taxes. But thats asking our residents to double pay. The state mandates. They say, You must provide this service, so they should also provide the money. Its their job to fix these things. Besides, Foschi said, Cumberland County has already made a case on the need for more state funds. Earlier this year, concerns over the 2022-23 deficit prompted the county to launch a public information campaign aimed at educating county residents about the challenges faced by service providers and care recipients. The resulting town halls offered a forum for public testimonials that brought mental health issues to the forefront, Eichelberger said. We had extraordinary individuals who are consumers of services. They bared their souls and their scars in telling us what its like trying to live their lives. Those folks demonstrated a great deal of courage in speaking to specific aspects of where services are needed. We already know that the absence of services can result in not only hopelessness, Eichelberger said. We have evidence its a contributing factor to the rising tide of suicide the entire country is experiencing. This is not just someone elses issue. Our approach has to be more than just local, he said. We have to see where there can be a collaborative effort among counties because the entire south-central region has seen population growth. The funding formula consigns all of us to a disastrous situation. The county needs to build coalitions that state lawmakers may find hard to ignore, Eichelberger said. He suggested doing more to leverage the input of front-line first-responders who deal most directly with people experiencing mental and emotional distress. In some municipal police departments, significant amounts of time and energy is spent trying to help people who have not received the services they need to manage their situation on the path to recovery, he said. Eichelberger said that by ignoring this issue, Pennsylvania lawmakers are not saving taxpayers money. They are just transferring the costs from the state to the county and local level, he said. A one-time infusion of federal dollars will buy Cumberland County some time, but it will not resolve the lingering state funding issue that results in large annual deficits in the county mental health services budget, officials said this week. The county learned that it could receive up to $1.9 million in federal Community Mental Health Service Block Grant funds that could offset much of the $2.3 million deficit in its 2022-23 budget, said Annie Strite, mental health director. This is a very short-term solution to a very long-term need, she said. While it may give us a little breathing room, it continues to identify an unmet need in our community. Were hopeful the whole community recognizes this and continues to advocate on behalf of helping our citizens get their needs met. Earlier this year, concern over a projected $2.5 million deficit prompted the county to launch a public information campaign aimed at educating residents about the challenges faced by service providers and care recipients. One goal of the town halls and public testimonials was to encourage county residents to lobby state lawmakers to change a formula that has resulted in flat funding over the past decade that has not kept up with rising personnel and operating costs. As this was going on, county mental health services kept the lines of communication open with agencies. We continued to talk to the state to see if there were any available resources, any way for them to support us, Strite said. There was a federal funding stream that they were able to identify. We provided them with data on our services, and the state was able to support us by providing one-time only dollars. The block grant funds come from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These funds are administered at the state level through the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, which is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Working with the providers, county mental services staff were able to reduce the projected deficit to about $2.3 million. Were a little bit better off than we originally anticipated, Strite said Monday. Were still working with providers to get all the bills in from the prior fiscal year. We just emailed some and told them that we need your bills by the close of business Friday. The fiscal year for county mental health services runs from July 1 to June 30. Shortfall While the block grant funds will do much to offset the $2.3 million deficit, the county commissioners would still have to allocate money to contend with the remaining shortfall. Exactly how much and from what source remains to be seen. There is general agreement among commissioners that the $1.9 million in block grant funds is welcome news. However, they were quick to add that the public needs to put the federal dollars in the proper perspective. It doesnt fix the problem, but it certainly helps, Vincent DiFilippo said. Its not going towards new services, Gary Eichelberger said. Its paying for services that we already provided. It will simply keep the county from sinking further into the red on this issue for a little while. County staff members are working with service providers on alternative arrangements for the payment of some bills, Eichelberger said. In an informal sense, its sort of a restructuring. Were buying ourselves some time to work with the providers to determine if some of these payments can be carried into the future. Its the timeliness of payments and whether there are things that perhaps can be deferred. As Eichelberger sees it, some options are off the table. Some providers are having trouble keeping their staff up, he said. We cant ask them to take a cut. They provide services and those services are badly needed. One way the commissioners could offset the remaining shortfall would be to draw down funds from county reserves. Unlike the mental health services budget, the county general fund budget operates on a calendar fiscal year that starts on Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. Starting this month, there will be meetings between the commissioners and the departments to work on a spending plan for 2024. I know we ended our calendar year for 2022 with the county reserve in pretty good shape, DiFilippo said. 2023 was going to provide us with additional expenses, so I dont know what our reserve number is right at this moment. Eichelberger is hesitant to use reserves to offset deficits in the county mental health services budget. We cant go on to continue forever to fill those gaps with general fund money, he said. The old perception that the county is sitting on a mountain of money and should be willing to pay for this and pay for that is outdated thinking. DiFilippo said there are other options to the general fund. I cant speak for my two colleagues, but I would certainly be willing to take a serious look at those leftover nursing home proceeds and any unspent ARPA money as a way to close the one-year potential gap, he said. Last December, the commissioners appointed an all-volunteer exploratory committee to research needs, weigh options and prepare recommendations on how to use the remaining $7.4 million in proceeds from the sale of the Claremont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. In late June, the committee issued its final report, which recommended the county place the $7.4 million into an endowment where the principal would earn annual interest that could be used as supplemental funds to cover gaps in services. Rather than act on this recommendation, the commissioners tabled the matter in late July in part because of the state budget impasse. The ARPA money DiFilippo referred to was $25 million the county set aside from its allocation of $49.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. The rationale for holding back the $25 million was to support much-needed capital projects and to offset any remaining shortfalls in county revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the county has unspent Rescue Plan funds, using one-time money to offset annual deficits is unsustainable without adequate state funding, Commissioner Jean Foschi said. County mental health services is already projecting a deficit of about $2.8 million in its 2023-24 budget, Strite said. Our providers are struggling to hire staff because there are many industries that pay more. So they [the providers] need to raise salaries to where they can attract and retain quality staff members. Health care benefits are consistently rising. All these costs continue to go up, but our state funding continues to remain the same. While the approved state budget includes an additional $20 million for county-based mental health services, all three commissioners describe this as a drop in the bucket considering there are 67 counties in Pennsylvania, all with varying degrees of need and trends in demand. Even though the [state] budget is done, we dont have the fiscal codes yet, Foschi said. We dont have an appropriation. No county knows how much additional funding theyre getting for mental health services. While the state budget includes $100 million more for school-based mental health services, chances are the school districts would have to turn to county government to help provide those enhanced services, she said. We were very hopeful that the $100 million would have been directed to the counties, Foschi said. We dont have to be the middle man on something like that. We already have the structure set up. Redirecting those funds to the schools, theres just not a whole lot of common sense in that. Amid widespread criticism and complaints about military barracks, cafeterias and dorms, one former Army reservist is hoping to increase transparency with a new app that allows service members to review their living situations on base. The app, called "Hots&Cots" and available on Apple devices, was created by former Army reservist Robert Evans and allows users to post pictures of their barracks and DFAC, or dining hall, meals. They can give a rating of one to five stars. Dorms at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, tech school, for example, were given one star with an accompanying photo of moldy vents. Food at the Panther Inn Warrior Restaurant at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, was given one star with a picture of undercooked chicken as a review. Read Next: 'Last Stop USA': How the Army Is Trying to Fill in for a Broken Education System Evans, who served 12 years in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard, told Military.com in an interview Friday that he didn't necessarily create the app to be a complaint system -- it already boasts some five-star reviews of dorms and meals -- but he hopes it'll inspire military leaders to take action. "There are some great dorms, some great barracks, amazing DFACS out there, and I want to highlight those," Evans said. "Then, whatever branch or service can use that data and see what barracks or dorms or that DFAC is doing well, they can compare it to the ones that are doing bad and can see what changes they need to make." Evans' app comes on the heels of a nearly 100-page report last month from the Government Accountability Office filled with horrid examples of substandard living conditions in military barracks, such as sewage issues that made entire buildings smell like methane; tap water with a brown tint; and insect infestations. Pests such as bedbugs and cockroaches were a common issue at six of the bases that the GAO visited. Several bases had severe issues with security in the buildings, to the point that service members said that they were unable to lock their doors at night and squatters had moved in. The plumbing problems and water considered unsafe to drink sparked a rebuke from Congress. Lawmakers quickly voiced frustration with the services over the conditions, Military.com reported. The issues with barracks, cafeterias and dorms have been known for decades to those in uniform. Military.com has also been diligently reporting on the issues. In just the last two years, Military.com has detailed issues in the barracks from soldiers stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, to Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg, as well as problems for sailors at facilities such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland; the naval air station at Key West, Florida; and aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier as it was undergoing overhaul in Newport News, Virginia. The coverage also included mold and poor air conditioning in the dorms at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, which left some airmen to hold their own raffle for a new air conditioning unit, as well as Legionella bacteria in a medical barracks at Joint Base San Antonio. Evans said he personally experienced rough living conditions at Fort Stewart in the early 2000s. He has two children and, given the current state of the military's living conditions, he said he'd have some doubts about them joining up. "I want them to go into something that they can be proud of and not coming into a situation where they're going to be living in questionable dorms or barracks or eating raw chicken," Evans said. "That's not what I want for them." The Army is planning to pump $4 billion into barracks construction and renovations, and funding barracks sustainment to 100% of what's authorized by Congress, Military.com reported Thursday. It's unclear what other new service-specific or Pentagon improvements are in the works following the watchdog report. An Android version of "Hots&Cots" is currently in the works. Ultimately, Evans hopes the military takes notice of his simple idea -- to create transparency into what living conditions are like for service members. "My goal is that maybe the military will put me out of business, and they will have their own system of sorts to provide this for anybody in the military," Evans said. "Because there's nothing like this right now for them." -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on X @TomNovelly. Related: Army Plans Boost in Barracks Spending as Military Grapples with Squalid Living Conditions Nearly every student, sitting at desks in Army uniforms at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, had a similar story. The public schools they came from were crumbling: There were holes in the walls, books held together with duct tape, few computers, not enough teachers and failing air conditioning that made paying attention in class impossible in the sweltering heat. Test scores, which were already falling before the pandemic, took a nosedive, and recent years have seen a blitz in teacher strikes over poor working conditions and being paid wages not far above the poverty level. For the Army to fill its ranks with aggressive recruiting quotas, it needs applicants who can meet a baseline of academic standards meant to be measured by the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB. A dwindling pool of young Americans can meet those enlistment requirements, forcing the Army to pick up the slack as it scrambles to get kids up to snuff. Read Next: After Missing Recruiting Goals, Army Announces New Occupational Specialty to Increase the Ranks "I felt like everything I saw on the ASVAB wasn't what I was taught in high school. Everything was really basic in school," said Pvt. Alvarez Anastasia. "I had a hard time, and I felt school kind of set me up for failure." By many measures, the K-12 school system in the United States is broken. No monologue from "The West Wing" about how public schools should be palaces is going to fix what is quickly becoming a national security risk. National test scores have plummeted, and ACT scores also took a significant hit. In the class of 2022, only 42% of those tested hit the basic benchmarks for English, reading, math and science. This last year, the Army made a bet it could help more young Americans clear academic hurdles to be eligible for service. More than 10,000 soldiers, like Anastasia, have attended the resulting Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which has a track for students to lose body fat to meet the Army standard and one to meet its academic standards on the ASVAB, with the Army investing far more heavily in the academic track. In total, there are eight academic companies at Fort Jackson and only two for the fitness track. There is also a small academic track at Fort Moore, Georgia, previously known as Fort Benning. Roughly 95% of soldiers graduate and are then allowed to attend basic training, whereas many of them would have previously been turned away and not allowed to enlist. In some cases, these soldiers are bad test takers or speak English as a second language. Some basic tutoring, structure and immersion with the ASVAB is all they need. But instructors for the course explained that most of the deficits they're seeing are tied to basics that should be taught at every school; some of the young recruits coming in didn't understand basic multiplication, what a leap year is, or how many seasons are in a year. The recruits get 90 days to retest and qualify for a job in the Army, but the majority graduate in the first three weeks. Nearly all of the 30 soldiers interviewed by Military.com felt their schools had failed them. In contrast to the schools they grew up in, the classroom for the Future Soldier Preparatory Course is comfortable and well equipped, at least by Army standards. There are three civilian instructors who have backgrounds teaching in public schools and are generally paid more, teaching roughly 30 students at a time sitting four to a table. And of course, there is a drill sergeant who takes a back seat to most of the instruction and is less rowdy than they otherwise would be with young trainees, adding to a student/faculty ratio that would make most elite private schools jealous. Students here are just trying to get to basic training, and until then, drill sergeants are just there to corral the soldiers and provide a baseline example of what soldiering is about. Most of the soldiers come from poor, rural communities, many from the South -- places with few promising job opportunities. Some dropped out after a quick stint in college as the price of higher education has skyrocketed. In one case, a gay recruit hoped the military could be the means to escape a judgmental family. These are young adults from low-income or working-class families, the kind where parents work long hours and are not always able to help with homework, with tutoring sessions well out of financial reach. "A lot of trainees come from the bottom," said Erin Hollier, a civilian instructor for the Future Soldier Preparatory Course. "What they needed that they didn't get from their schools and maybe not even their home is for someone to say, 'Hey, I care about you.' That's what I think makes my classroom successful, because I genuinely like cheering for the underdog. For these kids, this is last stop USA. It's either this or 'I can't pay my bills.'" When Military.com visited the classroom, the students were going over reading comprehension and basic algebra, critical skills tested on the ASVAB. Performance on the test, which is akin to standardized tests students take throughout grade school, dictates whether someone is eligible to enlist and what jobs they qualify for in the Army. As alarm bells have been going off nationally in terms of sliding education performance, the Army has seen a drop in applicants able to meet even the lowest academic standards. No longer a pilot program and now cemented into the Army's portfolio, the prep courses are expected to be the status quo for getting applicants into the service. The prep courses were spurred by an ongoing recruiting slump that has badly impacted the Army but hasn't spared the other services. A shrinking pool of young Americans eligible to serve is at the core of that issue. Pentagon officials estimate that only 23% of 17- to 24-year-olds could serve, primarily due to the obesity epidemic and inability to meet the academic enlistment standards. "This is a pathway to service," Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, the Army Training Center and Fort Jackson commander, told Military.com. "So instead of complaining about what we don't have, I'm excited about what we're going to do with the pool that wants to serve. The onus is on us to ready those that want to serve." Kids and young adults are still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on education, with sweeping declines in math and reading abilities. Those issues have been slowly growing in severity the past decade, but school closures accelerated a decline in academic ability among teens. That decline at America's schools, where disparate funding levels have long created vastly different education outcomes demarcated by race, has had a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic students who make up an outsized component of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course. There, Black soldiers are nearly 34% of the class, compared to making up just 20% of the Army. Hispanic recruits are 24% of the class makeup, but are 17% of the Army's ranks. Just over half of the Army is white, compared to only 32% of the Future Soldier Prep Course. One soldier described having trouble learning and having two siblings with intellectual disabilities. He tried college, but it didn't work out. The Army, as he sees it, is his last chance to be successful. "I need to prove people wrong about myself because I had a lot of people doubting me ever since I was a kid," the soldier said. "If I had a C, it wouldn't be good enough. A lot of stuff ... it's hard to understand sometimes. It's especially hard to focus." The military has periodically struggled to fill the ranks with soldiers who have achieved its desired education level, a concern that has popped up during most of the significant conflicts in the past century. While the Future Soldier Preparatory Course can graduate up to 12,000 trainees per year into basic training who otherwise wouldn't have been eligible to join in most cases, it's only a bandage on the issue. During World War II, the military hit a similar problem, with roughly 750,000 men assessed as having rudimentary academic ability. At the time, an enlisted service member was expected to be at a 4th-grade level of educational proficiency. Some 10% of those who failed to clear the basic academic hurdle in 1942 could still enlist if they were deemed otherwise "intelligent and trainable." There was some concern at the time that draftees were pretending not to know how to read to avoid serving. The following year, that number was dropped to only 5% after illiterate soldiers began causing problems in the field. But meeting the massive quota to build the ranks during an all-consuming war proved too difficult at the time. The Army tried sending reading material to public schools to help prepare students for military entrance exams, but never got a significant enough buy-in from educators. Instead, the Army created what was an early 1940s-era Future Soldier Preparatory Course for illiterate applicants who would be placed in a 15-student class for basic writing and reading comprehension. Throughout the war, 107,075 men attended the course, according to Army records from the time. Roughly 80% of those men finished the course within two weeks, passing the Minimum Literacy Test, proving they could read and write at a 4th-grade level, and were allowed to move onto basic training. Those training efforts were considered successful at the time, supplying replacement troops to the front lines. But whether those replacements were more helpful or harmful to the fight has been questioned by some historians, and Army records show that those men quickly lost reading and writing abilities obtained in their pre-basic training course. During the Vietnam War, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara created Project 100,000, a program to enlist men who failed academic entrance exams. Most of them were assigned to the Army, and many had disciplinary or performance issues. In some cases, they accidentally shot their fellow soldiers or themselves, and were more likely to be killed by booby traps and mines. They died at three times the rate of other Americans serving in the war. The Army did briefly initiate a policy in June 2022 waiving requirements for a high school diploma or GED, though that idea was scrapped after only a week amid scorn from some members of the military community. "The problem facing the Army today in contrast to the two World Wars is basically one of salvaging the failures of the school system rather than of educating the uneducated," a 1979 Army report on recruiting efforts reads. "Success of any program developed by the Army will be made difficult by the fact that the trainee often enlisted to get away from a school environment with which he could not cope and is immediately placed back in a school situation." There is early success with the Future Soldier Preparatory Course. Soldiers can attend for a maximum of 90 days, but can move onto basic training after improving their scores and qualifying for a specific job in the service. Soldiers increase their scores by an average of 18 points after their first three weeks on a test with a maximum score of 99 and enter basic training. That score is a percentile and compared to recorded scores from other groups. But it's unclear whether those trainees and the classroom immersion is just helping them to take the test or if they are truly set up for a successful military career, which past research has suggested is strongly correlated with test scores. Army planners say long-term data needs to be collected, and that it could take three to five years to truly measure the success of the prep course. "We might be getting people who are scoring better," Beth Asch, an economist at Rand Corp. who studies military recruiting, told Military.com. "But are we getting people performing at the level we are requiring that have been associated with higher scores?" -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: Once a Pilot, Army Program for Recruits Who Fall Short of Weight, Academic Standards Is Becoming Permanent The U.S. Naval Academy is now the latest service academy to be sued over admissions policies that consider race and ethnicity as part of an effort to build diversity within the student body. Students for Fair Admissions filed suit Thursday in the Northern Division of the U.S. District Court in Maryland, alleging that the Annapolis, Maryland-based school "has no justification for using race-based admissions" and that decisions should be made on merit. The group sued West Point last month as the first step in its efforts to overturn affirmative action programs at military service academies. It successfully argued in the U.S. Supreme Court against race-based admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, resulting in a ruling that effectively negated the policies for all other institutions of higher learning in the U.S. Read Next: 'Last Stop USA': How the Army Is Trying to Fill in for a Broken Education System "America's enemies do not fight differently based on the race of the commanding officer before them; sailors must follow orders without regard to those giving them, and battlefield realities apply equally to sailors without regard to race, ethnicity or national origin," the group wrote in the suit. The lawsuit, which can be read online in an upload by CNN, echoes one filed against the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, claiming that it too has violated the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, which bars discrimination in the federal government and requires it to provide equal protection under the law. Both suits charge that the schools have requirements for how many Black, Hispanic and Asian students should be in each class and have a primary goal to meet those marks based on a concerted effort to broaden diversity in the ranks for a variety of reasons that the group says were struck down in the Supreme Court ruling in June. In a 6-3 decision, the justices ruled that race could not be used as a consideration in the college admissions process. But they carved out an exception for the military service academies based on a brief submitted to the court nearly 20 years ago that spelled out the unique and "distinct interests" of the academies. A spokeswoman for the Naval Academy declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying the school does not weigh in on pending litigation as a matter of policy. The Naval Academy received 14,727 applications for the class that entered this June, nearly 30% of whom were from women. It made offers to 1,379 students -- 938 men and 441 women. The final class size of 805 men and 370 women included 633 white cadets; 177 Hispanics; 90 Blacks; 125 Asian Americans; four Native Americans or Alaskan Natives; seven Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders; 106 persons who identified themselves as being of more than one race; and 18 who declined to answer the question, according to the school. At West Point, the incoming class this summer -- 1,254 cadets -- included 38% minority representation, including 127 Black cadets, 137 Hispanic Americans, 170 Asian Americans and 18 Native Americans, according to the school. The lawsuit against the Naval Academy was filed by Students for Fair Admissions on behalf of two plaintiffs who are not named in the case, a white male and an Asian male. Both were under the age of 23 and nominated for an appointment, but their applications were rejected. Whether the group will file suits against the Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy or the Merchant Marine Academy remains to be seen. Reserve Officer Training Corps units at civilian institutions also were exempted from the Supreme Court decision and also may be subject to suit. Edward Blum, president of Students for Fair Admissions, did not respond to a request for comment by publication. Shortly after the Supreme Court announced its decision in June, the Defense Department issued a statement on the ruling saying it would evaluate its implications. But Pentagon officials including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin -- the first Black person to hold that position -- have spoken frequently on the importance of boosting diversity in the ranks and the officer corps and adamantly defend their efforts to promote diversity in the armed forces. "We rely on a pipeline of highly qualified American patriots from all walks of life and all backgrounds, which is crucial for our national security," the Pentagon statement said. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Related: Advocacy Group Targets Race Consideration in Military Academy Admissions ANKARA, Turkey Turkish warplanes have carried out airstrikes on sites believed to be used by U.S.-backed Kurdish militant groups in northern Syria after the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone that came within 500 meters (yards) of American troops. A Turkish defense ministry statement said the Turkish jets targeted some 30 sites in the Tal Rifat, Jazeera and Derik regions, destroying caves, bunkers, shelters and warehouses used by Kurdistan Workers Party, PKK, or its affiliated Kurdish militia group in Syria, which is known as Peoples Defense Units, or YPG. Turkey has been carrying out strikes on Kurdish militant targets in Iraq and Syria following a suicide attack outside the Interior Ministry building in the Turkish capital earlier this week. The PKK claimed the attack in which one attacker blew himself up and another would-be bomber was killed in a shootout with police. Two police officers were wounded. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the two assailants had arrived from Syria, where they had been trained. He said PKK and YPG positions in Iraq and Syria had now become legitimate targets. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria said Thursday evening that Turkish bombing had struck 21 sites and 11 people were killed by the Turkish aggression five civilians and six members of the local governments Internal Security Forces. The U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northeast Syria have denied any relationship to the Ankara attack and accused Turkey of using the attack as a pretext for a new military incursion. In Washington, the Pentagon said Thursday that the Turkish drone bombed targets near the U.S. troops in Syria, forcing them to go to bunkers for safety. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said the decision to shoot down the drone of a NATO ally was made out of due diligence and the inherent right of self-defense to take appropriate action to protect U.S. forces. There was no indication that Turkey was intentionally targeting U.S. forces, he said. Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Friday blamed the downing of the drone on conflicting evaluations of what it called a de-escalation mechanism operated between the sides. Necessary measures were being taken to ensure a more effective operation of the mechanism, the ministry said without elaborating. The incident did in no way affect the execution of the ongoing operation and the strikes against targets that were identified, the ministry said. Both Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the new Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. CQ Brown, spoke with their Turkish counterparts quickly after the incident to emphasize the value they place on their relationship with Turkey but also the need to avoid any similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of U.S. personnel. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria conducting missions to counter Islamic State group militants. The incident occurred on the same day as a drone attack killed at least 89 people in the Syrian government-controlled city of Homs, where explosive-laden drones were detonated during a military graduation ceremony attended by young officers and their families. An additional 277 people were injured, according to Syrias health ministry. Syrias military blamed insurgents backed by known international forces, without naming any particular group, and threatened to respond with full force. The Turkish defense ministry said Thursdays aerial operation in Syria was aimed at securing Turkeys borders from threats from the PKK and YPG. Separately, the ministry said Turkey had retaliated to an attack by militants on a Turkish base in the Dabik region late on Thursday, neutralizing 26 militants. Meanwhile, Anadolu Agency reported Friday that Turkish intelligence agents killed a Kurdish militant in an operation in Iraqs Sinjar region. The agency identified the militant as Ilyas Biro Eli and said he was responsible for an alleged assassination unit. The PKK has led a decades-long insurgency in Turkey and is considered a terror organization by Turkey's Western allies, including the United States. Tens of thousands of people have died since the start of the conflict in 1984. The U.S., however, regards the YPG as a key partner in the fight against the Islamic State group in northern Syria and does not believe the group presents a threat to Turkey. ___ Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed. Church prepares for Whale of a Sale The womens group at Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle is well underway with preparations for its bi-annual Whale of a Sale event in October. The sale will be held Oct. 14 at the church at 528 Garland Drive in Carlisle. Clothing, household items, toys, artwork and jewelry will be among the items available for sale. All of the items will be discounted from their original price. The items are donated by members of the churchs congregation or by residents. All of the proceeds will go toward local and international fundraising groups. (The church) really looks forward to helping make this event happen twice a year, said Lillian Wong, who has been the events treasurer for more than 25 years. Its always good to be able to have new people come and get all the stuff that we sell. From 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., all items will be on sale at their regular price. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., items will be randomly sold in bags for $1. The sale usually raises around $10,000 to $12,000. In the past, proceeds have gone toward Meals on Wheels, Safe Harbour and international groups that help provide shelter and solar cookers to those in need. I think we help a lot of different people, said Kathy Beck, who has organized the sale in previous years. Every year, I always get several people that thank us so much for doing this, because this is how they get by. The sale is being organized by the churchs womens group, which primarily focuses on helping women, children and families within the local community. We like to emphasize them as the recipient, Wong said. Its always fun in November when we sit and try to decide who gets the money. The group previously focused fundraising efforts exclusively toward local causes, but has expanded to international organizations as the church has become more diverse. Wong highlighted an instance were they helped a family of Bosnian immigrants with the sale until the family became stable enough to donate some of their own items for the event. To me, that was so gratifying, she said. Thats just one example that I know of personally. It benefited them, and then it turned around and benefited us to be generous. Along with the bi-annual sale, the womens group also assisted the church with sheltering homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic. (The group) is just motivated by just the kindness of their hearts, Wong said. They work well together. Beck said the group is very important to her. Its something purposeful for the community, she said. It gives us a chance to get together and commune as well. The sale was started by Jacky Ferguson, the wife of late former pastor James Ferguson. Jacky Ferguson is still involved with the sale, but has passed along most of the responsibility as she has gotten older. DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI Police are on alert after three men have been spotted masturbating in public while fully nude in a Detroit suburb, FOX 2 Detroit reports. All three incidents happened within a week in Dearborn Heights, the report said. Two of the incidents happened near schools, the report said. One man has been arrested. Paul Vanderplow, of Dearborn Heights Police, says its unlikely this is a coincidence. It could be related to a social media challenge and police are on high alert for anyone else following the trend. Last week, a 45-year-old man was caught masturbating a block from Annapolis High School; he was arrested and is facing charges. The next incident happened Sunday when a man was caught on video while masturbating in a blue Honda CRV in the parking lot of OW Best Middle School; he opened the car door, revealing that he was fully nude. On Monday, a man was seen masturbating while fully nude with the car door open at Hines Park. DETROIT An 8-year-old boy is in extremely critical condition and his father facing child abuse charges after the child shot himself in the head with an unsecured handgun, authorities said. Kayvon Barrett, 27, of Detroit, is charged with four counts of second-degree child abuse related to the incident, which happened Tuesday morning at a home in the 14800 block of Snowden Street in Detroit, the Wayne County Prosecutors Office announced. The child was reportedly in extremely critical condition following the shooting and underwent surgery, police said. I am so sad to hear that another child has been injured by finding an unsecured gun, said Prosecutor Kym Worthy. I dont know what more I can say. Lock and secure your weapons to avoid a tragic situation. Detroit police officers were dispatched to the scene around 11 a.m. Tuesday, prosecutors said. They found the child in the living room of the home suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Medics transported the child to a local hospital for treatment. It is alleged that the child found an unsecured handgun in the home and fired it, striking himself in the head, prosecutors said. Police said Tuesday that they were investigating why it took four adults in the home 30 minutes to call for help after the child was shot; they told police they were sleeping. There were four children in the home between 1 and 8 years old. RELATED: Father arrested after boy, 8, was shot in head Several guns have been recovered from the home, including the one they believe shot the boy, police said. Child Protective Services had been at the home as recently as two weeks ago, police said. Barret was arraigned Friday in 36th District Court. His bond was set at $100,000 cash with a GPS tether and house arrest. A bond re-determination hearing is set for 9 a.m. Monday before Judge William McConico. Barrets next court hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, before Judge Kenneth King. MISSAUKEE COUNTY, MI - Police fatally shot a Lake City woman Thursday, Oct. 5 while conducting a search warrant for her arrest. The Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Task Force Emergency Response Team was confronted by the woman, 41 of Lake City, during the arrest around 1:46 p.m., Michigan State Police said in a news release. WAYNE COUNTY, MI All three men who admitted to the murder of Ann Arbor bartender and musician Egypt Covington in her Wayne County home in 2017 during a botched robbery have been sentenced to prison. Wayne County Circuit Judge Wanda Evans sentenced Shandon Ray Groom and Timothy Eugene Moore to prison Thursday, Oct. 5, after the pair pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, court records show. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Of all the residents who spoke out about power outages at an Ann Arbor-area forum Thursday night, officials said it was 8-year-old Destiny Taylor of Ypsilanti Township who stole the show. It seems like we lose power all the time, she said, calling it a big problem that the DTE Energy grid keeps going down and how people are impacted, including how dangerous it can be in extreme heat or freezing weather. GOODRICH, MI - Netflixs Tall Girl actress and Dance Mom stars Ava Michelle and Jeanette Cota will host an inaugural gala in Goodrich to raise funds on behalf of the Devon Michael Foundation. The event, set for 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Creekside Acres Farms, 7388 S. State Road, is to help continue to educate on the dangers of fentanyl and open the conversation about mental illness. The gala takes place in Michigan, the home state of Michelle, Cota, and Michael. The foundation and the event will honor the life of Michael, who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2021. Since then, founders Michelle and Cota have made it their mission to prevent deaths by raising awareness on fentanyl and the rising mental health crisis. Michigan is where our family made countless memories together, said Cota, Devon Michael Foundations co-founder, in a news release. Its where we have the biggest support system of friends, businesses, and family that are constantly looking for ways to prevent this tragedy. Tickets for the gala start at $50 each and those interested can sponsor a table for $1,000 each. There will also be a silent auction. All funds will go toward the Devon Michael Foundation and communities across the United States. More needs to be done, said Michelle, co-founder of the Devon Michael Foundation. Each day 150 lives are lost to fentanyl. We want to prevent this from happening to another sibling, son, daughter, and loved ones. The money raised at this event will help us go into schools and provide resources that are much needed. Earlier this year, the Devon Michael Foundation hosted a wellness event in Los Angeles to promote mental health alternatives to substances. A variety of influencers and actors were in attendance, including Chloe East (The Fabelmans) and Sadie Stanley (Cruel Summer). Attendees were also trained on how to use Naloxone in the case of an overdose. For more information, click here. Police rushed to a Fluvanna County private Christian school last week after receiving reports of a suspicious person with a gun. By the time they arrived at the Light Academy in Palmyra, they said they learned the man the parent of a student had already left after being asked by school staff. But he did not go far. The 39-year-old father Jacob Goodwin traveled from campus to what police refer to in a Thursday statement as a neighboring property. There, he brandished a firearm in view of school officials and parents, authorities say. It is illegal in Virginia for an individual to possess a firearm on school property. Additionally, it is illegal to point, hold or brandish a firearm in a public place in a manner to reasonably induce fear in the mind of another of being shot. A deputy for the Fluvanna County Sheriffs Office obtained four felony arrest warrants as a search began for the suspect, starting with the locations he was known to frequent. Meanwhile, a number of deputies remained at the school to provide security while students exited the building. The Daily Progress could not reach school officials for comment Thursday evening. Goodwin was arrested later in the evening of Sept. 27. He is currently being held at the Central Virginia Regional Jail. He faces two counts of possession of a firearm on school property and two counts of brandishing a firearm on school property. It is not clear why Goodwin brought a weapon to the school in the first place, nor whether the weapon he brandished at the neighboring property was the same he brandished on campus. The Fluvanna County Sheriffs Office did not return a request for comment from The Daily Progress by press time Thursday. The office remains highly committed to the safety of the children, faculty, staff, parents, and visitors of all the schools in our community, the sheriffs office said in its earlier statement. We will continue to work with the school administrations to develop safety plans, train staff, be present in the facilities, and remain available to them as a resource in addition to our response to emergency calls. HOLLAND, MI - Community leaders and dignitaries gathered at the Midtown Center in Holland Thursday night to celebrate the new Jeannette Brownson Building Beloved Communities Fund. The new initiative is a donor-advised fund held through the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area. Holland resident Jeannette Brownson designed and implemented her vision for a stronger community by helping to fund local nonprofits through her work as a realtor, donating 10% of every commission to the nonprofit of her clients choice. Brownson established relationships with over 60 different nonprofits before sadly passing away in October 2022 due to pancreatic cancer. She was honored Thursday, Oct. 5 during a reception and dinner. Jonathan Brownson, Jeannette Brownsons husband, addressed the intimate crowd how he hopes to continue his wifes legacy of building communities by connecting people with the causes close to their hearts. He said that Jeanette was able to contribute over $100,000 over a decade to local nonprofits like My House Ministry. My hope is that we can match that goal, Jonathan Brownson told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Its a grassroots philanthropy. Its everyone saying, This is what I am passionate about. Mayor of Holland Nathan Bocks also spoke at the press conference, describing how he got to know Jeannette 10 years ago. He said that to her, its always been about building communities. Its so great to see that legacy continue on beyond her and Jonathan, and its going to grow to make these core neighborhoods of Holland flourish like they never have before, Bock said. Ottawa County Commissioner Doug Zylstra and individuals from the offices of State Representative Nancy DeBoer, R-Holland, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., also spoke at the press conference in support of Brownsons legacy. This endowment in her name is a beautiful tribute to a woman who helped others before herself, said Jim DeBoer, on behalf of Nancy DeBoer. And thats exactly what this fund will do in perpetuity; build into people in this beloved community. As we all know, our community is only as strong as the strength of its people. Brownson Properties is committed to continuing the practice of donating up to 10% of every commission to the nonprofit of their clients choice, whether it be from a purchase, sale or referral of a home. Patrick Cisler, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, said Jonathan Brownson approached him about continuing the legacy in early spring 2023. Jeannette was donating personally, and she did that for many years, he said. What Jonathan is trying to do with carrying on her legacy is inviting other local realtors into that model. Jonathan Brownson said although the Oct. 5 event marked the official launch of the donor-advised fund, five local real estate agents have already participated. What I believe is that every person can build beloved communities, and so our focus tonight is to engage every person here in some way to keep building, Brownson told MLive. Learn more at www.BBCandME.com. 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: Massive housing, retail project south of Grand Rapids moving forward following legal settlement 4,000 pounds of giant pumpkins to be carved by professionals during Holland Fall Fest Vote now for the best spot for wet burritos in the Muskegon area Pulaski Days celebrates Polish pride across Grand Rapids GRAND RAPIDS, MI - When I was a child, I remember eavesdropping on conversations my late parents would have with our neighbors when they got sick and tired of the city, school district or other service provider not being responsive to legitimate complaints and mobilized to achieve change. I reflected on those Carolina nights Wednesday, when reporter Melissa Frick said around two dozen parents from Grand Rapids Public Schools showed up at a town hall about bus service outraged over their children enduring long rides and waits and poor communication. Parents had regularly expressed frustration at school board meetings about the district provider, Dean Transportation. CEO Kellie Dean said staffing shortages were the root cause of the primary problem and spoke about the challenges and incentives implemented. The meeting ran over the scheduled 90 minutes as officials addressed every concern, pledging to do better and district leaders promising to hold them accountable. And I know from listening from those stairs, you best believe those parents expecting changes will be holding Dean as well as the superintendent and school board accountable. Some other notable news this week was about an official order that can help in the push to add 34,699 new housing units in Kent County by 2027. The need for housing, especially affordable housing, has been an issue in the area for years. Brian McVicar reported a legal settlement was finalized between Gaines Township and the Indianapolis development firm, American Kendall Properties, over a controversial 625-unit housing and retail development. The firm sued after the township board last year, in a split vote, denied rezoning the 86-acre property that was farmland, in part because of the size the mixed-use development. We also learning from veteran cops/courts reporter John Agar about the Michigan companies, including two from the Grand Rapids area (Griffin Transportation Inc. and Accurate Truck Service LLC) and 11 owners or employees charged with violating the Federal Clean Air Act in scheme to alter emissions controls on heavy-duty diesel engines. The most recent sentencing in this case that has intrigued our readers was Randy Jeb Clelland, 33, of Grand Rapid, on Monday. We also learned this week from Melissa about how Aquinas College President Alicia Cordoba is aiming to make the Catholic college more accessible by offering free tuition to new students who come from low-income families, starting in the fall of 2024. Many hardworking parents with smart kids but limited income will be grateful to the college for investing in students and this community. Monica Scott is the editor for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press, who previously was a reporter that covered the city, county and schools in the community. Those are the headlines that caught our eye in the Grand Rapids area this week. Take a look at those, and others, below: 1-hour bus rides, no communication: Grand Rapids parents fed up with poor school bus service Massive housing, retail project south of Grand Rapids moving forward following legal settlement Ex-service manager sentenced in scheme to alter emissions controls on diesel engines State appeals court wont postpone termination hearing for Ottawa County health department director Aquinas College to cover all tuition, fees for new students from low-income families GRCCs winningest coach, Gene Paxton, who led Raiders basketball dies at age 91 Community Foundation aims to build a better Holland community with new fund You murdered my sister. Woman comes face-to-face with man who killed mother of 5 Mechanic sentenced in scheme to alter emissions controls on heavy-duty diesel engines Updated COVID-19 vaccine now available at Meijer Yogi the grizzly bear, a longtime John Ball Zoo resident, has died OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A man has been charged with open murder in connection to the fatal shooting of a 36-year-old man last month at a Holland Township apartment complex. Robert Lee Mayweather, 39, was arraigned on the murder charge Friday, Oct. 6, in Ottawa County District Court, just hours after his arrest. Police took Mayweather, of Holland, into custody shortly before midnight Thursday in the Grand Rapids area for the alleged killing of 36-year-old Shevell Shelton. The shooting happened Sept. 24 at Falcon Woods Apartments in Holland Township. Related: Police investigate suspected homicide at Holland Township apartment complex Ottawa County sheriffs deputies responded to the Woodview Lane apartment complex that night for a report of shots fired. At the scene, police found Shelton dead inside an apartment. On top of open murder, Mayweather is also facing one count of felony firearm. Bond was denied and Mayweather remains lodged in the Ottawa County Jail. 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 on MLive: $5M worth of improvements along Fulton Street on track for November completion New agreement guides planning for proposed Grand Rapids soccer stadium More than 150 skeletons take over Grand Haven as part of Bones About Town contest KALAMAZOO, MI -- Tiffany Cox-Chiado didnt know if she would make it to her 40th Loy Norrix High School reunion. That makes attending the upcoming celebration this weekend so much more important. Cox-Chiado was diagnosed with sepsis and went into septic shock in 2019, which caused damage to her brain and heart, she said. The experience gave her a new appreciation for life and the connections she made in youth, she said. So when her 40th high school anniversary rolled around, she needed to plan a reunion, she said. Cox-Chiado posted to Facebook in January 2022, seeing if anyone from the Loy Norrix Class of 83 was interested in a reunion and then she helped form a committee. The planning process was another stark reminder not everyone makes it to their 40th reunion, she said. One person who was helping to plan the reunion, Sue Douglas Daniels, died from cancer in December 2022. I really pushed for this because her passing was so sad, Cox-Chiado said. She was fighting a battle and theres a lot of people out there fighting battles and unfortunately she lost hers. Much of the class still lives in Kalamazoo County, Cox-Chiado said, but finding people was difficult in some cases. Some classmates live across the world in places like Latvia, Thailand and Australia. Stateside, there are individuals coming to the reunion from 13 states, Cox-Chiado said. A reunion isnt just about the connections you made in high school, Cox-Chiado said. Its about the friendships that were carried through from earlier grades. Those memories are very vivid in your head and in your mind, Cox-Chiado said. Much has changed since they were in grade school. Cox-Chiado said they were in first grade when the district implemented court-ordered bussing, which took them to schools outside of their neighborhood. Through the process, they were exposed to students from other neighborhoods with other experiences. Everybody would go everywhere else, so it was kind of a mix of diversity, Cox-Chiado said. Cox-Chiado said still remembers playing games like wall ball, marbles and jacks on the black top outside of Edison Academy. A newly built Edison Academy opened its doors in Fall 2023. The previous building, constructed in 1923, was torn down in 2021. While planning the reunion, Cox-Chiado encountered many who were concerned about how others would judge their progress in life. I am a zillion times heavier, I cant see without my glasses, Ive got aches and pains everywhere, but Im here, Im alive, Cox-Chiado said. You find out when you talk to these people, youre all in the same boat. ... You have more in common than what you think you do. For example, Cox-Chiado points to the reunion committee. None of us hung around each other in high school. Not at all, Cox-Chiado said. We all get along great and have a great time when we have our meetings and laugh and we all can relate to each other. The class of 83 will be walking in the Loy Norrix homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 6. More on MLive Northern Michigan weekend forecast: Welcome to sweater weather We cant take sides: Why this Michigan bookstore is displaying banned books Sushi, ramen restaurant prepares to open in downtown Kalamazoo SAGINAW, MI A Saginaw hospital has been targeted by a lawsuit for allegedly poaching phlebotomists. Also named as a defendant is a woman alleged to have violated a non-compete contract that prohibited her from working as a phlebotomist for the institution. In her attorneys eyes, the move is punitive, and the five-year noncompete clause is ultimately unenforceable. Through attorney Errick A. Miles, Mobile Phlebotomy of Central Michigan on Aug. 7 filed its lawsuit in Saginaw County Circuit Court against Covenant HealthCare and phlebotomist Kaleigh Sobanski. The suit states MPCM is a staffing contractor that facilitates phlebotomists getting work in hospitals and health care facilities. Sobanski was one such worker who signed a noncompete clause with MPCM, the suit states. MPCM was contracted through Covenant to provide them with trained and qualified phlebotomists. Contrary to state and federal law, Covenant has been intentionally and deliberately encouraging, aiding and causing MPCMs contractors to breach their agreements with MPCM and then hiring those individuals as phlebotomy employees, the suit alleges. Covenant surreptitiously poached Sobanski from MPCM, causing her to breach her contract, the suit alleges. My clients were working with Covenant and would provide them staff because they didnt have any in-house (phlebotomists), Miles told MLive. At some point, Covenant determined they wanted to do the service in-house and started poaching my clients workers. As exhibits, Miles included affidavits from two phlebotomists under contract with MPCM. Both stated Covenant staff approached them on several occasions to see if they wanted to work directly for them. The phlebotomists alleged Covenant staff had already told them they hired Sobanski and that her interview was held in Bay City so that no one from MPCM would find out about it. Both wrote Covenant was aware of their non-compete contracts. The staff person then advised if Kaleigh could get away with (breaching contract), then anyone could, and the staff person then asked me if I would join them, one phlebotomist wrote. I again declined. The suit contains the following eight counts: Tortious interference with contract against Covenant Tortious interference with business relationship and/or expectancy against Covenant Breach of contract against Covenant Breach of contract against Sobanski Tortious interference with contract against Sobanski Tortious interference with business relationship and/or expectancy against Sobanski Antitrust violations against Covenant Conspiracy against both defendants In the coming weeks, Miles said he plans to file an amended complaint with a second phlebotomist added as a defendant. Sobanski and the other phlebotomist have retained Bay County attorney Stephan A. Gaus to represent them. In his Aug. 28 response to the suit, Gaus wrote Sobanski, a mother of three who lives in Hope, was terminated by MPCM before being hired by Covenant. While he conceded Sobanski signed a document with MPCM, he wrote it was not a binding contract. He also wrote that Covenant did not poach Sobanski. Speaking with MLive, Gaus said the contract in question prohibits one from working as phlebotomist anywhere in Michigan for five years after termination. This, he maintains, violates a Michigan statute that states non-compete clauses must be reasonable as to its duration, geographical area, and the type of employment or line of business. MPCM terminated Sobanski in June when she declined to sign a new non-compete contract that would serve as a patch to a loophole, Gaus said. The new contract would prohibit former MPCM phlebotomists from working for specific Michigan hospitals, Covenant among them, for two years, he added. Gaus other client also refused to sign the new contract, was fired, and then hired by Covenant, he said. It has all of the earmarks of a vendetta, Gaus said of the suit. Im advised others did this before and nobody else got sued. It is utterly unenforceable. Now, its just whether they can cause this young family a lot of turmoil in going through litigation and paying for litigation. Gaus asserted that it will be difficult for MPCM to prove a five-year noncompete clause is a reasonable business interest. Miles, though, said the contract Sobanski is being sued for violating did not prohibit her from working as a phlebotomist anywhere in the state for five years, but only at specific institutions. Covenant is represented by Detroit attorney Kimberly J. Ruppel, who declined to comment on the matter when contacted by MLive. Michigan lawmakers are taking first steps on a major piece of civil rights legislation to address issues of high housing costs and institute protections for renters. House Bill 4919, the Homeless Bill of Rights, has been receiving its first hearings in the Capitol as Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-Lansing, guides it through a legislature that has a sympathetic but slim Democratic majority. The goal of her bill, she told a House subcommittee Thursday, is to create a bare minimum by establishing a measure of humanity for unhoused residents. It ensures, regardless of someones housing status, equal access to public services, including rights to personal property, to emergency medical care and to move freely in public spaces. Other core components include rights to equal treatment by state and municipal agencies, for homeless youth to be enrolled in school and to freedom from discrimination in employment when lacking a permanent mailing address. Any of the examples where somebody could possibly be denied the services and spaces that we all already have access to, Dievendorf said, a houseless person would be able to file a civil suit. Related: Cities call it public safety, but new rules put Michigans homeless in the crosshairs More than 8,000 people were homeless on a given night in Michigan last year, according to a report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness. And more than 30,000 different people experienced homelessness in Michigan in all of 2021, the latest year the state has data. Homeless people suffer from stereotypes and assumptions, Dievendorf said, like behavior, dangerousness and undesirability. Her bill ensures, for example, they cant be arrested for being in a park or have their belongings thrown away. Dont treat people like crap, youre not going to be sued, she said. Connecticut, Illinois, Puerto Rico and Rhode Island have enacted similar legislation. Go deeper: Homelessness in Michigan fell during the pandemic. Heres why. Homelessness across the nation has fallen since the COVID-19 pandemic, as safety net policies helped keep people housed. But local activists say theyre seeing increases. Weve got to take this bull by the horns, Lansing community activist William Walker told lawmakers. Hes a powerful bull, hes been around for a long time, and he is growing. The longer we allow him to grow, the harder its going to be to take him down. HB 4919 is a major part of Democrats efforts this year to tackle housing discrimination and high rents. Dievendorf told MLive in August she expected 15 to 20 bills on housing inequality this fall. Among the topics: Clarifying tenants rights to organize Requiring landlords pay for relocating tenants with red-tagged buildings, deemed unsafe for occupancy Establishing standard criteria for what is a safe and livable dwelling Renters rights initiatives heard The housing subcommittee on Thursday also worked through two more bills. HB 4891 would require landlords to refund application fees for prospective tenants whose applications were denied. If a tenant doesnt get a refund, they could sue for $1,000 in damages. Landlords would not need to refund a background check fee if they give the applicant a copy of the report. The subcommittee advanced HB 4891, which is sponsored by Rep. Joey Andrews, D-St. Joseph, to a full committee. The subcommittee also heard HB 4878, which would generally prevent landlords from considering a rental applicants criminal record. That means their arrest record, any convictions as an adult or juvenile and any participation in a diversion program. If I decided to shoplift 10 years ago, said sponsoring Rep. Abraham Aiyash, D-Hamtramck, that has no bearing on whether or not I can pay rent if all my financial records can attest and my job history can attest that I can secure stable employment and finances to then pay for that rent. Related: Where rent is most, least affordable in Michigan Heres how his bill would work: When landlords run a criminal background check on a prospective tenant, they could only consider felony convictions within the last 365 days, any prior convictions for arson or human trafficking and whether the applicant is a sex offender. If the check reveals these things, Aiyash told subcommittee members, the landlord must conduct an individualized assessment that considers the persons age when committing the crime, the crimes nature and severity and whether it was connected to a rental property. The applicant can then provide documentation of their rehabilitation efforts, and if they feel their rights were violated under this law by being denied a home, they could file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General. Detroit, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Jackson have all recently passed similar so-called fair chance housing ordinances. Michigans law would be modeled after New Jerseys. This is not a novel idea, this is not a new idea, but it is an important idea to make sure that we can address some of the concerns of people not having access to housing, Aiyash said. Student loan repayments are officially back. They restarted Oct. 1 for 1.4 million Michigan federal student loan borrowers after being paused for more than three years. Many borrowers are now exploring their repayment options including the new SAVE Plan that rolled out this summer. MARQUETTE, MI - The coldest air since last spring is set to come rushing into Michigan this weekend, kicking off high winds and stormy conditions in the Upper Peninsula. The National Weather Service in Marquette has issued a Gale Warning for parts of Lake Superior, and says there may even be a chance for waterspouts. For the big lake waters near Marquette, the Gale Warning runs from 6 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. on Saturday. Meteorologists at the NWS office say there will be a prolonged period of winds around 34 mph, and theres potential for those gale-force winds to spike as high as 46 mph. Those high winds could develop across central and eastern Lake Superior today and tonight, and then across the eastern half of the lake on Monday. In addition to gales, thunderstorms with strong wind gusts and a potential to produce waterspouts may redevelop across southeastern portions of the lake this afternoon and evening, NWS meteorologists said in the forecast for today. Well see a shift in the winds, too. West winds today will change over to northwest, and then be largely from the north on Saturday. With this system, there is also potential for higher-end gales blowing greater than 46 mph. This could happen in the area between Marquette and Grand Marais, the NWS said. RELATED: Northern Michigan weekend forecast: Welcome to sweater weather President of Bloggers Association of Ghana, Mr. Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah popularly known as Attractive Mustapha has confirmed that the association has had engagements with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on the latter's intention to tax income earned by bloggers. Addressing a section of young bloggers at the ibis hotel airport, Attractive Mustapha said GRA's intention to tax them shouldnt call for panic. A few days back, GRA announced its readiness to start taxing bloggers, brand influencers, MCs and other professionals in the digital media space. According to the President, the association is not against taxation because as good citizens, "We know our taxes are a major source of revenue to the government. Taxes help to advance development and grow the economy." He added, "However, people always rise against taxes because they dont see the development that they deserve or expect." "Government should not only be interested in taxing us, rather, should look at how it can help grow those who ply the blogging profession," Attractive Mustapha urged. Kwaku Sintim-Misa, better known as KSM, a legendary Ghanaian comedian, has heaped praise on the emerging generation of comedians in Ghana for their rapid growth and success. In an interview with Bernard Avle on Citi 97.3 FM, KSM commended the current crop of Ghanaian comedians, including DKB, OB Amponsah, Lexzy De Comic, and Funny Face, for rejuvenating the comedy scene with their captivating performances. While Nigerian comedians have long been regarded as some of the best on the continent, KSM believes that Ghanaian comedy is now on the rise. He stated, "I think the new gang... the GH Comedians; I really have a lot of respect for them. They have done extremely welleven to the point that when there is a comedy show in Ghana now, there is not a lineup of Nigerian comedians... now we have our own, and some of them even sell more tickets than the Nigerians." KSM praised the immense talent, creativity, and hard work displayed by these Comedians and noted their frequent stand-up comedy specials, which have gained significant popularity among Ghanaian audiences. KSM also took the opportunity to promote his new venture, Cactus Creek Hotel, located in Aburi, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. James Robert Allen, the 40-year-old Suffolk man arrested and charged Thursday with attempting to kidnap a University of Virginia student, will not soon be getting out of jail. Judge Andrew Sneathern made that determination Friday morning during a brief hearing in Charlottesville General District Court. Im not going to set bond, said Sneathern. Im going to hold you without. As he appeared on video feed from the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, where he was taken after his Thursday afternoon arrest in Louisa County, Allen gave no evidence of emotion. He answered the judges two questions, which were his name and whether he desired an attorney. Lets see if I qualify for a court-appointed attorney, Allen replied. Sneathern appointed the Office of the Public Defender to represent Allen, who stands accused of two felonies: strangulation and abduction. Liz Murtagh, chief of that office, stepped toward the bench. Ill be back in my office in about 15 minutes if you could give me a call, she told the prisoner on the screen. The judge said that he would be willing to hold a bail hearing if the defense attorney seeks one. If that doesnt happen, Allens next appearance will likely be Dec. 14, the date Sneathern set for the preliminary hearing. Unless Allen waives his right to that process, the court will probably hear from Robert Emery, a UVa professor whose family intervened in the Wednesday night incident. Id be happy to testify, Emery told The Daily Progress. I got a very close-up look at him. In a telephone interview with The Daily Progress, Emery shared details from the incident that first drew his attention at the corner of Rugby Road and Burnley Avenue. I was getting ready for bed and heard screaming outside my bedroom window, said Emery, who said his thoughts quickly tracked from college hijinx to domestic squabble and then, due to the intensity of the sounds, a more serious matter. Clearly, he said, something was wrong. As Emery threw on sweatpants and prepared to bolt outside in his bare feet, he said he asked his wife to call 911. There was screaming coming from behind the truck, said Emery. And a man appeared from behind the truck and started screaming that I was interfering. Emery said Allen managed to get the young woman into the truck as he was telling him that the police had been called and were en route. He could not say how Allen managed and did not remember seeing any weapon. At that point, the truck roared south on Burnley, said Emery, whose daughter and her boyfriend, visiting from medical school, took the lead in chasing the vehicle. Along the way, his daughter said she heard the attacker shout, Get out of the truck, according to Emery. We believe he pushed her out of the truck. The truck bore right as the roadway became Cabell Avenue, and the vehicle began hitting parked cars before reaching a T-intersection where the truck crossed Grady Avenue. The vehicle came to rest against the trunk of a tree in a fraternity house yard. Back on Cabell Avenue, the Emerys found the victim hiding behind a car and suffering from physical injuries and major trauma, something that Emery, a psychologist, would recognize. She asked us, Please dont come any closer, Emery recounted. Eventually, Emery said the family sat down several feet away on the pavement and waited for police to arrive. Emery said that his daughter, Lucy Emery, ended up in the ambulance and then spent several hours at UVa Medical Center with the young woman. She saved herself by fighting him off and screaming for help, said the older Emery, who also credits his family members and his daughters boyfriend for heading toward the terror. It wasnt just me shouting, he said. I think this guy saw the other people behind me. As a psychologist, Emery may be trained not to make too many predictions, but seeing what he saw including the duct tape that had bound the womans wrists, he offered one here. I feel like she may not be alive if we hadnt intervened, said Emery. Hes not the only one with that view. It sounds like they saved her life, Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis told The Daily Progress. Community members that get involved to help people theyve never met is amazing, and I thank them for it. The investigation into the case is still ongoing, according to authorities. It has not been reported how the student came to be in the vehicle with Allen or how Allen, after the truck was wrecked, made it to Louisa County where he was ultimately detained. The vehicle was a commercial pickup truck bearing the livery of Curtis Contracting Inc. of West Point. That companys vice president, Steve Ordung, told The Daily Progress Thursday that he was still following the investigation before declining to answer any quesitons. Efia Odo has vowed to fight for the betterment of the nation regardless of where she finds herself as a staunch advocate. According to her, the struggles Ghanaian youth are facing in the country ought to be trumpeted by individuals like herself to ensure that the government heeds the cries of the people. The actress has been at the forefront of protests including the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration that was championed by some concerned Ghanaians and celebrities to relay their grievances to President Akufo-Addo with respect to the deplorable state of the Ghanaian economy. Efia Odo commented after an individual accused her of betraying the protesters following her departure to reside outside of the country for some time after the demonstration. Dont worry Im going to fight for Ghana, no matter what country Im in, Efia Odo wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The actress was part and parcel of the host of celebrities who partook in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest that gained much attention in the country due to the polices handling of the protesters on the first day. The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters were hailed by the public for their resilience and persistence during the demonstration after the police arrested some protesters at the initial stage. View the country below 05.10.2023 LISTEN Smart Innovations and Digital Hub Africa (SIDH-Africa), in collaboration with the Optical Society of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (OSU), recently hosted an enlightening webinar. The primary objective was to guide aspiring scholars from Ghana to successfully secure scholarships for their desired programs at overseas universities. The event, held on September 30, 2023, drew in approximately 60 ambitious individuals keen on pursuing undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degrees abroad. Webinar Highlights One of the event's prominent speakers, Dr. George Dwapanyin, a distinguished Research Fellow at the University of St. Andrews, UK, delivered a comprehensive presentation. Dr. Dwapanyin shed light on crucial areas that prospective applicants need to focus on during their scholarship application processes. He elaborated on the indispensable documents required for admission applications and elucidated the prerequisites for financial assistance, encompassing financial aid, TAship, and various other forms of relevant support. In his address, Dr. Owusu Nyarko-Boateng, the esteemed Patron of the Optical Society of UENR (OSU), outlined the vision and mission of SIDH-Africa and OSU. He underscored SIDH-Africa's commitment as a non-governmental organization to harness technology for social change. Dr. Nyarko-Boateng emphasized that technology serves as a potent catalyst for positive transformation, and the organization passionately strives to make it accessible to all. Consequently, SIDH-Africa has taken the lead in training business owners, students, and entrepreneurs to enhance their digital skills, aiming to provide solutions aligned with evolving industrial needs. Empowering Prospective Scholars Dr. Dwapanyin urged all participants to proactively strive for excellence by meticulously preparing the necessary documentation crucial for securing admissions and scholarships to study abroad. He emphasized key requirements, including a comprehensive CV, academic transcripts, language proficiency test results, a commendable CGPA, a compelling personal statement, and recommendation letters from esteemed professors. The attendees left the webinar inspired and armed with the knowledge and motivation needed to embark on their journey toward academic and professional success on a global stage. As a follow-up, Ms. Franklina Nyadubea Owusu Darko, the dynamic President of OSU and a Final Year BSc Electrical and Electronics Engineering Student at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, expressed her gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement. She assured them that due to the overwhelming response, the event would be organized once again in November, providing another opportunity for those who missed the maiden edition to benefit from the invaluable insights shared. Conclusion: Nurturing Future Leaders In conclusion, events like these exemplify the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing. By equipping aspiring scholars with essential information and guidance, organizations like SIDH-Africa, which is known for its ability to nurture the next generation of leaders and change-makers with digital skills. This initiative was not only about accessing scholarships and admissions but also about fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and global collaboration. The impact of such efforts extends beyond the individual but ultimately contributes to the advancement of society. The journey towards a successful academic future begins with the right knowledge and opportunities. SIDH-Africa, through its concerted efforts, is lighting the path for many, ensuring that deserving individuals can realize their dreams and make a difference in the world. Contact SIDH-Africa on www.sidh-africa.org Writer Ms. Franklina Nyadubea Owusu Darko [email protected] [email protected] 05.10.2023 LISTEN The Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has slammed the Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr. Ernest Addison over his comments regarding the #OccupyBoG demonstration. He described Dr. Ernest Addison's remarks as uncharitable and out of character. He noted that the Minority in Parliament will go to all lengths to ensure Dr. Addison accounts to the good people of Ghana the GHS60.8 billion loss incurred and the money he printed for government. During a TV3 interview, Ablakwa stated that demonstrations are a useful means to bring about constructive change. He indicated that President Nana Akufo-Addo once used protests to oppose the policies of government during the Rawlings regime. After all, if this Governor has the courage to speak, he will not be contrite, be apologetic to plead with the Ghanaian people, but he is insulting us. That it is hooligans, uncivilized people who go for demonstrations?... Is he aware that his boss rose to fame based on demonstrations? Then he is also calling President Akufo Addo a hooligan, Okudzeto Ablakwa stated. According to Ablakwa, the NDC would take all necessary measures, including endless protests, to ensure that the Governor of the Bank of Ghana steps down. I can assure you that the Governor is not going to get away with this. I'm glad we have served notice that these demonstrations will continue. I hope the Office of the Special Prosecutor takes this one on, he stated. 05.10.2023 LISTEN Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga has lambasted the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for describing #OccupyBoG protesters as hooligans. The MP for Bawku Central asserts that the disrespect shown by Governor of BoG towards the Minority NDC MPs would not be ignored. According to him, Dr. Ernest Addisons decision to call their bluff is a display of arrogance that would be countered by all means. Speaking on Adom FM on Thursday's Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mahama Ayariga said he was not surprised by the action of Dr. Addison. I am not surprised because the BoG Governor is being shielded. If he is saying he will not resign, we shall see. The organizers will meet and inform everyone about our next steps. But as for the Governor and his two deputies, we will do everything possible to make sure they resign. If nothing at all we have to handle the arrogance of power, he stated. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and some civil society groups took to the streets on Tuesday to demand the resignation of BoGs Dr. Ernest Addison and his two deputies following losses incurred by the Central Bank. But in an interview with an international business news website, Dr. Addison said he is not stepping down and described the protest by the opposition as completely unnecessary. The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ningo-PramPram constituency Sam George has said he owes no one an apology over his watchman description of the Head of Security at the Bank of Ghana (BoG). The Ningo-Prampram MP argues that if there is anyone to apology, it is the Governor of BoG and his two deputies for incurring GHS60.8 billion loss and the mismanagement of the central bank. Sam George argues that Dr. Ernest Addison has remained in his position long overdue hence his display of disrespect. Speaking on Accra-based TV3, he stated, I owe absolutely nobody an apology and like I said I wont take moral lessons from a brothel." Mr. Sam George during the #OccupyBoG demonstration slammed the BoG Governor for delegating his Head of Security, Wing Commander (Retired) Kwame Asare-Boateng (Esq), to receive a petition from the organisers of the demonstration. The protesters led by Minority leader, Cassiel Ato Forson had demanded that the Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison receive the petition himself. They refused to present their petition to Mr. Boateng since Dr. Addison and his two deputies refused to appear before them for the petition. Efforts to help millions of people in need in Sudan due to the civil war are being hampered by a lack of security and meagre international funding, the United Nations said Thursday. The army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, after the two fell out in a power struggle. "We need to reach 18 million people and we will not give up on that target," Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN's resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, told reporters. "But we need more international support, better access to the people who need us and safety for our operations." She highlighted that 19 members of humanitarian organisations have been killed and 29 others injured since the conflict erupted. While she did not comment on whether they had been specifically targeted, she noted that "in many instances, our efforts are being hampered", despite indicating "where it is we will be, and what we will be doing". The fighting in Sudan broke out on April 15. "The past six months has caused untold suffering in Sudan," Nkweta-Salami said. Aid in the crosshairs Nearly 7,500 people have been killed in Sudan since the conflict began, according to a conservative estimate from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project. Fighting has displaced almost 4.3 million people within Sudan, while around 1.2 million more have fled across its borders, UN figures show. Among them, "we've seen a significant brain drain. A lot of the professionals have left Sudan", said Nkweta-Salami. Humanitarian aid has become a target for attacks and looting by armed gangs and criminals. "We have been able to deliver assistance through a cross-border mechanism from Chad and into Darfur," Nkweta-Salami said. "In mid-September, nearly 3,000 metric tonnes of aid supplies were delivered by 66 trucks across six states. But we need to be able to deliver much more -- safely, repeatedly, and fast." The UN has relocated its headquarters to Port Sudan on the Red Sea as the fighting in the capital Khartoum made the international organisation's work impossible. The obligatory presence of soldiers while loading trucks in Port Sudan and delays in obtaining visas are all additional obstacles in getting aid around the country. $2.6 billion needed One of the poorest countries in the world, Sudan has seen its health system brought to its knees by the conflict, with 70 percent of hospitals no longer functioning, said Nkweta-Salami. The UN official said she was worried that heavy rains and floods could lead to more outbreaks of water-borne diseases. "Battling a cholera outbreak in a war zone is difficult at the best of times. With fighting escalating, it may be near-impossible to control," she said. Despite the complex humanitarian crisis, the UN is battling a funding shortage. "The $2.6-billion humanitarian appeal is just one-third funded," said Nkweta-Salami. "The population of Sudan is balancing on a knife edge as their country is gradually consumed by this conflict," she said. "There's also a risk that... if this situation is not brought to an end, that it will have a spillover effect in the region and that is something we must and should avoid." Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Central Regional Chairman, has warned the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, urging him to choose his words carefully. Sam George criticized the Bank of Ghana for sending its Head of Security, Wing Commander Kwame Asare-Boateng, whom he referred to as "watchman" to meet the leadership of the #OccupyBoG protestors for their petition. The MP said the Bank of Ghana Governor's refusal to meet them is a sign of disrespect. In his remarks, Sam George stated, "Parliament invites the Bank of Ghana at least twice a year, and he has appeared only three times in seven years, so it's not strange. It is the height of disrespect that we will come here, and he will send the watchman, the watchman at the Bank of Ghana to come and receive the petition." He further added, "Okay, the watchman should come to Parliament as well. When next he needs anything from Parliament, he should send the watchman as well, but we will be back. We will give the Police some days to rest, but we will be back," during an interview on TV3. Reacting to Sam George's remarks about Wing Commander Asare-Boateng who served for 26 years in the Ghana Air Force before taking up the role of Head of Security at the Bank of Ghana, Bernard Allotey Jacobs expressed his displeasure. Allotey Jacobs warned him saying, be very careful. He's carved a niche for himself. He found Sam George's comments distasteful and questioned the MP's behavior towards a veteran like Wing Commander Asare-Boateng, who had dedicated many years to serving his country. "He has made a name for himself and should protect the name, but such utterances are not acceptable...It's not nice. It's not the best," Allotey Jacobs admonished Sam George. Dakar, October 4, 2023The Committee to Protect Journalists on Wednesday called on Burkinabe authorities to lift its suspension of the French news magazine Jeune Afrique, reverse their suspension of other media outlets, and ensure journalists can work in the West African country without fear of reprisal. On September 25, the government issued an order, reviewed by CPJ, indefinitely suspending distribution of the Paris-based privately owned outlet because of articles it published on September 21 and on September 25 about tensions within the military, which it described as made without the slightest hint of proof. Burkinabe authorities should immediately reverse their suspension of Jeune Afriques print and online operations and ensure that people in the country have unfettered access to local and international news, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, in New York. The decision to try and silence Jeune Afrique is just the latest attempt by authorities to control what the media reports about Burkina Faso, particularly its military and security situation. At the time of writing, Jeune Afriques website was unavailable in Burkina Faso, according to three journalists who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing security fears. In a statement, Jeune Afrique described the suspension order as censorship from another age and said it did not intend to deprive its Burkinabe readers of their right to verified and balanced information. On September 27, Burkina Fasos military leaders announced that they had foiled a coup attempt and arrested several officersthe latest in a wave of coups experienced across West Africa since 2020. Burkina Fasos transitional president Ibrahim Traore came to power in a coup in September 2022, marking the countrys second military takeover in eight months. On September 6, Traore threatened to shut down local and international broadcasters that produced reports on the security situation which the government deemed undesirable. Jeune Afrique is the fifth media outlet to be suspended in Burkina Faso since September 2022. French broadcasters Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 were suspended in December 2022 and March 2023 respectively and remain off-air. French television news channel La Chaine Info (LCI) was suspended in June for three months. In August, authorities suspended the privately owned local broadcaster Radio Omega, but permitted it to resume operations a month later, according to media reports. Ghanaian journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has criticized Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor Dr. Ernest Addison for his posture towards the #OccupyBoG protesters. Manasseh Azure said Dr. Addison should have addressed the issues with more intelligence and not in the manner he displayed. A BoG governor should, at least, speak with some intelligence. This one has reacted like an arrogant child of an arrogant father, read his tweet on Thursday, October 5. In an interview with Central Banking, Dr. Addison dismissed calls for his resignation and described the protest as "completely unnecessary." He referred to the protesters as "hooligans" and said grievances should be addressed in a "civilised" manner not demonstrations. The protest was held on Tuesday, October 3, in response to Ghana's economic crisis. The Minority Caucus in Parliament slammed Dr. Addison's leadership for mismanaging the central bank which led to GHS60.8 billion loss. 06.10.2023 LISTEN Fohad Agbenadzi, the Deputy Eastern Regional Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a fervent call for the arrest and prosecution of Dr Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). Agbenadzi's call follows the #OccupyBoG demonstration, which was led by the Minority Group in Parliament on Tuesday, October 3. Addressing the media during the protest, Mr. Agbenadzi expressed grave concerns about what he described as severe mismanagement at the central bank under the leadership of Dr. Addison. "We are deeply disturbed by reports of the unlawful printing of fresh notes by the Bank of Ghana, amounting to a staggering 22 billion Ghana cedis. This act not only violates the trust placed in the institution but also poses a severe threat to our nation's economic stability and integrity," Agbenadzi stated. The controversy revolves around allegations that the Bank of Ghana printed 22 billion cedis in fresh notes to support the Government's budget without parliamentary approval. These claims, coupled with a lack of transparency in the transaction amid economic challenges, have stirred public outrage. Agbenadzi also expressed concern about the Bank of Ghana's reported GHS60.8 billion losses in its 2022 financial statement. "The actions of the Bank of Ghana have resulted in significant financial losses to the state. Such losses directly affect the welfare and livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians, and we demand a thorough investigation into these financial discrepancies," Agbenadzi stressed. In his call for the arrest and prosecution of Dr. Addison Agbenadzi urged the government to dismiss the Bank of Ghana Governor to save the economy. "It is imperative that Dr. Addison resigns honorably or is sacked by the President. He must be investigated for all his actions," he added. If the National Hurricane Center wants to classify a tropical cyclone beyond Whitney, a supplemental list of names are used. These names have been in place since 2021. Before 2021, the Greek alphabet was used for additional storms. However, a very active 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and the Greek alphabet storm names, brought confusion. This led the World Meteorological Organization to swap those names for this list. 06.10.2023 LISTEN Kofi Bentil, the Vice President of IMANI Africa has commended Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his composure in the face of attacks from opponents of the NPP flagbearership race. Dr. Bawumia has come under intense criticism and attacks, particularly from fellow aspirant Kennedy Agyapong. Despite the unending verbal assaults, the Vice President has maintained calm, refusing to counter-attack. Kofi Bentil has publicly praised him, describing his posture as a demonstration of exemplary leadership. "VP Bawumias calmness under attack is extremely commendable. No one has all the answers; we need such calm and focused leadership to succeed," Bentil conveyed in a post on his Facebook page. Vice President Bawumia urged his team members never to engage in politics of insults especially with colleague aspirants. He has further urged his supporters and spokespersons not to respond to any provocations or insults directed at him for the sake of peace and party unity. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged his support for the country's teachers on World Teachers Day. In a tweet on Thursday, October 5, Tinubu acknowledged the vital role of educators and promised reforms in his administration. The President recognized the power of education to transform lives and societies, stating "theres no vehicle that can transport you to your destination as safely as education." He said teaching empowers youth to fulfil their potential, regardless of background. "Education is the miracle that changes the fortune of a family in a single generation, he underscored. To celebrate World Teachers Day, Tinubu wrote "As we celebrate Nigerian teachers this year, I would like to restate that under my watch, teachers will get their due reward." Currently, many teachers face issues like low salaries and inadequate resources. However, the President pledged to change this by ensuring teachers receive fair remuneration for their work. Established in 1994, World Teachers Day honors the teaching profession worldwide. It marks the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation setting global standards for teachers' status and working conditions. Italian authorities have impounded a vessel operated by a Spanish charity, the group said on Thursday, after it carried out multiple rescues of migrants stranded in the Mediterranean. The Open Arms group said in a statement it had completed three rescues on Saturday and picked up 176 people at sea, including more than 90 unaccompanied minors. The boat docked on Wednesday in the central Italian port of Carrara to disembark the migrants. The vessel was placed under detention for 20 days after the authorities questioned the captain and the head of mission over what happened, Open Arms said, adding they expected to receive a fine worth between 3,000 and 10,000 euros. A spokesperson for the group told Reuters the sanctions were due to an alleged breach of rules requiring charity-run ships to sail to port immediately after a rescue, preventing them from organising multiple operations at sea. Temporary seizure orders had already been imposed on three charity boats, including the Open Arms, in August. 'Duty to assist' "It is the duty of the captain of any vessel to assist shipwrecked persons whose lives are in danger and that failure to rescue is a serious offence," Open Arms said, adding those rescued were in a condition of "extreme vulnerability". The Italian right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni, which takes a hard line against illegal immigration, passed the new rules to crack down on the rescue vessels in February, and is still struggling to stem migrant crossings. The government believes the presence of rescue boats encourages people to make the perilous trip across the Mediterranean. Charities deny this, saying the migrants put to sea regardless. Migrant arrivals nearly doubled in Italy this year compared with 2022. More than 135,000 people came ashore so far in 2023, compared with around 72,400 in the same period last year, official data shows. (with Reuters) 06.10.2023 LISTEN Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a lecturer at Central University, has strongly criticised Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, for his use of vulgar language at the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, during the #OccupyBoGProtest. Lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu during the protest to the Bank of Ghana on Tuesday, October 3 used unprintable words to express his grievances at Dr. Ernest Addison, who is accused of mismanagement at the central bank. The protest, organised by the Minority in Parliament, called for the removal of the BoG Governor and his deputies. In reaction to his own outburst, Sosu issued an apology. I wish to sincerely apologise for my choice of words during my outburst on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, during the Occupy BOG Demonstration, he stated. I unreservedly apologise for my actions and words and ask that all those offended would find a place in their hearts to forgive me. I have reflected and realised that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character, he added in a statement on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. However, in an interview on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah expressed his dissatisfaction with Sosu's apology, asserting that the MP does not deserve to be called "Honourable" due to his actions. "He does not deserve to be called Honourable. He tarnished his image," remarked Dr. Otchere-Ankrah. Dr. Otchere-Ankrah emphasised that Members of Parliament should always conduct themselves with decorum and professionalism. "He must bow his head in shame...It's a shame. I feel so ashamed that he could utter such dirty words," he emphasised. 2023 presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has insisted that he will not back down from questioning the authenticity of President Bola Tinubu's Chicago State University degree certificate until the matter is resolved by the Supreme Court. He accused Tinubu of submitting a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The PDP presidential hopeful emphasized that the issue is beyond politics. He noted that it is about morality, truth and transparency in public service. At a press conference on Thursday, October 5 Atiku explained his resolve to probe Tinubu's certificate, stating: "This quest is not for or about Atiku Abubakar. It is a quest for the enthronement of truth, morality and accountability in our public affairs." He called on all Nigerians, including religious, traditional and political leaders, as well as presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join him in the campaign for probity and justice regarding Tinubu's certificate. "I am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, our religious leaders, our traditional leaders, our community leaders, our political leaders, and in particular, Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and, the leaders of every political party in Nigeria, and, indeed, every single person who loves this country, as I do, and who wishes nothing but the best for the country, as I do, to join me in this campaign," Atiku stated. Last week, Chicago State University confirmed that Tinubu attended the school from 1977 to 1979 and was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with honors in June 1979. However, Atiku maintained that he will not accept the confirmation until Nigeria's apex court gives a verdict on the matter. "I will only back off from the fight after Nigeria Supreme Court gives a verdict on the matter," he declared. President Nana Akufo Addo has described the Minister of Education Hon Osei Yaw Adutwum as the best appointee of his government. He explained that the Education Minister has displayed a high level of excellent skills and commitment as a deputy minister and now as a substantive minister in the education sector. President Nana Addo made the statement during his speech at the Ghana Teachers Prize at Takoradi in the Western region on Thursday, October 5, 2023. During the speech, Nana Addo tasked the Hon Yaw Adutwum, who is also the MP for Bosomtwe, to ensure that every teacher in the country benefits from the 1 Teacher 1 Laptop initiative. Address President Nana Akufo-Addo praised teachers in Ghana for their dedication and commitment towards the development of the nation through education. He explained that the huge investment being made in the education sector in the country would not yield any result without the teacher. President Akufo-Addo stated that the role of teachers in the training of the right manpower for the nation cannot be underestimated and pledged to continue supporting the sector to ensure that effective teaching and learning take place in all schools across the country. He mentioned the payment of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) allowance to teachers, the provision of laptops to teachers, upgrading of Diploma certificates to Degrees for Colleges of Education among others as some of the initiatives put in place to improve education development in the country. Assurance The President assured all teachers who have not yet received their laptops under the One Teacher One Laptop project that everything would be done to ensure that they received theirs. The President was happy the huge investment being made in the education sector has started yielding good results citing the good grades made by this years students who sat for the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) which recorded very high scores in all subjects. Commendation Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education was full of praise to the President for his commitment and interest in the development of education in the country. He assured the President of his readiness to continue working very hard towards the attainment of the best education for the nation since education was the driving force behind the development of every country. The Education Minister appealed to all stakeholders in the education space to continue working very hard towards the transformation of the country through education. Dr Adutwum stated that we are not just providing education for the nations youth but we are positioning the nation to become a giant in various facets with the training of people with critical thinking skills and knowledge that is required towards the development of the nations economy." 2023 Most Outstanding Teacher Faith Aku Dzakpasu, a teacher at GRETA D Shepherd Two Basic School in the Greater Accra region was adjudged the most outstanding teacher of the year 2023. For her prize, Faith Aku Dzakpasu was presented with a prototype of a three-bedroom apartment to be built at a place of her choice in any part of Ghana, one million Ghana cedis worth of insurance from the State Insurance Company (SIC) and 1000 exercise books. The first runner-up award went to Isabella Wussa-Tetteh of Sege D/A Primary in the Greater Accra region. She took home a 44 Pick Up truck, one million Ghana cedis worth of insurance cover from SIC and 1000 exercise books. The second runner-up position on the other hand went to Fredous Idi-Amin of Ogbojo Presbyterian Basic School who also took home a brand new saloon vehicle, one million Ghana cedis insurance cover from SIC and 1000 exercise books. Other awards presented were the Best Junior High School Teacher, Best Primary School Teacher, Best Primary Teacher, Best Senior High, and Best Technical Teacher among others. Aside from these, a new award was presented to Mr Simon Boateng, from St Monicas College of Education, Asante Mampong for being the Best Tutor from all the colleges of education in Ghana and took home a 44 pick-up truck. The Ghana Highways Authority has announced changes to travel routes for heavy duty cargo trucks plying the route between Techiman and Wa in the Savannah Region, effective October 4. The Authority advised that all articulated vehicles and cargo trucks heading to Wa from Techiman must now use the Techiman-Kintampo-Fufulso (Damongo Junction) road through Damongo and Sawla. Similarly, trucks traveling from Wa towards Techiman have been directed to use the Wa-Sawla-Damongo-Fufulso (Damongo Junction) route. This directive comes after discussions between the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ghana Highways Authority and the Savannah Regional Security Council regarding the damage to the bridge at Doli in the Bole District a few weeks ago. The bridge is said to have been washed away after a nearby dam burst, leaving the road from Bole to Wa impassable. The Ghana Police Service will enforce the new vehicle routing until the bridge is repaired. The changes are aimed at providing safe alternative routes for heavy vehicles while repairs are underway. Commuters are advised to follow the Highway Authority's guidance for their safety. Anglo-gold Ashanti, Obuasi mine has announced the successful completion and graduation of the 3rd batch of 101 young individuals from its youth Apprenticeship Programme which cost them not less than 3 million Ghana cedis. These graduates drawn from the Mine's operational area spent a year enhancing their skills in welding and fabrications, Electrical Technician and Mechanical Technician at the Mac Partners Training Institute. Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager of sustainability, AGA said when the Obuasi redevelopment project commenced, AngloGold Ashanti decided to chart a different path regarding local employment by learning from the best practices elsewhere. He said this birthed the community youth apprenticeship program in 2020 which has given local youth the opportunity to undergo skills development training to prepare them for the job market. The Senior Manager of Sustainability affirmed that the company believes that investing in education and vocational training of youths in its host communities will not only enhance the employability of beneficiaries but also contribute to the overall development and prosperity of Obuasi. "We are committed to sustain this program recognizing the impact it has on the economy of our host communities hence, we will train 100 people every year as enshrined in our 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan". Seth Quaye, Managing Director of Mac Partners Training Institute said the graduates have acquired valuable knowledge and have also developed practical skills that are the backbone of industries and not only mining sectors but can also establish their own businesses. "I advise the graduates to continue to practice as said, practice makes perfect, seek out opportunities to apply their skills, embrace challenges as a chance to grow," Mr. Quaye added. Nana Baffour Mireku IV (Adansihene Gyaasehene) who represented the Adansihene lauded the efforts of AngloGold Ashanti to give practical knowledge and hands-on experience to the local youth. He appealed to the company to expand the program to accommodate more of the youth who are looking for such opportunities. Stephen Tecku, the Obuasi Municipal Coordinating Director who represented the Municipal Chief Executive also commended AngloGold Ashanti for sustaining the program for the past 3 years. He said the training program will enable the graduates to unlock doors of opportunities. He appealed to the company to liaise with sub-contractors working with the Mine to extend employment opportunities to the graduates. Lydia Obireboa Badu and Dasha Tawiah the best female graduate and the overall best student respectively spoke to the media after the event. They praised AngloGold Ashanti for the training they have acquired, and the stipends given to them throughout the training. They said the training has equipped them with the skills to be employable and to also set up their own businesses. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Majority has paid tribute to the late Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, a Member of the Council of State. A statement issued by Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the home-going of Mr ET Mensah, former Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, a former Chief Executive of Accra, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, was fast. ET, as he was affectionately called, was an activist in the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and one of the people who believed that power had found its proper place as the cadres used to say, the statement said. The statement said love him or loathe him ET Mensah, the regime loyalist from Prampram, entered the political stage and played his part as the PNDC Metropolitan Secretary, now Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), of Accra and subsequently as the Minister for Youth and Sports. It said the late ET Mensahs style of governance raised questions, in terms, in particular, of his engaging in day-to-day management of the institution or sector that he superintended. It noted that, however, to a large extent, ET Mensah achieved the desired results. It said he would be remembered for qualifying the Black Stars at the expense of Nigeria for the Nations Cup Tournament that was held in Senegal in 1992 after the country had missed two consecutive tournaments. The statement said in Parliament, during President Kufuor's regime, ET Mensah was the Minority Deputy Whip and later as the Chief Whip. The statement said under late President John Evans Atta Mills, ET Mensah was initially part of the Majority Leadership as the Chief Whip, went into the Executive and came back from the Executive to be in the league of the Wisemen. It said ET Mensah having served his constituents for five successive terms, lost his re-election bid in the NDCs internal Parliamentary Primaries election to his own protege, Mr Sam George. The statement said when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo came to power, in 2017, ET Mensah bounced back and got elected in to the Council of State as a representative for the Greater Accra Region. It said ET Mensah carried a grey hair but was very evergreen in his limbs. The last encounter I had with him was at the Council of State where I met him in the company of the Chairman, Nana Otuo Srebuor and Mr Sam Okudjeto, the statement said. We discussed the role of the Council in legislation. He was vibrant and I inquired into the secrets underpinning his physicality. He never shied away from conversation, and in that enterprise hand movement was an integral part. Today, he is gone, it said. On behalf of the NPP Caucus in Parliament we express our deepest condolences to the family, the NDC and Parliament. May his soul rest in peace. GNA National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has led a delegation of Muslim leaders in the country to pay a commiserating visit to former President John Agyekum Kufuor following the death of his wife, Theresa Kufuor. The Muslim delegation included leadership of all the Islamic sects in the country, the Council of Zongo Chiefs, as well as some heads of tribal chiefs. The National Chief Imam prayed to Allah to grant the former President and his family the patience and strength to bear the loss of his beloved wife. A tribute by the delegation, which was read to former President Kufuor and his family, and symbolically presented to him to console him, described the former First Lady in glowing terms. The tribute eulogised her calmness and the national reverence she earned while serving as First Lady, as well as her dignified life after office. President Kufuor, surrounded by his children, grand children, family members and other guests, including the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, expressed great appreciation to the National Chief Imam and the delegation for the visit and kind words about his beloved wife, whom he said he was married to for 62 years. The former President said the visit of the National Chief Imam and his elders was a great consolation to him, as it demonstrates that indeed, his beloved wife led a good life. Mrs Theresa Kufuor served as First Lady of the Republic from January 7, 2001 to January 6, 2009. She died on Sunday, October 1 after a short illness. A Maryland man facing an aggravated murder charge in connection with the June 16 shooting death of a Wintergreen police officer in Nelson County was naked during the attack and earlier was actively trying to kill himself, according to a search warrant filed in Albemarle County Circuit Court. Daniel Barmak of Towson, Maryland, is charged with aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer and one count each of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, malicious wounding and possession of a Schedule I/Schedule II drug. The charges stem from the killing of Wintergreen Police Department officer Chris Wagner. The incident began shortly after 10 p.m. June 16 when an emergency call came into the Wintergreen Police Department about two people being assaulted at the residence they were all staying at on Arrowood Lane in the Wintergreen community of Nelson County, a news release from Virginia State Police said. After calling police, the two injured men fled the residence on foot. The two 23-year-old men were taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, the release said. Wagner, 31, the first law enforcement officer to arrive at the residence, encountered Barmak in the woods and a struggle ensued, the release said. During the course of the struggle over Wagners department-issued handgun Barmak shot and killed Wagner, state police said. A preliminary hearing for Barmak, who was 23 at the time of his arrest, was set for Wednesday but has been continued to Jan. 17 in Nelson General District Court, according to court records. According to a search warrant filed in late August in Albemarle County, a state police special agent wrote Barmak had been behaving in a highly unusual manner and two witnesses reported to investigators Barmak was actively attempting to kill himself as well as other persons. Both witnesses stated Barmak wanted to jump off the balcony. Body camera images from Wagners own camera depict Barmak, who was naked, initiating an attack on the officer, the warrant states. During the altercation between the two, a gunshot was heard, Wagner yelled, Hes trying to get my gun! and the officer yelled for help numerous times, the warrant document states. Additional body camera footage from other officers shows Barmak eating gravel, the warrant states. The special agent who filed the warrant wrote based on training and experience, Barmaks behavior was recognized as that of someone suffering from a mental health crisis or under the effects of intoxication and/or drug impairment. Illicit drugs, to include psychedelic mushrooms, were found in proximity to Barmaks area of control, the warrant affidavits accompanying document states. The two witnesses and Barmak had consumed alcohol, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms prior to the shooting, and the two stated Barmak used a white powdery substance that the defendant identified as Ketamine. The warrant states as of its filing in late August the special agent did not have results of any toxicology tests conducted on Barmak, who was shot during the incident with Wagner. Based on medical records obtained at the University of Virginia Medical Center, Barmak was shot in the leg and shrapnel from a bullet was removed by hospital staff and released to the universitys police department, the warrant states. Wintergreen police and the Nelson County Sheriffs Office took Barmak into custody without further incident. Barmak was taken to UVA Medical Center for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury sustained during the incident, the release said. Wagners department-issued handgun was recovered at the shooting scene in the woods, police have said. Wagner joined the Wintergreen Police Department, a private agency of only 17 personnel, in August 2020. Before, he served with the Massanutten Police Department for seven years and attended Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Academy. A crowd of about 500 people attended his funeral service in Fishersville on June 26 some 400 of those paying respects in uniform from police, sheriffs and fire and rescue departments across the state, and from as far as West Virginia. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears also were in attendance. Chris could have easily waited for back-up, Wintergreen Police Chief Dennis Russell said at the slain officers funeral. He fought the good fight. The Nelson County Board of Supervisors and numerous other localities governing bodies have backed a resolution pushing to have line of duty death benefits legislation extended to include privately employed police officers. That legislation will be taken up in the Virginia General Assemblys session in January. 06.10.2023 LISTEN Senior Political Science lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Samuel Adu- Gyamfi has added his voice to reasons why the New Patriotic Party (NPP) might not retain the presidential seat after election 2024. The Political Scientist said he agrees with the former Minister of Agriculture and flagbearer hopeful of the NPP, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto that the NPP is not in a good place to retain power next year. Dr Akoto said in an interview that, The morale is very low. The expectation of our activists around the country for a better life has not been realized. So, the NPP is not in a good place to contest to retain power next year, According to Prof Adu-Gyamfi, who spoke on TV3's Ghana Tonight show, the expectations Ghanaians have of the current NPP government, have not been met. Apart from the prevailing difficult economic situation supervised by the government, the NPP is currently experiencing internal wrangling. The NPP is going through a metamorphosis. It is locked up in a cocoon of Asantes and Akyems. The party is going through a divisiveness orchestrated by the current president when he was then candidate Akufo-Addo. It has to do with a certain regime interested in holding on to power, which is currently being opposed by some founding persons, Prof. Adu Gyamfi said on October 4, 2023. He continued that there are currently two factions in the NPP, which is evidenced by the verbal exchanges between the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly called Chairman Wontumi and the Member of Parliament for Assin North and flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. The Political Scientist therefore called on the National Executive Council of the NPP to heed the calls by members who are complaining about disunity in the party to save it from further disintegration. -3news.com Bright Simons, Vice President in charge of research at IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, has shared some facts about Ghana's third President, Hilla Limann, in a revealing tweet. In the tweet posted in the early hours of Friday, October 5, Mr. Simons wrote "2 facts almost no Ghanaian knows/remembers about the country's 3rd Republic President, Dr. Hilla Limann." The facts were: 1. "He refused to publicly confess a personal religion. It is still unclear whether he was a Christian or Muslim." 2. "He was the youngest ever Ghanaian to be elected President." Dr. Hilla Limann served as Ghana's President from 1979 to 1981, after being elected on the ticket of the People's National Party (PNP). A diplomat by training, Limann was seen as an unknown figure even in Ghana when he succeeded Jerry Rawlings' short-lived government. However, he enjoyed strong support from followers of Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah. As an economic moderate who championed democratic values and Pan-Africanism, Limann swore allegiance to no single faith despite holding the highest office in a strongly religious country. He remains the only leader of Ghana's Third Republic. His truncated tenure ended in December 1981 when Rawlings overthrew his civilian government in a coup. Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kennedy Agyapong has expressed regret over past comments against former President John Dramani Mahama. The outspoken Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central described former President John Dramani Mahama as a decent man whom he would have to love to get along with on a personal level outside of politics. Kennedy Agyapong confessed that the negative side of a person is revealed by politics, a side he regrets exhibited towards the former President. He acknowledged that since he is only human, mistakes are inevitable. I apologize, I am a human being, if I recount the relationship with him and all that I mean, I am sorry, Kennedy Agyapong stated in an interview with Bola Ray of Starr FM. The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference paid a visit to former President John Agyekum Kufuor and his family on October 5 to extend their condolences over the passing of former First Lady Theresa Kufuor. Led by Most Reverend Joseph Afrifa-Agyekum, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, the bishops offered prayers for Kufuor and signed a book of condolence. Mrs. Theresa Kufuor passed away at her home on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 88. She was the First Lady of Ghana from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009. Theresa Kufuor began her education at the Catholic Convent, OLA, in Keta, Volta Region, Ghana. She later pursued her education in London, specializing as a Registered General Nurse in the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing in Edinburgh, Scotland. Further studies at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, and Paddington General Hospital, London, led to her qualification as a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing. She was a founding member of the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization active in Ghana and Canada that focuses on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Notably, she advocated for the implementation of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for kindergarten children, as part of the governments educational reforms in 2007. Madam Theresa Kufuor actively accompanied her husband on various official visits and engagements, representing Ghana at both local and international events. She also served as the First Lady of the African Union from 2007 to 2008, during her husbands tenure as Chairperson of the continental body. In recognition of her dedication to the welfare of children and mothers in need, as well as her substantial contributions to the Catholic Church and humanity, Madam Theresa Kufuor was honoured and awarded the Papal Award of Dame of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. 06.10.2023 LISTEN Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has lambasted the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, describing him as a Minister without foresight. Speaking to Starr FM in an interview on Thursday, October 5, the Assin Central Member of Parliament said it is shocking that in this day and age, the Tourism Minister wants to use funerals to promote tourism. Recently, the Tourism Minister in an interview with the media said the country loves funerals and he plans to leverage such occasions to promote tourism and create jobs for the youth across the country. We will find funerals at places where there are tourist attractions. When they finish the funeral, the people will be served local dishes and drinks including sobolo so that when we finish, we will bus them to these tourist attractions. We are busing them for free, so when we go to that area, there are restaurants there; they will buy food; they will buy artefacts. They will enrich the local economy. So we will take advantage of funerals to deepen our cultural assets and thereby create jobs for our youth, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal argued. Sharing his view on this vision, Kennedy Agyapong has blasted the Tourism Minister, describing him as myopic. According to him, there is no way Ghana can move forward with such Ministers in government, If your minister says he will use funerals and sobolo to promote tourism how can you move forward? We dont need myopic thinkers. The way Ghana is we need men with big brains. He is a myopic thinker. How can you tell us you will use funerals and they will serve sobolo and people were clapping? I said Jesus Chris what a country we live in, Ken Agyapong bemoaned. The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva says the Fund is hopeful that it can disburse the second tranche of $3 billion support package to Ghana in November. Already, officials of the Fund are in an engagement with the representatives of Ghana including Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison and Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta. According to Kristalina Georgieva, Ghanas economy in the last few months has made improvements and is currently in a better place. Ghana is doing actually quite well. You have seen that their position has improved over the last month, the economy is in a much better place. "I would very much hope that we can have the disbursement, the IMF Managing Director said. Kristalina Georgieva added, That is part of the confidence building that we are projecting regarding Ghana's economic stability. In the second tranche of the IMF $3 billion support package, Ghana is expected to receive $600 million. For the disbursement to happen, the IMF expects that government meets some criteria agreed upon. In May 2023, the IMF Executive Board approved SDR 2.242 billion (about US$3 billion) 36-month ECF arrangement for Ghana. This decision enabled an immediate disbursement equivalent to SDR 451.4 million (about US$600 million) to Ghana. The arrangement was reached after government ran to the IMF for support to shore up the sinking economy. 06.10.2023 LISTEN Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Mr Kennedy Agyapong, has publicly apologised to former President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 general elections. Mr Agyapong acknowledged that he had been harsh in his words and actions towards Mahama and expressed regret for his behaviour. Mr Agyapong referred to Mahama as a "wonderful gentleman" and admitted that he had not treated him fairly in the past. He further explained that upon reflection, he realised he had been unjust and wanted to extend an unreserved apology to Mahama. Agyapong's public apology demonstrates a willingness to mend fences and promote more civil discourse in the political arena, acknowledging that individuals can make mistakes and should be open to reconciliation and understanding. Mr Ken Agyapong issued this apology in an interview on Accra-based Starr FM's chat show hosted by Bola Ray on Thursday, October 5, 2023. -Classfmonline.com Every political observer presently in Ghana and across the Diaspora feels the buzz of the internal political contest within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). Both the traditional and the various new media platforms have expectedly provided the needed oxygen required for an important contest like this to dominate debate and analysis within the increasingly transformed Ghanaian public sphere. While we are all waiting with bated breath on the eventual climax of the contest in early November that will finally pit the two major contenders (the Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and the incumbent vice-president, Mahamudu Bawumia) against each other, various developments stemming from the previous internal political competitions and the forthcoming one require sober and wider reflections from all stakeholders of Ghana's politics including the political parties, media, academic community, civil societies and the general citizenry. This is because, while we are undoubtedly witnessing the various controversies in the internal political processes of the NPP leading to the resignation of one of the key contenders and hitherto heir to the throne, Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, internal elections in Ghana across the two major parties (National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party) since the beginning of the political transition in Ghana in 1992 under the so-called 'third wave democratization process' have largely mirrored elites' competitions and contestations. This is in spite of the numerous reforms across the political parties to 'sanitize' the system and give it a veneer of mass participation. With one or two exceptions since the beginning of the so-called liberal order steered by the military under the leadership of Chairman Jerry Rawlings, incumbent presidents or candidates favoured by incumbent presidents during internal presidential contests in almost all cases have emerged as the winners or presidential candidates of their parties. For instance, in 1992, the then-incumbent military head of state Jerry Rawlings easily represented his party as the candidate for the presidential elections after some internal deliberations with his party leadership. Although at that time, one can easily point at the military incumbency at play, President Rawlings per se had never hidden his abhorrence to any form of internal or even external democratic competition. Many political pundits especially his opponents interpreted this stance from Jerry Rawlings as a vestige of his militarism and an unalloyed desire to perpetuate his military dictatorship that dominated Ghana for almost two decades. However, his consistent argument, just like that of President Kwame Nkrumah of the first republic was the inherent national division and unhealthy and often destructive political partisanship that is inherent in multi-party politics. Both Nkrumah and Rawlings believed that these ethnic, political and social divisions inherent in the competitive liberal order have the tendency to distract the country from its cherished goal of economic and social development. While the views of both Rawlings and Nkrumah remain debatable, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the entrenching ideals of globalization and the near universalisation of democracy starting from the early 1990s, at least these national leaders were not hypocritical with their positions, views and actions on the political practices of the country. However, global and local pressures forced Jerry Rawlings not only to acquiesce to the constitutional order but also to accept the two-term limit rule now rooted in the Ghanaian constitutional order. Therefore, he had no other alternative than to hand over political power after the 2000 elections. Thus, in the run-up to the year 2000 presidential election, military incumbency gave way to democratic incumbency when the NDC selected Prof John Evans Atta Mills as the flagbearer of the then-ruling NDC with the prodding of President Rawlings. Although the so-called 'Swedru Declaration' was detested by some key and ambitious members of the ruling NDC leading to several resignations and indifference of scores of them, particularly those led by Augustus Goosie Obuadum Tanoh, the NDC under Jerry Rawlings at least maintained its revolutionary values of what they believed as 'consensus democracy' internally despite derision from the then main opposition NPP of lack of internal democracy and democratic dictatorship. Nonetheless, the NPP in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 elections had largely gone through some form of internal contests involving some of the party's key contenders such as Prof Albert Kwadwo Adu Boahen, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, and current President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo among several others. There was thus a veneer of liberal democratic values in the NPP as against what were perceived as illiberal NDC which from 1992 to at least 2000 elections had refused to accept any form of internal contest. In the NDC, the elites whether military as in 1992 or civilian as in both 1996 and 2000 were seen to be in absolute control and there was no question of opening the frontiers for mass participation in the internal contest to elect the party's presidential candidate. However, in the run-up to the 2004 elections, the pendulum swung and the NDC now in opposition allowed reforms that opened the internal political processes to the masses within the party while the now ruling NPP, fearing division within their ranks and distraction on President Kufuor's government only allowed consensus democracy that permitted the popular acclamation of the incumbent president as the party's presidential candidate. While there was limited or no internal dissention in the 2004 elections, the run-up to the 2008 elections however posed the gravest risks to NPP's internal cohesion and unity as was seen in the deployment of various predatory measures including intimidation of government appointees, excessive propaganda and massive financial and material inducement to the delegates to maximise the votes of Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremateng, the candidate favoured by incumbent president Kufuor. Although incumbent President Kufuor was openly non-committal in expressing or showing support for his heir apparent between the two major contenders (Alan and Akufo-Addo) for obvious reasons, few observers will disagree with the claim that he not only favoured Alan but deployed every conceivable predatory approach to get him voted as the party's candidate for the 2008 election that was to decide who takes over from him as the President of Ghana. By Abdul Hakim Ahmed, PhD, Political Science Lecturer, University of Education, Winneba On 26th July and August 30, 2023 two coup d'etat occurred in Niger and Gabon respectively. In Niger, the presidential guard removed and detained President Mohamed Bazoum while in Gabon, incumbent president Ali Bongo Ondimba who had won the general election held on 26 August was detained by soldiers. These two overthrows of government has raised a lot eyebrows and questions the democratic credential of Africans. It has ruffled the feathers of some African leaders especially in West Africa who have panickedly been issuing statements condemning coups on the continent. Coups are generally not the best option for continuity of governance but sometimes become the only sinquanon for a people who feel oppressed by their political elite. The coups in those countries brought to the fore some of the inimical agreements that some colonial government signed with some independent countries of Africa, emphasizing that between France and it's Francophone countries. It has generated a lot of discussions amongst members of the African community in various social media platforms questioning the rational for such agreements and why would our current leaders continue to honour such outdated and irrelevant agreements till this day? Another agreement has gone viral on social media outlining some imperialist nation's agreement with an African country-Kenyan and that of the British government. In Odhiambo Kevin Opiyo Facebook post, he shares that "Kenya still sends millions to Britain as pension to British citizens who served in the colonial Kenya Civil Service. This money is remitted through Crown Agent Bank". He however claims that there are arguments that Kenya could be paying ghost pensioners, since it is very unlikely that most people who retired in 1963, are still alive. According to the post, Kenya is still pampering British retirees while thousands of East African soldiers of the Kings African Rifles who fought for King George in the two world wars were left to die in destitution. What an irony? "The British government refused to pay for their pensions and other benefits and transferred that responsibility to the respective African governments", Opiyo, 2023. With the independence of the three East African nations becoming a possibility, in December 1956, representatives of the War Office visited Nairobi where they held a meeting with officials from the East Africa High Commission and colonial governments of Kenya, Tanganyika and Uganda. During the meeting as narrated by the Opiyo's Facebook Post the officials from the War Office agreed to handover War Office buildings in East Africa to East African colonial governments if they agreed to take responsibility for pension to African soldiers of the Kings African Rifles. This was agreed upon and ratified in Command Paper 281 of 1957. And on July 1, 1957, the responsibility of paying African soldiers pensions was passed on from the War Office to East African colonial governments. This colonial burden was later passed on to independent states of East Africa. In the 1960s as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania gained independence, the were saddled with the huge responsibility and liability for pensions which were transferred to the new African governments, by the outgoing colonial governments. Expatiating further, the post said, On Dec 6, 2017, an individual wrote to the British Ministry of Defence under the Freedom of Information Act (2000) demanding to know the number of former servicemen of Kings African Rifles who receive pensions from the British government. The MoD in response wrote: "The majority of individuals recruited into colonial force regiments were citizens of that colony, and not British subjects. The KAR was managed by British officers, seconded from the British Army. As well as the physical transfer of people, liabilities for pensions also transferred to that nation." In trying to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the Facebook Post unearthed a publication of The Standard titled "Why you will pay British pensioners for 30 years" and authored by Amos Kareithi, July 7, 2019. In that write up, the story has it that Kenya is still forking out about Sh2 million monthly to pay 1,500 pensioners in Britain for the services they rendered to the colonial government, almost six decades after independence. The story adds, at the same time, the government will from the end of this month pay all the 277,000 public servants a three per cent increment in their monthly pensions. According to the Director of Pensions, Shem Nyakutu, s reported by Kariethi, 2019, this will push the pension bill by Sh3 billion, meaning the total amount of annual pay out will shoot to Sh104 billion for the 2019/20 financial year. Nyakutu further adds the country will continue remitting pensions to former colonial public servants for the next 30 years, going by the average age of the surviving pensioners. It is as a result of this phenomenon which has existed over several decades that others believe has contributed to rendering some African countries impoverished and make ordinary citizens believe that most of their leaders are puppets of imperialist and accounting for the surge in coups. Agreements are to honoured but where it has colonial vestiges which doesn't make any economic sense and serves as a drain on the already overstretched budget of African Nations, same must be repudiated or renegotiated to serve the African interest. Persons living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana are sounding alarm bells over a shortage of critical antiretroviral drugs that is putting their lives at risk. The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (NAP+ Ghana) in a press statement on Thursday, October 5, accused government of contributing to the shortage by delaying the removal of taxes on imported ARV medications. According to NAP+ Ghana President, a shipment of Abacavir/Lamivudine - one of the primary first-line treatment regimens - has been held up at ports since July awaiting tax waiver approvals from the Ministry of Finance. "Meanwhile, they are being held until AU TAX, ECOWAS TAX and COVID-19 TAX are paid before we can access our medication," said the NAP+ Ghana President. The delays come despite the drugs being procured with donor funding and therefore not subject to taxation, the advocacy group argues. As stocks run dangerously low across HIV treatment facilities, patients have been left without access to their lifesaving drugs for months. "One of our members has not been on medication for 4 months due to a shortage of Abacavir/lamivudine in her facility," they complained. With their health and lives hanging in the balance, Ghana's estimated 300,000 HIV patients are now calling on the government to take swift action. "These tax delays are effectively killing us," they said, adding, "We need the government to remove these taxes immediately before the crisis spirals further out of control." Poland and Hungary expressed outrage on Friday at planned changes to Europe's migration system, vowing to veto the proposals at European Union summit in Spain two days after member states approved a key agreement. After a tense day of talks at Thursday's European Political Community (EPC) summit in the southern city of Granada, EU leaders stayed on for their own meeting under the shadow of a bitter dispute over migration. Poland's populist government, facing a general election next week, lashed out at Europe's plans for overhauling the rules on asylum seekers and irregular migrants as a "diktat" from Brussels and Berlin. "We are not afraid of diktats... from Berlin and Brussels," said Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on arrival for the informal EU council meeting. "The plan is to admit illegal immigrants to countries that don't want to accept them and to impose draconian penalties... Poland strongly rejects this." Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban went even further, describing the proposed legislation, which obliges EU states to take in a share of migrants or pay those who do so, as tantamount to being "legally raped". "There's no chance of having any kind of compromise and agreement on migration. Politically, it's impossible... because legally we were -- how to say it -- we were raped," he said of the rejection of Hungary and Poland's stance. Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Britain's Rishi Sunak want to prevent migrant boats setting out for Europe. By Thomas COEX (AFP) One of the most hotly disputed issues among EU member states, migration tops Brussels' agenda after thousands of asylum seekers landed on the Italian island of Lampedusa, highlighting the urgency of consolidating a unified European response. But Spain, which holds the European presidency, failed to put the crisis on the agenda of Thursday's EPC summit, which groups the EU with their European neighbours, in a move that frustrated several nations, notably Italy and Britain. 'Current approach not working' At a side meeting, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and Britain's Rishi Sunak, backed by France and the Netherlands, pushed a plan to prevent boats carrying asylum seekers from even setting off for Europe. In a joint op-ed published on Friday in Britain's Times newspaper and Italy's Corrierre della Sera, Sunak and Meloni said European nations were "recognising that the current approach is not working". Insisting their hardline approach was "already delivering results", they urged other leaders to "act with the same sense of urgency" against people smuggling gangs to break the back of irregular immigration across Europe. France's Emmanuel Macron attended the side meeting on migration arranged by Italy and Britain. By Thomas COEX (AFP) Earlier this week, member states agreed by a majority the final part of an overhaul of the rules on handling asylum seekers and irregular migrants, setting up a push for the European Parliament to make it law before elections next year. The new Pact on Migration and Asylum would seek to relieve pressure on so-called frontline countries like Italy and Greece by relocating some arrivals to other EU states, while those opposed to hosting asylum seekers would be required to pay those that do. Meloni admitted on Thursday she was "satisfied" with the direction Europe was heading in terms of migration, saying its ambitions were "becoming more pragmatic in terms of legality, with a desire to combat human traffickers and to stop illegal immigration". 29 percent increase in migrant returns EU figures published on Friday showed there was a 29-percent rise in irregular migrant returns in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period a year earlier. A total of 26,600 people were sent back, while the number ordered to leave rose by 9.0 percent to 105,865. By August 31, EU nations were hosting almost 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees from Russia's war, half of whom were in Germany and Poland. In the second quarter, 26,600 would-be migrants were sent back, EU figures show. By Matias CHIOFALO (AFP) Both Hungary and Poland have repeatedly fought against the pact, relentlessly pushing for the Granada summit's final declaration to mention the need for unanimity on the migration reform, diplomatic sources said. Disagreement over the pact could block a joint declaration on migration, as happened at a July Brussels summit. But the text for Friday's summit includes stronger language, with a draft seen by AFP saying illegal immigration must be "immediately addressed in a determined manner". It also talks about "stepping up returns" and affirms the EU's determination to forge "mutually beneficial comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit". Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong has described the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi as a coward. This was after the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party threatened to have the Assin Central MP arrested if he threatened him again. Addressing a press conference early this week, Chairman Wontumi replied to alleged threats from Ken Agyapong who had vowed to deal with him for always insulting some senior members of the party including Alan Kyerematen who resigned from NPP. He cautioned the NPP flagbearer aspirant to desist from threatening him or he will have him arrested. You are always saying someone is a fool, that you regret being in the NPP, the way you speak, this is a showdown and all that. Let it end today. If not and you threaten me again I will make sure you are arrested. Its advice to you because you did same and Ahmed Suale is now no more. What Im asking of you is that, Kennedy, tell us what you can do before the primaries one month from today, Chairman Wontumi shared. Reacting to these comments in an interview with Starr FM, Ken Agyapong said he thought Chairman Wontumi would man up to say he would face him. He said unlike coward Chairman Wontumi, he is ready to give anyone a showdown any day and will never call the Police. I dont want to talk about Chairman Wontumi because he is a young man who has just come into politics, I forgive him. I thought a bold man will always say that if you challenge me again or threaten me, I am also going to face you. But if you resort to the Police, it means you are a coward, case closed. We are not going to talk about it again, Ken Agyapong said. The Assin central MP added, I will never call the police, I will come face to face and give you a showdown. If youre saying that oh Ken Agyapong, this, this, Im going to do this and that, I will not call the police. I will come and face you for you to know that I am a man. 06.10.2023 LISTEN The Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has encouraged the youth of the area to actively engage in national discourses. Speaking to various Asafo groups at the Asogli Palace in Ho-Bankoe on Wednesday, Togbe Afede stressed the importance of the Asogli youth participating in the national decision-making process. He admonishes them against being passive observers. "We are an integral part of the country, and it is only proper for us to be part of the national decision-making process and not mere spectators," he stated. He said this as part of the activities commemorating his 20th Coronation Day, coinciding with this year's Te Za (yam festival) celebrations. After the Asafo groups showcased their battlefield skills in a procession through the streets of the regional capital, Togbe Afede addressed them. He emphasized that the involvement of Asogli youth in national politics would help ensure that the Asogli State received its fair share of the national cake. Togbe Afede encouraged the youth to pursue ministerial and parliamentary positions with utmost dedication and seriousness when entering politics. He also highlighted some significant developments for the Asogli State, including the upcoming inauguration of the Aviation Academy in Ho. Additionally, he announced plans by the Asogli traditional authorities to secure land for a large-scale rice project covering over 23,000 acres. Togbe Afede underscored the need for unity among the people to ensure the success of the various ventures and called on landowners to willingly contribute land to support feasible development projects in the area. He stated that such projects, providing employment for the youth, would reduce social vices. Once there are projects providing jobs for the youth there would be no need for them to embark on perilous trips to Libya or beyond the Mediterranean in the false hope of finding jobs, he stated. 06.10.2023 LISTEN Numerous workers in Tema have united in pushing for the wage and emolument structure for Article 71 Office Holders to be expanded. As a result, the employees have joined the movement to "Don't Expunge but Rather Expand Article 71 Office Holders." In a chance interview, some of the employees stated that eliminating compensation inequities and distortions among government employees will be accomplished by including public and civil personnel in the Article 71 Office Holders salary and emolument system. All worker associations and unions, including the Ghana Medical Association, the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), which are primarily public and civil servants, were urged to join the growing demand for expansion of the frontiers of Article 71 Office Holders. The Tema employees also urged the Ghana Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nurses and Midwifery Council, and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) to take an active part in the movement instead of remaining neutral. In order to correct the flaws in the government payroll system, the Ghana Federation of Labour recently boldly urged the government to expand the application of Article 71 Office Holders Salary and Emountment Structure to include both public and civil personnel. "We should change the narratives about the abolishment of Article 71 Office Holders; such a call is retrogressive; let us enrol all public and civil servants in the scheme to enjoy the same benefits," said Mr Abraham Koomson, General Secretary of the Federation, who made the request. In an interview, Mr. Koomson, a labour activist with over 40 years of experience, stated that "what is good for the goose must equally be good for the gander." Dr William Mensah-Ansah, a businessman, in an interview, noted that "the call is long overdue to fix all government payroll anomalies and also make the Ghanaian worker smile at the end of the month. Dr Mensah-Ansah pointed out that while those in political office have benefited from the provisions of Article 71, hard-working public employees only receive a small portion of their wages in the form of subpar emoluments. "The distortions in salary need to change," The recommendation was praised by Madam Noami Mereku, a public servant, who also stated that labour unions must launch a tenacious campaign supported by persuasive evidence to demand the inclusion of all government employees in the Article 71 Office Holders wage and stipend system. We cannot have two or more groups of government employees with various pay scales, said Madam Mereku. From the same pot of money, we must all eat. Government employees also deserve the finest, according to Mr Isaac Antwi, a chemist assistant at a public health facility: "We work under strenuous conditions, but our take-home cannot even take us out of the bank." Similar thoughts were shared by other workers, who urged all labour unions to cooperate in order to realise the great goal of "Don't expunge, but rather expand Article 71 office holders' structure". The President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, and Justices of the Supreme Court are all members of offices covered by Article 71. The remainder consists of Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers of State, political appointees, and public employees, all of whom receive unique constitutional privileges while receiving wages charged to the Consolidated Fund. In accordance with Articles 71(1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution, the President shall, on the recommendations of a committee of not more than five members appointed by him and acting in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, determine the salaries and allowances of the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary paid from the Consolidated Fund. According to the Constitution, Parliament will decide the wages of the President, his ministers, political appointees, and members of the Council of State based on the recommendations of the same committee. -CDA Consult || Contributor If real laws are passed in Ghana to hold the NPP administration accountable, Gabby Otchere-Darko shouldn't escape justice. Despite not having a position in the NPP government, Mr. Otchere-Darko has been able to engage in several financial criminal acts that have hurt the nation, thanks to his close relation to the president as a cousin, Otchere-Darko therefore has no respect for Ghanaians, and think he also has the power to commit crime with impunity. I must be clear that the law under the current administration has failed along with the president because judges were chosen by Akufo Addo solely to serve him and shield him from responsibility. This is one of the reasons why corruption in the NPP government has been worse than in any other government, encouraging politicians to steal and hoard money at home and giving criminals, such as the governor of the Bank of Ghana, Ernest Addison, the authority to call demonstrators hooligans. The President's cousin, Gabby Otchere-Darko, is not a member of the NPP government, but he has been implicated in a number of corruption scandals that have had a negative impact on the nation and its citizens. Therefore, if a new administration takes office, he must stand trial. Even though nepotism in positions of power is a worldwide problem, it has particularly wreaked havoc in Ghana. Akufo Addo never stops talking about democracy, yet; his dictatorial government never takes responsibility, and members of his family have inherited the power to potentially reject any resignation requests. A political analyst is not necessary to comprehend that Akufo Addo, Ken Ofori-Atta, and Gabby Otchere-Darko are a group of destructive hyenas rather than actual politicians. . As was previously stated, Gabby is not a member of Akufo Addo's administration but has been implicated in several government corruption issues. For example, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu in the Volta region, exposed Gabby, in which his legal company asked the government for GH 187 million for a deal that the NPP initially opposed but then amended while in power. The following are a few scandals concerning Gabby Otchere-Darko as well. 1. The controversial Agyapa Royalties deal involved Gabby's company advising the government as transaction consultants to float shares of Agyapa Royalties Limited on the London Stock Exchange to raise money. 2. A concessionaire contract between the government and Power Distribution Service Ghana Limited (PDS) was canceled due to problems with the financial guarantee. PDS share attempts have been related to names like Philip Ayensu and Gabby. 3. Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko stated that Gabby renegotiated the Ameri deal on his own, without the approval of the government committee, which led to Agyarko's dismissal. 4. The Frimpong-Boatengs illegal mining report cited Gabby's legal services to a galamsey firm, which allegedly interfered with his employment. The report was written by the former environment minister Prof. Frimpong-Boateng., as a result of some statements made, Gabby filed a defamation lawsuit. Akufo Addo, Ken Ofori-Atta, Gabby Otchere-Darko, and Mahamudu Bawumia are aware that none of them will be free to enjoy their money, despite the millions of dollars that have been embezzled, as Cecilia Dapaah has demonstrated, if the NPP goes to opposition because the real law in the new administration will deal with them. Since he boasted and discredited John Mahama for running a bad government, Akufo Addo is unhappy with the damage he has inflicted in the worst possible. Since the president and the NPP politicians rely on tribalism to ensure their support, they were sure to win the Assin North by-elections but the government was shocked by what happened and instead admitting that they had failed and their widespread corruption is responsible for their denial, they rather planned to have the Inspector General of Police George Dampare removed from office because they were expecting him to rig the elections and since he didnt do that they have to avoid the same experience in 2024. What a nation of political crooks! In all honesty, the NPP will still lose the election whether Akufo Addo will let all the NPP politicians work with the head of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, or allow IGP George Dampare to step down or not. This is because, in addition to the harm this administration has caused to the nation's infrastructure, its continued rule will plunge the entire population into even greater poverty than it already is. Corruption is rampant everywhere and even tolerated by the Bank of Ghana. The majority of Ghanaians are fed up with this government that they now hate Akufo Addo more than Mahama they lied against. Something needs to happen in Ghana before it can advance. Ghanaians must have enough work and enjoy its riches, not by tribal bandits. Every suspected corrupt politician, including Supreme Court judges and Gabby Otchere-Darko, must be pursued by the new administration, and if they are found guilty, they must be imprisoned when all the stolen funds have been recovered. If the newly elected government is not prepared to do that, they shouldnt even bother to seek for the people's vote. Aside from the Otchere-Darko corruption scandals, the president has been involved in illegal mining that has devastated Ghana's key rivers and ecologies, leading to ailments like miscarriages and birth defects. It makes no sense that the person who accused the former Ghanaian president of being incompetent and corrupt would turn out to be the worst thief ever identified in Ghana's political history, earning him humiliation for illicit gold trades by the global media outlet Al Jazeera. Amnesty International on Friday denounced inaction over a UN-backed investigation into alleged atrocities in Ethiopia as a "gross betrayal" of the victims by the international community. The mandate of experts investigating the incidents will expire next week after countries at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva failed to put forward a draft resolution to extend it. This was despite a damning report in which the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) warned of an "overwhelming risk" of more atrocities there. Rights council member states "extinguished the only credible avenue for independent international investigations and oversight on Ethiopia -- a key source of hope for victims and survivors seeking justice and accountability," said Amnesty. "The decision to not continue UN investigations into ongoing rights abuses, amid a sweeping national state of emergency and warnings by the ICHREE is a gross betrayal of victims and survivors," it added. "The EU's decision to ignore the UN's warnings and abandon the only independent, credible international investigative mechanism on Ethiopia is shameful," Amnesty said. The ICHREE was set up in December 2021, at the request of the European Union, more than a year after the start of the brutal war in the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray. Rights experts' warning Its mandate was renewed last year, but only by a narrow majority. All but one of the African members of the rights council voted against it. Officials from Ethiopia, which has always opposed the commission, did not respond to AFP requests for comment, and Tigrayan authorities have not reacted publicly. On the eve of the deadline, the EU and Ethiopia signed a 650 million euro ($680 million) development deal in Addis Ababa in what was described as a step towards normalising ties following the end of the two-year Tigray war. The ICHREE had warned that serious rights violations were still being committed in Ethiopia despite a peace deal signed between Ethiopia's federal government and Tigrayan rebels in November last year. They voiced fears that the conflict was spreading across the country. Fighting erupted earlier this year between federal troops and local militias in the Amhara region. The security situation is also deteriorating in the most populous region of Oromia, with armed groups becoming more active. The government has said it is launching a process of "transitional justice" to handle crimes committed during the Tigray conflict. Atrocity crimes, considered to be the most serious crimes against humankind, include genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. 06.10.2023 LISTEN Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys have lost the ability to filter waste from your blood. This loss of ability of the kidney happens in stages and it is when it gets to the end stage that is where the term kidney failure comes in. Rev Fr Dr Gaymfis Story I have only been a poor victim of renal failure since 2019. I was on dialysis till April 16, 2022 when I was lucky to undergo a kidney transplant, says the Reverend Father Dr Lawrence Gyamfi, a catholic priest diagnosed with renal disorder. Advice Rev Fr Dr Gyamfi is therefore calling on Ghanaians to avoid or reduce the consumption of food with high preservatives, artificial colouring, and tastes. According to him, people who failed to heed the warning did so at their own risk, saying high intake of such food and junk exposed consumers to renal dysfunction or failure. Take your time and read carefully the ingredients of every packaged food before you buy. Most of them are very harmful. If a product is labeled as having a taste of a particular fruit it means it is not that fruit, rather chemicals have been added up to arrive at that taste, he stated. Rev Fr Dr Gyamfi, a Catholic Priest of the Obuasi Diocese, based in Udine, Italy gave the advice when he shared his experiences in a telephone interview with this reporter. Reactions According to the Rev Fr, renal failure remains an extreme health condition which is sometimes difficult and painful for patients to contain or live with the reactions. Some of the reactions include poor appetite, loss of weight, swollen feet and tiredness, swollen eye bags, shortness of breath, tiredness, blood in urine and in some cases no urine at all and insomnia. With all these difficulties, pains and discomforts, described above, one would die after a short while if he or she does not have a kidney transplant or dialysis. Dialysis and Transplant Kidney or renal transplantation is a surgical procedure by which a kidney, either of a deceased or a living donor is transplanted into a person suffering an end-stage kidney failure. In many developed countries like Italy and Spain, and other places, people donate a kidney just as others donate blood elsewhere. A kidney because according to medicine, every human being has two kidneys, however needs only one healthy kidney to survive. Research has proven that the remaining kidney works better after one is donated. On the other hand, Dialysis is described as a clinical purification of the blood as a substitute for the normal functioning of the kidney. In-center hemodialysis is common in Ghana where dialysis is done in the hospital or health center, elsewhere, countries also practice in-home hemodialysis. Sharing his experiences, Rev Fr Dr Gyamfi said both the transplant and the dialysis are very expensive everywhere, and therefore called on the government to do more and sponsor patients. In many advanced countries, these procedures are always government-sponsored and for a standard purification of the blood the patient needs three separate sittings of the in-center hemodialysis every week. I used to have mine on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The process is painful, uncomfortable, time-consuming and very exhausting. Even in Italy, the patient is served breakfast, a television above to watch if so desired, and a sandwich after treatment. The hospitals provide car services to pick you from home and send you back home immediately after, the pain and the tiredness is still felt. Every month they run thorough medical examinations on all patients. All these are provided free of charge and when they finally found a donor for me, they performed the transplant surgery that lasted for six hours free of charge, Rev Fr Dr Gyamfi explained. The medicines needed to keep the transplanted kidney functioning are very expensive and must be taken for the rest of ones life. I am grateful to the Italian government for this great act of charity they do for all, mostly foreigners. I say foreigners because in most Italian dialysis centers the patients are mostly foreigners, Africans and Asians," he added. Wayward He continued, "In fact, I always feel sad when I see fellow Ghanaians who have the same condition I had suffered and died through such experiences. I feel guilty anytime I think I have felt worried about my situation. How I wish I could help my people in that regard. It is my prayerful wish that one day I find someone or group of people who would be willing to help build a dialysis center in the hospital in my district serving over half a million people and without such important facilities. I have since taken it upon myself to help a few kidney failure patients whose appeals for help I saw on social media. Surprisingly, most of them look very unhealthy, very weak in spite of the dialysis, Rev Fr Dr Gyamfi stated. Rev Fr Dr Gyamfi said uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, acute kidney injuries and many bad habits including alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking, and abuse of painkillers as other identifiable causes of renal failures. From the Priest's advice, it is therefore imperative for everybody to restrict him/herself from the use of unprescribed antibiotics and guard against bad eating habits. Appeal When I was doing dialysis, one wouldnt know I was sick unless I told them. That means something is not working perfectly with the dialysis in Ghana. In fact, I was shocked when I read a couple of days ago that Korle-bu Teaching Hospital is considering increasing the cost per sitting for DIALYSIS from GHC380 to GHC765.42, because of high import taxes, Rev Fr Dr Gyamfi stated. He therefore appealed to the government to subsidize the import duties on the medicines and accessories needed for dialysis for all to access treatment. Let us make the effort to make our health insurance system stronger to cover such conditions as well. It is a very painful condition and it is killing many, he said, and entreated health professionals to intensify public health education to conscientize Ghanaians about the causes of renal disorders. In fact, the boy I am helping now pays GHC450 per sitting and we are only able to pay for two sittings a week and that is not enough. I have even heard of people who do it just once in a week or even more days elapsed without dialysis. "I also know of many who cannot even afford the attempt at all and I wonder how they breathe. When I was on dialysis, Mondays were always a hell for me. I struggled to breathe. This is because there was always a long break from Saturday to Tuesday. Rev Fr Dr Gyamfi also appealed to Ghanaians to support patients as well saying many are dying in Ghana for this disease which is on the ascendancy among adults, our youth who are the future of our country. An appeals court in Brussels has prevented Belgian authorities from transferring terrorist Salah Abdeslam to France to continue serving his life term for the 2015 Paris rattacks, citing the risk of breaching the European Convention of Human Rights. Abdeslam, the only surviving member of the commando cell that carried out the 2015 attacks that killed 130 people in and around Paris, was handed a life sentence in June 2022. The following month French judicial authorities agreed to hand him over to Belgium to face trail for his role in the 2016 terror attacks in Brussels with the proviso that he would be returned once the trial was over. In July this year, he was found guilty over the Brussels attacks and sentenced to 20 years in jail. He was due to return to France by 12 October to continue serving his life term here. But on Tuesday the Brussels appeals court said it was temporarily suspending the transfer over concerns there was a risk of breaching the European convention of human rights, which outlaws inhuman and degrading punishments and protects the right to family life. Salah Abdeslam's lawyers had argued that his whole-life sentence which allows little chance of parole after 30 years and will likely mean he dies in jail was inhumane and that his right to family life was breached since his relatives were all in Belgium, where he grew up. 'Slap in the face' Lawyer Martin Vette welcomed the decision. "It puts a real question mark on the compatibility of a whole-life sentence with fundamental rights, with the humanist idea that everyone must be able to reintegrate into society, he told RFI. So this is a slap in the face for the French judiciary and in particular for the judges who delivered the 13 November trial verdict. But victims of the 13 November attacks are deeply perturbed by the decision. The hardest thing is that what we took for a completely definitive verdict could in fact be challenged, said Arthur Denouveaux, president of the Life for Paris victims' support group. Once a verdict has been pronounced, it's important that it's not revised over the years "so we can turn the page, he told RFI. Instead, the appeals court decision has opened up the prospect of a sort of serial with multiple revisions and that's very worrying for us. The case for the transfer will now be examined by another Brussels court but it could take months, even years, for the Belgian judiciary to reach a final decision. The Shehu Umaru Old Students Association, on Thursday, October 5 commissioned an ultramodern renovated Kindergarten block Complex at Shehu Umaru MA Basic School in Kete-Krachi, Oti Region. The KG block complex was renovated and handed over to the school by the Old Students. The community greeted the occasion with a jamboree, essentially setting the entire Kete-Krachi township agog, as evidence of their immeasurable excitement. A short ceremony was held at the forecourt of Shehu Umaru Basic School which brought together parents,old students, staff, students, community members and the general public to grace the auspicious occasion. After the short ceremony, the MCE, Municipal Education Directors rep, old students and the delegation, then proceeded to the site to officially commission the newly renovated ultramodern KG block complex. In his remarks, the MCE of Krachi West Municipal, Hon. Emmanuel Jalulah, conveyed his esteemed gratitude, to, first of all, the financiers of the project, for their bold and laudable initiative to advance the cause of education in the municipality. He also thanked the community leaders, and indeed, all the people of Kete, for their age-long support to the educational fortunes of the community. He more importantly, used the occasion to challenge other schools and communities, to draw the necessary inspiration from the unprecedented feat chalked by the Shehu Umaru Old Students Association, and not hesitate to sacrifice the little they have for the good of education in their schools and communities. He noted, the school was founded on the immense sacrifices and selflessness of individual members of the community and continues to survive on their sacrifices and selflessness. The MCE donated 50 dual desks to the school and promised to install some street bulbs around the school to prevent thievery. On his part, Mallam Saminu chairman of the Association said, they were inspired by the principle of giving back to their alma mata and their unwavering commitment to strengthening education within the community, which motivated them to renovate the school. They pledged to continue to offer support to the school to enhance teaching and learning. The chairman of the occasion Mr Samed Tahiru former Assistant Headmaster of Krasec advised parents to bring their children to fill the beautiful edifice, for education is the tool that can change the fortunes of their children as it has immensely changed his fortunes and others alike. Present at the occasion were officers from the Krachi West Municipal Education Directorate, former Head Teachers, MPs rep, Chiefs and Imams, Kaakye Youth Association President and many other distinguished personalities. Most Rev Prof. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo Retired Archbishop Emeritus-Anglican Church-Kumasi Diocese has called for the regulation of churches in Ghana. He has charged the Registrar General to ensure that churches registered satisfy certain requirements, saying, the Registrar General in registering Churches must ensure that leaders of the church are well trained, qualified and have relevant constitution to guide the Church. The retired Archbishop has also challenged the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to monitor the activities of churches against the exploitation of the poor. Following the high rate of ecclesiastical malpractices presently in Ghana, including the commercialization of the gospel, unscriptural prophetic directions, desire to amass wealth, competition over acquired wealth among the clergy etc, he has stated that "it seems there is nobody controlling the activities of churches in the country. Speaking at a 4-day symposium dubbed; Transformation Conference 2023 held at Atonsu-Kumasi from 3rd to 6th October 2023, the former Anglican Archbishop underlined that unlike the historical churches, a good number of present-day Christian denominations have failed to involve themselves in the development of the country by providing social services such as schools, hospitals, clinics, orphanages, resettlement centers, among others. Theme for the conference was; The Church, Ghanas Hope For Transformation, organized by St. Georgina Health Care and Consultancy in partnership with the Truth Revival Ministry. Most Rev. Prof. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo asserted in his address that, a number of those belonging to the latter category especially one man/woman prophet churches are massing up wealth but have failed to give back to the society. Like most historical churches register with the Registrar General of Ghana and pay taxes to Ghana Revenue Authority, all other churches must be encouraged to do so in order to reap much revenue for the development of Ghana, he admonished. Critiquing the status quo, he said it seems there is no price control body in Ghana. Everybody does what they like so far as pricing is concerned. The last National census estimated Christians to be about 71%. If all these 71% of the population are taught the good responsibilities of citizens such as subjecting to the ruling authority; paying honor to those required; paying taxes and playing the roles of good citizens, Ghana will stand tall to gain in terms of development, he added. Below is a copy of his address at the symposium: THE TRUTH REVIVAL MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION CONFERENCE 2023-TUESDAY 3RD OCTOBER TO FRIDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2023 TALK 4: THURSDAY, 5TH OCTOBER 2023 @ 10:55AM 11:55AMMAIN THEME: THE CHURCH, GHANAS HOPE FOR TRANSFORMATION THEME FOR TALK 4: PROLIFERATION OF CHURCHES IN GHANA-IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION Oxford advanced Learners Dictionary describes the word proliferation as the sudden increase in the number or amount of something; a large number of a particular thing (pg. 1233). The theme therefore becomes, the sudden increase of churches in Ghana- implications for National Development. Yes there is rapid springing up of Churches in every community in Ghana. In Fact, there are Churches categorized under Christian Council of Ghana, Catholic Bishops Conference, Ghana Council of Charismatic Churches, Independent Spiritual Churches and even those not under any group outlined above. Our Lord Jesus Christ in His baptism received His call as the Messiah; In His Temptation, he rejected three ways of going about his work as a Messiah but chose the way of the cross in giving his life as a ransom for many and finally declared His Nazareth manifesto in Luke 4:18-19, The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, (salvation). He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives (deliverance) and recovery of sight to the blind (spiritual and physical eye sight), to proclaim the year of the Lords favour. Our Lord Jesus Christs Ministry is a PHD ministry Preach, Heal and Deliver. This manifesto of our Lord Jesus Christ implies He is the originator of development and therefore any Christian ministry must be involved in the Development of the people. If all the Churches springing up each day are to allign themselves to the Core Ministry of our Lord it will inure to the complete development of Ghana in no time. It will suffice here that most of the Historical Churches apart from preaching to save the lost also provide for them social services such as schools from the basic level to the University or tertiary levels. They also do Health delivery in providing hospitals and clinics, Orphanages, Resettlement Centres for the care of the blind, deaf and dumb; Eye hospitals, blind/deaf and dumb schools. Such Churches offer rural and urban ministries (Agric in the Rural/Feeding in S/A). To God be the glory for using these churches in these ways- The presence of the church in the community. What aspect of the church when removed from the community will the community complain? Unfortunately for some one man/woman prophet churches the emphasis is quite different. Some use their ministry to amass wealth. They now compete and challenge their counterparts as to the number of expensive cars that they have instead of giving back to society. Again they do not preach unadulterated Gospel but five principles of success; Akwankyere rites; Jesus did not have ministry of Akwankyere rites. The Apostles preached Christ and him crucified and resurrected. However, these one man/woman prophet churches must not be left alone. There are para church Institutions which bring theological teachings to the doorsteps of churches for example Global Christ like Leadership Bible College/Seminary by Apostle Peter Watson- Couples and Singles Dinner Retreat. Theme: Keys to lasting marriage kill divorce. SEE Philipines Theological SeminaryChristian service University College even offers certificate courses. These must be deliberate Orientation/Exposure of these churches. Revd Raymond Antwi Fredua preaching Evangelistic Sermon at the One Week Service of the Late Revd Dr. Steve Asante quoted that Religiosity is not Christianity you must be born again (Mark 10:17-22). Like most historical Churches register with the Registrar General of Ghana and pay taxes to Ghana Revenue Authority, all other Churches must be encouraged to do so in order to reap much revenue for the development of Ghana. The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs must monitor the activities of Churches against the exploitation of the poor and giving back some their profits to society as the historical Churches do. (eg Ashimolo in London) The Registrar General in registering Churches must ensure that their leaders are well trained and qualified and have relevant constitution to guide the Church (Quoting a wrong text of the Bible). Must be people of sound learning. I have already stated that there are Churches under Christian Council of Churches, Catholic Bishops Conference, Ghana Council of Charismatic Churches, Independent Spiritual Churches and so on. The Registrar General of Ghana must ensure that all those Churches being registered must come under a higher body to be regulated and controlled. (eg Prophet Obinim versus Prophet Adarkwa) It seems there is no price control body in Ghana. Everybody does what they like so far as pricing is concerned. It seems also that there is nobody controlling the activities of churches in Ghana. The sudden increase of Churches is good for the development of the country in terms of numbers. The last National census estimated Christians to be about 71%. If all these 71% of the population are taught the good responsibilities of citizens such as subjecting to the ruling authority; paying honour to those required ; paying taxes and playing the roles of good citizens, Ghana will stand tall to gain in terms of development. (Romans 13:1-7). The Church is Ghana has both prophetic roles to guide the State and advocacy roles to speak for the voiceless. Conclusion Proliferation of Churches in Ghana has positive implications for National Development. The last National census in Ghana indicated 71% of Ghanas population to Christianity; it is numbers and numbers count. The yeast in the dough counts here The church must impact society positively (Acts 11:26) The Churches have to be harnessed to provide social services and give back to the society. There should be measures to bring on board the one man/woman churches to contribute their quota, like the historical churches to national development. Prepared and delivered by THE MOST REVD PROF. DANIEL YINKAH SARFO(ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS-ANGLICAN CHURCH) Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Friday to voice their opposition to the LGBTQ community, in a move opposed by rights groups as "dangerous". The rally followed a Supreme Court decision last month that allowed a gay rights lobby to register as a non-governmental organisation -- a ruling that has incensed conservatives and stoked anti-gay discourse. Backed by religious groups, the demonstrators marched to the Supreme Court in Nairobi after Friday prayers at a nearby mosque, demanding the resignation of three judges involved in the case. Some held placards reading "LGBTQ is not African", "LGBTQ Agenda must fail" and "A walk for upholding family values". Homosexuality is highly stigmatised in Kenya and gay sex remains a crime under colonial-era laws with penalties including prison terms of up to 14 years. While convictions under the laws are rare, gay activists say the legislation infringes on their privacy and dignity, foments discrimination and blocks access to healthcare and justice. While convictions are rare, gay activists say the legislation infringes on their privacy and dignity. By Luis Tato (AFP) The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), an independent rights group, said Friday's "dangerous" protest was the culmination of a "hateful campaign" that started in the Indian Ocean port city of Mombasa last month. "Now, this hate campaign is coming to the capital, and we know this will affect LGBTQ persons' lives because previous street actions placed this group in harm's way," KHRC said in a statement. "We take this opportunity to unequivocally condemn all the previous and ongoing nefarious activities that continue to expose this community's rights to life, security, and dignity." Protest organisers said they will also march to parliament to show support for a draft bill calling for the criminalisation of gay relations with tough penalties, including a jail term of up to 50 years. The bill by an opposition legislator is yet to be debated on the floor of the house but mirrors many aspects of the draconian anti-gay legislation passed in Uganda earlier this year. The Uganda law -- considered one of the harshest of its kind in the world -- contains provisions making "aggravated homosexuality" a potentially capital offence and penalties for consensual same-sex relations of up to life in prison. Homosexuality is illegal in many East African countries, which have a history of repression and stigmas against gays, often encouraged by conservative Muslims and Christians. On Wednesday, the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius bucked that trend and repealed a British colonial-era law against gay sex. Stephen Asamoah Boateng 06.10.2023 LISTEN Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has asked Ghanaians, especially those on the Fulani herdsmens trail, not to see all Fulanis as bad people. The Minister said the prevailing narrative that Fulanis were migrants, bad individuals and only fighting farmers and destroying farmlands were unbecoming, hence the need to involve the media, the Government, the churches, the Muslim communities and various relevant organisations to help tackle the menace. Mr Boateng said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a meeting held between the Fulani Chiefs and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to discuss chieftaincy related matters. The Minister said, even if one Fulani commits an offense, rather than identifying and charging the person, they generalise it, which is not right, so it is a mentality that we need to do away with. He also noted the importance of engaging the state institutions which could help effect the mindset change, particularly the Education Ministry, stating that he would also engage other ministers to discuss the issue. So, it is up to government to make sure that we live in peace and also work together as a team, and the issues of difficulties in Fulanis accessing National ID cards, Passport and others will also be dealt with, also I have made my office available to issues related to such, he stressed. Mr Boateng said the Ministry would be engaging the Fulani Chiefs as well, and that should there be the need to enact a law in that direction, it would be taken into consideration. The Minister added that, the problem with legislation is that it comes with punishments but I believe that we need not to force people but teach them to understand the right thing to do. Chief Iddrisu Mohammed Bingle, National President, National Council of Fulani Chiefs, said the Council had been in existence over the years, but was officially formed in 2018. Chief Bingle said the meeting was to introduce the Council formally to the Minister and present to them issues affecting the Council. He noted that one of the major challenges facing the Fulanis was Fulanis were mostly ignored when finding solutions to Fulani-related problems, hence the importance of the meeting. The National President said the Minister had given them the go ahead to engage the Ministry to develop a roadmap to tackle such issues. GNA Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle, Founder and Board Chairman of Rabito Clinic Limited has commiserated with former President John Agyekum Kufuor on the passing of his wife former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor. He said the former First Lady was a mother to Ghanaians and the Catholic community as she founded a unique singing group at Christ the King church and gave us beautiful hymns. He believed that she will be at the bosom of Mary as she portrayed the acts of Mother Mary which most women learnt from her. Prof Delle said Mother Mary laid her to be a tough Christian who loved God and taught many children to show their love to God through hymns which had especially helped him in his endeavors. We will remember her forever, close friends are frustrated and saddened to hear about their lovely mother's demise. She was a true mother, very lovely and as the First Lady she was unassuming in her acts, very humble and kind, he said. He said the former First Lady was simplistic in her youthful age, may her soul rest in perfect peace. Scores of people, including Members of Parliament and heads of state were also in attendance to extend their condolences to the former President at his residence in Peduase. Prof Delle signed the book of condolence, had discourse with government officials and thanked everyone present for their support. Theresa Kufuor was the wife of John Agyekum Kuffuor, the second President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. She was a nurse and midwife. Despite being the first lady of Ghana for eight years, she managed to maintain a low profile in the political arena. In 2007 she pushed for policy changes in the Governments white paper on educational reforms towards the implementation of UNESCO's free compulsory universal basic education (FCUBE) programme for kindergarten children. GNA 06.10.2023 LISTEN Conrad Dumbah's plans for outreach and engaging with the NDC (National Democratic Congress) community in the UK and Ireland are designed to strengthen the chapter's presence and connect with party members and supporters effectively. Here are some key strategies he intends to implement: 1. Local Engagement: Dumbah plans to focus on local engagement by organizing regular meetings, town hall sessions, and community events. These initiatives will provide opportunities for party members to connect, share ideas, and voice their concerns. 2. Grassroots Mobilization: He aims to strengthen the chapter's grassroots network by actively reaching out to local communities. This involves establishing party structures at the constituency level, identifying potential leaders, and involving them in party activities. 3. Youth and Women Empowerment: - Recognizing the importance of youth and women within the NDC, Dumbah plans to create specific outreach programs targeting these groups. This includes youth forums, mentorship programs, and initiatives to encourage female participation in politics. 4. Digital Presence: Dumbah intends to leverage digital platforms and social media to enhance the chapter's online presence. This includes regularly updating the chapter's website, social media profiles, and using these platforms for communication and engagement. 5. Policy Dialogues and Workshops: To foster political discourse and awareness, Dumbah plans to organize policy dialogues, workshops, and seminars on relevant issues. These events will not only educate members but also provide a platform for constructive discussions. 6. International Connections: Strengthening ties with other NDC chapters globally is also on Dumbah's agenda. By collaborating with international chapters, he aims to exchange ideas, experiences, and support, ultimately enhancing the chapter's presence on the global stage. 7. Outreach to the Diaspora: Dumbah recognizes the significance of engaging with the Ghanaian diaspora in the UK and Ireland. He plans to actively reach out to this community, addressing their concerns and involving them in NDC activities. 8. Supportive Leadership: Dumbah intends to lead by example, demonstrating accessibility and responsiveness as a leader. He aims to be approachable to all members, listen to their feedback and concerns, and take action when necessary. 9. Collaboration with NDC Leadership: Effective communication and collaboration with the NDC's national leadership in Ghana is a priority for Dumbah. This ensures that the chapter's activities align with the broader party's objectives. Conrad Dumbah's outreach plans prioritize both local and digital engagement, grassroots empowerment, and inclusivity. By actively connecting with party members and supporters, fostering dialogue, and addressing the specific needs of the NDC community in the UK and Ireland, he intends to strengthen the chapter's presence and ensure it remains a vibrant and influential part of the NDC's global network. In the upcoming election on October 7th, 2023, we encourage NDC UK/Ireland Chapter delegates to support Conrad Dumbah's candidacy. His leadership has the potential to not only unite and empower the chapter but also position it as a strong and influential force within the NDC, contributing to the party's growth and success both locally and globally. Vote for Conrad Dumbah for Chairman and help shape a brighter future for the NDC in the UK and Ireland. Author: Owusu Achiaw Campaign Team Manager for Conrad Dumbah President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has restated his commitment to ensuring the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law. The President said this when a delegation of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, called on him at the Jubilee House. The leadership of AWLN was at the Jubilee House to formally introduce the Network to the President and garner his support in addressing critical gender-related issues in the nation. President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the importance of intense advocacy and cross-party collaboration to facilitate the Bill's passage into law. He advised AWLN Ghana and other gender related groups to develop effective strategies through dialogue and advocacy to win the cooperation of Parliament to pass the Bill into law when tabled in Parliament. Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said the Bill was ready to be placed before Parliament. She said her Ministry was finalising a new Gender Policy that needed to be added to the Bill. Dr Charity Binka, Chairperson of AWLN, Ghana Chapter, commended President Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership as an advocate for gender equality. She said Ghana had made some strides in the promotion of gender equality and empowerment, evident in the appointment of women into high positions such as Chief Justice, two of whom were appointed under the current government. She, however, was concerned about the low representation of women in leadership at both national and local levels. Dr Binka said with women's representation of just 14.5 per cent in Parliament, Ghana was still behind in reaching the UN's Women's quota of 30 per cent representation at all levels of decision-making. Sheila Minkah Premo, Convenor of the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition, highlighted the importance of the Bill with reference to Article 17(4) of the 1992 Constitution. She said the Coalition and other civil society organisations had ongoing engagements with Parliament to pass the Bill into law. An Affirmative Action Law will require government to ensure equitable gender representation at all levels. GNA Mr Daniel Krull, the German Ambassador to Ghana, says empowering the youth is essential for Ghanas future. This is because the new gold of Ghana is the young generation whose growth needed to be invested in for a prosperous country and continent. Speaking at this years German Ghanaian Cultural Festival to mark the Day of German Unity, the Ambassador assured that Germany was willing to continue to help in the refinement of the new gold (the young and ambitious youth) for the countrys development. The Unity Day was characterised by electrifying musical performances by some Ghanas greats, including songstress Wiyaala, Okyeame Kwame, Black Prophet and International duo Crazy Keys and Souly Bird. The Ambassador, as part of the celebration, presented Lifetime awards to some Borga Hiplife artists who have excelled in the music industry promoting the Highlife genre in Ghana, Germany, and the globe. German Unity Day commemorates the historic reunification of East and West Germany. The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, reuniting loved ones after decades of separation and finally allowing people to travel freely inside Germany. Germans across the country on this day reflect on their hard-earned reunification and desire to create a woven culture of shared understanding and growing closer as a cohesive community while celebrating the country's diverse customs and identities. In Ghana, the night of glitz and glamour and music from the turntables of radio DJ Andy Dosty, saw the Diplomatic Corps, the German Community, CEOs of German companies in Ghana, Government officials, Musicians, the media amongst others, dancing to great indigenous Ghanaian Highlife music and soothing reggae rhythms at the residence of the Ambassador in Accra. Mr Krull said the day was a special day for them to thank their European partners in Europe and beyond, who supported their quest for unity. At the same time, he noted that the day was to thank Ghana for the kindness and friendliness of the people for making their stay enjoyable and enriching. The Ambassador said Germany would continue to support Ghana in empowering the younger generation to gain the competence and confidence, knowledge, and experience necessary to build their own future in Ghana and beyond. Germany, he said, stood ready to partner with Ghana in this exciting and promising journey of investing in education, skills development, and opportunities for young people for economic growth. The Ambassador said it was important to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership among the youth to address various challenges and unlock the continents potential. GNA The Minority in Parliament has accused President Akufo-Addos government of lacking commitment to prioritise the eradication of HIV/AIDS although the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo serves as an Ambassador of the Ghana AIDS Commission. This is contained in a press release after learning that government officials in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance have left donated containers of HIV anti-retroviral drugs at the ports since July 2023. This the Minority argues has created needless shortages for Persons Living with HIV. Expressing concern in its release, the Minority is demanding the issuance of tax exemption waivers for the immediate clearance of donated antiretroviral drugs at the ports. The Ministry of Finance as a matter of urgency issue the necessary tax exemption waivers to ensure that immediate clearance of the antiretroviral drugs and other medical equipment and consumables, part of the Minoritys release signed by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said on Friday, October 6. The Minority further demands that the Finance Ministry implements an automated tax exemption waiver system for medical consumables and equipment to curtail needless delays in clearing such items at the port. Read the full release from the Minority below: MINORITY DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ISSUANCE OF TAX EXEMPTION WAIVERS AND CLEARANCE OF DONATED ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS AT THE PORTS. The Minority in Parliament finds it unconscionable gross dereliction of duty that government officials in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance will leave, since July 2023, donated containers of HIV anti-retroviral drugs at the ports creating needless shortages for Persons Living with HIV. Ghanas National HIV and AIDS Programme is challenged on several fronts but key amongst them is funding and lack of commitment by the Akufo-Addo government, in particular, to prioritize the eradication of HIV/AIDS although the First Lady serves as an Ambassador of the Ghana AIDS Commission. Funding for HIV/AIDS programmes in Ghana has largely been shouldered by donor partners with government making contributions in the form of maintenance of the Ghana AIDS Commission and paying counterpart funds in co-financing agreements with donor partners. There have however been gaps in funding programmes such as educational campaigns and treatment. These funding gaps have increased due in part to governments lack of commitment to the HIV/AIDS fight as a whole. In 2019, even before COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, Ghana lost more than $19m from PEPFAR and $2m from the Global Fund due to failure to meet its co-funding obligations. From 2021 to 2023 government had co-financing obligations of $17,138,222 to the Global Fund but paid only US$4,202,698 leaving a balance of approximately $13m. Ghana currently risks losing another $13m by early next year due to its continuous failure to pay its share of counterpart funds to Global Fund. In summary, for the period 2021 to 2025 even with donor support, Ghana is facing a funding gap of US$445m which represents about 67% of the total cost of the National HIV & AIDS Programme. Government cannot continue to be derelict in its duty to pay counterpart funds since this will widen the funding gap and exacerbate the HIV/AIDS challenge in Ghana. Already, PLHIV are suffering the brunt of governments lack of commitment to HIV/AIDS programme with some experiencing increasing health challenges because they are required to pay out of pocket for HIV services which are supposed to be free. There are many regimens in advanced countries to help manage HIV conditions but Persons Living with HIV in Ghana have fewer options with a large majority relying on Abacavir Lamivudine regimen to suppress their viral loads, keep them healthy and productive, and reduce new HIV infections. It therefore smacks of gross insensitivity and wickedness that having failed to pay its share of counterpart funding for Ghanas HIV/AIDS programme, the Akufo Addo government will 1 now add on to its long list of reckless and irresponsible acts, excessive delays in the issuance of tax waivers required to clear donated antiretroviral drugs at the port. This act of gross insensitivity is threatening to upset Ghanas HIV virus eradication agenda and unfortunately creating a fertile ground for the spread of the virus under these difficult economic conditions. Persons Living with HIV who depend on the Abacavir Lamivudine regime are now at an elevated risk of developing resistance to this antiretroviral drug rendering it ineffective against the virus. Should this risk crystalise, government will require even more funding to deal with the HIV challenge in Ghana. The Minority will not sit aloof and let Government plunge us all into needless danger. It is for this reason that we demand that: The Ministry of Finance as a matter of urgency issue the necessary tax exemption waivers to ensure that immediate clearance of the antiretroviral drugs and other medical equipment and consumables . Implement an automated tax exemption waiver system for medical consumables and equipment to curtail needless delays in clearing such items at the port. Institute reforms at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to ensure that systemic failures that lead to needless delays in the performance of its functions are eradicated. This is a national emergency that if unchecked could lead to an increase in the prevalence rate of HIV in Ghana, increase in morbidity and mortality for Persons Living with HIV and increase the overall cost of HIV management in Ghana. The Health and well-being of Ghanaians are non-negotiable, and we urge government to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing this crisis. ---Signed--- Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (Ranking Member Parliamentary Committee on Health) 06.10.2023 The acting President of the Sunyani Traditional Council has lauded the conduct of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in the discharge of his national and personal duties. According to Nana Kwaku Sarbeng II, Dr Bawumia is a "fine gentleman" who deserves all the accolades he continues to receive. "Since I have known Dr Bawumia, I have never seen him insult or attack anyone. I have never seen him even angry. He is a fine, fine gentleman, and I strongly hope that his prayers and wishes will be granted," he said. Nana Sarbeng II commended the Vice President when he, on behalf of the Sunyani Traditional Council, received Dr Bawumia to events marking the official One Week remembrance for the late Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Area. Nana Sarbeng II noted that although the Council has not officially informed Government of the demise and funeral arrangements for the late Omanhene, Dr Bawumia, who is in the Bono Region as part of his nationwide engagement with NPP delegates ahead of the party's upcoming Presidential Primaries had made a point to call on the chiefs and commiserate with them. The Paramount Queen mother of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Nana Akosua Duaa Asor Sika Brayie II and other members of the Sunyani Traditional Council commended government for the ongoing developments in the area, and urged Dr Bawumia to remain focused and help to deliver on the promises made to Ghanaians. Vice President Bawumia was accompanied by the MP for Sunyani West who also doubles as Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffuor Awuah; Minister for Health and MP for Dormaa Central, Kwaku Agyemang Manu; Bono Regional Minister Justina Owusu Banahene, and other party and government officials. The late Nana Nkrawiri Ii, who ascended the throne on March 17, 1980 was born on Friday May 31, 1946 and passed on to glory aged 76 in July 2022. -Classfmonline.com A driver, who defiled a 14-year-old girl in his taxicab with registration number GE 2022-17 has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in hard labour by the Tarkwa Circuit Court. Samuel Implame, 20, charged with defilement, pleaded guilty to the offence and the court convicted him on his own plea. Police Chief Inspector Joseph Lartey, prosecuting, told the court, presided over by Mrs Hathia Ama Manu, that the complainant is a food vendor and mother of the victim resides at Nankaba, while Implame live at cemetery road, all in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality. On August 22, this year, at about 2100 hours, the victim boarded a Toyota Corolla taxicab driven by the accused at Number Three, a suburb of Prestea to Nankaba. He said the accused refused to take the victim to her destination and instead drove her through the town, but the victim, sensing danger, started screaming for help. The convict quickly rolled out the vehicles tinted window glasses to prevent her from attracting public attention. Chief Inspector Lartey said at about 2330 hours, accused took the victim to a remote area at Enyinam where he parked the vehicle, forcibly remove the victims' panties and had sex with her in the vehicle. Not satisfied, Implame took the victim to a spot near the Ankobra bungalows and sexually assaulted the victim in the cab again. Prosecution said on August 28, at about 0100 hours, the accused who felt he was through with his mission, took the victim to her destination and went into hiding. Chief Inspector Lartey said when the victim got home, she narrated her ordeal to her mother in tears because she could not endure the pains. A report was made to the police in Prestea by the complainant and a medical form was issued to her to seek medical attention for the victim. Prosecution said a medical officer at the Prestea Government hospital, after examining the victim, endorsed the medical form and same was returned to the police. He said Implame was later apprehended from his hideout by the police and during investigation claimed the victim agreed to have sex with him. According to Chief Inspector Lartey, the taxicab was found abandoned by the roadside at Modern City in Prestea and was moved to the police station and impounded. GNA The Savannah Regional Communications Committee of the National Democratic Congress under the Chairmanship of the Member of Parliament for the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency and Ranking Member on Mines and Energy Committee, John Abdulai Jinapor, has held its maiden stakeholder dialogue with a call on members to effectively rally all energies and synergies towards delivering a resounding victory for the party in 2024. The dialogue series, which took place at the John Abdulai Jinapor Conference Hall in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region, saw members of the Communications Committee in the region and Constituency Communication Officers and their deputies coming together to contribute rich ideas and experiences towards shaping and positioning the communications wing of the party as a necessary tool for the task ahead of 2024. Chairman of the Regional Communications Committee and former Deputy Minister of Power, John Jinapor, in a welcome address graciously congratulated members of the committee on their well-deserved appointment and successful swearing-in. He used the occasion to commend all members of the communications wing of the party in the region for the many years of dedication and loyal service in branding the party. He pledged his unalloyed resolve to effectively resource the committee and by extension, the communications arm of the party with the necessary logistics and resources to execute their mandate of keeping the party alive in the region and securing the much-anticipated victory in 2024. In his strongest conviction, former president John Dramani Mahama, from the general crave of the Ghanaian people, has already won the presidency ahead of the 2024 elections, stressing that, "the task for Savannah Region now was to win all the seven seats to consolidate the victory". The Savannah Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Imoro Seidu, affectionately known as 'Man Blessing' commended the Regional Communications Team for the good works so far and emphasized the importance of research in modern-day communication. He was deeply thankful to the Yapei-Kusawgu Member of Parliament, who doubles as the Savannah Regional Communications Committee Chairman for all the support he has been rendering to the party in the region and beyond. He called on all party members in the region to remain united in order to write down the failed Akufo-Addo-Bawumiah government as the worst ever in the history of the Fourth Republic come 2024. The 1st Deputy National Communications Officer of the party, Malik Basintale added his voice to the need for stronger coordination and synergy among the various wings of the party to achieve the collective goal of rescuing Ghana from the shackles of mismanagement and corruption experienced under the current regime. He said national was committed to effectively resourcing the communications wing and indeed, all the structures of the party towards the execution of their mandate in 2024. The Savannah Regional Communications Officer, R.A Jalil thanked all participants for availing themselves of the dialogue session and making useful inputs towards the execution of the communications strategy for the region. On behalf of members of the Communications Committee, he expressed profound gratitude to the chairman of the Regional Communications Committee for facilitating the stakeholder dialogue and expanding the meeting to include Constituency Communications Officers and their deputies. He said the committee has just commenced its work and the region should expect more from his outfit. Unraveling the Cycle of Betrayed Trust: Exposing Endless Suffering Amidst Mistrust in Medical Leadership, Police, Media, Panels, and Public Administrators A Grim Reality as Another Panel is Set Up, Leading to Dead Ends. Olorunfemi's Tragedy exposes the devastating consequences of failed leadership, haunting heartless and conscience-lacking leaders with unrelenting torment. In a nation steeped in religious devotion, a chilling truth has emerged from the shadows. Behind the curtain of devout observance lies a society entangled in a profound crisis: the erosion of trust in its very foundations. The tragic fate of Ms. Greatness Tolulope Olorunfemi as reported by witnesses at Maitama District Hospital stands as a haunting reflection of the systemic cloudiness corroding Nigeria's core. Amidst fervent religious practices, a disconcerting paradox festers: a stark contrast between the preached values and the grim reality of those in power. Leaders, whether spiritual, healthcare, or political, are revered as beacons of hope. Yet, beneath this facade, their actions reveal a shocking void of empathy and accountability. This betrayal extends its tendrils into institutions meant to safeguard citizens' well-being, thrusting ordinary Nigerians into a perpetual abyss of despair. Nigeria's institutions, entrusted with the sacred duty of shielding its people, stand accused of heinous misconduct. Ms. Olorunfemi's tragic tale epitomizes this national betrayal. Despite existing laws promising immediate medical assistance for emergency cases, the brutal truth tells a different story. Assurances of investigations into neglect incidents dissolve into a chilling silence, leaving victims and their families in a desolate limbo. The divide deepens between the people and the institutions meant to shield them, eroding faith and trust to its very core. Accountability, the bedrock of transparent governance, is conspicuously absent within Nigeria's institutions. Denials, cover-ups, and a harrowing lack of transparency obscure the truth. Hollow promises of accountability and transparency echo hollow as investigations yield no tangible results. Justice, the very essence of societal harmony, is compromised, leaving the populace perpetually skeptical and disillusioned. Within this fog of opacity, denial becomes a recurring nightmare. Authorities swiftly dismiss allegations, refusing to acknowledge the systemic failures choking the nation. Truth becomes a casualty, buried beneath layers of deception. The gap between official narratives and the grim reality faced by ordinary citizens widens, fostering a climate of deep-seated mistrust. The heartbreaking incident of Ms. Olorunfemi's death at Maitama District Hospital serves as a chilling testament to the profound issues within Nigeria's institutions, especially in healthcare and law enforcement. Systemic failures, from the denial of medical assistance to the lack of transparency and accountability, illuminate a broken system where citizens' lives hang in the balance. The tragic fate of Ms. Olorunfemi serves as a poignant reminder of this systemic failure and the loss of faith in medical leadership, law enforcement, media, panels, and public administrators. It echoes like a lament, deepening the chasm between the people and those entrusted with their protection. The recent formation of a panel, primarily comprised of individuals associated with medical bodies potentially linked to the government, raises unsettling questions about true independence. The panel includes members from various medical associations and regulatory bodies, such as the Nigerian Medical Association and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. To ensure a genuinely transparent investigation, unbiased professionals from diverse sectors are imperative: academia, law enforcement, private medical practice, private investigators, non-governmental cyber technology experts, corporate transportation specialists, and private legal practitioners. A temporary suspension of involved personnel could further guarantee an unbiased investigation, free from institutional interference. The urgent need for witness protection cannot be overstated, considering the prevailing culture of silence and threats faced by potential whistleblowers. Without genuine reforms and an unwavering commitment to transparency, the cycle of betrayed trust within Nigeria's institutions will endure, perpetuating the suffering of victims and further eroding faith in those meant to serve and protect. The existing legal framework, despite its mandates, has faltered in ensuring compliance. Stricter penalties for non-compliance, clearer guidelines, and enhanced mechanisms for reporting and monitoring adherence to these laws are imperative. Witness protection programs must be fortified, ensuring the safety of those brave enough to come forward. Public awareness campaigns are indispensable, enlightening citizens about their rights and responsibilities and educating medical personnel about their legal obligations. Again, the lack of faith in the police, courts, and public institutions to investigate cases or ensure justice underscores a grave flaw in the legal system. This distrust discourages reporting incidents, fostering a culture of impunity. Even in the face of existing laws, pervasive disregard for legal protocols endures, particularly within hospitals, raising questions about the accountability of medical professionals and institutions alike. Compromised medical reports, born from unethical practices, unveil a broader issue of professional integrity. Such behavior jeopardizes patient care, undermining the credibility of medical reports and legal proceedings. The lack of awareness about existing laws and regulations among both the public and professionals contributes to non-compliance. In a bid to counter the manipulation of CCTV footage, stringent measures must be implemented. Data encryption, limiting access to authorized personnel, secure timestamps, regular auditing, off-site storage, maintaining a clear chain of custody, and expert analysis stand as guardians of the integrity of CCTV footage. Public awareness campaigns are paramount, alerting citizens to the possibility of footage manipulation and encouraging vigilance. Until genuine transparency, unwavering accountability, and profound compassion illuminate the path forward, Nigeria remains ensnared in a web of systemic failures, its potential obscured by the opacity of its institutions. The call for justice echoes not just for Greatness Olorunfemi but for the countless others whose voices have been silenced by institutional negligence. In a grim twist of events, it was revealed that Good Samaritans swiftly rushed the victim, Olorunfemi, to Maitama District Hospital, desperately seeking medical aid that could have saved her life. However, in a shocking display of negligence, the hospital staff allegedly turned their backs on her, leaving her to suffer in agony until her final moments. The very people who should have offered solace and healing callously denied her the urgent medical attention she needed. The tragic incident with Ms. Olorunfemi at Maitama District Hospital sheds light on a disturbing trend of negligence. This isn't an isolated case; the hospital's actions were questioned before. In 2021, a viral video revealed the hospital's emergency unit refusing care to accident victim George Imohimi. But the story doesn't end there; a sinister veil of deception seems to shroud this tragic incident. Now, unbelievably, those who rushed Olorunfemi to the hospital in a desperate bid to save her life are being labeled as liars! This unfathomable betrayal amplifies the heart-wrenching tragedy, painting a stark picture of the erosion of trust in the very institutions meant to protect and serve. The tale takes a darker turn when we examine the chilling reality faced by potential witnesses in Nigeria. The already feeble protection policies for whistleblowers prove to be ineffective, leaving courageous individuals who might have come forward with the truth vulnerable and exposed. Threatening messages echo in the silence of the night, silencing potential voices of justice. Others are swayed by sentimental pleas, hush money, or desperate words like make I face my own problems oo' a plea uttered by those who fear the repercussions of speaking out. In this environment of intimidation and fear, witnesses are left paralyzed, unable to defend Olorunfemi, whose voice has been forever silenced. This heart-wrenching saga underscores not just the failure of the medical system but also the rot that pervades the very essence of societal trust. The cries for justice echo in the silence, drowned out by the deafening indifference of a system that has lost its way. The Senate's reactive approach, summoning key officials after Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi's tragic death at Maitama General Hospital, underscores the ongoing issue of inconsistent law enforcement since 2017. This situation emphasizes the urgent need for proactive healthcare and legal reforms. Enforcing existing laws like the Gunshots Act 2017 and the National Health Act is critical for immediate, unbiased medical treatment during emergencies. Additionally, strengthening whistleblower protection policies is essential to encourage witnesses to step forward without fear of reprisal. Public awareness campaigns about existing laws and citizens' rights are essential to empower individuals to demand their entitlements and hold institutions accountable. The government, medical professionals, law enforcement agencies, and the media must work collaboratively to rebuild trust among the people. Transparency, accountability, and compassion must be the cornerstones upon which Nigerian institutions are rebuilt, ensuring that no more lives are lost due to negligence, apathy, or corruption. Ultimately, it is the collective responsibility of every Nigerian citizen and stakeholder to demand change, advocate for justice, and work towards a society where every life is valued and protected, regardless of the circumstances. Only through concerted efforts and unwavering commitment to reform can Nigeria emerge from this dark chapter and pave the way for a future where trust in institutions is restored, and every citizen is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Hmmm come see prayers among Muslims and Christians throughout the week Friday and Sunday especially yet amidst fervent religious observances, a disconcerting paradox prevails: a stark contrast between the ideals espoused and the tangible actions evident in daily conduct and behaviors. Leaders, be they religious figures, health figures, or political stalwarts, are supposed to stand as symbols of hope. Yet, beneath the surface, their actions betray a shocking lack of empathy and accountability. This betrayal extends to institutions vital for citizens' well-being, plunging ordinary Nigerians into a state of perpetual despair. How much longer must we endure this injustice? Rest in peace, Ms. Greatness Tolulope Olorunfemi. May your spirit stand as a demonstration, judging those who wield power without empathy or understanding. Small holder farmers in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region have received intensive training in groundnut and cowpea production under the Climate Smart Agroforestry System. During the training, new members were registered into cooperatives with an indepth review of their constitutions. The Climate Smart Agroforestry System, initiated by Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS) with funding from UNDP also saw rural farmers receive empowerment training in beekeeping and apiary management under Agro Forestry Farms. Drawn from Kunkuya and Dakompilayiri in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, the farmers received a lifetime boost with many pledging to go into commercial cashew production and beekeeping. At the end of the training, 2,400 cashew seedlings and 60 beehives were supplied to the farmers by way of aiding them to start effective production. The Executive Director for Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS), Mr. Amos Mahama encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the project to improve their livelihoods, whilst making effort to protect the environment through climate smart practices. He said the sustainance of the project will depend on how the farmers utilize the existing interventions towards self empowerment and community development, adding that, "there is more in the pipeline Small holder farmers receive training on groundnut production and VSLA concept Small holder farmers in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region have received intensive training in groundnut and cowpea production under the Climate Smart Agroforestry System. During the training, new members were registered into cooperatives with an indepth review of their constitutions. The Climate Smart Agroforestry System, initiated by Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS) with funding from UNDP also saw rural farmers receive empowerment training in beekeeping and apiary management under Agro Forestry Farms. Drawn from Kunkuya and Dakompilayiri in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, the farmers received a lifetime boost with many pledging to go into commercial cashew production and beekeeping. At the end of the training, 2,400 cashew seedlings and 60 beehives were supplied to the farmers by way of aiding them to start effective production. The Executive Director for Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS), Mr. Amos Mahama encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the project to improve their livelihoods, whilst making effort to protect the environment through climate-smart practices. He said the sustenance of the project will depend on how the farmers utilize the existing interventions towards self-empowerment and community development, adding that, "there is more in the pipeline with effective collaboration". According to him, Cashew production and beekeeping are becoming viable economic ventures capable of redefining the destinies of communities and empowering rural farmers to be self-dependent. Beneficiary farmers expressed gratitude to UNDP for funding the interventions, which they describe as timely and worthwhile. They pledge to make effective and good use of the project to enhance their livelihoods whilst encouraging UNDP to expand the intervention to reach more farmers. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the 2020 NDC Vice Presidential candidate to former President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged women to regularly examine their breasts to avoid breast cancer. She said it was better for them to screen and know their status than having it unknowingly. Professor Opoku-Agyemang, who was speaking to women in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra as part of the October Breast Cancer awareness programme urged them to take advantage of the free screening to know their status. The programme was organised by the Greater Accra Regional Women's Organizer for the National Democratic Congress, Madam Felicia Bortey for the people of Ashaaiman and beyond. Prof Opoku-Agyemang said the women could benefit from the experts who were there to advise them and to share with others. Sometimes we don't even know that we are at risk till the situation has well advanced, better known today than regret tomorrow was the rallying cry for free breast cancer screening. Also in attendance for the event were many members of the party including, Mr Ernest Henry Norgbe, Member of Parliament of Ashaiman, Regional Vice Chairman Ibrahim Jaja, Constituency Chairman Sadat Jello, Greater Accra Women's Organizer Jessica Braimah and Constituency Chairman W O Badatu Iddrisu. Constituency Deputy Women's Organizer Beatrice Agbeko Teye; and many NDC party members were also present. GNA State of Alaska Department of Revenue decreased its stake in shares of Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL Free Report) by 9.9% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 190,708 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after selling 21,030 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Oracle were worth $22,711,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ORCL. Fairfield Bush & CO. increased its holdings in shares of Oracle by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 73,791 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $6,105,000 after acquiring an additional 2,221 shares during the last quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Oracle by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. now owns 20,467 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $1,693,000 after purchasing an additional 579 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Oracle by 29.2% in the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 588,460 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $48,686,000 after purchasing an additional 132,920 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation N.A. boosted its stake in Oracle by 79.6% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 6,854 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $567,000 after purchasing an additional 3,038 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in Oracle by 125.2% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,995 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $165,000 after purchasing an additional 1,109 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.44% of the companys stock. Get Oracle alerts: Oracle Stock Up 0.8 % Shares of ORCL stock traded up $0.85 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $107.93. The company had a trading volume of 4,125,036 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,137,985. The company has a market cap of $295.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.72, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.87. Oracle Co. has a 12 month low of $61.65 and a 12 month high of $127.54. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $114.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $108.23. Oracle Announces Dividend Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, September 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.15 by $0.04. Oracle had a negative return on equity of 3,631.39% and a net margin of 18.40%. The company had revenue of $12.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.48 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.81 earnings per share. Oracles quarterly revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Oracle Co. will post 4.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 12th will be paid a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.48%. Oracles payout ratio is presently 47.62%. Insider Buying and Selling at Oracle In other Oracle news, EVP Maria Smith sold 3,680 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total value of $423,200.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 16,600 shares in the company, valued at $1,909,000. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 42.80% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and issued a $130.00 price target on shares of Oracle in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. UBS Group reduced their price target on Oracle from $140.00 to $135.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. VNET Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Oracle in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on Oracle from $120.00 to $135.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. Finally, Monness Crespi & Hardt downgraded Oracle from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $124.04. Get Our Latest Report on Oracle About Oracle (Free Report) Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ORCL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equities research analysts at StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) in a report issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a buy rating on the healthcare product makers stock. A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on ABT. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $112.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Friday, July 21st. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a report on Monday. Mizuho increased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Citigroup lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $122.00 in a report on Monday. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $127.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $120.47. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 0.6 % NYSE:ABT traded up $0.54 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $96.19. The company had a trading volume of 5,708,277 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,887,744. The company has a current ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The company has a 50-day moving average of $102.72 and a 200 day moving average of $104.97. The company has a market cap of $166.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.83, a P/E/G ratio of 4.28 and a beta of 0.69. Abbott Laboratories has a 1 year low of $93.25 and a 1 year high of $115.83. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.05 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $9.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.71 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.50% and a net margin of 12.83%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.43 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.4 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total transaction of $5,688,000.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,775,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $770,759,948.16. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total transaction of $5,688,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 6,775,316 shares in the company, valued at approximately $770,759,948.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 10,400 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total value of $1,092,312.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,829,785.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Monumental Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. CGC Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, FWL Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.70% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Get Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday. The firm set a hold rating on the mining companys stock. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. CSFB upped their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $60.00 to $61.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $64.00 to $67.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $61.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $67.83. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Agnico Eagle Mines Agnico Eagle Mines Trading Up 2.2 % Shares of Agnico Eagle Mines stock traded up $0.97 on Thursday, hitting $44.36. 1,756,561 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,650,290. The firms 50-day moving average price is $47.76 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $51.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.98 billion, a PE ratio of 8.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 19.90 and a beta of 0.85. Agnico Eagle Mines has a one year low of $39.24 and a one year high of $61.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 2.10 and a quick ratio of 0.85. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The mining company reported $0.65 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.55 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $1.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.70 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 40.06% and a return on equity of 5.63%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.75 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 2.22 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Agnico Eagle Mines A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AEM. Islay Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 413.0% during the 2nd quarter. Islay Capital Management LLC now owns 513 shares of the mining companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 413 shares during the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 1st quarter worth about $30,000. WealthPlan Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 2nd quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Almanack Investment Partners LLC. acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 3rd quarter worth about $37,000. 59.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Agnico Eagle Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI Free Report) (TSE:AGI) in a research report report published on Thursday morning. The firm issued a buy rating on the basic materials companys stock. AGI has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $10.00 price target on shares of Alamos Gold in a report on Tuesday, August 8th. CSFB cut their price target on Alamos Gold from $13.00 to $12.50 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 17th. Finally, TD Securities raised Alamos Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.70. Get Alamos Gold alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Alamos Gold Alamos Gold Price Performance NYSE:AGI traded up $0.24 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $11.55. The stock had a trading volume of 2,332,766 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,911,185. The company has a market capitalization of $4.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.12. Alamos Gold has a 1-year low of $7.08 and a 1-year high of $14.12. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $11.87 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $12.29. Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The basic materials company reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.03. Alamos Gold had a net margin of 16.98% and a return on equity of 6.00%. The firm had revenue of $261.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $251.17 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.07 earnings per share. Alamos Golds revenue was up 36.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Alamos Gold will post 0.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. Alamos Gold Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 14th were given a $0.025 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 13th. This represents a $0.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.87%. Alamos Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 24.39%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AGI. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. grew its position in Alamos Gold by 5.1% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 29,621 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $239,000 after buying an additional 1,432 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Alamos Gold by 56.4% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 535,028 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $4,505,000 after purchasing an additional 192,939 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates lifted its stake in shares of Alamos Gold by 24.1% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 300,000 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,526,000 after purchasing an additional 58,298 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Alamos Gold in the 1st quarter valued at $101,000. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Alamos Gold by 9.7% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 61,429 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $517,000 after purchasing an additional 5,434 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.99% of the companys stock. Alamos Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Alamos Gold Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and extraction of precious metals in Canada and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds 100% interest in the Young-Davidson mine and Island Gold mine located in the Ontario, Canada; Mulatos mine located in the Sonora, Mexico; and Lynn Lake project situated in the Manitoba, Canada. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Alamos Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamos Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR Free Report) in a report published on Thursday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Piper Sandler lowered shares of Arbor Realty Trust from an overweight rating to an underweight rating and set a $16.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Monday, July 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Arbor Realty Trust from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and boosted their target price for the company from $11.50 to $13.50 in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Arbor Realty Trust from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 23rd. Finally, JMP Securities boosted their target price on shares of Arbor Realty Trust from $17.50 to $18.50 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $15.33. Get Arbor Realty Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on ABR Arbor Realty Trust Stock Performance Arbor Realty Trust Increases Dividend Arbor Realty Trust stock traded down $0.19 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $13.68. 4,922,935 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,719,583. The company has a current ratio of 40.29, a quick ratio of 40.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $15.67 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $13.90. The firm has a market cap of $2.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.06 and a beta of 1.93. Arbor Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $10.10 and a fifty-two week high of $17.74. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th were paid a $0.43 dividend. This is a positive change from Arbor Realty Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 12.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 14th. Arbor Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 100.00%. Institutional Trading of Arbor Realty Trust Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Arbor Realty Trust by 36.8% in the 3rd quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 22,898 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $348,000 after purchasing an additional 6,161 shares in the last quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Arbor Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $123,000. Cooperman Leon G raised its holdings in shares of Arbor Realty Trust by 25.7% in the 2nd quarter. Cooperman Leon G now owns 3,454,694 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $51,199,000 after purchasing an additional 707,000 shares in the last quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of Arbor Realty Trust by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 210,075 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,113,000 after purchasing an additional 13,007 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky bought a new stake in shares of Arbor Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $70,000. 53.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Arbor Realty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Arbor Realty Trust, Inc invests in a diversified portfolio of structured finance assets in the multifamily, single-family rental, and commercial real estate markets in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Structured Business and Agency Business. It primarily invests in bridge and mezzanine loans, including junior participating interests in first mortgages, and preferred and direct equity, as well as real estate-related joint ventures, real estate-related notes, and various mortgage-related securities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Arbor Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arbor Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. decreased its holdings in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report) by 23.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 27,011 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,318 shares during the quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. owned 0.15% of AutoZone worth $67,348,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in AZO. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale raised its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 14,497 shares of the companys stock worth $35,525,000 after buying an additional 164 shares in the last quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue grew its position in AutoZone by 21.1% in the second quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 5,262 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,118,000 after acquiring an additional 918 shares during the period. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in AutoZone by 2.5% during the second quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 688 shares of the companys stock worth $1,715,000 after acquiring an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp grew its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp now owns 25,990 shares of the companys stock worth $64,802,000 after purchasing an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 9.2% in the 2nd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 675 shares of the companys stock worth $1,683,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. 90.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get AutoZone alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of AutoZone from $2,721.00 to $2,742.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $2,750.00 price target on shares of AutoZone in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on AutoZone from $2,950.00 to $2,975.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. DA Davidson raised their target price on AutoZone from $2,425.00 to $2,500.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of AutoZone from $2,835.00 to $2,750.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2,783.89. AutoZone Stock Performance AutoZone stock traded up $6.85 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $2,528.53. The stock had a trading volume of 42,947 shares, compared to its average volume of 157,884. AutoZone, Inc. has a 1-year low of $2,165.05 and a 1-year high of $2,750.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $45.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 0.66. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $2,511.44 and its 200-day simple moving average is $2,517.99. AutoZone (NYSE:AZO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, September 19th. The company reported $46.46 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $44.51 by $1.95. AutoZone had a net margin of 14.48% and a negative return on equity of 60.66%. The business had revenue of $5.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.62 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $40.51 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that AutoZone, Inc. will post 146.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at AutoZone In related news, VP Charles Pleas III sold 4,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,546.55, for a total transaction of $10,695,510.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 3,425 shares in the company, valued at $8,721,933.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other AutoZone news, VP Charles Pleas III sold 4,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,546.55, for a total value of $10,695,510.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 3,425 shares in the company, valued at $8,721,933.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, VP Domingo Hurtado sold 120 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,548.03, for a total value of $305,763.60. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 156 shares of the companys stock, valued at $397,492.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 2.59% of the companys stock. AutoZone Company Profile (Free Report) 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AZO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Research analysts at StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) in a report released on Thursday. The firm set a buy rating on the banks stock. Separately, Morgan Stanley downgraded Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $6.34. Get Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Trading Up 0.7 % BBVA traded up $0.06 during trading on Thursday, hitting $8.10. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,326,195 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,419,577. The firms 50 day moving average price is $7.78 and its 200-day moving average price is $7.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.01 and a quick ratio of 1.01. The stock has a market cap of $48.29 billion, a PE ratio of 6.75, a PEG ratio of 0.51 and a beta of 1.29. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria has a twelve month low of $4.37 and a twelve month high of $8.19. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 28th. The bank reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $7.83 billion during the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria had a return on equity of 14.53% and a net margin of 26.54%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.30 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria will post 1.42 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BBVA. MAI Capital Management boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 62,631 shares of the banks stock valued at $442,000 after buying an additional 3,360 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 13.2% in the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 12,592 shares of the banks stock valued at $89,000 after buying an additional 1,470 shares during the last quarter. Wallace Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in the 4th quarter valued at about $71,000. Raymond James & Associates boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 25.5% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 125,048 shares of the banks stock valued at $882,000 after buying an additional 25,378 shares during the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 35.1% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,150,789 shares of the banks stock valued at $8,113,000 after buying an additional 299,075 shares during the last quarter. 2.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Get Free Report) Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides retail banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services. It offers current accounts; and demand, savings, overnight, time, term, and subordinated deposits. The company also provides loan products; deals in securities; leasing, factoring, brokerage, and asset management services; and manages pension and investment funds. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carret Asset Management LLC lowered its holdings in shares of Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW Free Report) by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 108,016 shares of the electronics makers stock after selling 5,401 shares during the period. Carret Asset Management LLCs holdings in Corning were worth $3,785,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its holdings in Corning by 0.6% in the first quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 49,500 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $1,746,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd boosted its position in shares of Corning by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd now owns 117,692 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $4,124,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its stake in shares of Corning by 35.3% in the 1st quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 1,176 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 307 shares during the period. City Holding Co. increased its position in Corning by 70.5% in the 1st quarter. City Holding Co. now owns 747 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hartford Funds Management Co LLC raised its stake in Corning by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Hartford Funds Management Co LLC now owns 7,586 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $268,000 after buying an additional 326 shares during the period. 67.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Corning alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Lewis A. Steverson sold 16,710 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.25, for a total value of $572,317.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 29,378 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,006,196.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Corning news, CEO Wendell P. Weeks sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $33.78, for a total value of $3,378,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 847,474 shares in the company, valued at approximately $28,627,671.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Lewis A. Steverson sold 16,710 shares of Corning stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.25, for a total value of $572,317.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 29,378 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,006,196.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Citigroup raised Corning from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $36.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. Oppenheimer restated an outperform rating and set a $42.00 price target on shares of Corning in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Corning from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $35.00 to $38.00 in a report on Friday, June 9th. UBS Group cut shares of Corning from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $38.00 to $39.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, 888 reissued an upgrade rating on shares of Corning in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Corning presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $39.00. Read Our Latest Report on GLW Corning Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of GLW stock traded up $0.03 on Friday, hitting $29.71. The stock had a trading volume of 1,624,457 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,249,543. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.65 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The business has a 50 day moving average of $31.92 and a 200 day moving average of $32.81. Corning Incorporated has a 12-month low of $29.16 and a 12-month high of $37.10. The stock has a market cap of $25.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.06. Corning (NYSE:GLW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The electronics maker reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.45. Corning had a net margin of 4.72% and a return on equity of 13.22%. The firm had revenue of $3.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.48 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.57 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Corning Incorporated will post 1.85 EPS for the current year. Corning Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.77%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. Cornings payout ratio is 153.42%. About Corning (Free Report) Corning Incorporated engages in the display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences businesses worldwide. The company's Display Technologies segment offers glass substrates for flat panel displays, including liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diodes that are used in televisions, notebook computers, desktop monitors, tablets, and handheld devices. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Corning Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corning and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equities research analysts at StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Credicorp (NYSE:BAP Get Free Report) in a research note issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a hold rating on the banks stock. Separately, Scotiabank upgraded shares of Credicorp from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $149.00. Get Credicorp alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on BAP Credicorp Stock Performance BAP stock traded up $0.23 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $123.85. 142,864 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 331,008. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.85 billion, a PE ratio of 8.05, a P/E/G ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 1.00. The business has a 50-day moving average of $140.63 and a two-hundred day moving average of $139.86. Credicorp has a 52 week low of $120.80 and a 52 week high of $160.15. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Credicorp (NYSE:BAP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 14th. The bank reported $3.88 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.38 by ($0.50). The business had revenue of $1.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.26 billion. Credicorp had a return on equity of 15.90% and a net margin of 23.35%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Credicorp will post 17.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Credicorp Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Dodge & Cox increased its stake in Credicorp by 8.5% in the first quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 5,540,562 shares of the banks stock valued at $733,515,000 after acquiring an additional 435,900 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Credicorp by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,779,137 shares of the banks stock valued at $632,710,000 after purchasing an additional 132,493 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in shares of Credicorp by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,954,170 shares of the banks stock worth $391,104,000 after buying an additional 14,270 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its position in shares of Credicorp by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,502,635 shares of the banks stock worth $331,324,000 after buying an additional 61,106 shares during the period. Finally, Harding Loevner LP lifted its position in shares of Credicorp by 204.3% during the 2nd quarter. Harding Loevner LP now owns 2,103,079 shares of the banks stock worth $310,499,000 after buying an additional 1,411,945 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.05% of the companys stock. About Credicorp (Get Free Report) Credicorp Ltd. provides various financial, insurance, and health services and products primarily in Peru and internationally. Its Universal Banking segment includes granting various credits and financial instruments to individuals and legal entities; and various deposits and checking accounts. The Insurance and Pensions segment includes the issuance of insurance policies to cover losses in commercial property, transport, marine vessels, automobiles, life, health, and pensions; management services for private pension funds. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Credicorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credicorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Free Report) had its price target trimmed by Barclays from $58.00 to $50.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. DAL has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on shares of Delta Air Lines from $60.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 29th. StockNews.com raised Delta Air Lines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. Bank of America cut their price objective on Delta Air Lines from $50.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Citigroup decreased their target price on Delta Air Lines from $64.00 to $56.00 in a report on Wednesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on Delta Air Lines from $51.00 to $50.00 in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $55.00. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on DAL Delta Air Lines Trading Up 1.6 % Shares of DAL stock traded up $0.58 on Thursday, reaching $37.02. The company had a trading volume of 8,454,974 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,001,826. The stock has a market cap of $23.82 billion, a PE ratio of 7.85, a PEG ratio of 0.19 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a 50-day moving average of $41.29 and a 200-day moving average of $39.59. The company has a current ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24. Delta Air Lines has a 12 month low of $28.21 and a 12 month high of $49.81. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 13th. The transportation company reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.40 by $0.28. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 5.36% and a return on equity of 59.56%. The firm had revenue of $15.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.44 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.44 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines will post 6.13 earnings per share for the current year. Delta Air Lines Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, October 12th will be given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.08%. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio is currently 8.62%. Insider Buying and Selling at Delta Air Lines In other news, Director Michael P. Huerta sold 3,350 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.43, for a total value of $162,240.50. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 27,465 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,330,129.95. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Delta Air Lines news, EVP Steven M. Sear sold 12,129 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.52, for a total value of $552,112.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 85,708 shares in the company, valued at $3,901,428.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Michael P. Huerta sold 3,350 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.43, for a total value of $162,240.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 27,465 shares in the company, valued at $1,330,129.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 40,479 shares of company stock worth $1,839,353 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.89% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Delta Air Lines A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DAL. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 1.2% in the second quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 19,304 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $918,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Navalign LLC grew its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Navalign LLC now owns 17,716 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $842,000 after buying an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Clarius Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 2.7% in the second quarter. Clarius Group LLC now owns 9,725 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $462,000 after buying an additional 257 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 10.1% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 2,817 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $134,000 after acquiring an additional 258 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Main Street Financial Solutions LLC lifted its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 3.0% in the second quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC now owns 9,383 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $446,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares during the period. 71.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Delta Air Lines (Get Free Report) Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul-Incheon. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Environmental Waste International Inc. (CVE:EWS Get Free Report)s share price traded down 20% on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. 139,100 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 113% from the average session volume of 65,382 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.03. Environmental Waste International Stock Performance The company has a market cap of C$5.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.00 and a beta of 0.02. The businesss 50 day moving average price is C$0.03 and its 200-day moving average price is C$0.03. Environmental Waste International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Environmental Waste International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, researches, designs, develops, sells, and maintains systems based on the patented Reverse Polymerization process, Microwave Delivery System, and Hybrid Microwave Process in Canada and the United States. The company provides systems for feed tire reduction, biological wastewater sterilization, shipboard food waste sterilization/dehydration, and batch-based infectious medical waste sterilization. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Environmental Waste International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Environmental Waste International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Galway Metals Inc. (CVE:GWM Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as C$0.24 and last traded at C$0.24, with a volume of 40137 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$0.25. Galway Metals Trading Down 6.0 % The stocks fifty day moving average is C$0.29 and its 200 day moving average is C$0.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 4.81 and a current ratio of 3.12. The stock has a market cap of C$17.60 million, a P/E ratio of -1.50 and a beta of 1.64. Get Galway Metals alerts: Galway Metals (CVE:GWM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 29th. The company reported C($0.02) earnings per share for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Galway Metals Inc. will post -0.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Galway Metals Company Profile Galway Metals Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold, zinc, copper, silver, and lead deposits. It holds a 100% interest in the Clarence Stream project located in southwest New Brunswick, Canada; and Estrades mine, related Newiska concessions, and adjacent Casa Berardi claims located in western Quebec, Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Galway Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Galway Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors LLC trimmed its stake in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 4.6% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 2,577 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 125 shares during the period. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in General Electric were worth $283,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Hengehold Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of General Electric by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Hengehold Capital Management LLC now owns 4,232 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $465,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. SFG Wealth Management LLC. lifted its stake in shares of General Electric by 0.6% in the second quarter. SFG Wealth Management LLC. now owns 16,956 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,863,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Rothschild Investment Corp IL grew its holdings in shares of General Electric by 1.4% during the second quarter. Rothschild Investment Corp IL now owns 7,372 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $810,000 after buying an additional 103 shares during the last quarter. Northstar Group Inc. increased its position in shares of General Electric by 2.9% during the first quarter. Northstar Group Inc. now owns 3,673 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $351,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Avantax Planning Partners Inc. raised its holdings in shares of General Electric by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Avantax Planning Partners Inc. now owns 3,138 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $345,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. 74.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get General Electric alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently commented on GE. Oppenheimer downgraded General Electric from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of General Electric from $126.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of General Electric from $120.00 to $130.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of General Electric from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 17th. Finally, Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of General Electric from $108.00 to $120.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $122.71. General Electric Stock Up 2.5 % Shares of GE traded up $2.75 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $111.47. The company had a trading volume of 4,216,661 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,006,526. General Electric has a 52 week low of $48.98 and a 52 week high of $117.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.25. The company has a market capitalization of $121.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 1.27. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $112.89 and a 200 day moving average price of $106.04. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.46 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $15.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.76 billion. General Electric had a net margin of 13.32% and a return on equity of 9.30%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 18.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.78 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that General Electric will post 2.29 EPS for the current year. General Electric Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 25th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 26th will be issued a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.29%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 25th. General Electrics dividend payout ratio is currently 3.80%. Insider Buying and Selling at General Electric In other news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 112,614 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.20, for a total transaction of $12,973,132.80. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 57,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,672,729.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. General Electric Profile (Free Report) General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equities researchers at StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. (NYSE:ASR Get Free Report) in a report released on Thursday. The firm set a hold rating on the transportation companys stock. Several other research firms have also issued reports on ASR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 31st. Bank of America downgraded Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a buy rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $255.00. Get Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S. A. B. de C. V. alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. Stock Down 18.1 % Shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. stock traded down $43.97 during trading on Thursday, reaching $198.43. The stock had a trading volume of 461,887 shares, compared to its average volume of 58,464. The company has a market capitalization of $5.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.05, a P/E/G ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 1.07. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $263.37 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $279.65. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. has a 52 week low of $165.00 and a 52 week high of $314.48. The company has a current ratio of 2.42, a quick ratio of 2.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. (NYSE:ASR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 24th. The transportation company reported $4.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.42 by ($0.66). Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. had a return on equity of 20.94% and a net margin of 38.49%. The company had revenue of $359.27 million for the quarter. Sell-side analysts predict that Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. will post 20.69 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 259.2% in the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 510 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $156,000 after purchasing an additional 368 shares during the last quarter. Voss Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,700,000. ProShare Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. in the first quarter valued at approximately $743,000. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,478,000. Finally, Veracity Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. by 6.2% in the first quarter. Veracity Capital LLC now owns 1,401 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $429,000 after purchasing an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.05% of the companys stock. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. holds concessions to operate, maintain, and develop airports in the southeast region of Mexico. The company operates airports that are located in the cities of Cancun, Cozumel, Merida, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Tapachula, and Minatitlan. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S. A. B. de C. V. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S. A. B. de C. V. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Analysts at StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday. The firm set a hold rating on the basic materials companys stock. Grupo Simec Price Performance Grupo Simec stock traded up $0.05 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $32.30. The company had a trading volume of 794 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,559. Grupo Simec has a 1 year low of $26.21 and a 1 year high of $38.22. The company has a market cap of $4.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.59 and a beta of 0.37. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $34.91. Get Grupo Simec alerts: Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The basic materials company reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Grupo Simec had a net margin of 9.55% and a return on equity of 9.41%. The company had revenue of $572.51 million during the quarter. Institutional Trading of Grupo Simec About Grupo Simec An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Grupo Simec stock. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new stake in Grupo Simec, S.A.B. de C.V. ( NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Free Report ) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 7,455 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $273,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 0.17% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Grupo Simec, SAB. de C.V. manufactures, processes, and distributes special bar quality (SBQ) steel and steel alloys products in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. The company produces I-beams, channels, structural and commercial angles, hot rolled bars, flat bars, rebars, cold-finished bars, electro-welded wire mesh and mesh panels, and wire rods, as well as semi-finished tube rounds and other semi-finished trade products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Simec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Simec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (NYSE:TV Free Report) in a report issued on Thursday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock. A number of other research firms have also recently commented on TV. UBS Group decreased their target price on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from $6.00 to $3.40 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. TheStreet cut shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Benchmark restated a buy rating and issued a $12.00 price target on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in a report on Monday, July 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from $6.10 to $5.20 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. They set a hold rating for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $7.05. Get Grupo Televisa S.A.B. alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on TV Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Price Performance Shares of TV traded down $0.02 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $2.87. 1,334,247 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,163,086. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $4.09 and a 200 day moving average price of $4.68. The company has a market cap of $1.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.98 and a beta of 1.53. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. has a 1 year low of $2.77 and a 1 year high of $6.57. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (NYSE:TV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The company reported $0.01 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.05 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.05 billion. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. had a negative net margin of 17.11% and a negative return on equity of 9.55%. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. will post 0.06 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in TV. Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new stake in shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. by 681.6% in the 1st quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 5,565 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 4,853 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. by 181.1% in the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 6,409 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 4,129 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. during the first quarter valued at $111,000. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new position in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. during the 1st quarter valued at about $117,000. 37.47% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Televisa, SAB. operates as a media company in the Spanish-speaking Mexico and internationally. It operates through three segments: Cable, Sky, and Other Businesses. The Cable segment operates cable multiple system that provides basic and premium television subscription, pay-per-view, installation, Internet subscription, and telephone and mobile services subscription services, as well as sales local and national advertising services; and telecommunication facilities, which offers data and long-distance services solutions to carriers and other telecommunications service providers through its fiber-optic network. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Televisa S.A.B. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Televisa S.A.B. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:IMPUY Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $4.16 and last traded at $4.24, with a volume of 293805 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $4.61. Impala Platinum Price Performance The company has a 50-day moving average of $5.42 and a 200-day moving average of $7.45. Get Impala Platinum alerts: Impala Platinum Cuts Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 22nd were paid a $0.0577 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 21st. About Impala Platinum Impala Platinum Holdings Limited engages in the mining, processing, concentrating, refining, and sale of platinum group metals (PGMs) and associated base metals. The company produces platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, and by-products. It has operations on the PGM-bearing orebodies, including the Bushveld Complex located in South Africa; and the Great Dyke situated in Zimbabwe, as well as the Canadian Shield. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Impala Platinum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Impala Platinum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horst & Graben Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 1.8% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 128,065 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,306 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF makes up about 2.3% of Horst & Graben Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest holding. Horst & Graben Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $9,519,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in USMV. WT Wealth Management grew its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 8.2% in the second quarter. WT Wealth Management now owns 36,772 shares of the companys stock worth $2,733,000 after acquiring an additional 2,792 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the second quarter valued at about $263,000. Dohj LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 0.5% in the second quarter. Dohj LLC now owns 33,830 shares of the companys stock worth $2,515,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares during the period. Boston Trust Walden Corp bought a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $206,000. Finally, Provence Wealth Management Group boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 37.6% during the 2nd quarter. Provence Wealth Management Group now owns 20,038 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,489,000 after purchasing an additional 5,477 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Trading Down 0.2 % BATS:USMV traded down $0.14 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $71.77. 2,530,771 shares of the companys stock traded hands. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $74.30 and a two-hundred day moving average of $73.57. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 12 month low of $47.44 and a 12 month high of $55.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. About iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USMV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Monte Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,357 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 204 shares during the quarter. Monte Financial Group LLCs holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $1,106,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in ROK. Neo Ivy Capital Management bought a new stake in Rockwell Automation during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Clear Street Markets LLC bought a new stake in Rockwell Automation during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. First Manhattan Co. grew its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 150.0% during the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 125 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC grew its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 62.9% during the 2nd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 101 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Rockwell Automation during the 1st quarter worth approximately $37,000. 80.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have weighed in on ROK. Wolfe Research raised shares of Rockwell Automation from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Barclays lowered shares of Rockwell Automation from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $300.00 to $287.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 30th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. They issued a hold rating and a $335.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $340.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Finally, Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $334.00 to $375.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Rockwell Automation currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $289.00. Rockwell Automation Stock Up 1.5 % ROK traded up $4.15 during trading on Friday, hitting $290.31. 554,661 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 736,488. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. The businesss 50 day moving average is $297.65 and its two-hundred day moving average is $297.66. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $219.55 and a fifty-two week high of $348.52. The stock has a market cap of $33.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.34, a PEG ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.46. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $3.01 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.19 by ($0.18). Rockwell Automation had a return on equity of 40.33% and a net margin of 16.51%. The business had revenue of $2.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.33 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.66 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts expect that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 11.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Rockwell Automation news, VP Scott Genereux sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.62, for a total transaction of $148,810.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 2,876 shares in the company, valued at $855,955.12. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, VP Scott Genereux sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.62, for a total value of $148,810.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 2,876 shares in the company, valued at approximately $855,955.12. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Rebecca W. House sold 440 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $285.26, for a total transaction of $125,514.40. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 6,549 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,868,167.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 1,730 shares of company stock worth $510,477. Insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock. Rockwell Automation Company Profile (Free Report) Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Olympiad Research LP purchased a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund purchased 2,435 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $403,000. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Money Concepts Capital Corp increased its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 400.0% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 195 shares of the business services providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 156 shares during the last quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 104.9% during the 1st quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 666 shares of the business services providers stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 341 shares during the last quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 64.1% during the 1st quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 338 shares of the business services providers stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions during the 1st quarter worth approximately $54,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.36% of the companys stock. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently weighed in on BR shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Broadridge Financial Solutions in a report on Thursday. They set a hold rating on the stock. Raymond James upped their price objective on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $183.00 to $186.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $178.00 to $192.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $190.00 price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Finally, DA Davidson upped their price objective on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $160.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $173.67. Broadridge Financial Solutions Price Performance Shares of NYSE:BR traded up $0.37 during trading on Friday, reaching $179.69. 748,204 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 549,152. The companys 50 day moving average is $180.85 and its two-hundred day moving average is $162.91. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.22 billion, a PE ratio of 33.90 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a 52 week low of $131.35 and a 52 week high of $189.69. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 8th. The business services provider reported $3.21 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.10 by $0.11. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a return on equity of 42.09% and a net margin of 10.40%. The business had revenue of $1.84 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.87 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.65 EPS. Broadridge Financial Solutionss revenue for the quarter was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current year. Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were given a dividend of $0.80 per share. This is an increase from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.78%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 60.49%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, Director Leslie A. Brun sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $181.20, for a total value of $362,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 72,430 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,124,316. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, Director Leslie A. Brun sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $181.20, for a total value of $362,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 72,430 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,124,316. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Thomas P. Carey sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $178.40, for a total value of $446,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 11,322 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,019,844.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 191,035 shares of company stock worth $34,423,247 in the last ninety days. 1.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. About Broadridge Financial Solutions (Free Report) Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PIAIF Get Free Report) shares were up 1.8% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $5.45 and last traded at $5.45. Approximately 262 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 98% from the average daily volume of 17,424 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.35. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Price Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average of $6.10 and a 200 day moving average of $6.49. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. provides financial products and services for insurance, banking, asset management, and technology businesses in the People's Republic of China. Its Life and Health Insurance segment offers term, whole-life, endowment, annuity, investment-linked, universal life, and health care and medical insurance to individual and corporate customers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSE:PLX Get Free Report) in a research note issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a buy rating on the stock. Protalix BioTherapeutics Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PLX traded up $0.02 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $1.60. The company had a trading volume of 205,100 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,290,801. Protalix BioTherapeutics has a 12 month low of $1.00 and a 12 month high of $3.55. Get Protalix BioTherapeutics alerts: Protalix BioTherapeutics Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development, production, and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins based on its proprietary ProCellEx plant cell-based protein expression system in the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, and internationally. Receive News & Ratings for Protalix BioTherapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Protalix BioTherapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of PSP Swiss Property AG (OTCMKTS:PSPSF Get Free Report) fell 1.4% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $118.00 and last traded at $118.00. 206 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 23% from the average session volume of 167 shares. The stock had previously closed at $119.63. PSP Swiss Property Stock Down 1.4 % The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $119.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $115.15. PSP Swiss Property Company Profile (Get Free Report) PSP Swiss Property AG, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates real estate properties in Switzerland. It operates through Real Estate Investments and Property Management segments. The company owns, operates, and leases office, retail, gastronomy, and parking spaces. It owns 158 office and commercial properties, and 18 development sites and individual projects in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, and Lausanne. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for PSP Swiss Property Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PSP Swiss Property and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of ABM Industries (NYSE:ABM Get Free Report) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday. The brokerage set a hold rating on the business services providers stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on ABM. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut ABM Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $65.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Friday, September 8th. William Blair cut ABM Industries from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on ABM Industries from $52.00 to $40.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 8th. KeyCorp lowered their price objective on ABM Industries from $51.00 to $48.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 11th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price objective on ABM Industries from $50.00 to $42.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, ABM Industries has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $43.25. Get ABM Industries alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ABM Industries ABM Industries Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ABM traded up $0.41 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $40.73. 547,887 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 412,098. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.44 and a beta of 1.09. ABM Industries has a 52 week low of $37.61 and a 52 week high of $49.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 1.47. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $43.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.29. ABM Industries (NYSE:ABM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, September 7th. The business services provider reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $2.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.01 billion. ABM Industries had a return on equity of 12.69% and a net margin of 2.96%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.94 earnings per share. Analysts predict that ABM Industries will post 3.41 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Creative Planning grew its holdings in shares of ABM Industries by 1.6% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 14,095 shares of the business services providers stock worth $612,000 after purchasing an additional 216 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of ABM Industries by 0.8% during the second quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 34,949 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,491,000 after purchasing an additional 288 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of ABM Industries by 3.6% during the second quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,469 shares of the business services providers stock worth $361,000 after purchasing an additional 292 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its holdings in shares of ABM Industries by 1.7% during the first quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 19,167 shares of the business services providers stock worth $861,000 after purchasing an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of ABM Industries by 4.9% during the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 6,917 shares of the business services providers stock worth $295,000 after purchasing an additional 323 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.42% of the companys stock. ABM Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) ABM Industries Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of integrated facility, infrastructure, and mobility solutions in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Business & Industry, Manufacturing & Distribution, Education, Aviation, and Technical Solutions segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ABM Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ABM Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM Free Report) in a research note published on Thursday morning. The firm issued a buy rating on the stock. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Argus increased their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $91.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. Roth Mkm began coverage on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research note on Thursday, June 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $92.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $83.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Archer-Daniels-Midland currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $97.50. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on ADM Archer-Daniels-Midland Price Performance Shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock traded down $0.27 on Thursday, reaching $72.86. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,094,413 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,952,926. The company has a market capitalization of $39.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.76, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.83. Archer-Daniels-Midland has a 52-week low of $69.92 and a 52-week high of $98.28. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $80.51 and a 200-day moving average price of $78.14. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The company reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by $0.30. The business had revenue of $25.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.82 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a return on equity of 17.52% and a net margin of 4.14%. The businesss revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.15 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Archer-Daniels-Midland will post 7.19 EPS for the current year. Archer-Daniels-Midland Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 16th were issued a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 15th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.47%. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio is currently 24.03%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Fruit Molly L. Strader sold 1,455 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.80, for a total transaction of $126,294.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 10,809 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $938,221.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Archer-Daniels-Midland Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Hanseatic Management Services Inc. purchased a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 88.1% in the 1st quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 476 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 223 shares during the period. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC boosted its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 41.9% in the 2nd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 491 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 145 shares during the period. Finally, MRP Capital Investments LLC purchased a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.73% of the companys stock. About Archer-Daniels-Midland (Get Free Report) Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sylvamo (NYSE:SLVM 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 Sylvamo to similar companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and earnings. Risk and Volatility Sylvamo has a beta of 1.05, indicating that its stock price is 5% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sylvamos rivals have a beta of 1.31, indicating that their average stock price is 31% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Sylvamo alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Sylvamo and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Sylvamo $3.63 billion $118.00 million 6.18 Sylvamo Competitors $5.50 billion $686.61 million 29.21 Insider and Institutional Ownership Sylvamos rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Sylvamo. Sylvamo 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. 89.1% of Sylvamo shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.7% of shares of all Paper mills companies are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Sylvamo shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.5% of shares of all Paper mills companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Sylvamo and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sylvamo 7.87% 55.02% 12.80% Sylvamo Competitors 7.59% 18.89% 6.66% Dividends Sylvamo pays an annual dividend of $1.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.9%. Sylvamo pays out 17.6% 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. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Sylvamo and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sylvamo 0 1 1 0 2.50 Sylvamo Competitors 112 715 473 49 2.34 Sylvamo presently has a consensus price target of $52.50, suggesting a potential upside of 24.88%. As a group, Paper mills companies have a potential upside of 32.27%. Given Sylvamos rivals higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Sylvamo has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Summary Sylvamo rivals beat Sylvamo on 8 of the 15 factors compared. About Sylvamo (Get Free Report) Sylvamo Corporation produces and markets uncoated freesheet, cutsize, offset paper, and pulp in Latin America, Europe, and North America. The company operates through Europe, Latin America, and North America segments. The Europe segment offers copy, tinted, and colored laser printing paper under REY Adagio and Pro-Design brands; and high-speed inkjet printing papers under the brand Jetstar; as well as produces uncoated freesheet papers. This segment also operates paper and pulp mill. The Latin America segment focuses on uncoated freesheet paper under Chamex, Chamequinho and Chambril brands, as well as produces HP papers. This segment also operates integrated mills and nonintegrated mills. The North America segment offers imaging, commercial printing, and converting papers, as well as uncoated papers under Hammermill, Springhill, Williamsburg, Accent, DRM and Postmark brand names. It distributes its products through a variety of channels, including merchants, e-commerce, agents, resellers, and paper distributors. The company was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Receive News & Ratings for Sylvamo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sylvamo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Analysts at StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Tompkins Financial (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Thursday. The brokerage set a sell rating on the financial services providers stock. TMP has been the topic of several other research reports. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on shares of Tompkins Financial from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price target on shares of Tompkins Financial from $56.00 to $55.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. Get Tompkins Financial alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Tompkins Financial Tompkins Financial Stock Up 1.8 % Shares of Tompkins Financial stock traded up $0.92 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $50.99. 63,381 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 47,101. Tompkins Financial has a 1 year low of $46.85 and a 1 year high of $85.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $732.22 million, a P/E ratio of 10.67 and a beta of 0.65. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $69.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.85. Tompkins Financial (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The financial services provider reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by ($0.43). The business had revenue of $64.51 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $69.54 million. Tompkins Financial had a return on equity of 11.10% and a net margin of 19.96%. As a group, research analysts predict that Tompkins Financial will post 0.99 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Tompkins Financial Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Pathstone Family Office LLC lifted its position in shares of Tompkins Financial by 4.1% during the third quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC now owns 3,201 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $233,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its position in shares of Tompkins Financial by 1.8% during the second quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,140 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $587,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Tompkins Financial by 11.9% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,559 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $121,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky increased its stake in shares of Tompkins Financial by 5.5% during the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 3,858 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $215,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the period. Finally, Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its stake in shares of Tompkins Financial by 1.1% during the first quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 21,508 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,424,000 after buying an additional 230 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.75% of the companys stock. Tompkins Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tompkins Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, provides commercial and consumer banking, leasing, trust and investment management, financial planning and wealth management, and insurance services. The company operates in three segments: Banking, Insurance, and Wealth Management. It accepts various deposit products, including checking and savings accounts, time deposits, and IRA products, as well as brokered, reciprocal, and municipal money market deposits. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tompkins Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tompkins Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report) in a research note published on Thursday. The firm issued a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Unum Group from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Unum Group from $55.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Unum Group from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 18th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Unum Group from $46.00 to $52.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Unum Group from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $53.78. Get Unum Group alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Unum Group Unum Group Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:UNM traded up $1.10 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $49.57. 850,973 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,347,144. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.08. Unum Group has a 12 month low of $36.27 and a 12 month high of $51.15. The firms fifty day moving average price is $49.05 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $45.79. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The financial services provider reported $2.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.87 by $0.19. Unum Group had a return on equity of 15.10% and a net margin of 11.90%. The firm had revenue of $3.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.07 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that Unum Group will post 7.73 earnings per share for the current year. Unum Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th were issued a $0.365 dividend. This is an increase from Unum Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $1.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.95%. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 20.25%. Insider Activity at Unum Group In related news, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 3,750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.02, for a total transaction of $183,825.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 46,334 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,271,292.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, EVP Timothy Gerald Arnold sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total transaction of $1,000,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 72,061 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,603,050. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 3,750 shares of Unum Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.02, for a total value of $183,825.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 46,334 shares in the company, valued at $2,271,292.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.94% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Unum Group during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Unum Group during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Huntington National Bank increased its stake in shares of Unum Group by 1,076.4% in the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 647 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 592 shares during the period. Financial Management Professionals Inc. raised its stake in shares of Unum Group by 2,262.1% during the second quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 685 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 656 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Unum Group by 228.8% during the second quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 743 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 517 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.37% of the companys stock. Unum Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block and Corporate segments. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WeBuy Global Ltd. (WBUY) expects to raise $15 million in an initial public offering on the week of October 9th, IPO Scoop reports. The company will issue 3,500,000 shares at $4.00-$4.50 per share. In the last 12 months, WeBuy Global Ltd. generated $44.6 million in revenue and had a net loss of $6.7 million. The company has a market-cap of $202.6 million. EF Hutton served as the underwriter for the IPO. WeBuy Global Ltd. provided the following description of their company for its IPO: WeBuy Global is an e-commerce platform that connects Southeast Asian social media users with similar interests in food (groceries) and travel. The company, based in Singapore, caters to customers in Singapore and Indonesia. (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands)A (Note: WeBuy Global Ltd. cut the size of its IPO to 3.5 million shares down from 4.0 million shares and kept the price range at $4.00 to $4.50 to raise $14.88 million, according to an F-1/A filing dated Aug. 3, 2023. In that same F-1/A filing, WeBuy Global Ltd. changed its sole book-runner to EF Hutton, replacing Univest.) (Background: WeBuy Global Ltd. revised its IPO terms in an F-1/A filing dated June 16, 2023, as follows: The price range is $4.00 to $4.50 replacing the previous assumed IPO price of $4.00 and the number of shares was kept at 4.0 million shares to raise $17.0 million. Previously: WeBuy Global revised the terms of its IPO in an F-1/A filing dated June 2, 2023: The IPO will consist of 4.0 million shares with WeBuy Global offering 3.175 million shares and the selling stockholder selling 825,000 shares at $4.00 (same as before) to raise $16.0 million. Previously the secondary portion of the IPO had amounted to 34 percent of the stock offered in the deal. Background:A WeBuy Global filed its F-1 on May 3, 2023; it submitted confidential IPO documents to the SEC on Sept. 21, 2022.) . WeBuy Global Ltd. was founded in 2019 and has 135 employees. The company is located at 35 Tampines Street 92 Singapore 528880 and can be reached via phone at +65 8859 9762 or on the web at http://www.webuysg.com/. Receive News & Ratings for WeBuy Global Ltd. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WeBuy Global Ltd. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR Get Free Report) and SharkNinja (NYSE:SN Get Free Report) are both mid-cap consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership and valuation. Profitability This table compares Whirlpool and SharkNinjas net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Whirlpool alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Whirlpool -8.13% 29.70% 4.89% SharkNinja N/A N/A N/A Earnings & Valuation This table compares Whirlpool and SharkNinjas gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Whirlpool $19.72 billion 0.35 -$1.52 billion ($28.47) -4.42 SharkNinja $3.84 billion 1.62 $232.35 million N/A N/A Institutional and Insider Ownership SharkNinja has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Whirlpool. 90.9% of Whirlpool shares are held by institutional investors. 1.9% of Whirlpool shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 11.1% of SharkNinja shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Whirlpool and SharkNinja, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Whirlpool 2 2 1 0 1.80 SharkNinja 0 0 1 0 3.00 Whirlpool presently has a consensus target price of $131.00, indicating a potential upside of 4.16%. Given Whirlpools higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Whirlpool is more favorable than SharkNinja. About Whirlpool (Get Free Report) Whirlpool Corporation manufactures and markets home appliances and related products and services in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The company's principal products include refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and refrigerator water filters; laundry appliances, and commercial laundry products and related laundry accessories; cooking and other small domestic appliances; and dishwasher appliances and related accessories, as well as mixers. It markets and distributes its products primarily under the Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Hotpoint, Indesit, InSinkErator, Yummly, Affresh, Gladiator, Swash, everydrop, Speed Queen, Ignis, Privileg, Eslabon de Lujo, Acros, and Ariston brands. The company sells its products to retailers, distributors, dealers, builders, and other manufacturers, as well as directly to consumers. Whirlpool Corporation was founded in 1911 and is headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan. About SharkNinja (Get Free Report) SharkNinja, Inc., a product design and technology company, engages in the provision of various solutions for consumers worldwide. It offers cleaning appliances, including corded and cordless vacuums, as well as other floorcare products; cooking and beverage appliances, such as air fryers, multi-cookers, outdoor and countertop grills and ovens, coffee systems, cookware, cutlery, kettles, toasters, and bakeware products; food preparation appliances comprising blenders, food processors, ice cream makers, and juicers; and beauty appliances, home environment products, and garment care products. The company sells its products through retailers, online and offline, and distributors. SharkNinja, Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for Whirlpool Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whirlpool and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 Jinit Parmar is a correspondent based out of Mumbai covering banks, banking trends and more, tweets @jinitparmar10 #banks #bankingtrends #RBI you are here: Demands for progress towards goals like gender equality and the protection of Cuban women against VAW are not only being voiced by independent feminist platforms, but also the United Nations, as the regime has received requests that it strives to hide from the public. The official propaganda's modus operandi is the same: silence, opacity and half-truths. In the last paragraph of a piece in the regime's newspaper Granma on gender and the need not to feature macho violence in the media, author Susana Anton Rodriguez, mentions that specialists from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented a report with the Government's response to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Anton, however, limited herself to saying that the document includes "the advancement of women and the policies that are implemented for this purpose in the country" in reference to the official program approved in this regard in 2021 via a presidential decree. She did not dedicate one letter to the appeals sent to the regime by the UN's body of independent experts. In 2017 the CEDAW, which monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, recommended that Havana ensure "that all legal systems, in particular plural legal systems, protect victims and survivors of gender-based violence" so that they "have access to justice and effective reparations." This is an issue that remains unresolved in Cuba, as there is little response to the demands of feminist platforms and other independent civil society organizations for real protection, rehabilitation and fair compensation for victims of gender-based violence. The Committee also asked the Government for actions aimed at the adoption of a comprehensive law against gender violence and the specific classification of femicide as a type of crime. The regime has not responded, however, and has even evaded requests emanating from within its own legislative apparatus. During the Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly of Popular Power held on May 14 and 15, 2022, Deputy Mariela Castro Espin, Director of the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), asked that the crime of femicide be included in the new Criminal Code. The proposal by the daughter of Raul Castro was rejected. In December of 2019 the same Assembly denied a request submitted by 40 Cuban activists, with more than 900 signatures, to include a comprehensive law against gender violence on the legislative schedule. This regulation is not slated for the 2023-2028 period either. The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women also requested updated data on the number of femicides and statistics on cases of gender-based violence against women. The request was not for general figures, but rather for data broken down by type of gender-based violence, age, ethnicity, disability, the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim, and the number of prosecutions and convictions and sentences imposed on perpetrators. The response, again, was unsatisfactory. The Cuban Observatory on Gender Equality, created in early June by the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), controlled by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), has disclosed few figures so far. In the statistics offered it has avoided the term "femicide" and has called the deceased women "victims of intentional homicide as a result of gender violence." In May the Supreme Court of Cuba reported that it handed down 18 convictions for VAW in 2022. In a piece published by the regime's press, the regime's justice body argued that it "acts with the consequent severity within the framework of what is established in the law," imposing "sanctions of incarceration for over 25 years and, in some cases, perpetual incarceration." The number of convictions issued for femicides is negligible, however, since macho violence has claimed the lives of more than 175 women, girls and boys in Cuba since 2019, according to the records kept out by independent observatories. Thus far this year there have been at least 60. The actual numbers could be even more alarming, given the regime's secrecy on the matter. Ileana Alvarez, director of the feminist magazine Alas Tensas, called the Cuban regime machista. "There is a marked intention to distort reality to prevent many countries from denouncing it as a violator of human rights, as an abusive regime that does not protect its women or comply with what was agreed to," she told DIARIO DE CUBA. "The regime acts like any male chauvinist, ignoring the voice of women, denying an increasingly dramatic problem. It criminalizes feminist activism. They don't allow us to associate, nor do they consult us to carry out public policies for the prevention of VAW in any of its forms," she complained. "We have been very specific and repetitive when it comes to stating our demands. Is it so difficult to create safe houses for women and their children who are forced to live with their abuser because they have nowhere to go? Is the blockade to blame for their non-existence? Of course not, there is an institutional indolence and cynicism that aggravates inequalities and takes lives." 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. Meghna Mittal MEGHNA MITTAL is Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_ Souptik Datta Reports real estate, infra and city in Bengaluru. Btw, curiosity never kills the cat. 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: IT sectors refusal to take risks affects jobs, whats firing up the IPO mark... Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | Fed skips again, but are rate hikes behind it? Bengaluru, dubbed Indias Silicon Valley, has long been the undisputed leader when it comes to multinational companies looking to set up captive units in India. While nearly half of global capability centres (GCCs) in the country are still in Bengaluru, companies that are now looking at setting up GCCs in India arent defaulting to Bengaluru. In fact, in the first half of 2023, the number of GCCs addednew setups or expansionssaw Hyderabad outpacing Bengaluru. According to Everest Group, an international... USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Vishal Bhargava is a real estate enthusiast who views and reviews new projects, when not busy with his newstoon platform Snapnews. The views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Amitabh Tiwari Is a former corporate and investment banker-turned political strategist and commentator. Twitter: @politicalbaaba. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication Tim Culpan is a technology columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. Based in Taipei, he writes about Asian and global businesses and trends. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication Arup K Chatterjee is a Professor at OP Jindal Global University, and the author of The Great Indian Railways (2018), Indians in London: From the Birth of the East India Company and Independent India (2021), and Adam's Bridge (2024). Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Dave Lee is Bloomberg Opinion's US technology columnist. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. 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: IT sectors refusal to take risks affects jobs, whats firing up the IPO mark... Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | Fed skips again, but are rate hikes behind it? Vedanta Resources, the metals and mining conglomerate, is in a bind. It owes debt of $5.9 billion, of which more than half is coming due in the near future. While it has been meeting interest payment obligations primarily out of dividends received from its Indian units Hindustan Zinc and India-listed Vedanta Ltd (Vedanta), the principal repayment coming due is a substantial sum of $3.1 billion and puts the group in a tight spot. (image) Kicking the can down the... USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept An Enterprise man charged with capital murder in connection with an April 2020 shooting death pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of murder at a hearing Thursday morning before 12th Judicial Circuit Presiding Circuit Judge Jeff Kelley. Accompanied by his attorneys Gary Bradshaw and Josh Pipkins, Jamal Casseem Harper, 25, pleaded guilty to the April 22, 2020 murder of 47-year-old Lawrence Davis Jr. at a motel on Glover Avenue in Enterprise. Harper had also been charged with first-degree theft of Davis Ford Mustang and for the theft of the Taurus G2C semi-automatic 9mm weapon allegedly used to kill Davis, but the theft charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement. According to court testimony at a hearing following Harpers 2020 arrest during a traffic stop, Enterprise Police Departments Sgt. Matthew Saxon and Tanner Brushn said Harper told them that he got a ride from a friend to the motel on Glover Avenue and went to see Davis. The two argued over a $70 marijuana debt Harper allegedly owed Davis. Harper told Saxon that Davis came at him with a knife, but Harper shoved him away, perhaps down on the bed, and shot Davis. Harper told police he took several pairs of shoes some Air Jordans, some LeBron James, but all Nike. One of the shoe boxes contained a digital scale. After the shooting, Harper drove off in Davis Mustang, according to police testimony. Two days later, at the urging of his Daviss ex-wife, who called from Virginia worried because she hadnt heard from Davis, police were asked to do a welfare check on Davis at the motel on Glover Avenue. They didnt see Davis Mustang and no one came to the door of his hotel room. A half-hour later, a maintenance man and the owner of the motel went to Davis room. They opened the door, but did not enter. They saw a foot uncovered beneath a pile of bedding mattress, sheets, blankets and pillows on the floor. Police again returned to the motel and Davis body was discovered under that bedding. He was found face down with a single gunshot to the upper left side of the back of his head. Harper, at the time of his arrest, told police he sold the Mustang for scrap in Elba. The owner of the scrap yard provided police a bill of sale, which started a search for Harper. During a traffic stop of a vehicle that Harper was a passenger in in 2020, police found a 9mm gun wrapped in a jacket or hoodie under his seat or in the floor board. He had a pocket knife in his waist band and police said they found a small bag of marijuana in the search of the car. Harper left with police to the station, where he was arrested. Kelley has ordered a gag order in the case, so anyone close to the case is prohibited from talking about it. He said Thursday morning that the gag order is still in place for at last the next 30 days. No date for a sentencing hearing has been set. Southeast Health announced Thursday that Lt. Col. (ret.) Patrick Whitney, MD, MSPH, has joined its Westgate Clinic team. Whitney is board-certified in family practice and returns to Southeast Health from the 325th Medical Group at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, located near Panama City Beach. At Tyndall, Whitney served as senior flight surgeon and practiced primary care and occupational medicine. Prior to Tyndall, he was the was director of occupational medicine at Lyster Army Health Clinic at Fort Novosel. Whitney completed his residency in family practice at Louisiana State Universitys Health Science Center, earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in the Dominica, received his bachelor of science degree from Troy University, and completed his doctor of chiropractic prior at Life Chiropractic College. After serving in the United States Air Force, Whitney retired in 2017 as commander of the 7th Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Dyess AFB in Texas. During his active duty, Whitney accumulated flight hours in multiple airframes, which led to him being awarded the Air Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal. The Q3 Digital Economy Index from Airwallex has revealed a significant drop in nationwide online spending, totalling $2.9 billion year-on-year (YoY). This decline can be attributed to a spending downturn in the retail and e-commerce sector, as detailed in the quarterly report. The Airwallex Digital Economy Index provides valuable insights into the digital economy, offering both YoY and quarter-on-quarter snapshots of the industry across different states and sectors. The latest findings underscore a general reduction in online spending across all sectors, ranging from a 1.29% decrease in the digital and technology sector to more substantial declines of nearly 7% for education, 7.9% for insurance and self-managed investments, and 8.02% for retail and e-commerce. Remarkably, the online travel sector has managed to buck this trend, reporting impressive growth of 12.75% YoY and 6.49% since Q2. Across the various states, the common denominator leading to the decline in online spending has been retail spending, except for Queensland, where the travel sector played a pivotal role in driving an overall YoY increase. Matt Sek, Vice President of Growth for Australia and New Zealand at Airwallex, anticipates an upswing in digital spending in Q4, coinciding with the peak sales season. Sek points out that Australians collectively have substantial savings, estimated at around $250-300 billion, and businesses should seize the opportunity to encourage consumer spending. He emphasizes that consumers have become more cautious amid the economic uncertainties of the past year, taking time to research and hunt for the best deals before making purchases. Sek also notes that businesses have been reducing their own spending, resulting in a 1.29% YoY dip in digital and technology spending, primarily due to decreased online advertising. This trend highlights companies efforts to maximize the return on investment from their expenditures. Sek concludes by highlighting the potential for a turnaround in spending and activity during the upcoming peak sales season in Q4. He suggests that businesses that thrive in the coming months will be those that can offer discounts and deals to entice consumers, emphasizing the need for savings and efficiency in their cost structures. Airwallex is hosting a summit in Sydney, bringing together retailers and online businesses to discuss recent consumer spending trends and explore solutions to challenges expected during the upcoming peak sales season. The event, titled Your Passport to Beyond Black Friday, will feature discussions, insights from industry experts, and a Peak Season Partner Marketplace where attendees can explore solutions and strategies to maximize their sales season performance. Partners at the event include Afterpay, Wayflyer, Refundid, Elephant Room, BigCommerce, Marketplacer, and Shipbob. The summit aims to foster optimism among online businesses and encourage them to replicate the success and resilience witnessed in the travel sector. The Your Passport to Beyond Black Friday summit is scheduled for October 5th, starting at 4:30 pm, at Watersedge at The Rocks in Sydney. It promises to be an insightful and collaborative event for retail professionals seeking to navigate the upcoming peak sales season successfully. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Online retail purchases are forecasted to make up 21 per cent of all retail purchases this year and 24 per cent of all purchases by 2026. As online purchases continue to grow and digital technology evolves the sector, Davie Fogarty, founder of The Oodie and former AFR Young Rich lister, and Shark Tank Australia 2023 judge, shares his insights on seven dangers that online retailers must be aware of in this competitive market. Davie began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 23 with just $500 in savings and an idea of a wearable blanket, he became an eCommerce success, with The Oodie having sold more than 8.1 million units, exceeding $500 million in revenue. Yet despite his resounding success, Davie acknowledges that he reached this point after several failed business ideas and startups, but his determination and hunger for results led him to acquire extensive digital skills. He taught himself the algorithms and systems of major social media platforms, growing Instagram accounts to 600,000 followers. Beyond his own ventures, he shares his insights and strategies on social media to assist aspiring digital entrepreneurs. He says: There are a lot of challenges, risks and dangers that come with launching and growing a business online. Some of these are, unfortunately, out of a brands control but there are things you can do to lessen their risk and prepare for the potential roadblocks on the path to brand growth. Davie now shares shares the 7 risks and challenges online retailers are likely to encounter in their business journey, through his mentoring service, Daily Mentor. 1. Scam sites, counterfeit products and intellectual property fraud. In 2023 alone, Australia reported 182,593 scams, resulting in losses totalling $328,655,604. Fraudulent activities are becoming increasingly sophisticated, posing a threat to both brands and consumers. Davie recommends businesses establish robust monitoring and reporting processes to identify activity that is potentially harmful to their brand. Websites with fake brand products mimicking established brands are on the rise, can damage the reputations of original brands and make it hard for them to build consumer trust in the online space. Davie reveals, We have recently come across a fake website imitating The Oodie. These scammers are advertising their sites on Google despite the brand being trademarked. Hundreds of people are being scammed daily, and despite doing everything we can, scammers are smart and are finding ways around the systems we have in place. It is proof that even big brands are not immune. 2. Online reviews tarnishing brand reputation. Negative online reviews can tarnish a brands reputation, with 93 per cent of consumers admitting that online reviews influence their purchasing decision. While businesses cannot control customer reviews, they can monitor reviews online and respond to negative reviews with the aim of resolving them as quickly as possible and turning an unhappy customer online into a satisfied one. An escalation in negative reviews can point to an operational or product or service issue. Ongoing, brands would be wise to identify customer pain points and do everything they can to reduce them to avoid negative reviews in the first place. 3. Intense competition. There are an estimated 12-24 million eCommerce sites in the world giving 2.64 billion online shoppers the ultimate in choice but fierce competition for brands. Take time to research the product you want to sell and how you will sell it. You can research on social media platforms and on drop-shipping sites to identify what products are currently saturating the market. Tools like AI and other online software had made this process faster. Make your product and brand stand out. You want to be the consumers first choice, Davie says. 4. Poor user experience (UX) and customer experience (CX). A seamless and user-friendly website along with efficient customer service is essential for sales conversions. Davie says complex navigation and slow loading times will turn customers away, and poor customer service processes will prevent them from coming back. Ensuring a positive user and customer experience can impact overall business success. 5. Low visibility on search engines. Google has 4.3 billion users worldwide and over 3.5 billion searches take place per day. In such a highly competitive online market, its essential for target customers to find brands easily on Google and other search engines. Poor search engine optimisation (SEO) can prevent customers from finding a product to meet their needs. 6. Scaling and meeting demand. Rapid growth, while desirable, can strain a businesss infrastructure, supply and operations. Davie says, Have a plan in place to prepare for the growth of your business. It can be challenging to maintain consistently high service quality, adequate inventory and efficient fulfilment when scaling rapidly. Networking with other entrepreneurs and remaining transparent with suppliers and your team can all help mitigate the risks associated with unprepared growth. Growth is exciting, but that also means it can be easy to drop the ball. 7. Marketplace dependence having your own platform. Approximately 27 per cent of online retailers use drop-shipping to fulfil customer orders , which offers an inexpensive way to run an online business. Heavy dependence on big online marketplaces for operating an online store can limit brand development. As a brand grows, having its own website and operation systems allows for greater brand control and a personalised customer buying journey. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. U.S. President Donald Trump departs, after speaking about Congress' $1.3 trillion spending bill, during a signing ceremony for the bill, in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 23, 2018. Michael Cohen, former attorney for former U.S. President Donald Trump, arrives to the New York Courthouse in New York City, U.S., March 15, 2023. The entrance to Guam Memorial Hospital is seen Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Tamuning. Nigerias president faces new challenge to election victory as opposition claims he forged diploma View Photo ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) Nigerias main opposition said Thursday it will present new evidence to support its court challenge seeking to overturn this years presidential election, saying it can show the declared winner provided faked academic credentials to authorities. President Bola Tinubu forged a diploma from an American university that he presented to Nigerias election commission before the February vote and should be removed from office, first runner-up Atiku Abubakar and his lawyer alleged in a briefing with reporters. They cited records obtained from the university in a U.S. court hearing and shared with The Associated Press. Abubakar previously has argued Tinubu should not be president because the election commission did not follow due process in announcing the winner and Tinubu was not qualified to run, citing allegations of dual citizenship and of a criminal indictment in the United States. Tinubu has denied those claims. He did not comment on the new allegation, but his spokesman denied it. A man cannot forge the academic records he possesses, Temitope Ajayi, Tinubus media aide, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The challenge is being closely watched by many Nigerians following a divisive election that saw Tinubu win with less than 50% of the votes, a first in Nigerias history. Abubakar is one of three candidates who are in court seeking to void Tinubus election victory. Kalu Kalu, Abubakars lawyer, said they are set to present fresh evidence in the case pending before Nigerias Supreme Court. A party at fault cannot be allowed to enjoy the fruit of his illegality, Kalu said. No presidential election in Nigeria has ever been voided. In advancing his court challenge, Abubakar secured an order from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois directing Chicago State University, which Tinubu attended, to release his academic records. In a transcript of a deposition this week given to AP by Abubakars lawyers, and which has not been made available by the court, Caleb Westberg, registrar of the university, confirmed the school has the original record of Bola Tinubu. But he said he could not confirm the authenticity of the diploma that the Nigerian leader presented to the election commission indicating he graduated in 1979. Were not qualified to verify whether this document (the diploma) is authentic, given that it is not in our possession, Westberg said. Asked to confirm that the school has no record of issuing the diploma in question, Westberg responded, Correct. Alexandre de Gramont, who represented Abubakar in U.S. court, said in a statement that the team got virtually everything we sought after a hard-fought battle to obtain the educational records which Mr. Tinubus lawyers vigorously opposed at every step. It is not the first time that a Nigerian leader has been accused of forgery. Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubus predecessor, faced similar allegations though they were never proven to be true. By CHINEDU ASADU Associated Press Taiwan probes firms suspected of selling chip equipment to Chinas Huawei despite US sanctions Taiwan probes firms suspected of selling chip equipment to Chinas Huawei despite US sanctions View Photo HONG KONG (AP) Taiwan authorities are investigating four Taiwan-based companies suspected of helping Chinas Huawei Technologies to build semiconductor facilities. Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua said Friday that the investigation will determine if the companies have violated regulations prohibiting sales of sensitive technologies and equipment to China. The Ministry of Economic Affairs summoned the semiconductor and factory services suppliers for questioning after a report by Bloomberg said they were working with Huawei as it builds a network of computer chip plants. The investigation also will study whether the companies exported any any sensitive technologies or products with military applications that are included in Taiwans list of Strategic High-Tech Commodities, Taiwans China News Agency and other reports said. They said semiconductor material reseller Topco Scientific Co.; cleanroom constructor L&K Engineering Co.; construction and design firm United Integrated Services Co. and chemical supply system provider Cica-Huntek Chemical Technology Taiwan Co. were suspected of supplying equipment or services to Huawei. The companies could be fined up to 25 million Taiwan dollars ($777,665) for violating regulations. Cleanrooms and other high-tech equipment and services are crucial for the delicate process of making computer chips. The four companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Wang said Taiwans National Science and Technology Council soon plans to announce a list of key technologies that require control measures to prevent sharing semiconductor techology with China. The government will take into consideration national security and technical considerations in deciding what measures to impose, she said. Earlier this week, Wang said during a hearing in Taiwans Legislative Yuan that the four companies only provided low-end factory services, such as wastewater treatment and environmental protection and did not provide any critical services to Huawei, the reports said. But Wang reminded companies that if they used U.S. technology and equipment they would not be able to co-operate with firms included in the U.S. Entity List, which prohibits companies from doing business with a listed company unless they obtain a license to do so. Huawei was placed on the U.S. Commerce Departments entity list in 2019. U.S. officials say the company is a security risk and might facilitate Chinese spying, an accusation that Huawei denies. By ZEN SOO AP Technology Writer Myanmars top court declines to hear Suu Kyis special appeals in abuse of power and bribery cases View Photo BANGKOK (AP) Myanmars Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear special appeals from the countrys ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi against her convictions in six corruption cases where she was found guilty of abusing her authority and accepting bribes, a legal official said. The 78-year-old Suu Kyi, who was arrested when the army toppled her elected government in February 2021, is serving prison sentences totaling 27 years after being convicted of a string of criminal charges mostly brought by the military. Her supporters and independent analysts say the charges, all of which have been contested by Suu Kyi and her lawyers, are bogus and an attempt to discredit her and legitimize the militarys seizure of power. She initially received sentences totaling 33 years but Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, granted her clemency in five cases and reduced her sentence by six years as part of a broader amnesty for more than 7,000 prisoners to mark a Buddhist religious holiday in August. The legal official, who is familiar with Suu Kyis court cases, said the appeals that the court in the capital Naypyitaw declined to hear included four cases in which she was convicted for abusing her position to rent parcels of land and property in Naypyitaw and Yangon, the countrys biggest city. The cases alleged that she had obtained the land at below-market prices for a charitable foundation that she chaired and had built a residence for herself on one plot with money donated for the foundation. The legal official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to release information. Suu Kyis lawyers, who had been a source of information about the proceedings, were served with gag orders in late 2021. He said the other appeal cases were related to the two counts of corruption in which Suu Kyi was found guilty of receiving a total of $550,000 between 2018 and 2020 from Maung Weik, a tycoon who in 2008 had been convicted of drug trafficking. Special appeals are usually the final stage of the judicial process in Myanmar. However, they can be re-examined by the Special Appeals Tribunal or the Plenary Tribunal if the chief justice sees them to be in the public interest. Appeals of Suu Kyis convictions on the charges including election fraud, breaching the official secrets acts and six other corruption cases are still being processed, several legal officials have said. Suu Kyis legal team has faced several hurdles, including being unable to meet with her to receive her instructions as they prepared her appeals. They have applied at least five times for permission to meet with Suu Kyi since they last saw her in person in December, but have not received any response, legal officials said. There were reports last month that Suu Kyi was suffering from symptoms of low blood pressure including dizziness and loss of appetite, but had been denied treatment at qualified facilities outside the prison system. The reports could not be independently confirmed, but Kim Aris, the younger son of Suu Kyi, said in interviews that he had heard that his mother has been extremely ill and has been suffering from gum problems and was unable to eat. Aris, who lives in England, urged that Myanmars military government be pressured to free his mother and other political prisoner. By GRANT PECK Associated Press Hanoi's upcoming weekend promises diverse entertainment from Japanese art exhibitions and a Beatles music night to a wine-based tapas soiree and a Sound of Music event for all. Exhibition "A Tide of Emotions" The installation "A Tide of Emotions" featuring work by Japanese female artist Chiharu Shiota, will be on display at the Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA) October 4, 2023, to March 30, 2024. Chiharu Shiota is recognized as one of Asia's leading female artists on the global contemporary art scene. Her artistic journey encompasses various creative mediums, including performance art, painting, sculpture, and installation. An art piece features the interweaving of red threads with wooden boats at "A Tide of Emotions" exhibition. Photo courtesy of Story of Hanoi "A Tide of Emotions" will showcase new creations produced at VCCA. The centerpiece of the exhibition, sharing the same title, envelops VCCA's expansive space with a network of red threads, a signature material for the artist. These threads are interwoven with wooden boats. Symbolizing history, stories, and carrying numerous metaphors, the wok particularly relevant to a coastal nation like Vietnam. The exhibition will run from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily at Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA), situated at Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, 72A Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District. Tickets for the exhibition are priced as follows: VND100,000 ($4) for adults, VND80,000 ($3) for students, and VND50,000 ($2) for children whose height ranges from 1 to 1.3 meters. For safety reasons, children under 1 meter in height are not permitted. Exhibition "Japanese Dolls" The exhibition "Japanese Dolls" hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam's Japanese Culture Club and The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, is an official program commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam. Visitors can delve into rich meanings behind each doll, experiencing the depth and creativity of Japanese culture at the "Japanese Dolls" exhibition. Photo courtesy of ChuraChura - Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam's Japanese Culture Club Japanese dolls serve as conveyors of customs, culture, hopes, and beliefs passed down through centuries. This exhibition showcases a diverse range of dolls, spanning from traditional to contemporary, all originating from Japan. The exhibition will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, from October 3 to 8. It will take place in Room D205 at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, at 69 Chua Lang Street, Dong Da District. The Beatles Night Polygon Musik announces a Beatles cover music night, dedicated to celebrating the 83rd birthday of the legendary John Lennon. This event on October 8 at 8:45 p.m. pays tribute to one of the most iconic figures in 20th-century music by performing the timeless songs of The Beatles. "The Beatles Night" poster. Photo courtesy of Polygon Musik Early Bird ticket pricing is set at VND150,000 ($6), including one drink, and is available for purchase from October 3rd until midnight on October 6th. Tickets can be secured via the registration link. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased offline at Polygon Musik from October 6 to 8 at a price of VND200,000 ($8). The event is scheduled to take place at 8:45 p.m. on October 8 at Polygon Musik - COMPLEX 01, situated at No. 29 Lane 31 Alley 167 Tay Son Street, Dong Da District. Wine out: Hanoi's autumn rendezvous The Continental Lounge is set to host "Wine out#7: Hanoi Autumn Rendezvous on Friday. Guests will savor delectable dishes and sweet wine while enjoying live music in the heart of the city. "Hanois autumn rendezvous" poster. Photo courtesy of Tapastic - Kitchen & Drinks A selection of 4 curated wines has been chosen to enhance the flavors of 7 tapas varieties served. They include mini pulled pork burgers, lemon cheesecake, bruschetta with yellow peaches, and roasted sweet potato wedges. Tickets for the event can be purchased at a price of VND950,000 ($39) per person. The event is scheduled to take place on October 6 at 6:30 p.m. The venue for the event is the Continental Lounge, situated on the 3rd floor of Quan Doi Hotel at 1A Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Ba Dinh District. Musical program "The sound of music" The musical event "The Sound of Music," presented in collaboration between the NEU Philharmonic Classical Music Club and the Diversity Choir, aims to convey a meaningful message centered around love and familial affection through the art of music. "The sound of music" poster. Photo courtesy of NEU Philharmonic Classical Music Club Inspired by the iconic Oscar-winning movie of the same name, the event retells the story of Maria Rainer and the von Trapp family. Maria's love and music guide the family through life's challenges, promising cherished moments for all. Ticket prices start at VND150,000 ($6) per seat, and registration can be completed through this link. The performance is scheduled for October 6, 2023, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Youth Theater located at 11 Ngo Thi Nham Street, Hai Ba Trung District. A Russian missile attack in eastern Ukraine kills a 10-year-old boy and his grandmother View Photo KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) A Russian missile attack killed a 10-year-old boy and his grandmother Friday in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, officials said. Elsewhere in the region, villagers prepared to bury their dead after a strike the previous day killed at least 52 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks in the war in months. Associated Press reporters saw emergency crews pulling the boys body from the rubble of a building after the early morning attack. He was wearing pajamas with a Spider-Man design. The strike also killed the boys grandmother and wounded an 11-month-old child, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram. Regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said that in all, 30 people were wounded. Rescue operations were continuing. Officials said preliminary information indicated that the Kremlins forces used two Iskander missiles in the attack, the same as in the previous days strike on the village of Hroza that killed 52 people. In Hroza, workers at the local cemetery on Friday cut down trees and mowed grass to prepare graves for those killed. They are to be buried not far from Ukrainian soldier Andrii Kozyr, whose wake they were attending when the strike happened. Many people in the village of around 300 lost relatives or friends in the attack. They gathered to mourn in groups in the village center, which was largely deserted except for people picking up humanitarian aid, including materials to repair their damaged houses. In a courtyard near the cafe wrecked by the missile, people placed candles and flowers to honor the dead. In Kharkiv city, one of the Friday morning missiles landed in the street, leaving a crater, and the other hit a three-story building, setting it ablaze, according to Syniehubov, the regional governor. Debris and rubble littered the street. Surrounding buildings were blackened by the blast, which blew out windows and damaged parked cars. Yevhen Shevchenko, a resident of a nearby nine-story building, said he was in bed when the attack occurred. There was a blast wave, a powerful explosion. It blew out the windows and doors in the apartment, he said. A day earlier, a Russian Iskander ballistic missile turned a village cafe and store to rubble in Hroza, a village in eastern Ukraine, killing at least 51 civilians, according to Ukrainian officials. Around 60 people, including children, were attending a wake at the cafe when the missile hit, they said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied on Friday that Russia was responsible for the Hroza attack. He insisted, as Moscow has in the past, that the Russian military doesnt target civilian facilities. The Hroza victims made up most of the 54 civilians killed in the country over the previous 24 hours, Ukraines presidential office said Friday. It said the U.N. human rights chief, Volker Turk, said he was shocked and saddened by the Hroza attack. The office said on X, formerly Twitter, that its human rights monitors intended to visit the site and collect information. Accountability is key, it said. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, attending a summit of about 50 European leaders in Spain to rally support from Ukraines allies, called the strike a demonstrably brutal Russian crime and a completely deliberate act of terrorism. His visit to the summit aimed to secure more military aid, among other goals, and Zelenskyy said late Thursday that his efforts had produced results. We will have more air defense systems, he wrote on his Telegram channel. There will be more long-range weapons. The air defense systems are crucial as Ukrainian officials try to prevent attacks like the ones in Kharkiv and amid fears Moscow will resume concerted attacks on power facilities during the winter, in a repeat of its tactics from last year when it tried to break the Ukrainians morale by denying them electricity. Zelenskyy is also fighting against signs that Western support for his countrys war effort could be fraying. Concerns over the resupply of Ukraines armed forces have deepened amid political turmoil in the United States and warnings that Europes ammunition and military hardware stocks are running low. The Swedish government said on Friday that it plans to send to Ukraine a military aid package worth 2.2 billion kronor ($199 million), mainly consisting of 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. We are preparing for it to be a long war, therefore we need to design our support long-term and sustainably, Defense Minister Pal Jonson told a press conference. It is now important that more countries step up to support Ukraine. Meantime, Russia scrambled a MiG-31 fighter jet to shadow a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol plane approaching Russian airspace over the Norwegian Sea, Russias Ministry of Defense said. When the Russian jet approached the U.S. plane, the American aircraft turned away from, and did not cross, the Russian border, the ministry said. It said the Russian fighter jet flew in strict accordance with international rules and did not dangerously approach the U.S. plane. Such intercepts have become more frequent. Protocols in both Russia and the West envisage scrambling fighters if a plane from the other side flies close to the border. ___ Associated Press writers Jamey Keaten in Geneva and Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine By HANNA ARHIROVA Associated Press Migrants pass quickly through once impenetrable Darien jungle as governments scramble for answers View Photo BAJO CHIQUITO, Panama (AP) Rain-swollen rivers only briefly slowed the otherwise uninterrupted flow of migrants through this jungle-covered border area separating Colombia and Panama and by midweek another 2,000 bedraggled migrants stumbled out of the Darien jungle. Pregnant women and men carrying children atop their shoulders waded across the waist-deep Tuquesa river and into the Indigenous outpost of Bajo Chiquito where some fell to the ground in exhaustion and relief as Panamanian officials waited to register their arrival. Crossing through the dense, lawless jungle not long ago was unthinkable to most people. In recent years, it became a brutal slog of a week or more. But some migrants arriving this week described an organized trek completed in as little as 2 days on trails marked by colored ribbons and assisted by guides and porters, part of what officials say has become a business generating millions of dollars. That efficiency combined with the unrelenting economic factors pushing migrants to leave countries like Venezuela, whose citizens account for the majority of them, have resulted in more than 400,000 migrants crossing the Darien this year. The dizzying number of 500,000 double last years record total is now on the horizon. That figure, and the corresponding number reaching the U.S.-Mexico border, factored into the United States decision to resume deportation flights to Venezuela in the coming days. The new measure announced Thursday is part of what U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas termed strict consequences for those who do not avail themselves of expanded legal pathways to enter the U.S. On Friday, Panama President Laurentino Cortizo and Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves flew over Bajo Chiquito in a helicopter before landing in the Lajas Blancas community at the edge of the Darien jungle. There they watched the steady arrival of migrants in boats from Bajo Chiquito, including two women who were unloaded on stretchers with unknown injuries. Both leaders called for their counterparts across the region sending and transit countries to hold an urgent meeting on migration to seek solutions. This is such a big problem that we require the participation of all of the links, Cortizo said. Two days earlier, Kimberly Morales, 34, from Caracas, Venezuela walked the last 30 minutes to Bajo Chiquito with her husband and their sons ages 8 and 16. They made the crossing from Colombia in 2 days, but Morales described it as horrible. I dont wish it for anyone. Its the worst, she said. They paid guides $320 each in Colombia to take them to Panama where the desperation began. While the route on the Colombian side has become organized and lucrative, the Panamanian side remains more risky. Morales said she saw three dead migrants along the way, including a woman who had apparently drowned in a river. On Thursday, they donned orange life jackets and boarded one of a hundred waiting long, thin boats waiting to ferry migrants at $25 a head to Lajas Blancas where they would get on buses to whisk them across Panama to Costa Rica to continue their journey north. What we want is to at least have a place to sleep, a job, a life that we can give (our children), to be able to buy them medicine if they get sick, Morales said. In April, the U.S., Panama and Colombia announced a campaign to slow migration through the Darien jungle, but migrants numbers have only grown forcing the Biden administration to seek other options. Last month, the U.S. Homeland Security Department announced plans to grant Temporary Protected Status to an estimated 472,000 Venezuelans who arrived in the country as of July 31, making it easier for them to get authorization to work in the U.S. That was in addition to about 242,700 Venezuelans who already qualified for temporary status before that announcement. The Biden administration had also said it would accelerate work authorizations for people who have arrived in the country since January through a mobile app for appointments at land crossings with Mexico, called CBP One, or through parole granted to Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who have financial sponsors and arrive at an airport. It aimed to give them work permits within 30 days. But anyone arriving after July 31 would not be eligible. On Thursday, U.S. officials said they had already identified Venezuelans who entered the U.S. illegally after that date who would not be eligible for protections and thus would be flown back to Venezuela. Venezuela plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing at least 7.3 million people to migrate and making food and other necessities unaffordable for those who remain. The vast majority who fled settled in neighboring countries in Latin America, but many began coming to the United States in the last three years. This week, migrants emerging from the jungle for whom the crossing had extended to five days, said they ran out of food because their guides promised a quicker trip. Gabriela Quijada, 33, who made the trip with a friend, dizzily fell to the ground upon reaching Bajo Chiquito Wednesday. The promised three-day trip she paid $250 for took them five, meaning they went without eating for the final stretch. This morning we crossed a river that nearly swept us away, and it was raining, said Quijada, from Margarita, Venezuela. I walked and cried. She explained that her earnings werent enough to support her two teenage daughters who she had left behind in Venezuela. If I make it and enter the United States I will find a way to bring them legally, she said. Carliomar Pena, a 33-year-old vendor from Venezuelas Merida state travelling with her son, was trying to reunite with her husband who turned himself over to U.S. border agents a year ago and applied for asylum. She paid Colombian guides $320 for herself and $60 for her son, then an additional $100 for a porter to carry their belongings to an infamously difficult climb at the Colombia-Panama border. On Thursday, her sons 6th birthday, they waited for a boat to carry them downriver. She planned to apply for an appointment via the CBP One app as she neared the U.S. border that would allow them to eventually seek asylum too. The ideal for all Venezuelans is to request their appointment to be able to cross as legally as possible, with permission to work, Pena said. But failing that she said the other option would be to turn themselves over to U.S. authorities at the border. Reflecting on the journey so far, Pena said the Colombia stretch was tolerable, but in Panama she felt their lives were always at risk. Its a life for animals, not for human beings, she said. ____ Follow APs global migration coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration By JUAN ZAMORANO Associated Press Migrating Venezuelans undeterred by US plan to resume deportation flights View Photo LAJAS BLANCAS, Panama (AP) At the edge of Panamas Darien jungle Friday, Venezuelans made up the majority of migrants waiting for buses to speed them across the country to Costa Rica, where they planned to continue moving north. Annie Carrillo, a 38-year-old Venezuelan traveling with her Colombian husband and a friend, said they had crossed the dense, lawless jungle from Colombia in three days after paying $350 each to a guide. When she heard about the U.S. governments plan to restart deportation flights to Venezuela in the coming days, Carrillo was discouraged. No one emigrates from their country because they want to. One migrates because you have basic needs and there isnt support in your native country, she said, starting to cry. The U.S. government hopes the threat of deportation will be enough to make Venezuelans reconsider trying to enter the United States illegally and opt instead for the online appointment system to make asylum claims or other legal paths. But some migrants said Friday that it would not stop them from continuing their journey. Venezuela has suffered political, economic and humanitarian crises over the past decade, pushing at least 7.3 million people to migrate and making food and other necessities unaffordable for those who remain. The vast majority who fled settled in neighboring countries in Latin America, but many began coming to the United States in the last three years. Observers have pointed out that earlier this week the Biden administration justified the expansion of temporary protected status for Venezuelans announced last month by noting the severe humanitarian challenges in the country. But now the administration has decided Venezuela is not bad enough to keep them from deporting migrants back there. The U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys assistant secretary for border and immigration policy said Friday that it is already repatriating people to countries with humanitarian situations similar to those in Venezuela. These direct repatriations are obviously made now to Venezuela, but also to other countries that have complicated situations such as Haiti, Cuba and other countries around the world, Blas Nunez-Neto told reporters. What we are announcing is in accordance with our laws, with our international obligations. The U.S. Border Patrol encountered Venezuelans 22,000 times along the southwest border in August, nearly double the number in July, but still slightly below the 25,000 encounters in August 2022. Although Venezuelans make up about 60% of the migrants crossing the Darien Gap this year, they trail migrant numbers from countries including Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala at the U.S. border. At least 16 migrants died and more were injured Friday when a bus carrying them crashed in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. Nunez-Neto said more than 130,000 Venezuelans had arrived to the U.S. in the past year through legal paths, such as CBP One and humanitarian parole. Still more than 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) from the nearest U.S. border crossing, Carrillo hadnt made up her mind yet about whether they would wait for an appointment to seek asylum or risk crossing and turning themselves over to U.S. border agents. She said they had heard it could take more than three months to get an appointment through CBP One, an eternity for migrants who usually spend all their money just making it to the border. What sense is there in making this journey where every second counts and every second youre putting your life at risk and only to arrive in a country and have them deport you just like that? Carrillo said. Patricia Andrade, one of the founders of the humanitarian assistance organization Venezuelan Roots in Miami, was incredulous about the possibility of mass deportations to Venezuela considering that thousands of migrants arrive every day at the southern border. How many flights are they going to take? Andrade said. She said Venezuelans are fleeing their country out of desperation and will continue to come. The announcement of deportations is not going to scare everyone, said Andrade, whose organization provides clothes, sheets, towels and pots to Venezuelan recent arrivals. As long as the Venezuelan problem is not resolved, people will continue arriving. It was concerning for some, however. A 47-year-old Venezuelan woman living in Atlanta who arrived years ago and received temporary protected status requested anonymity because she worried speaking out could jeopardize the situation of her relatives. She said one of her husbands cousins waited three months in Mexico for an appointment to request asylum in the United States, but finally decided to cross illegally and turn himself over to U.S. authorities. He has been in U.S. detention for 20 days and she now worries that he could be deported back to Venezuela. Other relatives who have been at the border for two months waiting for appointments are now considering the possibility of crossing illegally, she said. Now they are afraid to voluntarily surrender to U.S. authorities, they are very worried and we are, too, the woman said. They cannot return to Venezuela either, the conditions are not there. Carmen Gabriela Rojas, 22, and her partner Julian Ascanio, 31, arrived in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas, on Friday. It was a four-day ride atop a freight train from Mexico City. Ascanio said their plan was to apply for an appointment to request asylum and wait in Mexico, but to do so they needed to find work quickly because they were out of money. Told of the resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela, Rojas said it was an additional concern, because being sent back to Mexico would be one thing, but all the way back to Venezuela would be really hard. Back in Lajas Blancas, Panama, at the edge of the Darien jungle, Jhonny Zambrano, a 20-year-old Venezuelan, waited with his parents, sister and niece. He said the family did not have a plan yet for when they reach the U.S. border, but that if he was deported he would try again until he was successful. He had been a student in Venezuela, but the economic situation made it impossible for him to continue his studies, forcing him at times to go without eating at school. What am I going to do in our country? Zambrano asked. If deported, I would do it (migrate) again to work and to get my family ahead. ___ Salomon reported from Miami. Associated Press writer Alicia Fernandez in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, contributed to this report. By JUAN ZAMORANO and GISELA SALOMON Associated Press Colorado funeral home with green burials under investigation after improperly stored bodies found View Photo PENROSE, Colo. (AP) Authorities in Colorado said Thursday they were investigating the improper storage of human remains at a funeral home that performs green burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. The investigation centers on a building owned by the Return to Nature Funeral Home outside Colorado Springs in the small town of Penrose. Deputies were called to the single-story building Tuesday night in reference to a suspicious incident. Investigators returned the next day with a search warrant and found the improperly stored remains, the Fremont County Sheriffs Office said. The number of human remains found and their condition were not specified. The sheriffs office said it was working with state and federal officials on the investigation. Family members who used the funeral home were asked to contact the sheriffs office. More details were expected to be released by officials at a scheduled news conference Friday morning. Trash bags could be seen Thursday outside the entrance of the companys building, with two law enforcement vehicles parked in front. Yellow police tape cordoned off the area and a putrid odor pervaded the air. A hearse was parked at the back of the building, in a parking lot overgrown with weeds. Near the squat building was a post office and a few scattered homes, spaced out between dry grass and empty lots with parked semi-trucks. Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. Joyce Pavetti, 73, can see the funeral home from the stoop of her house and said she caught whiffs of a putrid smell in the last few weeks. We just assumed it was a dead animal, she said. On Wednesday night, Pavetti said she could see lights from law enforcement swarming around the building and knew something was going on. The building has been occupied by different businesses over the years, said Pavetti, who once took yoga classes there. She hasnt seen anyone in the area recently and noticed the hearse behind the building only in recent months, she said. Neighbor Ron Alexander thought the smell was coming from a septic tank, adding that Wednesday nights blur of law enforcement lights looked like the 4th of July. The father of a 25-year-old U.S. Navy serviceman who died last summer said Return to Nature handled his sons body between the time of its arrival back in Colorado and an Aug. 25 funeral service at Pikes Peak National Cemetery east of Colorado Springs. I mean, theres obviously questions after hearing that there is something going on but theres not any information that I can go off of to really make any kind of judgement on it, said Paul Saito Kahler, of Fountain, Colorado. The Return to Nature Funeral Home provides burial of non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets, shrouds or nothing at all, according to its website. The company also provides cremation services. Messages left for the Colorado Springs-based company were not immediately returned. No embalming fluids, no concrete vaults. As natural as possible, it says on its website. The company charges $1,895 for a natural burial. That doesnt include the cost of a casket and cemetery space, according to the website. The funeral home also performs cremations that involve no chemicals or unnatural materials just you and the Earth, returning to nature, according to its website. Return to Nature was established six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to public records. A green burial refers to burying bodies that have not been embalmed. Thats different from human composting, in which the body is placed in a vessel and transformed into soil. Fremont County property records show that the funeral home building and lot are owned by Hallfordhomes, LLC, a business with a Colorado Springs address which the Colorado Secretary of State declared delinquent on Oct. 1 for failing to file a routine reporting form that was due at the end of July. The LLC changed addresses around Colorado Springs three times since its establishment in 2016 with a post office box. Hallfordhomes still owes about $5,000 in 2022 property taxes on its building in Penrose, according to Fremont County records. The Return to Nature Funeral Home was licensed in Colorado Springs in 2017. There were no disciplinary actions against the company listed on a state license database. There was not a separate license for the Penrose facility and it wasnt known if one was needed. Messages left with licensing authorities were not immediately returned. Kathryn Wilson, who lives nearby, said her daughters dog would curiously head toward Return to Natures building when it slipped its leash. She previously hadnt given it a second thought, Wilson said, adding that community members were upset so little has been disclosed about what happened. Everybody wants more answers, she said. ___ Associated Press writers Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Montana, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, and news researcher Jennifer Farrar in New York contributed to this report. By JESSE BEDAYN Associated Press Authorities cant search slain Las Vegas reporters devices, Nevada Supreme Court rules View Photo LAS VEGAS (AP) A slain Las Vegas Review-Journal reporters personal devices and other records are protected even after death, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled. The states highest court ruled Thursday that Nevadas shield law, which protects journalists from disclosing sources, precludes Las Vegas police and prosecutors from going through Jeff Germans things, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. The ruling also stated Nevadas return of property law applies to the newspaper because it is an aggrieved party. Authorities had argued they could search Germans things because the Review-Journal had no ownership claims. The three justices also upheld a proposal that a third party examine Germans materials as part of the police investigation into his killing. A Clark County District judge previously said she didnt have jurisdiction to consider the matter. Glenn Cook, the newspapers executive editor, applauded the court. He argued letting authorities search Germans devices and discriminate what is protected under press privilege is like the fox guarding the henhouse. Attorneys for investigators have said the devices must be searched for evidence to build a case in Germans slaying. Police allege that Robert Rob Telles, a Democratic elected county official, waited outside Germans home in September 2022 before fatally stabbing him. Telles was arrested five days later. Authorities believe Telles, who has since been stripped of his elected position, was motivated by Germans reporting on Telles time as public administrator. Germans stories included reports of bullying and hostility perpetrated by Telles in the office, as well as an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Telles has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder. He plans to represent himself and has a preliminary hearing scheduled later this month. Ramaswamy says angry protesters rammed his car in Iowa; police say no evidence crash was intentional Ramaswamy says angry protesters rammed his car in Iowa; police say no evidence crash was intentional View Photo DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Vivek Ramaswamys campaign says at least two protesters upset about the Republican presidential candidates remarks in opposition to aid for Ukraine purposely rammed his car in Iowa in retaliation on Thursday, but police say there is no evidence to support the claim that the crash was intentional. The police account of the crash in the central Iowa city of Grinnell sharply diverged from the story told earlier by Ramaswamys campaign, which contended that protesters yelled and swore at the candidate before at least one of them jumped into a vehicle, rammed his empty campaign car and sped off. The campaign said that no one was injured and that it had filed a police report. Police say they were dispatched to a coffee shop in the city shortly after 1 p.m. for a report of property damage. While there, they contacted a 22-year-old woman who reported that she had just eaten lunch at a nearby deli and was backing her car out of her parking spot when she accidentally struck a Ford Expedition that was across the street. Police say the woman told them she was not there protesting anything, had no idea whose vehicle she had hit, did not intentionally cause the crash and did not flee the scene. Police say there is no evidence to substantiate the claim that protesters intentionally hit Ramaswamys campaign vehicle and sped off. Both vehicles had minor damage, police said, and the woman received a traffic summons for unsafe backing. Ramaswamy spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told The Associated Press that the campaign stands by its assessment that the driver was a protester. She also stood by her assessment that there were two people in the car that hit the campaign car. Im confident of what happened. I was there, McLaughlin said. A woman in Grinnell with the same name as the driver did not immediately respond to a message sent Thursday evening by The Associated Press seeking comment. Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur and the author of Woke, Inc., was in Grinnell for a scheduled interview with Des Moines local CBS News affiliate before heading to Des Moines to host a fall-themed, family campaign event. Campaign aides said Ramaswamy planned to go ahead with the event. The candidate travels with some private security, but aides declined to elaborate. He does not have a Secret Service detail. McLaughlin told the AP earlier in the day in a text message, Prior to the protestors ramming their car they continually laid on the horn, flipped staff off and screamed expletives (it appeared in efforts to create commotion.) She continued: It seemed like the protestor couldnt stay at the event or didnt want to and wanted to make a statement. (Though I cant assign motivations.) The driver began to drive off but stopped suddenly after staffers chased after to get insurance information. Ramaswamy described the crash in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Had a civil exchange with protestors today, right before two of them then got into their car & rammed it into ours, he wrote. Those two should be held accountable, but the rest of the peaceful protestors shouldnt be tarred by the behavior of two bad actors. Ramaswamy later sent out a fundraising email with details of the crash, asking supporters to stand for free speech and help out his campaign. Grinnell, a small city east of Des Moines, is home to Grinnell College, a small liberal arts school with an enrollment of about 1,700 in Poweshiek County. Ramaswamy is not the first candidate whose car has been hit while campaigning this election season. In July, his rival Ron DeSantis was involved in a multicar accident near Chattanooga, Tennessee, en route to a campaign event. The Florida governor was uninjured when traffic on Interstate 75 slowed quickly during busy morning drive time, causing a chain reaction of state-owned vehicles. ___ Beck contributed from Omaha, Neb. Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Miami contributed to this report. By THOMAS BEAUMONT and MARGERY A. BECK Associated Press Berkshire Hathaways Charlie Munger gives $40 million in stock to California museum View Photo OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Billionaire investor Charlie Munger, whos been Warren Buffetts right-hand man for more than five decades, has made a $40 million gift to a California museum that hes supported in the past. Munger gave 77 Class A Berkshire Hathaway shares to the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Museum in San Marino, California, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. At Thursdays closing price of $523,545.06 a share, that made the gift worth more than $40.3 million. A decade ago, he gave the Huntington museum nearly $33 million worth of Berkshire stock to help pay for a new education and visitors center. Huntington spokeswoman Susan Turner-Lowe said this latest donation will be used to build more than 30 residences for visiting scholars to use while they spend time at the museum doing research. Turner-Lowe said scholars often spend a school year studying at the Huntington and the expensive rental market in Los Angeles has made that difficult to afford. She said this is a long-time dream that is in the process of being fulfilled in a major way. Mungers fortune never rivaled his best friend Buffetts, but it was still sizeable. At one point Munger did lose his billionaire status as he steadily gave away his fortune, and roughly $1 billion of his stock went into a charitable trust in 2010 after his wife died. But he is a billionaire today because the value of his Berkshire stock has continued to increase over time. After his latest donation, Munger still holds 4,033 Class A Berkshire shares. But back in 2000 he held 15,911 shares, which would be worth more than $8.3 billion today if hed hung onto it all. Munger, who is known for his quick wit and acerbic manner, will turn 100 in January. He often quips that I have nothing more to add after some of Buffetts more long-winded answers at Berkshires legendary shareholder meetings, but hell also cut right to the heart of an issue in his own answers. For instance, hes called cryptocurrencies evil and stupid because theyre likely to go to zero and are far too useful to kidnappers and extortionists and so forth. The conglomerate that Munger helped Buffett build owns dozens of companies, including BNSF railroad, Geico insurance and several major utilities along with well-known brands like Sees Candy and Dairy Queen along with numerous manufacturing firms. Although Berkshire is based in Omaha, Nebraska, where Buffett lives, Munger has long lived in Southern California, so much of his charitable giving has been focused on the West Coast. By JOSH FUNK AP Business Writer Pakistan says its planned deportation of 1.7 million Afghan migrants will be phased and orderly Pakistan says its planned deportation of 1.7 million Afghan migrants will be phased and orderly View Photo ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistan will carry out its recently announced plans to deport all migrants who are in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans, in a phased and orderly manner, the foreign ministry said Friday. The statement is likely meant to assuage international concerns and calm fears among Afghan refugees in Pakistan after Islamabad unexpectedly said Tuesday that all migrants including the Afghans without valid documentation will have to go back to their countries voluntarily before Oct. 31 to avoid mass arrests and forced deportation. This sent a wave of panic among those living in this Islamic country without papers and drew widespread condemnation from rights groups. Activists say any forced deportation of Afghans will put them at a grave risk. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Friday the new policy is not aimed at Afghans only. We have been hosting Afghans refugees generously for the past four decades when millions of them fled Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation, she said. Those 1.4 million Afghan nationals who are registered as refugees in Pakistan need not worry, she added. Our policy is only about individuals who are here illegally, no matter what their nationality is, she added. But, unfortunately there has been a misunderstanding or misrepresentation and for some reason people have starting associating this with Afghan refugees. The laws in Pakistan are similar to laws in many other countries, Baloch said. Amnesty International on Thursday asked Pakistan to allow the Afghans to continue to live in the country while the day before, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spokesman expressed concerns about the new policy. As a matter of principle it is critical that no refugees be sent back without it being a voluntary and dignified return, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York on Wednesday. In Kabul, the Taliban governments chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, has also criticized Pakistans announcement, saying it was unacceptable and that Islamabad should reconsider the decision. Although Pakistani security forces and police have routinely been arresting and deporting Afghans who have sneaked into the country without valid documents in recent years, this is the first time that the government has announced plans for such a major crackdown. The developments come amid a spike in attacks by the Pakistani Taliban, who have hideouts and bases in Afghanistan but regularly cross into Pakistan to stage attacks on Pakistani forces. The outlawed Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, often claim attacks on Pakistani security forces. But they have distanced themselves from a pair of suicide bombings last week that killed 59 people in southwest and northwest areas bordering Afghanistan. Nobody has claimed responsibility for those attacks. Baloch said some of the migrants without papers, including Afghans, have already started going back to their countries. We are allowing a grace period until the end of the month, she said. Pakistan has long demanded that the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan cease their support for the TTP. The Pakistani Taliban are a separate group but are allied with the Afghan Taliban, who seized control of Afghanistan in mid-August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their withdrawal from the country, after 20 years of war. The takeover has emboldened the TTP. Baloch also said that Pakistans Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani held talks in China, where he is currently on an official visit, with Afghanistans Taliban-appointed Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Their meeting was very productive, she said without elaborating and urged the Afghan Taliban to disarm the TTP so that the Afghan territory would no longer be a launching pad for attacks in Pakistan. She, however, insisted that the planned crackdown on migrants who are in Pakistan without proper authorization was not aimed at bargaining with the Afghan Taliban authorities. Absolutely, this is not the case all we only want all illegal migrants to go back, she said. By MUNIR AHMED Associated Press Iran unlawfully detaining human rights activists, including new Nobel peace laureate, UN expert says View Photo UNITED NATIONS (AP) Iran is cracking down on protesters, unlawfully detaining human rights activists, including new Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, and carrying out an alarming number of executions, the U.N. independent investigator on human rights in the Islamic Republic said in a report circulated Friday. The wide-ranging report by Javaid Rehman, covering the period from October 2022 through July, was written before the announcement early Friday that the Nobel Peace Prize had been awarded to Mohammadi, a longtime campaigner for womens rights even from her current cell in Tehrans notorious Evin Prison. Rehman, a Pakistani-born professor of international human rights law at Brunel University in London, singled out Mohammadi among lawyers and human rights defenders imprisoned for their work in the report to the General Assembly. He was highly critical of the excessive and lethal use of force unleashed by Iranian authorities in reaction to nationwide protests following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old member of the Kurdish minority who was arrested for wearing an improper hijab or head scarf. By the end of July, Rehman said, at least 537 people, including 68 children and 48 women, had died for protesting and hundreds more had been injured while thousands have been reportedly arrested, detained or incarcerated. Irans U.N. mission spokesman did not respond to an email request seeking comment on the report. Rehman expressed disappointment that Iran has not carried out an independent and transparent investigation into Aminis death or the unlawful use of force against protesters. He recommended that Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the countrys government, judiciary and parliament accept full responsibility for Aminis death and take immediate remedial actions. The investigator, appointed by the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council, also recommended that Khamenei and Iranian authorities undertake prompt, independent investigations into the killings of protesters and immediately end all forms of violence, including sexual violence and harassment of girls and women protesters. In the aftermath of the protests, Rehman said, Iranian security forces arrested at least 576 civil rights activists ,including teachers and advocates from labor unions and minority groups. The arrests and attacks appear to be aimed at punishing and silencing human rights defenders and civil rights activists, in particular in relation to womens rights and those calling for accountability for the death of Ms. Amini, he said, adding that human rights lawyers also continue to be imprisoned for their work. Human rights defender Narges Mohammadi remains in prison serving a 16-year prison sentence, Rehman said, singling her out by name. He added that innumerable reports he received establish that the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and to participate are under serious threat in Iran. His report also cited significant reports of arrests and threats against journalists for their independent reporting, including on the protests. As of the end of July, Rehman said, 21 journalists remained jailed, including Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, who reported Aminis death and are accused of collaborating with the hostile American government, colluding against national security and engaging in propaganda activity against the authorities. These charges carry harsh sentences and potentially even the death penalty. he said. Rehman also cited alarming reports of suspected poisonings in girls schools across the country. He expressed concern at the timing of the incidents, which began only a few weeks after the nationwide protests. Since the first case was reported in Qom Province last Nov. 30, he said, 78 targeted poison attacks have been reported in more than 100 girls schools across Iran. More than 13,000 students, the majority of them girls, reportedly received medical treatment, he said. Symptoms included coughing, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, headaches, nausea, vomiting and numbness in arms and legs. Many parents reportedly took their daughters out of school for fear of these attacks, Rehman said. He expressed serious concern that authorities have subjected the schoolgirls, their parents, teachers, journalists and others to harassment and violence and have intimidated and arrested those calling for accountability and accusing Iranian authorities of complicity or failure to stop the poisonings. Rehman reported an alarming increase in the number of executions in 2022 at least 582, including 256 for drug-related offenses. As of July 31, he added, 419 people had reportedly been executed this year, including at least 239 for drug-related offenses. Since the nationwide protests began, at least seven people have been executed for their involvement, Rehman said. The government claimed that six of the defendants confessed to attacking and killing Basij, paramilitary volunteers who are fiercely loyal to the Islamic Republic, or police officers, he said. Rehman said he is extremely concerned at reports of confessions extracted through torture and of the death penalty having been implemented after court proceedings that substantially violated the right to fair trial. He said he views the executions of the seven protesters as a violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. By EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press The rapid expansion of cyber technology and digital tools promises to improve our lives and revolutionize industries. However, the development of risk management and legal measures have lagged, and that poses a danger. We must work to ensure these technologies are designed, developed, deployed, and used in a responsible way, said United States Counselor to the United Nations Economic and Social Council Ed Heartney. Innovation must not disregard human rights concerns, and human rights should be a centerpiece for any international agreement driving responsible practices in the digital sphere. The United States remains concerned with the growing list of technology misuses for censorship, transnational repression, arbitrary or unlawful surveillance and other privacy violations, and disinformation. These misuses have been further exacerbated in some countries by repressive legislative environments intended to silence peaceful critics and limit factual reporting, he said. We are particularly concerned by the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware to target human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and perceived critics, as well as diplomats and their families, said Counselor Heartney. These technologies often give perpetrators unfettered access to personal information and locations without the users awareness. Activists lobbying for womens rights are being harassed and intimidated. Journalists are being targeted for factual reporting on corrupt or authoritarian practices. For example, civil society experts reported finding commercial spyware on a prominent Russian journalists phone, he said. These cases of digital repression can also lead to physical abuses, such as arbitrary detentions, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings in the most egregious of cases. A number of these challenges were recently addressed by the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of countries specifically dedicated to supporting and advancing respect for human rights online and in digital contexts. The Coalition, with the United States at its head this year, is developing a set of donor principles to align investments in digital governance and data management programs with our commitments to human rights and democratic values, said Counselor Heartney. The United States remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders on approaches that drive innovation and inclusive economic growth while respecting universal human rights, he said. We call on other governments, said Counselor Heartney, to join us in taking meaningful actions to discourage the misuse of commercial spyware, develop responsible use practices that are consistent with respect for universal human rights and the rule of law, and drive responsible business practices in that area. South Africas President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has officially launched a new border force aimed at strengthening the countrys porous borders. The inauguration ceremony took place in Musina, a town located near the bustling Beitbridge border post with Zimbabwe. Ramaphosa highlighted the growing challenge of undocumented foreign nationals, emphasizing how their increasing numbers have exacerbated social and economic issues within the country. Immigration has become one of South Africas most pressing political concerns, with calls for the government to take more action in reducing the influx of people from neighboring countries into the regions most developed nation. Border management has been disorganized, prompting the need for a more coordinated approach. Until now, border policing was divided among four government departments, leading to a lack of efficiency. However, with the establishment of the Border Management Authority, South Africa now possesses an integrated border policing bureau under a single command and control structure. The Border Management Authority, which required significant financial investment, becomes South Africas third law enforcement agency after the police and army. Hundreds of border guards have been recruited and will collaborate with the defense force to monitor the countrys ports of entry, including seaports, land borders, and international airports. Zimbabwes President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, also attended the launch and held discussions with President Ramaphosa, emphasizing their countries shared desire for peaceful coexistence as neighbours. Ramaphosa emphasized that the Border Management Authority plays a crucial role in harnessing the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area while tackling illegal migration and human trafficking. The immigration debate in South Africa is often marred by violence, xenophobia, and misinformation, as unemployed South Africans sometimes perceive undocumented migrants as competition for their jobs. Breaking News via Email In a mining town in Gwanda, Zimbabwe, the untimely death of a gold miner in a road accident has sparked a heated debate. It has been revealed that the miner had allegedly been warned on multiple occasions by a preacher from Bulawayo about the impending tragedy. According to reports, Archbishop Emmanuel Mutumwa of the Johane Masowe eChishanu delivered a prophecy during one of his church services in West Nicholson. He reportedly foretold that the gold miner, whose identity is being withheld, would be involved in a fatal road accident. Concerned for his well-being, the preacher urged the miners relatives, who were present at the service, to advise him to come for prayers. Despite Archbishop Mutumwas repeated efforts, the miner allegedly disregarded the message, dismissing the prophets warning as an attempt to extort money from him. In a video obtained by B-Metro, Archbishop Mutumwa is seen passionately pleading with one of his workers to call the miner and instruct him to seek prayers. However, the miner persisted in his skepticism. Tragically, on his way to Bulawayo, the gold miner was involved in a fatal accident, confirming the prophecy. A senior member of the congregation, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed that Archbishop Mutumwa had indeed prophesied the miners death during church services on multiple occasions. The miner had previously been involved in two separate road accidents, as foretold by the preacher, but they had not been fatal. The fatal accident occurred a few weeks after the last prophecy. Following the miners tragic demise, the family attempted to reach out to Archbishop Mutumwa. However, some residents in the mining town expressed outrage and dismissed the prophecy as an inevitability, considering it to be a non-event. When approached for comment, Archbishop Mutumwa defended his prophecy, explaining that as prophets, their duty is to relay the messages and visions given to them by God. He compared it to the warnings provided in biblical history, intended to motivate repentance and a return to faith. Acknowledging that people subscribe to different beliefs, he expressed no ill will toward the miner for declining the prayer offer. Archbishop Mutumwa extended his deepest condolences to the grieving family of the gold miner, emphasizing that his intention was to fulfill his role as a prophet and deliver the message he had received. Breaking News via Email In 2009, Ecuadorians voted in a referendum to remove all US military presence from the country. Now, thanks to an agreement signed in the dying days of Guillermo Lassos corruption-tainted government, US troops are coming back. Just ten days ago, I reported in my post, Back to Business As Usual: The US Is Once Again Vigorously Stirring the Pot in Its Own Backyard, that the US is seeking to escalate its war on drugs in Latin America, as a pretext for trying to regain strategic dominance of the region. It is doing so one country at a time, with the apparent ultimate endgame being direct, overt military intervention against Mexicos drug cartels on Mexican soil. In mid-September, 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. A few days later, the Peruvian government, which has virtually zero democratic legitimacy and is under investigation for human rights violations, signed an agreement with US Homeland Security Investigations to collaborate in transnational criminal investigations through the establishment of a Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit (TCIU). Now, less than a month later, Perus Andean neighbour, Ecuador, is on exactly the same path. Last Friday (Sept 29), the countrys outgoing President (and former senior banker) Guillermo Lasso held a closed-door meeting with senior officials of the US Coast Guard and Department of Defense in Washington. The outcome of that meeting was two status agreements, one that will allow the deployment of US naval forces along Ecuadors coastline while the other will permit the disembarking of US land forces on Ecuador soil, albeit only at the request of Ecuadors government. All with the ostensible aim of combatting drug trafficking organizations. Obviously, that is not what this is really about. If Washington were serious about tackling the violence generated by the drug cartels, the first thing it could 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 were remotely serious about tackling the major cause of the drug problem the rampant consumption of narcotics within its own borders it would never have let Big Pharma unleash the opium epidemic. And once it had, it would never have let the perps walk free with the daintiest of financial slaps on the wrists. The primary goal of this latest escalation in the US decades-old war on drugs, as with all previous escalations, is to achieve or maintain geostrategic dominance in key, normally resource-rich regions of the world while keeping the restive populace at home in line or in prison, generating big bucks for the prison industrial complex. Radio Silence From what I can tell, this latest escalation has so far received little media coverage in Ecuador and almost zero coverage in the English-language press, apart from one solitary article in the Washington Examiner: The State Department has not publicized the agreements in any of the more than 30 press releases issued since Wednesday, but a State spokesperson confirmed to the Washington Examiner on Friday that it had signed status of forces agreements and maritime law enforcement agreements. Senior representatives from the Department of Homeland Securitys military branch, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Defense Department attended the signing. The maritime agreement allows U.S. military vessels to be present in the waters off the northwestern coast of South America, which Colombian drug cartels use to move cocaine. The ability to move military vessels into the area will strengthen cooperative law enforcement activities and build mutual capacity to prevent and combat illicit transnational maritime activity, according to State. The second agreement was a less common one, according to Adam Isacson, who heads defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America and has worked on Latin American issues since 1994. Status of forces agreements outline the terms by which members of a foreign military, in this case the Defense Department, can operate or are expected to conduct themselves while in another country. That doesnt mean were doing it, but it means we can and it means that theyre making a very clear signal to us that they want us more involved, Crenshaw said. History Repeating Presumably, the reason why this story is getting such little attention, not even affording a press release by the State Department, has a lot to do with recent Ecuadorian history. You see, Ecuador is one of the few countries in the world to actually successfully close down all US military bases on its territory and force all US soldiers to withdraw. In 2009, when the US Air Forces 10-year lease on the Manta base on Ecuadors Pacific coast came up for renewal, Rafael Correas government held a referendum on the issue. The people overwhelmingly voted for the base to be closed. According to article in the Washington Examiner, the US withdrew all of its forces from Ecuador. In reality, they were evicted. From Asia Pacific Journal: Japan Focus: The last personnel left the base on 18 September, and the facilities used for a decade by the American military were all returned to Ecuador. At a ceremony marking the American withdrawal, Foreign Minister Fander Falconi made the following strong statement: The withdrawal of the American military is a victory for sovereignty and peace. Never again foreign bases on Ecuadorian territory, never again a sale of the flag.1 Meanwhile, a relieved Defense Minister Javier Ponce commented: I am glad that President Correa has fulfilled his election pledge and preserved the constitution. On the same day in the capital Quito, the citizens group Anti-Bases Coalition Ecuador held a concert of celebration. In exuberant Latin style about 200 people celebrated the American military withdrawal with singing and salsa dancing at an amphitheater. Messages of congratulation were read out from anti-base movements across the globe, starting with Japan, and each was greeted by loud applause. At the closing ceremony, Martha Youth, a spokeswoman for the US Embassy in Quito, announced that together with other Forward Operating Locations in Central and South America, a total of 700 tons of drugs with a value of 35.1 billion USD had been seized. Weve done good work in cooperation with the Ecuadorian authorities, she said. However, Pablo Lucio Paredes, head of CONADE (Comision Nacional de Control Antidopaje del Ecuador) begged to differ. Our country has received no benefits from American operations out of the Manta base these ten years. From the outset, the bases real purpose was linked to the American geopolitical strategy to involve our country in the civil war in neighboring Colombia. Plan Ecuador Ecuadors prior eviction of US forces is now being quietly undone. President Lasso has been requesting US help in creating a Plan Ecuador to combat the rising lawlessness in the country for over a year. The plan, he said, would be modelled on Plan Colombia, the disastrous drug-eradication program that burnt through $15 billion of US aid funds during more than two decades, worsened the violence in Colombia, bathed more than a million hectares of farmland in a rich brew of toxic chemicals, including Monsantos probably carcinogenic weedkiller glyphosate, exacerbated illegal mining while overseeing a significant upsurge in coca production. From the first moment it was unveiled, at the 2022 Summit for the Americas in Los Angeles, the plan was hugely controversial, as I reported in May: Plan Colombia was such a costly debacle that it become effectively unexportable to other parts of Latin America and beyond, says Adam Isacson, lead investigator of the Washington Office on Latin Americas Defense Oversight program, which monitors U.S. cooperation with Latin Americas security forces: The US looked at the Plan Colombia experience and hoped that it had found something it could apply in Afghanistan, or in Mexico, or Central America, and found out that it didnt work there. But nobody seems to have told this to Lassa, who said in LA last summer: The background is the same. We could probably call it something else, but in effect, Ecuador wants to present a Plan Ecuador to the United States. Even Voice of America reported that Lassos comments had stoked controversy at the Summit as well as among many lawmakers back home. Ecuadors former Foreign Minister Maria Isabel Salvador said the proposal betrayed a lack of understanding and comprehension of what Plan Colombia meant in practice for that country. If the idea was controversial last year, it is far more so today given that Lasso is in the process of withdrawing from political life following a raft of corruption, tax evasion and money laundering allegations that almost led to his impeachment. To ward off that threat, he dissolved parliament in May and called new elections in which neither he nor his party would participate. Lassos popularity, like that of Perus current President Dina Boluarte, had already hit rock (16% in April) and he has effectively been ruling Peru by decree since May. One of the allegations Lasso faces is that his presidential campaign was partly financed by the Albanian mafia, which controls the cocaine routes between South America and Europe. As revealed in the Gran Padrino (Great Godfather) investigation by independent news outlet La Posta, Lassos brother-in-law, Danilo Carrera, a well-connected banker, was not only running key government departments but was also doing business with Ruben Cherres, a notorious businessman with ties to the Albanian mafia who had been caught on tape boasting about removing and replacing members of the government at will in exchange for money and favours. In March, Cherres was found dead alongside the bodies of his girlfriend, a friend and his security guard at a house on the Punta Blanca coast, just a few hundred yards from Lassos holiday home. Days later, a number of international intelligence agencies alerted journalists at La Posta that members of the Albanian mafia had entered Ecuador with the intention of taking revenge for the dismantling of the corruption network installed within the Lassos government. One of the organisations co-founders and a senior journalist left the country after receiving death threats. In other words, the US has just signed an agreement to wage war on the drug cartels with a government that appears to be in league with at least one of those cartels. Luis Eduardo Vivanco, another co-founder of La Posta, recently told El Economista: the line dividing the mafia from the government has become increasingly blurred during the Lasso government. Following La Postas revelations of rampant corruption in the Lasso government, five US congressmen wrote a letter urging the Biden administration to reconsider the US governments relationship with Ecuador. A couple of paragraphs (though the letter itself is well worth a full read): Ecuador is now in the midst of a political and social crisis that is driven, in large part, by credible allegations of corruption at the highest levels of government. Investigative journalists have uncovered what appears to be a web of corruption that ties key associates of Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso to organized crime figures. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that one of these individuals Danilo Carrera as well as President Lasso himself have been using U.S. jurisdictions to hide assets and avoid taxes, in violation of Ecuadorian law Corruption and criminal activity appear to have deeply penetrated Ecuadors security apparatus, prompting the U.S. ambassador in Quito to denounce the countrys narco-generals. The general security situation has plummeted since Lasso took office with the countrys homicide rate nearly doubling. Predictably, the Biden administration appears to have taken no notice of the letter. Rather than reconsidering relations with Ecuador, it is intensifying them. Lasso himself only has ten days left in government and is currently visiting New York for personal reasons. The second round of Ecuadors presidential elections will take place on October 15 and most opinion polls are predicting a close race between Lisa Gonzalez, the leader of former President Rafael Correas left-leaning Citizen Revolution Movement party, and Daniel Noboa, the Miami-born 35-year old son of Alvaro Fernando Noboa Ponton, Ecuadors richest man, banana plantation owner and former presidential candidate. Unsurprisingly for a country that saw the number of violent crimes almost double last year and recently witnessed the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, the most important electoral issue is security. But whether Lassos Plan Ecuador plays any part in the next governments national security agenda will depend on who wins the election, with Gonzalez likely to rip it up in her first few days while Noboa will probably do the opposite. But thats just an educated guess. With Ecuadors national assembly currently dissolved by Lasso, his plan must also be submitted for approval to Ecuadors Supreme Court. In the meantime, the US will be scoping Latin America for other governments with whom to strike up similar military partnerships, with Uruguay and oil-rich Guyana seemingly high up the list. Photo: The Canadian Press Abdulla Shaikh is seen in a capture taken from surveillance video at a Montreal motel submitted into evidence at a coroner's inquiry being heard in Montreal. Coroner Gehane Kamel will oversee the inquiry into the killings of Andre Lemieux, Mohamed Belhaj, Alex Levis Crevier and the police killing of the 26-year-old suspect, Abdulla Shaikh. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Quebec coroner's office The psychiatrist whose patient killed three people at random over a 24-hour span in the Montreal area in August 2022 told a coroner's inquest Thursday that what triggered the killing spree will likely never be known. Dr. Martin Vezina says he last saw Abdulla Shaikh in March 2022, a few months before the 26-year-old man killed three men on the street: Andre Lemieux, Mohamed Belhaj and Alex Levis-Crevier. "It's very difficult to know what he had in his head," Vezina testified at the inquiry, which is investigating the three deaths and the police killing of Shaikh. "We know that he clearly had anti-social personality disorder traits; did he have a pleasure in causing harm (at the time)? Did he distinguish between right and wrong? Was the illness present?" "I saw someone who was not psychotic and if he was psychotic, he hid it very, very, well," the doctor testified. Vezina's last meeting with Shaikh took place about two weeks before his patient was assessed by Quebec's mental health review board, which concurred with Vezina's recommendation: Shaikh could remain in the community despite posing a significant risk to public safety. The board agreed with the doctor that the patient denied and trivialized his behavioural disorder, but had shown improvement over the previous six months. Shaikh, 26, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been hospitalized in Laval, Montreal's northern suburb, three times between 2018 and 2021. The inquest has heard that in Montreal on Aug. 2, 2022, Shaikh shot and killed Lemieux and Belhaj within a one-hour period. Then, the 26-year-old travelled to Toronto to visit the city's zoo and Canada's Wonderland before returning to Montreal and shooting dead Levis-Crevier, as the 22-year-old was skateboarding on a Laval street. On Aug. 4, Montreal police tracked Shaikh down to a motel, where he allegedly shot at officers. He died in an exchange of gunfire. Earlier Thursday, psychiatrist Dr. Simon Roussel presented findings from 2015 indicating that Quebec's mental health board follows patients for less time than do the boards of Ontario and British Columbia. As well, Quebec's board uses less coercive means in its decisions, compared to the two other provinces. Meanwhile, recidivism rates for mental health patients in Quebec were two times higher than they were in Ontario and British Columbia. Roussel said the 2015 study indicated that in Quebec only 19 per cent of patients were followed by a mental health review board for more than five years, compared to 31 per cent in British Columbia and 58 per cent in Ontario. Psychiatric patients under the surveillance of a mental health board were detained in those two provinces for longer than they were in Quebec: 1.5 times longer in B.C. and four times longer in Ontario. Earlier in the day, Roussel said he sent a letter on Aug. 4, 2022, to regional health officials about the deaths of Lemieux, Belhaj and Levis-Crevier, denouncing the severe lack of psychiatrists in Laval. He said patients in the Montreal suburb couldn't be properly monitored because of a psychiatrist shortage. Roussel says he never received a reply to his letter, other than an indirect comment that he had bypassed the hierarchy by writing to health authorities. No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. The Security Council members must continue to work together to press the Taliban to reverse their destructive course, said Ambassador Robert Wood. As Nashvilles restaurant scene soars, the quality of food writing at the paper of record sinks. Brad Schmitt has been a journalist for 30-plus years and has been churning out insipid listicles about the Nashville food scene for eight of them at The Tennessean. His inane observations are often groan-worthy, but this week he produced a particularly frustrating entry in his long career that really encapsulates what makes him such a lackluster scribe which is impressive considering his resume also includes snitching on public housing residents. On Wednesday, The Tennessean published a roundup of the 25 top restaurants in Nashville, penned by Schmitt and food writer Mackensy Lunsford. The listicle is presented as a dialogue, but Schmitt contributes little substance to the conversation. His usual schtick about complaining about prices and gross fancy-person food continues throughout, as do his corny jokes (holy moles!) and vague descriptions. The latter can be forgiven given the shortness of the blurbs, but Lunsford is able to make the most of the real estate even Schmitt pokes fun at this disparity. But the low point comes when the list gets to recently opened Japanese comfort-food spot Kisser, one of the most anticipated restaurants in the country prior to its opening. Schmitt acts like venturing to the East Nashville eatery is going to another planet. He writes: OK, so this may be a Japanese comfort restaurant, but the menu items likely will be unfamiliar to most folks. They certainly were to me. And I brought along another old curmudgeon reporter, Keith Sharon, who was equally mystified and a bit intimidated by words like "inari", "onigiri" and "chirashi." Welp, surprise! We loved almost everything we ate, often without knowing what we were eating. At best this is a confusing piece of writing from a man who is supposed to have eaten his way through most restaurants in Nashville; at worst, its xenophobic. Its unclear why Japanese is italicized in the article, but given Schmitts frequent gripes about price and snobbery, it almost seems like hes questioning Kissers comfort-food credentials just because it isn't American fare. Further, Kisser is certainly not the only restaurant to feature words from a different language on the menu The Tennessean's list features Italian, Mexican and other Asian restaurants making it less clear why this spot deserved to be treated as something alien. (Mystified is also a poor choice of words, considering Orientalist tropes about Asian mysticism.) +5 Kisser Announces Opening Date of March 25 The highly anticipated restaurant will serve Japanese comfort food in East Nashville's Highland Yards A generous reading could be that Schmitt simply wanted to say this comfort food wasnt in his comfort zone (to employ the type of obvious wordplay hed embrace). Even so, he still treats a new experience for him as some novelty, and in doing so treats home cooking from another country as some sort of gimmick. Its not the type of writing that encourages readers to engage with new food or experiences. Its simply bad writing, and highlights a simple truth: Schmitt is not a food critic. The goal of a critic whether offering opinions of food, music or film isn't simply to tell people it's all right to stick to their comfort zone. Its not even to tell people if a certain product is worth their money. A good critic should challenge and encourage people to expect more of themselves and what they consume, and to seek out new things. They engage with what they review. They add to conversations or create new ones. Schmitt doesn't do any of that. When his words fail to describe the experience of his palate, he complains about the price; he tries to justify his limited palate (or limited vocabulary) as the mark of a proud everyman, but really he's lacking the creativity to make a more interesting point about the dish. Discussing the price is easier but far less informative than describing how flavors combine, or how cultures influence and blend to reimagine old dishes for new audiences. (Besides, its doubtful Schmitt is actually footing the bill while employed by Gannett.) Sometimes he tries to present himself as championing old affordable favorites, but that's a boring lane to pick as a writer. Further, theres evidence his working-class persona is more a brittle facade than insightful class consciousness. When he predicted hed call down hipster hell for saying Lockeland Table was overrated, Lunsford pushed back, saying she had more tattoos than all the other customers combined, adding, How many tattoo-free line cooks do you know? He again invoked hipsters and tired neighborhood stereotypes when praising Pinky Ring Pizza for being located in Madison rather than East Nashville. Its an old routine. In last years listicle he wrote: I feel unwelcome at Sean Brock restaurants (except for his wonderful East Nashville burger/shake shack, Joyland). ... The message seems to be, You're pretty darn lucky you got a reservation, instead of, We value you as a customer. No doubt many people would have the same concerns going to a place like Brock's Audrey. But Lunsfords curt response implies Schmitt is overreacting or being dishonest: I did not have the same experience, but OK. Schmitt is no Anthony Bourdain. The late writer believed in the cultural importance of food and tried to tie together working-class holes-in-the-wall and fine dining into broader conversations. Schmitt doesnt do that; theres no real cultural insight when he tries to take a fancy restaurant down a peg or boosts a cash-only joint. He isn't telling you anything you couldn't learn from an online search. Tennessean subscribers should stop paying for Schmitts glorified Yelp comments. Readers who actually enjoy his claptrap should seek out better writers who might also lead them to better restaurants and expand how they think about food. Everyone deserves an affordable meal the Scene highlights great deals all the time. But people should also feel encouraged to try new things, especially as Nashville continues to grow and diversify. Theres a lot of good food around town. A good critic should give you a road map, not a spreadsheet of dollar signs. Nashvilles three U.S. representatives are struggling to unite on a path forward for their Republican majority amid ongoing chaos in the party. Rep. Mark Green formerly an ally of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was deposed on Tuesday has come out in favor of Ohio's Rep. Jim Jordan, a co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus who has emerged as a leader of the partys far-right wing. Jim Jordan is the fighter we need," a Green aide tells the Scene via text. "Im honored to support him to be our next Speaker of the House." Along with Jordan, Louisiana Republican Steve Scalise, who has served as McCarthys second-in-command, has announced a bid for speaker. Rep. John Rose, another of Nashvilles representatives, chided his party for failing to hold on to the speakership in a press release after Tuesdays vote to oust McCarthy. Rose is undecided as to who he will support to lead the party in the House. Congressman Rose is looking forward to hearing all of the candidates speak at the candidate forum next week, a spokesperson for Rep. Rose tells the Scene in a statement. At this point in time, he is keeping his options open as he considers who best reflects the values of Tennessees 6th District and is prepared to lead the House of Representatives. Tennessee Delegation Splits as Federal Government Hurtles Toward Shutdown Far-right Nashville Rep. Andy Ogles joins East Tennessees Tim Burchett to send the country toward a federal shutdown Rep. Andy Ogles the embattled freshman representative who beat out more moderate Republicans to win Tennessees redrawn 5th District tweeted his support for Jim Jordan to be the next speaker of the House. In his short tenure in Congress, Ogles has demonstrated an ongoing alliance with Jordan and an obvious desire for clout among the partys extreme right. In January, Ogles helped push the vote to install McCarthy to 15 rounds of voting in an embarrassing display of party disarray. Last week, Ogles held out again, forcing Congress to the brink of a government shutdown led by embattled Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, another close ally. In the 2022 midterms, Republicans won a narrow governing majority in the House and lost ground in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Their governing majority sought to unite far-right members in deep-red districts with centrist Republicans in states like New York and Washington, who represent districts won by Joe Biden in 2020. Reps. Green, Ogles and Rose each won districts with a slice of Davidson County, which was formerly a single Democratic district represented by Jim Cooper before being cracked into three seats by the state legislature. The GOPs prolonged intra-party fight to elect a speaker in January was the first ominous sign for Republicans, who have now lost governing control of the only chamber where they hold a majority. This story has been updated to reflect a tweet from Rep. Ogles. Public opening remarks by the US Secretary of Defense, President of Ukraine and NATO Secretary General Available live on CCTV, EBU Worldfeed and to EBU news exchange. On Saturday, 07 October 2023, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Mircea Geoana, will deliver a speech online in the 13th To Be Secure (2BS) Forum, hosted by the Atlantic Council of Montenegro. More information about the event is available here. Media advisory 14:20 (CEST) Address by the NATO Deputy Secretary General Media coverage A transcript of the Deputy Secretary Generals remarks will be available on the NATO website. The video file will be available at the NATO Multimedia Porta l after the event. For more information: For general queries: Contact the NATO Press Office Follow us on Twitter (@NATO, @Mircea_Geoana and @NATOPress) On Monday, 09 October 2023, the NATO Deputy Secretary General Mr. Mircea Geoana, will be in Copenhagen to participate in the 69th Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly where he will deliver a speech and answer questions from parliamentarians. More information about the event can be found here. For press arrangements for the session, please contact press@nato-pa.int. Media advisory 10:05-11:35 (CEST) Address by Deputy Secretary General, followed by Q&A Media coverage The event will be streamed live on the NATO website and on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly website. A transcript of the Deputy Secretary Generals remarks will be available on the NATO website after the event. For more information: For general queries: Contact the NATO Press Office Follow us on Twitter (@NATO, @Mircea_Geoana and @NATOPress) The first contingent of two hundred British soldiers arrived in Kosovo on Friday (6 October 2023) to reinforce NATOs Kosovo Force (KFOR) peacekeeping mission. The deployment comes after the violent attack on Kosovo Police on 24 September and increased tensions in the region. The soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Waless Royal Regiment are joining a 400-strong UK contingent already in Kosovo. The Romanian government on Tuesday (3 October) announced it was also sending some 100 extra troops to bolster KFOR. These deployments are a prudent step to ensure KFOR has the forces it needs to fulfil its UN mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo. The deployment is based on a request by NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe and was approved by Allies in the North Atlantic Council. NATO has been leading a peacekeeping operation in Kosovo since 1999 in accordance with its mandate under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. KFOR currently consists of well over 4,500 troops contributed by 27 NATO Allies and partners. During a recent conversation at Rice University, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the world is at an inflection point. We have an end of an era, the post-Cold War era. We have an intense competition thats underway to actually shape what comes next. One of the competitors is Russia, and Putins Russia. And the actions that hes taken, he said, are a demonstration that he rejects the order as its been, or for that matter, the maintenance of the basic premises, the basic principles, that define the order territorial sovereignty, independence. Secretary Blinken said in the face of Russias full-blown invasion of Ukraine, people understand if Putin is allowed to act with impunity, then the message to would-be aggressors anywhere and everywhere is we can get away with it, too. And thats an invitation to a world of conflict. Putin, Secretary Blinken said, is operating under an illusion: His objective is to outlast, and he believes that he can. He can outlast the Ukrainians. He can outlast all those supporting Ukraine. But hes already made a profound miscalculation, and that has played out in a way thats been historically detrimental to Russia and its interests, because I think he believed from the outset that no one was going to stand up to the aggression. Not only are the Ukrainian people and the United States proving Putin wrong, so are the dozens of countries around the world that are assisting Ukraine with humanitarian, economic, and military aid. Often in these situations, Americans get a little bit frustrated because it seems like were carrying so much of the load. We are. But in terms of burden-sharing in this particular instance, the rest of the world is doing a remarkable job. In fact, the assistance being provided by other countries exceeds the assistance that the United States has provided, as significant as thats been, he said. The fundamental problem is Putins belief he can outlast, said Secretary Blinken. But on the part of those standing up to Putin, Mr. Blinken declared, There remains a tremendous determination to see this through - not only to make sure that Ukrainians come out on the right side, but that all the rest of us do, too. Because if we let this go, then were opening a world of hurt for many years to come. ADL bends the knee and kisses Elons feet The Anti-Defamation League, or ADL, is one of a group of left-wing organizations that uses seemingly innocent names like Anti-Fascists or Black Lives Matter as a smokescreen to conceal an underlying agenda of Marxism, division, and using politics as a bludgeon. Its a sly tactic the left employs often in order to legitimize their radical groups. After all, who in their right mind would oppose a group called Protect the Puppies, right? Anyone who does would be a heartless ghoul. These benign group names provide the left with a bullet-proof shield, allowing them to get away with whatever they want because, well, theyre just a group that cares about saving puppies, right? (Article republished from Revolver.news) This is a tactic theyve been employing for quite some time now, but thanks to Elon Musk, the jig may be up. The tables started turning when the ADL pushed things a bit too far. They decided to go to war with X, and their weapon of mass destruction was advertisers. The ADL hatched a plan to destroy Xs revenue stream by coercing advertisers to cut ties with X over so-called hate speech. Elon saw these attacks for exactly what they werean organized assault on X by the ADL, notorious for their aggressive tactics, accusing almost anyone of hate and anti-Semitism, all while being one of the most divisive, intolerant, and deceitful groups around. And, lets face it, Elon had a little bit of help from Revolver in anticipating this attack from the ADLat least thats what Rachel Maddow and her gay best friend concluded in a recent hysterical and factually-challenged MSNBC bit. Rachel Maddow thinks @DarrenJBeattie is the power behind the throne at @X. pic.twitter.com/LjZd5xfCAC Bespoke Capital (@monopoly4equal) October 3, 2023 The viral article urging Elon to buy Twitter and warning him of what was to come can be read here: The Battle of the Century: Heres What Happens if Elon Musk Buys Twitter. Of course, girlboss Ben Collins dishonestly claims that the piece was a step-by-step instruction manual rather than a prediction and warning to Elon of what was to come. Needless to say, Elon, the free-thinking critic from the left, now finds himself in the crosshairs of the Biden regime. In response to the relentless attacks, the SpaceX billionaire took a bold stance against the ADL, which operates as an extension of the regime. So, the worlds richest man promptly announced he planned to sue the ADL for defamation and other allegations. Almost instantly, the ADL changed its tune. Heres the statement they issued: New York, NY, October 4, 2023 ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) issued the following statement today regarding recent developments with X/Twitter: In light of recent events, it feels like a useful moment to clarify the ADL position on X and its leadership. As we have noted in our research over the past several years, X along with other social media platforms has a serious issue with antisemites and other extremists using these platforms to push their hateful ideas and, in some cases, bully Jewish and other users. We appreciate Xs stated intent over the last few weeks to address antisemitism and hate on the platform. This has been useful; more needs to be done; and, as we have with other companies, in the spirit of collaboration, we are hopeful that we can continue to engage with X on this important matter. We want to do so because ADL fights antisemitism, hate, and extremism across all platforms and regardless of party or ideology. We attempt to work with each platform in a constructive manner. We engage with all of them routinely on how to make their platforms better. To be clear, any allegation that ADL has somehow orchestrated a boycott of X or caused billions of dollars of losses to the company or is pulling the strings for other advertisers is false. Indeed, we ourselves were advertising on the platform until the anti-ADL attacks began a few weeks ago. We now are preparing to do so again to bring our important message on fighting hate to X and its users. A better, healthier, and safer X would be a win for the world. Weve said that publicly and repeatedly, and we hope that company leadership shares that goal as well. As we do with all platforms, we will credit X as it moves in that direction, and we also will call it out when it has not. For over a century, ADL has worked across the political spectrum and with a wide range of companies and organizations to promote tolerance and religious freedom while challenging antisemitism and hate. We know that the vast majority of Americans share these goals. By working collaboratively with X and other platforms, we endeavor to further this common mission while respecting the Constitutional right to free speech and religious liberty that belongs to all of us. Not only did they backtrack, but they also extended a very nervous olive branch by purchasing an advertising package. Remarkably, it seems that the threat of a lawsuit compelled the ADL to reverse course and bend the knee, and as an extra humiliating bonus, they also kissed Elons feet by buying an advertising package. Brilliant. Yahoo News: The Anti-Defamation League on Wednesday said it plans to resume advertising on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, following a spat with owner Elon Musk. Musk last month threatened to sue the ADL for defamation, claiming that the nonprofit organizations statements about rising hate speech on the social media platform had hurt Xs advertising revenue. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt pushed back on the claims, saying that while the ADL was part of a coalition of groups that called on companies to pause advertising on the platform immediately following Musks acquisition last year, it had not been engaged in such calls in recent months. Musks statements about the group also amplified a campaign of antisemitic hate against the organization that had begun prior to Musks legal threat, leading to a surge of threats directed at the ADL, Greenblatt told CNN last month. The rights group reiterated in a statement Wednesday that any allegation that ADL has somehow orchestrated a boycott of X or caused billions of dollars of losses to the company or is pulling the strings for other advertisers is false. Indeed, we ourselves were advertising on the platform until the anti-ADL attacks began a few weeks ago, the group said. We now are preparing to do so again to bring our important message on fighting hate to X and its users. Musk responded to the ADLs statement in a post Wednesday saying, Thank you for clarifying that you support advertising on X. The statement appears to mark a resolution for now to weekslong tension between Musk and the ADL, which has coincided with incidents of antisemitism rising across the United States. But the group says it will continue to monitor for antisemitic content on X. The best part of all of this? The whole thing played out on X. And also very much appreciate that ADL has bought advertising on ? Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2023 Well, thankfully, this story has a happy endingat least for now. The evil ADL was brought to heel, and we love to see italthough we are sure they are cooking new dirty tricks as we speak. This is how we notch a win against Marxist bullies and cancel culture vulturesbut remember, the fight never ends. Read more at: Revolver.news Save My Freedom with Michele Swinick: Use of AI will lead to the END OF HUMANITY, Jeff Dornik warns Brighteon.TV Podcaster Jeff Dornik has warned the public that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) will eventually lead to the destruction of humanity Dornik issued this warning during his appearance on the Sept. 29 episode of "Save My Freedom with Michele Swinick" on Brighteon.TV. Dornik pointed out that the use of AI comes off as "cool, up-to-date and edgy" with everybody else doing it. "The more that I research this, the more that I'm like, 'This is going to lead to the end of humanity if we take it to its natural conclusions,'" he told Swinick. "I think that is what people need to understand down the road. The potential with this kind of stuff, especially if you're looking at what Elon Musk is putting together it's wild, it's crazy and it's actually terrifying." Swinick then played a video of Musk's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where the two discussed the future of AI. During the meeting, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO compared AI to heaven on Earth a prospect Dornik found terrifying. He pointed out that Musk's vision gives away his globalist leanings, through his desire to usher in the New World Order. According to Dornik, this "heaven" Musk speaks of describes the utopia being sold by the socialists, communists and Democrats. In this version of "heaven," everyone can have whatever they want, thanks to the government providing everything they need. This "heaven" is the endgame for the globalists as in the end, people will be reduced to mere blobs of flesh who consume and do nothing. AI comes into this scenario as it takes away a person's humanity. AI will eliminate the need for school and learning, and with it the struggle of being human. When coupled with internet-connected Neuralink implants, AI can erase people's memories and replace them with new ones. "What happens when you struggle? You get better, you learn lessons [and] you become a better human being," Dornik told Swinick. "What they are doing is taking away every opportunity for you to become a better person. You are just who you are right now, you don't have to become a better person." Dornik: Musk's purchase of Twitter comes with a SINISTER PURPOSE Dornik, the host of "The Jeff Dornik Show", also pointed to Musk's acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion back in October 2022. The technocrat allowed people to return on the platform in the guise of "defending free speech," but Dornik said this actually has a sinister purpose. He noted that Musk's purchase of Twitter was a massive investment, and also mentioned how the ChatGPT chatbot only collects information on the internet up until the year 2021. "What Elon's doing is he's building the most relevant, up-to-date, artificial intelligence on the planet, it's called xAI. It has already launched and what they are doing is they are taking everybody's information, all their data, all their articles, everything that's on Twitter, or what's now called X," explained Dornik. "That is now being funneled into xAI which will make it the most up to date, most relevant artificial intelligence on the planet because everybody's posting the news immediately." (Related: America Unhinged: Elon Musk bought Twitter for massive data that he can funnel into his AI company, says Jeff Dornik Brighteon.TV.) The CEO of new social media platform PickAx added that xAI has access to the latest information because they are running it through up-to-date relevant data. "And that's also the key when they talk about free speech, but not freedom of reach on the platform. It's because he's using your data, they are still censoring you, they are still keeping people from seeing your information. But they want everybody on the left, right, center, MAGA, not MAGA, whatever it is," Dornik said. "They want everybody on there because they want your data because they need it to funnel into xAI to make it the most up-to-date AI on the planet. That is terrifying and I haven't even gotten to how they are going to use that with Neuralink." Follow FutureTech.news for more stories about AI and its dangers. Watch the Sept. 29 episode of "Save My Freedom with Michele Swinick" below. "Save My Freedom with Michele Swinick" airs every Friday at 7-8 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: AI takeover is INEVITABLE: Experts warn artificial intelligence will become powerful enough to control human minds, behaviors. Artificial Intelligence 'more dangerous than nukes,' warns technology pioneer Elon Musk. AI and genetic engineering could trigger a super-pandemic, warns AI expert. Sources include: Brighteon.com Substack.com BBC.com Britains arsenal is now depleted after giving Ukraine most of its weapons An unnamed senior military officer recently told the Telegraph U.K., one of Ukraine's biggest allies in the ongoing conflict with Russia, that his country has run out of crucial defense equipment to donate to the war-torn nation. "We've given away just about as much as we can afford," the source said. "We will continue to source equipment to provide for Ukraine, but what they need now is things like air defense assets and artillery ammunition and we've run dry on all that." The U.K. provided 2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine last year, according to government records, and it has been quicker than other allies to send Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's troops new types of weaponry, like its Challenger 2 tanks and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. According to the source, now is the time for other countries to step in. "Giving billions more does not mean giving billions of British kits," he said, adding that the U.K. also has the role to play in "encouraging other nations to give more money and weapons." Meanwhile, in a separate op-ed in the Telegraph on Sunday, former Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said that he still urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to increase military support further, to overtake Germany to become Ukraine's biggest military supporter in Europe. "Before I left office, I asked the Prime Minister to match or increase the 2.3 billion pledged to Ukraine this year, to add to the 4.6 billion we have spent already. The U.K. is no longer the biggest European donor Germany is," Wallace said. He stood by his belief that the war could still be won and that Russian President Vladimir Putin was "already failing," a claim that is also being promoted by the mainstream media to brainwash the people. He insisted that Putin is grasping at the final two things that can save him, which are time and the splitting of the international community. "We must help Ukraine maintain its momentum and that will require more munitions, [Army Tactical Missile System] ATACMSs and Storm Shadows. And the best way to keep the international community together is the demonstration of success," he added. Ukraine needs to manufacture its own weapons now as the U.S. pulls out aid The United States House of Representatives passed a short-term spending bill on Saturday, Sept. 30, in a desperate attempt to avoid a government shutdown. The bill drops Ukraine aid, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers. The national debt just reached a record high of $33 trillion in September, amplifying concerns among conservatives that government spending is out of control. GOPs tried and failed to pass a separate stopgap funding bill that contained conservative policy items like border security and spending cuts. In connection with this, Ukraine recently announced its intention to manufacture its own weapons due to a massive reduction in foreign funding. President Volodymyr Zelensky and his top government officials acknowledged that they found money in the federal budget to fund the manufacture of some weapons. Without referring directly to the U.S. bill, Zelensky said in a recorded speech on Sunday, Oct. 1, that nothing would weaken his country's fight against Russia and that no one could shut down his country's stability, endurance, strength, and courage. Ukrainian officials then huddled with hundreds of defense industry officials and policymakers from allied countries, where they also decided that Kyiv was open for business. "It's a survival issue," said the Managing Partner at COSA Intelligence Solutions in Kyiv Pavel Verkhniatskyi. Zelensky told the audience during the meeting that co-production deals are "already being negotiated with partners" and that he has established funding in the national budget to help finance those collaborations. (Related: Ukraine suddenly discovers money to manufacture its own weapons as U.S. funding dries up.) Visit UkraineWitness.com for more stories about humanitarian and military aid sent to Ukraine. Sources for this article include: Yahoo.com Telegraph.co.uk 1 Telegraph.co.uk 2 FoxNews.com HeadlineUSA.com Canadas Trudeau paid WEF nearly CA$500K for a report praising his climate change policies Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid nearly CA$500,000 ($363,500) in taxpayer money to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in exchange for a report praising and justifying his Liberal Party government's environmental and climate change policies This is according to documents obtained by media outlets, including the Epoch Times. These documents note that former Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna allotted CA$493,937 ($359,110) to the WEF in August 2019 to produce the "New Nature Economy Report." (Related: ECOTERRORISM CLAIM: Explosive ammonium nitrate stolen from California-bound train may have been used to ignite Canada wildfires.) The report's main goal was to heap praise on policies to mitigate environmental collapse like carbon taxes and to establish a business case for preventing climate change and was primarily directed at senior decision-makers in governments and businesses. "This report will be directed at senior decision-makers in governments and businesses who have the influence and ability to shift business-as-usual approach," said Environment and Climate Change Canada. Following payment by the Canadian government, six months later the WEF produced a report claiming that implementing a carbon tax is a sound policy. "What is required is bold policy ambition and decisive political leadership to signal that business-as-usual is no longer valid," read the report, published in June 2020. In December 2020, Trudeau announced his government's carbon tax scheme that raises the tax on fuel consumption in increments and is expected to reach CA$170 ($124) per metric ton (1.1 U.S. tons) by 2030. This proposal is just the first of many other proposals meant "to strengthen Canada's approach to reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector" and it establishes new carbon emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2035. Trudeau working hand-in-hand with globalists like the WEF and the UN This is not the first time the government of Canada has funneled taxpayer dollars to globalist organizations like the WEF. In November 2015, for example, Trudeau's Liberals opened a CA$105.3 million ($76.41 million) contract to help develop a digital identification program known as the Known Traveler Digital ID. It is unknown how much the WEF received from this project. But government revelations have found that total WEF funding received from Canada from Nov. 4, 2015 to June 20, 2023, was nearly CA$23.5 million ($17.05 million). This is not the first time that it has been revealed that Trudeau has been working with globalist organizations like the WEF. Trudeau's government's current environmental goals are also in lockstep with the United Nations' 2030 "sustainable development" agenda, and it includes phasing out the use of coal-fired power plants, reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizers and curbing natural gas use over the coming decade. Trudeau's government has already implemented many other policies that align with the climate change agenda of the WEF and the UN, including other kinds of attacks on Canada's oil and gas industries. WEF Founder Klaus Schwab even previously told Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland that he has "counted on her" to make sure his goals for Canada are implemented. Freeland is notable for also serving as a member of the WEF Board of Trustees, and she represented Canada in a recent WEF meeting and public panel on the conflict in Ukraine. Watch this clip of Nobel Laureate John Clauser discussing why the climate is not in a crisis. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CLIMATE CORRUPTION: Most carbon "offset" projects are SCAMS, new report finds. Apple announces new climate change initiative to PERMANENTLY remove all carbon from Earth's atmosphere through planetary terraforming and GENOCIDE. Carbon capture storage systems are a severe danger to communities and a veiled government-incentivized land grab. Biden administration launches $1.2 billion initiative to "CAPTURE" CARBON DIOXIDE from the sky, depriving food crops of the molecule needed for photosynthesis. Bank of Canada admits Trudeau's climate change policies are fueling inflation. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com TheEpochTimes.com TheCounterSignal.com WesternStandard.news Brighteon.com EU trying to bribe Hungary with 13 BILLION EUROS to prevent veto on more military aid to Ukraine The European Union (EU) is preparing to unfreeze around 13 billion euros ($13.66 billion) worth of funds for Hungary to prevent Prime Minister Viktor Orban from vetoing the next batch of aid for Ukraine Orban and his conservative government in Hungary have long been opponents of the mainstay EU policy on Ukraine and the Russian special military operation in the country. He has also persistently criticized Kyiv and stood against policies that could have escalated the conflict in the eyes of Moscow, warning about potentially stumbling blindly into a World War III scenario with Russia on one side and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on the other. (Related: Hungarian foreign minister: EU smears advocates of Kyiv-Moscow peace talks as spies, Kremlin propagandists.) "The Third World War could be knocking on our door, so we have to be very careful," he said during one interview. Now, Orban looks like he is leveraging his opposition to potentially prolonging the conflict in Ukraine. The European Commission the main executive body of the EU requires the unanimous backing of all member-states to update the EU's long-term budget to include a $50 billion funding pot for Ukraine. Without Orban's and Hungary's assent to amending the budget, current EU aid for Ukraine will run out by December. Orban has already noted that Hungary will not support further funding to Ukraine, with his main opposition being concerns over the rights of Hungarian minorities in the country and a demand that a 2017 law that banned children up to a certain age from being taught in a language other than Ukrainian be repealed. EU keeping billions of euros worth of Hungarian money hostage in exchange for "reforms" A senior EU official told Reuters that the bloc expects to look at the status of the frozen funds if it really wants to push through with providing more aid to Ukraine. These funds were originally frozen when Orban passed a law that, in the eyes of Brussels, restricted the independence of Hungary's judiciary. "I can't imagine Hungary agreeing without there first being a solution to the blocked funds," said the official. Another official confirmed that the release of the 13 billion euros is linked to preventing a veto on more Ukraine aid. These same officials however noted that the deal is not a foregone conclusion, and Brussels believes it still has leverage over Orban, whose country is facing economic stagnation and a widening budget deficit that could be remedied with the frozen funds. "Hungary needs the money urgently, which is an incentive for reform. The Commission needs Hungary to lift its vetoes on a number of issues in return," said one E.U. diplomat. "But I don't think the Commission will or can move without any movement on reforms from Budapest. Hungary earlier this year passed measures meant to strengthen judicial independence, which resulted in the European Commission releasing 22 billion euros ($23.15 billion) in frozen funding. As the E.U. diplomat who spoke to Reuters noted, Orban is hesitant to pass more so-called reforms to make the country better align with EU values and will try to press the issue of aid for Ukraine. Along with the 13 billion euros the European Commission owes Hungary, Budapest is also owed nearly 20 billion euros ($21.04 billion), which the EU is still keeping frozen. Of this, 6.3 billion euros ($6.63 billion) is blocked under a mechanism that allows the EU to unilaterally freeze any funding it feels is at risk of graft. Another 2.5 billion euros ($2.63 billion) is frozen over serious allegations of human rights concerns for so-called asylum seekers and so-called LGBTQIA+ children in Hungary, as well as concerns over the academic independence of Hungarian universities. Finally, Hungary is also entitled to around 10.4 billion euros ($10.94 billion) worth of grants and loans under the EU's post-pandemic recovery fund. Brussels is preventing Budapest from accessing these funds until it fulfills 27 different conditions meant to address the aforementioned and other concerns regarding supposed corruption in Hungary. Watch this clip of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban railing against the European Union's and the United States' agendas of providing endless funding for Ukraine. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: DEMOGRAPHIC CRISIS: Declining population due to low birth rates is the biggest threat to Europe, warns Hungarian president. EU labels anyone calling for peace a "Kremlin propagandist" while itself calling for peace deals in conflicts outside Europe, says Hungarian minister. Hungary BLOCKS EU military aid for Ukraine after Kyiv blacklisted Hungarian bank for keeping Russian branches open. Austria, Hungary agree NOT to send any weapons to Ukraine (perhaps they wish to avoid being destroyed by Russia). FORCED CONSCRIPTION: Ukrainian troops are KIDNAPPING ethnic Hungarians to be deployed to the front lines. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Politico.eu Reuters.com Brighteon.com German woman gets PRISON TIME for criticizing invading migrants who commit violence An 87-year-old German woman is going to prison after speaking out on social media against migrants and asylum seekers, some of whom commit atrocities such as rape and murder. The woman, who had gone into hiding for several months following her conviction and sentencing, was apprehended by authorities in Rothenburg and transferred to a correctional facility to serve out her sentence. A court in the town of Verden convicted her last year based on two posts she made on Facebook that they said incited violence against migrants to Germany. An appeal court in Rothenburg later upheld the ruling. She was sentenced to eight months in prison. The woman has been labeled by authorities as a Reichsburger, which means she belongs to a right-wing extremist group that does not recognize Germany as an independent country. Numerous German laws limit free speech Germany has a very different view on free speech than the U.S., with a series of hate speech laws that have been passed throughout the years since Hitlers defeat. Many of them relate to Germanys Nazi past, prohibiting denying the Holocaust or disseminating Nazi propaganda, whether it is online or in person. They also subject social media platforms to strict rules governing how they moderate and report hate speech. For example, Section 130 of its criminal code bans insults against people based on ethnic, racial, national or religious backgrounds, and this includes Holocaust denials. Some people have received harsh punishment in Section 130 prosecutions, such as German chemist Germar Rudolph, who was sentenced to 2.5 years behind bars after being convicted of Holocaust denial. Germans who approve, glorify of justify Nazi rule could be put in jail for up to three years. Another rule, the Network Enforcement Act, calls for heavy fines against any internet platforms that do not quickly remove and report hate speech that is posted through their platform. The German government fined Facebook around $2.3 million for under-reporting the complaints it received about such posts. The law was changed in 2020 after a series of terror attacks to toughen the penalties for insults made online and raise the reporting requirements for social media platforms. Platforms are also required to report the IP addresses of users whose posts are taken down to federal police. The law was criticized on both sides of the political aisle in Germany and the international community for compromising freedom of speech and invading peoples privacy. When the law was proposed, UN Special Rapporteur to the High Commissioner for Human Rights said: The short deadlines, coupled with the aforementioned severe penalties, could lead social networks to over-regulate expression in particular, to delete legitimate expression, not susceptible to restriction under human rights law, as a precaution to avoid penalties. Another law, Chapter 14, prohibits personal insults ranging from malicious gossip about private individuals to defaming politicians. A publisher of Neo-Nazi propaganda who was convicted of violating the memory of the dead was handed a five-year prison sentence under this law. Rise in violent crime in Germany has been attributed to refugees Many Germans are concerned about rising crime as more migrants and refugees make their way into the country. One study found that more than 90 percent of a concerning spike in crime recorded from 2015 to 2016 was attributed to young male refugees, although they pointed out that those who had lower chances of being able to stay in the country in the long term were more likely to commit crimes. The same study found that migrants were twice as likely to be reported to the police for committing violent crimes as German nationals. Sources for this article include: RMX.news PBS.org Reuters.com Poll: RFK Jr. running as independent would help Trump, hurt Biden Children's Health Defense founder Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) running as an independent would help former President Donald Trump and hurt the chances of incumbent President Joe Biden in the 2024 elections, according to a new poll. The Alexandria, Virginia-based Echelon Insights conducted the poll and released teasers of the results to the company's account on X. One preview showed Trump has 46 percent against Biden's 43 percent, with the former president leading by three points. In that scenario, 11 percent remain unsure of who to vote for. But with RFK Jr. running as an independent, Trump's lead over Biden expands by one point 40 percent to the incumbent's 36 percent. RFK Jr. gets 14 percent support, while 10 percent remain unsure. Another look at the survey's cross tabs showed RFK Jr. ultimately taking 17 percent of Democratic votes while taking 11 percent among Republican votes. "In other words, Democrats are more negatively affected by a Kennedy independent run than Republicans are," Breitbart noted. "The survey comes as [RFK Jr.] plans to exit the Democratic primary race and run for president as an independent. He is rumored to make it official in an Oct. 9 announcement in Pennsylvania." A report by Mediaite also attested to the move, citing an insider from RFK Jr.'s campaign. The insider said the candidate "feels that the DNC [Democratic National Committee] is changing the rules to exclude his candidacy, so an independent run is the only way to go." (Related: Report: RFK Jr. plans to run as an INDEPENDENT because the Democratic National Committee has rigged the nomination for Biden.) The insider's comment aligns with remarks made by RFK Jr. in September. He said: "The DNC is trying to make sure that I can't participate at all in the political process. I'm going to keep all my options open." Democrats PANICKING at the idea of other candidates joining the race The decision by RFK Jr. to run as an independent "will surely stir up further concern for the Democratic Party." The prospect of an additional candidate or more breaks up the all-too-common duopoly, causing Democrats to panic as the voter base primed to reelect Biden would erode. RFK Jr.'s independent run serves as an additional headache to the DNC and its chairman Jaime Harrison. He and other Democratic Party bigwigs have already warned of the negative ramifications that come with a third-party candidate. Harrison's warning came as philosopher and activist Cornel West announced he would throw in his hat in the ring. Initially running under the People's Party, West then joined the Green Party as its nominee. Based on past surveys, West entering the race will hurt Democrats more than Republicans. Biden could see his re-election get compromised with RFK Jr. as an independent and West as the Green Party candidate. "This is not the time in order to experiment. This is not the time to play around on the margins," the DNC chair said over the summer. His warning echoed the sentiments of other Democrats, who claim that West's candidacy could have the same effect Jill Stein had during the 2016 elections. Stein, who ran under the Green Party's banner, took away some of the votes meant for former First Lady Hillary Clinton giving former President Donald Trump a significant advantage. Political consultant and analyst David Axelrod recounted this instance in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter). "In 2016, the Green Party played an outsized role in tipping the election to Trump," he wrote. "Now, with West as their likely nominee they could easily do it again." Head over to RFKJr.news for more stories about RFK Jr.'s presidential campaign. Watch Sean Parnell discuss in the video below whether RFK Jr's independent run hurts Trump or Biden. This video is from the Red Voice Media channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: RFK Jr. claims DNC is RIGGING presidential primaries to favor Biden. Survey: 33% of Democrats to vote for RFK Jr. if he runs independently DNC headed for PANIC. RFK Jr. says Democrat Party has already "rigged" nomination for Biden by EXCLUDING everyone else. RFK Jr., Marianne Williamson slam Democrats for declaring NO DEBATES during primaries (which explains all the censorship). BREAKING: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. throws down the gauntlet on rigged DNC, promises to "look at other options" if democrat party bosses won't allow a fair and free election. Sources include: Summit.news Breitbart.com Brighteon.com Sen. Tim Scott visits Dallas to congratulate its mayor for joining the Republican Party Presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) has visited the city of Dallas to congratulate its mayor , who recently jumped ship from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. According to the Epoch Times, Scott traveled to the Big D on Oct. 3 to visit Mayor Eric Johnson and personally welcome him into the GOP. The pair of Black politicians explored Klyde Warren Park in the city's downtown, where they discussed their desire to increase GOP leadership across the nation. "A few years ago, I first met Johnson at Bishop T.D. Jakes' church. Today, it was a pleasure to come to Dallas and welcome him to the Great Opportunity Party," Scott wrote on Facebook. "Mayor Johnson, we are happy to have you." (Related: Dallas mayor SWITCHES from Democratic Party to Republican.) The Dallas mayor returned the favor through a post on X. "I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Sen. [Scott] this morning," he wrote. Johnson also reiterated that he won't leave his post as mayor, adding: "I remain committed to continuing our successful efforts here in Dallas for the next four years." "We agreed on the need for more fiscally conservative, pro-public safety Republican leadership in America's cities and the lingering negative effects of the radical left-led 'Defund the Police' movement. I look forward to meeting with other allies who believe in strong, safe and vibrant cities." The Texas GOP commended Johnson, who previously served as a Democrat for nine years in the Texas House of Representatives. It also welcomed him with a resolution approved on Sept. 25. "Therefore, be it resolved that the Republican Party of Texas commends Dallas Mayor Eric Lynn Johnson for his wisdom and courage in publicly declaring his new home in the Republican Party and extends a welcome to him," the resolution stated. Texas Democratic Party denounces Johnson's "betrayal" Johnson's switch makes Dallas the largest city in the nation with a Republican mayor, although the job is a nonpartisan position. He was re-elected for his second and final term in May, with his tenure running through 2027. Despite this, he assured voters that his party affiliation won't change the way he leads the city. Three days before the Texas GOP issued the resolution welcoming him, Johnson defended his decision to switch parties in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal. "I have no intention of changing my approach to my job. But today, I am changing my party affiliation," he wrote in the Sept. 22 piece. "Next spring, I will be voting in the Republican primary. When my career in elected office ends in 2027 on the inauguration of my successor as mayor, I will leave office as a Republican." Johnson also took aim at Democratic mayors, lamenting how they have "failed to make public safety a priority or to exercise fiscal restraint." He continued: "Most of these local leaders are proud Democrats who view cities as laboratories for liberalism rather than as havens for opportunity and free enterprise." Democrats in the Lone Star State rebuked Johnson for his decision to jump ship. Dallas County Democratic Party (DCDP) Chair Kardal Coleman called the move an "embarrassment" to the city. "Johnson's decision to join [the GOP] is an embarrassment to him and our community," he said in a statement. "[He] has run out on his job, he's run out on the voters that elected him, and now his time has run out. Eric Johnson must resign now." Watch Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) denouncing the classic Democratic Party strategy of using "racism" to describe the politics of its opponents below. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Gallup poll: Los Angeles among five cities deemed unsafe to live in or visit. 18 of top 20 cities with projected highest murder rates have Democrat mayors. Former NYPD commissioner: Democrats gave their cities to domestic terrorists. Sen. Tim Scott warns about dangers of "woke supremacy" after being called a token black Republican. 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: TheEpochTimes.com WSJ.com Brighteon.com Ukrainian militants reportedly attack another power substation in Russia A recent attack carried out by alleged Ukrainian terrorists in Russia's western Bryansk Region damaged a power substation and caused a blackout in a village. According to Russia Today (RT), Bryansk Gov. Aleksandr Bogomaz confirmed the incident in a Telegram post. He wrote that the attack by "Ukrainian terrorists" during the morning of Sept. 30 disrupted the power supply of Pogar village, some 20 kilometers away from the border with Ukraine. Bogomaz added that there were no casualties, and emergency services were already working at the scene. Several Russian news channels on Telegram published footage of the purported Bryansk power plant on fire. However, officials shared no further details about the incident or whether it was caused by a drone. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MO) has yet to issue a comment on the alleged terrorist attack against the power plant. Several hours after the Bryansk attack, the governor of the neighboring Belgorod region said air defense units had intercepted several hostile targets with two Ukrainian drones being destroyed. According to the MO, the second drone was shot down four hours after the first one was "thwarted." The ministry also added that Kyiv fired nine rockets from the BM-27 Uragan system, but all were destroyed mid-air. On Sept. 29, Russian military forces shot down 10 drones over the Kursk Region. However, one of the drones managed to damage an electrical substation and cause a local blackout. Kursk Gov. Roman Starovoyt posted on Telegram that "a Ukrainian drone dropped two explosive devices on a substation" located in the village of Belaya. "One of the transformers caught fire. Five settlements and a hospital were cut off from [the] power supply." (Related: Ukrainian drones conduct explosive attacks on Russian power stations.) Russia-Ukraine war could ESCALATE outside the two countries RT noted that the regions of Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod under Russia, as well as the disputed Crimea region and the Russian capital Moscow, have been frequently targeted by Ukrainian drones since the war began in February 2022. Regions of the country are now regularly subject to waves of Ukrainian drone strikes that have sporadically damaged buildings and other structures, Moscow has accused Kyiv of plotting acts of sabotage against Russia's major infrastructure sites, including nuclear power plants. Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian territory in recent weeks as its ground counteroffensive has failed to yield any significant victories. Russian officials have downplayed the significance of the drone attacks. Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that attacks on Russian targets would increase. "We clearly see the areas where pressure on Russia needs to be increased so that terrorist capabilities do not grow," he said on Sept. 26 during his nightly address. "Sanctions are not enough; there will be more. There will be more of our own Ukrainian actions against the terrorist state. As long as Russia's aggression continues, Russia's losses must be tangible." Mac Slavo of SHTF Plan predicted that the next phase of the Russia-Ukraine war would be disastrous. "Russia has long warned that Ukraine will step over the line. They claim Ukraine will use a nuclear device at some point too, and the West will blame it on Russia in order to advance the war efforts," he wrote. "It seems like the war is consistently ramping up, yet hasn't really exploded to include the whole world yet. The obvious proxy war may become a hot war between Russia and the West anytime." Head over to WWIII.news for more updates about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Watch Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosing a foiled plot by British-trained Ukrainian saboteurs to cripple a Russian nuclear power plant below. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukrainian KAMIKAZE DRONE sets off explosion, crashing into Russian airbase and damaging supersonic bomber. Artillery shelling at Europe's largest nuclear power plant could spell nuclear disaster for Ukraine and the world. Zelensky warns of radiation disaster as Russia accuses Ukraine of shelling its own nuclear plant. Ukrainian drone strikes deep within Russia could spark a bigger war involving the US. Russia shuts down Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant amid threat of Ukrainian attack. Sources include: SHTFPlan.com RT.com AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com Benevolent U.S. bioweapons labs pose a SERIOUS DANGER around the world For more than 50 years, the U.S. has set up bioweapons laboratories around the world. But these facilities, supposedly built for a "benevolent" purpose, now pose a serious danger to the countries they are in. The laboratories have been cautiously established in host countries under the pretexts of "battling epidemics" and "improving health services." However, the close involvement of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) which runs no less than 336 such facilities is a major red flag. It is worth noting that this number may be higher. Highly populated nations in Africa, such as Nigeria, are specifically exposed to such "benevolent" research. The involvement of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), an agency under the DoD, further solidifies the department's involvement in the labs. The DTRA has been working at "modernizing and reconstructing" the National Veterinary Research Institute in the town of Vom, located in Nigeria's Plateau State. Moreover, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is running related activities at the facilities of the Nigerian Ministry of Defense. The institute has been testing specifically dangerous pathogens without informing local authorities, thereby exposing thousands of Nigerians (and probably millions over the long term) to severe biohazards. Russian military intelligence has discovered no less than four U.S. biolabs in the West African country, with Maj. Gen. Igor Kirilov noting the "strange coincidences" of outbreaks in neighborhoods where these labs are located. (Related: HUNDREDS of accidents have occurred at U.S. biolabs but were never reported.) "According to available information, there are at least four Washington-controlled biolaboratories operating in Nigeria," said Kirilov, who commands the Russian military's radiation, chemical and biological defense unit. "Against the background of numerous cases of U.S. violations of biosafety requirements and facts of negligent storage of pathogenic biomaterials, we call on the leadership of the World Health Organization to investigate the activities of U.S.-funded Nigerian laboratories in Abuja, Zaria and Lagos and inform the world community about its results." Washington dismisses Moscow revelation of biolabs as 'disinfo' According to local sources, tens of thousands of samples and genetic materials are being secretly moved to other U.S.-run biolabs, not only in Nigeria but also overseas. The danger of creating yet another pandemic of worldwide magnitude due to such activities is significant, even if the DoD claims the research carried out there is "benevolent." Despite these revelations, the West is unsurprisingly insistent that Moscow is "engaged in disinformation." It has also dismissed these biological research facilities as "harmless" and doubled down on the claims that Washington is "simply trying to help" the host nations. The lack of transparency on the part of the U.S. Department of State has only exacerbated the issue. Revelations made by Victoria Nuland, under secretary of state for political affairs, regarding similar biolabs in Ukraine are mostly connected to the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022. But when Russian forces came into possession of materials from these biolabs, she warned Congress that the "benevolent research" could become "dangerous in Russian hands." But even before Kirilov disclosed the existence of the U.S. biolabs in Nigeria, several investigators have been studying this subject matter for years. Bulgarian investigative journalist Dilyana Gaytandzhieva is among them, having broke the news story about identical biolabs in Georgia. She interviewed several locals who contracted "mysterious" diseases just because they were living in proximity of the facilities. Because of her coverage of this topic, she has experienced many abuses over the years. In one instance, she was expelled from the European Parliament in 2018 for questioning the then-U.S. assistant secretary of health over the biolabs present in 25 countries worldwide. Her interesting and pioneering work was also smeared by the mainstream propaganda apparatus as "fake news." Follow BiologicalWeapons.news for more news about America's biological research facilities all over the world. Watch this video about the DoD-funded bioweapon labs in Eastern Europe and other parts of the globe. This video is from the SBN News Clips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: GLOBAL BIOWARFARE: U.S.-run biolabs arent just in Ukraine: Theyre also deployed in Africa and Asia-Pacific regions. Not just in Ukraine: US also running BIOLABS in Africa, Asia-Pacific region. Russia invokes Biological Weapons Convention treaty, calls on UN Security Council to investigate US biolabs in Ukraine. UN warns about high risk of biological hazard after warring party in Sudan captures biolab storing vaccines for measles, cholera. Chinese military may have been in possession of COVID-19 bioweapons much earlier than thought, scientist says. Sources include: GlobalResearch.ca TeleSUR.net Brighteon.com The United States is offering a reward of up to 5 million dollars for information leading to the identification or location of Ali Mohamed Rage, a key figure of the al-Shabaab terrorist group. The reward is offered by the U.S. Department of States Rewards for Justice, or RFJ program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service. Ali Mohamed Rage, also known as Ali Dheere, is a native of Somalia, born in Mogadishu in 1966. He is an important leader of Al-Shabaab, a member of its Shura Council, and the terrorist groups head spokesman since May 2009. He has been involved in the planning of attacks in Kenya and Somalia. Al-Shabaab is responsible for numerous terror attacks in Kenya, Somalia, and neighboring countries that have killed thousands of people, including U.S. citizens. This terrorist group continues to plot, plan, and conspire to commit terrorist acts against the United States, U.S. interests, as well as its allies and foreign partners. In previous actions, 19 months ago Rage was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State. This means that all property under U.S. jurisdiction in which he has any interest is blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with him. Furthermore, in February 2022, the UN Security Councils Somalia Sanctions Committee added Rage to its Sanctions List pursuant to paragraph 43(a) of resolution 2093 for engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Somalia. If you or anyone you know has information on Ali Mohamed Rages whereabouts, please contact Rewards for Justice via Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp at +1-202-702-7843 worldwide, or at +254 71 87 12 366 in Kenya and +252 68 43 43 308 in Somalia. All information will be kept strictly confidential. More information about this reward offer can be found on the Rewards for Justice website, which is located at www.rewardsforjustice.net. All credible reports will be investigated and the identity of all informants will be kept confidential. China-linked University of Delaware Biden partnership was Hunters baby and part of the Biden Crime Familys wealth creation strategy Many people do not realize this but fake president Joe Biden actually boastsincubation centers on American college campuses: one at the University of Pennsylvania and another lesser-known one at the University of Delaware Many know full well about UPenn's Biden Center, but fewer are aware that the University of Delaware opened a Biden Institute on the very same day, both intended to be "incubators" for advancing globalism and leftism throughout America and the world. The UPenn Biden Center, as explained by Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow in his book Breaking Biden: Exposing the Hidden Forces and Secret Money Machine Behind Joe Biden, His Family, and His Administration, has long served as a pipeline for Biden to funnel allies into his regime. And like with the University of Delaware's Biden Institute, the UPenn Biden Center was opened following what Marlow describes as "a suspicious influx in Chinese donations to the university." "Together with a Penn Biden office in D.C.," Marlow reveals, "the two entities would be the public-facing 'stage' for the 'Biden Brand.'" (Related: The mounting evidence against Hunter Biden's crimes is vindicating President Donald Trump on his first impeachment, according to Trump spokeswoman Liz Harrington.) Joe Biden is communist China's president, not America's president Most of the key players at the University of Delaware's Biden Institute have either been actual Biden family members, people with deep ties to communist China, or both. This is why the Biden Institute at this school was dubbed Hunter's "baby," serving as a much larger asset for replicating the Clinton Global Initiative minus the awkward fundraising component. It remains largely hazy as to how the University of Delaware funds its Biden Institute without fundraising, but Marlow and others suspect that influence peddling overseas, which is Hunter and "the big guy's" expertise, plays a major role in that operation. It was on Dec. 11, 2018, that the University of Delaware announced the naming of its public policy school after Joe Biden. Leaked emails show that members of the school's Biden Institute orchestrated this announcement on the very day that Hunter received a text message from his aunt and former Joe Biden campaign manager Valerie Owens, who now chairs the Biden Institute, giving him credit for the partnership. "Bravo Hunter UD was your baby and you made sure I was part of it," Owens wrote in the SMS message. From the very beginning, both Biden Institutes disclosed having received funding from communist China not long after the Biden Crime Family forged ties with the regime. As expected following these arrangements, the two institutes began stocking up on Biden appointees at least 12 that we know of so far including soon-to-be-senior Biden adviser Mike Donilon and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. It took the University of Delaware until April 2018 to publicly disclose that it had received funds from China, including a $3.2 million contract with an unnamed Chinese entity. Later in December, another $1.9 million came from yet another unnamed Chinese entity. "In 2019, UD received another $625,000 from China. In 2020, UD initiated three contracts with the Chinese entities and received over $1 million in funds," Marlow explains. "In sum, UD has received over $6.7 million from unnamed Chinese sources, including a substantial amount from the Chinese government." Then came the immediate launch of the Penn Biden Center, which was paid similar mysterious sums of money from China. It is believed that at least some of the unnamed Chinese entities deal with Chinese military technology, which if true makes the Biden Crime Family the Biden Treason Family as well. The latest news about the Biden Crime Family's crumbling empire can be found at Treason.news. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com Newstarget.com Commentators pushing for endless Ukraine aid, opposing dangerous peace talks hid financial ties to defense companies, Ukraine government Advisors to the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council have coordinated influential op-eds in mainstream news outlets calling for more assistance to Ukraine even slamming the prospect of negotiations as damaging and counterproductive while repeatedly failing to disclose their financial interests to the lobbying groups members: defense industry giants and the Ukrainian government. (Article by Natalie Winters republished from WarRoom.org) The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), which describes itself as a strong international voice for business in Ukraine now promoting U.S.-Ukraine business relations, represents over 200 companies including leading defense firms such as Boeing, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin. Many of these members, therefore, are direct beneficiaries of the multi-billion-dollar aid packages authorized by the White House for Ukraine. Despite this apparent conflict of interest, several Senior Advisors to the USUBC have written op-eds in mainstream news outlets publicly calling for a continuation of the Russia-Ukraine War, even calling negotiations damaging and counterproductive. The authors have repeatedly failed to include their affiliation with the USUBC in the articles or their biographies. Among the Senior Advisors to the USUBC are Managing Director for Global Policy at the George W. Bush Institute David Kramer, former United States Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor, and Atlantic Council Director John Herbst. Together, the trio authored an op-ed for The Atlantic in March: The Only Realistic Answer to Putin. In Ukraine, the Ukrainians are the ones doing the fighting, and tragically the dying; the United States has no soldiers on the ground, they lament. But we have every interest in providing the military support Ukraine needs to win this war and drive every Russian occupying and invading force off Ukrainian territory. No one wants the war to end sooner than the Ukrainians, but they also believe, and with good reason, that they can win, if they get the assistance they need soon. Now is not the time to snatch Russian defeat from Ukraines jaws of victory. Taylor and Kramer also pushed for more aid to Ukraine in The Washington Post in their op-ed, The West Should do Whatever it Takes to Help Ukrainians Survive the Winter. Echoing a similar sentiment, the pair call on the U.S. to provide Ukraine with missile defense, anti-drone, and antiaircraft systems and organize and lead a major public and private, international humanitarian effort to help the Ukrainian people make it through the winter. We should send massive numbers of portable generators, fuel, repair parts for electricity generation and distribution nodes, blankets, winter clothes, camp stoves, plastic sheeting, building repair supplies, internet connection devices, other communication networks, and food. We should send these supplies by rail, road, sea and air. Kramer peddled a similar narrative in a November 2022 op-ed Dont Go Wobbly on Ukraine, where he posted that Ukrainian victory is in Americas national interest. Calls for negotiations now are damaging and counterproductive. The Ukrainians have demonstrated that if the United States and our allies continue to provide the kind of military and economic support Ukraine needs, they will know how to deploy such weapons effectively against the Russians. Yet there is a rising chorus of voices clamoring for a negotiated end to Russias war against Ukraine, creating music to ears in the Kremlin while demoralizing the brave Ukrainians doing the fighting, he writes before calling for continued aid packages and weaponry. So a Ukrainian victory is possible if we continue to support Ukraine with the weapons it needs and the financial assistance to cover its hemorrhaging budget. Ukrainian victory is in our national interests, to ensure that Putin and his forces never again invade Ukraine or any other neighbor for that matter. Negotiations may, at some point, be necessary, but calls for them now are incredibly counterproductive and damaging to Ukraine. Since the onset of the war, Kramer has also published articles titled Defeating Putin in Ukraine Is Vital to the Future of Democracy, emphasizing that the best hope for democracy in Russiaand all of Eurasiais for the international community to support Ukraine in its efforts to defeat Vladimir Putin. He has also published the op-ed There Is No Substitute for Ukrainian Victory. Read more at: WarRoom.org mRNA vaccines linked to vaginal bleeding in non-menstruating women: STUDY New research out of Sweden has found that many non-menstruating women who got "vaccinated" for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) are now suffering from vaginal bleeding. Published in the journal Science Advances on Sept. 22, 2023, the landmark study identified three groups of non-menstruating women who are negatively affected in this way by COVID jabs: postmenopausal, perimenopausal, and non-menopausal due to the use of hormone-based contraception pharmaceuticals. Kristine Blix, one of the study's lead authors and a medical doctor and researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, commented about the findings that a very large number of women were included in the research. "In this study, we have documented the responses from a large sample of women who were asked about unexpected vaginal bleeding shortly after vaccination," Blix stated. Compared to pre-vaccination, women in the postmenopausal category were between two- and three times more likely to experience abnormal bleeding after getting jabbed. Peri- and premenopausal women who get jabbed experienced a three- to fivefold increased risk of vaginal bleeding. "Together with current knowledge, it seems probable that both pre- and postmenopausal women are at increased risk of unexpected vaginal bleeding after COVID-19 vaccination," the study concluded. (Related: Back in May, we reported on another similar study published in the British Medical Journal showing that women both young and old are experiencing vaginal bleeding due to COVID jabs.) Yes, COVID jabs do cause serious menstrual disturbances in women These horrific findings serve as a backdrop for the thousands of reported cases of "menstrual disturbances" that have popped up ever since the launch of Operation Warp Speed in late 2020. Many women reported experiencing heavy and unusual bleeding, though the media was quick to dub these reported vaccine injuries are just more "anti-vax conspiracy theories" and "wild rumors." Mother Jones, for instance, ran a story written by Kiera Butler that claimed "social media influencers" were "spreading wild rumors about COVID-19 vaccines and period." The BBC also reported on the matter a bit more accurately in May 2021, though the British news outlet made sure to include a caveat that most of the negative effects were "short-term," the suggestion being that they are not that big of a deal. It took all the way until October 2022 for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to even list "heavy menstrual bleeding" as a side effect for Comirnaty (the "approved" Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA jab) and Spikevax (Moderna's mRNA jab). Keep in mind that the EMA was told a full year earlier about heavy menstrual bleeding being a side effect of COVID injections, meaning the agency sat on this information for many months before finally getting around to warning the public about it. Pfizer-BioNTech told the EMA about all this in its first ever Periodic Safety Update Report, which came as a three-part series, but it was only made available later on through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by a group of European medical professionals acting in goodwill on behalf of the public. "The regulator, the vaccine manufacturer (Pfizer) and Marketing Authorisation Holder (BioNTech) never had the intention of sharing them with the public," reported Vigilant News about the scandal. The worst thing about all this is that Pfizer-BioNTech still denies that its jabs are even responsible for vaginal bleeding. In a concluding appendix to their three-part series, the two drug giants tried to claim that women suffering from these side effects are merely experiencing pandemic-related "psychological distress and stress," which is about as patronizing and ridiculous as it gets, even for Big Pharma. Why, oh why, did millions of people willingly comply with the COVID jab genocide operation known as Operation Warp Speed? Learn more at Genocide.news. Sources for this article include: VigilantNews.com NaturalNews.com Far-left Politico now openly defending NAZIS Canada is facing serious repercussions for honoring an ex-Nazi soldier except from, which is defending Canada's actions while accusing critics of being "propagandists who exploit the appeal of simplicity." In case you missed it, the Canadian Parliament on September 22 gave a standing ovation to Nazi war criminal Yaroslav Hunka as if he was a hero. It turns out that Canada has a Nazi problem dating back decades. The country is a safe haven for Nazis, and according to Op India, it is also a "hunting grounds for Jewish groups and other officials looking to bring them to book." Politico EU sees things differently, though. In an op-ed it published on October 2, writer Keir Giles tried to revise Holocaust history while engaging in a whitewashing campaign. Giles also smeared Austrian Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal, claiming he was found to have "made broad accusations that were found to be 'nearly totally useless,'" and that "put the Canadian government to a considerable amount of purposeless work." (Related: Remember earlier this year when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decorated his military unit with a "Nazi" title?) What do you think about Yaroslav Hunka? The shame Canada has had to bear over the Hunka fiasco apparently required a public relations hitman, in this case Giles, to "run cover and deflect," to quote one X (formerly Twitter) user who expressed criticism towards Politico EU. Giles writes that the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center claims that Hunka's "crimes against humanity during the Holocaust are well-documented," but that these claims do not "seem to have any more substance than the accusation by Russia." In other words, this is just more "Russian propaganda" manifesting its ugly head because when in doubt, just blame Russia. "The result of all this is that otherwise intelligent people are now trying to outdo each other in a chorus of evidence-free condemnation," Giles further writes. To be fair, there is a witch hunt taking place against Hunka's family members who were born long after any possible crime could have been committed during World War II but is Hunka himself as innocent as Giles and Politico EU seem to think he is? Canadian Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman recently called Hunka "a monster," while Poland's education minister is attempting to extradite him back to Poland in order to then determine whether or not he actually committed any war crimes himself. Giles says the situation is more complex than people are making it, arguing that a more thorough "debunking" or "fact-checking approach to countering disinformation" would reveal these complications more clearly though the audience would have to be "willing to put in the time and effort to read the accurate version of events, and be interested in discovering it in the first place." "This means debunking mainly works for very specific audiences, like government officials, analysts, academics and (some) journalists," he writes. "But most of the rest of us, especially when just scrolling through social media, are instead likely to have a superficial and fleeting interest, which means a lengthy exposition of why a given piece of information is wrong will be far less likely to reach us and have an impact." On the flip side, Giles relies heavily on an anti-Russia bias to prove his point, arguing that Russia is responsible for "propaganda narratives" that include looking at Hunka as a war criminal which makes sense since he fought against the former USSR. Giles entitled his article after this fact, stating that "Fighting against the USSR didn't necessarily make you a Nazi." So, what do you think about this matter? The latest news about mainstream media corruption can be found at Propaganda.news. Sources for this article include: Twitter.com OpIndia.com Politico.eu Newstarget.com Solar researcher warns of solar activity decrease, imminent MINI ICE AGE and GLOBAL FAMINE by 2030 A Ukrainian solar researcher with a solid academic background has been warning about a dangerous phenomenon that could lead to dramatic climate and weather changes as well as global cooling for years now. Her studies have become controversial over the years because she blames climate changes on the sun's activity and not anything carbon dioxide-related. In a 2019 interview with the award-winning Canadian journalist Stuart McNish on his program "Conversations That Matter," Valentina Zharkova, who authored world-leading research as well as numerous groundbreaking publications, explained that they have been observing signs that since 2015, solar activity has been decreasing in a manner only seen during the Grand Solar Minimum, which last occurred during the Maunder Minimum, also known as the "prolonged sunspot minimum," 400 years ago. She cited National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other research organizations have noted this trend in various ways but hid the information from the public. According to her, the significantly reduced solar activity will inevitably lead to dramatic climate and weather changes such as a massive global cooling that could be likened to a mini ice age. (Related: NO WARMING AT ALL: Global COOLING continues for eighth straight year, according to NOAA data.) "Between cycle 25 and 11 years of cycle 26 [the least active cycle], and between cycle 26 and 27, will be the coldest period on Earth, and we will feel it through a lack of vegetation," the researcher and lecturer with a doctorate in astrophysics said. This means that starting after the active period during the 'Solar Cycle 25,' from the second half of this decade until the early 2050s, Earth will experience exceptional cold, extreme weather, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Zharkova pointed to 2030 as the year when it will seriously begin, warning that the 2030s will be so cold that it will result in a severe food shortage. Back in 1998, the climate expert published her discovery that solar flares were triggered by solar quakes after extensive research. Solar flares are intense localized eruptions of electromagnetic radiation in the suns atmosphere. She has also published over 200 articles, including three articles in Nature-affiliated journals. It was one of these articles that predicted the modern Grand Solar Minimum, which she believes will affect the Earth between 2020 and 2053. Zharkova used a mathematical program to get her findings which has produced 97 percent accuracy over the last 30 years in mapping the movement of sunspots. Sunspots are cooler regions of the suns surface that move around periodically and appear darker when photographed. We say cooler, but really these sunspots still maintain incredible temperatures of around 4,200 degrees Celsius. FreeWestMedia pointed out how, interestingly, 2020 was also the year when the alleged Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was used to implement extensive lockdowns and the introduction of the "New Normal, " which several countries have since made permanent, with the explanation that the world will never be the same again. She also wrote a monograph on particle kinetics, which served as an editor for a book on automated recognition and classification of digital images, and wrote the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) book on high-energy particles. The independent news outlet raised people's concern about the globalists' Agenda 2030 and claims of "human-induced global warming," which are supposed to affect us in the early 2030s. "The question is why they are not warning us about what is truly on the horizon, as they are likely well aware of it. Even more concerning is why they are misleading the world's governments and people into believing that the threat is warmth. Potential answers to these questions are unsettling," the article read. Record number of sunspots observed in June Back in June, a record number of spots on the sun's surface was observed that has caused worry for solar scientists, as Zharkova has been warning. The center of the solar system is defying predictions and heading into a much stronger solar cycle, which could impact Earth. HIGHEST MONTHLY AVERAGED SUNSPOT NUMBER SINCE SEPTEMBER 2002! The June 2023 SNN was 163.4 the highest value for over 20 years. The CM model is now forecasting a peak for SC25 of just under 200, the CM model at 125 (SC42 was 116). Any Grand Solar Minimum believers left out there? pic.twitter.com/uw0JCeooe1 Keith Strong (@drkstrong) July 1, 2023 Sunspots are areas of high-intensity magnetic fields on the solar surface that result in a temporary halting of the convection process. This results in a drop in the temperature in the localized region, making them appear darker than the rest of the solar surface. These regions are associated with solar flares, intense eruptions of electromagnetic radiation, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which send out plasma particles from the sun's corona into space. The giant sunspot named AR3354 was first spotted on the sun on June 27 and grew rapidly within a span of two days to a size about 10 times larger than Earth, raising concerns among space weather scientists. In July, it let out an X1 class solar flare, and the resultant radiation caused a deep shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean and the western parts of the United States. Class X is the most intense of solar flares, and the solar storms accompanying such events can impact life on Earth. Extreme energy events can disrupt electrical grids as well as damage spacecraft. Visit ClimateScienceNews.com for more stories related to global cooling and how global warming is a scam. Sources for this article include: FreeWestMedia.com VancouverSun.com EnviroTech-Online.com InterestingEngineering.com Technocratic OVERREACH: Santa Clara County sued for warrantless surveillance of a churchs foot traffic patterns via geofencing app Recently, San Jose's Calvary Chapel filed a lawsuit against Santa Clara County, alleging that the local government committed illegal surveillance back in the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic era. Constitutional questions were raised when the county accessed data in 2020 on the church's foot traffic patterns collected by a research team from Stanford University. The information was reportedly used to levy heavy fines against the church for violating COVID-19 restrictions regarding public gatherings. According to court documents, said researchers acquired the information, which originated with Google Maps, from the location data company SafeGraph, which is also being sued by Calvary. SafeGraph's Senior Vice President of Operations Nicole Berger, claimed that the university researchers violated the company's 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. "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." The new lawsuit stemmed 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. During the trial, it came to light that a research team headed by Stanford University Professor of Administrative Law and Statistical Inference Daniel Ho had used "geofenced" data to provide Santa Clara County health officers with analysis on aggregate visits to the said church from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021. In his 2022 "expert witness report," Ho said the 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 governor's office, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Clara County," where information about "points-of-interest" included 1,576 religious organizations. According to church attorneys, the county was arguing "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." Meanwhile, the data broker SafeGraph insisted that their information is anonymized. However, there were no particular individuals the government was suspicious of, Adam Schwartz of the Electronic Frontier Foundation told RealClearInvestigations. "It's a dragnet." He added that 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." Calvary Chapel attorney Mariah Gondiero pointed out that the right to privacy 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. Critics also emphasized that even if it is backed by a warrant, law enforcements use of geofencing violates the Fourth Amendment. The global location intelligence market was estimated at $16 billion last year, according to the business consulting firm Grand View Research, which predicts that figure will grow to $51 billion by 2030. Tech giant Google to pay $93M in settlement for deceptive location tracking Businesses use geofencing for many purposes, such as location-based advertising, consumer data collection, and employee monitoring. But the overreach is "inevitable" for greedy companies. Big Tech 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 tech giant was also involved in an ongoing dispute in an Oakland, Calif., U.S. District Court over the company's "Real Time Bidding" process, whereby customers personal information is auctioned off to advertisers so that they can place targeted ads. "Our investigation revealed that Google was telling its users one thing -- that it would no longer track their location once they opted out -- but doing the opposite and continuing to track its users' movements for its own commercial gain," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement announcing the settlement. "That is unacceptable, and we are holding Google accountable." It was discovered that there was a central discrepancy between how Google represented its handling of user location data and how the attorney general's office alleged it actually handled it. While the tech giant gave people the option to turn off their "location history" and explicitly stated the company would not track the places they went if they chose this option, it still collected and stored a user's location data through other sources, including through a user's "web and app activity" tracker, which the attorney general said continues to be on by default. The AG also accused Google of "deceiving users about their ability to opt out of advertisements targeted to their location." While the Big Tech company did not admit any fault, it agreed to several other terms in addition to paying the hefty settlement amount of almost $100 million. These included: being more transparent about its location tracking practices; notifying users before location information is used to build ad profiles to target specific people; and getting approval from Google's internal privacy working group before making any material changes to privacy. (Related: HERE WE GO AGAIN: Google hides campaign sites of Trump, RFK Jr. and other Republican candidates; Biden dominates top search results.) Check out EvilGoogle.news for stories related to Big Tech's collusion with Big Government to surveil the people. Sources for this article include: Technocracy.news RealClearWire.com TheGuardian.com Weather experts said that Koinu could threaten Taiwan and southeastern China as it gains strength while in the Philippine Sea. They said that the center of Typhoon Koinu, which is currently known as Jenny in the Philippines, was moving near the southernmost coast of Taiwan late Wednesday. Meteorologists said that Koinu was packing maximum sustained winds of 103 mph, which is equivalent to that of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Under this category, extensive damage to homes is expected as well as damage to power lines. Furthermore, roads might be blocked due to shallow-rooted trees that might be uprooted. Koinu's track The Central Weather Administration in Taiwan said that Koinu's position 050000Z was at 21.9N 121.0E, having a movement of WNW 10km/hr. It said that the minimum pressure was at 940 hpa and maximum sustained winds near center of 45 meter per second and gusts of 55 meter per second. Officials from CWA said that Koinu has an average radius of over 15m/s winds 250km(260km NW quad. , 250km NE quad. , 250km SW quad. , 250km SE quad. ), and Aaerage radius of over 25m/s winds 90km (100km NW quad. , 90km NE quad. , 90km SW quad. , 90km SE quad.). Due to Koinu, meteorologists issued extremely heavy rain or torrential rain advisory in Pingtung County Mountain Area, Hengchun Peninsula, Hualien County, and Taitung County. Meanwhile, heavy rain or extremely heavy rain advisory was raised over Taipei City Mountain Area, New Taipei City Mountain Area, Kaohsiung City Mountain Area, Pingtung County, and Yilan County Mountain Area. On the other hand, heavy rain advisory has been in effect over Keelung North Coast, Taoyuan City Mountain Area, Hsinchu County Mountain Area, Miaoli County Mountain Area, Taichung City Mountain Area, Nantou County Mountain Area, Kaohsiung City, Yilan County, Lanyu and Ludao Islands. Beaches have been closed beginning Tuesday in Kenting National Park, which is situated in southern Taiwan, in preparation for the incoming storm conditions. Meanwhile, numerous flights were cancelled across Taiwan as Koinu is expected to unleash impressive rain and wind field. Furthermore, schools and businesses across the region were also shutdown on Wednesday as part of the preparation for the bad weather. To recall, Koinu was formed on September 27 when a tropical zone of low pressure was created near Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. On Friday, it organized into a tropical depression over the central Philippine Sea. Weather experts said Koinu also underwent rapid intensification. Read Also: Typhoon Haikui Leaves 44 Wounded In Taiwan, At Least 7,000 Evacuated; Landslides, Rockslides Expected Philippines In the Philippines where Koinu was locally known as Jenny, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 remained hoisted over Itbayat, Batanes as the weather event made landfall in Pingtung County, Taiwan. In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA added that TCWS No. 2 was raised over the rest of Batanes. The following areas that are under TCWS No. 1 include Babuyan Islands; the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Lal-Lo, Camalaniugan, Pamplona, Claveria, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Allacapan, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes, Lasam, Gattaran); the northern portion of Apayao (Calanasan, Pudtol, Luna, Santa Marcela, Flora); and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Piddig, Bangui, Vintar, Burgos, Pagudpud, Bacarra, Adams, Pasuquin, Carasi, Dumalneg, Laoag City). Related Article: Typhoon Doksuri to Bring Heavy Rain to Philippines Before Moving to Taiwan, China, Hongkong Crocodiles went into a 'sex frenzy' in Queensland, Australia, after hearing sounds coming from a military helicopter. According to reports, the reptiles had their sex drive pumped up after the aircraft flew low over the Koorana Crocodile Farm, which is home to approximately 3,000 crocodiles. pThe wild animals reportedly may have mistaken the helicopter noise as a sound used for mating calls by other competing male crocodiles over their female counterparts, according to experts. Australian Crocodile Sex Frenzy The "crocodile sex frenzy" incident in central Queensland was triggered by Chinook helicopters and a thunderous sound that resemble the growl of the crocodilians. According to the crocodile farm's owner, John Lever, the crocodiles started to communicate with each other after the military chopper flew too low, reports say. While the incident has been considered bizarre, local sources indicate that the helicopter flyby altered air pressure after its fast-moving rotor blades hovered above the farm. This sound had aroused or set the mood for the Australian crocodiles. Lever even added that the crocodiles reacted to the sonic waves of the chopper. While this is not the first time that a certain reptile species engaged in mass mating call following the passage of a helicopter. In fact, local Australian media reported that the Singapore Armed Forces often conduct bilateral training operations in the area and use the crocodile farm as a mark point. Also Read: Crocodiles' Super-skin Can Detect Environmental Changes Universal Emotional Arousal Language The incident only shows the audio-sensitive trait of crocodiles not only on helicopter sounds but even those coming from humans. For instance, Nile crocodiles are sensitive to the cries of distress primate babies, particularly human infants, according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences in August 2023. The study explains that the more these types of mammals' cry, the more the crocodiles get interested. Meanwhile, another research cited Charles Darwin's initial hypothesis that all terrestrial vertebrates evolved a universal signaling system. This is a form of communication that evolved with us for millions of years. In the case of alligators and even other animals, Darwin had previously unraveled a universal language of arousal, also called "emotional arousal." Australian Crocodiles The common species of the reptile found in Australia is the saltwater crocodile, which has an estimated population of between 100,000 and 200,000. According to wildlife experts, saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) have a polygynous system, which means male crocodiles are inclined to mate with multiple female crocodiles. Aside from being alarmed by helicopter sounds, saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitats such as freshwater areas engage in such mating acts between the months of November and March, in general. However, the Queensland Government suggests that the crocodile breeding season is from September to April, where the animals are most active at night. Over the course of mating season, crocodiles in the past have been season mated several times in one season. Related Article: Mugger Crocodiles Save Dog from Feral Attack in India, Study Suggests Local Reptiles are More Intelligent TIE Fighter, a pet "boa," managed to get into a neighbor's basement, which forced the homeowner to grab her children and leave the house. After discovering a snake in their shared basement on Stoddard Avenue in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Tiffany Hawkins posted on social media. She invited anyone who had misplaced their pet boa to visit her home and retrieve it by posting on social media. She later claimed that she was traumatized for life and needed a new home. The Trespassing 'Boa' Constrictor and a Traumatized Homeowner For the past eight days, Hawkins has faced a snake dilemma in her 129 Stoddard Ave. duplex basement. The bright orange slithery intruder left her perplexed. She resorted to online remedies like mothballs and lowering the heat to evict it, but nothing worked. Calling the Pittsfield Police Department and local animal services proved futile due to a lack of resources. With limited information, her fears grew, suspecting it was a boa constrictor, possibly someone's escaped pet, causing her to envision a massive problem if left unchecked. The sighting forced her and her children to flee their home, where they haven't returned since. Not Boa but a Baby Corn Snake On Monday night, the cavalry arrived in the form of reptile enthusiasts Kelsey Robitaille and Eileen Conway. These two kind-hearted individuals responded to a Facebook post seeking help in finding and safely retrieving a missing snake. Despite lacking professional expertise, they stepped up to the challenge of the scarcity of reptile experts in Western Massachusetts. Conway humorously referred to herself as a "friendly neighborhood witch" with snakes at home, while Robitaille's passion for reptiles stemmed from more than a decade of ownership and volunteering at a now-closed reptile rescue. Upon their arrival at Hawkins' house, Robitaille identified the snake as a corn snake from its shed skin. This confirmed that it was likely an escaped pet, as corn snakes and ball pythons are commonly kept as pets. Conway joined the search, sharing her knowledge gained from dealing with her own escaped snake. Together, they worked tirelessly to remove potentially harmful glue traps and set up baskets to safely capture the snake. Conway even procured mice as bait, a good strategy for nighttime capture. Conway reassured Hawkins and her family that the snake was harmless and not venomous, likening its bite to that of a kitten. The tenants had endured more than a week of anxiety since the snake's appearance in the basement, but finally, Hawkins could sleep in her home again. Altough she hadn't seen the snake in person and remained fearful of that encounter, the presence of compassionate volunteers like Robitaille and Conway provided some much-needed relief to Hawkins and her neighbors who had endured sleepless nights. Also Read: 20,000 Invasive Burmese Pythons Removed From Everglades by 11,000 Contractors Since 2006: Are We Making Headway? Rescue Party On Monday night, an unexpected twist occurred when the snake's owner, Amanda Sprouse, who lives nearby, learned of the Facebook posts and joined the rescue mission. Her 12-year-old son Kingston's snake, named TIE Fighter after "Star Wars," had gone missing three months earlier due to a kitten knocking over its tank. Now, the frustration shifted to knowing TIE Fighter's whereabouts but struggling to retrieve him. Kingston also joined the search effort that night, impressing Hawkins with his dedication. As of Tuesday night, the team continued their efforts to locate and return TIE Fighter home. Conway emphasized the importance of not fearing reptiles due to misunderstanding and appearance. Snakes, she explained, are sentient creatures capable of feeling pain and fear, despite misconceptions shaped by human judgments. Related Article: Meet the Indian Pit Viper Named After Salazar Slytherin: Trimeresurus Salazar Salmon are one of the most iconic fish species in the world, known for their remarkable ability to return to their natal rivers to spawn after spending years in the ocean. However, not all salmon follow this pattern. Some of them stray to new habitats, especially when their original ones are changing due to climate change. This is what researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) have confirmed in a recent study: salmon are spawning in Arctic rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean, a region that was previously too cold and inhospitable for them. How did the researchers find out? The researchers were interested in exploring the possibility of salmon colonization in the Arctic Ocean watershed, which covers about 40% of Alaska's land area. They were motivated by a workshop held in December 2022, where scientists, community members, and Indigenous fishermen discussed the increasing number of salmon being observed in the Arctic Ocean and their possible origin. The researchers focused on the Colville River watershed, which is approximately 60 miles southwest of Prudhoe Bay. The Colville River is the largest river that drains into the Arctic Ocean from Alaska. The researchers sampled two of its tributaries: the Anaktuvuk and Itkillik rivers, which are located in the Brooks Range mountains. The researchers used a combination of methods to survey the rivers, including electrofishing, gillnetting, snorkeling, and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. They also collected water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH data. The study found about 100 chum salmon in the Anaktuvuk and Itkillik rivers in mid-September 2023. All the fish were either actively spawning or had finished spawning at sites where groundwater appeared to be flowing to the surface. These sites had warmer and more stable water temperatures than the surrounding areas, which are essential for salmon reproduction. Chum salmon eDNA has also been detected in both rivers and pink salmon in the Anaktuvuk River. eDNA is the genetic material that organisms leave behind in their environment, such as skin cells, scales, or feces. It can be used to identify the presence and diversity of aquatic species without capturing or observing them directly. The researchers confirmed that these salmon were not escapees from hatcheries or aquaculture facilities, as they had no external marks or tags. They also ruled out the possibility that these salmon were transported by humans or animals, as there were no roads or trails near the sampling sites. Also Read: Salmon Population Feared To Be Devastated After Thousands Escape From Icelandic Farm What does this mean for salmon and the Arctic? The discovery of these salmon suggests that at least some salmon species could be expanding to new territory as climate change reshapes their habitat. The Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth, which affects the hydrology, ecology, and biogeochemistry of its rivers and lakes. Some of these changes could create more favorable conditions for salmon colonization, such as longer ice-free seasons, higher water temperatures, increased nutrient availability, and reduced salinity. However, not all changes are beneficial for salmon. Some of them could pose challenges or threats, such as increased variability and unpredictability of water flows, lower dissolved oxygen levels, higher acidity and turbidity, increased competition and predation from native and invasive species, and exposure to contaminants and pathogens. The researchers emphasized that these salmon are not necessarily permanent residents of the Arctic rivers. They could be transient visitors that will not establish self-sustaining populations. They could also be indicators of ecological stress or disturbance in their original habitats. The researchers called for more studies to monitor and understand the dynamics and impacts of salmon colonization in the Arctic. They acknowledged that these salmon are not new to the Arctic people who have lived there for thousands of years. According to them, indigenous knowledge and observations are valuable sources of information for studying salmon distribution and abundance in the Arctic. They hoped that their findings could contribute to a collaborative dialogue between scientists and communities on how to manage and conserve salmon resources in a changing Arctic. Related article: Salmon Use Magnetic Field for Navigation, Study Confirms ELKOWhat art exhibits is the Northeastern Nevada Museum currently showcasing? Ones that draw from the talent of artists in the Great Basin area. In the Halleck Bar Gallery on the first floor, visitors can find Reno to the Black Rock, a black-and-white photography exhibit from fine art landscape photographer Ronald Saunders. The photos, which highlight geological features, capture the experience of a road trip from Reno to Gerlach, Nevada. Upstairs, the Barrett Gallery showcases the work of Lynne Kistler, a smoke artist who coats her paper with the smoke from a flame. She then sketches the people, animals or objects her minds eye forms out of the billowing shapes of the smoke, creating a textural and surreal piece. We really love having local artists at the museum, Northeastern Nevada Museum executive director Lauren Roovaart said, noting that Kistler is from Lamoille and Saunders is from the Reno area. Both exhibits are on view until Dec. 3, 2023. Feather-tailed possums are tiny marsupials that belong to the family Acrobatidae. They have a distinctive tail that resembles a feather, which they use for balance and grip. There are two living species of feather-tailed possums: the Australian feathertail glider (Acrobates pygmaeus) and the New Guinean feather-tailed possum (Distoechurus pennatus). These two species are closely related, but they have different adaptations and lifestyles. The Australian feathertail glider can glide from tree to tree using a membrane between its limbs, while the New Guinean feather-tailed possum lacks this ability and is more terrestrial. Scientists have long wondered how these two species evolved and where they originated. A recent study by palaeontologists from UNSW Sydney has shed some light on this mystery by analysing fossils of extinct feather-tailed possums from Riversleigh World Heritage Area in north-western Queensland. The study revealed that the ancestors of both living species were present in Australia by at least 25 million years ago, and that the New Guinean feather-tailed possums migrated from Australia to New Guinea later in their evolutionary history. The fossil evidence The researchers discovered four new species of extinct feather-tailed possums from Riversleigh, which they named Acrobates magicus, Acrobates macknessi, Distoechurus amplus and Distoechurus robustus. These fossils represent the first 'deep-time' record of the whole family Acrobatidae, and provide insights into their diversity and evolution. The fossils showed that the extinct species of Acrobates were similar to the living Australian feathertail glider, but had larger body sizes and more robust teeth. They also had well-developed gliding membranes, indicating that they were adapted to living in forests that began to spread out in Australia during the Miocene epoch (23-5 million years ago). According to the study, the extinct species of Distoechurus were similar to the living New Guinean feather-tailed possum, but had smaller body sizes and less robust teeth. Moreover, they lacked gliding membranes, suggesting that they never developed gliding as an adaptation. Instead, they probably relied on their long tails and claws to move through the vegetation. The researchers concluded that the extinct species of Acrobates and Distoechurus were closely related to each other, and that they shared a common ancestor in Australia before diverging into their living descendants. They also suggested that the Distoechurus lineage migrated from Australia to New Guinea sometime after the Miocene epoch, when New Guinea emerged as a large landmass. Also Read: Critically Endangered Possum vs Human Livelihood: Barnaby Proposes Logging Protected Forest to Save Jobs The evolutionary implications The study has important implications for understanding the evolution and biogeography of feather-tailed possums and other marsupials. It shows that feather-tailed possums originated in Australia and diversified into different forms over time. It also shows that some of them colonised New Guinea and adapted to new environments. The study also highlights the role of Riversleigh as a rich source of fossil information for Australian fauna. Riversleigh has yielded fossils of many other marsupials, such as koalas, kangaroos, bandicoots and wombats, as well as birds, reptiles and mammals. These fossils reveal how Australia's unique wildlife evolved over millions of years in response to changing climates and landscapes. The study was published in Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, and was led by Prue Fabian, who conducted the research as part of her honours year at UNSW. Fabian was supervised by Professor Mike Archer and Emeritus Professor Suzanne Hand from UNSW's School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences. The study was supported by grants from the Australian Research Council and the National Geographic Society. Related article: Salmon Fishing Season in California Canceled Due to Grim Reports From Experts At least one individual was killed and more than 300 others were wounded after Typhoon Koinu pounded Taiwan with massive rains. The bad weather in Taiwan prompted the closure of schools and other establishments to ensure the safety of residents. Powerful winds also uprooted trees and brought floods. Authorities said that the fatality was killed by a flying glass in the central city of Taichung and at least 304 individuals were injured around the island. Gusts of wind uprooted some trees and caused damage to the establishments and buildings. Read Also: New Typhoon Koinu Impacts: Stormy Conditions Likely in Southern Taiwan, Southeastern China This Week Forecast track The Central Weather Administration said that Koinu was spotted 060000Z at 21.8N 117.8E. Weather experts said that its movement was W 10km/hr, having a minimum pressure of 970 hpa. Koinu is packing maximum sustained winds near center 33 meter per second and gusts that is 43 meter per second. It has an average radius of over 15m/s winds 150km(160km NW quad. , 160km NE quad. , 130km SW quad. , 130km SE quad. ) and average radius of over 25m/s winds 50km(60km NW quad. , 60km NE quad. , 40km SW quad. , 40km SE quad. ). Authorities raised heavy rain or extremely heavy rain advisory in Hengchun Peninsula, Taitung County; while heavy rain advisory has also been in effect over Keelung North Coast, Pingtung County, Yilan County, Hualien County, Lanyu and Ludao Islands. Koinu already made landfall on Thursday in Cape Eluanbi, which is the southernmost tip of Taiwan. The heaviest amount of rain was encountered in the east-coast counties of Taitung and Hualien as well as in the mountainous Pingtung county in the south. The typhoon was able to bring the fastest wind ever recorded in Taiwan as it approached on Wednesday night. A weather tracking station placed in Orchid Island recorded Taiwan's strongest wind in 126 years as the typhoon struck the country. Meanwhile, Taiwan's two main domestic airlines, UNI Air and Mandarin Airlines, also cancelled most of their flights for Thursday while operations of ferries to outlying islands were also suspended. To recall, Taiwan has been battered by other typhoons in the previous weeks and months. It was last month when Typhoon Haiku made landfall in eastern Taiwan, which prompted the evacuation of around 4,000 people from high-risk areas. In August, Taiwan was also pounded with Typhoon Doksuri that resulted in school, work and flight suspensions in the southern part of the island. Expected to weaken Weather experts said that Koinu is expected to weaken as it moves west toward the Guangdong and Fujian provinces of southern China. Still, Typhoon Koinu is expected to drench the coastal areas of southern China over the weekend. As part of preparation measures, the City of Guangzhou has been proactive enough to cancel some flights and trains starting Friday. Meanwhile the city's maritime authorities also issued a Level 4 alert - the least severe in a four-tier system, as part of precautionary measures. On the other hand, officials in the Fujian province suspended 137 ferry trips to guarantee the safety of passengers. Related Article: Typhoon Koinu Taking Aim At Taiwan, Southeastern China With Heavy Rains, Winds Related Video: The latest report showed that salmon was found spawning in the Arctic Rives. Researchers explained that climate change could be a factor that affects the salmon's habitats. Climate change can have long-term impact the species of salmons and other aquatic animals. Fishes, including the coral reef system, are sensitive to changes and temperatures due to the warming of oceans. The challenges brought by climate change can affect many aquatic species' habitat, survival and spawning areas. Salmon in the Arctic Rivers: What are the Causes? Understanding the effects of climate change on salmon species is vital to prevent population declines, especially on the West Coast. Recently, reports showed the alarming impacts of ocean warming on salmons in the Pacific Northwest. According to NOAA, climate change can influence the habitat of cold-water and fresh-water aquatic species and their food sources. In the Arctic rivers, climate change can shape the spawning areas of salmons. Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbank discovered about 100 chum salmon in the rivers in Alaska. When the water becomes warmer, it can push salmon to migrate or swim more to look for potential food sources. The emergence of salmon is also a bioindicator of the ecosystem's health. Meanwhile, the report highlighted that different species, like sea lions, seabirds and plankton, could also affect the salmon population. Associate Professor Peter Westley, the project lead, explained that the habitat changes in salmon push them to move north. Westly is also a researcher at the UAF. The project discovered that chum salmons emerged in the Itkillik and Anaktuvuk rivers. Rehabilitating the nutrient flow and habitat restorations are crucial for salmon survival amidst the threats of climate change and increasing temperatures. The researchers will also analyze the spawning of salmon in the Arctic rivers and the potential success of their reproduction in the area. Also Read: Alarming Florida Keys Coral Bleaching: Warm Waters, Rise of Temperatures Impact Corals Arctic river threats: How does it impact the water? The Arctic River has many aquatic species and ecosystems, including bears, moose, beavers, and Arctic foxes. As a result, the temperature change can significantly impact them. However, the Arctic Rivers have suffered from different threats: Plastic pollution The introduction of invasive species Water pollution Plastic pollution Overfishing. In a recent report, researchers showed the pervasive plastic pollution in the Arctic Rivers. Plastics and microplastics can impact aquatic ecosystems. The increasing problem of plastic can harm the food sources of aquatic animals. Exposure to microplastics in fish can also harm other animals and human health. Researchers explained that plastic pollution also came from wastewater, landfills, households, agricultural areas and industrial industries. As a result, the mitigation of plastics is essential in the Arctic Ocean to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The reduction of plastic can avoid the devastating impacts on wildlife. Related Article: Pond Turtles Conservation: Restoration Efforts To Save Species from Brink of Extinction in Washington State, U.S. For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News. Tsunami warnings have been raised in some portions of the Japan's Izu Islands after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit the area. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a tsunami warning was issued in the adjacent sea of the Torishima Island due to the powerful earthquake as experts had predicted that 1-meter waves would reach the area. Tsunami alerts The agency said that although there may be slight sea-level changes in coastal regions, the powerful earthquake has caused no damage to Japan. There was also no observation of seismic intensity 1 or above. Furthermore, tsunami waves that were as high as 30 centimeters were measured at Hachijo Island at 12:17 p.m. The quake jolted Torishima, which is an uninhabited island around 580 kilometers south of Tokyo, at a depth of 17 km. Experts already warned that the region could be hit by more earthquakes as seismic activity has continued since earlier this week. Small tsunami surges of up to 0.2 meters have been forecasted over Honshu, with the warning applying to a large area that is stretching from Chiba Prefecture around Tokyo in the east to Kagoshima Prefecture in the west. Meanwhile, a tiny tsunami of about 30 centimeters (1 foot) was observed in the Yaene area on the Hachijo island, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Due to the tsunami alerts and warnings that had been issued, the residents were asked to stay away from coasts as well as from river mouths to ensure their safety. Read Also: Japan Earthquake: 6.2 Magnitude Impacts Island Hokkaido; No Tsunami Alerts Reported Previous quakes Japan has been known as one of the most earthquake-prone places on earth. A massive earthquake in 2011 caused a tsunami that destroyed huge swaths of northern Japan and it also caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. Almost 20,000 people were killed in the series of disasters and authorities said that the costs from the disasters amounted to around 300bn. The magnitude 9.0 quake, which was considered as the strongest ever recorded in the country - triggered a tsunami up to 30 metres high that washed up to 5 kilometres inland. It further resulted in massive loss of life, environmental devastation and infrastructural damage. Around 14,600 have gone missing due to the quake, making it as the worst disaster to hit Japan since the 1923 earthquake. Along with the unresolved situation at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant as well as the pressing humanitarian issues linked to the large number of displaced and dispossessed following the quake, the management of the massive amounts of debris generated by the earthquake and tsunami has been identified by the Government of Japan as an immediate challenge. The total amount of waste has been estimated to be between 80 and 200 million tons - comparable in size to the waste generated by Hurricane Katrina, which cost over USD 3.2 billion to clean up. Moreover, the shortage of land will escalate the cost of post-disaster waste management in Japan. Experts also said that the last time an earthquake of similar magnitude was observed near Torishima island was in 2006, and this caused a 16 cm tsunami to reach Miyake-jima. They noted that it was also the first time for a tsunami alert to be issued for the Izu islands since the 2022 Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption and tsunami. Related Article: Tsunami Alert Issued After Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Struck Fukushima in Japan Related Video: Officials reported that the ice-cold floodwaters that surged through mountain communities in India's Himalayan northeast killed at least 40 people and left hundreds still missing, with rescuers still searching for survivors among wreckage and fast-flowing water. The disaster began in the early hours of Wednesday when a glacial mountain lake overflowed. It blasted through a large hydroelectric dam downstream before pouring into the valley below, killing dozens and forcing thousands more to leave their homes. Aftermath of the Flood The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority said that more than 2,000 people were rescued following the deadly floods and that state authorities set up 26 assistance camps for more than 22,000 flood victims. Rescue teams were still looking for nearly 100 people who had gone missing, including 22 soldiers. Vinay Bhushan Pathak, the state's top bureaucrat, said 26 people were transported to hospitals with injuries, and almost 3,000 tourists, as well as 700 cab drivers, were stuck in flood-affected districts. "We are evacuating them through helicopters provided by the army and the air force," he said. Floodwaters wiped away eleven bridges in the Lachan Valley, as well as pipelines, and damaged or destroyed more than 270 buildings in four districts. Several towns in the Teesta basin, including Dikchu and Rangpo, were inundated, and schools in four districts were ordered closed until Sunday, according to the state's education administration. Parts of a highway connecting the state capital of Sikkim to the rest of the country were also washed away. According to images released by the Indian military, the floods also struck several army barracks, burying vehicles in feet of mud. The office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the government would assist state authorities in the aftermath of the flooding. Read Also: India's Record-Breaking Rain Update: About 100 People Died From Widespread Flooding Lake Labelled Highly Vulnerable The cause of the catastrophic flood, the latest to hit northeast India in a year of unusually heavy monsoon rains, was unknown. Experts cited heavy rain and a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that shook adjacent Nepal on Tuesday afternoon as potential causes. However, the incident highlights a climate dilemma that sets local environmental activists, who believe dams in the Himalayas are too dangerous, against government officials seeking a national green energy strategy. The Teesta 3 dam, the largest in Sikkim state, has been a source of controversy since its construction six years ago. According to a 2019 report published by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Lhonak Lake is "highly vulnerable" to flooding that could burst dams and cause substantial damage to life and property. Rising temperatures have caused glaciers to melt quicker, increasing the likelihood of dam breaches and catastrophic floods, yet India has relied on such dams to meet ambitious renewable energy targets as part of a worldwide effort to slow climate change. The government wanted to cut India's hydroelectric dam output in half by 2030, to 70,000 megawatts. It has approved the construction of hundreds of new hydroelectric dams throughout the Himalayan region. "We knew that this was coming," said Gyatso Lepcha, general secretary of Affected Citizens of Teesta, an environmental organization based in Sikkim. The Teesta 3 hydroelectric project on the Teesta River took nine years to complete and cost $US1.5 billion ($2.6 billion). The plant commenced operations in 2017 and was capable of producing 1,200 megawatts of electricity-enough to power 1.5 million Indian homes. Related Article: Northeast India Deadly Flooding: 5 Dead While 23 Remained Missing Related Video: A start time of 8 a.m. or later for Nevada schools that the Nevada State Board of Education has tentatively approved is only for high schools, according to the latest version of the regulation that the board is now sending to the Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau to put into law language. The regulation applies to all public high schools, including charter schools and districts with high schools that currently begin prior to 8 a.m., the updated version states. The state board voted on Oct. 4 to take the next step toward putting the new start time into effect after deciding to change the implementation date to the 2025-2026 school year rather than the 2024-2025 school year. The earlier version that came before the board stated that all schools were covered although comments were geared to high schools, but the state boards revision clearly says that high schools with start times before 8 a.m. must provide alternative options for families and students. These options shall be aimed at addressing the potential negative impact of early start times on student health, well-being, and academic performance, the new version says. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends later school start times for middle and high schools since studies show that adolescents experience a shift to a later sleep-wake cycle, and insufficient sleep represents one of the most common, important, and potentially remediable health risks in children, particularly in the adolescent population, for whom chronic sleep loss has increasingly become the norm. Elko County School District Superintendent Clayton Anderson said in an Oct. 4 email that he submitted written comments on the proposed regulation prior to the boards September meeting and wasnt planning additional comments. ECSD schools are all on a four-day week this school year. Spring Creek High School starts at 7:15 a.m., Elko High School starts at 7:30 a.m. and West Wendover High School starts at 8:30 a.m. The Carlin, Jackpot, Owyhee, and Wells combined schools start at 8 a.m. The state board had agreed in September to send the proposed regulation to the Legislative Counsel Bureau for review, and on Oct. 4 in Las Vegas and Carson City the board went through the updated draft wording. The plan to change the start time for schools has been in the talking stages for months and more recently has triggered more public comments, including on Oct. 4, leading board member Maggie Carlton to say that we have finally gotten some folks attention. Theyve started to engage. She told the board that it is time to move the proposal forward because the longer we drag out, the less work gets done on other major educational issues in Nevada. This isnt the final word. The regulation can be rewritten. It could work concurrently with a survey, Carlton said, talking about a new survey that school districts will be asked to send out to parents, students, and staff about start times. Board member Dr. Rene Cantu said he tended to agree with Carlson, pointing out that there are still two or three steps ahead before final implementation. He said he wanted the board to get away from just gathering information. Final action will come after the Legislative Council Bureau provides the legal language for the board and the state board holds a hearing on the legal version before it is sent to a legislative committee for final approval. We understand these things take time, but will provide an opportunity to hear from everyone, said the boards vice president, Dr. Katherine Dockweiler, who acted as chair. She also said the state board still must establish the waiver system called for in the regulation, so that is still another opportunity for public comments. Board member Tate Else, superintendent of the Eureka County School District, said that it is really important to get more stakeholder input from the beginning. We really need those conversations. He also pointed out that some of the worst-performing schools start after 8 a.m. Mike Walker, the board member who represents the Nevada Association of School Boards, said he still believes start times are a matter of local control. It sounds like were looking at it as a simplistic issue. Its a very complex issue. He said several school districts dont feel they have been included in this discussion, and he said more information is needed. The majority of comments from parents and students have been favorable, Dockweiler said. The revised regulations also include a change the board approved in September regarding gradual implementation of the start times, with the new requirement at 35% of schools within each district offering alternative start-time options within the first year, up from 25% in the earlier version. Another change is that the draft regulation language now states that the state board shall develop and implement a waiver system for high schools that face unique challenges in modifying their start times. Waivers must be submitted by Nov. 15 of each year. The regulation also says that each district and charter school with start times before 8 a.m. must submit an annual report to the state board summarizing each individual schools community survey results, detailing progress in implementing start time options and any challenges. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. ELKO The Nevada Department of Wildlifes continued efforts to develop a community fishing pond complex in Elko has led to the agency seeking water rights from Elko County for the complex and the planned purchase of more land. The Elko County Board of Commissioners approved supporting the concept of providing water rights to the complex in a unanimous vote Oct. 5, but wanted more details on how much water is needed and the best option for providing water rights to NDOW. Caleb McAdoo, deputy director of operations for NDOW, told commissioners that community partners are chomping at the bit to get this going. He said he didnt have the amount water required at this point, but he wanted a commitment from the county because NDOW is about to purchase nearly 40 acres of property adjacent to land already purchased for the project. NDOW earlier purchased the 12th Street ponds, formerly known as the Eshleman ice ponds, in Elko in 2022 for the development of the fishing complex that could include a park-like setting and an educational area. McAdoo wrote that in addition to Elko County, we have coordinated with several key stakeholders in the community and have received overwhelming support of the project. He said in the letter that this support has led to NDOW working on the purchase of an adjacent property, Parrado Partners, which contains an additional three ponds and nearly 40 additional acres. This purchase is slated to close in December of 2023 and would further expand the collaborative community project opportunity to a nearly 60-acre area. According to an October 2021 article in the Elko Daily Free Press, NDOW was looking at acquiring the roughly 18 acres that included the 12th Street ponds for nearly $306,000 from Igloo. The site for the community fishing complex is east of the 12th Street bridge. The two land purchases come with water rights, but additional water rights would help, and there are water rights the county has that could be beneficial to the project, McAdoo told the commissioners. He said the project has the support of partners that include the City of Elko, which would probably provide maintenance for the complex while NDOW stocks the fish. Nevada Gold Mines and Great Basin Land Management are volunteering to map the site to provide a better idea of how much water is needed. McAdoo estimated that at the high end, the complex would need a couple hundred acre-feet from the county. Chairman Rex Steninger said he would be happy to explore the request for water rights, noting that we should value water rights like we value gold, but the downside he sees to the project is the potential for the fishing complex to become a homeless camp. We need a mechanism to be sure that doesnt happen. He also said he would prefer that the county maintain control, so that it can terminate the water rights if needed. The county manager, Amanda Osborne, said the water rights the county could provide NDOW would come out of water rights held for the Northeastern Nevada Regional Railport. Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi said the fishing pond project could be a great community asset, and I couldnt think of a better use for our water rights. He said he agreed, however, that the county needs a reversal clause, so the water rights stay with the county. Commissioner Travis Gerber said he was in favor of providing water rights to the project, and he said he hoped the site would be multi-use to include picnic tables and grills for family time. Natural Resources Director Curtis Moore said the county could continue to hold the water rights and just change the use, but if the county transfers the water rights, the upside is that it wouldnt have to administer the water rights. He said there are ways to leverage the donation by leasing the rights or transferring the rights with a reversal clause. McAdoo also told commissioners that its a goal across the state to have these community fishing ponds. They are extremely popular. By AFP BANGKOK: Rescuers in Sikkim are searching for over 100 people missing in a flash flood caused by a glacial lake bursting its banks, a risk scientists warn is increasing with climate change. AFP explains what glacial lake outburst floods are and the risks they pose, particularly in parts of Asia: What is a glacial lake outburst flood? A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water that has collected in former glacier beds. These lakes are formed by the retreat of glaciers, a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been turbocharged by the warmer temperatures of human-caused climate change. Glacier melt is often channelled into rivers, but ice or the build-up of debris can form what is effectively a natural dam, behind which a glacial lake builds. If these natural dams are breached, large quantities of water can be released suddenly from the lakes, causing devastating flooding. What causes these breaches? The natural dams holding back glacial lakes can be breached for a variety of reasons, explained Lauren Vargo, a glacier expert and scientist at the Antarctic Research Centre in New Zealand. Causes include "an avalanche of snow, or a landslide causing a wave in the lake, or overfilling of the lake... from rain or the glacier melting", she told AFP. Sometimes the dam has been gradually degraded over time, or is ruptured by an event like an earthquake. The breaches are highly unpredictable, "because they can be caused by so many different factors", she added. ALSO READ | Nepal earthquake triggered Sikkim flash flood disaster? Scientists to find out What is the impact of climate change? Climate change is driving the disappearance of glaciers, with half the Earth's 215,000 glaciers projected to melt by the end of the century, even if warming can be capped at 1.5 degrees Celsius. The volume of glacial lakes has jumped by 50 percent in 30 years, according to a 2020 study based on satellite data. The more and larger lakes form, the greater the risk they pose to populations downstream. Climate change is not only driving the creation of glacial lakes, but also can produce the conditions that result in dam breaches. "The flooding can be caused by glaciers melting or these big rainfall events, we know that's happening more because of climate change," said Vargo. ALSO READ | After Nepal earthquake, Pakistanis wonder if Dutch scientist's prediction will turn out true How dangerous are these floods? The particular danger of GLOFs lies in their unpredictability. "The probability of a lake releasing a GLOF is difficult to accurately quantify without detailed and localised studies," a study of the problem globally warned this year. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that 15 million people live within 50 kilometres (31 miles) of a glacial lake and within one kilometre of potential flooding from a breach. The risk was greatest in "High Mountains Asia", an area that covers parts of 12 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and Nepal. That is partly because more people live closer to glacial lakes in the region than in other parts of the world, making warning times even shorter. But it also reflects the vulnerability of those populations, who may be poorer and less prepared to deal with the sudden arrival of catastrophic floodwaters. "The most dangerous basins... do not always host the most, or the largest, glacial lakes," the authors wrote. "Rather it is the high number of people and the reduced capacity of those people to cope with disaster that plays a key role in determining overall GLOF danger." Thousands of people, for example, have been killed by glacier lake outburst floods in High Mountains Asia but only a handful in North America's Pacific Northwest, even though that region has twice as many glacial lakes. Experts have called for more research on the risks posed by GLOFs, particularly in the Andean region, which remains comparatively understudied, but also for better preparedness. "But then there's the larger part of what we can do in terms of reducing emissions, to try to slow down climate change and reduce the threats of this from growing even more," Vargo said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BANGKOK: Rescuers in Sikkim are searching for over 100 people missing in a flash flood caused by a glacial lake bursting its banks, a risk scientists warn is increasing with climate change. AFP explains what glacial lake outburst floods are and the risks they pose, particularly in parts of Asia: What is a glacial lake outburst flood?A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water that has collected in former glacier beds.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); These lakes are formed by the retreat of glaciers, a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been turbocharged by the warmer temperatures of human-caused climate change. Glacier melt is often channelled into rivers, but ice or the build-up of debris can form what is effectively a natural dam, behind which a glacial lake builds. If these natural dams are breached, large quantities of water can be released suddenly from the lakes, causing devastating flooding. What causes these breaches? The natural dams holding back glacial lakes can be breached for a variety of reasons, explained Lauren Vargo, a glacier expert and scientist at the Antarctic Research Centre in New Zealand. Causes include "an avalanche of snow, or a landslide causing a wave in the lake, or overfilling of the lake... from rain or the glacier melting", she told AFP. Sometimes the dam has been gradually degraded over time, or is ruptured by an event like an earthquake. The breaches are highly unpredictable, "because they can be caused by so many different factors", she added. ALSO READ | Nepal earthquake triggered Sikkim flash flood disaster? Scientists to find out What is the impact of climate change? Climate change is driving the disappearance of glaciers, with half the Earth's 215,000 glaciers projected to melt by the end of the century, even if warming can be capped at 1.5 degrees Celsius. The volume of glacial lakes has jumped by 50 percent in 30 years, according to a 2020 study based on satellite data. The more and larger lakes form, the greater the risk they pose to populations downstream. Climate change is not only driving the creation of glacial lakes, but also can produce the conditions that result in dam breaches. "The flooding can be caused by glaciers melting or these big rainfall events, we know that's happening more because of climate change," said Vargo. ALSO READ | After Nepal earthquake, Pakistanis wonder if Dutch scientist's prediction will turn out true How dangerous are these floods? The particular danger of GLOFs lies in their unpredictability. "The probability of a lake releasing a GLOF is difficult to accurately quantify without detailed and localised studies," a study of the problem globally warned this year. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that 15 million people live within 50 kilometres (31 miles) of a glacial lake and within one kilometre of potential flooding from a breach. The risk was greatest in "High Mountains Asia", an area that covers parts of 12 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and Nepal. That is partly because more people live closer to glacial lakes in the region than in other parts of the world, making warning times even shorter. But it also reflects the vulnerability of those populations, who may be poorer and less prepared to deal with the sudden arrival of catastrophic floodwaters. "The most dangerous basins... do not always host the most, or the largest, glacial lakes," the authors wrote. "Rather it is the high number of people and the reduced capacity of those people to cope with disaster that plays a key role in determining overall GLOF danger." Thousands of people, for example, have been killed by glacier lake outburst floods in High Mountains Asia but only a handful in North America's Pacific Northwest, even though that region has twice as many glacial lakes. Experts have called for more research on the risks posed by GLOFs, particularly in the Andean region, which remains comparatively understudied, but also for better preparedness. "But then there's the larger part of what we can do in terms of reducing emissions, to try to slow down climate change and reduce the threats of this from growing even more," Vargo said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: After the major tragic incidents of people dying due to the shortage of medicines and unavailability of staffers in three different locations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday ordered the audit of the government-run hospitals in the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had called the meeting of state chief secretary Manoj Saunik, Additional Chief Secretary of Public Health Department Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Secretary of Medical Education Department Dinesh Waghmare along with senior officials of Health, Medical Education Departments and all the Collectors of the state were present. In this meeting, CM Eknath Shinde asked the respective district collectors to visit the government-run hospitals immediately in their respective districts, review the present infrastructure of the hospitals, availability of staffers, and doctors and submit factual reports with all details based on current situations. The district collectors will have to also visit the primary local health system, municipal corporation-run hospitals and medical colleges that fall under their jurisdictions. CM Eknath Shinde also empowered the respective district collectors to purchase medicines so that there would be no delay in the procurement and supply of the medicines to the respective state-run hospitals. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde revived the meeting from Delhi via video conferencing with the concerned staffers and officers. Shinde was in Delhi for some work. Shinde also gave clear instructions for District Collectors to visit government hospitals regularly. The Collectors of the state were present in this meeting held through a video communication system from New Delhi. A state-level committee has been appointed to investigate the death cases in hospitals in Nanded and Ghati and warned that strict action will be taken against the culprits. The Chief Minister also instructed that there would be no delay in the purchase of medicine. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the health system is the highest priority of the state government. He also assured that the state government is working to prepare a short-term and long-term plan for the strengthening of the health system. There will be no shortage of funds to purchase the medicines. The District Collectors should consider the responsibility of the health system in their district and visit different government hospitals in the district every day to review and take appropriate steps immediately, Shinde added. He said that the divisional Commissioners, Collectors, Superintendents of Hospitals and District Surgeons should work as a team for the health system, and the funds and additional equipment should be provided promptly if required. If there is a shortage of manpower, outsourcing powers have also been given at the district level, so if the efforts of the government to provide quality health facilities to the people of the state are delayed due to lack of resources, manpower, the concerned will be held responsible and action will be taken and the reasons for lack of medicines and manpower will not be tolerated, he warned. He said there is a state-level dashboard regarding the availability of medicines that should be used effectively by all the hospitals so that it is possible to purchase urgently needed medicines. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp MUMBAI: After the major tragic incidents of people dying due to the shortage of medicines and unavailability of staffers in three different locations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday ordered the audit of the government-run hospitals in the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had called the meeting of state chief secretary Manoj Saunik, Additional Chief Secretary of Public Health Department Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Secretary of Medical Education Department Dinesh Waghmare along with senior officials of Health, Medical Education Departments and all the Collectors of the state were present. In this meeting, CM Eknath Shinde asked the respective district collectors to visit the government-run hospitals immediately in their respective districts, review the present infrastructure of the hospitals, availability of staffers, and doctors and submit factual reports with all details based on current situations. The district collectors will have to also visit the primary local health system, municipal corporation-run hospitals and medical colleges that fall under their jurisdictions.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); CM Eknath Shinde also empowered the respective district collectors to purchase medicines so that there would be no delay in the procurement and supply of the medicines to the respective state-run hospitals. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde revived the meeting from Delhi via video conferencing with the concerned staffers and officers. Shinde was in Delhi for some work. Shinde also gave clear instructions for District Collectors to visit government hospitals regularly. The Collectors of the state were present in this meeting held through a video communication system from New Delhi. A state-level committee has been appointed to investigate the death cases in hospitals in Nanded and Ghati and warned that strict action will be taken against the culprits. The Chief Minister also instructed that there would be no delay in the purchase of medicine. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the health system is the highest priority of the state government. He also assured that the state government is working to prepare a short-term and long-term plan for the strengthening of the health system. There will be no shortage of funds to purchase the medicines. The District Collectors should consider the responsibility of the health system in their district and visit different government hospitals in the district every day to review and take appropriate steps immediately, Shinde added. He said that the divisional Commissioners, Collectors, Superintendents of Hospitals and District Surgeons should work as a team for the health system, and the funds and additional equipment should be provided promptly if required. If there is a shortage of manpower, outsourcing powers have also been given at the district level, so if the efforts of the government to provide quality health facilities to the people of the state are delayed due to lack of resources, manpower, the concerned will be held responsible and action will be taken and the reasons for lack of medicines and manpower will not be tolerated, he warned. He said there is a state-level dashboard regarding the availability of medicines that should be used effectively by all the hospitals so that it is possible to purchase urgently needed medicines. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: BJP president J P Nadda has asked party leaders and workers not to question the authenticity of the caste-based survey report in Bihar as it might adversely impact the party's chances in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nadda's directions came during his meeting with members of the state party's core committee, state party office bearers, MPs, MLAs and MLCs held late last evening. During the deliberations, Nadda gave five important tips to party leaders but the first and foremost was not to corner the state government on the caste-based survey report. This comes at a time when a host of senior BJP leaders including former union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, union minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey, Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Vijay Kumar Sinha and others had raised question marks on the accuracy of the caste-survey data. Nadda also instructed the party's MPs to visit their Lok Sabha constituencies and take feedback from the people to check whether their popularity was still intact or suffered a dent. He said that they should try to win their trust more if people were satisfied with their performance. Sources said that the BJP's central leadership would also take feedback from the party's sister organisations about the performance of all MPs to equip itself with the pertinent information before deciding its candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. ALSO READ | Supreme Court refuses to restrain Bihar govt from publishing further data from caste survey The BJP president asked state leaders to meet women and explain how the Women's Reservation Act was going to benefit them as this could strengthen the party's electoral edge. He said posters, banners, digital tools and various other methods should be used to communicate the policies of the central government that have benefited women. In his 30-minute meeting, Nadda also instructed MPs to try to woo the OBC community in a better way in this election. He said the BJP would be able to sail through in the Lok Sabha elections if OBCs voted in sizable numbers as with the LJP (Ram Vilas) chief and MP Ram Vilas Paswan joining the NDA, the BJP could also expect a huge chunk of OBC votes. Nadda said party leaders should target RJD chief Lalu Prasad more instead of chief minister Nitish Kumar as attacking the latter too much could also boomerang as Nitish was a long time ally of the BJP. Nitish should be targeted only when it is unavoidable, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp PATNA: BJP president J P Nadda has asked party leaders and workers not to question the authenticity of the caste-based survey report in Bihar as it might adversely impact the party's chances in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nadda's directions came during his meeting with members of the state party's core committee, state party office bearers, MPs, MLAs and MLCs held late last evening. During the deliberations, Nadda gave five important tips to party leaders but the first and foremost was not to corner the state government on the caste-based survey report.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); This comes at a time when a host of senior BJP leaders including former union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, union minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey, Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Vijay Kumar Sinha and others had raised question marks on the accuracy of the caste-survey data. Nadda also instructed the party's MPs to visit their Lok Sabha constituencies and take feedback from the people to check whether their popularity was still intact or suffered a dent. He said that they should try to win their trust more if people were satisfied with their performance. Sources said that the BJP's central leadership would also take feedback from the party's sister organisations about the performance of all MPs to equip itself with the pertinent information before deciding its candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. ALSO READ | Supreme Court refuses to restrain Bihar govt from publishing further data from caste survey The BJP president asked state leaders to meet women and explain how the Women's Reservation Act was going to benefit them as this could strengthen the party's electoral edge. He said posters, banners, digital tools and various other methods should be used to communicate the policies of the central government that have benefited women. In his 30-minute meeting, Nadda also instructed MPs to try to woo the OBC community in a better way in this election. He said the BJP would be able to sail through in the Lok Sabha elections if OBCs voted in sizable numbers as with the LJP (Ram Vilas) chief and MP Ram Vilas Paswan joining the NDA, the BJP could also expect a huge chunk of OBC votes. Nadda said party leaders should target RJD chief Lalu Prasad more instead of chief minister Nitish Kumar as attacking the latter too much could also boomerang as Nitish was a long time ally of the BJP. Nitish should be targeted only when it is unavoidable, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to organise the second edition of Krishi Kumbh (agriculture fair) in the coming December. The earlier edition, a first-of-its-kind, was held in 2018, a year after the BJP government came to power in Uttar Pradesh. According to a government official, the aim is to make farmers from across the country and the world familiar with the states agriculture and its practices and enhance their technical awareness, new agricultural technologies and innovations. New farming and agricultural practices in various countries, including Japan, Israel, Germany and the US, will also be displayed and taught. The discussions will be held on challenges related to cow-based natural farming, climate change preparedness, encouragement for sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship based on FPOs, cost reduction in farming, and efforts to increase the contribution of the agriculture sector in making the state a one trillion dollar economy. Various agriculture techniques through lectures, demonstrations and agricultural exhibitions will be showcased. Recently, at a meeting presided over by Adiyanath, it was decided to make possible participation of two lakh farmers in the fare. He has also instructed authorities to invite esteemed national and international agricultural companies and organisations, agricultural universities, agricultural science centres, and progressive farmers to the event. In the first Krishi Kumbh, over 300 companies and organisations took part and the event generated revenue of around Rs 2 crore. The event will be organised at the Indian Sugarcane Research Institute in Lucknow. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to organise the second edition of Krishi Kumbh (agriculture fair) in the coming December. The earlier edition, a first-of-its-kind, was held in 2018, a year after the BJP government came to power in Uttar Pradesh. According to a government official, the aim is to make farmers from across the country and the world familiar with the states agriculture and its practices and enhance their technical awareness, new agricultural technologies and innovations. New farming and agricultural practices in various countries, including Japan, Israel, Germany and the US, will also be displayed and taught. The discussions will be held on challenges related to cow-based natural farming, climate change preparedness, encouragement for sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship based on FPOs, cost reduction in farming, and efforts to increase the contribution of the agriculture sector in making the state a one trillion dollar economy.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Various agriculture techniques through lectures, demonstrations and agricultural exhibitions will be showcased. Recently, at a meeting presided over by Adiyanath, it was decided to make possible participation of two lakh farmers in the fare. He has also instructed authorities to invite esteemed national and international agricultural companies and organisations, agricultural universities, agricultural science centres, and progressive farmers to the event. In the first Krishi Kumbh, over 300 companies and organisations took part and the event generated revenue of around Rs 2 crore. The event will be organised at the Indian Sugarcane Research Institute in Lucknow. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court on Friday acquitted a capital punishment awardee and commuted the death sentence of two others to life imprisonment over the gang rape and murder of a 21-year-old college student at Kamduni in North 24 Parganas, an incident that shook West Bengal 10 years ago. A Barasat court had sentenced three convicts to death, while three others got life imprisonment for the incident on June 7, 2013, when the victim was returning home on a rainy day after appearing for an examination. The state government decided to move the Supreme Court challenging the high courts verdict. Hearing the order, the brother of the victim fell unconscious on the premises of the court. In 2016, the lower court had awarded capital punishment to Amin Ali, Saiful Ali and Ansar Ali while Imanul Islam, Aminul Islam and Bhola Naskar were sentenced to life imprisonment. A division bench comprising justice Joymalya Bagchi and Ajay Kumar Gupta acquitted Amin Ali and commuted the death sentence of Saiful and Ansar to imprisonment till the end of their natural life. The bench acquitted Imanul, Aminul and Bhola of the changes of gang rape and convicted them for criminal conspiracy and causing disappearance of evidence. Mentioning the three have already suffered incarceration for more than 10 years since their arrest and their conviction prescribes a maximum of seven years imprisonment, the court directed that they will be set free upon payment of Rs 10,000 fine each, in default, of which they will undergo simple imprisonment for three more months. Family members of the victim expressed their unhappiness following the high courts order. We are scared of our security as three of the accused have been acquitted by the court, said one of the two brothers of the victim. The incident shook the state and chief minister Mamata Banerjee had visited the area and met the victims family members. She had also promised exemplary punishment of the suspects. The victim was dragged inside a warehouse in the area dotted by fisheries when she was talking on the phone along the road. There was no one around her as it was raining. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court on Friday acquitted a capital punishment awardee and commuted the death sentence of two others to life imprisonment over the gang rape and murder of a 21-year-old college student at Kamduni in North 24 Parganas, an incident that shook West Bengal 10 years ago. A Barasat court had sentenced three convicts to death, while three others got life imprisonment for the incident on June 7, 2013, when the victim was returning home on a rainy day after appearing for an examination. The state government decided to move the Supreme Court challenging the high courts verdict. Hearing the order, the brother of the victim fell unconscious on the premises of the court.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In 2016, the lower court had awarded capital punishment to Amin Ali, Saiful Ali and Ansar Ali while Imanul Islam, Aminul Islam and Bhola Naskar were sentenced to life imprisonment. A division bench comprising justice Joymalya Bagchi and Ajay Kumar Gupta acquitted Amin Ali and commuted the death sentence of Saiful and Ansar to imprisonment till the end of their natural life. The bench acquitted Imanul, Aminul and Bhola of the changes of gang rape and convicted them for criminal conspiracy and causing disappearance of evidence. Mentioning the three have already suffered incarceration for more than 10 years since their arrest and their conviction prescribes a maximum of seven years imprisonment, the court directed that they will be set free upon payment of Rs 10,000 fine each, in default, of which they will undergo simple imprisonment for three more months. Family members of the victim expressed their unhappiness following the high courts order. We are scared of our security as three of the accused have been acquitted by the court, said one of the two brothers of the victim. The incident shook the state and chief minister Mamata Banerjee had visited the area and met the victims family members. She had also promised exemplary punishment of the suspects. The victim was dragged inside a warehouse in the area dotted by fisheries when she was talking on the phone along the road. There was no one around her as it was raining. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI MUMBAI: Seven people, including two minors, were killed and over 60 injured after a fire swept through a residential building in Mumbai's Goregaon area in the early hours of Friday, a civic official said. Five of the injured are in critical condition. Hours later, the city's fire brigade chief said the building had no firefighting system. As many as 30 residents were rescued from the terrace and various floors of the seven-storey structure, he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condoled the loss of lives in the fire and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of each of the deceased victims. The CM said that those injured in the fire would be treated at government expense. The blaze started around 3 am at the Jay Bhavani SRA building' near Azad Maidan at Unnat Nagar in Goregaon West, said an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). It had a lot of old clothes on the ground floor, they said. A total of 68 residents were rushed to various hospitals. While 42 were admitted to the civic-run HBT Trauma Care hospital at Jogeshwari and 15 to BMC-run Cooper Hospital at Juhu, 11 were taken to three private hospitals, civic officials said. Of these, seven including two minors and some women died, six at Trauma Care and one at Cooper. The condition of five others is critical. Nine took discharge against medical advice, they said. Ravindra Ambulgekar, chief fire officer of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, told PTI The Jay Bhavani SRA building in Goregaon was old and no firefighting system was not available there. According to Sudhakar Pujarey, an officer bearer of the housing society, they have two wings a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building and a saleable portion. The fire erupted in the SRA building, he said. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said not a single death was due to burns. All the deaths occurred due to suffocation, he told media persons. Before firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had spread across the ground floor and started rising. It completely gutted the old clothes, shops and two-wheelers on the ground floor, said fire officials. It took nearly four hours for the fire brigade to extinguish the blaze. ALSO READ | Seven killed, over 40 injured as fire engulfs Mumbai residential building; 30 rescued More than eight fire engines and other firefighting equipment were used in the operation, a fire official said. Chahal said some people from a particular community were rehabilitated in the building. They primarily deal in old clothes. They had stored old clothes in the parking area of the building, he said. "After the fire broke out, it spread faster because of it (clothes)," Chahal said. The BMC chief said the fire erupted at 3.01 am and the fire engines reached the spot by 3.10 am. Initially, the fire had spread up to the second floor. Among the injured are two kids from a family and they have suffered up to nine per cent burns. "If plastic surgery is done, the kids won't have to live with the trauma for life. Hence we are shifting them to Kasturba Hospital, where we have specialised treatment of plastic surgery," Chahal said. Apart from announcing ex gratia for the deceased victims, CM Shinde wrote on X that he had instructed Mumbai city guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar and suburban district guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha to visit the site of the blaze. "The incident is unfortunate and I am in touch with the Mumbai civic commissioner," said Shinde, who is in New Delhi. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident. "Pained to know about the loss of lives in the fire incident at #Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured ones," he wrote on X. Minister Lodha and Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and many other leaders visited the fire-ravaged building. Speaking to media persons at the scene, Thackeray said he prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. "There should be no politics over the tragedy," he said, adding that they are a responsible opposition. Local MLA Vidya Thakur most of the building residents are from the 'Waghari Samaj' and they deal in old clothes. Most families have many members, she said. Bundles of old clothes, cars and two-wheelers had been kept on the ground floor and the fire spread from there, she said and demanded a probe into the incident. "Norms for SRA buildings should be changed as these buildings have narrow escape routes. So measures like providing a staircase from outside should be considered," Thakur said. Manish Chaturvedi, a resident of the neighbouring wing, said he woke up due to an acrid smell around 3 am. He went down and saw the next building on fire. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp MUMBAI: Seven people, including two minors, were killed and over 60 injured after a fire swept through a residential building in Mumbai's Goregaon area in the early hours of Friday, a civic official said. Five of the injured are in critical condition. Hours later, the city's fire brigade chief said the building had no firefighting system.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As many as 30 residents were rescued from the terrace and various floors of the seven-storey structure, he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condoled the loss of lives in the fire and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of each of the deceased victims. The CM said that those injured in the fire would be treated at government expense. The blaze started around 3 am at the Jay Bhavani SRA building' near Azad Maidan at Unnat Nagar in Goregaon West, said an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). It had a lot of old clothes on the ground floor, they said. A total of 68 residents were rushed to various hospitals. While 42 were admitted to the civic-run HBT Trauma Care hospital at Jogeshwari and 15 to BMC-run Cooper Hospital at Juhu, 11 were taken to three private hospitals, civic officials said. Of these, seven including two minors and some women died, six at Trauma Care and one at Cooper. The condition of five others is critical. Nine took discharge against medical advice, they said. Ravindra Ambulgekar, chief fire officer of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, told PTI The Jay Bhavani SRA building in Goregaon was old and no firefighting system was not available there. According to Sudhakar Pujarey, an officer bearer of the housing society, they have two wings a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building and a saleable portion. The fire erupted in the SRA building, he said. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said not a single death was due to burns. All the deaths occurred due to suffocation, he told media persons. Before firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had spread across the ground floor and started rising. It completely gutted the old clothes, shops and two-wheelers on the ground floor, said fire officials. It took nearly four hours for the fire brigade to extinguish the blaze. ALSO READ | Seven killed, over 40 injured as fire engulfs Mumbai residential building; 30 rescued More than eight fire engines and other firefighting equipment were used in the operation, a fire official said. Chahal said some people from a particular community were rehabilitated in the building. They primarily deal in old clothes. They had stored old clothes in the parking area of the building, he said. "After the fire broke out, it spread faster because of it (clothes)," Chahal said. The BMC chief said the fire erupted at 3.01 am and the fire engines reached the spot by 3.10 am. Initially, the fire had spread up to the second floor. Among the injured are two kids from a family and they have suffered up to nine per cent burns. "If plastic surgery is done, the kids won't have to live with the trauma for life. Hence we are shifting them to Kasturba Hospital, where we have specialised treatment of plastic surgery," Chahal said. Apart from announcing ex gratia for the deceased victims, CM Shinde wrote on X that he had instructed Mumbai city guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar and suburban district guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha to visit the site of the blaze. "The incident is unfortunate and I am in touch with the Mumbai civic commissioner," said Shinde, who is in New Delhi. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident. "Pained to know about the loss of lives in the fire incident at #Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured ones," he wrote on X. Minister Lodha and Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and many other leaders visited the fire-ravaged building. Speaking to media persons at the scene, Thackeray said he prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. "There should be no politics over the tragedy," he said, adding that they are a responsible opposition. Local MLA Vidya Thakur most of the building residents are from the 'Waghari Samaj' and they deal in old clothes. Most families have many members, she said. Bundles of old clothes, cars and two-wheelers had been kept on the ground floor and the fire spread from there, she said and demanded a probe into the incident. "Norms for SRA buildings should be changed as these buildings have narrow escape routes. So measures like providing a staircase from outside should be considered," Thakur said. Manish Chaturvedi, a resident of the neighbouring wing, said he woke up due to an acrid smell around 3 am. He went down and saw the next building on fire. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to hear during the day a plea against the arrest of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty in a case lodged under anti-terror law UAPA. The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing by senior advocate Kapil Sibal before a bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma. "This is the Newsclick matter. An arrest has been made illegally and in violation of the Supreme Court decisions," the senior lawyer said as he urged the bench to list the matter for hearing today itself. "Alright," responded the bench, also comprising Justice Sanjeev Narula. Purkayastha and Chakravarty were arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on Tuesday. Police have sealed the NewsClick's office in Delhi. The portal has been accused of receiving money to spread pro-China propaganda. On Thursday, a trial court here had directed the city police to provide the duo with a copy of the FIR, citing a 2016 order from the Supreme Court and a 2010 order of the Delhi High Court. READ MORE | NewsClick founder arrest: Journalists, students stage protests Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to hear during the day a plea against the arrest of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty in a case lodged under anti-terror law UAPA. The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing by senior advocate Kapil Sibal before a bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma. "This is the Newsclick matter. An arrest has been made illegally and in violation of the Supreme Court decisions," the senior lawyer said as he urged the bench to list the matter for hearing today itself.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Alright," responded the bench, also comprising Justice Sanjeev Narula. Purkayastha and Chakravarty were arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on Tuesday. Police have sealed the NewsClick's office in Delhi. The portal has been accused of receiving money to spread pro-China propaganda. On Thursday, a trial court here had directed the city police to provide the duo with a copy of the FIR, citing a 2016 order from the Supreme Court and a 2010 order of the Delhi High Court. READ MORE | NewsClick founder arrest: Journalists, students stage protests Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Seven GOP presidential hopefuls took the stage on September 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California for a debate sponsored by Fox Business. Just 9.3 million viewers watched, a steep drop from the 12.8 million who tuned into the first debate on Aug. 23. The participants put on an informative show giving voters insights into their views, but the debate was often chaotic with candidate crosstalk. There were strong debate moments, particularly from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. It was a scramble to stand out. As a result, Donald Trumpwho skipped the debatewas the biggest winner. The GOP candidates largely left him off the hook. In national and state polls, Trump has a huge lead over his GOP competitors despite four criminal indictments charging 91 felonies. He leads by 43 points in the national polling average. Haley was sharp in the first debate and was similarly strong in the second debate. She distinguished herself with a fluent presentation on both foreign policy and domestic issues and emerged as the biggest winner who was actually on the stage in the opinion of many commentators. Haley sought to present herself as the adult in the roombut not one to back down. The former U.N. Ambassador had a solid night. Notable proof of Haleys riseonly Haley received a post-debate attack from Trump. DeSantis came into the debate having drawn the most negative coverage of any of those on the stage. He was impressively tenacious during the second debate and exhibited confidence in explaining his leadership as Floridas chief executive. With Trump absent, Republican voters who watched the debate judged DeSantis the winner, according to a WP/Ipso survey. While far behind Trump nationally, DeSantis is currently in second place and Haley in third, leading the rest of the field. DeSantis and Haley are viable longshots to overtake Trumps commanding lead. For various different reasons, the five other GOP candidates on the Sept. 27 debate stage have no realistic prospect of being the GOP presidential nominee in 2024. Doug Burgum, Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott and Mike Pence should do Republican voters a favor by withdrawing from the race before the third presidential debate on November 8 in Miami. Republican voters deserve a focused debate with a winnowed field consisting of Trump and the two leading alternativesDeSantis and Haley. Republicans should insist Trump debate to explain his comments on abortion, answer for his Covid-19 policies, his actions on January 6, his foreign policy, his age (77) and competence. Who would agree to serve in a second Trump Administration after all the good people he fired and then belittled in the first one? And electability. If the GOP fields a candidate from Bidens generation, wouldnt it be giving up an advantage both DeSantis (age 45) and Haley (age 51) have? What effect would an actual felony criminal conviction have on Trumps electability? In both CNN and NBC polls in September, there was no clear leader in matchups between Biden v. Trump or Biden v. DeSantis. However, Biden runs behind Haley by 6 points in the CNN poll (49-43%) and loses to Haley by 5 points in the NBC poll (46-41%). Republicans need to remind themselves of Trumps unhinged posts on his Truth Social. Trump suggested recently that Gen. Mark Milley, the nations highest military officer, deserved executionas in death. He said NBC should be investigated for treason and the FBI should raid the homes of Senate Democrats. If Trump is nominated again, his every word will get attention. Thats the baggage Republicans will carryand the reason Democrats think even Biden can win. Republicans need to concentrate on their two realistic alternativesDeSantis and Haley. By PTI NEW DELHI: The poster war between the Congress and the BJP intensified on social media on Thursday with the ruling party sharing a poster on X portraying Rahul Gandhi as a "new age Ravan", evoking strong criticism from the opposition party which termed it "unacceptable" and "downright dangerous". The poster came out a day after the Congress posted on X a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the caption "The Biggest Liar" and another calling him a "Jumla Boy" who was "going to hit the election rally soon". In a sharp retort, the BJP on its official handle on X shared a poster of Gandhi with several heads with the title "Bharat Khatre Mein Hai - A Congress party production. Directed by George Soros". The new age Ravan is here. He is Evil. Anti Dharma. Anti Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat," the BJP said on X. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam and party workers shout slogans during a protest against BJP over circulation of an alleged objectionable poster of Rahul Gandhi, in Mumbai. (PTI) Taking strong offence, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said it is intended to incite and provoke violence against the former Congress chief whose father and grandmother were assassinated by forces that want to divide India. "What is the real intent of an atrocious graphic portraying Rahul Gandhi as Ravan by the BJP's official handle? It is clearly intended to incite and provoke violence against a Congress MP and a former President of the party, whose father and grandmother were assassinated by forces that want to divide India," he said in a post on X. "It is one thing for the PM to give evidence daily of being a pathological liar and of suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder. But for him to get his party to produce something this obnoxious is not just completely unacceptable, but is downright dangerous," Ramesh said. "We will not be intimidated," he asserted. Puppet in the hand of foreign powers pic.twitter.com/PKeR0yhUmD BJP (@BJP4India) October 6, 2023 AICC general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal also said, "No words are enough to condemn the shameful graphic on the BJP handle comparing Sh. Rahul Gandhi ji to Ravana. Their nefarious intentions are clear, they want to murder him. He, who lost his grandmother and father to assassinations. They withdrew his SPG protection to score petty political points. After evicting him from his secure residence, they haven't allocated another house that he has requested for," he said. "All this points to a well-planned conspiracy of the BJP to eliminate their fiercest critic, someone who attacks the very core of their hate-filled ideology," Venugopal further said. Later, Indian Youth Congress president Srinivas B V posted another poster on X portraying PM Modi as "MODANAV". The new age MODANAV is here. He is Evil. Anti Democracy. Anti Constitution. Anti People. Anti Humanity. His only aim is to destroy Bharat & the idea of INDIA. https://t.co/eEXAOWtlaY pic.twitter.com/xaTYJ59qxl Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) October 5, 2023 "The new age MODANAV is here. He is Evil. Anti Democracy. Anti Constitution. Anti People. Anti Humanity. His only aim is to destroy Bharat and the idea of INDIA," he said on X along with the poster titled "Hindustan Khatre mein hai - MODANAV. A Bharat Jumlebaaj Party production. Directed by Param Mitra Adani." Ramesh also later posted on X a cartoon showing Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru among ten heads of Ravan and showed Savarkar and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as Ram and Laxman, aiming at them with a bow and arrow. "This cartoon was published in 1945 in Leading magazine, whose editor was Nathuram Godse. One of those who shoots arrows is Savarkar. Gandhi and Congress have always been their target, but neither were they afraid then, nor are they afraid today, nor are they going to be afraid in the future," Ramesh said on X along with the poster. 1945 , , , https://t.co/fyfiX2JtBz pic.twitter.com/HkuyYTrWke Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) October 5, 2023 As the battle lines between the two main parties get drawn in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their leaders have intensified their attacks against each other. The poster war between the two parties is likely to escalate further in the coming months as elections in five states and the general elections draw near. Earlier too, both the parties had launched cartoon strips against leaders of both the opposing parties on social media. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The poster war between the Congress and the BJP intensified on social media on Thursday with the ruling party sharing a poster on X portraying Rahul Gandhi as a "new age Ravan", evoking strong criticism from the opposition party which termed it "unacceptable" and "downright dangerous". The poster came out a day after the Congress posted on X a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the caption "The Biggest Liar" and another calling him a "Jumla Boy" who was "going to hit the election rally soon". ..#Modani pic.twitter.com/zRQaLmhUu5googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) October 6, 2023 In a sharp retort, the BJP on its official handle on X shared a poster of Gandhi with several heads with the title "Bharat Khatre Mein Hai - A Congress party production. Directed by George Soros". The new age Ravan is here. He is Evil. Anti Dharma. Anti Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat," the BJP said on X. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam and party workers shout slogans during a protest against BJP over circulation of an alleged objectionable poster of Rahul Gandhi, in Mumbai. (PTI) Taking strong offence, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said it is intended to incite and provoke violence against the former Congress chief whose father and grandmother were assassinated by forces that want to divide India. "What is the real intent of an atrocious graphic portraying Rahul Gandhi as Ravan by the BJP's official handle? It is clearly intended to incite and provoke violence against a Congress MP and a former President of the party, whose father and grandmother were assassinated by forces that want to divide India," he said in a post on X. "It is one thing for the PM to give evidence daily of being a pathological liar and of suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder. But for him to get his party to produce something this obnoxious is not just completely unacceptable, but is downright dangerous," Ramesh said. "We will not be intimidated," he asserted. Puppet in the hand of foreign powers pic.twitter.com/PKeR0yhUmD BJP (@BJP4India) October 6, 2023 AICC general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal also said, "No words are enough to condemn the shameful graphic on the BJP handle comparing Sh. Rahul Gandhi ji to Ravana. Their nefarious intentions are clear, they want to murder him. He, who lost his grandmother and father to assassinations. They withdrew his SPG protection to score petty political points. After evicting him from his secure residence, they haven't allocated another house that he has requested for," he said. "All this points to a well-planned conspiracy of the BJP to eliminate their fiercest critic, someone who attacks the very core of their hate-filled ideology," Venugopal further said. Later, Indian Youth Congress president Srinivas B V posted another poster on X portraying PM Modi as "MODANAV". The new age MODANAV is here. He is Evil. Anti Democracy. Anti Constitution. Anti People. Anti Humanity. His only aim is to destroy Bharat & the idea of INDIA. https://t.co/eEXAOWtlaY pic.twitter.com/xaTYJ59qxl Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) October 5, 2023 "The new age MODANAV is here. He is Evil. Anti Democracy. Anti Constitution. Anti People. Anti Humanity. His only aim is to destroy Bharat and the idea of INDIA," he said on X along with the poster titled "Hindustan Khatre mein hai - MODANAV. A Bharat Jumlebaaj Party production. Directed by Param Mitra Adani." Ramesh also later posted on X a cartoon showing Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru among ten heads of Ravan and showed Savarkar and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as Ram and Laxman, aiming at them with a bow and arrow. "This cartoon was published in 1945 in Leading magazine, whose editor was Nathuram Godse. One of those who shoots arrows is Savarkar. Gandhi and Congress have always been their target, but neither were they afraid then, nor are they afraid today, nor are they going to be afraid in the future," Ramesh said on X along with the poster. 1945 , , , https://t.co/fyfiX2JtBz pic.twitter.com/HkuyYTrWke Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) October 5, 2023 As the battle lines between the two main parties get drawn in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their leaders have intensified their attacks against each other. The poster war between the two parties is likely to escalate further in the coming months as elections in five states and the general elections draw near. Earlier too, both the parties had launched cartoon strips against leaders of both the opposing parties on social media. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ejaz Kaiser By Express News Service KANKER: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday said if her party retains power in Chhattisgarh after the upcoming assembly polls, a caste census will be carried out in the state on the lines of a similar exercise conducted in Bihar. Participating in the Nagariya Nikay Evam Panchayati Raj Mahasammelan (Municipal Bodies and Panchayati Raj mega-conference) at Kanker district, she also promised 10 lakh houses for the poor if her party gets elected again in the polls due by the year-end. She asked, Why the BJP-led Centre is not doing caste census? They are not interested in peoples welfare and only want major Public Sector Units to be sold to their industrialist friends who can then fund the BJP to win elections as their aim is to remain in power. ALSO READ | BJP chief Nadda asks party leaders not to target caste-based survey report in Bihar Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader said guarantees given by him are just hollow promises. She slammed his assertion on assuring the guarantees, comparing it with the Chinese products that despite claims of long life didnt last. All the guarantees by the PM are hollow. The entire country is watching. The people need to remain alert and aware, Priyanka said. Citing the rising inflation across the nation, she criticised the Centre for allegedly inappropriately imposing GST and taxes on every product and process that further brought higher increases in prices leading to more distress for the poor and middle-class segment. Priyanka lashed out at the Centre for taking credit for what the state (Congress) government achieves for the welfare of the people. The PM claimed the Centre pays money for paddy procurement in Chhattisgarh, the state with the highest MSP. If that is so, then why in Varanasi (home constituency of the PM) and Uttar Pradesh the paddy growers are getting only Rs 1200-1400 per quintal, she said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KANKER: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday said if her party retains power in Chhattisgarh after the upcoming assembly polls, a caste census will be carried out in the state on the lines of a similar exercise conducted in Bihar. Participating in the Nagariya Nikay Evam Panchayati Raj Mahasammelan (Municipal Bodies and Panchayati Raj mega-conference) at Kanker district, she also promised 10 lakh houses for the poor if her party gets elected again in the polls due by the year-end. She asked, Why the BJP-led Centre is not doing caste census? They are not interested in peoples welfare and only want major Public Sector Units to be sold to their industrialist friends who can then fund the BJP to win elections as their aim is to remain in power.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | BJP chief Nadda asks party leaders not to target caste-based survey report in Bihar Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader said guarantees given by him are just hollow promises. She slammed his assertion on assuring the guarantees, comparing it with the Chinese products that despite claims of long life didnt last. All the guarantees by the PM are hollow. The entire country is watching. The people need to remain alert and aware, Priyanka said. Citing the rising inflation across the nation, she criticised the Centre for allegedly inappropriately imposing GST and taxes on every product and process that further brought higher increases in prices leading to more distress for the poor and middle-class segment. Priyanka lashed out at the Centre for taking credit for what the state (Congress) government achieves for the welfare of the people. The PM claimed the Centre pays money for paddy procurement in Chhattisgarh, the state with the highest MSP. If that is so, then why in Varanasi (home constituency of the PM) and Uttar Pradesh the paddy growers are getting only Rs 1200-1400 per quintal, she said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat will be arriving on a three-day visit to Jammu on October 13 to review the functioning of Sangh and its offshoot organisations in the Union Territory ahead of the 2024 parliamentary polls. A senior RSS leader in Jammu told this newspaper that Bhagwat will arrive in Jammu on October 13. During his three-day stay in Jammu, he will participate in various programmes of Sangh and its offshoot organisations in Jammu region, he said. The RSS chief will visit Kathua town on October 14, where he will address a function of RSS activists from the twin border districts of Kathua and Samba. During his meeting in Jammu, the RSS chief would review the functioning and the activities of Sangh and its offshoot organisation in J&K post scrapping of Article 370 and 35A by the Centre on August 5, 2019, the RSS leader said. He said Bhagwat would also be briefed about the activities of RSS shakas in the UT. The RSS has been active in the Jammu region and Sangh has been making regular attempts to increase its reach in militancy-hit Kashmir. The RSS has about 300 shakhas in J& K and according to the RSS leader, the number of shakas increased last year. The shakas play an important role in Sanghs outreach. Through these, RSS is involved in social service and preaching nationalism and patriotism to the masses. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp SRINAGAR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat will be arriving on a three-day visit to Jammu on October 13 to review the functioning of Sangh and its offshoot organisations in the Union Territory ahead of the 2024 parliamentary polls. A senior RSS leader in Jammu told this newspaper that Bhagwat will arrive in Jammu on October 13. During his three-day stay in Jammu, he will participate in various programmes of Sangh and its offshoot organisations in Jammu region, he said. The RSS chief will visit Kathua town on October 14, where he will address a function of RSS activists from the twin border districts of Kathua and Samba. During his meeting in Jammu, the RSS chief would review the functioning and the activities of Sangh and its offshoot organisation in J&K post scrapping of Article 370 and 35A by the Centre on August 5, 2019, the RSS leader said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said Bhagwat would also be briefed about the activities of RSS shakas in the UT. The RSS has been active in the Jammu region and Sangh has been making regular attempts to increase its reach in militancy-hit Kashmir. The RSS has about 300 shakhas in J& K and according to the RSS leader, the number of shakas increased last year. The shakas play an important role in Sanghs outreach. Through these, RSS is involved in social service and preaching nationalism and patriotism to the masses. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI MUMBAI: Seven people, including two minors, were killed and over 40 injured after a fire tore through a residential building in Mumbai's Goregaon area in the early hours of Friday, a civic official said. A few of the injured are in critical condition. As many as 30 residents were rescued from the terrace and various floors of the ground-plus-seven structure said an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The blaze started around 3 am at Jay Sandesh building in Goregaon West, the BMC official said. #WATCH | Maharashtra | Latest visuals from the G+5 building in Goregoan, Mumbai where a level 2 fire broke out. As per Mumbai Police, the condition of six people rescued is critical. A total of 30 people have been rescued. https://t.co/G3Z0MihDc3 pic.twitter.com/Vn73WMFwFH ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 The fire-affected persons were rushed to a trauma centre at Jogeshwari and civic-run Cooper Hospital at Juhu, they said. Of them, doctors declared six including two minors and as many women dead. Another person died during treatment, taking the toll to seven. Some of the injured persons are in critical condition, said officials. Fire department personnel at work after a fire broke out in a multi-storey residential building in Goregaon area on Friday | PTI Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condoled the loss of lives in a residential building fire in Mumbai and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of each of the deceased victims. The CM said that those injured in the fire would be treated at government expense. Expressing grief over the incident, Shinde wrote on X that he had instructed Mumbai city guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar and suburban district guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha to visit the site of the blaze. . . . Eknath Shinde - (@mieknathshinde) October 6, 2023 Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident. "Pained to know about the loss of lives in the fire incident at #Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish speedy recovery to the injured ones," he wrote on X. "The incident is unfortunate and I am in touch with the Mumbai civic commissioner," said Shinde, who is in New Delhi. Pained to know about loss of lives in the fire incident at #Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 6, 2023 Before firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had covered the building from all sides. It completely gutted the shops, scrap material and two-wheelers on the ground floor, said fire officials. It took nearly three hours for the fire brigade to extinguish the blaze. More than eight fire engines and other firefighting equipment were used in the operation, a fire official said. BMC officials said they are trying to find out if some more victims are admitted to private hospitals. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp MUMBAI: Seven people, including two minors, were killed and over 40 injured after a fire tore through a residential building in Mumbai's Goregaon area in the early hours of Friday, a civic official said. A few of the injured are in critical condition. As many as 30 residents were rescued from the terrace and various floors of the ground-plus-seven structure said an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The blaze started around 3 am at Jay Sandesh building in Goregaon West, the BMC official said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); #WATCH | Maharashtra | Latest visuals from the G+5 building in Goregoan, Mumbai where a level 2 fire broke out. As per Mumbai Police, the condition of six people rescued is critical. A total of 30 people have been rescued. https://t.co/G3Z0MihDc3 pic.twitter.com/Vn73WMFwFH ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 The fire-affected persons were rushed to a trauma centre at Jogeshwari and civic-run Cooper Hospital at Juhu, they said. Of them, doctors declared six including two minors and as many women dead. Another person died during treatment, taking the toll to seven. Some of the injured persons are in critical condition, said officials. Fire department personnel at work after a fire broke out in a multi-storey residential building in Goregaon area on Friday | PTI Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condoled the loss of lives in a residential building fire in Mumbai and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of each of the deceased victims. The CM said that those injured in the fire would be treated at government expense. Expressing grief over the incident, Shinde wrote on X that he had instructed Mumbai city guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar and suburban district guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha to visit the site of the blaze. . . . Eknath Shinde - (@mieknathshinde) October 6, 2023 Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident. "Pained to know about the loss of lives in the fire incident at #Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish speedy recovery to the injured ones," he wrote on X. "The incident is unfortunate and I am in touch with the Mumbai civic commissioner," said Shinde, who is in New Delhi. Pained to know about loss of lives in the fire incident at #Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 6, 2023 Before firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had covered the building from all sides. It completely gutted the shops, scrap material and two-wheelers on the ground floor, said fire officials. It took nearly three hours for the fire brigade to extinguish the blaze. More than eight fire engines and other firefighting equipment were used in the operation, a fire official said. BMC officials said they are trying to find out if some more victims are admitted to private hospitals. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Online Desk The Supreme Court on Friday appointed a sign language interpreter for a hearing-impaired lawyer Sarah Sunny. She is India's first lawyer to be registered as a practising lawyer with hearing impairment. Sarah had earlier filed an application before the Supreme Court registry requesting a court-appointed Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpreter to assist her. The application was filed by Sarah's senior Sanchita Ain, according to Live Law. "We have an interpreter today for Sarah. In fact, we are thinking that for the constitution bench hearings we will have an interpreter so that everyone can follow", Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said. The interpreter was seen helping Sarah during the proceedings in the virtual hearing, the report said. Sanchita Ain expressed gratitude to the CJI for arranging the interpreter. ALSO READ | Supreme Court hears arguments from hearing-impaired lawyer for first time Sara is reportedly India's first lawyer to be registered as a practising hearing-impaired lawyer. Sarah Sunny last month argued her case with the help of an Indian sign language interpreter. At that time, Sanchita Ain made a plea to Chandrachud to let Sarah argue her case with an interpreter. He immediately gave his assent. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp The Supreme Court on Friday appointed a sign language interpreter for a hearing-impaired lawyer Sarah Sunny. She is India's first lawyer to be registered as a practising lawyer with hearing impairment. Sarah had earlier filed an application before the Supreme Court registry requesting a court-appointed Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpreter to assist her. The application was filed by Sarah's senior Sanchita Ain, according to Live Law. "We have an interpreter today for Sarah. In fact, we are thinking that for the constitution bench hearings we will have an interpreter so that everyone can follow", Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said. The interpreter was seen helping Sarah during the proceedings in the virtual hearing, the report said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sanchita Ain expressed gratitude to the CJI for arranging the interpreter. ALSO READ | Supreme Court hears arguments from hearing-impaired lawyer for first time Sara is reportedly India's first lawyer to be registered as a practising hearing-impaired lawyer. Sarah Sunny last month argued her case with the help of an Indian sign language interpreter. At that time, Sanchita Ain made a plea to Chandrachud to let Sarah argue her case with an interpreter. He immediately gave his assent. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court said on Friday it will constitute a seven-judge bench to consider the issue of the validity of passage of laws like the Aadhaar Act as Money Bill. The decision is aimed at addressing the controversy around money bills after the government introduced legislations like Aadhaar Bill and even amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as money bills, apparently to circumvent the Rajya Sabha where it did not have majority. A money bill is a piece of legislation which can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject it. The Upper House can only make recommendations which may or may not be accepted by the Lower House. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said all pending seven-judge bench matters will be listed on October 12 for procedural directions. The matter was mentioned before the bench, also comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, for urgent listing. In November 2019, a five-judge bench of the apex court had referred to a larger bench the issue of examining the validity of the passage of the Finance Act, 2017 as Money Bill. "The issue and question of Money Bill, as defined under Article 110(1) of the Constitution, and certification accorded by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in respect of Part-XIV of the Finance Act, 2017 is referred to a larger Bench," it had said. The five-judge bench had then struck down in entirety the rules governing the appointment and service conditions of members of various tribunals that formed part of the Finance Act. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court said on Friday it will constitute a seven-judge bench to consider the issue of the validity of passage of laws like the Aadhaar Act as Money Bill. The decision is aimed at addressing the controversy around money bills after the government introduced legislations like Aadhaar Bill and even amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as money bills, apparently to circumvent the Rajya Sabha where it did not have majority. A money bill is a piece of legislation which can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject it.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Upper House can only make recommendations which may or may not be accepted by the Lower House. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said all pending seven-judge bench matters will be listed on October 12 for procedural directions. The matter was mentioned before the bench, also comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, for urgent listing. In November 2019, a five-judge bench of the apex court had referred to a larger bench the issue of examining the validity of the passage of the Finance Act, 2017 as Money Bill. "The issue and question of Money Bill, as defined under Article 110(1) of the Constitution, and certification accorded by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in respect of Part-XIV of the Finance Act, 2017 is referred to a larger Bench," it had said. The five-judge bench had then struck down in entirety the rules governing the appointment and service conditions of members of various tribunals that formed part of the Finance Act. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress workers led by party leader Abhishek Banerjee on Friday continued their indefinite sit-in outside the Raj Bhavan here until Governor C V Ananda Bose meets with the delegation, against alleged withholding of West Bengal's MGNREGA dues by the Centre. Bose who visited flood-affected areas of North Bengal, on Thursday evening left for Delhi. Banerjee the TMC's national general secretary launched the sit-in on Thursday after thousands of party functionaries and its top leadership marched up to the British-era edifice to protest the alleged withholding of West Bengal's MGNREGA dues by the Centre. The TMC leader would remain at the site during the night, and the sloganeering and usage of loudspeakers would be done from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. "I will stay here and won't move an inch until the honourable Governor meets our delegation and answers these two questions," the Lok Sabha MP from Diamond Harbour said. He also posted on X, "After raising our voices in Delhi, we seek justice from the ZAMINDARS of BJP! How long will it take for the self-proclaimed custodians of democracy to answer the people? For how long will you keep running away from the people? The clock is ticking. Bengal is waiting." After raising our voices in Delhi, we seek justice from the ZAMINDARS of BJP! How long will it take for the self-proclaimed custodians of democracy to answer the people? For how long will you keep running away from the people? Clock is ticking. Bengal is waiting. Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) October 5, 2023 Banerjee on Thursday night held a series of meetings with party leaders on the spot to decide on the future course of action. "Our protest would continue till the Governor comes and meets us," Banerjee had said. Hundreds of party workers too stayed at the spot. Since Friday morning, thousands of party workers from various parts of the state arrived at the venue and expressed their solidarity with the agitation programme. Police personnel stand guard during a protest march by TMC workers towards West Bengal Governor's house | PTI Reacting to TMC's protest, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said the party has been trying to dismantle the Constitution in the state. "The TMC has set his evil eyes on the Constitutional Authority. Section 144 is supposed to be imposed till 150 metres from the boundary of the Raj Bhavan. They have not only violated this in connivance with the police, by taking their march within the periphery of the area wherein it is imposed but have now camped at the site. The security of the Governor is being jeopardized for cheap political drama," the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly said. This sit-in protest followed the party's two-day demonstration in New Delhi concerning the delayed payment of MGNREGA dues and housing schemes for impoverished families. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress workers led by party leader Abhishek Banerjee on Friday continued their indefinite sit-in outside the Raj Bhavan here until Governor C V Ananda Bose meets with the delegation, against alleged withholding of West Bengal's MGNREGA dues by the Centre. Bose who visited flood-affected areas of North Bengal, on Thursday evening left for Delhi. Banerjee the TMC's national general secretary launched the sit-in on Thursday after thousands of party functionaries and its top leadership marched up to the British-era edifice to protest the alleged withholding of West Bengal's MGNREGA dues by the Centre.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The TMC leader would remain at the site during the night, and the sloganeering and usage of loudspeakers would be done from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. "I will stay here and won't move an inch until the honourable Governor meets our delegation and answers these two questions," the Lok Sabha MP from Diamond Harbour said. He also posted on X, "After raising our voices in Delhi, we seek justice from the ZAMINDARS of BJP! How long will it take for the self-proclaimed custodians of democracy to answer the people? For how long will you keep running away from the people? The clock is ticking. Bengal is waiting." After raising our voices in Delhi, we seek justice from the ZAMINDARS of BJP! How long will it take for the self-proclaimed custodians of democracy to answer the people? For how long will you keep running away from the people? Clock is ticking. Bengal is waiting. Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) October 5, 2023 Banerjee on Thursday night held a series of meetings with party leaders on the spot to decide on the future course of action. "Our protest would continue till the Governor comes and meets us," Banerjee had said. Hundreds of party workers too stayed at the spot. Since Friday morning, thousands of party workers from various parts of the state arrived at the venue and expressed their solidarity with the agitation programme. Police personnel stand guard during a protest march by TMC workers towards West Bengal Governor's house | PTI Reacting to TMC's protest, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said the party has been trying to dismantle the Constitution in the state. "The TMC has set his evil eyes on the Constitutional Authority. Section 144 is supposed to be imposed till 150 metres from the boundary of the Raj Bhavan. They have not only violated this in connivance with the police, by taking their march within the periphery of the area wherein it is imposed but have now camped at the site. The security of the Governor is being jeopardized for cheap political drama," the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly said. This sit-in protest followed the party's two-day demonstration in New Delhi concerning the delayed payment of MGNREGA dues and housing schemes for impoverished families. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Narendra Sethi By Express News Service DEHRADUN: The condition of jails in Uttarakhand has deteriorated over the years. Currently, there are 192 per cent of prisoners in the states jails. This was revealed at a meeting of the Jail Development Board held recently at the state secretariat in Dehradun. There are 7,181 prisoners lodged in the states jails against the capacity of 3,741. Jail officials said the construction of new jails in Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar would have to be expedited to stop overcrowding, to some extent. Deputy Inspector General of Uttarakhand (Jails) Dadhiram Maurya said four districts of the state Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Champawat and Bageshwar do not have prisons, which is why the pressure of prisoners from these districts comes to other jails in the state. Besides, prisoners from other states are sent to the existing jails, adding to the overcrowding of Uttarakhand jails, said Maurya. There are 11 active jails in the state, including seven district jails and two sub-jails. There is an open jail in Sitarganj. Most of these prisons date back to the British era, said the officer. There are 297 CCTVs installed in the three major district jails of the state -- Dehradun, Haridwar and Roorkee. More CCTV installation is going on in the remaining jails, including Tehri, Pauri, Haldwani, Sitarganj and other low-capacity jails, said the DIG, adding currently, 648 CCTVs are installed in all other jails of the state. A high number of prisoners are lodged in Dehradun, Haridwar and Roorkee as well as in Haldwani. A comprehensive plan is being prepared towards taking immediate action at the government level to solve it, said Maurya. Uttarakhand has seven district jails, two sub-jails and a central jail besides the under-construction jails at Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar. Acknowledging the problem of overcrowding in the jail, DIG (Jails) Maurya said due to the recently allocated budget of Rs 10 crore from the state government, the work is now on in the under-construction jails of the state. Yoga, meditation and other creative activities are encouraged so that the prisoners are reformed while serving the sentence, Maurya said. The governments decision to expedite the work on several jails comes after the Nainital High Court directed the state government to set up a Prison Development Board. A division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal passed the order while hearing a PIL on the lack of CCTV cameras, accommodation and other facilities in the state jails. The government has told the court that many new jails are being built across the state. A doctor and psychologist will also be hired in jails on a contract basis to supervise the physical and mental conditions of prisoners, said Maurya. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp DEHRADUN: The condition of jails in Uttarakhand has deteriorated over the years. Currently, there are 192 per cent of prisoners in the states jails. This was revealed at a meeting of the Jail Development Board held recently at the state secretariat in Dehradun. There are 7,181 prisoners lodged in the states jails against the capacity of 3,741. Jail officials said the construction of new jails in Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar would have to be expedited to stop overcrowding, to some extent. Deputy Inspector General of Uttarakhand (Jails) Dadhiram Maurya said four districts of the state Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Champawat and Bageshwar do not have prisons, which is why the pressure of prisoners from these districts comes to other jails in the state. Besides, prisoners from other states are sent to the existing jails, adding to the overcrowding of Uttarakhand jails, said Maurya.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); There are 11 active jails in the state, including seven district jails and two sub-jails. There is an open jail in Sitarganj. Most of these prisons date back to the British era, said the officer. There are 297 CCTVs installed in the three major district jails of the state -- Dehradun, Haridwar and Roorkee. More CCTV installation is going on in the remaining jails, including Tehri, Pauri, Haldwani, Sitarganj and other low-capacity jails, said the DIG, adding currently, 648 CCTVs are installed in all other jails of the state. A high number of prisoners are lodged in Dehradun, Haridwar and Roorkee as well as in Haldwani. A comprehensive plan is being prepared towards taking immediate action at the government level to solve it, said Maurya. Uttarakhand has seven district jails, two sub-jails and a central jail besides the under-construction jails at Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar. Acknowledging the problem of overcrowding in the jail, DIG (Jails) Maurya said due to the recently allocated budget of Rs 10 crore from the state government, the work is now on in the under-construction jails of the state. Yoga, meditation and other creative activities are encouraged so that the prisoners are reformed while serving the sentence, Maurya said. The governments decision to expedite the work on several jails comes after the Nainital High Court directed the state government to set up a Prison Development Board. A division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal passed the order while hearing a PIL on the lack of CCTV cameras, accommodation and other facilities in the state jails. The government has told the court that many new jails are being built across the state. A doctor and psychologist will also be hired in jails on a contract basis to supervise the physical and mental conditions of prisoners, said Maurya. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: With less than four days left for the October 10th deadline to downsize its diplomatic strength in India, Canada is reported to have posted some of the 41 diplomats to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This is as per reports that have appeared on CTV. The Canadian High Commission in Delhi, when contacted, refrained from making any comments. The diplomatic row between India and Canada began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament that the Indian government was involved in the killing of slain Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following this, he expelled one Indian diplomat. India responded by first expelling a Canadian diplomat, following which visa services to Canadians were stopped. Later, India asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic strength in India. "We need to have parity with our diplomatic strength in Canada. Besides, we have observed that Canadian diplomats interfere in our internal matters," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi while announcing that India had asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic strength. ALSO READ | Amid spat with India, Canada cracks whip on eight Sikh youths found in possession of firearms India has 21 diplomats in Canada while Canada had 62 in India. Hence, the extra 41 needed to be withdrawn. Otherwise, they will be declared persona non grata. Most of the diplomats who have been posted out were from Chandigarh and Delhi, according to a source. "Canada is not taking any chances hence the number of diplomats that are being considered in excess have been posted out. Some to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It is an unprecedented move. And it all began with Canada expelling an Indian diplomat. Till Canada takes a U turn, or offers a clarification clearing the air on Indias involvement in the killing of the slain Khalistani, there is no looking back," said a source. India has been repeatedly telling Canada to rein in those who have been accused of terrorist activities and threatening Indian diplomats in Canada. "We had to stop visa services for Canada as our diplomats were threatened so it wasnt safe for them to travel to the mission for consular services," said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, adding that Canada has a toxic mix of criminals, terrorists and traffickers. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: With less than four days left for the October 10th deadline to downsize its diplomatic strength in India, Canada is reported to have posted some of the 41 diplomats to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This is as per reports that have appeared on CTV. The Canadian High Commission in Delhi, when contacted, refrained from making any comments. The diplomatic row between India and Canada began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament that the Indian government was involved in the killing of slain Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following this, he expelled one Indian diplomat.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); India responded by first expelling a Canadian diplomat, following which visa services to Canadians were stopped. Later, India asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic strength in India. "We need to have parity with our diplomatic strength in Canada. Besides, we have observed that Canadian diplomats interfere in our internal matters," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi while announcing that India had asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic strength. ALSO READ | Amid spat with India, Canada cracks whip on eight Sikh youths found in possession of firearms India has 21 diplomats in Canada while Canada had 62 in India. Hence, the extra 41 needed to be withdrawn. Otherwise, they will be declared persona non grata. Most of the diplomats who have been posted out were from Chandigarh and Delhi, according to a source. "Canada is not taking any chances hence the number of diplomats that are being considered in excess have been posted out. Some to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It is an unprecedented move. And it all began with Canada expelling an Indian diplomat. Till Canada takes a U turn, or offers a clarification clearing the air on Indias involvement in the killing of the slain Khalistani, there is no looking back," said a source. India has been repeatedly telling Canada to rein in those who have been accused of terrorist activities and threatening Indian diplomats in Canada. "We had to stop visa services for Canada as our diplomats were threatened so it wasnt safe for them to travel to the mission for consular services," said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, adding that Canada has a toxic mix of criminals, terrorists and traffickers. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday told the Madras High Court that 'malicious propaganda' is being bandied about that it is acting against fans of movie star Vijay ahead of the much trumpeted release of his new film Leo. Making the submission before Justice G Jayachandran, State Public Prosecutor (SPP) Hasan Mohammed Jinnah said the police had nothing to do with the cancellation of the audio launch of Leo but only advised them to be cautious to avert any stampede or disturbance to the public like what happened in AR Rahmans recent concert. He said the police could not be blamed for the mess caused during Rahmans event or the ransacking of the Rohini theatre during the trailer screening of Vijays Leo. No complaint has been lodged yet on the damages suffered by the theatre, he said, adding that the police could not interfere without a complaint. WATCH | 'Leo' trailer has Thalapathy Vijay in full gun-blazing mode to save his family "Malicious propaganda is sought to be spread about as if the government is acting against the fans of Vijay," said Jinnah. He added that such propaganda is intended to pit them against the government. The submissions were made in response to the remarks made by the judge, while hearing petitions seeking permission to hold RSS route marches in Salem and Krishnagiri districts, as if negligence of the police led to the stampede at Rahmans concert and the ransacking of Rohini Theatre. Referring to granting permission for the route marches, the SPP said the government is giving priority to maintaining law and order and public order. It imposes reasonable restrictions to ensure peace during such events, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday told the Madras High Court that 'malicious propaganda' is being bandied about that it is acting against fans of movie star Vijay ahead of the much trumpeted release of his new film Leo. Making the submission before Justice G Jayachandran, State Public Prosecutor (SPP) Hasan Mohammed Jinnah said the police had nothing to do with the cancellation of the audio launch of Leo but only advised them to be cautious to avert any stampede or disturbance to the public like what happened in AR Rahmans recent concert. He said the police could not be blamed for the mess caused during Rahmans event or the ransacking of the Rohini theatre during the trailer screening of Vijays Leo.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); No complaint has been lodged yet on the damages suffered by the theatre, he said, adding that the police could not interfere without a complaint. WATCH | 'Leo' trailer has Thalapathy Vijay in full gun-blazing mode to save his family "Malicious propaganda is sought to be spread about as if the government is acting against the fans of Vijay," said Jinnah. He added that such propaganda is intended to pit them against the government. The submissions were made in response to the remarks made by the judge, while hearing petitions seeking permission to hold RSS route marches in Salem and Krishnagiri districts, as if negligence of the police led to the stampede at Rahmans concert and the ransacking of Rohini Theatre. Referring to granting permission for the route marches, the SPP said the government is giving priority to maintaining law and order and public order. It imposes reasonable restrictions to ensure peace during such events, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA) The country earned 3.66 billion USD from exporting rice in the period, up 40.4% year-on-year, the ministry has reported. The result was attributed to the increasing price of Vietnamese export rice, and the decreasing rice supplies in many markets during the reviewed period, it said. Vietnams average price of exported rice in the first three quarters reached 553 USD per tonne, a 14% increase over the same period in the previous year. The Philippines was the largest buyer of Vietnamese rice products in the first eight months, accounting for 40.3% of the total rice export. China and Indonesia ranked second and third, accounting for 13.5% and 12.4%, respectively. Additionally, positive growth in rice exports has been also recorded in countries in the European Union, such as Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium, and African nations such as Ghana and Angola. Vietnam sets a new record in rice export revenue in the first nine months of 2023 thanks to the increasing price of exported rice. (Photo: VNA) According to Vice General Director of the Export-Import Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade Tran Thanh Hai, the price of exported rice is expected to remain high until the end of this year due to the continued demand for rice imports in major consuming markets such as the Philippines, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa. This is coupled with the limited supply of rice from leading rice exporter like India and Pakistan. President of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) Nguyen Ngoc Nam stressed that there is ample room for rice exports to grow, especially as the Philippines needs to import an additional 1.1 million tonnes, while Indonesia plans to buy 2.3 million tonnes by the end of the year. Chinas demand for rice imports is also forecast to increase in the remaining months of the year, Nam said. Rice exporters are advised to have appropriate strategies to ensure the ability to meet exports./. By PTI NEW YORK: An Indian-origin couple and their two children were found dead in their home in the US state of New Jersey and police are investigating the matter as a homicide. Tej Pratap Singh, 43, and Sonal Parihar, 42, were found dead alongside their 10-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter in their Plainsboro home sometime after 4:30 pm on Wednesday, the Plainsboro Police Department said. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Eamon Blanchard of the Plainsboro Police Department announced on Thursday that a homicide is currently under investigation. On the evening of October 4, authorities received a 911 call requesting a welfare check at a residence in Plainsboro. Upon their arrival Plainsboro Police Department discovered four deceased victims in the house," they said in a joint statement. "This tragedy remains under investigation and autopsies are being performed today," they said, adding an initial investigation determined that there is no threat to the public. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call the Plainsboro Police Department. A joint message from Mayor Peter Cantu and Chief Eamon Blanchard, Director of Public Safety, said that the Plainsboro community experienced a heartbreaking loss of life. "We are all saddened by this tragic event. What happened in our community is beyond comprehension," stated Mayor Peter Cantu. Plainsboro police officers are currently working with their law enforcement colleagues to conclude the investigation. "Please be assured that this is an isolated occurrence and there are no additional concerns for the safety and well-being of the community related to this incident," Blanchard said. "Our public safety personnel remain vigilant and resilient, and will continue to ensure the safety of the Plainsboro community," the joint statement said. As of Thursday morning, the family's home on Titus Lane still had crime scene tape posted around the lawn, footage from News 12 New Jersey showed. The family's remains were discovered when a relative called for a welfare check. At the time, police said they were looking into the tragedy as a possible murder-suicide, the outlet said. Relatives told CBS News that they were shocked by the family's deaths, and noted that Singh and Parihar appeared to be a happy couple. Singh, in particular, was active in the community. At the time of his death, Singh worked as a Lead APIX Engineer for Ness Digital Engineering, according to his LinkedIn profile. Both Singh and Parihar had careers in IT, including the Human Resources sector, relatives said. The couple's children were remembered in a note from the school district to parents, News 12 New Jersey reported. "The district was informed by local law enforcement of a horrific tragedy involving one of our Plainsboro families with a Wicoff student and a Millstone River School student," Superintendent David Aderhold wrote, referring to two of the area elementary schools. "As the law enforcement investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time. The District joins our community in grief and sorrow over this tragic event," Singh and Parihar purchased their home in August 2018 for USD 635,000, records showed. Neighbours described the family as friendly and said they could often be seen walking around the quiet street. A neighbour who asked not to be named said she had been friendly with the family for more than a decade. The woman said her daughter usually met the 6-year-old girl at the bus stop to ride to school together every morning. Hours before the family was found, the girl didn't show up. "It was weird for me to not see her in the morning," said the neighbour. "They were such a sweet family," the neighbour said she texted Parihar later that morning but never received a reply. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW YORK: An Indian-origin couple and their two children were found dead in their home in the US state of New Jersey and police are investigating the matter as a homicide. Tej Pratap Singh, 43, and Sonal Parihar, 42, were found dead alongside their 10-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter in their Plainsboro home sometime after 4:30 pm on Wednesday, the Plainsboro Police Department said. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Eamon Blanchard of the Plainsboro Police Department announced on Thursday that a homicide is currently under investigation.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On the evening of October 4, authorities received a 911 call requesting a welfare check at a residence in Plainsboro. Upon their arrival Plainsboro Police Department discovered four deceased victims in the house," they said in a joint statement. "This tragedy remains under investigation and autopsies are being performed today," they said, adding an initial investigation determined that there is no threat to the public. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call the Plainsboro Police Department. A joint message from Mayor Peter Cantu and Chief Eamon Blanchard, Director of Public Safety, said that the Plainsboro community experienced a heartbreaking loss of life. "We are all saddened by this tragic event. What happened in our community is beyond comprehension," stated Mayor Peter Cantu. Plainsboro police officers are currently working with their law enforcement colleagues to conclude the investigation. "Please be assured that this is an isolated occurrence and there are no additional concerns for the safety and well-being of the community related to this incident," Blanchard said. "Our public safety personnel remain vigilant and resilient, and will continue to ensure the safety of the Plainsboro community," the joint statement said. As of Thursday morning, the family's home on Titus Lane still had crime scene tape posted around the lawn, footage from News 12 New Jersey showed. The family's remains were discovered when a relative called for a welfare check. At the time, police said they were looking into the tragedy as a possible murder-suicide, the outlet said. Relatives told CBS News that they were shocked by the family's deaths, and noted that Singh and Parihar appeared to be a happy couple. Singh, in particular, was active in the community. At the time of his death, Singh worked as a Lead APIX Engineer for Ness Digital Engineering, according to his LinkedIn profile. Both Singh and Parihar had careers in IT, including the Human Resources sector, relatives said. The couple's children were remembered in a note from the school district to parents, News 12 New Jersey reported. "The district was informed by local law enforcement of a horrific tragedy involving one of our Plainsboro families with a Wicoff student and a Millstone River School student," Superintendent David Aderhold wrote, referring to two of the area elementary schools. "As the law enforcement investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time. The District joins our community in grief and sorrow over this tragic event," Singh and Parihar purchased their home in August 2018 for USD 635,000, records showed. Neighbours described the family as friendly and said they could often be seen walking around the quiet street. A neighbour who asked not to be named said she had been friendly with the family for more than a decade. The woman said her daughter usually met the 6-year-old girl at the bus stop to ride to school together every morning. Hours before the family was found, the girl didn't show up. "It was weird for me to not see her in the morning," said the neighbour. "They were such a sweet family," the neighbour said she texted Parihar later that morning but never received a reply. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Associated Press OSLO: Imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi, who has campaigned for womens rights, democracy and against the death penalty in Iran for years, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. Mohammadi, 51, has done her work despite facing numerous arrests and spending years behind bars for her activism. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Nargis Mohammadi," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. "The impact of the prize is not for the Nobel committee to decide upon. We hope that it is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting. Mohammadis most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after she attended a memorial for a person killed in nationwide 2019 protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. Shes been held at Tehrans notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Reiss-Andersen said Mohammadi has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. She is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003. Mohammadi was behind bars for the recent protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. That sparked one of the most intense challenges ever to Irans theocracy. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown while over 22,000 others were arrested. From behind bars, Mohammadi contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times. What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become, she wrote. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian state television and other state-controlled media. Some semiofficial news agencies acknowledged Mohammadis win in online messages, citing foreign press reports. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. She has been close to Ebadi, who founded the centre. In 2018, Mohammadi, an engineer, was awarded the 2018 Andrei Sakharov Prize. PEN America, which advocates for freedom of speech and earlier this year gave Mohammadi its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award, applauded the win. The choice is a tribute to her courage and that of countless women and girls who have poured out into the streets of Iran and faced down one of the worlds most brutal and stubborn regimes, risking their lives to demand their rights, PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. The winner of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize is chosen by a panel of experts in Norway from a list of just over 350 nominations. Last year's prize was won by human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart and ally. Other previous winners include Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Aung San Suu Kyi and the United Nations. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the Peace Prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The Peace Prize is the fifth of this year's prizes to be announced. A day earlier, the Nobel committee awarded Norwegian writer Jon Fosse the prize for literature. On Wednesday, the chemistry prize went to U.S. scientists Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov. The physics prize went Tuesday to French-Swedish physicist Anne LHuillier, French scientist Pierre Agostini and Hungarian-born Ferenc Krausz. Hungarian-American Katalin Kariko and American Drew Weissman won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday. Nobel's season ends next week with the announcement of the winner of the Economics Prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp OSLO: Imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi, who has campaigned for womens rights, democracy and against the death penalty in Iran for years, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. Mohammadi, 51, has done her work despite facing numerous arrests and spending years behind bars for her activism. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Nargis Mohammadi," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. "The impact of the prize is not for the Nobel committee to decide upon. We hope that it is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Mohammadis most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after she attended a memorial for a person killed in nationwide 2019 protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. Shes been held at Tehrans notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Reiss-Andersen said Mohammadi has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. She is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003. Mohammadi was behind bars for the recent protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. That sparked one of the most intense challenges ever to Irans theocracy. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown while over 22,000 others were arrested. From behind bars, Mohammadi contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times. What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become, she wrote. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian state television and other state-controlled media. Some semiofficial news agencies acknowledged Mohammadis win in online messages, citing foreign press reports. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. She has been close to Ebadi, who founded the centre. In 2018, Mohammadi, an engineer, was awarded the 2018 Andrei Sakharov Prize. PEN America, which advocates for freedom of speech and earlier this year gave Mohammadi its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award, applauded the win. The choice is a tribute to her courage and that of countless women and girls who have poured out into the streets of Iran and faced down one of the worlds most brutal and stubborn regimes, risking their lives to demand their rights, PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. The winner of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize is chosen by a panel of experts in Norway from a list of just over 350 nominations. Last year's prize was won by human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart and ally. Other previous winners include Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Aung San Suu Kyi and the United Nations. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the Peace Prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The Peace Prize is the fifth of this year's prizes to be announced. A day earlier, the Nobel committee awarded Norwegian writer Jon Fosse the prize for literature. On Wednesday, the chemistry prize went to U.S. scientists Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov. The physics prize went Tuesday to French-Swedish physicist Anne LHuillier, French scientist Pierre Agostini and Hungarian-born Ferenc Krausz. Hungarian-American Katalin Kariko and American Drew Weissman won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday. Nobel's season ends next week with the announcement of the winner of the Economics Prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP HANOI: Social media giants YouTube, TikTok and Facebook removed nearly 800 "anti-state" or "false" posts in Vietnam over the course of a month at the request of the communist government, state media said Friday. Around 380 YouTube videos, 364 Facebook posts and 33 TikTok links were taken down or blocked between mid-August and mid-September, state-controlled Thanh Nien newspaper said in a report, quoting the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). Some of the posts contained "false and negative... content against the party, state, organisations and individuals... defaming leaders," the report added. Vietnam's communist government tolerates no dissent to one-party rule and social media restrictions are used by the state to curb freedom of expression. All media is under state control and government critics with online followings are regularly targeted. On Thursday, the MIC announced results from an investigation into TikTok, which has an estimated 50 million users in Vietnam. Earlier in the year it said it would probe "toxic content" hosted by the hugely popular Chinese-owned video-sharing app. "TikTok's content censorship process has not been efficient, bypassing some content that violated Vietnamese laws," the MIC said in an online statement. The ministry said the app must take further measures to protect children's privacy, ensuring they remove all accounts of users aged under 13 years. The app says users must be 13 years and older to have an account, but the MIC said children below the age limit were still accessing the platform. The ministry also asked Vietnamese authorities to closely monitor "cross-border service activities" of TikTok Singapore, which it said has a hand in managing the app in Vietnam. In 2020 Amnesty International warned in a major report that Facebook and Google were fast becoming "human rights-free zones" in Vietnam, and accused the tech titans of helping censor peaceful dissent and political expression in the country. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp HANOI: Social media giants YouTube, TikTok and Facebook removed nearly 800 "anti-state" or "false" posts in Vietnam over the course of a month at the request of the communist government, state media said Friday. Around 380 YouTube videos, 364 Facebook posts and 33 TikTok links were taken down or blocked between mid-August and mid-September, state-controlled Thanh Nien newspaper said in a report, quoting the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). Some of the posts contained "false and negative... content against the party, state, organisations and individuals... defaming leaders," the report added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Vietnam's communist government tolerates no dissent to one-party rule and social media restrictions are used by the state to curb freedom of expression. All media is under state control and government critics with online followings are regularly targeted. On Thursday, the MIC announced results from an investigation into TikTok, which has an estimated 50 million users in Vietnam. Earlier in the year it said it would probe "toxic content" hosted by the hugely popular Chinese-owned video-sharing app. "TikTok's content censorship process has not been efficient, bypassing some content that violated Vietnamese laws," the MIC said in an online statement. The ministry said the app must take further measures to protect children's privacy, ensuring they remove all accounts of users aged under 13 years. The app says users must be 13 years and older to have an account, but the MIC said children below the age limit were still accessing the platform. The ministry also asked Vietnamese authorities to closely monitor "cross-border service activities" of TikTok Singapore, which it said has a hand in managing the app in Vietnam. In 2020 Amnesty International warned in a major report that Facebook and Google were fast becoming "human rights-free zones" in Vietnam, and accused the tech titans of helping censor peaceful dissent and political expression in the country. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP BEIRUT: Syria began burying its dead Friday after a drone attack on a military academy graduation ceremony in Homs killed dozens, while Damascus pummelled opposition-held areas in response to the assault by "terrorist organisations". In one of the bloodiest single attacks on the army since the start of Syria's war in 2011, Thursday's assault came just after the ceremony attended by officers and their families, killing and wounding both military personnel and civilians. State media said Friday that 89 had died, including 31 women and five children, with 277 others wounded. However, The Guardian, quoting a war monitor and an official reported that over 100 people were killed in the attack. Dozens of distraught victims' relatives gathered outside the Homs military hospital since the early morning, an AFP correspondent said. A woman in a black dress adorned with white flowers was overwhelmed with grief at the loss of her son. "Do not go, my beloved," she cried. "This sleep does not befit you." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, reported a heavier toll of 123 dead, including 54 civilians, 39 of them women and children. It said at least 150 people were wounded. In a rare move since the war broke out, the government has declared three days of mourning starting Friday, with flags flying at half-mast. Defence Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas attended the first funerals for around 30 people, including both military and civilians. Military personnel saluted as rows of caskets draped in Syrian flags were carried one by one and placed into ambulances for transportation for burial. Panic and chaos Videos circulating on social media have showed panic and chaos during the attack, with people falling to the ground and others pleading for help. "Martyrdom, dignity and national pride come at a great cost," Abbas told victims' families, according to a statement broadcast on state television. The blood of those who died "is dear, but the nation is dearer", he added. Abbas had been present at the graduation ceremony but left just minutes before the attack, eyewitnesses and the Observatory said. At the military hospital, Khawlah, 33, was searching among the coffins for her brother. "Amjad did not die, I died," she told AFP, grief-stricken. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault, but the Syrian army has accused "armed terrorist organisations" of the attack with "explosive-laden drones", vowing to "respond with full force". The Syrian army on Thursday began a bombing campaign on opposition-held areas in the country's northwest in apparent retaliation. The Observatory said Friday that 15 civilians had been killed, adding that Russian warplanes carried out at least five strikes in the Idlib area. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the academy attack and expressed his condolences to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, the Kremlin said Friday. "We intend to keep up our close cooperation with our Syrian partners to fight all forms... of terrorism," Putin said, quoted in a Kremlin statement. 'Deeply concerned' Homs province was a key opposition stronghold in the early days of Syria's conflict. The government regained control over the province in 2018. Swathes of Idlib province and areas bordering the provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch. HTS and the Islamic State jihadist group have used drones to attack government-held areas and Syrian and Russian military targets, including in recent months, according to the Observatory. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned" over the drone attack and "reports of retaliatory shelling", his spokesman said. The attack came as Turkey on Thursday struck at least 21 sites including civilian infrastructure and in northeast Syria, according to security forces in the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration that controls the area. The forces reported 11 dead, including six of its members and five civilians. AFP correspondents and the Observatory said the bombing in the northeast subsided overnight. Turkey's defence ministry said Thursday that Ankara's forces had carried out air strikes in northern Syria, destroying 30 targets, including "shelters, depots and storage sites". Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder meanwhile said US F-16 warplanes over Syria had shot down a Turkish drone on Thursday, deeming it "a potential threat" after it approached "less than a half kilometre from US forces" near Hasakeh. The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011, spiralling into a devastating war involving foreign armies, militias and jihadists. (With inputs from Online Desk.) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BEIRUT: Syria began burying its dead Friday after a drone attack on a military academy graduation ceremony in Homs killed dozens, while Damascus pummelled opposition-held areas in response to the assault by "terrorist organisations". In one of the bloodiest single attacks on the army since the start of Syria's war in 2011, Thursday's assault came just after the ceremony attended by officers and their families, killing and wounding both military personnel and civilians. State media said Friday that 89 had died, including 31 women and five children, with 277 others wounded. However, The Guardian, quoting a war monitor and an official reported that over 100 people were killed in the attack.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Dozens of distraught victims' relatives gathered outside the Homs military hospital since the early morning, an AFP correspondent said. A woman in a black dress adorned with white flowers was overwhelmed with grief at the loss of her son. "Do not go, my beloved," she cried. "This sleep does not befit you." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, reported a heavier toll of 123 dead, including 54 civilians, 39 of them women and children. It said at least 150 people were wounded. In a rare move since the war broke out, the government has declared three days of mourning starting Friday, with flags flying at half-mast. Defence Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas attended the first funerals for around 30 people, including both military and civilians. Military personnel saluted as rows of caskets draped in Syrian flags were carried one by one and placed into ambulances for transportation for burial. Panic and chaos Videos circulating on social media have showed panic and chaos during the attack, with people falling to the ground and others pleading for help. "Martyrdom, dignity and national pride come at a great cost," Abbas told victims' families, according to a statement broadcast on state television. The blood of those who died "is dear, but the nation is dearer", he added. Abbas had been present at the graduation ceremony but left just minutes before the attack, eyewitnesses and the Observatory said. At the military hospital, Khawlah, 33, was searching among the coffins for her brother. "Amjad did not die, I died," she told AFP, grief-stricken. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault, but the Syrian army has accused "armed terrorist organisations" of the attack with "explosive-laden drones", vowing to "respond with full force". The Syrian army on Thursday began a bombing campaign on opposition-held areas in the country's northwest in apparent retaliation. The Observatory said Friday that 15 civilians had been killed, adding that Russian warplanes carried out at least five strikes in the Idlib area. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the academy attack and expressed his condolences to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, the Kremlin said Friday. "We intend to keep up our close cooperation with our Syrian partners to fight all forms... of terrorism," Putin said, quoted in a Kremlin statement. 'Deeply concerned' Homs province was a key opposition stronghold in the early days of Syria's conflict. The government regained control over the province in 2018. Swathes of Idlib province and areas bordering the provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch. HTS and the Islamic State jihadist group have used drones to attack government-held areas and Syrian and Russian military targets, including in recent months, according to the Observatory. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned" over the drone attack and "reports of retaliatory shelling", his spokesman said. The attack came as Turkey on Thursday struck at least 21 sites including civilian infrastructure and in northeast Syria, according to security forces in the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration that controls the area. The forces reported 11 dead, including six of its members and five civilians. AFP correspondents and the Observatory said the bombing in the northeast subsided overnight. Turkey's defence ministry said Thursday that Ankara's forces had carried out air strikes in northern Syria, destroying 30 targets, including "shelters, depots and storage sites". Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder meanwhile said US F-16 warplanes over Syria had shot down a Turkish drone on Thursday, deeming it "a potential threat" after it approached "less than a half kilometre from US forces" near Hasakeh. The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011, spiralling into a devastating war involving foreign armies, militias and jihadists. (With inputs from Online Desk.) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Vietnam sends over 111,500 employees abroad in nine months (Photo: VOV) Japan was the largest recipient of Vietnamese workers with 55,690, followed by Taiwan (China) with 46,166 and the Republic of Korea with 2,449. Other labour markets receiving large numbers of Vietnamese workers included China, Hungary, and Singapore, Romania, Poland and Saudi Arabia. Vietnam is currently the largest source of foreign workers in Japan. As of December 2020, about 345,000 Vietnamese people were working in the East Asian country. According to the MoLISA, Vietnam and Japan are working together to carry out a project helping Vietnamese workers seek suitable jobs in Japan, as well as gaining access to employment information after returning home. The ministry also assists businesses to seek manpower in order to fill their vacancies. In order to protect workers' interests in Japan, the Ministry has also signed co-operation agreements with many Japanese prefectures such as Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Kanagawa, and Nagano. This year, the MoLISA has also moved to explore new markets for Vietnamese workers, especially in Europe, such as Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Croatia. In early August, the MoLISA and the Greek union of agricultural cooperatives discussed collaboration in sending Vietnamese to work in agriculture in this country. So far, six businesses have been allowed to send Vietnamese workers to Greece to work in this field./. Mumbai, October 5 M akers of the romantic drama film 'Dono' on Thursday hoisted a grand premiere of their film in Mumbai where several B-Town celebs marked their presence. 'Dono' marks the acting debut of Sunny Deol's son Rajveer Deol and actor Poonam Dhillon's daughter Paloma. Actor Sunny Deol also arrived at the premier of 'Dono' and was seen donning a black shirt paired with blue jeans and matching coat. Talking to media, Sunny said, "I hope you all will like this film and will give a lot of love to these children. They need support from all of you. The rest depends on their ability, but support is very important." Sunny Deol's brother Bobby Deol also arrived at the premiere and said, "My film was released 28 years ago on this day, so I can understand how much excitement and anxiety there is when the first film releases. I wish both of them (Rajveer and Paloma) all the very best." Apart from them, Paloma's mother Poonam Dhillon also arrived at the premiere. She looked beautiful in a pink saree. Poonam said, "Today is a very emotional day for all of us and I am very proud that Paloma has worked so hard and done such a good job. Whoever has watched the film called me and said she has done a wonderful job. I wish her all the best. I always tell her to be emotionally strong, it's a tough world out there." The film is directed by Sooraj Barjatya's son Avnish. 'Dono' is set against the backdrop of a lavish destination wedding, Dev (Rajveer) - friend of the dulhan, meets Meghna (Paloma) - a friend of the dulha. Amidst the festivities of a big fat Indian wedding, a heart-warming journey commences between two strangers who have one destination," read the film's description. The film promises to be an "urban tale that celebrates romance, relationships and matters of the heart." 'Dono' premiere: Sunny Deol, Poonam Dhillon extend wishes to Rajveer-Paloma on their Bollywood debut Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Abu Dhabi, October 5 U nion Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are aiming to expand the bilateral trade to make it USD 100 billion. "Basic foundation on which I believe we are looking to expand the trade between our two countries, significantly, at least to make it USD 100 billion, very quickly, said Goyal at the meeting with top business leaders from India and UAE hosted by Abu Dhabi Chamber. In UAE, Goyal co-chaired the 11th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force to boost investments between the two countries, which saw the signing of several MoUs in different sectors. "I'm very convinced that the incredible love and affection that the people of India and the people of the UAE have for each other, the immense contribution that businesses are making to further strengthen this geopolitical strategic partnership is going to truly make this that defining partnership and brotherhood..." said Goyal at the meeting with top business leaders from India and UAE hosted by Abu Dhabi Chamber. "Clearly, India is a vibrant nation, on the move to become an economic powerhouse. Today the fifth largest economy in the world...It was only nine years ago, that we were a fragile five economy, amongst the weakest five economies in the world. Today as I stand before you, we are amongst the top five economies, the fifth largest GDP. In the next four years, we expect to become the world's third largest GDP," he added. Goyal held a meeting with the India-UAE Business Council (UAE Chapter) delegation along with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, UAE. "With the UAE being our second largest export destination, our third largest trade partner, our fourth largest investor in terms of foreign direct investment. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership being the very first partnership that the UAE executed or entered into with any country in the world, bilaterally. All of this is in a way, the foundation on which we are working together, we are both countries that share a very rich history, a very engaging past a past that represents heritage, culture and tradition. We both are countries with huge capabilities in the present...," Goyal added. Earlier, while elaborating on UAE's interest in investment in India, Goyal said in the days ahead a significant flow of investments both in public markets and in the manufacturing and services sector will be witnessed adding, "even moon is not the limit." Goyal told ANI, "While at one point in time, we would say the sky is the limit, I can say now even the moon is not the limit." India, UAE looking to expand trade to USD100 billion: Piyush Goyal Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, October 5 P akistani actor Mahira Khan, known for her role in the film 'Raees', on Thursday shared a string of new pictures from her wedding festivities. "My mother had one wish... to start the wedding with a dua. My beautiful Ama, who is in a wheel chair - one would think she can't do much - but really, she can do everything and anything. She sat and managed the decoration downstairs, the table, the moving around of furniture anddd she was ready dot on time. Alhumdulillah for our parents. Later on that day, my childhood girlfriends had a mayun for me. Alhumdulillah for friends I can call my sisters. P.S I took a bud of the motia and put it in my baali before going down.. for my Nani and Dadi," she captioned the pictures on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyAdsg2s3xs/?img_index=7 In the first picture, she can be seen sitting on a sofa, donning a beautiful white and golden suit with a garland around her neck. In the next few pics, she is seen wearing the same outfits and posing at various locations around her house. Other pictures showcased her in a vibrant orange-green Anarkali suit, complemented by green glass bangles and an array of flowers. Soon after she dropped the pictures of the wedding held earlier this month, fans swamped down the comment section and shared red hearts and fire emoticons. "I am just in awe how ethereal and happy you look and how the whole social media celebrating your happiness with you. Utterly blissful," a user wrote. Another user wrote, "This is a wholesome. Ma shaa Allah Allahumma barik. So beautiful." A fan commented, "Congratulations, beautiful." Mahira Khan recently tied the knot with her long-time beau Salim Karim. The wedding reportedly took place in Pakistan's Bhurban in the presence of family members and close friends. Reportedly, this is Mahira's second marriage. She was earlier married to Ali Askari and had a son by him in 2009. However, they separated in 2015. For quite some time, rumours about her relationship with Salim Karim had been doing the rounds. And, the actor has now confirmed what was in the realm of speculation by tying the knot with the love of her life. Mahira Khan shares new pics from her wedding festivities Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Abu Dhabi, October 5 L uLu group chairman and MD Yusuff Ali MA said that India under the "dynamic leadership" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is considered as an emerging power and one of the strongest economies in the world. At the meeting with top business leaders from India and UAE hosted by Abu Dhabi Chamber, Yusuff Ali MA said that the common focus of UAE and India is peace, stability and economic progress. He said that 3.54 million Indians form an integral part of development of UAE's economy. "Today, the common focus of both UAE and India is peace, stability, and economic progress.UAE under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a dynamic and one of the most advanced nations in the world. On other hand, India under the dynamic leadership of Shri Narendra Modi Ji is considered as an emerging power and one of the strongest economies in the world," Yusuff Ali MA said. "More than 3.54 million Indians form an integral part of growth and development of UAE's economy and society. Indians are also earning their present better with that most dignity and respect here," he added. He said that India and UAE will continue to move forward with greater cooperation. He called Abu Dhabi a safe and secure place to work and live and an incubator for talents, innovators and entrepreneurs. "There are no limits of relationship between both our countries as rightly our minister mentioned. So, we would continue to move forward with greater cooperation. Today UAE, Abu Dhabi, particularly has become a key economic hub and the preferred go to destination due to its advanced world class architecture and huge investment opportunities in key sectors, including energy, IT, logistics, food medicine, tourism, and....," he said. Heaping praise on PM Modi for his leadership, he said that India has liberalized a lot of policies, especially the investment policy for non-resident Indians. "In India, under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister. they liberalized a lot of policies, especially the investment policy for non resident Indians. We had non resident Indians had a lot of problems in Western India. But under the dynamic leadership of our prime minister Narendra Modi Ji. They liberalised and now NRI investment is treated as domestic investment. This is a great opportunity for non-resident Indians back home to invest in India," Yusuff Ali MA said in his address. Meanwhile, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are aiming to expand the bilateral trade to make it USD 100 billion. "Basic foundation on which I believe we are looking to expand the trade between our two countries, significantly, at least to make it USD 100 billion, very quickly, said Goyal at the meeting with top business leaders from India and UAE hosted by Abu Dhabi Chamber. In UAE, Goyal co-chaired the 11th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force to boost investments between the two countries, which saw the signing of several MoUs in different sectors. "I'm very convinced that the incredible love and affection that the people of India and the people of the UAE have for each other, the immense contribution that businesses are making to further strengthen this geopolitical strategic partnership is going to truly make this that defining partnership and brotherhood..." Goyal said. "Clearly, India is a vibrant nation, on the move to become an economic powerhouse. Today the fifth largest economy in the world...It was only nine years ago, that we were a fragile five economy, amongst the weakest five economies in the world. Today as I stand before you, we are amongst the top five economies, the fifth largest GDP. In the next four years, we expect to become the world's third largest GDP," he added. India under PM Modi's dynamic leadership is considered one of strongest economies in world: Lulu Group MD Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, October 5 A ctor and philanthropist Sonu Sood, who has received a lot of attention for his humanitarian initiatives, recently took part in a road and traffic awareness campaign with Dr Ravinder Singal, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of Maharashtra Highway Traffic Police in Mumbai. Sood said that it is important to follow traffic rules and wear a helmet while travelling for one's safety. On traffic awareness, he told ANI, "I think road safety is very important as it is not just for us but for our family and others. Wear a helmet and strap it properly and set an example for others of how important it is." Coming back to Sonu's 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. Wear helmet, strap it properly: Sonu Sood participates in road safety awareness campaign Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Seoul, Oct 5 S amsung Electronics on Thursday announced an all-new Galaxy SmartTag2 to keep track of valuables, that will launch globally on October 11. Galaxy SmartTag2s Lost Mode allows users to input their contact information via a message. Lost Mode works with any mobile device with NFC reader and web browser. Anyone who discovers an item with a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached can use their smartphone to scan the tag and see the owners message and contact information. With an enhanced finding experience and a longer battery life, Galaxy SmartTag2 will provide users with greater peace of mind for longer and in more situations, said Jaeyeon Jung, EVP and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center at Samsung. The device provides an improved Compass View feature, enhancing the user experience by providing arrows to show the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 in relation to the user. This mode is available on any UWB-supported Galaxy smartphone, such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The SmartThings Find app has also been upgraded, with newly registered Galaxy SmartTags that now installs a shortcut to the app on the users smartphone, allowing users to launch SmartThings Find more quickly. Additionally, the app now features a full screen map view and an intuitive interface, making the user experience even more seamless. SmartTag2 now automatically re-syncs youre your now Galaxy smartphone using your Samsung account, said the company. Galaxy SmartTag2s durability has also been upgraded with an IP675 rating for water and dust resistance. For Samsung Galaxy users, SmartThings Find can also provide security through its Unknown tag alerts feature. Samsung launches Galaxy SmartTag2 with Lost Mode, longer battery Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, Oct 5 T he 79th train under the Delhi government's Mukhyamantri Teerthyatra Yojana left for Rameswaram on Thursday. CM Arvind Kejriwal met 780 elderly pilgrims who left for Rameswaram. "Like always, I have come to meet all elderly pilgrims," he said. "We're sending a train to one corner of the country every week and I come to meet all of you. One of the reasons behind this is that when you are all about to leave for a pilgrimage, you are full of happiness. I come here to seek some happiness from you," he added. So far, 22 trains carrying 20,000-22,000 pilgrims have visited Rameshwaram, as it is highly sought after among pilgrims, the CM said. About the scheme, Kejriwal said that so far 78 trains carrying 76,000 pilgrims have been sent to various religious places across the country. The Rameswaram trip will span 8 days and the pilgrims will spend 2 days in Rameswaram and visit the Meenakshi Temple. Before leaving for Rameswaram, elderly pilgrims took part in Bhajan Sandhya organised in Tyagaraj Stadium. The event was attended by the CM and Revenue Minister Atishi. Addressing the senior citizens heading to Rameswaram, Atishi stated that the Delhi government, under the leadership of CM Kejriwal, has so far facilitated over 76,000 elderly Teerth Yatras to various pilgrimage sites via 78 trains under the scheme. 79th train under Delhi govt's pilgrimage scheme leaves for Rameswaram Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! After China, more countries request for monkeys from Sri Lanka Colombo, Oct 6 A fter requests by China in April, Sri Lanka has received more requests to export monkeys, Sri Lanka Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told in the Parliament. Amaraweera said that the same request that came from China in April had come again to export Toque macaque monkeys for the zoos of the respective countries. "I inform them to make the requests through the relevant embassies of their countries," the Minister said responding to a question raised by the Opposition. In April, a private firm in China had requested for 100,000 monkeys, a set of animals that had become a menace for the island's agricultural activities. The Minister and the Sri Lanka government had agreed to the request but there was a strong opposition from the environmental and animal rights activists and it ended up in courts. The government had agreed to export monkeys as a measure to control the damage caused to the crops which was estimated at Rs 20 billion (nearly $62 million) a year. However, 30 parties, including animal and wildlife protection organisations, had complained to the Supreme Court against the government's decision to export monkeys. The activists had feared that the monkeys would be used for meat while others claimed that monkeys would be used for medical research. Amid the protests, in June the government dropped the idea to export monkeys to China. Earlier in February,Amaraweera also had announced that there were six crop-ravaging animals namely peacocks, toque macaques, grizzled giant squirrels, porcupines and wild boars and they were removed from the list of protected animals in Sri Lanka meaning that they could be killed. After China, more countries request for monkeys from Sri Lanka Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Ramalinga Swami is one of our most respected saints, says PM Modi on his 200th birth anniversary Jodhpur, October 6 P rime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that he is honoured to address the program marking the 200th birth anniversary of Ramalinga Swami, also known as Vallalar. PM Modi through a video conference connected to the gathering assembled in Vadalur for the anniversary program and expressed his delight at holding the event in Vadalur, a place closely associated with Vallalar. "Vallalar is one of our most respected saints. He walked this earth in the 19th century but his spiritual insights continue to inspire millions of people even today," said Modi. Highlighting Vallalar's ethos of compassion, the Prime Minister emphasized on the saint's unwavering commitment to eradicate hunger. "Vallalar believed in compassion towards fellow human beings, one of his most important contribution was his strong commitment to remove hunger. Nothing pained him more than a human being going to bed, empty stomach. He believed that sharing food with hungry is one of the most noble acts of kindness," said the Prime Minister. PM Modi further said that we all are committed to this vision and recalled that when the COVID pandemic struck the country, 80 crore Indians received free rations which was a major relief in testing times. Vallalar's dedication to education and learning was also highlighted by PM Modi. He said that Vallalar gave importance to modern educational curriculum, further highlighting that how India after three decades has got a national education policy which is transforming the entire educational landscape. The Prime Minister praised Vallalar's progressive stance on social reforms, noting that his vision of divinity transcended religion, caste, and creed boundaries. He further expressed confidence that the saint would have blessed the passage of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' which reserves seats for women in legislative bodies. Earlier during the day, the Prime Minster was on his visit to Rajasthan's Jodhpur where he addressing a rally took a dig at Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over his absence at the official event in which projects of about Rs 5,000 crore were unveiled and said the Congress leader has confidence that when Modi comes, everything will be fine. PM Modi, who addressed a rally after unveiling the development projects in Jodhpur, also attacked the Congress government in Rajasthan over the law and order situation in the state, saying there were several instances of atrocities against the Dalits and women. Ramalinga Swami is one of our most respected saints, says PM Modi on his 200th birth anniversary Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Members of the Bard East/West Ensemble perform during the opening concert of the sixth annual China Now Music Festival at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, the United States, on Oct. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui) As the festival continues, it promises more unique performances and opportunities for cultural exchange, reinforcing the idea that music truly serves as a bridge to understanding and unity. by Yueer Lin, Shilong Yang NEW YORK, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The sixth annual China Now Music Festival kicked off on Wednesday with a captivating opening concert in New York City attended by the Bard East/West Ensemble and prominent virtuoso Wu Man, celebrating the theme of "The Bridge of Music." This extraordinary concert, held at Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center Wednesday evening, brought together and cleverly combined various instruments and musical traditions from both the East and the West, showcasing the harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western cultures and backgrounds. Jindong Cai, artistic director of the festival and conductor of the Bard East/West Ensemble, told Xinhua prior to the concert that this musical event aims to promote understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture through contemporary Chinese music. Prominent pipa virtuoso Wu Man (right, front) performs with members of the Bard East/West Ensemble during the opening concert of the sixth annual China Now Music Festival at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, the United States, on Oct. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui) "By bringing instruments with different styles consisting of a Western string quintet and seven Chinese instruments including dizi, erhu, ruan, suona, and guzheng, as well as Chinese and Western percussion, audiences can experience this unprecedented clash of ideas and inspirations," said Cai, who is also director of the U.S.-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory of Music. Pipa virtuoso Wu, acclaimed for her mastery of the instrument, delivered a stunning performance of "King Chu Doffs His Armour" by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Zhou Long. Inspired by the poignant love story depicted in the film "Farewell My Concubine," and jointly performed with the Bard East/West Ensemble, the piece undoubtedly built a profound emotional connection with the audience. "I would never miss any concert performances of conductor Jindong Cai, for only he can seamlessly blend traditional Chinese elements with contemporary concepts and he always brings magnificent music to New York audiences," Christine Walevska, a renowned U.S. classical cellist spotted in the audience section, excitedly told Xinhua. Members of the Bard East/West Ensemble and prominent pipa virtuoso Wu Man perform during the opening concert of the sixth annual China Now Music Festival at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, the United States, on Oct. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui) Walevska revealed that she even pushed back the date of her planned trip to Argentina so that she could witness this incredible performance and the upcoming festival events over the weekend. "Although I am not a music expert, it was easy to enjoy this performance, and the whole idea of performances playing together with Chinese and Western instruments is really touching and wonderful. Music is just the way cuisine is. It accurately represents the unifying concept of cultural exchange," said Shavon, another spectator from New York City. Set up in 2022, the Bard East/West Ensemble comprises a Western string quintet, accompanied by an assembly of seven traditional Chinese instruments, namely the dizi, suona, sheng, pipa, ruan, guzheng, and erhu, along with percussionists from both the East and West, totaling 15 young musicians in all. The China Now Music Festival is a joint endeavor by Bard College's U.S.-China Music Institute and the Central Conservatory of Music in China. Members of the Bard East/West Ensemble and prominent pipa virtuoso Wu Man perform during the opening concert of the sixth annual China Now Music Festival at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, the United States, on Oct. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui) Since its inception in 2018, it has been dedicated to building a cultural bridge between the United States and China through music. Each year, it hosts a series of thematic concerts and lectures, presenting exhilarating contemporary Chinese musical works. Previous editions of the festival have attracted over 10,000 live attendees, with nearly 80,000 participating in online events. As the festival continues, it promises more unique performances and opportunities for cultural exchange, reinforcing the idea that music truly serves as a bridge to understanding and unity. "I was very proud and delighted to see that more and more students (at Bard College) are passionate about learning and practicing Chinese traditional instruments," said Wu Han, who has taught workshops at the college in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Editor: GSY Abu Dhabi, October 6 C hairman and Managing Director (MD) of LuLu group Yusuff Ali has said United Arab Emirates (UAE) is investing a lot in India and there is a strong relationship between the two countries. "Both countries and their relations are growing day by day. UAE imports a lot of products from India...UAE exports petroleum products and petroleum by-products to India. So the relationship is very strong and UAE is investing a lot in India..." the LuLu group chairman said while speaking on UAE-India trade. He further said: "The relationship between India and UAE is coming closer and closer nowadays. The visit of Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan three times to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to UAE so many times and their personal relationship, plus the bilateral, commercial, and investment are growing." At the meeting with top business leaders from India and UAE hosted by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, Yusuff Ali said that India under the "dynamic leadership" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is considered an emerging power and one of the strongest economies in the world. He said that the common focus of UAE and India is peace, stability and economic progress. He said that 3.54 million Indians form an integral part of the development of the UAE's economy. "Today, the common focus of both UAE and India is peace, stability, and economic progress. UAE under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is dynamic and one of the most advanced nations in the world. On the other hand, India under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi is considered as an emerging power and one of the strongest economies in the world," Yusuff Ali said. "More than 3.54 million Indians form an integral part of the growth and development of UAE's economy and society. Indians are also earning their present better with that most dignity and respect here," he added. He said that India and the UAE will continue to move forward with greater cooperation. He called Abu Dhabi a safe and secure place to work and live and an incubator for talents, innovators and entrepreneurs. UAE investing a lot in India, strong relationship between two countries: LuLu group MD Yusuff Ali Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, Oct 6 S et in 1989, 'Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue' captures your attention and imagination from the very first scene. Movie: Mission Raniganj The Great Bharat Rescue; Director: Tinu Suresh Desai; Cast: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, Rajesh Sharma, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Ravi Kishan, Pawan Malhotra, Kumud Mishra, Virendra Saxena, Saanand Verma, Jameel Khan, Varun Badola, Sudhir Pandey and Omkar Das Manikpuri; Rating: ****1/2 Jaswant Singh Gill, a brave and courageous mining engineer from IIT Dhanbad, takes it upon himself to rescue miners trapped in Raniganj coalfields so that they can be reunited with their families. A real-life hero, Jaswant Singh Gill led a solo and brave mission saving the lives of ordinary people. The canvas of the film is huge, allowing users to actually experience a coal mine rescue, which can only best be enjoyed on the big screen. Helmed by Tinu Suresh Desai, the movie sets its tone within the first few minutes and stays its course. Jaswant Singh Gill, played superbly by Akshay Kumar, and his ingenious and brave rescue mission, is documented to be the world's greatest rescue operation. This is a compelling story of hope, resilience and teamwork, which is the soul of the film. The movie opens with quick introductions to the principal characters and eases right into an edge-of-the-seat thriller, which keeps up its tempo till the end. This is as much a story about survival and hanging on to a fine thread of hope as it is about a man, Jaswant Singh Gill, who is driven, dedicated, and relentless in his pursuit to save lives. Parineeti Chopra as Nirdosh Kaur Gill, Jaswant Singh's wife, does her best within the framework of her role. But the film is all about Gill, and Akshay Kumar delivers a career-best performance. The director-actor duo have already delivered one National Award for 'Rustom' and we won't be surprised if 'Mission Raniganj' gets them a second one. The lighting, camerawork and special effects, and underground water scenes are noteworthy. A brilliantly made film with a coal mine rescue at the centre, it is an absolute treat to watch on the big screen. This one will make every Indian proud. There is plenty of drama and suspense in this true-life story, added with stellar performances from the entire ensemble, and a great background score, which creates an immersive and engaging experience. 'Mission Raniganj': An absolute treat to watch in cinemas (Review) Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, October 6 T he Reserve Bank of India has by far onboarded 30 banks on its UDGAM platform, a portal that enables the public to search for unclaimed deposits. These banks, the list of which can be accessed below, has been made available on the portal on September 28 this year, which covers around 90 per cent of such unclaimed deposits (in value terms) in Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, the central bank said Thursday in a release. The search facility was initially made available on the portal for seven banks and it was intimated that the facility for remaining banks on the portal would be made available in a phased manner by October 15, 2023. RBI had launched the centralised web portal 'udgm UDGAM' on August 17, 2023 for the public to facilitate and make it easier for them to search their unclaimed deposits across multiple banks at one place. Given the increasing trend in the amount of unclaimed deposits, RBI said it has been undertaking public awareness campaigns from time to time to sensitise the public on the matter. Further, through these initiatives, the RBI maintains it has been encouraging members of public to identify and approach their respective banks for claiming unclaimed deposits. "The launch of the web portal will aid users to identify their unclaimed deposits/ accounts and enable them to either claim the deposit amount or make their deposit accounts operative at their respective banks," RBI said during the launch of the platform in August. To begin with, users were able to access the details of their unclaimed deposits in respect of only seven banks, to now 30. RBI onboards more banks on UDGAM portal, public can search unclaimed deposits Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Naxalism a curse to humanity, Centre committed to rooting it out in all its forms: Amit Shah New Delhi, October 6 U nion Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday termed Naxalism a "curse to humanity", adding that the Union government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to rooting out Left-wing Extremism in all its forms and manifestations. Shah took to 'X' to share his views a few hours before he is to chair a review meeting on Left-wing Extremism (LWE) here in the national capital. "Naxalism is a curse to humanity and we are resolved to uproot it in all its forms. I look forward to chairing the Review Meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in New Delhi today to further our efforts to fulfil PM @narendramodi Ji's vision of an LWE-free nation," Shah posted on 'X'. The meeting is to start around 10.30 am and is likely to be attended by chief ministers, Home ministers or their representatives from Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Kerala. These are states that are deemed to be affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). Union Home Secretary, top officials of Central Armed Police Forces, and many senior officers of central and state governments will also attend the meeting. The review meeting, which is held at regular intervals, aims at meeting the central government's commitment to the development of the Naxal-affected states as well as making the country LWE-free. A lot of success has been seen in the last few years in this direction due to the joint efforts of the Centre and the states in cracking down on Left Wing Extremism. The joint crackdown has led to a significant decline in incidents of Naxal violence. The central government, however, is of the view that unless the country gets rid of the problem of Left Wing Extremism completely, the states affected by Naxal terror cannot realise their true potential. Left-wing extremism has been a significant security challenge for so many decades. Though primarily a State subject, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has promulgated a 'National Policy and Action Plan' since 2015 to address the Left-wing Extremism menace holistically and the progress and the situation is being monitored rigorously and this Policy consists of a multi-pronged approach. The significant features of the policy are zero tolerance towards violence coupled with a big push to developmental activities so that benefits of development reach the poor and vulnerable in the affected areas. Pursuant to the Policy, the Ministry of Home Affairs is supporting the State Governments in Capacity Building and strengthening of Security Apparatus by deployment of CAPF Battalions, provision of helicopters and UAVs, and sanction of India Reserve Battalions (IRBs) and Special India Reserve Battalions (SIRBs). Funds are also provided under the Modernization of Police Force (MPF), Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) for the modernization and training of State Police. For the development of Left-wing Extremism-affected states, the government of India has taken several developmental initiatives which include sanctioning 17,600 kilometres of road. To improve telecom connectivity in Left-wing Extremism affected districts, new mobile towers are being installed. For financial inclusion of the people in Left Wing Extremism-affected districts, several post offices, bank branches, ATMs, and banking correspondents have been opened. Special focus is also being given to the opening of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The fight against the Left Wing Extremism menace is now in a crucial stage and the government is optimistic about reducing the menace to an insignificant level at the earliest. Naxalism a curse to humanity, Centre committed to rooting it out in all its forms: Amit Shah Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Pune, October 6 A ppointed president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Society, actor R Madhavan recently visited the prestigious institute. During his visit, Madhavan interacted with students and faculty. Several pictures from Madhavan's first visit after taking charge last month were posted on the official Instagram account of FTII. Have a look. In September 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) appointed Madhavan as the president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Society and chairperson of the governing council. The tenure of former president director Shekhar Kapur ended on March 3, 2023. "Heartiest congratulations to @ActorMadhavan ji on being nominated as President of @FTIIOfficial and Chairman of the governing council.I'm sure that your vast experience & strong ethics will enrich this institute, bring positive changes, & take it to a higher level. My best wishes to you (sic)," Union Minister Anurag Thakur wrote on X while congratulating Madhavan. The actor took to social media and shared his feelings about getting nominated as the President of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Madhavan wrote, "Thank you so very much for the honor and kind wishes @ianuragthakur Ji. I will do my very best to live up to all the expectations (sic)." Recently, Madhavan bagged the Best Feature Film Award at the 69th National Awards. Madhavan also acted and directed it. In the coming months, he will be seen sharing screen space with Ajay Devgn in a thriller directed by Vikas Bahl. The film will be out in theatres on March 8, 2024. R Madhavan visits FTII, interacts with students Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, October 6 W ith the release of 'Tiger 3' approaching soon, actor Salman Khan has been piquing the audience's interest in different ways. After sharing a special 'Tiger 3' message, Salman has now dropped an interesting update about what fans can expect from the action scenes in the film. "People have seen Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai and films from the YRF Spy Universe. So, it was important to give them something very new visually, something that was amazingly unique. The team has really pushed the envelope of action with Tiger 3. It had to be spectacular. There was no other option," he said. Salman shared that he felt like a child on the set looking at the massive action scenes that were elaborately planned for him to shoot. "The team has tried and executed things that have never been seen in an Indian film. I loved being a part of these massively mounted action sequences and I was like a child when I was doing those scenes! We will tease you with many such big moments when we unveil the trailer of Tiger 3, which is going to be our next marketing asset of the film," he added. The trailer for 'Tiger 3' will be out on October 16. Excited about the film's release, Salman said, "Expect the unexpected from the trailer & the film and get ready for an action entertainer that will have a really intense storyline. For me, Tiger 3's story is what hooked me instantly. I couldn't believe what Adi and the team had come up with! This is definitely Tiger's most dangerous mission and he has to risk his life to stand a chance." Helmed by Maneesh Sharma, 'Tiger 3' will be released this Diwali in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The film also stars Katrina Kaif in the lead. Reportedly, it also stars Emraan Hashmi as an antagonist. However, no official announcement of Emraan's casting has been made yet. Salman Khan shares update about action scenes in 'Tiger 3' Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, Oct 6 P C and printer major HP has launched a new software platform called "AI Studio", designed to help data scientists and AI practitioners and a moveable 23.8-inch all-in-one PC designed for a hybrid lifestyle. Along with this, the company unveiled more than 20 new devices and services. HP introduced a new AI workstation solution that simplifies building and customising private AI models and applications. The company is also collaborating with chip maker Nvidia to be the first to offer dedicated workstation solutions with its AI Enterprise software platform to the market in the coming months. "The AI-enabled services we are unveiling at HP Imagine allow people to better collaborate, manage and protect their devices. Our vision is to build the worlds most comprehensive collection of employee productivity solutions to create lifelong relationships with our customers," Dave Shull, President of Workforce Solutions, said in a statement. Moreover, the company also unveiled the 3-in-1 17-inch foldable PC -- the HP Spectre Fold. Initially announced in September for the US and UK markets, the device will soon be available in an additional 11 countries (Australia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). HP unveiled a new conference room-as-a-service subscription model that extracts insights to help customers optimise usage and create outstanding in-office video conferencing experiences. In addition, the company announced its first-ever PC refurbishment programme to help drive the circular economy and extend the life of devices. For printing needs, HP unveiled the DeskJet All-in-One Printer series made with up to 60 per cent recycled plastic and available with Instant Ink, the worlds first smart ink delivery service. "HP Imagine marks the culmination of an incredible year for innovation in our printing business -- from our new consumer lineup of Smart Tank printers and modern inkjet printers to Instant Ink for SMBs, and a new office portfolio powered by our sustainable ink and toner technology," said Tuan Tran, President of Imaging and Printing Solutions. HP launches new software platform 'AI Studio', 23.8-inch movable PC Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, Oct 6 T aj Mahal, New Delhi, the Capitals landmark destination, announced the launch of its new wine lounge, Captains Cellar. Debuting in the heart of the city, Captains Cellar captures the essence of vineyards across the globe. Satyajeet Krishnan, Area Director - Operations and General Manager - Taj Mahal, New Delhi said, Taj Mahal, New Delhi with its rich culinary history for over four decades, has been renowned for pioneering global and regional cuisines and concepts. "With the addition of Captains Cellar, the Hotel strengthens its world-class food and beverage portfolio of its much-loved and celebrated brands. As Captains Cellar launches in the gastronomic capital of the country, it promises to offer an adventure of tastes and textures in a rustic chic ambience infused with a relaxed energy and warmth. A contemporary wine lounge, inspired by traditional wine cellars, Captains Cellar takes the diner on a journey through the vivid landscape of flavours, wine rituals and beyond. The menu is an exploration of global and domestic wines, both old and new world, preserved with leading edge technology such as Enomatic equipment and the Corvin selection. The array of tapas celebrates the culinary traditions of cherished and long-preserved authentic recipes, presented with a modern twist. The design boasts of engineered timber flooring, vaulted brick ceilings and cast iron details, thoughtfully paired with a variety of furniture, eclectic art, a patio and an informal seating. The spotlight is on the perfect pour integrating the art and science of wine, small-plates, cheese and meat platters, an exquisite experience in the Tasting Rooms all of this, and more, in an inviting ambience that feels convivial, and elegant. The legacy of Captains Cabin at Taj Mahal, New Delhi is intricately woven into the citys social fabric. Its return, in the avatar Captains Cellar is a tribute to todays cosmopolitan world. Timeless, yet modern, this is a place where classic meets the contemporary, seamlessly intertwining the past with the present.Captains Cellar, is a haven and a voyage, to celebrate cuisine, camaraderie and all things wine. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Taj Mahal, New Delhi unveils Captain's Cellar Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, Oct 6 D elhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday donated Rs 10 crores to Himachal Pradesh state relief fund and assured the state of all possible support during tough times. Expressing his grief on the havoc wreaked on lives and livelihood due to incessant rains in Himachal, he said: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the havoc wreaked on lives and livelihood by the incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh. My heart goes out to the people who have lost their loved ones amidst this calamity." I assure you that the people of Delhi and the Delhi government stand with you and the people of Himachal Pradesh in this time of crisis, he said. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had requested Delhi Chief Minister for donation, due to calamity caused by monsoon rains in the state. The Himachal government has opened 'Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023' to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation in the affected areas. Kejriwal donates Rs 10 crores to Himachal state relief fund Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, October 6 E xternal Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday welcomed his Maltese counterpart, Ian Borg, to the national capital and the two held discussions on India's increasing trade and commerce and investments in the Mediterranean region. "Pleased to welcome FM @MinisterIanBorg of Malta this afternoon in New Delhi. Our talks covered India's increasing trade & commerce, investments and people to people ties with the Mediterranean," posted Jaishankar on the social media platform, X. The official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, extended his welcome to the Maltese minister upon his arrival on Friday morning. Bagchi said Borg's visit will strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Malta, as well as multilateral ties. Taking to his social media platform X, he posted, "Warm welcome to FM @MinisterIanBorg of Malta to India. The visit will further strengthen our bilateral and multilateral ties." Meanwhile, the EAM also stated that he discussed India's coordination with respect to the European Union (EU) and Africa. "Also discussed cooperation with respect to the European Union and Africa," his post added. India and the European Union (EU) discussed ways to sustain a secure maritime environment conducive for inclusive growth and global well-being, during the 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue held in Brussels on Thursday. India and the EU also discussed cyber cooperation in multilateral fora and also appreciated the Cyber Dialogue mechanism. The two sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation initiatives in the maritime domain and avenues of reinforcing international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security, as per a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). African Union became a permanent member of the Group of 20 (G20) at India's initiative. Recalling the emotional moment for inclusion of African Union in G20 during its presidency', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 18 said that the success of G20 is of 140 crore Indians adding that India has carved a place for itself as 'Vishwa Mitra'. PM Modi in his opening speech during the special session of Parliament, last month, said, "India will always feel pride for the inclusion of the African Union in G20 during its presidency." Moreover, Borg is on a short visit to India and will depart for his homeland on October 8. EAM Jaishankar discusses trade, investments with Maltese counterpart Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Photo: The Canadian Press Evidence at the trial of a former RCMP intelligence official charged with breaching Canada's secrets law reveals he was in charge of a unit expected to work in a high-pressure environment. Cameron Jay Ortis, right, a former RCMP intelligence director accused of disclosing classified information, returns to the Ottawa Courthouse during a break in proceedings in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby Evidence at the trial of a former RCMP intelligence official charged with breaching Canada's secrets law reveals he led a unit expected to work in a complex, high-pressure environment. A detailed job description for Cameron Jay Ortis says he became director of the national police force's Operations Research group in 2013. The unit had the task of assembling and developing classified information on terror cells, transnational criminal networks, cybercrime actors and commercial espionage. "Given the perspective of imminent national security threats, the unit must evolve in a no fail operational environment that demands that its outputs lead to significant outcomes," says the job description, filed in Ontario Superior Court as part of a statement of agreed facts in the case. The unit director is expected to manage a high-risk program that provides actionable packages of information to senior RCMP executives, the description says. It adds the director is key to helping provide intelligence that will support a strategic or tactical response by the RCMP and, on occasion, "could run in parallel to an ongoing national security criminal investigation." Ortis, 51, has pleaded not guilty to violating the Security of Information Act by allegedly revealing secrets to three individuals in 2015 and trying to do so in a fourth instance, as well as breach of trust and a computer-related offence. Lawyers for Ortis have indicated they will argue in court he had authority to take the actions he did. In early 2015, Ortis went on annual leave, then took French-language training. Upon his return in 2016, he became director general of the RCMP's National Intelligence Co-ordination Centre. He was arrested in September 2019. The trail that led police to Ortis began the previous year when the Mounties were asked by U.S. authorities to analyze the contents of the laptop computer of Vincent Ramos, CEO of Phantom Secure Communications, who had been arrested in Nevada. An RCMP effort known as Project Saturation determined that members of criminal organizations were known to use Phantom Secure's encrypted communication devices. Ramos would later plead guilty to using his Phantom Secure devices to help facilitate the distribution of cocaine and other illicit drugs to countries including Canada. Guy Belley, a former RCMP staff sergeant, told the court earlier this week he was shocked to find an email to Ramos from an unknown sender with parts of 10 sensitive documents, including mention of material from Canada's anti-money laundering agency. The sender later offered to provide Ramos with the full documents in exchange for $20,000. The Crown is expected to spend several days of the trial trying to persuade the jury that Ortis was behind the email overture to Ramos and anonymous communications with other investigative targets of police. Under cross-examination Thursday, RCMP Sgt. David Proulx, who helped investigate the emails, agreed there was no evidence that Ortis ever received money from the individuals. Upon the arrest of Ortis, search warrants were executed at his apartment in Ottawa's Byward Market neighbourhood and at his office at RCMP headquarters, says the statement of agreed facts. Investigators unscrambled portions of an encrypted memory key found along with numerous other digital devices at his home. The key had a folder named The Project which contained several subfolders. Proulx answered questions Thursday about the fruits of the searches carried out by police, as the Crown went through a large binder of email records and documents. The trial is slated to resume next week. In 2024, Ukraine will need financial assistance from its partners amounting to approximately $42 billion, just as it was in the current year, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said. "Like this year, in 2024 we will need strong financial support from our partners of approximately $42 billion. This is a large amount, but it includes only critically necessary budget expenditures. I mean direct budget funding," he said during the hour of questions for the government at a plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada on Friday. As for specific sources of revenue, the head of government noted that Ukraine expects to receive $18 billion from the European Union, about $12 billion from the United States, as well as funds under multi-year programs from Japan and Norway for $5.5 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively. Ukraine will be able to attract some of them, according to the prime minister, next year. "We are preparing, together with the European Commission, a plan for Ukraine within the framework of the Ukraine Facility program with a total amount of EUR 50 billion for four years," he said. Shmyhal recalled that Ukraine also has support in the form of a four-year IMF program worth $15.6 billion. "Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has attracted about $65 billion in partnership assistance in the form of soft loans and grants. Of this, $32.6 billion was attracted in 2023, primarily from the European Union, the United States of America, the International Monetary Fund, Canada, Japan and our other partners and allies. This year we plan to attract $42 billion of macro-financial and partnership assistance in the form of cheap long-term loans and grants," the head of government said. Shimla, October 6 F riends of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu from his alma mater, Government Degree College Sanjauli, district Shimla, contributed Rs 2.5 lakh towards the Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023. The Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023 aims to provide disaster relief and support to the people affected by the monsoon fury in the state, according to an official statement. Lokesh Bhatia presented a cheque to the Chief Minister here on Friday. In a collective effort by Sukhu's college friends, including Naresh Sharma, Mohit Chauhan, Chander Mohan Bali, Narendra Sharma, Sanjeev Jamwal, Inder Sharma and Sudarshan Sharma along with others reflected their large-hearted approach to the noble cause. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, CM Sukhu said that contributions like these demonstrate the spirit of unity and compassion that runs through society during times of crisis. He emphasized that every penny contributed plays a crucial role in providing aid to those affected by disasters. It is worth mentioning that Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a catastrophe this year with the monsoon causing massive infrastructural damage and claiming several lives. Himachal CM Sukhu's college friends donate Rs 2.5 lakh to Aapda Rahat Kosh Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Dominican Republic Vice President's visit gives further momentum to bilateral relations with India: MEA New Delhi, October 6 T he visit by Dominican Republic Vice President, Raquel Pena Rodriguez to India further bolstered the bilateral relationship between the two nations, which recently celebrated 25 years of diplomatic ties, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Rodriguez was on a visit to India from October 3-5 at the invitation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. "At the invitation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Raquel Pena Rodriguez, Vice President of the Dominican Republic paid an official visit to India from 03-05 October 2023. She was accompanied by senior officials of the Government of Dominican Republic. This was the first ever visit of the Vice President of the Dominican Republic to India," the MEA statement read. On October 3, Vice President Rodriguez called on the President Droupadi Murmu. She also held a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, at the New Parliament House. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Vice President Rodriguez during her stay in Delhi. She also visited Rajghat and paid floral tributes. On October 4, Vice President Rodriguez met her Indian counterpart Jagdeep Dhankhar. Both leaders held wide-ranging discussions and reviewed their bilateral relations covering political, defence, economic, cultural, education and developmental cooperation. They also discussed cooperation in multilateral fora and international issues of mutual interest. A Joint Press Release was issued following the conclusion of the meeting. Rodriguez also delivered the 45th Sapru House Lecture on 'The Dominican Republic and India: Natural Partners' at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). She also visited IIT Delhi where she witnessed the signing of a MoU between IIT-Delhi and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dominican Republic. She visited Agra on October 5. "This visit by Vice President Rodriguez provides a strong impetus to the growing ties between India and Dominican Republic and underscores the importance given by both sides in adding further momentum to the bilateral relations, as both sides commemorate the 25th year of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024," the MEA added in the statement. Dominican Republic Vice President's visit gives further momentum to bilateral relations with India: MEA Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Tokyo, Oct 6 U S scientists have found evidence of a sixth basic taste -- umami -- in addition to sweet, sour, salty and bitter, eight decades after Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda first proposed it in the early 1900s. Researchers at the University of Southern California-Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have found that the tongue responds to ammonium chloride through the same protein receptor that signals sour taste. Emily Liman, Professor of biological sciences speculates that the ability to taste ammonium chloride might have evolved to help organisms avoid eating harmful biological substances that have high concentrations of ammonium. "Ammonium is found in waste products -- think of fertiliser -- and is somewhat toxic, so it makes sense we evolved taste mechanisms to detect it, she said, in the paper published in the journal Nature Communications. In some northern European countries, salt licorice has been a popular candy at least since the early 20th century. The treat counts among its ingredients salmiak salt, or ammonium chloride. Scientists have for decades recognised that the tongue responds strongly to ammonium chloride. However, despite extensive research, the specific tongue receptors that react to it remained elusive. In recent years, the scientists have uncovered the protein responsible for detecting sour taste. That protein, called OTOP1, sits within cell membranes and forms a channel for hydrogen ions moving into the cell. Hydrogen ions are the key component of acids, and as foodies everywhere know, the tongue senses acid as sour. That's why lemonade (rich incitric and ascorbic acids), vinegar (acetic acid) and other acidic foods impart a zing of tartness when they hit the tongue. They introduced the Otop1 gene into lab-grown human cells so the cells produce the OTOP1 receptor protein. They then exposed the cells to acid or to ammonium chloride and measured the responses. "We saw that ammonium chloride is a really strong activator of the OTOP1 channel," Liman said. "It activates as well or better than acids." Ammonium chloride gives off small amounts of ammonia, which moves inside the cell and raises the pH, making it more alkaline, which means fewer hydrogen ions. Further, the team turned to a technique that measures electrical conductivity, simulating how nerves conduct a signal. Using taste bud cells from normal mice and from mice the lab previously genetically engineered to not produce OTOP1, they measured how well the taste cells generated electrical responses called action potentials when ammonium chloride is introduced. Taste bud cells from wildtype mice showed a sharp increase in action potentials after ammonium chloride was added while taste bud cells from the mice lacking OTOP1 failed to respond to the salt. This confirmed their hypothesis that OTOP1 responds to the salt, generating an electrical signal in taste bud cells. Then the team went one step further and examined how mice react when given a choice to drink either plain water or water laced with ammonium chloride. For these experiments, they disabled the bitter cells that also contribute to the taste of ammonium chloride. Mice with a functional OTOP1 protein found the taste of ammonium chloride unappealing and did not drink the solution, while mice lacking the OTOP1 protein did not mind the alkaline salt, even at very high concentrations. Scientists unlock secrets of a sixth basic flavour Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Tanzanian President Samia Hassan to arrive in India on 3-day visit on Oct 8 New Delhi, Oct 6 T anzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan will be visiting India from October 8-10 at the invitation of her counterpart Droupadi Murmu. She will be accompanied by various ministers and a large business delegation and will meet Murmu. The visiting dignitary will also be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan and thereafter she will hold a detailed bilateral dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A state banquet will also be hosted by the President in the honour of her Tanzanian counterpart, official sources said. Hassan will also participate in a business and investment forum in New Delhi on October 10. A presidential visit from Tanzania is taking place after a span of over eight years. The upcoming visit will further invigorate and strengthen the historic and friendly relations between India and Tanzania, an official statement said. Tanzanian President Samia Hassan to arrive in India on 3-day visit on Oct 8 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, October 6 A ctors Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone on Friday evening returned to Mumbai after wrapping the Italy schedule of their upcoming aerial action thriller film 'Fighter'. The celebs were seen leaving the airport in their casual yet stylish outfits. Although both actors weren't snapped together. They were seen leaving the Mumbai airport alone. Hrithik looked dapper as he wore a white t-shirt paired with blue jeans and a dark blue jacket. He complimented his look with a white cap and white sneakers. Deepika on the other hand, looked stylish as she wore a beige top paired with blue denims and a cut sleeve brown long jacket. She greeted the paps with a warm heart and was also seen clicking pictures with them. The 'Fighter' team has been in Italy for a while. 'Fighter' is being touted as India's first aerial action film. On Independence Day 2023, the makers of the upcoming film dropped the motion poster featuring Hrithik, Deepika, and Anil Kapoor. Siddharth Anand announced the film in 2021. Taking to social media, he wrote, "This is definitely one of the most exciting moments of my life to bring together two of my favourite stars, Hrithik and Deepika, for the first time to the Indian and global audience. I am thrilled to begin the journey of MARFLIX, a production house dedicated to action film making in India. I start this journey of Marflix along with my life partner Mamta Anand. Starting MARFLIX with Hrithik is special as he is someone who has seen me even working as an AD, then as a director on two films and now I am not just his director but I'm also starting my production house with him." Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi are also a part of 'Fighter', which will hit the theatres on January 2, 2024. Meanwhile, Deepika will be next seen in the Pan-India action thriller film 'Kalki 2898 AD' opposite Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. Hrithik, on the other hand, will also be seen in the action thriller film 'War 2' alongside Jr NTR. Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone return to Mumbai after wrapping 'Fighter' Italy schedule Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! The UK will allocate a new winter aid package to Ukraine in the amount of more than half a billion dollars, the British government website reported on Thursday, October 5. "New aid allocations for Ukraine announced today include GBP 34 million (over $41 million) for the UN and charities providing shelter and warm winter clothing," the report notes. In addition, GBP 10 million (more than $12 million) will be allocated to restore power to households following Russian attacks on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. A fourth UK loan guarantee of $500 million through the World Bank is also reported. This funding should ensure that the Ukrainian government can provide vital winter payments to three million households. 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. As result of attack on Hroza in Kharkiv region, four people, incl two children missing police The police deny information about an increase in the death toll as a result of a missile attack on the village of Hroza, Kupiansk district, Kharkiv region, carried out by the invaders on the afternoon of October 5. "Updated information on the terrorist attack by Russians in the village of Hroza: 51 dead; six wounded (serious, stable condition), four missing, of which two are children (may be among the unidentified)," Head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kharkiv region Volodymyr Tymoshko said on his Facebook page. Earlier, Head of Kharkiv regional military administration Oleh Synehubov said the death toll as a result of the strike on Hroza had risen to 52 people. Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros support has raised the states profile in the national school voucher debate and given advocates optimism the program will become law The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the launch of Texas Health Equity Alliance for Breast Cancer (THEAL), a community-wide health care initiative to reduce breast cancer disparities in the Houston area, particularly for Black women. THEAL builds upon the expertise of MD Anderson's Department of Health Disparities Research in addressing the determinants of cancer disparities while leveraging the cancer prevention and control platform's experience in leading cross-sector collaboratives for community impact. Using successful models implemented in other cities, particularly in Chicago, the initiative seeks to lower the Black/white breast cancer mortality gap in Harris County by 15% over the next decade. Research shows there are myriad factors contributing to disparities in breast cancer outcomes for women in Harris County, resulting in significantly higher mortality rates among Black women. The good news is that we can collaboratively identify and address the root causes of these disparities. Working together, with a shared vision, we can create meaningful change that will benefit women of all backgrounds." Lorna McNeill, Ph.D., Chair of Health Disparities Research at MD Anderson Based on 2019 data, roughly 650 Black women in Harris County are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and they face a 30% higher mortality rate from breast cancer than their white counterparts. A 2021 analysis by Susan G. Komen identified delayed screening, limited treatment access and systemic barriers as critical drivers of disparities in Houston. The three primary goals of THEAL are: Build a collaborative framework to facilitate shared planning, action, and learning among multiple sectors Establish a shared data platform to inform intervention development and drive implementation Identify and address the underlying causes of breast cancer disparities by leveraging expertise and resources of coalition members The core leadership of this county-wide initiative includes MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harris Health System, Texas Southern University, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Center for Health Care Data, The University of Texas at Austin Center for Health Communication, University of Houston Population Health, Angels Surviving Cancer, and The Cullen Trust for Health Care, who will serve as a lead convener for this work. These organizations are contributing expertise in health systems, population health, data analytics, mammography, patient navigation, academic research, faith-based support and more. The work of THEAL is supported by a $3.4M grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, a gift from Houston-based The Cullen Trust for Health Care, and through grateful patient families. "Texas Southern University is delighted to join with MD Anderson and our other collaborators to address the long-standing health disparities in breast cancer outcomes among the communities we serve," said Omonike Olaleye, Ph.D., senior associate vice president for Research & Innovation at Texas Southern University. "This alliance is mission critical for us. We are committed to working collectively to prevent breast cancer, eliminate inequities and improve minority health outcomes in Harris County." Dads can suffer from postpartum depression, and a new pilot study at the University of Illinois Chicago suggests they can and should be screened for the condition. Given the intertwined effects of mothers' and fathers' physical and mental health, addressing the health of fathers may be a powerful untapped tool in improving the nation's ongoing maternal health crisis. The researchers got mothers' permission to interview and screen 24 dads, 30% of whom screened positive for postpartum depression on the same tool that is commonly used to screen moms. Lead author Dr. Sam Wainwright said this points to the importance of asking new dads how they're doing. A lot of dads are stressed. They're scared. They're struggling with balancing work and parental and partner responsibilities. Men are often not doing well, but no one is asking them about it." Dr. Sam Wainwright, Lead Author Talking to new dads about their mental health takes on additional importance when considering how it can impact their partners' health. "A woman at risk for postpartum depression is much more likely to get postpartum depression if she has a depressed partner," said Wainwright, assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics. Other studies have estimated that 8% to 13% of new fathers have postpartum depression. Wainwright suspects this study's rate was higher because nearly 90% of the participants identified as being from a racial or ethnic group that faces issues of structural racism and social determinants that can worsen mental health. The study, published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, was conducted at UI Health's Two-Generation Clinic. Opened in 2020, the clinic grew out of the understanding that new mothers, especially low-resource mothers of color who are taking on parenthood alongside a host of structural challenges often do not prioritize their own health care. However, they are often very diligent in bringing their children to the doctor, Wainwright explained. The Two-Generation Clinic capitalizes on children's visits by offering moms primary care at the same time. Yet, dads were often left out of this process. Members of the clinic team began chatting with dads to see how they were doing. Wainwright said they'd often hear comments such as, "I'm really stressed, but I don't want my partner to know because I'm here to support her." This study grew out of those conversations. Those conversations also spurred a larger research project that Wainwright has begun to learn more about the experiences of dads, especially as related to their mental and physical health. Perhaps well-baby visits aren't the only place to reach dads, he said, so he's started talking to fathers-to-be in the obstetrics waiting area, too. He's also asking to screen dads for conditions like high blood pressure during these conversations. The medical world struggles to connect with young men, who often aren't eager to see a doctor, Wainwright said, so reaching them as they enter fatherhood presents an important opportunity. In fact, some of the men in the postpartum depression study who did not have a primary care physician are now seeing Wainwright for medical care, and others requested mental health services. The overarching goal of this line of research is to better understand how to help men stay healthy so that their relationships and families are healthy, too, Wainwright explained. "How can we show them that it's important to take care of yourself for the sake of your baby, for the sake of your partner and for your own sake?" he said. The other authors on the study, all of whom are from UIC, are Rachel Caskey, Aida Rodriguez, Abigail Holicky, Dr. Melissa Wagner-Schuman, and Anne Elizabeth Glassgow. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which immune cells form tissue nodules in various organs, which can drastically impair organ function. Now a MedUni Vienna research team led by Thomas Weichhart from the Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics has developed an animal model that replicates the development of the disease in the heart and can contribute to research into sarcoidosis. Initial results suggest significant roles for certain proteins and immune cells in the development of sarcoidosis. The findings of these studies have been published in Science Translational Medicine and the Journal of the American Heart Association. In sarcoidosis, granulomas, nodular immune cell collections, form and can occur in almost any organ. The disease probably starts with a pathological spread of macrophages (scavenger cells) and then other immune cells infiltrate the nodules, which contribute to the complete clinical picture. The lungs are most commonly affected, but the heart is often also affected by the granulomatous leasions, and this sometimes drastically limits heart function. The disease is not causally curable because there has been a lack of in vivo models that reliably replicate the disease and in which new therapeutic options can be tried. The research group led by Thomas Weichhart at MedUni Vienna's Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics was able to develop a model for pulmonary sarcoidosis several years ago. However, until now there has been no animal model that replicates sarcoidosis in the heart. Cardiac sarcoidosis in particular is often very difficult to diagnose and treat, which is why a model was urgently needed. Animal model depicts cardiac sarcoidosis in all its details "We have now discovered that the permanent activation of the protein mTORC1 directly in macrophages is sufficient for granulomas to develop spontaneously in the heart," explains Clarice Lim, postdoctoral researcher at MedUni Vienna and lead author of one of the studies. mTORC1 is a central cell sensor that measures food and energy availability and thus regulates cell metabolism, which in turn strongly influences the immune response. Activation of mTORC1 leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation of macrophages and recruitment of other immune cells, including fibroblasts, which eventually lead to fibrosis in the heart. Together with colleagues from St George's University of London and MedUni Vienna's Centre for Biomedical Research, it was shown that the model reproduces the human disease in all its details. This means that, for the first time, the development of the disease can be researched in greater detail. Above all, however, existing drugs can be tested immediately to see whether they have a therapeutic benefit, which could then be transferred to the clinic very quickly. In this respect, the researchers were already able to show in the study that everolimus, an already clinically approved drug, could have a therapeutic benefit in cardiac sarcoidosis. However, this model also shows promising results when other immune cells are blocked therapeutically. Together with colleagues from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Texas, Thomas Weichhart's group was able to show that CD8+ T cells contribute to a particularly pronounced chronic sarcoidosis. Clarice Lim, who was also a lead investigator in this study, says: "We found that blocking the Src homolog-2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) protein only had a therapeutic benefit in about 50% of the animals in our model, but interestingly not in the others." Further analysis then showed that the protective effect only occurred when active SHP2 was found in CD8+ T cells in the lung nodules of the responders. These T cells released the cytokine interferon-gamma, which caused more macrophages and fibroblasts to be attracted, leading to disease progression. These results were subsequently also demonstrated in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Especially chronic patients with progressive end-stage sarcoidosis also showed these SHP2-positive CD8+ T cells, which produced a lot of interferon-gamma. Ex-vivo blockade of SHP2 in these CD8 cells was able to block the production of interferon-gamma. Therefore, this study suggests that blocking SHP2 could be used as a therapeutic measure especially in severe chronic cases against human diseases. Roughly 40% of older Black adults live with a disability, compared to only one-third of older adults overall. Disability is one of various disparities highlighted in a new study from the University of Michigan, which used data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging to examine the extent to which 50- to 80-year-olds were prepared to age in place and the racial and ethnic disparities that exist to that end. Sheria Robinson-Lane, U-M assistant professor of nursing and principal investigator, said many of the disparities were related to weatheringstressors connected to environmental, economic or social factors that accelerate age. Researchers found that income, disability status and household composition emerged as factors that often negatively impact minority aging. Robinson-Lane was struck by the high level of disability, especially among older African-American adults. Multiracial respondents fared slightly better with 36% reporting a disability. I knew there was disability among older adults, but I guess I didnt really consider the extent of it. So many communities are very inaccessibleI think thats what was so shocking to me. I think the main takeaway message is we need to create more accessible spaces. The population dynamics are shifting; theres not enough younger people to support the older adults that we have. Were waiting too long to start to make some of these critical changes to (guarantee) basic levels of accessibility within our communities and public spaces. Sheria Robinson-Lane, U-M assistant professor of nursing and principal investigator The study, which appears in Geriatric Nursing, also suggests that rural Indigenous populations are the most prepared to age in placea finding that challenges the conventional wisdom that the accessibility of city living over rural living is preferable for older adults. Indigenous participants were the most confident that they could get the necessary help with daily living activities, and that their home had the necessary features to age in placea claim seemingly substantiated by the presence of specific accessible home features. Rural health outcomes often focus on white populations and exclude Indigenous peoples, even though they too often live in rural areas, Robinson-Lane said. The self-sufficiency reported by Indigenous participants is likely a combination of culture and community, she said. (There is) a long history of really having to sort of figure it out on their own, and to have to rely on community to get their needs met, Robinson-Lane said. Theyre able to continue to do so as they age. Its important to note that Indigenous people have one of the lowest life expectancies, so while they may be more prepared to age in place, they arent living as long as white people, she said. Asian, Black, Hispanic and multiracial respondents are more likely to belong to the sandwich generation and have one or more children living at homeanother example of a weathering stressor, Robinson-Lane said. Other findings: A quarter of all participants reported annual household income of $30,000 or less, compared to half of Black respondents. More than 25% reported living alone, with the highest proportion among Black (44%), Indigenous (40%), and multiracial (36%). 23% of participants had a housemate with a disability, compared to 36% of Black respondents and 34% of multiracial respondents. 21% of respondents rated their health fair or poor, compared to 37% of Black respondents. The NPHA is a recurring national household survey of adults ages 50-80 that examines their experiences and perspectives on a variety of health topics. The poll is based at the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation and supported by AARP and Michigan Medicine. What if a vaccine, given to patients just before or after arriving at the hospital, could protect them against lethal superbugs that lurk in healthcare settings? That's the premise behind an experimental vaccine invented by a USC-led team and patented by the university. Researchers designed the formula to prevent serious infections from drug-resistant pathogens. A new study shows that a single dose, administered in mouse models, put immune cells into "Incredible Hulk" mode, providing rapid protection against eight different bacteria and fungi species. It's an early warning system. It's like Homeland Security putting out a terror alert. 'Everybody, keep your eyes open. Keep an eye out for suspicious packages'. You're alerting the soldiers and tanks of your immune system. The vaccine activates them. 'Oh my, there's danger here. I better turn into the Hulk.' I mean, when you have bad superbugs lurking, that's when you want the Hulk waiting to pounce rather than Dr. Banner, right?" Brad Spellberg, senior author, chief medical officer at the USC-affiliated Los Angeles General Medical Center (formerly LAC+USC) The study appears October 4 in Science Translational Medicine. The USC Stevens Center for Innovation, the technology licensing office for USC, successfully filed one patent for the vaccine and is pursuing others. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, gave the researchers' startup, ExBaq LLC, nearly $1 million in the form of a small business grant, aimed at speeding up solutions to high-priority problems. "The pandemic stimulated unprecedented innovation in vaccine development, where federal funding and university-industry partnerships were game changers for translating promising discoveries from academic labs for the good of all," said Ishwar K. Puri, senior vice president of research and innovation at USC. "We are both pleased and proud of the critical support the USC Stevens Center provided to enable the development of ExBaq's experimental vaccine that protects vulnerable populations from serious infections." Every year, healthcare-acquired infections kill more than 90,000 people in the United States and rack up healthcare costs between $28 billion and $45 billion. On any given day, about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one such infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In many cases, infections are caused by so-called superbugs such as MRSA -; short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas -;or Acinetobacter baumannii. The infections spread via contaminated surfaces or equipment, such as catheters or ventilators, or though person-to-person spread, often from contaminated hands. Risk is highest among ICU patients who may suffer surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Typical vaccines usually prompt the body to make antibodies against a specific pathogen. Despite the high incidence of healthcare-acquired infections, there are currently no FDA-approved vaccines that prevent the most serious, antibiotic-resistant infections. "Even if there were such vaccines, multiple vaccines would have to be deployed simultaneously to protect against the full slate of antibiotic-resistant microbes that cause healthcare-acquired infections," said Brian Luna, Assistant Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Keck School of Medicine of USC. The experimental vaccine takes an entirely different approach: It gooses the body's preexisting supply of pathogen-gobbling immune cells called macrophages, which engulf and digest bacteria, fungi and other bad actors. These activated fighters, found in all tissues, quickly neutralize incoming invaders which might otherwise multiply rapidly and overwhelm the body's defenses. "This is very different from developing new antibiotics," said Jun Yan, a PhD student at Keck School of Medicine of USC and the study's first author. "This is using our own immune system to fight against different superbugs, which is a different approach than everybody else." The vaccine is comprised of just three ingredients, two of which are already used in FDA-approved vaccines. A third component is a tiny piece from the surface of a fungus commonly found on human skin. Tested in two independent labs, the vaccine works within 24 hours and lasts for up to 28 days. In lab models, the number of pathogen-eating immune cells in the blood increased dramatically, and survival time of invasive blood and lung infections improved. Early data suggest that a second dose could extend the window to prevent infection. To develop the vaccine, Spellberg, Luna, Yan and Travis Nielsen, who earned his PhD in the Keck School of Medicine's biomedical and biological sciences program before going to medical school, formed the startup ExBaq LLC. ExBaq's founders have begun talking with potential pharmaceutical partners who might be interested in further developing the vaccine for human clinical trials. The next step is getting guidance from the FDA on the requirements to complete preclinical studies and submit and Investigational New Drug Application (IND) in 2024. The first such trial would be done in healthy volunteers to find the right dose of vaccine that is safe and triggers the same kind of immune response in people as seen in the mice. In addition to Yan, Luna, Spellberg and Nielsen, other authors of the paper are Peggy Lu, Yuli Talyansky, Matt Slarve and Hernan Reza, all of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC; Boris Novakovic of University of Melbourne; Mihai Netea of Radboud University; and Ashley Keller, Troy Warren, Antonio DiGiandomenico and Bret Sellman, all of AstraZeneca. In a recent study published in the journal Vaccine, researchers investigated why more than 80% of eligible Americans have not taken their severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2) vaccine booster dose. They conducted an online survey of 2,298 respondents to evaluate the reasons underlying the low observed response. Their results elucidate that, despite consistent research and clinical reports depicting positive, anti-coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes for individuals receiving the booster, misinformation regarding prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, and concerns pertaining to vaccine side effects and the presence and degree of protection conferred by the booster stalled booster reception in the United States (US). These results highlight the need for additional media outreach elucidating the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines as the best intervention against the disease, especially severe infections by SARS-CoV-2. Study: Understanding low COVID-19 booster uptake among US adults. Image Credit: angellodeco / Shutterstock A background on COVID-19 and vaccination drives The ongoing coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains one of the worst in recorded history, with the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 dashboard reporting almost 771 million confirmed cases and almost 7 million deaths worldwide. Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2) virus, COVID-19 has represented one of the most intensive efforts in vaccine and medication development efforts ever, with vaccination drives being second only to self-isolation in the itineraries of most governments globally. Scientific and medical research has unanimously advocated for vaccination as the best intervention to effectively decrease COVID-19 disease severity and reduce hospitalizations, thereby attenuating mortality risk associated with the disease. COVID-19 vaccines have additionally been proven to lower the odds of COVID-19 patients developing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). PASC, also called long COVID is a condition characterized by the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms months or even years following the infection, severely hampering a patients quality of life (QoL). Unfortunately, unlike some vaccines which provide life-long protection against the associated disease (e.g., measles and hepatitis B), research has found that memory T and B cells associated with antibody production against COVID-19 rapidly deteriorate, resulting in loss of vaccination efficacy in as short as 120 days following initial vaccination. This demerit is compounded by the rapid rate at which SARS-CoV-2 mutates, resulting in numerous strains with reduced vaccine efficacy or outright vaccine immunity. These factors necessitate follow-up COVID-19 vaccinations with boosters updated to account for novel and emerging COVID-19 strains, including Omicron. To address this need, Pfizer and Moderna developed updated mRNA vaccines designed to perform against both ancestral and Omicron SAR-CoV-2 strains, which the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for emergency authorization use (EUA) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) subsequently recommended for public consumption. Unfortunately, despite public awareness drives on the benefits of booster vaccines, this intervention uptake was stalled in the US, with less than 20% of the eligible population taking a booster dose. In order to equip clinicians, policymakers, and the general public with the knowledge required to more effectively curb COVID-19, this study investigates the reasons underlying the surprisingly low acceptance rates in the US. About the study This study enrolled Americans participating in the Arizona COVID-19 Cohort (CoVHORT). This study group is longitudinal in methodology and is aimed at investigating the long-term and acute effects of SAR-CoV-2 infection on Arizonans. CoVHORT participants included both individuals who had suffered from prior COVID-19 infections and those who had not. This study comprised a subset of 4827 participants selected to best represent the American populace. Participants were recruited via online survey participation requests between February 13 and March 29, 2023. Data collection involved recording demographic- and COVID-19-associated details, especially pre-existing health conditions, severity and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 test results, and health behaviors. The REDCap was used for survey design and administration. As and when required, additional COVID-19-specific research questionnaires were emailed to the relevant survey respondents. Surveys are administered at study enrollment and every subsequent three months, with data collection still ongoing. The survey asked the question: Have you received the updated (bivalent, omicron) mRNA booster from Pfizer or Moderna? If a no response was recorded, participants were asked to select from a list of responses for not having received the booster; participants could choose as many responses as were applicable. Three themes were identified a priori, which classified responses into three associated groups 1. Bivalent vaccine knowledge, 2. Unclear about the risks/benefits of vaccination/boosters, 3. Logistic concerns. Finally, statistical analyses focused on individuals who had received at least the initial vaccination dose, excluding respondents who had never consumed a vaccine against COVID-19. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was used to identify trends between themes and demographic information (age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, and income). MLR models were adjusted for all the listed demographic characteristics. Study findings Of the 4,827 individuals contacted, 2,298 (47.6%) completed all survey rounds, 2,196 of whom had received at least one vaccination dose and were hence included in statistical analyses. Participants who completed the survey were on average, older (mean = 52.8) than those who did not (mean = 47.6), with all other demographic characteristics remaining statistically equal. This study represented a deviation from previous American vaccination reports, with 1,637 (74.5%) respondents receiving the second bivalent vaccination booster dose compared to less than 20% of the general US populace. Results revealed that individuals who received the booster vaccine were slightly younger (mean = 50.5) than those who did not (mean = 52.8). Women (73.3%) and respondents of Hispanic ethnicity (12.6%) were less likely to take the booster dose than the overall study cohort (70.0% and 9.7%, respectively). Education and income were found to significantly impact vaccine booster reception, with individuals at lower tiers of both quintiles of both characteristics less likely to receive the booster. Of the 559 respondents who did not receive the booster, 39.5% claimed that prior COVID-19 infection and the perceived resistance conferred by the infection was the reason for their aversion to the booster. The frequency of the remaining responses, in order of most-to-least reported, were as follows: Im worried about side effects (31.5%); I dont think this booster will add more protection over the vaccines Ive already had (28.6%); Im worried about the safety of the booster (23.4%); I dont think the booster will protect me from infection (23.1%); I dont think the booster will protect me from severe disease or death (12.2%); I didnt know I was eligible to receive it (11.8%); I didnt know it was available (10.0%); I dont have time to get it (9.7%); I dont know where to get it (7.5%); I didnt realize it was a new booster when I saw it advertised (6.6%); Im worried about taking time off of work to get the booster (6.1%); and Im worried about being able to pay for the booster (1.4%). Conclusions In the present study, researchers investigated the underlying reason for most (>80%) of Americans refusing booster vaccines against COVID-19 using a cohort of 2196 individuals from Arizona as representatives. The analysis revealed that misinformation about infection-conferred resistance (39.5%), and concerns about side effects (31.5%) of the vaccine were the most cited reasons for vaccine booster aversion. Concerns regarding booster safety (23.4%) and efficacy concerns (anti-COVID-19 effects [23.1%] and severe disease/death resistance [12.2%]) were the next most cited underpinnings for low vaccine acceptance. Knowledge about the disease and vaccination effects were the least cited yet significant results of the survey. However, education and income were found to play important roles in anti-COVID-19 vaccination as a whole and not just bivalent booster dose acceptance. Based on these results, efforts to reach out to the media and disseminate information would likely have the greatest impact on future vaccination drives, both for COVID-19 and disease outbreaks. In summary, the results of this work provide support for continued efforts to promote SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations and boosters among the United States population. Uptake of boosters continues to be well below the coverage needed for optimal protection of all people. The development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 occurred at an unprecedented speed, but implementation remains among the biggest current public health challenges as updated boosters continue to be developed and made available to the public. The 52nd meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is going to be held on October 7, 2023, (Saturday) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Council is likely to tweak GST rates on various products, including vehicles bought by visually impaired persons and millet powder. It is also likely to consider a proposal to bring all services provided by Indian railways under the forward charge mechanism shifting from the reverse charge mechanism. Likely Agenda For 52nd GST Council Meeting: 1. Concessional tax rate of 18% on vehicles purchased by visually impaired persons, 2. Exemption on millets sold in powdered form 3. Proposal to bring all services provided by Indian railways under forward charge mechanism shifting from RCM 4. Clarify levy of tax on bank and corporate guarantees provided by directors and promoters to a company and many more. According to Reuters report quoting a source, The Council is also likely to discuss exempting distilled alcohol used to manufacture liquor from the indirect tax. High distilled or extra neutral alcohol contains 95% alcohol by volume and is used for producing liquor and for industrial purposes. The council will also consider a proposal to lower GST on molasses to 5% from 28%, according to the report. Sanjay Chhabria, director (indirect tax) at Nexdigm, said, The constitutional scheme of GST warrants simultaneous levy of tax on supplies of goods and/ or services by the Centre and states. Basis the previous GST council meetings, the amendments to the GST legislation enacted by the Parliament have come into force from October 1, 2023. These include amendments proposed in Union Budget 2023 as well as those relating to taxation of online gaming, casinos and horse racing. He, however, added that the corresponding changes to the state and Union Territory GST legislations are yet to come into effect, and this could pose serious challenges to the taxpayers. In fact, the unilateral changes would go against the fabric of one nation one tax and the GST Council could consider temporary suspension of implementation while simultaneously urging the member states to pass the amendments at the earliest. The official agenda is not yet out in the public domain, nevertheless the media reports suggest that the GST Council will regroup for its 52nd meeting to review the progress made by the states in making amendments to the respective legislations. It is also understood that the All India Gaming Federation the apex body for online gaming in India, has appealed to the Centre to reconsider the Notifications, highlighting the possibility of unilateral actions by various States in the future in relation to various other aspects of GST, Chhabria said. Further, the rate rationalisation has been on the Councils radar for quite some time, and we could see reconstitution of the Group of Ministers to dwell upon this aspect. However, with the general elections around the corner, it would be interesting to see if any reforms are undertaken in this regard, he said. Previous GST Council The 51st GST Council, held in August, decided to keep the 28 per cent tax on online gaming, casino and horse racing, and discussed the modalities to implement it. The 51st GST Council meeting was held within less than a month of the previous GST Council meeting on July 11. It discussed the modalities for determining supply value in online gaming and casinos for levying a 28 per cent tax. The Delhi curtain-raiser event for the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, scheduled for January 10-12, 2024, will mark a significant milestone in Gujarats journey from being the Most Preferred Investment Destination to becoming a Gateway to the Future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the summit, which is expected to attract national and international delegates and witness the signing of a significant amount of MoUs. The event held in New Delhi, in the presence of the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, and other dignitaries, set the stage for the forthcoming summit. It aimed to highlight the remarkable achievements of Gujarat and the summits theme, Gateway to the Future, in shaping the vision of New India. Patel expressed his enthusiasm for the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, emphasizing its role in contributing to the development and socio-economic growth envisioned by PM Modi. Patel said, Gujarat is well-positioned to contribute and accelerate the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. I welcome all of you to the 10th summit to participate in the growth story of Gujarat. On the occasion, BK Goenka, Chairman of Welspun Group, highlighted the significance of the summit, stating, Vibrant Gujarat is not only a platform to sign MoUs, but also to make those into realities. Billions of dollars of MoUs have been signed during previous summits, but 70% of the MoUs signed during the events have brought investment into the state of Gujarat. Highlighting that the states business-oriented mindset has attracted investments across various sectors, including emerging fields like semiconductors, he said, Gujarat means dhando, dhando means Gujarat. Richard McCallum, Group CEO of the UK India Business Council, highlighted the importance of Gujarat in UK-India relations, citing the presence of over 600 UK companies in India with a combined turnover of approximately $60 billion. McCallum praised Gujarats proactive measures, ease of doing business, regulatory reforms, industrial policies, and focus on infrastructure and talent. He cited JCB, a leading UK manufacturing company, opening a new plant in Gujarat in 2022 as a testament to the states appeal to UK businesses. Meanwhile, Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO of Maruti Suzuki, discussed the companys significant investments in Gujarat, including car manufacturing plants and Indias first lithium-ion battery plant. He said: We have facilitated 92 of our supplier partners to set up plants in Gujarat for supplying components to our plants. We have made an investment of Rs 32,000 crores and generated employment of about 1 lakh people in Gujarat and more than 10000 crores of investment is in the pipeline. AGENDA FOR 2024 Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, SJ Haider, outlined the agenda for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. Haider highlighted key areas of focus, including transitioning towards a knowledge-based economy, promoting new-age skills, sustaining iconic projects, providing an enabling platform for other states, and organizing seminars and workshops to spread vibrancy across the state. Haider emphasized Gujarats attractiveness as a preferred investment destination, citing geographical advantages, land availability, special investment regions, and future-ready infrastructure projects. He also noted developments in Gift City and the Dholera Special Investment Region and highlighted the upcoming inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse, set to become the worlds largest office building, which will be bigger than US Pentagon. As per the official, in the automobile and components sector, Gujarat has successfully established robust auto clusters spanning the entire value chain. The state is now focused on transforming into an electric vehicle hub and expanding into emerging fields such as semiconductors and Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM). Gujarats commitment to business-friendly policies was underscored by its enactment of the MSME Act 2019, which allowed MSMEs to begin operations immediately. With over one million registered MSMEs, the state is well-prepared to address 21st-century skill gaps through skilling, reskilling, and upskilling in line with the National Education Policy, said Haider. The 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January 2024 will feature seminars and conferences on global topics such as industry 4.0, technology and innovation, sustainable manufacturing, green hydrogen, electric mobility, renewable energy, and transitioning towards sustainability. A global trade show will also showcase cutting-edge technology and innovation across sectors. Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India, Rajesh Kumar Singh, commended the Vibrant Gujarat Summit for setting a benchmark for attracting investment and noted that other states are following suit with similar events. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Indias statistics indicate that Gujarat has emerged as a top state for investment over the last decade, with consistent trust from banks and financial institutions. The state has secured funds for over 600 development projects, the highest in the country, reflecting the confidence of domestic and international companies in Gujarat as their preferred place for doing business. The roadshow for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, which will take place between January 11 to January 13 after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held in New Delhi on Friday, October 6. The New Delhi curtain-raiser event witnessed over 1,500 investors and entrepreneurs from various industries. Addressing industrialists and investors during at the event, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat has become the most-preferred investment destination due to PM Narendra Modis visionary leadership, proactive policy-led approach, investor-friendly attitude, and robust industrial infrastructure. Highlighting the grand success of two decades of Vibrant Gujarat, the chief minister said the Summit has evolved into a platform for business networking, knowledge sharing, and socio-economic development. He said the seed of Vibrant Summit, which was sown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003, has now matured into a banyan tree, furthering the states commitment to carry forward the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. S J Haider, additional chief secretary (mines and industries) of Gujarat, Driven by entrepreneurial spirit, Gujarat has taken significant strides in developing resilient and vibrant economy over the past two decades. Gujarat is among the top states in the country in terms of share in Indias GDP, exports, FPI, industrial output, number of factories and various other indicators. With 15 per cent growth rate, Gujarat account for 18 per cent of Indias industrial output and 11 per cent of Indias factories. He also mentioned GIFT-City, MSME Act, industrial hubs, and the states coastline advantages. DPIIT Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said, The Vibrant Gujarat Summits have set a benchmark for other states in terms of being an epitome of what an outreach event for attracting investments should be. I am happy that other states are also following the suit with similar events. He added that Gujarat Vibrant Summit will be taking place at a when the world is facing geopolitical realignment, economic slowdown and rising food and energy prices, apart from long-term ill effects of the pandemic. India has weathered that crisis well and we are still in a fairly good position to take advantage of the demographic dividend. During the event, Arcelor Mittal CEO Dilip Oommen, Maruti Suzuki MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi, and UK India Business Council Group CEO Richard McCallum also shared their experiences related to the Vibrant Summit. B K Goenka, president of ASSOCHAM and chairman of Welspun Group, in his welcome address, praised Gujarats business prowess and investment-friendly policy environment. In 2003, nobody thought that the Vibrant Gujarat will become a mega event. Next meeting in Ramstein format to take place on Oct 10 in Brussels Pentagon U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Brown will travel to Brussels (Belgium) on October 10, where they will hold an in-person meeting of Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein), according to the Pentagon website on Thursday, October 5. It is noted that this will be the 16th meeting in Ramstein format since April 2022. "The Secretary and Chairman will join ministers of defense and senior military officials from nearly 50 nations to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the continued support from the international community to provide the Ukrainian people with the means necessary to defend their sovereign territory," according to the statement. In addition, while in Brussels, Lloyd Austin will also take part in a meeting of NATO defense ministers, which will take place on October 12 at the Alliance headquarters. Studying abroad can be financially challenging for many meritorious students who often opt out due to the expensive course fee, visa charges, accommodation and food expenses. Therefore, scholarships help many to pursue their dreams. News18 Scholarship Guide brings the best and most prestigious grants for Indian students to study abroad, with most of them covering flight tickets, accommodation and course fee; and some also providing stipend. As more and more children are enrolling in schools, there are few takers for higher education in India. Most common reason cited is the lack of resources and tools. In fact, many students also find it hard to get returns on their investment for post-graduation as the salaries offered are not even close to the course fee. According to the government data, as many as 4.14 crore students have been enrolled in institutions in the 2020-21 academic year. Among these, 79.06% are undergraduates while 11.5% are studying for post-graduation, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report. News18 brings top scholarships offered to study PG courses in India: Central Scholarship Scholarships are offered in bulk ensure students who have merit continue with their education. The Centre offers a couple of scholarships, which are open to all students who have cleared graduation from a recognised institute. AICTE PG Scholarship The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offers scholarships to support the postgraduate education of students in India. Who can apply: Candidates applying to study in the first year at an AICTE-approved institute in courses including M.E. /M.Tech /M.Arch./M.Des can apply for the course. Selection Procedure: Students will be shortlisted based on merit including their score in CAT, CEED, or other relevant entrance exams. Students profiles will be shortlisted and sent to AICTE. Respective institutes will verify personal details, date of admission/date of commencement among other details. Where to apply: https://pgscholarship.aicte-india.org/ Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child The government offers this scholarship to girls who wish to study in non-professional postgraduate courses. As many as 1,200 seats are available every year. Students get Rs 2,000 per month for two years of the course. Who can apply: Girls who are 30 years or younger and have been admitted to a non-professional postgraduate courses can apply. They should also be single child, not having any sibling. Selection Procedure: Girls can get the scholarship by providing supporting documents, which will be verified by authorities. Where to apply: ugc.gov.in There are many other central government-funded scholarships, including the Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students, for those who belong to one of the minority communities including Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians, and wish to pursue higher studies. The scholarship offers 756 slots every year for all the subjects including MPhil/PhD degrees in sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering and technology. Of the total, 3% of fellowships are reserved for physically differently-abled candidates belonging to minority communities. State-Level Scholarships Many states also offer scholarships to students. They can check the scholarship options in their native state and also on the official websites in which their desired educational institute is based to match with the best possible grants. Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Scheme The Maharashtra government offers financial support to students who wish to study higher education but are from Economically Backward Classes. The scheme offers 50% of the tuition fee as well as 50% of the exam fee. Who can apply: Applicants should have a domicile of Maharashtra and been admitted to a professional or technical course. The family income of the candidates should not be more than Rs 8 lakh. This is applicable to diplomas, post-graduation as well as graduation. Selection Procedure: Applicants will undergo document verification only. Where to apply: https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in Private Support Groups There are many non-government scholarships available for Indian students. These include corporations, foundations, and help groups. Many of these offer waivers and can cover up to 100% fees of students. Many also offer internship opportunities or mentoring after the course. Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships The Reliance Foundation supports students pursuing postgraduate courses in India. It offers up to 100 scholarships of up to Rs 6 lakh. Of these, 80% of the funds will be granted in advance at the start of each academic year, for tuition and direct academic expenses. The remaining 20% of the funds will be granted upon request to support professional development, including indirect academic and personal development expenses, including conference-related expenses. Who can apply: Indian citizens who wish to pursue higher education degrees back home can apply. Applicants should have a score of 550-1,000 in the GATE exam or equivalent. Selection Procedure: Applicants undergo a multi-layered programme. First, the profiles are shortlisted followed by an aptitude test. As part of the application, candidates have to submit documents, reference letters, essays and statements of purpose. After passing aptitude test, candidates will be called for an interview. Where to apply: https://scholarships.reliancefoundation.org/PG_Scholarship.aspx IDFC First Bank MBA Scholarship The IDFC Bank scholarship is offered on a need basis to students who wish to pursue MBA in India. Students get Rs 2 lakh for two years to support their education. As many as 350 scholarships are offered in a year. Who can apply: Indian students who wish to pursue MBA and have a family income of less than Rs 6 lakh per annum are eligible to apply. Selection Procedure: Students will have to submit the form and undergo on-ground screening and document verification. Where to apply: https://www.idfcfirstbank.com/csr-activities/educational-initiatives/mba-scholarship Other popular scholarships in the non-government category include the Tata Trust Scholarship and the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship. Bridging the Gap Between Students & Scholarships Several governmental bodies, non-profit organisations, and private institutions have come forward to support students. However, considering the vast student population in our country, theres always room to introduce more scholarship schemes. There should be a stronger collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector to establish more scholarships and sponsorships, said Anirudh Motwani, co-founder and CEO, CollegeSearch. Motwani also suggested that regulatory bodies need to ensure that educational fees are rationalised and that no deserving student is left out due to financial constraints. We believe in a future where every student has access to quality education irrespective of their economic background. As both ruling and Opposition parties have set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday expressed a desire to contest the upcoming general elections from Odisha and requested the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to give him a chance. In an interview with news agency PTI, Pradhan, who is a senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP, said the partys agenda is to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets to serve the nation for a third term. I want to contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. I have already informed the party about my wish and have requested it to give me a chance from Odisha. The BJPs agenda is to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets to serve the nation for a third term, he said. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2004 from Odishas Deogarh. He was also elected as the member of the Rajya Sabha for two terms each from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. INDIA Bloc A Real Challenge Meanwhile, when Pradhan was asked about all the Opposition parties coming together to fight the BJP in 2024 general elections, he said the opposition INDIA bloc is a real challenge. He told PTI that the saffron partys agenda is to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets to serve the nation for a third term. I consider it (INDIA bloc) as a real challenge because the BJP and the NDA do not take any election casually. From ground workers to top leaders, everybody takes each election very seriously and the prime minister leads us from the front, he was quoted as saying. On the womens reservation bill, the BJP leader said, The Congress let the womens reservation bill lapse and did not show any dedication to it during its rule. Nobody had held their hands. They had the opportunity (to get the bill passed) but they did not do it. The Supreme Court of India is hearing an appeal against it 1998 judgement that provided immunity to the Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies (MPs & MLAs) under Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the constitution. A seven-judge constitution bench including Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice A S Bopanna, Justice M M Sundresh, Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha, Justice JB Pardiwala, Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Manoj Misra will revisit the ruling to see whether the shield is available to those taking bribe to make a speech or vote in Parliament and State Legislatures. In the 25-year-old judgment, the five-judge bench of the apex court in PV Narasimha Rao vs State by a majority of 3:2 held that members of the parliament or state legislatures were immune from prosecution in bribery cases revolving around any speech or vote in the house, as they have parliamentary privilege conferred by Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution. As the apex court decides upon the validity of immunity ensured by its previous judgment, let us take a look at the different privileges that members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies enjoy. What are Parliamentary privileges? Parliamentary privileges can be divided into two broad categories: (1) Collective Privileges and (2) Individual Privileges. The Individual Privileges refers to the privileges enjoyed by the members individually while the Collective Privileges refer to those which are enjoyed by the house as a collective body. Protection from Court Proceedings: The Article 105(2) of the Indian Constitution states, No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings. Protection Against Anything Said or Voted: According to the Article 194(2) of the Constitution, no member of the Legislature of a State shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in the Legislature or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of a House of such a Legislature of any report, paper, votes or proceedings. Freedom from Arrest Section 135A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 exempts a member legislative body from arrest and detention under civil process. The Article states that no person shall be liable to arrest or detention in prison under civil process: If he is a member of (i) either House of Parliament, or (ii) the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State, or (iii) a Legislative Assembly of a Union territory, during the continuance of any meeting of such House of Parliament or, as the case may be, of the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council. If he is a member of any committee of (i) either House of Parliament, or (ii) the Legislative Assembly of a State or Union territory, or (iii) the Legislative Council of a State, during the continuance of any meeting of such committee. If he is a member of (i) either House of Parliament, or (ii) a Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State having both such Houses, during the continuance of a joint sitting, meeting, conference or joint committee of the Houses of Parliament or, Houses of the State Legislature, as the case may be, and during the forty days before and after such meeting, sitting or conference. Freedom from Attendance as Witness Another privilege that the legislators enjoy is Freedom from Attendance as Witness. DD Basu in his book Introduction to the Constitution of India writes that a member cannot be summoned, without the leave of the house, to give evidence as a witness while the Parliament is in session. Article 105 of the Indian Constitution is an important article that mentions the privilege conferred to the members of Parliament or the State Legislatures. As per the article, the members shall have the freedom of speech in the Parliament. No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings. In other respects, the powers, privileges and immunities of each House of Parliament, and of the members and the committees of each House, shall be such as may from time to time be defined by Parliament by law, and, until so defined, shall be those of that House and of its members and committees immediately before the coming into force of section 15 of the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act,1978. The provisions of clauses (1), (2) and (3) shall apply in relation to persons who by virtue of this Constitution have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of, a House of Parliament or any committee thereof as they apply in relation to members of Parliament. It means that the Constitution of India has extended these privileges to those persons who are entitled to speak and take part in the proceedings of a House of Parliament or any of its committees. These include the Attorney General and Union Ministers. M Laxmikant in his book Indian Polity writes that Parliament till now has not made any special law to exhaustively codify all the privileges. They are based on five sources that include (1) Constitutional provisions (2) Various laws made by the Parliament (3) Rules of both the houses (4) Parliamentary conventions (5) Judicial interpretations. As the apex court has reserved its judgement in the appeal against its 1998 verdict, it has to be seen what shape the privileges guaranteed to the members of Parliament and state legislatures will take. At least 22 people have died and 103 people were reported missing in the flash flood in Sikkim after a glacial lake situated in the states northwest at 17,000 ft burst due to incessant rains leading to excess release of water downstream. The army and NDRF teams are working their way through slushy earth and fast-flowing water in the Teesta river basin and downstream north Bengal for the third day in search of those still missing. Of the 23 army personnel who were missing from Burdang area, the bodies of seven have been recovered from different areas downstream while the search is on for 15 missing jawans, Chief Minister PS Tamang said. The flash flood in the Teesta River destroyed power infrastructure, and flooded towns and villages, and six people were reported dead in Gangtok, and four each in Mangan and Pakyong. According to reports, several studies over the years have highlighted South Lhonak Lakes rapidly growing size due to melting glaciers and marked it as susceptible to glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). What is Glacial Lake Outburst Flood? A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood or GLOF is a sudden release of water from a lake fed by glacier melt, that may be formed at the side, in front, within, beneath, or on the surface of a glacier. Though glacial lakes are common in the Himalayas, like the South Lhonak Lake, the threat emerges as they grow bigger since they are dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris. When the boundary around the lakes couldnt withstand the excess water, they break resulting in huge amounts of water rushing down the side of the mountains causing flooding in the downstream areas or the glacial lake outburst floods. The glacial lakes remain a persistent threat to downstream communities and infrastructure and are generally triggered by several reasons like earthquakes, extremely heavy rains and ice avalanches. Once the outbursts happen, the immense volume of water flows down rapidly through valleys, gaining destructive force as it descends. The floodwaters carry with them rocks, debris, and sediment, creating a destructive force capable of obliterating infrastructure, villages, and agricultural land downstream. In case of Lhonak Lake, the flash flood in the Teesta River turned towards Chungthang Dam destroying the power infrastructure, and flooding towns and villages. The flood destroyed 13 bridges in the state, with eight bridges getting washed away in Mangan district alone. Three bridges were destroyed in Gangtok and two in Namchi. What Happened in Case of South Lhonak Lake? With rising temperatures across the globe, melting glaciers in the Himalayas are a common phenomenon, which has also been witnessed in Sikkim. The melting glaciers have given rise to many glacier lakes and expanded the already existing ones in the region. There are more than 300 glacial lakes in Sikkim Himalayan, out of which, 10 including the South Lhonak Lake have been identified as vulnerable to outburst floods, according to a report in The Indian Express. The lake, at an altitude of 5,200 meters, became the largest and fastest-growing glacial lake in the state, with a glacial retreat of two kilometres in around 5 decades since 1962, a report in Down to Earth said. In 2021, scientists in a detailed study titled Future Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazard of the South Lhonak Lake, Sikkim Himalaya warned that the South Lhonak lake in Sikkim would burst. The width of the terminal moraine that dams the South Lhonak Lake is not uniform and is thinning towards the ends. Hummocky surface of the dam indicates that it likely contains buried ice and be subject to future degradation, the study reportedly stated. According to a report, Lhonak has grown nearly 1.5 times and South Lhonak nearly 2.5 times of their initial size since 1989. The report warned that the earthquake of magnitude 4.9 on Sept 21, 1991 near the parent glacier feeding the South Lhonak Lake and the recent earthquake in September 2011 near the lake may trigger the GLOF events. Iranian womens rights activist Narges Mohammadi has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for fighting the oppression of women in Iran. Mohammadi was picked as the winner of the worlds most significant peace prize among 351 candidates, including 259 individuals and 92 organisations. According to the Nobel Peace Prize website, she was awarded the prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all. Who is Narges Mohammadi? Narges Mohammadi has been campaigning for sensitive issues in Iran and has opposed the clerical system and raised her voice against the obligatory hijab. She was arrested in November last year after she attended a memorial for a victim of violent 2019 protests and currently held in Tehrans Evin prison. She was tried in five minutes in 2022 and sentenced to eight years in prison and 70 lashes. Mohammadi has been a prisoner for most of the past 20 years. She has been repeatedly jailed for being the voice of the voiceless and campaigning against the death penalty and solitary confinement. She has a long history of imprisonment, harsh sentences and international calls for reviews of her case. According to a report in the Associated Press, Narges Mohammadi has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. Mohammadi has been close to Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, who founded the centre. Campaigned Against Hijab Mohammadi was behind bars for the recent nationwide protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in detention under the Irans morality police. In August, Mohammadi was sentenced to an additional year in jail for her continued activism inside prison after she gave a media interview and a statement about sexual assaults in jail. She has been protesting against four decades of Irans mandatory hijab rule and calling out the hypocrisy of the country using sexual violence against female detainees. She also wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times from behind bars. Life and Career Narges Mohammadi was born in Zanjan, in the northwest of Iran, in 1972. She studied physics before becoming an engineer. However, she launched her career in journalism, working for newspapers that were at the time part of the reformist movement. Mohammadi is married to Taghi Rahmani, who has been a refugee in France since 2012 with their two children, twins now aged 17. She has missed much of the childhood of her children, Kiana and Ali. Past Recognitions and Awards Narges Mohammadi has also authored a titled White Torture: Interviews with Iranian Women Prisoners, in which she writes about Irans brutal prison methods. Mohammadi was awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize in 2018. She is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003. PEN America, which advocates for freedom of speech, earlier this year gave Mohammadi its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. What Does the Nobel Peace Prize Carry? The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. If she remains behind bars, Mohammadi will not be able to make the trip to Oslo to receive her award. Last years prize was won by human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart and ally. The Peace Prize has on several occasions honoured jailed activists, including last year when it went to Ales Bialiatski of Belarus, whose prize was accepted by his wife, and Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo in 2010, whose chair remained empty. (With Inputs from Agencies) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday exhorted Indian agencies to adopt a ruthless approach to cracking down on terrorism so new outfits arent created. Addressing an NIA anti-terror conference, Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi government is firmly committed to rooting out terrorism from the country. Under Amit Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has undertaken several reforms and initiatives in the last few years to strengthen and upgrade the security infrastructure of the country, particularly along the borders. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has also launched several projects related to national security, as well as taken measures to connect the bordering villages with the mainland through roads, infrastructure, and connectivity. The MHA as well as the government also undertake robust periodic review of security agencies response to activities, old and new, of terror outfits. Top sources told News18 that the following five challenges are being discussed at the 3rd Anti-Terror Conference hosted by NIA. The two-day conference kicked off on October 5, Thursday. CHALLENGE 1 Sources told News18 that unlike before, young men adept at cyber operations are aligning with terror outfits. These are young kids. They are not trained. You cant let them roam free or else they will resort to attacking temples etc. When we apprehend them and bring them to the police station, the only evidence against them is cyber in nature. They dont carry guns that can be used as evidence, a top official said on condition of anonymity. The official added that these boys do not meet the image of a terrorist that policemen have in their minds. These boys start crying from the word go. They come from decent families. Fathers would be engineers etc but these boys got radicalised somehow. Many of them are juveniles. The policemen would be like who have you brought to us, this kid doesnt seem like a terrorist, the official added. CHALLENGE 2 The official quoted above said some boys who are released eventually end up on the same path again. Since 2014, some young operatives were arrested and released. They are out now. Most terrorism cases see recycled accused. This means that our punishment policy or the criminal justice system is ineffective. These young boys learnt nothing during their jail term. They have no regret, show no improvement. But on the flip side, if you keep an exhaustive list of such boys, 80% of your task is done, he said. CHALLENGE 3 According to sources, it is beyond the scope of ground forces to detect such cyber terrorists. These boys need to be watched. But all of them are into cyber activities. The beat cop or personnel on patrol cannot detect them. CHALLENGE 4 Another big challenge according to officials is the regrouping of different outfits. Someone who was in the PFI is seen heading to the ISIS. Someone in the ISIS joins the Indian Mujahedeen. This networking is a challenge. The ISIS suspect who was arrested from the Pune module was also caught in a SIMI den. SIMI and ISIS had no ties earlier at all, an official said. CHALLENGE 5 Sources cites lack of communication data as the fifth challenge. Earlier, we couldnt intercept the content of WhatsApp chats. Now we cant get the metadata either. Communication data is thinning, a source said. Officials also cited that Pakistans spy agency ISI has tweaked its operations for deniability. They are going for local boys, local material, local training for deniability, an official said. All government and private schools, colleges and universities in Sikkim will remain closed till October 15 due to the prevalence of inclement weather, according to a revised circular by the state Education Department on Thursday. The circular comes within hours of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamangs directive for the closure of schools, colleges and universities in Sikkim till further notice due to the unprecedented disaster caused by flash floods in the Teesta river basin. The Education Department, in a circular on Wednesday, had earlier ordered closure of government and private schools till October 8. Fourteen bodies have been found so far while 102 people, including 22 army personnel, remained missing after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim in the early hours of Wednesday triggered a flash flood in the Teesta river basin, officials said. An MLA of the ruling JD(U) in Bihar on Friday hurled expletives at journalists who questioned him about a recent video clip in which he was seen entering a hospital premises with an unholstered pistol in his hand. Gopal Mandal, who represents the Gopalpur assembly segment in Bhagalpur, drew flak from his own party for his conduct. The police, meanwhile, ordered an inquiry into the video footage that has gone viral on social media. When journalists in Patna approached the MLA with queries about the video which was said to be a couple of days old, Mandal tried to explain away his conduct saying, I was carrying my licensed pistol as I always do. But I had forgotten to carry the holster. So I had kept the firearm inside the pocket of my pajamas. He added, I had gone to the hospital to see a relative. While climbing the stairs, the pistol started slipping out of my pocket. So I caught hold of it. When journalists teased him with the question that whether he was still carrying his pistol, the MLA, who remains in the news for his bouts of temper, snapped. Yes, I do. Do you want me to show it to you? What kind of journalists are you? Do you think you are my father? blurted Mandal, spouting a few expletives that were strongly protested by the journalists. The MLA was prevented from creating a big scene by security personnel who tugged at his sleeves. However, when the matter was reported to state minister Ashok Choudhary, a close confidant of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while he was interacting with JD(U) workers at the party office here, he said we condemn the behaviour. Choudhary also suggested that he was not happy with the party MLAs penchant for displaying firepower, saying, Ours is a party that follows in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and Ram Manohar Lohia. We do not speak the language of guns and bullets. In Bhagalpur, Senior Superintendent of Police Anand Kumar told reporters that an inquiry has been conducted into the video by a deputy SP rank officer and it has been found that the MLA was carrying a licensed weapon. The matter is now being referred to the district magistrate, who is the licensing authority, for necessary action, he said. Serving his fourth consecutive term in the assembly, Mandal has been in the news for his indiscreet behaviour on more than one occasion, the most infamous of these being on board a train two years ago when co-passengers expressed outrage over his moving around in his underclothes. Canada is moving its diplomats posted in India to Singapore and Malaysia ahead of Indias October 10 deadline, according to reports. Sources say the Canadian side tried to negotiate with India but was unsuccessful. After Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian agencies in the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, New Delhi asked Ottawa to pull out 41 of its diplomats to bring parity in numbers. CNN-News18 reported this earlier. According to government sources, India now wants Canada to recall more than two dozen diplomats from its mission in New Delhi. A final decision is yet to be taken, they said, but the matter has been in discussions for almost two weeks. New Delhi sees this as a downgrading of diplomatic relationships. And after the cancellation of visas, India sees no requirement for a high-strength presence of Canadian diplomats, said sources. A Indian student, who picked up a fallen Indian flag at a pro-Khalistan protest in UK, said he was only saving the Tricolour from being insulted as his conscience was shocked to see a policeman step on it. A video of Satyam Surana, who is studying at the prestigious London School of Economics, has gone viral with many on the internet lauding him for his brave act. My LSE junior proudly picked up the Indian tricolour outside @HCI_London battling extremism with passion and non violance. pic.twitter.com/pKGK5qOlcI Karan Kataria (@karanatLSE) October 4, 2023 Not afraid of Khalistanis this is what netizens are saying about Surana, whose bio on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter) states that he is a nationalist. The LLM student entered a pro-Khalistan protest in front of the Indian High Commission in London and picked up a fallen flag. He alleged that a policeman deliberately stepped on the flag, which is why he decided to go and pick it up. When I saw that the Indian flag was being insulted, I went after the policewoman who had deliberately stepped on the flag. I picked up the flag and left from there, he told News18 Hindi. My conscience was shocked to see how this could happen. I could not see this and I went there and saved the flag from being insulted, he said. During the pro-Khalistan protest, Surana alleged, there was an attempt to insult the Indian flag. He said he had never seen the flag being disrespected in such a way, so his conscience inspired him to protect it. Surana said protesters were shouting anti-India and anti-Sunak slogans and one of the protesters threw the Indian flag on the ground. In an interview to NDTV, he has slammed the tendency of some Indians abroad, who are anti-India just to appear cool. I saved the dignity of my country. But there are many instances when Indians go outside and become anti-India to be cool. They talk ill about India without any knowledge, just to show they are nice people among those who hate India, he told NDTV. Surana further said some of the protesters were angered by his act of picking up the flag but the Metropolitan Police intervened, brought the situation under control and safely evacuated him. His video was also posted by former UK government adviser Colin Bloom on X. Calling pro-Khalistan protesters thugs, Bloom said there has been a worrying rise in discriminatory language against the Hindus coming from a small but vocal minority of these Pro Khalistan Extremists (PKEs). He said an overwhelming majority of Sikhs will be appalled and the aggressive minority is a blight on the rest of the community. It feels like there has been a noticeable and worrying increase in discriminatory anti-Hindu language and the use of vile tropes about Hindus coming from a small but vocal minority of these Pro Khalistan Extremists (PKEs). If the hateful language these thugs use against Hindus pic.twitter.com/Qx9R7HTpFs Colin Bloom (@ColinBloom) October 3, 2023 Surana also he saw some people walking around with the national flag tied to their ankles. After this case, my parents are worried about my safety but they are happy with what I did. All my friends are very proud. I have only done my duty as an Indian citizen and I did what my conscience told me. Whenever I get a chance to serve the country, I never step back, he told News18 Hindi. Pro-Khalistan protests are being held to condemn the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed outside a gurdwara in Canadas Surrey on June 18. The Experts Club analytical center and the Adonis medical group held a seminar on providing pre-medical care for teachers. According to a press release, the workshop was designed taking into account the current situation and the importance of ensuring the safety of students and is designed to provide teachers with the necessary skills to provide first aid in the event of injuries. "With the beginning of the new school year in Ukraine, new rules came into force, providing for different modes of education depending on the level of security in different regions. These measures were introduced in response to the high level of danger. Training teachers and educators to provide first aid to children is an important initiative aimed at ensuring safety in educational institutions, the press release emphasizes. Experts Club founder Maksym Urakin emphasized that teachers play a key role in the lives of children, and knowledge of pre-medical care skills is part of education, which can save lives. In turn, Tetiana Lahovska, the executive director of the Irpin Community Foundation, which acted as a partner in the seminar, noted that the main thing in pre-medical care is the speed of action to stabilize the victims condition. Experts Club and Adonis promise to continue to support and implement similar educational initiatives. The training was attended by university and school teachers in Kyiv and Bucha district of Kyiv region. Around half-a-dozen raids, an arrest, summons and other legal actions involving high-profile politicians and celebrities this has been a blockbuster week for the Enforcement Directorate. Since September 15, when EDs director Sanjay Mishra retired, there was no major raid or legal action witnessed for at least two weeks. However, the brief lull appears to be over. The ED investigators are up and running once again. A series of actions across states like West Bengal, Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand happened over the past week. The actions formally substantiate and validate Union Home Minister Amit Shahs words after the Supreme Court cancelled Mishras extended tenure and restricted it to September 15. Shahs Warning Taking to X (formerly Twitter) amid celebrations by some opposition leaders and their posts on social media following the SC order, Shah had said: Those rejoicing over the Honble SC decision on the ED case are delusional for various reasons. He added: Powers of the ED to strike at those who are corrupt and on the wrong side of the law remain the same. ED is an institution which rises beyond any one individual and is focused on achieving its core objective i.e. to investigate offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. Thus, who the ED director is that is not important because whoever assumes this role will take note of the rampant corruption of a cozy club of entitled dynasts who have an anti-development mindset (sic). In the past four days, the directorate has raided senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh and arrested him in connection with the liquor scam, raided a cabinet minister in West Bengal and summoned Trinamool MP and partys general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in connection with the recruitment scam case. On the other hand, it summoned at least half-a-dozen celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor, in connection with the Mahadev betting app case, while it searched the premises of a minister and his son in Rajasthan in connection with the mid-day meal scam. More Action On the Way Talking to News18, a senior officer in the ED said there is strong evidence about the nexus between the promoter of the Mahadev betting app and senior government officials. Political functionaries, a couple of senior ministers and MLAs were also in touch with the promoters. The ED had already searched Vinod Vermas residence last month. Verma is the political advisor to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The chief minister also sensed the crisis and during a public programme, he said the officers of ED and IT are hovering around all the time. In Delhi, two crucial cases are now being investigated. The liquor scam is likely to unfold in future, and more people, including senior politicians and bureaucrats, will come under the ED lens in connection with the scam, News 18 has learnt. On the other hand, the NewsClick case, which is now being probed by Delhis Special Cell, was first taken up by the ED. The initial investigation in this case was done by the directorate that tracked the money trail. Delhi Police slapped the most stringent sections like UAPA against the accused journalists. In Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren is entangled in at least two scams mining and land deals. Soren has skipped five summons of the ED and his petition before the high court will be heard on Friday. Following the HCs decision, the ED will decide on the next legal action against Soren, said another source in the ED. In Bengal, the recruitment scam has turned out to be a priority case for the ED. Two days ago, ED officers raided the residence of Bengals food minister Rathin Ghosh, while Abhishek Banerjee has been summoned again on October 9. Banerjee is being probed in connection with three scams cattle, coal and recruitment. An eyewitness of the deadly fire at a residential building in Mumbais Goregaon area in the early hours of Friday recalled the horrific tragedy that claimed eight lives, including two minors while accusing the local fire brigade officials of not responding swiftly to his call placed at 3.06 am. He claimed that more lives could have been saved if the help would have reached on time. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the blaze started around 3 am at a seven-storey Jay Bhavani SRA building near Azad Maidan at Unnat Nagar in Goregaon West that also left over 40 people injured. While narrating the incident, news agency ANI quoted a survivor, Manish Chaturvedi, as claiming that he noticed the fire at 2.45 am when he was sleeping and placed a call to the fire department at 3.06 am but didnt receive any response from them. Chaturvedi said the incident occurred between 2.30 am-3:00 am when he sensed a burning smell while sleeping. I woke up and first searched my room. I then woke my brother up. We then saw the smoke rising. We then called up the fire brigade. I was able to place a call at 3.06 am but there was no response from the other side, he claimed, adding, I think had they been alert the loss would not have been this much. Police did arrive on time. The situation was very heart-rending. #WATCH | Goregaon Fire | An eye-witness to the incident, actor Manish Chaturvedi says, The incident occurred 2.30 am-3 am. I had returned from a party around 1.30 am and was sleeping. Suddenly, around 2.45 am I could sense a burning smell in the air. I woke up and first searched pic.twitter.com/WihZscNQ6T ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 Several residents were rescued from the terrace and various floors of the building. The injured were rushed to private hospitals in Goregaon, including HBT Trauma Centre and Cooper Hospital. Out of eight deceased, six deaths were reported at the HBT Trauma Centre, one person died at the Cooper Hospital while another victim, whose identity could not be verified at the time, died in the fire. It took around four hours and more than eight fire engines and other firefighting equipment for the fire brigade to extinguish the blaze, a fire official said. Ravindra Ambulgekar, chief fire officer of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, told news agency PTI that the building was old and no firefighting system was available there. According to Sudhakar Pujarey, an officer bearer of the housing society, they have two wings a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building and a saleable portion (sold in the open market). The fire erupted in the SRA building, he said. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said not a single death was due to burns. All the deaths occurred due to suffocation, he told media persons. Before firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had spread across the ground floor and started rising. It completely gutted the old clothes, shops, and two-wheelers on the ground floor, said fire officials. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condoled the loss of life in the fire and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of each of the deceased. The CM said that those injured in the fire would be treated at government expense. Delhi police in its FIR against NewsClick has alleged that a large amount of funds was routed from China in a circuitous and camouflaged manner and paid news was intentionally peddled criticising domestic policies, development projects of India and promoting, projecting, and defending policies and programmes of the Chinese government. The department has also given details about Chinese mobile firms that allegedly incorporated thousands of shell companies in India in violation of PMLA/FEMA for illegally infusing foreign funds in India in furtherance of this conspiracy. The Delhi police in its FIR, accessed by News18, has said that moreover they acted against the national interest by promoting and misleading false narrative about the domestic pharmaceutical industry and the policies and development initiatives of the democratically elected Indian government in cohorts with the Anti-National forces. The department has alleged that NewsClick editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha conspired with the group Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 general elections. The key individuals of this group who were involved in this conspiracy are Battini Rao (Convenor, PADS), Dilip Simeon, Deepak Dhoulakia, Harsh Kapoor, Jamal Kidwai, Kiran Shaheen, Sanjay Kumar, Asit Das, etc. In furtherance of this conspiracy to disrupt sovereignty of India and to cause disaffection against India, large amount of funds were routed from China in circuitous and camouflaged manner and paid news were intentionally peddled criticising domestic policies, development projects of India and promoting , projecting and defending policies and programmes of Chinese government, the FIR says. Delhi police has learnt that Peoples Dispatch Portal, owned and maintained by M/S PPK NewsClick Studio Pvt Ltd, has allegedly been used for intentionally peddling these false narratives through paid news in lieu of crores of rupees in illegally routed foreign funds as part of the conspiracy. It is further learnt that big Chinese Telecom companies like Xiaomi, Vivo, etc. incorporated thousands of shell companies in India in violation of PMLA/FEMA for illegally infusing foreign funds in India in furtherance of this conspiracy. Further Prabir Purkayastha, Shri Neville Roy Singham, Ms. Geeta Hariharan, Shri Gautam Bhatia (key person) conspired to create a Legal Community Network in India to campaign for and put up spirited defense of legal cases against aforementioned Chinese Telecom companies in return for benefits by these Chinese Companies, the FIR says. The Delhi police has alleged that by inciting disaffection among the people, especially farmers, towards the democratically elected government of India, they have been creating divisions and disharmony among different groups/classes of people as a part of a larger criminal conspiracy having international ramifications. The accused have employed a web of illegal transactions through illegal and circuitous route using several companies etc to illegally infuse foreign funds for perpetrating aforementioned acts through conspiracy. Therefore, a case u/s 13,16,17,18 and 22C of UAPA, Section 153A,120B IPC be registered, says the FIR. The Delhi police has also said that secret inputs have been received that foreign funds in crores have been infused illegally in India by Indian and foreign entities inimical to India in pursuance of a conspiracy with the intention to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, to cause disaffection against India, and to threaten the unity, integrity, security of India. According to the department, it was learnt that Gautam Navlakha, who is a shareholder in PPK NewsClick Studio Pvt Ltd since its inception in the year 2018, remained involved in anti-Indian and unlawful activities such as actively supporting banned Naxal organisations and having anti-national nexus with Gulam Nabi Fai who is an agent of ISI of Pakistan. It was also learnt that Gautam Navlakha is associated with Prabir Purkayastha since 1991 when they incorporated Sagrik Process Analyst Pvt Ltd, the FIR added. It has also been learnt that such illegally routed foreign funds have been siphoned off by Prabir Purkayastha and his associates namely Joseph Raj, Anoop Chakraborty (brother of Amit Chakraborty), Bappaditya Sinha ( promoter of Virtunet Systems Pvt Ltd.). It is also learnt that aforementioned funds were distributed to Gautam Navlakha, associates of Teesta Seetalwaad namely Javed Anand, Tamara, Jibran, Urmilesh, Aratrika Halder, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Trina Shankar, Abhisar Sharma, etc. The secret inputs also revealed, according to the Delhi police, that Prabir Purkayastha, Neville Roy Singham, and some other Chinese employees of Singham-owned Shanghai-based company Starstream exchanged emails, which expose their intent to show that Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are not part of India. Such attempts by these persons reveal their conspiracy to peddle a narrative, both globally and domestically, that Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are disputed territories, the FIR says. Their attempts to tinker with the northern borders of India and to show Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as not parts of India in maps amount to an act intended towards undermining the unity and territorial integrity of India. The accused persons have also conspired to disrupt supplies and services essential to the life of community in India and abet damage and destruction of property by protraction of farmers protest through such illegal foreign funding, the Delhi police said. Prabir Purkayastha and NewsClick HR head Amit Chakraborty have moved the Delhi High Court, seeking to quash the FIR. The news outlet earlier issued a statement, denying the charges levelled against it. STATEMENT BY NEWSCLICKWe want to state for the record: 1. Newsclick is an independent news website. 2. Our journalistic content is based on the highest standards of the profession. 3. Newsclick does not publish any news or information at the behest of any Chinese entity NewsClick (@newsclickin) October 4, 2023 The police sealed NewsClicks office in Delhi, officials said, adding that 46 suspects were questioned and digital devices, including laptops and mobile phones, and documents were taken away for examination. The man who made Rs 2,000 a month at his juice shop in Chhattisgarhs Bhilai to earning Rs 200 crore a day as the promoter of the Mahadev online betting app, which is now in the news over the Rs 5,000-crore scam, 28-year-old Saurabh Chandrakars life is no less than a movie script. ALSO READ | Mahadev Betting App Scam: News18 Follows Hawala Money Trail from Dubai to Chhattisgarh The scam has grabbed the headlines with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons to actors such as Ranbir Kapoor, Kapil Sharma and Hina Khan, among others. Chandrakars rise drew attention thanks to his Rs 250-crore wedding with massive presence of celebrities, and eventual emergence of his political, international and D-gang links. Chandrakar, along with the other promoter Ravi Uppal, who started as a tyre shop owner, are now believed to be hiding abroad. THE LAVISH WEDDING/ALARM BELLS Chandrakars lavish Rs 250-crore wedding in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, in February led the investigators to the alleged hawala operations and their connections in the UAE and Pakistan. In a recent media interaction, the ED claimed that Chandrakar had leased a private aircraft to fly his family and friends from Nagpur to Dubai for the wedding. An amount of Rs 42 crore was spent on private jet and hotel accommodation arrangements. Surprisingly, the entire payment was made in cash, as per reports. Apart from this, Chandrakar paid Rs 142 crore to an event management company. Not only this, he even invited Bollywood artistes to perform at the wedding. According to an India Today report, musicians Vishal Dadlani, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Kriti Kharbanda, Tiger Shroff, Sunny Leone, Bharti Singh, Krushna Abhishek and Atif Aslam also attended this event. ALSO READ | Mahadev Gaming-betting app Promoter Saurabh Chandrakar Spends Rs 200 Crore On His Wedding Sources in the ED said as many as 17 Bollywood celebrities, including Shradha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Sonakshi Sinha and others, are under the scanner for performing at Chandrakars wedding in February this year and the companys success party in September last year. The celebrities accepted a huge amount of cash as remuneration for attending or performing at the wedding. The money is proceeds of the crime and the celebrities are liable for taking the money. There are more than a dozen celebrities who participated in the wedding and they are seen in the videos," said a senior source in the ED. Who is Saurabh chandrakar @bhupeshbaghel ??He is spending 200 cr just on wedding. Bollywood stars are attending his wedding. This is mohabbat ki dukan of @INCChhattisgarh which is only limited for their friends!! pic.twitter.com/YMQ17WUXD2 Trupti Garg (@garg_trupti) September 16, 2023 THE MAHADEV SCAM & CELEBS FOR PROMOTION According to the ED, the Mahadev Online Book App ran from a central head office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It operated by franchising panel/branches" to their known associates on a 70-30 profit ratio. The app enrolled new users, created user IDs and laundered money through a layered web of benami bank accounts. To get clients, the app had set up call centres, which were routed through the Netherlands, UAE, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The details were then shared with panel operators in India, operating primarily in Mumbai and Delhi, and also in some smaller cities such as Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh. There were 4,000-5,000 such panel operators. The average daily profit of these panel operators ranged from Rs 150-200 crore, said ED. ALSO READ | Ranbir Kapoor Summoned in Mahadev Scam | 12 A-Listers, 100 Influencers, 14 Celebs on ED Radar | Exclusive The ED probe has suggested that the celebrities, including a dozen A-listers, including Bollywood, Tollywood actors and sportspersons, and 100 influencers were paid in lieu for endorsing the app on social media. According to the ED, the Mahadev online book betting application is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites. The ED has clubbed at least seven FIRs filed by the victims of the scam who lost their money. The FIRs were filed in Goa, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Ahmedabad and Chhattisgarh. ED has conducted searches against the money laundering networks linked with Mahadev APP in cities like Kolkata, Bhopal, Mumbai etc and retrieved large amount of incriminating evidences and has frozen/seized proceeds of crime worth Rs 417 Crore. pic.twitter.com/GXHWCmKOuY ED (@dir_ed) September 15, 2023 THE POLITICAL LINK A recent raid at the residence of Vinod Verma, political advisor to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, blew the lid off the formers alleged connections with the betting company, a source in the ED told News18. ALSO READ | Day After ED Search, Chhattisgarh CM Baghels Political Advisor Denies Role in Money Laundering Following the raids, Verma, addressing the media, accused the ED of building a case against him based on fictional" details and called the raids dacoity". HIS INTERNATIONAL LINKS Around eight major international hawala operators are under the scanner for laundering money to Middle East countries and to Pakistan by running a similar portal. Chandrakar and his associates allegedly used at least 70 shell companies to launder money to offshore accounts. ALSO READ | Mahadev Betting Scam: Rs 250 Crore Foreign Wedding, 17 Bollywood Stars and Now a Pakistan Link | Exclusive The anti-money laundering agency is now exploring options to seek cooperation from international agencies to take legal action against Chandrakar. The directorate has already raided several premises related to hawala operators across cities in India and attached Rs 417 crore. During a recent raid in Mumbai, the ED also tracked seven hawala kingpins who allegedly laundered the money. Each hawala operator handled more than 500 dummy accounts to launder money," a source told News 18. THE D-COMPANY CONNECTION A recent news report in the Free Press Journal highlighted how gangster Lawrence Bishnoi had demanded extortion money from Chandrakar. However, Bishnois bid backfired as Chandrakar threatened him back, alleging links to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Another major train accident was averted as railway officials found several boulders kept on rail tracks between Akurdi and Chinchwad stations by unidentified miscreants on time and alerted the driver of a Mumbai-bound express train coming on the line on Friday. This was the second such incident in a matter of four days. The railway staff of the civil engineering department found the boulders during their routine track maintenance weld testing work at around 4:00 pm. An alert guard Sandeep Bhalerao of a Pune-bound suburban train running on the parallel tracks spotted the boulders first and informed the Chinchwad station master Mathew George. The station master swiftly alerted the loco pilot of UP Nagarcoil-UP Nagarcoil-Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Express, MV Pavalkar and its guard DK Verma and gave instructions to move with caution. The train passed safely after removal of boulders. Guard Sandip Bhalerao on a Lonavala-Pune suburban train spotted the boulders on the adjacent UP tracks and informed the station master of Chinchwad. The station master immediately contacted the loco pilot of UP Nagarcoil-Mumbai CSMT Express, and the train was halted till the time the boulders were removed, a senior Railway official was quoted by PTI as saying. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) have launched a probe to identity the miscreants responsible for the act. A similar incident took place earlier this week in Rajasthans Bhilwara where a major accident was averted as train operators of Udaipur-Jaipur Vande Bharat Express had spotted stones and iron rods on the railway track and stopped the train immediately using emergency brakes. The stones were spotted on the Gangarar-Soniyana section at around 10 am on Monday, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Western Railway, Shashi Kiran had told News18. The location comes under the jurisdiction of SHO/Gangarar in Chittaurgarh district. Train No 20979 Vande Bharat Udaipur-Jaipur stopped at KM no 158/18, 158/19 in Gangarar-Soniyana section. The stoppage was due to placing of some ballast on the track and of two rods, of one feet each, in the joggle plate on the said Km. The incident occurred at around 09:55 hrs in the jurisdiction of RPF/post/Bhilwara. The location comes under the jurisdiction of SHO/Gangarar in Chittaurgarh district, the official had said. At least eight people lost their lives, while over 40 were injured after a fire broke out at Mumbais seven-storey Jay Bhavani building near Azad Maidan in Goregaon West. According to reports, the blaze started at around 3am in the parking lot of the building and several cars and two-wheelers were also gutted. The injured were immediately taken to private hospitals in Goregaon, including HBT Trauma Centre and Cooper Hospital. Out of eight deceased, six casualties were reported at the HBT Trauma Centre, one person died at the Cooper Hospital while another victim, whose identity could not be verified at the time, died in the tragedy The rescue operation began as soon as officials reached the spot and the fire was brought fully under control. At least eight fire engines, five jumbo water tankers, one turn-table ladder, and an ambulance were used to extinguish the massive fire. It took nearly four hours for the fire brigade to extinguish the fire. More than eight fire engines and other fire-fighting equipment were used in the operation, a civic official said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is in New Delhi, said he was constantly monitoring the situation in Mumbai and announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of all the victims. He also said that the treatment would be free for all the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pained by the deaths in the Goregaon fire tragedy and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and Rs 50,000 each for the injured. Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Mumbai's Goregaon. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 6, 2023 Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed condolences on the deaths in the Goregaon fire incident and said that the administration is coordinating with BMC in the matter. Pained to know about the loss of lives in the fire incident at Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC & Mumbai Police officials & all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured ones, Fadnavis wrote on X. Meanwhile, the state government has announced that a special committee will be constituted to probe the exact cause of the fire which will submit its report within 15 days. As the Enforcement Directorate summoned two associates of arrested AAP MP Sanjay Singh, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal cited Supreme Courts observation and said that the entire liquor scam is false. He further maintained a carefree stance when asked about Congress conditional support to the Aam Aadmi Party on the issue. Nahi karte toh na karein (if they dont want to support, let them be), said CM Kejriwal when asked about backing by the Congress, who is a part of I.N.D.I.A alliance along with Kejriwals AAP. Is Congress Supporting AAP on Delhi Liquor Scam Case? Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Thursday said that law enforcement agencies were being used to settle political scores. But in the next two paragraphs of his post on X, Venugopal brought up the arrest of Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira last month in connection with a 2015 drugs case and that of party leader and former deputy chief minister OP Soni by the Punjab Vigilance Department in July. AAP MP Sh. @SanjayAzadSln ji's arrest by the ED takes the BJP's vendetta politics to another level. We stand in complete solidarity with him and reject the use of law enforcement agencies to settle political scores. For this reason, we also oppose the arrests of All India K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) October 5, 2023 The arrest of Khaira had led to a bitter clash between the two I.N.D.I.A allies. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had said the party will not tolerate injustice and those who are unjust dont survive for long. A leader from the AAPs state unit had said it would not form an alliance with a party that is already so discredited in Punjab. Kejriwals Latest Statement on Delhi Liquor Policy Scam CM Arvind Kejriwal spoke to the media after visiting Ghazipur landfill and said, They (agencies) probed us so much, did anything come out? You heard the Supreme Court yesterday, the entire liquor scam is false. Not even a penny was exchanged. Judge kept asking for evidence but they had none. In a few days, the liquor scam would shut and they would come up with something else. All they want is to keep people tangled in agencies and investigations. They themselves will neither work nor let anyone else work. #WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "They probed us so much, did anything come out?You heard the Supreme Court yesterday, the entire liquor scam is false, no even a penny was exchanged. Judge kept asking for evidence but they had none. In a few days, the liquor scam pic.twitter.com/jGPdWyWmFd ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 The Supreme Court on Thursday posed several critical questions to agencies investigating the liquor scam case, raising doubts about the strength of their case. Have you seen them (Vijay Nair, Manish Sisodia on bribes) discussing this? Will it be admissible? Isnt the statement (by an approver) hearsay? It is an inference but has to be based on evidence. In cross examination, this will fall flat in two minutes, a report by India Today quoted the SC bench as saying. The court made the observations while hearing former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodias bail pleas in a money laundering case and corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam. The Enforcement Directorate asserted that it is determined to bring any guilty parties to justice in the liquor policy case. The ED on Wednesday arrested AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, and accused him of receiving crores of rupees in kickbacks from accused-turned-approver Dinesh Arora. Sanjay Singhs Associates Summoned The Enforcement Directorate on Friday summoned two associates of arrested AAP MP Sanjay Singh for questioning in the Delhi Excise policy linked money laundering case, officials said. Sarvesh Mishra and Vivek Tyagi are expected to be confronted with the evidence seized by the agency during the investigation and it is understood that they will be confronted with Singh too. The agency will record their statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. Mishra is understood to have reached the ED office on Friday morning in response to the summons. A Delhi court on Thursday sent Singh to five-day custody of the ED even as the anti-money laundering agency alleged that an accused businessman Dinesh Arora had given Rs two crore cash at the Rajya Sabha MPs residence in two tranches. Singh has strongly rebutted the claim. EDs Allegations Against Sanjay Singh The AAP leader was arrested by the ED on Wednesday in connection with its money laundering probe linked to the 2021-22 Delhi Excise policy case and was the second high profile leader after Manish Sisodia, a former deputy chief minister, to be held in this case, in a big jolt to Delhis ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Investigation by ED has revealed that he (Dinesh Arora) has given Rs two crore cash at Singhs house on two occasions (Rs one crore at each time), the ED alleged in its remand application. The period when the cash was allegedly given was between August 2021 and April 2022. (With inputs from PTI) The Supreme Court Friday questioned the Bihar government as to why it published its caste survey data but refused to restrain it from making public further data, and said it may examine if the state has power to conduct such an exercise. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and S V N Bhatti issued a formal notice on a batch of pleas challenging the August 1 order of the Patna High Court that gave the go-ahead for the caste survey in Bihar. The SC bench listed the matter in January, 2024. It rejected the petitioners contention that the state government has already published some data preempting a stay. They sought a complete stay on further publication of data. We are not staying anything at this moment. We cannot stop the state government or any government from taking a policy decision. That would be wrongWe are going to examine the other issue regarding the power of the state government to conduct this exercise, the bench said. The top court, however, questioned the counsel for the Bihar government, Why did you publish the data? It said it may examine whether the state has the power to conduct such a survey. Appearing for the petitioners, Senior advocate Aprajita Singh said there is breach of privacy in the matter and the High Court order is wrong. This data should not be acted upon as it was collected illegally. The High Court has given a detailed judgement. But it is wrong on every point of law. The data has not been collected under law as laid down by this court. Even the executive order is not in conformity with the law laid down in the K S Puttaswamy judgement (2018 verdict on right to privacy), Singh said. To this, the bench said since the name and other identities of any individual have not been published, the argument that there was a breach of privacy may not be correct. The more important issue for consideration of the court is breakdown of data and its availability to the public, the bench said, adding there are various aspects of the data but the state government has not released that. Justice Khanna said they have gone through the high court verdict and have formed a prima facie view which is subject to change. Singh said that during the last hearing, the state government assured the bench that they will not publish the data. She said they will further publish the data by the next date of hearing in January if no restrained by the court, and the petitioners will be in the same position. Justice Khanna said the state had not assured anything in the last hearing. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the state government, replied to the question of the bench on why they published the data and said there was no stay on publication of data, which was required for formulating welfare schemes. He said there is a judgement of this court which allows collection of data. On October 2, the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar released findings of its caste survey, months ahead of the 2024 Parliamentary elections. The data revealed that OBCs and EBCs constitute a whopping 63 per cent of the states total population. According to the data released, the states total population stood at a little over 13.07 crore, out of which the Extremely Backward Classes (36 per cent) were the largest social segment followed by the Other Backward Classes at 27.13 per cent. The survey also stated that Yadavs, the OBC group to which Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav belongs, were the largest caste in terms of the population, accounting for 14.27 per cent of the total. Dalits, also known as the Scheduled Castes, accounted for 19.65 per cent of the total population in the state, which is also home to nearly 22 lakh (1.68 per cent) people belonging to the Scheduled Tribes. On August 7, the top court had refused to stay the Patna High Courts order giving the go-ahead for the caste survey, and deferred the hearing on petitions challenging it to August 14. Besides a plea by NGO Ek Soch Ek Paryas, several other petitions have been filed including one by a Nalanda-resident, Akhilesh Kumar, who has contended that the notification issued by the state government for the exercise is against the constitutional mandate. Kumars petition says that according to the the constitutional mandate only the Union government is empowered to conduct a census. The high court had said in its 101-page verdict, We find the action of the state to be perfectly valid, initiated with due competence with the legitimate aim of providing development with justice. A day after the high court held the caste survey as valid, the state government had swung into action and suspended all ongoing training programmes for teachers so they can be engaged for early completion of the exercise. The Nitish Kumar government had said on August 25 that the survey has been completed and data will be made public soon. Petitioners had opposed making the data public, contending it will infringe peoples right to privacy. Even as Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said that Ottawa is not looking to escalate the standoff with India, Khalistani groups have issued a warning to Sikhs that they are under threat", according to intelligence sources. ALSO READ | Not Looking to Escalate Situation: Canada PM Says Will Continue to Engage Responsibly With India These groups dont want peace between the two governments," they said. CNN-News18 has been consistently reporting how a handful of people want the Khalistan tension to continue. The Indian government was asked for evidence multiple times, but has got no response, sources said. THE POSTER BY K-GROUPS ALLEGES THREATS The poster put up by Khalistani groups, which has been accessed by CNN-News18, states: It has come to our attention that in recent days, more Sikhs in British Columbia have received safety warnings and visits from local law enforcement and federal intelligence agencies regarding imminent threats to their lives." The groups stated that there are credible threats of hit men hired by the extremist Indian government and intelligence agencies currently on active contracts out in the Surrey/Vancouver area looking to kill particular Sikhs". This is a very urgent Canadian public safety and domestic security issue. We call upon the BC and Canadian governments to stop Indian government attacks on Canadian civilians. We request all Sikhs to continue to practice their faith freely and to remain undeterred by these threats. Please be safe and remain vigilant," they said. WHAT TRUDEAU SAID RECENTLY Trudeau, who created a diplomatic storm after he linked the Government of India with the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Tuesday said Canada will responsibly and constructively engage with New Delhi. Canada is not looking to escalate the situation with India, will continue to engage responsibly and constructively with New Delhi. We want to be on the ground in India to help the Canadian families there," Reuters quoted Trudeau as saying. The relations between both the countries are seeing an all-time low after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged, in his Parliament, the involvement of a foreign agent" in the killing of Khalistan separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He even claimed that he had intelligence inputs and evidence that the Indian government could be behind Nijjars death. ALSO READ | Nijjar Killing in Canada: A Coordinated Op Followed by Slow Response, Turf Battle & Botched Probe | WaPo Report Nijjar was killed by unidentified gunmen outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, on June 18. He was the chief of banned Khalistan Tiger Force, and was designated a terrorist by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in 2020. Interpol had also issued red corner notice against him quite a few times, the first one being in 2016. After suspending visa processes for Canadians, New Delhi wants Ottawa to recall more than two dozen of its diplomats from India, according to top government sources. The death toll in the flash flood in Sikkim has mounted to 22 with authorities on alert as the Shako Cho glacial lake near Lachen in Mangan district shows signs of bursting which could result in further tragedy. As per authorities, a breach warning is in place as an abnormal increase in glacial temperature has been recorded above Shako Cho, which could prompt a sudden discharge of water into the lake. As a precautionary measure, authorities are evacuating residents from the banks of Shako Cho. So far, the entire Golitar area in Singtam in Gangtok district, Dikchu in Mangan district, and Rangpo IBM area in Pakyong district have been cleared by the authorities, according to a report by NDTV. Glacial Lake Breach Warning According to Gangtok district magistrate Tushare Nikhare, satellite data showed an abnormal increase in temperature above the glacial lake. It wont be an issue if the temperature stabilises. However, as a precautionary measure, an evacuation advisory has been issued, the officer said Since silt has been deposited, any sudden discharge of water will be at an elevated level over deposited debris and can cause damage, Nikhare was quoted as saying in the NDTV report. Mortar Shell Carried by Floodwaters Explodes In West Bengal A mortar shell, reportedly carried by the floodwaters of the Teesta River, exploded in West Bengals Jalpaiguri on Thursday night, killing at least two persons and injuring four others. The mortar shell is believed to belong to the Army, which was carried away by floodwaters flowing down from the hills following the cloudburst and flash floods in Sikkim on Wednesday. Due to flash floods following the cloudburst on Wednesday, military equipment, including firearms and explosives were washed away by the floodwater in the Teesta river. Rescue Op Underway Meanwhile, Army and NDRF teams are working their way through slushy earth and fast-flowing water in the Teesta river basin and downstream north Bengal for the third day in search of those who were swept away and are still missing. A total of 103 people, including the 15 jawans, remained missing after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim in the early hours of Wednesday triggered the flash flood, according to the State Disaster Management Authority. Of the 23 army personnel who were missing from Burdang area, the bodies of seven have been recovered from different areas downstream while one was rescued, Chief Minister P S Tamang said. Of the civilian deaths, six were reported in Gangtok, and four each in Mangan and Pakyong. A total of 103 people were missing after the incident. Of them, 59 people were reported missing in Pakyong, 22 in Gangtok, 17 in Mangan and five in Namchi. At the site of the incident at Burdang near Singtam, the army vehicles are being dug out and stores are being recovered. Additional resources in terms of teams of TMR (Tiranga Mountain Rescue), tracker dogs, and special radars have been brought in, to assist in the search operations. Twenty-six people have suffered injuries and were undergoing treatment at various hospitals across Sikkim. So far, 2,411 people have been evacuated and accommodated at relief camps, while the calamity has affected over 22,000 people, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) said in its latest bulletin. Over 3,000 Tourists Stranded Chief Secretary V B Pathak said that he was informed by officials of the Armys 27th Mountain Division that the tourists who were stranded in Lachen, Lachung and adjoining regions in North Sikkim are safe. According to estimates, over 3,000 tourists, including foreigners, are stuck in various parts of Sikkim. Meanwhile, Troops of TriShakti Corps Indian Army have been able to take account of 1471 tourists present in the areas of Lachen/Chatten, Lachung, and Chungthang. Pathak said that the Army activated their telecommunication facility and got many tourists to speak to their worried family members. The evacuation of the stranded tourists was a priority and it has been decided to airlift them up to Mangan, from where they will be brought to Sikkim by road. The Chief Secretary said if the weather holds good, the stranded tourists in Lachen and Lachung will be evacuated from Friday. NDRF platoons are also ready in North Sikkim to start the evacuation process for the local people. A survey is also being carried out by all agencies to assess the damage and plan restoration of road connectivity. The road link between Singtam and Burdang has been restored with the clearing of a single lane for vehicular traffic. Water, Electricity Infrastructure Restored Referring to the situation in Singtam town, hit badly by swelling in the Teesta river, Pathak said that the restoration of water and electricity infrastructure has been completed in Singtam and IBM, the industrial belt nearby. The flash flood in the Teesta River, triggered by the cloudburst in Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, caused an accumulation of a huge quantity of water, which turned towards Chungthang dam destroying the power infrastructure before moving downstream in spate, flooding towns and villages. Centre to Assess Damage to Hydropower Plants After Flood Water Recedes The central government will make a detailed assessment of damage to hydropower projects in Sikkim after the flood water recedes, the Ministry of Power said on Thursday. The state-owned hydro power giant NHPC is taking all possible measures to get the hydropower projects operational at the earliest, the ministry said, adding that the Ministry of Power is continuously monitoring the situation arising out of flash floods in Teesta Basin. Due to flash floods in the Teesta Basin on the intervening night of 3rd and 4th October 2023, all the bridges downstream to Teesta-V Hydropower Station up to Tarkhola/ Pamphok have been submerged/ washed out thus severely affecting commutation and communication in these areas. The flood water overtopped the Dam of Teesta V Power Station (510 MW). All connecting roads to the project sites as well as parts of the residential colony have been severely damaged. Presently, the power station is under shutdown and not generating electricity. NHPC has timely evacuated manpower from all its projects and ensured that they are shifted to safer places. However, one casualty was reported from the Teesta V power station. Ongoing works of under construction hydro project Teesta VI (500 MW) of NHPC have also been disrupted. The flood water had entered the powerhouse and transformer cavern. Bridges connecting the right and left banks at the barrage as well as the Power House have also been washed out. Sikkim Govt Asks Centres Help Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang wrote to the prime minister, and sought necessary support, especially for areas that needed immediate intervention. The flood destroyed 11 bridges in the state, of which eight bridges were washed away in Mangan district alone. Two bridges were destroyed in Namchi and one in Gangtok. Water pipelines, sewage lines and 277 houses, both kuchcha and concrete, have been destroyed in the four affected districts. About 10,000 people have been affected by the calamity in the Mangan district, while 6,895 people were affected in Pakyong, 2,579 in Namchi and 2,570 people in Gangtok. The Central Government has, meanwhile, assured all possible help to the Government of Sikkim. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has approved the release of both the installments of Central Share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Sikkim, amounting to Rs 44.80 crore in advance, for the year 2023-24, to help the State in providing relief measures to the affected people. Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), which will visit the affected areas of the state shortly. (With PTI Inputs) The Verkhovna Rada on Friday supported at the final reading the bill (No. 10038) on amendments to the state budget 2023, which increased its expenses by UAH 317.1 billion, including UAH 302.6 billion of additional funding allocated for the security and defense sector, and the main source will be an increase in government borrowing by UAH 290.7 billion. "After 11.5 hours of "intellectual discussions" (with zero results because there were no significant changes in the bill), we adopted at the final reading the bill on the state budget 2023, which allocates UAH 303 billion for defense needs," the head of the budget committee, Roksolana Pidlasa, wrote on Facebook after considering about a thousand amendments to the document. Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko, during the presentation of the draft state budget, emphasized: the additional resource of more than UAH 300 billion, which is planned to be allocated to the military campaign, is the result of support for business, taxpayers and the placement of war bonds. "No dollar/euro of international assistance can be directed to the military. Therefore, changes to the state budget are extremely necessary, because the military needs funds right now. The volume of additional expenses will ensure financing of the critical needs of the security forces," he said in parliament. In particular, the Ministry of Finance said, UAH 224.5 billion will be additionally allocated for the payment of allowances to military personnel, UAH 78.1 billion - for the purchase of special equipment, military equipment and food supply for the military, payment of utilities and other necessary expenses. For the Ministry of Defense expenses will increase by UAH 211 billion, for the Ministry of Internal Affairs - by UAH 79.2 billion, for the Security Service of Ukraine - by UAH 4.2 billion, for the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense - by UAH 2.5 billion, for the Foreign Intelligence Service - by UAH 0.5 billion, for the state security department - by UAH 0.2 billion and the Ministry of Strategic Industry - by UAH 4.4 billion for the implementation of defense industry development programs, the Administration of the State Special Communications - UAH 0.6 billion. Funding for the material and technical equipment of the newly created units of the National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and National Police is also provided. In addition, the Ministry of Finance said, an additional UAH 16.5 billion will be allocated to provide social benefits to internally displaced persons, and UAH 552.8 million will be allocated to purchase textbooks for schools. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleging that the DMK regime has encroached temples in the state and dismissed the accusation as a lie. Addressing an event in Chennai on Thursday to mark the culmination of year-long events to mark the 200th birth anniversary of saint Vallalar (1823-1874), Stalin said the reformist saints preaching is the need of the hour. Without naming anyone, the chief minister, also president of the ruling DMK said a group of people were trying to gain political mileage by misusing spiritualism. However, the Tamil Nadu people are strong in reasoning and they could easily differentiate between politics and spiritualism. When some are attempting to confuse people, Vallalars wisdom is the key to address the matter. The chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged in his Telangana poll campaign two days ago that the DMK government has encroached Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu and indulged in irregularities vis-a-vis the properties and income of the shrines. I categorically deny this allegation and convey my strong condemnation to the Prime Minister. Blaming a Tamil daily for publishing the lie uttered by the Prime Minister, he demanded to know how Narendra Modi, who holds a responsible and high office in the nation could level such a wrong and defamatory allegation. Also, Stalin asked if it was fair to make such a comment in another state. The chief minister wondered about the necessity for Modi to make such a comment and sought to know on whose behalf the prime minister spoke. Stalin asked if the Tamil Nadu government retrieving over Rs 3,500 crore worth properties of temples (in the past two years after assuming office) in the state was wrong. Please tell me, is this wrong? we have held consecration ceremonies for 1,000 temples; is this wrong? Work is on, at a cost of Rs 100 crore, to refurbish 112 historic temples that are 1,000 year old. Is this wrong? he asked. Also, renovation work for 5,078 temples including 1,250 shrines in areas where SCs and STs live and 1,250 village temples are set to be taken up in this financial year alone. Is this wrong? What is wrong according to the PM? he asked. The flaw is with the prime minister and as far as the DMK regime is concerned, it is committed to the common good and the goal of everything for everyone. To mark such a vision, Stalin said the 17-acre new bus terminus, to be set up in Cuddalore, would be named after Vallalar. The Vallalar event was held by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the state government. The Delhi Police Special Cells probe into news portal NewsClick has unearthed a complex web of alleged transactions with Chinese entities and its reported global agents. NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and HR head Amit Chakravarty were arrested on October 3 in connection with the alleged funding to the NewsClick from China to peddle fake narrative about the central government. CNN-News18 has accessed the First Information Report (FIR). Prima facie, the investigators claim that the Communist Party of China-linked telecom companies have routed funds to NewsClick subsidiaries through shell companies. The FIR suggests that the money was routed in exchange for favours. HOW THE MONEY WAS PUMPED IN: WHAT THE FIR SAYS The FIR claims that telecom majors such as Xiaomi and Vivo among others used a number of shell companies to pump crores of rupees into peoples dispatch portal, which is allegedly run by NewsClick. According to the FIR, the funds were used to support an organisation called Legal Community Network set up by the accused to defend Chinese telecom companies facing cases in Indian courts. The FIR also claims that Neville Singham, who has been described in the global press as a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agent living in Shanghai, used a number of shell companies to pump in crores into NewsClick. The FIR states that NewsClick is owned by Prabir Purkayastha and Gautam Navlakha, who are involved in the Maoist movement and have links to Ghulam Nabi Fai, who was tried in the United States on charges of being an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent". The police also claim that the money was handed to NewsClick to misprepresent Indias case on Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir. Secondly, to finance the farmers protest that the police claimed caused great economic loss to India. The FIR also claims the funds were used by NewsClick to spread disinformation about Indias response to the Covid-19 crisis to shake public confidence in the pharma industry, and to sabotage the 2019 polls. All this, the investigators claim, is a bid to undermine Indias national security and therefore attracts the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) charge. The investigators will have to convince the courts of the charges at a later date by tracing the funds back to Singham and Chinese telecom majors. They will also have to establish that the money was secreted away and used for the allegedly diabolic purposes that NewsClick is charged with. IS SINGHAM A CHINESE AGENT? The big question is whether Singham is a Chinese agent as is often claimed. Here are the claims about Singham made in a special investigation by the NYTimes, which he has not challenged: Singham is part of a lavishly funded campaign to defend China He works closely with the Chinese media and finances propaganda He has collaborations with Chinese universities for spy ops Develops online content with the Chinese propaganda department Disseminates pro-China content in multiple languages Is a regular at Chinese Communist Party fora. NEWSCLICKs DEFENCE NewsClicks lawyer Kapil Sibal has demanded that the courts quash the probe related to his clients. The court has, as of Friday, not granted any immediate relief to the accused. Sibal sought relief on the grounds that Purkayastha was taken to a magistrate at 6am and that he was not informed about it. Sibal said that the grounds for arrest have not been given to him, as mandated by the Supreme Court. He also added that the arrest was illegal as it violates the high courts rules for access to counsel. Sibal claimed that the remand order was passed without hearing his response. The Delhi High Court on Friday deferred the hearing to October 9. CONGRESSS ATTACK However, even as the matter is sub-judice and under investigation, the Congress began needling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, linking him to the CCP. In a post on X, the partys general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh asked his followers to ask themselves who is actually supported by China in the country. The post read: Mr. Modi has met Xi 20 times, including sitting on a jhoola with him. Mr. Modi gave the Chinese a clean chit publicly on the issue of border transgressions on June 19, 2020. Mr. Modi allowed PM Cares Fund to take crores of donations from Chinese companies. Mr. Modis BFF has a Chinese national undertaking money laundering and round-tripping of funds. So who is really controlled by foreign powers?" HARD FACTS ON HOW IT DIDNT INFLUENCE NDAs DECISION-MAKING Here are some hard facts that suggest that even though some Chinese telecom majors may have poured funds into the PM Cares funds, it didnt influence National Democratic Alliances (NDA) decision-making towards China. If you are suffering from frequent headaches, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and high fever, do not be complacent. Thats because cases of dengue are on the rise in Uttar Pradesh. Over 9,000 cases have been recorded this season and the count is going up. The UP government has launched a drive to combat the dengue menace and adopted several other measures, but the efforts are yet to bring change to the grim scenario. Many of the patients have tested positive for the DEN-2 variantone of the fast-multiplying strains of dengue. Recently, officials sent over 40 samples from the Gautam Buddh Nagar for genome sequencing and all tested positive for DEN-2. UP has witnessed at least 8 deaths and more than 9,000 cases of dengue this season. With more than 690 cases reported, Gautam Buddh Nagar (GBN) tops the list of districts where the spread of dengue is alarmingly high. So far GBN has recorded 699 cases of dengue, which is higher than any other district in the state, a health department official told News18. Recently we sent around 45 cases from GBN for genome sequencing and surprisingly all tested positive for DEN-2 strain. In total, around 250 samples from different districts of UP were sent for genome sequencing out of which around 150 tested positive for DEN-2 strain. We are sending more samples in order to ascertain the strain of the dengue which will help in planning medication accordingly, said a senior health officer. GBN is followed by Ghaziabad, which stood in second place when it comes to the number of dengue cases, at 690. As per the data from the health department, the district recorded 901 cases in 2022, a total of 1,238 cases in 2021, and 88 cases in 2019. With around 650 dengue cases reported, and one death, Lucknow stood third, confirmed Ritu Srivastava, district malaria officer, health department, UP. Officials with the health department said that the posh areas of the state capital are the worst affected, and strangely, in the densely populated parts, the effect of dengue is comparatively less. As per the data from the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control, ministry of health and family welfare, Government of India, in the year 2022, UP witnessed around 19,821 cases and at least 33 deaths. In 2021, UP witnessed 29,750 cases and 29 deaths. And in 2020, the state recorded 3,715 cases and 5 deaths. Dr Deepa Tyagi, director general in the health department of UP, told News18 that the team of doctors works round the clock to combat dengue. Since dengue generally attains its peak in the months of September and October, we have taken several measures to combat it. One of the biggest initiatives is that we have created a control room and have linked all the hospitals to it, making them all live through the CCTV cameras. Personally, I am monitoring all the hospitals and from here we can check each and every hospital in the state and ensure that the hospitals are equipped with all basic facilities and are attending to the patients well. We are checking if the states hospitals are equipped with beds or not, if the staff is attending to the patients or not, or if there are adequate numbers of beds available or not. This is all we can monitor directly, she said. Dr Tyagi also said that they have increased surveillance, launched a unified portal, and distributed the password to all the pathology labs in order to ensure real-time monitoring of the dengue figures. In any case reported, the CMOs of different districts may take necessary measures to keep a check on the dengue outbreak in their respective areas. Other than this, we have also increased the number of blood collection counters at the OPDs, have laid down the admission criterion, have introduced active management of beds, and have deputed counsellors to counsel suspected dengue patients, she added. Africa, often considered the worlds oldest inhabited continent, has long grappled with the legacy of colonialism and development challenges. Data from the World Atlas reveals that Africa has the lowest GDP per capita of just $1,809 compared to the world average of $10,300. The continents economic landscape remains predominantly agricultural, with two-thirds of the working-age population employed in the sector, contributing 20% to 60% of the GDP in African nations, as reported by National Geographic. Political instability, civil conflicts, terrorism, piracy, and fragile states have characterised Africas recent history. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) identified Africa as the most conflict-ridden continent, mapping 520 non-state armed conflicts in 28 different African countries between 1989 and 2013. A significant portion of these conflicts, 406 to be precise, emanated from just six countries: Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accounting for over 60,000 fatalities or 76% of total conflict-related casualties. SIGNS OF CHANGE However, Africa is now displaying signs of positive change. ACLED data indicates a decline in the number of non-state armed conflicts and fatalities in recent years. Reflecting this trend, the continent as a whole exhibits promising prospects for substantial economic growth. Africa is rich in energy and mineral resources, with 30% of the worlds mineral reserves, 12% of oil reserves, and 8% of natural gas reserves, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. The continent boasts the worlds largest reserves of cobalt, diamonds, platinum, and uranium, along with 90% of chromium and platinum reserves and 40% of gold reserves. African nations have come together to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the worlds largest free trade zone, which officially commenced its first phase in January 2021. AfCFTA aims to create a single continental market comprising 55 countries with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. Although Africas economies are projected to contract by 1.4% due to the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, STATISTA data analysis anticipates significant growth, with African GDP projected to increase from $2.449 trillion in 2020 to $4.288 trillion in 2027, a remarkable 75% surge. The increase in real GDP growth has led to an uptick in defence expenditures among major economies. While Africas military spending remains modest in a global context, it surpasses the world average by a significant margin in most African countries. Post-Cold War, per capita military expenditure worldwide increased by approximately 26%, but in Africa, it surged by 30%, says an (MP-IDSA) analysis. Data from the World Bank and the SIPRI Military Expenditure Database illustrate the rising trend in military expenditure among major African economies and the continent as a whole. African defence expenditure climbed from $33.2 billion to $43.2 billion, marking a 28.6% increase from 2010 to 2020, with Africa experiencing the highest growth in military expenditure in 2020 at 5.1%, followed by Europe (4%), the Americas (3.9%), and Asia and Oceania (2.5%). Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Algeria, even the Middle East and Sub-Saharan African countries, all are expected to see defence budgets going up. Despite its historical challenges, Africa, with stabilising nations, burgeoning economies, and increased military spending aimed at securing national interests and combating insurgent groups and non-state actors, is emerging as a promising defence market. Indias move to institutionalise the IADD is a strategic step in this direction. INDIAS OBJECTIVES AND AFRICAN COLLABORATION Indias initial defence export target is indicative of its moderate aspirations, with a goal of reaching $5 billion by 2025. The African continent has the potential to significantly contribute to achieving or even surpassing this target. A recent research report from Indias Exim Bank suggests that India has already emerged as the leading defence exporter to countries such as Mauritius, Mozambique, and Seychelles between 2017 and 2021. These three nations collectively accounted for 13.9% of Indias arms exports during this period. The report advocates for India to become a central hub for African countries marine, aerospace, and defence needs, stressing empowerment through training, capacity building, and humanitarian assistance over a purely needs-based approach. THE GLOBAL SOUTH EDGE India has emerged as one of the leading voices of the Global South, taking a leadership position, and it directly correlates with our relations with the nations on the worlds second-largest trans-continental group with African nations as its part. Recently, India successfully pushed for the inclusion of the African Union (AU) into the G20 group. G20 is one of the most powerful blocs of 19 countries and the European Union. It together represents 85% of the worlds GDP and 75% of the global trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to G20 leaders in June 2023 for it. He proposed the idea of giving the AU full membership of G20 during the Delhi Summit in September. Subsequently, on September 9, AU was admitted into the group, taking the count to 21 members. India shares historical ties with many nations of the African continent. The Indian impact is deeply rooted there and grew over the centuries with Indian indentured labourers being sent to many African countries during the colonial times. Mahatma Gandhi, architect of Indias freedom movement, began his journey from an African nation only, South Africa. INDIAS CURRENT OUTREACH Indias current approach follows a similar path, and defence agreements are not going to be an exception. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visits to South Africa, Rwanda, and Uganda in 2018, underscored his governments commitment to transforming the African continent into a defence partner. India has institutionalised its defence dialogue with the nations of the African continent and held the second edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) as part of the DefExpo 2022. The country stresses new areas of convergence for defence engagements, including capacity building, training, cybersecurity, maritime security, and counterterrorism, as highlighted by defence minister Rajnath Singh, recently. He stressed, We do not believe in making or becoming a client or satellite state. When we partner with any nation, it is based on sovereign equality and mutual respect. Forging relations comes naturally to India as we work towards mutual economic development. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will on Saturday visit Uttarakhand where he will pay obeisance at the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples, officials said. The chief minister will arrive at Kedarpuri on Saturday afternoon and spend the night at the GMVN guest house there, Rudraprayags Additional Information Officer Rati Lal said on Friday. Adityanath will proceed for Badrinath around 8.30 am on Sunday, Lal added. The officer said that preparations are being made at both temples in view of the chief ministers visit. Adityanath originally hails from Uttarakhands Pauri district. A joint training was carried out by the snipers of Indian and US Armies at Alaska before closing exercise Yudh Abhyas. Indian envoy to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu also visited the exercise area to attend the closing ceremony. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Indian envoy said he was delighted to witness the actions of the Indian Army and the US Army soldiers at Exercise Yudh Abhyas in Alaska. Deepening Defense Partnership! Wonderful to witness #IndianArmy@ADGPI and @USArmy soldiers in action at Exercise #YudhAbhyas in Alaska. Thank @USARPAC @11thAirborneDiv for hosting troops, he tweeted. Based in Alaska, the 11th Airborne Division is an airborne formation of the US Army. The Indian and US Armies carried out a joint tactical exercise in Alaska last week as part of the ongoing exercise Yudh Abhyas. News agency ANI quoted the Indian Army officials as saying on Friday that the two armies carried out field training drills in Alaska. The exercise included exchanging the best practices, enhancing interoperability and strengthening the bond between the Armies of the two countries. The mega exercise was conducted amid a renewed push by both New Delhi and Washington to expand the overall scope of the India-US global strategic partnership. The Indian Army contingent comprised 350 personnel participated in the 19th edition of exercise Yudh Abhyas at Alaskas Fort Wainwright. It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the US Army. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in Auli, Uttarakhand in November last year. The exercise involved 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 exercise Yudh Abhyas-23 will facilitate both armies to mutually learn from each other and further strengthen the bonds between the two armies, the Indian Army had said in an official statement. (with PTI inputs) Celebrated TV and Bollywood actress Mouni Roy, renowned for her stellar performances in hits like Naagin and Brahmastra, chose the romantic allure of Paris to ring in her birthday. Skipping the typical touristy itinerary, Mouni embraced an immersive Parisian experience during her travel, opting to stay at a charming Airbnb Home that let her truly live like a local to experience the essence of Parisian culture and explore the citys charm first hand while also enjoying the utmost comfort and relaxation. Mouni dazzled her Instagram followers with a captivating reel of her stylish Airbnb, offering a glimpse into her Parisian getaway. Nestled in the elegant 8th arrondissement, her Airbnb sits within a classic Haussmannian building on the esteemed rue du Commandant Riviere. This exceptional apartment, with its three beautifully decorated bedrooms, captures the very essence of the districts authentic charm, plunging guests directly into the heart of the citys cultural vibrancy, In her journey to live Paris authentically, Mouni didnt just stay like a local she dined like one too. Embarking on a culinary adventure, she indulged in genuine French gastronomy. If youre in Paris and want to enjoy the best food Paris has to offer, here are Mounis top picks! Have a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe George VNestled at the base of the majestic Arc de Triomphe, Cafe George V has a charming ambiance and delectable culinary options. When there, you must order a croque-monsieur and a creme brulee if you have a sweet tooth. Visit La Jacobine for an authentic French lunchFor a delightful lunch in the heart of Paris, make your way to La Jacobine. Tucked away in a picturesque corner of the Latin Quarter, this charming bistro offers a quintessential French dining experience. The ambiance at La Jacobine feels like a warm embrace, inviting you to soak up the Parisien atmosphere and refuel for your day ahead. Mouni especially recommends its savory crepes and refreshing salads! Indulge in International flavours at FerdisFerdis is a chic and cozy restaurant located a few blocks away from the world-famous Louvre, and serves the best burgers in the city. Ferdis promises an unforgettable journey through French and international flavours and is a must visit in Paris! Cap off your day in Paris with a visit to enchanting Little Red DoorSituated in the heart of the third arrondissement of Paris, Little Red Door is a universe of cocktails and flavors. Included in the Worlds 50 Best Bars in 2022, Little Red Doors menus are inspired by creativity of the Marais district it resides in, and by art, flavor perception, and social science. The Little Red Door is the perfect way to cap off an eventful day in Paris with its tantalizing and inventive cocktails! Talking about her vacation, Roy says, Paris has always occupied a special place in my heart, with its timeless charm the winding streets, the quaint cafes, the rich tapestry of art and culture, and, of course, the fashion. Thats precisely why I decided to celebrate my birthday here with my loved ones. Our days were filled with shopping sprees, culinary adventures, and explorations. The sense of feeling at home, even miles away from it, was unparalleled. Staying at our Airbnb allowed me to truly dive into the Parisian way of life. The warmth, comfort, and hospitality of our stay added to the relaxation, making my holiday even more memorable. I eagerly look forward to my next visit! It is a surreal experience for actor Allu Arjun to get a wax statue of himself at the prestigious Madame Tussauds in Dubai. Though theres time for the statue to be revealed to the public, the Pushpa fame recently visited the Museum and expressed his feelings about the addition of his wax figure. On Thursday, the museum also gave fans a sneak peek of his visit in a short clip via X. Looking dapper in a two-piece crisp suit, Allu Arjun layered his formal look with a black t-shirt underneath, statement formal boots, and matching sunglasses. The shared footage begins with the Telugu heartthrob stepping out of his swanky ride and greeting the Museum officials. Posing for the camera, the clip moves on to show multiple of his close-up takes without revealing any hint about the statue to keep the curiosity building among his fandom. At one point, Allu Arjun also picks an eye sample to click a funny photograph while a member of the museum staff appears to be measuring his face. In a way, its a very surreal experience because as a kid when I went to Madame Tussauds, I never imagined that I would see myself as a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, he said in the video. The X page of Madame Tussauds Dubai heaped praises on the actors latest achievement while sharing the video online. National Award winner; the first Telugu Actor in 69 years to win this award and icon of dance moves, the one and only Allu Arjun is all set to come face to face with his wax twin at Madame Tussauds Dubai later this year, they wrote. Take a look at it here: National Award winner; the first Telugu Actor in 69 years to win this award and icon of dance moves, the one and only Allu Arjun is all set to come face to face with his wax twin at Madame Tussauds Dubai later this year.Stay tuned for an event like never before #alluarjun pic.twitter.com/ePHhfvWfru Madame Tussauds Dubai (@Tussauds_Dubai) October 5, 2023 On the work front, Allu Arjun is gearing up to reprise his titular role of gangster Pushpa in the second installment of the action-drama film series. Directed by Sukumar, the movie features Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead while Fahadh Faasil plays the main antagonist. The production of the movie has already gone on the floor and the bejewelled character poster of Pushpa in a saree has raised anticipation surrounding the film to a whole new level. With murderous rage in his eyes, a painted Allu Arjun wields a gun in his hands in the previously teased poster. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline) Pushpa: The Rule is scheduled to hit theatres in August 2024. Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan gathered attention after he announced his directorial debut with a web series titled Stardom. Well, nothing much has been shared about it but recently a fresh update came in that Mona Singh will be part of the series. Bollywood Hungama in its exclusive report has claimed that she has already completed one schedule of shooting for the series. According to the report, which tags a well-placed source, says, Yes, Mona Singh does feature in the show. In fact, she has already begun shooting for the same. Currently, she has finished one schedule of the shoot. When asked the source for details of her role, he added, Currently nothing much is known. Given the fact that Shah Rukh Khans son is making his directorial debut, all eyes are on the Aaryan Khan directorial. Thanks to this, Aaryan is keeping a tight leash on the production when it comes to details being revealed. The report also mentions that Stardom will have cameo appearances by Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar, and Bobby Deol. The aptly titled web series will showcase the challenges and behind-the-scenes nitty-gritty of the Indian film industry. The story revolves around the lives of budding, young actors wanting to make it big in Bollywood. The gritty drama, interspersed with humour, will show how they juggle their ambitions with their personal lives, trying to attain a balance. Lakshya Lalwani is reportedly playing the lead in the show. According to reports by Harpers Bazaar Arabia, actor Ranbir Kapoor has already shot the opening scene and director Karan Johar has also finished filming his part. Mirroring his real-life profession, he will be playing the role of a director. Actor Ranveer Singh will also reportedly make a cameo appearance. The Times of India had earlier reported that the web series will feature six episodes and will be produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan. A release date is yet to be revealed by the makers. The web series will reportedly be available on Netflix by the end of the year. The series will also feature Gautami Kapoor, who is known for her roles in television serials like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Qubool Hai. Marathi actress Mitali Mayekar has been missing from the screen for quite some time. The film and TV actress, who perfectly juggles movie and TV assignments was last seen in the Marathi film Hashtag Prem in 2021. But staying away from the screen does not mean that her fans do not get to see enough of her. Mitali is an avid social media user and keeps posting photos and videos on her handle from time to time. She is also an avid traveller and mostly goes to places that are close to nature, such that she describes herself as a nature communicator in her About me section on her handle. She was in Dubai a few days back, and then immediately flew to Spain. Currently, she is in Bali. Shes not just having fun while on vacation here but is also teasing her fans by posting her boldest photos ever. The actress posted some images of herself ocean surfing. Two pictures of her in a bikini, one with her holding the surfboard in her hand by the beach, and another with her surfing, with the setting sun on the horizon, look extremely picturesque. The images are from the Canggu resort village on the south coast of the Indonesian island of Bali. Her photos have garnered a mixed reaction from her followers. While many have appreciated both her beauty and her photography skills, there are many who are trolling her for degrading Marathi culture by sporting a bikini. Some even tried to body shame her. On the other hand, her supporters said that she had the right to wear absolutely anything she wanted and requested Mitali to lend a deaf ear to such blatant trolling. Mitali has earlier responded to trolls on her page and it remains to be seen if she does the same this time as well. Mitali had started her career by starring as Irrfan Khans daughter in the Hindi film Billu. Sumy Mayor Oleksandr Lysenko, who was exposed when receiving a bribe, has been released from the pre-trial detention center after posting a bail of UAH 3 million as an alternative to detention, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) told Interfax-Ukraine. "A bail of UAH 3 million has been posted for the suspect," it said on Friday. As reported, on October 2, 2023, the mayor of Sumy and the head of the department were caught red-handed immediately after receiving the third tranche of the agreed funds UAH 1.43 million. The officials demanded a bribe for resolving the issue of setting by the executive committee of Sumy City Council for a legal entity a new economically justified tariff for the management of household waste and not creating artificial obstacles in the implementation of economic activities by the enterprise. The actions of the officials were qualified under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. On October 3, law enforcement officers notified Sumy mayor of suspicion. On October 5, the HACC chose a measure of restraint for him in the form of detention with the possibility of posting bail in the amount of UAH 3 million. Mission Raniganj Movie Review: A rescue thriller, Mission Raniganj chronicles the story of how Additional Chief Mining Engineer Jaswant Singh Gill (played by Akshay Kumar) along with his team evacuates 65 mine workers from a flooded coal mine in Raniganj, West Bengal, in 1989. It is the story of how a brave heart rescued the miners when almost everyone had given up on the thought of their survival. Gill and his team faced numerous challenges and hurdles during the rescue operation which went on for three days, but they eventually succeeded in their mission, making it one of the bravest rescue operations in the country. Such a fantastic, riveting plot based on a true story, but its sad to see director Tinu Suresh Desai succumb to the lazy tropes of Hindi films. There is no need for a song right at the start of the film. Scenes giving a sense of the disorder and destruction lack the dramatic punch. Like his protagonist, Desai is better with dialogue than action. He deftly shows what happens when you cram too many people in a small space. Tempers flare, compassion kicks in, and despite all of it united we stand. But Desais execution is inexplicable. The director has a talented primary cast in place, but the production design and VFX departments appear too weak. His poor direction coupled with a screenplay by Vipul K Rawal that urgently required more thought, results in a silly, tacky, confusing film. As critics, we often complain about the slow pacing of the films. In Mission Raniganjs case, the first half is which mostly explains the entire structure of the mines, moving at the neck break speed. A great deal happens on the screen and rather than explaining to the audience, it just leaves them confused. The operation required the involvement of scores of minds at the top and the bottom of Coal India and the Indian government, but the film claims that one and only one man was responsible. That is not to say that Mission Raniganj has no redeeming features at all. It does. By far the best thing about the film is its surprisingly uncluttered storytelling in the second half. The film picks up pace in the second half and that is where all the action happens. Less talk and more action are always the best policy when a film flies into a haze. Desai finally manages to redeem the film and fashions a taut, engaging thriller out of an incident that would, on paper, appear to be more worthy of a documentary. The film turns the real-life story into a one-man mission, but we do see other players. Theres the committed senior mining officer (Kumud Mishra), who works tirelessly alongside Gill sifting through government procedures and pleading within the company to get things going. Pawan Malhotra as T P Bindal, a jugadu who has a welding workshop is first-rate. Dibyendu Bhattacharya is appropriately annoying as the cantankerous mining officer who is against this rescue mission due to internal politics. But Mission Raniganj, expectedly, rests on Akshay Kumars shoulders, and he underplays the heroism beautifully, bringing quiet but steely resolve to the character, even delivering the stray note of humor almost conversationally. Theres almost none of his starry baggage in this performance, which easily counts among his best. On the other hand, Parineeti Chopra who plays his wife (Nirdosh Gill) doesnt have any screen time and hardly has anything to do in the film. Ravi Kishen, Inaamulhaq, and Jameel Khan among others who play the miners are decent. There are logical loopholes, but for the most part human tragedy is always the focus. Even as it raises the patriotism card it restrains itself from stooping to melodrama. It could have been taut and more gripping, but it still works because ultimately its all about the story, which is often set aside in Bollywood. It is a story of human triumph which has been narrated well. It is an engaging experience that will resonate emotionally with the audience. Paradise Movie Review: One of the most gripping dramas I have seen in recent times, Sri Lankan auteur Prasanna Vithanages Paradise is an incisive study of the island nations complex social and linguistic divides. Probably, the directors most engaging work in his basket that has an array of socio-political cinematic analyses. Paradise to be screened at the ongoing Busan International Film Festival is a sad reflection on how the three-decade long civil strife hit societal dynamics in Sri Lanka. Though the ethnic war ended over a decade ago, the embers from the flame are still visibly hot. An extremely sensitive helmer, Vithanages movies are subtle and soft much like the man himself. Yet, beneath this lies a power-packed mind that misses nothing and never hesitates to call a spade a spade. In what appears like an irony of sorts, Vithanage who has written the story and co-scripted it with Anushka Senanayake titles his work Paradise. But if one were to scratch the surface, it would be clear that here was a divinely beautifully island where Paradise may have been well lost. And this works at many levels: a couple who arrive in the country to celebrate five years of togetherness; a police force that is dominated by the majority Sinhala and; a downtrodden minority Tamil race whose battle for rights was fought by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. In a tightly knit plot, we see Amritha (Darshana Rajendran) and her husband, Kesav (Roshan Mathew) arriving in Sri Lanka just a couple of months after the administration had declared bankruptcy in June 2022. There were protests, fuel shortages, electricity outages and a deep sense of sorrow and helplessness. In the beginning, Amritha and Kesav appear untouched by all these; they are tourists from India, and visitors from other countries have been revered on the island, because they brought in some money to keep the countrys economy moving, however ploddingly that may have been. Their ecstasy crashes when thieves break into their hotel room and escape with their laptop computers and mobile phones, and without these the two find themselves utterly incapable of carrying out their work. In fact, Kesav had just landed a huge contract and their celebration with Champagne (maybe caviar too) turns bitter. Guided by their driver, Andrew (Shyam Fernando), the two go the police where a sour-looking sergeant, Bandara, (Mahendra Perera) offers to help nab the culprits after initial reluctance. He lines up a few men, and Kesav identifies one as the man who broke into their room. Amritha is not sure, and is even more uncertain that her husband is right. Are you sure she asks him. Yes, his confidence seems not just unreal, but unethical. How could he have recognised the thief when his face was masked and the room was dark. Bandara is happy, because the man in question is a Tamil, and Vithanage very subtly introduces the sense of deep deep distrust, even hatred, the two communities have for each other. Paradise has been very well crafted with smart editing by Sreekar Prasad and captivating photography by Rajeev Ravi. What is more, the climax driven by an unexpected twist adds a kind of drama that no viewer is going to forget for a long time. Performances are uniformly good, though Darshana is superb revealing her pain and frustration watching her husbands heartless cruelty. She looks horrified when she watches him shoot at protestors outside their hotel, and even stops him from shooting a deer for food. Shyam Fernando and Mahendra Perera are impressive as well, playing their parts with a sense authenticity. A theatrical screening of Paradise is being planned in India, and should not be missed. Sanjana Sanghi of Dil Bechara fame is currently on a roll. The actress is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Dhak Dhak on October 13. Her fans are in for a treat as they will get to witness the actress riding a bike in Dhak Dhak alongside Fatima Sana Sheikh, Dia Mirza and veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah. As fans eagerly await the trailer for her upcoming film, Dhak Dhak, Sanjana has already filled their hearts with excitement by sharing another impressive piece of news. Sanjana is currently in Turkey shooting something super thrilling. Expressing her excitement, the actress took to her social media and shared, Currently in Istanbul for a hot second, shooting something super fun. Cannot wait to share more of what weve been up to here with you all! #Gratitude #NomadLife View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjana Sanghi (@sanjanasanghi96) In one photo, the actress looked gorgeous as she sported a denin-on-denim look and posed on the citys busy streets. In another photo, Sanjana was seen taking in the citys beauty from her car as she looked chic in a black leather jacket and black pants combo. She also shared photos of Istanbuls breathtaking cityscape. One person wrote in the comments section, How cool are you, I am your fan since the movie is Dil Bechara . Another person added, Super cool. One fan of the actress wrote, Superb . One person wrote, I love you so much . Another fan commented, So so so so so beautiful looking are you . While fans are enthralled and cannot wait to see more of Sanjana from her Istanbul shoot diaries, the actress also has an interesting project lined up opposite Pankaj Tripathi, titled Kadak Singh slated to be released by the end of this year. The actress was last seen in the 2022 film Rashtra Kavach OM alongside Aditya Roy Kapur and Jackie Shroff. Days after Siddharths Chikku event in Bengaluru was forced to cancel, the actor has now said that the incident was disappointing. During a recent press conference, Siddharth mentioned that nobody had any legal right to disrupt his films event and clarified that there was no Bandh on the day when the event was being held. There was no bandh on September 28. We booked and paid money for a private auditorium to hold our press conference that day. All of a sudden, a few people came inside, and you all saw what happened there after that. Many lies were being spread that, for our selfish interests, we kept the press conference on a day when there was a bandh in Bengaluru. Nothing like that happened. There was no bandh that day. The bandh happened the next day. Nobody had any legal reason to stop my work that day. We truly did not do anything wrong, Siddharth said as quoted by India Today. The reason why I didnt speak about that incident until now is because, instead of talking about Chithha, which is one of the best films I have worked on in my life, you are asking me about unrelated things as your first question. Im very disappointed because of that. Im speaking about it today since this is a press conference and all of you asked me about it, the actor added. Siddharth was recently promoting his movie Chikku in Bengaluru when members of an alleged pro-Kannada group disrupted the event and created a ruckus. Reportedly, they stopped the event midway and asked the actor to cancel it. As reported by the news agency ANI, the members told Siddharth that it is not the right time for him to promote his movie as Karnataka is battling over the Cauvery water with Tamil Nadu. As a result, even before Siddharth could address the media and talk about his films, he had to walk out of the press conference. Back in 2013, when Jiah Khan died, a six-page suicide note purportedly penned by her was recovered. The letter narrated her intimate relationship, physical abuse, and mental and physical torture allegedly at the hands of Sooraj which let her to take the decision. Post which, Sooraj Pancholi was mired in controversies and it was only in 2023, this year that he was given a clean chit in the case almost after 10 years. The actor who also recently admitted that he is in a relationship with someone, shared whether he discussed the case with them. During a conversation with Siddarth Kannan, the actor was asked about Sheezan Khan, who was previously arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of his co-star Tunisha Sharma, the actor made it clear that media trials doesnt determine or make one vary of love, I dont think so, I believe in love. I have fallen in love even after that (Jiah Khan case), he stated. The actor went on to add that in his current relationship, they didnt discuss about the Jiah Khan case. He revealed, Not so long, but I have been in a relationship, just not that long. We have never spoken about it (his past). There is no need to Thats why everyone looks for a partner, right? It was earlier this year when a special CBI court acquitted actor Sooraj Pancholi, who was accused of abetting the suicide of his then-girlfriend and actor Jiah Khan, citing paucity of evidence. On June 3, 2013, Jiah was found dead at her Juhu home in Mumbai. She was 25. Based on a letter seized a week later, purportedly written by her, Mumbai Police had booked Sooraj under section 306 (abetment to suicide) and arrested him. He was later released on bail. In one of his earlier interviews, Sooraj Pancholi had revealed that Jiah Khan was his shortest relationship. He had also spilled beans on his current relationship status. While speaking with ETimes, Sooraj Pancholi shared, I think my relationship with Jiah was probably the shortest relationship I have had. After that, I have been in one relationship and its been about seven years now, and it is beautiful. Theres nothing in the world that can match up to the feeling of being in love, being taken care of, and doing the same for the other person. For me, this relationship its very personal because many have judged me unfairly as a bad lover or partner, but only those close to me know how I am. The general perception is misconstrued. He also suggested that he might get married to this person in a few years. Sooraj stated, She is not an actress and hence, I wouldnt want to divulge her identity. Besides, I prefer to keep my relationship private because so much about me is out there already. DISCLAIMER: This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata). Popular Hollywood actor Tom Holland, most known for playing Peter Parker aka Spiderman in Marvels superhero films, once shot a BuzzFeed video interview featuring adorable puppies. The video broke the internet with its cuteness and left fans in awe globally. Now, Tom Holland is set to break the internet again with his recent post with puppies, this time also including his girlfriend Zendaya. Tom took to Instagram on Friday and shared a bunch of photos from his visit to an NGOs dog shelter. In the photos, Tom, dressed in a hazmat suit, was seen playing with the adorable puppies that the NGO took care of. In another photo, his girlfriend and co-star Zendaya was seen cradling an adorable little pup in her arms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Holland (@tomholland2013) Tom captioned the post, Puppies, and tagged Battersea, an NGO for cats and dogs. Fans of the actors swarmed to the comments section to express their awe. One fan wrote, I will never get tired of Tom x Puppies content. Another person commented, We are definitely being blessed with Tomdaya content this week and I love it. Another comment read, Idk why but the last pic where Zendaya is holding a puppy is so cute. Another person added, Take them all home . One fan wrote, The last picture is like a proud mum looking at their baby after birth. Another fan commented, The puppy sleeping in Zendayas arms. Another person wrote, Aww, this is the cutest post I have seen today . One comment read, Tom Holland and Zendaya with puppies is literally the cutest thing in the world. Meanwhile, on the work front, Tom Holland was last seen in Spiderman: No Way Home and Uncharted. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what he has next in the pipeline. He will reportedly be seen in American performer Fred Astaires biopic made by Sony. Varun Dhawan, Tiger Shroff, Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, and other actors will be soon performing at a concert in Doha. Ahead of the performance, the Bawaal actor took to his social media handle and shared a series of pictures featuring all celebrities including Jacqueline Fernandez. Bharti Singh is also seen in the photo. Well, the show entertainer no 1 poster was also shared by Shahid Kapoor on his social handle. Coming back to Varun Dhawan, he wrote, Happy focused faces to take over doha. In just 5 days we managed to sell out an arena. Ready to dance our hearts out. P.s- i made tiger smile #entertainerno1 And Im nervous to dance next to shahid !!! Varun is seen standing beside Tiger, Shahid and Jacky Bhangani. Kiara Advani and Rakul Preet are also seen posing with Jacqueline. Fans also showered love on the photo. Take a look here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by VarunDhawan (@varundvn) n a conversation with ETimes, Varun Dhawan shared, I have actually stopped thinking about the rat race. Im very happy where I am. It is not that I dont have aspirations, I have major aspirations and inspirations to reach somewhere, but Ive realized that I want to keep them to myself, till I have achieved them. Varun Dhawan is now filming VD18, which is being directed by Jawan director Atlee Kumar. He will also be entering the OTT arena with Samantha Ruth Prabhu in Citadel, an Indian spin-off of the American TV programme of the same name. Raj and DK, the directors of The Family Man, will direct the Indian adaptation of Citadel. This is an espionage action series created by AGBO under the Russo brothers. The main characters in the original series were played by Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Talking about Tiger Shroff, he will be next seen in Ganpath with Kriti Sanon. Shahid Kapoor will also be seen in a rom com with Kriti. The film is releasing next year in February. China vehemently opposes the Nobel Peace Prize, primarily due to its one-party rule, disdain for democratic systems in other countries, and expansionist ambitions encroaching on foreign territories. In 1989, when the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize, China strongly criticised not only one of the worlds most peace-loving spiritual figures, but the prize itself. Despite occasional controversies, the Nobel Peace Prize has become a widely accepted recognition of significant contributions to positive change in various fields, such as science, creativity, art, and peace advocacy. Tibet was once an independent nation covering 26.63% of Chinas land area, and the Dalai Lama advocated for greater autonomy for the region, recognising that complete independence was unlikely given the prevailing geopolitical circumstances. Even this moderate stance was rejected by the Chinese government. In response, the dictatorship that had ruled for four decades expressed regret and outrage, stating: The Dalai Lama and Tibetan separatists efforts to undermine national unity and divide China are openly supported by the Norwegian Nobel Committees decision to award the Dalai Lama the Nobel Peace Prize. The decision deviates from the committees purpose of awarding the prize to those working for and contributing to harmony and goodwill among peoples. They considered it a blatant interference in Chinas internal affairs. China was vastly different in 2010 when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. By then, China had become an economic powerhouse, a global manufacturing hub, and was on its way to becoming a credible military power. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. China froze diplomatic and economic relations with Norway after the committee announced Liu Xiaobo as the Nobel laureate for Peace. These relations remained suspended for six years until 2016. Chinas response to the Nobel Peace Prize for a Chinese dissident was offensive this time. The Nobel Committees decision violates the principles of the Peace Prize and is merely a tool for the West to attack China, it said. Like the Dalai Lama, Liu Xiaobo was considered an agitator and a lawbreaker in the eyes of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP promoted one-party autocracy in China, and any form of democracy, even less than 1%, was unacceptable. Liu Xiaobo became a dissident for advocating for democratic values. China criticised the Nobel Committees rationale for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo, stating: Liu has published a series of articles criticising Chinas socialist system and government. Liu has spared no effort in disseminating reactionary information against the Chinese government on the Internet and encouraged people to overthrow the government. Choosing Liu as the Peace Laureate once again exhibits the Wests attempts to interfere in Chinas political process and its desire to Westernise the nation. China also used the occasion to caution the Western world about its fears regarding Chinas rise as a great power on the international stage. This was further reflected in Chinas orchestrated death of Liu Xiaobo on July 13, 2017. LIU XIAOBOS DEMISE In the annals of contemporary Chinese history, Liu Xiaobo stood as an unwavering symbol of democracy and political reform within a nation ensnared by the shackles of an autocratic one-party dictatorship since 1950. As a steadfast advocate for change, he emerged as Chinas foremost dissident and a champion of human rights. Liu Xiaobo first gained international attention in 1989 when he courageously participated in the Tiananmen Square protests as a young academic. Chinas ruling authorities took notice and, over the years, detained him on four occasions, culminating in his final arrest in 2008. In December 2009, he received an egregious 11-year prison sentence for inciting the subversion of state power. In a resounding global show of support, Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. However, this honour was met with vehement opposition from China, a nation notorious for its disregard of human rights and political reform advocates. Chinas response was unequivocal the Nobel decision was deemed utterly wrong and unacceptable, leading to diplomatic arm-twisting that resulted in several countries boycotting the 2010 Nobel Award Ceremony. An empty chair symbolised Liu Xiaobos absence. Chinas power elite within the Communist Party acted swiftly to erase Liu Xiaobo from the nations discourse. They placed his wife, Liu Xia, under house arrest on the very day of the Nobel Committees announcement on October 8, 2010. She endured these harsh conditions despite repeated international calls for her release, which intensified following Lius untimely death. China systematically killed Liu by incarcerating him in tough prison conditions and denying him the medical care that he required, something that deteriorated his health to life threatening condition ultimately. Domestic protests and international outrage meant nothing for China, death of Liu from terminal liver cancer once again proved. The Norwegian Nobel Committee termed the death as premature and saying that Chinas acts were responsible for it. NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 2023 The Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the Peace Prize winner for 2023 on Friday, with names like the International Court of Justice, amid the Russia-Ukraine wars ongoing second year with Russian President facing accusations of war crimes; Myanmars resilient pro-democracy movement despite brutal suppression by the military regime; imprisoned womens rights activists and journalists from Iran, including Narges Mohammadi; and Afghan womens rights activist Mahbouba Seraj being mentioned as top contenders. As is the case every year, it will be intriguing to see which name the committee ultimately selects. Noise on suppression of press freedom and free speech has not yet reached a crescendo. This noise has just begun in India with Left parties, their frontal organisations and Opposition alliance partners going for the kill. Few activists from these political formations hit the streets on Wednesday protesting a probe against the alleged China-funded portal NewsClick that reportedly laundered money to bankroll the China propaganda vehicle. Portals founder Prabir Purkayastha and his human resources head were rounded up by the special operations unit of Delhi Police after having questioned over a dozen writers, journalists, and consultants and seized their devices for further investigation. The big question therefore is, why all the noise on purported suppression of press freedom in India? Well, this is not the first time that such a false narrative has been peddled or reported in domestic and foreign media outlets. Two big charges against NewsClick and its front-enders are that the organisation worked as a propaganda vehicle for China. The second serious charge is that foreign funds were routed through a millionaire businessman Neville Roy Singham to take forward the nefarious Chinese Communist Party agenda in India. Well, only an in-depth investigation will bring out the facts and stick out from the organised noise of fringe Left parties that claim to protect, cherish and embellish Maos jinxed political thought. Firstly, is it a crime to investigate possible wrongdoing by anyone concerned with NewsClick? The probe was launched by Delhi Police, Enforcement Directorate and other agencies only after having taken cognisance of Chinese Propaganda machine related reports that appeared in The New York Times. These very political formations and self-styled proponents of the free press that hit the streets have sworn by the NYT on more than one occasion to hit out at the Modi government. Now, whats wrong with investigating NewsClick based on newspaper reports and the Enforcement Directorates own research? The New York Times had pointed to a global web of Chinese propaganda that involved American non-profits and stretched from Chicago to Shanghai. This web, as per NYT, had NewsClick as an active participant. Now, why cant the law enforcement agencies do their job of enforcing probity in public life, negate possible China propaganda campaigns and stem the laundering of foreign funds that were intended against the Indian state? Is this tantamount to suppressing press freedom? Or, is the initiation of an inquiry anti-democratic by any stretch of the imagination? Its rather surprising that newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express, which were at the forefront of investigating the Bofors scam in the early 80s and 90s, editorialised the police action on NewsClick as smacking of suppressing press freedom. And, it is rather laughable. Crackdown against suspected crime by elements inimical to Bharats interests or exposing NewsClick handlers in the US and China definitely cannot be equated with Indira Gandhis decision to suspend basic citizens rights, impose an internal emergency and curb press freedom in 1975 after an adversarial verdict of Allahabad High Court. Like any other individual or organisation, dont journalists have a basic responsibility to submit before law enforcement agencies seeking to get the truth? Making hue and cry of a probe may not drown the truth about irregularities at NewsClick. At best, the portal is a scrappy outlet that used invectives and propaganda to try and corner the Narendra Modi government. And it gained prominence only after The New York Times investigation linked it to a network that funded pro-China campaigns. Similar noise and public outrage was on show after BBC India operations were scrutinised for violation of Indian taxation laws. Tax sleuths assessment forced the BBC to admit that it had under-reported revenues, and profits and thereby evaded taxes. Reuters, Hindustan Times and The Mint newspapers reported that the BBC under-reported incomes worth Rs 40 crore to evade taxes. Well, income tax assessment of UK government-funded BBC accounts was blown out of proportion and several of these very propagandists had jumped in to cite suppression of press freedom. There was no plausible explanation for how enforcement of domestic tax laws was the same as suppression of press freedom. The big question in the first place was how a foreign government-funded media organisation gathered the courage to evade taxes. Certainly, India is neither a banana republic nor a subservient outpost of the erstwhile British imperialist rulers. When Newslaundry, yet another website, was surveyed by Income Tax officials in 2021, similar charges of intimidation and press freedom were heaped against law enforcement agencies. The rule of law is what matters. Whether it is Bharat Samachaar or Dainik Bhaskar, media organisations need to be upfront given their distinct responsibility to readers, who go by what appears in the media and the country. If thousands of websites, newspapers, TV channels, and social media handles owned by Indians, domestic corporations and foreign collaborations have been freely undertaking news operations, then wheres this suppression of press freedom? Seeking accountability is not equivalent to suppression of press freedom and rights. Newspapers, magazines and other media outlets in India like elsewhere have taken an independent editorial line in sync with their beliefs, understanding and assessment of a government, its policies and political ideologies. Editorial positioning of a media organisation is distinctly different from resorting to irregularities, wrongdoing, anti-India propaganda or going with the foes. Lets not equate press freedom with irregularities and anti-India tacit operations. Freedom comes with responsibility. The author is Director & Chief Executive of New Delhi-based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and his team on Friday continued their dharna outside the Raj Bhawan in Kolkata, refusing to budge till Governor CV Ananda Bose meets them over the MGNREGS funds row. The TMC wants to take the issue of Centres alleged indifference to the Lok Sabha and on Thursday, Banerjee and other party workers marched to Raj Bhawan to meet Bose and discuss the issue. However, the party claimed that the Governor asked them to come to North Bengal where he was assessing the flood situation in two hours, which was not possible, before leaving for Delhi. An irate Banerjee then sat on dharna outside Boses residence and refused to move till a meeting was arranged. A 25-member delegation (15 TMC leaders and 10 from the affected families) also handed over letters to the police and administrative staff, detailing how the paucity of funds had hit their lives. We follow the ideals of our leader Mamata Banerjee. I want to ask the Governor to send the letters to Delhi and ask the Centre if 20 lakh people were not employed under MGNREGA. If they were, under what law has payment been stopped to them? People who have come to the rally may go back but I and other TMC leaders will not leave till the Governor meets us. The TMC vs BJP fight took centre stage in Delhi this week as Banerjee and BJPs Suvendu Adhikari came to the Capital to meet MoS Rural Development Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. The day, however, ended in chaos as the TMC alleged that its leaders were manhandled by the police and unable to meet the minister. The BJP, meanwhile, termed it a drama by the state party. What is the Governors Stand? Raj Bhawan sources told News18 that refusing to go to zameen and controlling farmers from cosy city palaces is neo-zamindari. Maati (soil) is sacred for the Governor and so are the Maanush (people) who live by the Maati. They added that going to villages means going to the grassroots which, in Bengali, means Trinamool. It is news that the Trinamool wants others to keep off Trinamool. What does it fear? they asked, explaining the rationale behind Bose visiting flood-hit areas. Taking a dig at Bose, minister of irrigation and waterways Partha Bhowmick said the former was going to flood-affected areas as a tourist. In response, Bose said: Yes, I will tour the places where my people suffer. I wish the ministers were also here, at least as tourists. He is minister of waterways. If he had come to the field, he would have realised that roadways have become waterways. The Governor also agreed with the TMCs assertion that he flew away when the delegation came to Raj Bhawan. Yes, when I heard my people were suffering, I took a flight and reached them as fast as I could. In a way, I flew away. On the ground, Trinamool workers showed black flags to Bose and shouted Go Back slogans. The Governor, however, took them in his stride and said: They are only expressing solidarity with me. I am going back. Moreover, they are right. A Governor should not stay permanently in the circuit house. There is absolute agreement between us in all aspects. Sabko Sanmati De Bhagwan. On TMC workers gheraoing Raj Bhawan, Bose quipped: Gherao Nahi, Ghar Aao (Dont protest, come home instead. Kyiv municipal museums received from international partners special equipment worth EUR 215,000 as part of a joint project to protect cultural property, the press service of Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) said on the official website on Friday. "The results of a joint project to protect cultural property of twelve municipal museums in Kyiv were discussed during a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine Gael Vessieres and Executive Director of the International Alliance for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Conflict Zones (ALIPH) Valerie Frelan at the KCSA," it said. Thanks to the financial support of ALIPH within the framework of a joint project worth EUR 215,000, special protective equipment was purchased dehumidifiers, humidifiers, fireproof safes, and cabinets. Automatic fire extinguishing systems were also partially installed. In addition, during the meeting the question was raised about the prospects for further cooperation, in particular in protecting the national cultural heritage and cultural heritage of Kyiv. Rahul Gandhis OBC fixation has now put the Congress in a spot, especially in poll-bound states. While his push for a nationwide caste census means the party would need to walk the talk and ensure it gives the most election tickets to candidates from the Other Backward Class (OBC) and other disadvantaged groups, it also has raised a question would they be winnable? There is no denying that its do or die for the Congress in these state polls as it feels a win here could raise its chips in 2024. But history has shown that the Congresss experiments with caste politics have not always met with success. In the previous Telangana polls, the party gave tickets to the Reddy community and OBCs, but both failed to make the cut. The state has a nearly 50% OBC population and the last time the Congress gave tickets to 24 candidates from the community for the assembly polls. But now the Telangana OBC political affairs unit in a meeting with the top Congress leadership has conveyed that the party must practice what it preaches. If Rahul Gandhiji is talking about OBC reservation then he should give tickets to at least 50% of them. But the worry is that can they win? Where will the Congress get those winnable candidates from? said a party insider. Ponnam Prabhakar, an OBC leader and working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, told News18, Things are changing and we think this time the Congress must increase the number of tickets being given to OBCs. Rahulji has given support to the OBCs. However, sources say not many leaders are in agreement. While Abhishek Singhvi has been openly sceptical of this OBC push, though he had to retract a comment on the issue, in private, many like the Reddy community and upper caste leaders in the Congress are worried. They have pointed out that the BJP has done well among the OBCs and to completely turn that around just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections may not be easy. In Madhya Pradesh, the OBCs have the potential to impact the upcoming assembly polls. They constitute about 48% of the electorate in the state and the BJP has a head start with this critical vote bank. The community is unlikely to forget that in the previous polls, the Congress had given just 2% of tickets to the OBCs. As the BJP decided to woo the tribal votes, the OBCs in the state began to feel restive over the assurance of a 27% quota in government jobs from the party. The fact that the Congress has now walked into this debate with a promise has the BJP restless. More than half of Rajasthans population is OBC. While chief minister Ashok Gehlot belongs to the Mali community, it has little sway in the state. Jats, who come under the OBC umbrella, are an influential group here. And they have been voting for the BJP. Gehlot has been making several efforts to reach out to the Jats and many poll tickets have been promised to them this time. But the Jats never vote en bloc, so it has raised questions on whether it would help the Congress to give this Jat-OBC push in ticket distribution. Gehlot appointed a Jat, Govind Singh Dotasra, as the state Congress chief, and the BJP then made Satish Poonia the head of its local unit to counter this. In the previous polls, the Congress had given about 10% of tickets to OBC candidates. This time, Rahul Gandhis wish is to hike the number. But it is an election, where the Congress is not confident and is unwilling to take any risks. But will Rahul Gandhi listen? Gopichand Padalkar, the Dhangar face of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra, has decided to intensify his agitation for reservation. ALSO READ | Maha Quota Stir: BJPs Dhangar Face Gopichand Padalkar Pacifies Protesters in Satara From October 12, Padalkar will start the first phase of the Dhangar Jagar Yatra, his Maharashtra tour for reservation for the community. Padalkar recently posted on X, earlier Twitter: I am a Dhangar first and later a leader. Taking cognizance of the post, the state has called for an urgent meeting on the issue. THE YATRA In the first phase, Padalkar will visit Marathwada, western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, North Maharashtra and will end the tour at Konkan on October 17. Padalkar had done a similar tour five years ago, when he tried to get government attention to the issues faced by the Dhangar community. This time his aim is to galvanise the community and get their support. Caste-based reservation has become a hot topic in the state. As the Maratha community has taken a strong stand for their quota, tribals and Dhangars are also protesting in different parts of Maharashtra, asking the state to take a call on their reservation. Last month, Padalkar had threatened his partys government of a Jat community style agitation, if their demands were ignored. The state government, which recently had a meeting with Padalkar, other leaders and representatives of the Dhangar community, had sought two months time to decide. ALSO READ | Maha Should Caste Quota Net Wider, Announce Time-bound Plan for Census: Oppn Leader Wadettiwar | Exclusive While speaking to the media, Padalkar said, We are fighting the legal battle on this issue in court. We are confident that we will win. We will not be quiet until we get what is our right. With this tour, we want to reach maximum people from the Dhangar community and seek their support for the cause of reservation and the various demands we have put forth in front of the government. Sipping a cup of tea, a group of men was sitting by the auto stand in former prime minister and JDS supremo Deve Gowdas backyard, Hassans Holenarsipura, discussing local politics. When asked how they felt about the recent JDS-BJP tie-up for the upcoming 2024 general elections, some looked surprised while a couple of others suppressed a grin. On the ground in Hassan, the fiefdom of the Deve Gowda family, people are still confused about the decision of the JDS to join hands with BJP. In fact, some of them are in denial of the fact that the Gowda family may have, in reality, aligned with the BJP to contest the Lok Sabha elections. The decision is with Dodda Gowdru (referring to Deve Gowda) to finalise it. He has not said that in as many words to us. Talks are ongoing, we know. But we also know that our Dodda Gowdru will not join with the BJP. That much trust we have in him. In politics, party leaders speak to each other, but they will not do such a thing. Deve Gowda or Kumaraswamy or Revanna will not go with the BJP, said Ramdas, a resident and auto driver in Holenarsipura. If the JDS wants to join hands with the BJP, what can we do? It is their decision based on the political situation and the need for survival, as the party needs support at this time. People have been made scapegoats as they expect us to vote for them and then form a coalition with another party. We feel cheated, said Manjunath Gowda, whose family has been staunch supporters of the Gowda family for generations. Hassan is known to be the fortress of the Deve Gowda family. Holenarsipura is an assembly seat that Deve Gowda won six times between 1962 and 1985. His elder son, HD Revanna, who presently represents the seat, has equalled the same number of terms for which his father has been elected from the seat. Senior Gowdas grandson Suraj Revanna is an MLC from Hassan, and his other grandson Prajwal Revanna is the sitting MP from the Hasan Lok Sabha constituency. Another member of this tea party, Santosh, felt that the JDS had no other choice but to join hands with the BJP for the sake of the partys future. The party has not been able to win a large number of seats in the past few elections. Kumaraswamy and Deve Gowda have understood that the BJP, if they put their mind to it, can swing considerable support in their favour. They have taken a decision to keep JDS alive. However, I do agree they should have asked the people their opinion before making that decision, just like they do when they seek our support, said Rakshit Gowda, a local merchant from Holenarsipura. For the struggling JDS, which had one of its worst electoral performances in the recent assembly polls, teaming up with BJP for 2024 is seen as a lifeline for survival. It also indicates that both parties, after their performance in the assembly polls, have recognised their weak points in seats, especially in the Old Mysore region. Subhashinis husband had worked with the JDS in the Zilla Parishad but of late, dejected, they shifted their support to the Congress. Yet they continue to believe that Deve Gowda has done a lot for the JDS and Hassan, but not his sons or grandsons. Deve Gowda has kept his promises and helped us. But his sons and grandsons did not. We were fed up, and so we now support the Congress. If Deve Gowda stands from Hasan in the Lok Sabha, it will be good, she said. The JDS has been struggling to keep itself afloat after experimenting with a coalition with both the BJP and the Congress. But the BJP also has realised that just relying on Modi Magic will not ensure a win in the parliamentary polls. They can expect better results by teaming up with the JDS, especially in southern Karnataka. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats. With the combined strength of the JDS, the BJP hopes to use the popularity of Modi, especially among the Vokkaligas, to get a winning combination. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the JDS joined forces with the Congress. They decided to contest in a 7:21 ratio for the states 28 seats. Despite their efforts, they faced tough competition from the Modi wave, and the BJP ended up winning 25 seats. The two allies, on the other hand, could only secure one seat each. At Prajwal Revannas residence in Holenarsipura, a tall poster of the leader welcomes people to the home. But the JDS leader recently faced a major hurdle as his role as the MP of the Hassan parliamentary seat was declared null and void by the Karnataka High Court. The court observed that during the April-May 2019 elections, Prajwal had indulged in a series of corrupt practices. Though the Supreme Court has granted a stay, it has definitely impacted the JDS politics in the region. BJPs former MLA Preetham Gowda, who famously defeated the JDS in Hassan, their stronghold, told News18 that the reason why Kumaraswamy reached out to the BJP was because of the jolt the JDS faced in the Old Mysore region, mainly from Hassan. The BJP is as powerful as the JDS in the Old Mysore region. The JDS may need some of our force to establish themselves in the Old Mysore region, and probably we would need some help from them. I am not denying that fact. At this juncture, JDS needs BJP because it is no longer their bastion, he added. Ahead of the launch of its new Find N3 Flip foldable smartphone in India this month, the Chinese tech giant Oppo has introduced a new A-series budget handset Oppo A18 in the country. The newly-launched Oppo A18 comes with a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display, Android 13, dual rear cameras and a massive 5,000mAh battery. Oppo A18 Price, Colours And Availability Price at Rs 9,999 in India, the new Oppo A18 comes in Glowing Blue and Glowing Black colour options. The device is also available for purchase on Oppo website and offline from authorised retail stores in the country. The company is also giving Rs 1000 cashback offer to customers using SBI card, One card, IDFC First Bank credit card, Bank of Baroda credit card, and AU Bank credit card. Oppo A18 Specifications The new A-series smartphone from Oppo comes with a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate, 7201612 pixel resolution and 720 nits of peak brightness levels. The Oppo A18 is backed by MediaTeks Helio G85 chipset and is equipped with the Mali G52 MC2 GPU. The device also comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The smartphone runs the Android 13-based ColorOS 13.1 and comes with dual SIM support. Oppo A18 offers Bluetooth 5.3 and also comes equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and facial recognition feature. Coming to the battery, the device powered by a large 5000mAh battery. In terms of cameras, the new budget smartphone from Oppo features a dual rear camera setup, which includes an 8MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary camera. For video calls and selfies, the device has a 5MP front camera. Meanwhile, Oppo is set to launch the successor of the Find N2 Flip foldable smartphone, Find N3 Flip, in India soon. The upcoming foldable phone from Oppo is expected to come with the same specifications as the Chinese variant. A US federal court has allowed 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana more time to file his motion against extradition to India where he is facing a trial for his involvement in the Mumbai terror attack. Earlier, Rana had appealed before the Ninth Circuit Court against the order by a US District Court in the Central District of California that denied the writ of habeas corpus. On Tuesday, a US court agreed to his request for more time to file his motion, which was initially set for October 10. According to the latest court order, Ranas brief is now due on November 9 and the governments answer will be due on December 11, 2023. Earlier, on August 18, the court had granted Ranas motion for a stay of extradition so that his appeal could be heard by the US Court of Appeals. Rana 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. Following his request, Judge Fischer from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had asked Rana to submit his argument before October 10 and the US Government was asked to submit its response by November 8. Judge Fischer wrote that Rana has shown that he is likely to suffer significant irreparable harm absent a stay. He will be extradited to India for a trial on serious crimes with no hope for a review of his arguments or hope for his return to the United States. The government admits this but then argues that because this claimed irreparable harm applies categorically to any fugitive who seeks a stay of extradition pending appeal, it does not count, the judge had said. Earlier, US attorney John J Lulejian had appealed before the district court to deny Ranas exparte application for stay of extradition pending appeal and argued that the stay would cause unwarranted delay in the United States fulfilment of its obligations to India and this would damage its credibility in the international arena and impair its ability to obtain the cooperation of foreign nations in bringing United States fugitives to justice. Rana, he argued, cannot show a likelihood of success on the merits of his claims or otherwise meet his burden of justifying a stay. Accordingly, the United States respectfully requests that the court deny his ex parte application, the US attorney wrote. Lulejian argued that the district court should deny Ranas request for a stay for the threshold reason that he has failed to demonstrate that he is likely to obtain a reversal of this Courts decision in the Ninth Circuit. Meanwhile, Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing Ranas role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The NIA has said that it is ready to initiate proceedings to bring him to India through diplomatic channels. A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people at iconic and vital locations of Mumbai. (With PTI inputs) An attack Thursday on a Syrian military academy killed 112 people, a war monitor said, with state media blaming terrorist organisations for the drone strike in government-held Homs. Separately, Turkish air raids in the countrys Kurdish-held northeast killed at least 11 people, according to Kurdish forces, after Ankara had threatened retaliation for a bomb attack. In the central city of Homs, armed terrorist organisations targeted the graduation ceremony for officers of the military academy, an army statement carried by official news agency SANA said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, reported 112 dead including 21 civilians, 11 of them women and girls. It said at least 120 people were wounded. Health Minister Hassan al-Ghobash told state television the preliminary toll was 80 dead including six women and six children and around 240 wounded. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The attack was carried out with explosive-laden drones, according to the military statement, vowing to respond with full force. The government declared three days of mourning starting Friday. In the rebel-held Idlib region, residents reported heavy bombardment by government forces in apparent retaliation. The Observatory said eight people had been killed and some 30 wounded. Swathes of Idlib province are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Al-Qaedas former Syria branch. The jihadist group has used drones to attack government-held areas in the past. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was deeply concerned over the drone attack and the retaliatory shelling, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, said in a statement: Todays horrific scenes are a reminder of the need to immediately de-escalate violence, towards a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to countering Security Council-listed terrorist groups. Overnight, Syrian shelling killed an elderly woman and four of her children in a rebel-held area of Aleppo province, rescue workers and the Observatory said. Turkish drone shot down Turkeys defence ministry said in a statement Thursday evening that Ankara forces had carried out air strikes in northern Syria, destroying 30 targets, including shelters, depots and storage sites. The Kurds internal security forces said Turkey had carried out 21 strikes in the area, killing 11 people, including five civilians and six security personnel. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters that US F-16 warplanes over Syria had shot down a Turkish drone on Thursday, deeming it a potential threat after it approached less than a half kilometre from US forces near Hasakeh. Turkey has carried out repeated strikes on targets in Syrias Kurdish-held northeast. On Wednesday, Ankara warned it would step up its cross-border air raids, after concluding that militants who staged a weekend attack in the Turkish capital had come from Syria. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces led the battle that dislodged Islamic State group fighters from their last scraps of territory in Syria in 2019. Turkey views the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) that dominate the SDF as an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. Turkey has launched strikes on PKK positions in northern Iraq since Sundays attack in Ankara, which wounded two Turkish security officers and was claimed by the Kurdish group. AFP correspondents in northeastern Syria saw smoke rising from oil sites near Qahtaniyeh, close to the Turkish border. Two power stations in the area were also hit, as well as the vicinity of a dam. Worsening Farhad Shami, spokesman for the SDF, the Kurds de facto army, said the strikes had targeted military and civilian sites. There has been a clear escalation since the Turkish threats, he said. In the market of the city of Qamishli in Hasakeh province, vendors voiced concern. The situation is worsening every day. Turkey doesnt let us breathe, said Hassan al-Ahmad, a 35-year-old fabric merchant. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi denied Wednesday that the Ankara assailants had passed through our region. Turkey is looking for pretexts to legitimise its ongoing attacks on our region, he said. The Kurdish administration urged the international community to take a stand capable of dissuading Turkey from its attacks. The United States, Russia and Turkey all have troops in the country. Between 2016 and 2019, Turkey carried out three major operations in northern Syria against Kurdish forces. The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, spiralling into a devastating war involving foreign armies, militias and jihadists. US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping could meet in San Francisco next month as the two countries seek to stabilise their rocky relationship, The Washington Post has reported citing senior unidentified US officials. San Francisco will host an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November that the Chinese President may attend. The White House is making plans for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders, hoping to fix US-China ties that have been strained in recent years due to several issues including Taiwan, the Covid-19 origins, spying, and trade tariffs. In a report published on Thursday, the US newspaper quoted one of them as saying the possibility of a meeting was pretty firm. Were beginning the process of planning, the official was quoted as saying by The Post. The Chinese embassy in Washington and the White House are yet to comment on this report. The Biden-Xi meeting would follow other high-level engagements between the two countries in recent months that have seen visits from US officials to China like State Secretary Antony Blinken in June, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in July and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in August. Top US officials like Raimondo and Yellen have recently said the United States did not want to decouple from China but Beijing has expressed concern over US approval of arms sales and military financing to Taiwan. If the November meeting takes place, this would be the first between the leaders of the two largest economies since they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali last November. During that meeting, both leaders had expressed hope they could get US-China relations back on track. However, after Washington ordered the shoot-down of a Chinese spy balloon in February, ties went downhill. (With agency inputs) SpaceX engineer Ashley Foltz has sued the Elon Musk-run aerospace company, alleging pay discrimination where women and minority employees are being paid less than male and white workers. Foltz said in her proposed class-action lawsuit that she was hired on a $92,000 salary as a base-level engineer, even though men with similar or less experience were offered as much as $115,000, reports Forbes. Ashley was hired in September 2022 as a propulsion engineer at SpaceX. Musk and company executives have no legitimate justification for their discriminatory pay practices, the lawsuit argued. Foltz described herself as one of the few female engineers at SpaceX. She found out about the pay gap when Californias Pay Transparency Act came into effect. Foltz accused SpaceX of violating California labour law, and asked the court to award civil penalties and monetary damages to her and any other affected employees. SpaceX was yet to comment on the lawsuit. This is not the first time the Musk-run aerospace company has been accused of discriminatory hiring and promotion practices. In August this year, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) sued SpaceX for discriminating against asylees and refugees in hiring. The lawsuit alleged that, from at least September 2018 to May 2022, SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them, because of their citizenship status, in violation of the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In job postings and public statements over several years, SpaceX wrongly claimed that under federal regulations known as export control laws, SpaceX could hire only US citizens and lawful permanent residents, sometimes referred to as green card holders, the DoJ lawsuit alleged. Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. How did I mess up this country? is the question Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked when he was confronted by an angry citizen on the streets of Canada. In the video going viral on X, Trudeau was slammed by an unnamed Canadian who responded by saying, Can anyone afford a home in this country? In the video, a man can be heard accusing the Canadian leader of f***ing up the country. The incident was caught on camera, with the person behind the lens refusing to shake hands with Trudeau and giving him an earful. The heated exchange revolved around several issues, including the countrys housing crisis, the carbon tax, and aid to Ukraine. SEE IT: Man refuses to shake Justin Trudeaus hand and tells him hes a piece of sh*t and messed up Canada. WATCH pic.twitter.com/ARcvPafzYE Simon Ateba (@simonateba) October 6, 2023 Your carbon footprint is increasing and we are being charged for what, the angry Canadian in the video asked. In response, Trudeau said, We are putting a price on pollution and sending the money to families like yours. The discussion touched upon the allocation of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine amid the ongoing war. However, Trudeau dismissed these concerns as Russian propaganda. The viral video sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many not convinced by the Canadian PMs response to tough questions. He isnt going to be able to have a normal human interaction again Should we feel bad about that? one of the users wrote on X. Thats amazing, Justin deserves that, he has turned Canada into a disaster. Citizens cant even afford to live in Canada anymore, another added. This video comes as Trudeau has been embroiled in back-to-back domestic and intentional crisis. Last month, a poll showed that Trudeau is falling behind his rival Pierre Poilievre as the preferred choice for Prime Minister. US President Joe Biden on Thursday defended plans to extend the border wall with Mexico, saying he didnt think such barriers worked but that he was bound by laws introduced under Donald Trump. Democrat Biden pledged during his White House race with Trump in 2020 that he would abandon the Republicans signature policy and would not build any more of the wall. But his own Department of Homeland Security on Thursday announced the building of a new section in southern Texas to tackle an acute and immediate need, as migrant crossings surge. Biden, who is polling neck-and-neck with rival Trump ahead of a likely 2024 election rematch, insisted his predecessor had tied his hands on the wall-building. They have to use the money for what it was appropriated for. I cant stop that, he told reporters in the Oval Office. He said the cash was earmarked for the border wall by the US Congress under Trump in 2019, and that lawmakers had since rejected his appeals to reassign the funds. Asked if he thought the border wall was effective, Biden replied simply: No. No choice The new section of wall will be built in the high illegal entry Rio Grande Valley sector of the US-Mexico border, where there have been more than 245,000 attempted illegal entries this fiscal year. But Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas later said the announcement had been taken out of context. The action that we took we had no choice, Mayorkas said during a news conference in Mexico with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. There is no new administration policy with respect to the border wall. Illegal immigration has become a major political headache for Biden, with opposition Republicans accusing him of lax border policies. The border issue has even added to uncertainty over US aid for Ukraine, with some Republicans refusing to approve funds until Biden acts on migrants. Meanwhile some Democrats including progressive lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the wall decision. So did conservationists after it emerged that two dozen federal environmental laws would be waived to build the extension. The White House said it was absolutely false that there had been a reversal by the president. We have to comply by law and thats what were doing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. I was right Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, said the Biden administration move showed I was right when I built 560 miles of brand new, beautiful border wall. Will Joe Biden appolgize (sic) to me and America for taking so long to get moving, and allowing our country to be flooded with 15 million illegals (sic) immigrants, from places unknown, Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticized the US plan, calling it a setback ahead of talks with Blinken. Their talks came after a spike in the number of people mostly from Central America and Venezuela seeking to cross from Mexico into the United States. The Biden administration announced later Thursday that it would resume direct deportation flights to Venezuela, which is still under US sanctions for rights abuses. This comes following a decision from the authorities of Venezuela to accept back their nationals, said a senior administration official. The Netherlands is allocating EUR 102 million for the third support package of assistance to Ukraine in 2023. This money is intended for investment, recovery and reform implementation, according to the press service of the Dutch government. "Of this additional contribution, EUR 60 million will go to supporting Dutch companies that want to contribute to the reconstruction of the country. This money is intended for export credit insurance to cover payment risks of investments and transactions in the country. To help Ukraine prepare for the winter, EUR 30 million will also be spent on purchasing gas and supplying parts for the power grid. The remaining EUR 12 million goes to support recently liberated areas and to the IMF, which provides technical assistance to Ukraine to implement reforms," it said. It is expected that Russia will also attack the energy infrastructure this winter. To help the country prepare for the coming months, the Netherlands is earmarking EUR 20 million for the purchase of gas and the creation of strategic gas reserves through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In addition, EUR 10 million euros will go to supplies of, among other things, transformers, switching components and cables that are needed to restore the power grid. Export credit insurance for Ukraine therefore provides cover for investments and transactions by Dutch companies with risks that are not covered by commercial insurers. This makes it more accessible for entrepreneurs to export to and invest in Ukraine and thus contribute to the reconstruction, the government said. Ukraine has an interest in financial and economic stability and strong institutions to keep the economy running and to survive the war. That is why Ukraine has had an IMF program with an extensive reform agenda since the spring. The Netherlands contributes EUR 7 million to the IMF fund, which provides technical assistance to the country and supports Ukraine in implementing the reform agenda. This agenda aims to improve financial stability and economic recovery and ensure stronger institutions. The Netherlands will also contribute EUR 5 million to the Partnership Fund for Resilient Ukraine. The fund focuses on strengthening decentralized authorities and rapid recovery after liberation from Russian occupation. This includes repairs to drinking water, electricity, primary health services and education. Economy Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko in a phone conversation with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher thanked the Netherlands for assistance. "I would like to thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its consistent support of Ukraine and its European choice, the introduction of sanctions against Russia and the provision of military, financial and humanitarian assistance to our country," the Ukrainian minister said, commenting on the allocation of the new assistance package. During the conversation, Schreinemacher confirmed that the Netherlands is also considering the possibility of taking part in humanitarian demining in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called Canadas former parliament speaker an idiot after the legislature celebrated a Ukrainian World War II veteran who had fought alongside the Nazis. Putin was referring to an embarrassing incident that marred a visit to Canada by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month. During a visit to parliament by Zelensky, parliament speaker Anthony Ruta hailed an elderly Ukrainian immigrant from his district as a hero, prompting a standing ovation. Ruta resigned after it was revealed that the veteran had served in a Nazi-linked military unit. If the speaker of the Canadian parliament says that during World War II this Canadian-Ukrainian or Ukrainian-Canadian Nazi fought against the Russians, he cannot help but understand that he fought on the side of Hitler, Putin said. Lets assume he doesnt know this, the Russian leader said at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club. But if he doesnt know that Hitler and his minions fought against Russia during the war, then hes an idiot. It means he just didnt go to school. And if the parliament speaker knew the Ukrainian veteran had fought alongside the Nazi then he is a wretch, he added. Either this or that. It looked absolutely disgusting that everyone applauded this Nazi, especially the president of Ukraine, who has Jewish blood in his veins. Following the diplomatic turmoil Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered an unreserved apology to Zelensky and the Ukrainian delegation for the position they were put in. Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022, claiming that the pro-Western country was celebrating pro-Nazi figures and has to be de-nazified. Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi on Friday received the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran. Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Berit Reiss-Andersen made the announcement in Stockholm. BREAKING NEWSThe Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2023 #NobelPeacePrize to Narges Mohammadi for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.#NobelPrize pic.twitter.com/2fyzoYkHyf The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 6, 2023 The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all, the Nobel Committee said, announcing this years winner. 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadis brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs, the Nobel Committee said. The Iranian regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Mohammadi is still in prison, it further added. We hope it will be safer for those in Iran. The situation there is very dangerous, activists there can lose their lives. The joy is so great. I am so happy on behalf of Narges, Narges brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, was quoted as saying by Norwegian broadcaster NRK. It is first and foremost a recognition of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader Narges Mohammadi, Berit Reiss-Andersen said, according to the Guardian. Mohammadi campaigned for sensitive issues in the Islamic Republic. He opposed the clerical system and raised her voice against the obligatory hijab. She did not give up campaigning even when she was in prison. She was born in 1972 in Zanjan, in the northwest of Iran. She studied physics in college and became an engineer but soon shifted to journalism. She was associated with newspapers that were at the time part of the reformist movement. She joined the Center for Human Rights Defenders, founded by the Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2003 and fought for the abolition of the death penalty. Her work came into the spotlight once more last year following the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of Irans so-called morality police. In September 2022, Mahsa Jina Amini was killed in Iranian morality polices custody, triggering political demonstrations against Irans regime. The motto adopted by the demonstrators Woman Life Freedom suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi, the Nobel Committee highlighted. The Nobel Committee also urged the Iranian government to listen to its own citizens warning that democracy is in decline. Pakistan privatisation minister Fawad Hassan Fawad this week reiterated that the Pakistan government remains firm in its decision to divest the major loss-making state-owned enterprises, including the Pakistan International Airlines, to avoid the ongoing substantial financial drain of resources. He said the government is focusing on making the state-owned enterprises functional and efficient. Fawad met with the World Bank resident director Najy Benhassine and discussed with him the privatisation agenda. The focus of the discussion was the divestment of the PIA and other state owned enterprises. The minister focused on the privatisation of ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos) for their efficient working. During the meeting, the minister outlined to Benhassine the PIA sell-off plan. He said the government wants to engage the World Bank in the process along with other financial institutions during the initial phases. He said that the government wants to develop a comprehensive model for PIA and wants the global lender to remain as a key partner for potential future support. The Dawn in a report said that the single-agenda meeting of the board of the Privatisation Commission would discuss the privatisation of PIA on Friday. The government is prioritising the privatisation of the PIA due to its persistent and staggering financial losses which is amounting to billions of Pakistani rupees annually. Earlier in September, the officials of the PIA said that the airline is struggling to stay afloat and has limited funds to run operations for the next few months and the core functions as well as the non-core assets will be put up for sale by PIA authorities. It owes large sums of money to creditors, aircraft lessors, fuel suppliers, insurers, international and domestic airport operators, and even the International Air Transport Association (IATA). PIA has grounded five leased aircraft, and four more might follow. Boeing and Airbus warned they may stop supplying spare parts last month. The aviation ministry sought PKR 23 billion in funding and requested the suspension of duties, taxes and service charges to domestic agencies, in order to stay afloat. The officials believe that it is imperative to privatise the airline as soon as possible to end these losses and strengthen the operational efficiency of the Pakistani national carrier. Fawad said one of the main objectives to be achieved through this exercise is to attract much-needed private investment through the privatisation process and unlocking government funds for deployment in vital sectors. Indian American Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on Thursday said that two protesters attending his event in the US state of Iowa rammed into one of their campaign cars. The youngest GOP hopefuls camp claimed this was done purposely in retaliation to his remarks on Ukraine aid. Vivek Ramaswamy attended a campaign event earlier today & was met by a small group of protestors. He respectfully answered their questions and thanked them for expressing their views even while disagreeing with them. One of the protestors then got into their car, CRASH INTO VIVEKS CAR, gave him + his staff the middle finger, and drove off, Ramaswamy spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The Left calls itself the party of love and tolerance. But free speech means respect for ALL Americans speech and ensuring that ALL voices are heard not just those the Left agree with. Ironically, the perps car had a Neighborhood Crime Watch sticker on it, she added. Vivek Ramaswamy attended a campaign event earlier today & was met by a small group of protestors. He respectfully answered their questions and thanked them for expressing their views even while disagreeing with them. One of the protestors then got into their car, CRASH INTO pic.twitter.com/7iporNUTro Ashley St. Clair (@stclairashley) October 5, 2023 The police account of the crash in the central Iowa city of Grinnell diverged from the account told by Ramaswamys campaign. Police say they were dispatched to a coffee shop in the city shortly after 1 p.m. for a report of property damage. Police contacted a 22-year-old woman who reported that she had just eaten lunch at a nearby deli and was backing her car out of her parking spot when she accidentally struck a Ford Expedition that was across the street. Police say the woman told them she was not there protesting anything, and had no idea whose vehicle she had hit. Both vehicles had minor damage, police said, and the woman received a traffic summons for unsafe backing. Ramaswamy spokesperson McLaughlin told The Associated Press that the campaign stands by its assessment that the driver was a protester. She also stood by her assessment that there were two people in the car that hit the campaign car. Im confident of what happened. I was there, she said. The 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur was in Grinnell for a scheduled interview with a local CBS News affiliate before heading to Des Moines to host a fall-themed, family campaign event. In a post on X, Ramaswamy said, Had a civil exchange with protestors today, right before two of them then got into their car & rammed it into ours, he wrote. Those two should be held accountable, but the rest of the peaceful protestors shouldnt be tarred by the behavior of two bad actors. The Ohio businessman later sent out a fundraising email with details of the crash, asking supporters to stand for free speech and help out his campaign. He is not the first candidate whose car has been hit while campaigning this election season. In July, his rival Ron DeSantis was involved in a multi-car accident near Tennessee, en route to a campaign event. (With agency inputs) South Korean Internet celebrity Barbie Jini who was vlogging about her stay in Thailand at the Siam Paragon mall in downtown Bangkok ended up filming her own escape from the mass shooter who killed two people and injured over five people earlier this week. Korean streamer running from Thailand shopping mall shooting pic.twitter.com/4F6CXLXYnW godfather (@Truthgodfather) October 5, 2023 Jini was enjoying a beverage at a Japanese restaurant at the luxury mall when shots rang out. She was live vlogging on South Korean video platform AfreecaTV. Why? Why? Whats going on? Gun! It looks like a gun, she says. However, Jini remains unfazed, picks up her camera and continues recording while joining hundreds of shoppers rushing towards the mall exit. Thailand police arrested a 14-year-old boy after a shooting at a packed Bangkok mall. The deadly attacks came just days before the first anniversary of the deadliest massacre in modern Thai history when an ex-cop attacked a nursery in northern Thailand, murdering 24 children and 12 adults. A Chinese tourist and a Myanmar national died in Tuesdays attack. The five injured one Lao national, one Chinese national and three Thais suffered wounds of varying degrees of severity, according to Kanchana Patarachoke, director-general of the Department of Information and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman. The teenager who carried out the shooting was charged with premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm. He was receiving psychiatric treatment and surrendered himself after running out of bullets. Jini was gasping for breath after escaping from the shooting. She told her viewers that she at first thought it was a prank. When I saw a childs mother running and leaving their stroller behind, I thought it must not be a joke. I packed up all my belongings and rushed out, Jini said. If I had been just a little bit late, I could have been in big trouble, she further added. This is my first time in Thailand but my last day there was very eventful. I regret having to show the shooting incident live in Bangkok, she said. The video also captured how people were dashing for the exit as shots rang out in order to save their lives. (with inputs from the Straits Times) President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the announcement of a new package of assistance from the Netherlands. "Today, there is also a decision on a new package from the Netherlands of over EUR 100 million. This package is focused exactly on the support for our energy system," he said in a video message on Friday. "We will discuss soon with Mr. Prime Minister Mark Rutte our next steps. Thank you!" Zelenskyy said. THE daughter of Zimbabwes construction tycoon, the late Oliver Chidawu, has objected to her mothers bid to exhume her brothers body from a family farm in Chinhoyi. Ropafadzo Sibusiso Chidawu last week approached the Curator of Cemeteries in Chinhoyi to block her mother, saying she had not consulted the family. This was after Chidawus widow, Spiwe published a notice in the Government Gazette early this month, spelling out her plan to rebury the body at Glen Forest Memorial Park. But it emerged this week the family, which is also entangled in a wrangle over the sale of the farm, was divided over the exhumation of Isheunesu, who died in 2017 aged 35. A person, who has died must be treated with respect, and the privacy of their family must be protected, Ropafadzo said in her letter dated September 21. The curator must, therefore, arrive at his decision with circumspection. While, the deceaseds death certificate states Stafford Estate as the place of burial, this is not the accurate location for his grave. His place of burial is in fact located at the at Oliver Chidawu (Private) Limited/Ferungwe Farm. As a result of the error in identifying the location of the grave, the noticeis in any event, null, void and of no legal cause and effect. This application for exhumation has, therefore, come as a shock to us as a family, more particularly because the applicant has failed and/or neglected to notify us or seek our consent, she added. The Zimbabwe Independent reported last week that a dispute had also erupted between the former minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolutions widow and Heritage Insurance over the same farm. Heritage, a firm in which the late mogul once held interests, said in court papers and documents filed with the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) on July 28, 2023 that the farm was one of its assets. Spiwe has denied wrong doing. Chidawu collapsed at his home in July last year, leaving a sprawling business empire with a footprint in agriculture, construction and insurance. He was at one time the mayor of Harare. One of his most recognised businesses was Kuchi Construction, which employed hundreds of workers in the 1990s. The case spilled to the LSZ after Heritage accused Harare law firm, Hogwe Nyengedza Attorneys of helping Chidawus widow in the transaction without consulting Heritage. Heritage wants the LSZ to act on the law firm. In the July 28-dated letter to LSZ, Heritage Life claimed the former minister no longer had interest in the business and his widow had no right to sell the asset. We write to you from Heritage Life Limited following up on our previous complaint against Hogwe Nyengedza Attorneys dated March 14 2023, following which we received a letter from Hogwe Nyengedza Attorneys stating that they acted on behalf of Dadirai M Chidawu (Private) Limited in the disposal of the farm, a farm which is owned by Heritage Life and is not part of the late OM Chidawus estate, Heritage said We have consulted with the board of directors, and they are unaware of the disposal and confirmed that at no point did they engage Hogwe to act on their behalf. It said Chidawu was neither a director nor a shareholder in Heritage Life. The late OM Chidawu had resigned from his involvement in the affairs of our company, which he was only involved in through him being a director of Broadway Investments, Heritage said. As per his resignation letter, Broadway Investments is one of our shareholders. We are quite startled that he would have been involved with the disposal of one of our assets, Dadirai Chidawu (Private) Limited. Mischeck Hogwe was fully aware of this resignation. Zimbabwe Independent While some fear artificial intelligence will steal their likeness, work, and jobs, Los Angeles hopes the technology will prevent 20 net people from falling into homelessness each day. "On average, for every 207 individuals who exit homelessness daily, 227 more enter," reads a report cited by KTLA . To prevent that climb, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is experimenting with a "first-of-its-kind" program that uses machine learning to identify those thought to be most at-risk, based on arrests, emergency room visits, diagnoses of substance abuse disorders, crisis care for mental health, requests for public aid, and more, per NPR . Case managers then reach out to those individuals, offering $1,000 per month for four to six months to help them gain stability. "The county never reaches half the people on its lists," NPR reports. In unstable living situations, numbers and addresses are prone to change. Some of those reached "have understandable mistrust of systems" and refuse help, says Dana Vanderford of the department's Homelessness Prevention unit. But the pilot program has helped 560 people over the last two years and "a large majority have stayed housed so far," per NPR. One participant, a retired handyman who took in his three grandsons, whose parents are addicted to drugs, says the program has been a blessing and his case manager a "life-saver," per the outlet. The money, directed through third-party vendors, can be used to cover rent, utilities, debt bills, groceries, and other expenses. Participants do not need to pay it back. The program has a $31 million budget, which largely stems from pandemic aid, but it's due to run out in 2026. Around that time, UCLA's California Policy Lab, which developed the AI prediction tool, plans to release a long-term study analyzing the program's success. It will explore whether AI is really identifying those most at-risk for homelessness and compare participants with people of similar instability who do not receive assistance. With the right results, the program could be expanded and serve as a model for other areas. According to NPR, "San Diego County has already voted to create its own similar program using predictive analytics." For every 10 individuals who escape homelessness in San Diego, another 13 become homeless for the first time, per StateScoop. (Read more homelessness stories.) The Dutch government has confirmed that the grandfather of King Willem Alexander was a Nazi. Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld, a German nobleman, married the future Queen Juliana in 1937, three years before he would escort the Dutch royal family to exile in England as the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, reports the BBC . He repeatedly denied that he'd joined Adolf Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' Party, and though some may have bought the story, historians didn't. Gerard Aalders of the Dutch Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies (NIOD) uncovered a copy of the prince's Nazi party card in a US university archive in 1991. The government has now confirmed the original card was found among Bernhard's possessions after his death in 2004. This verifies a claim made in a new book by historian Flip Maarschalkerweerd, per Deutsche Welle. He claimed to have discovered the card while perusing the late prince's archives. Bernhardwho flew combat missions for the British Royal Air Force against Germany during World War II and, as commander of the Dutch Armed Forces, was present as the surrender of the German troops in the Netherlands was negotiateddidn't deny all affiliation with the Nazi party. He claimed he was a prospective member of the Schutzstaffel and Sturmabteilung security service as a student, but was effectively forced to take part or be considered an opponent of the regime. He denied that he was a card-carrying member of the Nazi party and claimed Aalders' find was a forgery, per DW. The original card reveals he was indeed a member from the year of the party's founding, 1933, until 1936, the year he became engaged to Juliana. The party had passed the Nuremberg Laws, providing the legal framework for the persecution of Jews, in 1935. The find, though not surprising, represents "a new part of a painful chapter in Dutch history," particularly given Bernhard's repeated denials, the Center for Information and Documentation Israel said Friday, per Reuters, calling on the NIOD to investigate. Maarschalkerweerd has questioned why the prince kept the document he denied existed. But "he was a collector, and palaces have enormous attics and basements," he says, per Reuters. "Perhaps he forgot he had it." (Read more Dutch royal family stories.) Pentagon officials said several warnings were issued before a US fighter jet shot down an armed drone belonging to Turkey on Thursday. The drone was flying close to American ground forces in northeast Syria, US officials said. Fearing the downing will increase the already rising tensions between the two nations, the US immediately moved to smooth relations with Turkey, the Wall Street Journal reports. "It's regrettable when you have two NATO allies and there's an incident like this," Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters, per CBS News . Pentagon officials saw no indication Turkey was targeting US troops. But they point out that the drone came within 500 yards of the forces and ignored repeated warnings. Several drones were flying in an area designated for US operations, the officials said, before all left after the warnings. One of the drones returned, the US said, which is when the F-16 shot it down. Ryder said American troops fled to bunkers while Turkey bombed nearby targets, per the AP. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. CQ Brown, the new Joint Chiefs chairman, called their counterparts in Turkey later Thursday to talk about avoiding a similar situation in the future. The US needs Turkey's support on a series of matters, including Sweden's bid to join NATO, terrorist threats in the Middle East, and diplomacy involving Ukraine. About 900 US troops are stationed in Syria, cooperating with Kurdish-led fighters against the Islamic State. Given the situation Thursday, Ryder said, US forces took "prudent action." (Read more Pentagon stories.) US officials may believe Vladimir Putin ordered the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, but the Russian president himself is sharing a different theory on the plane crash that killed the mercenary leader. In his first comments on the possible cause of the wreck, which is widely believed to have been an assassination and which western intelligence agencies believe was caused by a bomb, Putin said that hand grenades detonating onboard the plane may have caused it to go down, the Guardian reports. "Fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed in the crash," Putin said at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club thinktank in Sochi, Russia, per ABC News. Photo: The Canadian Press Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in recognition of her tireless campaigning for womens rights and democracy and against the death penalty. Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and spending years behind bars. She has remained a leading light for nationwide, women-led protests, sparked by the death last year of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. Those demonstrations grew into one of the most intense challenges ever to Irans theocratic government. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. She began the announcement with the words Woman, Life, Freedom in Farsi the slogan of the demonstrations in Iran. Reiss-Andersen said the committee hopes the prize "is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting. She also urged Iran to release Mohammadi in time for the prize ceremony on Dec. 10. For nearly all of Mohammadis life, Iran has been governed by a Shiite theocracy headed by the countrys supreme leader. While women hold jobs, academic positions and even government appointments, their lives can be tightly controlled. Laws require all women to at least wear a headscarf, or hijab, to cover their hair as a sign of piety. Iran and neighboring Afghanistan remain the only countries that mandate it. In a statement released to The New York Times after the Nobel announcement, Mohammadi said she will "never stop striving for the realization of democracy, freedom and equality. Surely, the Nobel Peace Prize will make me more resilient, determined, hopeful and enthusiastic on this path, and it will accelerate my pace," she said. Mohammadi, an engineer by training, has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times, according to Reiss-Andersen. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. Her most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after attending a memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. She has been held at Tehrans notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, told The Associated Press by telephone from Norway where he lives that he has not been able to speak with his sister but that the prize means a lot to her. Despite that and the fact that the prize means that the world has seen this movement, the award will not affect the situation in Iran, he said. The regime will double down on the opposition, and it will have no effect on the regime, he said. They will just crush people. Waiting for the announcement was nerve-wracking, he said. But he knew immediately that his sister had won when he heard Reiss-Andersen saying woman, life, freedom in Farsi. Her husband Taghi Rahmani, who now lives in exile in Paris with their two children, 16-year-old twins, said that although he hadn't been able to reach her since the announcement, she "would be very glad to know she has won an award and she will re-state her determination like always. She has a sentence she always repeats: Every single award will make me more intrepid, more resilient and more brave for realizing human rights, freedom, civil equality and democracy,' he said. Rahmani hasn't been able to see his wife for 11 years, and their children haven?t seen their mother for seven, he said. Their son, Ali Rahmani, said the prize was not just for his mother. It's for the struggle.? Iranian men and women have been fighting for over a year. This prize is for the entire population, for the whole struggle from the beginning, since the Islamic government came to power," Ali Rahmani said. Narges Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003. Its the fifth time in the 122-year history of the awards that the peace prize has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. Last year, the top human rights advocate in Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, was among the winners. He remains imprisoned. Mohammadi was in detention for the recent protests of the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been picked up by the morality police for her allegedly loose headscarf. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown while over 22,000 others were arrested. But from behind bars, Mohammadi contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times last month. What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become, she wrote. In a first reaction from Tehran, the semi-official Fars news agency dismissed Mohammadi as someone who persisted in creating tension and unrest and falsely claimed that she was beaten in prison. Fars is believed to be close to Irans hard-line paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Abuse in Iranian prisons something Mohammadi has campaigned against both outside of and behind bars has been widely reported by the U.N. and human rights groups. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. Nobel laureate Ebadi, who Mohammadi is close to, founded the center. In 2018, Mohammadi was awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The Nobel season ends Monday with the announcement of the winner of the economics prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has stopped cooperation with Russia and Belarus within the framework of the CIS agreement on combating crime. As Taras Melnychuk, a representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada, reported on his Telegram channel, the decision was made at a government meeting on Friday. In particular, the agreement on cooperation between member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States in the fight against crime, which was signed on November 25, 1998 in Moscow (Russia), regarding relations between the government of Ukraine and the governments of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, was suspended. An Iowa woman who brought giraffe poop from Kenya back to the US had her dream of making a necklace from the dung dashed when customs officials seized it instead. During an inspection upon arrival at a Minnesota airport on September 29, the woman told agriculture specialists from customs that she had the giraffe droppings, explaining that she'd made jewelry from moose feces before and planned to do the same with the giraffe excrement, CBS News reports. Instead, officials seized the poop and destroyed it using steam sterilization. Because she declared it rather than trying to smuggle it through customs, the woman won't face any punishment, ABC News reports. Imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for fighting the oppression of women in Iran. "She fights for women against systematic discrimination and oppression," Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. Authorities arrested Mohammadi in November after she attended a memorial for a victim of violent 2019 protests. Mohammadi has a long history of imprisonment, harsh sentences, and international calls for reviews of her case, the AP reports. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. Mohammadi has been close to Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, who founded the center. Ebadi left Iran after the disputed re-election of then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009 that touched off unprecedented protests and harsh crackdowns by authorities. In 2018, Mohammadi, an engineer, was awarded the 2018 Andrei Sakharov Prize. In 2022, she was tried in five minutes and sentenced to eight years in prison and 70 lashes. According to the Nobel Committee, the regime in Iran has "arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes." The prize, the committee said, "also recognizes the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against Iran's theocratic regime's policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women." (Read more Nobel Peace Prize stories.) An anti-affirmative action group has followed up its federal lawsuit against West Point with one against the US Naval Academy, seeking to block it from considering race in the selection on the new class of cadets. Students for Fair Admissions, founded by 72-year-old conservative activist Edward Blum, won a huge victory when the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action at colleges in June, but the ruling allowed military service academies to continue considering race in admissions, the Washington Post reports. "The Naval Academy has no legal justification for treating midshipman applicants differently by race and ethnicity," Blum said in a statement, per Reuters. In the Supreme Court case, US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar argued that it is a "critical national security imperative to attain diversity within the officer corps," and "at present, it's not possible to achieve that diversity without race-conscious admissions, including at the nation's service academies." A Naval Academy spokesperson said it is academy policy "to not comment on any pending litigation," Axios reports. Students for Fair Admissions has also been seeking possible plaintiffs for a case against the Air Force Academy, reports the New York Times. (Read more US Naval Academy stories.) Passengers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport got a possible preview of next year's Senate debates when two candidates clashed after arriving on the same flight from Washington, DC. The Arizona Republic reports that the exchange between Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake, who is seeking the Republican nomination, began during the flight, when Lake asked Gallego in a post on X whether he still believes a border wall is racist and accused him of "facilitating an invasion." "We're on the same plane!" Gallego replied . "Just come back from first class to coach and we can chat." Lake apparently didn't take Gallego up on the offer during the flight, but after it landed, she "ambushed him with questions, wearing a lapel mic while a phone camera recorded," sources tell the New York Times. In a three-minute conversation captured in a video the Daily Caller posted on X, they discussed topics including immigration and homelessness. After a passerby told Lake she was "railroaded" in an apparent reference to her claim that election fraud cost her victory in last year's election for Arizona governor, she pointed to Gallego and said, "We did, and this guy wants to destroy our country. He really does." When Gallego said border security was something they could work on together, Lake said, "No, I'm not working together with you. I'm going to beat you," per the Republic. "I'm going to beat you, and we're going to save Arizona." Lake filed paperwork for a Senate run on Tuesday. Incumbent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who switched from Democrat to independent last year, hasn't confirmed whether she will seek another term. (Read more Election 2024 stories.) The dam had been contentious from the start. It was the largest to be built in India's far northeastern Sikkim state, and had been operating since 2017 as part of the country's effort to use hydroelectric power. Early Wednesday, Lhonak Lake overflowed and tore through the Teesta 3 dam downstream, flooding a valley, killing at least 41 people, and causing widespread destruction, reports the AP . CBS News reports bridges were destroyed and the sole highway into the rest of India has been damaged. Warnings of this very outcome had dogged the lake for years: There was a 2021 paper ; other warnings preceded that in 2019, 2013, and 2001. And yet "there were no early warning systems installed," said a rep for the NGO South Asian Network for Rivers, Dams and People. The New York Times flags that 2021 paper by Indian glaciologist Ashim Sattar, which foretold of the possibility that a flood wave coming from South Lhonak Lake could overwhelm the town of Chungthang and cause "substantial damage to the hydropower dam site." The dam was more than damagedit was swept away. The Times reports scientists call what happened a "glacial lake outburst flood" (GLOF). It explains: "The Himalayas are full of potential GLOFs, as many as 7,500 of them. ... As deadly as GLOFs are, they can be predicted. And they are predicted to get worse" due to climate change. That's due to a combination of factors: rising temps are melting glacial ice, causing glacial lakes to grow in size; monsoons are becoming both more intense and more erratic; and the permafrost under the Himalayan ice cap is softening, who can cause "soil and snow lose their grip on each other," triggering avalanches. The Times reports an avalanche is what happened this week, with snow, ice, and boulders careening down a mile and into Lhonak Lake, triggering the GLOF. CNN reports as much as 60% of the lake's water poured out of it. story continues below "There are more than 54,000 glaciers across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region and very few of them are monitored, which means that such disasters will continue to increase," a UN climate scientist told CBS News. As far as monitoring goes, Reuters reports a system was finally being put in place at Lhonak Lake but wasn't ready for use. "The fact it happened just two weeks after our team was there was completely bad luck," said project member and geoscientist Simon Allen of the University of Zurich. Though a camera and instruments were in place, the tripwire sensor that would signal a burst was coming was a step "the Indian government was not prepared to do ... this year, so it was being done as a two-step process," he said. Had it been completed, a warning could have been issued 90 minutes before the lake burst. (Read more climate change stories.) Former Spanish King Juan Carlos I won his London court battle Friday with an ex-lover who had sought $153 million in damages for allegedly being harassed and spied on by him after their breakup. Danish socialite and businessperson Corinna Larsen, also known as Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, said the former monarch caused her "great mental pain" by orchestrating threats and ordering unlawful covert and overt surveillance of her. Larsen was Juan Carlos' mistress from 2004 to 2009, the court said. Juan Carlos, 85, who abdicated in 2014, denied wrongdoing and disputed the allegations, arguing that an English court didn't have jurisdiction to hear the case because he doesn't live in Britain. He has a home in Spain but currently lives in Abu Dhabi, reports the AP. High Court Justice Rowena Collins Rice threw out the lawsuit after agreeing with the former king. She added that Larsen, who owns homes in England, had not adequately shown that the harassment occurred in Britain, which could have provided an exception to the jurisdiction legal principle. But the judge specifically said she had not considered the substance of Larsen's claims because she was only concerned with whether the king could be forced to face trial in England. The king issued a statement saying that while he regretted the expense and time spent over three years, he welcomed the decision and claimed it "unsurprisingly" confirmed his innocence. Larsen said in a statement that she was considering her options: "It is disheartening to see that victims of harassment often struggle to find justice in our legal system. Juan Carlos has deployed his full armory to grind me down and the reach of his power is immense." story continues below Juan Carlos was once one of Spain's most respected public figures for his role in the country's return to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. But scandals involving Spain's royal family began to mount in the later years of his reign, leading him to step down in favor of his son, King Felipe VI. Juan Carlos suggested in his statement that after refraining from public comment during the case, he would now be free to make public appearances. (Read more King Juan Carlos I stories.) Pakistan will carry out its recently announced plans to deport all illegal immigrants, including 1.7 million Afghans, in a "phased and orderly manner," the foreign ministry said Friday. The statement is likely meant to assuage international concerns and calm fears among Afghan refugees in Pakistan after Islamabad unexpectedly said Tuesday that all migrantsincluding the Afghanswithout valid documentation will have to go back to their countries voluntarily before Oct. 31 to avoid mass arrests and forced deportation. This sent a wave of panic among those living in the country without papers and drew widespread condemnation from rights groups, the AP reports. Activists say any forced deportation of Afghans will put them at a grave risk. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Friday the new policy is not aimed at Afghans only. "We have been hosting Afghan refugees generously for the past four decades," when millions of them fled Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation, she said. Those 1.4 million Afghan nationals who are registered as refugees in Pakistan need not worry, she added. "Our policy is only about illegal individuals who are here illegally, no matter what their nationality is," she added "The laws in Pakistan are similar to laws in many other countries," Baloch said. Officials said Tuesday that starting in November, rewards would be offered to people who shared the whereabouts of illegal immigrants, the Washington Post reports. Amnesty International asked Pakistan to allow the Afghans to continue to live in the country, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesman expressed concerns about the new policy, saying, "As a matter of principle it is critical that no refugees be sent back without it being a voluntary and dignified return." story continues below Although Pakistani security forces and police have routinely been arresting and deporting Afghans who have sneaked into the country without valid documents in recent years, this is the first time that the government has announced plans for such a major crackdown. (Read more Pakistan stories.) The owner of a Colorado funeral home where 115 decaying bodies were found tried to conceal the improper storage of corpses and claimed he was doing animal taxidermy at the facility, according to a suspension letter sent to him by state regulators. The Return to Nature Funeral Home facility in the small town of Penrose had been unregistered with the state for 10 months on Wednesday when owner Jon Hallford spoke by phone with a state regulator. A day earlier, an "abhorrent smell" from the facility was reported, launching an investigation. Hallford acknowledged that he had a "problem" at the property and claimed he practiced taxidermy there, though the Colorado Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration document obtained by the AP didn't explain what Hallford meant with his taxidermy claim or how he tried to conceal improper storage of human remains. Text messages and phone calls were not answered at the funeral home, which had no working voice mail. As of Friday, when authorities announced what they called a "disturbing discovery" in Penrose, a town of about 3,000 people in the mountains west of Colorado Springs, neither Hallford nor anyone else has been arrested or charged. Officials declined to describe the scene inside the Return to Nature Funeral Home facility beyond calling it "horrific." A multi-agency effort to recover and identify the remains was underway. Some identifications would require taking fingerprints, finding medical or dental records and DNA, Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said. "This could take several months. As we identify each decedent, families will be notified as soon as absolutely possible," Keller said. Authorities declined to say if the building was equipped to properly story bodies. They also wouldn't disclose in what state the bodies were found or how they were stored. Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. (Read more funeral home stories.) The United Auto Workers said Friday the union will not expand its strikes against Detroit's three automakers after General Motors made a breakthrough concession on unionizing electric vehicle battery plants. The announcement of the pause in adding factories to the strikes came minutes after GM agreed to bring workers at battery factories into the UAW's national contract, essentially ensuring they will represented by the union, the AP reports. "We have had a major breakthrough that has not only dramatically changed negotiations, but is going to change the future of our union and the future of our industry," union President Shawn Fain told workers Friday in a video appearance. Fain, wearing a T-shirt that said "Eat the Rich" in bold letters to back his contention that it's time for the working class to make gains over billionaires, said the UAW is winning at GM and expects to do the same at Ford and Stellantis. Neither GM nor Stellantis commented directly on unionization of battery factories, but Ford stuck to statements that workers will have to choose once they are hired at plants that haven't even been built. "We remain open to the possibility of working with the UAW on future battery plants in the US, reminding that these are multibillion-dollar investments and have to operate at sustainably competitive levels," Ford said in a statement. Fain told workers that additional plants could be added to the strikes later, per the AP. He said GM made the change after the union threatened to strike at a plant in Arlington, Texas, that makes highly profitable large SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. "Today, under the threat of a major financial hit, they leapfrogged the pack in terms of a just transition" from combustion engines to electric vehicles, he said. The union, he said, has seen significant progress in talks with all three companies. Ford's general wage proposal, for instance, is up to 23% over four years, after starting at 9%. GM and Stellantis, he said, are at 20%. None of the raises is big enough, but they're closer, he said. (Read more UAW strike stories.) U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Kayla Corob, a medical surgical nurse, assigned to the 901st Medical Detachment, displays the Health Readiness and Performance System. The Army Reserve is testing the HRAPS as a potential new technology to aid in the readiness of Soldiers. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Debrah Sanders) BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. On October 6, at about 20:30 (GMT+4), Zameddin Hasanli, a resident of the Gasangaya village, Terter district, has stepped on an anti-personnel mine, the Interior Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend. Hasanli received a leg injury. He was immediately taken to the hospital. The fact is under investigation. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com International efforts continue to focus on security and stability, which in turn support development in line with the aspirations of countries and their people. This was emphasised by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, as he received yesterday the Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, Commander of the United States Fifth Fleet, and Commander of Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II, and the Ambassador of the US to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Steven C. Bondy, at Gudaibiya Palace. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the longstanding partnership between Bahrain and the US, particularly within military and defence. HRH Prince Salman welcomed Vice Admiral Cooper and HE the Ambassador, noting the advancement of bilateral relations and development achieved through various levels of cooperation. The Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) was also discussed, which forms a cornerstone for joint Bahrain-US cooperation across various sectors, notably security, military, advanced technology, trade, and investment, in support of regional security and development. His Royal Highness, Vice Admiral Cooper, and HE Bondy, further discussed joint efforts within the next phase of the Bahrain-US partnership, building on the C-SIPA. The agreement aims to bolster Bahrain-US joint efforts and shared values and visions towards a greater integration, particularly within security, the military field, and in achieving security, prosperity, and economic development. Several issues of common interest and the latest international and regional developments were reviewed. The Minister of Cabinet Affairs, HE Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, also attended the meeting. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The total volume of investments in the construction of a solar power plant with a capacity of up to 500 MW in Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as infrastructure for further exports to Turkiye, amounts to $500 million, CEO of A-Z Czech Engineering Milan Pavlicek told Trend. According to him, the company has been following the changes in the energy sector of Azerbaijan for a long time and on the basis of this it intends to actively implement new projects in the country. "The memorandum signed today shows that we intend to develop the energy potential of Nakhchivan, and also plan to share our experience in other areas of the energy sector," Pavlicek said. Javid Abdullayev, Director of the State Agency on Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, and Milan Pavlicek, CEO of Az Czech Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of renewable energy sources on September 29, 2023. This document is aimed at implementing projects in the field of renewable energy sources on the territory of Azerbaijan, in particular, the construction of a solar power plant with a capacity of up to 500 MW in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. INTRODUCING CLOUD, AVAILABLE NOW STONEY CREEK, ON, Oct. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - Baffin is proud to introduce CLOUD, a new women's winter boot, available now. An expert in high-performance cold-climate footwear, Baffin's latest launch is an addition to the Canadian brand's best-selling, Ease Collection available through Baffin.com and retailers across North America. The creation of CLOUD and the extension of the Ease Collection represent Baffin's commitment to providing a comfortable and safe outdoor experience while recognizing the customer demand for boots that offer both style and protection. Recommended during moderate to high levels of activity from snow play to expedition and everything in between, CLOUD features Baffin's most comprehensive proprietary slip-resistant technology IceBite Grip, which provides greater slip resistance on ice than conventional rubber. A featherlight winter boot, CLOUD features a tall, breathable nylon shell to protect from the elements, paired with drawstrings at the ankle and the top of the boot with locking toggles for an improved fit. The nylon upper is cinched throughout, forming a puffer-inspired silhouette and is available in three colourways: Stormy, Coastal Grey, and Black. "CLOUD takes inspiration from our Hybrid Slipper CAMPFIRE, which features a cinched nylon upper reminiscent of the puffer style that has become increasingly popular in both outerwear and footwear," says Jessica Liut, Director, Brand at Baffin. "By increasing the height of the upper and adding the EASE Collections base, we've created a more comprehensive outdoor product that is both on-trend and reliable in the elements." Made with a Polar Rubber heel and forefoot for maximized grip and durability and LiteGrip Blend and proven Hex-Flex outsole design for lightweight cushioning, grip and slip resistance, CLOUD provides the confidence and security needed in cold-climate footwear. CLOUD features Baffin's Fixed-Fit multi-layer inner boot system, with proprietary technology including Thermaplush soft, next-to-foot wicking layer for warmth, form-fitting B-Tek Foam lining for comfort and B-Tek Heat lightweight, 4-channel hollow-fibre insulation for high-loft breathability in a broad range of temperatures. These extensive Baffin technologies allow for comprehensive protection, within a comfortable and lightweight boot. Proven by Baffin at latitudes and altitudes during Canadian winters, CLOUD is Real-World Tested* (RWT) Tundra Rated. Designed for experiencing snow-covered environments and made to withstand harsh environments including hardy winds and serious cold, CLOUD thrives where uneven terrains and diverse conditions are endured. From plunging temperatures to deep snowfalls, CLOUD provides comfort for those experiencing the coldest season, no matter the hemisphere. CLOUD is classified as B-Tek Dry Waterproof Breathable, a powerful waterproof technology offering high wet protection with increased breathability. This category of advanced waterproofing is intentionally breathable for outdoor activity, where elements such as rain and melting snow are present and welcome. CLOUD is waterproof from the base to the collar and protects from wetness, while supporting comfortable movement. CLOUD is now available at Baffin.com and in select outdoor retailers in North America retailing for $200 CAD/$175 USD. *Real-World Tested (RWT) level evolution is a vehicle for bridging the gap between product and application. RWT is a system that helps to recommend cold comfort levels associated with Baffin footwear. Each level has been determined by the extensive use of Baffin products in real-world applications on expeditions and job sites around the world. Baffin Ltd. is an innovative, leading outwear company based in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada with a core focus on technically advanced, innovative footwear and high-performance apparel. Baffin designs, develops, and field tests footwear in the most demanding environments on the planet and is focused on being a global leader in footwear within the Outdoor, Industrial and Hunt and Fish categories. Baffin Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canada Goose Holdings Inc. SOURCE Baffin Limited For further information: Renee Denomme, Communications Manager, (905) 941-2111, [email protected] BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Azerbaijan already has satellites orbiting the Earth, but it has the potential to launch more, astrophysicist and former astronaut of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) John-David Bartoe told Trend. He noted that Azerbaijan is actively working on training its new astronaut specialists, adding that this is probably the most important part of the development strategy for the field, as training future generations contributes to its long-term development. "About 600 people have been in space so far. I think that number will increase by another 600 in the next 10 years. This growth will be possible due to the active development of this sphere, including the participation of new private companies, which contributes to the rapid development of the space industry," Bartoe added. Within the framework of the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku, a cooperation agreement was signed between Azercosmos and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on the development of new observation satellites for Azerbaijan. According to this agreement, two satellites will be manufactured within the framework of Azersky-2 program. A former presidential spokesman, Reno Omokri has told the people rejoicing on social media that Atiku Abubakar has no case as President Bola Tinubu truly graduated from the Chicago State University (CSU). Atiku had addressed a news conference in Abuja on Thursday after the certificates of Tinubu was released to him by CSU. Many on social media, especially loyalists of Atiku and Peter Obi are elated that Tinubu had been exposed. But Omokri told supporters of Atiku and Obi not to rejoice as Tinubu was a graduate of the school as testified by the schools registrar Mr. Caleb Westberg. According to him, This Chicago controversy was settled the minute that their registrar Mr. Caleb Westberg, testified under oath that the same person who is now President of Nigeria is the same person who graduated from Chicago State University. The Supreme Court will take that above public opinion any day! Omokri added: This is just deja vu all over again. Is it that we never learn? The same thing happened with General Buhari. His certificates were lost while he was in detention. He presented a replacement GCE certificate that was full of errors. Yet, no court removed him. Why? Because it is the reality of the graduation that validates the certificate. It is not the certificate that validates the graduation. It is just like marriage. Your church wedding is just a formality. You got married the day your union was registered at the registry. The document they gave you in the church is only ceremonial. This is a settled principle in law known as the maxim of equity that Equity Regards As Done What Should Have Been Done. Learn to separate emotions from logic and assumption from fact. I do not like or support Bola Tinubu. However, I have a Masters degree in Law from England. My late father was an Appeals Court Justice. If I do not know the position of the law, despite my background, or if I am overwhelmed by a mob to deny what I have known to be true since September 19, 2022, then I will be what is called an akpa shishan in the Itsekiri language. He told Nigerians to read the transcript of the deposition, saying that all that Tinubus lawyers have to prove was that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a male and the same person currently occupying the office of the Presidency of Nigeria, graduated from Chicago State University. Once they prove that, it legitimises whatever certificate he tendered to prove that point. I have worked with and disagreed with a sitting President on one occasion. There is nobody on earth that is too important for me not to look in the face and tell the truth to. Abia State election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia has dismissed three grounds of prayers brought by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Okey Ahaiwe against Governor Alex Otti. The tribunal which delivered the Judgement at about 1:20 pm, dismissed Ahaiwes case for lack of merit. Ahaiwe had challenged the declaration of Otti as the duly elected governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In his prayers through his Lawyer, Paul Ananaba, SAN, Ahaiwe had urged the court to remove Otti and declare him the winner. The PDP candidate said the electoral victory of Otti did not confirm with Section 77 of the Electoral Act, among other prayers. However, the tribunal threw away all the requests, for lacking in merit. The victory threw thousands of LP supporters who came from different parts of the State into spontaneous jubilation, as they danced in joy and celebration outside the Federal High Court complex. Meanwhile the tribunal is presently handling the case brought by Ikechi Emenike of the APC against Otti. Emenike is asking the tribunal to remove governor Otti, on the allegations that he did not resign his membership of the APC before joining the LP. The APC candidate in the March 18 guber election is also claiming that Ottis name is not in the register of the LP when he contested the election. Former National Publicity of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Mr Yekini Nabena, has asked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to stop chasing shadows with regard to the academic records of President Bola Tinubu at the Chicago State University CSU. Asking Atiku not to take the nation back to the desert, Nabena said Nigerians had since moved on with the leadership of President Tinubu, and urged the former vice president to start preparing for the next election. Nabena said all the noise about the Chicago State University certificate is a pre-election matter that has long been forgotten. Atiku, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP had accused President Tinubu of forgery at a press conference on Thursday, October 5. In a statement issued Friday in Abuja, Nabena asked Atiku Abubakar to rather start preparations for another contest in 2027 as usual rather than dragging the nation backwards. Nabena said contrary to media propaganda by Atiku and opposition parties; The registrar of Chicago State University CSU Caleb Westberg never said President Tinubu forged the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in Nigeria. He urged the public to be careful of manipulative reports churned out by the opposition parties to cause confusion and seek public sympathy. According to the APC chieftain, Nigeria is a sovereign state and until the highest court of the land says otherwise, President Tinubu is still legitimately elected and will continue to pilot affairs of the country. The Bayelsa born APC chieftain called on party members, supporters of the President and all Nigerians to disregard all attempts by the opposition parties to create unnecessary tension and make the country ungovernable. He said; Let me use this medium to tell the former Vice President to start preparing for another election in 2027 as usual. Heating up the polity over pre-election matters will not make him President of Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar should know by now that Nigerians have moved on. The country is now enjoying good governance because this administration is responsive and responsible. See what is happening across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Nigerians will no longer wait for months to get their international passports when they apply. Over 204,000 backlog has been cleared within three weeks. Think about the welfare packages for the elderly by the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, the bold step to remove the fuel subsidy that has held the country hostage for a long time, government intervention in all sectors like Aviation, Health, Transport, Economy, Agriculture and security among others. This Renewed Hope Agenda is already working and Nigerians wont allow anyone, including Atiku or Peter Obi to drag the nation back to the desert, Nabena said. The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State, has convicted and sentenced one Kolawole Erinle, Managing Director of Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited, to 12 years imprisonment for defrauding Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, (KCUMB), United States, of about $1.4 million. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Head, Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale. The statement revealed that Erinle was convicted by Justice R.A Oshodi on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct and obtaining money under false pretence. According to the statement, two of the charges read, Kolawole Adedayo Erinle and Edward Dada (still at large), sometime in 2019, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to falsely represent yourselves as J.E. Dunn, a local construction company in America, with intent to gain monetary advantage in the sum of $1,410,000 (One Million Four-Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars) by creating a fake domain name jedunn.org and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No 14, 2006. Kolawole Adedayo Erinle, Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited and Edward Dada (still at large) on or about the 3rd day of May 2019, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retain the control of $1,410,000 (One Million Four-Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars) in your Access Bank account, which sum you knew to be proceeds of various internet and cybercrime. In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, T.J. Banjo, presented evidence to prove that Erinle was an ex-convict in the US for bank fraud. Erinle earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges, although he admitted that he was indeed an ex-convict in the US, and spent 23 months in prison. He also expressed a readiness to pay restitution to his victim, saying, I am sorry. Delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi declared the defendant and his company guilty as charged, and also held that the prosecution effectively proved the case against them beyond every reasonable doubt. Justice Oshodi held that, as argued by the prosecution, Erinle, spoofed the email address of the financial controller of J.E. Dunn, by faking the domain name of jedunn.com to jedunn.org, an act which was premeditated, so that when KCUMB was about to pay J.E. Dunn, you provided Bank of America details in the name of E. Dada Autos, and after the wire transfer of $1,412,509.40 into it, in March 2019, you caused the money to be transferred in tranches of $850,000 and $460,000 into the second convicts account, which you also control. The trial judge further hels: The evidence shows that you transferred the proceeds of your crime to your nominees, including your mother, and your wife, and also acquired vehicles and other properties captured in exhibit P to P1. I have considered the prosecutions submissions that you have a prior conviction for bank fraud in the United States of America, US. I have considered the fact that notwithstanding your prison term, which you have confirmed to me as sentencing for 23 months, you have not changed. Thereafter, Justice Oshodi sentenced Erinle to five years on count two, and 12 years on count three. The sentences are to run concurrently from February 10, 2023, when he was remanded by the court. The company, Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited, was fined N50 million, and also ordered to be wound up by the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, with the proceeds forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The convicts were also ordered to make restitution to the victim. The judge further ordered that all the properties and vehicles recovered from them by the EFCC be sold and applied as restitution to the victim through the FBI. The funds standing to his credit as recovered by the EFCC, and the company, the court added, shall be applied as restitution for the victim by the FBI; this is without prejudice for the prosecution and the victim to secure a full restitution. The wife of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Lady Cathy Ferguson, is dead. The Ferguson family confirmed the sad news in a statement released to the PA news agency on Friday. We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, the statement reads. The family asks for privacy at this time. Meanwhile, Man United has sent their condolences to Ferguson over the death of his wife. In a statement, Man United said: Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family. Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career. Founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, yesterday, tasked President Bola Tinubu to ensure that local government areas in the country receive their allocations directly from the federation account, to revive agriculture and boost the economy. He lamented that the local councils have remained ineffective over the years in bringing development to the people, due to the activities of the governors who allegedly hijacked their allocations. Babalola spoke, while declaring open the eighth edition of the Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo, ABAEX, an annual gathering of farmers, where they would be empowered by the ABUAD founder. He explained that releasing funds to the council areas would enable the administrators to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the communities, especially supporting farmers. His words: I am suggesting that local government areas should be empowered. Each local government should set up farming equipment for farmers to hire. They should also earmark large hectares of land for the farmers to farm. When I was a councillor, in those days, local government funds used to come directly to them. We all know what has been happening to their money. I think the current president (Bola Tinubu) should do all he can to ensure that local government allocation gets to them directly and not through the governors because they (governors) steal a lot. No parent will send their children to school, some to masters and PhD level, only to come back and be asked to use cutlass to farm. The best the government can do now to revive agriculture is to buy modern implements to encourage people to farm. If local government funds get to them they will be able to buy tractors for the people to rent it. In his opening remarks, the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Abiodun Ojo, said that the vision of ABAEX is essentially to encourage excellence and sustainable performance among the farmers in Ekiti State, while at the same time increasing value addition across all agricultural products. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Azerbaijan has huge potential in the space sector, which can be successfully used for the development of various areas, including scientific research, technological innovation, education, and the economy, head of the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) Marco Antonio Chamon on the sidelines of the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2023) in Baku told Trend. According to him, this event of grandiose scale has acquired special significance for the world space community. In addition, Marco Antonio Chamon emphasized that Baku is a beautiful city, which left a lasting impression on the guests. The 74th International Astronautical Congress, in partnership with the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan ("Azercosmos") and the International Astronautical Federation, started in Baku on October 2. The event was attended by representatives of space agencies, the public sector, investors and private space companies, local and international media, and more than 5,000 representatives from 101 countries. At the International Astronautical Congress, 150 companies are represented in the exhibition pavilion. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has reiterated that his government has resolved never to borrow money from any financial institution to run the state. Governor Adeleke also revealed that he has devised better means of generating funds internally to continue his works in the state. The Governor made this known during the first edition of Ipade Imole, a quarterly interactive public engagement forum in Osogbo on Thursday. While listing the achievements of his government, Adeleke also disclosed that he has resolved to spend the N2bn palliative fund from the federal government on major projects among which are: renovation and procurement of more buses for easy and affordable transportation, as well as rehabilitation of health facilities. Development of Osun is paramount to me and hence I decided to take huge sacrifice by adding my security vote to fund the project in the state rather keep it to myself like others before me, he said. The Governor also disclosed his administration has prioritised projects it intends to finance with the Infrastructure Support Fund of the Federal Government, which include a flyover in the state capital. We intend use the N2billion to fund some projects, including dualisation of roads at two per senatorial districts; flyover bridges at Osogbo and some other towns; street lights for newly constructed roads; second stream of 332 boreholes across wards; commencement of Imole transport service; and Imole Housing Estate at 500 units per federal constituency, he said. The Labour Party (LP) in Kogi State on Friday suffered a setback as all its 21 local government area chairmen defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The chairmen defected to the ruling APC with scores of their supporters. NAN reports that they were received by the state APC chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, at the Lugard House, Lokoja. The leader of the defectors, Mr Awe Kayode, said that they decided to collapse their structure into APC in order to support the partys governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, in the forthcoming Nov. 11 governorship poll. Kayode also said that their defection became imperative when they realised that LP was no longer viable in the state. Another reason for our defection is our conviction that the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, has shown that he is a unifier whose nationalist qualities are needed to consolidate on the achievements of Gov Yahaya Bello. I was in APC before I left to join the Labour Party. I am back today with more people and we are ready to add value. LP got more than 76,000 votes in the last presidential election; we still have the same people who worked to achieve that feat. The state belongs to all of us and we have decided to jettison ethnic or religious agenda to support the candidate of APC who promotes the Kogi Agenda. Indeed, the Labour Party structure in the state was a formidable one that delivered massive votes to the partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, without inducement or support, but we want to do the same to APC and Ododo this time around, he said. Kayode added that their decision to collapse the LP structure into APC was to join forces with the progressives to actualise the Kogi Agenda which sought to further unite the people and ensure even development across board. Similarly, the LP chairman for Bassa LGA, who doubles as the chairman of LP Chairmen Forum, Jimba Emmanuel, noted that a political party was just a platform to power. He added that good governance was about individuals passionate about development and attracting dividends of democracy to the people. He said that the governorship candidate of LP lacked the required quality, hence their decision to abandon the sinking ship. According to him: I and my colleagues here have agreed to mobilise all our structures across the 21 local government areas to deliver massive votes for the APC candidate come Nov. 11. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones, commended the leader of the Obidient Movement in Kogi, Awe Kayode, for his doggedness and mobilisation ability. Jones said that the crowd seen was a testimony of the genuineness of their decision to join the progressives. He urged the defectors to join forces in canvassing and mobilising for the victory of the APC governorship candidate to ensure sustainability and consolidation of the gains made by Yahaya Bellos administration. Receiving the defectors, the Kogi APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello, said, APC is a party that believes in development, equality and has a good reward system. Delegates to the quadrennial Congress of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Zone 2, South West, have appointed Musiliu Akinsanya, fondly called MC Oluomo, as the acting chairman of the union in South West. The delegates also appealed to the government of the Ondo, Oyo, and Osun States to allow the union to return to motor parks in their states. Reading resolutions reached during the congress held in Osogbo on Thursday, ex-NURTW National Treasurer, Nasiru Komolafe, who presided over the congress, also said MC Oluomo, who is the Deputy Chairman of the zone, would act as the chairman of the union pending election of substantive chairman. Komolafe, who urged the government of the states where activities of the union have been proscribed to rescind the decision, noted that the post of the NURTW National President has been zoned to the South West. He added that the union could not conduct its zonal congress because it could not form a quorum with the two states where the union was currently operating. He said, We are supposed to have six states in Zone 2, South West, but unfortunately we have only two states where NURTW is currently operating. In the other four states, we are not operating there. By virtue of the NURTW constitution, we cant conduct a zonal election with just two states out of six. At least, we are supposed to have 4 States. So we deliberated and we agreed to shift the zonal Congress to 19th October 2023 because we are having the National Delegate Conference on 25th of October. I am using this medium to appeal to the remaining State Governments in South West to please allow NURTW to work in their States. The post of the National President of the union has been zoned to the South West and if we fail to hold zonal congress, another zone may take the office from us. We appeal to our governors to allow NURTW to return to parks in their states. On the issue of leadership of the union in South West, Komolafe further said, Zonal Chairman was not at the meeting, but the deputy zonal chairman came. The congress agreed that Musiliu Akinsanya fondly called MC Oluomo, who until a while ago was deputy chairman of the zone, should take over the mantle of leadership of the zone in an Acting capacity pending the time we will conduct the election. Reno Omokri, a staunch supporter of the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has written an open letter to him and the party. Read letter below: It has been said that a persons worst enemy is the individual who feeds their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The 2023 election is over. Peter Obi defeated us, not Bola Tinubu. By contesting an election he knew he could not win, Peter Obi stole away votes that would naturally have come to the Peoples Democratic Party (the Southeast has always voted PDP since 1999. Only 2023 was an exception). That is why we lost. As a true friend of the Peoples Democratic Party, I told Peter Obi this before the election. I also said the same thing to Waziri Atiku Abubakar. I said if we did not find a way to convince Peter Obi not to run, then we would have to take him on head-on because there was not enough space for both him and Waziri Atiku on the plinth of victory. But that is now history. The fact of the matter is that the current trajectory of our party is very similar to the election denial that prevailed in the Republican Party after the 2020 election. Pinning all our hopes on a smoking gun from Chicago State University that failed to manifest shows that we have reached the end of our ropes. Let us face the truth. AriseTV and other irresponsible media got our hopes up unnecessarily. Chicago State University never denied Bola Tinubu. That was a big fat lie from Rufai Oseni, @ruffydfire a corrupt journalist sponsored by Peter Obi, a rival of Mr. Tinubu. A meticulous reading of Mr. Westbergs deposition shows that he affirmed Mr. Tinubu three times as a bona fide graduate; they once issued him a diploma certificate. Under normal circumstances, it would be apparent to us that there is no case here. Chicago State University, through its registrar, Mr. Caleb Westberg, has testified under oath that Bola Tinubu, the male now President of Nigeria, was admitted, attended, and graduated from their institution. They never denied his credentials. What they said, both in their affidavit and the deposition that followed, is that they could not attest to the diploma tendered by Bola Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission, not because Bola Tinubu did not graduate from their university but because a third-party vendor issued it, and certificates are more of a Nigerian thing. In case members of my party do not know, in November 2022, this same Mr. Mike Enahoro-Ebah attempted to disqualify Mr. Tinubu on exactly these same grounds, and an FCT Magistrate Court struck out his case without being assigned. And we think the Supreme Court will give credence to what a Magistrate Court dismissed? What do we now want to prove at the Supreme Court, even in the unlikely event we are allowed to present new evidence? That Bola Tinubu forged a diploma for a degree that he legitimately earned? If not for desperation, why would the great PDP that produced Presidents Obasanjo, Yaradua, and Jonathan even consider clutching at such weak straws? It is like saying a man forged a cheque for an account in his name! Bola Tinubus political foes have clutched at this straw before, in 1999 and 2003, and failed. And that is what we now want to hold onto in 2023? Twenty years after it failed? The people behind this desperation are almost all agents of Peter Obi. They dont love Waziri Atiku Abubakar or the PDP. It is a strategy of using Waziri to fight Asiwaju, hoping they cancel each other and that a rerun election is ordered, which Peter Obi will win. They fail to consider that, as of today, that is yes daddily impossible. Waziri Atiku Abubakar would have been a better president than Bola Tinubu. But we were outsmarted by Bola Tinubu. Our redemption will not come from Chicago. It will come from facing reality and ensuring we do not have a divided house in 2027. I have been more loyal to the PDP than those now trying to make something out of nothing. And if I cannot tell my party the truth, then, to borrow the words of Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:19, I am of all men most miserable! Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has restated that former Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi could not have ordered members and supporters of the party in the state to vote against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the 2023 presidential election. He said this in reaction to a statement credited to Tony Okocha, who he accused of politics of smear campaign. In a statement made available to the media, the APC chieftain described the alleged false claim peddled by Okocha as fictitious and a cocktail of lies consciously schemed against Amaechi by adversaries who see such engagement as necessary to please their paymasters. He said it should be noted for the umpteen time that the said Okocha was never a member of the APC during the period leading to the election and had no insight into the workings. Further, the APC chief commended the partys National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for disappointing the people he described as Wikes conflict mercenaries, Okocha and company, who had gone to meet him. Okocha led a delegation of his circle to the National Secretariat of the APC. Eze said the meeting was to seek Gandujes approval to proceed with their onslaught through campaigns of calumny against Amaechi and the mainstream APC state executive in Rivers. Okocha and his team were disappointed when Abdullahi Ganduje cautioned them not to heat up the polity and allow the leadership of the party at the central work out modalities to calm frayed nerves and resolve every issue affecting the party in the state before delving into constituting another party structure in the state, he said. He reiterated that Wike, Okocha or any member of their circle cannot remove Amaechi from APC. Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed for patience for the national leadership to reconcile the warring factions of the party in Rivers State. Ganduje said this when he received APC stakeholders from Rivers on Thursday in Abuja. The former Kano governor noted that the party in the State was being killed by litigation. He said that Rivers was a very important state in the country because of its oil deposit and large population, describing it as an asset for election to any political party. So you can see why we cannot rubbish the state; Rivers as a state in politics is very important. Coincidentally, some of us are conversant with the politics in Rivers, he said. He said that the current crisis in the Rivers chapter of the party started in 2015. Our party in Rivers is highly factionalised, that is the fact about it. Our party in Rivers was killed by litigations, that one is a fact, Ganduje said. He thanked those who worked to ensure the partys electoral success at the poll, saying it was a miracle that it won the presidential election and lost the state in the 2023 election. There is confusion in the party in Rivers, but we dont want members to over heat the system, we are focused, we are organised, we work scientifically in politics. And therefore, you give us an enabling environment, give us a chance so that we can put a round peg in a round hole, square peg in a square hole, so that we maintain our dignity as a party. We have to capitalise on what we have, we have to capitalise on the fact that we have won the national election in Rivers. We are not extracting anything less again, but give us a chance to see how we can have both the state and the national election together, Ganduje said. He said that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) would constitute a leadership that would reconcile the warring factions in the state in the interest of its members. But do not overheat the system, overheating the system will bring litigation and then a vicious cycle will come again. We dont want too much analysis because they say too much analysis leads to paralysis. So give us a chance so that we can consult, so that we look at the Constitution of APC and then we wait and see how we can put things in order, he said. (NAN) The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has turned down the request by his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar to join him in the ongoing battle against President Bola Tinubu. Recall that the former vice president had during an International Press Conference in Abuja on Thursday, urged Obi and Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, to join his fight for justice. This is coming on the heels of the controversy surrounding President Tinubus certificate which Atiku obtained from the Chicago State University, CSU. Atiku, who alleged that Tinubu forged the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, made it clear on Thursday that he intended to employ the academic records provided by CSU as part of his litigation against the president in the Supreme Court. Responding to the call, Obi in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh said he is currently busy seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate at the Supreme Court. The statement reads, The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is presently in the Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate and he is focused on that. He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves a leadership it truly deserves. Obi has pontificated severally on the need for leaders to be good role models and to live a life worthy of emulation. This he has done by publicly putting his credentials in the open for verification. Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation. We therefore welcome every other interest willing to join us in our pursuit of a nation where justice shall reign. The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has hailed Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin. Atiku and Hundeyin are on the same page on the claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had submitted fake school documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during the election. Before the election, the journalist had maintained that Tinubu was not qualified to run for the office of the countrys number one citizen. Atiku heaped praise on Hundeyin, Nigerian journalists and youths during his world press conference held in Abuja on Thursday for putting the country far above anything else. Former American President Thomas Jefferson once said, If I had to choose between government without newspapers and newspapers without government, I wouldnt hesitate to choose the latter, he said. From exposing the Watergate scandal and unravelling the dubious certificates of politicians, journalists have maintained eternal vigilance by bridging the gap and stepping in when other arms of government failed. It is for these reasons that commendation must be given to David Hundeyin, an independent journalist whose extraordinary work and those of many more young people like him have become a source of inspiration. Special thanks must be given to the millions of Nigerian youths and citizen journalists too who continue to put out the truth online even when no one is listening. Indeed, the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. They have put the country first in their firm commitment to unravel the truth and hold leaders accountable. This gives me the hope that we have worthy partners in the struggle to reclaim the country we call home. A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adamu Garba, has charged the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to stop creating a court of public opinion over the academic record of President Bola Tinubu. Garba accused Atiku of creating a process that goes against the laws of Nigeria. In a post on X, the APC chieftain said records have shown that Tinubu attended the Chicago State University, CSU. This is coming against the backdrop of Atikus expedition to CSU to expose Tinubu. However, CSU had confirmed that Tinubu attended the institution despite some discrepancies in his certificates. Reacting to the saga, Garba wrote: President Tinubu did attend the CSU, passed with distinction, and was confirmed by the CSU themselves. I dont understand what the opposition truly wants by creating their own process, which directly went against the law. Tinubu is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If you disagree, go through the normal procedure, not to create a court of public opinion. Follow the rules of Electoral Act 2022 as amended. A former secretary at Fair Lawn Public Schools has filed a lawsuit against the district claiming the business administrator sexually harassed her in person and in hundreds of unwanted text messages. The woman, who now works for another district, alleges John Serapiglia engaged in a pattern of conduct designed to exploit the womans emotions and mental health, according to court papers. This was done through a substantial number (440 pages) of text messages, telephone conversations, and in-person conversations, according to the lawsuit filed Sept. 29 in Superior Court of Bergen County. Serapiglia, who is now the business administrator in Linden Public Schools in Union County, did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Administrators with the Fair Lawn district did not immediately respond Friday to calls and emails seeking comment. The lawsuit alleges the secretary developed an emotional dependency on the business administrator and was unable to recognize the manipulative nature of his conduct. The suit states Serapiglia showered the woman with compliments and excessive praise in an effort to groom her. Serapiglia allegedly sent the woman texts about her body, the clothes she was wearing, and her physique, the suit states. The woman wearing skirts was his kryptonite, he allegedly texted to her. I will keep complimenting you until you like it, Serapiglia allegedly texted the woman in June 2022. On Sept. 15, 2022, the woman complained to both Nicholas Norica, Fair Lawns superintendent at the time, and the human resources department that she felt uncomfortable in the same building with Serapiglia. Norcia, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, has since left Fair Lawn schools and is now superintendent of the Morris Hills Regional School District in Morris County. He did not immediately respond on Friday to a request for comment. The suit says that almost immediately, Norcia began to retaliate against the woman after she made her complaint. He required her to remain at her desk at all times except for bathroom breaks or to get the mail and she was unable to speak with co-workers in person, the suit alleges. On Oct. 3, 2022, the woman filed a sexual harassment complaint with human resources. On Oct. 21, 2022, she learned Serapiglia had filed an internal complaint against her, but the lawsuit does not specify the allegations. The result was two simultaneous investigations one involving the secretary, the other the business administrator. In December, the woman received a memo from the human resources director stating there was no finding of sexual harassment because she believed the relationship between the woman and Serapiglia was consensual. The woman says in the suit she applied for the position of payroll supervisor and was turned down. The lawsuit says the woman gave her notice of resignation, telling Norcia she was leaving because of sexual harassment and retaliation. Norcia allegedly told the woman, You can tell people you are leaving, but you cannot tell them why you are leaving. In addition to sexual harassment and retaliation, the lawsuit alleges a hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The Turkish city of Antalya will host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2026, Chairman of the Board of Azercosmos space agency Samaddin Asadov said, Trend reports. He made the remark during the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku. During his speech, Asadov also thanked all participants and sponsors of the event. The 74th International Astronautical Congress, in partnership with the Azercosmos space agency and the International Astronautical Federation, is being held in Baku on October 2-6. Baku hosted this prestigious event for the first time in 1973, during the leadership of the country by the great leader Heydar Aliyev. After 50 years, the Congress is held in Azerbaijan again. The current event was attended by representatives of space agencies, the public sector, investors and private space companies, local and international media, and more than 5,000 representatives from 101 countries. At the IAC, 150 companies were represented in the exhibition pavilion. Public school teachers in New Jersey made a median salary of $77,943 during the 2022-23 school year, according to the recently released state Taxpayers Guide to Education Spending. The highest paying district, Northern Valley Regional in Bergen County, had a median salary of $115,650. The best paying public school districts in the state tend to be larger, or regional districts without elementary schools, an NJ Advance Media analysis of recently released state data shows. Only two of the top 10 are K-8 districts. The four highest median salaries are from districts in Bergen and Hudson counties. In "Cat Person," a new movie that filmed in New Jersey, Emilia Jones plays a college student who meets an older man (Nicholas Braun) when she's working at a movie theater. The film is based on a viral short story.StudioCanal Striking nurses from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick took their case to the Rutgers-Newark campus on Thursday, staging a rally and attending a meeting of the universitys board of governors, where they called for the hospital presidents removal from the board. The target of the 1,700 striking nurses belonging to Local 4-200 of the United Steel Workers union was RWJ President and CEO Mark E. Manigan, whom they accuse of violating their right under the state constitution to strike and bargain collectively when he cut their health benefits midway through the 2-month strike on Sept. 1. Mark Manigan, youre no good/Treat your nurses like you should, three dozen nurses chanted as they and their supporters left the afternoon board meeting in the Paul Robeson Campus Center. Before the meeting, a crowd of about 200 nurses and union members from Local 1199 of the Service Employees Union, the Rutgers unit of the American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers, and other labor groups rallied outside, speaking and carrying signs reading Solidarity with RWJ Nurses, NJ Needs Safe Staffing Now! and Fair Contract Now! Thursdays show of solidarity comes after the nurses walked off the job on Aug. 5, demanding what they call safe staffing levels at the hospital, which is affiliated with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The Rutgers board varies the location of its regular meetings among its main campus in New Brunswick and those in Camden and Newark. Thursdays meeting in the states largest city was the boards first since the strike began. The nurses have collected 600 signatures on a petition asking Gov. Phil Murphy to rescind Manigans appointment to the board with help from the AAUP-AFT, one of the Rutgers unions that participated last spring in the first strike in the universitys 257-year history. But except in some instances, state higher education law says a majority of the board must vote to remove a member following a hearing. Manigan did not speak during the meeting, and afterward, he declined to comment on the strike or the call for his removal. A spokesperson for Murphy also declined to comment. Hospital officials have previously said that staffing has been affected by departures linked to the coronavirus pandemic and vowed to come to an agreement as soon as possible. Providing an example of what he said was inadequate staffing at the hospital, Travis Read-Giase, 26, of New Brunswick, a nurse in the intensive care unit, said nurse-to-patient ratios in the unit should be 1:1 and, in some situations, 1:2, but in practice is 1:3. He and others contend that understaffing hinders their ability to do their job and threatens patients health and safety. Jacob Chaffin, an organizer with the American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers union, held up a petition calling for the removal of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital CEO Mark Manigan from the Rutgers University Board of Governors during a board meeting on Oct. 5, 2023. The AAUP-AFT is supporting striking union nurses from the hospital.Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com While the RWJ is the teaching hospital affiliated by contract with Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the hospital is privately owned and operated by RWJBarnabas, the states largest healthcare system, which runs more than a dozen other hospitals and care facilities statewide. Because the hospital is RWJBarnabas flagship facility, strikers say the company is determined to resist lower staffing ratios to prevent similar demands from nurses systemwide. Whatever happens at this hospital, it will trickle down to every other hospital, Read-Giase said. Addressing about 80 nurses and supporters waiting for the meeting to start inside the campus center, Local 4-200 President Judy Danella said hospital management had prolonged the two-month strike by refusing to negotiate in good faith. We want our jobs back, Danella insisted. We are asking Robert Wood Johnson to let us come back to work with a fair contract. Thats the bottom line. The unions supporters included Dr. Tzeidel Brown-Eichenberg, a resident at University Hospital in Newark and recent graduate of its affiliate, New Jersey Medical School, also a Rutgers institution. I just want to voice my union solidarity with the nurses who are out here today, Brown-Eichenberg told the board during the meeting. Turning to the New Brunswick hospitals nurses, she added, You are amazing. Nobody knows Jersey better than NJ.com Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com After Monday nights 24-3 loss to Seattle yet another embarrassing moment for the 2023 Giants veteran cornerback Adoree Jackson was asked if he expected the locker room to gather this week for a players-only meeting. Jackson quickly brushed off the idea, saying he doesnt see value in those meetings. A South Jersey home improvement contractor has reached a $442,000 settlement with the state to resolve a lawsuit filed by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office which accused him and his company of defrauding senior citizens and others who hired him to perform remodeling projects, authorities said. James C. Barreras, Jr., of Cinnaminson, also agreed to dissolve his business, South Jersey Home Contracting, LLC, based in Woodbury, and pay $257,000 in consumer restitution, according to a release from the office. Barreras was accused of violating the Consumer Fraud Act by accepting payments from his customers and then failing to complete the work he was hired to do. He then closed the business after receiving consumer payments for home improvement work he never performed, the office said. He also allegedly refused to issue customer-requested refunds after failing to perform the work and accepted payments from consumers for work performed by subcontractors, but did not pay them, investigators said. In addition, the contractor imposed undisclosed charges and fees not included in his contract prices, did not finish work or begin work on time and forced customers to make a final payment before all the improvements were completed, officials said. The office filed the suit after it received complaints from multiple customers of South Jersey Home Contracting, eleven of whom were senior citizens, the office said. We will not allow unscrupulous contractors to enrich themselves at the expense of New Jersey consumers, especially our senior residents, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. The settlement announced today not only puts this company out of business, it provides meaningful financial relief to consumers harmed by the unconscionable conduct of the business and its owner. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Geddy Lee is getting the tour buses ready for November 2023. The Rock N Roll Hall of Famer will begin his 14-city tour on Nov. 13 in New York City at Beacon Theatre, and it will wrap up on Dec. 7 in Toronto, Ontario. Lees My Effin Life In Conversation tour will allow him to bring to life his forthcoming memoir My Effin Life, which is set to release on Nov. 14. Once Lee takes the stage, audience members can expect to hear about his family and childhood, the history of his rock band Rush and personal memories about his life-long friends and bandmates, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. A special guest interviewer will join the musician on stage, who will have him read key passages from his memoir. Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in a special Q&A. Every ticket purchased includes a copy of Lees memoir, which ticket holders will receive upon entry into the venue. Tickets to see Geddy Lee live go on sale to the public through Ticketmaster on Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. However, fans can find tickets now on secondary market sites, such as StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, TicketCity and MegaSeats. First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout. You can find a full calendar of Geddy Lees tour dates here. Upcoming tours heading to New York City Geddy Lee is not the only artist stopping in New York City while on tour. Here are a few more tours you do not want to miss. RELATED STORIES ABOUT LIVE EVENTS: Queen and Adam Lambert tour 2023: How to buy tickets for 8 new show dates How to get Olivia Rodrigo GUTS tour tickets if you didnt sign up for presale Is Harryween 2023 going to happen? Olivia Rodrigo tickets go on sale today, starting at just $20 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. For NJ Cannabis Insiders Oct. 12 conference, we have partnered with Holistic Solutions Dispensary in South Jersey to put a spotlight on several social equity businesses helping to shape the states cannabis market. In New Jersey, social equity in the cannabis space refers to the states efforts to repair the damage done to marginalized communities and individuals who were disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition. This includes prioritizing business license applications from Social Equity-designated businesses, which are owned by people who have lived in an Economically Disadvantaged Area of the state or who have convictions for cannabis-related offenses The Social Equity Discovery Area presented by Holistic Solutions, will feature the following social equity and minority-owned companies at NJ Cannabis Insiders all-day conference: Social equity is very important to me, and Im proud to sponsor the Social Equity Discovery Area, said Suzan Nickelson, founder and CEO of Holistic Solutions. I want to see the business people who were hurt by the drug war to thrive in New Jerseys cannabis marketplace. Holistic Solutions made history during Black History Month this year, when it became the first Black-owned medical cannabis store to open in New Jersey. The South Jersey dispensary, at 451 White Horse Pike in Atco in Camden County, made history again this year after opening for adult-use consumers on May 6. The dispensary features women- and BIPOC-owned cannabis brands. The Oct. 12 conference at the DoubleTree Hotel at the Newark Airport is New Jerseys premier B2B cannabis business conference and networking event. The event will offer informational and actionable CannaTalks and panels, featuring nearly 30 speakers and more than 40 vendors. Purchase tickets here. A special speed-networking sessions to connect with the right people to help your business grow and thrive is programmed during the middle of the event. Doors open at 9 a.m. with the keynote speaker opening the all-day event at 10 a.m. The conference ends at 5 p.m. Attendees can join an official after party later that night. Tickets ($295) are limited for the conference. A select number of discounted tickets were made available for social equity applicants and NJ Cannabis Insider partners. Heres the full lineup, presentation topics, sponsors, vendors and networking session: Keynote Wanda James, founder and CEO of , founder and CEO of Simply Pure CannaTalks & Presentations Government Meet Your Regulators: Understanding How CRC Works For You Dianna Houenou , chairwoman of the , chairwoman of the N.J. Cannabis Regulatory Commission Wesley McWhite III, CRC director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Government Services Grants & Training: What the N.J. Government Is Doing to Help You Tauhid Chappell , NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC), , NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC), Cannabis Training Academy Genna Jones , program manager at New Jersey Economic Development Authority ( , program manager at New Jersey Economic Development Authority ( NJEDA Donald Newman, manager of Small Business Advocacy, , manager of Small Business Advocacy, NJBAC Applications The Road to License Approval Is Never a Straight Line Ellie Siegel , CEO and founder of the cannabis consulting firm , CEO and founder of the cannabis consulting firm Longview Strategic Mollie Hartman Lustig, an attorney, is the chair of , an attorney, is the chair of McLaughlin and Stern s Cannabis Practice Group Wholesale, Distribution & Delivery: Following the Road to Success Manufacturing & Edibles: Expansion is Here. Infusion Demonstration Tara Misu , CEO of Blazin Bakery and Green Alchemy Rob Mejia, author, founder of , author, founder of Our Community Harvest , professor at Stockton University Cultivation Essentials of Growing Indoors and Outdoors Smrita Choubey , founder and CEO of , founder and CEO of Veda Farms Spencer Belz, marketing director at Veda Farms Municipalities Talk to The Mayor and Council President: Insights on Municipal Approval Supply and Demand From Seed to Sale: Why Its Vital to Know Your Supply Chain Suzan Nickelson , founder of , founder of Holistic Solutions , NJ Cannabis Insider sponsor of Social Equity Discovery Area Kate Juliano, senior account manager, head of Social Equity-NJ at , senior account manager, head of Social Equity-NJ at Ascend Wellness Holdings Commerce Readiness Safeguarding Success: Compliance, Security and Commerce Readiness Tony Gallo , CEO of , CEO of Sapphire Risk Advisory Group Jacob Hicks, associate Vice President at associate Vice President at Tenax Strategies Capital & Spending Funding Your Build: Knowing the Costs Before Raising Money Special Sessions Ask This Attorney Anything: Licensing, Strategic Planning, SOPs, etc. Chirali Patel, founder and CEO of founder and CEO of Blaze Responsibly and Blaze Law Local and federal policy: Whats Next For N.J.s Cannabis Marketplace? presented by Simply Pure Trenton The Speed Networking Session presented by Tenax Strategies NJ Cannabis Insider has partnered with marketing and PR firm THCIAAB to moderate the 40-minute, intense speed-networking session designed to help license-holders meet other license-holders and all the other businesses they need to build and grow their operations. Sponsors and exhibitors Strategic Partners Rob Mejia , provides curious adults clear, researched information, stories from the cannabis community and products that offer confident, safe, and smart ways to experience cannabis. Mejia writes the Prof. Mejias Weed Corner for NJ Cannabis Insider. Our Community Harvest , founded by, provides curious adults clear, researched information, stories from the cannabis community and products that offer confident, safe, and smart ways to experience cannabis. Mejia writes the Prof. Mejias Weed Corner for NJ Cannabis Insider. Ellie Siegel , provides advisory services and industry insights to public, private and not-for-profit entities throughout the country. With years of active experience, Longview has been able to provide top quality counsel, secure hallmark resources and connections, and contribute writing services for client projects and developments. Longview Strategic , founded by, provides advisory services and industry insights to public, private and not-for-profit entities throughout the country. With years of active experience, Longview has been able to provide top quality counsel, secure hallmark resources and connections, and contribute writing services for client projects and developments. Josh Alb , hosts free community education events on cannabis and how individuals can enter the industry. Cannademix is NJ Cannabis Insiders Cannademix , founded by, hosts free community education events on cannabis and how individuals can enter the industry. Cannademix is NJ Cannabis Insiders After Party partner. Precious Osagie Erese, is a luxury cannabis brand, curating an unrivaled cannabis experience for those who appreciate the art of indulgence and the culture of the plant. Our products redefine the perception of cannabis while combining the highest standards of craftsmanship, forging moments of creativity, empowerment, euphoria and connection. PRECIOUS Canna Co , founded byis a luxury cannabis brand, curating an unrivaled cannabis experience for those who appreciate the art of indulgence and the culture of the plant. Our products redefine the perception of cannabis while combining the highest standards of craftsmanship, forging moments of creativity, empowerment, euphoria and connection. Cannabis Insider Jobs , in collaboration with NJ Cannabis Insider, is dedicated to helping individuals find a career in the cannabis industry, leveraging its digital presence through NJ.com s parent company Advance Local Click here for more details and to purchase tickets. (Note: Availability is limited. As others will tell you, we have had to turn people away from our last several large-scale events.) NJ Cannabis Insider is a weekly subscriber-based online trade journal and events group produced by NJ Advance Media, which also publishes NJ.com, The Star-Ledger and other affiliated papers. Are you interested in the N.J. cannabis industry? Subscribe here for insider exclusives. Follow us on LinkedIn. Nestled in a farming community in Central New Jersey, stands this countrys largest Hindu temple, and likely the second largest Hindu temple in the world, Akshardham Mahamandir. For the last 12 years, more than 12,500 volunteers from the United States and abroad have helped build this massive all-white 87,975 square-foot temple. Now, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham volunteers are hosting grand opening ceremonies this week for the 191-foot-tall structure. A Jersey Shore landowners association is asking a state judge to intervene and allow it to continue restricting beach access in Ocean Grove on Sunday mornings in a summer tradition tied to the communitys Christian roots. The lawsuit filed by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is the latest development in a fight between the group, which oversees the communitys boardwalk, and critics over the influence of religion in public spaces in the Ocean Grove section of Neptune Township. The state Department of Environmental Protection issued the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association a violation notice three weeks ago for using chains and padlocked barriers to block access to the Monmouth County beach from the boardwalk on summer Sundays between 9 a.m. and noon. The lawsuit filed by the association does not name the state as a defendant. Instead, the suit lists two opponents of the beach access rules by name and up to 100 others who allegedly entered the beach on Sunday this summer after being told of the associations prohibition. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association asked the judge to rule that preventing public access on Sunday mornings from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend is a valid and lawful practice that satisfies the public interest of reasonable access to the sea and a lawful accommodation of the interests of the camp meeting association. The court papers signed by the associations attorney, James M. McGovern, were filed Oct. 2 in Superior Court in Monmouth County. The lawsuit was first reported by the Asbury Park Press. Access to the beach via the privately-owned boardwalk is available during all but 45 hours during the year, McGovern said in the court filing. The slight limitation on physical presence on the beachfront on the Lords Day is consistent with the Plaintiffs Mission to build and maintain a beautiful seaside community to serve as a place for meditation, reflection and renewal during the Summer months, the lawsuit said. The ability to reflect upon an empty and quiet beachfront during this limited time is at the core of Plaintiffs very creation, existence and uninterrupted private ownership of the Ocean Grove Beach front and adjoining lands. Limited access to the beach on Sunday mornings benefits the community, according to the lawsuit. Regardless of ones beliefs, spending the morning hours in an unhurried morning stroll on a less crowded boardwalk has emotional, spiritual, and bodily health benefits, the lawsuit said. Shane Martins, one of the two defendants named in the lawsuit, declined to comment when contacted Friday by NJ Advance Media. Martins is a founder of Neptune United, a community group that has opposed the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Associations construction of a cross-shaped pier and the beach access restrictions. He is accused in the lawsuit of attempting to direct Neptune police officers to circumvent the Sunday morning restrictions. The state Department of Environmental Protection did not specify any penalties in its Sept. 14 violation notice letter to the camp meeting association. The letter cited the states Coastal Area Facility Review Act in demanding the association take corrective action within 10 days, including agreeing to no longer use chain and pad lock barriers to block beach access from the boardwalk. A state Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson declined comment on the lawsuit. Ocean Grove is a seaside community of roughly 3,000 residents. It is not its own municipality, but a small section of Neptune Township set aside with a unique charter tied to its roots as a Methodist beach resort. Founded more than 150 years ago as a summertime, tent-revival religious retreat, it was governed by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association as a religious enclave for 100 years until the New Jersey Supreme Court declared its original charter unconstitutional after a series of lawsuits. However, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association still owns all the land and helps oversee the beachfront community. The lawsuit seeks a judgment declaring that the publics right of access to its beachfront is not unlimited and that as a private property owner, (Ocean Grove) has complied with its legal obligation to provide reasonable access to the public. While the nine step entrances access points from the Ocean Grove Boardwalk onto the sand have been closed on Sunday mornings, the lawsuit stated that all have unrestricted access to the Ocean Grove beach if they pass through the high tide line from Asbury Park to the north and Bradley Beach to the south. Anyone, regardless of race, creed, religion or orientation is welcome onto this private property 99.5% of the year, the court papers say, adding, no other private owner of beachfront property extends such openness and hospitality. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. A police officer has pleaded guilty to violating the rights of a suspect he pepper sprayed after he was already in handcuffs, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. John Grier III, 51, of Cedarville, an officer with the Bridgeton Police Department, pleaded guilty to violating an individuals civil rights in federal court in Camden on Thursday. Grier was called to the Riggins Gas Station on West Broad Street in Bridgeton on June 17, 2017, as a backup officer for a DUI arrest. After another officer placed the suspect in handcuffs, Grier sprayed him directly in the face twice with a can of Oleoresin Capsicum, commonly referred to as pepper spray, officials said. In body cam footage obtained by NJ Advance Media, prior to the first spray, the man is asking police why he is being arrested as another officer is walking him to the patrol car. Grier then proceeds to spray him twice before shoving him in the car and threatening that he will spray him a third time. In pleading guilty, he admitted that using the spray was unnecessary, unreasonable and an excessive use of force, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. This defendant admitted he broke his oath as a police officer by violating an arrestees civil rights, Sellinger said. Those who wear the badge have an obligation to protect the civil rights of everyone in our communities, including those who are accused of a crime. Using pepper spray on a handcuffed suspect who posed no threat was an unreasonable use of force that violated the law. This office will continue to prioritize the protection of the civil rights for all of New Jerseys people. Grier was indicted by a grand jury in June 2017 on charges of violating an individuals civil rights and falsifying a record for allegedly submitting a falsified police report about the incident. Grier, who was sworn in as a Bridgeton officer in 2004, was placed on paid administrative leave following the grand jury decision. Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday evening. Griers sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 6. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The potential for cooperation in the space field between Azerbaijan and Israel is significant, and we are eager to identify projects, research, and studies that we can work on together, Uri Oron, Director of the Israel Space Agency (ISA), told Trend on the sidelines of the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku. "This is an excellent conference. The organization is running very smoothly, and the program is quite extensive. The topics cover a wide range of subjects related to space communities," he said. Commenting on the newly established partnership with the Azerbaijani side, Oron expressed hope that this cooperation will soon embark on the right path and work on the specific projects in various areas will be launched. "I believe that only by combining our efforts can we make meaningful progress. The field of space offers numerous opportunities, including defense and security, as well as scientific, educational, and capacity-building endeavors. Our goal is to discover our common interests, and that's precisely what we intend to explore in our discussions with Azercosmos," he added. Meanwhile, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azercosmos) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on the development of new observation satellites for Azerbaijan within the framework of the 74th International Astronautical Congress. According to the agreement, two satellites will be manufactured within the framework of the Azersky-2 program. In addition, IAI will provide all the necessary ground control and operation systems for the Azersky-2 system in Azerbaijan. Local specialists will be trained in satellite management and satellite image processing. The satellites will be launched in 2026 and 2028. The launch vehicle that will put the satellite into orbit will be announced in the coming months. I grew up believing you couldnt be a Latino not a real one, anyway without speaking Spanish. Its what as a child I was told again and again by my immigrant parents. Its what I mustve heard mas de mil veces, more than a thousand times, from my own mothers lips, every time I begrudgingly sat down at the dining table to complete the afternoon Spanish lesson she had prepared for me. Una hija mia que no hable espanol? No, she made it clear she wouldnt be like those other Latinos who didnt teach their kids Spanish. The possibility that I may one day not know how to roll my Rs or even worse, become whats now known as a yo no sabo kid seemed ridiculous to her. Thatd be a big embarrassment, and not just for her, but for our entire family. Remember, shed say proudly, Somos Latinos! We are Latinos! But in my home now, it often feels as though Im the only one who is. My husband is a handsome gringo who speaks Spanish only un poquito and our two kids, who are both in elementary school, still reply mostly in English when I speak to them in Spanish. When I excitedly said We are Latinos! my son looked at me puzzled and asked what that meant. My heart sank. What will being Latino, or even half-Latino, mean for him and my daughter years from now? No se. The truth is I really dont know. But I cant deny the weight of the responsibility I feel to teach them about our roots and our culture and yes, our language, too is heavy. On some days, its crushing. And I feel so defeated and alone. Still, Mark Hugo Lopez, director of race and ethnicity research at Pew Research Center, says Im not. Many, he told me, feel the same way. Latino parents, he says, want their children to speak Spanish, with 85% of Latinos foreign and U.S.-born speaking to their kids in Spanish and encouraging them to do so. Latino parents are looking to have their kids speak Spanish, he said. But the presence of English in the U.S. is strong and we also see that a growing share of young Latinos [under 18] are growing up speaking only English at home. Things were much different for me in the 90s when I was growing up in Miami. There, Spanish was everywhere. It was on street signs and store names and in the chatter at the nearby Cuban-owned Sedanos supermarket. The city was (and is) largely Latino and all of our neighbors and friends spoke Spanish. At all times, the language ruled at my parents multi-generational home, too. In fact, that was the rule my sisters and I had to live by: En la escuela ingles, en la casa espanol. At school, English and at home, Spanish, which meant the minute the three of us walked through the door, we had to drop our English at the mat. In our home, Spanish was alive. It was in the joyful Salsa and Merengue songs my Nicaraguan mom played early on Sunday mornings as she got ready to limpiar la casa, clean the house. And in the sorrowful flamenco music my dad played on the nights he was feeling nostalgic and homesick for Spain. It was in the prayers that my sweet abuelita taught me, in every bead of the rosary, as she gently guided my little fingers to the next. It was also in her evening telenovela and in the overly dramatic arguments of its protagonists. And in every te quiero y te amo, every I love you my parents ever said to each other. And for years, I thought the same would one day be true for my children. That they too would grow up surrounded by relatives who praised and scolded them in espanol. That they too would sit at the table with my mom as she explained where this accent goes on this word and where it goes on that one. That like me theyd one day feel deep pride about their Hispanic heritage and feel lucky to haha and jaja seamlessly laughing at jokes in dos idiomas, two languages. When I'm helping my daughter Carolina Rubi, 6, complete her daily Spanish lesson on her tablet, all I can think of is my mom helping me learn Spanish when I was her age. For me, teaching my kids Spanish is about "giving them the gift" my own Latino parents gave me when they taught me how to speak the language.Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media Before they were born, I never even considered the possibility that I might one day have yo no sabo kids a slight used against Latino children who arent fluent in Spanish. (The correct way to say I dont know is yo no se.) For years now, the yo no sabos of my generation have been judged, teased, and shamed by other Latinos for not speaking Spanish properly. And their parents have too for failing to teach them. As much as I hate to admit it now, in the past Ive been guilty of it, too. Yes, I judged. Thankfully, I never teased or shamed. But I did buy into the overall delusion that knowing the right way to conjugate some verbs somehow made me mas Latina. Like so many other Latinos, I erroneously saw Latinidad and Spanish as inseparable. Many Latinos still do. However, Mark, of Pew Research, says thats changing. He says a 2022 Pew analysis found that while most Latinos still believe its important for future generations of Latinos in the U.S. to speak Spanish, 78% think speaking Spanish is not necessary to be considered Latino. He says an earlier survey also showed that only 32% of Hispanics think having two Hispanic parents is an essential part of what being Hispanic means to them. In the coming years, Mark told me, views on Hispanic and Latino identity are very likely to change in the U.S. He pointed to rising intermarriage rates, which are creating an increasingly diverse and multiracial population here, as a major reason why. In 2021, 30% of Hispanic newlyweds married someone who is not Hispanic, with Latinos and whites as the single most common connection, he said. But what does that mean? Well, the children of these marriages may see their identity as two things, not just one, and when they become adults may draw pride from those two identities. Thinking about my own kids, I sure hope so. For now, my plan is to keep trying to teach them Spanish because, for me, speaking it is a way to feel more close to my culture and community. And if I can give my kids that gift, why wouldnt I? The reality is theres a laundry list of reasons why some Latinos didnt or dont teach their kids Spanish and for many, those reasons can be deeply complex like those who were discriminated against for speaking it and wanted to spare their children the same and even personal like working long hours and not having enough time. Their reasons surely dont have much to do with a lack of orgullo or pride to be Latino, though thats what I ignorantly used to think. What my change of heart about yo no sabos means is Ill stop losing sleep over what other Latinos may think or say about my kids or about me if one day they dont speak Spanish. Regardless, my deepest wish for the two of them is that theyre proud of their heritage, proud of every part of who they are. And like my parents thats what Ill center my lessons on, with one tweak though: Whether you speak English, espanol or even Spanglish, what makes you a real Latino is feeling so en tu corazon. Daysi Calavia-Robertson may be reached at dcalavia-robertson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Instagram at @presspassdaysi or Twitter @presspassdaysi. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. A former police officer with the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department in Bergen County has been arrested and charged with using a law enforcement database to stalk a person in Passaic County, authorities said. Amir Skider, 22, of Paterson, was arrested Thursday in Totowa by members of the Passaic County Prosecutors Office Public Integrity Unit. He was charged with third-degree access and disclosure and fourth-degree stalking, according to the prosecutors office. Skider, while working as a police officer, used a law enforcement database to obtain personal identifying information about the victim, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said in a statement. Skider used information he obtained from the database to stalk a person in Wayne Township, the prosecutor alleged. At this time, further information will not be released so as not to jeopardize the safety of persons involved or the investigation, Valdes said. Skiders attorney, Matthew Priore, of Clifton, was not immediately available to comment on the case Friday afternoon. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A man wanted in relation to a 2021 shooting in North Plainfield was recently arrested in Pennsylvania, authorities announced Friday. Cristobal Avila, 32, of North Plainfield, was arrested on Sept. 30 in Easton, Pennsylvania by local police during a motor vehicle stop, according to a release from the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. Avila also produced a false government identification to police officers when they confronted him, authorities alleged. The Easton Police Department contacted the office regarding the active fugitive warrants that were out for Avila, which included five counts of attempted murder and weapons-related offenses, investigators said. Officials did not give many details about the alleged shooting, but said it occurred on April 12, 2021. Avila will be extradited to New Jersey once the legal process in Pennsylvania concerning his charges there is completed, the office said. He will remain jailed there pending a sentencing hearing. Attorney information for Avila was not immediately available. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. New York Power Authority to close Route 131 in Massena for work next week BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The Association of Insurers of Azerbaijan (ASA) and the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA) signed a cooperation agreement, Trend reports. The purpose of the cooperation is to strengthen the protection of the bank's customers through insurance and to expand the banking and insurance model (bancassurance) for the development and provision of customer-oriented insurance products to customers. The agreement was signed by ASA Executive Director Elmar Mirsalayev and ABA President Zakir Nuriyev. Nuriyev noted that the 10-person board will include representatives of Unibank, ABB, KapitalBank, Rabitabank, and Bank of Baku on the part of banks and representatives of five insurance companies specializing in life insurance on the part of insurers. He also noted that under the agreement, each bank will cooperate with at least three insurance companies. 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, October 6. A working group on the expansion of the banking-insurance model (bancassurance) will be established in Azerbaijan in the near future, president of the Azerbaijan Banks Association Zakir Nuriyev told reporters, Trend reports. "A committee on this model has already been established today. The first meeting of the committee will be held early next year, and tariffs will be discussed soon," he said. The Azerbaijan Insurance Association (ASA) and the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA) signed a memorandum of cooperation on October 6. The purpose of the cooperation is to strengthen the protection of the bank's customers through insurance and to expand the banking and insurance model (bancassurance) for the development and provision of customer-oriented insurance products to customers. The agreement was signed by ASA Executive Director Elmar Mirsalayev and ABA President Zakir Nuriyev. Nuriyev noted that the 10-person board will include representatives of Unibank, ABB, KapitalBank, Rabitabank, and Bank of Baku on the part of banks and representatives of five insurance companies specializing in life insurance on the part of insurers. He also noted that under the agreement, each bank will cooperate with at least three insurance companies. A New Orleans driver who was shot by Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office deputies after authorities say he hit a deputy during a Metairie traffic stop pleaded not guilty Wednesday to attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer. Still wearing a sling on his arm, Lawrence Jackson, 23, also pleaded not guilty to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and aggravated criminal damage to property. Jackson was shot in his face and arm while behind the wheel of a stolen 2018 Honda Accord on Aug. 10, authorities said. Deputies were alerted to the stolen car about 12:30 a.m. when an automated license-plate recognition camera tracked the vehicle at the intersection of Clearview Parkway and West Napoleon Avenue in Metairie , authorities said. From left to right: State Rep. Richard Nelson, State Treasurer John Schroder, Stephen Waguespack, Attorney General Jeff Landry, former Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, State Sen. Sharon Hewitt, and Hunter Lundy face off at the third televised debate of the governor's race Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 at KLFY-TV studios in Lafayette. It was the first time Landry has appeared on stage with the other gubernatorial candidates. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The terms of the agreement between Rabitabank and the International Islamic Trade and Finance Corporation (ITFC) will be made public soon, president of the Azerbaijan Banks Association Zakir Nuriyev told reporters, Trend reports. "Azerbaijan's Rabitabank and the International Islamic Trade and Finance Corporation (ITFC) signed a $10 million contract in September. This historic agreement, the first of its kind in Azerbaijan, will play an important role in promoting Sharia-compliant trade finance in the private sector. The terms of the agreement will be made public soon," he said. Rabitabank and ITFC, part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) group, signed a contract worth $10 million on the letter of credit confirmation mechanism in September 2023. This agreement is intended to help Rabitabank expand its trade finance business in Azerbaijan for the private sector, especially small and medium-sized businesses. This agreement was signed between Rabitabank Chairman of the Management Board Aydin Huseynov and ITFC CEO Hani Salem Sonbol. The mentioned funds will allow the bank to offer trade finance solutions and contribute to the development of Islamic finance in Azerbaijan. In general, ITFC has provided assistance to various private sector clients in Azerbaijan in the amount of $83.4 million since 2009. 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 Photo: The Canadian Press Canada's highest court has ruled that media can't publish portions of a criminal trial that take place before a jury is constituted. In a unanimous decision released today, the Supreme Court of Canada has upheld lower court decisions that said those trial details cannot be made public until jurors begin deliberating or are dismissed. At issue were two cases in which judges imposed publication bans on proceedings that took place before juries were impanelled, leading media companies to appeal those bans directly to the Supreme Court. One case was heard in Quebec and involved Frederick Silva, a hit man turned police informant who was charged with four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The other case involved Aydin Coban, a Dutch man charged in British Columbia with several offences relating to child pornography, extortion, child luring and harassment against Amanda Todd, a teenager who died by suicide in 2012. Writing for the unanimous panel of seven judges, Chief Justice Richard Wagner says that while media play a crucial role in helping the public to understand the justice system, publication bans protect the right of the accused to a fair trial. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Azerbaijan did not cede an inch of its land to the enemy, did not allow the establishment of a second Armenian state on its territory, liberated its lands occupied 30 years ago, returned there, restored its territorial integrity. President Ilham Aliyev repeatedly said in his speeches in the previous years - "I know what needs to be done, how and when". And this is exactly what happened. Armenian military formations were expelled from Azerbaijani lands. The flag of Azerbaijan is already flying in every settlement of the country. This means that Azerbaijan has restored its sovereignty over the entire territory of Karabakh. The OSCE Minsk Group established for the settlement of the conflict failed to make a step in this direction. Not bothering to ensure the return of a single centimeter of occupied Azerbaijani land, the position of the Minsk Group, which was only engaged in "tourist diplomacy", was that "there are no options for military settlement of the conflict, only peaceful negotiations", which also gave Armenia some sense of "impunity". During this period, none of the co-chairing countries ever called Armenia an "occupier", made no distinction between occupier and occupied and constantly tried to keep the balance, no one told Armenia that it should withdraw from the occupied Azerbaijani territories (in accordance with 4 UN resolutions). Also, no sanctions were ever imposed on Armenia. The co-chair states of the Minsk Group, led by France, did nothing positive, there were only attempts to delay negotiations and have Azerbaijan to reconcile "with the emerging reality". Armenia, on the other hand, was given the opportunity to arm itself, strengthen itself in the occupied territories, mass settlement of Azerbaijani lands by Armenian families brought to the region for illegal settlement far from abroad, and change the demographic situation in a direction that suits Armenians. Both the Armenian authorities and the patronizing states and international institutions reacted coldly to all the warnings of the Azerbaijani state, President Ilham Aliyev. Encouraged by this, Armenians not only behaved like owners of the territories they occupied, but even began to threaten "a new war for new territories". In the rhetoric of Yerevan 3-4 years ago, the theme of threats and occupation caused by this "syndrome of comfort and impunity" became even more intense, and as a result, the 44-day second Karabakh war became inevitable. During the 44-day second Karabakh war, Armenia saw the bitter consequences of ignoring the warnings of President Ilham Aliyev. As time has proven, those weren't just words. Similarly, in the last 3 years, the head of state warned the remnants of the separatist regime that did not leave the territory of Azerbaijan. However, especially recently, the separatist regime, having ignored the warnings of President Ilham Aliyev, chose to further aggravate the situation. They dug new trenches, built fortifications, continued to arm and install fortifications in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region. This kind of provocations would backfire one day, and they did. Localized anti-terrorist activities were enough for the separatist regime to raise the white flag. Azerbaijan, which tolerated the arrogance of Armenians and senseless negotiations all these years, strived to the end to regain its lands through peaceful settlement. After numerous warnings, Azerbaijan had to take matters into its own hands. President Ilham Aliyev takes credit for paving long way to this victory, working tirelessly on a number of important directions - in addition to building a powerful state and strong army, contacts were made with international organizations and institutions in the field of diplomacy, work was also carried out in the media. President Ilham Aliyev has solved the most difficult tasks related to the state and army, thus Azerbaijan has fulfilled its most pressing tasks and achieved the desired goal. VIDEO: BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Today, the operational situation along the entire line of Azerbaijan's state border, including the state border with Armenia, is under strict control and any threat to the security of Azerbaijan's border will be resolutely prevented, head of the State Border Service Colonel General Elchin Guliyev said in his article, published in official media outlets, Trend reports. He brought up the September 2022 incident, when the enemy attempted sabotage on Azerbaijani combat posts. "A large-scale sabotage by Armenian Armed Forces units in the direction of the Zangilan district of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border, was heroically prevented. Along with the enemy's manpower, artillery and mortars, combat posts, strongholds and firing points were neutralized," Guliyev noted. The State Border Service head said that in the course of combat operations, as a result of using "Kharop" and "Kuzgun" UAVs, seven "S-300" systems were destroyed, which prior to that allowed the enemy to monitor the airspace of Azerbaijan from a great distance (8 units were destroyed during second Karabakh war), two control posts of "S-125" complex with combat kits, "P-18" radar station, electronic warfare center and antenna amplifying installations of "Zhitel" R-330J system, as well as dozens of combat posts. "As a result of precise strikes, the enemy's ammunition depot was damaged, and the fire at this military base was accompanied by explosions of missiles and ammunition for hours. The military-political leadership of Armenia, seeing that they have suffered great losses under the crushing blows of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, and realizing that they made a very serious mistake by staging a military sabotage against our border combat points, have requested through their patrons to restore the ceasefire regime," Guliyev added. GARY Police say a 21-year-old man shot this week while on the city's east side was unwilling to cooperate with investigators. Gary officers were called out around 10:32 p.m. Wednesday to the local Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in response to the shooting victim, the department said. Area pastor charged with battering child at church day care after video surfaces online "Instantly after placing his knee on the child's chest, you can hear the child start to cry, at one point it sounds like the child is coughing," police said. "At the hospital, officers spoke with a 21-yearold Gary man, who told the police that he was on the city's east side, in the area of 21st and Carolina (Street) when he was shot." "The victim would not give investigators any additional information," police said. Man wanted in 2022 killing nabbed by Region police after chase "Bunch was believed to be armed and dangerous and would possibly flee from law enforcement," police said. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact detective Cpl. Emmanuel Figueroa at 219-881-1210. HAMMOND A Hammond police officer who was caught sleeping on the job faced a "verbal reprimand," for her actions, Lt. Steven Kellogg said. The incident was captured in a video Aug. 28 and uploaded to Facebook. Kellogg said that while the department does not condone the conduct and is "is contrary to the high standards of professionalism and vigilance we uphold," they want the public to recognize that officers are human and might experience occasional challenges with demanding work hours. "The demanding nature of law enforcement can sometimes take a toll, impacting their ability to remain fully alert at all times," Kellogg said in a statement. The video depicts a man driving by a Hammond police car saying, "look at them sleep," as the officer sits in the vehicle with their mouth open and eyes closed. "Rest assured, we want to assure the community that this isolated incident does not reflect the dedication and commitment of the majority of our hardworking officers," the statement said. "The Hammond Police Department remains fully committed to serving and protecting our community with the utmost diligence and professionalism. We continue to implement measures to support our officers in managing their demanding responsibilities, ensuring they can effectively fulfill their duties in the best interest of public safety. High school seniors, college students and their parents who might have been looking to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on Oct. 1 were probably confused when they saw the college aid application hadn't yet opened on its usual yearly start date. That's because changes are happening to the FAFSA form that are meant to simplify the process. Because of the updates, the financial aid application won't open up until December, although a set date has yet to be announced. According to the Federal Student Aid office, which is part of the U.S Department of Education, the Expected Family Contribution, which measures students and families abilities to pay for college, will be replaced with the Student Aid Index. This new measurement won't consider the number of family members attending college in its calculation. Because of this, families with multiple children attending college at the same time may receive less financial aid, according to The New York Times. Parents and their children may not be the only ones who will have to add their information on the FAFSA form, as "contributors" such as a step-parents or a spouse may need provide information on a student's FAFSA form as well. Families also probably won't have to dig up previous years' tax returns, as FAFSA will be able to transfer federal tax information directly from the IRS, although consent will be required from all individuals. Additionally, parents, students and any contributors will each have to create their own Federal Student Aid account to complete their part of the FAFSA application. In previous years, only a parent and student had to create their own FSA ID. Tanika House, the associate director of Purdue University Northwest's financial aid office, said the biggest challenge she's seen with students and parents completing FAFSA is getting the FSA ID set up. She encourages them to create the account as soon as possible. "It's probably going to take at least three days before it's verified," said House. With FAFSA's opening being pushed back to December, it may delay when students receive their financial aid award letter. According to an Indiana Commission for Higher Education spokesperson, the commission will have to wait to announce award amounts for Frank O'Bannon grants, the state's need-based aid, due to the application's delayed opening this year. Also, high school seniors in Indiana will be required to file the FAFSA form this year due to Senate Enrolled Act 167, which was approved in April. However, the mandate doesn't come with penalties if students fail to complete the application, and parents can opt out by submitting a signed waiver. Statewide, nearly 48% of graduating 2023 high school seniors completed FAFSA according to data from CHE. That percentage was less in Lake County with only a little over 46% of seniors filling out the application. The completion percentages were better in Porter at nearly 50%, LaPorte at over 52%. PHOTOS: Beehives at PNW CROWN POINT Indianas health commissioner is encouraging Region hospitals and other health-related entities to partner with the Lake County Health Department as it works to improve public health metrics in the states second-most populous county. Dr. Lindsay Weaver, the state health commissioner, said Thursday theres an unprecedented opportunity to reverse Lake Countys unusually low childhood vaccination rate and high obesity, smoking, accidental death, and infant mortality rates thanks to the infusion of state support for public health services provided by Senate Enrolled Act 4 (2023). The new law, sponsored by state Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, increases state funding for public health in Lake County to $6 million beginning in January and $12 million for 2025, including the distributions to the Gary and East Chicago city health departments. In contrast, Lake County this year only received approximately $190,000 in public health funding from the state. Likewise, Porter County is due to receive nearly $2 million in 2024 and approximately $4 million in 2025. LaPorte County is on tap for $1.4 million next year and about $3 million the year after. While the Health First Indiana money comes with some strings, such as extensive reporting requirements and a mandate to spend it on so-called core public health services including disease prevention, tobacco cessation, maternal and child health, chronic illness reduction, and access to vaccinations, among others Weaver said its really up to local health leaders to decide how to prioritize use of the funds. We truly feel and know at the State Department of Health that the community is best served at the local level. Nobody understands better than you all what your unique needs are and the unique ways in which youll be able to address those needs, Weaver said. The really exciting thing about this funding is that its meant to be an infusion of funds into the community. So the expectation is not that the health department does all of this on its own. It is meant to bring in the partners to be a force multiplier if we are all working on the same things, together, then were going to be able to accomplish so much more. That message appeared to resonate with some two dozen representatives of Lake County hospitals, universities, health care providers, and public safety agencies participating in a Health First Indiana discussion Thursday afternoon at the Lake County Government Center. Dr. Chandana Vavilala, the county health officer, said her intention is use about 40% of the new money to expand staff and services available directly through the county health department, and to allocate the majority to programs throughout the county similarly focused on disease prevention and other essential public health services. Obviously, were not going to be seeing the results immediately. Thats how public health is its going to take sometimes months, a lot of times years, and even longer. But this is a great start, Vavilala said. Now its on all of us to put all this money to good use. LAPORTE Officials at Purdue University Northwest insist there are no plans to close its campus near Westville. Instead, theyre investing in the campus and thinking of ways to reverse declining enrollment during a period of lower birth rates and high school graduates moving on to college. That was the picture drawn by university administrators during a Wednesday presentation before the LaPorte County Commissioners. Commission President Connie Gramarossa thanked the administrators from the main campus at Hammond for their assurances. I hope this really closes a lot of those rumors and Im glad youre looking at different opportunities and different ways of keeping the campus open, she said. PNW Chancellor Tom Keon said declining birth rates and fewer high school graduates attending college nationwide in recent years are posing a challenge at many institutions of higher education. He said lower birth rates, which began in 2017, are not projected to get better anytime soon. In fact, Keon said the forecast shows an even sharper decline in births nationwide beginning in 2026, with no flattening of the curve until 2036. Theres going to be a very steep decline in young people over the next 18 years, he said. One thing working in favor of the campus near Westville is the birth rate in LaPorte County is projected to decline by slightly more than 2% over the next 13 years, while birth rates over that same period are forecast to drop by about 16% in both Lake and Porter counties, Keon said. However, the current number of students going to college from high schools in Michigan City, LaPorte and Westville is relatively low, ranging from 54% down to 40%. Typically, Keon said the percentages at feeder schools in Lake and Porter counties is above 60%, with highest being more than 80% in Munster. A lot of those are down 10% since 2015, he noted. Enrollment at the Westville area campus has also been impacted by changes the state legislature made over the past decade or so that eliminated associate degree programs at public universities and transferred them to Ivy Tech, said PNW Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Kenneth Chris Holford. The Purdue campus along U.S. 421 was built on associates degree programs in areas like nursing and technology, but now only offers seven four-year degree programs. In addition, Holford said the campus near Westville has lost students from the Indiana Department of Correction switching from universities to community colleges for provision of higher education courses to offenders. The campus once served inmates from Westville Correctional Facility and Indiana State Prison. Despite the challenges, Holford said substantial investments have been made in facilities at the Westville area campus in areas like classrooms and labs. Adjustments in student offerings and how theyre delivered are also under review in response to a five-year analysis of the courses provided at the campus, he said. Holford said the mission is still to provide the best educational experience possible at the campus while adapting to the changing times. He said one of the keys to stabilizing enrollment is better informing high school graduates about the option of completing their first two-years of general studies at Westville before moving to the PNW campus at Hammond, which offers 70 four-year degree programs. If we were interested in closing the (Westville) campus down, we wouldnt be looking for those types of opportunities, Holford said. GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week The Indiana Court of Appeals has rejected a request to reduce the maximum sentence issued to a former Illinois police officer who repeatedly sexually abused a girl for 14 years, starting when she was just 4 years old. Harry Nicholson IV, 49, pleaded guilty in March to sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 4 felony, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison the longest term permitted under his plea agreement, according to court records. Nicholson argued in his appeal that a maximum sentence was inappropriate given the nature of the offense and his character, including his prior service as a Park Forest, Illinois, police officer and honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. The appeals court strenuously disagreed, particularly to the nature of the offense, in a 3-0 decision penned by Chief Judge Robert Altice Jr. Altice said the appellate judges concurred with Lake Superior Judge Samuel Cappas that Nicholson who moved to Lake County in 2018 when the victim was 15 is among the "worst of the worst." "The nature, extent and depravity of Nicholsons sexual abuse of (the victim) warrant imposing the maximum sentence," Altice said. "His conviction required only one instance of sexual intercourse with (the victim) when she was at least 14 but less than 16 years of age, yet the record establishes that he had sexual intercourse always unprotected with her hundreds of times since she was 12 years old, having tried unsuccessfully and consistently for two years before that. And he began molesting her and having her perform oral sex on him at the tender age of 4." As to Nicholson's character, Altice said a record of military and police service, along with the lack of a significant criminal record, pale in comparison to the 14-year period during which Nicholson was "actively and repeatedly abusing" the victim. "Nicholson has failed to establish that the maximum sentence imposed by the trial court was inappropriate given the nature of the offense and his character. Accordingly, we affirm Nicholsons 12-year sentence," Altice said. Nicholson still can ask the Indiana Supreme Court to consider reviewing his sentence. Otherwise, his earliest possible release date from prison, assuming good behavior, is March 25, 2030, according to the Indiana Department of Correction. Northwest Indiana 2023 early voting sites, hours Lake County Government Center, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point Judge Lorenzo Arredondo Justice Center, 3711 Main St., East Chicago Gary Public Library, 220 W. 5th Ave., Gary Lake County Courthouse, 232 Russell St., Hammond Hobart Police and Community Center, 705 E. 4th St., Hobart Lowell Town Hall, 501 E. Main St., Lowell Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Rd., Munster Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St., Schererville St. John Township Assessor's Office, 9157 Wicker Ave., St. John Wicker Park Social Center, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland Winfield Government Center, 10645 Randolph St., Winfield Porter County Administration Building, 155 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso North Porter County Government Complex, 3560 Willowcreek Road, Portage Valparaiso Fire Training Center, 355 Evans Ave., Valparaiso Chesterton Town Hall, 790 Broadway, Chesterton State Street Community Church, 209 State St., LaPorte LaPorte County Office Complex, 302 W. 8th St., Michigan City Donald J. Trump on Thursday dropped a lawsuit he had filed against his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen, abandoning what has been seen as an effort to silence Mr. Cohen, who has become one of the former presidents loudest critics. The decision to drop the case came just days before Mr. Trump was scheduled to be questioned under oath by Mr. Cohens lawyers. It also comes on the verge of Mr. Cohens testifying against Mr. Trump in an unrelated civil fraud case brought by the New York attorney general. Mr. Cohen, a longtime Trump defender turned antagonist, is also a star witness against the former president in a criminal case, and a person familiar with the matter said Mr. Trump had been cognizant of that fact when he filed the suit. The former president filed the lawsuit against Mr. Cohen in April, soon after Mr. Trump had been indicted on criminal charges by the Manhattan district attorney charges largely based on Mr. Cohens testimony. That criminal case, the first of four to be filed against Mr. Trump, involves a hush money payment to a porn star. The president and vice president of the United States. Democratic leaders of the House and the Senate. Her boss, the mayor of San Francisco. All of them spoke before Eileen Mariano took the stage on Thursday at the memorial service for her grandmother, Senator Dianne Feinstein. But it was left to Ms. Mariano, who followed Ms. Feinstein into public service and is now a policy adviser for Mayor London Breed, to give perhaps the most moving, heartfelt tribute to her grandmothers legacy. Ms. Feinstein will be remembered for saving cable cars in San Francisco, Ms. Mariano said, and leading the charge for a 1994 ban on assault weapons nationally, as well as her pivotal role in breaking barriers for women in politics. But for Ms. Mariano, her legacy is far simpler: To me, she will be remembered as the most incredible grandmother. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The plenary meeting of the of Azerbaijani Parliament's autumn meeting will take place today, Trend reports. The meeting is scheduled to adopt a statement in response to the European Parliament resolution on Azerbaijan. This issue was included in the agenda of the plenary meeting of Azerbaijani Parliament. On October 5, the European Parliament adopted a biased resolution regarding anti-terrorist activities of Azerbaijan in Karabakh 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. The I.R.S. has placed a lien on a Florida property owned by Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and lawyer for Donald J. Trump, because he owes roughly $550,000 in income taxes, according to a court filing. The property, a lakeside condominium in Palm Beach, sits less than three miles from Mar-a-Lago, Mr. Trumps private club and residence. Mr. Giuliani and his ex-wife had tried to sell it for $3.3 million in 2019, but never found a buyer, according to The Palm Beach Daily News. The existence of the court filing in Palm Beach County was first reported by The Daily Mail. Ted Goodman, an advisor to Mr. Giuliani, said on Friday that Mr. Giuliani has a formal agreement with the I.R.S. to pay his tax debt. The action by federal officials over Mr. Giulianis 2021 income taxes is the latest sign of his growing financial troubles. He is entangled in numerous legal battles and has been racking up bills for his defense in criminal investigations, private lawsuits and legal disciplinary proceedings stemming from his bid to keep Mr. Trump in office after the 2020 election. Former President Donald J. Trump said undocumented immigrants were poisoning the blood of our country in a recent interview, language with echoes of white supremacy and the racial hatreds of Adolf Hitler. Mr. Trump made the remark in a 37-minute video interview with The National Pulse, a right-leaning website, that was posted last week. It drew broader scrutiny on Wednesday after the liberal MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan surfaced the quote in a post on X. Other commentators went on to point out that Mr. Trumps attack invoked a theme of Hitlers autobiographical manifesto Mein Kampf, in which the Nazi Party leader railed about what he claimed was the impurity of immigrants, Jews and interracial couples. In the interview, Mr. Trump was asked about immigration and the Southern border. He replied: Nobody has any idea where these people are coming from, and we know they come from prisons. We know they come from mental institutions and insane asylums. We know theyre terrorists. Nobody has ever seen anything like were witnessing right now. It is a very sad thing for our country. Its poisoning the blood of our country. Its so bad, and people are coming in with disease. People are coming in with every possible thing that you could have. The two painters who will be represented at Frieze London by Gallery Vacancy in Shanghai share a need to depict the extraordinary in the ordinary, one through everyday industrial items and the other through the simplest images from nature. That juxtaposition is what captivated Lucien Tso, the founder and director of the gallery, located in the upscale Huangpu district of Shanghai. The artists, Ni Hao, who is Taiwanese, and Shi Jiayun, who is from Chongqing, China, but lives in Shanghai, are integral parts of the contemporary Asian art scene with their individual senses of urgency, he said. Both of them create a sort of parallel universe with how they interpret reality, Mr. Tso said in a recent phone interview. At some level, they manage to alienate themselves from the existing reality and they try to rearrange that reality. They perceive and filter and recalibrate to whatever is happening around them. I see that in both of their works. This months Frieze fairs sit at the heart of one of the worlds great cultural capitals: London, which is currently bursting with exhibitions to suit all tastes. Heres a selection. Marina Abramovic It took the Royal Academy of Arts two and a half centuries to give a woman a solo show in its main galleries. That woman is the performance artist Marina Abramovic. After a recent health scare, Ms. Abramovic is not performing herself; others will perform in her stead. Yet her presence is still strongly felt in the gripping exhibition (curated by Andrea Tarsia). Giant screens (with the volume turned up), photographs, props, archives and installations recreate many of her epic and often risky performances. So do other human beings. Look out for the remake of her 1977 work Imponderabilia, in which Ms. Abramovic and her partner Ulay (Frank Uwe Laysiepen) both stood naked in a doorway that visitors had to pass through to enter a gallery. (The Royal Academy has added a separate unoccupied doorway as an alternative.) And between now and the shows Jan. 1 end, three successive artists will perform her 2002 work The House With the Ocean View spending 12 days in the gallery with no food, only water, on a raised platform (equipped with a toilet, shower and sink), and in full view of visitors. It was Friday night, and the clubgoers at the Sputnikhalle nightclub in Munster, Germany, were primed to go hard. Decked out in black clothes and sunglasses, despite the dim light, the young crowd chanted the name of Hector Oaks, a Spanish D.J., as he began playing his signature muscular, fast techno. Standing on top of the clubs risers, the crowd barely tried to keep up with the beat. Instead of moving their legs, many just oscillated their hips. Neele Hoyer, 21, a college student attending the event, explained that most other German techno fans of her age had developed affinity for such breathless music. Its gone totally mainstream, she said. Dancing to such a fast beat could sometimes be strenuous, she added, but this is whats normal to us. In recent years, Oaks, 32, has become a prominent figure in a broader trend in electronic music. While conventional techno is often played at around 120 to 130 beats per minute, Oaks and other D.J.s often play at 145 or above. The resulting hard-charging, breakneck sound has become the defining sound of Europes dance floors since the lockdown phase of the pandemic. The boy, third from left, and his classmates looking through books at a school in Ulaanbaatar, in September. The New York Times gained permission from A. Altannars mother to photograph him. Credit... Khasar Sandag for The New York Times Almost every family has a secret they never discuss. Ours is this: We were taste testers for Pop-Tarts. It was not long after Kelloggs introduced the toaster pastry in 1964. But for several months one year (none of us can pinpoint the exact date), brown cardboard boxes arrived on our doorstep with an assortment of Pop-Tarts tucked inside. Strawberry. Raspberry. Brown-Sugar Cinnamon. We ate them all. After dinner. Sometimes hot, usually cold. With frosting and without. Neither I nor any of my seven siblings can recall how we came to be Pop-Tart critics, and my parents arent alive to tell us. But I have a theory: My mother was resourceful and, with eight children to feed, she probably saw an appeal for tasters somewhere and thought: Oh, boy. Free dessert. When it comes to cooking pasta, Celso Laforgia breaks every rule in the book. His spaghetti isnt ivory-colored and tender. Its dark as polished ebony and it crunches like grissini. He doesnt cook it in boiling water. He chars the raw noodles in a skillet. He seasons it not with the usual fresh garlic, but with powdered, and if thats not iconoclastic enough here in southern Italy, his restaurant, Urban LAssassineria Urbana in the pulsing city of Bari in Apulia, serves such decidedly un-Italian dishes as tacos and bao. But to come to Bari without sampling this spaghetti allAssassina would be like visiting Rome and missing the Colosseum. Pizza was then a local dish little known outside Naples, according to Stephen Cerulli, a lecturer in Italian American history at Hostos Community College. (Cheese did not appear on Neapolitan pizza until about 200 years ago.) Naturally, many of Americas first pizzaiolos were from the region. That included Frank Pepe, a baker who got his start selling tomato pies from a pushcart to immigrant factory workers before opening New Havens first pizzeria in 1925. Likewise, Eugeno Burlino, a 20-something Neapolitan immigrant and pastry chef, would walk the streets of Utica during festivals for saints wielding a big pan of tomato pie made by his wife, Michellina Maria, and sell square plain or garlic and anchovy-topped slices for a nickel. In 1914, the couple opened OScugnizzo Pizzeria, one of the oldest continuously run family-owned pizzerias in the United States. Neapolitans emigrating at the turn of the 20th century had an outsize influence on American food culture, despite not being the largest group of Italian emigres. They controlled much of the imported food from Italy, said Simone Cinotto, a professor at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in northern Italy. That included products like canned tomatoes from Naples that Italians from other regions may never have seen in their hometowns, but turned into livelihoods after moving to the United States. Pizza, said Mr. Cinotto, was more widespread in America than it was in Italy come the mid-20th century. Those regional nuances were lost on Americans new to the food. Italians call it pizza, but we call this an All-American tomato pie, reads the introduction to a tomato pie recipe in a Feb. 5, 1956, edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Around the 1950s and 1960s, as more Americans became familiar with the dish, English descriptors became unnecessary, and tomato pie became known as pizza pie or just pizza. As the dish evolved and plentiful toppings became popular, flatbread covered in just tomato sauce or minimally topped with grated cheese or anchovies and garlic disappeared altogether from some places. But in a few locales, tomato pie survived as an entity now distinct from cheese-covered pizza. Kaiser Permanente health care workers were finishing a three-day strike on Friday, and were expected to return to work early Saturday morning without a new contract. No new negotiation sessions were scheduled until Thursday, Oct. 12, and Friday, Oct. 13. Union officials warned another walkout was possible. The two sides had not yet come to an agreement on several key issues, including wage increases. Outsourcing of critical health care duties has become a key sticking point in negotiations in recent days, as Kaiser executives have refused to put limitations on subcontracting and outsourcing, which keep experienced health care workers in jobs and provide strong continuity of care for patients, the union officials said in a statement. The effects of the three-day strike, which included X-ray technicians, receptionists, medical assistants and sanitation workers, were immediately apparent. Kaiser brought in thousands of outside workers to keep its hospitals, emergency departments and urgent care centers open, but a spokeswoman said the organization had been forced to reschedule some appointments and procedures, including surgeries not considered urgent. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Today, Azerbaijan's trust in France, even as a potential mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan, is equal to zero, representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov said in an interview with France Inter radio, Trend reports. "Excessive support for Armenia on the part of the current political leadership of France has led to a situation where no one in Azerbaijan is even theoretically ready to accept Paris as a party that can make at least some useful contribution to the normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan. On the contrary," Amirbayov said. Amirbayov added that the latest clear proof of Paris' commitment to selfless defense of Armenia's interests was the decision of French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to bring military-technical cooperation with Yerevan to a qualitatively new level, including de facto start supplying arms and military equipment to its ally. "Such a rash move by France not only destroys its unbridled ambitions as a "peacemaker", but also pushes Armenia towards new deadly provocations and new aggression against Azerbaijan, bringing the region to a new dangerous level of military conflict," Amirbayov said. Im in my early 70s, and Im married to a man in his 60s. My husbands father struggled with Alzheimers for almost a dozen years before he died. It was incredibly hard on everyone involved. And now my husband is in the midst of his own health crisis. He has had some significant cognitive decline in the past two years, which affects his ability to function to his satisfaction. He is constantly looking for his phone or iPad. He gets lost while driving. He sometimes asks me to help him send a text or email because he cant remember how to do it. This causes him so much shame. He says he no longer belongs in this world. His dysfunction reminds him of his fathers decline, and he doesnt want to put himself or others through that pain. The neurologist is less than helpful. My husband does fairly well on 10-minute cognitive screenings, so he receives a diagnosis of mild cognitive decline instead of dementia. He has started to talk about suicide and is afraid I will stop him. He has asked me to commit to letting him choose his time of death. Frankly, I respect his choice and believe he has the right to decide for himself. He has also asked for help in researching the best way to kill himself. I have considered trying to help him with that but fear that I am committing or abetting a crime. Whats the ethical thing to do? (And yes, I understand that whats ethical and whats legal may differ.) Name Withheld, North Carolina From the Ethicist: Im so sorry about the situation you both find yourselves in, and wish it were rarer than it is. We are, I agree, entitled to decide that losing the cognitive functions necessary for a life of autonomy deprives us of the possibility of a dignified existence. And so were entitled, in my view, to make plans to end our lives when that happens. Unfortunately, once it does happen, we may not be able to recognize our situation or to execute our plans. Even states that (unlike yours) have medical aid in dying statutes dont allow such aid to patients with an impaired capacity for decision-making it cant be secured by an advance directive. Bad City Rent or buy on most major platforms. Crime and corruption are rampant in the fictional Japanese metropolis of Kaiko City: The underworld kingpin Gojo (Lily Franky) is running for mayor to redevelop an impoverished neighborhood into a high-stakes nightlife denizen of gambling. The only person who can stop him is the disgraced former cop Torada (Hitoshi Ozawa). Released early from prison by desperate prosecutors to be captain of Special Investigation Division Zero, he is willing to work outside the law to get the job done. The director Kensuke Sonomuras background as a stunt coordinator proves an asset in the pulpy confines of Bad City. Torada and his team spend the film chasing baddies and other mob bosses through noir-tainted streets, leading up to a mall brawl between the cops and several rival gangs: Its a breathless scene composed on a massive scale, intertwining vast, complex choreography with a precision and visceral intimacy that is impossible to shake. Code of the Assassins Stream it on Hi-Yah! All is indubitably not fair in love, war, or Fair Play, the crackling feature debut from the writer-director Chloe Domont that became a sensation at this years Sundance Film Festival. (It sold there to Netflix for $20 million, and is now streaming on the platform). Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton) and Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story) star as Emily and Luke, ambitious young junior analysts at the same Manhattan hedge fund. Their seemingly blissful relationship is upended when she gets a big promotion and he doesnt; a fraught psychosexual showdown ensues. A Southern California native, Domont, 36, sat down for an interview in New York to discuss male fragility, the state of erotic thrillers and making a date movie from hell. Below are edited excerpts from the conversation. You had mostly been directing for hire on premium-cable shows like Billions. What made you want to tell this story? It was many years of having this feeling as my career started to take off in TV that my success didnt totally feel like a win, because of the kinds of men I had been dating that me being big made them feel small. It just made me realize how much hold these ingrained power dynamics still have over us, and that was something that I wanted to put onscreen and explore. Adams, who was silent about the storm the day before it hit, says his performance was a success, in part because no deaths were attributed to the storm. Was the city entirely unprepared? No. The city has had its share of natural disasters over the years though, presumably, nothing like what it will see in coming decades, thanks to climate change. So protocols are in place, and before the storm, some city agencies did take steps in keeping with those protocols. For example, the citys Department of Environmental Protection cleaned catch basins in areas officials considered particularly vulnerable to flooding. The agency also directed city residents to deploy the 5,000 flood barriers that it has handed out in the past year. And the citys emergency management agency sent out notices via the citys Notify NYC electronic alert system, which has 1.1 million subscribers far more than the agency has on X, formerly Twitter and the agencys commissioner did a couple of interviews. The mayor has argued that it should be enough for a commissioner to speak to the media, that his administration is a team made up of many leaders whose words should suffice. But its not clear how many people would stop what they were doing to pay attention to whatever a commissioner was saying. Adams has 1.5 million followers on Twitter. But beyond that, there is nothing quite like a mayor holding a pre-storm news conference at the citys impressively sophisticated Office of Emergency Management headquarters in Brooklyn to get the word out. The mayor of New York City has a uniquely powerful bully pulpit, and this is, after all, the media capital of the United States. The renewed scrutiny could create fresh legal and political peril for Mr. Menendez, a Democrat, and his wife, who were indicted last month alongside three New Jersey businessmen in a brazen bribery scheme. They have each pleaded not guilty, including to an allegation that they received as a bribe a new Mercedes-Benz convertible to replace Ms. Menendezs car that was damaged in the crash. The investigation began as new details of the case emerged. On Friday, a friend told The Times that at the time of the crash, Ms. Menendez had been driving to meet a group of people for dinner, including a former top Hackensack police official, Michael Mordaga. The friend said Mr. Mordaga was the unnamed former officer who can be heard on a dashcam video talking with the Bogota police who investigated the crash. The attorney generals public integrity unit will review all records generated by the Bogota Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutors office to determine if the investigation into the fatal crash was handled appropriately, according to the two officials, who did not want to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the investigation. New Jerseys attorney general, Matthew J. Platkin, has authority over all police agencies and county prosecutors offices in the state. His investigation was first reported by NBC News. Leaders of the Bogota Police Department have not returned phone calls or responded to in-person queries about the incident for days. On Thursday, an officer, Kevin Geraghty, referred a reporter to the borough attorney, William Betesh, who said he had no comment in this matter. Christopher M. Kelemen, the boroughs Republican mayor, and every member of Bogotas elected council declined to comment, citing a directive from Mr. Betesh. Several members of the council said they had been unaware of the crash or the high-profile driver involved until this week even though state records show it was the small boroughs only traffic fatality in at least a 10-year period. To its credit, the city has acted impressively under an extraordinarily difficult set of logistics. With the goal of freeing up space in crowded shelters, Mayor Eric Adams last week announced an expansion of a housing voucher program that would allow New Yorkers stuck in the shelter system to apply a city-administered subsidy toward rent anywhere in the state. Previously, the subsidy had to be used within the five boroughs. An organization of rural and suburban counties immediately objected, which suggests that the problems lie less with whatever barriers might exist to exercising bureaucratic innovation and more with the reluctance of other local governments to help. Gov. Kathy Hochul could override this kind of resistance but hasnt shown an interest in expending the political capital to do it. In an address a few weeks ago, she put things bluntly: We cannot and will not force other parts of our state to shelter migrants. Progressives have worried about the potential gutting of right to shelter since the first busloads of migrants arrived from the border last year. That fear has long historical precedent. Over the past decades, right to shelter has been challenged dozens of times, but the courts have consistently opted to preserve it. Some of the most aggressive attacks came during the Giuliani and Bloomberg years, when, for instance, an effort to kick families out of shelter for not following certain bureaucratic rules and place their children in foster care was shot down. The decree has its roots in the late 1970s, when Robert Hayes, a young associate at Sullivan & Cromwell, the patrician Wall Street law firm, noticed homelessness all around him as the prosperity that had distinguished New York in the postwar period ended. Between 1965 and 1977, more than 100,000 patients had been released from state psychiatric hospitals, nearly half of whom landed on the streets of Manhattan. Living downtown, Mr. Hayes, who would go on to found the National Coalition for the Homeless and receive a MacArthur fellowship, met men camped out in Washington Square and in the flophouses that lined the Bowery, where the conditions were terrible and the ceilings were made of chicken wire. He was moved by their stories. Confident that local government would not respond to the unraveling as a matter of moral calling, Mr. Hayes saw litigation as the only way forward. Since the Nobel committee is supposed to rise above all that and stand on principle, its time for it to recognize the freedom fighters in these influential nations. Since as many as three people can share the prize each year, the committee could have honored two other women along with Mohammadi. Loujain al-Hathloul of Saudi Arabia, who says she was tortured and imprisoned after being effectively kidnapped from the United Arab Emirates in 2018, was then placed under a travel ban and heavy restrictions, with the threat of more jail and torture hanging over her. Her crimes range from campaigning for womens right to drive and asking for a reform of the oppressive male guardianship laws in Saudi Arabia, which restrict women from many activities unless a male guardian is present or permits the activity. The crimes of Samar Badawi, who has been arrested multiple times in Saudi Arabia over the past decade, include trying to register to vote, calling for a reform of the oppressive male guardianship requirements and advocating the right to drive. Little has been heard from her after her release from a three-year prison stint in 2021; like many Saudi female activists, she is most likely barred from leaving the country and threatened with more jail time if she continues to speak up. Nouf Abdulaziz was imprisoned for years and released on the condition of ceasing her activism. Her crime was campaigning for womens rights. While in prison, she was subjected to torture, according to ALQST, a human rights organization. The list of brave Saudi women who deserve recognition is long, but there are women in other countries, too, that the committee could have recognized. As a child of mixed-race heritage, I often found that my hair was a source of tension between my mother and me. My father hails from Eritrea in East Africa, and my mother is from Sweden, so she and I have vastly different hair textures. When I was a girl until about the age of 10 my thick and curly hair was a nightmare for her to manage. In the early 1990s, Sweden that had yet to acknowledge just how multicultural its society had become. At times, people could be cruel. My schoolmates would stick pencils in my hair to see how many it would hold. I resented going to Swedish hair salons because I could see hairdressers expressions grow annoyed as soon as I walked in the door. At these salons, they tried to thin my hair to make it more normal, resulting in a series of awkward haircuts. You will never see the photos to prove it. I longed to fit in; all I wanted was straight hair. Despite our sometimes turbulent relationship, my mother recognized that I was struggling socially, and she came up with a plan. In December 1996 she booked tickets to London to get my hair straightened. This was no small feat for a single mother of five who owned a small cleaning company, but she found child care, and the two of us stayed at a cheap hotel where the heater didnt work. I still recall sitting in the lobby at 5 a.m., half dazed, as my mother complained about our freezing room to the receptionist, who, assuming we were Jewish, began berating us with antisemitic slurs. Several of the countrys largest real estate brokerages, including Coldwell Banker, Century 21 Real Estate, Sothebys International Realty and Re/Max, are severing their allegiance to the National Association of Realtors, a powerful trade organization whose grip on the real estate industry appears to be loosening. The Chicago-based N.A.R. is the largest professional organization in the United States. It has 1.5 million members, more than $1 billion in assets and owns the trademark to the word Realtor, making a real estate agents ability to call themselves a Realtor and to buy and sell homes contingent upon the payment of membership dues in much of the country. But in recent months, a combination of sexual harassment allegations against its top leadership and a duo of class-action antitrust lawsuits have battered its image and influence. Re/Max and Anywhere Real Estate the worlds largest real estate brokerage franchiser, with brands including Century 21 Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, the Corcoran Group and Sothebys International Real Estate falling under its umbrella settled those lawsuits last month. Anywhere will pay $83.5 million; Re/Max, $55 million. Both have now revealed that they will also be abandoning a requirement for N.A.R. membership as part of their settlement agreements. Brokerages are independent, legal entities that make their own business decisions, said Mantill Williams, a spokesman for N.A.R., in an emailed statement. It is incumbent on every Realtor association local, state and national to continue to communicate and provide true value to our members. If these brokers continue to find value in belonging to the association, then they will choose to belong. In a space race between two businesses started by Jeff Bezos, his e-commerce company, Amazon, beat his rocket company, Blue Origin, to orbit. Two Amazon prototype satellites were launched on top of an Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Friday. They are part of Project Kuiper, a communications constellation that is to eventually consist of more than 3,200 satellites. It will compete with SpaceXs Starlink and other space-based internet services. Liftoff of the rocket occurred at 2:06 p.m. Eastern time. The rockets upper stage then separated from the booster several minutes into flight, carrying the satellites toward orbit. In a news release, United Launch Alliance, the company that provided the Atlas V rocket to space, said the launch was successful, indicating that the rocket delivered the two satellites to the desired 311-mile-high orbit. On Friday evening, Amazon said in a statement that it had made contact with both satellites in orbit less than an hour after the launch. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. We strongly condemn and reject the baseless anti-Azerbaijan allegations of French President Emmanuel Macron voiced on October 5 during the press conference held in the scope of Granada meeting of the European Political Community, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports. "Allegations of the French President on the refusal of Azerbaijan and Turkiye to participate in the Granada meeting is a clear case of hypocrisy. The participants of this event are well aware of the particular opposition of France to Turkiyes participation in the meeting. French President spreading false information on this issue is unbecoming of the head of state. Attempts of France to lecture Azerbaijan, a country setting an example with its multicultural and multiethnic values, in which many ethnicities live in peace and prosperity, on the issue of rights of minorities, while France itself is being remembered by its genocide policy and remaining the only EU member state not part of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, is completely unacceptable. How France, which is now talking about fair mediation, mediated during the period of 23 years is well-known. Intentions of France become known when it states it is a neutral mediator while ignoring the massacres against Azerbaijanis, their lives turning into those of Internally Displaced Persons and refugees by use of force, disregarding the four UN Security Council resolutions, as well as the razing of cities and villages to the ground, and looking the other way while Armenia, contrary to its obligations, failed to withdraw its armed forces from the territory of Azerbaijan and continued its military and political provocations. It is ridiculous that France, which has turned a blind eye to the occupation of about 20% of the territory of Azerbaijan by Armenia for 30 years and to the fact that Armenia is still occupying 8 villages of Azerbaijan, accuses Azerbaijan of the occupation of 150 square kilometers of the territory of Armenia. Azerbaijan has not occupied the territory of any country and the assertion that the territories on which the forces of Azerbaijan are deployed on the not yet delimited border belong to Armenia is completely illogical. The legitimate right of Azerbaijan within the scope of UN Charter and norms and principles of international law to end the occupation of its territories both diplomatically and militarily has always existed. It was the mediation efforts involving France failing to yield results and the failure to prevent Armenia's aggressive policy that led Azerbaijan to liberate its lands militarily. Similarly, the necessity to remove the Armenian armed forces, which had not been withdrawn from the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan before the anti-terrorist measures, as well as to abolish the puppet regime was repeatedly stressed by Azerbaijan during the entirety of the negotiation process. In this regard, allegations of the French President on Azerbaijans alleged promise on not using force against the illegal separatist regime are baseless. If France directed Armenia on the right path instead of making false promises, there would be no need to resolve the threat against Azerbaijan by force, and the issue would have been solved peacefully. We would like to remind France calling for pressure on Azerbaijan that it is pointless and unacceptable to speak with Azerbaijan in the language of pressure. It would be more beneficial for France to put an end to its insidious policy aimed at supporting and arming aggressive Armenia in our region, hindering peace and stability in the region, instead of issuing such irresponsible statements. Azerbaijan is taking measures for reintegration of its Armenian residents within the its Constitution and relevant legislation, and our country, as always, remains the most interested party in building peace in the region on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity with Armenia," the statement reads. Gary Wang, a former top executive of the failed FTX cryptocurrency exchange, testified that Sam Bankman-Fried, the companys founder, was the final decision maker at the firm and directed a closely related hedge fund to misuse as it pleased billions of dollars in money from FTX customers. Over more than six hours of testimony in federal court in Manhattan on Thursday and Friday, Mr. Wang said Mr. Bankman-Fried was fully aware that a sister cryptocurrency trading firm, Alameda Research, had siphoned off $8 billion in customer money from FTX. He said Mr. Bankman-Fried had lied in his public statements in November about FTX customer assets being safe and secure. Mr. Bankman-Fried called the shots on big issues at FTX, Mr. Wang told the jury of nine women and three men. In the end, it was Sams decision, he said. Mr. Wang, 30, who was also a founder of FTX and programmed its code base, is a crucial witness in Mr. Bankman-Frieds high-profile criminal fraud trial. Mr. Wang is one of Mr. Bankman-Frieds three close advisers who have pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate against the entrepreneur, who has been charged with orchestrating a conspiracy to use as much as $10 billion of FTX customer money for all manner of personal projects. The process to obtain what is known as a certificate of loss of nationality, which included taking an oath of renunciation after several months on a waiting list, cost her $2,350, a fee that the United States began to impose in 2014 on those trying to renounce their citizenship. For four years before that, the fee was $450. And before that, the certificate was free. On Monday, the State Department announced a proposal to return the fee to $450, a move it signaled earlier this year. Now, Ms. Nelson and others who paid the higher amount would like some of their money back. She and three other plaintiffs, including citizens of Germany and the Netherlands, filed a class-action lawsuit against the State Department to get the difference of $1,900 refunded. The lawsuit calls the higher fee arbitrary, capricious and illegal because, among other things, it was used to fund governmental functions completely unrelated to renunciation services. The State Department declined to comment on the lawsuit. But in its proposal announcing the fee shift on Monday, it said that citizenship renunciations were extremely costly for the department, requiring consular officers and employees overseas, as well as in the United States, to spend substantial time handling those requests. It said that in 2010 the $450 fee represented less than 25 percent of the cost to the U.S. government. Fabien Lehagre, the president of the Accidental Americans Association, a nonprofit in Paris that spearheaded the lawsuit, said in an email that he estimated around 30,000 Americans would be eligible for refunds if the lawsuit succeeded, based on the number of renouncers provided by the State Department. The state troopers who shot and killed a protester in January in a forest near Atlanta will not be criminally charged, a Georgia prosecutor said on Friday. George Christian, the district attorney for the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, said in a statement that the troopers use of lethal force as they were trying to clear protesters from the site where a new police training campus for Atlanta was being built was objectively reasonable under the circumstances. The 26-year-old protester, Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, who went by the nickname Tortuguita, had camped in the South River Forest for weeks in opposition to the development of the project, the Public Safety Training Center, which critics refer to as Cop City. Mr. Christian, who was appointed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate the Jan. 18 shooting, issued a 31-page report saying that at the time of the shooting, the protester posed an immediate threat to the team of Georgia State Patrol S.W.A.T. troopers who had been assigned to remove demonstrators from the forest in and around the construction site. A dozen states and more than a hundred cities will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, a holiday intended both to honor Native cultures and to offer something of a rebuke to Columbus Day. In 2021, President Biden became the first U.S. president to formally recognize the holiday, a signal of its growing acceptance. In California, the city of Berkeley has been recognizing the holiday for more than 30 years. The Bay Area city ousted Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992 as an acknowledgment that Native societies and philosophies flourished long before Columbus arrived, Mayor Loni Hancock was quoted as saying in a New York Times article at the time. Oct. 12 is no longer Columbus Day in this city known for political correctness, the article read. The celebration was held that year on Saturday, Oct. 10, and included a sunrise ceremony at the waterfront, cultural events, speeches, and Indigenous foods and crafts. A flier called for the event to begin a profound annual tradition in Berkeley, refocusing social consciousness toward the nurturing leadership of Indigenous tradition in harmony with the natural environment. John Curl, a longtime Berkeley resident and one of the holidays founders, told me that it started as a protest against a planned national celebration of the 500th anniversary of Columbuss arrival in the Americas in 1492. There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States, he wrote in the public notice. The administration also said it was waiving more than 20 federal laws and regulations to allow for the construction of the barriers. The funding appropriated for this section of barriers is separate from the Defense Department funds that Mr. Trump reprogrammed to build a wall. Mr. Biden halted the use of the reprogrammed defense funds on his first day in office. Have migrants been crossing the border in the Rio Grande Valley? Border Patrol agents have made more than two million arrests at the southwest border this year. Some 245,000 of those were in the Rio Grande Valley, according to government data. It is an area where large groups of migrants often make the crossing together. In a five-day period in July, Border Patrol agents arrested four large groups, 520 migrants in all. Most of the migrants were from Central and South America. Border officials say sending large groups of migrants at once is a common technique used by smugglers. The goal, officials say, is to overwhelm Border Patrol agents in remote areas where resources are stretched thin. Many migrants in this region end up being rescued because of dehydration or other health problems that come from spending hours in the desert. The buses packed with Venezuelan migrants are now arriving in downtown Chicago day and night, doubling in number in recent weeks. City officials are struggling to open more shelters, while more than 2,300 migrants are sleeping at police stations, in lobbies and just outside in makeshift camps. At the citys airports, migrants who have just landed sleep on the floor, many with babies and toddlers, as local officials plead for more help from the federal government. We dont have any place for them to go, said Cristina Pacione-Zayas, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Brandon Johnson. We are scrambling. Like New York and a number of other cities in the country, Chicago is straining to provide for the growing numbers of migrants who have arrived over the last year on buses from the U.S.-Mexico border. But with Chicagos infamously cold winter fast approaching, volunteers and leaders are worried that things will only get worse. Ellsworth Johnson, an American medic who parachuted into enemy-occupied France and China during World War II and was believed to be the last surviving member of an Operations Group that spawned todays Green Berets, died on Sept. 30 in Zeeland, Mich. He was 100. His death was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, Anna Johnson. It came four weeks after he was presented with an Army Special Forces tab and a Green Beret in a ceremony at the assisted living facility where he lived near Grand Rapids, Mich. This is an extremely rare event and, quite frankly, the last of its kind that will ever occur, Major Russell M. Gordon, the director of public affairs for the 1st Special Forces Command, said of the ceremony. And Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, the deputy commanding general of the Army Special Operations Command, said during the event: Everything that he did in 1944 we model ourselves on in our training and the operations that we conduct. Its our origin story. Immigration was dead simple when Joseph R. Biden Jr. was campaigning for president: It was an easy way to attack Donald J. Trump as a racist, and it helped to rally Democrats with the promise of a more humane border policy. Nothing worked better than Mr. Trumps big, beautiful wall that he was building along the southern border. Its existence was as much a metaphor for the polarization inside America as it was a largely ineffective barrier against foreigners fleeing to the United States from Central America. There will not be, Mr. Biden proclaimed as he campaigned against Mr. Trump in the summer of 2020, another foot of wall constructed. But a massive surge of migration in the Western Hemisphere has scrambled the dynamics of an issue that has vexed presidents for decades, and radically reshaped the political pressures on Mr. Biden and his administration. Instead of becoming the president who quickly reversed his predecessors policies, Mr. Biden has repeatedly tried to curtail the migration of a record number of people and the political fallout that has created by embracing, or at least tolerating, some of Mr. Trumps anti-immigrant approaches. A former U.S. Army soldier who fled to Hong Kong has been charged with trying to deliver classified secrets to the Chinese government, according to federal court documents unsealed on Friday. Joseph D. Schmidt, 29, who served in a military intelligence battalion in Washington State, was indicted in Seattle on two counts of violating the Espionage Act. He was arrested this week after flying from Hong Kong to San Francisco and appeared in federal court on Friday. Each count carries up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors accused Mr. Schmidt of trying to help the Chinese government after he finished active duty with the Army in January 2020. While Mr. Schmidt was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, south of Tacoma, he supported the Indo-Pacific Command, which includes China, giving him access to sensitive materials. The charges against Mr. Schmidt underscore the volume of national security secrets flowing to China, which has made aggressive efforts to recruit spies and steal technology to give it an economic and military edge over the United States, its primary rival. The fate of the sons of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the man accused of being the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, has long been a source of mystery and controversy. Two of the boys were 8 and 10 when they were captured by Pakistani authorities in 2002. A psychologist who waterboarded Mr. Mohammed during interrogations in Poland has admitted that he threatened to slit the throat of one of the boys. During another interrogation, the prisoner has said, he thought he heard his children crying in the next room. But a prosecutor has now disclosed that the boys were never in U.S. custody. Nor were two younger boys, believed to be 5 and 6, who were present during a joint U.S.-Pakistani raid that captured Mr. Mohammed in 2003. Nonetheless, the children would be an ever-present emotional bargaining chip in the interrogation and torture sessions that followed, Mr. Mohammeds military lawyer, Lt. William Xu, told the judge in pretrial hearings at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Armenian diasporas around the world continue to organize provocations against Azerbaijan, Trend reports. This time, a rally was organized in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Argentina. The protesters made calls to condemn the genocide of the population of Karabakh, and also campaigned for Armenians living in the Argentine capital to join the so-called protest march scheduled for October 7. Commenting on the issue, a diplomatic source said that a request was sent to the Argentine Foreign Ministry to strengthen security measures on the territory of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Buenos Aires in the event of possible provocations from the Armenians. Criminal actions by Armenians against Azerbaijani diplomatic missions have occurred repeatedly in different countries and cities, including Argentina, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Uruguay, Los Angeles, and Paris. On September 28, around 1,500 Armenians attempted to attack the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Beirut, following the self-dissolution of a separatist regime in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. They were stopped by Lebanese security forces on the approach to the embassy. As a result, a confrontation between law enforcement officers and Armenians, mainly from the "Dashnaksutyun" party, took place in Beirut. According to reports, the Armenians attacked the police with Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and stones, and the police used tear gas. Security forces prevented the enraged crowd from reaching the Embassy of Azerbaijan. All of this indicates that Armenians cannot come to terms with their defeat and resort to familiar mechanisms of revenge, namely, provocations, attempting to seek vengeance in a crude and unprincipled manner. Much could happen between now and 2026. But the potential for a new job outside of Washington might be a welcome notion for Mr. Gaetz, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 2016. Ousting Mr. McCarthy showed how few allies he has within his party in Congress, where he is openly reviled just seven members joined him to help topple the speaker. Many Republican lawmakers accused Mr. Gaetz of knifing Mr. McCarthy with no endgame beyond pursuing his own personal interests. Should he choose to run, Mr. Gaetz will still have liabilities as a statewide candidate. Federal prosecutors targeted him as part of a sex-trafficking investigation that did not lead to charges against him but revealed embarrassing personal details that opponents would no doubt reprise. Influential conservative media pundits have turned on him over removing Mr. McCarthy. And while Mr. Gaetz may have Mr. Trumps strong support now, if the former president loses his 2024 bid to return to the White House, it is unclear if he would continue to play kingmaker in future elections. Speculation about Mr. Gaetzs political future is happening unusually early, before next years presidential election a sign, Florida Democrats say, that Republicans are ready to move on from Mr. DeSantis, who is running for president. The Mississippi governors race is surprisingly close, given how deeply red the state is. A key reason, at least according to the Democratic challenger Brandon Presley, is Medicaid. Gov. Tate Reeves, the Republican incumbent, has opposed any Medicaid expansion in his state, one of the poorest in the country. But 72 percent of likely voters in the state favor Medicaid expansion, according to a Mississippi Today/Siena College poll, and 92 percent are concerned about hospital access which Mr. Pressley has also made central to his campaign. One of 10 states that continue to reject federal funding to expand health insurance for the poor, Mississippi is amid a hospital crisis. The first third of his remarks on Friday at a soul food restaurant in Jackson, Miss., focused on Medicaid and hospitals. As long as youre talking about fighting regardless of whether you have a strategy to land a punch or win a round you never actually have to win, because thats what gets the most attention, Mr. Heye continued. And that means Republicans are now sort of always talking between ourselves, and the rest of the country we either dont engage or hold in contempt. Whats new is how ingrained such instincts have become among Republicans. Impractical purity tests are creating new divisions in an already fragmented party, like an uncontrollable mitosis damaging nearby tissue with potentially fatal consequences. That means the challenge for one of the nations two major political parties is whether it can find a way to thrive when it is powered by a strain of conservatism that somehow grows more potent in defeat. This quandary was articulated by Representative Matt Rosendale of Montana, a far-right Republican weighing a Senate bid against Jon Tester, the Democratic incumbent. Mr. Rosendale recently told donors that while his party had anticipated a wave of victories in last years midterm elections, he had been praying each evening for a small majority. Because I recognize that that small majority was the only way that we were going to advance a conservative agenda, and that if it was the right majority, that if we had six or seven very strong individuals, we would drag the conference over to the right and we were able to do that, Mr. Rosendale said in a video of the meeting posted by The Messenger. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation on Friday to China, where the group plans to meet with top government and business leaders at a time of rising tensions between the United States and Beijing. Mr. Schumer, who has long taken a tough stand on China, said he would use the trip to appeal to the nations top leaders for better economic reciprocity for U.S. companies currently being iced out of Chinese markets and better policing of the export of fentanyl that has increasingly found its way into the United States. But he offered measured expectations about how much the senators would be able to help resolve the standoff between Washington and Beijing, a goal that has eluded several Biden administration officials. I think the Chinese will hear things differently from the elected officials, Mr. Schumer said during an interview in his Capitol office this week. Members of Congress, he added, have their finger on the pulse of what the American people are feeling. And the good news is the Chinese want to learn this theyve made it clear to our people that they very much want to learn this, even though the conversations are not going to be Kumbaya at all. From a House leadership contest to the southwestern border and a foreign war, Donald J. Trumps influence this week seemed to pervade the nations politics more than it has since the first weeks after his exit from the White House. Not since Jan. 27, 2021, when Representative Kevin McCarthy flew to Mar-a-Lago to mend the rift with Mr. Trump, has the former presidents sway been as widespread or as palpable. Mr. Trumps successor, President Biden, resumed construction of a border wall that will always be stamped with Mr. Trumps name and restarted deporting Venezuelan migrants, following a hiatus when the Biden administration extended protective status for those fleeing that devastated nation. The House Republican Conference launched its search for a new speaker following the historic vanquishing of the last one, Mr. McCarthy, and again, Mr. Trump was calling the shots. Some House Republicans even suggested handing the gavel to their unofficial leader, Mr. Trump, before he stepped in to try to anoint Representative Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio, with an effusive endorsement that dwelt heavily on the congressmans high school and college wrestling records. Billions of dollars in U.S. military and economic aid have enabled Ukraine to fend off Russias invasion, but the future of that support is now in serious doubt. Congress approved a stopgap deal last month to keep the federal government open, but it excluded a request from President Biden to give Ukraine another round of funding. As the House of Representatives decides who will be its next speaker, some Republicans are digging in against sending more money to Kyiv. Mr. Biden has said for months that the United States will support Ukraines fight against Russia for as long as it takes. But he cannot make that guarantee because congressional approval is required for future infusions of aid. Administration officials warn that the aid is critical to Ukraines survival, and they say they are studying options should Congress halt or reduce U.S. support for the country. We dont want to offer it across the board to anyone who might have a sexual encounter thats fairly low risk, said Dr. Kaiyti Duffy, chief medical officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which offers the medication. Taking antibiotics frequently could make bacteria resistant to the drugs, said Dr. Jenell Stewart, an infectious disease physician at the University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare. Were saying, lets just limit to people we suspect will benefit from it the most, to make sure were not overusing antibiotics, Dr. Stewart said. Thats part of the caution, making sure we have evidence that the benefits will outweigh the risks. Still, some doctors may prescribe it to others at risk of an S.T.I., Dr. Kulkarni said. At this point, though, there isnt enough evidence to broadly recommend the medication for other groups, such as cisgender women. Experts also said pregnant people should not take doxycycline; research suggests it may negatively impact a fetus. Those at risk should keep doxycycline on hand, as a pill in pocket, said Dr. Annie Luetkemeyer, an infectious disease physician at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. They should take a dose within 72 hours of sex without a condom, including oral and anal sex, and the sooner someone takes it, the better. How effective is doxycycline? The treatment is considered very effective at preventing chlamydia and syphilis, but may be less effective against gonorrhea; protection against gonorrhea may vary because some strains are resistant to doxycycline, said Dr. Stewart. The United States will resume food aid to refugees in Ethiopia, more than four months after suspending it because of large-scale diversions and theft of rations meant to feed millions of hungry people. The U.S. Agency for International Development said on Thursday that it would restart the distribution of food aid to about a million refugees, most of them from South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. The agency said in a statement that food assistance to Ethiopia proper would remain suspended until further stipulations are met. The United Nations estimates that more than 20 million people are in need of food assistance in Ethiopia, which is still staggering from two years of civil war, a devastating drought and mounting economic challenges. Our assistance for other food insecure populations across Ethiopia remains paused until we have assurance it will reach its intended beneficiaries, U.S.A.I.D. said in a statement. Other U.S.-funded programs in areas such as health care have carried on during the halt in food assistance. Before leaving his house each day, Castillo Javier Police always made sure he carried the essentials. Hat. Wallet. Birth certificate. But the last item still did not stop him from being detained and then deported. While picking up groceries one night this summer, he was stopped by Dominican immigration authorities. He pulled out the document showing that he was born in the Dominican Republic. Still, the officials bused him to a detention center. Days later, Mr. Police, 21, was expelled to Haiti, a country he had never been to and is so mired in gang violence that the United Nations on Monday approved a Kenya-led security mission to the country to help quell the unrest. I dont know anyone in Haiti, Mr. Police said. How am I going to go back to the Dominican Republic? How are my mother, father and brother feeling right now? BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Allegations of the French president on the refusal of Azerbaijan and Turkiye to participate in the Granada meeting is a clear case of hypocrisy, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry commented on the statements made by Emmanuel Macron during the press conference held in the scope of Granada meeting of the European Political Community, Trend reports. "The participants of this event are well aware of the particular opposition of France to Turkiyes participation in the meeting. French president, by spreading false information on this, is behaving improperly for the head of state," the ministry said. The ministry noted that attempts of France to lecture Azerbaijan, a country setting an example with its multicultural and multiethnic values, where many ethnicities live in peace and prosperity, on the issue of rights of minorities, while France itself is being remembered by its genocide policy and remaining the only EU member state not to be part of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, is completely unacceptable. President Ilham Aliyev has recently canceled his visit to Granada (Spain), where he was supposed to hold a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with the participation of the leaders of the European Union, France and Germany. The reasons for this are France's destructive position, as well as disagreements between Paris and Berlin over Turkiye's participation in the meeting. Under such conditions, the Azerbaijani side refused to negotiate. The Venezuelan authorities said on Thursday that they were seeking the arrest of Juan Guaido, the former opposition leader who is in exile in the United States. Attorney General Tarek William Saab said Venezuelas Public Ministry had requested a warrant for Mr. Guaidos arrest. He said Mr. Guaido had used the resources of the state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, for his own benefit, claiming that his actions had cost the Venezuelan government $19 billion. Mr. Guaido denied the accusations on social media, saying that this is how the dictatorships machine for promoting lies works. Mr. Guaido became the face of the resistance to Venezuelas authoritarian government during large-scale protests in 2019, when he took the helm of the legislature, declared President Nicolas Maduro an illegitimate ruler and appointed himself the countrys interim leader, a bold move backed by the United States and dozens of other nations. Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, 17,000 feet up in the Himalayas just south of Indias border with China, some slight shift started an avalanche. Snow, ice and boulders slid into a giant glacial lake a mile below, causing it to burst its banks. From there, catastrophes multiplied as the water cascaded down mountain valleys below. At least 26 people were killed in the tiny state of Sikkim, and another 142 are missing. But as much as the disaster was a shock, it was hardly a surprise. An academic paper published four years earlier predicted just such a sequence of events in harrowing detail. The effects of climate change within the worlds most dramatic mountain range have snapped together like deadly clockwork and hundreds of other ticking time bombs dot the landscape. One of the few people who still had a phone connection in the affected part of Sikkim, an isolated kingdom until India absorbed it in 1975, was a local member of Parliament, Hishey Lachungpa. A lot of people are washed away, a lot of houses are washed away, he said. About a dozen bridges spanning the Teesta River were knocked down, too. Mr. Krasevych had turned to his faith to carry on, he said. He and his wife were friends of the dead soldiers family and had planned to attend the wake. His wife, however, had recently been diagnosed with cancer, a misfortune that he said had saved their lives. They had been at a hospital appointment during the wake. God protected us, he said. The village is only 25 miles from the front line, and paranoia about Russian spies has also surfaced there. The police, Mr. Krasevych said, were going house to house asking if any resident might have told the Russians about a wake for a soldier. I dont know what type of person would kill his neighbors, Mr. Krasevych said. The strike hit as relatives, friends and neighbors of the Kozyr family were sitting down for a meal in a village cafe. A 6-year-old boy was among the dead, a regional governor said. When workers reached the bottom of the rubble pile Friday, four people two adults and two children remained missing and only genetic testing of the fragments could determine if they had died in the cafe, the regional police said on Facebook. The Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitri A. Muratov said on Thursday that 47 other Nobel laureates have signed a letter urging the worlds billionaires to donate $100 million to help children displaced by the war in Ukraine and other conflicts. Mr. Muratov, the former editor of the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, shared the prize in 2021 with the journalist Maria Ressa of Rappler, a news outlet in the Philippines. He later announced that he would donate his roughly $500,000 in prize money to support various charitable causes and auctioned his 23-karat gold Nobel medal. The medal sold for $103.5 million and all proceeds went to UNICEF to help child refugees from Ukraine. He said in an interview that he had invited his fellow laureates to sign the letter last week when he spoke in Stockholm at an event for past honorees and was stunned by the response. This letter was signed by those who understand how the universe works, how planets work, how cooling methods work, and who captured atoms with laser light, Mr. Muratov said. Russia is seeking election to the United Nations top human rights body in a vote next week that will offer the latest test of international support for the Western-led diplomatic isolation imposed on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. Russia is hoping it can deflect attention from its assault on Ukraine and regain its seat on the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council after the General Assembly voted to suspend it in April 2022, two months after the start of its full-scale invasion. Observers say the vote, scheduled for Tuesday in the 193-member General Assembly, is too close to call, in part because Russia maintains support among some countries of the global south for its opposition to what it calls Western hegemony. Independent human rights groups have greeted Russias candidacy with disbelief, describing it as an extraordinary display of diplomatic chutzpah. The Swedish defense ministry said on Friday it could contribute its Gripen warplanes to a Western coalition that is trying to speed fighter jets to Ukraine but only after Sweden is allowed into NATO. The offer, included in a $200 million package of weapons, 155-millimeter caliber ammunition and other defense support for Ukraine, was the latest move in an ongoing diplomatic effort to persuade Turkey to drop its objection to Sweden joining the military alliance. Support in the form of JAS-39 Gripen would be conditional on Sweden first becoming a member of NATO, the Swedish Defense Ministry said in a statement. Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had tentatively agreed to admit Sweden in July, on the eve of NATOs annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The move was hailed at the time as a diplomatic victory that would show a united Western front against Russia. It was when the ranger reported back that everything changed. The tree had not been brought down by natural forces. The cut was too clean. The trunk had been daubed with white paint. An incision known as a wedge cut had been made, designed to guide the trees fall. The ranger was unequivocal. He said it was gone, Mr. Gates remembered. Someone had spoiled it. What followed, he said, was overwhelming. For many, both in the northeast of England and much farther afield, the loss of the tree represented what Mr. Gates called a personal loss. A lot of people felt a personal connection to it, he added. Many more, though, felt the pull of a pair of intertwined, irresistible mysteries. If a tree is felled and nobody is around to hear it, how does anyone begin to find out who was responsible? And, almost more intriguing still: What possible motive could there be for attacking a tree? A few hours after the rangers report, when Mr. Gates arrived at the Sill, a glass-fronted information center a mile or so from where the tree had stood, he found visitors in tears. The news that a powerful earthquake had struck southern Turkey first reached the eminent geologist in a pre-dawn video call from a phone number he did not recognize. Barely awake, he answered to find himself face-to-face with a woman and her daughter trapped in the rubble of their collapsed home. Professor, please save us, he recalled the woman saying. But the call cut out and he lost the number in the flood of calls he received that day. He never learned who the woman was or what had happened to her. I cried for two hours, said the geologist, Naci Gorur, a retired professor who has made it his lifes work to warn Turks about the tremendous threat that earthquakes pose to their country and to implore them to prepare. Grieving families awaited news of loved ones into the night. A mobile phone somewhere among the charred personal belongings rang and rang, with no one to answer. The bodies more than 50 in all were sheathed in white bags and carted away near a slide and a swing set in a childrens playground. Thursdays strike in the tiny village of Hroza, where the population had dwindled from about 500 before the war, killed about one in six of the towns remaining 300 residents, Ukrainian officials said. By Friday morning, the death toll had climbed to 52, with six other people injured, Oleh Synyehubov, the regional military administrator, said on the Telegram messaging app. A 6-year-old boy was among the dead, he said. President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly address, appeared to struggle to find the words to denounce the attack, one of the deadliest on civilians in recent months and all the more devastating because it struck people gathered at a memorial service. To call it beastly, he said, would be an affront to beasts. Narges Mohammadis 16-year-old son, Ali, who lives in Paris, was in school when the Nobel Peace Prize was announced on Friday. He kept refreshing his phone under the table until 11 a.m. struck and his mothers name flashed across the screen. My heart stopped, Ali said afterward in an interview inside the Paris apartment where he and his twin sister, Kiana, live with their father, Taghi Rahmani, Ms. Mohammadis husband. I couldnt shout in class, but I was so happy, added Ali, who has been separated from his mother since 2015 and last spoke to her over a year ago. She is serving a 10-year jail sentence in Tehrans Evin Prison for spreading anti-state propaganda. The familys small apartment was abuzz with activity as visitors and reporters squeezed in and out, and as Mr. Rahmani fielded dozens of telephone interviews in Persian with news outlets from all over the world, mint tea in hand and sharing chocolates. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The legitimate right of Azerbaijan within the scope of the UN Charter and norms and principles of international law to end the occupation of its territories both diplomatically and militarily has always existed, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry commented on French President Emmanuel Macron's statement during the press conference held in the scope of Granada meeting of the European Political Community, Trend reports. "It was the mediation efforts involving France failing to yield results and the failure to prevent Armenia's aggressive policy that led Azerbaijan to liberate its lands via military means," the ministry said. The Foreign Ministry noted that similarly, the necessity to remove the Armenian armed forces, which had not been withdrawn from the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan before the anti-terrorist activities, as well as to abolish the puppet regime was repeatedly stressed by Azerbaijan during the entire negotiation process. "In this regard, claims of the French President on Azerbaijans alleged promise on not using force against the illegal separatist regime are baseless. If France directed Armenia on the right path instead of making false promises, there would be no need to resolve the threat against Azerbaijan by force, and the issue would have been solved peacefully," Azerbaijani Ministry added. Narges Mohammadi, Irans most prominent human rights activist and an inmate in the countrys notorious Evin Prison, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, in an effort by the Norwegian Nobel Committee to support womens rights in Iran. Ms. Mohammadi, 51, has spent most of the last decade in and out of prison, charged with spreading anti-state propaganda, and she is currently serving a 10-year sentence part of Irans long campaign to silence and punish her for her activism. But even from inside prison, where she has suffered severe health problems, including a heart attack, she has remained one of the most outspoken critics of Irans government. In response to a major uprising, led by women, that rocked Iran last year after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old, died in the custody of the countrys morality police, she has organized prison protests, written opinion pieces and led weekly workshops for female inmates about their rights. Carolina Urribarris mother was distressed when she called her daughter on Friday morning. You cant leave! Theyre going to send you back! she yelled. She had seen a video on TikTok the United States was going to start deporting Venezuelans who entered the country illegally. Now I am afraid to leave, said Ms. Urribarri, 26, who had hoped to start making the long trek from Maracaibo, Venezuelas second largest city, to the United States next week with her 6-month-old daughter. The sacrifice is worthless if they are going to send me back. Together with a group of nine other people, they were planning to cross the treacherous Darien Gap, a jungle path linking South and Central America, to try to join her partner in Utah. On Thursday, the Biden administration said it would restart deportation flights to Venezuela only two weeks after extending humanitarian protections to 500,000 Venezuelan migrants already in the United States. Narges Mohammadi, the most prominent human rights activist in Iran, has dedicated her career to fighting government repression with a focus on womens rights. She is currently serving a 10-year jail sentence in Tehrans Evin Prison for spreading anti-state propaganda. Her 30 years of activism to peacefully bring grass-roots change to Iran through education, advocacy and civil disobedience and to strengthen civil society has come with a hefty price: her liberty, her health and separation from her husband, children and parents. Even from inside prison, Ms. Mohammadi, 51, has been one of the most outspoken critics of Irans government. She has organized protests and sit-ins as part of the uprising, led by women, that rocked Iran last year, written guest essays and organized weekly workshops for women inmates about their rights. The global support and recognition of my human rights advocacy makes me more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful, Ms. Mohammadi said in a written statement to The New York Times. I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organized. Victory is near. Colleges and universities have been criticized for years for sending out financial aid offers to students that are confusing, opaque and sometimes misleading. Now, about 400 colleges and universities have agreed to take steps to bring transparency, clarity and understanding to their financial aid offers, a task force promoting the effort announced last month. The schools that have pledged to commit to the efforts of the task force, the College Cost Transparency Initiative, to send clear and understandable aid offers to students include two- and four-year public and private colleges in 43 states. Among them are big state schools, like Arizona State University; liberal arts colleges like Pomona College in Claremont, Calif.; many community colleges; and at least one for-profit school. Leaders of 10 higher education groups, including those for college financial aid officials, college presidents and admissions counselors, make up the task force. Researchers who have studied the issue of murky aid offers said it remained unclear whether the new effort would gain traction. While the colleges pledging transparency serve more than four million students, the schools are a fraction of the countrys roughly 3,900 degree-granting institutions. Mark Boyle, aka The Moneyless Man, gave up on using money in 2008 and has been living a money-free lifestyle ever since. Along the way, he also shunned technology and adopted a more natural life. Having graduated college with a degree in business and economics, Mark Boyle quickly found a good-paying job at an organic food company in Bristol, UK. That had been his plan for years get a good job and buy all the material things that society (himself included) associated with success. But everything changed one night in 2007, during a friendly philosophizing session with a friend over a glass of Merlot on his houseboat. They were discussing world problems and how to best tackle them to actually make a difference. Thats when he realized that money was at the root of most problems, and remembered Gandhis famous quote: Be the change you want to see in the world. Photo: Jason Leung/Unsplash I was sitting around with a friend one night in 2007 discussing the worlds problems, and we were trying to work out which one to dedicate our lives to helping solve, Boyle told CNN. Then it hit me, at the root of it all was money, which creates a kind of disconnection between us and our actions, whether thats through sweatshops, industrial agriculture, or war, and so I decided to see if it was possible to do without. Soon after that, Mark sold his expensive houseboat, moved into an old caravan that someone donated to him because they just wanted to get rid of it, and began his money-free existence. The first few months were tough, because he needed to replace the comforts he had become accustomed to, like the morning cup of coffee, with things he could source for free, from nature. The first few months were hard, just finding my way, Mark admitted. If you think about how disruptive it is when you just move house or change a job, imagine changing everything at once. But after a couple of months, it became very easy, I had all my routines worked out. Boyles money-free lifestyle became a viral news topic when he launched his book, The Moneyless Man, in which he goes into detail about the challenges he faced when making the transition and the practical solutions he came up with, as well as about the philosophy that pushed him to make such a drastic change in his life. Ironically, I have found the past two years to be the most fulfilling of my life, Mark Boyle wrote in 2010. Ive more friends in my community than ever, I havent been ill since I began, and Ive never felt fitter. Ive found that friendship, not money, is real security. Most Western poverty is psychological. Real independence is interdependence. In 2017, Mark decided to take his minimalist lifestyle to another level by quitting industrialization. He shunned most of the technology we enjoy on a daily basis from electricity and running water to radio and the internet, and returned to what many would describe as a simpler lifestyle. Not The Moneyless Man, though, he actually considers modern living simpler, because of how much technology actually helps us every day. This way of life I have now adopted is often called the simple life, but thats entirely misleading, Mark Boyle told No Fun Tips. Its actually quite complex, made up of a thousand simple things. By contrast, my old life in the city was quite simple, but made up of a thousand complex things, like smartphones and plug sockets and plastic. I, for one, got bored doing the same thing day in, day out, using complex technologies that, I suspected, made those who manufactured them bored too. Thats partially why I rejected them. Living without running water, electricity, or machines, my life has certainly become more complex. Boyle clarifies that living the way he does is far from easy, adding that he knows it would be impossible for everyone to follow his example. However, he hopes that his example will at least inspire people to be less dependent on money and industrialization. I dont romanticize the past. But I dont romanticize the future either. Ive lived with tech and without, and I know which one brings me most peace and contentment, Mark said. A 27-year-old Brazilian woman tragically lost her life after experiencing poisoning symbols associated with a chocolate candy allegedly received from a gypsy woman who had allegedly predicted her early death. Fernanda Silva Valoz da Cruz Pinto fell ill on August 3rd, experiencing severe stomach pains, vomiting, nosebleeds, and excessive salivation. She was rushed to Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital, but there was nothing doctors could do, and she died in the early hours of the following day. According to initial information provided by her family, Fernanda had told them that she had received a chocolate candy from a supposed gypsy fortune teller in the center of Maceio City who had also predicted that she would die very soon. She ate the candy that very same day, then fell ill and started experiencing poisoning symptoms. Photo: amirali mirhashemian/Unsplash Because Fernandas family had told doctors that she also suffered from stomach ulcers and gastritis, the symptoms of which can be similar to those of food poisoning, her death was listed as yet to be clarified. However, after the autopsy results showed that the 27-year-old woman had died as a result of poisoning with toxic substances, the familys story about the fortune tellers candy didnt seem that implausible anymore. Soon after the toxicology report came out last week, the Homicide and Personal Protection Police Station (DHPP) began an investigation into this bizarre case, but the chances of actually finding any new clues are very slim, due to the long time gap between Fernanda Silva Valoz da Cruz Pintos death and the investigation. The unusual story in itself brings some difficulty to the investigation, the DHPPs Lucimerio Campos told journalists. The time interval of almost two months also presents a challenge, as the homicide investigation begins at the scene of the crime, and we were not there. However, we will make every effort to compensate for this loss of information and provide a solution to the case. Police sources credited the family for helping to shed light on Fernandas death, as if they had buried her two months ago, right after her death, without requesting toxicology tests, there wouldnt even be an investigation. As for the alleged gypsy fortune teller who gave the victim the chocolate candy and predicted her imminent death, that remains just a theory at this point, and police sources have admitted that identifying the culprit, if there even is one, will be difficult so long after the womans death. CCTV surveillance systems in the area where they allegedly met no longer have the recorded footage from two months ago and finding eye-witnesses will prove difficult. Plus, following the extensive media coverage around the case, the culprit may have just gone into hiding. This is the second bizarre poisoning case to rock Brazil this year. A few months back, we featured the case of a woman who died after eating poisoned chocolate candy sent by her ex-lovers jealous girlfriend. Cheri Bustos, the former Illinois Congresswoman who co-chairs Mercury Public Affairs DC office, and son, Nick, represent the Renewable Fuels Assn. as it works to make the sale of E15 ethanol gas available throughout the year. The Environmental Protection Agency had banned the sale of E15 gas during summertime due to concerns that it contributes to smog during warm weather. The Biden administration temporarily lifted the ban this past summer and supports year-round sales beginning in 2024. The president, though, conceded that only a few thousand gas pumps currently offer ethanol fuel. The five-term Democratic Congresswoman, who also heads Mercury Public Affairs midwestern region, joined the shop in January 2023. Nick, who is based in Chicago, signed on as senior VP in May after an eight-year stint as VP-marketing at Calmer Corn Heads, a maker of agricultural machinery. He also worked in the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Omnicom owns Mercury PA. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Ruben Vardanyan, who held the "position" of the so-called "state minister" of the separatist regime in Karabakh, that has been arrested by the Azerbaijani authorities and brought to Baku, is satisfied with the detention conditions, the Ombudsman's Office of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports. "Phone talk to a member of his family, the receipt of personal belongings, access to the library and information have been provided. During the investigation period, the defense of the arrested person's rights is ensured by a lawyer chosen by his family," the Ombudsman's Office noted. "He was also provided with legislative acts in his language, informational publications about the ombudsman's powers, and the opportunity for direct communication through the call center." "The conditions of detention at the facility were examined, including personal hygiene and sanitation, medical services, and meals. It was determined that the rights of detained individuals are ensured without discrimination, and opportunities for access to information are provided, along with the necessary medical and psychological services," the Ombudsman's Office added. As a result of the vigilance of the State Border Guard Service of Azerbaijan, on September 27, Ruben Vardanyan, who was heading from Azerbaijan towards Armenia, was detained at the Lachin border checkpoint. He previously held the "post" of the so-called "state minister" of the Armenian separatist regime in Karabakh. Substantial suspicions were established that Vardanyan, currently a citizen of Armenia, had committed criminal acts under Articles 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 279.3 (participation in the establishment and activities of armed formations or groups not provided for by law), and 318.1 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's court has chosen four-month arrest as a preventive measure against Vardanyan. KCRs Brahmastra To Seal Third Term In Telangana | OneIndia Exclusive Hyderabad oi-Kannaiah Election and politics in Telangana are heating up, with the Election Commission likely to release the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections at any moment. The ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has already declared its list of candidates and started working on its manifesto, while the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are still finalizing their candidates. The Congress party is determined to secure power in the upcoming Telangana elections. Drawing inspiration from their recent victory in Karnataka, party leaders are optimistic about favourable conditions in Telangana. Prime Minister Modi's recent announcement of benefits for Telangana has also fuelled the competition, with the BJP now actively participating in the race. Meanwhile, Chief Minister KCR is employing strategic moves to maintain his position. KCR is gearing up to make a significant announcement aimed at enhancing the welfare initiatives already in place and gaining more support from the women's vote bank. These strategic moves reflect the parties' determination to secure a consecutive win in the Telangana elections. In an effort to garner support from farmers, youth and women, KCR has been actively involved in crafting a manifesto. Collaborating with experts from different domains, the BRS chief KCR is engaged in discussions regarding the financial implications of the promised initiatives and assessing their feasibility. Telangana Pre Poll Survey: Not BJP, Congress To Unseat BRS Reports suggest that four new schemes are being considered for an announcement, in addition to the expansion of existing welfare programs. There are indications of a potential increase of Rs. 1000 in old age and widow pensions. Furthermore, there are discussions surrounding the possibility of raising pensions for farmers and women and providing subsidies for gas. These efforts highlight the government's commitment to address the needs of various sections of society in Telangana. There are indications that the state tax share VAT on petrol and diesel may be reduced, offering some relief to consumers. Additionally, numerous schemes are being considered to benefit various sections of society, including free fertilizers for farmers, unemployment benefits, increased support pensions, and enhancements to the Kalyan Lakshmi and Shadi Mubarak schemes. The Rythubandhu aid may also see an increase of Rs. 1000 per acre, while the Kalyan Lakshmi and Shadi Mubarak schemes could be raised to Rs. 1.25 lakhs. BRS leader and Chief Minister KCR, determined to counter the opposition in the upcoming election, is diligently preparing for the battle ahead. The BRS manifesto is reportedly nearing completion, and CM KCR is poised to deploy a powerful arsenal of schemes, leaving little room for the opposition to seize an advantage. These efforts underscore the party's resolve to secure victory in the Telangana elections. TMC Delegation Led by Abhishek Banerjee to Meet Governor in Darjeeling India -Krishna Kripa In a significant political development, senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has announced that a delegation from the party will meet Governor CV Ananda Bose in Darjeeling on Saturday. This comes as a response to the governor's call amidst an ongoing indefinite sit-in protest outside his official residence, Raj Bhavan, in Kolkata. Meeting Amidst Protests The TMC-led protest is demanding the release of West Bengal's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) dues by the Central government and seeking an audience with Governor Bose. Despite this planned meeting with the governor, Banerjee made it clear that their demonstration would continue until they have been granted an audience with Bose at Raj Bhavan. Governor Agrees to Meet TMC Delegation Sources within Raj Bhavan confirmed that Governor Bose has agreed to meet with the TMC delegation at 5:30 pm on Saturday in Darjeelings Gubernatorial Mansion. The decision came after receiving a mail from TMC leader Derek OBrien requesting for such a meeting. "With reference to your mail of October 6, I am directed to inform you that the Governor would be pleased to meet you and other members of the delegation at 05.30 pm at Raj Bhavan, Darjeeling, on October 7," read part of a letter sent by Deputy Secretary of Raj Bhavan responding positively to O'Brien's request. Further details regarding who exactly will comprise this delegation are yet awaited as O'Brien was asked specifically "to kindly send a list along with names." Ongoing Political Turmoil This upcoming meeting between representatives from TMC and Governor CV Ananda Bose occurs amidst rising political tensions within West Bengal. The state has witnessed a series of protests led by the TMC, demanding the Centre's attention towards pending MGNREGA dues. The party alleges that these funds are critical for ensuring rural employment and development but have been unjustly withheld. In conclusion, this meeting signifies a crucial juncture in West Bengal's political scenario. While it remains to be seen how Governor Bose will respond to TMC's demands, it is evident that the ongoing sit-in protest outside Raj Bhavan has managed to draw significant attention from various quarters. Whether this dialogue will lead to a resolution of issues at hand or further intensify the political standoff is something that only time can tell. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The rights of Ruben Vardanyan, who held the "position" of the so-called "state minister" of the separatist regime in Karabakh, and now is imprisoned in Baku, are defended by a lawyer chosen by his family, Ombudsman's Office said, Trend reports. "During the visit, which took place on October 3, 2023, the Ombudswoman listened to Ruben Vardanyan, his appeals were answered on the spot. The provision of rights in accordance with the law was monitored," the Ombudsman's Office said. Vardanyan expressed satisfaction with the conditions of detention, noted that he had undergone a preliminary medical examination and had no health problems. Telephone conversation with a family member, receipt of parcels, use of the library and access to information were ensured. The rights of the arrested person during the investigation period were protected by a lawyer of the family's choice. He was also provided with legislation in his own language, information publications on the powers of the Ombudsman and the possibility of direct contact with the call center. As a result of vigilance of servicemen of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan on September 27, Vardanyan, who was heading from Azerbaijan towards Armenia, was detained at the Lachin border checkpoint. Vardanyan previously held the "position" of the so-called "state minister" of the Armenian separatist regime in Karabakh. Substantial suspicions were established that Ruben Vardanyan, currently a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, had committed criminal acts under Articles 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 279.3 (participation in the establishment and activities of armed formations or groups not provided for by law) and 318.1 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. A measure of restraint in the form of detention for 4 months was chosen against Vardanyan. Delhi Police Raid Malayali Journalist's Residence, Seize Laptop and Phone India -Krishna Kripa In a recent development in Pathanamthitta, Kerala on October 6, the Delhi Police reportedly conducted a raid at the residence of Anusha Paul, a Malayali journalist and former employee of NewsClick. The police confiscated her laptop and mobile phone as part of their investigation. A three-member team from the Delhi Police carried out the operation during which they recorded Paul's statement. Interrogation Focuses on Political Affiliations Anusha Paul reported to media outlets that she was questioned about her professional association with NewsClick and her political affiliation with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), commonly known as CPIM. She stated that she was asked if she had covered stories related to farmer protests, anti-National Register of Citizens (NRC)-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) demonstrations or reports criticizing the Union governments management of COVID-19. Claims Of Political Witch-Hunt Paul has expressed concerns over what she perceives as an attempt to intimidate both herself and other employees associated with NewsClick. She believes this action is being taken due to their critical stance against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "This is a witch-hunt to threaten the organisation and its employees who used to raise voice against Narendra Modi government and RSS," Paul said. Affiliation With CPIM And DYFI The journalist was residing in Kerala for taking care of a family member undergoing treatment when this incident occurred. During her interaction with media personnel post-raid, Paul disclosed that she was also asked by Delhi Police about her acquaintance with K M Tiwari, Delhi state secretary of CPIM. In response, she confirmed knowing him owing to her active involvement in politics as a worker for CPIM and as a state committee member of the Delhi unit of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), where she also holds the position of state treasurer. In conclusion, this incident has sparked concerns about press freedom in India. The raid on Anusha Paul's residence and her subsequent questioning by Delhi Police have raised questions about whether journalists are being targeted for their professional activities or political affiliations. As these developments unfold, they continue to trigger debates around issues related to journalistic independence and the freedom of speech in contemporary Indian society. UP Deputy CM Meets Families of Deoria Clash Victims, Assures Strict Action Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak meets families of six people killed in a land dispute clash in Deoria district. He assures strict action against culprits and emphasizes on timely investigation. India -Krishna Kripa Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, visited the families of six people who were tragically killed in a violent clash over a land dispute in Deoria district earlier this week. The conflict occurred between two groups in the Rudrapur area of Deoria district on Monday and claimed the lives of five members from one family. Minister's Visit to Trauma Centre The Deputy Chief Minister initially visited the trauma centre at BRD Medical College located in Gorakhpur. Here he enquired about Anmol Dubey, an individual who was injured during the violent altercation. He was informed that Dubey's condition is improving under the vigilant care of experienced doctors. Assurance for Proper Treatment Brajesh Pathak directed medical professionals to ensure that proper treatment continues without any compromise on quality or intensity. His concern for patients' well-being and his emphasis on high-quality medical care underscored his commitment towards resolving this unfortunate event. Pledge for Strict Action In a post on social media platform X, Pathak pledged strict action against those responsible for instigating violence in Deoria. Highlighting his involvement, he stated that a timely high-level investigation is currently underway and it is being monitored by him personally. He assured citizens that any form of delay or negligence would not be tolerated under his watch. Care for Victims Family Pathak also shared details about Satya Prakash Dubeys son, another victim from this tragic incident now undergoing intensive medical treatment. According to him, despite suffering severe injuries during the clash, the young man's health continues to improve steadily with ongoing medical attention. This visit by Uttar Pradeshs Deputy Chief Minister signifies government intervention at its highest level into this tragic incident. His assurances of strict action against the culprits, his commitment to a high-level investigation, and his emphasis on quality medical care for the injured victims are all aimed at delivering justice and support to those affected by this unfortunate event. In conclusion, Brajesh Pathak's visit sends a clear message about the government's stance on such violent disputes. It underscores their commitment towards maintaining law and order in Uttar Pradesh while ensuring that those affected receive proper medical attention and justice. The Deputy Chief Ministers personal involvement also reassures citizens of the state that any form of violence will not be tolerated, thereby reinforcing faith in the administration's ability to maintain peace and security. Karnataka Deputy CM, DKS Hopeful Of Easing Bengaluru's Traffic Woes With A 190Km Tunnel| Details India oi-Stuti Tripathi In a bid to alleviate the perpetual traffic woes of Bengaluru, the Karnataka government has unveiled plans for a 190 km tunnel road project. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced that the government is set to open public tenders for this endeavor within the next 45 days. Bengaluru, often dubbed the "Silicon Valley of India," has earned a less flattering title, ranking second globally for traffic congestion according to a report by Dutch location technology specialist, TomTom. Shivakumar shared details of the tunnel road proposal on Thursday, 5th October, stating, "A 190 km long tunnel road has been proposed to ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru, and eight firms have qualified for the project. These firms will submit a feasibility report, and public tenders will be rolled out within 45 days." The companies selected for this undertaking will craft a comprehensive report outlining the tunnel's specifications, features and design including the number of lanes (whether it should be a four-lane or six-lane structure), and its proposed starting and ending points within the city, with the primary goal of alleviating traffic congestion in as many areas as possible. Shivakumar also highlighted that once the project reports are submitted, the state government will present the final proposal to the central government. He expressed his satisfaction with a prior discussion on the project with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari saying, ""I have already met and discussed the plan with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. Vehicles arrive in Bengaluru through the National Highway and cause traffic congestion. He also gave me advice and responded positively," as per media reports. Project Overview: The tunnel road will span 190 km and will connect critical areas such as Bellary Road, Miller Road, Esteem Mall Junction to Mekhri Circle, Old Madras Road, Chalukya Circle, Sarjapur Road, Hosur Road, Trinity Circle, Kanakapura Road to Krishna Rao Park, Magadi Road, Mysore Road to Sirsi Circle, Tumakuru Road to Yeshwantpur Junction, Goraguntepalya, Outer Ring Road, Silk Board, and KR Puram areas. These areas have been strategically prioritized due to their severe traffic congestion issues. The tunnel is expected to have four lanes to accommodate the city's burgeoning vehicular traffic. Outer Ring Road (ORR) Traffic Woes: Responding to the recent traffic gridlocks witnessed on the Outer Ring Road, Deputy CM Shivakumar iterated that he engaged with relevant officials and traffic police to expedite solutions. A visit to the Outer Ring Road has been scheduled for 7th October, indicating the government's proactive approach to tackling traffic challenges. Furthermore, the Deputy CM has also directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city's civic body, to address the issue of potholes promptly. BBMP engineers have been instructed to swiftly repair the potholes identified by traffic police to ensure road safety and prevent any untoward incidents. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 6, 2023, 19:46 [IST] Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway: 24 Skywalks To Come Up To Curb Accidents Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway To Cut Travel Time To 2 Hours, To Be Ready By Year-End Know The Key Points About The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway With PM Modi Opening The Vadodara Stretch For Public India oi-Stuti Tripathi Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone in India's infrastructure development by inaugurating the Vadodara stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway on 2nd October, bringing the project one step closer to completion. This stretch now allows travelers to journey between Delhi and Vadodara in just 10 hours. The Vadodara stretch joins the ranks of previously opened sections, including a 202 km stretch between Sohna-Dausa and a 244 km section in Madhya Pradesh. The entire 1,386 km corridor is slated for completion by 2024. When fully operational, this ambitious project will substantially reduce road travel time between India's national capital, Delhi, and its financial hub, Mumbai, cutting the journey time in half to approximately 12 hours. This transformation is set to cut cross-country travel, making it much more efficient than the current 24-hour trip. The expressway traverses several states, including 79 km in Haryana, 373 km in Rajasthan, and 244 km in Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat as per a News18 report. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had shared pictures of the Vadodara-Virar stretch in January on his social media handle X saying, "Stunning views from Vadodara-Virar Section of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Limiting the distance for prosperous India." Stunning views from Vadodara - Virar Section of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Limiting the distance for prosperous India. #PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti PC- @cbdhage pic.twitter.com/BPnU6eCZwt Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 21, 2023 Key Points About the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Six-State Passage: This expressway spans six Indian states, namely Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Record Investment: Valued at 1 lakh crore, it stands as India's longest expressway project. Ongoing Progress: Over 1,200 km of the expressway has already been awarded and is under construction. Project Timeline: The project commenced in 2018, had its foundation stone laid in 2019, and is projected to be fully operational by 2024. Time-Saver: The expressway is set to cut road travel time between Delhi and Mumbai down to 12 hours, a significant reduction. Advanced Traffic Management System: An Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) will be implemented to manage road safety, enforce speed limits, and regulate traffic, as per the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Strategic Connectivity: The expressway is expected to connect crucial hubs, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Port with a spur to Mumbai and the Delhi-Faridabad-Sohna section with a spur to Jewar Airport. Enhanced Accessibility: Cities such as Jaipur, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Kota, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat are among the locations expected to benefit from the corridor. Multifaceted Utility: The project is designed to serve 93 PM Gati Shakti Economic Nodes, 13 ports, eight major airports, and several multi-modal logistics parks (MMLPs), including upcoming greenfield airports like Jewar Airport, Navi Mumbai Airport, and JNPT port. Vehicle Restrictions: Notably, motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers, and tractors are likely to be prohibited from using the expressway, in line with the existing restrictions on the 246 km Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot section. The inauguration of the Vadodara stretch signifies a significant leap forward in India's infrastructure development, aiming to provide faster, safer, and more efficient connectivity for travelers across the country. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, October 7, 2023, 0:31 [IST] Naresh Goyal And Family In Deep Trouble As ED Attaches Assets Of Rs. 538 Crores In Jet Airways Probe Mahadev App Scam: From Ranbir To Kapil, Here Are The Celebrities Summoned By ED India oi-Prakash KL The Enforcement Directorate has issued summons to several Bollywood celebrities in connection with its money laundering probe linked to the Mahadev betting app case. On Friday, Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor have been asked to appear before the central agency today. The officials are expected to quiz them for promoting the app which allegedly is a platform for illegal betting. However, Ranbir Kapoor has sought two weeks time to appear before the central agency, but it is unclear whether Shraddha will turn up at the ED office today in Raipur. The Enforcement Directorate has summoned comedian Kapil Sharma, actors Huma Qureshi and Hina Khan for questioning on different dates, according to a PTI report. Mahadev App Case: ED Summons Kapil Sharma, Huma Qureshi Are They Accused? The celebrities are not accused in the case, but will be quizzed over their knowledge of the purported payment methods and transactions done to them by the app's promoters. Recommended Video Mahadev App Scam: Shraddha Kapoor summoned by ED after Ranbir and others | Oneindia News The ED will record the statements of the said celebrities under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Around 14-15 other celebrities and actors are under the ED's scanner in the case and they will also be summoned soon, sources had told PTI earlier. What Is The Case All About? Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal are the promoters of the Mahadev App and they have been operating it from Dubai. They were allegedly using the online book betting application to register new users, generate user IDs, and engage in money laundering via a complex network of undisclosed bank accounts, according to the ED. "The ED has recently conducted wide spread searches against the money laundering networks linked with Mahadev APP in cities like Kolkata, Bhopal, Mumbai etc. and retrieved large amount of incriminating evidences and has frozen/seized proceeds of crime worth Rs 417 crore," the agency has alleged in a statement. The ED investigation has shown that the Mahadev Online Book App is run from a central head office in the UAE, officials told the PTI. It operates by franchising "Panel/Branches" to their known associates on 70-30 per cent profit ratio, the ED stated. 417 Crore: This ED Recovery In Mahadev Betting Case Will Shock You Large-scale hawala operations are done to siphon off the proceeds of betting to off-shore accounts. Large expenditure in cash is also being done in India for advertising of betting websites to attract new users and franchise (panel) seekers, the central agency stated. The company promoters hail from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh and the Mahadev Online Book Betting application is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 6, 2023, 9:59 [IST] MP Elections 2023: Check Out If It's BJP Or Congress For Various Castes In Latest Opinion Polls MP, Rajasthan Pre Poll Predictions: BJP To Outperform Cong, Says India TV-CNX Survey India oi-Prakash KL Rahul Gandhi had recently exuded confidence about a good performance in the upcoming assembly poll as he said that the grand old party is certainly winning Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, probably winning Telangana, and there is a "very close" contest in Rajasthan which the party believes it will emerge victorious in. Among the five states that will go to polls in the next two months, two states that both Congress and the BJP are in a close fight are Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. While the BJP has been in power in MP for 18 years, the Congress is currently ruling Rajasthan. While all eyes are on the survey report on the assembly polls, an opinion poll on the next Lok Sabha has said that the BJP will outperform the Congress in the general elections if held today. According to India TV-CNX Survey, the BJP may win 25 out of 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh despite Shivaraj Singh Chouhan's government facing the anti-incumbency heat. It means the saffron party will lose three compared to its performance in 2019. Opinion Poll: What Happens If Lok Sabha Polls Are Held Today? Check Survey Report For 18 States In Rajasthan, the BJP is predicted to win 23 Lok Sabha with a vote share of 49 per cent while the Congress will win two seats with 41 per cent, the opinion poll said. The state has 25 Lok Sabha seats out of which the BJP had bagged 24 seats in the last Lok Sabha elections. Similarly, in Chhattisgarh, the BJP is expected to win 7 seats with 46 per cent vote share while the Congress is likely to win 4 seats with 43 per cent vote share. Overall, the survey done in 18 states reveals that the BJP will win 118 seats while the INDIA alliance will bag 110 seats. The survey was conducted between September 20 and October 3 with a sample size of 54,250 voters, which included 28,309 males and 25,941 females. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 6, 2023, 17:26 [IST] Did You Know, The Cost Of ISRO's Aditya L1 Is Lesser Than 'Jailer', 'Gaddar 2' Collection? Why Rajinikanth's New Movie Thalaivar 170 Faces Boycott Call From A Large TN Community India oi-Veerakumar Chennai: Superstar Rajinikanth's latest movie, tentatively called 'Thalaivar 170', commenced shooting just 2 days back but controversy followed it immediately. A hashtag #VanniyarsBoycottRajinikanth trended on the social media platform . Why are Vanniyar caste people asking to boycott Rajinikanth's film? It has a 21-year feud behind it. To know this you need to rewind a little. Actor Rajinikanth's 2002 film 'Baba' sparked controversy in Tamil Nadu, due to the actor's comments about Veerappan, a sandalwood smuggler, and the film's alleged encouragement of smoking. In an event in Bengaluru, Karnataka, before the release of the film, Rajinikanth had said that he wanted an end to forest brigand Veerappan. This comment was condemned by PMK founder Dr. Ramadoss. It is noteworthy that Ramadoss belonged to the Vanniyar caste like Veerappan. Rajinikanth's comment added fuel to the raging fire as a significant number of Vanniyar caste people held Veerappan in high esteem. The film was also criticised for its alleged encouragement of smoking, with Anbumani Ramadoss, son of Dr. Ramadoss, objecting to the scenes. The controversy between Rajinikanth and the PMK led to clashes and tension in North Tamil Nadu where the Vanniyar population is comparatively high. The screen of a theatre in Jayankondam where the film was being screened was torn down, and the film's box reel was set on fire. Rajinikanth later asked his fans to vote against the PMK in the Lok Sabha elections, which brought the conflict between the two sides to a climax. In recent years, there has been another controversy involving a film director and the PMK. Film director Gnanavel's 2021 film 'Jai Bhim' sparked controversy due to scenes that were deemed to be demeaning to the Vanniyars. The crux of the problem was the presence of "Agni Kalasam", a sacred symbol of the Vanniyars, in the home calendar of the "cruel villain" in the film. The PMK and Vanniyars were upset because they felt that the film was against them. Director Gnanavel later publicly stated that he regretted that the scenes were placed in the film without his knowledge. The controversies surrounding 'Baba' and 'Jai Bhim' highlight the complex social and political landscape of Tamil Nadu. The PMK is a powerful political party that represents the Vanniyars, and it is not afraid to flex its muscles when it feels that its community is being disrespected. 'Thalaivar 170' is the working title of an upcoming Tamil-language film written and directed by TJ Gnanavel. It is produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions. The film stars Rajinikanth, alongside an ensemble cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh and Dushara Vijayan. India-Canada Row: Canada Relocates 41 Diplomats From India To Singapore, Malaysia International oi-Stuti Tripathi Amid escalating tensions and diplomatic sparring between India and Canada, a recent development has seen Canada evacuate at least 41 of its diplomats from India and relocate them to Southeast Asian countries, primarily Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to PTI, this move follows India's request for Canada to withdraw diplomats from New Delhi by 10th October, to achieve parity in the number of diplomatic staff between the two nations. Canada's High Commission in India previously housed 62 diplomats, a significant number of whom have now been relocated to Southeast Asia as per a CTV report. However, no official confirmation regarding the evacuation of these diplomats from New Delhi has been provided yet. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly had earlier stated that diplomatic discussions with India were ongoing regarding staff reduction. She emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of Canadian diplomats and the preference for keeping such diplomatic conversations private. As per the report, Joly was quoted saying, "We are in contact with the government of India. We take Canadian diplomats' safety very seriously, and we will continue to engage privately because we think that diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private," The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada escalated due to strained bilateral ties. Reportedly, India's request for Canada to withdraw its diplomats from New Delhi by the specified deadline came with a warning that failure to comply would result in the officials losing their diplomatic immunity. India sought diplomatic presence parity: India's objective in seeking parity in diplomatic presence is rooted in concerns over the substantial presence of Canadian diplomats in India and their perceived interference in the nation's internal matters. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday, 5th October was quoted saying, "On discussions on parity, given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here and their interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence," while addressing media on questions over the issue. He further reiterated India's stance, emphasizing the need for discussions to achieve parity. Bagchi said, "Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction," Diplomatic relations between India and Canada reached a low point following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian intelligence agency involvement in the murder of Sikh pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response to these allegations, both countries expelled each other's diplomats. India dismissed Canada's claims as "absurd" and "politically driven." The situation remains tense as diplomatic negotiations continue. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 6, 2023, 21:43 [IST] Abidjan Ivory Coast: President Removes Prime Minister and Dissolves Government International -Sathish Raman The West African nation of the Ivory Coast has witnessed another significant political reshuffle as President Alassane Ouattara dissolved the government and removed Prime Minister Patrick Achi from his position, according to an announcement by a senior public official on October 6th. The move comes as part of the president's constitutional powers, marking a continuation of changes in leadership ahead of an election scheduled for 2025. Change in Leadership Abdourahmane Cisse, the presidencys secretary-general, revealed that President Ouattara signed a decree terminating the roles of Prime Minister Patrick Achi and other government members. This makes it three prime ministers since 2020 for Ivory Coast. Achi assumed office following Hamed Bakayoko's death due to cancer in March 2021. Interestingly, Bakayoko himself had succeeded his predecessor who also passed away while serving in office. A Transition Phase In his statement, Cisse conveyed President Ouattara's gratitude towards outgoing Prime Minister Patrick Achi and all government members for their dedication to national service over their tenure. He further stated that these officials would continue with their duties until later this month when a new government is expected to be established. Upcoming Reshuffle In September earlier this year, President Ouattara declared plans for a ministerial reshuffle set to occur after the Ivorian Senate convenes and elects its new president this month. The formation of a new government is anticipated upon conclusion of the Senate meeting. As we approach closer to Ivory Coast's next elections slated for 2025, such political shake-ups reflect inherent instability within its governance structure or could be strategic maneuvers aimed at consolidating power or appeasing various factions within society. However, what remains crucial is how these changes will impact the nation's political trajectory and whether they will pave the way for a stable, efficient, and inclusive governance model. Conclusion The recent dissolution of government and removal of Prime Minister Patrick Achi by President Ouattara marks yet another significant change in Ivory Coasts political landscape. As this West African nation prepares for its upcoming elections in 2025, it remains to be seen how these changes will influence its future course. The transition phase is critical as it could determine the country's stability and progress. It also raises questions about leadership succession given that two previous prime ministers died while serving their terms. Amidst these uncertainties, one thing is clear - Ivory Coast stands at an important juncture in its history with decisions taken now having long-term implications on its politics and society. Know All About Imprisoned Nobel Prize Winner Narges Mohammadi Who Has To Wait Another Day For The Good News International oi-Stuti Tripathi In a post shared on her official handle on the social media site, X, Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi would have to wait another day to hear the good news. "Thank you, everyone, for your beautiful heartwarming messages as you may know it is impossible to make a phone call in Evin prison for political prisoners of the women's ward on Fridays and Thursdays so we have to wait until tomorrow to hear from Narges and give her the good news", the post reads. Thank you, everyone, for your beautiful heartwarming messages as you may know it is impossible to make a phone call in Evin prison for political prisoners of the women's ward on Fridays and Thursdays so we have to wait until tomorrow to hear from Narges and give her the good news pic.twitter.com/H6BFDfdPy4 Narges Mohamadi (@freenargesmhmd) October 6, 2023 Imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, 6th October for fighting the oppression of women in Iran. What the Norwegian Nobel Committee said: As per a news report on Fox8, Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo said, "This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Nargis Mohammadi," Andersen also shared that the committee hopes that the prize comes as an encouragement to continue the movement. "The impact of the prize is not for the Nobel committee to decide upon. We hope that it is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting." iterated Andersen. Who is Narges Mohammadi and why is she behind bars? Narges Mohammadi has faced significant persecution, including multiple arrests and convictions, as well as a total prison sentence of 31 years. Reiss-Andersen reportedly said that Mohammadi has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times. 51-year-old Narges Mohammadi who currently remains lodged in Tehran's Evin Prison is the deputy director of Defenders of Human Rights Center. Her most recent arrest came in the wake of nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in custody after being detained by Iran's morality police. The death of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent protests marked one of the most intense challenges to Iran's theocratic regime since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. As per reports, more than 500 people lost their lives, reflecting the severity of the government's response to the protests. Additionally, over 22,000 individuals were arrested in connection with the demonstrations, highlighting the scale of the government's efforts to suppress dissent. Despite her imprisonment, Mohammadi has continued to advocate for human rights and women's rights. She even authored an opinion piece for The New York Times from behind bars, emphasizing the resilience of those who stand up against oppression. "What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become," she wrote as quoted by a report in Fox8. Narges Mohammadi is the 19th woman to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman to win the award, following human rights activist Shirin Ebadi in 2003. Her recognition marks the fifth instance in the 122-year history of the Nobel Peace Prize that the award has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. Some interesting facts about Narges Mohammadi's past: Educational and Engineering Background: Mohammadi holds a degree in physics and began her career as an engineer. During her academic years, she emerged as an advocate for equality and women's rights, contributing to the student newspaper. She was also arrested at two meetings of a political student group and lost her engineering position in 2009 due to a jail sentence. Journalism: Narges Mohammadi worked as a journalist for several reformist publications and actively campaigned for various causes, including the abolition of the death penalty, women's rights, and the right to protest. Author and Essayist: She authored numerous articles advocating for social reforms in Iran and published an essay collection titled "The Reforms, the Strategy, and the Tactics." Her book "White Torture: Interviews with Iranian Women Prisoners" received recognition, winning an award for reportage at the International Film Festival and Human Rights Forum. Activism and Imprisonment: Mohammadi's activism led to her first arrest in 2011. She was sentenced to many years of imprisonment for her efforts to assist incarcerated activists and their families. Marriage and Family: She married fellow activist and writer Taghi Rahmani in 1999, shortly before Rahmani's first arrest. They have twin children who currently reside in France. While Rahmani relocated after serving 14 years of prison sentences in Iran, Narges Mohammadi remained to continue her work. Defenders of Human Rights Center: She joined the Ebadi-led Defenders of Human Rights Center in 2003 and eventually became the organization's vice president. This group, a member of the International Federation for Human Rights, received the 2003 Human Rights Award of the French National Commission of Human Rights. Awards and Recognition: Mohammadi has received various awards and honors over the years, including the Alexander Langer Award in 2009, the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, and the Olof Palme Prize earlier in 2023. Shirin Ebadi dedicated her 2010 Felix Ermacora Human Rights Award to Narges Mohammadi. A B.C. business owner is sharing his story as a warning to others after a former employee reportedly cashed multiple cheques more than once using mobile banking. Lukas Gawlik of Sprout Landscapes in Vancouver noticed a cheque being deposited twice on the same day in June. Instead of the cheques bouncing or being stopped by his bank, Gawlik investigated and discovered hed lost $7,000 in false deposits. It looked like they were using the photo app to deposit their cheque, he tells Glacier Media, noting the individual was employed during the time of the alleged fraud. They would deposit it through a different institution each time. Gawlik contacted his bank Coast Capital Savings when he spotted the fraud. The bank has returned most of the transactions, he says, but he wants to warn others of his experience. If I didnt catch them, it would have killed us [financially], he says. A total of five cheques, ranging from $1,050 to $1,362 were deposited at least twice and, in one case, deposited three times. Gawlik was able to scroll back through his banking history and see that it started as early as April 14, 2022 and continued until November 2022. "I told them [the bank] that it's quite urgent, that I had to put a stop to it right away, or at least a stop payment on any of the cheques that we had signed out, he says. When Gawlik met with staff at his Coast Capital Savings branch in Vancouver, he questioned how this was not stopped or flagged as fraud. The bank should disclose something like this. This should be in big bold writing that, if you sign a cheque, it might liquidate all your funds at some point, he said. Im concerned that theres this massive gaping hole in their security. In a written response, Coast Capital Savings said it cannot comment on individual situations due to privacy. "As you can appreciate, due to privacy, we cannot comment on individual situations, members or their accounts. We do take these matters very seriously, investigating each case thoroughly, spokesperson Erin McKinley told Glacier Media. McKinley added that the safety and security of our members and their accounts is priority for us and we have robust systems, procedures and policies to keep our members and their accounts safe. Due to Sprout Landscapes being a small business, Gawlik says it would be too expensive to transfer banks. They also have direct deposit for long-standing employees. Gawlik says he's reported the incident to the Vancouver Police Department. Unless someone has been charged with a crime, we are not in a position to confirm someone is being investigated, said the VPD's Const. Tania Visintin. Fears more fraudulent transactions coming The former employee received an estimated 22 payroll cheques from the small business; Gawlik is concerned about more fraudulent deposits. "I am concerned that this could keep happening if the bank hasn't followed up with whether or not it will keep happening, saw Gawlik. "They just basically said that the onus is on me to look out for those types of activities. Coast Capitals spokesperson admits fraud is an issue that is "omnipresent and continuing to get more and more sophisticated," adding that everyone needs to be careful and vigilant. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The Armenian Defense Ministry has no information about the visit of the Russian Defense Ministry delegation to Yerevan, Armenian Defense Ministry spokesman Aram Torosyan told Armenian media, Trend reports. According to him, such a meeting is not planned. Russian media spread information that a delegation of the Russian Defense Ministry will go to Yerevan today to discuss the terms of the withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. "A delegation of the Russian Defense Ministry will visit Yerevan today. At a meeting with the Armenian side, specific terms for the withdrawal of the Russian peacekeeping contingent from Karabakh will be discussed," the sources said. The Russian Defense Ministry delegation is going to Armenia, as the peacekeepers will be withdrawn to the base in Gyumri. The Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed in a part of the Azerbaijani territories in accordance with the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020. Love from Jaishankar, but what can US envoy expect from Amit Shah Know All About Imprisoned Nobel Prize Winner Narges Mohammadi Who Has To Wait Another Day For The Good News Nobel Peace Prize Awarded To Jailed Iranian Activist Narges Mohammadi International oi-Prakash KL Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in her country and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all, the Swedish Academy in Stockholm on Friday said. "2023 #NobelPeacePrize laureate Narges Mohammadi's brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs. The Iranian regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Mohammadi is still in prison," the Swedish Academy said on X. Narges Mohammadi has made a lot of personal sacrifices in her relentless fight for freedom of expression and the right to independence. The Iranian regime has arrested her on 13 occasions, subjected her to five convictions, and imposed a total sentence of 31 years in prison along with 154 lashes. Regrettably, Narges Mohammadi remains in prison today. Recommended Video Iranian Rights Activist Narges Mohammadi Awarded Nobel Peace Prize | Oneindia News After her release on bail, Mohammadi engaged herself in a campaign against the use of the death penalty. Her activism against the death penalty led to her re-arrest in 2015, and to a sentence of additional years behind walls, the academy stated. Jon Fosse Bags 2023 Nobel Prize In Literature: Discover His Must Read Books "Last year's wave of protests became known to the political prisoners held inside the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. From captivity, 2023 #NobelPeacePrize laureate Mohammadi has helped to ensure that the protests have not ebbed out," the message from the academy read. "This year's peace prize also recognizes the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against Iran's theocratic regime's policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women," the committee added. Moscow accused Kyiv of carrying out "terrorist" drone attacks over its western territories. Meanwhile, Germany's president is traveling to Washington, where he's set to discuss Ukraine with Biden. Follow DW for more. Kyiv says Russia bombarded eastern Kharkiv once again Friday morning, killing a 10-year-boy and injuring two dozen others. Meanwhile, Germany's president is headed to Washington to discuss Ukraine with Biden. Follow DW. Kyiv says Russia bombarded the eastern region again on Friday killing a child and injuring several. Meanwhile, Germany's president is headed to Washington to discuss Ukraine with Joe Biden. Follow DW. European leaders failed to agree on a joint declaration on reform to the bloc's asylum and migration rules. Instead, the statement only addressed EU enlargement. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the European Union is deeply concerned about the violence that has made tensions between Kosovo and Serbia soar. She said the KFOR peacekeeping force would be boosted. Officials from the Biden administration said the move aims to crack down on illegal migration. It comes on the same day the government announced plans to extend Donald Trump's wall on the border with Mexico. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is sending 275 National Guard troops to the southern border, saying "every state has become a border state" amid a migrant crisis. Vivek Ramaswamy will end his day in Michigan with a rally opposing plans by a Chinese subsidiary to build an electric vehicle battery factory in the state. President Biden has said the United States will assist Ukraines fight against Russia for as long as it takes. But Republican support for continuing aid has declined. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The Baku Network expert platform aired the next episode of the analytical video project "Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov", Trend reports. The guest of the program was prominent Azerbaijani journalist, publicist, and screenwriter Nadezhda Ismayilova. She remarked that Azerbaijan's local anti-terrorist activities in its Karabakh region on September 1920 this year resulted in a justice triumph. "This is a significant victory for Azerbaijan," Ismayilova said. Mentioning the detention and arrest of former so-called "leaders" of separatists in Karabakh, she emphasized that they couldn't go unpunished. Regarding claims of so-called "ethnic cleansing" in Karabakh, Ismayilova pointed out that no "ethnic cleansing" was conducted there, but, on the contrary, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev stated on all diplomatic platforms that the rights of Armenian residents in Karabakh will be protected. "The UN mission has also confirmed the absence of any "ethnic cleansing" in Karabakh," she added. Trend presents the full issue of the program. The message is clear from the near universal coordinated judicial prosecutions of former President Donald Trump by various Deep State actors all around the United States, in different states, is an open declaration that the Deep State, having already has seized the other 2 branches of government the executive and legislative,... A Palestinian is killed, and an Israeli car with a baby is shot at by a suspected Palestinian gunman. A 10-year-old and his grandmother were killed on Friday when Russian missiles smashed into Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, just hours after another attack left dozens of people dead at a wake in a nearby village. The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund has entered into a collaboration with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to launch a $600 million India-Japan Fund. The setting up of the India-Japan Fund represents a key milestone in the strategic and economic partnership between the government of India and Japanese government. The fund will have JBIC and the government of India as anchor investors. The India-Japan Fund will actively invest in Indias environmental preservation sector, including renewable energy, e-mobility businesses, and circular economy sectors such as waste management, and water. The announcement marks NIIFs first bilateral fund, with government of India contributing 49 per cent of the target corpus and the remaining 51 per cent contributed by JBIC. The fund will be managed by NIIF Limited (NIIFL), and JBIC IG (a subsidiary of JBIC) will support NIIFL in promoting Japanese investments in India. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) In the Union Budget 2015-16, the government announced the creation of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). Since infrastructure investments require long-term, patient capital, the government of India anchored the establishment of the NIIF, a fund manager that manages investments in infrastructure and related sectors in India. NIIF is a collaborative investment platform for international and Indian investors which manages funds with investments in different asset classes and diversified sectors that generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. NIIF manages over $4.3 billion of equity capital commitments across its three funds Master Fund, Fund of Funds, and Strategic Opportunities Fund each with a distinct investment strategy committed to support the countrys growth needs. i) NIIF Master Fund (NIIF MF) is the largest India-focused infrastructure fund. The Fund primarily invests in operating assets in core infrastructure sectors, such as transportation and energy, through its portfolio companies. In order to construct the right portfolio from a risk-reward standpoint, the fund would invest in a mix of operating as well as greenfield opportunities. ii) NIIF Fund of Funds (NIIF FoF) is one of the largest India-dedicated Fund of Funds. It is focused on building a portfolio of funds across investment strategies and in diversified sectors such as green energy, affordable and mid-income housing, health care, social infrastructure, technology, consumer, and financial services. It has received commitments from multilateral institutions like Asian Infrastructure Investment Investment Bank (AIIB), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and New Development Bank (NDB), making it the largest India-dedicated Fund of Fund globally. iii) NIIF Strategic Opportunities Fund (SOF) is one of the largest India-focused growth equity funds. It has been established to invest largely in equity and equity-linked instruments. The funds strategy is to build a portfolio of large entrepreneur-led or professionally managed domestic champions and unicorns. It is aimed at investing in growth and development stage investments in companies and sectors that are strategically important to the Indian economy and are likely to benefit from Indias growth trajectory over the medium to long term. The sectors of initial focus are financial services, food and agriculture, healthcare, education among others. The Nobel Committee has yet again awarded a peace prize that violates the will of Alfred Nobel and the purpose for which the prize was created, selecting a recipient who blatantly is not "the person who has done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the establishment and promotion of peace congresses." There is no question that advocating for human rights is a good thing, or that doing so under an oppressive government is a courageous thing, or that doing so without hypocritically using violence is a wise thing. But the Nobel Peace Prize was created to support war abolition, not a random selection of good issue advocacy. And the practice of selectively awarding the prize to victims of the governments targeted by the U.S. military supports, rather than reduces, militarism. Of the most oppressive governments on Earth, there are only a few not armed, trained, and supplied by the U.S. military, and only one with which the U.S. government has recently torn up an agreement that stalled the drive toward war in Washington. The recipient of this year's prize, Narges Mohammadi, if anything like her colleague and previous recipient Shirin Ebadi, opposes both abuses by the Iranian government and sanctions and threats of war from the U.S. government. But the awarding of the prize will not serve peace, and will only strengthen senseless global division. Everyone knows that no Western political journalist prisoner, such as Julian Assange, would ever be given such a prize. In 2022, with its eyes on the news of the day, there was no question that the Committee would find some way to focus on Ukraine. But it steered clear of anyone seeking to reduce the risk of the at-the-time relatively minor war escalating or creating a nuclear apocalypse. It avoided anyone opposing both sides of the war, or anyone advocating for a ceasefire or negotiations or disarmament. It did not even make the choice one might have expected of picking an opponent of Russian warmaking in Russia and an opponent of Ukrainian warmaking in Ukraine. Instead, the Nobel Committee chose advocates for human rights and democracy in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. But the group in Ukraine was recognized for having "engaged in efforts to identify and document Russian war crimes against the Ukrainian civilian population," with no mention of war as a crime or of the possibility that the Ukrainian side of the war was committing atrocities. The Nobel Committee may have learned from Amnesty International's experience of being widely denounced for documenting war crimes by the Ukrainian side. In 2021 the prize went to advocates for human rights in Russia and in the Philippines. In 2020 the prize went to the World Food Programme. In 2019 the prize went to the President of Ethiopia and claimed some releationship to peace as he had been part of a peace agreement. But he was a president and commander of a military and not in any need of funding or support. He has engaged in all sorts of violence and human rights abuses, so that an advocate for human rights in his country could be given the prize if the U.S. government's relationship to that country changes. Stretching back through the years, we see a continuous practice of awarding a peace prize to either actual warmakers or to avocates for good causes that are not peace, as well as the practice of using the prize for Western politcal purposes that are hostile to peace. Although virtually every topic can be tangentially connected to war and peace, the avoidance of actual peace activism intentionally misses the point of the prize's creation by Alfred Nobel and the influence of Bertha von Suttner. The Nobel Peace Prize has devolved into a prize for random good things that don't offend a culture dedicated to endless war. It has been awarded for journalism, for working against hunger, for protecting children's rights or women's rights, for teaching about climate change, and for opposing poverty. These are all good causes and can all be connected to war and peace. But these causes should go find their own prizes. The Nobel Peace Prize is so devoted to awarding powerful officials and avoiding peace activism that it is often awarded to the wagers of wars, including Abiy Ahmed, Juan Manuel Santos, the European Union, and Barack Obama, among others. At times the prize has gone to opponents of some aspect of war, advancing the idea of reforming even while maintaining the institution of war. These awards have come closest to the purpose for which the prize was created, and include the 2017 and 2018 prizes. The prize has also been used to advance the propaganda of some of the world's major war makers. Awards like this year's have been used to denounce violations of human rights in non-Western nations targeted in the weapons-funding propaganda of Western nations. This record allows Western media outlets each year to speculate before the prize announcement on whether it will go to favorite propaganda topics, such as Alexei Navalny. The awarding of the prize has done nothing in recent years to diminish warmaking, and has perhaps done the opposite, with prizes going to opponents of the Russian government prior to escalations of the war in Ukraine. One can only hope that this year's prize does not encourage a NATO war on Iran. In 2021, at a moment when the world's largest weapons dealer, most frequent launcher of wars, dominant deployer of troops to foreign bases, greatest enemy of the International Criminal Court and the rule of law in international affairs, and supporter of oppressive governments the U.S. government was trumpeting a division between so-called democracies and non-democracies, the Nobel Committee chose to throw gas on the fire, declaring: "Since its start-up in 1993, Novaja Gazeta has published critical articles on subjects ranging from corruption, police violence, unlawful arrests, electoral fraud and 'troll factories' to the use of Russian military forces both within and outside Russia. Novaja Gazeta's opponents have responded with harassment, threats, violence, and murder." Also given the prize that year was a journalist from the Philippines already funded by CNN and by the U.S. government, in fact by a U.S. government agency often involved in funding military coups. That there are always numerous candidates who plausibly meet the criteria of Alfred Nobel's will each year and could have been appropriately awarded a Nobel Peace Prize has been established by the list of nominees published each year by Nobel Peace Prize Watch, and by the War Abolisher Awards. World BEYOND War has created the War Abolisher Awards to fill the gap left by the Nobel Committee's abandonment of the cause of ending war. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August, 2018) Hitler practiced his speeches in a mirror. Trump obviously spent quite some time rehearsing for this one. But it ain't funny. folks. It's the face of incipient Republo-fascism, a 21st century version of what I describe below. (Image by Wikipedia (commons.wikimedia.org), Author: Author Not Given) Details Source DMCA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introductory Note : This column combines my two most recent columns on fascism, its definitions and its history, with some additional text. (You will find links for several earlier columns of mine on this subject in the body of the text.) With the agreement of our Editor/Publisher, Rob Kall, this is done for those readers who might want to read my whole (short) treatment of the subject in one place. As some of you know, in 1996 I published a book on the subject, for our nation, describing how the Republican Religious Right could take it over using the electoral process (sound familiar[?]), and then impose a fascist dictatorship. It is entitled "The 15% Solution: How the Republican Religious Right Took Control of the U.S., 1981-2022." The 3rd Version of the book was published in 2013. It is available on Amazon (as advertised on OpEdNews.com). This column, however, is not about that process, here, but rather about what fascism is, as it was developed by its promoters, in the 20thcentury, in Europe and Asia. Introduction "Fascism" is a term, a word, being used frequently in contemporary historical, political science, and political (there is a difference there) discourse. For most of the users of the term, it is historically based, on the origins of its several variations in the last century. It major features are: * The denomination a particular form of national political economy: a unitary State with no separation of governmental powers, usually (but not always, see Japan) headed by an all-powerful dictator; no democratic participation in any matters of the State; serving the interests of a capitalist ruling class, as determined by the corporate representatives of that class. * Usually but not always. it features the designation of one religious discipline as dominant over all the others (e.g., Italy and Spain, Catholicism; Japan, Shintoism), with certain others, such as Judaism, first deprived of citizenship and its benefits, eventually sent to the gas chambers. * It has a nationalized transportation system. ("Mussolini made the trains run on time"); it promotes certain kinds of public works, e.g., the Autobahns in Germany. * Only the German version had as a primary focus the mass-murder of certain ethnic groups, e.g., the Roma and the Jews. * Finally, foreign-military expansionism: in the 20th century, a feature of some, Germany, Italy, and Japan, but not of others, Spain, and Hungary. The latter engaged in some "border adjustments," but nothing major except as a Nazi ally in World War II. While Spain's Franco, with much foresight, did not formally join the Axis Powers (even though their intervention had been the difference between winning and losing the Spanish Civil War), Spain did send troops to the Nazi Russian Front: the "Blue Division" (ideally suited for fighting in the Russian winter). And so, "fascism" is a descriptor of what came to be recognized as a particular approach/structure for organizing the politics and the economy (sometimes referred to as the "political economy") of a given country. I do not use it as a-slogan/a-name-caller for attacking a political opponent or rival, just to demean them in one way or another. If in my writing I label someone as a "fascist" it is because I believe/have-observed/have-evidence-for-holding that he/she supports in whole or in significant part the introduction/imposition of a political/economic system (also referred to as the "political economy") on a nation that fits the definition which I have provided above and will be describing in some more detail below. Classic Fascism The Italian authoritarian leader from 1922 to 1943, Benito Mussolini, is generally given the credit for inventing the modern symbol/term "fascism." As the Encyclopedia Britannica says: "The first European fascist, Benito Mussolini, adopted this symbol both to recall the greatness of the Roman Empire and to reinforce his authority as the eventual dictator of Italy. Fascist regimes like his required their citizens to be as unified as the tightly bound fasces [from the Latin word for "bundle"]." A classic short-er definition of "fascism" (other than the one above), that I have used in the past and still do, is based on the characteristics of the well-known 20th-century states which had instituted it, e.g., Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary, and Japan: "There is a single, all-powerful executive branch of government, in service of a capitalist ruling class that controls, for the most part, the principal functions of any economy: production of goods and services, distribution, finance, and exchange. There is no separation of the principal governmental powers: executive, legislative, and judicial. There are no independent elections. There are no independent media. There is a single national ideology, based on some combination of authoritarianism-as-supreme, racism, misogyny, religious bigotry, homophobia, and xenophobia. There is a single political party supporting the movement. There is a state propaganda machine using the big and little lie techniques. There may be a full-blown dictatorship, a charismatic leader, engagement in foreign wars, and the use of the mob/private armies to enforce governmental control." Capitalism and Fascism: A Match Made in Hell As I have also said elsewhere: Under capitalism, briefly, the 'ruling class" is the grouping of economically dominant individual and corporate owners of the means of production, distribution, finance, and exchange, that are the primary engines of any economy. Under capitalism their primary function is the production of 'profit' --- that is excess-revenue/surplus-value above the costs of production --- both for personal use and for further investment in productive resources. In the industrialized countries in which fascism appeared in the 20th century, the dominant sector of the ruling class consisted of the owners of industry. (This held true to a lesser extent in Hungary and Spain, which were less industrialized than Germany, Italy, and Japan. Furthermore, in Spain the Catholic Church was a central element in forming the ideology of the capitalist ruling class.) Of course, in the 21st century United States the ruling class is much more complex than it was in any of the 20th century fascist nations. Just some of its elements are: manufacturing (to be sure), finance (as a means of profit-making per se, not just supplying capital to the manufacturing sector, as it was in the 20th century), mass media (of an increasing number of varieties), advertising, publishing, computer-based electronic communications, transportation (of goods and people), mass-retail sales (as in Amazon/Walmart), data-management, fossil fuels/petro-chemicals, the development and control of Artificial Intelligence, and so on and so forth.)" As I have also said previously: The way that a ruling class exerts its control of a nation is by gaining and maintaining control over State Power, that is the elements of government, Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, and the forces of repression/control, as necessary. And so, when looking at the 20th-century, fascism in the three major industrialized countries in which it was installed by their respective ruling classes, Germany, Italy, and Japan, the understanding of the ruling classes and their support/installation of that system leading to the control of State Power becomes pretty straightforward. In Spain, a powerful Catholic Church played a major role in its installation, through the well-known Spanish Civil War in which the Franco-fascist forces, with the very open collaboration of Nazi Germany (air) and Fascist Italy (ground) forces, and the complete abandonment of the Republic by the so-called "Western Democracies," overthrew the elected Republican government." As it happened, Hungary, again, was the first nation in history in which its politico-economy can be characterized as fascist. It became thus under one Admiral Miklos Horthy, who, following the failure of the communist revolution of 1919, and then an extremely complicated period of domestic turmoil and attempted foreign interventions, as the head of the major force in the nation, the national army, took full control of the national government of 1920. He ran it in an essentially fascist fashion, later becoming a formal part of the "Germany-Italy-Japan Axis Alliance" in 1941. That is until he was deposed in late 1944 --- by Hitler --- for not killing enough Jews(!). During his rule, of course he had the full support of both the industrialists and the landed-aristocracy (which was quite powerful in Hungary). Fascism and The United States in the 21st Century In the 21st century United States the situation which could lead to a fascist revolution is much more complex than it was in any of the European Countries + Japan in which it developed in the 20th century. In exerting its ownership and control of the economic system since the founding of the Republic, so-called "liberal democracy," with "separation of powers" and regular elections, has worked very well for the U.S. ruling class. Control of the political system has shifted back-and-forth between two major political parties over time (each changing their political/ideological identities over time), with some variations in poltico-economic policy (some of them major, as in the Civil War and its aftermath, the New Deal, and the Era of Civil Rights Legislation in the 1960s). But since the Civil War (and some are already calling it "The First Civil War"), none of the potential changes in politico-economic policy have been as major as the threat of Trump/Republo-fascism that we presently face (click here), as is well-known. Indeed, major constituencies of the U.S. ruling class, e.g., the petro-chemical industry, and significant elements of, for example, communications, broadcasting, banking/finance, manufacturing, and transportation, are "becoming worried" about what might happen to their bed rock, not principles, but interests, under the Democrats, especially in the realm of trying to deal with Climate Change. As I have noted in previous columns, one or more of the elements of the definition of fascism set forth above, which is based on 20th century historical models, can be found in the political/economic ideology of the contemporary U.S. Republican Party, both as it is epitomized by Trump and the Trump-wing of that party and in what seems to be the current written/ideological engine of the party, the Heritage Foundation. As the AP says about the latter: "Conservative groups draw up plan to dismantle the US government and replace it with Trump's vision." (If I am incorrect in my characterization of the Heritage Foundation, its ideology, and its current politico-economic program, I would be happy, indeed very happy, to be corrected.) As it happens we do not know the full extent of the component corporations and interests in the list of present or potential future supporters of a fascist revolution in the United States because of the cover that the famous "Citizens United" Supreme Court decision of 2010 gave to political contributors. Of course, we certainly can look at the financial supporters of Trump and seeming pro-fascist organizations for a pretty good indication of which are the proto-fascist elements in the ruling class, as well as by following their lobbying efforts in the U.S. Congress. The Role of a Nation's Ruling Class in a Fascist Takeover: An Example: What Happened in the Early Days of the Assumption of the German Chancellorship by Adolf Hitler (Feb. 1933) As an example of the role of a capitalist ruling class in the 20th century enabling/abetting/engineering the fascist overthrow of either a monarchical state (Hungary [20th century], Italy), or a liberal-capitalist-democratic one (Germany, Spain), I am reproducing here an excerpt from an earlier column of mine on "Der Anschluss" (the takeover of Austria by Nazi Germany in March, 1938) which deals with an example of how a capitalist ruling class endorsed/enabled a fascist takeover of a formerly democratic country by a minority party. (Japan presented a different type of fascist conversion, which I may deal with at a future time.) "So why," you might ask, and probably have, "why would I use a story from a book about "Der Anschluss" (the takeover of Austria by Nazi Germany in March, 1039), and quite a lengthy one at that, to introduce a column on the U.S. ruling class and the potential advent of full-blown Republo-fascism in this country?" (For a review of some of my more recent writings on this latter subject, see my column here on Op-Ed News: "The U.S. Ruling Class and the Republo-fascist Party.") Good question. Here's the answer. "In 2018 the English translation of a book by a French author, Eric Vuillard, entitled 'The Order of the Day,' was published. In its original French, published in 2017, it was a prize-winner. The main text is a brief and entirely gripping description of the events that immediately preceded Der Anschluss itself. But for our purposes here, it is the book's 'Introduction' which is the most important part. For, as the Publishers Weekly entry for the book says, it begins with a brief description of '. . . a fateful February 1933 meeting of 24 German business leaders with Hitler that led to their funding the Nazis' campaign(s) [emphasis added]. . .'. This meeting occurred after the controversial appointment by the German Weimar Republic's President von Hindenburg of Hitler as German Chancellor on January 30, 1933, but before the fateful Reichstag Fire of February 27, 1933, which, as it was used by the Nazis, then led directly to the establishment of the Hitler Dictatorship under 'The Enabling Act ' of March 23, 1933. "One can only speculate at this point, but it is highly unlikely that Hitler and the Nazi Party would have been able to move ahead as they did without that meeting and the endorsement that occurred at it. It happened that the attendees' list included virtually all the major German 'Captains of Industry,' names still well known to anyone who knows anything about German industry even today, e.g., Krupp, Schacht, Thyssen [who recruited as an early U.S. supporter of the German Nazi Party {1923}, one George Herbert Walker], von Siemens, Opel, Quandt, Reuter, as well as major corporate elements of German industry and finance, such as BASF, Bayer, Agfa, I.G. Farben, Allianz, and Telefunken. The assembly was first addressed by Hermann Goering, and then by the man himself, Adolf Hitler. There were 24 of them, the creme-de-la-crime [if I may use a slight modification of the French term] of the German ruling class. "Hitler came to ask them for their approval, in general terms to be sure, of what he was planning to do. Not in detail, of course, because he had given countless speeches since becoming head of the then-burgeoning Nazi Party in the early 1920s. And, as is well-known, in 1926 he had published a very detailed book on his program and plans, called 'My Struggle' (which may be more familiar as Mein Kampf). At that meeting in 1933, the assembled throng gave their support and approval to Hitler, apparently unanimously. The Reichstag Fire, purposely set [by Goering and an S.A. team] and with no evidence blamed on the Communists (who were totally surprised by the event) came quickly, followed by a rigged election ripe with voter intimidation [sound familiar?] on March 5. In the Reichstag [the German Parliament], it was then on to the Enabling Act on March 23, which established the Hitler dictatorship [the passage of which happened to have been finally enabled in the Reichstag by the Catholic Center Party, in return for certain guarantees of Catholic independence]." And we know what happened then, over the next 12 years. Could it happen here? In one form or another, most likely a "uniquely American" one, it sure could. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Finally, could fascism have a "left-wing?" To a well-educated left-wing friend of mine who raised the subject, I wrote that what is to my knowledge and understanding of the history and definition of fascism as it existed in the 20th century, such an appellation is an oddity, indeed a complete mis-use of the definition. He wrote back: "historically fascism also attacked some corporate sectors and even imperialism/capitalism." (The implication there is that "maybe fascism ain't so bad," but I declined to go there. I did however, consider the "left-wing" of the Nazi Party, for indeed there was one.) As it happens, that statement is quite correct, for Germany. Although not for Nazi Germany. (I am not familiar with any similar occurrences in other nations defined as "fascist," although they may well have occurred.) As it happens, the abbreviation "Nazi" stands for the formal name of the party of Hitler, which translates as the "National Socialist German Workers Party" (a very clever naming, to be sure). Before Jan. 30, 1933, the date, as you may recall, on which Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg, it the party actually did have a "left-"wing. It was headed by two Strassers, the brothers Otto and Gregor. On the night of Jan. 30, 1933, using the Nazis' private army, Die Sturmabteilung (the S.A., the "Storm Division," the "Storm Troopers"), without any legislative authorization (at that time Germany was, on paper, still a constitutional republic under the "Weimar Constitution") arbitrary round-ups of members of both the Communist (KPD) and the Socialist (SPD) parties began. They were put into a new kind of facility, designed by the Nazis. They were called "concentration camps," because the prisoners --- as many Communists (KPD), Socialists (SPD), trade union leaders, and left-wing journalists, who they could arrest quickly --- were packed into the camps as physically tightly as possible. The first one, built quickly, was just outside of a leafy German village called Dachau, near Hitler's home base at Munich. (Some time ago, I flew into Munich [in Southern Germany] on my way to a health-and-wellness-promotion meeting in Western Austria. I took a car from the airport to my destination in Austria. On the road, quiet, peaceful, and indeed leafy, we passed a road sign designating the village of Dachau. So doing literally took my breath away. (And in writing of this episode, it still does, some years later.) As it happened that date, Jan. 30, 1933 also marked the end of any "left" in the Nazi Party. But before then, under the leadership of the Strasser Brothers, there was a real Nazi Left (although it may have been just for show). It was called "Strasserism." " 'Strasserism' (German: Strasserismus or Straerismus) is a strand of Nazism that calls for a more radical, mass-action and worker-based form of Nazism hostile to Jews not from a racial, cultural, or religious perspective, but from an anti-capitalist basis, to achieve a national rebirth. It derives its name from Gregor and Otto Strasser, two brothers initially associated with this position." So, what happened to them, and "Left-wing Nazism?" Well, Otto had left the Party and Germany in 1930. (He somehow managed to survive the War [partly in Canada{!}] and he returned to Germany in 1954). Gregor remained a Nazi through the early days of the Hitler Dictatorship, while still promoting his "left-wing" views. On what came to be called "The Night of the Long Knives" (June 30, 1934), in which many of Hitler's enemies both within and outside of the Party, but still right-wingers, were murdered, Gregor was too. Also killed was Ernst Roehm, the Commander of Hitler's private army, the Sturmabteilung, which had fought street battles for him from the early 1920's, as well as Count Kurt von Schleicher, a "moderate" right-winger close to President Hindenburg who had promised him to "keep an eye on Hitler," should Hindenburg appoint him as Chancellor. These murders, and numerous others, were carried out in part as the price to be paid by a variety of Nazi supporters in return for the continued support of Hitler by the Military and the German ruling class. Most important was the dissolution of the Sturmabteilung, the S.A. Remember, it was a private army, directly loyal to Hitler. Its elimination was demanded by the German armed forces as the price of their full support for Hitler and his dictatorship. And so, along with more important objectives for Hitler, that night the "leftie" Gregor Strasser, a Hitler supporter from the early days in the 1920's, was murdered. "Left Nazism?" Really a joke. Just as any sort of "Left Trumpism" would be. (As is, given the historical fascism in the 20th century, labelling President Biden as a "fascist." But that is another matter.) For, to repeat, here-and-now we face the potential advent of full-blown Republo-fascism, led by Trump and his supporters, first in the ruling class, and then on the streets. For a review of some of my more recent writings on this subject, see my column here on Op-Ed News: "The U.S. Ruling Class and the Republo-fascist Party.'" We must hope that it never happens here. But much more than hope will be needed to prevent the destruction of U.S. Constitutional Democracy by Republo-fascism. The former is surely far from perfect. (And to be sure, as I noted above, it supports the control of state power by the capitalist ruling class, though the use of a form of constitutional democracy.) But it is surely far better than any form of the latter that can be contemplated. And any takeover of the U.S. by Trump or a successor (think Ron DeSantis) by Republo-fascism will surely eliminate for the foreseeable future the chances of making any of the needed reforms in U.S. constitutional democracy that present themselves today. Of course, under any sort of U.S. fascism, any self-deluded "left" supporters of Trump and his Republo-fascism will be done away with very quickly, along with the "there's-no-such-thing-as-a-lesser-evil" folks, along with the true leftists (as well as many out-spoken liberals --- as happened in Germany --- see the famous quote from Pastor Niemoller) who will eventually be rounded up with them. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The URLs for the previous publications are: for Part 1, Click Here; for Part 2, click here. (Article changed on Oct 06, 2023 at 8:55 AM EDT) (Article changed on Oct 06, 2023 at 8:57 AM EDT) pope-francis-1a (Image by ThinLong) Details DMCA Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) October 6, 2023: Pope Francis' somewhat lengthy 2015 eco-encyclical letter Laudato Si' (words in the expression used by the medieval Italian mystic Saint Francis of Assisi [c.1181-1226] in his famous canticle that mean "Praise be to you, my Lord" -- according to Pope Francis [Paragraph 1]) was undoubtedly the most widely read encyclical letter ever issued by a pope. It contained 246 eloquent numbered paragraphs, followed by 172 numbered bibliographic endnotes for quotations in the text (but scripture quotations in the text were followed by conventional parenthetical documentation of the biblical sources). As an encyclical letter issued by a pope, it was part of the official teaching magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. As such, it was a landmark expansion of social teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. (It is available in English and other languages at the Vatican's website.) On October 4, 2023, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis (born in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina; elected pope in 2013) issued his latest apostolic exhortation titled Laudate Deum ("Praise God"), addressed to all people of good will on the climate crisis. It contains 73 terse numbered paragraphs, followed by 44 numbered bibliographic endnotes - with scripture citations given in parentheses in the text. In the 44 numbered bibliographic endnotes, the most frequently quoted source in Pope Francis' 2015 eco-encyclical - thereby establishing the continuity of his new 2023 apostolic exhortation with it. (It is available in English and other languages at the Vatican's website.) So 246 paragraphs in the pope's 2015 eco-encyclical versus 73 in his terse new 2023 apostolic exhortation on the climate crisis. The terse style of Pope Francis' new 2023 apostolic exhortation conveys his sense of urgency about the climate crisis. I share his sense of urgency about the climate crisis. However, I do not seek to convey my sense of urgency about the climate crisis by writing the present essay in the terse style that Pope Francis deploys so effectively in his new 2023 apostolic exhortation. I also recognize that many OEN readers are rightly concerned about certain other crises in American culture and politics today - including Trump and his most loyal followers. For most OEN readers, Pope Francis' new 2023 apostolic exhortation faces stiff competition for their attention - and so does my present essay. Now, because Pope Francis is from Argentina, we may align him with the enormous part of the world known today as the Global South - the not very precise terminology that is used today to contrast with the supposed Global Noth (i.e., roughly equivalent to what is known as Western culture). This contrast of Global South and Global North appears to be used as an adversative contrast - calling to mind the Cold War (1946-1991) adversative economic contrast of capitalism versus communism. But the emergence of economic globalization seems to refer to the globalization of capitalism. However, modern capitalism emerged historically in our Western cultural history after the Gutenberg printing press emerged in Europe in the mid-1450s. For further discussion of the print culture that emerged historically in our Western cultural history after the Gutenberg printing press emerged in Europe in the mid-1450s, see my recent OEN article "Jeff Jarvis on the Age of Print and the Age of the Internet" (dated September 24, 2023): Click Here In any event, the recent emergence of economic globalization has rendered the old adversative economic contrast of capitalism versus communism outdated. Therefore, to keep alive the spirit of an adversative contrast that lends itself to good-guy-versus-bad-guy thinking, we now use the terminology about the Global South versus the Global North. Would we be bereft without some kind of ready-to-use good-guy-versus-bad-guy thinking? Without explicitly using good-gut-versus-bad-guy thinking, I have urged readers in the English-speaking world to get their cultural bearings from the work of the American Jesuit Renaissance specialist and cultural historian and pioneering media ecology theorist Walter J. Ong (1912-2003; Ph.D. in English, Harvard University, 1955) in my article "The West Versus the Rest: Getting Our Cultural Bearings from Walter J. Ong" in the print journal Explorations in Media Ecology, volume 7, number 4 (2008): pp. 271-281. More recently, Harvard's Joseph Henrich has advanced his related thesis about the West versus the rest in his cleverly titled 2020 book The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous (Farrar, Straus and Giroux). Henrich's clever acronym WEIRD stands for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic - which pretty much excludes the people in China and in "the poorest countries" in the world today that Pope Francis refers to in Paragraph 72 of his new 2023 apostolic exhortation. Now, because Pope Francis famously likes to scold people, he frequently constructs good-guy-versus-bad-guy thinking to suits his purposes. However, certain vociferous conservative American Catholics have used the doctrinally conservative Pope Francis himself to construct their anti-Francis polemics. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). TORONTO, CANADA - Oct 4, 2023 - The Canadian Podcast Awards are thrilled to announce the commencement of nominations for their sixth annual event, celebrating excellence in podcasting by Canadian creators, editors, and producers. 31 Categories to Recognize Excellence Podcasters from coast to coast are invited to submit their work in 31 distinct categories, including Outstanding Francophone Series, Outstanding Indigenous Series, Outstanding True Crime Series, and the coveted People's Choice Award. Notably, Matisse Thybulle entered Portland Trail Blazers training camp this week at UC Santa Barbara in California finally feeling settled. Thybulle, acquired from Philadelphia at last seasons trade deadline, figured his time in Portland could be short. That changed when the Blazers matched a three-year contract offer sheet Thybulle received from Dallas as a restricted free agent. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have signed a military cooperation plan for 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan told Trend. A delegation led by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov paid a visit to Azerbaijan on October 6. The Kazakh delegation first visited the graves of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the Alley of Honor and laid flowers. In the Alley of Shehids (Martyrs) the guests laid flowers at the graves of Shehids, who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. They laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument. Then the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry hosted a solemn welcoming ceremony, Azerbaijani and Kazakh Defense Ministers passed along the guard of honor. The national anthems of both countries accompanied by the military orchestra were performed. In accordance with the protocol, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov signed the Book of Honor. At the expanded meeting, Azerbaijan Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov welcomed the guests and expressed satisfaction with seeing them in Azerbaijan. The minister emphasized that the bilateral military cooperation between the two countries is based on friendship and fraternal relations. Zhaksylykov expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality. He congratulated Hasanov on the restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. Zhaksylykov expressed satisfaction with the current state of military cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, the sides emphasized the importance of the "Khazri-2023" Joint Tactical Exercises held in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea with the participation of warships and military personnel of the Naval Forces. The importance of the conducted exercises in terms of increasing the professionalism of servicemen was noted. It was pointed out that the exchange of mutual experience in army development of both countries is of special importance. The sides discussed the development prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the military, military-technical, military educational fields, as well as other issues of mutual interest. In the end, "Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024" was signed. After the meeting the delegation attended Cybersecurity Hub of the Azerbaijan Army's General Staff, the Central Command Posts of the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry and the Air Force. The visitors got acquainted with the general work done there. HMH, the Boston-based educational publishing company that acquired Portlands NWEA in May, has laid off additional workers, a spokesperson confirmed. This adjustment in resources was made to better align our structure with our strategic priorities and to eliminate duplicative roles, Simona Beattie, a senior manager of public relations for NWEA, said in an email. This action included roles held by both HMH and former NWEA team members. Beattie declined to provide additional information, including the number of jobs eliminated. Two current workers told The Oregonian/OregonLive that 120 jobs were eliminated across HMH, but its unclear how many were in Portland. The workers said the eliminated jobs were mostly in the companys technology arm. Todays changes represent the right-sizing of certain overlapping functions, as well as the alignment of teams with our go-forward strategy, CEO Jack Lynch said in an internal announcement viewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive. An internal fact sheet viewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive notes the company has technology employees in Boston; Dublin; Kansas City; Minneapolis; Portland; Pune, India; and Quebec. The company laid off an additional 120 workers in July. NWEA was founded more than 40 years ago as a nonprofit provider of school tests. HMH, a Boston-based educational publishing company, acquired it in May. -- Matthew Kish, mkish@oregonian.com A three-state operation this week netted the FBI a large haul of illegal drugs and guns, along with five Portland-area arrests, with potential charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, the agencys Oregon branch said Friday. More than 150 officers, agents and other personnel across jurisdictions joined in the operation, ultimately seizing about 20 pounds of cocaine, 25 guns, nearly $50,000 in cash and thousands of suspected fentanyl pills. The FBI and our partners worked seamlessly to cut into the capabilities of these criminal enterprises, Kieran L. Ramsey, special agent in charge of the FBI Portland field office, said in a statement. We are working hard to put the most violent offenders and facilitators behind bars for as long as we possibly can. The five suspects arrested in the Portland area Wednesday could face additional charges, the FBI said. FBI branches in Washington and California helped the FBIs Portland office and Portland Police Bureau with the operation, as did the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and 10 other local, state and federal agencies. Do you have a tip? Get in touch. Fedor Zarkhin Office: 503-294-7674; Cell: 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.com Portland police broke a multi-state Tesla car-theft ring, arresting two suspects and recovering six suspected stolen Teslas, police said Friday. The operation was part of a Stolen Vehicle Operation teams blitz on Sept. 30 that netted the Portland Police Bureau 11 arrests and 13 recovered stolen cars. The bureau is crediting the teams work, among other factors, with helping reduce reported stolen-car rates in Portland this year. About 28% fewer cars were reported stolen in the city from March to August this year compared to the same six-month stretch last year, police said. While conclusions about crime rates can only be drawn after a long-term trend, the trajectory is encouraging, the police bureau said in a statement. We know that car thefts are extremely impactful for victims, especially those who rely on their vehicles for their livelihoods. Stolen cars are traded between individuals, sent to chop shops, sold for parts or used in other crimes and dumped, Officer Michael Terrett said Friday. The arrests of the alleged Tesla thieves on Sept. 30 were the highlight of the night, police said. A key suspect in the car-theft ring, Todd Mouton, 32, fled from officers in a stolen Dodge Challenger to avoid arrest, police said. A Portland bureau air support unit watched as he drove to Vancouver, ditched the Challenger and ran into a residence. The Vancouver Police Departments tactical-operations team stepped in and arrested him, Portland police said. Another suspect in the theft ring, Daniel McNett, also was arrested that night, according to court records. Portland police officers Jeff Ciri and Michael Terrett were investigating McNett as a possible suspect in a car theft, leading them to a parking lot in North Portland with a parked Model S Tesla that had no license plates or temporary state permit. The officers asked air support to watch the car and left. Police later tracked the car to Southwest Portland, where Ciri and Terrett saw McNett behind the wheel. The suspect was contacted outside of the vehicle and arrested, according to court records. Police found about 10 key fobs and key cards in McNetts pockets and inside the stolen Tesla, according to court records. McNett allegedly admitted to stealing the cards and the cars they were for. McNett told a detective he stole about 160 vehicles in the last several years, including five from a Tesla dealership the day before his arrest, according to court records. Police used the information he provided to find four stolen Teslas. McNett faces 19 charges, 13 of them felonies. Charging documents for Mouton, his alleged accomplice, are not yet available. Police allege the duo stole 10 Teslas that had their GPS antennas disabled so that the cars could not be tracked. Other individuals could be involved, Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm said. The investigation is ongoing. Terrett said police have only recently been getting a solid understanding of the scale of organization and coordination behind many Portland car thefts. Do you have a tip? Get in touch. Fedor Zarkhin Office: 503-294-7674; Cell: 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.com Portland police are looking for multiple people suspected of stealing a work truck at gunpoint, then shooting at the person they stole it from, in Southeast Portland on Thursday. No one was injured, officials said. Millions of people bought tickets this summer to see Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolans blockbuster movie about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The first nuclear weapon was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945, and a second bomb was dropped a few days later, on Nagasaki, Japan. While the bombs are credited by some with ending World War II, as Japan surrendered shortly after the atomic weapons were dropped, the long-term effects of the radioactive fallout unleashed by detonating nuclear weapons is a subject the movie didnt delve into, which has drawn some criticism. However, a new documentary, Downwind, takes an in-depth look into the devastating impact the American governments testing of nuclear weapons on U.S. soil has had, particularly on those unfortunate enough to live near testing sites, and potentially in people far beyond those borders. Downwind is co-directed by Mark Shapiro, who lives in Portland and earlier worked in brand management and marketing for Laika animation studio, as well as serving as a communications manager for Nike. Shapiros fellow director, Douglas Brian Miller, is based in California, and has worked as a director of photography on documentaries for film and TV. In a phone interview, Shapiro and Miller talked about how they became interested in the subject of nuclear tests in America, and how for years the government downplayed the effects of radioactive fallout. Shapiro recalls how he and Miller, who have collaborated on various projects over the years, became intrigued by a magazine report about The Conqueror, a 1956 movie produced by Howard Hughes that starred John Wayne in the unlikely role of Genghis Khan. The movie was filmed in Utah in 1954, in locations a little over 100 miles from the Nevada Test Site, which was about 65 miles north of Las Vegas, and was the place where hundreds of above and below-ground nuclear tests were conducted, from 1951 through 1992. If you've seen Oppenheimer, I urge you to check out Downwind, a chilling look at the aftermath of events depicted in that movie, narrated by Martin Sheen. It's a compelling and sobering documentary now playing on VOD #Downwind #Oppenheimer #MaltinOnMovies @DownwindDoc pic.twitter.com/Buoy55hMFi Leonard Maltin (@leonardmaltin) September 13, 2023 As Patrick Wayne, son of the iconic star, says in an interview for Downwind, at the time The Conqueror was filmed, the nuclear tests were kept quiet, and those involved in the film didnt know they were working in an area that had been dusted with, as the film says, some of the highest levels of radioactive fallout ever recorded in United State history. A large number of people who worked on The Conqueror, including Wayne, ultimately died of complications related to cancer. In Downwind, Patrick Wayne acknowledges that some of the people involved in the making of The Conqueror smoked, but he suggests that the number of cancer-related fatalities suffered by members of The Conqueror cast and crew was still remarkable. From this early interest, We dove deeper into the research, Shapiro says. They found that, from 1951 through 1992, the U.S. detonated 928 nuclear weapons at the Nevada Test Site. Downwind looks at how miscalculated wind forecasts, government proclamations that radiation exposure wasnt a serious health threat, and revelations from now-declassified documents referring to those who lived near the test site as a low use segment of the population potentially contributed to illnesses suffered by Americans who were never warned about the dangers of living near the test sites. The film includes participation from some recognizable names, including actor Martin Sheen, who narrates; animation by Bill Plympton, who grew up in Oregon; actor-producer Michael Douglas, who recalls the uncanny similarities between his film, The China Syndrome, and the real-life partial meltdown of the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor; comedian and commentator Lewis Black; and actor Matthew Modine, who is an executive producer. Most affecting, however, are interviews filmed with some of the people who have been directly impacted by being Downwinders, and have become activists trying to draw attention to the dangers of exposure to radioactive fallout. Ian Zabarte, Principal Man of the Western Bands of the Shoshone Nation of Indians, for example, speaks with emotion about how the Nevada Test Site was located on Shoshone land, and how the soil, the water, and the people have all been affected, a process Zabarte calls disgustingly shameful. I was shocked this was allowed, says Downwind co-director Miller. The more we found out, the more we were throwing our arms in the air. Shapiro and Miller say that, while the Cold War that followed the end of World War II was a time when the U.S. was engaged in a nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union, the years of nuclear weapons testing came at a cost, as Miller says. Another striking element of Downwind are clips from films produced by Lookout Mountain Laboratory, which operated generally in secret as a Hollywood film studio that was a unit of the U.S. Air Force and churned out films that, among other things, tended to downplay the impact of exposure to radioactive fallout. We didnt know what it was, Shapiro says of the studio. But they discovered that Lookout Mountain Laboratory projects tended to deliver the message that, as Shapiro says, everything is safe. You could argue that it was another part of this whole government collaboration, to make sure that the narrative of the Cold War was strictly in hand. Since Downwind has been shown at film festivals and became available to rent on streaming services, Shapiro says the filmmakers have been hearing from lots of people either interested in or close to the topic, including, as Shapiro says, folks from Hanford, the Washington state site that was established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project to produce plutonium for national defense, as the U.S. Department of Energy describes it. Both Shapiro and Miller say they hope Downwind will help raise awareness about the decades of nuclear testing that many still dont know about. We cant repeat the past, says Miller. We need to make sure that this doesnt happen again. When I think about our film, and the people that we met, the things that have happened to their families and their tremendous loss, Shapiro says, hes inspired by the sense of mission that has led people to become advocates for so-called Downwinders. Activists have pushed for expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, a government program that allows 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, as the U.S. Department of Justice defines it. When Doug and I left each of those interviews, Shapiro says, We felt so inspired, and we wanted to really tell an important story. Downwind is available to rent or buy on demand from most in-home cable providers, including Comcast; Verizon; and Cox. The documentary is also available to rent or purchase on iTunes; Amazon Prime Video; Google Play; and more. Kristi Turnquist 503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper confirmed Friday morning that more than 115 bodies, improperly stored, were found at the Return to Nature Funeral Home location in Penrose, Colorado. Cooper described the very disturbing discovery as a hazardous situation, requiring specialty cleanup and equipment. Investigators began searching the property, located off Werner Road in Penrose, 34 miles south of Colorado Springs, on Wednesday. A search warrant for the mortuary was secured after officials received numerous reports of a foul odor deriving from the building. Citizens nearby told the Gazette Thursday a foul odor could be smelled by those driving past the business. According to Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller, county and federal HAZMAT officials worked to complete an initial survey of the scene Thursday night. The hazardous scene has since been declared a local disaster emergency. Keller described the scene as truly horrific and would not go into detail regarding how the bodies were stored, only that they were being stored improperly. Our priority and our focus is on the impacted families, he said during the press conference in Canon City. Cooper said part of the preparation to clear out the scene, and to positively identify the bodies, would be to put up tents or fencing to ensure privacy for the bodily remains out of consideration for the families of the deceased. According to FBI special agent Mark Mchleak, specialized FBI forensic units from Quantico will assist in identifying the remains at the funeral home. Keller said forensic fingerprint technology, dental records and DNA will be used in identification. According to Sheriff Cooper, the multi-agency investigation is going to be a very lengthy process, and is set to last several months. The Colorado Bureau of Investigations, Colorado Governors Office Emergency Management Team, the Department of Regulatory Agencies, the FBI, the El Paso County Coroners Office, and the Douglas County Coroners Office will all be assisting with the investigation. No arrests or potential charges have been released at this time. The owner tried to conceal the improper storage of corpses and claimed he was doing taxidermy, according to a suspension letter sent to him by state regulators. The facility had also been unregistered for 10 months after the owner for Return to Nature Funeral Home let it expire in November 2022. On Wednesday the day after an abhorrent smell from the facility was reported, launching the investigation -- owner Jon Hallford spoke by phone with a state regulator. Hallford acknowledged that he had a problem at the property. The document doesnt explain what he meant. The document also doesnt explain what Hallford was referring to with this taxidermy claim or exactly how he tried to conceal the improper storage of human remains. Hallford nor anyone else has been arrested or charged yet in relation to what authorities on Friday called a disturbing discovery. Authorities said Friday at the press conference they believe there is currently no health risk to the public. They declined to describe in detail the scene inside the 2,500-square-foot facility next door to the towns post office, the size of an average U.S. home. It is not clear if a crime has been committed, that is a focus of the investigation at the state and federal level, FBI spokeswoman Vikki Migoya said. Penrose is a town of about 3,000 people. Trash bags could be seen outside the entrance of the companys building, with two law enforcement vehicles parked in front. Yellow police tape cordoned off the area and a putrid odor pervaded the air. A hearse was parked at the back of the building, in a parking lot overgrown with weeds. Near the squat building was a post office and a few scattered homes, spaced out between dry grass and empty lots with parked semi-trucks. Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. Joyce Pavetti, 73, can see the funeral home from the stoop of her house and said she caught whiffs of a putrid smell in the last few weeks. We just assumed it was a dead animal, she said. On Wednesday night, Pavetti said she could see lights from law enforcement swarming around the building and knew something was going on. The building has been occupied by different businesses over the years, said Pavetti, who once took yoga classes there. She hasnt seen anyone in the area recently and noticed the hearse behind the building only in recent months, she said. Neighbor Ron Alexander thought the smell was coming from a septic tank, adding that Wednesday nights blur of law enforcement lights looked like the 4th of July. The father of a 25-year-old U.S. Navy serviceman who died last summer said Return to Nature handled his sons body between the time of its arrival back in Colorado and an Aug. 25 funeral service at Pikes Peak National Cemetery east of Colorado Springs. I mean, theres obviously questions after hearing that there is something going on but theres not any information that I can go off of to really make any kind of judgement on it, said Paul Saito Kahler, of Fountain, Colorado. The Return to Nature Funeral Home provides burial of non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets, shrouds or nothing at all, according to its website. The company also provides cremation services. Messages left for the Colorado Springs-based company were not immediately returned. No embalming fluids, no concrete vaults. As natural as possible, it says on its website. The company charges $1,895 for a natural burial. That doesnt include the cost of a casket and cemetery space, according to the website. The funeral home also performs cremations that involve no chemicals or unnatural materials just you and the Earth, returning to nature, according to its website. Return to Nature was established six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to public records. Fremont County property records show that the funeral home building and lot are owned by Hallfordhomes, LLC, a business with a Colorado Springs address that the Colorado Secretary of State declared delinquent on Oct. 1 for failing to file a routine reporting form that was due at the end of July. The LLC changed addresses around Colorado Springs three times since its establishment in 2016 with a post office box. Hallfordhomes still owes about $5,000 in 2022 property taxes on its building in Penrose, according to Fremont County records. A green burial refers to burying bodies that have not been embalmed. Thats different from human composting, in which the body is placed in a vessel and transformed into soil. The Return to Nature Funeral Home was licensed in Colorado Springs in 2017. There were no disciplinary actions against the company listed on a state license database. There was not a separate license for the Penrose facility and it wasnt known if one was needed. Messages left with licensing authorities were not immediately returned. Family members of the decedents who used the Return to Nature Funeral Home are asked to send an email to the Fremont County Sheriffs Office at 23-1941@fremontso.com. --The Colorado Gazette contributed The federal government will help restore a sacred tribal site destroyed by the expansion of U.S. 26 near Mount Hood under a settlement agreement filed Thursday, ending a 15-year legal battle waged by members of regional tribes and nonprofits. Im feeling pretty good, Carol Logan, an elder of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and one of the plaintiffs in the suit, told The Oregonian/OregonLive Thursday. Its just one of many battles thats needing to be taken care of because whatever we do, we usually end up having to fight for it. The federal government in 2008 approved the highway expansion to add a left-turn lane after community outcry over increasing car incidents, including one fatality. The project, which was completed in 2009, wiped out a cluster of old-growth Douglas fir trees, destroyed an ancient altar and covered burial grounds at a sacred Indigenous site known as Ana Kwna Nchi Nchi Patat, or the Place of Big Big Trees. Court documents say the location was a campsite for Indigenous people traveling ancient trade routes and the site of ongoing religious ceremonies. Logan, Wilbur Slockish and Johnny Jackson, hereditary chiefs of Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and two nonprofits sued the federal government that year, arguing it had violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by destroying the site. Court documents say opponents of highway expansion alerted the federal and state government before the 2008 expansion that the area had historical and cultural significance to Indigenous communities. A U.S. magistrate judge dismissed the lawsuit in 2018, saying that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate their rights to practice religious ceremonies had been substantially burdened. The plaintiffs appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which found the lawsuit moot because the Oregon Department of Transportation, not the federal government, would be responsible for rendering relief. Last year, the plaintiffs appealed to the Supreme Court with the help of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. In Thursdays settlement, the federal government agreed to replant a tree barrier on land north of the highway, ask the Oregon Department of Transportation for any remnants of the former stone altar to allow Logan and Slockish to rebuild and give the elders access to the site through a nearby quarry. The federal government will also erect an informational sign at the site to tell visitors about the importance of the area to local Indigenous tribes, ask the Department of Transportation to notify the plaintiffs of any future highway projects in the area and arrange a meeting between federal agencies and Logan and Slockish so they can make the case for other areas around Mt. Hood that need to be protected. Court documents include a letter from the Oregon Department of Transportation, saying officials had no objection to the rebuilding plan if the parties reached a settlement. Sacred sites like Ana Kwna Nchi Nchi Patat are irreplaceable to tribal people and their preservation and protection is something that we should all care about, Cheryle A. Kennedy, chairperson of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde said in a statement. Wed like to congratulate all the individuals who came together to take on this challenge and we are excited to see the site restored. Logan, who is now 79, had visited the sacred site near U.S. 26 for over 50 years before it was destroyed, court documents say. She came for prayer and meditation and to hold memorial ceremonies for those buried at the location. To have it restored will mean a great deal, spiritually, mentally and for her ancestors, Logan said. They need to understand that our burials and our sacred places are things that need to be left alone, Logan said. People have that right to be laid to rest. We dont go into churches, we dont go into cemeteries and plow over things or destroy them. Were looking for the same kind of recognition. Have some respect and honor these sacred places. This story was updated at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6 to include comment from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. This story was brought to you through a partnership between The Oregonian/OregonLive and Report for America. Learn how to support this crucial work. Sami Edge covers higher education for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review the case of Yonas Fikre, a former Portland resident who alleged the government violated his due process rights by placing him on the no-fly list without notice. In 2018, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had revived Fikres lawsuit. The appeals panel found that a U.S. District Court judge shouldnt have dismissed his lawsuit simply because the FBI had removed him from the list while his lawsuit was pending. The city of Portland sued prominent political consultant Kevin Looper, co-founder of politically assertive advocacy group People for Portland, for $46,000 this week, saying he and his Portland-based firm failed to pay city and county business taxes for 2021. Officials with the city, which collects its own business tax as well as Multnomah Countys, estimate that Loopers political consulting firm Wheelhouse NW owed $17,000 to the city and $13,000 to the county for 2021. But, the lawsuit says, Looper never paid, despite city notices that the tax was overdue. With interest and penalties, Looper now owes $46,000, it says. KGW first reported the lawsuit. Looper acknowledged to The Oregonian/OregonLive that he failed to ensure his business paid its taxes that year. But he said that was an unintentional oversight. He said he has directed his accountant to calculate what the consulting firm owes and will promptly pay that amount. He predicted it will be far less than the citys estimates. Absolutely I will pay for it, he said. It is my responsibility to pay my fair share. City records, obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive in response to a public records request, show the city sent letters detailing Wheelhouse NWs severely delinquent tax payments on June 15, Aug. 11 and Aug. 23 to the firms post office box, its physical address in downtown Portland and finally to Loopers home in Tualatin. But Looper said he never received any of those notices and is not sure why. Im frustrated. If I received those letters, I would have acted (immediately) -- as I just did, he said. He, his family and his company all left Portland in fall 2022 for a new home and home office in Clackamas County after he experienced a series of threats, the most serious of which was a bullet shot through the windows of his Ford Explorer, parked just outside the bedroom window of his Northeast Portland home, he said. His personal experience aligned with his groups political advocacy. People for Portland, whose funders are largely anonymous, has targeted elected Portland-area leaders and demanded they take more aggressive action on crime, homelessness and livability. The group has particularly targeted Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, whom it accuses of being soft on drug use, car theft and other crime. It put up large billboards calling Portland a blighted, crime-ridden Schmidt show. Speaking about the gunshot that shattered the driver and passenger windows of his SUV, Looper said, the person who fired the shot had a firm awareness of whose window was shot at, and Im not going to call Mike Schmidt to ask for help. A spokesperson for Schmidt said his office would take the gunfire assault on Loopers car seriously, if it were reported to Portland police and forwarded to them. DA Schmidt and our office take violent crimes -- especially gun crimes-- extremely seriously, spokesperson Liz Merah told The Oregonian/OregonLive. If this matter is charged by the police, we will aggressively investigate it and seek charges if warranted, as we do in all gun cases. Loopers consulting firm, which he founded in 2015, reliably renewed its Oregon business license each September until 2022, when it failed to do so, state records indicate. As a result, it was administratively dissolved in February 2023, state records show. That also was an oversight, likely caused by the departure of an employee when the firm relocated from Portland, Looper said. The firm is still operating, but from an office in his home, he said. -- Betsy Hammond; betsyhammond@oregonian.com; @ORPolEds Sign up to get positive Black news stories, words of affirmation and weekly curated playlists delivered to your inbox twice a week: Enter your email to subscribe to Black Joy. In the late nineties, my great aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of how young I was, it all seemed to happen so fast. One moment my aunt had a head full of soft, curly hair, the next moment she didnt. The bright smile that greeted me each time I walked into her house grew dimmer. She was different. Everything was different. And all the adults were on edge. Since then, other women in my life have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Friends, cousins, co-workers. Ive even had my own brief scare which luckily turned out to be nothing. But as my grandmother told me just a few months before my nerve-wrecking breast exam, even if it seems like nothing its still worth getting it checked. She was right. Although Instances of breast cancer dont differ significantly between white and Black women, when it comes to mortality rates its a different story. Black women have a 40 percent higher death rate from breast cancer than white women. Additionally, Black women are disproportionately affected by more aggressive subtypes of breast cancer and are more likely to get diagnosed at younger ages. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I had the honor of speaking with Esther Tambe, co-founder of Fight Through Flights, a non-profit organization that supports the healing of Black women living with and survivors of breast cancer through wellness retreats and travel experiences. I spoke with Tambe about the bittersweet story behind the creation of Fight for Flights, why an organization like this matters and how others can support their continued growth. Left to right: Esther Tambe, Alicia Tambe and Maria Tambe in Rome. The founding of Fight Through Flights was inspired by the death of a loved one. Can you talk a little bit more about that? Fight Through Flights was co-founded by me and my younger sister, Alicia, in honor of our older sister, Maria, who passed away from triple negative breast cancer. In 2019, she was diagnosed. She was 38 going on 39 [during] her journey with cancer. Unfortunately, it was not a long one. She passed at 40. So, it was a short lived journey. [We created Fight Through Flights because] the one thing we did together as sisters was traveling together, even while she was going through her cancer journey with chemo and radiation, we still traveled together. We went to Cartagena together for my younger sisters bachelorette. We went to Napa together and she still was going back and forth, whether it be to New York or California. So, travel was something that brought us joy and travel was the thing that we all did together. Thats why we want to be able to give others [access] to some of the joy of traveling [because] we realized it was a form of healing for her. The mission places a lot of emphasis on mental health and wellness. Why was that important for this organization? So, we did not live with breast cancer, but we lost a loved one and watched them live with breast cancer. We also saw how it could take a toll on you and what that means and just knowing what stress can do to ones body. The focus on that was more so to be able to bring that joy, to have another avenue of healing that was not necessarily a medicinal route, but also providing this space for Black women. [Were] able to give you space to go thoroughly, enjoy yourself, whether it be on one of our retreats or one of the other programs, like a one-night hotel stay. We also prioritize self-care. You dont need to do it all by yourself. What has been a favorite among the programs that you all offer? I think most people like being able to do a one-night hotel stay. This allows them to just be able to get away. Its something that we didnt even realize when we started to read these applications or hearing people say that they just wanted to put their feet up on a bed or be able to soak in a bath, things that we may take for granted, not realizing how much that can mean to someone else. Then theres other programs that are not offered all the time, but people enjoy. Our retreat, which helps Black leaders in the breast cancer community who are living with breast cancer. They got to go to Belize and that was just like a nice tropical retreat. Aside from your current programming, what are some of your long-term goals for the organization and what it offers to Black women? We want to continue to provide the travel wellness experience [and] be able to take more trips. Due to COVID, we had to start with the road trips and the staycation programs before being able to now fly folks out and do the individual programs. But our goal is just to be able to increase the number of trips that we take [and] more retreats. Right now, everything is in the United States, but breast cancer is affecting Black women [across the] African diaspora. So, just being able to also extend beyond the United States to provide joy and a safe space for Black women with breast cancer as they navigate their journey. Road Trip to Recovery 2.0 in Illinois. What has been like the most rewarding aspect of curating the Fight for Flights community and seeing it blossom? I think the most rewarding thing is being able to help other women. We were not able to provide this for [our sister]. So, knowing that there are other women who may need it or may not have that additional support of two sisters who love to travel, now, they can go do this on their own. We see [our sister] in a lot of the women that we work with, they either resemble her or they love to travel just like her, love to dance or theyre also a nurse. Being able to provide this space for someone to take a break while theyre struggling or to create more memories with new people, I think thats been the most rewarding part of this community. And the people weve met, its not just a one-and-done. We continue the conversations, we continue the community, we reach out and a lot of the women weve met understand that weve also started this from a place of loss. They check in on us to see how were doing and provide support. So, were also receiving a sense of healing while doing this too. How can folks support Fight Through Flights? The biggest way to support us is to donate, that can be monetary or even wellness trips, activities, hotel stays, mileage for airlines or points for hotels. This allows us to create more travel experiences for women. If thats not possible, just sharing and letting people know that there is this space for Black women with breast cancer. And it doesnt matter what stage youre in, whether you are literally just diagnosed or 20 years in remission. You still had an experience with breast cancer and thats something that you live with for a long time. So were still providing you that space for healing, too. Did you have any other final thoughts about the organization or supporting Black women survivors and those still living with breast cancer? Do the research to see whats out there, but know that if you are dealing with breast cancer, you dont have to do it alone. There is support out there. There are organizations that are focused on BIPOC women or just Black women alone [and] are able to provide these safe spaces. You are deserving of joy regardless of whats going on. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The former so-called "president" of now-defunct Armenian separatist regime in Karabakh, Bako Sahakyan was detained as a result of measures carried out by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan on October 3, 2023, Trend reports. He was brought to criminal responsibility under articles 214.2.1, 214.2.2, 214.2.3 (repeated commission of terror by an organized group, using firearms, explosives and devices), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 214-3. 2 (organization of exercises for terrorist purposes), 228.3 (repeated illegal acquisition, storage, transportation by an organized group of firearms, their component parts, ammunition, explosives and devices) and 279.3 (establishment of armed formations or groups not provided for by law and participation in their activities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. There is enough information about Bako Sahakyan online. He was born in 1960 in Azerbaijan's Khankendi. During the first Karabakh war in 1991-1993, being the "deputy chief" of the so-called "armed forces committee" of the separatist regime, he participated in the organization and implementation of numerous crimes against the state and civilian population on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He held the "post" of the so-called "Minister of Internal Affairs" in 1999-2001 and the so-called "Director of the National Security Service" of the separatist regime in 2001-2007. During this period he was also engaged in the organization of obtaining intelligence on the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and transferring this information to Armenia. Sahakyan was "elected" as the so-called "president" of the separatist regime during the so-called "elections" in September 2007, and during his "presidency" he regularly supplied military equipment and ammunition from Armenia to illegal terrorist separatist armed formations, including financial support for terrorist training and maintenance of members of illegal armed formations. In the battles against the Azerbaijani Army in April 2016, he actually led terrorist armed formations of the separatist regime. Sahakyan led the separatist regime for the longest time, being the so-called "president" until May 21, 2020. Also, during all these years, he actually supervised the implementation of mass mining of territories in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region. According to information in the media and the Armenian segment of social networks, Sahakyan is characterized as a cold-blooded person who uses any situation to his advantage. At present, a measure of restraint in the form of imprisonment for 4 months has been chosen against Sahakyan by the judge of Sabail District Court Azer Tagiyev in the criminal case initiated by the Azerbaijani State Security Service. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The former so-called "foreign minister" of the separatist regime in Karabakh, Davit Babayan, had no complaints about detention conditions, and upon admission to the pre-trial detention center, he underwent a medical examination, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman's Office told Trend. The Ombudsman's Office made the remark commenting on a visit to the accused Babayan, carried out on the basis of the requirements of the legislation of Azerbaijan, including the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. According to the Ombudsman's Office, he was provided with a lawyer to protect his rights. During the visit, with the participation of doctors and psychologists from the National Ombudsman Preventive Group, Babayan was provided with legislative acts in his native language as well as publications explaining the possibility of contacting the Ombudsperson, the office added. On October 28, 2020, Babayan was prosecuted under Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparation, initiation, and conduct of aggressive war), 32.3, 114.1 (recruitment of mercenaries, their training, financing, and other material support, as well as organizing their use in armed conflict and hostilities), 32.3, 116.0.1, 32.3, 116.0.6, 32.3, 116.0.7, 32.3, 116.0.8, 32.3, 116.0.9, 32.3, 116.0.10 (violation of the norms of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 117.2 (inaction or criminal orders during armed conflict), 32.3, 214.2.1, 32.3, 214.2.3, 32.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism) and other articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, and based on a court decision, a measure of restraint in the form of imprisonment has been chosen against him and he was put on the international wanted list. On September 29 of this year, Babayan was detained by law enforcement agencies in Azerbaijan, transferred to the investigation, and on the same day, he was charged with the aforementioned articles. The court decision to impose detention as a preventive measure against Babayan was carried out, and he was transferred to the pre-trial detention center of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan. Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - The African Development Bank (AfDB) has called on Benin to adopt a concerted approach to seize investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, transport and green industry, in its 2023 Country Focus Report, launched in Cotonou on 3 October, 2023 Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Nearly 24,000 women and girls in flood-affected areas of eastern Libya are in need of humanitarian assistance, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has said Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The US Special Envoy to Libya, Ambassador Richard Norland, has said that the political process in Libya must move forward, with the stage set for elections, reiterating his country's support for the invitation by the UN Secretary-General's Representative, Abdoulaye Bathily, to hold a meeting with the main Libyan political parties to agree on a roadmap and a new government Washington, US (PANA) - The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is to resume food assistance to refugee populations in Ethiopia after the government and implementing partners made reforms to the country's refugee food assistance structure Photo: (Photo : Spencer Platt / Getty Images) In a heart-wrenching revelation that underscores the current fentanyl crisis, a Bronx-based NYC day care has come under intense scrutiny. Otoniel Feliz, the father of the deceased toddler, Nicholas Dominici, has made a passionate plea, demanding accountability and calling for justice. Unraveling the Day Care Drug Scandal: Details Emerge New York City is no stranger to harrowing tales, but few incidents have shocked the conscience of its inhabitants as much as the recent day care drug scandal. In a place meant to ensure safety and nurture, tragedy struck when 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici fatally succumbed to fentanyl exposure. This incident, however, wasn't isolated. Three other young children also faced health complications due to the fentanyl present at the facility, signaling a deeper, more sinister problem. The Divino Nino day care center, run by Grei Mendez, has now become the epicenter of what many are terming the NYC day care nightmare. Investigations into the facility have revealed a startling connection to the broader fentanyl crisis plaguing the city. Over 6 kilograms of narcotics, including fentanyl and heroin, were strategically hidden in areas typically reserved for children's activities. A Father's Heartrending Plea and the Quest for Accountability Grief-stricken yet resolute, Otoniel Feliz has come forward to shed light on the tragic loss of his son due to the negligence of those entrusted with his care. Holding a photograph of young Nicholas, the bereaved father shared his anguish, saying, "We feel betrayed by that day care." His poignant speeches, articulated in both English and Spanish, resonate with the anguish of parents everywhere, emphasizing the depth of trust placed in care facilities and the magnitude of its betrayal. Amidst this tragedy, Feliz's call has been clear: justice for Nicholas. As he fervently stated, "Everything that is done will not bring my son back," underscoring the irrevocable loss experienced by his family and the broader community. Read Also: Tragic Collision at Oklahoma Airport: Single Mother Fatally Struck by Airplane while on Lawnmower Legal Proceedings and the Road Ahead The legal complexities surrounding the day care drug scandal are manifold. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark has been pivotal in illuminating the darker intricacies of this case, linking the seemingly innocent day care operations to a large-scale narcotics trade. As Clark has rightly observed, "Our sorrow is matched only by the outrage because these babies were used as shields to protect a narcotics operation." Grei Mendez, Felix Herrera Garcia, and Carlisto Brito have been arraigned, facing charges that range from murder to the trafficking of narcotics. The gravity of the situation has been further emphasized by the discovery of large amounts of narcotics, discreetly hidden in the very place that was meant to safeguard the city's youngest inhabitants. While Mendez's attorney insists on her innocence regarding knowledge of any fentanyl operation, the collective voice calling for justice grows louder each day. Feliz's heartrending testimony and his plea resonate deeply with many, serving as a poignant reminder of the larger fentanyl crisis that looms over New York City. The tragic death of Nicholas Dominici, and the resultant outpouring of grief, has spotlighted the glaring issues associated with the fentanyl crisis in NYC. As the case unravels, and the city grapples with the ramifications of the day care drug scandal, one thing remains clear: the collective call for justice and safety for the most vulnerable. While the incident has undoubtedly shaken the faith of many in the systems designed to protect their children, it has also fostered a renewed commitment to ensuring safety, with a fervent hope that no parent should undergo the pain faced by the Dominici family. In the heart of this tragedy, Otoniel Feliz's voice rings clear, echoing the sentiments of countless parents: a resounding father's call for justice amidst an ever-deepening NYC day care nightmare. Related Article: Active Shooter Incident Near Morgan State University: Multiple Victims Confirmed Photo: (Photo : Megan Varner / Getty Images) A 14-year-old Alabama teen stands accused of fatally shooting his elder 17-year-old brother. As the community grapples with this traumatic event, a chilling 'hit list' allegedly penned by the younger sibling has sent shockwaves through Pike County, shedding light on even darker intentions. 14-Year-Old Alabama Teen Allegedly Kills Older Brother In Monticello, the quaint community known for its peaceful demeanor, a devastating discovery at a family residence has now become the focal point of many discussions. The Alabama teen, just a 14-year-old, made his anxieties about his missing older brother known, leading their father on a grim search that culminated in a tragic find on their property. The Pike County Sheriff's Office, through meticulous investigation, managed to extract a confession from the young teen. The details were chilling: "He stated his brother got up and staggered out of the residence and out the back door, where he then fell at the bottom of the steps. He dragged him about 60 yards to the back of the property," relayed the sheriff's office. Adding to the gravity of the situation, NBC affiliate WSFA of Montgomery, Alabama, reported the 14-year-old's subsequent charge of murder. From Hushed Whispers to a Revealed Conspiracy The Monticello community was already reeling from the initial shock, but another alarming discovery was soon to follow. The Alabama teen had confided in a close friend, revealing a darker plot that went beyond the initial crime. The sheriff's office shared, "He then asked his friend to help him murder the rest of his family and help him bury their bodies." This revelation was soon dwarfed by the disclosure of a 'hit list' harbored by the 14-year-old, detailing potential family targets. In close proximity to the event, Pike County High School was thrown into the limelight as administrators were made aware of the potential threat posed by one of their own students. The school took immediate action to ensure the safety of its student body. The sheriff's office emphasized the community's fortune and blessings in not having more casualties due to a 14-year-old having access to a weapon, reflecting the sentiments of a deeply concerned community. Read Also: Tragic Collision at Oklahoma Airport: Single Mother Fatally Struck by Airplane while on Lawnmower Grieving Family Seeks Answers With the young 14-year-old now in custody, the community, especially parents and guardians, are left with pressing concerns. How did this Alabama teen get his hands on a firearm? Will the legal proceedings consider him as a minor or an adult? These are just a few of the many questions awaiting answers. Pike County High School, as well, faces its own set of challenges, as it navigates the intricate task of ensuring the safety and mental well-being of its students in the aftermath of such a disclosure. The broader Pike County community, meanwhile, has rallied together, seeking solace and strength in unity, determined to heal and protect its youngest members. This incident, dark as it may be, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance, communication, and community engagement. In conclusion, the Alabama teen's actions have not only disturbed the immediate tranquility of Monticello but have also sent a resounding alarm through the educational corridors of Pike County High School and the broader community. As investigations proceed and more layers of the case are peeled back, there's an implicit hope that the community will find answers, healing, and a path forward. Related Article: Parents Struggle To Secure Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids: The Booster Bottleneck Photo: (Photo : yassine rahaoui on Unsplash) In a decision resonating with the sentiments of a significant portion of its student population, Pennsylvania's Perkiomen Valley School District has revamped its transgender bathroom regulations. The newly instituted Policy 720 mandates students to utilize bathrooms that match their biological sex. This substantial shift is attributed to a pronounced student walkout, which was a direct response to the school board's earlier decision to reject the proposed policy. Jagger's Social Media Spotlight Expressing his thoughts on the matter, Tim Jagger, a parent from the district, remarked to FOX News, "The walkout and the passionate participation of the community members during the board meeting were pivotal. The school board members undoubtedly felt the weight of this collective voice, prompting the policy shift, which, personally, was a welcome change." A notable impetus for the policy reconsideration was an incident involving Jagger's daughter. She reportedly felt profoundly disturbed after encountering a transgender student in one of the school's bathrooms. Jagger took to social media to amplify this incident, which gathered substantial attention. However, a report from WPVI-TV in Philadelphia provided a nuanced perspective, stating that the gender of the student in question wasn't definitively identified. Another facet of the revised policy is the broader accessibility of single-use bathrooms. While these facilities were exclusively available to teachers in the past, they are now open to both students and staff, ensuring a more inclusive environment for all. Interestingly, the school board's initial decision was a close 4-5 vote against the policy change. However, during the subsequent vote on Monday, board member Don Fountain altered his stance, leading to the approval of Policy 720. Read Also: Tennessee Hospital Under Scrutiny for Violating Civil Rights by Releasing Transgender Health Records The Students' Voice: A Catalyst for Change Jagger voiced his perplexity about the initial policy that permitted biological males to access female restrooms. "It seemed as though even several board members weren't fully aware of this existing policy. The awareness really grew after my daughter's unsettling experience and the subsequent information I shared online. This certainly brought it to the forefront for both the board and the wider community. The students, too, expressed their discomfort with the previous policy," Jagger elaborated. John Ott, the orchestrator of the student walkout, shed light on the motivation behind the protest in his conversation with FOX News. He stated, "The core of our protest was to safeguard our female students. A large portion of our student body was not comfortable with the prior policy, and it was essential to give them a voice." Reflecting on the board's decision, the president of the Perkiomen Valley School Board conveyed to FOX News, "Though my vote was at odds with the eventual majority decision, I deeply respect the outcome. Furthermore, witnessing our students actively leveraging their First Amendment rights to champion a cause they believed in was indeed commendable." The national conversation on bathroom accessibility policies, especially concerning transgender individuals, has been gaining momentum. Instances such as the one involving NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines and transgender athlete Lia Thomas, coupled with a distinct sexual assault case in Loudoun County, Virginia, are testaments to the complexities of this issue. As educational institutions across the nation grapple with these concerns, striking a balance between inclusivity, safety, and the voice of the majority becomes paramount. Related Article: Wisconsin School District's Transgender Bathroom Policy Blocked by Federal Judge BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov on October 6 met with the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Vladimir Orlic, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan told Trend. At the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the level of friendship and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia. The importance of close contacts and mutual visits of the heads of state for the development of relations was emphasized. The memorandum on the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council, signed by the presidents during the official visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Serbia in November last year, served to raise interstate relations to a qualitatively new level. In addition, they expressed confidence that the working visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Azerbaijan in December last year will contribute to the expansion of bilateral cooperation. Asadov thanked Vladimir Orlic for his participation and speech at a special meeting of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) held in May this year on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of national leader Heydar Aliyev. Azerbaijan and Serbia have always supported each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, both in a bilateral format and within the framework of international organizations. Moreover, the parties confirmed the need to take additional steps to increase trade turnover and mutual investments. In this regard, the importance of the practical implementation of the agreements reached at the 7th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, held in Belgrade in April this year, was stressed. In addition, the importance of the launch of the Gas Interconnector GreeceBulgaria in Sofia last year was stressed, and it was also brought to attention that after the commissioning of the Gas Interconnector GreeceBulgaria, Serbia will also be able to receive Azerbaijani gas. The meeting also discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between the two countries in the transport and transit sphere, in the field of renewable energy, humanitarian and many other areas. 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. In light of this new information, this will be my last critique. Its a shame, because I was enjoying myself so much, and I felt that I came up with some fresh arguments, but this book deserves no further response. It was already a very weak, poor volume (desperately in need of an editor), even if these factors werent in play. What I have written thus far has, in my opinion, value in and of itself, as a ten-part Catholic apologetics course. So it wasnt a waste of time at all. But no more. Im only interested in responding to serious, adequately researched, honest apologetics. Just as I finished this installment (10-5-23), Fraternidade Newman Brasil [Newman Brazil Fraternity] published a devastatingly comprehensive (and shocking) expose entitled Apologetica da Desonestidade: Evidencias de Plagio e outras Trapacas no Livro do Protestante Juan Roberto Oliveira [Apologetics of Dishonesty: Evidence of Plagiarism and other Cheating in the Book of Protestant Juan Roberto Oliveira]. Brazilian Protestantis the author of the book, Nenhum Caminho Leva a Roma: O pecurso ate o protestantismo [No Road Leads to Rome: The Path to Protestantism]. It has no date or publisher listed. But it was recently released. Hes aand is active on Twitter (now X) and, especially, Instagram . When I informed Juan of my replies, he quickly wrote on Twitter:I wish him all the best in that endeavor. If anyone discovers that he has ever answered any of my critiques, please let me know.His words will be in. Translations from the Portugese of his book will be made with Google Translate (with an occasional additional modification). I will use RSV for Bible translations. There are numerous problems with auricular confession, as the scriptures are clear in saying that we must confess, seeking forgiveness from our sins, only to God. (p. 71) Really? Thats news to me: Leviticus 5:5-6 When a man is guilty in any of these, he shall confess the sin he has committed, [6] and he shall bring his guilt offering to the LORD for the sin which he has committed, a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin. (cf. Num 5:6-7) Mark 1:4-5 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. [5] And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (cf. Mt 3:6) John 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. [implied prior confession] Acts 19:18-19 Many also of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. [19] And a number of those who practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; . . . James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. . . . The Bible also has many passages in which men confess to God, which is fine. Catholics do not oppose that at all (we are encouraged to do so), and it doesnt contradict the above (since nothing in the inspired, inerrant Bible is self-contradictory). All we require is confession to a priest in the case of mortal (very serious) sins. Juan made a response to James 5:16 above: The text clearly says to confess to one another and not to a specific priest. (p. 72) It depends on what one another means. It can (and may here) mean confess to men rather than only to God. If so, priests are men just like other men. So this would be consistent with that understanding. Secondly, the context is highly suggestive of confession to the elders of the Church. and forgiveness of sins are specifically mentioned: James 5:14-15 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; [15] and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Right after 5:15 refers to sins being forgiven, the next verse (and the original NT didnt have verses) states, Therefore confess your sins to one another . . . And where 5:16 says, pray for one another in order to be healed, the context of 5:14-15 describes elders praying over someone and sick men being save[d] and forgiven. So the context is strongly suggestive of confession to clergymen in the Church, and certainly doesnt contradict the Catholic practice. However, the act of confessing in the text refers to spiritual help that each one can provide to his neighbor, aiming to help them to overcome sin, not that the confessional gives power to the brothers to forgive sins committed against God. (p. 72) This overlooks the context as well. The second part of James 5:16 and the following two verses state: James 5:16b-18 . . . The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. [17] Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. [18] Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. Just as people in Old Testament times asked the great prophet Elijah to pray for them (according to the frequently stated biblical principle of seeking out holy persons to intercede), so James is urging Christians to go to their elders in the Church, who will pray for them, anoint them, and offer forgiveness and absolution for their sins. And they have more power, which is the whole point of drawing the analogy to Elijah and his great power of prayer, since he was righteous. Its all quintessentially sacramental and transactional (one man or woman to a man who represents God); thoroughly Catholic. Juan brings up 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 and states: He did not say: if the priest forgave, I also forgive, but rather: If you forgave me, I forgive you too. There is a huge difference between the first thing and the other. (p. 72) Juan neglects the background of this incident, and the implications for our present topic. I was going to bring this passage up myself, as I wrote about it in my first book, A Biblical Defense of Catholicism (pp. 163-164): 1 Corinthians 5:3-5: I have already pronounced judgment in the name of the Lord Jesus on the man who has done such a thing. When you are assembled, and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (see 1 Cor. 5:1-2) 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, 10-11: For such a one this punishment by the majority is enough; so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him . . . Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive . . . in the presence of Christ, to keep Satan from gaining the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his designs. St. Paul in his commands and exhortations to the Corinthians is in entire agreement with the Catholic tenets of penance and indulgences. He binds in 1 Corinthians 5:3-5 and looses in 2 Corinthians 2:6-7, 10, acting as a type of papal figure in 2 Corinthians 2:10, much like St. Peter among the Apostles. He forgives, and bids the Corinthian elders to forgive also, even though the offense was not committed against them personally. Clearly, both parties are acting as Gods representatives in the matter of the forgiveness of sins and the remission of sins temporal penalties (an indulgence). Paul was the one authoritatively acting as a priest, and imposing penance (1 Cor 5:3-5): you are to deliver this man to Satan . . . When the man repented Paul urged the congregants to accept him back into normal relations (extending absolution). St. Paul had done the same with regard to Hymenaeus and Alexander the Coppersmith (1 Tim 1:20). He urges the Corinthians to forgive him, too (Jesus command of seventy times seven). But he forgives the man in the sense of formal absolution, as an authority in the Church. He was exercising the powers of binding and loosing: Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18 . . . Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. John 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained This was for the clergy only, which is why Jesus said this and granted the sacramental power and prerogative only to His disciples, not to the public at large. Jesus never asked anyone for indulgences when he forgave sins. What he always said was: go, and sin no more (John 8:11), and not: go, pray 25 Hail Marys and the rosary, and then you will be forgiven! (p. 72) This is wrongheaded and stupefied on many levels. First of all, what Juan describes is not an indulgence (a relaxation of penance) but rather, penance itself. Secondly, the forgiveness is not conditional upon the penance. The priest has already pronounced absolution and forgiveness in the confessional. Penance is to remove the temporal punishment for sin and bring home the point that sin costs something. Thirdly, such penance is seen in the Bible. I wrote about this in my first book, too: Numbers 14:19-23: Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray thee, according to the greatness of thy steadfast love, and according as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. Then the Lord said, I have pardoned, according to your word; but truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs which I wrought in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the proof these ten times and have not hearkened to my voice, shall see the land which I swore to give to their fathers; and none of those who despised me shall see it. God forgave the Israelites (14:20), due, at least in part to Moses intercession (14:19). Yet, punishment, or penance, remained (14:23) because of their exceedingly great disobedience despite signs and wonders (14:22). Thus, forgiveness is not complete in the sense that it removes all the ramifications of sin, or cancels out any further need for satisfaction and penitential acts either undertaken voluntarily, ordered by legitimate Church authority, or ordained by God Himself by means of trials and tribulations. (p. 156) Fourthly, Jesus more than once told people to do something after He healed them (which is highly akin to the mild penances that priests impose): Matthew 8:3-4 And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, I will; be clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. [4] And Jesus said to him, See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to the people. (cf. Mk 1:44; Lk 5:14) Matthew 9:29-30 Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done to you. [30] And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, See that no one knows it. [its very difficult to not report such a thing!] Mark 7:35-36 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. [36] And he charged them to tell no one; . . . Luke 8:54-56 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, Child, arise. [55] And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. [56] And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 17:11-14 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. [12] And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance [13] and lifted up their voices and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. [14] When he saw them he said to them, Go and show yourselves to the priests. And as they went they were cleansed. John 9:7 saying to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. And when Jesus said, go and sin no more to the woman caught in adultery (which Juan brought up), I would ask him, as Jesus was in the habit of doing (being the socratic): which of these two things is more difficult?: to never sin again in ones entire life, or to spend 30 minutes saying the Rosary? Hence, what Jesus said in that instance, which Juan takes as a disproof of penance, is actually extremely difficult if not impossible penance, and helps prove the Catholic case. All the biblical commands telling us not to sin (which apply whether one accepts the myth of extrinsic justification or not) are all infinitely harder to follow than saying a Rosary. Yet Juan wants to squabble about that miniscule penance? See: Romans 6:11-13 So you also must consider yourselves dead tosin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. [12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. [13] Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness. 1 Corinthians 15:34 Come to your right mind, and sin no more. 2 Corinthians 7:1 . . . let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God. Ephesians 4:26 Be angry but do not sin . . . 1 Timothy 5:20, 22 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. . . . [22] . . . keep yourself pure. Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 12:1 . . . let us also lay aside every weight, and sin . . . 1 Peter 1:16 since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. 1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin . . . 1 John 3:6, 8-9 No one who abides in himsins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. . . . [8] He who commits sin is of the devil; . . . [9] No one born of God commits sin; for Gods nature abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. 1 John 5:18 We know that any one born of God does not sin Likewise, when Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all he had in order to gain salvation, it was a work (of penance, if you will) that was necessary to receive complete forgiveness and salvation. Heres another passage in which a penance is imposed in conjunction with forgiveness extended: Numbers 5:6-7 Say to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that men commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person is guilty, [7] he shall confess his sin which he has committed; and he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it, and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong. This is the principle of restitution (cf. Ex 22:1, 5-6, 11-15; Lev 5:16): returning what one stole or offering a commensurate recompense. Its not enough to simply be declared forgiven. And penance in Catholicism reflects this very biblical understanding. Referencing Mark 5:34, Juan wrote, Now, what saved the woman was not the payment of penance after the confession, but rather her faith. (p. 72) Once again, Juan is out to sea as to the actual nature of Catholic absolution. To repeat, we dont believe that imposed penances (usually now very minor) are what forgives a person. The priest has already absolved them of their sin in the confessional. Here is the current formula that Catholic priests say in order to absolve a penitent: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his son has reconciled the world to himself and poured out the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the church may God grant you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Are we supposed to be impressed that Juan more or less continually misrepresents or never understands in the first place, so many Catholic beliefs and practices? The only sin that a Christian brother has the power to forgive are sins committed against his person. (p. 73) Thats clearly untrue. Paul, in the example I provided above of the sinning Corinthian man, wasnt personally sinned against. But he imposed penance on him and then forgave him in the sense of absolution. John 20:23 states: If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. I guess if Juan had written the Gospel of John instead of St. John, this verse would have read, If you forgive the sins of any who sin against you, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any who sin against you, they are retained. John the Baptist offered forgiveness of sins through his baptism. They werent sins against him! Leviticus 4:35 states: the priest shall make atonement for him for the sin which he has committed, and he shall be forgiven. Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray thee (Moses: Num 14:19; and God complies in 14:20). If Juan would simply read the entire Bible, or adequately study and research every claim he makes about it, things would go much better for him, and his readers would be far better educated. * Summary: Juan Oliveira misrepresents the Catholic Churchs view of sacramental confession and absolution in several ways. I correct him with massive biblical arguments. In light of this new information, this will be my last critique. Its a shame, because I was enjoying myself so much, and I felt that I came up with some fresh arguments, but this book deserves no further response. It was already a very weak, poor volume (desperately in need of an editor), even if these factors werent in play. What I have written thus far has, in my opinion, value in and of itself, as a ten-part Catholic apologetics course. So it wasnt a waste of time at all. But no more. Im only interested in responding to serious, adequately researched, honest apologetics. Just as I finished my tenth installment (10-5-23), Fraternidade Newman Brasil [Newman Brazil Fraternity] published a devastatingly comprehensive (and shocking) expose entitled Apologetica da Desonestidade: Evidencias de Plagio e outras Trapacas no Livro do Protestante Juan Roberto Oliveira [Apologetics of Dishonesty: Evidence of Plagiarism and other Cheating in the Book of Protestant Juan Roberto Oliveira]. Brazilian Protestantis the author of the book, Nenhum Caminho Leva a Roma: O pecurso ate o protestantismo [No Road Leads to Rome: The Path to Protestantism]. It has no date or publisher listed. But it was recently released. Hes aand is active on Twitter (now X) and, especially, Instagram . When I informed Juan of my replies, he quickly wrote on Twitter:I wish him all the best in that endeavor. If anyone discovers that he has ever answered any of my critiques, please let me know.His words will be in. Translations from the Portugese of his book will be made with Google Translate (with an occasional additional modification). I will use RSV for Bible translations. The expression Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus is a Latin phrase that can be translated as Outside the Church there is no salvation. . . . The idea behind this phrase is that the Catholic Church is seen as the only path to eternal salvation and therefore anyone who desires to achieve salvation must be a member of the Catholic Church. Historically, this belief was associated with the concept of religious exclusivism, which maintains that only those who follow the Catholic faith can be saved. (p. 67) The issue is far more complex than Juan (as usual) makes it out to be. First of all, it isnt just the Catholic Church that makes this claim (i.e., rightly understood, as opposed to the widespread caricatures of it). Prominent early Protestant leader John Calvin did, too: [B]eyond the pale of the Church no forgiveness of sins, no salvation, can be hoped for . . . the abandonment of the Church is always fatal. (Institutes of the Christian Religion, IV, 1:4) [N]one obtain forgiveness but those who are citizens, and of the household of the Church . . . (Is. 33:24). (Inst., IV, 1:20) Both Martin Luther and John Calvin never got rebaptized when they left the Catholic Church, because they both recognized Catholic baptism as a valid sacrament, and that Catholicism (headed by the pope in Rome) remained fundamentally, essentially Christian, no matter how much corruption had crept into it, according to them. Luther, writing in 1528, was quite remarkably explicit about this: The Christendom that now is under the papacy is truly the body of Christ and a member of it. If it is his body, then it has the true spirit, gospel, faith, baptism, sacrament, keys, the office of the ministry, prayer, holy Scripture, and everything that pertains to Christendom. So we are all still under the papacy and therefrom have received our Christian treasures. . . . We do not rave as do the rebellious spirits, so as to reject everything that is found in the papal church. For then we would cast out even Christendom from the temple of God, and all that it contained of Christ. (Concerning Rebaptism: A Letter to Two Pastors, 1528, from Luthers Works, Vol. 40, 225-262; translated by Conrad Bergendoff) Juan would probably respond at this point, but the Catholic Church is not nearly so gracious and ecumenical as that! And if he did he would be wrong. Our ecumenical views and official position that Protestants are part of the Body of Christ and our separated brothers and sisters in Christ didnt start with Vatican II in the 1960s (as many including many inadequately catechized Catholics wrongly think). The Council of Trent, in its seventh session in 1547 (On Baptism) stated: CANON IV.-If any one saith, that the baptism which is even given by heretics in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, with the intention of doing what the Church doth, is not true baptism; let him be anathema. See also the Council of Florence, Session 8, from the year 1439, over a hundred years earlier. It stated: [I]n case of necessity not only a priest or a deacon, but even a lay man or a woman, even a pagan and a heretic, can baptize provided he or she uses the form of the church and intends to do what the church does. The Catholic Church regards trinitarian Protestant baptism (whether sprinkling babies or adult immersion) as sacramentally valid, which means that anyone who receives it (virtually all Protestants) are regenerated, part of the Body of Christ, and are recipients of all of the many supernatural blessings that derive from it. One Catholic site compiled passages form the Catechism of the Catholic Church, regarding the graces received at baptism (which Protestants also receive): For the forgiveness of sins A new creature Immersion in water symbolises not only death and purification, but also regeneration and renewal. Thus the two principal effects are purification from sin and new birth in the Holy Spirit. By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin. Yet, temporal consequences of sin remain such as concupiscence or inclination to sin. Baptism makes the neophyte a new creature, an adopted Son of God, a partaker of the divine nature, member of Christ and co-heir with him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptised sanctifying grace, the grace of justification. The whole organism of the Christians supernatural life has its roots in Baptism the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the moral virtues. Incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ and incorporates us into the Church. The Baptised are built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood. By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and holy mission. Baptism gives a share in the common priesthood of all believers. The baptised belongs not to himself but to Him who died and rose for us. There is a duty to obey the Churchs leaders. The baptised also enjoys rights within the Church to receive the remaining six Sacraments, the Word of God and to be nourished by other spiritual helps. Baptism constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who are reborn. An Indelible Spiritual Mark The person baptised is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated. This sacramental character consecrates them for Christian religious worship and sharing in the holy liturgy. The Holy Spirit has marked us with the seal of the Lord for the day of redemption. Baptism is indeed the seal of eternal life. Catholics also hold that marriage between two lifelong non-divorced Protestants is a sacrament and therefore gives grace. Therefore, it is neither strictly required that one be a member of the Catholic Church in order to be saved, nor that they adhere to all Catholic teachings. If Juan had done proper research into this issue he wouldnt have been so inexcusably and embarrassingly wrong. But the incipient prejudice and bias of anti-Catholics usually precludes such necessary and honest work. It is true, I hasten to add, as a Catholic apologist and educator, that if a person becomes convinced in their conscience that the Catholic Church teaches the fullness of Christian truth, and is the one true Church of Christ, that they are then required to join it, on pain of possible loss of salvation if they do not. But millions of non-Catholics truly have not come to that point, for a variety of reasons, and are therefore less culpable in Gods and the Churchs eyes. For many more explanations of this issue, see the section on my Ecumenism and Christian Unity web page. An exclusivist church is one that believes it is the only holder of religious or spiritual truth, claiming that only its members are on the right path to salvation or a genuine connection with the divine. (p. 67) Many sects fit into this description. The Catholic Church does not. Vatican IIs Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio, 21 November 1964) offers a magnificently ecumenical statement concerning the Christian endowments of Protestants (my caps): Moreover, some, even very many, of the most significant elements and endowments which together go to build up and give life to the Church itself, can exist OUTSIDE the visible boundaries of the Catholic Church: the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements. ALL of these . . . COME FROM CHRIST and lead back to him . . . (3) The brethren divided from us also carry out many liturgical actions of the Christian religion. In ways that vary according to the conditions of each Church or community, these liturgical actions most certainly can truly engender a LIFE OF GRACE, and, one must say, can aptly GIVE ACCESS TO THE COMMUNION OF SALVATION. (3) the separated Churches and communions as such . . . have been by no means deprived of significance and IMPORTANCE IN THE MYSTERY OF SALVATION. For the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as a MEANS OF SALVATION which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church. (3) Catholics must gladly acknowledge and esteem the TRULY CHRISTIAN ENDOWMENTS for our common heritage which are to be found among our separated brethren. It is right and salutary to recognize the RICHES OF CHRIST and virtuous works in the lives of others who are BEARING WITNESS TO CHRIST, sometimes even to the shedding of their blood. (4) Nor should we forget that anything WROUGHT BY THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT in the hearts of our separated brethren can CONTRIBUTE TO OUR OWN EDIFICATION. Whatever is TRULY CHRISTIAN is never contrary to what GENUINELY BELONGS TO THE FAITH; indeed, it can always bring a more perfect realization of the very mystery of Christ and the Church. (4) we rejoice that our separated brethren look to Christ as the source and center of ecclesiastical communion. Their longing for union with Christ impels them ever more to seek unity, and also to bear witness to their faith among the peoples of the earth. (20) A love and reverence . . . of Holy Scripture leads our brethren to a constant and diligent study of the sacred text . . . in the dialogue itself, the sacred word is a precious instrument in the mighty hand of God for attaining to that unity which the Saviour holds out to all men. (21) For more along these lines, see my article, How Catholics View Protestants. However, it is important to note that not all churches or religions that consider themselves exclusivists, are necessarily harmful or intolerant. Some may take a more inclusive approach to others beliefs, promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect: which is not the case with the Roman Catholic church. (p. 68) This is a falsehood, as unanswerably proven above. The Catholic Church is more respectful towards Protestants than many Protestant bodies are towards us (or each other, for that matter). For example, the Lutheran Book of Concord, which is that denominations continuing creedal and authoritative standard for doctrine, makes the following outrageous statement, comparing the Catholic Mass to ancient Baal-worship in Israel: [J]ust as in Israel, Baalitic services continued, and, nevertheless, a Church of God was there which disapproved of godless services, so Baalitic worship inheres in the domain of the Pope, namely, the abuse of the Mass, . . . And it seems that this Baalitic worship will endure as long as the reign of the Pope, until Christ will come to judge, and by the glory of His advent destroy the reign of Antichrist. Meanwhile all who truly believe the Gospel [that they may truly honor God and have a constant comfort against sins; for God has graciously caused His Gospel to shine, that we might be warned and saved] ought to condemn these wicked services, devised, contrary to Gods command, in order to obscure the glory of Christ and the righteousness of faith. (Defense of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV: Of the Mass, sec. 98) I ask Juan: is that more exclusivistic than Catholic teachings on other Christians, outlined above? Is it harmful or intolerant or does it foster peaceful coexistence and mutual respect? * Summary: Juan Oliveira misrepresents the Catholic Churchs view of non-Catholics and salvation. I present the actual facts, stressing our view regarding valid Protestant baptism. At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Excellently written story World-class acting, not only by Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves Graphically stunning Cyberpunk 2077 is the new Crysis Skill tree conversion trimmed for RPG Dogtown is Narcos Medellin by day, Blade Runner by night Stealth Bond, John Wick, or Mr. Robot each game type feels unique Has a lot more Keanu Reeves than we were expecting Cons Perhaps a little too bloody and designed for splatter Dogtown is very twisty and not ideal for car battles, but all of Night City waits Our Verdict Phantom Liberty is CD Projekt REDs masterpiece. Not only is Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty graphically easily three generations ahead of the entire industry and redefines how we experience video games with pathtracing, its also written even more thrillingly and staged even more explosively. Anyone who doesnt enjoy this several times in different play styles has never loved video games. A clear must-play. Cyberpunk 2077s Phantom Liberty expansion is a reminder of how incredibly explosive gaming has become and the perfection with which CD Projekt RED manages to involve its actors. When Idris Elba is on a train out of Dogtown, joking with Songbird about how they really need to eat that one famous burrito of his together sometime, and theres such an eerie silence to the flirtation the nervous looks of the head hacker because shes about to betray him these are moments that feel like theyd belong in House of Cards or 24. There arent many games as well written as Phantom Liberty It takes a lot of courage to write characters you dont automatically like, who are complex and grey-shaded. (Well be talking a lot more about Songbird.) CD Projekt RED can put itself in a league with Naughty Dog here. Surely two of the best game studios in the world when it comes to delivering epic, visceral, highly emotional single player campaigns. The choice of actors in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty is absolutely fantastic. The new star in the ensemble, Idris Elba, plays the high-tech James Bond the way Daniel Craig does the tough guy who walks over dead bodies for his government and it changes him. Take The Bloody Shot, as M would say. Written like a TV series: its a treat to see how atmospherically CD Projekt RED sets the scene for Idris Elba and his acting colleagues PC WELT Its a gritty spy story. And thats the beauty of role-playing games: We are guided, but at key points we take the position of the head writer, deciding between loyalty and principles and moral and human considerations. There is a lot of push-pull in the storytelling, which gives weight to your decisions and makes you want to start a second run-through right now. Narrative Director Igor SarzyAski and his team also find smart ideas to move characters along. PC WELT Myers was Militechs boss bitch in Cyberpunk 2077, happy to let others walk all over her for her career. And now as President of the New United States, we spend a lot of time with her. She unveils a bit of her soul, tells us what it takes not to end up on a rubbish heap with a bullet in her head in the corporate world of Night City. But she also always remains inscrutable. You always have in the back of your mind what kind of person she is and so you have this alert button in your head. Thats also so utterly iconic cyberpunk a completely broken world, capitalism at its end stages and a struggle for survival from the gutter to the White House. We can play V as James Bond. Or check hackers as in Mr Robot. Or John Wick as a motorbike ninja slashing tyres with his katana. PC WELT In the end, this is exactly the tingling sensation in storytelling that only very few studios can create. Phantom Liberty often makes us think of House of Cards, where everyone is an asshole, but in a smart, scheming, hideously admirable way. A story is always particularly good when there arent just the good guys and the bad guys any third-rate writer can write a basic action movie, but not many can write a TV series that captivates for over 10 hours. Or an action epic like Phantom Liberty, which, with all the side quests, easily clocks in at 30 hours of press you into the gaming chair drama. Choose your truth V, Songbird says, because there are often those in these worlds youd like to believe and the naked truth. Cyberpunk 2.0 CDPR doesnt draw one-dimensional characters, but many-faced ones with pasts, all the way through. And that plays gloriously into this gigantic update called Cyberpunk 2.0: the original was very numbers driven, but the 2023 version Cyberpunk 2077 puts role-playing back into RPG. If you want to let the boss hacker hang out, you explode grenades on belts, weapons malfunction and use mechs against their own army. PC WELT We can skill V as a smart-weapon hacker, then she plays like James Bond or Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde thats that ultimate Hollywood fantasy about super-agents being able to eliminate an entire army with headshots. But we can also go full Kill Bill quadruple-dash in mid-air, slicing through armored enemies and slashing cars at full speed on one of those insanely fast motorbikes. Quentin Tarantino likes to chat with other Hollywood directors about movies and games on his podcast. Theres no doubt hell be celebrating Phantom Liberty. We bounce bullets with the katana like were Luke Skywalker. And go ultra-hacker Mr. Robot style. Because everyone wears cyberware here, you can pull a lot of shenanigans with it, like exploding grenades on enemy belts. Thats the ultimate freedom that the skill trees give us and that makes Phantom Liberty so damn strong. You can play through this RPG epic three times and will get three completely different gameplay experiences, which is a huge strength of this game. Dogtown is a dystopian, breathtakingly beautiful pathtracing playground Path tracing is a new way to experience games: digital worlds have rarely felt so real, like walking through Blade Runner 2049. PC WELT Dogtown, the new area unlocked in Phantom Liberty, shoots upwards. It plays heavily in the vertical its basically a cyber Las Vegas that was never finished because of the Corpo wars. The many scaffolds lend themselves to air-dashing a group of mercenaries in almost Assassins Creed style. And its a very variant city within the city there are glass palaces, luxury hotels, and casinos nearing completion. Glass is perfect for pathtracing, CD Projekt RED fires off a fireworks display of technology here. The way orange smoke is reflected in facades at night and the way this studio builds atmosphere with the play of light and shadow, even Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) would take a bow. There is much to discover: a network of roads leads into tunnels that wind their way to military bunker fortresses. There is a kind of shantytown for the poor wretches and junkies, cobbled together from old shipping containers. But there is also a high-tech stadium, which is half destroyed and in whose catacombs there is a huge black market where you can buy everything that is forbidden in Night City. The weirdest cyberware, but cyberware that can also make us overheat. PC WELT Thats another huge strength of CDPR: there are tons of side characters, all of them somehow quirky and superbly written like the Dude, who as a war veteran has had flamethrowers bolted to his arms for the ultimate cyber-flex. And then theres lots of locations that are built primarily as playgrounds. The Black Sapphire Tower, the HQ of local warlord Kurt Hanson, is a high-security palace made of gold, where at the very top a rave club invites you to party for the citys mafia bosses. PC WELT Enough traps and self-shooting devices await below to knock out an army, and we go in quiet and stealthy like Sam Fisher in his prime. Or we can go full headshot, John Wick style. Or hack combat robots that run amok. Crack cars and crash them in droves. Or well ski to maximum power, swing the hammer and let half armies shred in blood splatter. Catapult ourselves at the enemy from above with the katana or pack an entire armury and let it all hang out it feels like theres a high-tech shooting thrash waiting at every corner thats even wackier than the last one. Theres always another city to burn. Phantom Liberty is the Cyberpunk 2077 youve been waiting for. Dont hesitate to hop in. Parent company of Stanbic Bank Ghana, the Standard Bank Group, and one of the worlds leading banks, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) have renewed their strategic cooperation partnership for another five years. The partner institutions continue to lead the Africa-China trade and investment markets, jointly providing unequalled expertise and capabilities to individuals and businesses trading between Africa and China. At the signing ceremony for a 5-year renewal of their strategic co-operation agreement at Standard Banks head office in Johannesburg, the executive leadership of both banks committed to building on their highly successful 15-year partnership by unlocking enhanced opportunities across the growing China-Africa trade corridor. The renewed agreement celebrates the mutually beneficial and rewarding partnership, while looking forward to future growth. The partnership between Standard Bank and ICBC has facilitated the worlds leading Africa-China trade and investment platform. In 2022 alone, their facilitated trade flows between Africa and China were valued at $600 million. Standard Bank has long understood the primary importance of China to the growth of our continent, and I am privileged and honoured to thank my colleagues at ICBC for their ongoing partnership. We look forward to the next 15 years together as we build on our successes and drive inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa, says Standard Bank Group CEO, Sim Tshabalala. This relationship between Standard Bank and ICBC is critical to accelerating Africas economic development, broadens Chinas relationships with Africa, and gives African exporters access to the worlds largest and most dynamic market. By jointly endorsing the Belt and Road initiative and leveraging the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we expect Africa and China to become even more relevant to each other, says Mr Tshabalala. ICBC Chairman, Mr Chen Siqing, echoed these sentiments, thanking Standard Bank for its partnership, support and commitment over the years in encouraging robust and impactful trade between Africa and China, while having a significant impact on improving the lives of Africa and her people. China is Africas biggest trade partner, and we want to build on the successes while opening the door to renewed growth. This is especially true in the areas of energy transition which can create sustainable and long-term positive impacts, when we jointly support our respective countries and customers journeys to net zero emissions, says Mr Chen. The ongoing development of China-Africa economic and trade exchanges, coupled with Chinas economic growth and Africa's abundant resources, increasing industrialisation, and growing population, creates a promising environment for continued trade and investment. As these trends continue, we look forward to working with our trusted partner Standard Bank to unlock these opportunities. We firmly believe our relationship will continue to mature and bear synergies and will remain beneficial to both organisations, he says. Recognizing the significant growth potential of the continent, both Standard Bank and ICBC have invested heavily in building the necessary infrastructure and relationships to provide African and Chinese businesses easier access to the vast opportunities in this strategic trade corridor. Standard Bank, with ICBC support, has facilitated the growth journeys of over 3,500 Chinese commercial, corporate and state-owned entities across 15 African markets. The bulk of these firms are overwhelmingly private firms invested in a broad range of sectors. The scale of new private Chinese investment has substantially enhanced Africas ability to import and deploy the technology and skills required to build its own economies while also increasing the continents ability to attract investment from other markets. As Africas biggest trading partner, China will remain deeply embedded in the continents economic growth story. Bringing these two regions together, combining our resources, ideas and cultures to create a unique shared capacity, has immense benefits that will drive regional and global development for generations to come, concludes Mr. Tshabalala. 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 Prudential Bank Limited (PBL), has presented a brand-new Nissan Navara Pick-up Truck worth over GHC500, 000 to the National Teaching Council in Accra. The presentation was in fulfillment of the Banks commitment to the Ghana Teacher Prize (GTP) formerly, the National Best Teacher Award ceremony scheduled for October 5, in the Western Region. Prudential Bank had been sponsoring the first runner-up award category of the GTP for the past four years and last Thursdays presentation was the fifth consecutive time they were honouring their pledge towards the event. Presenting the vehicle to the council, the Managing Director of Prudential Bank, Mr Bernard Appiah Gyebi said the move formed part of their social responsibility obligations as well as support the government to provide quality education through the motivation of teachers. During the launch, we pledged to provide the vehicle for the awards and we are excited to be part of this years event once again, he stated. He said the Bank was honoured to partner with the Ministry of Education, the National Teaching Council, the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Teacher Prize brand to motivate teachers. He commended teachers for their resilience and determination in ensuring that the education of future leaders continued to evolve despite the numerous challenges. As a forward-looking indigenous bank, he said, it remained committed to ensuring that teachers gained the recognition they deserved. Receiving the vehicle, the Registrar at the National Teaching Council, Dr Christian Addai-Poku commended the Bank for their support over the years. Prudential Bank over the years has been very supportive and we appreciate their support once again towards the upcoming ceremony, he stated. He added that, the awards served as a platform to appreciate teachers for their hard work and commitment towards impacting knowledge and transforming lives of young people across the country. With this kind of support, our aim of rewarding hardworking teachers in the country would be achieved, he stated. The 2023 edition of the GTP would be held under the theme, The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, along with a delegation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), visited former President John Agyekum Kufuor and his family on Wednesday, October 4, to offer their condolences on the passing of former First Lady Theresa Kufuor. During the visit, Mahama, accompanied by his wife, former First Lady Lordina, referred to the late Theresa Kufuor as the affectionately known Mother of the Nation due to her dignified personality during her time as First Lady. The delegation included Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, the Chair of the NDC Council of Elders, members of the NDC Council of Elders, and the partys Political Committee. Mahama signed the Book of Condolence on behalf of the NDC, writing, We are all saddened by the passing of our respected mother, former First Lady Madam Theresa Kufuor. She carried herself with dignity and was truly acknowledged by the people of Ghana as the Mother of the Nation. Mahama also expressed his condolences to President Agyekum Kufuor and the entire family, praying for God to grant the deceased a peaceful repose. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor noted that the family is currently making funeral arrangements, which will be announced in due course. In the meantime, national flags in Ghana have been flying at half-mast since Monday, October 2, following the instruction of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The flag lowering will continue until Sunday, October 8, as a mark of respect for the late former First Lady Theresa Kufuor. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Founder and leader of Alabaster International Ministries, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has warned Parliament against the possible removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. Prophet Oduro emphasized that any move to oust the IGP from office would be a grave mistake, possibly affecting the integrity of the 2024 polls. In a recent sermon, he cautioned against Parliament recommending the removal or taking any adverse action against Dampare. Now let me use this opportunity to tell the inquiry and the Parliament of Ghana, dont make a mistake to remove Doctor (IGP) or make a recommendation to the president of Ghana to remove Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. That will be your worst mistake everyou know when President Mahama was the president and when he removed those three boys from prison. When he pardoned them, I said this would cost the president his election and it did. I am telling the president of Ghana if Parliament should make a recommendation because we are gravitating towards the point that Akuffo Dampare should be replaced as Inspector General of Police. You would have tinted the integrity, veracity, and authenticity of the next election, he said. Dr. George Akuffo Dampare recently appeared before a parliamentary committee probing an alleged leaked audio involving an ouster plot by some top police officers and former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Bugri Naabu. The audio outlines a backdoor plot to remove Dampare from his position and contained several allegations against him. Source: Starrfm.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An influential team of Obuasi natives paid a courtesy call to the Paramount Chief of Adansi traditional area, Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II, the Adansihene in USA on Sunday September 24, 2023. The learned and respected Chief who used to live in Maryland, USA and worked as a Certified United States Corporate Accountant is currently in the US for medical review. The team that visited the Chief included Hon. Edward Ennin (Former Obuasi MP), Hon Samuel Aboagye (NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East) and Dr. Solomon Owusu (Mining Consultant in USA). The purpose of the visit was to check on the Chiefs health, offer help if needed and use the opportunity to discuss certain concerning matters confronting the people from Adansi areas, particularly Obuasi. According to the team, Obuasi is one of the top gold mining towns in Africa and the world at large but the town is far behind development with excruciating poverty faced by the people. Topics that were discussed included illegal mining (galamsey) issues, youth unemployment, infrastructure deficit and lack of benefits from gold mining activities in the Adansi traditional areas. On the youth unemployment, Hon. Samuel Aboagye expressed concern about the manner in which the Adansi youth are denied employment opportunities from AngloGold Mining company, UMA Mining Contracting company and other subcontractors while people from the big cities like Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, etc., get employed to work with these companies. In his view, qualified Adansi natives should be given the first employment priority at all levels of the organizations before anyone else. Again, Hon. Aboagye raised concern about the frustrations that small-scale miners in the Adansi areas face in their activities that put food on their family tables while the foreigners, particularly the Chinese illegal miners pollute waterbodies and degrade lands with impunity. He wondered if the government is aware of the illegal mining activities operated by foreigners in Obuasi and its catchment areas. As part of the discussions, Hon Ennin who is currently a board member of AngloGold Ashanti Mining Company and former Obuasi MP disclosed that the company relinquished about 70% of its entire concession to the government to be given to the small-scale miners for their operations. Unfortunately, these concessions ended up in the hands of some top government officials who are benefitting from them, instead of demarcating them among the small-scale miners as planned. Explaining the constraints involved in the youth unemployment issues, Hon. Ennin stressed the effective structure that AngloGold has put in place to ensure that Adansi natives are considered for job opportunities. According to him, the company has issued resident evidence forms to the local and traditional authorities, purposely to authenticate job applicants to ensure that those considered are truly qualified natives from the Adansi areas. With those forms in place, Hon. Ennin was of the view that Adansi residents should rather blame their local and traditional leaders, if they suspect job opportunities offered to nonnatives. Commenting on the general mining issues, Dr. Solomon Owusu raised concern on why Obuasi and its catchment areas havent been developed from the proceeds from mining activities. According to him, active mining operations have been ongoing in the area since 1800s and yet, Obuasi and the surrounding mining localities lack basic amenities such as good roads, good drinking water, constant electricity, good sanitation facilities, standardized health facilities, among others. He further expressed his concerns about the alarming rate of foreigners invasion into the small-scale mining sector and gold bullion trading, which are meant for only Ghanaian citizens, according to Mineral and Mining Act 2006, Act 703. On illegal mining, Dr. Owusu pleaded with the Paramount Chief to resist the water pollution and land degradation caused by the foreign nationals, particularly the Chinese nationals around Obuasi and its catchment areas. He continued to plead with Nana to discipline the subchiefs who demarcate lands to foreigners to operate illegal mining, since they allow all the destructions to happen in their respective localities. He stressed that there is no way a foreigner can operate galamsey on a concession without the knowledge of the chief who controls that portion of the land. Concerning punishment for illegal miners, Dr. Owusu expressed his disappointment in Ghanaian leaders about the way foreigners who engage in illegal mining are left off the hook after their arrests while Ghanaian illegal miners serve prison sentences. In his opinion, the newly amended Minerals and Mining Act 2019, Act 995 prescribes penalties for minimum imprisonment terms for citizens and non-citizens who engage in illegal mining activities. Speaking on the legal issues surrounding the illegal mining activities and referring to the act, Dr. Owusu made it clear to Nana that per the Act, citizens who engage in illegal mining risk a prison sentence of 15 to 20 years and non-citizens risk a jail term of 20 to 25 years. Hence, Dr. Owusu found it surprising why none of the Chinese illegal miners is imprisoned but lots of Ghanaian galamseyers are caged to rot in jail. He proposed that the government should minimize the intense bureaucratic procedures used to acquire small-scale mining licenses to encourage the illegal miners to register into the mainstream. Dr. Owusu again drew the Chiefs attention that small-scale mining can be conducted in environmentally friendly manner to minimize or avoid water pollution, hence he couldnt fathom why the government cannot come up with effective policies and measures to implement good mining practices to save current and future generations from life-threatening diseases such as liver diseases, kidney diseases, lung diseases, heart diseases, etc., caused by illegal mining activities. Responding to the illegal mining issues in the area, the Adansihene spoke in a hoarse voice and expressed his disappointment in the government representatives in Adansi as well as the Ghana Police Service. He disclosed how some of the government appointees and the police condone and defend illegal miners in the area. Nana cited a recent case on August 5, 2023 when members of a taskforce established by the Adansi Traditional Council were openly attacked and brutally assaulted by galamseyers at Adansi Ampunyasi. Surprisingly, the police arrested the taskforce members and their branded taskforce vehicle, insisting that they were armed robbers and instead, freed the illegal miners. It took prompt intervention of the Paramount Chiefs lawyer to save the taskforce members from going to jail. The branded taskforce vehicle damaged by the illegal miners is still parked at the police premises. This matter is still pending at the police station and has not been processed for legal proceedings at the law court. Expressing his dispiritedness and dismay about the behaviour of government representatives, the Paramount Chief disclosed a recent letter he received from the Regional Minister, Mr. Simon Osei Mensah through the Adansi North District Assembly, indicating that traditional authorities should stop all taskforce operations and instead, report any galamsey activity to the District Security Council (DISEC). According to the celebrated Chief, the letter alone is enough evidence to justify how the hands of the traditional leaders are tied concerning galamsey issues. Notwithstanding the fact that some government institutions and appointees sabotage the efforts by the traditional leaders to execute their duties as the custodians of the lands, the learned Chief welcomed all ideas from the team, showered his blessings upon them and promised to embrace new technological innovations that can help in creating jobs, addressing the galamsey issues and developing Adansi and Ghana as a whole. Concerning the allegation on certification of job application forms for nonnatives by the local leaders, Nana assured the team about his willingness to initiate investigations into the matter and ensure that Adansi natives benefit from job opportunities in the area. Source: Dr. Solomon Owusu, USA 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Normative activity in state bodies (institutions) is being improved in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a corresponding decree in this regard. On the 16th of September,2023 the Delhi Private School International organised its Annual Awards Ceremony at the schools premises. The event which is purposed to award students for their outstanding performances in academics and extra activities saw students from all grades win prestigious awards. Also, students who achieved tremendous success in their A- levels exams and secured admissions in universities across the world were recognised. Shriman Jha and Raj Thakwani both received honorary awards for their overwhelming achievements for the school. The event was graced by notable dignitaries such as Hon. Al-Latif (District Chief Executive- Ningo/ Prampram District Assembly), Madam Jemima (country head, UBA Bank), Mr Chris (MD, UBA) and Addams Zanatu, Accounts Relationship Managee who gave awards to deserving students as well as encouraging them to do more. The chairman of the school, Mr. Mike Mukesh Thakwani during his speech expressed his joy in seeing these students excel in academics and other activities. He stated that these awards are evidence of the good works of the school and that with such dedication the future of Ghana looks bright. DPSI is dedicated to growing and nurturing young people in areas of academics and talents to help them contribute their quoter to the betterment of the world. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A former Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Christian Appiagyei, has passed away. He was 92. A statement signed by the Deputy Secretary General of the labour union, Joshua Ansah, said the death occurred in Accra on September 15, after a short illness. A one-week observance of his passing will be held this morning at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Emmanuel Congregation, Dansoman from 7:30am to 8:30am, after which there will be a family gathering at his residence, opposite Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Dansoman last stop. Tenure A long-serving activist, Mr Appiagyei became the 16th administrative head of the TUC from 1993 to 2000, succeeding Augustine Yankey. His tenure was considered a defining moment for organised labour as he took charge just at the time that Ghanas Fourth Republic was birthed, thus leading organised labour to push for their Constitutional rights and freedom. His tenure was considered a dicey relationship between labour and the elected National Democratic Congress government, which was led by Jerry John Rawlings. Mr Appiagyei served two terms and was succeeded by Kwasi Adu-Amankwah when his tenure came to an end in 2000. Source: Graphiconline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt has rubbished the annual teachers' awards organized by government to reward outstanding teachers in the nation. This year's teachers' awards saw Faith Aku Dzakpasu, a teacher at GRETA D Shepherd Two Basic School in the Greater Accra region, being adjudged the "Most Outstanding Teacher". For her prize, Faith Aku Dzakpasu was presented with a prototype of a three-bedroom apartment to be built at a place of her choice in any part of Ghana, one million Ghana cedis worth of insurance from the State Insurance Company (SIC) and 1000 exercise books. The first runner-up award went to Isabella Wussa-Tetteh of Sege D/A Primary in the Greater Accra Region and she took home a 44 pick-up truck, one million Ghana cedis worth of insurance cover from SIC and 1000 exercise books. The second runner-up position went to Fredous Idi-Amin of Ogbojo Presbyterian Basic School who also was given a brand new saloon vehicle, one million Ghana cedis insurance cover from SIC and 1000 exercise books. But to Kwesi Pratt, rewarding three teachers out of the lot is not as commendable as improving the working conditions of teachers nationwide. He explained that a mammoth number of teachers in Ghana are suffering, faced with unbearable conditions that make their work extremely difficult and uninspiring. He also alluded to the government's inability to uphold its promise to pay allowances to the teachers, particularly those posted to the villages and also touched on the government's failure to provide laptops to all the teachers who were promised laptops to aid their teaching. Mr. Pratt was further very worried about the high teacher attrition rates as revealed the Registrar of the National Teaching Council (NTC), Dr Christian Addai-Poku, which shows over 16,000 Ghanaian teachers have applied to the Department of Education in the United Kingdom (UK) for employment and 10000 of the applicants with Ghana Teacher Licences have been certified to work in the UK. To him, organizing an event and giving awards to a few doesn't suffice to deal with these major challenges affecting teachers, so asked government to fix the problems instead of receiving praises for rewarding some hardworking teachers. "When the year ends and you select one and promise to build a house for the person, you have done nothing. The plight of teachers isn't a small thing at all. This is why they are running away like there is war in Ghana...Are you going to blame them? Is their fault?", he commented on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show. 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 Six sites have been proposed for the construction of the airport within the Central and Western regions of the country. Two of the sites are in Takoradi, two in Komenda, and another two in Cape Coast. A Senior Partner of Ayeh and Ayeh, the consultancy firm which conducted the feasibility studies, Leslie Alex Ayeh, in a presentation said the findings were a recommendation and that it was up to government to choose either of the sites for the project. He said the project could be undertaken in three phases and added that the choice of one site from the lot did not mean that the other sites were not good. In the latter part of 2021, the Ministry of Transport engaged the services of Ayeh and Ayeh to conduct a study to aid the proper siting of the proposed airport project. The study was done and the report was presented to the Ministry of Transport in Accra yesterday. Mr Ayeh said an in-depth spatial survey was carried out on the six sites and the Komenda site was chosen as the best location. He said the findings were recommendations and that it was up to the government to choose either of the sites for the project. Works Mr Ayeh, as part of the findings, stressed the need for the construction of a dual carriage access road to link the Cape Coast and Takoradi highway. He said the airport, when completed, was expected to have a fuel farm, airport city, fire station, cargo yard, warehouses and rail at the landside while the airside would have navigational aids, passenger terminal and a parallel taxiway. Mr Ayeh also suggested a parking bay consisting of a parking area for passenger cars and buses as well as a separate bay for car rentals and airport taxis. Other structures to be included in the project according to Mr Ayeh, were power plant, water tower, a security post, fire service post and hangers. He said the team undertook a baseline study, geophysical, topographical, environmental and social, requirement by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), a layout to meet the overall vision, engineering studies, meteorological and also studies on costs. The aviation consultant said the strategy for the development of the project could be immediate or a ten to forty year expansion programme in anticipation of the increased traffic. The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, who received the document, said it would be sent to cabinet for further action. He described the report as detailed and said their doors were opened for the private sector to also come on board and that their investment would not go waste. Source: Graphiconline 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 some parts of Accra, residents are living in fear as a lone robber continues to wreak havoc in the community. Known for his brazen daytime thefts, the suspect has managed to evade arrest, prompting the police to launch a manhunt for him. The police have taken the matter seriously and are determined to bring the robber to justice. CCTV footage showing the suspect in action has been circulating on social media, alerting the public to his criminal activities. Acknowledging the widespread concerns, the police have assured the public that the matter is already under investigation. Intelligence teams within the police service have been working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the suspect. Their efforts have been intensified in recent weeks and progress is being made in narrowing down potential leads. Law enforcement agencies are confident that their hard work will ultimately lead to the arrest of the lone robber. In the meantime, the police have implemented additional security measures in the affected communities. Patrols have been increased, and officers are vigilant to ensure the safety of residents. The intention is to prevent similar incidents from occurring, instilling a sense of security and reassurance among the community members. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or provide any information that might aid the police in their investigations. Cooperation and support from the public are crucial in ensuring the arrest and successful prosecution of the lone robber. The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in Accra and protecting the lives and properties of its residents. Assurances have been given that the law will be enforced to its fullest extent to bring an end to the reign of terror inflicted by this lone robber. As the manhunt continues, the police are confident that their unwavering determination, combined with the support of the community, will lead to the swift resolution of this alarming situation. The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their belongings. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In a recent report, lawyer and writer Chris-Vincent Agyapong has touted the legitimacy of the Ghana Card as a travel document championed by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. According to him, a friend and travel companion of his had lost his Ghanaian passport and did not have a visa to Ghana in his British passport. However, the friend did have a Ghana Card. Despite initial concerns that the card would not be accepted as a travel document, the friend was able to successfully check-in at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport using the Ghana Card. Agyapong, who was present for the incident, stated that Vice President Bawumia, who has been promoting the Ghana Cards use as a travel document, was not lying about its effectiveness. This report serves as further evidence of the Ghana Cards usefulness and underscores the efforts Ghana is making to digitize its systems. Below is the write up shared by Chris-vincent Agyapong of Ghanacelebrities.com Before my flight takes off, let me sayBawumias Ghana Card really works. My friend, with whom I am travelling with to Ghana was supposed to pick me up at 6am today. When he was not at my end by 6:30am, I called to find out what was happening. He sounded distressed. He couldnt find his Ghanaian Passport and he does not have a visa to Ghana in his British Passport too. He was anxiously searching for his passport and I kept asking, where did you put it, when was the last time you saw it and why didnt you pack this last night? And then I asked: do you have a Ghana Card? He said YES! Then I said: you can use that to travel to Ghanaat least that is what Bawumia claims. He asked: are you sure? And I repliedlets put Bawumias words to testif we get there and they dont accept it at the check-in desk as a Ghanaian travel document, I will write about it. We got to Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport and showed his Ghana Card as evidence that he is a Ghanaian who does not need a visa to travel to Ghana. Bingo: he was checked-in, and we are on the flight now. So, I can confidently say that, our digitalisation man was not lying to us. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil has commended Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his composure in the midst of attacks from his opponents in the on-going NPP flagbearership race. Dr. Bawumia has notably been a subject of relentless attacks by fellow aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, but he has paid deafening silence. Kofi Bentil praised Dr. Bawumia for his calmness describing his trait as a mark of good leadership. "VP Bawumias calmness under attack is extremely commendable. No one has all the answers, we need such calm and focused leadership to succeed," he wrote on his Facebook page. In his interactions with delegates recently, Vice President Bawumia called for a decorous campaign devoid of insults and urged his supporters and Spokespersons not to respond to anyone who insults him. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Bank of Ghanas governor has told Central Banking he rejects demands on him to resign made by the main opposition party, NDC. The largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, and smaller groups took part in a march on the central banks headquarters on October 3. But Ernest Addison says the demonstration yesterday was completely unnecessary, and neither he nor his deputies intend to step down. Dr Addison in an interview with international business website, Central Banking, said he is not stepping down, describing the protest by the NDC as completely unnecessary. The Minority in parliament have many channels to channel their grievances in civilised societies, not through demonstrations in the streets as hooligans, Addison added in reference to the #OccupyBoGProtest. The protest was held on Tuesday, October 3 to denounce the economic crisis as a result of what the protesters termed poor fiscal policy by the BoG. Addison also rejected the claims by the Minority that he printed money to finance the lavish lifestyle of the ruling government. According to him, the BoG provided monetary financing during 2020 and 2022, to meet specific crises which he says is legal under the central bank law. The Central Bank posted losses totalling GHC60.81 billion for the 2022 financial year as against a profit of GHC1.23 billion recorded in 2021. The losses were a result of the governments domestic debt restructuring activities and the depreciation of the cedi, among other effects. Regarding the central banks 2022 losses, Addison told Central Banking: The impairment of the banks holdings of debt which led to the losses was a conditionality for the IMF programme. Nobody at the Bank of Ghana forgave any debt. The Governor also clarified that the BoG decided to start the new headquarters in 2019. This was when the bank was profitable and appropriated some of its profits for the new headquarters, he said. It was not a decision taken during a crisis. Source: Centralbanking.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako says he will cause the arrest of NPP presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong if he makes threats against his life again. According to Chairman Wontumi, Put a stop to all insults and attacks on my personality else I will call for your arrest. Its an advice. You did the same to Ahmed Suale, so dont let it repeat. If you can do something for the party, tell us. Its just exactly a month to the election. I dont want you to lose, but put a stop to your utterances and focus on your campaign to win. The Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman was responding to some statements made by Kennedy Agyapong when he accused him and the Vice President of undermining the NPPs stability during his Showdown Walk in Kumasi over the weekend. Ken Statement Kennedy Agyapong when addressing his followers after the walk in Kumasi said Chairman Wontumi has taken the party for ransom by deploying rogue tactics to do the bidding of some elements in the NPP. Citing a case to buttress his claim, Kennedy Agyapong did not take kindly the utterances of Chairman Wontumi against the person of the former Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, who has resigned from the party. He therefore warned the chairman that going forward, he is going to meet his tactics in equal measure. I dare Wontumi to make a mistake and he will see men in this country, he will see men in Ghana. You operate a radio and TV station to insult elderly people. I dare Wontumi to come here and deny, he was a full-blooded Alan supporter and I convinced him to switch to the side of President Akufo-Addo. You can support Akufo-Addo or Vice President Bawumia but dont insult, Agyapong told the mammoth crowd. On attacks on the person of Alan, Agyapong stated: Alan is being insulted on Wontumis station. Wontumi is just a small boy, he is a small boy. It is sad that Wontumi and five chairmen from four northern regions and the Volta Region have turned the National Council into a hooliganism group. Wontumi Responds However, Chairman Wontumi reacting to Kennedy Agaypongs threats during his presser held in Kumasi, expressed serious concerns about the threats and also urged the flagbearer aspirant to focus on his campaign for the upcoming NPP primaries on November 4th instead of attacking him. I love NPP, I will never say anything against the party or Kennedy Agyapong. I will always ensure the progress of the party. I will let the police arrest you if you threaten me again with your showdown comments. Im advising you against such comments, your threats on Ahmed Suales life caused his death. Im not interested in you losing the elections, but please tell delegates what you can do for the party and desist from spewing derogatory comments against party members, and polling station agents. Just try to apologise to them. You have insulted chiefs, judges, and everyone in the country, everybody knows what you can do, change your attitude, he advised. Chairman Wontumi also defended his decision to order the removal of Alan Kyerematens campaign posters from party offices after Kyerematen resigned from the NPP and his declaration to run as an independent candidate. He further clarified that this directive was a matter of party discipline and not intended as an insult towards Kyerematen. Controversial Kennedy Agyapong will contest for the flagbearership slot of the NPP along with three other contenders including Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis-Addai-Nimoh. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The members of parliament (MPs) in the majority caucus who initiated the move to force Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta out of office and did not walk the talk should be blamed for the economic challenges currently confronting Ghana, Ningo Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George has said. He therefore wants Ghanaians to hold those MPs accountable for the economic challenges. In a television interview on TV3, monitored by Graphic Online on Wednesday [Oct 4, 2023], morning, Sam George said, If there is any group in this country that we need to hold accountable, who actually should be kicked out of parliament, for lacking the integrity to carry through their words, it is majority in parliament. Did they not announce to this whole country that they wanted Ken Ofori-Atta to go? Did the majority leader Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu not come and announce that it was a collective decision of the whole caucus? Did they not say that they were waiting for the IMF deal to be done? He said although the Minority caucus in Parliament brought a motion for censure against Mr Ofori-Atta the Majority caucus voted against it. Did we not present them an opportunity to walk their talk by bringing a motion for censure? Did they vote along the lines of the vote of censure based on what they had said they will do? They lack integrity, they are men and women whose words you cannot take. If there is anybody who sits in that Chamber and pursue partisan considerations it is the NPP members of parliament, the majority side, he said. Sam George accused the Majority side of walking the bid of President Akufo-Addo, They will not vote in line with the wishes of the Ghanaian people when a large majority people of Ghana said Ken must go. Ken is there, and Ken will be there and majority of them will lose their primaries because they lack integrity. People will hold them accountable for it. Source: Graphiconline 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on amendments to the "Maximum staffing of employees of the internal affairs bodies, military personnel of the Internal Troops, and civil servants employed in the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan," dated August 5, 2008, No. 2965, Trend reports. According to the decree, amendments were approved to the "Maximum staffing of employees of the internal affairs bodies, military personnel of the internal troops, and civil servants employed in the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan". Central University lecturer, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah has fired salvoes at the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu over his vulgar tirade at the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison. Lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu, joining protesters to march to the Bank of Ghana on Tuesday, October 3, used unprintable words on the BoG Governor who is accused of mismanaging the bank. The protest led by the Minority in Parliament is to oust the Governor and his deputies. A livid Sosu, who spoke in Ga, threw caution to the wind and descended into the gutters but has rendered an apology for his unfortunate outburst. I wish to sincerely apologise for my choice of words during my outburst yesterday, Tuesday, October 3 2023, during the Occupy BOG Demonstration. I unreservedly apologize for my actions and words and ask that all those offended would find a place in their hearts to forgive me. I have reflected and realized that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character, he said in a statement on Wednesday, October 4. But Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah is least enthused about lawyer Sosu's apology as, to him, the MP has waived his privilege to be called an "Honorable". "He does not deserve to be called Honorable . . . He tarnished his image," he exclaimed while reacting to the behavior of the MP during "Kokrokoo" morning show on Peace FM. He noted that a Member of Parliament must at all times comport himself or herself, hence blasting lawyer Sosu for misconduct. "He must bow his head in shame...It's a shame. I feel so ashamed that he could utter such dirty words." 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 Editor-in-Chief of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt has berated the Governor of the Bank of Ghana over his feedback to the #OccupyBoG protesters who thronged the premises of the bank on Tuesday, October 3. The protesters marched to the Bank of Ghana to petition the Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies to resign over accusations that they have mismanaged the bank resulting in a staggering loss of GH60.8 billion. The Governor, according to a publication by Central Banking, in response to the protest says it was "completely unnecessary and emphasized neither he nor his deputies will step down. The Minority in parliament have many channels to channel their grievances in civilised societies, not through demonstrations in the streets as hooligans, Central Banking further quoted Dr. Addison. Kwesi Pratt finds the Governor's choice of words very unfortunate. According to him, if protesters are hooligans, then Dr. Addison is a "beneficiary of the hooliganism" because the President who appointed him was once an active member of demonstrations in the country. Mr. Pratt wished the Governor had abstained from making such comments, stating "he didn't talk properly at all". "That hooliganism partly contributed to you becoming a Governor. Those who have the authority and have appointed you to become a Governor at the Bank of Ghana were actively involved in demonstrations. So, if demonstration is hooliganism, then you are a beneficiary of hooliganism . . . I'm ashamed for the Governor and Bank of Ghana," he replied while discussing the matter on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo". 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 Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams broke her silence Friday on a week of tragic loss that started with a fatal crash involving a city police officer and ended with a homicide at the crash memorial site. As mayor, I am the leader of this city. But more than that, I am a lifelong resident of Harrisburg, parent and grandparent, and my sole obligation is to continue to work hard at keeping our community safe, Williams said in a video posted Friday afternoon to the city of Harrisburgs social media accounts. Her remarks came a day after the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man at the memorial for another young man killed early Tuesday in a car crash. Marion Holmes, 18, was the front-seat passenger in a Mercury Sable that collided with a city police cruiser around 12:34 a.m. Tuesday at 19th and Holly streets. Police said the officer was on their way to assist with another emergency incident at the time of the crash. Damage to the Sable indicated the officer was driving the wrong way down a one-way street before the crash. Pennsylvania State Police have not said whether the officer stopped before entering the intersection, nor any other details about the crash including the drivers names. State police have not responded to questions about why they are handling the release of information about this crash differently from other fatal crashes. Marshall Vujasinovich, 22, Steelton, was shot around 6 p.m. Thursday while mourning Holmes at a 19th and Holly Street memorial, police said. Vujasinovich was taken to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead less than an hour later. No arrests have been made in Vujasinovichs death. Both Holmes and Vujasinovich were from Steelton. Williams said her administration has been working with other Pennsylvania cities over the past several days, strategizing ways to make their communities safer. She is at the Pennsylvania Municipal League conference in Bethlehem with other Pennsylvania leaders. Unfortunately, community safety is a major issue everywhere. Both incidents are being thoroughly investigated and the process will ensure accountability, Williams said. Williams offered condolences to the families of Holmes and Vujasinovich, as well as the Harrisburg police officer involved in Tuesdays crash. She said the officer is healing physically and emotionally. City spokesman Matt Maisel previously said the officer was on medical leave and would be on administrative duty until the end of the state police investigation. City officials have not released the name of the officer nor any details about the crash, including the type of call the officer was headed to or confirming the officer was driving the wrong way on Holly Street. In the meantime, residents of the city of Harrisburg, I will be praying for the families of the loved ones we lost far too soon, Williams said on Friday. I ask all members of our community to do the same. READ MORE: Steelton man, 22, shot to death by masked person at teens memorial service: authorities Man dead after Dauphin County head-on collision IDd The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force is asking for the publics help to find four men accused in separate, unrelated shootings that killed two people and injured 11 others. All four men should be considered armed and dangerous, according to a news release issued by the task force Friday. Harrisburg police are looking for Kurt Tasker in a double-homicide. Kurt Darnell Tasker Officials have been looking for Kurt Darnell Tasker Jr., 33, for 18 months after the shooting deaths of Ana Scott, 42, and Shawn Hairston, 35, on March 13, 2022, in the first block of S. 16th Street. Scott lived at the home. Hairston was delivering her food as she recovered from injuries she suffered the day prior when she was caught in a 73-car pileup on I-83. Police previously said the double-homicide was a targeted incident, and that they didnt think Scott was the intended target. Tasker, 32, owned the rooming house where the double-killing took place. He previously was charged in another homicide, the 2016 killing of Frankie Whitlock in the 12000 block of Hunter Street. After that, Tasker avoided authorities for more than 18 months before U.S. Marshals arrested him in North Carolina. A jury later acquitted him and his codefendant at a 2019 trial. Police say Angelo Arrington, 37, was involved in a shooting at N.3rd and Herr streets that wounded 4 men. Angelo Arrington Authorities are also looking for Angelo Arrington, 37, who is wanted for firearms violations and absconding from federal probation and state parole. The charges were filed after police linked him to the shooting of four men at N. 3rd and Herr streets on May 28. Police responded to the 1000 block of North 3rd Street for multiple reports of shots fired around 1:15 a.m., where they located multiple spent shell casings and blood at the scene. At about the same time four different adult male victims arrived at a local hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, police said. All four victims were shot in the area of North 3rd and Herr streets after leaving an establishment in that area, according to police. Jerry K. Foster, 42, is charged with four counts of attempted homicide for Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, shootings on Cranberry Street in Harrisburg. (Department of Corrections) Jerry Khalil Foster Police have been looking for Jerry K. Foster, 42, of Yeadon, Pa., after they say he shot four people out a car window around 3:15 a.m. Aug. 13 on the 200 block of Cranberry Street. One man was shot in the chest and groin and taken to Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital. A woman was shot in the foot and treated at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Another man was shot in the chest and walked to Harrisburg Hospital for treatment, according to police. Police said a ricocheting bullet hit a fourth victim, leaving him with a cut to his thigh. All of the people who were shot survived, police said. Surveillance footage showed a dark-colored BMW sedan make an illegal eastbound turn from Second Street to Cranberry Street, an affidavit of probable cause said. Court documents said a man was driving the car, and a woman was in the passenger seat. Cameras recorded the BMW stopping, and its occupants interacting with a group of people on the 200 block of Cranberry Street. As the BMW continues east on Cranberry, the driver pulls out a gun and starts shooting out the window, the affidavit said. Photos of the driver were circulated among law enforcement agencies, Harrisburg police said in the affidavit. Fosters parole officer confirmed to investigators that he was the shooter caught on surveillance cameras, court documents said. The affidavit said police also confirmed Foster owns a BMW sedan, which police later found. Foster is barred from having a firearm because of the 2004 attempted homicide conviction. Police believe the fled from Harrisburg after the shooting and hasnt returned. Police were looking for Shawn T. Jason, 47, in connection with a shooting that injured three of his neighbors. Shawn Jason Shawn Jason, 47, is accused of shooting three neighbors on Sept. 9, including a 4-year-old girl over a dispute about reserving a parking space along the public street in the 1800 block of North Street where they all lived. Police say Jason pulled out a rifle and shot a male neighbor around 1:25 p.m., while the man was standing on a front porch, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The female neighbor tried to take cover in her home, but court documents said Jason kicked down the door and shot her and her 4-year-old daughter. All of the victims survived. Police surrounded Jasons home for several hours after he was reported fleeing inside it. But a tactical team eventually realized the home was empty. Jason had fled, leaving all his belongings behind, but its unclear if he remains armed, police said. Officers recovered a gun from his home, but he could have obtained one since then, police said. He should be considered armed and dangerous, police say, noting he may also be desperate, considering he is facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison. Harrisburg police charged Jason with three counts of attempted homicide, three counts of aggravated assault, persons not to possess a firearm, and burglary He is not legally able to carry a firearm because of his prior murder conviction. In 1996, Philadelphia newspaper accounts said Jason, then 20, took part in the robbery of a 17-year-old for his gold chain necklace that ended with Jasons accomplice shooting him. The boy died with his broken chain in his hand after Jason and his co-defendant fled, according to newspaper accounts. Police do not think Jason originally fled in a vehicle, but he may be using one now if he obtained one from someone else, police said. He has prior connections to the Philadelphia area. Harrisburg police do not believe he is in the capital city or this immediate area. READ MORE: Harrisburg man acquitted in 2016 homicide accused of killing 2 people in his rooming home Steelton man, 22, shot to death by masked person at teens memorial service: authorities The Luzerne County publisher of a Spanish-language newspaper was shot on Wednesday in what officials say was a dispute over images that appeared in the paper. Police said that Bernardo Perez was shot in the arm at about 6 p.m. in the area of 140 S. Vine St., Hazleton. The shooter was later identified as Victor Perez, 60, of Pine Street, Freeland, the Times Leader reported. Victor Perez told authorities that he had been feuding with Bernardo Perez, saying he ran pictures and caricatures of his wife and daughter in his newspaper, El Periodiquito. The two men are not related. Victor Perez said he went looking for Bernardo Perez to get him to stop publishing those pictures. When he located him, he told police Bernardo Perez approached him holding a knife, WBRE/WYOU reported. Victor Perez then fired three rounds from his gun at Bernardo, who was shot in the arm. Bernardo Perez was taken to a hospital for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Police tracked the registration plate of Victor Perezs Nissan to his home, where he was taken into custody. He was arraigned in Luzerne County Central Court on two counts of aggravated assault and a single count of reckless endangerment, and was jailed at the county correctional facility for lack of $50,000 bail, the Times Leader said. READ MORE: Lawsuit accuses Pa. used car dealer of scamming customers: reports Philadelphia police said they have issued an arrest warrant for the man they suspect killed journalist Josh Kruger on Oct. 2. Robert Edmond Davis, 19, is wanted for murder and related crimes. Police said Davis is still at large and that they consider him to be armed and dangerous, 6ABC reported. Lt. Hamilton Marshmond of the Homicide Unit said Kruger knew Davis and had been trying to help him with various troubles he was experiencing, including homelessness, The Philadelphia Inquirer said. Authorities said they believe Davis went into Krugers home at around 1:30 a.m. and shot him seven times. Kruger ran outside to get help but collapsed on the sidewalk. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. Police do not know how Davis got into Krugers home, nor do they have a motive for the shooting yet, both news outlets said. Police did say that video they recovered shows Davis near the scene at the time of the shooting. Kruger had written for several Philadelphia publications, including Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine, The Philadelphia Citizen, WHYY and Billy Penn. He was known as a staunch advocate for the homeless, those suffering from drug addiction, and the LGBTQ+ community. Davis is 55 tall and weighs 160 lbs. His last known address was on the 1600 block of South Ringgold Street. READ MORE: Pa. journalist shot, killed inside his home: reports A deadly shootout in a Philadelphia street that resulted in several injuries and one death was sparked by a family altercation. Three police officers and one other person were injured in the melee and the gunman was shot to death, according to news reports. As previously reported, the chaotic incident occurred Wednesday night, when an argument originated inside a home located along the 7500 block of Whitaker Avenue in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia. Authorities responded to scene just after 7 p.m. It all started when a 12-year-old boy was playing video games as an argument broke out between the childs uncle and father, who was later identified as 42-year-old Michael Hwang. The argument then escalated when Hwang went to retrieve his gun. Thats when the child and uncle took off and ran upstairs, as Hwang followed with the weapon in hand. He then shot his brother in his face, which prompted the child to call 911. Aware that the authorities were contacted, Hwang went to wait for the authorities at the front of the home, NBC10 said. When officers arrived, Hwang refused to follow orders and didnt drop his weapon. He immediately opened fire, shooting three officers before police shot back and killed him. After Hwang was pronounced dead at 7:27 p.m., he was found to be wearing a bulletproof vest and was armed with a 40-caliber Glock pistol and an extended magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Police also recovered two loaded magazines from his back pants pocket. Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford told NBC10 Hwang struck two officers and one sergeant. The two officers were shot in the leg and the sergeant was shot in the finger. The three officers were transported to a nearby hospital and were listed in stable condition. The uncle was also transported to the hospital and is listed in critical, but stable, condition. Fortunately, the boy who contacted the police and a woman who was in the home at the time of the shooting were uninjured. Just a tragic situation all the way around, Stanford said to NBC10. Read More: Two regional wineries that already have put themselves on the list of top East Coast producers were given even more credibility this summer following tastings by reviewer Stuart Pigott, a senior editor on wine critic James Sucklings highly regarded staff. Galen Glen Winery in Pennsylvanias Schuylkill County earned scores of 90 or above on the 100-point scale on seven of their wines while Beneduce Vineyards across the Delaware River in New Jerseys Hunterdon County was awarded 90 or more points to 11 of the wines that Pigott tasted. Both are family-owned and operated wineries that combine outstanding wines and venues along with picturesque vineyards that visitors can see from the tasting room. They epitomize the best of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey wine industries in the attention they give to their vineyards and their wines, seemingly raising the bar with each passing year. Both are estate wineries, meaning that all the wines they make are sourced from their vineyard. In some areas, that is becoming less prevalent with each passing year. Its also a testament to the quality of both operating in places that dont normally get the recognition given to surrounding states that Suckling reviewed them. Galen Glen is located at 255 Winter Mountain Dr., Andreas, and is open noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Three of Galen Glens Stone Cellar wines, its highest-tiered collection, scored above the 90-point rating. Gruner Veltliner 2022, 94 points; Riesling 2021, 92 points; and Cabernet Franc 2021, 91 points. Receiving the highest praise was the Gruner Veltliner, which Pigott noted might well be the best wine from Austrias signature grape variety that has ever been made in the United States. Galen Glen was among the first American vineyards to produce Gruner, putting in the countrys second planting of the grapevine in 2003. Starting with 450 vines, the grape covers more than 3 acres of the hilly terrain that surrounds one of the regions top wineries, and the wine has not only won Galen Glen national recognition but also international accolades. Winery founders Sarah Troxell and Galen Troxell, and daughter Erin Troxell, certainly have earned the title of first family of Gruner. A peek at a portion of Galen Glen's lineup of wines. Other wines that scored in the 90s were the Vinology Gruner Veltliner 2022 and the Vinology Fossil Vineyard Riesling 2021 (93). Vinology is the winerys house label. Galen Glens newest wine is also its first signature label, named after the vineyards head winegrower and seventh-generation farmer, Erin Troxell. Featuring two of their most prominent grapes, Erin Elizabeth sparklings are wines with what the producer calls feminine fluency. Erin Elizabeth Gruner Veltliner Sparkling 2021 earned 90 points and 2021 Erin Elizabeth Riesling Sparkling 2021 was awarded 92 points from Pigott. Prices range from $10.99 to $25.99 for Galen Glens lineup of wines, so the bang for the buck is about as good as youll find in the mid-Atlantic. Beneduce has been featured several times over the last couple of months on PennLive, including on a list of East Coast wineries worth visiting and in a piece about sustainability. Its located at 1 Jeremiah Lane, Pittstown, and is open noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and noon to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Featuring an Italian hand gesture on the label, here are two of the wines in Beneduce Vineyards' Craft Series. During Pigotts visit to Beneduce Vineyards in late June, he tasted through the entire lineup and awarded 90 or more points to 11 out of 12 wines, while the 2021 Chardonnay earned an 89. Its the highest aggregate score a New Jersey winery has ever received from one of the worlds major wine publications, the winery said. Beneduces signature red grape is an Austrian native called Blaufrankisch, which scored 93 points, followed by four wines at 92 points, including the Dry Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Rose Pet Nat, and Intermezzo (a skin-contact Gewurztraminer). As for the others that scored at least 90 points: 2022 Hunterdon County Pet-Nat Rose, 92, comments: Lovely nose of peach puree, almost like a bellini. Juicy and properly dry with an excellent interplay of gentle tannin, lees creaminess and peach skin flavor. Spot on balance makes this very easy to enjoy. Drink now. Crown cap. 2021 Hunderdon County Pet-Nat Chambrusco, 91, comments: Explosive wild blackberry and sour cherry fruit with crisp acidity makes this so enjoyable. Normally I hate the term pizza wine but here it makes so much sense. Long juicy finish. Made from the hybrid chambourcin grape. Drink now. Crown cap. 2021 Pinot Noir Hunterdon County, 91, comments: A very pretty pinot noir with a lot of red fruit and floral aromas. Crisp, cool and elegant, this reminds me of Savigny-les-Beaune from a cool vintage. The beautifully crafted, moderately dry tannins support the long finish where there is a touch of dried orange peel character. Drink or hold. Overlooking some of the vines growing at Beneduce Vineyards in New Jersey's Hunterdon County. 2021 Riesling New Jersey Dry 2021, 90, comments: Cool and crisp with medium body and plenty of white tree fruits, this is an attractively crisp and lively dry riesling with a long harmonious finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 2022 Riesling Hunterdon County, 90 points, comments: Lots of lemon and green apple character, but also a nice juiciness and a well-judged touch of unfermented grape sweetness make this attractive and refreshing. Stacks of fruit salad aromas at the long clean finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 2021 Cabernet Franc Hunterdon County, 90, comments: Plenty of redcurrant fruit, married to moderate tannins with a lively acidity and plenty of savory character. Good length. Not a jot too dry. Drink or hold. Beneduce Vineyards is a 77-acre farm that planted its first vines in 2009 and opened its tasting room doors in July 2012. Owner and winemaker Mike Beneduce farms 25 acres that you can view from the tasting room and outdoor seating (and even from the bocce court, where the annual league just finished its season), and will be harvesting his first grapes in 2024 from another vineyard across the road that was purchased a couple of years ago. He also plans to put in two new varieties next year: Barbera and Dolcetto. The long tasting bar at Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, New Jersey. Beneduce, named New Jerseys Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year in 2022, has become one of the faces for the states wine industry, recently appearing in a CBS News report in addition to putting together a 15-minute TEDx talk in 2021, both of which focused on climate and sustainability. Many of the James Suckling-recognized wines are currently available at Beneduces tasting room in Pittstown as well as through the winerys online shop at BeneduceVineyards.com. Seasonal tastings of five wines are $15/person and local pairings of five wines and locally made cheese and salumi are $30. Click this link for more information on both tastings. Online reservations are strongly encouraged for weekend visits, including events such as the winerys lively Saturday evening Group Therapy and family-friendly Sunday Picnics. More: For 11-year-old Napa urban winery, everything to this point has aligned perfectly Future firmly in place for family-run central Pa. winery that already has tasted much success Winery owner, 37, battles cancer while cultivating family business Visiting the Pa. winery with a treehouse tasting room, and other notes The Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of braucherei is a type of folk healing that blends Christian prayer and rituals with medicine and folklore. But in one particularly grisly case several decades ago, a fear of hexes and curses tied to belief in braucherei led to the murder of a York County man. One can practically feel oneself Getting strong now. Decades after the iconic underdog movie was released, a new shop outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is now officially selling Rocky merchandise. According to Billy Penn, a tourism outpost (officially called the Parkway Outpost) was constructed and launched last year near the museums steps the the very same Sly Stallone triumphantly raced up during that famous scene thats, as of this week, open and selling licensed apparel and souvenirs from the Rocky franchise. The same Billy Penn article states how Sly himself pushed for the outposts creation, and even put in about $100,000 to get it built. Now, tourists or even resident Rocky fans can drop by the area to pick themselves up some T-shirts, fedoras, and even some Italian Stallion-branded training jackets. While some of you may wonder at the popularity of the Parkway Outpost, Visit Philadelphia highlights the franchises continued importance to the city: The website explains how a near-constant flow of people flock to see the statue immortalizing the film on a daily basis. Theres even a Rocky and Creed Tour of Philadelphia more avid fans can take. This is where I come back to tourism, which is our mission, tells Ott Lovell, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation President and CEO, to The Philadelphia Inquirer. We have to embrace this and we should be proud of it because everything that Rocky stands for is emblematic of us as a city and as individuals. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, on October 6, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. The current level of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Qatar, issues on the agenda, and prospects for the development of cooperation in various fields were discussed at the meeting. It was also stressed that the high-level mutual visits and political consultations carried out between the two countries are important from the point of view of further development of relations. During the conversation, effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar was noted within the framework of international organizations and platforms, especially the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the UN. At the same time, the issues on the agenda of the joint intergovernmental commission were touched upon. The sides stressed the importance of cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, finance, industry, energy, transport, education, tourism, culture, and other fields. Bayramov informed about the danger that the illegal Armenian regime has created for regional peace and security for almost 30 years. The minister spoke about the reasons for the local anti-terrorist measures that Azerbaijan has implemented on its sovereign territory in full compliance with international humanitarian law. In this regard, hope was expressed that the cessation of the presence of Armenian separatist troops, which represented the main threat in the region, would serve regional peace and stability. The Qatari side stressed that it is interested in comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijan. By ISABEL DEBRE, The Associated Press JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli police have arrested an American tourist at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem after he hurled works of art to the floor, defacing two second-century Roman statues. The vandalism late Thursday raised questions about the safety of Israels priceless collections and stirred concern about a rise in attacks on cultural heritage in Jerusalem. Police identified the suspect as a radical 40-year-old Jewish American tourist and said initial questioning suggested he smashed the statues because he considered them to be idolatrous and contrary to the Torah. The mans lawyer, Nick Kaufman, denied that he had acted out of religious fanaticism. Instead, Kaufman said, the tourist was suffering from a mental disorder that psychiatrists have labeled the Jerusalem syndrome. The condition a form of disorientation believed to be induced by the religious magnetism of the city, which is sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims is said to cause foreign pilgrims to believe they are figures from the Bible. The defendant has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Officials did not release his name due to a gag order. The prominent Israel Museum, with its exhibits of archaeology, fine arts, and Jewish art and life, described Thursdays vandalism as a troubling and unusual event, and said it condemns all forms of violence and hopes such incidents will not recur. Museum photos showed the marble head of the goddess Athena knocked off its pedestal onto the floor and a statue of a pagan deity shattered into fragments. The damaged statues were being restored, museum staff said. The museum declined to offer the value of the statues or cost of destruction. More: State College leaders rally against antisemitic messages: An attack on all of us Vandalism damages monument to frontiersman Kit Carson, who led campaigns against Native Americans MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Federal customs agents pooh-poohed the plans of an Iowa woman who wanted to make jewelry from giraffe feces she picked up on a trip to Kenya and brought back to the U.S. in her luggage. The woman declared the small box of feces when she was selected to have her belongings inspected upon arriving at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport on Sept. 29, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The woman, who was not identified, told officials she planned to use the waste to make a necklace, as she had done in the past with moose poop. Giraffe poop can be brought back to the U.S. with the proper permits and inspections, according to Minnesota Public Radio. The station reported that the woman wont face sanctions because she declared the feces and gave it to Customs. The agencys agriculture specialists destroyed the giraffe poop. There is a real danger with bringing fecal matter into the U.S., Customs and Border Protections Chicago field Director LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke said in a statement. If this person had entered the U.S. and had not declared these items, there is high possibility a person could have contracted a disease from this jewelry and developed serious health issues. African swine fever, classical swine fever, Newcastle disease, foot-and-mouth disease and swine vesicular disease are among ailments in Kenya that Customs cited as risks. OSLO, Norway (AP) Imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi, who has campaigned for womens rights, democracy and against the death penalty in Iran for years, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. Mohammadi, 51, has done her work despite facing numerous arrests and spending years behind bars for her activism. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with with its undisputed leader, Nargis Mohammadi, said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. The impact of the prize is not for the Nobel committee to decide upon. We hope that it is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting. Mohammadis most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after she attended a memorial for a person killed in nationwide 2019 protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. Shes been held at Tehrans notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Reiss-Andersen said Mohammadi has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. She is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003. From behind bars, Mohammadi contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times. What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become, she wrote. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian state television and other state-controlled media. Some semiofficial news agencies acknowledged Mohammadis win in online messages, citing foreign press reports. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. She has been close to Ebadi, who founded the center. In 2018, Mohammadi, an engineer, was awarded the 2018 Andrei Sakharov Prize. PEN America, which advocates for freedom of speech and earlier this year gave Mohammadi its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award, applauded the win. The choice is a tribute to her courage and that of countless women and girls who have poured out into the streets of Iran and faced down one of the worlds most brutal and stubborn regimes, risking their lives to demand their rights, PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. The winner of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize is chosen by a panel of experts in Norway from a list of just over 350 nominations. More: University of Pennsylvania scientists win Nobel Prize for COVID vaccine-related work A lawsuit filed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General in Cambria County is accusing a used car dealer of illegally selling vehicles on Facebook Marketplace. The lawsuit says that David Gaida, 25, had been selling used cars online under the name of Daves Auto Sales, but was not licensed to sell them, WTAJ reported. Dealers who sell more than five vehicles a year are required to follow certain guidelines, the lawsuit states, which Gaida did not follow. Investigators also said that many of the cars Gaida sold needed extensive repairs and did not have valid titles, WJAC said. This man purported himself to be a trustworthy car dealer and broke consumers confidence in buying a reliable used vehicle, Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. People and families depend on their cars to get them to work and vital appointments. These consumers were swindled into buying broken cars or cars that did not even have legitimate titles. The press release also says that Gaida did not provide a written agreement of sale, or submit paperwork to PennDOT. He is also accused of illegally repossessing the vehicle from the buyer. The Attorney Generals office is asking the court to force Gaida to pay restitution, pay civil penalties, prevent him from selling vehicles in Pa., cancel any sales contracts and release all liens. Anyone who believes they or someone they know might have been a victim of Gaida is asked to call 800-441-2555 or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov. READ MORE: Pa. farmer who had 32 cattle escape still looking for the 30 that remain missing A red Chevrolet Silverado was headed in the wrong direction in Thursday mornings three-vehicle crash in Northampton County that left one motorist dead, Pennsylvania State Police say. The crash was reported about 10:40 a.m. on Route 22 East at the Route 33 interchange in Bethlehem Township. A second pickup truck and a passenger vehicle also were involved, troopers determined. Police are continuing to investigate what happened and were looking for video or witness accounts. Highway closures in the area of the crash continued well into the afternoon. Investigators found the Silverado was traveling south on Route 33 North and and exited headed west onto Route 22 East from the Route 22 East ramp to Route 33 North, state police said in a news release. Trooper Nathan Branosky, spokesman for state police Troop M based in Bethlehem, said investigators were not immediately identifying any of the people who were involved, including which vehicle the deceased motorist was in. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek made the pronouncement of the death at the scene, police said. Police werent immediately able to explain why the driver was headed the wrong way on the divided, closed-access highways. The roads reopened at 4:15 p.m., Branosky said. Anyone who may have observed the red Chevrolet Silverado traveling prior to the crash or may have video of the vehicle traveling the wrong direction is asked to call Pennsylvania State Police at Bethlehem at 610-8612026. The incident number to reference is PA2023-1306267. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Netflix recently presented me with the opportunity to watch all 10 episodes of Band of Brothers. I took the bait. Im not sure why I had never watched it in the years since its 2001 debut, but once I started, I was hooked. And when I was done watching the story of Easy Company and its valiant battle through Europe, I turned to The Pacific and followed the exploits of Marines in combat. Philadelphia Phillies are fired up after the team swept the Miami Marlins and now will head to Atlanta to take on the Braves. Every best-dressed fan should have the latest trending Phillies apparel - red and white striped overalls. Even legendary Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer wore the overalls when he threw out the first pitch at Philadelphias American League Wild Card Game 2 vs. the Marlins. Moyers version featured the Philly Phanatic on the bib. Players were spotted in late August and early September sporting the stylish overalls, which also are available in solid blue or red. These overalls, however, do not feature the Phanatic but the Phillies logo on the bib. The overalls are available in sizes for men and women from FOCO. They are $70 a pair and FOCO says the pinstripe designs will ship no later than Oct. 27 - the first day of the 2023 World Series. The same overalls are available in blue with shipment by Oct. 16 and red with shipment by Oct. 19. The overalls have a bib pocket, two back pockets and adjustable bib shoulder straps. FOCO also has released for pre-order the new Philadelphia Phillies Bighead Bobbleheads. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) In the partisan politics of education funding, the school choice movement has pressed states for decades to send taxpayer money to private and religious schools and long had to concentrate its efforts on states where a Republican governor was an ally. That suddenly changed over the summer. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro a first-term Democrat seen by his party as a rising star nationally forcefully put his weight behind a Republican-backed proposal to send $100 million to families for private school tuition and school supplies. Shapiro would later back down in the face of House Democratic opposition, but his support has raised Pennsylvanias profile in the national voucher debate and given advocates optimism that the program will eventually become law. With the backing of a major GOP campaign donor and now Shapiro, a private-school product whose near-landslide win in the battleground state has fueled talk of his national political prospects, vouchers are at the forefront of the states political agenda. A win for voucher advocates would mark an evolution in traditional alliances on school choice politics and could set Shapiro apart from other Democratic contenders emerging on the national scene. Previously, Democratic governors who had backed school choice measures had done so in compromise deals with Republican-controlled legislatures. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro holds a news conference July 6, 2023, after the state House passed a bipartisan budget. The governor signed the it on Thursday, Aug. 3, but vetoed an education voucher program. (Dan Gleiter, PennLive.com/file)Dan Gleiter file photo | For pennlive.com The signal Shapiro sent came through loud and clear to supporters of the program. What made Shapiro unique is his desire to lead on it, said Robert Enlow, president and CEO of the Indianapolis-based EdChoice. Vouchers have long been viewed in stark partisan terms: Democrats and public school allies say they drain critical resources from public schools. Republicans and school choice advocates say they give freedom to families who may not like their local public schools. At $100 million in a state where public schools spend more than $35 billion a year, the Pennsylvania proposal was viewed by some as largely symbolic. But both sides say its passage in Pennsylvania would open the door to a larger program eventually. As many as 16 states have voucher programs, according to groups that study the programs, and they vary in size, with some becoming widely available after big expansions in the past year. To some, Shapiros support should be viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028 positioning himself as a moderate who bridges political divides. I see that he understands the political value of school choice, and I thought, My goodness, hes going to pave his way to the White House by embracing this particular issue, said Matthew Brouillette, a prominent voucher advocate in Pennsylvania. Public views about vouchers are complicated and do not necessarily reflect the partisan divide in statehouses, or even the usual assumptions. The school choice movement has long been a coalition of Roman Catholic school advocates, libertarians and private school boosters, as well as Black educational empowerment proponents giving the cause traction with some big-city Democratic lawmakers. An AP-NORC poll last year found that Americans are divided 39% favor, 37% oppose on whether to give low-income parents tax-funded vouchers they can use to help pay for tuition for their children to attend a private or religious school instead of public schools. Democrats were similarly divided. Its a nuanced picture in terms of public attitudes that dont totally follow partisan divides that are seen across other issues, said Christopher Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion. The division reflects similar polls over the past two decades but support drops when people are told vouchers siphon money from public schools. Shapiro insists he only supports a voucher program that doesnt do that something public school advocates dispute, saying every voucher dollar could have gone to public schools. The voucher debate in Pennsylvania came at a particularly charged time: a court had ruled only months earlier that the states system of school funding had for decades unconstitutionally discriminated against the poorest districts. That had motivated public school advocates and Democrats to demand billions more for the poorest public schools, a quest that Shapiro has said he supports. Shapiros familiarity with private schools, meanwhile, is borne of experience. He attended a private Jewish school, his children attend the same school, and his father is on the schools board. But some observers connect his interest in vouchers to the influence of Jeffrey Yass, a securities trading billionaire who is one of the GOPs top national donors and the biggest donor to Republican campaigns in Pennsylvania. School choice is Yass top issue in Pennsylvania. Billionaire Jeff Yass, a Montgomery County investor (Maggie Henry Corcoran / Philadelphia Inquirer, file) In Shapiros case, I think it demonstrates the long arm and pocketbook of Jeff Yass, said Charlie Gerow, a Republican operative and marketing consultant. Yass campaign donations in Pennsylvania filter through groups that put $13 million into supporting a would-be Republican rival to Shapiro who nonetheless lost in last years GOP primary. Yass did not ultimately support the GOP nominee whom Shapiro beat. Shapiro has received a relatively tiny sum from those groups: at least $135,000 out of nearly $90 million hes reported raising for races for governor and attorney general since 2015. But even if Yass never gives another dime to Shapiros campaigns, keeping Yass on the sidelines may also be a potent strategy to weaken Republican opponents. Shapiro first broke ranks with Democrats last year when, during his campaign for governor, he said he supported the Republican-sponsored voucher bill. Still, as governor, Shapiro didnt talk about vouchers until June, while in the midst of intense closed-door budget talks. During an appearance on Fox News, he was asked about the voucher proposal and said every child of God deserves a shot. And one of the best ways we can guarantee their success is making sure every child has a quality education, Shapiro said. Those fluent in the history of school vouchers could think of no other Democratic governor who had embraced them. The last prominent Democrat to really champion school vouchers was like in Milwaukee in 1990, said Joshua Cowen, a Michigan State University professor of education policy, referring to a Democratic state lawmaker in Wisconsin. Every other champion in state government for these programs has come from the Republican Party. Within days, Shapiro had struck a budget agreement with Senate Republicans that included the $100 million voucher program blindsiding Democratic lawmakers, teachers unions, public school advocates and school boards. The budget deal, however, fell far short of what Democratic lawmakers had sought for public schools, adding fodder to their argument that vouchers drain resources from public schools. We werent prepared to have this conversation when we have this massive problem here, said House Education Committee Chairman Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh. Teachers unions some of Shapiros strongest supporters in his campaign for governor mustered support against the proposal from across labor, including AFSCME, SEIU, the AFL-CIO and building and construction trades. Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives attend a session at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Thursday, June 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, file)AP Photo/Matt Rourke In the end, House Democratic opposition prompted Shapiro to agree to veto the $100 million program from wider budget legislation drawing angry recriminations from Republicans and school choice allies. Yass, in a letter published by The Wall Street Journal, accused Shapiro of flip-flopping, siding with radical education activists, throwing poor children under the bus and cowering before his union financiers. The episode has left an uneasy feeling among both voucher opponents and advocates. In an interview last month with WURD radio in Philadelphia, Shapiro shrugged off the fallout. I recognize that there are some in my party that dont agree with that, Shapiro said, but my view is weve got to be working to empower parents to put their kids in the best possible position to succeed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The Azerbaijani National Museum of Art hosted the grand opening of the "Line Art" exhibition, organized by the Turkish Albayrak Group company and Trend News Agency, with the support of TurkicWorld and Alport Baku, Trend reports. The exhibition features over 40 works dedicated to the art of calligraphy. The event was attended by government officials, public figures, representatives of culture and science, creative intellectuals. During the opening, the Ambassador of Turkiye Cahit Bagci emphasized the high level of relations between fraternal Turkiye and Azerbaijan, highlighting the significance of the exhibited works and expressing gratitude to the organizers. "In Azerbaijan, I have repeatedly witnessed the works of national masters from various fields of culture and art. In this exhibition, Turkish masters have created unique calligraphic works reflecting the verses of the Holy Quran, prayers, and hadiths of Prophet Muhammad. These works reflect the high Islamic art, universal values of morality, ethics, and humanism," Bagci said. "The spirit of alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye is reflected in the Shusha Declaration, signed by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the victory in the second Karabakh war. We are moving forward in this context and will develop our relations in all areas," the ambassador pointed out. Representative of Albayrak Group for international relations Fateh Togrul mentioned that the company has been implementing cultural projects for nearly a decade, showcasing them on the global venues. "Azerbaijan has always shown great attention to preserving and promoting Islamic cultural heritage, literature, works, mosques, madrasahs, and other objects. This project is another bridge of culture between our fraternal countries and peoples, reflecting our national, spiritual, and cultural unity," added Togrul. The head of the TurkicWorld media platform Rufiz Hafizoglu welcomed the guests and highlighted that the media platform was created in 2021 as a joint project of Trend News Agency and the Albayrak media group, aiming to expand cooperation in the field of international information exchange and introduce news to the global information sphere. "Relations between Turkiye and Azerbaijan are at a high level in all areas. Today, fraternal relations between our countries in politics, culture, economics, also find their reflection in the media sphere," he said. Samir Babaoglu from Albayrak Media in Azerbaijan emphasized that Albayrak Group continues to bring together calligraphy masters and young art enthusiasts, annually showcasing such works worldwide. "Calligraphy, which is a part of the rich cultural heritage of Islamic civilization, maintains its unique place among traditional arts from the past to the present day," he noted. Bagci and Deputy Director of Trend News Agency Sahil Karimli were presented with panels of Islamic calligraphic art by the Albayrak Group. During the exhibition, participants were informed about the art of calligraphy, as well as Azerbaijani translations of the works. Renowned musician and Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Ilham Najafov performed spiritual compositions on the ney (end-blown flute). Calligraphy in Islam is an architectural accent and the highest form of art used to convey sacred scripture, Quranic verses, and other religious texts. This art has existed since the inception of Islam and is an important element in all aspects of Islamic culture and identity. Islamic calligraphic style expresses the harmony and symmetry present in the Universe created by the Almighty. Each symbol and line has its own symbolic meaning and significance that the artist must skillfully convey. The exhibition will be open to visitors until October 15. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The date of the preliminary court hearing for the criminal case of Vagif Khachatryan, accused of committing genocide in the village of Meshali in the Khojaly district, carried out by members of Armenian illegal armed groups, has been revealed, Trend reports. The preliminary court hearing is scheduled for October 13. The criminal case will be investigated by Judge Jamal Ramazanov in the Baku Military Court. Khachatryan was detained by the Azerbaijani State Security Service officers at the Lachin border checkpoint of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border on July 29 this year. In connection with the emergence of sufficient grounded suspicions, a decision was made to bring Khachatryan as an accused under Articles 103 (genocide) and 107 (deportation or forced resettlement of population) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. A preventive measure was chosen against him in the form of detention. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Azerbaijan's State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons held a draw among the families who will be resettled in Azerbaijans Fuzuli at the next stage on October 6, the State Committee told Trend. The event was attended by representatives of the special representative office of the President of Azerbaijan in the territories liberated from occupation that are part of the Karabakh Economic Region (with the exception of the Shusha district), the executive power of the Fuzuli district, and the Public Council under the State Committee. In general, 114 families (412 people) participated in the draw. According to the composition of the family, 45 of them are provided with two-room, 54 with three-room, and 15 with four-room apartments. These families lived in the cities of Baku and Sumgayit, in places of temporary settlement on the territory of the Absheron district. In order to assure objectivity and transparency in the process of transferring former internally displaced persons, lotteries have been implemented. By using a lottery, representatives of the families of internally displaced people choose the precise address of the homes that will be given to them. Former internally displaced people who will shortly relocate permanently to Fuzuli in Azerbaijan said they are quite happy. They expressed their sincere thanks to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for the circumstances they had helped to establish in the areas that had been freed from occupation and for the assistance they had provided to the formerly internally displaced people. The families who took part in the drawing will set off the city of Fuzuli soon. When I was younger, I knew of two ways to get music: the legal way, paying $0.99 (and then $1.25) for songs on iTunes, and the illegal way, paying $0 to download the pirated versions on Limewire...Don't lie, you had your ways, too. Maybe I'm aging myself by saying social media wasn't as prevalent as it was now...you couldn't just go on Instagram and announce new music. That's right, you'd have to do things like watch television and pay attention, like when Disney Channel would play music videos instead of commercials. It was prime MTV time, you know that line from Bowling For Soup's hit song "1985": "and music still on MTV?" That. Essentially, you'd rely on solely on search engines, iTunes, and the radio to get your news. How archaic. Back when "doom scrolling" meant checking your email incessantly for new messages from your friends. There was no Spotify or Apple Music to curate special playlists...only writers like me reviewing new tracks (that were often printed on CD's...gasp). Can you believe we used to burn playlists onto CD's and listen to them as our parents drove? Now, music is more accessible than ever. We have access to any song written ever, essentially. I mean, people are constantly even hacking into celebrity's iClouds and releasing their unreleased tracks! (It's not ethical, but you get my point.) There is no better time to be a fan of music than this era. Now, with apps like Spotify, you can get a monthly subscription to listen to unlimited, commercial-free music with specially picked playlists geared towards your music taste and access to pre-sales for your favorite artist's shows. The music world is truly at our fingertips. And that's where I come in! I pick the best music that comes out every Friday across the board so you don't have to comb through all of the new music playlists and feel lost. If you want your weekend to get a little easier, let's get listening. Noah Kahan, Kacey Musgraves- "She Calls Me Back" At this point, Noah Kahan is just completing side quests. Whether it be performing onstage with Hozier, releasing collabs with Post Malone, Lizzy McAlpine, Zach Bryan, or most recently Kacey Musgraves, Noah's been busy. This week's newest duet is with Musgraves, who shows the other side of Kahan's hit song "She Calls Me Back." Musgraves' melodic voice adds the perfect touch to this song filled with yearning. James Arthur- "Just Us" What James Arthur can do to a song is unmatched. He's the mastermind behind a heart-aching, soul-grasping ballad that will top the radio for weeks on end. An instantaneous creator of classics, James Arthur releases "Just Us", ahead of his new album Bitter Sweet Love. It follows singles like "Blindside" and "A Year Ago", "Just Us" is a reminder to focus on what's really important. Just Us is a song in which I confess to running away from what really matters and getting lost in the pursuit of validation from external things, James explains. Its about chasing a hedonistic, hollow life. Realizing the true meaning of life which is of course about true love, loving ourselves, our families and our communities and being there for them. Dom Dolla- "Saving Up" Dom Dolla is one of the most exciting names in the electric dance community right now. With the mega-hit "Rhyme Dust" featuring the iconic MK out earlier this year, we got a sense of how Dom Dolla can produce any sort of dance music- regardless of if it's house, disco, or anything in between. Now, with "Saving Up", you have the perfect disco-inspired song to get you through the weekend. It's a promising reminder that anything Dom touches is a banger. I was in the UK last year after a massive summer of touring when I caught the train down to Brighton with some friends and ended up in an incredible studio overlooking the beach. I was missing home a bit, but felt really inspired and wanted to write a feel-good record, reminding myself of the importance of saving time for the ones I care about and love. Whilst (in the studio) overlooking the same site Fatboy Slim hosted his Big Beach Boutique, I was thinking about the UKs dance music history and it inspired me so I decided to lean into the idea of writing something that sounds sampled, but isn't. I often like to write records completely on my own, but it feels so perfect to have written this one alongside some good pals, Clementine Douglas, Caitlin Stubbs & Toby Scott. Joel Corry- Another Friday Night Another heavy-hitter in the EDM community is Joel Corry, who has a proven track record of solidified hits with songs like "Lonely", "0800 Heaven", "Head & Heart." He's produced songs that are the soundtrack to many nights out, and now he's here with his debut album, Another Friday Night, just in time for the weekend. It's one of the most highly anticipated dance albums of the year, with Corry's uncanny ability to make a song everyone likes. Claire Rosinkranz- Just Because Claire Rosinkranz isn't our featured artist of the week "just because", it's due to the fact that she's released her debut album, Just Because. Rosinkranz is a young, dynamic artist who encapsulates the sound of surf and Southern California through picturesque music and retro inspiration. After being discovered at age 16, Rosinkranz has since taken the world by storm with her aptitude for songwriting and her fortifying vocal range. Just Because is highlighted by key single tracks like "Wes Anderson", where Rosinkranz encourages the listener to get over their breakup...and "Swinging at the Stars", more of an optimistic love anthem with an anticipated accompanying music video featuring a very special guest. It's a no-skips, must-not-miss album. Chloe Stroll- "Hurricane" No stranger to our featured artists lineup, Chloe Stroll is a Popdust fave. After debuting her music career earlier this year (and exclusively speaking with us on the matter), Chloe Stroll is not backing down. Her newest release, "Hurricane", is a testimony to being loyal to the ones you love. One of the most admirable parts of Stroll's music is that she is staying true to herself, and writing from a genuine place in her heart...which translates to the listener over time. "Hurricane" is an easy listen when you pair her voice with true, sincere lyrics. Aiken Standard reporter Bianca Moorman is a public safety and courts reporter for the Aiken Standard, with the occasional coverage of other community news and features. She can be reached at @biancarmooman or bmoorman@aikenstandard.com. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers RAFAH, Gaza Strip Israels ground troops are advancing toward Gaza City, as the U.S. and Arab countries intensify diplomatic efforts to ease the siege of the Hamas-ruled enclave and bring about at least a brief stop to the fighting to help civilians. Health officials said Thursday that more than 9,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war broke out. President Joe Biden suggested a humanitarian pause on Wednesday. The same day an apparent agreement among the U.S., Egypt, Israel and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas, allowed hundreds of Palestinians with foreign passports and dozens of wounded to leave Gaza for the first time. Dozens more left on Thursday. Arab countries, including those allied with the U.S. and at peace with Israel, have expressed mounting unease with the war. Read moreDiplomacy to pause fighting intensifies as Israeli ground troops advance The state fair is over, and the honey and hive products have been judged and ribbons awarded. Then untold numbers who visited the observation hive have identified the queen. The bee booth remains to be the most visited booth at the fair by the fair staff and now you will have to wait until n Read moreBOMMER'S BEES: Beekeeping classes should begin soon The familiar chords of the theme song from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly rang through Aiken City Council chambers as Planning Director Marya Moultrie began discussing short-term rentals with a group of Aiken business leaders Thursday evening. Moultrie said around three weeks ago her office began reaching out to affected business leaders and neighborhood residents to discuss short-term rentals. Short-term rentals are rentals that are for a period of 29 days or less. Moultrie's presentation included a slide showing the good, the bad and the ugly of short-term rentals. The good included supporting tourism and investment in the city, supplementing hotel accommodations, encouraging the repair of dilapidated property, providing another income source for homeowners and providing additional tax revenue to the city. The bad included reducing the number of long-term rentals available, reducing the amount of housing available for potential homeowners, creating competition for hotels and affecting the character of neighborhoods. The ugly included increasing home and rental prices which affects affordability and could lead to gentrification. "I'll tell you the first thing that happened: social media blew up, my phone blew up, my email blew up," Moultrie said. Moultrie said those who reached out to her fell into two camps. "Everybody was saying either 'oh, no, they're going to put short-term rentals in my neighborhood' or 'oh, no they're going to ban them,'" Moultrie said. Those reactions, Moultrie said, reminded her off the scene in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly where three gunfighters stand and stare at each other for several seconds. When voters in Aiken County head to the polls next November, they will be asked to approve the fifth in a series of Capital Project Sales Tax programs. County Administrator Brian Sanders urged those attending the Aiken Chamber of Commerces First Friday Means Business breakfast Oct. 6 at Newberry Hall to support the 1-cent local option levy in 2024. The proceeds will be distributed, based on a formula, to the county, the City of Aiken, the City of North Augusta and eight smaller municipalities: Burnettown, Jackson, Monetta, New Ellenton, Perry, Salley, Wagener and Windsor. They will be able to use the money to fund the design, engineering, construction and improvement of roads, drainage systems and/or bridges; improve traffic flow into and through the county; facilitate economic development, and promote public safety and desirable living conditions. I dont know how you couldnt recognize the impact, said Sanders, referring to past Capital Project Sales Tax, or CPST, programs. So many things have changed for the better because of that one penny. Its very important for us to continue to move forward. I think its a very small burden comparatively, and we get a lot in return. Many fall festivals and other events that people enjoy locally take place using facilities that were somehow supported by the Capital Project Sales Tax program, Sanders added. He mentioned that the county also has been able to purchase new ambulances with the money. Im very passionate about this, Sanders said. The first CPST program received the approval of county voters in 2000. They passed the most recent, CPST IV, in 2018. The money is being collected during a 7-year period that began May 1, 2019 and will end April 30, 2026. The South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office estimated the proceeds from CPST IV would total around $163 million. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, October 6. A drug plantation on the area of 10 hectares was located on the territory of Aghdam's Syrkhavend village, which Azerbaijan took under its control as a result of anti-terrorist activities against the Armenian separatists, Trend reports. Thus, a plantation of cultivated hemp was found on an area of 10 hectares. Currently, the Azerbaijani Interior Ministry officers are inspecting the area. Below are some photos shot in the area: Charleston International Airport gained one airline earlier this week. It will lose one in just a few days. Silver Airways plans to fly out of the Lowcountry for the last time on Oct. 16, according to airport CEO Elliott Summey. The Hollywood, Fla.-based carrier's flight schedule shows its last twin-engine propeller-driven aircraft will leave Charleston at 3:10 p.m. An airline representative did not immediately respond for comment. Charleston no longer appeared on Silver's online route map Friday afternoon. The regional carrier based in Hollywood, Fla., offered flights to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa three times a week after returning to the Lowcountry in late 2020. It previously served CHS five years earlier. Silver reported 15,241 boarding passengers for the 12-months ending in June this year. That was up 24 percent over the previous same time span, according to the Charleston County Aviation Authority. Silver was one of the smaller carriers by volume at South Carolina's busiest airport, but it had more passengers than either Frontier or Sun Country, both with seasonal service to one city each that ends in November. Frontier flies to Philadelphia, Sun Country offers flights to Minneapolis. Still, Silver got squeezed out by similar destination offerings from other carriers, Summey said. For instance, JetBlue and Spirit offer flights to Fort Lauderdale while Breeze offers service to Orlando and Tampa. The site of a century-plus-old institution on the Charleston peninsula is now under new ownership. Nine months after Fielding Home for Funerals announced the less-than-acre property at Logan and Magazine streets was on the market, the site changed hands Oct. 4. Nearby Charleston Day School paid slightly more than $10 million for the property, according to county land records. The not-so-secret transaction was finalized about five months after the city Planning Commission took up a request to allow school use of the property. Charleston Day also had purchased a house at 7 Magazine St. adjacent to the funeral home last October for $800,000. A representative of Charleston Day said the school's future on the peninsula is now secure. "This acquisition answers the location question for Charleston Day School once and for all, providing the footprint the school needs to accommodate the schools facility needs and aspirations for the future," a spokesperson said in a statement. "After 85 years as a downtown school, this exciting opportunity secures the future of our historic K-8 institution as an integral part of the vibrant Charleston community." More definite plans for the site will be outlined in the future, according to a school spokesperson. Gerry Schauer of the commercial real estate firm Avison Young, which handled the listing in conjunction with residential agency Lois Lane Properties, also said the acquisition will help with the private school's future plans. When artist Fred Wilson came to Charleston the first time in 2019 to deliver a lecture and prepare for an exhibition at the Gibbes Museum of Art, a particular object downtown caught his eye. Wilson, famous around the world for his critical scrutiny of the Maryland Historical Society collection in 1992, was a passenger in the car of Gibbes Director Angela Mack. She was driving him around, showing him parts of the city, orienting him to Charlestons geography and history, she said. On Lower King Street, they came to the Miles Brewton House, a Georgian structure with an imposing wrought-iron fence meant to protect the property from intruders. Brewton equipped his house with a fence that included a feature called a cheval-de-frise, which derives from medieval cavalry warfare. These are multidirectional spikes that make it dangerous to scale the fence. The wealthy 18th century slave trader was concerned about the potential for organized rebellions. Wilson already had been thinking about making a sculpture with iron, he said. And he had been asked to consider the life of Omar ibn Said, a Muslim scholar who had been enslaved in 1807 and brought to Charleston. In 2020, Spoleto Festival USA was set to premiere a new opera based on Omar ibn Saids slim autobiography, and efforts were afoot to complement the production with related projects. After receiving the Gibbes commission for a new sculpture, it didnt take Wilson very long to submit his sketches for consideration. The work, called Omniscience, is now on view in front of the museum. It was dedicated Sept. 29 with the artist present, along with various civic leaders and dignitaries. It is a rare piece of contemporary public art in Charleston. The city has a number of murals by David Boatwright, Shepard Fairey and others, and an area in the Avondale neighborhood where colorful wall paintings are clustered. And it now has an artistically rendered landscape by Walter Hood surrounding the recently opened International African American Museum. But it has little else in the way of large-scale public displays of art. Greenville-area coffeemaker Methodical Coffee will host a grand opening event for Methodical Manufactory a coffee roasting site that also hosts kitchen space for other businesses on Oct. 7 in Travelers Rest. Co-owner Marco Suarez said the manufactory will not ordinarily be open to the public as it is primarily used for behind the scenes work like cold brew making and coffee bean roasting. Suarez, along with co-owners David Baker and Will Shurtz, will give a tour of the facilities with coffee and tea tasting. In the evening will be a latte-art throwdown a competition that involves creating shapes in lattes with a skillful pour of foamed milk. Though it's not a public-facing space, Suarez said, Methodical was able to buy the building because of its customers, and the party is to show appreciation for the community's support of their business. Suarez also hesitates to call the space a roastery because it's home to several small businesses that lease its DHEC-approved kitchen stalls. Some of these businesses, like Jan's Carrot Cake, Lumineaux Chocolates and Common Pops, will provide food at the event alongside food trucks like Krispy Cow. Discontinued Methodical Coffee merchandise will be for sale. Saturday's event will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the roastery at 999 Geer Highway. Upcoming in the Upstate On Oct. 10, the Simpsonville City Council will vote on whether to initially approve a rezoning request for 2.4 acres at 233 Harrison Bridge Road to make way for a parcel poised to be a Chick-fil-A. Brazilian steakhouse Texas de Brazil Churrascaria made its debut at Haywood Mall on Oct. 5. The opening marks the 65th location for the chain but its first in South Carolina. The restaurant serves churrasco-style meat cooked over an open flame using natural wood charcoal and served tableside and a salad bar, as part of its prix fixe menu. GREENVILLE In a night dedicated to championing empowerment and visibility for LGBT-owned business owners, the Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual Pride in Business Gayla and awards ceremony. Business owners gathered at Zen Greenville on Oct. 5 alongside local politicians, members of the chamber and representatives from companies like GE Vernova and BMW for a night of dancing, celebrating and heartfelt speeches. Greenville City Councilwoman Dorothy Dowe and the city's chief diversity officer, Bryant Davis, presented the much-anticipated LGBTQ+ Business of the Year award to Savereign, a plant shop that Dowe described as a little heaven to our Upstate LGBTQ+ and BIPOC community." Shop owner AJ Arellano accepted his award to ABBA's "Dancing Queen," pulling the microphone aside to dedicate his win to minorities in business. Arellano, who moved to Greenville from Chicago, added that he stayed in the South to create a beautiful space and hopes "you feel that from my business every time." Savereign's cozy storefront on Pendleton Street hosts a co-working space and podcasting studio which can be rented, free of charge, every day of the week except Thursdays. Arellano received podcasting equipment through Spotifys inaugural Making Space initiative which sought to address underrepresented voices in podcasting. Savereign is one of four recording studios in the Making Space co-hort. Other studios are in Atlanta, Gainesville, Florida, and Sao Paulo. The chamber also awarded three LGBT-owned restaurants in Greenville a total of $20,000 in grants made possible by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and food delivery service Grubhub. In presenting the three grants which each came with a giant check chamber co-founder Tyler Prescott said the LGBT-owned restaurant scene is "vital to the food scene, not just in Greenville, not just in the Upstate, but across the country." The largest grant of $10,000 went to Modal, a hostel, art gallery and coffee shop in downtown Greenville, owned by Joe Hindman and David Stone Jr. GREENVILLE A major townhome development will move forward in the Nicholtown neighborhood weeks after the Greenville planning commission delayed its approval so established residents could have more say. The subdivision would bring three-story townhomes for about $350,000-$375,000 each to the vacant 2.5-acre property at the corner of Faris Road and McAlister Road, across from Greenville Technical College near Pleasantburg Drive. The planning commission approved the subdivision Oct. 5. Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! The approval is neither a loss nor a win for Nicholtown, said Calvin Hailstock, the neighborhood association president. Its a compromise, Hailstock said. The developer has a right to build what he wants to build based upon, you know, the code that it was presented under. The residents primary goal is for any new development to include some form of affordable housing to protect those who have lived there for generations, Hailstock said. On Aug. 17, residents told planning commissioners they welcomed homes on the site but wanted them to be built with community cooperation. The commission deferred the project to the October meeting and asked the developer and residents to hold additional meetings. They worry about their least-privileged neighbors being displaced by rising housing costs driven by more investment that has pushed up home values as Greenvilles population grows. From 1990 to 2020, Nicholtown lost 42 percent of its Black population while the White population more than doubled, according to a study by Furman University. Americans celebrate Thanksgiving each November, thus kicking off a holiday season that lasts until January 1. Though many see November as the start to a festive time of year, there's even more interesting and fun facts about the eleventh month of the year. Read more5 fun facts about the month of November Funds will support more than 60 feeding programs throughout November Read moreDuke Energy kicks off monthlong campaign providing nearly $400,000 to help fight hunger in South Carolina this holiday season The Old Slave Mart Museum on Chalmers Street occupies a building that once was part of a complex of structures known as Ryans Mart. It included a barracoon (slave jail), dead house (morgue), kitchen area and a yard enclosed by a brick wall. This was one of many sites in Charleston where slave auctions were held. The property was owned by Thomas Ryan, a city councilman. When all the slave-trading activities by the Old Exchange Building began to disrupt traffic flows, and inconvenience local residents, the city passed Ordinance 21 in 1856, requiring all outdoor public slave auctions to move inside and out of the way. The Old Slave Mart became the premier site for such activities. The very day the new ordinance took effect, July 1, auctions were held. Lucinda, 20, was likely the first person sold there. This neighborhood was the epicenter of Charleston's slave trade. And the city profited from it. Under a warm October sun, Mayor John Tecklenburg recounted this history and unveiled two historical markers, one on Chalmers Street, the other on Queen Street, at the north end of what once was a significant complex of human cruelty. City officials hope that the markers will spark interest among visitors in learning about the domestic slave trade and visiting the museum. The more information about (slavery) that gets out there, maybe well all be a little better off in 2023, said Tony Youmans, director of the Old Exchange Building, which operates the Slave Mart Museum. Tecklenburg celebrated the new markers, saying that this kind of truth-telling was necessary, especially in Charleston. "The city was intimately involved in the slave trade, he said. It collected a tax from each sale, another tax for all property located within municipal boundaries (including enslaved people) and a fee in exchange for a license granted to slave owners who opted to rent out skilled workers. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. A resident of Azerbaijan's Terter district has died following a mine explosion, the Interior Ministry's press service told Trend. On October 6, at about 17:00 (GMT +4), Yaguar Hadiyev, born in 1989, a resident of the Terter district's Hasangaya village, died as a result of an anti-personnel mine explosion in Chayli village in the same district. The facts are under investigation. A total of 315 people became victims of mine terror in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from Armenian occupation [in the 2020 second Karabakh war] between November 10, 2020, and September 19, 2023. Of them, 62 people (civilian: 49; military: 13) were killed and 253 (civilian: 101; military: 152) were injured. Nude photos and Jolly Rancher candies played a role in a convicted kidnapper shaving 12 years off his South Carolina prison sentence after a closed-door court hearing led to his release last year. Alberto Romero Lopez, 39, had been serving a 30-year prison term for repeatedly shooting a man and kidnapping two women during a 2006 home invasion in Aiken County, records show. But his attorney, state lawmaker Todd Rutherford, got him sprung early from maximum-security McCormick state prison for providing authorities meaningful assistance that led to the arrest of a corrections officer, state records show. It's one of three cases in the past couple of years in which Rutherford has helped clients lop off years of prison time in exchange for helping prison officials. The ruling by Circuit Judge Courtney Clyburn Pope in March 2022 that reduced Lopezs sentence makes no mention of what he specifically did to warrant such mercy. But court papers from the prison officers arrest indicate she was accused of providing an inmate with nude photos, candy and sunflower seeds. The officer faced charges of misconduct and furnishing contraband. Those charges were later dismissed, court records show. Lopez didnt stick around South Carolina after he left prison. He was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and deported to Mexico, authorities said. The ruling cutting Lopezs prison term was among 27 sentence-reduction orders signed between January 2022 until mid-April 2023. The S.C. Department of Corrections released those orders earlier this year at the request of Gov. Henry McMaster amid a firestorm of public outrage over the early release of convicted killer Jeroid Price. Rutherford also helped broker Price's departure from prisoner some 16 years ahead of schedule. Bonnie Cleaveland was devastated when the Charleston County school board completely overhauled the districts health advisory committee. Cleaveland served as chairwoman of the committee that reviewed the districts health and sexual education curriculum. For days, she had heard rumors that the board intended to shake up the committee. Still, she was shocked when board member Ed Kelley announced he was appointing 12 people to the 13-person group ousting Cleaveland and other longtime members. She was far from the only person surprised by Kelleys proposal or the boards 5-4 vote that put it into action. Audience members at the Sept. 25 meeting, where the board also voted 5-4 to suspend the new superintendent with pay, shouted at the board and criticized them for the lack of transparency around the decision. More coverage To read more in-depth stories from The Post and Couriers Education Lab, go to postandcourier.com/education-lab. News stories following the meeting have predominantly focused on Superintendent Eric Galliens suspension, but former committee members warn their removal could hurt some of the districts most-vulnerable students. The health advisory committee is composed of 13 people, including three clergy members, two parents, two medical professionals, two community members, two students and two teachers. They serve three-year terms, with an opportunity for renewal, though no one can serve more than six years. The now-former committee enacted a new health and sex-education curriculum during its tenure. Jeremy Rutledge, a member of the committee and senior pastor at Circular Congregational Church, called it one of the committees biggest accomplishments. Timothy McClendon has been in trouble with the law for nearly a decade, but until his latest arrest, he's never actually spent much time behind bars. The two years McClendon has been incarcerated, added to the two more he'll spend in a federal prison following his Oct. 3 sentencing in U.S. District Court, will be the longest the 25-year-old Ladson resident has been locked up. His legal troubles began at 16 when he joined up with another teen to rob a man, shooting him in the process, at a North Charleston mall in 2014. For that crime, McClendon pleaded guilty to reduced charges in Charleston County Circuit Court. Though charges were reduced, McClendon was still a convicted felon, and convicted felons cannot legally possess a firearm under state and federal laws. Those laws didn't deter McClendon, however. He kept carrying handguns, and he kept being arrested, but, according to court records, there has been little consequence until federal prosecutors took the case after his latest arrest. Facing the real possibility of years in prison, McClendon, now 25, vowed to turn his life around. "The streets is not what I want anymore," he told U.S. District Judge David Norton on Oct. 3 in a Charleston federal courtroom, saying he had been in and out of jail since he was a teen. "I no longer want any more of this. I don't want this for my kids or my family." His defense attorney, Alicia Penn, said McClendon plans to earn his GED in federal prison as well as a trade certification in HVAC. To demonstrate his commitment to bettering himself, Penn handed Norton a ream of papers showing the 691 courses that McClendon has completed while at the Dorchester County jail where has was held pretrial. If McClendon follows through, it will be a huge detour from the path he has been on since 2014. "He's a gun guy," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell, listing out his rap sheet. At 16, McClendon and a 15-year-old tried to rob a man in the Northwoods Mall parking lot. At the time, McClendon was already facing gun and drug charges, which were later dropped. The attempted holdup at the mall ended with the victim shot twice in the back and once in the arm. The violence brought out a SWAT team and eventually led to restrictions on teens at the mall, according to reports in The Post and Courier. Roughly 40% of households in our tri-county area live on the verge of financial instability, struggling to cover their basic needs as the cost of living continues to outpace earnings. That's almost 128,000 households. Read moreCommentary: SC households work hard but never get ahead. We aim to change that. The good news is that we have some energetic and creative magistrates in South Carolina. The bad news, according to the latest in a growing list of disciplinary orders from Chief Justice Don Beatty, is that theyre investing their energy and creativity in finding ways not to do their job. Or at least thats the case with Berkeley County Magistrate Ava E. Bryant, whom the chief justice says devised and implemented a work scheduling scheme that deceptively allowed her to take multiple unauthorized days off during the work week while appearing to be at work. Ms. Bryant, the chief wrote in a Sept. 28 order, directed the clerks in her office not to schedule hearings for her to preside over on numerous days each month, and would not report to her office on those days, despite her status as a full-time magistrate judge. As a result, The Post and Couriers Ema Rose Schumer reports, she failed to report for duty on at least 29 days in the past six months. Which apparently wouldnt have been a problem throughout most of a career that stretches back to the spring of 2001, since it was only in 2021 that things got so bad that the chief justice felt the need to order full-time magistrates to show up for work full-time. With an annual salary of $103,624 Ms. Bryant and two others are tied for highest magistrate pay in the county she essentially gifted herself an extra $11,000 in paid vacation. In just the six months before the chief justice caught her. Nice work if you can get it. And you can get it if youre in good enough graces with your local senator, who handpicks people to serve as magistrate based on well, whatever that senator considers appropriate qualifications. HARTSVILLE The South Carolina Governors School for Science and Mathematics has named SCbio as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Townes Award. SCbio is the only economic development organization in South Carolina exclusively focused on building, advancing and growing the life sciences industry. With more than 180 current members, SCbio is accelerating growth and adding value to promote the Palmetto States workforce, policy, marketing, entrepreneurship and business development. The Governor's School will honor SCbio during the 30th annual Townes Award Celebration on March 20 in Columbia. GSSM is thrilled to recognize and honor SCbio with the 2024 Townes Award, said President Danny Dorsel. SCbios presence and influence in South Carolina impacts current GSSM students by supporting research opportunities in industry-leading life science laboratories and providing career paths for GSSM graduates when they enter the workforce in South Carolina. As a state resource, GSSM values its partnership with South Carolina leaders like James Chappell and the SCbio team to bolster economic development across our state. The Townes Award is named after South Carolinas Dr. Charles H. Townes, whose pioneering research in quantum electronics led to the invention of the laser. Since 1993, GSSM has presented the prestigious Townes Award to honor individuals, businesses and institutions that have transformed South Carolina and the world. On behalf of the South Carolina life sciences industry, our members and team, I am honored for SCbio to be named the 2024 Townes Award recipient, SCbio President/CEO James Chappell said. SCbio members that have hosted governor's school students for research in recent years or have made opportunities available include Clemson University and the Clemson University Department of Bioengineering, KYOCERA AVX, McMillan Pazdan Smith, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Presbyterian College, Santee Cooper's Biological Services, University of South Carolina, VCOM, Vikor Scientific (using an SCRA facility), Western SC Economic Development Partnership, Winthrop University and Zverse. Hillary Clinton recently told CNNs Christiane Amanpour that supporters of Donald Trump were cult extremists and at some point, you know, maybe there needs to be a formal deprogramming of the cult members. (See video below.) In its report on the exchange, Fox News recalled Clintons statement that Trump supporters were a basket of deplorables. . . Theyre racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it. If the deplorables wonder where this caustic brand of abuse comes from, know that Paul Johnson was all over it in Modern Times. Freud betrayed signs, in fact, of the twentieth century ideologue at his worst, namely, a persistent tendency to regard those who diverge from him as themselves unstable and in need of treatment, wrote Johnson, who passed away this year. Freud told Carl Jung that his inclination was to treat those colleagues who offer resistance exactly as we treat patients in the same situation. As Johnson noted, two decades later, the notion of regarding dissent as form of mental illness, suitable for compulsory hospitalization, was to blossom in the Soviet Union into a new form of political repression. That is what the former First Lady is preaching, at a time when the FBI regards anyone less than worshipful of Joe Biden as a domestic terrorist, violent extremists and so forth. Hillary Clinton didnt specify what formal deprogramming looks like, but as Mark Hendrickson explains, there are models from recent times. One Soviet technique of oppression was to declare that dissidents were insane. They were then incarcerated in psychiatric hospitals where they were tormented and tortured. Some were used as human guinea pigs for dangerous experiments. For example, Vladimir Bukovsky spent a dozen years being shuffled between Soviet jails, labor camps, and psychiatric hospitals. One of the therapies was putting a cord into Bukovskys mouth, threading it from his throat up through his nasal passages, and then drawing it out through one of his nostrils. Alas, this communist treatment did not cure Bukovsky of his rational (not irrational) abhorrence of tyranny and brutality. The type of formal deprogramming Clinton seeks could be promoted as public health issue and imposed under the regime of White Coat Supremacy. That regime remains in place even after the alleged retirement of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the loathsome Lysenko figure who claims to represent science. For her part, Hillary Clinton recalls the 1979 point-counterpoint skit on Saturday Night Live about the Michelle Triola palimony suit against actor Lee Marvin. Behind every successful man, said Jane Curtin, in support of Triola, theres a woman, a loving, giving, caring woman. But Dan Aykroyd wouldnt know about that because theres no old saying about whats behind a miserable failure. After the applause, Dan is ready. Jane, you ignorant slut, he famously said, branding Triola a screeching, squealing, rapacious swamp sow. If anybody applied that to Hillary Clinton it would be hard to blame them. What begins as farce could easily be repeated as tragedy, on a massive scale. It has become fashionable to compare our current situation to a banana republic or Third World dictatorship. With Hillary Clinton calling for formal deprogramming, full-on Stalinist is closer to the mark. As inspector Claude Lebel (Michael Lonsdale) told Madame de Montpellier (Delphine Seyrig) in The Day of the Jackal, Madame, be in no doubt of the seriousness of your position. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The ceremony of laying the foundation of the automobile bridge and border-customs infrastructure, projects on shore protection measures between Azerbaijan and Iran took place and construction work began on October 6, Trend reports. The ceremony was held in Azerbaijans Aghbend village of the Zangilan district within the framework of the implementation of the "Memorandum of Understanding signed between the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on creating new communication links between the East Zangazur economic region of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the territory of Iran". The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chairman of the State Commission on Economic, Trade and Humanitarian Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran Shahin Mustafayev and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran, Co-Chairman of the commission from the Iranian side Mehrdad Bazrpash. Representatives of the relevant state institutions informed Shahin Mustafayev and Mehrdad Bazrpash in detail about the coordinates and technical parameters of the bridge over the Aras river, the construction of which has begun, the project of the access road to the bridge, the indicators of the corresponding border and customs point to be established on the territory, shore protection measures and measures to clean the riverbed, which must be carried out to return the river to the old course, plans to build bridges and a railway line passing through the territory of Iran between the East Zangezur Economic Region and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The co-chairs emphasized that the automobile and border-customs infrastructure being created will serve to increase transit cargo transportation through the territory of the countries and facilitate entry and exit to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. In general, at least 1,100 trucks and other vehicles will be able to receive a checkpoint at the state border daily, as well as a road bridge with seven lanes of traffic after construction is completed. On day one of his administration, President Biden invited the world to come on down to our border, Bob Barker style, and untold millions have taken the invitation. The price is right. Democrats want to redistribute wealth, but they are better at redistributing the poor. The Biden administration has redistributed millions of illegal aliens in secret around the country while proclaiming the border is secure. The administration has performed many bad and destructive acts in what will soon be three years. Thats three years in elapsed time. On a feels-like basis, its a generation or two. The destruction will never be undone. Even Democratic mayors in solid blue states arent entirely happy with the redistributive effects of the alien invasion. With the 2024 presidential election coming into view, the Biden crew must do something to protect their phony baloney jobs, or appear to do something. Yesterday administration officials announced their determination to waive 26 federal laws in south Texas to allow for construction of roughly 20 miles of additional border wall. Biden, of course, had promised not to build a foot of border wall in his administration. He only supported walls to protect his family, not the country. The Department of Homeland Security officially announced in the Federal Register yesterday that Secretary Mayorkas had decided the waiver was necessary in order to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads in the vicinity of the international land border in Starr County, Texas. Mayorkas pronounced: The United States Border Patrols (Border Patrol) Rio Grande Valley Sector is an area of high illegal entry. As of early August 2023, Border Patrol had encountered over 245,000 such entrants attempting to enter the United States between ports of entry in the Rio Grande Valley Sector in Fiscal Year 2023. Therefore, I must use my authorityto install additional physical barriers and roads in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. Therefore, DHS will take immediate action to construct barriers and roads. There is presently [sic] an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas pursuant to [specified statutory sections]. A sane person reading this might infer that the border appears not to be secure. A sane person might infer that the 20 miles of wall and the 26 waivers officially announced in support of its construction were therefore necessary. However, Mayorkas followed up with a public relations statement saying he didnt really mean it: I want to address todays reporting relating to a border wall and be absolutely clear. There is no new Administration policy with respect to border walls. From day one, this Administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. That remains our position and our position has never wavered. The language in the Federal Register notice is being taken out of context and it does not signify any change in policy whatsoever. The construction project reported today was appropriated during the prior administration in 2019 and the law requires the government to use these funds for this purpose, which we announced earlier this year. We have repeatedly asked Congress to rescind this money but it has not done so and we are compelled to follow the law. This Administration believes that effective border security requires a smarter and more comprehensive approach, including state-of the-art border surveillance technology and modernized ports of entry. We need Congress to give us the funds to implement these proven tools. There is a circle here that must be squared, appearances that must be maintained, and politics that must be conducted. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre brought her talents to bear in these efforts at yesterdays White House press briefing (transcript here). According to KJP, the administration was acting like a good citizen to comply with the law. You got a problem with that? I wonder if the law compels Mayorkas to waive the 26 laws cited in the Federal Register notice. There he explains that he is acting in his sole discretion. Even the AP notices the seeming contradiction. And of course Biden himself pronounced that the wall wouldnt work. Hes just going through the motions, as he does on the days he shows up to work. What are we to make of this? Andrew Arthur has a few thoughts in todays New York Post. I am quite sure it would be a mistake to make anything of the administrations latest moves other than a reminder that an election is scheduled for November 2024. Beyond that, it is sound and fury signifying nothing, or something asymptotically approaching it. ACROMETA's Life Science Incubator (LSI) Signs Agreement with Ho Bee Land subsidiary to operate Co-Working Laboratory PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 17:39:48 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 876 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 - Located at Elementum, One-North, in the heart of the biomedical industry hub- Project will triple the size of LSI's co-working laboratory space operations in Singapore- Able to serve customers requiring larger spaces for their R&D- Partnership with recognized property developer a boon to the LSI brand- Plans for international expansion of co-working laboratory businessSINGAPORE, Oct 6, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - ACROMETA Group Limited ("ACROMETA", or the "Company" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), an established specialist engineering service provider in the field of controlled environments serving mainly the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia sectors, today announced that its 70% owned subsidiary company Life Science Incubator Pte Ltd ("Life Science Incubator" or "LSI") has entered into a Management Agreement (the MA) with HB Universal Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Mainboard-listed Ho Bee Land Limited.The MA engages LSI to operate and manage a co-working laboratory centre at Elementum, One-North, a building in the heart of Singapores biomedical industry district. The MA is for an initial period of six (6) years with an option to renew the MA for a further six (6) years by mutual agreement.The MA engages LSI to operate, manage, promote and market the co-working laboratory centre; and to provide management and consultancy services for the business. The proposed project will triple the size of LSIs co-working laboratory space operations in Singapore. With the expanded space, the operations at Elementum will be able to attract companies that require larger Research and Development (R&D) space, as well as enable existing LSI customers who want to expand their R&D activities to do so.The MA follows on the heels of LSIs recent expansion of its co-working lab space business. On 6 April 2023, Acrometa announced to SGXNet that Life Science Incubator signed an MOU with a renowned German commercial property group to be the anchor tenant for its planned Brisbane co-working laboratory space project. On 21 March 2023, AcroMeta announced that it had signed an MOU with a Thailand industrial waste disposal company for the construction and operation of a laboratory for the testing and certification of solid waste and sludge. The construction of the laboratory would be done by Acrometas wholly-owned subsidiary Acromec Engineers, and LSI would operate the laboratory; with an option for joint ownership.Mr Levin Lee Keng Weng, ACROMETA's Executive Chairman, commented: Biomedical sciences is an integral part of Singapores future economy with its focus on high value-add industries. Co-working laboratory spaces allows SMEs and startups to kickstart their R&D without incurring initial high CAPEX. There is a rising number of SMEs and startups needing co-working laboratory spaces with specialized infrastructure to conduct their R&D to bring their innovative products to the market. That is where LSI comes in. Mr Lee added, Having a working partnership with Ho Bee Land, a well-known and established property developer, would solidify the LSI brand of co-working laboratory spaces. This will position us for international expansion of the LSI brand that we are planning, as there is demand for co-working laboratory space in major cities and industrial hubs globally. Reference:About ACROMETA Group Limited (SGX Stock Code:43F)ACROMETA (Previously known as ACROMEC Limited) is an established specialist engineering services provider with more than 25 years of experience in the field of controlled environments.The Group has, over the years, acquired expertise in the design and construction of facilities requiring controlled environments such as laboratories, medical and sterile facilities and cleanrooms.ACROMETA's business is divided into three main business segments: (i) Engineering, procurement, and construction services, specialising in architectural, and mechanical, electrical, and process works within controlled environments; (ii) Maintenance and repair services of facilities and equipment of controlled environments and their supporting infrastructure. (iii) Co-Working Laboratory business; currently operates 6,500 square feet of co-working laboratory space at The German Centre in Singapore, serving SMEs and startups.The Group mainly serves the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia, and electronics sectors. ACROMETA's customers include hospitals and medical centres, government agencies, research and development companies or agencies, research and development units of multinational corporations, tertiary educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, semiconductor manufacturing companies, and multinational engineering companies.The Company has been listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange since 2016. For more information, please visit www.acrometa.com Media and Analysts Contact:ACROMETA Group LimitedMs. Cheah Lai MinChief Financial OfficerTel: +65 6415 0574Email: laimin.cheah@acrometa.com Waterbrooks Consultants Pte LtdMr. Wayne KooTel: +65 6958 8008 / +65 9338 8166Email: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg Email: query@ waterbrooks.com.sg This media release has been reviewed by the Company's Sponsor, Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited (the "Sponsor"). It has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the "Exchange"), and the Exchange assumes no responsibility for the contents of this document, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this document.The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr. Jerry Chua, 138 Robinson Road, #13-02 Oxley Tower, Singapore 068906, jerrychua@ evolvecapitalasia.com PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-05 23:24:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1067 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSXV:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) (the "Company" or "Aston Bay") today announces the closing of its previously announced brokered private placement (the "LIFE Offering") and concurrent non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Offering" and, together with the LIFE Offering, the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$2.5 million.Under the terms of the LIFE Offering, the Company issued 28,847,375 units ("Units"), at a price of C$0.08 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$2.31 million. Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation (the "Agent") acted as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with the LIFE Offering. The Concurrent Offering was completed on a non-brokered private placement basis in which 2,450,000 Units were issued for aggregate gross proceeds of C$196,000 on the same terms as the LIFE Offering.Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.12 at any time on or before October 5, 2025.The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for exploration and development of the Company's projects in Virginia, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.In connection with the LIFE Offering and as consideration for their services, the Company paid to the Agent a cash commission of C$120,227.40 and issued to the Agent 1,502,843 non-transferable warrants of the Company (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of C$0.08, subject to adjustment in certain events, at any time on or before October 5, 2025.28,847,375 Units were offered pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption") as outlined in Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 -- Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"). An offering document related to the portion of the Offering conducted under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption has been filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at ( www.sedarplus.ca) . The balance of Units, sold as part of the Concurrent Offering, were issued on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from the prospectus requirements in Canada other than the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption and in offshore jurisdictions.The Common Shares issuable from the sale of Units under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption are not subject to a hold period in accordance with Canadian securities laws and are immediately freely tradeable, while the Common Shares and Warrants issuable from the sale of Units under other prospectus exemptions in Canada are subject to a four month hold period.The securities offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.About Aston Bay HoldingsAston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade copper and gold deposits in Virginia, USA, and Nunavut, Canada. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona. The Company is currently exploring the high-grade Buckingham Gold Vein in central Virginia and is in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade copper potential in the area.The Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West") have agreed to form a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture and enter into a joint venture agreement in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under such agreement, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%.Further details are available on the Company's website at https://astonbayholdings.com/ FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSStatements made in this news release, including those regarding the Offering, including the use of proceeds, as well as management objectives, forecasts, estimates, expectations, or predictions of the future may constitute "forward-looking statements", which can be identified by the use of conditional or future tenses or by the use of such verbs as "believe", "expect", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "anticipate", "project", "plan", and words of similar import, including variations thereof and negative forms. This news release contains forward-looking statements that reflect, as of the date of this news release, Aston Bay's expectations, estimates and projections about its operations, the mining industry and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements in this news release that are not supported by historical fact are forward-looking statements, meaning they involve risk, uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Aston Bay believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. Aston Bay disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. We seek safe harbour.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 adequac PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 13:31:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1041 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Company to Raise Up to US$2.0 Million in Unit Offering at C$0.75 per UnitVANCOUVER, BC and KIBBUTZ YIFAT, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Beyond Oil Ltd. (CSE:BOIL)(OTCQB:BEOLF) ("Beyond Oil" or the "Company"), a food-tech innovation company extending the life of frying oil, reducing costs, waste and health risks, is pleased to announce that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 3,600,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a purchase price of C$0.75 per Unit, for total gross proceeds of up to US$2.0 million. For the purposes of the Offering, the Company has set the Canadian - US exchange rate at C$1.35:US$1.00.Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole such share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable for one Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$1.25 per Warrant Share for a period of one year after the closing date.The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes.The securities to be issued under the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act.Product HighlightsFrying Oils Recovery: Extensive testing indicates that the Beyond Oil Product extends the usable life of frying oil, improves product quality, and reduces frying oil costs. As a preferential adsorbent, the product reduces and prevents the formation of harmful components such as Free Fatty Acids ("FFA"), Total Polar materials ("TPM"), acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ("PAHs"), trans fats, and other impurities, ensuring frying oil stays fresh and fried food tastes fantastic.Patent Protected: The Company also has a portfolio of registered and patent-pending solutions that extend the shelf-life of produced and used vegetable oils.Potential Cost-Savings: One of Beyond Oil's unique value propositions is that it can dramatically lower costs for quick-service restaurants by significantly extending the useful life of the oil while meeting food quality and safety requirements. For more information on how the Beyond Oil Product extends the life of frying oil, see the Company's news release dated December 12, 2022.Distribution Ready: The Company received a non-objection letter from the US Food & Drug Administration ("FDA") in March 2022, on the basis that all the Beyond Oil Product ingredients meet food-grade specifications of the FDA. In May 2022, Beyond Oil received a non-objection letter from Health Canada and a National Sanitation Foundation certification. Beyond Oil is legally permitted to sell its product into the Israeli market according to the processing-aid and filtering-aid regulations.How the Beyond Oil Product WorksThe Beyond Oil Product integrates into the existing filtration systems of both commercial and industrial fryers. The combination of active filtration by the powder and passive filtration by the filter and filtration machine ensures the best results by removing other degradation particles. The powder remains on the filter and creates an additional layer which provides the microfiltration benefit.About Beyond Oil Ltd.Beyond Oil is an innovative food-tech company dedicated to transforming the way we consume and produce food. We provide sustainable solutions for the food industry, prioritizing environmental protection and the well-being of its workers and customers. Our innovative solutions help reduce costs for our partners and clients while ensuring responsible and eco-friendly practices. We are committed to environmental responsibility, minimizing the carbon footprint of the food industry on our planet. By implementing cutting-edge techniques, we deliver a healthier final product by reducing the formation of carcinogenic substances in fried food. Our vision is to create a more sustainable future where food safety, cost efficiency, and environmental consciousness come together seamlessly. For more information, visit our website at: www.beyondoil.co ContactsJonathan OrCEO and Co-founderinfo@ beyondoil.co Caroline SawamotoInvestor Relations1-647-691-9801ir@ beyondoil.co Forward Looking Statement and InformationThe Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management's current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. In addition, we cannot assure that any patent will be issued as a result of a pending patent application or, if issued, whether it will be issued in a form that will be advantageous to us. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time at sedarplus.ca . Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-07 00:00:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 960 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. ("Blackwolf", or the "Company") (TSXV:BWCG)(OTC PINK:BWCGF) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 10,420,000 units of the Company at a price of $0.24 per Unit for up to total gross proceeds of up to $2,500,800 (the "Offering") (all figures in the current release are in Canadian dollars).Each unit will be comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant (the "Units"). Each share purchase warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one common share at a price of $0.35 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance (the "Warrants")The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund exploration activities at the Company's three projects including Niblack, Cantoo and the Harry Project as well general working capital purposes.The Company will pay to certain finders a cash fee equal to 6% of the gross proceeds from the sale of Units to subscribers introduced by a particular finder (the "Found Units") and will issue finder warrants equal to 6% of the Found Units sold pursuant to the Offering (the "Finder Warrants"). Finder's Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Finder's Warrant Share") at a price of $0.35 per Finder's Warrant Share for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issuance.The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to the standard four-month hold.The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.About Blackwolf Copper & Gold Ltd.Blackwolf's founding vision is to be an industry leader in transparency, inclusion and innovation. Guided by our Vision and through collaboration with local and Indigenous communities and stakeholders, Blackwolf builds shareholder value through our technical expertise in mineral exploration, engineering and permitting. The Company holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Niblack copper-gold-zinc-silver VMS project, located adjacent to tidewater in southeast Alaska as well as six Hyder Area gold-silver and base metal properties in southeast Alaska and northwest British Columbia in the Golden Triangle, including the Cantoo and Harry properties. For more information on Blackwolf, please visit the Company's website at www.blackwolfcopperandgold.com On behalf of the Board of Directors of Blackwolf Copper & Gold Ltd."Morgan Lekstrom"CEO and DirectorFor more information, contact:Morgan Lekstrom250-574-7350 (Mobile)604-343-2997 (Office)mll@ bwcg.caLiam Morrison604-897-9952 (Mobile)604-343-2997 (Officelm@ bwcg.caNeither 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.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include statements relating to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the Company's future objectives and plans. Forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in the Company's business plans. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company seeks safe harbor.For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca SOURCE: Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 08:01:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 413 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOTICE OF INVESTOR AND ANALYST EVENTPERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Centamin plc ("Centamin" or "the Company" of "the Group") (LSE:CEY)(TSX:CEE)Centamin will host a virtual investor and analyst presentation and Q&A session on Thursday, 12 October 2023. The event will start at 14.30 BST (UK time). Martin Horgan, CEO, and Ross Jerrard, CFO, will present the updated life of mine plan for the Company's flagship asset, the Sukari Gold Mine.EVENT ACCESSTo join the webcast: https://www.lsegissuerservices.com/spark/Centamin/events/e9d8edd6-7536-4e63-810f-a08189c4f89b Please allow a few minutes to register. A replay of the event and presentation material will be available on the Company's website.QUESTIONSInvestors are welcome to submit questions prior to the event via the above link or by emailing investor@ centaminplc.com ABOUT CENTAMINCentamin is an established gold producer, with a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company's flagship asset is the Sukari Gold Mine ("Sukari"), Egypt's largest and first modern gold mine, as well as one of the world's largest producing mines. Since production began in 2009 Sukari has produced over 5 million ounces of gold, and has 6.0Moz in gold Mineral Reserves as of 31 December 2022. Through its large portfolio of exploration assets in Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire, Centamin is advancing an active pipeline of future growth prospects, including the Doropo project in Cote d'Ivoire, and has over 3,000km2 of highly prospective exploration ground in Egypt's Nubian Shield.Centamin recognises its responsibility to deliver operational and financial performance and create lasting mutual benefit for all stakeholders through good corporate citizenship, including but not limited to in 2022, achieving new safety records; commissioning of the largest hybrid solar farm for a gold mine; sustaining a +95% Egyptian workforce; and, a +60% Egyptian supply chain at Sukari.FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit the website www.centamin.com or contact:Centamin plcAlexandra Barter-Carse, Head of Corporate Communicationsinvestor@ centaminplc.com FTI ConsultingBen Brewerton / Sara Powell / Nick Hennis+442037271000centamin@ fticonsulting.com This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Centamin PLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 13:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1025 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Leuffer Mining Exported 1,347,438.14 Metric Tons of Iron Ore in the last 3 yearsCHATSWORTH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Chilco River Holdings, Inc. ("Chilco River") (OTC PINK:CRVH), a multi-faceted holding company focused on developing high growth businesses within diverse industries, announced today the acquisition of Leuffer Desarrollos S.A. de C.V, a Mexico-based exporter of iron ore to the United States, China and Hong Kong. Leuffer has been growing its iron ore shipment volumes for 7 years and acquiring more than 10 mining concessions (leases) to be operating in crucial developing Mexican mining plans near to biggest port facilities. To date, Leuffer has shipped over 94% of its aggregate shipments to China. In addition, about 4% of its total shipments arrived in Hong Kong. The remainder of the shipments have been sold to various producers in the United States. Leuffer Desarrollos S.A. de C.V, specializes in producing and exporting high-quality iron ore lumps with a 62% quality, crushed to fines, in dry basis (basic commodity).Mexico is the 12th largest producer or iron ore in the world, with potential and growing every year, to become top 5 in the coming 2 to 3 years. Currently, Australia is the largest producer of iron ore followed by Brazil and China. The major producers in the global iron ore mining market are Vale SA, Rio Tinto, BHP, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (FMG), and Anglo American Plc. Although Mexico produces about 3% of the world's iron ore, its strategic location, weather, economic conditions and skilled workers advantages to increase its total production to service world markets such as China, USA and others. Leuffer has exported over 1.3 million metric tons of iron Ore to China, Hong Kong, and the USA between 2019 and 2022. The company currently possesses federal registration permits, and the required special exportation permit registered with the national tax authority in full force and effect for mining operations, registers, permits and licenses in force since their mining operation is cautiously designed to protect environment and communities. Leuffer remains only one of 3 companies in Mexico to export iron ore out of the country.The company owns and operates 11 mining leases, with four of them currently in production in the state of Sonora, with the other leases located in Michoacan and Jalisco in Mexico. All of the mines are conveniently located near major maritime ports of cargo, with railroad and highways facilities. Two of the largest iron ore mining operations in Mexico are in Michoacan, in close proximity to the Leuffers company mining leases in Michoacan state. Those like, (i)Las Encinas mines is in Michoacan. It is owned by Ternium and produced an estimated 1.93 million metric tons of iron ore in 2022, the mine will operate until 2038. The Las Truchas mine, owned by ArcelorMittal, is a surface mining operation located in Michoacan, and produced an estimated 1.61 million metric tons of iron ore in 2022. That mine will operate until 2040.The Mexican Geological Service (SGM) and other international geological engineering specialists are currently conducting surveys to determine the SK-1300 assay for the Mineral Resources as proven. The surveys are being conducted on four mines in Sonora, which have probable mineral resources (iron ore reserves) of around 60 million metric tons, guaranteeing more than 30 years production. The survey will also determine the presence of Gold, Silver, Copper, and rare earths (17 elements existent in the Sonora leases), which will project growth exponentially in the coming 2 years. Meanwhile, Leuffers mining operation will continue with the exploitation and exploration of iron ore and export without rest, which will allow it to position itself in the markets of large consumers. Their expansion mining plan was meticulously designed by technic geologists and mining operation professionals from around the world.In 2023, the operating budget for Leuffer Desarrollos S.A. de C.V. aimed to generate roughly 1 million metric tons of Iron Ore. The company has invested significantly in infrastructure and consolidation of their mining concessions, and presently operates four leases in Sonora state. By using advanced machinery, equipment, and expertise, the company is witnessing a monthly rise in production.Starting in 2024, Leuffer Desarrollos S.A. de C.V. plans to boost production by 50% each year and to add two more open operational pits, and increase their attendance near to the mining operation, and acquire more leases to production annually. The firm primarily exports through the Guaymas (Sonora) maritime port, although it also utilizes alternate port facilities in Lazaro Cardenas (Michoacan) and Manzanillo (Colima) maritime ports.Will Lovett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chilco River Holdings Inc. commented, "The acquisition of Leuffer demonstrates our management team's commitment to acquiring assets that are producing revenue currently. Leuffer has demonstrated an ability to secure mining leases, obtain the necessary permits, all while opening global distribution channels for its iron ore." Mr. Lovett added, "As we increase production, we are confident that our current sales channels including China can easily purchase triple our current production without any additional channels being added to our downstream".About Chilco River HoldingsChilco River is a multifaceted holding company focused on businesses within diverse industries.Website: http://www.chilcoriver.com About Leuffer Desarrollos S.A. de C.V https://leuffer.com/ Leuffer Desarrollos S.A. de C.V has nearly a decade of experience exporting millions of metric tons of Iron ore, with the necessary concessions and infrastructure to meet the iron ore demands of industries operating along the Mexico and USA borderline, we are able to provide you an extraordinary opportunity to grow your capital by acquiring low-risk and highly demanded stocks of raw materials such as iron ore for iron-producing and steelmaking companies.Forward Looking Statements: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 and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements include the intent, belief or current expectations of the company and its management team.Forward-looking statements are projections of events, revenues, income, future economics, research, development, reformulation, product performance or management's plans and objectives for future operations. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Prospective investors are caution PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 21:00:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 334 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ATLANTA. GA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / CKH Group, an Atlanta-based small business CPA firm specializing in providing robust financial solutions to state and local governments, is thrilled to announce its participation in the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association (GGFOA) Annual 2023 Conference. The event, set to take place Sunday, October 8-11, will provide an excellent opportunity for attendees to explore CKH Group's assurance, tax, accounting, and advisory services tailored to meet the unique needs of government entities.CKH Group Logo "We are looking forward to joining the esteemed community of finance professionals at the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association Annual 2023 Conference," said Roger Nixon, Vice President of Business Development at CKH Group. "This event provides us with a platform to showcase how CKH Group's expertise can benefit State and Local governments in achieving their financial goals efficiently." Conference attendees are encouraged to visit CKH Group at Booth 27 to engage in insightful discussions about the comprehensive financial solutions CKH Group offers. Whether it's discussing assurance services, tax planning, accounting practices, or seeking expert advice, CKH Group's dedicated team will be available to address your specific needs.For those with limited time, CKH Group offers the convenience of exploring its core competencies, NAICS codes, and affiliations through the digital capabilities statement, accessible here. Additionally, visitors can learn more about the firm's offerings by visiting the Government Contracting page on the CKH Group website.For attendees interested in scheduling a one-on-one meeting, CKH Group encourages you to book an appointment in advance via our contact form.About CKH Group: CKH Group is an Atlanta-based small business CPA firm specializing in providing comprehensive financial solutions to state and local governments. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by government entities, CKH Group offers assurance, tax, accounting, and advisory services designed to help clients achieve their financial objectives.5 Concourse Parkway, Suite 2850, Atlanta, GA 30328 - www.ckhgroup.com - LinkedInContact InformationClara Buse Marketing Coordinator ckhmarketing@ ckhgroup.com 7704959077SOURCE: CKH Group PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-05 23:02:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 354 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / Colorado Media School (CMS), part of the M & S Media Inc. (Beonair Network of Media Schools), is honored to announce its recent achievement of the prestigious institutional recognition from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). CMS has been awarded the "School of Distinction" Award for 2022-2023, recognizing its commitment to delivering quality educational programs and meeting the expectations and rigors of accreditation.Colorado Media School of Destinction The U.S. Department of Education recognizes ACCSC as one of its designated accrediting bodies for more than 650 post-secondary, trade and technical schools that serve over 150,000 students in a variety of vocational programs each year nationwide. The "School of Distinction" Award is an especially impressive distinction for CMS as it demonstrates its dedication to excellence in media education."We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized as a School of Distinction,'" said Nancy Rodriguez, CEO M & S Media Inc. "This prestigious title is a true testament to the dedication and excellence of our CMS staff and faculty and their unwavering commitment to our students and media industry partners. Undeniably, the success of our graduates and the satisfaction of our employers are the ultimate gauges of our triumph. We take immense pride in providing a trained workforce that fulfills the needs of the broadcast media workplace." Since its establishment in 2001, CMS has been completely committed to offering its students an excellent education and training experience. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where students can truly flourish. We achieve this by providing practical, hands-on instruction that reflects real-world scenarios. Additionally, we offer various resources such as internships, job placement services, and collaboration opportunities with local businesses and organizations.As CMS continues to fulfill its mission of delivering outstanding education for future media professionals, we are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from ACCSC. It serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in media education.Contact InformationJohn Girard National Director of Marketing and Brand Management for the Beonair Network of Media Schools jgirard@ beonair.com 5189561385SOURCE: M & S Media Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 15:03:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 442 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica " or the "Company") (NYSE:CMA) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Comerica securities between February 9, 2021 and May 29, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/cma Case Details:The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose, among other things, that: (1) Comerica failed to provide meaningful oversight over the vendors to whom it contracted out day-to-day operations of the Direct Express program, a system through which it is contracted to provide federal benefits to millions of Americans without bank accounts; (2) as a result of violations in the day-to-day operations of Direct Express, including handling fraud disputes and allowing sensitive data to be handled out of a vendor's office in Pakistan, Comerica was not in compliance with the Federal Contract, and knew it was not in compliance; (3) Comerica knew and failed to disclose that it was in potential violation of Regulation E due to inadequate fraud prevention in the Direct Express program and responses to instance of fraud; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/cma or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Comerica you have until October 20, 2023, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz and Grossman, LLC 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. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-07 00:00:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 766 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 How StackBench's UCP Police App Enhances Trust and Communication Between Law Enforcement and CommunitiesCHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / In recent years there has been an increased voice of mistrust of police. According to a September Gallup article, members of Generation Z (those between the ages of 12 and 26 years old) have a lackluster trust in major United States institutions, those institutions include the police. According to Forbes, Gen Z is searching for truth. One thing that can help build trust is increased communication.There is now a dedicated mobile app that can help others be more comfortable interacting with the police department. StackBench is a software company focused on innovative solutions for law enforcement. One of those solutions is a Unified Communication Platform (UCP) is a comprehensive system that leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance law enforcement and public safety. The UCP Police App solution consists of a police department-branded mobile app for iPhone and Android for citizens to download.In Forbes' article "Understanding the Differences In Mobile App Use Across Generations." Gen Zs, Millennials (25-40-year-olds), Generation X (41-56-year-olds), and Boomers (57-75-year-olds) all are using apps at increasing rates. "People across all generations spend more time now than ever before using mobile apps, averaging roughly four hours a day," according to Froehlich.Anoop Menon, the Founder/CEO of StackBench, saw a need when he was consulting on a project for a local sheriffs department he noticed the lack of reasonably priced, innovative technology solutions. What better way to connect law enforcement and the citizens than an app? StackBench created the UCP Police App to help make neighborhoods safe and promote community policing.The Department of Justice defines community policing as "a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime." Community policing has shifted over the years as the different generations' engagement strategies. That is why an app is an ideal solution. The technology component helps in building trust between the community and the police. This product is built to reduce the communication gap between the police and the citizens they serve. Therefore, communication between the groups can help reduce crime.The Office of Justice Programs, as a part of the US Department of Justice, states that community policing is, in essence, a collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems. That partnership could be strengthened by the UCP Police App.One of the unique aspects of UCP Police is its flexibility. Users can easily add or remove features based on their specific needs. Police departments can send real-time public alerts to citizens with guaranteed delivery. And if citizens see something not right, they can submit a tip anonymously (or not) and they can include a photo or video right from the app. Citizens also get to learn about everything the police department does and request additional services like additional patrol checks or information.The UCP Police allows a connection with the police and citizens can provide tips to solve cases. The app can also help hold officers accountable. There are read receipts for compliance. This helps ensure officers are held accountable for acting on the information they receive. The UCP Police App can help streamline internal communication. It helps create teams and securely broadcast information to individual officers or teams. There are templates available and can be reused as needed. In addition, encrypted information sent to your staff will only be available for download by the police department for compliance and court-ordered purposes.ABOUT STACKBENCHStackBench is an award-winning Charlotte-based startup specializing in innovative technology solutions tailored for the US Government. StackBench is the product subsidiary of Confianz Global, Inc. - a 15-year-old Software Solutions business. StackBench focuses on innovative software solutions for Police departments to help improve community policing and keep neighborhoods safer, and its UCP Police App won the 2023 Stevie Gold and Stevie Silver awards from the American Business Association. Founder/CEO of StackBench, Anoop Menon, has a passion for leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety. Menon's leadership drives StackBench's commitment to creating impactful solutions that empower those on the front lines. His dedication to bridging the gap between technology and the needs of police departments is shaping a safer and more efficient future for communities. For more information, visit https://stackbench.com . For additional information, visit StackBench on Facebook, YouTube, or X.CONTACTAnoop Menon704-215-4622anoopmenon@ confianzit.com SOURCE: StackBench PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 03:46:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 511 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / George Avet, a visionary serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Avet Media, proudly announces a significant milestone in his journey to transform the advertising industry. With unwavering dedication and a passion for innovation, George Avet and his team at Avet Media have achieved an extraordinary feat by surpassing $1.5 million in annual sales. This remarkable revenue growth underscores Avet's commitment to delivering exceptional results for his clients while paving the way for the future of advertising.George Avet, often referred to as a forward thinker who can see trends long before they develop, is a true entrepreneur at heart. From humble beginnings, George's entrepreneurial spirit ignited at a young age when he opened his own lemonade stand at the tender age of 7. His innate ability to identify opportunities and seize them with determination and creativity has been a driving force throughout his life.At the turn of the century, George recognized the potential of the internet as a vast opportunity for growth. He ingeniously transformed his father's local shoe store, Shoe Box, into one of the country's pioneering online handmade shoe marketplaces. Through content exploitation, e-commerce strategies, email marketing, and Google AdWords, George propelled Shoe Box's annual sales from $20,000 to an astounding $1.5 million.In 2009, George Avet, along with his younger brother, founded Avet Media with a vision to replicate the success they achieved with Shoe Box for other brands and businesses. Remarkably, he achieved this without seeking external seed money, growing his agency to over 120 talented professionals in just 12 years. Avet Media's client roster boasts renowned names such as ABB, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, and many more, showcasing George's ability to deliver outstanding results across various industries.George Avet's entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has made significant contributions to diverse industries, including business intelligence, mobile application testing and development, video editing, eCommerce lead acquisition and retention, and social media marketing. His remarkable ability to adapt to changing landscapes has set him apart as a true visionary in the world of entrepreneurship.As George Avet and Avet Media continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the advertising industry, the future looks brighter than ever. With a track record of remarkable revenue growth, unwavering dedication to his clients, and a genuine commitment to philanthropy, George Avet is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of entrepreneurship.For media inquiries, please contact:Avet Media390 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, United StatesAbout George Avet:George Avet is a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO of Avet Media, a full-service advertising agency with offices in New York and London. With a proven track record of remarkable revenue growth and a commitment to philanthropy, George Avet is a prominent figure in the advertising industry and a sought-after public speaker.About Avet Media:Avet Media is a leading advertising agency that partners with small, medium, and large corporations to leverage consumer attention. With a focus on innovation and delivering exceptional results, Avet Media has earned a reputation for excellence in the field of advertising.SOURCE: Avet Media PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 19:00:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 580 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE) equity and bond investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Feb. 28, 2019 - Aug. 16, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Oct. 23, 2023Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/HE Contact An Attorney Now: HE@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE: HE) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges that, unknown to investors, (1) Hawaiian Electric's wildfire prevention and safety protocols and procedures were inadequate to meet the challenges for which they were ostensibly designed, and (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.On Aug. 12, 2023 (after historic wildfires broke out in Maui, killing dozens of people and causing billions of dollars of damage), The Washington Post reported that "[b]efore the Maui wildfires, Hawaiian Electric did not have a plan - adopted widely in California and other states - to shut off power in certain lines in advance of dangerous winds." According to the Post "Hawaiian Electric was aware that a power shut-off was an effective strategy, documents show, but had not adopted it as part of its fire-mitigation plans, according to the company and two former power and energy officials interviewed by The Washington Post." Citing a former member of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, the Post reported that the decision to avoid shutting off power "is reflective of the utility's struggles to bolster its aging and vulnerable infrastructure against wildfires[.]"Then, on Aug. 16, 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that Hawaiian Electric is in talks with restructuring firms and is exploring options to address its financial and legal challenges arising from the Maui wildfires.The next day, the WSJ reported that, while knowing of wildfire threats, Hawaiian Electric spent less than $245,000 between 2019 and 2022 on Maui wildfire-specific projects.This news drove the price of Hawaiian Electric shares and bonds sharply lower."We're focused on investors' losses and proving Hawaiian Electric misled investors about its operational safeguards necessary to comply with state safety requirements," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Hawaiian Electric and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses nowIf you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Hawaiian Electric case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Hawaiian Electric 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 HE@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 04:53:21 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 / October 5, 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: 2023-10-06 17:01:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 368 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 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 and Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 15:16:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 823 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Yum! BrandsTaco Bell BlogNational Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, is dedicated to showcasing the brilliant Hispanic/Latin culture. These grand celebrations include art exhibitions, music performances, parades, street fairs and more!The observation started on September 15, 1968 as a weeklong celebration and expanded in 1988 to a monthlong commemoration. But why September 15? This date is the anniversary of the independence days shared by Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, also falling close to Mexico and Chile's independence days on September 16 and September 18.To honor this momentous month, we're spotlighting members of the Hispanic/Latin community and their inspiring career and life journeys.Brina R. (She/Her/Hers) - Associate Manager, Human Resources, Taco Bell InternationalHispanic/Latin Heritage month is all about celebrating the diverse cultures that make up this community of people. For Brina, it's a moment to showcase her pluralistic roots, which has made her who she is today."I love that I can bring these two cultures together in my household, showing my family what it means to be a Guatemalan living in the United States. Celebrating the warmth of the Hispanic/Latin culture, the delicious food, music, talents, as well as the adversities we have overcome is what makes this month so special." Brina was born in Guatemala and moved to the United States when she was five years old. She grew up in the San Fernando Valley in California, surrounded by American and Guatemalan traditions. Since high school, Brina enjoyed helping people learn new things and grow their careers. Little did she know these two worlds would collide in her role on Taco Bell's Ibero-America HR team supporting franchisees."Growing up in a Guatemalan household and living in the United States, I never thought I would be able to apply my culture in my career. I've always been proud of who I am, so working on the international team and using my background to connect and communicate with others gave me a new perspective." When Brina first started on the international team, she knew Spanish would be part of her daily discourse. She was confident in her skills, but what she didn't expect was how much business would be conducted in Spanish. This ended up becoming a goal for her to work towards."I grew up speaking Spanish my entire life, so there was no doubt that I was fluent in it. But the more time I spent working in Spanish, I knew there was a level of mastery I had to aim for. I had an American accent and didn't know every word, especially corporate terms." Although she knew the language, Brina started second-guessing herself. She had to change her mindset to fully appreciate her bilingual skills."I knew I had to sharpen my skills, so I started surrounding myself more with Spanish. I watched more Spanish TV and read the language to better understand grammar and improve my writing skills. I jumped at every opportunity to speak Spanish to get more comfortable with it. Being in the role for several years now, I can look back and be proud of how much I have developed and the opportunities I have been a part of. I am also grateful for my team's support along the way!"Being on the international team has also changed the way Brina views people and their individual journeys."This role has made me more compassionate for others in all aspects of life, whether it be understanding their family history, their drive to pursue an education, or the passion they have for Taco Bell. It has also expanded my understanding of the Latin American culture, giving me a deeper appreciation for the diversity that is around us." At the same time, her biggest source of inspiration and empathy is her family."My husband pushes me to pursue my dreams and believe in myself. That is what I want to do for my son as well. I want to give him everything that my mom was able to give me. But more than anything, I want to teach him to be proud of who he is and raise him to dream big." If Brina could share one piece of advice to those going through a similar experience, it would be this: "The struggles our parents went through to raise us in this country are what makes us stronger. It's not the typical life you may think of, or what you see on TV, but what you go through are the strengths you have. Be proud of them and don't forget them." Check out more people stories!View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Yum! Brands on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Yum! BrandsWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/yum-brandsEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Yum! Brands PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-05 23:01:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 354 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / Illinois Media School (IMS), part of M & S Media Inc. (Beonair Network of Media Schools), is honored to announce its recent achievement of the prestigious institutional recognition from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). CMS has been awarded the "School of Distinction" Award for 2022-2023, recognizing its commitment to delivering quality educational programs and meeting the expectations and rigors of accreditation.Illinois Media School The U.S. Department of Education recognizes ACCSC as one of its designated accrediting bodies for more than 650 post-secondary, trade and technical schools that serve over 150,000 students in a variety of vocational programs each year nationwide. The "School of Distinction" Award is an especially impressive distinction for IMS as it demonstrates its dedication to excellence in media education."We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized as a School of Distinction,'" said Nancy Rodriguez, CEO M & S Media Inc. "This prestigious title is a true testament to the dedication and excellence of our IMS staff and faculty and their unwavering commitment to our students and media industry partners. Undeniably, the success of our graduates and the satisfaction of our employers are the ultimate gauges of our triumph. We take immense pride in providing a trained workforce that fulfills the needs of the broadcast media workplace." Since its establishment in 2010, Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus has been completely committed to offering its students an excellent education and training experience. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where students can truly flourish. We achieve this by providing practical, hands-on instruction that reflects real-world scenarios. Additionally, we offer various resources such as internships, job placement services, and collaboration opportunities with local businesses and organizations.As IMS continues to fulfill its mission of delivering outstanding education for future media professionals, we are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from ACCSC. It serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in media education.Contact InformationJohn Girard National Director of Marketing and Brand Management for the Beonair Network of Media Schools jgirard@ beonair.com 5189561385SOURCE: M & S Media Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-05 23:30:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1065 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / Montauk Metals Inc. (TSXV:MTK) (the "Company" or "Montauk") wishes to announce further updates on the ongoing arbitration brought by the Company against the Republic of Colombia (the "Arbitration") to enforce the Company's rights to compensation under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (the "FTA"), as previously described in its news releases of March 27, 2018, February 25, 2019, February 10, 2020, November 23, 2021, and September 1, 2023. Additionally, the Company would also like to announce the terms of a non-brokered private placement financing, open to all existing shareholders of the Company, which is expected to fund the Arbitration.Update on ArbitrationMontauk contends that Colombia breached its obligations owed to the Company, including specific obligations under the FTA. The claims include Colombia's refusal or failure to compensate the Company for the losses incurred as a consequence of Colombia's prohibition of mining in the paramos (high altitude eco-systems). On March 21, 2018, Galway Gold filed a Request for Arbitration against the Republic of Colombia before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID").The Arbitration is being conducted in two phases. Phase One will determine whether the FTA has jurisdiction over this case and whether Colombia has breached its obligations under the FTA and is liable for compensation to the Company. Assuming that Montauk is successful in Phase 1, Phase 2 will involve determining the quantum of damages awarded to Montauk to compensate it for losses incurred. The Company has suffered more than USD $16 million in sunk costs and total loss of the value of up to USD $180 million in the Reina de Oro project, as well as legal and arbitration fees. Typically, an arbitral award will include an award of costs payable by the unsuccessful party to the successful party to reimburse it for its legal and arbitration fees.Certain costs of the proceedings, including legal and arbitration fees, have exceeded the original estimates and the Company has also had to pay Colombia's 50% share of the arbitration fees. The Company must make an additional payment of US $200,000 to ICSID before a ruling on Phase One is rendered. As of October 5, 2023 the Company had a cash balance of approximately CAD $95,000 and a working capital of approximately CAD $(500,000) (unaudited). If the Company fails to pay the required amount of US$ 200,000 to obtain a ruling, the Arbitration will be dismissed on November 9, 2023.The $200,000 payment to the ICSID Tribunal (the "Tribunal") could result in a favourable judgement. Assuming a successful Minimum Offering at approximately $0.02 per share as described further below, the potential USD $16.6M judgement for sunk costs alone can potentially equate to USD $0.28 per share as of today's date, and the total judgement may be up to USD $3.04 per share (see further details on the Minimum Offering below).Eco Oro Minerals Corp. ("Eco Oro") also has an arbitration ongoing against the Government of Colombia under the FTA pending before the Tribunal. In its arbitration, Eco Oro has alleged that Colombia breached its obligations under the FTA in failing to compensate Eco Oro for the losses incurred as a consequence of Colombia's prohibition of mining in the paramos. The prohibition on mining is based upon the same FTA and legislative changes and Colombian Court decisions that Montauk's arbitration claims against Colombia are based on. As such, Montauk management believes that Eco Oro's claims against Colombia may be sufficiently similar to Montauk's claims against Colombia. On September 9, 2021 the Tribunal in the Eco Oro arbitration issued its "Decision on Jurisdiction, Liability and Directions on Quantum" (the "Decision"). According to a procedural order issue by the Tribunal, the Tribunal ruled that it had jurisdiction over the claims raised by Eco Oro, and that Colombia acted in breach of Article 805 of the FTA, entitling Eco Oro to damages. The Procedural Order also ordered the parties to file additional submissions in response to certain questions regarding the quantum of Eco Doro's damages. Those questions were directed to be answered within 120 days, although depending on the parties' position, there was the possibility that deadline could be extended, including for an additional 120 days briefing period. After the matter is fully briefed, the Tribunal in the Eco Oro arbitration is expected to render a decision on the amount of damages. The Tribunal's website currently lists the decision on damages as" pending".The Tribunal considers each case before it on its own facts. The Tribunal in Montauk's arbitration is not bound by any decision made by the Tribunal in Eco Oro's arbitration. Nonetheless, Montauk management believes that the recent Decision issued by the Tribunal in the Eco Oro arbitration finding jurisdiction and liability by Colombia (in an amount to be determined) provides useful guidance in Montauk's arbitration.Montauk's management is pleased with how the Arbitration has proceeded to date, which has been consistent with Montauk's expectations. The Company cannot guarantee that it will be successful at the Arbitration, or that the estimated amounts will not be revised as the Arbitration proceeds. The Company also cannot guarantee that it will be able to recover all or part of its legal and arbitration costs from the Government of Colombia even if it is successful at the Arbitration. The Company continues to actively seek litigation financing, but cannot guarantee success in this regard, and has thus decided to proceed with a private placement financing to raise the necessary funds, the terms of which are outlined in the section below. Assuming the Company is able to raise the necessary funds for a ruling on Phase One, the ruling from the Arbitral Tribunal would be expected on or about the first quarter of 2024. Assuming success at Phase One, further funding will likely be required at Phase Two, and the Company will attempt to seek litigation funding for this purpose, but cannot guarantee success in this regard. The final outcome of the Phase One Arbitration, and the eventual outcome of the Phase Two Arbitration, cannot be predicted at this time. Management of the Company will continue to provide updates on material developments of the status of the Arbitration.RISK DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: At the present time, the Company's payment obligations are substantially in excess of its cash balances and it has no other assets. The Company is not solvent and cannot continue as a going co PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-05 22:46:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 942 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HALIFAX, NS / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / Namibia Critical Metals Inc. ("Namibia Critical Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV:NMI)(OTCQB:NMREF) announced today, pursuant to the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange, that its board of directors approved the granting of incentive stock options ("Options") under its stock option plan as part of the overall remuneration and incentive program for its employees, consultants, officers and directors. A total of 4,300,000 Options were granted.All the Options are exercisable for a period of five years at a price of $0.07 per Common Share being the closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on October 5, 2023.About Namibia Critical Metals Inc.NMI is developing the Tier-1 Heavy Rare Earth Project, Lofdal, a globally significant deposit of the heavy rare earth metals dysprosium and terbium. Demand for these critical metals used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines and other electronics is driven by innovations linked to energy and technology transformations. The geopolitical risks associated with sourcing many of these metals has become a repeated concern for manufacturers and end users. Namibia is a proven and stable mining jurisdiction.The Lofdal Project is fully permitted with a 25-year Mining License and is under a Joint Venture Agreement with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).The Company filed a robust updated PEA for "Lofdal 2B-4" on November 14, 2022, with a post-tax NPV of USD$391 million and an annual IRR of 28% with a capital expenditure of USD$207 million. The project is projected to generate a life of mine nominal cash flow of USD$698 million post-tax over a 16-year mine life.About Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and the JVJOGMEC is a Japanese government independent administrative agency which seeks to secure stable resource supplies for Japan. JOGMEC has a strong reputation as a long term, strategic partner in mineral projects globally. JOGMEC facilitates opportunities with Japanese private companies to secure supplies of natural resources for the benefit of the country's economic development.Rare earths are of critical importance to Japanese industrial interests and JOGMEC has extensive experience with all aspects of the sector. JOGMEC provided Lynas with USD$250,000,000 in loans and equity in 2011 to ensure supplies of the Light Rare Earths metals suite to the Japanese industry.Namibia Critical Metals owns a 95% interest in the Lofdal project with the remaining 5% held for the benefit of historically disadvantaged Namibians. The terms of the JOGMEC joint venture agreement with the Company stipulate that JOGMEC provides C$3,000,000 in Term 1 and C$7,000,000 in Term 2 to earn a 40% interest in the Lofdal project. Term 3 calls for a further C$10,000,000 of expenditures to earn an additional 10% interest. JOGMEC can also purchase another 1% for C$5,000,000 and has first right of refusal to fully fund the project through to commercial production and to purchase all production at market prices. The collective interests of NMI and historically disadvantaged Namibians cannot be diluted below a 26% carried working interest upon payment of C$5,000,000 to JOGMEC for the dilution protection. NMI may elect to participate up to a maximum of 44% by funding pro rata after the earn in period is completed.To date, JOGMEC has completed Term 2 and earned a 40% interest by reaching the $10 million expenditure requirement. JOGMEC has approved an additional $2,375,000 budget for Term 3 through to March 31, 2024, totaling C$12,375,000.Other exploration projects: The Company's Exclusive Prospecting Licenses ("EPLs") prospective for gold are located in the Central Namibian Gold Belt which hosts a number of significant orogenic gold deposits including the Navachab Gold Mine, the Otjikoto Gold Mine and the Twin Hills deposit. At the Erongo Gold Project, stratigraphic equivalents to the meta-sediments hosting the Osino gold discovery at Twin Hills have been identified and exploration is progressing over this highly prospective area. The Grootfontein Base Metal and Gold Project has potential for magmatic copper-nickel mineralization, Mississippi Valley-type zinc-lead-vanadium mineralization and Otjikoto-style gold mineralization. Interpretation of geophysical data and regional geochemical soil sampling have identified first gold targets.The common shares of Namibia Critical Metals Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NMI".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 more information please contact -Namibia Critical Metals Inc.Darrin Campbell, PresidentTel: +01 (902) 835-8760Fax: +01 (902) 835-8761 Email: Info@ NamibiaCMI.com Web site: www.NamibiaCriticalMetals.com This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.SOURCE: Namibia Critical Metals Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 19:42:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 678 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / ONE ENDO, a team of experienced endodontic specialists that redefine comfortable care through advanced technology and modern dental treatments, announces an invitation-only event at The Village for doctors Thursday, October 12 from 6-9pm in Stamford, CT. This celebration will demonstrate how it is possible to transform the lives of patients for the better when doctors join a community of like-minded dentists who believe in teamwork, quality care, and come together over a larger vision to serve patients the best way possible.The ONE ENDO team, led by Drs. Dean Saccomanno and Nicholas Mastroianni, is a nationally recognized, technology-driven, and locally sourced group with three state-of-the-art practices in Fairfield and Westchester counties and with a growing national brand known for its technology driven quality care."We love meeting and collaborating with colleagues in our local communities who are like-minded and seek top-tier care for patients," explains Dr. Saccomanno. "This event will allow us to show ONE ENDO's genuine and easy-to-work-with team. Rather than being just another external endodontic office, we are an extension of the referring doctor's team." Our goal is to uphold the highest standards of care for all our patients. We want to optimize in-person Facetime with new doctors who want the best for their patients and let them know we are one collaborative team working together for the best patient experience possible.The Village, located in Stamford's South End, is a premium waterfront campus designed to serve the needs of entrepreneurs and creators alike. The modern office space design and large-scale feel of The Village location help to showcase state-of-the-art dental technology and fuse world-class food, beverage, and amenities for business and private events.Doctors attending will be empowered to break through the silos that act as barriers in dentistry, ultimately providing a strong community of like-minded doctors along with a patient experience that was once thought of as impossible. Drs. Saccomanno and Mastroianni will provide welcome remarks and paint the vision of what it is like to work together as an integrated team to promote overall patient well-being and extraordinary care.The theme for the event is "The Community." Dr. Mastroianni states, "ONE ENDO strives to provide the best of the best to everybody, and this event will reflect that. The doctors who are invited to attend this experience will feel what it is like to be part of a great community of dentists who all work together as a team. Rather than running individual races, ONE ENDO works with you and shares powerful resources and time to connect over providing the best care possible to our patients. Unity, teamwork, collaboration, and the power behind a transformational evening sets the stage for what our guests will feel and what ONE ENDO will bring to our communities in 2024 and beyond." This event is by invitation only. To inquire about this VIP event, you can email VIP@ OneEndo.com , or visitwww.ONEENDO.com to learn more. You can find Dr. Nick Mastroianni on Linkedinhere, and Dr. Dean Saccomannohere.About ONE ENDOONE ENDO is a team of endodontic specialists practicing in three locations in Fairfield and Westchester counties and growing nationally. Founded by two Westchester County natives, Drs. Dean Saccomanno and Nicholas Mastroianni. This compassionate and dedicated team is highly skilled in saving teeth with endodontic procedures such as root canal treatments. Using advanced technology and delivering individualized treatments, patient fear and stress can be reduced so achieving a healthy smile is easier.Each facility provides a relaxing environment and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as patient experience systems powered by SurfCT, Gentlewave by Sonendo, 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging and intraoral cameras to microscopes and enhanced irrigation techniques. Services include root canal therapy and microsurgeries, emergency endodontics, traumatic dental injury treatment, children's endodontic care, and sedation dentistry.You can learn more about ONE ENDO here.Media DetailsCompany name: ONE ENDO Contact: Susanne GoodnowBusiness Mail: hello@ oneendo.comWebsite: https://www.oneendo.com/City and Country: New York, USASOURCE: ONE ENDO PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 17:00:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 496 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / MOBILTEX, a leading provider of innovative IIoT hardware and software solutions for cathodic protection, pipeline integrity, and pressurized pipeline remote monitoring, today announced its largest-ever supplier appointment outside of North and South America.The customer, one of Europe's largest gas transmission companies, signed a new contract that will see MOBILTEX cathodic protection remote monitoring adopted across their operations. This project will include thousands of cloud-connected RMUs installed at both rectifier and test station locations over the course of the award - protecting thousands of kilometres of pipeline serving domestic, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the region. This project continues MOBILTEX's impressive track record of adding to its extensive customer base of forward-thinking operators that recognize the unique value proposition of CorTalk cloud-connected remote monitoring solutions.This award, in a key growth market, demonstrates the return on investment within our hardware design and platform architecture towards targeted global opportunities for pipeline integrity remote monitoring. After an extremely rigorous tender process against some of the world's leading Cathodic Protection Remote Monitoring manufacturers, it was the breadth of the market-leading MOBILTEX portfolio, the innovative features and robustness engineered into our RMUs, our advanced cloud-based monitoring platform, and our dedicated Customer Success approach that were clear advantages that lead to selecting MOBILTEX for this long-term partnership."This multi-year contract underscores MOBILTEX's commitment to innovation and quality. It also showcases our ability to provide value and data into integrity, safety, ESG, and quality programs through advanced IIoT connectivity and the power of the CorView platform," said Stephen Rothwell, VP Sales, MOBILTEX."This record-breaking deployment truly demonstrates the ROI we are receiving due to our strategic marketing and sales efforts outside of North America. We see significant growth potential in new markets and this agreement represents the increased traction we are gaining in these regions. A growing number of global organizations are investing in MOBILTEX's market-leading remote monitoring solutions to protect their most critical infrastructure assets," said Marc Bracken, MOBILTEX CEO."Scalable remote monitoring technology that adapts to changing regulatory environments paired with real-time cloud-connected data allows MOBILTEX to continue realizing adoption of our connected monitoring solutions across industries, including natural gas, utilities and renewables," added Bracken.ABOUT MOBILTEXMOBILTEX Data Ltd. [an XPV Water Partners company] is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is proud to serve hundreds of industrial, municipal, and commercial customers around the globe - delivering mission-critical integrity monitoring solutions on over two hundred and sixty thousand kilometres of pipeline assets. MOBILTEX innovative field and cloud-connected technologies deliver significant operational, safety, and ESG benefits to Water Utilities, Energy, and Critical Infrastructure operations. As our reputation grows, we continue to invest and expand our patented IIoT and AI/ML advancements while leveraging 5G cellular and satellite communications across our portfolio. MOBILTEX is widely recognized in the industry for innovation, reliability, and our world-class service and support.Contact InformationJonathan Saint Marketing Director info@ mobiltex.com 403.291.2770SOURCE: MOBILTEX Data Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 03:47:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 944 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The world's #1 super-premium tequila unveils a new Additive Free Seal on Packaging reinforcing the brand's time honored additive free process.HAMILTON, BERMUDA / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / PATRON Tequila, the world's number one super-premium tequila,* is celebrating its (agave) roots by creating a new Additive Free seal that will be unveiled across the PATRON core portfolio, rolling out this fall. Honoring the brand's continued Additive Free endorsement from the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT), this new seal will indicate to tequila drinkers that they can enjoy their PATRON with peace of mind, being fully confident that their tequila of choice is completely additive free. This endorsement bestowed by the tequila industry's governing body is a testament to how PATRON has remained committed to using only the highest quality, all natural ingredients - agave, water and yeast - at the core, since its inception. It's this mentality that's embedded within the time-honored PATRON production process that goes to extraordinary lengths to handcraft the finest tequila with no corrections or additives needed.While the demand for additive free products is surging, the increased popularity of tequila in recent years has put intense pressure on tequila makers to produce more tequila, faster. And, there isn't a requirement for tequila brands to notify consumers when additives are used, should they remain less than 1% of the product's total volume. As a result, many producers have met the increased demand by mechanizing their processes or taking shortcuts, of which must be corrected later by using commercial additives to enhance flavor and color. As the category leader, PATRON is one of the few brands that still makes tequila the hard way: by hand, with only three natural ingredients and nothing else added - no added sugars or chemical ingredients. As such, PATRON created this new seal for packaging providing tequila drinkers with the security and knowledge that their spirit of choice is 100% additive free.The CRT sets the standard within the industry to safeguard the Designation of Origin of Tequila, both nationally and internationally, and to guarantee the authenticity of tequila for the consumer. To verify the endorsement, an analysis of the production methods conducted at Hacienda PATRON was executed by the CRT. As the governing body of tequila, the CRT evaluates each step of the PATRON production process and the resulting tequila for traces of additives, such as glycerin, caramel coloring, vanilla, oak extract, and jarabe or sugar-based syrup. Some brands use these additives to expedite production and mask imperfections, such as making a tequila color darker to appear more aged. This is something PATRON will never do because it's remained unwaveringly committed to delivering perfection in every drop of tequila for you to enjoy, without the use of additives, a process that has never changed because PATRON gets it right the first time.Recently, there's been a noticeable, rising attraction toward additive free products. "More than before, individuals are conscious of what they're consuming - they want natural ingredients and to be confident in the manner in which they were derived to deliver a high-quality product that satisfies their needs," says PATRON Global Vice President, Innovation and Sustainability Samantha Newby. "PATRON has been additive free since its inception and it's one of the many reasons why people gravitate toward it. As people continue to seek all natural, high-quality products, PATRON is proud to once again be the leader of the additive free movement with this new Additive Free seal on our packaging." "Since PATRON created the super-premium tequila category in 1989, the brand has been additive free because of its unwavering commitment to craft, authenticity and integrity," says PATRON Master Distiller David Rodriguez. "Even as PATRON has grown in popularity and scale, the brand has never adopted methods - like the use of additives - to cut corners or compromise on quality. PATRON has always used exactly the same painstaking steps in its production process, from the agave field to cooking to bottling, to deliver an exceptionally smooth flavor profile that is born of nothing but true tequila." PATRON Tequila's new Additive Free seal will be seen on the iconic PATRON packaging across all core offerings in the PATRON portfolio rolling out this fall, further highlighting how PATRON Tequila is made by hand and crafted by passion - using nothing more than agave, water and yeast. To learn more about how PATRON has remained a steadfast leader of the additive free and super-premium categories, head to patrontequila.com *IWSR 2022 Global DatabaseAbout PATRON TequilaFrom hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100% Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, PATRON Tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though PATRON has grown to become one of the most recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information about PATRON Tequilas, please visit www.patrontequila.com . The perfect way to enjoy PATRON is responsibly.PATRON is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.THE PERFECT WAY TO ENJOY PATRON IS RESPONSIBLY.Contact: patron@ mbooth.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi Limited on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Bacardi LimitedWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bacardi-limitedEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Bacardi Limited PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 23:45:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 823 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 As inventory plummets and agents struggle to stay afloat, innovative training program Mock Home Inspections provides lifelineELLICOTT CITY, MD / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / The US housing market is in a vise - and real estate agents are feeling the squeeze. Mortgage rates have surged above 7%, the highest level since 2002. This rapid rate spike has created a "golden handcuff" dynamic, locking existing homeowners into their low mortgage rates and deterring them from listing their homes. The number of new listings this year is running 20% behind last year. At the same time, high rates have priced many prospective buyers out of the market. There simply aren't enough homes for the agents to sell.The nationwide housing shortage has placed incredible strain on real estate agents, who depend on transaction volume for their livelihoods. The median gross income for agents is $56,400, according to the National Association of Realtors. However, the median net income after expenses is just $36,500 - hardly the windfall portrayed on reality shows like Million Dollar Listing.In fact, nearly 20% of licensed realtors earn less than $10,000 per year from their real estate work. Additionally, most agents are independent contractors rather than salaried employees, meaning they don't receive benefits like health insurance. For the majority of agents, however, real estate is their sole source of income. The limited housing inventory has forced agents to scramble for whatever commissions they can find. Bidding wars are rare in the current market. Buyers frequently offer below asking price, trying to bargain based on high mortgage rates. Even when deals are completed, agents are taking home smaller commission checks.On top of the downward pressure on commissions, realtors in many markets report needing to work significantly longer hours to close deals. In such a competitive market, buyers are on high alert for any negative information that allows them to cancel a contract. This dynamic has made home inspections especially fraught, as even minor issues can derail a sale when few alternative options exist.For many real estate agents, home inspections represent an area of vulnerability. Although licensure requires expertise in contracts, listing, marketing, and negotiation - there is no training mandate around the mechanics and systems within the homes themselves. This lack of fluency can ultimately work against agents and their buyers. Without understanding inspection findings in context, buyers may walk away from minor issues that could be inexpensively addressed. When deals crater after inspection due to misunderstandings, buyers often leave frustrated and blame their agents for not properly advising them. This not only costs agents commissions, but future business as well.Some innovators are recognizing this pain point for real estate agents and trying to solve the knowledge gap around home systems. Rachel Oslund, a home inspector in Maryland, founded "Mock Home Inspections" to educate agents by letting them participate in sample inspections of vacant homes."Inspectors use intimidating technical lingo that agents don't actually comprehend," said Oslund. "We allow them to ask unlimited questions and teach them the mechanical, electrical and structural basics without any clients present." Oslund recognized that most agents do not want to look like they don't know something about houses in front of clients, so they resist asking questions in front of them. At Mock Home Inspection the only people attending are agents and a home inspector, allowing the agents to learn and freely ask questions - without feeling like they need to "look good" in front of their clients.According to Oslund, "Home inspections don't kill deals when real estate agents understand how houses work and are able to share that knowledge with their clients. While this training is unlikely to fully transform agents into tradesmen, Oslund believes it empowers them to better interpret inspection results and guide their buyers.Of course, more inspection knowledge will not solve the systemic issues in the housing sector. But for real estate agents fighting to stay profitable as the market constricts inventory, any new tool or skill can provide an edge. For an industry facing its greatest challenges in over a decade, agents need all the help they can get to navigate these uncharted waters.ABOUT MOCK HOME INSPECTIONSMock Home Inspections is a educational system under the umbrella of LodeStar Inspection Services, who have performed over 10,000 home inspections throughout the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region since its founding in 2018. The company is known for its contributions to the real estate and home inspection industries through the education their inspectors provide and their volunteerism on committees throughout the real estate industry. General Manager Rachel Oslund has worked as a home inspector for over a decade, and is passionate about educating real estate agents and home inspectors via Mock Home Inspection's continuing classes locally and nationwide. For more information, visit https://lodestarinspections.com . For additional information, visit Mock Home Inspections on Facebook or Instagram.CONTACTRachel Oslund410-878-3039Rachel@ LodeStarInspections.com SOURCE: Mock Home Inspections PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 04:53:31 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 / October 5, 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 PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 22:00:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 999 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / The Watchlist by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with FPX Nickel, Pelangio Exploration, Nicola Mining, and Max Resource 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.Marizyme, Inc. Announces FDA Clearance for Flagship Product, DuraGraftMarizyme, Inc. (OTCQB:MRZM) a global medical technology company focused on the development of products to address unmet clinical needs, today announced that it was granted a de novo from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its first in-class product, DuraGraft.For the full interview with CEO David Barthel and to learn more about Marizyme's news, click here.Regenx Announces Grand OpeningRegenx Tech Corp., (the "Company" or "Regenx" (CSE:RGX)(OTCQB:RGXTF)(FSE:YRS)(WKN:A2DSW3) is holding the official ribbon cutting of its first commercial production facility in Greeneville, TN on October 24, 2023. The ceremonies will commence at noon EST.For the full interview with CEO Greg Pendura and to learn more about Regenx's news, click here.BuildDirect Announces Amendments to 2018 and 2022 Secured Notes BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc. (TSXV:BILD) a leading omnichannel building material retailer, announces the amendment of secured notes issued by BuildDirect Operations Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company to: (a) Deans Knight Capital Management Ltd. in its capacity as portfolio manager on behalf and for the benefit of two fully managed accounts in March 2018 as most recently amended in December 2022; and (b) Pelecanus Investments Ltd., Lyra Growth Partners Inc. and Beedie Investments Ltd. in June 2022 as recently amended in December 2022.For the full interview with CEO Shawn Wilson and to learn more about BuildDirect.com's news, click here.Three Sixty Solar CEO Brian Roth Recognized Among Canada's 2024 Clean50 HonoureesThree Sixty Solar Ltd. (NEO:VSOL)(OTC PINK:VSOLF), an innovative alternative energy design, manufacture, and sales organization focused on solar equipment supply to the global marketplace, is pleased to announce that company CEO Brian Roth has been recognized by Delta Management Group as one of 50 individuals who have done the most to advance the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada over the past two years.For the full interview with CEO Brian Roth and to learn more about Three Sixty Solar's 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 HeraldThe 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. All information available on themarketherald.ca and/or this press release should be considered as commercial advertisement and not an endorsement, offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities. 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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 Heraldmarketing@ themarketherald.cathemarketherald.ca SOURCE: The Market Herald PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 08:00:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 993 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Q3 2023 Operational UpdateCALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE)(OTCQX:VLERF) ("Valeura" or the "Company"), the upstream oil and gas company with assets in the Gulf of Thailand and the Thrace Basin of Turkey, is pleased to provide an operational update for Q3 2023.The Company's net working interest oil production averaged 19,961 bbls/d during Q3 2023. Production performance from continuing operations on its Jasmine, Nong Yao, and Manora oil fields was relatively unchanged from the prior quarter as the impact of recently drilled production wells has effectively offset the impact of natural declines.Production at the Wassana oil field was offline throughout most of the quarter, following the Company's precautionary suspension on July 7, 2023 to address safety concerns with operating practices on the third-party owned and operated floating storage and offloading vessel ("FSO"). Valeura is planning to implement a phased transition to a new sub-contractor to operate the FSO, resulting in production resuming in Q4 2023.During the quarter, Valeura drilled a total of seven wells across its portfolio, with a 100% success rate. Drilling activity included two appraisal wells on the Wassana field which have increased the Company's expectation for recoverable oil from the field. The Company has begun the concept selection phase of a project to expand the development of the Wassana field to realise this increased potential.As of September 30, 2023, the Company's net cash balance(1) had increased to US$103.4 million (vs. US$87.6 million as of June 30, 2023), after having paid petroleum income taxes ("PITA")(2) of US$29.0 million and repaying US$21.2 million of its outstanding debt during the quarter. As of September 30, 2023, the Company's outstanding debt(1) had been reduced to US$12.9 million.(1) Net Cash & Outstanding Debt: Are non-IFRS measures which do not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. These non-IFRS measures are provided because management uses the information to a) analyse financial strength and b) manage the capital of the Company. Net cash consists of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash less outstanding debt. Outstanding debt consists of current portion of debt and long-term debt after reversal of accounting adjustments.(2) In accordance with Thailand's Petroleum Income Tax Act, E&P companies active in Thailand are required to provide the Thai Revenue Department estimates of net profit in respect of any of its concession interests under Thai III fiscal terms, for the current year, and remit half of the estimated annual PITA by the end of August. A final payment of PITA is due by the end of May of the following year. The Company's interests in the Manora, Nong Yao, and Wassana concessions are governed by Thai III fiscal terms and accordingly, are subject to this treatment.Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:"We have had a strong operational performance across our portfolio during Q3. Our Jasmine, Nong Yao, and Manora fields all continue to demonstrate how infill drilling can sustain production rates. Meanwhile at Wassana, our appraisal wells have confirmed the potential for a larger scale of growth than previously envisaged and our team is working to select an appropriate re-development concept for the field while we prepare to resume production operations in Q4.Our balance sheet remains robust and we are continuing to pay down debt while building cash. Even after having funded our operations and capital investments, and making cash payments of more than US$50 million toward PITA taxes and debt reduction, our net cash position has increased. We are building a highly cash generative business and establishing a solid financial foundation to support further growth." Valeura intends to announce its complete Q3 2023 financial and operating results during the second week of November 2023. Specific timing and webcast details will be confirmed in due course.For further information, please contact:Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries) +65 6373 6940Sean Guest, President and CEOYacine Ben-Meriem, CFOContact@ valeuraenergy.com Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor Enquiries) +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations IR@ valeuraenergy.com Auctus Advisors LLP (Corporate Broker to Valeura) +44 (0) 7711 627 449Jonathan WrightValeura@ auctusadvisors.co.uk CAMARCO (Public Relations, Media Adviser to Valeura) +44 (0) 20 3757 4980Owen Roberts, Billy CleggValeura@ camarco.co.uk About the CompanyValeura Energy Inc. is a Canada-based public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Turkey. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking InformationCertain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "target" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: Valeura's planned implementation of a phased transition to a new sub-contractor to operate the Wassana FSO, resulting in production resuming in Q4 2023; the Company's increase in expectation for the ultimate potential of the Wassana asset and ability to realise this potential; and the ability of the Company's cash generation to support further growth..Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; c PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 01:51:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 572 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / Verisante Technology, Inc. (TSXV: VER.H) (the "Company") previously announced on September 7, 2023, that it had agreed to convert certain payables owed to Creditors into common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Settlement Shares"). The Company proposed to issue the Settlement Shares to preserve cash to fund future operations. The Company is pleased to announce that it has received approval for the proposed share for debt transaction from the TSXV Exchange and a majority of disinterested directors and that the transaction will now be completed. A description of each of the transactions follows:The Company has agreed to issue of 1,600,000 Settlement Shares at a deemed issuance price of $0.015 per Settlement Share valued at $24,000 in full and final satisfaction of $24,000 in payables owing to the current CFO for accrued management fees for 12 months up to September 1, 2023. Upon issuance of the Settlement Shares, the total accrued salary debt will be definitively extinguished.The Company has also agreed to issue a further 4,000,000 Settlement Shares at a deemed issuance price of $0.015 per Settlement Share valued at $60,000 in full and final satisfaction of $60,000 in payables owing to the current CEO for 12 months of accrued management fees up to September 1, 2023. Upon issuance of the Settlement Shares, the total accrued salary debt will be definitively extinguished.In total, the Company has agreed to settle $84,000 of payables in exchange for 5,600,000 Settlement Shares.The proposed Settlement Shares are being issued to officers of the Company. Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the settlement of the Debt will constitute a "related party transaction" as such officers are considered a related party to the Company. The Company is entitled to rely on section 5.7 exemptions from the meeting requirement in section 5.6. The non-cash consideration transactions which are for accrued salary settlement are exempt under section 5.7(1)(a) as they amount to less than 25% of the outstanding capital of the Company. Based on the meeting exemptions in MI 61-101section 5.7(1) the Company is not required under TSX-V Exchange Policy to hold a Special Meeting of the shareholders.The price per Settlement Share is the current Market Price as defined in TSX Venture Exchange Policy 1.1.The Settlement Shares will be issued in reliance upon certain prospectus exemptions available under Canadian securities legislation and will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period from the date of issuance. Conversion of the Debt and issuance of the Settlement Shares is subject to final acceptance and issuance of an Exchange Bulletin by the TSX Venture Exchange.Verisante's current business strategy is to identify and complete a business combination with a company in one of its target sectors that demonstrates significant growth potential and/or value-creation opportunities for shareholders.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 news release.Company Contact:Thomas Braun, President & CEOVerisante Technology, Inc.Telephone: (604) 716-5133Email: info@ verisante.com Forward-Looking Statements:This news release may contain forward-looking statements all of which are subject to market risks, and the possibility that the Company will not be able to achieve all of its stated goals. These statements are made based upon current expectations and actual results may differ from those projected due to a number of risks and uncertainties.SOURCE: Verisante Technology, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 16:45:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 453 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / VoltAero's expertise as the developer and producer of its Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family will benefit the "Power Up" grouping of 18 partners whose goal is to facilitate and accelerate the introduction of electric regional air mobility in Europe.Jean Botti, VoltAero's CEO & Chief Technology Officer Jean Botti, VoltAero's CEO & Chief Technology Officer, signs the Power Up memorandum of understanding in Eindhoven.With this week's signing of the Power Up initiative's memorandum of understanding (MoU), VoltAero will participate in test flights focused on the Netherlands to help define operational procedures and the passenger experience with electric aircraft in inter-regional air transportation.Other aviation and mobility organizations signing the Power Up MoU include multiple airports in the Netherlands (Eindhoven Airport, Groningen Airport Eelde, Lelystad Airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport, and Rotterdam The Hague Airport), along with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the Dutch Railways, the Netherlands Aerospace Center and several consultancies."The Power Up initiative is an excellent opportunity to show how Cassio and other e-airplanes offer the solution to introducing a new era of efficient air mobility with low-carbon emissions and reduced noise," said Jean Botti, VoltAero's CEO and Chief Technology Officer, who attended the Power Up MoU signing event in Eindhoven. "As we progress toward Cassio's production and service introduction, we are proud to partner with the Power Up initiative in pioneering sustainable aviation." VoltAero's Cassio aircraft family will be a highly capable and reliable product line for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation (Medevac) applications.By integrating VoltAero's patented electric-hybrid propulsion system into the company's purpose-designed airframe, Cassio will deliver an order of magnitude higher performance as compared to the current competition, and provide significantly lower operational costs.The VoltAero propulsion concept is unique: Cassio aircraft will utilize an electric motor in the aft fuselage-mounted hybrid propulsion unit for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight (if the distance traveled is less than 150 km.), and landing. The hybrid feature - with an internal combustion engine - comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality.VoltAero's first production aircraft version will be the Cassio 330, with a four/five-seat interior configuration and operating on a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 330 kilowatts. It is to be followed by the six-seat Cassio 480 with a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 480 kilowatts, and the Cassio 600 - sized at a 10/12-seat capacity with electric-hybrid propulsion power of 600 kilowatts.Contact Information:Marina Evans VoltAero marina.evans@voltaero.fr +33 (0)1 45 78 89 92SOURCE: VoltAero PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-06 03:55:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 710 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Statue unveiled in her honor, plus the first-ever official International Doge DaySAKURA, JAPAN / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2023 / To all the meme lovers worldwide, mark your calendars for November 2, 2023 - Own the Doge, in collaboration with the City of Sakura and Bronze The Doge, invites you to a paw-ty like no other, celebrating the 18th birthday of the most famous Shiba Inu of them all - Kabosu, the original Doge, and the first OFFICIAL International Doge Day.Much wow, but that's not all As part of the festivities, Own The Doge and an irrepressible band of Dogethusiasts (including the Dogecoin Foundation, Feisty Doge, Doge Pound, and Rainbow) are thrilled to unveil a bronzed tribute to Kabosu, courtesy of Bronze The Doge. This official statue will forever immortalize the cheeky grin that started a meme revolution and took the internet by storm.Journey back to 2005, the year a little miracle named Kabosu took her first breath in a puppy mill. However, when the mill closed its doors for good, Kabosu, along with her siblings, faced an uncertain future. But destiny had other plans! In 2008, Atsuko Sato embraced Kabosu, nurturing her into a beacon of pure joy and happiness. A mere photograph, clicked by Atsuko for her blog in 2010, was all it took to etch Kabosu into our collective memories.John Monarch, the poster who shared that photo from Atsuko's blog and first christened her with the name "Doge" on Reddit, will also be in attendance. In the span of 13 years, "Doge" expanded its footprint to encompass all of meme culture, making significant impressions in areas ranging from internet humor to multi-billion dollar cryptocurrencies. Whether drawn by the allure of the meme or its storied history, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with the original canine that began the phenomenon.Amidst it all, Kabosu's tale is a testament to resilience, reminding us that even when faced with life's ruff patches, optimism and positivity should be our guiding stars. Thanks to her infectious spirit and that unforgettable face, Kabosu's "Doge" meme is a sensation and has inspired millions across the globe to erupt in joy. It's as if the cosmos itself leaned down and whispered, "Such meme, many smiles!"Just earlier this year, meme icons like "Bad Luck Brian" came to Japan to meet the Doge (and went super viral), and film for the Doge documentary - but the internet hasn't seen anything yet. Along with a gathering of internet legends like Bad Luck Brian and Tay Zonday (of "Chocolate Rain" fame), attendees will also get to meet the ever-gracious Atsuko Sato, Kabosu's human and guardian of all things Doge."Meeting the iconic Doge meme in Japan was the highlight of my life's adventures! Exploring the beautiful country, indulging in exquisite sushi, and sharing laughs with Doge made this trip truly unforgettable", Bad Luck Brian told Own The Doge, "Sometimes, the journey is even better than the destination, and this was one of those moments." Special announcement: National Day Calendar has officially named November 2 as "International Doge Day." Yes, that's right, a day dedicated to the meme-phenomenon that keeps on giving. Let the annual Doge revelry begin.For those who want to strut their stuff in style, Own The Doge is offering VIP tickets, which include the finest amenities - from plush hotel stays and private transport, to ritzy parties. But fear not, every pup and person is welcome to join the merriment and celebrate Kabosu's bark-tastic day at no cost (just find a way to come!).The countdown has begun, and the excitement is palpable! Interested in joining the party?Check out doge-day.com for more details and to fetch your tickets.About Own The DogeOwn The Doge is a tribe of doge enthusiasts on a mission to spread paw-sitivity, celebrate the legendary Doge meme's legacy, and spread the ethos of "Do Only Good Everyday". With over $1 million in charitable pawprints, unforgettable adventures, and endless wagging, Own The Doge is taking Kabosu's legacy to infinity and beyond.Bork with Own The Doge: @ownthedoge on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and FacebookMedia ContactJohn Monarchdogeday@ ownthedoge.com +1-864-416-1409SOURCE: Own The Doge President Bola Tinubu on Friday said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will fail in his bid to unseat him using Tuesdays deposition over a degree he obtained from Chicago State University (CSU). Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES through his lawyer, Oluwole Afolabi, Mr Tinubu described Atiku as being on a wild goose chase. Atiku had on Thursday addressed a press conference following the deposition made by the Chicago State University over the degree Mr Tinubu obtained from the university in 1979. In the deposition, the university said President Tinubu did graduate from the university as he claimed. The university was, however, not categorical when asked if the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was forged. But at his presser on Thursday, the former VP and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election insisted the document was fabricated and that he would not back down from the case until the Supreme Court delivers its final judgement. However, speaking with PREMIUM TIMES Friday morning, Mr Afolabi said, There is nothing in the record to back up such an allegation. He who alleges must prove. It behoves on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his lawyers to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the document was forged and they failed in that regard. Suspicion is not the same thing as proof beyond reasonable doubt. Alhaji Atiku is on a wild goose chase and he and his lawyers know it. Under the provisions of the Electoral Act, there are no provisions for introduction of fresh evidence on appeal. In a regular civil appeal, you can introduce fresh evidence but before youre allowed to do so, you must show that the evidence youre trying to introduce was otherwise not available at the time the lawsuit was instituted. READ ALSO: The President submitted his diploma to INEC in June 2022; elections were held in February 2023. He filed his petition in March, 2023. He did not approach the US District Court until August 2023. Even if it were a regular civil matter, what do you think would have been the attitude of the court? Below are the full details of our interview with Mr Afolabi: Premium Times: You attended the deposition (virtually) on Tuesday. What does the outcome mean to your client, President Bola Tinubu? Oluwole Afolabi: The deposition was a boon to the President. It cleared up a lot of misconceptions and mischaracterisations of events regarding the presidents academic qualifications. Firstly, it offered an opportunity for CSU to state loudly and clearly that the president attended and graduated (with Honors Degree in Accounting) from CSU in 1979. Secondly, the false narrative that had been put out there by mischief-makers that the president had used the identity of a female to gain admission to CSU was also cleared up. The registrar of CSU was emphatic in maintaining that the transcript of the President from Southwest College was erroneously marked as belonging to a Female. The registrar said such errors are not unusual. The president applied to CSU as a male student and his letter of admission was addressed to Mr. Tinubu. Premium Times: There is also the issue of two different dates of birth on his record. What came out of the deposition regarding that? Oluwole Afolabi: It must be noted that the date and month of birth for the two were the same 3/29/1952 and 3/29/1954. The explanation was that it was human error. The president uses the 3/29/1952 birthday till this day. He does not use the birthday that could have shaved two years off his age. Premium Times: I am sure you have followed the reporting trailing the release of the deposition transcript. There are reports that the CSU registrar disowned the degree result Tinubu submitted to INEC in 2022, suggesting the president forged that document. Oluwole Afolabi: At Page 41 of the condensed deposition transcript, Mr Westberg had this to say: The student in question graduated from the University on June 22, 1979. We were not qualified to verify whether this document is authentic, given that it is not in our possession. Universities in the US issue diplomas without qualms all that you need to do is pay the processing fee. Diplomas bear the year of graduation not minding the year the request was put in. Mr Westberg testified that CSU does not keep copies of applications for re-issuance of diplomas and it also does not keep copies of Diplomas that had been picked up by students. The school cannot speak on the authenticity of a document of which it does not have a copy. Furthermore, if you take a look at Exhibit 11 Affidavit of Mr Westberg, theres confirmation that the document was authentic. One can take it as one likes we cant authenticate or it is authenticated. What the facts do not support is that the school disowned the validity of the certificate the President gave to INEC. It is nowhere stated that the school said that the document was forged. Premium Times: But the CSU registrar responded to questions regarding the signatories on the document. When told that those who signed the diploma were not officials of the university at the time the document was issued, he said thats correct. Many people understand his response to have cast doubt on the authenticity of the document. What do you say to that? Oluwole Afolabi: The registrar could not have known when the diploma was issued as he was not there and the school does not keep copies. Both diplomas were said to have been issued after 1979 but no one knew for sure when they were issued. They could only speculate as to time-frame. Premium Times: So, are you saying categorically that the said diploma was not forged? Oluwole Afolabi: Yes, the diploma was not forged. There is nothing in the record to back up such an allegation. He who alleges must prove. It behoves on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his lawyers to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the document was forged and they failed in that regard. Suspicion is not the same thing as proof beyond reasonable doubt. Premium Times: But former Vice President Atiku Abubakar addressed the media yesterday citing the deposition as evidence a forgery was committed by the President. If he introduced the deposition and associated exhibits as additional evidence at the Supreme Court, how will your team counter that challenge? Oluwole Afolabi: Alhaji Atiku is on a wild goose chase and he and his lawyers know it. Under the provisions of the Electoral Act, there are no provisions for introduction of fresh evidence on appeal. In a regular civil appeal, you can introduce fresh evidence but before youre allowed to do so, you must show that the evidence youre trying to introduce was otherwise not available at the time the lawsuit was instituted. The President submitted his diploma to INEC in June 2022; elections were held in February 2023. He filed his petition in March, 2023. He did not approach the US District Court until August 2023. Even if it were a regular civil matter, what do you think would have been the attitude of the court? Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has made a completely reckless statement that undermines all the efforts of the EU, which is striving diligently to diversify gas sources and supply routes. Talking to journalists on the sidelines of the informal EU summit in Granada, Spain, she suggested that the EU should not buy gas from Azerbaijan, as the country is allegedly an "unreliable partner" due to anti-terror measures implemented by Azerbaijan in Karabakh recently. First and foremost, it's important to note that Azerbaijan's actions were solely within its own territory, directed at addressing illegal Armenian armed groups on sovereign Azerbaijani soil. The results of these actions, including the dissolution of the illegal regime in Karabakh, have been a significant step toward ensuring sustainable peace in the South Caucasus, a goal for which Europe has also played a mediating role. Therefore, this statement appears, at the very least, unfounded in this context. Regarding the economic aspect, European representatives have repeatedly referred to Azerbaijan as a reliable, pan-European supplier. European countries have lined up to gain access to Azerbaijani gas. Let's not forget that just last year, during the visit of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to Azerbaijan, a memorandum was signed to double gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Europe by 2027. Azerbaijan has consistently expressed its readiness to increase gas transportation volumes to Europe if requested, and such requests have indeed come from European states. Currently, Azerbaijani gas, to the tune of 10 bcm per year, flows through the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) to Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. Thanks to Azerbaijani gas, Italy has been able to export some volumes to Northern Europe. Bulgaria has been steadily reducing gas prices in its domestic market, as Azerbaijani gas via the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector (IGB) covers a third of the country's needs. High-ranking Greek officials have stated that, thanks in part to TAP, the country now has the opportunity to become a gas hub in its region. Hungary's largest wholesale natural gas trader, MVM CEEnergy, signed a contract with SOCAR on June 2 this year for the transportation of 100 million cubic meters of gas. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) began injecting the first 50 million cubic meters of gas into Hungarian storage facilities. In addition to these developments, more than 10 European countries have approached Azerbaijan to increase existing gas supplies or gain access to the Southern Gas Corridor through interconnectors. Meanwhile, on April 25, 2022, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary signed an agreement on strategic partnership, envisioning the construction of an energy bridge from the Caucasus region to Europe. This agreement anticipates the construction of the Black Sea Energy submarine electrical cable with a capacity of 1000 MW and a length of 1,195 kilometers. The cable is intended for the delivery of green electricity generated in Azerbaijan through Georgia and the Black Sea to Romania for further transportation to Hungary and the rest of Europe. Lastly, let's remember that Malta, the home country of President Metsola and where a significant portion of electricity generation relies on natural gas, has benefited from Azerbaijani gas. Malta is a small island largely isolated from the European energy grid, with limited energy source diversification. Imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the main source of electricity production (80 percent of Malta's energy production). It's worth mentioning that SOCAR is one of the LNG suppliers to Malta. The first contract was signed in 2013 and has been extended until April 2027. Under the new terms, SOCAR Trading delivers LNG to Malta at floating prices instead of fixed prices as in the previous contract. It would be a good idea to remind her that it was the people of Malta who voted for Roberta and made her the President of the European Parliament. Now, from her seat in Strasbourg, she seems to want to deprive her own constituents of gas. --- Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn The Gambias President Adama Barrow has conferred his countrys highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia, on African Development Bank Group President, Akinwumi Adesina. The honour is in recognition of Mr Adesinas leadership role and contributions to development in The Gambia and Africa. President Barrow bestowed him with the honour during a ceremony held in Soma on Monday. Mr Adesina was on an official visit to the West African nation, the first by an African Development Bank president since The Gambia joined the Bank Group nearly 50 years ago. The official citation recognised Mr Adesinas leadership in increasing the Banks share capital from $93 billion to $208 billion in 2019, the highest in the Banks history since its inception in 1964; financial innovations; enhancing the Banks effectiveness and impact; his innovative and transformational policies as Nigerias former Minister of Agriculture, including the introduction of an electronic wallet for farmers and the effective ending of corruption in the countrys fertiliser sector. The citation noted that in 2022, the African Development Bank was ranked the Best Multilateral Financial Institution in the world by Global Finance; and the Most Transparent Financial Institution in the world by Publish What You Fund, for its sovereign operations. The citation also commended the Bank-convened 2023 Feed Africa Summit which brought together 34 Heads of State and Government, development partners, global and regional private sector players, and farmers for transformative actions for food self-sufficiency in Africa. The summit, co-hosted by the Senegalese government, mobilized more than $70 billion to date. In his acceptance speech, Mr Adesina said, Sometimes, I wonder what I have done to deserve such an award. The honour you have bestowed on me is not just personal. It reflects the long partnership that the Bank has had with The Gambia. My life is useful only to the extent that it helps improve the lives of others. Nothing more, Mr Adesina told The Gambian government, The African Development Bank will stand beside you, be around you, and support you strongly, and we will continue to see the fruits of our marriage. Mr Adesina, a 2017 World Food Prize Laureate, recalled working as a rice researcher in The Gambia and said the Bank would support the country in its ambition to become self-sufficient in rice. The Bank Group has committed $32.4 million to an ongoing programme to boost rice value chains, aiming to produce 200,000 additional tonnes of paddy rice by 2028 and reduce imports to zero. In recent years, the African Development Bank Group has funded several projects in The Gambia. They include the modernisation of the Banjul Port, the construction of the Senegambia Bridge that connects the country with Senegal, agricultural transformation, climate change mitigation, social protection and energy sector development. The Bank has invested $540 million in The Gambia since it joined the institution in 1974. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print SecondSTAX, an online trading platform that enables investment firms, asset managers, licensed broker-dealers and institutional investors to expedite African transactions, has launched in Nigeria. The tech-driven solution, a smart order management and execution system, features comprehensive investment news, data, research and operation systems for users. As an organisation, we support this product, which closely aligns with our ongoing efforts through the African Exchange and the Pan-African Payment Settlement System, geared at smoothening cross-border settlement across Africa while reducing costs associated with trading and currency exchange, Umaru Kwairanga, chair of the NGX, said at the launch in Lagos on Friday. The opportunities are numerous. Investors will be able to invest in their native currencies, making a wider range of assets and opportunities available to more Africans and creating an efficient route to increase wealth on the continent. Introducing the security trading solution oils the wheel for Africas second-largest stock exchange to attract transactions from other African countries and help the new administration achieve its dream of winning investors back into Nigeria, where a sticky foreign exchange illiquidity has kept foreign investors at bay for years. Africa has reached an advanced phase in its quest to promote cross-border security trading by connecting investors to various securities exchanges on the continent in the spirit of barrier-free intracontinental trade pursued via the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. Last November, the push attained a major milestone after the African Exchange Linkage Project (AELP), a brainchild of the African Securities Exchanges Association, launched its interconnectivity platform, integrating seven participating securities exchanges in its first phase. The idea is to create a single window for trading in exchange-listed securities like equities, bonds and exchange-traded funds within the continent. NGX, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Egyptian Exchange, Bourse de Casablanca, Abidjan-based Bourse Regionale des Valeurs Mobilieres, Nairobi Securities Exchange and Stock Exchange of Mauritius make up the pack. Benefits It will significantly facilitate capital flows between African countries and further move us closer to accomplishing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement via the fusion of our respective financial markets, NGX CEO Temi Popoola said when the platform went live. The bet is that Nigeria, shifting focus from sourcing debt to winning over new investors to drive its sluggish economy, will be able to tap Africas securities exchanges, with a current combined market value of $1.3 trillion, to spur growth. President Bola Tinubu, through his economic think tank, has unveiled ambitious plans to scale up the capital market share of GDP to 25 per cent by June or December 2024 from 14.3 per cent (N28.6 trillion) as of 9 May 2023. We started by onboarding the Ghanaian Stock Exchange, then the Nairobi Securities Exchange. We are now very excited to have onboarded on the Nigerian Exchange, said Duke Lartey, co-founder and chief operating officer of SecondSTAX. His company seeks to widen its reach by onboarding other securities exchanges on the continent. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Thursday, sought the partnership and support of the banking community for the one million digital jobs initiative by the Tinubu administration for young Nigerians. Mr Shettima made the demand when he received a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa. Addressing the delegation led by its President and Chairman of Council, Ken Opara, the vice president who spoke about the intentions of the Tinubu administration across different sectors, said, Beyond the fuel subsidy removal, the harmonisation of the foreign exchange, beyond the tax and fiscal reform committee, President Bola Tinubu is the most business-friendly President in the contemporary history of Nigeria. He understands the business world; he has been part of the business world. He is determined and committed to repositioning this nation. Mr Shettima urged bank executives and other members of the banking community to key into the federal governments digital programme to create one million jobs in the technology space. Support us in our digital jobs initiative, support us to save this nation. I have confidence and hope in this nation and together we can make this nation work again, he said. Mr Shettima, who spoke glowingly about the commitment of the banking sector to the development of the Nigerian economy, called on the community to bequeath to the future generation, the Nigeria of our dream. Earlier in his remarks, the president of CIBN, Mr Opara, noted that the leadership of the banking community in Nigeria was at the Presidential Villa to pay homage to the vice president. He commended the Tinubu administration for its recent economic policies, especially the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate harmonisation, among others. Mr Opara assured the vice president of CIBNs cooperation in all of the administration programmes and policies, noting that the banking community will be very supportive in ensuring that the laudable policies of this administration are actualised in the interest of the people of this country. The banking industry will continue to play pivotal roles in supporting inclusive economic growth. We will continue to deepen financial inclusion by expanding access to banking services across the country, he added. He also briefed the vice president on key engagements of the Institute, including those targeted at addressing emerging challenges in the polity, especially the brain drain syndrome. Other members of the CIBN delegation on the visit to the Presidential Villa included the Institutes first Vice President, Pius Olanrewaju; 2nd Vice President, Dele Alabi; National Treasurer, Mojisola Bakare-Asieru; past presidents, Uche Olowu and Bayo Olugbemi; Chief Executive Office of NEXIM Bank, Abba Bello; Managing Director of TAJ Bank, Hamid Joda and Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe. Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President) 5th September, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced that his administration will increase the salaries of street sweepers, mostly older women. Mr Mutfwang disclosed this on Wednesday when his convoy stopped to exchange greetings with the sweepers at Rayfield in Jos. The governor was very appreciative of their efforts in keeping Plateau clean and has assured them that there will be an increment of their salaries, Gyang Bere, Mr Mutfwangs director of press affairs, said. Since 2007, when these sweepers were contracted by Governor Jonah Jangs administration, they have been placed on monthly salaries of N8000. The Plateau State government is not the first to employ widows and elderly in environmental sanitation schemes. States like Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, Enugu and the FCT operate similar schemes. But Plateau pays one of the lowest wages. In July, a PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed that they were owed salaries for over four months. There is no provision for any other package for these women apart from the salaries being paid. By estimation, about N1.2 million is budgeted for their monthly stipends by each local government, Samson Dung, the director of WASH department at Riyom LG, told PREMIUM TIMES. Personally, the most important thing is for the women to be recruited into the Local Service Commission and then they can benefit from other incentives that accrue to local government staff. Unless that is done, we may never get it right, Mr Dung added. Most of these sweepers have faced workplace hazards such as accidents and health issues. Esther Philip (68) is a sweeper who had an accident while on duty. I saw a child fall down from a motorcycle that climbed gallop and I ran to help. I became unconscious for a second and by the time I realised what was going on, another motorcycle had climbed my leg and broken my bones, Ms Philip, fondly referred to as mama, narrated. She has been bedridden since the incident in 2011 and has outsourced her role to another one. Previous processes to review salaries have stalled. Last year, the Ministry of Environment submitted a proposal for an upward review of the salaries of these women. It also requested extra funds to purchase their working equipment as most of them use their money to buy brooms and face masks. Albert Chaimang, the current Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, said the proposal was approved but lack of implementation stalled the process until the last government was phased out in May 2023. However, residents have expressed optimism about the increment announcement by the governor. Increasing this womans salaries and ensuring it is paid diligently will go a long way; you will be surprised how many family members depend on that little salary to feed, said Freezle Ephraim, a Jos resident. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The corpse of Adamu Idris, the missing leader of Panyam, a Fulani community in Mangu Local Government, Plateau State, has been found. The state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, a Fulani organisation, Nuru Abdullahi, who confirmed the discovery of the corpse, said the deceased would be buried in Bauchi State. The deceased was declared missing on 24 September, when he was said to be returning from a condolence visit to Mangu. Mr Idris had relocated to neighbouring Bauchi after his community was attacked and ravaged in the spiralling conflict between Fulanis and Mwaghavuls. The often tit-for-tat conflict between Mwaghavuls and the Fulanis has claimed hundreds of lives and has displaced several thousands of others. Mr Idris was a Fulani leader. The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a security outfit maintaining peace in the state, Oya James, also confirmed the discovery of Mr Idris body. Following a Special Forces Tracking Operations conducted by troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN based on credible intelligence from well-meaning locals, the remains of the Missing Fulani leader, Ardo Adamu Idris Gabdo, the Ardo Panyam, have been discovered and recovered for burial. The troops conducted the operations in the early hours of today, 5 October 2033 and were able to identify and recover the remains of the body of the missing Ardo around Boi along Pankshin Bauchi Road in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The body has since been handed over to the family for proper burial. This breakthrough was made possible through the continued community engagements employed by OPSH. This remained key to the search operations, as troops worked closely with community leaders and critical stakeholders as well as family members of Ardo Adamu Gabdo to gather vital information and coordinate the search efforts. The steadfast collaboration between the leadership of Operation SAFE HAVEN and the communities also demonstrates the commitment and determination of both parties to ensure justice is served on the perpetrators. The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General AE Abubakar while commending the special operation wishes to extend his heartfelt condolence to the family and loved ones of Ardo Adamu Idris Gabdo during this difficult time. He urges the general public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and provide any relevant information that may assist in the ongoing investigations. He further enjoined law-abiding citizens to join hands together to create a safe and secured environment for all residents devoid of criminal elements as he assured that justice will be served on anybody found culpable, the spokesperson said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Kike Okere, co-passenger of Greatness Olorunfemi, who died from the injuries sustained from the attack by one chance operators in Abuja last week, has given a vivid account of the attack. Ms Olorunfemi, a community developer, died at the Maitama General Hospital in the federal capital, where she was rushed to after the attack along the Katampe-Kubwa road. She was reportedly thrown out of a fast-moving vehicle by her attackers on 26 September while on her way from work. Ms Okere, a journalist, said they were both beaten up by members of the syndicate who demanded their ATM cards and mobile phones shortly after they boarded the vehicle. She narrated at a press conference convened by Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), of which Ms Olorunfemi was a member, that when they got close to the bridge linking Maitama and Katampe, one of the operators moved and sat down between the two women. She said one of the operators, a male, opened the door after moving around the town and pushed Ms Olorunfemi as she (Olorunfemi) was trying to get her balance, she fell from the vehicle. Ms Okere further said after Ms Olorunfemi fell and was lying on the ground, the one chance operator still ran over her with their car. She said, On that fateful day, I closed from work around 5 p.m. and it was raining. I had to enter a Total Filling Station. After that, everybody started looking for a vehicle to their destination. Getting to NNPC tower, the bridge is where we normally get a vehicle to Kubwa. There was no vehicle on the ground, it was just Dutse. Then, a vehicle came calling Kubwa. Already, there was somebody inside, there was a guy in front and one at the back. Because the rain was still threatening to come down, we just entered the vehicle. Immediately the vehicle moved. On getting to the Masalachi (Mosque) junction, Greatness now noticed that the door was not locked properly. She was now telling the driver to stop the vehicle so that she could lock the door because I entered before her and she was seated beside me. Immediately she turned, she noticed that the handle wasnt there. The thing caught my attention. By the time we turned to face the driver, the glasses were already wound up and they were tinted glasses. The guy in front just pushed his chair backward and brought out a long gun while the one beside me brought out a short gun. They started beating the two of us. They immediately collected our bags, phones and ATMs. As they were beating me because they saw a security pass, Greatness was crying, pleading for help. They were just hitting her. The one in front doesnt have pity at all. He was just hitting her. Its her ATM they first collected though they collected all the ATMs. They asked her for the pin of her ATM and she told them the pin. They asked me, too. We complied with whatever they told us. I dont know if there was any money in her account. I dont know what really happened. They just said no be you we dey find. Ms Okere said thereafter the operators were moving around the town looking for more victims even with her and Ms Olorunfemi in the vehicle. We were just moving around the town as they were looking for more victims. On getting to that Maitama bridge linking to Secretariat, Aso Drive that connected to Kubwa, they now slowed down a bit and now opened the door. The guy beside me moved in between me and Greatness. I never knew what he wanted to do. I thought he wanted to have access to the two of us. I never knew he wanted to open the door for her to get out. The car was still in motion he just pushed down- telling her to get out. So she was trying to hold the door so that she could get her balance to be able to stand down. The guy used the door to hit her and said get out, leave this place. Immediately she fell on the floor, he now told her to stand up na, stand up na. Before you know it, they just ran over the girl and moved. Immediately I shouted, and they started hitting me. She explained that the treatment the operators gave to Ms Olorunfemi was somewhat different from hers because they could not find money in the deceaseds account when they went to the ATM. Hospital shuns police invitation Meanwhile, YALI has frowned at the attitude of the management of Maitama General Hospital towards the investigation into the death of their member. It said the hospital has yet to respond to the invitation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Abuja. Miss Olorunfemi was allegedly abandoned at the Emergency Unit of the hospital where she was rushed to. According to viral videos and audio recordings, the staff on duty allegedly demanded a police report before they could render any care service to her thus leading to her untimely demise. YALI Network Coordinator, Moyosoluwa Oladayo, said the organisation was at the Police Headquarters Mabushi as early as 8:30 a.m. on 2 October to support the police in this case but discovered that the hospital management had yet to respond to the invitation by the force. We found out that the Management of Maitama General Hospital had not responded to police summons, no statement was written by them. Instead, we heard that they said an investigative panel was created and that the FCT minister is the head of the team. I am sure it is all over the news now. We worked closely with the police to ensure that the case was transferred to SCID FCT Command the same day. YALI Network wrote a statement at the SCID FCT Command alongside the representative of the deceased family. Then the CID officer said we should come the next day to go to Maitama General Hospital. In his words f Mountain no come to Mohammed, Mohammed go go to mountain. We believe no one is above the law and we are calling out to Maitama General Hospital to respect the law and respond to the calls made by the Nigeria Police Force. Ms Oladayo said the organisation wants the collaboration of the FCT administration and the FCT Police Command in unravelling the death of Ms Olorunfemi at the hospital as well as the arrest of the syndicate. She also called, among other things, for thorough and independent investigation regarding Greatness death and a thorough and independent investigation into the allegation against Maitama General Hospital. Advocacy Ms Oladayo said Nigeria must be salvaged by Nigerians despite the decadence within the society. She said the organisation has the technical know-how to solve the perennial problems bedevilling the country. She stated, As a network building young leaders, we are sure that Nigeria will be fixed by Nigerians. We are convinced that we have the prerequisite to build a functional society. We are optimistic that the people-first approach will rule where the citizens will be at the centre of our developmental strategy. Where citizens will not be classified as only beneficiaries of laws and services but primary actors to plan, implement and evaluate our developmental strategy and we will show that people matter to building a sustainable and inclusive Nigeria. She said YALI has commenced a two-week campaign to see that this sad incident of our dear Greatness birth our desired Nigeria. Meanwhile, the Senate also on Thursday demanded a thorough investigation into the death of Ms Olorunfemi. Also on Thursday, the FCTA inaugurated a nine-member panel to probe the incident. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has asked the Chief Judge of the state, Olusegun Odusola, to ignore the directive of the House of Assembly to set up a seven-person panel to investigate him. Mr Aiyedatiwa is under the threat of impeachment by the assembly over allegations of gross misconduct. He was served with the notice of the allegations by the House but he ignored its directive to respond within seven days. Instead, Mr Aiyedatiwa obtained an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja that the lawmakers should suspend the process. But the assembly, led by Olamide Oladiji, has gone ahead with the proceedings despite the court order. After the seven days it gave the deputy governor to respond to the allegations, the House directed the state Chief Judge to set up the panel in line with the provisions of the Constitution. However, counsel to the deputy governor, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, on Thursday, in a letter, told the Chief Judge that it would be contempt of court to proceed with the impeachment process while two cases over the matter are before the Federal High Court in Abuja and the State High Court in Akure. The lawyer said Mr Aiyedatiwa did not respond to the notice from the House of Assembly because of the restraining order issued by the Federal High Court. Under and by virtue of section 287(3) of the Constitution, all persons and authorities in Nigeria are to obey and give effect to the orders of the Federal High Court, he said in the letter to the Chief Judge. Our Client swore on oath to defend the Constitution and he cannot act against the said Constitution to disobey the valid and subsisting order of the Federal High Court of Nigeria which has halted the removal proceedings. Our Client has not been personally served with any valid Notice of acts of gross misconduct as required by law. Our Client is not in receipt of any valid Notice of acts of gross misconduct properly so issued and bearing the authority of the House of Assembly of Ondo State to which he can respond. Our Client has filed and served two separate applications upon the Ondo State House of Assembly, seeking orders of interlocutory injunction against the removal proceedings and also to stay further proceedings in respect of the invalid Notice, which was illegally issued and improperly served. Mr Olu-Adegboruwa added that since the House of Assembly has already joined matters in the court over the issue by filing an appeal against the restraining order, it would be against the law to continue with the impeachment process without awaiting the outcome of the case. The House of Assembly having submitted to the jurisdiction of the Court by filing processes in Suit No. AK/348/2023 is pending before the High Court in Akure and also purporting to file a complaint before the National Judicial Council in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1249/2023 before the Federal High Court Abuja, is fully aware of and cognizant of the authority of the Court over the subject matter of the removal proceedings against our Client, he further argued. Consequently, it is our considered view that the matter of the planned removal of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State is now subjudice. Parties should follow the due process of law, the House of Assembly itself being a creation of law, seeking to implement the provisions of law, rightly or wrongly. It cannot and should not be allowed to take the law into its own hands by openly disregarding a subsisting order of the court and other court processes duly served upon it. Hostilities between the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and his deputy increased shortly after the governor returned from medical leave abroad last month. Mr Akeredolu has since fired the deputy governors media aides. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print As Nigeria joined the world on Thursday to commemorate the 2023 World Teachers Day celebration, the substantive Education Minister and his Minister of State counterparts, Tair Mamman and Yusuf Sununu respectively, have emphasised the importance of continuous training and skill development for teachers in Nigeria. The teachers were also advised to be appreciative of efforts by the Nigerian government to reposition the teaching profession in the country. They said this at the 2023 commemoration of the global event in Abuja, Nigerias Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of the activities to mark the day that is set aside to honour teachers for their invaluable roles in the development of humanity and society. The theme for this year is: The Teacher We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Trend to Reverse the Teacher Shortage. Mamman speaks Mr Mamman said some of the promises made to teachers by the government had been fulfilled, noting that they can now retire at either 65 years of age or 40 years of service; whichever comes first. He added that teachers salary had since been placed on the first line charge for timely payment. He said; Today, we have come together not merely as individuals but as a global community to celebrate the unsung heroes of our society. World Teachers Day is not just an annual observance but a testament to the transformative power of education and the dedication of those who facilitate it. As we embark on this event with the theme for this year, let us reflect on the impediments that teachers encounter while instilling knowledge, values, and hope. We have to re-evaluate our approach to teacher training, recruitment, welfare and equip teachers with the skills, resources and the recognition they deserve to meet the evolving demands of education in the 21st century. The minister said it is paramount that while reaffirming the importance of teachers invaluable roles in shaping a brighter tomorrow every year, there is dire need to clear the hurdles that prevents the optimal realisation of their roles and targets, he said. He said the travail of educating young minds goes beyond the confines of the classroom. According to him, it is a continuous effort to inspire, motivate and guide students towards their full potential. He said teachers should note that their words resonate deeply with their students and pupils thereby reaffirming the importance of the educators role in nurturing creativity or cluelessness and curiosity or apathy. We all know that teaching is more than imparting knowledge and involves instilling a lifelong love for learning, character building, inducting positive attitude and general relationship with people outside the classroom, he said, adding; All these are informally transmitted through the teachers conduct. As we celebrate teachers today, there is need for teachers in Nigeria to be appreciative of efforts by the Federal Government to reposition the teaching profession . Sununu speaks Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Mr Sununu, explained that shortage of teachers in the country and in other parts of the world poses challenges. He said it was time to reflect on the critical role teachers play by instilling knowledge, values, and thirst for learning in their students to transform them into responsible citizens. He said: If all equipped teachers are passionate and ready to pursue excellence, the teachers we have in our schools can collectively revolutionise the basic and secondary education sub-sectors. In Nigeria, as in many other countries worldwide, the shortage of qualified teachers and the desired form of education pose a significant challenge. Ongoing international deliberations recommend changes that anchor on commitment, connections, communication and creativity in the prevailing traditional education methodology. Therefore, education is in a critical juncture and teachers in service require constant training and retraining to fit into the scheme of things. The teacher we want shall be creative, active listener, engaging, collaborative and has empathy. He also must be adaptive, focused on growth, patience, respectful and prepared to engage in lifelong learning. Mr Sununu added that the inability of some teachers who may be computer literate but unable to deploy Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning affects education outcome and the ability to achieve national development goals. He said: It is, therefore, imperative that teachers in Nigeria should take advantage of the Open Education Resource (OER) and other online and in-person study centres to upgrade and become the teachers we want. This is for us to collectively ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education. Award The celebration witnessed march past by teachers across the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as presentation of Presidents Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards. Omolade Adeyemi, from the SUBEB Model Primary School, Ekiti Sate, was declared Nigerias best teacher in the public school categories, while St. Paul Academy, Jos, Plateau State, is ranked the best school in the private school categories. Ijeoma Ekumankama of the Federal Government College, Nise, Anambra State, is the best principal; the best teacher in the private school category is Ruth Oraekwu, while the best school administrator in the public school category is Oladimeji Bello, among other awardees. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over some of the utterances he made on Thursday at a world press conference over President Bola Tinubus certificate saga. Atiku called the conference aftermath of the deposition made by the Chicago State University over the diploma obtained by Mr Tinubu from the university in 1979. In the deposition, the university said President Tinubu did graduate from the university as he claimed. The former VP and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election said he would not back down from the case until the Supreme Court delivers its final judgement on the case. In a statement on Thursday, however, the APC said the press conference lacked purpose and delivered nothing except the pitiful regurgitation of lies, mindless distortions and deliberate falsehood on his infantile obsession with the academic record of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For several weeks now, the party noted in the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, Nigerians and the world have watched with incredulity Atikus display of utter desperation in his failed bid to become the President of Nigeria. The statement noted that the former vice president put his desperation in overdrive during his press conference where he addressed some of the issues in his appeal at the Supreme Court and bandying unproven charges against the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a calculated attempt to shamelessly whip up public sentiments and inordinately pressure the Supreme Court. We believe Atiku should have known better than to demonstrate gross contempt of the highest court by making public comments on a matter that he has submitted to the court for adjudication. The major takeaway from his YarAdua Centre show, especially at question time, was that Atiku harbours deep animosity towards Tinubu whom he believes was responsible for his electoral woes in 2007, 2015, 2019 and this year, a part of the statement noted. The statement said that Atiku has thrown every decency, decorum, dignity and national respectability out through the window on his purposeless judicial voyage of discovery to the United States in search of a magic wand for taking power against the will of the Nigerian electorate loudly expressed in last Februarys presidential election. Atiku Abubakar holds the unenviable title of Nigerias most prolific election loser and longest-running presidential candidate in history, and we see his recent US fishing expedition as the last kick of a roundly rejected presidential aspirant. While we sympathise with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for spending a lifetime pursuing an unrealised dream, we strongly condemn the perfidious road he has taken and the needless negative exposure of Nigeria and the institution of the Presidency in foreign land, the statement said. Party provides more clarity on deposition by CSU In the statement, the APC also offered more clarity on the deposition concerning the certificate by the registrar of the university Caleb Westberg under oath at the Chicago office of Atikus lawyer, Angela Liu. The party said it decided to provide the clarity to save unsuspecting Nigerians from the barrage of untruths, distortions and campaign of misinformation being dished out by Atiku and his PDP Mr Westberg, according to the APC, was unmistaken and unambiguous in his deposition as to the fact Mr Tinubu graduated with honours from Chicago State University. Also, the party said that the Registrar also emphatically provided clear answers on all other issues raised which it summed as follows: 1. That the person who is Nigerias president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the same person who attended Chicago State University. 2. He confirmed that a certain gentleman called Adeniji who had come forward to say he was Tinubus classmate was in fact a student at CSU at the same time and they both ran for student union positions. 3. Mr Westberg said the diploma certificate, on which the PDP and Atiku seek to gaslight Nigerians and the whole world, is just a ceremonial document and what proves studentship at Chicago State University and in any American university is the transcript, not a certificate. Furthermore, he stated that the F on the Southwest college certificate, a feeder institution to CSU, which President Bola Tinubu used to gain admission into CSU was a clerical error which could of course happen. He reiterated that Southwest College was a major feeder source for CSU. 4. He said the person admitted based on the transcript from South West College, was a male Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Westberg also added the courses taken by President Bola Tinubu at Southwest College were consistent with the courses he took at CSU. Westberg further deposed that Accounting is a rigorous field of study. Anyone who did not take the requisite courses at the lower levels could not have done well at CSU. In President Tinubus case, he did excellently well at CSU. He graduated with High Honours. That to him points to the fact that the person who attended and graduated from CSU was the same person who went to Southwest College 5. He pointed out that CSU has had at least six Registrars since 1979 and in an affidavit at an Illinois court prior to the deposition said Chicago State University provided a diploma to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and subsequently provided a certified (or official) copy of that diploma. Both are valid and authentic diplomas of Chicago State University. He said further that the difference in the date of award on the diploma versus the certified copy is likely the result of human error. The graduation date on the certified copy is typed in manually by a person and can be inaccurate. 6. Mr Westberg noted that by practice, CSU does not replace certificates for students as they are issued by 3rd party vendors which is also a common practice by other US universities. The proof of attendance and graduation remains in the transcripts. 7. There is also no part of Mr Westbergs deposition where he said that the certificate President Bola Tinubu presented to INEC for his election is fake or was forged. All the insinuations and innuendos in this regard are pure mischief and should be disregarded. President Tinubu could not have forged a university degree he honourably earned because there is no advantage to derive from such and no incentive to do so. The party noted that it is now clear to all Nigerians that despite Atikus lies before the Illinois Court that he wanted to use the discoveries in pursuit of his appeal at the Supreme Court, he has rather chosen to use the same as an instrument of mischief and blackmail in clear contempt of the highest court of the land. We want to urge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to graciously accept his defeat and quietly lick his political wound with some dignity. Nigerians rejected him at the polls, and he cannot get by subterfuge what he failed to get through the ballot box, the statement said. The party said that Nigerians validly elected President Tinubu to revamp our economy, restore security, create jobs, provide transformative infrastructure, improve electricity supply and enhance the living conditions of the masses. President Tinubu, the party noted, has undertaken to serve Nigerians, saying he will not be distracted by a man who has consistently failed to achieve his self-serving and brutal quest to become Nigerias president. Signed: Felix Morka, Esq. National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Jigawa State, Abdulkadir Yunusa, on Thursday, said the state has a shortfall of 32,000 classroom teachers. Mr Yunusa said the massive retirement of teachers without prerequisite replacement, limited opportunities for professional development, and several other challenges are endangering the profession in the state. He stated this during an interview with reporters at the NUT secretariate in Dutse, the state capital, as part of the event to mark the 2023 World Teachers Day. He said between 2015 and now, about 14,000 teachers retired from service but only 1,700 teachers were given permanent appointments despite the increasing numbers of enrollment and the building of more classrooms. By now, we have over 30,000 teachers gaps. We have 3,486 post-basic and basic levels schools. In the previous administration, only 1,700 teachers were recruited and over 14,000 teachers have retired from 2015 to date. Grade two teachers who were recruited and started teaching in the years 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1988 who are the major workforce in Jigawa state (in the teaching profession) and have all now retired. We have so many schools that have only one, or two teachers. Other senior secondary schools dont even have a teacher, we have almost 200 schools that have one teacher, each. If you want to have a balance we have to recruit over 32,000 teachers in Jigawa state, Mr Yunusa said. Efforts are being made to bridge the gap The state governor, Umar Namadi, had on Tuesday, issued letters of employment to 1,000 graduates employed under the J-Teach scheme (casual teachers) under the states Ministry for Higher Education and Information Technology. The governor said the employment of the 1,000 teachers was part of his administrations efforts to address the teachers gap in the state. He urged the newly engaged teachers to work hard to prove their worth, adding that their recruitment was purely based on qualification and merit and the confirmation of their permanent appointment would be based on merit and commitment shown during the probation period. You will be part of the history of the revitalisation of education in Jigawa State. Each one of you will be posted to his community to help impact knowledge to the younger generation. You are going to teach your brothers and sisters, you must be fair to them, and be dedicated. Remember when you were also in secondary school, whatever you dont want a particular teacher to do for you, please dont do it to these students, the governor told the newly recruited teachers at the Ahmadu Bello Hall, in Dutse. He said the J-Teach scheme is a temporary arrangement, assuring that teachers will soon be given permanent appointment letters if they show commitment to their work. We need permanent, professional teachers not casual NUT The NUT chairman, Mr Yunusa commended the governor for the dedication and commitment shown in the recruitment of 1, 000 additional casual teachers to address the teachers gap in the state a few months after he assumed office. He, however, said the teachers union frowned on the casualisation of teaching in the educational sector because of its likely negative impact. He said with the newly hired teachers, the state now has 5,500 casual teachers under its J-Teach Scheme including the 4,500 engaged by the previous administration. We (NUT) are not happy because the 1,000 teachers are not recruited permanent and pensionable but we are happy because the government has hinted that he is going to give them permanent and pensionable appointments in subsequent. We know him, he keeps his word. In the last administration, the government recruited 4,500 at the basic levels, now making 5,500 J-Teach teachers in Jigawa state. The recruited teachers will not fill the existing gaps in the educational system, especially in the schools. These figures cannot solve our problems. We need a permanent and pensionable appointment of teachers in the state. Teaching comes with modalities. There are many models of teaching and innovation in the teaching line, but the level of your education doesnt qualify you to be a teacher, teachers need constant upgrades and orientation on how to teach in the classrooms, Mr Yunusa said while appealing to the government to prioritise teachers recruitment and development. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and President of SOCAR Rovshan Najaf met with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar in Istanbul, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, the meeting noted the successful economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, as well as the importance of jointly implemented energy projects. In addition, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of energy and other areas. Alparslan Bayraktar said that large-scale energy projects implemented with the participation of the two countries are of particular importance in ensuring the energy security of Europe and shared his views on the development of energy partnerships in accordance with new global trends. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Friday said it has no intention to increase the pump price of petroleum. The oil company said this in a statement posted via its official X platform on Friday. The NNPCL was reacting to speculations in the public domain about the companys plan to raise petrol pump price from the current N617 per litre to above N700. But in its reaction on Friday, the NNPCL said it has no intention to increase its petrol pump prices as widely speculated. Dear esteemed customers, we at NNPC Retail value your patronage, and we do not have the intention to increase our PMS pump prices as widely speculated. Please buy the best quality products at the most affordable prices at our NNPC Retail Stations nationwide, the NNPCL said. The NNPCL had in May begun adjustment of pump prices of fuel due to the removal of petroleum subsidy to allow market forces to determine prices. President Bola Tinubu had, in his inaugural address on 29 May, announced the removal of fuel subsidy. Following the announcement, the NNPCL directed its outlets nationwide to sell fuel between N480 and N570 per litre, an almost 200 per cent increase from the initial price below N200, leading to an increase in transportation fares and prices of goods and services by various percentages. Again in July, petrol pump prices rose to N617 per litre at various outlets of the NNPCL in Abuja and other parts of the country. At the time, the NNPCL attributed the rise in the petroleum pump prices in the country to market forces. The NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, while speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja, said with the deregulation of the oil sector, market realities will force the price of petrol up sometimes and at other times force it down. READ ALSO: No plan to increase petroleum pump prices NNPCL We have the marketing wing of our company. They adjust prices depending on the market realities. This is really what is happening; this is the meaning of making sure that the market regulates itself so that prices will go up and sometimes they will come down also. This is what we have seen, and in reality, this is what (how) the market works, Mr Kyari said at the time. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced two men to 20 years imprisonment for the abduction of a senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, and murder of six security operatives. The convicts Kelvin Ezeiegbe and Frank Azuekor were said to have received N40 million ransom before releasing the victim in 2013. Mr Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was kidnapped alongside his driver on 23 August 2013 at the Ehor stretch of the Benin-Auchi highway in Edo State. Four police officers who responded to Mr Ozekhomes abduction were ambushed and killed by Messrs Ezeiegbe and Azuekor. Binta Nyako, the judge, found Messrs Ezeiegbe and Azuekor guilty of kidnapping, terrorism and murder. However, the judge discharged and acquitted Michael Omonigho and Haruna Momoh who were the third and fourth defendants, respectively. Ms Nyako said the prosecution failed to substantiate allegations of conspiracy and kidnapping against Messrs Omonigho and Momoh. Mr Momoh had escaped from prison at Kuje in Abuja during last years jailbreak that led to the escape of several inmates. Handing down the sentence on Friday, Ms Nyako ordered security agencies to arrest Mr Momoh and put him on trial for escaping from lawful custody. The convicts were first arraigned before Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja on 13-count charge in June 2014. Messrs Ezeiegbe and Azuekor were tried for conspiracy to commit terrorist act, kidnapping of persons, inciting persons to commit act terrorism recruitment and abetting escape. The offences were said to be punishable under Section 17 of Terrorism Prevention Act amongst other counts. Judgement Reviewing the prosecutions evidence, the judge said Mr Ozekhomes testimony was central to the prosecutions evidence. The prosecution led by Chioma Onuegbu, a lawyer at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, called seven witnesses and tendered 16 exhibits in aid of its case. Mr Ozekhome, who was the sixth prosecution witness, had told the court that he was kidnapped by Messrs Ezeiegbe and Azuekor as well as other members of their kidnap ring. The senior lawyer disclosed that he paid a N40 million ransom to the convicts before he was released from their dungeon. He also said he spent three weeks in the kidnappers den. Mike Ozekhome is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and swore with the Holy Bible while giving his testimony, the judge recalled. Ms Nyako said he was a witness of truth whose testimony could not be ignored. In cinvicting Messrs Ezeiegbe and Azuekor, the judge also relied on a letter from the Delata State Attorney-General to the Attorney-General of the Federation which said Mr Azuekor was indicted for a crime in the state prior to his arrest for kidnapping Mr Ozekhome. She noted that the convicts denial of their confessional statements was immaterial as they did not provide an alibi for the crimes. The first defendant (Mr Ezeiegbe) aided and abetted the second defendant (Mr Azuekor), the judge said of Mr Ezeiegbe and his gang members killing of two prison officials who were escorting Mr Azuekor to court in Delta State for another criminal trial. While Mr Azuekor was being ferried to court for trial in Delta, Mr Ezeiegbe and his armed gang members ambushed a prison vehicle, killing two personnel in the process before setting Mr Azuekor free. I find him (Mr Azuekor) guilty of escaping from lawful custody. I find that the prosecution has proven its case. This is very believable evidence, the judge said. We need to send right messages to society that it is not acceptable to do bad behaviour, Ms Nyako said. The convicts are hereby sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each. Their prison term will run from the date of their arrest, the judge said. She ordered the State Security Service (SSS) who have held the convicts for ten years to transfer them to a correctional centre. Background The convicts were arrested on 25 September 2013 by a combined team of SSS operatives and the Nigerian army. In the decade-long trial, the case journey through three judges of the court before terminating before Ms Nyako on Friday. Mr Ademola first adjudicated on the case before it was transferred to another federal judge, Taiwo Taiwo. Upon his release, Mr Ozekhome described his ordeal in the kidnappers den as horrific, calling on then federal government of President Goodluck Jonathan to tinker with the Nigerian constitution with a view to creating state police. READ ALSO: Kidnapped Benue commissioner freed The lawyer said having a decentralised policing system would help address violent crimes such as kidnapping and banditry. However, the government paid no heed to Mr Ozekhomes recommendations. Kidnapping for ransom has since spread to every part of Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has strongly supported a call by the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) urging countries in Africa to stop borrowing loans backed by their natural resources. The IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva met Thursday with the African Development Bank Group President, Akinwumi Adesina, in Abidjan, Cote DIvoire. It is the first time an IMF head has visited the banks headquarters since its establishment in 1964. Welcoming Ms Georgieva, Mr Adesina said, The natural resource-backed loans are non-transparent, expensive and make debt resolution difficult. He warned that if the trend continues, it will be a disaster for Africa. Ms Georgieva said the Funds senior management team will carry out a thorough assessment. We will come with a strong voice to tell countries not to create avenues for predatory and enslaving loans. She said the issue would also be discussed at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable comprised of bilateral creditors, private creditors and borrowing countries. The roundtable is co-chaired by the IMF, World Bank and the presidency of the G20. The African Union joined the G20 in September as a permanent member. Ms Georgieva is on her way to Marrakech, Morocco, for the World Bank Group and IMF Annual meetings which last held in Africa 50 years ago. The IMF chief said she is visiting Africa at a time when the continent holds much promise for more dynamic growth in the world. We often focus on the challenges that the continent is facing because it is here the impact of climate change is much more severe, where macro-economic and financial instability and debt are amplified. But we want to focus on opportunities in Africa for the simple fact that the capital is in the North and a young population is in the South, primarily here in Africa. Unless we build a bridge for capital to flow to where it is needed most, it could lead to a bigger problem. Mr Adesina praised bold efforts by the IMF chief and the US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, to shore up the global economy by allocating $650 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). Africa, with a population of more than 1.2 billion, received about $33 billion of SDRs, representing only 5 per cent of the total allocation, the smallest portion among the different regions of the world. The African Development Bank continues to lead conversations and develop models allowing SDRs to be rechanneled through multilateral development banks. MDBs can leverage such resources three to four times their original values. Mr Adesina thanked the IMF for working with the African Development Banks team on an initiative that could allow SDRs to be channelled through MDBs. Together with the Inter-American Development Bank, we developed a model that meets the IMFs reserve asset status. If you channel $5 billion through the Bank, we will use our leveraging power and that could easily become $20 billion of new financing for Africa, said Mr Adesina. The Bank chief said the initiative would provide much-needed support to countries in Africa where post-pandemic debt remains a big challenge. Its more serious for low-income countries who constitute the Banks concessional lending window, the African Development Fund. They are also the most vulnerable in the world to climate change. Ms Georgieva, who has publicly supported the Banks initiative on SDRs, said the two institutions will continue to work together to find ways for SDRs to be deployed as hybrid capital. Im on record supporting the Banks effort and if this succeeds, there will be a significant expansion of financial capacity for countries even beyond our years in office, she said. The African Development Bank Groups SDR proposal is supported by African leaders and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The IMF chief also commended the Banks initiative, in conjunction with the African Union, to establish an African Financial Safety Mechanism to cushion the continent against exogenous shocks such as the impact of COVID-19. According to Mr Adesina, Africa is the only region in the world that does not have a safety net against shocks. Europe has it. Asia has it. America has it. The Middle East has it. The African Union endorsed the African Development Bank Groups proposal for the mechanism during its summit in February 2022. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Theres a saying in my neck of the woods that if a fashion designer is offering to make you a special wear, you must first look at what he is wearing. Surely, anyone like His Excellency, who registered a company in 2012 with a share capital of N5 million and won a dredging contract of N26 billion five years later, which was diligently not executed, should be trusted to send only 4,000 Imo voters to the moon and back, without much difficulty. In a country of 133 million multidimensionally poor, with youth unemployment at 53.40 per cent, it would be a pity if anyone looking for an opportunity to earn a living missed the chance to hear Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma recently. In a campaign speech for his second term, Uzodimma promised, as my father would have said, what Napoleon, in all his extraordinary conquests and ambition, could not even have dreamed of. In my humble view, it is Japa 2.0, a giant leap forward for the youth, delivered in a moment of creative genius, the last of which was seen when the Supreme Courts ruling on his election petition sprung His Excellency from number four position on the Imo ballot list of contestants in 2019, all the way into the Government House. I must dispense with any further rigmarole and get to the point, while the governors generous offer lasts. Governor Uzodinma had told a crowd of excited, cheering youths who came to visit him at the Government House on 26 September, that he had finally come up with a plan to put at least 4,000 of them out of unemployment, as part of his Skill Up Imo programme. He said he had spoken with representatives of some Canadian and European firms in Nigeria. The companies would not only train these youths, but also send them to different choice destinations in North America and Europe to work. As if that was not enough, he then added that his government was prepared to pay the flight tickets of all the 4,000 eligible persons, once their employments have been processed, with the possibility, I might add, that a few lucky ones among them may even fly first class! Upon hearing this bonanza, the crowd roared and roared in raptures of ecstasy. Of course, the governor didnt have to say this too-good-to-believe offer was tied to the potential beneficiaries voting for him at the 11 November governorship election in the state. Quid pro quo was implied. Campaign in Lullaby Mario Cuomos dictum that politicians campaign in poetry doesnt really do justice to politicians of the Nigerian variety. They do much better they campaign in lullabies. In 1999, for example, a fellow called Ahmed Yerima campaigned for governorship, promising to make Zamfara the believers paradise. He vowed to end corruption and enthrone justice and prosperity through political sharia. The seed of his green-eyed fanaticism has bred a deadly variety of bandits that haunt the state today. As I watched the excitement and anticipation in the mostly young crowd, I felt sorry for Uzodinmas opponents, who have so far been thoroughly unimaginative. All they have been doing, when theyre not pressing for the Charter of Equity that they say should disqualify the governor from re-contesting, is to talk about some plan to make Imo safe and secure again, and how to end graft and corruption in government. Another fellow, Saminu Turaki, promised that if he was elected governor, Jigawa would become Africas Silicon Valley, with a tablet for every voter. It turned out, however, that the only time there was Internet service in the state for most of his tenure, was immediately after he received billions of naira in monthly allocation from Abuja. Once the money entered the states treasury, all lines to the Government House were unreachable until the next allocation. There was even a more recent example of campaign by lullabies, the sort that is now ensuing from Imo State. A gentleman governor called Professor Ben Ayade promised, among a litany of things, during his campaign that he would build a 260-kilometre superhighway from Calabar to Katsina-Ala in Benue State. He also promised a deep-sea port in Bakassi and a cargo airport in Obudu. Voters bought his snake oil and repurchased it by giving him a second term. After eight years, they woke up to the harsh reality of the empty musical notes of Ayades broken promises. Uzodinma-nistan Perhaps Uzodinma would be different? What is the price of a vote, anyway, compared with the prospects of a new life, so bright and beautiful that the vistas only compare with a terrestrial realm which, permit my limited imagination, I can only describe as Uzodinma-nistan at this time? As I watched the excitement and anticipation in the mostly young crowd, I felt sorry for Uzodinmas opponents, who have so far been thoroughly unimaginative. All they have been doing, when theyre not pressing for the Charter of Equity that they say should disqualify the governor from re-contesting, is to talk about some plan to make Imo safe and secure again, and how to end graft and corruption in government. After listening to Uzodinmas extraordinary redemption plan for Imo youths, his opponents should humble themselves and take remedial classes from this man, who has been a consummate snake oil salesman long before Imo River. The governors announcement on 26 September may appear ordinary to the undiscerning, but a friend of mine and obviously a closet Uzodinma admirer expanded the grand dimensions of the governors Japa 2.0 programme, totally hidden from my simple heart. When I criticised the scheme as a cheap and foolish campaign gimmick, my friend admonished me promptly. How could I compare Uzodinma with Yerima or Turaki or Ayade? Couldnt I see the governors ingenuity, he asked? Think of the hundreds, if not thousands, of young people who, instead of risking their lives in the deserts of North Africa and the perilous Mediterranean Sea to get to Europe, now have the opportunity of not only being trained by some of the best companies in the world but also being employed by them. And all of this on Uzodinmas ticket, just for the price of a vote to return His Excellency to office! New Industry First, he said, all the talk about insecurity and corruption would vanish once the 4,000 ambassadors started working and remitting foreign exchange back home. And, second, how could I not also see that the announcement by the governor, an accomplished salesman, had unleashed a cottage industry of sorts in the state already? According to my friend, as soon as the governor promised to provide jobs for 4,000 youths in Canada and Europe, and also to pay their airfares, some smart folks in and around government had been taking the matter to greater imaginative heights In the next few days or weeks, for example, expect some people, who might start hawking forms for Cohort One of either the Canadian or European editions of Skill Up Imo. If these retailers of snake oil charge only N5,000 per form, for example, they would have made N20 million, if only 4,000 bought forms a very conservative estimate in a state with an estimated population of 5.2 million, mostly youths! Imagine what that means for both the personal and governmental internally generated revenue. Between the sales of forms to the multiple rounds of screening, tests and final selection, my friend said, surely the good times would be back again. Think of the hundreds, if not thousands, of young people who, instead of risking their lives in the deserts of North Africa and the perilous Mediterranean Sea to get to Europe, now have the opportunity of not only being trained by some of the best companies in the world but also being employed by them. And all of this on Uzodinmas ticket, just for the price of a vote to return His Excellency to office! Migration never looked so potentially profitable and America and Europe should have no difficulty seeing the win-win in this grand scheme. I therefore urge all busybodies trying to fact-check the governor to think about the implications of their actions on this laudable and patriotic project, and to desist forthwith. My Regret My only regret, perhaps, is that non-indigenes registered to vote in Imo may not benefit from this programme, although it is likely that given the wild excitement that greeted the announcement and the likely political harvest, the governor may extend this scheme to non-indigenous voters as well, as long as they vote for him and retain a certified true copy of their ballot papers. Theres a saying in my neck of the woods that if a fashion designer is offering to make you a special wear, you must first look at what he is wearing. Surely, anyone like His Excellency, who registered a company in 2012 with a share capital of N5 million and won a dredging contract of N26 billion five years later, which was diligently not executed, should be trusted to send only 4,000 Imo voters to the moon and back, without much difficulty. As they say in the South-East, Ya kpo tu ba! Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The distance between Nigerias irresponsibly over-affluent political class and the people has become extremely wide. They are having the best times of their lives at a time in which even the middle class is becoming pauperised and forced to sell its assets to survive. As Allister Cooke, the late BBC letter writer from America once explained, POWER CORRUPTS AND ABSOLUTE POWER IS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. The problem will be when it bursts, there will be no winners. The strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress earlier set for this week has been postponed. The labour unions were ready to go into an unlimited strike action, following the inability or unwillingness of the Federal Government to introduce significant palliatives that would assuage the intense sufferings of workers confronted by a cost of living crisis that has made feeding, transportation, medical care, etc., almost impossible for the working class. When I listened to President Tinubus Independence Day address, the main message I heard was that he is aware of the suffering of the people and is acting to address it. What workers are saying is that they do not see any evidence yet of what is being done to alleviate their suffering. It is not clear what deal was done with the labour aristocrats, leading the unions to stop the strike for the moment, but the reality is that if the cost of living crisis is not addressed in a substantive way very soon, the explosion would be coming and it may not even be from wage earners. The World Bank says that only 12 per cent of the working class earn a formal wage in Nigeria. The vast majority are farmers or informal workers who have no unions, voice or structure to articulate their interests and they are even more affected by the cost of living crisis. I was listening to a radio programme interviewing keke and motorcycle taxi operators and their stories were pathetic. Essentially, they cannot increase their charges at the same rate as the increase in fuel costs, for the simple reason that their clients actually have less money to spend now than they used to have, so when the rates went up, the operators simply ran out of clients. They therefore have to reduce their margins to the lowest possible level, which means they often are unable to even replace the cost of the fuel that they bought, with the implications of this being that they find themselves operating at a loss. They describe every ride as a challenge, as clients haggle, beg and cajole them to reduce the fares. Fights are also on the increase as they convey about clients who have no money and they either operate rides that are settled through fights or clients who run away on arriving at their destinations. The stories from the rural areas are worse. Gangs of armed criminal enterprises have turned the kidnapping of farmers into a very lucrative activity for the war lords. When a farmer is kidnapped, it is not only his family that is in trouble. All his relations are taxed to make up the ransom payment. As most people have no cash, they have to sell their assets animals, land and petty possessions to get the cash As if all these are not enough, the authorities are after them and seizing their vehicles, to completely drive them out of business. Their woes are never heard by constituted authority because they have no organisational structure and no voice. As you go through the various occupations in which poor Nigerians hustle for survival in our cities every day, the stories are similar. The informal economy is crumbling and hustling to survive is getting tougher. The stories from the rural areas are worse. Gangs of armed criminal enterprises have turned the kidnapping of farmers into a very lucrative activity for the war lords. When a farmer is kidnapped, it is not only his family that is in trouble. All his relations are taxed to make up the ransom payment. As most people have no cash, they have to sell their assets animals, land and petty possessions to get the cash, often at giveaway prices. Kidnapping is therefore deepening rural poverty. Many farmers have given up farming all together and moved to towns to live in destitution. Others decide to negotiate with the gangs and pay protection tax, to be allowed to farm. These ones are also not finding it easy because they pay so much upfront and thereafter have no more resources to buy fertilisers and make something reasonable out of the farms. The pressure on more and more of the youth is to join the gangs. As the gangs grow larger, there are fewer farmers to kidnap, as such the gangs would need to move to the major roads and cities to smoke out the middle classes from their homes. the concern of Nigerians is the capacity of the judiciary to deliver justice in the numerous cases in which power and money appear to determine the outcomes, rather than the truth. My fear is that the combination of the suffering from economic woes and injustice from the courts might tilt the balance in provoking explosive anger from the people. The judiciary should know that it is itself on trial in the peoples court. As these miseries deepen, Nigerians are also very concerned about the politics of the country. The drama playing out over President Tinubus certificate saga, this week, is bringing shame to Nigerians. Why should there be such profound questions about fake and true certificates, gender identity, and possible identity theft around our President? Why are we unable to produce a political class composed of people with clear traceable itineraries and integrity? Meanwhile, the concern of Nigerians is the capacity of the judiciary to deliver justice in the numerous cases in which power and money appear to determine the outcomes, rather than the truth. My fear is that the combination of the suffering from economic woes and injustice from the courts might tilt the balance in provoking explosive anger from the people. The judiciary should know that it is itself on trial in the peoples court. The distance between Nigerias irresponsibly over-affluent political class and the people has become extremely wide. They are having the best times of their lives at a time in which even the middle class is becoming pauperised and forced to sell its assets to survive. As Allister Cooke, the late BBC letter writer from America once explained, POWER CORRUPTS AND ABSOLUTE POWER IS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. The problem will be when it bursts, there will be no winners. Nigerias ruling class is incapable of acting in its enlightened self-interest, so we might just have to wait for the explosion. What is clear is that the social contract between the people and the ruling class is broken, public trust has disappeared and transactional politics is approaching its limits. If someone in government happens to come across this column, think about it and consider the reality that the immediate self-interest of those in power cannot be the sole purpose of government in a country like Nigeria. The security and welfare of the people is the constitutional purpose of government. A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Huaweis commitment to talent development aligns with Nigerias aspirations to build a robust digital economy and harness the potential of technology for sustainable growth. Through the Three-Year Plan, Thirty Thousand People project, Huawei plans to further cultivate more ICT talents to address the local shortage of ICT skills and enrich the talent pool. In an era in which digital transformation is paramount, Nigeria is at the forefront of embracing this global trend. However, the success of this transformation hinges on the availability of skilled professionals in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), who are the most valuable assets in Nigerias journey towards a digitally-driven future. In todays global landscape, digital transformation has emerged as an undeniable force, which is particularly critical for Africa. The Nigerian telecommunications sector has attracted over $75.6 billion in investments, contributing a substantial 15 per cent to the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The rapid growth of the ICT industry presents vast economic and societal opportunities. Nevertheless, according to the observations from Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, the chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, Nigeria is losing the brightest and best hands in the industry, especially the ICT sector. In 2022 alone, over 2,000 ICT professionals left Nigeria. If this trend continues, by 2030, the telecommunications industry in Nigeria could find itself in dire straits. Similarly, Convener of Policy Commission Assisted Forum (PIAF), Omobayo Azeez, who recently delivered a paper on indigenous telecoms sector development, said Generally, Nigeria is faced with a massive exodus of skilled workers across sectors. In this pivotal moment, Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited has been actively engaged in nurturing ICT talent in Nigeria, cooperating with government, industries and academies together. More than 50,000 individuals in Nigeria have benefited from Huaweis multiple ICT talent initiatives. These programmes have played a vital role in building the countrys digital capabilities and empowering the workforce with the skills needed for the evolving digital landscape. The ICT for Change programme offered E-Government, Cyber Security, 5G, Cloud Service, Big Data and AI training to over 3,000 Federal Government civil servants. The Engineering Training programme, to upskill the ICT workforce to better innovate for development of ICT engineers in Nigeria, was devoted in cultivating Nigerian ICT talents, with the total beneficiaries hitting 13,399. Other initiatives like the ICT Academy, Seeds for the Future, ICT Job Fair and ICT Competition are programmes for the youths by encouraging and empowering them to build a positive talent eco-system. Huawei ICT Academy trained 162 Nigerian academies and over 37,000 students. Huawei Seeds for the Future sponsors 10 Nigerian students to travel to China for technology and cultural exchange every year. The Huawei Job Fair helps over 8,000 students and job seekers get a chance for job interviews, and among then over 500 got job or internship offers from Huawei and Huawei Partners. The Huawei ICT Competition, which commenced in 2015, has become a global platform for nurturing talent in the field of information and communications technology. Over the years, the ICT competition has made a significant impact in Nigeria, with the countrys students consistently demonstrating their abilities. Since its introduction in 2018, Nigeria has participated in four sessions of the competition, achieving notable success. The country secured the grand prize in both the network track and cloud track in the 2019/2020 edition, followed by another grand prize in the network track in the 2021/2022 edition. In 2023, the Nigeria Innovation Teams historic victory in the Innovation Track further solidifies the countrys reputation as a hotbed of technological talents. Expressing her delight and appreciation for the competition, Jimoh Maryam Ololade, a member of the winning ABU-based Nigeria Innovation Team, shared her impressions of the vibrant city of Shenzhen, China. She marveled at the citys rapid development, innovative spirit, and its position as a global tech hub. Ololade described the competition as a remarkable experience that showcased the passion, creativity, and talent of all participants. She attributed their teams success to the collective dedication, hard work, and support from individuals such as Professor M.B. Muazu, their instructor, Mr Aliyu Isa Elayo, professors, and lecturers from ABUs Faculty of Engineering and Law, as well as Huawei Nigeria. In addition, the beneficiaries of Huaweis ICT talent contribution are beyond the talent programmes. Olugbile Felix Adeolu, an engineer at Huaweis Lagos office, wchanged his own destiny through gaining ICT skills in Huawei. Whats more, Felix contributed to his hometowns rural network project, bringing connectivity and opportunities to the vast rual areas of Nigeria. Huaweis commitment to talent development aligns with Nigerias aspirations to build a robust digital economy and harness the potential of technology for sustainable growth. Through the Three-Year Plan, Thirty Thousand People project, Huawei plans to further cultivate more ICT talents to address the local shortage of ICT skills and enrich the talent pool. With Huaweis continued commitment to nurturing talents and advancing technology in Nigeria, the future looks promising for the countrys digital landscape, and the nations talents are poised to make even greater strides in the field of ICT. In August 2023, Huawei solidified its commitment for cultivating ICT talent seeds by signing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the University of Port Harcourt. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Nigeria, Mr Stephen Zou, emphasised the companys commitment to supporting Nigerias talent development ecosystem. He said, We gather to connect with our valued academic partners, brought together by the Huawei ICT Talent Ecosystem. This collaborative framework aims to foster strong ties in ICT talent cultivation and development, which is crucial for advancing Nigerias digital transformation. We commend all those present for the progress achieved so far. We recognise the solid foundation laid by esteemed institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, and many more. Your dedicated nurturing of ICT talents underscores your pivotal role in propelling talent development within the nation. Since 1999, Huawei has thrived in the enabling Nigerian environment, emerging as a premier ICT solution provider. Our ICT talent cultivation initiatives exemplify this approach, including the Seeds for the Future programme, Huawei ICT Academy, Huawei ICT Competition, and The Job Fair. We firmly believe that digital transformation hinges on talent, not just technology, he added. Huawei, founded in 1987, is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services Huawei is committed to bringing the digital to every person, home and organisation for a fully connected, intelligent world. Fidelis Nwagwu writes from Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United Kingdom (UK) and Rwanda who conspired to have hapless migrants flown from London to open prison in Kigali, are trying hard to keep their unholy alliance on track. Ironically, the main driver of this criminal anti-immigration conspiracy, 43-year-old British Attorney General Suella Braverman, is of Indian origin whose parents, Uma and Christie Fernandes, migrated from Mauritius and Kenya. Her boss, Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks grandparents were Indians born in Pakistan, while his parents migrated from East Africa. The amiable King Charles III is a descendant of William the Conqueror who migrated from Normandy in France and whose forebears were Scandinavian Vikings. On the other hand, the Rwandan President Paul Kagame, knows what it is to be a migrant as his parents fled the country when he was two, and he was raised in refugee camps in Uganda. It would have been expected that these leaders, given their backgrounds would be sympathetic to migrants, but the anti-migration conspiracies of the countries they lead, suggest otherwise. In order to carry out the inhuman act of rounding up illegal migrants, half of who are Indians and Africans, and sending them to an uncertain but difficult future in Rwanda, both countries tried to convince the world that what they are doing is compassionate work in the service of humanity. The argument presented by Braverman is that: Many countries around the world are grappling with unprecedented numbers of illegal migrants and I sincerely believe that this world-leading partnership is both humanitarian and compassionate and also fair and balanced. On the other hand, the claim of Rwanda as presented by its Foreign Minister, Vincent Biruta is that the UK-Rwanda proposals offer better opportunities for migrants and Rwandans alike and would help with the British governments goal of disrupting people-trafficking networks. Behind these claims are cold financial statistics and calculations in which the migrants are mere figures, not human beings. The British establishment is uncomfortable that the migrants, in comparison with the indigenes, have high birth rates which has implications for the countrys future, and that the country spends over two billion pounds a year to accommodate migrants. So it seeks a cheap way out: offer a $95 million contract to countries willing to take in so-called illegal immigrants and ensure they never come back to the UK. Rwanda, whose primary interests are financial gains, agreed in 2022 to receive thousands of illegally deported migrants for a fee of $146 million. Specifically on who is to be deported to Rwanda, under the April 14, 2022 asylum partnership agreement the British Interior Ministry says they would be: Anyone who comes to the UK illegally who cannot be returned to their home country will be in scope to be relocated to Rwanda. Despite their agreement on how to treat migrants by virtually holding them in open prison, both countries still have differences. The Rwandan High Commissioner to Britain, Johnston Busingye, in a video aired on Saturday September 30, 2023, fired a missile at his host, saying although his country has a binding agreement with the UK on the migrants, the latter should stop posing as a compassionate country that has the interests of refugees at heart. He said this is immoral and that Britain should address the root causes of migration rather than treat its symptoms. Busingye said: They should have a long-term policy of making it a choice for people not to risk their lives coming to the UK. Because right now, many people are not coming here because of war in their country. No, theyre coming here because they are hopeless. Theyre coming here because they have no future. He added: It is immoral for this country to still see themselves as the refugee country, the solace country, the protection country, the compassion country. They enslaved millions of people for 400 years. They destroyed India, they destroyed China, they destroyed Africa. A red-faced British establishment is yet to make a coherent response. It is likely it would ask the High Commissioner to be withdrawn. Finding the chicken feed offered by UK appetising, Rwanda, five months later, turned to Denmark for a similar deal to dump unwanted asylum seekers from that country in Rwanda for a fee. Denmark, a socially conscious country may with this agreement find itself in strange company. It is a country that has a full Minister in charge of foreigners and integration. Its Integration Act is to ensure that newly arrived foreign nationals get an opportunity to use their abilities and resources to become active citizens on equal terms with other citizens in the Danish society. So, how does a country with such a model law, embark on a mission to deport migrants for a fee into an uncertain future? It is also not certain if Europeans from Poland, Ukraine, Romania and Germany who form the bulk of the migrants would be sent to the African country or it would be the comparatively small number of non-European migrants from Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Iran and India that would be sent. The fate of the asylum seekers in Rwanda is not certain. But what is clear is that the 6,400-kilometre journey from UK to Rwanda is a One way ticket, so the victims cannot return. In Rwanda, the asylum seekers may be granted refugee status to remain in the country or seek asylum in another safe third country. Were they to remain in Rwanda, the possibility of eventually being expelled and forcibly returned to their countries of origin, is high. There is the experience of Australia in 2012 seizing asylum seekers and seconding them to Papua New Guinea and Republic of Naru. There were long delays in determining their refugee status; they were virtually abandoned with little food and virtually no medical care even when a number of them developed mental illness. In some cases, 112 of them were cramped into a single dormitory. Some times when they ventured out of the detention centre, they were attacked, raped or beaten by the locals. Four years later, it was discovered that at least 83 per cent of them were suffering from psychological disorder. The asylum seekers were so badly treated that some begged to be allowed to return to their home countries. Eventually, Australia was forced by international pressure to close the centres. In spite of this experience and the illegality of the UK-Rwanda agreement, most of the world is silent. This is worse in Africa whose ancestral land is to be desecrated. I am not aware of any African country that has called out Rwanda. The message out there is simple: migrate illegally to UK and go to jail in Rwanda. Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A female student at the University of Calabar has narrated how a law professor allegedly forced her to have oral sex with him in his office on campus. Other female students also shared graphic accounts of their encounter with the professor, Cyril Ndifon. The university, which is in Cross River State, south-south Nigeria, has been in the spotlight lately after some female students accused the now suspended professor of sexual harassment. Mr Ndifon was the dean of the universitys faculty of law before his suspension over the allegations. A 200 level female student in the law faculty told an investigation panel that the professor took advantage of her and forced her to have oral sex with him inside his office in the school when she was seeking a transfer to the faculty from the Department of Conflict Studies, according to a report of the panel seen by PREMIUM TIMES. A copy of the report released to the public has the students name and that of other survivors redacted. Mr Ndifon had allegedly assured the student that he would help her get into the law faculty provided she was willing to be available for sex anytime he wanted it, the student told the panel. Prof Ndifon called her to come to the office the next day and when she came, he locked the office and brought out his penis and told her that if she sucked his penis, he would accept her into the faculty. After much pressure from the suspended Dean and feeling frustrated, this survivor gave in and sucked his penis and almost got choked as Prof Ndifon held her head while forcing his penis into her mouth, the report said. The student said someone else, not Mr Ndifon, ultimately helped her to get admission into the faculty. The report said when the professor later stumbled on the student and got to know that she was now a student in his faculty, he asked her to meet him again in his office but she tactfully declined. She lied to him that she was in the hospital, the report said. According to the report, the student read out to the panel members various text messages she allegedly got from the suspended dean. She also presented before them the voice notes allegedly sent to her by Mr Ndifon, warning her not to appear before the panel. Nine survivors appeared, either physically or virtually, before the seven-member panel. They gave their testimonies and presented evidence of sexual harassment against Mr Ndifon. Almost all of them said the harassment occurred in Mr Ndifons office. They alleged that the professor deliberately failed them, sometimes repeatedly, in the course he was handling because they refused to give in to his sexual demands. The panel, in its report, said it verified the evidence submitted by the survivors, and recommended that the professor be made to appear before a disciplinary committee of the university. Mr Ndifon reportedly refused to appear before the panel. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately reach the professor for comment as his phone line was switched off as at the time of filing this report. Attempted rape A survivor, who graduated from the faculty of Law, University of Calabar, and who has been practising law for 16 years, told the panel how Mr Ndifon he was not a professor then allegedly tried to rape her in his office. He was supervising the students final year project then. She went to see Mr Ndifon to discuss an issue regarding her project. She waited for her turn to see him and after a while, he opened his door and invited her inside. Without suspecting anything, Ndifon quickly locked the door behind her. While trying to figure out what he was up to, he started unzipping his trousers to bring out his genitals while launching at her to hold her down. Realising what was about to happen, she started crying and pleading that he should open the door and let her go. Ndifon ignored her pleas and continued, trying to embrace her while undressing at the same time. She was traumatised by the whole situation and immediately became sick to the point of feeling faint and vomiting all over the office, says the panel report. Another attempted rape The panel report also captured the testimony of a survivor who alleged that Mr Ndifon forcefully tried to have sex with her in his office. When she entered the office, he asked her to get one big brown envelope where he had kept other files and books. He asked her to check for her script and when she saw her script, the C grade was boldly written on it. He tried to convince her to have sex with him if she wanted him to record that score for her, which was her real score. He brought out his penis and grabbed her and asked her to give him oral sex if she didnt want to have real sex with him. Ndifon pinned her down to the couch with his two legs and grabbed her neck, and wanted to force his penis into her mouth. She felt strangled, started coughing profusely, and almost choked. It was at this point that Ndifon left her and started apologising. She stood up from the couch and fell down as she had got weak struggling with him. She left the office feeling utterly humiliated and harassed. He kissed her neck, forehead severally One of the survivors narrated how she and her female friend went to school late and almost missed their examination in an elective course Social and Political Philosophy because of shortage of answer booklets but for Mr Ndifons intervention. He provided them with booklets. After the examination, the two went to Mr Ndifons office to thank him for the help. The professor, according to the survivor, said he had someone in the department and that he (Ndifon) could help them get good grades if they did not do well in the examination. Allegedly on Mr Ndifons prompting, the student said she gave the professor her matriculation number and that of her friend. And afterwards, Mr Ndifon asked them to see him in his office the next day. The next day she and her friend went to see him and as they were about entering the office, he sent her friend on an errand. When she and Prof Ndifon entered the office, the latter locked the door and asked her to give him a hug. Initially, she felt there was nothing wrong in giving the Professor a hug. But when she hugged him, Prof Ndifon pressed her so tightly to his body and brought his lips to kiss hers and she started struggling with him to free herself. He kissed her neck and forehead severally. She got free when her friend returned, according to the panel report. The panel said it confirmed from the lecturer who taught Social and Political Philosophy that Mr Ndifon had sent the students matriculation numbers to him, apparently with the intention to influence their grade in the examination but that the lecturer had finished marking the scripts and the survivor had a B grade before he got Mr Ndifons text message. There was a case of a survivor who grabbed a bottle in Mr Ndifons office and threatened to hit the professor who had allegedly grabbed her and was trying to bring out her breast. Panels recommendations The panel said it had established that the suspended professor violated the universitys rules and regulations by using his official position to both intimidate and bargain for sexual favour from female students in the Faculty of Law. It also said that it had established a case of students exploitation against Mr Ndifon. He had been perpetrating cruelty against students by forestalling the graduation of especially some female students at the appropriate time by withholding and refusing to release their results and threatening some that they would never graduate from the faculty or go to the law school, the panel says in its findings. The suspended dean should be made to refund over N3 million realised from the payments made by the law students for the law journal which he neither published nor gave to the students. The university should make a rule to stop lecturers from asking students to come and see them at odd (after official) hours and if need be, encourage the culture of not locking their offices when consulting with students. This is consistent with global best practice, the panel said in its recommendations. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print PENSACOLA, Fla., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Adams Homes, Inc. ("Adams Homes"), one of the largest private homebuilders in the United States, announced today that as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on October 4, 2023 (the "Early Participation Date"), holders of its outstanding 7.500% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Notes") had validly tendered approximately $148.1 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes in connection with Adams Homes' offer to purchase for cash up to $100 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes (the "Tender Offer"), which Adams Homes commenced on September 21, 2023. As a result of the oversubscription of the Tender Offer, Adams Homes has accepted for purchase tendered notes on a prorated basis in the manner described in Adams Homes' Offer to Purchase dated September 21, 2023. The following table sets forth the outstanding principal amount of Notes, the principal amount that had been tendered and not withdrawn as of the Early Participation Date and the principal amount accepted for purchase and the approximate proration factor: Title of Security CUSIP Numbers ISINs Principal Amount Outstanding Maximum Tender Amount Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered and not Withdrawn Aggregate Principal Amount Accepted for Purchase Approximate Proration Factor 7.500% Senior Notes Due 2025 00623P AA9 / U0060C AA5 US00623PAA93 / USU0060CAA54 $182,466,000 $100,000,000 $148,051,000 $100,000,000 67.6 % Total consideration of $1,002.50 for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, is expected to be paid today, October 6, 2023 to the holders of Notes tendered and accepted for purchase (the "Total Consideration"). The Total Consideration includes an early participation payment of $30.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase. As a result of the oversubscription of the Tender Offer, Adams Homes will purchase Notes validly tendered as of the Early Participation Date using the approximate proration factor of 67.6%. No additional Notes tendered will be accepted under the terms of the Tender Offer. Adams Homes expects to return any Notes tendered but not accepted for payment promptly after the Early Participation Date. In connection with the Tender Offer, Adams Homes has retained Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as the Dealer Manager. Questions regarding the Tender Offer should be directed to Wells Fargo Securities, LLC at 866-309-6316 (toll free) or 704-410-4759 or [email protected]. The complete terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated September 21, 2023. Holders are urged to read those documents carefully. Requests for documents should be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc., the Information Agent for the Tender Offer, at 866-207-2239 (toll free) or 212-269-5550. Adams Homes also announced today the closing of its previously announced issuance of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 9.250% Senior Notes due 2028 (the "Notes Offering"). The closing of the Notes Offering was a condition to Adams Homes' obligation to purchase Notes tendered in the Tender Offer, and a portion of the net proceeds of the Notes Offering have been or will be used to pay the purchase price for the Notes accepted in the Tender Offer. Any remaining net proceeds will be used to repay outstanding borrowings under Adams Homes' existing revolving credit facility, to pay fees, premiums and expenses related to the Tender Offer and repayment of outstanding borrowings, and for general corporate purposes. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC acted as sole book-running manager for the Notes Offering. This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any note in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation, or the sale of these notes, would be unlawful without registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. About Adams Homes Adams Homes is one of the largest private homebuilders in the United States, offering homebuyers the benefit of purchasing their home from an owner-operated company and the confidence of purchasing from a builder of scale and dependability. Adams Homes engages in lot acquisition, construction, marketing and sales operations in what have in recent past been some of the strongest homebuilding markets in the country, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Texas. Forward-Looking Statements Adams Homes makes statements in this press release that may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "could," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "likely," "intends," "plans," "projects," "estimates" or "anticipates," or the negative words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and should not be relied on as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise, and Adams Homes may not be able to realize them. Adams Homes does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor Contact: Brian Stringfellow +1.850.934.0470 [email protected] SOURCE Adams Homes, Inc. DUBLIN, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to the recent focus on biomedicine by China's State Council, which seeks to "improve the business environment for foreign investment", a timely report titled "Chinese Biopharma, Clinical Development, CRO Utilization and Outlook 2023" has been launched on ResearchandMarkets.com. This publication provides an in-depth analysis of the Chinese innovative biopharmaceutical market, and its release is both timely and pivotal for foreign investors and businesses looking to navigate the Chinese biomedical landscape. The State Council's guidelines are a clear indication of China's intent to strengthen its biomedical sector. These efforts, aimed at encouraging foreign enterprises to execute new clinical trials of overseas drugs within the nation, and to fast-track data transmission for compliant foreign firms, could potentially reshape the way the global community interacts with China's booming biopharmaceutical industry. However, the shifting dynamics between Chinese and Western economies and their respective perceptions about investment collaboration have posed challenges for those considering the sector. With this backdrop, the importance of the "Chinese Biopharma, Clinical Development, CRO Utilization and Outlook 2023" report cannot be understated. Delving into a comprehensive analysis, the report elucidates on: Current clinical development trends, their impacts, and future predictions. A deep understanding of clinical development budget growth and allocation. Insightful details into clinical trial compositions by their respective phases of development. Outsourcing practices and selection criteria for local and global Contract Research Organisations (CROs), alongside an exploration into current CRO awareness and utilisation. A standout feature of this publication is its empirical foundation. The report is informed by the perceptions of 101 professionals working at the heart of Chinese innovative biopharmaceutical companies. These professionals are directly involved in clinical development and their practices related to outsourcing to CROs, both local and global. For Contract Research Organisations, analysts, and investors who are invested in understanding, competing, or integrating within this dynamic market, this research is indispensable. Beyond the quantifiable data, the report brings to light the unmet needs in the clinical development sector, a vital touchpoint for all stakeholders wanting to position themselves successfully in the market. In light of the State Council's initiative, this report acts as a beacon, offering clarity amidst the uncertainties of foreign investment in China's biopharmaceutical sector. With the potential challenges and opportunities outlined, stakeholders are better equipped to make informed decisions and capitalise on the evolving landscape of the Chinese biopharmaceutical industry. For more information on the "Chinese Biopharma, Clinical Development, CRO Utilization and Outlook 2023" report, visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cwr4yt Article Source: The Diplomat 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: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets Purchase Marks First-Ever Acquisition of Municipally-Owned Wastewater System by Private Water Company in Connecticut BRIDGEPORT, Conn. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aquarion Water Company today announced that the company has closed on the purchase of the Town of New Hartford's municipal water and wastewater treatment systems. The purchase marks the first full privatization of a municipal wastewater system in Connecticut. The $8 million transaction will also result in an immediate reduction of both water and wastewater rates. Donald Morrissey and Daniel Jerram congratulate each other on completing the New Hartford water and wastewater systems acquisition Thomas Bouchard, Aquarion Class III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-New Hartford; Adam Simonsen, Aquarion Director of Business Development; Donald Morrissey, Aquarion Water Company President; Daniel Jerram, New Hartford First Selectman; William Embelton, Aquarion Class IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-New Hartford; Denton Butler, New Hartford WPCA Chairman "We are excited to welcome New Hartford residents to the Aquarion family," said Aquarion President Donald Morrissey. "We are looking forward to providing our newest customers with the industry-leading service and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services that families and businesses across New England have counted on for more than 165 years." Aquarion was selected to purchase the town's systems through a competitive RFP process held in December 2017 and approved by voters in a March 2021 townwide referendum. "Our residents and businesses rely on safe, clean water and the efficient management of wastewater," said New Hartford's First Selectman Dan Jerram. "In Aquarion we have a partner with the expertise, financial resources, and in-depth understanding of our town's infrastructure to provide residents with the reliable, cost-effective service they deserve." With the proceeds from the purchase, New Hartford will repay debt associated with the wastewater plant, fund the expansion of the wastewater system into the Pine Meadow section of town, and provide a long-term subsidy of wastewater rates. "Expanding the sewer system will not only protect drinking water sources, it will help to stabilize rates by serving a larger customer base," said Jerram. "Additionally, water customers will see their bills reduced by about 15% and sewer customers' bills will decrease by about 10%. It's a real win-win for the town and its residents." "We are honored to be able to serve the community of New Hartford and appreciate the trust that town leaders and residents have placed in us," added Morrissey. Photo caption: Donald Morrissey and Daniel Jerram congratulate each other on the completion of the New Hartford water and wastewater systems acquisition. Pictured left to right: Thomas Bouchard, Aquarion Class III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - New Hartford; Adam Simonsen, Aquarion Director of Business Development; Donald Morrissey, Aquarion Water Company President, Daniel Jerram, New Hartford First Selectman; William Embelton, Aquarion Class IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - New Hartford; Denton "Bud" Butler, New Hartford WPCA Chairman About Aquarion Water Company: Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 750,000 people in 72 cities and towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S. Based in Bridgeport, CT, Aquarion has been in the public water supply business since 1857. Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices. Aquarion Water Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource. For more information on Aquarion Water Company, please visit www.aquarionwater.com or www.facebook.com/aquarionwater. Media Contact: Peter Fazekas Director Corporate Communications Aquarion Water Company Phone: (203) 336-7651 pfazekas@aquarionwater.com SOURCE Aquarion Water Company LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- George Tyndall, the USC OBGYN who is alleged to have sexually abused and harassed thousands of women while at USC has died, and Mike Arias the co-liaison counsel for the plaintiffs in the civil case against Tyndall is offering a statement. "What George Tyndall did to countless women over three decades can never be forgotten, and it's shameful that the survivors of his behavior will never hear him acknowledge, let alone apologize for what he's done. There were dozens of women who survived Tyndall's abuse and were anticipating seeing him face-to-face in court so they could confront him for his crimes. Our hearts go out to those survivors who were preparing to testify in court, as his death means this case will not go to trial," said attorney Mike Arias. "Neither I nor any of the survivors, the thousands of us out there, will ever get the opportunity to face him in court and tell him exactly what he did to us, and how it impacted our lives. It's really disappointing," said former USC athlete and Tyndall abuse survivor Nicole Haynes. Details of Tyndall Abuse and Lawsuit Arias Sanguinetti along with co-counsel made history in 2021, obtaining the largest known settlement in a sexual abuse case in U.S. history, as well as the largest known personal injury settlement against a university. The $852,000,000 settlement was obtained on behalf of more than 700 former USC students alleging sexual abuse by USC OB/GYN George Tyndall. The timeframe of the allegations contained in the complaint ranges from the late 1980's until Tyndall's retirement nearly Tyndall's entire tenure at the USC Student Health Center. Tyndall was the only full-time gynecologist at USC during this period. He was finally placed on leave by USC in 2016 and permitted to retire, with a significant financial settlement, in 2017. The complaints filed on behalf of these women alleged Dr. Tyndall used his position as a trusted and credentialed medical professional to commit a series of abusive acts toward his patients, including: forcing his patients to undress completely in front of him while he watched; groping his patients' breasts; digitally penetrating his patients, often without wearing gloves and with unwashed hands; photographing his patients' genitals and naked bodies; and making racist, misogynistic, and sexually-harassing comments to his patients. The lawsuits also claimed that although USC was made aware of allegations, the university actively and deliberately concealed Tyndall's sexual abuse of female student patients for decades and continued to grant him unfettered sexual access to the young students in his and USC's care. "In spite of overwhelming evidence and the testimony of thousands of women Tyndall abused, his defense attorneys continued to claim he was innocent. The criminal trial would have given these women a chance to let a jury determine his guilt, but now that will never happen. The impact of his horrific actions will live with these women for the rest of their lives," Mr. Arias added. "Now that his life is over, we hope his passing brings some comfort to these women as they know he can no longer harm anyone ever again." The case is Jane Doe et al. v. University of Southern California, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BC715163. About Arias Sanguinetti As the premier law firm handling sex abuse cases in Los Angeles, the lawyers at Arias Sanguinetti have been honored and recognized nationally for their work on behalf of clients, and the firm has obtained over $1 billion for clients. Changed this around a bit. SOURCE Arias Sanguinetti VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Aris Mining Corporation (Aris Mining or the Company) (TSX: ARIS) (NYSE-A: ARMN) has published its 2022 Sustainability Report which summarizes the Company's performance within relevant Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics. The report is available in both English and Spanish for review and download on the Aris Mining corporate website at www.aris-mining.com. Neil Woodyer, Aris Mining's CEO, commented: "We take immense pride in our identity as an environmentally and socially conscious gold mining company. This Sustainability Report serves as both a reflection of our journey thus far and a roadmap for the path ahead. As we move forward with the construction of the Lower Mine at Marmato we are poised to replicate and enhance the success we have achieved at the Segovia Operations." 2022 Sustainability Highlights Our People and Partnerships The combination of the Segovia and Marmato mines under the Aris Mining umbrella represents an opportunity to implement best practices in health and safety. During 2022, we conducted an initial assessment by area identifying opportunities for improvement, which led to the adoption and development of the Vision Zero Safety Program. At the Segovia Operations, we have formalized more than 2,900 miners, which has resulted in more than 12,000 people gaining access to social security and banking services, among other benefits. Formalization not only results in increased revenue to artisanal and small-scale miners, but also leads to improved health, safety, and environmental conditions and a reduction in illegal ancillary activities. Diversity and inclusion are integral aspects of Aris Mining's core values and are deeply ingrained in its corporate identity. This commitment is a testament to our continuous efforts to empower women within the industry. At the end of 2022, Aris Mining Segovia had a workforce of 2,037 employees, with approximately 10% women. Of the 1,197 employees at our Marmato Mine, 126 are women, accounting for 11% of the workforce. Aris Mining is working to increase the inclusion rate of women in our workforce and seeks to achieve 14% representation in both operations by the end of 2023. Our Communities We operate the "La Salada" School with over 800 students from local communities. We are thrilled to announce the impending graduation of our very first high-school class in 2024. Our efforts extend to more than 2,500 students who we are preparing for state examinations. We invest in road maintenance and construct pedestrian overpasses, enhancing road infrastructure and ensuring safer and easier access to homes, workplaces and community centres. We actively support health infrastructure development and organize eye health initiatives within our communities. We also create community and cultural spaces that honour and respect local cultural and religious traditions. We also provide training programs to community members and leaders, focusing on subjects such as human rights, healthy lifestyles, and entrepreneurship skills. Our Environment A significant milestone achieved by Aris Mining Marmato in 2023 was the approval by Corpocaldas of the modification of its environmental permit for the construction and operation of the Lower Mine project. In 2023, Aris Mining proposed and established a trust fund with over US$11 million for the modernization and upgrading of wastewater treatment systems, air emissions control, water purification and addressing environmental liabilities in pursuit of Marmato meeting the highest environmental standards. for the modernization and upgrading of wastewater treatment systems, air emissions control, water purification and addressing environmental liabilities in pursuit of Marmato meeting the highest environmental standards. As a result of our conservation efforts directed at lowering our power consumption, we had an annual reduction of 496.6 tonnes of Scope 2 CO 2 -equivalent emissions at the Marmato Mine in 2022 compared to 2021. -equivalent emissions at the Marmato Mine in 2022 compared to 2021. Beyond energy, our dedication to responsible resource utilization extends to water management. We treat 100% of the domestic water we draw, and a substantial portion is returned to the community, ensuring a valuable and secure supply of drinking water. We work to ensure that tailings storage facilities are safe sites that comply with the Company's environmental management plans and the commitments made to the relevant government authorities, and repurpose them as community recreational spaces. In 2022 we delivered a total of 200,540 tonnes of clean rock from the mining operations to be used as aggregate in road construction to improve the infrastructure needs of the region. More information about Aris Mining's 2022 performance, 2023 targets and commitments to responsible mining is available in the Sustainability Report and other disclosure on our website at www.aris-mining.com/sustainability. About Aris Mining Aris Mining is a gold producer in the Americas with a growth-oriented strategy. In Colombia, Aris Mining operates several high-grade underground mines at its Segovia Operations and the Marmato Mine, which together produced 235,000 ounces of gold in 2022. Aris Mining is currently constructing the Marmato Lower Mine Expansion project, which will provide access to wider porphyry mineralization below the current Upper Mine. Aris Mining also operates the Soto Norte Project joint venture, where environmental licensing is advancing to develop a new underground gold, silver and copper mine. In Guyana, Aris Mining is advancing the Toroparu Project, a gold/copper project. Aris Mining plans to pursue acquisitions and other growth opportunities to unlock value creation from scale and diversification. Aris Mining promotes the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining as this process enables all miners to operate in a legal, safe and responsible manner that protects them and the environment. Additional information on Aris Mining can be found at www.aris-mining.com , www.sedarplus.ca , and on www.sec.gov. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" or forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements relating to replicating the success of the Segovia Operations at the Marmato Lower Mine, the anticipated benefits of the formalization of artisanal and small-scale miners and combination of the Segovia and Marmato mines under the Aris Mining umbrella, the Company's goals of increasing the inclusion rate of women in its workforce and the timing thereof, and the Company's plans and strategies are forward-looking. When used herein, forward looking terminology such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent AIF and in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, which are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Aris Mining Corporation 4-Year-Old with Sickle Cell Anemia Lights Up Seeing Her Portrait as Part of International Exhibit Where Children with Rare Diseases Shine LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Children with rare diseases know a lot about some pretty grown-up topics. Many can tell you how doctors treat their life-altering symptoms while in pre-school. Others can recall lengthy therapy names before their first spelling test. Some can share statistics that prove just how unique they truly are while their peers are still learning to count. This week the organizations unveiled the portrait of 4-year-old Kynnedi Sturges, who is thriving and keeping her care team on their toes as she lives with sickle cell anemia type SS. Kynnedis portrait, painted by North Little Rock artist Rex DeLoney, will become a fixture of an international traveling art exhibit featuring portraits of kids touched by rare disease disorders. Arkansas Children's, a leader in primary and specialty care, is teaming up with nonprofit Beyond the Diagnosis to make sure the beauty of childhood itself stays at the heart of the national conversation about rare diseases. They are showcasing 40 artworks of children with rare diseases with Thea Foundation, an Arkansas non-profit that advocates for the importance of arts in education and development. This week the organizations unveiled the portrait of 4-year-old Kynnedi Sturges, who is thriving and keeping her care team on their toes as she lives with sickle cell anemia type SS. The Camden, Ark. native was all grins when she recognized her face in cool purples and pinks as her portrait went up as part of the internationally traveling exhibit. Kynnedi wanted everyone in attendance to know those same colors are her favorite when she's building with blocks and shaping modeling clay. Her portrait by North Little Rock artist Rex DeLoney will become a fixture in this show, alongside a portrait of 14-year-old Matthew Lance, a Bella Vista, Ark. teen who has a rare chromosomal disorder. His portrait was painted by Arkansas artist Diana Shearon. They are the first Arkansas children and Arkansas artists to be featured in the gallery. Kynnedi's and Matthew's faces shine a light on the rare disease experience, reminding people that more than 50 percent of people affected by rare disease are children. "Arkansas Children's cares for and supports thousands of children every week. They are children who need us only briefly to treat an illness or injury. And they are children who rely on our extraordinary team to search for an elusive diagnosis, to explore options for treatment, to advocate for advances in medicine that might someday lead to their cures," said Marcy Doderer, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Arkansas Children's. "These are the children whose journey will be harder than most can imagine. We strive to safeguard their childhood alongside our expert colleagues at all children's hospitals nationwide." Beyond the Diagnosis highlights childhood with playful depictions of children simply being children. Whether in superhero costumes or mermaid skirts, surrounded by tricycle wheels or sunflower blooms, the faces in the Beyond the Diagnosis gallery tell this story: Children with rare diseases are shaping their own narratives of resilience, joy and endless possibilities amid their challenges. Beyond the Diagnosis opens at Thea Foundation in North Little Rock on Monday, Oct. 9 and runs through Thursday, Oct. 26. Gallery Display at Thea Foundation in North Little Rock (open to public) 401 N. Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114 Experience 40 original breathtaking portraits Oct. 9 Oct. 26 (Monday Thursday from 9 a.m. 5 p.m., or by appointment) archildrens.org/beyondthediagnosis About Arkansas Children's Arkansas Children's is the only healthcare system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' more than 700,000 children. The private, non-profit organization includes two pediatric hospitals, a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs all focused on fulfilling a promise to define and deliver unprecedented child health. Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) is a 336-bed, Magnet-recognized facility in Little Rock operating the state's only Level I pediatric trauma center; the state's only burn center; the state's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric surgery program with Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS); the state's only magnetoencephalography (MEG) system for neurosurgical planning and cutting-edge research; and the state's only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. Arkansas Children's is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in seven pediatric subspecialties (20232024): Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Pulmonology and Urology. Arkansas Children's Northwest (ACNW), the first and only pediatric hospital in the Northwest Arkansas region, is a level IV pediatric trauma center. ACNW operates a 24-bed inpatient unit; a surgical unit with five operating rooms; outpatient clinics offering over 20 subspecialties; diagnostic services; imaging capabilities; occupational therapy services; and Northwest Arkansas' only pediatric emergency department, equipped with 30 exam rooms. Generous philanthropic and volunteer engagement has sustained Arkansas Children's since it began as an orphanage in 1912, and today ensures the system can deliver on its promise of unprecedented child health. To learn more, visit archildrens.org. About Beyond the Diagnosis The Beyond the Diagnosis art exhibit's focus is the rare disease patient. Artists have donated their time and talents to paint rare disease patients for this groundbreaking exhibit. Each portrait represents a single orphan disease. Our goal is to put a face to all 7,000 rare diseases. This beautiful exhibit is traveling to medical schools, research institutes, hospitals, galleries, and museums around the globe encouraging the medical community to look "beyond the diagnosis" to the patient. About Thea Foundation Thea Foundation's mission is to advocate the importance of the Arts in the development of our youth. Three programs are implemented statewide to support this missionThea Scholarships, Art Closet and Arts Reconstruction. Since 2002, Thea Foundation has awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarships to Arkansas students and provided more than $2.5 million in art supplies and creative materials to underfunded schools through our Art Closet program. In addition, Arts Reconstruction is our focused effort to help teachers receive professional development and supplies to enable a better platform to advance in their own careers and schools. Our collective aim is to enrich young minds through the power of the Arts. Named for the daughter of Paul and Linda Leopoulos, Thea Foundation carries on the legacy of Thea Kay Leopoulos, who thrived academically, socially and emotionally thanks to her artistic pursuits. For more information about Thea Foundation, visit theafoundation.org. MORE INFORMATION: Hilary DeMillo Arkansas Children's Media Relations Manager [email protected] (501) 364-4300 SOURCE Arkansas Childrens New Functionally Focused Line Offers Plant Protein and Gut Balance Varieties HORSHAM, Pa., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arnold, Brownberry, and Oroweat Breads, makers of nutritious and delicious premium bread, today announced the nationwide expansion of their newest product line: Grains Almighty. This innovative new line available in both Gut Balance and Plant Protein varieties is a celebration of spectacular ingredients baked to unlock the natural goodness of diverse and nutrient-rich whole grains. NEW Grains Almighty Plant Protein Bread NEW Grains Almighty Gut Balance Bread With the rising popularity of functional foods made to help consumers achieve their personal wellness goals, Arnold, Brownberry, and Oroweat developed the Grains Almighty line with wholesome ingredients to deliver delicious and nutritious bread that helps bread fans be their best. Baked without artificial preservatives, colors and flavors, and with NO high fructose corn syrup each variety boasts ideally sized slices packed with nutrition to perfect mealtime favorites: Grains Almighty Gut Balance: Baked with whole grains, gut-fortifying prebiotic fiber and a touch of sprouted grains in every loaf, Grains Almighty Gut Balance Bread offers a delicious way to help support digestive health. Featuring flax, honey, barley and sunflower seeds, each two-slice serving is packed with 29 grams of whole grains and seven grams of fiber. Baked with whole grains, gut-fortifying prebiotic fiber and a touch of sprouted grains in every loaf, Grains Almighty Gut Balance Bread offers a delicious way to help support digestive health. Featuring flax, honey, barley and sunflower seeds, each two-slice serving is packed with 29 grams of whole grains and seven grams of fiber. Grains Almighty Plant Protein: Baked with sprouted whole grains, chickpea flour and pea protein, Grains Almighty Plant Protein Bread has nine grams of protein, 19 grams of whole grains and 5 grams of fiber in every two-slice serving. "Our innovation is driven by our consumers' needs and we can't wait to bring these new varieties to shelves across the country to deliver a product line with one-of-a-kind benefits consumers are looking for," said Allan Hoffman, Director of Marketing for Premium Bread at Bimbo Bakeries USA. "From sprouted grains to unique plant protein, we're proud to bring these important functional benefits to the commercial bread aisle and consumers nationwide." Both varieties of Grains Almighty are available in the bread aisle of grocery stores and major food retailers nationwide in a 20oz. loaf. Arnold, Brownberry, and Oroweat varieties are available at major retailers across the U.S. Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat sell premium bread selections in the U.S., including sliced bread, Buns and Rolls, and Sandwich Thins Rolls. For a full list of products and more information about the brand, please visit www.arnoldbread.com, www.brownberry.com or www.oroweat.com. About Bimbo Bakeries USA Bimbo Bakeries USA is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category-leading brands, innovative products, freshness, and quality. Our team of 20,000+ U.S. associates operates approximately 60 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold, Artesano, Ball Park, Bimbo, Boboli, Brownberry, Entenmann's, Little Bites, Marinela, Mrs Baird's, Oroweat, Sara Lee, Stroehmann and Thomas'. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 34 countries. SOURCE Bimbo Bakeries USA MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridge Core Federal ("Bridge Core"), a leading provider of visual intelligence, cybersecurity, and other advanced technical solutions to the U.S. Government and a NewSpring Holdings platform company, announced it has acquired teKnoluxion and appoints industry veterans, The Honorable Sue Gordon and Vice Admiral Bob Sharp, USN (Ret.) to its Board of Directors and named former Chairman & CEO of Avantus, Andy Maner as Executive Chairman. These moves, in conjunction with the recent acquisition of GeoYeti and the appointment of Chad Kim as CEO, underscore Bridge Core's commitment to building a dominant mission-informed intelligence company that delivers rapid results to the U.S. Government through leveraging the full spectrum of analytical and technical tradecraft. Bridge Core acquires teKnoluxion to build a full spectrum intelligence company Founded by Jimmy Gardner in 2013, teKnoluxion is a leader in technical solutions that bridged the gap between mission and engineering, specializing in hybrid cloud engineering and full lifecycle cloud development. This combination of capabilities will make Bridge Core's novel approach to analysis, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps even more impactful, offering an unprecedented array of services and solutions aimed at serving the evolving needs of the intelligence community. Chad Kim, CEO of Bridge Core, states, "Jimmy has built a remarkable team at teKnoluxion, one that sets high standards for talent and performance. He nurtured a culture where everyone has the tools and support to excel. Their technical experts and leadership team will amplify our efforts to provide mission agility to the intelligence community." "We are excited to embark on building a full spectrum intelligence company with Bridge Core, as our cultural values of integrity, respect, and transparency are in full alignment," says Gardner. "Our shared commitment to a People First Culture that supports our team personally and professionally, along with mission excellence and technical innovation, make Bridge Core the ideal choice for a strategic partner." Identifying and partnering with industry leaders who have domain expertise is core to the NewSpring Holdings platform build strategy. Andy Maner's career is characterized by a myriad of accomplishments and experiences in government services and national security, making him an ideal choice for Executive Chairman. Maner brings a unique blend of public and private sector insights from his days at The White House, as a senior leader at the Department of Homeland Security, and as CEO of two private equity platform companies, NISC and Avantus. Both companies serviced the U.S. Government and sold to strategic buyers for double-digit return multiples. This comprehensive perspective will be vital in helping direct the future of Bridge Core, which aims to cater to a wide array of intelligence needs spanning different sectors. "Andy's emphasis on human capital, talent development, and belief in building a strong culture is pivotal to support intelligence operations," says Lee Garber, NewSpring General Partner. "His experience scaling former NewSpring Holdings platform company, Avantus, into a mid-market powerhouse by executing a strategic plan that included the complex integration of multiple acquired companies, the creation of a thriving culture, and the establishment of an ethos focused on the mission and customers will help guide Bridge Core's growth with wisdom, precision, and dedication." With a career spanning over three decades in the U.S. intelligence community, Sue Gordon was at the forefront of strategic planning with various government agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. She was renowned for her ability to assess global trends, identify threats and opportunities, and develop technical capabilities and solutions that delivered mission advantage, which is crucial for Bridge Core's long-term strategy. "Sue's depth of knowledge and her innate understanding of our client's missions will enable Bridge Core to enhance our impact," says Chad Kim, CEO of Bridge Core. "Her continuing legacy of leadership and innovation, now in the private sector, coupled with her renowned integrity and extensive network, solidifies her as an invaluable asset helping to shape the future of our expanding platform." Bob Sharp has an accomplished naval, joint, and inter-agency intelligence background, serving in numerous capacities, from directly supporting operational forces to directing the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. This experience gives him a deep understanding of real-world intelligence operations to guide Bridge Core to deliver maximum mission impact. "Bob's strategic insight and history of inter-agency collaboration make him an ideal candidate for our Board," says Kim. "Beyond his operational expertise, Bob is renowned for his emphasis on investing in human capital and culture. His leadership consistently fosters environments where teams thrive and support one another, emphasizing his comprehensive approach to mission success." "This is a great day for Bridge Core as we bring together intelligence community visionaries Sue, Bob, Jimmy, and Chad with the NewSpring Holdings Investment team to build the Bridge Core platform through strategic acquisitions, like teKnoluxion and GeoYeti, and investments to fuel organic growth," says Executive Chairman Andy Maner. "I'm excited about the future of the business and our ability to impact mission and innovate within the national security space where there is significant growth potential." Chertoff Capital served as financial advisor to teKnoluxion, and Morrison & Foerster served as legal counsel. Blank Rome served as legal counsel to Bridge Core. About Bridge Core Bridge Core is a federal services company built on a culture of trust and teamwork to advance the mission through innovation and passionate people. The Bridge Core team of experts enables Mission Partners by integrating innovative technologies and implementing processes that modernize the digital workplace. The Company's trusted, skilled, and diverse team members make a lasting impact by building tailored, client-focused solutions within secured spaces. The Bridge Core team facilitates the rapid adoption of technologies and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions through a unique understanding of mission requirements and the vendor's product(s). To learn more, visit www.bcore.com. About NewSpring Holdings NewSpring Holdings, NewSpring's dedicated holding company with a strategy focused on control buyouts and platform builds, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to take profitable, growing companies to the next level through acquisitions and proven organic methodologies. Founded in 1999, 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 $3 billion across five distinct strategies covering the spectrum from growth equity and control buyouts to mezzanine debt. 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. Visit NewSpring at www.newspringcapital.com. About teKnoluxion teKnoluxion provides software & systems engineering, cloud services, and data analytics solutions to the Defense and Intelligence Communities. Their technical depth, extensive mission-focused expertise, and history of delivering complex solutions makes teKnoluxion a partner and employer of choice since 2013. To learn more, visit https://teknoluxion.com/ SOURCE Bridge Core The new Wes Anderson adaptations of Roald Dahl stories, now streaming on Netflix, outpace and out-satisfy so many of Andersons feature-length projects, the question simply is this: Why? What is it about Andersons visual, narrative, emotional and adaptive approach to this material his second Dahl effort, following the stop-motion-animated Fantastic Mr. Fox that works so well? A few guesses. For one, I think, the short form flatters and crystallizes Andersons every decision, and even the multilayered framing devices and nesting-doll stories within stories deepen our enjoyment. The longest of the quartet, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, runs 41 minutes. The others run about 17 minutes apiece: The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison and thats probably the ideal order for viewing, if you begin with Henry Sugar. Advertisement Beyond that, theres a more vital level of comic invention afoot here than Ive seen since my favorite Anderson feature, The Grand Budapest Hotel, nearly a decade ago. Much of that vitality must be credited to Ralph Fiennes, a key member of this four-story anthologys quite perfect ensemble. Often, critics settle for the word deadpan to describe many, or most, of the performances in an Anderson film, and for Andersons geometrically precise framing. Sometimes the deadpan part is true; more often, though, the best Anderson performances get up to many things at once. The voice subtly delineates the emotions not immediately clear on the surface, or on the actors face. Other times its the other way: The face tells all, while the comparatively flat affect of the verbal component suggests someone struggling, almost invisibly, to maintain control amid an emotional crisis. Advertisement Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Kingsley, Rupert Friend, Dev Patel and Richard Ayoade make up the bulk of this Dahl company, and they are on it. The stories come from different parts of Dahls life, spanning the 1940s to the 1970s. In Henry Sugar, a wealthy English layabout and occasional and dishonest gambler (Cumberbatch) happens on the story of a yogi (Kingsley) who has mastered the art of seeing with his eyes closed. This story ends quite happily; The Swan, the cruelest of the four Dahl appears to have drawn painful inspiration from his physically abused boarding-school days concerns a sensitive young boy bullied, in ghastly and potentially murderous fashion, by a pair of older boys. That one ends not happily, but not without a glimmer of just desserts. (Dahl was surely one of the bleakest fantasists since Hans Christian Andersen, though funnier.) Fiennes dines out, with beautiful wit and careful gradations of black humor, on The Rat Catcher, in which he takes the title role with a nice pair of pointy false choppers. Hes sent to deal with a rat problem that proves more difficult than expected. The final story, Poison, likewise deals with questions of two species forced to accommodate each others lives. In The Rat Catcher its human vs. rodent; in Poison, a British officer stationed in India (Cumberbatch) lies still, sweating, in his bed, while another officer (Patel) strategies how to save this man from a deadly snake that has curled up asleep on the officers stomach. If you save Poison for last, the cumulative 90 or so minutes follows a path toward unavoidable and slyly damning assessments of British colonialism and insidious classism. Not that Dahl was any sort of liberal. As has been verified by plenty of letters, interviews and, indeed, much of his fiction, the author acknowledged his bigotry, antisemitism, racism and misogyny. To some that makes him persona non grata, for good. As for Anderson, he has provoked some lesser but notable charges regarding his own work primarily that some films of his betray a blithe colonialist sampling of different cultures. The Darjeeling Limited (Americans in India) and Isle of Dogs (dogs in Japan) come up most often for debate. Rupert Friend and Asa Jennings in "The Swan," directed by Wes Anderson. (Courtesy of Netflix) Even with Dahls reputation swirling in the background, the magical rightness of Andersons adaptations for Netflix is all the sweeter. They stay very close to Dahls source material, so the literary component remains ever-present and, with these actors, ever-appreciated. Theres also a delightful theatricality at work every minute on screen, with stagehands taking Ben Kingsleys hairpiece and mustache off in full camera view one minute, and painted backdrops relocating the action the next. This is nothing new for Anderson, who has played around, often brilliantly, with the artifice of set pieces moving in and out of frame, setting up the next shot, sometimes with digital assistance, sometimes not. But here the entire enterprise comes off without any hitches, or self-consciousness. Fiennes also takes on the Dahl role, popping in here and there, in his writing shed, presiding over the omnibus quartet. And let us not forget that Anderson and his peerless design colleagues, starting with production designer Adam Stockhausen (Grand Budapest, Asteroid City and others), invest fully in the business of making cinema. Presto: literary, theatrical, cinematic. A tri-modal success. In the end, both Dahls stories and Andersons movies require a few common but difficult skill sets of the actors. Wit. Technical precision. Verbal facility. Adroit timing. And some fun, even if its tightly prescribed and carefully confined to a certain place in a fastidiously arranged, ever-shifting picture frame. The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar and other stories 4 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: PG (for thematic elements, peril, brief language and smoking) Approx. running time: 1:30 Advertisement How to watch: Now streaming on Netflix Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic. mjphillips@chicagotribune.com Twitter @phillipstribune BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The transit of Kazakh oil through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline from April through September amounted to 609,000 tons, said Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov speaking at the 1st Energy Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Kazakhstan, Trend reports. "493,000 tons of crude oil were shipped from the Ceyhan port to world markets," he said. As the minister noted, by the end of the year, the total volume of transit of Kazakh oil via the BTC will reach 1.1 million tons. The minister also spoke about other new cooperation relations with the SCO countries in the field of traditional and renewable energy. As an example, Shahbazov noted the implementation of green energy projects with a capacity of 2 GW with China, LNG supplies to Pakistan through SOCAR Trading, deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in the energy sector, as well as the signing of relevant documents regarding the participation of SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz in oil and gas projects in both countries, the signing of the Road Map for 2023-2025 between the ministries of energy. KazTransOil JSC (an oil pipeline company of the Republic of Kazakhstan that provides services for transporting oil to the domestic market, for transit purposes, and for export) plans to send 1.4 million tons of oil to the Baku International Sea Trade Port by the end of this year. Kazakhstan's KazTransOil increased the volume of Kazakh oil exports to the port of Baku by 12 times from January through August of 2023. Thus, the volume of transportation of Kazakh oil from the port of Aktau for export from January through August of this year amounted to 2.164 million tons, which is 759,000 tons, or 54 percent more compared to the same period last year. Oil exported from the port of Aktau was produced from the Tengiz field (520,000 tons), from the Dunga field (252,000 tons), from the fields of the Buzachi Peninsula (1.385 million tons), and from the Kashagan field (7,000 tons). The increase in the volume of transportation of Kazakh oil for export from the port of Aktau is due to an increase in the volume of raw materials shipped towards the port of Baku, from 69,000 tons to 838,000 tons, which is 12 times more than in the same period in 2022. If you purchased or acquired securities in Comerica stock or options between February 9, 2021 and May 29, 2023 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). You may also click here for additional information: www.faruqilaw.com/CMA. There is no cost or obligation to you. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica" or the "Company") (NYSE: CMA) and reminds investors of the October 20, 2023 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading minority and Woman-owned national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. Faruqi & Faruqi Logo (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP) As detailed below, the lawsuit focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) Comerica failed to provide meaningful oversight over the vendors to whom it contracted out day-to-day operations of the Direct Express program, a system through which it is contracted to provide federal benefits to millions of Americans without bank accounts; (2) as a result of violations in the day-to-day operations of Direct Express, including handling fraud disputes and allowing sensitive data to be handled out of a vendor's office in Pakistan, Comerica was not in compliance with the Federal Contract, and knew it was not in compliance; (3) Comerica knew and failed to disclose that it was in potential violation of Regulation E due to inadequate fraud prevention in the Direct Express program and responses to instanced of fraud; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. On May 30, 2023, American Banker issued an article titled "Comerica in 'serious violation' of Treasury's Direct Express program". The article states "Comerica Bank officials privately acknowledged significant compliance failures in their operation of a Treasury Department program that provides federal benefits on prepaid cards to millions of unbanked Americans." The article further states that Comerica executive said the bank faced "serious contract violation" for allowing fraud disputes and data on Direct Express cardholders to be handled out of a vendor's office in Lahore, Pakistan, the documents show. Personally identifiable information on veterans, Social Security and disability recipients were routinely shared and handled by i2c Inc., a vendor based in Redwood City, Calif., with an office in Lahore, Pakistan in violation of the government contract, the Comerica executive said. The Treasury's agreement with the bank states that all services provided "shall be performed in the United States or its territories." The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Comerica's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The integration of sophisticated technologies, sustainability initiatives, and an emphasis on agility will characterise the future of the Data Centre Transformation Market to serve the changing needs of businesses in an increasingly digital environment. Companies will continue to alter their data centre infrastructure in order to remain competitive, secure, and responsive to changing technology developments. The Data Center Transformation Market is expected to grow from USD 11.5 billion in 2023 to USD 18.9 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The exponential growth of data, driven by factors like big data analytics, IoT devices, and multimedia content, requires data centers to expand their capacity and capabilities to handle the increasing data loads. Browse in-depth TOC on "Data Center Transformation Market" 276 - Tables 64 - Figures 337 - Pages Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=132794003 Scope of the Report Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 20172028 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 20232028 Forecast units Million/Billion (USD) Segments Covered Service Type, Tier Type, Data Center Type, Data Center Size, Verticals Geographies Covered North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific Companies Covered The key technology vendors in the market include Dell (US), Microsoft (US), IBM (US), Schneider Electric (France), Cisco (US), NTT (Japan), HCLTech (India), and more. Automation Services segment to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. By service type, the Data Center Transformation Market includes Consolidation Services, Optimization Services, Automation Services, and Infrastructure Management Services. The automation services segment to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Data center automation automates IT processes across the computing, network, and storage layers in physical and virtual environments. Automation involves using software and tools to streamline and orchestrate various data center processes and tasks. It plays a crucial role in data center transformation by enhancing efficiency, reducing human error, and enabling rapid response to change demands. Cloud Data Center segment to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The various segments we have captured in the scope are cloud, colocation, and enterprise data centers. The cloud data center segment would grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Cloud providers utilize service models, such as private cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud, to offer enhanced services to their customers. With cloud computing adoption continuing to rise, cloud data centers are hosting more enterprise workloads. Major CSPs, such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, continue to build massive facilities in the US and worldwide to increase their cloud computing power. Request Sample Pages @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=132794003 The retail vertical will grow at the second-highest CAGR during the forecast period. Retailers are embracing cloud computing, big data analytics, and digital transformation to expand their businesses and increase their customer base. They connect to consumer devices for various activities, such as analysis of their buying habits and promoting targeted sales. Due to the rising consumer purchasing power, the retail vertical is one of the fastest-growing verticals. With the advent of online retailing, retailers are adopting more innovative technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics, digital stores, and social networks. Online retail vendors need a comprehensive cloud environment to offer their products and services to customers. Retailers are increasingly adopting edge computing to process data closer to the point of sale, enabling real-time analytics, inventory management, and personalized customer experiences. North America segment to capture a significant market share during the forecast period. The Data Center Transformation Market includes regional segmentation into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. As per region, North America accounts for the largest market share in the global Data Center Transformation Market in 2023, and this trend will persist during the forecast period. North America has the most established data center adoption due to several factors, such as large enterprises with sophisticated IT infrastructure and skilled technical expertise. The US and Canada are North America's two most significant contributors in the Data Center Transformation Market. It is a region with strict regulations for several economic sectors and advanced technology. North America is known for its technological advancements and early adoption of innovative solutions. The large enterprises in this region are rapidly adopting data center services to improve employee experience and tackle any business continuity challenges amid COVID-19. In North America, large enterprises and SMEs focus on developing innovative data centers integrated with technological advancements, such as 5G, IoT, AI, and ML; this would boost growth in the future. Top Key Companies in Data Center Transformation Market: The key technology vendors in the market include Dell (US), Microsoft (US), IBM (US), Schneider Electric (France), Cisco (US), NTT (Japan), HCLTech (India), Accenture (Ireland), Cognizant (India), Google (US), Wipro (India), Atos (France), TCS (India), Hitachi (Japan), NetApp (US), Mindteck (India), Bytes Technology Group (UK), General Datatech (US), Insight Enterprises (US), Tech Mahindra (India), NETSCOUT (US), Dyntek (US), Softchoice (Canada), InKnowTech (India), Rahi Systems (US), Blue Mantis (UK), GreenField Software (India), Hyperview (Canada), FlexiScale (UK), LiquidStack (US), RackBank Datacenters (India), and Vapor IO (US). Most key players have adopted partnerships and product developments to cater to the demand for data center transformation. Inquire Before Buying @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=132794003 Recent Developments: In August 2023 , IBM unveiled the introduction of its new Turbonomic Reporting Dashboards, currently accessible to Turbonomic SaaS clients, with the release of IBM Turbonomic version 8.9.6. These upgraded reporting dashboards within IBM Turbonomic offer in-depth observations into both application performance and the utilization of the supply chain. , IBM unveiled the introduction of its new Turbonomic Reporting Dashboards, currently accessible to Turbonomic SaaS clients, with the release of IBM Turbonomic version 8.9.6. These upgraded reporting dashboards within IBM Turbonomic offer in-depth observations into both application performance and the utilization of the supply chain. In August 2023 , Cisco and Nutanix, inc., a leader in hybrid multi-cloud computing, announced a global strategic partnership to accelerate hybrid multi-cloud deployments by offering the industry's most complete hyper-converged solution for IT modernization and business transformation. This partnership will deliver an expanded market opportunity for both organizations as they tackle the challenges of standardizing, simplifying, and securing environments across the data center, the public cloud, and the edge. , Cisco and Nutanix, inc., a leader in hybrid multi-cloud computing, announced a global strategic partnership to accelerate hybrid multi-cloud deployments by offering the industry's most complete hyper-converged solution for IT modernization and business transformation. This partnership will deliver an expanded market opportunity for both organizations as they tackle the challenges of standardizing, simplifying, and securing environments across the data center, the public cloud, and the edge. In July 2023 , Schneider introduced the easy ups 3-phase modular, a sturdy, uninterruptible power supply (ups) engineered to safeguard vital loads, and it comes with third-party validated live swap capabilities. The easy ups 3-phase modular is offered in a 50-250 kW capacity range, featuring n+1 scalability and compatibility with the EcoStruxure architecture, enabling remote monitoring services. Its modular design and live swap feature make it ideal for small and medium-sized data centers and business-critical applications. , Schneider introduced the easy ups 3-phase modular, a sturdy, uninterruptible power supply (ups) engineered to safeguard vital loads, and it comes with third-party validated live swap capabilities. The easy ups 3-phase modular is offered in a 50-250 kW capacity range, featuring n+1 scalability and compatibility with the EcoStruxure architecture, enabling remote monitoring services. Its modular design and live swap feature make it ideal for small and medium-sized data centers and business-critical applications. In July 2023 , HCLTech announced its collaboration with Schneider Electric, one of the leaders in digital transformation of energy management and industrial automation, to develop carbon-efficient solutions for data centers in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. , HCLTech announced its collaboration with Schneider Electric, one of the leaders in digital transformation of energy management and industrial automation, to develop carbon-efficient solutions for data centers in the (APAC) region. In June 2023 , IBM announced plans to open its first Europe -based quantum data center to facilitate access to cutting-edge quantum computing for companies, research institutions, and government agencies. , IBM announced plans to open its first -based quantum data center to facilitate access to cutting-edge quantum computing for companies, research institutions, and government agencies. In June 2023 , NTT unveiled its most recent hyperscale data center campus, Chennai 2. Additionally, they have introduced their subsea cable system, MIST, to the city. The Chennai 2 campus, situated in Ambattur and spanning 6 acres, represents a cutting-edge project with a planned total capacity of 34.8 MW for critical IT load across two data center buildings. , NTT unveiled its most recent hyperscale data center campus, 2. Additionally, they have introduced their subsea cable system, MIST, to the city. The 2 campus, situated in Ambattur and spanning 6 acres, represents a cutting-edge project with a planned total capacity of 34.8 MW for critical IT load across two data center buildings. In June 2023 , Microsoft announced the upcoming availability of its first cloud region in Italy , providing Italian organizations access to scalable, available, and resilient cloud services and confirming its commitment to promoting digital transformation and sustainable innovation in the country. , Microsoft announced the upcoming availability of its first cloud region in , providing Italian organizations access to scalable, available, and resilient cloud services and confirming its commitment to promoting digital transformation and sustainable innovation in the country. In June 2023 , Dell has recently expanded its Dell Private wireless program, aiming to offer secure enterprise connectivity for edge locations. The program now supports Airspan and Druid wireless solutions, providing businesses with enhanced options for safe and reliable wireless connectivity at the edge. , Dell has recently expanded its Dell Private wireless program, aiming to offer secure enterprise connectivity for edge locations. The program now supports Airspan and Druid wireless solutions, providing businesses with enhanced options for safe and reliable wireless connectivity at the edge. In May 2023 , Wipro announced that its FullStride Cloud Studio has partnered with Google Cloud's Rapid Migration Program (RaMP) to help clients accelerate their journey to the cloud and pursue a migration strategy anchored in business outcomes. , Wipro announced that its FullStride Cloud Studio has partnered with Google Cloud's Rapid Migration Program (RaMP) to help clients accelerate their journey to the cloud and pursue a migration strategy anchored in business outcomes. In March 2023 , Cisco unveiled a data center in India in Chennai , which will further expand to Mumbai . The aim is to ensure hybrid and multi-cloud environments in India . , Cisco unveiled a data center in in , which will further expand to . The aim is to ensure hybrid and multi-cloud environments in . In February 2023 , Microsoft and SAP partnered to launch RISE with SAP on Microsoft's hyperscale cloud data center region in Qatar . SAP customers in Qatar can now host RISE with SAP on Microsoft Azure, expanding the opportunities for building a cloud-first economy in Qatar , the GCC, and the MENA region. , Microsoft and SAP partnered to launch RISE with SAP on Microsoft's hyperscale cloud data center region in . SAP customers in can now host RISE with SAP on Microsoft Azure, expanding the opportunities for building a cloud-first economy in , the GCC, and the MENA region. In January 2023 , NTT introduced pioneering implementations of Liquid Immersion Cooling (LIC) and Direct Contact Liquid Cooling (DCLC) technologies. NTT has recently achieved a significant milestone by deploying these technologies for the first time in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at its Navi Mumbai Data Center. This facility, situated within its Mahape campus, spans 13,740 square feet and boasts a capacity of 4.8 MW. , NTT introduced pioneering implementations of Liquid Immersion Cooling (LIC) and Direct Contact Liquid Cooling (DCLC) technologies. NTT has recently achieved a significant milestone by deploying these technologies for the first time in the (APAC) region at its Navi Mumbai Data Center. This facility, situated within its Mahape campus, spans 13,740 square feet and boasts a capacity of 4.8 MW. In January 2023 , Google entered into a long-term lease agreement for a data center spanning approximately 381,000 square feet in Navi Mumbai. This strategic move is part of Google's expansion of its cloud infrastructure in India , addressing the increasing demand in one of its key growth markets. , Google entered into a long-term lease agreement for a data center spanning approximately 381,000 square feet in Navi Mumbai. This strategic move is part of Google's expansion of its cloud infrastructure in , addressing the increasing demand in one of its key growth markets. In November 2022 , Atos & AWS jointly announced a Global Strategic Transformation Agreement. This agreement empowers Atos customers with substantial infrastructure outsourcing contracts to expedite their workload migrations to the cloud and achieve digital transformation. AWS and Atos will collaborate on developing and delivering innovative industry solutions for global IT outsourcing and data center transformation. Additionally, the partnership will focus on enhancing Atos' workforce skills and optimizing its data center, cloud, and security operations, including targeted migration of legacy data centers and IT hardware assets. , Atos & AWS jointly announced a Global Strategic Transformation Agreement. This agreement empowers Atos customers with substantial infrastructure outsourcing contracts to expedite their workload migrations to the cloud and achieve digital transformation. AWS and Atos will collaborate on developing and delivering innovative industry solutions for global IT outsourcing and data center transformation. Additionally, the partnership will focus on enhancing Atos' workforce skills and optimizing its data center, cloud, and security operations, including targeted migration of legacy data centers and IT hardware assets. In March 2022 , Microsoft and Fortum collaborated in which Fortum will harness surplus heat produced by a forthcoming Microsoft data center in the Helsinki metropolitan area of Finland . These data centers will operate on 100% clean energy. Fortum channeled the eco-friendly heat generated during the server cooling process to residences, businesses, and service providers linked to its district heating network. This waste heat recovery initiative from the data center region is poised to become the largest of its kind globally. Data Center Transformation Market Advantages: Initiatives to change data centres can save a lot of money by maximising resource utilisation, cutting energy use, and lowering hardware maintenance costs. Because transformed data centres are so scalable, businesses can easily increase or decrease their infrastructure to meet shifting business demands without making substantial capital commitments. High-performance computing and storage solutions, which are used in modernised data centres, improve the processing of data and the performance of applications. Strong security measures are frequently used in transformation initiatives to shield data and applications from online threats and weaknesses. With careful planning and staged migrations, data centre transformation projects seek to reduce downtime while maintaining operations. By building effective cooling systems, maximising server power use, and introducing green technology, data centres can be transformed to result in significant energy savings. Transformation initiatives help businesses manage resources more effectively, cutting down on waste and improving server utilisation. Organisations can use cloud resources with on-premises equipment with the flexibility of modern data centres, which offer hybrid and multi-cloud setups. Report Objectives To define, describe, and forecast the Data Center Transformation Market based on service type, tier type, data center size, data center type, vertical, and region To provide detailed information about the major factors (drivers, opportunities, restraints, and challenges) influencing the growth of the Data Center Transformation Market To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high-growth segments of the Data Center Transformation Market To forecast the size of the market segments concerning five regions: North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East and Africa , and Latin America , , , and , and To analyze subsegments of the market concerning individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall market To profile the key players of the Data Center Transformation Market and comprehensively analyze their market size and core competencies To track and analyze competitive developments in the global Data Center Transformation Market, such as product enhancements, new product launches, acquisitions, and partnerships and collaborations. Browse Adjacent Markets: Data Center and Networking Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Edge Data Center Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Network Emulator Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Data Center Power Market - Global Forecast to 2025 Software Defined Data Center Market - Global Forecast to 2025 Wan Optimization Market - Global Forecast to 2025 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/data-center-transformation-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/data-center-transformation.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The desalination market is expected to grow by USD 8.86 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 8.77% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The increase in population and rise in demand for consumable water are notably driving the desalination market. However, factors such as high costs in initial investment of desalination plants may impede market growth. The market is segmented by Technology (Membrane and Thermal), Application (Municipal, Industrial, and Others), and Geography (Middle East and Africa, APAC, North America, Europe, and South America). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the desalination market including Acciona SA, Aquatech International LLC, Asahi Kasei Corp., Biwater Holdings Ltd., Consolidated Water Co. Ltd., Doosan Corp., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Ferrovial SA, IDE Water Technologies, Kurita Water Industries Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Osmoflo Water Management Pty. Ltd., Poseidon Water LLC, ProMinent GmbH, Sacyr SA, TEMAK SA, Toyobo Co. Ltd., Veolia Environment SA, Webuild, and Hyflux Ltd. The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request Free Sample Report. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Desalination Market 2023-2027 Desalination Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis Biwater Holdings Ltd. - The company offers desalination through advanced water purification systems, incorporating membrane treatment technologies to develop new indirect and direct potable reuse plants that can treat and reuse wastewater for potable consumption. This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information Desalination Market 2023-2027: Segmentation By Technology The water desalination market share growth by the membrane segment will be significant during the forecast period. It will be suitable for areas with excessive water pressure and low energy resources. RO, electrodialysis, electrodialysis reversal process, nanofiltration, and others are the most important techniques involved in this segment. Under high pressures, membrane technology is used to transport water via a permeable membrane. The performance of membranes and the pretreatment process have improved because of recent advances in energy recovery systems. Moreover, the efficiency of membrane technologies has been increased due to advances in materials research, which enable it to operate at low pressure and thus reduce energy consumption. The uniformity and the formation of pores in membranes are a result of these advances. The most suitable material for separation in this sector is the RO membrane. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period. By Geography Middle East and Africa are estimated to contribute 60% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the fact that many countries lack sufficient freshwater resources and high investment capacity to exploit desalination techniques to meet the growing demand for drinking water. The region has some areas of aridity, including the Middle East and Northern Africa , which have populations over 70% along their coasts. For problems caused by the scarcity of fresh water, desalination provides a sustainable solution. In addition, the number of projects to build desalination plants in the Middle East and Mediterranean Sea Region is increasing, due to low rainfall and extreme climatic conditions. In view of its access to low-cost fossil fuel, the cogeneration of energy and water supply facilities as well as high seawater availability, thermal desalination technology is expected to become the most widely adopted technology in the region. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View Free PDF Sample Report Desalination Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights Historic Market Size 2017-2021 CAGR of the market during 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist desalination market growth during the next five years Estimation of the desalination market size and its contribution to the parent market Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the desalination market Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of desalination market companies Related Reports: The piperylene market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.24% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 445.64 million. The polypropylene (PP) market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.34% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 29.16 billion. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Technology Market Segmentation by Application 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 DUBLIN, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of Dubai's successful endeavour to diminish its debt burden by starting repayments on a $20 billion bailout loan from Abu Dhabi and the country's central bank, there emerges a spotlight on the region's economic resilience and potential. As Dubai surpasses its goal ahead of time, reducing its total debt to 25% of the GDP, the context becomes all the more ripe for investors eyeing the UAE market. Dubai's remarkable achievement, rooted in robust economic growth and strong revenue performance, underscores the attractiveness of the region as a viable investment destination. Given the significant debt reductions and the UAE's dynamic nature, investors seeking opportunities should consider the new "Full Market Entry Report on UAE" on ResearchandMarkets.com as an indispensable guide to navigate and capitalize on this burgeoning market. Key Insights from the "Full Market Entry Report - UAE": Dynamic UAE Economy: As one of the most influential economies in the Middle East , the UAE boasts high per capita income, amplified consumer spending, and an investor-friendly ambience. Its strategic position, connecting Europe , Asia , and Africa , combined with a state-of-the-art infrastructure, cements its reputation as a trade nexus. Growing FMCG Market: At a staggering worth of $38 billion and predicted to swell at a CAGR of 5% in the forthcoming five years, the UAE's FMCG market is burgeoning. Notably dominated by food and beverage, followed by personal care and household products, this growth trajectory is fuelled by a booming population, elevated disposable income, and evolving consumer inclinations. Consumer Trends: There's a noticeable tilt towards healthier, more sustainable products in the FMCG sector. Rising awareness about health and sustainability is driving the demand for organic, additive-free products. This trend presents a unique proposition for investors and businesses to align their strategies accordingly. Digital Landscape: E-commerce and digitalization are steering the FMCG sector in the UAE. Companies are harnessing this trend, expanding online footprints and collaborating with e-commerce platforms. Digital marketing and social media are pivotal in tapping into the UAE consumer base. Market Entry Strategy: Dive deep into comprehensive market research. Recognize the UAE's diverse demographic tapestry to tailor products and marketing strategies. As the UAE is a melange of local Emiratis and global expatriates, understanding these nuances is essential for market entry success. In summary, as Dubai and, by extension, the UAE showcase economic prowess and resilience, the "Full Market Entry Report- UAE" emerges as a crucial tool for investors aiming to leverage the opportunities in the region. With precise strategies, companies can ride the wave of growth in the UAE's FMCG sector and carve a dominant presence in this promising landscape. Secure your investment future in the UAE to delve into the report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/95vxvy 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 Stop by Elation's booth during HLTH 2023 to demo its latest software that gives practices greater revenue and patients more time SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Elation Health , the clinical-first technology company powering innovation in primary care, today announced its plans at HLTH 2023 in Las Vegas to showcase the industry's first unified electronic health record (EHR) and billing solution built to support high-value primary care. The Elation team will be on-site at HLTH 2023 welcoming attendees interested in the craft of primary care to stop by the booth to network, demo and learn more about how Elation supports the largest group of direct primary care physicians to deliver the next generation of healthcare that elevates clinical experiences. HLTH 2023 When: Oct. 8-11, 2023 Where: Las Vegas Convention Center Event details: Elation Health is a sponsor of HLTH 2023, the leading annual event for healthcare innovation. Attendees can visit Elation Health at booth No. V-5838 and also join leaders from the company along with partners Dock Health , Ribbon Health , SteadyMD , and Zus Health for Healthcare Happy Hour on October 9th at The Stirling Club. Those interested in attending, email for an invite to the event. Attendees can also join Healthcare Happy Hour hosts as generous donors to reach a goal of $5,000. Click here to make a direct and meaningful impact, supporting life-saving crisis response efforts, direct patient care and valuable enhancement to the care environment to help The UMC Foundation building a brighter, healthier future for Southern Nevada's most critically ill and injured pediatric patients. Elation's award-winning, clinical-first design, intuitive charting, and seamless integrations provide point-of-care workflows that are purpose-built for high-value primary care. Its powerful developer platform and robust API, which responds to more than one million calls daily, also empower tech-enabled organizations to integrate with Elation's strategic partners and build custom solutions. For more information about Elation's unified clinical and billing solution, visit here and read more here about how it's saving time, improving work-life balance, and increasing practice revenue. About Elation Health Elation Health is the most trusted technology platform for high-value primary care. Since 2010, the company has delivered clinical-first solutions built on a collaborative electronic health record (EHR) that helps primary care organizations start, grow, and succeed in delivering the highest-quality personalized care to patients. Elation supports primary care clinicians by relieving administrative burden and restoring the doctor-patient relationship so that they can return to the craft of medicine. The company serves 24,000 clinicians caring for more than 12 million Americans, including thousands of small independent practices and large prominent digital health innovators. Learn more at elationhealth.com , LinkedIn , and X . SOURCE Elation Health ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation is proud to announce the latest round of scholarships awarded to deserving students seeking higher education. This year, they have allocated over $200,000 in scholarships to support the 235 students in their pursuit of academic excellence. The Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation proudly announced awarding $200,000 in scholarships to support 235 students in their pursuit of academic excellence. These scholarships are a testament to the foundation's commitment to the community. "These scholarships, a testament to our commitment to the community, were presented to talented and dedicated students who have shown remarkable promise in their academic journey," said Estela Ortiz Gonzalez, president of the Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation. "Northgate Gonzalez Market and the Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation firmly believe that investing in education is a pathway to empower individuals and uplift communities." Thanks to the scholarships, students will be attending university and public and private college campuses, both in-state and out-of-state, including schools allied with the University of California system, the Cal State University system, Ivy League campuses, and various community colleges. They include UCLA, USC, UC Riverside, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Cal Berkeley, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Long Beach, UC San Diego, Notre Dame and Yale University. Over the years, Northgate Market and the Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation have collectively contributed more than $2 million in scholarships and community donations. In addition to scholarships, the foundation has provided invaluable support and resources to families throughout Southern California. Established 21 years ago, the Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals and communities by supporting organizations involved in higher education, human services, and Latino empowerment. The foundation also extends grants for funeral assistance to individuals in need during difficult times. "I was shopping with my mom at Northgate to gather ingredients to learn some of her recipes when I saw a small flyer by the register that advertised the scholarship. I entered the store looking for ingredients and left with a perfect scholarship opportunity, and as of August 25th, 2023, I stand proudly as a recipient of the Gonzalez Reynoso Family Foundation scholarship!" said Marlene Gaeta, who is attending Chapman University. "The $1,000 will help fund my education by paying for my Film and Television Production Major's hefty fees & and will encourage me to focus on my education while these fees are paid for. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am forever grateful to the Gonzalez Reynoso Family Foundation!" Through these initiatives, Northgate Gonzalez Market and the Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation remain steadfast in their dedication to fostering educational opportunities and creating a brighter future for deserving students in Southern California. About the Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation: Established 21 years ago, the Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals and communities through its support of higher education, human services, Latino empowerment, and funeral assistance grants. The foundation continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves in Southern California. Media Contact: Stephen Chavez [email protected] SOURCE Northgate Gonzalez Market WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) priced Connecticut Avenue Securities (CAS) Series 2023-R07, an approximately $536 million note offering that represents Fannie Mae's seventh CAS REMIC transaction of the year. CAS is Fannie Mae's benchmark issuance program designed to share credit risk on its single-family conventional guaranty book of business. The reference pool for CAS Series 2023-R07 consists of approximately 77,000 single-family mortgage loans with an outstanding unpaid principal balance of approximately $25.9 billion. The reference pool includes collateral with loan-to-value ratios of 80.01 percent to 97.00 percent, which were acquired between June 2022 and December 2022. The loans included in this transaction are fixed-rate, generally 30-year term, fully amortizing mortgages and were underwritten using rigorous credit standards and enhanced risk controls. Fannie Mae will retain a portion of the 2M-1, 2M-2, and 2B-1 tranches, and initially will retain the full 2B-2H and 2B-3H first-loss tranches. Class Offered Amount ($MM) Pricing Level Expected Ratings (Moody's/DBRS) 2M-1 $245.957 30-day Average SOFR plus 195 bps A3 (sf) / A (low) (sf) 2M-2 $184.467 30-day Average SOFR plus 325 bps Baa2 (sf) / BBB (sf) 2B-1 $105.250 30-day Average SOFR plus 450 bps Ba2 (sf) / BB (sf) BofA Securities, Inc. ("BofA") is the lead structuring manager and joint bookrunner. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. ("Citigroup") is the co-lead manager and joint bookrunner. Co-managers are Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. ("Cantor"), Morgan Stanley & Co, LLC ("Morgan Stanley"), Nomura Securities International Inc. ("Nomura"), and StoneX Financial Inc. ("StoneX"). Selling group members are Minority and Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Academy Securities, Inc. and African-American-owned Loop Capital Markets LLC. With the completion of this transaction, Fannie Mae will have brought 60 CAS deals to market, issued over $63.9 billion in notes, and transferred a portion of the credit risk to private investors on over $2.1 trillion in single-family mortgage loans, measured at the time of the transaction. To promote transparency and to help credit investors evaluate our securities and the CAS program, Fannie Mae provides ongoing, robust disclosure data, as well as access to news, resources, and analytics through its credit risk transfer webpages. This includes our innovative Data Dynamics tool that enables market participants to interact with and analyze CAS deals that are currently outstanding in the market and Fannie Mae's historical loan dataset. Our EU Resources and UK Resources webpages are designed to help European Union and UK institutional investors, as well as those managing funds subject to EU/UK regulations. In addition to our flagship CAS program, Fannie Mae continues to transfer mortgage credit risk through its Credit Insurance Risk Transfer (CIRT) reinsurance program. About Connecticut Avenue Securities CAS REMIC notes are issued by a bankruptcy-remote trust. The amount of periodic principal and ultimate principal paid by Fannie Mae is determined by the performance of a large and diverse reference pool. For more information on individual CAS transactions, visit our credit risk transfer webpage. About Fannie Mae Fannie Mae advances equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality, affordable rental housing for millions of people across America. We enable the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and drive responsible innovation to make homebuying and renting easier, fairer, and more accessible. To learn more, visit: fanniemae.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Blog Fannie Mae Newsroom https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom Photo of Fannie Mae https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/img/about-fm/fm-building.tif Fannie Mae Resource Center 1-800-2FANNIE Statements in this release regarding the company's future CAS transactions are forward-looking. Actual results may be materially different as a result of market conditions or other factors listed in "Risk Factors" or "Forward-Looking Statements" in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. This release does not constitute an offer or sale of any security. Before investing in any Fannie Mae issued security, potential investors should review the disclosure for such security and consult their own investment advisors. SOURCE Fannie Mae YONGIN, South Korea, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GC Biopharma Corp. announced today that GC1126A, its drug candidate for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), received an Orphan Drug Designation on September 27 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When designated as an orphan drug, there are incentives such as tax credits for clinical development costs and exemptions from PDUFA user fees Initial Pediatric Study Plan. Additionally, upon receiving marketing approval, a 7-year period of market exclusivity is granted. TTP is a rare blood disorder that affects approximately 3 to 11 individuals per 1 million people. It is a life-threatening condition characterized by the formation of small blood clots throughout the body, obstructing blood flow to critical organs, including the brain and heart. If left untreated, TTP can result in a mortality rate as high as 90%. The development of TTP is associated with a deficiency of the proteolytic enzyme ADAMTS13 in the patient's body (congenital TTP) or the sudden production of antibodies that inhibit the enzyme activity (immune-mediated TTP). GC1126A is a novel ADAMTS13 mutein designed to evade autoantibodies with an extended half-life. As presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) 2023 Congress in June, non-clinical data demonstrated efficacy of the drug candidate in disease models while maintaining higher activity levels when compared to existing treatments or wild-type ADAMTS13. Speaking on this achievement, GC Biopharma stated, "We are dedicated to collecting data to develop a Best-in-Class treatment for such rare disorders. We remain committed to our mission of providing patients with new treatment options by continuously developing innovative drugs." About GC Biopharma Corp. GC Biopharma Corp. (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company that delivers life-saving and life-sustaining protein therapeutics and vaccines. Headquartered in Yongin, South Korea, GC Biopharma Corp. is one of the leading plasma protein and vaccine product manufacturers globally and has been dedicated to quality healthcare solutions for more than half a century. This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma's management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. GC Biopharma Corp. Contacts (Media) Sohee Kim [email protected] Yelin Jun [email protected] SOURCE GC Biopharma First-of-its-kind regulatory approval allows Fig to pilot its ground-breaking technology platform, which promises to disrupt the existing structured notes market. EDMONTON, AB and VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Volatility Labs Inc. dba Fig Investments ("Fig" or "Fig Investments") is excited to announce that it has received exemptive relief from the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) and British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) to permit distribution of its novel crypto structured investment products to accredited investors. The exemption will allow Fig to pilot its ground-breaking technology platform, which promises to disrupt the existing structured notes market by introducing a transparent, efficient, and inclusive alternative. Fig's intuitive, digital-native web platform enables instant access to structured notes with customizable risk and return parameters that provide hedged exposure to price movement in the Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) markets. Fig's innovation seeks to bring transparency and inclusivity to the trillion-dollar structured note market, which is currently dominated by traditional investment banks. "With an estimated $7-$15 trillion in total assets under management (AUM) in the structured notes market, the industry is ripe for disruption," said Guanzhi Ma, Co-founder and CEO of Fig Investments. "Our platform leverages technology to offer hyper-customizable products with turnaround in minutes instead of days, with a vision of democratizing access to investment opportunities that were previously inaccessible to most investors." Fig's Platform Helps Investors Get Risk-Managed Exposure to Crypto Currently, investors seeking exposure to BTC or ETH can buy and hold coins directly, or invest in an ETF that holds the coins. Both options offer long-only, unhedged exposure, and holding coins directly also exposes investors to crypto risk due to the digital nature of the assets and their susceptibility to theft and hacks. Fig's crypto structured notes help investors get exposure to BTC and ETH, while reducing custody and asset price risk. Through Fig's structuring engine, investors can customize a specific fixed return percentage that will automatically be repaid at maturity, with a variable return based on capped directional exposure to BTC or ETH a first in the world. The structured notes have well documented and understood traditional custody and settlement infrastructure, with underlying portfolios comprised of U.S. treasuries and OTC crypto options. Securing a Competitive Advantage with First-of-its-Kind Exemptive Relief First-of-its-kind exemptive relief granted by the ASC and BCSC will allow Fig to test its platform with accredited investors in Alberta, British Columbia and eligible foreign jurisdictions. If the pilot is successful, Fig intends to register as a portfolio manager and exempt market dealer in Canadian jurisdictions to allow for broader distribution of its products. Fig's initial focus will be on crypto structured investment products, with a long-term goal of expanding to equity structured products and digital representations of all asset classes. Ultimately, Fig seeks to introduce the world to its blockchain-based settlement protocol for bilateral, over-the-counter option contracts. "We are pioneering transformative software-based investment tools which will usher in a more inclusive financial future. Our platform leverages technology to deliver hyper-customizable products with subsecond turnaround instead of days. We are excited to lead this new frontier with our unique backgrounds in fast-paced startups and asset management," added Tony Qian, Co-founder and CTO of Fig Investments. Accredited investors are invited to explore Fig's structured notes directly at https://www.fig.investments/. Collaboration with Alberta Innovates Brings Blockchain-Based Derivative Settlement Protocol In 2022, Fig Investments received a grant from Alberta Innovates for developing a blockchain-based settlement protocol for settling bilateral option contracts on crypto assets. Its long-term goal is to launch the on-chain settlement protocol on one or more public blockchain networks and to encourage the adoption of on-chain settlement for crypto options and other types of derivative contracts. "It is exciting and encouraging to see the securities regulators of Alberta and British Columbia providing an environment for fintech innovators like Volatility Labs Inc. (Fig Investments) to pilot its novel crypto linked investment product platform. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this interprovincial collaboration and how the company's platform uses technology to help investors get access to innovative investment products. Alberta Innovates is proud to have supported Volatility Labs through the Digital Traction program which supports digital tech companies with software development at the core," Doug Holt, Associate Vice President, Investments, Alberta Innovates shares. "We are very thankful for the support from Alberta Innovates and all stakeholders. We are excited by the technological possibilities and look forward to contributing to the research and development of blockchain-based derivative settlement technology to benefit global capital markets," added Guanzhi Ma. About Fig Investments Fig Investments was co-founded by Guanzhi Ma, CFA and Tony Qian in Edmonton, Alberta in 2022. The company's co-founders have deep industry experience in fixed income portfolio management and hyper-scale software engineering. With cutting-edge technology and a strong commitment to regulatory compliance, Fig is set to revolutionize the $10+ trillion structured products market. By focusing on transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity, Fig is redrawing the boundaries of the investment landscape, opening a world of unprecedented opportunities for investors and institutions globally. Edmonton Address: 10008 32 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T6N 1G7 Vancouver Address: Suite 2400 745 Thurlow Street Vancouver BC V6E 0C5 SOURCE Fig Investments NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The fish box market size is expected to grow by USD 587.36 million between 2022 and 2027. However, the growth momentum of the market will be progressing at a CAGR of 7.14% during the forecast period. The market is segmented by application (terminal and supermarket), material (expanded polystyrene, polypropylene, and others), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America). Increasing compliance with government regulations and standards drives market growth. It is essential for manufacturers in the fish box market to comply with several standards to ensure the safety, quality, and efficiency of fish processing equipment. NS-EN 15467: 2014 is one of the main standards enforced by the authorities which ensures the safety and hygiene requirements for constructing fish heading and filleting machines. Moreover, these compliances are essential to minimize the possibility of hazardous events during fish processing. Furthermore, it has become an important requirement for fish processing equipment to have a Conformite Europeenne (CE) mark, which represents the conformity of the product with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards and legislation. In addition, there is a growing preference for fish processing equipment and associated supplies, such as seafood boxes that have high efficiency, high quality, and safety features. Hence, such factors are positively impacting the market, which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Fish Box Market 2023-2027 The report analyses the market size and growth and provides accurate predictions on the growth of the market. View Free PDF Sample Key Highlights: The report recognizes the following as some of the key players in the fish box market: Allwin Roto Plast , BASF SE, Carry Cool Enterprise, Corex Plastics Pty Ltd., CRT Packaging (UK) Ltd., Eppor-Pack Sdn Bhd, Fletcher European Containers Ltd., Industrial Associates, Life Solutions, Ocean Roto Moulding Sdn. Bhd., PPS Midlands Ltd., Prakash Packaging, Sekisui Plastics Co. Ltd., Smurfit Kappa Group, Snyder Industries Inc., SOLIDUS SOLUTIONS Holding B.V., STYRO Insulations Mat. Ind. LLC, Tri-Core Plastics Containers Ltd., Craemer GmbH, and Styropack , BASF SE, Carry Cool Enterprise, Corex Plastics Pty Ltd., CRT Packaging (UK) Ltd., Eppor-Pack Sdn Bhd, Fletcher European Containers Ltd., Industrial Associates, Life Solutions, Ocean Roto Moulding Sdn. Bhd., PPS Midlands Ltd., Prakash Packaging, Sekisui Plastics Co. Ltd., Smurfit Kappa Group, Snyder Industries Inc., SOLIDUS SOLUTIONS Holding B.V., STYRO Insulations Mat. Ind. LLC, Tri-Core Plastics Containers Ltd., Craemer GmbH, and Styropack The Fish Box Market is fragmented in nature. Market to observe 6.7% YOY growth in 2023. Market Dynamics: Trend The increase in demand for cold chain management drives the market growth. The seafood box helps to transport and store fresh and frozen fish products. Cold chain management is an essential technique that is used in the seafood industry to protect food. There is an increasing adoption of cold chain management in this industry as seafood is very prone to harmful bacteria that live on the skin, gills, and intestines of fish. The size of the fish, as smaller fish have a faster spoilage rate due to the higher surface-by-volume ratio is one of the main reasons for the food spoilage. Hence, such factors will fuel the adoption of cold chain management during fish transportation which is positively impacting the market. Therefore, it is expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period. Challenges Increasing regulations in the seafood industry is a major challenge impeding market growth. The seafood industry has to comply with several stringent regulations in many countries. Several manufacturers are finding it hard to comply with such strict regulations that restrict them from acting independently in the industry. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is one of the main authorities that enforces certain rules for manufacturers in the US. However, these regulations are compulsory as seafood businesses must identify all the food safety hazards that may occur and must provide a system of control at each step to resolve hazards. Hence, such stringent rules are negatively impacting the market, which in turn will hinder the market growth during the forecast period. The report also covers information on upcoming trends and challenges. Explore detailed information by purchasing report Keg Segments: The market share growth of the terminal segment will be significant during the forecast period. A facility in a port that contains a platform for loading, unloading, and storing fish is known as a terminal segment. One of the key advantages of this segment is that it enables extremely fast loading and unloading facilitating the way to clear the ships quickly. There are many ports that contain huge container terminals that are specifically designed to manage container ships and store fish. As a result, it is significantly contributing to the growth of this segment. In addition, the wide use for the effective storage of fish for further use is fuelling the demand for seafood boxes across terminals. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period. Get a glance at the market contribution of the segments, Request Sample Related Reports: The smart bottle market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.05% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 141.8 million. The skin packaging market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.99% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 5,888.3 million. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Application 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 ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 6. Kazakhstan's airline Air Astana has operated its first regular flight from Almaty to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) today, Trend reports. As the airline said, this month, flights will be carried out on Wednesdays and Sundays, and from November on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From the beginning of December, a third frequency on Mondays will be added to the schedule. The airline operates comfortable Airbus A321LR aircraft with a two-class layout and a capacity of 166 seats. The flight duration to Jeddah is 6 hours and 50 minutes, and back 5 hours and 45 minutes. Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia for 2022 amounted to $16.5 million, which is 90.5 percent higher than the previous year ($8.6 million). The volume of exports from Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia at the end of last year decreased by 14.2 percent and amounted to $4.7 million. Imports to Kazakhstan from Saudi Arabia in 2022 increased 3.7 times and reached $11.8 million. DUBLIN, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Exhaust Manifold Market - Global Exhaust Manifold Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global automotive exhaust manifold market is on track to reach a valuation of US$10 billion by the end of 2030, driven by the surging demand for high-performance vehicles and the increasing stringency of government regulations related to emission control. The market is set to maintain moderate growth throughout the forecast period. Market Highlights The automotive exhaust manifold market is becoming increasingly significant in the automotive industry. This vital component plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of automobile engines by efficiently collecting exhaust gases from the engine's cylinders and directing them into the exhaust system. Several key factors are contributing to the growth of this market, including: Demand for High-Performance Vehicles: The growing desire for high-performance vehicles is a key driver of the automotive exhaust manifold market. These vehicles require top-tier exhaust manifolds to ensure optimal engine performance and durability. Stringent Emission Control Regulations: Governments worldwide are imposing strict regulations to reduce vehicular emissions, driving the demand for efficient exhaust manifolds. Focus on Fuel Efficiency: Automotive manufacturers are emphasizing enhanced fuel efficiency, spurring demand for lightweight and efficient exhaust manifolds, which contribute to improved fuel economy. Challenges Despite the growth potential, the high cost associated with advanced exhaust manifolds, particularly those equipped with integrated catalytic converters and lightweight materials, presents a significant challenge. Additionally, the availability of inferior alternatives in the market may impact engine performance and durability. Impact of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global supply chain, affecting the production and distribution of automotive components, including exhaust manifolds. Reduced automobile demand during the pandemic also impacted the appetite for automotive exhaust manifolds. However, post-pandemic recovery is expected, driven by the increasing demand for high-performance vehicles and strict emission control regulations. Market Opportunity The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to create significant growth opportunities for the automotive exhaust manifold market. Despite the absence of internal combustion engines in EVs, exhaust manifolds are still required for noise reduction and cooling. Key Segments Materials: Cast iron is expected to dominate the market due to its excellent thermal conductivity and durability, accounting for approximately 73% of the total market size. Fuel Type: Petrol remains the preferred fuel type, representing nearly 65% of the total market revenue by 2022, driven by its prevalence in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Vehicle Type: Passenger cars are set to claim the largest share of the market valuation, accounting for nearly 67% of the total exhaust manifold market revenue. Regional Dominance The Asia Pacific region is poised to maintain dominance in the global automotive exhaust manifold market, accounting for over 50% of the market share. China and India, with their thriving automotive industries, are major contributors to the region's growth. North America and Europe, driven by rigorous emission control regulations, collectively represent more than one-third of the global market size. Competitive Landscape The automotive exhaust manifold market is highly competitive, with established industry players and new entrants vying for market share. Manufacturers are focusing on innovating advanced exhaust manifolds with features like integrated catalytic converters and lightweight materials to meet the growing demand for high-performance vehicles. Prominent players in the market include Faurecia, Futaba Industrial, Denso Corp, Benteler International AG, Katcon SA, Sango Co, Ltd, SPM Autocmp, Tenneco, Yutaka Giken co., and Friedrich Boysen Holding Gmbh. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Exhaust Manifold Snapshot 1.2. Future Projections 1.3. Key Market Trends 1.4. Analyst Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Definitions and Segmentations 2.2. Market Dynamics 2.2.1. Drivers 2.2.2. Restraints 2.2.3. Market Opportunities 2.2.4. Economic Trends 2.3. Value Chain Analysis 2.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 2.5. COVID-19 Impact 2.6. End-use Industry Customer Impact Analysis 3. Global Exhaust Manifold Outlook, 2019 - 2030 3.1. Global Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 3.1.1. Key Highlights 3.1.1.1. Passenger Vehicle 3.1.1.2. Commercial Vehicle 3.1.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Vehicle 3.2. Global Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 3.2.1. Key Highlights 3.2.1.1. Cast Iron 3.2.1.2. Stainless Steel 3.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Application 3.3. Global Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 3.3.1. Key Highlights 3.3.1.1. Petrol 3.3.1.2. Diesel 3.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Fuel type 3.4. Global Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 3.4.1. Key Highlights 3.4.1.1. OEM 3.4.1.2. Aftermarket 3.4.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Sales Channel 3.5. Global Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Region, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 3.5.1. Key Highlights 3.5.1.1. North America 3.5.1.2. Europe 3.5.1.3. Asia Pacific 3.5.1.4. ROW 3.5.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Region 4. North America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, 2019 - 2030 4.1. North America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 4.1.1. Key Highlights 4.1.1.1. Passenger Vehicle 4.1.1.2. Commercial Vehicle 4.2. North America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 4.2.1. Key Highlights 4.2.1.1. Cast Iron 4.2.1.2. Stainless Steel 4.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Application 4.3. North America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 4.3.1. Key Highlights 4.3.1.1. Petrol 4.3.1.2. Diesel 4.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Fuel type 4.4. North America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 4.4.1. Key Highlights 4.4.1.1. OEM 4.4.1.2. Aftermarket 4.4.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Sales Channel 4.5. North America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 4.5.1. Key Highlights 4.5.1.1. U.S. Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 4.5.1.2. U.S. Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 4.5.1.3. U.S. Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 4.5.1.4. U.S. Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 4.5.1.5. Canada Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 4.5.1.6. Canada Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 4.5.1.7. Canada Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 4.5.1.8. Canada Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 5. Europe Exhaust Manifold Outlook, 2019 - 2030 5.1. Europe Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 5.1.1. Key Highlights 5.1.1.1. Passenger Vehicle 5.1.1.2. Commercial Vehicle 5.2. Europe Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 5.2.1. Key Highlights 5.2.1.1. Cast Iron 5.2.1.2. Stainless Steel 5.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Application 5.3. Europe Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 5.3.1. Key Highlights 5.3.1.1. Petrol 5.3.1.2. Diesel 5.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Fuel type 5.4. Europe Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 5.4.1. Key Highlights 5.4.1.1. OEM 5.4.1.2. Aftermarket 5.4.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Sales Channel 5.5. Europe Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 5.5.1. Key Highlights 5.5.1.1. Germany Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.2. Germany Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.3. Germany Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.4. Germany Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.5. UK Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.6. UK Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.7. UK Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.8. UK Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.9. France Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.10. France Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.11. France Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.12. France Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.13. Italy Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.14. Italy Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.15. Italy Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.16. Italy Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.17. Spain Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.18. Spain Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.19. Spain Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.20. Spain Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.21. Rest of EU Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.22. Rest of EU Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.23. Rest of EU Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 5.5.1.24. Rest of EU Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 6. Asia Pacific Exhaust Manifold Outlook, 2019 - 2030 6.1. Asia Pacific Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 6.1.1. Key Highlights 6.1.1.1. Passenger Vehicle 6.1.1.2. Commercial Vehicle 6.2. Asia Pacific Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 6.2.1. Key Highlights 6.2.1.1. Cast Iron 6.2.1.2. Stainless Steel 6.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Application 6.3. Asia Pacific Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 6.3.1. Key Highlights 6.3.1.1. Petrol 6.3.1.2. Diesel 6.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Fuel type 6.4. Asia Pacific Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 6.4.1. Key Highlights 6.4.1.1. OEM 6.4.1.2. Aftermarket 6.4.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Sales Channel 6.5. Asia Pacific Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 6.5.1. Key Highlights 6.5.1.1. China Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.2. China Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.3. China Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.4. China Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.5. Japan Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.6. Japan Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.7. Japan Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.8. Japan Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.9. India Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.10. India Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.11. India Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.12. India Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.13. South Korea Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.14. South Korea Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.15. South Korea Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.16. South Korea Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.17. Rest of APAC Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.18. Rest of APAC Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.19. Rest of APAC Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 6.5.1.20. Rest of APAC Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 7. Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, 2019 - 2030 7.1. Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 7.1.1. Key Highlights 7.1.1.1. Passenger Vehicle 7.1.1.2. Commercial Vehicle 7.2. Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 7.2.1. Key Highlights 7.2.1.1. Cast Iron 7.2.1.2. Stainless Steel 7.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Application 7.3. Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 7.3.1. Key Highlights 7.3.1.1. Petrol 7.3.1.2. Diesel 7.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Fuel type 7.4. Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 7.4.1. Key Highlights 7.4.1.1. OEM 7.4.1.2. Aftermarket 7.4.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Sales Channel 7.5. Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 7.5.1. Key Highlights 7.5.1.1. Brazil Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.2. Brazil Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.3. Brazil Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.4. Brazil Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.5. Mexico Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.6. Mexico Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.7. Mexico Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.8. Mexico Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.9. Rest of Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.10. Rest of Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.11. Rest of Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 7.5.1.12. Rest of Latin America Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 8. Middles East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, 2019 - 2030 8.1. Middles East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 8.1.1. Key Highlights 8.1.1.1. Passenger Vehicle 8.1.1.2. Commercial Vehicle 8.2. Middles East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 8.2.1. Key Highlights 8.2.1.1. Cast Iron 8.2.1.2. Stainless Steel 8.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Application 8.3. Middles East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 8.3.1. Key Highlights 8.3.1.1. Petrol 8.3.1.2. Diesel 8.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Fuel type 8.4. Middles East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 8.4.1. Key Highlights 8.4.1.1. OEM 8.4.1.2. Aftermarket 8.4.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Sales Channel 8.5. Middles East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Mn), 2019 - 2030 8.5.1. Key Highlights 8.5.1.1. GCC Countries Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.2. GCC Countries Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.3. GCC Countries Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.4. GCC Countries Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.5. South Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.6. South Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.7. South Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.8. South Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.9. Rest of Middle East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Vehicle, 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.10. Rest of Middle East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Product type, 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.11. Rest of Middle East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Fuel Type, Value 2019 - 2030 8.5.1.12. Rest of Middle East & Africa Exhaust Manifold Outlook, by Sales Channel, 2019 - 2030 9. Competitive landscape 9.1. Company Profile 9.1.1. Faurecia 9.1.2. Futaba Industrial 9.1.3. Benteler International AG 9.1.4. Denso Corp 9.1.5. Katcon SA 9.1.6. Mahle GMBH 9.1.7. Sango Co, Ltd 9.1.8. Teneco 9.1.9. SPM Autocomp 9.1.10. Friedrich Boysen Holding Gmbh 9.1.11. Yutaka Giken co. 9.1.12. Others A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Faurecia Futaba Industrial Benteler International AG Denso Corp Katcon SA Mahle GMBH Sango Co, Ltd Teneco SPM Autocomp Friedrich Boysen Holding Gmbh Yutaka Giken co. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wyuubn 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, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Bronchoscopy Market" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global bronchoscopy market, valued at $2.5 billion in 2022, is projected to experience robust growth, reaching approximately $3.9 billion by the end of 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. This significant market expansion is detailed in a comprehensive report that delves into market dynamics, drivers, challenges, and growth opportunities. In-Depth Market Insights The report provides an extensive understanding of the bronchoscopy market's current landscape and anticipated evolution. It analyzes key market drivers, constraints, and challenges while offering detailed projections through 2028. The report also covers the competitive landscape, market rankings of key players, and the regulatory environment. Market Segmentation The bronchoscopy market is segmented based on products, usability, patients, applications, and end users. These segments include bronchoscopes, imaging systems, accessories, and others for products. Usability is categorized into disposable and reusable equipment, covering both diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy. Patient segments include adults and pediatrics, while end users encompass hospitals, clinics, and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). Regional Analysis The report also evaluates the impact of regional dynamics on market potential. Geographical analysis spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. For market estimates, data is provided for 2020 and 2021 as historical years, 2022 as the base year, and a forecast for 2028. Report Highlights The comprehensive report includes: An overview of the global bronchoscopy market. Analysis of global market trends, with historical market revenue data (sales figures) for 2020 to 2022, estimates for 2023, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2028. An estimate of the actual market size and a revenue forecast for the global bronchoscopy market, with corresponding market share analysis. In-depth information concerning the market's drivers, opportunities, challenges, prospects, upcoming technologies, regulations, and the impact of COVID-19. Detailed product descriptions, current and emerging technologies, regulatory scenarios, and developments in the bronchoscopy market. Insights into the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in the bronchoscopy industry. Analysis of patent grants and clinical trials in the bronchoscopy sector. Updates on recent mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and venture fundings. Identification of key players in the market, competitive landscape analysis, and profiles of leading global companies. A Growing Market The bronchoscopy market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of airway and lung diseases globally. Bronchoscopy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of various respiratory disorders. Technological advancements are also driving market growth by providing less invasive diagnostic methods that offer early detection and treatment benefits. This research report provides a detailed analysis of key factors shaping the bronchoscopy industry's growth. It offers strategic insights and recommendations for businesses looking to expand in this evolving market. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Summary and Highlights Chapter 3 Market Overview Chapter 4 Market Dynamics Overview Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Challenges Impact of Covid-19 on the Bronchoscopy Market Chapter 5 Market Breakdown by Product Market Overview Market Share and Forecast Bronchoscope Flexible Bronchoscopes Rigid Bronchoscopes Other Bronchoscopes Imaging Systems Accessories Others Chapter 6 Market Breakdown by Usability Chapter 7 Market Breakdown by Application Chapter 8 Market Breakdown by Patient Group Chapter 9 Market Breakdown by End-user Chapter 10 Market Breakdown by Region Chapter 11 Esg Development Introduction to Esg Sustainability in Bronchoscopy Industry: An Esg Perspective Key Esg Issues Bronchoscopy Industry Esg Performance Analysis Consumer Attitudes Toward Esg in the Bronchoscopy Market Case Study Concluding Remarks Chapter 12 Emerging Technologies Emerging Technologies Trends in Bronchoscopy Increasing Preference for Minimally Invasive Procedures Interventional Bronchoscopy Targeted Lung Nodule Biopsies Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Single-Use Bronchoscopes Personalized Medicine Chapter 13 Clinical Trials and Patent Analysis Clinical Trials Analysis Clinical Trials Analysis by Type of Study Clinical Trials Analysis by Status Clinical Trials Analysis by Phase Clinical Trials Analysis by Region Patent Analysis Patents, by Year By Top Applicant By Top Owner By Jurisdiction Chapter 14 Competitive Intelligence Market Share Analysis Olympus Corporation Boston Scientific Recent Developments of Key Market Players Chapter 15 Company Profiles Ambu A/S Boston Scientific Corp. Broncus Medical Inc. Conmed Corp. Cook Medical LLC Efer Endoscopy Emos Technology GmbH Fujifilm Holdings Corp. Hoya Corp. Johnson & Johnson Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg & Co. Kg Medtronic plc Olympus Corp. Richard Wolf GmbH Teleflex Inc. Verathon Inc. Chapter 16 Appendix: Acronyms For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u5ypva 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 "HH&Y has always taken pride in putting human purpose at the center of everything we do," says Donna Murphy, Global CEO of Havas Health & You and Havas Creative Network. "This year's MM+M wins are a testament to using the power of creativity and innovation to inspire healthier lives." The MM+M Awards strive to recognize, champion, and celebrate creativity and effectiveness in healthcare marketing and communications, and is judged entirely by fellow industry peers. This year, HH&Y and network agencies Havas Life New York, Arnold New York, H4B Boston, Havas Health Plus, and Havas Voice were named amongst the winners. The work recognized included "ParkinSex" by Havas Health Plus for the American Parkinson Disease Association a campaign that put human-centered design and accessibility into practice by launching a physical and digital booklet/kit to help patients and their partners overcome the disproportionately high rate of sexual dysfunction experienced by Parkinson's patients. "Everyday Heroes," a partnership between HH&Y, Pfizer, and Marvel, became the most downloaded comic of 2020, honoring nurses fighting COVID-19 and shifting the narrative surrounding vaccination. "Over the last two years, HH&Y has placed an increased focus on tackling one of the greatest generational threats humanity has ever faced health inequity," said Eric Weisberg, Global CCO of HH&Y. "By creating work that addresses disparities in accessibility and awareness, we hope to create a more equitable future. We are humbled to have this important work recognized at this year's awards." Here is the full list of wins from the 2023 MM+M Awards: Titanium; Best in Show Award: Havas Health Plus - (American Parkinson Disease Association) Gold; Agency Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Denise Henry, Havas Life Gold; Agency Newcomer of the Year Award: Havas Voice Gold; Rare Disease Agency of the Year Award: H4B Boston Gold; Midsize Healthcare Agency Award: Arnold New York Gold; Best Disease Education Campaign Award: Havas Life NY - Marvel Everyday Heroes (Pfizer) Gold; Best Use of Customer Experience Marketing Award: Havas Health Plus - ParkinSex (American Parkinson Disease Association) Gold; Best Use of Film or Video Award: Havas Health Plus - ParkinSex (American Parkinson Disease Association) Silver; Large Healthcare Network Award: Havas Health & You For more information about the 2023 MM+M Awards, visit: https://www.mmm-awards.com/ About Havas Health & You Network Havas Health & You unites Havas Life, Health4Brands (H4B), Lynx, Red Havas, and Havas Health Plus, all wholly owned health and communications networks, with the consumer health businesses and practices of Havas Creative Group. The network's approach is centered around human purpose and has the talent, tenacity, and technology that health companies, brands, and people need to thrive in today's world. For more information, go to www.HavasHealthandYou.com. About MM+M MM+M, first published in 1966 as Medical Marketing + Media, is the media brand of record for pharmaceutical marketing and commercialization, delivering the most balanced and relevant coverage of its subject matter. The 50-year-old business title produces an essential mix of online breaking news and analysis combined with monthly print features timely, objective, original editorial content for an executive audience of leaders and thinkers who work in pharma, medical device, diagnostics, and greater healthcare marketing. SOURCE Havas Health & You 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. 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Strategic Medical/Scientific Programming Seamlessly Delivered via Compelling Digital/Interactive Media UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Health & Wellness Partners, LLC (HWP), announced the acquisition of Hybrid Healthcare Communications, LLC (Hybrid)combining HWP's longstanding reputation for the highest-caliber medical/scientific communications with Hybrid's proven expertise in state-of-the-art digital and interactive media. The new partnership reflects HWP's vision for the future. HWP is a women-founded, women-led provider of medical communications solutions to global life sciences companies, across a multitude of therapeutic areas and disease states, from early preclinical to patent expiry. HWP currently provides three synergistic service offerings: medical affairs, medical marketing, and speaker bureau. Each offering is seeded in expert strategy, scientific content, and proprietary technology, enabling solutions that allow HWP to deliver tailored, high-impact educational engagements. "With today's acquisition, we can seamlessly offer our clients the best of both worldsoutstanding educational content paired with innovative digital and interactive dissemination vehicles to drive engagement and behavior change," noted Jani Hegarty, CEO and founder of HWP. Hybrid president and partner Jay Romano added, "We couldn't be more excited to join forces with HWP, to bring our clients the latest digital and interactive solutions paired with medical content that's second to none." He added, "This is a complete win-win for existing and new clients of both HWP and Hybrid." In 2023, HWP partnered with NMS Capital, a private equity investment firm focused on driving sustainable growth for middle-market companies in business and healthcare services. About HWP HWP is a women-founded, women-led, medical and scientific communications agency headquartered in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, with a satellite office in San Diego, California. Established in 2005, HWP partners with the life science industry to develop cutting-edge, award-winning medical communications solutions for the advancement of patient care. The underlying mission of HWP is to make the world a healthier place. For more information about HWP, visit thehwpgroup.com . About Hybrid Hybrid, based in Eatontown, New Jersey, brings medical content to life with customized, interactive engagement solutions. Hybrid transforms content into compelling live and virtual user experiences through digital platforms, congress engagement, video, animation, gamification, virtual meetings, and immersive VR and AR. The Hybrid approach allows clients to engage with their customers, live and virtual, in a memorable and impactful way. For more information about Hybrid, visit hybridhealth.com . Media Contact: Jani Hegarty CEO & Founder Health & Wellness Partners 201 661 5555 SOURCE Health & Wellness Partners MIAMI, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ismael Cala Foundation announced a new call for scholarships for master's degrees in the United States through its strategic alliance with Westfield Business School, a prestigious educational institution that offers MBAs to Hispanics in the United States. Ismael Cala, life strategist and president of the foundation, talked about the significance of this scholarship program: "As a non-profit organization dedicated to personal and professional development, we are excited about this opportunity to provide educational support to talented Hispanics on their path to academic and professional success." The main objective of this alliance is to provide higher education opportunities to talented and motivated Hispanics who want to expand their knowledge and advance their careers. With these scholarships, the Ismael Cala Foundation and Westfield Business School are committed to fostering academic excellence and supporting the growth and development of the Hispanic community across the country. The goal is to foster the educational and professional success of Hispanics by providing them with the tools necessary to achieve their goals and contribute to the advancement of their communities. Master's degree scholarships cover a wide range of academic subjects, such as business administration, finance, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship. The programs have been carefully designed to equip students with the tools and skills needed to meet current and future business challenges. With a triple impact focus: people, planet, and business, they seek to develop leaders committed to sustainability, social responsibility, and business success. The objective is to prepare students to become agents of change in their respective industries, generating a positive impact both personally and globally. "We are thrilled to join forces with Westfield Business School to provide these master's degree scholarships to Hispanics in the United States. We strongly believe in the transformative power of education as an engine of change and progress. This partnership will allow us to positively impact the lives of many people," said Ismael Cala enthusiastically. "The purpose of our school is to awaken human potential to change the world. It has been a source of great pride and gratitude to collaborate hand in hand with the Ismael Cala Foundation. Over the last 5 years, we have been able to award more than $1 million in scholarships, benefiting more than 100 Hispanics who now have better opportunities to reach leadership positions and transform the world from a perspective focused on people, sustainability, and stewardship of the planet, without neglecting profitability in business," said an enthusiastic Jose Carrillo, Vice President of the School. As of today, applications for the master's degree scholarships are officially open. Those interested in obtaining more information and accessing the application process can visit the Ismael Cala Foundation's website at [www.fundacionismaelcala.org] and Alianza Cala | WestField Business School - School of Business. This is an invitation to explore this opportunity and take the first step towards an education of excellence that can transform your professional future. Don't miss the opportunity to apply for a scholarship and achieve your academic goals! About Ismael Cala Foundation Ismael Cala Foundation's mission is to collectively impact the social development of Hispanic youth in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean through leadership, emotional intelligence, and assertive communication programs. SOURCE Cala Enterprises Corporation The Agency Focuses on Supporting Mission-Driven Organizations DENVER, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lasso Digital, a marketing and non-profit fundraising firm that specializes in supporting mission-driven organizations, has been awarded Best Denver Marketing Agency by readers of the Colorado Sun. The online publication is a journalist-owned, award-winning news outlet based in Denver that "strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state our community can better understand itself." "We want to thank the Colorado Sun and its readers for this award," said Taylor Rosty, the CEO for Lasso Digital. "From its start we have been huge fans of the Colorado Sun. The publication's writers, editors and photographers are truly best in class. We're excited that our fellow Sun readers hold our agency in high regard as well." The agency, located in Denver's Lodo, specializes in supporting government, non-profit and "mission-driven" for-profit organizations. "We are proud to support public and private agencies and organizations that are striving to make our State of Colorado, and really our world, a better place to live for everyone," Rosty said. "We have great employees and wonderful clients. I thank them both, since it takes both to allow us to do the work we love." Runners up for the Best Marketing Firm in Denver were Yellowdog Design Print and Marketing and Cactus Communications. To discover all the Best of The Colorado Sun contest winners go to https://coloradosun.com/best-of-the-colorado-sun-2023/. About Lasso Digital Lasso Digital is a communications and non-profit fund-raising agency. Lasso Digital's staff is invested in more than just their client's bottom line and KPIs; they're invested in their clients' missions. Agency services include non-profit fundraising, branding, advertising, social media management, graphic design, SEO, public relations, copywriting, and website development. With its headquarters office in Denver, CO, Lasso Digital serves a variety of clients in both the public and private sectors. For more information go to lassodigital.co. Contact: Erich Kirshner Lasso Digital [email protected] 303.921.6733 SOURCE Lasso Digital, LLC NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LatinFinance has announced the winners of its 2023 Project & Infrastructure Finance Awards, recognizing the most impressive transactions and institutions in an area that is crucial to the economic progress of Latin America and the Caribbean. Leading project sponsors, infrastructure investors, financiers, and advisors in Latin American and the Caribbean convened in New York for the 2023 Project & Infrastructure Finance Awards Dinner, now in its 10th year. The announcement of this year's winners followed 2023 LatinFinance's Energy, Infrastructure & Sustainable Finance Roundtable, a series of high-level, editorially-led discussions among top project sponsors and developers alongside key investors, law firms and financiers. The discussions focused on the mega-trends impacting the marketplace across key jurisdictions and sectors in Latin America and the Caribbean. Winners are determined independently by LatinFinance's editors on an extensive judging process that involved the evaluation of a record number of submissions this year. The full list of winners can be found in here https://latinfinance.com/2023-project-infrastructure-awards/ and in the Q4.2023 edition of LatinFinance magazine. For more information about the selection process and the winning deals and institutions, visit https://latinfinance.com/2023-project-infrastructure-finance-awards/ Winning transactions and institutions Click a winning transaction or institution to read more about it: Bond of the Year: Innergex Digital Infrastructure Financing of the Year: Aligned Data Centers ODATA acquisition financing Financial Advisor of the Year: Astris Finance Infrastructure Financing of the Year Latin America & Airport Financing Financing of the Year: Lima Airport Expansion Financing Infrastructure Financing of the Year Andes & Road Financing of the Year: Via 40 Express 4G Toll Road Financing Infrastructure Financing of the Year Brazil Sao Paulo Metro Line 6 Infrastructure Financing of the Year Caribbean Oil & Gas Financing of the Year: One Guyana FPSO Financing Infrastructure Financing of the Year Mexico Mexico City Metro Line 1 Financing Infrastructure Financing of the Year Central America: Liberty Costa Rica Financing Infrastructure Financing of the Year: Southern Cone: PTI WOM Acquisition Financing Infrastructure Bank of the Year Andes: BBVA Infrastructure Bank of the Year Latin America: Santander Infrastructure Bank of the Year Brazil: Itau BBA Infrastructure Bank of the Year Caribbean: Banreservas Infrastructure Bank of the Year Mexico: Scotiabank Infrastructure Bank of the Year Southern Cone: SMBC Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year Brazil: Mattos Filho Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year Latin America: White & Case Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year Central America: BLP Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year Mexico: Galicia Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year Southern Cone: Milbank Law Firm of the Year Andes: Clifford Chance Loan of the Year: Aguas Horizonte Local Currency Financing of the Year: Ecovias do Araguaia Mining Financing of the Year: Tocantinzinho Gold Mine Financing Port Financing of the Year: Chancay Port Financing Power Financing of the Year: GNA II Power Financing Project Sponsor of the Year: Global Infrastructure Partners Renewable Energy Financing of the Year: Mendubim Renewables Financing Social Infrastructure Financing of the Year: Usme & Fontibon E-Bus Fleets Financing Sustainable Infrastructure Bank of the Year: Scotiabank Sustainable Infrastructure Financing of the Year: BRK Ambiental Sustainable Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year: Machado Meyer Water / Sanitation Financing of the Year: Agua de Puebla Submit nominations for the 2024 Deals of the Year Awards. The nominations portal is open now until October 15, 2023. Learn more at https://latinfinance.com/awards/ Sign up to be notified when nominations for the 2024 Project & Infrastructure Finance Awards, Banks of the Year Awards and Deals of the Year Awards open at www.latinfinance.com/awardalerts . About LatinFinance LatinFinance is the leading global platform providing intelligence on the financial markets and economies of Latin America and the Caribbean. Drawing on 35 years of editorial excellence, its English-language publications deliver high-value information to an international readership of companies, governments, financiers and investors, while its events convene those communities for high-level networking forums focused on the dynamics of those markets, by geography and sector. Media contact: [email protected] Related Links https://www.latinfinance.com SOURCE LatinFinance Charter School Scores High in Academic Gains and Fiscal Responsibility IRVING, Texas, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Manara Academy District announced results of the 2022 Charter School Performance Framework (CSPF) released by the Texas Education Agency. Manara Academy District Superintendent Denise Sudan noted the pre-K through 12 schools achieved the highest quality and performance ranking of "A" from Charter FIRST as well as an overall score of 87 based on Academic, Financial, and Operational assessments. Manara Academy District announced results of the 2022 Charter School Performance Framework (CSPF) released by the Texas Education Agency. "We are absolutely thrilled with the results and our overall score,' said Sudan. "Schools must score 60 or above out of a possible 100 to be assessed at the minimal requirement of meeting expectations. We are extremely pleased with our "A" ranking and high score of 87 because the results validate the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff, board members, parents, and students." The Charter School Performance Framework report is an overall district-level report that is designed to provide parents, the public, charter operators, and the authorizer with information about each charter school's performance. The CSPF includes three standards that measure the academic, financial, and operational performance of a charter school. Manara Academy District results included a score of 83 in the Academic category, a score of 97 in the Financial Category, and a 92 in the Operational category for an overall score of 87. Manara Academy District's high ranking comes at a critical time when schools across the U.S. are reporting declining test scores despite efforts to help students recover from academic setbacks during the pandemic. A study by the research organization NWEA, which administers assessments in K-12 schools, reported that thousands of students are struggling to catch up in key subjects such as reading and math. Dr. Ehap Sabri, Manara Academy founder and board member, said the rankings are remarkable when compared to national testing statistics. "I'm immensely proud of the outstanding leadership and dedicated teachers at Manara Academy for achieving the highest rating or designation bestowed upon a charter school by the Texas Education Agency," he said. "This extraordinary achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in education and is a result of our exceptional performance in critical areas such as academic achievement, student progress, and rigorous accountability measures." Academic Excellence Chair Dr. Ali Shaqlaih added that the CSPF report serves as a snapshot to help Manara Academy teachers and staff make informed, strategic decisions about how to continually prepare students and achieve academic gains. "Our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the dedication of our educators have firmly established our school as a shining example of educational achievement," Dr. Shaqlaih said. "This achievement underscores our mission to provide a top-tier education that empowers students to excel academically and become engaged, productive citizens." For more information about enrollment, career opportunities, or school programs, visit www.manaraacademy.org Contact: Rhonda Price (561) 371-9407 366522@email4pr.com SOURCE Manara Academy District SINGAPORE and NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, SHEIN, the global, integrated online marketplace of fashion, beauty and lifestyle products, announced the appointment of Marcelo Claure, a current SHEIN investor, as Group Vice Chairman of SHEIN. In this new role, Claure will help accelerate strategic growth initiatives across all global markets where SHEIN has customers. Claure, who until recently served as CEO of SoftBank Group International, joined SHEIN in January 2023 as Chairman of SHEIN Latin America. Since that time, he has overseen the launch of SHEIN Marketplace in Brazil and the commitment of US$150 million to localize SHEIN's manufacturing operations in the country, creating an estimated 100,000 jobs over the next three years. He will continue serving in his capacity as Chairman of SHEIN Latin America in addition to his new role as Group Vice Chairman, working closely with SHEIN Founder and CEO, Sky Xu; Executive Chairman, Donald Tang and the SHEIN executive team around the world. Donald Tang, Executive Chairman of SHEIN said: "Marcelo's leadership and relationships have been instrumental in strengthening SHEIN's business development and strategy in key markets. We have made significant strides as we look to localize our business for the benefit of our customers and the communities in which they live around the world. We are fortunate to have Marcelo's unparalleled expertise at scaling global companies as we further expand SHEIN's marketplace model, localization strategy and other key initiatives to further meet the needs of our customers in over 150 markets." Marcelo Claure, Group Vice Chairman of SHEIN said: "SHEIN has redefined the supply chain and manufacturing model to bring customers around the world personalized fashion in a way that no other global company has done before. What attracted me to SHEIN, as both an investor and operator, is its unique business model and the way that it empowers designers and local suppliers in communities around the world. I look forward to working with the talented SHEIN team as the company delivers on its mission to make the beauty of fashion accessible to all." About Marcelo Claure Marcelo Claure is a global entrepreneur, operator and the founder & CEO of Claure Group, a multi-billion-dollar global investment firm spanning multiple high growth sectors including tech, telecom, media, real estate, energy transition and sports. He is also the Executive Chairman and Managing Partner of Bicycle Capital, the premier Latin America growth equity fund. Beginning in 1997, Claure built Brightstar, the world's largest global wireless distribution and services company, and the largest Hispanic business in U.S. history with revenues exceeding $10 billion. In 2014, Claure sold Brightstar to SoftBank and became Chairman and CEO of Sprint, where he led its turnaround and delivered the best financial results in the company's 120-year history. Later, he led the 2020 $195 billion merger between Sprint and T-Mobile, which created one of the world's most valuable telecommunications companies. Following the merger, Claure was promoted to CEO of SoftBank Group International, where he oversaw 40 companies in SoftBank's portfolio, including ARM, Fortress, SoftBank Energy and Boston Dynamics. He also launched the $8 billion SoftBank Latin America funds, the largest VC fund in the region, and SoftBank Opportunity Fund, a $100 million fund dedicated to entrepreneurs of color. Claure received a B.S. in Economics and Finance and an honorary Doctorate of Commercial Science from Bentley University, and an honorary Doctorate of Law from Babson College. He is an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School and the Co-Chair of the Digital Data Design (D^3) Institute at Harvard University, which oversees 13 labs exploring how Gen AI will transform businesses. Claure has been recognized with many entrepreneurship awards and is a member of the Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame and a Great Immigrants Recipient by the Carnegie Corporation. About SHEIN SHEIN is a global, integrated marketplace offering extended fashion and lifestyle shopping categories from SHEIN branded apparel to products from a global network of sellers, all at affordable prices. Headquartered in Singapore, SHEIN remains committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, leveraging its industry-leading on-demand production methodology since 2012, for a smarter and more sustainable industry. To learn more about SHEIN, visit www.sheingroup.com. Media Contacts: Angela Tucciarone, SHEIN, [email protected] Blake Sonnenshein, Brunswick Group, Bsonnenshein@brunswickgroup.com Eleanor French, Brunswick Group, Efrench@brunswickgroup.com SOURCE SHEIN NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The metalworking fluids market is expected to grow by USD 2.38 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 3.74% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. Increasing industrialization in emerging economies is notably driving the metalworking fluids market. However, factors such as the Environmental impact of metalworking fluids may impede market growth. The market is segmented by end-user (construction, automobile, aerospace, electrical and power, and others), product (mineral, synthetic, and bio-based), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the metalworking fluids market, including Abitec, and AMILE Industries Pvt. Ltd, Apar Industries Ltd., Arabian Petroleum Ltd., BASF SE, Benz Oil Inc., Callington Haven Pty Ltd, Carborundum Universal Ltd., Chevron Corp., Exxon Mobil Corp., FUCHS PETROLUB SE, Gandhar Oil Refinery India Ltd., GP Global, Grauer and Weil India Ltd., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Lonza Group Ltd., Master Fluid Solutions, Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Sun Chem Pvt Ltd., and Victory Polychem Pvt. Ltd..The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a FREE Sample Report. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Metalworking Fluids Market 2023-2027 Metalworking Fluids Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis Abitec - The company offers metalworking fluid components such as CAPMUL emulsifiers such as Capmul 708G and ACCONON Nonionic Surfactants such as Acconon CA 40. This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information Metalworking Fluids Market 2023-2027: Segmentation By End-user The market share growth by the construction segment will be significant during the forecast period. Metalworking fluids are essential in construction applications for machining, cutting, and shaping metal components. During metal machining, these fluids help prolong tool life, increase surface gloss, and dissipate heat. Furthermore, in developing countries like India , where urbanization is rapid, urban areas are expected to account for 40% of India's population and generate 75% of the country's GDP by 2030. As a result, global infrastructure projects such as bridges, buildings, and roads will be expanded. increasing demand for metalworking fluids. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period. product (mineral, synthetic, and bio-based) By Geography APAC is estimated to contribute 47% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View FREE PDF Sample Report Metalworking Fluids Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights Historic Market Size 2017-2021 CAGR of the market during 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist metalworking fluids market growth during the next five years Estimation of the metalworking fluids market size and its contribution to the parent market Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the metalworking fluids market Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of metalworking fluids market companies Related Reports: The carbomer market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.04% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 211.03 million. The zinc dust, powders, and flakes market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.87% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 456.13 million. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by End-User Market Segmentation by Product Market Segmentation by Geography Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com SOURCE Technavio BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The potential for the financial sector development in Central Asia is very high. This is particularly relevant for Uzbekistan given the size of its population and rather low penetration of banking services, Andi Aranitasi, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) office in Uzbekistan told Trend in an exclusive interview. "The Bank is supporting the banking sector as well as non-banking financial institutions such as insurance, leasing companies and microfinanciers of Central Asia in multiple ways, including the support of trade and provision of funding to be used to improve access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and equity investments in local banks and non-bank institutions," he said. According to Aranitasi, special efforts are put in place to support the green, inclusive and digital direction of partner financial institutions by specially designed programs including Women in Business and Youth in Business. "They promote women entrepreneurship and create work opportunities for young businessmen. The most recent program is targeting digitalization of women-led/woman-owned businesses," the official explained. Green agenda is equally important for the EBRD, Aranitasi noted, adding that the Bank's Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) Uzbekistan Framework is not only encouraging green financing but also helping the Central Bank of Uzbekistan and partner-banks to build their climate risk mitigation capacity in line with the Paris Agreement the requirements. Secondly, the EBRD is implementing capacity building advisory projects aimed at sharing best practices in banking sector of the Central Asia with the local financial institutions, the EBRD head of office said. Further speaking, Aranitasi noted that the EBRD partner-banks participate in regional and international training and networking events. "This helps them stay in touch with the most recent global industry trends and exchange views and experiences. We continue promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and good corporate climate governance (CCG) among financial institutions in the region. They will develop and implement guidelines and regulations to support the regions transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy," he explained. Aranitasi pointed out that the EBRD supports financial institutions in adopting a strategic approach to addressing ESG and climate-related risks, as well as to enhance CCG. The Bank currently has 11 financial partners in Uzbekistan and actively engage with them in green and inclusive lending as well as in support of interregional and international trade. DUBLIN, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world's eyes are set on the recent statement by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on the potential for advancing relations with the United States, there has never been a more pivotal time for entrepreneurs and managers in the oil and gas sector to be fully informed. With Iran taking the lead in the upcoming project landscape in the Middle East, the new "Iran Upstream Projects (IUP)" report offers unparalleled insights for decision-makers. The report, painstakingly curated from wide-ranging databases, serves as a magnifying glass on Iran's upstream sector. It maps out the country's upstream oil and gas projects field-by-field, delivering actionable analysis that covers every aspect from the scope of works, contractual issues, to specifics like the number of development and workover wells. This intensive research lays out an easy-to-grasp narrative of Iran's upstream scene, essential for those aiming to navigate the Middle East's dynamic energy landscape. Relevance in Today's Context The shifting sands of geopolitical relations mean there's potential for eased sanctions and, subsequently, lucrative openings in Iran's oil and gas sector. For business entrepreneurs and managers, the "Iran Upstream Projects" report is not just another industry document; it's a playbook. From exploring contract types, award dates, progress, to a detailed examination of exploratory and development wells, this report distils complex data into crucial business intelligence. Why the Iran Upstream Projects Report Stands Out Systematic Analysis: Dive into developing oil fields in Iran , broken down by main clients, developers, award time, duration, CAPEX and rig requirements. Dive into developing oil fields in , broken down by main clients, developers, award time, duration, CAPEX and rig requirements. Competitive Analysis: Gain a competitive edge with details on the main drilling contractors' profiles and project progress categorised by rig utilisation and drilling regions. Gain a competitive edge with details on the main drilling contractors' profiles and project progress categorised by rig utilisation and drilling regions. Timely Updates: The commitment to providing timely updates means you're always in the loop on the latest awards, projects specifications, drilling, exploration, and production activities. The commitment to providing timely updates means you're always in the loop on the latest awards, projects specifications, drilling, exploration, and production activities. Key Insights for Leaders: Turn numbers and statistics into actionable insights. For business leaders, understanding the intricacies of Iran's upstream projects is now simplified, aiding in informed decision-making. How Can the Report Help Business Entrepreneurs and Managers? Informed Decision-making: Covering the latest oil and gas news, including projects specification, drilling, exploration, and production activities, means you're armed with information that can help capture the benefits and minimize the downsides. Actionable Insights: For management and supervisors, turning dense data into valuable business insights is a game-changer. The IUP report facilitates this transformation, making it an invaluable tool in the boardroom. Methodologically rigorous, the IUP report was crafted after a comprehensive survey of Iran's upstream projects. Data regarding project progress, objectives, and contractors were collated, ensuring that the end product is both accurate and detailed. As diplomatic discussions continue and the oil and gas industry waits with bated breath, having the right insights can make all the difference. For those in the sector, the "Iran Upstream Projects" report isn't just an informational tool; it's the bedrock of strategic decision-making in these transformative times. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vrb3rh 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: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NorthLink Aviation ("NorthLink") will host a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony at 10AM AK on October 11, 2023, to celebrate the start of construction on the E-Commerce and Express Freight Terminal on the south campus of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport ("ANC"). Upon completion, the new terminal at ANC will include: 11 power-through hardstands and four push-back hardstands for the largest cargo freighters. Modern warehouse with ability to provide full customs clearance and first port of entry at ANC, allowing overseas cargo to arrive at its destination faster. LEED and WELL-certified office space. First facility in Alaska to recover and recycle deicing fluid, which currently flows into the Cook Inlet. to recover and recycle deicing fluid, which currently flows into the Cook Inlet. Ground service equipment facility with electric charging. On-site childcare facility for employees in response to the shortage of affordable childcare in Anchorage . NorthLink's terminal will address the urgent need for new cargo infrastructure to support the continued growth of ANC, the third-busiest cargo airport in the world. Furthermore, NorthLink plans to work with stakeholders at ANC to ensure that deicing fluid used at ANC is recovered and recycled, protecting neighboring waterbodies and improving the sustainability profile of one of the most strategic airports in the United States. NorthLink's terminal will also accelerate the delivery of e-commerce packages to customers in Alaska and the Lower 48. Sean Dolan, CEO of NorthLink stated, "I want to thank our incredible, Anchorage-based team, which has helped bring this critical infrastructure project to reality. NorthLink's terminal will improve the safety, efficiency, profitability and sustainability of cargo operations at the third-busiest cargo airport in the world. We are grateful for our customers' support for this critically needed infrastructure project." Emil W. Henry, Jr., CEO of Tiger Infrastructure Partners ("Tiger") commented: "NorthLink is a good example of Tiger's focus on providing growth capital to create blue-chip-contracted, critical transportation infrastructure that will provide essential services for decades to come. We were drawn to Anchorage, one of the busiest cargo airports in the world, since it is uniquely situated to help air carriers deliver high value cargo more efficiently and sustainably to global markets." About NorthLink Aviation: NorthLink Aviation is developing a world-class air cargo terminal on the south campus of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). NorthLink's terminal will include power-through hardstands, an air-side warehouse, office space, a ground service equipment facility and infrastructure designed to recover and recycle deicing fluid. In 2022, ANC was the third busiest air cargo airport in the world and the sixth busiest in terms of international freight. About Tiger Infrastructure Partners: Tiger Infrastructure Partners is an innovative private equity firm focused on providing transformational growth capital to middle market infrastructure companies. Tiger's value-add approach targets growth investments across the Digital Infrastructure, Energy Transition and Transportation sectors in North America and Europe, where Tiger believes strong tailwinds are driving demand for new infrastructure. Tiger maintains offices in New York and London. For more information, visit www.tigerinfrastructure.com. SOURCE NorthLink Aviation Rainn Wilson, Stephen DeBerry, Julie Wainwright, Mam-Yassin Sarr, and more will speak at a new conference focused on shifting capitalism to serve humanity SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the One Planet Summit, a conference hosted by One Planet Group, announced the full speaker lineup for its inaugural conference. An annual gathering of leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries, the Summit is designed to inspire new discourses on capitalism and connect those actively building and investing in businesses. "Capitalism is too often driven by greed and self-interest at the expense of the common good. We need a new framework to guide how we build, distribute, and share wealth and resources. We hope that the One Planet Summit will offer a space and the opportunity for us to explore these questions and the possible answers." - Payam Zamani, Founder of One Planet Group "We need a new framework to guide how we build, distribute, and share wealth and resources." Post this Today's companies should not simply be spectators but rather key protagonists in shaping a new economic future for humanity. The existing models are broken. There are ongoing strikes across industries, many employees are dreading the idea of returning to the office. Fear of technology, AI, and its potential misuse is rampant. Wealth disparities continue to grow. These are only a few of the challenges we are collectively facing. Businesses have a responsibility to contribute in a meaningful way to the betterment of the world. Balancing inspiration and practical application, the One Planet Summit is designed to share knowledge, foster connections, and explore the link between our economic decisions and spiritual existence. Speakers include: Rainn Wilson, Author, Actor & Entrepreneur Shane Tedjarati, Chairman & CEO, Tribridge Group and former President & CEO, High Growth Regions, Honeywell Julie Wainwright, Founder &former CEO of TheRealReal Steve Sarowitz, Founder & Chairman, Paylocity and Co-Chairman, Wayfarer Studios Julian MacQueen, Founder & Chairman, Innisfree Hotels Stephen DeBerry, Founder & Managing Partner, Bronze Investments Daryn Dodson, Founder & Managing Director, Illumen Capital Ami Kumordzie, Founder & CEO, Sika Health Melissa Pancoast, Founder & CEO, The Beans May Samali, Founder & CEO, Human Leadership Lab Paola Santana, Founder & CEO, Glass Emily Chew, CRIO, Calvert Research and Management Kevin Sabet, President & CEO, Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions Lacee Jacobs, Founder & CEO, The H.I.P. Network Layli Miller-Muro, Founder & Principal, Miller-Muro Consulting Mam-Yassin Sarr, President & Co-Founder, Starfish International Randy Haykin, Founder & CPO, The Gratitude Network Sarah Gulbrandsen, COO, Buyerlink Sean Hinton, Principal, Terbish Partners Siamak Hariri, Founding Partner, Hariri Pontarini Architects Frank Panici, Vice President, NORR Keely Cat-Wells, Founder & CEO, Making Space In addition to talks, presentations, and panel conversations, there will be artistic performances by Sophia Zamani, Eric Dozier, JB Eckl, and Radiance Talley, and an exclusive film screening. The Main Stage sessions will focus on five main themes: The Common Good: The Summit emphasizes a shift in perspective, asking participants to consider how profit and influence can be drivers for the collective good. Profit Without Loss: Exploring how transformations of business ecosystems take shape, the Summit will explore how to reassess definitions of success and how these shifts could contribute to a more inclusive and equitable corporate landscape. Spiritual Capitalism: Starting with the premise that wealth must serve humanity, the Summit asks if capitalism today adequately meets the challenges of the times, and looks to timeless spiritual principles to inspire entrepreneurs, employers, employees, lenders, borrowers, investors and more. Innovation + Intention: The Pitch Fest! Bringing together entrepreneurs at the intersection of innovation and intentionality, five founders will have the opportunity to pitch a panel of seasoned investors (and the full Summit audience) for potential funding and ongoing support from One Planet Group and its extended network. Charting a New Path: In its final session, the Summit will look at trends from around the world, taking ideas and inspiration by changemakers already paving the way. One Planet Summit is scheduled for November 2 - 4 at the Asilomar Conference Grounds a 107-acre property of ecologically diverse beachfront land in Monterey Bay's Pacific Grove. For more information, please visit https://www.oneplanetgroup.com/summit . About One Planet Group One Planet Group is a closely held private equity firm that owns a suite of online technology and media businesses while investing in early-stage companies. Owned and operated businesses span a variety of industries, including ad tech, publishing, and media. One Planet Group's mission is to support strong business ideas while building an ethos that helps improve society and give back to communities. The company's investment portfolio includes over 45 startups representing a diverse group of innovative tech-enabled products and solutions. Investing primarily in high-growth early-stage entities, emphasizing companies that aspire to 'Innovation + Intention.' Specific focus areas include the future of mobility, education technology, health technology, and environmental solutions. One Planet Group's operating businesses include Buyerlink , a leading online marketplace for performance-based marketing; Autoweb , a company that provides performance-based marketing solutions to the automotive industry; California.com , a curated guide to traveling and living in California; WestWind Pictures , a production company that creates and distributes film and television content, and many more. One Planet Group also operates BahaiTeachings.org , a non-profit platform that shares personal perspectives to promote the oneness of humanity. The One Planet Summit is a new initiative by One Planet Group, which launches in 2023. One Planet Group was founded by tech entrepreneur Payam Zamani in 2015. With offices and employees in over ten countries, its global headquarters is in Walnut Creek, California. Media Contact Miriam Cohen, Director of PR & Communications, One Planet Group 925.237.9036 | [email protected] SOURCE One Planet Group Free dental care available to eligible Arkansas veterans on Nov. 3 SHERWOOD, Ark., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Dental of Arkansas is providing leadership, volunteer and financial support for Operation Stand Down, a day of free dental care for eligible Arkansas veterans on Friday, Nov. 3. Two company executives and five current or previous board members are among the dentists planning and volunteering at the event. The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation serves as the major financial sponsor with a $15,000 grant for dental supplies to be shared among participating dental clinics. Now in its second year in Arkansas, Operation Stand Down will be hosted by the Arkansas International College of Dentistry and coordinated by the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs at six locations: Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Arkadelphia. Veterans must request an appointment for dental care services by emailing Gina Chandler at the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs at [email protected] or calling 501-682-6487. Proof of discharge papers, a DD214, will be required for verification purposes. Veterans will be assigned a specific appointment time at the regional site clinic nearest to their location. Appointments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Priority will be given to acute or urgent treatments. No walk-ins will be accepted on the day of Operation Stand Down. In Arkansas, Niki Carter, DMD, MPH, Dental Director at Delta Dental of Arkansas, and R. Mark Bailey, DDS, of Waldron, a Delta Dental of Arkansas board member, are spearheading the statewide efforts to host Operation Stand Down. They will also join an estimated 50 other dentists from across the state who have volunteered to treat patients or provide clinic support, including these Delta Dental of Arkansas employees and board members: Thomas Redd, DDS, MS, VP of Professional Relations, Delta Dental of Arkansas Ned Alley , DDS, of Little Rock , board member, Delta Dental of Arkansas , DDS, of , board member, Delta Dental of Troy Bartels , DDS, of Jonesboro , board member, Delta Dental of Arkansas , DDS, of , board member, Delta Dental of Cara Jones , DDS, of Little Rock and Pine Bluff , board member, Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation , DDS, of and , board member, Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation David Bell , DDS, of Arkadelphia , former board member, Delta Dental of Arkansas Drs. Alley, Bartels, Jones and Bell have donated their clinics as sites. Also donating their clinics for Operation Stand Down are River Valley Smile Center of Fort Smith and Beavers & Broomfield Dentistry of Fayetteville. In addition to the grant from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, the event has received financial support from ArcBest of Fort Smith, Patterson Dental Little Rock, and Edmonds Dental Supply of Springfield, Mo. ArcBest served as the major sponsor of the 2022 inaugural event. Hosted by the International College of Dentistry, Operation Stand Down was launched in 2012 by an Indiana dentist and Air Force veteran who sought a scalable solution to the neglected oral health he observed among his ex-military patients. Since then, the event has expanded to multiple states. Volunteer dentists provide free dental care to eligible veterans on a designated day, typically on or around Veterans Day. About Delta Dental of Arkansas Delta Dental of Arkansas is the largest dental benefits provider in the state, helping more than 800,000 Arkansans keep their smiles healthy through commercial and Medicaid coverage. As a not-for-profit company, Delta Dental is committed to improving the oral health of Arkansans through the philanthropic efforts of its Foundation, which donated more than $3 million to support oral health education initiatives in the last three years. For more information, visit https://www.deltadentalar.com/. Media Contact: Claudia Utley Public Relations & Social Media Strategist (c) 501-442-6951 [email protected] www.deltadentalar.com SOURCE Delta Dental of Arkansas Biotech & Healthcare leaders to share valuable insights on investment priorities and future outlook LONDON, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimum Strategic Communications (Optimum), the international strategic healthcare communications consultancy, will be hosting its 15th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at the Wellcome Collection, London. 15 years of annual conferences have established the event as a prominent forum for the sector's largest investors and industry experts to discuss and debate their current thinking and vision for the Biotech & Healthcare sector. This year, there will be a special focus on Life Sciences in the UK, with the chance to hear from the country's leading investors and advisors, including Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, who will be giving the Keynote. Panels will also include discussions with leading investors on market outlook and investment priorities as the industry continues to navigate the disparity between the funding available through private investment and the weakness of global public markets. Commenting on the event, Mary Clark, CEO of Optimum Strategic Communications, said: "Despite continued market uncertainty, companies in our sector are managing to find ways to fund remarkable and exciting innovation. Never has it been more important to harness the power of strategic communications to facilitate this. As we mark a 15-year milestone in hosting our investor conference, we are delighted to bring together some of the industry's most experienced and respected individuals to discuss the funding conundrum and how the UK can best utilise its talent and resources to drive healthcare and life sciences innovation forward." - AGENDA - Welcome Mary Clark, Optimum Strategic Communications How can the UK better capitalise on its life sciences prowess? With world-renowned universities pursuing cutting-edge science, a deep pool of talent, and great infrastructure, the UK has long been a hotspot for innovation. But is it truly capitalising on its brainpower? What hurdles does it face? And can it maintain its position as a top-tier life sciences hub amidst growing competition from around the globe? A panel of industry leaders will discuss what needs to be done to ensure the UK fulfils its potential. Chair: Dan Mahony, UK Life Sciences Investment Envoy & Chair of UK BioIndustry Association Annalisa Jenkins , Non-Executive Director, Genomics England , Non-Executive Director, Genomics England Allan Marchington, Managing Director, ICG Gil Bar-Nahum , Managing Director, Jefferies Fireside chat with Clive Cookson & Kasim Kutay As CEO of Novo Holdings, responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Kasim discusses the trends driving the Company's investment strategy and its commitment to investing in companies that contribute to the sustainability of society and the planet. Chair: Clive Cookson, Science Editor, The Financial Times Kasim Kutay , Chief Executive Officer, Novo Holdings Keynote with Professor Sir Chris Whitty KCB, FRS, Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Whitty, UK Government's Chief Medical Adviser and head of the public health profession, as well as a practising NHS Consultant Physician and epidemiologist, will share his insights on the biotech industry and its relationship with the UK Government. He will present a Keynote speech, followed by a fireside chat with Optimum's Nick Bastin and a Q&A session. Navigating turbulent markets Over the last few years, the pace of world class innovation has quickened, supported by a boom in private investment - yet this has not translated through to public markets. Instead, 2023 has seen weaker global public markets, where life sciences companies have struggled. Our panel of experts discusses what this means for companies looking at how to fund the next stage of their development. Chair: Stephen Hansen, Director of BioPharma Intelligence, BioCentury Linden Thomson, Fund Manager, AXA Investment Managers Geraldine O'Keeffe, Partner, EQT Life Sciences Naveed Siddiqi, Senior Partner, Novo Holdings Joe Anderson, Partner, Crossover Strategy Sofinnova, Sofinnova Partners Optimum's featured charity: Ariana Smiles a Special Named Fund at the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group Ariana Smiles is raising funds to support the journey of children who experience a leukaemia diagnosis. Already halfway towards its initial target of raising 100K, the charity's aim is to fund a study into genome research that will use targeted immunotherapy to treat blood cancers in a way which is more patient friendly with fewer long-term side effects. The detailed agenda and registration details can be found at the 15th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference website, here. If you would like to receive summaries of the panel discussions at the conference or speak with the Optimum team, please email [email protected]. About Optimum Strategic Communications Optimum Strategic Communications is an international healthcare communications consultancy which specialises in strategic investor relations, corporate and financial communications. Our senior team of healthcare specialists, based in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Zurich, and New York, are experienced and trusted advisors to some of the world's most exciting public and private companies, both large and small, across pharmaceuticals, biotech, medtech, health tech, healthcare services and industrial biotechnology. Over the last 25 years, our team has worked with over 300 healthcare companies, advising them on financial communications and investor relations, including major corporate activity such as fundraising, IPOs, M&A, as well as corporate reputation and crisis scenarios. We have an exceptional network of contacts across the international investment community in Europe and the US; contacts we have built and maintained over the last three decades. The Optimum team includes ex-fund managers and analysts, as well as financial and corporate communications specialists. For more information please visit www.optimumcomms.com SOURCE Optimum Strategic Communications HELSINKI, Finland, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Outokumpu signs a letter of intent with Greenland Resources Inc. to strengthen the future supply chain of low-emission high quality molybdenum Outokumpu, the global leader in sustainable stainless steel, has been exploring opportunities to secure sustainable molybdenum supplies from western suppliers as a part of its long-term strategy for value-chain integration. Molybdenum is a critical and strategically important raw material for Outokumpu's stainless steel production.* Outokumpu has therefore signed a letter of intent with Greenland Resources Inc., a Canadian mining company developing the Malmbjerg molybdenum project in east Greenland. Outokumpu looks to support Greenland Resources as an interested future customer, as Greenland Resources has completed a definitive feasibility study and is currently negotiating capex funding to build the mine. The letter of intent allows the companies to continue negotiations on further detailed cooperation. Malmbjerg molybdenum deposit in east Greenland outcrops as per lighter staining and is one of the cleanest of its kind with the highest grade molybdenum and low footprint. Greenland Resources is developing one of the highest grade molybdenum deposits in the world with an ore body that contains very few deleterious elements, in a high ESG standard jurisdiction part of Denmark. The project is supported by European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) RawMaterials and European Raw Material Alliance (ERMA), a body of the European Union, as per their press release of September 23, 2023. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project is an open-pit molybdenum mine that could supply around 25% of the European molybdenum demand. Europe is the second largest molybdenum user worldwide and has no production of its own. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project has a low footprint due to modularized infrastructure, low CO 2 emissions, low aquatic disturbance and clean contained tailings. The transport of 35,000 tonnes of ore per day uses a gravity based aerial rope conveyor that requires no energy and therefore causes no carbon emissions and generates electricity from braking. "The carbon footprint of Outokumpu's stainless steel is already the lowest in the industry. It is a competitive advantage for us, and we want to drive green transition and further decarbonize our product and the whole industry. Cooperation within our value chain allows us to reduce our supply chain emissions, and at the same time we also want to ensure access to the most sustainable molybdenum suppliers like the Canadian company Greenland Resources. Long-term cooperation with Greenland Resources could also provide us an access to a stable supply of molybdenum and protect us from volatile market pricing and supply. We are excited about the collaboration and are looking forward to continuing the good dialogue aiming at a binding long-term cooperation," says Marc-Simon Schaar, Chief Procurement Officer at Outokumpu. "We plan to extract quality molybdenum with high ESG standards from Greenland, a jurisdiction that is not only part of the kingdom of Denmark but has very similar living standards as Finland. The Malmbjerg primary molybdenum deposit is one of the richest and cleanest of its kind. The resulting ferroalloys are perfectly suited to be used in high quality steels produced by Outokumpu. Outokumpu will be able to source a long-term reliable supply of molybdenum oxide and carbon-free briquettes, know from where every single pound of molybdenum is being extracted, and can follow the high ESG standards over the 20-year mine life. Adding to EU circularity, the extraction will be done in an associate EU country, the processing of the concentrate and steel production will also be done in the EU; and a significant part of the mining equipment, team and funding will be EU sourced," says Greenland Resources Chairman Dr Ruben Shiffman. *Molybdenum improves the corrosion resistance, and stainless steel grades that include molybdenum are sometimes called acid-proof. Further information on the environmentally friendly mine design of the Malmbjerg molybdenum project from the video . For more information: Investors: Linda Hakkila, Head of Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 071 9669 Media: Paivi Allenius, VP Communications and Brand, tel. +358 40 753 7374 or Outokumpu media phone +358 40 351 9840, e-mail media(at)outokumpu.com The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/outokumpu-oyj/i/malmbjerg-project--courtesy-of-greenland-resources-,c3223025 Malmbjerg project (courtesy of Greenland Resources) SOURCE Outokumpu Oyj NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The precious metals market is expected to grow by USD 84.89 billion from 2022 to 2027. However, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 5.82% during the forecast period. The market is segmented by type (gold, silver, and platinum group metals), application (industrial, jewelry, and investment), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). Precious metals proving to be safe haven during economic uncertainty is a key factor driving market growth. A significant contribution to the growth of this market is a growing demand for precious metals, like gold and silver as security assets. Moreover, during times of economic or geopolitical uncertainty, several investors tend to seek assets and hold their value as a buffer against risks. In addition, some metals are intrinsically valuable which makes them attractive in this period of crisis. For example, gold prices rose during the 2008 financial crisis as investors sought protection from market volatility. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. The report analyses the market size and growth and provides accurate predictions on the growth of the market. View Free PDF Sample Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Precious Metals Market 2023-2027 Key Highlights: The report recognizes the following as some of the key players in the precious metals market: Anglo American Platinum Ltd., Barrick Gold Corp., First Majestic Silver Corp., First Quantum Minerals Ltd., Freeport McMoRan Inc., Gabriel Resources Ltd., Glencore Plc, Gold Fields Ltd., Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., Kinross Gold Corporation, Lundin Mining Corp., Lynas Rare Earths Ltd., Neo Performance Materials Inc., Newcrest Mining Ltd., Newmont Corp., Pan American Silver Corp., Industrias Penoles SAB de CV, Namibia Critical Metals Inc., and Northern Minerals Ltd. Precious Metals Market is fragmented in nature. Market to observe 5.5% YOY growth in 2023. Market Dynamics: Major Trend The growing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) focus is a major trend in the market. This is due to continuous scrutiny by investors, authorities, and communities, some mining practices are being transformed into those compatible with Sustainable Development Standards. Moreover, to deal with environmental concerns resulting from reduced carbon emissions and the implementation of reclamation projects, there is a growing adoption of Responsible Mining Processes. Furthermore, Newmont Corporation is an important gold producer with a strong commitment to managing water and protecting biodiversity in its operations. Additionally, there is a significant trend among investors to support companies that address ESG concerns and adopt sustainable practices. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Significant Challenge The e nvironmental concerns regarding mining and extraction processes is a significant challenge restricting market growth. e Sustainability responsible resource management and adverse environmental impacts from mining and extraction activities, which have a negative impact on the market, are becoming more and more of a concern. Furthermore, deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction are becoming more closely monitored by investors. In addition, the use of harmful gases like cyanide for large-scale mining activities poses a serious risk to neighboring ecosystems as well as water sources. Furthermore, radioactive waste and soil contamination may occur because of the mining of metals such as Rare Earth Elements. Hence, these factors are expected to restrict market growth during the forecast period. The report also covers information on upcoming trends and challenges. Explore detailed information by purchasing a report Key Segments: The gold segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. It is increasingly important for this segment because of its continuing appeal as a safe-haven asset and value store. Additionally, gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) create increasingly accessible liquidity and demand. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Get a glance at the market contribution of the segments, Request Free Sample Report Related Reports: The Rapid Thermal Processing Equipment Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.39% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 259.56 million. The Remittance Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.55% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 38.2 billion. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Type Market Segmentation by Application Market Segmentation by Geography Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix 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 NORCROSS, Ga., Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PruittHealth, a family-owned organization for more than 50 years, is expanding its presence in Georgia. The Norcross-based company has acquired three additional skilled nursing centers from Piedmont, two in Augusta, Georgia, and one it already manages in Stockbridge, Georgia, bringing the number of PruittHealth skilled nursing centers across the Southeast to 107. "We are extremely excited to grow our ability to serve the entire Augusta community," said Neil L. Pruitt, Jr., chairman and CEO of PruittHealth. "We have built a strong relationship with Piedmont, and this is the next step that will allow us both to better serve the health care needs of Georgia. We are committed to working with them now and in the future to ensure that superior post-acute care is available in our communities." Patients of all three centers will have access to PruittHealth's continuum of care including home health, palliative care, hospice, and pharmacy and therapy services. "After an extensive process and search for the most appropriate new owner and operator for these three Skilled Nursing Facilities, it was natural for us to select PruittHealth, an organization we have known and trusted for years, to provide care for patients and our people transitioning to these facilities," said Piedmont Chief Development and Strategy Officer Jack Tillman. "We are most impressed with PruittHealth's focus and dedication to providing high-quality skilled nursing services close to home." "Since 1969, we have strived to provide exceptional and compassionate care to those who need it most," said Pruitt. "We like to say our patients and their loved ones are part of our family and we are thrilled Piedmont is trusting us to welcome their staff and patients into our extended family." With the transition, each center is taking on a new name with Augusta Extended Care Westwood rebranded as PruittHealth - Evans; Piedmont Augusta Extended Care Kentwood renamed PruittHealth - Richmond; and Laurel Park is now to be called PruittHealth - Laurel Park. For more information about PruittHealth and its services, visit pruitthealth.com. About PruittHealth A family-owned organization for more than 50 years, PruittHealth provides a seamless network of post-acute care services and resources, offering skilled nursing and senior living care, veteran services, home health care, hospice and palliative care, therapy services, pharmacy and infusion services, and more across the Southeast. The organization's 13,000 employed partners serve approximately 24,000 patients daily in more than 180 locations in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina. For more information about our commitment to caring, visit PruittHealth.com. SOURCE PruittHealth DUBLIN, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --A groundbreaking discovery, as reported by the medical journal Lancet, has brought to light that combining a common arthritis drug with the morning-after pill Plan B can potentially enhance the contraceptive's effectiveness. This revelation underscores the significance and constant evolution of the global contraceptive market, which - according to the new report "Global Contraceptive Market Analysis & Forecast to 2023-2033" added to ResearchAndMarkets.com -- is set to soar from its current value of USD 29.45 billion in 2023 to an astonishing USD 64.1 billion by 2033. These advancements within the contraceptive market hold immense promise, especially for business entrepreneurs and managers in the health sector. Not only does it unveil new arenas for research and product development, but it also addresses pivotal societal challenges like rising unintended pregnancies and the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). It is no secret that with rising awareness, the demand for contraceptive drugs and devices has surged, primarily driven by the health concerns associated with teen pregnancies and STDs. Contraceptive devices, for instance, represented the highest revenue-generating segment in 2022, a testimony to the growing consciousness regarding STD prevention and the effectiveness of condoms in curbing infections such as HIV. The story doesn't end here; the contraceptive drug sector is slated for a rapid CAGR during 2023-2033, a response to the rising demand for birth control pills and an influx of product approvals. Modern entrepreneurs and business managers should keep a keen eye on these market shifts. With offerings like EmmeRx, launched by Emme in June 2021, customers in 16 states can now seamlessly acquire contraception prescriptions and get them delivered right to their doorstep. The convenience and efficiency of such services reiterate the market's massive potential, offering unique business opportunities while catering to an essential societal need. Online pharmacies are at the forefront of this transformative phase, predicted to grow at an impressive CAGR due to the booming e-commerce sector. For business professionals, this spells a clear message: the digital arena is ripe for investments, with a vast clientele awaiting innovative solutions. Moreover, it's not just about contraceptive pills. Innovations are sweeping across the market, such as Clue's digital contraceptive launched in March 2021, which employs statistical ovulation prediction as a birth control method. Such advancements are tailored to the female segment, which is forecasted to witness rapid growth, driven by technological innovations and the launch of state-of-the-art tools. Geographically, while North America holds the reins for the highest revenue share - thanks to increasing patient awareness and a proactive stance on women's health - the Asia Pacific region is not far behind. With rising governmental initiatives and an emphasis on population control, the region is predicted to observe the fastest CAGR in the coming decade. In conclusion, as the recent Lancet study has showcased, there is immense untapped potential in the world of contraception. For savvy entrepreneurs and managers, this market presents a goldmine of opportunities. Now is the moment to delve deep, invest wisely, and partake in this journey of change, catering to the diverse needs of global populations while ensuring their health and well-being. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qw323o 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, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Recombinant Proteins Manufacturing Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Service Type (Pre-clinical & Clinical Services, Commercial Production), By Host Cell, By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global recombinant proteins manufacturing services market size is expected to reach USD 12.74 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.79% from 2023 to 2030 Recombinant proteins have many applications in the field of biotechnology research, and medicine. Furthermore, recombinant protein manufacturing is one of the effective procedures utilized in the life sciences sector, which has a significant impact on advanced healthcare. The global healthcare industry is expanding rapidly, which promotes spending on research & development (R&D) to discover new treatments for a range of diseases. Recombinant protein production is closely associated with the expansion of the healthcare industry & spending on biologics. Furthermore, government support encouraged the research efforts of academic institutions along with biotechnological companies, resulting in the development of the market for proteins. For instance, in February 2023, The European Investment Bank (EIB), supported by the InvestEU program, agreed to provide USD 19.95 million (18 million) in financing to the Estonian biopharmaceutical developer Icosagen AS to expand its drug discovery, development, and production capabilities. Additionally, with the ongoing advancements in recombinant technology, novel applications of recombinant proteins for developing personalized medicine, cell & gene therapies, and bioengineering products are projected to increase. For instance, gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled the precise alteration of recombinant proteins to create innovative therapeutics. These factors are expected to significantly increase the demand for proteins, driving the market for manufacturing services. Several companies offer recombinant protein production services, including Lonza, GenScript, Merck KGaA, Kaneka Eurogentec S. A., and ExcellGene SA., creating growth prospects for outsourcing activities. Key players are expanding their manufacturing capabilities to cater to the growing outsourcing demand across the globe. For instance, in October 2022, Merck KGaA opened a new commercial facility for its Millipore CTDMO Services in Martillac, France. The new 2,700 sq. m. facility was built for producing drug substances, including monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant proteins. Similarly, in September 2021, Aviva Systems Biology, a company that manufactures and develops antibodies, immunoassay kits, along with recombinant proteins for research in life sciences, launched an innovative protein-on-demand, customized protein investment portfolio for basic research as well as preclinical studies. Such initiatives are expected to create lucrative growth opportunities in the market over the coming decade. Recombinant Protein Manufacturing Services Market Report Highlights By service type, the commercial production services segment accounted for the largest share of 58.60% in 2022. This is attributed to the growing accessibility of high-yield expression systems By host cell, the mammalian segment accounted for the largest share of 54.91% in 2022. The market is expanding due to growing demand for mammalian cells in pharmaceutical and biotech companies By end-user, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment accounted for the largest share of 78.53% in 2022. Recombinant proteins gained immense traction in the biotechnology & pharmaceutical industries, where they can be utilized to create vaccines and treatments for various illnesses and protein manufacturing-related services North America held the largest share of 37.86% in 2022. This is mostly due to the presence of major market participants and the rising cost of healthcare across regions Market Dynamics Market Drivers Increasing Adoption Of Outsourcing Models For Recombinant Protein Manufacturing Increasing Scope Of Applications For Recombinant Protein-Based Products Increasing Use Of Recombinant Proteins In Research-Use Activities Market Restraints Stringent Regulations Associated With Recombinant Protein-Based Biopharmaceuticals Business Environment Analysis PESTEL Analysis Porter's Five Forces Analysis COVID-19 Impact Analysis Companies Mentioned Lonza Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Merck KGaA Bruker (InVivo BioTech Services GmbH) Sino Biological, Inc. GenScript Kaneka Corporation (Kaneka Eurogentec S.A) Polyplus Transfection (Xpress Biologics) Boster Biological Technology Trenzyme GmbH For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/i5rtyn 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 TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 6. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have expressed mutual interest in collaborating on the digitalization of railway communication, Trend reports. Strengthening of cooperation in the railway sector was discussed at the meeting, the Acting Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways Zufar Narzullayev and the representatives of Kazakhstan Railways. During the meeting, the parties discussed enhancing their partnership within the railway sector, as well as shared insights on the adoption of innovative technologies and management systems, reaffirming their willingness to work together on digitalization, industrial cooperation, boosting transportation volume, and expediting the transit of goods. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan plans to kick off transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan by the end of October 2023. During the XV KAZENERGY Eurasian Forum in Kazahkstan, Kazakh Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev noted that, repair work carried out on the territory of Kazakhstan is being completed. The work is associated with construction and allocation of a separate line for gas metering. I think that, in the near future, upon completion, we will be able to announce the start of transit," he said. NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DOCN) between February 16, 2023 and August 25, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important November 13, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased DigitalOcean securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the DigitalOcean class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=18119 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 13, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants lacked the skills and experience to assess complicated tax matters and therefore did not design or maintain effective controls over DigitalOcean's accounting for income taxes; and (2) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' financial statements during the Class Period were inaccurate and materially misleading. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the DigitalOcean class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=18119 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. MOORESVILLE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After seeing how the American leg of the Taylor Swift's The Era's tour sparked so much joy and brought so many together, Sheets Laundry Club wanted to celebrate the unifying power of catchy songwriting by giving one lucky Sheets fan and a guest the opportunity to attend the tour live in Melbourne, Australia February 16th 2023. This giveaway will include roundtrip airfare, four nights in the Melbourne Ritz Carlton Hotel and a $1000 Visa Gift Card.** The Land Down Under Giveaway Sheets Laundry Club offers a line of sustainably packaged products for your laundry and cleaning routine, inspired by CEO and Founder Chris Videau's 20 years in the US Army and all the plastic pollution he encountered overseas that even affected his own personal health. Since its launch in 2019, Videau's vision for Sheets was to create a plastic-free future in the laundry and cleaning space and never compromise quality or convenience to offer plastic-free packaging alternatives to everyone's laundry and cleaning favorites. This giveaway started September 15th, 2023, fans can enter the "Down Under Giveaway" and get a chance to win a trip to Melbourne, Australia to attend Taylor Swift's the Era's Tour. Sheets CEO, Videau is "thrilled to give someone in the Sheets Fam the opportunity to travel the way I got to while I was in the military." As Sheets works toward being a part of ending the plastic crisis, we want to have fun along the way. "Our customers are the reason why we are making such a big difference for the Earth; we want them to be a part of celebrating our wins along with us." https://sheetslaundryclub.com/giveaway Launched in 2019 from a home garage by Chris Videau and his wife Laurian, Sheets Laundry Club set out to change the world with its ingenious Laundry Detergent Sheet- what looks like a sheet of note paper instantly dissolves in your washing machine to be the equivalent of a full cup of detergent. Sheets has reached major milestones in its first few years in business- including an appearance on Shark Tank that garnered a deal, expanding products in the laundry and cleaning categories, and multiple partnerships with charitable organizations ranging from environmental to animal and veteran focused causes. The Sweepstakes begins on September 15th, 2023, at 12 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and ends on November 30, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. SOURCE Sheets Laundry Club VALENCIA, Spain, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Simpleview and City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) proudly unveiled the winners of the VivaCITY Challenge at the CityDNA Autumn Conference in Valencia, Spain: Helsinki Partners and Turismo Torino e Provincia . Simpleview logo CityDNA's president, Petra Stusek, expresses the significance of the moment by saying, "Nearly seven months since the initial announcement, and after hearing about all the exciting destination applications, we stand here with our two winners. I would like to highlight their courage and give them credit for committing to this 3-year challenging process. Their role extends beyond their respective cities, encompassing a global impact on the tourism sector, fostering positive change." Helsinki Partners participated in the VivaCITY Challenge because it was "sitting on a mountain of data," and it wants to become the most sustainable city in the world. Turismo Torino e Provincia was a passionate candidate for the VivaCITY challenge because it believes that "those who work in tourism must first and foremost seek to make the local people happy." The VivaCITY Challenge is a three-year funded project created to give destination marketing organizations (DMOs) the opportunity to co-create a transformative strategy that is holistic, concise, and tangible, with the support of the following global experts in destination development and implementation: Professor Frank Cuypers , an international leader in destination development , an international leader in destination development Elke Dens, a specialist in regenerative placemaking David Peacock , Senior Advisor to the Future Tourism Group at Simpleview "The VivaCITY Challenge has been such an exciting process for all involved," said Ryan George, CEO of Simpleview. "This challenge was created as a way to show our commitment to the tourism industry with something substantive and long-lasting. I'm really looking forward to hearing more about how the winning destinations transform over the next three years." Flavie de Bueil, Chief Operating Officer of CityDNA, acknowledged the challenging selection process: "Each destination had such interesting stories, and we're thrilled to establish a learning lab for all CityDNA members to share the invaluable insights and findings from Helsinki and Turin." The following finalists were thanked for submitting outstanding presentations in consideration for the VivaCITY Challenge: British Columbia Copenhagen Gdansk Kyiv Lausanne Salzburg Valencia These cities were all invited to become peer cities for the duration of the projects. They will test and improve the processes and tools that have been developed by the VivaCITY Challenge so they become scalable and useful across all cities. Stay tuned for updates on the VivaCITY Project to be shared at upcoming CityDNA events including the CityDNA International Conference. Helsinki Partners and Turismo Torino e Provincia will share their project progress, inspiring further transformation in the world of destination development. About Simpleview Simpleview is a worldwide leading provider of CRM, CMS, website design, digital marketing services, and data insights for convention bureaus, venues, tourism boards, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and attractions. The company employs staff across the globe, serving clients of all sizes, including small towns, world capitals, top meeting destinations, and countries across multiple continents. About City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) CityDNA is a knowledge-sharing network for cities and urban regions that are working to unfold the potential of the visitor economy. Our vision is for all cities in Europe to flourish as great places to live, work, meet, and explore. As a community of professionals, our promise to each other is to always be curious and forward-thinking, share our inspiration, and never stop learning. Citydestinationsalliance.eu Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1993346/SIMPLEVIEW.jpg SOURCE Simpleview A roundup of the week's most newsworthy financial industry press releases from PR Newswire, including new features for Apple Wallet and the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the finance industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. PR Newswire Weekly Finance Press Release Roundup, Oct. 2-6, 2023. Photo provided by American Public Education Foundation. https://prn.to/46CNufs Read more of the latest finance-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNfinance on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. 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PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. SOURCE PR Newswire AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global intelligent automation consultancy and services partner, Tquila Automation announced the recruitment of Ryan Northington as Chief Executive Officer and SVP of AMER. Northington brings 15 years of experience in leading high-growth technology services businesses. Tom Abbott, acting CEO, remains in the business as Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Board Member. Northington has served in key roles at several technology services companies, including Cloud Sherpas and Simplus. Most recently, he was the CEO of Simplus. Under his leadership, the Salesforce partner business scaled to $100m in revenue through multiple acquisitions and sustainable organic growth and was acquired by Infosys for an undisclosed amount in 2020. Before Simplus, Northington built a highly profitable managed services division at Cloud Sherpas, a Salesforce partner acquired by Accenture in 2015. Tquila Automation specializes in designing and delivering intelligent automation solutions underpinned by UiPath, the AI-powered automation platform. It was founded by acting CEO Tom Abbott and Richard Denton in 2019, with two offices in London and Cardiff, UK. Having scaled the business to a 150-strong team across six international offices, Tom Abbott remains an executive board member and will become its Chief Revenue Officer. The revenue office oversees the go-to-market, alliances, sales, and marketing strategies. Tom Abbott, Founder & CRO at Tquila Automation, said: "As we look to execute rapid growth organically and through acquisitions, the Board and I wanted to recruit an experienced operational leader to support our execution plan. Ryan is an incredible addition to Tquila Automation; he brings vast experience scaling high-growth tech businesses, balancing technical and delivery excellence with customer and employee experiences. The rest of the board and I are thrilled to recruit Ryan as our Chief Executive Officer, and I look forward to working closely with him to drive the business forward." Ryan Northington, CEO & SVP AMER at Tquila Automation, said: "I couldn't be more excited to join Tquila Automation. As a trusted partner to hundreds of North American and European enterprises, Tquila Automation accelerates business outcomes with intelligent automation and other emerging technologies. I look forward to contributing my expertise and building upon the success that Tom and the wider team have built here." The news follows recent announcements from Tquila Automation about acquiring healthcare leaders Element Blue and creating a 200-strong tech delivery center in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally from Birmingham in Alabama, Northington is an Auburn University graduate and now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and two children. He is also a Forbes contributor. About Tquila Automation Tquila Automation is a global intelligent automation consultancy and implementation partner. It supports enterprising and ambitious businesses to dramatically improve their work by removing onerous tasks and processes, releasing human workers to focus on value-added productivity. The consultancy is a trusted and invaluable partner, providing expert insight and innovative solutions to clients looking to harness intelligent automation's potential. It believes that intelligent automation has the power to expedite business transformation, enhance enterprise value, and deliver a positive impact on people's lives. Tquila Automation has six global offices in Austin (Texas), Amsterdam, Bucharest, Birmingham (Alabama), Cardiff, and London. Discover more at www.tquila-automation.com. SOURCE Tquila Automation CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will host the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, Habitat for Humanity International announced today. The news was shared with a ceremonial passing of the hammer between Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and Twin Cities Habitat during the closing ceremony of this year's week-long blitz build in Charlotte. President and CEO Chris Coleman receives the ceremonial hammer on behalf of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, host of the 2024 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project (from left: Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Chip Carter, Becky Carter, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region President and CEO Laura Belcher, Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford) "President and Mrs. Carter helped open doors for thousands of Habitat homeowners while advancing racial equity in housing," said Chris Coleman, president and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. "It is an honor to be selected as host of the 2024 Carter Work Project and carry on the Carters' inspiring legacy of service and generosity to others." Over five days, more than 2,200 volunteers from around the world helped build 27 of the homes that will make up The Meadows at Plato Price, a west Charlotte neighborhood where a segregation-era, all-Black school that also served as a social and civic engagement hub for the Black community, once stood. "It has truly been a blessing to watch everyone come together and 'get to work' the way President Carter has always encouraged us to do," said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckord. "We are grateful for the inspiring demonstration of love here in Charlotte, and look forward to building more affordable homes in the Twin Cities next year." Historic footage and images from prior Carter Work Projects are available at habitat.ngo/CWPphotos. About Habitat for Humanity Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org. SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global technology company vivo today announced the release of the Android 14 Developer Preview Program for vivo X90 Pro and iQOO 11 in select markets. vivo, one of the first companies to make the Android 14 version available for eligible devices, invites developers to leverage this platform to test and fine-tune their applications for the latest Android experience. An All-New Level of Smooth, Secure and Efficient The Android 14 generation brings forward an all-new and improved Android experience in terms of smooth operation, privacy and security and overall efficiency. One of the key upgrades is the unparalleled response speed driven by optimized resource scheduling. Furthermore, inspired by the world of film, vivo introduces a motion-blur algorithm that provides an additional dimension of visual smoothness to the way apps open and close on the home screen, enhancing the overall experience. Security remains a top priority in this version, introducing additional safeguards for users' digital lives. Android 14 restricts apps from sending implicit intents to internal app components in various ways, helping prevent malicious apps from intercepting them. Additionally, any dynamically loaded code must be read-only to avoid issues such as code tempering. Finally, this Android version introduces a minimum installable target API level of 23, eliminating potential vulnerabilities and improving privacy and security. The new system version also adapts to users' habits, offering customized application operations and richer information previews. Interactions, such as volume control, are more intuitive and device management is more straightforward. The optimized Output Switcher, which allows for seamless switching of playback in multi-device scenarios and expanded support for a wide array of third-party application protocols, rounds out these enhancements. Partnering to Deliver the Latest Android Experience to vivo Consumers vivo is dedicated to continuously refining the user experience, and the Android 14 Developer Program for vivo X90 and iQOO 11 marks a significant milestone. Developers are invited to visit https://developer.vivo.com/ and join the program. The version will be available in the following markets: vivo X90 Pro: Thailand , Taiwan Province of China , Hong Kong SAR , Malaysia. , , , Malaysia. iQOO 11: Indonesia , Thailand , Malaysia . About vivo vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a design-driven value, with smart devices and intelligent services as its core. The company aims to build a bridge between humans and the digital world. Through unique creativity, vivo provides users with an increasingly convenient mobile and digital life. Following the company's core values, which include Benfen*, user-orientation, design-driven value, continuous learning and team spirit, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy with the vision of developing into a healthier, more sustainable world-class corporation. While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi'an and more cities, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies. vivo has also set up an intelligent manufacturing network (including those authorized by vivo), with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones. As of now, vivo has branched out its sales network across more than 60 countries and regions, and is loved by more than 500 million users worldwide. *"Benfen" is a term describing the attitude on doing the right things and doing things right which is the ideal description of vivo's mission to create value for society. Stay informed of latest vivo news at https://www.vivo.com/en/about-vivo/news SOURCE vivo HONG KONG, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yogapetz is thrilled to announce the remarkable success of their latest release, the Wellness NFT YogaPetz collection, which experienced an astounding 130% over-subscription rate. Within a mere 45 minutes, the entire 10,000-piece collection was completely sold out, generating an impressive sum of 1,761 ETH, equivalent to approximately USD 3 million in sales. The YogaPetz project is led by co-founders @keung (Kam-Keung FUNG, left) and @Kakarot_F23 (Kin-Fung MAN, right), who collectively bring over twenty years of entrepreneurial and operational experience to the table. YogaPetz is a decentralized wellness ecosystem that prioritizes mindfulness, community, and rewards, aiming to provide users with a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform that nurtures mental and physical well-being. This groundbreaking achievement occurred on August 31, 2023, despite the challenging market environment for NFTs during the prevailing winter season, characterized by a downturn in market capitalization and low investor sentiment. The resounding success of the YogaPetz collection serves as a testament to its unique value proposition and the growing demand for wellness-focused NFTs. Overwhelming Response Demonstrates Growing Demand for Wellness NFTs "We are overwhelmed by the incredible response to the YogaPetz collection," said @keung, Co-founder of YogaPetz. "The rapid sell-out and the substantial value generated demonstrate the strong appetite for wellness-themed NFTs in the market. Our collaboration is driven by the shared goal of providing rewards and incentives that promote mental and physical well-being to our thriving online community of over 220,000 members." YogaPetz is a decentralized wellness ecosystem that prioritizes mindfulness, community, and rewards, aiming to provide users with a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform that nurtures mental and physical well-being. Utilizing the $PRANA token in conjunction with a mobile application, users are incentivized for practicing and maintaining healthy mind and body habits (Relax - Rewards - Retreat - Repeat). The success of the YogaPetz collection has paved the way for exciting developments and partnerships within the wellness ecosystem. Experienced Co-founders Driving YogaPetz to Success The YogaPetz project is led by co-founders @keung (Kam-Keung FUNG) and @Kakarot_F23 (Kin-Fung MAN), who collectively bring over twenty years of entrepreneurial and operational experience to the table. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise form a solid foundation for the success of YogaPetz. @keung, the founder and CEO of Awesapp Limited, boasts an impressive track record in creating and managing mobile applications. His keen understanding of the market, honed through years of street-smart experience, has equipped him with invaluable insights into the competitive NFT landscape. Leveraging his expertise, @keung has provided strategic counsel to prominent NFT projects such as 9GAG (Memeland) and OliveX. Notably, the Memeland project achieved a remarkable feat by selling out 10,000 NFTs within a mere 12 minutes, generating team revenues of 9,801 ETH, equivalent to millions of dollars. Similarly, OliveX launched 420 Genesis NFTs earlier this year, and all were quickly sold out, raising 2,100 ETH, valued at over three million dollars. These successes underscore @keung's astute market sense and his ability to navigate the evolving NFT landscape. While the government of Hong Kong promotes the development of web3 with uncertain prospects, it is noteworthy that these three Hong Kong startups have gained international recognition in the web3 field. @keung: Web3 Drives Innovation and Success through Collective Wisdom @keung acknowledges the doubts surrounding web3 and NFT products, but he remains steadfast in his belief in their potential to achieve outcomes that traditional internet products simply cannot. He explains, "In the pre-web3 era, teams had to invest significant time and effort in marketing to reach the right users. However, web3 projects operate differently. By cultivating a community, word-of-mouth naturally spreads, enabling more effective global user connections." In addition to the advantages of community participation in web3 and NFT projects, @keung emphasizes their potential as avenues for both fundraising and talent aggregation. These projects can secure funding through the community and attract exceptional talents who bring ideas, brainstorming capabilities, and valuable contributions to project management. This collaborative approach empowers web3 projects to harness the collective wisdom and expertise of their communities, driving innovation and success. @Kakarot_F23's Journey Of Battling Cancer and Starting YogaPetz @Kakarot_F23, another co-founder of YogaPetz, has a deeply personal connection to the project. Having been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer at the end of 2019, he underwent grueling chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Throughout this challenging journey, @Kakarot_F23 experienced significant physical and mental hurdles, including the hardships of depression. However, with the unwavering support of the cancer community, he managed to rebuild his confidence and rekindle hope. Inspired by his battle with cancer, @Kakarot_F23 was driven to establish YogaPetz as a platform that goes beyond traditional NFT offerings. Drawing from his fine arts background and graduating from the University of the Arts London (previously known as Central Saint Martins), @Kakarot_F23 recognizes the immense market potential of wellness-focused NFT communities. He firmly believes that NFT communities centered around wellness can bringabout positive change and growth. The collaboration between @keung and @Kakarot_F23 is marked by seamless synergy. They jointly manage the YogaPetz community, leveraging @Kakarot_F23's creative arts expertise and @keung's technical acumen. Their shared vision and complementary skills create a robust foundation for YogaPetz's success in the competitive NFT market. About YogaPetz YogaPetz is a decentralized wellness ecosystem that places a strong emphasis on mindfulness, community, and rewards. Our primary objective is to offer users a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform that fosters mental and physical well-being. Even individuals who do not hold the YogaPetz NFT are encouraged to explore and participate in the platform. They can begin their wellness journey, establish their own wellness businesses, redeem retreats with our partners using $PRANA, and cultivate healthy habits through repetition. For more detailed information: https://yogapetz.com/ SOURCE YogaPetz MediRegs' Maria Bounos, Christina Panos, and Alberta Dixon will host an impactful session on the revenue cycle management landscape NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Three experts from Wolters Kluwer Legal and Regulatory U.S. will lead a session at this year's American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) conference around best practices in technology in the new revenue cycle management (RCM) landscape. Maria Bounos, Practice Lead Coding and Reimbursement Solutions at Wolters Kluwer; Christina Panos, Customer Success at Wolters Kluwer; and Alberta Dixon, Product Manager at Wolters Kluwer, will host the session on October 9 at 1:55pm ET. As a sponsor at AHIMA, Wolters Kluwer will showcase MediRegs at booth #339. "In the midst of significant industry shifts and a highly volatile regulatory environment, revenue cycle management technology has an even greater potential to alleviate pain points for healthcare and revenue cycle professionals," said Bounos. "MediRegs helps these professionals properly face the challenges they encounter in this industry, keeping them up-to-date and well-resourced." Bounos, Panos, and Dixon will join panelists Sandy Routhier, SVP of Auditing Services at Cloudmed; and Michelle M. Wieczorek, Senior Vice President of Coding and Clinical Integrity Services at CSI Companies to explore the evolution of RCM over the last few years. They will also discuss how organizations are moving toward the use of technology to streamline workflow and create efficient processes. MediRegs is Wolters Kluwer's SaaS based workflow solution that provides immediate access to accurate regulatory content, coding tools, and calculators. The solution helps healthcare workers keep up to date on constantly changing healthcare regulations and reimbursement. AHIMA is a global nonprofit association of health information professionals with more than 71,000 members and more than 100,000 credentials in the field. The AHIMA23 Conference is the only annual meeting designed specifically for health information professionals by health information professionals. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software, and services for professionals in healthcare, tax and accounting, financial and corporate compliance, legal and regulatory, and corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2022 annual revenues of 5.5 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 20,900 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com , follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook , and YouTube . MEDIA CONTACT: Frank Ready Senior Specialist, External Communications Legal & Regulatory Wolters Kluwer Office: 717-205-3647 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 6. Qatar has introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of Uzbekistan, Trend reports. Uzbek nationals will be able to stay in Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days, contingent upon the possession of a return ticket and a passport valid for at least six months. Earlier this month, Uzbekistan and Qatar have signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism and business events. To expand business ties, it was proposed to organize an intergovernmental commission, a business council and a business forum between Uzbekistan and Qatar. Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on the introduction of a visa-free regime for Qatari citizens in June 2023. They will be able to stay in Uzbekistan without a visa for 30 days from the date of entry. 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 Shahjahanpur : , Oct 6 (IANS) A local court in Shahjahanpur has convicted a British citizen and her lover for the murder of her husband, seven years ago. Ramandeep Kaur Mann, a UK national, with the help of her childhood friend Gurpreet Singh, killed her husband Sukhjeet Singh on September 2, 2016. The court convicted the two on the testimony of Ramandeep's nine-year-old son. Ramandeep planned a month-long family vacation in Uttar Pradesh with her husband and two kids, aged six and nine. She got Gurpreet, a native of Kapurthala in Punjab, and brought the two men to Shahjahanpur, where she poisoned the entire family before slitting her hubby's throat. However, that night one person had skipped the poisoned dal-rice -- her nine-year-old son -- and survived. The boy had then told reporters, "My dad was great but my mom was bad and I don't want to see her face ever because she killed my dad in front of my eyes. She kept a pillow on my dad's face and asked Gurpreet to slit his throat." The boy's claims were crucial to the case and local police later filed a supplementary charge sheet with the testimony. Prosecuting counsel, Ashok Kumar Khanna, said, "The court of additional district and sessions judge Pankaj Kumar Srivastava in Shahjahanpur pronounced Ramandeep and Gurpreet guilty under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 34 (criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and will decide the quantum of punishment on October 7." He added, "Gurpreet has also been convicted under section 4/25 of the Arms Act. This is a rarest of the rare case as the victim's throat was slit in front of his nine-year-old son. We want capital punishment for both the accused who were sent to Shahjahanpur jail on Thursday." Khanna said, "Gurpreet during his confession in front of the police said that he and Ramandeep planned to commit the murder in Uttar Pradesh because they thought they would get away by spending money." Sukhjeet's mother, now 75, said, "I am here to fight for my son who was wronged. I want him to get justice." Varanasi, Oct 6 : A special court here has allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to drop charges against 81 people in a 2015 rioting case, except State Congress Chief Ajay Rai. The MP-MLA Court's order came after the BJP government decided to withdraw the charges against 81 of the 82 accused in the case. Among the 81 people whose charges have been dropped are Uttar Pradesh Minister Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu and some Hindu saints. The court of Special Judge Avanish Gautam ordered withdrawal of the case against 81 accused, except Rai, government counsel Vinay Singh said. The case was lodged at Dashashwamedh police station here against 82 people, including Ajay Rai, on charges of rioting, arson, attempt to murder, and damaging government property after violence broke out during the 'Anyay Pratikar Yatra' in 2015. Rai's advocate, Anuj Singh, termed the court's order "biased" and said that they will approach the Allahabad High Court against it. Ajay Rai, in a statement, said, "For them (BJP) the word 'Sanatan' is not a symbol of any faith and belief, but merely a weapon of political vengeance. This was completely proved when this 'anti-Sanatan' government filed a case against 82 people who were involved in the 'Anyay Pratikar Yatra', a protest march against the suppression of present Shankaracharya in Kashi in 2015. Except me, the government sought the withdrawal of cases against 81 others." He hit out at the Yogi Adityanath government, saying he is not going to be deterred by the "discriminatory action" of the state government. The Congress leader said the government argued in the court that there were other cases against him, but many of the 81 people who got acquitted "due to political affiliation" were also facing additional cases. "Whatever cases are against me, they are related to political movements against injustice," the State Congress Chief added. TASKENT, Uzbekistan, October 6. Uzbekistan and Russia plan to create a joint development fund aimed at facilitating investments in a range of strategic projects, Trend reports. The news followed a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on October 6 within the framework of Mirziyoyevs working visit to Russia. "The fund is necessary today, because Uzbekistan has serious intentions in cooperation with Russia. At this difficult time, we need to cooperate. There are a lot of areas where we have achieved good results," Uzbekistans president said. Mirziyoyev stressed that bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Russia have reached the level of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance via the political will of heads of both states. "Of course, a lot has been done, but there are still a lot of reserves, resources waiting to be tackled. We also welcome the processes that are taking place in our Eurasian Economic Union, where Uzbekistan participates as an observer. There are many joint projects, including industrial cooperation," he added. On October 5, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev set off on a working visit to Russia, which is scheduled to last until October 7, 2023. The president of Uzbekistan has already visited Kazan and got acquainted with its industrial potential. In accordance with the program of the visit, Shavkat Mirziyoyev will also hold a meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Rajouri: Security personnel cordon off the area where an improvised explosive device (IED) was detected in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, on May 27, 2019. A road opening party (ROP) of the Army detected the IED lying near Kallar Chowk alongsid. Image Source: IANS News Jammu, Oct 6 : An Army officer has been injured in a likely grenade accident at a post in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. "Officer evacuated and stable post initial treatment," the Army added on Thursday. An investigation that has been started into the incident is underway. Libyan PM stresses need to focus on development projects in Tripoli. Image Source: IANS News Tripoli, Oct 6 : Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah has pledged to reform the education system in the country. "I renew the commitment of our government to implement all its pledges to reform the education system at all levels, and to continue all building, construction and development works for educational facilities and to establish the enforceable rights of teachers," Dbeibah said on Thursday in a statement to Libyan teachers on the occasion of the World Teachers' Day. "I also extend my gratitude to every teacher who faces daily obstacles and difficulties in their commute to their workplace, coming from long distances and under different and fluctuating weather conditions in order to remain committed to daily teaching of values and educating young people," the statement added. Dbeibah also paid tribute to the teachers who died in the recent floods that hit eastern Libya, Xinhua news agency reported. On September 10, Mediterranean storm Daniel triggered Libya's worst floods in decades, killing thousands and severely damaging the region's infrastructure. Earlier in September, the Libyan government announced plans to build 1,500 new schools all over the country. Bangkok, Oct 6 : Thailand is stepping up controls on guns and imitation firearms, officials said, in an effort to close legal loopholes following a shooting at a Bangkok shopping mall that left two people dead and five others injured. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Thursday that the government will implement measures to restrict the possession, bearing and use of firearms, including a crackdown on illegal weapons and tighter regulations on imitation guns, Xinhua news agency reported. Possession of blank guns, BB guns, and other replica firearms that can be modified into lethal weapons will require a license, he told reporters after a meeting with concerned agencies, adding that authorities will also conduct a stricter inspection on those illegally imported and sold online. For shooting sports, registered firearms need to be stored only at shooting camps, and age restrictions will be applied to those participating in shooting activities, he added. Mumbai, Oct 6 : At least six people were killed and 40 others injured in a major fire that engulfed the parking lot of a high-rise in suburban Goregaon on Friday, the BMC Disaster Control said. The fire, which broke out at around 3 a.m., burnt at least four cars and 30 two-wheelers in the parking lot of the Jay Bhavani Building on M.G. Road. After massive efforts by the firefighters, the blaze was extinguished around 6.55 a.m., said the BMC Disaster Control. The victims included three women and two minor girls and the injured comprised 18 males and 22 females. The exact causes of the blaze is not clear and further investigations are underway. Washington/Seoul, Oct 6 : North Korea has started sending artillery to Russia as Moscow continues its war in Ukraine after last month's rare summit between President Vladimir Putin and Pyongyang's Kim Jong-un about a potential bilateral arms deal, a media report said. Citing an unnamed US official, CBS News reported on the apparent arms transfer that came in the wake of the Kim-Putin summit at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a Russian spaceport, last month. The summit raised speculation that it might have led to a deal feared to help advance North Korea's efforts to build spy satellites and other weapons and in return prop up Russia's war in Ukraine, reports Yonhap News Agency. "It was not immediately clear whether the transfer is part of a new, long-term supply chain or a more limited consignment, or what North Korea is getting in return for the weapons," the report said. Seoul and Washington have criticised any possible transfer of arms between Pyongyang and Moscow, warning they would flout multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which Russia itself voted for. This was the longest overseas trip by Kim since taking power. iIncluding travel time, the North Korean leader spent a total of eight days on his visit to Russia. Bengaluru, Oct 6 : The Karnataka High Court has awarded life imprisonment to an accused in connection with the murder of a sex worker after quashing the release order of a lower court. The police department had challenged the order of the Sessions Court of Mysuru in the high court and submitted a criminal appeal petition. The accused person was identified as K.C. Girish, a resident of Koramenahalli in Mandya district. The bench headed by Justice H.B. Prabhakar Shastri and Justice Anil B. Katti gave the order on Thursday. The accused had taken the victim to a hotel on September 18, 2010 in Mysuru. He had registered the hotel room in his name and claimed that they were a couple. Police stated that after the physical intimacy, the accused strangulated the woman to death and fled with her jewellery, Nokia phone and some cash. He later pledged the jewellery for money. The case had come to light the next day and the Lashkar Police station sleuths had cracked the case and arrested the accused. The charge sheet was also submitted in this regard to the local court. However, The Seventh Additional Sessionas Court discharged the accused from the case and released him on April 25, 2016. The police had questioned this order in the high court. The high court dropped rape charges against the accused. New Delhi, Oct 6 : A day after a Delhi court sent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh to five-day ED custody, the financial probe agency has summoned his alleged close associates Vivek Tyagi and Sarvesh Mishra for questioning. According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sources, the agency has asked the duo to appear before it on Friday at its headquarters. While seeking Singh's custody on Thursday, the ED informed the court that Mishra had received Rs 1 crore on behalf of the AAP leader regarding excise policy. In its remand note, the probe agency said that Singh has received proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 2 crore in the alleged Delhi liquor scam. "It is evident that businessman Dinesh Arora had collected Rs 3 crore bribe from Sameer Mahandru during August-October 2021, on the directions of AAP's communication in charge Vijay Nair. "Nair was facilitating granting of Pernod Ricard's wholesale business to Mahandru's entity. Investigation further revealed that out of this amount, Rs 1 crore was given to Mishra (Sanjay Singh's person) on the directions of Nair," the ED alleged. "This amount was delivered to Singh's house by an employee of Arora. Further, Arora had received Rs 4 crore from Abhishek Boinpally in March-April 2022 on the instructions of Nair. "Out of Rs 4 crore, Rs 2 crore cash was collected by Harinder Singh from Boinpally's office in Defence colony. Out of this amount, Rs 1 crore cash was given to Mishra (Sanjay Singh's person), delivered by an employee of Arora at the AAP RS MP's house," it said. ED probe also revealed that he had given Rs 2 crore in cash at Singh's house on two occasions (Rs 1 crore at each time). He has revealed that he had also picked up Rs 1 crore in cash from the office of Indo Spirits in Okhla, the agency claimed. The facts are corroborated by the CDR location of an employee of Arora, who had communicated with Mishra, the same day he had visited Singh's house. Further, it said that in respect of first incident of Rs 1 crore given to Singh, Arora took Rs 3 crore from Sameer Mahandru in August-October 2021 on the instructions of Nair for Goa elections and Mahandru had given Arora the said money as Nair had got him the license of Pernod Ricard. Mahandru spoke to Nair on his facetime, the ED claimed. It is likely that both the associates will be confronted with Sanjay Singh during the questioning on Friday. The ED had carried out searches at the premises of Mishra and Tyagi in May this year. Singh was arrested on Wednesday by the ED after day-long searches at his premises. He was produced before a court on Thursday, which sent him to five days of ED custody till October 10. The AAP has denied the allegations and dubbed the agency's action as vendetta politics. The ED case of money laundering is based on the CBI FIR filed in August last year. The ED had earlier arrested former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with the now scrapped excise policy case. ANKARA, Oct. 13, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken from southern Turkish border town of Ceylanpinar on Oct. 12, 2019 shows smoke rising from the northern Syrian city of Ras al-Ain during an attack launched by Turkish army. Turkish President Recep Tayyip E. Image Source: IANS News Damascus, Oct 6 : At least 100 people were killed in a drone attack that struck a military academy in Syria's Homs province while a cadet graduation ceremony was underway, state media reported on Friday. Citing a statement from the General Command of the Armed Forces, Syria's state-run SANA news agency said several drones carrying explosives targeted the academy just after the ceremony ended on Thursday afternoon, reports the BBC. The armed forces "considers this act an unprecedented criminal one, and affirms that it will respond with full force and determination to these terrorist groups wherever they are", the statement added. In another report, SANA quoted Health Minister Hassan al-Gabbash as saying that the attack had injured more than 200 people, while the victims included and six women and six children. The cadets' families, and women and children were among the dead, it added. So far, no individual or group has claimed the attack, the BBC reported. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the country's Defence Minister had attended the ceremony but left minutes before the attack. Describing the attack as "horrific", UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has called on all parties to the decades-long conflict to "exercise the utmost restraint". "All sides must respect their obligations under international law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Today's developments further highlight that the status quo in Syria is unsustainable and that, in the absence of a meaningful political path... I fear we will only see further deterioration, including in the security situation," the BBC quoted the envoy as saying late Thursday. More than half a million people have been killed by the civil war that erupted after President Bashar al-Assad cracked down violently on peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations in 2011. Some 6.8 million people are internally displaced, while another 6 million are refugees or asylum-seekers abroad. Mumbai, Oct 6 : At least seven persons, including five women, were killed and another 51 injured in a major fire that engulfed the parking lot of a high-rise in suburban Goregaon, here early on Friday, the BMC Disaster Control said. The fire, which broke out at around 3 a.m. in the 2000-sq. feet parking lot of Jay Bhavani Building on MG Road, caught at least four cars and 30 two-wheelers and spread to the electrical meter box, staircase, and then the flames reached the residential floors above, jolting the people awake from sleep. The Mumbai Police, Mumbai Fire Brigade and other agencies rushed to the spot and managed to deploy ladders to rescue 30 residents from the ground+7-storey building with shops and establishments partly occupying the ground floor. The death toll has now risen to seven, comprising five females, two minors, and two males, plus 51 more injured, including 22 females. While 35 still continue under treatment, the condition of five is described as critical and the rest have been discharged. A majority of the victims were rushed in ambulances to the HBT Hospital and the Cooper Hospital and other nearby hospitals. After massive efforts by the fire-fighters, the blaze was extinguished around 6.55 a.m., said the BMC Disaster Control, and the cause of the conflagration was being probed. Five kids injured after mistaking bomb for ball in Bihar's Araria. Image Source: IANS News Patna, Oct 6 : Five children sustained splinter injuries after a bomb exploded in Bihar's Araria district, said police on Friday. The incident happened on Thursday evening when the children were tending to the cattle. One of the victims named Akhtari Parveen (12) has been critically injured and is admitted to the Sadar hospital. Other victims have been identified as Sonu Kumar (16), Mohammad Afzal (12), Sadik Nafad (7) and Julfraj (10). The children had taken their cattle near the canal in ward number 10 of Kalabalua Panchayat under Raniganj police station where they spotted a white bag kept under the clay. "When they pulled out the bag, they found two ball-like objects in it. Assuming these to be balls, they started playing with them. As one of the balls fell on the ground, it exploded," said Mohammad Israel, Mukhiya representative of Kalabalua Panchayat. The villagers immediately informed about the incident to the local Raniganj police station. "The children found two bombs and one of them exploded. We have defused another bomb. There is a possibility that a dacoity took place in Kalabalua village a few days ago and the accused may have kept the bombs hidden at this place," said Rampukar Singh, SDPO of Araria Sadar. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 6. Russia, Uzbekistan reached an agreement on the preparation of a road map on industrial cooperation in their regions, Trend reports. The news followed a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Kremlin on October 6. During their meeting, both parties expressed their satisfaction with the positive dynamic of the multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia. The two nations' industrial collaboration is experiencing dynamic growth, with Russian investments in Uzbekistan on the rise. The presidents emphasized the importance of further enhancing regional cooperation and also delved into discussions about ensuring social guarantees for Uzbek citizens working in Russia. Moreover, the leaders of both countries agreed to adopt an extensive cultural cooperation program for the years 2024-2025, reinforcing their commitment to promoting cultural ties. Additionally, the Presidents engaged in discussions about regional and international matters of mutual interest. The meeting was conducted in a warm and friendly atmosphere, culminating with both parties reaffirming their dedication to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance between Uzbekistan and Russia. On October 5, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev set off on a working visit to Russia, which is scheduled to last until October 7, 2023. In accordance with the program of the visit, the president of Uzbekistan visited Kazan and got acquainted with its industrial potential, as well as held a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Washington, Oct 6 : The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is suing Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for refusing to testify in an investigation into his purchase of Twitter shares in 2022 before he bought the micro-blogging platform for $44 billion. The X owner failed to appear for testimony on September 15, as required by the investigative subpoena served by the SEC, despite agreeing in May to appear for testimony on a date nearly four months later, the US regulator said in its complaint. He raised no objection to the subpoena at the time it was served or during the following months, and approximately two weeks before his scheduled testimony, Musk requested to move his scheduled testimony by one day. "Instead, two days before his scheduled testimony, Musk abruptly notified the SEC staff that he would not appear," the complaint further read. The regulator even offered to conduct Musk's testimony at the SEC's Fort Worth, Texas office (the closest SEC office to Musk's current personal residence) or any other of the Commission's offices, and proposed multiple dates in October and November. "These good faith efforts were met with Musk's blanket refusal to appear for testimony," read the complaint. The subpoena with which Musk failed to comply relates to an ongoing nonpublic investigation by the SEC regarding whether, among other things, Musk violated various provisions of the federal securities laws in connection with his 2022 purchases of Twitter stock, and his 2022 statements and SEC filings relating to Twitter. The SEC has now asked the court to intervene and compel Musk's compliance. Ahead of his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in October last year, Musk purchased a substantial stake in the company, requiring him to file a disclosure with the SEC. Melbourne, Oct 6 : A supermarket in Australia and its Indian-origin owner are facing a legal action for underpaying a migrant worker from India, owing him more than A$68,000. Australian regulatory authority Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has commenced legal action against Darwin-based Om Shiva Foods Pty Ltd, trading as Wulagi Supermarket, and the company's sole director Vinay Madasu. The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a casual retail assistant, a visa holder from India, who was employed at the supermarket between February 2020 and August 2021. An FWO inspector issued a compliance notice to Om Shiva Foods in October 2022 after forming a belief that the worker had been underpaid minimum wages, and penalty and overtime rates for working weekends and public holidays. FWO claimed that Om Shiva Foods, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the compliance notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the worker's entitlements. A breach of pay slip laws is also alleged. It is alleged that the worker is owed more than A$68,000 and Madasu was involved in the contraventions. The regulator said it would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with. "Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties in addition to back-paying workers," FWO Anna Booth said in a statement. "Employers should also be aware that taking action to protect vulnerable workers like visa holders is a priority for the FWO. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance." Om Shiva Foods faces a penalty of up to A$33,300 and Madasu faces a penalty of up to A6,660 for the alleged failure to comply with the compliance notice. In addition, having allegedly failed to issue pay slips, the company faces a penalty of up to A$66,600 and Madasu up to A$13,320. The regulator is also seeking an order for the company to rectify the alleged underpayment amount in full, plus interest and superannuation. A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane on December 4. --IANS mi/ksk San Francisco, Oct 6 : SpaceX engineer Ashley Foltz has sued the Elon Musk-run aerospace company, alleging pay discrimination where women and minority employees are being paid less than male and white workers. Foltz said in her proposed class-action lawsuit that she was hired on a $92,000 salary as a base-level engineer, even though men with similar or less experience were offered as much as $115,000, reports Forbes. Ashley was hired in September 2022 as a propulsion engineer at SpaceX. Musk and company executives have "no legitimate justification for their discriminatory pay practices," the lawsuit argued. Foltz described herself as one of the few female engineers at SpaceX. She found out about the pay gap when California's Pay Transparency Act came into effect. Foltz accused SpaceX of violating California labour law, and asked the court to "award civil penalties and monetary damages to her and any other affected employees". SpaceX was yet to comment on the lawsuit. This is not the first time the Musk-run aerospace company has been accused of discriminatory hiring and promotion practices. In August this year, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) sued SpaceX for discriminating against asylees and refugees in hiring. The lawsuit alleged that, from at least September 2018 to May 2022, SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them, because of their citizenship status, in violation of the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In job postings and public statements over several years, SpaceX wrongly claimed that under federal regulations known as "export control laws," SpaceX could hire only US citizens and lawful permanent residents, sometimes referred to as "green card holders", the DoJ lawsuit alleged. "Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Amazon India on Friday said it has created more than 100,000 seasonal job opportunities across its operations network for the festive season. The opportunities include direct and indirect jobs in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Chennai, among others. "We are welcoming an additional workforce of over 100K to strengthen our fulfilment, delivery, and customer service capabilities and ensure a great shopping experience for millions of customers who are looking forward to shopping with us," said Akhil Saxena, Vice President Operations, APAC/MENA/LATAM, and WW Customer Service Head, Amazon. Ahead of Amazon's 'Great Indian Festival' starting on October 8, with early access to Prime customers starting on October 7, Amazon India has already onboarded the majority of these new hires into its existing network, where they will pick, pack, ship, and deliver customer orders. New hires also include customer service associates, some of whom are part of the virtual customer service model, aimed at providing an elevated customer experience as they strengthen their footprint across the country, said the company. Amazon India has fulfilment centres spread across 15 states, offering 43 million cubic feet of storage space for seller inventory. This benefits over 1.3 million sellers in the country. The company has sortation centres in 19 states, along with a network of close to 2,000 Amazon-operated and partner delivery stations. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Supreme Court on Friday said that a 7-judge Constitution Bench will commence hearing from next week on a curative petition against its decision laying down that non-stamping or insufficient stamping of an arbitration agreement will make it invalid. "Next week we are taking curative in that arbitration matter," informed CJI D.Y. Chandrachud to the members of the bar earlier in the day. As per the details available on the website of the apex court, the matter is likely to be taken up for hearing on October 11, Wednesday. Recently in the last week of September, a 5-judge bench headed by CJI Chandrachud agreed to refer the issue to a 7-judge bench having regard to the larger ramifications of the decision rendered in the case of NN Global Mercantile Pvt Ltd vs. Indo Unique Flame Ltd & Ors. In that case, a five-judge Constitution Bench in April this year laid down by a ratio of 3:2 that non-stamped or insufficiently-stamped arbitration agreements are not enforceable in the eyes of law. Sonipat, Oct 6 : Jindal Global Law School of O.P. Jindal Global University organised the judicial colloquium, 'Role of Judiciary in Sustaining Rule of Law and Democracy: Comparatives Perspectives, India and US' where JGU welcomed 10 eminent Judges and Jurists from the US who also embarked on a multi-city tour to understand the legal framework and jurisprudence in India. They includedJustice Michael Wilson, Former Judge, Supreme Court of Hawaii;Justice Sabrina S. McKenna, Judge, Supreme Court of Hawaii;Justice Todd W. Eddins, Judge, Supreme Court of Hawaii;Justice Ann L. Aiken, Senior Judge, US District Court, District of Oregon; Justice Andre Birotte Jr., Judge, US District Court, Central District of California; Justice Sara L. Ellis, Judge US District Court, Northern District of Illinois; Justice Jenny Rivera, Associate Judge, New York State Court of Appeals; Justice Douglas L. Tookey, Judge Oregon Court of Appeals; Justice Josephine L. Staton, Judge, US District Court, Central District of California;Camille Nelson, Dean, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii. The colloquium largely focused on the role of judiciary in balancing the will of the people when state fails to respect the same. In particular, the colloquium focused on reorienting the constitutional discourse to a will-centric, people-centric approach and the role of judiciary in the wake of rising notions of "popular constitutionalism". Commenting on the colloquium, Prof. C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University and Founding Dean, Jindal Global Law School said, "This is an unprecedented opportunity to bring 10 eminent jurists from the US to India, and to have them engage with us and understand each other better. It's also important for us to recognise the role of vibrant constitutional democracies such as India and the US in advancing the cause of the rule of law. "Our larger objective is of understanding about the rule of law and sustaining our democratic institutions. The vision of this initiative is also for judges from the US to get an understanding of India, India's complex legal system, India's democracy and our deep commitment towards strengthening those values of democracy and constitutionalism. "The Indian judiciary is among the most independent autonomous institutions in the world. It began at a very relatively conservative court in 1947. But in its evolution, it has become one of the most progressive courts in the world. India has had a very progressive Supreme Court and high courts where we constantly draw upon jurisprudence from other parts of the world, including the US, the UK, European Union, and of course, more recently from South Africa and other parts of the world. "And that aspiration to be able to look at other experiences of other parts of the world is part of the traditional journeys and interpretations our Constitution has undergone. "Understanding the response of judiciaries to challenges to rule of law, and to democracy thereof, in a comparative perspective which would streamline responses by facilitating mutual learning and effective rationalisation is indeed critical. "The Colloquium has wonderfully met this objective, thanks to the outstanding participation and extraordinary inputs by these learned judges and jurists. Jindal Global Law School and O.P. Jindal Global University are extremely honoured to be part of such an intellectually enlightening discussion". Justice Michael Wilson, Former Judge, Supreme Court of Hawaii raised the issue of preventing climate change and the difference that the rule of law can bring, "The pandemic pales in comparison to the greatest threat to humanity that we're facing, which is climate change. We have to prevent that from happening because the rule of law is likely to disintegrate along with the heating of the planet when we get to 1.5 degrees!" Justice Sabrina S. McKenna, Judge, Supreme Court of Hawaii said, "We have a right to a life sustaining planet.The fact that judges need to reflect the makeup of the communities they serve, as a principle of the rule of law means that the diversity in the judiciary is not an aspirational goal. It is a requirement of the rule of law. People tend to trust courts more if the people that are making the decisions look like them and come from their own backgrounds." Justice Ann L. Aiken, Senior Judge, US District Court, District of Oregon spoke about the responsibility of lawyers and said, "This rule of law is to educate law students as the next generation of leaders to understand that you have an obligation to be stewards for the generation that comes after you. It is important not to just work at the individual level but to improve a community. Justice Andre Birotte Jr., Judge, US District Court, Central District of California reflected on the rehabilitation of individuals once out of the criminal justice system, "Many of us take for granted the fact that we are able to have a bank account but then you find that that there are people who are exposed to trauma at young ages, those things are not necessarily the case. And through a programme, we take individuals who have been charged with crime and try to address some of the issues that brought them here in the first instance. If you work hard, stay focused, you can change the trajectory of your life." Justice Sara L. Ellis, Judge US District Court, Northern District of Illinois spoke about the re-entry systems where people who have already been charged with crimes are coming out of prison. And "The reentry court fits in with the rule of law as it is a programme where we are looking at people who have been marginalized. So many people in our criminal justice system don't have the tools that you and I have to make different choices so it is important that justice requires practical solutions." Justice Douglas L. Tookey, Judge, Oregon Court of Appeals spoke about the impact of the Covid pandemic and how it brought remote working to the courts and had an impact on access to justice during that period. Justice Todd W. Eddins, Judge, Supreme Court of Hawaii focused on how the legal profession is the first line of defense for the protection of individual rights and how it is absolutely essential in a democracy. Justice Jenny Rivera, Associate Judge, New York State Court of Appeals spoke about the standards that judges apply to what lawyers do in the courtroom in the way they represent their clients. So when a lawyer fails to provide effective assistance of counsel, the lawyer is said to be ineffective which could initiate a claim that can be brought to court which could reverse a conviction because the lawyer was ineffective. Further discussions included Justice Jenny Rivera, Associate Judge, New York State Court of Appeals, Justice Josephine L. Staton, Judge, US District Court, Central District of California and Prof. Camille Nelson, Dean, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii who spoke to the JGLS law students about interdisciplinary law that exists in a political, economic, social and historic space and that democracy is not only representation, but also about basic values, the centre of which are human rights, and a delicate balance between majority rule and individual rights. The Judicial Colloquium was followed by an interview and interaction that the JGU Vics Chancellor had with the judges and jurists from the US. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 : Veteran Congress leader A.K.Antony, who had reportedly withdrawn from active politics, made a surprising appearance at the party's executive meet in Kerala only to haul up the leadership over intensifying factional feuds. After the veteran packed his bags and arrived in the state capital last year, many thought he would just serve as a father figure to the party - a belief which strengthened when his elder son Anil Antony quit Congress and switched over to the BJP. But on Thursday at the state party headquarters, he slammed the leadership, especially state party president K.Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan for their open bickering which came to the fore soon after Chandy Oommen won a massive victory at the Puthuppally by-election early last month. Coming down heavily on them, he asked the two leaders to show some restraint and poise as the country is gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls next year. For a long time, Kerala has seen a deep divide with K.Karunakaran and Antony leading rival factions till the turn of this century. Next two decades were led by Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala. With Chandy's passing away, the faction he led was orphaned and taken over by the duo of Sudhakaran and Satheesan . Leaders like Chennithala and K.Muraleedharan also lost no opportunity to take pot shots. Unable to take in the chaos inside the party, Antony stepped in and unleashed his ire on the warring leaders. Meanwhile, with Shashi Tharoor now turning a force especially among the Congress followers, Antony knows that if the warring juniors do not mend their ways, it could well be curtains for the party. A media critic on condition of anonymity said the age-old statement used by many describes the party in Kerala. "The statement that Congress can be destroyed only by the Congress leaders appears apt today. The man on the street is baffled that even with the Pinarayi Vijayan government coming under massive attack from all corners, not a single word either from the CPI(M) or the allies have come out, unlike the ugly wrangling between the top leaders in the Congress. "The stock statement by the Congress leaders to soften their bickering that Congress is a democratic party, no longer is convincing and what Antony said is the crux, either behave or get ready for disintegration, as discipline is a must," said the critic. Only time will tell the impact Antony's dressing down has had as Congress leaders in Kerala are used only to wrangling amongst themselves. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to hear during the day a plea by NewsClick founder-editor Prabir Purkayastha and Human Resources head Amit Chakravarty challenging their arrest in a case lodged under anti-terror law UAPA. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal pressed it for urgent hearing before a division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula. "Arrest has been made illegally and in violation of the Supreme Court decisions," Sibal said. The bench then agreed for the same. Notably, Singh had earlier informed a Delhi court that a petition will be filed before the high court challenging the FIR and the arrests, highlighting that there was already an FIR with the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW), and the high court was not informed about the current FIR. The Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Purkayastha and Chakravarty on Tuesday, and the next day, they were sent to seven-day police custody by a Delhi court. On Wednesday, the court had allowed them to meet their lawyer besides granting them a copy of the remand order. Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur of the Patiala House Courts had on Thursday ordered that Purkayastha and Chakravarty be given the copy of the FIR registered against them. She had allowed their applications, which were opposed by the Delhi Police saying they were premature. Special public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava had said that the accused had to first approach the police commissioner, who would then form a committee regarding the same. Shrivasatava had also cited a Supreme Court judgement saying that the accused had to follow the step-by-step procedure prescribed by the top court. They could not "directly jump before the court", he added. Advocate Arshdeep Singh, representing Purkayastha, had argued that they have the right to obtain the FIR copy. "They have not given us the remand order either," he had told the court. The lawyer had also cited Section 41D of CrPC (right of the arrested person to meet an advocate of their choice during interrogation) and said that it was an absolute right. On Tuesday, in a statement regarding the search, seizure and detentions carried out in connection with the UAPA case registered by the Special Cell, the Delhi Police said that a total of 37 male suspects were questioned at office premises, while nine female suspects were questioned at their respective places of stay. The police said that digital devices, documents, etc., were seized or collected for examination. The Special Cell had registered an FIR in the case on August 17 under different sections of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code against NewsClick. In August, a New York Times investigation had accused NewsClick of being an organisation funded by a network linked with US millionaire Neville Roy Singham, to allegedly promote Chinese propaganda. Colombo, Oct 6 : At least five passengers were killed and about a dozen others injured after a tree fell on their bus in Colombo on Friday. The incident occurred when the bus was parked at a bus stop in the Sri Lankan capital/ According to the police, 17 passengers were rushed to the hospital, but it took nearly an hour to rescue two who were stuck inside the bus that was crushed by the tree. Deputy Director of the Colombo National hospital said that five people out of 17 admitted to hospital died. Due to the continued heavy rain in Sri Lanka since the last two weeks, a number of incidents of falling of trees, landslides and floods have been reported across the island nation. Kolkata, Oct 6 : The body of an MBBS aspirant was recovered from a suitcase hidden at his rented accommodation at New Town in northern outskirts of the city on Friday. On reaching the spot, police found Sazid Hossain's body sealed by a cello-tape. Two persons, including Gautam- the owner of the rented accommodation where the victim used to stay - have been arrested. The second person arrested in this connection is a local restaurant owner, Pappu Singh. Hossain, an original resident of Baishnabnagar in Malda district of West Bengal, started residing at the rented residence to prepare for the NEET examinations. "His parents have complained that their son could not be contacted since October 4. His father contacted his friends but they could not update him about the whereabouts of the victim. His father reached Kolkata and filed a complaint at the local New Town police station. Finally, his body was recovered from a suitcase at the rented room where he used to stay," an investigating official confirmed. The victimas father has also informed the police that on October 4 night, he had received a ransom call from an unknown number. According to police sources, in face of interrogation Gautam, the owner of the accommodation, confessed to the murder in association with the second person arrested in the matter. Gautam confessed that first the victim was offered alcohol and when he became intoxicated he was strangulated. The arrested duo will be presented at a lower court on Friday afternoon and the public prosecutor will seek their police custody. The police, through interrogation of the arrested duo, are trying to identify the motive behind such grievous murder. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6. The youth wing of the "Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia" (ASALA-Y) terrorist organization is threatening new attacks on Jews around the world, Trend reports. The organization carried out a barbaric attack on a synagogue in Yerevan on October 4, declaring that "there will be even more large-scale operations soon. In a statement issued by ASALA, the first attack is called "a successful intimidation operation against the World Jewish Center in Yerevan". "Jews are sworn enemies of the Armenian state and the Armenian people. This is a warning: our successful operation on October 3 in Yerevan is just the beginning. Every rabbi will be in our field of vision," the terrorist organization said in a statement. Moreover, ASALA directly threatens war against Israeli Jews in Europe, America, Canada, Georgia if the Israeli government continues to support Azerbaijan. "No Israeli Jew will feel safe coming to these countries," the statement said. This is just another blatant instance of anti-Semitism in Armenian society and also displays the lack of tolerance for those who have diverse racial identities and religious convictions. Toronto, Oct 6 : Police have arrested eight Sikh men between 19 to 26 years of age and charged them in connection with possession of loaded, prohibited or restricted firearms in the Canadian city of Brampton. Officers from the Peel Regional Police responded to reports of shots fired in the area of Donald Stewart Road and Brisdale Drive in Brampton at 10.25 p.m. on Monday. "With the assistance of the Tactical Unit, eight individuals were extracted from the residence and arrested, and no one suffered any injuries," police said on Wednesday. A Criminal Code Search Warrant was executed by the officers of Criminal Investigation Bureau, Region of Peel, following which a 9mm Beretta firearm was seized from the residence. Those arrested include, Rajanpreet Singh, 21, who has been charged with the possession of a loaded, prohibited or restricted firearm, and careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition. Jagdeep Singh (22), Ekamjot Randhawa (19), Manjinder Singh (26), Harpreet Singh (23), Ripanjot Singh (22), Japandeep Singh (22), Lovepreet Singh (26) -- all from Brampton -- have been charged with has been charged with possession of a "Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm". All of them have been held for a bail hearing and attended the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. According to local media reports, they are a part of a drugs and illegal weapons cartel. The largest Sikh populations in Canada are found in Ontario, followed by British Columbia and Alberta provinces. According to the 2021 census, more than half of Canada's Sikhs can be found in one of four cities: Brampton (163,260), Surrey (154,415), Calgary (49,465), and Edmonton (41,385). The arrests come in the wake of a diplomatic spat between India and Canada over the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar this year in British Columbia. --IANS mi/ksk Surat, Oct 6 : A 26-year-old man collapsed and died while practicing garba at a community hall in Surat. Raj Modi, resident of Palanpur village, was practicing traditional Garba dance at the community hall of the Surat Municipal Corporation in the city on Wednesday when he abruptly complained of severe chest pain and collapsed while seated on a chair, police said. His friends rushed him to a nearby private hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Preliminary findings of the post-mortem examination suggested that he may have suffered a heart attack. After getting information about the incident, the police arrived at the hospital to gather vital information. A doctor who was part of the autopsy team revealed that, based on initial observations, a heart attack is suspected as the primary cause of death. "We have taken additional precautions by sending specific samples to the FSL office for in-depth testing," he confirmed. The body was transferred to the New Civil Hospital for a comprehensive post-mortem examination, which was conducted the following day. In a bid to further corroborate their findings, samples were diligently dispatched to the forensic laboratory for detailed analysis. Raj Modi, the only child of his parents who had recently completed his Mechanical Engineering degree in Surat, was employed at a car showroom's service station. He had plans to pursue further studies in London, scheduled for December. Largest wildfire of 2021 in Spain still active. Image Source: IANS News Madrid, Oct 6 : Around 3,000 people have been evacuated from their homes on the Spanish island of Tenerife due to a raging wildfire, the Canary Islands' regional government said. Unseasonal hot weather plus strong winds has reignited a wildfire that originally began on August 15, reports Xinhua news agency. The blaze has already burned around 12,273 hectares of land, in the worst wildfire ever to hit the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located off the north-west coast of Africa. Around 12,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in and around Santa Ursula and La Orotava in the north-east of the island. The fire was brought under control by firefighters on September 11, but had not been fully extinguished. Temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius (well above average for October), coupled with strong winds in recent days, reignited the embers on Wednesday. Subsequently, the government's Civil Protection Emergency Wildfire Plan declared a 'Level 2' emergency and ordered the evacuations late Thursday. Around 120 firefighters are currently battling the flames, which have so far consumed a further 30 hectares of terrain. Shopian, Oct 6 : Apple orchard owners of Shopian district in Kashmir division have been dealing with the after-effects of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner (ALBM) for the last two years. The disease has been a major blot on the income generated by apple growers here. Take the case of Shabir Ahmad Dar (45), who is forced to spend more on insecticides now. "The ALBM has had a direct impact on the quantity and quality of apples produced in my 16 kanals of land," Shabir from Durapora village in Shopian district told 101Reporters. "Earlier, I invested around Rs 2 lakh annually on chemical sprays to control pests and diseases in my orchard. I am forced to spend another Rs 30,000 now, as only multiple spraying of specific insecticides can act on ALBM," he detailed. Riyaz Ahmad Naik (50) from the same village faces similar challenges. He used to spend Rs 1.90 lakh on chemical sprays, which has now increased to 2 lakh. "I apply three sprays a month - two involving pesticides and another insecticide. The frequency of sprays is adjusted based on weather conditions, especially when there is a threat of bad weather or rainfall. Missing a spray during critical stages can have an adverse effect on the orchards, including spread of diseases such as Apple scab, Alternaria blotch and the deadly ALBM," he detailed. Aaqib Rashid Dar (28) from Chitragam said he was applying four different insecticides to combat ALBM in his 16-kanal plot. Before ALBM, he was spending Rs 1 lakh on pesticides and insecticides. Now he spends Rs 30,000 on insecticides alone. "The Horticulture Department gave us assurances that we can effectively manage and eliminate the pest by following their recommended spray schedule. However, the current fruit harvest season is far from ideal. Our orchards are heavily infested with the pest," Aaqib said. What is ALBM? The ALBM is caused by leaf miners, which belong to a family of small flies. The leaf miner pest undergoes four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult, thus completing its lifecycle in 25 to 30 days. The tiny, oval-shaped translucent eggs measuring just 0.24 mm in size are typically found on the underside (abaxial surface) of the leaves. Once these eggs hatch, the larvae begin to feed on the leaf's mesophyll tissues, resulting in the formation of distinctive mines or blotches. This feeding process can lead to necrosis, ultimately impacting the photosynthesis of the affected leaves. In addition, infestation may cause premature leaf loss, further reducing the crop's photosynthetic rate, which can have a negative effect on the overall yield. The trees affected by ALBM produces small apples and they are not as shiny as the fruit normally is. The pest has affected apple trees, irrespective of their variety. Notably, ALBM infestations tend to be more severe during the summer months. "The presence of leaf miner traces was initially identified in the autumn of 2020 in the Kashmir Valley. However, it was only in 2021 that the pest infestation was fully understood and officially reported, particularly in Zainapora area of Shopian district," Dr Malik Mukhtar, Entomologist, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), told 101Reporters. When the larvae damage the chlorophyll-containing cells in the leaf, the plant's capacity to produce energy from sunlight is compromised. "Severe infestations can result in defoliation, where the entire leaf is covered with blotches or tunnels," Mukhtar added. Pest alert report from ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, said the extent of damage due to ALBM in South Kashmir could vary widely, with leaf defoliation ranging from 13 per cent to a staggering 100 per cent in some cases.The estimated reduction in apple production due to ALBM is projected to be between 20 per cent and 50 per cent, depending on the level of defoliation observed in the fields. Between July 31 and August 3, a team of scientists from ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources and SKUAST-K held a survey on a combined cultivated area of 74,548 hectares affected by ALBM in Shopian, Anantnag, Pulwama and Anantnag districts. As prescribed by the Horticulture Department, insecticides containing Thiamethoxam, Lambda-cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid are widely adopted against the disease. However, apple orchard farmers felt that reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides has negatively affected the fruit quality and their health. Mohammad Shafi (38) of Durapora said the newly introduced insecticides have not been as effective as claimed. They had increased input costs and harmed the quality and size of the fruit. "Prior to ALBM, we used to spray seven to eight fungicides and one insecticide. Now we need 13 fungicides and four insecticides," says Mir Mohammad Aasif (30) of Safanagri in Shopian district, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. "The added expenses strain our budgets and affect our profitability," said Tariq Ahmad Sheikh, who owns 20 kanals of apple orchards at Hom Shali Bugh in Kulgam district. He claimed that over 70% of the orchards in his village have been affected. Health, environmental impacts A research paper presented at the Fourth International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research at Osmania University Campus, Hyderabad, noted that farmers in Shopian district used insecticides frequently, with 58 per cent of respondents indicating their use. Following closely behind were fungicides (22 per cent), herbicides (10 per cent), rodenticides (5 per cent), nematicides (3 per cent) and molluscicides (2 per cent). Regarding storage of pesticides, the majority of the respondents reported using storerooms as their primary storage location (50 per cent), followed by cowsheds (26 per cent). In addition, 26.4 per cent farmers said they felt headache during pesticide spraying. This was followed by nausea/vomiting (22.4 per cent), burning/itching eyes (9.8 per cent), fatigue (7 per cent), cough (5.2 per cent), running/burning nose (4.6 per cent), muscle cramps (3 per cent), diarrhoea/stomach pain (3.6 per cent) and salivation (1.6 per cent). Strangely, 16.4 per cent farmers reported no symptoms.. Regarding the protective measures taken during pesticide application, 27 per cent covered their nose and mouth, 25.2 per cent washed hands after spraying, 6.2 per cent covered their entire body, and the majority, at 37.4 per cent, did not use any protective measure. When asked about the recommended course of action in case someone fell ill after pesticide exposure, 72 per cent of farmers expressed a preference for consulting a doctor. Sharing his experience, Abid Hassan Beigh from Kulgam's Banimullah village told 101Reporters that he felt discomfort for nearly 24 hours post-spraying. "After spraying the insecticide containing Lambda-cyhalothrin and Thiamethoxam, I felt burning and itching in eyes, and burning sensation on the skin exposed to the insecticide. I felt relief after applying a cream," Beigh said. Mohammad Ishaq Wagay from Awaneera in Shopian district said he experienced persistent itching and a burning sensation on skin for approximately two days. Despite taking the medicines prescribed by the doctor, he felt relief only after a few days. A report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency regarding the impacts of common insecticide on the environment has highlighted the potential ecological effects of three types of insecticide: Organophosphates, Pyrethroids (Cypermethrin, Lambda, Cyhalothrin), and Carbamates. These effects primarily involve mortality or developmental impacts on aquatic insects, the high toxicity of Pyrethroids to fish, and the occurrence of catastrophic and mass drift of aquatic insects. Dr Suhaib A Bandh, Assistant Professor in Environmental Science at the Government Degree College in DH Pora, Kulgam, emphasised that research has shown that virtually no insecticide exclusively targets the intended organisms; instead, they have broad-ranging effects on various organisms, including aquatic, terrestrial, and even human health. Sami Ullah Bhat, another assistant professor on the same subject at the University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, discussed the concerning issue of persistent pesticides and insecticides in the food chain and food web. "These chemicals have a tendency to accumulate over time, creating hormonal disruptions in humans. As humans are positioned at the top of the carnivore level in the food web, they can be particularly affected, leading to enzyme interference and potential health issues," he detailed, while mentioning that there was a lack of data regarding such accumulations. SKUAST-K advisory An assistant professor of Entomology at SKUAST-K told 101Reporters on condition of anonymity that they have been advising cultivators to integrate practices such as monitoring orchards, observing pest infestation regularly and adopting biological control measures such as traps for pest management. "The repeated and prolonged application of the same broad-spectrum insecticides can lead to the development of resistance in plants over time," he added. Horticulture experts claimed that the SKUAST-K and Horticulture Department, Kashmir, have developed an effective spray schedule, which has provided better crop outcomes than previous year to the orchardists who adhered to it. Mukhtar said SKUAST-K has introduced certain effective insecticides, in response to high infestation levels in specific areas of the Valley. "Spraying in the month of May is crucial to target the first generation of leaf miners. However, insecticides should be applied carefully and in accordance with the recommended guidelines. Using the right amount at the right time and targeting only the affected areas are crucial aspects of judicious application," he reminded. Many growers said the advisory posed a challenge as it was time-consuming and hectic to follow. "It includes various criteria such as orchid monitoring, observing infections caused by leaf miner pests and deploying traps in orchids. These tasks are demanding and not feasible for all growers," they maintained. (Aaqib Naik is a Kashmir-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.) Kolkata, Oct 6 : The principal of reputed Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College here on Friday approached Calcutta High Court against its earlier order directing her removal from the chair. On Thursday, Calcutta High Courtas single-judge bench of Justice Abhijit Gandopadhyay directed the removal of Sunanda Goenka as the principal of the said law college and ordered closure of her room till further orders. Justice Gangopadhyay also ordered removal of another teacher of the same college. He directed the removal following charges that their appointments were not made as per provisions of the University Grants Commission. Both Goenka and Kundu have been directed by the bench not to enter the college premises till further orders. However, on Friday, Goenka approached the Calcutta High Courtas division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Uday Kumar against the single-judge bench order. Meanwhile, the court-appointed officer sealed the room of the principal this morning. On Thursday, the single-judge bench also ordered Trinamool Congress legislator and former Chairman of West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE), Manik Bhattacharya, to return the entire salary he once drew as the erstwhile principal of Chandra Chaudhuri Law College. The charges against Bhattacharya were also the same that he assumed the chair of the principal of the said law-college by violating the UGC norms. Bhattacharya is currently serving judicial custody at a prison in Kolkata for his alleged involvement in the multi-crore cash for school jobs case in West Bengal. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The BJP's women workers on Friday staged a 'jan andolan' protest at several locations here against the Arvind Kejriwal-led government over the alleged liquor scam case, in which party MP Sanjay Singh has been arrested. The BJP workers staged the protests for three hours between 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 50 traffic intersections of the city. Speaking to IANS, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, who participated in the protest at the ITO intersection said, "Today our BJP sisters staged a protest against the excise policy of the Arvind Kejriwal government. Our protest against the liquor policy has been going on for the last one and half years and we believe that Kejriwal is the main kingpin of the liquor scam." Sachdeva said that if this was not true, then he should tell the people of the national capital why he scrapped the new excise policy. On Thursday, several senior BJP leaders also held a protest at Rajghat seeking resignation of Kejriwal. The ED had arrested AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in connection with its probe into the alleged excise policy case. He was sent to ED custody for five days till October 10 on Thursday by a Delhi court. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Friday said that he would soon be constituting a seven-judge bench to address the money bill issue. While replying to Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, the CJI said that he was listing all pending seven-judge matters and nine-judge matters for directions next week. Appearing before the 3-judge bench comprising the CJI, Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, the Senior Advocate drew their attention to the matter of the money bills and said that a seven-judge bench was to be constituted. "This is about the money bills. The specific challenge is to the PMLA," Guruswamy said. According to Article 110 of the Indian constitution, a money bill is a bill that has provisions regarding imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax; regulating government borrowings and financial obligations, custody, and flow of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India. The matter of the money bill came into question when the Centre passed the Aadhaar Act in 2016. The Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject a money bill. The Centre introduced the Aadhaar Bill in Parliament as a money bill. It was alleged that since the government lacked a majority in the Rajya Sabha it introduced the Bill as a money bill to circumvent the Upper House of Parliament. The amendments made to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) were introduced as money bills. The apex court has earlier upheld the constitutional validity of the PMLA, but it is yet to decide whether the amendments to the PMLA can be passed as a money bill. The seven-judge constitutional bench will address this question. Beijing's stockpile of nuclear warheads has nearly doubled since 2020: Pentagon. Image Source: IANS News Washington, Oct 6 : The US military shot down an armed Turkish drone as it came in proximity to American forces in Syria, the Department of Defense said. Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a press briefing that commanders assessed that on Thursday a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew "less than a half kilometer from US forces" based in Syria, reports Xinhua news agency. US. F-16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV "in self-defense" as the drone was deemed "a potential threat", Ryder said, adding that the Pentagon had "no indication that TArkiye was intentionally targeting US forces". Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler to discuss the incident. According to a readout of the phone call provided by Ryder, Austin urged his Turkish counterpart to commit to "de-escalation in northern Syria," stressing "the importance of maintaining strict adherence to de-confliction protocols and communication through established military-to-military channels". "The Secretary acknowledged Turkey's legitimate security concerns and affirmed his commitment to close coordination between the US and Turkey to prevent any risk to US forces," the readout said. The incident marked a rare use of force by the US against one of its allies within the NATO. Adding to the controversy of the shootdown is the fact that Washington not only counts on Ankara to help defeat the Islamic State terrorist group in the Middle East but also relies on TArkiye's approval to bring Sweden into NATO in the wake of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Turkish air force carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militia positions in northern and eastern Syria on Thursday, hitting 24 targets and causing 15 casualties among the Kurdish fighters. Kochi, Oct 6 : Renowned classical dancer Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant will lead a team of performers on a week-long Kerala tour from October 10, presenting her power-packed Bharatanatyam-Kuchipudi production at seven venues from Kannur in the north to down to Kovalam in the south. Excerpts from the trailblazing aTales from the Bull and the Tigera will be staged by ten dancers, bringing to life Ganesha Skanda Devi Parvati and Bhagawan Shiva through poetry, music and philosophy in Sanskrit and Tamil. The final show in the series, at the prestigious Soorya Festival in the state capital, will feature the full 77 minute version with 23 artistes. The experimental production, which retells the stories of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as told by the godly coupleas vahanas Nandi and Simha, has been acclaimed for its riveting choreography backed by precision and aesthetics. Choreographed by the Hyderabad-based danseuse herself, aTales from the Bull and the Tigera has its musical soundscape composed by Sathiraju Venumadhav, and I.V. Renukaprasad, digital design by young creative artist Gunjan Ashtaputre and voice by Jayant Dwarkanath. Padma Shri Dr Ananda, who is the Artistic Director of 1979-founded Shankarananda Kalakshetra in the Telangana capital, is an alumnus of Chennaias Kalakshetra and a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar (2009). Having served Railways as an IRTS officer, her penchant for harnessing technology for the arts led Ananda to create Natyarambha as a first-of-its-kind Bharanatyam practice app. The 2017 launched facility has users from students and gurus across the world. More recently, Ananda came up with cutting-edge digital product named Kutty Kahani. A video-embedded e-book that brings Indic stories by and for children through the prism of art, it caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed the unique venture in his Mann ki Baat radio broadcast on June 18. A sought-after TED speaker who actively engages with young India on a wide range of topics, Ananda gives motivational talks at corporate houses, leadership programs, hospitals, universities and schools. Oslo, Oct 6 : The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize was on Friday awarded to jailed human rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi "for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all". In its announcement, the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo said that this yearas peace prize "also recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against Iranas theocratic regimeas policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women". "The motto adopted by the demonstrators a" 'Woman a" Life a" Freedom' a" suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi," it added. The 51-year-old Mohammadi, who is currently in prison and is also the deputy head of the Defenders of Human Rights Center founded by fellow Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, has been arrested 13 times previously, convicted five times and sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Her activism against the death penalty led to her re-arrest in 2015, and to a sentence of additional years behind walls. Last yearas wave of protests In Iran became known to the political prisoners held inside the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. "From captivity, Mohammadi has helped to ensure that the protests have not ebbed out," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said. In September 2022, Mahsa Jina Amini was killed in Iranian morality policeas custody, triggering political demonstrations against Iranas regime. The names of this year's nominees were kept a secret, but more than 350 people and groups were said to be in the running. Last year, the prize was jointly conferred to Russian human rights group Memorial, Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties and jailed Belarusian rights advocate Ales Bialiatski for the "promotion of peace" on the backdrop of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to 110 individuals and 30 organisations. Past winners include Afghan campaigner Malala Yousafzai and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Some organisations have been given the award several times. The International Committee of the Red Cross has won it three times, while the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees was conferred twice. Horsehair marquetry and engraving weave a unique and precious equestrian face-off Framed by white gold, a pair of noble steeds sculpted in braided horsehair and engraved in rose gold highlight the union between Hermes style and expertise. Like yin and yang, the majestic horses in contrasting shades are revealed in the slender setting of the 45 mm round case, enhanced by protruding lugs. Created in 2015 by Philippe Delhotal, the Slim dHermes expresses the ver yessence of Hermes: a singularity composed of rigorous discipline and a fine balance. Its sleek lines that are both modern and timeless highlight the remarkable handcrafted creations evoking the light-hearted, playful imagination typical of Hermes. Slim D'Hermes Pocket Masan Masan Hermes The cover and dial of this one-of-akind pocket watch reinterpret the Masan & Masan silk scarf motif by Thai designer Terawat Teankaprasith. The ancestral art of horsehair weaving masan meaning braided horse in Thai consists in collecting the prolific water hyacinth, drying it in the sun, then weaving it by hand to create objects such as baskets, hats, and or animal figurines. Inspired by this oriental basket-making technique, the Slim dHermes Masan Masan combines engraving and horsehair marquetry in a subtle interpretation of the equestrian world cherished by Hermes. To create the weave on the cover and dial, the craftsman meticulously selects different shades of horsehair, cuts them and then glues them one by one, patiently composing the motif. Subtly combining brilliance and contrast, the engraver brings the second horse profile to life, forming reliefs and depths in gold created using traditional burins and chisels. Slim D'Hermes Pocket Masan Masan Hermes An expression of Hermes expertise both in watchmaking and in leather craftsmanship, this elegant and singular watch is powered by an ultra-thin Manufacture H1950 mechanical self-winding movement, fitted with a alligator cord strap highlighting its golden tones. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi Police's Special Cell in its FIR has alleged that NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, American Businessman Neville Roy Singham, historian Vijay Parshad and others actively propagated false narratives to discredit the efforts of the Indian Government to contain Covid-19 pandemic. "Moreover, they have acted against the national interest by promoting a misleading and false narrative about the domestic pharmaceutical industry and the policies and development initiatives of the democratically elected Indian government in cohorts with the Anti-National forces," read the FIR, accessed by IANS. The FIR further stated that it is learnt that Purkayastha conspired with a group namely People's Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to sabotage the electoral process during 2019 general elections. "The key individuals of this group who were involved in this conspiracy are Battini Rao (Convenor, PADS), Dilip Simeon, Deepak Dhoulakia, Harsh Kapoor, Jamal Kidwai, Kiran Shaheen, Sanjay Kumar, Asit Das, etc," the FIR read. A Delhi court on Wednesday sent NewsClick founder and editor Prabir Purkayastha, and HR head Amit Chakravarty to seven-day police custody under anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. On August 17, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police registered a case alleging that foreign funds amounting to crores of rupees had been illegally funneled into India by both Indian and foreign entities with the intent to disrupt India's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. The case has reportedly been registered under various Sections 13 (unlawful activities), 16 (Terrorist Act), section 17 (raising funds for terrorist acts), section 18 (Conspiracy) and section 22 C (Offences by Companies) of the UAPA and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. Canberra, Oct 6 : The bright green-coloured critically endangered Swift Parrot was announced as the winner of the 2023 Australian Bird of the Year on Friday after winning more than 11,000 votes in a biennial poll. First initiated by bird conservation group BirdLife Australia and media outlet Guardian Australia in 2017, the fourth edition of the poll kicked off on September 25 with a line-up of 50 Australian native birds, while the bottom five species were eliminated at the end of each weekday, reports Xinhua news agency. In Thursday's final count where all votes from earlier rounds were discarded, Swift Parrot edged past Tawny Frogmouth with a narrow 441-vote lead, and the latter finished as runner-up for 3rd time in a row. Gang-gang Cockatoo secured the third place with 7,192 votes. Swift Parrot, also known as Lathamus discolor, is a small, fast-flying, migratory bird that can be found in south-eastern Australia. It is bright green with patches of red on the throat, chin, face and forehead. The native species normally breeds in Australia's island state of Tasmania during spring and summer and then migrates to the mainland for winter. The KCP Ltd to hand over Integrated Air Drop Test-Crew Module Structure to ISRO. Image Source: IANS News Chennai, Oct 6 : Engineering major The KCP Ltd will hand over the first of the two Integrated Air Drop Test -- Crew Module Structure (IADT-CM) fabricated by it to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the country's human space flight mission called Gaganyaan, said senior officials. They also said the company is planning to set up a precision machining unit and looking at the bigger diameter rocket motor casing and also the inter-stage and tank structure fabrication for ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The first IADT-CM weighing 3,120 kg and measuring 3.1 diameter and 2.6 meter height will be handed over to ISRO on Saturday and the second one will be supplied in March 2024, said V.L.Indira Dutt, Chairperson and Managing Director. Structure realisation involves critical forming, precision machining, and stringent assembly required of both aluminum and high strength steel, said K.Viswanathan, Assistant General Manager (PPC), Head, DNA Business. Viswanathan said the Indian space agency will fix major subsystems like parachute system, pyros, avionics, and buoyancy augmentation system to IADT. "IADT will be performed using an Indian Air Force helicopter by taking the crew module structure to an altitude of 3.6 to 4 km to validate the deceleration system (parachute and pyro's) performance," Viswanathan said. According to M. Narayanarao, President-Heavy Engineering, each IDAT-CM would fetch the company a revenue of about Rs one crore with the steel supplied by ISRO. Narayanarao said the company has also supplied major items for ISRO's second launch pad -- mobile launch pedestal and others -- and over the past three decades have supplied the Indian space agency flight hardware for rockets like motor cases, nozzle divergent and inter stage structures. Apart from ISRO, the city based The KCP has supplied structures for private rocket maker Agnikul Cosmos. The company apart from fabricating heavy engineering structures also makes cement and sugar in Vietnam under KCP Vietnam Industries Ltd. According to V.Kavitha Dutt, Joint Managing Director, the group is lookingat diversification in Vietnam. Meanwhile at the bourses, The KCP's scrip went up to change hands at about Rs133 after opening at Rs 128.10 on Friday. New Delhi, Oct 6 : PC and printer major HP has launched a new software platform called "AI Studio", designed to help data scientists and AI practitioners and a moveable 23.8-inch all-in-one PC designed for a hybrid lifestyle. Along with this, the company unveiled more than 20 new devices and services. HP introduced a new AI workstation solution that simplifies building and customising private AI models and applications. The company is also collaborating with chip maker Nvidia to be the first to offer dedicated workstation solutions with its AI Enterprise software platform to the market in the coming months. "The AI-enabled services we are unveiling at HP Imagine allow people to better collaborate, manage and protect their devices. Our vision is to build the worldas most comprehensive collection of employee productivity solutions to create lifelong relationships with our customers," Dave Shull, President of Workforce Solutions, said in a statement. Moreover, the company also unveiled the 3-in-1 17-inch foldable PC -- the HP Spectre Fold. Initially announced in September for the US and UK markets, the device will soon be available in an additional 11 countries (Australia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). HP unveiled a new conference room-as-a-service subscription model that extracts insights to help customers optimise usage and create outstanding in-office video conferencing experiences. In addition, the company announced its first-ever PC refurbishment programme to help drive the circular economy and extend the life of devices. For printing needs, HP unveiled the DeskJet All-in-One Printer series made with up to 60 per cent recycled plastic and available with Instant Ink, the worldas first smart ink delivery service. "HP Imagine marks the culmination of an incredible year for innovation in our printing business -- from our new consumer lineup of Smart Tank printers and modern inkjet printers to Instant Ink for SMBs, and a new office portfolio powered by our sustainable ink and toner technology," said Tuan Tran, President of Imaging and Printing Solutions. Baseer Ali spends time with fans on sets of 'Kundali Bhagya': 'Their warmth inspires me every day'. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Oct 6 : Actor Baseer Ali, who is currently seen as Shaurya in the show 'Kundali Bhagya', recently displayed his deep appreciation for the fans who took out time to visit him on the set, calling them their biggest motivation. 'Kundali Bhagya' features Shraddha Arya (as Preeta), Shakti Anand (as Karan), Manit Joura (as Rishabh), Anjum Fakih (as Shrishti), Paras Kalnawat (as Rajveer), Sana Sayyad (as Palki) and Baseer (as Shaurya). This family drama explores and brings to life a whole range of emotions as well as the deepest intricacies of human relationships. Despite a demanding shooting routine, Baseer spent quality time with his admirers on set, leaving a lasting impact with his warmth and dedication. Thatas not it, Baseer being an affable host, greeted each fan with a smile and took the time to interact with them individually. The actor patiently listened to their stories, accepted their tokens of love, and even posed for countless selfies. The fans were ecstatic, and their faces lit up with joy as they captured these precious moments with the talented actor. Talking about the same, Baseer said: "My fans are my biggest motivation. I owe my journey in 'Kundali Bhagya' and everything I am today to my incredible fans' unwavering support and love. Although the day was really packed for me, connecting with them was the priority for me that day because it is not every day they take time to meet us." "So, being an actor it was my responsibility to meet them, after all, it's their warmth and dedication that inspires me every day. Meeting them in person, listening to their stories, and sharing those precious moments filled me with immense gratitude," he shared. "The energy and love they brought to the set is truly incredible, I cherish each one of them because they are the reason behind my success and the joy in my journey," added Baseer. In the recent episodes, viewers witnessed how family members enthusiastically participated in the festivities, where Rajveer and Shaurya were seen engaging in a friendly competition as they attempted to break aDahi Handia. However, in the upcoming episodes, Shaurya will be seen planning something evil against Rajveer, which will lead to Preeta coming into the Luthra house. 'Kundali Bhagya' airs on Zee TV. Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 : A man in Odisha's Keonjhar district surrendered before the police on Friday after he killed his sister. According to the police, the accused, Prasanna Barik worked with a private company and used to distribute his monthly salary between his wife and unmarried sister, Malati. Recently Prasanna was diagnosed with jaundice and some other diseases so he asked for some money from his wife for the treatment expenses. Prasannaas wife, who had gone to her maternal house, asked him to take the money from his sister, the police. On Friday morning, Prasanna and Malati engaged in a heated argument after she refused to give him the money. Enraged at this Prasanna shot dead his sister with his licence gun. A relative said that he called some nearby residents and told them of the incident. Malati was immediately rushed to District Headquarter Hospital, Keonjhar where the doctors declared her brought dead. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday once again accused the BJP of not only filing false and fabricated cases against the opposition leaders but also unleashing the central agencies on the businessmen. Slamming the Centre over the arrest of Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, the AAP convener termed the liquor scam "completely false" saying they don't have even an iota of evidence, and everything is baseless. Interacting with the media at the Ghazipur landfill site, Kejriwal said, "They probed us so much, did anything come out? Did you hear what the Supreme Court said yesterday (on Thursday), the entire liquor scam is false, not even a penny was exchanged." He said that the judge kept asking for evidence but they had none. "In a few days, the liquor scam would shut and they would come up with something else. All they want is to keep people tangled in agencies and investigations. They themselves will neither work nor let anyone else work," the AAP national convenor alleged. He also said that the entire country is watching how by registering false cases against the opposition leaders they are trying to instill fear in them and to bring them into the BJP fold. "This is not good for democracy. Not just politicians but also businessmen are being targetted. In the last five years about 12 to 13 lakh high net worth individuals, who made huge investments and gave employment to people have left India and have taken citizenship of other countries," Kejriwal claimed. Chief Minister Kejriwal said that they had also sent ED, IT and the CBI behind them. "They have created an atmosphere in the country not only in politics but also in business. Such an atmosphere of fear is not good for the progress of the country. We want to compete with China, but how we will compete with them as industries are running in every home. When you are not allowing big industries to run and they are shutting and they have left agencies behind them. If we keep on playing agency games then how will the country progress? We have to take the steps due to which industries, business make progress and then only the country will move forward," the Chief Minister added. Asked about the AAP speaking in favour of Rahul Gandhi when he was disqualified as a Lok Sabha MP while the Congress has condemned the arrest with some riders, Kejriwal said, "It does not matter if they support or don't." Several AAP leaders are facing the ED and the CBI heat in the liquor scam case. The ED arrested AAP Rajya Sabha MP Singh on Wednesday after day-long searches at his residence. He was sent to five days of ED custody by a Delhi court on Thursday. Singh is the second high profile party leader to be arrested after former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia. HAMA, Aug. 3, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Syrian military personnel observe the situation in the northern countryside of the central province of Hama, Syria, Aug. 2, 2019. The cease-fire that went into force on Thursday night in Syria's northwestern province of. Image Source: IANS News Ankara, Oct 6 : The Turkish Defence Ministry on Friday said that its forcesresponded to an "attack" by the Syrian Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG) and killed 26 Kurdish militants. Ankara's retaliation came after the YPG launched an "attack" on the Dabiq Base area in the Euphrates Shield Operation zone of the Turkish military in northern Syria late Thursday, Xinhua news agency quoted a Ministry statement as saying. Turkish warplanes also launched airstrikes against the YPG and hit 30 targets in the Tal Rifaat, Jazira and Derik regions on Thursday night, according to the Ministry. Early on Thursday, the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) hit the weapons and ammunition warehouses of the YPG with armed drones, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported. The tensions between the Syrian Kurdish group and Turkish forces in the war-torn nation have escalated following a suicide bombing in Ankara on Sunday. The outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack that occurred in front of the Turkish Interior Ministry, in which one assailant blew himself up and another was killed in a shootout with police. Two police officers were injured in the attack. In another development, Turkish police on Friday detained 75 suspected members of the PKK across 11 provinces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said. On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that all the PKK and the YPG infrastructure and energy facilities in Syria and Iraq were now "legitimate targets" for the Turkish military. The Turkish army has conducted three air operations against the PKK targets in northern Iraq since Sunday. The Turkish army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016, Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019, and Operation Spring Shield in 2020 in northern Syria in order to create a YPG-free zone along its border within the neighbouring country. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Ankara government for more than three decades. Turkey sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the PKK. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Supreme Court on Friday was told that websites of various state governments did not contain details of nodal officers appointed in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the apex court to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching. "We have passed an order. Let the Attorney General be here," said a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and S.V.N. Bhatti, while again directing the Union government and all the states to ensure filing of compliance affidavits in the matter. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that he was "surprised" to find that websites of the state governments did not have details relating to nodal officers. Gonsalves sought directions that the state governments should upload all data on their website for access to the general public. In the last hearing, the bench sought a status report from all state governments giving year-wise data from 2018 with regard to the number of complaints received, FIRs registered, and the charge sheets filed in mob violence cases. Also, it asked the Union Home Ministry to file a report after convening a meeting of the Heads of Departments of all the state governments. However, senior advocate Sanjay Hegde submitted that the Union government did not file the report containing preventive and remedial measures to curb the menace of hate speech. Due to non-availability of Attorney General R. Venkataramani, the top court adjourned the matter for further hearing in the week commencing from November 20 on a non-miscellaneous day. In its 2018 judgment in Tehseen S. Poonawalla case, the Supreme Court had directed designation of nodal officer in each district for taking measures to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching. "The Director General of Police/the Secretary, Home Department of the concerned states shall take regular review meetings (at least once a quarter) with all the Nodal Officers and State Police Intelligence heads," it had ordered. DCP, SPs will be held responsible for crimes in their jurisdiction: Siddaramaiah. Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, Oct 6 : Former BJP Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary has stirred a controversy by saying that Hindus are "unsafe" under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka. Talking to mediapersons in Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, MLC Poojary said that the fact-finding committee of BJP on Thursday visited Shivamogga city which witnessed violence during the Eid-e-Milad procession. "The Hindus are pleading that they should be allowed to lead their lives. They also said that the children whom they taught pelted stones on their houses. The situation, that was created for Kashmiri Pandits to leave the Valley, is being faced by the Hindus in the Ragigudda area of Shivamogga," he alleged. "The Congress government has created an atmosphere in which the state is not safe for Hindus. The tragedy is a senior minister giving a statement that Hindus came in disguise to create violence," Poojary added. District in-charge minister for Shivamogga Madhu Bangarappa recently said if Trishul (trident) can be flaunted what's wrong with flashing talwars? Reacting to it, Poojary said: "Let him show any image of Hindus flaunting Trishul during the Ganesh festival." "After assessment of the losses, the district administration put it at Rs 75,000. About six to seven cars were damaged, glass of the houses was broken which amounts to lakhs. By projecting the losses to Rs 75,000, the government is trying to show that it is a minor incident. The state is not safe for Hindus under Congress," Poojary reiterated. "The people of Ragigudda, where the violence took place are still tearful. The Chief Minister has not uttered a single word on compensation," Poojary said. The Congress government is not letting the DC and SPs function. "We condemn the move of the government. We expected the Home Minister to visit the violence-hit areas. But, it seems he is not in the state. It is a painful matter that CM Siddaramaiah's rule had turned out in this fashion," he said. New York City Police and law enforcement officials lead subway shooting suspect Frank James, center, away from a police station in New York on April 13, 2022. James, who sprayed a New York City subway car with bullets, wounding 10 people and sparking a citywide manhunt, was sentenced Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, to life in prison. (Seth Wenig/AP) NEW YORK A man who sprayed a New York City subway car with bullets during rush hour, wounding 10 people and sparking a citywide manhunt, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison after several of his victims tearfully and angrily recounted their ongoing trauma. Frank James, 64, pleaded guilty earlier this year to terrorism charges in the April 12, 2022, mass shooting aboard a Manhattan-bound train. He received a life sentence on 10 counts and 10 years for an 11th count for discharging a firearm during an act of violence. Advertisement Three of his victims spoke in court of the physical and emotional pain they continue to experience more than a year after the bloody attack in a packed subway car. I have not been able to make sense of it, said a young man identified as B.K. At times his voice cracked as he spoke and his eyes turned glassy from tears. Advertisement Another victim, a 51-year-old man identified as L.C., told the court he had post traumatic stress disorder and thoughts of suicide. L.C., who said he worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority at the time of the shooting, bought an e-bike to avoid riding trains. When he regained his confidence and returned to the subway, he was forced to relive the horror of the shooting when he saw a man wearing a vest similar to the one James had worn. I immediately thought of you, Frank James, the victim said, his voice booming with anger. Another victim, who later identified himself outside the courthouse as Fatim Gjelosh, 21, began to share his own story with words of forgiveness I dont blame him. He needs help. before breaking into tears and sobs. I cant do this, he said, before walking out of the court. He later returned to hear the judge sentence James. During his own 15-minute address to the court, James expressed contrition for his actions but criticized the countrys mental health system, saying it had failed especially people of color like him. U.S. District Court Judge William Kuntz of Federal District Court was unconvinced, telling James that what he did was pure evil. Prosecutors had asked for the life sentence, saying James spent years carefully planning the shooting in order to inflict maximum damage. Advertisement James attorneys had asked for a reduced sentence of 18 years, saying he didnt intend to kill anyone and citing his mental illness. Disguised as a construction worker on the day of the shooting last year, James waited until the train was between stations, denying his targets a chance to flee. Then he ignited multiple smoke bombs and unleashed a barrage of bullets from a 9 mm handgun at panicked riders in the crowded train car. The attack, carried out as the train pulled into a station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, wounded victims ranging in age from 16 to 60. As emergency responders tended to the victims, James walked calmly out of the subway station and vanished. Authorities searched for him for more than a day. They identified James as a suspect relatively quickly, using a key to a rented moving van left behind on the bloodied subway car. He was eventually arrested in Manhattans East Village after calling a police tip line to turn himself in. The fact that no one was killed by the defendants 32 gunshots can only be described as luck as opposed to the defendants intentional choice, Brooklyn prosecutors wrote in a memo to U.S. District Judge William Kuntz. The attack stunned New Yorkers, heightened anxiety about safety in the transit system and prompted local officials to add additional surveillance cameras and police to the trains. Advertisement Before the shooting, James, who is Black, posted dozens of videos online under the moniker Prophet of Doom, ranting about race, violence, his struggles with mental illness and a host of unnamed forces he claimed were out to get him. In one 2019 video, James alluded to a pending conflict in his hometown, stating that its going to be very interesting what happens in New York with me. By that time, prosecutors allege, James was already in the process of planning the subway shooting. When James pleaded guilty to the terrorism charges earlier this year, he said he only intended to cause serious bodily injury, not death. His attorney, Mia Eisner-Grynberg, suggested that while James may have initially planned to kill people, he changed his mind in the heat of the moment. In a society where, sadly, we learn nearly every day that mass shooters who intend to kill readily achieve their goals, it is far more likely that Mr. James lacked that specific intent than that he simply failed in his mission, Eisner-Grynberg wrote in a sentencing memo. Referencing the defendants abusive childhood in the Bronx and his ongoing struggles with both alcoholism and paranoid schizophrenia, she added, Mr. James is not evil. He is very, very ill. Advertisement Prosecutors, however, said the trajectory of the bullets showed that James aimed at the center mass of riders for maximum lethality. They said James only stopped firing his semi-automatic Glock pistol because the gun jammed. James has been held without bail for the past 17 months at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Russian propagandists have come up with an absurd fake about Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska. Allegedly, the wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made expensive purchases in a New York jewelry store during a visit to the United States in September 2023. As "evidence", the Russian media cited an "image of a receipt" from a branded store in her name. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by StopFake.org. The photo shows the date of September 22, 2023 and the amount of more than a million dollars. According to the propagandists, while the President of Ukraine was addressing the UN General Assembly with an appeal for assistance and weapons supplies, "his wife went shopping in New York boutiques." The story allegedly tells how on September 22, Olena Zelenska was spotted in a Cartier jewelry store on New York's Fifth Avenue. There, the first lady, accompanied by several bodyguards, "bought three pieces of jewelry: a bracelet, earrings, and a pendant." The amount was $1,110,000, as evidenced by a copy of the receipt cited by the Russian media. The details were allegedly reported by a local employee who had a conflict with Olena Zelenska. After a dispute with the guest, the employee was fired. ADVERTISIMENT In their materials, Russian outlets refer to the publication of the Nigerian newspaper The Nation, which was the first to publish information about Zelenska's "purchases" in the United States. However, the receipt from the Cartier in New York turned out to be a fake, as the evidence showed that the president's wife could not have been there at the time in question. The receipt was posted on the social network by a user under the name @gorgeous.bb.jeanette, whose profile is currently closed and does not contain any information. The date of purchase on the receipt is September 22, 2023, but the Zelenskyy couple was no longer in New York that day. ADVERTISIMENT The day before, the First Lady and the President of Ukraine attended official events in Washington, D.C., as evidenced by numerous photographs. At that time, Olena Zelenska was at the White House, where she met with US First Lady Jill Biden. She also attended public events at Georgetown University. ADVERTISIMENT On September 22, the Ukrainian delegation took a direct flight from the American capital to neighboring Canada. The Zelenskys were also on board. This information is confirmed by the data from the monitoring services that monitor the flight of the plane with the Ukrainian delegation. So on September 22, when a check was allegedly written in the name of the first lady at the Cartier boutique, she was not in New York. In addition to the fake page that started it all, there was a video message from the fired employee of the jewelry store. It was posted by the user Marshall Leonard. This is the only video on the account with six followers. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about how Putinist Slava was afraid of "drones" in Vladivostok, on the opposite end of the Russian Federation from Ukraine. Only verified information is available on the Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Ramallah, Oct 6 : A 19-year-old Palestinian was shot dead on Friday by an Israeli settler near the West Bank city of Nablus, according to medical sources and witnesses. Labib al-Damiri was killed in the town of Huwara, south of Nablus, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said in a statement. Damiri was shot during clashes that erupted between Palestinian residents and dozens of Israeli settlers who stormed the village and attacked homes and stores and burnt cars, Xinhua news agency quoted the witnesses as saying. Meanwhile, Israeli media outlets said that the clashes erupted in Huwara after Palestinian "rioters" attacked an Israeli settler's car with stones, and the settler sustained minor injuries. "Israel crossed all red lines by insisting on implementing the policy of killing against the Palestinian people and storming cities and villages," Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson of the Palestinian presidency, said in a press statement. He held the Israeli and US administrations fully responsible for the "crimes" committed by the Israeli army and settlers in the West Bank. On Thursday, the Israeli army killed a Palestinian man who was accused of being responsible for shooting at an Israeli vehicle in Huwara, and two others during clashes in Shufa village near the city of Tulkarm. Vadodara, Oct 6 : Vadodara police on Friday detained 12 individuals, including two women, in connection with the recent turmoil that erupted in Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital here. According to sources, two groups of migrant Muslims indulged in a brawl in the emergency ward of Central Gujarat's largest SSG Hospital. This compelled patients undergoing treatment to hastily vacate their beds, and a video capturing the violence swiftly went viral. The dispute originated when Hussain Kadarmiya Sunni and Javed Sheikh became embroiled in a scuffle over a pouch of tobacco around 11 p.m. on October 3, near Karelibag Kabrastan, the sources said. Subsequently, when they arrived at Sayaji Hospital seeking medical attention for their injuries, the situation escalated from heated verbal exchanges to a physical clash. The altercation transpired just before medical treatment could commence. The arrested suspects have been identified as Hussain Sunni, Javed Sheikh, Usman Sunni, Yunus Sunni, Sikandar Sunni, Hassan Sunni, Pammu Pathan, Nilofar Sunni, Abdul Kadir Qureshi, Asif Abdul Latif Sheikh, Samir Abdul Latif Sheikh, and Ruksar Javed Sheikh. They now face a range of charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code, encompassing 143, 147, 149, 323, 294B, and an additional charge related to the destruction of public property. It has emerged that cross-complaints have been filed at the Karelibaug police station. These complaints involve allegations traded between Javed Sheikh, the proprietor of a chicken shop located in the Hatikhana Gate vicinity, and a well-known history-sheeter, Hussain Sunni. Mumbai, Oct 6 : Actress and judge of 'India's Got Talent' season 10, Shilpa Shetty Kundra was moved to tears by the performance of Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad Malkhamb Group to the soulful melody of 'Bandeya Rey Bandeya', saying it has touched me emotionally. The talent-based reality show has enthralled viewers with diverse acts, performed by some of the countryas finest talent. As the intensity of the competition increases, the contestants will raise the bar in the upcoming aWish Speciala episodes, to secure their place in the show. This weekend will also see the cast of aYaariyan 2a, Divya Khosla Kumar, Meezaan Jafri and Pearl V Puri grace the episode, who will be left amazed after watching the showas spectacular talent showcase. Abujhmad Malkhamb Group will depict their journey from Chhattisgarh to the stage of 'Indiaas Got Talent' in their new act. The Abujhmad Group will also pay a special tribute to Badshah in its classic Mallakhamb style. Shilpa gave them a heartfelt salute, and said, aThis act has touched me emotionally. I am aware of the struggles you all had to endure to make your way to Indiaas Got Talent. Each time you step onto this stage, I wonder what more you can do, and you manage to surprise me every single time." "I am a fan of your spirit; itas genuinely inspiring. Your hunger for success is commendable, to say the least. I know youare willing to go to great lengths to bring honour to Chhattisgarh. The determination you exhibit is something that deeply resonates with me," she shared. Shilpa has humbly urged the audience to cast their votes in their favour. Amazed by their breathtaking performance, Judge Badshah expressed: "Iam at a loss for words after witnessing this performance. Abujhmad Malkhamb Group, youave not just met but exceeded all our expectations." "Iave seen Kirron maaam getting scared by your stunts before, but today, you managed to scare Shilpa Maaam as well. You showed us stars in broad daylight. I wholeheartedly salute your spirit. Your contribution to not just Chhattisgarh but also Indiaas Got Talent is unmatched," he added. Pearl further commended the group and tells host Arjun Bijlani, "Iam envious of you, Arjun, as you get to witness all these outstanding acts live. As Shilpa maaam mentioned, Abujhmad Malkhamb Group, your hunger for making a mark is undeniably admirable." "Both Meezaan and I work out regularly, so we understand the immense leg strength that is required to pull off such Mallakhamb performances. Hats off to you guys," added Pearl. Following the stunning act, Meezaan and Pearl set the temperature soaring with a scintillating performance to the hit track 'Desi Boyz'. 'Indiaas Got Talent' airs on Sony. Singapore, Oct 6 : An Indian-origin construction worker in Singapore has been sentenced to 16 weeks in jail for negligence leading to the death of a fellow worker in a vehicular accident last year, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Friday. Muthukaruppan Suresh was working as a wheel loader operator when the accident took place on April 22, 2022. Arumugam Saravanan, a lifting supervisor, walked across a vehicular access driveway towards a sheltered rest area for his morning break when Suresh struck him with the front left bucket of the wheel loader. "Saravanan fell and was run over by the wheel loader's front and rear left wheels," the MOM stated in a release, adding that the victim was taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries. Investigations showed that Suresh was negligent in his duties as a wheel loader operator, the Ministry was quoted as saying in a Channel News Asia report. "If Suresh had not raised the bucket to a point where his line of vision was obstructed, he would not have collided into the deceased," it said. The sentencing comes after another Indian-origin man, Alagappan Ganesan, was handed 18 weeks in jail in August for his negligence, which led to a co-worker's death. Last month, a 34-year-old Indian national died after being hit by a steel bar at a construction site in Singapore where he worked. There have been at least 19 work-related deaths in Singapore so far in 2023, in comparison to a total of 30 workplace fatalities in the whole of 2020, 37 in 2021 and 46 in 2022. The alarming rise in the number of workplace fatalities was raised in the parliament last month, after a safety period that was put in place from last September to May to curb such accidents, was lifted. Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad said the maximum fine for breaches of certain workplace safety and health laws that could result in death or serious injury will be raised from SG$20,000 to SG$50,000 to further improve deterrence. --IANS mi/ New Delhi, Oct 6 : Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi. Pawar along with party MLA Jitendra Awhad arrived at the residence of Kharge at 10 Rajaji Marg in central Delhi at 2 p.m. and the meeting between the senior leaders lasted for over 30 minutes. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Kharge said, "Today, along with Rahul Gandhi ji, met NCP President Sharad Pawar ji to further raise the voice of the people of the country. We are ready for every challenge. India will join, INDIA will win." He also shared the pictures of the meeting in his post. Even in a tweet, Pawar said, "Paid a courtesy visit to Congress President and MP Malikarjun Kharge at his residence. MP Rahul Gandhi, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad and Gurdeep Sapal, CWC Member were also present for the meeting." According to party sources, the senior leaders discussed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc future strategy. The source said that the leaders also discussed the current political situation and the road ahead for the alliance, which has been formed to take on the ruling BJP at the centre in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The source said that they also discussed plans for the next meeting of the INDIA bloc. Later in the day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) will hear the pleas by the Sharad Pawar faction and Ajit Pawar-led faction of NCP over claims on the party name and symbol. Earlier in July this year, Ajit Pawar had approached the poll panel staking claim to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the party symbol amid a feud between the two factions. Later, the poll panel wrote to both factions of the party acknowledging the split and also directed both to share documents, submitted to the polling body, with each other. Today is the first hearing of the case before ECI. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday thanked the railways for increasing wages of the porters across the country. "It is good to see that the Indian Railways and the government have listened to the voice of my coolie brothers," he said in a post on X. His remarks came after the Northern Railways in an order dated September 26 decided to revise the rates for the porters at several stations across its zones. As per the revised rates, the people have to pay Rs 140 instead of Rs 100 for 40 kg per trip for 20 minutes at A list stations while at the B list stations, the people need to pay Rs 100 for upto 40 kg luggage for 20 minutes, which is an increase of Rs 30 from the existing Rs 70. The rates for carrying luggage by the porters at the railway stations have been revised after a gap of seven years. A ministry official said that several zones have revised the rates for the porters at the railway stations across the country. Rahul Gandhi had visited Anand Vihar railway station on September 21 and also donned their red shirt. While interacting with the porters at the railway station, he listened to their problems. Later, he shared the video in which the porters could be seen demanding wage revision, insurance and pensions. Mumbai, Oct 6 : Actress Barkha Singh is now celebrating one whole year of the success of her 2022 drama film 'Maja Ma' where she acted and danced alongside actress Madhuri Dixit. Reminiscing on the experience, Barkhasaid that the venture was 'a dream come true' for her as she got to collaborate with the veteran actress. Describing her experience, Barkha said: " 'Maja Ma' was one of the greatest shooting experiences of my life. Working with a legend like Madhuri Dixit and sharing screen with her, dancing with her is a dream come true." The actress added: "I am grateful for this opportunity to work with stellar actors like Sheeba Chaddha, Gajraj Rao and Rajit Kapur. What's better it was the first time I got a full- fledged Bollywood song of my own complete with lip syncing and dancers!" The 'Bhaghyalakshmi' actress who played the character of Esha Hansraj had earned great acclaim for her performance from audiences and critics alike. One of the more noteworthy things in 'Maja Ma' was that despite the presence of Madhuri, Esha was not overshadowed and was able to pull of her role with great flair. Concluding her statement, the actress said: "I really enjoyed portraying the character of Esha. It was a challenging one to pull off because the nuances with the diction had to be mastered. I continue to feel the love pouring in even after one year for Esha, which has passed like the blink of an eye." Barkha apart from 'Maja Ma' was also able to earn a name for herself with her work in films such as 'Silence... Can You Hear It?', 'House Arrest', 'Please Find Attached' among others. Kolkata, Oct 6 : Calcutta High Court on Friday dismissed the death penalty for three convicts in the 2013 rape and murder of a college girl at Kamduni in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, and acquitted one of them while sentencing the other two to life. The high courtas division bench of Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta pronounced the verdict. A lower court in Kolkata in January 2016 had convicted three of the six accused, namely Saiful Ali, Ansar Ali and Amin Ali to death. However, on Friday the division bench of Calcutta High Court acquitted Amin Ali of all charges, and changed the punishment for Saiful Ali and Ansar Ali to life imprisonment while dismissing the lower courtas death penalty order for all of them. The other three convicts, namely Imanul Islam, Aminul Islam ad Bholanath Naskar, who were earlier sentenced to life imprisonment by the lower court, were set free on Friday by the division bench of Calcutta High Court as they have already completed ten years behind the bars since the time the investigation process started in the matter. The parents of the victim girl said they will be approaching the Supreme Court against the order of the Calcutta High Court, and will take the help of the lawyer who lead the argument in case of the Nirbhaya rape and murder case in Delhi. To recall, the rape and murder of a 20-year-old college student in June 2013, two years after Trinamool Congress regime came into power in West Bengal after ending the 34-year Left Front rule, had rocked the entire state at that point of time. Even when the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee went to Kamduni at that point of time, the locals had protested and had surrounded her convoy demanding exemplary punishment for the accused. Initially, nine persons were named in the charge sheet by the officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police. However, later three were later acquitted by the lower court, while six others were sentenced. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 : Bishop of Thamarassery attached to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church has constituted a Tribunal with a four-member group of priests to conduct the "trial" against the "accused" Rev Fr Aji Puthiyaparambil for defying the directives of the Church. Puthiyaparambil has been a priest of the Church for the past two decades and courted trouble when he raised issues about some wrong-doings of the higher ups on a few issues. Soon he was suspended by the Church but following support from the laity that the 46-year-old priest was just pointing out some errors of the higher ups, his suspension was revoked. It was then the Bishop of Thamarassery-Remigiose Innchananiyil decided to constitute a Tribunal to conduct the trial against the priest. However, the priest told the media that all he did was to point out some wrongs that the Church was engaged in. "My fear is that if things are going forward like this, what happened to Churches in Europe will befall here too," said Puthiyaparambil. Islamabad, Oct 6 : Pakistan government has started the process of eviction of illegal Afghan nationals from the country, as it starts implementing its recent announcement when it gave a deadline of November 1, 2023 for all illegal immigrants to leave the country or face arrest and deportation. Police authorities have started raiding various Afghan refugee camps and other areas housing Afghan nationals, taking into custody hundreds of families who did not have any legal documentation to prove status of stay in Pakistan. Authorities have also started raising down makeshift Afghan refugee camps in Islamabad and other major cities, leaving no other options for Afghans to gather their belongings and move towards the Torkham border to cross over into Afghanistan. At least 16 trucks carrying a minimum of 20 families had reached the Torkham border on Thursday, while about 40 more families reached there on Friday. "After completion of legal requirements, these families, which comprise about 1,000 people, will be allowed to enter Afghanistan," said an official. "These residents are from an Afghan refugee camp near Margalla Town in Islamabad, which was demolished by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on the instructions of the federal government", the official added. Till now, at least 503 Afghan refugees have been sent to jail as they failed to provide any legal document as proof of their identity status in the country. "At least 1,126 people were checked in various operations. Of them, 623 people were released on presentation of legal identification documents. However, 503 of them were sent to jail for not having the necessary documents", said a police official in Islamabad. "The 503 arrested people were presented before different courts under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act. After October 31, a crackdown will begin against all illegal residents," he added. Pakistan's big decision to crackdown against illegal immigrants has not gone down well with the Afghan Taliban regime, which has termed the decision as "unacceptable". Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid questioned the behaviour of the Pakistan government, raising serious concerns over the expulsion plan of at least 1.7 million of unregistered Afghan immigrants, back to Afghanistan. "The behaviour of Pakistan against Afghan refugees is unacceptable. The Pakistani side should reconsider its plan. Afghan refugees are not involved in Pakistan's security problems. As long as they leave Pakistan voluntarily, that country should tolerate them," said Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid. Sources said that while Afghan Taliban are not happy with Islamabad's decision, there is a mutual consensus between both sides that any Afghan with no legal documents to reside in Pakistan should be sent back to his home country. Experts said that Afghan Taliban have been taken by surprise by the actions Pakistan has taken after seeing no positive response from Kabul over the presence and movements across the border of militants of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). "Pakistan has not been satisfied by the verbal commitments of the Afghan Taliban government as TTP militant infiltration has been attempted and is going on from the Afghan side. And with Pakistan Army in control over the proceedings in the country, expulsion threat of over 1.7 million Afghans in Pakistan, putting a tab on trade movements and items through the Torkham border, single document policy between the two countries and a massive crackdown and nabbing of illegal money laundering through Hawala and Hundi from Pakistan to Afghanistan, have certainly hit the Kabul administration severely," said senior political analyst Kamran Yousaf. 1377 murdered and dead citizens were found in the Kyiv region after the de-occupation. Law enforcement officers have identified 15 mass graves, from which 180 bodies of civilians have been exhumed. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the press service of the Kyiv regional police. Law enforcement officers continue to record facts of war crimes by the occupiers. "After the de-occupation of the region, law enforcement officers of Kyiv region found 1377 killed and deceased citizens. They also identified 15 mass graves, from which 180 bodies of residents were exhumed. The largest number of mass graves is in the Bucha district, making 12, in which 169 people were found," the press service said. The police clarified that about 180 bodies remain unidentified. As a reminder, law enforcement officers have identified military personnel of the Russian aggressor country involved in war crimes. The occupiers, following a criminal order, killed a supermarket security guard in Bucha, Kyiv region. As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, law enforcement officers identified another occupier involved in war crimes. It was the commander of a reconnaissance platoon of the Russian Armed Forces, who ordered the killing of civilians in Kyiv region and was awarded the title of "hero of Russia" for this. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! New Delhi. Oct 6 : The Supreme Court, hearing a batch of petitions against the caste survey by the Bihar government, on Friday said that it cannot stop the state government or any government from taking a decision. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and S.V.N. Bhatti also observed that the matter needs to be heard at length and adjourned the hearing until January next year. It refused to pass any order of stay or status quo to restrain the Bihar government from acting on the data obtained from the caste survey. "We cannot stop state government or any government from taking a decision," Justice Khanna remarked. The bench was hearing pleas by NGOs Youth for Equality and Ek Soch Ek Prayas challenging the Patna High Court's August decision upholding the Bihar government's decision to undertake a caste-based survey. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh representing the petition in the court raised the issue of data from the survey being published earlier this week and said the state government have preempted the court, even as the matter was sub-judice. Singh further argued that the Bihar government's decision to seek caste details was contrary to the apex court's judgment in K.S. Puttaswamy case, which recognised the right to privacy as a facet of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Saying that the state government has not yet shown any "legitimate purpose" for the survey, she requested the court to pass an interim order of status quo restraining the state from acting upon the survey data. "This data may not be acted upon because it was collected unlawfully," Singh argued. At this, Justice Khanna asked senior advocate Shyam Divan representing the state: "Why did you publish this?" Divan said that the court had not passed any order against the publication of the data. "This court indicated that first and foremost it will decide whether notice is to be issued," he said. The bench then issued a formal notice to the Bihar government on the petitions challenging the constitutionality of the order. While refusing to restrain the Bihar government from acting on the data obtained from the caste survey, Justice Khanna said: "Prima facie, you'll be on some difficulty with respect to that. We have read the judgment and formed a prima facie view, which is of course, subject to change. "...We are going to examine the other issue regarding the power of the state government to conduct this exercise. We will look into other issues as well...privacy apart, because privacy may not be a concern since names and (other identifiers) are not being published. But, the other parts, we will examine." Justice Khanna also said: "One of the issues will be with regard to the breakdown of the data and whether we should at all touch upon it" As Singh asked, "Has the state government made an assurance that they will not publish the data?", Justice Khanna sternly replied that no such assurance had been made on either side. New Delhi, Oct 6 : This week, what was reportedly a cloudburst over the glacial south Lhonak Lake caused it to breach its embankment. While water initially breached the Chungthang dam, it resulted in flash floods in multiple areas of the hilly state of Sikkim. According to meteorologists, while the weather conditions were conducive for heavy to very heavy precipitation over the region on account of a low-pressure area in the nearby region, this time's flash flood wasn't just a result of another extreme weather event alone. Climate change has played a significant role in making this weather event more extreme. The event was predicted in 2021, when a study brought forth information about the increasing length of Lhonak glacial Lake, which was sensitive to extreme weather events such as cloudbursts. Since it cannot be predicted when glacier-related floods, including floods from lake outbursts would burst, the only option is being prepared with proper disaster planning and mitigation. "It was already predicted in 2021 that this lake would breach and impact the dam. There has been a substantial increase in the number of glacial lakes as the glaciers are melting due to global warming. When the glaciers advance, they erode the river bed, leading to the deepening of the river," explained Indian Institute of Technology-Indore glaciologist Farooq Azam. "Also, climate change has resulted in erratic precipitation, including events like cloudbursts, as we saw in Sikkim, leading to the partial breach of the moraine dam. When glaciers are eroding, they put pressure on the bedrock, producing more silt. Whenever there is flash flooding, you would witness more silt and debris flowing downhill, aggravating the destruction caused by floods and landslides." While these glacial lakes are mostly located in remote and unsettled mountain valleys, glacial lake outburst floods have the potential to impact several kilometers downstream, causing damage to human lives as well as assets and infrastructure. Glaciologists and scientists have been warning against the rapid rise in the glacial lakes. Owing to the recent developments in terms of infrastructure and human settlements within the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, the existence of glacial lakes in the high altitude of the Himalayas has become a major concern to the downstream communities. The South Lhonak glacier is one of the fastest retreating glaciers, and the associated proglacial lake has become the largest and fastest-growing in the state. The glacier receded two km in 46 years from 1962 to 2008. It further retreated by 400 m from 2008 to 2019. There has been a growing concern now about the hazard potential of this lake, as the downstream valley is heavily populated with numerous settlements and infrastructure. Glacial lake outburst floods can also be triggered by extreme meteorological conditions, especially heavy rainfall events that cause degradation of the damming moraine and lead to overfilling of the lake. Studies have shown that glacial lake outburst floods risk will likely increase in the future, considering the increase in the number of new lakes, and increased triggering potential. Also, the changing patterns of exposure are an equally important driver of glacial lake outburst floods risk. The width of the terminal moraine that dams the south Lhonak Lake is not uniform and is thinning towards the ends. Hummocky surface of the dam indicates that it likely contains buried ice and is subject to future degradation. "Eastern Himalayas are dominated by monsoon, which has over the period become more erratic and unpredictable. Snowfall is food for glaciers but it is now replaced by rainfall that too erratic. There are more days of heavy rains and dry periods are also increasing. Rise in global warming has led to rise in glacial melt," added Azam. Glacier is a moving mass of ice, soil and rocks and thus, it consists of lots of loose sediments. According to geologists, the retreating glaciers have left behind unlimited sediments which consist of an unstable mix of earth and rocks in the higher reaches of Himalayas. In such cases, even less rainfall is good enough to move the boulders and debris downstream. Seismic activity can in principle also lead to the degradation of the moraines' structural integrity, although not necessarily leading to an outburst and is an obvious trigger of large catastrophic ice or rock avalanches. "Both the frequency and severity of such events are going to increase exponentially in the future. Himalayan ecosystem is the most fragile in the world and any disruption in the way we are managing these resources will have a problematic outcome for the people of the region," said Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor- Research and Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business and IPCC Author. "Rising temperatures are leading to a wetter future and contributing to climate change led extreme events but it is also disturbing the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem through hydropower and other dams. The glacial lake outburst flood is an outcome of warming of the region and this has been a major risk for the region. Once it is formed, you never know what triggers its outburst. Sikkim is an example of this only," Prakash added. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday donated Rs 10 crores to Himachal Pradesh state relief fund and assured the state of all possible support during tough times. Expressing his grief on the havoc wreaked on lives and livelihood due to incessant rains in Himachal, he said: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the havoc wreaked on lives and livelihood by the incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh. My heart goes out to the people who have lost their loved ones amidst this calamity." "I assure you that the people of Delhi and the Delhi government stand with you and the people of Himachal Pradesh in this time of crisis," he said. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had requested Delhi Chief Minister for donation, due to calamity caused by monsoon rains in the state. The Himachal government has opened 'Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023' to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation in the affected areas. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi High Court has ordered compensation of Rs 50,000 to a man who was unlawfully detained for approximately half an hour in a Delhi Police lockup without any valid reason. Justice Subramonium Prasad directed that the compensation amount be deducted from the salaries of two Sub-Inspectors from the Badarpur police station who were responsible for detaining the man and placing him in the lockup. "The time spent in the lock-up by the petitioner, even for a short while, cannot absolve the police officers who have deprived the petitioner of his liberty without following the due procedure established by law," the court said, pointing out the need for a punitive measure that would serve as a meaningful deterrent to prevent such actions by officers in the future. The case revolved around the man's plea for compensation related to his unlawful detention in the police lockup in September last year. A complaint was received at the police station, alleging an attack with a knife on a woman. A sub-inspector was dispatched to the scene, where he found the petitioner along with a female. The petitioner claimed that he was placed in the lockup at 11:01 p.m. and released at 11:24 p.m. without any formal arrest, FIR, or DD entry. Justice Prasad, while disposing of the matter, expressed deep concern about the high-handed manner in which the authorities acted, disregarding the petitioner's liberty and detaining him without following proper legal procedures or principles related to arrests. The court went on to say that it was troubled by the treatment of citizens by the police, adding that police authorities should not act as if they are above the law. New Delhi, Oct 6 : As per prestigious 2023 rankings released by Stanford University in collaboration Elsevier, IIM Rohtak has excelled with an impressive representation among the top 2 per cent of scientists from all IIMs worldwide. Stanford University releases a list of top 2 per cent researchers in the world every year. These researchers are picked up based on their research contribution to their respective fields. After applying deep analysis and using statistical measure the ranking is established. All the world scientists are classified into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields according to the standard Science-Metrix classification. According to the IIM Rohtak, the rankings for the top IIMs in terms of faculty representation among the top 2 per cent of scientists globally include, IIM Rohtak with 7.69 per cent. IIM Ahmedabad stands at 4.81 per cent, IIM Jammu: 4.65 per cent, IIM Lucknow: 4.55 per cent, IIM Nagpur: 2.78 per cent, IIM, Visakhapatnam: 2.70 per cent, IIM Bodh Gaya: 1.92 per cent and IIM Bangalore shares 1.77 per cent of top 2 per cent. IIM Rohtak's outstanding achievement includes its Director, Prof Dheeraj Sharma, among the top scientists. His research has also been recognised by World Health Organisation last year. He also previously was listed as top 10 researcher by the list developed and released by Omega Journal. New features on the list are Prof Praveen Ranjan Srivastava, who researches in the area of information systems, and Prof Chandra Prakash, who researchers in the area of logistics and has sustainable supply chain. IIM Rohtak said that they have made significant research contribution in the artificial intelligence. Last year, three major studies led by Prof Sharma in collaboration with Prof Praveen Srivastava, Prof Koustab Ghosh, Prof Amul Singh, and Prof Ashwini Kumar were recognised by World Health Organisation for work in the domain of agriculture procurement and scheduling of procurement, strategic communication,and management of health care workers. Chandigarh, Oct 6 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said that instead of finding an amicable solution to the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, the Punjab government is shedding crocodile tears. He said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) should articulate a definitive stance on the issue as the water is flowing to Pakistan. He said the AAP should not confine its discussions solely to Punjab Bhawan but should extend its deliberations to encompass a wider perspective on the SYL canal dispute. The Chief Minister told the media here that the Bhagwant Mann government has been giving contradictory statements on the SYL issue. He said instead of finding an amicable solution to this issue, the Punjab government is shedding crocodile tears. Khattar said the Supreme Court has given a three-month deadline to the Central government to take possession of the land which has been acquired. The Chief Minister urged the Centre to immediately start the survey process in Punjab to complete the work of the SYL canal. The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the apex court for its decision regarding its early construction. The Chief Minister said Haryana has always been in favour of finding solutions through mutual dialogue. "But Punjab's attitude towards the construction of the SYL canal and the distribution of water has always been adamant." He said Punjab has always insisted on sharing water instead of its construction, whereas in year 2002 the Supreme Court had given a decree in favour of Haryana regarding the construction of the canal and sharing of water, making it clear that under the Article 9.1 and 9.2 of Parliament the cases of disputes between the states will be referred to a tribunal according to the Inter-State Water Disputes Act. Also, the dispute over the construction of the SYL canal has not been linked to Para 9.3 of the agreement. "This makes it clear that the construction of the SYL canal has nothing to do with water sharing among the states and is not a water dispute," Khattar explained. He said due to the delay in the construction of the SYL canal by Punjab, not only Haryana is facing a water crisis, but the excess water of the Ravi, Sutlej and Beas is flowing to Pakistan. "Owing to this, the country is being deprived of taking advantage of its water wealth. In the last 10 years, 1.68 MFA (million acre feet) of the Sutlej water and 0.58 MFA of the Ravi-Beas water have flowed to Pakistan. Therefore, it is important that the construction of the SYL canal be completed as soon as possible to prevent the loss of water resources at the national level," he said. The Chief Minister further said due to its non-completion farmers of Haryana are suffering huge losses. "With the completion of the construction of the canal, the farmers of the state will have additional water available for irrigation, which will not only increase the agricultural production but will also help increasing the income of the farmers," he said. Chandigarh, Oct 6 : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday urged Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to dismiss Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for "compromising" the state's interests while defending the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal case in the Supreme Court. A delegation led by party President Sukhbir Badal met the Governor here and handed over a representation to him apprising him of the manner in which the Chief Minister had "backstabbed" Punjab and people of the state in the Supreme Court at the instance of AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, who was "hell bent" on giving Punjab's water to Haryana and even Rajasthan in direct violation of the Riparian Principle. Badal also asserted the party would not allow one drop of water to go out of Punjab. He said, "There was no SYL canal in the state after the land on which the canal stood was transferred back to farmers in 2016 by former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal. Neither do we have any water to give." Sukhbir Badal also said the party would terminate all water sharing agreements once it assumed power in the state. "We will stop water flowing into Rajasthan. He also appealed to the Governor to recommend to the Central government to bring in legislation in Parliament to correct the historic injustice meted out to Punjab on the SYL canal issue and settle it once and for all on the Riparian Principle under which Punjab has an inalienable right over all water flowing in its territory." The SAD delegation which included Bikram Singh Majithia, Daljit Singh Cheema, Sukhwinder Kumar and Anil Joshi apprised the Union government of the ground situation in Punjab and asserted that any attempt to hold "forcible" surveys by the Centre with the intention of transporting the state's waters to Haryana was likely to result in the "eruption of a volcano" of anger among the state peasantry which would be difficult of control. "This step will also not be conducive to peace in the sensitive border state," it said. The delegation also highlighted the "treachery" of the AAP government in the apex court in which it expressed its willingness to construct the SYL canal but for pressure from Opposition parties as well as difficulties in acquiring land for the canal which had been returned to farmers by the erstwhile SAD government. "This contention is tantamount to backstabbing farmers," it said adding "it seems the AAP government failed to argue Punjab's case convincingly. It also failed to stress the Riparian Principle by way of which Punjab has an inalienable right over the water flowing in its territory." The delegation also detailed how Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal had announced that Haryana and Delhi should be given water through the SYL canal and how the Delhi government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court in April 2016 asserting both Haryana and Delhi should be granted their share of water from the SYL canal. Amaravati, Oct 6 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday said Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is on the wane in the state and Maoist activities are now confined to only a few pockets of agency areas. In his address at the review meeting on LWE chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh has been battling LWE for over four decades and the multi-pronged approach, comprising security measures, development initiatives, and safeguarding the rights and entitlements of local communities under the National Policy and Action Plan, has yielded positive results. The Chief Minister stated that to prevent further spread of LWE, continuous and collaborative efforts are needed from both the Centre and the States. While maintaining law and order is a state subject, it is crucial for the Centre to provide unflinching financial and strategic support to LWE-affected States, particularly in areas of capacity-building, modernisation of the police forces and developmental initiatives, he added. He stated that the Government has been able to restrict the Maoist activities to a few pockets in Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts from their original strength in five districts while the LWE cadre strength has also come down to 50 in 2023 from 150 in 2019. While sharing intelligence with neighbouring Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh on tackling the LWE, Andhra Pradesh Government has also effectively addressed the issues of poverty, illiteracy, inadequate healthcare and unemployment which are the root cause of the LWE, he said. He told the meeting that tribals were counselled to cultivate alternate commercial crops. These measures were supplemented with strong efforts like distribution of RoFR pattas for bestowing ownership of 3.23 lakh acres of forest lands to 1.54 lakh eligible tribal farmers and completing laying of roads to an extent of 1087 km in LWE areas under the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) scheme, he said. Out of the 28 Ekalavya schools sanctioned by the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry for Andhra Pradesh, 24 have been established in tribal areas ensuring access to quality education for our Tribal children, he said, adding that Government has also initiated efforts to establish 944 communication towers in the LWE affected areas for enhancing the connectivity and ensure a robust communication network in tribal areas. Chief Minister Reddy said that the government is also running 1,953 primary schools, 81 residential schools, 378 ashram schools and 179 pre and post matric hostels to help students in tribal areas besides extending the benefits of Amma Vodi and other welfare schemes through the dedicated volunteer system and village secretariats. Family doctors, with the support of village health clinics, are also extending preventive health care to tribal people, he said, stressing the need to establish more bank branches in the tribal areas. New Delhi, Oct 6 : About 74 per cent of CEOs globally are concerned about their organisations' ability to avert or minimise damage to the business from a cyberattack, even though 96 per cent of CEOs believe cybersecurity is vital to organisational growth and stability, a new report revealed on Friday. According to the global IT services firm Accenture, about 60 per cent of CEOs said that their organisations don't incorporate cybersecurity into business strategies, services or products from the outset, and more than 44 per cent believe cybersecurity requires episodic intervention rather than ongoing attention. "The acceleration of generative AI makes it even more essential for organisations to take measures to ensure the security of their data and digital assets," said Paolo Dal Cin, global lead of Accenture Security. "Integrating cybersecurity risk into an enterprise risk management framework is the key to ensuring better security, regulatory compliance, business protection and customer trust," he added. The report surveyed nearly 1,000 CEOs from large organisations globally. Over half (54 per cent) of CEOs believe that the cost of implementing cybersecurity is higher than the cost of suffering a cyberattack despite history showing otherwise, the report said. In addition, despite 90 per cent of CEOs saying they consider cybersecurity a differentiating factor for their products or services to help them build trust among customers, only 15 per cent have dedicated board meetings for discussing cybersecurity issues. The report also suggested that generative AI has the potential to offer a higher level of advanced security threats, posing new problems that even best-practice cyber defences may not be able to fully handle. About 64 per cent of CEOs said that cybercriminals could use generative AI to create sophisticated and hard-to-detect cyberattacks, such as phishing scams, social engineering attacks and automated hacks. "The constantly evolving and never-ending threat landscape is creating a wide gap between CEOs' increasing awareness of the business impact of cyberattacks and their lack of confidence to mitigate them," said Valerie Abend, global cybersecurity strategy lead at Accenture Security. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Ministry of Electronics and IT on Friday issued notices to social media intermediaries X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Telegram, warning them to remove any kind of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) from their platforms on the Indian internet or face action. The notices served to these platforms emphasise the importance of prompt and permanent removal or disabling of access to any CSAM on their platforms. They also call for the implementation of proactive measures, such as content moderation algorithms and reporting mechanisms, to prevent the dissemination of CSAM in the future. "We have sent notices to X, YouTube and Telegram to ensure there are no Child Sexual Abuse Material that exist on their platforms. The government is determined to build a safe and trusted internet under the IT rules," Union Minister of State for Electronics & IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said. "The rules under the IT Act lay down strict expectations from social media intermediaries that they should not allow criminal or harmful posts on their platforms. If they do not act swiftly, their safe harbour under section 79 of the IT Act would be withdrawn and consequences under the Indian law will follow," the minister warned. The notices from MeitY stated that non-compliance with these requirements will be deemed a breach of Rule 3(1)(b) and Rule 4(4) of the IT Rules, 2021. The ministry warned the three social media intermediaries that any delay in complying with the notices will result in the withdrawal of their safe harbor protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, which currently shields them from legal liability. Chandrasekhar has been a vocal advocate for removing such harmful content from the Indian internet, ensuring this approach becomes the ministry's policy vision. The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, provides the legal framework for addressing pornographic content, including CSAM. Sections 66E, 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act impose stringent penalties and fines for the online transmission of obscene or pornographic content. Russian tourists did not rejoice for long at the resumption of flights with Hong Kong, which is scheduled for December this year. Even before the tourists started buying tickets, they were warned not to expect a warm welcome. Russians simply do not want to be fed. ADVERTISIMENT Fearing global sanctions, local caterers advised guests from the Russian Federation to bring their own food on board. This was reported by the Russian media. Flights from Moscow to Hong Kong were added to the airline's schedule this month. Round-trip prices in economy with luggage start at 64 thousand rubles (23 thousand hryvnias). The flight time will range from 9.5 to 11 hours, depending on the route. Aeroflot's Russian tourists will be able to spend all this time dreaming about lunch, as they are refused to be fed on the plane and at the airport. "Informed sources claim that Aeroflot has had problems with food on flights to Hong Kong, which are scheduled to be operated from the end of December. Local caterers allegedly refuse to serve the national carrier for fear of sanctions," the Russians write. ADVERTISIMENT The Russian Federation is already coming up with an alternative: to pack travelers with food, create their own kitchen in Hong Kong, or provide a list of permitted products and make them prepare their own snacks. But this is not the only thing that worries tourists. Some of them wondered whether a foreign airport would refuse to maintain the aircraft in order to avoid sanctions. The question remains in the air. Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote that a Russian tourist entertained Phuket airport employees with his antisocial behavior for 14 days. All the details are in our article. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Mumbai/New Delhi, Oct 6 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday urged the Centre to form a group comprising the Enforcement Directorate, the Income Tax Department, and the Financial Intelligence Unit to probe the funding of Maoist groups in the country. Every year, billions of rupees are being sent to the Maoists, while "urban naxalism" is being propagated through the Internet and social media for which effective mechanisms must be created to stop it, he claimed at a meeting organised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue of Maoism. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik, DGP Rajnish Seth and others were present from the state. The CM said that in the past one year, Maoism is being curbed in Maharashtra due to effective implementation of various developmental schemes in the affected areas. "We will soon succeed in completely eradicating Naxalism (Maoists) from areas like Gadchirolia Operations to weaken the grip of Naxalites will intensify in the next two years," he said at the meeting. For the development of the Maoist-hit areas, the CM urged the need to expand the railway network in the regions bordering Gadchiroli like Chhattisgarh and Telangana. "If the railway network from Mancherial in Telangana to Sironcha and then from Bhopalpatnam in Chhattisgarh to Jagdalpur, and similarly, from Aheri to Shirpur (Kagaznagar) is developed, it will benefit the Surjagad iron project and overall development," he said. Referring to the issue of police officials injured during anti-Maoist operations who needed urgent medical attention, the CM called for permitting night-landings for helicopters to facilitate such rescue missions, on the lines of the armed forces. To leading the battle against Maoists, Shinde said that a Special Task Force, Special Intelligence Bureau, fortified police stations, including 20 in Gadchiroli district, are being enhanced with special facilities at a cost of Rs 61.35 crore. The capacity of the Special Task Force is being enhanced with an expenditure of Rs 12 crore and approval has been give for 500 staff and 25 officers, while their building will be ready by March 2025. He added that presently, 49 per cent of the 'active' Maoist cadres in Maharashtra are from Chhattisgarh, and there are 4 Joint Task Force camps on the border between the two states, and more efforts are underway with the cooperation of the Centre on this count. Anuj Sullere opens up on his prep for 'Kavya': 'Delved into the heart of its essence'. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Oct 6 : Actor Anuj Sullere, who is currently seen in 'Kavya - Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon', shared how he has immersed himself in learning more about the local culture and ways of Lucknow, to master the Lucknowi accent for his character in the show. The show revolves around the journey of Kavya (Sumbul Touqeer Khan) - an IAS officer whose purpose is to serve the nation and do right by the common man. So far, viewers have witnessed how Kavya and her fiancee Shubham (Anuj Sullere) are at a crossroads when she clears the UPSC exam, and Shubham fails. He lashes out at Kavya, asking her to make a choice between pursuing her IAS aspirations or being his wife, but she remains steadfast in her resolve and breaks their engagement. Anuj's portrayal of Shubham, a complex character with multiple layers, has left audiences captivated and eagerly anticipating each new episode. His dedication to his role serves as a shining example of the unwavering commitment that defines a true artist. Talking about the same, Anuj said: "As an actor, I believe that to bring a character to life, one must delve into the heart of their essence. For my role in the show, I had to bring out the Lucknowi accent and so, I spent a few days in the heart of Lucknow to absorb the dialect and stayed among the locals, which helped me refine the nuances and be more authentic in the portrayal of this character." "I also believe that acting is a passion, and every role is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the magic of storytelling, successfully essaying parts that resonate with the audience," he shared. Anuj expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to his performance, saying, "I'm deeply appreciative of the love and support from the viewers. The diverse facets of Shubhamas character compelled me to say ayesa to the project." "Portraying Shubham has been a demanding yet incredibly fulfilling experience, and I'm thankful for the chance to be part of this outstanding project. Shubham is a character of profound complexity, brimming with so many emotions -- his affection for Kavya, his frustration of failure, his shame at knowing the disappointment heas caused his family, among others," he said. Anuj added: "While he is fundamentally kind-hearted, losing the IAS seat to Kavya will now bring out a completely different side to him. As an artist, I am looking forward to portraying this progression, which is profoundly meaningful and one that will enrich the narrative significantly." In the story going forward, Kavya's new life at the academy will see Shubhamas father, Jaideep Thakur (Vinay Jain) join the academy as a Director. As Kavyaas mentor, Jaideep, who feels betrayed by Kavya, now holds the power to derail her from her purpose of being an IAS Officer. The show airs on Sony. San Francisco, Oct 06 : OpenAI, the maker of Artificial Intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, is looking to develop its own AI chips and has even considered acquiring another company for this purpose, a media report said on Friday. OpenAI has been discussing various options to address the shortage of expensive AI chips it relies on, but no final decision has been made, according to Reuters, citing sources. These options have included developing its own AI chip, collaborating more closely with other chip makers, including Nvidia and also diversifying its suppliers beyond Nvidia. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who has made acquiring more AI processors a primary priority for the company, is one of the main driving forces behind this decision. He has raised concerns about the restricted availability and expensive costs of the hardware required to power OpenAI's software, the report said. OpenAI has been developing its generative AI capabilities on a Microsoft-built supercomputer that employs thousands of Nvidia GPUs. The cost of running ChatGPT is prohibitively high for the company. According to an analysis from Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon, each enquiry costs about 4 US cents. If ChatGPT queries grew to a tenth the size of Google searches, it would require about $48.1 billion in GPUs initially and around $16 billion in chips per year to remain functioning. Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly raising funds at a valuation of $80-$90 billion via the sale of existing shares. According to The Wall Street Journal, the ChatGPT developer is "talking to investors about a share sale" that would value the company between $80 billion to $90 billion, "roughly triple its level earlier this year". In April, OpenAI closed a more than $300 million share sale at a valuation of $29 billion. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Supreme Court on Friday said that National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) and National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) must start holding hybrid hearings, within a period of four weeks. for the benefit of litigants and members of the bar A bench of CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra ordered that a joint meeting be convened between President of the NCLAT and officials of Ministry of Finance along with Ministry of Corporate Affairs to sort out all issues, including availability of funds by the Union government. Likewise, the bench ordered that a meeting will be held by Union government officials with the Chairperson of NCLT to make sure that hybrid hearings are made available in the NCLT at the option of appearing lawyers or litigants. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General K.M. Natraj apprised the bench that the NCLAT requires additional funds to set up infrastructure for resumption of virtual hearings. Noting that the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has filed an affidavit stating that it is holding virtual hearings using video conferencing facilities, he added that he will get instruction in the next two days in relation to the status of hybrid hearings in the Debt Recovery Tribunals, Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and other Tribunals under the various Ministries. Counsel appearing for the National Green Tribuna) stated that the hybrid hearings are being held by the Tribunal in Delhi and in other regional benches as well. The top court ordered that a tabular chart will be filed by the ASG indicating the position of hybrid hearings in all of the tribunals falling under various ministries of the Union government before the next date of listing. It also issued notice to Registrar in-charge of Appellate Tribunal for Electricity for continuing virtual hearings and asked the Union government to ensure that hybrid hearings are put in place in APTEL within a period of one month. Natraj assured the apex court that the Centre will make the necessary budget available needed for upgradation of infrastructure in different tribunals across the country. On September 15, the Supreme Court had issued notice to Registrar General of all High Courts and other Tribunals after a PIL claimed that hybrid hearings had been completely abandoned post the Covid-19 pandemic. Aizawl, Oct 6 : The Mizoram Police arrested a Myanmar national and recovered 11.6 kgs of crystal methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 34 crores from his possession, police said on Friday. Police officials said that Aizawl district special branch of Mizoram police intercepted a car at Zemabawk East and arrested Ropianga (37), a Myanmar national. On further search, 11.6 Kgs of addictive crystal methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 34 crore were recovered from the vehicle and seized the drugs. A police official said that the methamphetamine tablets (also called yaba tablet or party tablet), smuggled from Myanmar, contain a mix of methamphetamine and caffeine and are misused as high-dosage drugs in Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries, besides India while various types of cough syrups containing codeine phosphate are used as a common drug illegally in Bangladesh. A Mizoram police statement said that drug smuggling continues to be a major cause of concern to our society. With a view to improve general policing as a whole and in the preparation for peaceful and smooth conduct of general elections to the Mizoram Assembly, Mizoram Police has also made all out efforts in the fight against this menace, resulting in significant seizures as well, it said. Mizoram assembly elections are likely to be held in November or December this year. "While we are committed to supply disruption, we continuously need and seek support of the public, civil society and all other stakeholders to make all out efforts for demand reduction and in identification and apprehension of drug smugglers/peddlers. All stakeholders are earnestly requested for their active support and participation by strengthening law enforcement agencies by informing any illegal activities. Together we can and we will achieve the dream of Drug Free Mizoram," the statement said. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The controversy surrounding Chinese handset manufacturers continues to grow in India, with Xiaomi and vivo recently getting implicated in an FIR filed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police against NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and others. In July this year, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, had informed the Parliament about tax evasion totaling approximately Rs 9,000 crore, spanning Customs duty and GST, detected between 2018-19 and 2022-23. The tax evasion spotlight primarily falls on the key players in the Indian smartphone market, including Oppo Mobile, Vivo India, and Xiaomi Technology. These Chinese mobile handset brands, collectively registering an estimated turnover of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in India during 2021-22, employ over 75,000 individuals in their manufacturing operations, with an additional 80,000 workers handling sales and operations. The minister had said that many of these companies have established their own manufacturing units, with some collaborating with contract manufacturers like Bharat FIH Limited and DBG Technology (India) Private Limited, which have set up Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) operations in India. Distribution of mobile handsets is predominantly managed by Indian companies, although some Chinese firms, such as Oppo and vivo, engage Chinese distributors as well. The tax evasion statistics reveal significant financial discrepancies among these companies. Oppo Mobile India Pvt Ltd allegedly evaded Rs 5,086 crore in taxes, including Rs 4,403 crore in Customs duty and Rs 683 crore in GST. Vivo faces accusations of evading taxes worth Rs 2,923.25 crore, including Rs 2,875 crore in Customs duty and Rs 48.25 crore in GST. Xiaomi Technology India Pvt Ltd is said to have evaded Rs 851.14 crore, with Rs 682.51 crore attributed to Customs duty and Rs 168.63 crore to GST. In its FIR against NewsClick founder-editor Prabir Purkayastha and others, the Special Cell has alleged that big Chinese players, like Xiaomi and vivo, incorporated thousands of shell firms in India in violation of PMLA/FEMA norms for illegally infusing foreign funds. "Further, Prabir Purkayastha, Neville Roy Singham, Geeta Hariharan, and Gautam Bhatia (key person) conspired to create a 'Legal Community Network' in India to campaign for and put up spirited defence of legal cases against the aforementioned Chinese telecom companies in return for benefits by them," says the FIR in possession with IANS. Tanzanian President Samia Hassan to arrive in India on 3-day visit on Oct 8. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Oct 6 : Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan will be visiting India from October 8-10 at the invitation of her counterpart Droupadi Murmu. She will be accompanied by various ministers and a large business delegation and will meet Murmu. The visiting dignitary will also be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan and thereafter she will hold a detailed bilateral dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A state banquet will also be hosted by the President in the honour of her Tanzanian counterpart, official sources said. Hassan will also participate in a business and investment forum in New Delhi on October 10. A presidential visit from Tanzania is taking place after a span of over eight years. The upcoming visit will further invigorate and strengthen the historic and friendly relations between India and Tanzania, an official statement said. --IANS ans/vd Kolkata, Oct 6 : The number of bodies recovered from the northern sector of West Bengal following the devastating flash-flood in adjacent hill-state of Sikkim has increased to 22 as of Friday, as per the records of the state disaster management department. At least, 17 were recovered till Friday morning. The bodies were mainly recovered from the overflowing Teesta River in Jalpaiguri district in the northern sector. As per the initial estimates of the state disaster management department, of the 22 bodies recovered at least six are of the Indian army personnel posted at Sikkim who went missing following the flash flood. "More bodies might be recovered as the work of recovery and rescue operations progress," an official from the disaster management department said. The bodies recovered so far have been preserved at four different hospitals at Malbazar, Maynaguri, Jalpaiguri Town in Jalpaiguri district and in North Bengal Medical College & Hospital at Siliguri In adjacent Darjeeling district. Meanwhile, the National Highway 10 connecting north Bengal with Sikkim has been damaged following landslides. Sate disaster management department sources said that smaller relief and rescue vehicles are being sent to different parts of Sikkim through an alternative route, which is of a longer distance than the conventional route. "Several tourists from West Bengal are still stranded at different parts of Sikkim. The figure is estimated to be around 3,000. Fortunately, the weather conditions have started improving from Friday morning and the pace of relief and rescue operations can be accelerated. We expect to bring back a substantial number of stranded tourists from the state there by Saturday afternoon," the state disaster management department official said. Ranchi, Oct 6 : A hardcore Maoist has been killed in an encounter with the security forces in Jharkhand, an official said on Friday. The Maoist -- Chamra Da -- was gunned down in the Kolhan Reserve Forest Area where a fierce gun-battle took place some days ago. The police had earlier claimed that "several Maoists were killed in the encounter" but they did not reveal much details as bodies were not recovered. It needs to be mentioned here that on September 27, the Maoists observed the 19th Foundation Day of the CPI (Maoist) in Kolhan forest. Some women Maoists were heard singing songs mentioning the killing of Chamra Da during the encounter. New Delhi, Oct 6 : A wanted man involved in duping people over crores of rupees on the pretext of purchasing an insurance policy has been arrested by the Delhi Police's Special Cell, a police official said on Friday. The accused, who was also carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on information leading to his arrest, was identified as Gaurav Kumar a.k.a Akhilesh Yadav alias Rajender Singh, a resident of Sagarpur area in Delhi. As per officials, the accused was wanted in several cases of forgery and cheating in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. According to the police, for the past few days, there was information that a criminal named Gaurav, based in Sagarpur has been operating his network in the west Delhi area. "It was also learned that he has continuously been changing his identities and hideouts, thereby evading arrest in cases registered against him in Delhi, UP, and Punjab. On Wednesday, specific information was received that Gaurav would be meeting his associates near Janak Cinema in the Janakpuri area of Delhi for the execution of some crime," said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell, Ingit Pratap Singh. Accordingly, a trap was set near Janak Cineplex, and when the suspect was spotted coming from the Uttam Nagar side riding a blue scooty, he was apprehended. During interrogation, it was revealed that he had joined his relative, Savit Kumar, as an outsourced service provider to different branches of the State Bank of India, where they used to upload photos and signatures (SS Cards) of the bank customers. "In 2012, he joined Magic Auto Maruti Company in Maya Puri, Delhi, as a mechanic, but discontinued the job in 2015 because he was not satisfied with the money he was earning and wanted to earn more. "In February 2016, he joined the courier company of Sri Prakash Dubey at Durga Park, Delhi. Under the guise of courier work, Sri Prakash Dubey and his associates were running an illegal business, cheating innocent people on the pretext of insurance policies and insurance bonuses, among other things," the DCP said. To receive the cheated money, they opened accounts at different banks with forged/fake IDs. In order to earn more money, Gaurav also prepared his Aadhaar card and voter IDs with fake names, such as Akhilesh Yadav and Rajender Singh, and opened more than 15 accounts in different banks, including SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and AXIS Bank, using those identities. "After some time, he introduced his friends, namely Manoj Kumar, Shabin, Hari Om, and Dev, to Sri Prakash Dubey and involved them in this profession. Initially, he worked on a salary, but after some time, he started working as a partner with Sri Prakash Dubey and earned a significant amount of money by cheating innocent people, especially the elderly, in the name of insurance policies, and so on," said the DCP. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (KPL) store is still selling a book that calls Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin a "benefactor" in the second year of the full-scale Russian invasion. This publication was printed in the KPL printing house in 2018 when the Russian aggression against Ukraine had already begun. ADVERTISIMENT According to OBOZREVATEL, the printed edition of "The World Was Not Worthy of Them" can still be ordered on the HRC website. The book of almost 500 pages will cost 750 hryvnias. The editor-in-chief of the publication is the former abbot of the Lavra, Metropolitan Pavlo (Lebid) of the UOC-MP. ADVERTISIMENT The text was written by the hieromonks of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, Inokentiy (Pidtoptany), Dionisiy (Abramov) and Inokentiy (Sementsov). A number of other odious personalities are among the other "benefactors" whom the monks thank: - Mykola Azarov, former Prime Minister of Ukraine under Yanukovych, who fled to Russia after the Revolution of Dignity. On October 20, 2021, Kyiv's Pechersk Court in absentia imposed a pre-trial restraint on Azarov in the form of detention. ADVERTISIMENT - Former Minister of Defense of Ukraine Dmytro Salamatin. In 2014, he fled to Russia, where he is hiding from the investigation and is wanted. - Former Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mykola Zlochevsky. In August 2023, he paid off the charges of the largest bribe in the history of Ukraine. In this way, he became one step closer to being released from criminal prosecution, although other criminal cases against the former official are still ongoing and he is still wanted. - Former Minister of Energy and Coal Industry Eduard Stavytsky. He has been in Israel since 2014. - Former MP Serhiy Liovochkin. In the spring of 2023, he was spotted on the Cote d'Azur, where he rented a mansion. However, the MP's press service said that Lovochkin is a permanent resident of Ukraine and has only left the country twice: for knee surgery and on a business trip. ADVERTISIMENT - Viktor Medvedchuk is a former MP and godfather of Russian dictator Putin. He was detained by the SSU in April 2022. In September, he was exchanged for 200 Azovstal defenders. "Dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the revival of monastic life in the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra," is how the book is described on the website. Its content is devoted to the monastery itself and its figures. As of the evening of October 5, "The Whole World Is Not Worthy of Them" can be purchased in the online store. The book was in stock and available for order. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL wrote: - Since the beginning of the full-scale war on October 4, 2023, the Security Service of Ukraine has exposed and detained more than 60 clerics of the UOC-MP for committing crimes. Some of the offenders worked for Russia, others sold weapons or even child pornography. - Representatives of the UOC-MP have not completely left the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (some of the premises have already been moved out). The court ordered the Moscow Patriarchate to return 79 objects to the National Reserve. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Three youth drown in Kaveri River backwaters in Ktaka; one body recovered. Image Source: IANS News Prayagraj : , Oct 6 (IANS) Five teenage boys drowned here on Friday while bathing in the Ganga river, the police said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolence over the deaths and asked officials to provide assistance to the family members of the boys. The five teenagers -- Himanshu (16), Priyanshu (16), Akash (14), Shani (17) and Mulayam (17) -- had gone to bathe in the river in the Shivkuti area, SHO Sanjay Gupta said. According to locals, when Himanshu started drowning, the other boys jumped into the river to save him. However, all of them eventually drowned, the police said. All the deceased were residents of Myurabad and Beli Kachar villages, the SHO said, adding that the bodies have been recovered with the help of divers and sent for post-mortem. Global US firm LAM Research plans to set up semiconductor lab in Karnataka. Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, Oct 6 : LAM Research, a global provider of semiconductor equipment and services, has shown interest in setting up a new lab in Karnataka. The Minister for Large and Medium Industries M. B. Patil has also held a discussion with the companyas management representatives. Patil is currently leading a high-powered delegation to the United States of America to attract investment into the state. He is meeting a slew of companies drawn from semiconductor, aerospace and defence auto/EV, space, and Med-tech among others. LAM Research has already established a presence in Karnataka since 2000 and its campus in Bengaluru is focusing on hardware engineering, global operations management, and software development support. During the state level single window committee meeting held in September, the company secured approval to set up Engineering, R&D, Testing and Tool Prototyping for capital goods for the manufacturing of semiconductors and displays. It also plans to invest Rs 236 crore in this project. LAM Research is also planning to contribute to the development of Indian suppliers and establish connections with the existing supplier ecosystem in Karnataka, the company said. Rangesh Raghavan, Corporate Vice President, Karthik Rammohan, Group Vice President, Pat Lord, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, andVartan Djihanian, Director of Government Affairs were present during the discussion with the minister. LeoLabs, a pioneering force in transforming the landscape of satellite operations, intends to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for research in space technology in Karnataka. Dan Ceperley, Founder and CEO of LeoLabs and Rachit Bhatia, Lead, of Space Safety Analytics & Research were present during the discussions with the minister. Tsecond, a growth-stage portfolio company backed by Boeing and Solar Industries India Limited, has shown interest in setting up an R&D Centre in Bengaluru. Once sufficient scale is reached, the company plans to explore assembling and hardware manufacturing in Karnataka, the companyas officials told Patil. Kolkata, Oct 6 : Trinamool Congress national General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee said on Friday that his party's movement against the "zamindari" style of functioning of the BJP in refusing to release central funds to the West Bengal government under different centrally-sponsored schemes such as the MGNREGA will continue as long as the state doesn't gets its dues in full. "The power of the people will eliminate BJP's 'zamindari' regime. The people have voluntarily gathered here in front of the Raj Bhavan, protesting against the non- payment of their legitimate dues.Our fight will continue in the coming days as well," Benerjee said on the second day of his sit-in demonstration in front of the Governor's House here. The Trinamool MP and other top leaders of the party had begun the demonstration in front of the Raj Bhavan on Thursday evening. Banerjee had claimed that the demonstration will continue unless Governor C.V. Ananda Bose comes back to Kolkata, meets the Trinamool delegation and discusses the issues of non-payment of central dues. "It is high time that the Governor avoids facing uncomfortable questions," he had said. Meanwhile, the Trinamool leadership has welcomed the Supreme Court's order barring the Governor from making further recruitment of interim vice-chancellors for the state universities in West Bengal. Welcoming the development, Education Minister Bratya Basu said that it is clear from the apex court order that the Governor's move to appoint interim VCs to state universities bypassing the Education Department was not proper. "The Governor should now apologise to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee," he said. "The apex court's decision to deny privileges to those individuals hastily appointed as interim VCs serves as a powerful reminder that no one is above the law. This landmark judgement sends out a strong message that governance of universities must remain insulated from political interference," Trinamool said in a statement issued on Friday. Imphal, Oct 06 : The United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday expressed concern over the vandalisation of the house of a prominent human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam in Manipur, allegedly by some Meitei organisations amid the ongoing unrest in the state. UN Human Rights Council alarmed over vandalisation of Manipur rights activist's house Reacting to the incident in which Loitongbam's house in Imphal city was vandalised by some activists on Thursday night, the UN Human Rights Council said on X, "We are alarmed by threats to human rights defender Babloo Loitongbam by Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tenggol groups in Manipur for speaking out on inter-communal violence since May. We urge authorities to protect him, his family & home, & hold perpetrators accountable." Police said that a mob vandalised the house of Loitongbam in Kwakeithel area of Imphal West district on Thursday night. "Loitongbam is now outside the country and no one from his family was injured in the attack. There was some damage to his house," a police officer said. The officer, quoting family sources said that a mob of around 30 to 35 people came to Loitongbam's house and enquired about him. The mob was demanding a clarification and an apology on the recent statements he made to the local media over the demolition of churches and the role of certain organisations in the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. In a similar development, some men and women on Thursday went to the house of former Additional Superintendent of Police Thounaojam Brinda on Thursday and sought her clarification and apology over her comments on certain Manipur organisations. A crusader against drug menaces and deprivation of women, Brinda, after retiring from service unsuccessfully contested the Manipur Assembly elections last year on a Janata Dal (United) ticket from the Yaiskul constituency. Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tenggol, two Meitei community organisations, also urged the people to boycott both Brinda and Loitongbam for their "misleading remarks". Paid users on X can now hide 'likes' tab from public view. Image Source: IANS News San Francisco, Oct 6 : X (formerly Twitter) is reportedly planning to split its premium paid subscription service into three membership tiers to earn more money and become profitable by 2024. According to reports, X would split the current $8 Premium subscription into three different plans: Basic, Standard, and Plus, at various price points. According to a Bloomberg report, citing sources, it remains unclear if a free X version will continue to exist. The entry-level Basic plan will not reduce the number of ads that users see on the platform. The Standard tier will show half as many ads and the top Plus premium offering will remove ads entirely and may cost more than $8 per month. During a briefing by X CEO Linda Yaccarino to X debt holders, she reportedly told them that the company's advertising, data licensing, and subscription revenue is growing quarter over quarter "in the high single digits". X or its owner Elon Musk were yet to react to reports. Yaccarino asserted last month that the company will be profitable by early 2024, adding that the platform may now have 200-250 million daily active users. Speaking at the Code conference, she said "we have a good set of eyes on what is predictable" and "what's coming is that it looks like in early 2024, we will be turning a profit". Yaccarino said that "90 per cent of the top 100 advertisers have returned to the platform in the last 12 weeks alone." She said that about 1,500 advertisers have returned to the platform. X is yet to announce an annual profit in its 13 years, and has struggled to maintain profitability. She, however, did not confirm if the company plans to charge all users on X, as suggested by its billionaire owner Elon Musk. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Delhi High Court has issued a permanent injunction against 50 rogue websites that were illegally streaming television shows, TV series, and movies originally broadcasted on the OTT platform Disney Plus Hotstar. Justice C Hari Shankar's observed that prima facie, exclusive rights to stream or telecast content from 26 shows and films are vested in Disney Plus Hotstar, not the unauthorised streaming platforms. The case was brought before the court by Star India Private Limited and Disney Plus Hotstar, who alleged piracy of their copyrighted content by these rogue websites. The 26 shows and films involved in the lawsuit include popular titles like "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlaata Hai," "Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Meiin," "Anupamaa," "Yeh Hai Chahatein," "Imlie," "Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2," and many others. Back in August 2021, the court had issued an interim injunction against these rogue websites. During the proceedings, none of the defendants were represented by legal counsel. Justice Shankar noted that these rogue entities, engaged solely in unauthorised broadcasting of copyrighted television shows, films, and web series, had chosen not to appear before the court. He observed that this pattern is not unique and that such websites often refrain from contesting legal actions, preferring to exploit their unauthorised activities while avoiding legal consequences. IANS spr/dan One rescued, search on to locate 22 other missing soldiers after cloud burst in Sikkim (Lead). Image Source: IANS News Guwahati, Oct 6 : The deluge in Sikkim led to a large amount of military equipment, including weapons and explosives, being carried away in the Teesta River, defence officials said on Friday, urging people to be cautious. Defence PRO, Lt. Col. Mahendra Rawat said: "Due to severe floods in Sikkim, certain military equipment including firearms and explosives were carried away in Teesta River. An urgent notice for the public has already been issued by Jalpaiguri district authorities." He also said that the Army has established lookout teams all along the river downstream. In a statement, the Army said: "We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any unfamiliar objects, crates, packages, firearms or any suspicious item floating in the water to the nearest police station immediately. "Please refrain from handling these items in any manner, as they pose a potential risk of a dangerous explosion." Meanwhile, Lt Col Rawat told IANS that the search operation has been focussing in the downstream in areas of Teesta Barrage. At the site of the incident at Burdang near Singtam, the army vehicles are being dug out and stores being recovered. "Additional resources in terms of teams of Tiranga Mountain Rescue, tracker dogs, and special radars have been brought in, to assist in the search operations," he added. --IANS tdr/vd Hyderabad, Oct 6 : BJP President Nadda on Friday claimed that BJP is the only national party in its true sense which can provide solutions to both regional and national problems. He asked the party leaders in Telangana to go to the people with the message that it is only under BJP that both the country and Telangana can develop. He was addressing BJP state council meeting at Ghatkesar in Medchal Malkajgiri district to discuss the strategy for the ensuing assembly elections. Nadda said like other regional parties in the country, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is a family party. He alleged that regional parties grew up in the country as the Congress party ignored the regional aspirations. "Despite being a national party at that time, Congress ignored regional aspirations and that is why slowly regional parties grew up in every state. The same way TRS (now BRS) came up," he said. He said the regional parties which were formed to fight for regional aspirations were turned into family parties. Nadda said from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, regional parties became family parties. He said while other parties changed their parties with time, BJP is the only party which has been consistent and lived up to its vision right from its inception. He claimed that BJP alone can provide solutions to both national and regional problems. Stating that the NDA government under the leadership of BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured all-round development of the country, he asked the party leaders to reach out to people of Telangana and explain to them that only BJP can fulfill their aspirations. Exuding confidence of BJP's victory in the coming elections, he said the 'family rule' and 'corrupt rule' in Telangana will come to an end. He termed BRS as Bhrashtachar Rishwat Samithi. He slammed BRS leaders for spreading 'misinformation' that the Modi government is not providing funds for the development of Telangana. He claimed that the Centre allocated Rs.9 lakh crore for Telangana in the last 9 years. Nadda said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Telangana announced National Turmeric Board and a tribal university for the state. He asked BJP cadres to explain to people how the Modi government worked for the empowerment of every section of the society. He cited statistics to highlight how the schemes launched by the Modi government benefited people in Telangana. Union minister and state BJP president G. Kishan Reddy, BJP general secretaries B. L. Santosh, Bandi Sanjay, Prakash Javadekar and other leaders were present. Ottawa, Oct 6 : Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced an onslaught from opposition MPs over his government allegedly suppressing the bulk of the costs of his Easter weekend trip to Montana earlier this year, reports said. Conservative member Michelle Rempel Garner raised a point of privilege in the House of Commons on Thursday, terming the failure to include the costs incurred by the RCMP in the government's answer to an MP's question on the issue misled the MPs and the House of Commons, the CBC reported. "The whole point of me raising this point of privilege is to show just how hard it is to get accurate information about the government," she said. CBC News has reported that Trudeau's weekend vacation cost Canadian taxpayers nearly a quarter of a million dollars -- over ten times far more than the sum revealed to the Parliament earlier. In its answer on September 18 to a question put on the order paper by Conservative MP Luc Berthold, the government disclosed $23,846 in spending by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Privy Council on the trip. But that sum didn't include the $204,993 cost to the RCMP for overtime and money spent on accommodations, meals, incidentals and travel. That was only revealed this week, in response to a question to the police force from CBC News, bringing the total cost to taxpayers to more than $228,839. Even this doesn't include the regular salary costs for RCMP officers, aircrew and a Privy Council official who handles secure communications for the Prime Minister when he travels. The answer tabled on September 18 followed an earlier question posed by Berthold that was answered in June before the Department of National Defence had processed the costs. That too had failed to mention any costs incurred by the RCMP. Trudeau's office has also refused to answer more questions about the trip, such as where he stayed in Montana, whether he paid for his accommodations, whether he visited anyone, and who accompanied him there. It also refused to explain why the RCMP costs weren't disclosed when the government answered Berthold's question. NDP ethics critic Matthew Green said that while the Prime Minister deserves to have security protection and take vacations, Canadians should know how much those vacations cost them, as he termed the lack of transparency and accountability as "unacceptable". New Delhi, Oct 06 : Vacating its interim order, a Delhi court has said that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha does not possess a vested right to continue occupying a government Type-7 bungalow in Pandara Road, which falls under Lutyens' Delhi after the allotment has been cancelled and the privilege stands withdrawn. These bungalows in question are allocated to lawmakers who have served as Ministers, Chief Ministers, or Governors. The interim order by Additional District Judge Sudhanshu Kaushik of Patiala House Courts had directed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to refrain from evicting him from the bungalow without following due legal process. The development took place in Chadha's suit against the Rajya Sabha Secretariat's decision to cancel the bungalow's allotment to him, following an order issued on March 3. The Secretariat had then filed a review application seeking the recall of the interim order by the judge, which now stands vacated. The court stated, "Plaintiff (Raghav Chadha) cannot claim that he has an absolute right to continue to occupy the accommodation during his entire tenure as a Member of Rajya Sabha. The allotment of Government accommodation is only a privilege given to the plaintiff, and he has no vested right to continue to occupy the same even after the cancellation of allotment." It was the Secretariat's case that the interim relief had been granted to Chadha without adhering to the procedure outlined in Section 80(2) of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC). According to the Secretariat, a hearing should have been conducted for both sides before granting such relief under the provision. In vacating the interim order, the court rejected Chadha's argument that once accommodation is allocated to a Member of Parliament, it cannot be canceled under any circumstances during their entire tenure. The court noted that for the purpose of determining whether an application should be granted under Section 80(2) of the CPC, the court is supposed to give a hearing to both sides, consider the nature of the suit, and assess the urgency of the matter before making a final decision. It said that the interim relief granted in Chadha's case had been an apparent error, and the order dated April 18 was recalled and vacated. The court concluded that since no urgent or immediate relief was required in the suit, the plaintiff should re-file the case after complying with the requirements of Section 80(1) of CPC. In April, the court had directed the secretariat not to dispossess Chadha from the bungalow during the pendency of the application without due process of law. The judge had stated that he would not comment on the argument put forth by the plaintiff regarding the non-cancellation of an allotment made by the Secretariat during an MP's entire tenure, but acknowledged the plaintiff's claim that a person cannot be dispossessed without following the due process of law. The judge had noted that Chadha was occupying public premises and that the Secretariat was obligated to follow the due process of law. Chadha's submission that the Secretariat was acting hastily and there was a strong likelihood of him being dispossessed without following the due process of law was also taken into consideration. The judge had concluded that a prima facie case was established for issuing directions to prevent Chadha from being dispossessed from the bungalow without due process of law. Travel companies are sounding the alarm about climate change, which could change the way we travel forever in the 2040s and 50s. Popular tropical resorts will become too hot, islands will go underwater, and snowy slopes will turn into bare mountains. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in a new report commissioned by Intrepid Travel in partnership with the forecasting agency The Future Laboratory, the Daily Mail reports. However, government officials were offered effective steps to prevent global changes in tourism. What threatens popular destinations? Global warming suggests that, for example, Lapland will lose its popularity and will not be able to receive tourists due to too short winters. Already, some ski resorts in Europe are closing down because the snow is melting too fast on the slopes. The Maldives, Jakarta, and other resorts near water will be almost completely flooded by 2050 due to rising sea levels. This also threatens destinations such as Venice and Amsterdam. ADVERTISIMENT What to do? According to Intrepid, by 2040, each country's government will have to introduce rules to regulate the money earned. It is advisable that most of the money spent by tourists in a particular destination remains in the local economy, where it will be used to solve local climate problems. Carbon dioxide emissions will also have to be monitored more closely, which will help avoid global warming for longer. Environmentally friendly buildings and recycled materials will help preserve the environment, and the development of railways will be a better alternative to travel than cars and airplanes. Companies are also seeking to develop in the field of "virtual vacations" to enable tourists to explore new places without traveling to them, and, as a result, reduce the amount of emissions into the atmosphere. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote that the La Sambouille ski resort near Mont Blanc in the French Alps decided to dismantle its lifts. The reason is that global warming has shortened the ski season to a few weeks. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! New Delhi, October 6 : Afghanistan's Embassy in Delhi and its Consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad will remain open, senior envoys of the country have clarified after their meeting with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials. In a post on X, Afghanistan's Consul General in Mumbai, Zakia Wardak, said on Friday that she along with acting Consul General Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil had met senior MEA officials on October 4, during which it was made clear that the Afghanistan Embassy in Delhi and both the Consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad will remain open and continue their operations for the benefit of its citizens. In a statement issued by the Afghan envoys after meeting the MEA officials, it was stated that the Indian government will not close the Afghanistan Embassy in Delhi and that both the Consulates will remain functional and continue its operations for benefit of the people of Afghanistan. The envoys also urged the MEA to ignore the assertions made by Afghanistan Ambassador Farid Mamundzai regarding the alleged closure of the Embassy and Consulates. "We underscore that such actions fall outside the purview of the Ambassador in accordance with Afghan laws and the provisions of Vienna Convention. Furthermore, it is crucial to note that the Ambassador has been absent from the Embassy for an extended period and these decisions have been undertaken without consultations or consensus with the Consulate Generals of both Mumbai and Hyderabad. These decisions seem to be motivated by personal and internal matters within the Embassy which contravene established diplomatic protocols and practices," the statement said. On Thursday, while replying to a question on reported announcement of Afghanistan Embassy's closure by its Ambassador from October 1 onwards, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said, "Our understanding is that the Embassy in New Delhi is functioning or continuing to function. "We are in touch with the Afghan diplomats who are there in that Embassy, as well as with the Afghan diplomats who are at the Consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad. However, we received a communication last week purportedly from the Embassy, indicating that it intends to suspend operations at the end of September, I think it was. "Of course, such a decision is an internal matter of a foreign mission. However, we have noted that the Afghan Consulates General in Mumbai and Hyderabad voiced their objection to that decision or to such a decision. We are also aware that there has been a prolonged absence of the Ambassador and that a large number of Afghan diplomats have left India in recent past." New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday organised a meeting for general, police and expenditure observers for the upcoming Assembly elections in Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana. "Observers should be visible, accessible, neutral and ethical in their functioning," ECI told the officials. Around 1180 Observers will fan out across the five states to monitor and ensure free and fair elections. While addressing the briefing, the Chief Election Commissioner (ECI) Rajiv Kumar directed the Commissionas Observers to ensure a level-playing field by working in a coordinated manner to ensure free, fair and inducement-free elections. The observers will be deployed for the forthcoming elections to the legislative assemblies of Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana. Kumar said that the observers will have to ensure level playing field and purity of elections. The Commission is increasingly concentrating on having a humane face, by facilitating and including Persons with Disabilities (PwD), Senior Citizens (80+) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) with the help of special provisions, such home voting, and accessible polling stations, Kumar added. Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey said that the election should not only be fair but also seen to be fair. He instructed the observers to keep an eye on social media and ensure corrective actions. Election Commissioner Arun Goel asked observers to ensure their work is carried out in letter and spirit and ensure the rule of law. Goel said observers are eyes and ears of ECI and should deal with complaints promptly. Kolkata, Oct 6 : The West Bengal government might move the Supreme Court against the Calcutta High Court order on Friday rejecting the death penalty for three convicts in the 2013 rape and murder of a college girl at Kamduni in North 24 Parganas district, and acquitting one of them while sentencing the other two to life imprisonment. On Friday, the high courtas division bench of Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta acquitted Amin Ali, who was given death penalty by a lower court in Kolkata in 2016, of all charges and changed the punishment for Saiful Ali and Ansar Ali to life imprisonment instead of death. The other three convicts, namely Imanul Islam, Aminul Islam ad Bholanath Naskar, who were earlier sentenced to life imprisonment by the lower court, were set free on Friday as they have already completed ten years behind bars since the time the investigation process started in the matter. Sources in the state Law Department said that the state government is consulting legal experts and considering the option to move the apex court. "There is a scope for the state government to file a special leave petition at the Supreme Court against the division bench order," said a state law department official. The parents of the victim, who was 20 years of age then, has already accused the public prosecutor for lackadaisical argument at the high court and has said that they will move the apex court. They also said that they will take the help of the lawyer who led the argument in case of the Nirbhaya rape and murder case in Delhi. --IANS src/vd. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that success has been achieved in curbing Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the last few years, adding that LWE will be eliminated in the next two years. Chairing a meeting to review the security situation in LWE-affected States, Shah also said that the year 2022 witnessed the lowest number of incidents of violence and deaths in Maoist-hit areas in the last four decades. In his address, the Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, success has been achieved in curbing Leftist extremism in the last few years and now this fight has reached a decisive phase. He said that with the determination of the Prime Minister and the cooperation of all the states affected by the LWE, major successes have been achieved against it in 2022 and 2023. Shah asserted that "this is the year of taking resolution to completely eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the next two years". Shah said that vacuum areas have been shrinking since 2019, and we have established 195 new camps of CAPFs, 44 more new camps will be established. He said that the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) against LWE, rationalization of development and setting up camps in vacuum areas are the priorities of the Modi government. He also asserted that there is a need to maintain constant surveillance in the areas liberated from LWE so that this problem does not revive there again. He said that there is also a need to monitor that left wing extremists from areas where this problem has been eliminated, do not take shelter in other states. Shah said that the Modi government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" against LWE since 2014. "As a result of our zero tolerance policy, the lowest level of violence and deaths has been recorded in 2022 in last 4 decades," the Minister said. "There has been a decline of more than 52 per cent in Left Wing Extremism related violence, 69 per cent in deaths, 72 per cent in security forces deaths and 68 per cent in civilian deaths between 2014 and 2023 compared to the period from 2005 to 2014," Shah said. Union Home Minister said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are working closely with all state agencies to attack the financing of LWE. He added that all the affected states need to make efforts by forming a joint team of civil and police administration to dismantle the network of financial support of LWE. He further said that the Modi government had increased the ex-gratia amount for victims of LWE from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh in 2017, now it has been further increased to Rs 40 lakh. Highlighting the work of the government in the LWE areas, Shah said that the government is taking several steps to speed up the development in LWE-affected states and special attention is being given to areas like road construction, telecommunication, financial inclusion, skill development and education. Shah said the government has launched more than 14,000 projects under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme to accelerate development in the districts most affected by LWE. "More than 80 per cent of these projects have been completed and Rs 3,296 crore has been released to LWE-affected states under the scheme," the Minister said. He said under the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), projects worth Rs 992 crore have been sanctioned for the construction of Fortified Police Stations, strengthening of State Intelligence branches and Special Forces of LWE-affected states. In the last nine years, the Modi government has increased the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) by more than double in comparison to the earlier period, he added. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi on Friday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are resorting to constant raids on INDIA alliance leaders due to fear of defeat in next year's general election. Atishi said that PM Modi and BJP are destined to lose in the upcoming polls, prompting them to the use of agencies like the CBI and ED to intimidate INDIA Alliance leaders. The INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties, has witnessed 13 of its leaders being raided by Central government agencies since April. Atishi said that these raids are a patterned attempt to intimidate the alliance as it grows stronger. She vowed that despite such tactics, the INDIA alliance will remain united and emerge victorious in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Atishi accused PM Modi of anxiety, pointing out that in the past five days alone, raids were conducted on eight ally leaders of the INDIA alliance and 20 senior journalists who had spoken out against him. She also highlighted the recent eight-hour-long raid at the residence of AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, during which no evidence of corruption was found. The senior AAP leader said that these raids are part of a pattern in which leaders who oppose PM Modi or expose BJP's corruption are targeted by the ED and CBI. Atishi listed the instances of raids on INDIA alliance leaders, including those from DMK, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena, Congress, NCP, and other factions. She said that the INDIA alliance and the Aam Aadmi Party are not afraid of CBI and ED threats. New Delhi, Oct 6 : In the run up to 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday chaired a meeting with the heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and co-conveners of the G20 independent expert group, NK Singh. Various issues were discussed on MDBs and the related reforms to better serve the needs of client countries. During the G20 summit in New Delhi last month, the grouping's leaders had emphasised on reforms to deliver better, bigger and more effective MDBs. Under its key priority of strengthening MDBs to address global challenges of the 21st century, the G20 India presidency had constituted the G20 independent expert group on strengthening MDBs. The second volume of the report of this expert group will be released post the 4th G20FMCBG meeting in Marrakech, Morocco on October 12-13, 2023. World Bank president Ajay Banga, president of ADB Masatsugu Asakawa and Danny Alexander, vice-president of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and several other officials were present during the virtual meeting. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Anti-Terror Conference, a two-day event hosted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), concluded in New Delhi on Friday. During the conference, the NIA, along with Anti-Terror Squads (ATS) and Counter-Terrorism (CT) units from various states, pledged to enhance collaborative efforts among central and state intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies. Their goal is to combat the menace of terrorism in the country, with a particular emphasis on dismantling the entire terror ecosystem and cutting off its sources of funding. The key directions given by the Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah while inaugurating the 3rd Anti-Terror Conference on Thursday, included design of a common training module, multidimensional use of the various national databases to investigate, prosecute, and prevent crimes, innovative measures to counter terrorism, sharing of good practices, international cooperation and challenges like crypto, hawala, terror-funding, organised crime syndicates, and narco-terror links. He said that all anti-terrorism agencies must adopt such a ruthless approach so that a new terrorist organisation cannot be formed. Chairing the concluding session, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla underlined the need for teamwork and collaborative and concerted efforts by central and state agencies to try and prevent the establishment of terror ecosystems. Bhalla assured full support from the Home Ministry for meeting with needs of the central and state agencies in terms of legislative requirements, financial management, or resource deployment to fight against terrorism. Officers from around 15 States made presentations at the two days conference including Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi Police, Punjab, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala. In the session on 'Terror Funding Trends & Counter Measures', participants from states and central agencies, including FIU-India and ED discussed the recent trends in terror financing that have emerged in the investigation of cases. The officers stressed upon the effective use of FIN-TECH solutions for analysis of funding pattern. In the session on Digital Forensics and Data Analytics, delegates from Karnataka, DFSS, NCRB, NATGRID, BSF, I4C shared their experiences and showed the way forward on this important aspect of terror investigations, besides use of platforms/modules, such as iMOT, NATGRID and the National Terrorism Database. The session on "Dismantling of Terror Ecosystem" saw detailed discussions inter alia by police officers on leveraging of technology and working on foreign nodes to unearth the complex linkages between terrorism and trans-national organised crime. US healthcare workers to end strike on Sat; threaten to resume next month. Image Source: IANS News Washington, Oct 6 : The biggest healthcare workers' strike by over 75,000 people drawn across various disciplines ends Saturday morning 6 a.m. (Pacific time) with unions agreeing to disagree on the new wage offer by the management of the Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest non-profit health plans across the United States. The workers will end their strike on Saturday in public interest even as they reject the Kaiser Permanente wage hike of5 per cent in the first three years of a new contract, and a 4 per cent raise in the final year to all unionised employees. The coalition of workers agreed to disagree on this new offer and instead demandeda 6.5 per cent increase in the first two years of contract, and a 5.75 per cent increase in the final two years. The workers' coalition thus reserved the option of another strike next month if the management do not concede their demands. The leaders of the union also claimed that wage hikes would attract more workers in the highly-understaffed healthcare sector against what the management was doing, manipulating figures to show a rise in employment by shifting existing workforce to newer roles, media reports said. The largest healthcare strike in US history is now in its third, and final, day. The temporary work stoppage will end on Saturday morning, concluding a massive labour effort involving more than 75,000 healthcare workers and spanning four states, claimed to be the biggest in US medical history. Picketers across California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington are represented by a coalition of unions that walked off their jobs last Wednesday. Faced with staffing shortages and increased workloads without adequate compensation, the unions are demandinghigher wages and solutions to the acute workers' shortage crisis. The staffing crisis was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic last year with hospitals reporting enormously high admissions of patients that left workers feeling overburdened and burnt out. Nearly 200 workers from Kaiser facilities in Virginia and Washington joined the picket lines for a single day on Wednesday, as well. The striking workers included nursing staff, lab technicians, receptionists, among other medical staff, USA Today reported. Kaiser Permanente, claimed to be one of the largest non-profit health plans across the US, claimed that the pandemicimpacted the entire healthcare industry. Kaiser claimed it has agreed to do "aggressive work" to hire more staff members and said it has hired 10,086 people in union-represented jobs so far this year. This claim has been disputed by the workers' unions. The unions cautioned that a portion of those hires were internal employees who shifted roles. They said more needs to be done to address a staffing shortage that the union has called "unsafe". The coalition of unions has also argued that raising employee pay will attract workers, CNN reported. Kaiser has rejected the unions' demand to raise minimum pay to $24 per hour for all unionised employees in 2024. A spokesperson for Kaiser said the coalition and management have reached tentative agreements on some other issues involving remote workers and tracking staffing vacancies, media reports said. The nurses in the healthcare industry are among the most highly-paid workers across all industries, drawing anything between $24 per hour to $40 per hour depending on seniority and experience, and they are highly-qualified to handle critical care patients , industry sources said. Patients have started to feel the pinch of the workers' strike at the hospitals in the four states. Although Kaiser Permanente said it has contingency plans to ensure patients receive care during the strike, some have told CNN they've felt the impact of the strike. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Congress leader KC Venugopal on Friday said that the party leaders staged protest across the country over the BJP's post portraying him as Ravan. He said that the saffron party is gradually realising the power of sky rocketing popularity of its former party chief. He said that BJP must know that there is a price to pay for their irresponsible and dangerous actions against Rahul Gandhi. In a post on X, Venugopal said, "Rahul Gandhi ji is our revered leader and loved by billions across the world. It is very clear that with his sky-rocketing popularity, the BJP is gradually realising the power of Rahul Gandhi." "But they must know that there is a price to pay for their irresponsible and dangerous actions against him," he said. He said that in a spontaneous emotional outburst against Thursday's post comparing Rahul Gandhi with Ravan, the entire Congress cadre across the country was on the streets - without any official call - to reject the BJPas hateful behaviour and in complete solidarity with the Wayanad MP. His remarks came after Congress workers staged protest across the country over the BJP's post portraying Rahul Gandhi as Ravan. Meanwhile, Congress, in a press statement, said that the party workers carrying banners and placards raised slogans against the BJP and demanded unconditional apology from the party (BJP). In New Delhi thousands of workers gathered to march against the BJP. They were stopped by the police, it said. Congress said that the senior party leaders said that the spontaneous expression of anger and dismay by people across the country against Gandhias depiction as Ravan has only proved his popularity and reinforced BJPas fears and panic as it was looking at an imminent defeat. Congress said that despite anger and resentment the party workers maintained complete peace during their protest despite some grave provocations at several places by police. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 : Amid its probe into NewsClick, a team of Delhi Police officials landed up at Kodumon in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district to take a statement from a former employee of the media organisation and also took away her mobile and laptop. A four member team of Delhi Police officials, after informing the Kerala Police, reached the home of Anusha Paul. Speaking to the media, Paul, who arrived at her ancestral home last week, said the Delhi Police took away her laptop and mobile phone and asked about her bank details. "I was asked if I knew a CPI-M leader and I said yes, as I am a member of the youth wing of the CPI-M. The laptop and mobile phone was mine and did not belong to NewsClick. The Delhi Police officials told me it would be better that I return to Delhi and appear before them," said Paul who is a resident of Delhi. The case against NewsClick follows secret intelligence inputs that foreign funds were allegedly illicitly introduced into India by individuals and entities hostile to the nation's interests. These funds were reportedly intended to disrupt the nation's unity, integrity, and security. It is alleged that PPK NewsClick Studio Pvt Ltd. received fraudulent foreign funds in crores of rupees from Worldwide Media Holdings LLC, USA, and other entities over a short span of five years, starting from April 2018. --IANS sg/vd At the time of the Russian cafe shop in the village of Hroza, Kharkiv region, there were about 60 people there. People gathered to commemorate a buried resident of the village. There were no soldiers there. ADVERTISIMENT The occupation army launched a missile attack on the building on October 5. The head of the Kharkiv regional police, Volodymyr Tymoshko, announced this on the department's Telegram channel. He emphasized, "Russia has committed a bloody crime against civilians". As of 17:00, there are 51 dead (including one child) and seven wounded (including one child). "Not a single soldier was there, just residents of the village, where 330 people lived until that day! And who says that this is not genocide, who says that Russians are people, who says that they are a people, not a horde? Show the relatives of the victims who is saying this nonsense!" Tymoshko said emotionally. ADVERTISIMENT The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko, who previously headed the National Police, said that a six-year-old child (according to his information, it was a girl) was a victim of the occupiers' crime. As of 16:00, the rubble was still being cleared, as well as the identification of the victims. "A mobile forensic laboratory is working at the scene of the tragedy," Klymenko said. Klymenko told United News that the enemy attack took place at 13:24 on Thursday. ADVERTISIMENT Seven people were seriously wounded. "All of them are being operated," the minister said in the news release. He noted that at least one person from almost every family in the village attended the memorial dinner. As for the weapons used by the Russian Armed Forces, there was no accurate information (as of 5 p.m.), experts were establishing all the details. Klymenko said that it was "definitely a heavy missile or, possibly, a guided aircraft missile/bomb or a high-explosive bomb." The Interior Minister promised that the type of weapon would be clarified later. The explosion, he said, destroyed the building. Seven people who were injured were not inside the cafe, but nearby, at a distance of 50 meters or more. A little later, it was suggested that the Russian military might have used Iskander to strike the village. ADVERTISIMENT Video from the scene of Russian shelling. Caution, it is 18+! As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to another horrific attack by Russia. "It is a deliberate brutal Russian crime: missile strike on an ordinary grocery store. A terrorist attack," the head of state said. Only verified information on our Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Los Angeles, Oct 6 : Hollywood star Jamie Foxx has mourned the death of fellow actor and longtime friend Keith Jefferson, posting on his Instagram account, "This one hurts". The aDjango Unchaineda star shared the news of Keith's death on social media with a heartfelt tribute. aKeith, youave been nothing but absolute grace, your whole life your heart is pure, your love is immeasurable you were an amazing soul," Foxx wrote in his caption. "We will all miss you dearly. Itas gonna take a long time for this to heal," Foxx added. "Goodbye, my friend. I love you." Foxx added in another post, "Everything hurts right now having a hard time looking through these pictures reliving the memories of us having a great time going to miss you man gonna miss you." He continued: "Ever since we met back in college, you have been in incredible soul God rest, NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO SEE THE WORDS ABOUT MY FRIEND RIP @keith.jefferson Keith." Beneath the touching message, Foxx, 55, shared a picture of himself and Keith standing in front of a private plane and embracing in a brotherly handshake. While the cause of death has yet to be revealed, in August, Keith shared on social media that he had cancer, eonline reported. "Every now and then God will give you a challenge and leave it up to you to fix it," he posted on Instagram alongside a photo of himself in the hospital. "When I was first diagnosed with cancer I had to stop, pause, and didn't want to share with anyone. Not my family nor extended family. Today I'm finally at a place to share because my faith is getting stronger. I have a loving family and the best friends in the entire world." Weeks later, Keith uploaded a snap of himself and Jamie with a friend, detailing how they've supported him. "When I say the admiration I have for my friends is unmatched," Keith noted on August 30. "My heart will never lie. Rodney Mason who has been a beam of light through my dark times. Thank you brother. J Foxxayou already know. For you to take the time to spend with me everyday, every hour tells me everything. "I already know. You are my family and I wouldn't have it any other way. Luv you bro. I will pull through because my faith is strong and with God on my side I won't worry." Jaipur, Oct 6 : Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat , who has filed a defamation case against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, said on Friday that if Gehlot publicly apologises for his statement, he will consider forgiving him. The case pertains to alleged "misleading statements" reportedly made by Gehlot against Shekhawat in connection with the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam in Rajasthan. Shekhawat was addressing the media on Friday at the BJP office here on Ashok Gehlot's 'Vision Document-2030'. In response to a question, Shekhawat said that if Gehlot publicly apologises for the remarks he made against him, he will have to consider forgiving him. "After all, he is quite senior and an esteemed figure in my city," the minister said. Shekhawat had filed the defamation case against Gehlot in March this year, stating that an investigation was initiated into the Sanjivani case but his name was not mentioned anywhere, and demanded the prosecution of Gehlot for criminal defamation under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He also demanded appropriate financial compensation for the loss of his reputation. Gehlot had said after a budget review meeting at the state secretariat on February 21 that the entire Shekhawat family, including his parents and wife, were involved in the Sanjeevani scam. Gehloit had also welcomed the filing of the defamation case, saying: "At least the case will move forward on this pretext." Hearing the case, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court had issued a summon to Gehlot on July 6. Gehlot had filed a revision petition against this in the sessions court, but he did not get relief from there. The court, however, gave Gehlot permission to appear before the Delhi court virtually. On the Chief Minister's Vision Document-2030, Shekhawat said that Gehlot's government has failed in every sector in the last five years. "Now Gehlot is busy giving false certificate to himself through the Vision Document-2030. In 2003 and 2013, the people of the state had ousted Gehlot from power. This time also the public has made similar preparations. Why is this vision document remembered only at the time of elections," Shekhawat asked, adding that all the promises made by Gehlot before the elections have proved to be a bundle of lies. "If Gehlot was so concerned about the state, why did he not create a vision document and implement it when he became the CM in 2018? He had full opportunity, but he failed at that time. Now suggestions for vision are being sought. What's the point of creating a vision document to document your failures," he asked. The Union minister spoke in detail on each major issue of the vision document and said that the Gehlot government has failed on all of these. "In the vision document, it has been claimed to make Rajasthan a model state in terms of water, education, medicine etc., but the reality is that no work has been done in any field in Rajasthan. If we talk about Jal Jeevan Mission, Rajasthan is one of the lagging states. "The situation in Rajasthan with regard to Jal Jeevan Mission is very bad. A budget of Rs 30,000 crore was made available to Rajasthan as part of the mission, but the state government could not utilise it. Gehlot government is first in corruption in Jal Jeevan Mission. "English medium was started but without any preparation... In fact, schools lack basic resources. They do not have their own buildings, classrooms or teachers. Students of two classes are studying in the same room. There are no English medium educated teachers in any English medium school. "The claims of computerisation of education have also turned out to be false. Thirty per cent schools do not have computers. There is no provision of toilets and clean drinking water in schools," Shekhawat said. The Union minister alleged that the Gehlot government opened 450 colleges in the state, but did not manage teachers in any of them. "Ten thousand posts are vacant in higher education in Rajasthan. There can be no bigger joke with the youth than this. The children were not given laptops and tablets as promised," he claimed. Shekhawat also said the state government did not implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme till May 1, 2021. "Lakhs of people had to suffer losses for three years. The name of Ayushman Bharat Yojana was changed to Chiranjeevi Yojana. This government has misled the people of Rajasthan. Doctors opposed the Health Rights Act. Hospitals do not have doctors or facilities. The government has failed in the field of medicine," the minister said. New Delhi, Oct 6 : Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday took a jibe at the BJP over the increase in import from China and asked Delhi Police if it will investigate this too to find the link between the saffron party and China. "Will the Delhi Police investigate this too? What is the link between BJP and China?" Ramesh, who is Congress General Secretary Communication Incharge wrote on X. He also shared a graph of India-share of imports from China in the last nine year while quoting the Tradestat data of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. His remarks came in the wake of the Delhi Police's Special Cell in its FIR has alleged that NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, American Businessman Neville Roy Singham, historian Vijay Parshad and others actively propagated false narratives to discredit the efforts of the Indian government to contain Covid-19 pandemic. The Special Cell of Delhi Police in its FIR against NewsClick founder and editor Prabir Purkayastha and others alleged that big Chinese Telecom companies like Xiaomi, Vivo, etc. incorporated thousands of shell companies in India in violation of PMLA/FEMA for illegally infusing foreign funds in India in furtherance of this conspiracy. "Further Prabir Purkayastha, Neville Roy Singham, Geeta Hariharan, Gautam Bhatia (key person) conspired to create a "Legal Community Network" in India to campaign for and put up spirited defence of legal cases against aforementioned Chinese Telecom Companies in return for benefits by these Chinese companies," read the FIR. The Special Cell carried put searches at office of NewsClick and its journalists on Tuesday and arrested Purkayastha and another person. A court sent them to seven days of police custody. Following the arrest, the opposition has slammed the BJP government and accused it of suppressing the voice of press. New Delhi, Oct 6 : The Supreme Court on Friday said that it is deliberating to employ sign-language interpreters in all Constitution Bench hearings. "I was telling the Secretary-General that now for Constitution benches, let us have an interpreter so that the hearings are understood by all," said CJI DY Chandrachud after a hearing-impaired lawyer joined the proceedings in the Chief Justice's court with the assistance of an interpreter appointed by the Supreme Court. The CJI encouraged the specially-abled lawyer and said that she should start arguing her own matters with the assistance of an interpreter. In a first of its kind move, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed its Registry for appointment of a sign-language interpreter to assist a specially-abled lawyer in attending the court proceedings. Advocate-on-Record Sanchita Ain had moved an application before the top court seeking a sign-language interpreter for her hearing-impaired colleague. It was requested that the sign-language interpreter may join the proceedings virtually whenever the matter is taken up for hearing to enable the deaf lawyer to attend the hybrid proceedings from Bengaluru. On Friday, CJI Chandrachud also informed that he has asked the Registrar (Listing) to list all pending 7-judge and 9-judge Constitution Bench matters for directions on October 12. "We will at least get the basic formalities of filing compilations, etc. in three weeks. Then, we are going to list all these 7-judge, 9-judge or 5-judge matters," he said. CJI Chandrachud added that some of the 7-judge or 9-judge Constitution Bench matters are pending for two decades and they will not take more than a half of a day or a day at most. Islamabad, Oct 7 : In its continuing drive against illegal Afghan immigrants, Pakistan Army chief General Syed Asim Munir said on Friday that concerted action would continue against the "spectrum of illegal activities" to control the economic losses due to their presence. The News reported that police have started raiding various Afghan refugee camps and other areas housing Afghan nationals, taking into custody hundreds of families who did not have any legal documentation to prove their status of stay in Pakistan To further the affirmative action in this regard, General Munir along with caretaker CM of Sindh Maqbool Baq visited Karachi to attend a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee. The army said in a statement that General Munir was briefed about various issues, including repatriation of illegal foreigners and foreign currency regularisation measures as well as the security of foreign nationals employed on various projects, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said that the "law enforcing agencies and other government departments will continue the enforcement actions against a spectrum of illegal activities with full force to deny pilferage of resources and economic losses that the country suffers due to these activities". Patna, Oct 6 : JD-U MLA Gopal Mandal allegedly used abusive language with mediapersons on Friday after they asked him about carrying a revolver inside a hospital. On October 3, Mandal had gone to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in Bhagalpur for a CT scan of his granddaughter. He was seen carrying a revolver in his hand, a video of which had gone viral on social media. When someone had asked him to clarify the need for carrying a firearm inside a hospital, he had said: "It is a thing that needs to be held in the hand and not in the waist (Hath Me Lekar Nahi Chalege to Kya Kamar Me Rakhege)." Mandal reached the JD-U office in Patna on Friday to take part in a meeting headed by CM Nitish Kumar that was also attended by the party's national President Lalan Singh. The words he used for mediapersons were extremely objectionable. He again said that he is carrying a revolver in his waist for self-defence. When mediapersons strongly objected to his act, he ran towards the Chief Minister's security personnel. When asked about the act of Mandal, state Minister Ashok Chaudhary said that his party believes in peace, and not violence. "We are the followers of Mahatma Gandhi," he said. Meanwhile, Bhagalpur DM has served a notice to Mandal, asking him to submit a written reply explaining his act inside the hospital. Mexico City, Oct 7 : At least 17 people were killed when a bus carrying migrants, mostly Venezuelans, overturned on a highway in southern Mexico, authorities said. The accident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. local time, on a highway linking Oaxaca and the neighbouring state of Puebla, said the Oaxaca state's civil protection coordination on Friday. At least 17 people were killed and about 25 others were injured, who were being treated in hospitals, preliminary reports said. Authorities partially closed the road in both directions, the civil protection coordination added. The passenger bus was reportedly carrying 55 migrants, Xinhua news agency reported. "We deeply regret the fatal accident ... in which several migrants died. Our government personnel are already providing support to those affected," Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara said on social media platform X. In the era of feminism, the tradition of taking your husband's surname after marriage may seem a bit outdated. Of course, this is everyone's personal choice: some people consider the tradition a relic of the past, while others immediately "try on" their surname after meeting the man of their dreams. ADVERTISIMENT There are other reasons for taking the husband's surname, which are more rational: the family has the same surname to avoid confusion with documents. OBOZREVATEL looked into how this tradition arose. How the tradition came about Often women don't even think about whether they want to take their husband's surname, but do it just because they have to. It's like an unwritten rule that has been in place for centuries. In his book Global, National, and Regional Signs of Ukrainian Surnames, researcher Pavlo Chuchka noted that the tradition of having a family name originated in Italy in the eleventh century, back in 1068. In the early twelfth century, English women began to inherit their husbands' surnames, and until the end of the nineteenth century, brides ceded all property and rights to children to their husbands in marriage. Women depended on men legally, financially, and morally. ADVERTISIMENT Cultural scholar Yulia Kishchuk explained that surnames arose out of the need to identify people. In Ukraine, surnames appeared in the fourteenth century. After marriage, women began to take their husbands' surnames, because there was a cult of family in society-unity, the "merging" of two people, the beginning of a new family. Linguist Hanna Voronych noted in her work that Ukrainians have long had only Christian names. Our ancestors could also be called by their occupation, locality, character traits, or official position. The researchers add that surnames, as a mass phenomenon, emerged during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where a system of recording and identifying the population was developed. Of course, surnames appeared even earlier, for example, Zaporizhzhia Cossacks were also registered by their first and last names. ADVERTISIMENT In her work Paterfamilias, ethnologist Maryna Hrymach emphasizes that in the peasant environment of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, men dominated, and they had first and last names. The "primacy" of the man was also manifested in the fact that he was always listed first in the child's metric and in the marriage certificate. Interestingly, the woman's surname was recorded in the possessive rather than nominative form. In the metric books of Galicia, when recording parents, both men and women were listed equally, but men were recorded by their surname, and women by their patronymic (maiden name). Among Greek Catholics, women were more likely to bear the surname than in the Orthodox Church, although patronymics took place in both cases. In the Hutsul region, there was a purely patriarchal tradition of naming, and in Galicia there was also a hybrid form of creating patrimonial names. For example, in the villages of Kosiv and Verkhovyna, one can still find elderly women named Vasyl, Petrykha, Ivaniha, etc. ADVERTISIMENT Children born out of wedlock were usually registered under the woman's family name. Earlier, OBOZREVATEL talked about the most common surnames in Ukraine and refuted the myth of Russian origin. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL 's Telegram and Viber channels to keep up with the latest developments. When writing a novel, its best to show, not tell. When tackling social issues, its best to tell a story, not preach. The former is a rule every writing course teaches us. The latter is something I learned the hard way. Novels have been tackling social issues throughout historythink of Charles Dickenss Oliver Twist or John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath. The former denounces Victorian Londons inhumane treatment of the poor, while the latter depicts Dust Bowl migrants facing unjust labor conditions in California. Books like these are usually serious and biting, meant to expose problems and sway readers to the authors stand on a particular issue. Theyre sometimes called social novels. In my native Philippines, Jose Rizals Noli Me Tangere has stood the test of time and is widely regarded as the countrys greatest social novel. It was written in Spanish and published in 1887 as a blistering indictment of Spanish colonialism in the Philippines. The book led to the authors execution at age 35, but it also helped spark a revolution. Todays social novels dont necessarily carry the gravitas of Rizal or Steinbeck or Dickens. Readers identify books such as Ray Bradburys Fahrenheit 451, Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale, and S.A. Cosbys Razorblade Tears as genre or speculative fiction. This implies that their primary function is to entertain rather than shape opinions, despite the issues they tackle, which include the suppression of freedom of thought (Fahrenheit 451), womens control over their bodies and lives (The Handmaids Tale), and homophobia and toxic masculinity (Razorblade Tears). Walter Mosleys Devil in a Blue Dress explores racism faced by African Americans and political corruption in Los Angeles after WWII. Its a quintessential mystery that follows a novice private investigator named Easy Rawlins. The book is a great example of how effective genre fiction is in presenting social commentary. At the 2023 ThrillerFest, held in New York City in June, Mosley talked about how he uses mystery to explain whats wrong with the world. A book worth its salt, he said, is something other than the story and plot. Devil in a Blue Dress and the other genre novels... are popular precisely because they dont preach. Devil in a Blue Dress and the other genre novels mentioned above are popular precisely because they dont preach. This little fact escaped me when I first wrote the manuscript that became my novel Multo, meaning ghost in Tagalog. The book follows a Filipino American bounty hunter named Domingo as he looks for the only quarry who has ever eluded him: an undocumented, biracial Filipina named Monica who can disappear like a ghost. As a recent immigrant, the subject of immigration is close to my heart, so its only natural that my novel focuses on the struggles and aspirations of immigrants, documented and undocumented alike. For years I toiled on my manuscript from the perspective of Monica, who overstays in the U.S. in pursuit of her American dream: her white father who doesnt know she exists. The father, an Air Force general, wants no political scandal. He hires Domingo to apprehend his daughter and take her to immigration authorities for deportation. The manuscript was universally rejected by literary agents, who deemed it un-commercial. In hindsight, I admit it was a naive attempt at proselytizing. It took many years before an idea that ultimately saved my novel dawned on me. What if I told the story from the point of view of the bounty hunter? Domingo is a secondary character, a kickass hunter of fugitives and a wiseass observer. Unlike the protagonist, hes a naturalized U.S. citizen. He can afford to make fun of the immigration system. Changing my novels narrator organically revamped the tone and pace of the manuscript. Multo became a thriller. It tells the same story, but more effectively because it no longer preaches. What if you want to tackle social issues but youre averse to genre fiction? Heed the advice of Margaret Atwood: Your job is to make your novel the best of its kind that it can be, she said in an online class on creative writing. In other words, just focus on writing the story instead of worrying whether your book is genre or literary. Remember youre a storyteller first and foremost, not a preacher or an activist. Cindy Fazzi is a Filipino American writer and former Associated Press reporter. Her contemporary thriller Multo is out now from Agora Books. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit will let Texas's controversial new book rating law, HB 900, take effect while an "expedited" appeals process plays outdespite a district court finding the law to be a web of unconstitutionally vague requirements. In a two-line decision issued on October 5, the Fifth Circuit said it would not hear the state's emergency motion for a stay separately and will instead carry the motion to be heard with the state's challenge of judge Alan D. Albright's preliminary injunction on the merits. The court also ordered the appeal to be "expedited to the next available oral argument panel." But the appeals court also declined to lift an administrative stay placed on Albright's orderwhich was issued by the appeals court without consideration of the merits of the casea move that effectively gives the state its stay and allows the law to take effect indefinitely pending a resolution of the appeal or further action by the court. At press time, a new schedule for the case had not been made public. It remains unclear when the appeals court will hear oral argument, or how long it might take the court to rule on the appeal once it does. It's worth noting that the Fifth Circuit has yet to rule on an appeal of an injunction in another prominent Texas book banning case, Little v. Llano County, despite hearing oral argument four months ago. Signed by Texas governor Greg Abbott on June 12, HB 900 requires book vendors, at their own expense, to review and rate books for sexual content under a vaguely articulated standard as a condition of doing business with Texas public schools. The law includes both the thousands of books previously sold to schools and any new books. Furthermore, the law gives the state the unchecked power to change the rating on any book, which vendors would then have to accept as their own or be barred from doing business with Texas public schools. Administrative stays are commonly used to maintain the status quo until an appellate court can more fully consider arguments for emergency relief. And while it makes some sense that the court in this case would want to jump right to the state's appeal of Albright's orderafter all, the state's arguments for a stay of the injunction are basically the same as its arguments for reversing itallowing the administrative stay to remain in place effectively moots the emergency relief the plaintiffs had sought and won from the district court on merit, and puts booksellers in the state in a precarious position. Staying the preliminary injunction would radically upend the status quo, the plaintiffs (two Texas booksellers together with the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund), argued in an October 2 brief. Plaintiffs would be immediately prohibited from selling books to public schools because they would be unable to review and rate every book ever sold to a public school, as required," the brief argues. "To lift the prohibition, Plaintiffs would need to undertake the painstaking process of reviewing and rating hundreds of thousands of books, which would significantly disturb Plaintiffs businesses and cause economic injury, the reallocation of significant resources, and the potential closure of independent booksellers throughout Texas. A stay would also require public schools to change the way they store and purchase books and impact public school students access to books. Under the status quo as it exists now (and has existed for 170 years)without Rating Provisionsnone of these impingements are present. The appeal drama comes after judge Albright issued a substantive 59-page written opinion and order on September 18, officially blocking HB 900 from taking effect. The judges written decision came after he had orally enjoined the law at an August 31 hearing, following two previous hearings on the matter, and had denied the state's request for a stay. In his written opinion, Albright observed that the burden placed on book vendors by the law are so numerous and onerous as to call into question whether the legislature believed any third party could possibly comply. Mosquitoland author and 2015 PW Flying Starts honoree David Arnold explores themes of connection, healing, and reincarnation in I Loved You in Another Life, a speculative YA love story in which teenagers Evan Taft and Shosh Bell are inexplicably drawn to each other across all their previous lives. As Evan manages stress surrounding his mothers breast cancer diagnosis and Shosh copes with grief over her older sisters death, they both begin hearing a mysterious voice singing haunting lyrics, leading up to their eventual meeting. Arnold spoke with PW about the inspiration behind writing a David Arnold Love Story, the influence of music on his life and work, and his thoughts surrounding soulmates, life after death, and the inevitability of love. In your acknowledgments, you write that even though I fell in love at a young age, Id never written a true love story. What does a true love story mean to you, and how and why did you decide to go about crafting one now? I wrote four novels before I Loved You in Another Life, where romantic love was sort of hinted at or danced around, but Id never written a book that centered two characters falling in love. And because I did fall in love young, I think Ive always been wondering, whats my way into that story? We all read for different reasons, right? And while I enjoy reading romanceand some of my friends write it really wellI never gravitated toward writing it; its just never been the most natural thing for me. So, I thought, Well, what does a David Arnold Love Story look like? Music has always been a really big part of my life; I was a professional musician for a decade. And so, when I had the idea about two strangers who start hearing music out of thin air once I realized that music could act as a sort of map for the characters, I thought that would be the perfect opportunity for me to write about people falling in love. And Ive always been interested in the storytelling mechanics of reincarnation, so the idea that maybe these two souls just continue to fall in love over and over again really stuck with me and made me want to finally tackle my own love story. In the primary, present-day story line of I Loved You in Another Life, Evan and Shosh are two teens living in Illinois. But in their previous and future liveswhich are featured in interstitials throughout the narrativetheyre often physically different people from different parts of the world. Why was it important for you to include these alternate perspectives? Once I worked out how the reincarnation aspect functionedhow Evan and Shoshs original souls worked and where they originatedI felt that there needed to be some sort of draw to that origin point. So, I came up with some rules for myself around that. I also didnt want them to just to be reborn in the same place in every life, so, I was looking for ways to incorporate different regions into each of their narratives. It occurs to me that Ive done something similar in a couple of different ways in my previous books. I love when Im able to present these short little snippets throughout the story; its almost like, when youre reading the main narrative, it feels as if youre at a museum, and youre standing really close to a painting, and you see all of the details and everything thats incorporated into it. Youre kind of fully immersed in this single painting. But then if you step back, you notice that this one paintingthat you feel like you know everything about nowis actually just one in a series of paintings. And I feel like the vignettes add a sense of like, this story of Evan and Shoshs is just one of many. And even though we arent standing as close to those other stories, just knowing that they exist allows us to more fully benefit from the one thats in front of us. Youve been quoted as saying that youre driven by character and that you feel compelled to finish a story for them. What was it about these characters that drove you to tell their story? The seeds of books are always really hard for me to track down. When I think, What was the beginning of this book? I mean, the idea of two strangers who hear music, that was certainly a seed. But another seed was the relationship between Evan and his younger brother Will, and the bond that they share in the act of loving a movie: in this case, E.T. My son had a period when he was five or six years old where E.T. was the only movie he wanted to watch. We watched it probably once a week for five or six months. Andactually, this is kind of a funny storyoriginally, I had an idea for an I.P. project, which would have taken place after E.T. flies off forever. I thought, Well, what about Elliott? Hes developed this relationship with this friend whos now gone. I thought it would be cool to see his story set, like, seven years later, when hes 17, and hes trying to contact E.T. I wrote up a paragraph and sent it to my agent, Dan Lazar, and I was like, I dont even know how we would begin going about writing this, because its very much not my intellectual property. And he said, well, lets check with your film agent. And so, he sent it to her. And then she emailed back and was like, I dont know, let me ask Steven. And I was like, Im sorry. What? As in Spielberg? And shes like, Yeah, and then three days later, I get an email from her saying, Im very sorry, but Steven said no. And Im telling you, we threw a three-day-long party at my house. I had asked a question; Steven Spielberg said no. And that was a win. But with this idea of love around the world, and the kind of never let me go aspect, that was when I realized, Okay, I think the real story here isnt the characters in E.T.; its about two people who love a movie together. So yeah, Evan and Will are very much based on the dynamic between me and my son at that age. That was certainly a character and a relationship that I wanted to see through. In your Flying Starts interview, you mentioned that you were trying to write a book the way Arcade Fire performs a song, with reckless energy, and very youthfully. Can you elaborate on how music influences your writing today, and about the importance of the songs that are included in I Loved You in Another Life? Its funny that you mention that quote, because I actually just finished an essay about how everything I know about writing books I learned from writing music, and I feel like 2015 David was a very different David. I love that I said that because thats very much where I was at the time, though I hope that Ive learned to write with maybe a little bit more restraint. In the acknowledgments of my first book, Mosquitoland, I thank Elliott Smith for teaching me that an honest voice is more compelling than a pretty one, and I think thats one of the many things that I learned during my time in music: that honesty is the most important element, and if the reader doesnt believe it, then whats the point? My North Star is less about making something that people like and more about making something that people believe, because thats the thing about music that draws us in. Oftentimes, we cant explain what it is about a song that moves us; well just be driving or cooking, and a song will come on, and well start crying. Some songs have very obvious reasons: they come at the right time, or the right moment, or theyre passed down to us from someone we love. But for other songs, theres no rhyme or reason; they just move us. And I feel like its because were drawn to things that we recognize as true. And so, I think thats something Im always trying to instill in my own writing. From a practical perspective, the songs in I Loved You in Another Life were so important. If these two characters are going to use the songs as a map to each other, then the songs needed to actually exist, and I knew that early on. It was really cool, because it gave me an opportunity to recall my own past life of being a musician and writing songs every day, which I hadnt done in years. But for this book, I had to revisit that, and I was so glad to do it. I was able to record the songs that are in the book and theyre actually streaming now. (To listen, go to Spotify and YouTube.) What are your thoughts on the concepts of soulmates, reincarnation, and the inevitability of love, and how did you distill them into this book? I think that writing is about exploring possibilities; it feels less like excavating something within myself and more like playing in the sandbox of truth. I have to write about something that interests me, especially since it takes me at least two years to write a book. Otherwise, burnout is inevitable. If Im not interested, Ill know it pretty quickly. For me, writing isnt necessarily about tracking something down, its about aimless exploration. Its like, when you hear about how some of the most important scientific discoveries were made by accident. Its because we tried different things that we discovered, you know, a cure to a disease that we werent even searching for. Sometimes, writing can feel that way, like an accidental domino effect: I didnt set up the dominoes on purpose, but I decided to push one over anyway, just to see what would happen. I cant say that I fully believe that when we die, were reborn. Its just one of those ideas that Ive always been interested in. Youll hear stories of people having memories from past lives and well, what does that mean? And what would that look like? From a practical standpoint, I can say that turning these ideas into a book was quite difficult, especially when trying to make sure that all the timelines of Evan and Shoshs births and deaths made sense. Your debut graphic novel Luminous Beings, illustrated by Jose Pimienta, is planned for fall 2024. Can you talk about the origins of the story and how developing a graphic novel has differed from writing your previous books? Its just been so fun. Luminous Beings started as a screenplay that I was writing during the early days of lockdown. I was working on a very serious adult novel at the time that I felt was suddenly not making sense. Like many other people, particularly creatives, I didnt know what I was doing, I just knew that I needed something different. I couldnt work on the adult novel during that time. So I gave myself a challenge, which was to take my silliest idea and treat it with the utmost sincerity. And my silliest idea at the time was zombie squirrels. I was like, Okay, what would zombie squirrels look like if I treated it like writing that story was my job? And pretty quickly, I realized that the only way to do it was going to be if the story wasnt really about zombie squirrels, but instead they were the backdrop. While writing, I didnt realize that I was processing the world as it was with Covid-19. You know, Covid isnt part of the book, its not mentioned at all, but the way the world responds to the zombie squirrelsI cant even say that without laughingmakes it very obvious that I was thinking about the pandemic. I really jumped into that story and spent about five months writing it as a screenplay and talked about it with my agent a few times, until we thought, But what if it was a graphic novel? And as soon as I saw Joses work, I was like, I have to work with this artist. Jose has been amazing. From the moment they agreed to be part of the project, it has definitely been a collaborative effort. Every step of the process has been such a learning experience for me, especially because Jose has written a few really brilliant graphic novels on their own. Im really excited about it. I would love to do more graphic novels. I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold. Viking, $19.99 Oct. 10 ISBN 978-0-593-52478-7 On October 10, Chronicle Books will release married collaborators Karida Brown and Charly Palmers The New Brownies Book, a contemporary take on W.E.B. Du Boiss influential monthly childrens magazine, The Brownies Book. The New Brownies Book is an anthology showcasing the power of community and the foundations of the Black family via drawings, poetry, short stories, and other artistic formats. Its namesake, The Brownies, made its debut in 1920 under the leadership of civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, and was the first childrens magazine to prominently feature and center Black children. Du Bois printed the works of several notable artists of the Harlem Renaissance, and was the first to publish Langston Hughes. The magazine was discontinued in 1921. For sociologist and Du Bois scholar Karida Brown and illustrator Charly Palmer, Du Bois and his work acted as both a source of connection early in their relationship and the foundation for what was soon to come. Brown said that the first time the pair had discussed Du Bois was during their courtship, in 2017. Charly had asked me if I were to do a childrens book, what would it be? And I wrote back that it would actually be a revival of The Brownies Book. This marked the exact moment where it became a thing for both of us, she said. I explained what it was, and I sent a link from the Library of Congress. At the end of the email, I said, We should do this. Three years later, during the height of the pandemic in May 2020, the soon-to-be married couple began revisited The Brownies concept with a renewed determination to offer Black children hope. It wasnt a response out of trauma or doom, but more so like, now more than ever is the time, Brown said. And thats why the subtitle is A Love Letter to Black Families. Its to put out that bat signal to Black children: we are thinking about you and you are not forgotten, Brown said. Community and Collaboration In spring 2021, Chronicle acquired The New Brownies Book at auction, and the pair worked to bring their concept into reality with the assistance of editor Natalie Butterfield. I was so taken with the premise of the original Brownies Book periodical and was excited by this contemporary take on it, Butterfield said. And I loved that it was such an ambitious project! The book brings together a whole community40 writers, artists, educators, historians, parents, students, and moreto celebrate Black families. To create the Brownies Book, Du Bois had reached out to both celebrated and relatively unknown artists. In an effort to keep the essence of Du Boiss original process, Brown and Palmer began gathering a list of Black creators who could speak to the experiences of Black children. It was a thrill for me, Palmer said. There are so many people when it comes to mentors and people Ive looked up to or respected as an artist who said yes. Paul Goodnight is in it. James Denmark. And one of the very last projects that Ntozake Shange ever did, we worked on together [for the book]. To invite contributors, Brown and Palmer wrote letters to Black-identified creators, discussing the importance of Du Boiss original Brownies Book and their hope to continue his work with a modernized version. As creators signed on for the project and began sending in their submissions, Brown, Palmer, and their two assistants spent weeks sorting through submissions, noting the themes that were arising. The letters gave no parameters for the subject matter of the projects. Because of that, we got a lot of wonderful surprises, Palmer said of the organic process of how the New Brownies Book began taking shape. The anthology also features debut work from creators as young as five years old to college students. Allowing young artists to share their own perspectives and stories was an important facet in portraying their experiences authentically. Its from the mouths of babes, Palmer said. Its this whole idea that young people teach us. I found myself so many times trying to teach young people and theyll say something, and Im like, I never saw it that way before. And I want more of that. I want more of their insight. I want more understanding, he added. Working on a project inspired by a renowned historical figure, The pair hopes that the New Brownies Book can help keep Du Boiss vision for instilling confidence in Black children alive. I would hope that hes very proud of what were doing here, Palmer said. Were saying to him, we still acknowledge you, see you, feel you. And we want to do our best to represent what your mission clearly had been [during] the time you were on this earth. With so many more artists to showcase and subjects to touch on, the pair hopes to continue sharing Du Boiss legacy with another installment. I really feel like there will be another Brownies Book, Brown said. There is so much Black genius out there. We could go on for the rest of our lives and beyond, producing and creating these. It is a testament of how deep the reservoir of talent is. The New Brownies Book: A Love Letter to Black Families by Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer. Chronicle, $40 Oct. 10 ISBN 978-179-721682-9. Artemis Fowl creator Eoin Colfers new novel, Junipers Christmas (Roaring Brook, Oct.), blends adventure, humor, and holiday magic into a hopeful tale emphasizing the joy and purpose to be found in helping others. In that spirit, Macmillan Childrens Publishing Group is launching a charitable campaign celebrating the books release that provides kids with a hands-on opportunity to donate books to organizations that support unhoused families. Each copy of Junipers Christmas contains a festive postcard created by MCPG junior designer Abby Granata, which readers can fill out, requesting that a book be donated to a child in need, in the senders name. Theres room for kids to add drawings or notes and the card is pre-addressed to Santas Helpers c/o Macmillan Publishers. For each postcard received, MCPG will donate one book to charities working with homeless families. No book purchase is necessary to participate, however. To extend the initiatives reach, the publisher will also be distributing postcards to bookstores, libraries, and in-person events like this months New York Comic Con, where people can fill out cards and drop them in a specially designed on-site mailbox. Additionally, kids can fill out and submit digital versions of the postcard via a dedicated landing page. In all, MCPG will donate up to 10,000 books and will accept postcards through the end of 2024. Truly, it was inspired by the text, said Jennifer Besser, president of MCPG, about the effort. We had been talking internally about wanting to do a charitable campaign, she said, and as I was editing the first-pass pages, I was struck by a line that comes at the end of the book. Without giving anything away in the story, Santa Claus decides that hes going to put a box on the Christmas letter that children can check that essentially says, This year I have everything I need. In lieu of a gift, Id like to make a donation to a child in need. From there, Besser said, we started thinking about what we could do that really involves the child and gives the reader an opportunity to take action in some way. She credits Mariel Dawson, v-p of marketing at MCPG, with bringing the vision to life. I think its amazing, Colfer said of the campaign. It is so touching to me because its so in line with my own philosophy. The expedient thing to do would be to say, we are giving all these books to charities that are associated with homelessness. But to get the kids involved, the readers, that is just as important. Once they do this, no one is going to be able to tell these kids, Oh, you know, those [homeless] kids, theyre bad, or theyre slackers, or they dont deserve a home. Because theyve been involved in it, theyre on the side of those kids now. And I think that is a very healthy, very positive and a very Christmassy thing to do. I couldnt be happier. Spreading the Word The decision to aid charities fighting homelessness in particular was also driven by Colfers text. In Junipers Christmas, 11-year-old Juniper enlists the help of mysterious handyman Niko (really a grieving, retired Nicholas Claus), who expertly crafts wooden shelters for the local parks unhoused residents, to help search for her missing mother. The author found his initial inspiration for Juniper a while back, through his own charitable work and a previous theater project. About eight years ago, Colfer was commissioned to write the book for a Christmas musical. The production, Noel, made its debut at the National Opera House in Colfers native Ireland in December 2016 and toured the U.S. two years later. While writing that musical, I got involved with a homeless charity in Ireland and ended up doing quite a few events for them, he said. I was talking to them about their statistics and learned that one in four people who end up homeless are immigrants. So not only have they had to struggle their way across the Mediterranean or up through South America or across the Russian mountains, but then they end up in a new country, and they dont manage to get a home. And that really seemed so sad to me. I wanted to find a way to put that into a story. Colfer channeled his feelings on these issues into Noel. When I finished with the musical, he added, I realized that I wasnt finished with the ideas and some of the characters. All this stuff was going around [in my head] and I wanted to package it in a Christmas story that was ultimately hopeful. And that was the trick: to try and include all this stuff, but also show how people are not defined by it, how they manage to get through it. The plight of the unhoused in Ireland has become even more apparent recently, according to Colfer. We have an epidemic of child homelessness at the moment, where many kids are being forced to live in hotel rooms, when the whole family has been evicted, he said. Now there are a lot of kids who are spending Christmas Day in hotels. In that vein, he said, One of the other problems that Ive talked to people at Macmillan about is representation, he said. I think its good for kids who may be unhoused at the moment to see heroes in this story who are also unhoused. As I get older, Im trying to do things like that, rather than just farting dwarves. Talk about an October surprise: as I reported for Publishers Weekly, the sudden departure of ALA executive director Tracie D. Hall has landed like a bombshell in the middle of Banned Books Week. At press time, there are few details as to what spurred Hall's sudden (or at least suddenly announced) resignation. But as a number of librarians have pointed out, it's a curious headline from ALA in a week when the attention is supposed to be on banned books and the librarians and library workers (as well as the authors, publishers, readers, and advocates) doing the work on the front lines. In a statement, ALA officials said Hall leaves behind "a string of key accomplishments," including her defense of the freedom to read, where Hall had become a recognizable public figure with her mantra: "free people read freely." Hall had also won numerous accolades in recent months, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Book Foundation, a place on the Time magazine TIME100 list, the magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and on Forbes' 50 over 50 list. But her resignation comes at a fraught moment for the association, which is facing a coordinated political backlash in a number of states. In a release, ALA officials said they will choose an interim executive director in the coming weeks, and will undertake a national search for Hall's successor. Stay tuned. Also in Publishers Weekly, the Fifth Circuit court of appeals will allow Texas's controversial new book rating law, HB 900, to take effect after all, despite a district court finding the law to be a web of unconstitutionally vague requirements. In a two-line decision issued on October 5, the Fifth Circuit declined to lift an administrative stay placed on a preliminary injunction ordered by judge Alan D. Albright, effectively allowing the law to be enforced pending a resolution of the state's appeal or further action by the court. In Alabama, local affiliate NBC 15 reports that governor Kay Ivey believes the state's public library service director, Nancy Pack, is not doing enough to address inappropriate content in Alabama libraries, and offered three proposals of her own, including a proposal aimed at the ALA. "I cannot defend the ALA's position on 'intellectual freedom' insofar as it would entitle any child to access any book, however sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate," Ivey said (which, we must point out, is not remotely true). "For this reason, I am entirely sympathetic to calls to disaffiliate our libraries from the ALA. At the same time, however, I recognize that the disaffiliation question requires a careful balancing between the ALA's clear shortcomings and whatever advantages it may offer Alabama libraries in ways that do not facilitate the exposure of children and youth to harmful content." In Kansas, local affiliate 12 News reports that librarians at the Andover Public Library have received threats for its Banned Book Week messages. You know, it was actually some good discourse but then it kind of turned into name calling and the library started receiving images of woodchippers, threats to destroy the books in our library. I thought it had gone too far. Staff were feeling uncomfortable, the library director told reporters. If we had books only from one point of view in the library, everyone would think the same wayI don't think anyone wants that. In Missouri, local affiliate KSHB has an in-depth report on the impact of Missouri's new rule governing age appropriate content in libraries. The good news: "Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft says following the enforcement of this new rule, the majority of libraries have complied, none have lost funding, and no books have been removed." The bad news: the rule has been costly and confusing and unnecessary. Dan Brower, library director at the Cass County Public Library, estimated that the rule has cost his library "thousands of dollars to implement," including printing out new library cards explaining the new policy. But his major complaint is broader. "Having the information available, it's paramount to a free society. If we had books only from one point of view in the library, everyone would think the same wayI don't think anyone wants that." In Indiana, WSBT 22 reports on Indiana's controversial new law banning harmful materials from schools and libraries, House bill 1447, which could lead to the criminal prosecution of teachers and librarians. The law is set to take effect on January 1st, 2024. Book Club Chicago is calling on Chicago's library leaders to create better protocols for dealing with threats amid a number of bomb scares received in recent months. "Its not going away, one Chicago Public Library associate told the publication. We absolutely should take it seriously. I think people need to understand that library workers are dealing with a lot and its taking a toll on our mental health. With Kelly Jensen still out, Book Riot's weekly censorship news roundup goes for a different style this week, writing about a few important developments on the book banning front, including a recap of what's going on in Texas with HB 900, the emotional toll the current environment is taking on librarians, and the financial toll it is taking on some authors. Also, today is the last day to get Book Riots e-book How to Fight Book Bans and Censorship on sale for $1.99. Well worth it. USA Today has a report on BookLooks, the right wing book rating guide that is fueling book bans across the country. "In less than two years, BookLooks has become the go-to resource for anyone seeking to ban books, especially books about gay people or sexuality, from school and public libraries, according to researchers, library experts, and a USA TODAY analysis of book-ban attempts nationwide," the report states. Nominations are open for Library Journal's new class of Movers & Shakers, and the editors are asking for your help in identifying emerging talents in the library world: "both great leaders and behind-the-scenes contributors who are providing inspiration and model programs for others," from "librarians and non-degreed library workers to publishers, vendors, coders, entrepreneurs, reviewers, and others who impact the library field." Nominations will close on October 23, 2023. And finally this week, there's no shortage of Banned Books Week articles out there reflecting all the great work being done by librarians and freedom to read advocates, and the seriousness of the challenge. A quick Google search will do the trick (and you can always check out the Banned Books Week website). I'll just call out this one that caught my eye, from WTOP News in Virigina, entitled "What its like to be a Fairfax Co. librarian in an era of banned books." "Deborah Smith-Cohen, assistant branch manager at Patrick Henry, said book bans and book challenges arent the same," the piece noted. "A few months ago, a mother approached Smith-Cohen about a book that she didnt think should be in the juvenile section, because it bothered her daughter when she was reading it. So, Smith-Cohen pointed the mother to a website where she could have a meeting and make a formal statement saying it needed to be reconsidered. The mother never took those steps. Thats common, Smith-Cohen said," the piece notes. "The most common experience we have is that people need to be heard, that theyve made the decision that a book is not appropriate for their child at this time, but they arent necessarily obsessed with making a decision for other parents or other children, Smith-Cohen said. Every book isnt for every person, she added. The Week in Libraries is a weekly opinion and news column. News, tips, submissions, questions or comments are welcome, and can be submitted via email. Previous columns can be viewed here. The Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association kicked off this years conference at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel Central Park in Denver quietly on Wednesday afternoon with an Edelweiss educational session that drew about 40 booksellers, followed by the traditional mix-and-mingle at a nearby brewery that drew scores more. The proceedings rapidly picked up steam on Thursday morning during the first keynote breakfast when half a dozen childrens book authors and illustrators presented their latest books to more than 200 booksellers and a few librarians packed into a hotel meeting room. Thursdays schedule focused on reps presenting their picks to booksellers, interspersed with conversation with colleagues sessions geared towards bookstore owners and managers that dived into such issues as human resource challenges, succession planning, and paying employees sustainable wages. Kelsey Black, who opened her bookstore, The Book Burrow in Pflugerville, Tex., north of Austin, a year ago, praised the conversations between veteran booksellers and new booksellers such as herself. Things like this are the whole point of these conferences, she said, Its very validating, when someone whos been in business for 50 years has the same problems that I do. I dont feel so alone. Black, who attended MPIBA's SpringCon gathering in San Antonio, Tex. in April and says she felt seen there for the first time in her life, is a first-time attendee at FallCon and one of two inaugural recipients of the Joyce Meskis Scholarship, which provides two MPIBA bookseller members with an all-expenses paid trip to the event. David Landry, the owner of CLASS Bookstore in Houston is also a first-time attendee. He and his wife, Dara Landry, launched CLASS in their apartment in November 2020. During the pandemic, they operated CLASS as a pop-up, before moving into a bricks-and-mortar location in December 2022. We didnt find the location: the location found us, Landry said, noting that the bookstore, which is open on weekends only due to the owners other full-time jobs, is a general bookstore, although 75% of the books are by BIPOC authors. While the stores hours to date are limited, Landy is working to become a fixture in the community, by hosting authors and sponsoring open-mike poetry nights, both of which are drawing large crowds. A stop at CLASS by Daniel Black (Black on Black: On Our Brilliance and Resilience in America) on his book tour drew 80 people; 100 books were sold. Both Landry and Book Burrows Black noted the problems young entrepreneurs especially women and BIPOC -- face in launching bookstores, particularly the obstacles to obtaining capital. Weve become very resourceful, Black said, noting that she did not purchase any new furniture or fixtures for her store so as to keep start-up costs down. Landry and Black were not the only first-timers at Mountains & Plains this year: approximately 60 booksellers gathered at the entrance to the exhibit hall on Thursday evening for MPIBA executive director Heather Duncans inaugural walkthrough for first-time attendees. After Duncan made introductory remarks and explained the trade show exhibit, she marched the booksellers through the exhibit hall, making stops at several booths, where publishers reps introduced themselves. As booksellers crowded the exhibit hall Thursday evening, Sourcebooks senior director of sales for indies and libraries Margaret Coffee noted that this is her third regional show this fall, as she exhibited at PNBA in Portland and then CALIBA in South San Francisco. Theyve all had a lot of energy and this one is really high, she commented. Arsen Kashkashian, the lead buyer and general manager at Boulder Book Store in Boulder, Colo. concurred: Theres a lot of people here tonight and theres so much energy, he said, I feel like weve come back 100% since 2019. Mountains and Plains continues through Saturday afternoon. While Friday will be devoted to the trade show, Saturday will emphasize bookseller education. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Dorothy Strattons legacy and leadership to Purdue University and the nation will be recognized with the renaming of the Veterans Success Center on the West Lafayette campus to the Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Military Success Center. Purdue trustees approved the renaming Friday (Oct. 6). In addition to honoring Stratton, the centers name now includes the word Military to reflect a more inclusive space, as veterans represent the smallest percentage in Purdues overall military-connected student population. The centers largest population is family members using benefits that are transferred from a veteran family member. A rededication ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 10. Stratton became the first full-time dean of women at Purdue in 1933 and served in that role until 1942, when she was commissioned a senior lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Later in 1942, she was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, where she became the creator and first director of its Womens Reserve in World War II. Upon being named director, she was promoted to lieutenant commander and then to commander in January 1944 and to captain one month later. The nautical title SPAR, as the Womens Reserve was commonly known, was originated by Stratton. She coined the acronym from the first letters of the Coast Guards famous fighting motto, Semper paratus, and its English translation, Always ready. Upon her retirement in 1946, Stratton was awarded the Legion of Merit medal for her contributions to women in the military. From 1947-50, Stratton was director of personnel at the International Monetary Fund, and she was national executive director of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America from 1950-60. During her tenure at Purdue, Stratton saw the enrollment of women students increase from 500 to more than 1,400, and three modern residence halls for women constructed. A liberal science program for women in the School of Science was inaugurated, and an employment placement center for Purdue women was instituted. She was instrumental in establishing the Housemother Training School, which gave intensive training to several hundred fraternity and sorority housemothers from all parts of the country. The Veterans Success Center provides holistic programming and services for Purdues military-connected students who are veterans, current service members or family members. Currently more than 1,700 military-connected students using service-connected education benefits are served by the center. Stratton died in 2006 at age 107. About Purdue University Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives. Sources: Patrick Wolfe Purdue University Archives and Special Collections WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. The Purdue University Board of Trustees on Friday (Oct. 6) ratified faculty and staff appointments, awarded posthumous degrees, and approved department name changes and resolutions of appreciation. The newly ratified positions are: Yu Jeffrey Hu, who was named to the Accenture Professorship of Information Technology in the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business. Allison Gabriel, who was named the Thomas J. Howatt Chair in Management. Gus De Franco, who was named the Emanuel T. Weiler Professor of Management. Muhammad Ashraful Alam, who was named the Jai N. Gupta Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Enrique Iglesia, who was named the Michel Boudart Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering. Hu returned to Purdue earlier this year from Georgia Tech. He is an expert on AI, analytics, digital economy, digital transformation, electronic commerce, omni-channel retailing, offline commerce, social media and fintech, with his research using AI, econometric and analytical models to quantify consumer behaviors. He has been an associate editor for several top journals and organized many international conferences. Hu co-authored the first paper discovering the long tail phenomenon in internet markets, the first paper proving the value of social media in predicting stock markets and the first paper using interpretable AI to quantify ROI of marketing campaigns. He has been a Digital Fellow at MITs Initiative on the Digital Economy and won several research and teaching awards, including the inaugural Management Science Best Paper Award in Information Systems, Georgia Techs Course Instructor Opinion Survey Teaching Award and Fulltime MBA Elective Professor of the Year. He has built and led several degree and nondegree programs and centers on campus. Additionally, Hu has developed and taught executive education programs to numerous C-level executives. He previously served as an assistant and associate professor with tenure at Purdue from 2005-12. Gabriel joined Purdue in June from the University of Arizona as a professor of management in the organizational behavior and human resources area with a courtesy appointment in industrial-organizational psychology. Her research focuses on emotions, motivation, interpersonal stressors/relationships and employee well-being at work. She serves as faculty director of the new Center for Working Well, which she helped originate and which aims to understand and address challenges facing modern workforces and employees desire to work well. Gabriel is an associate editor for the Journal of Applied Psychology a flagship journal of the American Psychological Association and has published over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and several book chapters. For her scholarly achievements, she has been the recipient of five early- to midcareer achievement awards, including the 2021 Academy of Management (AOM) Organizational Behavior Division Cummings Scholarly Achievement Award, the 2021 Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Distinguished Early Career Contributions-Science Award, the 2020 AOM Human Resources Division Early Career Award, the 2019 AOM Sage Publications/Research Methods Division/Lawrence R. James Early Career Achievement Award, and the 2018 Western Academy of Management Ascendant Scholars Award. She was named a SIOP fellow in 2023 and was selected by Poets & Quants in 2018 as a Top 50 Undergraduate Business School Professor. De Franco came to Purdue in the summer of 2023 as a professor of accounting in the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business. Like many of Purdues current students and alumni, De Franco is a first-generation college student. He is an active accounting researcher, with much of his work focusing on sell-side analysts, CFA charter holders, private firms accounting quality, relative valuation and firms choice of compensation peers. De Francos research has been published in numerous top scholarly journals, such as the Journal of Accounting and Economics, Journal of Accounting Research, The Accounting Review, Journal of Financial Economics and Management Science, Review of Accounting Studies and Contemporary Accounting Research. De Franco is serving his second term as editor of Contemporary Accounting Research and was awarded the Outstanding Reviewer Award by The Accounting Review. He has been recognized as Faculty Researcher of the Year by the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Born in Bangladesh, Alam came to the United States 33 years ago, earned his PhD from Purdue in 1995 and returned to the university from AT&T Bell Laboratories in 2004 as a faculty member in electrical and computer engineering. His research and teaching focus on physics; performance limits; and novel concepts in biosensors, solar cells and transistors. Alam has published over 300 papers, many of which have focused on the intrinsic reliability physics of the corresponding electronic device. Recently, his research has specifically involved creating a theoretical foundation of wearable, implantable, environmental electrochemical sensors that would allow reliable sensing in unreliable environments. His book Principles of Solar Cells is the first to integrate device, system, reliability and data science within a unified framework. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His awards include the 2006 IEEE Kiyo Tomiyasu Award for contributions to device technology, the 2015 Semiconductor Research Corporation Technical Excellence Award for fundamental contributions to reliability physics and the 2018 IEEE Education Award for educating, inspiring and mentoring students and electron device professionals around the world. More than 500,000 students worldwide have learned about semiconductor devices from his web-enabled courses. Iglesia joins Purdue from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a distinguished professor and the Theodore Vermeulen Chair Emeritus in chemical engineering. He is one of the worlds most celebrated researchers in heterogeneous catalysis and chemical reaction engineering. His research focuses on the synthesis and structural/functional assessments of solids as catalysts for the production and use of energy carriers and chemicals with minimal environmental footprints. Iglesia works with the Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources through research, industry innovation, entrepreneurship and educational activities. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and National Academy of Inventors and has received many honors, including the Donald Sterling Noyce Prize (the highest teaching award in the physical sciences at Berkeley), the 2019 Michel Boudart Award for the Advancement of Catalysis, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers William H. Walker Institute Award for Excellence in Contributions to Chemical Engineering Literature, and the Royal Society of Chemistry Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture. Iglesia served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Catalysis and as the president of the North American Catalysis Society. He will be appointed as the Presidential Fellow for Energy Transitions, advising Purdues president and dean of engineering on matters and new initiatives related to transitions toward the more diverse deployment of new energy sources and carriers. Trustees also approved the ratification of three previously announced deanships and two senior leadership positions: In other action, trustees awarded a posthumous Bachelor of Science to Chloe Hannah and a posthumous Master of Science in defense engineering technology to Brent Kreinop, both from Purdue West Lafayette. Trustees approved changing the name of the Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy to the Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics. This change will bring the name into the modern area of pharmaceutics while aligning the department with other departments/divisions in the top 25 U.S. News & World Report College of Pharmacy rankings. When prospective graduate students search for programs in pharmaceutics, it is important that the term be in the departments name. Furthermore, molecular pharmaceutics reflects the current drug delivery and development work that is occurring in the department. In addition, trustees approved resolutions of appreciation for friends of the university who recently contributed $1 million or more to Purdue. Those are: Scott and Julie Moorehead, to support the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business. Mary Findling, to support the College of Liberal Arts. Richard and Anne Borch, to support the College of Pharmacy. Thomas Gambrell, to support the College of Health and Human Sciences. Barbara Kile, to support the College of Science. Trimble Inc., to support Purdue Polytechnic Institute. An anonymous gift, to support the College of Engineering. An anonymous gift, to support the Division of Financial Aid. In recognition of their long-standing generosity, service and leadership to Purdue, trustees approved the naming of the Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology within the College of Pharmacy. Richard Borch is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus in medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology at Purdue, serving from 1996-2014. He also served as director of Purdues Center for Cancer Research, now Institute for Cancer Research, from 1997-2002. About Purdue University Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives. Sources: Patrick Wolfe April Headdy Yu Jeffrey Hu Allison Gabriel Gus De Franco Muhammad Ashraful Alam Enrique Iglesia In the early morning hours of October 6, a child was killed in the Russian shelling of Ukrainian Kharkiv. His body was found under the rubble. ADVERTISIMENT Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed the death of the minor at 8:35 a.m. on Friday on his Telegram channel. He reported the attack by the occupiers at 6:46. "The enemy's missiles were launched on the civilian infrastructure of Kharkiv, including a residential building," the mayor said. At 7:40, there was still hope that the child could survive under the rubble of his own home. However, Terekhov later reported that the minor civilian was dead. According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, a 10-year-old boy was found dead under the rubble. "As of now, 16 people were injured, including an 11-month-old child," the official wrote on Telegram at 8:48 a.m. In addition, the enemy attacked Kharkiv with two missiles in the morning, including the city center. There were hits in the Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, there were destructions and casualties. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL wrote: - The occupation forces of the aggressor state of Russia attacked the Sumy region of Ukraine 22 times on October 5. - The Russians shelled eight border communities in the region, killing one person. Only verified information on our Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. During their meeting Friday (Oct. 6), Purdue University trustees were updated on five of the universitys Next Moves initiatives. Purdues Next Moves were launched in April 2021 to advance the universitys competitive advantage in its continuing quest to lead the worlds top research and teaching institutions. Additional Information Here are the updates, based on Fridays presentations: Plant Sciences 2.0 Purdue Agriculture is leading our world into the future by using data and technology to improve the productivity, resilience and nutritional value of plants in changing environments. Plant Sciences 2.0 makes investments in digital forestry, a new phenotyping greenhouse facility and data sciences, the Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability, and commercialization through Ag-Celerator. The new phenotyping greenhouse will support research and discoveries in plant health, nutrition, drought and disease stress, and root health while enabling integration into Purdues controlled-environment phenotyping facility; in September ground was broken on the facility. The Institute for Digital Forestry has also made progress in its goal to measure every tree and crop on the planet, mapping the location of 273,485,688 trees in 330-plus cities nationwide and 3,341,088 trees on 137,970 acres in Indianapolis. It has engaged at Purdue with 15 departments or schools in Agriculture, Engineering, Libraries, Science and the Polytechnic Institute. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also has issued a $10 million grant, Promoting Economic Resilience and Sustainability of the Eastern U.S. Forests, with Purdue as the lead, and a $9 million grant, Engaging Family Forests To Improve Climate-Smart Commodities, with Purdue as the subcontractor. National Security and Technology Initiative The National Security and Technology Initiative focuses on hypersonic and space vehicles, energetic materials and systems, cybersecurity, and secure microelectronics. Purdue has secured several new partnerships in these areas, including with the Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Research Laboratory Regional Hub Network. In addition, the Defense Civilian Training Corps is a new program for undergraduate students that builds civilian careers in the U.S. Department of Defense related to acquisitions, digital technologies, critical technologies, science, engineering, finance and more. Purdue is one of four universities selected to pilot the program, which hosts a cohort of 20 students who receive scholarship-for-civilian-service awards. For the first time ever, Purdues largest source of sponsored research awards came from the Department of Defense; the DOD also recently selected eight Microelectronics Commons Hubs. Indiana is home to the largest hub in the Silicon Heartland, with Purdue as the lead university. Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) Areas of focus for the Purdue Applied Research Institute include technology acceleration through the Digital Innovation in Agri-food Systems Laboratory, national security and technology, global development and innovation, and infrastructure research and innovative solutions. PARIs executive leadership team recently met to refine its business model, operating assumptions and future organizational structure. Additions have been made to the research team, and new facilities such as the Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility and a permanent presence at WestGate Academy contribute to PARIs mission. Several partnerships have also developed, including one with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. Transformative Education 2.0 Purdue seeks to offer the most innovative residential learning program in the United States among large research universities. By the end of the fall 2023 semester, 5,000 students will have access to EduNav, a smart, personalized degree-planning tool that allows them to select from multiple, optimized scenarios while planning the sequencing of their courses according to their goals. Designed to support student decision-making and time to degree, EduNav will be available to most of Purdues West Lafayette undergraduate students by the spring of 2024. In a continued effort to support a dynamic portfolio of high-value degrees and programs, the institutional processes for launching new degrees, majors and certificates have been simplified, reducing the number of forms and distinct approval steps and resulting in a faster and more efficient process. An estimated 1,500 hours have been saved in faculty time each academic year. Institutional process improvements have also been made that will provide more transparency regarding degree requirements for students. Equity Task Force The mission of the Equity Task Force is to develop a plan with specific actions to ensure all members of the Purdue community can equitably experience all the university has to offer. The task force seeks to increase Black student applications over the next three to five years with a plan to identify and target metropolitan areas; cultivate authentic relationships with high schools and communities; engage alumni; create and increase on-campus activities; expose students to college life; and create hands-on activities in robotics, math and science. The Purdue Marketing and Communications team will promote these plans during campus visits, at college fairs, on precollege pathways, to student transfers, to Purdue Polytechnic High Schools students, and at Purdue regional campuses and neighboring community colleges. About Purdue University Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives. Sources: Patrick Wolfe Karen Plaut The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) is set to kick off in Qatar from 7 October to 14 October, marking its first-ever hosting outside its traditional location in Switzerland. Among the more than 30 automobile brands expected at the event, five companies stand out, making their initial appearances. JAECOO and OMODA Chery, a Chinese car manufacturer, recently unveiled its subsidiaries, OMODA and JAECOO, as standalone brands. Both brands target a youthful, forward-looking audience, but with different objectives. OMODA prioritizes a blend of minimalistic and futuristic designs, as demonstrated by their electric OMODA 5 e-QUA model which has already received significant online attention. JAECOO, on the other hand, leans towards off-road vehicles, with models such as the JAECOO 7 and JAECOO 9 showcasing designs tailored for outdoor adventures, like their unique waterfall-like front grille. Lynk & Co A collaboration between the Chinese Geely Holding Group and Swedish Volvo Cars, Lynk & Co emphasizes innovative designs and sustainable energy. Although the brand boasts seven models in China and operates in several countries, its primary international offering is the 01 compact SUV. The vehicle has garnered praise for its elegant interior, technological advancements, and overall performance. Lynk & Co has plans to expand its presence throughout the GCC countries, including Qatar, in the coming year. Read More: 30 Automotive Brands Expected at Geneva International Motor Show Qatar Lucid Motors Claiming to be a leader in fancy electric cars, Lucid Motors has been making huge progress this year. Its Lucid Air model was crowned the 2023 Luxury Car of the Year, outpacing competitors like the BMW 7 Series i7. The company also recently showcased the Lucid Air luxury electric sedan, including the limited-production Air Midnight Dream Edition, which is expected to be a highlight at the GIMS in Qatar. Entop Originating from Afghanistan, Entop has captured worldwide attention with its supercar crafted by Afghan engineers. Introduced earlier this year, Entop's premier supercar, the Mada 9, continues to intrigue many. Powered by a modified 2000 Toyota Corolla engine, this vehicle is among the most awaited highlights of the event. Beyond automobiles, Entop has ambitions to pioneer in clean energy and lithium battery sectors. Even with financial challenges, Entop's founder, Mohammed Reza Ahmadi, is set to showcase Afghan automotive excellence at GIMS, thanks to over $100,000 fund from supporters. Read More: Qatari Inventors Comes Second at Geneva International Invention Fair As these debutantes prepare to showcase their innovations, the global automotive community eagerly awaits the surprises that GIMS Qatar has in store. African telcos and mobile network owners are being offered a software-as-a-service television platform capability that provides 100 channels of content and takes care of delivery, apps, UX and billing. The cost to operators is $3 - $4 per subscriber per month. African telcos and mobile network owners are being offered a software-as-a-service television platform capability that provides 100 channels ofcontent and takes care of delivery, apps, UX and billing. The cost to operators is $3 - $4 per subscriber per month. MwareTV, the company behind the cloud-based, multi-tenant platform, says this wholesale cost assures profitability. We really understand the pressures on telcos, MNOs and other bodies who recognise that a good television service is a tremendous driver in retaining subscribers, but who are overwhelmed by the technical, operational and legal challenges in launching such an offering, says Sander Kerstens, CEO at MwareTV. His company is exhibiting at Mobile World Congress Africa 2023 (Kigali Convention Centre, October 1719) and will be pointing out that cloud hosting for the TV platform means no capital investment is required by telcos. MwareTV says a TV service can be deployed within as little as eight weeks. The core MwareTV platform incorporates everything that is required to manage, schedule and deliver an OTT television offering. This includes the content removing the need for one-to-one negotiations with studios and content syndication businesses. The SaaS includes brandable white label web clients and apps for all the common platforms (including iOS, Android and Android TV, TVOS, FireTV, KaiOS, Roku, WebOS, Tizen, WebTV and Lightning Framework). There is a billing module in the TVMS (television management system), which is part of the core software. MwareTV says consumer sign up is easy for the user, and largely automated for the operator. The SaaS ensures renewals are rolled over, for example, and it supports all the common channel business models like FAST, SVOD, pay-per-view and tiered subscriptions. The number of casualties and injuries from Russia's morning strikes on Kharkiv has increased. As of 12:20 a.m. on Friday, October 6, two victims of the shelling were reported - a child and an elderly woman. ADVERTISIMENT Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported on Telegram that another body had been found under the rubble of the building. According to him, the second victim of the Russian Armed Forces' crime is a woman born in 1955. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, there are at least 28 wounded, 12 of them are hospitalized. As of 12:30, rescue and search operations continued. The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko clarified that the grandmother of the killed 10-year-old boy and the wounded 11-month-old child died. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL previously reported: - The explosions in Kharkiv occurred early in the morning on Friday, October 6. Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts were affected. The Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that the alarm was raised after the attack because the enemy used missiles with ballistic trajectories, which are very difficult to detect. Preliminarily, it could have been Iskanders. - The shelling killed a 10-year-old boy whose body was found under the rubble of a residential building. The child was sleeping at the time of the attack. - Journalists of the Portuguese TV channel RTP came under Russian fire in Kharkiv. The car of the media workers was damaged by shrapnel. Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Property details: INVESTMENT PROPERTYCIBOLA COUNTY, NEW MEXICOI own a nice 5.18 acre lot in the Tierra Verde private community in Cibola County, New Mexico. This area is called the Land of Fire and Ice because of its volcanic landscape and ice caves. The property is in an excellent location with close access to Highway 53, about 30 miles southwest of Grants, New Mexico. Its west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, off Interstate 40. Local pick up for this sale is not necessary despite it saying so in the shippin... Price: $ 5 Seller State of Residence: Illinois Type: Homesite, Lot Zip/Postal Code: 87321 Zoning: Residential City: Ramah State/Province: New Mexico Location: 873**, Ramah, New Mexico You will be redirected to eBay Nearby New Mexico Property details: INVESTMENT PROPERTYELOY, PINAL COUNTY, ARIZONAI own a nice 1/4 acre lot in Eloy, Arizona with close access to Interstate 10 and Interstate 8. This land is in an excellent location about half way between Phoenix and Tucson. TERMS I am selling the lot for $6,250 (monthly payments accepted). There is no minimum which must be met on the bid. The bid amount is added to the total sale price above. You can either make arrangements for full payment upon securing the winning bid or arrange for $100 month... Price: $ 5 Seller State of Residence: Illinois Type: Homesite, Lot Zip/Postal Code: 85131 Zoning: Residential City: Eloy State/Province: Arizona Location: 851**, Eloy, Arizona You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Arizona Property details: PLEASE READ ENTIRE AD, ALL FEES DUE AT TIME OF SALE ARE DISCLOSED(The Pictures In This Ad Are General In Nature)Please note that we are not affiliated with nor do we represent the resort described in this item ad. (Due to West Virginia guidelines on purchasing Real Estate; West Virginia Residents will not be able to participate in this Auction) WYNDHAM GRAND DESERT210,000 POINTSODD YEAR USAGETIMESHARE FOR SALE Points: 210,000Anniversary: JanuaryUsage: Odd Year Starting 2025Trading Company: RCI M... Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: TEXAS Property Address: 265 E. Harmon Drive City: Las Vegas State/Province: Nevada Type: Attractions Number of Bathrooms: 0.5 Zip/Postal Code: 89109 Location: 891**, Las Vegas, Nevada You will be redirected to eBay Nearby 89109 On Friday night, October 6, Russian occupation forces attacked southern Ukraine with Shahed drones. The defenders of the sky shot down 11 attack UAVs in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, but some regions in the border areas were also hit. ADVERTISIMENT In particular, the enemy hit the infrastructure of the Danube region, damaging a grain storage facility. This was reported by the Southern Defense Forces. According to the military, last night the aggressor launched several groups of drones from Crimea to different regions of Ukraine. The Air Defense Forces destroyed 11 drones in the south alone, including eight in Mykolaiv and three in Odesa regions. During the attack, the occupiers used the tactics of complex maneuvers, so their attack UAVs changed course several times, once again following the state border. Thus, the border and port infrastructure of the Danube region came under attack. A grain storage facility was damaged and several trucks caught fire. Rescuers quickly extinguished the fire. No one was injured in the incident. At the same time, the ferry crossing was temporarily suspended due to the enemy attack. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, on the night of October 6, an air raid alert was announced in the south, center and north of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the threat of attack UAVs, while explosions were heard in Odesa and Cherkasy regions. In the morning, Russian terrorists shelled the central part of Kharkiv. At least three people were injured, and cars and buildings were damaged. Only verified information on our Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Attorneys say a $7 million settlement has been reached with the California Highway Patrol in the fatal shooting of a driver and wounding of his girlfriend during a June 2020 traffic stop in Oakland Kris Delaney remembers her daughter, Morgan, as someone kind and funny, someone who accumulated friends. People just loved her she was so loved, Delaney said. Morgan Delaney died of a rare form of cancer on Sept. 19 at 21 years old. She was first diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma last Thanksgiving, which was treated. Scans in late June and early July came back clear. However, it was discovered that she had another rare cancer, CIC-DUX4, in her bone marrow, which the Ewings Sarcoma could have masked or morphed into, according to Delaney. Morgans cancer was so rare that there are only 200 cases and four doctors researching it, Delaney said. On Friday night, the Stegman Coliseums walls rocked to the celebration of the commencement for the University of Georgias men and womens ba For the first time, two different spacecrafts will be able to communicate with one another using artificial intelligence and machine learning to decide which way they should maneuver to avoid collision, according to NASA members who spoke at the University of Georgia on Friday. Airfares in the country are set to rise, with IndiGo on Thursday introducing a fuel charge of up to Rs 1,000 based on a flights distance, in response to the significant rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices in the last three months. Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters The Indian aviation sector experiences its peak travel season between October and December. The inclusion of a fuel charge component in airfares is anticipated to have a sizable impact on IndiGos passengers, according to experts. ATF costs represent the largest expenditure for Indian carriers, consuming about 45 per cent of their overall revenue. Between June 1 and October 1, ATF prices surged by 32.4 per cent to reach Rs 1.18 lakh per kilolitre (kl) in Delhi. Industry officials have indicated that certain other domestic airlines might emulate IndiGo by adding fuel charges in their airfares. A Vistara official, however, said the airline was not introducing any such additional component in its airfares. IndiGo has imposed a fuel charge of Rs 300 for flights covering up to 500 kilometres (km) and Rs 400 for those between 501 and 1,000 km. Such a graded increase has been applied to all flight categories, with those covering distances of 3,501 km and above incurring a fuel charge of Rs 1,000. An IndiGo official said about 60 per cent of the airline's flights were in the 0-1,000 km range. This is not the first time that IndiGo has introduced a fuel charge. In May 2018, the airline had introduced a similar component to offset a substantial increase in ATF prices. This was later removed when the prices came down. Ameya Joshi, an aviation analyst and founder of the aviation blog Network Thoughts, told Business Standard that IndiGos airfares would increase by less than Rs 1,000 as a whole on most sectors as a result of Thursdays announcement. He said this fuel surcharge would not take care of all the ATF price rise and, therefore, the airline may also increase the base airfare. Joshi also said other airlines could follow IndiGos suit. As a result, the air travel could become expensive during the peak travel season. IndiGo, in a statement on Thursday evening, said it was introducing a fuel charge on domestic as well as international flights from Thursday midnight. The decision follows the significant increase in ATF prices, which have surged in the last three months with consecutive price hikes every month... Under this pricing structure, passengers booking IndiGo flights will incur a fuel charge, per sector, based on the sector distance. Rajiv Mehra, honorary secretary, Federation of Associations of Indian Tourism & Hospitality, told Business Standard any increase in airfares was detrimental to the interests of flyers and it was a double whammy ahead of the festival season. The airfares are already high and it will hurt the sector. "However, the airlines too need to protect their bottom lines as the ATF prices have gone up significantly. "We sincerely hope it is a one-off measure and this surcharge shall be withdrawn as and when the ATF prices cool down, Mehra said. State-owned Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd revise ATF prices on the first day of every month on the basis of the average international price in the previous month. Officials from India and the United Kingdom (UK) are working overtime to address the contentious issues related to the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two nations, in a final push to conclude the deal by the year-end. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal was headed to London on Thursday after completing his four-day visit to Brazil. Other key officials from Indias negotiating team will be joining Barthwal in the UK capital, hoping to make headway in the FTA negotiations, which started in January last year, a person aware of the matter told Business Standard. Thirteen rounds of negotiations have been completed so far. The previous round commenced on September 18. In addition, discussions on some of the issues are also ongoing virtually between both countries. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is anticipated to travel to India again towards the end of this month (weeks after the G20 Leadership Summit) to meet his counterpart, Narendra Modi. "If the negotiations conclude by then, the agreement could be signed during Sunaks visit, the person said. "Theres an indication that both sides aim to finalise the details of the agreement by the end of the month. "However, the differences on topics such as mobility and greater market access for whisky, among other issues, remain unresolved, the person added. Now that the FTA talks with Canada have been paused, the only significant FTA that India hopes to conclude this year is with the UK. A trade agreement with the European Union (EU) also appears distant since government officials believe the negotiations will be more intricate and may take at least another year to conclude. In any case, India will need to finalise the FTA with the UK by the end of this year before the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. For the UK, a trade agreement with India is essential in its efforts to establish a post-Brexit trade relationship with the world. To date, India is the largest market with which the UK has committed to negotiating a trade agreement. The trade agreement has faced several obstacles, whether it was the political upheaval in the UK last year or the pro-Khalistan protests in London. Elections in key Indian states further decelerated the discussions between both countries. Some of the disputed issues include Indias request for a liberalised migration policy and the UK's demands for reduced tariffs on whisky and automobiles, as well as opening up India's sectors like legal, architecture, and financial services. Last month, a senior government official said both sides had made good progress in the negotiations on the proposed bilateral investment treaty as well as pivotal topics such as the rules of origin. Both nations are aiming for a robust agreement that benefits both parties, and we aren't restricting ourselves to any specific timelineThere are issues we aim to address promptly, the official had said. The UK was Indias 15th largest trade partner during FY23. India exported goods valued at $4.5 billion and imported goods worth $2 billion in the first three months of the current financial year. Can Bhavish Aggarwal upend the electric two-wheeler market, which is now overwhelmingly in favour of scooters? IMAGE: The Ola Cruiser. All photographs: Kind courtesy Ola Electric /Instagram.com Even by Bhavish Aggarwal's feisty standards, what Ola Electric did on Independence Day was counterintuitive. That day, the largest player in electric scooters unveiled five electric motorcycles. These are to roll into the market by December 2024. Speaking to Business Standard a couple of days later, Aggarwal, Ola Electric's founder and CEO, said: "We will leverage our scooter supply chain to build our mobikes, which will drive costs down. "The price points of these bikes will differ from ICE mobikes. We don't think the cost of making an electric mobike will have a big gap with ICE mobikes. And, of course, we will have our own battery cells." Aggarwal, who is the founder of two unicorns, the other being ride aggregator Ola Cabs, has built up a persona on social media that his rivals might find edgy. For one thing, he is fond of pronouncing the end of what he calls the ICE age, ICE being short for internal combustion engine, the technology that burns petrol and runs traditional two-wheelers. Electric two-wheelers, on the other hand, use a battery. Not surprisingly, Aggarwal's rivals are less than charitable towards him and, though they won't come on record while saying this, dismiss Aggarwal's e-motorcycles as "another of his teaser campaigns". IMAGE: The Ola Roadster. But, can Aggarwal do it? Can he upend the electric two-wheeler market, which is now overwhelmingly in favour of scooters? Ever since new-age motorcycles, usually through equity or technology tie-ups between Indian companies (Hero, Bajaj, TVS, Escorts) and Japanese companies (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha) arrived in India in in mid- to late-1980s, the two-wheeler market has been dominated by motorcycles, which have come to be 70 per cent of the 18 million to 20 million a year market. The recent arrival of electric scooters went against that trend, with scooters dominating the market, leaving only a minuscule portion for e-motorcycles. The first rush into electric two-wheelers was by a raft of startups who would have found it simpler to make scooters. E-motorcycles, if they must live up to a motorcycle's perception of being quick off the blocks with a high amount of torque, need a bigger battery. That increases the weight of the vehicle and, more importantly, the cost of making it. The price differential with ICE motorcycles, therefore, is too large to bridge with the electric version's low running cost. For instance, Ultraviolette Auto, in which TVS, one of the three biggest two-wheeler companies in the country, has invested, has a motorcycle with a large battery that gives it a range of more than 300 km. But its price ranges between Rs 380,000 and Rs 560,000, confining it to a small market. Secondly, e-motorcycles have more complexity involved in integrating hardware and software. It is therefore easy to buy e-scooter technology in China, but not so easy to find e-motorcycle technology. Undaunted, Aggarwal says the e-motorcycle opportunity is enormous, especially as one moves up from the lower end of the market, where e-scooters are more likely to stay dominant. Not everyone agrees with him. Tarun Mehta, founder of Ather Energy, which is big in e-scooters, believes scooters will dominate the electric two-wheeler market and e-motorcycles can, at best, have a 30 per cent share. In the high-volume traditional commuter segment, consumers choose motorcycles because they are more fuel-efficient than scooters, negotiate rough patches more efficiently, and are more powerful. That changes for electric. E-scooters offer an extremely low running cost, accelerate quickly, and have high-tech digital displays. "So, we see a mass exodus of consumers from ICE motorcycles to electric scooters," says Mehta. This does not mean Ather will never go into e-motorcycles. But it will first see how the lay of the land evolves during the next two to three years. IMAGE: The Ola Adventure. Some are not ready to wait. RattanIndia, which is into a range of businesses from power and e-commerce to fintech and drones, has acquired Revolt Motors and is attracting customers with finance schemes. "We are offering finance with an EMI of Rs 2,999. It's a no-brainer as customers' normal saving on fuel would be Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 a month, which means the bike comes free," says Anjali Rattan, chairperson, RattanIndia. Revolt is also increasing the number of its retail outlets 10 times in the next 12 months. However, with the company running into subsidy issues with the government, it has registered only 4,500 e-motorcycles so far this year, compared to 15,000 in 2022. IMAGE: Bhavish Aggarwal during the teaser campaign. Pune-based Tork Motors, 60 per cent owned by Bharat Forge, a large automotive components maker, has built an e-motorcycle distribution network that encompasses 12 cities and plans to be in 100 cities by the end of this financial year. Kapil Shelke, who founded Tork, says there has been hardly any robust e-motorcycle in the market from anyone so far. On the other hand, there has been a plethora of Chinese e-scooter models that have had a free run for years. "We should be in the same space in maybe half the number of years," he says. The incumbent ICE players -- Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj, and TVS -- are keeping their plans largely close to their chest, with a sneak peek now and then, such as Bajaj's plans to work with KTM on electric motorcycles and Hero's tie-up with Tiger Motors. Meanwhile, Eicher, which makes Royal Enfield motorcycles, has announced a capacity of 150,000 in modular form to roll out e-motorcycles by 2025 at an investment of Rs 250 crore to Rs 300 crore (Rs 2.5 billion to Rs 3 billion). But what Bhavish Aggarwal's so-called teaser has done is raised the stakes for everyone. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com Sikhs have more in the way of domestic clout and electoral representation in Canada than they do in India. No politician in Ottawa can ignore a community with this level of representation, notes Devangshu Datta. IMAGE: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters In the 1960s, the British government was rocked by a spicy scandal. John Profumo, the secretary of state for war (defence minister, in other words) was 'friendly' with a 'model' called Christine Keeler, who was also 'friendly' with Commander Valery Ivanov, the Soviet naval attache. Keeler first met Profumo at the house of another ruling party politician, Lord Astor. She was also friendly with Mandy Rice-Davies, a 'model' with whom she shared living quarters. Rice-Davies was 'friendly' with Lord Astor. The lid came off all these cosy 'friendships' when British Intelligence flagged the contacts as undesirable. Stephen Ward, who was the 'accountant' for Rice-Davies and Keeler, was sent to jail for 'living off the proceeds of prostitution'. At his trial, on the witness stand, Rice-Davies claimed a relationship with Astor, who denied it. Her response was legendary: 'Well, he would deny it, wouldn't he?' I was reminded of this quote when the recent diplomatic row between Canada and India blew up. Regardless of the truth of the Canadian accusation, India has no option but to officially deny it. Equally, given the long-standing links between Canada and India, the Canadians would not have made this public accusation without possessing what they believe to be strong evidence. The latest reports claim that Canada cited both human and electronic evidence in making the accusation. Denials and accusations apart, the domestic political compulsions and the geopolitical ones are interesting. No nation likes its sovereign status to be ignored by another nation carrying out an extra-judicial killing targeting one of its citizens. Equally, no nation likes to officially admit it has carried out such an action, whether it has indeed done so or not. This situation has been brewing for decades and there are deep domestic compulsions in both nations that have led to this impasse. India regularly accuses Canada of harbouring Khalistani sympathisers and terrorists. Canada cites laws related to freedom of speech in saying that India cannot make blanket demands that Canadian citizens be prevented from expressing pro-Khalistani sentiments. India has outstanding requests for the extradition of 20-odd Canadians who it accuses of being Khalistanis (apart from the late Nijjar) and the two nations have an extradition treaty. But India has not been able to convince a Canadian court to order these extraditions. The demographics indicate Sikhs (not Khalistanis, for we must absolutely make this distinction) form a more significant percentage of the population in Canada than in India. According to the 2011 Census, Sikhs amounted to 1.7 per cent of India's population at around 21 million (out of 1.21 billion in 2011). Given a low total fertility rate for the community, the percentage may have since dropped. In the 2021 Census, Canada had a population of around 37 million and 770,000 of them claimed to be Sikhs. That's over 2 per cent -- a higher percentage than in India. Another 500,000 -- odd Canadian citizens are of Indian origin and there are around 300,000 Indian students studying there at the moment. Canada has a bicameral parliament like India. The lower house is elected by a first-past-the-post (FPTP) system and it has 338 seats. As of now, there are 18 Canadian MPs of Sikh origin. India has a Lok Sabha with 543 seats and a total of five elected Sikh MPs. In political terms, therefore, Sikhs have more in the way of domestic clout and electoral representation in Canada than they do in India. No politician in an FPTP system is going to casually ignore the concerns of a community with this level of representation. Justin Trudeau, who has a shaky position with only 158 sitting MPs from his own Liberal Party, is even less likely to do so. In good times, when India is riding high diplomatically, our politicians claim that India has great reach and 'soft power' due to the large desi diaspora that has been so successful in so many countries. The soft power can cut two ways. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com An image of the late rapper and actor Tupac Shakur appears among fans during a ceremony honoring Shakur with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) LAS VEGAS The man charged with murder in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur had little to say when he was arrested outside Las Vegas. But Duane Keffe D Davis knew the gravity of it, according to police body camera footage released Friday. So what they got you for, man? someone who is out of the frame asks Duane Keffe D Davis, who is handcuffed and sitting in a police car. Advertisement Biggest case in Las Vegas history, Davis replied and recounted the date, September 7th, 1996. Shakur was fatally shot that night, and police and prosecutors allege Davis was the mastermind behind the drive-by shooting off the Las Vegas Strip. The four videos released Friday, totaling about an hour, show Davis arrested on Sept. 29 while walking near his home in an otherwise quiet neighborhood. In mid-July, police raided Davis home, renewing interest in hip-hops most enduring mystery. Advertisement Davis, 60, had been a long-known suspect in the case, and publicly admitted his role in the killing in interviews ahead of his 2019 tell-all memoir, Compton Street Legend. The self-described gangster hasnt yet entered a plea in the case, and he denied a request from The Associated Press for an interview from the jail where hes being held without bond. His longtime lawyer in Los Angeles, Edi Faal, said he had no comment on Davis behalf. The body camera videos show officers approaching Davis and calling out to him from across the street. 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 > Hey, Keffe, Metro Police. Come over here, an officer said. Davis, holding a water bottle, cooperated as he was patted down and handcuffed. Much of the conversation with police focused on Davis request for water. Later, while being driven on a freeway, Davis does not appear in the video but asks an officer if he was followed the previous night. The officer says no. So why you all didnt bring the media? Davis asks. The officer asks why police would bring the media, and Davis replied Thats what you all do. Advertisement Police and prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the killing of Shakur and provided his nephew, Orlando Baby Lane Anderson, with the gun to do it. Anderson, who denied involvement in Shakurs killing, died in 1998. Davis first court appearance this week was cut short when he asked the judge for a postponement while he retains counsel. Hes due in court again Oct. 19. On the night of Friday, October 6, explosions were heard in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol (Crimea). It was reported to be an alleged attack by naval drones on the facilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. ADVERTISIMENT The occupation authorities tried to assure residents that Russian forces were repelling an "enemy" attack. However, the Russians and their supporters threw a tantrum over the noisy night (to see the photos, scroll down to the end of the news). It is noted that loud sounds were heard in the area of the Northern Pier (Sevastopol Bay). According to the so-called governor of the city, the Black Sea Fleet units faced an attack by two unmanned sea boats. He explained the "loud sounds" as the work of the fleet's anti-submarine warfare units. At the same time, supporters of the Russian Federation in Crimea began to complain about a "rough night." Some claimed that they were being attacked by Ukrainians, while others tried to accuse the British. ADVERTISIMENT The occupiers' henchmen also complained that no one had warned them again, meaning that no warning signals about any threat appeared in Sevastopol. As OBOZREVATEL reported, the previous explosion was heard in Sevastopol on October 4. Locals reported explosions and machine gun fire. Only verified information is available on our Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Irked over the minimal use of technology, the Supreme Court on Friday said no high court in the country shall deny access to video conference or hearing through hybrid mode to lawyers and litigants after two weeks and made clear that technology now is not a matter of choice for judges. IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: Dinesh Joshi/ANI Photo "The question is not whether a particular judge is tech friendly. If you want to be a judge then you have to be tech-friendly. It is like how a judge can say that I do not know what 'res judicata' (a common legal principle which says one cannot claim judicial relief twice in one case). Every judge in the system has to be trained," a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said while issuing a slew of directions to ensure that hybrid mode of hearings in all high courts are not disbanded." "Technology is no longer a matter of choice for judges," the CJI said. The top court drew parallel between driving and technology and said if one doesn't know how to handle technology then he or she can't be a judge and questioned the approach of some of the high courts. "After the lapse of two weeks from this order, no high court shall deny access to video conference facility or hearing through hybrid facility to any member of the bar and litigants," the bench said in one of the directions It issued several directions for extending the facilities for hybrid mode of hearing across 25 high courts and tribunals. The bench directed all the state governments to provide necessary infrastructure for ensuring smooth functioning of hybrid mode of hearings in all high courts. "Adequate facilities like WiFi be made available free of charge to advocates and litigants appearing before the high courts," it said. The video conferencing links must be made available in the cause list of the concerned court itself and there should be no requirement to make a separate application to appear through virtual mode, it said. It also directed all high courts to put in place a standard operating procedure for litigants to avail access to hybrid/video conferencing hearings within four weeks, it said. The bench expressed concerns over poor internet connectivity in north eastern states and ordered: "We direct the Union IT Ministry to ensure internet connectivity to courts in north eastern states to ensure access to online hearings." Referring to the grant of Rs 7,000 crore fund by the Centre, the bench said that the technology has to be upgraded and not disbanded. "I am sorry to say that some high courts are tech-indifferent. I have been pushing the chief justices...every high court must make available video conferencing facilities. No judge in the high court shall decline hybrid," the CJI orally observed. The top court, which had sought the response of high courts and tribunals on whether they have disbanded the hybrid mode of hearing cases, then took up the replies of high courts one after the another. "The Allahabad High Court is a complete offender. The infrastructure has been completely shut down," the CJI said while expressing anguish over the reluctance in using technology. The CJI was also unhappy with the Bombay High Court and asked as to why it has almost disbanded the video conferencing infrastructure. "Now Bombay, you have disbanded the infrastructure... This is my parent high court and I am distressed to say that the hybrid is mode done away with," the CJI said and asked as to how many screens have been removed. Justice Chandrachud said in a city like Bombay, travel is also difficult. "Technology is not a matter of choice. Technology is as much a part of our legal system as much as law books. Without technology, how do we function," the bench said. It also asked the central ministries to hold a meetings with the chairpersons of the NCLT and NCLAT to thrash out the funding aspect and ensure that the hybrid mode of hearings become fully functional. "The National Company Law Tribunals and the NCLAT shall ensure that all steps are taken to ensure that hybrid hearings can be held at the option of the litigant no later than four weeks," it ordered. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj told the bench that the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and the National Green Tribunal are holding hybrid hearing in Delhi and its regional benches. It also directed the high courts to put in place the standard operating procedures (SoP) for availing access to hybrid or video conferencing hearings in four weeks. It also appointed lawyers Gaurav Agarwal and K Parmeshwar as amicus curiae to assist in future hearings and asked them to directly connect to the registrar generals and the registrar IT of all the high courts. The bench asked them to go through the replies of the high courts and cull out details for the convenience of the court so that adequate directions can be passed. It asked Delhi high court judge Rajiv Shakdher to frame the SoP on hybrid hearings with the help of amicus curiae and share the document with the high courts. It took note of the fact that some high courts including the Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand high courts have not filed their replies and warned that their registrar generals and the registrar IT will have to appear personally if non-compliance continues. Earlier, the top court on September 15 had sought the response of all the high courts and some tribunals on whether they have disbanded the hybrid mode of hearing cases. It had also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions from the finance ministry and other ministries on the status of hybrid hearings at the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal, debt recovery tribunals and other such quasi-judicial bodies. The apex court took note of the submissions made by petitioner Sarvesh Mathur, who appeared in person, that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has stopped virtual hearings, which is causing inconvenience to the litigants. "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will do something for the cause, which we were thinking about for a long time. We will ask the high courts who have disbanded virtual hearings. You have brought to the notice of the court a very important issue. We are seeking a response from all the high courts and some tribunals to see what the status is," the bench told the petitioner. Canada has evacuated a majority of its diplomats working in India outside of New Delhi to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore after it gave Ottawa an October 10 deadline to reduce its diplomatic staff to achieve parity in strength following a row over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to a media report on Friday. IMAGE: The Canadian embassy at Shantipath in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo The report in CTV News, a privately owned Canadian television network, came after India earlier this week asked Canada to withdraw several dozen diplomats from its missions amid the escalating diplomatic row that erupted following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist Nijjar in June. India 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. The Indian government has given Ottawa until October 10 to reduce Canadian diplomatic staff in that country to a level on par with the number of Indian diplomats in Canada, CTV News quoted sources as saying. Earlier reports pegged the number of diplomats that would have to leave at 41, but the sources CTV News spoke with said the ask is specific to one of parity. "A majority of the Canadian diplomats working in India outside of Delhi have been evacuated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore," the report said. Global Affairs Canada, the department that manages the country's diplomatic and consular relations, had previously stated that "with some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms," it was "assessing its staff complement in India." "As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India," the department said, just days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder. India on Thursday asserted that Canada must reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to achieve parity in strength and alleged that some of the Canadian diplomats are involved in interfering in New Delhi's internal matters, signalling a continuing slide in the ties between the two nations over the killing of Nijjar. External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi discussions on the modalities to arrive at mutual diplomatic presence are going on and gave a clear indication that India will not review its position on the issue. He said as Canadian diplomatic presence in India is much higher compared to India's strength in Canada, it is assumed that there would be a reduction. "Our focus is on ensuring parity in diplomatic strength," he said. The spokesperson, however, did not reply to questions on reports that October 10 is the deadline set by New Delhi for Ottawa to reduce the number of its diplomats in India. "I would not like to get into the details of diplomatic conversation," he said. It is learnt that the number of Canadian diplomats in India is around 60 and New Delhi wants Ottawa to reduce the strength by at least three dozen. Asked whether Canada has shared with India any information or evidence relating to Nijjar's killing, Bagchi referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent remarks that if any specific or relevant information is shared with New Delhi, it is open to looking at it. The Canadian police have apprehended around eight Sikh youths aged between 19 to 26 years in relation to possession of loaded, prohibited or restricted firearms in Brampton city in Ontario province. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Jesse Winter/Reuters According to the Peel Regional Police, on the night of October 2, it received reports of shots fired in the area of Donald Stewart Road and Brisdale Drive in Brampton. "With the assistance of the Tactical Unit, eight individuals were extracted from the residence and arrested," a press release from Peel Regional Police said on Wednesday. The police confirmed that no one suffered injuries. The incident comes amidst heightened tension between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. A day after the incident, officers of the Criminal Investigation Bureau executed a Criminal Code Search Warrant and a 9mm Beretta firearm was seized. Those who are charged with possession of a "Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm" include Jagdeep Singh (22), Ekamjot Randhawa (19), Manjinder Singh (26), Harpreet Singh (23), Ripanjot Singh (22), Japandeep Singh (22), Lovepreet Singh (26)-- all from Brampton. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Rajanpreet Singh has been charged with careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in addition to the possession of loaded, prohibited, or restricted firearm. All of them were held for a bail hearing and attended the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Tensions flared between the two nations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar. India has strongly rejected the charges as "absurd" and "motivated". India has also voiced its concern over the safety of Indian diplomats and India's diplomatic premises in Canada. The Delhi police's special cell on Friday questioned at least eight journalists and contributors to the NewsClick for a second time in a week in connection with its case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act over alleged funding from China, sources said. IMAGE: Founder and editor-in-chief of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha, being taken away by Delhi police special cell in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo They were called to the special cell office in the afternoon and questioned till late evening, a Delhi police source said. The special cell arrested NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty on Tuesday evening, after a total of 46 journalists and contributors to the online news portal were questioned and their mobile phones and other electronic gadgets seized through the day. After the first round of questioning on Tuesday, the investigators had asked them to appear for a second time. "The investigators are questioning eight to 10 persons who are connected with the case daily," the police source said. On Thursday, it questioned journalists Urmilesh and Abhisar Sharma and some others for a second time. On Friday, senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, who was among those questioned on Tuesday, was also called for questioning for a second time. Guha Thakurta told PTI over phone that he could not appear before the special cell as he was out of the city. "Now the special cell has told me to come on October 10 or 11," he said. Reacting to the FIR which carries his name among the accused, Guha Thakurta said, "I find these allegations far-fetched and ludicrous. My name is mentioned in the FIR as I also got the money but my bank account can be checked by Income Tax (department) or any agency. How being critical of the government become anti-national? I am a proud Indian." The Delhi Police, in its FIR filed under anti-terror law UAPA against online news portal NewsClick, has alleged that a large amount of funds came from China to "disrupt the sovereignty of India" and cause disaffection against the country. The police sources also said that a team of the special cell was sent for questioning activist Gautam Navlakha, an accused in this case. However, Navlakha, who is under house arrest in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case in Mumbai, could not be questioned, they said. The Maharashtra government on Friday told the Bombay high court that the state-run hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar which recently saw a spurt in patient deaths faced a heavy inflow of extremely critical patients from private hospitals. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde meets a patient in an ICU ward during his visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital, in Thane on August 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo However, the court said the state can't escape its responsibility. The state government also told a division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor that there does not seem to be any gross negligence on the part of the state-run hospitals. According to officials, 31 patients, including many infants, died at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded in 48 hours since September 30, while the death of 18 patients was recorded at the Government Medical College and Hospital at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, earlier known as Aurangabad, between October 2 and 3. The bench had earlier this week taken suo motu cognisance of the deaths. Advocate General Birendra Saraf, appearing for the government, told the court on Friday that all medicines and other equipment required at the hospitals for the management of patients were available and administered as per protocol. The patients who died had been brought in critical condition from other hospitals. "There are issues. There is no denying that. But it does not seem like there was any gross negligence by the hospitals. Of course, it is sad what has happened. People have died. Every death is unfortunate," Saraf said. He said the doctors and medical staff at the hospitals were burdened. The bench sought to know how the government plans to strengthen public healthcare. "How to strengthen it? Everything is there on paper but if it is not trickling down then there is no point. This is not just about procurement (of medicines and equipment) but the general state of healthcare in Maharashtra," CJ Upadhyaya said. "You (Maharashtra government) cannot escape by saying there is a burden. You are the State. You cannot shift the responsibility to the private player," he added. The court also noted that the state government has issued good policies but not implemented them. The bench sought to know the cause of deaths in the hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. "How did the situation come to this? What happened?" Justice Doctor asked. Saraf said smaller and private hospitals refer patients to public hospitals when their condition becomes critical. "Most of the patients (who died in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar state hospitals) were referred to these hospitals when their condition was severely critical. Most of them died within a day...this includes infants," Saraf said. He claimed that earlier too there had been 11 to 20 deaths in a day in these hospitals. "Public hospitals cannot ask people to go away. They try to accommodate everyone. At Nanded, there were 12 cases of infant deaths. Of this, only three were born at the government hospital. The remaining were brought in extremely critical condition from other hospitals," Saraf said. He added the government has formed a three-member committee, which will visit all government hospitals and submit reports. The bench noted that the government has flagged the reasons behind the deaths as heavy inflow of patients, referral from private and smaller hospitals and patients being brought in extremely critical condition. The bench also rued the decline in budgetary allocation for public healthcare in Maharashtra in the last three years. "As per the report submitted by the government, in 2020- 21, 4.78 per cent of the total budget was allocated to public health. In 2021-22, it was 5.09 per cent, in 2022-23 it was 4.24 per cent and now in 2023-24 it is 4.01 per cent. The decline is thus visible," the court said. The court further lamented the vacancies in government hospitals and said in such hospitals, patient care work is mostly done by senior and junior resident doctors and staff. "See the vacancy for senior residents (at the Nanded government hospital). Out of 97 posts for senior residents, only 49 posts are filled. 50 per cent vacancy...is this justifiable? How do you (government) justify this," the court said. The senior and junior doctors have heavy responsibilities and keeping these posts vacant cannot be accepted in any situation, CJ Upadhyaya said. Saraf said additional posts were created in January this year due to which there were substantial vacancies. He said the posts would be filled soon. The bench directed the Principal Secretaries of the Public Health Department and the Medical Education and Drugs Department to file affidavits furnishing details of sanctioned posts in all government hospitals and the vacancies against such posts. The affidavits shall give details of the steps taken in the last six months to ensure the vacancies are filled, the court said. The affidavits shall also disclose demands for medicines, medical goods and equipment made by the hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the last year and supplies made against such demands. The affidavits shall be filed by October 30 when the court will hear the matter further. The court also pulled up the Maharashtra government for not appointing a full-fledged Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Maharashtra Medicines Procurement Authority set up in May this year. "The authority was set up in May. We are in October and still it does not have a full-fledged CEO. This is the problem. You (government) come up with good policies but when it comes to implementing nothing is done," the HC said. The bench directed for the CEO to be appointed within two weeks. The court in its order noted that the incident has brought to the fore certain issues with regard to the state healthcare system that needs to be addressed by the Maharashtra government. These include crucial problems faced by the hospitals such as vacancies, procurement of medicines and medical goods and equipment. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said a 190 km long tunnel has been proposed to ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru and within 45 days, the state government will be inviting public tenders for it. IMAGE: Vehicles stuck in a massive Traffic jam near Yelahanka Airbase, in Bengaluru. Photograph: ANI Photo Addressing a press conference at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, he said, "A 190 km long tunnel road has been proposed to combat traffic congestion in Bengaluru and eight companies have qualified for it. These companies will submit a feasibility report and we are preparing to call for public tenders within 45 days." These companies will study and report on how the tunnel road should be, whether it should be four or six lanes, from where it should begin and end and a decision also needs to be taken on whether it should be expanded across Bengaluru, he said. The deputy chief minister, who holds the Bengaluru City Development portfolio, said that since the project is of a very large scale and requires a huge amount of funding, it has to be done in several stages. "We have proposed 190 km for now. Bellary Road, Old Madras Road, Esteem Mall Junction to Mekhri Circle, Miller Road, Chalukya Circle, Trinity Circle, Sarjapur Road, Hosur Road, Kanakapura Road to Krishna Rao Park, Mysore Road to Sirsi Circle, Magadi Road, Tumakuru Road to Yeshwantpur Junction, Outer Ring Road, Goraguntepalya, KR Puram, Silk Board areas have been identified. "We have selected these areas on priority basis. The companies are going to study where and how this tunnel road can be made," he said. He said Bengaluru needs at least a four-lane tunnel road. Shivakumar also said that with the monsoon season ending, chief engineers have been given the responsibility to exert pressure on contractors to quickly complete the most important priority works, including drainage for rainwater flow. Citing the huge traffic congestion on the Outer Ring Road in Bengaluru last week, Shivakumar said he has discussed the issue with the officials concerned and the traffic police. He will visit Outer Ring road on October 7. He also said that Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike engineers should work with the help of traffic police to address the issue of potholes. At the places indicated by the traffic police, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) should quickly fill potholes, so that they cause no accidents. The public can also inform the BBMP Commissioner about the potholes, he said, adding, "When it rains, it is normal to get potholes. Such roadblocks will be repaired immediately in important areas of the city," he added. When asked whether the state would seek the Centre's help in easing Bengaluru's road congestion, he said, "Of course we will seek help from the Centre. Once these proposals are submitted, we will submit the proposal to the Centre. "I have already met and discussed with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Vehicles arrive in Bengaluru through the National Highway and cause traffic congestion... I have discussed this matter with him about this matter. He also gave me advice and responded positively." A diocese of the Catholic Church in Kerala has set up a collegiate tribunal to initiate a penal judicial process against a priest who was accused by church authorities of violating a series of ecclesiastical norms. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo The constitution of an ecclesiastical court for the trial of a priest is considered an unusual step for a church to take. Though Fr Thomas 'Aji' Puthiyaparambil was suspended by the Thamarassery diocese of the prominent Syro Malabar Church in July this year, Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil revoked the decision in his latest order. However, the bishop, in the order -- a copy of which was sent to the priest -- made it clear that he has appointed a collegiate tribunal to initiate penal judicial process to probe into the alleged offences against Puthiyaparambil. The tribunal is also aimed at repairing the "damages and scandal" caused by the priest's acts of "disobedience and anti-ecclesial activities, violating the disciplinary norms of the Church", it said. The bishop, in his order, alleged that though Puthiyaparambil was appointed as vicar of a local church, he didn't accept the appointment and suddenly left after publishing a note on social media. It was "grave disobedience," which caused "irreparable damage and public scandal", the order said. "You publicly took a stand against the decision of the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church and incited sedition and hatred towards the hierarch, provoking the faithful to disobedience through your public speeches and messages on social media, causing scandal and violating ecclesiastical discipline," it alleged. The church authorities' attempt to get the priest to return to the eparchy and assume the new assignment was in vain as he "obstinately insisted" on his decision, thus violating canonical norms, the order charged. Though Puthiyaparambil was immediately suspended based on a preliminary investigation report, considering the "gravity" of the offences, and the church authorities asked him to reside at Good Shepherd Priest Home in Marikunnu, Puthiyaparambil didn't comply, it further said. Fr Mathew Pulimoottil has been appointed as 'promoter of justice' and the officials of the collegiate tribunal would be Fr George Mundanatte, Fr James Kallingal VC, Fr Antony Varakil and Fr John Pallikkavayalil, it said. The bishop directed the priest to appear before the tribunal when duly summoned and cooperate with the judicial penal procedures. Meanwhile, Fr Puthiyaparambil said on Friday that he is not immediately taking any legal measure against the church decision and would cooperate with the proceedings of the newly constituted tribunal. "I will co-operate with the panel's proceedings. I recently quit my active parish ministry, which I have been doing for the past 20 years. But I will continue my prophetic mission, which Jesus Christ entrusted me with. I raised my voice against decadence in the church, as part of it," he told PTI. Stating that setting up of an ecclesiastical court was not a decision in tune with this modern era, he said it would dent the image of the church before the public. The priest said the major allegation against him is sedition, and the Church is raising such a charge at a time when the country is witnessing a heated debate about the need to repeal the nation's sedition laws. Rejecting the charges against him by the church authorities, he said the constitution of an ecclesiastical court is something unheard of in Christian churches, and added that what he did was just to expose the corruption and decadence that are deeply rooted in the Church nowadays. "If it continues like this, the Church here will face the same fate that it met with in Europe. I have, of course, spoken against moral degradation persisting in the Church, voiced concern about it, and written against it," he said. He further said he is not expecting any justice from the tribunal, but he has faith in Pope Francis who firmly advocates for correction within the church and its revival. The priest also made it clear that he didn't speak against any particular individual in the church. "I have no intention at all to abandon my priesthood. I just quit my active parish ministry... I love my church, and I will continue there...but will continue my fight as well," Puthiyaparambil added. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Thamarassery issued a statement later in the day strongly condemning the media, saying that many news reports with regard to the incident were wrong and amounted to maligning the Church. Such reports and allegations, made after wrongly interpreting Canon laws and norms, also amounted to misleading the faithful, it said. Justifying the setting up of the tribunal, the diocese also said that the decision was taken as Fr Puthiyaparambil acted against the directive of the diocese and declined to take up a new responsibility assigned to him. The panel, set up in accordance with Canon Laws, is aimed at listening to what the priest has to say and bringing him back to the parish ministry, it claimed. It is expected that Puthiyaparambil will make use of the opportunity, the diocese added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said left wing extremism will be totally eliminated from the country in two years and stressed the need for constant surveillance in the areas freed from Maoists so that the problem does not revive there again. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presents a medal to a best-performing NIA officer at the 3rd Anti-Terror Conference, in New Delhi, October 6, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Chairing a meeting to review the security situation in LWE-affected states, Shah said the Modi government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance against left wing extremism since 2014. As a result, he said, the year 2022 saw the lowest level of LWE violence and deaths in the last four decades. Left wing extremism will be totally eliminated from the country in two years, he said, adding, "Naxalism is a curse to humanity and we are resolved to uproot it in all its forms". The review meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also attended the meeting where Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were represented by state ministers. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the face of Maoist-affected areas in the state was changing for the better due to development schemes. According to a statement issued by the chief minister's office in Mumbai, Shinde said urban Naxalism is being propagated through the internet and social media, and there is a need to create an effective mechanism to stop it, he added. Jharakhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also advocated continued deployment of paramilitary forces to battle the problem. The chief minister also sought the fixing of the tenure of the IG of CRPF deputed in the state for at least three years in order to maintain continuity in anti-Naxal operations. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Friday affirmed that left wing extremism is on the wane in the state and Maoist activities are confined only to a few pockets. Home minister Shah said all the affected states need to make efforts by forming a joint team of civil and police administration to dismantle the network of financial support of LWE. Shah said the National Investigation Agency and the Enforcement Directorate are working closely with all state agencies to attack the financing of the LWE. There is also a need to monitor Naxals from areas where this problem has been eliminated do not take shelter in other states, he said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the cooperation of all the affected states, he said, success has been achieved in curbing LWE in the last few years and now the fight has reached to a decisive phase. He said vacuum areas have been shrinking since 2019 as 195 new camps of the Central Armed Police Forces have been established while 44 more new ones will be set up. Shah said the deployment of CAPFs against LWE, rationalisation of development and setting up camps in vacuum areas are the priorities of the Modi government. He said there has been a decline of more than 52 per cent in LWE related violence, 69 per cent in deaths, 72 per cent in security force personnel deaths and 68 per cent in civilian deaths between 2014 and 2023 compared to the period from 2005 to 2014. He said the Modi government had increased the ex-gratia amount for victims of LWE violence from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh in 2017, now it has been further increased to Rs 40 lakh. The home minister said the Modi government is taking several steps to speed up the development in LWE-affected states. Special attention is being given to areas like road construction, telecommunication, financial inclusion, skill development and education, he said. Shah said the centre government has launched more than 14,000 projects under the Special Central Assistance scheme to accelerate development in the districts most affected by LWE. He said more than 80 per cent of these projects have been completed and Rs 3,296 crore released to LWE-affected states under the scheme. He said under the Special Infrastructure Scheme, projects worth Rs 992 crore have been sanctioned for the construction of fortified police stations, strengthening of state intelligence branches and special forces of LWE-affected states. In last nine years, the Modi government has more than doubled the security related expenditure in comparison to the earlier period. According to the data provided by the Union Home Ministry, there has been a 52 per cent decline in total incidents of violence -- from 14,862 (during May 2005 to April 2014) to 7,128 (during May 2014 to April 2023); 69 per cent decline in LWE-related deaths -- from 6,035 (May 2005-April 2014) to 1,868 (May 2014-April 2023); and 72 per cent decline in the death of security personnel -- from 1,750 (May 2005-April 2014) to 485 (May 2014-April 2023). In case of civilian deaths, there has been a 68 per cent decline -- from 4,285 (May 2005-April 2023) to 1,383 (May 2016-April 2023); 53 per cent decline in districts reporting violence -- from 96 (2010) to 45 (2022); and 62 per cent decline in police stations reporting violence -- from 465 (2010) and 176 (2022). Several union ministers, national security advisor Ajit Doval, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, the director generals of Central Armed Police Forces, secretaries to the central government, chief secretaries and DGPs of states and other senior officials also attended the meeting. The Delhi high court on Friday sought the response of the city police on the pleas filed by NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty challenging their arrest in a case lodged under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. IMAGE: Senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta addresses during a protest against the arrest of news portal NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha and HRD head Amit Chakraborty in an alleged terror case, at the Press Club, in New Delhi, October 4, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also asked the police to file replies to their applications seeking interim release till the pendency of the petitions. The high court listed the matter for further hearing on October 9 as the first case. Purkayastha and Chakravarty were arrested by the special cell of the Delhi police on October 3 and were ordered to be in their custody till October 11. The police have sealed the NewsClick's office in Delhi. The portal has been accused of receiving money to spread pro-China propaganda. According to the FIR, a large amount of funds to the news portal came from China to "disrupt the sovereignty of India" and cause disaffection against the country. It also alleged Purkayastha conspired with a group -- People's Alliance for Democracy and Secularism -- to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. These foreign funds were fraudulently infused by an active member of the propaganda department of the Communist Party of China, Neville Roy Singham, it claimed. Besides their arrest, the duo has also challenged the trial court's order remanding them in police custody and sought quashing of the FIR in the case. The high court asked the investigating officer to produce the case diary before it on Monday and ensure the medical condition of Chakravarty, who is differently-abled, is not compromised. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi police, said replies to the interim prayers will be filed within a day. He urged the court to grant him some time to get instructions and list the matter for Monday. As the counsel for Purkayastha and Chakravarty urged the high court to order their release in the interim if the matter were to be heard on Monday, Justice Gedela said interim relief cannot be granted at this stage. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Purkayastha, said a raid was conducted at the residence of his client on the morning of October 3 and he was taken to the office of the special cell at Lodhi Road. He was arrested the same evening at around 7 pm. The next day, he was taken to the residence of the trial court judge at around 6-6:30 am for production where the prosecutor and legal aid counsel were present but the family members or counsel of Purkayastha were not informed, Sibal claimed. Sibal said the family members and counsel were later informed about the remand proceedings. They objected when told that the remand application will be sent through WhatsApp and he can file his objections using the same mode. The remand application was sent through WhatsApp message to Purkayastha's counsel at around 7:07 PM after which he sent a document containing detailed objections to the grant of remand on the same number, the senior lawyer said. However, they came to know that Purkayastha had already been sent to police custody for seven days and the trial court's order records that it was signed at 6 am, which could not have been the case as no remand order was passed at least till 7 am when the petitioner's family member was called to join the proceedings, Sibal contended. He said shockingly, the order also records the presence of the petitioner's counsel through telephone though he was contacted only at 7 am and could not have been present at 6 am. What is happening to our courts? That's all I can say. Grounds of arrest are not given to me. Now there is an order of the Supreme Court that grounds of arrest are not only to be communicated but they have to be handed over to the person in writing, he argued. The high court orally remarked, So far as the remand order is concerned, it was passed at 6 am and apparently he (trial court judge) has not heard the counsel (for accused). The solicitor general sought time to respond to the petitions and said, I will put in my reply. Factually also, I have to take instructions. I don't even have the papers, kindly keep the matter on Monday. In the morning, the matter was mentioned for urgent hearing by Sibal before a bench headed by the chief justice which allowed it for listing during the day. On Thursday, a trial court had directed the city police to provide the duo with a copy of the FIR, citing a 2016 order of the Supreme Court and a 2010 order of the Delhi high court. A raid was conducted on October 3 at 88 locations in Delhi and seven in other states on the suspects named in the FIR and those that surfaced in the analysis of data, the police said. A total of 46 journalists and contributors to NewsClick were questioned on Tuesday and their mobile phones and other electronic gadgets seized. The Delhi police, in an FIR filed under anti-terror law UAPA against online news portal NewsClick, has alleged that a large amount of funds came from China to "disrupt the sovereignty of India" and cause disaffection against the country. IMAGE: Veteran journalists stage a protest against the arrest of NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha and human resources head Amit Chakraborty in an alleged terror case, outside the Press Club, New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo It also alleged that NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha conspired with a group -- People's Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) -- including PADS convenor Battini Rao, historian Dilip Simeon, social activist Deepak Dholakia, director of Delhi-based NGO Aman Trust Jamal Kidwai and journalist Kiran Shaheen, among others, to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. These foreign funds were fraudulently infused by an active member of the propaganda department of the Communist Party of China, Neville Roy Singham, it claimed. The Delhi police provided a copy of the FIR to NewsClick on Friday, a day after a city court directed it to do so. "Chinese telecom giants like Xiaomi, Vivo, etc, incorporated thousands of shell companies in India in violation of the PMLA, FEMA for illegally infusing foreign funds in India in furtherance of this conspiracy," said the FIR, a copy of which is with PTI. "In furtherance of this conspiracy to disrupt the sovereignty of India and cause disaffection against India, a large amount of funds was routed from China in a circuitous and camouflaged manner and paid news were intentionally peddled, criticising domestic policies, development projects of India and promoting, projecting and defending policies and programmes of the Chinese government," it said. It claimed that these foreign funds were allegedly distributed to activist Gautam Navlakha and associates of activists Teesta Seetalvad, her husband and activist Javed Anand, and journalists Urmilesh and Aratrika Halder, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Abhisar Sharma, and others. Navlakha, who is under house arrest in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, has been associated with Purkhayasta since 1991 and is also a shareholder of PPK NewsClick Studio Private Limited since 2018, according to the FIR. "Navlakha remained involved in the anti-national nexus with Ghulam Nabu Fai, who is an agent of ISI of Pakistan. Prabir, Neville and other employees of Neville's Shanghai-based company StarStream have exchanged mails which expose their intent to show that Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as not part of India," the FIR read. "A false narrative was propagated to discredit the efforts of Indian government to contain the COVID-19 pandemic," the Delhi police said. Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty, the human resources department head at NewsClick, have been arrested by the Delhi police under sections 13, 16, 17, 18 and 22C of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and 153A and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on Tuesday. According to police, a total of 46 people -- 37 men and nine women -- were questioned by the Delhi police special cell. Journalists Urmilesh and Abhisar Sharma were questioned for a second time in the NewsClick foreign funding case. On Tuesday, raids were conducted at 88 locations in Delhi and seven in other states on those named in the FIR. German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger condemned another war crime by Russia, which launched a missile attack on a small province near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. Three hundred people lived in the village of Hroza, and 51 residents, including a six-year-old child, were killed by the occupiers. ADVERTISIMENT The diplomat wrote his condemnation on X (formerly Twitter). He is firmly convinced that Moscow continues to commit deliberate war crimes, killing civilians on Ukrainian territory. "What happened today in the village of Hroza is cruel. Only Russia is responsible for this massacre of civilians. Those responsible must be brought to justice," Jaeger wrote. As a reminder, Russian soldiers struck Hroza on the afternoon of October 5. Missiles hit a local cafe, where there were about 60 people at the time. All of them came to a traditional memorial dinner dedicated to a deceased countryman. ADVERTISIMENT President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Spain at the time for an important international meeting, reacted to the attack. "A deliberate brutal Russian crime: a missile strike on an ordinary grocery store. A terrorist attack," the head of state wrote on social media. Zelensky expressed his condolences to all those who lost their loved ones and stressed that Russian terror must be stopped. As OBOZREVATEL reported, two days ago, the occupiers launched an air strike on Antonivka, Kherson region. The attack killed a 69-year-old man and injured seven other people. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on Obozrevatel Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A federal United States court has allowed Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana time till November 9 to file a motion against his extradition to India to face a trial in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. In August, Rana, 62, had appealed before the Ninth Circuit Court against the order by a US District Court in the Central District of California that denied the writ of habeas corpus. The Ninth Circuit Court on Tuesday agreed to his request for more time to file his motion which was initially set for October 10. According to the latest court order, Rana's brief is now due on November 9 and the government's answer will be due on December 11, 2023. Earlier on August 18, the court had granted Rana's motion for a stay of extradition so that his appeal could be heard by the US Court of Appeals. Rana, who is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Los Angeles, 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. Following his request, Judge Fischer from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had asked Rana to submit his argument before October 10 and the US Government was asked to submit its response by November 8. Judge Fischer wrote that Rana has shown that he is likely to suffer significant irreparable harm absent a stay. He will be extradited to India for a trial on serious crimes with no hope for a review of his arguments or hope for his return to the United States. The government admits this but then argues that because this claimed irreparable harm applies categorically to any fugitive who seeks a stay of extradition pending appeal, it does not count, the judge had said. Earlier, US attorney John J Lulejian had appealed before the district court to deny Rana's ex-parte application for a stay of extradition pending appeal and argued that the stay would cause unwarranted delay in the United States' fulfilment of its obligations to India and this will damage its credibility in the international arena and impair its ability to obtain the cooperation of foreign nations in bringing United States fugitives to justice. Rana, he argued, cannot show a likelihood of success on the merits of his claims or otherwise meet his burden of justifying a stay. Accordingly, the United States respectfully requests that the court deny his ex parte application, the US attorney wrote. Lulejian argued that the district court should deny Rana's request for a stay for the threshold reason that he has failed to demonstrate that he is likely to obtain a reversal of this Court's decision in the Ninth Circuit. In his ex parte application for a stay, Rana has made no showing whatsoever, let alone a strong showing, that he is likely to succeed on the merits of his appeal, he argued. Indeed, he simply states that he seeks a stay to permit his non-bis in idem argument to be heard by the court of appeals. A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people at iconic and vital locations of Mumbai. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing Rana's role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The NIA has said that it is ready to initiate proceedings to bring him to India through diplomatic channels. Freebies being doled out by the Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments ahead of the assembly polls Friday came under scrutiny by the Supreme Court which sought responses from the two states, the Centre and the Election Commission on a PIL alleging misuse of public money. IMAGE: Women stand in a queue outside a government school for getting dry ration by the Delhi government in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo The top court, which was initially reluctant to consider the plea and asked as to how it can control all kinds of promises made by the respective governments before elections, later agreed to take it up. Before elections, all kinds of promises are made and we cannot control this, a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said, and asked as to why the plea was not filed in the high court. There can be nothing more atrocious than the government distributing cash before the polls. This is happening every time and the burden is on the taxpayers ultimately, lawyer Varinder Kumar Sharma, appearing for the petitioner, said. He also said the plea pertained to grant of freebies in two states. Issue notice. Returnable in four weeks, the bench said and asked the lawyer to delete the Madhya Pradesh chief minister's office from the memo of parties and replace it with the state government, to be represented through the chief secretary. The bench then ordered clubbing the petition, filed by Bhattulal Jain, with an earlier pending case filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay on the issue of election freebies that was referred to a three-judge bench in August 2022. The plea sought a direction to state governments and others to not misuse consolidated funds or grant under the ruse of the public purposes ahead of assembly elections. Issue a writ... to direct and declare that the promise/ distribution of irrational freebies from the public fund before election to lure voters is analogous to the bribery and undue influence under Section 171-B and Section 171-C of the IPC (punishment for bribery), Jain said in his petition. The plea also sought framing of comprehensive guidelines to deal with the announcements made by chief ministers which have financial repercussions. It referred to an RBI report to claim the economy of Madhya Pradesh was distressed. "No government can declare free electricity, free water or loan waiver without the approval of the legislative assembly, irrespective of which government is ruling. Since the money belongs to our taxpayers, they have the right to monitor its use", the petition said. The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the Bihar government as to why it published its caste survey data but refused to restrain it from making public further data, and said it may examine if the state has power to conduct such an exercise. IMAGE: Bihar Additional Chief Secretary Vivek Kumar Singh, centre, releases the caste-based census results at the Old Secretariat, Patna, January 2, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and S V N Bhatti issued a formal notice on a batch of pleas challenging the August 1 order of the Patna high court that gave the go-ahead for the caste survey in Bihar. The SC bench listed the matter in January 2024. It rejected the petitioners' contention that the state government has already published some data pre-empting a stay. They sought a complete stay on further publication of data. "We are not staying anything at this moment. We cannot stop the state government or any government from taking a policy decision. That would be wrong. We are going to examine the other issue regarding the power of the state government to conduct this exercise," the bench said. The top court, however, questioned the counsel for the Bihar government, "Why did you publish the data?" It said it may examine whether the state has the power to conduct such a survey. Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Aprajita Singh said there is breach of privacy in the matter and the high court order was wrong. "This data should not be acted upon as it was collected illegally. The high court has given a detailed judgement. But it is wrong on every point of law. The data has not been collected under law as laid down by this court. Even the executive order is not in conformity with the law laid down in the K S Puttaswamy judgment (2018 verdict on right to privacy)," Singh said. To this, the bench said since the name and other identities of any individual have not been published, the argument that there was a breach of privacy may not be correct. "The more important issue for consideration of the court is breakdown of data and its availability to the public," the bench said, adding there are various aspects of the data but the state government has not released that. Justice Khanna said they have gone through the high court verdict and have formed a prima facie view which is subject to change. Singh said that during the last hearing, the state government assured the bench that they will not publish the data. She said they will further publish the data by the next date of hearing in January if no restrained by the court, and the petitioners will be in the same position. Justice Khanna said the state had not assured anything in the last hearing. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the state government, replied to the question of the bench on why they published the data and said there was no stay on publication of data, which was required for formulating welfare schemes. He said there is a judgment of this court which allows collection of data. On October 2, the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar released findings of its caste survey, months ahead of the 2024 Parliamentary elections. The data revealed that OBCs and EBCs constitute a whopping 63 per cent of the state's total population. According to the data released, the state's total population stood at a little over 13.07 crore, out of which the Extremely Backward Classes (36 per cent) were the largest social segment followed by the Other Backward Classes at 27.13 per cent. The survey also stated that Yadavs, the OBC group to which Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav belongs, were the largest caste in terms of the population, accounting for 14.27 per cent of the total. Dalits, also known as the Scheduled Castes, accounted for 19.65 per cent of the total population in the state, which is also home to nearly 22 lakh (1.68 per cent) people belonging to the Scheduled Tribes. On August 7, the top court had refused to stay the Patna high court's order giving the go-ahead for the caste survey, and deferred the hearing on petitions challenging it to August 14. Besides a plea by NGO 'Ek Soch Ek Paryas', several other petitions have been filed including one by a Nalanda-resident, Akhilesh Kumar, who has contended that the notification issued by the state government for the exercise is against the constitutional mandate. Kumar's petition says that according to the constitutional mandate only the Union government is empowered to conduct a census. The high court had said in its 101-page verdict, "We find the action of the state to be perfectly valid, initiated with due competence with the legitimate aim of providing development with justice." A day after the high court held the caste survey as "valid", the state government had swung into action and suspended all ongoing training programmes for teachers so they can be engaged for early completion of the exercise. The Nitish Kumar government had said on August 25 that the survey has been completed and data will be made public soon. Petitioners had opposed making the data public, contending it will infringe people's right to privacy. The Supreme Court said on Friday it will hear on November 20 the arguments on a plea challenging the constitutional validity of a provision of the anti-graft law which mandates obtaining prior sanction from the competent authority before launching an inquiry against a public servant in a corruption case. IMAGE: The Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo The plea came up for hearing before a bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner NGO 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation', told the bench that the plea relates to a "very important matter". "It is challenge to the amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act which says that no inquiry or investigation in any corruption case can be done without the prior approval of the government," he said. The apex court had on November 26, 2018 issued notice to the Centre seeking its response on the plea against the validity of amended section 17A (1) of the PCA. During the hearing on Friday, Bhushan said as per the amended section, no inquiry, enquiry or investigation in a corruption case can be done without the prior sanction of the government. One of the aspects of prosecution is sanction, the bench interjected. "Sanction for prosecution is there. We are not challenging that. We are only challenging the sanction for inquiry or investigation," Bhushan said. The bench posted the matter for hearing on November 20. The plea alleged the amended section curtailed investigation against corrupt officials at the threshold, and it was the third attempt by the government to introduce a provision which has already been held unconstitutional by the apex court twice. It said that according to the amended Act, prior sanction for inquiry or investigation is required only where the alleged offence by a public servant is relatable to any recommendation made or decision taken by such public servant in discharge of his official functions or duties. "It would be extremely difficult for the police to determine whether a complaint about an alleged offence is relatable to any recommendation made or decision taken by a public servant, especially as even an enquiry cannot be made without prior sanction," it said. The plea claimed the discretion to determine whether or not an alleged offence is relatable to any recommendation made or decision taken by a public servant could become a matter of litigation and will impede time-bound action in cases of corruption. It claimed obtaining prior sanction to commence investigation not only took away the element of secrecy and surprise but also introduced a period of delay during which vital evidences can be manipulated or destroyed and gave time to the accused to lobby by employing various means for denial of permission. The petition also challenged the constitutional validity of section 13 (1) (d) (ii) (criminal misconduct) of the PCA, which made it an offence for a public servant to obtain for himself or any other person any valuable thing or pecuniary advantage by abuse of office. "This particular provision was resorted to by the CBI while filing charge sheet in every high-profile mega corruption case. While it was important that the person involved was charged or convicted but it was far more important that the deal/largesse was set aside and the loss to the exchequer reversed in these mega scam cases involving loss to exchequer of more than lac crores as was the case in the spectrum allotment and coal and iron ore mine allotment cases," it said. Heaping praise on India, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Indian leadership is 'self-directed' and led by the country's national interests, according to Reuters. IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Russia, on October 5, 2023. Photograph: Sputnik/Sergey Guneev/Pool via Reuters Speaking at an event, Putin alleged that the West is trying to cast everyone 'who is not ready to blindly follow these Western elites as the enemy'. "At a certain point in time, they tried to do the same with India. Now they are flirting, of course. We all understand this very well. We feel and see the situation in Asia. Everything is clear. I want to say that the Indian leadership is self-directed. It is led by the national interests. I think that those attempts make no sense. But, they continue. They are trying to cast Arabs as the enemy. They are trying to be careful, but overall, that's what it all boils down to," Putin said. The Russian President said countries such as India, Brazil and South Africa deserve more representation in the United Nations Security Council and added that the UN should be reformed but gradually, according to Reuters. Calling India a 'powerful country', Putin said that it is growing stronger and stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russia-based RT News reported. "...India, more than 1.5 billion of population, more than 7 per cent of economic growth...that's a powerful country, mighty country. And it's growing stronger and stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi...," Putin said, according to a video shared by RT News. Earlier on Wednesday, Putin had called Modi a 'very wise man', adding that India is making great strides in development under his leadership, RT reported. Last month, too, he had praised PM Modi stating he was doing the "right thing" in promoting the Make in India programme. IMAGE: Akshata Murty speaks at the Conservative party's annual conference in Manchester. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, an unusual event occurred at Britain's Conservative Party's annual conference in Manchester. Before British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed the Tories, Akshata Murty introduced her husband to the conference, which is likely to be the last to take place before the UK's next general election. Reporting on Akshata's speech in the British The Times newspaper, Mario Ledwidth reported: 'She claimed her husband had not read over her words, before regaling conference with a story of their relationship which would not have looked out of place in one of the rom-coms she said her husband so loves.' '"The reason I am here today is because Rishi and I are each other's best friends," she cooed,' Ledwith reported. 'Perhaps explaining her narrative arc, Murty said of her husband's viewing habits: "The cheesier, the better".'. Akshata didn't mention if her famous writer mother Sudha Murty or her even more well known father IT mogul N R Narayana Murthy had a dekko at her speech. IMAGE: Akshata speaks on stage, here and below. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Reviewing Akshata's performance in the The Times on Thursday, Hilary Rose was savage, calling it 'a four-minute ick-fest about how much she loves him and how they're a team, how proud he makes her and their daughters, how drawn she is to his integrity even after 14 years of marriage and describing the man in charge of running this place as a wonderful father and her best friend. Pass the sick bag and honestly, who cares?' 'To be clear, I do not blame Murty for this cripplingly retrograde step for the sisterhood. I blame her husband. This wouldn't happen in any other sphere of work. No female politician expects her other half to sell her to the electorate. I don't remember Margaret Thatcher calling on Dennis,' Rose added. IMAGE: Rishi joins Akshata on stage. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Those harsh and unkind words won't matter at all if Akshata burnished Rishi's credentials as a more human counterfoil to his primary political opponent, Sir Keir Starmer, the rather robotic leader of the Labour party. IMAGE: Rishi likely compliments his shy wife on a job well done. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters IMAGE: Earlier, the couple arrive to attend the Conservative conference, here and below. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters IMAGE: Rishi and Akshata work the Tory crowd, here and below. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters IMAGE: Akshata and Rishi acknowledge the applause after her speech before... Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters IMAGE: Akshata leaves the stage so that Rishi can deliver his message to the party faithful. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters IMAGE: Rishi knows the Conservatives battered by Boris Johnson and Liz Truss's wayward prime ministerships and a tottering economy give him and his party only a sliver of a chance of victory at the next general election, but The Times reported last week that he is determined to give his all to pull off an unlikely triumph. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters Photographs curated by Anant Salvi and Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com WEST ARLINGTON Today is the last day of the year that the "OPEN" message painted by hand on the side of an A-frame sign will be turned to fa Ukraine returned the bodies of 64 soldiers killed in battles with the occupiers. In exchange, representatives of the Ukrainian side gave Russia the remains of the liquidated invaders. ADVERTISIMENT The exchange took place on October 6. This was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. "Today, as a result of repatriation measures, the Ukrainian side managed to return the bodies (remains) of 64 deceased Ukrainian defenders to the territory controlled by the government of Ukraine... In turn, the Ukrainian side, in accordance with the norms of international humanitarian law, handed over to the Russian side the bodies (remains) of combatants killed (deceased) in connection with the armed aggression against Ukraine," the Coordination Center said in a statement. In addition to the Coordination Headquarters for the exchange of prisoners, representatives of the Joint Center of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Secretariat of the Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Central Military Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Sumy region, the State Tax Service of Ukraine, as well as representatives of other security and defense structures took part in the exchange of bodies. ADVERTISIMENT The exchange was facilitated by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. "The Armed Forces of Ukraine will ensure the proper and safe transportation of the repatriated bodies (remains) of the fallen (deceased) defenders of Ukraine to designated state specialized institutions for their transfer in accordance with the established procedure to law enforcement officials and forensic experts in order to organize and conduct procedural (investigative) actions and forensic examinations necessary to identify the victims," the Coordination Headquarters assured. They also emphasized that Ukraine is doing everything possible to establish the whereabouts of missing or captured Ukrainian soldiers and bring them home. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported that in the liberated territories, the Ukrainian military collects the bodies of the occupiers to exchange them for their comrades . This is not the first time that the bodies of defenders and occupiers have been exchanged. In late August, Ukraine returned the bodies of 84 more Ukrainian soldiers. The exchange fund for the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war is also being replenished. According to the GUR, dozens of occupants are captured every day. ADVERTISIMENT Sweden has announced a new package of military aid to the Ukrainian army worth SEK 2.2 billion ($200 million). The package mainly includes ammunition and spare parts for systems already donated, but the transfer of fighter jets is still being studied, as there are conditions. ADVERTISIMENT The Swedish government's intentions were announced on Friday, October 6, by Defense Minister Pal Johnson, Reuters reports. Details are described on the ministry's website. What is being transferred to Ukraine Sweden wants to give Ukraine 155-mm artillery ammunition, which is used in several Western artillery systems. In the 13th package of support from Sweden, the Ukrainian Armed Forces received spare parts and ammunition, in particular for the CV90 combat vehicle. It is currently proposed to provide additional spare parts and ammunition. Ukraine will also receive infantry equipment, such as protective vests and automatic carbines. In addition, group equipment, such as all-terrain vehicles in the form of four-wheelers, stretchers, night vision devices and binoculars, as well as winter gear. The proposed support package includes satellite communications equipment for voice, video and data transmission. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, Sweden is also planning to decide on expanding its participation in the UK-led Operation Interflex and in the Scandinavian demining training in Lithuania. The UK-led basic training aims to train 30,000 Ukrainian military personnel every quarter, and Sweden plans to continue its participation with up to 120 instructors in 2024. Lithuania is training Ukrainian officers in qualified demining with the aim of achieving instructor status in their associations. Sweden is expected to contribute up to five instructors as part of the multilateral instructor pool. In addition to these planned training efforts, the Armed Forces will be given enhanced opportunities to train Ukrainian personnel in Sweden on short notice. The issue of fighter jets is still being analyzed According to the official, the new package of military support for the Ukrainian state will be the 14th since the beginning of the war. Thus, the total cost of assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the Scandinavian country will be just over 22 billion kronor. ADVERTISIMENT At a press conference on this issue, the Swedish Defense Minister emphasized that the government has also officially instructed its armed forces to analyze whether the country will be able to send Jas Gripen (JAS 39) aircraft to Ukraine. To recap: Kyiv hopes to receive a division or 16-18 fighter jets from Sweden. However, the Swedish Armed Forces have yet to determine how this will affect their own country's defense capabilities. After all, the Swedish air defense system currently has about 90 serviceable Jas Gripen aircraft. Now, the defense ministry's website states that a prerequisite for possible support for the JAS 39 is that Sweden must first become a NATO member. The appointment is to be announced on November 6, when the Swedish Supreme Commander-in-Chief "leaves his military council." ADVERTISIMENT "The report should include, among other things, the impact on defense capability, the defense economy and other defense activities and planning. An important starting point for the analysis is the familiarization training on the JAS 39 Gripen that Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel have received under the auspices of the Swedish Armed Forces. The Armed Forces should also inform about the terms of possible support within the international F-16 coalition, of which Sweden is a part," the Swedish Defense Ministry explained. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Sweden has previously handed over ten Stridsvagn 122 tanks to Ukraine (a modernized version of the German Leopard 2). Along with this equipment, Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers who had been trained in Sweden returned to Ukraine. At the same time, MP Petro Poroshenko took part in an international security conference in Visby and met with Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson. The Ukrainian politician thanked for 13 packages of military aid from Stockholm to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and expressed hope for the fourteenth. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! -------------- Update from 06/10/2023 : following my publication, Ive been in contact with France Identite CISO and they could provide more information on the measures they have taken in the light of these findings: We would like to thank you for your in-depth technical research work on France Identite app that was launched in beta a year ago and for which you were rewarded. As you know, the app is now generally available on iOS and Android through their respective app stores. Your work, alongside French cybersecurity agency (ANSSI) research, made us update and modify deeply the E2EE Secure Channel used between the app and our backend. It is now mostly based on TLS1.3. Those modifications were released only a few weeks after you submitted your work through our private BugBounty program with YesWeHack. That released version also fixes the three other vulnerabilities you submitted. From the beginning of France Identite program, it was decided to implicate cybersecurity community, launching first a private BugBounty program. We are now happy to announce the BugBounty program will soon be publicly available, and the source code published in early 2024. You and all security researchers are welcome to participate. -------------- More than a year ago I was invited to a private bug bounty with an unusual target: 'France Identite', the new french digital ID. The bug bounty program itself was disappointing to me so I'd say that, likely, it wasn't necessarily worth my efforts, although Ive been rewarded with some bounties for the reports. On the other hand, the scope was very interesting so for me, the technical part eventually made up for the negative aspects. It was a pure black-box approach against the preproduction version. I received a 'specimen' French ID card (carte d'identite), which obviously did not correspond to any actual citizen. However, I didn't get a PIN, so I couldn't fully cover all the functionalities implemented in the 'France Identite' system. Now let's see what I found. Introduction A relatively common approach to designing cost effective, user-friendly, chip-to-cloud solutions is to leverage the communication capabilities of the user's mobile phone. As a result, instead of endowing the smart device (e.g., digital ID Card) with all the required electronics and software that would enable it to autonomously transmit and receive data from the internet, the product is developed to use a short-range communication stack such as Bluetooth/NFC (something any modern mobile phone supports by default) and then, an App in the phone will create a communication channel with the backend, thus acting as a bridge for both worlds. For instance, we can find this architecture in solutions for handling rental cars (virtual keys), electronic identity, authentication, and all kind of of IoT devices such as Electronic BagTags. The main goal is to describe some vulnerable patterns identified in common cryptographic operations. By doing so, both developers and researchers who have to deal with this kind of solutions, can hopefully better secure them. Introduction to 'France Identite' As it has been previously mentioned, the approach to analyze this solution was purely black-box, so I targeted the Android app. I statically reverse engineered the App to understand how the solution was implemented. As a result, the uncovered vulnerabilities were mainly logic flaws. I also used Frida to hook into the NFC (IsoDep), Transport and Cryptographic APIs. I came up with following diagram to illustrate the key elements of the solution. So we have two different 'Secure Channels': a) Established between the App and the Backend (custom) b) Established between the chip (Integrated Smart Card) and the terminal. This one is out of scope, as the Smart Card was not included in the Bug Bounty program. In addition to these 'Secure Channels', the App maintains a regular HTTP communication channel, over TLS, with the Backend. As a result, there are different security boundaries implemented in the solution so I focused on finding ways to bypass them. The following attack vectors are among the most realistic ones I considered. 1. MITM The solution is trying to mitigate this common attack scenario by implementing an 'E2EE Secure Channel'. 2. 3rd Party App Usually, in this kind of solutions you do not want a 3rd party application, unrelated with your original product, potentially interacting with your Backend in a malicious way. In order to mitigate this scenario, the France Identite App is relying on the key attestation functionality provided by Android >= 8.0 (also iOS), which is backed by the TEE. Establishing the E2EE Secure Channel The following diagram shows how the Secure Channel is established. We can distinguish two main stages, where the most interesting vulnerabilities were found: 1. The handshake 2. The flows between the App and the different endpoints on the Backend, once the E2EE Secure Channel has been already established. The 'Handshake' part is a mutually authenticated key agreement protocol based on an Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ephemeral ECDH) scheme. Let's see how it is implemented: 1. Init 'Secure Channel' Handshake The App submits a request to the Backend that includes three parameters: a) 'scaSuiteIds' It's a list of IDs that tells the Backend about the different groups of previously agreed cryptographic algorithms the App supports. In this case, just the following (ID 0): SCA_ECDSA_ECDSA_ECDHP256_SHA256_AES256_GCM_IVCPT_HMAC(0, "SHA256withECDSA", "SHA256withECDSA", "secp256r1", "AES", 32, "AES/GCM/NoPadding", "HmacSHA256", "Hmac", 16) b) 'challenge' It is a 32-byte challenge generated by the App by using SecureRandom. c) 'trustedCA' The app is sharing with the Backend the information about the root CA certificate ('issuer', 'subject' and 'serialnumber') it expects to receive. This certificate is hardcoded in the App. 2. Return 'Secure Channel' Materials The Backend responds to the previous request with five different parameters: a) 'scaSuiteId' The ID of the cryptographic algorithms the backend agrees to use (0) b) 'challenge' A 32-byte random challenge generated by the backend c) 'keyExchange' The backend's Public Key that will be used in the ECDH scheme. d) 'Signature' The signature generated by the Backend (SHA256withECDSA) for a buffer that contains the following concatenated bytes [ 00000000 ] [ - ] Backend's keyExchange [ - ] App's Challenge [ - ] Backend's Challenge e) 'certificatesChain' This is the chain of certificates the app can use to verify the received materials, thus authenticating the Backend. 3. Complete 'ECDH' Handshake The App proceeds to validate the received signature and its corresponding certificate chain. If everything is right, the App submits the following materials: a) 'keyExchange' The App's Public Key that will be used in the ECDH scheme. b) 'signature' A signature generated by the App (SHA256withECDSA) for a buffer that contains the following concatenated bytes. [ - ] App's keyExchange [ - ] Backend's keyExchange [ - ] Backend's Challenge c) 'attestation' The TEE-backed attestation materials generated by the application that will be used by the backend to authenticate the app. 4. Complete 'ECDH' Handshake If the Backend is able to verify the materials received from the App, it will return an ID that identifies the established secure channel. This ID will be used by the App in a specific header (asc-Id). 5. AES-GCM/IV key derivation Once the ECDH scheme has been successfully completed, its generated shared secret is used to derive the AES-GCM key and an initial IV key. Essentially, a buffer is generated in the following form: sharedSecret + "\x00\x00\x00\x01" + appChallenge + backendChalllenge + CONSTANT where CONSTANT is either "conf key" or "init vector key" depending on the cryptographic key being generated. The SHA256 of the resulting buffer provides the corresponding key. The IVs are generated by calculating HMAC(Counter), then XORing the most significant 16-bytes with the remaining ones. Vulnerabilities Under my point of view, the first two vulnerabilities herein described have a higher impact. 1. 'Secure Channel' implementation is vulnerable to an AES-GCM IV Reuse attack. The implementation of the 'Secure Channel' is prone to an AES-GCM IV reuse attack due to a flawed logic when handling counter values. As we have seen the 'E2EE Secure Channel' uses an AES-GCM scheme, whose Key and IV are derived from the Shared Secret (in addition to other materials) generated after completing the ECDH key agreement protocol between the App and the Backend. The format of a "Secure Channel" messages is as follows: Counter + '.' + Base64-encoded Ciphertext The 'Counter' is used to generate the IV, by performing an 'HmacSHA256' of the 32-bit counter value using the initial IV key, and then xoring the first 16 bytes of the result with the remaining 16 bytes. This counter value is being incrementally increased by the App and the Backend each time one of them receives and/or processes a wrapped (encrypted) message. However, this logic is fundamentally flawed without strictly controlling the flows and contexts associated with the counter value. This is really challenging, as a malicious actor performing a MITM can control when each part receives the message, thus having the ability to anticipate or force certain requests. As a result, it was possible to force a state where two "E2EE Secure Channel" messages, coming from both the App and the Backend (as seen in the diagram above), have been encrypted using the same IV (the same counter) which essentially breaks the AES-GCM security model, thus allowing the attacker to decrypt the ciphertext of any message that has been encrypted by using the reused IV. Let's see a practical example of this attack. 1.- The "Secure Channel" is initialized and completed. The App and the Backend derive the same AES-GCM Key and initial IV. 2.- The 'initEnroll' request is sent from the App, at that moment the Counter value (CTR) is 0, as it's the first request. However, we don't want to attack during the first request as it usually does not contain any valuable data. 3.- The Backend receives the 'initEnroll' request, processes it, increases the CTR and returns the OK. 4.- The App performs a GET request to the 'transactions' endpoint, so the Backend does not receive any wrapped message in the body. CTR is not incremented. 5.- When the OK response is being generated, the backend increases the CTR by 1, so now CTR is 2. 6.- The app receives the wrapped response from the Backend, containing the CTR value of 2, which matches the CTR value internally stored by the app. Then, the App increases the CTR to 3 and proceeds to generate and send a 'Transaction Start' request. 7. The MITM actor detects this 'Transaction Start' request, keeps it from reaching the Backend, and then performs a requests to the '/ms-lot4/attestation-oidc/api/opidc/auth' endpoint, including the 'asc-id' Secure channel ID header, captured from any of the previous requests (after completing the handshake). By adding the 'asc-id' header, it forces the server to return a 'wrapped' response (encrypted). Please note that this attack is not limited to these endpoints, other endpoints may also be used. This request returns a encrypted response from the Backend, that has incremented the CTR value to 3 in order to generate the encrypted response for the App. Then, the MITM actor now has two messages that have been encrypted by using the same IV ( CTR == 3 ). The reason behind using '/ms-lot4/attestation-oidc/api/opidc/auth' endpoint to generate the reuse-CTR request is that the attacker already knows the plaintext returned in the encrypted response (only 'nonce' and 'state' fields change), because it's the same content returned by the endpoint '/attestation-oidc/api/opidc/auth' As a result, a chosen-plaintext scenario was also possible in this endpoint, so the decryption of arbitrary length messages was automatic by XORing the chosen plaintext, its ciphertext and the target "Secure Channel" message. AES-GCM-SIV is a secure alternative for these situations. 2. The Backend does not verify 'ApplicationID' fields during the SecureChannel Handshake Any sensitive data transmitted between the App and its Backend is encrypted using an AES-GCM scheme, whose key and initial IV are derived from different materials obtained during an ECDH-based key agreement protocol. Before deriving the key, this "Secure Channel" requires a handshake, where the cryptographic materials required to securely implement the ECDH-based key derivation phase are exchanged between the App and the Backend. During this handshake, the Backend expects to receive a certificate (chain), which is generated via the hardware-backed (TEE) Attestation API , bound to the Attestation challenge previously sent by the Backend. However, the Backend does not validate the certificate fields related to the 'ApplicationId' in order to ensure that only the official FranceIdentite App can establish the "E2EE Secure Channel". The remaining cryptographic steps required to derive the AES GCM Key/IV in order to establish the "E2EE Secure Channel" do not require any further validation from the Backend, so it was possible for an arbitrary 3rd party App to consume the FranceIdentite Backend API through the Secure Channel in the same way the original FranceIdentite app does. To validate this scenario, I created a cloned application with a modified 'appId' ('fr.gouv.franceidentitee.preprod' with double e). Despite this, the Backend accepted the attestation materials, thus being able to complete the handshake. In the context of FranceIdentite, a nation-wide digital ID system, this issue can open the door to multiple scenarios, which may facilitate fraud, impersonation and identity theft attacks. In this architecture, the APDUs are encapsulated and transmitted over an E2EE Secure Channel, which is established between the App and the Backend. This App-based 'E2EE Secure Channel' is also protecting the APDUs used to establish another 'Secure Channel', this time the chip-based PACE 'Secure Channel' (as defined in MRTD ). 3. Inconsistent signature verification logic between the Backend and the App during the handshake During the "E2EE Secure Channel" handshake, the Backend and the App perform an exchange of cryptographic materials required to complete the ECDH key agreement protocol. However, there is an inconsistence in the signature logic used to verify those values: both the Backend and App do not properly validate the length of the consumed cryptographic materials. These lengths are well defined so they should be properly verified. During the handshake the Backend and the App share their respectively generated signatures for a buffer that originally contains the following concatenated byte arrays: - Cryptographic materials from Backend to App [ 00000000 ] [ - ] Backend's keyExchange [ - ] clientChallenge [ - ] serverChallenge - Cryptographic materials from App to Backend [ - ] App's keyExchange [ - ] Backend's keyExchange [ - ] serverChallenge Both the App and the Backend just concatenate these fields and sign the resulting buffer. This is also an issue that potentially weakens the authentication as there is no domain separation. This may be leveraged by a malicious actor to perform certain cryptographic attacks that highly depend on the underlying logic. Let's see an almost benign example, where the malicious actor is assumed to be able to perform a MITM during the "E2EE Secure Challenge" handshake. 1. The malicious actor systematically removes the first byte of clientChallenge (App's Challenge) from the App's request. 2. When the response from the Backend is received, the MITM actor checks whether the last byte in the Backends public key is equal to the first byte that was removed in the 'clientChallenge. If so, it also modifies the Backend's keyExchange response to reduce its size by removing the last byte. 3. The app logic will concatenate the buffers, keeping its original clientChallenge (32 bytes, locally generated) value. As the last byte of the Backend's keyExchange and the first byte of the original 'clientChallenge are equal, the signature received from the server is still valid, but the app will be using the modified keyExchange value (truncated by the MITM actor to 90 bytes), which is different from the original keyExchange value the Backend signed. The signature is still valid from the apps standpoint, but the keyExchange value is different (one byte less). In this specific case this issue has no real impact, as the java EC implementation will internally discard the malformed key. However, this vulnerable pattern may enable serious cryptographic attacks in other circumstances. 4. The Backend does not validate the consistency between 'ID' and 'SSC' fields in the request/response model The App receives from the 'Terminal' (the Backend) a list of 'Commands' (APDUs) that should be sent to the smart card. {"SessionID":"d7bcb1d3-d8b4-3172-aea1-a48a36726fef","Commands":[{"apdu":"AKQADA==","ssc":-1,"Id":"SELECT_MF","Type":-1,"APDU":"AKQADA==","SSC":-1},{"apdu":"AKQCDAIBHA==","ssc":-1,"Id":"SELECT_EF_CARD_ACCESS","Type":-1,"APDU":"AKQCDAIBHA==","SSC":-1},{"apdu":"ALAAAMg=","ssc":-1,"Id":"READ_EF_CARD_ACCESS","Type":-1,"APDU":"ALAAAMg=","SSC":-1},{"apdu":"AKQCDAIvAQ==","ssc":-1,"Id":"SELECT_ATR","Type":-1,"APDU":"AKQCDAIvAQ==","SSC":-1},{"apdu":"ALAAAP8=","ssc":-1,"Id":"READ_ATR","Type":-1,"APDU":"ALAAAP8=","SSC":-1}]} Each APDU contains different fields, but we will focus on just two: 1. 'Id', which defines the operation, and also provides an order. 2. 'SSC', (Send Sequence Counter) which provides an index to support the batch-processing of protected APDUs (once PACE's 'secure messaging' is established between the Terminal and the smart card) the App implements. The Backend also needs to track this value in order to be able to decrypt the responses. The App sends these APDUs to the smart card and collects the responses, which are then transmitted to the 'Terminal' (the Backend) using the same json-encoded format used in the request, but this time containing the responses received from the smart card. {"SessionID":"d7bcb1d3-d8b4-3172-aea1-a48a36726fef","Responses":{"SELECT_MF":{"SW":26368,"Data":"ZwA=","SSC":-1},"APDULENGTH":{"SW":0,"Data":"65279","SSC":0},"SELECT_EF_CARD_ACCESS":{"SW":36864,"Data":"kAA=","SSC":-1},"READ_EF_CARD_ACCESS":{"SW":25218,"Data":"MSgwEg...g==","SSC":-1},"SELECT_ATR":{"SW":36864,"Data":"kAA=","SSC":-1},"READ_ATR":{"SW":25218,"Data":"YQx...==","SSC":-1}}} These requests/responses go through the 'Secure Channel' between the App and the Backend, so the attacker needs to have the ability to control data flowing through this Secure Channel (either via MITM/impersonation vulnerabilities). The vulnerability lies in the Backend, which does not validate whether the mapping of the 'ID' and 'SSC' fields is consistent between the request and the response. As a result, an attacker will be able to swap the Ids of the operations, while keeping the 'SSC', thus tricking the Terminal into decrypting and processing data chunks which do not correspond to the expected operation. Let's see how this works: 1. The Terminal sends the APDUs that the App should send to the eID (smart card). 2. The App decodes these APDUs and sends them to the eID 3. The App collects the responses from the eID 4. Before sending the json-encoded responses, the attacker swaps the Ids of certain operations, but keeping their SSC intact. 5. The Terminal receives the malformed response model. To demonstrate this issue I created a PoC, using Frida, that swapped specific Ids. In this example, the second chunk from the Digital Signature (SOD) becomes one of the DG collected responses. This causes an error in the Backend that is returned unfiltered to the App, thus disclosing information about how the Terminal is internally implemented ( JMRTD , Bouncy Castle...). This error can also disclose, both implicitly (inferred from the parsing errors) and explicitly, certain decrypted bytes from the encrypted DG data chunks. French citizens will be able to use their ID cards without requiring a physical terminal close to them, which is logically implemented on the Backend. Instead, they will just use their mobile phone. Faked billboards purporting to show tributes to Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Manet in New York Citys Times Square are seen in these screenshots from Facebook videos. The billboards are striking. In videos shot in the heart of New Yorks Times Square, one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world, three massive digital billboards fill with blue, the color of the Cambodian Peoples Party, and a message of congratulations to the newly elected Prime Minister Hun Manet. The only problem? Theyre fake. Last month, images and videos of the billboards went viral on Facebook, with Hun Manet thanking a supporter for purchasing ad space on two prominent digital billboards at 1530 Broadway. His father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen, posted a video showing a third billboard, a sprawling video screen the length of a city block. "This billboard at the center of New York City in Times Square welcomes the presence of Samdech Thipadey Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia in the land of the United States of America, Hun Sen wrote. Government friendly media and even Radio Free Asia reported on the billboards, noting that they had run to coincide with Hun Manets visit to New York during the U.N. General Assembly. His visit to the annual gathering of world leaders marked his first since he took over the premiership from his father in August. The three billboards are owned by three different advertising companies, all of which told RFA that the videos never ran on their boards. This did not run on the large billboard at 1530, said Douglas Cordova, vice president for Times Square at Outfront Media, which owns the top billboard at 1530 Broadway. The bottom billboard at 1530 Broadway is owned by Heritage Outdoor Media. Co-founder Terry Carmody said the congratulatory ad featuring Hun Manet never ran on his companys billboard either. It definitely seems to be a mock up that was posted on Facebook, he wrote in an email. The third and largest billboard sits in front of the New York Marriott Marquis, a four-star hotel located just down the street from 1530 Broadway. A video of the enormous billboard posted by Hun Sen to his Facebook page has garnered 30,000 views. That billboard is owned by Silvercast Media. In an email, a company representative said the video is a fake rendering. Uncovering a fake: In the image at left of a faked billboard, white scaffolding can be seen beneath the video screen. At right, an image from a YouTube video of the billboard shot the same day the purported tribute ran, shows no scaffolding. Credit: Facebook/Hun Sen [left]; YouTube@ActionKid Save for the advertising content, the video is identical to that of a Zimbabwean musician who found himself in hot water last month for photoshopping himself onto the same billboard. In both the Hun Manet video and the Baba Harare video, identical cars, bicycles and foot traffic can be seen passing by. The real film was evidently shot on an earlier date, as scaffolding sits below the billboard, but a tourist video filmed the same day as the Hun Manet ad was purportedly shot shows none. A cursory search of the freelance marketplace Fiverr shows scores of visual effects artists offering to render logos and ads onto videos of Times Square billboards for as low as $10. It is unclear where the videos originated, but at least one Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) supporter posted video of the billboards on Facebook before they were shared by the premier and his father. In his post, Hun Manet thanked a man named David Soth for the ads. Soth was later quoted by government-friendly news site FreshNews as having lobbied his boss to feature premier Hun Manet for free of charge. The ads all carry a credit line of CPP Chapter of San Francisco, CA, though the group appears to have no internet presence. One video that never went viral is a Facebook livestream showing a fourth billboard, located at the corner of 40th Street and 11th Avenue, a desolate stretch of parking lots and construction sites far from the bustle of Times Square. In the video, Hun Manet appears on the screen for about 10 seconds. Last night, we put it up there and we were so busy therefore, we were unable to [film] it live at Times Square, the streamer explains in a Facebook live shot on Sept. 23. So, [we come] here to show that we are not doing photoshop or faking the photos. We are not faking the photos. We love Samdech. We are waiting for the photos of Samdech to pop up again then we will shoot it again. Anthony Fontanello, programmatic channel development director at Outfront Media, which owns the billboard, said the ad ran on Sept. 22 and 23. It was purchased by a company called Blip for just over $500 on behalf of the CPP Chapter of San Francisco, according to data seen by RFA. Through Blip, anyone can purchase short ads on the billboard, which can be rented for as little as a few dollars, depending on the time of day. The cost to rent a billboard in Times Square is considerably higher but not necessarily prohibitive. Carmody of Heritage Outdoor Media estimated that it might cost around $1,200 for a series of 15-second ads to run on the lower 1530 billboard hourly for a single day. But supporters may well have run into approval issues. Asked whether it was possible the billboard could have been subcontracted out without his companys knowledge, Cordova, from Outfront said, It is not possible as the landlord would have to approve that, and they never would. Its political content and that is against the landlords rules for the billboard, he said. Additional reporting by Asia Fact Check Lab. Edited by Jim Snyder. Cambodias youth activists have been targeted in many crackdowns, so they wonder how he can ask for more activism. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet poses for pictures at an event where he met with garment workers in his first public appearance since taking office, outside Phnom Penh, Cambodia, August 29, 2023. Updated October 6, 2023, 2:43 p.m. ET Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday urged students and young adults to volunteer to serve their communities, but critics say its hypocritical for him to ask at a time when his government regularly cracks down on social and environmental activism. In a speech before government officials, teachers and students, Hun Manet encouraged the students to take a day off from school once or twice a week to volunteer. [We should] train people and children to know how to help social work, he said. We can assign people to help improve sanitation, to help the elderly and to help plant trees. Hun Manet, who recently took over the prime ministership after his father Hun Sen ruled the country for nearly four decades, said that it was important to foster a volunteer mindset. [This is] a way we can encourage [students,] he said. Their grades [should] not just come from in-class examinations, but also come from their discipline and behavior. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (second from the left) and his younger brother, Hun Many (L), speak with Thailands former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Thaksin's sister and former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during an event for Hun Sens birthday in Phnom Penh on August 5, 2023. Credit: Photo by AFP The request seemed disingenuous to Phuong Keo Raksmey, a member of the Mother Nature Cambodia environmentalist group. While she appreciated the encouragement to volunteer, she told RFA Khmer that students in 7th grade and up are regularly recruited into the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia an organization led by the prime ministers brother Hun Many which, in her opinion, does not engage in activities that better the community, but serves the interests of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party. First, the definition of social work should be defined, she said. It should not be limited to work that [directly] supports the government or the policies of any political party. She urged the government to allow people freedom to choose how they volunteer. Keut Saray, the president of the Khmer Intellectual Students Association, said that the government should make amends for past crackdowns on volunteers, including himself. When young students became active in social work [in the past], they were restricted and charged under the penal code and then imprisoned, he said. So were seeing that they talk the talk, but it doesnt mean anything if it isnt translated into action. The crackdown on social activists occurred under the rule of Hun Sen, not Hun Manet, but since taking over, the sons administration has yet to take concrete steps to guarantee the rights of young people involved in activism. For example, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court denied a request by Phuong Keoraksmey and two other members of Mother Nature Cambodia for permission to leave the country so that they could travel to Sweden to receive the prestigious Right Livelihood Award this November in recognition for their environmental activism. The award has been described as an alternative to the more well-known Nobel Prize. Phnom Penh protest Around 10 members of the organization, including the three recipients, protested the travel ban by marching in chains on the streets of Phnom Penh to the Ministry of Justice. Please let us go to Sweden. We need to get our award, Phuong Keoraksmey said. The Cambodian people support us. Our actions were not illegal. Our actions protected the environment and nature. Thun Ratha, another recipient, told RFA that allowing the three to receive the award in person is necessary for Cambodias global reputation on the international stage to show that Cambodia has resources of brave young people to defend human rights and natural resources. The third recipient, Long Kunthea asked the minister of justice to reconsider. Its an amazing award that we received It shows that Cambodia has brave youth who will sacrifice our lives to protect natural resources. RFA could not reach Ministry of Justice spokesperson Chin Malin for comment Friday. Suon Yuthia, the director of the advocacy division of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, told RFA that the new government under Hun Manet must allow the three to receive their award. They are role models to youth and are working hard for our country to protect the environment and human rights, he said. The three recipients are currently serving suspended prison sentences after being found guilty of incitement for their role in protests against forest and water development projects. Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Edited by Eugene Whong. Update adds the account of the protest and quotes from the award recipients. Danish artist says officials say he made the statue commemorating Tiananmen massacre to stir up trouble. "I really want to go to Hong Kong to meet some of my friends there, but I don't think it's possible," says Jens Galschit, the Danish sculptor who created the "Pillar of Shame" statue, during a visit to Taiwan this week. The Danish sculptor whose "Pillar of Shame" statue commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen massacre was seized by Hong Kong authorities said police in the city are harassing the relatives of people who work with him overseas. Jens Galschit also said that some European artists and politicians are wary of traveling to the city under the current crackdown on dissent. Galschit has been trying to retrieve his artwork since it was removed from the University of Hong Kong in December 2021 and seized by Hong Kong national security police in May, said he would like to go to the city to get it back, but that this is currently "impossible." "I really want to go to Hong Kong to meet some of my friends there, but I don't think it's possible," he said, adding that he has like U.S. photographer Matthew Connors previously been denied entry to the city, and that the Hong Kong government's stance towards him is "extremely aggressive." Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang has declined to confirm whether media reports that there is a warrant out for Galschit's arrest are true or not. But he warned in August that artistic creations like the "Pillar of Shame can sometimes be a "pretext" for those seeking to "endanger national security." 'Mainland China has taken over' Speaking on a trip to democratic Taiwan, Galschit said the authorities seem to have decided he is out to make trouble, despite the fact that the sculpture was made a quarter of a century ago. "They attack me the whole time ... and they attack the people I work together with in Europe," he said. "They say I am just making art to disturb [things] there, and they don't think at all that we put this sculpture [there] 25 years ago." "It's a really, really strange situation ... that kind of shows the changes in in Hong Kong and this show that mainland China has taken over also in the court system, and the whole system," he said, in a reference to an ongoing crackdown on public criticism of the authorities under the 2020 National Security Law. Activists hold candles beside the "Pillar of Shame," mourning those who died during the June 4 military crackdown on the pro-democracy movement at Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, inside the campus of the University of Hong Kong, May 2, 2021. Credit: Tyrone Siu/Reuters In December 2021, authorities at the government-run University of Hong Kong removed the Pillar of Shame and placed it under guarded storage, saying they had taken "legal advice" regarding potential risks for the university under the new law. Days later, authorities at the Chinese University of Hong Kong took down a 6.4-meter bronze replica of the "Goddess of Democracy" figure used in the Tiananmen Square protests, while Lingnan University removed or painted over two public art works commemorating the victims of the massacre. Vigils banned Annual vigils commemorating the 1989 massacre of unarmed civilians by the People's Liberation Army have also been banned, with their organizers behind bars. Galschit said things in Hong Kong "couldn't be worse." "I have a lot of people who they're starting now to disturb their family," he said. "The people I work together with in Europe, were talking to me and I talked to the press, then they take the people in Hong Kong and ask the family the father, the brother, and say, 'Oh, do you know what your brother is doing in Europe?'" "This is their way of doing it in Hong Kong at the moment. I'm quite surprised. I think it's going really really quickly and too quickly," he said, blaming Beijing's insistence on "smashing" the democracy movement with the national security law. Workers remove a part of the "Pillar of Shame" sculpture at the University of Hong Kong, Dec. 23, 2021. Credit: Tyrone Siu/Reuters He said he knows people who are wary of traveling to Hong Kong at all, where the national security law applies to words and actions committed anywhere in the world, and by people of any nationality. "There are a lot of people in Europe who have canceled their trip to Hong Kong and are afraid to go there," Galschit said. "Both in the Chinese diaspora but also a lot of the European people are saying okay, we don't go to Hong Kong it's too dangerous for us to go there." "I know some people from the parliament in Denmark. They can't go to Hong Kong because they're afraid of getting arrested," he said. The Chinese and Hong Kong governments have blamed recent waves of mass protest in Hong Kong on incitement by hostile foreign forces seeking to foment a color revolution or democratic regime change in the city. In August, Chris Tang blamed the mass protest campaign in 2012 by students some of them still in secondary school against patriotic education in Hong Kong's schools, the 2014 Occupy Central movement for fully democratic elections, the 2016 "fishball revolution" in Mong Kok and the 2019 movement against extradition to mainland China on the actions of "foreign forces." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. The US-origin microchips have been banned from export to Russia for more than a year. In addition to the Chinese companies blacklisted for selling microchips to Russia, three Indian and two Turkish firms and one each in Estonia, Finland, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom were sanctioned. The United States has blacklisted 42 Chinese companies among a total of 49 worldwide for on-selling U.S.-made microchips to Russia in violation of sanctions, according to a document released Friday. The blacklisting, under the Department of Commerces Entity List, means American companies will need to apply for a special license which is rarely, if ever, granted to continue selling to the firms. The move comes amid a brewing U.S.-China trade war on microchip sales, with the Biden administration banning the export of technology to make high-end chips to China and Beijing hitting back by banning U.S. chipmaker Micron from selling in Chinas market. Besides the 42 Chinese companies, there are also three Indian and two Turkish firms blacklisted, as well as one each in Estonia, Finland, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. All are accused of activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, says the Federal Register filing. These entities are added to the Entity List for providing support to Russias military and/or defense industrial base. Specifically, these entities supplied Russian consignees connected to the Russian defense sector with U.S.-origin integrated circuits, it says. The chips have been controlled for export and reexport and transfer within Russia since September 15, 2022, and companies need to seek a specific license for any sales destined to Russia or Belarus. The United States has called on China to not materially support Russias invasion of Ukraine, and has called the transfer of weapons a redline. But officials have also said they do not necessarily consider small shipments made by private Chinese firms to be a violation. At left, the indictment against former U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Schmidt. At right are directions from Beijing Daxing airport to Chinas Ministry of State Security that Schmidt looked up while in Turkey in 2020, according to a separate filing made by FBI investigator Brandon Tower. The Google Maps screenshot was recovered from Schmidts iCloud account. A 29-year-old former American soldier was arrested at San Francisco International Airport on Friday and charged with passing on military secrets to Chinese spies, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Joseph Schmidt was a soldier working in human intelligence from January 2015 to January 2020 and was based in Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, according to a statement. It says he had Top Secret clearance that continued after leaving the role. After his separation from the military, Schmidt allegedly reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later the Chinese security services via email, offering information about national defense information, the Justice Department statement says. In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and allegedly continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information he obtained from his military service, it says. He retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks, it adds, and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks. Schmidt remained in China for the past three years, before returning to San Francisco. He faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. Tessa Gorman, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington state, said in the statement that Schmidt had sworn an oath to defend our country and had violated that in his actions. [T]he alleged actions of this former military member are shocking not only attempting to provide national defense information, but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks, she said. Exceptionally grave A separate filing made by Brandon Tower, the FBI investigator on Schmidts case, notes that the Top Secret classification is only given to information that could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security if released publicly. It says Schmidt was a team leader in human intelligence covering the Indo-Pacific region and reached the rank of army sergeant before leaving the service in 2020. It says he then departed for Beijing six days after ending his service and then traveled onward to Turkey. The filing details an email he allegedly sent to the Chinese Consulate in Istanbul on Feb. 24, 2020, a month after he left the United States. I also am trying to share information I learned during my career as an interrogator with the Chinese government. I have a current top secret clearance, and would like to talk to someone from the Government to share this information with you if that is possible, the email says. My experience includes training in interrogation, running sources as a spy handler, surveillance detection, and other advanced psychological operation strategies, it says. It also documents a number of Google searches allegedly performed by Schmidt, including: soldier defect, chinese consulate, iranian embassy, what is china's intelligence agency, countries that dont extradite and can you be extradited for treason. A man with his camel wade across a flooded street after heavy monsoon rains in Pushkar, in India's Rajasthan state, July 10, 2023. The U.N.-backed Green Climate Fund (GCF) secured over US$9 billion for 2024-2027, falling short of expectations, with global pressures mounting on the worlds top emitter China, to start contributing to the international climate finance mechanism. At the replenishment conference held Thursday in Bonn, Germany, 25 donor nations pledged $9.32 billion, with at least five more countries expressing intention to give to the fund set up to help poorer countries deal with the challenges of climate change, said Mahmoud Mohieldin, the facilitator for GCFs second replenishment. The contributing nations recognize that addressing the climate crisis is a shared responsibility and that developing nations are not alone in this fight, said Mafalda Duarte, GCFs new executive director. GCF had raised more than $10 billion in 2014 and 2019 each time and were planning to raise up to $15 billion this funding round. Organizers said Thursday they expected the amount to grow at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai later this year. Japan contributed 165 billion yen (US$1.1 billion), the highest amount from Asia, while South Korea announced US$300 million. Other Asian countries to pledge include landlocked Mongolia, which announced to give US$100,000. Previous donors, Indonesia and Vietnam, have not returned to replenish their contributions. China, the worlds biggest emitter, has never contributed to the GCF. A general view shows the plenary hall during an international replenishment conference for the United Nations Green Climate Fund in Bonn, Germany, Oct. 5, 2023. (Credit/Reuters) On Thursday, Germanys Development Minister, Svenja Schulze, called on China and oil-rich Gulf states to contribute to global climate finance. We accept our responsibility and do our fair share, she said after the conference. On this basis, we can also ask others to do their fair share too. Last month, US climate envoy John Kerry also asked China to contribute, saying if they want to be global economies, they need to act like global economies. The highest amount this time was announced by Germany, who said it would give US$2.2 billion, followed by the United Kingdom with US$2 billion and France with US$1.7 billion. Australia announced it will rejoin the fund, which it left under a previous right-wing government in 2018, with a modest contribution to be announced later this year. The United States, a co-chair of the GCFs board, said it is still working on its announcement, given the challenges faced in D.C. to secure Congresss approval for substantial global climate finance contributions. Earlier in the year, President Joe Biden allocated US$1 billion from the initial U.S. commitment, adding to the US$1 billion pledged during the Obama era. However, former President Donald Trump was against any global climate funding. The pledge is short of expectation Operational since 2015, GCF is the worlds largest climate fund with projects worth US$12.8 billion approved, less than a third of which are in 83 Asia-Pacific specific projects. Many experts and climate activists expressed disappointment at the amount raised Thursday, especially since Duarte has announced plans to disburse US$50 billion by 2030. As climate-driven floods, droughts, and heatwaves devastate communities, the status quo is simply not enough, said Shuang Liu of the World Resources Institute. Another prominent climate activist said the GCF pledging conference fell short of expectations, denouncing wealthy countries for their indifference. While Irelands 150% pledge increase is praiseworthy, the tepid commitmentsor outright stagnationfrom nations such as Japan and Norway are deeply concerning, said Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy at Climate Action Network International. Countries like Sweden were sidestepping their obligations by urging developing nations to contribute, he said. The silence of the United States, even as it participates on the GCF Board and shapes policies without meeting its financial obligations, is glaring and inexcusable. At the pledging event, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said while money is not everything [it] does go a long way to addressing some of these impacts. He said at least US$100 billion in funding is required each year for climate action, which is less than 0.1% of current global GDP at US$105 trillion. Meanwhile, fossil fuel subsidies in 2022 were a trillion dollars. That really does show the stark difference between funding thats being made available to address the issues of climate and what is being put in place into an industry that is continuing to push carbon emissions out into the world, Brown added. Many vulnerable countries have said GCF, and similar funds, are tough to access due to their complex and resource-consuming processes. Even GFC conceded in an April internal review that the convoluted process puts its reputation at stake. Duarte faces the immense task of not only expanding its financial resources but also refocusing on adaptation and simplifying access for developing countries, Singh told Radio Free Asia on Friday. More than half of GCFs allocated funding is in the form of loans and equity, while the use of grants has decreased from 53% in 2017 to 37% last year. We have to borrow the money from the countries that actually cause the carbon emissions to protect ourselves from the impacts. Again, for me, that is morally wrong to do, Brown said Thursday. Singh also said that loans instead of grants places an additional debt burden on developing countries. As these nations confront vital development needs and increasing climate impacts, this imbalance is a profound injustice. Edited by Elaine Chan and Taejun Kang. The death toll of anti-junta fighters has spiked over the past two months, surpassing 100 in August and September together, according to Burma News Internationals Myanmar Peace Monitor, which compiles data on military conflict in the country. The higher death rate is another indication that civil war between the junta and rebels resisting the militarys rule has intensified since it overthrew a democratically elected government in a 2021 coup detat. During the previous six months between February and July a total of 132 members of People Defense Forces were killed, it said. Many PDF members are ordinary citizens who have taken up arms against the military, and sometimes there is a lack of coordination or cooperation between the disparate units, sources told Radio Free Asia. When the war intensified, the need for tactics and the differences in weapons and ammunition shows there is still a problem for the revolutionary forces, said Captain Lin Chet Aung, a member of the Civil Disobedience Movement, made up of soldiers and government employees who quit to protest the coup. The rebel fighters need more weapons and train more on tactics and coordination, he said. If you look at the areas where the killings took place, there is a lack of connection between the groups in their area, and a lack of information, he said. There is a lack of trust between PDF units. Must have run out of ammunition According to Myanmar Peace Monitors tally, the death toll included 51 people in Sagaing region, six in Magway region, 20 in Chin state, two in Kayah state, 10 in Tanintharyi region, three in Mandalay region, one in Kachin state, two in Bago region, five in Kayin state and one in Shan state. Some of the killings have come in bursts. On Sept. 18, seven PDF members were killed in a battle between the PDF troops and the junta in Palaw township in Tanintharyi region. They were arrested and killed due to lack of manpower and firing power, the person in charge of Myeik District No. 1 Battalion told RFA on condition of anonymity. They were surrounded by more than 200 strong junta troops. They were arrested in a house in Mya Taung village, the person said. They must have run out of ammunition while shooting. On Sept. 22, junta troops arrested and killed 27 PDF members near Chay Yar Taw village in Sagaing regions Myinmu township, Captain Khin Thaung of Myengmu Township PDF told RFA. They did not get time to run because they were evacuating the civilians, he said. Furthermore, security information was leaked out and they did not get information in time. Political commentator Than Soe Naing said the PDFs must adapt to the change in the juntas tactics. Resistance forces are suffering more casualties because they lack basic military strategy, he said. This isnt a situation like in the past when the junta launched offensives by using artillery, he said. RFA attempted to contact junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for a response on the recent increase in killings of PDF members, but he didnt respond. Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi listens to an address at the ASEAN-Australia special summit in Sydney in 2018. The Myanmar juntas high court on Friday rejected appeals of all six corruption convictions handed to former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The Union Supreme Court announced that it would not hear challenges to the original rulings in the six graft cases four related to the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation and two related to businessman Maung Weik. Junta authorities arrested the 78-year-old Suu Kyi in the immediate aftermath of the militarys Feb. 1, 2021, coup, along with former President Win Myint and other leaders of the deposed National League for Democracy, or NLD, party. She was serving a 33-year prison sentence for convictions in 19 cases but on Aug. 1 was partially pardoned for five of them as part of a general amnesty, reducing her punishment to 27 years in jail. They relate to the Natural Disaster Management Law, the Communication Law and one case under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code, which deals with defaming the countrys military and undermining state order. The 72-year-old Win Myint, who is reportedly in poor health, had his 12 years of combined prison sentences reduced by four years in August. Suu Kyi is also suffering from urgent dental issues in detention, sources told RFA, but junta authorities have ignored her request for permission to seek treatment. In fact, it is not even clear where she is being detained. The Associated Press cited a legal official who is familiar with Suu Kyis cases as saying that of the six appeals rejected on Friday, four were convictions for abusing her position to rent property in the capital Naypyitaw and Yangon, Myanmars largest city. The cases alleged that she had obtained the land at below-market prices for a charitable foundation that she chaired and had built a residence for herself on one plot with money donated for the foundation. The legal official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the other appeal cases were related to two counts of corruption in which Suu Kyi was found guilty of receiving a total of US$550,000 between 2018 and 2020 from Maung Weik, a tycoon who in 2008 had been convicted of drug trafficking. The Union Supreme Court also rejected appeals of five of Suu Kyis convictions on Aug. 29. The legal team representing Suu Kyi and Win Myint had repeatedly requested meetings with the two NLD leaders to discuss their appeals since January, but were never allowed to do so. Sources with ties to Myanmars judiciary told RFA Burmese that the remaining cases for which Suu Kyi was imprisoned are still in the appeal process at the Union Supreme Court. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Around 15,000 displaced as raids continue into their third day. A mans motorcycle was found near his body outside Ma Taunt Ta village, Salingyi township, Sagaing region on Oct. 5, 2023. Myanmars junta killed a man as a convoy of troops moving through Sagaing region continued to raid villages and abduct residents, locals told Radio Free Asia Friday. The body of the man in his 30s was discovered Thursday near Ma Taunt Ta village after being tortured by the junta group Tiger Ogre, local residents told Radio Free Asia. Go ahead, it wont be so long until you can clearly see the ashes, was written on a tarp near the corpse and signed by Tiger Ogre, according to a group helping war victims in the area. He was tortured and killed after he was captured while fleeing the fighting. He was found when the locals returned to the village after the column left, said a member of the assistance group, asking to be kept anonymous for fear of reprisals. His name and where he is from are still not known. The body was already mutilated when locals found it near Ma Taunt Ta village. It wont be so long until you can clearly see the ashes. A warning from Tiger Ogre written on a tarpaulin near a mutilated body on Oct. 5, 2023. Credit: ANPTT The convoy, consisting of more than 300 soldiers and 17 military trucks, continues to arbitrarily open fire along their route. Locals report they also continue to raid villages, arrest members of local Peoples Defense Forces, and take hostages. The morning of Oct. 4, Tiger Ogre raided five villages between Salingyi and Yinmarbin townships in southern Sagaing region. The targeted villages included Baik Tha Yet, Ma Taunt Ta and Shwe Tha Min. After firing at villages from a helicopter for an hour, the junta troops left for Pale township on the morning of October 5. As the troops continue their raids across the region, more than 15,000 residents in Salingyi, Yinmarbin, and Pale townships have fled, aid workers and locals said. Residents flee junta raids on Pale township on the night of Oct. 5, 2023. Credit: Pale Peoples Administration Group The troops have also killed and captured locals, as well as taken rations of rice, oil, and peas whenever they entered the villages, residents said. The number of casualties has not been confirmed by RFA. On Thursday morning, 10 locals were also arrested on suspicion of planting landmines near the entrance of Let Taung Gyi village in Pale township. A witness said there were about 20 military trucks reinforcing the column when the junta troops raided the villages in Pale township. Now the column has arrived in Kokko Kone village in Pale township, said a witness asking to remain anonymous. The 10 civilians who were arrested from Let Taung Gyi village were released in the night. They were released around 7pm when we received the information. He added that villages are still being targeted because of landmines planted by local resistance groups along the juntas route. Tiger Ogre column is responsible for violent decapitations, torture and robberies in other townships in southern Sagaing earlier this year. Calls by RFA to Sagaings junta spokesperson Sai Naing Naing Kyaw went unanswered. More than 813,000 people have fled their homes in Sagaing due to fighting according to a United Nations report on Oct. 2. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. Vu Quang Thuan also lost half of his body weight after prison disciplinary action. Updated October 6, 2023 at 4:29 p.m. ET A jailed Vietnamese activist has dropped more than 36 kilograms (80 pounds), has lost most of his lung capacity and has had several medical emergencies in recent months, another prisoner told Radio Free Asia. The activist, Vu Quang Thuan, is also suffering from severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Nguyen Viet Dung, who completed his six year sentence last week. Dung told RFA on Wednesday that he had to alert prison guards at Nam Ha Prison in northern Ha Nam province to Thuans condition on several occasions. I was the one who voluntarily asked to move into the same room with Thuan in the last months before I was released from prison, so I could call an emergency for him, he said. There were nights when I had to call an emergency at 2 to 3 a.m. Thuan, 57, began working to protect the rights of Vietnamese workers in Malaysia in 2007. He is a key member of the Vietnam Restoration movement, which peacefully campaigns for multi-party democracy in Vietnam, ruled solely by the Communist Party. Thuan was arrested in early March 2017 on charges of anti-state propaganda and is serving an eight-year prison sentence. Thuan was disciplined and held separately for more than a year and was returned to the area for political prisoners in mid-May 2022. At that time, his weight dropped from 75 kilograms to 38 kilograms (165 lbs to 84 lbs). He is weak and thin Dung said Thuan was also suffering from lung failure and only has a quarter of his lung capacity left. Many nights, Mr. Thuan confided that he did not know if he was still healthy enough to be able to return home to see his mother, Dung said. I always comforted and encouraged him, but inside I was really sad, he said. Every day he had an itchy rash with red hives all over his body. Thuans mother Nguyen Thi Nhien, who visited him on Sept. 30, confirmed that the information from Dung was correct. Thuans health is very weak. When he talks to me, he finds it difficult to breathe. Sinusitis distorts his nose. Lung disease causes shortness of breath and he is weak and thin. She said in the last two months, Thuans health had not improved even though his family provided him with medicine. Nhien said her family asked prison authorities to allow Thuan to go for treatment at a specialized hospital, but the prison refused. Sprayed chemicals Dung is the second former prisoner of conscience to raise the alarm about Thuans poor health. In early July, Le Anh Hung completed his five-year prison term and also called for authorities to pay attention to Thuan's case. Vu Quang Thuans health is very bad, he told RFA in July. For a period of more than a year, he had to stay in solitary confinement, lying on wet floors due to leaking water tanks with not enough warm blankets in winter. RFA called Nam Ha Prison to ask about Thuan's health condition, but no one answered the phone. Nam Ha prisoners are forced to work. Those who do not have to stay in cramped cells without a fan, Hung said. The prisoners job is knitting. The raw materials are sprayed with chemicals to prevent mold, which Hung said made prisoners sick. Although the work is hard, the prisoners are not paid and it is unclear whether the prison uses their wages to improve meals for prisoners. After Thuan and two other members of the Vietnam Restoration movement were sent to prison, the U.S. government, Amnesty International and a number of other organizations called on Vietnam to release them immediately and unconditionally. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn, Elaine Chan and Matt Reed. Updated to recast throughout. Pakistan issued an ultimatum to the estimated 1.7 million undocumented Afghans living in the country: leave or face arrest and forcible expulsion after November 1. One of them is Samina Hafizi, an Afghan writer and former journalist who lives with her mother and five siblings in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, hundreds of thousands of Afghans have fled to Pakistan to escape a devastating economic and humanitarian crisis and possible retribution by the militant group. RFE/RL's Radio Azadi asked the 24-year-old Hafizi to keep a diary amid the mass exodus of undocumented Afghan refugees and migrants from the South Asian nation. October 22 It is 6 a.m. I slept poorly. I had nightmares and anxious thoughts. Why did we become refugees? This question haunts me. Nobody dares to leave their homes. Who wants to postpone their dreams? Now that we are refugees, why should we endure such bad days? If we leave, where can we seek refuge? I have not written anything for a year. I suffer from pain -- the pain of homelessness, the pain of being a refugee, and the pain of helplessness. Wherever I go, I hear that Afghans are being expelled from Pakistan -- drivers, shopkeepers, and cooks. WATCH: Afghan refugees in Pakistan, many having traveled for days, crossed into Afghanistan as a November 1 deadline to leave the country took effect. Islamabad has vowed to deport an estimated 1.7 million undocumented Afghans living in Pakistan if they don't leave voluntarily. Yesterday morning, the landlords of our apartment building came and checked everyones documents. They gave a deadline to two families to get valid residency papers or they would be evicted. Members of these families once had good lives in Afghanistan. Some were journalists, while others were soldiers. Their daughters attended schools and universities. They now fret over what will happen to them. While visiting the hospital yesterday, I felt that nothing was the same. Anxiety and fear were written over the faces of every Afghan I met. In Islamabad, police were looking for Afghans at security checkpoints across the city. The Afghans they found were questioned and harassed. While waiting for my turn to see the doctor at the hospital, an Afghan woman with her toddler was breathing heavily. I brought her a glass of water. She thanked me and asked whether I had valid documents. She told me that she fled her oppressive husband in Afghanistan to seek a new life in a third country with the help of the United Nations. But the fear of being forced to return to her cruel husband and the Talibans harsh rule has stressed her deeply. Tens of thousands of Afghan families across Pakistan are seeking a miracle. We dont know where fate will take us. October 25 My sisters phone woke me up early in the morning. When she finished talking, she told me that her Afghan friend was told by her landlord to leave her apartment by the afternoon. My sister was trembling. She said her friend and her family would stay with us until they found another place. Later in the day, I went to a nearby market to buy supplies for our guests. The usually cheerful Afghan vegetable seller I go to was distressed. He told me that if he was deported, he would lose the business that enabled him to earn a living for the past 15 years. Around 5 p.m., my sisters friend and her family arrived. Their voices were hoarse from crying so much. We all cried. I felt like a caged bird unable to fly. They were evicted because only one of the eight family members did not have a Pakistani visa. Her visa application was rejected several times. Cruelty and fear have forced Afghans in Islamabad to stop leaving their houses. It is heartbreaking to see dozens of Afghan families announcing the sale of their household items on Facebook daily. October 28 Im always worried. My mental health has gradually deteriorated during the past two years. In the morning today, Hajira, one of our Pakistani neighbors, visited us. We talked about the customs and traditions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Suddenly, Hajira blamed us helpless Afghans for some of the problems Pakistanis face these days. She said Afghan refugees are bringing polio to Pakistan because our children are not vaccinated against the disease. And she said the price of everything has increased because of Afghan refugees. When we disputed her claims, she threatened to call the police. Thankfully, the police didnt show up. So far, we havent given anyone an excuse to evict us. But I feel nervous. My generation will tell their children the stories of how our homeland, dreams, and hopes were snatched from us. We were defeated and destroyed just as we were ready to prosper. We were broken into pieces and scattered to all corners of the world. All this has broken our hearts. October 31 If someone cannot talk, write, or cry to lessen their sorrows, what else should they do? Die or break? If someone asked me who are the most unfortunate people in the world, I would say refugees. If someone asked what the worst state of existence is, I would say being a refugee. I hate this word. Recently, I asked fellow Afghans living in Pakistan to share their stories on Facebook. Zuhal, 27, wrote that they left Afghanistan last year because her brother and sister worked as prosecutors for the fallen Afghan government. This prompted the Taliban to harass them and repeatedly raid their house to look for the armored car they had already returned to the government. After constant harassment in Pakistan, most of her family members returned to Afghanistan. But she and her sister remain in Pakistan. A 22-year-old young man told me about his ordeal. He was stopped by the police in Islamabad a few days ago. Even though he had all the proper documents, he was detained for several hours, harassed, and threatened. The ordeal was over when he paid a 10,000 rupee ($35) bribe to the police. Hundreds of refugees like him are forced to pay bribes daily. November 2 We are in a bind. Im overwhelmed by the news of Afghans being arrested or forcibly deported. I'm overwhelmed by the videos and photos showing their desperation, dispossession, and anguish. Those who remain are trying to stay invisible. Everyone wants to avoid the humiliation of being forced back to a country many have not seen or, like us, fled because of the Taliban's draconian governance. We are in limbo. We have no real choices. Our efforts to be relocated to a third country through the UN have gone nowhere. Returning to Taliban rule in Afghanistan is not a choice. My two younger sisters still need to go to university. But the Taliban closed that door for all Afghan women last year. As a female-only household, we left Afghanistan because we feared that we would be forced to marry Taliban fighters. We witnessed such cases in Kabul. We had sold everything before coming to Pakistan. We sold all our household items. Now, if we are forced to go back to Afghanistan, we will be forced to begin from zero again. For now, we will stay in Pakistan until we are arrested or deported. Uncertainty defines our lives. It describes the lives of all Afghans in our situation. Diary entries have been edited for clarity; translated by Abubakar Siddique. An estimated 18,000 schoolchildren from Nagorno-Karabakh have been registered in Armenia following a mass exodus from the disputed territory. Dozens of new teachers have been hired to handle the influx of students who fled to Armenia when Azerbaijan reclaimed control over Nagorno-Karabakh following a September 19 assault. About 20 evacuee children are now enrolled in Yerevan School No. 80, where they've been welcomed but still face an emotional transition. The Bulgarian Parliament has started a debate on constitutional amendments aiming to cut the power of the prosecutor-general and limit the role of the president in forming caretaker governments. The draft amendments proposed by lawmakers from three parties on October 6 gathered 161 votes in favor -- not enough to be adopted by a fast procedure but enough to start a slower process. It envisions a new vote in two to five months in which 160 votes would be enough for adoption of the changes. The amendments, proposed by We Continue The Change Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB), GERB, and Movement For Rights And Freedoms (DPS) -- which together support the government -- aim to curtail the power of the prosecutor-general to ensure the independence of judges. Key features of the rule of law are fair justice and an independent and fair court. These are the main objectives of the proposal for changes to the constitution, Justice Minister Atanas Slavov, who defends the changes, told lawmakers. But the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party, There Is Such People, and the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party criticized the amendments. The draft amendments envisage the division of the Supreme Judicial Council, which appoints and dismisses judges and prosecutors, into two separate councils -- one for the judges, where members appointed by the judges themselves would have majority, and one for the prosecutors, where members nominated by the parliament would have a majority. The aim is to ensure the independence of the judges while limiting the influence of the prosecutor-general, who is member of the prosecutors council. The draft amendments also envisage changes to limit the prosecutor-generals influence over prosecutors. But the amendments have been met with criticism by the leadership of the prosecution, which expressed concern that they would allow political influence in the appointment of prosecutors. Representatives of the judges have welcomed the idea for a majority of the judges on the Judicial Council but have criticized other provisions, including the idea to allow the heads of the two supreme courts and the prosecutor-general to be re-elected for a second five-year term instead of being in the post for only one seven-year term. Is this some kind of test? If they had fulfilled the necessary orders, they are elected again? And if they had not, they are not elected, said Tatiana Zhilova, head of the biggest judges association, the Union Of The Judges In Bulgaria. A majority of the members of the Supreme Judicial Council has also criticized the amendments, saying they show different treatment of judges on the one hand and prosecutors on the other. The amendments also aim to limit the powers of the president in forming caretaker governments in the country that was governed by caretaker governments appointed by President Rumen Radev for most of the past two years. Among the proposals is to limit the presidents choice for caretaker prime minister to the speaker of the parliament, the head of the Constitutional Court, and the head of the Bulgarian National Bank. The president currently can choose whomever he wants. The proposition drew criticism from Radev and his advisers. Bulgaria has long been considered one of the most corrupt European Union members, a dubious honor connected to the judiciary's lack of independence. The prosecutor-general has long been viewed by both domestic and international critics as a blunt tool of the ruling elite to block investigations into their own members and target their opponents. Washington and Brussels have for years been leaning on Bulgaria, which is also a NATO member, to reform the judiciary, including trimming the prosecutor-general's sweeping powers, and strengthening the judiciarys independence. Bulgaria's parliament in June adopted a mechanism for the independent investigation of the prosecutor-general, a move welcomed by international watchdogs. But it has not been put in practice, sparking debate over its effectiveness. Thousands of Afghans continue to flood back into the country from Pakistan as they seek to avoid deportation following a deadline from Islamabad for undocumented migrants to leave, a move the United Nations warned could lead to "severe" human rights violations. As of November 2, officials said more than 165,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan in the month since the government ordered some 1.7 million migrants -- more than 1 million of whom are Afghan nationals who fled following the August 2021 seizure of power in Kabul by Taliban militants -- to leave or face arrest and deportation. The majority have rushed to the border in recent days as the November 1 deadline approached and police began to open dozens of centers to detain arrested Afghans before expelling them. On the other side of the border, Taliban officials have also opened temporary transit camps to assist those returning. More than 100 people were detained in one police operation in the city of Karachi on November 2, while police rounded up 425 Afghans in Quetta, the city closest to the Chaman border crossing. WATCH: Afghan refugees in Pakistan, many having traveled for days, crossed into Afghanistan as a November 1 deadline to leave the country took effect. Islamabad has vowed to deport an estimated 1.7 million undocumented Afghans living in Pakistan if they don't leave voluntarily. Islamabad has said the deportations are to protect its "welfare and security" in Pakistan after a sharp rise in attacks, which the government blames on militants operating from Afghanistan. Afghanistan's Taliban-run administration has dismissed Pakistans accusations against Afghan migrants and has asked all countries hosting Afghan refugees to give them more time to prepare for repatriation. The Afghan Embassy in Islamabad has said the move will further damage relations between the neighboring countries. Pakistan has brushed off calls to reconsider its decision from the UN, rights groups, and Western governments, who have urged it to incorporate into its plan a way to identify and protect Afghans facing the risk of persecution at home from the ruling militants. At the country's busiest border crossing at Torkham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, officials worked into the early hours of November 1 to clear a line of 28,000 people that stretched for 7 kilometers, AFP reported. Just over 129,000 have fled from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial Interior Ministry said, while a total of 38,100 have crossed through Chaman in Balochistan Province, border officials there told AFP. Authorities on the Afghan side of the border have set up a center several kilometers from a border crossing, as well as camps for families with nowhere to go. WATCH: In Karachi, Afghan men and boys on November 1 were put on buses and taken to a temporary detention center. Pakistan is home to more than 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees, about 1.7 million of them undocumented, Islamabad says, although many have lived in Pakistan for their entire lives. About 600,000 Afghans have crossed into neighboring Pakistan since the Taliban seized power and imposed its harsh interpretation of Islamic law, joining a large number there since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Some Afghans who have been ordered to leave have never been to Afghanistan and wonder how they can start a new life there. Pakistan's move to remove undocumented foreigners is seen as part of an anti-immigrant crackdown that has been criticized by human rights groups. The Pakistan People's Party, National Democratic Movement, and other politicians and human rights activists appealed for a stop to the forced deportation of undocumented foreigners in the Supreme Court on November 1. On October 31, the chair of the nongovernmental Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Hina Jilani, wrote to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warning that Islamabad's move to expel Afghans could "trigger a humanitarian crisis." Human Rights Watch slammed Islamabad's deadline, saying it has resulted in significant threats against and abuse of Afghans living in the country. Since returning to power, the hard-line Islamist Taliban has banned women and teenage girls from education in Afghanistan. It has also banned them from employment in most sectors and discouraged them from leaving their homes. With reporting by AFP and Reuters ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Kamchybek Kolbaev was more than Kyrgyzstan's most powerful crime boss. In a system drenched in corruption and powered by illegal activity, he was perhaps at one point the most powerful player of them all, with influence reaching far beyond the country and deep into the bowels of Eurasian crime. Yet whatever status he enjoyed at home was apparently diminished by the time security forces moved on him in central Bishkek on October 4, shooting him dead either on or near the territory of a popular brew pub that he owned. A few years ago, the idea would have seemed laughable. After all, Kolbaev's influence in Kyrgyzstan was rumored to stretch from the prisons to the parliament and -- according to cruel tongues -- the presidency. But Kyrgyzstan is nothing if not a box of surprises. And now the focus is on whether there will be more to come, with Kolbaev's killing bound to have implications both for politics in the country and all manner of illicit trade traveling through it. 'Drinking From The Same Trough?' Officially Kolbaev was "liquidated" after opening fire during an operation to detain him carried out by the State Committee for National Security (UKMK) headed by another Kamchybek -- Kamchybek Tashiev. The UKMK said in a statement that it had been attempting to detain him in connection with illegally owned property and the murder of another reputed crime boss, Chyngyz Jumagulov, more than a year ago. Kolbaev, the longest reigning of all of Kyrgyzstans crime kingpins, had since 2011 been designated under the United States' Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The sanctions pertained to his reputed links to the Eurasian heroin trade, with U.S. authorities deeming him a member of a multicountry crime ring known as The Brothers' Circle. But of all the crimes and charges that he spent time behind bars for in Kyrgyzstan -- about a decade in total across three stints -- drug trafficking was not among them. His final term in jail was the shortest; he was released just six months after his arrest on criminal conspiracy charges with little expectation he would ever face justice. That last arrest came in 2020 as then-acting President Sadyr Japarov and Tashiev had promised a crackdown on crime after arriving in power in a political crisis that saw Japarov sprung from jail. "Respected bandits! We are giving you very little time: Either you live according to the law, go to jail, or leave our state. This country will no longer be criminal and corrupt," Tashiev promised on his first day as UKMK chief. Japarov made similar pledges in his first address as acting president. And although he did not mention fellow Issyk-Kul Province native Kolbaev by name, he did pledge that authorities would arrest another powerbroker often cited as Kolbaev's business partner -- the former customs official Raimbek Matraimov. Matraimov, now also under U.S. sanctions, was duly arrested and convicted in the months that followed. But he was promptly released after the government claimed he had repaid some $24 million to the state, having spent even less time behind bars than the jail-hardened Kolbaev. For seasoned observers of Kyrgyz politics, the lenient treatment given to two notoriously powerful men was unsurprising. After all, Japarov's overnight leadership bid had been massively tainted by suggestions that he had risen to power thanks to backing from Kolbaev. Aida Kasymalieva, an ally of outgoing President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, complained she had been threatened by gangsters for shedding doubt on the legality of a vote that established Japarov as president. One of her colleagues, parliamentarian Dastan Bekeshev, said Japarov was "100 percent" controlled by Kolbaev. And the allegations of ties between Japarov and Kolbaev were not limited to that period. In 2011, when Japarov was an opposition lawmaker, then-Interior Minister Zarylbek Rysaliev had accused the future head of state of "drinking from the same trough" as the notorious gangster. So how did it go wrong for the kingpin? Decline Of A 'Ruthless Subculture' Mark Galeotti, a renowned expert on organized crime, made a few suggestions on that score in a piece published for the British magazine The Spectator, placing Kolbaev's death in the context of what he called the decline of a "ruthless subculture" of the Eurasian "thief-in-law." This Eurasia-specific phenomenon, with roots in the gulag prison camps of the Soviet Union, saw "crowned" figures like Kolbaev openly embrace their gangster status along with a fairly conservative set of behavioral codes. But after the assassinations of key "thieves" in the past 20 years, business models have undergone a change, Galeotti explained. "If the [thieves] were the traditionalist Don Corleones of the post-Soviet underworld, their successors, known as 'avtoritety' (authorities), are criminal entrepreneurs. They are typically flexible businessmen happy to do whatever makes the most money safely," he wrote. Galeotti also argued that Kolbaev may have been opposed to international sanctions-evasion schemes demanded by Kyrgyzstan's top ally, Russia, fearing they might bring more attention to narcotics traveling from Afghanistan to Europe via the same country. This meant that Kolbaev's slaying could lead to "more organized sanctions busting," Galeotti predicted, "given that there have been plausible suggestions that Kyrgyzstan's notorious [UKMK] or political police are involved in this illegal business." A Turf War Or A War On Organized Crime? The idea of a rivalry between the two Kamchybeks seems logical, in no small part due to their shared absence of capacity for compromise. Japarov's appointment of his longtime friend as top security chief three years ago put the headstrong Tashiev in charge of an agency with traditionally close ties to Russia and an abundance of boots on the ground. Almost immediately after that appointment, the state border service was folded into the UKMK, giving it yet more power, and Tashiev a good view of the illicit trade flows that have allegedly enriched both criminals and their political protection over the years. He also never hid his anger at Kolbaevs influence in political circles. In November 2022, when then-lawmaker Omurbek Bakirov challenged Tashiev in parliament over a controversial border agreement with Uzbekistan, Tashiev responded with an angry tirade. "We know who you are and we know how you were elected. Soon well look into it," he fumed. Bakirov's office in the parliament was subsequently cleared out. The following month, the UKMK released a statement accusing the lawmaker of paying a visit to Kolbaev in his home base of Cholpon-Ata -- an obvious move for a politician under pressure. Bakirov denied the allegations. But he was stripped of his lawmaker's seat by a court earlier this year. In an interview with RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, former Interior Minister Omurbek Suvanaliev noted that Tashiev was just recently at a "large-scale celebration attended by ex-presidents, former speakers, former prime ministers, heroes of the Kyrgyz republic, [and] major businessmen" -- with Kolbaev walking freely among the guests. "[This] caused a stir in society. After this incident the authorities seem to have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to fight with criminal gangs," said Suvanaliev. Thousands gathered in Cholpon-Ata to witness the kingpin known to the underworld as Kolya Kyrgyz make his final journey on October 5, as questions about a possible succession swirled. On October 4, according to RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service sources, Matraimov was questioned by the UKMK before being released. Media investigations co-authored by RFE/RL have tied the former Customs Service honcho to a massive smuggling empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and few doubt that he is still involved in the trade. A key source for those investigations, a self-confessed money-launderer who was later gunned down in an outdoor cafe in Istanbul, referred to Kolbaev as someone who "protected" Matraimov -- a protector who is now gone. Also on October 4 -- and again, without official confirmation -- Altynbek "Altukha" Ibraimov, an allegedly senior member of Kolbaev's entourage, was reportedly released from prison despite his awaiting trial on charges of large-scale extortion. What to read into these moves? Tashiev, for one, is adamant that history is not about to repeat itself. "I warn those who were near the crime boss who was eliminated yesterday. If anyone tries to raise his head against society or starts organizing illegal activities, he will be severely punished!" he said as he presided over the opening of yet another new building for the UKMK, this time in Tokmak -- a city with a long reputation for organized crime. "Yes, there were years when some criminal authorities were replaced by others, who created even larger groups and controlled society even more. Now this won't happen," he insisted. Japarov, meanwhile, has issued no comment on Kolbaev's killing. On the barren Arctic archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, the surge of activity had been watched closely for months: satellite imagery showing an uptick of construction at one, possibly two, settlements that researchers had identified as sites for a possible test of a nuclear device or a new, trouble-plagued missile called the Burevestnik that is under development. Late last month, a NOTAM an official warning to airplane pilots about hazardous operations was issued by Russia for the Barents and Kara seas, east and west of Novaya Zemlya. As many as five U.S. military surveillance planes have been tracked south of the archipelago in recent weeks. Days later, the head of Russias leading nuclear research center called for the Kremlin to resume nuclear tests, including at Novaya Zemlya, a move that would end a 33-year moratorium and deal a big blow to global nonproliferation efforts. President Vladimir Putin weighed in on October 5: I am already hearing calls, for example, to start testing nuclear weapons, to return to testing, he told an audience of Russian and foreign analysts. We conducted the final successful test of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered global-range cruise missile, he also said, adding: We have actually finished work on the Sarmat, a super-heavy rocket. Im not ready to say now whether we really need or dont need to conduct [nuclear] tests, Putin said, but he signaled Russia would consider withdrawing from a major international treaty that bans all nuclear testing. The 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty was signed and ratified by Russia, but only signed, and not ratified, by the United States. This is a question for the deputies of the State Duma, he said, referring to the lower chamber of parliament. In theory, this ratification could be revoked. If we do this, it will be quite enough. Nuclear arms treaties, and other major Cold War-era agreements, have been fraying for years now. The United States pulled out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019 after years of accusing Russia of cheating on it. Years before that, Washington withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. And the last remaining restraint on Russian and American arsenals, New START, is set to expire in 2026. As of October 6, there was no independent confirmation of Putins statement that Russia had successfully conducted a test of the Burevestnik. Another NOTAM warning off Novaya Zemlya was issued the day after Putins remarks. And there is no indication that a test of an actual nuclear device is imminent. The overall level of activities appears to support the idea that they are either preparing for testing directly due to a decision by Putin, or are preparing for eventual testing depending on what China and the U.S. do, or as an escalatory measure in the context of Ukraine, said William Alberque, director of strategy, technology, and arms control at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Testing a nuclear explosive device for the first time since the [Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty] was negotiated would be escalatory and deeply damaging to the nuclear nonproliferation regime, said Lynn Rusten, a former White House and State Department arms control expert who participated in negotiations on the original New START treaty. Asked about concerns that Russia was seeking to conduct a nuclear test or a test of the nuclear-powered cruise missile, the U.S. State Department said: Russia is pursuing novel nuclear weapons that are not currently covered by the New START treaty, such as a nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered ground-launched intercontinental- range cruise missile. We are monitoring developments of these systems closely, a spokesman told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. 'A Ridiculously Stupid Weapons System' Arms control experts said a test of either of the two -- the nuclear-powered cruise missile or an actual detonated nuclear device -- would be hugely problematic, though for different reasons. Dubbed Skyfall by NATO officials, the Burevestnik has been reportedly under development since the early 2010s, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a Washington research organization. However, it was first publicly discussed by Putin during a March 2018 speech in which he bragged about a host of new weapons Russia was developing. A ground-launched, low-flying, potentially nuclear-tipped cruise missile powered by a nuclear reactor, the Burevestnik would theoretically have a range of up to 23,000 kilometers, meaning it could hit the United States if launched from anywhere inside Russia. The United States experimented with such a weapon in the 1950s and '60s before discarding it as unpractical. Among the places Russia is known to have tested the Burevestnik is the White Sea, west of the city of Arkhangelsk and the port of Severodvinsk. In August 2019, while officials were trying to raise a Burevestnik missile from the seabed near the town of Nyonoksa, an explosion occurred, spewing radiation over a wide area, including Severodvinsk, and killing at least five Russian nuclear specialists. U.S. officials later concluded that the explosion was the result of a nuclear reaction that occurred during the recovery of a Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile. Researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, said Burevestnik testing had resumed in 2021, at a location on Novaya Zemlya called Pankovo, though that was never independently confirmed. Burevestnik is just stupid, Rusten said. It is a ridiculously stupid weapons system, Alberque said. Not sure where it sits with the nuclear-powered bomber in the stupid sweepstakes, though, he added, referring to another weapon Russia has suggested it could build. Stupid or not, the missile system is not covered by New START. That, plus the fact that its design would make it hard for air-defense systems to detect or intercept, worries U.S. officials. We have long said that future arms control agreements must expand to include these types of novel nuclear weapons, the State Department spokesman said. 'Everything Will Fall Into Place' Putins suggestion that a nuclear test was under consideration was echoed on October 6 by Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of the Kremlin-controlled Duma. Volodin pointed to the U.S. unwillingness to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, known as the CTBT, and claimed that Russia, which launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, is at war with the United States and NATO. "The situation in the world has changed. Washington and Brussels have unleashed a war against our country. Today's challenges require new solutions, Volodin said in a post to Telegram. He said lawmakers would absolutely discuss the question of withdrawing ratification at their next session. A test of an actual nuclear device -- even a small-scale detonation of fissile material -- would be more worrisome since it would be the first conducted by Russia since 1990. It would be a definite signal of Moscows intention to move to withdraw from the CTBT. If theres a test with a genuine release of energy, well find out about it pretty quickly, Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based UN arms control researcher, told RFE/RL. For example, when North Korea conducted its tests, it was visible almost immediately. And I dont think anyone will try to hide such experiments. It would also undermine the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, a Cold War agreement whose signatories include the five major nuclear-armed states -- the United States, China, France, Britain, and Russia, which are also the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Were any of the [five states] to test a nuclear weapon and therefore abandon their parallel unilateral testing moratoria as CTBT signatories, that would be a huge blow to the [nonproliferation] regime and would undoubtedly lead to a cascade of nuke testing by other states, Rusten said. On September 28, Mikhail Kovalchuk, who heads the Kurchatov Institute, one of Russias leading nuclear research facilities, called for revisiting the countrys deterrence doctrine -- redefining exactly when a nuclear weapon would be used. He also called for resuming nuclear testing, asserting that the Soviet Unions 1961 test of the worlds most powerful atomic weapon -- the Tsar Bomba -- spurred the United States to open negotiations with Moscow. Its enough to carry out tests on Novaya Zemlya...at least once, he was quoted by state news agency RIA Novosti as saying. And everything will fall into place. Arms control researchers have also pointed to the increased pace of construction at known nuclear test sites in China and the United States as cause for concern. In 2019, under 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." Theres no public indication that Trumps successor, President Joe Biden, wants to resume full testing. However, the United States is believed to have conducted subcritical tests, in which a detonation does not lead to a fission explosion. Late last month, at a meeting in Vienna, U.S. officials floated a proposal to allow international inspectors to observe U.S. subcritical experiments, a move seen as a possible goodwill gesture. Resumption of full-blown nuclear testing by either Russia or the United States would likely signal the demise of New START as well, since the treaty cannot be renewed after 2026. Tensions over Russias war against Ukraine have made it impossible for negotiators to hold talks; the two sides have also been unable to agree on letting inspectors into one anothers countries to conduct site visits authorized under the treaty. In February, Putin announced Russia was suspending compliance with New START. Dumping Grounds One alternative explanation for the activity at Novaya Zemlya, in particular at a settlement known as Severny: Russia is looking to ship and store more of the radioactive waste generated from its nuclear-powered ships there. According to the Barents Observer, the Rosita, a Russian ship specially designed to carry nuclear waste, was spotted moored at Severny. The big unanswered question is if what we now are witnessing is a Russia that brings dangerous nuclear waste to Novaya Zemlya for long-term storage in the permafrost, Frederic Hauge, president of the Norwegian environmental group Bellona, was quoted as saying. Russia's envoy to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) said that Moscow plans to revoke its ratification of the pact, known as the CTBT, prompting immediate criticism from the United States. Mikhail Ulyanov said on October 6 on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Russia "plans to revoke ratification" of the CTBT, a multilateral treaty to ban nuclear weapons tests for civilian and military purposes. "The aim is to be on equal footing with the #US who signed the Treaty, but didn't ratify it. Revocation doesn't mean the intention to resume nuclear tests," he said. Ulyanov's statement came after the chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, said the Russian parliament's lower chamber at its "nearest" session will discuss revoking Moscow's ratification of the 1996 treaty. The CTBT has been signed by 187 countries and ratified by 178 but cannot go into force until eight holdouts -- China, Egypt, Iran, Israel, North Korea, India, Pakistan, and the United States -- have signed and ratified it. Though the United States has not ratified the treaty, it has observed a moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions since 1992 and says it has no plans to abandon the treaty. The U.S. State Department said it was "disturbed" by Ulyanov's comments. "A move like this by any state party needlessly endangers the global norm against nuclear explosive testing," a spokesman said. Russia should reach an "equal footing" with the United States "by not wielding arms control and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric in a failing attempt to coerce other states," the spokesman added. Since the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, various pro-Kremlin politicians and public figures, including government officials, have spoken about the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons or at least resuming nuclear testing. Asked if rescinding the CTBT could pave the way for a resumption of tests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it doesn't mean a statement about the intention to resume nuclear tests. He noted that a possible move to revoke Russia's ratification of the ban would "bring the situation to a common denominator with the United States. Volodin repeated Moscows claim that Western military support for Ukraine means the United States and its allies are engaged in the conflict, adding that this requires "new decisions" that conform with Russia's national interests. Speaking on October 5 at a forum with foreign affairs experts, Russian President Vladimir Putin said it would be up to the Duma whether Russia revokes the ratification. In the wake of these statements, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all nuclear weapon states to publicly reaffirm their moratoriums against nuclear testing and their commitment to the CTBT, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said. With reporting by AP and Reuters Welcome to The Week In Russia, in which I dissect the key developments in Russian politics and society over the previous week and look at what's ahead. To receive The Week In Russia newsletter in your inbox, click here. Boris Yeltsin's fateful decision. Vladimir Putin's last hope. A deadly missile strike in Ukraine. Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. Political Animal In Russia, President Vladimir Putin seems to have little use for politics, or at least for the kind of politics that is driven by actual competition and open debate over domestic and foreign policy. When Boris Yeltsin handed him Russia's reins on New Year's Eve in 1999, Putin inherited a system that had been compromised by some of the watershed events of the previous decade: Yeltsin's decision to end a standoff with opponents 30 years ago this week by shelling the parliament building, for one, and the 1996 election that handed the hard-drinking leader a new term despite flagging stamina and heart trouble that led to a quintuple bypass operation that November. Armed with the powers of a strong presidency under the constitution that was adopted in December 1993, in the wake of the violence that October, Putin proceeded to consolidate power and suppress dissent, increasing state control over the broadcast media and moving to push genuine opponents out of legislatures and government offices at all levels. Nearly 24 years after his rise to the highest office, Putin presides over a political system in which all branches of government do his bidding and the once-raucous State Duma, the lower chamber of parliament, has long been in something close to lockstep with the Kremlin. Boris Gryzlov, the former interior minister who served for years as Duma speaker and head of the ruling United Russia party, once said parliament was no place for "political battles." When it comes to Western countries, it's a different story: Putin's Russia clearly welcomes political battles -- and seeks to provoke them when the Kremlin believes it can benefit. A Washington Post report from 2018 said that Russia had tried to influence 16 elections in the West since 2015, including Britain's Brexit vote, but that it was "not at all clear that Russia's efforts made any difference." Russia's march to war in the weeks and days before Putin launched the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 showcased the scale of the suppression of dissent. In televised meetings with senior officials, Putin made clear that misgivings about what many analysts outside Russia say was a decision that went sharply against national security interests would be ridiculed, ignored, or both. Almost 20 months later, after failing to seize Kyiv, suffering numerous battlefield setbacks, and losing large swaths of the territory its forces had overrun, Russia is still fighting a war that Putin is widely believed to have expected would be over -- in Moscow's favor, with Ukraine subjugated -- within weeks. And now, many analysts say his best or only hope of achieving a victory of any kind is a substantial decrease in Western support for Ukraine. While the Kremlin's response has been muted and the future is hard to predict, in part because of the unpredictability of those very same political battles, signs suggesting the chances of that happening have emerged in recent days in both Europe and the United States. Both Sides Now In Slovakia on September 30, voters handed a party that has promised to stop military supplies to Ukraine a plurality of the vote in an election that is likely to return former Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has employed anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, praised Moscow, and questioned the logic of European Union sanctions against Russia, to power. Near the end of that same day, in Washington, funding for financial, military, and other aid to Ukraine was abandoned in a push to pass last-minute legislation on spending and avert a shutdown of the U.S. government -- though that threat will return in mid-November. Adding to the uncertainty, the Republican now-former speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy -- whom Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden said he was counting on to come through and deliver legislation extending supplies of air defenses and arms to Ukraine soon -- was ousted on October 3 in a bitter political battle that cast the lower legislative chamber into chaos this week. McCarthy's removal -- instigated by hard-right Republican lawmakers and supported by Democrats when it came to a vote -- left the House without a speaker for an unknown amount of time, leaving the fate of further aid to Ukraine even more uncertain that it had been the day before. Biden said the disarray was source of concern when it comes to the $24 billion in additional aid to Ukraine he has been seeking. "It does worry me...but I know there are a majority of members of the House and Senate in both parties who have said that they support funding Ukraine," Biden said. The White House said on October 3 that current funding levels would last about two more months, Reuters reported. 'A World Of More War' Biden moved to assuage concerns among allies in a call to other Western leaders the same day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who visited the United States and Canada last month, met with European leaders at a summit in Spain on October 5 in an effort to shore up support ad secure more military aid. At home, Biden indicated he would deliver a speech soon in which he would "make the argument that it is overwhelmingly in the interests of the United States of America that Ukraine succeed" -- something analysts have said is important as concerns about popular support rise and the campaign for the November 2024 presidential election, which could well be a rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump, draws closer. Biden should "make the national-interest case" for the continuation of robust support for Ukraine, and "that case is clear," Sam Greene, a professor of Russian politics at King's College London, wrote in a blog post on October 1. "A world in which Ukraine loses this war is not just one in which big powers can invade their neighbors with impunity: it is also one in which smaller powers will feel increasingly insecure, sparking arms races and militarized competition around the globe," Greene wrote. "It will be a world of more war and more forced migration, less trade and less prosperity." 'Absolutely Horrifying' In Ukraine, meanwhile, the Russian onslaught continued, underscoring what Kyiv and its backers say is a starkly clear moral case for strong international support. Ukraine's goal is to push Russian forces out of the country, including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea. Ukrainian authorities said at least 51 people, including a 6-year-old child, were killed in a Russian attack that struck a village in the eastern Kharkiv region where dozens were gathered for what eyewitnesses said was a memorial ceremony for a soldier from the area on October 5. Zelenskiy called it a "deliberate missile strike...on an ordinary store and cafe." It was one of the deadliest single incidents since the start of the full-scale invasion -- and also since the beginning of the war against Russian-backed forces in the Donbas in 2014, when Moscow seized Crimea and stoked anti-Kyiv sentiment across Ukraine's east and south. "I am appalled by the reports of a Russian strike that...ripped apart the village of Hroza, in the Kharkiv region, killing dozens of civilians," said Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian envoy for Ukraine. "The images arriving from the locality -- home to just above 300 people -- are absolutely horrifying." At the scene of the strike, dead bodies lay strewn on the ground. Tetyana Lukashova, a local resident, said that her daughter and son-in-law were killed, along with her son-in-law's mother. "We heard explosions and came here," she told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "My grandson came and said there's no one alive here." That's it from me this week. If you want to know more, catch up on my podcast The Week Ahead In Russia, out every Monday, here on our site, or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts). Yours, Steve Gutterman On September 25, Telegram channels linked to the Wagner mercenary group claimed the organization continues to work in Africa and Belarus, despite the death of its founders Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin in a mysterious plane crash in August. In Russia, Wagner still operates some businesses and training centers. One of these schools, called Octagon, trains operators of first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones in St. Petersburg. Such combat drones are usually fitted with a cheap explosive warhead and controlled through a live video feed to a pilot wearing virtual-reality-type goggles. A correspondent from RFE/RL's North.Realities, who did not disclose he was a journalist, signed up for the course. There, he learned how the training works and why the company does not recommend signing contracts to serve with the Russian military. His name is being withheld for security reasons. ST. PETERSBURG -- I applied for Wagner's drone course, which anyone can do, and was accepted without further questions. The course is held is the former Wagner Center, which was recently rebranded as the Morskaya Stolitsa, or Sea Capital. The building seems empty. Theres nowhere to sit inside the huge hall at the entrance, and I await the instructor near a desk staffed by a young female receptionist and a security guard. We were told to arrive at 11 a.m. but two of the four course participants show up late. I thought it was military necessity to arrive at 11 a.m. and not a second later, I joke to spark a conversation. Yeah, now were cadets. Everything will be regimental, laughs Sanya, a professional surveyor who flew from the Far East of Russia to take part in the course. His superiors sent him to St. Petersburg to have him trained in the use of FPV drones. Sanyas interest is purely professional. He wants to upskill and earn more as a surveyor; he does not want to go to war. Theres no training course on the use of FPV drones within 5,000 kilometers of where I live, so I flew here. Now that Im here, Ill at least go see Peterhof (a famous royal residence near St. Petersburg), Sanya says. While we are waiting for our instructor, the St. Petersburg locals among the group give Sanya other tips for what to see in the city. He seems most interested in the advice to see the grave of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. It was supposed to be a joke, but he vowed to go and see it that weekend. Yan, another student, is some kind of military assistant tasked with taking supplies such as ammunition, first-aid kits, and other equipment to frontline Russian soldiers fighting in Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Among the supplies he brings to the front are drones. But these are ordinary quadcopters, not the highly specialized FPV drones. He is the only one in our group who decided to go to war. Why? I ask. Have you ever been shot at? Yan responds with his own question. Yan seems strangely angry with the Ukrainian military for shooting at him while he was in a Russian frontline position. Later, it transpires there was more to the situation. The Ukrainian soldiers shot accurately and killed Yans friend. At first, Yan says he wanted to be a medical instructor, but the training he had received was not considered sufficient for the Russian military, so he decided to become a drone operator instead. The last of my three fellow students is Yulia. She works in the construction industry and needs drone piloting skills to monitor building sites. On the second day of the course, she fell ill and deferred her training to another date. An instructor with the call sign Glaz (Eye) eventually appears 15 minutes after our scheduled meeting time. He leads us to the 17th floor of the building. Previously, Glaz says, they were based on the fourth floor, but now the Octagon training facility is expanding. The courses have two options: one week with five lessons for 35,000 rubles ($350) or two weeks of 10 lessons for 70,000 rubles ($700). The shorter course is branded Assault, while the two-week version is Pro. During the Pro course, students are taught how to assemble and operate the mass-produced Russian "Hortensia" kamikaze drone. In addition, they are sent to a training ground where, despite a regional ban on drone flights, students fly in the open. If there are problems, if someone comes -- the police or anyone -- I take full responsibility, Glaz will later say. You had nothing to do with it. You stood nearby, were passing by, whatever. The instructors are mostly former soldiers or military volunteers. Previously, they worked with Wagner fighters at the front in Ukraine and taught them there how to use FPV drones. They did not formerly teach civilians. The instructors received funding from the now-deceased head of Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Today, the only reminder that the Sea Capital building is connected to Wagner is an impromptu memorial featuring Wagner and tsarist-era flags, and Russian banners and flowers. Next to the flowers are photographs of those killed in the plane crash in August in the Tver region: Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin along with other Wagner commanders. Other patriots who gave their lives for the regime of Vladimir Putin and the idea of the Russian world are also commemorated there, including Daria Dugina, the daughter of Kremlin-linked Russian nationalist Aleksandr Dugin. Prigozhin himself once entered the training facility. He walked around, said hello to everyone, and was interested to see things and hear how they work, says a young instructor with the call sign Berlin. Was he taught how to fly a drone? I ask. No, he had a lot of other things to do. Berlin remembers Prigozhin with respect and sadness, but believes his fate was inevitable. After the 'march of justice,'" he says, referring to the short-lived uprising by Wagner forces in June 2023, he would never have gotten away with it. But it's still a pity. He was a great man. Inside the training room, the decor looks almost like a museum. A pennant with the Bakhmut coat of arms is on display, along with a flag depicting Christ. There is even a flag with the late military correspondent Maksim Fomin depicted with a drone in his hands. Under these flags we will undergo the theoretical part of the training. But first come introductions. Our instructors inform us that we have all undergone some kind of background check. This is necessary so that someone with dubious goals doesnt come," Berlin tells us. We had one guy who graduated from a flight school in Ukraine in 2018. Were not accusing him of anything, but he was denied training, just in case. After introductions, Berlin makes a startling statement. If ever we find ourselves at war and think that being a drone operator is the safest profession, he says, we will soon end up dead. The biggest myth is that being drone operator is a safe role. To get a good connection with your drone, you need to get pretty close to the area you'll be flying. If the enemy can identify where the drone took off from, he will target that place, we are told. There is a golden rule in modern warfare: The most effective way to stop an enemy drone is to kill its operator," he says. Berlin does not recommend going to war. Even after completing the Assault course, or even the Pro training, a student will not be ready for the realities of combat. If you are determined [to fight], then I do not advise you to enter into a contract with the Ministry of Defense, we are warned. Firstly, the contract will be automatically renewed. You simply wont leave there. He recommends instead signing on with private military contractors. In the FAQ section of the Wagner drone course, they make sure to separate themselves from the Russian military. We are a private, civilian school. Like other private schools or drone courses, we only teach people how to operate drones and do not transfer personal data to third-party organizations, including the Ministry of Defense, it says. Then comes a safety briefing. The drone should never take off near the operator. Artillery can target the takeoff site and a goggle-wearing drone pilot cant easily react to what is happening around him -- whether enemy soldiers are approaching or a shell is incoming. Berlin tells us about his first acquaintance with drones. He was part of the initial Russian invasion force into Ukraine in February 2022. [Ukrainians] flew drones brazenly right above our heads, hovering, and watching, and we werent able to shoot them down, he recalls. Imagine a situation where you have no idea how to even fly a drone, and they already know how to drop grenades from it. We had to learn everything on the fly when we realized this was an effective new weapon. Berlin talks at length about what he saw in Ukraine. Personally, his efforts to conquer the country amounted to nothing, he says. His unit fought in the Kharkiv region. In the first days, our brave paratroopers were defeated, an entire platoon was captured, and others were killed, he recalled. Everyone had different uniforms. Professional soldiers and those who volunteered to join the special military operation wore modern multicam camouflage. But mobilized soldiers arrived in the old brown and green Russian uniforms," Berlin says. "These older guys assumed if your uniform was not the same as theirs, then you were the enemy, so they shot without asking questions. It was fortunate for us that we fought against Ukraines Kraken regiment, who had dark uniforms, says Berlin. "There were a lot of problems with the mobilized soldiers. They arrived in Soviet helmets and fought with tsarist-era Mosin rifles. The first day ended with flight simulators. It didnt go well for me, but the other students flew well. Even the instructors were surprised at their skill level. Dont worry. Tomorrow will be better. You'll develop muscle memory. Youll fly tomorrow, Glaz reassured me. With this optimistic send-off, we left the building formerly known as the Wagner Center. Turning to look back, Yan pointed out something that proved impossible to unsee. Guys, the building is cool inside, but from this angle, Im confused. Don't you think it looks like a toilet? Yan crossed himself at the memorial to the Wagner commanders and got into his matte black Mercedes. Sanya called a taxi. The second day of training also began with theory. We learned how to adjust artillery fire using maps and learned the symbols on a military map -- tank, infantry vehicle, dugout, etc. Glaz then described various anti-drone guns and other jamming devices. Glaz was formerly a Russian soldier. He was in Nagorno-Karabakh during the conflict there in 2020. That was when Glaz first saw drones being used in combat. The Azerbaijani Army had Turkish Bayraktars. It was an amazing thing for us," he recalls. After his contract ended, Russia invaded Ukraine. Glaz wanted to volunteer but claims red tape ended his ambitions to join the invasion. I was getting ready. I came to the military enlistment office to sign a contract, but they listed so many requirements I needed to meet and documents I had to provide that I just gave up, he says. In the second part of the lesson, Glaz talked about military procedures if you heard, saw, or were told about a possible drone. Everything is quite banal. First of all: Report to the commander. We were also taught to conduct reconnaissance and monitor social networks that may give information about concentrations of enemy troops. One example featured a screenshot of a resident of the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro who wanted to help the Ukrainian military. She posted that there are many wounded in two particular hospitals and called for humanitarian aid to be taken there. Such information can be used to destroy manpower, we were taught. Another form of intel gathering is what the instructor called field reconnaissance, such as asking people in a bar what the situation is like in the area. Then they showed us how bomblets are attached to drones that drop explosives. They are most often loaded with 40 mm fragmentation grenades, but hand grenades are also used. On September 22, Ukraine carried out a deadly drone strike targeting the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the center of the Crimean port city of Sevastopol. Local retiree Olena Nikolaychuk by chance caught the explosions and the immediate aftermath on video as she walked through the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city. She shared the video with some friends, and eventually it made its way to social media. The video was then used by numerous Ukrainian and international media outlets covering the audacious attack, which reportedly killed or wounded dozens of officers. Two weeks later, Nikolaychuk appeared in a video on a pro-Russian Telegram channel in which she apologized for her "actions." "I regret what I did and think it was wrong," she says, sitting alone against a wall and speaking monotonously. "Believe me when I say I will never do this again. I don't need such problems at my age, such unpleasantness. Forgive me." "The extent of her guilt will be determined by the comrade major," the text accompanying the video reads, using the channel's nickname for its own activists. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which Russia invaded and occupied in 2014, has increasingly seen attacks targeting Russian military supply lines and the Black Sea Fleet. The Russian-installed occupation authorities have repeatedly warned people against posting on social media about attacks, the effects of which official media routinely minimize. "Remember that posting videos of military facilities or critical infrastructure helps the enemy," Oleh Kryuchkov, an aide to the head of the occupation administration in Crimea, posted on Telegram in July, adding that citizens should identify people who do such things to the security agencies. "Repentance" videos like Nikolaychuk's -- which may be the result of threats or other coercion -- are increasingly being used to drive home these warnings. It echoes the Stalin-era practice of forcing political prisoners, often through torture, to publicly confess their misdeeds at stage-managed show trials. The Telegram channel that published Nikolaychuk's video is called Crimean SMERSH, using a Stalin-era portmanteau for the Russian phrase "Death to spies," and bills its posts as "official statements from the law-enforcement organs." It regularly posts real-time videos of law-enforcement raids. "A register of Russophobes, Ukrainian nationalists, and traitors to the motherland," the channels description reads. RFE/RL was not able to contact Nikolaychuk. An inactive social media account under her name contains only one photograph from 2015. Neither the police nor the Federal Security Service (FSB) have issued any statements about her or the Crimean SMERSH video. On October 6, Crimean SMERSH published a video of a man identified as Ivan Ivanov apologizing to a truckload of Russian soldiers for allegedly shouting the slogan "Glory to Ukraine!" in Ukrainian. At one point, a person off camera kicks him when he is too slow to state exactly what he is apologizing for. The accompanying text claims the man requested that "comrade major undertake his reeducation." On August 11, the Telegram channel posted a video purporting to show a woman from the Crimean city of Yalta who allegedly posted photos of pro-Ukrainian yellow ribbons placed around Sevastopol. In the video, she apologizes, says she was "led astray," and promises it would never happen again. The text below the video says she had been "found and de-Nazified" -- a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin's false claim that Ukraine is permeated by Nazism. On July 22, a Ukrainian drone attack struck a Russian military airfield near the Crimean settlement of Oktyabrske. The same day, amateur video of the aftermath of the attack appeared on YouTube. The following day, Crimean SMERSH published a video of two local men, identified as Vitaliy Lopatko and Serhiy Tarasenko, apologizing for making the videos. Lopatko apologized for "offending those who are defending us" and advised others not to follow his example. It is impossible to ascertain the circumstances under which these videos were made, but others who have been similarly filmed by the Russian-imposed authorities in Crimea have said they were coerced. In March, Bohdan Ziza, a resident of the Crimean city of Yevpatoriya, told RFE/RL's Crimea.Realities that FSB agents had forced him to record a repentance video, which was shown on state-controlled local television. He was accused of throwing yellow and blue paint on the facade of the local administration building in an apparent pro-Ukrainian gesture and charged with terrorism. "There are at least five versions of my 'apology' video," he said. "The first was used by the media, a second was made for my case file, and there were several other rejected takes. They were filmed directly by the FSB officers. First they calmly tell everything you have to say on camera. But when you refuse, they begin threatening you." After the first video was recorded, Ziza said, the officers sent it to their superior officers for review. He was then forced to make a second video because, he said, the officers felt he "wasn't sufficiently sincere" in the first one. "I deliberately didn't show any emotion, so they beat me again," Ziza recalled. "The text was constantly changing. First, I needed to apologize to the Russian Army and then, to Putin personally. In the end, they realized the latter part wasn't necessary." Ziza said that, in his experience, "almost every political prisoner in Crimea is subjected to beatings and torture." RFE/RLs Robert Coalson contributed to this report. Narragansett Patrol Officers Shawn Couto, left, Dylan McCormick and Brendan Kelly head into the police station at the end of their overnight shift on Tuesday morning. They joined the department in May. Dupesh Roni A tale of determination and triumph: Young Dupesh Roni's journey to success LUDHIANA: In a remarkable display of determination and triumph, a young man hailing from Ludhiana has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a civil officer in the police force in the United Kingdom. Dupesh, known as Happy, is the son of Vinay Kumar and a proud resident of Rauni in Tehsil Payal, District Ludhiana. His relentless pursuit of success, fueled by an unwavering determination, has turned him into a beacon of inspiration for the community. Happy Roni's journey commenced in the year 2017 when he pursued higher education in the UK. His dedication and hard work throughout his educational journey eventually paid off, leading to his appointment as a civil officer within the UK police force. Advertisement This significant achievement has sparked immense joy and pride among Dupesh Roni's parents, relatives, and friends. The entire community is celebrating his accomplishments and using it as a source of inspiration for the younger generations. During this celebratory occasion, several notable figures extended their heartfelt congratulations to Happy Roni. Former Minister Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Rupinder Singh Raja Gill (Constituency Incharge, Congress Samrala), Rajinder Singh Lakha Roni (Secretary, Punjab Congress), Lakhvir Singh Lakha (former MLA Payal), and Sarpanch Jaspreet Singh Soni Jarg joined in congratulating and commending Happy Roni on his remarkable achievement. Japan will on Friday release August figures for household spending, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Spending is expected to rise 0.9 percent on month and sink 4.3 percent on year after falling 2.7 percent on month and 5.0 percent on year in July. Japan also will see August results for its leading index, with forecasts suggesting a score of 109.0, up from 108.2. Australia will provide August data for retail sales, with analysts looking for an increase of 0.2 percent on month, slowing 0.5 percent in July. Finally, the in China remain closed for the National Day holiday and will resume trade on Monday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Indian shares were a tad higher in early trade on Friday as investor optimism over tumbling oil prices outweighed muted global cues. Traders looked ahead to the release of September U.S. employment report later in the day for clues on the economic and rate outlook. Market participants also await the RBI's MPC rate decision later in the day, with the central bank expected to pause the repo rate for the fourth-consecutive policy meeting. The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex was up 182 points, or 0.3 percent, at 65,814 while the broader NSE Nifty index was up 58 points, or 0.3 percent, at 19,603. Bajaj Finance rose 1.4 percent after it announced a Rs. 10,000-crore fund raising plan. Group firm Bajaj FinServ climbed 2.5 percent while Tata Consumer Products, Titan Company, Dr Reddy's Laboratories and ITC all rose over 1 percent. InterGlobe Aviation rallied 2.2 percent after introducing a fuel charge on domestic and international routes. Kalyan Jewelers jumped 4.2 percent to extend gains for a second straight session after releasing its Q2 update. Vodafone Idea fell nearly 3 percent to extend losses for a third day running after the Department of Telecom disposed off the company's representation with respect to a license fee demand worth Rs 3,273 crore. PB Fintech dropped half a percent on news that SoftBank Group is set to sell a 2.54 percent stake in the company via a block deal. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis India's central bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday, as widely expected. The Monetary Policy Committee governed by Shaktikanta Das unanimously decided to hold the policy repo rate at 6.50 percent. The RBI has lifted the benchmark rate by 250 basis points since May 2022. "The MPC also decided to remain focused on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation progressively aligns to the target, while supporting growth," the bank said. The committee observed that headline inflation is ruling above the tolerance band and its alignment with the target is getting interrupted. In order to bring inflation down, monetary policy needs to remain actively disinflationary. Consumer price inflation is projected at 5.4 percent for 2023-24, unchanged from the previous outlook. At the same time, real GDP growth outlook for 2023-24 was retained at 6.5 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, who heads Tesla, SpaceX and X Corp., seeking to force him to testify over his last year's Twitter acquisition. In a filing in California federal court, the US securities regulator said it was conducting an ongoing non-public investigation into whether Musk had violated various provisions of the federal securities laws in connection with his purchases of Twitter stock. It is also probing his 2022 statements and SEC filings relating to Twitter. A hearing on the filing is scheduled to take place on November 9. The SEC in the lawsuit alleged that Musk failed to appear for testimony on September 15, 2023, as required by its subpoena served to Musk in May 2023. The SEC attorneys wrote, "Musk's ongoing refusal to comply with the SEC's administrative subpoena is hindering and delaying the SEC staff's investigation to determine whether violations of the federal securities laws have occurred. Accordingly, the SEC now asks the Court to compel Musk to appear for investigative testimony." The agency said it tried to find an agreeable time and place to meet with Musk, and multiple dates were proposed for October and November of this year. But, "these good faith efforts were met with Musk's blanket refusal to appear for testimony," the filing showed. Musk, who acquired Twitter in around $44 billion deal in late October last year, recently changed its name to X. Prior to the acquisition, Musk purchased a 9.2 percent stake in Twitter in a series of share purchases, which was above the 5 percent threshold that triggers disclosure requirements. As per the latest filing, the SEC began its probe in April 2022 and as part of its inquiries has received thousands of documents from third parties including Musk. The billionaire also testified twice in July 2022. Regarding the Twitter acquisition, the U.S. Department of Justice or DoJ also had voiced alarm in mid-September, citing testimony from former Twitter employees suggesting a tumultuous atmosphere within the company, potentially jeopardizing compliance with the 2022 administrative order mandated by the Federal Trade Commission or FTC. Musk is currently X's largest shareholder, Chief Technical Officer and executive chairman. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Chicago police are investigating the sexual assault of a woman who was found in a hallway in a Loop building overnight. About 12:30 a.m. Saturday, a woman, 28, was found asleep in a building in the 100 block of East Wacker Drive. Once awakened, the woman said she felt abdominal pain and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, police said. Advertisement Wednesday morning, in the Englewood neighborhood, a 26-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in the 7300 block of South May Street, according to authorities. About 11:15 a.m., officers responded to a call of a home invasion. A woman said she was standing on a porch when someone approached, put his arm around her neck and pushed her inside where he sexually assaulted her before taking a cellphone, police said. Advertisement She was taken to St. Bernard Hospital. No one was in custody and detectives were investigating both assaults. A Russian strike killed at least 51 people gathered for a wake in an eastern Ukrainian village Thursday, in what a UN official called a "horrifying" attack. AFP journalists on the scene in the aftermath saw rescuers carrying a corpse from the rubble and several charred bodies in civilian clothes lying side by side, and others in white body bags. The mourners were in a cafe and there were also victims in a shop in the same building in the village, which has a population of 330 people, in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. Volodymyr Mukhovaty, 70, said he had lost his son in the attack, and was still looking for his wife and daughter-in-law, who had attended the funeral reception. "My son was just found without a head, without arms, without legs, without anything. They recognised him from his documents," he told AFP. He had "little hope" of seeing his daughter-in-law or wife again but was watching rescue workers from a distance in case they were found. "I lived with my wife for 48 years," he told AFP. "I will not last long alone." There were piles of body parts next to two children's swings nearby while under flood lights, rescuers were still digging through the rubble of what was left of the cafe. Six-year-old victim A six-year-old child was among the victims, said Interior Minister Igor Klymenko, who added that a total of 60 people had been attending a "memorial service for a deceased fellow villager. Groza is located more than 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the frontline town of Kupiansk in an area where Russian forces have been pushing to recapture territory they lost to Ukrainian troops last year. Klymenko said initial evidence showed an Iskander missile had been used. "The search and rescue operation is ongoing," Klymenko said. "There may still be people under the rubble." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was attending a European summit in Spain, condemned the attack on social media. Zelensky posted an image of a woman kneeling over the body of someone apparently killed in the strike, with other corpses around her. He called the strike "completely deliberate" and said it was a "brutal Russian crime". Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said Ukraine needed more air defence "to protect our country from terror". "We are discussing this with partners," he wrote on social media, repeating Ukrainian calls for more protection against the daily barrages of drone and missile strikes. Denise Brown, Ukraine coordinator for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), also condemned the alleged Russian strike. Brown said she was "appalled", adding that the images from the scene of the strike were "absolutely horrifying". "Intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects is a war crime," she said in a statement. 'True evil' A spokeswoman for the regional assembly quoted by Ukrainian media said it was the single most deadly attack since the start of the war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The head of the Kharkiv region Oleg Sinegubov said the strike took place around 1:15 pm (1015 GMT). Regional authorities had recently ordered mandatory evacuations in the area after an uptick in Russian strikes. Large swathes of the Kharkiv region were captured by Russian forces in the early days of their offensive launched in February last year. Ukrainian forces recaptured much of the border territory during a lightning offensive late last year, but the regional capital, also called Kharkiv, still comes to regular shelling. Zelensky's advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said the attack had "no military logic". "This is a reminder to anyone who is willing to smile and shake hands with war criminal Putin at international conferences," he said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "A reminder to all those who want to sell something to Russia and return to bloody business as usual," he said, adding: "Putin's Russia is a true evil". Search Keywords: Short link: Traditionally, paleoanthropologists believed that humans arrived in North America around 16,000 to 13,000 years ago. Recently, however, evidence has accumulated supporting a much earlier date. In 2021, fossilized footprints from White Sands National Park in New Mexico, the United States, were dated to between 21,000 and 23,000 years ago, providing key evidence for earlier occupation, although this finding was controversial. In a new study, Dr. Jeffery Pigati of U.S. Geological Survey and colleagues returned to the White Sands footprints and obtained new dates from multiple, highly reliable sources; they, too, resolved dates of 20,000 to 23,000 years ago. When and how humans first migrated into North America has long been debated and remains poorly understood. Current estimates for the timing of these first occupants range from about 13,000 years ago to more than 20,000 years ago. However, the earliest archaeological evidence for the regions settlement is sparse and often controversial. In September 2021, paleoanthropologists reported the discovery of human footprints preserved in an ancient lakebed dating to between 23,000 and 21,000 years ago in what is now White Sands National Park, New Mexico, the United States. Their results began a global conversation that sparked public imagination and incited dissenting commentary throughout the scientific community as to the accuracy of the ages. The immediate reaction in some circles of the archeological community was that the accuracy of our dating was insufficient to make the extraordinary claim that humans were present in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum, Dr. Pigati said. The controversy centered on the accuracy of the original ages, which were obtained by radiocarbon dating. The age of the White Sands footprints was initially determined by dating seeds of the common aquatic plant Ruppia cirrhosa that were found in the fossilized impressions. But aquatic plants can acquire carbon from dissolved carbon atoms in the water rather than ambient air, which can potentially cause the measured ages to be too old. Even as the original work was being published, we were forging ahead to test our results with multiple lines of evidence, said Dr. Kathleen Springer, also from U.S. Geological Survey. We were confident in our original ages, as well as the strong geologic, hydrologic, and stratigraphic evidence, but we knew that independent chronologic control was critical. We always knew that we would have to independently evaluate the accuracy of our ages to convince the archaeological community that the peopling of the Americas occurred far earlier than traditionally thought, Dr. Pigati said. In their follow-up study, Dr. Pigati, Dr. Springer and their colleagues focused on radiocarbon dating of conifer pollen, because it comes from terrestrial plants and therefore avoids potential issues that arise when dating aquatic plants like Ruppia cirrhosa. They used painstaking procedures to isolate approximately 75,000 pollen grains for each sample they dated. Importantly, the pollen samples were collected from the exact same layers as the original seeds, so a direct comparison could be made. In each case, the pollen age was statistically identical to the corresponding seed age. According to the findings, the resulting calibrated carbon-14 ages range from 23,400 to 22,600 years ago. In addition to the pollen samples, the researchers used a different type of dating called optically stimulated luminescence, which dates the last time quartz grains were exposed to sunlight. Using this method, they found that quartz samples collected within the footprint-bearing layers had a minimum age of 21,500 years, providing further support to the radiocarbon results. Our new ages, combined with the strong geologic, hydrologic, and stratigraphic evidence, unequivocally support the conclusion that humans were present in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum, Dr. Springer said. The findings appear in the journal Science. _____ Jeffrey S. Pigati et al. 2023. Independent age estimates resolve the controversy of ancient human footprints at White Sands. Science 382: 73-75; doi: 10.1126/science.adh5007 Citi has downgraded its average rating for UK stocks to 'underweight', saying the region's heavy exposure to oil could lead to a raft of earnings downgrades in the near future. "The UK economy is approaching an inflection point, with tailwinds from supportive fiscal policy and better-than-expected trade outturns running their course," said analyst Beata Manthey. "Headwinds associated with tighter monetary policy are now building momentum, with unemployment increasing." Manthey said that a recession was on the horizon for the first quarter of 2024, while the Bank of England will likely begin to loosen monetary policy in mid-2024. Earnings across the UK were "under pressure" in 2023 after a strong 2022, with the fall in oil prices in the first half acting as a key headwind. Overall, analysts on average expect earnings per share across UK-listed stocks to fall by 6% this year, before bouncing back 5% next year. However, while the consensus for oil prices is around $85 a barrel similar to current levels Citi themselves expect a drop to around $70. "This poses a risk of EPS downgrades. We also worry that the UKs 50% defensive exposure could weigh on performance. We therefore downgrade to 'underweight', Citi's analyst said. "We do however like UK miners given discount valuations and potential upside from China." Analysts at Berenberg upped their target price on chemicals firm Synthomer from 115.0p to 400.0p on Friday, stating the group's balance sheet had now been "repaired". Berenberg said Synthomer's current situation reminded it of the predicament faced by the company in late 2008 and early 2009 as cyclical headwinds and "elevated, although not extreme" leverage left shares plunging to lows similar to today's level, falling by over 90% from Covid-19 pandemic highs. The German bank, which reiterated its 'buy' rating on the stock, highlighted that Synthomer was "a classic early cycle share". However, it also pointed out that shares "more than quadrupled" in the subsequent two years following early 2009. As far as Berenberg is concerned, the fully-underwritten 276.0m rights issue announced on 7 September has taken the sting out of the worst-case scenario, and the bank said that while it was early to upgrade, the attractions of a2025 price-to-earnings ratio of just 6.0x and 15% free cash flow yield on a de-risked balance sheet were "plain to see". "The just over 10% average reductions to operating profit mainly reflect lower assumed nitrile latex margins and weaker volume outlook in 2024 for the construction-and-coatings linked component of sales. Our earnings per share changes are less meaningful, as the company has run a 20-1 for stock consolidation stock prior to the 6-1 rights issue," said Berenberg. Bank of America Merrill Lynch reiterated its 'buy' rating and 125.0p target price on THG on Friday as it argued that margins were now improving and that it was now time for growth. The US bank said THG's first-half results delivered improved profitability, with adjusted underlying earnings up 45% year-on-year at 47.0m and at the top of the pre-released range, although they disappointed on revenue growth. "As a result, management reiterated their adjusted EBITDA and neutral free cash flow guidance but cut FY23 growth expectations to flat to -5% (from low-single-digit positive), sending shares down 20% on the day and de-rating circa 25% on FY24 EV/EBITDA since the print." Bank of America said it views the current 6.3x FY24 EBITDA - around 25% below their 2022 12-month forward average - as an attractive entry point "as the margin and cash flow improvement stories are playing out as intended". It also said FY23 targets look achievable, as does a return to growth in 4Q23 and 2024. "While the revenue decline in 1H23 was greater than expected - especially in the Beauty division - the worst now appears to be behind us," Merrill said. "In the UK, the two largest headwinds - falling online penetration and low consumer purchasing power - began to show signs of improvement for the first time since 2021 this summer. Management called out positive growth in Beauty starting in August, and we expect group level growth to turn positive again in 4Q23 as Beauty improves with manufacturing revenue picking up again." BofA, which said it saw reasons for optimism in all three divisions, said that in addition to a return to positive growth in August, the beauty division should see improved margins in 2H23 as the margin-accretive manufacturing business ramps back up following industry-wide de-stocking throughout much of 2022 and 2023. It also noted that the adjusted EBITDA margin in the nutrition segment rose 560 basis points to 13.8% in 1H23 thanks to falling whey prices. Bank of America Merrill Lynch reiterated its buy rating on THG on Friday as it argued that margins are improving and its now time for growth. The bank, which has a 125p price target on the shares - implying around 90% upside potential - said first-half results delivered improved profitability, with adjusted EBITDA up 45% year-on-year at 47m and at the top of the pre-released range, although they disappointed on revenue growth. "As a result, management reiterated their adjusted EBITDA and neutral free cash flow guidance but cut FY23 growth expectations to flat to -5% (from low-single digit positive), sending shares down 20% on the day and de-rating circa 25% on FY24 EV/EBITDA since the print." Bank of America said it views the current 6.3x FY24 EBITDA - around 25% below their 2022 12-month forward average - as an attractive entry point "as the margin and cash flow improvement stories are playing out as intended". Merrill said FY23 targets look achievable, as does a return to growth in 4Q23 and 2024. "While the revenue decline in 1H23 was greater than expected - especially in the Beauty division - the worst now appears to be behind us," Merrill said. "In the UK, the two largest headwinds - falling online penetration and low consumer purchasing power - began to show signs of improvement for the first time since 2021 this summer. Management called out positive growth in Beauty starting in August, and we expect group level growth to turn positive again in 4Q23 as Beauty improves with manufacturing revenue picking up again." The bank said it sees reasons for optimism in all three divisions. BofA said that in addition to a return to positive growth in August, the beauty division should see improved margins in 2H23 as the margin-accretive manufacturing business ramps back up following industry-wide destocking throughout much of 2022 and 2023. It also noted that the adjusted EBITDA margin in the nutrition segment rose 560 basis points to 13.8% in 1H23 thanks to falling whey prices. "Given current prices, input costs should remain a tailwind for the division for 2H23 and 1H24, allowing the flexibility to re-invest in pricing to drive growth," it said. "Ingenuitys strategic shift continues as THG exits smaller, less profitable contracts. Although growth was negative in 1H23, the division remains on track to add 1bn GMV (gross merchandise value) in new contracts in FY23, announced a new partnership with LOreal in North America, and was recognised in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for digital commerce." At 1430 BST, the shares were up 5.9% at 69.48p. Elon Musk is under investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission over his $44bn takeover of social media giant Twitter, it was revealed on Thursday. The investigation concerns whether Musk broke federal securities laws in 2022 when he bought stock in Twitter, which he later renamed X, as well as statements and SEC filings he made about the deal. Guardian Sam Bankman-Frieds crypto fraud trial gained steam on Thursday when the co-founder of his fallen exchange, Gary Wang, took the stand as a government witness in Manhattan federal court. His testimony came as the highly anticipated trial entered its third day. Bankman-Fried faces seven counts on fraud and conspiracy charges in relation to the implosion of his crypto exchange FTX and its related hedge fund, Alameda Research. Guardian Jeremy Hunt must not let Britains spending watchdog dictate tax policy, a leading think tank has warned. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the Chancellor should not be bound by the Office for Budget Responsibilitys (OBR) short-run forecasts about the cost of the Governments flagship business investment tax break. Telegraph The Bank of England is closely monitoring depositors behaviour at Metro Bank for any sign of panic after reports that the lender is trying to raise up to 600 million to shore up a potentially shaky balance sheet. Robert Sharpe, Metros chairman, was due to meet senior officials at the Banks Prudential Regulation Authority yesterday for a previously scheduled meeting. Analysts said the Bank would be asking for daily, it not hourly, reports on flows, especially as Metro suffered sharp outflows in 2019 after an earlier spell of jitters about its financial strength. The Times Mike Lynch, the technology entrepreneur once regarded as a British Bill Gates, is trying to have criminal charges against him dropped in the United States. In May, after a long-running battle, Lynch was extradited to face fraud allegations over Hewlett-Packards $11 billion acquisition in 2011 of Autonomy, the software company he founded. The Times In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, where patient-centricity and data-driven decisions reign supreme, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in healthcare marketing and communications. AI technologies streamline operations, enhance patient engagement, personalize messaging, and optimize marketing efforts. The impact of AI on the healthcare marketing and communications industry, exploring how it revolutionizes patient engagement, decision-making, communication channels, advertising strategies, search engine optimization (SEO), and content optimization. We'll also touch upon the ethical considerations surrounding AI in healthcare marketing, showcase real-world success stories, and gaze into the future to understand AI's limitless possibilities for industry advancement. Data-Driven Insights: Data is the lifeblood of the healthcare industry, and AI acts as a sophisticated filter, distilling actionable insights from the vast sea of healthcare data. AI-powered analytics platforms can identify trends, predict patient needs, and offer healthcare marketers and providers valuable recommendations. By utilizing AI-driven information, healthcare organizations may decide wisely about their marketing tactics, target markets, and resource allocation. Chatbots and Virtual Health Assistants: Transforming Communication Channels AI-driven chatbots and virtual health assistants redefine how healthcare organizations communicate with patients. These intelligent bots can respond instantly to patient inquiries, schedule appointments, offer medication reminders, and even provide initial diagnoses based on symptoms. By automating routine interactions, healthcare providers can free up staff to focus on more complex tasks and provide a seamless and efficient patient experience. Chatbots also extend their utility to social media platforms, enhancing the reach and accessibility of healthcare communication. AI-Powered Healthcare Advertising Strategies: AI is revolutionizing healthcare advertising by enabling precision targeting. By analyzing patient data and behavior, AI algorithms can identify potential patients most likely to benefit from specific healthcare services. This targeted approach minimizes wasted advertising budgets and ensures that marketing efforts are directed toward those who most need them. Furthermore, AI can optimize ad placement, content, and timing to maximize engagement and conversion rates. Enhancing Healthcare Marketing Efforts In the digital age, having a solid online presence is crucial for healthcare organizations. AI is pivotal in optimizing search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and content creation. AI-driven tools can analyze keyword trends, identify relevant topics, and generate high-quality content. This improves a healthcare website's search engine ranking and positions the organization as an authority in its field. In addition, AI can help personalize content, ensuring that patients receive content most relevant to their needs and preferences. Ethical Considerations and Patient Privacy: Navigating AI in Healthcare While the benefits of AI in healthcare marketing and communications are undeniable, it is essential to address ethical considerations and patient privacy concerns. Patient data must be handled with the utmost care, adhering to strict privacy regulations such as HIPAA in the United States. Healthcare organizations must prioritize transparency and inform patients how their data will be used. Additionally, AI algorithms must be regularly monitored and audited to ensure they do not introduce bias or discriminate against certain groups. Striking a balance between innovation and ethics is critical to harnessing AI's potential responsibly. The Future of AI in Healthcare Marketing and Communications AI technologies evolve, their role in healthcare marketing and communications is poised to expand. Predictive analytics will become more sophisticated, enabling healthcare organizations to anticipate patient needs accurately. AI-powered virtual health assistants will become more integrated into patient care, offering proactive health management. Voice search and natural language processing will reshape how patients seek information online, necessitating SEO and content strategy adaptations. Moreover, AI's potential to improve patient education and engagement will continue to drive innovation in healthcare marketing. In end, AI is propelling the healthcare marketing and communications industry into an era of unprecedented transformation. By personalizing patient engagement, providing data-driven insights, automating communication channels, enabling precision targeting, optimizing SEO and content, and navigating ethical considerations, AI is enhancing the patient experience and improving healthcare outcomes. Healthcare facilities that desire to maintain their competitiveness and offer top-notch treatment in the digital age must embrace AI, and doing so is not just an option but a requirement. As the AI revolution in healthcare marketing and communications unfolds, the industry's potential for advancement is unknown. Here are the top ten stocks that are likely to be in focus: InterGlobe Aviation: IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd), Indias largest airline, has imposed a fuel surcharge in the range of Rs 300-1,000 on airfares due to the steep rise in jet fuel prices, the airline said. The surcharge will be added to airfares booked from 6 October onwards. The decision follows the significant increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, which have surged in the last three months with consecutive price hikes every month", the airline said. PB Fintech: Japanese tech giant SoftBank is set to divest an additional 2.54% stake in PB Fintech, the parent company of the renowned online insurance platform Policybazaar. This divestment will take place through a block deal, as confirmed by multiple industry insiders familiar with the matter. The offer price range for this transaction falls between Rs 752 and Rs 767 per share, which represents a discount of 0-2%. Valiant Laboratories: Valiant Laboratories is poised to make its stock market debut this Friday. Analysts anticipate the stock's initial listing price to command a premium of approximately 15-18% above the IPO price. This optimistic projection stems from the IPO's healthy subscription rate. As a result, industry experts foresee the stock opening in the range of Rs 161-168, compared to the IPO price of Rs 140. HPCL/IOC: The petroleum ministry has increased the LPG distributors commission to Rs 73.08 per cylinder from Rs 64.84 fixed in May last year. In a letter dated 3 October, sent to the oil marketing companies (OMC), the ministry, however, said that the revision in the distribution commission would not result in a revision in retail LPG prices. It said the government approved the revision of the distributors commission to Rs 73.08 per 14.2 kg cylinder and Rs 36.54 per 5.0 kg cylinder. Godrej Consumers: Godrej Consumer Products Ltd has recorded mid-single-digit volume growth for the July-September quarter in the domestic market despite weak macros and adverse weather conditions. The performance of Park Avenue and KamaSutra brands, which the Godrej Group FMCG arm acquired earlier this year from Raymond Group, has "improved sequentially and are on track to achieve full-year guidance", it added. Manappuram Finance: Asirvad Micro Finance, a subsidiary of listed NBFC Manappuram Finance on Thursday filed preliminary papers with capital market regulator Sebi to garner Rs 1,500 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The maiden public issue is purely a fresh issue of equity shares with no offer-for-sale (OFS) component, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP). Tata Steel: Tata Steel said its subsidiary Tinplate Company of India Limited (TCIL) has received a tax notice, imposing a penalty of about Rs 40 lakhs in connection with a demand order pertaining to the 2016-17 fiscal. "The said demand order is presently pending appeal before the Commissioner of Commercial taxes, Ranchi", Tata Steel said in a regulatory filing. Domestic steel major Tata Steel owns a majority stake in Kolkata-headquartered TCIL, a tinplate producer. Vedanta: In a major relief to Cairn India, a part of Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd, the Securities Appellate Tribunal set aside Sebis May 2021 order that imposed a penalty on the company for allegedly making the misleading announcement of its buyback offer. A bench led by Justice Tarun Agarwala said, The appeal is allowed and the order of the Sebis adjudicating officer is set aside". Thomas Cook India: The rating agency Crisil said it has upgraded Thomas Cook India Limiteds (TCILs) rating to AA-/Stable for the long-term and to CRISIL A1 for the short-term. The upgrade comes on the back of Thomas Cooks sharp revival after the pandemic and a significant increase in revenues across segments as it continues to maintain healthy operating margins benefitting cash generation, Crisil said in a statement. Metro/Relaxo/Bata India: The footwear industry is likely to register a moderate growth of 7-8 percent in the current fiscal against 28 percent in FY23. The industry witnessed a muted revenue growth in the first half of FY24, mainly on account of factors like sluggish volume growth and no significant increase in average selling price, it added. The mass segment faces headwinds, and demand is unlikely to improve significantly in the near term. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In a horrific incident that is every parents worst nightmare, a 13-year-old student was stabbed to death on Hylan Boulevard in Eltingville Friday afternoon, prompting an army of police officers to descend on the area, officials said. The child, a male, was rushed to Staten Island University Hospital in Princes Bay, where he was pronounced dead, multiple law-enforcement sources told the Advance/SILive.com. NBC reported Friday night that the child was a student at I.S. 7. His death was confirmed by police officials at a press briefing held Friday evening at One Police Plaza, Manhattan. According to comments at the briefing, the incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m. after the 13-year-old and a 14-year-old boy got into an altercation on an MTA bus. Police officials said witness accounts indicate that gang signs were displayed, leading police to believe the violence could be gang-related. The 13-year-old was stabbed in the chest, police stated. It was not immediately clear if the stabbing occurred on the bus or off it. The childs motionless body was visible to witnesses laying on the street in front of the bus as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Police said the suspect fled the scene and ran three blocks before witnesses -- a Good Samaritan described as a retired sergeant for the NYPD, an off-duty New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officer, and a third bystander -- stepped in to apprehend him. Three independent people were on-scene helping, said John M. Chell, NYPDs Chief of Patrol. The retired sergeant started to follow the male who did the stabbing. At this time, another witness points him out as the one who just stabbed somebody and the sergeant affects the arrest, Chell said. Again, tragic, tragic homicide. We believe this motive is gang-related. Quick response and great response from our community. A 14-year-old person of interest was taken into custody, he said. Neighbors who live in the area told the Advance/SILive.com that they witnessed the suspect run through the streets before being taken into custody. BUS DRIVER BROKEN UP BY TRAGEDY In addition to Chell and the NYPDs First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, several city, Department of Education and transit officials spoke at the press briefing, which focused on three separate incidents around the city impacting the safety of youth. Demetrius Crichlow, the Senior Vice President of New York City Transit, stated in the press conference he spoke to the bus driver, who was broken up, but maintained his calm and contacted police rapidly. This was a tragic incident...our thoughts and prayers are with the families on both sides. Earlier in the evening, Crichlow was on-scene at the incident of the stabbing, calling it just a tragic, tragic, tragic day. Crichlow described the demise of the 13-year-old boy as a senseless death. The subway boss said that the MTA is supporting the NYPD in their investigation, including with footage from surveillance cameras. We had cameras on the bus so we have a good account of what transpired, he said. He praised the actions of the bus operator who had roughly 20 customers on the bus when tragedy struck. The bus driver was amazing, Crichlow said. He talked to the rest of the customers and calmed them down and contacted the control center immediately. Hes broken up right now from what he experienced. Crichlow spoke of the broader impact that the tragedy will have in New York City. This is going to affect so many people beyond the children who were involved here -- employees, customers, communities as a whole. TRAFFIC RE-ROUTED ON HYLAN After the incident, Hylan was roped off with crime scene tape in the vicinity of Littlefield Avenue and Groton Street, where the stabbing occurred. Traffic on Hylan from Richmond Avenue to Armstrong Avenue was diverted for multiple hours in both directions due to the investigation, prompting gridlock from one end of the Island to the other. At just about 5 p.m., authorities began allowing traffic to pass on Tottenville-bound Hylan. There were several dozen police vehicles at the location and numerous NYPD officers and detectives. 38 1 / 38 NYPD: Student stabbed on Staten Islands Hylan Boulevard Officers from the NYPDs Emergency Service Unit could be seen looking under cars in the area searching for the weapon. They could also be seen banging the sewer grate with a sledgehammer on Hylan, presumably to see if the knife was dropped inside. EVERY PARENTS NIGHTMARE Borough President Vito Fossella headed to the scene after hearing about the horrific attack. Every parents worst nightmare is playing out in real time, Fossella said. At this point pray for the kid, thats the most important thing. This is something that has got to hit everybody in the gut in a real significant way, he said. And there is no room for things like that on Staten Island in my opinion. Residents who lived on Littlefield Avenue were shocked in the aftermath of the attack. Nothing like this ever happens over here, one said. They said detectives were looking at surveillance footage on the block. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD seized a loaded gun and arrested a man from Pennsylvania during a car stop in Port Richmond. Robert Dinkins, 32, of Charles Street in Luzerne, was apprehended on Thursday just after 9 p.m. at the corner of Port Richmond and Post avenues, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Eagle-eyed officers spotted Dinkins allegedly driving a black, 2018 Jeep with a covered license plate and excessively-tinted windows, according to the police spokeswoman. A loaded firearm was recovered and the suspect was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and various motor-vehicle violations, the police spokeswoman said. Officers Dagostino and Carino were credited with taking the suspect into custody in the 121st Precinct, which covers the North and West shores of Staten Island. A photo posted by the 121st Precinct on X, formerly known as Twitter, shows a gun, magazine and bullets. Information about the suspects attorney was not immediately listed in public records. Last night while conducting traffic enforcement, Officers Dagostino and Carino stopped an individual for multiple VTL infractions. The driver had multiple open warrants and possessed this loaded pistol. #onelessgun @NYPDnews @NYPDTransport @NYPDstatenIslnd pic.twitter.com/yJNZxWU0hb NYPD 121st Precinct (@NYPD121Pct) October 6, 2023 __ OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS: >> 2 sought for questioning in connection with wallet theft on S.I.; debit card used at St. George Terminal, NYPD says >> NYPD: Found with 10-inch knife, Staten Island man accused of series of attacks >> NYPD: Pre-dawn raid on Staten Island nets heroin, crack cocaine, oxycodone >> Source: Fireworks sparked Staten Island shooting where man, 41, was injured >> NYPD: Car stop lead to arrests of 2 men in connection with gun seizure on the North Shore of Staten Island >> Staten Island man, 51, arrested in carjacking attempt; victim allegedly punched STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Dozens of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents, including two Staten Islanders, will receive financial assistance in their pursuit of higher education. On Friday, the City University of New York (CUNY) and NYCHA, in partnership with the Public Housing Community Fund, announced the award of 79 scholarships totaling $79,000 through the NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program. Our actions as an administration reflect a deep commitment to the well-being of all our young people and a belief that where you are should not determine who you are and who you could be, said Mayor Eric Adams. Being able to complete your college education involves more than just the ability to attend classes and study, but whether you can even afford to obtain a higher education. In addition to tuition, students have to buy textbooks and other supplies, as well as pay for transportation. The NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program provides college students in NYCHA the support they need to complete their education and get on the path to prosperity and success, he added. The scholarship program, which began in 2005, provides $1,000 per student to eligible public housing residents and Section 8 recipients pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at CUNY schools with 24 or more credits and a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Among the 79 recipients this year are two Staten Island residents, Yesenia Rivera and Ashley Villalva, whose scholarships were funded through Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) office. I am proud to be able to sponsor the NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program in my district, said Hanks. This valuable program provides opportunities for NYCHA students to continue their higher education. Congratulations to the two recipients in my district, Yesenia Rivera and Ashley Villalva, on receiving this years scholarship! I wish you all the best for a bright future! Since 2005, the NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program has awarded $415,000 to hundreds of NYCHA residents. Over the years, the program has added the following five additional categories. The Regina A. Figueroa Memorial Scholarship : Established in 2011 by NYCHA in honor of a former resident, employee, and CUNY student, this scholarship is awarded to NYCHA residents enrolled in a CUNY school and living with a disability. The Levine Family Scholarship : Established in 2016 by Jeffrey Levine, Chairman of Levine Builders, Douglaston Development, and Clinton Management, and former NYCHA resident and City College of New York alum, this scholarship is awarded to NYCHA residents enrolled at the City College of New York. The Kofi Hormeku Scholarship : Established in 2017 by Nehemiah Economic Development, Inc., this scholarship is awarded to residents living in Brownsville, East New York, or Ocean Hill, Brooklyn, who are pursuing their undergraduate degree at a CUNY college. The Kisha Jackson Memorial Scholarship : Established in 2021 in honor of an esteemed NYCHA colleague, this scholarship is awarded to a CUNY student living in a Downtown Brooklyn NYCHA development. The Amazon NYCHA-CUNY Scholarship: Established in 2022 by Amazon, this scholarship expands on the NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program substantially for two years and is awarded to full-time undergraduate students at CUNY colleges. Pursuing higher education is an amazing achievement, but one that can be daunting financially, said NYCHA chief executive officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. It is our pleasure and privilege to work alongside CUNY and the Public Housing Community Fund to put this generous funding to good work, helping NYCHA residents attain college educations. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is investigating a possible burglary on Thursday at a well-known restaurant in Dongan Hills. According to an NYPD spokesman, police responded to a phone call around 10:45 a.m. reporting an overnight burglary at Campania Coal Fired Pizza at 1801 Hylan Blvd. An undisclosed amount of money was taken from the register, the spokesman stated. Police are still investigating how someone got into the restaurant. The spokesman also told the Advance/SILive.com that an alarm went off at a neighboring business, located at 1807 Hylan Blvd., which is Tastebuds Natural Foods. An employee of Tastebuds told the Advance/SILive.com that someone tried to get through the back door, but because its steel, no one got in. The employee stated the incident occurred around 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., when the alarm went off and notified the owners. An NYPD car could be seen sitting outside of Campania earlier in the day. Police stated there are no arrests or suspect descriptions at this time and an investigation is still underway. 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! While working from the pub is typically on offer only to location-independent freelancers, its a flexibility that will be enjoyed by thousands more workers this month. During National Work from Hospo Week (October 16-20), employees are being encouraged to pull out their laptops in pubs or cafes across the country during working hours. Its all about improving the mental health, wellbeing and productivity of the workforce and kickstarting a busy period for our much-loved Aussie hospo industry, says co-founder of Third Place, Paul Veltman. Third Place co-founders Paul Veltman and Dean Katz want workers to spend more time in their local hospitality venue this month. The Third Place platform, which bills itself as co-working meets hospitality, offers organisations access to more than 1500 hotels, cafes and pubs vetted as suitable for remote work. A partnership with a tap-and-order platform me&u takes this offer further, helping employers load up credit for food and drink as part of their remote workers package. This month, both organisations are encouraging Australian companies to commit to a change of scenery for their workers, away from the isolation of working from home and into hospitality-inspired workspaces. 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 When Michael Dagostino told his Italian-born mother he wanted to go to art school, she cried. She was like how are you going to support your family? How are you going to live? How are you going to eat? Literally, she just broke down. Turns out her eldest son was not cut out for an artists life: I was terrible. I tried it for five years. Shows were dwindling. No one was interested. Its about bringing the walls down, says Michael Dagostino of his new role at the University of Sydney. Credit: Janie Barrett Thats where it kind of started, this career as an arts administrator, realising that, okay, Im probably not going to be an artist but I can find the gallery, write the proposal, run the media, and put on a good show. In March, Dagostino took over from David Ellis, the retiring director of Museums and Cultural Engagement, at the University of Sydney, a role in which he cares for the universitys Chau Chak Wing Museum and Seymour Centre. He brings to the university campus 25 years of experience creating and curating exhibitions and programs at cultural venues in western Sydney, packing as much creative punch as possible on the smallest of budgets. Advertisement The last eleven of these Dagostino spent at the Campbelltown Arts Centre, alma mater, too, of the Powerhouses CEO, Lisa Havilah. Dagostino has had a finger in many pies besides: he sits on the board of the Sydney Writers Festival and Regional and Public Galleries of NSW and was recently appointed to the ministerial steering committee seeking public comment on a new arts and creative industries strategy for the state. Its usual for arts administrators to hold a university degree, maybe even a second. Michael Dagostino is the new Director of Museums and Cultural Engagement in charge of Chau Chak Wing Museum. Credit: Janie Barratt Dagostino completed his third year at the National Art School and received a Diploma of Fine Art but had dropped out of the undergraduate degree and then from a postgraduate arts administration course at the University of NSW. Probably eight years ago I got to the point where I felt I needed to get a masters, PhD, or at least one degree and I spoke to Liz Ann Macgregor [then director of the Museum of Contemporary Art] and she said, no one will care as it is about the work you are doing now. The critical bit is on-the-job training, and Ive had a long apprenticeship. If you dont have that as a foundation, then its very difficult to be working with an institution. Advertisement We are sitting on the terrace of Sounds Sydney, the cafe of the Chau Chak Museum, from which the geography of Dagostinos new role can be mapped. Xeni Kusumitras portrait of Dagostino, a finalist in the 2021 Archibald Prize, captured a true likeness of the arts administrator dressed in his usual black T-shirt and jeans. Xeni Kusumitras Archibald Prize finalist portrait of Dagostino. Credit: Art Gallery of NSW This late Thursday morning, Dagostino is sporting a suit, also black, his long hair falling over his shoulders. From a classic cafe menu, we order a wagyu cheese burger, dressed in red cheddar, lettuce, tomato and beetroot, and horseradish relish. Its a moreish multiple-napkin mop-up job on a cool autumn day. The building is getting a bit tired so we would love to bring it back into the future while celebrating its history. Michael Dagostino on his plans to revitalise the Seymour Centre in Sydney I see part of my job is making the museum outward-focused with audiences and connecting the Seymour back to the university, he says. Its about bringing the walls down. Advertisement To our back is the museum, the pride of the university, which opened in 2020 at a cost of $68 million. It brings together some of the universitys rarest objects including the oldest natural history collection in Australia and the largest and most important public collection of antiquities in the Southern Hemisphere. To the right is the sandstone quadrangle of the university, representing the beating heart of academia and the rich specialist knowledge that underpins the museums practices. To the left is busy Parramatta Rd, forming a moat to those local neighbourhoods Dagostino is keen to reach and make sure they understand the museum is for them. Nicole Kidman performed in Steel Magnolias at the Seymour Centre. Credit: University of Sydney archives The Australian Museum and the Powerhouse Museum to which the university shares common goals and wants to establish deeper partnerships sit beyond the horizon but centre of mind. On the edge of Victoria Park, is the Seymour Centre, where Dagostino is plotting the physical transformation of its three main theatres for its 50th birthday celebrations in 2025. Advertisement The Seymour Centre was founded in 1975 and occupies an important place in Sydney theatre history. Its where the likes of Jacki Weaver, Judy Davis, Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, and Mel Gibson performed their earliest roles. Its time for renewal. The building is getting a bit tired so we would love to bring it back into the future while celebrating its history, he says. Our major focus over the next two years will be figuring out how we can do that. With Arts Minister John Graham announcing a major push for theatres, wed love to be part of that conversation. At Sounds Sydney, the cafe of the Chau Chak Wing Museum. Credit: Janie Barrett The economics say we should be looking at existing theatres and renewing them first before we start building new theatres, and this includes theatres in western Sydney as well including the Joan at Penrith and the Roxy at Parramatta. Dagostino has long been a passionate advocate for western Sydney. He grew up in Camden and Campbelltown, lives in Granville with his wife and three sons, and has long argued for a better funding deal for artists and cultural organisations in Western Sydney. Two weeks before leaving Campbelltown, the gallery secured almost $80 million in government funding for a new 350-seat theatre, artist residency studios, collection storage, and double exhibition space, after several years of campaigning and disheartening knockbacks. Advertisement 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 is part of the Good Weekend October 7 edition. See all 15 stories . Melissa Lucashenko, the only person ever to have won both the Miles Franklin Literary Award and TVs Millionaire Hot Seat, is struggling to concentrate. Were sitting on the back terrace of the Avid Reader bookstore in Brisbanes West End, drinking coffee in the late-winter warmth, which even in August is hinting at humidity. Were shaded by a fig tree, which bursts with bird life. To me, it feels lush and subtropical. Peaceful even. But Lucashenko is distracted by a particular bird thats dropping fig rubble all over us. Sorry, that bloody bird is really annoying me, thats a pest bird, she says, breaking off our conversation. Indian mynas, I hate em. That the Indian myna is an import introduced to Australia in the 1860s seems apt. Wed been deep in discussion about colonial Brisbane, the hanging of the Aboriginal resistance fighter Dundalli, and the gestation of Lucashenkos new novel, Edenglassie, published last week by University of Queensland Press. Its a historical epic which depicts the fascinating period in Brisbanes history when the former penal colony was morphing into a settler town, and Aboriginal people still outnumbered white colonists. In the book (named after Brisbanes early moniker), the two groups coexist uneasily at the Queensland frontier, their interactions defined by mutual curiosity and suspicion, economic co-dependence and outbreaks of violence. Id wanted to write a novel of colonial Brisbane for a very long time, since I read Tom Petries Reminiscences of Early Queensland, Lucashenko says, having refocused after the myna interruption. It is so full of stories and insights into the colonial era that as a novelist I just went, Wow. This is begging to be fictionalised. Edenglassie had a long gestation. It was back in the 1990s that Lucashenko devoured Reminiscences, a 1904 classic that records the memories of the great Queensland pioneer Petrie, a Scottish-born explorer, gold prospector, logger and grazier who lived in the Moreton Bay penal colony, subsequently Brisbane, from 1831 to 1910. The book embedded itself in her consciousness and stayed there for the ensuing decades, as she moved to different homes over the east coast and overseas, as she wove through marriage and divorce, and navigated the challenges of having young children, and the challenges of having grown children, and the torture and exhilaration of writing through it all. Loading I just had this vague awareness that I should be living in Brisbane to write this book, she says now, firmly in Brisbane, which is verdant and infested with aforementioned noisy wildlife. Because its very different to write a book when youre walking the streets every day and looking at the river every week, than trying to do it at a distance. Shes dressed casually in a T-shirt and trousers, finished off with borrowed thongs (her shoes were stolen from her house this morning). Her eyes are brown, expressive and kind, but shes wary of too many personal questions. Advertisement Later, I look up Reminiscences, which Ive never read. It was written by Thomas daughter Constance Petrie, who states of her father that no one now living knows more from personal experience of the ways and habits of the Queensland aborigines. [His] experiences amongst these fast-dying-out people are unique, and the reminiscences of his early life in this colony should be recorded. These fast-dying-out people: Lucashenko is one of them. The writing of Edenglassie might have been inspired by this fascinating historical text but its existence also represents a giant f--- you to it. When Melissa Lucashenko was awarded the Miles Franklin in 2019 for her novel Too Much Lip, the judges called it a novel of celebratory defiance. The novelists first reaction to news of her win was Bugger me dead!, which neatly sums her up as a writer: unpretentious, frank and on easy terms with vernacular. The 56-year-old is a thoroughly contemporary novelist who uses Aboriginal language liberally in her work, and who depicts modern Aboriginal life with urgency and humour. That was really the impetus for this book, to say, This is what was, and weve survived it, she tells me. Lucashenko receiving the Miles Franklin award in 2019. Credit: AAP In the historical part of the novel, set in the 1850s, Lucashenko tells the story of Mulanyin, a heroic young fisherman from saltwater country in the south, who works with Thomas Petrie as a young man. Mulanyin falls in love with Nita, who has lived with the Petries as a servant girl-cum-ward since she was a small girl. He dreams of buying a boat and taking his beloved home to Yugambeh country, but evading the colonial system to live a traditional life is becoming harder and more dangerous. The book uses the impending calamity of colonialism to tragic effect. The reader knows whats going to happen but the characters dont some of them think the British might still go back home. In the other narrative thread, Lucashenko tells a story set in Brisbane in 2024, in which the centenarian grandmother Eddie trips on a tree root and goes to hospital. This event brings together her feisty granddaughter, Winona, and young doctor Johnny, who has just discovered his Aboriginal ancestry and is playing at being a blackfella, much to Winonas contempt. Advertisement Lucashenko says theres a whole demographic of people who have an Aboriginal ancestor, who sometimes think theyre Aboriginal, but actually, regardless of skin colour, theyre white people and they have to go on a very long and different journey if theyre going to become Aboriginal. Skin colour, she says, is not irrelevant but its almost irrelevant. Lucashenkos grandmother, Eleanor. Credit: Courtesy of Melissa Lucashenko Its the lens you see the world through I see a myna bird there, and to me thats emblematic of a whole lot of things. Its sitting in a native fig tree, you know, it should be full of fig birds. It should be full of magpies and butcher birds. It should, actually, be full of cat birds and bloody parrots but we are in the middle of West End, and there hasnt been cat birds and parrots here for a hundred years so its that kind of understanding. Also, she adds: F---ing up the simple binaries of black and white is a lot of what Im about. The books dual time-stamp structure is an attempt to render in words what Lucashenko has called the double-vision of Aboriginal people: the layering of the structures of modernity on the ancient landscape of their ancestors. Theres a very strong economic and social and psychological drive in non-Aboriginal people to see us as, if not dead, then very diminished, she says. Until probably 10 years ago, I would have said the trope of the dying race was, ironically, immortal. But now theres so much about us in the media all the time, and in the education system to an extent, most Australians have to recognise that Aboriginal people havent died out. Loading (Census data shows the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has in fact risen from 548,368 in 2011, to 649,171 in 2016, then up 25 per cent to 812,728 in 2021. This increase is attributed in large part to people feeling more comfortable identifying as Indigenous, and also to the growing popularity of genealogical research.) That Aboriginal people were not all killed off in the early days of settlement was despite the best efforts of some colonists; one of the historical events that inspired the book was the public hanging of the Indigenous warrior Dundalli, the last person publicly executed in Queensland. Labelled on his death one of the most guiltiest and most incorrigible of the aboriginal natives of this quarter by The Brisbane Courier, Dundalli evaded capture for 14 years before being convicted in 1854 of two murders (the charges may have been trumped up). In 1855 he was hanged on gallows erected on Queen Street, but the execution was horribly botched. The executioner misjudged the length of the rope and had to swing on the hanged mans body to finish off the killing. Advertisement Aboriginal resistance leader Dundalli, in a sketch made before his horribly botched public hanging in Brisbane, 1855. Credit: State Library of Queensland Its really a historical fulcrum, the grotesque hanging of Dundalli in the middle of town in front of everyone: black, white, soldier, civilian, everyone, Lucashenko says. The way it was done, with the hangman having to use his own body weight to kill this resistance leader, to me that was a microcosm of the brutality and the spectacle of colonisation, and that was one thing that I really wanted better known. Just the inherent drama of it, as well as the historical importance. As a novelist, Melissa Lucashenko is preoccupied with survival, and as a person, she knows a lot about it. Born to an Aboriginal mother, Cecile, and a Russian-speaking Ukrainian father Vladimir Lucashenko, known as Wally Lucas, whose family fled the Russian Revolution via China she and her six older brothers grew up on the outskirts of Logan, south of Brisbane, in circumstances where the chances of becoming an author, let alone a celebrated one, were remote. My father was a meatworker and a cane cutter Mum worked at a fish and chip shop and sold plants at the local markets, Lucashenko says of her family background. Mum left school in about grade three or four. She was a domestic from a very young age, as her mother and grandmother were. At one point as a young mother she was working three jobs. Dad went to high school but Im not sure how far he got. As a child, he was in an orphanage in Brisbane at one point with his brothers, after his father was violent, and his mother needed to escape. Lucashenko did not know she was of Aboriginal descent until she was 15 years old, when someone she knew picked it and said to her, Youre Aboriginal go home and ask your parents. About that time, a photo appeared on her mothers dresser of this very black woman, Lucashenko says. I said, Who is that photo of that Aboriginal woman? she recounts. My mother said, Oh, thats my grandmother. Thats why weve all got olive skin and dark hair. Lucashenko was shocked at the revelation, and felt momentary disquiet (something she attributes to internalised racism) but says it instantly made sense. Advertisement Lucashenkos mother, Cecile. When Melissa was 15, someone told her she was Aboriginal and to ask your parents. Credit: Courtesy of Melissa Lucashenko For the 40 years since then, Ive been learning the culture and Ive had different teachers from different mobs and Ive taught other people what I know. She later learnt that her grandmother Eleanor had defeated an attempt by authorities to remove her as a child in about 1907 or 1908, in Wolvi in Queenslands Gympie region, and that her great-grandmother Christina Copson had worked as a domestic servant from the age of eight: She was a slave, she had no rights. The family came under the extra scrutiny of authorities after Copson shot and injured a man who tried to rape her. She was arrested and jailed for a week. In court, she told the judge shed acted in self-defence, and he found her not guilty. Her perpetrator was jailed for six months instead. The would-be rapist was an Aboriginal man. No way she would have gotten away with shooting a white assailant, Lucashenko says. My mother was determined that her daughter would have the chances she didnt. On leaving school in 1983 at the end of year 12, Lucashenko worked as a barmaid, a delivery truck driver and a support worker for women out of prison. She used to be obsessed with karate and has a black belt in it. In 1990, she graduated from Griffith University with an honours degree in public policy, having been the first in her immediate family to go to university. My mother had no education and was determined that her daughter would have the chances she didnt, Lucashenko says. There was no skipping school in my household. I was always in the library if I wasnt on the back of a horse ... I was taken up to the headmasters office in grade one and made to read aloud and they all oohed and ahhed. She published her first book, Steam Pigs, in 1997. It won the Dobbie Literary Award for womens fiction and she was away, publishing three more books over the next 15 or so years. [In 2018 she told The Sydney Morning Herald that Australia is a profoundly racist country and that is why I write more than anything else]. She married her husband Bill worked as a foreign aid specialist for AusAID and had a son and a daughter. They moved around for her husbands job, living in Canberra and on overseas postings, including in Tonga. Eventually the family settled on Lucashenkos ancestral land, Bundjalung, in the northern coastal area of NSW, buying a property and raising horses. But that idyll ended in 2007, when Lucashenko and her husband divorced. She couldnt afford to stay on the land and worried about becoming a bag lady. Around that time, her 16-year-old daughter was hospitalised with mental health difficulties and the two of them moved back to Logan City, poor again. As she said in an address at the 2013 Melbourne Writers Festival: I knew what life was like in a suburb where the majority of people were ordinary, decent Australians, but a significant minority were prepared to sell their childrens Ritalin in order to fund a heroin habit. Like some kind of weirdly reverse Charles Ryder coming upon Brideshead, Id been there before. I knew all about it. Advertisement Throughout the hour there are jarring sidesteps into much darker territory: including stories of his family members escaping Nazis, the 1994 police raid of Melbournes Tasty nightclub, and the horrifically high suicide rates of youths in the LGBTIQA+ community. Balloch has both a brilliant queer comedic mind and provides a welcome megaphone to voice the afflictions of the oppressed it all just comes a bit muddled when the two streams of consciousness collide. Reviewed by Tyson Wray COMEDY Hacked | Adam McKenzie Trades Hall, until October 22 Adam McKenzies been hacked. Hes not alone. Millions of us have our personal data stolen and many of us dont even realise. Hacked is his comedic exploration of this, currently in development at Melbourne Fringe. Adam McKenzie in Hacked. Credit: Melbourne Fringe After McKenzie found his personal details had been released, he became aware of how much information there is out there about him, and by extension all of us. The answer was unsettling. Even more unsettling is the fact that really, there isnt much we can do about it. Somehow McKenzie takes this bad news and finds a (sometimes darkly) funny side. Computers and their algorithms are ubiquitous in our lives and with a disarmingly warm delivery McKenzie mines this successfully to connect with his audience. Slick digital elements assist in bringing his points home and this, paired with his notable comic timing, makes for a strong structure. Im not keen on being hacked, but Im keen on seeing this show as it develops. Reviewed by Lefa Singleton Norton COMEDY Japanese Worry | Takashi Wakasugi Trades Hall, until October 22 Takashi Wakasugi took home the Directors Choice award at this years Melbourne International Comedy Festival for this show. Unless hes completely flipped the script since then, its a perplexing decision. Takashi Wakasugi in Japanese Worry: acclimatising to Australian culture. Credit: Melbourne Fringe Japanese Worry is an hour of material so middle of the road that you can see the painted white lines pacing in your mind as he delivers the most glaringly obvious punchlines. Wakasugi begins with a promising premise being a foreigner, acclimatising to Australian culture and the trepidation and anxiety that brings. However, he soon descends on the most white bread of topics. He questions the audience on their methods of reheating leftover pizza, the guilt that comes with buying non-free range eggs, and the semantics of the etymology of a toothbrush. His juxtaposition of AFL fandom and religious cults is endearing, though not original. As is his implementation of haikus, although I dont believe a single one followed the traditional 17 syllable format. Wakasugi is an affable performer but this is an easily forgettable hour. Reviewed by Tyson Wray THEATRE Breaking | Counterpilot Digital Fringe, Until October 22 Newsreaders get trapped in a bad news cycle at this free digital event. Three unrehearsed performers report in real time on an unrelenting cascade of crises some analogues of reality (an out-of-control fire in Tasmania as a symbol of climate catastrophe), others pure wish fulfilment (the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse descend with an undead army on Canberra). Breaking: a litany of disasters unfolded. Credit: Sean Dowling. Set up as a parody of a 24/7 rolling coverage complete with live crosses and a chyron scrolling breaking stories across the screen the scripted improv constructs an absurd burlesque on contemporary media. In the session I viewed, Emily Burton, Riley Nottingham, and Jon Haynes amiably undermined the poker-faced gravitas expected of news anchors as a litany of disasters unfolded. Counterpilots Breaking focuses on the fear, powerlessness and apathy an all-consuming news vortex can generate in its audience. A whimsical side-step is tentatively offered, though the latest news from the Middle East puts that in a brutal context the creators could not perhaps have foreseen. Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead COMEDY ROFL | The Listies Festival Park, until October 29 Rarely does bedtime for two-to-12-year-olds involve chaos, cows and peals of laughter. That is, unless youre at The Listies show ROFL, where Rich and Matt are tackling bedtime with the verve of over-sugared toddlers. The Listies in ROFL: Bedtime stories go awry. Credit: Andrew Wuttke In classic odd-couple comedy dynamic, straight-man Rich attempts to get wise-guy Matt to bed. Matt, proxy for every kid on earth, does his best to keep the party going. Bedtime stories go awry and lullabies of doom are performed. The absurdity of seeing an adult man successfully pull off these madcap antics has kids, well, ROFL. Theres pantomime call and response, audience interaction and genuine awe from some junior audience members who cant quite believe what this pair of naughty adults get up to. They describe themselves as kidult entertainment and yep, its exactly as advertised. Shenanigans and fart jokes for the kids, quick quips and asides perfectly pitched to Gen X and Millennial adults. Ideal for a first family trip to the theatre. Reviewed by Lefa Singleton Norton COMEDY 300 Paintings | Sam Kissajukian Trades Hall, until October 22 Sam Kissajukian: 300 Paintings. Credit: Tony Palliser What does a comic do when they quit comedy? In the case of Sam Kissajukian: take up painting. This is not a Hannah Gadsby-esque critique of art history, but the show has a truth and depth fans of that famous stand-up will find both familiar and satisfying. 300 Paintings is fundamentally about Kissajukians bipolar disorder. If that sounds harrowing or depressing, its not. For starters, the show is mostly the highs. And he deftly holds our hand the whole way through as we ride the mania train together. Its an exhilarating, wild, funny, jaw-dropping and eye-opening ride. There is messaging about mens mental health, woven integrally into the whole and not didactic at all. Kissajukian turns out to be quite a good painter. Also quite a good entrepreneur, grant writer, shit-stirrer, storyteller and ambivalent comic. I became heavily invested in his world-creation and a tad disappointed when his galaxy-sized art prank didnt eventuate. Fortunately, the paintings are real and you can ponder some at length after the show. Reviewed by Hannah Francis COMEDY Mafia The Game: The Show | Ashley Apap & Nick Robertson Trades Hall, until October 20 Welcome to Trades Hall where a town meeting has been called to unmask the Mafia hitmen among us. Were here to witness a game of strategy, accusations, and outright lies (dont worry, no audience participation required). In this live whodunnit, a rotating motley crew of Fringe performers are players who must ferret out the murderer or run the risk of being murdered themselves. On opening night some of the most entertaining elements are already in place performers willing to ham it up, ready with quick quips and eager to jaccuse to entertain the audience. In the rush to set the scene, some explanations went astray, and for those not familiar with the game it may have been a challenge to keep up. Theres room to polish the format but its already an ideal place to get a taste of performers letting loose surely one of the most enjoyable things about Fringe. Reviewed by Lefa Singleton Norton COMEDY Brown on the Outside, White on the Inside | The Coconuts Trades Hall Music Room, until October 15 Coconut: a colloquial term coined by the South Asian diaspora that defines your adoption of Western culture. The Coconuts TV presenter Leela Varghese and actor Shabana Azeez explore this and more in their musical comedy Brown on the Outside, White on the Inside. The Coconuts, Leela Varghese and Shabana Azeez, deliver deadpan snark and sarcastic lyrics. The pair have complementary creative styles underpinned by genuine friendship. Varghese brings the musicality, playing an acoustic, electric and 80s synth guitar. Azeez delivers deadpan snark accompanied by a soft toy guitar. Theres expected content with surprising results, including classifying Trump as true brown due to his reluctance to pay taxes, like an ethnic dad. There are also broadly appealing songs about slow walkers and nice guys, and personal retellings of Azeezs clicking jaw, active at the girth of her boyfriends penis. An impression of Julia Stones vocal tone steals the show. A sweet-sounding, indie soundtrack juxtaposed with sarcastic, critical lyrics: The Coconuts have delivered an impressive Melbourne Fringe debut. Reviewed by Vyshnavee Wijekumar COMEDY Karen From Finance is Doing Time | Karen From Finance The Ukiyo, October 12 By the time Karen From Finance rips off her third pair of cupcake-clad underwear for the police, it becomes clear this isnt your average Law & Order episode. Moments of reflection and elation: Karen from Finance is Doing Time. Credit: Joel Devereux After being falsely accused of cooking the books, Karen must find a way to exonerate herself and walk free from prison. But instead of law and justice, the former RuPauls Drag Race contender turns to camp and innuendo to throw off the shackles. A strip search becomes a randy striptease, a prison sentence becomes a boozy drag brunch and a lesson in Microsoft becomes a tutorial for being Maxihard. From her first word to her last, Karen ensures the energy remains high, if not verging on frenetic. However, it feels far from one-note thanks to a surprise appearance from Tina Del Twist Australias merlot-swilling, velvet-clad nightingale whose voice is as smooth as butter and wit as sharp as a knife. Though its comment on the nations disproportionate incarceration rate falls rather flat among the Legally Blonde references and merkins, it at least catches the audience off-guard, allowing a moment of reflection amid many moments of elation. Reviewed by Nell Geraets COMEDY The Ocean After All | Wil Greenway Trades Hall, until October 15 Somewhere underneath the levels of multi-layered convolution theres a beguiling tale to be told here but Wil Greenway is yet to properly unearth it. Staging his first show in his hometown in four years, Greenway no doubt takes inspiration from the most gifted comic storytellers think Daniel Kitson, Cassie Workman or Mike Birbiglia. The Ocean After All. Wil Greenway. Credit: Cam Campbell Greenway uses strikingly poetic language to create visual and sonic imagery that captures the senses be it sand beneath your toes, the ocean sweeping you away or the inability to properly profess love. But his tangential nature and penchant for fumbling is the undoing of this tale of a castaway marooned on a desert island. It also wouldnt be a late-night Fringe show at Trades without the blasts of a police siren echoing from outside the building but to his credit, Greenway handles it deftly. The Ocean After All falls somewhere in a Venn diagram overlap of comedy and theatre it would benefit greatly by choosing one or the other. In my opinion, the latter. Reviewed by Tyson Wray COMEDY Pork Chop | Scout Boxall Trades Hall, until October 22 Midway through Scout Boxalls latest show an audience member vomits. Apologising, they exclaim: This has nothing to do with the quality of your show! It scores the biggest laugh of the evening. Obviously, this is a far cry from the heights of Boxalls previous hours. Scout Boxall. Credit: Emma Holland Over the past few years theyve stamped themselves as a burgeoning star with piercing takes on gender, sexuality and mental health. Unfortunately, Pork Chop is a slap-dash work-in-progress that has been haphazardly thrown together. Beginning with a solipsistic song about yearning for perfection on a Korg Boxall is yet to master, the show features embryonic sketches and a multitude of technical errors. Punchlines on subjects already well-mastered are tripped over (takedowns of heterosexuals or Philippe Gaulier seem to pop up in every second Fringe show nowadays). Theres also the unfortunate reappropriation of a song about Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen taken from their previous show Buck Wild. Sometimes, its not cool to recycle. There are fleeting glimpses of magic, including excellent audience participation that leads to a member sharing a nude from their phone with them on stage and a brilliant impromptu recreation of said nude from Boxall in a final sketch. Pork Chop needs a fierce gutting and studious rewrite before its staged at festivals next year. However, having witnessed the levels of comedic prowess Boxall can reach, Ill be giving it a second chance. Reviewed by Tyson Wray COMEDY Con vs Con vs Con | Con Coutis The Motley Bauhaus, until October 15 Having scored a Golden Gibbo nomination (awarded to an independent performer who seeks artistic exploration over financial gain) at this years Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Con Coutis has no doubt piqued the interest of the industry cognoscenti with this meta-lasagne of a show. Con Coutis in Con vs Con vs Con: a meta-lasagne of a show. Credit: Nick Robertson Throughout his latest hour he delves into the conflict of his own mind, and the physical and mental battles that 1000-plus other hyperverse Cons are plaguing him with. His commitment to the gags about his own psyche are relentless. As are his well-refined bouts of audience participation, mime and immaculate audio cues (a hat-tip must go to his overworked tech). Almost moronically, it all crescendos with a dust-up reminiscent of The Matrix, Being John Malkovich and WWE thrown into a ring together. Somehow, it works with each overzealous punch-on reciprocated with feverish audience laughter. Its thoroughly silly and enjoyable sketch. Compared with the work of his peers it may undershoot the emotional undertones of Steen Raskopoulos or the batshit inventiveness of Tom Walker but it still holds the punch to land a visceral knock-out blow. Reviewed by Tyson Wray COMEDY Stickybeak Festival Hub, Trades Hall, Quilt room, until October 15 Sometimes all a show needs is minimal props (three tiny fences made of rusty corrugated iron, white picket timber and broken fake bricks and milk crates) plus a whole lot of talent. Stickybeak runs until October 15. Credit: NickMickPics Kimberley Twiner, Jessie Ngaio, Laura Trenerry and Patrick Dwyer are a bunch of clowns. Their physical comedy, at times, literally moves at snails pace. It invites us to take a stickybeak at an assortment of characters human and animal that live beyond those fences. Delightful buffoonery ensues as a delectable, steady stream of zany yet relatable skits and interactions unravel. The over-arching thread allows us to eavesdrop on a neighbourhood. You could find yourself doubled-over with laughter as dogs bounce about doing their business, cats beg and purr for attention, teens flirt and adults peep into each others lives. Stand-out scenes include a spine-chilling toddler tantrum and a perfectly annoying fly. Stickybeak is brilliantly paced and its a rollicking, silly, well-played, joyous ride. Reviewed by Donna Demaio COMEDY The 50 Year Show | Sammy J Melbourne Town Hall, October 6 Did you miss the most-anticipated show of this years Fringe? Dont worry. Its set to return albeit in 2028. For the uninitiated, Sammy Js The 50 Year Show was conceived when he was, in his own words, a nobody in 2008. Every five years at the Melbourne Fringe he recreates the performance as a time capsule of the years that have fallen into the ephemeral ether of the past; with high-profile drop-ins, an avalanche of in-jokes and quinquennial segments both celebrating and commiserating the epoch. Sammy Js quinquennial 50 Year Show isnt exactly fringe any more. Credit: Duncan Jacob The now award-winning comedian and ABC personality plans to stage the show until 2058, when he will be 75-years-old. A cavalcade of special guests return (both in-person and via video) to discuss the past, present and future including Celia Pacquola, Charlie Pickering, Damian Callinan, Ali McGregor and Sammys felt-faced partner-in-crime, Randy. A choir in the balcony serenades the audience, while Lord Mayor Sally Capp releases the shackles of political handcuffs to celebrate the joyous nature of the event. The 50 Year Dancers (or those who remain/commit to returning), the 50 Year Baby (who was in gestation at the first performance) and the 50 Year Crossword all make a return, as does the 50 Year Joke which sees a punchline, not to be delivered for another 35 years, slowly prepared line by line in each show. A takedown of cryptocurrency is sublime, suitably accompanied by all attendees receiving an NFT on exit (read: a pinned button). While the room bursts with unbridled ebullience, theres a tinge of melancholic whiplash in the air as the headlines of yesteryear are recited. What once enveloped society now feels inconsequential a triggering reminder that the tribulations that transpire in daily life will one day be nothing more than something that happened a long, long time ago. With numerous accolades and commercial success, Sammy J isnt exactly Fringe any more a fact highlighted by the venue hes performing in, which is well over quadruple the size of the first, second and third iterations of the show. But this audacious idea and his commitment to its execution lies at the heart of the artistic spirit that the festival seeks to inspire. Reviewed by Tyson Wray COMEDY Insomniac Mixtape | Telia Nevile Trades Hall and Digital On Demand, until October 22 We recommend you enjoy this show with headphones and jammies is advice I like to hear at the opening of any performance. All the better coming from the soothing voice of Telia Nevile, poet laureate and fellow sleep-seeker. Telia Nevile in Insomniac Mixtape: delivery is perfect. Credit: Roc+ Insomniac Mixtape is both a live show (on at Trades Hall until October 15) and an audio digital on-demand offering that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own bed. No better place for Neviles meditations on the life of an insomniac. Heres a restless soul that can serenade you in new wave pop-style with dare me to smother you on the frustrations of lying awake next to a snoring companion, or rock a Ramones-style driving beat with late night lamentations on ageing. The delivery is perfect, the songs are catchy and the material is all too familiar to the sleepless. This wont send you to sleep, but it will keep you entertained in those long restless hours. Lefa Singleton Norton COMEDY Yes/No: A Comedy Lecture | Tom Ballard Trades Hall - Solidarity Hall, until October 8 Tom Ballards self-deprecating comedic prowess is on show in Yes/ No: A Comedy Lecture. The seasoned performers performance lecture experiments with traditional stand-up modes to unpack the upcoming vote for an Indigenous Voice. Yes/No: A Comedy Lecture runs until October 8. Using statistically compelling data and historical facts, Ballard argues the importance of the referendum in progressing political representation. Equipped with a PowerPoint interspersed with pop culture references, images of local fauna genitalia and childhood photos, he does well to inject comedy into dry content. Dense sections felt like information overload particularly with Ballards fast-paced momentum. It does reduce the clarity of his arguments, leaving insufficient time to fully unpack the nuances of the progressive no vote. Though the ending is delivered quickly, and not punchy enough to drive his point home, Ballard should be commended for trying something new and recovering well when he falters. Reviewed by Vyshnavee Wijekumar CABARET Werkin 5 to 9 | HollyPop & Brenda Bressed The MC Showroom, until October 8 What do you get when a drag queen is audited by the Australian Taxation Office? A medley of show tunes, apparently. HollyPop & Brenda Bressed lift the drag club curtain in Werkin 5 to 9. Credit: Francis Cao Werkin 5 to 9 lifts the drag club curtain, offering the audience a glimpse into what it means to be an artist working amid a cost-of-living crisis. Sitting backstage after their Saturday night gig, the Kath & Kim of drag HollyPop and Brenda Bressed reminisce on their journey to full-time performing, a journey littered with part-time jobs, eviction notices and, inexplicably, a police brawl with a fairy. Punctuated by familiar songs from Grease, Sweeney Todd and Priscilla, its like the campiest jukebox imaginable made even more captivating by the Broadway-worthy vocal range of Brenda Bressed, a former competitor on The Voice. Though its costume changes are minimal (arguably a faux pas for cabaret) and its initial pacing rather shaky, the duo eventually warms up, giving a figurative middle finger to anyone who asks but what do you do for your day job? Reviewed by Nell Geraets COMEDY A Day in the Life | Stuart Daulman Trades Hall, until October 8 We all want to feel like weve seen something unmissable, never to be repeated. Stuart Daulman delivers just this in each night of A Day in the Life, a show he writes daily based on what happened to him since he woke up the very same morning. Stuart Daulmans A Day in the Life appeals to our FOMO. In an era when so much is available on demand, a show that appeals to our FOMO is set for success. By nature the material is somewhat fragmented and delivered in shorter bursts, but fast laughs and frequent punchlines keep the show pacy. Daulman opens with an extended recap of previous days using safer material to warm the crowd. Its effective, but were in the audience because we want in on the experiment. It may be riskier to spend more time on the untested, but this is where the potential for magic happens. Its in the unexpected that the highlights of this show are found. Reviewed by Lefa Singleton Norton COMEDY STUD | Aiden Willcox Trades Hall, until October 8 If youve ever wondered what its like to date an AFL player from the 90s, STUD plays the part of a stage simulation run amok. Winner of Best Comedy at Melbourne Fringe in 2022, and taking out the gong for Best Newcomer at this years Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Aiden Willcox crafts a psyche that is repugnantly boorish honing in on a myriad of alpha-male, hyper-masculine stereotypes. STUD runs until October 8. Credit: Belinda Anderson-Hunt Pacing the stage with a Johnny Bravo bravado, Willcox attempts to serenade and seduce the crowd through song and sketch. Its enjoyable character comedy but nothing that hasnt been mastered before (think Zoe Coombs Marrs all-conquering Dave). The toilet humour, as well, overstays its welcome and becomes wince-inducing. STUD is akin to a one-night stand in your 20s with the titular character: fine enough, but nothing youd tell your mother about. Reviewed by Tyson Wray COMEDY Leave to Enter | Nick Robertson Festival Hub, Trades Hall, Evatt Room, until October 8 Nick Robertson wants to get something off his chest so hes written his first show. After charmingly professing that theres a magic in storytelling, he relays a 45-minute tale of adventure and mishap. Robertson mainly mines a singular experience being deported from Scotland to find the funny. As the story unfolds, the laughs come with repeated mentions of the best film of all time, his mother and his favourite free-to-play tile-matching online video game. Leave to Enter runs until October 8. Robertsons likeable demeanour adds a little shine to the story. He quickly recovers each time theres a slight fumble or minor stumble. A Backstreet Boys soundtrack laces the honest account with nostalgia, while the use of a screen and basic graphics is entertaining and effective. So, what is the best film of all time according to Robertson? Well, I wouldnt want to spoil the surprise Reviewed by Donna Demaio COMEDY Death Metal Boomer | Dan Brader Caz Reitops Dirty Secrets, until October 8 The show begins nearly half an hour later than scheduled due to another performance running overtime. Sure, I think, its like a punk or metal gig, where runtimes are usually slightly off. But when Death Metal Boomer eventually begins, Dan Brader immediately launches into improv. Death Metal Boomer runs until October 8. It takes a while of audience banter to enter the show proper, not long after a loud Canadian guy and his friends egg Brader on to do a shoey after finding out hes from New Zealand. He obliges, then proceeds to perform the entire gig shoeless. The show itself is unmemorable, with many self-deprecating gee whiz Im Kiwi piss takes alongside some quite misogynistic jokes. This could very well be the titular death metal boomer personified, but because Brader never contextualises this he really could be any questionable white guy. Even so, why dont we leave those relics to fade into obscurity? As he repeatedly reminds the audience, hes 40 years old. The death metal scene now is if one bothers to observe much more progressive. Its 2023: punch up, not down. Reviewed by Cher Tan COMEDY Eulogiser Bunny | Cameron Ribbons Trades Hall, until October 8 This is probably the kind of comedy gig you need to be drunk to appreciate. I certainly wished Id socked down a few. The premise is intriguing enough. Comedian Cameron Ribbons hosts his own funeral in the guise of a dodgy pastor. The promise of a murder mystery hovers in the air, and the audience is invited to guess the culprit as details of the artists demise are revealed. Eulogiser Bunny runs until October 8. Advertisement Eating outJust open Finally! The Coburg couple who risked it all to open the wine bar of their dreams Bianca Hrovat October 6, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in the November hit list. See all stories . Shane Farrell and Tresna Lee at their new Coburg wine bar, Gemini. Grace Petrou Theres not a centimetre of the 135-year-old shopfront that Coburg residents Tresna Lee and Shane Farrell didnt touch as they brought to life their cosy wine bar Gemini, which opened last week. The couple moved to Coburg from Fitzroy nine years ago, quickly becoming enamoured with their new community. But they missed having somewhere they could call in for a drink after work or stay for an impromptu meal with friends. After a five-year search, they stumbled on the perfect spot, a double-storey brick building on Sydney Road. The pair put everything on the line to make it happen, selling their home, their business, and spending a year renovating the space. Advertisement We finally realised no one else was going to open it, so it might as well be us, Lee says. We wanted to create a place where people can feel welcome, regardless of whether theyre coming in for a sandwich at lunchtime, an intimate dinner with their partner, or just picking up a few items for their pantry. Hospitality venues play a big part in creating connections within the fabric and ecosystem of a community. Geminis sandblasted walls reveal a long history. Grace Petrou The intimate 35-seat venue features high ceilings, statement orange pendant lights and a long granite bar at lower-than-typical height, in the hopes of encouraging conversation and connection. Sandblasted brick walls are still speckled with paint, reminders of the buildings long history as a bakery, Bollywood dance studio and socialist bookstore. Advertisement We fought hard to honour the beautiful historical character, Lee says, noting preserved features like the original wood staircase. Nostalgia and European cuisine inspired the menu at Gemini. Grace Petrou Head chef Dougie Thompson (ex-Ezard and Daughter in Law), another Coburg local, applied for the role after passing the building each day as the renovations progressed. Thompson worked with Lee and Farrell to create the small snack menu, which is inspired by nostalgia and European wine bars. Theres chicken liver pate with seasonal berry caramel ($16), two-bite Hasselback potatoes with creme fraiche and smoked roe ($7), and gin-cured ocean trout with broad bean pesto and cucumber rye ($9.50), plus a number of plant-based options. The sandwich special changes weekly. Grace Petrou Advertisement At lunch, there are continental plates ($20-$25) with a selection of fresh vegetables, ferments and sourdough from nearby bakery Akimbo, and for something more substantial, the kitchen offers a weekly sandwich special this week, its a wagyu flank steak sandwich with anchovy cream and enoki mushrooms. A well-stocked pantry is also on hand, selling everything from artisan olive oil and coffee to tinned fish. Beyond the food, theres a natural-leaning wine list, with a strong focus on forward-thinking Victorian producers such as Fleet Wines, Minim and Xavier Goodridge, most priced under $20 a glass. Lee says the concept has been well-received. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Eating outComing soon Queen Victoria Markets food hall steps into the 21st century with an oyster bar, burritos and more Dani Valent October 7, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Shoppers will be able to put down their calico bags and pick up a fork when Queen Victoria Markets revitalised Queens Food Hall opens at the end of November. Were creating a social and dining destination for people to eat, meet and soak up the market atmosphere, says the markets general manager of operations, Mark Bullen. The new destination, on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets, takes over where the 1990s-era food court left off. It includes more seating and will buzz into the evening, including on days when the market is closed. The eight vendors are a mix of returning favourites and new arrivals, including Bellboy Coffee Bar, which roasts beans at its flagship cafe in Brunswick. The Happy Mexican in Abbotsford will open a market outpost, sourcing ingredients for its quesadillas and burritos from stallholders on site. George Milonas (left) blowtorches a lobster roll as business partner Luke Louca watches on. Jason South Advertisement George Milonas has been selling fish at the market for nearly 20 years. Hell be using produce from his George the Fishmonger stall at the new Food Hall eatery Saltwater. We have the biggest seafood market in Victoria, he says. Now well have a food outlet that allows you to have access to it, cooked and served to you right here. Weve been asked for it in the past people buy oysters and want to eat them on the spot. George Milonas, fishmonger Flame-grilled lobster rolls and hand-rolled sushi will feature. Well have an oyster bar with stools around it and youll be able to watch your oysters get shucked and have a glass of champagne to go with them, says Milonas. Weve been asked for it in the past people buy oysters and want to eat them on the spot. The new offering reflects the way Melburnians use the market these days. We used to get more people buying for the week for a big family, says the fishmonger. That bulk shopping has disappeared. Now they want four portions rather than four kilos, and theyre buying to cook a recipe rather than looking for value. An artists impression of the Queens Food Hall, the new food court at Queen Victoria Market. Supplied Advertisement Tourists are a big proportion of market crawlers now. Theyll not be buying seafood but theyll be looking at tonnes of it on display and think, gee, Id like to eat this. Well, now well be able to tell them to head right over for seafood platters or poke bowls or flambeed scallops. Well be able to have some fun. Its an extension of the market experience, says Lord Mayor Sally Capp, who has made the renewal of Queen Victoria Market a linchpin of her period in office. The precinct is our fastest-growing neighbourhood, with more people living and working there. I feel sure the Food Hall will be hugely popular. Its about community as well as adding to hospitality in the area. Queen Victoria Markets previous food court, which opened in the 1990s. Supplied Markets need to keep moving, says manager Mark Bullen. We need to ensure we diversify to keep our existing customers and attract new ones. Theres stiff competition from nearby South Melbourne Market, which has punters queuing for oysters and lobster to eat at bustling stand-up benches, and from Prahran Market, which recently unveiled G. McBean Family Butcher, with ready-to-eat porchetta rolls. Advertisement Manuel Jimenez-Navarro owns Spanish outlet El Rincon, which was at the old Food Court for six years. We were really left behind, he says. But we are proud to be part of the next decades. I spent six weeks travelling around Spain to prepare and I have fresh ideas. He cant wait to fire up the pans. I have the luxury of the largest pantry in the world with Queen Victoria Market on my doorstep. Our lives are enriched by having such a diverse and beautiful place to shop. Master butcher raises the steaks with dream new shop (and porchetta rolls) at Prahran Market Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up By the end of 2023, nine toxic chemical groups listed on the Stockholm Convention including PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS will be listed on the Governments Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard. This means that the import, use and manufacture of over 500 chemicals that are harmful to the environment will be banned or severely restricted, she said. The move means Australia will join 171 other countries which have already banned one of the most dangerous forever chemicals after it was added to the Stockholm Convention in 2009. But Amaras father, Michael Strande, said his daughters world-leading campaign was about banning the entire class of 14,000 forever chemicals that are widespread in everyday consumer products, like cosmetics, contact lenses, dental floss, non-stick pans and apparel. Its just a matter of time when all PFAS or most PFAS chemicals are going to be banned completely, Strande said. Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith, a toxic chemicals campaigner from Australia who has served on United Nations expert committees, said it was time for the federal government to listen to Strandes message. I do commend the young people who have stood up overseas, she said. [But] whether we ever get around to it, the government ever finds the courage to stand against a very strong and powerful and influential industry, I dont know. PFAS chemicals were invented in the 1930s and became prized by industry because of their oil, water and stain-repelling properties. Today they are expected to be found in the blood of all Australians, according to the Department of Health. Overseas governments, including the United States and European Union, have linked certain types of PFAS to a slew of adverse health effects, including suppression of the immune system, raised cholesterol, hormone disruption and certain cancers. In 2018, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age tracked down and interviewed Amara, then 16, at her home in Minnesotas twin cities region. Only months earlier, she had spent 33 days in a coma after a volleyball-sized tumour was removed from her liver. Amara Strande speaking at Tartan High Schools Relay For Life cancer fundraiser in 2018, a year after she was diagnosed with liver cancer. Credit: David Bowman Her school, Tartan High School, sat within the shadow of 3Ms sprawling global headquarters. It was there, according to court documents, that 3M executives decided in the 1970s to hide the contamination of the global populations blood and studies where the chemicals caused tumours in rats and wiped out an entire cohort of monkeys unexpectedly. A study showed children who died in Strandes neighbourhood were 171 per cent more likely to have had a cancer diagnosis than children elsewhere. The type of cancer Amara was diagnosed with, fibrolamellar carcinoma, is extremely rare, affecting about one in five million, and has a five-year survival rate of 32 per cent. Scientists have speculated the cancer may be caused by something in the environment because it is triggered by a gene change that happens after birth. Amara only discovered the extent of the contamination and the cancer toll in her hometown when this mastheads investigation was published. Michael Strande said 3M wielded great influence in Minnesota, including over members of parliament. During the Heralds visit, many locals were afraid of openly criticising the company which employs over 10,000 people at its corporate headquarters. Loading In the years that followed, Amara schooled herself in the chemicals that had contaminated her hometown and embarked on a campaign to have them banned. It took Amara to the steps of the State Capitol, where the final months of her life were spent lobbying Minnesota lawmakers. The young performers voice, which had previously won her selection to elite choirs, rasped during her speeches as a result of a tumour attacking the nerves in her spinal cord. Michael Strande said chemical industry lobbyists swarmed on the city to try to thwart Amaras efforts. Around a dozen companies produce PFAS internationally, in an industry worth an estimated $US28 billion ($43.9 billion). They were very intimidating, and did some unethical things to try to influence the legislators here to not pass these laws, he said. But Amara was fearless, imploring Minnesota lawmakers to resist their influence. A ceremony held in 2018 to honour the students who had died from cancer at Tartan High School. Credit: David Bowman She died in April this year, two days before her 21st birthday. A fortnight later legislation known as Amaras Law was passed banning non-essential uses of PFAS in Minnesota. It will be implemented in a staged approach between 2025 and 2032. Amaras campaign was covered by local media until July, when it made the front page of The Washington Post. Michael Strande recalled that at a press conference, a journalist asked what had changed after several previous failed attempts to have the legislation passed. One of the Republicans who voted yes to the bill came up front and said, in a word, Amara, he said. A 3M spokeswoman said the company had announced its plan to exit all forever chemicals manufacturing by the end of 2025 and would work to discontinue the use of PFAS across its product portfolio. We have already reduced our use of PFAS over the past three years through ongoing research and development, and we will continue to seek to innovate new solutions for customers, she said. Eleven other companies continue to produce forever chemicals internationally. Loading Before Amara died, senior government officials in the United States had been speaking to her about taking her advocacy to the national stage. Her family is determined to continue her fight. She challenged the goliath 3M to do whats right, Michael Strande said. The reforms were prompted by the Trafficked series of reports by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, 60 Minutes and Stan, which forced the Albanese government to commission the Nixon inquiry. Loading In her response, ONeil took aim at Opposition Leader Peter Dutton saying his tough-on-immigration stance as home affairs minister was one of the great frauds in Australian politics. Dutton responded that ONeil was a very angry person, always very angry and very aggressive. Nixon found there was a system-wide enforcement failure partly due to a severe lack of resources. Border force has very limited investigative capacity. The federal police is spread thin enforcing all types of commonwealth crimes and also has limited investigative capacity. It gets even worse when you look at enforcement within the overseas education system, Nixon said. What I discovered is that there was nobody really in firm control of the whole visa system. There are always arguments about the levels of permanent migration but no one seemed to have control of how many temporary visas are being granted each year and how some were being abused. Organised crime boss, Albanian Diego Biba outside court. Credit: 60 Minutes Until recently Australia has been running a visa system with multiple owners impacting multiple ministers and portfolios without asking, what are the flaws? How do we stop the exploitation? In her inquiry report, Nixon concluded that it was clear that gaps and weaknesses in Australias visa system were enabling criminal organisations to exploit people and make money. Nixons comments come as ONeil deported a second organised crime boss, Albanian Diego Biba, who was at the centre of some of The Ages reporting series. As in the case of recently deported sex trafficker Binjun Xie, Biba managed to spend years in Australia committing alleged serious criminal offences despite compelling evidence he was rorting the visa system. Binjun Xie is escorted to a plane after being arrested. In her interview with The Age, Nixon called for ongoing monitoring to ensure the governments proposed reforms are adequately implemented and effective, while describing how more work needed to be done in understanding exploitation of Australias migration system. It might be that half the people coming to Australia on temporary visas dont want to go home. We dont know. What are the exploitation levels? What are the abuse levels? Finding more data is critical, she said. The latest statistics reveal that there are over 2.5 million foreign nationals in Australia on temporary visas, including 650,000 international students, 200,000 graduates and 450,000 people with various working rights, including holidaymakers and skilled workers. Loading The Albanese government is expected to soon release further reforms aimed at matching genuine skills shortages to visa supply. Nixon said her investigation began with leads generated by the Trafficked series, a significant data sweep of previous reports and a deep dive into intelligence holdings of state and federal agencies. I realised very early on that things were bad, she said. The ex-police chief was struck by the frustration of some law enforcement officials who briefed her about the human cost of the failure to stop organised crime groups rorting visa streams. One police officer I spoke to couldnt get over the idea that there was so little they could do to combat sexual servitude, she said, while describing her own revulsion at discovering case studies that exposed abject human suffering. Inside a brothel linked to trafficking. She said one case involved a 50-something year-old woman from Northern China who entered Australia on a student visa to study English. Rather than attend school, the woman was picked up at the airport and entered the underground sex industry where she was appallingly abused. Nixon noted that the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus was seeking to improve the response to human and sex trafficking and that the federal police and border force employed committed investigators. But she said they have a tough job in front of them. Loading There was an incredible lack of investigative capacity to deal with these issues, said Nixon, explaining that this was why she had recommended a multi-agency taskforce, a reform implemented by Labor. But in a reform still being considered, Nixon said that, as in Canada and New Zealand, temporary migrants should be barred from working in the sex industry. If they were found to do so, they and their employer could be deported or otherwise sanctioned. Well-connected eastern suburbs residents are making a last-ditch attempt to stop the construction of a sewage pumping system at Parsley Bay which they claim will disturb the natural environment and threaten endangered species. Politicians from all levels of government are involved, while former Wentworth MP Peter King and other locals met Sydney Water officials on Friday afternoon for a tour of the affected area in Parsley Bay Reserve. It did not assuage their concerns. We want to make sure this is protected for us and future generations: Bushcare volunteer Nicole McMahon in Parsley Bay Reserve. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos King is worried about possible sewage overflows during wet weather, noting Lonely Planet calls the inlet a hidden gem. If we lose Parsley Bay the amenity of the eastern shores of Sydney Harbour will be very seriously affected indeed, unacceptably affected, he said. The long-running dispute concerns Sydney Waters plan to drastically reduce the 4 million litres of untreated wastewater from the peninsula currently discharged into the ocean each day via three outfalls at the base of the cliffs in Vaucluse, Diamond Bay and Dover Heights. Former High Court chief justice Robert French has urged Australians to value the practical gains from the Indigenous Voice against the risk of any legal dispute over how the new body would work, taking on a key warning from No campaigners about years of uncertainty about its power. French countered predictions about years of legal argument, even though he acknowledged some litigants would take quixotic and hopeless cases before the courts. Robert French, former Chief Justice of Australia, during an address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberr Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The comments came after a speech to the National Press Club that endorsed the Voice as a new mechanism to produce better outcomes and achieve the recognition of the first people of Australia, emphasising that would not mean recognising a separate race. But the No campaign has gained ground this year by telling Australians the Voice will divide the country by race, with Fair Australia leader Warren Mundine also pointing to different opinions among judges to warn about the risk of legal uncertainty. Anthony Albanese has always rejected any notion of reparations of any kind. Did Mayo slip up and reveal a hidden agenda? The No campaign has circulated his words far and wide to fuel fear. Those comments were taken from well before there were negotiations on the wording of the proposed constitutional amendment, Mayo tells me. Theres been a lot of politics and a lot of work since. Its important to underline that the Voice would be an advisory committee any decisions still have to be decisions of the parliament and the government and its not up to Indigenous people to decide. Voice campaigner Thomas Mayo has become a lightning rod for the No campaign. Credit: Peter Rae I asked him: Does he want reparations paid? No I dont, replied the Maritime Union of Australia official. I will concentrate on health, education, employment, on clean water, on infrastructure so you can get the kids to school without busting a tyre every three months. Thats my vision. And the No campaigns use of his 2020 remarks? I think most Australians can see its just a scare campaign. Yet he knows its effectiveness from first-hand experience. He was at some markets in the Hunter Valley recently and overheard a man quoting his pay the rent line. I introduced myself and we ended up having quite a good yarn, actually. Mayo thinks he might have converted the man into a Yes voter. Im not that sort of big scary black man that people make me out to be. I pointed out the actual words [proposed in the referendum] and that itd just be an advisory body. Loading Australias Indigenous population is about 3 per cent of the total. You might think 3 per cent and an advisory committee is a pretty flimsy basis for a secret black takeover of Australias beaches and backyards. But its proved to be enough to fuel a powerful scare campaign. A leader of the Yes campaign says that fear is absolutely underpinning the success of the No movement. Another Yes strategist, asked for evidence that voters have been frightened into No, said: Its written all over the opinion polls, mate. Every published poll is flagging failure for the Voice. And the specific evidence of fear-based voting has turned up in the campaign focus groups. The Yes strategist says that this is not chiefly a racist reflex: There are a lot of people who dont know enough about the referendum, they dont know enough about the constitution, they dont believe there is Aboriginal disadvantage and they hear something about the Voice and they just go, Nah. Its not racism, its indifference. And the something leading to Nah is quite likely a scare tactic or simply Peter Duttons slogan appeal to voter hesitation and suspicion: If you dont know, vote no. Because most of us dont know Indigenous Australians. Which was exactly anticipated by Voice architect Noel Pearson last year: We are a much unloved people, he said in his Boyer lectures. We are perhaps the ethnic group Australians feel least connected to. We are not popular and we are not personally known to many Australians. Few have met us and a small minority count us as friends. Unlike same-sex marriage there is not the requisite empathy of love to break through the prejudice, contempt and, yes, violence of the past. Australians simply do not have Aboriginal people within their circles of family and friendship with whom they can share fellow feeling. According to Pearson, Australians hold and express strong views about us, the great proportion of which is negative and unfriendly. It has ever been thus, worse in the past but still true today. Is it still true? Pretty much, it seems. Three-quarters of Australians carry an implicit bias against Indigenous Australians, according to ANU research from 2020 based on a 10-year sampling of 11,000 people. Loading The study, claiming to be the first of its kind, presents stark evidence of the solid invisible barrier that Indigenous people face in society, said its author, Siddharth Shirodkar. But the data is actually not about Indigenous Australians, its about the rest of us. It says that were largely unconscious of our own implicit bias. So if Pearson is right, we dont know Indigenous Australians, and we dont much like them. How can this be? It only makes sense if were simply living with echoes of long-ago attitudes, fears and prejudices undisturbed by actual acquaintance with our First Peoples. This would help explain the appeal of dont know, vote no in the Voice campaign. The comparison with the same-sex marriage vote only goes so far. That was merely a survey, not a referendum. And the legalisation of gay marriage required only an act of parliament, not an amendment to the Constitution. So inserting the Voice into the Constitution always was going to be more difficult. Yet, knowing all this, Pearson, probably the most influential of the Voice activists, persuaded Albanese to launch the high-wire act which is now falling to earth. If the polls are accurate forecasters and the Voice does indeed fail, there will be plenty of remorse and recrimination to go around. Loading A one-time secretary of Australias Department of Foreign Affairs, Alan Renouf, wrote a 1979 book titled The Frightened Country. He spoke of an unreasoning fearfulness in the national consciousness, an anxiety about Australias existence to the south of Asia, far from its colonial moorings. Do we suffer a corresponding anxiety in our unreconciled relationship with Australias First Peoples? Might this help explain how the prospect of 3 per cent of the population, armed with nothing more than an advisory body, could manage to stir fears of an Indigenous land grab? In a late effort to soothe fear, a former chief justice of the High Court took to the National Press Club podium on Friday. Robert French repeated his opinion of months ago that the Voice proposal is constitutionally sound and legally safe. That all of its activities and advice would be subject to parliamentary supremacy. In short, that its nothing to fear. French contrasted the boldness of Australias constitutional founders with the small-mindedness of todays fearmongers. He quoted one of the founders, Samuel Griffith, the Queensland Premier at the time, at the drafting of the constitution in 1891: There will be timid men who are afraid of launching into something new but whenever was a great thing achieved without risking something? French observed: Compare the words of those indomitable spirits who drafted a durable national Constitution to the battle cry, If you dont know, vote No a slogan offered as an answer to a straightforward, although profoundly important, proposal. The Australian spirit evoked by the dont know slogan is a poor shadow of the spirit which drew up our Constitution. It invites us to a resentful, uninquiring passivity. Australians whether they vote Yes or No are better than that. But are we? Or are we merely a frightened country, uneasy about our legitimacy, unreconciled to our First Peoples, frightened of the future? The moment of truth is almost upon us. Peter Hartcher is political editor. Beirut: At least 100 people were killed and many more wounded in the Syrian city of Homs when a drone attack hit a packed military graduation ceremony on Thursday. It was one of the bloodiest attacks ever against a Syrian army installation, and unprecedented in its use of weaponised drones in a country which has faced 12 years of civil war. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said more than 100 people were killed and 125 injured. An official in the alliance backing Syrias government said the toll was around 100. Health Minister Hassan al-Ghobash gave a lower death count, telling state TV 80 people had been killed, including six women and six children, but said about 240 people had been injured, including six children, and military personnel. There were concerns the death toll could rise further as many of the wounded were in a serious condition. Vior Makes Significant Phosphate Discovery At Foothills Project, Quebec With the Federal Reserve pausing their rate hikes for now, awaiting developments for the economy although being somewhat surprised by the strength of it, expecting one more hike before year end but no quick pivot to rate cuts in 2024, general sentiment remains neutral, although a recession looms behind the scenes. But it does so for at least a year now, so maybe the desired soft landing by the Fed could actually materialize in the next 12 months or so. Gold and lithium, two of the focus metals for Vior Inc. (TSXV:VIO)(FRA:VL51)(OTCQB:VIORF), remain trading at relatively high levels, and the anticipation in the markets is when recession fears are gone, rate cuts arrive and the China economy picks up again, we could see a commodity bull market that might last for many years. In the meantime, Vior is quietly but diligently working on several exploration projects targeting gold, lithium and nickel, and recently they sampled another project, Foothills in Quebec, for phosphate, a mineral which is in high demand by the LFP battery industry, being part of the renewable energy paradigm shift that is taking place at the moment. All pictures are company material, unless stated otherwise.A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A All currencies are in US Dollars, unless stated otherwise. Please note: the views, opinions, estimates, forecasts or predictions regarding Viora?s resource potential are those of the author alone and do not represent views, opinions, estimates, forecasts or predictions of Vior or Vior\-s management. Vior has not in any way endorsed the views, opinions, estimates, forecasts or predictions provided by the author. After closing the C$2.5M flow-through financing in March, Vior was hampered by the wildfires to a certain degree. As a solution, management realized they could work on another project in their portfolio, called Foothills project in Quebec. This project was explored before for rutile, a mineral containing titanium, with most recent exploration by Vior being completed in 2020. Since demand for battery metals and minerals has gone through the roof lately, management decided to explore for phosphate this time, as the company geologists knew about phosphate potential given some of the surface results obtained when looking for rutile, and the Saint-Urbain anorthosite contact continuing on the property. Anorthosite is a host rock for high purity phosphate. After a sampling program that lasted 10 days and rendered 139 outcrop samples, it became clear that there might indeed be lots of phosphate present at Foothills. The geologists identified 2 large zones with lots of outcropping phosphate, in total 16.5km long, and 67 of the 139 samples resulted in values of 4-6.3% P2O5 (phosphate), which actually is already economic grade, and comparable to peer projects. Usually sampling grades can be quite a bit lower compared to future resource grades, but phosphate is comparable to hard rock lithium in this regard, as the volume of the target metal/mineral is present in much higher percentages in outcrops compared to for example precious metals, and is often actually representative for the future resource grade because of this. When zooming in on the claims, with airborne magnetics added to the maps, it appears that the phosphate samples neatly follow the magnetic lows at the contact zone between the anorthosite and the country rocks. The size of the sampled areas is very substantial, and when doing a wild, armwaving estimate assuming typical but potentially very conservative width and depth, a 12,000 x 100 x 50m x 2.75T/m3 would generate a hypothetical 165Mt. For comparison: First Phosphate (CSE:PHOS) has a 49Mt resource, and Arianne Phosphate (TSXV:DAN) 472Mt reserves (total resources including satellite deposits over 1Bt, making it the largest undeveloped deposit worldwide). Notwithstanding this, it is still very early days of course. Because of the sheer size, Ia?m looking forward to a potential drill program. CEO Fedosiewich was quick to answer about a timeline for this:A aIn a timely and efficient manner, Vior has been able to demonstrate the great phosphate potential at Foothills. We are excited by size of the system which is already huge, and we know that it will require some additionalA field follow-up, including channel sampling. Viora?s technical team is already drawing up the next steps in the exploration process, and if all proceeds as planned, we should be drilling sometime in 1st half 2024.aA As C$1M was assigned to the Belleterre gold project, and C$1.5M to the lithium targets at the Belleterre lithium project, I wondered how much exploration work Vior was able to do as a result of the wildfire delays. Executive VP Laurent Eustache chimed in: aThis summera?s wildfires in Quebec have been problematic for the majority of the exploration industry. In this regard, Vior has been able to pivot and avoid losing very few field days after re-adjusting its exploration programs.a A A As a reminder, Vior through its option partner SOQUEM, is looking to spend C$1.5M at the Skyfall Nickel project this year, and according to Eustache they will complete six weeks of a recon exploration program by the end of October after their high definition VTEM survey which was completed this past March. Although known for its historic high-grade gold production, the Belleterre region is also recognized for its lithium endowment with economic grades drilled at the advanced Tansim Lithium Project, located 20km north of Viora?s property, like for example 12.35m @ 1.29% Li2O and 43.7m @ 0.82% Li2O. Owned by Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA, market cap of A$2.3B), shipping their first concentrate to clients last month, the Tansim project is part of Sayonaa?s Abitibi Hub strategy that includes the Authier resource (87.8Mt @ 1.05% Li2O M&I) and other advanced production assets (mine, concentrator, plant). After completing the recent Foothills exploration program, Vior has approximately C$3.0M in the treasury, and still almost C$1M in marketable securities, so the company is in a good position to move forward its strategy. Apart from the field results at Foothills, the company is also advancing their plans for a significant drill program of approximately 30,000m at Belleterre Gold. I wouldna?t be surprised to hear back soon from the company on their detailed exploration strategy. Conclusion After finding lithium potential at and near their gold project (Belleterre) and nickel on their other gold project (Skyfall), Vior has now found phosphate on Foothills, the former rutile project that still holds excellent potential for rutile/ilmenite. Ia?m not sure how management does it, but their Quebec greenstone belt projects appear to be pretty fertile for lots of metals and minerals. The potential for this new phosphate target is tremendous as the total strike length is 16.5km, and lots of the sampled grades are already at economic levels. Drilling should prove up a potential mineralized resource, which will likely begin in early 2024, so Ia?m looking forward for this potential giant to awaken. Stay tuned! I hope you will find this article interesting and useful, and will have further interest in my upcoming articles on mining. To never miss a thing, please subscribe to my free newsletter on my website www.criticalinvestor.eu, in order to get an email notice of my new articles soon after they are published. Disclaimer:A The author is not a registered investment advisor, and currently has a long position in this stock. Vior Inc. is a sponsoring company. All facts are to be checked by the reader. For more information go to www.vior.ca and read the companya?s profile andA official documents onA www.sedar.com, alsoA for important risk disclosures. This article is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended to be investment advice of any kind, and all readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and talk to their own licensed investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions. At least 960 migrating birds, the highest number on record, died Thursday in massive carnage at McCormick Place Lakeside Center, according to David Willard, a retired bird division collections manager at the Field Museum. Birds were crashing into windows even as monitors collected the casualties, Willard said. Advertisement It was just discouraging as can be, said Willard. Youre looking at a rose-breasted grosbeak that, if it hadnt hit a Chicago window, would have made it to the Andes of Peru. Willard blamed the worst day in 40 years of monitoring on an array of factors, including weather patterns, badly timed rain and lit windows at Lakeside Center. Advertisement [ Turning off just half the lights at McCormick Place could reduce the mortality rate of migratory birds by 60%, study shows ] First, there was a stretch of time with few winds out of the north, which left a lot of birds backed up and ready to migrate: Sometimes, its like now or never, and they go, Willard said. Then, when the flight began, it was huge. One local birder who was out Thursday morning told Willard that he hadnt seen anything equal to it in 40 years. Another birder said he saw 100,000 birds move past Promontory Point in Hyde Park. Wrigleyville resident Nathan Goldberg told the Tribune he saw roughly 172,000 birds overhead in under four hours. Rains early in the morning may have driven the waves of birds lower to the ground and closer to danger. And then there were the windows at Lakeside Center. Its estimated that a billion birds die crashing into windows in the United States every year, Willard said. Field Museum bird curator John Bates photographs scores of birds who died from colliding with McCormick Place Lakeside Center on a single day as curator emeritus Dave Willard looks on Oct. 5, 2023. At least 960 migrating birds died Thursday at the center. (Daryl Coldren/Handout) Thursday was also a record day for Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, which found about 450 dead birds and rescued 300 injured birds, according to Director Annette Prince. Were talking about irreplaceable birds that are a critical part of a healthy environment, Prince said. Theyre already declining significantly and for them to die needlessly at the feet of all these buildings as they did today its a tragedy. [ As many as a billion birds are killed crashing into buildings each year and Chicagos skyline is the most dangerous area in the country ] There are fixes for bird-building collisions, Willard said, including bird-friendly windows, but the issue tends to attract more attention than action. In Chicago, a City Council ordinance requiring bird safety measures in many new buildings passed in 2020, according to Prince, but has not yet been implemented. The dead birds at Lakeside Center were photographed and taken to the Field Museum, where they will be prepared as scientific specimens and used in studies. Advertisement Many were palm warblers and yellow-rumped warblers, colorful little songbirds that are common in Chicagoland in spring and fall. Willard said that monitors at Lakeside Center generally find zero to 15 dead birds on an average day. In the worst days of the 40-year monitoring project, 100 to 200 birds were found dead. The signs of collision lingered in the window of a River West cafe Friday morning: A single, smudged feather was stuck to the glass. Jennifer E. Bell had just finished a morning shift searching for birds dead and alive when she walked into the cafe. She went outside to examine the lingering feather as she waited for her coffee to brew. When the Chicago Bird Collision Monitor volunteer came back in, she produced from her refrigerator bag a ziplock baggie to attach a label. It held a small, green-tinted ovenbird. She had already turned in her finds from the day a living woodcock with a bleeding beak, four more surviving warblers and a half-dozen dead birds but found this last one on her walk home. Advertisement You see its got the spots, and then its got two lines on his head, and then its got a little rusty color, she said. Bell put the dead bird back in the bag. She didnt want to freak out any customers, she said. The adult education professor takes on bird monitoring shifts in her free time. She gets up at 4:45 a.m. to start her hunt for the fallen. Waves of birds typically arrive in Chicago just as the sun rises, she said. She saw calls for help amid Thursdays onslaught, she said. After teaching class, she responded to a hotline report of a bird down near a River West school. It was a kingfisher. He was alive, Bell said. She put the bird in a Trader Joes paper bag with paper towels at the bottom. She left the bag in her bathroom overnight the perfect dark, quiet place for the bird to recover and dropped it off to be taken to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center in west suburban Glen Ellyn on Friday morning. Advertisement The center receives, rehabilitates and releases many injured birds, she said. Some might have a concussion, others brain swelling or broken wings. Paper bags containing avian survivors crowded space in a photo that the center posted on Facebook to show Thursdays toll. It was a truly devastating day, the wildlife center wrote in the post. Sometimes, Bell keeps dead birds in her freezer. The ones lucky to be alive might sit in bags on her bathroom counter. Her son and boyfriend have been understanding about the space that her lifesaving hobby takes up in their apartment. Bell was trained to save birds in March, at the same time her mother was living with her and undergoing cancer treatment. Her mom died, she said, and the experiences have since intertwined. Now, as she makes her morning rounds searching for birds, she hears from the construction workers and building managers who know to keep an eye out for her. When Im taking time to explore the city, Im doing it for a purpose, she said. As she left the cafe and headed home, Bell kept her eyes peeled. Suddenly, a lump appeared ahead on the Milwaukee Avenue sidewalk. Advertisement That could be a bird right there, she said. 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 > She walked closer. Yep. The tiny creature was lying on its side. Its legs hovered unnaturally in the air. It didnt look good. Nonetheless, Bell, who has been trained to always assume the birds she finds are living, took out her white net. She placed the net over the warbler and touched it. The feel confirmed what she already knew. Hes dead, she said. Advertisement nschoenberg@chicagotribune.com jsheridan@chicagotribune.com The U.S. is casting doubt on China's willingness to launch a blockade of Taiwan as part of any effort by Beijing to take the island by force. China's military has staged multiple drills, most recently this past April, which state media described as efforts to simulate a possible blockade. But a top Pentagon official said Thursday that any attempt by China to carry out a blockade in real life could backfire badly. "The cost for Beijing looks very high, and the risk looks very, very high," Ely Ratner, the Defense Department's assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, told an audience in Washington. "What happens the very minute that the PRC starts mounting a blockade against Taiwan? The global economy falls through the floor," he said. "There will be no one immune from the economic pain that the PRC [People's Republic of China] would place on the world." Ratner said the devastating economic impact of a blockade would also likely rally the international community around Taipei and against Beijing. He also warned that despite China's military advances, the Pentagon does not assess that Beijing has the capability of completely sealing off the island. "We think that Taiwan would still have options on its own and with the international community to deliver the kind of industrial supplies and raw materials, food and energy it would need to sustain its society," Ratner said, which would likely put the Chinese military in a difficult position. "Ultimately, it would be up to Beijing to decide whether it wanted to start attacking commercial vessels to sustain a blockade," he said. "The risk of escalation is extremely high." Ratner is not alone in questioning China's appetite for a military conflict. The oil giant has faced controversy by saying it will no longer try to reduce its oil production by 1%-2% per year until the end of this decade. The fact that higher education is becoming a privilege rather than a right for some is a reality. It is a topic that is debated endlessly within universities, who employ experts to discover which demographic is applying to study with them, governments and professional bodies, all of whom are pouring over and scrutinising the data; but the truth of the matter is that whatever way you look at the findings, there is a dearth of people from non-affluent backgrounds applying, because they simply cannot afford to. Japan's wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant said it began releasing a second batch of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea on Thursday after the first round of discharges ended smoothly. Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said workers activated a pump to dilute the treated water with large amounts of seawater, slowly sending the mixture into the ocean through an underground tunnel. The wastewater discharges, which are expected to continue for decades, have been strongly opposed by fishing groups and neighboring countries including South Korea, where hundreds of people staged protest rallies. China banned all imports of Japanese seafood, badly hurting Japanese seafood producers and exporters. The plant's first wastewater release began Aug. 24 and ended Sept. 11. During that release, TEPCO said it discharged 7,800 tons of treated water from 10 tanks. In the second discharge, TEPCO plans to release another 7,800 tons of treated water into the Pacific Ocean over 17 days. About 1.34 million tons of radioactive wastewater is stored in about 1,000 tanks at the plant. It has accumulated since the plant was crippled by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011. One of the trio of scientists who won the Nobel Prize for chemistry for their work on quantum dots - tiny coloured lights used for everyday applications that include electronics and medical imaging - has been describing how the pioneering research helps people and the planet. Everyone was devastated when they heard this song for the first time. Why? Because it was the end of the Spice Girls as we knew them. The sad irony of Viva Forever is that Geri Halliwell was actually the master songwriter behind the tune, but actually left the group a few weeks before it was officially released as a single. And if youve ever sat there and wondered, this explains why its the only Spice Girls video not to star the girls themselves. Remember those creepy animated puppet things that gave us all nightmares? See, it all makes sense now because Geri had already said her bye byes. For those that remember, four of the girls famously sang the song live on the National Lottery in May 1998 and said that Halliwell couldnt be there because she was ill. Lies. Ginger announced her departure the next day and the world mourned. Viva Geri. A true icon. LA Had I employed it, thats not in a million years what I would ever have meant, nor is it what I think a lot of white British people of my generation have the first idea that it could mean. I passed on this useful knowledge to a friend a couple of months ago, she was aghast. So Im very glad to know it now, and I wont use it in future. Too much chance of being misunderstood, and thats OK. The English language the only one in which I am fluent, to my eternal regret is incredibly rich and there is always an alternative. And that is my actual job, so. My one issue with what is a sensitively handled and devastatingly effective series, is that I felt it somewhat lacked a sense of the general and cultural denigration of women as playthings. Savile is here a loner, who certainly associates with other paedophiles, and is tacitly encouraged in his behaviour by the ignorance of his bosses and colleagues. Yet we dont see the widespread, casually predatory behaviour of other men in society, nor much of that Top of the Pops milieu of objectification and exploitation, with Sixties musicians on the prowl for young girls. Savile was a monster, but he was a monster of his times. While his victims werent solely girls, the majority were, and I didnt get much sense of that wider, permissive context that men operated in. When he started out, Brownes goal was precise and simple. I just wanted to do that one thing, he says. Memorable designers that do something important enough to outlive themselves, I think they do one really good thing. His influence on fashion has been immense even if you dont know his name, or think it is deranged for anyone over five to wear shorts, even if youre not in the market for a new suit. You can see murmurs of it in the bare ankles of every Love Island beefcake; in the muted palette of quiet luxury. He has been one of the designers who has ushered in a more flamboyant (yes, in grey!), more nuanced masculinity. Browne was putting men in skirts long before Harry Styles started doing it. His cropped proportions seem to appeal to something primal in the beefiest and most heteronormative of men. Its the time of the year where you get home from work and all you want to do is hide from obligations, watch reruns of Friends and sip hot chocolate. Neverthless, itll be an active month when it comes to planning for your next career move and strategically uncovering how you can work less for more. Sometimes its being at the right place at the right time, so dont stay chained to your sofa. Maya Angelou once wrote And still I rise, and these words are a timeless reminder to acknowledge how far weve travelled and how tall we continue to rise through all of lifes shenanigans. Dont forget to be your own cheerleader when you introduce yourself to new faces. By the end of the month youll likely be posed with the question: Who can you be vulnerable enough to share your dreams with? Its those people who will open doors for you when you cant see one. Choose your circle wisely. You could shrug off some fashion brands LGBTQ+ activations as pinkwashing, but Levis has occupied a specific significance amongst the community for decades. Tracey Panek, curator of the exhibition and a historian at Levis, explains this originated in San Francisco - the birthplace of the denim brand - in the 1950s, when it had become something of a safe haven for the gay community. And what were they wearing? The 501. Both gender-ambiguous and hyper-masculine, they were a quiet tool for rebellion. It wasnt just clothing, but an important signifier. Those whove met Meloni say shes a pocket dynamo with down-to-earth body language, who doesnt do power dressing or slick brand management like many politicians. Instead, her whirlwind 2022 campaign saw her build a personal brand as a patriotic girl-next-door type and friendly face of the far-right whos not afraid to use slang or say it how it is. The voters like me because they trust me. They know there are no tricks, no lies. I have the courage to say what I believe in, she has said of her no-nonsense approach to politics, telling Italians of her humble childhood and how she clawed her way up through the gritty political rankings to get to the top. Detectives are working at pace to gather as much information as possible and I would ask anyone who was in the area and saw events unfold, or anyone who has captured this on phone or doorbell footage, to contact police immediately. We have heard from a number of people but I am asking anyone who witnessed it to speak to us, in confidence, about what they saw. Hundreds of freshmen at Seoul National University this year have already taken a leave of abasence, apparently to have a crack at admission to medical school instead. According to SNU, 418 freshmen have suspended their studies, about 2.5 times as many as in 2019 and more than the total number of freshmen in some faculties. For instance SNU's College of Humanities recruited only 294 freshmen and the College of Social Sciences 383. The number who dropped out completely increased from 83 to 204 over the same period. Students are leaving amid a run on medical schools to sit their entrance exam again. SNU allows even first-year students to suspend their studies for up to a year and come back if they still want. Some of his victims were as young as eight and he took some of the boys to London on several occasions where he introduced them to other celebrities, including Gary Glitter. It is also said he encouraged the other man to travel to the UK to carry out a kidnap plot, and had assembled a kidnap and restraint kit capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of the kidnap of Holly Willoughby. If the customers objected to paying more than had been agreed, they were told their belongings would be put into storage and that they would be charged an additional 500 per night until payment was received. The union said migrant nurses will have to pay 15 per cent more for an application for the health and care visa, now paying 284 where a certificate of sponsorship is issued for up to three years and 551 for more than three years. We are committed to providing a clean and safe environment on the Tube for our customers and staff, and we would like to reassure our customers that we continue to maintain our already high standards of cleanliness, so our staff and customers can use the network safely and with confidence. Although employment judges accepted this was inserted innocently by a colleague, who intended it as a nickname for the computer, her boss, Iris Valera-Larios, was found to have racially harassed her by failing to take steps to remove the paininarse tag. There is a problem nationally with policing, and there is a problem in London - and we are doing all we can to work with the Commissioner [Sir Mark Rowley] and the Metropolitan Police, to fix that problem and reform the Met, so that Londoners have the service they deserve. I think the politics of division in order to play to a particular part of the electorate, I think have just dragged our country backwards and made us very insular, he added, arguing Labour was keen to reach out to allies and partners in contrast to what he described as the Little England approach of some Rightwingers in Manchester. It was 32 points behind the SNP when he became leader, he told Good Morning Scotland, adding: For us two years on to win a parliamentary by-election for the first time in more than 12 years in Scotland, to get more than double the vote share of the SNP and to get a swing of more than 20%, is seismic, it is huge, it is significant. Mr Sunaks new plan to divert 36 billion of HS2 money into northern transport projects is threatening to unravel with the Governments published document littered with examples of schemes that have already been delivered, or that are in the wrong part of the country. Under the trees of the Amazon rainforest, the archaeological remains of what was once a large village built by Indigenous communities before the arrival of Europeans in America are hidden. The ancient city had elevated causeways, artificial ponds, dams, ditches, cemeteries, roads with sidewalks, fish dams, and was located in what is now known as the Xingu River basin, in the southern Brazilian Amazon. These ruins, which remain hidden by the dense vegetation of the forest, were discovered by a group of scientists thanks to a special remote sensing system called LiDAR, which uses laser beams to map small changes in the topography of the jungle floor and allows reconstructing what is on the surface in three dimensions. Vinicius Peripato and Luiz Aragao, of Brazils National Institute for Space Research, led a five-year study in which they flew over 5,315 square kilometers in a region of the Amazon with drones and airplanes equipped with the LiDAR system. In that small area of land alone, which represents 0.08% of the seven million hectares of the worlds largest tropical forest, they found 24 new archaeological sites similar to the ancient village. They decided to combine their findings with a predictive spatial distribution model that made it possible to establish an estimate of soil displacement produced by communities throughout the rainforest more than 500 years ago. The results of the study, published Thursday on the cover of Science, reveal that between 10,272 and 23,648 large-scale pre-Columbian archaeological sites remain to be discovered in the Amazon. LiDAR data from outings to investigate terraces under the forest canopy. From top to bottom, the first is the set of LiDAR points colored by height. Followed by terrain slope, hill shading and elevation of a set of embankments, all obtained after digital removal of surface elements (forest). Vinicius Peripato The origin of the project was a question which would be impossible to answer without todays technology: where and how many pre-Columbian sites are hidden under the canopy of the Amazon forest? Up to the time of the research, scientists from the nine countries that are part of the rainforest (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana) had discovered about 950 archaeological sites using the high-resolution satellite data provided by Google Earth. The problem was that only deforested areas were visible. What is still under trees remained hidden. The LiDAR system, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, changed everything. In an interview with EL PAIS, Peripato explains that this aerial sensor is an advanced remote sensing technology that has revolutionized the way in which we obtain information about the Earths surface and its three-dimensional characteristics. You no longer have to cut down the forest to know what is underneath it. In recent years, LiDAR has also been used to discover the complex urban and rural network that the Maya had throughout Mesoamerica: Mesoamerican archaeological sites have very different characteristics from those in the Amazon because of the variety of construction materials: the Maya used stone and the Amazonians used earth. LiDAR technology has substantially improved our spatial understanding of archaeology at sites with forested landscapes, reads the scientific article. Peripato says that among the 24 archaeological sites they found defense and ceremonial areas in the southwestern Amazon, known as geoglyphs. The presence of funerary urns within this type of sites, and the absence of soils and anthropogenic ceramics, are evidence that the use of these structures was limited to religious and community meetings, the researcher says. They also found mountains conquered by Indigenous communities in the Guiana Shield that were used for ceremonial and domestic functions, and riverside sites in the central Amazon plains that were used to collect fish during the rise and fall of water levels. Figures of earthworks in the Amazonian landscape. Mauricio de Paiva Carolina Levis, co-author of the study and professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil, explains in a press release that this research helps to disprove the widespread idea that the Amazon is a vast virgin forest. The research shows us that there are many areas of the forest that have already been subject to extensive engineering, cultivation and domestication of plants by pre-Columbian societies, Levis says. And she adds: these archaeological sites are proof that Indigenous communities mastered sophisticated land and plant management techniques, which, in some cases, are still present in current knowledge and practices that can inspire new ways of living with the forest without the need for its destruction. The investigation is also an important step towards thinking of the Amazon rainforest not only as a space of animal and plant biodiversity, but also as a great source of archaeological research. Before, we were certain that the Amazon River basin was home to 427 species of mammals, 1,300 species of birds, 378 species of reptiles and more than 400 species of amphibians. Now we know that on the surface covered by the forest there are more than 10,000 large-scale archeological earthworks that may hold the keys to a better understanding of the customs and culture of the Indigenous communities that inhabited the jungle for thousands of years. Luiz Aragao tells EL PAIS that the map also makes it possible to demonstrate that in regions with a high probability of finding archaeological sites, there is an increase in the density of domesticated tree species. This was an interesting result because it shows that pre-Columbian populations had a very close relationship with species that provided them with well-being, especially food and fibers. From this, it can be concluded that they manipulated the ecosystem to increase the density of these species. In fact, the research shows that the number of plants and trees of edible fruits and nuts increased significantly in the places where the archaeological sites are believed to be located. The authors identified relationships between the predicted probability of archaeological sites and the occurrence and abundance of domesticated tree species. This suggests that active pre-Columbian Indigenous forest management practices have long shaped the ecology of modern forests throughout the Amazon, says the article. The forested landscape of the Amazon. Diego Lourenco Gurgel Despite the novelty of the research, Aragao is also cautious, pointing out its limitations. When asked if it is possible to conclude that there are more than 10,000 unexplored pre-Columbian archaeological sites in the Amazon, he answers with a strong yes, but is clear that it is an estimate. Based on the existing number of known structures and our prediction model, we expect that many sites are still hidden under the canopy. Of course, this is an estimate based on statistical methods and has uncertainties. But it is very likely that there are thousands of archaeological sites that are there to be discovered, he explains to EL PAIS. Hans ter Steege, co-author of the paper and researcher at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Utrecht University, says that these archaeological sites must be concentrated in specific areas of the forest: We predict that 90% of the Amazon forest has very little chance of having earth movements, so this type of alteration may have occurred mainly in 10% of its area, says the scientist in a statement. Although neither the size nor the characteristics of the thousands of archaeological sites in the rainforest are yet well known, this work opens up new avenues of research so that future scientists will be equipped with a compass to know where to explore. Amazonian forests deserve protection not only for their ecological and environmental value but also for their high archaeological, social and biocultural value, which can teach modern society how to sustainably manage its natural resources, the research concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Theyre ongoing. He didnt go into the detail of those but very much said that they were bilateral discussions between the DUP and the UK Government, and that he hoped that they were moving towards a conclusion and that that would be a positive conclusion. But that remains to be seen. The Kings message read: My wife and I have been most shocked and profoundly saddened by the news of the terrible bus accident in Mestre and would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of all those who have so tragically lost their lives and to those who have been injured. That is because it has not been brought against the defendant in his country of domicile, as is his default entitlement; and the claimant has not satisfied me she has a good arguable case that her claim falls within an exception to that default rule. Therefore, I think that there is a need to have an envoy that can provide a point of contact for families and ensure that there is work going on that is dedicated to their specific needs, that can empower and engage with foreign governments and co-ordinate across government, that further elevates these cases and demonstrably creates a centre of expertise in a very challenging environment in which sadly there are now countries that are, frankly making arbitrary detention part of their foreign policy arsenal and the world is increasingly dangerous in many ways. The defence motion on Thursday sought to ensure that same protection to a former president for actions taken while in office, asserting that no prosecutor since the beginning of US democracy has had the authority to bring such charges. Officials said preliminary information indicated the Kremlins forces used two Iskander missiles in the attack. One of the missiles landed in the street, leaving a crater, and the other hit a three-story building, setting it ablaze, according to Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration. Lhonak Lake has been rising quickly over recent years, as the glaciers that feed it melt faster due to climate change. A 2021 study by researchers in India, the United States and Switzerland warned that rising waters, and the steep slopes that surround the lake, made a catastrophic flood more likely. Mohammadi received the prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all, the awards committee said. The 40-year-old man is said to have hurled two Roman pieces of art to the floor because he said they were idolatrous and contrary the Torah, Judaisms most important text. When Mabuse first shared the news she was expecting she said: We love our little bundle of joy so much already and cant wait to see what our future will now look like as family of three plus [Mabuses dog] Leo. Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data Will the Nobel Prize for Literature help to open the door of Spains public theaters to Jon Fosse? When he wrote his first play, Someone Will Come, the Norwegian author was 33 and had an established career as a novelist and poet. The theater was not among his priorities, but Kai Johnsen invited him to write a script for the Bergen National Stage, which he himself produced in 1994: Fosse confesses that he accepted the commission because it was very well paid. In the following years until 2007, he wrote 25 plays, which made him the most performed Norwegian playwright outside of Norway. Claude Regy gave Fosse his first international exposure, staging Someone Will Come at the Centre Dramatique National de Nanterre, in the Parisian banlieu. The following year, the Berlin Schaubuhne staged The Name at the Salzburg Festival and, a year later, the then young Catalan director Carlota Subiros staged I mai no ens separarem (And We Will Never Part) at the Malic, an indie Barcelona theater that has sadly disappeared. This last production showed with absolute simplicity a woman, subtly embodied by Marta Calvo, waiting and the misunderstanding between another woman and the man the first woman is waiting for. During the performance, which was realistic yet imbued with a fateful strangeness, the sounds coming from the actual scene were at times mixed with other noises filtering in from outside, such as the wailing of an ambulance as it passed along Fusina Street, where the shady, 60-seat theater was located. That first ephemeral staging of Jon Fosses work in Spain was a precursor to an elusive, intermittent, and precarious relationship. In 2002, Antonio Simon directed Someone Will Come at the Beckett theater in Barcelona, where Fosses work was put on again in 2011, namely, the first production of I Am the Wind directed in English by Patrice Chereau. I Am the Wind told the tale of two comrades embarking on a voyage across the immensity of the ocean. It is a symbolic, dialectical voyage, where past and future intertwine with the uncertain pulse, the poetic breath, and the unease typical of Fosses dramas. For Fosse, the plot is always a pretext. He claims to write with the same attitude with which he used to play the guitar or the violin as a young boy. The music of the words, the strength of the silences and the weight of the pauses are more important to him than the actual plot or characterization. His is a portrait of waiting, of the anguish that leads to resolving the clash between reality and desire. A decade after the staging of Chereau, Marc Chornet dared to stage I Am the Wind at the Fregoli hall of Barcelonas La Seca Espai Brossa, with Hans Richter and the veteran Manel Barcelo, renowned for his fondness of the unusual. Throughout, the voyage, the interactions between the protagonists, The One and The Other, is reminiscent of the interactions between the protagonists of Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot. Fosse has also been compared to Kafka, even though his writing has the musicality of Austrian novel and playwright, Thomas Bernhard. Jon Fosse in Frekhaug, Norway, after hearing the news of his Nobel Prize. NTB (via REUTERS) In the interim between the French-British and Catalan productions of I Am the Wind, Ester Roma put on Winter in Barcelona, a city more open to European avant-garde theater than Madrid. In the first half of the play, a married man on a business trip meets a woman and suggests taking her to his hotel. In the second half, due to thwarted communication, the man waits in vain for the absent woman. Winter was performed at the Versus Glories and La Seca Espai Brossa theaters, where off-beat authors are welcome. In 2014, Salva Bolta directed a dramatized reading of I Am the Wind at the Teatro Espanol. At the core of these plays, and others also written for just two or three actors, is the waiting, the loneliness, and a sense of emptiness, specific perhaps to a time and climate, and immediately recognizable to any European urban man. The social media platform, which is the largest of its kind serving primarily professional users and businesses, returned an error message to a number of users when they attemped to login to its website. The studio opened its doors in the Grade II listed building on the banks of the Grand Union Canal at Paddington Basin in 2003. It had previously been an engineering workshop for British Rail as part of the nearby Paddington Station, and was later a bus depot. Before being chosen as the site for NDE, it fell into disrepair and was the location for illicit raves during the 90s. Its graffiti-lined walls have been preserved, but are hidden behind the walls that were installed as part of the Nissan re-fit. At the age of 37, Julio Cortazar led a solitary life as a provincial teacher, with three books published in Buenos Aires that garnered little success. However, everything changed when he permanently moved to Paris in November 1951. It was during this time, in the aftermath of Juan Domingo Perons rise to power in Argentina, that Cortazars published Bestiario (1951), the first book he wrote using his real name. Like the others, it struggled to find an audience, but Cortazar remained resolute. Over a decade would pass before the publication of his iconic work, Rayuela (Hopscotch, translated by Gregory Rabassa) and the emergence of the Latin American literary boom. Around this time, Cortazar wrote to a friend in Argentina and shared the new literary concept he was imagining fictional creatures he called cronopios. Ten years later, Cortazar published Historias de Cronopios y de Famas, simply translated into English as Cronopoios and Famas. Its a collection of short musings about daily life, with playful instruction manuals for crying, attending a wake and climbing a staircase. It also includes some very brief chapters featuring the cronopios the idealistic, sensitive and unruly creatures who became some of his most beloved characters. The cronopios stand in contrast or opposition to famas, who are rigid, organized, and judgmental, if well-intentioned. Now they have seven new siblings. The son of a Uruguayan collector who died in 2019 found a typewritten version of the book in his fathers house. It consists of 46 short stories that Cortazar sent to a friend in Buenos Aires. Of these, 35 were published in the official 1962 edition with minor changes, and another four appeared in magazines around the same time. Seven were never published and languished in a dusty box for decades. After a year of expert analysis, the manuscript will be auctioned on October 12 in Montevideo by the Zorrilla and Hilario auction houses, from Montevideo and Buenos Aires, respectively. A reserve (base) price of $12,000 has been set. The current owner prefers to remain anonymous, and his father was an unknown collector, according to the auction houses. If the next owner intends to publish them, there will likely be a lengthy negotiation process with Aurora Bernardezs heirs, who inherited the Cortazar estate. Only the titles of the unpublished stories have been revealed: Inventario, Carta de un fama a otro fama, Mariposas automaticas, Los viajes y los suenos, Diminuto unicornio, Rabia del espejo and Rey del mar (in English, Inventory, Letter from one fame to another, Automatic butterflies, Travels and dreams, Tiny unicorn, Mirror rage, and King of the sea.) The manuscript, with seven unpublished short stories by Julio Cortazar, will be auctioned in Montevideo on October 12. Subastas Zorrilla The published edition includes stories written in poetic prose, with a philosophical backdrop, resembling sociological sketches, always infused with humor and a touch of tenderness. The newly discovered stories follow the same style, said Lucio Aquilanti, an antiquarian bookseller and academic who is well-versed in Cortazars work. Aquilanti is one of the few people who has read the unpublished stories. Nearly a year ago, the family of the deceased collector contacted him to find out whether the folder with old papers that they were about to throw away had been written by one of the most prominent Latin American authors of his time. Aquilanti compared the manuscript with others from his personal collection, which is held in Argentinas National Library. The handwritten corrections and typography match Cortazars style, as well as the typewriter he used at the time. At least four letters sent to friends in Buenos Aires between June and December 1952 support the authenticity of the manuscript. You already know about my cronopios. Im sending you a copy of my book, Historias de Cronopios y de Famas, Cortazar wrote to his friend Eduardo Jonquieres (an Argentine poet and painter) on September 20, 1952. Three months later, he wrote another letter to Jonquieres, complaining about the indifferent silence of everyone who had received his manuscript. Didnt Baudi [editor and writer Luis Maria Baudizzone] pass on to you my little cronopios and famas? I want you to read them because they are very charming, sad, and touching. I am very happy with them, but I am afraid that Baudi found them awful, judging by his ominous silence. Aquilanti replicated these letters in an article discussing his research on the unpublished manuscript, which concludes, I can confirm without a doubt that it is an original typewritten work by the author and is of great significance. The year-long investigation confirmed that the manuscript was typed on the Royal typewriter Cortazar used until 1966, when Aurora Bernardez bought him an Olivetti Letera 32. However, the mystery of how it came into the hands of a private collector from Uruguay remains unsolved. Cover page of the newly discovered 1952 manuscript by Julio Cortazar. Subastas Zorrilla There has always been a great deal of interest in literature and authors in this region since colonial times, said Roberto Vega, owner of the Hilario bookstore and auction house. Somehow, the manuscript ended up with this family. Before he died, the man told them he had an important original, but never mentioned the authors name. They thought it could be [Jorge Luis] Borges, but didnt find anything. The man had a lot of material in his library and in boxes. And guess what? At the bottom of one of the boxes, there was this folder. It could have easily ended up in the trash but luckily, some cronopio stepped in so the owners son would stumble upon it. Its fairly common to discover unpublished material by lesser authors, said Vega. But not something by Cortazar its a real find. Both Vega and Aquilanti are optimistic that either the Argentine National Library or another such institution will be able to buy the manuscript. Aquilanti firmly believes that it should come back to the city from where Cortazar was exiled. Even though Borges has written extensively about Buenos Aires and will forever remain our brightest literary light, this city is and will always be a cronopia, he said. People here actually read a lot more Cortazar than Borges. Just look at the sales numbers in local bookstores. I think we kind of admire Borges more than we truly love him, whereas with Cortazar, its both admiration and love. You can see Cortazar everywhere monuments, graffiti, and even on the T-shirts of young and old people alike. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The bearish investors analysis seemed impeccable: GameStop is a company dedicated to selling video games in its stores in an era of online commerce and direct downloads over the internet. Betting against it was a textbook operation, even more so in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. What the large speculative investment funds did not expect was that an emotional mobilization of small investors would bend the arm of their logic. With the famous Keith Gill (or Roaring Kitty on some of his social networks) as leader; Reddit, as the means; Robinhood, the trading platform on which to plot the coup, and Elon Musk as a spontaneous agitator, the purchases of shares by individuals caused GameStops price to soar to absurd levels in January 2021. From there, it continued to go much higher. A documentary, Apes Together Strong, and a feature-length film now recall that movement, with a somewhat idealized approach. What the recently released Dumb Money doesnt tell us is, however, is how GameStop is doing two and a half years later. The short answer is: badly. The longer answer: not as badly as you might expect. The investors thesis was that GameStop was destined to be the next Blockbuster the ubiquitous video, DVD and Blu-ray movie rental company that was hopelessly wrecked by streaming TV. That hasnt happened. GameStops sales were $5.927 billion for the year ended January 28, a decline of just 1.4%. The company is worth more than $4.4 billion on the stock market. The bet on its collapse was hasty and there were arguments that it was undervalued in 2021, when the fever of small investors broke out and the phenomenon of meme shares, driven by social networks, was born. The purchases by individuals strangled the short-sellers, that is to say, they caused multi-million dollar losses for the funds that had bet on GameStops collapse. These were forced to close ranks to limit their losses, buying more shares themselves and feeding back into the phenomenon. Following a tweet from Elon Musk with a link to a Reddit thread about the company, the share price reached an intraday high of $483 per share on January 28, 2021, the equivalent of $121 after the split of each share into four that it undertook in July last year. The upward spiral was halted in the short-term by some more than dubious moves, but the market has been passing judgment on a daily basis. Just this week, GameStops share price hit its lowest level since February 2021. The plunge from the high mark is almost 90%, but the stock is still worth more than three times what it was when the speculative fever began on social media. GameStop has held up better than the worst omens suggested, but it is still fighting for its future. This is well reflected in the first message to employees from Ryan Cohen, a 38-year-old activist investor who bet on the company in 2020 and demanded changes in strategy. Cohen became a billionaire in 2017 by selling Chewy, the online retailer of pet food and other products, to PetSmart. He then increased his fortune by investing in Apple and in 2020 acquired more than 10% of GameStop. Three years later, he has decided to put himself in charge of managing the company, which announced his appointment as chief executive last week. It is not sustainable for GameStop to operate a money losing business. The mission is to operate hyper efficiently and profitably, Cohen stated in a letter to employees after his appointment. Our expense structure must allow us to endure any adverse scenario. Whether its a difficult economy or revenue deceleration from shrinking software, we must be profitable. Our job is to make sure GameStop is here for decades to come. Extreme frugality is required. Every expense at the company must be scrutinized under a microscope and all waste eliminated. The company has no use for delegators and money wasters. I expect everyone to treat company money like their own and lead by example. Extreme frugality. Tightening the belt. Thats the message to a company that has been unable find a path back to profitability. In the fiscal year 2018 GameStop, which is headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, was $673 million in the red; in 2019 it lost $471 million; in 2020, $215 million; in 2021, another $381 million; and in 2022, $313 million. Over $2 billion in five years, according to accounts filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Store closures and cost-cutting have reduced losses in the first half of the year to $53 million, but they have also taken their toll on sales, which fell by 4.5%. The company has had an isolated quarter of profits in the last two years, which sparked euphoria, but it was a mirage. Over these two years, GameStop has been changing its strategy. The arrival of Cohen as a shareholder seemed to herald a bet on e-commerce, but the company had logistical problems aggravated by supply chain bottlenecks and posted a disastrous Christmas quarter to close the 2021 fiscal year. After that fiasco, the chain has put the nearly 4,400 stores it still has open including nearly 3,000 in the United States back at the center of its business. Not only does it use them as a base for packaging and collecting internet sales, but it has diversified its products to sell televisions, Nerf-branded toy guns, video game players chairs and other accessories and collectibles. The company has made a foray into the world of cryptocurrencies and the sale of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), but it came into that market just as it was deflating and has also failed to live up to expectations. The only thing GameStop has delivered on is cost-cutting measures, including progressively reducing its workforce to less than half of the 23,000 employees it had in 2017. Austerity remains the recipe, but there is no clear strategy in sight to offset the unstoppable decline in video game sales and competition in the e-commerce sector. But that GameStop is still operating and putting up a fight to ensure its future viability is already more than many expected three years ago. Other meme stocks that experienced speculative movements, such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, have succumbed to bankruptcy and ruined their shareholders. At GameStop, it is not game over yet. 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At the same time, obstacles to media freedom are becoming increasingly apparent across the continent. The European Parliament has backed a law designed to defend the pluralism and independence of the media and the confidentiality of sources. The so-called Media Freedom Act, among other things, should ensure greater transparency in the ownership of media companies. The media will also have to disclose how much money they receive from state advertising, agerpres reports. 'Many thought this was mission impossible. But we have it: a proposal to protect media freedom in the European Union', the Vice-President of the European Commission, Vera Jourova, said in Strasbourg. Sabine Verheyen, the German MEP in charge of the law in Parliament, said that 'we cannot close our eyes to the fact that media freedom is under serious threat in several EU Member States'. According to a parliamentary statement, MEPs want to 'ban any interference in the editorial decisions of media companies.'Slovenian MEP Irena Joveva warned that 'non-transparent takeovers of media companies for vested interests are taking place, and the public media, a pillar of credible information for the people, are in many places subject to attempts at subjugation, to say the least.'Opposition to the act came from parties such as Austria's right-wing Freedom Party. Austrian MEP Harald Vilimsky is fundamentally opposed to the Media Freedom Act and sees it as a threat to press freedom. He also says the EU is overstepping its competences: 'These issues have been sufficiently regulated by law in the member states for a long time, there is no reason for a central office in Brussels to get involved here now.'The German Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV) and the Media Association of the Free Press (MVFP) see improvements in the Parliament's position, but essential problems remain. For example, the agreed text stopped short of pushing for a blanket ban on governments spying on reporters.Trouble spotsThe European Commission presented its European law on media freedom in September 2022 in response to the deteriorating situation in EU countries such as Poland and Hungary. In addition, obstacles have also been identified in other countries, including Greece, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, prompting the need to step up the protection of journalists in Europe.In September, eight European and international media organisations called on the Greek government to combat impunity for crimes against journalists and uphold press freedom. Although the Greek authorities claim press freedom is respected and Athens supports EU positions on open journalism, the conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has 'done little to remedy the problems', the coalition said.In Romania, journalists face threats to their physical security, intrusion into their private lives and editorial pressure, said Liana Ganea, president of ActiveWatch, an organisation that promotes freedom of expression. Moreover, there is a lack of transparency of ownership and financing of media institutions by political parties and public authorities, a lack of labelling of political advertising.Politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina often attack journalists and influence public media or regulatory bodies. Journalists generally work in an environment without censorship, but many factors encourage self-censorship. While the country is trying to join the European Union, authorities in Republika Srpska (RS) are passing laws that contradict European standards. The law criminalising defamation, for example, came into force in the RS in August, despite comments and protests from the journalist community, NGOs and international organisations.In the 2023 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), North Macedonia ranks 38th out of 180 countries, up 19 places from its 2022 ranking. RSF said that journalists in North Macedonia do not work in a hostile environment. Yet, widespread misinformation and a lack of professionalism contribute to society's declining trust in the media. That exposes independent outlets to threats and attacks.According to a 2018 analysis by the Investigative Reporting Lab Macedonia (IRL), Hungarians with ties to the country's pro-government media have begun a mass takeover of Macedonian news outlets, in a concerted push into the Balkans by media companies loyal to Viktor Orban. Two former executives of Hungarian public broadcaster Magyar Televizio (MTV), Peter Schatz and Agnes Adamik, have set up companies in North Macedonia that have acquired controlling stakes in pro-opposition media outlets in the country. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, speaks during a press conference. Photo: Soeren Stache/Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH/dpa No victory over espionage The delegation visiting Greece in September found that 'Greek journalism is under sustained threat from the impact of the surveillance scandal' that broke in 2022. The Pegasus spyware scandal involved the wiretapping of opposition politicians. Amongst them were the leader of the social democratic party PASOK, Nikos Androulakis, as well as journalists, business leaders, members of the government and close associates of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This scandal, combined with the unsolved murder of a veteran journalist in Athens in 2021, abusive legal procedures and economic and political pressure, have threatened media freedom, the report says. Spyware has long been a hot topic in the European Parliament, which has dedicated a special committee to the use of programmes such as Pegasus and its successors. They played a part in the spying scandals that have hit the Spanish, Hungarian and Greek governments and are also investigative tools for the revelations that led to the explosion of the Qatargate corruption scandal. Media activists have criticised EU states, notably France, for pushing to expand loopholes allowing authorities to spy on journalists in the name of 'national security'. The Parliament's position limits the use of spyware as a 'last resort' when journalists were involved in serious crimes such as terrorism or human trafficking. Also, a judge must give clearance. The decision not to approve a total ban has provoked criticism, including from Italy's Five Star Movement MEP Sabrina Pignedoli, who denounces how 'thanks to this amendment, the judicial authorities will be able to implant and hide malware on journalists' mobile phones or computers, in order to detect and even steal personal information'. The issue has come to the fore in France following an uproar over the two-day detention of Ariane Lavrilleux last month. The French journalist, who works for the investigative website Disclose, was held in police custody for 39 hours on 19 and 20 September and had her home searched as part of a judicial inquiry into the compromise of national defence secrets. This came about after she had published articles about French arms sales abroad and a French intelligence mission in Egypt that the country allegedly misused to target and kill opponents. A grey area for content moderation? Another important part of the law concerns content moderation by very large platforms. To prevent them from too easily removing articles or reports or restricting access to them, it says that media should, for example, demonstrate transparency about their ownership structure. Media should be editorially independent, monitored by a national regulator or should respect self-regulatory standards. AI-produced content should not be published without first undergoing human scrutiny. If an online platform considers that content published by a medium meeting these conditions nevertheless violates its terms of use and that the relevant content should be removed, the medium should be notified in advance and given 24 hours to respond. To avoid handing too much power to the internet giants, the law envisions setting tougher conditions for removing or restricting reports by media outlets, the so-called 'media exemption'. 'On the one hand, we really wanted to allow media that meet international standards of good journalism to get out of content moderation. But on the other hand we have to make sure that there are no loopholes for those media that do not comply and disseminate disinformation to European citizens,' MEP Sabine Verheyen said. 'To be blunt: the content you see in your newspaper or on your television will not depend on Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg,' she added. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) welcomed the improvements made to the text by MEPs, in particular to protect verified media from censorship by platforms. However, the Computer & Communication Industry Association (CCIA), a US organisation whose members include Facebook, Google and Twitter, lashed out against the measure, arguing that 'the media exemption will empower rogue actors, creating new loopholes to spread fake news rather than fixing anything'. The MEPs' vote stakes out the Parliament's position on the draft law ahead of negotiations with the EU's 27 Member States. The provisions of the law designed to protect the confidentiality of sources and journalistic work promise difficult discussions with the EU countries, which adopted their position on the text in June. This article is published weekly. The content is based on news by AFP, ANSA, AGERPRES, APA, Belga, dpa, EFE, FENA, MIA, STA agencies participating in the enr. President Klaus Iohannis will pay an official visit to Hungary next Wednesday, the Presidential Administration informed on Friday. The Romanian president is going to meet with his Hungarian counterpart, Novak Katalin, agerpres reports. Traffic through the eastern Isaccea Border Crossing Point (PTF) is stopped, on Friday, following drone attacks during the night on the Ukrainian side of the Danube. "Traffic through PTF Isaccea is completely closed due to last night's attacks on the Ukrainian side (PTF Orlovka). Thus, the outgoing traffic is redirected to Galati Road Transport," the Coast Guard says, agerpres reports. According to the source, the two ferries that ensure the crossing from one bank to the other of the Danube are anchored on the Romanian side. Chairman of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) Kelemen Hunor said on Friday that he is glad that President Klaus Iohannis has accepted the invitation of his Hungarian counterpart Katalin Novak for an even belated visit to Budapest, although such meetings should take place annually. "It's very good that Iohannis goes on this visit, I'm happy for any such meeting, because good relations are needed at president level too. There is a need for such meetings between the two countries, I think they should take place annually," Kelemen Hunor told a press conference held at the headquarters of UDMR Arad. Asked to comment on the fact that this is President Iohannis's first official visit to Budapest towards the end of his second term in office, Kelemen Hunor replied that "he probably gets slower into action. I'm glad that he is going at least now, but I don't want to comment."President Klaus Iohannis will pay an official visit to Hungary next Wednesday, and is scheduled to meet with Hungarian President Katalin Novak, the Presidential Administration informed. ST. LOUIS Adult-use, recreational cannabis can be sold in Missouri dispensaries beginning Friday, giving consumers an unexpected boost to their weekend plans. Expectations throughout the industry had been that the licenses required to sell non-medical cannabis would not be issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services until Monday. But the department threw a curve Thursday afternoon, announcing that it would issue licenses on Friday to the dispensaries that qualified for them. As soon as a dispensary receives its license, it can begin selling marijuana to anyone older than 21. Area dispensaries said they are ready for the expected crowds. There was an inkling from the state that it could have the potential to go early on Friday, said Laurie Gregory, chief marketing officer of Good Day Farm, an Arkansas-based grower, manufacturer and dispensary with several area locations. Its been day by day and moment by moment, she said. Were waiting, were prepping, were ready. Recreational-use marijuana will initially be sold only at already-existing medical-use dispensaries. State health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox said at least 170 of these dispensaries statewide are eligible for licenses Friday, which will be given to any store in good standing with the department. Good standing means the license is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise inactive at the time the request is made, she said. Greenlight dispensaries, with 15 locations across the state, have been spending about $7 million or $8 million on improvements to make sure we can efficiently handle the adult-use consumer and not isolate the medical-marijuana patients that built its business, said CEO John Mueller. New pickup windows have been installed in the lobbies and separate lines will be established to handle the returning medical marijuana patients. And for the stores that have drive-thru windows, Mueller said, were putting in new speaker boxes, Chick-fil-A style. The company has added 80 employees to handle the increased business. About half of them will staff the dispensaries, and the other half are on the cultivation and production side of the business. Many cannabis companies grow and process their own marijuana, turning some of it into edibles and vape pens in their own facilities. Recreational-use cannabis became legal when voters passed Amendment 3 last November, allowing non-medical users to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and medical users to possess up to 6 ounces. I think the first week will be a little chaotic, Mueller said. I think youll see lines just to be among the first consumers. A lot of people in Missouri, a heavily conservative state, have been waiting a long time for this. Customers have been getting impatient. Dan Pettigrew, co-founder of Black-owned Viola Brands, said that nine out of 10 visitors to the new ViolaSTL dispensary in Downtown West have come in to buy as recreational customers. When the dispensaries another is set to open Monday on the Cherokee Street corridor receive their licenses to sell adult-use cannabis, Pettigrew said he expects sales to increase by a factor of 10. We think, for a number of reasons, sales will increase more in urban markets than rural markets, Pettigrew said. Greenlights Mueller said he is also expecting sales to soar. While medical use sales are now $40 million per month in Missouri, he thinks the state will soon see monthly sales of $80 million or even $100 million. With recreational-use marijuana now legal, many of the companies expect it will take a big bite out of the still-thriving illegal market. Mueller said the fact that all legal weed is tested for 54 contaminants will appeal to many consumers who have been buying pot on street corners, as will product consistency and the burgeoning variety of marijuana strains. Good Day Farms Gregory said the fact that it is legal can make a big difference. She was in Michigan when the state made the move to legal recreational cannabis. I was in a dispensary and a man came in, probably in his 70s. He walked into the store, raised his hands and started crying. He said, I never thought I would see the day when I could walk in and buy this plant that has helped me so much, she said. With the first round of deadlines less than a month away, high school seniors are in the thick of college application season. Annalee Nissenholtz, St. Louis-based owner of Interface Education Services, has 30 college counselors advising students all over the world. She shared some of the most common mistakes they see students making when applying to colleges. Leaving work on your applications until the last minute. A hastily completed application will never be your best work. Essays should go through multiple drafts and at least two people should proofread them for mistakes before you press submit. Not realizing the importance of building a strategy and theme. An application needs to tell a specific and individualized story. The more you can identify your interests and find a specific story to tell about yourself, the better chance you have to be remembered. Writing a generic personal statement. The goal of your personal statement is to grab your readers attention and share information about your life that you feel best shows who you are and why they should want you on their campus. Application readers do not want to hear about the hurdles your parents and grandparents have overcome, a disappointing loss (or victory) in sports, a volunteer experience that you only did three times in your life. Your admission readers are not therapists. They are job interviewers, Nissenholtz said. Another common pitfall is to try to cover too much. You cant tell your life story in the personal statement. Stick to one or two main ideas, she said. Neglecting other parts of your application. Do not use acronyms on your activities list that someone outside your school would not know. Use the additional information space on the application to add details about yourself that are not included elsewhere and enhance your application. Waiting until the last minute to ask your teachers for recommendations. Teachers only have so many hours in the day and are busy writing lesson plans, correcting papers and supervising clubs. Do not be among the last to ask for a letter of recommendation. Researching and applying to mostly highly selective reach schools and paying little attention to the colleges where you are most likely to be accepted. Congratulations if you are one of the top students at your high school. If most of your college list includes the top ranked by popular publications, remember that you are joining all the students in every high school in the country and the world who also are at the top of their class and want to apply to the same 25 to 50 colleges. Be sure to have a Plan B. Using AI to help with essays. With the rise of ChatGPT and other AI tools, colleges are trying to put safeguards in place to identify students who they believe are using AI to write their essays. Since information for supplement essay prompts is harder to feed into AI than for a personal statement, colleges are paying a lot more attention to how a student answers the supplement prompts. If colleges even suspect that your work is not your own, you will not be offered a place in the class. Not giving enough time to your supplement essays. The colleges that ask additional questions unique to their institution are doing it for a reason. They want to be sure your writing style matches your personal statement, and they want to learn more about you. Not signing up for an interview or not going to a meeting when the admissions representative visits your school. More colleges will use interviews as a significant piece of their holistic evaluation procedure. Be sure you take advantage of every opportunity to be known to the college admission representative assigned to your school and sign up for an interview if it is offered. Not following up after you application is submitted to demonstrate your interest. Colleges want to know they are one of your top choices. Be sure to sign up for more information their website, sign up to take a virtual tour and if you can, visit. Failing to have honest conversations about finances early in the process. Students often dont understand or have a complete picture of their parents finances. Its important for parents, especially those who are upper-middle class and unlikely to qualify for need-based aid, to have an upfront conversation about whether they can afford $70,000 to $80,000 a year if a student is accepted to a highly selective school and not offered financial aid. When it comes to cancer, early detection is crucial. The sooner a tumor is found, the better the chances for successful treatments and outcomes. However, cancer doesnt always present noticeable symptoms until it has progressed. Scientists are racing to develop tools for early diagnosis, and a liquid biopsy method now shows promise in detecting traces of tumors in blood and other body fluids, even in seemingly healthy individuals. This blood test helps monitor metastatic tumors and improve prognosis following specific cancer surgeries. A recent study published in The Lancet further supports the potential use of these techniques for early cancer detection in asymptomatic people. Still, experts caution that this tool still requires refinement to avoid false positives and overdiagnosis before it can be implemented as a population screening method. Tumors often indicate their presence in the body by releasing tumor DNA, proteins and other molecules into the bloodstream. Liquid biopsies enable oncologists to analyze a blood sample for these biological traces, providing valuable insights about the disease in a minimally invasive manner. This includes detecting the tumor, monitoring treatment response and identifying resistance. Liquid biopsies have many applications, said Ana Vivancos, head of cancer genomics at Spains Vall dHebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO). In metastasis, we track mutations and assess therapy response by analyzing tumor DNA in the blood. This provides valuable insights into the patients condition. Additionally, were exploring its use in surgical settings. For example, if colon cancer patients are operated on and a blood sample taken after one or two weeks reveals tumor DNA, it signifies no cure. Conversely, if chemotherapy is administered post-surgery and tumor DNA disappears, it indicates successful treatment. If tumor DNA is found later, it suggests a potential relapse. Lastly, the most challenging application is early cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals. The new study shows the potential of liquid biopsy for early cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals. The study involved over 6,600 people, both with and without cancer risk factors, who underwent a blood test. The test identified signs of cancer in 92 people; 35 were diagnosed with a tumor but the other 57 were false positives they did not in fact have any signs of cancer. In all, 121 people were diagnosed with cancer throughout the year-long study. Besides the 35 detected through liquid biopsy, another 86 participants who tested negative were ultimately diagnosed with cancer using other techniques meaning the liquid biopsy produced a troubling number of false negatives. The trial utilized a test that analyzes methylation patterns. These patterns act as unique markers within tumor DNA, not only indicating the presence of the disease but also pinpointing its origin. The trial successfully identified various types of cancer including those that lack screening tests and even detected early-stage cancers, such as bile duct, small intestine, pancreas, and spindle cell neoplasms that could be treated with a surgical resection. Physical examinations or routine screenings would unlikely have identified these lethal malignancies. Notably, almost half of the positive results from the test were early-stage (I and II) tumors; stage IV represents the most advanced and severe stage of the disease. Despite the studys false positives and negatives, the scientists concluded that it demonstrates the clinical viability of these tests, and acknowledged that more studies are needed to investigate the safety, usefulness and clinical effectiveness [of these tests] as a cancer detection strategy. The study further supports existing scientific literature about liquid biopsy techniques. A 2018 study conducted by scientists from Johns Hopkins University and published in Science validated the potential of CancerSeek, another test capable of detecting eight types of tumors. Furthermore, a 2020 study in the same journal demonstrated that CancerSeek can be used to detect tumors in asymptomatic individuals. After monitoring 9,900 women, these researchers discovered cancer in 26 people, offering the potential for curative treatments in some instances. More work ahead The Lancet study demonstrates a test that can detect cancer in a significant number of cases, but there is still much more work ahead, said Vivancos, who was not involved in the study. Similarly, Clara Montagut, a practicing oncologist and researcher at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, says that while the new study is a step in the right direction, more research is necessary. She noted that the results were not exceptional, but rather comparable to current breast and colon screening methods. The advantage is that a blood test is simpler, which may lead to higher adherence. Experts emphasize the need for refining the technique so it can potentially become a long-term population screening tool. Its a step forward, but not the definitive one, said Cesar Serrano, a Spanish Society of Medical Oncology board member. Serrano, who is also an oncologist at Vall dHebron, noted the technical and biological constraints of liquid biopsies, including the fact that not all tumors release DNA into the bloodstream. Certain tumors, like those in the lung, breast, and colon, release a significant amount of tumor DNA into the blood. However, thyroid tumors and sarcomas tend to release less DNA. Additionally, even within the same type of tumor, some may release DNA while others may not. One challenge with liquid blood biopsy is that tumor DNA is typically easier to detect in more advanced stages of the disease. Vivancos explains that in the earlier stages, it becomes more complex. Patients in stages I and II are often overlooked because their cancers release less DNA into the blood. The more advanced the cancer is, the more DNA it releases. However, some cancers with a favorable prognosis, like sarcoma, release minimal DNA. On the other hand, aggressive cancers like pancreatic cancer also release limited amounts. We still dont fully comprehend how tumors release DNA into the blood, and it remains an important area of research. Improving the technique is necessary to prevent false positives and missed cases. We must be very careful and ensure that cancer isnt mistakenly detected, said Montagut. A false positive means subjecting a healthy person to unnecessary medical tests and a great deal of stressWere not there yet, said Vivanco. The technique is an improvement, but many cases of cancer are missed. The false negatives are even more problematic than the stress-causing false positives. A promising technique Experts also stress the need to assess the risk of overdiagnosis detecting lesions that may not progress to cancer or will resolve on their own. Additionally, Serrano highlights the importance of population screening demonstrating clinical validity (detecting biomarkers in the blood) and clinical usefulness (enhancing patient survival). The potential of liquid biopsy is tremendous, experts say, and can be used with blood and other body fluids. Recent research is exploring its application in breast milk and cerebrospinal fluid for detecting brain tumors. Vivanco says shes optimistic but also realistic. I think it will eventually be used in population screening, but first the technique must be improved. Currently, it serves to monitor disease in real time and aims to guide certain treatments in the near future. Its very promising, but just research for now, said Serrano. 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 POTOSI, Mo. Brian Parker took the stand and offered a lesson in prosecutorial discretion. Parker is the prosecuting attorney in Iron County, and he was appearing as a witness for the prosecutor in neighboring Washington County, John Jones. Parker has some seasoning. Jones, elected last fall, is handling his first high-profile case. Jones is prosecuting what might someday become known as the Case of the Century around these parts a rural bit of the Ozarks about two hours southwest of St. Louis. The area is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and marked with tiny towns that, for the most part, have seen better days. In March, Jones filed criminal street gang felony charges against Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett, two of his deputies and a wealthy rancher, Donald Rickie Gaston. According to the indictment, Gaston directed law enforcement in February to help track his ex-girlfriend and their child in what is basically a custody dispute. The men were jailed and held for a while without bond. Gastons preliminary hearing started at about 10 a.m. Wednesday and lasted more than 11 hours, in front of St. Francois County Associate Circuit Court Judge Patrick King. The hearing was at times a struggle for Jones and his witnesses as they faced St. Louis defense attorney Scott Rosenblum, who picked apart the evidence. Parker was there to explain why he wouldnt take the case the Iron County deputies brought to him, alleging an assault against Gaston by the mother of his child. The Feb. 8 incident led to a chase two days later. Burkett and his deputies, with Gaston tagging along, allegedly called various police dispatchers to obtain pings of the womans phone so they could track her. The alleged goal was to reunite Gaston with his daughter. Gaston had a court order that said it was his weekend with the 5-year-old girl, the evidence showed, though some witnesses pointed out the couple had split up just two days earlier. After Gaston filed a complaint alleging he was assaulted, the deputies sought charges against the woman. Parker refused, saying the details were questionable. He sent the deputies several questions asking for more information and evidence. This is one of the most basic elements of the criminal justice system that often gets overlooked. There is push-and-pull between police and prosecutors, but prosecutors ultimately decide what charges to bring to make sure they actually have a case they can prove. Parker didnt trust the deputies and thought something was strange about how insistent they were on charging the woman. Based on the evidence Parker saw, Gaston appeared to be the aggressor. And based on that evidence, Parker was right to question the charges. Jones would later file charges against the officers and Gaston for their actions. What he proved beyond a reasonable doubt on Wednesday was that Gaston has a temper problem and there was some shoddy police work in Iron County. It was highly irregular to say the least, he said in his closing argument. But the key question, one that Rosenblum kept asking, was whether it rose to the level of three felonies against his client criminal street gang activity, tampering with a witness and stalking. The case fails because of this, Rosenblum told the judge, waving a court order that outlined a parenting plan for the child and didnt allow the mother to take her out of the county without talking to Gaston. All the other stuff is nonsense. Rosenblum suggested there was something else going on here, underlying stuff between these deputies and other officials. The judge tossed the tampering charge, agreeing with Rosenblum that there was not a scintilla of evidence for it. He allowed the criminal street gang and stalking charges to go to trial, though he asked Jones if there was any case law on such an unusual charge being applied in a situation like this. There is not. And that highlights the irony of the case. Jones and his witnesses argued that no police officers would ever enforce a parenting plan court order, despite language in the law that they shall do so. And to win his case, Jones will have to convince 12 jurors to apply a law that has never before been applied this way suggesting that Gaston is a kingpin, the head of a cop mob, so to speak. Meanwhile, the sheriff and his deputies will have to wait for their days in court, as Gastons hearing took up all the time the judge had Wednesday. No matter what happens, the damage to their careers has been done. Burkett has been removed from office as a condition of his bond. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is trying to finish the job in a separate court action, though its based on the same evidence that didnt do much to impress a judge. The cases all of them remain on shaky ground. Something happened here, maybe even something criminal. But if Gaston and his pals are Al Capone and a gang of Chicago thugs, the evidence seems, to borrow Rosenblums phrase, something less than a scintilla. Perhaps between now and when the cases go before a jury, one prosecutors discretion will rub off on another. CLAYTON A former high school orchestra teacher in the Rockwood School District is now accused by at least five women of setting up a secret camera in his home and school office to film women and girls, some of whom were undressed, according to several new lawsuits and federal charges. The women two house guests, a babysitter and two foreign exchange students have all filed lawsuits against Joseph Gutowski, 41, in the past four months. He was also charged in federal court in May with two new counts related to child pornography. Gutowski is accused of secretly filming students in his school office and women in several rooms in his home, paying a recent graduate for nude photos and then sharing some of the footage in an underground online community dedicated to child pornography and voyeurism, federal prosecutors wrote in a detention motion. Gutowski was initially charged last December with sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of child pornography after prosecutors said he secretly filmed sexually explicit videos of a 16-year-old foreign exchange student who was staying in his home. He had been fired earlier that month after more than 15 years as a teacher at Lafayette High School in Wildwood. But five lawsuits and federal charges filed over the past six months reveal several more accusations of abuse. This man is a monster, said attorney Robert Schultz, who represents the five women suing Gutowski. He said he plans to file several more suits alleging similar conduct. An attorney for Gutowski did not respond to requests for comment for this story. Mary LaPak, a spokesperson for the Rockwood School District, said in a statement on Tuesday that the district is not aware of any criminal actions that took place on Rockwood property and we have not received any reports of students being filmed at school by this individual, who is no longer an employee of the Rockwood School District. Prosecutors laid out some of the evidence in a motion asking for Gutowski to be held in custody pending trial. According to that document: Gutowski first told both the school and St. Louis County police in November 2022 that he was having inappropriate relationships with students after his girlfriend found evidence of his recordings and reported him to police. He was interviewed by police and admitted he was addicted to pornography and was part of an underground online voyeurism and child pornography community called Club Creep. He then admitted to police that he had taken pictures of minor students in his classroom that he found attractive and paid one former student then an adult to send him pornographic images. Gutowski also told investigators over multiple interviews that he filmed two foreign exchange students who were staying in his home, including a minor 16-year-old girl who lived with him in 2019 through 2020. Gutowskis girlfriend and ex-wife turned over Gutowskis electronics to police on Nov. 29, 2022, but Gutowski is accused in the detention motion of attempting to delete all evidence of the pornographic material before police got the devices. In all, investigators found 260 videos of the 16-year-old foreign exchange student on Gutowskis devices, including nine sexually explicit videos, the motion alleges. The videos included 64 he is accused of filming himself with secret cameras in both his school office and in multiple locations of his home, along with data from images, videos and messages he allegedly pulled from the teens cellphone. The teen submitted a letter describing the traumatic impact the case had on her life. I was a 16-year-old girl, coming from Germany to stay with Joseph thinking I would live in a safe home, she wrote. She added that Gutowski also made inappropriate comments asking questions about sex to her and other minors. Joe did not give me a say in any of his bad decisions, she wrote. Joe did not give me the chance to speak up and stand up for myself. I was not given chances in this whole matter, and neither should Joseph. She wrote she was unable to be alone or focus on her schoolwork after finding out about the footage. I gained anxiety, depression, trust issues and I was broken by a man who I believed was a good man, she wrote. I know that this feeling of someone constantly watching me will never go away. The districts superintendent, Curtis Cain, sent an email to parents when Gutowski was initially charged in December 2022. Today, we learned from the St. Louis County Police that they have charged a former LHS teacher with multiple charges related to child pornography and sexual misconduct, he wrote. At this time, there is no indication that the allegations are related to any current Rockwood students. Cain continued: I know that any allegation of this type is very troubling news to process, and we share your concern as parents and educators. I am truly sorry that our community will be impacted by this negative news. Gutowski taught at Rockwood from August 2006 through December 2022. He remains in federal custody in the Ste. Genevieve County Jail. In two of the civil suits, Gutowskis attorney Matthew Radefeld wrote in filings that the former teacher had no desire or funds to defend himself against the suit. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch will ask an appeals court to allow the newspaper to report on a mental health evaluation for a man accused of killing a St. Louis police officer. The move comes after the citys presiding judge, Elizabeth Hogan, this week again denied a request from the paper regarding the report. Joe Martineau, attorney for the Post-Dispatch, argued in court that Hogans move is prior restraint and that the case doesnt meet the high legal burden needed to prevent the press from publishing a story. The issue stems from the inadvertent release of the mental health evaluation for Thomas Kinworthy, 46, who is accused of killing Officer Tamarris Bohannon in 2020. Post-Dispatch reporter Katie Kull discovered the evaluation a document normally filed under seal in public court filings. She read it and alerted Kinworthys lawyer that she planned to write a story. But before she could, the lawyer sought an order barring the paper from reporting on the contents of the evaluation. Hogan granted it. Kinworthys public defender argued in court this summer that publishing information from the document would make it extremely difficult for his client to get an impartial jury. Hogan extended the restraining order last month, arguing it was necessary to protect interests of the highest order: the confidentiality of mental health records, and the criminal defendants right to a fair trial. Alan Achkar, executive editor of the Post-Dispatch, called the order an overreach. We strongly disagree with the arguments made to justify the decision, Achkar said last month. We believe in and fight for First Amendment rights. This was a loss not just for us, but for press freedom and those First Amendment rights. We will review our options with our attorneys. The order was decried by First Amendment advocates, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation. Its jarring when you see a judge ignore established free speech protections, said the foundations director of advocacy, Seth Stern, after Hogans ruling. The law recognizes that preventing the press from publishing something requires the most serious scrutiny. Stern said the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly refused to uphold prior restraint cases. I sympathize with anyone whose private information is compromised, but the government was responsible for keeping this private, Stern said. Judges dont get to play editor. This week, Hogan denied the Post-Dispatchs request to make the restraining order permanent so the paper could take the issue to the Missouri Court of Appeals. Temporary restraining orders cannot be appealed, Martineau said. The paper will move instead to file a writ of mandamus with the state appeals court. The writ will ask an appeals panel to consider whether Hogan overstepped her authority or erred in her decision to bar the paper from publishing a story. Kinworthys attorney intends to present a defense of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and/or diminished capacity, according to court records. He is being held in custody without bail. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 16. POTOSI, Mo. One piece of a paper took center stage this week in the high-profile case accusing a Missouri sheriff and two deputies of orchestrating a kidnapping scheme for a wealthy resident determined to get custody of his child. Washington County prosecutors were tasked with proving to a judge they had enough evidence against the father, Donald Rick Gaston, to go to trial. In a 10-hour hearing, they argued that, at Gastons direction, Iron County Sheriff Jeffrey Burkett and two deputies went to great lengths to find and turn over Gastons 5-year-old daughter, amounting to stalking, victim tampering and criminal street gang activity. But Gastons attorney, Scott Rosenblum, lifted a piece of paper up to the judge. It was, he argued a valid child custody agreement that showed Gaston had a legal right to care for the 5-year-old child and good reason to enlist law enforcement in the effort. All of this other stuff is nonsense, Rosenblum told the judge. Rosenblum described Gaston as a concerned father looking for his child. Then the prominent big-city attorney poked holes in witness after witness at the Wednesday hearing. Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John Jones argued the custody agreement didnt justify Gaston and the sheriff hunting down his ex-girlfriend and child. They went to highly unusual lengths for law enforcement to intercede in a custody dispute including tracking the mothers location, investigating her for high-level felonies, attempting to question her teen daughter and putting out widespread calls for her arrest, Jones said. Witnesses called by Jones Wednesday included the childs mother, the sitting Washington County sheriff, two judges and the elected prosecutor of Iron County. The hours of evidence previewed a case that has already effectively removed the Iron County sheriff and captured the attention of Missouris lead belt for months. That this is somehow a legitimate law enforcement action is insane, Jones argued. This is conspiratorial behavior. This is organized crime. The trial took place here in Potosi because prosecutors argued some of the alleged crimes happened in Washington County. A St. Francois County judge presided. The evidence The series of events started when Adrienne Henry poured a $50 bottle of whiskey down the drain the night of Feb. 8. Henry, 33, testified she started dating Gaston, 63, when she was 20. The two were in an on-and-off romantic relationship for more than a decade. They never married, but had a daughter whos now 5 years old. Henry also has a 16-year-old daughter who is not Gastons biological child. A year prior, Henry and Gaston were off. In May 2022, they went to court to reach a temporary custody agreement for their daughter. Gaston would get custody every other weekend and some Wednesdays, but they only abided by the agreement for a month or two before they decided to reconcile, Henry testified. She moved back in with Henry on his sprawling horse ranch in rural Iron County. But, Henry testified, things turned bad again that night in February. Gaston accused her of drinking too much. She denied it and poured the whiskey down the drain. Her 16-year-old daughter captured an audio recording of the fight played in court. Henry yells for Gaston to get away from her. The 16-year-old threatens to call 911. The recording ends with Gaston yelling you just punched me in the face! Henry and her teen daughter both testified Wednesday that Gaston put his hand around Henrys throat and threw her to the ground. Henry admitted that at some point during the fight, she threw a phone that grazed their 5-year-old daughters hand, causing a scratch. Gaston and the 16-year-old both called 911. You can barely see it, Dad! the child says of her injury as Iron County Sheriffs deputies arrived, a video played Wednesday showed. The deputies escorted Henry and her daughters off the property. A couple of days later, on Feb. 10, a deputy visited Henry and told her Gaston wanted to take their daughter for the weekend. According to the custody agreement they reached before they reconciled, it was his turn to have the child, the deputy said. Henry testified that she didnt turn her daughter over, but met with her lawyer that afternoon. She testified the lawyer told her to wait until a judge could hear the case that Monday. She told me to have a relaxing weekend, Henry testified. Henry took her daughters out of Iron County that evening to stay with her cousin and her cousins husband, Maj. Andy Sides of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. She opened an app that tracked Gastons car and soon realized he was following her visiting each stop she had made on her way to her cousins house. I felt hunted, Henry said. I felt like I couldnt go anywhere. Gaston and Iron County deputies called to request wellness checks at the home of Henrys cousin. A Jefferson County sheriffs deputy and an investigator with the Department of Social Services both responded to reports that a child had been injured and was in danger but found no cause to take the girl, according to testimony Wednesday. Gaston showed up at the house later that night angrily demanding his child, but a Jefferson County sheriffs sergeant told him to leave. Shes going to be sitting in my jail Meanwhile, Iron County Sheriff Burkett and deputies pulled the mothers plates, obtained cellphone location data from her phone and put out a stop and hold alert to other law enforcement instructing them to arrest her. They also visited the home of Henrys parents in Madison County. Iron County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Parker testified Wednesday that he got messages from Iron County Deputy Matthew Cozad the evening of Feb. 10 requesting that Henry be charged with felony child endangerment and first-degree assault, which requires proof of an attempt to kill or cause great bodily injury. Parker said they provided no evidence besides descriptions of a childs swollen thumb and reports of scratches on Gaston. A slap in the face for first-degree assault seems like a stretch, Parker said. Parker told the deputy they would need more evidence. They provided him with video capturing some of the fight, he said. If there was a primary aggressor, it was Mr. Gaston, Parker testified. Parker recused himself from the case after Iron County Deputy Chase Bresnahan said Parker must be sleeping with the mother, Henry, because of his handling of the case, which was not true, Parker testified. He transferred the case to a Crawford County prosecutor who also refused to file charges. Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen testified that he kicked off the criminal investigation into Burkett and the deputies when he reported them to the Missouri Highway Patrol. Jacobsen said he got a call from Sides, the Jefferson County Sherriffs Office commander related to Henrys cousin. Sides said he believed an Iron County deputy had misused a law enforcement database, the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) to illegally pull information about his wife and address. Jacobsen testified hed also gotten a call around the same time from an Iron County deputy asking his department to investigate a vehicle crash that Henry had gotten into in Washington County about two months prior. Jacobsen testified it wasnt typical to investigate a crash where no police were called so long after the fact. He refused. The deputy said that their department would come and investigate it themselves, Jacobsen testified. The patrol investigation found more than 50 recordings of calls between Sheriff Burkett, his deputies and dispatchers as they attempted to find Henry. Texts between the deputies accused in the scheme, Cozad and Bresnahan, show they were frustrated at what they were being asked to do which one said was just so Burkett could kiss Gastons (expletive) like hes gold, according to evidence introduced Wednesday. During the search for Henry, a dispatcher told Burkett that the mothers cellphone activity showed she was leaving the county. I hope like hell she is, he replied. Because when I catch her shes going to be sitting in my jail. One charge tossed, two go forward Rosenblum, Gastons defense attorney, argued Wednesday that the deputies were just doing their job to investigate reports from Gaston of a domestic assault. They also planned to carry out language in the custody agreement stating it shall be enforced by law enforcement, except in rare circumstances. Apparently this prosecutor tried to throw everything at the wall to see what was going to stick, Rosenblum argued. He argued Gaston wasnt directly involved in many aspects of the investigation and called claims of a conspiracy far-fetched. Jones, the Washington County prosecutor, argued the investigation violated Henrys rights and amounted to a conspiracy to commit second-degree kidnapping, among other crimes. He told the judge the charge of criminal street gang activity is rarely used in Missouri, but said it doesnt require that he show Gaston was involved in every step of the plan. It seems to me Rick Gastons say-so was pulling an awful amount of weight, he said. Moreover, he said, it wasnt clear at the time that the custody agreement was valid it was poorly written and included contradictions. St. Francois County Associate Circuit Court Judge Patrick King ultimately allowed two of three felonies to go forward in the case. He threw out one count of witness tampering, but determined there was enough probable cause for counts of stalking and participating in criminal street gang activity. Gaston also faces multiple pending misdemeanors in the case. Burkett and the two deputies, Cozad and Bresnahan, are all facing charges in connection to the scheme. A preliminary hearing in those cases is set for Dec. 15 in St. Francois County. JEFFERSON CITY With drought parching Missouri in three of the last five years, state officials have dug up a scheme to assist farm country during times of natural disasters. The plan: Build more ponds. As part of a request to Gov. Mike Parson, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources wants $10 million to provide more watering areas for livestock and dredge existing water sources to improve their viability during prolonged dry periods. The amount requested from general revenue should have a substantial impact in the agriculture sector, a significant economic driver in Missouri, and help sustain the agricultural industry into the future, the administrative budget request said. Parson, who is a farmer, spent time Wednesday hearing updated drought conditions from a panel of experts who are monitoring the states latest weather emergency. The governor predicted the financial effects of the current dry spell on ranchers will continue well into the future. Youre talking about a two- or three-year issue here to try and build things back up, Parson told reporters. Parson said his cattle farm in Bolivar, managed on a daily basis by his son, has been hit hard by the current drought, which reduced the amount of grass available for feeding his modest herd. He was feeding hay in July. Thats never a good scenario, Parson said. I know my friends down home, a lot of them have sold cattle already because they cant afford to buy the hay and they dont have the grass. Youre going to see more of that. Under Parson, the state has amped up spending on meat production as a way to grow jobs in the state. In the current budget, at least $70 million is set aside for new agriculture-related research facilities. In 2021, the state put together a $36 million package of incentives and local subsidies to land a Wisconsin-based American Foods Group beef processing facility in Wright City, west of St. Louis. The complex is currently under construction near Interstate 70. Under the DNR plan, grants could be made to farmers to dig additional ponds on their property, or dredge existing ponds in order to make them hold more water when rainfall is lacking. The request by Parsons Republican administration makes no specific mention of human-caused climate change, which has been linked to an increase in intense weather events throughout the world, ranging from forest fires to floods. But, it does mention that extreme weather is projected to continue. With the increasing number of natural disasters occurring in Missouri, there is a need to provide funding to assist agricultural landowners and producers to mitigate and recover from natural disasters, as well as become more resilient to future events, DNR said. The effort, if endorsed by Parson in January and approved by lawmakers next May, would be administered by the departments Missouri Geological Survey to provide assistance to landowners to improve sustainability. The impacts of the drought and weather extremes have put a strain on the water supply, resulting in the inability to utilize pastures and reduced feedstock for livestock producers, DNR said. In some cases, the department said, the drought has resulted in partial or full liquidation of cattle herds. Missouri is the No. 3 cattle-producing state, and the recent cattle sales will have a lasting impact on the Missouri agricultural industry, agency officials wrote. Along with building ponds, there could be programs to stop soil erosion by growing cover crops. The proposed funding is an investment in Missouris economy and achieving resiliency for agricultural producers to continue producing food and fiber for consumers, DNR said. ST. LOUIS Officials have approved a raft of subsidies, design plans and work permits to help save Hillvale Apartments from ruin. That effort tests the reality of reclaiming one of the roughest parts of north city in the modern era. So far, the first of 11 existing buildings has been refurbished. Black metal cages secure new air conditioning units around the perimeter. New cabinets, appliances and plumbing have been installed. Vagrants were cleared out of the basement. I am thankful for my kids to be out of that other apartment, said Lelesa Harris, 31, a Hillvale tenant who transferred to the refurbished building in August while construction rolls on throughout the rest of the complex, which dates to 1967. But her praise stopped there. She said one of the new metal doors to the building was recently unhinged. At other times, she said, children stuffed rocks in the locks to keep them from functioning. One night, she said, a bunch of water was leaking in from the floor above. I called the maintenance line and nobody called me back until the next day, said Harris, speaking outside, by a ground-level window thats been busted out for weeks. Hillvale, long synonymous with crime and desperation, represents much more than another struggling apartment complex in a struggling city. Millions of dollars are now being spent on the moderate rehab project while plans to improve the beleaguered neighborhoods around it are either out-of-date, vague or far off. On April 6, 2021, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones held her victory party in the nearby Omega Center parking lot, celebrating a victorious campaign that vowed to refocus redevelopment from the slick central corridor to the citys forgotten northern half. In a recent interview, Jones didnt immediately recognize Hillvale by name, but she said she knows the broader area around Goodfellow Boulevard and Natural Bridge Avenue. We have to start somewhere, so the refurbishing of Hillvale, I think, is a good step because affordable housing doesnt have to be dilapidated housing, Jones said. That area of town is long overdue for a refresh. That area was once leaned on to help win World War II. Some 16,000 people used to make .30 and .50 caliber ammunition for the U.S. Army along Goodfellow. Today, its a ghost town, with six lanes of empty roadway leading to nearby Interstate 70. Only 80 employees are left at the 62.5-acre, 23-building Goodfellow Federal Center. The federal government said it will turn over the partially contaminated campus property in 2025 to a buyer. The city is expressing interest, but it already owns many pieces of vacant land in the area. Population in those census tracts has tanked for years 23% just in the past decade, nearly all of them Black. A Rallys drive-thru is the latest business that couldnt make it on the strip. On a different front near Hillvale, Pierre Laclede public school has been hammered by absences and a drop in enrollment. In 2022, just 8% of students tested proficient in English and 2% in math. It didnt get like that overnight, Jones told the Post-Dispatch. And Ive only been here for two and a half years. So we have to make sure that we are laying the foundation to make plans to redevelop that area. A Denver-based affiliate of Steele Properties sees opportunity in the decline, which is part of their national business model. It bought Hillvale in 2022 from a New Jersey-based company that failed to control and maintain the property at 5830 Selber Court. Steeles $30.5 million effort to turn the 146-unit complex around equates to about $209,000 a unit. Rehab is expected to cost $14.3 million, according to the most recent city records on file. Including the cost of a new community building and leasing office, thats about $98,000 in work per unit. Just about every possible local, state and federal subsidy out there has been approved to help the private firm redevelop and sustain Hillvale in an area that the open market would not. It has access to $17 million in tax-exempt bonds, $19.5 million in low-income housing tax credits, and $2.5 million in local and national affordable housing trust funds. The city recently approved Hillvale for discounts on future property tax liability increases. Revenue streams are essentially guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Thats because nearly all Hillvale units are covered by a coveted Project-Based Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Contract thats been in place for years. Tenants pay a sliding scale of rent, depending on their income. Several tenants have said they lived there for free because they were unemployed. But even with millions of dollars in taxpayer support at multiple levels, Hillvale shows how challenging it is to maintain an investment in an area facing the winds of disinvestment for so long. Between 2019 and early 2022, there were at least 1,400 calls for emergency police service to the immediate area. It also shows how one investment is not enough. Many people familiar with the area say Hillvale improvements wont last unless there is much better property management and broad collaboration to stabilize surrounding neighborhoods with meaningful policing, economic development and other vital city services. Dont throw a whole bunch of money into a hole and expect flowers to grow out of it, said Philip White, manager of the Omega Center, a former United Auto Workers union hall now mainly used as a charitable gathering place for funerals and bingo. Before a career as an officer in the Air Force, he grew up at Pruitt-Igoe. Everything was great until they stopped inspections, said White. To the new management over there: Stick to the rules. And be accessible to the tenants. Hillvale cant be a success unless the bigger area north and south of it are also cleaned up and cared for, said Jim Roos, 79, a housing activist who owns apartments in the area. Martha Cole has lived in the 5800 block of Ferris Avenue since the 1970s. Ive seen so many people get shot over here, Cole, 67, said from her front porch. When I moved here, it was so nice. Her neighbor, Tina Blackwell, 47, said few small children are left in the broader community. Those who remain mainly stay indoors. Even her home was hit by gunfire. Dudes, she said, hanging out in back. Relocate vs. remodel Pam Boyd, who took over as alderwoman of the new 13th Ward in April, said her expectations for the neighborhood are high. I want to make sure that residents are living in a clean and safe environment, she said. She said shes challenging them to come to the table to express their wishes. She said she also recently talked to the new owners of Hillvale. I just told them they had to clean it up, she said. Until somebody slashed it, a big blue banner recently hung from the front entrance of the sprawling apartment complex. It said exciting changes were happening at Hillvale and to come check out our renovations. Long-time on-site property manager Anna Richardson referred a Post-Dispatch request for a tour of the rehabbed units to leaders of her new employer, Monroe Group, an apartment management company affiliated with Steele Properties. That inquiry was ultimately referred to Justin Unger, Steeles development director, who denied the request. He wrote by email that we remain focused on managing the rehab process for the residents to ensure safe, decent and sanitary housing. Hes previously said there would be better security, inspections and maintenance. Social service programs for tenants, some of whom were formerly homeless, have also been promised. The rehab project is expected to be complete next year. Harris, and other residents interviewed at the complex, said Hillvale continues to wrestle with deep-rooted challenges, like teenagers flying across the parking lot in stolen vehicles. In my opinion, they should have knocked these down, said Harris, mother of five. I dont want to live in this neighborhood. I feel like they need help, she said of the new owners. Another attempt People have been down this road before, just two minutes from Hillvale. In 1991, developer Housing Solutions Inc. and general contractor Westminster Builders rehabbed eight historic properties in the 5600 block of Labadie Avenue in the spirit of preserving affordable housing. According to the Missouri Housing Development Commission, the project received $1.584 million in low-income housing tax credits spread across a 10-year period and a $275,000 loan from the commission. Total development cost was $1.651 million, with an estimated cost per unit of $91,730. The commission said it last monitored the properties in 2012. Today, the brick properties look bombed and abandoned. According to city records, the St. Louis Equity Fund owned and managed the properties since 1990. In 2022, after several years of sitting vacant, the firm donated them to the citys bloated land bank. Cate Trende, director of asset management for the equity fund, said by telephone that they are pretty properties but she acknowledged the area is challenging. She couldnt be reached for a deeper follow-up conversation about what happened. Jeffrey Boyd represented the neighborhood for years as alderman of the old 22nd Ward. Before he went to federal prison for bribery and insurance fraud, he told the Post-Dispatch in 2022 that the Labadie development mainly turned four-family flats into two-family townhomes. It was beautiful how they did it, he said. Then somebody got shot and killed. There were other concerns, he said. You werent going to pay that money to walk past drug dealers every day. Robert Petty, 50, recently drove down Labadie in a red tow truck. Everybody pulled out, he said. Every time there was something we were proud to say was over here is gone. He checked off a list of nearby locales, ranging from the famous Goody Goody restaurant (burned) to Joes Clothes (recently demolished) to the Rallys. Crime has a big part, he said. But if you dont have nothing to look forward to at your home, your community, you are going to get dilapidated buildings. Just like your car, if you dont take care of it, it will fall apart. Demetrius Taylor, 49, came up and said he wants to do his part. His body was covered in tattoos that paid tribute to the Shoe Mob, his old gang. I went to jail off this block. Dope. I aint going to lie to you, he said. It was like the projects. Hes back now. He said he refurbished a home and is selling used cars parked beside it in the grass. I am trying to bring the community back, he said. The bones So is Neal Richardson. As director of the St. Louis Development Corporation, hes responsible for helping carry out the mayors economic growth vision for the city. In an interview, he said, strategic plans to revitalize neighborhoods around Hillvale are out-of-date and need revision. We are working on that now, he said. More broadly, he said, the Jones administration committed $286 million in COVID-19 relief funds to support nonprofits and small businesses extending north from Delmar Boulevard. Grant applications are due by Oct. 30. Its really just a drop in the ocean of challenges that we are up against but really lays the foundation for the future, Richardson said. He said vast parts of the city have suffered from decades of population decline and poverty. We have the bones of an industrial city, he said. Running past Hillvale, toward I-70, there used to be thousands of jobs along Goodfellow. We need to bring those jobs back, he said. At the end of September, the city applied for a $500,000 federal grant to help create an initial planning process to better connect neighborhoods with I-70, nearby industrial areas and roads. It would put us in the next stage where we could receive up to $100 million in implementation, he said. Hopefully by the end of the year, we will have a response. Meanwhile, he said, the city is in early conversations to acquire the storied Goodfellow Federal Center campus and surrounding properties on the east side of Goodfellow. He said the city wants to piece together roughly 70 acres of contiguous land that would be desirable for long-term industrial use or manufacturing. Its going to take a lot of demolition, he said. Brownfields cleanup. He described the area as the most distressed of distressed communities in the state. Bringing back more density and prosperity to the neighborhood couldnt happen soon enough for Sandra Dobynes, co-owner of Eye Fashion Factory, a former ward business of the year that has been at the intersection of Goodfellow and Natural Bridge since the 1980s. She said the business helped put four children through college. Now she and her husband want out. Where am I going? she asked. I cant sell it. She pointed to all the surrounding buildings that closed, including one that burned and somehow remains standing. Right across the street, somebody recently spray-painted Murda on the side of a gas station people call the Killer Mobil and Murder Mobil despite a formal name change. They cant even spell right, said Dobynes, 67, discouraged. On a recent day, there were cars that pulled up to the pumps and never got gas. Others milled around on foot for long periods of time. There have been about 100 calls for police service at the gas station in the past year, according to city records. Western Inn, just beyond it, remains shuttered since police raided the motel in 2022. Dobynes said she already applied for grant money from the COVID-19 relief funds that Richardson touted. I want a big fence around the whole property, she said. Then I want a locked gate. They need to clean this north side up. Intro to management One Friday afternoon in September, police drove down Goodfellow and turned into Hillvale Apartments. They ended up outside the front office, head-to-head with Travez Taylor, who was irate with management. They just illegally had my car towed away, he told police. While the black 2001 Chevy Lumina looked old, he said, it still ran and was one of his few possessions. He said he felt targeted. He said he saw an assistant manager talking with the tow truck driver before it went missing. Police went to inquire. The sign said the front office was closed, but there were employees inside. They told police that they denied authorizing the tow. If they didnt authorize the tow, then why not roll the camera? Taylor asked. A new surveillance system was installed along with the ongoing upgrades to the complex. Police said management couldnt immediately produce the archive footage in question. Well have the video by Monday, Anna Richardson, the on-site manager, came out and told Taylor. It started to rain. I am at my breaking point, said Taylor, standing in the downpour. I gotta figure something out for my family. While many people in north city say they would never live at Hillvale, for others, its a life raft. Taylor, 29, and his girlfriend, Charlece Gassoway, 27, were previously living in extended stay motels. In November 2018, they moved into Hillvale. Gassoway was eight months pregnant with their second child. It was perfect timing, Taylor said. They settled in, had a third child. Eventually, mice ate through their belongings and they got crossways with management. Taylor likes to work on cars, breed dogs. His name wasnt on the lease. Still, they were one of the fortunate families to move into the first building refurbished in the remodeling project. Gassoway gave the Post-Dispatch a tour. Their rooms were barren. Theyd thrown out most of the furniture from their old apartment to keep rodents out. She pointed to new appliances, cabinets, countertops and wiring, as well as some blemishes. The front door handle jiggled loose. New vinyl molding wasnt sticking to the base of the kitchen floor. Chipping paint in a door frame. Old Sheetrock tape coming apart between two wall boards in the living room. New carpet coming up in a bedroom corner. And she showed a picture of a large mouse they trapped beside the refrigerator. Basically, in one year or two, its going to be like the other apartments again, she predicted. I dont want to be here anymore. Management apparently doesnt want her family there either. Taylors car never turned up, but a letter addressed to Gassoway and all other occupants recently arrived in the mail. The lease was being terminated for material non-compliance and other good cause, according to the letter. They had until Friday to vacate. Gassoway said she would fight the letter, even if they hadnt signed new house rules that came with the rehab. Hillvale is in one of the roughest neighborhoods, but its provided a roof over their heads rent-free. Where else can she find that? I am a mom of three, she said. I dont have nowhere to go. Post-Dispatch reporter Blythe Bernhard contributed to this report. A woman fired several gunshots in the lobby of a Connecticut police station but bulletproof glass prevented anyone from being injured, authorities said Friday as they charged her with attempted murder and other crimes. The shooting happened at the Bristol Police Department just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday. The woman, Suzanne Laprise, 51, of nearby Plainville, repeatedly said kill me as she was being handcuffed following the incident, according to a police report obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media. She was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and armed with an illegal high-capacity magazine when she fired several shots at the window of the front desk, which was unoccupied at the time, police said in a news release. None of the shots penetrated the bullet-resistant glass, officials said. Officers tried to negotiate with Laprise, but she fired more shots toward them, the statement said. One officer shot back at her. She put her gun down and officers used a stun gun to subdue her. She was arrested and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Citing the police report, Hearst Connecticut said a witness told police Laprise had been at a Bristol sports bar less than two hours before the shooting. The witness quoted Laprise as saying, I am going to the Bristol Police Department and tell them to kill me or I will shoot them. The witness told police they suggested to Laprise that she get mental health treatment and in the meantime to go home and get some sleep. Laprise agreed, but the witness saw her drive away toward the police department instead, the report said. Bristol police said that officers' actions were heroic. Despite a truly life-threatening incident, they responded with calm, poise, and professionalism, resulting in no loss of life or serious injury to anyone, police said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. The shooting came nearly a year after the community was unnerved by the shooting deaths of two Bristol police officers who were ambushed outside a home in another part of town. It also came four days after new state gun control laws the most sweeping restrictions since others were passed after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown took effect, including tougher penalties for possessing high-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Laprise was released from the hospital into police custody Friday morning and appeared in state court in New Britain, where a judge lowered the $3 million bond set by police to $1 million. She remained detained and is scheduled to return to court Oct. 17. In court, a representative of the public defender's office described Laprise as a mother of three adult children who has never been in trouble with the law before and volunteers at her church. She worked for a state agency that helps developmentally disabled people for more than two decades and has a son with Down syndrome, said David Napierkowski, a fellow, or intern, in the public defender's office. State officials said Laprise retired in 2020. This is an ongoing matter. Shes innocent until proven guilty, Napierkowski told The Associated Press in a phone interview. Laprise was charged with attempted murder and several gun crimes, including illegal carrying of a firearm under the influence of drugs or alcohol and illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine. She also was charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and breach of peace. Outside Laprises apartment is a doormat that reads Come back with a warrant, according to WTIC-TV. The Connecticut State Police and the Inspector General's Office are investigating the incident, Bristol police said. On Oct. 12, 2022, Sgt. Dustin DeMonte, Officer Alex Hamzy and Officer Alec Iurato were shot in what police believe was an ambush set up by a 911 call made by the shooter, Nicholas Brutcher. DeMonte and Hamzy were killed. Iurato, who survived a gunshot wound to his leg, fired a single shot that killed Brutcher. DeMonte and Hamzy were promoted posthumously to lieutenant and sergeant, respectively. Iurato recently return to work. When Ron DeSantis seemed to say during the last Republican presidential debate that he would support a federal ban on abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy, some anti-abortion activists called it the news they had been waiting months to hear. The president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a leading anti-abortion advocacy group, issued a statement thanking DeSantis for his commitment to support minimum federal protections for babies. But DeSantis' campaign insisted his comment, which was the candidate's most direct answer regarding an abortion ban, wasn't anything new. And millions of voters probably missed the moment entirely. DeSantis pledge came during one of many chaotic exchanges on the debate stage, when Sen. Tim Scott who has made a nationwide ban on abortion at 15 weeks a central focus of his campaign shouted a question, asking if the Florida governor also would support it. In a bit of barely audible crosstalk, DeSantis responded: Yes, I will. The exchange and the DeSantis campaign's response provided another example of the muddiness voters are encountering as they seek specific answers from Republicans regarding abortion policy. Since the Supreme Court last year overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that established a federal right to abortion, candidates are being pressed and sometimes stopping short of a straight answer on whether states should decide laws governing the procedure, as the court's ruling allowed, or if the federal government should establish a standard law across all states. Some also are dodging questions about when they believe restrictions should occur and what exceptions, if any, should be allowed. The variations on how far to go created a dust-up in the GOP presidential primary last month. Former President Donald Trump said during a TV interview that DeSantis made a terrible mistake by signing into law a ban on abortions in Florida at six weeks of pregnancy. Trump also said its probably better from a legal standpoint for abortion to be banned by individual states, rather than nationwide through federal action. The front-runner for the GOP nomination also said he would negotiate with Democrats on abortion legislation. In states that hold elections in November, there has also been conflict among abortion opponents and accusations from Democrats that GOP candidates are trying to hide their true, extreme positions. In Kentucky, where the state's strict anti-abortion law has been a major issue as Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear seeks a second term, Republican Daniel Cameron appeared to redefine his position on the law twice in two weeks. In Ohio, anti-abortion activists are at odds over messaging and campaign strategy as they try to defeat a constitutional amendment that would protect abortion access in Ohio. And Democrats in Virginia are hammering Republican candidates for the House and Senate, saying they will pass an extreme abortion ban similar to those in neighboring states if the GOP wins full control of state government. Virginia, which currently has divided government, is the only state in the South that hasn't imposed new restrictions since Roe fell. Virginia Republicans largely support Gov. Glenn Youngkins proposal that would prohibit the procedure at 15 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, and they accuse Democrats of fear-mongering and telling lies. Republicans also have called out Democrats for not wanting to limit abortion at all, though many Democrats favor existing Virginia law, which allows elective abortions in the first and second trimesters. Abortions in the third trimester are rare and typically occur because of a significant fetal abnormality, experts say. Democrats say the GOP is suddenly moderating only because of recent election results and advice from pollsters. Political momentum on abortion has shifted dramatically since last year's decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Voters supported reproductive rights in all six states where a question was on the ballot last year, and Democrats have credited the fall of Roe for helping the party win big races in 2022, including control of the Senate. Trump also has blamed some GOP midterm losses on how candidates handled the issue, acknowledging its political sensitivity. Speaking at the conservative Family Research Council last month he said that politically, it's a very tough decision for some people and very very hard on elections. The former president nominated three Supreme Court justices who formed a new conservative majority to overturn Roe v. Wade. Looking ahead to the general election, he has tried to position himself as more moderate on abortion than his GOP rivals, who must win over the more conservative primary electorate if they hope to be the Republican nominee. About half of Americans say abortions should be permitted up to 15 weeks of pregnancy, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in June. The poll also found that 73% of all U.S. adults believe abortion should be allowed up to six weeks of pregnancy. In that same poll, 56% of Republicans said abortion should be allowed in their state up to 6 weeks and 29% supported making the procedure legal up to 15 weeks. When St. Charles Countys leaders recently tackled the very real problem of older residents being driven out of their own homes by rising property taxes, they did it in exactly the wrong way: by offering a blanket property tax freeze to everyone 62 or older, regardless of circumstance. The result will inevitably be tax breaks for some very wealthy homeowners, on the backs of schools and other crucial services. The problem of seniors being gentrified out of their homes is a real one in parts of St. Louis as well, and Mayor Tishaura Jones is right to consider a city freeze for certain property taxpayers. But she and other top officials appear to understand St. Charles Countys mistakes, and theyre poised to avoid repeating them. Some hard questions still need to be answered, particularly about what it will cost the city. But if they include a reasonable income ceiling to the freeze and other limits, it could be a lifeline to St. Louis seniors who need it and a stabilizing factor in neighborhoods. Older Americans can find themselves at risk of losing or being forced to sell their homes when their property values (and thus their property tax bills) rise beyond their ability to pay. The irony is that these are the very kinds of long-term homeowners who improve neighborhoods. The tragedy is that that very improvement can price them right out, even if theyve paid off their mortgages. The Missouri Legislature this year tackled the problem with a new law that allows counties to freeze the property taxes of older residents at current rates for as long as they live in their homes. Its the right idea. And leaving the decision in the hands of local governments is the right approach, because those property taxes fund local services. But the law sets no maximum income or property value limits for the tax-freeze eligibility. If the point is to prevent financially struggling older residents from losing their homes, why loop in wealthy retirees living comfortably in mansions? Leave it to this hyper-conservative Legislature to find a way to coddle the rich even when addressing a problem that primarily affects the non-rich. The St. Charles County Council last month took the Legislature up on its offer, voting unanimously to apply the freeze to all homeowners 62 and older. The freeze sets no upper limit on income or property value, and it applies to all taxing districts in the county. So as the aforementioned mansion dwellers of St. Charles County enjoy their tax freezes, less well-heeled residents will see diminished resources for their schools, fire protection, libraries and everything else funded by those taxes. Again: This is exactly the wrong way to do it. Though the new state law is written to give tax-freeze power exclusively to county councils or county voters, St. Louis citys unusual status its under no county government presumably gives it the option to institute a freeze. Jones this week announced her administration is exploring it. But Jones and Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer of Boulevard Heights, who will sponsor the city legislation, made clear they wont be giving tax breaks to millionaires or starving schools and other services. As the Post-Dispatchs Austin Huguelet reports, they specified that the legislation will include income limits and will affect only city governments portion of the taxes, not those collected by schools and other taxing districts. As Jones put it, What we dont want is to freeze taxes for millionaires, and then all of a sudden we dont have the funding to pay our bills to provide basic services. Yet-to-be-determined details of the plan especially the question of where the income limits are set, and the related question of what it will cost in lost tax revenue will be crucial to finding that balance. But the proposal as laid out so far is the right start. One lesson of the Ukraine War is that various types of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are a lot more useful as weapons and for battlefield surveillance than anyone expected. This was unexpected and spurred the development and production of new AUD (Anti UAV Defense) systems. The latest one is a lightweight device called EnforceAir. This was developed in Israel for protecting airports and other potential targets from UAV intrusions or attacks. What makes EnforceAir work is software and the ability to detect a UAV up to 4,500 meters away, analyze the UAVs control signals and then disable them by taking control of the UAV and landing it. Each EnforceAir unit weighs 11.5 kg (25.4 pounds) for the tripod mounted version and the 19.5 kg for the backpack version. Unlike most other AUDs, EnforceAir does not depend on missiles or gunfire to deal with UAVs. Its electronic approach does not depend on dealing with UAVs from one manufacturer. Israel does not allow Israeli military equipment to be sold or sent to Ukraine. This is because Israel depends on Russian cooperation to prevent Iranian attacks on Israel from Syria. NATO military assistance to Ukraine recently included a second mobile AUD system. This one is the Norwegian Cortex Typhon that is mounted in a German Dingo armored truck, and has a UAV detection system combining a RWS (Remote Weapons System) armed with a 12.7mm machine-gun to destroy hostile UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The system can be used in fully automatic mode, to fire on any UAV within range, or with the operators having the option to decide which target is hostile or friendly and not fire on friendlies. The 12.7mm machine-gun has an effective range of two kilometers, which is about half the range of the 70mm guided rocket used in an earlier AUD system. The machine-gun bullet is much faster than the guided rocket. In 2022 the American Vampire AUD system was sent to Ukraine. Vampire is palletized. That means all components are secured on a shipping pallet that can be mounted in a pickup truck or military vehicle like the hummer. Vampire consists of a telescoping mast mounting an electro-optical/infrared modular sensor ball and laser designator, a generator for power and Fletcher launcher that carries four APKWS 70mm laser-guided rockets. These weigh only 15 kg (32 pounds) each and have a range of about a thousand meters when fired from the ground. Vampire can be used to detect and fire APKWS laser guided rockets at air and even ground targets. Any UAV, cruise missile or helicopter within range is vulnerable. Vampire is designed to be reconfigured, which is the kind of system Ukrainians prefer. The Fletcher launcher is designed to use the new, longer range APKWS rockets that gain additional range by having a larger rocket motor which makes the APKWS longer. Ukrainians are expected to modify Vampire to better suit their needs or simply to obtain longer range while carrying more rockets ready to fire. Vampire was effective in Ukraine and now Cortex Typhon will seek to do as well or better. Until the Ukraine War created an enormous demand for AUDs, Israel was the leader in combat proven AUD systems. One example is Skylock, which proved itself against Iranian UAVs used during the early 2021 Hamas/Israel ten-day war with Israel. This brief conflict provided ample opportunities to test new Israeli AUD systems. Israel is a leader in the development of AUDs, mainly because it faces attacks from the widest variety of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) types, and the most attacks using UAVs. EnforceAir is a later development that only uses electronic means to defeat threats. In preparation for a large-scale use of different type UAVs against Israel from Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza, or Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Iran (Syria), Israel had developed numerous ways to detect and destroy or disable hostile UAVs. During the recent ten-day war Israel detected and defeated six Hamas UAV attacks. There may have been other Hamas UAVs launched that never got near the border because of UAV malfunctions or operator error. The six UAVs that were a threat were all detected and taken down via missiles, usually from Iron Dome but one was by an air-to-air missile, and at least one UAV was disabled using a technology that Israel would not discuss. This was probably one of the electronic AUD systems, which Israeli tech companies have developed over the last few years. A new (to large-scale combat) system Israel would discuss was one that received data from all sensors (radars or electronic detection systems) and, in real time, created a single database/map display of all enemy systems detected. One feature of this new systems software was an accurate estimate of where UAVs were launched from. This provides an opportunity to attack the UAV operator or launch site. This system was already causing more losses to Hamas rocket launching teams, who thought the Israelis were just getting lucky. Now Hamas knows that luck had nothing to do with it. Israel has often sought to come up with defenses against new enemy weapons or tactics with a multi-system solution. Nowhere has this been more evident than when it comes to the growing threat from armed UAVs. For over a decade, many if not most new AUD systems have come from Israel. Many specialize in the use of multiple sensors and systems to detect and disable UAVs. The best and most recent example of this is Skylock, an AUD system using multiple sensors and EW (Electronic Warfare) equipment, plus a short-range laser, to detect, identify and jam or take over unidentified UAVs trying to enter military bases, airports, or industrial facilities. Skylock uses a combination of radar, electro-optical (visual) and electronic signal monitoring sensors capable of detecting the smallest UAVs, especially quad-copters, approaching a restricted area. Another Israeli approach is to use an interceptor UAV that can drop a net on a UAV but the preferred method is to jam the UAV control signals or, if possible, seize control and land it. A growing number of AUDs are built to deal with any small UAV. One of the more effective, and expensive of these AUDs is the Israeli Drone Dome system. These cost $3.4 million each and consist of a 360-degree radar system, an electro-optical day/night surveillance unit and a wideband (most frequencies drones use) detector. With all this Drone Dome can reliably detect any small quadcopter or fixed-wing UAV within 3,500 meters. Most quadcopters and UAVs encountered are larger and can be detected out to ten kilometers. Once spotted, Drone Dome can use a focused jamming signal that will disrupt any radio control signals and force the drone to crash or operate erratically. Drone Dome has an optional laser gun that can be aimed by Drone Dome to destroy the drone at ranges up to 2,000 meters. In a combat zone, you can also employ machine-guns to bring down the drone. Many buyers do not purchase the laser option and depend on Drone Dome being able to reliably detect all manner of small quadcopters from several manufacturers. What makes Skylock and Drone Dome different is their heavy use of electronic sensors to detect and jam the control signals used by UAVs, leaving the laser as a last resort. Several such AUD systems are already in service and effective because they are good at detecting UAVs electronically, and either jamming those control signals or taking over the control signals and capturing (by making it land) the UAV. American troops in Iraq and Syria were asking for AUD systems that use lasers, plus better UAV detection systems as well those with jammers to disable UAVs. There is also a need for AUDs that can detect and destroy UAVs that do not use control signals and basically go on pre-programmed missions. This can be to take photos or deliver a small explosive. Usually, it is to take photos and return. Drone Dome is one of several AUD systems equipped to detect and locate UAVs operating in pre-programmed mode and destroy or disable them quietly with a vehicle-mounted laser. AUDs like Drone Dome also use one or more radar systems and one or more sensor systems for detecting UAV control signals or visual images that pattern recognition software can quickly identify. While commercial UAVs are more common, the basic design principles have not changed. AUDs are constantly evolving to better detect and disable or destroy unwanted UAVs. The best ones are recent models that tend to be very expensive and used only for extreme situations, like UAV defense in combat zones. Airports, especially the large ones are going to have to join the military in buying the latest AUDs, which at least lowers the AUD price and inspires even faster innovation and development. Ukraine could have used Skylock or Drone Dome, but Israel does not provide weapons for Ukraine because of an arrangement with Russia to assist Israel in keeping Iranian forces in Syria from getting close to the Israeli border or launching any attacks on Israel. In Ukraine, NATO nations providing weapons are not directly threatened with Russian attacks. Such is not the case with Iranian forces in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza. It is not yet clear if Vampire and Cortex Typhon were more or as effective as the Israeli AUD systems. A drone attack hit a crowded military graduation ceremony Thursday in the Syrian city of Homs, killing 80 people and wounding 240, the health minister said, in one of the deadliest attacks on the war-torn countrys army in years. The strike killed civilians, including six children, as well as military personnel, and there were concerns the death toll could rise as many of the wounded were in serious condition, Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabash said. Syrias military said in an earlier statement that drones laden with explosives targeted the ceremony packed with young officers and their families as it was wrapping up. It accused insurgents backed by known international forces of the attack, without naming any particular group, and said it will respond with full force and decisiveness to these terrorist organizations, wherever they exist. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack as Syria endures its 13th year of conflict. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the drone attack in Homs as well as reports of retaliatory shelling in northwest Syria, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Guterres condemned all violence and called for a nationwide cease-fire, the spokesperson added. The military did not provide any casualty numbers, but Syrias state television said the government announced a three-day state of mourning starting Friday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, and the pro-government Sham FM radio station earlier reported the strikes. Syrias crisis started with peaceful protests against President Bashar Assads government in March 2011 but quickly morphed into a full-blown civil war after the governments brutal crackdown on the protesters. The tide turned in Assads favor against rebel groups in 2015, when Russia provided key military backing to Syria, as well as Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. So far, the war has killed half a million people, wounded hundreds of thousands and left many parts of the country destroyed. It has displaced half of Syrias prewar population of 23 million, including more than 5 million who are refugees outside Syria. While most Arab governments have restored ties with the government in Damascus, Syria remains divided, with a northwest enclave under the control of al-Qaida-linked militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group and Turkish-backed opposition fighters. The countrys northeast is under control of U.S.-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The city of Homs is deep in government-held territory, far from front lines where government and rebel forces routinely skirmish. After the drone attack, the Syrian government forces shelled villages in Idlib province, in the rebel-held northwest. In the towns of Al-Nayrab and Sarmin east of Idlib city, at least 10 civilians were wounded, according to opposition-held northwestern Syrias civil defense organization known as the White Helmets. Government forces continue to shell other areas in the rebel-held enclave. The Syrian army shelled another village in the region earlier Thursday before the drone attack over Homs, killing at least five civilians, activists and emergency workers said. The shelling hit a family house on the outskirts of the village of Kafr Nouran in western Aleppo province, according to the White Helmets. A woman and four of her children were killed, according to the Observatory. Nine other members of the family were wounded, it said. The vast majority of around 4.1 million people residing in northwestern Syria live in poverty, relying on humanitarian aid to survive. Many of them are Syrians, internally displaced by the war from other parts of the country. In northeastern Syria, local authorities said Turkish drone attacks struck Hassakeh and Qamishli provinces Thursday, hitting oil production facilities, electrical substations and a dam. A statement from the local Kurdish authorities said six members of their security forces and two civilians were killed. Meanwhile, three U.S. officials told The Associated Press that a U.S. F-16 fighter jet shot down a Turkish drone Thursday that came too close to their positions in Hassakeh after it had been dropping bombs in nearby areas. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria conducting missions to counter Islamic State group militants. Turkey didnt immediately comment on the strikes but Ankara said the main Syrian Kurdish militia is allied with Turkeys outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, which has led an insurgency against Turkey since 1984 that has killed tens of thousands of people. Ankara has declared the PKK a terrorist group. Syrian Kurdish forces were a major U.S. ally in the war against the militant Islamic State group, which was defeated in Syria in March 2019. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Talent acquisition firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. (TSX:CWL)(OTCQX:CWLPF) today announced that David Windley is stepping down as President of IQTalent and resigning from the Caldwell Board of Directors effective today. Mr. Windley joined IQTalent as President in 2014 to lead strategic direction and day to day operation during a period of explosive growth. During his tenure Caldwell acquired IQTalent and merged the two companies to create a technology-powered talent acquisition firm specializing in recruitment at all levels. "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank David for his leadership and dedication to IQTalent in the last nine years," said Elias Vamvakas, Chairman of Caldwell's Board of Directors. "He has been an important part of IQTalent's trajectory, and we wish him every success in the future." Mr. Windley will act as a strategic advisor to the board going forward. John Wallace, chief executive officer of Caldwell Partners, will take over day to day responsibilities for IQTalent, and serve as interim president of the organization. Mr. Windley will also continue as executive chairman of IQRecruit, the talent search and candidate management platform that was spun-off from IQTalent in March of this year. "I am proud of the company culture, brand and business we have built," said Windley. "I'm confident in IQTalent's leadership team and feel that now is the right time to step down and turn my focus to the growth of IQRecruit." About Caldwell Partners Caldwell Partners is a technology-powered talent acquisition firm specializing in recruitment at all levels. Through two distinct brands - Caldwell and IQTalent - the firm leverages the latest innovations in AI to offer an integrated spectrum of services delivered by teams with deep knowledge in their respective areas. Services include candidate research and sourcing through to full recruitment at the professional, executive and board levels, as well as a suite of talent strategy and assessment tools that can help clients hire the right people, then manage and inspire them to achieve maximum business results. Caldwell Partners' common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CWL) and trade on the OTCQX Market (OTCQX: CWLPF). Please visit our website at www.caldwell.com for further information. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-looking statements in this document are based on current expectations subject to the significant risks and uncertainties cited. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "may," "will," "likely," "estimates," "potential," "continue" or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. We are subject to many factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward looking statement including, but not limited to, the impact of pandemic diseases, our ability to attract and retain key personnel; exposure to our partners taking our clients with them to another firm; the performance of the US, Canadian and international economies; risks related to deposit-taking institutions; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; competition from other companies directly or indirectly engaged in talent acquisition; cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and attacks; damage to our brand reputation; our ability to align our cost structure to changes in our revenue; liability risk in the services we perform; potential legal liability from clients, employees and candidates for employment; reliance on software that we license from third parties; reliance on third-party contractors for talent acquisition support; the classification of third-party labour as contractors versus employee relationships; our ability to successfully recover from a disaster or other business continuity issues; adverse governmental and tax law rulings; successfully integrating or realizing the expected benefits from our acquisitions, adverse operating issues from acquired businesses; volatility of the market price and trading volume of our common shares; technological advances may significantly disrupt the labour market and weaken demand for human capital at a rapid rate; affiliation agreements may fail to renew or affiliates may be acquired; the impact on profitability from marketable securities valuation fluctuations; increasing dependence on third parties for the execution of critical functions; our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to support our growth and fund any dividends; potential impairment of our acquired goodwill and intangible assets; and disruption as a result of actions of certain stockholders or potential acquirers of the Company. For more information on the factors that could affect the outcome of forward-looking statements, refer to the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Information Form and other public filings (copies of which may be obtained at www.sedar.com). These factors should be considered carefully, and the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although any forward-looking statements are based on what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, we cannot assure readers that actual results, performance, or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Except as required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf; such statements speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language. For further information, please contact: Investors: Chris Beck, President, and Chief Financial Officer [email protected] +1 (617) 934-1843 Media: Caroline Lomot, Director of Marketing [email protected] +1 (516) 830-3535 SOURCE: Caldwell Partners International, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Clear Skies Capital, Inc., a leading financial service provider, is dedicated to empowering small businesses and transforming access to capital. Their aim is to empower small businesses to achieve their goals and thrive in today's competitive landscape. This is a testament to Clear Skies Capital's commitment to supporting the growth and success of businesses across all industries. This significant development highlights Clear Skies Capital's strong commitment to fostering financial growth and innovation in the business landscape. In today's fast-changing economic environment, small businesses encounter unique challenges when seeking the capital required for growth and expansion. Clear Skies Capital, Inc. acknowledges these challenges and has taken decisive actions to address them. The company offers a range of lending products, including bad credit small business loans, working capital loans, equipment financing, and business lines of credit. These diverse financial solutions are designed to offer businesses the necessary financial support, regardless of their credit history or financial circumstances. Clear Skies Capital, Inc. has a long history of leading the way in the financial industry, consistently striving to provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance business operations. With an unwavering focus on innovation, the company is proud to introduce this suite of lending products, which will undoubtedly shape the future of small business financing. Clear Skies Capital, Inc.'s financial services suite sets a new standard for excellence in the financial industry. By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by small businesses, Clear Skies Capital is revolutionizing access to capital and enabling businesses to reach new heights of success. This exciting news will generate interest across various industries and businesses. Clear Skies Capital, Inc. invites businesses and entrepreneurs to explore how this transformative solution can propel their ventures forward and ensure a competitive edge. About Clear Skies Capital, Inc. Clear Skies Capital, Inc. is a pioneering financial service provider dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses. With a team of financial experts and a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Clear Skies Capital has established itself as a trusted leader in the financial industry. The company continues to push boundaries and shape the future of financial services. Media Contact Organization: Clear Skies Capital, Inc. Contact Person: William Hynde Website: https://www.clearskiescapital.com Email: [email protected] Address: 11858 Bernardo Plaza Ct Ste 110 San Diego, CA 92128 City: San Diego State: CA 92128 Country: United States SOURCE: Clear Skies Capital, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Yum! Brands Taco Bell Blog National Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, is dedicated to showcasing the brilliant Hispanic/Latin culture. These grand celebrations include art exhibitions, music performances, parades, street fairs and more! The observation started on September 15, 1968 as a weeklong celebration and expanded in 1988 to a monthlong commemoration. But why September 15? This date is the anniversary of the independence days shared by Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, also falling close to Mexico and Chile's independence days on September 16 and September 18. To honor this momentous month, we're spotlighting members of the Hispanic/Latin community and their inspiring career and life journeys. Brina R. (She/Her/Hers) - Associate Manager, Human Resources, Taco Bell International Hispanic/Latin Heritage month is all about celebrating the diverse cultures that make up this community of people. For Brina, it's a moment to showcase her pluralistic roots, which has made her who she is today. "I love that I can bring these two cultures together in my household, showing my family what it means to be a Guatemalan living in the United States. Celebrating the warmth of the Hispanic/Latin culture, the delicious food, music, talents, as well as the adversities we have overcome is what makes this month so special." Brina was born in Guatemala and moved to the United States when she was five years old. She grew up in the San Fernando Valley in California, surrounded by American and Guatemalan traditions. Since high school, Brina enjoyed helping people learn new things and grow their careers. Little did she know these two worlds would collide in her role on Taco Bell's Ibero-America HR team supporting franchisees. "Growing up in a Guatemalan household and living in the United States, I never thought I would be able to apply my culture in my career. I've always been proud of who I am, so working on the international team and using my background to connect and communicate with others gave me a new perspective." When Brina first started on the international team, she knew Spanish would be part of her daily discourse. She was confident in her skills, but what she didn't expect was how much business would be conducted in Spanish. This ended up becoming a goal for her to work towards. "I grew up speaking Spanish my entire life, so there was no doubt that I was fluent in it. But the more time I spent working in Spanish, I knew there was a level of mastery I had to aim for. I had an American accent and didn't know every word, especially corporate terms." Although she knew the language, Brina started second-guessing herself. She had to change her mindset to fully appreciate her bilingual skills. "I knew I had to sharpen my skills, so I started surrounding myself more with Spanish. I watched more Spanish TV and read the language to better understand grammar and improve my writing skills. I jumped at every opportunity to speak Spanish to get more comfortable with it. Being in the role for several years now, I can look back and be proud of how much I have developed and the opportunities I have been a part of. I am also grateful for my team's support along the way!" Being on the international team has also changed the way Brina views people and their individual journeys. "This role has made me more compassionate for others in all aspects of life, whether it be understanding their family history, their drive to pursue an education, or the passion they have for Taco Bell. It has also expanded my understanding of the Latin American culture, giving me a deeper appreciation for the diversity that is around us." At the same time, her biggest source of inspiration and empathy is her family. "My husband pushes me to pursue my dreams and believe in myself. That is what I want to do for my son as well. I want to give him everything that my mom was able to give me. But more than anything, I want to teach him to be proud of who he is and raise him to dream big." If Brina could share one piece of advice to those going through a similar experience, it would be this: "The struggles our parents went through to raise us in this country are what makes us stronger. It's not the typical life you may think of, or what you see on TV, but what you go through are the strengths you have. Be proud of them and don't forget them." Check out more people stories! View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Yum! Brands on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Yum! Brands Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/yum-brands Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Yum! Brands View source version on accesswire.com: BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / IEH Corporation (OTC PINK:IEHC) today filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for Q1 through Q3 of the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2023, and its annual report on Form 10-K covering the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2023. In addition, IEH is in the process of preparing its Form 10-Q's for the first two quarters of the current Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2024, in an effort to become current in its SEC filings. For the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2023, IEH had revenues of $19,136,890 as compared to $24,265,589 for the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2022 reflecting a 21.1% decrease; an operating loss of $5,812,812 for Fiscal Year 2023 as compared to an operating loss of $938,933 for Fiscal Year 2022; a net loss of $6,502,924 for Fiscal Year 2023 as compared to net income of $1,438,134 for Fiscal Year 2022; and a basic loss per share of $2.74 as compared to a basic net gain per share of $0.61 for Fiscal Year 2022. Dave Offerman, President and CEO of IEH Corporation commented, "Although the financial metrics of this past fiscal year were, as forecasted, much lower than the few years prior, IEH is nonetheless pleased to be able to share these statements, which bring us one step closer to being fully caught up and current in our SEC filings, following the long and arduous process of migrating our accounting from the legacy system to the current SAP platform. As discussed extensively in prior communications, the devastating effects of COVID-19 on commercial aviation and the aerospace supply chain, following directly on the heels of the Boeing 737Max jet grounding, severely diminished IEH's revenue, as a large percentage of our overall earnings were generated from the commercial aerospace sector. These impacts were exacerbated by slowdowns in military spending on some of the programs we support, as well as a revenue reduction from overseas markets, particularly China, where COVID lockdowns were more sweeping and prolonged. As is typical in our industry, IEH only began to feel the effects of these events beginning in Fiscal Year 2022, reaching their nadir in Fiscal Year 2023. Now that we believe the rebound in the commercial aerospace sector has finally begun to cascade down to the Tier II and Tier III component suppliers, so has our revenue recovery begun to accelerate in earnest. In addition, we estimate that defense spending is expected to again rise, as current and potential conflicts and heightened tensions portend new rounds of funding in many of the programs we support. We believe that the first two quarters of the current Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2024 will show substantial improvements over the same quarters of the prior Fiscal Year 2023, previewing the upward trajectory we are currently on, and expect to sustain through the balance of Fiscal Year 2024 and into Fiscal Year 2025, and beyond. With a backlog that is now 28% higher than it was at the beginning of this Fiscal Year, and the highest it's been since the end of 2020, and positive indicators in our legacy markets along with our amplified sales and marketing efforts in developing markets, we are very optimistic that our recovery and growth will continue to accelerate in the coming quarters and years. On behalf of the management team and staff of IEH, we again wish to express our sincere gratitude for the patience and support of our valued shareholders as we sustain our efforts to become fully current in our SEC filings, and continue our revenue recovery. We look forward to sharing more positive news in the coming weeks and months." Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may 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, including without limitation, statements or expectations regarding our financial condition, regarding our revenues, inventory levels, cash and backlog, the commercial space launch industry, the success of our marketing and sales efforts in the medical industry, expectations regarding governance changes, our diversification of products and markets, expectations regarding future cash requirements, revenue and revenue recovery, including for fiscal 2023, projected timelines for making our SEC filings or successfully preventing our registration from suspension or revocation and expectations regarding our efforts and ability to resolve our inventory accounting issues. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made on its current expectations and projections about future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company's actual performance or results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors beyond our control. Among other items, such factors could include: any claims, investigations or proceedings arising as a result of our past due SEC periodic reports, including changes in the proceedings related to the SEC Order; our ability to remediate our inventory accounting issue; our ability to reduce costs or increase revenue; changes in the macroeconomic environment or in the finances of our customers; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; our ability to attract and retain key employees and key resources; and other risk factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 22, 2023, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business. Contact: Dave Offerman IEH Corporation [email protected] 718-492-4448 SOURCE: IEH Corporation View source version on accesswire.com: Leading dairy distributor kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with a charitable donation to National Breast Cancer Foundation and CFS pink-coded gift basket weekly giveaway. MARSHFIELD, WI / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Nelson-Jameson, a national dairy distributor dedicated to delivering the exceptional, is launching a new campaign in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The company is kicking off this initiative with a $5,000 donation to National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) that will allow NBCF to provide support, resources, and hope to women in need. Nelson-Jameson supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month Nelson-Jameson employees Kara Lineal, VP of Marketing; Heather Simcakowski, VP of Employee Experience; Mike Rindy, President; and Melissa Pasciak, Director of Event Marketing, hold up their company donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation "By partnering with NBCF, Nelson-Jameson is contributing to a cause that is important to both our customers and our employees," says Amanda Nelson-Sasse, fourth-generation owner of Nelson-Jameson. "Our company is built on a people-first culture, and making an impact in people's lives when they need it the most is part of our DNA." To demonstrate the company's commitment to breast cancer awareness, Nelson-Jameson is also partnering with CFS Brands to feature a pink color-coded line at its strategic distribution centers and an online product giveaway this October. Color coding areas in food processing facilities is an effective way to improve food safety and prevent cross-contamination. Nelson-Jameson will give away a total of five CFS-donated, pink-coded gift baskets containing pink products designed for cleaning in a color-coding system in a weekly drawing during the month of October. Additionally, Nelson-Jameson Foundation's matching gift program will match donations employees make to 501(c)(3) charities like NBCF up to $2,500 per employee per year. "NBCF is grateful to partner with the team at Nelson-Jameson in our mission of Helping Women Now,'" says Emily Millender, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NBCF. "Donations create a huge impact in screening and diagnostics, patient navigation, education and outreach, and support services that wouldn't be possible without the generosity from our supporters." If you are interested in entering to win CFS' pink color-coded items gift basket, visit https://m.shortstack.page/d40JJW or click on the promotion when you visit the home page at NeslonJameson.com. ### About Nelson-Jameson Nelson-Jameson is a fourth-generation, family-owned distributor to the dairy industry. From the company's roots in dairy production supplies, it has expanded to offer a broad range of food processing products and services that help food and beverage organizations operate efficiently with the highest quality, safety, and compliance standards. The company represents more than 850 vendors, distributes more than 60,000 curated products, and employs more than 260 people nationwide. The dairy industry leader also operates NEXT Logistics, a transportation arm that provides delivery services from its Wisconsin, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Texas strategic distribution centers. For more than 75 years, Nelson-Jameson has supported food, beverage, and dairy processors with innovative products and a comprehensive set of solutions that keep pace with changing consumer tastes, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels. The company values delivering the exceptional for its customers by leading with the guiding principles of kindness and mutual respect. Nelson-Jameson is a supplier of choice for customers in all 50 states and international markets. For more information, please visit: https://nelsonjameson.com About National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Helping Women Now by providing early detection, education, and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating for 16 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education, and patient support programs. For more information, please visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ Media Contact: Karolyn Raphaela [email protected]aa (312) 494-0422a Contact Information Karolyn Raphael PR for Nelson-Jameson [email protected] 312-494-0422 Related Files NJ Pink Campaign v4 FINAL.docx SOURCE: Nelson-Jameson View source version on accesswire.com: Originally Published on LinkedIn NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / We're honoring 25 years of MTV's Staying Alive Foundation and its legacy of creating content to inspire change and empower underrepresented voices. The MTV Social Impact team was invited to the Clinton Global Initiative conference and the United Nations General Assembly SDG Media Zone and Goals House events to discuss In Bloom' a series of short, scripted films for Paramount+ focused on #genderequity, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We'd like to extend a special thank you to Georgia Arnold, co-founder and executive director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, for the contributions she has made in helping drive #socialchange around the world through the power of #Paramount content. #WeAreParamount #SDGLive View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Paramount on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Paramount Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/paramount Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Paramount View source version on accesswire.com: Working forests and their associated watersheds play a critical role in capturing and filtering water used by people, communities, and wildlife. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / The trees, vegetation, and soil in our forests provide a permeable surface where water infiltrates the ground to replenish rivers, streams, and groundwater systems. Rayonier's sustainable forestry practices safeguard water quality and protect this natural cycle of water recharge. We adhere to all regulatory requirements and deploy best management practices to protect the water quality in our forests, which is essential to the long-term sustainability of our forests and the welfare of the communities they support. Rayonier has specific guidelines that are maintained, updated, and included in forest mapping to help ensure that our harvest plans and timber inventories exclude lands that are environmentally sensitive. We adhere to long-established best management practices requiring protective buffers along waterways, limitations on roads and heavy equipment, and reduced or eliminated harvesting in environmentally sensitive areas. In addition, we plan our forest management and harvesting activities to prevent sediment and other pollutants from reaching streams. In the state of Washington, our roads are updated and improved under regulations established by The Forest and Fish Law, and thereby incorporate many enhanced features to ensure the health of streams used by salmon and trout. In New Zealand, water monitoring for total suspended sediments (TSS) is undertaken at select sites nationwide. We also participate with regional councils undertaking state of environment (SOE) testing, which assesses stream health. Our approach to forestry regulations remains proactive and we work to enhance our relationships with regulatory agencies and local communities through transparent communication and active involvement. Rayonier team members often serve on boards of regional water management and forest practice committees, which set best management practices for landowners with regard to maintaining water quality. We are refining our approach to the management of water risk and have started measuring water consumption and identifying ways to reduce water use, where possible. Reported water-usage data accounts for the water used in our owned or leased corporate, resource unit, and forest research facilities, except those facilities that include water usage as part of the lease or where water is provided from local sources that are not metered. Tracking our water use is a major first step, and we look to use this data to identify ways to improve our water conservation efforts. IMPROVING WATER USE EFFICENCY Our nursery in Elberta, Alabama, improves water efficiency and lowers energy costs. In 2022, our Elberta, Alabama nursery installed variable frequency drive controls on two wells. This technology controls the flow of water by only pumping water that is necessary, resulting in an estimated annual savings of over $11,000 in energy costs and 14.5 tons of CO 2 . To learn more, view the full Rayonier 2022 Sustainability Report. ASSESSING CURRENT AND FUTURE WATER STRESS RISKS ACROSS OUR OPERATIONS USING THE AQUEDUCT WATER RISK ATLAS PUBLISHED BY THE WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE, MOST OF OUR OPERATIONS ARE POSITIONED IN LOW TO LOW MEDIUM OVERALL RISK. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rayonier on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Rayonier Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rayonier Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Rayonier View source version on accesswire.com: Stewart's Mill ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Viking Capital, a leading private equity firm, has successfully been awarded Stewart's Mill, a thriving 188-unit apartment community near Atlanta, Georgia. This strategic move comes at a purchase price of $28.2 million, solidifying Viking Capital's presence with a tenth asset in the dynamic Atlanta metro. Stewart's Mill Investment Offering The investment outlook for Stewart's Mill is highly promising, with projected annualized returns (AAR) ranging from 16-18%. Additionally, a projected equity multiple of 1.8 to 2.0x underlines the strong potential of this acquisition and investors. Notably, the purchase price represents a substantial 17% below the market average, showcasing Viking Capital's strategic acumen. Stewart's Mill is located in the sought-after I-20 West submarket, granting residents exceptional access to major job centers in Atlanta, including downtown Atlanta and the sprawling Fulton Industrial Corridor. This prime location ensures a convenient commute for residents. With Atlanta's 29-county Metropolitan Statistical Area ranking as the ninth-largest and one of the fastest-growing in the nation, Viking Capital's latest acquisition aligns seamlessly with its commitment to high-potential markets. Viking Capital's vision for Stewart's Mill encompasses an extensive value-add renovation on over 73% of units. This strategic investment underscores Viking Capital's dedication to providing enhanced value, with the potential to achieve rental premiums exceeding $175 per unit. Join our upcoming webinar to learn more: https://go.vikingcapllc.com/optin-org1695520057671 For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Ashley Penrod, Marketing Manager, [email protected] About Viking Capital: Viking Capital is a prominent real estate investment firm specializing in strategic acquisitions and value-added repositioning of multifamily properties. With over $752 million in assets managed across 24 properties, Viking Capital offers strong returns and investment diversification. Contact Information Ashley Penrod Director of Marketing [email protected] 2088599720 SOURCE: Viking Capital View source version on accesswire.com: Investing.com -- Shares in Nestle (OTC: NSRGY) edged down on Friday, approaching a more than two-year low, as investors reportedly fretted over how the food and drink giant could be impacted by a new weight-loss drug Wegovy made by Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO). At 08:12 ET (12:12 GMT), Switzerland-listed shares in the company had fallen by 2.76% to CHF 100.06 (CHF 1 = $1.10). Peers of the maker of Nescafe coffee and KitKat chocolate wafer bars, including Unilever PLC (LON:ULVR) and Danone (EPA:DANO), also slipped, dragging down the pan-European food, beverage and tobacco index. An analyst quoted by Reuters suggested that the decline could be linked to comments from a top Walmart (NYSE: WMT) executive flagging that increased customer use of Wegovy could cause a dip in food consumption. However, analysts said that the long-term risks to the food industry were not substantial. Nestle declined to provide a comment to Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Exxon Mobil Corporation is shown on a monitor above the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, December 30, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil is in advanced talks to acquire Pioneer Natural Resources in a deal that could value the Permian Basin producer at about $60 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. It would be Exxon's biggest acquisition since its $81 billion deal for Mobil in 1998 and could deepen the oil major's position in the country's most lucrative oil patch. Following are the comments on the likely deal. MATTHEW BERNSTEIN, SENIOR SHALE ANALYST, RYSTAD ENERGY "If Exxon Mobil is crowned the undisputed king of the Permian in the coming days, the shale sector will fundamentally become a more mature consolidated business." "A deal the size of Exxon Mobil's potential acquisition of Pioneer, however, could usher in a new 'Shale 4.0' era ... It would see high-spending supermajors, already in possession of large portions of the tight oil inventory, consolidate swathes of shale resources under their hold." MARK VIVIANO, MANAGING PARTNER AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER, KIMMERIDGE ENERGY ENGAGEMENT PARTNERS "Exxon is flexing its muscle and clearly wants to be the 800-pound gorilla in the Permian." "Pioneer has been positioning for this day for the past decade ever since the Permian went horizontal. Scott Sheffield (Pioneer's CEO) took back control of the company to make sure he had a hand in how the last chapter was written and this was always the ending." BILL SMEAD, CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER OF SMEAD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT "I can't imagine any deal is going to go for less than $65 billion, considering Pioneer is currently trading around $50 billion . . . This is the beginning of a massive consolidation in the industry." PETER MCNALLY, GLOBAL SECTOR LEAD FOR INDUSTRIALS MATERIALS AND ENERGY AT THIRD BRIDGE "From the Exxon Mobil perspective, U.S. production volumes have actually been negative for the past four quarters - a stretch not seen since 2018 . . . it may prove to be more efficient to buy the production growth through an acquisition than to build it organically by adding more rigs and crews." BIRAJ BORKHATARIA, ANALYST, RBC CAPITAL MARKETS "Would not expect XOM to pay a substantial premium for the assets given the limited number of alternative buyers out there for something of this scale. Following years of under-investment in the sector, we see the potential for large-scale M&A in the market as companies look to re-fill hoppers amid evolving views on the longevity of oil & gas." J.P.MORGAN ANALYSTS "(PXD) Chairman and CEO Scott Sheffield, who founded the company in the 1997, is set to retire at year-end, and this (deal) would be a fitting way to conclude his tenure in what appears to be a shareholder friendly manner." SENATOR SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, DEMOCRAT FROM RHODE ISLAND "Exxon has a big pile of cash that it made by gouging consumers, using a corrupt international cartel; and now it's looking to use that money to double down on polluting the planet, pushing even more costs and dangers on consumers." BEN COOK, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, HENNESSY ENERGY TRANSITION FUND "Given the concentration of acreage ownership in what is the United States' largest oil-prone shale play, it raises some concerns. I mean there's no question the position of that magnitude or size would give them considerable leverage in negotiating or contracts with the service providers." NEAL DINGMANN, ANALYST, TRUIST SECURITIES "We would not be surprised to see further consolidation in the upstream space given the limited inventory and relatively inexpensive price of most E&Ps as judged by the latest suggested premium." (Reporting by Arunima Kumar and Sourasis Bose in Bengaluru, Sabrina Valle in Houston and additional reporting by Raphael Satter and David French; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Arun Koyyur) After her daughter Jeanine was murdered in 1983, Patricia Nicarico channeled her grief into a determination to see the killer brought to justice and work to support childhood literacy in her daughters name. Despite the tragedy that befell her, friends said Nicarico was able to live a life of hospitality and warmth. Advertisement Pat Nicarico after an interview in 1999. (Stephanie Sinclair/Chicago Tribune) I just remember when I came to their house that Pat was an amazing host and she instantly made me feel right at home and part of the family, and I think thats one of the unique characteristics, said Laura Heywood of Naperville, a longtime friend. She was always so welcoming and warm and just one of those people that you would gravitate to. Nicarico, 80, died of complications from ovarian cancer on Sept. 23 at her home in Bluffton, South Carolina, said her husband of 58 years, Tom. She and her husband had moved from Naperville to South Carolina in 2006. Advertisement Born Patricia Panchak in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Nicarico attended secretarial school in New York and then worked as an executive secretary for Turner Construction Co. in Manhattan. After her marriage to Tom Nicarico, a recent graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, she and her husband lived in various locations before settling in Naperville in 1977. She worked as a secretary at Ellsworth Elementary School in Naperville for close to two decades. On Feb. 25, 1983, Nicaricos 10-year-old daughter Jeanine was home sick with the flu when she was abducted and killed. DuPage County States Attorney Joseph Birkett in 2005 called the murder one of the worst in the history of this county. The case extended across a quarter-century. Three men initially were indicted, two of whom were found guilty of the slaying and sentenced to death before the state Supreme Court struck down those convictions. After subsequent retrials and convictions, along with the introduction of new evidence and appeals, one of the men was acquitted of the crimes in 1995, while the DuPage County states attorneys office dismissed all charges against the other man later that year. In 2005, Brian Dugan, a serial killer who previously had confessed to the crime, was indicted, found guilty and sentenced to death. We realize that this will never give any of us closure, Nicarico told the Tribune in 2009 after the death sentence was imposed. But it does give us some sort of relief and some small closure. Two years later, Dugans sentence was commuted to life in prison after Illinois abolished the death penalty. Nicarico and her husband endured six trials across 25 years, along with numerous appeals and sentencing hearings. Advertisement In spite of this terrible emptiness, we have tried to move on with our lives and not to let these feelings consume us, she testified during the final trial, according to a 2009 Tribune article. Jeanine would want us to be the family we were before. The Nicarico family and a small group of teachers co-founded the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Literacy Fund in January 1996. The organization, which raised money through penny collection days, cookbook and bread sales and a 5K run, helped fund programs to educate children at Naperville schools. The grants extended beyond literacy programs in schools to include efforts to read to newborns and fostering reading among senior citizens. Jeanines name has been surrounded by so much misery and so much horror, Nicarico told the Tribune in 1996. Here, we were able to take her out of that context and remember her for who she was. We were surprised at the involvement and how the community has reached out and responded in such an overwhelming way. In our minds, it just seems like such an appropriate way to honor Jeanine. Were just hoping she can touch a lot of other children. Since its founding, the fund has awarded close to $1 million to both private and public schools in Naperville. Nicarico was involved in reading grant applications for giving out annual grants each year, and she was an integral part of the grant-reading committee, said her daughter Christine Roy. Advertisement The biggest thing is that it put a positive spin on all the ugliness that surrounded Jeanine, and it did good, Nicaricos husband said. Jeanine had trouble with reading, and hopefully through the fund, that is less of a problem for others. Roy said her mother felt every time we gave to the community, it was kind of a way of Jeanine living on in others. Tom Nicarico noted his wife bore the burden of what went on with courage and fortitude and grace and a positive outlook. She just remained strong without flexing any muscles, he said. She stood up to it, and she let people console her and she let people help, and sometimes thats not easy. Betsy Schaper called Nicarico a friend to everybody who brightened up every room, even as she was stricken with cancer. She was a loyal, fun-loving friend, and she was so brave, said Schaper, who had known Nicarico for 16 years. I followed and supported her through the whole medical journey, and she was just so brave. To every roadblock that was in her way, she said, Im going to beat this dont worry. She never had self-pity. She was so strong, and she and Tom were a wonderful couple. Advertisement Nicarico greatly enjoyed entertaining and hosting people in her home. 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 > She would always entertain family and friends, and she didnt care how many people came over, said Nicaricos daughter Kathy Brown. Nicarico enjoyed developing friendships with younger people, Heywood said. She didnt only have friends in her own generation, but she was friends with her daughters friends as well, and even her grandchildrens friends she knew them all. And she was really one of the strongest women that Ive known, Heywood said. She would just handle lifes challenges with such grace and she always had that ability to embrace what was good in life. In addition to her husband and two daughters, Nicarico is survived by four grandchildren; and two sisters, Nancy Aucone and Gwen Ellen Burdick. A visitation will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville. A mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. Advertisement Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. To purchase a death notice, visit https://placeanad.chicagotribune.com/death-notices. To suggest a staff-written obituary on a person of local interest, email chicagoland@chicagotribune.com. Mayte Hidalgo, Alvaro Manzano, Alexandra Falla and Jose Manuel Lorenzo, during a round table debate at the Iberseries & Platinum Industry event. You will not hear us say that artificial intelligence is a nuclear bomb that will destroy our industry, said Francisco Asensi, advisor at Spain Audiovisual Hub and moderator of one of the round tables at the 3rd Iberseries & Platinum Industry forum of audiovisual professionals held this week in Madrid, where some participants raised urgent questions about the application of AI to the audiovisual production process. As the industrys largest international event on the Iberian peninsula, Iberseries & Platinum Industry used X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that the debate would not focus on creative processes following angry reaction from professionals over the original program, which revolved around the possibility of generative AI to create scripts, increase production value, accelerate schedules and reduce costs. The title and description of the debate were tweaked to remove references to scripts and cost-cutting, although these issues were undeniably in the air. How to incorporate AI is currently one of the most sensitive issues in the audiovisual industry. It was one of the key issues in the negotiation between studios and screenwriters in the recently concluded strike in the United States, and it has become one of the main issues driving the ongoing actors strike. The agreement signed by screenwriters in Spain imposes limits on the use of AI in the creative process so that it does not replace writers and is used only as a tool. But the application of AI to the sector goes beyond screenplays. According to Alvaro Manzano, general manager of Media Industry at Accenture Spain, it is estimated that 40% of a workers total hours could be more productive with the application of AI. It is also estimated that over the next five years, investment in these technologies will increase by 26% in the sector. Manzano did however highlight a number of challenges, especially related to ethics and data security, as these are collaborative models that need to be fed information. Human intervention will always be necessary, he said. A round table debate on the use of artificial intelligence in audiovisual production at the Iberseries & Platinum Industry event. Irene Meritxell In Spain, where the forum took place, some of the largest production companies already have departments that are developing AI projects. Mediapro, for example, is developing projects to generate new business models based on existing knowledge, automation projects to help professionals in different fields, and running a laboratory that works with new technologies, according to Mayte Hidalgo, head of the groups Innovation and AI Center. Hidalgo added that all of this needs to take into account the necessary ethical framework: We are at a time when we are building an approach to all this technological capacity. The ones who are going to build it are companies with our kind of commitment. Santiago Yuste, Director of Information Technologies at the Secuoya Group, pointed to two practical examples of AI in the production processes. On one hand, it can be used to process and catalog the projects they receive, whether scripts, audio or video. That way we minimize the time needed to identify projects of interest, he said. On the other hand, it can be used to suggest locations for shooting a new story: Our location management system, based on experience, automatically suggests locations to the production team, Yuste said, adding that this can reduce costs and minimize the time it takes to get a project underway. Santiago Yuste, director of Information Technologies at Secuoya Group at the Iberseries & Platinum Industry event. Irene Meritxell Another way that AI can be applied to the industry was explained by Alexandra Falla, director of the Colombian Film Heritage Foundation. Her foundation already applies it to coloring processes, increasing the quality of digitization, subtitling processes and the generation of metadata to catalog their material. But Falla points out that in several of these processes human intervention is still essential, both in colorization which requires the experience of the human eye, and in the review of subtitles to ensure that the original context and language usage are preserved. Algorithm culture At odds with the rest of the participants was Jose Manuel Lorenzo, president of DLO Producciones, who expressed concern about the consequences of AI if there was no appropriate natural intelligence behind it, and flagged up the use of predictive systems on platforms to help make suggestions and proposals to viewers. The fear is that platforms will decide what content to make based on those predictive systems, he said. That would curtail creative capacity and that natural intelligence Im appealing to. Am I going to rely on what a computer tells me about the locations for my series? No, I would have to go and see them with the director and find out if they can work. Hollywood screenwriters and actors have put the brakes on the industry for so long, with one of the contested issues being where artificial intelligence is taking us... You have to look at artificial intelligence carefully. Im looking at it through sunglasses. The round table talk on AI at the Iberseries & Platino Industry event held at the Cineteca de Matadero in Madrid. Irene Meritxell Regarding the risk of the algorithm culture and the danger of standardizing content, Alvaro Manzano said: Artificial intelligence, if used incorrectly, will exacerbate mediocrity yet we will think that the result is coherent. It is based on the data we have given it, and there is important training behind it. How we use it will depend on where it takes us. According to Santiago Yuste, its not that creativity is going to be curtailed, its that instead of it going on for nine months, we put it into practice for six. Coming at the challenges from a different angle, Lorenzo countered, While it can help with many production systems, and streamline and improve processes, the problem is when we get into the issue of creativity, which is still human, open, free, and not so directed and predictive. Im worried that we will be directed by production, that we will be told what to do. Artificial intelligence systems are very predictive, but people dont know what they want. They know what they want from what they know, but they dont know what they might want from what they dont yet know. And thats where the creator pushes the agenda. BOGOTA, Colombia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) supports and applauds the Colombian governments decision to utilize a compulsory license to import cheaper generic versions of ViiV Healthcares HIV treatment dolutegravir. The country spends 50 times more on the brand-name drug than the Pan American Health Organization pays for a generic version. We fully support and thank Colombia in its bid to be able to access cheaper HIV medicines for its people, as well as helping thousands of Venezuelans who travel across the border for lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for HIV, said Dr. Patricia Campos, Bureau Chief for AHFs Latin America and the Caribbean Bureau. We also stand with the 120-plus civil society organizations that signed a petition to Colombia Minister of Health Dr. Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo urging him to approve this declaration. Thousands more people will now have a chance at living a healthy life with increased access to dolutegravir. We hope more countries follow suit in using compulsory licenses as it accomplishes two things: It gets effective, affordable medicines to their people and sends a loud message to big pharma, that they should not prioritize profits before people by pricing medicines out of reach for many who need them. AHF praises Colombias government for putting health above pharmaceutical interests, irrespective of the countrys political situation. In 2012, a Bogota court found that Abbott Laboratories violated a 2009 government order on drug pricing, stating that Abbott priced its essential HIV treatment Kaletra 350% higher than in neighboring countries. This abuse of Abbotts monopoly on the drug market led to a fight for a compulsory license for Kaletra, ultimately giving Colombians access to the medicine at an affordable price. AHF opened a clinic in Cucuta, Colombia, in September 2018 at a critical border crossing with Venezuela to support people living with HIV among the thousands of refugees fleeing the country. Without reliable access to antiretroviral therapy, Venezuelans living with HIV risk dying or developing drug resistance due to treatment interruptions in their home country. About AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global non-profit organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 1.9 million people in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. We are currently the largest non-profit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006144688/en/ US MEDIA CONTACT: Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, Communications, AHF +1 323 308 1833 work +1.323.791.5526 mobile [email protected] Denys Nazarov, Director of Global Policy & Communications, AHF +1 323.308.1829 [email protected] Source: AIDS Healthcare Foundation LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a (Excellent) of Jupiter Insurance Limited (Jupiter) (Guernsey), a captive insurer of BP p.l.c. (bp) [NYSE: BP], an integrated global energy company. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Jupiters balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Jupiters balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). A partially offsetting factor is the captives concentrated investment portfolio, as well as its high underwriting limits provided to several facilities, which could result in volatility in the captives solvency position in the event of very large losses. AM Best expects Jupiters BCAR scores to remain comfortably in excess of the minimum required for the strongest assessment, supported by solid capital buffers, with shareholders equity of USD 6.2 billion at year-end 2022 supporting the captives high maximum line size of USD 1.5 billion. Jupiter does not purchase any outward reinsurance cover, supporting bps current strategy to retain risks when possible. Investments are highly concentrated, with 99% accounted for by short term intra-group term deposits placed with BP International Limited and guaranteed by bp at the end of 2022. Consequently, AM Best considers Jupiters investments to be linked closely to bps credit profile. The captive has reported strong operating results over the past five years (2018-2022), demonstrated by a weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 8.1%, mainly driven by strong underwriting profits. Operating performance is subject to volatility arising from the exposure to high-severity, low-frequency losses in conjunction with the large line sizes offered, relative to the captives premium. This was evident in 2022, when a fire in one of bps refineries in Toledo drove the combined ratio up to 108.9%, compared with a five-year weighted average combined ratio of 20.2% (2018-2022), as calculated by AM Best. Jupiters business profile assessment reflects its key role in bps overall risk management framework, as its principal captive insurer. Jupiters underwritten risks consist mainly of onshore and offshore property damage and business interruption cover. Declining insured values due to bps divestments, lower oil prices and soft market conditions have put significant downward pressure on Jupiters premium income in recent years, except in 2022 when some of these trends reversed. The captive remains a pivotal instrument in bps risk management framework, allowing the group to optimise its insurance protection in terms of scope and cost. In addition, Jupiter provides significant reinsurance to its sister company, Saturn Insurance Inc. AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world. For current Bests Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006227128/en/ Marving Lopez Financial Analyst +44 20 7397 4389 [email protected] Kanika Thukral Associate Director, Analytics +44 20 7397 0327 [email protected] Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 [email protected] Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 [email protected] Source: AM Best LAVAL, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Altasciences is pleased to welcome Angel Reyes as General Manager, Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) Services. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006361142/en/ Angel Reyes, General Manager, CDMO Services, Altasciences (Photo: Business Wire) Angel joins Altasciences having previously been the Director of Operations at Catalent. He brings to Altasciences over a decade of experience in management and supervisory roles for manufacturing operations and supply chains, having demonstrated an impeccable standard in ensuring adherence to compliance and cGMP policies. Angel graduated with a bachelors degree in chemistry from the University of Eastern Kentucky and began his career as an analyst before stepping into the role of Pharmaceutical Scientist, where he was responsible for the manufacturing and preparation of commercial solid dosage forms. Angels scientific knowledge and wealth of experience gained over years in managing manufacturing operations, combined with his ability to find innovative solutions and improve day-to-day operations, makes him a valuable addition to the CDMO team. I am confident he will have a significant impact on the organization, said Ben Reed, Executive General Manager, CDMO Services, Altasciences. As General Manager, Angel is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations in analytical and manufacturing services and managing client relations. About Altasciences Altasciences is an integrated drug development solution company offering pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a proven, flexible approach to preclinical and clinical pharmacology studies, including formulation, manufacturing, and analytical services. For over 25 years, Altasciences has been partnering with sponsors to help support educated, faster, and more complete early drug development decisions. Altasciences integrated, full-service solutions include preclinical safety testing, clinical pharmacology and proof of concept, bioanalysis, program management, medical writing, biostatistics, clinical monitoring, and data management, all customizable to specific sponsor requirements. Altasciences helps sponsors get better drugs to the people who need them, faster. To learn more about Altasciences, visit altasciences.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006361142/en/ Julie-Ann Cabana Altasciences +1 514 601-9763 [email protected] Source: Altasciences TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- b-ex Inc. (headquartered in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, under CEO Toshihiro Fukui), whose main business is the development and sale of professional products for beauty salons and consumer channels, participated in World Biodiversity Summit (WBS) in New York, on 21st September 2023. This event, held in conjunction with the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78), is an international conference organized by the World Climate Foundation (WCF), focused on biodiversity conservation and fostering public-private dialogues. The first edition of this conference took place in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021. The third edition in this year has brought together approximately 200 stakeholders from companies and organizations around the world in New York, USA. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231004402952/en/ b-ex CEO, Toshihiro Fukui (Photo: Business Wire) b-ex, as the first-ever Japanese company participating in the WBS, was represented by CEO Toshihiro Fukui. We introduced our efforts towards a decarbonized society, such as modal shifts in product transportation and reductions in plastic usage for packaging. Additionally, we expressed our commitment to working alongside hair salons to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to strive towards becoming the "Asia's No.1 Professional & Clean Beauty Company Group." Message from b-ex CEO, Toshihiro Fukui It is honored to have participated in the WBS as a Japanese company for the first time and to have had the opportunity to speak. During my presentation, I raised the issue that when calculating the amount of water used in hair salons across Japan, it amounts to approximately 137 million liters per day. Many participants expressed the opinion that, despite visiting hair salons multiple times a year, they had not been conscious of the biodiversity-related issues arising from these establishments. Sustainability initiatives are becoming inseparable from the management of beauty salons. b-ex aims not only to provide products but also to support the sustainable management of hair salons in the future, thereby leading the reduction of carbon emissions in the beauty industry. We are determined to work together as one team to overcome all challenges and aspire for our actions to serve as a catalyst not only for the beauty industry but also for broader societal changes in Japan. To watch the video please click here: https://www.b-ex.inc/en/news/index_news20230922.html View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231004402952/en/ b-ex Inc. Yuko Fujishima [email protected] +81-3-6757-4080 Source: b-ex Inc. LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Litigation team representing the City of Los Angeles and LAPD officer Brandon Purece secured a high profile defense jury verdict in a Los Angeles Superior Court civil rights action (Bradley Steyn v. City of Los Angeles, et al., 20STCV34657). Plaintiff Bradley Steyn sued for battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, violations of the Ralph Act and the Bane Act, and negligence arising from Steyn being shot in the groin by Purece with a less than lethal foam projectile. Plaintiff, a South African, alleged that the 40mm Less-Lethal Launcher was used to target him in an unauthorized manner, immediately after he violently kicked another LAPD officer during a fluid and rapidly evolving protest in the Citys Fairfax District on May 30, 2020. The protest was preceded by the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis five days earlier. Steyns kick of Officer Pureces fellow LAPD officer was so severe that the officers pistol magazine fell out of his vest and he suffered injuries to his stomach, shoulder, and elbow. Burke partner Brian S. Ginter led the Burke defense team, which included partner Charles E. Slyngstad, associate attorney Kyle Anne Piasecki, and paralegal Phil Paley. Ginter opined, A jury accurately and fairly determined that Officer Purece used reasonable force and did not violate Mr. Steyns rights. The jury rightly rejected Steyns request for $10 million in compensation. Ginter also noted this verdict was exceptional because we were able to show that Officer Purece appropriately used the 40mm launcher against Mr. Steyn, even though the round struck Mr. Steyn in an area that should not be targeted. Plaintiff Bradley Steyn was represented by Lisa Bloom and three other attorneys with The Bloom Firm. Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP is a California limited liability law partnership with 161 member attorneys. Burke has ten practice groups: Litigation; Public Law; Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation; Labor and Employment Law; Construction Law; Environmental, Land Use and Natural Resources; Real Estate and Business Law; Insurance Coverage and Litigation; Intellectual Property; and Education Law. With regional offices in the Inland Empire, Palm Desert, Los Angeles, Marin County, Oakland, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Ventura County, as well with the added support of advanced communications technology, Burke can easily be where our clients need us to be. For more information, please visit https://www.bwslaw.com and https://www.linkedin.com/company/burke-williams-&-sorensen/about/?viewAsMember=true. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006234373/en/ Media Contact: Mark Garcia (213) 236-2847 [email protected] Source: Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Exterior building solutions company celebrates team member impact and future manufacturing workforce CARY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. (Cornerstone Building Brands), the largest manufacturer of exterior building products in North America by sales, announced plans to celebrate National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) across its North American facilities. Beginning today and continuing throughout October, the company will host events to honor its nearly 20,000 team members and open its doors to future manufacturing talent though a series of open houses. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005187357/en/ Cornerstone Building Brands, the largest manufacturer of exterior building products in North America by sales, hosts events to honor its nearly 20,000 team members across North America and opens its doors to future manufacturing talent though a series of open houses in celebration of National Manufacturing Day. (Photo: Business Wire) At Cornerstone Building Brands our people are the difference, dedicated to understanding and delivering on our customers needs by embodying a culture grounded in customer-centricity, interconnectedness and continuous improvement, said Rose Lee, president and CEO of Cornerstone Building Brands. Manufacturing Month is the perfect opportunity for future talent to learn more about the wide range of career opportunities available within the industry, as well as the specific goals our winning team of top-tier talent is working together to achieve. MFG Day, an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute and supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, has been celebrated on the first Friday of October since 2012. This years celebrations come at a particularly crucial time for the future of the modern manufacturing industry as thousands of jobs remain unfilled month-to-month. According to the latest research from the Manufacturing Institute, this skills gap has led to more than 2.1 million U.S. manufacturing jobs that need to be filled by 2030.1 Cornerstone Building Brands is addressing this deficit by opening its doors to the next generation of manufacturing professionals. At its exterior siding facility in Jasper, Tennessee, and its windows facility in North Brunswick, New Jersey, high school students, teachers and community leaders are invited to tour the facilities and experience the product development process hands-on. Cornerstone Building Brands facility and company leadership will also be in attendance to facilitate event activities and offer insight into available career and professional development opportunities. Im proud to be part of a team that works together safely, inclusively and with integrity to ensure our products reach the highest quality levels every time, said John Wallace, executive vice president, operational excellence at Cornerstone Building Brands. We look forward to continuing this standard of excellence and welcoming the next generation to explore the many opportunities in an ever-evolving manufacturing industry. In addition to community events, the company is also shining a light on its network of team members across North America who are dedicated to making a positive impact on their customers and communities. At its more than 170 locations, Cornerstone Building Brands is recognizing team members throughout October by hosting team building and employee appreciation events, celebrating the work team members do every day as critical members of the manufacturing industry. This years Manufacturing Month celebrations are just one way the company positively impacts the communities where team members live, work and play. Through Cornerstone Building Brands Cares initiatives, the company works with local partners and charitable organizations to donate building products, facilitate house builds and strengthen volunteer engagement. To date, Cornerstone Building Brands has donated more than $3.1 million in products and resources, helping to build or remodel more than 670 homes in 90 communities through its Home for Good project. To learn more about Manufacturing Day at Cornerstone Building Brands, visit cornerstonebuildingbrands.com/mfgday. About Cornerstone Building Brands Cornerstone Building Brands is the largest manufacturer of exterior building products by sales for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and repair and remodel markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands broad, multichannel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes nearly 20,000 employees at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship and environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibility are embedded in our culture. We are committed to contributing positively to the communities where we live, work and play. For more information, visit us at www.cornerstonebuildingbrands.com. 1 http://www.mfgday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MFG-Day-2023-Government-Official-Toolkit.pdf View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005187357/en/ Investor Relations: Jason Uthe SVP, Finance & Investor Relations [email protected] Media Relations: Susan Selle Chief Marketing Officer [email protected] Source: Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. Patients treated with MamaLift Plus demonstrated clinically meaningful, statistically significant improvements in depressive symptoms, as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc. (Curio), today announced positive data from the Supporting Maternal Mental Health and Emotional Regulation (SuMMER) trial. SuMMER (NCT05958095), a study executed by HITLAB, a renowned healthcare innovation and research organization, is a randomized clinical trial of MamaLift Plus, a digital therapeutic for women experiencing perinatal mood disturbances. SuMMER is a national, randomized, placebo (sham)-controlled pivotal trial evaluating MamaLift Plus for eight weeks in 141 patients (ITT population) randomized in a 2:1 ratio to the MamaLift Plus arm (N = 95) and control (sham digital) arm (N = 46). Patients had baseline EPDS scores 13 but not exceeding 19, and a confirmed diagnosis of postpartum depression prior to enrollment. The SuMMER trial met its primary endpoint, a 4-point improvement in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score. The EPDS is the most commonly used depression screening tool for the perinatal population, and an improvement of four or more points is clinically meaningful. Preliminary results indicate that approximately 83% of participants in the intervention arm achieved a 4-point improvement in EPDS score, compared to only 22% in the control arm (p-value "We are excited to see the data on this critical research endeavor. The positive results from the SuMMER trial underscore the efficacy of MamaLift Plus to address postpartum depression and improve the lives of women experiencing perinatal mood disturbances, said Professor Stan Kachnowski, PhD, Principal Investigator and HITLAB Chair. Our collaboration exemplifies HITLAB's commitment to advancing womens healthcare innovations, and we look forward to continuing to drive positive change in the field of digital therapeutics and mental health through rapid evidence generation. We are delighted and encouraged by the strong findings from the SuMMER study, said Shailja Dixit, Chief Executive Officer of Curio. Digital therapeutics continue to be an important option for women suffering from depressive symptoms. We are profoundly grateful to the study participants and the research team for their contributions to this research. We look forward to continued guidance from the FDA to bring this important intervention to market. Acknowledgments Curio extends its appreciation to the SuMMER investigators and their research teams for their collaboration in conducting a successful trial. Curio would like to thank its clinical staff, including medical monitors and licensed mental health providers, for their commitment to patient safety. Curio would also like to thank the SuMMER study participants, without whom this important research would not have been possible. Thank you to the participants for sharing your experiences with us and, in so doing, contributing to a vision where all women have access to evidence-based behavioral health care. About Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc. Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc. is a pioneer in developing digital therapeutics solutions and novel neurobehavioral interventions across the lifecycle for women. Curio aims to create a world where every woman can access a behavioral health solution at her fingertips. The Curio Platform is reshaping maternal mental health care by leveraging proprietary algorithms, clinically validated screening tools, and personalized digital, neurobehavioral interventions to facilitate timely identification and care. For more information, visit Curio at https://www.curiodigitaltx.com/. ABOUT HITLAB Established in 1998, HITLAB is a leading evidence-based, healthcare innovation lab specializing in the delivery of world-class digital health research and education. We help leading organizations ideate, create, and evaluate technology-based solutions to pressing healthcare challenges across the globe. HITLAB works with a wide variety of stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to design and disseminate studies, programs, and products that improve healthcare access and delivery. www.hitlab.org Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words believe, project, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, strategy, future, opportunity, plan, may, should, will, would, will be, will continue, will likely result, and similar expressions and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding MamaLift and MamaLift Plus. These forward-looking statements are based upon projections, estimates, and assumptions that are considered reasonable by Curio and its management. However, they are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, (i) Protracted or delayed adoption of Curio products by providers, (ii) Reluctance on the part of patients to use Curio products, (iii) The possibility that Curio may be adversely affected by economic, business, regulatory, and/or competitive factors, (iv) Evolution or policy changes in the markets in which Curio operates, (v) and the impact of COVID-19, including new public health lockdown measures or the emergence of new strains of the virus, on Curios business. Curio cautions readers not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date they were made. Curio assumes no obligation to update, restate, or revise any such forward-looking statements in light of new expectations or events, future or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006453616/en/ Robert Keough Senior Designer & Marketing Lead [email protected] Source: Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc. BONN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mavenir, the Network Software Provider building the future of networks with cloud-native solutions that run on any cloud, together with Deutsche Telekom today announce significant advancements across two projects both focused on progressing monetisation opportunities enabled by 5G standalone network slicing technologies and powered by Mavenirs cloud-native Converged Packet Core. 5G Live Video Production Service, with RTL Deutschland, for stable broadcasting of live events using 5G standalone and network slicing technologies. This new service, now commercially available from Deutsche Telekom, allows professional video or media production companies to transmit live HD video streams reliably over the 5G network, even without special equipment (e.g. satellite van). To further increase the service reach, this use case can also be extended to mobile journalism, where regular consumers can transmit spontaneous video production using their own smartphones. Demonstration of a multi-domain orchestration proof-of-concept (PoC) with open APIs for 5G dynamic network slicing services on-demand. The collaborative PoC illustrates the ease with which businesses can submit a service request through Deutsche Telekom's customer interface, initiating the setup of a protected, tailored 5G network slice that assures superior Quality of Service (QoS) tailored to a customers specific connectivity needs. The complete customer journey from the moment an order is placed, to the translation of that order into precise deployment and configuration details for network functions, results in the activation of a dedicated end-to-end network slice with a custom Service Level Agreement (SLA). Ashok Khuntia, President, Core Networks, Mavenir, says: Mavenir is committed to support Deutsche Telekoms 5G Standalone business objectives through the enablement of dynamic network slicing. Mavenirs cloud-native 5G Core exposes Open APIs allowing Deutsche Telekoms enterprise customers to seamlessly request deployment and configuration of dedicated 5G Core user and control plane network functions, as well as to provision corresponding subscribers profiles through an orchestration layer. Torsten Griesche, VP, Tribe Head Data (Network Data Core) at Deutsche Telekom: Our enterprise customers are demanding tailored and flexible connectivity services. We are proud that our pioneering work on 5G SA Slicing can now be experienced by our customers with the launch of 5G Live Video Production. This is just the beginning of the 5G service journey that will leverage slicing and automation. Editors Notes: How it works Network Slicing solution demonstrated by Deutsche Telekom for the multi domain orchestration PoC enables enterprises to book a network slice for video production or any other use case, based on the slice availability at their location. The entire network slice lifecycle is automated, from ordering to instantiation to configuration to management. The business support system (BSS) takes the customer order and invokes the slice manager/orchestrator. The Mavenir Digital Cloud Automation (MDCA), which serves as a network function management function (NFMF), exposes REST API to the slice orchestrator to receive slice creation and configuration requests. To enable seamless integration with 3rd party orchestrators, Mavenir made the API specification publicly available. The MDCA which is Mavenirs CICD framework, uses GitOps practices to automate the creation and configuration of the slice. As part of this procedure, the required network function (NF) for the slice is instantiated, the slice-specific and other dependent NFs are configured. Once the slice is activated, the slice specific KPIs are sent to the operations support system (OSS) layer. This enables monitoring of the network slice's performance, and any feedback action to be taken for Slice Assurance follows the same path as creation i.e. via MDCA. The 5G Live Video Production Service and the Multi-Domain Orchestration PoC was implemented using Mavenirs cloud-native Converged Packet Core components and the MDCA serving as the NFMF. Mavenirs end-to-end network slicing solution comprising of RAN, Core, Mavenir Digital Enablement (MDE serving as the BSS), and MDCA based Automation suite provides the same customer journey and slice lifecycle management as that of the Deutsche Telekom solution. MDE exposes TMF based Open APIs easing the integration with third-party management interfaces. This solution provides several benefits to CSPs, consumers and enterprises, including: Increased agility and flexibility: Businesses can quickly and easily deploy and manage network slices to meet their specific needs. Improved efficiency and cost savings: Businesses can optimise their network resources by using network slices for specific applications or use cases. Enhanced security and isolation: Network slices can be isolated from each other to improve security and performance. New revenue opportunities: Businesses can offer new and innovative services to their customers by using network slicing. Supporting material: Deutsche Telekoms press release on "5G Live Video Production" New service: live TV with 5G network slicing | Deutsche Telekom Deutsche Telekoms press release on PoC for dynamic slicing/orchestration Demonstration from Multi-Domain 5G Dynamic Slicing Orchestration | Deutsche Telekom About Mavenir: Mavenir is building the future of networks and pioneering advanced technology, focusing on the vision of a single, software-based automated network that runs on any cloud. As the industry's only end-to-end, cloud-native network software provider, Mavenir is focused on transforming the way the world connects, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers and Enterprises in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the worlds subscribers. www.mavenir.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231004517762/en/ Mavenir PR Contacts: Emmanuela Spiteri [email protected] Source: Mavenir More than 15 events held this year to inspire Aurorans to register as an organ & tissue donor AURORA, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In alignment with Donor Alliances mission to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation, today, the nonprofit organization presented its 2023 Donor Alliance Community of Excellence Award to the City of Aurora and its Mayor, Mike Coffman. The Donor Alliance Community of Excellence Award recognizes an exceptional individual or organization in the region committed to inspiring and educating their residents about making the decision to give the gift of life. This year, Aurora showed its commitment by becoming Colorados first Donate Life Community a program that utilizes grassroots efforts in communities to create a culture where donation is embraced. More than 18 events have been held so far in Aurora this year to start the conversation around the power of donation. Im proud and honored to recognize Mayor Mike Coffman and the City of Aurora, said Jennifer Prinz, president, and CEO of Donor Alliance. Aurora is creating an environment where residents feel well informed to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor when they go to the DMV. More than 1,500 people in our region are still waiting for a lifesaving transplant, so it is critical we continue to speak out in our communities on the importance of the cause. Donor Alliance is excited to see what our partnership brings to Aurora for years to come. This year, Mayor Coffman also proclaimed April as Donate Life Month in Aurora, and for the first time, raised a Donate Life flag to honor the generous gifts from donors and their families, celebrate alongside recipients who received a second chance at life, and recognize those waiting for a lifesaving transplant in Colorado. As home to two major transplant centers with the University of Colorado Hospital and Childrens Hospital Colorado, Aurora needs to be a foundational advocate in raising awareness around donation with our diverse community, said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman. On behalf of our city, Im proud to accept this award. From Summer of Imagination to Global Fest, we will continue to encourage donor registration at city events to benefit underrepresented communities. I am thankful for all Aurorans who have already gone through the simple steps to register as organ, eye and tissue donors, and hope others learn more about the benefits of donor registration through our partnership. One person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal up to 75 more through tissue donation. Last year, 278 donors in our region saved more than 700 lives through organ donation and nearly 2,000 more tissue donors were able to save and heal more 143,000 people. About Donor Alliance Donor Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and healing lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation. The organization is an organ and tissue recovery agency for Colorado and most of Wyoming one of 56 federally designated in the U.S. and serves more than 6.3 million residents and 117 hospitals. Donor Alliance walks alongside the family during the organ recovery process and ensures their loved ones gifts are safely received at transplant centers in a timely manner. In addition, the organization maintains partnerships with hospitals, educates residents on the life-saving benefits of donation, and inspires people to register to be a donor at Donate Life Colorado and Donate Life Wyoming, which are symbols of the cause. For more information, please visit DonorAlliance.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006703963/en/ Heather Burke, PR Manager, Donor Alliance 303-370-2765 [email protected] Source: Donor Alliance SYDNEY & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX; NYSE: JHX) will announce financial results, for its second quarter ended 30 September 2023, on the ASX before market on Wednesday, 8 November 2023. The Company will host a conference call that morning at 9:00am Australian Eastern Time (AET). For those in North America the conference call will commence at 5:00pm Eastern Time (ET), Tuesday 7 November. Teleconference Registration: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10033260-ba2me8.html Webcast URL: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/sfjbf7gz Once registered, participants will receive a calendar invitation with global dial-in numbers and a unique PIN which will be required to join the call. A replay of the call will be available shortly after the call and will be available at; https://ir.jameshardie.com.au/financial-information/financial-results This media release has been authorized by Mr. Aaron Erter, Chief Executive Officer. END James Hardie Industries plc is a limited liability company incorporated in Ireland with its registered office at 1st Floor, Block A, One Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 FD79, Ireland View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005486544/en/ Investor/Media/Analyst Enquiries: James Brennan-Chong Director of Investor Relations and Market Intelligence Email: [email protected] Source: James Hardie Industries plc I am like a pizza, hot, delicious and always willing to share. If you can make me laugh, you already have a point in your favor. Do you dare to join my adventure? This Tinder bio was written by ChatGPT. Artificial intelligence aspires to change the rules of the dating game: thousands of users are turning to apps and bots that answer for them in apps like Bumble or Tinder to get dates and, eventually, a partner. Some users claim to have been successful, but many voices warn about the risks of this dehumanizing intervention, as the initial conversation is the test to which we subject others before we decide to meet them in person. Apps like RIZZ suggest responses for chats. Others, like YourMove AI, promise to help those who are tired of staring at a profile, trying to come up with a line. This is how Dmitri Mirakyan, co-founder of this app (which has more than 100,000 users from more than 90 countries), explains it: Imagine that it is 7.00am and you are on the train on your way to work, looking at three photos and a six-word description and trying to find a clever way to start a conversation. Its not for lack of charisma; its just that it is hard to start a relationship with a stranger over a text message. Some services go even further. That is the case of CupidBot, which promises to set up dates while you sleep. Its purpose is to save the user time and effort, searching for people who are their type in apps like Bumble and chatting for them. All our users have to do is show up on dates and assess the compatibility in person, say its creators, who claim that this service has more than 10,000 customers in the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany. The service, whose price starts at $30 per month, lets you adjust the chat style, pace and goals. Some of the available tones are good guy, rich guy, witty guy and nonchalant guy, to name a few. But the customization doesnt end there: users can choose to have the bot act like Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, James Bond, Captain Jack Sparrow or Giacomo Casanova. And how does this service know who is your type? CupidBot asked the users themselves for help training the artificial intelligence system to find potential matches. In their Discord channel, they ask, for example, to tag profiles about women with data such as whether they are thin, chubby or fat (reaffirming those male prejudices), offering a free lifetime account to the first 50 people who tag 500 new profiles. People use Discord to share their expectations and wins. Some are looking for a long distance relationship. I travel a lot and the girls in my current city arent really my type, says one of them. Another considers the love market to be too laborious and annoying, but remains optimistic: I hope this artificial intelligence really works. Some have done well. While one claims to have saved 15 hours of swiping, another says that he obtained two phone numbers in just five minutes. Some even announce that they are canceling their subscription because they got lucky: Ive had an average of three dates a week. I met someone fantastic and now we have a healthy relationship. Inherent dishonesty This type of bot tries to find compatible people on dating apps and arrange a time and place to meet with them. If we usually talk about the interaction between two people, here we are talking about the interaction between a person and a machine. This has some complications, warns Elena Dapra, a health psychologist specialized in psychological well-being and section coordinator of the Official College of Psychology of Madrid, in Spain. The expert emphasizes that the relationship is based on deception: not telling the other person that it is a bot who is flirting with them. What is it that attracts us in the relationship with the other? Knowing that we are special, says the psychologist. In this case, what the person is being told is: You are not a priority, you are not special to me, I am not going to waste my time on you. As a matter of emotional responsibility, the psychologist recommends letting the others know that a bot is being used to flirt something that, logically, might not be well received. Some people warn that apps like CupidBot make online dating even less safe for women. The man youve been talking to and vetting, may not actually be the person showing up to the date. This is extremely terrifying, at best, says one Reddit user. For her, this is especially concerning, as those initial conversations are used to pick up on red flags. Her post has been liked by more than 600 users and has 95 comments. Another user says that she usually pays attention to the first interactions to sense if the other person is safe. Its worrying that you could end up on a date with someone you havent vetted in any way, she notes. Finding a partner at all costs I wouldnt like it if someone used those apps to reply to me, says Belen Benito, a 29-year-old Bumble and Tinder user who believes that using artificial intelligence for this is a way of contributing to people being consumed, dehumanizing them. It seems that all you want is to reach that final stage in which you meet that person, and if it is not them, its someone else, but not to enjoy the journey of talking to someone and taking into account that they are individuals who have feelings, she says. For her, those who use these services seek to find a partner at all costs, in a very consumerist, capitalist way, as if it were an article of clothing that I already know I want, but I dont even want to try it on. There are emotions that Benito doubts these apps are able to convey. That person may be sad, happy or afraid, and I dont think artificial intelligence can capture that, which would prevent me from seeing the emotional part of the other person that is, their entire self. Dapra mentions another possible drawback: meeting a person and finding out that they act differently from the way they did on the app. Because he answers in a different way, hes shy or too extroverted or he is different from what Ive seen, she says. That is noticeable in the way we express ourselves, the jokes we make or when we laugh. Those behind CupidBot are aware that some people believe that tricking potential dates into thinking they are talking to an intelligent, successful, well-spoken, charming and witty person instead of an artificial intelligence is dishonest. We dont believe that, say company sources, who insist that users must select the desired tone and pace of their automated conversations, in addition to providing some texts that they themselves have written. Since CupidBot imitates a users personality, its creators believe that, when used as a brief resource, it should cause minimal discomfort to third parties. Our goal is not to saturate the app with artificial conversations or objectify women, but to force dating apps to reevaluate the way they work and, in the meantime, make dating easier, they maintain. Not only that: they envision a future in which a system is capable of predicting the attraction between two users and bringing them together. At some point, it will seem unthinkable that people would spend hours talking to strangers on an app to gauge the likelihood of attraction, when the only effective indicator for this is real-life interaction. It is in that world where artificial intelligence will facilitate human interaction, instead of replacing it, they conclude. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Learn CW Investment Corporation (NYSE: LCW) (the Company) announced today that its previously announced extraordinary general meeting (the Shareholder Meeting) originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 11:00 AM, Pacific Time, is being postponed to Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 12:00 PM, Pacific Time (the Postponement). At the Shareholder Meeting, shareholders will be asked to vote on the following proposals: (i) to amend the Companys amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to extend the date by which the Company must complete an initial business combination from October 13, 2023 to October 13, 2024, by electing to extend the date to consummate an initial business combination on a monthly basis for up to twelve (12) times by an additional one month each time, unless the closing of the Companys initial business combination has occurred (the Extension), (ii) to amend the Companys amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to permit for the issuance of the Companys Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the Class A ordinary shares), to holders of Class B ordinary shares upon the exercise of the right of a holder of the Companys Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (Class B ordinary shares), to convert such holders Class B ordinary shares into Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis at any time and from time to time prior to the closing of an initial business combination at the election of the holder, (iii) to amend the Companys amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to eliminate the limitation that the Company may not redeem Class A ordinary shares in an amount that would cause the Companys net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001, (iv) to re-appoint, by way of ordinary resolution by the holders of Class B ordinary shares, each of Alan Howard and Ellen Levy to the board of directors of the Company, to serve until the third annual general meeting of shareholders following the Shareholder Meeting or until his successor is elected and qualified and (v) to approve the adjournment of the Shareholder Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary. As a result of the Postponement, the Shareholder Meeting will now be held at 12:00 PM, Pacific Time, on October 11, 2023. The Shareholder Meeting will still be held at the offices of Sidley Austin LLP located at 1999 Avenue of the Stars, 17th Floor, Los Angeles, CA. Also, as a result of this change, the Company has extended the deadline for delivery of redemption requests from the Companys shareholders from 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on October 6, 2023, to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on October 9, 2023. If any shareholders have questions or need assistance in connection with the Shareholder Meeting, please contact the Companys proxy solicitor, Morrow Sodali LLC, by calling (800) 662-5200, or banks and brokers can call collect at (203) 658-9400, or by emailing [email protected]. The Company plans to continue to solicit proxies from shareholders during the period prior to the Shareholder Meeting. Only holders of record of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares as of the close of business on September 11, 2023, the record date for the Shareholder Meeting, are entitled to vote at the Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment thereof. About the Company Learn CW Investment Corporation is a blank check company formed as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Participants in the Solicitation The Company, its directors and certain of its respective executive officers and other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Extension. Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), be deemed participants in the proxy solicitation of the shareholders of the Company and a description of their direct and indirect interests are contained in the definitive proxy statement relating to the Shareholder Meeting (the Definitive Proxy Statement). Additional Information and Where To Find It On September 21, 2023, the Company filed the Definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the Shareholder Meeting. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THE COMPANY FILES WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Definitive Proxy Statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto) and other documents filed with the SEC through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to the Companys proxy solicitor, Morrow Sodali LLC, at 33 Ludlow Street, 5th Floor, South Tower, Stamford, CT 06902, Toll-Free (800) 662-5200 or Collect (203) 658-9400, Email: [email protected]. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as believes, expects, intends, plans, estimates, assumes, may, should, will, seeks, or other similar expressions. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the date of the Shareholder Meeting. These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this communication and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006103226/en/ Learn CW Investment Corporation Harry Bator [email protected] Source: Learn CW Investment Corporation WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LTC Properties Inc. (NYSE: LTC) (LTC or the Company), will release third quarter earnings on Thursday, October 26, 2023 after market close. LTC will conduct a conference call on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific / 11:00 a.m. Eastern, to provide commentary on the performance and operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Conference Call Interested parties may access the live conference call via the following: Webcast www.LTCReit.com USA Toll-Free Number 1-888-506-0062 International Number 1-973-528-0011 Conference Access Code 273665 Conference Call Replay A replay of the call will be available one hour after the live call and through November 10, 2023. USA Toll-Free Number 1-877-481-4010 International Number 1-919-882-2331 Conference Access Code 49044 An audio replay of the conference call and the Companys earnings release and supplemental information package for the current period will be available on the Companys website at: https://ir.ltcreit.com/Investors. About LTC Properties LTC is a real estate investment trust (REIT) investing in seniors housing and health care properties primarily through sale-leasebacks, mortgage financing, joint-ventures and structured finance solutions including preferred equity and mezzanine lending. LTCs investment portfolio includes 213 properties in 29 states with 29 operating partners. Based on its gross real estate investments, LTCs investment portfolio is comprised of approximately 50% seniors housing and 50% skilled nursing properties. Learn more at www.LTCreit.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes statements that are not purely historical and 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, including statements regarding the Companys expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. All statements other than historical facts contained in this press release are forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. All forward looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update such forward looking statements. Although the Companys management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. The actual results achieved by the Company may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties of such statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006417065/en/ Mandi Hogan (805) 981-8655 Source: LTC Properties Inc. Lyten to Work Closely with European Companies on Decarbonizing Applications in Industries including Automotive, Aviation, Defense, Manufacturing and More SAN JOSE, Calif. & LUXEMBOURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lyten, Inc., the pioneer in 3D graphene decarbonizing supermaterials, today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, the Minister of Finance Yuriko Backes and the Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot to locate its European headquarters in Luxembourg. Lars Herlitz, Chairman and Co-Founder of Lyten, was on hand to sign on behalf of the company. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006791264/en/ Lars Herlitz, Lyten co-founder (left), with Xavier Bettel, Luxembourgs Prime Minister (right), sign a memorandum of understanding for Lyten to locate its European headquarters in Luxembourg. (Photo: Business Wire) The announcement was made as part of LuxInnovation Automotive Day 2023, Luxembourgs annual event promoting the transformation toward sustainable mobility. Lyten is also exploring opportunities to establish research and development capabilities in Luxembourg, including infrastructure to support collaboration with European customers on disruptive applications utilizing Lytens 3D Graphene platform. The facility would build on R&D in IoT sensing that Lyten already has ongoing in Luxembourg with an industry partner for the mobility sector. Just as weve done in the U.S., Lyten is looking forward to working with industry leaders throughout Europe to bring disruptive, decarbonizing applications to market, built on our Lyten 3D Graphene platform, said Dan Cook, Lytens CEO and co-founder. Luxembourgs talented workforce, deep history of collaboration across the European Union, and shared values in leading the way to a more sustainable global economy make Luxembourg a prime location for Lyten to begin its expansion into Europe. Lyten is working with companies in industries such as transportation, defense, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and construction to leverage the tunability of its 3D Graphene for decarbonizing applications. Lyten recently announced its Series B fundraising round, which included $200 million investment from several Fortune 500 strategic investors including Stellantis, Fedex, and Honeywell to scale manufacturing and commercialize its first three product lines: Lithium-Sulfur batteries, lightweighted composites, and next generation IoT sensors. Luxembourg has set ambitious climate targets within the fit for 55 framework and aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 2005 as defined by law. This legal framework contains critical milestones to Luxembourg achieving its target of a net zero economy by 2050. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said: "A couple of months after the first contacts with Lyten were established in California, I am very satisfied to have signed an MoU with the company to formalize our collaboration. Through their innovative "3D Graphene" technology, Lyten is on its way to revolutionize the future of batteries and materials. It's an exciting step for Luxembourg in becoming a hub for future-proof industrial projects in the field of sustainability and mobility. Many sectors will benefit from the company's advancements on their path to Net Zero." Were extremely pleased that a pioneering company such as Lyten has chosen Luxembourg as its gateway to Europe, said Franz Fayot, Luxembourgs Minister of the Economy. Lyten is representative of the type of firm that Luxembourg embraces as we position ourselves as a cleantech innovation hub that supports private research, development and innovation in priority economic sectors. Were impressed with Lytens success so far, and anticipate its impact on companies throughout Europe as they continue on their decarbonization journeys. Lytens mission is to scale a materials platform that delivers breakthrough applications enabling the largest greenhouse gas-emitting sectors on the planet to achieve net zero without compromising on performance, profitability or customer experience. Lyten, from its facilities in San Jose, California, plans to deliver both Lithium-Sulfur batteries and lightweighted composite solutions to commercial customers by early 2024 and is actively pursuing expansion plans in the US and Europe. About Lyten Lyten is the pioneer of 3D graphene supermaterials and transformative applications engineered to enable net zero without compromise. Lytens decarbonization materials are being tuned for a wide range of applications, including next-generation Lithium-Sulfur batteries for use in the automotive, aerospace, defense, and other markets; a next-generation polymer composite that can reduce the amount of plastic used by up to half while maintaining structural and impact strength; and next-generation sensor arrays that significantly increase detection sensitivity and selectivity for use in automotive, industrial, health, and safety applications. Lyten, founded in 2015, is led by a group of experienced executives from across Automotive, Energy, Batteries, Semiconductors, Manufacturing and Defense sectors; lists more than 350 patent matters; and is currently manufacturing Lyten 3D Graphene material, as well as its high-value applications, at its headquarters in San Jose, Calif. To learn more, visit lyten.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006791264/en/ [email protected] Source: Lyten, Inc. Article 223-16 of the General Regulations of the Financial Markets Authority (AMF - Autorite des Marches Financiers) LYON, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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 improving survival outcomes for patients with cancer, today published the number of shares comprising the share capital and the total number of voting rights (Article L. 233-8 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) and Article 223-16 of the General Regulations of French Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF)) on September 30, 2023. Listing place: Euronext Paris ISIN code: FR0012634822 Website: www.maatpharma.com Date Total number of shares comprising the share capital Total number of theoretical voting rights (1) Total number of effective voting rights (2) 09/30/2023 11 597 125 11 597 125 11 576 887 (1) In accordance with Article 223-11 of the AMF General Regulation, this number is calculated on the basis of all shares to which voting rights are attached, including shares whose voting rights have been suspended. (2) Effective voting rights correspond to the total number of voting rights that may be used at a General Meeting. The total number of effective voting rights is calculated without taking into account the shares with suspended voting rights. 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 companys Microbiome Ecosystem Therapies are produced through a standardized cGMP manufacturing and quality control process to safely deliver the full diversity of the microbiome, in liquid and oral formulations. MaaT Pharma benefits from the commitment of world-leading scientists and established relationships with regulators to support the integration of the use of microbiome therapies in clinical practice. MaaT Pharma is listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: MAAT). Forward-looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Companys control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as target, believe, expect, aim, intend, may, anticipate, estimate, plan, project, will, can have, likely, should, would, could and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Companys control that could cause the Companys actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006634543/en/ MaaT Pharma Investor Relations Guilhaume Debroas, Ph.D. Head of Investor Relations +33 6 16 48 92 50 [email protected] MaaT Pharma Media Relations Pauline Richaud Senior PR & Corporate Communications Manager +33 6 14 06 45 92 [email protected] Trophic Communications Corporate Communications Charlotte Spitz or Stephanie May +49 171 351 2733 [email protected] Source: MaaT Pharma BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MFS High Yield Municipal Trust (the Fund) (NYSE: CMU) today commenced a cash tender offer for the Funds common shares. The Fund is offering to purchase up to 10% of the Funds outstanding common shares (the Shares) at a price per Share equal to 98% of the Funds net asset value (NAV) per Share calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the date the offer expires. The tender offer will expire at 5:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time on November 6, 2023, unless extended. The pricing date will also be November 6, 2023, unless the tender offer is extended. If the number of shares tendered exceeds the maximum amount of the offer, the Fund will purchase shares from tendering shareholders on a pro rata basis. The tender offer is being made on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Funds tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal and other offer documents) that have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). All of these documents contain important information about the tender offer. Shareholders of the Fund are urged to read them carefully before any decision is made with respect to the offer. Shareholders of the Fund can obtain a free copy of each of these documents at the SECs website at www.sec.gov or from the Fund by calling Georgeson LLC, the Funds information agent for the tender offer, at 1-866-541-3547. This press release is not a recommendation, an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of the Fund and is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of Fund shares. About the Fund The Fund is a closed-end investment company product advised by MFS Investment Management. Closed end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. Except pursuant to a Tender Offer, common shares of the Fund are only available for purchase/sale on the NYSE at the current market price. Shares may trade at a discount to NAV. Shares of the Fund are not FDIC-insured and are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, any bank. Shares of the Fund involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal. For more complete information about the Fund, including risks, charges, and expenses, please see the Fund's annual and semi-annual shareholder reports or contact your financial adviser. About MFS Investment Management In 1924, MFS launched the first U.S. open-end mutual fund, opening the door to the markets for millions of everyday investors. Today, as a full-service global investment manager serving financial advisors, intermediaries, and institutional clients, MFS still serves a single purpose: to create long-term value for clients by allocating capital responsibly. That takes our powerful investment approach combining collective expertise, thoughtful risk management and long-term discipline. Supported by our culture of shared values and collaboration, our teams of diverse thinkers actively debate ideas and assess material risks to uncover what we believe are the best investment opportunities in the market. As of September 30, 2023, MFS manages $555.9 billion in assets on behalf of individual and institutional investors worldwide. Please visit mfs.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006577826/en/ For Immediate Release Media contacts: Dan Flaherty, +1 617.954.4256 For shareholders/advisors: Jeffrey Schwarz, +1 617.954.5872 Source: MFS High Yield Municipal Trust KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Japans Nidec Corporation (TOKYO: 6594; OTC US: NJDCY) and Brazils Embraer (B3: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ) welcome the unconditional approval from all necessary regulatory authorities for the establishment of their joint venture, Nidec Aerospace LLC. The transaction combines the complementary synergies and distinct areas of expertise of two world-class engineering conglomerates to develop Electric Propulsion Systems (EPS) for the aerospace sector. Vincent Braley, chief of staff for Nidecs Motion and Drives business in the United States, has been appointed the CEO of Nidec Aerospace with immediate effect. Braley brings broad experience in business development and management to his new role to lead the joint ventures future growth. This approval marks a significant milestone not only in Nidec Motion & Energys joint venture with Embraer, but also in our shared vision to advance and electrify the way the world travels, said Michael Briggs, Senior Vice President and President of the Motion & Energy Business Unit at Nidec. Now with official clearance to proceed, the Nidec Aerospace team is poised to bring the expertise, speed, and drive needed to accelerate sustainable aviation on a global scale. We are thrilled with the unconditional clearance. The next step will be the integration of these two powerful operational and engineering capabilities focused on business excellence. Together, our extraordinary teams will be able to develop advanced solutions to collaborate with the future of sustainable aviation, said Dimas Tomelin, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Digital and Innovation, at Embraer. Unveiled at the Paris Air Show in June, the business combination aims to unlock new opportunities by providing an agnostic portfolio of products and services worldwide, driven initially by the growth of the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry. The UAM market is emerging and could create a USD 1.5 trillion market by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley Research. The joint venture Electric Propulsion System launch customer will be the eVTOL manufacturer Eve Air Mobility (NYSE: EVEX, EVEXW), an independent company well-positioned to be a global leader in the UAM segment by delivering an effective and sustainable new mode of urban transportation. Embraer will contribute expertise, know-how and resources pertaining to the controller, and Nidec will provide its expertise, technological know-how and resources pertaining to electric motors. Nidec owns a 51% share of the joint venture, and Embraer the remaining 49%. Nidec Aerospace is expected to invest more than USD 77.7 million by 2026 and start mass production in 2026. Effect on Financial Performance for the Current and Next Fiscal Year The transaction is expected to have no significant impact on the Companys consolidated financial performance for this fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. If necessary, the Company will make additional disclosure on a timely basis in accordance with the rules of the Tokyo Stock Exchange upon determination of further details. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the intent, belief, strategy, plans or expectations of the Nidec Group or other parties. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the risks to successfully integrating the acquired business with the Nidec Group, the anticipated benefits of the Transaction not being realized, changes in general economic conditions, shifts in technology or user preferences for particular technologies and changes in business and regulatory environments. The Nidec Group does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. Annex 1 Overview of the joint venture (1) Company name Nidec Aerospace LLC (2) CEO Vincent Braley* *Appointed by Nidec Group (3) Date of establishment June 15th, 2023 (US Eastern Time) (4) Main Business Development, manufacturing and sales of propulsion system for electric Vertical Take-Off Landing (eVTOL) (5) Initial capital 12,000,000 USD (Invested by both parties on a pro-rata basis) (6) Major interests and interest ratio Nidec Motor Corporation, 51.0% Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc., 49.0% About Nidec Corporation and Nidec Motor Corporation Nidec Corporation is the world's leading comprehensive electric motor manufacturer. Based in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec Corporation offers motors ranging from micro-size to super large, as well as application products and services in IT, automation, home appliances, automobiles, commercial and industrial systems, environmental, energy, and many other businesses. Nidec is composed of approximately 340 group companies employing more than 100,000 people all over the world. With headquarters in St. Louis, MO, Nidec Motor Corporation (NMC) is the leading manufacturer of commercial, industrial, and appliance motors and controls. The NMC product line features a full line of high efficiency motors, large and small, that serve industrial, residential, and commercial markets in applications ranging from agriculture, water treatment, mining, oil and gas, and power generation to pool and spa motors, air conditioning condensers, rooftop cooling towers, and commercial refrigeration. NMC also makes motors, controls, and switches for automotive and commercial markets. About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005234026/en/ Media Contact: Nidec Corporation Masahiro Nagayasu +81 75 935 6140 [email protected] Media Contact: Embraer S.A. Ricardo Santos +55 12 98152 4845 [email protected] Source: Nidec Corporation VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS) (TSX: PAAS) ("Pan American") has temporarily suspended all operating activities at its La Colorada mine in Mexico due to security concerns at the mine site and the surrounding area. In the early hours of October 5, 2023, the operation experienced an armed robbery of two trailers of concentrate. There were no physical injuries to our personnel in connection with the incident. In response to the current security situation in the area and Pan Americans priority to protect the safety and security of our personnel, Pan American has temporarily suspended operations, project work and exploration at La Colorada. The mine site is currently secure, and Pan American has activated care and maintenance activities while it works with state and federal authorities regarding this incident. The suspension will continue until Pan American determines it is appropriate to resume operations. Pan American will provide an update on the situation as more information becomes available. About Pan American Silver Pan American Silver is a leading producer of precious metals in the Americas, operating silver and gold mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. We also own the Escobal mine in Guatemala that is currently not operating, and we hold interests in exploration and development projects. We have been operating in the Americas for nearly three decades, earning an industry-leading reputation for sustainability performance, operational excellence and prudent financial management. We are headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. and our shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PAAS". Learn more at panamericansilver.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the ongoing safety and security of the La Colorada mine site and surrounding area and whether such safety and/or security will improve; the duration of the suspension of operating activities; the impact of the theft and the resulting suspension on the business of Pan American, both operationally and financially; and the ability of Pan American to maintain the safety and security of the La Colorada mine site and whether any other such incidents may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements and information reflect Pan Americans current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Pan American, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: the ability of Pan American to work with state and federal authorities in Mexico in connection with the incident, and to determine it is appropriate to resume operations. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Pan American cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and Pan American has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: those factors identified under the caption "Risks Related to Pan American's Business" in Pan American's most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks of the Business" in Yamana's most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively. Although Pan American 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, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's current views of our near- and longer term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Pan American does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005126903/en/ Siren Fisekci VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Ph: 604-806-3191 Email: [email protected] Source: Pan American Silver SHAHRINAV, Tajikistan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, officially inaugurated today in Tajikistan, Shahrinav School, with the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Abdullzoda Ziyodullo. The school was inaugurated as part of the fourth phase of the Constructing and Equipping of Secondary Schools project in Tajikistan, for which SFD had previously made a contribution of $35 million USD, and which will benefit 25,000 students in the country. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006111162/en/ SFD CEO H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad gives a speech at the official inauguration of Shahrinav School in Tajikistan (Photo: AETOSWire) Attending the inauguration ceremony were the Representative of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Akramzoda Mahmadyusuf, the Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan, H.E. Waleed Alreshiadan, the Chairman of Shahrinav district, Valizoda Abduqodir, and the Director of PIU, Vohidzoda Umeda, alongside other officials from both sides. The new school will contribute towards meeting the countrys educational needs, and will accommodate 36 classrooms and 620 students. It is one of 34 new schools built as part of the fourth phase of the project. Additionally, it will contribute towards the achievement of the UN SDGs, specifically SDG 4, Quality Education, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth. The Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Abdullzoda Ziyodullo, said: I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the development support they have provided in the education sector, through SFD. Education is vital towards supporting Tajikistans development plans, and is closely tied to socio-economic growth in our country, and the prosperity of our people. On his part, the CEO of the SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: SFD believes in the importance of education, which is key to empowering all students. It raises their competencies, develops their skills, enhances their capabilities, and qualifies them for vital opportunities in their lives. This schools inauguration is part of a broader educational project, aimed at enhancing the educational landscape of Tajikistan across the entire country. The schools inauguration comes as a continuation of SFDs support towards Tajikistans education sector. SFD has financed 4 development projects in the education sector to construct and equip 57 secondary schools across 4 phases, in different regions, with a total funding amount of $75 million USD. SFD has financed 12 development projects in Tajikistan, worth over $193 million USD, in different key sectors. Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006111162/en/ Nawaf Alojrush Media Relations Director [email protected] Source: Saudi Fund for Development PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006642741/en/ Cezanne Saint-Honore (Paris 8e) - SFL Studio2Terre With a score of 93/100 in the Standing Investments Benchmark, a two point increase versus last year, SFL (Paris: FLY) was once again awarded the 5 Star label by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB). GRESB assesses real estate companies environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, with a particular focus on improving buildings environmental footprints (energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste) and on actions aimed at employees and/or occupants. With over 2,000 participants worldwide in 2023, GRESB remains the industrys leading ESG benchmark. SFL also scored 97/100 in the Development Benchmark and achieved the highest score of 100/100 in the GRESB Public Disclosure Report, which assesses the quality of external ESG communications. Dimitri Boulte, SFLs Chief Executive Officer, commented: SFL's commitment to CSR dates as far back as 2012. It is now one of the top-rated companies in this area based on the GRESB framework. This recognition demonstrates the effectiveness of the steps taken to improve our properties environmental performance and provide our tenants with purposefully designed, environmentally friendly workplaces. This achievement is the fruit of more than 10 years of extensive work by SFL's teams to design living and working environments that meet end-users' expectations. We have carried out work programmes to align our portfolio with the highest standards, through restructuring projects and projects to upgrade tenanted properties, in order to offset the increasingly rapid pace of obsolescence, adds Eric Oudard, SFLs Technical and Development Director. This is the strength of our model along with the know-how developed by our teams, who are experts in the Paris prime office property segment, our core market. About SFL Leader in the prime segment of the Parisian commercial real estate market, Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise stands out for the quality of its property portfolio, which is valued at 7.9 billion and is focused on the Central Business District of Paris (#cloud.paris, Edouard VII, Washington Plaza, etc.), and for the quality of its client portfolio, which is composed of prestigious companies. As Frances oldest property company, SFL demonstrates year after year an unwavering commitment to its strategy focused on creating a high value in use for users and, ultimately, substantial appraisal values for its properties. With its sights firmly set on the future, SFL is committed to sustainable real estate with the aim of building the city of tomorrow and helping to reduce carbon emissions in its sector. Stock market: Euronext Paris Compartment A Euronext Paris ISIN FR0000033409 Bloomberg: FLY FP Reuters: FLYP PA S&P rating: BBB+ stable outlook View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006642741/en/ SFL Thomas Fareng +33 (0)1 42 97 27 00 [email protected] www.fonciere-lyonnaise.com Source: Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise Tripathi featured as solo speaker and panelist at event sharing insights on data storytelling and trends PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- University of Phoenix is delighted to announce that Vice President of Analytics, Avinash Tripathi, was a speaker and panelist at the recently concluded Digital Marketing World Forum in Miami. This prestigious event brought together industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators to explore the latest trends and innovations that are shaping the future of digital marketing. "The Digital Marketing World Forum provided a fantastic opportunity to delve into the essential role of data storytelling and the changing landscape of marketing trends, shared Tripathi. In today's data-driven era, it is imperative to recognize that data not only informs decision-making but also fuels sustainable growth and innovation. It was an honor to collaborate with fellow speakers and panelists who share this perspective and to share my insights and experiences with the event's attendees." Tripathi's solo session, titled "Telling the Data StoryAbsorbing Complexity, Delivering Simplicity," provided invaluable insights on how to streamline and present data in a way that makes it accessible and understandable for all stakeholders. Effective data storytelling is a vital skill for organizations seeking to make data-driven decisions, and Tripathi's presentation illuminated the path to success in this critical area. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how to harness data for maximum impact, an essential skill for any organization in today's competitive landscape. In addition to his solo session, Tripathi also made a significant contribution to the panel discussion titled "The marketing trends and tech paving the way to an innovative future." This panel delved into pivotal marketing trends for the upcoming year, the latest disruptive technologies, strategies for integrating new tech to shape the future consumer experience, and the keys to leading innovation within teams and across organizations. The Digital Marketing World Forum is considered one of the premier events in the digital marketing industry. Focused on strategic content and digital marketing insights, it provides a platform for networking, learning, and staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Tripathi leads the analytics team at the University of Phoenix, establishing the strategy and vision and providing operational support for the delivery of information and analytics platforms and solutions to key stakeholders. He has over 20 years of experience with strong emphasis on design, analysis, development, and implementation of advanced analytics, data science and AI solutions in Education, Insurance and Financial Industry. Tripathi is highly respected for his expertise in data storytelling. He has guided top executives on the importance of incorporating data storytelling into analytics-driven initiatives and the crucial role analysts play within data-focused organizations. Tripathi completed his masters in business economics and statistics at Southern Illinois University. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is dedicated to helping working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. With flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and a Career Services for Life commitment, the university empowers students to pursue their 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/20231006807545/en/ MEDIA CONTACT: Michele Mitchum University of Phoenix [email protected] Source: University of Phoenix Federal judges selected new congressional lines for Alabama to give the Deep South state a second district where Black voters comprise a substantial portion of the electorate. The judges ordered on Thursday the state to use the new lines in the 2024 elections. The three-judge panel stepped in to oversee the drawing of a new map after ruling that Alabama lawmakers flouted their instruction to fix a Voting Rights Act violation and create a second majority-Black district or something quite close to it. The plan sets the stage for potentially flipping one U.S. House of Representatives seat from Republican to Democratic control and for a second Black Congressional representative in Alabama. Its a historic day for Alabama. It will be the first time in which Black voters will have an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in two congressional districts, Deuel Ross, an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund who represented plaintiffs in the case, said Thursday morning. Black voters in 2021 filed a lawsuit challenging the states existing plan as an illegal racial gerrymander that prevented them from electing their preferred candidates anywhere outside of the states only majority-Black district. Its a real signal that the Voting Rights Act remains strong and important and can have impacts both locally and nationally for Black people and other minorities, Ross said. The three-judge panel selected one of three plans proposed by a court-appointed expert that alters the bounds of Congressional District 2, now represented by Republican Rep. Barry Moore, in southeast Alabama, who is white. The district will now stretch westward across the state. Black voters will go from comprising less than one-third of the voting-age population to nearly 50%. The Supreme Court in June upheld a three-judge panels finding that Alabamas prior map with one majority-Black district out of seven in a state that is 27% Black likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act. The three judges said the state should have two districts where Black voters have an opportunity to elect their preferred candidates. Alabama lawmakers responded in July and passed a new map that maintained a single majority Black district. The three-judge panel ruled the state failed to fix the Voting Rights Act violation. It blocked use of the map and directed a court-appointed special master to draw new lines. The judges said the new map must be used in upcoming elections, noting Alabama residents in 2022 voted under a map they had ruled illegal after the Supreme Court put their order on hold to hear the states appeal. The Plaintiffs already suffered this irreparable injury once, the judges wrote in the ruling. We have enjoined the 2023 Plan as likely unlawful, and Alabamas public interest is in the conduct of lawful elections. Under the new map, District 2 will stretch westward to the Mississippi, taking in the capital city of Montgomery, western Black Belt counties and part of the city of Mobile. It used to be concentrated in the southeast corner of the state. Under the court map, Black residents will comprise 48.7% of the voting-age population. The special master said an analysis showed that candidates preferred by Black voters would have won 16 of 17 recent elections in the revamped district. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain held a Facebook live event Friday afternoon where he announced his union has made significant progress in their effort to push automakers towards meeting the demands of workers. Fain announced that moments before this broadcast General Motors (NYSE: GM) agreed to place their EV battery manufacturing under the UAWs national agreement, calling the decision a transformative win and averting a planned strike at the automaker's full-size SUV plant in Arlington, Texas. Our strike is working but were not there yet. Fain told the listeners. During the "stand up" broadcast on Facebook Live, Fain revealed that the Detroit automaker had also consented to a 23% increase in wages, surpassing the wage hikes offered by both Ford (NYSE: F) and Stellantis (NYSE: STLA). We are winning. We are making progress, and we are moving in the right direction Said Fain The UAW will enter its 4th week of striking against Detroits largest automakers on Monday. There are currently 25,300 UAW members participating in a strike out of a total of approximately 146,000 employees collectively employed by GM, Ford Motor, and Stellantis. Discussions with these automakers had been ongoing earlier in the week, with both GM and Ford confirming that they had presented new proposals to the union. Specifics regarding GM's counteroffer on Thursday were not disclosed. This counteroffer was in response to a comprehensive proposal put forth by the union on Monday, and the details of that offer have also not been made public. Shares of GM, STLA and F are up 2.67%, 2.65% and 1.89% respectively in afternoon trading on Friday. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] U.S. dollar banknotes are seen in this illustration taken March 10, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration By Karen Brettell NEW YORK (Reuters) - Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields hit 16-year highs on Friday after data showed that employers added 336,000 jobs in September, well above the 170,000 that was expected by economists. Data for August was also revised higher to show 227,000 U.S. jobs added instead of the previously reported 187,000. Monthly wage growth remained moderate, with average hourly earnings rising 0.2% after a similar gain in August. In the 12 months through September, wages increased 4.2% after advancing 4.3% in August. "The topline number was much hotter than expected but hourly wages are cooling off nicely," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities in New York. "This puts in question whether or not the Fed stays on hold." Benchmark 10-year notes reached 4.887% and 30-year yields hit 5.053%, both the highest since 2007. Two-year notes rose as high as 5.151%. They are holding below the 5.202% level hit on Sept. 21, which was the highest since July 2006. The immediate market reaction was a massive further jump in rates. What this does is continue to increase the fears that higher interest rates are going to slow the economy," said Gennadiy Goldberg, head of U.S. rates strategy at TD Securities in New York. It will be interesting to see how the Fed actually takes this," Goldberg added. "You've seen some of them suggest that you should start to see a slowing in hikes because the market is doing a lot of the tightening job for them." Yields have surged in recent weeks as investors reprice for the likelihood that the U.S. central bank will hold rates higher for longer, and possibly continue to increase them if the labor market remains solid and inflation stays above its 2% annual target. Fed funds future traders are pricing in a 31% chance of an interest rate hike in November, and a 44% probability by December, according to the CME Group's FedWatch Tool. The closely watched yield curve between two- and 10-year notes steepened to minus 25 basis points, the smallest inversion since October. The yield curve typically steepens and turns positive following an inversion before a recession takes hold. However, historically this has been driven by short-term rates falling faster than longer-term ones as investors price in rate cuts. In this instance the move is instead being driven my longer-dated yields rising faster than shorter-dated ones, which is making the move harder to interpret. October 6 Friday 9:30AM New York / 1330 GMT Price Current Net Yield % Change (bps) Three-month bills 5.355 5.5148 0.013 Six-month bills 5.35 5.5861 0.029 Two-year note 99-209/256 5.0981 0.073 Three-year note 99-54/256 4.9161 0.093 Five-year note 99-64/256 4.796 0.113 Seven-year note 98-176/256 4.8489 0.123 10-year note 92-128/256 4.8409 0.125 20-year bond 89-208/256 5.2038 0.130 30-year bond 86-108/256 5.0058 0.119 (Reporting by Karen Brettell; Additional reporting by Stephen Culp and Herb Lash: Editing by Christina Fincher, Susan Fenton and Angus MacSwan) CHARLOTTE, NC, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a National Association of Manufacturing and Deloitte report, the US will have a shortage of up to 3.5 million STEM workers by 2025. Bank of America and INROADS have partnered to address this crisis through the College Links program. INROADS College Links, a college and career readiness program, offers mentorship, professional development, and educational resources, fostering a path to academic achievement and future career success. Charlotte, NC, has a thriving economic landscape with leadership and job opportunities in government, finance, and healthcare. The program will give Charlotte's underrepresented high school students a competitive advantage to secure a career in these fields. "Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics all work together to create a robust financial services industry. Bank of America realizes this and has joined INROADS to prepare the next generation of diverse talent for success in the various pathways across the industries," said Forest T. Harper, Jr., CEO of INROADS College Links is an acclaimed program that helps address America's racial wealth gap. According to Foundation 99, the racial wealth gap is widening rather than shrinking. Bank of America has a longstanding reputation for creating a diverse workplace that helps bring change and solve this issue for diverse communities. "We build a stronger and more inclusive community by helping young individuals access quality education and career pathways," said Bank of America Consumer & Small Business Third Party Executive, Angela Rivers. "Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the future of our city." INROADS has experienced significant growth through its program with current host cities, including Atlanta; Birmingham, Charleston, Detroit; West Virginia; Chicago; Cincinnati; Dallas; Houston; Nashville; Oakland; Orlando; Newark; Salt Lake City; San Antonio; Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; and Washington DC. INROADS College Links will also launch in St. Louis in the coming months. INROADS will host a launch celebration for the new market on October 10, 2023, at Johnson C. Smith University at 6:00 p.m. To RSVP, visit https://cvent.me/w5v5NL. # # # About INROADS Founded in 1970, INROADS delivers innovative programs and creative solutions that identify, accelerate, and elevate the development of underrepresented talent throughout their careers. Through this development, students become equipped for corporate and community leadership that effects community renewal, social change and elevates economic status and quality of life. INROADS has more than 40,000 alumni, over 900 interns and serves 4,000+ students and 200 corporate clients. Learn more at INROADS.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn: @INROADSInc. Attachment Tyra Lang INROADS 2056490171 [email protected] Source: INROADS CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Diamond Group Limited (Black Diamond or the "Company) (TSX: BDI), a leading provider of space rental and workforce accommodation, today announced the timing of its 2023 third quarter earnings release and conference call/webcast. Black Diamond intends to release its 2023 third quarter results after markets close on Thursday, November 2, 2023, and hold a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET) on Friday, November 3, 2023. CEO Trevor Haynes and CFO Toby LaBrie will discuss Black Diamonds financial results for the quarter and then take questions from investors and analysts. To access the conference call by telephone, dial toll free 1-800-319-4610. International callers should use 1-604-638-5340. Please connect approximately 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call and ask to join the Black Diamond Group conference call. To access the call via webcast, please log into the webcast link 10 minutes before the start time at: https://www.gowebcasting.com/12921 Following the conference call, a replay will be available at the Investor Centre section of the Companys website at www.blackdiamondgroup.com, under Presentations & Events. About Black Diamond Black Diamond is a specialty rentals and industrial services Company with two operating business units - Modular Space Solutions (MSS) and Workforce Solutions (WFS). We operate in Canada, the United States, and Australia. MSS through its principal brands, BOXX Modular, Britco, MPA, Schiavi and CL Martin, owns a large rental fleet of modular buildings of various types and sizes. Its network of local branches rent, sell, service, and provide ancillary products and services to a diverse customer base in the construction, industrial, education, financial, and government sectors. WFS, through its principal brands, Black Diamond Camps and Black Diamond Energy Services, owns a large rental fleet of modular accommodation assets of all types and sizes. Its regional operating terminals rent, sell, service, and provide ancillary products and services including turn-key operated camps to a wide array of customers in the resource, infrastructure, construction, disaster recovery, and education sectors. The WFS business unit also includes the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, LodgeLink, which operates a disruptive digital marketplace for business-to-business crew accommodation, travel, and logistics in North America. Learn more at www.blackdiamondgroup.com. Investor and Media InquiriesJason Zhang at 403-206-4739 or [email protected] To sign up for news alerts please go to https://www.blackdiamondgroup.com/investor/subscription/ Source: Black Diamond Group Limited MONTREAL, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brunswick Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: BRW; OTCQB: BRWXF BRW or the Company) announces an amendment to its Option Agreement with 1Minerals Corp. The Option Agreement is now dated September 29, 2023 and milestone payments, which apply only to the claims under agreement with 1Minerals, are payable in cash, under the following schedule: $250,000 upon publication of a Mineral Resource Estimate $750,000 upon publication of a Preliminary Economic Assessment $1,500,000 upon publication of a positive Feasibility Study About Brunswick Exploration Brunswick Exploration is a Montreal-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V under symbol BRW. The Company is focused on grassroots exploration for lithium in Canada, a critical metal necessary to global decarbonization and energy transition. The company is rapidly advancing the most extensive grassroots lithium property portfolio in Canada with holdings in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Investor Relations/information Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO ([email protected]) 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: Brunswick Exploration Chainlink Labs Ranked as #12 Among 100 UK Companies Recognized for Outstanding Employee Sentiment and Satisfaction London, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newsweek has announced their annual rankings for the UKs Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces list, and Chainlink Labs, a software services company that is the leading contributing developer to Chainlink, the industry-leading Web3 services platform, was ranked #12. The 2023 Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces are the result of a collaboration with the Best Practice Institute (BPI), a leadership development and benchmark research company. The results were determined after surveying more than 600,000 employees from businesses with workforces varying in size from 10 to more than 5,000. The list recognizes companies that have created a workplace where employees feel respected, inspired, and appreciated and are at the center of the business model. This recognition in the UK underscores the importance of our continuous effort to cultivate and invest in a global team, said Giovana Totini, Chief People Officer at Chainlink Labs. This approach not only benefits our employees but also positively impacts our company and the broader ecosystem. The key areas included in the analysis are based on how well companies demonstrate the areas within the Spark Model as defined by BPI including Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of values, Respect, and Killer Achievement. How engaged employees are, how positive they feel about their workplace, and how committed they are to the organizations success were all identified and analyzed to identify the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces. With the dynamic workforce and competition for top talent, more companies are recognizing the importance of employee engagement and commitment, said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief, Newsweek. The workplaces that have demonstrated a commitment to their employees in 2023 are more likely to attract top talent and deliver strong business outcomes. "Attracting and retaining top talent continues to be a challenge and top priority of executive leadership said Louis Carter, CEO, Best Practice Institute. The companies on this list have committed to listening intently to their employees and then creating a better workplace where employees love to come to work. Methodology To identify the top 100 companies for the Newsweek ranking, companies were evaluated and scored as follows: 35 percent of the initial score was based on employee survey responses; 25 percent was derived from analysis of external public ratings from sites such as Comparably, Careerbliss, Glassdoor, Indeed and Google; and 40 percent came from direct interviews with and written responses from company officials. Newsweek then conducted additional research into every company on the list, as well as the top runners up, to determine the final list of 100 companies and their ranking. (The list includes both UK headquartered firms and companies with a strong UK presence that are based overseas.) About Newsweek Newsweek is the modern global digital news organization built around the iconic, over 85-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people each month with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. About Best Practice Institute Best Practice Institute is an award-winning leadership and organization development center, benchmark research company, think tank, and solutions provider. BPI is the certifying body for Most Loved Workplace and conducted the original research to create the model and criteria for becoming a Most Loved Workplace. BPIs research proves that Most Loved Workplaces produce 3-4 times better customer service, employee performance, and retention than companies not loved by their employees. For more information on how to apply to become a certified Most Loved Workplace in 2024, go to: http://www.mostlovedworkplace.com About Chainlink Chainlink is the industry-standard Web3 services platform. It has enabled trillions of dollars in transaction volume across DeFi, on-chain finance, gaming, NFTs, and other major industries. As the leading decentralized oracle network, Chainlink empowers developers to build feature-rich Web3 applications with seamless access to real-world data and off-chain computation across any blockchain and provides global enterprises with a universal gateway to all blockchains. Learn more about Chainlink by visiting chain.link or reading the developer documentation at docs.chain.link. To discuss an integration, reach out to an expert. Buxted, United Kingdom, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crusader Vans, a family-run van leasing company based in the UK, has recently launched a selection of Ford Van Leasing options on its website as a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses and individuals. A van lease is a long-term rental agreement where a customer hires a van for an agreed term. During this period, the lessee will pay a monthly fee for the agreed term, and at the end of the contract, the lessee must return the vehicle to the retailer or extend the van rental period. Van Leasing is an affordable way to drive a brand new vehicle every 2 3 years and allows individuals to have full access to the newer models, technologies and safety features without going through the hassle of selling a vehicle before purchasing a new one. The companys selection of Ford vans is a cheaper alternative to getting a brand-new van and can be leased for personal or corporate use. Due to the businesss long-standing reputation in the automotive industry, which makes it a top choice for many leasing customers, Crusader Vans offers a variety of competitive Ford van leasing options. These include: Ford Transit Lease The Ford Transit is a standout model in the Ford van lineup, preferred by many for its utility and reliability. Cost-effective by offering the same rental price throughout the finance lease term, the Ford Transit 350 is one of the larger commercial vehicles within the Ford Van range but comes with all the modern gadgets expected with every Ford van. Ideal for a range of businesses, due to its large load and volume capacity, the Ford Transitcan transport large items or heavy loads thanks to its length, which goes from L2 (850Kg payload) to L4 (2320 Kg payload). Ford Transit Custom Lease With a variety of different models available, such as the Ford Transit Custom Leader, Trend and Limited, either in a panel van or double cab fashion, Crusader Vans caters to unique business requirements with its Transit Custom lease options. The Ford Transit Custom is a versatile option tailored to those needing a bit more customization and specificity in their commercial vehicle; the Ford Transit Custom is one of Fords most popular vans for a good reason. The range of transit customs is incredibly spacious, affordable, and reliable in the long term, as well as boasting a selection of features, such as parking distance sensors, a double cab in van, cruise control, rear ladders, roof racks, and numerous different body type styles. 2023 Ford Transit Custom On its website, Crusader Vans has added a helpful Ford Transit Van Review 2023, which focuses on the vans next-generation connectivity upgrades and productivity compared to earlier models, as well as its clever new features that allow drivers to treat their van as a mobile office by offering a 13 touchscreen, 5G embedded modem, host of intelligent software and Ford Pro connectivity tools. The 2023 Ford Transit Custom is available in electrified vehicles, providing environmental considerations with zero-emission driving or traditional diesel powertrains that deliver excellent fuel efficiency. Ford Van Models Crusader Vans provides expert guidance in helping customers select the right Ford van for their needs and, along with the options provided above, has an array of Ford Van models ready for lease on its website, such as: Ford Transit Courier The smallest member of the Transit family, but despite its size, the van is packed with many features expected on a van double its size. The smallest member of the Transit family, but despite its size, the van is packed with many features expected on a van double its size. Ford Transit Connect The perfect van for those wanting to carry a large load but still need a van nimble enough to fit up those tight, windy city roads. The perfect van for those wanting to carry a large load but still need a van nimble enough to fit up those tight, windy city roads. Ford Ranger A large pickup truck ideal for small businesses or casual personal use, with great mileage. More information To learn more about Crusader Vans and its selection of Ford Van leasing options,please visit the website at https://www.crusader-vans.co.uk/. Source: https://thenewsfront.com/crusader-vans-launch-a-selection-of-ford-van-leasing-options-as-a-flexible-and-cost-effective-solution-for-businesses-and-individuals/ Crusader Vans Crusader House, High Street Buxted East Sussex TN22 4LA United Kingdom 01825 701200 https://www.crusader-vans.co.uk/ Source: Crusader Vans VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO, NYSE: ERO) (the Company) will publish its third quarter 2023 operating and financial results on Thursday, November 2, 2023 after market close. The Company will host a conference call to discuss the results on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 8:30am Eastern time (5:30am Pacific time). CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS Date: Friday, November 3, 2023 Time: 8:30am Eastern Time (5:30am Pacific Time) Dial in: North America: 1-800-319-4610, International: +1-604-638-5340 please dial in 5-10 minutes prior and ask to join the call Replay: North America: 1-800-319-6413, International: +1-604-638-9010 Replay Passcode: 0471 ABOUT ERO COPPER CORP Ero is a high-margin, high-growth, low carbon-intensity copper producer with operations in Brazil and corporate headquarters in Vancouver, B.C. The Company's primary asset is a 99.6% interest in the Brazilian copper mining company, Mineracao Caraiba S.A. ("MCSA"), 100% owner of the Company's Caraiba Operations (formerly known as the MCSA Mining Complex), which are located in the Curaca Valley, Bahia State, Brazil and include the Pilar and Vermelhos underground mines and the Surubim open pit mine, and the Tucuma Project (formerly known as Boa Esperanca), an IOCG-type copper project located in Para, Brazil. The Company also owns 97.6% of NX Gold S.A. ("NX Gold") which owns the Xavantina Operations (formerly known as the NX Gold Mine), comprised of an operating gold and silver mine located in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Additional information on the Company and its operations, including technical reports on the Caraiba Operations, Xavantina Operations and Tucuma Project, can be found on the Company's website (www.erocopper.com), on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov). The Companys shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ERO. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Courtney Lynn, SVP, Corporate Development, Investor Relations & Sustainability (604) 335-7504 [email protected] LIBERTY, Mo., Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nationwide propane logistics company Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (OTC: FGPR), is proud to announce it is continuing its partnership with Operation Warm this year. The organization provides new coats and shoes to children in need across the country. This will be the third year Ferrellgas and Operation Warm are teaming up to help kids in many communities. Operation Warms tagline is more than a coat. In addition to providing physical warmth, the organization gives kids the confidence and hope they need to succeed. Giving a child a new coat can truly be a transformative experience, said Tamria Zertuche, President & CEO of Ferrellgas. It gives them a little boost every time they put it on, no matter what struggles their families may be facing. Thats why our company is so proud to support Operation Warm and its mission. It truly makes a difference for so many children, and its one more way we can Fuel Life Simply for them and their families. Ferrellgas strives to have a positive impact on the communities it serves through the Ferrellgas Century Project. The companys goal is to make the world a better place leading up to its 100th anniversary in 2039. In addition to helping with Operation Warms national efforts, Ferrellgas will also be holding two coat distribution events this year, including one at Crestview Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 26th. Several Ferrellgas employee-owners will be volunteering that day to help give out the coats to students. Operation Warm will also be taking over Ferrellgas social media channels throughout the month to help promote the organizations important mission, and Ferrellgas will be sharing information about Operation Warm with customers via email and its website. Collaborative efforts like the one with Ferrellgas are cornerstone initiatives that bring our mission to life, said Grace Sica, Executive Director of Operation Warm. By working together, we don't just provide essential warmth during the winter months, but we also fuel the confidence and resilience needed for children to succeed throughout the year. As we head into winter, Ferrellgas recognizes that many people may need help providing for their families this year. As a company that supplies the propane that heats millions of American homes, supporting Operation Warm is a natural fit for us, said Zertuche. Every child deserves to feel warm, safe, and loved. About Ferrellgas Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., through its operating partnership, Ferrellgas, L.P., and subsidiaries, serves propane customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Its Blue Rhino exchange brand is sold at 60,000 locations nationwide. Ferrellgas was named one of Newsweeks Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2023. It was the only national propane provider to earn that honor. Ferrellgas employees indirectly own 1.1 million common units of the partnership through an employee stock ownership plan. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. filed a Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2022. Investors can request a hard copy of this filing free of charge and obtain more information about the partnership online at www.ferrellgas.com. About Operation Warm Operation Warm is a respected national nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering warmth, confidence, and hope among underserved children through essential programs that connect them to vital community resources. For over 24 years, Operation Warm and our esteemed supporters have utilized the powerful gift of brand-new coats and other essential clothing items to empower children and families in need. Our mission reaches beyond providing warmth; we strive to promote equitable access to fundamental necessities that everyone deserves, such as food, healthcare services, and educational resources. Together, we are transforming lives and making a lasting impact on communities across the nation. To get involved, visit www.operationwarm.org. Contact: [email protected] Goodness Growth and Grown Rogue each issued warrants to the other to purchase listed shares Issuances were announced in May at the same time as a strategic agreement between the Parties MINNEAPOLIS and MEDFORD, Ore., Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. ("Goodness Growth") (CSE: GDNS; OTCQX: GDNSF), and Grown Rogue International, Inc. (Grown Rogue) (CSE: GRIN; OTC: GRUSF) (collectively the Parties or the Companies), today announced that they have completed the issuance of warrants to purchase listed shares as previously announced on May 25, 2023. In May, the Companies announced their intention to issue warrants (as described herein) at the same time the Companies announced a strategic agreement (the Agreement) whereby Grown Rogue supports Goodness Growth in the optimization of its cannabis flower products, with a particular focus on improving the quality and yield of top-grade A cannabis flower in Minnesota and Maryland. The issuance of those warrants has now been completed. On October 5, 2023, Goodness Growth issued 10,000,000 warrants to purchase subordinate voting shares of Goodness Growth to Grown Rogue, with a strike price equal to C$0.317 (US$0.233), which represented a 25.0 percent premium to the 10-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) of Goodness Growths subordinate voting shares on the trading day immediately prior to the effective date of the Agreement. Similarly, Grown Rogue issued 8,500,000 warrants to purchase shares of Grown Rogue to Goodness Growth, with a strike price equal to C$0.225 (US$0.166), which represented a 25.0 percent premium to the 10-day VWAP of Grown Rogues subordinate voting shares on the trading day immediately prior to the effective date of the Agreement. The warrants exchanged in the agreement were issued with five-year terms to exercise (provided that the Grown Rogue warrants may terminate earlier on an insolvency event relating to Goodness Growth), may not be registered with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission or qualified by any Canadian provincial securities commission, and are not assignable except as set forth in the warrant certificates, as more particularly described in the May 25, 2023 announcement. The aforementioned warrants and shares underlying such warrants are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period from the date of issuance under applicable Canadian securities laws. About Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. (CSE: GDNS; OTCQX: GDNSF) is a cannabis company whose mission is to provide safe access, quality products and value to its customers while supporting its local communities through active participation and restorative justice programs. The Company is evolving with the industry and is in the midst of a transformation to being significantly more customer-centric across its operations, which include cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale and retail business lines. Today, the Company is licensed to grow, process, and/or distribute cannabis in four markets and operates 14 dispensaries in three states. For more information about Goodness Growth Holdings, please visit www.goodnessgrowth.com. About Grown Rogue International, Inc. Grown Rogue International, Inc. (CSE: GRIN; OTC: GRUSF), is a craft cannabis company focused on delighting customers with premium flower and flower-derived products at fair prices. The Companys roots are in Southern Oregon where it has demonstrated its capabilities in the highly competitive and discerning Oregon market and, more recently, successfully expanded its platform to Michigan. The Company combines its passion for product and value with a disciplined approach to growth, prioritizing profitability and return on capital. Its strategy is to pursue capital efficient methods to expand into new markets, bringing craft quality and value to more consumers. The Company also continues to make modest investments to improve its outdoor craft cultivation capabilities in preparation for eventual interstate commerce. For more information about Grown Rogue, please visit www.grownrogue.com. Contact Information: Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc.: Amanda Hutcheson Senior Manager, Communications [email protected] (919) 815-1476 Grown Rogue International, Inc.: Investor Relations Desk [email protected] (458) 226-2100 Forward-Looking Statement Disclosure This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities legislation. To the extent any forward-looking information in this press release constitutes financial outlooks within the meaning of applicable United States or Canadian securities laws, such information is being provided as preliminary financial results and the reader is cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and the reader should not place undue reliance on such financial outlooks. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as should, believe, could, looking forward, may, continue, expect, will, subject to, and variations of such words and phrases, or any verbs in the future tense. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Forward-looking information includes both known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Goodness Growth and Grown Rogue or their subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of Goodness Growths and Grown Rogues management teams, believed but not certain to be reasonable, in light of managements experience and perception of trends, current conditions, and expected developments, as well as other factors relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment, and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits. Although Goodness Growth and Grown Rogue believe that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Goodness Growth and Grown Rogue can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the timing of adult-use legislation in markets where the Company currently operates; current and future market conditions, including the market price of the subordinate voting shares Goodness Growth and Grown Rogue; risks related to epidemics and pandemics, federal, state, local, and foreign government laws, rules, and regulations, including federal and state laws and regulations in the United States relating to cannabis operations in the United States and any changes to such laws or regulations; operational, regulatory and other risks; execution of business strategy; management of growth; difficulties inherent in forecasting future events; conflicts of interest; risks inherent in an agricultural business; risks inherent in a manufacturing business; liquidity risks and other risk factors set out in Goodness Growth and Grown Rogues Annual Reports for the year ended December 31, 2022, which are available, if applicable, on EDGAR with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Goodness Growths and Grown Rogues company profiles on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. Except as required by law, Goodness Growth and Grown Rogue undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Donald Trump, this Wednesday at the doors of the New York court where he is being tried for corporate fraud. MIKE SEGAR (REUTERS) The House Republican soap opera may have Donald Trump as a guest star next week. The former president has expressed his willingness on Fox News Digital to replace the ousted Kevin McCarthy for a brief period as Speaker of the House until there is consensus among Republicans on a candidate to fill the post permanently. Earlier, it had emerged that Trump has been in contact with congresspeople of his party to go to Capitol Hill next week, probably on Tuesday for the meeting of the Republican conference in which they will discuss possible replacements for Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House, according to the Associated Press. One of the sources familiar with Trumps plans cited by the agency noted that if he went ahead with the visit, he would be there to talk to Republican lawmakers and not to pitch himself for the post, even though some allies continue to push for him to do so. In his remarks to Fox, Trump goes a step further. I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress... If they dont get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president, he said. They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion Im not doing it because I want to I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision, the former president added. Donald Trump has not set foot on Capitol Hill since he was president of the United States. Despite this, his role was decisive in unblocking the election of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House of Representatives last January. In television footage, not subject at the time to the usual strict congressional rules, Marjorie Taylor Greene, the congresswoman most loyal to the former president, could be seen taking her phone to the radicals with the initials DT on the screen. McCarthy himself acknowledged that he owed him the job. This time, according to AP, Trump wants to take the bull by the horns from the beginning and attend the key meeting to decide McCarthys replacement. At the moment there are two congressmen who have announced their candidacy. One of them is Steve Scalise, McCarthys number two and of the Republican caucus. The other is Jim Jordan, an avowed Trumpist, one of the radicals who have made McCarthys life miserable. He is a co-founder of the Freedom Caucus, which encompasses the 20 or so members of the partys most hard-line wing in Congress, although he is not one of the eight who voted for the historic impeachment of the Speaker of the House. It is not clear that either can be a consensus president. Although there is no requirement that a person be a member of the House to serve as Speaker, each of the 55 Speakers the House has elected were. From time to time, lawmakers have thrown their votes to those outside Congress, often as a protest against candidates running. Trump himself received the occasional vote from Republican radicals on some of the 15 ballots it took last January to elect McCarthy. Among those who nominated him were Matt Gaetz, the man who has now spearheaded the successful revolt against McCarthy, and pro-gun activist Lauren Boebert. Marjorie Taylor Greene is encouraging him to run now. Trump referred on Wednesday in passing to the crisis in Congress upon his arrival at a new session of the civil trial for fraud being held against him in a court in Manhattan (New York). Asked by reporters about a proposal by some Republican lawmakers that he replace McCarthy, the front-runner in the Republican primary for the 2024 presidential said he would do whats best for the country and the Republican Party. He admitted a lot of people have been asking him that, however, he added that there are other great people in the party who could handle the job. My total focus is to be president, he stressed. This Thursday, during which he has been hyperactive on Truth, his social network, he wrote in one of his messages: [I] will do whatever is necessary to help with the Speaker of the House selection process, short term, until the final selection of a GREAT REPUBLICAN SPEAKER is made - A Speaker who will help a new, but highly experienced President, ME, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump would likely win majority support from his conference if he decided to run, in part because of the difficulties involved in facing him, even if they did not like him as a candidate for that office. Almost none of the congressmen who voted in favor of his impeachment for his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on Capitol Hill has managed to repeat as a congressman. Trump as speaker seems unimaginable, but at the time it did not seem conceivable that he could win a presidential election either, and he did so in 2016. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V., (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (the Company or GAP) announces preliminary terminal passenger traffic figures for the month of September 2023, compared with the same period of 2022. For September 2023, the total number of terminal passengers at GAPs 12 Mexican airports increased by 6.5%, compared to the same period in 2022. Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Los Cabos presented an increase in passenger traffic of 5.6%, 5.2%, and 2.7%, respectively, compared to September 2022. Domestic Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Sep-22 Sep-23 % Change Jan - Sep 22 Jan - Sep 23 % Change Guadalajara 948.0 976.4 3.0 % 7,969.3 9,395.0 17.9 % Tijuana* 657.0 721.6 9.8 % 5,973.1 6,751.6 13.0 % Los Cabos 208.6 227.1 8.9 % 1,869.8 2,244.2 20.0 % Puerto Vallarta 212.0 213.0 0.5 % 1,944.0 2,197.1 13.0 % Montego Bay 0.0 0.0 N/A 0.0 0.0 N/A Guanajuato 154.3 202.8 31.4 % 1,300.7 1,729.5 33.0 % Hermosillo 151.5 177.0 16.9 % 1,343.6 1,552.4 15.5 % Mexicali 112.1 134.3 19.8 % 918.7 1,174.8 27.9 % Kingston 0.3 0.1 (75.1 %) 1.0 1.3 35.8 % Morelia 49.4 61.8 25.1 % 474.3 609.1 28.4 % La Paz 74.2 79.1 6.7 % 786.7 814.2 3.5 % Aguascalientes 50.6 53.8 6.4 % 524.8 478.6 (8.8 %) Los Mochis 31.6 34.6 9.6 % 307.5 336.2 9.4 % Manzanillo 7.2 8.2 14.2 % 74.0 80.1 8.2 % Total 2,656.8 2,889.7 8.8 % 23,487.4 27,364.0 16.5 % International Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Sep-22 Sep-23 % Change Jan - Sep 22 Jan - Sep 23 % Change Guadalajara 338.3 376.6 11.3 % 3,232.8 3,848.9 19.1 % Tijuana* 302.0 291.5 (3.5 %) 3,063.3 3,254.5 6.2 % Los Cabos 252.1 246.0 (2.4 %) 3,310.4 3,603.1 8.8 % Puerto Vallarta 159.3 139.1 (12.7 %) 2,587.6 2,863.8 10.7 % Montego Bay 300.6 324.1 7.8 % 3,225.8 3,963.2 22.9 % Guanajuato 60.9 66.6 9.4 % 567.7 645.5 13.7 % Hermosillo 5.8 6.0 2.7 % 58.5 55.0 (6.0 %) Mexicali 0.6 0.6 (2.4 %) 4.6 5.3 14.7 % Kingston 136.7 132.1 (3.4 %) 1,128.4 1,338.9 18.7 % Morelia 39.0 42.9 10.0 % 364.2 444.0 21.9 % La Paz 0.9 0.8 (17.8 %) 19.2 10.3 (46.0 %) Aguascalientes 19.6 24.0 22.5 % 170.2 214.3 25.9 % Los Mochis 0.7 0.5 (21.5 %) 5.8 5.4 (7.6 %) Manzanillo 2.2 2.0 (9.5 %) 52.3 49.1 (6.0 %) Total 1,618.7 1,652.8 2.1 % 17,790.9 20,301.6 14.1 % Total Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Sep-22 Sep-23 % Change Jan - Sep 22 Jan - Sep 23 % Change Guadalajara 1,286.3 1,353.0 5.2 % 11,202.1 13,243.9 18.2 % Tijuana* 959.0 1,013.0 5.6 % 9,036.4 10,006.1 10.7 % Los Cabos 460.7 473.1 2.7 % 5,180.3 5,847.3 12.9 % Puerto Vallarta 371.4 352.1 (5.2 %) 4,531.7 5,060.9 11.7 % Montego Bay 300.6 324.1 7.8 % 3,225.8 3,963.2 22.9 % Guanajuato 215.2 269.4 25.2 % 1,868.4 2,375.0 27.1 % Hermosillo 157.3 183.0 16.3 % 1,402.1 1,607.5 14.6 % Mexicali 112.7 134.8 19.6 % 923.3 1,180.1 27.8 % Kingston 137.0 132.2 (3.5 %) 1,129.4 1,340.3 18.7 % Morelia 88.4 104.7 18.5 % 838.5 1,053.1 25.6 % La Paz 75.1 79.9 6.4 % 805.9 824.5 2.3 % Aguascalientes 70.1 77.8 10.9 % 695.0 692.9 (0.3 %) Los Mochis 32.2 35.1 8.9 % 313.3 341.6 9.0 % Manzanillo 9.4 10.2 8.6 % 126.3 129.2 2.3 % Total 4,275.5 4,542.5 6.2 % 41,278.3 47,665.6 15.5 % *Passengers in Tijuana who use CBX in both directions are classified as international. CBX users (in thousands): Airport Sep-22 Sep-23 % Change Jan - Sep 22 Jan - Sep 23 % Change Tijuana 299.2 288.8 (3.5 %) 3,038.5 3,226.9 6.2 % Highlights for the month: Seats and load factors: The number of seats available during September 2023 increased by 6.5%, compared to September 2022; load factors for the month went from 78.0% in September 2022 to 77.8% in September 2023. The number of seats available during September 2023 increased by 6.5%, compared to September 2022; load factors for the month went from 78.0% in September 2022 to 77.8% in September 2023. New routes: Guadalajara Villahermosa: Volaris COMPANY DESCRIPTION Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates 12 airports throughout Mexico s Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAPs shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PAC and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GAP. In April 2015, GAP acquired 100% of Desarrollo de Concessioner Aeroportuarias, S.L., which owns a majority stake in MBJ Airports Limited, a company operating Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In October 2018, GAP entered into a concession agreement for the Norman Manley International Airport operation in Kingston, Jamaica, and took control of the operation in October 2019.This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts and are based on managements current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, plans and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. In accordance with Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Article 42 of the Ley del Mercado de Valores, GAP has implemented a whistleblower program, which allows complainants to anonymously and confidentially report suspected activities that involve criminal conduct or violations. The telephone number in Mexico, facilitated by a third party responsible for collecting these complaints, is 800 04 ETICA (38422) or WhatsApp +52 55 6538 5504. The website is www.lineadedenunciagap.com or by email at [email protected]. GAPs Audit Committee will be notified of all complaints for immediate investigation. Alejandra Soto, Investor Relations and Social Responsibility Officer [email protected] Gisela Murillo, Investor Relations [email protected] /+52 33 3880 1100 ext. 20294 Source: Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. San Diego, California, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HUMBL, Inc. (OTC: HMBL) (HUMBL or "the Company") is pleased to announce its HUMBL Q4 Shareholder Call, set to take place on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 4:30 PM PST. The HUMBL Chat live session will cover key company advancements across product roadmap, product launches, funding agreements, debt consolidation and other business strategy updates. HUMBL will discuss product launch and roadmap features such as social payments, live video chat, verified social media and subscription services advancements. The company will also discuss updated financing and debt consolidation progress. The call will be hosted on HUMBL Chat, the Company's latest offering in live chat, video conferencing and networking solutions. HUMBL intends to use the HUMBL Chat service for future shareholder calls and similar interactions, for a more direct method of communication with the HUMBL Shareholder Community. Following the HUMBL Shareholder Call, the Company will turn the chat over to a HUMBL community discussion that will be held periodically on the HUMBL Chat platform vs. social media chat alternatives that do not offer video services. HUMBL Chat will be available to HUMBL Pro+ subscribers, along with early access to the new HUMBL Social (HS2) platform, which will include top community feature requests such as direct messages, as well as the ability to deliver HS2 compound posts that include images, video, audio, text, and a link to products or services, all at the same time. A link to the HUMBL - Q4 2023 Shareholder call will be provided early next week via the Companys official social media handles. About HUMBL HUMBL is a Web 3 technology platform with product lines including the HUMBL Wallet, HUMBL Search Engine, HUMBL Social, HUMBL Tickets, HUMBL Marketplace and HUMBL Authentics. For more information, please visit: HUMBL.com. HUMBL has performed digital integrations with athletes and teams from the NCAA, MLB, UFC, WNFC, NASCAR Xfinity, World Surfing, World Rugby and more. Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimates," "projects," "intends," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to successfully execute its expanded business strategy, including by entering into definitive agreements with suppliers, commercial partners and customers; general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technical advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, regulatory requirements and the ability to meet them, government agency rules and changes, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. Except as may be required by law, HUMBL undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements after the date of this release. Company Information HUMBL, Inc. Email: [email protected] Website: HUMBL.com Investor Relations Contact: Stuart T. Smith Phone: 512-267-2430 Email: [email protected] Contact: Kevin Gray Email: [email protected] SmallCapVoice.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Major Precious Metals Corp. (the Company), announces the resignations of Anthony J. Williams as CEO, Chairman and a Director of the Company effective August 7, 2023, Joel Dumaresq as CEO and a Director of the Company effective September 6, 2023, Fred Tejada as a Director effective September 7, 2023, James Henning as a Director effective March 23, 2023 and Stephen Stine as a Directors effective September 10, 2023. On September 7, 2023, David DesLauriers was appointed as Interim CEO, Interim CFO, Chairman and a Director of the Company. Jason Hawkins was appointed as a Director on September 7, 2023 and Troy Grant was appointed as a Director effective September 10, 2023. For more information contact: David DesLauriersDirector and Interim CEOSuite 810 789 West Pender StreetVancouver, BC V6C 1H2Ph: 604-687-2038 About Major Precious Metals Corp. Major Precious Metals is a Canadian mining company advancing exploration of its flagship Skaergaard Project in eastern Greenland, which contains one of the world's largest palladium and gold deposits outside the major PGM producing areas of Russia and South Africa. The Company is focused on creating shareholder value by accelerating the progress of the Skaergaard Project along the Mine Development Cycle. Additional information relating to Major Precious Metals is available at www.sedarplus.com. Forward-looking Information Statement This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. When used in this news release, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, target, plan, forecast, may, schedule and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Source: Major Precious Metals Corp. Austin, TX, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Austin Energy has partnered with Pano AI, the first company to offer a fully managed solution for active wildfire detection using artificial intelligence. The collaboration marks the first deployment of an AI-driven early wildfire detection program in the state to help fortify utilities and local communities against wildfire threats. The five-year program will commence this fall by auditing strategic locations to station 12 ultra-high-definition, 360-degree, mountaintop cameras that best support wildfire detection to advance Austin Energys operational resilience. These cameras are expected to be operational by summer 2024. This is an important step for the safety of our community and the reliability of our electric system, said Chris Vetromile, Austin Energy wildfire program manager. Climate change is fueling extreme temperatures and this program will save crucial time in responding to wildfires, helping safeguard our community and enhancing our ability to provide uninterrupted electrical service. The fusion of visual data from these state-of-the-art cameras, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence will provide active wildfire detection and real-time situational awareness. This technological advancement to Austin Energys wildfire mitigation strategy enables Pano AIs detection network to monitor regions, including electrical grids, in real-time and detect smoke or fire. As soon as an incident is detected, Austin Energy will be immediately notified alongside first responders and provided with detailed visuals and intelligence such as precise triangulation of ignition sites and identification of structures at risk in the critical first minutes. As a result, fire agencies are equipped with greater intelligence to support a coordinated and rapid response to wildfire threats, enabling improved resilience of utility operations and grid infrastructure and better safeguarded communities from wildfire threads. "Our partnership with Austin Energy signifies a pivotal moment in wildfire prevention and response in Texas," stated Arvind Satyam, Co-founder and CCO of Pano AI. "We are proud to partner with forward-thinking utility companies like Austin Energy that are committed to protecting and fortifying their communities and improving grid resilience. The collaboration highlights the success of the convergence of advanced AI technology and Austin Energys proactive commitment to performance, safety, and reliability. By pioneering the deployment of an AI-driven early detection program, this partnership facilitates a new era for wildfire management, showcasing the promise of technology in mitigating the impact of worsening natural disasters and fostering resilience in communities. Beyond this partnership, Pano AI has collaborated with other utilities including PGE, Xcel Energy and Holy Cross Energy to help them identify and address potential incidents and by giving local fire agencies precise locations to support effective containment before they spread. In the three years since founding, Pano AI has developed the most advanced product in the marketplace and is deployed with governments, fire authorities, utilities, ski resorts, and private landowners. Pano AI now operates in seven U.S. states (Texas, California, Massachusetts, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana), four states in Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia), and has recently announced its upcoming expansion into British Columbia, Canada. _ _ _ About Pano AIPano AI is a leader in early wildfire detection, providing the first fully-integrated solution for active wildfire detection using artificial intelligence to help fire authorities identify and extinguish new ignitions before they become a threat. Harnessing the latest developments in hardware, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based software, Pano AI provides fire agencies with real-time actionable intelligence and situational awareness to coordinate an informed rapid response to wildfires before they escalate, safeguarding lives, communities, and the environment. Learn more at: https://www.pano.ai/ About Austin EnergyCustomer Driven. Community Focused. Austin Energy, the City of Austins electric utility, serves more than 575,000 residential and commercial customer accounts and more than one million residents in Greater Austin. The utilitys mission to safely deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service has guided Austin Energy in powering the community and supporting the regions growth since 1895. For more information about Austin Energy, visit austinenergy.com. AUSTIN ENERGY CONTACT Matt Mitchell Public Information Officer [email protected] 512-322-6514 PANO AI CONTACT Alicia Collyear Communications Director [email protected] +1.604.558.1656 Source: Pano AI HOUSTON, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE: STEL) today announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2023 results. The call will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time). The related earnings release will be issued prior to the market opening on October 27, 2023, and will also be available on the Investor Relations section of the Companys website at ir.stellarbancorpinc.com, under Press Releases. Conference Call and Live Webcast Participants may register for the conference call at https://register.vevent.com/register/BI6cc171f27f424552a720c74008bfa355 to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN to access the call. If you need assistance in obtaining a dial-in number, please contact [email protected]. A simultaneous audio-only webcast may be accessed via the Investor Relations section of the Companys website at https://ir.stellarbancorpinc.com/news-and-events/webcast-and-presentations. If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the webcast will be accessible via the Investor Relations section of the Companys website at ir.stellarbancorpinc.com. About Stellar Bancorp, Inc.Stellar Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Companys principal banking subsidiary, Stellar Bank, provides a diversified range of commercial banking services primarily to small- to medium-sized businesses and individual customers across the Houston, Dallas, Beaumont and surrounding communities in Texas. Investor relations:[email protected] Source: Stellar Bancorp, Inc. TORONTO and NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volaris Group (Volaris) today announced the acquisition of Squirrels LLC, a world leader in wireless audio and video transmission software. Volaris is a buy-and-hold acquirer of software businesses and operates more than 190 companies spanning over 40 vertical markets. Squirrels joins Volaris as part of its education vertical dedicated to delivering mission-critical software for educational institutions. Squirrels co-founder and CEO Andrew Gould remains with the company in the role of Volaris Business Unit Manager for Squirrels. Volaris brings a wealth of expertise in scaling SaaS businesses like Squirrels, Gould said. Were eager to apply that expertise as we work to continue to grow Squirrels. We are well positioned to continue to create customer-focused innovation for our products and services. Squirrels aims to be a valued K-12 and higher education partner delivering top-tier wireless collaboration and digital signage technology for many years to come. We have seen first-hand the transformative power that technology can have on the education experience, said Michael Borello, Group Leader at Volaris Group. Our growing portfolio of mission-critical education technology companies help educators and learners achieve their goals. It is an honor to support and shepherd companies doing this important work. About SquirrelsSquirrels is a software-development company established in 2012 that specializes in wireless audio and video transmission. Popular Squirrels products include Ditto, AirParrot and Reflector. More information about these products and Squirrels can be found at www.airsquirrels.com. About Volaris GroupVolaris acquires, strengthens, and grows vertical market technology companies. As an Operating Group of Constellation Software Inc., Volaris is all about strengthening businesses within the markets they compete, enabling them to grow whether that growth comes through organic measures such as new initiatives and product development, day-to-day business, or through complementary acquisitions. Learn more at www.volarisgroup.com. For more information: Ryan Hill Volaris Group 416-831-0305[email protected] Tom CrilleySquirrels LLC [email protected] 855-207-0927 Source: Volaris Group Inc Cannabis enthusiasts, investors, decision-makers, and business owners, are invited to attend the 18th BioPharma Clinical Trials Nexus to be held in Philadelphia, PA, October 17-18, 2023. The innovative event is set to ignite the spirit of collaboration that transcends disciplines. and borders. It stands as a paradigm for actionable change in the world of clinical research and pharmaceuticals. The BioPharma Clinical Trials Nexus will feature thought-provoking seminars and sessions where visionaries will share their ideas and perspectives about the key challenges in clinical research and pharmaceutical development. Led by industry veterans, the seminars will focus on discussing the Read More>> To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/t8n6m. About InvestorWire InvestorWire (IW) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on advanced wire-grade press release syndication for private and public companies and the investment community. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, IW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in todays market, IW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. IW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge. For more information, please visit https://www.InvestorWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorWire website applicable to all content provided by IW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.InvestorWire.com/Disclaimer InvestorWire Los Angeles, CA www.InvestorWire.com 310.299.1717 Office [email protected] InvestorWire is powered by IBN Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - AVANTI GOLD CORP. (CSE: AGC) (FSE: X37) (the "Company") announces that it that it has appointed Dr. Colin Porter to the Company's Board of Directors, in place of Drew Brass and Tony Louie who have resigned as directors. Tammy Gillis has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer and the Company is actively pursuing a replacement Chief Financial Officer. The Company would like to thank Mr. Brass, Mr. Louie and Ms. Gillis for their many contributions to the Company. Colin Porter Dr. Colin Porter is a geologist with over 25 years' experience in exploration, project management and applied structural geology across Africa. Dr. Porter's expertise spans a wide range of gold mineralization systems including Archaean, Proterozoic and Pan-African orogenic deposits and districts of Africa. Previous roles include Structural Geologist for Anglogold Ashanti, Africa Region with extensive experience in the Birimian craton of West Africa, which included planning and implementation of deposit scale and brownfields exploration at several of Africa's largest mines including (Obuasi, Geita, Sadiola, Morila, Siguiri). Dr. Porter is also well experienced in target generation, design and implementation of exploration programmes at numerous African gold projects including Banfora, (Burkina Fas, Salman/Anwia (Ghana) and Konongo, Ghana. Dr. Porter was the head of exploration and managed all exploration activities at the Zani-Kodo gold project in NE DR Congo, from instigation to definition of a 3Moz resource. Dr. Porter holds a BSc (Hons) in geology from Queen's University Belfast, a PhD in geology from University of Southampton and is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. On behalf of the Board of Directors Colin Porter Chief Executive Officer Email: [email protected] Office: +1 (604) 908-1679 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183128 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2023) - CENTR Brands Corp. (CSE: CNTR) (FSE: 303) (OTCQB: CNTRF) ("CENTR" or the "Company"), announced today that it has received notice of termination of the Company's CBD beverage products distribution agreement with Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits ("Southern Glazer's"). This is a result of Southern Glazer's determination to exit the CBD category in its entirety across the United States. "We are disappointed that after 2 years of a multi-year relationship, Southern Glazer's has decided to part ways with the CBD category," said Company CEO, Arjan Chima. "However, we are confident that our existing distribution network in California will provide a level of service and support that our customers have come to expect from CENTR." CENTR is committed to providing its customers and consumers with the highest quality CBD beverages. The Company is continuing to expand its distribution network and is actively seeking new partners to ensure that its products are available to consumers throughout retailers in the United States amongst the existing company online store that ships Nationwide. About CENTR Brands Corp. CENTR Brands Corp. is one of North America's leading functional wellness beverage companies dedicated to promoting holistic well-being. With a commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences, CENTR offers a range of functional wellness beverages that support individuals in their pursuit of balanced and healthy lifestyles. By leveraging innovative technology and embracing consumer-centric strategies, CENTR empowers customers to prioritize their well-being and discover the benefits of wellness beverages. The Company produces CENTR CBD, a family of sparkling, low calorie CBD beverages; CENTR Instant, a family of on-the-go, adaptogen-based CBD powders; and CENTR Enhanced, a family of refreshing, ZERO calorie, non-CBD, nootropic and adaptogen sparkling waters incorporating a variety of science-backed ingredients. The Company's ethos revolves around functional efficacy, exceptional flavor, and a visual design that resonates with consumers seeking a well-rounded approach to wellness. For more information on CENTR Brands visit www.findyourcentr.com or contact us at [email protected]. Be sure to follow us on social media @findyourcentr. Consumers that do not yet have a local CENTR Brands retailer can visit our online store at: www.findyourcentr.com. On behalf of the Board, CENTR BRANDS CORP. /s/ Arjan Chima Arjan Chima, Chief Executive Officer Forward-Looking Information This press release may contain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information 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, the Company's intentions regarding its objectives, goals or future plans and statements, the value proposition the Company offers to consumers, the Company's ability to capitalize on global health & wellness trends, its ability to grow revenue opportunities and improve returns to its shareholders, the Company's positioning in the emerging health beverage market and the Company's ability to drive sustainable, industry-leading growth. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183251 Joe Bidens administration will reactivate the massive deportation of Venezuelans. The United States has been repatriating Venezuelan citizens for years through commercial flights. Now, immigration authorities will once again use their 12 planes to relieve pressure on the border in the middle of a migration crisis, U.S. government officials confirmed on Thursday. Said officials have not explained, however, how the regime of Nicolas Maduro, with which Washington has not formally had diplomatic relations since 2019, accepted the repatriation of thousands of people. The first of these flights will take off in the coming hours and will transport Venezuelans who arrived illegally in the country after July 31. Despite the fact that there is no Venezuelan consular network in the United States, the U.S. government has been repatriating Venezuelans who fled the economic crisis in their country to cross the southern border of the United States for years. During the Donald Trump era, the immigration police authorities, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), returned Venezuelans through countries in the Caribbean such as Trinidad and Tobago. This Thursday, government officials have confirmed that agents will continue to use allies for these returns, such as Mexico by land, while also resuming ICE-operated flights. Washington announces the measure two weeks after the administration announced that it was extending deportation protection status to nearly half a million Venezuelans. This measure benefits some 470,000 people from the South American country who arrived in the United States before July 31. The humanitarian program shields them from deportation and allows them to obtain a temporary work permit until immigration judges determine whether or not they can stay on U.S. soil, something that can take months or even years. Officials have assured that citizens who can document that they have received threats or whose return would pose a danger to them will not be returned to Venezuela. Only those who do not have a legal basis to be in the country will be deported, the Washington sources said. In this way, Bidens presidency underlines that it is willing to toughen the treatment of those who do not use the tools it has provided to make the journey north legally, such as the CBP One mobile app. The cases of some 73,000 Venezuelans are being analyzed by immigration authorities. Of these, 66,000 are already in the country. Among other requirements, migrants must have a passport from their country, which costs about $200, ten times more than the minimum wage. The Observatory of Social Research stated last year that only 1% of the people who have left Venezuela have this document. The border with Mexico is experiencing a tense moment during the Biden era. Preliminary figures from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicate that there were more than two million apprehensions at the border during fiscal year 2023, which runs from October 1, 2002, to last September. One of the nationalities most frequently encountered by immigration agents at border crossings was Venezuelan. The economic and political crisis in the South American country has caused the displacement of seven million people. Many have set their sights on reaching U.S. territory. CBP estimates that some 50,000 Venezuelans crossed the southern border of the United States in September, according to CBS, which obtained the preliminary numbers. The figures are to be confirmed in the coming days, when authorities close the 2023 fiscal year. The number can give for the moment an idea of the flow that has landed on the countrys doorstep in recent months. Venezuelans account for a quarter of the total arrests made by immigration authorities last month. In September 2022 34,000 people crossed. The number of Venezuelan arrivals in September is equal to the total number of Venezuelans detained at the border in fiscal year 2021. In the first eight months of that period, only 176 citizens from the South American country were deported. With Bidens arrival at the White House in January 2021, the number grew rapidly until this group of immigrants surpassed, in September 2022, the sum of people leaving Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Collection Portrays Harsh Imbalance Between a Womens Love and Societal Expectations New York-based multidisciplinary artist and influencer Chengmin Gabrielle Dan was proud to debut her Skinny Love collection at the 2023 Art Realm Singapore Contemporary Art Exhibition from October 2-6, along with 21 other artists. The 4-piece collection was created this past February and was inspired by Dans reflections on the unimaginable love role that women often assume when traditional culture and modern society are intertwined. Skinny Love portrays the phenomenon of women not only trying to find balance within their emotional relationships, but also encountering high expectations and harsh criticism from society. It features women with their faces covered by clear plastic bags, creating a heart-wrenching visual metaphor. The contrast between the background and the foreground of each piece emphasizes the prominent position of the woman, leading the viewer's eyes to the face that is covered and suffocated by the plastic bag. The details of the face convey the fragility, entanglement, and struggle of women, while cold tones are used to bring the audience into the heart of a woman trapped in such a relationship. The transparent plastic bags not only reveal womens true emotions, but also reflect the suffocation and depression they face in love, said Dan. This is due to the imbalance in their individual relationships and the widespread fixation and harsh criticism of women's societal roles. Under this double oppression, women sometimes push themselves to extreme situations for the sake of that meager and fragile Skinny Love. This collection draws attention to the fact that womens emotions dont necessarily need to be understood, and that fighting for unworthy love Skinny Love is an unfulfilling crusade. Under these circumstances, love becomes skinny and lacks satisfaction when indulged. It becomes pointless and unfulfilling to the woman who fought so hard for the love. Dan relocated from Beijing to New York City in 2020 to explore film and television art majors. She graduated in May of 2021 from the New York Institute of Technology with a degree in film and TV production. Later in 2021, she was admitted to New York Universitys esteemed Gallatin School through her influential Anti-Male Gaze series of photographs. In September of 2022, she was invited to photograph at New York Fashion Week, and this past March was invited to shoot for the Past Present Future art exhibition at the Time Arts Gallery in New York. In July of this year, Dan was invited by the SPATIUM GINZA Pony Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, to show her work at the ART X HOTEL exhibition, as well as the duo exhibition, Where Aphrodite Bleeds, Red Roses Bloom. She also participated in the Before Sunset photography group exhibition in New York in the same month. In August of 2023, she participated in the Temporary Urban Landscape group exhibition at the Time Arts Gallery in New York and was again invited to shoot at New York Fashion Week in September 2023. Dan looks forward to participating in the Art Plus Shanghai International Fair happening in November at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center and the 2023 Mannheim Contemporary Art Exhibition in Germany in December, as well as her exciting upcoming solo exhibition in China in December. As a multidisciplinary artist, Dan draws inspiration from her photography works to fuel her future film projects. After getting into photography in depth, Dan developed a profound insight into the differences and similarities between filmmaking and photography. The photography journey enriched her perspectives of observing the world and also accumulated more inspiration for short film creations. About Chengmin Gabrielle Dan A multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker, Chengmin Gabrielle Dan is known for her bold exploration of human relationships and individuality. Her powerful narratives challenge viewers, sparking introspection and conversation. Her standout exhibitions include Before Sunset and the esteemed Japan Where Aphrodite Bleeds, Red Roses Bloom exhibition. Dan looks forward to her next major events in 2023, including showing at two major art exhibitions in China and Germany, as well as a solo exhibition in China this December. Contact Info: Name: Blair Bao Email: Send Email Organization: Bao Communications Address: 132 West 31th St. 9th Floor Phone: 7188830287 Website: http://baocommunications.com Release ID: 89109525 In case of encountering any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release that necessitate action, or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us at [email protected]. Our responsive team will be readily available to promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, resolving any identified issues diligently or guiding you through the necessary steps for removal. The provision of accurate and dependable information is our primary focus. A leading private construction company in Singapore, YITOKI Construction focuses on quality, reliability, and sustainability when building residential or commercial property of any size. Singapore is a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyline and thriving real estate market. As the city continues to grow and evolve, there is a constant demand for construction and renovation services. Whether families are planning to build a new home or renovate their existing property, or business owners need to undertake a commercial construction project, they must hire an expert construction company in Singapore for their unparalleled expertise and experience. One such enterprise, YITOKI Construction, employs a team of architects, engineers, project managers, construction supervisors, and various other specialists with a thorough understanding of the construction process. Their collective knowledge allows them to easily navigate complex construction and interior design projects, ensuring that the work is done efficiently and to the highest standards. Homes must be built to last. After all, it is a space where people spend most of their time. When people hire a reputed renovation company in Singapore, like YITOKI Construction, they can expect top-notch workmanship. Professional construction companies take pride in their craftsmanship, using high-quality materials and techniques to ensure that the final product exceeds their client's expectations. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence result in a finished project that is visually stunning, durable, and built to last. Time and cost are two critical factors in any house construction venture. Skilled renovation and construction service providers, such as YITOKI Construction and Renovation Company, can create realistic timelines and budgets, minimizing the risk of costly delays and overruns. They also have established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, allowing them to source materials and labor competitively. A construction site is an inherently risky and unsafe place. Singapore's reliable interior designing and construction businesses are at the forefront of their operations. They are acutely aware of workers' potential hazards on the job site. They implement rigorous safety protocols and provide comprehensive training to their staff to minimize the risk of accidents. Doing so includes guidelines for working at heights, handling heavy machinery, electrical safety, and correctly using personal protective equipment (PPE). By prioritizing safety, these companies reduce the chances of injuries or fatalities for workers and their clients. Firms like YITOKI Construction also incorporate sustainable and green building practices into their projects to keep the entire process safe for the environment. About Us: With a dedicated team of skilled and experienced professionals, YITOKI Construction is known for delivering exceptional quality construction services in Singapore. Whether people are looking to build a custom house from scratch or renovate their existing landed property, YITOKI is a trusted partner for construction projects of all sizes. Their services include swimming pool building, house roofing, tiling, A&A works, renovation, and more. Contact Info: Name: Allen Email: Send Email Organization: Yitoki Address: 58 Lengkok Bahru, #01-519, Singapore 150058 Phone: 9103 8188 Website: https://yitoki.com/ Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091776429015 Release ID: 89109371 If there are any deficiencies, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the information presented in this press release, we kindly request that you promptly inform us by contacting [email protected]. Our dedicated team is committed to addressing any identified issues within 8 hours to guarantee the delivery of accurate and reliable content to our esteemed readers. CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTC: PTBS) BCT-Bank of Charles Town , also known as The Community's Bank, is pleased to announce that Alice Frazier , President and CEO, and member of the Board of Directors, was recognized as one of the select Honorees at the Washington Business Journal's 2023 Women Who Mean Business gala. The event took place at the Ritz- Carlton, Washington , DC, on October 5, 2023 . "To say I am humbled by this honor is an understatement," stated Alice P. Frazier. "This recognition would not be possible without the hard-working BCT team I am blessed to lead as well as my loving husband who's support and sacrifices makes this possible." This is the 20th annual selection of Women Who Mean Business, honoring the Washington, DC region's most influential business women of 2023. The honor and event is produced and hosted by the Washington Business Journal. Honorees were selected from hundreds of nominations from Greater Washington's business and non-profit sectors, representing women from every industry and profession, as well as women who make a difference in their communities and leave a positive mark on the Washington region. About BCT Founded in 1871, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: PTBS). With approximately $794 million in assets as of June 30, 2023 , the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices. BCT's offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA). The Bank provides various banking products and services including free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network plus online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments. The Bank also offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction, commercial real estate loans and agricultural loans. The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. For over 65 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided financial management, investment, trust, and estate services to its clients. In 2023, American Banker selected BCT as a "Top 200 Community Bank," an annual listing of the best performing banks in the United States with assets under $2 billion . BCT was voted a "Best of the Best" winner in the 2022 Journal-News Readers' Choice Awards in three categories: Bank, Loan Services, and Financial Planning. In 2019, 2020, and 2021 the Bank was named a "Best Bank To Work For" by American Banker. The Company's shares are quoted on the OTC Pink Sheet marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alice-frazier-bct-president-and-ceo-honored-at-washington-business-journals-2023-women-who-mean-business-gala-301949769.html SOURCE BCT - Bank of Charles Town SOUTH BEND, Ind. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AM General, the leading manufacturer of light tactical vehicles and mobility systems, will feature its mission ready and future driven capabilities to support the Warfighter now and in the future at the Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Oct. 9 11, 2023, Booth #7241, Hall E, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center . The company will debut the all new JLTV A2 and Trailer with a Bulk Water System, the HUMVEE Charge Hybrid Electric Vehicle concept, and the HUMVEE Next Generation Shop Equipment Contact Maintenance truck (HUMVEE 2-CT SECM). "Participating in AUSA allows us to foster the strong relationships we have forged with our customers and industry partners," said Jim Cannon, AM General President and CEO. "The show provides an opportunity for us to reinforce our commitment to those who serve to protect us by showcasing innovative solutions and capabilities that support them and their mission." AM General will showcase the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JTLV A2) which features additional enhancements over the first-generation model as well as new exterior design cues. Key changes include an upgraded powertrain, simplified electrical architecture which can accommodate future hybridization, improvements in noise reduction, and improved corrosion protection. Additionally, the company will also display the JLTV-T Trailer which will feature Navistar Defense's proposed solution for the US Army's Water Bison program. AM General's partnership with Navistar Defense on the JLTV-T is a testament to the company's collaborative spirit and excitement to work with industry leaders to support the Warfighter and their mission. The company will debut the HUMVEE Charge hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) concept that is designed to deliver exportable power, silent drive/silent watch capabilities, and enhanced fuel efficiency for extended range driving. The three driving modes consist of a diesel internal combustion engine (ICE), a hybrid powertrain that adds the use of an electric motor to the ICE, and an all-electric motor to power the vehicle for different missions from disaster relief to special operations requiring silent mobility. Based off the iconic HUMVEE platform, the HUMVEE Charge has been upgraded with a new semi-active suspension that increases wheel travel by 50%, while providing an increase in gross vehicle weight rating to maintain the rugged qualities for which the platform is famous. The HUMVEE Charge is a plug-in HEV that takes advantage of commercial off the shelf (COTS) components to charge off Level 1 or Level 2/3 fast chargers. The HUMVEE 2-CT SECM truck will also be displayed at AUSA. As the prime contractor and, in partnership with Rock Island Arsenal , AM General will deliver quality and consistency in the HUMVEE 2-CT SECM manufacturing process by applying its Quality Management System across the entire enterprise which includes production parts suppliers, chassis and shelter production, and integrated vehicle testing. This next generation mobile maintenance platform allows for combat, tactical, ground support, and aviation equipment needed for maneuvering and supporting units to be easily maintained in situational environments. In keeping with the HUMVEE platform's mantra of going where those who serve go, the ability to allow major combat systems to return to the fight as quickly as possible maximizes operational agility and drives force readiness. Key features include on-board exportable power provided by vehicle power, the NATO slave cable, and the onboard inverter as well as COTS equipment and work tools. Production of the HUMVEE 2-CT SECM began in the summer of 2023. About AM General AM General engineers, manufactures, and supports specialized vehicles for military and commercial customers. Its global presence of diverse product offerings in over 70 countries uniquely positions AM General to enhance interoperability across Allies and build on its long-standing defense industry and automotive partnerships. AM General's innovative spirit delivers advanced, rugged, resilient, and dependable mobility solutions that will move you. With a well-rounded product portfolio, which includes the iconic HUMVEE vehicles, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle A2 (JLTV A2), the next-generation HUMVEE Saber light tactical truck that has enhanced levels of protection, and the revolutionary soft recoil technology for mobile platforms, AM General strives to offer continuous improvement that is ready now. AM General has extensive experience meeting the changing needs of the defense and automotive industries, supported by its employees at major facilities in Indiana , Michigan , and Ohio , and a strong supplier base that stretches across 43 states. Please see more information about AM General at www.amgeneral.com. Media Contact: Deborah Reyes , Sr. Director, Global Marketing and Strategic Communications E-mail: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/am-general-reveals-three-new-tactical-vehicles-at-ausa-2023-301949111.html SOURCE AM General LLC LOS ANGELES , Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- George Tyndall , the USC OBGYN who is alleged to have sexually abused and harassed thousands of women while at USC has died, and Mike Arias the co-liaison counsel for the plaintiffs in the civil case against Tyndall is offering a statement. "What George Tyndall did to countless women over three decades can never be forgotten, and it's shameful that the survivors of his behavior will never hear him acknowledge, let alone apologize for what he's done. There were dozens of women who survived Tyndall's abuse and were anticipating seeing him face-to-face in court so they could confront him for his crimes. Our hearts go out to those survivors who were preparing to testify in court, as his death means this case will not go to trial," said attorney Mike Arias . "Neither I nor any of the survivors, the thousands of us out there, will ever get the opportunity to face him in court and tell him exactly what he did to us, and how it impacted our lives. It's really disappointing," said former USC athlete and Tyndall abuse survivor Nicole Haynes . Details of Tyndall Abuse and Lawsuit Arias Sanguinetti along with co-counsel made history in 2021, obtaining the largest known settlement in a sexual abuse case in U.S. history, as well as the largest known personal injury settlement against a university. The $852,000,000 settlement was obtained on behalf of more than 700 former USC students alleging sexual abuse by USC OB/GYN George Tyndall . The timeframe of the allegations contained in the complaint ranges from the late 1980's until Tyndall's retirement nearly Tyndall's entire tenure at the USC Student Health Center. Tyndall was the only full-time gynecologist at USC during this period. He was finally placed on leave by USC in 2016 and permitted to retire, with a significant financial settlement, in 2017. The complaints filed on behalf of these women alleged Dr. Tyndall used his position as a trusted and credentialed medical professional to commit a series of abusive acts toward his patients, including: forcing his patients to undress completely in front of him while he watched; groping his patients' breasts; digitally penetrating his patients, often without wearing gloves and with unwashed hands; photographing his patients' genitals and naked bodies; and making racist, misogynistic, and sexually-harassing comments to his patients. The lawsuits also claimed that although USC was made aware of allegations, the university actively and deliberately concealed Tyndall's sexual abuse of female student patients for decades and continued to grant him unfettered sexual access to the young students in his and USC's care. "In spite of overwhelming evidence and the testimony of thousands of women Tyndall abused, his defense attorneys continued to claim he was innocent. The criminal trial would have given these women a chance to let a jury determine his guilt, but now that will never happen. The impact of his horrific actions will live with these women for the rest of their lives," Mr. Arias added. "Now that his life is over, we hope his passing brings some comfort to these women as they know he can no longer harm anyone ever again." The case is Jane Doe et al. v. University of Southern California, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BC715163. About Arias Sanguinetti As the premier law firm handling sex abuse cases in Los Angeles , the lawyers at Arias Sanguinetti have been honored and recognized nationally for their work on behalf of clients, and the firm has obtained over $1 billion for clients. Changed this around a bit. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arias-sanguinetti-usc-obgyn-george-tyndall-dies-ahead-of-trial-301949084.html LAS VEGAS , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Promising an immersive and uniquely transformative experience, Fit For Service's ARKADIA: Festival Of A More Beautiful World returns to the mind-bending venue of AREA15 on November 25, 2023. The festival lineup features an extraordinary roster of talented artists, visionary speakers, and inspiring workshops, curated to kindle the imagination and stir the soul. "We will have the opportunity to saturate ourselves in a symphony of sounds while engaging in discussions that ignite change. This festival isn't just about celebration, it's a canvas for personal growth and a showcase of the beautiful world we're co-creating," says Aubrey Marcus , the visionary founder of Fit For Service, the organization hosting the ARKADIA festival. "I see the festival as an extension of what FFS does, which is to help people tap into their inner potential, harness it, and release it in positive and creative endeavors that transform their lives and the lives of those around them." Attendees are invited to join an evolutionary gathering, where the essence of human connection and the power of collective celebration intertwine. ARKADIA features an eclectic blend of talent, from world-renowned musicians and paradigm-shifting DJs to thought leaders and healers, designed to deliver an immersive, communal catharsis that will serve as a launch point to a truly unforgettable journey of exploration and inspiration. Each performance has been curated to create an enchanting experience, inviting participants to join together, dance, and transcend boundaries. This is an intimate, limited-capacity event with full-scale festival production, talent array and immersive audience experience. Lineups like this are traditionally held at massive festivals, but ARKADIA 2023 offers folks an alternative to overpacked festivals with a boutique experience, better views, and a cozy atmosphere. Engrossing themselves in the elevated sounds of internationally acclaimed musical acts such as Chromeo, Dr. Fresch , Elderbook, Jai Wolf , The Glitch Mob, and TROYBOI, attendees will experience a world where unity, peace, and interconnectedness reign, and where the inherent beauty and worth of every soul is recognized and celebrated. Second-to-none special effects include the largest number of lasers ever employed on the venue's main stage and a 360-degree, projection-mapped second stage, known as the Portal. In addition to the headliners, a showcase of highly anticipated artists brings their unique creativity and energy to the stage. Festival goers will be regaled with the electrifying performance of Austin Millz, enrapturing execution of Dirtwire, soulful voice of Elley Duhe, captivating beats of Moodlite, boundary-pushing creativity of Memba, spellbinding tunes of Moontricks, sonic storytelling by Light Language, conscious beats and funky rhythms from The Polish Ambassador, and the powerful and evocative sounds of Savej. Each artist brings their exceptional style and talent, offering unforgettable moments of unity and transcendence on the dancefloor. ARKADIA 2023 will also feature an array of immersive art installations, captivating workshops, and thought-provoking talks. From visionary artists to renowned experts sharing their wisdom and insights, attendees will have the chance to engage in deep exploration, personal growth, and profound connections. This year's speakers include Aubrey Marcus , Mama Gena, Del Bigtree , Matias De Stefano , Biet Simkin , Dr. Robert Gilbert , In-Q, and Blu. "ARKADIA is a not-to-be-missed experience," said Chris Racan , Festival Producer, Beam Agency. "Out of all the festivals I have produced around the globe, ARKADIA holds a special place in my heart as a truly exceptional and easy-to-consume music/art festival. You will leave feeling blessed to have had the opportunity to experience the wonderful world that is ARKADIA." Tickets are on sale now, and, with limited capacity to ensure an intimate and immersive experience for all participants, early booking is highly recommended. For more information about ARKADIA and to stay updated on the latest news and announcements, please visit the official website at fitforservice.com/arkadia and follow @arkadiafestival on Instagram. Additional photo and video assets can be found here. For sponsorship inquiries please email [email protected] with the subject line: Sponsorship Request: [BRAND] Media Contact: Ken Conte 970.227.3588 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arkadia-festival-2023-fast-approachingdaily-schedules-announcing-october-6-301949657.html SOURCE Fit For Service DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Balega, a leading performance running sock brand, proudly announces its release of their tenth annual, limited-edition Grit and Grace collection. One dollar from every purchase of their limited-edition Grit and Grace socks benefits Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), the leading national science-based and advocacy organization working to eliminate toxic chemicals and other environmental exposures linked to breast cancer. The socks in this collection feature Balega's world-class quality of exceptional comfort, fit and durability. This partnership reinforces Balega's widely recognized commitment to purpose-driven initiatives. Balega's mission has always been to deliver unmatched excellence in the fit, feel and technical performance of their running socks, while simultaneously forging connections with communities, retailers and charitable organizations like Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. "We are proud to reach this ten-year milestone for our Grit and Grace collection," said Michael Polk , Chief Executive Officer of Implus. "From early on, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners aligned with Balega's mission to develop superior products with purpose. We resonated with their unique proposition to identify the causes of breast cancer as a pathway to a cure and are honored to support this cause." Grit and Grace socks will retail for $17 per pair and can be purchased at specialty run stores and online at www.balega.com. To learn more about the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, visit www.bcpp.org. About Balega A leading performance sock brand in the run specialty market, Balega is a designer and manufacturer of technical performance running socks and part of the Implus family of brands. With a proud American-South African initiative, the company develops its product in several countries, utilizing the best performance yarns produced across the globe. Crafted for a superior fit and unmatched comfort, Balega is committed to the technical excellence, quality, and performance expected in the Balega brand. A brand with 'sole,' Balega prides itself on its commitment to the community with projects aimed at enriching those less fortunate than ourselves. For more information, please visit www.balega.com. About Implus Implus is home to 18 brands in the footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement categories. As an industry leader in active accessories, Implus is committed to enabling people to live active, healthy, and fulfilled lives, providing innovative products to more than 80,000 retail outlets worldwide. Distributing across more than 70 countries, Implus is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina , with five international offices. Key brands within Implus' portfolio include Balega, SKLZ, Yaktrax, TriggerPoint, Sof Sole, RockTape and Spenco. To learn more, please visit www.Implus.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/balega-debuts-tenth-annual-limited-edition-grit-and-grace-sock-collection-301949758.html SOURCE Implus LLC MCLEAN, Va. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridge Core Federal ("Bridge Core"), a leading provider of visual intelligence, cybersecurity, and other advanced technical solutions to the U.S. Government and a NewSpring Holdings platform company, announced it has acquired teKnoluxion and appoints industry veterans, The Honorable Sue Gordon and Vice Admiral Bob Sharp , USN (Ret.) to its Board of Directors and named former Chairman & CEO of Avantus, Andy Maner as Executive Chairman. These moves, in conjunction with the recent acquisition of GeoYeti and the appointment of Chad Kim as CEO, underscore Bridge Core's commitment to building a dominant mission-informed intelligence company that delivers rapid results to the U.S. Government through leveraging the full spectrum of analytical and technical tradecraft. Founded by Jimmy Gardner in 2013, teKnoluxion is a leader in technical solutions that bridged the gap between mission and engineering, specializing in hybrid cloud engineering and full lifecycle cloud development. This combination of capabilities will make Bridge Core's novel approach to analysis, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps even more impactful, offering an unprecedented array of services and solutions aimed at serving the evolving needs of the intelligence community. Chad Kim , CEO of Bridge Core, states, "Jimmy has built a remarkable team at teKnoluxion, one that sets high standards for talent and performance. He nurtured a culture where everyone has the tools and support to excel. Their technical experts and leadership team will amplify our efforts to provide mission agility to the intelligence community." "We are excited to embark on building a full spectrum intelligence company with Bridge Core, as our cultural values of integrity, respect, and transparency are in full alignment," says Gardner. "Our shared commitment to a People First Culture that supports our team personally and professionally, along with mission excellence and technical innovation, make Bridge Core the ideal choice for a strategic partner." Identifying and partnering with industry leaders who have domain expertise is core to the NewSpring Holdings platform build strategy. Andy Maner's career is characterized by a myriad of accomplishments and experiences in government services and national security, making him an ideal choice for Executive Chairman. Maner brings a unique blend of public and private sector insights from his days at The White House, as a senior leader at the Department of Homeland Security, and as CEO of two private equity platform companies, NISC and Avantus. Both companies serviced the U.S. Government and sold to strategic buyers for double-digit return multiples. This comprehensive perspective will be vital in helping direct the future of Bridge Core, which aims to cater to a wide array of intelligence needs spanning different sectors. "Andy's emphasis on human capital, talent development, and belief in building a strong culture is pivotal to support intelligence operations," says Lee Garber , NewSpring General Partner. "His experience scaling former NewSpring Holdings platform company, Avantus, into a mid-market powerhouse by executing a strategic plan that included the complex integration of multiple acquired companies, the creation of a thriving culture, and the establishment of an ethos focused on the mission and customers will help guide Bridge Core's growth with wisdom, precision, and dedication." With a career spanning over three decades in the U.S. intelligence community, Sue Gordon was at the forefront of strategic planning with various government agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. She was renowned for her ability to assess global trends, identify threats and opportunities, and develop technical capabilities and solutions that delivered mission advantage, which is crucial for Bridge Core's long-term strategy. "Sue's depth of knowledge and her innate understanding of our client's missions will enable Bridge Core to enhance our impact," says Chad Kim , CEO of Bridge Core. "Her continuing legacy of leadership and innovation, now in the private sector, coupled with her renowned integrity and extensive network, solidifies her as an invaluable asset helping to shape the future of our expanding platform." Bob Sharp has an accomplished naval, joint, and inter-agency intelligence background, serving in numerous capacities, from directly supporting operational forces to directing the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. This experience gives him a deep understanding of real-world intelligence operations to guide Bridge Core to deliver maximum mission impact. "Bob's strategic insight and history of inter-agency collaboration make him an ideal candidate for our Board," says Kim. "Beyond his operational expertise, Bob is renowned for his emphasis on investing in human capital and culture. His leadership consistently fosters environments where teams thrive and support one another, emphasizing his comprehensive approach to mission success." "This is a great day for Bridge Core as we bring together intelligence community visionaries Sue, Bob, Jimmy, and Chad with the NewSpring Holdings Investment team to build the Bridge Core platform through strategic acquisitions, like teKnoluxion and GeoYeti, and investments to fuel organic growth," says Executive Chairman Andy Maner . "I'm excited about the future of the business and our ability to impact mission and innovate within the national security space where there is significant growth potential." Chertoff Capital served as financial advisor to teKnoluxion, and Morrison & Foerster served as legal counsel. Blank Rome served as legal counsel to Bridge Core. About Bridge Core Bridge Core is a federal services company built on a culture of trust and teamwork to advance the mission through innovation and passionate people. The Bridge Core team of experts enables Mission Partners by integrating innovative technologies and implementing processes that modernize the digital workplace. The Company's trusted, skilled, and diverse team members make a lasting impact by building tailored, client-focused solutions within secured spaces. The Bridge Core team facilitates the rapid adoption of technologies and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions through a unique understanding of mission requirements and the vendor's product(s). To learn more, visit www.bcore.com. About NewSpring Holdings NewSpring Holdings, NewSpring's dedicated holding company with a strategy focused on control buyouts and platform builds, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to take profitable, growing companies to the next level through acquisitions and proven organic methodologies. Founded in 1999, 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 $3 billion across five distinct strategies covering the spectrum from growth equity and control buyouts to mezzanine debt. 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. Visit NewSpring at www.newspringcapital.com. About teKnoluxion teKnoluxion provides software & systems engineering, cloud services, and data analytics solutions to the Defense and Intelligence Communities. Their technical depth, extensive mission-focused expertise, and history of delivering complex solutions makes teKnoluxion a partner and employer of choice since 2013. To learn more, visit https://teknoluxion.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bridge-core-acquires-teknoluxion-and-appoints-national-security-leaders-the-honorable-sue-gordon-vice-admiral-bob-sharp-usn-ret-and-andy-maner-to-the-board-of-directors-301949055.html SOURCE Bridge Core BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's leading bourbon investment platform, CaskX, proudly took center stage as the official bourbon investment sponsor of the 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival in order to highlight the important role investors play in crafting the next generation of premium spirits. Through a unique tasting experience and series of appearances over the course of the festival, CaskX demonstrated the unique financial benefits of investing in full barrels of bourbon. Enthusiasts learned how they can complement their passion for bourbon by investing in a portfolio of expressions from up-and-coming Kentucky distilleries. CaskX showcased a revolutionary bourbon barrel investment platform at the 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Kicking off on September 15th , the three day event brought together bourbon aficionados, industry mavens, and investors from every corner of the globe. Boasting its second consecutive sellout crowd, the festival has risen in prominence to become the preeminent bourbon industry event with over 95 Kentucky distilleries participating. Held in Bardstown, Kentucky , the Bourbon Capital of the World, the festival provided the chance for consumers and distilleries to come together to celebrate America's native spirit. "The Kentucky Bourbon Festival continues to attract passionate bourbon enthusiasts who are knowledgeable, interested and invested in all aspects of the bourbon industry," said Randy Prasse , president and COO. "This year's sold-out event attracted guests from across the country and even from outside the U.S. , a testament to the ongoing popularity of bourbon." Bourbon Investment Takes The Main Stage CaskX CEO Jeremy Kasler took the main stage on opening day for Bourbon:30 hosted by Steve Coomes to speak about the growth of bourbon investment and how investing in barrels through the CaskX platform works. Those in attendance got the opportunity to hear more about how CaskX selects distillery partners to produce barrels for investors and the value proposition offered by the aging process. Jeremy shared firsthand insights about the history of whiskey investment and the way in which CaskX is opening the door for individual investors to participate in an asset which has traditionally been limited to those inside the industry. In addition to the potential for financial gains, Kasler also shared how CaskX allows investors to get involved in their holdings by visiting the distilleries on exclusive VIP tours. His presence on the main stage was a prime example of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival's dual role as a platform for both celebration and education, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. "CaskX was proud to sponsor an event that has been bringing the bourbon industry together for over 30 years," said Jeremy Kasler , CEO of CaskX. "It was a pleasure to be in the company of so many like-minded individuals and have the opportunity to showcase the role CaskX is playing in facilitating investment in bourbon barrels to meet rising global demand." The Unforgettable CaskX Bourbon Experience & Tasting Wheel Located inside the VIP tent at the festival, CaskX offered the opportunity to sip and explore the fascinating evolution of whiskey through samples provided by Kentucky Artisan Distillery. Visitors who stopped by were able to taste spirit of the same mashbill as "white dog", 2 year old bourbon and 5 year old bourbon. Attendees commented on how interesting it was to taste the manner in which flavors develop at each of the milestones. But, the experience didn't stop there. The final step for visitors was to take a spin on the CaskX Tasting Wheel for the chance to win a sample of a top shelf bourbon. This included bottles of Pappy Van Winkle 10 Year Old, Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Old, Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Old, Blanton's, Weller Special Antique and many other limited edition bottles. You could hear cheers rising from the tent each time a person hit the winning number on the Tasting Wheel, which awarded them a sip from a legendary bottle. Through the experience CaskX allowed many attendees to taste a range of elusive and rare spirits. Watch Festival Recap Video In order to commemorate the historic 32nd annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, CaskX assembled a video recap capturing some of the best moments from across all three days. The recap is a great opportunity for those who were unable to attend to get a look inside the festival gates and a small taste of what was experienced by the sell out crowd. Visit caskx.com/kbf2023/ to watch now. CaskX Returning To The Kentucky Bourbon Festival In 2024 With the overwhelming feedback received from the festival, CaskX is pleased to announce that they will be returning as official bourbon investment sponsors of the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The team looks forward to an even larger presence at the festival in order to educate attendees about the investment potential of "liquid gold." Next year's festival will take place September 13-15, 2024 in Bardstown Kentucky . An on-sale date for 2024 tickets will be announced in the future. Those wishing to be notified about the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and other events sponsored by CaskX can sign up for alerts by visiting caskx.com/events/ About CaskX CaskX has emerged as the global frontrunner in whiskey investment, pioneering a platform at the intersection of spirits and finance. As the whiskey industry continues its remarkable growth, CaskX has forged a pathway for distilleries to connect with investors in order to secure a consistent flow of capital, ensuring uninterrupted production. Investing in whiskey barrels offers a unique and potentially lucrative opportunity for individual investors by harnessing the aging process, capitalizing on increases in value and rarity of the spirit over time. The team of specialists at CaskX customizes each investor's portfolio to align with their specific financial objectives, positioning investors to protect and grow wealth with a tangible asset that naturally gets better with age. For more information, visit caskx.com About the Kentucky Bourbon Festival ( Bardstown, Ky. ): The Kentucky Bourbon Festival ( Sept. 15-17, 2023 ; Sept. 13-15, 2024 ) is a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon and the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown , Kentucky . What began as a Bourbon tasting dinner has grown into a truly authentic experience that brings together bourbon enthusiasts from all over the world. Started in 1992, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of the Commonwealth's leading cultural festivals. For more information, visit kybourbonfestival.com. Notes to Editors: CaskX Founder Jeremy Kasler is available for interviews. For all press queries, photos or to arrange an interview with Jeremy, please contact Cynthia Pathammavong : [email protected] / +1-310-807-7765 Press Contacts: CaskX: Cynthia Pathammavong [email protected] Kentucky Bourbon Festival: Tracy Green [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caskx-shines-light-on-bourbon-barrel-investment-at-the-2023-kentucky-bourbon-festival-301949804.html SOURCE CaskX Bailey Brauer co-founder honored for trial, appellate work DALLAS , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For a 10th consecutive year, Clayton Bailey , co-founder of the Texas trial and appellate firm Bailey Brauer PLLC, has earned recognition from the prestigious peer-review Benchmark Litigation legal guide. Mr. Bailey is recognized as a Local Litigation Star in the 2024 edition of the national guide of top law firms and litigators based upon his robust body of commercial litigation, competition/antitrust and appellate work. Mr. Bailey has tried cases in federal district and bankruptcy courts as well as state and appellate courts throughout the country. He currently serves as national COVID-19 litigation and appellate counsel for several of the world's largest meat companies. He has significant experience representing clients in matters involving contract disputes, business torts, RICO, employment law, trade secrets, deceptive trade practices, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, antitrust, unfair business practices, and the Packers and Stockyards Act. In addition to Benchmark Litigation, his work has earned recognition from The Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers, Lawdragon 500, the National Trial Lawyers, American Lawyer, Texas Lawyer, The National Law Journal and BTI Consulting. Benchmark Litigation rankings are the result of annual independent research that involves extensive interviews with private practice lawyers and in-house counsel. Litigation Stars are lawyers who are recommended by peers and clients based on their professional reputations and work as trial lawyers. For more information, visit www.benchmarklitigation.com. About Bailey Brauer PLLC Bailey Brauer PLLC is nationally recognized for its trial and appellate work and provides battle-tested, sophisticated courtroom experience in high-stakes litigation matters. The firm focuses on complex commercial litigation, appeals and class actions. Media Contact Rhonda Reddick 800-559-4534 [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dallas-trial-attorney-clayton-bailey-earns-benchmark-litigation-star-recognition-301949752.html SOURCE Bailey Brauer PLLC Display of Delta-8 products. National Capital Poison Center Delta-8 products have gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in the cannabis and hemp industries. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, often referred to as Delta-8 THC (or 8-THC), is a cannabinoid found in both marijuana and hemp plants, albeit in smaller quantities compared to Delta-9 THC, the compound primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Its important to note that the legality of Delta-8 products varies by location. While some states in the United States have explicitly legalized Delta-8 THC, others have banned or restricted its sale. Consumers should research and understand the laws in their area before purchasing or using Delta-8 products. Heres an overview of Delta-8 and its legality in the U.S. What is Delta-8? Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol or 8-THC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It has psychoactive properties, which means it can cause a high in those who consume it. It is an isomer of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the compound commonly known as THC. Although its properties are similar to that of Delta-9, it would take more to achieve a comparable effect. Does Delta-8 get me high? Yes. Delta-8 has psychoactive and intoxicating effects similar to Delta-9-THC. The FDA has concerns that Delta-8 products likely expose consumers to higher levels of the substance than are naturally occurring in hemp cannabis raw extracts, which could result in adverse reactions. How is Delta-8 made? Delta-8 is naturally found in plants of the Cannabis genus; however, it can also be produced in an industrial or laboratory setting by exposing CBD to heat and acids. Some producers use solvents like methylene chloride, toluene, and hexane. Because of the possible use of these chemicals and other toxic chemical reagents during production, experts have raised concerns about the safety of these products. Is Delta-8 legal in the U.S.? The 2018 United States Farm Bill defines hemp as the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. Because of this designation, Delta-8 products experienced a rise in popularity, being sold in different types of retailers. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the federal classification of 8-THC, with some individuals holding the view that the October 2020 DEA Interim Final Rule, which dealt with synthetics, encompassed Delta-8 products and various hemp derivatives permitted under the Farm Bill. Delta-8-THC has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Where is Delta-8 legal in the U.S.? Chris Lindsey, who serves as the Director of State Campaigns and Public Policy at the American Trade Association of Cannabis and Hemp, revealed that due to modifications in their controlled substance legislation in alignment with the 2018 Farm Bill, a total of twenty-four states, including Washington D.C., have inadvertently legalized intoxicants derived from hemp. According to the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, the states that regulate Delta-8 are: Minnesota Louisiana Kentucky South Dakota Virginia Vermont Delta-8 is regulated in states where marijuana is already legal, such as Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. Delta-8 is banned in: Alaska Arizona Arkansas Colorado Delaware Idaho Iowa Mississippi Montana North Dakota Rhode Island Washington Its also banned in California, New York, and Hawaii. Is Delta-8 safe? According to a report made in 2022 by the FDA, there have been at least 104 adverse event reports made regarding the substance and at least two deaths associated with Delta-8. Between January 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, the U.S. National Poison Control Centers received 2,362 exposure cases of Delta-8 products. Seventy percent of them required medical care. No large clinical studies have been conducted on Delta-8-THC. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition BIRMINGHAM, Ala. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC) today announced it will report results for its third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2023 , after the market closes on Oct. 26, 2023 . The Company will host an investor conference call at 10 a.m. ET on Oct. 27, 2023 , to discuss its results. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 800-267-6316 and giving the conference ID EHCQ323. International callers should dial 203-518-9765 and give the same conference ID. Please call approximately 10 minutes before the start of the call to ensure you are connected. A live webcast of the conference call and an online replay of the conference call can be found on the Company's investor website at https://investor.encompasshealth.com. About Encompass Health Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States . With a national footprint that includes 159 hospitals in 37 states and Puerto Rico , the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For and Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Media Contact: Danielle Hall | 205-970-5912 [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: Mark Miller | 205-970-5860 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/encompass-health-announces-date-of-2023-third-quarter-earnings-call-301949618.html SOURCE Encompass Health Corp. First new intravenous (IV) treatment option in six years for adults with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) 1-6 Cosentyx (secukinumab) administered via IV infusion offers healthcare providers choice and flexibility to tailor treatment to their patients' unique needs With both IV and subcutaneous formulations, Cosentyx can now help a broader range of PsA, AS and nr-axSpA patients manage their condition EAST HANOVER, N.J. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis, a global leader in immuno-dermatology and rheumatology, announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an intravenous (IV) formulation of Cosentyx (secukinumab) for the treatment of adults with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). Cosentyx is the only treatment approved in an IV formulation that specifically targets and blocks interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and the only non-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-) IV option available in all these indications. The IV formulation of Cosentyx offers patients a monthly 30-minute, weight-based dosing option, requiring no pre-medication and no lab monitoring.1 The new IV administration option will be available in Q4 of 2023. "A significant portion of the millions of PsA, AS and nr-axSpA patients in the US require treatment through IV infusions for a variety of reasons, including not being comfortable with self-injections or simply preferring to have treatments administered in their healthcare provider's office," said Philip J. Mease , M.D., Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Director of Rheumatology Research at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA. "The approval of Cosentyx as an IV formulation is an important milestone for patients because it expands the treatment options available to them with a different mechanism of action than existing biologic IV therapies, along with the comfort and familiarity of an established treatment." "At Novartis, we are committed to ensuring healthcare providers and patients have treatment options available to meet their unique needs. With this approval of Cosentyx as an IV formulation, along with the subcutaneous formulation, we can broaden the use of Cosentyx to help more patients manage their condition with a medicine backed by more than a decade of clinical research and eight years of real-world experience," said Christy Siegel , Vice President and Head of Immunology, Novartis US. About Cosentyx (secukinumab) Cosentyx is a fully human biologic that specifically targets and blocks interleukin-17A (IL-17A), an important cytokine involved in the inflammation of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).7,8 Cosentyx is a proven medicine and has been studied clinically for more than 14 years. The medicine is backed by robust evidence, including 8 years of real-world data in adults and 5 years of long-term safety and efficacy in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, PsA and AS.1,9-15 These data strengthen the position of Cosentyx as a treatment across AS, nr-axSpA, PsA, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (adult and pediatric) and two subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), enthesitis-related arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis.1 More than 1 million patients have been treated with Cosentyx worldwide since its launch in 2015.16 Cosentyx is approved in more than 100 countries, most recently gaining approval for JIA and hidradenitis suppurativa in Europe .17-20 INDICATIONS COSENTYX (secukinumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat: people 6 years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) that involves large areas or many areas of the body, and who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light alone or with systemic therapy) people 2 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and objective signs of inflammation people 4 years of age and older with active enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use COSENTYX if you have had a severe allergic reaction to secukinumab or any of the other ingredients in COSENTYX. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients. What is the most important information I should know about COSENTYX? COSENTYX is a medicine that affects your immune system. COSENTYX may increase your risk of having serious side effects such as: Infections COSENTYX may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Some people have died from these infections. Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with COSENTYX. If your doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated with medicine for TB before you begin treatment with COSENTYX and during treatment with COSENTYX. Your doctor should watch you closely watch for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with COSENTYX. Do not take COSENTYX if you have an active TB infection. Before starting COSENTYX, tell your doctor if you: are being treated for an infection have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as: fevers, sweats, or chills; muscle aches; cough; shortness of breath; blood in your phlegm; weight loss; warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body; diarrhea or stomach pain; burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal After starting COSENTYX, call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection listed above. Do not use COSENTYX if you have any signs of infection unless you are instructed to by your doctor. What are the possible side effects of COSENTYX? COSENTYX may cause serious side effects, including: Inflammatory bowel disease New cases of inflammatory bowel disease or "flare-ups" can happen with COSENTYX and can sometimes be serious. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), tell your doctor if you have worsening disease symptoms during treatment with COSENTYX or develop new symptoms of stomach pain or diarrhea. Serious allergic reactions Serious allergic reactions can occur. Get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: feeling faint; swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or throat tightness; chest tightness; skin rash or hives (red, itchy bumps). If you have a severe allergic reaction, do not give another injection of COSENTYX. Severe skin reactions that look like eczema can happen during treatment with COSENTYX from days to months after your first dose and can sometimes lead to hospitalization. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop treatment with COSENTYX if you develop severe skin reactions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs or symptoms: redness or rash, itching, small bumps or patches, your skin is dry or feels like leather, blisters on the hands or feet that ooze or become crusty and skin peeling. The most common side effects of COSENTYX include: cold symptoms, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infections. These are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Before using COSENTYX, tell your doctor if you: have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above for infections. have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). are allergic to latex. The needle cap on the COSENTYX Sensoready pen, and 150 mg/mL and 75 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringes contains latex. have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People who take COSENTYX should not receive live vaccines. Children should be brought up to date with all vaccines before starting COSENTYX. receive live vaccines. Children should be brought up to date with all vaccines before starting COSENTYX. have any other medical conditions and all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COSENTYX can harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will use COSENTYX. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if COSENTYX passes into your breast milk. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please click here for Cosentyx full Prescribing Information. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Novartis Novartis is a focused innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide. Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , X/Twitter and Instagram . References Cosentyx Prescribing Information. East Handover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp ; October 2023 . Taltz Prescribing Information. Indianapolis, IN : Eli Lilly and Company; September 2022 . Siliq Prescribing Information. Bridgewater, NJ : Bausch Health US, LLC ; April 2020 . Remicade Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA : Janssen Biotech, Inc ; October 2021 . Orencia Prescribing Information. Princeton, NJ : Bristol Meyers Squibb Company ; December 2021 . Simponi Aria Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA : Janssen Biotech, Inc ; February 2021 . Girolomoni G, Mrowietz U and Paul C. Psoriasis: rationale for targeting interleukin-17. Br J Dermatol. 2012;167:717-24. McGonagle DG, McInnes IB, Kirkham BW, et al. The role of IL-17A in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: recent advances and controversies. Annals Rheum Dis. 2019;78:1167-1178. Baraliakos X, Braun J, Deodhar A, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of secukinumab 150 mg in ankylosing spondylitis: 5-year results from the phase III MEASURE 1 extension study. RMD Open. 2019;5:e001005. Bissonnette R, Luger T, Thaci D, et al. Secukinumab demonstrates high sustained efficacy and a favourable safety profile in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis through 5 years of treatment (SCULPTURE Extension Study). J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32:1507-1514. Mease PJ, Kavanaugh A, Reimold A, et al. Secukinumab Provides Sustained Improvements in the Signs and Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis: Final 5-year Results from the Phase 3 FUTURE 1 Study. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2020;2:18-25. Data on file. CAIN457F2310 (MEASURE 1 and 2): Pooled Safety Data. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp ; July 23, 2018 . Data on file. CAIN457F2310 and CAIN457F2305 summary of 5-year clinical safety in (ankylosing spondylitis). Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp ; May 2019 . Data on file. CAIN457F2312 Data Analysis Report. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp ; November 2008 . McInnes IB, Mease PJ, Kirkham B, et al. Secukinumab, a human anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, in patients with psoriatic arthritis (FUTURE 2): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet 2015;386:1137-46. Data on file. COSENTYX Access. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp ; January 2023 . Gottlieb AB , Deodhar A, Mcinnes IB, et al. Long-term Safety of Secukinumab Over Five Years in Patients with Moderate-to-severe Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Update on Integrated Pooled Clinical Trial and Post-marketing Surveillance Data. Acta Derm Venereol. 2022;102:adv00698. Novartis AG . 2021. Novartis Cosentyx receives FDA approval for the treatment of children and adolescents with enthesitis-related arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. [Press release]. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-receives-fda-approval-treatment-children-and-adolescents-enthesitis-related-arthritis-and-psoriatic-arthritis [Last accessed: February 2023]. Novartis AG . 2022. Novartis Cosentyx (secukinumab) receives positive CHMP opinion for expanded use in childhood arthritic conditions. [Press release]. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-secukinumab-receives-positive-chmp-opinion-expanded-use-childhood-arthritic-conditions [Last accessed: February 2023]. Novartis Europharm Limited . Cosentyx (secukinumab): Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/cosentyx-epar-product-information_en.pdf [Last accessed: September 2023]. # # # Novartis Media Relations E-mail: [email protected] North America Julie Masow +1 862 579 8456 Michael Meo +1 862 274 5414 Marlena Abdinoor +1 617 335 9525 Novartis Investor Relations E-mail: [email protected] North America Sloan Simpson +1 862 778 5052 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-approves-novartis-cosentyx-as-first-intravenous-iv-formulation-interleukin-17a-antagonist-for-rheumatic-diseases-301949928.html SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation IRVINE, Calif. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeks to put an end to all forms of tax evasion schemes, regardless of their size or complexity. However, as of 2023, a heightened focus has been placed on high-income earners and pass-through entities. Pass-through entities are business structures where income is not taxed at the entity level but is instead passed through to the owners and taxed at their individual tax rates. For instance, in September of 2023, the IRS announced plans to establish a dedicated unit to address compliance issues among these classes of taxpayers. This specialized unit, integrated into the IRS Large Business and International Division (LBI), will focus on ensuring that wealthy taxpayers fulfill their tax obligations, especially in areas related to partnerships and large corporations. Thankfully, the experienced team at our firm can ensure that our clients remain in compliance with evolving tax laws. Seek support and guidance from our Dual-Licensed Tax Lawyers & CPAs by calling the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing at (800) 681-1295 or clicking here to schedule a reduced rate initial consultation. Overview of the New IRS Unit As previously discussed, the IRS announced in 2023 that the agency was adding a specialized division dedicated to addressing compliance issues among high-income individuals and complex pass-through entities. This new unit will be integrated into the LBI division and incorporate individuals recruited through a recent IRS hiring initiative. The initiative, part of a broader transformation effort within the IRS, aims to fill over 3,700 nationwide positions to enhance enforcement activities, particularly in areas concerning complex partnerships, large corporations, and individuals with substantial incomes and wealth. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the agency's commitment to ensuring that the wealthiest taxpayers fully fulfill their tax obligations. The IRS seeks to focus on areas where non-compliance among high-income individuals has become more prevalent. Pass-through entities, such as partnerships and S-corporations, are a key concern. These entities pass their income through to individual or corporate owners and are taxed at their respective income tax rates. Higher-income groups often utilize pass-through structures and involve intricate tax arrangements. The IRS is establishing a dedicated pass-through work group within the LBI division to address these issues. LBI Commissioner Holly Paz announced this development and stressed the importance of a smooth transition as the new group begins its operations. The IRS will also collaborate with the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) on this effort. While the formal launch of the work group is anticipated to occur late next year, efforts to tackle pass-through-related compliance issues will intensify in the interim. The work group will include employees from both LBI and the Small Business/Self Employed Division, offering expanded opportunities for professional development. This initiative is part of a broader compliance campaign aimed at rectifying the decline in audit rates among high-income individuals, partnerships, and large corporations over the past decade. Leveraging improved technology and Artificial Intelligence, the IRS intends to enhance its ability to detect tax evasion, identify emerging compliance challenges, and refine case selection processes to reduce unnecessary "no-change" audits for taxpayers. Fortunately, our Dual-Licensed Tax Lawyers & CPAs can offer thorough support to those who have been persecuted by the new IRS division. We will handle all communications with the IRS and fight to have our clients' potential penalties dismissed or reduced. How Does the IRS Uncover Tax Evasion Schemes? There are several different methods that the IRS uses to catch tax evaders. For instance, schemes may be uncovered through any of the following: Financial Data Analysis The IRS employs sophisticated financial data analysis techniques to identify potential tax evasion. This involves scrutinizing income and expenditure patterns, comparing reported income to available financial data, and flagging inconsistencies. Advanced algorithms and data mining are used to detect anomalies that may indicate tax evasion. Third-Party Reporting One of the primary ways the IRS uncovers tax evasion is through third-party reporting. Financial institutions, employers, and other entities are required to report certain financial transactions and income to the IRS. These reports are cross-referenced with taxpayer filings, and discrepancies are investigated. For example, the IRS receives W-2s from employers, 1099s from banks, and other forms that provide a paper trail of income and financial transactions. Whistleblower Program The IRS has a whistleblower program that encourages individuals with knowledge of tax evasion schemes to come forward. Whistleblowers can receive rewards for providing information that leads to the collection of unpaid taxes. This program incentivizes insiders and others with valuable information to report tax evasion, which can be a powerful tool in uncovering fraudulent activities. Data Sharing and Cooperation The IRS collaborates with other government agencies and international tax authorities to share information and uncover tax evasion schemes. Information-sharing agreements with foreign governments and agencies provide access to offshore financial data and help identify taxpayers hiding income in foreign accounts. Audits and Examinations Audits and examinations involve in-depth reviews of taxpayer records and financial documents. These examinations are conducted by IRS agents who assess the accuracy of tax returns and identify discrepancies. Audits can be triggered by red flags, such as unusually large deductions or income underreporting. Artificial Intelligence and Technology The IRS is increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology to uncover tax evasion. AI algorithms can analyze massive amounts of data quickly, identify patterns, and flag potential cases of tax fraud. Advanced technology also enables the IRS to improve case selection and target audits more effectively. Whistleblower Hotline The IRS operates a whistleblower hotline that allows individuals to report tax evasion anonymously. This hotline serves as a valuable source of tips and information that can lead to investigations into tax evasion schemes. Data Matching The IRS uses data-matching techniques to compare information from various sources, such as bank records, tax returns, and third-party reports. When discrepancies are identified, the IRS can initiate investigations to determine if tax evasion is occurring. Public Records and Open Source Intelligence The IRS also utilizes publicly available information and open-source intelligence to identify potential tax evasion. This includes information from court records, social media, and other public sources that may reveal undisclosed income or assets. Call Our Team for Help with Your Tax-Related Legal Issues Get assistance from our experienced Dual-Licensed Tax Lawyers & CPAs at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing by dialing (800) 681-1295 or clicking here to book a reduced rate initial consultation. If you have failed to file a tax return for one or more years or have taken a position on a tax return that could not be supported upon an IRS or state tax authority audit, eggshell audit, reverse eggshell audit, or criminal tax investigation, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney to determine your best route back into federal or state tax compliance without facing criminal prosecution. Note: As long as a taxpayer that has willfully committed tax crimes (potentially including non-filed foreign information returns coupled with affirmative evasion of U.S. income t ax on offshore income) self-reports the tax fraud (including a pattern of non-filed returns) through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure before the IRS has started an audit or criminal tax investigation / prosecution, the taxpayer can ordinarily be successfully brought back into tax compliance and receive a nearly guaranteed pass on criminal tax prosecution and simultaneously often receive a break on the civil penalties that would otherwise apply. It is imperative that you hire an experienced and reputable criminal tax defense attorney to take you through the voluntary disclosure process. Only an Attorney has the Attorney Client Privilege and Work Product Privileges that will prevent the very professional that you hire from being potentially being forced to become a witness against you, especially where they prepared the returns that need to be amended, in a subsequent criminal tax audit, investigation or prosecution. Moreover, only an Attorney can enter you into a voluntary disclosure without engaging in the unauthorized practice of law (a crime in itself). Only an Attorney trained in Criminal Tax Defense fully understands the risks and rewards involved in voluntary disclosures and how to protect you if you do not qualify for a voluntary disclosure. As uniquely qualified and extensively experienced Criminal Tax Defense Tax Attorneys, Kovel CPAs and EAs, our firm provides a one stop shop to efficiently achieve the optimal and predictable results that simultaneously protect your liberty and your net worth. See our Testimonials to see what our clients have to say about us! We Are Here for You Regardless of your business or estate needs, the professionals at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing are here for you. We are open for business and our team will help ensure that your business is too. Contact the Law Offices of David W. Klasing today to discuss your business with one of our professionals. In addition to our fully staffed main office in downtown Irvine California, the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing has unstaffed (conference room only) California based satellite offices in Los Angeles , San Bernardino , Santa Barbara , Panorama City , Oxnard , San Diego , Bakersfield , San Jose , San Francisco , Oakland , Carlsbad , Sacramento . We also have unstaffed (conference room only) satellite offices in Las Vegas Nevada , Salt Lake City Utah , Phoenix Arizona & Albuquerque New Mexico , Austin Texas , Washington DC , Miami Florida and New York New York that solely handle Federal & California Tax issues. Our office technology allows clients to meet virtually via GoToMeeting . With end-to-end encryption, strong passwords, and top-rated reliability, no one is messing with your meeting. To schedule a reduced rate initial consultation via GoToMeeting follow this link . Call our office and request a GoToMeeting if you are an existing client. We also now offer a convenient scheduling option, where you can secure David W. Klasing, Esq M.S.-Tax CPA's undivided attention for a 4-hour consultation at any of his satellite offices. Here is a link to our YouTube channel: click here! MEDIA CONTACT: David W. Klasing, P.C. 1-714-514-2642 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/from-the-tax-law-offices-of-david-w-klasing---new-irs-unit-targets-high-income-individuals-and-pass-through-entities-301949174.html SOURCE Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, PC In recent years, basic research in life science has been developing rapidly, and competition in the industry has been intensifying. How is the development of the global life science industry heading under this market environment? How to build a better life science industry ecosystem? What kind of innovative industrial space do life science enterprises need? GUANGZHOU, China , Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 22 nd, the Global Life Science Industry Development Forum & GuangzhouGemdale Viseen LongshengHuangpu Science and Technology Innovation Park New Product Release was successfully held in Guangzhou , and a series of key issues in the life science industry were discussed in depth. The forum was hosted by Gemdale Viseen Industries. Adhering to the goal and purpose of "based on academia, based on practice, and helping the development and landing of life science industry", and focusing on the core theme of "Global Incubation, Gemdale Accelerates China's Transformation", the strategy of Gemdale Life Science Theme Industrial Park was officially released. Gemdale's six major incubators in the United States were newly unveiled, the Bio-Island Life Science Industry Cultivation Fund was unveiled, the Bio-Island Laboratory(Huangpu) Acceleration/Cultivation Base was unveiled, Gemdale Group's biomedical investment cultivation system was released, and the life science theme industrial park product standardization was released , also Viseen Lab's first life science industry model was launched, the "2023 Biomedical Industry Development Blue Book" was released, and 7 major strategies were released. Gemdale will share the most cutting-edge research results and innovations with you through this life science themed industry development forum Concept, achieve industry success with professionalism, and jointly seek the road to future development. Strategy release (1) Gemdale's six major incubators in the United States are newly unveiled As an enterprise focusing on the development of the life science industry, Gemdale Viseen Industries is committed to build a full industry chain integrating R&D, pilot testing, transformation, and marketizationfrom incubation and acceleration to the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, providing all-round support for the landing of scientific research achievements. Zhang Jinyuan, the Vice President of Gemdale, said in his welcome speech at the forum that Gemdale Viseen Industries has entered the filed of life science in the U.S. as early as 2014, and has gradually completed the investments in the six major incubation spaces, including San Jose Midtown and Austin Mueller Medical Office Building's construction. It has also successfully incubated a number of life science companies such as Novita Pharmaceuticals. It adopts a unique "investment-driven + scenario-based incubation" operating model to form a cycle of attracting investment, incubation and investment, which has helped many biopharmaceutical companies grow. Zhang Jinyuan introduced in detail that the basic situation of Gemdale Viseen Industrial's first life science theme park in Guangzhou Gemdale Viseen Longsheng Huangpu Innovation Park , and expressed his recognition and expectations for the project. In the face of the rapid development of the global life science industry, Dr. He Biao , an overseas medical and health investor from Gemdale, brought us a more comprehensive and professional perspective in his speech "The Current Situation and Future Development Trends of the Global Life Sciences Industry": The bioindustry Market is broad, the prospects are optimistic, and the future of various fields is expected to achieve sustainable growth; excellent scientific research results, innovation and differentiated products will continue to be the core of the success of biotechnology companies; the current biotechnology market conditions are conducive to M&A and collaboration of big pharma; under the current situation, enterprises need to adjust their strategies focus on their fundamentals, and improve the efficiency of business operations; use digital technology to improve manufacturing and supply chain processes, leverage artificial intelligence and other technologies to streamline business engagement models, and cope with the changing regulatory environment and its impact on product pricing. Subsequently, three life science companies invested by Gemdale Viseen Industry in the United States gave online speeches and demonstrated the six incubator spaces of Gemdale Viseen Industry in the United States . Huang Xingyun, chairman of Novita Pharmaceuticals, said the company is committed to develop breakthrough drugs as new cancer treatments. These small molecule drugs are Fascin-specific inhibitors that can prevent tumor metastasis. This is a major advance because 90% of cancer-related deaths are caused by tumor metastasis. George Wu , founder and CEO of Amberstone Biosciences, said that tumor microenvironment activation therapy, with "programmable pH-dependent antibodies" as the core, represented the cutting-edge technology in the international medical field. This not only improves the safety and specificity of treatment, reduces the toxic effects on normal cells, but also improves the durability of treatment. Strategy release (2) Bio Island Life Science Industry Cultivation Fund unveiled Subsequently, the Bio-Island Life Science Industry Cultivation Fund was unveiled. It was jointly initiated and established by Bio-Island Laboratory, Guangdong Science and Technology Venture Capital, Nast Investment, and Gemdale Group to jointly build scientific research capabilities, share scientific and technological innovation elements, and jointly create a scientific and technological innovation ecology. The Bio Island Life Science Industry Cultivation Fund is a gift from Gemdale Group and Guangzhou Bio Island to the development of life science enterprises. The establishment of the fund will further promote the high-quality development of the life science industry in the Greater Bay Area . At the same time, through the guidance and support of the fund, especially the driving, linking and integrating role of Guangdong Finance, more outstanding talents and enterprises will be attracted to the Greater Bay Area , forming an internationally competitive life science industry cluster and helping Guangzhou Huangpu to become an important innovation hub in the life science field in the Greater Bay Area and even globally. Strategy release (3) Biological Island Laboratory(Huangpu) Acceleration/Cultivation Base Unveiled The unveiling of the Bio-Island Laboratory(Huangpu) Acceleration Base and the Bio-Island Life Science Industry Cultivation Fund(Huangpu) Cultivation Base, jointly established by Gemdale Group and Guangzhou Bio-Island Laboratory, is another accelerator to promote the rapid development of Guangzhou Huangpu life science industry. The establishment of the Huangpu base will connect with the medical science and technology achievement projects invested and cultivated by Gemdale's US incubation bases (two operating companies, Lifespan BioLabs and Mission Bay ), promote the project landing in China , and accelerate their development through the traction of the incubation fund and Lifespan Investments. At the same time, it will also attract more outstanding scientific research talents and teams from China and abroad come to Guangzhou to carry out cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation. Meanwhile, the base will also provide public services such as technical support and talent training for enterprises to help the rapid development of the life science industry. Strategy release (4) Gemdale Group's Biopharmaceutical Investment Cultivation System The incubation and growth of life sciences and the rapid landing are not easy. High capital investment thresholds and long transformation cycles may become reasons for failure. The unique vision, long-term cultivation and innate high-tech industry genes have formed a unique operating model and circular drive belonging to Gemdale Viseen Industry, and empowered high-tech industries with industrial park as the carrier in practice. In recent years, Gemdale Group has invested in funds such as Lilly AsiaVentures, WuXi Biologics, Northern Lights, and CMB International, adopting a unique "investment-driven + scenario-based incubation" operating model to form a cyclical drive for attracting investment in business, incubation, and investment to assist enterprises develop. In the research and practice, a biomedical investment cultivation fund system and cultivation base with Gemdale characteristics have been formed. Test standards with practice, refine majors with standards, and accelerate the future with professionalism. At the event, Zhou Shuo , Chief Strategic Management Manager of Gemdale Group, introduced the important preparations and significance "Innovation-Investment-Incubation-Industry" life science collaborative innovation system. From the experience and practices in terms of element composition, channel path, system construction and future development planning, he also explained to us the two major features of Gemdale Group's life sciences collaborative innovation system, namely the allocation of national systematic innovation factors and two-way offshore innovation incubation. This system is well practiced Gemdale Viseen Longsheng Huangpu Innovation Park in Guangzhou . Gemdale Group has joined forces with Bioland Lab, Yueke,Naste and Bioisland to build the systematic cooperation of "innovation-investment-incubation-industry", establishes an incubation and introduction channel for international scientific and technological achievements and an investment, which has successfully helped many biopharmaceutical companies accelerate their growth. Strategy release (5) Gemdale Viseen Life Science Industrial Park product standardization released Liu Yide, General Manager of Gemdale Viseen Industrial Product Management Center, said that Gemdale Viseen Industrial Life Science Product Competency Standards are based on the actual needs of corporate customers, according to different segments of the industry, in-depth analysis of key equipment, and special needs, forming the standards include three major modules of building, structure and electromechanical, as well as 19 sub-items such as area, floor height, load-bearing, and power distribution, and 114 representative standard products. At the same time, on this basis, the first life science industry demonstration space product strength standard has been created, which will set a new benchmark for the development of the life science industry. This standard aims to improve product quality, strengthen industry standards, promote industrial innovation, and provide companies with a safer and more efficient life science exclusive production and R&D space. Behind these standards, Gemdale Viseen spent one year intensively researching successful cases and life science-related companies, and united internal and external experts to conduct detailed standardization work for the products of industrial park. The standardization is also a solid starting point for the future. Strategy Release (6) Viseen Lab. first life science industry model launched Fulfil plans, achieve standards, and implement results. The event showcased Gemdale Viseen first innovative industry model spaceViseen Lab. Life Science Industry Demonstration Space. Viseen Lab.Industrial Demonstration Space demonstrated in detail aspects such as column spacing, floor height, floor load, load-bearing, maintenance height, exhaust system, freight system, etc., and presented different types of products according to different policies in different regions. Strategy release (7) "2023 Biomedical Industry Development Blue Book" In order to promote the development of the industry and consolidate service capabilities, Gemdale Viseen Industrial Research Institute officially released the "2023 Biopharmaceutical Industry Development Blue Book". The book has a total of 200,000 words and 5 chapters. The book uses big data to analyze the global scale and domestic development of the biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on analyzing the development status of the four typical cities of Beijing , Shanghai , Suzhou and Guangzhou . This will allow everyone to have a clearer understanding of the development context and trends of this industry and help complete the transformation of life science in China . Ge Peijian , President of Gemdale Viseen Industrial Research Institute, gave us a detailed introduction to the scale and growth rate of the global biopharmaceutical industry, the development pattern of China biopharmaceutical industry, and the future development of biopharmaceutical layout in representative cities such as Shanghai , Suzhou , and Beijing . He believes that this book is instructive in the industry, authoritative in terms of data, and applicable in details such as innovation platforms. Finally, Gemdale Viseen Life Science Industry Ecosystem was officially launched. This means that the future ecosystem will attract more innovative talents and teams, as well as more social capital and innovation resources. Guangzhou Huangpu will also use this help to form a life science industry innovation center with global influence. At the same time, the establishment of this ecosystem will also inject new vitality into the life science industry in the the the Greater Bay Areaand make positive contributions to the health of the people. Release New Product Gemdale Viseen LongshengHuangpu Innovation Park in Guangzhou Use your works to amaze expectations and practice the development of life sciences. Gemdale Viseen has released the new products in Guangzhou Huangpu. Under the introduction of Bai Fan , general manager of Gemdale Viseen, we learned that the formation of the project was based on a large amount of research and understanding of the needs of biomedical companies. In view of the current pain points and needs of biomedical companies, Gemdale Viseen set extremely high product standards, including good ecology, great lighting, complete set of supporting facilities, convenient transportation, high quality service, and other advantageous innovations, have created a model for Huangpu three-dimensional space. The project has a total construction area of approximately 167,000 square meters. It is located in the innovation hub of Guangzhou Development Zone , and belongs to the innovative industry group of the southern area of Guangzhou Science City. It is committed to becoming an "ideal+" space for biopharmaceutical companies. The release of new products from Gemdale Viseen LongshengHuangpu Innovation Park is not only a fulfillment of the "Gemdale Viseen Product Competence Standard", but also forceful measures to further promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading in the field of life science, to improve the overall competition in the industry. Currently, companies that have settled in the park include Canton Biologics, Saite Intelligence, and Songkang Huizhong Company. Professionalism creates excellent industry. Gemdale Viseen believes the future of the life science industry, and more firmly believes in the development of Huangpu Innovation Park in Guangzhou . Gemdale Viseen is willing to work with you to help industrial development and the future of life science industry. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gemdale-viseen-life-science-theme-industrial-park-strategy-officially-released-301949169.html SOURCE Gemdale Viseen First liquefied gas produced with renewable energy, operating at HIF Global's eFuels facility in southern Chile " Haru Oni " eLG will be used by the Chilean company GASCO for different energy solutions PUNTA ARENAS, Chile , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HIF Global, the worlds leading eFuels company, and the Chilean gas company Empresas GASCO, today announced the first production of carbon-neutral liquefied gas ("eLG") generated with renewable energy from the strong winds of the Magallanes Region , at the Haru Oni eFuels facility in southern Chile . The project involved an R&D investment of $3 million from GASCO and is part of the agreement signed in 2021 between both companies to promote a more sustainable gas that can be used, stored, and transported as conventional liquefied gas, without modifications required to infrastructure, capacity or equipment. "Throughout more than 167 years, Empresas GASCO has been a protagonist of the main energy transformations in Chile . Participating in the production of the first carbon-neutral liquefied gas in the world is a new demonstration of our company's commitment to the development of innovative technologies and solutions that contribute significantly to the transition towards carbon neutrality," said the company's President, Matias Perez . President and CEO of HIF Global, Cesar Norton , said "Today we celebrate a substantial milestone for the hydrogen derivatives industry, allowing us to continue to show a portfolio of alternatives to decarbonize our planet and reduce the reliability of fossil fuels. Empresas GASCO has been a great ally in achieving this goal, as we need to strongly promote innovation and development to efficiently address the urgency of climate change". About eLG eLG is a carbon-neutral liquefied gas that originates as a by-product of the synthetic gasoline production process at HIF's Haru Oni eFuels facility, during the conversion of eMethanol to eGasoline, using MtG (Methanol-to-Gasoline) technology. The technology launched today allows eLG to be captured and stored. To be commercialized, eLG must be blended with traditional liquefied gas, in a proportion of eLG estimated to be between 10% and 30% of the total content. Its use is wide and diverse, and it can be applied in the different gas-based energy solutions offered by GASCO, which, in a first stage, is expected to reach a production of ~10,000 cylinders. GASCO has performed, and will continue to perform, analyses and tests to certify the safety of the eLG's use and comply with existing regulations. The eLG is expected to be applied in the future in the various GASCO formats and energy applications. eFuels Laboratory In addition, HIF Global and GASCO, together with the University of Magallanes, developed the first eFuels laboratory, located in the city of Punta Arenas. This laboratory not only provides services for the Haru Oni eFuels facility but also strengthens the connection that both companies have with the academic community of Magallanes, to create knowledge and human capital that helps position the region as a leading player in Chile and globally in the fight against climate change. About GASCO Empresas GASCO S.A. is a corporation with more than 167 years of history, which, through its various subsidiaries and business lines, will continue to promote and develop energy solutions that enable different industries to have more efficient, safer and less polluting processes. More information at www.empresasgasco.com About HIF Global HIF Global is the world's leading eFuels company, developing projects to convert hydrogen using low cost renewable power into carbon-neutral liquid eFuels that can be transported and utilized in existing infrastructure. The name HIF represents the mission of the company: to provide Highly Innovative Fuels to make decarbonization of the planet possible. HIF Latam, HIF USA, HIF Asia Pacific and HIF EMEA are wholly owned subsidiaries of HIF Global. HIF Global is already producing eFuels in its Haru Oni Demonstration Facility in Magallanes, Chile and intends to begin construction of the commercial scale HIF Matagorda eFuels Facility in Texas in 2024. HIF Global's first Australian development, in Tasmania , was announced in July 2022 . For more information visit www.hifglobal.com CAUTIONARY INFORMATION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Information in this press release includes various statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Words such as "can," "expect," potential," "to be," "will," and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements and convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things, the expectations of our plans, strategies, and objectives, including with respect to the timing and other aspects of the HIF eFuels facilities. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include (without limitation): our ability to timely obtain or maintain necessary permits to construct and develop the HIF eFuels facilities; our ability to execute operational objectives on a timely and successful basis; legislative, policy, fiscal and regulatory developments; the outcome of commercial negotiations; our ability to raise financing; consumer preferences or demand; and various economic, business, and competitive factors affecting our business. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this paragraph. HIF Global urges you to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements made in this press release and cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. HIF Global undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hif-global-and-empresas-gasco-announce-first-carbon-neutral-liquefied-gas-in-the-world-301949136.html SOURCE HIF Global PHOENIX , Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiru Corporation would like to announce that it has made a significant change of direction in its operational footprint to strengthen revenue producing operations in fiscal year 2024. The Company has recently made several material changes to its business direction. It has consolidated its West Coast operations to its Glendale, Arizona location. As part of these changes, the Company sold Salome Water and Ice, and moved significant equipment and high-end customers from the California (Denman of California ) operation when the commercial lease expired this summer. These changes were put in place to focus its operations on the West Coast to one location in Glendale, Arizona as the Company turns its focus to the acquisition of full-scale water bottling facilities on the East Coast , mainly in Florida and surrounding area. The Company's strategy is to aggressively scale up manufacturing operations on the East Coast to be able to attract new revenue streams in the first quarter of 2024. Ms. Kathryn Gavin (President and CEO of the Company), states"The Company has a solid plan of action to maintain its current history of ongoing quarterly revenue growth. As reported many times, we continue to increase our quarterly revenue each quarter since water bottle production started in 2021. As part of our new plan of action, having two facilities on the West Coast was not a financially sound course of action to continue, especially when we can maintain the same or higher revenue production from one location. We took advantage of the lease expiring at the California facility to make a cost-cutting move to improve our bottom-line performance at the same time we are in negotiations on several new facilities on the East Coast . We can service all our current West Coast customers, including Alkaline88, through our large manufacturing footprint at our location in Glendale , Arizona. By letting the lease expire in California , and moving key equipment and production to Arizona , we will significantly reduce our operational expenses in both facility and employee costs. The cost to do business in Arizona versus California is significantly lower especially when it comes to employee compensation and long-term retention, along with burdensome state regulations that added unnecessary expenses related to compliance. Our facility in Glendale is large enough, and has enough dormant capacity, to meet the current productions levels from the California location, and still expand as necessary as we keep adding new revenue streams on the West Coast . By consolidating our West Coast operations, we will be able to meet our current and future production requirements in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Again, everything we do is about increasing revenue and ultimately maximizing our bottom-line performance. This move will allow us to put capital towards a manufacturing footprint on the East Coast to increase our revenue quarter by quarter." Disclaimer Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain statements that we make may constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated savings, financial results (including expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures), industry or market conditions, demand for and pricing of our products, acquisitions and divestitures, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory developments or general economic conditions. In addition, words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," and future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "could," "should," and "would," as well as any other statement that necessarily depends on future events, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements. ABOUT US Hiru Corp. is a Georgia corporation, is a public quoted Pink Sheet OTC issuer under the ticker symbol "HIRU" (the "Company"). The Company reports as an alternative reporting issuer with OTC Markets Group, Inc. and is current in its mandatory required filings (e.g., Pink Sheet Current). Currently, the Company has one wholly owned, operational subsidiary, AZ Custom Bottled Water, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("AZ Water"), which owns and operates a commercial water bottling and labeling facility based in Phoenix, Arizona . AZ Water operates a B2C website at https://azcustombottledwater.com/. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hiru-corporation--future-direction-of-operations-301949058.html SOURCE Hiru Corporation Learn More About the School Component of Hidden River's Residential Eating Disorder Program CHESTER, N.J., Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no secret that continuing to advance a student's education can be challenging during residential treatment. At Hidden River , we understand the importance of schooling for our middle school and high school patients and remain committed to their academic success. For this reason, we have partnered with LearnWell education services. LearnWell provides on-site, custom educational programs to meet the needs of school-age students during eating disorder treatment at Hidden River . A LearnWell state-certified teacher provides two hours of in-person tutoring, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and seasonal breaks. During residential eating disorder treatment, many patients struggle with co-occuring mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, that may impact their schooling needs. Continuing one's education is important to each patient. The LearnWell teacher customizes a reasonable individualized education program for each student. As a regular practice, the teacher engages in a high level of communication with the community school district and guidance counselor to assist with acquiring a student's own schoolwork. LearnWell programs and the Hidden River team have observed that students are more engaged in treatment when staying reasonably on track with their home peer group. When students are without access to their own community school work, they can gain access to LearnWell's custom online curriculum. Beyond ensuring that individual patients reach future educational goals, there are many benefits to including a school component with eating disorder treatment. Experiencing success in school while in residential treatment builds self-esteem and reduces anxiety in children and adolescents. LearnWell remains committed to helping each patient either catch up or remain reasonably current with their school's course curriculum for the grade level despite the demands of treatment. For more information, please go to www.hiddenriverhealing.com . About Hidden River : Hidden River , located in Chester Township, New Jersey , is a residential eating disorder treatment center for girls and women ages 11 to 20 that utilizes an expert, compassionate approach with an emphasis on family involvement. Opened in 2019, the beautifully designed facility is located in a peaceful, natural environment that is conducive to healing and recovery. Media Contact: Jennifer Vargas , Director of Business Development [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/how-education-fits-into-eating-disorder-treatment-for-school-aged-patients-301949604.html SOURCE Hidden River Eating Disorder Residential Treatment Ten specially designed art cars on display during the Busan Expo Symposium and K-Pop concert in Paris , the home of the Bureau International des Expositions , the home of the des Expositions All-electric models, including Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6, selected for campaign to demonstrate Busan's commitment to carbon neutrality commitment to carbon neutrality Art cars created in collaboration with Korean graffiti artist 'JAY FLOW' displayed at iconic Paris landmarks including Eiffel Tower , and Louvre Museum SEOUL, South Korea and PARIS , Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced its campaign to promote the South Korean city of Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo by displaying specially designed art cars in Paris, France , where the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is headquartered. The campaign continues the Group's global support for Busan's bid, this time for the Busan Expo Symposium and K-Pop concert in Paris from October 915. To emphasize Busan's commitment to hosting a carbon-neutral World Expo, the Group is providing the Korean delegation with 10 art cars, including two all-electric models, Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6. During the campaign in Paris , the art cars will be exhibited around the famous locations in Paris , such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The campaign will help strengthen Busan's appeal as a candidate city for the 2030 World Expo to key officials from BIE member countries and tourists from around the world. The symposium will showcase the city's diverse strengths and capabilities as well as the proposed themes to BIE member countries before the vote to decide the host city for the 2030 World Expo at the end of November. End About Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group's mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all. More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Media Center. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-motor-group-rolls-out-art-cars-in-paris-supporting-busans-bid-to-host-2030-world-expo-301948486.html SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominent Inland Empire Trial Lawyer William D . Shapiro has achieved a significant milestone in his renowned legal career by being elected National Vice President of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). ABOTA is an exclusive organization that comprises the nation's most distinguished trial lawyers and judges, with a mission to uphold and preserve the fundamental rights guaranteed by the 7th Amendment to the Constitution, particularly the right to a trial by jury. This accomplishment is a testament to Shapiro's exceptional legal expertise and commitment to justice. Selected as one of three outstanding trial lawyers by Past Presidents from across the country, Shapiro secured the votes of over 7,000 ABOTA members, paving the way for his presidency in just two years. "I'm thrilled to step into this leadership position, which is undoubtedly a highlight of my career. It's not just about personal accomplishment but also an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the principles of justice and professionalism in our legal community," said Shapiro. ABOTA, founded in 1958, is an invitation-only association dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the American civil justice system. With a membership roster of more than 7,000 of the nation's finest trial lawyers, ABOTA fosters excellence, professionalism, integrity, honor, and courtesy within the legal community. The ABOTA Foundation, established in 1993, plays a vital role in educating the public about the historical significance and value of the American civil justice system. Shapiro has handled complex catastrophic injury and wrongful death actions for over four decades, obtaining seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. His list of awards and honors is extensive, including 2022, 2016 and 2013 "Top Gun" Trial Lawyer of the Year, Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA); 2022 Trial Lawyer of the Year Top 5 Finalist; Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC); 2022 Trial Lawyer of the Year Top 5 Finalist, Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles (CAALA) ; 2016 Lawyer of the Year, Western San Bernardino County Bar Association (WSBCBA); 2015 Trial Lawyer of the Year, CAL-ABOTA; 2014 Trial Lawyer of the Year, Consumer Attorneys of the Inland Empire; 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year, Personal Injury; 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Western State College of Law, 2016 ; 2011 Hall of Fame, Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers; Fellow, International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); Board Certified Trial Advocacy Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy; Specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; 2016 National Secretary, ABOTA, Trustee, ABOTA Foundation; 2021 Arthur Kelly Civility Award, ABOTA, "Tier 1, Best Law Firms" Best Lawyers in America and U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell, "10 AVVO; "Top 100," SuperLawyers. Shapiro is a Past President of San Bernardino /Riverside ABOTA, Past President of the San Bernardino County Bar Association, Past President of Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire, and Past President of Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; 2012- Current, Adjunct professor, Civil Trial Practice Western State College of Law. William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. takes pride in assisting victims of motor vehicle accidents, dangerous roadways, product failures, premises liability, and other causes of severe injuries and death. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inland-empire-trial-lawyer-william-d-shapiro-elected-national-vice-president-of-the-american-board-of-trial-advocates-abota-301949848.html SOURCE Law Offices of William D. Shapiro NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY SECURITIES. LONDON , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc (the "Company"), the parent company of the Jaguar Land Rover group of companies and a subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited, announces today the commencement of three separate offers to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding series of notes listed in the table below (the "Notes"). We refer to each offer to purchase a series of Notes as an "Offer" and collectively as the "Offers." Our obligation to complete an Offer with respect to a particular series of Notes is conditioned on the aggregate principal amount of all validly tendered Notes in respect of the Offers for such series of Notes and each series of Notes that has a higher priority level, not exceeding $500,000,000 (the "Principal Amount Cap"). For purposes of applying the Principal Amount Cap, the Company intends to use a conversion rate of Euros to U.S. dollars of 1.000 to $1.053 (the "Currency Conversion Rate"). The Offers are being made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated October 6, 2023 relating to the Notes (the "Offer to Purchase") and the accompanying notice of guaranteed delivery (the "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery," and together with the Offer to Purchase, the "Tender Offer Documents"). We refer to the purchase price set forth below for each series of Notes as the "Purchase Price." Acceptance Priority Level CUSIP/ISIN Description of Security Principal Amount Outstanding Purchase Price(1)(2) 1 Rule 144A ISIN: XS2010037500 Reg S ISIN: XS2010037682 6.875% Senior Notes due 2026 ("2026 Notes" or "EUR Notes") 500,000,000 1,017.50 2 Rule 144A CUSIP: 47010BAK0; ISIN: US47010BAK08 Reg S CUSIP: G5002FAU0; ISIN: USG5002FAU06 5.875% Senior Notes due 2028 ("2028 Notes") $650,000,000 $907.50 3 Rule 144A CUSIP: 47010BAM6; ISIN: US47010BAM63 Reg S CUSIP: G5002FAV8; ISIN: USG5002FAV88 5.500% Senior Notes due 2029 ("2029 Notes" and together with the 2028 Notes, "USD Notes") $500,000,000 $870.00 (1) Per 1,000 in aggregate principal amount with respect to the EUR Notes and $1,000 aggregate principal amount with respect to the USD Notes. (2) The Purchase Price does not include the applicable Accrued Coupon Payment (as defined below), which will be payable in cash in addition to the applicable Purchase Price. The Offers for the Notes will each expire at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on October 13, 2023 , in each case unless extended or earlier terminated (such date and time with respect to an Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to such Offer, the "Expiration Deadline"). Notes (as defined below) tendered for purchase may be validly withdrawn at any time (i) at or prior to the earlier of (x) the Expiration Deadline and (y) in the event such Offer is extended, the tenth business day after the commencement of the Offer, and (ii) after the 60th business day after commencement if for any reason the Offer has not been consummated within 60 business days of commencement of the Offer (the "Withdrawal Deadline"). The "Settlement Date" is expected to be the third business day after the applicable Expiration Deadline, or October 18, 2023 , unless extended with respect to any Offer. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer Documents, holders who (i) validly tender Notes at or prior to the applicable Expiration Deadline or (ii) validly tender their Notes at or prior to the applicable guaranteed delivery deadline pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures, and whose Notes are accepted for purchase by us, will receive the applicable Purchase Price for each $1,000 (in respect of USD Notes) or 1,000 (in respect of EUR Notes) principal amount of such Notes in cash on the applicable Settlement Date. In addition to the applicable Purchase Price, holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase will receive a cash payment equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date for such Notes to, but excluding, the applicable Settlement Date (the "Accrued Coupon Payment"). Interest will cease to accrue on the applicable Settlement Date for all Notes accepted in the Offers, including those tendered through the guaranteed delivery procedures. The Offers are subject to the terms and conditions described in the Tender Offer Documents, including, among other things, the Maximum Total Principal Amount Condition (as described below), risk factors, and certain acknowledgments, representations, warranties and agreements made by, or on behalf of, a tendering holder. The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to waive any and all conditions to any Offer, including the Maximum Total Principal Amount Condition. If any series of Notes is accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers, all validly tendered Notes of that series will be accepted for purchase. No series of Notes will be subject to proration pursuant to the Offers. The Company's obligation to complete an Offer with respect to a particular series of Notes is conditioned on the aggregate principal amount of all validly tendered Notes in respect of the Offers, not exceeding the Principal Amount Cap, unless waived by the Company as provided in the Offer to Purchase. If at the Expiration Deadline for a particular Offer, the aggregate principal amount of the validly tendered Notes in respect of the Offer (together with the aggregate principal amount for all validly tendered Notes of each series with a higher Acceptance Priority Level (as set forth in the table above)) is greater than the Principal Amount Cap, then the Company will not be obligated to accept for purchase such series of Notes and may terminate the Offer with respect to such series of Notes as well as each series of Notes with a lower Acceptance Priority Level (as set forth in the table above) (the "Maximum Principal Amount Condition"). All validly tendered Notes of a series having a higher Acceptance Priority Level will be accepted before all validly tendered Notes of a series having a lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted. The Notes have a minimum denomination of $200,000 (in case of USD Notes) or 100,000 (in case of EUR Notes). The Company has retained BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, J. P Morgan Securities plc and Standard Chartered Bank to act as dealer managers (the "Dealer Managers") for the Offers. Questions regarding the terms and conditions of the Offers may be directed to the following Dealer Managers at their respective addresses and telephone numbers listed below. Dealer Managers With respect to USD Notes and EUR Notes With respect to USD Notes With respect to EUR Notes With respect to USD Notes and EUR Notes BNP Paribas 16, Boulevard des Italiens 75009 Paris France Telephone: +33 1 55 77 78 94 Email: liability.management@ bnpparibas.com J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179 United States U.S. Toll-Free: +1 (866) 834-4666; U.S. Telephone: +1 212 834 4818 J.P. Morgan Securities plc 25 Bank Street Canary Wharf London , E14 5JP United Kingdom Attention: EMEA Liability Management Group Telephone: +44 20 7134 2468 Email: liability_management_ [email protected] STANDARD CHARTERED BANK 1 Basinghall Avenue London EC2V 5DD United Kingdom Attention: Liability Management Telephone: +1 212 667 0351 / +44 20 7885 5739 / +65 655 78286 / +852 398 38658 Email: liability_management@ sc.com D.F. King & Co., Inc., will act as the information and tender agent for the Offers ("Information and Tender Agent"). Any questions regarding procedures for tendering Notes or requests for additional copies of this Offer to Purchase and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the Information and Tender Agent. Copies of this Offer to Purchase and Notice of Guaranteed Delivery are available for Holders via the following website in connection with the Offers: https://www.dfkingltd.com/JLR. Information and Tender Agent D.F. King & Co., Inc. Email: [email protected] In New York 48 Wall Street , 22nd Floor New York, NY 10005 United States of America Banks and Brokers call: (212) 269-5550 All others call Toll Free: (866) 342-4882 In London 65 Gresham Street London EC2V 7NQ United Kingdom Telephone: +44 20 7920 9700 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.dfkingltd.com/JLR If the Company terminates any Offer with respect to one or more series of Notes, all Notes tendered pursuant to such terminated Offer will be returned promptly to the tendering holders thereof. With effect from such termination, any Notes blocked in the Clearing Systems (as defined below) will be released. Holders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes as to when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a beneficial owner in order for that holder to be able to participate in, or withdraw their instruction to participate in the Offers before the deadlines specified herein and in the Offer to Purchase. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), Clearstream Banking S.A. ("Clearstream") or Euroclear Bank SA/NV ("Euroclear") (each a "Clearing System" and collectively, the "Clearing Systems") for the submission and withdrawal of tender instructions will also be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified herein and in the Offer to Purchase. This announcement is for informational purposes only. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any Notes. The Offers are being made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. The Offers are not being made to holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offers will be deemed to be made on behalf of the Company by the Dealer Managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction. This communication and the Tender Offer Documents have not been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the "FSMA"). Accordingly, this communication and the Tender Offer Documents are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, persons within the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order")), persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Order, persons who are qualified investors of the kind described in Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.), persons who otherwise fall within an exemption set forth in the Order such that section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply or any other persons to whom the Offers may otherwise lawfully be made under the Order and all other applicable securities laws. In particular, this communication and the Tender Offer Documents are only addressed to and directed at, in any Member State of the European Economic Area, qualified investors in that Member State as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"), or in other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on any document relating to the Offers or any of their contents. The distribution of the Offer to Purchase in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession the Offer to Purchase comes are required by the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements In this communication the Company has made forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as "will," "may," "should," "continue," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "appear," "project," "estimate," "intend," or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could materially affect these forward-looking statements can be found in the Offer to Purchase under the heading "Risk Factors". Holders are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward- looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events might or might not occur. The Company cannot assure you that projected results or events will be achieved. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jaguar-land-rover-automotive-plc-announces-tender-offers-for-three-series-of-notes-301949533.html SOURCE Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc Joe Biden tours the border wall in El Paso, Texas, on January 8, 2023. Andrew Harnik (AP) The decision of the Biden Administration to push ahead with the wall on the border with Mexico has caused a backlash among a sector of the Democratic Party. Some members of Congress have repudiated the continuation of a controversial work initiated during Donald Trumps administration. This negative response from within his own party forced Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to explain the measure. There is no new Administration policy with respect to border walls, he said Thursday. His message intended to make it clear that Congress allocated the money for the construction work in 2019, during the Trump era. The Biden administration was not required to expand construction of the border wall and they certainly were not required to waive several environmental laws to expedite the building. The President needs to take responsibility for this decision and reverse course, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement. The New York legislator has asked the White House to attack the root causes of migration from Latin America, among them to stop contributing to the destabilization of the region and to end economic sanctions that Washington has imposed on countries such as Cuba and Venezuela. The Hispanic Caucus in Congress, made up of 37 legislators, described Washingtons decision to resume construction of the wall in Starr County, Texas, as disappointing. More than 245,000 people have been detained in that region of the border during the 2023 fiscal year. While this border wall funding was signed into law by President Trump under Republican leadership, this decision is not in line with the current Administrations commitment to end border wall construction, the caucus said in a statement. Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar said the wall is a 14th-century response to 21st-century problems. I stand against this waste of Americans money on a response that is not effective, he said. Texas Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar. Tom Williams (CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag) In the face of the reactions among his allies and supporters, Mayorkas asserted that the news of the new section of wall construction has been taken out of context. From day one, this administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer, he said, adding that the White House is legally obligated to direct the funds for that purpose. We have repeatedly asked Congress to rescind this money but it has not done so and we are compelled to follow the law. President Biden has also denied that the decision came from his office. Questioned Thursday morning by the press, the president stated that it is a decision that Congress adopted three years ago. The money was appropriated for the border wall. I tried to get them to reappropriate, to redirect that money. They didnt. They wouldnt. Theres nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated for. I cant stop that, he said. Its a profound betrayal, the Civil Liberties Association, a nongovernmental advocacy organization, said. President Biden campaigned on a promise that he would not ban migration and there would be no wall. Now he has said yes to an extreme veto on asylum and expanded construction of a dangerous and ineffective wall in Texas. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition ATLANTA , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Minute Suites, the award-winning airport brand that provides private suites for travelers, opened today its fourth location in Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). The new site is in Concourse E located at the center point, offering easy access for all travelers. This will be the company's largest location with 16 suites, 2.5 bathrooms including showers, and will be open 24 hours daily. Minute Suites are designed as a place to get work done in peace, escape the hustle of the airport, and recharge before your next flight. Minute Suites now has 15 operational locations across 10 US airports. "We are excited to bring our service for a fourth time to the travelers at ATL which was our company's debut airport in 2009" Minute Suites Co-Founder and Director Daniel Solomon says. "We are thankful for the longstanding relationship with the ATL and their passengers." Minute Suites have a minimum stay of one-hour with additional 15-minute increments available for purchase. An overnight flat rate is also available. Many locations feature a shower service, which can be reserved separately in 30-minute increments. To book a reservation, visit www.minutesuites.com/reservations or use the Minute Suites Mobile App, available for download via Google Play or the App Store. About Minute Suites: In 2008, Minute Suites, LLC created a healthier way for people to travel. Minute Suites is the first company in North America to provide private suites inside security at airports where travelers can nap, relax, or work. The development of this unique passenger service has resulted in many industry awards, including Best Passenger Service Amenity. For more information, visit www.minutesuites.com. Media Contact: Danielle Hollembaek, VP of Marketing [email protected] 563.508.0838 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/minute-suites-opens-fourth-location-at-hartsfield-jackson-atlanta-international-airport-301949896.html SOURCE Minute Suites WASHINGTON , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, Oct. 14 , the Moon will pass between Earth and the Sun, giving people across the United States an opportunity to see an annular solar eclipse. NASA will host live coverage of the eclipse starting at 11:30 a.m. EDT . Media have an opportunity to interview NASA experts live prior to the eclipse, and those on site at two locations where NASA will broadcast live also can request interviews that day. Also known as a ring of fire eclipse, an annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away than it is during a total solar eclipse, the Moon appears smaller and doesn't block out the entire Sun when it passes in front of our star. Instead, the Moon leaves a bright ring of Sun visible at the eclipse's peak, creating the ring of fire effect. Watch the agency's eclipse coverage live on NASA Television, the agency's website, and the NASA app. NASA also will stream the broadcast live on its Facebook, X, and YouTube social media accounts. This eclipse will be visible along a narrow path stretching from Oregon to Texas in the U.S. Outside this path, people across the contiguous U.S. as well as Puerto Rico and parts of Alaska and Hawaii will see a partial solar eclipse, when part of the Sun is covered by the Moon without creating the ring of fire effect. NASA's coverage will be hosted from broadcast locations along the path of annularity in Kerrville, Texas , and Albuquerque, New Mexico . NASA's coverage will include live views of the eclipse from multiple locations, interviews with scientists and other experts, as well as a live Q&A segment. Anyone can submit questions by using #askNASA. The eclipse broadcast also will feature live views of sounding rockets launching from White Sands, New Mexico , carrying scientific instruments to study the eclipse's effects on the atmosphere. Media must contact Sarah Frazier at [email protected] to request on-site interviews in Albuquerque , and Elizabeth Landau at [email protected] for on-site interviews in Kerrville . Ahead of the eclipse, NASA also has a limited number of live shot opportunities available for media beginning at 6 a.m. EDT on Friday, Oct. 13 . Learn more and request an interview online. Watch, Engage in Person NASA's interactive eclipse map provides details about the timing and type of eclipse visible in various locations. Because the Sun is never completely covered by the Moon, all eclipse-watchers will need to use specialized solar filters or an indirect viewing method to safely watch the eclipse. It is never safe to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even when most of the Sun is covered by the Moon. Two easy ways to view the eclipse are to use certified solar viewing glasses or build a pinhole projector from household materials. More information about safe eclipse viewing is available on NASA's eclipse website. The eclipse also provides a unique opportunity for citizen science. GLOBE Observer and Eclipse Soundscapes allow citizen scientists to submit observations on sounds, temperature, cloud cover, and more to help scientists understand how eclipses can affect Earth's atmosphere and animal life. NASA also has STEM learning resources tied to the eclipse. The next solar eclipse takes place on April 8, 2024 , when a total solar eclipse will cross the U.S. from Texas to Maine . During this event, a partial solar eclipse will be visible throughout the contiguous U.S. , as well as in Puerto Rico and parts of Alaska and Hawaii . Learn more about the Oct. 14 eclipse at: go.nasa.gov/Eclipse2023 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-highlights-media-opportunities-for-upcoming-ring-of-fire-eclipse-301949756.html SOURCE NASA Disruption by design LOS ANGELES , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the global lifestyle brand CASETiFY announced its new collection in collaboration with Nothing, the London based technology company on a mission to make tech fun again. Together, the two companies have introduced four exclusive smartphone cases that champion Nothing's iconic approach to design specifically made to fit the complete iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series of devices, in addition to products made for Samsung and Google. All phone cases in the collection retail between $68 and $98 USD depending on the model. Another first for Nothing and CASETiFY is the debut of Nothing Mini Pouch with Ear (2) - a one of a kind carrier for Nothing's award winning earbuds, Ear (2), which made headlines earlier this year as a superior audio device at an accessible price point. Nothing Mini Pouch with Ear (2) is a brand new concept from CASETiFY that fuses design and technology in a unique way and pairs perfectly with the utility lanyard for ultimate ease. The Nothing Mini Pouch will be sold as a bundle with Nothing's Ear (2), retailing for $172 USD . Founded in 2020, Nothing is creating an alternative ecosystem of tech products for the young and creative through cutting edge design and user interface innovation. Nothing's products are developed in close collaboration with their community, which includes over 8,000 private investors, and are crafted with sustainability at the forefront. Nothing's debut smartphone Phone (1) was regarded as one of the most anticipated tech launches in recent times and showcased in Time Magazine's prestigious "Best Inventions of 2022" list for its innovative smartphone design. In 2023, Phone (1) received the renowned Red Dot Design Award, along with the rest of Nothing's current product portfolio, including the true wireless audio devices Ear (2) and Ear (stick). Most recently, the company launched Phone (2), to wide acclaim from the critical masses, which features a lower carbon footprint than its predecessor as a result of the company's ongoing sustainability initiatives. All high-res collection images can be found HERE . The Nothing x CASETiFY collection launches worldwide on casetify.com/co-lab available for purchase online, in the CASETiFY Co-Lab app (available now in the App Store), and at CASETiFY Studio locations. To learn more about the collaboration, visit CASETiFY.com and follow along on Instagram , Facebook , TikTok and Twitter . For the latest news on CASETiFY, sign up for the newsletter and stay tuned to @CASETiFY on Instagram , Facebook , TikTok and Twitter . For all CASETiFY media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For all Nothing related media inquiries please contact: [email protected] Learn more about the Nothing via its official website and @Nothing on Instagram , X (Twitter) and TikTok . To learn more about the brand check out Nothing's social pages View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nothing-x-casetify-301949695.html SOURCE CASETiFY FRANKLIN, Tenn. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OMNIA Partners is pleased to announce our 2023 Supplier Awards recipients. The honorees have demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of innovation, value, and delivery, while fostering strong partnerships with the member organizations. From setting the highest quality standards in their industry to enhancing the effectiveness of the procurement process, these suppliers have played a pivotal role in our mutual success. Their commitment to continuous improvement to their operations and services has ensured that their overall customer satisfaction is of the highest caliber. M. Todd Abner , Founder, President & CEO of OMNIA Partners says, "Congratulations to the outstanding supplier award winners recently presented at the 2023 OMNIA Partners Connections Conference. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to providing value to the market have set a remarkable standard in the industry. I am confident that our continued partnership will lead to even greater achievements in the future." Please join us in learning more about each award and congratulating the winners. The Horizon Award Our 2023 Horizon Award recipients were Fastenal, Kone, Fisher Scientific, and McKinsey & Company. Named after our original company, Horizon Resource Group, this award recognizes the suppliers that have delivered exceptional sales results while going above and beyond in every facet of their performance. Select Member of the Year Congratulations to Sherwin-Williams on being our 2023 Select Member of the Year. Sherwin-Williams was chosen for this award based on their embodiment of what OMNIA Partners stands for, which includes the power of our purchasing network, access to options, and the trust that comes with working together. Public Sector Supplier of the Year SHI and Trane have been named our Public Sector Suppliers of the Year for 2023. Both companies have established themselves as leaders in their industry while meeting or exceeding performance goals and actively collaborating with the team at OMNIA Partners to expand the value for state, local, higher education and K-12 agencies nationwide. Private Sector Supplier of the Year In providing exceptional customer service and a strong commitment to the OMNIA Partners program while working to find new opportunities for success, both Enterprise Holdings and Cintas were deserving of the Private Sector Supplier of the Year Award for 2023. Innovation Award 2023 is the first year OMNIA Partners has awarded companies for their innovation and both Global Industrial and ODP Business Solutions were worthy of recognition. By utilizing the technology and resources provided through OMNIA Partners, these companies have launched initiatives that focus on the growth and transformation of the procurement process. CEO Award The CEO Award recognizes a supplier that not only performs well, but consistently goes above and beyond to support our members. In 2023, that supplier was Graybar. Their commitment to the OMNIA Partners mission is seen at every level of their company, and their proactive and innovative approach to the market continues to drive outstanding results. "Graybar is honored to receive this recognition from OMNIA Partners," said Graybar Chairman, President, and CEO Kathleen M. Mazzarella . "Our longstanding relationship with OMNIA Partners is built on a shared commitment to supporting member organizations with superior customer service, supply chain excellence and a passion for innovation." Relive the excitement by viewing our Connections Conference 2023 Highlights. OMNIA Partners As the largest and most experienced group purchasing organization in America, OMNIA Partners empowers members with strategic sourcing capabilities while optimizing their procurement process. We're committed to simplifying and enhancing procurement while improving efficiency. Finding cost-effective solutions that ensure the highest standard of quality is at the forefront of what we do. With a proven track record of success, OMNIA Partners relies on innovation and expertise to provide every benefit possible to the members we serve. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omnia-partners-honors-outstanding-partnerships-with-supplier-excellence-awards-301949744.html SOURCE OMNIA Partners Biotech & Healthcare leaders to share valuable insights on investment priorities and future outlook LONDON , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimum Strategic Communications (Optimum), the international strategic healthcare communications consultancy, will be hosting its 15th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at the Wellcome Collection, London . 15 years of annual conferences have established the event as a prominent forum for the sector's largest investors and industry experts to discuss and debate their current thinking and vision for the Biotech & Healthcare sector. This year, there will be a special focus on Life Sciences in the UK , with the chance to hear from the country's leading investors and advisors, including Professor Sir Chris Whitty , Chief Medical Officer for England , who will be giving the Keynote. Panels will also include discussions with leading investors on market outlook and investment priorities as the industry continues to navigate the disparity between the funding available through private investment and the weakness of global public markets. Commenting on the event, Mary Clark, CEO of Optimum Strategic Communications, said: "Despite continued market uncertainty, companies in our sector are managing to find ways to fund remarkable and exciting innovation. Never has it been more important to harness the power of strategic communications to facilitate this. As we mark a 15-year milestone in hosting our investor conference, we are delighted to bring together some of the industry's most experienced and respected individuals to discuss the funding conundrum and how the UK can best utilise its talent and resources to drive healthcare and life sciences innovation forward." - AGENDA - Welcome Mary Clark, Optimum Strategic Communications How can the UK better capitalise on its life sciences prowess? With world-renowned universities pursuing cutting-edge science, a deep pool of talent, and great infrastructure, the UK has long been a hotspot for innovation. But is it truly capitalising on its brainpower? What hurdles does it face? And can it maintain its position as a top-tier life sciences hub amidst growing competition from around the globe? A panel of industry leaders will discuss what needs to be done to ensure the UK fulfils its potential. Chair: Dan Mahony , UK Life Sciences Investment Envoy & Chair of UK BioIndustry Association Annalisa Jenkins , Non-Executive Director, Genomics England , Non-Executive Director, Genomics England Allan Marchington, Managing Director, ICG Gil Bar-Nahum , Managing Director, Jefferies Fireside chat with Clive Cookson & Kasim Kutay As CEO of Novo Holdings, responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Kasim discusses the trends driving the Company's investment strategy and its commitment to investing in companies that contribute to the sustainability of society and the planet. Chair: Clive Cookson , Science Editor, The Financial Times Kasim Kutay , Chief Executive Officer, Novo Holdings Keynote with Professor Sir Chris Whitty KCB , FRS, Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Whitty , UK Government's Chief Medical Adviser and head of the public health profession, as well as a practising NHS Consultant Physician and epidemiologist, will share his insights on the biotech industry and its relationship with the UK Government. He will present a Keynote speech, followed by a fireside chat with Optimum's Nick Bastin and a Q&A session. Navigating turbulent markets Over the last few years, the pace of world class innovation has quickened, supported by a boom in private investment - yet this has not translated through to public markets. Instead, 2023 has seen weaker global public markets, where life sciences companies have struggled. Our panel of experts discusses what this means for companies looking at how to fund the next stage of their development. Chair: Stephen Hansen , Director of BioPharma Intelligence, BioCentury Linden Thomson, Fund Manager, AXA Investment Managers Geraldine O'Keeffe, Partner, EQT Life Sciences Naveed Siddiqi, Senior Partner, Novo Holdings Joe Anderson, Partner, Crossover Strategy Sofinnova, Sofinnova Partners Optimum's featured charity: Ariana Smiles a Special Named Fund at the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group Ariana Smiles is raising funds to support the journey of children who experience a leukaemia diagnosis. Already halfway towards its initial target of raising 100K, the charity's aim is to fund a study into genome research that will use targeted immunotherapy to treat blood cancers in a way which is more patient friendly with fewer long-term side effects. The detailed agenda and registration details can be found at the 15th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference website, here. If you would like to receive summaries of the panel discussions at the conference or speak with the Optimum team, please email [email protected]. About Optimum Strategic Communications Optimum Strategic Communications is an international healthcare communications consultancy which specialises in strategic investor relations, corporate and financial communications. Our senior team of healthcare specialists, based in London , Amsterdam , Stockholm , Zurich , and New York , are experienced and trusted advisors to some of the world's most exciting public and private companies, both large and small, across pharmaceuticals, biotech, medtech, health tech, healthcare services and industrial biotechnology. Over the last 25 years, our team has worked with over 300 healthcare companies, advising them on financial communications and investor relations, including major corporate activity such as fundraising, IPOs, M&A, as well as corporate reputation and crisis scenarios. We have an exceptional network of contacts across the international investment community in Europe and the US; contacts we have built and maintained over the last three decades. The Optimum team includes ex-fund managers and analysts, as well as financial and corporate communications specialists. For more information please visit www.optimumcomms.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optimum-strategic-communications-to-host-15th-annual-healthcare-investor-conference-301948896.html SOURCE Optimum Strategic Communications Transamerica products available for sale by PNC advisors. Offerings include annuities and living benefit riders. Agreement is part of Transamerica's growth strategy. BALTIMORE , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Transamerica is pleased to announce it has entered into a business arrangement with PNC, a leading provider of financial expertise. Transamerica's suite of annuity and living benefit products are now available for PNC customers. PNC and Transamerica are committed to providing products and services that help individuals prepare to achieve a lifetime of financial security. Transamerica's unique annuity solutions give customers choice and flexibility that can be tailored to meet customer needs and priorities. The products now offered on the PNC platform include a registered index linked annuity, the Transamerica Structured Index Advantage Annuity. For an additional fee, with a Transamerica variable annuity, the Transamerica Principal OptimizerSM and the Transamerica Income EdgeSM 1.2 optional living benefits are available. With additional distribution through PNC advisors, Transamerica will now be able to offer even more Americans the opportunity to build a financial portfolio to help people plan for their best life, while providing the tools and solutions that make it easier to achieve retirement and other long-term goals. Annuities offered by Transamerica are designed to provide the potential for growth, protection for established assets and income for life, regardless of how the markets may perform. The agreement with PNC is part of Transamerica's strategy to accelerate growth and continued investment in flexible and tailored financial planning tools and resources. About Transamerica With a history that dates back more than 100 years, Transamerica is a leading provider of life insurance, retirement, and investment solutions, serving millions of customers throughout the United States . Transamerica's dedicated professionals focus on helping people live their best lives through saving, investing, and protecting their loved ones. Transamerica is dedicated to building America's leading middle market life insurance and retirement company, with unique access to the large and growing middle market consumer via World Financial Group and U.S. retirement recordkeeping. Transamerica provides a broad range of quality individual life insurance policies, workplace supplemental insurance benefits, workplace retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, and investment products including mutual funds, annuities, stable value solutions, as well as investment management services. In 2022, Transamerica fulfilled its promises to customers, paying more than $46 billion in insurance, retirement, and annuity claims and benefits, including return of annuity premiums paid by the customer. Transamerica's head office is in Baltimore, Maryland , with other major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa , and Denver, Colorado . Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. Each Aegon company is solely responsible for its own financial conditions and contractual obligations. Based in the Netherlands , Aegon is an international financial services holding company. For more information, visit www.transamerica.com. About Annuities Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred vehicles designed for retirement purposes and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Annuities issued in all states except New York by Transamerica Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and in New York by Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company, Harrison, N.Y. Annuities are underwritten and distributed by Transamerica Capital, Inc. 1801 California St. , Suite 5200, Denver CO 80202, FINRA member. References to Transamerica may pertain to one or all of these companies. Securities products are sold by prospectus. Before investing, you should consider investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is contained in the prospectus. Go to transamerica.com for prospectuses containing this and other information. Please read carefully. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuity fees and charges include mortality and expense risk fee and administrative charge, surrender charges, annual fee, and investment option management fee. Additional fees may apply to optional benefits selected, including living benefit riders. If you elect an optional living benefit, there are certain underlying investment options offered in the policy that use a volatility control strategy. If you elect one of the optional living benefits, Transamerica requires the Policy Value to be allocated in a manner described in the contract, which may include a volatility control strategy. In periods of high market volatility, volatility control strategies could limit your participation in market gains; this may conflict with your investment objectives by limiting the ability to maximize potential growth of the Policy Value and, in turn, the value of any guaranteed benefit that is tied to investment performance. Volatility control strategies are intended to help limit overall volatility and reduce the effects of significant market downturns during periods of high market volatility, providing policy owners with the opportunity for smoother performance and better risk-adjusted returns. You pay an additional fee for the living benefits which, in part, pay for protecting the living benefit base from investment losses. Since the living benefit base does not decrease as a result of investment losses, volatility control strategies might not provide any meaningful additional benefit. If you determine that underlying funds with volatility control strategies are not consistent with your investment objectives, other investment options are available under the living benefits that do not invest in funds that utilize volatility control strategies. You cannot directly invest in an index and the annuity does not participate directly in any stock or equity investments. Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax and may be subject to a 10% additional federal tax if withdrawn before age 59. Transamerica Structured Index Advantage Annuity may be referred to as a variable annuity or modified guaranteed annuity in some states. Not available in Missouri , New York or Oregon . All policies, riders, and forms may vary by state and may not be available in all states. Media inquiries: [email protected] Erin Yang (303) 383-5295 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pnc-advisor-platform-to-offer-transamerica-annuities-and-living-benefits-301949074.html SOURCE Transamerica ROCKVILLE, Md. , Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Spartan Medical Inc., a veteran-owned medical solutions company, is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the consequences of Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) and reduce SSIs in medical centers across the country. Spartan Medical aims to dramatically reduce the nearly twenty thousand Americans who die each year from SSIs. Spartan Medical, Inc. is leading the industry in the drive to prevent surgical site infections, attacking this major challenge from two directions simultaneously by providing innovative sterile instruments and implants as well as providing best-in-class wound care products. SSIs present a massive challenge, increasing healthcare costs by as much as $10 billion annually,1 and resulting in greatly increased morbidity and mortality. SSIs occur in 4.4% of all surgeries.2 In instrumented spinal surgeries specifically, there is a 6.6% rate of SSIs, and an astounding 4.9% rate of deep incisional SSI - which cost an average of $93,741 to treat.3 The majority of SSIs result from contaminated surgical instruments and implants.4 Too many surgical instrument designs are virtually impossible to properly clean of bone and tissue. In response, Spartan Medical is developing a full range of single-use, sterile, pre-packaged (SSP) instruments and implants such as the Sure Retractor, the world's first and only SSP surgical retractor. Spartan Medical has also developed its own line of single-use, always-sharp kerrisons, and is beginning distribution of a full line of SSP spinal fusion products and instruments. Even eliminating this primary source of infections with SSP instruments and implants, the remaining third of SSIs result from general operating theater conditions. There, Spartan Medical provides Imbed Biosciences' Microlyte Matrix, a next-generation, shelf-stable wound care product FDA approved for the management of surgical wounds. Microlyte has been demonstrated to eliminate a majority of infectious bacteria before an SSI can develop.5 Microlyte Matrix is antimicrobial for > 3 days in a surgical wound.5 Preclinical studies demonstrated dramatic reduction of surgical site bacterial counts and also accelerated healing of clean surgical wounds.6 In a prospective clinical trial of diabetic foot and ankle surgery with a historic surgical site infection rate of 15%, no surgical site infections were noted in those treated with Microlyte Matrix.7 In this study the matrix was placed in the surgical wound and the skin was then closed with sutures or staples. As the industry leader in utilizing this two-pronged approach to attack surgical site infections through both prevention and immediate elimination, Spartan Medical aims to dramatically reduce the nearly twenty thousand Americans who die each year from SSIs.8 Spartan Medical continues to innovate, and remains dedicated to its mission to provide the world's finest medical products to our nationin particular our soldiers, veterans, and their families. All products and solutions referenced are currently available on contract at VA and DoD Medical Centers across the country. About: Spartan Medical Inc. is a leading provider of innovative medical technologies and solutions for healthcare providers, government agencies, schools, hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Located near Washington, D.C. , the veteran-owned company has been recognized as a "top priority vendor" for the Veterans Health Administration, America's largest integrated health care system. Spartan Medical has been awarded more than 700 federal government contracts, and it has served hundreds of private medical facilities and schools. Spartan Medical's vast network and experience have made it an industry leader for any organization seeking to buy or sell innovative medical technologies and solutions. Media Contact: Nick Goebel 248-767-6276 [email protected] References: Surgical Site Infection Prevention, J. Seidelman, et al., JAMA.2023;329(3) 244-252 What is the Real Rate of Surgical Site Infection, J. Taylor, et al., Journal of Oncology Practice , Volume 12, Issue 10 (2016). Risk and Economic Burden of Surgical Site Infection Following Spinal Fusion in Adults, C. Edmiston, et al., Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemio., 2023 Jan;44(1):88-95). S. Litrico, et al., Single-use instrumentation in posterior lumbar fusion could decrease incidence of surgical site infection. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2016;26(1):216. Surfaces modified with nanometer-thick silver-impregnated polymeric films that kill bacteria but support growth of mammalian cells. A Agarwal, et al. Biomaterials, 31 (4), 680-690, 2010. Systemic Toxicity, Local Tissue Response, and Wound Healing Study of Microlyte Ag would dressing, Following Repeated Treatment to Full-Thickness Wounds in Rats 28 Days. Study 15t_41113_02, 2015. Data on file, Imbed Biosciences. The Efficacy of a Synthetic Bioresorbable Antimicrobial Matrix as an Implantable Material for At-Risk Surgical Wounds. Chatelain, R. et al, 2021. Wounds: a Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice, 33(10), pp.245-252 D. Morgan, et al., Characteristics of Healthcare-Associated Infections Contributing to Unexpected In-Hospital Deaths. Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemio., 2010; 31(8): 864-866. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spartan-medical-launches-concentric-attack-on-surgical-site-infections-301949069.html SOURCE Spartan Medical Inc. The funds will be used to help address social and political justice and boost wealth creation through entrepreneurism for the Black Community WASHINGTON , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Leadership Council announced today that it will launch a $1M community impact investment geared towards boosting entrepreneurship and addressing social and economic justice. Recipients include the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, Legal Defense Fund, and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. The announcement was made during the organization's annual recognition gala, a celebration that wraps up ELC Week, an energizing and enriching week of programming geared towards fostering growth and prosperity for the next generation of Black business leaders through programs like its CEO GameChanger Conference and Mid-level Managers Symposium. This year's event hosted nearly 4000 guests, including corporate CEOs, executives and up-and-coming business leaders from the largest global corporations at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center Oct. 3 - 6 . The closing event featured a star performance from R&B legends Boyz II Men and honored Black leaders in Corporate America including Ariel Investments Co-CEO Mellody Hobson , independent board member and corporate executive Arlene Isaacs-Lowe and Synchrony. Click to download photos from Imagine Photography. A focal point of the week for attendees was the The ELC Scholars Annual Honors Symposium which provided a record-breaking $3M in scholarships and brought together 138 collegiates from 67 academic institutions, including 40 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). During the symposium, scholars had the opportunity to receive professional development and participate in workshops hosted by corporate sponsors including "Executive Presence: Gravitas Like a Boss," hosted by Bank of America, "Your Network is Your Net Worth Leveraging Sponsors & Mentors," hosted by Amazon, and "Navigating The Interview & Cultivating a Confident You," hosted by Synchrony, among others. This year's scholarships were made possible by 3M, ADM, Amazon, Bank of America, Bristol Myers Squibb, Brunswick, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Hewlett-Packard, HSBC, Johnson & Johnson, Lowe's, Moody's, Nationwide, Otis, Otsuka, Raytheon, Synchrony, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and UnitedHealth Group. ABOUT THE ELC: The Executive Leadership Council opens channels of opportunity for the development of Black executives to positively impact business and our communities. An independent non-profit 501(c)(3) founded in 1986, The ELC is the pre-eminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-suites, on corporate boards and in global enterprises. Comprising more than 800 current and former Black CEOs, senior executives and board directors at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies and entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, its members work to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowers global Black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the global communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.elcinfo.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-executive-leadership-councils-symposium-and-recognition-gala-week-wraps-up-with-1m-community-impact-investment-301949944.html SOURCE The Executive Leadership Council A roundup of the week's most newsworthy consumer and retail industry press releases from PR Newswire, including a Mean Girls-inspired coffee creamer and a fragrance made from extinct flowers. NEW YORK , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the consumer and retail industries stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Read more of the latest consumer-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNcnsmr, @prnfood, @prnbeauty, and @prnfashion on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/this-week-in-consumer-news-12-stories-you-need-to-see-301948981.html SOURCE PR Newswire CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will host the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, Habitat for Humanity International announced today. The news was shared with a ceremonial passing of the hammer between Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and Twin Cities Habitat during the closing ceremony of this year's week-long blitz build in Charlotte . "President and Mrs. Carter helped open doors for thousands of Habitat homeowners while advancing racial equity in housing," said Chris Coleman , president and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. "It is an honor to be selected as host of the 2024 Carter Work Project and carry on the Carters' inspiring legacy of service and generosity to others." Over five days, more than 2,200 volunteers from around the world helped build 27 of the homes that will make up The Meadows at Plato Price, a west Charlotte neighborhood where a segregation-era, all-Black school that also served as a social and civic engagement hub for the Black community, once stood. "It has truly been a blessing to watch everyone come together and 'get to work' the way President Carter has always encouraged us to do," said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckord . "We are grateful for the inspiring demonstration of love here in Charlotte , and look forward to building more affordable homes in the Twin Cities next year." Historic footage and images from prior Carter Work Projects are available at habitat.ngo/CWPphotos. About Habitat for Humanity Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/twin-cities-habitat-for-humanity-to-host-the-2024-jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-work-project-301949965.html SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International The most difficult part is not to cut yourself when youre crossing the fence. You should put a thick blanket or a bundle of clothing over the blades before jumping. Or, if youre lucky, someone will have some pliers to cut a hole and then you can crawl through. Once inside, put your hands up in the air, walk slowly along the wall, and surrender to the border patrol at Gate 36. This is the instruction manual of Alejandro Cardenas, a recent graduate in architecture from the University of Caracas in Venezuela. His cousin, who crossed into the U.S. last week, has explained everything step by step on WhatsApp. Now the rest of the Cardenas family is hoping to follow suit: three other cousins, two sisters, the mother and a three-year-old granddaughter. They are all waiting on the Mexican edge of the Rio Grande, which at this particular point is just a stream 13 feet across from bank to bank, convinced that tonight they are going to make it: People get through every day. Today I am going in with Gods blessing. Gate 36 on the border between Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua) and El Paso (Texas) has become a kind of lucky charm for hundreds of migrants, especially Venezuelans, who in recent weeks have been focusing their efforts on this piece of desert land, loaded with faith. There are remains of clothing on the ground, and even a tent. They even set up small camps at the very first American crossing, past the river, at arms length of the wire fences. In recent days, videos of large groups of people racing ahead amid the resigned look of Mexican immigration officers have spread on social media. A migrant washes clothes in the river near the border in Ciudad Juarez. Rodrigo Oropeza So much commotion has caused a reinforcement of security in the area. The Texas National Guard has been dismantling the camps and tonight there are five vans guarding them and a handful of armed guards. From time to time, a blue police siren light shines in the face of someone in the group, but it doesnt seem to be enough to intimidate them. Ive been traveling on foot for two months, Ive seen people die, Ive been robbed, Ive been hungry, so now Im not going to leave here, says Gregorio Vazquez, owner of a small mechanical workshop in a Venezuelan town. While he explains how his wife and daughter recently crawled through one of the holes in the wire fence, a voice says that another group has managed to get to the other side and is going through the famous Gate 36. They scream, dance and clench their fists. It is an injection of adrenaline for the people who continue to arrive at this spot, oblivious to the wind that blows ever bigger puffs of sand in their faces. Papi, were going to be next, says a woman with her face covered with a scarf to protect herself from the dust. Border patrol records estimate that in September alone, 50,000 Venezuelans entered the United States without papers. They are one of the nationalities that is contributing most to the migrant surge that has been growing since May, coinciding with the expiration of Title 42, an exceptional measure adopted during the Covid pandemic that allowed immediate deportation without any procedure. Analysts explain the reasons for this peak in Venezuelans as cause-effect stemming from a mixture of good news and half-baked rumors. A group of Venezuelan migrants waiting for the opportunity to cross into the United States this Thursday. Rodrigo Oropeza On the one hand, it is true that the U.S. government has granted work permits through quotas for Venezuelans. It is also true that since there is no bilateral deportation treaty after the diplomatic rupture since the days of Hugo Chavez, when Venezuelans are detained at the border they usually go into a legal limbo until the day of their trial. This hiatus can last up to two years. But that doesnt mean everyone is welcome. The Department of Homeland Security has already announced this week that it has reached an agreement with Caracas. Deportations will begin rapidly in the coming days. Rocky Balboa in El Paso Karismar Rodriguez is 38 years old and has just been released from one of the tent-like migrant detention centers in El Paso. She crossed the river five days ago, put a blanket over the blades and surrendered to the police. On Thursday afternoon, a few hours before her compatriots prepared to cross at night, she sat on a street in the Texas city and explained how bad she had it until they released her. They woke us up at 4 a.m. to take a shower and they barely gave me any medicine. Karismars eyes are very red and she keeps blinking while she talks. The last stage to reach the border involved three days on the roof of a train, the nefarious Beast as it is known among migrants. Because of so much wind and so much cold I got ear infections. And now I think I have an eye infection. Her husband, who accompanied her during the two-month journey across nearly 10 countries, listens to her and nods his head. He remembers seeing corpses floating in the Darien, the jungle that separates Colombia from Panama. But he is adamant that the worst part was in Mexico. The police pulled us off the train, stole our money and left us stranded in the desert. And thank goodness we got rid of the bad guys (coyotes, or human traffickers). He summarizes their odyssey like this: We are like Rocky Balboa, the boxer in the movie, carrying a pain all day long. They both have a yellow bracelet on their wrist. It means that they are going to be sent from Texas to some of the sanctuary cities, so called because of their more welcoming policy towards migrants. They are going to New York, where they have their first hearing pending a deportation trial in June 2024. They will not be able to work legally and will have to struggle to get by. I dont know what will happen, but Im sure Ill be better off there than in my country. A group of people walk in front of the border wall between Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua) and El Paso (Texas). Rodrigo Oropeza The family next to them is being sent to Chicago. They are also Venezuelans. The mother says that they also crossed in several groups. One of her children, almost a baby, is playing on the sidewalk. The street is crowded. The city has even placed public toilets on the sidewalks. Everyone waits at the door of a church that is painted blue and has a giant effigy of Our Lady of Guadalupe to be given food and some clothes. El Paso, a Democratic oasis within very Republican Texas, is saturated. There is no more room in the shelters. Mayor Oscar Leeser declared in late September that the city had reached a breaking point and could no longer help all migrants. The mayor has even expressed gratitude for the policy of the Texas governor, Greg Abbott, a tough Republican hawk who is distributing new arrivals throughout Americas so-called sanctuary cities. It is a pressure strategy to erode the most permissive measures of President Bidens administration with regard to migration. Abbot is addicted to provocation. He has created a wall of buoys in the widest parts of the river and routinely blocks commercial entry points by land with the excuse of conducting comprehensive controls, creating million-dollar economic losses for Mexico. Faced with pressure, Biden has progressively tightened his policy at the border. In May, after the end of Title 42, he sent more than 24,000 agents to patrol the nearly 2,000-mile strip. In late September he sent 800 more and announced an acceleration in deportations. And this week, the president did a U-turn on his pledge when he took office: No more American taxes will be used to build a wall. Through a decree, he has waived 26 federal laws, which will allow the construction of 20 miles (32 kilometers) of barriers in South Texas. The massive arrival of migrants in recent months could well break all recent records. The forecast is more than 200,000 arrests in 2023. From now on, the government will combine a heavy hand with measures to regulate migratory flows, such as quotas, bilateral agreements with countries of origin and the digital system to request asylum through the CBP One application. On the streets of El Paso, a veteran Venezuelan believes that his compatriots will continue to come regardless. He has a tattoo above his right eyebrow that says The Neck, his nickname since he was a bus driver in a Caracas neighborhood. Over there, money wont buy you anything. He has been in El Paso for almost a year. He has already been to his second deportation hearing but still does not have a final date. The Neck says goodbye and rides off on a red bicycle because tomorrow he has to get up early to work at a construction site for some good dollars. VANCOUVER, BC , Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - YourWay Cannabis Brands Inc. (CSE: YOUR) (OTC: YOURF) (FSE: HOB) (the "Company" or "YourWay"), a consumer-centric House of Brands committed to redefining the way consumers and cannabis brands interact, announces the receipt of a complaint against the Company. Trulieve Cannabis Corp., Harvest Health & Recreation, Inc., and Randy Taylor Consulting, LLC (collectively, the "Plaintiffs") filed a verified complaint in the Arizona Superior Court, Maricopa County , against, among others, the Company, Labtronix, Inc., d/b/a Venom Extracts and YourWay Cottonwood, LLC (collectively, the "Defendants").The Plaintiffs claim that the Defendants, their related entities and employees, participated in unlawful kickback schemes to the detriment of the Plaintiffs. While the Company has not yet filed a response to the complaint, the Company's current management team is working to investigate the claims as the alleged misconduct occurred prior to the tenure of the current management team. YourWay does not currently make any payments of the type alleged in the complaint. Once the Company's board of directors has authorized a proposed course of action, the Company will provide stakeholders with a further update. About YourWay Cannabis Brands YourWay is a publicly traded, multi-state and consumer-centric House of Brands committed to redefining the way consumers and cannabis brands interact with sales and operations in Arizona . By building their own brands, partnering with others, and supporting retail partners' control brand strategy, they are dedicated to expanding their reach; remolding the cannabis industry and ultimately redefining consumers and cannabis brands interact. YourWay aims to connect with the cannabis consumer on a deeper level, utilizing decades of brand-building expertise and an integral understanding of the customer experience to create an intuitive suite of branded products that closely aligns with consumer need states. The YourWay portfolio is an all-encompassing House of Brands designed to create a sense of belonging for every cannabis consumer regardless of their relationship with the plant. Please visit www.yourwaycannabis.com or follow us on Twitter at @yourwaycannabis for the latest news and information about YourWay and its brands. Website: www.yourwaycannabis.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: the current management team's investigation of the claims; the Company's commitment to provide a further update to stakeholders once the Company's board of directors has authorized a proposed course of action;and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is 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 information. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical fact but instead reflects management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance, or achievements of the Company. The Company, through several of its subsidiaries, is indirectly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale, and distribution of cannabis in the recreational and medicinal cannabis marketplace in the United States . Local state laws where the Company operates permit such activities however, investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States . Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the US Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis in the United States . Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable United States federal money laundering legislation. While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward nonenforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with recreational and medicinal cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under United States federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of the Company and any proceedings brought against the Company thereunder may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial performance. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yourway-cannabis-brands-announces-complaint-against-the-company-301950023.html SOURCE YourWay Cannabis Brands Inc. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, is seen at their headquarters in downtown Santiago, Chile March 29, 2018. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado/File Photo By Pratima Desai and Julian Luk LONDON (Reuters) - Chile's Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, is reassessing the costs of upgrades to extend the life of its mines, its chairman said on Friday, given cost overruns at El Teniente and Chuquicamata. Higher costs could mean Codelco's debt is likely to reach $30 billion by 2030 from $18 billion now, Chiles Centre for Copper and Mining Studies (CESCO) said in a rare intervention, in August. Mounting costs were also cited as a reason by Moody's Investors Service for its Thursday credit rating downgrade for the state-owned miner. However, Chairman Maximo Pacheco said robust interest in a bond issued recently showed "confidence" in Codelco was strong, adding that the company would maintain capital spending next year at $4 billion, roughly in line with 2023. "We delayed some maintenance and we had some disruption in our operation (during COVID). After COVID we have inflation not seen for years," Pacheco said ahead of the London Metal Exchange industry gathering next week. The company, which has some of the highest input costs for miners in Chile, said in July direct production costs during the first six months of the year jumped 41.3% to hit about $2.12 per pound, from $1.506 the year before. "We are late on our projects, We are with projects that are more expensive," Pacheco said. "But Codelco's production will not continue to decline. From 2024 production will start to go up. There is good reason to believe production will reach levels of 1.7 million tonnes by 2030 gradually." At the heart of Chile's mining industry and a major contributor to state revenues, Codelco needs to revive its copper production from a 25-year low. "The market clearly knows we are facing a reduction in production," Pacheco said. "This is not just about the level of production, it is about the extension of the life of our mines." Pacheco said China remained an important market accounting for 40%-45% of Codelco sales despite a restructure of its sales strategy. Codelco has been grappling with a host of challenges apart from issues at mining sites. On Thursday, Codelco announced its Chief Financial Officer Alejandro Rivera had resigned effective Nov. 3, just months after the surprise June resignation of its CEO. Pacheco also reiterated the company expected to reach an agreement with lithium miner SQM by the end of the year. Chile's government earlier this year announced plans to strengthen state control of the white metal, only allowing public-private partnerships to participate in lithium exploitation. The South American country has the world's largest lithium reserves. (Reporting by Pratima Desai and Julian Luk; Writing by Eric Onstad; Editing by Jan Harvey, Veronica Brown and Sharon Singleton) FILE PHOTO: A Chinese flag is displayed next to a "Made in China" sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo By Stephen Nellis and Max A. Cherney (Reuters) - In a new front in the U.S.-China tech war, President Joe Biden's administration is facing pressure from some lawmakers to restrict American companies from working on a freely available chip technology widely used in China - a move that could upend how the global technology industry collaborates across borders. At issue is RISC-V, pronounced "risk five," an open-source technology that competes with costly proprietary technology from British semiconductor and software design company Arm Holdings. RISC-V can be used as a key ingredient for anything from a smartphone chip to advanced processors for artificial intelligence. Some lawmakers - including two Republican House of Representatives committee chairmen, Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Senator Mark Warner - are urging Biden's administration to take action regarding RISC-V, citing national security grounds. The lawmakers expressed concerns that Beijing is exploiting a culture of open collaboration among American companies to advance its own semiconductor industry, which could erode the current U.S. lead in the chip field and help China modernize its military. Their comments represent the first major effort to put constraints on work by U.S. companies on RISC-V. Representative Mike Gallagher, chairman of the House select committee on China, said in a statement to Reuters that the Commerce Department needs to "require any American person or company to receive an export license prior to engaging with PRC (People's Republic of China) entities on RISC-V technology." Such calls to regulate RISC-V are the latest in the U.S.-China battle over chip technology that escalated last year with sweeping export restrictions that the Biden administration has told China it will update this month. "The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) is abusing RISC-V to get around U.S. dominance of the intellectual property needed to design chips. U.S. persons should not be supporting a PRC tech transfer strategy that serves to degrade U.S. export control laws," Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement to Reuters. McCaul said he wants action from the Bureau of Industry and Security, the part of the Commerce Department that oversees export-control regulations, and would pursue legislation if that does not materialize. The bureau "is constantly reviewing the technology landscape and threat environment, and continually assessing how best to apply our export control policies to protect national security and safeguard core technologies," a Commerce Department spokesperson said in a statement. "Communist China is developing open-source chip architecture to dodge our sanctions and grow its chip industry," Rubio said in a statement to Reuters. "If we don't broaden our export controls to include this threat, China will one day surpass us as the global leader in chip design." "I fear that our export-control laws are not equipped to deal with the challenge of open-source software - whether in advanced semiconductor designs like RISC-V or in the area of AI - and a dramatic paradigm shift is needed," Warner said in a statement to Reuters. RISC-V is overseen by a Swiss-based nonprofit foundation that coordinates efforts among for-profit companies to develop the technology. The RISC-V technology came from labs at the University of California, Berkeley, and later benefited from funding by the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Its creators have compared it to Ethernet, USB and even the internet, which are freely available and draw on contributions from around the world to make innovation faster and cheaper. HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES Executives from China's Huawei Technologies have embraced RISC-V as a pillar of that nation's progress in developing its own chips. But the United States and its allies also have jumped on the technology, with chip giant Qualcomm working with a group of European automotive firms on RISC-V chips and Alphabet's Google saying it will make Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system, work on RISC-V chips. Qualcomm declined to comment. Its executives said in August they believe RISC-V will speed up chip innovation and transform the tech industry. Google did not respond to a request for comment. If Biden's administration were to regulate U.S. companies' participation in the Swiss-based foundation in the manner lawmakers are seeking, the move could complicate how American and Chinese companies work together on open technical standards. It also could create hurdles for China's pursuit of chip self-sufficiency, as well as for U.S. and European efforts to create cheaper and more versatile chips. Jack Kang, vice president of business development at SiFive, a Santa Clara, California-based startup using RISC-V, said potential U.S. government restrictions on American companies regarding RISC-V would be a "tremendous tragedy." "It would be like banning us from working on the internet," Kang said. "It would be a huge mistake in terms of technology, leadership, innovation and companies and jobs that are being created." Regulating the open discussion of technologies is rarer than regulating physical products, but not impossible, said Kevin Wolf, an export-control attorney at law firm Akin Gump who served in the Commerce Department under former President Barack Obama. Existing rules on chip exports could help provide a legal framework for such a proposal, Wolf said. (Reporting by Max A. Cherney and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Will Dunham and Kenneth Li) FILE PHOTO: Elon Musk arrives for a bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Insight Forum for all U.S. senators hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Pho By Tom Hals (Reuters) -Elon Musk was sued by the U.S. securities regulator related to his takeover of Twitter, the latest court battle against the billionaire whose empire spans electric carmaker Tesla, space startup SpaceX and brain-chip startup Neuralink. Below is a list of Musk's legal entanglements. TWITTER LAWSUITS The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has sued Musk to compel the world's richest man to testify as part of a probe into his $44 billion takeover of social media giant Twitter, a court filing on Oct. 5 showed. In May 2022, Twitter investors had sued Musk, claiming he manipulated the company's stock price by failing to disclose in March 2022 that he was amassing shares in the platform now known as X. X was sued in federal court in Florida on Oct. 2 by a legal-marketing company that claims the social media firm's new name infringes its trademark incorporating the letter "X." $56 BILLION TESLA COMPENSATION LAWSUIT A ruling is also expected soon following a non-jury trial challenging Musk's $56 billion pay at Tesla. In the closing arguments in February, a judge pressed lawyers for Tesla directors and the investor challenging Musk's pay over whether the company's explosive growth outweighed misleading disclosures about the pay plan in 2018. EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES Musk's major companies Tesla, SpaceX and the X social media platform are embroiled in several employment discrimination lawsuits. SpaceX was hit in October by a proposed class action lawsuit filed by a former female employee who claims the firm promotes women and minorities less often than white men. The space startup was also sued by the U.S. Justice Department in August for allegedly discriminating against asylum recipients and refugees in hiring. X faces a series of lawsuits alleging sex, age, and disability discrimination stemming from last year's layoffs of half its workforce, along with two separate cases claiming the company owes laid-off employees at least $500 million in severance pay. Tesla and Musk are defending numerous allegations of workplace harassment and discrimination, including lawsuits by California's Department of Civil Rights and by a federal civil rights agency. In April, a federal jury in San Francisco ordered Tesla to pay $3.2 million to a Black elevator operator who won a racial harassment lawsuit. Tesla has said it does not tolerate discrimination and has taken steps to address workers' complaints. LAWSUITS SPARKED BY MUSK'S TWEETS Musk's tweets on the social media platform that he now owns has often courted controversy and been the subject of legal trouble. In March, a U.S. appeals court upheld a decision by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board and said Musk violated federal labor law by tweeting that Tesla employees would lose stock options if they joined a union. The court is reconsidering that ruling. In February, a U.S. jury found Musk and Tesla were not liable for misleading investors when the billionaire tweeted in 2018 that he had "funding secured" to take the electric car company private. The same tweet led to allegations of security fraud by the U.S. SEC and a 2018 settlement under which Musk stepped down as Tesla chairman, paid fines and agreed to get a lawyer's approval for some of his tweets before posting them. Musk now plans to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to consider whether the SEC overstepped its authority in enforcing a consent decree, as part of the 2018 settlement, that he has called a "muzzle" on his free speech. The settlement with SEC had lead to the creation of a "fair fund" under which a $41.53 million payout will be given to investors who lost money due to the Musk tweet, a federal judge said in September. INVESTIGATIONS INTO TESLA'S DRIVER ASSISTANCE FEATURES Tesla is under criminal investigation in the United States over claims the company's electric vehicles can drive themselves, Reuters previously reported. Tesla is facing a lawsuit alleging its Autopilot system caused a fatal crash of a Tesla Model 3 that killed one person and injured two other passengers, according to documents filed in California state court. An attorney for Tesla, in the first U.S. trial over allegations that its Autopilot feature led to a death, however, said the crash was the result of "a classic human error." The company had won a bellwether trial in Los Angeles in April over a Tesla crash related to its Autopilot feature with a strategy of saying that it tells drivers that its technology requires human monitoring, despite the Autopilot name. MUSK PERKS Federal prosecutors in New York have also opened an investigation related to Musk's corporate perks and claims related to vehicle driving range, a source with knowledge of the probe said. The Wall Street Journal first reported the probe. TRUMP SUSPENSION A lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct. 4 asked a U.S. appeals court to revive his lawsuit claiming that X violated his and other users' free-speech rights when it suspended their accounts. The case was dismissed last year. INSIDER TRADING ACCUSATIONS Musk was accused in June of insider trading in a proposed class action by investors who allege he manipulated the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, costing them billions of dollars. In a filing in Manhattan federal court, investors said Musk used Twitter posts, online influencers and publicity stunts like his 2021 appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" to trade profitably at their expense through several Dogecoin wallets that he or Tesla controls. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Del.; Jaspreet Singh and Zaheer Kachwala in BengaluruEditing by Noeleen Walder, Matthew Lewis and Rod Nickel) Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives for his appeal trial on charges of corruption and influence peddling, at Paris courthouse, France, December 5, 2022. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo PARIS (Reuters) -Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was placed under formal investigation on Friday for suspected witness tampering and fraud, as part of a probe into whether he received illegal Libyan funding for his successful 2007 election campaign. Sarkozy, due to go on trial in 2025 over the accusations he illegally accepted the Libyan funds, has always denied wrongdoing. His lawyers could not be immediately reached for comment. In the latest investigation, Sarkozy is accused of interfering with a witness and criminal association with a view to committing fraud, a spokesperson for prosecutors said. Sarkozy had been questioned by a judge since Tuesday in a probe launched in May 2021, after French-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine gave media interviews retracting an earlier account that he had delivered Libyan funds to help Sarkozy. Sarkozy, who remains an important figure in French politics although he no longer holds any elected post, has always denied the accusations. "There's not even the smallest inkling of proof," he said in an interview in 2018. The conservative former president, in office from 2007 to 2012, could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted in the case. He is also fighting various other legal cases. (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and Geert De Clercq; Editing by Jon Boyle and Peter Graff) Palestinian Islamic Jihad supporters participate in an anti-Israel rally marking the 36th anniversary of the movement's foundation in Gaza City, October 6, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - The head of Islamic Jihad denounced Arab attempts to normalise relations with Israel on Friday, as the militant group staged demonstrations in the Palestinian territories and neighbouring states amid Israeli efforts to make peace with Saudi Arabia. "Those who rush towards normalisation with the Zionist project must know, and they do know, that this is their acknowledgment that Palestine is not ours, and that Jerusalem with its mosque is not ours," Ziad al-Nakhala, who is wanted by Israel and designated a terrorist by the United States and others, said in the video address. The remarks were broadcast to demonstrators in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria, who marked the 36th anniversary of the founding of the movement. Armed and masked militants attended the Gaza rally dressed in military style uniforms. Organizers placed two giant flags of Israel and the United States for participants to step on as they arrived at the gathering at an open-air field. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which seeks the destruction of Israel, has fought repeated battles with the Israeli military in recent years and has always rejected any political compromise. It is based in Gaza, a strip of territory controlled by rival militant group Hamas, and also has foreign headquarters in Beirut and Damascus. U.S. President Joe Biden has encouraged Saudi Arabia and Israel to seek an agreement that would build on earlier accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, as well as Morocco and Sudan. Any deal is seen as some way off, with the status of the Palestinians among the key issues to be decided. Al-Nakhala also condemned the Palestinian Authority, the body born out of the Oslo Accords 30 years ago which exercises limited governance in the occupied West Bank, as its security forces clashed briefly with Islamic Jihad militants at a rally in the town of Tulkarm. "Israel kills us with American weapons, and the so-called security services chase us and arrest us upon American decision too," he said, demanding the PA release all Palestinian militants it held in detention. Hours after his comments, unidentified gunmen in the northern West Bank city of Jenin opened fire on the local headquarters of the Palestinian administration. Al-Nakhala said Islamic Jihad remained opposed not only to normalising relations with Israel, but also to the entire peace process that started with the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt in 1978. "We affirm that our resistance continues, and the Islamic Jihad Movement, born from the spirit of Islam, still perseveres in its path. It has not compromised and will not surrender to delusions," he said. (Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi; Additional reporting by Ali Sawafta in Ramallah; Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Peter Graff) ROME (Reuters) - Italy and Britain want to lead the way in Europe in the fight against "illegal migration", the right-wing prime ministers of the two countries said in a joint op-ed published on Friday. The article is another show of unity between two governments whose tough approach on immigration has come under fire from charities and human rights advocates. "Our perspectives and our goals are the same. In fact, we are two of the closest friends in Europe today," they wrote in the Corriere della Sera and The Times newspapers, also noting their shared views on Ukraine and defence cooperation. "We are working together to stop the boats and we are calling on others to act with the same sense of urgency," Meloni and Sunak said, a day after co-hosting a meeting on immigration with other European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also took part in the talks, held on the sidelines of a wider summit in Granada, Spain. At this meeting, "leaders committed to take action to support one another to tackle the challenges of illegal migration," Meloni and Sunak said, adding: "We're proud that Italy and the UK are leading on this together." (Reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Stephen Coates) An Iranian woman sees the news of Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi winning the Nobel Peace Prize on her mobile phone, in a cafe in Tehran, Iran, October 6, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS. DUBAI (Reuters) - "I am exceptionally proud of you, and I miss you dearly," said the daughter of imprisoned Iranian women's rights advocate Narges Mohammadi who won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. Mohammadi, 51, has sacrificed her freedom for most of her adult life and faces many more years behind bars as she vows to keep challenging clerical rule in Tehran. The 17-year-old Kiana Rahmani, who lives in Paris with her father and brother, told Reuters that she was "extremely proud" of her mother. "If she could call me, I would tell her: Hi Maman ... I am very, very proud of you, and I miss you dearly. I hope you will soon be freed from jail to join us," said Rahmani, who has been separated from her mother for eight years. "My father and Ali are also immensely proud of you. Keep fighting for a better Iran." The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides the annual award, said the prize honoured those behind recent unprecedented demonstrations in Iran and called for the release of Mohammadi. "This Nobel Prize isn't just for my mother. It is for Iran, especially Iranian women" Rahmani said. "Keep fighting for a better future," she said when asked what was her message to Iranian women. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Josie Kao) By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) - A federal judge in Oklahoma has allowed a state law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors to take effect, adding to a growing split among courts on whether such laws can be enforced. Gender-affirming care includes puberty blockers, hormones and surgery. Major U.S. medical associations say gender-affirming care is an appropriate and potentially life-saving treatment for gender dysphoria, or distress caused by the mismatch between transgender people's sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. Proponents of the bans say the treatments are unproven and risk long-term harm. In a preliminary order Thursday, U.S. District Judge John Heil in Tulsa said families challenging the law were not likely to succeed in proving that it illegally discriminates on the basis of sex or infringes on parents' rights. A spokesperson for Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said the office "continues to fulfill its duty to defend" the law and "has won a ruling that results in full enforcement of that law." A spokesperson for Lambda Legal, which represents the plaintiffs, had no immediate comment. The law, passed in May, makes it a crime to provide minors "medical or surgical services performed for the purpose of attempting to affirm the minor's perception of his or her gender or biological sex, if that perception is inconsistent with the minor's biological sex." Five families sued the state to block the law in May. They said the law discriminated based on transgender status, and violated parents' rights to direct their children's medical treatment. Heil, refusing to halt the law while the lawsuit proceeds, rejected the arguments. He said the law targeted particular treatments, not sex, and that the U.S. Constitution does not recognize a "fundamental right" for parents to choose particular medical treatments for their children. The decision comes a week after a federal appeals court allowed similar laws to take effect in Tennessee and Kentucky. Another federal appeals court allowed an Alabama ban to take effect in August. But federal district courts in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Indiana have overturned such bans, as has a state court in Montana. The conflict among federal courts could eventually lead to the issue going before the U.S. Supreme Court, although there is no current petition before the court. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Rod Nickel) A general view shows the trading floor at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany October 2, 2017. Zoomed image is taken on slow shutter speed. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File photo A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Kevin Buckland Some welcome calm in markets on Friday, but the worry is that it precedes a storm: U.S. payrolls data looms large at a time when questions about just how hawkish the Fed needs to be has whipsawed every asset class. It has already been an exhausting week, witnessing Treasury yields march to ever higher 16-year peaks, crude oil collapse from near $100 a barrel, world equities dip to the lowest since March, and the yen mysteriously bounce from the closely watched 150 per dollar level. Today, U.S. yields have found a place to rest at 4.72%, the yen is sitting comfortably around 148.50, and Brent is building a floor above $84. APAC stocks are firm, including a welcome 1.8% rally in Hong Kong that paints a rosier backdrop for the mainland market's return from a weeklong holiday on Monday. There is little on Europe's data calendar to draw focus away from U.S. unemployment for long. If sentiment holds in Asia, European stocks can hope to build on yesterday's rebound from March lows. One enclave of market idiosyncrasy that bond investors will want to keep an eye on though is the upward pressure on Japanese yields. A sorry 30-year Japanese government bond auction on Thursday sent a worrying signal about how little investors appreciate the Bank of Japan's heavy-handed stimulus, with unscheduled yield-suppressing operations taking place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week. BOJ actions also run counter to the government's desire to put a floor under the yen. Officials still refuse to comment on whether they were behind Tuesday's sharp rebound, but the central bank's own data suggests Tokyo has yet to step into the market. Developments that could influence markets on Friday: -German industrial orders , manufacturing output, consumer goods (all Aug) -UK house prices (Sep) -US non-farm payrolls (Sep) (Reporting by Kevin Buckland; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Declarations of goodwill between the governments of Mexico and the United States collided with the announcement of 20 miles of new border wall between the two countries. During their visit to Mexico City, the delegation of high-ranking officials from Joe Bidens government was forced to provide explanations to their Mexican counterparts, who acknowledged their concern and the poor timing of the decision to extend a section of the fence in Starr County, an area of 65,000 inhabitants where Texas converges with the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. We believe in bridges, not in walls, said Mexicos Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Barcena, in a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. We had no choice, Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, said Thursday at the High-Level Dialogue on Security, insisting that the resources for construction had already been approved during the Donald Trump administration and that the White House was legally obliged to allocate them to that task. The Mexican Government is, of course, reluctant and opposed to any types of walls, said Barcena, in stating her countrys position on the surprise announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Mayorkas published a message on his X account half an hour before the press conference to close the working visit began, in which he insisted that the Biden Administration is not revisiting Trumps policy on fences to secure its borders. From day one, this administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. I want to be absolutely clear, Mayorkas reiterated, with a hint of discomfort. There is no new Administration policy with respect to border walls. The Secretary of Homeland Security added that the decision was made last June and that for legal reasons the official decree had to published. The controversy in the United States is that the Biden administration waived 26 federal laws in South Texas that stood in the way of the construction of the fence, which will be erected in one of the hot-spots in the exodus of undocumented immigrants from Latin America. The discomfort grew when the Mexican media asked Barcena to clarify the position of Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors government, who praised Biden in January for being the first U.S. president who has not built one meter of wall. Unfortunately, that announcement coincides with their visit, Barcena said, adding that she felt Mayorkas had properly clarified the situation. Biden had already stated his position at the White House a couple of hours earlier. The president, who promised during the electoral campaign in 2020 that he would not extend the border fence, said he had been unable to persuade Congress to change the destination of the resources. Theres nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated for. I cant stop that, he said. When asked by reporters if the wall was effective in stopping immigration. Biden answered simply, no. The announcement also caught the Democratic Party by surprise and caused a backlash in the ranks. The President needs to take responsibility for this decision and reverse course, said Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a statement. The Biden administration was not required to expand construction of the border wall and they certainly were not required to waive several environmental laws to expedite the building. Antony Blinken, Alicia Barcena, Alejandro Mayorkas, Rosa Icela Rodriguez and Ken Salazar in Mexico City, October 5. Jose Mendez (EFE) Mexico does not produce fentanyl The other issue that dominated the visit of Blinken, Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland was combating the fentanyl crisis. Mexico does not produce fentanyl, stated Secretary of Security Rosa Icela Rodriguez at the head of the Mexican delegation, explaining that the country is a transit route. However, moments later, Garland spoke of the distribution chain of synthetic drugs and how the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are producing and trafficking fentanyl from Mexico to the United States. The apparent contradiction was noted by the Mexican journalists, who asked Rodriguez and Barcena for clarification. There is no contradiction in the U.S. position and the Mexican position. In Mexico, we do not produce I insist chemical precursors. Those chemical precursors come from Asia generally from different countries the security secretary said, adding that synthetic drug labs that have been discovered by law enforcement mostly produce methamphetamines. Mexicos refusal to acknowledge that fentanyl is produced in its territory has been one of the most controversial issues in Washington and a recurring point of criticism against the Biden administration by Republicans. Barcena insisted there are no legal laboratories for the production of fentanyl in Mexico but conceded that there are illegal laboratories that do. U.S. officials did not offer further comment on the Mexican secretaries interventions. Later, Barcena insisted on the point. There is no denial. What is true is that what mainly exists in Mexico is methamphetamine, so were facing a different problem, she said of fentanyl use in Mexico, which hasnt arrived in the proportions it has arrived in the United States. The foreign minister also stated her desire to move beyond the narratives that seek to pit the two countries against each other and urged both governments to maintain cooperation in the fight against organized crime, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and the management of the migration crisis. The extradition of Ovidio Guzman, one of the sons of jailed Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, son, was also mentioned at the conference, as well as Washingtons announcement that it would resume mass deportations of Venezuelans to relieve pressure on the border. His extradition is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together, Garland said of Guzman. Blinken highlighted an unprecedented partnership between the two countries, although he also said that the current challenges they face have no point of comparison in the past. Mexico and the U.S. closed this years High-Level Dialogue on Security with renewed promises and new agreements, but not without some differences, pressures, and sticking points, against the backdrop of presidential elections on both sides of the border next year. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition FILE PHOTO: A Chinese maritime militia vessel is seen sailing in the South China Sea, October 4, 2023. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal/File photo By Adrian Portugal NEAR THE SECOND THOMAS SHOAL, South China Sea (Reuters) -The crew of the Philippine coastguard boat watch anxiously as an imposing Chinese vessel draws near and cuts off its path, coming within a metre of collision in a vast stretch of open water in the South China Sea. The captain of the BRP Sindangan shuts off the engine and activates the reverse throttle. China's coastguard issues a warning via megaphone to leave as the Filipino crew watch closely on a radar that shows two vessels side by side. "In accordance with international and Philippine national laws we are proceeding," a crew member responds. "Request to stay clear from our passage." Tense encounters like this, about 100 miles (185 km) off the Philippines and witnessed by a Reuters journalist, are becoming more frequent in Asia's most contested waters as China presses its claim of ownership over almost the entire South China Sea. China rules the waves here, and the Philippine mission is symbolic of a wider battle between Beijing and neighbours determined to uphold sovereign rights in their exclusive economic zones (EEZ). The Philippine coastguard ship is escorting smaller boats to the Second Thomas Shoal that carry supplies to a handful of troops posted to a makeshift garrison aboard the Sierra Madre, a World War Two navy ship that was intentionally grounded on the reef a quarter of a century ago. STRATEGIC BATTLEGROUND Their constant presence aboard the rusty ship has irked China and turned the Second Thomas Shoal into a strategic battleground, with Beijing deploying its more modern coastguard ships and clusters of fishing boats as far as 620 miles (1,150 km) from the Chinese coast. Just 800 metres away, a grey navy ship starts to follow the Sindangan, joining the four Chinese coastguard vessels and five other boats suspected by the Philippines of being militia. The Sindangan hangs back as the supply boats advance to complete the remaining nine miles (17 km) to reach the troops aboard the Sierra Madre. China condemned the resupply mission, saying Philippine vessels had "intruded" in its waters in the Spratly Islands without its permission. It has previously ordered the Philippines to tow the grounded ship away from the atoll. The stakes are high if this brinkmanship turns to miscalculation in the South China Sea. Relations between the Philippines and China have further soured this year at a time of strengthened military engagement between Manila and Washington that Beijing says risks stoking regional tensions. The Philippines and the United States have a Mutual Defense Treaty, and the Pentagon in May made clear it would protect the Philippines if its coastguard came under attack "anywhere in the South China Sea". Jay Tarriela of the Philippine coastguard said it was his country's right to operate freely in its EEZ and accused China of violating international law. "They have carried out dangerous manoeuvres and blocking operations to prevent our routine operations in providing supplies for our military troops," he told reporters. (Reporting by Adrian Portugal; Writing by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty) Former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a break at a Manhattan courthouse as he attends trial in a civil fraud case brought by state Attorney General Letitia James against him, his adult sons, the Trump Organization and others in New York City, By Jack Queen (Reuters) - A New York state appeals court on Friday temporarily halted the dissolution of some of Donald Trumps most valuable properties as it weighs the former U.S. presidents appeal in a civil fraud case. The ruling by the New York Appellate Division pauses enforcement of a September order by Justice Arthur Engoron, who found Trump and his family business committed fraud and stripped them of companies that control crown jewels of his real estate empire, including Trump Tower and 40 Wall Street in Manhattan. The court's move is not an indication of how it will decide the appeal, which could take more than a year. The appeals court in the same ruling rejected Trump's bid to put on hold a trial that began last week to determine how much Trump, 10 of his companies, and his two adult sons must pay in penalties for allegedly inflating his net worth to secure more favorable loan terms. Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has denied wrongdoing and said the case is part of a political witch hunt. His lawyer, Christopher Kise, said in a statement on Friday that he was pleased the courts attempt to reach issues, entities and assets beyond the scope of this case has been suspended. The lawsuit by New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges Trump inflated the value of his assets by billions of dollars to reap hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten savings on loan interest. James is seeking at least $250 million in fines, a permanent ban against Trump and his sons Donald Jr and Eric from running businesses in New York and a five-year commercial real estate ban against Trump and the Trump Organization. The trial is expected to run through mid-December. Trump, who attended the first three days of trial in Manhattan earlier this week, has said he will testify. While this is a civil case, Trump faces other major legal challenges that have been a financial drain and made him the first sitting or former U.S. president to be criminally charged. He has been charged in Washington over his efforts to undo his loss in the 2020 presidential election, in Georgia over moves to reverse election results there, in Florida over his handling of classified documents upon leaving office, and in New York over hush money payments to a porn star. Trump has denied wrongdoing in all cases and pleaded not guilty. (Reporting by Jack Queen; Editing by Bill Berkrot) FILE PHOTO: New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivers a speech during a meeting with migrants, community leaders, and mayors from the Mixteca region, in Puebla, Mexico October 5, 2023. REUTERS/Imelda Medina/File Photo By Jonathan Allen and Mica Rosenberg (Reuters) - New York Mayor Eric Adams this weekend visits the Darien Gap, a treacherous rainforest traversed by thousands of mostly South American migrants a month, to try to dissuade them from coming as U.S. cities like his own struggle to accommodate them. His unusual trip to Mexico, Ecuador and Colombia underscores the criticism that he and other Democratic city and state leaders have voiced for the immigration policies of their fellow Democrat, President Joe Biden. "Our hearts are endless, but our resources are not," Adams said at a press conference during a stop in Puebla in central Mexico. "They deserve a more dignified environment than we are able to give." That New York City's mayor has traveled thousands of miles to make his case highlights how the latest wave of migrants is reshaping the immigration debate among some Democratic leaders. Republican governors near the border have been fiercely critical of Biden's border policies. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been busing thousands of migrants north to New York, Chicago and other Democratic-controlled cities. But in recent months, Adams and some other Democrats have said their cities far from the southern border are now also being strained by a surge of new arrivals, many of whom are fleeing violence and economic distress in Venezuela. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, called the influx "untenable" in a letter to Biden on Monday, while the mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, also a Democrat, said this week he planned to visit the U.S.-Mexico border after more than 17,000 migrants had arrived in the city since last year. Immigration will likely be a campaign theme in the U.S. 2024 presidential race with a 54% majority of Americans agreeing with the statement that "immigration is making life harder for native-born Americans," a September Reuters/Ipsos poll found. Some 73% of Republicans and 37% of Democrats surveyed agreed with that statement. Biden's administration said on Thursday it will add sections to a wall to reduce the record number of migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, carrying forward a signature policy of former President Donald Trump, Biden's predecessor and the frontrunner in the Republican race to challenge him in 2024. ADAMS SAYS ASYLUM SEEKERS ARE MISLED Adams has said that many asylum seekers set out for New York in the belief they would receive jobs and rooms in "five-star hotels" upon arrival, led astray by misinformation spread by smugglers and on social media. "We're saying that is not true." The New York Immigration Coalition and other advocacy groups have criticized Adams' trip as an ineffectual use of time and money when Adams is slashing city budgets, saying New York's mayor has no influence on international policy and that the city has mismanaged the existing shelter system. They have said his remarks last month that the migrant crisis will "destroy New York City" are inflammatory. This week, Adams' office asked a judge to end a decades-old right-to-shelter mandate, which requires New York to provide a place to sleep to anyone who needs one. The city says hundreds of migrants are arriving each day with nowhere to stay. The effort is opposed by the Legal Aid Society, which advocates for newly arrived migrants seeking shelter. Joshua Goldfein, a Legal Aid attorney, said it was unclear whether physically traveling to the Darien Gap might help with the crisis in New York City, and there was more the mayor could be doing without leaving his hometown. Much of the misinformation the mayor has described was being seen by asylum seekers on cellphones, in TikTok videos being shared on WhatsApp. To counter this, the city should be making its own videos in the languages of the migrants traveling north, Goldfein said. "All three levels of government need to step up here to solve this problem," Goldfein said: the federal government should be giving people work authorization, and assisting local officials in states and cities to meet new arrivals and help them resettle in less expensive and strained cities. "But they're all sort of pointing fingers at each other." Adams will tour migrant shelters in Ecuador on Friday, and on Saturday he will visit the Darien Gap, a roadless jungle region straddling the Colombia-Panama border that requires several days of dangerous hiking to cross, although it is unclear how far in the mayor will go. (Reporting by Jonathan Allen and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Howard Goller) A person holds a sign for Manuel "Tortuguita" Paez Teran, a man that was shot and killed by police officers near the proposed building site for the Atlanta public training facility, during a march to Defend The Atlanta Forest on the South River Trail in A By Rich McKay ATLANTA (Reuters) - Six Georgia state troopers will not face charges in the January shooting death of a protestor who fired at officers at the construction site of a controversial Atlanta police training center, prosecutors said on Friday. In a 31-page summary report, a special Georgia prosecutor said Manuel Paez Teran, 26, was shot and killed by officers after he fired a gun from his tent at the planned training center. Police had ordered Teran to leave the property, the report said. Teran, an Atlanta resident, fired four times and hit one trooper before other officers returned fire, fatally striking him, the report said. Teran's friends and family have disputed the account. An attorney for Teran's family, Brian Spears, said the family is disappointed by the decision and urged officials to release their full report, supporting documents and any existing video of the incident. Spears has previously said an autopsy commissioned by the family showed that Teran had his hands raised when he was shot and that he was hit 57 times. The announcement is the latest chapter in a two-year fight over an 85-acre (34.4 hectares) wooded site where the $90 million Atlanta Public Safety Training Center is being built. The property was frequently occupied by scores of protesters, who have dubbed it "Cop City." The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which conducted the probe with the special prosecutor, said in a statement that the use of deadly force "was objectively reasonable under the circumstances of this case." The wounded trooper had a bullet removed from tissue near his spine, the report said. (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; editing by Rami Ayyub) Taghi Ramahi, husband of Narges Mohammadi, a jailed Iranian women's rights advocate, who won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, poses with an undated photo of himself and his wife, during an interview at his home in Paris, France, October 6, 2023. REUTERS/Christ PARIS/OSLO (Reuters) - The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Iranian women's rights advocate Narges Mohammadi will further encourage her struggle and the movement she leads, her husband told Reuters on Friday. "This Nobel Prize will embolden Narges' fight for human rights, but more importantly, this is in fact a prize for the woman, life and freedom (movement)," Mohammadi's husband Taghi Rahmani said in an interview at his home in Paris. Mohammadi, an Iranian women's rights advocate serving some 12 years in jail, won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a decision likely to anger Tehran. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides the annual award, urged Iran to release Mohammadi, one of the nation's leading activists who has campaigned for both women's rights and the abolition of the death penalty. (This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the husband's name to 'Rahmani', not 'Ramahi', in paragraph 2) (Reporting by Anthony Paone in Paris, Shahrzad Faramarzi, and Gwladys Fouche in Oslo; Editing by Terje Solsvik) OSLO (Reuters) - Two generals from Norway and Russia met in the Arctic on Thursday to discuss border cooperation and related issues, the Norwegian armed forces said on Friday, in the first known such meeting since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year. The meeting between Lieutenant General Yngve Odlo, chief of Norway's joint headquarters and Lieutenant General Stanislav Vladimirovich Maslov, chief of the FSB Border Directorate for Russia's Western Arctic region, took place on a Norwegian coast guard vessel, the Norwegian military said in a statement. Russia and Norway share a border in the Arctic. "It is important to conduct these meetings to discuss challenges and agree on common objectives and necessary measures regarding border cooperation, rescue cooperation, and fisheries management," Odlo said in a statement. "It can prevent accidents and misunderstandings between Norway and Russia," he added. Norway's delegation consisted, in addition to the chief of the Norwegian joint headquarters, of representatives from the Norwegian coast guard, the Norwegian border commissioner, and the Norwegian defence attache in Moscow. Cooperation on the Norwegian-Russian border is based on a bilateral agreement dating from 1949. Fisheries cooperation between the two countries dates back to the 1970s. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Gwladys Fouche) Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) carries a box as he leaves the office of the Speaker of the House and heads out of the U.S. Capitol several hours after being ousted from the position of Speaker by a vote of the House of Representatives o By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on Friday he will finish his congressional term and run for re-election, denying media reports that suggested the Republican would resign from Congress before the end of his term. THE TAKE McCarthy's future has been the subject of speculation since he became the first House speaker in U.S. history to be ousted from that position, after angering hardline critics in his party. Citing sources, CNN reported earlier on Friday that McCarthy was expected to step down from Congress and that he did not plan to get involved in the race for a new speaker. KEY QUOTES "No, I'm not resigning. I'm staying, so don't worry," McCarthy told reporters on Friday when asked about the report. "We're going to keep the majority. I'm going to help the people I got here, and we're going to expand it." CONTEXT The slim 221-212 Republican majority in the House is preparing to select McCarthy's replacement. Republicans are scheduled to vote for a nominee on Wednesday, though it make take a while for them to settle on a candidate. Two Republican lawmakers are campaigning to replace McCarthy: Steve Scalise, who was second to McCarthy on the leadership ladder, and Jim Jordan, an outspoken conservative who has the endorsement of former Republican President Donald Trump. At least one other lawmaker, Kevin Hern, has said he may run as well. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh and David Morgan in Washington; Editing by Rami Ayyub and Rosalba O'Brien) Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev attends a video conference meeting to discuss agricultural issues including spring field operations in Moscow, Russia, May 18, 2023. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS/File Photo MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will start delivering its grain to African countries within a month to six weeks, the Interfax news agency cited Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev as saying on Friday. "We are now finalising all the documents. I think that within a month - or a month and a half - they will start," Interfax quoted Patrushev as saying. President Vladimir Putin told African leaders in July he would gift them tens of thousands of tons of grain despite Western sanctions, which he said made it harder for Moscow to export its grain and fertilisers. "We will be ready to provide Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea with 25-50,000 tonnes of free grain each in the next three to four months," Putin told a Russia-Africa summit at the time. U.N. chief Antonio Guterres has called the promised grain "a handful of donations". Russia in July quit a year-old agreement that had allowed Ukraine, one of the world's biggest exporters, to ship grain from its Black Sea ports. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Osborn) FILE PHOTO: A Starbucks logo hangs outside of one of the 8,000 Starbucks-owned American stores that will close around 2 p.m. local time on Tuesday as a first step in training 175,000 employees on racial tolerance in the Brooklyn borough of New York, U.S., By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) - Starbucks Corp must provide U.S. regulators with documents detailing its spending on efforts to discuss unionizing with workers, part of the agency's probe into whether the coffee chain violated financial disclosure laws, a federal judge has ruled. The decision, which the U.S. Labor Department announced on Friday, requires Starbucks to document travel expenses it paid to send former CEO Howard Schultz and other company officers to Buffalo, New York in 2021 after workers there filed a petition to hold a union election. The Labor Department subpoenaed the information as part of its investigation into whether Starbucks should have disclosed expenses related to the trip and bonuses paid to the company officers. Federal law requires employers to report expenses aimed at discouraging organizing and union membership. A Buffalo Starbucks in December 2021 became the first in the company's history to unionize, and workers at more than 360 U.S. locations have followed suit. Starbucks and Schultz have faced allegations of widespread illegal union-busting from workers, labor groups and Democratic lawmakers. The company has denied the claims and is defending itself against scores of complaints before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which is separate from the Labor Department. Last week, the NLRB said Starbucks must turn over a document dubbed the "petition store playbook" outlining how the company would respond to worker petitions for union elections. NLRB lawyers requested the document in a case involving organizing at a Connecticut store. In the ruling issued Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman in Seattle also ordered the coffee chain to provide records of its expenses to create and maintain a website providing information about union organizing. Starbucks in a statement said it had not been accused of wrongdoing by the Labor Department, and would "continue to engage with government officials to provide clarifying information on our compliance with decades of labor law." Jeff Freund, director of the Labor Department office that enforces the reporting law, said the judge's ruling will help the agency determine whether Starbucks was required to report expenses related to the trip to Buffalo and the website. The department served the subpoena on Starbucks earlier this year and filed a court petition in May after the company objected. Starbucks had argued that the disclosure law did not require reporting of payments to its own employees involved in responding to union campaigns. The company said the Labor Department had never previously required that information, and that it was illegal for the agency to reverse course without adopting a formal rule. Pechman in her ruling said Starbucks could raise those arguments as defenses if the Labor Department accuses the company of violating the disclosure law, but not in an attempt to toss out the subpoena. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and David Gregorio) CAIRO (Reuters) - Three inmates were killed and 16 others injured in a fire on Friday at a prison in Lebanon's Zahle city, according to a security source and state-run news agency NNA. Prisoners set fire to furniture and tried to hold two officers hostages in a riot that started after a routine inspection uncovered a hole dug by inmates attempting to escape, the senior security source told Reuters. "The fire was contained and the riot was controlled," he added. (Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly, Ahmed Tolba, and Laila Bassam, writing by Muhammad Al Gebaly, Editing by Alex Richardson) KYODO NEWS - Oct 6, 2023 - 22:02 | Japan, All, 3/11 Fukushima The International Atomic Energy Agency will send a task force to Japan late this month for a safety review of the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear complex into the sea, the Japanese government said Friday. The planned visit by the IAEA team from Oct. 24 to 27 will be the first review by the U.N. nuclear watchdog since the water discharge began in late August, according to the Foreign Ministry. It will come at a time when China remains strongly opposed to the discharge, citing health concerns. The task force will consist of 11 experts from Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, France, South Korea, the Marshall Islands, Russia, the United States and Vietnam, all of whom will take part in the mission "from an independent standpoint," according to the ministry. The ministry said that Japan will "continue to provide necessary information to the IAEA" and remains "committed to making efforts toward promoting better understanding among the international community" regarding the handling of the water. The IAEA last dispatched a review team to Japan in late May until early June, before it submitted a final report to Japan's government in July concluding that the water release aligns with global safety standards and would have "a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment." China has imposed a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports while claiming that the discharge could harm the marine environment and human health. Related coverage: Japan begins 2nd round of Fukushima treated water discharge 1st round of treated water release off Fukushima plant completed Residents file suit to halt wastewater release from Fukushima plant ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A Turkish-flagged general cargo ship that was sailing on Thursday in the Black Sea en route to Ukraine's Izmail port did not sustain damage from an explosion, Turkey's maritime authority and the ship's captain told Reuters on Friday. "An explosion occurred 15-20 meters behind the Kafkametler ship en route to Izmail port from Batumi port while it was cruising off the coast of Romania/Sulina (port)," the authority said. The ship continued sailing to its destination to deliver its cargo following checks and there was no evidence that the explosion was caused by a mine, it added. Maritime sources told Reuters on Thursday that the vessel had hit a sea mine and sustained minor damage, although the crew was safe. The vessel's Istanbul-based operator Kafkametler Maritime said the vessel was currently on its way to Izmail port and ship congestion in the Danube channel meant it was moving slower. The company added that the crew were safe and the vessel did not need any maintenance. The vessel's captain said separately in a statement that while the cause of the blast was not clear, the explosion appeared to have been caused by a bottom mine in the Black Sea. (Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun and Jonathan Saul; Editing by Mark Potter) Russian businessman, co-founder of Alfa-Group Mikhail Fridman attends a conference of the Israeli foundation Keren Hayesod in Moscow, Russia, September 17, 2019. Pavel Golovkin/Pool via REUTERS KYIV (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court has frozen the Ukrainian assets of three Russian businessmen over their alleged support for Russia's war in Ukraine, prosecutors and the security service said on Friday. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said assets owned by Mikhail Fridman, Pyotr Aven and Andrey Kosogov had been frozen. They were considered part of President Vladimir Putin's close circle and contributed to "large-scale financing of the Russian Federation's armed aggression", it said. The three businessmen did not immediately comment on the moves and comments by the SBU and prosecutors. "At the request of prosecutors... assets of 20 Ukrainian companies totalling over 17 billion hryvnias ($464.48 million)were frozen," the Prosecutor General's Office said on the Telegram messaging app. It said the frozen assets included securities and corporate rights of mobile phone operators, a mineral water producer, financial and insurance companies. "The beneficial owners of the companies are three Russian oligarchs who own one of the largest Russian financial and investment consortia," it said. Since the beginning of Russia's military invasion in February 202, Ukraine has repeatedly seized and nationalised property belonging to Russian businessmen involved in financing the aggression. ($1 = 36.6000 hryvnias) (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage, William Maclean) (Reuters) - Ukrainian troops made headway in the eastern theatre of their counteroffensive to oust Russian occupying forces but are under pressure further north, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday. Russian forces backed by Su-35 attack aircraft had started attacking along the front line in the direction of Makiivka in the Luhansk region, a spokesperson for Ukraine's eastern group of forces said. "The most difficult area is the Lyman-Kupiansk sector," the spokesperson, Ilia Yevlash, told Ukrainian television, referring to two towns recaptured by Ukrainian troops late last year but still subject to Russian assaults. "The intensity of assaults there has increased ... The enemy has chosen a new point - Makiivka - and is directing all its main efforts into this direction. Of course, we are also repulsing enemy attacks and inflicting damage on forces and equipment." Fighting has flared up periodically near Lyman and Kupiansk and Ukraine says Russia has redeployed more than 110,000 troops to the area. A Russian missile struck a store and an adjacent cafe on Thursday in the village of Hroza, west of Kupiansk, killing 51 people as residents attended a service for a fallen Ukrainian soldier. Also in the east, Ukrainian forces are battling to regain ground near the devastated city of Bakhmut, seized by Russian forces in May after months of fighting. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, in its evening report, said Kyiv's forces had "achieved success" south of Andriivka - a village south of Bakhmut captured by Ukrainian troops last month in Donetsk region. The report said Russian forces had unsuccessfully tried to regain lost positions in an area further south. Russian accounts of the fighting said Moscow's forces had repelled two Ukrainian attacks west of the Russian-held city of Donetsk. Reuters was unable to independently verify reports of battlefield activity from either side. In the southern theatre, Kyiv's forces are pushing toward the Sea of Azov in an attempt to split Russian-occupied territory in two. The Ukrainian General Staff said its forces were pressing on with their southward advance in the Zaporizhzhia region and had repelled a Russian attack near the village of Robotyne. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has acknowledged that the counteroffensive is proceeding more slowly than the military would like, but has dismissed Western criticism that Kyiv's strategy. (Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Stephen Coates) FILE PHOTO: A Chinese flag is displayed next to a "Made in China" sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo By Stephen Nellis (Reuters) - Two senior Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday pressed the Biden administration for tougher enforcement of export controls on sending advanced computing chips and the tools to make them to China. In a letter to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Representatives Michael McCaul and Mike Gallagher, respectively chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a select committee on China, said that new advances by China's top chipmaker show that the a sweeping set of rules rolled out a year ago this month need updating to close what the lawmakers called loopholes. The letter comes after Huawei Technologies unveiled a new Mate 60 Pro smartphone that contained advanced chips made by China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) despite U.S. sanctions. "The October 7 rules and SMICs growing capabilities reveal a stagnant, obscured bureaucracy that does not understand Chinas industrial policy, does not understand Chinas military goals, and does not understand technology at all - and does not have the will to act," McCaul and Gallagher said in the letter. The lawmakers urged the Biden administration to update the rules and take immediate action against Huawei and SMIC. They also urged the administration cut off Chinese companies' access to powerful artificial-intelligence chips accessed through cloud computing services and to start enforcing the administration's own rules around placing restrictions on Chinese companies that do not allow U.S. officials to verify whether Chinese companies are complying with U.S. export rules. Reuters reported this week that the Biden administration has warned China it plans to update the rules. Spokespeople for the National Security Council and the Bureau of Industry and Security, the arm of the Commerce Department that oversees export controls, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Matthew Lewis) THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The World Court will sit next Thursday to hear Armenia's demand for an emergency order to Azerbaijan to withdraw all its troops from civilian establishments in Nagorno-Karabakh, the court said on Friday. It is the fourth time the World Court, formally known as the International Court of Justice, will hear a request for emergency measures as part of two competing legal disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both states accuse each other before the ICJ of violating a U.N. anti-discrimination treaty. In February, the United Nations' highest court ordered Azerbaijan to ensure free movement through the Lachin corridor to and from Nagorno-Karabakh after already ordering both sides in December last year of refraining from any actions that would aggravate their dispute. Last month, Azerbaijan launched a military operation that caused more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of "ethnic cleansing" in Karabakh, which Baku denies. The World Court in The Hague is the U.N. court for resolving disputes between countries. Its rulings are binding, but it has no direct means of enforcing them. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Angus MacSwan) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-D ASSET-BACKED ISSUER DISTRIBUTION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the distribution period from August 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023 Commission File Number of issuing entity: 333-166301-17 Central Index Key of issuing entity: 0001594688 SLM STUDENT LOAN TRUST 2014-1 (Exact name of issuing entity as specified in its charter) Commission File Number of depositor: 333-166301 Central Index Key of depositor: 0000949114 NAVIENT FUNDING, LLC (Exact name of depositor as specified in its charter) Central Index Key of sponsor: 0001601725 NAVIENT SOLUTIONS, LLC (Exact name of sponsor as specified in its charter) Scott Booher (703) 984-6890 (Name and telephone number, including area code, of the person to contact in connection with this filing) Delaware 04-3480392 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of the issuing entity) 04-3480392 54-1843973 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Nos.) c/o Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware 111 Continental Drive, Suite 102 Newark, Delaware 19713 (Zip Code) (Address of principal executive offices of issuing entity) (703) 984-6890 (Telephone number including area code) Not Applicable (Former name, former address, if changed since last report) Registered/reporting pursuant to (check one) Title of class Section 12(b) Section 12(g) Section 15(d) Name of exchange (If Section 12(b)) (If Section 12(b)) Class A Student Loan Backed Notes Class B Student Loan Backed Notes Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No PART I DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION Item 1. Distribution and Pool Performance Information. On September 25, 2023, SLM Student Loan Trust 2014-1 (the Trust) made its regular monthly distribution of funds to holders of its Student Loan-Backed Notes. Navient Solutions, LLC (formerly, Navient Solutions, Inc.), as the administrator, distributed the Monthly Distribution Report for the Trust for the period identified on the cover of this Form 10-D to the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Trusts noteholders of record. This Monthly Distribution Report is attached to this Report as Exhibit 99.1. This report as well as other information about the Trust is also available on the Administrators website at http://www.navient.com/about/investors/debtasset/slmsltrusts/ . There is no activity to report under Rule 15Ga-1(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the Trust for the distribution period referred to in the second sentence of this paragraph. The depositor of the Trust filed its most recent report on Form ABS-15G on February 8, 2023 (such report is available at www.sec.gov under the depositors CIK No. 0000949114). PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 2. Legal Proceedings. The following four paragraphs are disclosure received from Navient Solutions, LLC (formerly, Navient Solutions, Inc.) (Navient Solutions), the servicer for this transaction. Navient Corporation (Navient) has been named as defendant in a number of putative class action cases alleging violations of various state and federal consumer protection laws including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (the CFPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the FCRA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the FDCPA), in adversarial proceedings under the United States Bankruptcy Code, and various state consumer protection laws. At this point in time, Navient is unable to anticipate the timing of a resolution or the impact that these legal proceedings may have on its consolidated financial position, liquidity, results of operation or cash flows. As a result, it is not possible at this time to estimate a range of potential exposure, if any, for amounts that may be payable in connection with these matters and reserves have not been established. It is possible that an adverse ruling or rulings may have a material adverse impact on Navient, Navient Solutions and/or their affiliates or on the financial ability of the depositor, the servicer or a seller to fulfill an obligation to purchase or repurchase trust student loans in connection with a breach of representation, warranty or covenant. In January 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the CFPB) and the Attorneys General for the State of Illinois and the State of Washington initiated civil actions naming Navient and several of its subsidiaries (including Navient Solutions) as defendants alleging violations of certain federal and state consumer protection statutes, including the CFPA, the FCRA, the FDCPA and various state consumer protection laws. The Attorneys General for the States of Pennsylvania, California, Mississippi, and New Jersey also initiated actions against Navient and certain subsidiaries alleging violations of various state and federal consumer protection laws based on similar alleged acts or failures to act. In addition to these matters, a number of lawsuits have been filed by nongovernmental parties or, in the future, may be filed by additional governmental or nongovernmental parties seeking damages or other remedies related to similar issues raised by the CFPB and the State Attorneys General. In January 2022, Navient entered into a series of Consent Judgment and Orders (the Agreements) with 40 State Attorneys General to resolve all matters in dispute related to the State Attorneys General cases as well as the related investigations, subpoenas, civil investigative demands and inquiries from various other state regulators. These Agreements do not resolve the litigation involving Navient and the CFPB. Navient believes the allegations in the CFPB suit are false and that they improperly seek to impose penalties on Navient based on new, previously unannounced servicing standards applied retroactively against only one servicer. Navient therefore has denied these allegations and are vigorously defending against the allegations in that case. At this point in time, it is reasonably possible that a loss contingency exists; however, Navient is unable to anticipate the timing of a resolution or the impact that an adverse ruling in the CFPB case may have on Navients consolidated financial position, liquidity, results of operation or cash flows. As a result, it is not possible at this time to estimate a range of potential exposure, if any, for amounts that may be payable in connection with this matter and reserves have not been established. It is possible that an adverse ruling or rulings may have a material adverse impact on Navient, Navient Solutions and/or their affiliates or on the financial ability of the depositor, the servicer or a seller to fulfill an obligation to purchase or repurchase trust student loans in connection with a breach of representation, warranty or covenant. It is possible that an adverse ruling or rulings may have a material adverse impact on the trust student loans. In either case, the payments on your notes may be adversely affected. On April 12, 2023, Navient reached an agreement in principle (Settlement) with certain plaintiffs for a nationwide settlement of claims raised in the following bankruptcy adversary actions: Coyle v. Navient Solutions, LLC, No. 22-80018 (Bankr. W.D. Mich.); Homaidan v. SLM Corp., No. 1:17-ap-01085 (Bankr. E.D.N.Y.); Mazloom v. Navient Solutions, LLC, No. 20-80033-6 (Bankr. N.D.N.Y.); and Woodard v. Navient Solutions, LLC, No. 08-81442 (Bankr. D. Neb.) collectively referred to as the Bankruptcy Cases. This settlement in principle is subject, among other things, to final documentation and final court approval. Under the Settlement, Navient will forego the collection of defined balances for borrowers or co-borrowers of certain private loans all of which were originated prior to Navients separation who have received a discharge in bankruptcy during the periods covered by the agreements. As a result, Navient recorded $23 million additional private loan provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2023 related to the estimated future charge offs that are expected to occur. Navient has also agreed to fund settlement funds. It anticipates that any cash contribution it will be required to make to these funds will not exceed $44 million in the aggregate and will be fully covered by insurance. The net impact to operating expense for this element of the settlement for the first quarter of 2023 was $0 due to the accrual of the offsetting insurance reimbursements. Item 3. Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds. None. Item 4. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. None. Item 5. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None. Item 6. Significant Obligors of Pool Assets. No updates to report. Item 7. Change in Sponsor Interest in the Securities. None. Item 8. Significant Enhancement Provider Information. No updates to report. Item 9. Other Information. None. Item 10. Exhibits . (a) 99.1 Monthly Distribution Report for SLM Student Loan Trust 2014-1 in relation to the distribution for September 2023. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Trust has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Dated: October 6, 2023 SLM STUDENT LOAN TRUST 2014-1 By: NAVIENT SOLUTIONS, LLC, the Administrator By: /s/ CHARLES S. BOOHER Name: Charles S. Booher Title: Vice President INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit Number Exhibit 99.1 Monthly Distribution Report for SLM Student Loan Trust 2014-1 in relation to the distribution for September 2023. As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2023 Registration No. 333-198865 Registration No. 333-203933 Registration No. 333-211118 Registration No. 333-220316 Registration No. 333-222516 Registration No. 333-224866 Registration No. 333-231183 Registration No. 333-237978 Registration No. 333-255671 Registration No. 333-255674 Registration No. 333-266479 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-198865 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-203933 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-211118 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-220316 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-222516 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-224866 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-231183 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-237978 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-255671 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-255674 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-266479 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 HORIZON THERAPEUTICS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Ireland 98-1195602 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 70 St. Stephens Green Dublin 2, D02 E2X4, Ireland Not Applicable (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Horizon Pharma, Inc. 2005 Stock Plan Horizon Pharma, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan Horizon Pharma, Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Horizon Pharma Public Limited Company 2014 Equity Incentive Plan Horizon Pharma Public Limited Company 2014 Non-Employee Equity Plan Horizon Pharma Public Limited Company 2014 Employee Share Purchase Plan Horizon Therapeutics Public Limited Company 2020 Equity Incentive Plan Horizon Therapeutics Public Limited Company Amended and Restated 2020 Equity Incentive Plan Horizon Therapeutics Public Limited Company 2020 Employee Share Purchase Plan Horizon Therapeutics Public Limited Company Amended and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (Full titles of the plans) c/o Amgen Inc. Jonathan P. Graham, Esq., Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary One Amgen Center Drive Thousand Oaks, California 91320-1799 (805) 447-1000 (Name, address and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) Copies to: Francis J. Aquila Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 125 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 (212) 558-4048 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13D Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 2)* Elutia Inc. (Name of Issuer) Class A Common Stock (Title of Class of Securities) 05479K106 (CUSIP Number) W. Matthew Zuga 36 Church Lane Westport, CT 06880 (646) 793-3510 (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications) September 21, 2023 (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement) If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D and is filing this schedule because of 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. Note : Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent. * The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Act) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes). 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Capital, L.P. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 48,931 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 48,931 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 48,931 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 0.3% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) PN 1 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Partners, L.P. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 53,818 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 53,818 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 53,818 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 0.3% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) PN 2 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Partners QP, L.P. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 4,001,428 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 4,001,428 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 4,001,428 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 21.3% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) PN 3 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Partners GP, LLC 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 4,813,673 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 4,813,673 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 4,813,673 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 25.6% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) OO (Limited Liability Company) 4 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Partners GP, L.P. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 4,813,673 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 4,813,673 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 4,813,673 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 25.6% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) PN 5 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle I, LLC 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 499,145 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 499,145 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 499,145 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 2.7% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) OO (Limited Liability Company) 6 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle II, LLC 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 259,282 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 259,282 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 259,282 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 1.4% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) OO (Limited Liability Company) 7 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Capital, LLC 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 48,931 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 48,931 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 48,931 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 0.3% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) OO (Limited Liability Company) 8 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Partners II, L.P. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 86,613(1) 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 86,613(1) 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 86,613(1) 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 0.5% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) PN (1) Includes: (a) 43,659 shares of Class A Common Stock directly owned, and (b) 42,954 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Common Warrants purchased pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 21, 2023. 9 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Partners QP II, L.P. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 4,151,015(1) 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 4,151,015(1) 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 4,151,015(1) 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 22.1% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) PN (1) Includes:(a) 2,092,392 shares of Class A Common Stock directly owned, and (b) 2,058,623 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Common Warrants purchased pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 21, 2023. 10 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Partners GP II, L.P. 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 7,827,821 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 7,827,821 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 7,827,821 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 41.7% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) PN 11 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) HighCape Partners GP II, LLC 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 7,827,821 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 7,827,821 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 7,827,821 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 41.7% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) OO (Limited Liability Company) 12 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Elutia PIPE Investment, LP 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION State of Delaware, United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 3,590,193(1) 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 3,590,193(1) 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 3,590,193(1) 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 19.1% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) PN (1) Includes: (a) 1,436,077 shares of Class A Common Stock directly owned, and (b) 2,154,116 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Common Warrants, purchased pursuant the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 21, 2023. 13 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) W. Matthew Zuga 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 12,690,425 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 12,690,425 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 12,690,425 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 67.5% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) IN 14 1. NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (ENTITIES ONLY) Kevin Rakin 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) OO 5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7. SOLE VOTING POWER 90,807 8. SHARED VOTING POWER 12,690,425 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 90,807 10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 12,690,425 11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 12,781,232 12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 68.0% 14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) IN 15 EXPLANATORY NOTES This Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13D (this Amendment No. 2) amends and supplements the Schedule 13D originally filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on December 8, 2021 (as amended, the Schedule 13D), relating to the shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the Class A Common Stock) of Elutia Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Issuer). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meaning set forth in the Schedule 13D. Item 2. Identity and Background. Item 2 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows: The Schedule 13D is being filed by the following persons (each a Reporting Person and collectively, the Reporting Persons): HighCape Capital, L.P. HighCape Partners, L.P. HighCape Partners QP, L.P. HighCape Partners GP, LLC HighCape Partners GP, L.P. HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle I, LLC HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle II, LLC HighCape Capital, LLC HighCape Partners II, L.P. HighCape Partners QP II, L.P. HighCape Partners GP II, L.P. HighCape Partners GP II, LLC Elutia PIPE Investment, LP W. Matthew Zuga Kevin Rakin Each of the Reporting Persons, except for Messrs. Zuga and Rakin, is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of Messrs. Zuga and Rakin is a citizen of the United States. The principal business address of the Reporting Persons is 36 Church Lane, Westport, CT 06880. The Reporting Persons are principally engaged in the business of managing their investments in the securities of the Issuer. During the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons (i) has been convicted in any criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) was a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws. Item 3. Source or Amount of Funds or Other Consideration . Item 3 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by inserting the following information at the end of Item 3: On September 21, 2023, in connection with the Issuers private placement, HighCape Partners II, L.P., HighCape Partners QP II, L.P. and Elutia PIPE Investment LP purchased an aggregate of 2,837,128 Common Units (as defined below) from the Issuer at a purchase price of $1.4275 per Common Unit. 16 The Reporting Persons obtained the funds used to acquire their interests in the Issuers securities through capital contributions from their partners and members . Item 4. Purpose of the Transaction. Item 4 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by inserting the following information at the end of Item 4: Purchase Agreement On September 21, 2023 (the Closing Date), pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 18, 2023 (the Purchase Agreement), by and among HighCape Partners II, L.P., HighCape Partners QP II, L.P., Elutia PIPE Investment, LP, and certain other investors named therein (collectively, the Investors) and the Issuer, the Investors purchased an aggregate of 6,852,811 units (the Common Units) from the Issuer, each Common Unit comprised of (a) one share of the Issuers Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (Class A Common Stock) and (b) a warrant (a Common Warrant) to purchase one and one half shares of the Issuers Class A Common Stock (the Offering). The Common Units were sold at a purchase price of $1.4275 per unit. Each Common Warrant is exercisable at any time until the earlier of (a) 30 trading days after the clearance by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration of the Issuers CanGarooRM antibiotic-eluting biologic envelope or (b) five years from the Closing Date, each at an exercise price per share of $1.4275. As a result of the Offering, (i) HighCape Partners II, L.P. acquired 28,636 shares of Class A Common Stock and 42,954 Common Warrants, (ii) HighCape Partners QP II, L.P. acquired 1,372,415 shares of Class A Common Stock and 2,058,623 Common Warrants, and (iii) Elutia PIPE Investment, LP acquired 1,436,077 shares of Class A Common Stock and 2,154,116 Common Warrants. Registration Rights Agreement On September 21, 2023 , in connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Issuer and Investors entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the Registration Rights Agreement). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuer agreed to prepare and file a registration statement with the SEC within 60 days after the Closing Date, for purposes of registering the resale of the Class A Common Stock issued in the Offering and the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants issued in the Offering, and any shares of Class A Common Stock issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, in exchange for or in replacement of the Class A Common Stock or the Common Warrants. The Issuer agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC within 90 days after the Closing Date, or 115 days after the Closing Date if the SEC reviews the registration statement. The foregoing descriptions of the Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement, which are incorporated as Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 3 to this Amendment No. 2, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference. 17 General The Reporting Persons acquired the securities described in this Amendment No. 2 for investment purposes and intend to review the investments in the Issuer on a continuing basis. Any actions the Reporting Persons might undertake may be made at any time and from time to time without prior notice and will be dependent upon the Reporting Persons review of numerous factors, including, but not limited to: an ongoing evaluation of the Issuers business, financial condition, operations and prospects; price levels of the Issuers securities; general market, industry and economic conditions; the relative attractiveness of alternative business and investment opportunities; and other future developments. The Reporting Persons, subject to certain provisions of the law, may acquire additional securities of the Issuer, or retain or sell all or a portion of the securities then held, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. In addition, the Reporting Persons may engage in discussions with management, the board of directors, and stockholders of the Issuer and other relevant parties or encourage, cause or seek to cause the Issuer or such persons to consider or explore extraordinary corporate transactions, such as: a merger, reorganization or take-private transaction that could result in the de-listing or de-registration of the Class A Common Stock; sales or acquisitions of assets or businesses; changes to the capitalization or dividend policy of the Issuer; or other material changes to the Issuers business or corporate structure, including changes in management or the composition of the board of directors. Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer. Item 5 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows: (a) (b) The following sets forth, as of the date of this Schedule 13D, the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock and percentage of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by each of the Reporting Persons, as well as the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which each Reporting Person has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote, shared power to vote or to direct the vote, sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of, or shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of, based on 18,789,252 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of September 21, 2023, as provided by the Issuer: Shared Sole power Shared Sole power power to to dispose power to Amount to vote or vote or to or to direct dispose or to beneficially Percent to direct direct the the direct the Reporting Person owned of class the vote vote disposition disposition HighCape Capital, L.P. 48,931 0.3 % 0 48,931 0 48,931 HighCape Partners, L.P. 53,818 0.3 % 0 53,818 0 53,818 HighCape Partners QP, L.P. 4,001,428 21.3 % 0 4,001,428 0 4,001,428 HighCape Partners GP, LLC 4,813,673 25.6 % 0 4,813,673 0 4,813,673 HighCape Partners GP, L.P. 4,813,673 25.6 % 0 4,813,673 0 4,813,673 HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle I, LLC 499,145 2.7 % 0 499,145 0 499,145 HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle II, LLC 259,282 1.4 % 0 259,282 0 259,282 HighCape Capital, LLC 48,931 0.3 % 0 48,931 0 48,931 HighCape Partners II, L.P. 86,613 0.5 % 0 86,613 0 86,613 HighCape Partners QP II, L.P. 4,151,015 22.1 % 0 4,151,015 0 4,151,015 HighCape Partners GP II, L.P. 7,827,821 41.7 % 0 7,827,821 0 7,827,821 HighCape Partners GP II, LLC 7,827,821 41.7 % 0 7,827,821 0 7,827,821 Elutia PIPE Investment, LP 3,590,193 19.1 % 0 3,590,193 0 3,590,193 W. Matthew Zuga 12,690,425 67.5 % 0 12,690,425 0 12,690,425 Kevin Rakin 12,781,232 68.0 % 90,807 12,690,425 90,807 12,690,425 18 Kevin Rakin and W. Matthew Zuga are the managing members of HighCape Partners GP, LLC, which is the general partner of HighCape Partners GP, L.P., which is the general partner of each of HighCape Partners, L.P. and HighCape Partners QP, L.P. In addition, HighCape Partners GP, L.P. manages each of HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle I, LLC and HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle II, LLC. Messrs. Rakin and Zuga are the managing members of HighCape Capital, LLC, which is the general partner of HighCape Capital, L.P. Messrs. Rakin and Zuga are also the managing members of HighCape Partners GP II, LLC, which is the general partner of HighCape Partners GP II, L.P., which is the general partner of each of HighCape Partners II, L.P. and HighCape Partners QP II, L.P. Each of Mr. Rakin, Mr. Zuga, HighCape Partners GP, LLC and HighCape Partners GP, L.P. may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held of record by each of HighCape Partners, L.P., HighCape Partners QP, L.P., HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle I, LLC and HighCape Co-Investment Vehicle II, LLC. Each of Mr. Rakin, Mr. Zuga and HighCape Capital, LLC may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held of record by HighCape Capital, L.P. Each of Mr. Rakin, Mr. Zuga, HighCape Partners GP II, LLC and HighCape Partners GP II, L.P. may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held of record by each of HighCape Partners II, L.P., HighCape Partners QP II, L.P., and Elutia PIPE Investment, LP. Mr. Rakin may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held of record by the Kevin L. Rakin Irrevocable Trust. Each of the Reporting Persons disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by the other Reporting Persons. Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer. The responses to Items 3, 4 and 5 and Exhibits 2 through 3 are hereby incorporated herein. Item 7. Material to Be Filed as Exhibits. Item 7 of the Statement is hereby further amended to add the following exhibits: 19 SIGNATURES After reasonable inquiry and to the best of each of the undersigneds knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Date: October 6, 2023 HIGHCAPE CAPITAL, L.P. By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE PARTNERS, L.P. By: HighCape Partners GP, L.P., its general partner By: HighCape Partners GP, LLC, its general partner By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE PARTNERS QP, L.P. By: HighCape Partners GP, L.P., its general partner By: HighCape Partners GP, LLC, its general partner By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE PARTNERS GP, LLC By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE PARTNERS GP, L.P. By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member 20 HIGHCAPE CO-INVESTMENT VEHICLE I, LLC By: HighCape Partners GP, L.P., its general partner By: HighCape Partners GP, LLC, its general partner By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE CO-INVESTMENT VEHICLE II, LLC By: HighCape Partners GP, L.P., its general partner By: HighCape Partners GP, LLC, its general partner By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE CAPITAL, LLC By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE PARTNERS II, L.P. By: HighCape Partners GP II, L.P., its general partner By: HighCape Partners GP II, LLC, its general partner By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member 21 HIGHCAPE PARTNERS QP II, L.P. By: HighCape Partners GP II, L.P., its general partner By: HighCape Partners GP II, LLC, its general partner By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE PARTNERS GP II, L.P. By: HighCape Partners GP II, LLC, its general partner By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member HIGHCAPE PARTNERS GP II, LLC By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member ELUTIA PIPE INVESTMENT, LP By: HighCape Partners GP II, L.P., its general partner By: HighCape Partners GP II, LLC, its general partner By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga Title: Managing Member By: /s/ W. Matthew Zuga Name: W. Matthew Zuga By: /s/ Kevin Rakin Name: Kevin Rakin 22 ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 1 Airmen complete post-flight checks on four F-15C Eagles that arrived at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan, on Oct. 3, 2023. (Catherine Daniel/U.S. Air Force) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa A contingent of F-15C Eagles from the Air National Guard in two states arrived at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa recently to guarantee fighter coverage as the Defense Department retires the bases aging fleet. About a dozen Eagles began arriving Oct. 2 from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., and the 159th Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., 18th Wing spokesman Lt. Col. Ray Geoffroy said by email Thursday. California Air Guard members primarily will operate the fighters. The F-15s join Kadenas remaining contingent of F-15C/Ds, F-15E Strike Eagles from Air Force bases in North Carolina and Idaho and F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters from Alaska, Geoffroy said. The Air Force, citing operational security, does not release the number of deployed aircraft or departure timelines. Lt. Col. Jon Vanbragt, commander of the 144th Operations Group, in a Kadena news release Tuesday said his squadron was excited to work alongside and train with the 18th Wing and regional partners. Operating in the Indo-Pacific offers immense opportunities for our airmen and allies to strengthen our partnerships and continue to refine our tactics, he said. The Air National Guard F-15Cs will operate alongside fourth and fifth-generation fighters for the coming months to support the defense of Japan and maintain regional stability, Geoffroy said. Aircraft levels are mandated by the Defense Department. The diverse fighter presence gives the wing an expanse of capabilities, Col. Henry Schantz, 18th Wing Operations Group commander, said in the release. Each unit that deploys here brings their own distinct skill sets and experiences, and we look forward to working and learning with the next set of operators to meet pacing threats and continue building partnerships throughout the region, he said. Japans Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Friday. The Air Force is nearly halfway into a two-year plan to replace 48 aging F-15C/D fighters of the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons with rotating squadrons of more modern aircraft, including the fifth-generation F-35A and F-15E Strike Eagles. Some F-15s went to Air National Guard units in the United States or to the Air Force boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. About a dozen F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, arrived in early November and a dozen F-16CM Fighting Falcons arrived in January from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Those aircraft have since departed. Kadena is in the process currently of swapping out its deployed fighters, including F-35s from the 355th Fighter Squadron, for F-35s from 356th Fighter Squadron, Geoffroy said. Both squadrons hail from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The F-35s from the 355th arrived March 28. The base is also home the 18th Wings remaining F-15C/Ds and Strike Eagles from the 336th Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and the 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Geoffroy said. You can expect to see arrivals and departures over the coming weeks, he added. The Defense Department has not arrived at a long-term solution to replacing the F-15C, but all of the options currently on table are superior to the Eagle, Geoffroy said. Stars and Stripes reporter Mari Higa contributed to this report. The U.S. Capitol in Washington is seen on Sept. 30, 2023. House Republican leaders scrambled recently to push through a last-ditch proposal to avoid a disruptive shutdown, springing on lawmakers a new plan to keep government funding flowing for 45 days just hours before funding for federal agencies would have lapsed. (Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times) Americas national security depends heavily on the strength and effectiveness of our foreign policy and defense. Both are suffering self-inflicted wounds caused by our dysfunctional politics. As our political representatives can barely accomplish the most basic governing obligations, our adversaries delight, and our allies wonder if we can be counted on as reliable partners. Advertisement The most blatant mess has been our governments budget debacle. We have the worlds largest economy and yet nearly defaulted on our debt only four months ago. Congressional Republicans used that risk as leverage to force negotiations on future spending, narrowly reaching agreement with the White House just in time to avert financial disaster. The only upside of that fiasco should have been some breathing room after the two sides reached a difficult two-year deal on spending. But, alas, Congress brought us to the brink of a government shutdown in disagreement over that same budget only months later. The last-minute stopgap measure that Congress passed only hours before a shutdown began offers only a 45-day reprieve but with consequences. Advertisement A handful of Republican hard-liners went to the mat to cut support for Ukraine. This raises real questions about Congress ability to secure additional support for Ukraine in the future, even though the majority of both parties in both houses support it, as does a majority of the American public. It also inevitably raises questions among our partners and allies around the world regarding Americas reliability. [ Daniel DePetris: As the war in Ukraine grinds on, Europe will prove more crucial ] Our reputation broadly suffers, but so do programs that serve our interests. Take PEPFAR, the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has been wildly successful in getting the AIDS epidemic under control globally. With broad bipartisan support for two decades, it has saved some 25 million lives. Congress temporary budget fix didnt reauthorize PEPFAR, so parts of the program expired over the weekend, putting at risk progress not only against AIDS but also much of our health care support around the world. Meanwhile, a single Republican senator, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, has blocked more than 300 nonpolitical military promotions for months. Tuberville claims he will release the hold only if the Defense Department ends its policy of paying for service members to travel across state lines to seek reproductive health care. The Pentagon asserts that these services are essential to ensure the welfare and readiness of its forces. Tubervilles move clearly undermines our national security by leaving dozens of essential positions unfilled or filled by temporary acting appointments. [ Clarence Page: A woke military? Dont forget the messy race relations that got us here. ] While todays Republican Party holds most responsibility for this dysfunction, dont underestimate the damage caused by Democratic Sen. Bob Menendezs corruption scandal. He allegedly accepted bribes in exchange for using his position as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to benefit the Egyptian government. For several years, many lawmakers have called for cutting U.S. security assistance to Egypt in response to the governments abysmal human rights record. Only a small fraction of the $1.3 billion Egypt receives annually has been withheld as a result. Undoubtedly, Menendezs assistance played a role in that success. Menendez reportedly used his leadership position to influence U.S. government decisions regarding the aid and even ghostwrote a letter for the Egyptian government requesting more. This interference raises real questions regarding whether this assistance has served U.S. national interests or merely those of the Egyptian government. Corruption happens everywhere, but the real test is how governments deal with it. Given the seriousness of the charges and evidence against Menendez, expulsion from the Senate would seem the obvious outcome. But politics will make that a hard pill to swallow not only for Democrats who dont want to risk losing that Senate seat in 2024, but also Republicans who dont want to set a precedent for ousting indicted members, as that might impair their own slim majority in the House. 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 > But if Democratic lawmakers cant give greater fealty to the law than to politics, they can hardly be taken seriously for condemning their colleagues across the aisle for doing the same. It is likely no coincidence that Americas age of political dysfunction coincides with a period of deterioration in the international order. Advertisement The international community proved unable to deter Russia from its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Negotiations by the United States and other countries were not able to resolve the ongoing Azeri-Armenian conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which Azerbaijan ended in September with a military offensive following a monthslong blockade. Serbia is currently building up troops and tanks on its border with Kosovo, raising alarm about a possible invasion there as well. These are but a few examples of aggressors worldwide probing the international communitys resolve. Each of these conflicts could prove costly and consequential for our own national security interests across the globe. For better or worse, U.S. leadership is inextricably linked with world order today. If the United States cant lead by example as a defender of democracy and the rule of law at home, well have a hard time defending them elsewhere. Elizabeth Shackelford is a senior fellow on U.S. foreign policy with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She was previously a U.S. diplomat and is the author of The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. KYODO NEWS - Oct 6, 2023 - 16:51 | World, All, Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said Friday that she will set off from Sunday for a six-day trip to Brunei, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand to promote security and economic ties with the ASEAN members amid China's growing regional assertiveness. At a press conference, Kamikawa said that she intends to affirm continued collaboration with her ASEAN counterparts toward "upholding and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law" during her planned trip. Kamikawa added that they will confirm the importance of working together closely to ensure the success of a special summit scheduled for December in Tokyo, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the friendship between Japan and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year. For Kamikawa, who took over the post from Yoshimasa Hayashi in a Cabinet overhaul on Sept. 13, it will be her second overseas trip as Japan's foreign minister, following a visit to New York last month to attend the U.N. General Assembly. In early September, Japan and ASEAN upgraded their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" to deepen cooperation in areas of common interest, such as maritime security, when Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and leaders of the region gathered in Jakarta. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Related coverage: Japan foreign minister to visit 4 Southeast Asian nations from Oct. 8 FOCUS: Japan's new foreign minister damps hopes for ties with China Japan PM vows to spend 3 bil. yen to help achieve world without nukes An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, assigned to the 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kanoya Air Base, on Japan Nov. 5, 2022. (Christopher Broome/U.S. Air Force) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan A U.S. Air Force squadron of MQ-9 Reaper drones is moving south to Okinawa from the Japanese island of Kyushu, according to a spokesman at this airlift hub in western Tokyo. Eight Reapers and more than 150 airmen in the newly formed 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron are finishing a yearlong deployment to Kanoya Air Base, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base near the southern tip of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japans four main islands. We can confirm that the U.S. Pacific Air Forces plans to deploy MQ-9s and U.S. personnel from Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Kanoya Air Base to Kadena Air Base, 1st Lt. Danny Rangel, a spokesman for the 374th Airlift Wing, said in an email Friday evening. The aircraft headed to Kadena, a fighter base on Okinawa, will conduct airborne reconnaissance in coordination with Japans Ministry of Defense, he said. The Air Force is not releasing the dates when personnel and aircraft will move, for security reasons, Rangel said. We will continue to closely coordinate with the government of Japan on this deployment, he said. A spokesman for Japans Ministry of Defense said Friday that officials could answer questions about the move next week. Some Japanese government officials may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. Japan, concerned about a Chinese military buildup and threats to invade Taiwan, has been boosting its defense capabilities on its southern island territories. An MQ-9 Reaper of the 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron taxis before a demonstration flight at Kanoya Air Base, Japan, on Nov. 5, 2022. (Christopher Broome/U.S. Air Force) The two countries coast guards spar frequently at the Senkakus, a string of five uninhabited islands and three rocks 280 miles west of Okinawa, that are administered by Japan but claimed by Taiwan and China, which refer to them as Diaoyu Dao.. Its usually better for military forces to be based closer to their area of operations, according to Grant Newsham, a retired Marine colonel and senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo. From Kyushu the Reapers could operate far south of Japan, he said by email Friday. Theres a political benefit to operating in Okinawa, Newsham said. Such a move suggests Japans government is willing to absorb criticism from anti-American groups on the island, he said. They will accuse Tokyo of increasing the burden on Okinawa, making it more of a target, militarizing the place even more, he said. Pacific Air Forces describes the Reaper as medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The drone is primarily a surveillance aircraft but can carry an inventory of weapons, including Hellfire missiles and Paveway laser-guided bombs, according to the Air Force. The drones at Kanoya are configured for surveillance and cant be equipped with weapons, according to a document from Japans Ministry of Defense posted on the Kanoya city website. The Reapers, made by General Atomics of San Diego, can carry 3,000 pounds of ordnance; they first saw combat in Afghanistan in 2007 and then in Iraq the following year. The U.S. has employed them on numerous missions throughout the Middle East and Africa. The Air Force began deploying RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance drones to Misawa Air Base in northern Japan in 2014 and has flown them out of Yokota in recent years. The Navy deployed its MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance drones to Misawa last year and to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, south of Hiroshima, last year. Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report. The U.S. militarys top appeals court has ruled in favor of Army Sgt. Ashraf Warda, who was convicted in 2020 of raping his wife three years earlier. In a 4-1 decision, the appellate judges said Warda had not received a fair trial in his court-martial. (Donna L. Burnett/U.S. Air Force) The U.S. militarys top appeals court has set aside the conviction of an Army sergeant for raping his foreign wife after ruling that the government deprived him of a fair trial by refusing to provide the defense with her immigration records. Sgt. Ashraf Warda was convicted in October 2020 of raping his wife, whom he had married in Jordan and who has been living in the United States since 2017. Wardas brother testified that she threatened unspecified consequences after he refused to help get her U.S. citizenship and pay a promised $13,000 to $15,000 dowry after Warda said he wanted a divorce. Wardas trial attorney asked the judge to dismiss the charges or suspend the proceedings until immigration officials handed over her records. In a Sept. 29 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces overruled a July 2022 ruling by the Armys appellate court upholding Wardas conviction. The higher court said in a 4-1 ruling that the trial judge had abused his discretion by refusing to stop the proceedings until the records were in hand. The case was returned to the Judge Advocate General of the Army, who can retry the defendant, ask the appellate court to revisit its decision, appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court or drop the charges, according to Wardas appeals attorney, William Cassara. Were obviously elated, Cassara said Thursday. We believe Sgt. Warda was denied a fair trial. We are grateful the court of appeals agreed with us. Cassara said it was unclear what option the Army would take. In the meantime, Warda, who was assigned to the 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., remains in prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. In denying the request to halt the trial, the court-martial judge at Fort Drum noted that considerable efforts were made to obtain the wifes records, but immigration officials refused the request, citing privacy issues. In addition to the prison sentence, Warda, who is an Egyptian-born Muslim, received a reduction to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and a dishonorable discharge. He was acquitted of sexual assault and of communicating a threat. The case involved complex immigration issues, including whether the judge should have granted the defenses request to consult with an expert on immigration law and policy during the trial. It also introduced the concept of a talaq, a Muslim verbal declaration of divorce that becomes valid after a husband delivers it to his wife three times. According to court records, Warda met his wife on Facebook in 2012 and married her three years later in her native Jordan. She joined him in New York in May 2017 after obtaining her green card. By September of that year, the marriage had dissolved after he declared the third and final talaq. When her demand for dowry money and help with citizenship was denied, she said, You will see what I am going to do, and you will regret it, Wardas brother testified. The woman made the rape allegation the following month, and the divorce was finalized in April 2018, court documents said. Her green card expired in 2019, but she remained in the United States, according to court documents. Recruits stand at attention in November 2022 during a graduation ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill. (U.S. Navy ) Two sailors pleaded guilty to providing a lethal dose of fentanyl to a fellow sailor at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., and were sentenced to years in prison, according to the Navy. Seaman Brandon R. Ledesma pleaded guilty last month to negligent homicide, obstruction of justice and distributing fentanyl to another sailor who died of an overdose Nov. 6, 2021, the Navy said in a statement and court documents. The name of the victim was redacted in the charge sheet for Ledesma, who was sentenced to 28 months in the brig, reduction in rank to E-1 and a dishonorable discharge. Seaman Recruit Caleb J. Taper pleaded guilty in a Sept. 15 court-martial to accessory after the fact, breaking restrictions, failure to obey an order, nine counts of possession of illegal drugs and larceny, according to the Navy. He was sentenced to 37 months in the brig, total forfeiture of pay and dishonorable discharge. Tapers conviction included possession of fentanyl, cocaine and delta-9, according to court records. His larceny conviction stemmed from stealing more than $150 worth of video games and a teeth-whitening pen from an on-base store Feb. 8. At the time of the 2021 death, Ledesma and Taper were assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes and awaiting orders to attend Naval Submarine School in Groton, Conn., according to Katie Hewett, spokeswoman for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. The three sailors were in training together and lived in the same barracks building. A brief narrative included in court documents stated Ledesma and Taper provided the victim with fentanyl, and the sailor collapsed after ingesting it. Neither sailor called emergency services. Instead, they moved the third sailor from one location on the base to a bed within the same building because they feared criminal charges, according to the charge sheets. The location where the incident occurred was redacted from the charge sheets. Nearly a year ago, another sailor involved in the case was sentenced to three months in the brig, the Navy said. Seaman Apprentice Samuel Quan pleaded guilty Nov. 9, 2022, to failing to obey an order, violating a general order and unauthorized use of a military pass. He was reduced in rank to E-1 and fined $10,000. Fentanyl, an approved pain medication being produced and sold illegally, has become a bigger factor in the military overdose deaths in recent years a trend mirrored in the civilian population. The drug was involved in 88% of military overdose deaths in 2021, according to Defense Department data provided to Congress earlier this year. Five years earlier, fentanyl was only involved in 36% of overdose deaths. The drug killed nearly 70,000 Americans in 2021, according to the National Safety Council, a nonprofit safety advocacy group that tracks preventable deaths and injuries. Excerpt of the 1753 Map of Ceram, Ambon and the Banda Islands focused on the Banda Islands. It has a note in French that says: Cest dans ces Isles que croit la Muscade (It is on these Isles that the Nutmeg grows). (Dutch National Library/WikiMedia Commons) The invaders struck the island from three sides simultaneously. The Dutch fleet of 1,655 soldiers and sailors and more than a dozen wooden ships landed at the Banda Islands, an archipelago located in modern-day Indonesia, in 1621. It was the most powerful military campaign the Dutch East India Company had sent to Asia thus far. After a swift Bandanese surrender, the victors rounded up local leaders. They signed treaties that turned the Bandanese into Dutch subjects, then tortured them for confessions revealing alleged plots to attack the Dutch. Thousands were killed, others enslaved, and many who fled to the mountains were starved out. The population of around 15,000 Bandanese was decimated to just a few hundred in a few months, said Adam Clulow, a historian and professor at the University of Texas at Austin. The Dutch company was later accused of carrying out what some describe as the first instance of corporate genocide. And it was all for nutmeg, he said. At the time, nutmeg, one of three key spices in the blend known as pumpkin spice, grew nowhere else in the world. It was considered a miraculous substance, rumored to cure the plague, make consumers more beautiful, sharpen the memory and calm the mind, Clulow said. Pumpkin spice. (Scott Suchman for The Washington Post /Food styling by Lisa Cherkasky) Today you can buy a jar of the spice mix, typically made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger, for as little as $2.39, or drink it in Starbuckss perennially popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, confident that the nutmeg wasnt grown through means of violence. Some spices are part of a natural course of trade, said Sarah Wassberg Johnson, a food historian. It just happens that the main spices in pumpkin spice are fraught with colonizer histories. While the Banda Islands grew nutmeg, Amboina - a set of nearby islands also in Indonesia - was famous for cloves. The fight to control the clove trade was almost as bloody and dramatic as the battles for nutmeg, and nearly drove the Netherlands and England to war in the early 17th century, said Clulow, who is a spice historian. Cinnamon, mostly cultivated in Sri Lanka, was first controlled by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and eventually the British, according to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. It was after the 1500s, when European explorers wanted to bypass the middlemen and create monopolies over sought-after spices, that the willingness to trade with Indigenous people dwindled and things started to get violent, Johnson said. Its true that if we didnt consume food that hadnt been touched by slavery and Indigenous displacement, we wouldnt be eating a lot of food, Johnson said. But whenever foods enter the pop culture lexicon the way pumpkin spice has in the U.S., its important to acknowledge how it reached us. Pumpkin spice products are firmly established as an economic juggernaut today. Sales of pumpkin spice products (not including those at restaurants and coffee shops) totaled more than $802 billion in the year ending July 2023, according to NielsenIQ data. In the 17th century, the average European knew about nutmeg and cloves but probably didnt have access to them, Johnson said. But once the plantations began using enslaved laborers to mass-produce the crops, the increase in supply caused the price to fall. Over the next century, supply increased because the spice plants were taken to other regions including Mauritius and Reunion, and eventually Sri Lanka and Grenada. Soon, the once-exclusive spices could be found in recipe books. One of the earliest recipes for pumpkin pie was written by Amelie Simmons in the first-ever American cookbook, published in 1796. It used lots of sugar and spices, The Washington Post previously reported. By the mid-19th century, nutmeg, mace, cloves, cinnamon and ginger became common, and foods such as gingerbread cake, spice cake and spiced pumpkin and apple pies became indelible parts of American food history, Johnson said. Soon you didnt even have to blend pumpkin spice at home. It came prepackaged in a bottle. Contrary to popular opinion, Johnson believes that McCormick was not the first company to create Pumpkin Pie Spice - Thompson & Taylor beat the company to it by at least a year. Johnson cites an advertisement for Thompson & Taylors Pumpkin Pie Spice in a 1933 issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. McCormicks website says it manufactured the original spice in 1934. Another early reference to pumpkin spice appears to be a 1936 recipe that ran in The Post. Pumpkin spice cake is a desirable dessert for a family dinner, and a healthful pick-me-up for children after school, read an outdated recipe, referring to pumpkin as a food of the Italian peasantry, The Post reported. When the Dutch had first landed on the Banda Islands, they behaved like traders. In 1599, they paid a port fee and bartered nutmeg for cotton and other manufactured goods. Their 1621 conquest sprang from years of failed attempts to win a monopoly over nutmeg, Clulow said. A lot of commodities have terrible histories - theres sugar and tobacco to think about, he said. But nutmeg, now used in pumpkin spice, has the most compressed terrible history. Thousands were killed. Today, nutmeg has no negative connotations, he said. Photos of Starbuckss Pumpkin Spice Latte, however, remind Clulow of still-life paintings by Dutch masters from the 17th century. Still Life with a Turkey Pie, painted by Pieter Claesz in 1627, depicts a table filled with luxurious products: olives, savory pies, fruits, nutmeg and cloves. He described the painting as the ultimate symbol of stunningly opulent, globalized consumption in the 17th century. Its the same with these Starbucks lattes, he said. Youre getting stuff from all over the world and repackaging it for wealthy consumers without acknowledging the history of the ingredients. (iStock) Those were cold, dark winter mornings during second semester of my freshman year in college, when my alarm woke me at 5 a.m. for morning swim team practices. Id miraculously made the team as the only walk-on, and wed begun two-a-day practices, swimming seven miles worth of yardage a day. Even though I was only 18 and in the best cardiovascular shape of my life, I dragged my weary bones out of the top bunk when that evil alarm rang every morning as if I were a decrepit octogenarian using a walker and an oxygen tank. Bundled in a winter parka, Id fumble with the frozen chain lock securing the cheap 10-speed bike my grandfather had provided to the rack outside my dorm, so that I could ride across the dark campus icy sidewalks to the natatorium. During those lonely winter sojourns in 1985, the complete lack of sunlight relegated me to a dark, frozen corner of hell. Light did not surface during winters in Ohio until I was back on my bike after morning practice, pedaling furiously to make my 8 a.m. class, my wet, chlorinated hair frozen into icicles. This Nov. 5, when we set the clocks back an hour, those traumatic winter morning memories will be triggered once again. Ive always hated saying goodbye to daylight saving time, the period between March and November when we set clocks forward an hour to maximize daylight. The idea of setting clocks forward during part of the year was first satirized by Benjamin Franklin in a Journal of Paris essay in 1784, in which he claimed to have been accidentally awakened at six in the morning, and was surprised to discover that the sun shone at that hour. Franklin proposed setting church bells and cannons off every morning at sunrise to show Parisians his discovery. An immense sum! that the city of Paris might save every year, by the economy of using sunshine instead of candles. In the U.S., daylight saving time was adopted in 1918 during World War I to conserve energy resources, but over the years, individual states (and other countries who had enacted similar policies) have questioned the continued use of time changes. Im with Ben. I dont want to fall back this November into darkness. Id rather live in the sun, and plenty of others agree with me. In recent years, there have been efforts in the U.S. to do away with our twice-yearly clock changes. Some states have enacted legislation to adopt permanent daylight saving time, and others have advocated to eliminate it. Regardless of which side jurisdictions land, there seems to be a growing consensus that changing the time disrupts sleep, inconveniences farmers and possibly increases incidences of suicide, accidents, criminal activity, stroke and heart attack. State legislatures have considered approximately 550 bills to make daylight saving time permanent, and 19 states have conditionally enacted such laws. Only two states, Hawaii and Arizona, have never recognized daylight saving time, using an old loophole in the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to remain on standard time year round, arguing its healthier and saves air conditioning costs. If so many states want permanent daylight saving time, and polls show that 48% of Americans want it over 29% who want permanent standard time, then why do we still have to set our clocks back on Nov. 5? Because the feds wont allow states to adopt permanent DST until it says so. Senator Marco Rubios 2022 Sunshine Protection Act aims to federally permit states to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but the House of Representatives cant seem to agree on it. Thankfully, I dont have to rise every winter morning at o-dark-thirty to ride my bike to swim practice anymore. I no longer wake before sunrise to pack three school lunches like I did for 15 years at multiple duty stations. As an empty nester and mature retired military spouse, I can lollygag until the sun peeks over the horizon, unless our dog awakens me before dawn. So regardless of the laws, I choose to follow the sun, wherever and whenever it faithfully appears, shining its cheerful, uplifting rays of light. Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com Marioxi Leon sits with her four children. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) CHICAGO - The border plan President Biden put in place nearly five months ago is at risk of collapse amid a new wave of illegal crossings, intensifying strains on U.S. cities and leaving authorities struggling to care for record numbers of families arriving with children. U.S. agents along the southern border are making more than 9,000 arrests a day, a near record, including a fast-rising number of families, a group that is far more difficult for the government to manage than adults traveling solo. More than 103,000 parents traveling with children crossed the southern border illegally in September, the highest number ever, according to preliminary government data obtained by The Washington Post. The influx has left some migrant families sleeping on the streets, turning them into a landscape of the nations policy failures. Republican governors signed a Sept. 19 letter to Biden saying his policies are encouraging illegal immigration. New York Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, this week headed to Mexico, Ecuador and Colombia on what he called a fact-finding mission after saying thousands of migrants have overwhelmed the citys shelters, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, also a Democrat, wrote Biden this week that the situation was untenable. In Chicago, the city that will host the Democratic National Convention next year, the mayor is planning to erect winterized tents because the shelters are bursting. Migrants are camped out at OHare International Airport and on the tile-floor lobbies of neighborhood police precincts, some spilling onto the sidewalks outside. Annie Gomberg, the lead organizer for volunteers at one of Chicago's police stations. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) Scarleth Plaza, left, and Diana Lara, center, look through donated clothing at a church across the street from the police station. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) This is insane, said Annie Gomberg, the lead organizer for volunteers at one of the citys police stations, for which a friend had recruited her in April to arrange donations of blankets, food and supplies for migrants, including a rising number of families with small children. We cant keep doing this. Biden officials had warned that border crossings could soar after they lifted in May the coronavirus restrictions known as Title 42. They expanded opportunities for migrants to arrive legally, and they threatened tougher penalties for crossing the border illegally. When unlawful entries initially fell, the administration touted the decline as evidence that the presidents plan was working. But the post-Title 42 upheaval they feared is now underway, driven by record numbers of migrant families primarily from Latin America surrendering to U.S. agents, the first step in seeking asylum. The legal channels Biden officials created to discourage unlawful crossings are being challenged by critics in court. The consequences Biden officials threatened to impose on those who break the law - including rapid deportations - have done little to deter families who say they are fleeing poverty or violence. For both legal and logistical reasons, families are generally not detained or deported. Biden administration officials say they are grappling with a migration surge spanning the hemisphere and are getting little help from Congress, which for years has failed to pass broad new immigration laws and, since Biden took office, has ignored his exhortations to create more legal immigration pathways to relieve labor shortages and improve border security. Department of Homeland Security officials said they have channeled more than $1 billion to U.S. cities and towns to provide shelter and services for migrants. Officials, citing unsafe conditions in Venezuela, also granted temporary legal status to nearly half a million Venezuelans, making them eligible for work permits and hopefully able to exit strained city shelters. Biden officials said Thursday that they had reached a deal with the Venezuelan government to resume direct deportation flights for those who arrive illegally and do not qualify for U.S. protection. But Venezuelans accounted for only 12 percent of the more than half a million parents and children the government encountered at the border from October through August. (CBP) Blas Nunez-Neto, the top border and immigration policy official at the Department of Homeland Security, said in September after a work trip to Latin America that he was horrified to see children in diapers with little food and water traversing the rugged Darien Gap jungle linking Colombia and Panama. He said governments have an imperative to stop the risky jungle crossings and lamented that political extremes in Congress have blocked changes to U.S. immigration laws. Because the system is so backlogged, migrants can cross the border illegally, claim a fear of persecution, and live and work legally in the United States for years with little fear of deportation. Adult men dominated past migrant streams, but now record numbers of families are arriving from all over the world, in many cases without contacts in the United States who are willing to take them in. Biden administration officials say that is why they are expanding legal options for migrants, allowing them to avoid dangerous crossings by scheduling appointments to arrive using a mobile app. Or they can find U.S. residents willing to sponsor them. Those arriving illegally are often rushed onto buses heading from the border to other cities, where they end up homeless in places such as Chicago. At Chicagos 15th District police station recently, a newborn dozed on a rainbow-print blanket laid on the floor near the reception desk. Nearby, families slept on donated yoga mats and comforters, wedged between stacks of suitcases. Children are enrolling in school after long absences during their sojourns from their home countries. There was even a family dog, a tiny, golden-haired mutt who one family said they hauled from Venezuela to the U.S.-Mexico border. Some families slept on the sidewalk because the stations lobby was full. Among them was Marioxi Leon and her four children aged 2 to 15. The family snuggled together under a plastic sheet on a rainy day. Leon said that they had fled Venezuela after she criticized the government and received threats, and that they had crossed the border in August. She was worried about her children sleeping on the streets. Im afraid theyre going to get sick, she said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has been sending migrants from the border to jurisdictions such as Illinois, which have policies that protect undocumented immigrants from being deported. Sanctuary states also allow undocumented immigrants to apply for drivers licenses and pay in-state tuition at colleges. Chicago Alderman Andre Vasquez chairs the city council's Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) Chicago Alderman Andre Vasquez, a Democrat who chairs the city councils Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said in an interview that the city has stood by its support for immigrants. But, he said, the Biden administration must expand aid to cities and provide work authorization to more immigrant groups. Officials should not expect help from Republicans, he said, worrying that they will send even more buses north during the convention. This is squarely on the president. Congress is not going to do it, said Vasquez, whose parents are immigrants from Guatemala. The Republican Party wants to make the Democratic Party look like a disaster, to make Chicago look like a disaster, and the president look like a disaster, as youre heading into a presidential election, Vasquez said. Thats why its imperative that the president take those steps now. The Biden administration says it is continuing to strictly enforce immigration laws at the border, and families are not immune. But its enforcement initiatives are not keeping up with the volume of arrivals. More than 800,000 migrants crossed illegally between May and September. Authorities deported about 295,000 during that span, a senior administration official told reporters Thursday. More than 285,000 parents and children have arrived since May, but only 36,000 had been deported as of Sept. 21, according to DHS. Migrants lie in their makeshift shelter at the Chicago Police Department's 15th District station. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) Yorbis Natera, left, Ismar Aular and their children are among the migrants staying at the police station. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) Families are a challenge for U.S. immigration enforcement because federal courts prohibit the long-term detention of minors. The Trump administration attempted to curb family arrivals by prosecuting parents and taking their children away - actions widely decried as violations of human rights. Trump officials then devised the Remain in Mexico policy, which Biden ended, to make asylum seekers wait outside the United States for a hearing. Biden officials ended family detention in 2021. Instead, the administration is expanding a fast-track deportation program called Family Expedited Removal Management, or FERM. The goal is to complete asylum cases in 30 days or less, an extraordinary acceleration in a system that can take years. Migrants in this program are able to leave their homes during the day, but they are subject to GPS monitoring and curfews from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. More than 3,400 family members - less than 2 percent of new arrivals - have been enrolled in FERM, the latest DHS figures showed. Administration officials say those numbers will rise as they expand the program nationwide. At Chicagos immigration court on the 15th floor of a downtown high-rise, the hallways were packed with families on a recent school day. Parents pushed strollers, and a baby clutched a rattle as her mother, toting a Minnie Mouse diaper bag, awaited a hearing. Most people were in regular asylum proceedings, and often had months, even years, to find lawyers who could gather evidence, interview witnesses and argue their cases at a full hearing or on appeal. But migrants in FERM do not get a full hearing, unless they can persuade an immigration judge to give them one, leaving them with little time to seek help. Venezuelan migrant Sofia del Carmen Valderrama de Garcia wears a GPS ankle monitor. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) In one courtroom, a woman from Honduras in the FERM program arrived late for her court appearance because she lived two hours away by bus. A GPS tracking device blinked on her right ankle. An immigration judge gave her two days to find a lawyer. She appeared nervous and confused, and the court interpreter asked if Spanish was her first language. She said it was. After the hearing, the woman said in an interview that she had a third-grade education and was not sure what was happening to her case. Two days later, she did not show up for the court appearance. Judge Sebastian Patti said he ordered her removed from the United States, adding her name to the list of more than 1 million pending deportation orders. The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) warned in September that children represent about 1 in 4 migrants moving within Latin America and the Caribbean, one of the highest shares in the world, and urged governments to create policies that are in the childrens best interests. Republicans in the United States often complain of an invasion at the southern border, while the Biden administration is restricting asylum and promoting enforcement. Theres not a recognition that these are very often children with families, UNICEF policy specialist Rhonda Fleischer said. The National Immigrant Justice Center, a national legal nonprofit based in Chicago, and other groups have welcomed the Biden administrations legal pathways, but they urged officials to shut down FERM, saying it risks deporting migrants to places they could be persecuted. Center lawyers Matthew McGuire and Lisa Koop scrambled one recent day to defend John, 39, and Viv, 36, who asked that their surnames be withheld to protect them and their relatives in Colombia, in the accelerated deportation program. The couple, who have two children, had days to find a lawyer in a city they barely knew. Colombian couple John, 39, and Viv, 36, fled to Mexico and crossed the Rio Grande to seek asylum in the United States. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post) Viv said in an interview that she had been raped by a guerrilla member she had helped send to prison early in the countrys 52-year civil war. When he got out recently she said, he attacked her again. The couple fled to Mexico and crossed the Rio Grande to seek asylum in the United States. At the initial interview, Viv said, she froze. The asylum officer wanted shorter answers, she said. Viv had never told anyone that she was raped - I had tried to forget it, she said - until the lawyer urged her to tell the immigration judge in August. The judge granted her request for a full hearing, in 2026, sparing the family for now. Koop said hundreds of other migrants could face similar circumstances. Theres just so much room for error, and the system is not built to manage this, Koop said. This is not set up to identify viable asylum claims. This is set up to deport families. Other critics of programs like FERM say they arent rigorous enough to stop migrants from absconding when courts reject their protection claims and order them to leave the United States. DHS officials say most families are complying with the program. Biden officials in August proposed a more-restrictive model that would assign migrant families to community residential centers, housing facilities where they would be required to stay for several months while their asylum cases were completed. A White House supplemental funding request asked Congress to allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to set up and operate the facilities, where migrants would have access to medical services, legal assistance, counseling, and educational and recreational programming. Asylum seekers would be allowed to come and go during the day, a provision that administration officials believe would exempt the facilities from the 20-day limit set by federal courts on the amount of time children can be held in immigration detention. The White House request did not say how much the administration plans to spend on the facilities nor where they would be located. Officials involved in formulating the proposal said they have looked at using hotels along the southern border, or military barracks. Military spouses from across Okinawa network at the Rocker Enlisted Club on Kadena Air Base, Japan, during the fall Okinawa Leadership Seminar on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa Dozens of active-duty military spouses on Okinawa gathered here last week for a biannual conference to address the challenges they face in military life and to strengthen their network of mutual support. The fall Okinawa Leadership Seminar began Tuesday and drew about 40 spouses from various branches to the Rocker Enlisted Club for three days of networking, panel discussions, group activities and lectures. The group, a 501(c)3 non-profit, was founded by Marine Corps wives in 2016, based on a similar forum at Marine base Camp Pendleton, Calif., said Latoya Scott, group president and a Marine Corps spouse. The seminars have since spread to bases around the world. A lot of times we face challenges thinking were all by ourselves, so when you come to a seminar such as this, you realize, Im not alone, Scott said. Military spouses face several challenges, from maintaining gainful employment to finding adequate child care, and coping with food insecurity and issues with mental health, according to a 2021 Defense Department survey of active-duty spouses. Women made up 91% of approximately 600,000 active-duty military spouses that year, according to a Defense Department demographics survey. Of nearly 12,000 spouses who responded to the 2021 spouses survey, 21% were unemployed, mostly due to a lack of access to child care, 25% suffered low food security and more than half lacked regular access to child care, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 80% had experienced at least one move from one military base to another, a permanent change of station, the data said. Only 49% reported being satisfied with the military way of life, down steadily since 2012, according to the report. Participants in the survey were 87% female, the data said. Henry Tapia, an Air Force spouse and the only male at the conference, said he attended to advance his goal of becoming more financially secure. On Wednesday, the forum began with professional headshots and a bingo variation that compelled attendees to introduce themselves to one another. Attendees wrote their questions and needs on message boards where others could respond.. A panel discussion followed with Scott, the public relations director; Christina Joy Glisson, the administrative director; seminar treasurer Jamie Conti; and Kathryn Roche. The women told their stories of starting businesses, going to school, raising children and struggling with moves and military life. Glisson, a Marine Corps spouse, said she built a formidable resume through volunteer opportunities on bases where she lived. Scott described starting her own business, Final Touch Models, in 2002 to fulfill a desire to make her own money. I like to do things outside of my kids and outside of my husband, Scott said. Conti implored the audience to take risks. The group also talked about the importance of self-care. After a lecture on emotional intelligence, attendees separated into groups to discuss emotions and their consequences. Kelly Eaton, a Marine spouse and Defense Department preschool teacher, said she battles feelings of guilt for working rather than doing all of the housework of a stay-at-home mom. I know everythings going to be fine at home; my husbands very supportive, Eaton said. Its just my own feelings of guilt that I am not able to be there for everybody all the time. She was looking for tips to overcome these feelings and bring balance to her life, she said. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Leticia OConnor, an information technology specialist with Fleet Support Unit Seven, attended the conference to prepare for the day when she must support her Navy husband as a civilian. Coming to this and seeing theres so many independent women that are wanting to do more and learning; its phenomenal, she said. Ive learned so much already. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looks on before meeting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain, on Thursday Oct. 5, 2023. (Juan Medina, Pool /Reuters) GRANADA, Spain - In a week when financial support from Ukraines largest backer, the United States, suddenly looks shaky, European Union leaders gathered in southern Spain on Thursday to talk about what would need to happen to extend Ukraine the support of E.U. membership. There is broad consensus among E.U. leaders that growing their bloc is necessary to counter Russia and its allies, which is good news for Kyiv and other capitals that want to be part of the club. Yet even in the best of times expanding the E.U. to include Ukraine and others would be a costly, complex and politically perilous process. Trying to move that forward in the midst of war multiplies the difficulties. There are immediate challenges. An E.U. country, Slovakia, just backed the party of a populist who supports Russia. Ukraine and its western neighbors have been arguing over the grain trade. And the slow progress of Ukraine on the battlefield has raised fear of a frozen conflict and increasing war weariness in Europe. In a sign of how the needs of Kyiv may be slipping on the E.U. agenda, the summit this week has been partly overshadowed by the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, tensions between Serbia and Kosovo and disagreement over how to address migration. On the eve of talks on Thursday, President Biden convened a call with key allies to reassure them the United States still supports Ukraine, despite Congress passing a government funding bill last week that did not include funding for the embattled country. In Granada, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the events in America, the political storm that is gathering momentum. Yet he said, I am confident in America. These are strong people, strong society, strong institutions, strong energy of democracy. He encouraged E.U. leaders to push ahead and embrace their independent power potential while working to defend our values and our common space of freedom with the U.S. European officials and diplomats have in recent weeks shrugged off questions about American support for Ukraine, insisting that Republican leaders will, in time, accept their theory that a victory for Ukraine is core to U.S. interests, in part because of the message it sends Taiwan on territorial integrity. That insistence continued in the public messaging on Thursday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was very confident of American support for Ukraine. What the United States is working on is the timing, she said as she entered the venue. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said, I think political support is high, despite the developments we see in different countries. But with U.S. politics in shambles after the ouster of Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as House speaker, it has become harder for Europe to ignore the possibility of a shift in the U.S. stance and what it may mean for Ukrainian prospects on the battlefield and beyond. Funding delays would put at risk the Ukrainian victory that should ensure sustainable and long-lasting peace on the European continent that is in the interest of the United States, said Victoria Voytsitska, director of advocacy at the International Center for Ukrainian Victory and a former member of the Ukrainian parliament. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center right, meets with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, center left, during the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain, on Thursday Oct. 5, 2023. (Juan Medina, Pool /Reuters) E.U. foreign ministers traveled to Kyiv on Monday in a symbolic show of support, with foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announcing a proposal for more than $5 billion in additional funding for Ukraine. But that money still needs to be approved, and getting unanimity for further aid packages may not happen easily. Populist Robert Fico, whose party got the most votes in the recent Slovakian election, campaigned on ending military support for Ukraine. Hungary has already been blocking military aid. Russian President Vladimir Putin, as always, seemed to relish in the Western divisions. Speaking on Thursday in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, he noted that Washington faced certain problems with their budget. The Biden administration might simply print money to resolve it, Putin ventured. But he also warned, as soon as they stop military assistance to Ukraine, snap and it all goes down. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov predicted Thursday that the United States would remain involved in the conflict, but division would deepen. Our forecasts indicate that weariness with this conflict, weariness with the absolutely absurd sponsorship of the Kyiv regime will grow in various countries, among them the United States, he said. If the issue of aid for Ukraine has made for strained discussions, then the issue of E.U. membership is all the more fraught. In meetings on Friday, E.U. leaders will consider how to bring more countries closer, including a potential expansion of the bloc from 27 to over 30 members, potentially drawing in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, as well as several countries in the western Balkans. Joining the E.U. takes years. The political and legal system of a prospective member is studied, assessed and then slowly brought into compliance with a rather lofty rule book in Brussels. A raft of countries, including Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania and Bosnia, have been in membership talks for years. Turkey, which applied to join in 1987, remains a candidate, technically, despite the fact that its prospects look, at best, slim. Over the past year, Ukraine has worked closely with E.U. officials to undertake reforms that would start to bring it in line with what is required. The E.U. will decide whether to open accession talks with Kyiv in December. The challenge in Brussels will be equally complex. The prospect of bringing in Ukraine and other additional members has renewed questions about how the bloc runs with 27 members, as well as how it would run with Ukraine and others in the fold. It is vital that we contemplate the future dynamics of our Union, our policies and decision-making, among others, to ensure the EUs continued success, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, wrote in a letter to leaders ahead of the informal summit on Friday. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looks on before meeting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain, on Thursday Oct. 5, 2023. (Juan Medina, Pool /Reuters) If Ukraine joined, it would become the fifth-most-populous E.U. country and its poorest per capita by a significant margin, drawing subsidies away from other members. A recent disagreement between Ukraine and its E.U. neighbors, including Poland, foreshadowed the challenge of one day bringing a major grain exporter into the single market. Some also wonder how the E.U. can welcome new members when it is struggling, very publicly, with current members like Hungary and Poland. In a much larger bloc, with more members and an even broader set of interests, what mechanisms will be available to deal with outliers? To me, it is not only a question of what to do about the people that want to come in, said Camino Mortera Martinez, who leads the Brussels office of the Center for European Reform. It is also what to do about the people who are in and not necessarily complying with rules. Then there is the issue of timing. Michel, the European Council president, has said he wants Europe to be ready for the new members by 2030. Some doubt that is possible. The target date of 2030 is not realistic, said Teona Lavrelashvili, a policy analyst at the European Policy Center, a think tank focused on European integration. It is political commitment, Lavrelashvili said, adding, I think it is important to have the political commitment, but we should be careful not to overpromise and we have to use this time to see what is feasible and what is not feasible. Dixon reported from in Riga, Latvia. David L. Stern in Kyiv contributed to this report. U.S. soldiers load equipment at the Georgian port of Poti in 2018. Russia is planning to build a naval base on the Black Sea coast of Georgias breakaway Abkhazia region, according to media reports. (Robert Jordan/U.S. Army) News that Russia will establish a permanent naval base in Georgias breakaway region of Abkhazia is likely further proof that Ukraine is effectively winning the battle of the Black Sea off its coast, experts say. On Thursday, Abkhazias leader, Aslan Bzhania, said his government had signed an agreement with Moscow to set up a base in the seaside Ochamchira district in the near future. Its part of wider efforts to increase the defense capabilities of both sides, Bzhania told Russian newspaper Izvestia. The news follows repeated attacks by Ukraine on Russias Black Sea Fleet, based in Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Georgian military members and first responders train with U.S. Special Forces in June 2023 in Batumi, Georgia. Russia is planning to build a naval base on the Black Sea coast of Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia region, according to media reports. ( Mykaela Martin/U.S. Army) Recent satellite imagery obtained by the Institute for the Study of War indicates that Russia has been relocating some of its ships from Sevastopol to the Russia port city of Novorossiysk, near Crimeas eastern coast. The Washington, D.C.-based research group described the move as likely an effort to avoid further Ukrainian strikes. Ochamchira is about 300 miles southeast of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. Russia already has a coast guard station in the district and has discussed opening a naval base there for years. Moscows decision to enlarge a naval facility at Ochamchira may best be viewed as a Russian retreat, reflecting a realization that never again will Sevastopol be safe anchorage for Russias Black Sea Fleet, said William Courtney, a former U.S. ambassador to Georgia and senior fellow at the Rand Corp. As of Friday afternoon, the Kremlin had not commented on the base. The destroyer USS Porter arrives at the Black Sea port in Batumi, Georgia, in 2020. The leader of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia told a Russian newspaper this week that the Kremlin signed a deal to set up a naval base on the region's Black Sea coast. (U.S Navy) If the reports are true, the Russian actions would represent a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, the countrys Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement Thursday. Russia recognized Abkhazia and another breakaway region, South Ossetia, as independent states in 2008 after a five-day war with Georgia in which Russian troops supported the separatists. Russia has kept troops in both regions since, and Georgia continues to accuse Moscow of illegally occupying them. At a 2008 summit, NATO promised to one day allow Georgia to join the alliance. The small country sent troops to support U.S.-led coalitions in Afghanistan and Iraq and regularly hosts a military exercise for NATO members. But the government in Tbilisi has taken an increasingly anti-Western stance in recent months, describing NATO expansion as the main cause of Russias war in Ukraine, refusing to supply weapons to Kyiv and refusing to sanction Moscow over the February 2022 invasion. Russia may therefore assume that the U.S. and its allies are less likely to come to Georgias defense in the event of sharper Russian pressure, Courtney said. Georgians will now have to decide how they wish to balance relations between Russia, which threatens their country, and the West, which does not, Courtney said. Tbilisis efforts to build a more pragmatic relationship with the Kremlin are partly due to concerns that Russia could try to seize more of its territory in light of the situation in Ukraine, experts say. While a Russian naval base in Ochamchira would likely exacerbate these fears, its regional impact would probably be limited, according to Dmitry Gorenburg, a senior research scientist at the Virginia-based Center for Naval Analyses. It increases Russias options in terms of where it can place its ships, Gorenburg said. But I dont think its going to lead to any kind of a sea change in overall balance of power or in Russian strategy in the region. Despite not having a navy, Ukraine has used domestically produced drones, commando raids and long-range cruise missiles provided by Western countries to repeatedly attack Russias Black Sea fleet. Last month, Ukrainian forces bombed and partially destroyed the fleets headquarters in the heart of Sevastopol. NATO will be stepping up its surveillance and ensuring that we continue to have a very clear idea of how Russian naval assets are distributed, retired Adm. James Stavridis, a former NATO supreme allied commander in Europe, said in response to the reports about the Abkhazia base. And by the way, I dont think that the Russian Black Sea fleet will be safe from Ukrainian drones even at a distance, he added. They can run, but they cant hide. KYODO NEWS - Oct 6, 2023 - 19:24 | All, Japan The Japanese government is making arrangements to seek a court order to disband the Unification Church as early as Oct. 13, government sources said Friday. The move would follow a months-long probe into the religious group found its practices, including pressuring followers to make massive donations, constituted violations of the law. The Cultural Affairs Agency is considering convening a meeting of an advisory body on religious institutions next Thursday before proceeding with its dissolution request to the Tokyo District Court, which will make a judgment based on the evidence submitted by the government, the sources said. Scrutiny of the group intensified after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot during an election campaign speech last year over his perceived links to the entity, an incident which also brought to light its connections with many ruling party lawmakers. The government apparently aims to restore public trust by taking a firm stance against the religious group. "As there are concerns about protests and other issues, we hope to file the request for dissolution after the (agency) meeting without delay," a government official said. So far, only two religious organizations have received a dissolution order from a Japanese court because of legal violations. One was the AUM Shinrikyo cult, which carried out the deadly 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system. It took around four months for the dissolution order to AUM to be issued following the filing of the request, and it is expected that the Unification Church's case will also be prolonged. The agency has invoked its authority to question and obtain documents from the group seven times since last November, while also collecting statements from victims pressured into making massive donations. Examination of this information led the agency to conclude that the group's practices meet the requirements for a dissolution order under the Religious Corporations Act. The law allows Japanese courts to order the dissolution of a religious group that has committed an act "clearly found to harm public welfare substantially." If dissolved, the Unification Church, founded in South Korea in 1954 and formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, would lose its status as a religious corporation in Japan and be deprived of tax benefits, although it could still operate as an entity. Many in Japan have reported financial problems involving the Unification Church. It has also been notorious for "spiritual sales," in which followers are forced to buy vases and other items for exorbitant prices through coercion, such as invoking negative "ancestral karma." The group has also been found responsible in some civil lawsuits filed over huge donations. Related coverage: Japan government plans to seek court order to dissolve Unification Church Japan government may seek to dissolve Unification Church: source Abe shooter spends time reading, awaits unscheduled trial Screen grabs from an Amnesty International animated video posted in July 2021 purportedly depicts how activists, journalists and others are being targeted by powerful surveillance tools. (Amnesty International USA/Facebook) A lesser-known spyware supplier has spread its tendrils across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, according to an investigative project that launched Thursday to focus on a variant of the surveillance technology. A great deal of research on spyware, and publicity about it, has focused on the Pegasus spyware produced by industry leader NSO Group. The new Predator Files sheds light on a collection of interconnected companies the project has dubbed the Intellexa alliance, and its associated Predator spyware. The investigation turned up 25 countries that have purchased invasive, stealthy products from the alliance. Amnesty International, whose Security Lab provided technical analysis to a network of news outlets on the project, said the use of those products to undermine human rights, press freedoms and social movements demonstrates inadequate government safeguards against the technology. The Predator Files investigation shows what we have long feared: that highly invasive surveillance products are being traded on a near industrial scale and are free to operate in the shadows without oversight or any genuine accountability, said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty Internationals secretary general. It proves, yet again, that European countries and institutions have failed to effectively regulate the sale and transfer of these products. The Washington Post is a participant in the project, which was coordinated by the European Investigative Collaborations (EIC) network and involves 15 media organizations. The Intellexa Group was founded in 2018 by Tal Dilian, a former Israeli army officer, and it produces the Predator spyware. The Intellexa Alliance combines that group with the Nexa family of companies that operates primarily out of France. The United States government in July placed Intellexa on its entity list, which restricts American companies from trading with them, as part of a Biden administration effort to crack down on spyware abuses. Among Thursdays top revelations: European companies have been funding and selling cyber-surveillance tools to dictators for more than a decade with the passive complicity of many European governments, according to a network summary. Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert worked with the company until recently. The spyware was sold to Egypt and pitched to Saudi Arabia. Outlets in Germany and France published stories on Predator-related activities in their countries. Among the 25 countries that the EIC consortium of media outlets found Intellexa alliance products have been sold to are Switzerland, Austria and Germany, Amnesty International said. Other clients include Oman, Qatar, Congo, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Pakistan, Jordan and Vietnam. Amnesty Internationals analysis of recent technical infrastructure linked to the Predator spyware system indicates its presence, in one form or another, in Sudan, Mongolia, Madagascar, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Angola, among others, the organization said. Amnesty International said it reached out to the entities involved and got no response, but the EIC network heard from the main shareholders and former Nexa group executives. They said the alliance no longer exists. Furthermore: Regarding exports of surveillance technologies to the states mentioned above, they claim that either a commercial relationship was established in full compliance with applicable regulations, or there has never been a contract and/or delivery, Amnesty International said. Finally, they claim that the entities of Intellexa alliance scrupulously respected export regulations, while acknowledging that they established commercial relations with countries that were far from perfect in terms of the rule of law, further stating that it was often a function of political choices from the French government, it said. The Predator Files project follows on the heels of the Pegasus Project from 2021. That project focused on NSO Groups Pegasus spyware; The Post was also a participant in that investigation. The Predator Files are equally as damning and arguably worse as it shows not much has changed, said Donncha O Cearbhaill, head of Amnesty Internationals Security Lab. The United States has garnered some praise for ratcheting up its response to spyware, which includes not only blacklisting companies but an executive order on the federal governments use of the technology and a campaign to secure similar commitments from other countries. Things havent moved as swiftly in Europe, where a committee that investigated spyware has encountered resistance from European Union nations. An aerial view of the damage in Derna. A strict curfew required people to shelter in place during the floods. (Alice Martins for The Washington Post ) The rains lashing Derna gave residents a sense of comfort as night fell on Sept. 10. Windows steamed up as dinners warmed on stovetops. Children curled up with their parents and watched cartoons long past their bedtimes. A 30-year-old store owner, Mohamed BinKhayal, texted his brother from a few blocks away to see whether he needed help. He said he didnt. He had obeyed government orders to shelter in place, like thousands of other families in the heart of the city. They thought they would be safe at home, away from the waters edge. Its just rain, Mustafa, a father of five, texted back. But it wasnt. Authorities in both of Libyas rival governments had known for days that Storm Daniel was coming, and for years that the dams above the city were damaged and at risk of collapse. Yet officials loyal to military commander Khalifa Hifter, head of the eastern government based in Benghazi, appeared never to consider the threat, believing instead the worst of the flooding would come from the sea. Video evidence shows several evacuations being carried out among coastal communities in Derna, which prompted many people to move inland - and into the path of the coming flood. A strict curfew, enforced by armed security personnel, required people to shelter in place. Multiple generations of families gathered together and were washed away. Warnings that the dams were filling up circulated among officials in the Ministry of Water Resources, which is responsible for water infrastructure and is part of the western government in Tripoli. They were not shared publicly until water had engulfed the city - too late for Mustafa BinKhayal and so many others. Coastal areas were evacuated because they expected those to flood, said Ahmad Shawli, an official on Dernas Emergency Response Committee. People felt that the dam would protect them from flooding, so there was no urgency for them to flee. More than 12,500 people from the area are dead or missing, according to the World Health Organization. Residents and local activists believe the true number is far higher. Government restrictions have made it difficult for reporters to access the city in recent weeks. Protests calling for accountability ended in arrests. This account of the final days and hours leading up to the disaster is based on more than two dozen interviews with residents, officials and experts, as well as videos, social media posts and documents reviewed by The Washington Post. The former mayor of Derna, since relieved of his duties, as well as water management and other government officials in Tripoli did not respond to phone calls or text messages seeking comment. Efforts to reach Hifter through senior military officials were unsuccessful. Derna is built on the ruins of an ancient Greek colony and its oldest families trace their lineage back to Andalusian times, when Muslims ruled modern-day Spain. It was home to Libyas first theater troupe and has a rich intellectual history. More recently, it has been caught up in the countrys brutal civil conflict, occupied by Islamist groups and pummeled by government forces. After a months-long siege, Hifter took control of the city in 2018. In the years that followed, both the air force that Hifter commands and the militia led by his son Saddam have been accused by Amnesty International of routinely targeting, harassing and torturing their critics in Derna. Neither Hifter nor senior officials in Tripoli have responded to the allegations. In the mountains above the city, the Derna and Bou Mansour dams, built in the 1970s, had been damaged for decades. It was a dangerous situation, according to an unpublished 2006 study from the Ministry of Water Resources, later cited by Libyan academics who reviewed it. A report from the Tripoli-based Audit Bureau, submitted as part of an ongoing government investigation into the dam collapses, concluded that authorities in Tripoli failed to carry out even basic repairs. Instead, the report says, they overpaid a Turkish company by 4 million Libyan dinars for dam maintenance between 2007 and 2010 - without encouraging them to finish the job or attempting to recover the funds when the project was left incomplete. The report was obtained, verified and shared with The Post by the Sentry, a Washington-based investigative group. While Libyan authorities have blamed the stalled maintenance on a popular uprising in 2011, the documents say that, after months of unexplained delays, work stopped completely at the end of December 2010. The Ministry of Water Resources had ample money to fix the dams in the years that followed, the report concludes, including 459 million dinars in development funds in 2021 alone. Last year, a study by hydrologist Abdelwanees Ashoor concluded that the situation in the Wadi Derna basin required immediate action. In the event of a huge flood, the result will be disastrous, he wrote. The dams were a preoccupation for Ashoor, who had warned of their fragility as early as 2008 in his masters thesis. When he returned to Derna last year, he told The Post, he found the amount of surface runoff had increased and the probable maximum flood had increased because of conditions and soil runoff and the lack of vegetative cover. Trying to deliver those warnings to Libyan authorities felt like whistling in the ears of the dead, he said. More than 12,500 people from the Derna, Libya, area are dead or missing, according to the World Health Organization, after massive flooding in early September. () Officials told The Post they did not consider that heavy rains could overwhelm the dams, or take steps to prepare for such a scenario. The situation in Derna looked very normal, there were no indicators that it would be a crisis, said Mohamed Douma, the water minister of the Benghazi-based government in eastern Libya. But he conceded: This is not an excuse for the amount of neglect that happened with the maintenance of the dams. As Storm Daniel approached, officials across eastern Libya held a flurry of crisis meetings, according to social media posts and accounts by officials. In Derna, a committee led by the head of the citys security directorate decided to evacuate several neighborhoods close to the waterfront - well outside the eventual flood zone. A Sept. 9 order signed by eastern Libyas prime minister, Osama Hamad, declared a two-day holiday and told residents to limit their movements along roads. Workers from the local water and sanitation company started clearing drainage outlets with excavators along the coastline. Boy Scouts helped to evacuate a hospital and cleaned the streets. Red Crescent ambulances and police cars fanned out across waterfront neighborhoods, warning residents to leave. But in many instances, the authorities offered them no place to go. Families piled into cars, locals said, and headed inland to apartment blocks already filled with people waiting to ride out the storm. From his shoe store, Mohamed BinKhayal watched the warnings loop across television screens and social media as he tried to focus on work. He locked up the store when he heard the police cars urging his district to shelter in place, slamming the blue shutters closed. Its probably best to be at home, he recalled thinking as he climbed in his car and headed out. The voluntary coastal evacuations continued on Sept. 10. So did the curfew. Residents argued over whether to stay or go. Some didnt trust the weather reports; others didnt trust the authorities. Dernas municipal council announced on Sept. 10 that the city would be shut down from 7 p.m. that night until 8 a.m. the next morning. On social media, government accounts simultaneously urged people to evacuate their neighborhoods and to obey the curfew. On the streets, a video shows armed security forces walking alongside emergency vehicles as loudspeakers blared: All citizens must remain in their houses. A curfew would clear the roads for emergency vehicles and such, said Douma, the water minister, explaining the governments rationale. Abdul Gader Faraj, a nurse in Derna, was starting to worry about his family. He was 700 miles to the west, in Misrata, where he had taken their eldest son for cancer treatment. His wife, Fatima, and their other two children had been told to evacuate their home on the coast in Derna. He was relieved when Fatima called her father to come pick them up, as the sun sank in the sky and the wind harried the trees on the seafront. Their neighbor, Ali, took his wife and children to his in-laws near the center of the city, Faraj said, then went to shelter with his parents further up in the valley. Videos from later that evening show emergency vehicles trying to make their way through the driving storm. Boy Scouts were still cleaning the valley in the dark, their yellow raincoats fluttering in the wind. In interviews after the storm, families described sheltering in place, steeling themselves for a long night. Children packed onto sofas and stretched out on living room floors, some excited to be with their cousins for a sleepover, others overtired and tearful. Parents stirred dinner pots and prepared school bags for the new term. On a street running down to the seashore, 43-year-old Abdulrazzak Mustafa stepped outside briefly to check on the rains, then slipped back inside. His two youngest children had fallen asleep in front of the television. He picked them up gently and carried them to their beds. Abdulrazzak Mustafas phone barely stopped ringing through the swelling storm, as nervous relatives across the city checked in again and again. Shortly before midnight, Mohamed BinKhayal texted his brother Mustafa to see if he needed help. Abdul Gader Faraj called his wife. Everyone, it seemed, was safe. The incomprehensible part of this entire tragedy is the curfew imposed by the Derna security directorate from the start of the storm, said Hanan Salah, associate director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch. This effectively trapped people in their homes and from then on, they stood no chance. Around midnight, the cellphone network crashed and the power failed. Derna was plunged into darkness. Every familys world shrank: Suddenly, no one knew anything about anyone else, Abdulrazzak Mustafa said. At the Wadi Bou Mansour dam, there was only one guard on duty that night, according to Claudia Gazzini, the International Crisis Groups senior analyst for Libya, who interviewed him and officials in Tripolis Water Resources Ministry for a recent report. Destroyed houses and buildings in central Derna are partially buried in mud after the deadly flooding last month. (Alice Martins for The Washington Post ) The rain had reached a frightening intensity by midnight. Water was rushing down the valley into the center of the city, spilling over into adjacent streets. The dam was filling up. The guard told Gazzini he called his immediate supervisor at the Water Resources Ministry in Derna, who relayed the warning to Benghazi. An official at the ministry in Benghazi told her that he notified Tripoli of the worsening situation. At 1:12 a.m. on Sept. 11, a message was posted on Facebook, but the intended recipients were already cut off from the outside world. The Ministry of Water Resources in Tripoli assures citizens that the Derna dam is safe and that rumors about it being broken are false, the message read. The dams are in good condition and things are still under control. By this point, they said they had already lost contact with the dams supervisors in Derna. Residents used different words to describe the sound they heard around 3 a.m. Some called it a boom, others a roar. One man said it sounded like the horizon had popped. Security camera footage shows a wave rushing so fast through the streets that it dragged cars along with it. Entire houses were carried into the sea and asphalt was ripped from the sidewalks. Abdulrazzak Mustafa struggles even now to understand the strength he mustered in that moment, forcing their door shut against the wave as he held his screaming children above him. Water had poured through the window and was rising past his chest. I couldnt think of myself, I knew I was going to die, he said. All I could do was pick them up and try to save them. Mohamed was trying his brothers cellphone again and again, but getting nothing. In neighborhoods with lower tides, people slipped in the streaming mud as they tried to flee, straining against wind gusts that knocked them backward. Some parents lost children underfoot, or tripped over bodies in the scramble. Hospitals that still functioned were inundated. One medic saw 100 patients in the first hour. By daylight, it was closer to 1,000. Across Libya, rumors of a tragedy were spreading, but Derna was still in blackout. At 2:39 p.m. on Sept. 11, Dernas municipal council confirmed on Facebook that the dams had burst. As the sun came up on the city, the scale of the damage was almost unimaginable. Mohamed finally found his brother Mustafa BinKhayal dead in the crush of his home. Across the road, another 20 of the brothers immediate relatives - all sheltering in place together - had drowned. Farajs wife and children survived, but their neighbor, Ali, who had evacuated his family to stay with their relatives, learned that he had taken them right into the path of the flood. When Faraj called to offer his condolences, the man could barely speak through sobs. He brought his own kids and wife to death by his own hands, Faraj said. He was trying to keep them safe. An official in the Tripoli-based agricultural ministry, Riyadh Jouha, agreed that people were not adequately warned of the dangers. But he said they were partly at fault for having built their homes along the river. They shouldnt just blame the government altogether, they should blame themselves too, he said. Among the dead were several police officers and Red Crescent workers involved in the curfew and evacuation efforts, according to witnesses and social media posts. More than 100 medical personnel were killed. So many lives were lost that day, and the people of Derna deserve in the very least to know why authorities who are meant to protect them failed them so miserably, said Salah, of Human Rights Watch. 4,267 people have been buried. Another 8,500 people are missing and presumed dead. Some families are still asking for news on Facebook, clinging to hope. There were two people who saw him, but we havent found him, wrote a woman looking for her husband. On his own page, Mohamed BinKhayal said the pain was now greatest for the living. It is the ones who survived in Derna who died, he wrote. Heba Farouk Mahfouz contributed to this report. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks with Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, the new chairman of the Joints Chief of Staff, at Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 29, 2023. (Jack Sanders/DOD) WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Air Force Gen. CQ Brown will travel to Europe next week to size up what weapons Ukrainian troops need now to fight Russian forces as Pentagon funds used to supply Ukraine military aid begin to run dry. Austin and Brown, who was confirmed recently as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will travel to Belgium for a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group a coalition of about 50 allied countries that meet regularly to assess what the embattled country needs most to drive the Russians from its territory. I know the questions come up: How long is [existing aid] going to last? Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman, said Thursday. It is all relative to what Ukraines most urgent security assistance needs are. We have enough funding to last for a bit longer, he added. Austin is singularly focused on making sure were working with Ukraine and our allies and partners to get what they need. The contact group meeting Wednesday will be the first since Congress passed a 45-day temporary government funding bill that did not include new military aid for Ukraine. The funding was passed last weekend to avoid a government shutdown, but aid was stripped from the deal so enough Republicans would vote for it. President Joe Biden and most congressional lawmakers agree that its important to keep aid to Ukraine flowing, but a group of far-right Republicans in the House are opposed to sending more. If [Russian President Vladimir] Putin succeeds in Ukraine, he will not stop. He made this clear years ago when he said his mission in life was to recreate the Russian Empire, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Wednesday on the Senate floor. It is ironic in history how dictators can be so clear about what they want to do, but ignored by people who should stand up to them. Biden said Wednesday that he expects more aid to come when Congress finally authorizes a full budget for 2024 but added hes worried the GOP-led chaos in the House could still present obstacles. Pentagon Comptroller Michael McCord warned last week that Ukraine-related money is drying up. About $5.4 billion remains for weapons sent to Ukraine on an emergency basis and another $1.6 billion to replace weapons taken from Pentagon stocks for Ukraine. He said theres no money left in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a fund that procures weapons from industry. Another option that remains is reprogramming money, which allows the Pentagon to redirect existing funds for urgent matters. But Ryder told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday that its not a long-term solution. The Pentagon has also diverted weapons seized by the U.S. military to Ukraine. The Navy in December intercepted a shipment of ammunition from Iran to Houthi rebels in Yemen. This week, the Pentagon gave the bullets to the Ukrainians. In the past year, the Navy has intercepted several similar shipments, including one that yielded 2,100 AK-47s from Iran in January. Its not yet known whether the U.S. might try to send those weapons to Ukraine. Whether or not we will [do that again], it remains to be seen, Ryder said. Meetings of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group are often followed by new announcements of military aid packages. The last tranche of weapons two weeks ago included missiles, artillery and air-defense equipment valued at $325 million. Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy take part in the second formal parade of the season on Sept. 29, 2023. (Stacy Godfrey/U.S. Navy) A group that recently sued to block the consideration of race in admissions to West Point filed a similar lawsuit Thursday against the U.S. Naval Academy. The latest lawsuit from Students for Fair Admissions was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. It seeks to prevent the Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Md., from taking race into account in the selection of an entering class of midshipmen. Students for Fair Admissions sued the U.S. Military Academy, in West Point, N.Y., on Sept. 19. Both suits are seeking to build on the groups victory at the Supreme Court in June. The high court delivered a landmark opinion striking down race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a ruling that affects colleges and universities throughout the country. But a footnote in the ruling left open the question of race in admissions to the military service academies. It stated that no military academies were a party to the lawsuits against Harvard and UNC and that courts had not addressed the propriety of race-based admissions systems in that context. Leaders at West Point, Annapolis and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs say that their admissions process is holistic and takes many factors into account, especially academic credentials and leadership potential. They also indicated at a congressional hearing in July that the Defense Department is reviewing the Supreme Court decision and assessing any potential impact. Last fall, U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, representing the Biden administration in the Harvard and UNC cases, argued to the Supreme Court that racial and ethnic diversity is crucial for military readiness. It is a critical national security imperative to attain diversity within the officer corps, she said at the time. And, at present, its not possible to achieve that diversity without race-conscious admissions, including at the nations service academies. The Naval Academy said Thursday it does not comment on pending litigation. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jingping shake hands on Nov. 14, 2022, in Bali, Indonesia. According to reports on Oct. 5, 2023, the White House has begun making plans for a November meeting in San Francisco between Biden and Xi. (Adam Schultz/The White House) The White House has begun making plans for a November meeting in San Francisco between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping - an attempt to stabilize the relationship between the worlds two most powerful countries, according to senior administration officials. Its pretty firm there will be a meeting, said one administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the engagement has not yet been announced formally. Were beginning the process of planning, the official said. A second senior administration official said that Biden looks forward to meeting Xi, but that nothing has been confirmed yet. Plans will become clearer after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi comes to Washington in the coming weeks, administration officials said. China and the U.S. are in communication on bilateral engagement and exchange, said Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, in an e-mail. Both sides, he said, need to work in the same direction, clear obstacles and manage differences with concrete actions, and enhance dialogue and expand cooperation in good faith. The in-person meeting would be the first between the leaders of the two largest economies since they met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November. There, both presidents emphasized the importance of face-to-face diplomacy and expressed hope they could get U.S.-China relations back on track. But after Biden ordered the shoot-down of a Chinese spy balloon that traveled over the continental United States in February, ties frayed further. In an effort to re-engage, four top Biden administration officials have traveled in recent months to Beijing, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and climate envoy John F. Kerry. Last month, national security adviser Jake Sullivan held two days of talks with Wang in Malta. The White House described those conversations as candid, substantive and constructive. But communications between top American military officials and their counterparts in Beijing remain frozen despite repeated overtures by the American side. In March, Xi accused Washington of leading an effort by the West to implement containment, encirclement and suppression of China to slow its development. And last month, Chinas main spy agency, the Ministry of State Security, indicated in a cryptic and unusual post on its WeChat social media page that prospects for a Xi-Biden summit would depend on the United States show[ing] enough sincerity. The security agency does not usually comment publicly, especially on foreign policy. Biden, for his part, has made comments - off the cuff at fundraisers or in brief exchanges with reporters - that have irked Beijing. In June, at a fundraiser, he called Xi a dictator who was unaware of the spy balloon and said that the Chinese president was very embarrassed when it got shot down. He also noted China was having real economic difficulties. Nonetheless, Biden has repeatedly indicated over the past several months that he was expecting to meet with Xi - sometime in the future, in the near term, he said at a news conference in June. Last month, Xi skipped the G-20 leadership summit in New Delhi, leading Biden to express disappointment. But, he added, I am going to get to see him. In remarks to the U.N. General Assembly in New York last month, he emphasized his desire to responsibly manage the competition between the two countries to avoid conflict. We are for de-risking, he said, not decoupling with China. China watchers have looked to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco as the setting for the meeting. For Xi to be a no-show, coming on the heels of his G-20 absence and ducking out of a speech at a summit of developing nations in August, would be a poor look, said Danny Russel, a former White House Asia aide in the Obama administration. People will jump to the conclusion that the domestic economic and political problems are too great, he said. Theres a cost to him not going. Biden administration officials are proceeding with plans for a meeting at APEC. The Chinese, said the U.S. official, want to do it. The White House, however, has decided it will bar Hong Kongs top government official, John Lee, from attending. Lee and 10 other Hong Kong and Chinese officials were sanctioned by Washington in 2020 after implementing a repressive national security law, imposed by officials in Beijing. Russel, now vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said the one thing both leaders have in common is a desire to stabilize ties and avoid some international crisis or brawl that could interfere with their domestic agendas. But neither one of them is open to making substantial concessions, he said. So whatever calming effect a meeting will have will be tactical and temporary. Still, he added, even that would be an improvement. Beijing has been pressing the United States to ease export controls on key technologies such as advanced semiconductors. Raimondo in August said she rebuffed an appeal by Chinese officials to rescind such controls, arguing that they were imposed for national security reasons. Instead, they agreed to set up a new commercial issues working group as a forum to engage on trade and investment matters. Other expected areas of discussion between the two leaders are Chinas crackdown on foreign companies following an expansion of a counterespionage law and the release of detained Americans. Beyond differences over protectionist economic policies, Americas opioid crisis is a likely subject of tension between the two leaders. Most fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, is made in Mexico using precursor chemicals from China. After Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), then serving as House speaker, visited Taiwan in August 2022, Beijing announced it was freezing counternarcotics and law enforcement cooperation with Washington. The United States has pressed China to resume cooperation, while also targeting some China-based traffickers and individuals with sanctions. Olivier Knox contributed to this report. KYODO NEWS - Oct 6, 2023 - 20:45 | World, All, Japan Japan on Friday assured agriculture ministers from ASEAN members plus China and South Korea that the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea is "being done safely." Ichiro Miyashita, Japan's minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, made the remarks when he met his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China and South Korea in the Malaysian capital. He said there was no reaction from China, which imposed a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports after the first water discharge began in August. The second batch of water started being released on Thursday. Miyashita welcomed China's silence on the issue during the ASEAN-plus-three talks as a "positive" move. China was represented by Deng Xiaogang, the vice minister of agriculture and rural affairs. China had repeatedly urged Japan not to go ahead with the discharge, expressing its opposition in the ASEAN-plus-three foreign ministerial meeting in July and in summit talks under that framework in September. Miyashita said he will continue to brief the international community based on scientific evidence and with a high level of transparency, and added that he gained the understanding of many countries. Malaysian Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, who chaired the meeting, reiterated that his country's health authorities have inspected Japan's seafood imports and thus far see the products as being "100 percent safe." Malaysia has decided to tighten inspections of seafood imports from Japan. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Related coverage: Japan begins 2nd round of Fukushima treated water discharge Japan court orders compensation to 128 unrecognized Minamata victims North Korea slams Japan over water discharge from Fukushima plant The U.S. Capitol is seen on July 13, 2023. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON A prolonged leadership void in the House could have negative repercussions for the military, increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown that would leave troops without pay and jeopardizing critical weapons support for Ukraine, defense experts say. The historic ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from the speakership this week plunged the House into a state of paralysis that will extend to the Defense Department if a new speaker is not selected quickly, said William Galston, a senior fellow in the Governance Studies Program at the Brookings Institution, a center-left leaning Washington think tank. The defense of the United States is on autopilot, he said. House Republicans are expected to begin deliberations about who will take over as speaker next week. If voting requires multiple ballots, as was the case with McCarthy in January, the process could take days. Congress faces a mid-November deadline for passing spending bills and avoiding a government shutdown. We now find ourselves in a dangerous situation, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Until Republicans stop their infighting, the House can vote on no bills. No appropriations work can get done. If, God forbid, some national crisis were to occur that demands immediate action, the House would be unable to quickly respond. For now, the most urgent matter demanding lawmaker attention is military aid for Ukraine as it presses a counteroffensive against Russian forces, Galston said. The Pentagon has repeatedly warned Congress in recent days that it has exhausted nearly all available security assistance funding for Ukraine. This is a pretty critical time, Galston said. Its a terrible time to have any interruption or threat of interruption of military resources, not to mention the kind of financial support that the [Ukrainian] government needs to keep operating. An increasingly vocal Republican faction in the House is against continued assistance for Ukraine and their opposition has held up a $24 billion aid package requested by the White House in August. The aid is in limbo without a House speaker but its fate also hinges on who ultimately occupies the speaker position, experts said. One candidate for the speakership, Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., has supported aid to Ukraine while another, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has opposed it. A speaker critical of Ukraine aid could still be persuaded to put it to a vote if most House members support it or the assistance is paired with a Republican priority such as immigration reform, said Travis Sharp, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, a Washington think tank with senior staff who worked for the Defense Department. Galston said House members could also override the speaker through a procedural maneuver called a discharge petition, which would allow them to bring a bill to the floor without the speakers blessing. The petition requires 218 signatures. Most members of the House 311 lawmakers voted in favor of a program last week that arms and trains Ukrainians. There is much less bipartisan consensus for an appropriations bill that would fund the Pentagon for the next year. House Republicans last month narrowly approved the spending bill after adding contentious provisions targeting abortion access, diversity initiatives and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins salary. The House needs to reconcile its partisan version of the legislation with the Senates spending proposal if Congress wants to avoid a government shutdown without passing a short-term funding bill by Nov. 17. The Democrat-led Senate has yet to pass any of its appropriations bills. Even if a new speaker is selected relatively quickly, there is a wide gulf between the appropriations bills that the House Republicans are prepared to accept and the bills that a bipartisan coalition in the Senate will accept, Galston said. A similar gap exists between the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual, must-pass policy bill for the Pentagon. The House version contains controversial conservative riders while the Senate version sidesteps them. Work on the NDAA should not be affected by the turmoil in House leadership, at least for now, said Sharp, who is a Navy Reserve officer. The bill is typically passed by the end of December. Relative to the appropriations side, the NDAA still gets managed by the Armed Services committees in a way that protects the NDAA from being as wrapped up in some of these bigger political battles, he said. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said this week that negotiations with his House counterparts will keep moving despite the disarray in the lower chamber. Still, the extent of the discord within the House Republican ranks, where a vocal hard-right minority wields outsized influence, could eventually endanger the bipartisanship that has long been a hallmark of the NDAA, Sharp said. The risk is that there is a spillover of all this political bad blood and then the NDAA becomes just another battleground for all the fighting going on over the overall budget, over the speakership, he said. The Armed Services committees are going to be working hard to defend their bill but they cant stop individual lawmakers from using it as a vehicle to advance their ideas. The injection of right-wing proposals into the House version of the NDAA was one of the reasons that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., urged his caucus to vote for McCarthys removal on Tuesday. Galston said the downfall of McCarthy and the fight to replace him adds yet another complication for a Defense Department already contending with the ongoing hold of more than 300 senior military nominees in the Senate. It must be a period of very great uncertainty and anxiety over at the Pentagon, he said. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, a former Army sergeant last assigned at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., was arrested Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, on charges of attempting to deliver national defense information to China, the U.S. Justice Department announced. (U.S. Army) A former Army sergeant last assigned at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington with a military intelligence unit with access to top secret documents was arrested Friday on charges of attempting to deliver national defense information to China, the U.S. Justice Department announced. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, was taken into custody by federal agents at San Francisco International Airport as he arrived on a commercial flight from Hong Kong. The arrest is based on an indictment issued Oct. 3 by a federal grand jury in Seattle. It charges two felonies: Attempting to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. Each charge carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Schmidt was stationed at Lewis-McChord from January 2015 to January 2020, according to FBI reports filed in the case. His primary assignment was the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to secret and top secret information. After Schmidts separation from the military in early 2020, he allegedly tried to contact the Chinese consulate in Turkey, according to the FBI report. He later tried to contact Chinese security services directly via email and offered national defense information to them. In the indictment, the FBI provided examples of emails sent to the Chinese from Schmidt. My name is Joe Schmidt. I am a United States citizen looking to move to China. I currently reside in Istanbul and am trying to set up an appointment at the consulate in Istanbul, Schmidt wrote to the Chinese consulate, according to federal officials. Schmidt traveled in March 2020 to Hong Kong, where he continued efforts to provide Chinese intelligence services with classified documents obtained while he was serving at Lewis-McChord. The FBI investigation said Schmidt retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to the Chinese to gain access to internal Defense Department networks. Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until Friday when he flew to San Francisco. The investigation of Schmidt by the FBI had been aided by the Army Counterintelligence Command, according to the Justice Department. Army Lt. Col. Jennifer J. Bocanegra, public affairs officer for I Corps at Lewis-McChord, said commanders at the Army-Air Force installation were just learning of the arrest and had no additional information at this time. Lewis-McChord is 9 miles southwest of Tacoma and home to I Corps of the Army and 62nd Airlift Wing of the Air Force. The base is used by all branches of the military for training and mobilization of forces. Just fewer than 31,000 soldiers and airmen are assigned to the base. Schmidt is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and then transported to the Western District of Washington for further court proceedings. Members of our military take a sworn oath to defend our country and the Constitution, said acting U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman for the Western District of Washington. In that context the alleged actions of this former military member are shocking not only attempting to provide national defense information, but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks. Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew Olsen said in a statement that Schmidt, if guilty, broke the law and his oath of service with the Army, which did not lapse upon his separation from the military. Individuals entrusted with national defense information have a continuing duty to protect that information beyond their government service and certainly beyond our borders, he said. Marines fold a flag during a service for Pfc. Lawrence Earl Garrison at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday. Garrison was killed during the Battle of Tarawa in the Pacific on Nov. 20, 1943. DNA sequencing led to the identification of his remains nearly 80 years later. (Eric Lee/The Washington Post) On Lawrence Earl Garrisons first day of battle in November 1943, he joined nearly 35,000 Marines on the atoll of Tarawa in an attempt to seize the Japanese-held Gilbert Islands in the central Pacific. Two years earlier, the United States had been drawn into World War II after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Now the U.S. military was closing in on Japan in the Battle of Tarawa, a conflict from Nov. 20 to 23, 1943, in what is now the Republic of Kiribati. About 1,000 U.S. troops died during the battle, and more than 2,000 were wounded. On the first day of the battle, Garrison part of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Pfc. Garrison was 23. Without dog tags or rings, Garrisons remains were unidentifiable, said Jordan Windish, an osteoarchaeologist at History Flight, a nonprofit that helps identify missing-in-action troops, who has worked on identifying remains from Tarawa. For close to 80 years, his family searched for closure. That process came to an end Thursday, when Garrisons remains were buried in a somber ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Over those decades, his family members many of whom hadnt ever met Garrison, said Dwayne Taylor, 76, Garrisons nephew had done what they could to learn about how Garrison might be identified. There wasnt much to be done, said Cheryl Cronin, 66, Garrisons niece. After all, forensic science was at its infancy for much of that time, Cronin said. So they had to make do with the memories and stories they had of his upbringing in Ryan, Okla. My father always said how sometimes Lawrence would go hunting to help feed the family during the Great Depression, Cronin said. I know he was a man of real faith. Many sets of unidentified remains from the Battle of Tarawa, including Garrisons, were transported to Hawaii in 1946, Windish said. More than 72,000 Americans are still missing from World War II, according to data from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), a federal agency that tracks down missing defense personnel. Then, in 2009, the DPAA, History Flight and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, a scientific lab that identifies missing-in-action service members, partnered to exhume and identify Tarawa troops. After Cronin read about this effort, she contacted the DPAA and learned that some people killed in Tarawa had been identified through DNA sequencing, she said. So around 2013, she contacted family members to send DNA samples to the DPAA. For older cases like Garrisons, one of the techniques used by the DPAA and History Flight is mitochondrial DNA sequencing. Sequencing uses an individuals DNA sample to generate a corresponding genetic code, which can then be overlaid with another individuals sequence to see whether they are related. Mitochondrial DNA-based sequencing technologies are becoming much more common, said Thomas Clements, a biology lecturer at Vanderbilt University. Since mitochondrial DNA is generally more abundant than other types of genetic material, this type of sequencing is useful in identifying certain samples that have degraded with age or when the sample size is low, he said. DNA sequencing, though, is usually the last resort when identifying remains, given its expense, Windish said. First, theyll review dental records and look for material evidence such as dog tags and rings. But really, DNA is going to be the one that costs the most money because its a scientific technique. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing has its limitations. This kind of DNA is inherited exclusively from the mother, so the family would have to collect DNA samples from Garrisons maternal lineage. Cronin couldnt provide the sample; she is Garrisons brothers daughter. So another niece who is now deceased contributed the sample, Cronin said. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing lays the groundwork for genetic identification, said Timothy McMahon, director of Defense Department DNA operations at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. To zero in on a potential match, the system used Y chromosome testing from another relatives sample to track Garrisons fathers lineage, McMahon said. In August 2022, the DPAA and History Flight notified the family that Garrisons remains had been identified, Windish said. At first, Cronin thought the call was a scam. Then realization set in. The mystery was finally solved. I am just so overwhelmed with gratitude, Cronin said. Throughout the long hunt for Garrisons remains, she had thought of what this would have meant to him. [Were] just so grateful for all the advances in science and the fact that we have the government and people that are dedicated to recovering people like this. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz presents a folded flag to Cheryl Cronin, niece of Pfc. Lawrence Earl Garrison, during a service at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday. (Eric Lee/The Washington Post) Since 2009, History Flight has identified more than 150 military members, a majority of whom died in Tarawa, Windish said. Rapid scientific advancement has made it possible for the DPAA, in partnership with groups like the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System and History Flight, to identify hundreds of people annually in recent years, vs. a couple of dozen a year previously, Windish said. Since the 1970s when the DPAA renewed its recovery efforts nearly 1,000 troops killed in World War II have been identified and had their remains returned to their families. Thats partly because technological advancement has generally made genome sequencing less costly, Clements said. The process has become more automated, and scientists can process large amounts of sequence data simultaneously using computational-based technology, he said. As such, its more feasible to identify people through DNA sequencing, Windish said. At the beginning of the 21st century, whole-genome sequencing cost $100 million per person; now it costs less than $1,000. For Garrisons family, these advancements culminated in a long-awaited funeral Thursday. Marines fired three ceremonial rounds of seven gunshots traditionally a war signal to cease fire and allow troops to pick up corpses on the battlefield. Gunpowder filled the air as the chaplain recited a sermon before officially laying to rest an 80-year mystery. Israeli settlers, backed by the regimes forces, have killed another Palestinian in the occupied West Bank, bringing to four the number of Palestinians killed at the hands of Israelis in just 24 hours. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the 19-year-old Labib Dumaidi succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Friday as he was shot in the heart by an Israeli settler in Huwara Town, south of Nablus. That came as settlers, backed by Israeli forces, launched a provocative raid on Huwara on Thursday evening, and performed Talmudic rituals near the scene of an alleged shooting attack on a settlers vehicle in the area. The raid sparked clashes with Palestinians in which the Israeli troops used live ammunition, tear gas, and sound bombs against the protesters. Dumaidi lost his life just hours after the Israeli military said that its forces shot dead another Palestinian during clashes that followed an alleged shooting attack that purportedly left one settler injured. Earlier on Thursday, Hudhayfah Fares and Abd al-Rahman Atta were also killed during clashes with Israeli troops following an attack on a number of settlers vehicles in Tulkaram. Israeli forces have shot dead two Palestinian youths after opening fire on their vehicle near the West Bank city of Tulkarm. The armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, identified the two as its members. The group noted that the operation came as part of attacks conducted in retaliation for Israeli crimes against Palestinians and their sanctities. Over the past months, Israel has ramped up attacks on Palestinian towns and cities throughout the occupied territories, killing dozens of Palestinians and arresting many others. More than 200 Palestinians have been killed this year in the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza. The majority of these fatalities have been recorded in the West Bank. The United Nations said 2023 is the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since it began keeping track of fatalities almost two decades ago. Previously, 2022 had been the deadliest year with 150 Palestinians killed, of whom 33 were minors, according to the UN. The rising number of fatalities last year prompted UN experts to condemn the treatment of Palestinians, including attacks on their homes and destruction of their properties. He was charged with being unlawfully at large from HMP Magilligan between January 2, 2001, and January 11, 2023. Edward James John Hickey was jailed at Antrim Crown Court. Judge Alistair Devlin said his excessively long absence must render this case much more serious than it otherwise would have been. He ordered that it will be served consecutively to the sentence that the 49-year-old began at the start of the century. Judge Devlin said that, while the case was exceptional, given the length of absence and that Hickey had effectively turned his life around, there had to be a punishment as he had breached the trust placed in him by the prison service. Temporary home leave at Christmas, or at any other time, rests on an essential element of mutual trust, said Judge Devlin. Unfortunately you abused that trust and there has to be adverse consequences for anyone who might be tempted to do what you did. He was charged with being unlawfully at large from HMP Magilligan between January 2, 2001, and January 11, 2023. Last month, Hickey, from Monasterboice Road, Dublin, entered a guilty plea to the single charge against him: between January 2, 2001, and January 11, 2023, having been ordered to serve a jail sentence at HMP Magilligan, [you] were afterwards, and before the expiration of the term for which you were so sentenced, at large without lawful excuse. In December 2000, Hickey was jailed for five years at Belfast Crown Court for having a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. During sentencing remarks on Thursday, the judge said Hickey had been granted temporary home leave for the Christmas period and was due to return on January 2, 2001, but did not. Hickey was not arrested until January this year, when police on the Welsh island of Anglesey alerted the PSNI that a passenger by the name of Edward Hickey was due to arrive on a ferry from Dublin. He was duly arrested and flown back to Belfast, where he made full admissions, claiming that he had intended to return to prison but, having been told that his mother was seriously ill, he instead opted to stay with her in Dublin. Judge Alistair Devlin said, while it was to Hickeys credit that he had essentially stayed out of trouble the entire time since starting a family and working as a forklift driver to provide for them it was also a factor that he did not, following a period of mature reflection, decide to hand himself in, even after the unfortunate passing of his mother. The judge said the offence was different from that of escaping from lawful custody, an offence which carries a maximum of life imprisonment, and he accepted Hickeys decision not to go back to HMP Magilligan was impulsive rather than planned. Imposing the eight-month sentence, Judge Devlin ordered that it would only begin when Hickey has finished serving the jail sentence originally imposed two decades ago. LHASA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Third China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation released the Nyingchi Initiative in the southwestern Chinese city of Nyingchi on Thursday in a bid to deepen international cooperation in the trans-Himalaya region. Around the theme of "promoting the harmony of humans and nature, sharing the fruits of cooperation and development," participating parties have had an in-depth exchange of views on eco-environment, development cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and reached broad consensus, said the document. In the initiative, China has proposed to deepen international ecological cooperation and promote harmony between humans and nature; strengthen international development cooperation and share the outcomes of the development; promote people-to-people and cultural dialogue and exchanges and safeguard the diversity of world civilizations; and maintain international peace and security and improve the global governance system. The trans-Himalayan region is characterized by a large population, diverse civilizations and substantial ecological diversity, and its development is crucial to the common well-being of people all over the world, the initiative noted. "We will strengthen infrastructure development in railways, roads, power grids, communications and aviation across the trans-Himalayan region, build a three-dimensional trans-Himalayan interconnection network, further expand opening up, intensify economic and trade exchanges and cross-border cooperation, deepen agricultural cooperation and rural revitalization, and jointly build the Trans-Himalaya Economic Cooperation Belt," read the initiative. The document also seeks to promote clean and low-carbon energy and its safe and efficient use in the trans-Himalayan region, accelerate collaboration in new energy, environmental protection and other fields, and facilitate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development in the region. This forum is a testament to the boundless potential of international cooperation and the strength of regional partnerships, said Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Nepal's ambassador to China, adding that it underscores the importance of transcending borders, forging meaningful connections between nations, and addressing common challenges together. The forum, co-hosted by the regional government of Tibet and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to run from Oct. 4 to 6. Representatives from more than 40 countries, regions and international organizations attended the forum. Passing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said this offending involved interfering with an intelligence resource of An Garda Siochana A Wicklow man who received information taken from the Garda Pulse system by a former civilian employee of An Garda Siochana has been sentenced to one year in prison. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Daniel Webb (33) of Charlesland, Greystones, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to two counts of active and passive corruption at unknown locations on September 6 and 9, 2019. He has no previous convictions. Passing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said this offending involved interfering with an intelligence resource of An Garda Siochana. Judge Crowe said the accused obtained information that he was not entitled to do so and that these were unusual offences that dont usually come before the court. The judge said the threshold for a custodial sentence had been reached and that the maximum penalty open to her was 10 years in prison. She set a headline sentence of three years. Judge Crowe said the mitigating factors in this case were the early guilty pleas by the accused, his young age, his remorse and that the probation report placed him at low risk of reoffending. He also has no previous convictions. Judge Crowe sentenced him to two years in prison on each count to run concurrently, with the final 12 months suspended for two years. At a previous hearing, Detective Sergeant James King told Diana Stuart BL, prosecuting, that in January 2020, gardai received confidential information that a civilian employee of An Garda Siochana, Holly Hayden (27), who was working at the Dun Laoghaire District Office, was relaying confidential information from the Garda Pulse system to third parties outside of the station. An investigation took place, and her work area and home were searched. A mobile phone was seized during the search, and a forensic download took place. Messages from Hayden to Webb were found on both the WhatsApp and Telegram apps. The court heard that Webb was then identified, and messages showed Hayden sent a document containing information from the Pulse system about another individual on September 6, 2019, to Webb. On September 9, 2019, she provided a synopsis of information from the Pulse system, which she had been instructed to download via the messaging app Telegram. She received cocaine in exchange for providing information on both of these occasions. The court heard that 17 lines of intelligence in total were sent, which related to Webb and people associated with him. Screenshots of the Pulse system were also sent to Webb. The court heard that Hayden also sent information to another third party and gave information about the location of garda checkpoints. Judge Orla Crowe asked if copies of the information taken from the Pulse system were available and these were handed into the court. Det Sgt King said a search warrant was issued for Webb's home and car. Webb arrived home during the search and cooperated fully with the gardai. His mobile phone was seized. The court heard that the maximum sentence available is 10 years in prison. James Dwyer, SC, defending, said his client met Hayden in his local pub after she approached him. They first began to communicate on WhatsApp in May 2019. He said that Hayden sent information to his client about him and his associates and sent information to a third party relating to garda movement and checkpoints. Det Sgt King agreed with counsel that messages from his client's phone show that, at one point, he encouraged Hayden not to look up more information. Mr Dwyer handed in character references for his client from his GP, a member of the Bar Council of Ireland, his family's neighbours, a woman his mother worked for, and family members. His parents were also in court to support him. The letter from his parents described Webb as warm, generous and loving and said he is adored by his siblings. Counsel said there were seven clean urine analyses before his client's court. He said a probation report was available, indicating when this offence occurred, Webb was at the peak of his drug use, spending up to 200 a night on cocaine and Xanax. The reports put him at a low risk of reoffending, and he is in stable employment. He said this was a crime of the utmost seriousness where the Pulse system has been compromised. He asked the court to consider the clean urine reports, the lack of previous convictions, and his early guilty plea when sentencing. Judge Crowe had previously adjourned the case facing Webb's co-accused until November 6 for finalisation. Two days later, Mr OConnor was allegedly assaulted by someone else and subsequently died from injuries sustained in that attack TWO Mountjoy prisoners have admitted a cowardly, callous attack on another inmate who later died following a separate assault in the same jail. William Ward (31) and Dylan Jones (22) ganged up on Robert OConnor (34) and kicked him as he lay in a foetal position on the floor of a cell in Mountjoy, a court heard. Two days later, Mr OConnor was allegedly assaulted by someone else and subsequently died from injuries sustained in that attack, gardai said. Judge Michele Finan jailed Jones for six months and Ward for five. Ward, of Grantstown Mews and Jones of Beech Drive, Greenfields, both in Waterford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Mountjoy on July 27 last year. Garda Raymond Lee told Dublin District Court at 7.10pm on July 27, 2022, officers responded to shouting coming from a cell on D Landing at Mountjoy. The door was being held shut by inmates and they forced entry, seeing Ward and Jones kicking a prisoner who was lying on the ground in a foetal position. The victim was found to be bleeding from the face and his right eye was not reacting normally to light when he was examined by prison medics. He refused to go to hospital and did not make a complaint. Jones was serving a sentence for a violent burglary at the time and Ward was in prison for motoring offences. The victim was unfortunately subject to a separate assault two days later that did not involve any of those in court today, Gda Lee said. He died as a result of that incident. Im very sorry to hear that, the judge said. Jones had enlisted to join the Irish regiment of the British army before he went into custody shortly after his 18th birthday, and had now spent his whole adult life in prison, defence solicitor Brian Tunney said. Jones was a young man in a very volatile environment," he said. He knows he shouldnt have got involved, Mr Tunney said, and Jones had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was somewhat defending himself but things got out of control. Not a day goes by that he doesn't regret his involvement in this incident," he said. Ward, a father-of-two and a qualified gym instructor, had a long standing disagreement with the other individual involved which culminated in the regrettable physical altercation, Mr Tunney said. This is a very tragic case where the victim was himself incarcerated and in a very vulnerable situation, Judge Finan said. He was ganged up on by other people in a cowardly and callous act of aggression, she said. The victim was outnumbered and was now not here to speak for himself, she said. The judge gave both accused eight month consecutive sentences, suspending the final two months for Jones and three for Ward. A co-accused, Scott Capper (29) of Cappagh Green, Finglas, Dublin is also charged with violent disorder in the same incident and had his case adjourned to consider a plea. Another man, David Dunne (39) of Boroimhe Birches, Swords, has previously been before the courts charged with murdering Mr O'Connor in the separate second incident at Mountjoy, on July 29 last year. Mr O'Connor suffered a head injury that day and died in hospital three days later. Brady, who was jailed in 2020 for a minimum of 40 years for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, is bidding to overturn his conviction A secret, liquid gold recording captures a US Special Agent unashamedly coercing a suspect to put Aaron Brady in the frame for murdering a Garda and was wrongly withheld from the trial jury, a barrister has told the Court of Appeal. Brady, who was jailed in 2020 for a minimum of 40 years for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, is bidding to overturn his conviction in a six-day hearing before the Court of Appeal. On the third day of the hearing before the three-judge appeals court Michael O'Higgins SC, representing Brady, said the trial court erred in refusing to allow the defence introduce into evidence the tape recording of a conversation between another suspect and Special Agent Matt Katske of the US Department of Homeland Security. Mr O'Higgins submitted that the tape came as near to "suborning" [inducing them to commit perjury] a witness as it is likely to get. Counsel said the defence wanted and needed to get the tape into evidence in the case and it should have gone before the factfinders of the trial to show there was a significant deficit in the State's case. Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe The lawyer said the trial judge had been presented with something which was "virtually unprecedented", where a law officer "unabashed and unashamedly" turned the screw to nominate Brady for an offence with a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years and that Suspect A had been "poked and prodded" to provide that. Mr O'Higgins previously argued at trial that the jury needed to be aware that Special Agent Katske behaved in this way so that when they looked at the evidence of Daniel Cahill they will know what they are dealing with. Mr Cahill gave evidence that Brady told him on three occasions that he had shot a garda but the defence claimed that Mr Cahill may have been pressurised by Homeland Security with the threat that he would be deported if he refused to give a statement to gardai. In opening today's submission to the three-judge panel, Mr O'Higgins played the recorded conversation between Suspect A and Special Agent Katske in which the officer can be heard saying: "I want to know people who know Aaron Brady admitted doing it, then I can offer things once I have that, until I have that I can't offer anything". Counsel added: "That is a very telling comment as it makes clear if in the dealing ring you have to first out people who know Aaron Brady had admitted it, if you don't have that golden ticket then you're not in the dealing ring". Mr O'Higgins said this was very "improper bargaining". "The power of an inducement is linked to a person in authority and this person is parading their authority in lights," he said. Mr O'Higgins said the "money shot" in the recording was when Agent Katske told Suspect A "my goal is Aaron Brady, I want to be clear on that". The defence wanted to introduce the tape recording as evidence into Brady's trial that Suspect A for the robbery spoke to Special Agent Katske in July 2017 at Belfast Airport. Mr Bradys lawyers said that the special agent, who was at the time attached to the American embassy in London, appeared to offer help with citizenship in return for information that would convict Brady. Suspect A's brother was under threat at the time of being sent home from the US. In the recording, which was carried out covertly by Suspect A, the special agent can be heard saying: Hes being removed, hes going home. I can find plenty wrong with his paperwork. If he puts Aaron Brady away, you will probably never hear from me again... I cant do anything for him until he commits to doing something for us in this case. Retired former detective inspector Pat Marry told the trial during legal argument that he first heard of the recording after Suspect A sent it to Special Agent Katske who then passed it on to him. Mr Marry said he had not told the special agent to approach Suspect A or anyone else with offers in return for statements. Mr OHiggins for the defence said that if Mr Marry is to be believed then this was evidence of a maverick agent behaving in a bizarre and inappropriate manner taking it on himself to enter into a bargain in return for evidence against his client. He said the agent indicated there were great prospects available for anyone willing to make statements against Brady. In that context, Mr OHiggins said it was necessary for the jury to hear about what was said to Suspect A at Belfast Airport. However, Mr Justice Michael White refused to allow the tape to be played in front of the jury and refused to allow Mr OHiggins to question Agent Katske about it. The trial judge said the issue was a collateral one and that Daniel Cahill and Special Agent Mary Ann Wade had said repeatedly when cross examined in front of the jury that no inducements were offered in return for Mr Cahills statement. Mr O'Higgins for the appellant further submitted today that the tape showed two sides of the same coin; namely inducement and threat. "A threat that [Suspect A's brother] will be going home and an inducement that if he gets information to put Aaron Brady away then he can help [Suspect A's brother's] problem," said Mr O'Higgins. The appellant also claimed that the manner in which Homeland Security worked with An Garda Siochana was unique and unprecedented; nothing to do with enthusiasm as the prosecution had contended. "I characterise it as an attempt to subordinate, one of the most blatant attempts to put someone in jail for a crime, where Agent Katske was invested in securing an actual conviction," he stressed. These were matters, Mr O'Higgins said, that the defence ought to have been allowed to ventilate before the jury to show how statements were being obtained and as to whether there was any inducement. He said it was for the jury to determine whether Agent Katsky was acting on his own initiative or officially. "What on earth is going on here?" asked the lawyer. Furthermore, the barrister called the tape recording - which the defence said displayed Agent Katske's unsanctioned and unauthorised behaviour coercing a witness to give a particular form of testimony - "liquid gold". He said it was the "placing of the bait" which was significant in this instance and that people were "being put up" to put Brady in the frame. In reply, Dean Kelly SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the three-judge panel that the tape did not have the relevance that the defence had contended. He said the appellant had invited the Court of Appeal to adjudicate on what Agent Katske was doing when he travelled to Belfast that day and submitted that this was not an aspect of the trial which fell on the Director of Public Prosecutions to stand over. Further grounds of appeal were argued that the court erred in refusing to permit the appellant cross-examine Special Agent Katske on the contents of the tape and that the court erred in rejecting the defence's application that the deportation to Ireland of Brady was a de facto extradition consequent to which the appellant was denied certain protections as a matter of law and had rendered his trial unfair. Aaron Brady (32) previously of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, is serving a life sentence with a 40-year minimum having been found guilty in 2020 of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe (41) at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgen, Co Louth on January 25, 2013. Brady was also sentenced to 14 years for the robbery, a sentence that will run concurrently with the life sentence. Det Gda Donohoe was on a cash escort when he was ambushed by a five-man gang and shot dead. The raiders stole just 7,000 in cash during the robbery, which lasted 58 seconds. Brady's trial was also the longest murder case in Irish legal history, lasting 122 court days. He was found guilty of the murder of Det Gda Donohoe by an 11 to one majority jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court in August 2020. The father-of-one was sentenced to the mandatory term for murder of life imprisonment in October 2020. As he had been found guilty of murdering a garda acting in accordance with his duty, the trial judge ordered that he serve a minimum of 40 years. The appeal continues on Monday before Mr Justice John Edwards, presiding, sitting with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and Ms Justice Tara Burns, when it is expected that the appellant will raise a complaint regarding witness Molly Staunton who gave testimony via video link from New York during the Covid-19 crisis. The minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) in Northern Ireland is 10. Catholic children in Northern Ireland are four times more likely to end up in custody for criminal offences than Protestant kids, new figures reveal. Of the 110 young people under the age of 17 being held in the Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre last year, 63 were Catholic and 15 were Protestant. This is in keeping with figures for the last five years, which show the number of Catholic young people in the centre is consistently much higher than those from a Protestant background. The Woodlands centre is located in Bangor, Co Down, and houses young people between the ages of 10 and 17 who have committed offences. The minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) in Northern Ireland is 10 one of the lowest in Europe. Of those in custody last year at Woodlands the only facility of its kind in Northern Ireland 13 were in the 10-13 age bracket. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is supportive of increasing the MACR in Northern Ireland to 14. However, any proposed changed to the age limit is being stalled by the ongoing political crisis at Stormont. A new report by the DOJ provides an insight into the work of the Woodlands centre in the past year. Last year, a total of 110 young people were admitted to Woodlands a slight increase on the previous years admission of 106. The report shows 610 young people have been admitted to the centre in the last five years. Of those admitted last year, 90 were male and 18 female. Two of the young people sent to Woodlands in 2022/23 chose not to identify their gender. In relation to the religious breakdown, the majority of the young inmates at Woodlands were from a Catholic background. Sixty-three of those admitted last year said they were Catholic, while 15 said they were Protestant. The other 32 young people admitted to Woodlands last year were from another religious background or indicated they had no religious belief. Northern Irelands Childrens Commissioner has previously called for more analysis of why young Catholics are more likely to find themselves in custody. Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, said the new figures showing the disparity in the community breakdown of those entering the Woodlands centre was worrying. However, a report commissioned by the Youth Justice Agency by QUB found the high levels of missing data on religion across criminal justice agencies make it difficult to assess the possibility of an over-representation of any particular religious group and makes it difficult to identify stress points, he told the Sunday World. An inspection by CJINI found that children at Woodlands had complex needs that the criminal justice system could not meet alone. The DOJ last year launched a public consultation on the proposal to raise the MACR in Northern Ireland to 14. Among those who responded in support of the age increase was Siobhan ONeill, Northern Irelands Mental Health Champion. The notion of criminal responsibility is not applicable to a child who has little control of their circumstances and is vulnerable to exploitation or impulsivity, she said. The Co Mayo nurse who was injured in a shooting incident in Australia last week is said to be in a critical but stable condition following surgery. Eileen Gibbons, a mother-of-one from Castlebar was shot by her estranged partner Ralph Donald (35) at his family's home at around 6.30pm on Tuesday before he turned the gun on himself. Ms Gibbons who worked as a nurse was stabilised by paramedics at the scene before being rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. Relatives have been told that Ms Gibbons is conscious and her condition is stable. It has been reported by the Irish Examiner that Ms Gibbons has four siblings, two brothers and four sisters while her mother works in a local retail outlet. Her father, a retired ambulance driver, passed away in May 2021 Her family are currently travelling to Australia to be with her. Cllr Martin McLoughlin, who knows her family well, told The Mayo News that local people in Castlebar are reeling following the news. "It's on everybody's lips. The town is absolutely shocked and devastated. When you are in a situation like this theres no answers. You dont have adequate words even, never mind answers." Cllr McLoughlin said he was full of hope for Ms Gibbons, who is being supported by a large community of Castlebar people living in Darwin. Police in Darwin are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said police do not expect to make any arrests in connection with the shooting. Detective Morrissey told reporters on Wednesday the couple had both lived at the home at various times. Ms Gibbons had reportedly been staying at a domestic violence shelter and had only returned to the house with their child to get belongings with the intention of leaving her partner. An unnamed neighbour described what happened as an ambush, alleging that Ms Gibbons was invited back into the home. He said: The level of domestic violence in this town is appalling. It hits differently when it's on your street. Detective Morrissey was unable to confirm if Donald had a history of domestic violence or if Ms Gibbons was staying in a shelter. However, he did confirm that other family members were at the home at the time of the shooting. Denning would assault the boys at Jimmy Savilles house and introduced many to Gary Glitter also, it was reported. A sick and depraved paedophile pal of Jimmy Saville, Chris Denning, has died in prison at the age of 81, it has been announced. His death from diabetes last year has only just been disclosed in a prison report into his care at HMP Bedford. The ex-BBC Radio 1 DJ was serving separate 13-year prison sentences for sexually assaulting dozens of children - some as young as seven over a forty year period. Denning would assault the boys at Jimmy Savilles house and introduced many to Gary Glitter also, it was reported. He used his fame to gain the kids attention and was convicted for 24 specific cases. The evil presenter was found guilty in 2016 of luring young boys to his home and drugging them with booze. He would pick them up at swimming pools and amusement arcades, when their guard was down. Denning showed the youngsters pornography before forcing them to perform sex acts and took snaps of them naked, between the 1950s-2000s. Jimmy Savile smoking a cigar, UK, circa 2005. (Photo by Eamonn McCabe/Popperfoto via Getty Images) It emerged during Dennings trial that he brought some victims to Top of the Pops recordings in order to introduce them to his deranged pal, Saville. Dennings psychotic abuse only came to light when he offered a child to a 'very well-known Radio 1 DJ' for sex at his house. That household name went immediately to authorities, although their identity remains a mystery. One victim was just seven years old when he first met Denning and came to see him as a 'father figure'. The BBC DJ then began to sexually abuse the boy telling him it was 'their secret'. In 2016, Judge Alistair McCreath said the impact on the victims, had been 'devastating'. Gary Glitter poses for the camera circa 1978. (Photo by George Wilkes/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Prosecutors described the offences as 'utterly depraved'. Mr McCreath said at the time: "It is not to be forgotten that all of this suffering was inflicted by you for nothing other than your own selfish pleasure. You groomed all of these boys. They were for the most part in their early teens, although some were younger. "You used your own fame, your acquaintance with others who were famous, your familiarity with the music industry... to win their trust and misplaced admiration, the judge said. Bizarrely, the paedo represented himself in court and delivered a record-breaking 44-hour closing argument. He eventually had to be cut off by the court, in unprecedented scenes. The sicko was convicted of abusing boys under 15 and jailed. In 2001, cops sought to extradite Denning from the Czech Republic to question him under an investigation into paedophile offences linked to a disco for teenagers. The extradition failed and Denning went on the run, settling in Slovakia. The Sun newspaper tracked him down in Austria 18 years ago, and he was brought back to the UK to face justice. Tommy Ward (80) died from his injuries several months after he was assaulted and robbed in his home in Maltby, Rotherham in 2015 Tommy in hospital after the attack that horrified England Police in the UK have launched a new appeal for information following the death of an Irishman in what has been described as a despicable and vicious attack. Tommy Ward (80) died from his injuries several months after he was assaulted and robbed in his home in Maltby, Rotherham in 2015. While a number of people have been arrested on suspicion of murder no one has ever been charged. Photos of Tommy Ward, 80, lying in a hospital bed with severe cuts and bruises plastering his frail body horrified the nation back in October 2015. Now, However, Detective Inspector Matt Bolger, who is now leading the investigation, has appealed to people who have yet to tell us what they know to come forward. Tommy in hospital after the attack that horrified England "This was a despicable and vicious attack on an elderly man, which tragically resulted in him losing his life a number of months later," said DI Bolger of South Yorkshire Police. "Despite the hard work of the investigations team over the last eight years, and a number of arrests, no-one has so far been charged over Tommy's death. "I would like to once again make an appeal to anyone out there that may still hold information about what happened to come forward and speak to us. "There must be people out there who know what happened to Tommy, and have yet to tell us what they know. "I would urge them to think about Tommy's family who have fought for eight years to find out what happened to him. "They are desperate to know why someone would want to harm Tommy. "This remains an active investigation with officers in regular contact with Tommy's family. "The whole team wants to give his family the answers they rightly deserve, to get some justice for their loved one." Mr Ward, a proud second-generation Irishman, suffered life-threatening injuries in the assault at his Salisbury Road home that took place between September 30, 2015 and October 1, 2015. Police discovered that a safety deposit box containing Mr Ward's life savings of around 30,000 had been taken from his home. Following the attack, a family member told The Irish Post that Mr Ward sustained a broken jaw, fractured skull, broken ribs and needed to have a finger amputated. While in hospital, Mr Ward's family read The Irish Post to him and played music from one of his favourite bands, The Dubliners, in the hope that it would help him recover quickly. However, he sadly passed away several months later on February 23, 2016, with his death attributed to the injuries he suffered during the assault. His daughter Jackie Penny said at the time: Whoever did this is pure evil. My dad only weighs nine stone. They could have just pushed him over and got what they wanted. Why did they have to be so violent? Detectives launched a murder investigation and a number of people were arrested on suspicion of offences including murder, robbery and aggravated burglary. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 202 of September 28, 2020. Information can also be submitted online via the Major Incident Public Portal. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. It was agitating; it was horrible. Tommy Tiernan has described a scary incident where he binged on herbal cocaine that left him as agitated as a werewolf. The comedian was speaking on the Tommy, Hector & Laurita Podcast when he mentioned buying herbal drugs from a store in Donegal 13 years ago. That was the worst decision I ever made. I was running around like a f***ing werewolf, Tommy said. The hilarious Navan native said the drugs almost drove him crazy and that looking back, it was a strange purchase for him to make. I thought I was insane. I was insane for a while, he said. That was the worst decision. We thought we could walk into a shop on high street like it was a chemist and get six grams of cocaine please and 12 tablets. "I don't know what it was. It was agitating; it was horrible, Tommy added. The Tommy, Hector & Laurita Podcast The mad story prompted co-host Hector O'hEochagain to tell his own crazy experience on mainland Europe. The TG4 presenter said he and two pals ate strawberries or something, and then took their motor for a spin. I've told nobody this, it was around six in the morning. "We all got into the car to go for a spin to the mountains outside Bilbao. Once you leave the city, there are sort of windy roads. We came around the bend and I was warped out of my head and all of a sudden, the car flipped over. We hit something, the car flipped over and back on its... it was a split second. We just started running across fields. We legged it for about five or six miles, we walked until we got into a little Basque village. I never told anybody about it, said Hector, adding that he reckoned the driver had fallen asleep and the surreal incident left him shook up. In May 2010, after a series of incidents involving legal drugs, the Irish Government moved against so-called head shops. An order was made declaring a list of psychoactive drugs to be controlled substances under the 1977 Misuse of Drugs Act. With immediate effect, anyone possessing a range of named substances faced a penalty of up to seven years in prison. Gardai visited every head shop in the State and requested a list of the substances on sale. Within three weeks, the number of head shops around the country fell from 102 to 36, it was reported. TD says anomaly exists in how children are transported to school by bus. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae is claiming some children in Kerry are receiving concessionary school bus tickets while other children are not. The Kilgarvan deputy said in a recent Dail debate on school transport that children living inside the two-mile limit are not eligible for the school bus concession, but new children who come in [to Ireland] are. He stressed that two sets of rules apply when it came to children in Killarney and its surrounding hinterlands. The Department of Education provide subsidised school transport for primary and post-primary pupils who live more than 4.8 kilometres away from the appropriate school. Children who are not eligible for school transport may be allowed to use it on a concessionary basis and pay the full charge. However, Deputy Healy-Rae took issue with the two-tier way in which some children in towns and villages in Kerry are getting bussed to school. We need to treat our own Irish school-going children the same as all the other children who have come into the country, he told the Dail. While we welcome all those other children, there is an anomaly there. If you are inside the two-mile limit, you will not get what is known as a concessionary ticket. But that does not apply to new children who come in, he said. "We have two sets of rules around Killarney and around many of our towns and villages whereby the new children who come in are bussed and it is organised for them. "But our own local children, whose parents went to the same school, cannot get that facility, Deputy Healy-Rae said. Her ex-partner, Ralph Donald (35), is believed to have turned the gun on himself after shooting Ms Gibbons at his home in Millner, a northern suburb of Darwin, at 6.30pm on Tuesday. Eileen Gibbons had moved to the Australian city of Darwin. Photo: Getty An Irish nurse living in Australia remains in a critical condition after she was shot by her former partner in a house in the Northern Territory city of Darwin. Eileen Gibbons (38), originally from Co Mayo, emigrated to Australia seven years ago. She was found with severe abdominal injuries at the property. Her ex-partner, Ralph Donald (35), is believed to have turned the gun on himself after shooting Ms Gibbons at his home in Millner, a northern suburb of Darwin, at 6.30pm on Tuesday. Donald was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ms Gibbons was stabilised and transferred to hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday night. It is understood she suffered extensive shrapnel wounds to her abdomen but local sources in Castlebar said her family have been given strong hope she can make a recovery. Detective Sergeant Paul Morrissey, of the Northern Territory Police Force, told reporters on Wednesday that the couple had both lived in the house at different times. However, news reports in Australia said Ms Gibbons had been staying in a domestic violence shelter and had returned to Donalds house to collect belongings. Ms Gibbons comes from the Rathbawn Road in Castlebar town. Her father, Sean Gibbons, who passed away two years ago, was a well-known and popular paramedic in Co Mayo. Her mother, Ann Gibbons, works in a local supermarket and is highly regarded. A source close to the Gibbons family said they are shell-shocked by the news and members of her immediate family are due to travel to Darwin today. News of the incident has caused widespread shock in Mayo. Local councillor Michael Kilcoyne said everyone was absolutely horrified by what happened. I want to extend to her mother and siblings our heartbreak at what has happened, he said. We will pray for them all. Anything we as a community can do for them, we will do it. We hope we can welcome Eileen back home safe and well to Mayo very soon. Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon said the news had shaken people locally. Its devastating for the family to get such horrendous news, he said. I dont think words can describe the shock and the worry they must be feeling. We are all praying she makes a full recovery and the community will support the Gibbons family. Everyone is very shaken by this news. Speaking to local media in Darwin, an unnamed neighbour who witnessed the aftermath of the attack described it as an ambush, alleging that the woman was invited back into the home by the shooter. The level of domestic violence in this town is appalling, he said. It hits differently when its on your street. In a press conference on Wednesday, Det Sgt Morrissey was unable to confirm whether Donald had a history of domestic violence. However, he did confirm other family members of Donalds were at the home during the shooting. Its concerning for neighbours. Its obviously distressing for family members and friends of the persons involved and also a confronting scene for first responders, he said. He said that investigations are in their infancy but did not anticipate any arrests in the case. COLOMBO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Over 55,000 Sri Lankans have been affected by heavy rains and floods, the country's Disaster Management Center (DMC) said on Friday. The victims belong to 13,627 families from 12 districts, with the majority coming from the country's most populous Western Province, the agency said. Security forces have started rescue operations to assist people marooned by floods, especially in the Southern Province, DMC said. Water levels of Kalu, Gin and Nilwala rivers are at spill levels, and the flood alert issued for these areas has been extended by another 24 hours, it said. Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology said thundershowers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Wayamba Provinces and Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Meteorologist Janaka Kumara said rains will subside from Saturday. Government has set out a Vision Zero aspiration when it comes to reducing and minimising casualties and deaths on our roads. Lack of investment in Irish roads will lead to more deaths and injuries claims TII report Minister Jack Chambers has said he is concerned about stark warnings from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) about the potential number of deaths and injuries linked to a failure to adequately invest in roads. Mr Chambers comments came after it emerged Transport Minister Eamon Ryan was warned that underinvestment in road infrastructure could lead to 77 deaths and 381 serious injuries over the next five years. Speaking at the launch of a new bus service through the Phoenix Park in Dublin, the Fianna Fail minister with responsibility for road safety said it is important for the political system to reflect on the contents of the report when they begin negotiations for next years capital expenditure budget. The report from transport infrastructure Ireland is stark and is obviously of particular concern to me as minister with responsibility for road safety, Mr Chambers said. This Government has set out a Vision Zero aspiration when it comes to reducing and minimising casualties and deaths on our roads. Junior Minister Jack Chambers (right), Junior Minister Patrick O'Donovan and Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman at the launch of the new 99 bus route in the Phoenix Park yesterday. Photo: PA We plan to address that in a number of ways. Theres obviously the speed limits review, penalty points reform and other reforms were trying to advance, but infrastructure is an important component when it comes to road safety. Its important from a road safety perspective that we listen to the feedback and the expert advice we receive from agencies like Transport Infrastructure Ireland and thats why in the aftermath of the budget, therell be a wider discussion on capital investment across from a roads perspective and also public transport and other areas of capital investment. Mr Chambers was speaking alongside Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman, who insisted safety was absolutely paramount to the Department of Transports approach to funding roads. Since this government has come to office, 5.1bn has been spent on roads, and as part of that, over 1bn euro has been spent specifically on resurfacing and upgrading and improving safety on our national roads. This is more than ... in the previous governments, Mr OGorman said. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there needs to be more money for roads, but said government agencies will always say they need further funding and that if this doesnt come, there will be negative consequences. We have a lot of investment in roads, hundreds of millions of euros go into building and maintenance restoration of our local and regional roads every year, Mr Varadkar said. Its always the case that any government agency will always say they need more money and if we dont give them more money there will be negative consequences. People make their case for more money and I wouldnt expect anything different, thats the normal course of budgetary negotiations. I do support more funding for roads, I should be clear on that, but also we need to make sure that theres adequate funding for public transport. The TII briefing document, dated October 28 last year, was drafted in the context of budget allocations for roads agreed by Mr Ryan for this year and highlighted the consequences for safety of not adequately funding national roads. The brief was compiled after concerns were raised by the TII board about the agencys statutory obligation to ensure national roads are safe for all users. The document, titled Briefing Note to the Department of Transport on the Consequences of the Funding Scenarios for 2023, detailed the predicted number of deaths and serious injuries linked to a potential failure to fund individual projects across the country. In particular, the board of the TII is concerned about funding cuts leading to increases in fatalities and serious injuries because of delays to projects and improvements to dangerous sections of nationals roads, the report said. There has been a significant spike in roads deaths this year. A man is a man and a woman is a woman the British Prime Minister said. British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has stood over his comments that society should not be oppressed into believing anyone can change sex. Speaking on Wednesday at the Tory party conference in Manchester he addressed the issue which is causing upheaval around the globe in his keynote speech. We shouldnt get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They cant, a man is a man and a woman is a woman. Thats just common sense, Sunak said. The Southampton born politician also said families need to know exactly what their kids are being taught in schools. It shouldnt be controversial for parents to know what their children are being taught in school about relationships, patients should know when hospitals are talking about men or women, Mr Sunak said. Sunaks comments were greeted with loud cheers and came after Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced a ban on trans women from female NHS wards. MP Suella Braverman also said she wanted to forbid sex offenders from changing gender. London Assembly member, Andrew Boff, was removed from the conference hall by security after he heckled speakers for their statements. Boff accused the British Home Secretary for vilifying gay people and trans people. It is ridiculous. It is a signal to people who dont like people who are LGBT+ people, he reportedly said. Protests in Dublin British Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said he agreed with Sunaks statements on Sky news today. That was a fairly straight forward statement of the obvious. He was being very clear that you cant change your sex. Of course, you can change your gender and there are very clear processes for doing that. We treat people with respect and kindness. But not having safe, women only spaces for example in refuges, that is not acceptable. You have to balance the rights of different groups of people and protect the rights of women, he added. Sky presenter Kay Burley said that based on the UKs Equality Act 2010, where people are going through gender re-assignment, they should not be discriminated against, making Sunaks comments against the law. Harpers response was not at all, you are mixing up sex and gender. In an interview after the conference at the Meeting of the European Political Community on Thursday, in Granada, Spain, the prime minister was asked by a reporter: Do you in any way regret saying a man is a man and a woman is a woman? Sunak responded abruptly: No, I think a man is a man and a woman is a woman, I think most people watching this program will think that thats common sense and thats just a fact of biology. Now, of course, this is always going to be passionate, tolerant country. Thats how we always are but we cant ignore fundamental facts of biology and saying those things shouldnt be controversial. He then reiterates that most people will think its just common sense. Last month, hundreds of campaigners took part in opposing rallies in Dublin, with one side advocating acceptance of transgender people and those on the opposite side alleging that women are being silenced when talking about trans rights. A large Garda presence was visible in and around Merrion Square for the two events and metal barriers were erected to create a space between the rival demonstrations. Activist Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, was a central figure at the Let Women Speak event on Merrion Square South. The counter demonstration organised by Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin assembled outside the Dail before marching to Merrion Square. Sister of Aoibhin and Doireann, Ailbhe Garrihy has navigated middle child syndrome with style. Ailbhe is not shy about how she became a household name As the sister of two Irish celebrities, Ailbhe Garrihy is not shy about how she became a household name. I feel like people stumbled across me and said Oh, theres another sister? " Im so grateful for my following but Im very aware that its because Im part of a trio, she laughs. Ailbhe is, indeed, one of three her older sister Aoibhin is an actress, and younger sister Doireann is a broadcaster. All three are online personalities to boot. Growing up, I probably didnt feel the middle child syndrome. But now that Im an adult, I look back and I think youre kind of in a no mans land, she says. We used to have babysitters growing up and one in particular loved playing with Aoibhin because she was the cool older sister, and then Doireann was the cute little baby, and I was kind of like Who do I hang out with? she adds. Ailbhe on a shoot for Homesense Left to find her way in the middle has left its mark, for better or for worse. Maybe the reason Im the lesser-known sibling is because I was in the middle, I dont know. I feel like my following are quite unique, and maybe they can relate to me a little bit more because my life is less in the spotlight, she smiles. The 33-year-old has two sons with her husband, Ruaidhri: Sean (2) and Fionn ( 10 months). Its a break from family tradition when you consider her sisters, and the fact Aoibhin has three girls too. My boys are the first on my side of the family so its very new in terms of boy dynamics and raising boys my sister got me a book on how to raise them, she laughs. Regardless of gender, the biggest shock about being a mother for Ailbhe has been the lack of time you have for yourself. Ailbhe (left) with her famous sisters Doireann (centre) and Aoibhin (right) I love every minute of it, but I always say when people ask me if it is harder going from zero to one or one to two, its definitely zero to one because its such a life change. "Youre no longer your own self, your time is no longer your own, she says. When theyre gone to bed, its nice to sit in silence and not have someone crawling on you or looking for you or having mashed banana stuck to you. You just get used to it and then when I do have time to yourself, you appreciate it and it feels like therapy you spend all day every day just attending to their needs and being there for them but I wouldnt have it any other way, she says. Dubliner Ailbhe lived abroad for a few years before settling back in Ireland. Im such a homebird but I think travel is the best possible experience you could ever have. The experience you get from that is invaluable. As much as it would break my heart for the boys to move abroad, I do think its such a wonderful thing to do when youre young and youre carefree, and you have nothing holding you back, she says. But when it came to buying a house, having children and putting down roots, it was always going to be Ireland. I couldnt picture myself anywhere else, she admits. Earlier this year, she bought a house in Dublin. Ailbhes status as the self-proclaimed lesser-known Garrihy sibling has led her to team up with TK Maxx, who have a lesser- known sibling of their own, Homesense. Its a particularly fitting collaboration given Ailbhes many recent trips to the homeware shop. Once we went sale agreed, I was on Pinterest and I created a vision board for myself to kind of see that come to life is so rewarding. But the biggest challenge of the whole process came at the beginning, she says. Saving for a deposit and getting mortgage approval, and then finding the house was a mammoth task, and such a long journey, she admits. Ailbhe is not shy about how she became a household name Then you find the house and go Sale Agreed, you eventually get the keys, and all your money is gone because you were saving so long and its worth it because you finally have a home to call your own. But then you have to fill it with furniture and bedding and everything you need to live, so thats a whole new process. "Weve been very much going room by room, its far from finished! she says. Ailbhes favourite room at the moment is the living room. Not that I get to do it that often because I have two kids under the age of three but when they go to bed at night, I just love sitting down and chilling out there and lighting some candles in my little haven, she adds. Those blissful moments are few and far between thanks to her career, too. The Garrihy family isnt just known for a trio of celeb sisters it also owns Dublin Bay Cruises, where Ailbhe has been working for years. I think its almost impossible to fully withdraw from a family business. Dublin Bay Cruises is like another family member, she says. And who knows, maybe the family business is a mantle that will get passed on through the ages. When Sean turned two, my dad was like, Surely hes ready now to come work with me, she laughs. Theres a bit to go before they get to that point but until then, Ailbhe is more focused on who her boys are growing to be. Im really starting to see their interactions it melts my heart. Visit homesense.ie for more TV soap star takes on his most challenging role yet by working as a real-life mental health carer Seamus in a scene with Connie Doona, who plays his daughter Zoe in the soap Fair City soap star Seamus Power reveals today that he has landed a job as a psychiatric nurse. And the actor who plays killer character Dermot Fahy and who comes out of prison in the hit soap this week admits patients and staff on wards he has already worked on in training have done double takes when they see who it is thats doing the rounds. Over the four years Ive done training Ive had 80 weeks placement in different units around the south east, he tells the Sunday World. Its really very much hands on. Straight from first year, youre sent out on a placement. Youre thrown in at the deep end, but you get to see the reality of it I suppose. You cant just sit back in college and do the theory. Seamus confirms there are lots of people in the facilities who recognise him. Seamus in a scene with actor Tony Tormey They would, of course. Lots of the staff and lots of the patients would recognise me from the show, he says. I have always found it being an advantage rather than a disadvantage. It breaks the ice and opens the conversation,. Ive no problem in talking about it People are interested in it, they think its an interesting journey. I have met loads of people from different walks of life who have ended up in nursing,. Ive met ex-carpenters, every profession you can think of As an actor, going into it its probably no more unusual than say a stonemason going into it. Psychiatric nursing was always something he was interested in. You have to have empathy certainly. You have to understand where the person is. You have to be able to empathise with them and help them. You definitely need those qualities, he observes. Dermot will be seen returning to Carrigstown in the coming days, just a year after he was sent to prison for killing Cian Howley. I graduated while I was filming Fair City, so there was a lot of long commutes up and down between Dublin and Waterford over those weeks, but I got there in the end, he explains. I have been offered a job by the HSE as a psychiatric nurse in the South East Mental Health Services Its brilliant to be offered a job straight away. But he wants to continue in his Fair City. I love going back and playing Dermot. Whenever Fair City has contacted me, Ive always been able to arrange to get time off or take annual leave or whatever, he points out. Seamus in a scene with Connie Doona, who plays his daughter Zoe in the soap Seamus (58) hails from Waterford City and now lives in Duncannon, Co. Wexford. He has two sons, Sean (18), who is starting first years in biomedical science in Trinity College Dublin, and Luke (12), who is starting secondary school. Seamus says that many viewers may be surprised Dermot is released so soon after killing Cian. Its not even a year yet. I guess its good behaviour. It was manslaughter, not murder I suppose in soaps you can play with time, he says, smiling. He agrees that there will be people gunning for Dermot notably Cians mother Joan, his biological brother Gar, and also Paul Brennan, whom Dermot previously went to jail over after swinging his money. The fact hes out now, he has nowhere to go really, he has no money really and he has to return home, he stresses. He goes back to his house. Zoe (his daughter) is living there now so he is just trying to find a path or way forward for himself, try and get his life back. He tries to keep a low profile alright, but there are people around the community who are not very welcoming and dont want to see him back. He tries to keep a low profile and keep the head down, but hes going to bump into people. Its a small town, so he does run into some of his adversaries from the past and they let him know in no uncertain terms that hes not wanted around the place But he feels that Zoe needs his support, so hes determined to try and stay for her. But at the same time she is kind of tarnished by his mistakes because people kind of turn on her a bit then because of her association with Dermot. It all leads to a dilemma for Dermot. He is in a bit of a quandary whether he should stay around, or for her sake should he just try and move away and start a new life altogether, he adds Fire and Emergency Bay of Plenty district manager Jeff Maunder says the unavailability of the Mount Maunganui fire trucks today is due to "firefighters' leave requirements", on top of some "temporary vancancies" across the district. In September, the two trucks at the station were taken offline for two days due to the same issue. "This is an ongoing issue and there is no quick fix. We have been introducing additional staff to address the immediate shortfalls until a longer-term solution is introduced. However, there were not enough staff available to staff the trucks today. "The people of Mount Maunganui can be confident that Fire and Emergency crews will continue to respond to emergencies in their community." Mount Maunganui Fire Station closed on Friday. Photo: NZPFU. "Fire and Emergency New Zealand always maintains a 24/7 response capability for our communities. "The system is designed so that neighbouring brigades provide cover for each other in the event of simultaneous incidents. This will also occur when our firefighters are unavailable for any reason. While the current situation is not ideal, it is a routine procedure for us as an emergency response service. "Fire and Emergency is working collaboratively with the NZ Professional Firefighters Union to address staffing ratios across the country." Ring of steel for Euro summit in Granada with Zelensky The European Political Community has been meeting in the city and a reception was held in the Alhambra on Thursday evening SUR MALAGA. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Many tourists and residents alike in Granada have been forced to change their plans on Thursday and Friday this week as a major meeting of European leaders takes place in the Andalusian city. It is Spain's turn to be president of the European Union until the end of the year and acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez and his ministers have been hosting the third meeting of the European Political Community (EPC). The EPC is a gathering of European leaders that first met in Prague in 2022 after French President Emmanuel Macron pushed for a looser political forum to discuss the continent's future after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. President Zelensky of Ukraine has been in attendance in Granada as have other invited non-EU leaders including British prime minister Rishi Sunak. A security ring has closed off traffic around the Alhambra Palace, where a reception with the King and Queen took place on Thursday evening, and the city's conference centre, where the main meetings were taking place on Thursday and Friday. Some 5,500 security personnel are involved. The majority, around 3,600, come from the National Police while the Guardia Civil have supplied 1,400 officers. The remainder are members of the Local Police forces of Granada and Armilla, as well as personnel from Civil Protection and 112 Andalucia. President Zelensky called at the meeting on countries to remain "united" in the face of Russian actions, adding that "any weapon" would be used to destabilise Europe. SUR in English Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Caretaker Minister for Culture John Cortes recently met with Professor Laura Wright of Cambridge University to discuss the ongoing research into the Llanito language, a form of Andalusian Spanish mixed with English which is still spoken in Gibraltar. "The Government is fully committed to this research and to ensuring the continuing use of Llanito throughout our community," he said. Juan Soto Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram SUR Wines & Gourmet, held on 2 and 3 October in the Palacio de Congresos in Torremolinos, attracted professionals from the hospitality industry, distribution, trade, tourism, wineries, and even students from catering schools. Sponsored by the provincial authority and its brand Sabor a Malaga, with the collaboration of Torremolinos town hall and the support of Almazara Catering, the exhibition featured seventy-five exhibitors and allowed professionals to taste and discover more than 400 national and international wines, as well as various gourmet products. Diario SUR food critic Enrique Bellver said that this fair provides the perfect setting to showcase the great wines produced internationally and facilitates business meetings between wineries and restaurateurs. Regarding the highlights of the event, he noted the presence of numerous high-end wines, including many from France. During the inauguration, mayor of Torremolinos Margarita del Cid expressed her appreciation for the exhibition being hosted in her municipality due to the visibility it brings to the town and the conference centre. She said, "It's an event that has become established, and that's why more and more wineries are returning and wanting to participate." Among the highlights this year were the activities arranged to run parallel to the main event. These included tasting sessions and show cooking. On the first day, attendees were able to taste Malaga goat's cheeses with their different pairings and listen to a talk about beef and its ageing process by Grupo Nortenos; there was also a cocktail session entitled Mixology with Royal Bliss. There were many international wines to taste including some selected by French viticulturist Francois Lourton who explained his motives for choosing Spain to make some of his wines. The second day of the event focused on the use of extra virgin olive oil in haute cuisine, gourmet chocolate and dessert wines. The tasting sessions started with a selection of wines from Malaga and from Martin Codax vineyards in Galicia and ended with some samples of Vermouth. Regina Sotorrio Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram The piece that opens the exhibition is a copy, and a good one at that: Cy Twombly's 1988 version of Picasso's Woman with a Crown of Flowers. The Echo of Picasso starts as it means to go on, with the challenge of spotting Picasso in the work of his contemporaries and, especially, among the generations that followed. The Executions Of The Wise Men by Jameson Green. Migue Fernandez Malaga's Picasso Museum (MPM) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the artist's death with this invitation to follow the trail he left behind in contemporary art. It would be an understatement to define him as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and this goes beyond that. Picasso was constantly "in the minds" of artists of his time, be it in the form of inspiration or a desire to do better. "And today's artists are obsessed with him; I'm not making it up," said Eric Troncy, curator of the show organised in collaboration with the Fundacion Almine y Bernard Ruiz-Picasso. The Echo of Picasso brings together 85 pieces by 54 artists, from Francis Bacon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Louise Bourgeois, Antonio Saura and Martin Kippenberger to more current names such as Claire Tabouret, Rashid Johnson, Farah Atassi and Cristina BanBan. Massacre in Korea by Picasso. Migue Fernandez "This isn't a Picasso exhibition; it is an exhibition of contemporary art," said Troncy. Throughout the exhibition, however, 18 paintings and sculptures by the Malaga artist himself converse with those who followed him - proof of his influence. In some cases the link is more subtle, more "poetic and even wild", but the conclusion is the same: "Picasso is still here, alive among us, in the DNA of the 20th century," said Almine Ruiz-Picasso, the wife of the painter's grandson. Among the wonderful encounters engineered by The Echo of Picasso is an installation by Louise Bourgeois (Shuttle Woman) and a Picasso dated 20 years previously (Couple at the Seaside) with the same elongated oval shape created by the French sculptor. Another is the disturbing face drawn Basquiat and Picasso's Head of a Man (Study for a Unesco mural). Elsewhere in the room, Personage by Karel Appel is a reproduction in its way of the composition Picasso did decades previously, Seated Woman With Cat. And alongside the distorted face of Michel Leiris, painted by Francis Bacon, is Picasso's Death's Head. "Let's say perhaps that Picasso helped me to see," the British artist once said. "Picasso is the man to beat," said Willem de Kooning, who is featured in this exhibition with a work from his Women series. All of the deceased artists exhibited here once admitted the influence of Picasso, explained Almine Ruiz-Picasso. Reverberation Picasso's reverberation through creation continues today. An example is his still life of a bronze bunch of flowers which is exhibited alongside the recent Flor de Taulera by Miquel Barcelo, two works that form part of the impressive sculpture collection in the second part of the exhibition. There are more examples. For the first time in 15 years, Picasso's Massacre in Korea is back in Spain, an impressive large-scale oil on which the artist shows defenceless women and children facing a firing squad. On the opposite wall the scene is reinterpreted by young American artist Jameson Green on a canvas dated 2023. Like this, as many as 17 pieces have been created especially for The Echo of Picasso and are being shown for the first time, among them two cubist portraits of women by Brian Calvin. Picasso is inside all of the works in this exhibition; no one can, nor wants, to hide it. He is in the portrait of Dora Maar by Antonio Saura, in the immense minotaur by Thomas Houseago or one of the paintings from the series Martin Kippenberger devoted to Jacqueline. Strike The Echo of Picasso, which runs until 31 March, was officially opened on Monday as 64% of the museum staff - according to the union committee - were on strike. This was the third day of action after an impasse in the negotiation of the workers' agreement. For more than 40 minutes, arriving guests were met by whistle-blowing, slogan-chanting protesters, among them a few local artists who had turned out to support the museum's staff. Filmmakers and representatives at the launch of the Marbella Film Festival on Wednesday. Anthony Piovesan Marbella Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Marbella International Film Festival has officially kicked off for the 18th year in a row this week. Actors, directors and producers from 100 film companies around the world walked the red carpet at the opening ceremony at the festival's official venue, Red Dog Cinema in Puerto Banus, on Wednesday this week. The four-day event opened with two red carpet screenings. The first was Women And Roads. The Way To Yourself. Mallorca, a Spanish documentary about three women who travel around the island with a camera in search of touching stories to capture. The second screening was Moroccan feature film Triple A, which tells the love stories of three people by their communities. Festival director Mac Chakaveh told SUR in English the festival will be an opportunity to celebrate cinema and showcase Marbella to the rest of the world. "Not only is this a chance for filmmakers to promote their work but it's also a golden chance to bring the film industry to the Marbella region and generate interest for cultural tourism," he said. "The average film costs 20 million to make so just imagine if 20 were made here every year; that's a lot of money coming into the local economy." Between 40 and 50 films are being screened during this year's festival which runs until Sunday 8 October. Chakaveh said audiences could expect "absolutely anything" from the screen. "What's so interesting about the Marbella International Film Festival is that it is open to all genres," he said. "We have a fascinating combination this year which covers all sorts of stories and themes, and the documentaries are some of the most outstanding you'll come across." Documentaries Documentaries about immigration in Europe and Spain, the Russian conflict in Ukraine, and Guantanamo Bay are some highlights, as well as two feature LGBT+ works, and a fun film about the Loch Ness monster. A premiere of a British action film Rise of the Foot Soldier: Vengeance promises to wow audiences after it sold out at a screening in London two weeks ago. The festival has expanded significantly since its debut in 2006 and now collaborates with Marbella council and tourist board, Marbella Film Office and the Andalucia Film Commission. Each year, the festival is promoted at other major cinema festivals across the world such as the Cannes International Film Festival and the Los Angeles International Film Festival. During the remaining days of the festival there will be screenings and after-show parties at venues in Marbella and Puerto Banus, as well as a gala awards ceremony on Sunday. The full programme can be viewed online on the festival's website www.marbellafilmfestival.com Chinese energy companies have completed the mechanical work for a gas processing plant in Iraq's southern province of Maysan. It's expected to help ease the country's energy shortage and boost green development. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Jonny Barrett with some of the work he is exhibiting at Galeria Luz de la Vida in Competa this month. Jennie Rhodes Axarquia Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram British artist Jonny Barrett is bringing his latest exhibition to Galeria Luz de la Vida in Competa. Tierra-Mar-Cielo (Earth-Sea-Sky) is running from 5 to 28 October and Jonny is giving demonstrations of his painting technique work until 7 October. Jonny is a painter, printmaker and illustrator based at Bloom Art Space in Malvern in the UK and he also spends six months a year in his studio in Alcala La Real (Jaen province). His images are a reflection of the natural environments of both Spain and the UK. How long have you lived in Spain? In the 1980s I was a freelance illustrator and designer in the UK and always wanted to have a studio in warmer climes, so I bought a simple finca with no electricity or water near Competa in 1989. The house Finca Victoriano, named after our neighbour, was completely isolated in an area called Almendralejo. I have lived in the Axarquia off and on for many years but also rented studios in La Herradura (Granada province) and finally settled in Alcala La Real in the province of Jaen. I now have a place in the old town with large studios, gallery and living space and I'm currently reforming parts of the property. Following EU regulations [since Brexit] I live for three months in the UK then head back to Spain for three months and so on. It is working out fine as I produce artwork in both countries and have developed a large and diverse audience through living and working in two countries. Where are you from originally? I was born in Liverpool in 1953 but my parents moved to Leeds when I was a baby. I am proud to say I am now an honorary Yorkshireman and a Leeds person through and through. The large open spaces of the Yorkshire Dales had a resonance for me and I probably saw some affinity to the scale of the Spanish landscape. What made you come to Spain? I prefer the warmer climate in Spain and it suits my temperament. In the 1980s I was doing a postgraduate in the faculty of Art and Design at Leeds Metropolitan University and my theme was to visually interpret the poems of [Federico Garcia] Lorca. Regular visits to Spain enriched and developed my visual practice and I began creating books that were eventually displayed at the Lorca museums in Granada and Fuente Vaqueros. What do you like about Spain? Apart from the Spanish language I have always been inspired by the intense light, colour, textures, forms and patterns in the Spanish landscape and I knew this was always going to inform my work. Have you always worked as an artist? I have been a practising creative since childhood and there was no other option for me but to become a successful visual communicator. Apart from my own personal art practice I also worked as an art director and in-house illustrator at Bullet Point Design consultancy in Yorkshire. My interest in academia eventually led to me being the head of Visual Communications (Illustration area) at Birmingham City University until I retired. My academic research led to the publication of a book entitled Keeping the Faith which was a photographic study of the Northern Soul scene within the UK and across Europe. -What can you tell us about the exhibition in Competa? Galeria Luz de La Vida is a beautiful place and I have exhibited work there before. The themes I have been exploring recently and my main preoccupation is observing and recording both natural and manmade environments and how they interact and overlap. Where else have you exhibited? I have exhibited from as far away as Hong Kong, Thailand, India, USA and throughout Europe, but I believe my work suits the Spanish light and ambiance. What inspires you? I guess travel is my main interest, as I was asked to teach and assess students' work throughout Asia (mainly India, China, Thailand, Malaysia) and when I gave a presentation of my Northern Soul photographs to staff and students, the look of bewilderment on their faces was a sight to behold. British culture and obsessions don't always translate! Galeria Luz de la Vida is owned by Dutch artist Lieuwke Loth and is on Calle Laberinto 15 Bajo, Competa (opposite restaurant El Pilon). The gallery is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 2pm. Lorena Cadiz Torremolinos Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Twenty-two years have passed since Mercedes El Ibiari was approached by an employee at Torremolinos town hall, a foreign resident like herself, with an unexpected proposition. She told her that they were trying to set up a team of volunteers to help people in need of help at the National Police station in the town who could not understand or speak Spanish. At first she thought it was an odd idea. "I had never worked with the police in my life," she said. However, circumstances meant that she was already a pensioner "with a lot of energy" and had no intention of spending the rest of her life "sitting in a cafe, watching television or going on trips. So, she joined the project. "I wanted to become integrated in society, to find out more about the place where I lived, which in a way was the homeland I had chosen," continued El Ibari. With those intentions she went along to the Torremolinos-Benalmadena police station, where more than two decades later she is still offering her services, as always, asking for nothing in return. "We didn't go on a course; we just started working with the police and with time we learned everything. But [the officers] also had to learn to trust us, to realise that we were reliable and always available from Monday to Friday and at weekends too, in the case of an emergency," she explained. The partnership of police and interpreters has worked well over the years and received recognition on Tuesday this week at the celebrations to mark the day of the patron saints of the police, the Holy Guardian Angels, organised by the Torremolinos-Benalmadena police force. There, Mercedes, along with four fellow volunteer interpreters - Anne Marie Fraser, Herminia Martin Molina, Judith Knowles and Susan Elisabeth Zorrilla - were presented with a badge of honour by commissioner, Antonio de Haro, for their "altruistic and selfless" work. "We just want to help people," said Anne Marie Fraser. And that means helping both victims and arrested suspects. Among them, the team of interpreters can help with translation in English, French, German and also Norwegian, Swedish and Danish. "We can cope well with most Europeans," they said. The interpreters said that their work often brings them great satisfaction, but sometimes it is tough, for example when they have to intervene in cases of domestic violence. But they focus on the positive: "knowing that you have been able to help someone at a difficult time in their life". The injured man was taken to the Costa del Sol Hospital. Europa Press Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Spain's National Police force has opened an investigation into the shooting of a man in a nightclub in Estepona in the early hours of Thurday morning, sources have confirmed to Europa Press. The male victim, aged 55, was shot in the foot by a person who entered the premises, allegedly hooded, according to the same sources. The 112 Andalucia emergency service control room received a call at around 3.50am hours that a man had entered a club and shot a customer, after which he fled. National Police, Local Police and medical services were notified and confirmed the transfer of a man with a gunshot wound to the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella. The investigation is still open to clarify what happened and to be able to identify and arrest the alleged perpetrator, police sources have indicated. Tony Bryant Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Known as the 'diamond of Malaga', the village of Carratraca is located in the Guadalhorce valley, and it is believed to have been a settlement since the Copper Age. Archaeologists discovered cave paintings and archaeological remains from the Eneolithic period, which endorse the theory of a human presence in the area since the beginning of prehistory, which is also evident in the neighbouring village of Ardales. There are, however, no records of any name of the settlement at this time, and even though the Romans are also said to have settled here centuries later, historians have been unable to find by which name it was known to them either. Academics claim it was the famous sulphur water springs that attracted the Romans, as several relics have been discovered on the site of La Glorieta, which include various copper and silver coins bearing the images of Roman emperors. The earliest written reference to the village is from its Muslim era, when it was called carr-altrak, meaning 'cleansing of impurities', which seems to refer to the curative properties of the springs, although it is of common belief that this name derived from an earlier, unknown name. Although there was a settlement on the site of Carratraca during the Arab occupation of Spain, the present-day village dates to the 19th century and appeared as a result of extensions to a farm called Aguas Hediondas (smelly waters), which most likely referred to the smell produced by the sulphur in the spring's water. In its heyday in the 19th century, when bathing in the waters was fashionable, this spa attracted such famous visitors as Lord Byron and Empress Marie Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. The spa, although currently closed, has remained one of the village's top attractions. The current name of Carratraca is simply a Latinisation of its Arabic name. Irene Quirante Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram An American tourist has been arrested by police for allegedly filming people who were undressing in a changing room in a Malaga city store. The suspect was allegedly caught in the act using a mobile phone to record a woman and a young girl in the store at a shopping centre in the city at the beginning of September, National Police sources have revealed. Officers searched the tourist's holiday accommodation and seized an iPad and other equipment. Specalists are analysing the electronic devices to dsicover whether more victims are involved. Juan Cano Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Allegations of a Malaga priest harassing a young woman have emerged, again placing the local Church authorities under the spotlight. It comes after the first scandal involving Father Fran, who is accused of raping unconscious women after drugging them. Now, another priest, Father Roberto, has been arrested in the province for allegedly harassing a young woman who claims to have been his partner. The woman filed up to six complaints with the National Police and Guardia Civil where she eventually claimed she had a romantic relationship with the parish priest of Canillas de Aceituno, who also covers Sedella and Salares. When she ended the relationship, the priest allegedly began to harass her, forcing her to move house several times, she claimed. Restraining order The young woman's complaints even triggered the courts to issue a 300-metre restraining order against Father Roberto, which prohibits him from approaching her "current or future home, as well as her place of work, studies or any other place, public or private, frequented by her". The precautionary measure also prevents him from talking to the woman or contacting her by any means. The latest in a long list of incidents of harassment reported by the complainant, which led to the arrest of the parish priest, happened just last month on 4 September. She was driving on the A-7 motorway at Rincon de la Victoria towards Malaga city when the priest allegedly pulled up behind her vehicle. When she let him pass, "he looked at her and laughed" before pulling in front of her and slowing down, according to the woman's complaint. She moved to the middle lane and then to the left to pass him, but the priest allegedly moved behind her again and began to accelerate. Amid the chaos the woman managed to snap a photo of the priest's car and sent it to police. First complaint The first complaint against the priest goes back to 28 October 2022, which was filed in Madrid where she had moved to allegedly get away from Father Roberto after living with him for about six months in the parish home. At the time, she did not mention the alleged relationship, although she said that when she would receive messages from other people he would be extremely jealous, warning her that if she replied to them, "she would have to leave his house", she told the police. However, every time she packed her bags to leave the house, he would "apologise" to her. In September 2022, she left permanently for Madrid, although she left some personal belongings, such as her computer, inside the house. She claimed the parish priest used the laptop to try to find out the new location of the woman, who had blocked him on her phone, WhatsApp and social media. Her manager also reported a man had been calling the four shops of the franchise she worked at in a bid to find her, she told police. Harassment The woman filed two further complaints on 15 December 2022 (Alicante) and 22 January 2023 (Torremolinos), claiming harassment and that the priest was "obsessed with control and knowing everything about her". However, it was not until a month later that she first revealed to the authorities that they had been a couple. On 21 February 2023, she went to the Cartagena police station - the fourth complaint - to report she was a victim of gender violence and she had suffered psychological abuse. According to what she revealed at the time, they had a relationship between March and June 2021. When they broke up, they continued to live together at the same address until September 2022. They lived with six other people, although, she said, they continued to share a room. At the Cartagena police station, the woman recalled two specific incidents which she claimed were proof the priest was following her. On 23 February, while she was still in Cartagena, the woman went to the police station again to file an extension of the complaint. Father Roberto had allegedly contacted her by telephone and harassed her. She also said she was receiving psychological counselling because of the alleged harassment. Court order Five days later, a Cartagena court issued the restraining order and ordered the arrest of the parish priest. The judge considered the "persistent" statements of the complainant and the impact it was having on her life: "[...] in fact, she gets emotional, even crying, when she tells of the feeling of being overwhelmed that she suffers". The judge also accepted the statement of a work colleague who "could see the reaction of the victim, who became nervous when a vehicle passed by". Father Roberto denied all wrong-doing. His lawyer has refused to make any other further comments as the court case is ongoing. Retreat The Malaga diocese said late on Wednesday 4 October the parish priest is not in custody, but "is on retreat for a few days away from his village". It added that both the priest and the woman "denounced each other for harassment", but "only the restraining order was imposed on him". The Church also claimed it was unaware of the restraining order. According to the priest's defence, he did not break the restraining order. The Diocese acknowledged it was aware of the "disagreements between the two", but said it "could not intervene" as it was a case of "personal matters between two adults". It concluded: "The facts are at the investigation stage; therefore, we must wait for the investigation of these proceedings to be completed in order to make a fair assessment". Forty-seven representatives of the newly formed European Political Community (EPC) convened in Granada this week to discuss security, energy, migration and the future of the EU. But the effectiveness of this largely-untested forum is open to doubt, especially given its failure to ease tensions over the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. Spain now has the chance to replace it as a mediator in this long-running battle, despite already having declared its loyalties. If bodies such as the EPC - which was formed last year in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine - exist partly to forge smoother relations between warring states, then this one's not doing very well. Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev had requested that Recep Erdogan, his Turkish counterpart and ally in the Armenian conflict, also be present in Granada this week for a five way discussion between their respective countries, Armenia, France and Germany. That discussion became even more necessary last month after Azerbaijan's armed seizure of Nagorno Karabaj, a self-proclaimed Armenian republic that has resisted rule from Baku since the fall of Soviet Russia. Members of the European Political Community. AFP Acting in their capacity as the largest EPC states, France and Germany denied Aliyev's request for Erdogan to be present. Aliyev then refused to travel to Granada in protest, suspecting that he'd encounter a predominantly pro-Armenian atmosphere: after all, EU Council President Charles Michel condemned Baku's forceful takeover of Nagorno Karabaj, adding that Russia (of which Armenia was a constituent Soviet Republic until 1991) had "betrayed the Armenian people" for not coming to their aid. Armenia's prime minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the two-day summit despite Aliyev's absence, and probably received a sympathetic hearing from the EU's most powerful members Although damaging to the EPC's credibility as an international problem-solving forum, this five way standoff has created the perfect opportunity for Spain to succeed where Berlin and Paris have failed. And it's well-placed to do so, given its current status as the president of the EU Commission (although admittedly it holds that position in a limited capacity, because it has no government of its own). Spain "strongly condemned" Azerbaijan's armed takeover of Nagorno Karabaj and urged the EU to mediate a "peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN Charter and international law". Brussels has so far failed to do that, and now the EPC is bungling the diplomatic nuances. If Spain wants anything to show for its six month-stint at the helm of the EU Commission, only half of which remains, then this is the time to act. Madrid has the opportunity to show Paris and Berlin that the adoption of a pro-Armenian stance needn't get in the way of brokering some kind of solution, even if temporary, to this decades-old conflict. Olatz Hernandez MADRID. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram The EU has approved a revision of Spain's recovery funding plan which eliminates a controversial idea to introduce new tolls across every motorway in the country next year. Plans to bring in tolls on all fast roads were scrapped in exchange for Spain promoting rail travel in a bid to help slash greenhouse-gas emissions. According to EU sources, the decision was sparked by rising costs hitting road users due to the energy crisis. Confusion over why Murcia nightclub where fire killed 13 was still operating Town hall inspectors have been temporarily removed from their posts while the inquiry continues into how 'illegal' Fonda Milagros and Teatre were not shutdown A firefighter walks past the ruins of Teatre and Fonda Milagros (right) last Sunday. Neither had a valid licence. SUR MURCIA. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram The investigation is still ongoing into how a popular nightclub that burned down last Sunday in Murcia, eastern Spain, in a blaze killing 13 people, managed to keep advertising its events widely on social media despite not having a licence or even existing in official council records. The emerging scandal is focussing on the internal processes of the town hall departments meant to carry out controls and inspections, as well as the reaction of the business owners who had not followed an order to shutdown the operation of Fonda Milagros, the club where the victims died, and the neighbouring Teatre club, which also burned down. Split in two with no permission Both these clubs were located on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Murcia. Fonda Milagros had been created without permission from a part of Teatre as an independent business in the last few years. This had caused Murcia council to order Teatre (including the space occupied by La Fonda) to be shut down in October last year, although this instruction was never carried out. Last Sunday morning, the area occupied by the clubs turned into an inferno. Social media footage that emerged later this week appeared to show staff on stage trying to put out flames in roof equipment as people danced below at 6am. Investigators are still trying to find out where the fire started in Fonda Milagros or Teatre. Reports this week said the two venues shared a common wiring system and were separated by just a plasterboard wall. Teatre had been affected by an electrical fire in 2009 with no injuries. Celebrating a birthday Many of the 13 victims had been celebrating a friend's birthday on a balcony surrounding the dance floor at Fonda Milagros and had been unable to escape in time, reports said. On Wednesday this week , Murcia city council temporarily removed the staff who were responsible for inspecting the venues from their posts while investigations continued as it emerged that a latest inspection had failed to enforce the closure of the venues. SUR MADRID. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram King Felipe has officially given acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez the opportunity to try to form a government. The move was widely expected after the Partido Popular's Alberto Feijoo, the leader with most seats in parliament after July's general election, failed to get majority support from MPs last week. Sanchez, with the second largest number of MPs for his PSOE party, now has up to 27 November to reach a majority of 178 MPs' support by doing deals with other parties. All eyes are on the votes of Catalan separatist parties, especially Junts. That party's leader, Carles Puigdemont, is wanted for the illegal 2017 independence referendum. This week the separatists have been saying an amnesty for those offences is not enough and that Sanchez will need to promise an official independence referendum too to win their support. WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. employers added 336,000 jobs in September in sign of economic resilience, with unemployment rate unchanged at 3.8 percent, the U.S. Labor Department reported on Friday. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, government, health care, professional, scientific, and technical services, and social assistance, the report indicated. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for Whites (3.4 percent), Blacks (5.7 percent), Asians (2.8 percent), and Hispanics (4.6 percent) showed little or no change in September. The latest employment report showed that the labor force participation rate was unchanged at 62.8 percent, still slightly below the pre-pandemic level of 63.4 percent. Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 7 cents, or 0.2 percent, to 33.88 U.S. dollars in September, according to the report. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.2 percent. Regina Sotorrio Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram What is being demonstrated here, director Lourdes Moreno explains, is the story of "a great seduction". It is the story of how a Church in decline, weakened as never before by the Protestant Reformation, rearmed itself to connect with the faithful. And it found in art the most effective way to do so, with the complicity of masters like Velazquez, Ribera, Mena, Murillo, Luca Giordano, Alonso Cano, Martinez Montanes... All of them share a room in one of the most ambitious exhibitions to date at the Carmen Thyssen Museum in Malaga. A powerful collection of Baroque works in which saints, nuns, hermits,and friars are portrayed in a fiercely realistic manner, "fiercely human", in the words of the poet Blas de Otero. The exhibition, Fieramente Humanos. Retratos de Santidad Barroca (Fiercely Human, Portraits of Baroque Holiness) is running until 18 February and gives a new perspective on one of the most brilliant periods of Spanish art through 35 paintings and sculptures from institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia (the main collaborator and lender), the Prado Museum, the Fine Arts of Seville and Malaga Cathedral, among others. In the 17th century, art became "propaganda for faith," points out Lourdes Moreno, director of the Carmen Thyssen Museum. In response to accusations of idolatry from Protestantism, the Council of Trent reacted by decreeing that the Church should be "iconic and performative". "Catholicism of the 16th and 17th centuries is a true celebration based on the visual, sensory, and performative," she continues. "The relationship is produced by images of immense beauty, rituals that fill the calendar of any Mediterranean region, and a way of coexisting with religion that moves away from the rational and philosophical and brings it closer to the emotional." The Baroque style accentuates all of these aspects. The artists drew inspiration for the paintings from "common, humble and relatable people" The ultimate expression of this type of naturalistic painting can be seen in the portraits of religious figures who died in a state of sanctity, such as the masterful portrayal of Simon de Rojas on his deathbed by Diego Velazquez, or the anonymous painting El Hermano Lucas Texero Ante el Cadaver de Bernardino de Obregon (Brother Lucas Texero Before the Corpse of Bernardino de Obregon), which is on loan from the Prado Museum. The Church realised that painting so realistically "awakens stronger emotions in the observer" than any other form of expression. And nothing shakes the believer more than the martyrdom of Jesus Christ. Pablo Gonzalez, director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia and curator of the exhibition, draws attention to the sculptural ensemble by Pedro Mena: an Ecce Homo covered in blood and wounds, with a sorrowful Virgin Mary by his side. It is not only about being aware of Christ's pain, but also the tear-streaked face of Mary serves as an example "of how to react to the image of the suffering one". This method is then applied to the representation of saints. Paintings like Crucifixion of Saint Peter by Luigi Amidani, with the gestures of pain of those around his upside-down cross, and especially The Embrace of Saint Francis of Assisi with the Crucified, where Francisco Ribalta expresses the profound virtue of the saint in a painting showing Christ being removed from the cross. At that time, Spain was under the reign of the Habsburgs, a fervently Catholic dynasty that based the monarchy's wealth on the number of saints it had. Up to 15 saints were canonised in the 17th century. The Baroque portrays them as suffering, in some cases in the midst of martyrdom, inviting the viewer to accompany them in that pain. There are Saint Paul the Hermit and Saint Mary of Egypt by Ribera. "They don't look at us; they direct their gaze out of the painting because they see the divinity they want to imitate," explains the curator. Saint Bartholomew (by Luca Giordano), Penitent Saint Jerome (by Francisco de Herrera El Viejo), Saint Onuphrius (by Jose de Ribera), Saint Sebastian (by Francisco Ribalta), Saint Francis of Borgia (by Alonso Cano), and Saint Peter (by Murillo) are portrayed here as ordinary humans afflicted by various life circumstances. In fact, as Moreno recalls, the artists drew inspiration from "common, humble, and relatable people". Contrasting works The exhibition is rounded out by three contrasting pieces that break with the chronological order but maintain the narrative. Three paintings from the 20th century demonstrate the enduring nature of the representational style that originated 450 years ago. Alongside Ribera's Saint Teresa of Jesus, the Thyssen contrasts it with El Patio de las Tentaciones (The Courtyard of Temptations) by Equipo Cronica, with all its ironic and critical weight, yet sharing a similar composition and objective (to make an impact). The surreal interpretation of the Crucifixion by Antonio Saura confronts the realistic Christ on the Cross by Pereda, but both share the same basic rules. On an adjacent wall, the gaze of the Mystic painted by Dario Villalba in the 1970s is unsettling. Four centuries separate these works, but the same emotion persists. 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. Syracuse, N.Y. -- The new owner of a digital marketing agency that was founded in Syracuse nine years ago and grew rapidly plans to close its Syracuse office in a move to streamline operations. Digital Hyves office at 126 N. Salina St. will close on Tuesday, Oct. 10, a spokesperson for Butler/Till, the Rochester marketing firm that bought Digital Hyve in 2021, said Thursday. Halfmoon, N.Y. A man headed to a town in Upstate New York this week to meet up with and sexually abuse a child, troopers said. But instead of finding a kid, the man encountered the New York State Police. Thomas A. Belisario, 40, of Ballston Spa, was arrested Thursday by troopers and accused of trying to sexually exploit a child. He was arrested after an investigation involving federal and state police. Belisario made plans this week to travel to Halfmoon to meet up with a 12-year-old child, troopers said in a news release. He intended to sexually exploit the child in the Saratoga County town, troopers said. The man was arrested at 9:10 a.m., state police arrest logs show, and charged with two felonies: attempted first-degree criminal sexual act and attempted use of a child in a sexual performance. Belisario was arraigned in Halfmoon Town Court and released from custody. He is being monitored by the Saratoga County Probation Office, troopers said. Troopers conducted the investigation with state polices Computer Crimes Unit, the Department of Homeland Security and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. READ MORE Man was accused of sex abuse before Charlotte Senas kidnapping, report says Police searching for suspects who stole more than $104,000 from Central NY teller machines New York looking at state park safety after abduction Pilot accused of stalking Upstate NY woman by using small plane Syracuse, N.Y. Like a year ago, Columbus Day events will be taking place this weekend amid legal limbo regarding the downtown Syracuse statue that honors the historical figure. Unlike a year ago, the most recent court ruling now favors those who advocate for the Christopher Columbus statues removal. A state appeals court ruling in July overturned a local judges decision the prior year that barred the city of Syracuse from taking the statue down. A group of statue supporters called the Columbus Monument Corp. filed a lawsuit against the city in 2020 after Mayor Ben Walsh announced his intention to have it removed from the current location. The appeals court said that lawsuit was filed prematurely because the city has not completed the administrative process to finalize any decision on the statues future. The statue advocates group is portraying a sense of urgency in emails and social media posts promoting a Save the Statue rally scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. The city wants to take our statue down, and they are taking steps to remove it soon, a press release issued Friday said. We must take collective action to stop them and block them. We must all speak out against the proposed removal of this artwork and the citys attempted erasure of an iconic part of our shared heritage that was created by the people of Syracuse. If we do not attend tomorrows rally and speak out, the statue could be taken down. Any claim that the statues removal is imminent is false, said Greg Loh, the citys chief policy officer. In an interview Friday, he said the city is still in the process of developing plans for the statues future that comply with state and local laws. Walsh has said he wants to work with the community to create a heritage park at the statue site, which is across from the Onondaga County Court House at East Onondaga and Jefferson streets. Columbus Monument Corp. filed a motion in August with the Appellate Division Fourth Department in Rochester asking for a chance to reargue the case or allow it to be appealed to the states highest court, the Court of Appeals. The city filed a response in September opposing that motion, which remains under review. Syracuse's Christopher Columbus statue will again be a focus on Columbus Day weekend events in 2023. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com) Advocates for removing the Columbus statue point to the explorers involvement with slavery and violence against Native Americans. Several local groups have to come together to plan a downtown Syracuse event Sunday that celebrates Native American culture and history. Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation and Women of Italian and Syracuse Heritage CNY have partnered with CNY Community Foundation, the Everson Museum of Art, Urban Video Project-Light Work and the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force for the Indigenous Peoples Day Community Festival from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Everson. The Columbus Monument Corp. will holds its traditional holiday event on Monday, Oct. 9. An 11 a.m. wreath ceremony at the statue will be followed by the 39th Annual Columbus Day Luncheon at the OnCenter Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center. Honorees this year include businessman Dino Centra (2023 Joseph J. Pietrafesa Award) and Emmaus Ministry leaders the Rev. John Manno and Sheila Austin (2023 Pirro Family Santa Maria Award). Syracuse University also has an event with ties to the statue issue in Syracuse. Monumental Concerns is a daylong symposium starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Watson Theater in the schools Robert B. Menschel Media Center. Scholars, artists, curators, activists, local historians and members of the public will convene ... to discuss the rightful place of monuments in our society and the increasing complexity they represent today in terms of their cultural, historical and social meanings and significance, the university said in a press release. The Syracuse Christopher Columbus statue was installed in 1934 as a project funded and donated to the city by Italian-American immigrants. City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached at jboyer@syracuse.com, (315) 657-5673, Twitter or Facebook. To the Editor: Dr. Seuss was right in saying, The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places youll go. As we begin a new school year, we know that data from both state and national sources continues to show that children in kindergarten through third grade are struggling to read. Many are not reading at grade level by third grade. The pandemic set back students in the earliest years, and we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that students have strong starts as new readers. In Syracuse, just 13% of children were reading on grade level by third grade on the 2022 New York state assessments, falling from 22% in 2019. At the same time, experts say that with the right support, 95% of children can learn to read. As a community, we must do all we can to reverse this learning loss in the largest school district in Onondaga County. By volunteering just one hour a week as a Book Buddy, you can make a tremendous difference in the early literacy outcomes of children in Syracuse. The gift of reading is powerful! The Book Buddies program relies on volunteers from across the community to offer one-on-one early literacy support to students. In the 2023-2024 school year, we are expanding into more Syracuse elementary schools, and we are recruiting more than 500 volunteers to work with students. We need your help! If you are looking to share your time to help a child develop vital tools for success in school and in life, please consider becoming a Book Buddy. The Book Buddies program is a win-win-win. Students love the one-on-one attention from caring adults, schools appreciate the help as they work to develop stronger and more confident readers, and volunteers see firsthand the progress their Buddies make. Volunteers consistently give positive feedback about their experiences and the relationships they develop with their readers. If you can share an hour a week to support our communitys earliest readers, we invite you to join others in our community who have become Book Buddies. You can sign up for the program at: www.cnybookbuddies.org. If you have questions, you can contact Laurie Black at lblack@unitedway-cny.org. Thank you! Nancy Kern Eaton | President Laurie Black | Community Education Director United Way of CNY Syracuse Related: Nations Report Card 2022: How does NY compare in reading? A 70-year-old hiker from Hurleyville injured her leg on the afternoon of Sept. 26 while climbing the Peekamoose Mountain blue trail in the Catskills. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers reached the injured hiker hours later and splinted her leg. With help from local fire department personnel, and using a wheeled litter and rope system to maneuver over the steep, rocky terrain, they carried the hiker three miles to the trailhead. The carryout took almost 4 hours, and the elderly hiker was taken to a hospital. It was one of seven wilderness rescues rangers conducted last week, five in the Adirondack region and two in the Catskills. The following reports are excerpted from DEC: A 33-year-old from Canada injured their leg while hiking the Algonquin trail and was rescued by rangers, then whisked to the hospital by a state police helicopter. The seventh and final wilderness rescue rangers conducted last week occurred on Oct. 1 when a 33-year-old from Canada injured their leg on the Algonquin trail. A state police helicopter dropped a ranger close to the site. The ranger stabilized the hikers leg and helped hoist them into the chopper, which whisked the patient to the hospital. On the night of Sept. 25, a 48-year-old from Port Ewen, Ulster County, went for a ride on his ATV in the town of Esopus and didnt return. Later the next day, around 1:00 p.m., state police and rangers, using the mans last-known cell phone coordinates, found his body in a stream, trapped underneath his ATV. Rangers and a state police dive team removed the body from the stream and turned it over to the coroner. A 29-year old experienced a cardiac event on the summit of Third Brother mountain late on the morning of Sept. 28. A state police helicopter hovered over the summit while rangers attached a harness to the ailing man and hoisted him up. Once safely aboard, he was flown to a hospital. A ranger splints the wrist of a 65-year-old hiker who injured it in a fall near the junction of Wright and Algonquin peaks last week. On the afternoon of Sept. 27, a 65-year-old hiker from Cropseyville fell and hurt his wrist after a fall near the junction of Wright and Algonquin peaks in the central Adirondacks. Two rangers hiked in, splinted the mans wrist, and guided him back to the trail head where a Lake Placid Ambulance took him to the hospital. On Sept. 29, rangers formed a swift water rescue team to safely evacuate elderly individuals from their homes due to significant flooding on Long Island. On Sept. 30, rangers conducting a safety patrol on a conservation easement in the town of Bellmont issued 21 tickets for illegal ATV use. The ATVs rolled through seven towns and detoured through signs indicating ATV use was not permitted. A 58-year-old from Philadelphia, NY, injured her leg near the summit of Blue Mountain on Saturday. Two rangers, along with local fire department personnel, set up a rope system to raise the woman to the summit. Rescuers then drove to a road where a helicopter picked her up and flew her to the hospital. A 40-year old woman from Hoosick with a history of mental health issues went missing on Sept. 29. Rangers and local police found her in the woods the next day. A 40-year old woman from Hoosick with a history of mental health issues went missing on the afternoon of Sept. 29. Local police located the womans car, but the the search continued the following day with ten rangers, police officers, and volunteers. The search party found the woman in the woods later that afternoon and transferred her to EMS for treatment. A 76-year-old hiker from Lake George fell ill last Saturday afternoon on Moxham Mountain, experiencing dehydration, weakness, and vomiting. A ranger hiked in, rehydrated the ill hiker, and together they reached the trailhead by evening. On Oct. 1, rangers spotted 30 ATVs off-roading in Edgewood Oak Brush Plains State Forest and issued riders 16 tickets. Rangers also impounded two motor bikes. On the evening of Oct. 1, rangers helped extract two people from an airplane that had crashed on the Lake Placid airport runway. The planes occupants died in the crash. Crews used a low angle rope system to remove the bodies from the wreckage before turning them over to the coroner. Sign up for the CNY Outdoors Newsletter Enter your email address to get weekly updates on CNY outdoors news delivered to your inbox: READ MORE Rangers rescue elderly hiker who smashed face on rock in Adirondacks - newyorkupstate.com Rangers uproot pot plants growing in Upstate NY forest - newyorkupstate.com Catskills hiker injured while escaping Predator is rescued by forest rangers - newyorkupstate.com Rangers find Upstate NY man with medical condition who went missing for five days - newyorkupstate.com Rangers rescue eight hikers stranded by flash flood in Catskills - newyorkupstate.com Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors. People visit the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings exhibition in Nicosia, Cyprus, Oct. 5, 2023. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) NICOSIA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Annita Demetriou, speaker of the Cypriot House of Parliament, lauded the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings exhibition on Thursday as a testament to China's rich heritage. The exhibition was opened on the sideline of the Nicosia Book Fest, one of Cyprus' largest cultural events organized by the Prometheus Research Institute. The book festival will open officially on Friday, with China as the Country of Honor. Demetriou said that this exhibition showcases China's rich heritage, emphasizing humanity and drawing inspiration from nature. The exhibition displays a collection of over 12,000 Chinese paintings spanning various historical periods. "The connection between Cyprus and China goes beyond politics and economics; it is rooted in mutual appreciation for each other's rich history and cultural heritage," the speaker said. The Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings, a collaborative project by Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage, features works on various materials, including paper, silk, brocade, damask and linen, sourced from 263 museums and cultural institutions worldwide. People visit the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings exhibition in Nicosia, Cyprus, Oct. 5, 2023. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) Annita Demetriou (2nd, R, front), speaker of the Cypriot House of Parliament, and Zhang Jianchun (1st, R), vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, visit the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings exhibition in Nicosia, Cyprus, Oct. 5, 2023. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) Mexico City The Biden administration will resume deporting Venezuelan migrants, the largest single group encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border last month, back to their economically troubled country as their arrivals continue to grow. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, speaking in Mexico City Thursday, cited the new measure as one of the strict consequences the Biden administration is pairing with the expansion of legal pathways for asylum seekers. Our two countries are being challenged by an unprecedented level of migration throughout our hemisphere, Mayorkas said, referring to Mexico. The repatriation flights are expected to begin shortly, said two U.S. officials, though they did not provide specific details on when the flights would begin taking off. The officials were not authorized to disclose details of the governments plan and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. The resumption of deportation flights comes not long after the administration increased protected status for thousands of Venezuelans who had previously arrived to the U.S., they must have entered the country before July 31 of this year to be eligible for temporary protected status. In making the recent expansion of protections official, President Joe Bidens administration said just this week that it had determined that extraordinary and temporary conditions continue to prevent Venezuelan nationals from returning in safety. Mayorkas on Thursday addressed the contrast with the announcement just days later of more deportations, saying we have made a determination it is safe to return Venezuelan nationals who arrived in the United States subsequent to July 31 and do not have a legal basis to remain here. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who led a U.S. delegation to Mexico, added that we have an ironclad commitment to provide protection for those who qualify. That remains paramount in everything were doing. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service criticized the move to resume deportations noting the apparent contradiction with the expansion of temporary protected status. Returning thousands of Venezuelans to the same unimaginably dangerous conditions they just fled is a profoundly problematic policy for the worlds humanitarian leader to adopt, the organizations CEO Krish OMara Vignarajah said in a statement. Administration officials would not discuss details about how frequently deportation flights would be going to Venezuela or describe how Venezuela agreed to accept back their citizens except to say that, like other countries around the world, the U.S. has long encouraged Venezuela to accept back its nationals. Cuba, another U.S. adversary, announced earlier this year that it would begin accepting Cuban deportees but there has only been one flight a month. The U.S. had been returning some Venezuelans via commercial flights, but in relatively small numbers and through third countries. In Venezuela, the government said it had reached an agreement with U.S. officials for a safe and orderly repatriation. Venezuelan migration in recent years is a direct result of the application of unilateral coercive measures and a blockade of our economy, Venezuelas foreign ministry said via X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. It said the government would support repatriated Venezuelans. The U.S. move is the latest effort to deal with swelling numbers of migrants as the administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the presidents own party to do more to slow arrivals. The announcement came as Blinken and other top Biden administration officials met with their counterparts in Mexico City on security issues. Blinken discussed migration flows with Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Barcena, as well as foreign ministers from Panama and Colombia, Wednesday. Talks continued Thursday, including meetings by Blinken and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland with Lopez Obrador. Barcena said Thursday that some 10,000 migrant encounters were registered at the U.S.-Mexico border on Wednesday. We are going to continue taking forceful actions, including continuing some efforts we already have in relation to assisted returns, coordinating the dismantling of trafficking networks and human trafficking, Barcena said. Blinken said the U.S. government is working to support those efforts. Were taking steps to aid the most vulnerable, those most vulnerable to organized crime, training nearly 200 Mexican immigration officials to better screen, identify and assist potential human trafficking victims, Blinken said. The scale of this challenge demands that we redouble our efforts, that we do more to increase legal migration ... more to address root causes and more to deter irregular migration humanely, Blinken said. Lopez Obrador said Thursday during his daily news briefing that Mexico has reiterated in talks its position that there should be investment to spur development in the countries that migrants leave. The people dont abandon their towns because they want to, but rather out of necessity, the president said. He also criticized the Biden administrations announcement Wednesday that it waived 26 federal laws in South Texas to allow border wall construction. Lopez Obrador had previously praised Biden for not building more border wall during his presidency. In August, the U.S. Border Patrol made 181,509 arrests at the Mexican border, up 37% from July but little changed from August 2022 and well below the more than 220,000 in December, according to figures released in September. The U.S. has tried to get Mexico and countries farther south to do more. In April, the U.S., Panama and Colombia announced a campaign to slow migration through the treacherous Darien Gap dividing Colombia and Panama. But migration through the jungle has only accelerated and is expected to approach some 500,000 people this year - the vast majority from Venezuela. Venezuelans were stopped 25,777 times the first 17 days of September, up 63% from the same period a month earlier, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection figures released by Lopez Obrador. Those included some people admitted for scheduled asylum appointments, but the vast majority were illegal entries. Venezuela plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing at least 7.3 million people to migrate and making food and other necessities unaffordable for those who remain. The vast majority who fled settled in neighboring countries in Latin America, but many began coming to the United States in the last three years. Deportation flights had been paused in part because the U.S. has few diplomatic relations with the nation. U.S. and Mexican officials also discussed efforts aimed at combating the trafficking of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. Mexican officials continued to explain with some difficulty Lopez Obradors blanket assertion false according to available evidence and the U.S. government that Mexico does not produce fentanyl. Barcena, the foreign relations secretary, said there is no contradiction, chemical precursors are not produced in Mexico. It was tacit admission that Mexican cartels import precursors, mainly from China, and process them chemically into fentanyl. But since the entire chemical process is not carried out in Mexico the government maintains that fentanyl is not produced here. U.S. officials highlighted the recent extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, to the U.S. on drug trafficking charges as a sign of cooperation between the two governments. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. LUSAKA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Thursday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Teachers' Day, with the government saying the country needs more than 80,000 new teachers in order to balance the teacher-pupil ratio. Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima said the government has since embarked on a teacher recruitment exercise, starting with 30,496 recruited last year and the ongoing recruitment of 4,500 teachers this year. He said in a statement released on Thursday that the need for more teachers has been necessitated by the free education policy, which has seen an increase in school enrolment. World Teachers' Day falls on Oct. 5, and this year's theme is "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage." The minister said the day is set aside to appreciate the sacrifices made by teachers to ensure every child has access to quality education regardless of the child's status and their locality. "As we celebrate the day, the government is mindful that teachers deserve better to be motivated to provide quality service and to enjoy their rights as teachers. Teachers are also expected to be responsible and accountable to every child under their care," he said. Aaron Chansa, executive director of the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia, said in a statement that teachers deserve to be appreciated because of the special role they play in the country. purohitanuj BHPian Join Date: May 2015 Location: New Delhi Posts: 440 Thanked: 1,967 Times Re: Maruti Jimny AT | Brakes not functioning at low rpm at high altitudes Quote: PYSO Originally Posted by The two videos you have shared are of people complaining of brakes becoming sluggish at high altitudes. Some in this thread too have pointed out having the same experience. However, Anuj has reported a totally different issue of brakes going hard and unresponsive. That is an unique issue not reported by anyone else so far. I hope the issue is resolved in Anuj's Jimny. But I am yet to see a single reason to believe that it's a wider issue. PS: The most likely reason for brakes becoming sluggish in high altitude driving is brake fade - which is simply a consequence of poor driving skills. Please see this post and the video. The guy says brakes becoming hard but then says pressure is too high as he might have less understanding of vacuum assisted brakes https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ml#post5632309 (Maruti Jimny AT | Brakes not functioning at low rpm at high altitudes) With around 5L+ kms of driving under my belt (and done Ladakh circuit multiple times), I know for certain what issue feels like what. Even in my morning video of Jispa, its clearly seen that the brake hard issue is seen in first cranking( can it be brake fading?). I request you again to see all post and videos before forming opinions as it might get the issue diluted. Just to clarify, my brakes went hard just after car crank / start as well when brakes were not used. So how can that be fading? Other people in videos have also said that brakes becomes hard to press. Even I have told that brakes seems like one tows a dead car without engine power. Brake fading does not make pedal hard.Please see this post and the video. The guy says brakes becoming hard but then says pressure is too high as he might have less understanding of vacuum assisted brakesWith around 5L+ kms of driving under my belt (and done Ladakh circuit multiple times), I know for certain what issue feels like what.Even in my morning video of Jispa, its clearly seen that the brake hard issue is seen in first cranking( can it be brake fading?). I request you again to see all post and videos before forming opinions as it might get the issue diluted. Last edited by Sheel : 6th October 2023 at 11:58 . Reason: toes = tows (in this context). Thanks. Batch It Ultra is our flag ship comprehensive Batch Image Processor. 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You can utilize the Smart Replace method to change certain text within the original filename to something else. This will allow you to rename your image files to something more descriptive.Now this support is extended to all types of files so you can use it to rename your videos or document files. Batch Text Captioning. Text Captions can be copyright text, descriptions or captions which you can add to the images. Batch It Ultra offers 14 different location options to where you want to add the Text Captions on the image, this includes Diagonal, Top (Left, Middle, Right), Center (Left, Middle, Right), Bottom (Left, Middle, Right) and Vertical Left Bottom Up, Vertical Left Top Down, Vertical Right Bottom Up and Vertical Right Top Down. There is also two Random options if you do not know where you want to add the text captions. You could even have it add a border to place the text caption in. You can add up to 3 text captions to the images by using static text or one or more of the built-in macros. Text Caption Transparency is also supported. Batch Watermark Support. The Watermark Supports allow you to add PNG and GIF logos as your watermark in all the 9 locations. You can add up to three Watermarks options so you would never be out of options. Contact Sheet Support. Contact Sheet can be useful tool especially when you want a lot of photos which you want to show or carry along with you. Batch It Ultra allows you to either print a contact sheet or save it into a JPG, PNG or Multipage TIFF file. Backing Up. We believe in backing up original files as any changes made to them would be irreversible and as such, we included the option to Backup all Images on the list to a ZIP file. Settings Profile. Batch It Ultra provides you with a comprehensive number of options to set up your images the way you like them and it would be troublesome to set them up for your different clients or work. This is where Settings Profile comes in. Once you are happy with the settings you made, you can save the Settings using the Save Settings Profile button which would save all the settings used as a XML file. You can make as many files as you want and be able to load them to computer running Batch It Ultra v6 without having to set everything up all over again. Loading Images. It is relatively easy to load images to Batch It Ultra. You have 4 options available to you to do so. Load Files would allow you to selectively add one or more images to the list. Load Folders would allow you to include an entire folder of images with the option to include all sub folder files. Dragging and Dropping from Windows Explorer would allow you to add both Files and Folders of files to the list. And new in Batch It Ultra 5 is the option to load a CSV or Text File of File Names and Captions which you can create using a text editor or a spreadsheet.New is v5.21 is the ability to use the Windows Contextual Menu's Send To to add files to the Batch It Ultra's File Listing. 32 and 64 Bit Support. There is now two version of Batch It Ultra v6 available, one which is a native 32 Bit application for those using a 32 Bit Windows Operating System and another version which is fully 64 Bit for the 64 Bit Windows Operating System. The 64 Bit version takes advantage of the increased memory and is able to work faster and more efficiently and handle even bigger images without breaking a sweat. Command Line Support. The Command Line and Server license would allow you to control Batch It Ultra via a command line or run as a process through another program or script. What's New WTF?! When astronauts return to the moon in 2025, they will do so in style. Italian luxury fashion giant Prada has announced that it will be working alongside Axiom Space to design the spacesuits worn during NASA's Artemis 3 mission in 2025. The mission will not only have the distinction of being our first trip back to the moon since Apollo 17 in December 1972, but also the first to place a woman on the lunar surface. Axiom Space said it chose Prada as a partner for the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit due to the company's technical expertise with raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and innovative design concepts. The fashion house will also introduce "innovative design concepts" to the project. Prada engineers will work with Axiom's teams throughout the design process, helping develop solutions for materials and design features to protect against the challenges of space and the lunar environment. Having Prada help with the design process might conjure images of spacesuits coated in lavish colors or adorned with high collars, but that's obviously not the case. Former astronaut Professor Jeffrey Hoffman told the BBC that "Prada has considerable experience with various types of composite fabrics and may actually be able to make some real technical contributions to the outer layers of the new space suit." Prada's experience beyond fashion design includes its work with the Luna Rossa Prada Americas Cup sailing team. Prada Group Marketing Director Lorenzo Bertelli said this has helped hone its expertise with cutting-edge technologies. In March, Axiom, which has a $228 million contract with NASA to develop the suits, revealed what it said was an updated version that it hoped would be ready for the Artemis 3 mission. It marked the first full redesign of the existing suit since 1981. The new suit weighed 55kgs (121 pounds) and was said to be a better fit for female astronauts. They also provide increased flexibility and specialized tools for exploration and scientific opportunities. Before the Artemis 3 mission arrives, there is Artemis 2, which will send astronauts into the moon's orbit next year. We heard earlier this week that NASA has big plans for its future travels to the moon. The agency is aiming for 3D-printed houses, occupied by both astronauts and civilians, to be in place on the lunar surface by 2040. A hot potato: US intelligence agency NSA and America's Cyber Defense Agency, CISA, have released a new joint advisory on urgent cyber-security matters. The two organizations are highlighting what's wrong with software and IT configurations throughout several US government levels, while providing advice for both customers and manufacturers. After recent warnings about the "BlackTech" threat against Cisco routers, the NSA and CISA have released a new joint advisory on the ten "top cyber misconfigurations" which are enabling intrusions and security incidents. The advisory states that Red (attack simulations) and blue (IT system analysis) teams from the two US agencies have worked over the "past several years," to assess organizations and identify the most common issues with IT configurations. NSA and CISA analysts spent years trying to understand how malicious actors can gain access, move laterally, and "target sensitive systems or information" in both the federal and local levels of US government authorities. They probed "many networks" belonging to the Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Civilian Executive Branch, state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments, as well as the private sector hunting for misconfiguration issues. The official advisory lists the following 10 most common network misconfigurations detected by NSA and CISA red and blue teams: Default configurations of software and applications Improper separation of user/administrator privileges Insufficient internal network monitoring Lack of network segmentation Poor patch and update management Bypass of system access controls Weak or misconfigured multifactor authentication (MFA) methods Insufficient access control lists (ACLs) on network shares and services Poor credential hygiene Unrestricted code execution These misconfigurations illustrate a dangerous trend of "systemic weaknesses in many large organizations," the advisory continues, including those with mature "cyber postures." For this reason, the NSA and CISA are encouraging network "defenders" and IT admins to implement the recommendations and mitigations included in the advisory, thus reducing the risks of being successfully targeted by cyber-criminals and APT actors. The advisory states that IT admins should remove default credentials and harden configurations, disable unused services, and implement strong access controls. Furthermore, regular and automated patching practices should be implemented, especially for known exploited vulnerabilities. Administrative accounts and privileges should be reduced, restricted, monitored and regularly audited as well. CISA is also highlighting "urgent" IT practices that software manufacturers must adopt to minimize the prevalence of security misconfigurations, including the elimination of default passwords, a security-by-design approach to software development, providing "high-quality audit logs" to customers free of charge, making multifactor authentication (MFA) a default rather than an optional feature, and more. The agency is also promoting its recently launched 'Secure Our World' national campaign, which illustrates simple yet effective ways for people to protect themselves, their families and businesses from online threats. Private mode in Safari now allows users to choose their preferred search engine to use, despite Google being its default one, but unbeknownst to many, Apple initially planned to switch to DuckDuckGo in place of the internet company. This was recently discovered when the Google antitrust case judge unsealed the documents and revealed testimonies from the famed private search platform. While DuckDuckGo has been made widely available to the Apple platforms, it did not make the change from Google, with executives revealing the reason behind it. Apple Safari: Initially Planned to Switch to DuckDuckGo (Photo : Dawit on Unsplash) Bloomberg reported that the recent unsealing of documents over the US antitrust case of Google's search has shed light on an initial plan by Apple to switch to DuckDuckGo. In the testimonies, DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg and Apple's senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy John Giannandrea, revealed various meetings. As per Weinberg, Apple, and DuckDuckGo had over 20 or more meetings with Apple, saying that he believed the switch would happen before the tech's integration into Safari. However, he regarded that it did not make it "all the way to the finish line." However, Giannandrea had an opposite remark against DuckDuckGo, saying that its "marketing about privacy is somewhat incongruent with the details." Read Also: Apple Search Engine? Cupertino is Capable of Creating One, Tech is Already Present says Report Apple Remained with Google for Safari But Why? (Photo : Firmbee.com on Unsplash) Giannandrea further regarded that DuckDuckGo relied on Bing in various areas, asking for "a lot more due diligence with DuckDuckGo." Ultimately, the Apple executive fought against switching to DuckDuckGo in an internal company email. It only goes to show that Apple believed that DuckDuckGo is not as private as it appears, remaining with Google for its search needs, particularly for the iPhones. Google's Antitrust and Apple's Partnership Google is now caught up in its antitrust case, as many question its alleged monopolization of the search engine market, particularly its massive ties to remain at the top and default platform used for various tech. One of the most famous partnerships now is with Apple, and Eddy Cue, its senior vice president, revealed that it is because of its unmatched capabilities of the search engine. This antitrust case is massive against Google, especially as it was previously revealed that Apple receives as much as $8 to $12 billion per year to keep Mountain View's search engine the default on its devices. This stems from the iPhone to the iPad, and Mac. Still, there were various reports that Apple had plans to develop a search engine to make its tech rely on its creations, but all have been speculations and rumors until now. Google is still under heavy fire amidst this antitrust case's progression and hearing, with the US government looking into its operations regarding its monopolization of the search engine. Apple had a choice to go with DuckDuckGo on its Safari's Private Browsing Mode, but several discrepancies on the company's end may have prevented it, sticking with Google for now, with alternatives available. Related Article: Microsoft CEO Accuses Google of Unfair Tactics in Landmark Antitrust Trial Testimony 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The US SEC has taken legal action against Elon Musk for his refusal to participate in an ongoing investigation related to his acquisition of Twitter. This move is part of a broader inquiry into Musk's actions and statements concerning his stock purchases and the disclosures he made about them during that time. (Photo : MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) X (formerly Twitter) CEO Elon Musk leaves a US Senate bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Insight Forum at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 13, 2023. Scrutinizing Musk Elon Musk once again finds himself under the scrutiny of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The regulatory body, which has been looking into Musk's Twitter activities, has escalated matters by filing a lawsuit against the CEO of X after he failed to attend a previously scheduled testimony. Engadget reported that SEC's investigation traces its origins back to 2022 when it initiated a probe into Musk's belated disclosure of his ownership stake in Twitter, which was a publicly-traded company at the time. Musk missed the deadline by ten days for filing the required paperwork, a violation of US securities law that may have resulted in him gaining as much as $156 million. Additionally, this delay led to Musk becoming the subject of a class-action lawsuit filed by former Twitter shareholders. The SEC has filed a complaint, alleging that Elon Musk failed to honor a scheduled testimony on September 15th after being subpoenaed. Also Read: Grimes Files Lawsuit Against Elon Musk Over Parental Rights of Three Kids Just two days before the planned testimony, Musk abruptly informed the SEC staff of his non-attendance, citing several objections, including the location of the testimony in San Francisco, as inappropriate. SEC further states that it proposed alternative arrangements for the testimony in Fort Worth, Texas, which is closer to Musk's residence, and offered multiple dates in October and November. Despite these attempts to accommodate Musk, he steadfastly refused to participate in the testimony. As a result, Wall Street Journal reported the SEC has taken legal action to compel Musk's testimony. The regulatory body is currently seeking legal action in a San Francisco federal court to compel Musk to adhere to its subpoena. Previous Instances The subpoena is connected to an SEC investigation that is not yet public. This investigation focuses on whether Elon Musk violated securities regulations concerning his Twitter stock acquisitions in 2022 and his statements and filings related to the company during the same year. In April of the previous year, The Verge reported that the SEC had communicated with Musk, raising inquiries regarding his disclosures concerning these stock purchases. This isn't the first instance where Elon Musk has found himself at odds with the SEC, an agency he's frequently mocked over the years. In a well-known incident from 2018, the Tesla CEO faced securities fraud charges for a tweet in which he claimed to have "funding secured" to take Tesla private. Ultimately, Musk reached a settlement with the SEC, paying a $20 million penalty and relinquishing his role as Tesla's board chairman. However, Musk continues to contest one aspect of that SEC settlement, specifically the requirement for a "Twitter-sitter" to approve certain Tesla-related tweets he posts. Related Article: Elon Musk's X Corp Faces Federal Lawsuit Over Twitter Rebranding 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Another company leaves CCS in favor of the Tesla NACS, with Hyundai Motor North America, Kia America, and Genesis Motor North America soon adopting the chargers. The planned migration would first be seen next year, 2023, with the company promising its EVs to directly get the port starting next year, also offering its CCS-equipped car to access the Superchargers in the future. More companies are partnering with Tesla to adopt the NACS, something which its owner and CEO, Elon Musk, has envisioned for its charger. Tesla NACS: Hyundai, Kia, Genesis Join the Adoption (Photo : Hyundai) Hyundai Motor North America has recently announced today that it is joining the Tesla NACS revolution, with the company adopting the charging standard across its three brands in the country. This includes Kia America and Genesis Motor North America, with all three subsidiaries getting access to the tech. For Hyundai, new EVs will arrive by Q4 2024 which would be the first cars to get a native NACS port that could directly tap into the power from Tesla. The company said that Canada will soon follow by Q1 2025. "This new alliance will provide Hyundai EV owners confidence in their ability to conveniently charge their vehicles and complements our joint venture company to create a new, high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 stations across North America," said Jose Munoz, president and global COO, Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. Read Also: Fisker is Adopting the Tesla NACS for its EVs, 'Standard' Charger Now Growing Hyundai's Group Gets Access to Supercharger NACS' adoption also means that Hyundai and its subsidiaries will get a chance to access the DC fast charging capabilities from more than 12,000 Superchargers across the country and neighboring regions. According to CNET, all three brands would feature NACS port come Q4 2024. The Wide Tesla NACS Adoption Among the earliest to bow down to Tesla's North American Charging Standard is Ford, but it was quickly followed by its Michigan rival, General Motors, who also announced this migration. GM plans to start by 2024, with the company providing adapters to its CCS-equipped EVs to connect to the NACS, and it would soon be followed in 2025 with its EVs given direct access. However, Tesla NACS is not only popular among US-based EVs, as several European brands have either joined or are looking to change to this standard. Volvo announced the changes that would apply to its EVs and future releases with the NACS, centering on the I-PACE, with Volkswagen reportedly looking into adopting the technology, following Electrify America. Hyundai's latest announcement includes a wide adoption of the Tesla NACS, particularly as the car brands are those which are widely available to consumers. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs in the future will get access to Tesla's Superchargers, known for its fast charging and thousands of locations around the country, offering a shared experience. Related Article: Jaguar Is the Latest Automaker to Adopt Tesla NACS Charging Port for Its Future EVs 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Live facial recognition is called to be stopped on Friday by 65 British Lawmakers, Reuters reports, joining the European Union's blanket ban on the tech that was implemented earlier this year. The technology has been proposed in various applications, including the policing minister Chris Philp's suggestion. The tech is a new way to catch criminals via live cross-referencing and real-time bio-metric surveillance. The proposal draws different concerns from various groups. The British Lawmakers called to stop the use of live facial recognition, with various non-profit organizations and charities previously joining the plea. (Photo : Image by Tumisu from Pixabay) Statewatch and 30+ organizations worldwide called out the legal, ethical, and other concerns that the technology brings. Big Brother Watch, among the many, has previously called out how facial recognition surveillance cameras take millions of "faceprints" within the UK, often without consent, calling it a "dangerous precedent." Such tech was seen as a "threat to our privacy and freedoms." The Guardian reported that the European Union has implemented a blanket ban on the said technology as a regulation practice, limiting its use in police activities in public spaces under one of the first possible laws on Artificial Intelligence coined as the "AI Act." Banned Face Recognition EU proposed to regulate live facial recognition last June by categorizing it as an "unacceptable risk AI system" believed to "bring threat to people." Only three types of technologies were determined under the said category, with tech that brings "cognitive behavioural manipulation" and "social scoring" along with live facial recognition. Live Facial Recognition has long been used by the British police, including the recent coronation of King Charles II, coined as the "biggest live facial recognition operation in British history" claimed by a leading academic expert according to The Guardian, where some have feared the technology could be used against protesters and activists. Tech Times also reported how UK schools warned students last 2021 regarding the use of facial recognition technology for contactless payments. The same report indicated how the British Police previously assured protesters by clarifying the live facial recognition technology would not be used to "identify people... involved in protest activity." The police force continues to believe in the merits of the new technology, while other groups and even countries see its potential risk. Read Also: New York Now Prohibits the Use of Facial Recognition in Schools Global Views on Live Facial Recognition Globally, live facial recognition has also been under constant scrutiny. MIT states that the US legislators within Massachusetts proposed a state bill last June that aimed only to allow state police to use the technology while outside police enforcement will be prohibited. On the other hand, China drafted rules in regulating facial recognition last August. The draft legislation by the Cyberspace Administration of China indicates the technology can only be used with "specific purpose and sufficient necessity" while also requiring consent. The tech giant that leads live facial recognition technology proves to be Clearview AI within the US. In an interview with NPR, the company was previously claimed by Kashmir Hill, a New York Times writer that the technology has a "database of billions of photos scraped from the internet" and then sold to "governments and police departments." Related Article: China Proposes Measures for Facial Recognition Use, Demands 'Individual Consent' 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- South Korean households' surplus fund fell in the second quarter due to a sharp decrease in stock investment, central bank data showed on Friday. The net surplus fund, or the value of financial assets minus financial liabilities owned by households and non-profit organizations, came in at 28.6 trillion won (21.2 billion U.S. dollars) in the April-June quarter, down from 52.9 trillion won (39.2 billion dollars) in the same quarter of last year, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). Financial assets, such as deposits and securities, totaled 44.4 trillion won (32.9 billion dollars) in the second quarter, down from 89.0 trillion won (66 billion dollars) a year earlier. The holdings of equity securities and investment fund dived from 24.6 trillion won (18.2 billion dollars) to 200 billion won (148.4 million dollars) in the cited period, while the deposit holdings shrank from 39.3 trillion won (29.2 billion dollars) to 28.2 trillion won (20.9 billion dollars). Financial liabilities amounted to 15.8 trillion won (11.7 billion dollars) in the second quarter, down from 36.1 trillion won (26.8 billion dollars) a year earlier. Households refrained from borrowing money as borrowing costs were on the rise. The BOK had left its policy rate unchanged at 3.50 percent since January, after increasing it by 3.0 percentage points for the past one and a half years. As a prominent player in space exploration, infrastructure, and services, Intuitive Machines has unveiled its groundbreaking Lunar Production and Operations Center located at the Houston Spaceport. This represents a significant stride forward in lunar exploration. (Photo : Florian Martin / Houston Public Media) The Houston Spaceport on 9/16/21. Lunar Production and Operations Center Spanning an impressive 105,572 square feet, Lunar Production and Operations Center assumes the role of the central operational hub for Intuitive Machines' lunar program, facilitating the concurrent manufacturing of multiple lunar landers and spacecraft. As one of the three key tenants at the Houston Spaceport, Interesting Engineering reported that Intuitive Machines embarked on this project in June 2021, delivering an array of cutting-edge features. These include state-of-the-art manufacturing spaces, dedicated 3D printing zones, research and development laboratories, sterile clean rooms, and expansive spacecraft assembly areas. Intuitive Machines stands out as a versatile space company with a strong focus on space exploration, offering a wide range of space-related products and services. Their mission encompasses support for both robotic and human exploration missions, with a particular emphasis on celestial destinations like the Moon and Mars. Poising for a Groundbreaking Mission Intuitive Machines officially announced the forthcoming departure of its lunar lander, Nova-C, from the newly inaugurated facility. Nova-C is poised for a groundbreaking mission, entrusted with delivering NASA payloads and commercial cargo to the Moon's southern pole. Metal AM reported that this mission carries substantial historical weight, as it represents the United States' first soft landing on the lunar surface since the historic Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Steve Altemus, the co-founder, president, and CEO of Intuitive Machines, underlined the paramount importance of the facility, describing it as not just a dream, but a tangible gateway to the Moon - a national asset within our reach. Within the Lunar Production and Operations Center, a distinctive feature emerges in the form of specialized mission control rooms explicitly tailored for monitoring and orchestrating lunar expeditions. Additionally, a cutting-edge propulsion testing facility takes the spotlight, dedicated to the evaluation of lunar lander engine capabilities. This 3,800-square-foot, fortified concrete enclosure, encircled by a 25-foot-tall protective wall, serves as a critical hub for validating propulsion system performance through meticulous testing procedures. Intuitive Machines' Mission Its strategic proximity to manufacturing facilities yields remarkable advantages, reducing setup expenses and simplifying logistical processes. This proximity empowers engineers to promptly implement adjustments and carry out tests on incremental modifications to engine designs. Situated within the Houston Spaceport, which already holds the distinction of being North America's only 5-star airport, is a spaceport rapidly on the rise in global commercial prominence. Mario Diaz, the Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, articulated the profound shift occurring as the realms of the skies and stars seamlessly converge, reshaping perspectives on travel, innovation, and human potential. Houston's profound commitment to space exploration and unceasing pursuit of innovation is now more evident than ever. Also Read: Intuitive Machines' SPAC Raises Less Money! Will This Affect Its Lunar Ambitions? A significant stride in lunar exploration takes shape with the inauguration of the Lunar Production and Operations Center at the Houston Spaceport. This milestone brings the Moon remarkably closer to humanity's reach, fueling anticipation for a new era in lunar exploration. The Business Journal reported that Intuitive Machines' imminent dispatch of the Nova-C lunar lander adds to this excitement, promising to usher in a phase of lunar exploration that continues to captivate minds and push the boundaries of human achievement. Related Article: Intuitive Machines' Nova-C Lunar Lander Set for September Moon Launch 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Amidst the latest release of the Sony Pictures Core app, the experience that arrived on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, there is good news for PS Plus Premium subscribers. Sony's new movie streaming platform is available for free to all Premium subscribers, allowing access to as many as 100 movies in its library, ad-free, and rentals are also available. Sony's expansion of its movies on this new platform for the PlayStation allows more access to what the company has to offer, with famed titles to access. PS Plus Premium Users Can Access Sony Picture Cores for Free (Photo : PlayStation) Sony recently announced the latest addition to its PlayStation experience that centers on movie streaming, via the new Sony Pictures Core. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers are given an exclusive treat under this latest launch, as they could access a special library that Sony set up for them, with as many as 100 movies available to stream. This service may sound familiar, and it is because this is the revamped Bravia Core platform that offers its movies available for users to rent or buy, depending on their preference. PS Plus Premium and Deluxe users (a tier available in select regions only) will be able to get exclusive access to these movies, and also be given a chance to buy or rent Sony Pictures' latest movie, Gran Turismo, now available in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Read Also: Extended Play Sale: Get These 5 Games For Less Than $5-Enjoy Up to 80% Discount Stream as many as 100 Movies under Premium Through the PS Plus Premium subscription, users will be able to access the likes of " Looper, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, Elysium, and Resident Evil Damnation." Sony is also talking about its plans to expand more of the Sony Pictures Core experience, with more titles available to stream in the future. It is important to note that these titles may change without prior notice, as claimed by Sony in its footnote. Sony and PlayStation's Offers Among the latest offers of Sony for the public are exclusive freebies for those looking to upgrade to its PlayStation 5 console, with the savings they would get centers on the renowned titles on the platform. This centers on the famed AAA-rated titles from the company, with the likes of Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered, God of War: Ragnarok, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, and more available for free. While Sony has yet to deliver a cloud gaming service for its users, there are several ways to enjoy the PlayStation experience on different devices via the PS Remote Play. In its recent update, Sony has added Remote Play's capabilities to stream directly to Chromecast and Android TV, allowing for a wider experience of the service, accessible on many devices. Games are one of Sony's largest offers to the world, but it is also a renowned studio that delivered many renowned Hollywood films, now available via the Sony Pictures Core. This exact streaming platform is now leveraged for PS Plus Premium users to access for free, with over 100 movies available to watch via their modern PlayStations. Related Article: Crunchyroll is Absorbing Right Stuf this October, Anime Store No More 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In an unexpected turn of events, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured a peculiar burst of extraordinarily intense light in an unexpected place, far away from any host galaxy. The phenomenon is known as a Luminous Fast Blue Optical Transient (LFBOT). This rare celestial event has added a layer of complexity to our understanding of these phenomena. The Rare Celestial Event 'LFBOT' LFBOTs, characterized by their sudden and brilliant flashes of visible light, are among the brightest events in the cosmos. They have been a subject of interest since their first discovery in 2018, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). The recent LFBOT, designated AT2023fhn and named "the Finch," was closely observed by various telescopes spanning the electromagnetic spectrum, each providing unique insights. However, the Hubble Telescope's exceptional precision pinpointed the event's location. The Finch exhibited classic LFBOT characteristics, emitting an intense blue light and undergoing rapid evolution, in stark contrast to the gradual dimming observed in supernovae. Strikingly, the Finch was found in a seemingly isolated space between two neighboring galaxies in a location previously unassociated with these celestial events, which were believed to be confined within host galaxies. This revelation challenges existing theories about the environments in which LFBOTs occur. Ashley Chrimes, the lead author of the Hubble paper, emphasized the pivotal role played by Hubble's observations in recognizing the anomaly. He noted that without the Hubble data, the unusual nature of the Finch might have gone unnoticed. While LFBOTs have been thought to be a rare type of supernova, the short lifespan of the massive stars that give rise to supernovae raises questions about how these progenitor stars could travel such considerable distances from their birthplace, typically a cluster of young stars. Read Also: NASA Hubble Discovers Saturn's Ring System Heats Planet's Atmosphere-A Never-Before-Seen Phenomenon! Found Within Spiral Arms ESA noted that previously, all LFBOTs were found within the spiral arms of galaxies, where star formation is actively occurring. The Finch first came to attention through the Zwicky Transient Facility, a ground-based camera surveying the entire northern sky. Following its detection, a pre-planned observation program was set into motion, rapidly redirecting telescopes to study the potential LFBOT candidate. Spectroscopic measurements taken with the Gemini South telescope in Chile revealed the Finch's scorching temperature of 20,000 degrees Celsius. Additional data from observatories like Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Large Array radio telescope confirmed the explosion as an LFBOT. One theory suggests that LFBOTs may result from stars being ripped apart by an intermediate-mass black hole. With its high resolution and infrared sensitivity, the James Webb Space Telescope may provide further insights into the Finch's explosion within a globular star cluster. "The discovery poses many more questions than it answers," Chrimes noted. "More work is needed to figure out which of the many possible explanations is the right one." Related Article: NASA Hubble Telescope Captures Space Cluster Containing Stars Millions of Years Old; Here's Why NGC 2660 Is Intriguing 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scientists have confirmed the age of ancient human footprints discovered in White Sands National Park in September 2021, dating them between 21,000 and 23,000 years old. This park in New Mexico has the largest collection of fossilized human footprints, with a total of 61 footprints. This revelation challenged the previously established timeline of human presence in North America, indicating that early inhabitants co-existed with megafauna for millennia before the terminal Pleistocene extinction event. According to CNN, the reported age of the footprints dramatically pushed back the timeline of humans' history in the Americas. Scientists previously believed that massive ice sheets had sealed off human passage into North America until about 15,000 years ago. The new date now indicated that humans arrived in the region even earlier. A new study employed two independent dating methods, both of which reaffirmed the initial age estimate. The initial findings in 2021 triggered widespread discussion and debate in both the scientific community and the public regarding the accuracy of these ages. The Controversy on Ancient Human Footprints Jeff Pigati, USGS research geologist and co-lead author of the recent study, acknowledged the initial skepticism within some archaeological circles, emphasizing the significance of their targeted approach in confirming the footprints' age. "The immediate reaction in some circles of the archeological community was that the accuracy of our dating was insufficient to make the extraordinary claim that humans were present in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum. But our targeted methodology in this current research really paid off," Pigati said in a press statement. Central to the controversy was the precision of the original dating method, which relied on radiocarbon dating of seeds from the common aquatic plant Ruppia cirrhosa found in the fossilized imprints. Concerns arose due to the potential for aquatic plants to absorb carbon from dissolved sources in the water, potentially leading to overestimations of age. Kathleen Springer, USGS research geologist and co-lead author of the current study, emphasized the commitment to validating their results with multiple lines of evidence, underscoring the importance of independent chronological confirmation. Read Also: Archaeologists in Israel Discover 'Most Ancient Gate' From 5,500 Years Ago Isolating 75,000 Pollen Grains For this follow-up investigation, the focus shifted to radiocarbon dating of conifer pollen, which originates from terrestrial plants and mitigates potential complications associated with dating aquatic plants such as Ruppia. The team meticulously isolated around 75,000 pollen grains for each sample, ensuring a precise comparison with the original seed ages. In each instance, the pollen age was closely aligned with the corresponding seed age. David Wahl, a USGS research geographer and co-author of the current Science article, noted that the pollen samples offered insights into the broader environmental context at the time the footprints were made, indicating conditions typical of cold and wet glacial environments, contrasting sharply with the modern desert vegetation. Additionally, the team utilized optically stimulated luminescence, a different dating method that determines the last exposure of quartz grains to sunlight. This approach yielded a minimum age of approximately 21,500 years for quartz samples within the layers bearing the footprints, further reinforcing the radiocarbon results. With three distinct lines of evidence converging on the same age range, the likelihood of simultaneous inaccuracies or biases across all methods is exceedingly low, according to the researchers. This collective body of evidence strongly supports the human footprints' 21,000 to 23,000-year age range. The research was a collaborative effort between scientists from various institutions, including the USGS, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the National Park Service, and academic establishments, with support from the Climate Research and Development Program and USGS-NPS Natural Resources Protection Program. The findings of the team were published in the journal Science. Related Article: Machu Picchu: Ancient DNA Reveals Incredible Diversity at Lost City of the Incas 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Researchers at BYU and Duke University have embarked on a pioneering study to assess the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the quality and tone of online discussions. Their collaborative effort aims to combat online harassment and promote a more civil digital landscape. The study facilitated through a specially designed online platform developed by BYU undergraduate Vin Howe, employed a unique approach. Participants with contrasting viewpoints were paired to engage in an online chat, addressing the contentious issue of gun control in American politics. Can AI Ease Polarization? Throughout the conversation, one participant would receive periodic prompts from an AI tool, offering suggestions to rephrase their messages in a more courteous and amicable manner, all without altering the core content. Participants retained the autonomy to embrace, customize, or disregard the AI tool's recommendations. After the conversation, participants were directed to a survey to gauge the quality of the interaction. A staggering 1,500 individuals participated in the experiment, resulting in a total of 2,742 AI-generated rephrasings being accepted. The findings unveiled a promising transformation in the dynamics of online interactions. Chat partners of participants who integrated one or more AI rephrasing suggestions reported significantly enhanced conversation quality. Intriguingly, they also demonstrated an increased openness to consider the perspectives of their political adversaries. David Wingate, co-author of the study and a computer science professor at BYU, emphasized that the AI-assisted rephrasings left the content and viewpoints of the conversations unaltered. "We found the more often the rephrasings were used, the more likely participants were to feel like the conversation wasn't divisive and that they felt heard and understood," Wingate said in a press statement. "But helping people have productive and courteous conversations is one positive outcome of AI," he added. Read Also: Scientists Develop 'Electric Tongue' That Mimics Human Taste Buds, Introducing Emotional Intelligence to AI Countering the Toxic Online Culture The research carries profound implications, offering a scalable solution to counter the toxic online culture. In contrast to conventional methods, such as limited training sessions led by expert moderators, AI intervention may hold the potential for widespread implementation across various digital platforms. The study argues that by leveraging the capabilities of AI, online platforms have the potential to evolve into constructive forums. Here, individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives come together to engage in discussions about crucial matters with empathy and mutual respect. This study ultimately emphasizes that when AI technology is thoughtfully integrated, it can significantly contribute to cultivating a more positive online environment. "Though many are rightly concerned about the role of AI sowing social division, our findings suggest it can do the opposite-improve political conversations without manipulating participants' views," according to the study's abstract. The findings of the research team were published in PNAS. Related Article: EU, UN Express Concern Over the Risk of Tech Like AI and Quantum Computing Being Weaponized by Countries Like China 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The US Navy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight tests of the Trident II D5 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) for a record 191 times, using Northrop Grumman Corporation's solid rocket motors. This accomplishment was part of the US Navy's Demonstration and Shakedown Operation 32 (DASO-32) event. DASO 32 demonstrates the readiness of the USS Louisiana (SSBN-743) crew and provides certification for the submarine's deployment. "Northrop Grumman's strategic motors have provided propulsion success for 191 successful test launches since their deployment to the fleet. That is the kind of performance the Navy has come to rely upon to meet national defense readiness with Northrop Grumman solid rocket motor technology to power the Trident II Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles," said Wendy Williams, vice president of Propulsion Systems at Northrop Grumman. US Navy's Trident II D5 SLBM Flight Test Successfully Powered by Northrop Grumman The success of this exercise has elevated the Trident II D5 SLBM test record to 191, reflecting a commendable track record without any motor failures. Notably, some of the motors employed in this unarmed flight test were the oldest Trident II D5 motors ever used, showcasing their remarkable reliability and established performance. Northrop Grumman, in collaboration with the US Navy and prime contractor Lockheed Martin, is in the process of modernizing and digitizing Trident II D5 manufacturing processes. This initiative, which includes integrating advanced digital models, aims to bolster manufacturing capabilities and enable sustained production to meet future demands. The Trident II D5/D5LE SLBM, a three-stage missile, is currently deployed on US Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class submarines. It is slated to be carried aboard US Columbia-class and UK Dreadnought-class submarines in the future. Under a contract from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman is responsible for manufacturing solid-propulsion motor systems for all three stages of the Trident II missile. Since production commenced in 1985, the company has delivered over two thousand Trident II D5 motors and cast nearly 87 million pounds of propellant. Having supported the Navy's deterrence mission for over 60 years, Northrop Grumman has played a crucial role in supplying propulsion for the nation's Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine-launched systems. This legacy began with Polaris, followed by Poseidon C3, Trident I C4, and the Trident II D5/D5LE, which is projected to remain in service until the 2040s. Read Also: US Navy Not In a Hurry to Move to Next-Gen Destroyer Program, Says Will Continue to Build DDG Flight IIIs Solid Rocket Motor Technologies of Northrop Grumman Expanding upon its well-established base, Northrop Grumman is currently engaged in a proactive process of enhancing its solid rocket motor technologies. It involves a range of digital transformation and modernization efforts directed toward refining manufacturing processes, amplifying operational efficiency, elevating reliability, and ensuring alignment with forthcoming strategies for the sea-based segment of the nuclear triad. In related news, the US Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a substantial $705 million contract to spearhead the development of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a cutting-edge air-to-ground missile. The SiAW is designed to take on fast-moving targets situated in hostile territories. Set to be operational by 2026, this state-of-the-art missile is tailored to be deployed via the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Related Article: US Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Will Serve as a Game-Changing' Digital Quarterback' Aircraft for Military Missions 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In his behavior, Benjamin Netanyahu recalls that of Golda Meir on the eve of the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago. However, unlike Meir, Netanyahu will not be able to claim he didnt know or that he had been guided by the good of the country. During the summer of 1973, there were plenty of indications that neighboring countries were about to attack Israel, but Meir as prime minister disregarded them all. There were also several people in Israel although neither numerous nor in the higher echelons and from the United States who sounded the alarm about the impending danger. Yet the cabinet, with Meir at its helm, chose not to listen. The hubris, the sense of euphoria and the belief in the strength of Israel to handle any threat thwarted the chance to avert one of the worst disasters to ever befall the state of Israel. Advertisement Today, there are also plenty of indications that the regime coup led by Netanyahu is about to destroy Israeli democracy and cause a national disaster, yet the prime minister ignores them all. A vast majority of senior public figures from various fields, past and present public service, academia, the economy, the defense apparatus, the education and health care systems, scholars and artists have openly expressed grave concerns and led mass demonstrations against the disastrous measures initiated by the current government. Warnings of an imminent disaster have also been voiced by world leaders, with envoys from the U.S. at the forefront. Still, Netanyahu shuts his ears and keeps repeating the mantra that nothing will happen. As he assures President Joe Biden that Israel will not turn into a dictatorship, his aggressive legislation machine will keep pushing ahead at full force, drafting laws that would turn the Israeli regime into an authoritarian one. Advertisement [ Editorial: Israel has its own crisis of democracy, and its reaching a boiling point ] The hubris that prevailed 50 years ago prevented Meir from giving due consideration to the warnings, admittedly few, regarding the preparations for war made by Egypt and Syria. The war broke, and Israel was forced to its knees. Yet, at the time, Israelis abroad heeded their countrys emergency call and rushed back in droves to fight for its survival. At the time, other countries headed by the U.S. stood by Israel, sending essential equipment or expressing their support. At the time, after suffering 2,656 fatalities, 7,251 wounded and 294 prisoners of war, Israel managed to rise from the ashes, grow and thrive. Today, Israelis are asking themselves if this is the country in which they wish to raise their children, to send them to serve in its army. Other countries led by the U.S. express their dismay at the governments measures. And if Netanyahu succeeds in his plan to destroy Israels democracy, it would be much harder to rebuild from the ruins. 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 > To justify herself, Meir claimed that she had never worn military uniforms, had no understanding of national security issues and relied on her generals. Even if this excuse is acceptable for Meir, which is highly doubtful, there will be no way for Netanyahu to claim he didnt know. He knows. He takes pride in knowing. He is the countrys most senior politician. He has served as prime minister longer than any of his predecessors, and he understands economic, security and social issues perhaps better than most, if not all, other members of the Knesset, Israels parliament. He knows all too well the implications of the withdrawal of finances from Israel, of the severe blow to the countrys reputation as a startup nation that is subjected to the rule of law and worthy of investment. He knows full well what all this means for the cost of living in Israel. He knows the meaning of the loss of shared values that hold a society together and the Israeli bond that has worked a real miracle here and established Israels place among the worlds nations. He knows, and he ignores. [ Elizabeth Shackelford: Israels constitutional crisis is not having such an important document ] Meir ended up having to resign from her role as prime minister, following the release of the findings of the Agranat Commission, a national panel of inquiry. This time, there will be no commission of inquiry. Since when do authoritarian regimes establish commissions to investigate their own deeds? To Meirs credit, she was not facing three indictments for bribery, fraud and breach of trust. She was guided by the good of the country. Yet she made a horrible mistake. Netanyahu, on the other hand, violates the fundamental contract between the people and their state by collaborating with members of his coalition whose interests are antithetical to the core values of the state of Israel in unilaterally altering the form of governance, thereby posing a real threat to the social, economic and security resilience of Israel. Netanyahu endangers democracy knowingly and intentionally and not because of an error in professional judgment. This is unforgivable. Amnon Cavari is a professor who leads the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility at Reichman University in Israel. Chaim Weizmann is a lecturer who leads the political desk at the institute. Advertisement Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. VIENTIANE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government has reiterated its commitment to building a sustainable food system to support the country's development goals while also protecting the environment and improving livelihoods. The affirmation was made at a meeting on the Outcomes of the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment and Consultation on the National Plan of Action on Food Systems Transformation in Laos, according to a press released by Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on Friday. According to the ministry's report, Lao Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Thongphath Vongmany said Laos recognized the importance of sustainable food systems in achieving the national development goals as articulated in the ninth National Socio-economic Development Plan, as well as in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Least Developed Country graduation smooth transition strategy. A sustainable food system is one that delivers food security and nutrition for all. It encompasses everything from the processing, packaging and the transporting of food to consumers. A bomb-sniffing dog from the K9 unit of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group is seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City, the Philippines, Oct. 6, 2023. The Philippines has placed 42 commercial airports across the country on heightened alert on Friday as authorities validate bomb threats sent via email, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has placed 42 commercial airports across the country on heightened alert on Friday as authorities validate bomb threats sent via email, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. "All 42 CAAP commercial airports are on heightened alert as of today, Oct. 6, following a warning received by the Air Traffic Service via email that aircraft from Manila, bound to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao International Airports are about to be set off by a bomb," the CAAP said in a statement. "While the information is currently under validation, immediate enhanced security measures are being implemented across all airports," CAAP said. "All CAAP airports and area centers shall augment adequate security personnel to manage the expected high volume of passengers and vehicle traffic," it added. On Oct. 4, Ricardo Banayat of the CAAP Security and Intelligence Service issued a memorandum instructing officials "to augment adequate security personnel" in the wake of the threats. In a separate statement, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said patrols and K9 units had been deployed at all terminals as an added precaution. "There are no expected impacts to any scheduled flights and we would like to ensure the traveling public that protocols are in place to ensure everyone's safety and security," he added. According to Bautista, the Manila International Airport Authority is closely coordinating with the airport police and other law enforcement agencies to validate the threat. Authorities advise passengers to brace for intensified security inspections at the airports. A bomb-sniffing dog from the K9 unit of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group is seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City, the Philippines, Oct. 6, 2023. The Philippines has placed 42 commercial airports across the country on heightened alert on Friday as authorities validate bomb threats sent via email, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) Bomb-sniffing dogs from the K9 unit of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group are seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City, the Philippines, Oct. 6, 2023. The Philippines has placed 42 commercial airports across the country on heightened alert on Friday as authorities validate bomb threats sent via email, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) A bomb-sniffing dog from the K9 unit of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group works at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City, the Philippines, Oct. 6, 2023. The Philippines has placed 42 commercial airports across the country on heightened alert on Friday as authorities validate bomb threats sent via email, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) This photo taken on Oct. 6, 2023 shows the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, the Philippines. The Philippines has placed 42 commercial airports across the country on heightened alert on Friday as authorities validate bomb threats sent via email, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) China's domestic tourism market generated approximately 753.4 billion yuan (about 103.2 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, which ended on Oct. 6, 2023, official statistics show. (Xinhua/Shi Manke) BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's domestic tourism market generated approximately 753.4 billion yuan (about 103.2 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, which ended on Friday, official statistics show. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 129.5 percent, and a rise of 1.5 percent from that of the National Day holiday in 2019, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. During the eight-day holiday, Chinese people made 826 million domestic tourist trips, an increase of 71.3 percent from last year and a rise of 4.1 percent from 2019, the ministry said. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday in 2023, people in China made 826 million domestic tourist trips, an increase of 71.3 percent from last year, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. (Xinhua/Shi Manke) 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 }} Hillary Clinton ripped into Donald Trump on Thursday, saying that his supporters need deprogamming from his cult. In an interview with CNN, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee discussed the polarisation in the Republican party and the recent threat of a government shutdown. She said that clearly there were some Republicans with common sense who voted with Democrats to keep the government open. But those Republican congress members are intimidated by Mr Trumps MAGA extremism, she said. Oftentimes say and do things which they know better than to say or do, and it will require us defeating those most extreme measures and the people who promote them in order to try to get to some common ground where people can again work together, said Ms Clinton. The former Clinton administration secretary of state recalled that there were very strong partisans in both parties in the past but said that there wasnt this little tail of extremism wagging the dog of the Republican Party as it is today. And sadly, so many of those extremists, those MAGA extremists, take their marching orders from Donald Trump, who has no credibility left by any measure, she added. Maybe there needs to be a formal deprogramming of the cult members, she said. Ms Clintion went on to admit that she thinks Mr Trump will likely be the Republican 2024 presidential nominee, but predicts a victory for President Joe Biden. She described Mr Trump as the classic tale of an authoritarian, populist who really has a grip on the emotional and psychological needs of his base. Hillary Clinton says Trump supporters need deprogramming from his cult' (CNN) She said his Make America Great Again slogan was a bid for nostalgia, to return to a place where people could be in charge of their lives. We have to defeat him and we have to defeat those who are the election deniers, as we did in 2020 and 2022, and we have to just be smarter about how we are trying to empower the right people inside the Republican Party, she added, describing Mr Trumps base as like a cult. Somebody has to break that momentum, she insisted. Ms Clinton ended by predicting the fever will break within the Republican party when Mr Biden wins the 2024 race and the GOP will be able to return to working actual issues. Ms Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election to Mr Trump and the two have exchanged many wars of words over the years. Both during the campaign run and beyond, Mr Trump resorted to calling Ms Clinton by derogatory nicknames including nasty woman and crooked Hillary. Back in 2017, he tweeted: Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate. Hits Facebook & even Dems & DNC. Ms Clinton then hit back at Mr Trump, mocking him for his bizarre use of the term covfefe in a 2017 tweet. She said: People in covfefe houses shouldnt throw covfefe. This August, Ms Clinton gave an interview to MSNBCs Rachel Maddow where she discussed the criminal charges against Mr Trump, including his fourth indictment in Georgia. I dont know that anybody should be satisfied, she said when asked if she was happy to see him arrested. This is a terrible moment for our country, to have a former president accused of these terribly important crimes. The only satisfaction may be that the system is working. Justice is being pursued, she added. MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines will highlight durian in the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in Shanghai, the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Friday. The DTI said the country will send 17 Philippine business enterprises to the CIIE scheduled for Nov. 5-10. The DTI's export promotion arm, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, will lead the delegation of 17 local business enterprises, of returning and neophyte exporters "who will be at the forefront to push the boundaries and put a diverse selection of fine-tasting agricultural produce, including fresh durian, coconut and other related products, mango, and coffee," the department said. "Anchored on the increasing popularity that durian is enjoying in China, the delegation will spotlight Philippine durian as the country's key feature along with other fresh produce and a diverse selection of uniquely Philippine-made food products," the DTI said. China and the Philippines signed a protocol in January on the export of fresh durian, which opened up the fast-growing Chinese market for the tropical fruit that is widely grown in the Southeast Asian region. The British Punitive Expedition happened because the British government wanted to gain control over the region for treasures, economics and strategic reasons. During the seize on the Kingdom of Benin as part of the British Punitive Expedition beginning January 2, 1897, British forces engaged in widespread looting of its cultural heritage, which included the famous bronze artworks of the Kingdom of Benin. Looting Artwork and The British Punitive Expedition January 2, 1897 to February 17, 1897 Looting refers to the act of stealing or plundering valuable items, often in a disorderly or violent manner, typically during a time of conflict, crisis, or unrest. On January 2, 1897, a significant historical event occurred, known as the British Punitive Expedition between the British colonial powers and the Kingdom of Benin. One of the areas of interest for the British was the prosperous Kingdom of Benin, which was located in what is now southern Nigeria. The Kingdom of Benin was a formidable African state and renowned for its rich cultural heritage, especially its intricate bronze sculptures and artworks. These cultural treasures were highly prized, and the British grew interested in gaining control over the region for economic and strategic reasons. Tensions between the British and the Kingdom of Benin had been simmering for some time because Benin City and its inhabitants were seen as too independent. These tensions primarily revolved around issues related to riches, trade, and territory within Benin's borders. The British accused the Benin rulers of interfering with British economic interests in the area. Messengers were sent to the King of Benin, advising the Oba of the coming of the British. A decision was made to invade the Kingdom of Benin in response to these escalating tensions and perceived hostilities. In January 1897, the British organized what would later be known as the British Punitive Expedition. This expeditionary force was led by Admiral Sir Harry Rawson, and he was tasked with addressing what the British saw as a hostile regime in Benin. Admiral Sir Harry Rawson had a military background, primarily in the Royal Navy. Still, he was appointed by the British government to lead the Punitive Expedition to the Kingdom of Benin because he had experience in command, discipline, and organization, adapted to different locations and cultures, and planned operations skills necessary to command the expeditionary force and carry out the mission to address the hostilities and tensions between the British and the Kingdom of Benin. The British Punitive Expedition reached its climax when by the 17th of February 1897 when the Kingdom of Benin was seized. The conflict was intense but relatively brief, lasting a couple of weeks. Nevertheless, casualties and loss of life did occur as a result of the military engagements and actions during the expedition. During the attack on the Kingdom of Benin, much of its cultural heritage, including its famous bronze artworks, was looted and taken to Britain. Without concern for cultural heritage, the British authorities dethroned Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi forcing him into exile. The British deposed Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, sending him into exile, and later placed him under house arrest in Calabar, a coastal city in southeastern Nigeria. Deposing the Oba was seen as a means of removing a leader the British considered problematic and replacing him with someone more amenable to British interests. This marked the end of the independent Kingdom of Benin as it was known, and the British established a protectorate over the region. The Oba of Benin held a central and revered position within the kingdom's political and cultural structure. The Oba was a political leader and a spiritual and cultural head. The Benin had a long and storied history, and the Oba played a pivotal role in maintaining the kingdom's traditions and stability. Removing the Oba and seizing Benin into a British protectorate meant traditional institutions were undermined, and British colonial authorities exerted control over the region's administration and resources. This seized territory later became part of what is now Nigeria. Moreover, the looting of Benin's cultural heritage during the British Punitive Expedition of 1897 remains a controversial and emotionally charged issue. In 2014, the University of Aberdeen in Scotland returned a Benin Bronze to Nigeria. In 2019, the Museum am Rothenbaum in Hamburg, Germany, returned a Benin Bronze to Nigeria. However, the British Museum in London, which holds a substantial collection of Benin Bronzes, has also discussed returning some pieces. These artworks held immense historical, cultural, and artistic value for the Benin people and are considered part of their national heritage. During a lean year for commercial property transactions, owner-occupiers have muscled into the metro office market, buying empty buildings from private investors unwilling to spend money on upgrades. The latest to sell is 677 High Street, East Kew, on the edge of the Harp Junction, which is understood to have sold off-market to Pixel Technologies for $23 million. That deal follows a string of other sales, including the Harry the Hirers acquisition of 112 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford, for just under $30 million; United Petroleums $18 million purchase of 465 Auburn Road, East Hawthorn, and Qanstructs $17 million purchase at 85-87 High Street in Kew Junction. Harry the Hirer purchased 112 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford, for just under $30 million. Ten of this years 13 suburban office deals for property over $5 million have been transacted by businesses planning to move into their new acquisitions. According to data from Colliers Research, owner-occupiers make up 48 per cent of the buyers so far this year, compared with just 17 per cent last year. Fox, for its part, is not counting on Ruperts retirement to shield him from being called up to testify in the courtroom, according to insiders who are not authorised to comment due to the legal action afoot. There is always the possibility of Fox settling the Smartmatic claim, as it did with Dominion. But at this stage, the media group says it is planning for battle. We will be ready to defend this case surrounding extremely newsworthy events when it goes to trial, likely in 2025, a spokesman said this week. Attorney Justin Nelson, representing Dominion Voting Systems, outside court after the settlement with Fox. Credit: AP As our financial experts report shows and ongoing discovery has since confirmed, Smartmatics damages claims are implausible, disconnected from reality, and intended to chill First Amendment freedoms, he added, referring to Americas constitutional rights to freedom of speech and the press. Samira Saba, head of communications for Smartmatic, said the voting machines maker is in the process of conducting document discovery and depositions for its upcoming case. The company would not be drawn on who it might call up if the matter reached court. Regarding your question, per legal instructions, we cannot comment on our trial strategy or who will be called to testify at trial, Saba told this publication. Last month, lawyers for Smartmatic were arguing in a New York courtroom that Fox Corporation should not escape liability for what happened at Fox News, saying the two Murdochs played a central role in the events that led to the defamation suit. Game plan to pivot Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch ordered a hit. They saw the ratings take a huge dive, they saw their stock price taking a dive. So Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch said, Oh, if we arent embracing this disinformation, its going to be a problem, Smartmatics lawyer J. Erik Connolly told the court. So they ordered their lieutenants, [Fox News executives] Suzanne Scott and Jay Wallace, Youre taking out Smartmatic, you are embracing this disinformation about voting machines, he continued. And lo and behold, thats exactly what happened. Loading This isnt idle gossip. This isnt just guessing. We have extensive allegations about what they were doing, Connolly said. We have extensive emails discussing that they have a game plan to pivot. The pivot is the disinformation. Its not a coincidence. Erin Murphy, an attorney representing both Fox Corporation and Fox News, argued that, in order for Fox Corporation to remain a defendant in the case, Smartmatic would have to prove that the Murdochs were specifically talking about Smartmatic when they communicated with top Fox officials about the direction of news coverage. The matter continues before the court. Of course, the Murdochs dont need to look outside their media empire to find enemies. Enemies galore One of the most intriguing legal battles they face is from fellow Fox investors who want Lachlan and Rupert to personally pay for this imbroglio that is proving so costly to the company. Their lawsuits are typical of derivative cases where investors sue board members in the name of the company for alleged dereliction of duties. In April this year, Fox investor Robert Schwarz launched a derivative lawsuit alleging that the Murdochs and three other directors breached their duties to protect Fox from reputational risk and financial harm by pandering to the false claims of former president Donald Trumps supporters that the 2020 election was stolen. The lawsuit is seeking damages from these directors on behalf of the company along with governance changes. Last month, New York Citys pension funds and the state of Oregon also sued Fox Corporation. Foxs board of directors has blatantly disregarded the need for journalistic standards and failed to put safeguards in place despite having a business model that invites defamation litigation, said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who manages the citys pension funds. More have followed. They include the Julie R. Greenberg Revocable Trust, which targeted seven current and former Fox Corporation board members. The costly Dominion settlement and Smartmatic case could easily have been materially mitigated had Fox given an early, timely, full-throated, widely published retraction, trustee Greenberg says in her complaint. The lawsuit demands that, having allegedly acted in bad faith, these directors pay and indemnify Fox for all costs Fox incurs in all the resulting defamation suits including all legal costs and any rise in insurance costs. Britains phone hacking scandal forced Rupert Murdoch to settle a lawsuit with News investors, close News of the World and sack its editor Rebekah Brooks. Credit: Bloomberg The latter point is important. While technically a win for the investors would make the two Murdochs personally liable for the $US787 million Dominion payout, any potential Smartmatic payout as well as the substantial legal costs incurred, in practice would be covered by the companys insurance. We know this from previous wins that Fox and News Corp investors have had against the Murdochs and other board members. A shareholder claim led to a $US90 million settlement in 2017 over the Fox boards handling of sexual harassment at Fox News, which cost the jobs of long-time news chief Roger Ailes and anchor Bill OReilly. In 2013, former Fox parent News Corp paid a $US139 million settlement of derivative claims that the board ignored phone hacking practices at its London tabloids. Not everyone thinks this is a satisfactory outcome for the aggrieved shareholders. This tragedy, or comedy, plays out over and over again, James D. Cox, a professor of securities law at Duke Law School, told Forbes at the time of the 2013 settlement. The culprits walk, and the corporations and their shareholders pay the cost. Fox declined to comment on the derivative lawsuits. Loading But a win of the scale being contemplated by Fox investors could put pressure on the Murdoch familys control of their media empire. They hold 40 per cent of the voting stock despite owning just roughly 14 per cent of each company. The Murdochs have already had to back down in the face of investor concerns this year which forced them to shelve plans to merge Fox and News Corp. Metas return-to-office policy asked teams to prioritise time together to foster strong collaboration and a vibrant culture, spokesperson Dave Arnold said. Amazon is supplying relocation support for employees being asked to move, who represent a relatively small percentage of its workforce, though it didnt specify what that support entailed. Theres more energy, collaboration, and connections happening since weve been working together at least three days per week, Amazon spokesman Rob Munoz said. Weve heard this from lots of employees and the businesses that surround our offices. Loading Even with millions of workers across the United States being asked to return to their cubicles, office occupancy has been relatively static for the past year. Americas top 10 metropolitan areas averaged 47 per cent of pre-pandemic levels last week, according to data from Kastle Systems. This time last year, the average was about 44 per cent. The lagging return is vexing leaders from city halls to the Oval Office as downtowns struggle to rebound from the pandemic. US President Joe Biden recently called on Cabinet officials to urge their employees to return to offices later this year, as downtown Washington, DC, struggles to regain its pre-pandemic crush of commuters. (A July report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office showed that 17 of 24 federal agencies had average building utilisation of 25 per cent or less.) About 52 per cent of remote-capable US workers are operating under hybrid arrangements, according to data from Gallup, while 29 per cent are exclusively remote. But although executives like Metas Mark Zuckerberg have argued that the rise of flexible work has had a deleterious effect on productivity, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that labor productivity rose 3.7 per cent in the second quarter of 2023 and is up 1.3 per cent compared to this time last year. Not so keen on the office: About 52 per cent of remote-capable US workers are now operating under hybrid arrangements. Credit: Getty While employers cite the collaborative benefits of spending time together in person, the majority of hybrid arrangements arent fostering the connections bosses want to see, according to Rob Cross, associate professor of management at Babson College who studies collaboration across various companies through surveys, email and meeting data. Hes found that mandates for a certain number of days in office are missing the mark because youre not getting the right people who need to collaborate. What were seeing thats more successful is when companies are using some form of analytics [to determine which workers need to come in on the same days], Cross said. He estimates that only about 5 per cent of organisations are taking this approach. Leaders are just saying, We need water-cooler moments, Cross said. Theyre not looking and saying: These are the interactions we need to stimulate. Cisco is trying the team-based approach. The tech company is giving every team autonomy in deciding how to work and when, according to Jeetu Patel, Ciscos executive vice president and general manager of security and collaboration. The goal, Patel said, was to get people excited to come into the office to connect with their colleagues without overburdening them or limiting their ability to do focused work something thats been a struggle in the age of ballooning Zoom meetings. Video has evolved to being a very transactional means of communication, Patel said, adding that the glut of meetings created an absence of wander time that could be draining for employees. People are excited to go in and be together when theyre not being forced to. I just hope more people see the potential [of remote work] and dont just go along with the return-to-office narrative. Muck Rack CEO Greg Galant Software company Workday has also grappled with an activity avalanche amid the return to the office, according to Ashley Goldsmith, the companys chief people officer. The bulk of the companys employees spend half their time per quarter in a Workday office or on site with a customer, prospect or other external partner. Workday has also launched a program allowing employees to work remotely, from anywhere, up to 30 days a year. We found that various teams were battling work overload due in part to the shift to hybrid work and changing priorities, which created a meeting-heavy schedule, Goldsmith said. Collaborative overload has been especially prominent among our highest performers. When it comes to office time, workers are looking for elevated experiences they cant get at home, according to Chase Garbarino, chief executive of workplace software company HqO. Free food, great tools and attractive workspaces were a big draw, but HqOs data showed that the No.1 thing people want out of a workplace is concentration space, Garbarino said. Loading Youre not going to get them into a place just built for social interaction. Youve got to be able to concentrate. For workers who value flexibility, the shift towards in-office work is unwelcome. Loreen Targos, a scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, had triplets last year. The ability to do her job remotely offered the 37-year-old some grace as she transitioned back to work. During meetings, she often went off-camera to pump milk or nurse without having to miss discussions. She squeezed in head-down work in between nap times and feeding schedules. A year later, Targos said she had found it tough caring for three toddlers even with the help of her husband and a nanny, but she relished that she was always nearby when her babies needed her. With the president calling for federal workers to return to offices, she may soon have to brave a two-hour commute through Chicago rush hour and rework her childcare plan or consider a more drastic change. It might just be worth it to give up my job and try and find work where I can have more flexibility to be around them, Targos said. Still, remote work is becoming harder to find. Roughly 8 per cent of all job postings now advertise remote or hybrid work, according to Nick Bunker, director of North American economic research at Indeed Hiring Lab. Thats down from 9.7 per cent last year, but still up significantly over pre-pandemic levels. Loading Dominique Joseph, a spokesperson for the EPA, said the agency would continue to follow OMB guidance, listen to employee feedback, and monitor performance metrics as the Agency continues to prioritise its mission to safeguard human health and the environment amid the return to office. For Greg Galant, CEO of Muck Rack, a public relations software company, its been frustrating to see some executives dismiss remote work. Muck Rack ditched its offices during the pandemic, and Galant said the shift had benefited employees wellbeing and productivity. The company now funnels energy and resources that used to go to stocking offices with coffee and snacks and determining operating hours towards creating intentional (and less frequent) opportunities for employees to connect in-person. For International Co-working Day on August 9, the company rented co-working space and arranged happy hours in nearly a dozen cities across the country. About 75 employees roughly a quarter of the companys workforce showed up. People are excited to go in and be together when theyre not being forced to, Galant said. He feels many companies have written off remote work without sincerely giving it a go. A man jailed for making $370,000 by illegally operating a charter airline used by state and federal MPs has won an appeal against his sentence. Josh Hoch, 36, operated the Flying Fitters Pty Ltd and Hoch Air Pty Ltd, transporting politicians from Katters Australian Party around their Queensland electorates over a five-year period. Josh Hochs unlicensed piloting offences concerned 96 flights including 61 that were completed on behalf of federal MP Bob Katter. Credit: SMH / Twitter 7News Townsville Hoch last month successfully appealed against some of his convictions for fraud and dishonesty, which will be the subject of a new trial, and he had another win before Brisbanes Court of Appeal on Friday. Hoch was jailed for two years in November 2022 after being found guilty in Townsville District Court of three counts of fraud to the value of $30,000 or more, one count of dishonesty, four of flying an aircraft without a licence and five of operating an aircraft without an air operators certificate. Beside Fortitude Valleys Petrie Bight cliffs, as the Brisbane River continues rolling past, a defining voice for Queenslands Indigenous tourism has announced a partnership to grow the potentially lucrative industry. Queenslands tourism industry generates $22 billion each year and employs 206,000 people. Indigenous tourism alone attracts 2 million people to the state each year. Beau Broome performs a smoking ceremony at the announcement of a partnership between Howard Smith Wharves and independent Indigenous tourism operators. Credit: Tony Moore Now the Independent Indigenous Tourism Operators of Queensland collective is partnering with inner-city Brisbane hospitality precinct Howard Smith Wharves. We need to shape what Indigenous tourism is because if we dont shape it, someone else will define it, and we have had enough of being defined, said Jagera woman Madonna Thomson, a Nyanda Cultural Tours operator and a founding board member of IITOQ. My grandfather, who rode a big horse called The General, was out in the forest on a cool, autumn morning in the early years of last century when he became aware he was being observed. Up on a ridge sat a Forests Commission inspector, a ghostly figure mounted on a grey horse. Lush regrowth after fires. Credit: Christian Pearson/DSE This was not a glad sight for my grandfather. He was dribbling fire across the forest floor from a lit wick on a long handle, as he always did in autumn. This was outlawed in Victorian state forests after the appointment in 1908 of a Conservator of Forests, and the subsequent creation in 1918 of the Forests Commission Victoria. ANKARA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces responded to an "attack" by the Syrian Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG) in northern Syria and killed 26 Kurdish militants, Turkiye's Defense Ministry said on Friday. Turkiye's retaliation came after the YPG launched an "attack" on the Dabiq Base area in the Euphrates Shield Operation zone of the Turkish military in northern Syria late Thursday, the ministry said in a statement. Turkish warplanes also launched airstrikes against the YPG and hit 30 targets in the Tal Rifaat, Jazira and Derik regions on Thursday night, according to the ministry. Billionaire Gina Rinehart is continuing her raid on lithium miner Liontown Resources stock, dethroning its chair as the largest shareholder and becoming a critical player in Albemarles looming takeover. On Friday, Rineharts company Hancock Prospecting confirmed it had acquired further shares in the lithium prospector, taking its stake from 14.67 per cent to 16.7 per cent. Gina Rinehart was shopping for Liontown shares again on Friday. Credit: Trevor Collens The mining magnate has embarked on an aggressive share-buying spree over the past month, dropping almost $1 billion in a series of transactions that have seen her stake eclipse that of chair Tim Goyder. In doing so, Australias richest person has positioned herself as a critical player in the planned $6.6 billion takeover by the US chemicals giant. The No campaigns contract with a firm allowing it to make hundreds of thousands of calls to persuadable voters has been terminated in the crucial final dash of the referendum campaign. No campaigners have spruiked their cutting-edge voter ID tool as a secret weapon to zero in on important slices of the population to push anti-Voice arguments. Advance Australia director Matthew Sheahan. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos But the main No campaign body, Fair Australia, and leading tech firm CallHub have split after this masthead last month exposed Fair Australia instructing volunteers not to identify themselves upfront as No campaigners and to use fear rather than facts to win votes. The report stirred an intense reaction from the Yes campaign and Anthony Albanese, who said No volunteers spreading a suggestion the Voice would lead to reparations for Indigenous Australians was proof the No case centred on promoting fear. Early in the report into last Octobers Maribyrnong River flood, former Supreme and Federal Court judge Tony Pagone makes an arresting admission. Melbourne Water established a review, which he led, which had no formal or statutory basis other than as an inquiry established by Melbourne Water to receive a report. The floodwaters which swamped Maribyrnong were the worst in the area since 1974. Credit: Nine News In other words, this wasnt a report that could be considered truly independent. The inquirys inability to compel participation, or protect witnesses from being sued if they said the wrong thing, meant much of its work was light on detail. I was visiting Dad in Leavenworth Penitentiary when I told him I was done with school and was going on the street. He said that if I was going to do it, then do it right, Michael says. John Sonny Franzese after his 1966 arrest. Credit: AP John nominated him to the Colombo family, where he was eventually in charge of 300 mob members. The mob business model may not be taught at Harvard, but it was effective nonetheless. Find a lucrative business, cut corners and then bully any competitors into retirement. The big-ticket item was bootlegging not Al Capones illicit booze but something even more lucrative petrol. Michael Franzese built an empire of 350 petrol stations, his own storage areas and a fleet of tankers. By using black market fuel and avoiding government taxes, he could undercut competitors. Those who were stubborn soon found their businesses firebombed. Most mob violence, he says, was not personal, it was just business, although sometimes it could be personal. Franzese says that at its peak the business was generating $50 million a month, with him making $2 million a week. He diversified into making movies, the construction business and owning car yards. Hard to believe there was such a thing, but in 1986 he appeared on a Fortune magazine list of the Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses. Headlines like that plus owning luxury houses, a private jet and a helicopter were always going to bring police attention, and he was arrested over the petrol racket. Looking back, he knew it couldnt last. Because of my father, there was a target on my back from the start. He was arrested 18 times, indicted seven times and went to trial (and acquitted) five times. Michael Franzese, mob boss turned public speaker. Credit: Tim Bauer But times and his luck changed. The code of silence worked because insiders took an oath they knew if broken could cost their lives. But Michael Franzese says law enforcement started using anti-racketeering laws effectively, with threats of 100-year jail terms that turned insiders into informers. They began to fear the government more than the mob. Law enforcement can use hi-tech surveillance, but every big case is based on flipping people. Informants destroyed my life. Franzese says insiders facing life in prison are offered immunity, new identities and plenty of dollars to turn on their mob mates. The code of silence is dead, he says. During Melbournes Underbelly War, the killings stopped when the Purana taskforce flipped several key insiders, including one of drug boss Carl Williams hitmen, his trusted lieutenant and Tony Mokbels drug cook. And for 40 years police have been pushing for US-style RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations) laws that can take isolated crimes committed years apart to establish a pattern of racketeering and can target apparently legitimate businesses that have been built on illegal funds. Michael Franzese in Sydney. When his business partner in the petrol scam was prepared to testify, Franzese knew the gig was up. Faced with a possible life sentence, he took a massive gamble he would talk, just enough to cut a deal but not enough to end up dismembered in his dads kiddie pool. He was on a tightrope with crooks on one side and cops on the other. He promised to give up mob bosses but talked only about his crimes without implicating anyone else. I wasnt going to put people in jail. Then the prosecution played a ruthless hand. They listed Franzese as a state witness in multiple prosecutions, telling him he was now a marked man and the only way to stay alive was to inform and jump into witness protection. He kept sending messages from prison that he was not informing, But everyone does that. It was when he didnt turn up to testify and was still in jail that his former colleagues saw he was true to his word. Although some in his mob family would never forgive him for walking away. He suspects if family boss Carmine Persico had not been jailed he would probably be dead. Even so, for many years he made sure his movements couldnt be predicted, moving several times, walking his dog at different times and locations and never going regularly to the same restaurants. Compare this with our crooks who have been gunned down and seem to have kept more regular timetables than the railways. In 1985, the Mafia bosses Carmine Junior Persico (left), Anthony Tony Ducks Corallo (centre) and Anthony Fat Tony Salemo were sentenced in New York to 160 years jail each for membership of The Commission, which had settled disputes, divided loot and occasionally ordered murders for the Mafia. Credit: AP Franzese was sentenced to 10 years, served five, paid $15 million in restitution and had $5 million in assets seized as proceeds of crime. He returned to jail for another three years (he says the government wanted to pay him back for not testifying) before finding God and realising he could make a lucrative and safe living talking and writing about crimes rather than committing them. On his forearm he has tattooed Proverbs 16-7, which is, When a mans ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. In Franzeses former business you need all the help you can get. He has taken the skill of talking just enough to cut a deal onto the speaking circuit providing an insight into the mob, without giving enough specifics to get himself thrown into prison or cooked in a microwave (how many minutes for a head, one wonders). He is a fan dancer who knows exactly when to cover up. He says that at his shows he is always asked three questions: Where did he hide the money, did he kill anyone, and what happened to missing teamster Jimmy Hoffa? Loading Youll have to come to a show to find out. While he has reformed, he warmly remembers the old days. I miss some of the guys and the good times. There were more good times than bad. But, he says, it ends badly for most. Just about every one of them ended up dead or in jail. Trust me, I am one of the few survivors. Franzese travels the world speaking (this is his fourth trip to Australia) to give his inside story on the mafia. He says there is a fascination with and at times a romantic image about the mob, fed by countless books (he has written several) and Hollywood movies. He tries to separate the reality from the myth, he says. Perhaps our own crook turned author and public speaker Mark Brandon Chopper Read summed it up best. Posh people love gangsters. Even gangsters fall for the Hollywood image. Drug dealer Rocco Arico was one of many to have framed pictures of Scarface in their homes, gangland murder victim Mario Condello could quote reams of the Godfather word-perfect, and 1950s standover man Freddie The Frog Harrison was a regular at the Forum cinema to watch the latest Jimmy Cagney black and white gangster flick. Al Pacino in Scarface. Perhaps Melbourne and Sydney gangsters should take a break from watching re-runs of The Sopranos and head off to one of Franzeses shows, where they could learn that for crooks a low profile is better protection than a bulletproof vest. The eagles come swooping towards us so rapidly that we collectively, instinctively duck, just in case. Peeking back, we see one set of talons perched on the edge of this open-air arena, while another eagle clings to the gloved falconer standing in the aisles. Glancing up, our pulses rocketing, eyes darting, we wonder whats heading our way next. The Colosseum-like ampitheatre. Owls, vultures, storks and spoonbills are some of the other 330 flying, feathered stars of Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantomes (The Ghost Birds Ball). Supported by an on-the-ground cast of costumed falconers, knights and fair maidens, this aerial ballet is one of the brilliantly orchestrated spectacles at Puy du Fou. Garlanded with awards, its a family-friendly theme park with a difference, one without rides as such, but more than 20 swashbuckling shows and walk-through experiences, many featuring lavishly attired actors and animals, magnificent sets, high-tech audiovisuals and entertaining snippets of French history, culture, myths and legends. Spread out around the ruins of a medieval fortress, almost 400 kilometres southwest of Paris, Puy du Fou is just an hour by car from the city of Nantes, the Atlantic coast and the Loire Valley. Exploring its pleasingly landscaped grounds on foot, youll find streets, squares, eateries and venues styled with period architecture from various epochs. AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 3, 2023 -- 2023 total U.S. sales decrease 1% in Q3 versus the same quarter last year Chrysler brand up 96%, with Pacifica sales up 120% versus the same quarter last year; Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, up 329% over same period last year, holds No. 3 spot among top-selling PHEVs in the U.S. Jeep Wrangler 4xe total U.S sales up 31% versus same quarter last year Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe top No. 1 and No. 2 sales spots, respectively, as best-selling plug-in hybrids in the U.S. market Grand Wagoneer U.S. total sales up 22% versus the same period last year Grand Cherokee U.S. total sales up 52% versus the same quarter last year Ram ProMaster van total U.S. sales up 34% versus the same quarter last year Ram brand's commercial fleet channel's total U.S. sales increased 19% versus the same period last year FCA US LLC reports sales of 380,563 vehicles in the third quarter for 2023. Overall, total U.S. sales for the third quarter decreased 1% versus the same period last year. "We've gained traction over the summer and we're starting to see some momentum at the end of this third quarter," said U.S. Head of Sales Jeff Kommor. "Our Jeep 4xe and Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid models continue to perform extremely well, taking the 1-2-3 sales spots among plug-in electric vehicles in the U.S. market, and our progress toward our Dare Forward 2030 plan also remains on track with the introduction of many all-new, all battery-electric vehicles next year, including the all-new Fiat 500e, Dodge Charger, Wagoneer S, Ram 1500 REV and Jeep Recon." Chrysler brand was up 96% versus the same quarter last year, with the Chrysler Pacifica up 120% in total U.S. sales in that period. Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid was up 329% in total U.S. sales over the same period last year. The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid accounted for 23% (8,949 units) of total Pacifica sales in the third quarter and ranks No. 3 in the U.S. among the best-selling plug-in hybrids. Total U.S. sales of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which went on sale in Q3 2022, are up 31% and 2,198%, respectively, versus the same period last year. Jeep Wrangler 4xe remains *America's best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle, followed by the Grand Cherokee 4xe at No. 2. Jeep Wrangler 4xe accounted for 42% (17,662 units) of total Wrangler sales in the second quarter. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe accounted for 17% (9,722 units) of total Grand Cherokee sales in the second quarter. Jeep Grand Cherokee posted total U.S. sales gains over the same quarter last year, up 52%. The Grand Wagoneer increased 22% in total U.S sales versus the same quarter last year. Total U.S. sales of the Ram ProMaster van were up 34% versus the same period last year. Additionally, the Ram brand's commercial fleet channel's total U.S. sales increased 19% versus the same period last year. The all-new 2024 Dodge Hornet arrived in dealerships this quarter, selling 1,753 units. New to the Alfa Romeo brand, the all-new 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale sold 746 units in the quarter. FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US LLC is a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V. FCA US LLC Sales Summary Q3 2023 Q3 Sales Vol % CYTD Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Compass 20,268 20,631 -2 % 71,560 66,966 7 % Wrangler 41,909 47,659 -12 % 126,551 147,156 -14 % Gladiator 14,202 21,511 -34 % 41,528 60,268 -31 % Cherokee 3,798 11,495 -67 % 23,017 30,852 -25 % Grand Cherokee 57,915 38,176 52 % 182,871 172,545 6 % Renegade 6,412 6,523 -2 % 15,561 23,776 -35 % Wagoneer 7,248 13,001 -44 % 20,883 30,276 -31 % Grand Wagoneer 2,867 2,353 22 % 8,135 9,454 -14 % JEEP BRAND 154,619 161,351 -4 % 490,106 541,297 -9 % Ram P/U 109,391 118,106 -7 % 332,440 363,089 -8 % ProMaster Van 22,446 16,742 34 % 60,340 42,031 44 % ProMaster City 2,541 4,448 -43 % 12,333 10,201 21 % RAM BRAND 134,378 139,296 -4 % 405,113 415,321 -2 % 200 0 0 1 2 -50 % 300 3,962 4,175 -5 % 11,159 11,757 -5 % Pacifica 38,353 17,439 120 % 112,198 75,902 48 % CHRYSLER BRAND 42,315 21,614 96 % 123,358 87,661 41 % Dart 0 3 -100 % 0 4 -100 % Hornet 1,753 0 New 4,350 0 New Charger 16,915 24,201 -30 % 63,647 62,660 2 % Challenger 11,075 16,412 -33 % 35,350 42,094 -16 % Journey 1 31 -97 % 13 187 -93 % Caravan 0 5 -100 % 2 26 -92 % Durango 16,473 19,104 -14 % 53,582 39,543 36 % DODGE BRAND 46,217 59,756 -23 % 156,944 144,517 9 % 500 1 7 -86 % 2 8 -75 % 500L 0 5 -100 % 3 8 -63 % 500X 144 179 -20 % 422 757 -44 % Spider 0 17 -100 % 0 24 -100 % FIAT BRAND 145 208 -30 % 427 797 -46 % Giulia 863 1,338 -36 % 2,694 3,662 -26 % Alfa 4C 0 0 1 1 0 % Stelvio 1,280 2,102 -39 % 4,032 6,151 -34 % Tonale 746 0 New 863 0 New ALFA ROMEO 2,889 3,440 -16 % 7,590 9,814 -23 % FCA US LLC 380,563 385,665 -1 % 1,183,538 1,199,407 -1 % For the methodology of determining FCA US LLC monthly sales, click here. These statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and, by their nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: volatility and deterioration of capital and financial markets, changes in commodity prices, changes in general economic conditions, economic growth and other changes in business conditions, weather, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, changes in government regulation, production difficulties, including capacity and supply constraints, and many other risks and uncertainties, most of which are outside of our control. U.S. fleet business includes three channels rental, governmental and commercial. *Per S&P Global Jan '23 year-to-date vehicle registrations (most current data available); PC + light-duty trucks SOURCE FCA US LLC MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia's potential withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) will not imply that the country will restore nuclear tests, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday. The statement came after Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday that Moscow could potentially revoke its ratification of the CTBT, as a mirror response to the United States, which hasn't signed or ratified the treaty. Peskov said Russia has long signed and ratified the treaty, while America hasn't done so. However, Putin's remarks should not be viewed as a statement of intention to resume nuclear tests. Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, said Friday that the withdrawal was an "important issue related to the security of Russia and its citizens." "This goes in line with the national interests of our state. And it will be a mirror response to the United States," Volodin wrote in a Telegram post. The CTBT is a multilateral agreement that bans all nuclear explosion tests, conducted for peaceful or military purpose. The treaty was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, and has been signed by 187 nations, ratified by 178 as of September 2023. "This initiative will propel Africa, the Arab world, and Asia towards broad horizons of development, progress, and prosperity, for both their peoples and countries," said an Egyptian expert on the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Chinese and foreign representatives attend the third China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation in the city of Nyingchi, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Oct. 5, 2023. The forum, co-hosted by the regional government of Tibet and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to run from Oct. 4 to 6. Representatives from more than 40 countries, regions and international organizations attended the forum. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Oct. 5, 2023 shows a view of the third China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation in the city of Nyingchi, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The forum, co-hosted by the regional government of Tibet and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to run from Oct. 4 to 6. Representatives from more than 40 countries, regions and international organizations attended the forum. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish drones and fighter jets carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militia positions in northern and eastern Syria on Thursday, hitting 24 targets and causing 15 casualties among the Kurdish fighters, a war monitor reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the Turkish air force carried out 24 airstrikes on Kurdish sites -- three by fighter jets and 21 by drones. It added that the attacks targeted critical infrastructure, including oil, electricity, and water stations, causing significant damage to the affected facilities. The Syrian Arab News Agency said that two electricity plants and one water station went out of service in the northeastern province of Al-Hasakah as a result of the Turkish shelling. The latest escalation follows threats issued by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who warned of an expanded cross-border operation in Syria and Iraq against Kurdish fighters after a suicide bomb rattled the Turkish capital Ankara, injuring two police officers. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) claimed responsibility for the bomb attack, marking the first time the group had claimed an attack in Ankara since 2016. Turkish intelligence officials suggested that the two assailants had received training in Syria. Chouhan flags off Shahdol-Nagpur Express Staff Reporter Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged off the Shahdol-Nagpur Express on Thursday. Chief Minister Chouhan said that this invaluable gift will provide convenience to the citizens in their transportation. Besides, the development of this area will also gain momentum. Chouhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav for this gift. He said that this tribal dominated district of the state will be directly connected to Nagpur through this rail. We will get a big benefit from this in development, the production of crops especially the trade of grains will get a boost. Shahdol-Anuppur-Umaria will get the benefit of the new railway. The people of the area deserve congratulations for this achievement. The dream of Rail Chali Re Rail ChaliShahdol Se Nagpur Rail Chali is coming true today. Establishment of the airport will pave the way for setting up of big factories in the area: Chief Minister Chouhan said that an ultramodern airport will soon be constructed in Shahdol. Without an airport, it is difficult to get investment, establishment of the airport will pave the way for setting up of big factories in the area. CM Chouhan said that we will leave no stone unturned in the development and welfare of the people. He said emotionally, I am the voice of development of Shahdol- I am Shivraj. State will have 80 world class railway stations: Chief Minister Chouhan said that we are grateful to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Vaishnav, under their leadership many important railway projects are being operated in the state. In the budget for the year 2023-24, the State has received Rs 13,607 crore for the development of railways. As many as 80 world class railway stations will be constructed in the state, stalls of one district-one product will be set up at 47 railway stations. Arrangements for medical college, engineering college, university and ITI made in Shahdol: Chief Minister Chouhan said that our government has been working with commitment and activeness in the development of the region. Shahdol was made a division, arrangements for medical college, engineering college, university, ITI were made here. Development of the state is the mission of my life, in accordance with this spirit, continuous development activities in the state are being dedicated to the people. We will leave no stone unturned in the development of Shahdol. Officials of urban bodies and panchayats and public representatives were present in the programme organised at Shahdol Railway Station. CM transfers Rs 1,560 crore into 72 lakh farmers accounts Staff Reporter Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan transferred Rs 1,560 crore of Kisan Samman Nidhi into accounts of 72 lakh farmers with a single click in the farmers conference organised in Satna on Thursday. Out of 30 lakh claims of Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme, Rs 1,58 crore were released into the accounts of farmers. Chief Minister Chouhan also distributed pattas to 4.30 lakh families. Under this, 75,000 pattas of Mukhya Mantri Awas Bhu-adhikar Yojana (Rural), 5,711 pattas of Mukhya Mantri Nagriya Bhu-adhikar Yojana and 3.50 lakh leases of Swamitva Yojana were provided to the beneficiaries. Chief Minister Chouhan dedicated and performed bhoomi pujan of 127 development works costing Rs 1,117 crore 58 lakh. Under this, bhoomipujan of 40 works worth Rs 959.37 crore was performed and 87 crore development works costing more than Rs 157.84 crore were dedicated. Chouhan also unveiled Vyankatesh Lok idols. It may be noted that Vyankatesh Lok has been constructed as part of the beautification and development works of the famous Vyankatesh temple of Satna Nagar under the Satna Smart City Project. Farmers from Satnas border districts Rewa, Panna, Katni, Sidhi, Chhatarpur, Umaria etc. participated in the state level farmers conference. Farmers from other districts joined the programme virtually. Vivekananda College, Maihar and many roads dedicated: Under the development works undertaken at a cost of more than Rs 157.84 crore, Chief Minister Chouhan dedicated the redevelopment of Nectar Lake, Vyankatesh Temple, Santoshi Mata Pond in Satna at a cost of Rs 61.26 crore and two Mukhyamantri Sanjeevani Clinics built at a cost of Rs 50 crore, ITI hostel and residences built at a cost of Rs 10 crore in Chitrakoot. Development works like hospital built in Satna district at a cost of Rs 7.95 crore, high school building built at a cost of Rs 5.51 crore, various roads and other construction works of the district including Vivekananda Mahavidyalaya Maihar and Vandevi Complex Chitrakoot built at a cost of Rs 5.51 crore were also dedicated. Bhoomipujan of Kamatgiri Path and Maa Sharda Devi Temple, ropeway and passenger facilities: Under the bhoomipujan of the works done at a cost of Rs 959.73 crore, Chief Minister Chouhan performed bhoomipujan of Satna to Sohawal canal to be built at a cost of Rs 372.88 crore, Dorisagar Dam to be built in Chitrakoot at a cost of Rs 227.56 crore, Nagaud-Maihar road costing Rs 178.22 crore, Majhgawan CM Rise School worth Rs 40.33 crore, Kamatgiri Path costing Rs 31.53 crore, Maa Sharda Devi Temple passenger facility and ropeway worth Rs 25.26 crore. Chief Minister Chouhan performed bhoomipujan of Government College Nadan, Primary Health Center Nagaud, various roads and other construction works of the district. Shortage of funds never hinder our development activities: Chouhan said that our government is committed to development and public welfare. As a result of this commitment, we have never let shortage of funds come in the way of development activities. Be it the steps taken for farmer welfare or the activities conducted for the upgradation of agriculture, our Government has made important achievements in every field. The area under irrigation in the state has been increased from 7.50 lakh hectares to 47 lakh hectares which will be further increased to 100 lakh hectares. To save water, irrigation arrangements have been made through pipe lines. For the convenience of farmers, the scheme of subsidising transformers is being restarted. Zero percent interest was provided to the farmers. There will be no shortage of fertilisers for the farmers. Fertiliser will be provided to defaulter farmers through co-operatives. If farmers have suffered damage to their crops, then a survey will be conducted and relief amount and crop insurance money will be provided. Farmer welfare activities are continuing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi: Chief Minister Chouhan said that farmer welfare activities are continuing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Arrangements have been made under the Pradhan Mantri and Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi to provide an amount of Rs 1,000 to the farmers every month. Farmers families are also receiving funds under the Ladli Bahna Yojana. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we have been successful in making farming a profitable business and doubling the income of farmers. The farmer is now taking three crops each, arrangements have also been made for the purchase of these crops. Cong to hold CWC meet on Oct 9 in Delhi; discuss caste census, strategy for polls NEW DELHI, CONGRESS top decision making body CWC will meet on October 9 here to deliberate on the current political situation, caste census and further firm up the strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections in five States. The party is seeking to retain power in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, while hoping to wrest power from the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, BRS in Telangana and the Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizoram. The meeting is likely to have a discussion on the caste census. The Congress has made a strong pitch for the caste census and has raised the demand for giving rights on the basis of population with emphasis on other backward classes (OBCs). The CWC meet also comes at a time when some Opposition leaders are facing heat from central agencies. The latest in the series of arrests is that of AAP leader Sanjay Singh in the Delhi excise policy case and the Congress top leadership will have to take a call on extending support to him and others being targeted by the Government. The meeting of the top decision making body of the Congress comes just over three weeks after the first meeting of the reconstituted Congress Working Committee (CWC) was held in Hyderabad on September 16 to evolve a strategy for the assembly polls in five states and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel will also attend the meeting. CORS to bring speed, accuracy Staff Reporter To bring accuracy in land surveying and preparation of all types of survey maps with latitude and longitude, Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) have been set up at 77 places in the State. Of those, 12 stations have been started in Nagpur division. CORS will help in the instant availability of the desired accurate maps through the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Global Navigation Satellite System. The State Government has set up CORS under the Survey of India Department. For this, 77 spots -- approximately 70 km away from each other -- have been marked across the State. The use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) will help in providing highly accurate and up-to-date maps. With the help of CORS GPS stations and rovers, it has become possible to create accurate maps. In Nagpur division, 12 GPS stations have been operationalised, and based on that, maps of the entire land area are being prepared. Deputy Director of Land Records Vishnu Shinde informed The Hitavada that village maps of each district of Nagpur division will be available through this system. The land measurement in the State started between 1830 and 1860. At that time, the land in the villages was measured according to the survey number, considering the village as a unit for the survey. Cone-chain system was used for that. By this method most of the village survey were completed. Students wait in line to get on a school bus at Guanshanhu District in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Sept. 7, 2023. (Xinhua) GUIYANG, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zhou Piaopiao no longer has to cram herself into an overloaded vehicle for her journey to school in the mountainous region of southwest China's Guizhou Province. A junior high student from Huishui County, she used to commute over 20 km in a hired vehicle, making the trip every Sunday and returning home every Friday. Things changed when a school bus service was introduced to transport her directly from her home to the campus. "My parents only have to pay 400 yuan (about 55.7 U.S. dollars) per semester, one-third of what they paid for the private car, and traveling by bus is way safer," Zhou said. In Guizhou, many schools in remote mountainous areas have merged in recent years due to declining student numbers and a quest for better education. Consequently, many students now undertake long journeys to reach their schools. To ensure a more convenient and safer commute for students to school, the government of Duanshan Town, where Zhou's school is located, signed a cooperation agreement with a local transport company in February 2022. The company allocated two 50-seater vehicles as school buses, initially operating on two routes, each spanning 18 km. Two months later, the number of routes was expanded to six. Yan Yaxiong, an official in the town, said the school buses take students home from school every Friday and pick them up from different villages every Sunday. So far, some 520 primary and high school students have used the bus service, with the number continuing to rise. Li Xin, deputy head of the county's transport bureau, said school bus drivers receive training every month, and the vehicles undergo maintenance every four months. Road checks are conducted regularly to ensure the safety of the school trips. In Guanshanhu District located in the rural area of the provincial capital Guiyang, daily school bus services have been available in three towns since 2021. Song Wenjing, a town-level official, said the local government has appointed a volunteer for each bus to ensure order is maintained on board. The volunteers are selected from local residents and each person is granted 5,000 yuan of subsidy per semester, Song said. Rao Zhiqi, an official with the district transport bureau, said every student only needs to pay 2 yuan per trip, with the other 60 percent of the expenses subsidized by the local government. The subsidy totals up to 10 million yuan every year. Students from financially disadvantaged families can use the school bus service free of charge. To date, some 2,000 students in Huishui County and 4,500 students in Guanshanhu District have benefitted from the school bus services. Many other places in the province also provide similar services. According to Rao, the rural road infrastructure has been greatly improved in recent years, ensuring smooth operations for the school buses. By 2019, every village with more than 30 households in Guizhou has been equipped with paved roads, benefiting 12 million rural people. A school bus runs on a road at Guanshanhu District in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Sept. 7, 2023. (Xinhua) Court sends Sanjay Singhto ED custody till Oct 10 NEW DELHI: A DELHI court on Thursday sent senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for five days, a day after the antimoney laundering agency arrested him in the Delhi excise policy case. Special Judge M K Nagpal remanded Singh in ED custody till October 10 to enable the federal probe agency to interrogate him. TheAAP Rajya Sabha MP will be produced before the court on expiry of his custody. While being brought to the courtroom, Singh said his arrest was an act of injustice by Prime Minister Narendra Modi whosepartywasgoingtolosethenext Lok Sabha elections. Singh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday in connection with its money laundering probe linked to the 2021- 22 Delhi Excise policy case, in a huge blow to the citys ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This is Modijis injustice. He will lose election, he is losing election, he told journalists. Later, when the court asked him whether he wanted to say something, Singh claimed he was being treated unfairly. Sir, Amit Arora gave tens of statements, Dinesh Arora gave several statements, but they did notremember my name. Im not that unknown that they forgot my name. Now they have suddenly remembered Theres no separate law.Iwas not summoned even once. Why different law for me? the AAP leader said rebutting the EDsclaim he received Rs 2 crore from Dinesh Arora, a businessman accused in the case who has now turned an approver. During the hearing, the ED sought Singhs custody saying several people were yet to be examined and con fronted with him. The agency saidit alsowantedto confront Singhwithdata extracted from his phone. The Enforcement Directorate alleged Singh received Rs 3 crore in two tranches. Culpable homicide charges against Nanded hospital Dean, doctor CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR, POLICE have registered an FIR against the acting Dean and a doctor of a Government hospital in Maharashtras Nanded district, where 31 patients died in 48 hours, on the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, an official said on Thursday. The case was lodged against Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospitals acting dean S R Wakode and a head paediatrician, following a complaint by a person in connection with the death of his daughter and her newborn child at the facility, he said. They were booked under Indian Penal Code sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 34 (common intention), the official said. As many as 31 deaths, including those of infants, were recorded at the hospital in 48 hours since September 30. Six more deaths were recorded at the facility from October 2 to 3, according to officials. As per the FIR, 21-year-old pregnant woman Anjali was taken to the hospital at around 8 pm on September 30. She delivered a baby girl at around 1 am on October 1. Doctors later said the mother and the child were fine, Anjalis father Kamaji Tompe said in the complaint. Later in the morning, Anjali started bleeding and the baby was also not well, hence doctors asked the family members to get medicines, blood bag and other required items from outside. When the items were brought, doctors were not present in the ward, Tompe claimed. He further claimed in the complaint that Wakode deliberately made him sit and did not send a doctor or a staff nurse to check on Anjali. The doctors declared Anjalis baby dead and handed over the body to us at 6 am on October 2. Later, Anjali was declared dead at 10.30 am on October 4, the complaint said. Tompe alleged that the dean deliberately did not let doctors treat Anjali. The doctors asked the family members to get medicines worth Rs 45,000 from outside, he said in the complaint. He also claimed that many patients died in front of him due to lack of availability of doctors, nurses and medicines. Wakode could not be contacted for a reaction in the matter. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said his government had taken the deaths at the Nanded hospital very seriously, and appropriate action would be taken after a detailed inquiry while denying that there were shortages of medicines and staff. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday took suo motu cognizance of the deaths at two state-run hospitals in Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar cities and noted that the reasons given by doctors citing the shortage of beds, staff, and essential medicines cannot be accepted. Elated to witness citys transformation: PM Staff Reporter Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed bhoomipujan for Rani Durgavati Memorial and Park in the city on the occasion of Rani Durgavatis 500th birth anniversary at Garrison ground, on Thursday. During the programme, PM Modi expressed happiness on witnessing transformation of Jabalpur, saying the city is filled with energy and the entire region of Mahakoshal is auspicious. He stressed the need of maintaining the pace of development in Madhya Pradesh and not allowing any hindrances. Addressing a huge gathering assembled at the venue to catch a glimpse of their favourite leader, Modi said, Today, I am standing here on the banks of sacred river Narmada, conveying my message to all of Madhya Pradesh, especially the youth. He said Madhya Pradesh is at a crucial juncture and any obstruction in the path of development will derail its progress. He urged everyone to keep the momentum of development going, as this is a pivotal moment for the State. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi along with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reached the venue in an open vehicle, greeting tens of thousands of people who gathered at Garrison Ground. Thereafter, he saw the model of Veerangana Rani Durgavati Memorial and paid floral tributes to the statue of Rani Durgavati. Expressing views on the occasion, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised Prime Minister Modis leadership and mentioned various development works being carried out by the BJP Government. He said the BJP Government has taken significant steps towards improving lives of people, including distribution of Ayushman cards that have benefited millions in Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan also mentioned successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He further highlighted Swamitva Yojana, initiated by Prime Minister Modi, which grants land ownership rights to rural people. He also mentioned Matru Vandan Yojana and States achievements in water conservation and development of smart cities. Those who also shared the dais with PM Modi included Governor Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industry, Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste, State Minister Gopal Bhargava, BJP State President V D Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP Sumitra Balmiki, MP Rakesh Singh, MLA Ashok Rohani and others. Engg girl student abducted at axe point, sexually assaulted Staff Reporter Shock and sensation prevailed near Jamtha and nearby localities falling under the Hingna tehsil after a teenage girl studying in Second Year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) course was abducted at weapon point and sexually assaulted by a man in the jungle near Gawsi Manapur, on Wednesday morning. The news spread like jungle fire on Thursday morning when top brass of the City Police visited the spot to supervise the probe. However, police were yet to identify and nab the culprit even after twenty-four hours of the shocking incident. If the sources are to be believed, the 19-year-old victim from Wardha district was pursuing her studies at an engineering college on Wardha Road. She was staying in the college hostel. During holidays she had gone to her native place on September 27. She wanted to return on October 3 but could not following the death of her relative. On October 4, the victims brother dropped her at the bus stand from where she boarded a Nagpur-bound bus. Around 9.45 am, she got down from the bus a few metres from her college hostel on Wardha Road. Holding a bag and a cellphone, she was on way to her hostel. When she was talking to someone on a mobile phone a young man in the isolated area started stalking her. He suddenly caught her hand. When she tried to raise an alarm, he took out an axe and dragged her into the jungle. The culprit threatened to kill her with the axe, took her to an isolated place and sexually assaulted her. Some passers-by heard her screams and rushed to the rescue. The culprit ran away leaving his axe at the spot. The victim contacted her friends using her mobile phone and informed her ordeal. A group of students rushed to the spot and took her to a private hospital. Soon after receiving information, Hingna Police swung into action. Preferring anonymity, a police officer said prima facie the culprit might be a herdsman. On the basis of the description given by the victim, sketches of the suspect were being prepared to establish his identity. A suspect was detained for questioning in this connection, sources said. When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-I) Anurag Jain informed that separate teams were fanned out in search of the suspects and expressed confidence that the culprit would be brought to book shortly. Hingna Police registered a case under relevant Sections of the IPC and started probe. Governor stresses on significance of knowledge about culture, heritage with edn Staff Reporter The 35th convocation ceremony of Rani Durgavati University (RDU) started with chanting of Vedic mantras and convocation procession in presence of Governor of Madhya Pradesh and Chancellor Mangubhai Patel and RDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Kapil Deo Mishra and other dignitaries at the University campus on Thursday. The convocation procession reached Pandit Kunjilal Dubey auditorium where the main programme was inaugurated by Registrar Dr Deepesh Mishra with the Chancellors permission. After the welcome speech, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mishra updated the gathering about universitys achievements including quality education, employment and innovations. He proudly shared that the 35th convocation ceremony coincided with the historical occasion of 500th birth anniversary of Gondwana queen Rani Durgavati. As convocation is a golden opportunity when after obtaining degrees students enter into next phase of their lives. Later, head of different faculties were invited to present names of subject-wise gold medalists and degree holders of their respective faculties. A total of 78 candidates, including 84 PhD holders, 1 D.Lit. and 49 students received gold medals during the ceremony. In his convocation address, Governor and Chancellor Mangubhai Patel mentioned about the significance of knowledge about culture and heritage with education for students. Governor Patel said that educational institutes need to pay more attention to make youth culturally rich. As knowledge should be utilised on practical grounds. Indian education system focuses on multi-dimensional progress and character building of students. Extending best wishes to all the degree holders and gold medalists, the Chancellor motivated students to become independent and go ahead on the path of progress. Higher Education Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who attended the convocation ceremony, through virtual platform, said that since ancient period, India remains the Vishwaguru and always shows the path of spiritual knowledge and philosophy to the world. Our talented students with their deep knowledge not only serve the society in different fields but also make the country proud in the foreign land. The ceremony was especially attended by Vice-Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, Professor P K Mishra, former Chairman, Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, Professor S P Gautam and Deputy Advocate General, Supreme Court, Veer Vikrant Singh and other eminent guests. Major General Vidyarthi highlights strategic aspects of war Business Reporter Major General S K Vidyarthi, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding, Uttar Maharashtra & Gujarat Sub-Area, emphasized the critical significance of safeguarding the digital realm in the rapidly advancing technological landscape during his enlightening address as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony AARHANT 23 organised by Department of Computer Science & Engineering (Cyber Security) at Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering & Management, Nagpur (RCOEM). Drawing from Major General S K Vidyarthi illustrious tenure in the Indian Army, he shared profound insights and experiences, delving into historic and significant events such as the Kargil War and the 1971 War. He shed light on the strategic and tactical aspects of these conflicts, underlining the crucial role of cybersecurity even in such intense and challenging situations. Revealing an astute cybersecurity tip, he advocated for a seemingly simple yet potent strategy - a routine of powering off smart devices for 5-10 minutes daily. This practice, he stated, could potentially thwart a significant 90 per cent of cyber threats, emphasizing the power of small yet impactful actions. Major General SK Vidyarthi also recounted his leadership in various operations, including a well-known incident where he supervised the successful rescue of a child Prince trapped 60 feet deep in a borewell. Reflecting on the importance of maintaining vigilance in cybersecurity, he revealed a precautionary measure undertaken during meetings, where all smart gadgets were carefully placed outside and under strict surveillance to mitigate potential cyber risks. In a motivating conclusion to his address, Major General S K Vidyarthi passionately implored the gathering to delve into the realm of cybersecurity, assuring them that he sees a promising future within each participant. His words resonated with a call to action, encouraging all to embrace the realm of cybersecurity with dedication and excellence, reinforcing the idea that the future of our digital world lies in the hands of those willing to learn and protect. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Brigadier Suhaas Kulkarni (Retd) and Praveen Muley, Managing Director, Microscan Communications Pvt. Ltd., Pune. The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Dr Rajesh Pande, Principal RCOEM, followed by a briefing about the event by Dr Rashmi Welekar, HOD, Department of CSE Cyber Security. Anchoring of the event was done by Dr Charanjeet Dadiyala and the inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Firdous Sadaf. State GMCs face staff crunch, drug shortage Staff Reporter Whatever hype is being made out of the incident at Nanded Government Medical College, one has to have a look at the problems being faced by Government Medical Colleges and Hospital (GMCHs) across Maharashtra. Several issues such as staff crunch, shortage of drugs, unrepaired equipment, and lack of infrastructure are haunting all the GMCs over years. All medical colleges work under three bodies -- National Medical Commission (erstwhile Medical Council of India), Department of Medical Education and Research (DMER) and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). There is lack of coordination among these bodies because of which, for last several years, the GMCs are working with inadequate staff. The process of filling of posts remains a neglected part. The earstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) (now National Medical Commission) used to cancel the number of seats not fulfilling the criteria. After State Governments affidavit, the MCI restored the seats. Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH) got 15 renewals where it could get back its 40 seats. It shows the apathy of State Government towards its own hospitals. GMCs have to work on two fronts -- imparting education and rendering healthcare services. If the workload of both responsibilities taken into account, the staff is inadequate. The apex body like National Medical Commission (NMC) points at inadequate staff, but GMCs have to get the approval for filling posts from DMER. The process of filling of posts being handled sometimes by DMER, sometimes by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). This mismanagement leads to not filling of posts. To add to the woes of these colleges, now Government is starting GMCs in every district without planning the staff. Without proper staff GMCs find difficult to render proper healthcare services. The main job in healthcare lies on nurses shoulders. Unfortunately the ratio of nurses to patients is very low. For example, every single bed in any Intensive Care Unit (ICU) needs one nurse. Unfortunately, in most GMCs, one nurse has to manage all patients in one ICU. In general ward there should be one nurse after every three beds which also most GMCs fail to follow. Terror ecosystem has to be destroyed: Shah Delhi Bureau & Agencies NEW DELHI, UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that anti-terror agencies will have to adopt such ruthless approach that new terrorist organisations are not formed in the country. Addressing an anti-terror conference here, Shah also said not only terrorism, but the entire ecosystem of the terrorists has to be destroy. The Home Minister said tough decisions taken by the Modi Government have yielded very good results in handling challenges posed by cryptocurrencies, hawala, terror-funding, organised crime syndicates and narco-terror links. Still a lot more is to be done, he said. All anti-terror agencies will have to adopt such a ruthless approach that new terrorist organisations cannot be formed, he said. Shah said there is a need to not only combat terrorism but also dismantle its entire ecosystem, and for this we must work with the spirit of the Whole of Government and Team India. Meanwhile, Shah will hold a meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) to deal with the Naxal problem, in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting is likely to be attended by the Chief Ministers and Home Ministers or their representatives from the LWE-affected States. Mayor Brandon Johnson said Wednesday he plans to visit the U.S.-Mexico border soon. Precisely who from the administration is going, when they are going and what they plan to do there remains unclear. No doubt we will hear in due course. In the meantime, might we suggest the mayor take a side trip to Austin, Texas, to sit down with Gov. Greg Abbott and try to negotiate some kind of sensible solution to a politically poisoned migrant crisis now rapidly spiraling out of control in our city? Advertisement Wed also suggest a couple of useful traveling companions for this pending trip to Texas. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, or a high-ranking surrogate, would be helpful since Chicago is in the state of Illinois and the citizens of the Land of Lincolns largest city cannot be expected to shoulder this huge new burden on its own. Advertisement President Joe Biden would be helpful in the middle seat on the flight down, too. Or perhaps his vice president, Kamala Harris, who specifically was given the mandate of mitigating the border crisis but appears to have done little or nothing in that regard. Unlikely to happen, we know. That said, the only solution to what Chicago now is facing involves city officials (from Chicago and Texas), state officials (from Illinois and Texas) and federal officials (who bear the most responsibility for this), all getting together in a room and figuring out how to stop this craziness. Of what craziness do we speak? Migrants arriving in the middle of the night on buses when there is no realistic chance of being able to access help. Migrants being bused to a city without the receiving entity getting adequate notice. Migrants being bused for political purposes at all. The signs of the growing crisis now are very visible to Chicagoans in all neighborhoods and of all stripes. On the Near North Side on a recent evening, several tents could be seen in front of the police station at 1160 N. Larabee St., all overflowing with people. Kids were running across the street to the Target store as their parents tried to keep them safe. Curious drivers and cyclists coming from downtown could be seen staring at the situation, thinking it through. Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, tweeted Wednesday night that a busload of migrants has arrived at Sears (Willis, if you prefer) Tower. Building management was not expecting them, and says they cant stay in the lobby. On Tuesday night, there was a fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl in the Loop, not far from the former Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Court, which is now a migrant shelter. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 97 Migrants live in tents along the Dan Ryan Expressway near 5100 S. Wentworth Avenue and outside a Chicago police station on Oct. 17, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Our point is not to imply that the incident involved migrants; as far as we know, it did not. Our point rather is to say that if you had traveled many miles with your family for a better life and ended up in Chicago with your teenagers, this news would be distressing in the extreme. Just as it would for any parent in a neighborhood where a killing has taken place. Advertisement All of this rapidly is spiraling out of control. Before long, it might not be an overstatement to say that the migrant crisis will be as vexing for this young Johnson administration as COVID-19 was for the administration of then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot. City and state officials say they now have been told to expect 25 buses a day arriving in Chicago, filled with folks with no place to live, no easy avenue to work to support themselves and often with young kids in tow. That means 1,250 new arrivals per day. The former Standard Club has 1,163 beds. Thats one of the larger shelters. At this rate of arrival, the shelter can accommodate one days worth of arrivals. Anyone watching the news can, of course, see that neighborhoods housing migrants are showing the signs of stress, with Chicagoans of all races arguing about the redistribution of resources, perceived changes in the levels of public safety and existing inequalities. This city cannot simply swallow these kinds of numbers without far more detailed levels of planning. [ Frustration about park space for migrants boils over in 29th Ward: I have compassion, but I can only go so far ] We know Pritzker has tried to tell Abbott to stop doing what he is doing and that he also has tried to pressure federal officials to offer more help. At the same time, we also hear Abbotts argument that if Texas is overwhelmed by this migrant crisis, it is within its right to send people to places that have declared themselves sanctuary cities without fully realizing the potential implications of the words, given that some 7.7 million people reportedly have left the chaos that has been Venezuela, and many of them desire to move to the U.S. With that line of thinking, such words were based on a kind of tacit manageability. By overwhelming left-leaning cities with the implications of their own promises, a political point has been made. 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 > So stipulated. But at huge human cost. Thats the sad truth for anyone capable of seeing this issue without the limitations of political blinders. One side screams at the other, and misery ensues. It is a price being made for decades of inaction. Advertisement We dont doubt our mayor will learn about, and subsequently recount, the difficulties of the migrant journey at the border. We dont doubt the empathy he feels, as surely does his staff. Hell no doubt return wishing that these migrants did not have to leave their homes or that the world was less cruel to them. And he wont be wrong. All decent people feel that. But what Chicago has here, right now, is an emergency. In New York, which faces much the same, Mayor Eric Adams was right when he said it could bring down the city, as least as known by the people who live there. Chicago. New York City. Illinois. We above all, Washington must operate on two tracks. Fix the overwhelming short-term crisis and the long-term issue. Call in the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Compromise. Stop all the hurt for political gain. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian air defense systems on Friday intercepted drones in the central province of Homs one day after a drone attack killed dozens of military personnel and civilians, according to local media and a war monitor. The pro-government Sham FM radio said the air defense missiles intercepted a number of drones in the sky over Homs on Friday as a funeral procession was taking place for military personnel and civilians who were killed in the drone attack at a military graduation ceremony on Thursday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the air defenses were loudly heard in Homs amid sounds of bullets and the flying of helicopters overhead. The attack, blamed on terrorists, took place on Thursday after a graduation ceremony of Syrian officers at the Military Academy in the city of Homs. The Syrian Health Ministry updated the death toll on Friday, saying 89 people were killed, including 31 women and five children, while 277 others were wounded in the deadly attack. by Matthew Rusling and Xiong Maoling WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- This week's unprecedented ouster of the U.S. House Speaker has pushed U.S. party infighting to a climax, the fallout of which will undoubtedly complicate the trajectory of the U.S. House and potentially shape the country's wider political landscape, already mired in partisan wrestling. Apart from disrupting the legislative process, the ouster could also impact the 2024 presidential elections, experts have said. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was booted out of his position by lawmakers on Tuesday, in a move initiated by a member of his own party, marking the first time in U.S. history that a House speaker has been voted out of office in the middle of a term. This occurred in a 216 to 210 vote, in which eight GOP lawmakers sided with Democrats. McCarthy was voted out after he cut a deal with Democrats to avoid a looming government shutdown, which a handful of GOP lawmakers viewed as giving in to the opposition. Matt Gaetz, the fellow Republican who led the ouster, had earlier accused McCarthy of caving to what he described as Democrats' excessive spending agenda. McCarthy initially attempted to pass a stopgap funding bill with spending cuts and border security provisions. But conservative Republicans opposed any "patchwork" funding package and refused to cooperate, forcing him to turn to Democrats for support. The vote to oust McCarthy came nearly nine months after he won the position in a dramatic 15-round floor fight. In many ways, McCarthy's ouster was set in motion when, in deal-making with hard-right holdouts at the start of the year, he agreed to a series of demands, including a House rule change that allows any one member to file a motion to vacate. CHAOTIC LEGISLATIVE PROCESS Republican Representative Patrick T. McHenry from North Carolina has been named acting speaker of the House after McCarthy's ouster. The House now needs to elect a new speaker, with a vote expected next week. It remains unclear who will fill the vacant slot for speaker -- third in command after the president and the vice president. Republican Representative Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise both announced Wednesday that they plan to join the race. McCarthy has said Tuesday that he would not seek the position again, setting up an expected intense intraparty battle for the speakership. The absence of a speaker will mean nothing gets done in the House as the closure of certain government departments inches closer. Rep. Tom McClintock from California predicted that "the House will be paralyzed, we can expect week after week of fruitless ballots while no other business can be conducted." Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College, told Xinhua: "Until a speaker is elected there's not going to be anything meaningful happening in the House, and the clock is ticking on the 45 days the government will stay open." In a last-minute effort to avert a government shutdown, McCarthy released a "clean" stopgap funding bill Saturday morning, which would keep federal agencies funded at current levels until mid-November. "The legislative process is going to be chaotic as the two parties are strongly divided in their policy objectives," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua. "Democrats will argue this shows Republicans are out of control and not able to govern effectively," West said. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, a Missouri Republican, said in a statement that the chaos could weaken the GOP negotiating position in the fights to come, arguing that the actions to remove the speaker actually "empower those who want to increase spending." IMPACT ON ELECTIONS The week's events could impact next year's presidential elections, with Democrats using the ouster as fodder to make the case that Republicans are disorganized and incapable of governing. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat, already said in a statement Tuesday that under the Republican majority, the House "has been restructured to empower right-wing extremists, kowtow to their harsh demands and impose a rigid partisan ideology." "House Republicans have undermined that principle at every turn and unleashed chaos, dysfunction and extremism on hardworking American taxpayers," said Jeffries. After last year's midterm elections, the Republican Party retook the House, with control of 221 seats, just nine more than the Democratic Party's 212 seats. "If the discord in the House continues -- resulting, say, in a government shutdown or another impasse over the debt ceiling -- so that real citizens are hurt where they live, then I think there is a real potential for this to negatively impact Republican hopes at the polls," Greg Cusack, a former member of the Iowa House of Representatives, told Xinhua. Other experts believe the unprecedented event could lead some voters to view the GOP as factionalized. Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua that a likely path is that the GOP "continues to be factionalized and gets a corresponding reputation among independent voters." Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. grew its position in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 17,632 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 399 shares during the period. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc.s holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $2,035,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in MRK. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its position in Merck & Co., Inc. by 102,675.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,860,147,936 shares of the companys stock valued at $214,642,470,000 after acquiring an additional 1,858,338,022 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 68,563,817 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,294,504,000 after acquiring an additional 6,546,946 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Merck & Co., Inc. by 6.0% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 51,218,756 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,438,036,000 after acquiring an additional 2,879,481 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 41,850,081 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,643,267,000 after acquiring an additional 4,000,816 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in Merck & Co., Inc. by 103,159.7% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 39,327,490 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,363,385,000 after acquiring an additional 39,289,404 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.59% of the companys stock. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:MRK opened at $103.60 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $107.14 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $110.08. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 12-month low of $87.11 and a 12-month high of $119.65. The firm has a market cap of $262.89 billion, a PE ratio of 84.92, a PEG ratio of 4.02 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. Merck & Co., Inc. Announces Dividend Merck & Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MRK Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported ($2.06) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($2.18) by $0.12. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 5.34% and a return on equity of 16.29%. The firm had revenue of $15.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.44 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.87 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts predict that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 3.04 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 6th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.73 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $2.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.82%. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio is 239.34%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have commented on MRK. TheStreet cut shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from an a- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $102.00 to $113.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. HSBC began coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They set a hold rating and a $123.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Thursday. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $109.00 to $116.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $124.74. Get Our Latest Report on MRK Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Steven Mizell sold 4,250 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $109.01, for a total transaction of $463,292.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 22,935 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,500,144.35. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Merck & Co., Inc. (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MRK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Former University of Southern California (USC) gynecologist George Tyndall, who was accused of sexual misconduct against a generation of women at the university, was found dead Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, local media reported Thursday. Tyndall was 76. His death forecloses a criminal trial set for next year. Scores of USC alumnae were expected to take the stand against him and testify to inappropriate touching and harassing remarks during gynecological exams at a campus health clinic, according to the Los Angeles Times, the biggest newspaper on the U.S. West Coast. No autopsy was to be performed and the Los Angeles Police Department had reported it to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office as a natural death, said the report, citing Lt. Kelsie Weber of the medical examiner's office. On March 25, 2021, USC announced an 852-million-U.S.-dollar settlement to resolve lawsuits from hundreds of women over sexual abuse by Tyndall. USC is a leading private research university located in downtown Los Angeles. A total of 46,000 students were enrolled in the 2020-2021 academic year, including more than 6,000 from China. The Los Angeles Times, which first exposed the scandal in 2018, has reported that there was fear that the gynecologist was targeting the university's growing population of Chinese students in recent years, as some of those Chinese students had a limited knowledge of the English language and American medical norms. According to Deng Law Center in Los Angeles, at least three former Chinese students of the university joined the lawsuits against USC in 2018. That release could not be found. This photo shows an accident scene in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Oct. 6, 2023. Five people died when a tree fell on a bus in Colombo on Friday morning, a spokesperson for the Colombo National Hospital told media. The bus was heading to Deniyaya in southern Sri Lanka from Colombo when the accident took place. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua) COLOMBO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Five people died when a tree fell on a bus in Colombo on Friday morning, a spokesperson for the Colombo National Hospital told media. The bus was heading to Deniyaya in southern Sri Lanka from Colombo when the accident took place. Seventeen passengers were injured and were receiving medical treatment at the Colombo National Hospital, police said. The Duplication Road, one of Colombo's busiest roads, was subsequently closed for traffic movement due to the accident, and officials have taken steps to remove the fallen tree and the damaged bus from the road. This photo shows an accident scene in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Oct. 6, 2023. Five people died when a tree fell on a bus in Colombo on Friday morning, a spokesperson for the Colombo National Hospital told media. The bus was heading to Deniyaya in southern Sri Lanka from Colombo when the accident took place. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua) This photo shows an accident scene in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Oct. 6, 2023. Five people died when a tree fell on a bus in Colombo on Friday morning, a spokesperson for the Colombo National Hospital told media. The bus was heading to Deniyaya in southern Sri Lanka from Colombo when the accident took place. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the Nigeria Customs Service have expressed commitment towards nation-building service through synergy. This came as the acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, sought the support of NIPSS ahead of its forthcoming CGC Annual Conference. This was made known on Wednesday, during the visit of Professor Ayo Omotayo, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and his management team to formalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Service at its Abuja Headquarters. While speaking, the Customs boss expressed optimism that the conference would focus on the immense deliverables which would concretize the outcomes, thereby repositioning the NCS in the discharge of its mandate. He further extended his gratitude to the DG NIPSS for providing the initiatives culminating in signing an MOU. He equally appreciated the legal team from both sides who worked tirelessly to ensure they have the final document while pledging his unwavering commitment to living the spirit and letters of the document in the MOU. On his part, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotara, narrated the agencys reasons for engaging the NCS, which encapsulates assisting in the repositioning agenda of the NCS and making it more effective in the delivery of the Service's mandate. He urged acting Customs Comptroller-General to make the NCS become more of a repositioned Service not only in the collection of duties but also in the facilitation of trade and helping other sectors of the Nigerian economy to industrialize. The DG of NIPSS emphasised the need for the Nigeria Customs Service to embrace data that can be used to model Nigeria's economy in the coming years. The NIPSS boss equally shared this excitement, saying that he envisaged a new era of progress, driven by both organisations and collaboration, that would lead to the nation's advancement. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yobe State has arrested a yet-to-be named man at Stadium Quarters in Potiskum LGA for allegedly chaining his wife on her feet. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday after Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) petitioned the matter to the DPO of Potiskum. Reports said the man claimed that he chained his wife due to her mental illness and to stop her from begging people to support her with food or money. When contacted, NSCDC spokesperson in the state, Bala Garba, said the chain on the wifes feet had been removed, while medical doctors were working on her, adding that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) would be contacted to handle the issue. Meanwhile, a human rights defender, Fauziyya D. Suleiman, posted on her Facebook page that the man had chained, tortured and locked up his wife and prevented anyone from entering their house. Nairobi, October 5, 2023The Committee to Protect Journalists on Thursday called on Ethiopian authorities to immediately release three journalists detained in late August and early September, and expressed grave concern about a pattern of detaining journalists amid an ongoing state of emergency. On August 26, 2023, police arrested Tewodros Zerfu, a presenter and program host with the online media outlets Yegna TV and Menelik Television, while he was chatting with a friend at a cafe in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, according to reports from the outlets and accounts from his sister Seblework Zerfu and Yegna TV founder Engidawork Gebeyehu, who spoke to CPJ by messaging app. Four days later, on August 30, two security officers in civilian clothing arrested Nigussie Berhanu, a political analyst and co-host of, Yegna Forum, a biweekly political show on Yegna TV, according to Yegna TV reports, Engidawork, and a family member who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing safety concerns. On September 11, seven federal police officers arrested Yehualashet Zerihun, the program director of the privately owned station Tirita 97.6 FM, at his residence in Addis Ababa, according to a report by Tirita and Yehualashets wife Meron Jembere, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app. Meron said she had not been given any specific reason for his arrest to date. The three journalists were initially detained at the Federal Police Crime Investigation Center in the capital city of Addis Ababa, but have since been transferred to a temporary detention center at a military camp in Awash Arba, a town in Afar State that is about 240 miles (145 kilometers) east of Addis Ababa, according to the people who spoke to CPJ. Those sources said they were not aware of the journalists being presented in court or formally charged with a crime. The detention of journalists at a military camp, under unclear judicial oversight, is a deeply worrying sign of the depths to which Ethiopias regard for the media has sunk, said CPJ sub-Saharan Africa representative, Muthoki Mumo. Authorities should release journalists Tewodros Zerfu, Yehualashet Zerihun, and Nigussie Berhanu, as well as other members of the press detained for their work. Ethiopia declared a six-month state of emergency on August 4, 2023, in response to the conflict in northern Amhara state involving federal government forces and the Fano, an armed militia, according to media reports. Since then, CPJ has documented the detention of at least four other journalists in Addis Ababa, two of whom remain detained, also in Awash Arba. The state of emergency legislation gives security personnel sweeping powers of arrest and permits the suspension of due process of law, including the right to appear before a court and receive legal counsel. In addition to his role as a program director, Yehualashet was a host and co-host of three weekly radio shows, Negere Kin, Semonegna, and Feta Bekidame, focusing on art and social issues. According to CPJs review of their work, Tewodros and Nigussie usually appeared together on Yegna TVs regular program, Yegnas Forum, and their commentary and reporting is published on Yegna TVs YouTube channel, which has over 600,000 subscribers. Yegna Forum is a mostly political program, which has been critical of the Ethiopian government. Prior to their detention, they had discussed the ongoing Amhara conflict, criticizing the passing of the state of emergency decree, and questioning the neutrality of the Ethiopian National Defense Force. A few days before his detention, Nigussie made a Facebook post in which he alleged that he was perceived as a threat to the government, and had been identified as a target. CPJs queries sent via email to federal police spokesperson Jeylan Abdi and the office of the federal minister of justice were unanswered. Government spokesperson Legesse Tulu did not respond to queries sent via messaging app and text message. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide sends a goodwill message to all teachers both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. This message is very compelling especially when we reflect on the roles that teachers played in the history of the Igbo in Nigeria. It is a common knowledge that the British penetrated most of the Igbo communities between 1900 t0 1920; but with the help of the committed teachers, the Igbo ascendancy in almost all the sectors of human endeavor was phenomenal. I recall with nostalgia the consummate devotion of the pre-independence teachers towards community development programmes which earned them the sobriquet of Odozi-Obodo (Redeemers). The teachers were the moral authority and indeed the pathfinders of the various rural communities. The teachers of the yore exuded discipline, knowledge, etiquette, uprightness and hard work. Ohanaeze Ndigbo observes, rightly that the teachers are at the foundation of every profession. In other words, there is hardly any profession that does not benefit from the sweat of teachers. But, most unfortunately, the welfare of Nigerian teachers are often taken for granted. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo laments the poor conditions of teachers in Nigeria. There is no gainsaying that the building of a modern society begins with the empowerment of teachers, quality teaching and conducive learning environment. Based on the foregoing, Ohanaeze aligns itself with the 2022 Act of the National Assembly that prescribes 65 years as the retirement age for teachers in Nigeria. We urge the states in the federation that have not keyed into this condition of service for teachers in Nigeria to consider it a priority. Finally, we urge the Nigerian teachers not to weary in the pursuits of the ideals; teaching remains a noble profession irrespective of the current vicissitudes. It is our hope that they will surely reap the fruits of their labour. E-Sign. Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE, FNSE, KSC (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo), President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Arrests made for selling of blank gun, ammo to teen shooter BANGKOK: Three men were separately arrested in Yala and Bangkok for allegedly selling firearms, including a blank gun, and ammunition to a 14-year-old boy who went on a shooting rampage inside Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon (Oct 3). The incident left two foreign nationals dead and five others wounded. violencedeathpolice By Bangkok Post Friday 6 October 2023 09:00 AM People flee in panic after gunshots rang out inside Siam Paragon in Bangkoks Pathum Wan district late Tuesday afternoon (Oct 3). Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut A team of investigators from the Provincial Police Region 9 apprehended two of the three suspects at a house in tambon Sateng of Muang district in Yala at around 1am yesterday, reports the Bangkok Post. Suwananhong Phramkhanajarn, 45, and his 22-year-old son Akkharawit Jaithong were wanted on arrest warrants issued by the Bangkok South Criminal Court for colluding in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and selling firearms and ammunition without permission. Seized from the house were 209 rounds of ammunition for blank guns, 33 metal parts, two bank accounts, nine magazines and other items. The two men were being taken to Bangkok for questioning. The third suspect, Piyabut Pianpithak, 30, was arrested in Bangkok. The arrests came after Pol Lt Gen Thiti Saengsawang, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, ordered Yannawa police to gather evidence and seek court approval for issuing warrants against the three individuals involved in the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition. A police investigation found that the 14-year-old boy contacted an online gun seller, expressing his interest in firearms, and they had online conversations. However, the suspect hesitated about obtaining a real gun due to the relatively high price. He then placed an order for 9mm bullets a cost of B1,000 and transferred the money for the purchase. A few days later, he rreceived a parcel at his condominium room in Sathon district, which contained real bullets. The teen subsequently ordered a modified blank gun, later used in the deadly shooting at the shopping mall. The investigation also found that the suspect lacked sufficient funds to acquire the blank gun. He then borrowed money through an online money lending application and later transferred B16,000 to the seller, who later sent the gun to his condo. During questioning, Mr Suwannahong and Mr Akkharawit denied all charges. A police source said the teenager had transferred the money to Mr Suwannahongs bank account, and the man later withdrew the funds at an ATM booth at a petrol station in Yala. It was revealed that Mr Akkharawit was running a Facebook page to sell firearms online. The page had been opened for about five months before being shut down around 10:20 pm on the day of the shooting rampage. Mr Piyabut was involved as he sold and sent 9mm bullets to the teenager. Chaos erupted at Siam Paragon on Rama 1 Road in Pathum Wan district close to peak hours on Tuesday, with hundreds fleeing as gunshots rang out. The dead were two women from China and Myanmar. The teenager was arrested late on Tuesday shortly after the shooting spree. Maj Gen Samran Nuanma said the suspect had modified a gun designed for firing blank rounds to enable it to use live ammunition. The boy facing murder and other charges has been remanded to a juvenile detention centre where he will undergo a psychiatric assessment. BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) on Friday said it will convene its 18th national congress in Beijing on Oct. 9. A total of 2,002 elected delegates, 60 specially invited delegates and 50 guests from Hong Kong and Macao will attend the congress, which is held every five years, according to the ACFTU. The congress will revise the Constitution of Trade Unions of the People's Republic of China and elect a new leadership for the ACFTU. Car plunges into construction hole PHUKET: Three people escaped serious injury after the car they were travelling in plunged into a roadside construction hole near the Lotuss outlet on the bypass road last night (Oct 5). transportconstructionSafety By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 6 October 2023 11:10 AM Phuket City Police were alerted to the accident at about 10pm. Officers arrived along with rescue workers from the Phuket Kuslodharm Foundation to find the silver Toyota Camry sedan stuck in mud in the large hole, excavated to install large drains beside the Lotuss shopping mall. The front of the car had struck large concrete drains already installed in the bottom of the metres-deep pit. The three people inside the car had suffered minor injuries only, rescue workers confirmed. Police reported that the driver, unnamed in their report, was unfamiliar with the road. The driver had only just arrived in Phuket to start work and was not used to driving this route, police said. Chinese tourist falls to death at Phuket resort PHUKET: A female Chinese tourist died after a 10-storey fall at a resort in Karon early this morning (Oct 6). tourismChinesedeathpolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 6 October 2023 11:37 AM Photo: Karon Police Update: Police have confirmed they have taken a Tunisian man in for questioning. Police have also confirmed that the woman, Chinese national Zou Ke, 34, had previously travelled to Phuket 18 times. (See further update below) Karon Police Deputy Inspector (Investigation) Pol Lt Col M.L. Sanya Suksawat was notified of the incident at 4am. Considering the nature of the incident, Lt Col M.L. Sanya reported the death to Karon Police Chief Pol Col Khundech Na Nongkhai and Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Wiwat Chamnankit. Officers arrived at a Karon beach resort to find the body of the woman, identified as 34-year-old Chinese national Zou Ke, on the ground. The womans body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where forensic doctors are to perform a post-mortem examination. Police reported that Ms Zou was staying at the resort alone, in a room on the 10th floor. ** Officers gave no indication of the circumstances that may have led to Ms Zous death. Police said there were still investigating the incident. ** UPDATE: Police later confirmed in their formal report of the incident that a Tunisian man had been taken in for questioning. The man was Ms Zous "ex-boyfriend", who was staying in the room with Ms Zou. The man told police that Ms Zou was in an emotional state and had attempted to jump off the balcony earlier during the night, but that he had prevented her. The couple talked, and later while he was in the bathroom she followed upon her first attempt. He managed to grab her leg but was unable to prevent her from falling over the balcony. He immediately ran down to the reception to inform hotel staff, the man said. Police noted that they were continuing their investigation. If you or anyone you know is in need of emotional support and counseling, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand at their 24-hour hotline at 02-113-6789 (English & Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). YANGON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar exported 1,253 tons of honey worth over 1.879 million U.S. dollars in first six months of the 2023-24 fiscal year through next March, the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department said on Friday. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Myanmar exported more than 1,900 tons of honey, earning over 2.8 million U.S. dollars, the department said. Availability of quality honey leads to an increase in honey purchases. In addition, the department has launched a national surveillance program on food safety, which helps ensure the quality of honey for export, according to a department official. The Southeast Asian country mainly exported the honey to Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and South Korea, the department said. Myanmar's animal product exports, including honey, were valued at 4.004 million U.S. dollars during the April-September period this year, showed data from the Ministry of Commerce. Net ban extended | IMPHAL, Oct 6: Suspension of mobile internet/data services and internet/data services through VPN in the State of Manipur has been extended by another five days with immediate effect till 7.45 pm of October 11. Commissioner (Home) T Ranjit issued an order to this effect today. Notably, all forms of internet connectivity were shut down in Manipur since May 3 evening following eruption of a violent conflict between two communities on the same day. On a direction of the High Court of Manipur, the Government reinstated broadband services on July 25 with conditions, including a signed undertaking by the subscriber. Internet services including mobile data services were completely restored in the State after 143 days on September 23 before mobile data service was banned again on September 26. Notably, Senapati District Students Association has been imposing an indefinite economic blockade on Imphal-Dimapur highway demanding restoration of mobile data service. WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday that the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone as it came in proximity to U.S. forces in Syria earlier in the day. Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a press briefing that U.S. commanders assessed that a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew "less than a half kilometer from U.S. forces" based in Syria. U.S. F-16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV "in self-defense" as the drone was deemed "a potential threat," Ryder said, adding that the Pentagon had "no indication that Turkiye was intentionally targeting U.S. forces." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler to discuss the incident. According to a readout of the phone call provided by Ryder, Austin urged his Turkish counterpart to commit to "de-escalation in northern Syria," stressing "the importance of maintaining strict adherence to de-confliction protocols and communication through established military-to-military channels." "The Secretary acknowledged Turkiye's legitimate security concerns and affirmed his commitment to close coordination between the United States and Turkiye to prevent any risk to U.S. forces," the readout said. The incident marked a rare use of force by the United States against one of its allies within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Adding to the controversy of the shootdown is the fact that Washington not only counts on Ankara to help defeat the Islamic State extremist group in the Middle East but also relies on Turkiye's approval to bring Sweden into NATO in the wake of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Turkish air force carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militia positions in northern and eastern Syria on Thursday, hitting 24 targets and causing 15 casualties among the Kurdish fighters. Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will stage a sit-in-dharna in front of Raj Bhavan till Governor Ananda Bose gives the partys delegation an appointment and listens to their grievances. This was announced by Mr Banerjee late this evening. The hide-and-seek game between Governor CV Ananda Bose and the Trinamul Congress continued on Thursday when the former asked the Trinamul leaders to see him in north Bengal and the latter organised a march to Raj Bhavan demanding release of funds for job card holders under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme. The Governor, who was in Kerala, went directly to North Bengal to take stock the flood-like situation on Thursday. He asked the Trinamul Congress leaders to see him in the Circuit House in Siliguri or in the relief camps. He again left for Delhi from Siliguri without coming to Kolkata. Mr Banerjee said: It is really funny that when we went to Delhi in April, Giriraj Singh, Union minister for rural development was not available. Again on 3 October, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti refused to meet us and left the office from the back door and now the Governor left for Delhi from Siliguri without coming to Kolkata. They are all avoiding us when the Enforcement Directorate has sent notices to my parents, my wife and myself though we do not have the slightest intention to evade them. Mr Banerjee reiterated that he would ask the Governor two simple questions. They are whether 20 lakh people had worked under the MGNREGA in Bengal and if yes, under which law the Centre is withholding their dues. This question is simple but the BJP it seems does not have any answer, he remarked. Derek O Brian, Rajya Sabha MP, had sought an appointment with the Governor as soon as he comes to the city. Mr OBrian later said the Governors response asking them to meet him in north Bengal was ridiculous. Advertisement The supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) based automatic operation system of Durgapur barrage, installed in 2019, has faced difficulty during the prevailing flood situation for want of an expert operator. Instead, Group-D staff has been assigned to run the show, which has drawn flak from the officials as well as public representatives. The SCADA centre is an initiative under the National Hydrology Project of the Centres ministry of water resources. States irrigation and waterways department however is responsible for the operation of the centre. Bardhaman Durgapur MP Surinder Singh Ahluwalia, while visiting the centre, ridiculed the state irrigation department for lapses. On Tuesday, he was upset the centre was locked as none was there to operate the system during the emergency situation. He asked the Irrigation officials: Why was it introduced when theres none to run at this critical time? Sanjoy Majumdar, executive engineer, Damodar head works of the state irrigation department that controls the barrage, said: Our Group-D staff were operating this, from time to time but due to the current flood alert, all have been assigned to supervise the barrage structure. Advertisement The Rs 1.50 crore SCADA centre was introduced in the Durgapur barrage for explicit assistance to help receiving controlled water discharge information from the upstream reservoirs in Maithon and Panchet (about 60 to 80 km away) also about total discharge at Asansol, besides upstream pond level and downstream discharge from the barrage-based on which the automated system was supposed to decide the desired level of discharge as per the river regulatory guidelines. Six sets of radar-based water level sensors have been installed along the barrage spillway series. Also, three sets were installed in Maithon, Panchet and Asansol for monitoring of river discharge inflow to Durgapur barrage. The system is powered to upload the database from the barrage control room (BCR) to a web server for hourly feeding to customized clients. The EE, Majumdar said today: Weve received one assistant engineer recently, who will look after the system henceforth. We dont have a dedicated expert for the centre now. Ateam of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing the alleged irregularities in the municipal recruitment process in West Bengal raided the house of Rathin Ghosh, food minister in Mamata Banerjee cabinet on Thursday. The raids coincided with a CPM organized march to CGO Complex in protest against the central investigating agencies (ED, CBI) delay in ongoing investigations in different scams, including the school teachers recruitment scam in the state. The 10-member central investigating team along with armed CRPF jawans raided the Michaelnagar residence in North 24-Parganas district early this morning around 6am. Mr Ghosh was there when the ED reached there. The raid is still on till 5pm even after 11 hours. Apart from the raid at the food ministers residence, ED officials in separate groups also raided houses of chairmen of different municipal bodies in Kamarhati, Titagarh, Baranagar, South Dum Dum etc at the same time in North 24- Parganas to probe the municipal recruitment scam. Advertisement Earlier, Mr Ghosh was the chairman of the Madhyamgram Municipality in the district for four years from 2014. ED investigators verified various documents, including passbooks of banks where Mr Ghosh and his family members have savings and other FD accounts. It has also seized several mobiles during the raid, its learnt. With the directives of the Calcutta High Court, ED started the inquiry about four months ago. According to ED officials, the raid was conducted at Mr Ghoshs residence after Ayan Sil, an accused in teachers recruitment scam, took the ministers name alleging the latters involvement in irregularities in recruitment in municipalities during interrogations of the investigating agency earlier in July. ED unearthed the recruitment scam in civic bodies first while conducting raids in the office of Ayan at Salt Lake several months ago. On the other hand, CPM activists, led by the partys state secretary Md Salim started a procession from Ultadanga and reached the CGO Complex office at Salt Lake in the afternoon. With instructions from the BJP government at the Centre ED, CBI and Delhi Police are arresting opposition leaders, journalists, writers and intellectuals but at the same time the central agencies are silent on Trinamul Congress leaders allegedly involved in different scams in Bengal. Its clear that the agencies are trying to save the BJP and Trinamul Congress leaders, Md Salim alleged. A 32-year-old woman, who was allegedly kidnapped from her house in Uttar Pradesh four months ago, has been traced to the Purulia district in West Bengal. Her alleged abductor, Lokendra Kumar Kheowaria, was held from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh by the local Boro Police, a police official said. Superintendent of Police (Purulia) Abhijeet Mukherjee said the woman went missing from her parents house on June 19. He said she was traced with the help of her mobile phone tower location. Advertisement The victim has recorded her statement before a court. She has also undergone medical examination, the officer said. The accused has been remanded to seven-day police custody. An official of the Boro police suspects that an organised trafficking gang is at play and added that efforts are on to bust this racket. Union home minister Amit Shah upheld the zero-tolerance policy for terrorism and said the government is firmly committed to rooting out terrorism from the country. Shah said this while addressing the 3rd Anti-Terror Conference after inaugurating the meeting in New Delhi, on Thursday Talking tough against terrorism, Shah said all anti-terror agencies must adopt a ruthless approach so that no new terrorist organization be formed. The home minister said a model anti-terrorism structure should be established under the purview of the NIA. He added that the hierarchy and structure of all anti-terrorism agencies in all the states should be made uniform for better coordination between the Centre and state agencies. Advertisement Shah stressed that to fight terrorism, agencies must adopt out-of-the-box thinking and innovative measures. He also emphasized that all anti-terror agencies should make multidimensional and artificial intelligence-based use of terror-related databases to successfully fight terrorism. The two-day conference will focus on addressing various facets of terrorism and chalk out strategic plans to counter the same. Additionally, it will emphasize on creating better coordination with relevant agencies and state security forces working against terrorism. The top brass from several state police departments, anti-terror units, intelligence and probe agencies of the country are taking part in the conference. A source in the Union home ministry said Shah will chair the review meeting on left-wing extremism, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Friday. DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The funeral procession for dozens of soldiers and civilians killed in a drone attack the previous day was held in the city of Homs in central Syria on Friday. Flag-wrapped caskets of the slain soldiers, who were killed a day earlier during a drone attack on a military graduation ceremony, were laid on the ground during their funeral procession while the relatives of the deceased were mourning them with heavy hearts. The attack, blamed on terrorists, took place on Thursday after a graduation ceremony of Syrian officers at the Military Academy in the city of Homs. The Syrian Health Ministry updated the death toll on Friday, saying 89 people were killed, including 31 women and five children, while 277 others were wounded in the deadly attack. As the funeral procession was ending, the crowds heard bullet fire which appeared later to be the Syrian air defenses intercepting suspected drone attacks in Homs. The pro-government Sham FM radio said the air defense missiles intercepted a number of drones in the sky over Homs. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based watchdog group, said the Syrian army retaliated to the attack, firing over 500 shells on rebel positions in different areas in the northwestern province of Idlib, the launching pad of most of the rebel drone attacks. The Syrian government declared a 3-day official mourning period beginning on Friday, during which flags in Syria and at all Syrian embassies and diplomatic missions overseas will be lowered to half-mast. The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement following the attack on Thursday, calling on the UN and the UN Security Council to denounce the assault. The ministry pinned responsibility on the United States, branding the attack as "part of the brutal attacks perpetrated by the U.S. occupation-backed terrorist groups to destabilize the situation in Syria." This incident is part of a rising trend of drone attacks in Syria in recent months, with rebel factions employing drones to target government installations and infrastructure. Conversely, the Syrian government and its allies have also harnessed drone technology for offensive operations against rebel strongholds. The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, has inflicted substantial casualties and left the nation fractured, as government forces remain embroiled in conflict with a variety of rebel groups. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which has made a significant effort to improve connectivity in the Eastern Sector of the Indo-China border, has completed 90% of the construction work on the crucial Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is engaged in the construction works of tunnels, and roads in Arunachal Pradesh in a war footing manner, and the Sela Tunnel project is at the final stage of completion, according to BRO authorities. Almost 90 per cent of the construction works of the strategically important Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh have been completed and hopefully, it will be completed by this year, an official said. Once completed, the tunnel will offer all-weather thoroughfares for the inhabitants of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Visitors to the district as well as the armed forces would also benefit. Advertisement The Sela Tunnel will also offer the longest two-lane tunnel in the world at a height above 13,000 feet. Nearly 90% of the tunnels construction work has been finished, according to Sela Tunnel construction worker Padip Kachari. The Sela Tunnel project involves two tunnels. The Sela Tunnel project consists of two tunnels: Tunnel 1, a 1,555-meter twin-tube tunnel, is 1,555 metres longer than Tunnel 1, a 980-meter single-tube tunnel. The Sela Tunnel sits 400 metres below the Sela Pass; after it is finished, travellers will be able to use it year-round, boosting both the regions infrastructure and tourism. On February 9, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the Sela Tunnels cornerstone, and on April 1, 2019, work on the project began. The Centre has approved Rs 44.8 crore aid to Sikkim for relief and rescue operations in the state hit by flash floods. The flash floods in the Teesta River basin left a trail of death and destruction in the northeastern state. An official statement confirmed on Friday 14 deaths in the natural calamity. The Centre has constituted an inter-ministerial team to assess the damage caused by the glacial lake outburst flood in the state. Advertisement A communique from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said, To make an assessment of the damage caused due to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)/cloudburst /flash floods, the Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), which will visit the affected areas of the state shortly. In addition to that, the government has also approved the release of Rs 44.80 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund to the northeastern state, it said. Fourteen people have died and 102 others, including 22 army personnel, are missing after the cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim triggered a flash flood in the Teesta river basin on Wednesday. So far, 2,011 people have been rescued, while the calamity has affected 22,034 people, according to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority. The situation in Sikkim is being closely monitored by the central government at the highest level on a 247 basis. It is also providing full support to the Sikkim government by mobilizing timely logistics resources to deal with the situation effectively, the statement said. The logistics support included deployment of adequate teams of the National Disaster Response Force, Indian Air Force helicopters, and army personnel along with necessary search and rescue equipment, it said. Further, technical teams of ministries of power, telecommunications and roads, highways, and transport are assisting in the timely restoration of damaged infrastructure and communication networks in the state, it added. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and assured all possible help to the affected state. The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to show that in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam the coloured money originating from the Telangana based liquor group reached former Delhi Chief Minister Manish Sisodia who is under incarceration since February 26, 2023 and has approached the top court for bail in both the cases. Sisodia was arrested in the case by the CBI on February 26, 2023 and by the Enforcement Directorates on March 9, 2023. Observing that nowhere it has been shown that money coming from liquor group based in Telangana reached Sisodia, Justice Sanjiv Khanna heading a bench also comprising Justice S.V.N. Bhatti told the Enforcement Directorate, You have to establish the chain (money originating from liquor group in Telangana reaching Sisodia). We are not satisfied. I agree, both of us agree (Justice Khanna and Justice Bhatti) that it is difficult to establish the chain. Advertisement The bench asked the Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju to show the money trail from the liquor group to the petitioner (Manish Sisodia). All your submission does not show any money reaching Sisodia. The bench said that everything seems to be happening between different players allegedly involved but nowhere reaching Sisodia. As Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju appearing for both the CBI and the ED told the bench that money originating from the liquor group travelled from Mumbai to Goa where it exchanged hands, Justice Khanna asked, Why liquor group based in Telangana would require the money (to go) from Mumbai to Goa. On a number of issues that were argued by the ED today, the bench appeared not satisfied. At one point, in the course of the arguments, ASG Raju referred to certain amounts that were transacted, Justice Khanna observed, These are very miniscule amounts. Pointing to the legal and factual aspect of the issue being argued by the ASG Raju for the ED, the bench said, How will you establish money laundering by Sisodia factually and legally? He may be aware it may be used, as per your case, but he never came in actual physical possession. At another point when ASG Raju referred to certain lobbies or pressure groups that were active while the excise policy was being formulated, Justice Khanna described it as a normal thing to happen in such situations. Justice Khanna said, We understand there is a policy change and everybody wants a change that will be beneficial for them. That will be there. If we say special groups are discriminatory without money consideration, it will not make out an offence If we go to that extent, there will be no pressure groups or even vested interests when a policy decision is taken then Some pressure and conflict will always be there. Of course, bribes cannot be accepted. The court was not convinced when ASG Raju referred to Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, to allege generation of proceeds of crime, abetment and conspiracy against Sisodia, the bench said generation of proceeds of crime, abetment and conspiracy are not covered under the Section 3 of the PMLA. Section 3 of PMLA which deals with the Offence of money-laundering says, that Whosoever directly or indirectly attempts to indulge or knowingly assists or knowingly is a party or is actually involved in any process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime and projecting it as untainted property shall be guilty of offence of money-laundering. ASG Raju will address the bench on this aspect of his case on October 12 the next date of hearing. Concluding his argument that had commenced yesterday Wednesday, October 4 senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Sisodia, urged the court to grant bail to Sisodia as there was nothing that directly points fingers at him. He referred to several judgments of the top court to buttress the grant of bail to the former Chief Minister of Delhi and the Aam Aadmi Party leader. Taking the bench through evidence, Singhvi said, These are all allegations. Some of them are hearsay but none of them implicate the petitioner. Vijay Nair is not an associate of the petitioner. Manish Sisodia has moved the Supreme Court for bail both in CBI and ED cases in the alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy case. He has challenged Delhi HC order rejecting his bail plea. The Delhi High Court denied him bail in both the matters. In its order passed on July 3, 2023, in the ED case, the High Court had stated that inter alia it was of the view that in view of the high political positions held by the accused and his position in the party in power in Delhi, the possibility of influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled. In February 26, 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of Delhis new excise policy. The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the Opposition. He is currently in judicial custody. Mandya police on Thursday detained members of pro-Kannada organisations protesting over the Cauvery Water Issue. Visuals showed the members of the pro-Kannada groups raising slogans and protesting over the Cauvery water-sharing row. The governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have been locked in a protracted tussle over the sharing of Cauvery waters. The river is seen as a major source of sustenance for the people in the two states. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee had ordered Karnataka to ensure the release of 3000 cusecs of Cauvery water at Biligundlu starting from September 28 till October 15, 2023. Karnataka had filed a review petition against the order both in the Supreme Court and in CWMA (Cauvery Water Management Authority). Advertisement Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier expressed his disappointment on the recommendation of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) which has directed Karnataka to ensure the release of 3000 cusecs of Cauvery water at Biligundlu starting from September 28 up to October 15, 2023. Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) ordered to release of 3,000 cusecs of water, I have already spoken to our advocates. They have suggested us to challenge this order in the Supreme Court. We will challenge it in the Supreme Court. We dont have water to release to Tamil Nadu. We are challenging the orders of the CWRC, CM Siddaramaiah had said. Meanwhile, the Cauvery water-sharing issue has led to political turmoil in Karnataka with former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accusing the state government of lacking the will to protect farmers interests. It is worth mentioning that the Karnataka government had cited a severe drought in parts of its state to refuse the supply of water to Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government has accused its neighbour of lying to the nation about the supply of water. Meanwhile, the National South Indian River Interlinking Farmers Association held a protest on a railway track in Trichy on Sunday, demanding the release of the Cauvery water in Tamil Nadu. Visuals show members of the farmer association raising slogans and protesting over the Cauvery water issue on a railway track in Trichy. The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the CBI to conduct a further investigation into the death of violinist Balabhaskar. Observing that the investigation by the CBI into the death of Balabhaskar was not foolproof, a single bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas directed the probe agency to investigate the case further to identify whether there was any conspiracy or connection with the activities of gold smuggling. Advertisement The order came on a writ petition filed by KC Unni, father of Balabhaskar and another person seeking a directive to the CBI to further investigate the case. The court also set aside the order of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Thiruvananthapuram accepting the report of the CBI terming it as a road accident. The petitioners alleged that the CBI had not conducted the investigation properly and had submitted the final chargesheet in haste The CBI took over the investigation on July 27, 2020, and filed a report concluding that it was a case of a road accident After meeting with a car accident at Pallippuram, Thiruvananthapuram on the NH-66 in the wee hours of September 25, 2018, Balabhaskar suffered multiple injuries. He was shifted to a private hospital, where he succumbed ot his injuries on October 2, 2018. His daughter had died on the spot in the accident and his wife and driver escaped with injuries. Union home minister Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on left-wing extremism in New Delhi, on Friday. The meeting was aimed to chalk out a road map and strategy to fully root out left-wing extremism from the country. Home secretary Ajay Bhala, Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, the directors general of NIA and central armed police forces, including the BSF, SSB, CRPF, NSG, and the chief secretaries of Naxalism-affected states were present in the meeting. Several other Union ministers along with the Maharashtra chief minister and his deputy, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis; Andhra Pradesh CM, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; and the Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren, also took part in the meeting. Advertisement Prior to the meeting, Shah expressed his views on Naxalism on X and termed it a curse to humanity. He also said the PM Narendra Modi-led government was committed to completely root out Naxalism. In the review meeting, the development of left-wing extremist-affected states was also an important subject of discussion. According to the government, much visible progress has been made in the last couple of years in this regard, which, the government says, is a reflection of the combined efforts of the Centre and the states. It says the Centre is extending support to the state governments towards capacity building and bolstering security by deploying the required number of CAPF battalions in Naxalism-affected regions. The last such meeting on left-wing extremism was held in September 2021. Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, on Thursday, wrote to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeking a detailed report on illegal mining in Tarn Taran for which a senior police officer was transferred after the arrest of the brother-in-law of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Manjinder Singh Lalpura. Opposition parties had questioned the Bhagwant Mann Governments resolve to prevent illegal mining in the state after Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Gurmeet Chauhan was recently transferred after he had arrested 10 persons in an illegal mining case including Lalpuras brother-in-law. In his letter to the CM, the Governor wrote: I have been reading contradictory reports in the media regarding the allegations of an MLA about corruption in the police, involvement of MLAs close relatives in the illegal mining during night time and suspension of police officials and subsequent transfer of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Taran Taran. The issue of illegal mining is an important issue in Punjab and a lot of corruption is attributed to this. In the background of this, some media reports pointed out that a police party busted an illegal mining activity going on during nighttime in Taran Taran district and one close relative of the MLA is part of it. The media reports further suggest that the police party who went to raid the illegal mining activity was suspended and the SSP was transferred. Advertisement In view of the media reports, Purohit expressed his desire to have a detailed report on the issue of allegations by the MLA, illegal mining activity and the subsequent action against police officials. The Shiromani Akali Dal had accused the AAPs first-time legislator Lalpura and his brother-in-law, Nishan Singh, of being involved in large-scale illegal mining in Tarn Taran. Lalpura, however, maintained that his brother-in-law was implicated in a false case in a conspiracy as he had raised the issue of corruption in Tarn Taran police. Following the controversy, the state government shifted the SSP and suspended five police officers involved in the night raid in which 10 people, including Lalpuras brother-in-law, were arrested for illegal mining. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday urged Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into illegal mining in the state. The SAD president, Sukhbir Singh Badal, who led a high level party delegation to meet the Governor and submit a memorandum in this regard, alleged Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators were indulging in rampant illegal mining across the state and causing a huge loss to the ecology as well as loss to the state exchequer besides suffering to the common man. Giving details of the case regarding Khadoor Sahib legislator Manjinder Singh Lalpura, the SAD president told the Governor Lalpuras brother-in-law Nishan Singh was arrested for indulging in illegal mining along the Indo-Pak border. Advertisement He said that instead of further action against the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) who was the kingpin in the case, the AAP government had transferred the then Tarn Taran SSP Gurmeet Singh Chauhan and suspended five cops in the case. Badal said this was done despite the fact that the police officer was a decorated police officer known for his honesty and integrity and was under direct threat from National Intelligence Agency (NIA) designated terrorists Lakhbir Landa and Harwinder Rinda. The SAD delegation told the Governor that the MLAs brother in law was not kept in jail for a single day and received VIP treatment in hospital during his period of arrest. The SAD said all this happened despite people coming out openly against Nishan Singh and producing pictures and videos to prove that the latter indulged in illegal mining on a regular basis. The delegation disclosed that pictures of Nishans house where JCB machines and other mining equipment were parked regularly were in the public realm. The delegation urged that CCTV cameras in the area should also be examined as well as statements by villagers that the MLA was using his police escort vehicle and his security personnel to indulge in illegal mining. Calling for a CBI probe into illegal mining in the state, Badal alleged the truth was that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal were the real kingpins of illegal mining in Punjab and were using the money collected to expand the reach of the AAP in other states. They have chieftains in different areas like Harjot Bains who is incharge of the mafia in Ropar and Manjinder Singh Lalpura who heads the mafia in Tarn Taran. This is the reason why when an honest cop like SSP Gurmeet Singh Chauhan tries to instill the rule of law and comes in the way of the mafia he is shunted out to send across a message that no one should try to stop illegal mining in Punjab, the SAD Prime Minister Modi and I have a very good political relationship. He is a wise leader. India has made a lot of progress under his leadership, which is in line with our mutual interest in working on this agenda, Putin said in a statement. Putins praise for Indias leadership follows the G20 summit in India, which adopted the New Delhi Declaration, which Moscow described as a milestone. The declaration focused on peace in the Ukraine conflict without assigning blame to Russia, in contrast to the previous one, the Bali Declaration. Russias President Vladimir Putin praised India, hailing the G20 Summit as a personal triumph for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin also praised Indias bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council as a sign of growing strength on the global stage. India is a country with great potential, Putin said, noting the countrys large population, projected GDP growth rate of more than 7 percent, and increasing high-tech exports. As far as the G20 is concerned, there is no question that it was a success for the Indian presidency, and for Prime Minister Modi personally. The Indian leaders were able to strike a balance, even in the statement, Putin said at the event in Sochi. Azerbaijan launched an anti-terror operation to take control of Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian populated enclave inside the borders of Azerbaijan, last fortnight. Within 24 hours of the assault, Armenian residents of Nagorno-Karabakh threw in the towel and inked a cease-fire agreeing to reintegration with Azerbaijan. This short and bitter conflict has already sparked the exodus of 100,000 Karabakh Armenians from their homeland and nobody is sanguine that it will not escalate into yet another full-scale war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As regional security expert Asli Aydintasbas iterates, the Caucasus betrays the limits of Western power at Europes edges. American and European policymakers and peacemakers were reported to be working around the clock in the days leading up to the Azeri offensive but could not prevent it. Indeed, the West seems increasingly helpless in Russias backyard. The complicated map of self-governing enclaves and exclaves in the Caucasus is a legacy of the Soviet system that helped Moscow divide and rule its backyard. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenians and Azeris fought over territory, resulting in a famous Armenian victory and territorial gains in the 1990s. The past decade or so, however, has seen the balance of power in the Caucasus shift dramatically. Azerbaijan has steadily risen as a force in the region thanks to its status as a source of energy for Europe, which has been further enhanced in the wake of the oil and gas shortage due to the Ukraine war. Azerbaijan is also acquiring military heft and has forged strong security-military ties with both Israel and Turkey. Armenia, on the other hand, is increasingly isolated. Its relationship with its traditional benefactor-cum-protector Russia has run into rough weather after the 2018 democratic revolution which brought Mr Nikol Pashinyan, the countrys current leader, to power. Yet, its overtures to the West have yet to yield the kind of solidarity the Armenians are looking for ~ military and financial support against its arch enemy and neighbour. The oneday conflict in the Caucasus in September means that the Azeris have succeeded in asserting control over the last of the territories they lost to Armenia in the 1990s; Baku had reclaimed the rest in a 2020 offensive. Azeri talk of reintegration, say experts, gives no comfort to Armenians nor guarantees cultural and political rights for them. Advertisement Azerbaijan, of course, can hardly be termed a democracy and the atrocities its troops have committed have been particularly brutal though both sides are guilty of crossing the line repeatedly. The overriding concern among regional capitals is that the tensions around Nagorno-Karabakh will inevitably lead to a broader war between the neighbours. While Armenia is looking to push back against Azeri expansionism, Azerbaijan is thought to be intent on opening a land corridor to the Azeri enclave of Nakhchivan (and eventually neighbouring Turkey) via Armenian territory. Neither Russia nor the West, intent as they are on their own face-off, seem interested in intervening and the socalled Global South is conspicuous by its LUSAKA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has urged African countries to invest more in digitalization in order to accelerate economic development. The Zambian president said on Thursday that accelerating economic growth through technology will help African countries develop faster, a situation that will boost trade, create jobs, and bring efficiency in service delivery. In remarks delivered at the 2023 pan-African Digital Government Summit which has brought together participants from about 30 African countries, Hichilema said employing digital technologies at border posts could reduce the time people spend to clear goods and increase revenue collection. "I want to argue here today that if we want as African countries to grow our economies faster, efficiently, effectively, with optimality injected in that, we have to accelerate our digital advances," he said. According to him, African countries have no option but to invest resources in digitalization or risk being left behind by other countries in the world that are making giant strides in digitalization. The Zambian president said Africa will find it difficult to trade or interact with other countries or benefit from technological development if the continent fails to invest robustly in digitalization. He, however, assured that the current leaders in Africa understand the importance of digital transformation because of the benefits that come, such as having 24-hour economies. Zambian Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati said African countries are joining efforts to redefine the future of digital transformation to improve government operations and people's livelihoods. He said the summit's expectations call for governments to harness the power of technology to grow economies. The meeting, slated for Oct. 4-6, was expected to discuss various issues, such as solutions that will trigger and unlock digital dividends in delivering cost-efficient services in various sectors. In a closely watched weekend election, the Maldives made headlines by electing pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu as President. What makes this development particularly intriguing is Muizzus commitment ~ reiterated after his election ~ to remove Indian armed forces from the Maldives, a move that could have far-reaching implications for India and the broader geopolitics of the Indian Ocean region. Muizzu, who won in a second-round runoff, belongs to a coalition known to be close to China. His election victory and his promise to send foreign soldiers packing raises questions about the Maldives shifting allegiances in the region. Muizzu has a pro-China stance and his campaign had once championed an India Out agenda against Indian troops stationed in the Maldives. At the heart of this issue is the delicate dance between India and China for influence in the Indian Ocean. India has historically maintained strong ties with the Maldives, seeing the archipelago nation as a key part of its sphere of influence. India has denied any ambitions for permanent military presence in the Maldives but has been assisting in developing the Maldivian naval infrastructure and training its military. Advertisement Muizzus election and his anti-foreign military rhetoric could strain this relationship. For India, the response to this new geopolitical reality should be measured and strategic. Rather than taking an adversarial stance, New Delhi should engage in dialogue with the President-elect and seek to understand his governments priorities. Maintaining open lines of communication is essential, as it allows for a diplomatic approach to addressing concerns and finding common ground. One possible avenue for India to explore is cooperation on non-military fronts. India and the Maldives share interests in various sectors, including trade, tourism and climate change. India can leverage these shared interests to build trust and demonstrate its commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership. Another aspect to consider is the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean region. As China extends its influence in the area, India has been forging partnerships with like-minded nations to counterbalance this expansion. India should continue to strengthen its regional alliances and partnerships to safeguard its interests and maintain stability in the Indian Ocean. It is crucial for India to take a wait and watch approach. This approach allows India to assess Muizzus policies and actions and respond accordingly. Being not anti-Maldives is a diplomatic stance that keeps the door open for future cooperation. The implications of Muizzus election go beyond the bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives. Chinas expanding presence in the Indian Ocean has been a matter of concern for many countries, including India. Muizzus pro-China stance could potentially strengthen Beijings foothold in the region, altering the strategic balance. India should respond with diplomacy, engagement, and a focus on shared interests to maintain a constructive relationship with the Maldives. As the world watches these developments unfold, a nuanced approach from all sides involved is essential to maintain stability in this strategically vital region. One of the major outcomes of the recently concluded G20 Summit in New Delhi was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the governments of India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the European Union (EU), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Germany, and Italy to create the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) for establishing an economic corridor stretching from India to Europe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed IMEC as a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, which he again highlighted on September 24 in his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. Many commentators and leaders have also described IMEC as a historic development that would prove to be a game changer. Leaving aside the euphoria generated by the announcement of IMEC as the modern incarnation of the ancient spice route, some hard questions need to be asked about its financing, credibility, and profitability. Who will foot the bill? Does the limited volume of trade involved justify a new and isolated rail line when there is already convenient maritime transport between India, the Middle East and Europe? Advertisement For example, India is the EUs 10th largest trading partner, accounting for just 2 per cent of the total EU trade in goods. Is IMEC part of the US grand strategy to contain Chinas growing foothold in the Asia-Pacific, Middle-East, and African regions by drawing other countries into its fold and using them as pawns? Will Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) be successfully countered by IMEC, an objective that the United States and India have been striving for? We are mistaken if we think that IMEC is merely an infrastructure project. The proposal represents a multimode transit corridor spanning over 3,000 miles, consisting of two separate wings, the east corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf and the northern corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf to Europe. It will be a combination of railroads, ship routes, and roadways. According to the MOU, the participants also intend to lay along the rail routes a pipe for clean hydrogen export and cables for electricity and communications. IMEC is being seen as effective transport connectivity, which would promote investments and strengthen regional supply chains. It is expected to increase trade accessibility and facilitate the movement of goods and services by reducing transaction time by 40 per cent and cost by 30 per cent, compared to the present Suez Canal route, as estimated by an analyst from the Jerusalem Institute of Strategy and Security. However, the claim that IMEC would substantially reduce the time and cost is doubtful, as due to the combination of transportation means involved, this would also entail multiple loading and unloading costs and time in each port along the way, as well as transit tolls and fees. The normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia is a crucial factor for the success of IMEC and the seamless transport of goods, which appears to be a remote possibility. The political stability in the Middle East is yet another important factor in its success, whose longevity is always questionable. The proposed corridor offers India a specific geopolitical advantage as it would find an alternative trade overland connectivity route to the west, independent of Pakistan. Indias growing economic and strategic ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which IMEC aims at, would help isolate its arch rival Pakistan in the region. There are many challenges and roadblocks that IMEC will face once the project is finally rolled out. Financing is one thorny issue on which the MOU is silent. It is not yet clear what the cost of the project would be, and how the requisite funds would be mobilised. According to the initial estimate, the project would require around US$20 billion, which would have to be generated by the participating nations. The substantial funding is expected to come from the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), a collective endeavour by G7 nations to finance transparent, climateresilient, and gender-equal critical infrastructure projects in developing nations. Though not directly referred to in the MOU, one of IMECs implicit objectives is to counter Chinas BRI, which strengthens its connectivity with countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America with an extensive network of land and sea routes. Despite accusations of promoting predatory lending practices and debt trap diplomacy which undermine international norms and values, BRI has bolstered Chinas clout at the international level. What worries the US the most about BRI is the inclusion in it of many of its very close allies and IMEC partners, such as Greece, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. While Italy has recently expressed its desire to withdraw from the BRI, it would still instead work on its broader economic relationship with China. It remains to be seen how a balance is struck between the two commitments. India is deeply upset with Chinas BRI, as one of its major components, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), passes through Pakistans illegally occupied Kashmir. India considers CPEC a direct infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The divergence of interests among the partner countries may also undermine the prospect of IMECs success. It must be noted that all participants in IMEC are not necessarily ranged against China. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the two main pillars of the corridor, are opposed to a bipolar world order that forces them to choose between these two rivals, China and the United States. This is evident from the fact that they not only recently joined the BRICS group but are also trying hard to become members of the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which was established in 2001 as a political, economic, and security forum to rival Western institutions. Saudi Arabia may not share the United States objective to counter Chinas BRI through IMEC. Saudi Arabia is getting closer to China, which recently mediated its landmark agreement with its arch-rival, Iran. This has the potential to change the strategic dynamics of the region. It is worth noting that Saudis net trade with China has substantially risen to US$87 billion, while its trade with the US has declined to US$25 billion, which was almost the same as a decade ago. Saudi Arabia is also seeking to become a member of the Shanghai-based BRICS Bank, which is being developed by the worlds major developing economies as an alternative to the West-dominated World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The growing cooperation between China and many middle-eastern countries would pose a major challenge to the successful operationalisation of IMEC, as Chinas economic engagement with these countries far exceeds that of the United States and its European allies. Over the last few years, Chinas trade with the Middle East has grown by US$100 billion, with the total volume exceeding US$300 billion. Obsessed with Chinas growing global footprint and its desperate desire to rein it in, the US is looking for opportunities to wean away the nations that were enticed by China through BRI. IMEC is thus Americas endeavour to project itself as an alternative partner and investor for developing countries to contain Chinas growing economic and political influence. Our euphoria about IMEC should not blind us to the fact that many similar infrastructure projects like the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (2017) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (2022), despite United States commitments, have remained nonstarters for want of fundraising and questions about the sincerity of the United States. In the long run, if the United States or EU withholds funding due to changes in domestic and international political dynamics, IMEC would also meet the same fate. The success of IMEC will depend on the sincerity of the member states in addressing these challenges. (The writer is a professor at Aligarh Muslim University and heads its Strategic and Security Studies Programme) The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is suing Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for refusing to testify in an investigation into his purchase of Twitter shares in 2022 before he bought the micro-blogging platform for $44 billion. The X owner failed to appear for testimony on September 15, as required by the investigative subpoena served by the SEC, despite agreeing in May to appear for testimony on a date nearly four months later, the US regulator said in its complaint. He raised no objection to the subpoena at the time it was served or during the following months, and approximately two weeks before his scheduled testimony, Musk requested to move his scheduled testimony by one day. Advertisement Instead, two days before his scheduled testimony, Musk abruptly notified the SEC staff that he would not appear, the complaint further read. The regulator even offered to conduct Musks testimony at the SECs Fort Worth, Texas office (the closest SEC office to Musks current personal residence) or any other of the Commissions offices, and proposed multiple dates in October and November. These good faith efforts were met with Musks blanket refusal to appear for testimony, read the complaint. The subpoena with which Musk failed to comply relates to an ongoing nonpublic investigation by the SEC regarding whether, among other things, Musk violated various provisions of the federal securities laws in connection with his 2022 purchases of Twitter stock, and his 2022 statements and SEC filings relating to Twitter. The SEC has now asked the court to intervene and compel Musks compliance. Ahead of his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in October last year, Musk purchased a substantial stake in the company, requiring him to file a disclosure with the SEC. A crossbow-wielding British Sikh who had threatened to assassinate the Queen in revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 2021, has been sentenced to nine years in prison by a UK court. Jaswant Singh Chail, 21, had admitted to treason charges in February this year for scaling the Windsor Castle walls and telling royal guards on Christmas Day 2021 that he was there to kill the late Queen Elizabeth II. Chail, who identified himself as an Indian Sikh in a social media video that emerged soon after the incident, reportedly suffered from mental health issues and was partly inspired to attack the Queen inspired by the Star Wars films. Advertisement A London court heard that Chail fantasised about killing the late monarch since adolescence, and had shared this information with an artificial intelligence-powered girlfriend he named Sarai. Justice Nicholas Hilliard said despite conflicting diagnoses from different experts, he concluded that Chail lost touch with reality and had become psychotic, but that the seriousness of the crimes required him to serve prison time, ABC News reported. According to the report, Chail will first return to a psychiatric facility where he has been receiving treatment, and if deemed to be well enough in the future, he will serve the rest of his sentence in prison. The defendant harbored homicidal thoughts which he acted on before he became psychotic, Hilliard was quoted as saying by ABC News. His intention was not just to harm or alarm the sovereign but to kill her. Chail had also written in a journal that if the Queen was unobtainable he would go for the prince as a suitable figurehead, in an apparent reference to King Charles III. He had scaled the perimeter of the grounds with a nylon rope ladder, some two hours before his arrest. He was wearing a hood and mask and was carrying a crossbow loaded with a bolt, with the safety catch off and ready to fire. The prosecution told the court that the Supersonic X-Bow weapon he was carrying had the potential to cause serious or fatal injuries. The Queen was in her private apartments at Windsor Castle at the time of the intrusion. Jon Fosse, a master of spare Nordic writing in a sprawling body of work ranging from plays to novels and childrens books, won the Nobel Prize in literature on Thursday for works that give voice to the unsayable. Anders Olsson, chair of the Nobel literature committee, said Fosses work is rooted in the language and nature of his Norwegian background. I was surprised when they called, yet at the same time not. I have cautiously prepared myself for the possibility that this could happen in the past 10 years, Fosse, 64, told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. It was a great joy for me to get the phone call. Advertisement One of his countrys mostperformed dramatists, Fosse has written some 40 plays as well as novels, short stories, childrens books, poetry and essays. The Swedish Academy, which awards the prize, said it was for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable. Mats Malm, permanent secretary of the academy, reached Fosse by telephone to inform him of the win. He said the writer was driving in the countryside and promised to drive home carefully. Fosse is the fourth Norwegian writer to get the literature prize. Bjrnstjerne Bjrnson got it in 1903, Knut Hamsun was awarded it in 1920 and Sigrid Undset in 1928. Fosses work A New Name: Septology VI-VII described by Olsson as Fosses magnum opus was a finalist for the International Booker Prize in 2022. In a statement released by his publishing house, Samlaget, Fosse said he saw the prize as an award to the literature that first and foremost aims to be literature, without other considerations. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million) from a bequest left by their creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. Last year, French author Annie Ernaux won the prize for what the prize-giving Swedish Academy called the courage and clinical acuity of books rooted in her small-town background in the Normandy region of northwest France. Ernaux was just the 17th woman among the 119 Nobel literature laureates. The literature prize has long faced criticism that it is too focused on European and North American writers, as well as too male-dominated. In 2018, the award was postponed after sex abuse allegations rocked the Swedish Academy, which names the Nobel literature committee, and sparked an exodus of members. The academy revamped itself but faced more criticism for giving the 2019 award to Austrias Peter Handke, who has been called an apologist for Serbian war crimes. Russian journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, renowned for her bold on-air protest against the Ukraine war, has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison in absentia by a Russian court. The court found her guilty of spreading false information regarding the actions of the Russian Armed Forces. Additionally, she has been prohibited from operating social media accounts for four years. Notably, Ovsyannikova was not present during the sentencing, as she left the country last year while evading house arrest, accompanied by her 11-year-old daughter. In a statement issued prior to her sentencing, the Russian journalist denounced the charges against her as absurd and driven by political motivations. Her actions made international headlines in March 2022 when she interrupted a live broadcast of Vremya, a prominent Russian news program, to express her protest against Russias military involvement in Ukraine. Subsequently, she was arrested, detained without access to her legal counsel, fined 30,000 rubles (equivalent to $280 at the time), and later released. Advertisement Marina Ovsyannikova had been employed by Channel One Russia, contributing to Vremya, a key evening news show, for an extended period starting in the early 2000s. She later described her role as one of producing Kremlin propaganda. As of February 2023, it was revealed that Ovsyannikova had managed to escape to Paris, France, along with her daughter. This move further complicated her legal situation in Russia, as she became a fugitive from the Russian justice system. Her lawyer has confirmed her relocation to Europe, marking a significant turn of events in this high-profile case. In the span of just one week, eight young individuals from the Sikh community in Brampton, Canada, have found themselves in the custody of local law enforcement, facing serious charges related to firearms. These arrests have raised eyebrows and stirred discussions about the Canadian authorities taking a firm stance against individuals involved in such activities. The arrests have sent ripples through the local Sikh community, sparking various speculations and concerns. It is important to note that the apprehended individuals are all of Sikh descent, and their possession of firearms has triggered these legal actions. However, it is crucial to emphasize that this does not necessarily indicate their affiliation with any particular political or extremist group, such as Khalistani supporters, as stated by an undisclosed source. The arrests were prompted by reports of gunfire incidents in Brampton, a city in Canada with a significant Sikh population. Upon conducting thorough search operations, law enforcement discovered the presence of firearms in their possession. Interestingly, it appears that information leading to their apprehension originated from a local gurudwara, a place of worship for Sikhs. Advertisement The individuals in question, aged between 19 and 26, now face charges related to the possession of loaded or prohibited or restricted firearms. Authorities suspect their involvement in a network associated with illicit drugs and illegal weaponry. Brampton, located in the Greater Toronto Area within the province of Ontario, boasts a substantial Sikh community. According to data from the 2021 census, there are over 1.6 lakh Sikhs residing in this area, constituting nearly 25 percent of the towns total population, as reported by the Canadian government. Canada, in general, has one of the largest Sikh populations outside of Indias Punjab region. Brampton, specifically, was in the spotlight previously for hosting a controversial referendum by the separatist group Sikhs For Justice. India has banned the group. This referendum, held in September of the previous year, aimed to gauge support for the creation of an independent Khalistan state. The Indian government had expressed concerns and cautioned its Canadian counterparts against permitting this illegal exercise, but the Canadian government defended it on the grounds of freedom of speech. Attending a customers meet of a public sector bank in Kolkata and listening to the praise that bank customers showered upon the branch manager and his team aroused in me the thought that in the era of rapid digitization, people still want the emotional human touch. Bank officials maintain individual contacts with customers and offer quick banking solutions to their problems. Senior citizens are particularly elated, and feel comfortable and confident that their hard earned money is in safe hands. The relationship between man and money is inseparable. It is a psychological bond. Man needs to touch money, the medium of exchange, to thrive. It is a daily need. Since the family matters, money matters too. Money of individuals when put into the market has exchange value which helps them to procure food and luxury goods. But when the same money is parked in banks as savings, it grows. Money grows over time and becomes wealth in the hands of the individuals. People in India have the idea and habit of saving. Saving for a particular purpose, say for purchase of a land or a building after retirement, is a traditional idea. This saving is useful when the future is predictable. But saving money without any specific purpose is the call of the day. It is more meaningful to save for savings sake in the world of uncertainty. Future issues like health, retirements and a childs marriage compel us to save. Savings depend upon the habits of spending. More the money that is spent less is the money saved. One can spend less if he or she desires less; if a limit is put on greed. Here comes the question of an individuals culture, philosophy, value, ethics that guide him or her with decisions. A simple lifestyle does not require more spending money. Different people react differently to money. The person who grew up in poverty sees money as a life saver, respects it and spends judiciously. One day he can become a man of wealth even if he had no financial education. On the other hand, a child of an affluent family, who does not attach an emotional value to money, or is not psychologically attached to it, or behaves differently, and may one day face financial distress. Advertisement Poverty is a better teacher than wealth. There are many instances in India where small but regular savings of one individual turns into great wealth to build a charitable hospital or an educational institution. Thus, money behaves according to the ideals, goals, values and ethics of individuals. Money in banks, many believe, follows the rules and laws of the nation and behaves according to the mathematical formula of compound interest. But psychologist Morgan Housel propagates in his book The Psychology of Money that financial success is not a hard science. Its a soft skill, where how you behave is more important than what you know. I call this soft skill the psychology of money. . soft skills are more important than the technical side of money. What can money bring? Accumulated money creates wealth to procure a tangible asset. But money also brings intangible assets in ones life through increased happiness and control over time. He or she may not have to struggle anymore to earn handsome money but can spend time on a meaningful life if he or she has sufficient savings. Or can think of an early retirement. People feel like theyre in control in the drivers seat [The Psychology of Money]. Money has incredible returns Money to buy time and option has a lifestyle benefit few luxury goods can compete with. Sometimes people want to spend money that they dont have. They want to be happy with material possessions and ask banks for personal, home and car loans. A high amount of debt with illiquid assets may result in financial disaster for the borrower. Indian religions and the ethical system do not encourage one to borrow; rather they advise not to borrow at all. But the human mind often works on the influence of the external world. Speculation is another aspect that is discouraged by Indian culture and philosophy. It is an inherent attribute. That is the reason that most Indians prefer savings over investments. They rely more on banking institutions than on the stock market. The thinking is that hard earned money must not be allowed to be eroded by stock market volatility. The risk associated with high returns is not preferred. They cannot afford it. Banks can offer certainty, security, and offer a modest return at low risk. It is because of this confidence and trust that common people put in the Indian banking system that the financial market in India is sailing high. Citizens park their savings in banks as deposits. The banking sector in India now performs well. Reports suggest Indian banks are well capitalized, and able to absorb any macroeconomic shock. There is overall asset quality improvement in respect of personal loans. Stressed assets have declined over the years. The Financial Stability Report of the RBI published in June 2023 states that the gross NPA of banks fell to 3.9 per cent in March 2023 a record low in 10 years. Total bank deposits in India were Rs 187 lakh crore on 2 June 2023, up from Rs 150 lakh crore in March 2021. So there is rapid growth in bank deposits. It may cross Rs 200 lakh crore in near future due to deposit of Rs 2,000 notes. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has brought more than 50 crore people into the banking system in nine years. Out of 50.34 crore PMJDY accounts opened, 27.95 crore i.e. 56 per cent are by women. The present financial inclusion programme aims to ensure bare minimum access to savings bank accounts without frills to all. This implies contribution of the marginalized or economically weaker sections of society to the economic activities of the country. These accounts altogether account for deposits of little more than Rs 2 lakh crore indicating average balance of about Rs 4,000 in each account. These people, like other citizens of India, now have access to financial services like savings and deposit accounts, insurance and credit facilities at affordable cost. The younger generations show interest in web-based solutions to their requirements. They are more concerned with the technology rather than with solutions offered by bank staff. They rely more on data, information and comparison of facilities available on technology platforms between banks. Non availability of such services might cause discomfort to them. This puts pressure on banks to adapt to more and more technological advancements. These are the challenges for short term resilience and long term innovations for future growth profitability. Banks should foster highly differentiated customer relationships with a strong focus on establishing deep emotional connections. They can offer customized solutions to each customer with the use of advanced analytics. Banks can also widen their customer base with advanced technology and innovative products. Thus they can add value to the economy and improve an individuals personal finances. (The writer is a cost accountant working with a state power utility as General Manager Finance and Accounts. The views expressed are personal.) A US federal court has granted Tahawwur Rana, a 62-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin, an extension until November 9 to file a motion opposing his extradition to India in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Rana had previously appealed the denial of a writ of habeas corpus by a US District Court in California, and his request for additional time has been approved by the Ninth Circuit Court, pushing the filing date to November 9. The governments response is anticipated by December 11, 2023, following the recent court order. Currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Los Angeles, Tahawwur Rana faces charges related to the Mumbai attacks and is linked to Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, a key figure in the 26/11 strikes. The court had earlier granted a stay of extradition in August. He could appeal to be heard by the US Court of Appeals. Advertisement Charges on Tahawwur Rana: Rana and Headley were charged and arrested on October 18, 2009, for conspiring to attack the offices of Jyllands-Posten, the newspaper that published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad. During subsequent interrogations, it was discovered that Rana had traveled to Mumbai and stayed at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, one of the sites targeted by terrorists during the November 2008 attacks. His trial began on May 16, 2011, in Chicago, Illinois. Rana contends that he visited India with his wife to interview individuals seeking immigration to Canada and the US, as part of his immigration consultancy business. Rana and his family maintain that he is a pacifist who has been deceived, defrauded, and framed by Headley. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks resulted in the tragic loss of 166 lives, including six Americans. Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) is actively investigating Ranas role in the attacks, which were orchestrated by the Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The NIA has expressed its willingness to explore diplomatic avenues for Ranas extradition to India. MOGADISHU, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations said on Friday that it requires 11.8 million U.S. dollars to ramp up mitigation measures, including mapping out flood-prone areas, ahead of a rare "super El Nino" in Somalia. Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO's representative to Somalia, said funds will be used to protect people living along the Juba and Shabelle rivers where risks are highest, and will complement large-scale cash and livelihood support already identified under the Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia. "There are no excuses for inaction when climate models from global and regional forecasting centers show a strong confidence, more than 90 percent of increased rainfall over southern parts of the country due to a concurrence of El Nino conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole phenomenon," he said in a statement. "This will result in a rare 'Super El Nino' weather event from October to December this year." The FAO estimated that 1.2 million people and 1.5 million hectares of productive land are at high risk of flooding in Somalia. The UN food agency said it has developed a comprehensive, preparedness, anticipatory action and response plan aimed at mitigating and responding to the impact of the crisis. The plan is part of its global anticipatory action and response plan, which targets 25 countries at high risk of El Nino impacts on agricultural livelihoods and food security. Peterschmitt said the FAO is rapidly scaling up its early warning and anticipatory action activities, aiming to protect one million people. He said the FAO is working with the Somali Disaster Management Agency and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to support the coordination of anticipatory action, and called on other actors to take El Nino warnings seriously, working together to prevent loss of life and livelihoods in Somalia. El Nino is one of several key climate drivers impacting East African weather, and unlike the La Nina event, which brought severe and prolonged drought from 2020-2022, El-Nino often results in above-normal rainfall in the East Africa region, the FAO said. "In the last 30 years, the frequency of flood events in the riverine areas of the Juba and Shabelle river basins has tripled, often resulting in human casualties and major economic damage. As recently as May this year, a catastrophic flood along the Shabelle River displaced 250,000 people," Peterschmitt added. FILE - The CSX logo is affixed on a surface, July 15, 2013, Nashville, Tenn. Much of the reaction to the death of a rail worker who mistakenly stepped in front of two CSX locomotives on Sept. 17, 2023, in Ohio has focused on whether that 19-year veteran should have seen the train coming and not on the actions of the worker who could hardly see the front of the locomotives he or she was operating using a remote control. Rain-swollen rivers only briefly slowed the otherwise uninterrupted flow of migrants through this jungle-covered border of Colombia and Panama and by midweek another 2,000 bedraggled migrants stumbled out of the Darien jungle NYC mayor to residents of Puebla, Mexico: 'Mi casa es su casa,' but 'there's no more room' The mayor of New York City is in Puebla, Mexico, thanking migrants for their contributions to his city, but telling them it is already full The Massachusetts House lawmakers unveiled a bill Thursday that would ban individuals from carrying a gun into a persons home without their permission and require key gun components be serialized and registered with the state Lachelle Evans-Beard, who is hosting her domestic violence awareness gala for the third year, is seen at home on Sept. 22, 2023. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Oak Lawn resident and domestic violence activist Lachelle Evans-Beard wants to honor women for their resilience. And shes doing it with her I Am Free gala Saturday in Burr Ridge. We honor doctors and lawyers, why dont we honor that sister because shes a friend, honor her because shes somebodys daughter, honor her because shes somebodys mother and she survived, Evans-Beard said. She said enough is enough. Its my choice to gain my freedom. These women are champions. Advertisement Evans-Beard was in her late teens when she endured a beating by an older man she was secretly dating. She was a mother of two at the time, and the man struck her because he thought she was laughing at him, she said. After she ran away from him, she would never see the man again, she said. But Evans-Beard kept the assault to herself until she shared the story in a 2017 book she co-authored, As the Wind Blows. Evans-Beard blamed the incident for her invisible scar, where she would come into a room not happy. Advertisement People can sense that energy, she said. I had to release the damage so the scar could heal. For Evans-Beard, a native of the K-Town neighborhood in North Lawndale, healing meant forgiving herself and forgiving the abuser, for herself. It also meant reading a lot of books, listening to motivational videos on YouTube, telling herself she loves herself, and having a relationship with God. Along her journey of self-healing, she wrote two more books, BreakThrough: Still I Rise and Empowering Your Inner Self, which helped her youngest child, Tiara Hawkins, through ovarian cancer. In 2021, Evans-Beard lost her husband Nathaniel Beard Jr. at age 58 to kidney failure. Shes still processing his death, but she said shes learning through self-help how to deal with her grief. Evans-Beard, a CTA employee, hopes the Burr Ridge gala elevates others who are still struggling on their path toward self-healing. Lachelle Evans-Beard holds a photograph of herself with late husband, Nathaniel Beard Jr., on Sept. 22, 2023. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) The event Saturday at the Burr Ridge Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is marking its third year, will feature Chicagoan and domestic violence survivor Eboni Presswood as the keynote speaker, as well as comedian Jeremiah Frazier. There will also be live music and a four-course meal. The gala is called I Am Free, Evans-Beard said. The reason behind that is: We went through COVID in 2020 and we survived. I lost my husband. I could have lost my mind with post-traumatic stress. I am free. I survived. Youre free from something. My daughter is free from ovarian cancer. Its all those things. In addition to celebrating the purple, a color that represents domestic violence awareness, Evans-Beard wants to open a resource center for domestic violence survivors by 2025 through her nonprofit, AM ME Inc., which stands for ambitious, motivating, mental empowerment. The center will be called Her Safe Place. She envisions fixing up an abandoned house where the living room will be an intake space, the dining room will be a place for workshops, and bedrooms would be where people could apply for jobs on donated computers and be used to offer makeovers for clients. Advertisement I want to tell every woman that I come in contact with, you are not alone. You are beautiful. You are bold, you are confident. You are unapologetic, Evans-Beard said. To attend the event, visit awomanvision.org/gala. The gala runs from 3-8 p.m. Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 300 S. Frontage Road, Burr Ridge. drockett@chicagotribune.com WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday that the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone as it came in proximity to U.S. forces in Syria earlier in the day. Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a press briefing that U.S. commanders assessed that a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew "less than a half kilometer from U.S. forces" based in Syria. U.S. F-16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV "in self-defense" as the drone was deemed "a potential threat," Ryder said, adding that the Pentagon had "no indication that Turkiye was intentionally targeting U.S. forces." Bethany Mandel is a co-author of Stolen Youth: How Radicals Are Erasing Innocence and Indoctrinating a Generation. She wrote this for InsideSources.com . Actor Rhea Chakraborty, at a conclave, said that people are not ready to accept that one could be depressed despite being rich and famous, referring to her late partner, actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died by suicide in June 2020. The truth is that mental health is not understood in this country at all. We are taking strides and the youth is now talking about it and India is moving forward in understanding mental health, said Chakraborty, who hasn't given many interviews since Singh's death. She added that it is because people are conditioned to work towards fame and money and when people see someone who has both and is depressed, they question what am I working towards?" Thats what doesnt sit well with people. She also said that society is changing slowly. She added that she was aware of the late actor's condition. I could never know the truth of what took him to do what he did because I dont live in his mind, contrary to popular belief. But I do know the truth about him being mentally ill, I do know the truth about what he was going through, she added. Chakraborty was blamed for Sushants death, which she gauged as patriarchal conditioning. They said that ever since she came into his life, he changed. He had his own identity before me, she said. At the conclave, the actor also said that she misses Sushant Singh Rajput very much and that life after his death has changed a lot. Chakraborty, who began her career as a video jockey said, "Moving on is one thing that makes us human. It makes us survive, it helps us keep going no matter what happens in our lives, be it tragedy, pandemic, and in my case, jail. It has been hard to live a normal life again, like going for a walk, or a salon for a haircut or going for dinner with your parents. I was going through a person's loss in my life... I wasn't allowed time to grieve. All of that has come and those small victories are very exciting to me. I am grateful I am able to lead a normal life again now." On her time in jail, the actor said, My biggest learning moment was when I saw people in jail grab on to any iota of happiness that they found. If they find happiness for two minutes, they will laugh the loudest and they will be the happiest. It's so rare that they fully snatch it." For now, she is one of the judges on MTV Roadies. She has said that people are scared to put their money in a film she is a part of. In response to a proposal by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) to reclassify nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) as prescription drugs, doctors have expressed concerns over the potential limitations this move may impose on accessibility for individuals attempting to quit tobacco consumption. They emphasise that NRT is a safe and empowering method that aids in smoking cessation. NRT, including nicotine polacrilex gums, lozenges, and transdermal patches, has been proven to increase the probability of successfully quitting smoking by 50 percent compared to quitting without assistance. It is readily available over the counter without the need for a prescription. Dr. Chandrakant S Pandav, former head of the Department of Community Medicine at AIIMS-New Delhi, highlighted the urgent need for improved access to tobacco cessation methods in India. He stated that 28.6 percent of adults in the country are affected by tobacco use, with a significant impact on 42 percent of men and 14.2 percent of women. Dr. Pandav stressed the importance of making NRT easily accessible without prescriptions, as it empowers individuals to quit smoking. Nicotine, the primary addictive component in cigarettes, provides rapid pleasurable effects through smoking. NRT serves as a temporary replacement for a small amount of nicotine, controlling cravings, alleviating withdrawal symptoms, and facilitating the transition to tobacco abstinence. NRT works by providing a gradual and controlled increase in blood nicotine levels, discouraging misuse. Its purpose is to help individuals quit smoking using nicotine delivery systems with reduced addictiveness. Dr. Sajeela Maini of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, who has significant experience in smoking cessation therapy, stated, "Nicotine replacement therapy is the mainstay of smoking cessation therapy. Substituting cigarettes with a nicotine product is the most effective way to reduce urges and withdrawals associated with quitting smoking. Tobacco dependence is a mind-body addiction." Dr. Maini emphasised the importance of addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction for effective treatment. Pharmacotherapy plays a supportive role in reducing urges and withdrawals, making the quitting process more comfortable. To ensure the success of smoking cessation efforts, the focus should be on enhancing access to NRT. Tobacco addiction is a prevalent global issue, and a multi-pronged approach is required to combat it. Dr. Maini stressed the need to proactively educate the public about scientifically-backed options like NRT to assist them in quitting smoking and prevent the development of tobacco-related diseases. Dr. Pandav referred to Indian trials conducted in 2023, such as one in Odisha, which demonstrated the efficacy of NRT in halting smokeless tobacco use. Another study in Bengaluru in the same year highlighted the effectiveness of combining NRT with behavioral counseling to reduce cigarette smoking. The proposal to reclassify all formulations of nicotine-containing up to 2mg-4mg as prescription drugs was discussed during the 89th Drugs Technical Advisory Board meeting held in May 2023. Concerns have been raised that reclassifying NRT as a prescription drug will limit accessibility for prospective tobacco quitters and impede government efforts in tobacco de-addiction. Dr. Maini concluded, "Any step taken to reclassify NRT as a prescription drug will limit product accessibility for prospective tobacco quitters and hinder the government's tobacco de-addiction initiatives." (With inputs from PTI) CARACAS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela and the United States have agreed on a plan "to allow the orderly, safe and legal repatriation of Venezuelan citizens" in the United States, Venezuela announced Thursday. "Venezuelan migration in recent years is a direct consequence of the application of unilateral coercive measures and the blockade against our economy," Venezuelan authorities said in a statement. Under the agreement, the "Returning to the Homeland" repatriation program will be activated to provide "the necessary resources for the integral care of our repatriated compatriots, for the strict observance of the protection provided by the Constitution and the laws of the country." The plan, created in 2018, aims to protect Venezuelan migrants in vulnerable situations. The Bengaluru police filed an FIR after a bus stop, along with its steel structure was stolen in August. The bus stop on Cunningham Road was stolen a week after it was installed. N Ravi Reddy, an associate vice-president of a company responsible for the construction of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus shelters in Bengaluru filed a complaint on September 30. The Cunningham road bus stop being stolen is not an isolated incident. In March, a bust stand at the HRBR Layout disappeared overnight. Before that, a bus stand at Kalyan Nagar was removed overnight to make way for a commercial establishment. The BMTC has accused the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) of taking down the bus stand. The BBMP, however, denied any involvement in the incident. The structure worth 10 lakh, was equipped with chairs, roofs, and poles, and was situated approximately 1 km from Vidhana Soudha. The police have registered a case under Section 379 (theft) of the Indian Penal Code, and are currently reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings to identify the perpetrators. The Delhi Police has accused NewsClick, the online news portal being probed for link to Chinese entities, of undermining the unity and territorial integrity of India. According to the FIR lodged by the Delhi Police, a large amount of money came in from China and paid news were intentionally peddled. The FIR names NewsClick, the website's founder, Prabir Purkayastha, and its human resources head, Amit Chakravarty, as well as journalists and civil society activists, and accuses them of trying "to cause disaffection against India" and "threaten the unity, integrity, (and) security" of the country, NDTV reported on Friday. Purkayastha and Chakravarthy have been arrested in a case lodged under anti-terror law UAPA. "In furtherance of this conspiracy to disrupt the sovereignty of India and cause disaffection against India, a large amount of funds was routed from China in a circuitous and camouflaged manner and paid news were intentionally peddled, criticising domestic policies, development projects of India and promoting, projecting and defending policies and programmes of the Chinese government," the FIR stated. The document claims "foreign funds (were) fraudulently infused by Neville Roy Singham", an American millionaire believed to have close ties to the Chinese government's media machine. Singham's Worldwide Media Holding LLC became a shareholder of 7.69 per cent shares whereas Purkayastha held 91.38 per cent of the shares, police officials told The Week after Purkayastha's arrest earlier this week. The police investigation had revealed that in order to run the news website, Purkayastha followed a well thought device to fund the operations by disguising the funds received as Foreign Direct Investment. According to the FIR, Chinese telecom giants also have floated thousands of shell companies in India. The Delhi Police also stated that Purkayastha conspired with a groupPeople's Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to hear during the day a plea against the arrest of Purkayastha and Chakravarty. On Thursday, a trial court had directed the Delhi police to provide the duo with a copy of the FIR. The Delhi Police on Tuesday raided over 80 locations in the Delhi in connection with the case. A total of 46 journalists and contributors to the NewsClick were questioned on Tuesday and their mobile phones and other electronic gadgets were seized. -with PTI inputs The Congress on Thursday expressed solidarity with AAP MP Sanjay Singh who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the Delhi excise policy case. But the support came with a rider as the party made it clear that it also opposed the arrest of Congress leaders Sukhpal Khaira and O P Soni in AAP-ruled Punjab. Calling the arrest a vendetta politics, Senior Congress leader K C Venugopal took to X to state that the party supported Singh. "We stand in complete solidarity with him and reject the use of law enforcement agencies to settle political scores. For this reason, we also oppose the arrests of All India Kisan Sabha Chairperson Sh.@SukhpalKhaira ji and former Punjab Dty. CM Sh. OP Soni ji by the Punjab police." The Congress leader said democratic principles of a fair trial and authorities acting within the boundaries of the Constitution were non-negotiable. He added that "we cannot become those we oppose", hinting at the Punjab government's action against the two Congress leaders in the state. Both parties have been at loggerheads over the arrest of Khaira and Soni in Punjab despite being members of the INDIA bloc. Besides Congress, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha also hit out at the BJP for Singh's arrest, stating that the entire nation was watching how AAP leader Sanjay Singh was arrested. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren accused the Centre of misusing central agencies for "vested political interests." "It is for the people to understand how agencies help are being taken to fulfil their (Centre's) vested political interests which is now before the nation and the world," Soren told media persons here. He said that it was not only about Singh as there were many people in line. "There are also talks regarding me having 'Benami Sampati'... you all know from which community I come. I come from the tribal community and you know how allegations are framed. ...The friends in opposition are using their intellect to stop people from the weaker sections from coming forward but I have no issues. In democracy, in five years people get an opportunity to show their strength and this time is coming soon. Time will not wait for anyone," Soren said. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine wouldnt last a week without Wests military and financial aid. Putins comments amidst uncertainty regarding US funding for Ukraine. Putin, addressing a conference at Valdai Discussion Club think tank in Sochi said that Russia has to respond to constantly mounting geopolitical pressure against Russia. Talking about Western aid to Ukraine, Putin said, If one just stops, it will all die in a week. Putin added, The same applies to the defence system. Just imagine the aid stops tomorrow. It will live for only a week when they run out of ammo. Justifying Russias war against Ukraine, Putin said, Any responsible state, any sovereign, independent and self-respecting country would act in this manner, the TASS reported. The United States has committed $43 billion in military assistance to Ukraine and the US Congress has approved $113 billion of aid to Ukraine. However, the new short-term budget approved by the Congress to prevent a shutdown does not include Ukraine aid. US President Joe Biden voiced his concerns about disrupting aid to Ukraine and urged Congress to pass funding for Ukraine. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during a recent visit to Kyiv, said that the bloc's aid for Ukraine has reached a staggering 85 billion euros, including 25 billion euros in military aid. However, EU clarified that it wouldnt be able to replace US aid for Ukraine. Narges Mohammadi, a prominent Iranian human rights activist, made headlines worldwide when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023. This prestigious honour was bestowed on her in recognition of her unwavering commitment to promoting human rights, freedom, and her relentless fight against the oppression of women in Iran. Who is Narges Mohammadi? Born on April 21, 1972, in Zanjan, Iran, Narges Mohammadi has dedicated her life to advocating for justice and equality. She is married to Taghi Rahmani, another activist, and they have two children, Kiana and Ali. Their family's story is one of sacrifice and resilience, as Taghi Rahmani was arrested shortly after their marriage, spending a staggering 14 years in prison in Iran. Eventually, Rahmani found refuge in France, while Narges remained in Iran to continue her tireless work. Narges Mohammadi's journey into activism began as she pursued her studies in nuclear physics in Qazvin. It was there that she met her future husband, who also shared her passion for advocating for change. Her commitment to human rights led her to join the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, an organisation founded by Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, of which she eventually became the vice-president. However, Narges Mohammadi's path to activism was far from smooth. She has faced adversity and persecution throughout her life, having been imprisoned an astonishing 13 times and convicted five times. This cumulative sentence amounted to a shocking 31 years behind bars. Mohammadi even endured the physical punishment of 154 lashes. Her most recent imprisonment came after she attended a memorial for Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old whose death in police custody sparked massive outrage and protests against the Iranian regime. Narges Mohammadi's dedication to fighting for the rights of women in Iran was highlighted by the Nobel Committee, which described her as a "freedom fighter" and recognised her role in the "Woman Life Freedom" movement. One of Narges Mohammadi's significant contributions to human rights advocacy is her relentless campaign for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran, a country known for having one of the highest execution rates in the world. Even while in prison, she organized protests alongside fellow women inmates, defiantly challenging the government's policies. In 2022, Mohammadi's book titled 'White Torture' was published. It provided a harrowing account of life under solitary confinement and included interviews with other Iranian women who had experienced similar punishment. This book shed light on the inhumane treatment endured by those who dared to speak out against injustice in Iran. Narges Mohammadi's dedication to the cause of human rights and her unwavering courage in the face of persecution have earned her numerous human rights awards over the years. However, the Nobel Peace Prize is undoubtedly the most prestigious of them all, elevating her international profile and bringing further attention to the struggles of the Iranian people. Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Mohammadi was given the prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran. The jailed activist was also recognised for her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all. Her brave struggle has come with tremendous personal cost. altogether the regime has arrested her 13 times convicted her five times and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Ms Mohammadi is still in prison as I speak, Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, the Guardian reported. Mohammadi is the fourth laureate who has been awarded the honour while in prison. The motto adopted by the demonstrators Woman Life Freedom suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, the New York Times reported. She supports womens struggle for the right to live full and dignified lives, Reiss-Andersen said. This struggle, across Iran, has been met with persecution imprisonment, torture and even death. Mohammadi is currently serving multiple sentences in Tehran's Evin Prison amounting to about 12 years imprisonment, according to a Reuters report. She is the deputy head of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, a non-governmental organisation led by 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. Earlier this year, Mohammadi won the UN World Press Freedom Prize. Previous winners of the Nobel Prize for Peace include Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev and Aung San Sui among others. The Nobel Prize for Economics will be announced on Monday. After India asked Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats, the latter has evacuated a majority of its diplomats working in the country. Reportedly, many were evacuated either to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. India had given a deadline till October 10 to reduce its diplomatic staff following the row over Khalistani separatist killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The India-Canada tensions began after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indias role in killing Nijjar in June. Though India had rejected the allegations as absurd and motivated, Canada had expelled an Indian official over the case. As a tit-for-tat move, India had also expelled a Canadian diplomat. CTV News, canadian news network, reported that the Indian government has given Ottawa until October 10 to reduce Canadian diplomatic staff to a level on par with the Indian diplomats in Canada. "A majority of the Canadian diplomats working in India outside of Delhi have been evacuated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore," the report said. Global Affairs Canada, the department that manages the country's diplomatic and consular relations, had previously stated that "with some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms," it was "assessing its staff complement in India." "As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India," said the department. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi discussions on the modalities to arrive at mutual diplomatic presence are going on and gave a clear indication that India will not review its position on the issue. He said as Canadian diplomatic presence in India is much higher compared to India's strength in Canada, it is assumed that there would be a reduction. "Our focus is on ensuring parity in diplomatic strength," he said. It is learnt that the number of Canadian diplomats in India is around 60 and New Delhi wants Ottawa to reduce the strength by at least three dozen. (With PTI inputs) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday alarmed the world when he suggested that the country could return to nuclear testing for the first time in more than three decades. Hinting that the Russian Parliament might withdraw its ratification of the landmark nuclear test ban treaty, Putin said the US had signed the comprehensive test ban treaty but not ratified it, while Russia had signed and ratified it. "I am not ready to say whether we really need to conduct tests or not, but it is possible theoretically to behave in the same way as the US," Putin said at the annual Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Putin's ramping up of nuclear rhetoric has brought the focus on the nuclear testings that began in 1945. It was the US which carried out the first nuclear test in July 1945 by testing a 20-kiloton atomic bomb at Alamogordo, New Mexico. It then went on to drop atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 to end World War Two. The next five decades saw over 2,000 nuclear tests being carried out, 1,032 of them by the United States and 715 of them by the Soviet Union. Britain carried out 45 tests, France 210 and China 45. In 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty came into existence and the last test by the US was in 1992 while Soviet Union's was in 1990. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty bans nuclear explosions by everyone, everywhere. It was signed by Russia in 1996 and ratified in 2000. The United States signed the treaty in 1996 but has not ratified it. However, India and Pakistan were among the countries that carried out nuclear tests after the treaty came into existence. India conducted two in 1998 at Pokhran, thereby becoming a nuclear state. Pakistan also did two tests in 1998 while North Korea conducted tests in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016 (twice) and 2017, according to the United Nations. Interestingly, Russia, despite having inherited most of the Soviet Union's nuclear arsenal, never carried out a nuclear test and going by Putin's statement, that could change. Though the treaty was mooted by the world powers citing the impact these tests have on the environment and human health, recent satellite images have shown a flurry of activity in the nuclear test sites of the US, China and Russia. However, there is no evidence to cite that any of the three countries were preparing for the tests. The US Department of Energy had recently said it is willing to prove its engineers aren't breaking a three-decade moratorium against testing nuclear weapons. In 2020, the Washington Post reported that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump had discussed whether or not to conduct a nuclear test. Former United States President Donald Trump allegedly discussed details of the USs nuclear submarines with an Australian businessman, three months after leaving office. According to ABC News, Trump allegedly discussed sensitive military information with Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt, who is also a member of Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club. FBI and prosecutors investigating Trump for allegedly hoarding classified documents after leaving office reportedly interviewed Pratt twice regarding this conversation. ABC News reported that Pratt, trying to have a conversation with the former president, told Trump that Australia must start procuring submarines from the US. Trump, who got excited hearing this revealed to Pratt the specialities of US-manufactured submarines. Trump reportedly told Pratt the exact number of nuclear warheads these submarines regularly carry and how close they could get to Russian submarines without being detected. According to the report, a former staff at the resort heard Pratt relaying the information over to another person soon after meeting Trump. In emails and conversations after meeting with Trump, Pratt described Trump's remarks to at least 45 others, including six journalists, 11 of his company's employees, 10 Australian officials, and three former Australian prime ministers, ABC News reported. Pratt claimed that he shared information regarding the meeting with others, especially with Australian officials to validate how he was advocating Australias interests with the United States. According to reports, few Australian individuals with whom Pratt shared the information were involved in discussions with the Biden administration for procuring three nuclear submarines. Earlier this year, Australia reached an agreement with the US to procure three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines. Venezuelan authorities have issued an arrest warrant against former opposition leader Juan Guaido. Guaido used the state-owned oil company (Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. or Petroleum of Venezuela) PDVSAs resources to finance himself and pay his legal expenses, the country's Attorney General Tarek William Saab told CNN. Juan Guaido used PDVSA resources to finance himself, pay his legal expenses, and forced PDVSA to accept his financing terms. These decisions caused losses to the nation of $19 billion, resulting in the almost definitive loss of Citgo, he said. From 2019-2022, Guaido served as interim president. In 2019, he challenged the re-election of Nicolas Maduro and proclaimed himself interim president. He then formally ended his term after failing to make significant gains against the authoritarian regime of Nicolas Maduro. While serving as interim president, Guaidio gained the support of several Western nations including the US. Guaidio has been living in exile in the US since April 25. Prior to this, he was living in Colombia, from where he was expelled. The warrant issued against him will be for alleged crimes of treason, usurpation of functions; profit or extraction of money, securities and public goods; money laundering; and association. According to Saab, at least 28 investigations are going on against Guaidio for the aforementioned charges. Guaido used the resources of PDVSA (the public oil giant) to cause losses close to or greater than $19 billion, adding that he relied on revelations provided to the press by a federal court in the United States, Saab told AFP. Venezuela is due to hold presidential elections in 2024. MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia and China share a common responsibility to help create a multipolar world order, Victoria Panova, vice rector of Russia's National Research University-Higher School of Economics has said. The two countries, being both members of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, cannot remain idle, as the groupings were established "to sustain a just world" and help countries maintain their economic stability and social equity in ways that would not be detrimental to each other's national interests, said Panova in a recent interview. At the same time, Panova noted that these international mechanisms do not seek confrontation with the United States, but aim to take into account each other's interests, rather than the interests of a few nations that wish to contain the development of the rest of the world. She noted that during the 20th century, more multilateral networks and agreements started to emerge, which were initially aimed at bringing countries closer together. However, we can now see how the United States is using these agreements and networks "as a tool to control other countries," she said, adding Washington withdraws from the agreements once they are no longer beneficial to its interests. With China rising economically and politically, and other developing countries embarking on the same path, the United States has started to oppose these agreements, she said. Examples are agreements like the Open Skies Treaty and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which the United States has walked away from, Panova said, adding that as soon as the treaties become advantageous for other countries, the United States tends to withdraw because it always puts its own interests first. Meanwhile, together with its allies, the United States is finding new ways "to contain developing countries," Panova said. In this context, it is important for the BRICS members to strive for peaceful and sustainable development, she said. "We will be ready to welcome any country into our family, be it the BRICS family, be it BRICS plus," Panova said, pointing out that the association must focus on strengthening independence in fields such as economy and finance. All is not going well for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the moment. Not just in India, even in his own country he is facing backlash from people over the governments policy making it difficult for the citizens. Recently, an embarrassing video of Trudeau being confronted by an angry Canadian had gone viral on social media. In the video, it is seen that Trudeau was waving and shaking hands with his supporters when an angry man lashed out against him. "I am not shaking your hand bro, you're a f**king piece of sh*t man," the angry man can be heard saying in the video. Justin Trudeau attempts to shake hands with people in the crowd. He's told; Im not shaking your hand. Youre a piece of sh*t. pic.twitter.com/XdI3T8TdAq HumanDilemma (@HumanDilemma_) October 6, 2023 Taken aback by his strong reaction, Trudeau asked the reason behind the gesture. "You f**ked up this entire country," said the man. How did I mess up this country, further asked Trudeau. Referring to the national housing crisis in the country, the man asked Can anyone afford a home? The man also blamed him for charging people a carbon tax. Though Trudeau tried to justify the carbon tax and said that his government is putting a price on pollution, and were returning it to families like yours, the man kept on accusing him and his government. The man also criticised around $10 billion allocation of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine following the Russias invasion last year. You send it over to Ukraine, right? You send it over to the guy slaughtering his own country, the man accused Trudeau. Later, Trudeau dismissed the concern as Russian propaganda and walked away. Way back in 1989, Additional Chief Mining Engineer Jaswant Singh Gill led a rescue operation to evacuate 65 mine workers out of a flooded coal mine in West Bengal's Raniganj. The task was so challenging, dangerous and a near-impossibility, that Gill's daredevilry became a legend in itself. In Mission Raniganj, Akshay Kumar plays Gill, in a script that aims to chronicle the story of the braveheart who believed that even if one worker was alive down under, it was his duty to save him. When almost everyone had given up on the thought of their survival, Gill followed his conviction that the men might be awaiting help and that without having seen with his own eyes he could not conclude that they were dead. The rescue operation which went on for three days, became significantly historical, and one of the bravest rescue operations in the country. The film aims to narrate this story, which it does beautifully, but not without its over-the-top 'chaotic drama' that is characteristic of every Akshay Kumar film. The plot is highly engrossing but the screenplay by Vipul Rawal lacks the punch to keep one hooked throughout. Dance sequences are loud and flashy, and at times, too many characters occupy the screen space leading to chaos and confusion. Yet, director Tinu Suresh Desai tries to keep the central narrative going strong and Kumar's larger than life persona adds heft to Gill's character. The first half is dedicated to explaining the entire structure and framework of the mines, at a reasonably good pace that does not bore you out. The second half is rather slow, and by the end of the film, one comes out thinking that this was an entirely one man driven operation, and not a team effort by everyone involved including government agencies. In terms of his own character, Kumar does exceedingly well but everyone else seems to be playing second fiddle to him, in the film. Supporting cast is stellarthere's Kumud Mishra in the role of a senior mining officer who works tirelessly alongside Gill sifting through government procedures in a bid to get things going, then there is also the highly able Pawan Malhotra as T.P. Bindal, a 'jugadu' who has a welding workshop. Dibyendu Bhattacharya is convincing as the pessimist and cantankerous mining officer who is against this rescue mission. There is no doubt that Mission Raniganj is a highly absorbing and engaging thriller taken from a true story, just that, if we were to ignore Kumar's imposing persona that largely dominates the narrative, we'd appreciate the storyline much more. Yet, one cannot deny the beautifully portrayed steely resolve of which Gill became known for, post his success with the rescue mission. Kumar internalises that emotion, beautifully. He underplays the heroism and appears very close to the "real hero" he essays in the film. Parineeti Chopra who plays Gill's wife (Nirdosh Gill) hardly has anything to do in the film. Although there are several forgetful moments in the film, it never goes astray; it largely maintains the focus on the human tragedy in question. This story of human triumph is overall, an engaging experience. Movie: Mission Raniganj Director: Tinu Suresh Desai Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kumud Mishra, Pawan Malhotra, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Parineeti Chopra Rating: 3.5/ 5 Kolkata, Oct 5 (PTI) Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel on Thursday said the current export figures of east India do not reflect the true potential of the region, where there are immense opportunities for exporters to contribute more to the economy. Patel also said her ministry is coming up with state-specific and district-specific export plans. Indias overall exports of goods and services in 2022-23 stood at USD 776 billion, and I am told exports from the east accounted for USD 29 billion. I feel this does not truly reflect the potential of the region. There is still so much that you can do, there are immense opportunities that lie ahead... I want this number (exports) to increase (from the eastern region), she said here at an award function organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO). Later, Patel told PTI that the ministry does not set targets for exporters, when asked about what should be the ideal export figure of the region. Exporters from the eastern region have to decide on that, she said. We have started the whole exercise of identifying the goods that have an export potential within each district, which are locally produced... We have started creating the institutional mechanism where state-specific export plans are being drawn and district-specific export plans are being created..., the Union minister said. On new export destinations, Patel said Indian Missions in various countries have been given targets for identifying such markets. The Missions are conducting recce on import requirements in their respective countries. They are actively communicating with exporters, and we are trying to identify those destinations where we have not exported earlier, she added. New Delhi (India), October 6: eassyserve, the worlds first services marketplace & SuperApp, was honored with the Innovative E-commerce Company of the Year award at the prestigious WORLD MSME BUSINESS AWARDS 2023. The Global Summit served as a vital platform for leaders, visionaries, and innovators from around the world to exchange ideas, discuss policy reforms, and recognize excellence within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The event featured ambassadors and prominent personalities from various countries and sectors. eassyserve is the brainchild of corporate veteran Viki Aroraa who is also the Founder and CEO of this unique startup. His rich experience of over 30 years in Corporate Strategy and Marketing has been a driving force for the company. He is known for his creative and disruptive business and brand strategies that enable rapid growth. Viki Aroraa expressed his gratitude for the award, saying, I am truly honored and thankful for this recognition by World MSME Business Awards 2023. This award reflects the dedication and hard work of our team at eassyserve, and it motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and redefining the e-commerce landscape in India and beyond. The SuperApp of services offers over 20,000 services on a single platform. This eliminates the need to juggle between multiple apps. With eassyserve, customers can search, select & book all services from a single interface. From booking Flights to Facials, Hotels, Villas, AC Services, Home Deep Cleaning, Pest Control, Car services, Blood Tests, Pet Care, Movers & Packers, Pujas & Pandits, Bike Services, Travel Insurance, Car Insurance, Bike Insurance, Wedding Photography, Bicycle Services, Lawyers- this SuperApp has it all, and many more services are being added continuously. eassyserve's recognition as the "Innovative E-Commerce Company of the Year' by WASME highlights the company's commitment to simplifying and enhancing the lives of its users while redefining and creating a paradigm shift in the e-commerce landscape of India and beyond. As it continues to innovate and expand its services, it is poised to emerge a leader in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce and services marketplaces. About eassyserve (www.eassyserve.com) eassyserve is the worlds first digital marketplace that offers customers the choice of branded service professionals, eassyserve service professionals & local service professionals and the convenience to book any service on one single app. Customers can filter from price, ratings, reviews, availability, geography and can book multiple services & make a single payment for all of them. The eassyserve app is available on both Apple & Android Play Stores. Just search for eassyserve and you can also log on to the website www.eassyserve.com Media Contact- Manju Nandwani- Head- Brand Communications- manju@eassyserve.in M: + 91 82081 73966 or marketing@eassyserve.in (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 VADODARA, India, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Maximus International Limited (MIL) (BSE: MAXIMUS.BO) (BSE: 540401), through its step-down subsidiary Quantum Lubricants E.A. Ltd, is pleased to announce the appointment of an exclusive distributor for their premier range of lubricants and other allied products across Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. This strategic partnership reflects Maximus Group's (MG) commitment to enhancing market reach and delivering high-quality products to customers in these regions. The newly appointed distributor, J Shrinika Limited (JSL), Kenya, brings a wealth of industry expertise and a strong distribution network, making them an ideal partner to promote and distribute MG's advanced lubricants. This collaboration is poised to create new avenues for customers in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda to access cutting-edge solutions designed to optimize equipment performance and extend service life. JSL will play a pivotal role in introducing MG's comprehensive product portfolio to a wider customer base, offering tailored solutions that cater to various applications and industries. Customers in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda can now access a diverse range of lubricants backed by MG's commitment to quality and innovation. Both MG and JSL are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are dedicated to delivering unparalleled value to customers through this collaboration. The partnership aims to combine MG's technical expertise with JSL's distribution prowess to elevate the standards of lubrication solutions in the region and to achieve significant volumes. With this appointment, MG's East African business estimates to cross revenue of INR 100 Cr in the next 2 years. Note: For further details on the company please refer the below mentioned link: https://www.maximusinternational.in/document?file=1658315428_company-profile2022.pdf About Maximus International Limited (MIL) Maximus International Limited (MIL) is a subsidiary of Optimus Finance Limited (BSE Listed), a Vadodara-based non-banking finance company registered by the Reserve Bank of India. MIL was incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. MIL is engaged in importing, trading and exporting a wide range of products in various quantities and specifications to meet the variegated requirements of our clients for whom we act as a Resource/Intermediate Company. For more information, visit https://www.maximusinternational.in/ For Further details, please get in touch with: Contact Details Investor Relation Corporate Communications/PR NAME Milind Joshi Designation Chief Financial Officer Email - milind@maximusinternational.in NAME - Job Cornelius Email: job.cornelius@gmail.com (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 Chandigarh, Oct 6 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said the state government is firmly committed to smooth and hassle free procurement of paddy and asked the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to ensure that the government's decision is duly implemented. Presiding over a meeting here to review the lifting and procurement of the crop, the Chief Minister said the produce of farmers' need to be purchased and lifted at the earliest. According to an official statement, the Chief Minister also asked the Deputy Commissioners to visit 7-8 mandis daily to take stock of the entire operations at ground level. He said that the officers must undertake regular visits in the grain markets under their jurisdiction and submit the daily report for regular monitoring. The procurement for the current Kharif Marketing Season began on October 1. He reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to ensure that farmers do not face any sort of problem while selling their produce. The Chief Minister said that for the first time in the state lifting has started from the very first day, which itself is a record. He further noted that procurement, lifting and payment will be done on the same day with the digitization of the entire process. Mann asked the Deputy Commissioners that strict adherence to the prescribed norms of timely payment to the farmers should be ensured. He further said that 1,854 purchase centres have been notified by the Punjab Mandi Board and have been allotted amongst the government procurement agencies. The Chief Minister said that the technique of biometric authentication has been introduced to safeguard the interests of farmers bringing the grains to mandis. He said in order to bring transparency in lifting of the grains online gate passes will be issued to the vehicles. The Chief Minister also asked the DCs to make the farmers aware about the harmful effects of paddy straw burning. He said that the paddy straw burning must be checked as it poses grave danger to the environment and human life. The Chief Minister further asked the DCs to tighten the noose around drug menace in the state by embarking a major awareness drive at grass-root level. He said that with the active support of the general public the scourge of drugs should be wiped out from the state. Mann asked the DCs to identify the properties of big drug peddlers and start the process of confiscating them. Dubai, Oct 6 (PTI) Emaar Properties Group CEO Amit Jain on Friday said he discussed a number of projects in Indian states with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and there could be some announcements by the company at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit next year. The Tenth Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 is in January next year in Gujarat. Goyal, who is in the UAE on a two-day visit, held a series of meetings with businesses and senior leaders on ways to further promote bilateral trade and investments between the two countries. "We are looking at a number of areas where we can expand in the number of sectors relating to real estate... As Vibrant Gujarat also comes, there could be announcements there," Jain told reporters here after a bilateral meeting with the Indian minister. He said India is a big investment destination for Emaar and they wish to continue to make future investments in India. "We talked about our investments already... what Emmar can do in India, we talked about Vibrant Gujarat... He talked about potential investment in Sabarmati river (front) and Kevadia (in Gujarat). I think these are very exciting projects," he said. Without disclosing any specific projects in India, he said Emaar is the largest real estate investor in India, and "we want our investment to be successful". "There are a number of projects that I and the minister have talked about, including in northern India, other states, and we are just working on that so that we can make something pretty remarkable in India," he added. The minister also held a meeting with Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice-Chairman of Sharaf Group, which is in the logistics business. Sharaf said they have a couple of inland ports in India and are planning to extend these ports at 10 more locations. On investments, he said, "We have already invested USD 400 million dollar and with the new expansion is another USD 250 million of investments in infrastructure." On India as a preferred investment destination, Sharaf said the UAE investor looks at India as priority for business expansion. India has a very promising business environment, he added. Vienna, Oct 5 (AP) Developed countries pledged USD 9.3 billion to help poor nations tackle climate change at a conference held in the German city of Bonn on Thursday, authorities said. However, nongovernmental groups criticized the outcome, saying the funds fall short of what is needed to tackle climate change. The pledges will help replenish the South Korea-based Green Climate Fund, established in 2010 as a financing vehicle for developing countries. It's the largest such fund aimed at providing money to help poorer nations in reducing their emissions, coping with impacts of climate change and boosting their transitions to clean energy. The pledged money at the conference in Bonn will be used to finance projects in developing and emerging nations between 2024 and 2027. The German government alone pledged 2 billion euros (USD 2.1 billion). Twenty-five countries came forward with fresh pledges while five said that they would announce theirs in the near future. The collected sum will likely turn out to be much higher, the German Foreign Ministry and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development said in a joint statement. Three quarters of contributing states increased their pledges, compared to the previous donor conference in 2019, including Germany, Austria and France. Denmark, Ireland and Liechtenstein doubled their pledges. There was no mention of pledges from the United States. The office of the US climate envoy John Kerry was not immediately available for comment. In April, President Joe Biden announced USD 1 billion in new climate finance for developing nations at a White house virtual climate summit. However, civil society and NGOs criticised the commitments, saying they fall short of what is needed to tackle the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities in developing nations. The Green Climate Fund, envisioned as the lifeline for climate action in developing nations, is held back by the indifference of wealthy countries, said Harjeet Singh, Head of Global Political Strategy of the Climate Action Network International, a global network of over 1900 environmental civil society organizations in over 130 countries. The silence of the United States ... is glaring and inexcusable, Singh said. Developed countries are still not doing their part to help developing countries and affected people and communities with urgent climate actions, said Liane Schalatek, associate director at the Heinrich Boll Foundation in Washington. The issue of financial support to poorer nations will play a major role during the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, starting in Dubai at the end of November. Sultan Al Jaber, president designate of COP28, told The Associated Press in a statement that the current level of replenishment is neither ambitious nor adequate to meet the challenge the world faces. We must go further in our support for the most vulnerable, who are adversely impacted by escalating climate impacts, he said. German Minister for Economic Development Svenja Schulze, who hosted the Bonn conference, called on more nations to contribute their fair share to the financial effort. Besides the other industrialised nations, I increasingly see also the responsibility of countries who are not part of the classical donors: for example, Gulf states that got rich due to fossil energy, or emerging nations such as China who by now are responsible for a large share of carbon emission, said Schulze. Representatives from 40 countries attended the conference. (AP) PY PY Noida, Oct 6 (UP) Projects worth Rs 1 crore in the renewable energy sector will soon go on the ground in Uttar Pradesh, state's Additional Chief Secretary for Renewable Energy Mahesh Gupta said on Friday. The senior bureaucrat said the state received investment proposals worth about Rs 7.50 lakh crore during the UP Global Investors Summit in Lucknow earlier this year. He was visiting the 16th edition of the Renewable Energy India Expo, being held along with the first edition of Battery Show India in Greater Noida. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2070 for the country, which makes renewable energy an important sector. "While multi-pronged efforts are being made to achieve this target, Uttar Pradesh is also contributing to it. Uttar Pradesh launched its biofuel and solar energy policy in November 2022. "In the Global Investors Summit this year, we received investment proposals worth Rs 7.50 lakh crore in the renewable energy sector. It's our earnest effort to execute these proposals on the ground and we are working towards it," Gupta said. "Very soon, we are going to have groundbreaking of renewable energy projects worth around Rs 1 lakh crore. We are working towards it and are handholding the projects," the additional chief secretary said. As of now, biofuel and solar energy projects are prominent verticals in the renewable energy sector in Uttar Pradesh, he said. Gupta said he has interacted with buyers and exhibitors at the ongoing Renewable Energy India Expo and termed it as an "important platform for all stakeholders". The Uttar Pradesh government is working to push green energy and take it to new heights, he added. Toronto, Oct 6 (PTI) Canadian police have apprehended around eight Sikh youths aged between 19 to 26 years in relation to possession of loaded, prohibited or restricted firearms in Brampton city in Ontario province. According to the Peel Regional Police, on the night of October 2, it received reports of shots fired in the area of Donald Stewart Road and Brisdale Drive in Brampton. "With the assistance of the Tactical Unit, eight individuals were extracted from the residence and arrested," a press release from Peel Regional Police said on Wednesday. The police confirmed that no one suffered injuries. The incident comes amidst heightened tension between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. A day after the incident, officers of the Criminal Investigation Bureau executed a Criminal Code Search Warrant and a 9mm Beretta firearm was seized. Those who are charged with possession of a "Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm" include Jagdeep Singh (22), Ekamjot Randhawa (19), Manjinder Singh (26), Harpreet Singh (23), Ripanjot Singh (22), Japandeep Singh (22), Lovepreet Singh (26)-- all from Brampton. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Rajanpreet Singh has been charged with careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in addition to the possession of loaded, prohibited, or restricted firearm. All of them were held for a bail hearing and attended the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Tensions flared between the two nations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar. India has strongly rejected the charges as "absurd" and "motivated". India has also voiced its concern over the safety of Indian diplomats and India's diplomatic premises in Canada. ABIDJAN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- President of Cote d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara has dissolved the government led by Prime Minister Patrick Achi, according to the presidency on Friday. "The President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, has signed a decree terminating the functions of the prime minister, head of government, as well as those of the government members," said a press release from the presidency of Cote d'Ivoire, read by Abdourahmane Cisse, the secretary-general of the presidency, on Friday. Pending the appointment of a new prime minister and the formation of the new government, Achi and his ministers have been instructed to "handle current affairs," Cisse said. Ouattara expressed his gratitude to Achi and all members of the outgoing government for their "dedication to the nation in recent years," according to the statement, without giving reasons for dissolving the government. Appointed as prime minister by Ouattara on March 26, 2021, Achi formed the government in April of the same year. London, Oct 6 (PTI) An expert team is now in place at Centres of Excellence in Telangana and Haryana as part of an India-UK partnership towards accelerating the deployment of energy-efficient refrigeration for food and vaccine supply chains across India. The programme involves the Telangana Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain and the Haryana Centre of Excellence for Crop Postharvest Management and Sustainable Cold-Chain. It is a joint initiative between the Centre for Sustainable Cooling (CSC), University of Birmingham, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and state government and industry partners from India. In the in-country senior management team, India Lead Avinash Verma is joined by Telangana and Global Logistics Lead Jacob Kurian and Haryana and Post-Harvest Management Lead Anant Shukla. They are supported by vaccine cold-chain expert researcher Aneeka Kamal Canchi and technology expert researcher Anil Kumar. Further staff are planned to be recruited as the programmes become fully operationalised. Im delighted that our senior expert team is now in place and look forward to working closely with them as the centres are developed into a state-of-the-art research, training and innovation hub to deploy needs-driven and equitable system-level cooling and cold-chain solutions in Telangana and Haryana, across India as well as the global food and vaccine chains, said Professor Toby Peters from the University of Birmingham. Our new team has been hand-picked to deliver a systems approach focusing on non-technological and behavioural issues as well, recognising that technologies need to be financeable, integrated into processes and be accepted by end users, while some solutions can be achieved through changes or adaptations to operational practices," he said. The team's brief is to deliver an integrated project plan and coordinate the India Centres of Excellence by driving engagement with strategic partners from government, industry, academia, and civil society. The centres are underpinned by memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between the governments of Telangana and Haryana and the University of Birmingham. The university serves as the strategic and academic, training and research lead with a consortium of other top universities, including Heriot-Watt University, London South Bank University, Wageningen University and Research, Cranfield University and VU, Amsterdam. The UNEP provides strategic coordination, project management and partnership engagement. The centres will also work closely with the teams at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain. The Centres of Excellence will have a solutions development lab and demonstration centre, a model pack-house and community cooling hubs to support capacity building. It is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of farmers across India. Currently, many farmers are unable to sell their perishable produce because they do not have access to cold storage facilities and many vaccines are lost due to inadequate storage, among other factors. The centres will come up with solutions and business models that will help farmers preserve perishable produce and improve the quality of goods. Adopting a "hub and spoke" model, the centres are designed to deliver upskilling and training programmes for farmers and local agri-businesses, agri-start-ups and entrepreneurs, equipment technicians and researchers. Aboard BRP Sindangan, Oct 6 (AP) A Chinese coast guard ship came within a metre of colliding with a Philippine patrol ship it was trying to block in the South China Sea, in an alarming incident that intensified fears that territorial disputes in the waters could spark a larger crisis. The Philippines on Friday strongly condemned the Chinese ship's maneuvers near Second Thomas Shoal, which the Asian neighbours both claim and has been the scene of frequent confrontations. One other Philippine coast guard vessel was blocked and surrounded by Chinese coast guard and militia ships in the incident, which dragged on for about eight hours on Wednesday. A major clash in the disputed waters could potentially involve the United States, which has vowed to defend the Philippines, its treaty ally, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under armed attack. Two smaller supply boats being escorted by the Philippine coast guard in the contested waters managed to breach the Chinese blockade and delivered food and other supplies to a Filipino marine outpost at the shoal. We condemn the behaviour of the Chinese coast guard vessel. They have been violating international law, particularly the collision regulations, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said at a briefing Friday. A collision was averted when one of the two Philippine coast guard vessels, the BRP Sindangan, rapidly reversed its engine to avoid slamming into the Chinese coast guard ship that crossed its bow at a distance of only a metre, Tarriela said. It's the closest dangerous maneuver by any Chinese coast guard ship against a Philippine patrol ship, he said. The incident was witnessed by several journalists, including from The Associated Press, who were invited by the Philippine coast guard to join the voyage as part of a strategy aimed at exposing Chinese aggressive actions in the South China Sea. A small contingent of Filipino marines and navy personnel has stood guard for years on a long-marooned but still commissioned warship, the BRP Sierra Madre, at the shoal. China has surrounded it with its coast guard ships and militia vessels to prevent the Philippines from delivering construction materials that Beijing fears could be used to reinforce the Sierra Madre and turn it into a permanent territorial outpost. Wednesday's hostilities began at dawn when a Chinese coast guard ship closely tailed the Philippine vessels enroute to Second Thomas Shoal. A swarm of Chinese coast guard and militia ships, including at least one navy warship, later emerged and formed a blockade in the high seas off the shoal. A Chinese coast guard radio operator asserted repeatedly to the BRP Sindangan that China has indisputable sovereignty over Second Thomas Shoal and outlying waters. To avoid miscalculations, leave and keep out, the Chinese radio operator warned. Filipino coast guard personnel responded by asserting Philippine rights to the area and said they would proceed with the delivery of the supplies. The Chinese coast guard said in a statement Wednesday night that the Philippine vessels entered the waters without permission from the Chinese government and that China firmly opposes the Philippines illegally transporting building materials to the grounded' military boat. It said it gave a stern warning to the Philippine vessels and monitored them throughout the process. It was the latest flare-up in long-simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea, one of the world's busiest trade routes. The conflicts, which involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, are regarded as a potential flashpoint and have become a delicate fault line in U.S.-China rivalry in the region. In early August, a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against one of two Philippine supply boats to prevent it from approaching Second Thomas Shoal. The move, which was caught on video, outraged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila to summon the Chinese ambassador to convey a strongly worded protest. Washington reacted by renewing a warning that it is obligated to defend the Philippines as a treaty ally. The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused Washington of threatening China by raising the possibility of activating the US-Philippine mutual defence treaty. Beijing has repeatedly warned the US not to meddle in regional territorial disputes. Later in August, the Philippines again deployed two boats, which succeeded in maneuvering past the Chinese coast guard blockade and completing the delivery of supplies to the Filipino forces at Second Thomas Shoal. Two Philippine coast guard ships securing the supply boats, however, were prevented by Chinese coast guard ships from maneuvering closer to the shoal. A US Navy surveillance aircraft flew in circles in support of the Philippine vessels as the standoff continued for more than three hours. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed concern over dangerous Chinese actions at sea and said the government is ready to respond to potential emergencies, including any collision between Chinese and Philippine ships in the disputed waters. Naturally the concern is always there, and we take that into account, Teodoro said Tuesday night. We have plans depending on what happens. A 2016 arbitration ruling set up under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea invalidated Beijing's claims on historical grounds to virtually the entire South China Sea. China refused to participate in the arbitration sought by the Philippines, rejected the decision as a sham and continues to defy it. (AP) GRS GRS Toronto, Oct 6 (PTI) Canada has evacuated a majority of its diplomats working in India outside of New Delhi to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore after it gave Ottawa an October 10 deadline to reduce its diplomatic staff to achieve parity in strength following a row over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to a media report on Friday. The report in CTV News, a privately owned Canadian television network, came after India earlier this week asked Canada to withdraw several dozen diplomats from its missions amid the escalating diplomatic row that erupted following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist Nijjar in June. India 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. The Indian government has given Ottawa until October 10 to reduce Canadian diplomatic staff in that country to a level on par with the number of Indian diplomats in Canada, CTV News quoted sources as saying. Earlier reports pegged the number of diplomats that would have to leave at 41, but the sources CTV News spoke with said the ask is specific to one of parity. "A majority of the Canadian diplomats working in India outside of Delhi have been evacuated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore," the report said. Global Affairs Canada, the department that manages the country's diplomatic and consular relations, had previously stated that "with some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms," it was "assessing its staff complement in India." "As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India," the department said, just days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder. India on Thursday asserted that Canada must reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to achieve parity in strength and alleged that some of the Canadian diplomats are involved in interfering in New Delhi's internal matters, signalling a continuing slide in the ties between the two nations over the killing of Nijjar. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi discussions on the modalities to arrive at mutual diplomatic presence are going on and gave a clear indication that India will not review its position on the issue. He said as Canadian diplomatic presence in India is much higher compared to India's strength in Canada, it is assumed that there would be a reduction. "Our focus is on ensuring parity in diplomatic strength," he said. The spokesperson, however, did not reply to questions on reports that October 10 is the deadline set by New Delhi for Ottawa to reduce the number of its diplomats in India. "I would not like to get into the details of diplomatic conversation," he said. It is learnt that the number of Canadian diplomats in India is around 60 and New Delhi wants Ottawa to reduce the strength by at least three dozen. Asked whether Canada has shared with India any information or evidence relating to Nijjar's killing, Bagchi referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent remarks that if any specific or relevant information is shared with New Delhi, it is open to looking at it. Oslo, Oct 6 (AP) Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in recognition of her tireless campaigning for women's rights and democracy and against the death penalty. Mohammadi, 51, has kept up her activism despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and spending years behind bars. She has remained a leading light for nationwide, women-led protests, sparked by the death last year of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. Those demonstrations grew into one of the most intense challenges ever to Iran's theocratic government. This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee who announced the prize in Oslo. She said the committee hopes the prize "is an encouragement to continue the work in whichever form this movement finds to be fitting. She also urged Iran to release Mohammadi in time for the prize ceremony on Dec. 10. For nearly all of Mohammadi's life, Iran has been governed by a Shiite theocracy headed by the country's supreme leader. While women hold jobs, academic positions and even government appointments, their lives can be tightly controlled. Laws require all women to at least wear a headscarf, or hijab, to cover their hair as a sign of piety. Iran and neighbouring Afghanistan remain the only countries that mandate it. In a statement to The New York Times, Mohammadi said the global support and recognition of my human rights advocacy makes me more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful. I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organised, she added. Victory is near. Mohammadi, an engineer by training, has been imprisoned 13 times and convicted five times, according to Reiss-Andersen. In total, she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. Her most recent incarceration began when she was detained in 2021 after attending a memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. She has been held at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, whose inmates include those with Western ties and political prisoners. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, told The Associated Press by telephone that he has not been in touch with his sister but that the prize means a lot to her. Despite that and the fact that the prize means that the world has seen this movement, the award will not affect the situation in Iran, he said. The regime will double down on the opposition, and it will have no effect on the regime, he said. They will just crush people. Waiting for the announcement was nerve-wracking, he said. But he knew immediately that his sister had won when he heard Reiss-Andersen saying three words in Farsi: woman, life and freedom the slogan of the recent demonstrations. I felt very great, said Hamidreza Mohammadi, who lives in Norway. Narges Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman, after human rights activist Shirin Ebadi won the award in 2003 It's the fifth time in the 122-year history of the awards that the peace prize has been given to someone who is in prison or under house arrest. Last year, the top human rights advocate in Belarus, Ales Bialiatski, was among the winners. He remains imprisoned. Mohammadi was in detention for the recent protests of the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been picked up by the morality police for her allegedly loose headscarf. More than 500 people were killed in a heavy security crackdown while over 22,000 others were arrested. But from behind bars, Mohammadi contributed an opinion piece for The New York Times last month. What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become, she wrote. In a first reaction from Tehran, the semi-official Fars news agency dismissed Mohammadi as someone who persisted in creating tension and unrest and falsely claimed that she was beaten in prison. Fars is believed to be close to Iran's hard-line paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Abuse in Iranian prisons something Mohammadi has campaigned against both outside of and behind bars has been widely reported by the UN and human rights groups. The women of Iran have been an inspiration for the world. Their courage and determination in the face of reprisals, intimidation, violence and detention have been remarkable, said Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office in Geneva. We call for her release and the release of all other human rights defenders detained in Iran. Before being jailed, Mohammadi was vice president of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Centre in Iran. Nobel laureate Ebadi, who Mohammadi is close to, founded the centre. In 2018, Mohammadi was awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize. Earlier this year, PEN America, which advocates for freedom of speech, gave her its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. The organisation applauded her win. The choice is a tribute to her courage and that of countless women and girls who have poured out into the streets of Iran and faced down one of the world's most brutal and stubborn regimes, risking their lives to demand their rights, PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about USD 1 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December. Unlike the other Nobel prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed that the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee. The independent panel is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. The Nobels season ends next week with the announcement of the winner of the economics prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. (AP) PY PY Pristina (Kosovo), Oct 6 (AP) The NATO-led peacekeeping force on Friday called on both Kosovo and Serbia to return to the negotiating table to resolve their issues to prevent violence like the recent shootout between masked Serb gunmen and Kosovo police that left four people dead and sent tensions soaring in the region. Kosovo Force commander Maj. Gen. Angelo Michele Ristuccia called on both countries to refrain from inflammatory and counterproductive rhetoric and help to create the necessary conditions for lasting security in Kosovo and across the region". Ristuccia told a news conference that KFOR fully supported European Union-facilitated dialogue to normalise their ties. In February, the EU put forward a 10-point plan to end months of political crises. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gave their approval at the time, but with some reservations that haven't been resolved. If the parties do not come back to the table ... and do not find a common solution and do not negotiate for a political solution, I think this balance will become more fragile and volatile in the future, Ristuccia said. On September 24, around 30 Serb gunmen killed a Kosovar police officer and then set up barricades in northern Kosovo before launching an hours-long gunbattle with Kosovo police. Three gunmen were killed. NATO beefed up its peacekeeping presence in Kosovo by about 200 British troops after the crisis. More are expected to be deployed from Romania and other allies if the situation requires, Ristuccia said. KFOR is made up of around 4,500 troops from 27 nations. The EU-facilitated dialogue, which began in 2011, has yielded few results. Serbia and Kosovo have been at odds for decades. Their 1998-1999 war, which ended after a 78-day NATO bombing campaign forced Serbian forces to withdraw from Kosovo, left more than 10,000 people dead, mostly Kosovo Albanians. Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, declared independence in 2008 a move that Belgrade refuses to recognise. (AP) PY PY Hroza (Ukraine), Oct 6 (AP) A Russian rocket blast turned a village cafe and store in eastern Ukraine into rubble Friday, killing at least 51 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks in the war in months, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other top officials in Kyiv. Rescuers climbed over the wreckage as they searched for survivors in the remains of the only cafe in the village of Hroza. Body parts were strewn across a nearby children's playground that was severely damaged by the strike. Cellphones were collected and put in a courtyard nearby, waiting to be claimed. Occasionally, one of them rang, lighting up a shattered screen. Around 60 people, including children, were in the cafe attending a wake when the missile hit, Ukrainian officials said. Zelenskyy, attending a summit of about 50 European leaders in Spain to drum up support from Ukraine's allies, denounced the strike as a demonstrably brutal Russian crime and a completely deliberate act of terrorism. According to preliminary information from Kyiv, the village was hit by an Iskander missile. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the strike was horrifying, and said it demonstrated why the United States is doing everything it can "to help the brave people of Ukraine to fight for their freedom, to fight for their democracy. Hroza, which had a population of about 500 before the war, is in the northeastern Kharkiv region and was seized by Russia early in the war before being recaptured by Ukraine in September 2022. It's only 30 kilometres (19 miles) west of Kupyansk, a key focus of the Russian military effort. Zelenskyy visited the area Tuesday to meet with troops and inspect equipment supplied by the West. Dmytro Nechvolot told The Associated Press he was looking for his 60-year-old father, who attended the wake for a soldier from Hroza who died last year but who was reburied after being identified by DNA. He kept walking up to his father's red car, which was still parked nearby, as he waited for confirmation that his father had been killed. I have lost a man I looked up to, a beloved father, and an unforgettable grandfather, he said. On Thursday, Zelenskyy was at a summit of the European Political Community in Granada, Spain, where he asked for more Western support, saying that Russian terror must be stopped. Russia needs this and similar terrorist attacks for only one thing: to make its genocidal aggression the new norm for the whole world, he said in a statement posted on his Telegram channel. Now we are talking with European leaders, in particular, about strengthening our air defence, strengthening our soldiers, giving our country protection from terror. And we will respond to the terrorists. The key for us, especially before winter, is to strengthen air defence, and there is already a basis for new agreements with partners, he told the group, which was formed in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Heeding Zelenskyy's cry, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany will supply Ukraine with another Patriot missile air defence system as he expects Russia will again target crucial infrastructure and cities across Ukraine in the winter months. This is what is now needed the most, Scholz said after meeting Zelenskyy, according to the German news agency dpa. Last winter, Russia targeted Ukraine's energy system and other vital infrastructure in a steady barrage of missile and drone attacks, triggering continuous power outages across the country. Ukraine's power system has shown a high degree of resilience and flexibility, but there have been concerns that Russia will again ramp up its strikes on power facilities as winter draws nearer. Zelenskyy noted that the Granada summit will also focus on joint work for global food security and protection of freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, where the Russian military has targeted Ukrainian ports after Moscow's withdrawal from a U.N.-sponsored grain deal designed to ensure safe grain exports from the invaded country's ports. The U.K. Foreign Office cited intelligence suggesting that Russia may lay sea mines in the approach to Ukrainian ports to target civilian shipping and blame it on Ukraine. Russia almost certainly wants to avoid openly sinking civilian ships, instead falsely laying blame on Ukraine for any attacks against civilian vessels in the Black Sea, it said, adding that the U.K. was working with Ukraine to help improve the safety of shipping. Speaking in Granada, Zelenskyy emphasised the need to preserve European unity in the face of Russian disinformation and to remain strong amid what he described as a political storm in the United States. Asked if he was worried that support for Ukraine could falter in the U.S. Congress, the Ukrainian president stressed that his visit to Washington last month made him confident of strong backing by both the Biden administration and Congress. Zelenskyy called for more air defence systems, more artillery weapons and shells, and more long-range missiles and drones for Ukrainian soldiers, as well as other forms of support and security guarantees to help protect Europe from potential aggression by Moscow. Earlier Thursday, Russia targeted Ukraine's southern regions with drones. Ukraine's air force said the country's air defences intercepted 24 out of 29 Iranian-made drones that Russia launched at the Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kirovohrad regions. Andriy Raykovych, head of the Kirovohrad regional administration, said an infrastructure facility in the region was struck and emergency services were deployed to extinguish a fire, but there were no casualties. In other Russian attacks in the past day, two civilians were killed by shelling in the southern city of Kherson and one died after a strike on the city of Krasnohorivka in the eastern Donetsk region. At least eight people were wounded, according to Ukraine's presidential office. A Russian strike on a hospital in the city of Beryslav in the Kherson region ravaged the building and wounded two medical workers, according to the regional administration chief, Oleksandr Prokudin. Ukraine, in turn, has struck back at Russia with regular drone attacks across the border. In Russia's Kursk region that borders Ukraine, Gov. Roman Starovoit said Ukrainian drone attacks resulted in power cuts in several areas. He also said that Ukrainian forces fired artillery at the border town of Rylsk, wounding a resident and damaging several houses. (AP) NB NB Ankara, Oct 6 (AP) Turkish warplanes have carried out airstrikes on sites believed to be used by a US-backed Kurdish militia in northern Syria, after the US military shot down an armed Turkish drone that came within 500 metres (yards) of American troops, officials said Friday. A Turkish defense ministry statement said the Turkish jets targeted some 30 sites in the Tal Rifat, Jazeera and Derik regions, destroying caves, bunkers, shelters and warehouses. Ankara said the locations were used by Kurdistan Workers' Party, PKK, a designated terrorist group behind a decades-long insurgency in Turkiye as well as its allies from a Kurdish militia in Syria, known as People's Defense Units, or YPG. The YPG is part of Syrian Kurdish-led forces known as the Syrian Democratic Forces backed by the United States. The Syrian Kurdish fighters have been close US allies in the war against the militants from the Islamic State group. Turkiye has been carrying out strikes on Kurdish targets in Iraq and Syria following a suicide attack outside the Interior Ministry building in Ankara, the Turkish capital, early on Sunday. The PKK claimed the attack in which one attacker blew himself up and another would-be bomber was killed in a shootout with police. Two police officers were wounded. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said the two assailants had arrived from Syria, where they had been trained. He said PKK and YPG positions in Iraq and Syria have now become legitimate targets. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria said Thursday evening that Turkish bombing had struck 21 sites and that 11 people were killed by the Turkish aggression five civilians and six members of the local Kurdish government's Internal Security Forces. The US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northeast Syria have denied any connection to the Ankara attack and accused Turkiye of using the attack as a pretext for a new military incursion. In Washington, the Pentagon said Thursday that a Turkish drone bombed targets near the US troops in Syria, forcing them to go to bunkers for safety. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said the decision to shoot down the drone of a NATO ally was made out of due diligence and the inherent right of self-defence to take appropriate action to protect US forces. There was no indication that Turkiye was intentionally targeting US forces, he said. Turkiye's Foreign Ministry on Friday blamed the downing of the drone on differing evaluations of what it called a deconflicting mechanism operated between the sides. Necessary measures were being taken to ensure a more effective operation of the mechanism, the ministry said without elaborating. The incident did in no way affect the execution of the ongoing operation and the strikes against targets that were identified, the ministry said. Both Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the new Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. CQ Brown, spoke with their Turkish counterparts quickly after the incident to emphasise the value they place on their relationship with Turkiye but also the need to avoid any similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of US personnel. The US has about 900 troops in Syria conducting missions alongside Syrian Kurdish forces to counter IS militants. The downing of the Turkish drone occurred as a drone attack killed at least 89 people in the Syrian government-controlled city of Homs on Thursday. In that attack, explosive-laden drones were detonated during a military graduation ceremony attended by young officers and their families. An additional 277 people were injured, according to Syria's health ministry. Syria's military blamed insurgents backed by known international forces, without naming any particular group, and threatened to respond with full force. The Turkish defense ministry said Thursday's aerial operation in Syria was aimed at securing Turkiye's borders from threats from the PKK and YPG. Separately, the ministry said Turkiye had retaliated to an attack on a Turkish base in the Dabik region in northern Syria late on Thursday, neutralising 26 attackers. Meanwhile, Turkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency reported Friday that Turkish intelligence agents killed a PKK militant in an operation in Iraq's Sinjar region. The agency identified him as Ilyas Biro Eli and said he was responsible for an alleged assassination unit. We will continue to fight terrorism wherever it emanates from. We will extinguish it at its sources, be it in northern Iraq or northern Syria, wrote Fahrettin Altun, Turkiye's presidential communications director. The PKK has led a decades-long insurgency in Turkiye and is considered a terror organization by Turkiye's Western allies, including the US Tens of thousands of people have died since the start of the conflict in 1984. The US, however, regards the YPG as a key partner in the fight against the IS and does not believe the group presents a threat to Turkiye. (AP) FZH London, Oct 6 (AP) Former Spanish King Juan Carlos I won his London court battle on Friday with an ex-lover who had sought 126 million pounds (USD 153 million) in damages for allegedly being harassed and spied on by him after their breakup. Danish socialite and businessperson Corinna Larsen, also known as Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, said the former monarch caused her great mental pain by orchestrating threats and ordering unlawful covert and overt surveillance of her. Larsen was Juan Carlos' mistress from 2004 to 2009, the court said. Juan Carlos, 85, who abdicated in 2014, denied wrongdoing and disputed the allegations, arguing that an English court didn't have jurisdiction to hear the case because he doesn't live in Britain. He has a home in Spain but currently lives in Abu Dhabi. High Court Justice Rowena Collins Rice threw out the lawsuit after agreeing with the king. She added that Larsen, who owns homes in England, had not adequately shown that the harassment occurred in Britain, which could have provided an exception to the jurisdiction legal principle. A statement issued on behalf of the king said that while he regretted the expense and time spent over three years, he welcomed the decision. It claimed the ruling unsurprisingly confirmed his innocence. But the judge specifically said she had not considered the substance of Larsen's claims because she was only concerned with whether the king could be forced to face trial in England. The claimant has an account she wishes to give of her personal and financial history with the defendant, and about the harm he has caused her peace of mind and personal wellbeing, and her business, social and family life, Collins Rice said in the 92-page decision. I take no view about that account as such. Larsen said in a statement that she was disappointed with the outcome and was considering her options. It is disheartening to see that victims of harassment often struggle to find justice in our legal system, she said. "Juan Carlos has deployed his full armoury to grind me down and the reach of his power is immense. The ruling comes 10 months after a UK appeals court panel tossed out part of the lawsuit on the grounds that some of the alleged harassment took place before Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 and therefore he had immunity as a former head of state. Friday's ruling dealt a blow to the remaining elements of the lawsuit. Juan Carlos was once one of Spain's most respected public figures for his role in the country's return to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. But scandals involving Spain's royal family began to mount in the later years of his reign, leading him to step down in favour of his son, King Felipe VI. The statement issued for Juan Carlos suggested that after refraining from public comment during the case, he would now be free to make public appearances. (AP) PY PY Dubai, Oct 6 (AP) The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to an Iranian women's rights activist signalled international support for democracy efforts in the Islamic Republic, and hope that the country might change from the inside. That was 20 years ago and the winner, Shirin Ebadi, faced harassment that ultimately forced her to flee the country. On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee gave its prestigious Peace Prize to Ebadi's colleague, Narges Mohammadi, who has been in and out of prison for over a decade because of her activism. The awards serve as bookends to a period in which Iran and the United States have seesawed between confrontation and possible reconciliation over restraining Tehran's nuclear programme, with tensions soaring ever since the collapse of a 2015 deal. Over those two decades, women's rights have moved to the forefront of protests in Iran. Iran's economy has been in tatters for years because of sanctions imposed by the West, and people are angry over the devaluation of their money and government corruption. It's a sharp contrast from 20 years ago, when there still seemed a chance of something resembling a detente with the US. A MOMENT FOR A DIALOGUE AMONG CIVILIZATIONS' FADES When Shirin Ebadi won her Nobel in 2003, the Iranian theocracy governed from the top by its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei faced an internal struggle. On one side was Iran's president, Mohammad Khatami, a reformist seeking to change the country's government from within. Khatami long advocated for a dialogue among civilizations as he sought better relations with the world, particularly the US. After the September 11 2001 attacks, Iranians spontaneously demonstrated in support of America, and Khatami's government signalled that it would help any downed US pilots as they targeted the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan. Standing in Khatami's way were hard-line politicians and security force members who weakened his authority within Iran's government. The country's internal security agency cracked down on the mass student protests that erupted in 1999. Any efforts at compromise with the US were further complicated when President George W. Bush labelled Iran as part of an Axis of Evil, along with North Korea and Iraq, which the US had invaded in 2003. Khatami left office in 2005 due to term limits, and he was replaced by a very different leader. NUCLEAR TENSIONS AND A DISPUTED ELECTION Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad became a caricature of Western perceptions of the Islamic Republic's worst attributes. He questioned the Holocaust, insisted Iran had no gay or lesbian citizens, and hinted the country could build a nuclear weapon if it chose to do so. Under Ahmadinejad, Iran's nuclear programme began inching toward weapons-grade levels of uranium enrichment, worrying the West. A series of targeted killings against Iran's nuclear scientists were widely suspected of being carried out by Israel, its regional archrival. The US and Israel were suspected of jointly launching a cyberattack known as Stuxnet that damaged Iran's all-important enrichment centrifuges. Just a few years since winning the Nobel Prize for her activism, Ebadi faced increasing harassment. She wouldn't remain in Iran much longer. After Ahmadinejad's disputed reelection in 2009, his security forces violently put an end to the so-called Green Movement protests. Ebadi, who later settled in the United Kingdom, supported the demonstrators from afar. Eager to quash Ebadi's influence, authorities raided her offices, seized her papers and golden Nobel medal, and froze her finances. She has remained abroad since. Iran later released her medal after an international outcry. THE DEAL AND ITS COLLAPSE To replace Ahmadinejad, who left office in 2013, Iranians elected Hassan Rouhani, a relatively moderate figure within the theocracy. With the approval of the country's spiritual leader, Rouhani's officials began secret talks with their counterparts in the administration of President Barack Obama. That helped birth the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, in which Iran agreed to drastically reduce its stockpile of uranium and greatly reduce its enrichment. In exchange, economic sanctions were lifted and Iranians rushed to the streets to celebrate. The theocracy still maintained firm limits on the right to protest and on free speech. During this time more than a decade before she would be awarded the Peace Prize Mohammadi had been serving a series of prison sentences over her activism. In 2018, the nuclear deal collapsed after President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord. Iran complied with its terms for about year, then a series of attacks at sea attributed to Tehran started in 2019. Tensions grew and the spectre of war followed the 2020 US drone strike that killed the prominent Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Iran responded with a ballistic missile attack that injured dozens of American troops in Iraq. Iran is now closer than ever to enriching uranium at weapons-grade levels, and it has enough uranium for several bombs if they decided to build them, experts say. IRAN TODAY AS PROTESTS INTENSIFY Mohammadi remains behind bars after attending a 2021 memorial for a person killed in nationwide protests sparked by an increase in gasoline prices. Iran's economy groans under international sanctions, and the devaluation of its rial currency has made people's savings worth increasingly little. As public protests have become more frequent, security force crackdowns have become more violent. The demonstrations have remained largely leaderless, in part due to activists like Mohammadi facing imprisonment, harassment and potentially death. Khamenei and others in the theocracy say, without offering evidence, that the protests are a Western-orchestrated plot a notion that is likely to resurface in the wake of Mohammadi's recognition by the Nobel committee. Women's rights have been at the forefront of the last round of protests, which were sparked by the September 2022 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the country's morality police over allegedly not wearing her hijab to an official's liking. Despite a growing government crackdown, some women in Tehran now refuse to wear the hijab at all. The mysterious injury of a 16-year-old girl without a hijab on the Tehran Metro this week now threatens to spark further anger. As Mohammadi reportedly said in response to her win: I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organised. Victory is near. Time will tell. (AP) PY PY Surat, Oct 6 (PTI) Police have arrested a sitting corporator of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Surat city of Gujarat for allegedly slapping an employee of a civic-run hospital, alleging that the staff of the facility kept patients availing benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme waiting for hours, an official said. The incident occurred at the SMIMER Hospital here on Wednesday and the AAP corporator, Vipul Suhagiya, was arrested on Thursday night, the police said. Suhagiya, elected from Varachha area of Surat, was booked under several Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections, including 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation), 332 (causing hurt to deter public servant from doing his duty), inspector Alpesh Gabani of of Varachha police station said. The First Information Report (FIR) against Suhagiya was registered based on a complaint given by Rahul Patel, who works as a contractual employee at the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC)-run SMIMER Hospital. Patel was hired by the civic body through an agency which provides staff on outsource basis. His task is to provide necessary information to patients who are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the FIR said. Patel claimed that Suhagiya barged into his cabin in the hospital on October 4 and started abusing him alleging that despite waiting for hours in the queue, a patient known to him was not attended to by the staff. Patel alleged that the AAP corporator was also angry because he had refused to talk to Suhagiya over the phone when the patient handed over his phone to Patel after dialling the AAP corporator's number. "As per the FIR, the AAP corporator then slapped the government servant, deployed in the hospital for work related to Ayushman card, and also threatened to kill him. We have arrested Suhagiya on Thursday," Gabani said. Following his arrest, local AAP leaders and other corporators gathered outside Varachha police station on Thursday night to stage a protest against the police and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state, AAP spokesperson Yogesh Jadvani said. "We gathered outside the police station to register our protest because our corporator was arrested on false charges by the police. Suhagiya only scolded the hospital staff for their lackadaisical approach as they were taking too long to respond to patients standing in queue. Suhagiya did not hit the hospital employee as claimed by the police," he added. SYDNEY, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Health authority in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has issued an urgent health warning for international flight passengers after reporting a new measles case at Sydney Airport from overseas. According to a statement by NSW Health on Thursday, an adult passenger acquired the infection while traveling overseas and took an international flight that landed in Sydney on Monday morning. Sean Tobin, associate director of the Northern Sydney Public Health Unit, said that these locations do not pose an ongoing risk. But he urged people who may be susceptible to measles and were on the flight or at the Sydney Airport's international terminal at these times to monitor for symptoms until Oct. 20. "Those most likely to be susceptible to measles are infants under 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, anyone who is not fully vaccinated against the disease, which may include some adults, and people with a weakened immune system," said the expert. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can lead to severe complications and death. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. NSW Health also noted that measles cases have also been reported in other states in recent weeks. "Given the increase in travel associated with the recent school holidays, it would not be unexpected to see further measles cases in NSW," said the ministry. Including this newly reported case, NSW Health has issued six measles alerts so far this year. There have been eight people confirmed contagious, including two infants who were unable to get vaccinated at a young age. Mumbai, Oct 6 (PTI) The Mumbai police has seized mephedrone worth Rs 300 crore and arrested 12 persons from several cities in an operation that was underway since the past few days, a senior official said on Friday. He said 151.305 kilograms of mephedrone worth Rs 300.26 crore were seized after a factory was raided in MIDC Shinde Gaon in Nashik district. A team from Saki Naka police station arrested 12 members of a syndicate from various parts of the metropolis as well as Hyderabad in Telangana and Nashik, he informed. Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant drug that is known by a variety of street names, including 'meow meow', white magic, bubble, m-cat etc. Mumbai, Oct 6 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Friday told the Bombay High Court the arrest of Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal was done legally after following the procedure of law and that his custody was required as he was evasive and not cooperating with the probe. The agency filed its affidavit in response to Goyal's habeas corpus (produce the person) petition in which he claimed he was illegally arrested by the ED in the case. Goyal in his plea claimed his arrest was illegal as it was done without following provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He also challenged orders of the special court that had remanded him to ED's custody first and thereafter to judicial custody. The agency in its affidavit said the petition filed by Goyal was totally "false, frivolous, vexatious, bad in law and filed with an ulterior motive". It added the plea was merely an instrument to evade and escape legal custody. "The petitioner (Goyal) was highly uncooperative, recalcitrant, evasive and suspicious in his statements and conducts and, therefore, the arrest was made in order to proceed the investigation and trace the trail of proceeds of crime," the ED affidavit said. The agency said Goyal was the mastermind and prime accused in undertaking the transactions and incorporating shell companies for channelizing the proceeds of crime. The ED in its affidavit said money from the accounts of Jet Airways (India) Ltd was used for personal expenses by Goyal and his family members. The ED claimed Goyal was the promoter and chairman of Jet Airways (India) Ltd and during his tenure the company had taken multiple loans from various banks, which remained outstanding over the years. Goyal along with his associates, through various entities, had diverted and siphoned off proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 538 crore. Proceeds of crime was also used for his personal expenses such as salaries of staff, phone expenses and vehicle expenses which were paid by the company," the affidavit said. The agency further alleged Goyal had siphoned off proceeds of crime to various companies and trusts created by him in tax haven countries like Jersey and British Virgin Islands (BVI). It claimed Goyal was issued summons on several occasions but he was evading them. This non-cooperation had slowed the pace of the probe, the ED said in the affidavit. The agency said all procedures mandated as per law were taken before arresting Goyal, adding his custody was necessary for the purpose of investigation and to unearth the proceeds of crime. It further said Goyal was influential, intelligent and resourceful and would tamper with evidence if released. The ED also refuted claims made by Goyal that he was detained by the agency's officers in Delhi and then brought to Mumbai. On Friday, when the plea came up for hearing before a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Gauri Godse, ED's counsel Hiten Venegaonkar raised objection on maintainability grounds saying the plea was not affirmed by either Goyal or any family member. Goyal's counsel Amit Desai sought permission from the court to amend the plea to include the affirmation. The court permitted it and posted the plea for hearing on October 12. Goyal is currently in judicial custody in Arthur Road jail here in a money laundering case linked to an alleged fraud of Rs 538 crore at the Canara Bank. He was arrested by the ED on September 1 and produced before the special court which remanded him to ED custody till September 14. On September 14, he was remanded to judicial custody for 2 weeks. Goyal's plea claimed his arrest was arbitrary, unwarranted and done without the ED following proper procedure. He sought to be released immediately. The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Jet Airways, Goyal, his wife Anita and some former company executives of the now grounded private airline in connection with an alleged Rs 538-crore fraud case at the Canara Bank. The FIR was registered on the bank's complaint which alleged that it sanctioned credit limits and loans to Jet Airways (India) Ltd to the tune of Rs 848.86 crore of which Rs 538.62 crore was outstanding. Muzaffarpur, Oct 6 (PTI) Massive demonstrations were held at the state-run BR Ambedkar Bihar University in Muzaffarpur on Friday after police lodged a case against the varsity's top officials, including the vice-chancellor and registrar, in connection with alleged financial irregularities in purchase of stationery. Demanding immediate withdrawal of the FIR, which also names the varsity's finance officer and financial advisor, the faculty members staged a massive demonstration on the campus and locked the main gate. Following the protest, the varsity cancelled all ongoing exams and suspended academic activities for an indefinite period. Assistant Superintendent of Police (Town) Awdesh Dikshit said the FIR has been registered against four officials of the university, and an investigation is underway. The FIR names VC Shailendra Kumar Chaturvedi, Registrar Sanjay Kumar, Finance Officer Vinod Kumar and Financial Advisor Jai Prakash Sharma, he said. "The FIR has been lodged on the basis of a complaint filed by the Regional Deputy Director of Education (RDDE)," he said. The Education Department on September 26 had directed the registrar to lodge a police complaint against certain officials for their alleged role in the financial irregularities committed in purchasing stationery items worth several lakhs of rupees, officials said. Even after the order, the registrar did not lodge the complaint, following which the department ordered that the FIR be filed against him as well. Kolkata, Oct 6 (PTI) Literateurs of five districts in the southern part of West Bengal will attend the 'Jangalmahal Sahitya Utsav'', a two-day literary festival beginning from Saturday. An information and cultural affairs department statement said more than 200 writers, including poets and essayists, will attend the literary meet to be held at Midnapore College. Thirty-three litterateurs from Purulia, 35 from Bankura, 22 from Birbhum, 42 from Jhargram and 84 from Paschim Medinipur districts will take part in the programme. These five less-developed districts, collectively known as the Jangalmahal belt, which are endowed with abundant natural beauty. Altogether 80 stalls of little magazines (independent, small-time publications bringing out works of established and aspiring writers) will be set up as part of the event, organised by the Paschim Banga Bangla Academy, and the state government. Well-known writers Abul Basar, Pracheta Gupta, Nalin Bera and publisher Sudhangsusekhar Dey will attend the programme to be inaugurated by West Bengal Education Minister and President of the Academy, Bratya Basu, the statement said. Thirty tribal litterateurs, including eight women, will attend the meet. New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) The BJP on Friday accused Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge of running a "false propaganda" about MGNREGA budget cuts, and said the Narendra Modi government has repeatedly revised the budget estimates to meet the growing demand for work under the rural job scheme. In a post on X on Friday, Kharge said the people in rural India are forced to wander from door-to-door in search of work under MGNREGA while the prime minister reduced its budget drastically and was "hiding his failures" by criticising the Congress in poll-bound states. The Congress president's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan over recruitment exam paper leaks, corruption and law and order, saying it cared only for its vote bank and not the people of Rajasthan. Hitting back at Kharge, BJP IT department head Amit Malviya wrote on X, "His claim about budget cuts for MGNREGA in 2023-24 is false." "Congress has become an expert in presenting data before the people by wrapping them in lies. The false propaganda and lamentations about MGNREGA are also a demonstration of the same, Malviya added. The BJP leader said that MGNREGA is a demand-driven scheme and the Modi government has repeatedly revised its budget estimates to meet the growing demand for work under the scheme. "For example, in FY 2021-22, what started as a BE (Budget Estimate) of Rs 73,000 crore was revised to Rs 98,000 crore. For FY 2020-21, what started as BE of Rs 61,500 crore was revised to Rs 1,11,500 crore, Malviya said. "It is a matter of shame that even after ruling for decades, Congress could not understand this, he charged. Targeting the government in a post on X, Kharge claimed that the economic crisis in rural India was so deep that the September demand for work under the MGNREGA increased by 30 per cent in four years. Instead of doing anything about it, the prime minister is cursing the Congress in his speeches in poll-bound states to hide his massive failures, the Congress president charged. Reacting sharply to Kharges remarks, Malviya charged, It would have been better if the Congress president had understood this (MGNREGA) scheme before levelling allegations. Perhaps Kharge ji forgot that MGNREGA is a demand-based scheme, which means when there is more demand, more money is allocated, he said. Malviya asserted that the Modi government is safeguarding the rights of the people who are poor unlike the Congress which took away their rights. New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and appealed to him to look into the long-pending issues related to the state including the Polavaram Irrigation project. During the 45-minute meeting at Shah's residence, Reddy again flagged these issues and requested him to address them in the interest of people of Andhra Pradesh. "The chief minister discussed with Amit Shahji all pending state issues," a state government official told PTI. The chief minister has been raising the pending state issues in his visits to Delhi but they remain unresolved. Reimbursement of the arrears of Rs 1,310 crore incurred by the state from its exchequer for the Polavaram project was among the key issues taken up during the meeting. He also requested for early release of Rs 17,144 crore for implementing the rehabilitation and resettlement package for the affected people of 36 colonies in accordance with the Lidar survey, instead of the Rs 12,912 crore for completing the first phase. He also appealed to Shah to take effective steps to ensure that the Telangana government clears dues of Rs 7,230 crore from its discoms to Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) for the power supplied between 2014 and 2017. Just before meeting Shah, Reddy also paid a courtesy visit to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here. Earlier during the day, Reddy attended the chief ministers' conference on left-wing extremism organised by the Union Home Ministry. In the meeting, he said the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is on the wane in the state and Maoist activities are contained to only a few pockets of the state, according to a statement. Reddy suggested that to prevent further spread of LWE, continuous and collaborative efforts are needed from the Centre as well as states. While maintaining law and order is a state subject, it is crucial for the Centre to provide unflinching financial and strategic support to LWE-affected states, particularly in areas of capacity-building, modernization of the police forces and developmental initiatives, he added. On Thursday, he met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Power Minister R K Singh in Delhi and discussed issues related to the state, including the Polavaram irrigation project. The CM is leaving for Vijayawada Saturday morning. Noida, Oct 6 (PTI) Nearly 200 missing smartphones worth around Rs 50.91 lakh belonging to Noida residents have been recovered and handed over to their owners, police said on Friday. The police recovered these phones from parts of Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar with many of them being used by people who purchased the devices from the second-hand market. The phones included devices which were either stolen, snatched or went missing from the possession of owners without their knowledge, the police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Noida) Harish Chander said, "A special initiative named 'Operation Sahyog' was carried out over last three months to recover these phones." "As many as 191 smartphones worth around Rs 50.91 lakh have been recovered and are being handed over to their owners after due procedure," Chander said. Additional DCP Shakti Mohan Avasthy said the department had taken a database of complaints regarding mobile phones missing from May 2022. "We ran a search of their IMEI numbers to find out which of those mobile phones are being used even now," Avasthy told reporters. "There are mobile phones which were sold in second-hand market and were being used by people who bought it unbeknownst to them that their device was stolen," he said. He said the initiative was called Operation Sahyog since it required cooperation of many people who were using these as second-hand purchases. "Sometimes when we called up the persons using such phones, they doubted our identity as police officials and only after we assured them of our authenticity did they agree to co-operate and return the phone," Avasthy said. "A lot of strategy went into recovering the phones. Constable Jeet Singh, deployed with the Surveillance team in Noida Police, and Preeti Chaudhary and Sweety Singh of Phase 1 police station played a key role in tracing these phones," the Additional DCP added. Receiving their phones after several months, some owners said they they had lost hope. "My sister Archana Yadav had lost her phone seven-eight months ago after it was snatched by some miscreants near Sector 122 CNG pump," said Arvind Yadav. "I got a phone call from police last night that the phone has been traced and I would be given it today. I could not believe it," Yadav told PTI. Babloo, 31, a car driver who lives in Barola, said someone had sneaked away with his phone while he was asleep in his vehicle in Burari, Delhi, with windows ajar in June. "I had bought the Vivo Y15 phone for Rs 12,500 and got it back today. For the first time I am hearing that lost phones are being found and given back to owners," Babloo said. Vineet, 29, works as a private security guard, and had lost his RedMi Note 11S in November 2022. "I had bought it for Rs 16,500 and someone picked it from my back pocket in the Salarpur market while I was purchasing vegetables," he said. "I had lost hope of getting my phone back," the security guard told PTI. Meanwhile, DCP Chander urged people purchasing second hand phones should be careful to check if by any chance they are being sold stolen devices. Taking genuine bill for products is therefore helpful in such purchases, he said. "I request you all to keep your mobile phones safe because they contain a lot of information related to your personal, financial and professional aspects of life, he advised the victims who came to take back their phones," Chander said. "We have put under scrutiny the people who were selling these mobile phones as second-hand devices," the DCP said. The Noida Police said the initiative would continue in future also. The police team involved in recovering the phones has been awarded Rs 20,000, he added. New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Congress workers on Friday staged a protest outside BJP's Delhi unit office against the party for portraying Rahul Gandhi as a "new age Ravan" in a social media poster. The protesters burnt effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and raised slogans against him. The protest was led by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Arvinder Singh Lovely amid heavy police barricading. "We want to know from the BJP, what is their issue with Rahul Gandhi? If Rahul ji is meeting poor farmers, coolies, kids, and paying homage at the Swarn Mandir, does that bother BJP? We want to tell the BJP that the politics they play in the name of Lord Ram, they will reap the results in the next elections," Lovely told PTI. A photograph of Gandhi morphed as Ravan in a poster put out from Bhartiya Janta Party's official handle on X stirred the controversy on Thursday. "Bharat khatre mein hain," the poster read along with a caption "The new age Ravan is here. He is Evil. Anti Dharma. Anti Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat." Earlier on October 4, the Congress had posted Prime Minister Modi's and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's poster calling the PM "Jumla boy" with the caption "Going to hit the election rally soon". Several senior Congress leaders have condemned BJP's post and called it an attempt by the ruling party at the Centre to "incite violence" against Gandhi. "What is the real intent of an atrocious graphic portraying Rahul Gandhi as Ravan by the BJPs official handle? It is clearly intended to incite and provoke violence against a Congress MP and a former President of the party, whose father and grandmother were assassinated by forces that want to divide India," Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh wrote in a post on X on Thursday. Gurugram, Oct 6 (PTI) Gurugram Police on Friday arrested a man from Bihar for allegedly making inflammatory posts through his X account with the intention of instigating riots, an official said. An FIR was registered on August 1 against an unknown accused at the cyber crime police station, east, police said. According to police, the arrested accused has been identified as Mohammad Shahid Alam, native of a village in Bihar's Bhagalpur district. The arrested accused revealed during interrogation he has been living in Delhi since 2016. During the riots, he had made inflammatory posts to avenge the burning of a mosque in Gurugram and the murder of the Imam. We will take him on police remand after producing him in a city court tomorrow, said Vipin Ahalawat, ACP cyber. A religious procession led by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was attacked by mobs in Nuh on July 31. Six people were killed in the incident and the ensuing communal violence. A cleric was killed in an attack on a mosque in adjoining Gurugram as the violence spilt over. Kanpur (UP) Oct 6 (PTI) Two brothers were allegedly beaten to death and their four family members seriously injured following a dispute over parking at their plot in the Shahjahanpur Ninayan village in Kanpur Dehat, police said Friday. The incident comes close on the heels of six persons, including five of a family, being killed on October 2 over a land dispute in Fatehpur village of Rudrapur area in Deoria district. Superintendent of Police (Kanpur Dehat) BBGTS Murthy said the latest incident took place Thursday night after Mohan Shukla parked his pick-up loader at Ramveer Lohar's plot. Ramveer had kept building material at the plot and asked Shukla not to park his vehicle which led to an altercation. After this, Shukla and his family members allegedly thrashed Ramveer alias Daroga (60), his brother Satyanarain Lohar (72) and their family members with sticks, roads, and an axe, leaving six of them injured, the SP added. All the injured were taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Gajner from where they were shifted to the Lala Lajpat Rai (LLR) Hospital in Kanpur. Satyanarain and Ramveer succumbed to their injuries during treatment at the LLR Hospital, the SP said. A case has been registered at the Gajner police station on the basis of a complaint by the victims' family and sections related to murder are being added, the SP said. Police have arrested three key accused -- Anjani Shukla, his brother Mohan Shukla and his wife Priya Shukla. Mohan Shukla's elderly mother has also been detained in this connection. The SP added several police teams have been pressed to nab the absconding accused. DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish drones and fighter jets carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militia positions in northern and eastern Syria on Thursday, hitting 24 targets and causing 15 casualties among the Kurdish fighters, a war monitor reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the Turkish air force carried out 24 airstrikes on Kurdish sites -- three by fighter jets and 21 by drones. It added that the attacks targeted critical infrastructure, including oil, electricity, and water stations, causing significant damage to the affected facilities. The Syrian Arab News Agency said that two electricity plants and one water station went out of service in the northeastern province of Al-Hasakah as a result of the Turkish shelling. Man steals car with toddler in back seat, robs bank, hits tree and dies from injuries, police say Police in Connecticut say a man suspected of stealing a car with a 17-month-old child in the back seat and then robbing a bank died after the vehicle struck a tree Facing a likely roadblock from House Republicans on aid for Ukraine, President Joe Biden said Wednesday hes planning to give a major speech on the issue and suggested there may be another means to provide support for Kyiv if Congress continues to balk. Im going to be announcing very shortly a major speech Im going to make on this issue and why its critically important for the United States and our allies that we keep our commitment to Ukraine, Biden told reporters after giving unrelated remarks at the White House. White House officials declined to say when Biden planned to give his speech. The president did not elaborate on the alternate method he was looking at to get additional military aid to Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. There is another means by which we may be able to find funding, but Im not going to get into that right now, he said. Aid for Ukraine has been a source of tension and uncertainty as several Republicans in the House have severe doubts or openly oppose additional funding to sustain the Ukrainian military. The president said the resistance does worry him, but he noted that there is broad bipartisan support. Still, last weeks deal to keep the government open through mid-November excluded the $13 billion in supplemental aid that the Biden administration sought last month, raising questions about just how long the U.S. could continue to send money to Ukraine. The agreement to temporarily keep the U.S. government open came at a steep political price for former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. At the instigation of Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, and other conservatives, McCarthy on Tuesday became the first speaker to be ousted from his post. After Biden spoke, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during the Wednesday news briefing that Biden was confident Ukraine aid would approved because there is broad bipartisan support. But she noted the objections by some House Republicans were an obstacle to the United States work with allies to support Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February 2022. When you have a small fraction of a party that is causing that type of chaos, you know, it doesnt look great across the globe, Jean-Pierre said. That doesnt look very promising. Biden held a call Tuesday with allies in Europe, Japan and Canada to say the U.S. government still supported Ukraine (AP) Its the end of an era for a once-critical pandemic document: The ubiquitous white COVID-19 vaccination cards are being phased out. Now that COVID-19 vaccines are not being distributed by the federal government, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped printing new cards. The federal government shipped more than 980 million cards between late 2020, when the first vaccines came out, through May 10, according to the latest available data from the CDC. Federal and local health officials dont expect the discontinuation of the cards to be a particularly big change, since the days of keeping them tucked in purses and wallets to ensure entry into festivals, bars and restaurants are largely over. If youve held on to your card, its still valid as proof of vaccination. Otherwise, people who need their COVID-19 immunization records will need to request them just like any other vaccine. In many cases, the clinic, pharmacy or health department that provided the shot can provide those records. Every state and some cities have an immunization registry, though rules vary on when records are included and options for obtaining copies of your records. Records from the mass vaccination sites held early in the pandemic also should be available in those registries, depending on state laws. There is no national registry for immunization records. For example, Texas requires patients written consent to be included in the registry, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District spokesman David Andres Alegria said. Other places, including Wyoming and Philadelphias city-specific record system, require vaccine providers to log all vaccinations. Many states offer digital vaccination records for individuals either online or through an app. Users can save a certificate or a QR code that proves they are vaccinated. And some websites will even track and alert patients when theyre due for another one. One of the positives (during the pandemic) was having increased autonomy on your patient record, especially the immunization record, said Jeff Chorath, who manages the immunization information system in Washington state. Washington offers two digital options for obtaining vaccination records a comprehensive list of all of a persons vaccinations noted in the state database and one specific to COVID-19 vaccines. Other states dont have the same options, so it might take longer to get your records. There could also be gaps in state databases; for example, if you were vaccinated by a federal health provider, those records may be tracked in a separate system. As for your old card if you still have it maybe dont mail it off to the Smithsonian quite yet. You should save it like any other health record, Wyoming Department of Health nurse consultant Heidi Gurov said. Its always good to keep those in a safe spot, she said. Four million people in the U.S. have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine since it was approved last month, CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen said Wednesday, and a total of 10 million doses have been shipped to providers. (AP) Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have asked a judge to postpone his classified documents trial until after next years presidential election, saying they have not received all the records they need to review to prepare his defense. The trial on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents, among four criminal cases the Republican former president is facing, is currently scheduled for May 20, 2024, in Florida. In a motion filed late Wednesday, Trumps lawyers urged U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to push back the trial until at least mid-November 2024. The presidential election is set for Nov. 5, 2024, with Trump currently leading the GOP field in the months before the primary season. The defense lawyers argued that a postponement was necessary because of scheduling conflicts another federal trial is scheduled for March 2024 in Washington, and one of Trumps attorneys, Christopher Kise, is also representing him in an ongoing civil fraud trial in New York and because of what they say are delays in obtaining and reviewing the classified records cited in special counsel Jack Smiths indictment. The Special Counsels Office has not provided some of the most basic discovery in the case, said the motion from Kise and another Trump attorney, Todd Blanche. Given the current schedule, we cannot understate the prejudice to President Trump arising from his lack of access to these critical materials months after they should have been produced. The defense lawyers said they have access to only a small, temporary facility in Miami to review classified documents, an arrangement that they say has slowed the process. Prosecutors with the special counsel last week suggested that the Trump team was seeking unreasonable delays in the case. Though they acknowledged a slightly longer than anticipated timeframe for certain procedural steps, the prosecutors said it was false to accuse them of delaying the production of evidence in the case. They said some of the delays were beyond their control and were due in part to the fact that defense lawyers had lacked the necessary read-ins to review all material provided by the government. The Justice Department says it has so far provided about 1.28 million pages of unclassified documents and has turned over the majority of classified evidence that it anticipates producing. By Friday, prosecutors said, they will provide much of the remaining outstanding classified evidence. This production will include certain materials that Defendants have described as outstanding, including audio recordings of interviews and information related to the classification reviews conducted in the case, prosecutors wrote. The indictment accuses Trump of illegally retaining at his Palm Beach, Florida, estate, Mar-a-Lago, reams of classified documents taken with him after he left the White House in 2021 and then repeatedly obstructing government efforts to get the records back. He has pleaded not guilty and has denied any wrongdoing. The defense lawyers say Trumps two co-defendants in the case, his valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira, are joining in the request. (AP) President Joe Bidens dog, Commander, is not presently on the White House campus following a series of biting incidents involving White House staff and U.S. Secret Service officers, a spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden said late Wednesday. Elizabeth Alexander, the first ladys communications director, said Biden and his wife care deeply about the safety of White House staff and those who protect them every day. They remain grateful for the patience and support of the U.S. Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solutions, she said in an emailed statement, adding, Commander is not presently on the White House campus while next steps are evaluated. Alexander did not say where the dog was sent. The 2-year-old German shepherd was last seen Saturday on an upper balcony of the White House. The statement came hours after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked Wednesdays daily briefing about a fresh allegation that Commander had bitten a White House staffer. Jean-Pierre referred questions to the first ladys office, which said Commander and Dale Haney, the head groundskeeper at the White House, were playing and that no skin was broken in an incident that was photographed by a tourist and shared with a news organization, which published the image online. Commander had been involved in a series of biting incidents, most recently on Sept. 25. A uniformed Secret Service officer was bitten at the White House that night and was treated by on-site by medical personnel, said USSS chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi. Alexander said at the time that the White House can be a stressful environment for family pets and that the Bidens were continuing to work on ways to help Commander handle the often unpredictable nature of the White House grounds. The German shepherd purebred has bit or otherwise attacked Secret Service personnel at least 10 other times between October 2022 and January, including one incident that required a hospital visit by the injured law enforcement officer, according to records from the Department of Homeland Security. Commander is the second of Bidens dogs at the White House that behaved aggressively, including biting Secret Service personnel and White House staff. They eventually sent the first dog, a German shepherd named Major, to live with friends in Delaware after those incidents. The Secret Service provides security protection for the president and his family, and scores of its officers are posted around the executive mansion and its sprawling grounds. Commander was a gift to Biden in December 2021 from his brother James. The family also has a cat, Willow. (AP) President Joe Biden on Thursday defended his administrations decision to waive 26 federal laws in South Texas to allow for construction of roughly 20 miles of additional border wall, saying he had no choice but to use the Trump-era funding for the barrier to stop illegal migration from Mexico. Asked if he thought such walls work, he said flatly, No. The new construction was announced in June, but the funds were appropriated in 2019 before the Democratic president took office. Biden said he tried to get lawmakers to redirect the money but Congress refused, and the law requires the funding to be used as approved and the construction to be completed in 2023. The money was appropriated for the border wall, Biden said. I cant stop that. Still, the waiving of federal laws for the construction something also done when Republican Donald Trump was president raised questions, particularly because Biden condemned border wall spending when he was running for the White House. One of Bidens first decisions moves as president was to halt the use of emergency funds to build the wall along the Southern border and ended the national emergency there. The decision comes as the Biden administration is struggling to manage increasing numbers of migrants at the border and spreading out in the larger U.S. Democratic leaders in New York, Chicago and Washington are asking for federal help to handle the growing numbers of migrants in their cities. Administration officials on Thursday announced theyd resume deporting migrants back to Venezuela, as part of their effort to to slow arrivals. Republicans, for their part, are hammering the president as ineffective on border policy, with some suggesting they would not fund any more efforts in Ukraine without a substantial increase to border security funding. The decision was met with immediate criticism from immigrant advocates and Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who called it a setback. It is a setback because it does not resolve the problem, he said Thursday. Lopez Obrador had frequently praised Biden in the past because he is the first U.S. president in a long time who has not built any walls. The Department of Homeland Security posted the announcement of the latest wall action in the Federal Registry with few details about the construction in Starr County, Texas, part of a busy Border Patrol sector seeing high illegal entry. According to government data, about 245,000 illegal crossings have been recorded so far this budget year in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. It is among the busiest for border crossings in the nation. I want to address todays reporting relating to a border wall and be absolutely clear. There is no new administration policy with respect to border walls, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. From day one, this administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. That remains our position and our position has never wavered. Much of the land along the Rio Grande is subject to erosion and is part of federally protected habitats for plants and animals. A federal project along the river would ordinarily require a series of environmental reviews. Congress gave U.S. immigration authorities the ability to waive those reviews to put up such barriers more quickly. The Biden administrations decision to rush into border wall construction marks a profound failure, said Jonathan Blazer, director of border strategies at the American Civil Liberties Union. On the campaign trail, President Biden put it best when he said that the border wall is not a serious policy solution and we couldnt agree more. Instead of upholding this promise, the Biden administration is doubling down on the failed policies of the past that have proven wasteful and ineffective. This isnt the first time that border wall has been constructed under the Biden administration. Homeland Security has also worked on roughly 13 miles in the Rio Grande Valley, and another small-scale project to fill small gaps that remain open from prior construction activities in the border wall. But the border wall has been synonymous with Trumps restrictive immigration policies. He said he wanted to build a wall and have Mexico pay for it, then declared a national emergency to fund construction when Congress would not appropriate funds for it. Trumps allies said the move just showed he was right. Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, weighed in too saying the administrations actions proved he was right on the wall. As I have stated often, over thousands of years, there are only two things that have consistently worked, wheels, and walls! Trump wrote on his social media platform. Will Joe Biden apologize to me and America for taking so long to get moving I will await his apology! (AP) The Pentagon said Thursday the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone that came within 500 meters (yards) of American troops in northeastern Syria, in a rare use of force by one NATO member against another. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, called it a regrettable incident and said U.S. troops were forced to go to bunkers for safety as Turkey bombed targets nearby. Both Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the new Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. CQ Brown, spoke with their Turkish counterparts quickly after the incident to emphasize the value they place on their relationship with Turkey but also the need to avoid any similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of U.S. personnel. The decision to shoot down an allys armed drone was made out due diligence and the inherent right of self-defense to take appropriate action to protect U.S. forces, Ryder said, adding that we have no indication that Turkey was intentionally targeting U.S. forces. U.S. officials earlier told The Associated Press the shootdown was ordered after more than a dozen calls to Turkish military officials stating that U.S. forces were on the ground in the area and that the U.S. military would take action to protect them if the drone didnt leave. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details of a sensitive military incident. Ryder said U.S. forces observed Turkish drones doing airstrikes around Hassakeh at about 7:30 a.m. local time, and some strikes were inside a so-called American restricted operating zone just a kilometer (about a half mile) from U.S. troops. He said a bit later a Turkish drone re-entered the restricted area on a heading toward where U.S. forces were located. Commanders determined it was a threat and U.S. F-16 fighter jets shot it down around 11:40 a.m., Ryder said, adding that no U.S. forces were injured. The incident occurred on the same day as a drone attack killed at least 80 people in government-controlled Homs, Syria, where explosive-laden drones were detonated during a military graduation ceremony attended by young officers and their families. An additional 240 people were injured, according to Syrias health ministry. Syrias military blamed insurgents backed by known international forces, without naming any particular group, and threatened to respond with full force. Syria has been in a civil war for more than a decade, and the country is split into areas controlled by the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad; al-Qaida-linked militants and Turkish-backed opposition fighters in the northwest; and Kurdish forces in the northeast that the U.S. partners with to conduct missions against the Islamic State group. So far, the war has killed half a million people, wounded hundreds of thousands and left many parts of the country destroyed. Typically, the U.S. and Turkish militaries, which are NATO allies, work in close coordination in conducting air maneuvers. But Turkey considers the Kurdish forces that work with the American troops to be aligned with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria conducting missions to counter Islamic State group militants. There was no immediate comment from Turkey on the shooting of the drone. The countrys state-run Anadolu Agency reported, however, that the Turkish intelligence service, MIT, carried out an operation against the PKK and the Kurdish militia group in Syria, which is known as Peoples Defense Units, or YPG. The report said the Turks struck suspected arms and ammunition depots and buildings believed to have been used by the groups sabotage teams. It did not provide further details on the operation. On Wednesday, Turkey had carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Kurdish militant targets following a suicide attack outside Turkeys interior ministry building earlier this week. In a press conference following the attack, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkish intelligence officials have established that the two assailants arrived from Syria, where they had been trained. He said Turkey would now target facilities in Syria and Iraq belonging to the PKK or YPG. Thursdays incident risks adding to longstanding tensions between Turkey and the United States, even though Turkey is a strategically important ally and NATO member. U.S. officials and lawmakers have criticized Turkeys human rights record and its delays in agreeing to Swedens membership in NATO. Turkey has been frustrated by U.S. delays in approving 40 new F-16 fighter jets as well as kits to upgrade its existing fleet. Ryder told reporters that the U.S. stands firmly with our NATO ally Turkey and the Turkish people in their fight against the PKK. The U.S. has designated the PKK as a foreign terrorist organization but has declined to make a similar determination regarding the YPG, which have been a key partner of the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State group in northern Syria. The U.S. does not believe the YPG represent a threat to Turkey. As recently as Wednesday, the State Department said there was no change in how the U.S. regards the YPG. In 2016, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the U.S. of supporting a failed coup attempt against his government. The U.S. has flatly rejected the claims but has also refused to extradite the leader of the group Erdogan claims was behind the attempt, cleric Fetullah Gulen, who lives in exile in Pennsylvania. (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that hand grenade fragments were found in the bodies of people who died in the Aug. 23 crash of mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhins plane. Experts investigating the crash found no indication the private jet had suffered an external impact, he said. Prigozhin and two of his top lieutenants of the Wagner private military contractor were among the 10 people killed when the jet came down as it flew from Moscow to St. Petersburgh. There was no way to independently verify Putins statement. A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that 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. A Russian 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. While Putin noted the probe was still ongoing and stopped short of saying what caused the crash, his statement appeared to hint the plane was brought down by a grenade explosion. Prigozhins aborted rebellion in June marked the most serious challenge to Putin, who has been in power for more than two decades. The crash came two months to the day after the rebellions start. Putin also noted that while investigators havent tested the remains for alcohol and drugs, 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of cocaine was found during searches at Prigozhins office in St. Petersburg following the mutiny an apparent attempt to denigrate the mercenary chief. After his death, Putin described Prigozhin, 62, as a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life. Prigozhin owed his fortune to his ties with the Russian leader dating to the early 1990s and was dubbed Putins chef for the lucrative Kremlin catering contracts. The Wagner Group military contractor that he created has been active in Ukraine, Syria and several African countries and counted tens of thousands of troops at its peak. It played a key role in the fighting in Ukraine, where it spearheaded capture of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in May after months of bloody combat. In the June 23-24 rebellion, Prigozhin said it was intended to oust the Defense Ministrys leadership that he blamed for mistakes in pressing the fighting in Ukraine. His mercenaries took over Russias southern military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and then rolled toward Moscow before abruptly halting the mutiny under a deal that offered them amnesty from prosecution. The mercenaries were given a choice to retire from the service, move to Belarus or sign new contracts with the Defense Ministry. Last week, Putin met with one of Wagners top commanders to take charge of volunteer units fighting in Ukraine in a sign that the Kremlin intends to keep using the mercenaries after Prigozhins death. Putin said Thursday that several thousand Wagner troops have signed contracts with the Defense Ministry. (AP) TEHRAN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Friday the responsibility for the recent deadly drone attack on a military academy in Syria's central province of Homs falls on "foreign supporters of terrorist groups." He made the remarks in a message to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad to extend condolences to Syria's government, army and people over the tragic incident, in which tens of people were killed and hundreds were wounded, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's office. "No doubt, the responsibility for the tragic incident lies with the foreign supporters of terrorist groups, including the occupiers of the Syrian lands, who are preventing the exercise of national sovereignty over Syria's entire territory and effective fight against terrorism," the Iranian president said. Raisi said that the recent "criminal act" is evidence that those opposing regional security, stability, and development persist in their "terrorist and brutal" tactics, which have afflicted the "oppressed" Syrian populace for years. The attack, blamed on terrorists, took place on Thursday after a graduation ceremony of Syrian officers at the Military Academy in Homs. The Syrian Health Ministry updated the death toll on Friday, saying 89 people were killed, including 31 women and five children, while 277 others were wounded in the deadly attack. Lawyers for Donald Trump asked a judge Thursday to dismiss the Washington federal election subversion case against him, arguing the Republican is immune from prosecution for actions they say were taken in his official role as president. The motion amounts to the most pointed attack yet by defense lawyers on the federal case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. It tees up a fight over the scope of presidential power, forcing courts to wrestle with whether the actions Trump took in his failed bid to remain in office fell within his duties as commander-in-chief or whether they strayed far outside his White House responsibilities and are subject to prosecution. Breaking 234 years of precedent, the incumbent administration has charged President Trump for acts that lie not just within the outer perimeter, but at the heart of his official responsibilities as President, the defense motion states. In doing so, the prosecution does not, and cannot, argue that President Trumps efforts to ensure election integrity, and to advocate for the same, were outside the scope of his duties. The presidential immunity argument had been foreshadowed for weeks by defense lawyers as one of multiple challenges they intended to bring against the indictment. Special counsel Jack Smiths team is expected to vigorously contest the motion. It is not clear when U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan might rule, but potentially protracted arguments over the motion including an expected appeal if she denies the request could delay the case as courts step into what defense lawyers described an unsettled question. The Supreme Court has held that presidents are immune from civil liability for actions related to their official duties. But Trumps lawyers noted in their motion that no court has addressed the question of whether that immunity shields a president from criminal prosecution, hinting that the defense will likely fight the issue all the way to the nations highest court. In addressing this question, the Court should consider the Constitutions text, structure, and original meaning, historical practice, the Courts precedents and immunity doctrines, and considerations of public policy, they wrote. Prosecutors appeared to anticipate the immunity argument, writing in the indictment that though political candidates are permitted to challenge their election losses and to even falsely claim victory, Trumps actions strayed far beyond what is legally permissible in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the building to disrupt the counting of electoral votes. In their motion, defense lawyers argue that the actions that form the basis of the indictment, including urging the Justice Department to investigate claims of voter fraud and pressing state officials on the administration of elections, cut to the core of Trumps responsibilities as commander in chief. The Justice Department has held that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. The motion Thursday seeks to ensure that same protection to a former president for actions taken while in office, asserting that no prosecutor since the beginning of American democracy has had the authority to bring such charges. Every action of the Defendant charged in the indictment occurred while he was still in office as President of the United States, and, according to the prosecution, all concerned a federal government function, they wrote. Given the all-consuming nature of the Presidency, these facts alone strongly support the notion that the indictment is based solely on President Trumps official acts. They contend that Trumps tweets and public statements about fraud in the election and Vice President Mike Pences role in the certification were directly related to his assertion that the elections outcome was tainted by fraud and that the Justice Department and certain states had failed to adequately investigate it. And they say meetings detailed in the indictment with Justice Department officials also fall within his official duties because he was urging his agency to do more to enforce the laws that it is charged with enforcing. Prosecutors alleged a broad range of criminal conduct in a four-count indictment issued Aug. 1, accusing Trump of conspiring with a half-dozen allies to pressure state officials to alter the results of their elections; enlist slates of fake electors in battleground states who could falsely claim that Trump had won; and persuade Pence to shirk his duty to certify the vote count before Congress. The indictment says Trump knew the claims he was pushing about election fraud were false but did so anyway in an effort to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. But Trumps lawyers say the presidents motivations are not for the prosecution or this Court to decide. Trumps lawyers also argue his 2021 impeachment trial acquittal bars his prosecution, saying the Constitution suggests presidents can only be criminally charged in cases where they are impeached and convicted by the Senate. President Trump was acquitted of these charges after trial in the Senate, and he thus remains immune from prosecution. The Special Counsel cannot second-guess the judgment of the duly elected United States Senate, his lawyers wrote. The case, one of four Trump is facing, is currently set for trial on March 4, 2024. His lawyers have separately sought the dismissal of a New York state case charging him with falsifying business records in connection with hush money paid to a porn actress who alleged an extramarital affair with Trump years earlier. In court papers made public late Wednesday, Trumps lawyers accused prosecutors of reviving a so-called zombie case to interfere with his comeback campaign for the White House and argued that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, only brought the case because of politics. Defense lawyers also sought late Wednesday to postpone until after the 2024 presidential election the trial in a separate criminal case in Florida charging him with illegally hoarding classified documents. (AP) Former President Donald Trump is under scrutiny for allegedly discussing confidential details about U.S. nuclear submarines with Anthony Pratt, an Australian billionaire and Mar-a-Lago Club member. This information was subsequently shared with multiple individuals, including foreign officials and journalists, according to ABC News. This potential security breach came to light during special counsel Jack Smiths ongoing probe into Trumps supposed accumulation of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. The revelations may have implications for how Trump managed confidential government data after his presidency. U.S.-based Pratt Industries owner Anthony Pratt recalled an April 2021 meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where he initiated a conversation about the U.S. submarine fleet. According to sources citing Pratt, Trump divulged two critical pieces of information: the alleged number of nuclear warheads carried by the submarines and how close they could get to Russian submarines without being detected. Subsequent to this meeting, Pratt communicated these details to at least 45 individuals, encompassing journalists, his employees, Australian officials, and former prime ministers, according to the report. While Pratt remains uncertain whether Trumps disclosures were factual or mere exaggeration, investigators urged him not to disseminate the specifics further, hinting at their sensitive nature. It remains unclear if Trumps information was factual. However, another witness, a former Mar-a-Lago employee, confirmed overhearing Pratt relay some details moments after his meeting with the former president. This witness expressed shock at Trumps supposed revelation of such sensitive data to a non-U.S. national. Pratt said that Trump did not share any official documents during their interactions at Mar-a-Lago and told investigators that he shared the information from his meeting with Trump to demonstrate his advocacy for Australias interests with the U.S. Some Australian officials, informed by Pratt, were reportedly involved in negotiations with the Biden administration about a submarine purchase deal. While Australia has now agreed to buy three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, President Joe Biden has confirmed that none will carry nuclear weapons. The June indictment against Trump, which charged him with retaining national defense information unlawfully, made no mention of this alleged conversation with Pratt. A Trump spokesperson criticized the report, saying, President Trump did nothing wrong, always insisted on truth and transparency, and acted according to the law. Trump rival Chris Christie weighed in on the report on Thursday night during an interview with CNN. It just shows you how unfit he is for the presidency, Christie said. This is him though. He wants to show off. He wants to make himself seem important. Its not enough for him to have been the former president. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Gov. Ron DeSantis took center stage in downtown Tampa on Thursday, proudly accepting the endorsement of 60 Florida sheriffs for his presidential campaign. The gathering, beyond consolidating law and order as a pillar of his campaign, turned into a platform for DeSantis to launch a series of pointed critiques against former President Donald Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination. During his address, DeSantis scrutinized Trumps 2016 election commitment to build a border wall funded by Mexico. Highlighting the shortfall in the walls completion and the cost borne by U.S. taxpayers, he dismissed Trumps recent justification that there was no legal mechanism for Mexico to finance the wall. Challenging this, DeSantis claimed feasible solutions, such as imposing fees on remittances, could generate the requisite funds. I dont think anybody voted for Biden. They were voting against Trump! Thats why they did it. Lets just be honest. He energized Democrats, DeSantis said. You could have John Kennedy walk through the door right now and he wouldnt energize Democrats as much as Donald Trump does. When BLM was ransacking cities in the summer of 2020, I wasnt just sending social media messages saying Law & Order! I ensured Law and Order in the state of Florida, he said at another point. His comments marked a significant shift in strategy as he approaches the pivotal Iowa caucuses in January. After struggling to gain momentum, DeSantis has transitioned to direct and at times, stark criticism of Trump, suggesting the former president has failed to keep his promises and moved away from the core values he instilled in the Republican Party. According to DeSantis, this shift positions him as the ideal candidate to progress Trumps vision. DeSantiss newfound willingness to critique Trump was evident during the second Republican presidential debate. He accused Trump of being missing in action and highlighted the former presidents failures on his campaign store with items like the satirical Trump Veto Pen priced at $7.8 trillion, accompanied by the phrase, Item Not Found. Furthermore, Never Back Down, a super PAC supportive of DeSantis, has been running a series of anti-Trump ads. These advertisements span various subjects, from Trumps stance on abortion and COVID policies to his decision not to charge former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Recent finance documents reveal that this super PAC has invested significantly in promoting these messages in pivotal states, including Iowa, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines, are grounding planes amid concerns over the authenticity of engine parts safety certificates, according to a report by the Daily Mail. AOG Technics, the firm that sold the parts in question, is under scrutiny by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European investigators for allegedly furnishing fraudulent safety certificates. It also appears that the company may not actually exist at all, and is being run by a sophisticated scammer. Bloomberg highlighted that AOG Technics seemingly fabricated supposed employees using stock images on LinkedIn. To date, the FAA, in collaboration with European agencies, has identified AOG-supplied parts in 126 engines across various airlines. The most impacted are CFM56 engines, commonly used in both 737 MAX and Airbus A320 aircraftplanes that are instrumental in global flight operations. The discovery has potential severe repercussions for both the airline sector and its regulators, who are tasked with enforcing rigorous safety standards to ensure all aircraft components, especially those within the engine, are fit for flight. Reports from the Mirror indicate that the dubious parts range from basic screws and bolts to critical turbine blades. Notably, many of these components seem to originate from industry giants General Electric and Safran, both of which are now taking legal action against AOG Technics. Safran CEO Olivier Andries expressed his bewilderment in September, stating, Its a bit strange that a phantom company can be allowed to supply spare parts with false certification documents. The legal complaint filed by General Electric and Safran alleges that the issue first surfaced in June, thanks to the vigilance of the engineering and maintenance teams at TAP Air Portugal. The (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Vivek Ramaswamys campaign says at least two protesters upset about the Republican presidential candidates remarks in opposition to aid for Ukraine purposely rammed his car in Iowa in retaliation on Thursday, but police say there is no evidence to support the claim that the crash was intentional. The police account of the crash in the central Iowa city of Grinnell sharply diverged from the story told earlier by Ramaswamys campaign, which contended that protesters yelled and swore at the candidate before at least one of them jumped into a vehicle, rammed his empty campaign car and sped off. The campaign said that no one was injured and that it had filed a police report. Police say they were dispatched to a coffee shop in the city shortly after 1 p.m. for a report of property damage. While there, they contacted a 22-year-old woman who reported that she had just eaten lunch at a nearby deli and was backing her car out of her parking spot when she accidentally struck a Ford Expedition that was across the street. Police say the woman told them she was not there protesting anything, had no idea whose vehicle she had hit, did not intentionally cause the crash and did not flee the scene. Police say there is no evidence to substantiate the claim that protesters intentionally hit Ramaswamys campaign vehicle and sped off. Both vehicles had minor damage, police said, and the woman received a traffic summons for unsafe backing. Ramaswamy spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told The Associated Press that the campaign stands by its assessment that the driver was a protester. She also stood by her assessment that there were two people in the car that hit the campaign car. Im confident of what happened. I was there, McLaughlin said. A woman in Grinnell with the same name as the driver did not immediately respond to a message sent Thursday evening by The Associated Press seeking comment. Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur and the author of Woke, Inc., was in Grinnell for a scheduled interview with Des Moines local CBS News affiliate before heading to Des Moines to host a fall-themed, family campaign event. Campaign aides said Ramaswamy planned to go ahead with the event. The candidate travels with some private security, but aides declined to elaborate. He does not have a Secret Service detail. McLaughlin told the AP earlier in the day in a text message, Prior to the protestors ramming their car they continually laid on the horn, flipped staff off and screamed expletives (it appeared in efforts to create commotion.) She continued: It seemed like the protestor couldnt stay at the event or didnt want to and wanted to make a statement. (Though I cant assign motivations.) The driver began to drive off but stopped suddenly after staffers chased after to get insurance information. Ramaswamy described the crash in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Had a civil exchange with protestors today, right before two of them then got into their car & rammed it into ours, he wrote. Those two should be held accountable, but the rest of the peaceful protestors shouldnt be tarred by the behavior of two bad actors. Ramaswamy later sent out a fundraising email with details of the crash, asking supporters to stand for free speech and help out his campaign. Grinnell, a small city east of Des Moines, is home to Grinnell College, a small liberal arts school with an enrollment of about 1,700 in Poweshiek County. Ramaswamy is not the first candidate whose car has been hit while campaigning this election season. In July, his rival Ron DeSantis was involved in a multicar accident near Chattanooga, Tennessee, en route to a campaign event. The Florida governor was uninjured when traffic on Interstate 75 slowed quickly during busy morning drive time, causing a chain reaction of state-owned vehicles. (AP/YWN) By Rabbi Yair Hoffman There are at least 16 things that are a must know about Simchas Torah. EARLIEST SOURCE IS ZOHAR AND GAONIM Everyone, of course, should note that while in Eretz Yisrael Simchas Torah and Shmini Atzeres are celebrated on the same day, in chutz laAretz, Simchas Torah is on the second day of Yom Tov. It can only fall on a Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. The Gemorah itself has very little about Simchas Torah, and even its very name is not used. We only find mention (Megillah 31a) that on this day we read the Parsha of vZos HaBracha. Rishonim explain, however, that there was an enactment to complete the Torah on this day. We do find mention of Simchas Torah in the Zohar of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Pinchas 256b). It also states that we crown the Sefer Torah with her crown. PLEASE HELP A VERY CHOSHUV HACHNASSAS KALLAH SITUATION https://thechesedfund.com/zechornilah/hachnasaskallah The next mention of Simchas Torah is found in the works of the Geonim (Ritz Gias end of Hilchos Lulav, the Siddur of Rav Saadya Gaon, and a response of Rav Hai Gaon (cited by the Rashba #260). The Rishonim discuss it as well. 2. WHY IT IS CALLED SIMCHAS TORAH The Tur (Siman 669) explains that it is called Simchas Torah because this is the day that the Torah is completed and it is proper to rejoice when we complete it. The Mateh Moshe (Siman 976) provides a different explanation: When Klal Yisroel learned the Torah the accusing Satan said before Hashem: They learn it, but they never finish it. When the finished it Hashem said, See they have completed it. The Satan responded, Yes but they do not begin it again. When they started again the Satan had nothing further to say. Since the accuser is silenced it is called, Simchas Torah. As pointed out by the Sefer Minhagim of Worms Hashem Himself became our defense attorney. This is certainly a day to call Simchas Torah. 3. THE ORIGINS Rav Yoseph Karo traces the idea of Simchas Torah to a Midrash in Shir HaShirim (1:9): And Jerusalem came and stood before Hashem.. And he made a feast for all His servants. Said Rabbi Yitzchok from here we learn to make a feast-celebration for the conclusion of the Torah. The Abarbanel (Parshas VaYelech) writes that Simchas Torah is the last vestige of the Mitzvah of Hakhel that we celebrated every seven years. He writes that the Gadol of the Kehilah receives Chassan Torah because he is compared to the king who read from the Torah during Hakhel. The Seforno in Parshas Emor (Vayikra 23:36) explains that since Shmini Atzeres is the day that Hashem says, Son, stay with Me one more day, this is a special time in which to come closer with the Creator. This is why Chazal set Simchas Torah on Shmini Atzeres for it is through Torah that we may cleave to Hashem. 4. SPECIAL CHARACTER OF THE DAY Rabbeinu Bachya in his Kad HaKemach (Atzeres) explains that this day of Simchas Torah is likened to the day of Matan Torah itself. The Yesod vShoresh haAvodah states that whomsoever is careful to rejoice on Simchas Torah is assured that Torah shall never cease from his descendants. This is a remarkable thing to keep in mind. However, the Simcha should be a true expression of Torah joy and not be an expression, Heaven forbid, of drunken activity. There is an age-old Yiddish expression that our Bubbies and Zeidys used to express that such behavior is decidedly not of Jewish practice. At Maariv the custom is to recite special Psukim. This is found in the Rishonim as well. It is interesting to note that Rabbi Akiva Eiger writes in a letter (Igros Rabbi Akiva Eiger #129) that the Pasuk Atta Horaisa LaDaas should be given to someone whose main occupation is Torah study. This is kavod HaTorah and doing otherwise is a Bizayon HaTorah. Many have the minhag to recite the Borchu of Maariv in the Nigun of Yomim Noraim and NOT that of Yom Tov. We see from all this that there is in fact a happy and somber tone to SImchas Torah it should not be an atmosphere of drunkenness and excess. The Shliach Tzibbur then takes the Sefer Torah in hand and declares: Please Hashem save us. This is mentioned in the Maharil and Levush (Siman 669) . This is a serious plea, and not merely something that is sung without meaning. Because of the special Mitzvah of Simcha on this day, Yiskor is actually moved up to the previous day of Shmini Atzeres in order to better enjoy the Simcha of the day. Generally speaking Yiskor is recited on the last day of a Yom Tov. By the same token, we change the Birchas Kohanim to Shacharis instead of Mussaf because the excess Simcha that is in the hakafos are not in line with how the Birchas Johanim should be recited. For those shuls that daven Mussaf before the hakafos the Birkas Kohanim remains at Mussaf. 5. TORAH SHOULD BE LEARNED AS WELL Generally speaking, Yom Tov should be divided as Chatzi lachem vchatzi lashem half to you, in festive eating and drinking and half to Hashem in learning Torah. Rav Shach ztl expressed his concern that Simchas Torah has, unfortunately devolved into excessive merrymaking, when in fact, it is a day of complete holiness and Simcha involving Torah. He emphasized that the celebration should be with Torah and its study as well. Rav Shach thus urged everyone to also engage in Torah study on this day as well. 6. THE REASON THE FLAGS The flags are not a recent innovation. The flags are, in fact, an ancient minhag in Klal Yisroel. The Aruch HaShulchan explains that the Minhag is to show all the children that we proudly bear the symbol of Torah as we walk in the ways that Hashem has commanded us. 7. HAKAFOS There are two sets of Hakafos those at night and those in the day. The leining that many Kehilos do on the night is, according to one explanation, so that the Torah will not be handled for no reason at all. The Hakafos, just like regarding the Hakafos of the Lulav are patterned upon the Hakafos on Sukkos of the Bais HaMikdash. The Hakafos should not be taken lightly. It is one of the last vestiges of the Holy Beis HaMikdash, and serves as a reminder of what we had. There is a bit of a problem, however. On Sukkos we do not make Hakafos without a Lulav in hand. How can we do on Simchas Torah, without a Sefer Torah in hand? Some address this point by makig sure that whenever they do a Hakafa they are dancing in front of a Sefer Torah. Others are more lenient and understand it as doing Hakafos around the Bima itself even though there is no Torah there now. Some make sure that there is a Sefer Torah by the Bima that is stationary. 8. An AVEL There are various minhagim as to what an Avel (a mourner) does on Simchas Torah. Some say that he should not do a hakafah since the hakafos are based on that of Simchas Torah. Others permit it. Yet a third opinion is that an avel may only do so by holding the Torah once or by dancing in front of it and then stopping. Each person should ask the Rav in that shul in which he is davening. 9. HAKAFOS ON SHMINI ATZERES In the Nusach Sefard minyanim it is the custom to have Hakafos on the first night of Yom Tov as well. Ashkenazim do so only on Simchas Torah the second day of Yom Tov Sheini. Rav Vosner ruled (Shaivet HaLevi IX #141 that this is not considered change in minhag if an Ashkenazi shul wished to adopt this custom after Aleinu. He writes that it is, in fact, an expression of addition of Simcha before Hashem. 10. EVERYONE RECEIVES AN ALIYAH It is the custom in Klal Yisroel for every person to receive an Aliyah on Simchas Torah. It is for this reason that many shuls break up into different groups so that everyone could receive the Aliyah in a prompt fashion. There is also a halacha that Musaf should ideally be recited before the seventh hour of the day (See Shulchan Aruch 286:1). Indeed, the Biur Halacha explains that ideally it should be recited before the 6 and hour of the day. It is on account of this halacha that many people daven Mussaf before the reading of the Torah. This is why there are various different minhagim in different shuls and Yeshivos. It should also be noted that there is an extra reason why Mussaf should be recited earlier. According to the Sefer Kitzur HaKavanos of Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzato on Shmini Atzeres mussaf the final petek (of our future) is handed in on Mussaf. This is also cited in numerous other Kaballah sforim. It is for this reson that some recite the Kaddish preceding Mussaf in the Yomim Noraim tune. 11. CHOSSON TORAH The Aliyah given on the very last Aliyah of Sefer Dvarim is called Chosson Torah. The Machzor Vitri (418) explains that this Aliyah is very important because it is considered as if he had read the entire Torah, sinve we know that a Mitzvah is only called upon the person who completes it (See Rashi Parshas Aikev Dvarim 8:1). The term Chosson is employed because of these people (the Chosson Bereishis as well) who receive the Aliyos adorn the Torah as a Chosson adorns a bride (Seder HaYom). It is a bigger matter to be Chosson Torah than Chosson Bereishis, which is also a great matter. The Chazan who calls up the Chosson Torah recites a special preamble inviting the Chosson Torah up. In it he recites aloud, Arise, arise, arise, Ploni the son of Ploni, Chosson Torah. In Hebrew this is Amod, Amod, Amod, Ploni Ben Ploni. This is an ancient Minhag in Klal Yisroel and is founf in the Minhag of Kehilas Worms. He recites it twice, and the Chosson Torah arises to his Aliyah on the second time because one should initially decline an honor. The Sefer Minhag Yeshurun explains that it is recited three times in order to remind the Torah leader or community leader that the three pillars of Torah in the community are upon him to strengthen. The three pillars are Torah study, Avodah (now prayer) and Gmilus Chassadim. After his Aliyah the congregations says, Chazak Chazak vnischazaik. Some have the minhag to bring a fruit that one has not yet eaten from in order to be able to recite a Shehecheyanu on this Aliyah (and on Chosson Bereishis as well). This is to fulfill the view of the Rokayach who says that a shehecheyanu should be recited. Some explain that this is on account of arising to greatness in having been the recipient of this Aliyah. Others say that in recent times, no one has seen the bracha of shehecheyanu recited. Because of the preponderance of rare fruits throughout the entire season some say that a Shehecheyanu can no longer be recited on a new fruit. 12. HAGBAAH Many have the Minhag of performing the Hagbaah in a different manner than the rest of the year. The magbiah switches hands and shows the ksav to the congregation rather than having it face him. It is a controversy whether this is a correct Minhag or not. The Aishel Avrohol justifies it, while the SHaarei Ephraim (8:62 and 10:16) says it is incorrect. In most places, the minhag is to do it, however. Nonetheless, if the Torah is particularly heavy or the Magbiah is not a strong person it should not be done. Poskim have written that the Hagbaah should not specifically given to a strong man who is an Am HaAretz on this account. 13. KOL HANEARIM The minhag of giving everyone an Aliyah also includes giving all the children present one main Aliyah generally done under a huge Talis or a number of Taleisim held together. One adult joins them as well. The Mishna Brurah (669:13), citing the Levush, explains that the purpose is to train children in the Mitzvah of Krias HaTorah. The Shaarei Ephraim (8:57) states that it is so that they will love the Mitzvah and to train them in Torah. There are also those who explain that since everyone must receive an Aliyah, children are also included. Often women wait a considerable amount of time for the Aliyos to be over so that their child can get Kol HaNearim. Rav Mordechai Gross posed the question to Rav Elyashiv zatzal as to whether Kol HaMearim can be done earlier or whether this is considered a change in Minhag. Rav Elyashiv responded that it is permitted, provided that the adults would agree to it. The reason why it is last is because the Gemorah in Gittin 60a indicates that adults come before children in terms of Kavod. 14. PAYING It is the custom in Klal Yisroel (Seder HaYom, Siddur Yaavetz) to auction off these two Aliyos in order to raise money for the shul. The minhag is that much money is paid for these two Mitzvos to show the Chavivus of the Mitzvah (See Siddur Yaavetz and Seder HaYom). Ideally, this Aliyah should be given to a Kohain to fulfill the Mitzvah of veChibadto And you shall honor him. Nonetheless, the Minhag is to give it to the highest bidder to raise the money for the Tzedakkah of the shul. The Aliyah should go to someone who is at least either a scholar or an Askan or leader in the community. The Knesses HaGedolah writes that these Aliyos should not be sold because they should only be given to those crowned in Torah. The Eliyahu Rabbah, however, writes that one cannot abolish a minhag in Klal Yisroel and the median of only having worthy people bid should be adopted. 15. CHOSSON BEREISHIS The Aliyah given to the very Aliyah in Bereishis is called Chosson Bereishis. It is a great matter to be the first one to do something. Nachshon Ben Aminadav was the first one who entered the waters even before Kriyas Yam Suf happened. Aside from showing Bitachon in Hashem, he was the first to follow the command, which is a great zchus. When the Baal Koreh reaches the words Vayehi Erev vayehi Boker it is the custom for the entire congregation to recite it, for all the days of Maaeh Bereishis. The custom is also for the entire congregation to say the words, Vayechulu hashamayim up until laasos. This is only done on Simchas Torah and is not done on Shabbos Bereishis when the entire Parasha is read. The Taamei HaMinhagim (83) provides the reason for this custom. He explains that the reason for this reading of Bereishis is not to fulfill the Mitzvah. [Indeed, from the language of the Tur the reading of Sefer Bereishis is merely a minhag and not an full obligation]. The reason for this reading to entrench Emunah into the hearts of Klal Yisroel. That it was Hashem, who has given us the Torah who created the world. This is why the entire congregation recites these verses. The reason why we all recite aloud the paragraph of Shabbos is because Shabbos has always been viewed as the symbol or flag of the Jewish nation. Just as patriots of any nation look at their flag as more than a mere dyed cloth with fancy designs, so too is Shabbos viewed in the eyes of the Jewish people. It is a sign of our deep belief in Hashem Yisbarach that it was He who Created the world. But it is more than this too. Our belief in HaKadosh Boruch Hu is not just limited to the notion that an omnipotent entity created the world. No. An integral aspect of Torah theology is that this omnipotent entity, HaKadosh Boruch Hu, is the source of all good. He rewards good and punishes evil. The Jewish understanding of Hashem and His unique Oneness is that midos and emunah Bashem are intrinsically interwoven with each other . A belief in the Oneness of Hashem perforce also includes the notion that He defines what goodness is. Altruism, goodness, and good midos are not, chalilah to say, the results of some theory of evolutionary biology no, they are part and parcel of our conception of the Borei Olam Himself. This thought is expressed in both the Zohar (Bereishis) as well as in the writings of the Alter of Slabodka (Bereishis) Indeed, this is the raison detre of Creation itself so that Hashem can reward those who do good and fulfill his Ratzon. If, in the path of life, we successfully attempt to emulate G-d then we will be rewarded. The recitation of this pasuk aloud on Simchas Torah shows that the observance of Shabbos is thus the flag of the Jewish people the idea and notion that represents all this. 16. CONCLUSION The Bikkurei Yaakov cited by the Mishna Brurah explains that Simchas Torah is a time of great rejoicing for the masses in the Simcha of Mitzvah. It is therefore wrong that some people do not make this a Simcha in the Simcha of Torah. The Torah should not be left in a corner. May Hashem rectify this, the Bikkurei Yaakov writes, and repair that which is broken. Boruch Hashem, in many kehilos, the Torah is truly celebrated on this day with the resurgence of Torah study and recognition of its centrality in Klal Yisroel. May we all be zocheh to yeshuos and nechamos as we celebrate the Torah on this wonderful Yom Tov! The author can be reached at [email protected] by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Sefas Tamim Foundation Dear Rabbi Hoffman, shlita I have a question regarding Shidduchim: A Shadchan wanted to set up a tallish woman with a shorter young man. The shadchan wanted to buy the young man elevator shoes so that they would end up dating. Not wishing to embarrass the young man that he was buying the elevating shoes himself, he told the bochur that there is a Gmach in Lakewood for these situations, and that he just needed to know the bochurs shoe size. Was the Shadchan allowed to lie about this and in general what is the halacha with elevator shoes? Is it Gneivas Daas? Also, is there a difference between men and women in this regard? It seems that it is not easy to hide the nature of ladies elevator shoes, but it is very easy to fool people with mens elevator shoes. ANSWER: It happens to be an excellent question. The Shadchan was permitted to say that there was a Gmach in Lakewood for these situations to avoid embarrassing the young man (See Teshuvos HaRosh 82:1). As far as the general question, we reached out to a number of contemporary Poskim, who had a wide variety of opinions. But before we share them, lets take a look at some classical meforshim on a relevant Gemorah. There is a Gemorah in Yevamos (45a) wherein a young man of a dubious but kosher lineage asked Rav Yehudah what to do about his difficult Shidduch situation. Rav Yehudah offered two pieces of advice, and one of them was to go where no one knew him and seeka shidduch there. The question arises as to how Rav Yehudah could have given advice that would seem to be gneivas daas? We find the following answers cited by Rav Yaakov Unsdorfer from Montreal in his Olalei Yaakov Vol. III: Many Poskim are of the opinion that when there is no monetary issue involved, the prohibition of Gneivas Daas is of Rabbinic origin. In order to fulfill the Mitzvah of Pru uRvu, the Chasam Sofer (Yevamos 45a Dekulo Amorai) writes that it is permitted. The Steipler Gaon ztl, father of Rav Chaim Kanievsky ztl, writes that Chazal never enacted the prohibition when it comes to Pru urVu (See Kihilas Yaakov Siman 44 vGam efshar). He further writes that there is an Umdenah a general certitude that once a woman has agreed to marry and has gone through it she would not wish to divorce on this account. According to this, if it is clear that the woman would have wanted to divorce on account of some defect then it would be forbidden. Rav Yoseph Chaim Sonnenfeld ztl in his Salmas Chaim Siman 242 writes that from the womens perspective [perhaps at that time] the woman wishes to be married so much that there is a veritable dont ask dont tell perspective and as long as no one knows, it would be permitted. Applying these to elevator shoes, according to the Chasam Sofer there would not be a problem. According to the Steipler it would also seem to be permitted. According to Rav Yoseph Chaim Sonnenfeld, however, it would be forbidden. What did the contemporary Poskim rule? Rav Yisroel Dovid Harfenes shlita ruled that it would be permitted. Rav Hershel Ausch shlita forbade it for men but permitted it for women because for men it is is not readily detectable, but for women it is readily detectable. The author can be reached at [email protected] Why not subscribe to a weekly parsha sheet that deals with Emes written by Rabbi Yair Hoffman? Send an email with the word Subscribe in it to [email protected] The secular editor of Israels Maariv newspaper, Doron Cohen, surprised his audience on his program on Galey Yisrael radio on Wednesday morning when he said he was very moved by Birchas Kohanim at the Kosel, which he attended for the first time that morning. This morning, for the first time in my life, I participated in Birchas Kohanim at the Kosel and it was very emotional, Cohen said. I had many thoughts about why I did it, and I came to the conclusion that one of the biggest catalysts is what happened on Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv. This behavior [on Yom Kippur] caused me to do something to counter it. I think that the more they persecute religion and behave like that, the more they create a reaction. The more they persecute Yahadut, the more Yahadut will be strengthened. Cohen had predicted two days before Yom Kippur what would happen in Tel Aviv, writing: If I lived in Jerusalem, I would vote for Meretz in the municipal election to protect the secular minority in the mitchareid [becoming Chareidi] city. But since I live in Tel Aviv Ill vote for one of the religious parties to protect the traditional minority in the city against the developing tyranny of the secular majority. On Motzei Yom Kippur, he wrote: Just a reminder that I wrote this already on Friday, two days before the Kippur events. I call on all my liberal friends and real democrats in Tel Aviv to join me and vote for the religious parties to protect the persecuted minority in the city against the tyranny of the majority. There is no more democratic and liberal act than this. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A 40-year-old American tourist was detained on Thursday evening for allegedly vandalizing ancient sculptures inside the Israel Museums archaeology wing. Police were alerted to the museum after reports came in of a visitor intentionally damaging several statues. Images shared by law enforcement depicted two sculptures knocked off pedestals and shattered into multiple fragments. Identified artifacts include the 2nd century CE head of Athena, discovered in 1978 near Beit Shean, and a representation of the Roman god Nemesis as a griffin holding a wheel of fate, dated 210-211 CE, found in 1957 in northern Negev. Museum officials confirmed the damaged artifacts were ancient Roman statues from the 2nd century CE and prominently displayed in the archaeology section. Before police arrived, a museum security guard detained the man, and authorities later released a photo of a stick, suggesting the individual might have used it during the incident. Subsequent police questioning indicated the man vandalized the statues due to his belief that they are against the Torah. The damaged artifacts are now with the museums conservation lab, where experts will attempt restoration. While the museum deemed the event severe and disturbing, it announced that there would be no disruption to its regular operating hours. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) GSK has collected another bumper payout after offloading a stake in consumer healthcare spin-off Haleon. The pharmaceutical giant told investors on Friday it had raised around 885.6million from selling 270 million Haleon shares at 328p each, reducing its shareholding in the company from 10.3 per cent to about 7.4 per cent. When GSK and Pfizer spun off Haleon in July last year, the former retained a 12.9 per cent stake in the firm, while the American drugmaker owned just under a third of the shares. Sale: GSK has raised around 885.6million from offloading a 2.9 per cent stake in Haleon Since then, GSK has sought to shrink its holding in Haleon, whose brands include Nicorette gum and Sensodyne toothpaste, to help enhance its balance sheet and finance its drug pipeline. In May, the FTSE 100 group - formerly named GlaxoSmithKline - raised approximately 804million after disposing of 240 million shares in the company. Rival Pfizer also intends to trim its shareholding in order to hand more money to investors and reduce debts connected to the planned $43billion takeover of cancer treatment developer Seagen. During the summer, its chief financial officer, David Denton, told the Financial Times that the firm would begin selling stock at a 'slow and methodical' pace. 'We love the Haleon business, but it's not strategic,' he added. Following the latest share sale, both Pfizer and GSK have agreed not to dispose of any further Haleon shares for 60 days. The pair merged their respective consumer healthcare operations as part of a joint venture in 2019, intending to hive it off into a separate business listed on the London Stock Exchange within three years. Haleon commanded a 31billion market valuation at its initial public offering, which was the largest in the UK and Europe since commodities trader Glencore's 37billion listing over a decade beforehand. Prior to its spin-off, the company was the target of an ambitious 50billion takeover bid from Ben & Jerry's owner Unilever, but this was resolutely rejected by GSK's management. As part of the demerger, ex-Tesco boss Sir Dave Lewis became Haleon's chairman, while the chief executive post went to Brian McNamara, the former head of GSK's consumer healthcare arm, who was instrumental in creating the joint venture. In its most recent half-year results, the firm lifted its annual sales guidance after price hikes helped turnover expand by 10 per cent to 5.74billion for the six months ending June. GSK shares were 0.7 per cent higher at 1,492.8p on early Friday afternoon. Haleon shares were 0.7 per cent down at 333.9p, slightly above their IPO price of 3.30. CAIRO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Countries in the Middle East on Friday sent condolences and expressed condemnation of the deadly drone attack that targeted a Syrian military academy on Thursday. Palestine on Friday condemned the "terrorist" attack against the military academy in Homs, central Syria, which resulted in the deaths of at least 89 military personnel and civilians while injuring 277 others. In a press statement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry extended its condolences to the Syrian people and the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. The ministry affirmed its unwavering support for Syria in its fight against terrorism and expressed confidence in its ability to achieve security, stability, and prosperity. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned in a statement on Friday the attack, and offered condolences to the Syrian government and people, reiterating its firm rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism and terrorizing citizens. Egypt urged the international community to intensify efforts to uproot terrorism and dry up its financial sources, the statement added. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Friday offered his condolences to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over the deadly attack, and renewed his support for Syrian leadership, army, and people "in their legitimate battle against terrorism in all its forms." "We feel immense sadness and sympathy for the brave Syrian Arab Army and the families of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack on the military academy graduation ceremony in Homs," Berri said in a letter to al-Assad. The Algerian Foreign Ministry slammed the drone attack in a statement, sending condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured. The ministry reaffirmed Algeria's unwavering solidarity with the Syrian government and emphasized its confidence in the resilience of the Syrian people. Other countries in the region, including Oman, Iran, and Jordan, also expressed their condolences to the Syrian government over the attack. On Thursday, a drone attack on the Military Academy in Homs killed at least 89 people, including 31 women and five children. The Syrian government declared a 3-day official mourning period beginning on Friday, during which flags in Syria and at all Syrian embassies and diplomatic missions overseas will be lowered to half-mast. The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement following the attack on Thursday, calling on the UN and the UN Security Council to denounce the assault. The ministry pinned responsibility on the United States, branding the attack as "part of the brutal attacks perpetrated by the U.S. occupation-backed terrorist groups to destabilize the situation in Syria." This incident is part of a rising trend of drone attacks in Syria in recent months, with rebel factions employing drones to target government installations and infrastructure. Conversely, the Syrian government and its allies have also harnessed drone technology for offensive operations against rebel strongholds. The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, has inflicted substantial casualties and left the nation fractured, as government forces remain embroiled in conflict with a variety of rebel groups. Metro Bank shares partially recovered on Friday morning, having crashed to an all-time-low after concerns over its balance sheet surfaced. Shares plummeted on reports that Metro Bank was exploring options to raise as much as 600million, forcing the bank to confirm it was considering options including issuing new shares, securing fresh borrowing and selling assets. The bank had also been downgraded to 'negative' by ratings agency Fitch. Metro Bank, which listed in 2016 at 20 per share, fell by as much as 32 per cent on Thursday, ending the day at 37.5p with a valuation of less than 65million. Metro Bank shares stage cautious recovery this morning after a day of turmoil But on Friday morning the bank recovered 15 per cent of its value to 43.1p, driven by Sky News reports that the lender had kicked off talks about a 3billion sale of its mortgage book. It emerged by mid-afternoon yesterday that Metro Bank's chair Robert Sharpe had been asked to meet officials from the Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority, the Financial Times reported. But Metro Bank, whose bonds also sold off, thereby making the cost of repaying debt more expensive, later insisted this was a 'long-standing, pre-diarised meeting'. Metro Bank is due to refinance 350million of its debt by October 2024. And reports suggested it could also be looking at 100million equity raise though the Financial Times suggested this could be as much as 250million. But Victoria Scholar, head of investment at stockbroker Interactive Investor, explained that this is not the first time the shadow of financial difficulties has hung over Metro Bank, which has seen its share price fall by around 98 per cent over the last five years. She said: Following its initial public offering in 2016 at 20 a share, the stock initially enjoyed a major vote of confidence among investors rallying to around 40 by 2018. 'However, since then it has been largely downhill for the shares which are now trading at around just 40p, reflecting the lack of confidence and its balance sheet woes. 'After the US mid-sized banking crisis as well as the forced rescue deal for Credit Suisse earlier in the year, Metro is yet another worry in the sector. 'However, it is a problem unique to the bank itself rather than a sector wide issue. But it highlights just how difficult it is for a challenger bank to compete with the longstanding dominant heavyweight lenders.' What is Metro Bank? Founded in 2010 by Anthony Thomson and Vernon Hill, Metro Bank was the first new high street bank to launch in over 150 years. The commercial and retail bank experienced rapid growth in its infancy, beginning with its first branch in Holborn, central London, it had planned to open 200 sites by 2020. Metro Bank differentiated itself from established high street rivals, winning attention for consumer friendly initiatives such as offering water bowls in its branches for pets. It offers a wide range of banking services, including savings and checking accounts, time deposits, unit trust investment funds, home loans, car loans, debit, credit, and prepaid cards, and SME and corporate loans. Metro Bank boasts around 2.7 million customers and 76 branches, with 15.5billion worth of customer deposits in the UK. Its chair, Mr Sharpe, has over 45 years' experience in retail banking, and also currently serves as chair of Hampshire Trust Bank, Pollen Street and Alba Bank. Chief executive Daniel Frumkin has held business, risk, product and commercial executive level roles across the UK, the US, Eastern Europe and Bermuda, joining Metro Bank from his position as chief operating officer of the latter's Butterfield Bank. Metro Bank ran into problems in 2019 when it was forced to announce it did not have the required level of capital to meet regulatory standards after discovering an error in the way it categorised commercial loans. Concerns about the bank's health at the time led to large depositors withdrawing cash and a significant slump in Metro Bank shares. Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK said Metro Bank 'appears to have become a byword for controversy over the last few years', noting that in 2019 there were also 'questions around corporate governance with the bank under investigation by regulators for handling money from Iran and Cuba, both countries who are under EU and US sanctions'. He added: 'When new chief executive Dan Frumkin came in, he inherited a bank that had a huge trust and competence deficit to overcome, and while revenues have risen in the period since then, there's been little evidence that the bank would be able to turn a profit.' Are customers protected? Yes. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is funded by a levy on all regulated financial services firms in the UK and protects your money if a financial services firm fails. As well as banks, building societies and credit unions, the FSCS protects pensions, insurance, investments, mortgages, endowments, PPI and debt management. FSCS protects money held in banks, building societies and credit unions up to 85,000 per person, per UK institution. For a joint account that amount is doubled to 170,000 of protection per institution. What is likely to happen next? Metro Bank bosses are still considering their options, with the potential for an equity raise or selling off some of its assets. The size of a equity raise could reportedly target as little as 100million or as much as 250million, while the rebound in its shares this morning suggests the market is supportive of reports that the bank could sell-off its mortgage book. Lenders could also have discussions with the bank about fresh funding or potentially a restructuring of its existing obligations. Investors and customers should not panic, but should keep an eye out for further updates from the company in the days and weeks ahead. Russ Mould, investment director at stockbroker AJ Bell, said: 'Metro as an individual institution is certainly being pushed into existential territory with the shares now at all-time lows. 'The key question is will it find enough backers should it conduct a fundraise? 'Existing creditors and investors may feel they have no choice but to participate, though they are unlikely to do so with any great enthusiasm.' De La Rue expects profits for the first half of its financial year to be 'marginally' ahead of expectations, the firm told shareholders in a rare positive update on Friday. The banknote printer attributed its better-than-expected performance in the six months to 30 September to a recovery in currency demand and strength in its authentication business. The London-listed company had earlier said it expected adjusted operating profit to 'broadly break even' for the first half of the year to 30 September The London-listed company had earlier said it expected adjusted operating profit to 'broadly break even' for the first half of the year to 30 September, having suffered annual losses in recent years. De La Rue, which has struggled in recent years due to subdued paper currency demand and a number of operational hurdles, reiterated its full-year adjusted operating profit forecast to be in the low 20million range. The company also expects net debt to to marginally decline, having earlier said that net debt would rise to around 100million for both half and full year In June, the group revealed that it had slumped to a full-year loss but the banknote maker flagged 'encouraging signs of recovery' at its key money printing business. The 210-year-old company reported pre-tax losses of 29.6million for the year to the end of March, compared to 24.2million profit in 2022, while revenues fell 6.8 per cent to 349.7million. De La Rue shares were up 4.13 per cent to 63.00p in afternoon trading on Friday. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Get Free Report) Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 500 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.47, for a total value of $38,235.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 26,598 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,033,949.06. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Aflac Trading Up 0.5 % NYSE:AFL opened at $76.44 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.07 and a current ratio of 0.07. Aflac Incorporated has a one year low of $56.26 and a one year high of $78.43. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $75.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $70.21. The stock has a market cap of $45.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.91. Get Aflac alerts: Aflac (NYSE:AFL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The financial services provider reported $1.58 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $5.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.52 billion. Aflac had a return on equity of 16.10% and a net margin of 24.48%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Aflac Dividend Announcement Analysts Set New Price Targets The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 23rd were issued a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.20%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 22nd. Aflacs dividend payout ratio is currently 22.46%. Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Citigroup raised their price target on Aflac from $69.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. StockNews.com began coverage on Aflac in a research report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Aflac from $79.00 to $86.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. 888 reaffirmed a reiterates rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Aflac from $71.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Aflac currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $76.36. Get Our Latest Stock Report on AFL Institutional Trading of Aflac Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Aflac by 4.0% during the third quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,888 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $298,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Unison Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Aflac by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 44,601 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,423,000 after buying an additional 248 shares in the last quarter. Schoolcraft Capital LLC bought a new position in Aflac in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $255,000. Intrepid Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Aflac in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Aflac by 14.9% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 2,744 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $192,000 after buying an additional 356 shares in the last quarter. 66.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Aflac Company Profile (Get Free Report) Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. It operates in two segments, Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the five brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $173.67. A number of research firms have recently weighed in on BR. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $165.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. DA Davidson increased their target price on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $160.00 to $164.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $178.00 to $192.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $190.00 price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on BR Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of BR opened at $179.31 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $21.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.90 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.58. Broadridge Financial Solutions has a 52 week low of $131.35 and a 52 week high of $189.69. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $180.85 and its 200 day simple moving average is $162.91. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The business services provider reported $3.21 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.10 by $0.11. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.40% and a return on equity of 42.09%. The business had revenue of $1.84 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.87 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.65 earnings per share. Broadridge Financial Solutionss revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Broadridge Financial Solutions will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current year. Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a $0.80 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.78%. This is a positive change from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 60.49%. Insider Transactions at Broadridge Financial Solutions In related news, SVP Robert Schifellite sold 26,109 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $179.27, for a total transaction of $4,680,560.43. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 48,082 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,619,660.14. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, President Christopher John Perry sold 10,118 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.57, for a total value of $1,827,007.26. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 69,365 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,525,238.05. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Robert Schifellite sold 26,109 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $179.27, for a total value of $4,680,560.43. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 48,082 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,619,660.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 191,035 shares of company stock worth $34,423,247. Corporate insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Broadridge Financial Solutions A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BR. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT boosted its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 2.1% during the second quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT now owns 2,945 shares of the business services providers stock worth $488,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 9,137 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,513,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 56.4% in the second quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 183 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Ropes Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 1.7% in the first quarter. Ropes Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,327 shares of the business services providers stock worth $634,000 after buying an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Legacy Advisors LLC raised its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Legacy Advisors LLC now owns 8,037 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,331,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.36% of the companys stock. About Broadridge Financial Solutions (Get Free Report Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aspire Private Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI Free Report) by 54.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,050 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 724 shares during the period. Aspire Private Capital LLCs holdings in Omega Healthcare Investors were worth $63,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich acquired a new position in Omega Healthcare Investors in the second quarter valued at about $51,000. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in Omega Healthcare Investors in the second quarter valued at about $308,000. Creative Planning boosted its position in Omega Healthcare Investors by 8.3% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 31,547 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $968,000 after buying an additional 2,417 shares in the last quarter. Insight Folios Inc boosted its position in Omega Healthcare Investors by 6.4% in the second quarter. Insight Folios Inc now owns 233,021 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $7,151,000 after buying an additional 14,030 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Osborne Partners Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Omega Healthcare Investors by 1.4% in the second quarter. Osborne Partners Capital Management LLC now owns 178,653 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,483,000 after buying an additional 2,403 shares in the last quarter. 65.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Omega Healthcare Investors alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades OHI has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from $32.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, August 7th. BMO Capital Markets initiated coverage on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. They issued a market perform rating and a $34.50 target price for the company. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Truist Financial boosted their target price on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. Finally, Mizuho raised shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $31.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Omega Healthcare Investors has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $32.35. Omega Healthcare Investors Stock Up 0.9 % Shares of NYSE OHI opened at $33.14 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $8.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.49 and a beta of 0.96. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $32.02 and a 200 day moving average price of $30.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 5.55 and a current ratio of 5.55. Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. has a 52-week low of $25.61 and a 52-week high of $34.13. Omega Healthcare Investors Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 31st were issued a dividend of $0.67 per share. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 28th. Omega Healthcare Investorss dividend payout ratio is currently 262.75%. Omega Healthcare Investors Profile (Free Report) Omega is a REIT that invests in the long-term healthcare industry, primarily in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Its portfolio of assets is operated by a diverse group of healthcare companies, predominantly in a triple-net lease structure. The assets span all regions within the U.S., as well as in the U.K. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. increased its holdings in Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report) by 54.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 729,428 shares of the construction companys stock after buying an additional 256,647 shares during the quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. owned about 0.25% of Lennar worth $91,405,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of LEN. Close Asset Management Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Lennar during the 1st quarter valued at about $37,000. MV Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Lennar by 47.0% during the 1st quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 397 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares during the period. FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new position in shares of Lennar during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $61,000. Money Concepts Capital Corp grew its stake in shares of Lennar by 494.4% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 737 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $67,000 after acquiring an additional 613 shares during the period. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its stake in shares of Lennar by 22.6% during the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 717 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $75,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares during the period. 79.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Lennar alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Lennar In other Lennar news, Director Amy Banse acquired 790 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of $126.42 per share, with a total value of $99,871.80. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 7,293 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $921,981.06. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, EVP Jeffrey Joseph Mccall sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $126.48, for a total transaction of $1,264,800.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 141,386 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,882,501.28. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Amy Banse purchased 790 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 21st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $126.42 per share, for a total transaction of $99,871.80. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 7,293 shares in the company, valued at approximately $921,981.06. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have acquired 2,469 shares of company stock valued at $301,842 in the last quarter. 9.53% of the stock is owned by insiders. Lennar Stock Performance NYSE LEN opened at $108.63 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $31.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a current ratio of 6.66. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $118.18 and its 200-day moving average price is $115.73. Lennar Co. has a fifty-two week low of $69.90 and a fifty-two week high of $133.24. Lennar (NYSE:LEN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, September 15th. The construction company reported $3.91 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.52 by $0.39. The company had revenue of $8.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.49 billion. Lennar had a return on equity of 16.22% and a net margin of 11.66%. Lennars quarterly revenue was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $5.18 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Lennar Co. will post 13.33 earnings per share for the current year. Lennar Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 12th will be given a $0.375 dividend. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.38%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 11th. Lennars dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 11.12%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In LEN has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Lennar from $150.00 to $159.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Wedbush reissued a neutral rating and issued a $123.00 price target on shares of Lennar in a report on Monday, September 11th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on Lennar from $161.00 to $164.00 in a report on Monday, September 18th. Bank of America boosted their price target on Lennar from $103.00 to $120.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 14th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating and issued a $139.00 price target on shares of Lennar in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Lennar presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $134.25. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on LEN About Lennar (Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN Get Free Report) had its price objective lowered by equities research analysts at Morgan Stanley from $24.00 to $23.00 in a report issued on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Morgan Stanleys target price points to a potential downside of 3.77% from the stocks current price. A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Franklin Resources from $25.50 to $26.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on Franklin Resources from $21.50 to $24.50 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on Franklin Resources from $24.00 to $27.00 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. StockNews.com started coverage on Franklin Resources in a research report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Franklin Resources from $24.00 to $21.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Franklin Resources presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $24.85. Get Franklin Resources alerts: View Our Latest Report on Franklin Resources Franklin Resources Price Performance Shares of BEN opened at $23.90 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $11.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.94 and a beta of 1.30. Franklin Resources has a fifty-two week low of $20.24 and a fifty-two week high of $34.37. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $26.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 1.89 and a current ratio of 1.89. Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The closed-end fund reported $0.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.03. Franklin Resources had a return on equity of 10.43% and a net margin of 10.51%. The business had revenue of $1.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.50 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.82 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Franklin Resources will post 2.38 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Franklin Resources A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in BEN. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Franklin Resources during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. RFP Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in Franklin Resources during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Franklin Resources in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Franklin Resources during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Finally, First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Franklin Resources during the second quarter worth $30,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 46.53% of the companys stock. About Franklin Resources (Get Free Report) Franklin Resources, Inc is a publicly owned asset management holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to individuals, institutions, pension plans, trusts, and partnerships. It launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and multi-asset mutual funds through its subsidiaries. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Franklin Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stock analysts at StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Get Free Report) (TSE:TD) in a report released on Thursday. The firm set a sell rating on the banks stock. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Credit Suisse Group reduced their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from $93.00 to $92.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Barclays reduced their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from $84.00 to $82.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on Toronto-Dominion Bank from $96.00 to $94.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $97.71. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on TD Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Performance Shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank stock opened at $57.94 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $61.56 and a 200 day moving average of $60.91. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 12 month low of $55.43 and a 12 month high of $70.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $104.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 1.00. Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Get Free Report) (TSE:TD) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 24th. The bank reported $1.48 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by ($0.04). Toronto-Dominion Bank had a net margin of 15.25% and a return on equity of 15.17%. The firm had revenue of $9.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 6.01 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of TD. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 1.7% in the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 9,868 shares of the banks stock valued at $784,000 after buying an additional 161 shares in the last quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 2.2% in the second quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,436 shares of the banks stock valued at $461,000 after buying an additional 162 shares in the last quarter. Richard P Slaughter Associates Inc boosted its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 0.8% in the first quarter. Richard P Slaughter Associates Inc now owns 20,592 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,233,000 after buying an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 7.7% in the first quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. now owns 2,447 shares of the banks stock valued at $147,000 after buying an additional 174 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Summit Global Investments boosted its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 3.5% in the first quarter. Summit Global Investments now owns 5,515 shares of the banks stock valued at $330,000 after buying an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. 51.52% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Toronto-Dominion Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stock analysts at StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) in a research report issued on Thursday. The brokerage set a buy rating on the specialty chemicals companys stock. Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on PPG. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $145.00 to $158.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on PPG Industries from $143.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on PPG Industries from $174.00 to $154.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. KeyCorp boosted their target price on PPG Industries from $171.00 to $172.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and nine have given 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 $155.29. Get PPG Industries alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on PPG Industries PPG Industries Stock Down 1.4 % Shares of NYSE:PPG opened at $131.31 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.49, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $136.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $138.84. PPG Industries has a 12-month low of $107.40 and a 12-month high of $152.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.57, a PEG ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.19. PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.14 by $0.11. PPG Industries had a return on equity of 23.59% and a net margin of 7.38%. The firm had revenue of $4.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.84 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.81 EPS. PPG Industriess quarterly revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that PPG Industries will post 7.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other PPG Industries news, Chairman Michael H. Mcgarry sold 58,378 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $145.46, for a total transaction of $8,491,663.88. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 195,706 shares in the company, valued at approximately $28,467,394.76. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, Chairman Michael H. Mcgarry sold 58,378 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $145.46, for a total value of $8,491,663.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 195,706 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,467,394.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Vincent J. Morales sold 3,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $143.33, for a total value of $530,321.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 22,665 shares in the company, valued at $3,248,574.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Harbour Investments Inc. raised its position in shares of PPG Industries by 84.9% during the first quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 220 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP bought a new stake in PPG Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in PPG Industries in the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Intrepid Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in PPG Industries in the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Clear Street Markets LLC bought a new position in shares of PPG Industries during the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. 79.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. PPG Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) PPG Industries, Inc manufactures and distributes paints, coatings, and specialty materials worldwide. The company operates through Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings. The Performance Coatings segment offers coatings, solvents, adhesives, sealants, sundries, and software for automotive and commercial transport/fleet repair and refurbishing, light industrial coatings, and specialty coatings for signs; and coatings, sealants, transparencies, transparent armor, adhesives, engineered materials, and packaging and chemical management services for commercial, military, regional jet, and general aviation aircraft. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for PPG Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPG Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Roman Butler Fullerton & Co. reduced its position in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report) by 1.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,578 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 161 shares during the period. Roman Butler Fullerton & Co.s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $1,130,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in VLO. State of Alaska Department of Revenue increased its holdings in Valero Energy by 76.4% in the 2nd quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 93,644 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $10,984,000 after buying an additional 40,556 shares in the last quarter. Center For Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the second quarter worth approximately $390,000. Newport Capital Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 2.2% during the second quarter. Newport Capital Group LLC now owns 13,140 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,664,000 after purchasing an additional 289 shares during the last quarter. Sweet Financial Partners LLC lifted its position in Valero Energy by 14.5% during the second quarter. Sweet Financial Partners LLC now owns 5,998 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $704,000 after purchasing an additional 759 shares during the period. Finally, Aquila Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Valero Energy by 60.0% in the second quarter. Aquila Investment Management LLC now owns 16,000 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,877,000 after purchasing an additional 6,000 shares during the last quarter. 77.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Valero Energy alerts: Valero Energy Stock Performance NYSE VLO opened at $128.22 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Valero Energy Co. has a twelve month low of $104.18 and a twelve month high of $152.20. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $135.73 and a 200-day moving average price of $124.53. The firm has a market cap of $45.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.60. Valero Energy Dividend Announcement Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The oil and gas company reported $5.40 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.08 by $0.32. The business had revenue of $34.51 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $34.37 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 42.31% and a net margin of 6.96%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 33.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $11.36 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Valero Energy Co. will post 26.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 3rd were issued a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 2nd. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.18%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 14.05%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth VLO has been the subject of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $160.00 target price on shares of Valero Energy in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Valero Energy in a report on Thursday. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Bank of America raised their target price on Valero Energy from $152.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $168.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. upgraded shares of Valero Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $145.00 target price for the company in a research report on Monday, July 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Valero Energy presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $154.53. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on VLO Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Joseph W. Gorder sold 75,580 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.99, for a total transaction of $10,278,124.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 621,872 shares of the companys stock, valued at $84,568,373.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. Valero Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The company produces California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending and Conventional Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending gasolines, CARB diesel, diesel, jet fuel, and asphalt; aromatics; and sulfur crude oils. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIRUT, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Three prisoners were killed and 16 others injured on Friday in a fire inside a prison in Zahle, located in the Bekaa valley in eastern Lebanon, the National News Agency reported. The fire was set by several prisoners as they were trying to escape from the prison due to dire living conditions there amid the current financial crisis, said the report. Civil defense teams and the Red Cross staff have intervened and transferred the injured to nearby hospitals. The army and security forces were deployed around the prison building, which hosts about 650 prisoners, to foil further escape attempts. Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi has assigned the governor of Bekaa, Kamal Abou Jaoude, to follow up on the developments, especially in evacuating prisoners and treating the injured. The situation in Lebanese prisons has worsened since the economic crisis in 2019, with prisoners complaining about the overcrowded space and the absence of proper meals. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) had its target price boosted by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $307.00 to $309.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an overweight rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price target would indicate a potential upside of 32.07% from the companys previous close. STZ has been the topic of several other research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $275.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 22nd. TD Cowen raised Constellation Brands from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the stock from $240.00 to $300.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Constellation Brands from $280.00 to $285.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Constellation Brands in a research note on Thursday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Truist Financial raised their target price on Constellation Brands from $220.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 3rd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $275.50. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Constellation Brands Constellation Brands Stock Performance STZ stock traded down $7.37 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $233.96. 229,209 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,159,496. Constellation Brands has a 12 month low of $208.12 and a 12 month high of $273.65. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.89 billion, a P/E ratio of -128.49, a P/E/G ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $260.51 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $245.45. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 5th. The company reported $3.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.37 by $0.33. Constellation Brands had a negative net margin of 3.14% and a positive return on equity of 22.32%. The firm had revenue of $2.84 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.17 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Constellation Brands will post 11.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Constellation Brands news, CFO Garth Hankinson sold 1,550 shares of Constellation Brands stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $267.96, for a total transaction of $415,338.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 9,491 shares in the company, valued at $2,543,208.36. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CFO Garth Hankinson sold 1,550 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $267.96, for a total value of $415,338.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 9,491 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,543,208.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Robert Lee Hanson sold 12,299 shares of Constellation Brands stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $268.10, for a total value of $3,297,361.90. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,862 shares in the company, valued at $3,180,202.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 100,819 shares of company stock worth $27,054,755. 16.19% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Constellation Brands Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 2.6% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,601,280 shares of the companys stock worth $2,902,327,000 after buying an additional 313,344 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 103,844.2% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 9,206,335 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,265,955,000 after purchasing an additional 9,197,478 shares during the period. Capital International Investors raised its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 21.8% in the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 7,903,248 shares of the companys stock worth $1,945,226,000 after purchasing an additional 1,415,606 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 100.8% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 7,890,702 shares of the companys stock worth $1,782,432,000 after purchasing an additional 3,961,836 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp increased its holdings in Constellation Brands by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,936,028 shares of the companys stock worth $1,707,165,000 after buying an additional 51,968 shares during the period. 88.99% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Constellation Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Premier, Corona Familiar, Corona Light, Corona Refresca, Corona Hard Seltzer, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, Modelo Chelada, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Linde (NYSE:LIN Get Free Report) had its target price hoisted by equities research analysts at Citigroup from $448.00 to $450.00 in a research note issued on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the basic materials companys stock. Citigroups target price would suggest a potential upside of 21.85% from the companys previous close. LIN has been the topic of several other research reports. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Linde from $400.00 to $450.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of Linde from $382.00 to $410.00 in a report on Monday, July 31st. Argus lifted their target price on shares of Linde from $440.00 to $463.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Linde from $400.00 to $420.00 in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $420.00 target price on shares of Linde in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $405.59. Get Linde alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Linde Linde Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of NYSE LIN traded down $0.55 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $369.31. 173,952 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,799,880. The firm has a market capitalization of $180.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.27, a P/E/G ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.85. The businesss fifty day moving average is $381.27 and its 200 day moving average is $371.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 0.78. Linde has a fifty-two week low of $266.22 and a fifty-two week high of $393.67. Linde (NYSE:LIN Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The basic materials company reported $3.57 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.47 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $8.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.70 billion. Linde had a return on equity of 16.17% and a net margin of 17.20%. The firms revenue was down 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.10 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Linde will post 14.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Linde In related news, VP Sean Durbin sold 1,245 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $387.63, for a total transaction of $482,599.35. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 8,149 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,158,796.87. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Linde news, VP Guillermo Bichara sold 12,484 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $386.53, for a total value of $4,825,440.52. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 27,161 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,498,541.33. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, VP Sean Durbin sold 1,245 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $387.63, for a total transaction of $482,599.35. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 8,149 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,158,796.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 53,424 shares of company stock valued at $20,853,396 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Linde Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LIN. GoalVest Advisory LLC grew its holdings in shares of Linde by 6,500.0% during the second quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 66 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Linde in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC grew its stake in Linde by 51.9% in the 1st quarter. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC now owns 82 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. Manitou Investment Management Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Linde in the 1st quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Nemes Rush Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Linde during the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. 80.98% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Linde Company Profile (Get Free Report) Linde plc operates as an industrial gas company in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It offers atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and rare gases; and process gases, such as carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Linde Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Linde and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC reduced its stake in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report) by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,357,066 shares of the companys stock after selling 32,458 shares during the quarter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $141,943,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 30.6% in the 2nd quarter. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd now owns 216,532 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,039,000 after buying an additional 50,791 shares in the last quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 16.4% in the 2nd quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 6,936,158 shares of the companys stock valued at $419,780,000 after buying an additional 974,702 shares in the last quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 116,735 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,030,000 after buying an additional 2,661 shares in the last quarter. Source Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 8.9% in the 2nd quarter. Source Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,566 shares of the companys stock valued at $335,000 after buying an additional 456 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dfpg Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. Dfpg Investments LLC now owns 55,048 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,393,000 after buying an additional 3,175 shares in the last quarter. 68.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on KO shares. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $67.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Coca-Cola in a report on Thursday. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Wedbush upped their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $68.33. Coca-Cola Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of NYSE:KO opened at $52.10 on Friday. The Coca-Cola Company has a 12 month low of $51.80 and a 12 month high of $64.99. The companys 50-day moving average price is $59.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $60.89. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. The firm has a market cap of $225.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.56, a P/E/G ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 0.56. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The company reported $0.78 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.06. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 23.81% and a return on equity of 43.06%. The firm had revenue of $12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.74 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.70 EPS. The companys revenue was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.63 EPS for the current fiscal year. Coca-Cola Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.53%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. Coca-Colas dividend payout ratio is currently 75.72%. Insider Activity In other news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.09, for a total value of $5,345,964.61. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $25,707,497.14. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.09, for a total value of $5,345,964.61. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $25,707,497.14. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Beatriz R. Perez sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.66, for a total transaction of $3,133,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 143,383 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,984,378.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 319,393 shares of company stock valued at $19,467,980. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Coca-Cola Profile (Free Report) The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 1,684,038 shares of the natural resource companys stock, valued at approximately $67,362,000. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC owned about 0.12% of Freeport-McMoRan as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Homestead Advisers Corp boosted its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 0.6% during the second quarter. Homestead Advisers Corp now owns 1,848,432 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $73,937,000 after acquiring an additional 10,370 shares during the last quarter. SVB Wealth LLC boosted its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 22.2% during the second quarter. SVB Wealth LLC now owns 17,123 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $685,000 after acquiring an additional 3,108 shares during the last quarter. Dfpg Investments LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 7.0% in the 2nd quarter. Dfpg Investments LLC now owns 30,389 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $1,236,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. Breakwater Capital Group boosted its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 19.4% in the 2nd quarter. Breakwater Capital Group now owns 7,374 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $295,000 after purchasing an additional 1,200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 56.0% in the 2nd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 209,788 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $8,392,000 after purchasing an additional 75,288 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.96% of the companys stock. Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. 3M reiterated an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a report on Thursday, June 29th. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM reiterated an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $49.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $40.38. Freeport-McMoRan Stock Up 0.0 % Freeport-McMoRan stock traded up $0.01 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $35.38. 1,260,493 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 11,813,050. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a 1 year low of $27.50 and a 1 year high of $46.73. The firm has a market cap of $50.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.39 and a beta of 2.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 2.94 and a quick ratio of 1.72. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $39.76 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $39.09. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The natural resource company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $5.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.61 billion. Freeport-McMoRan had a return on equity of 9.45% and a net margin of 9.63%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.58 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Freeport-McMoRan Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.70%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 12th. Freeport-McMoRans dividend payout ratio is currently 20.69%. About Freeport-McMoRan (Free Report) Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals, as well as oil and gas. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 8.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 208,968 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 15,873 shares during the quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd.s holdings in EOG Resources were worth $23,914,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Dfpg Investments LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources during the second quarter valued at $390,000. Breakwater Capital Group lifted its position in EOG Resources by 6.7% during the second quarter. Breakwater Capital Group now owns 2,103 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $241,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Galvin Gaustad & Stein LLC lifted its position in EOG Resources by 1.4% during the second quarter. Galvin Gaustad & Stein LLC now owns 133,906 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $15,324,000 after purchasing an additional 1,880 shares during the last quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in EOG Resources by 5.1% during the second quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,227 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,170,000 after purchasing an additional 494 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marion Wealth Management lifted its position in EOG Resources by 2.8% during the second quarter. Marion Wealth Management now owns 10,322 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,181,000 after purchasing an additional 281 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.21% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. TD Securities raised their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $164.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Mizuho raised their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 18th. Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $156.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, August 14th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $150.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $150.04. EOG Resources Stock Down 0.7 % EOG Resources stock opened at $118.52 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $129.04 and a two-hundred day moving average of $119.86. The company has a quick ratio of 2.02, a current ratio of 2.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The firm has a market cap of $69.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.99, a P/E/G ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.55. EOG Resources, Inc. has a twelve month low of $98.52 and a twelve month high of $150.88. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy exploration company reported $2.49 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.28 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $5.57 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.74 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 28.52% and a net margin of 33.58%. EOG Resourcess revenue was down 24.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.74 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be given a dividend of $0.825 per share. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 16th. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is presently 22.24%. Insider Transactions at EOG Resources In other news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 4,551 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.76, for a total transaction of $595,088.76. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 145,259 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,994,066.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock. EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale trimmed its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Free Report) by 2.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,307,918 shares of the companys stock after selling 39,597 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrales holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $100,675,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CL. Tucker Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Colgate-Palmolive in the first quarter valued at about $27,000. Register Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Colgate-Palmolive in the first quarter valued at about $30,000. Carmel Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive during the first quarter worth about $42,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 108.7% during the first quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 578 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 301 shares during the period. Finally, Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 1.8% during the first quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 11,525 shares of the companys stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the period. 78.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Colgate-Palmolive alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Barclays upped their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $77.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $83.00 price objective on shares of Colgate-Palmolive in a research report on Monday, July 31st. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Colgate-Palmolive in a research report on Thursday. They set a hold rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $88.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Finally, HSBC assumed coverage on Colgate-Palmolive in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $84.00 price objective for the company. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $85.23. Colgate-Palmolive Stock Performance CL opened at $68.86 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.43, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.17. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $73.74 and its 200 day simple moving average is $75.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $56.93 billion, a PE ratio of 38.49, a PEG ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 0.50. Colgate-Palmolive has a 52-week low of $67.84 and a 52-week high of $82.09. Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 28th. The company reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $4.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.70 billion. Colgate-Palmolive had a return on equity of 386.76% and a net margin of 8.02%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.72 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Colgate-Palmolive Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 23rd will be paid a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 20th. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.79%. Colgate-Palmolives dividend payout ratio is 106.67%. Insider Buying and Selling at Colgate-Palmolive In other Colgate-Palmolive news, CEO Noel R. Wallace sold 48,627 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.37, for a total value of $3,567,762.99. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 246,969 shares in the company, valued at $18,120,115.53. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO Noel R. Wallace sold 48,627 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.37, for a total transaction of $3,567,762.99. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 246,969 shares in the company, valued at $18,120,115.53. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider John W. Kooyman sold 21,677 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.69, for a total value of $1,684,086.13. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 6,384 shares in the company, valued at approximately $495,972.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 105,501 shares of company stock worth $7,838,332 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock. About Colgate-Palmolive (Free Report) Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Colgate-Palmolive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colgate-Palmolive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue increased its holdings in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 6.0% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 118,777 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,750 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in EOG Resources were worth $13,591,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its stake in EOG Resources by 8.2% in the 2nd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 208,968 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $23,914,000 after buying an additional 15,873 shares during the period. Dfpg Investments LLC acquired a new position in EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter valued at $390,000. Breakwater Capital Group increased its stake in EOG Resources by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Breakwater Capital Group now owns 2,103 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $241,000 after buying an additional 132 shares during the period. Galvin Gaustad & Stein LLC increased its stake in EOG Resources by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Galvin Gaustad & Stein LLC now owns 133,906 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $15,324,000 after buying an additional 1,880 shares during the period. Finally, Venturi Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in EOG Resources by 5.1% in the 2nd quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,227 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,170,000 after buying an additional 494 shares during the period. 89.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get EOG Resources alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at EOG Resources In other EOG Resources news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 4,551 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.76, for a total value of $595,088.76. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 145,259 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,994,066.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. EOG Resources Price Performance EOG Resources stock opened at $119.25 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $69.43 billion, a PE ratio of 7.99, a P/E/G ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.55. The company has a quick ratio of 2.02, a current ratio of 2.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $129.04 and its 200 day simple moving average is $119.86. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52 week low of $98.52 and a 52 week high of $150.88. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy exploration company reported $2.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.28 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $5.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.74 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 33.58% and a return on equity of 28.52%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 24.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.74 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.34 EPS for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be issued a $0.825 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 16th. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.77%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 22.24%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have issued reports on EOG. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $138.00 to $144.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $150.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. TD Securities boosted their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $145.00 to $156.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $141.00 to $147.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 28th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, EOG Resources currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $150.04. View Our Latest Report on EOG EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. purchased a new position in shares of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 477 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $34,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in SO. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Southern during the 4th quarter worth about $435,979,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Southern during the 4th quarter worth about $369,131,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp boosted its position in shares of Southern by 586.3% in the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 5,564,201 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $387,157,000 after purchasing an additional 4,753,465 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in shares of Southern by 162.4% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 6,572,373 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $457,306,000 after purchasing an additional 4,067,395 shares during the period. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of Southern by 150.3% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 5,617,965 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $390,896,000 after purchasing an additional 3,373,118 shares during the period. 62.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Southern alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades SO has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Southern from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Southern from $73.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Southern from $75.00 to $74.00 in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Bank of America raised Southern from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $67.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 13th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on Southern from $68.00 to $64.00 in a report on Thursday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $73.00. Southern Stock Down 1.7 % Shares of NYSE:SO traded down $1.09 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $63.50. 1,189,791 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,110,882. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a current ratio of 0.83. The Southern Company has a 52-week low of $58.85 and a 52-week high of $75.80. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $68.23 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $70.19. The company has a market capitalization of $69.25 billion, a PE ratio of 22.82, a P/E/G ratio of 4.49 and a beta of 0.53. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.47 billion. Southern had a net margin of 11.17% and a return on equity of 9.86%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.07 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that The Southern Company will post 3.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Southern Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 21st were given a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 18th. Southerns dividend payout ratio is currently 98.94%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.30, for a total value of $341,500.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,512 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,537,569.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.30, for a total value of $341,500.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,512 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,537,569.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Kimberly S. Greene sold 20,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.62, for a total value of $1,452,400.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 98,659 shares in the company, valued at $7,164,616.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 41,490 shares of company stock valued at $2,934,355. 0.28% of the stock is owned by insiders. Southern Company Profile (Free Report) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 459,283 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,646 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for approximately 0.8% of Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest position. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $215,395,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Bogart Wealth LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 193.3% during the 1st quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 88 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at about $40,000. Laffer Tengler Investments acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Freedom Wealth Alliance LLC acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter valued at about $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 Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $546.92 on Friday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $309.20 and a 1 year high of $601.84. 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 company has a market capitalization of $519.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 75.38, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.33. The companys fifty day moving average is $539.86 and its two-hundred day moving average is $459.84. Insiders Place Their Bets Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.13. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.01% and a return on equity of 65.00%. The company had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.58 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.25 EPS. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.84 earnings per share for the current year. In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $546.51, for a total value of $327,906.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,378 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,939,130.78. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $546.51, for a total value of $327,906.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,378 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,939,130.78. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 591 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $466.62, for a total transaction of $275,772.42. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 101,028,219 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $47,141,787,549.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 693,246 shares of company stock valued at $20,948,820,977. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have weighed in on LLY shares. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $565.00 to $633.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $615.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $385.00 to $470.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $510.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday. They set a buy rating on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and twenty have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $537.13. Get Our Latest Research Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Profile (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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). 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. Candidates stand on stage during the second Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Sept. 27, 2023. (Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times) While Illinois in recent general presidential elections has been flyover country due to its solid status as a blue state, the preparations necessary ahead of the March 19 primary still provide an organizational test for campaigns. The nitty-gritty details of the presidential primary process start Saturday, when candidates campaigns can begin seeking signatures from voters to place both the presidential hopefuls and candidates for national nominating delegates on the ballot. Advertisement With President Joe Biden facing no serious opposition to renomination on the Democratic side, the focus will be on the Republican primary. Former President Donald Trump has become the early front-runner for the nomination against a host of challengers. Given its place on the primary calendar, its possible Illinois will not even be relevant in the Republican presidential nominating process by the time the primary rolls around. Advertisement Super Tuesday is March 5, two weeks before Illinois primary. Fifteen GOP primaries and caucuses will be held that day, including contests in delegate-heavy California and Texas. If Super Tuesday fails to decide the matter, Illinois primary day is shared with the key presidential election states of Ohio and Florida, whose governor, Ron DeSantis, is among those trying to upset Trump. The Republican primary process in Illinois is fairly simple. Voters get to select their preferred candidate for the nomination. Separately, they select three nominating delegates, who are either pledged to a candidate or listed as uncommitted, from each of the states 17 congressional districts. Voters also will select the same number of alternate delegates, who serve if a nominated delegate cannot participate in the GOP national convention in Milwaukee in July. If more than three delegate candidates pledged to a single presidential contender file to appear on the ballot, the presidential campaign will decide the delegate slate. In addition to the 51 elected delegates, another 10 at-large delegates will be named at the state Republican Party convention in May. In addition, state GOP Chair Don Tracy and the states GOP national committeeman and committeewoman are automatically delegates. Unlike the elected GOP delegates, the 13 party officials and at-large delegates are pledged to support the winner of the presidential preference voting, known in election-speak as a beauty contest. Presidential candidates must submit petitions signed by at least 3,000 and no more than 5,000 voters. The signature requirement for GOP delegate candidates varies for each congressional district based on previous Republican turnout. The number of necessary signatures ranges from as few as 136 in the sprawling, heavily Democratic Chicago and suburban district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, to more than 1,000 signatures from voters in the heavily Republican downstate congressional districts of U.S. Reps. Mike Bost of Murphysboro and Mary Miller of Oakland. Advertisement The presidential campaigns, both Republican and Democratic, file their primary nominating petitions with the State Board of Elections on Jan. 4 and 5. While Bidens path for renomination appears clear at this point, the Democratic delegate selection process is made more complex by the partys inclusion and outreach efforts aimed at race, sexual identity, youth and people with disabilities. A total of 178 nominating delegates from Illinois will be attending the partys national convention in Chicago in August. Of those, 96 will be elected in the March primary from the states congressional districts. Candidates for delegate must get at least 500 signatures from within the congressional district in which they are running, with the number of delegates selected by voters per district varying from three to eight based on past Democratic turnout. Delegates selected are apportioned by the presidential preference vote from within the congressional district and also are chosen in an effort to provide an even number of men and women. Candidates who identify as nonbinary are counted separately. As with Republicans, the Democratic presidential candidate can remove delegates who are not approved by the campaign. Advertisement After voters select the 96 district delegates, they will meet on April 29 to approve 32 at-large delegates and 19 party leaders and elected officials such as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and the states 14 U.S. House members and Democratic National Committee members from Illinois are among another group of 31 automatic delegates. The Democratic National Committee has made diversity recommendations for state delegations and the Democratic Party of Illinois has set goals to exceed those numbers by 15%, in part through at-large delegates chosen in April. The state partys delegate diversity goals aim for 47 Blacks, 36 Latinos, 10 Asian Americans, 12 members of the LGBTQ community, 26 people with disabilities and 65 young voters. rap30@aol.com ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) said it has encountered a funding shortfall in meeting the needs of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and communities in Ethiopia. The WFP, in its latest Ethiopia country brief issued late Thursday, said it is facing a funding shortfall of 420 million U.S. dollars to support its humanitarian activities in Ethiopia until the end of the year. "Reports from WFP's conflict sensitivity assessment indicate that the food security situation is worsening in many areas of the country," the WFP said. It said severe acute malnutrition is on the rise in both refugee camps and IDPs communities across the East African country. According to the WFP, Ethiopia has faced conflict, displacement and drought over the past few years, eventually resulting in growing food insecurity. Noting that the peace agreement that ended the conflict in northern Ethiopia has improved peace in Afar and Tigray regions, the WFP said armed conflict is affecting WFP operations in nine zones across the Amhara region, which was also affected by the conflict. The WFP's humanitarian response plan in 2023 targets the most vulnerable, including those facing protection concerns due to violence and conflict and victims of extreme drought. It said some 15.1 million people in Ethiopia were in need of emergency food assistance for the third quarter. The WFP said its net funding requirement of 410 million from July to December 2023 also includes 7 million U.S. dollars to support Sudan refugee response for the next six months. According to recent figures from the United Nations, over 81,000 people have crossed into the Ethiopian border since the onset of the Sudan crisis in April, 2023. KHARTOUM, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Friday condemned the recent deadly attack on a military academy in Syria's central province of Homs. In a statement, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with Syria against "this brutal aggression," and extended sincere condolences to the Syrian government and people, particularly the families of the victims. The attack with explosive-laden drones, blamed on terrorists, took place on Thursday after a graduation ceremony for Syrian officers at the Military Academy in Homs, resulting in at least 89 deaths and 277 injuries among civilians and military personnel, according to the update from the Syrian Health Ministry on Friday. Following the attack, the Syrian government declared a three-day mourning beginning on Friday, and the army vowed to hold the planners and perpetrators accountable. The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, has inflicted substantial casualties and left the nation fractured, as government forces remain embroiled in conflict with a variety of rebel groups. A beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon, saw a large crowd gather on the island in Golden village. Surrounded on three sides by the River Suir, flowing full and loud in autumn flood, and bounded on the other side by the castle that guarded the river crossing, it was a fitting setting for the unveiling of a sculpture to commemorate a creature woven into the fabric of Goldens history - the Atlantic salmon. The crowd was welcomed by Cllr Ml Fitzgerald, who thanked everyone for coming out to support this wonderful initiative. In attendance, were the family of the late Owen Jackman, his partner Roisin McGrath, Deputy Martin Brown, Cllr Declan Burgess, and representatives from the IFI and many fishing organisations. The statue had originally been the brainchild of Owen Jackman, of Cashel, Golden and Tipperary Anglers Association and he had worked alongside Golden Tidy Towns Committee, and with Sheevaun Thompson of LAWPRO, to plan and fund the idea. Sadly, Owens untimely death last year meant he would not see his plan come to fruition. The statue was to serve as a marker for the Irish record rod-caught salmon, caught on the River Suir at Longfield in 1874 by Michael Maher. Following Owens death, it was decided by all those active with the project, that the project should go ahead and that Owens massive contribution to the local area should also be commemorated on the sculpture. Cllr Fitzgerald went on to share his own memories of Owen, commenting that he was a man who lived for the river and who had a passion for the natural world. He remarked that it was lovely to see so many of Owens friends, family and loved ones gathered today to see his vision come to life. He paid tribute to all those who had worked so hard to make this day happen, mentioning in particular the huge role played by Stephanie Lawrence of Golden Tidy Towns in seeing this project through from inception to installation and also paying tribute to sculptor Philip Quinn, who took the idea and beautifully wrought it from stone. Derek Cagney, chairman of the CGTAA, spoke on behalf of the fishing club. He opened with a minutes silence for all deceased members of the club. He remarked how delighted they were to see this sculpture erected. The salmon was one of the most recognisable symbols of Irish nature and it was great to think that the Irish record salmon had been caught within a few miles of where they stood. While it was important to mark our history, Derek also hoped that the sculpture would serve as a reminder of the need to preserve what we had, so that our children and grandchildren could also enjoy it. The salmon is, in common with a lot of other species, under pressure, with pollution, global warming, intensive fish farming and commercial fishing decimating stocks across the world. He counselled that we all have a part to play in making small changes locally in our lives, that could add up to bigger changes globally. He spoke of the clubs delight at seeing Owens memory preserved and he also took time to remember other club members who gave so much to the club during their lives, including John and Jimmy Doyle, Jim Fogarty, PJ Jackman, the late Jimmy OKeeffe and Liam Ryan (Bilco), and the countless other men and women who had loved the river and had given so much back to it over the years. Gerry Kenny, president of Munster Regional Trout Anglers Council, travelled from Clare for the unveiling. He spoke of his fond memories of fishing with Owen on lakes and rivers across Ireland and of the work Owen had done with MRTAC over the years at a national and international level to preserve and promote the sport he loved. Stephanie Lawrence of Golden Tidy Towns committee told of how this project was the culmination of a lot of hard work and planning by a number of people, including the hardworking members of the Golden Tidy Towns Committee. She thanked Derek Cagney in particular, and the fishing club, for their help in sourcing funding for the project and thanked the county council also, for their funding, advice and constant help. The Tidy Towns had done a lot of work in the village over the previous few years and she invited anyone with an interest to come along and join in their activities. All would be more than welcome. She thanked her fellow committee members who had done so much to help make the day possible. The Tidy Towns provided refreshments, teas and coffees for the large crowd on the island and helped to make it such a wonderful community occasion. Sheevaun Thompson of LAWPRO, the Local Authority Water Programme, which works for better water quality and biodiversity, remembered the early days of the projects inception in the dark days of Covid, where meetings could only take place in the open air. It was a testament to the resolve of all those involved that they showed such enthusiasm and determination to drive this project. An art competition had been held earlier that week in conjunction with the local school in Golden and the results from an extremely talented field were on display on the day. First prize went to Emma Kane for a remarkable line drawing of a fisherman with a salmon. Emma was presented with a fly rod and reel by the fishing club. Second place went to Kate Tierney, whose drawing of a salmon and the bridge in Golden caught the eye of the judging panel. Margaret Jackman, on behalf of the Jackman and McGrath families, spoke movingly, about how much they miss Owen every day. As a family they are invested in the river and not a day goes by but that one of them isnt out at the river at Jackmans Weir, where their family have tended and loved the river for generations. The family take comfort from the fact that Owens friends in the fishing and shooting clubs, and in the Tidy Towns, have taken on his legacy and continue to work to preserve and protect the river for the next generation. Cllr Declan Burgess, Cathaoirleach of the Tipperary, Cahir and Cashel Municipal District added his congratulations to all concerned and spoke of how wonderful it was to see a community united in action. Fr Pat Coffey blessed the monument and led the crowd in a brief prayer in memory of those gone before. At this point the monument was unveiled by Derek Cagney, Sheevaun Thompson and Stephanie Lawrence. Phillip Quinn explained that the two and a half tonne limestone piece showed a relief of Michael Mahers salmon on one side, while the other side quoted the final words from Normans McCleans classic short story, A River runs through it. He said it was the perfect symbiosis between stone and word, as the block he had picked to work with featured fossils from across the aeons and the natural facing of the stone echoed the waves and eddies of the river. GARDAI are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body at a multi-storey car park in Limerick city. The alarm was raised at approximately 5am this Friday after gardai and emergency services were alerted to the discovery of the body of a male, aged in his 40s, in Steamboat Quay Car Park. The body remains at the scene which has been preserved to allow for a forensic and technical examination by members of the Garda Technical Bureau. A post-mortem examination will be conducted which will determine the course of the investigation and gardai at Henry Street are appealing to any persons who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them. "Anyone who was in the vicinity of Steamboat Quay, Dock Road this morning between 4am and 6am is asked to contact investigating gardai," said a spokesperson. Anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street garda station on (061) 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111 or any garda station. [October 06, 2023] Lumos Celebrates the Launch of its 100% Fiber Optic Internet in Goldsboro, North Carolina Tweet Lumos, a leading 100% Fiber Optic Internet and Total Home Wi-Fi service provider in the Mid-Atlantic, commemorated its launch in Goldsboro, North Carolina, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends HV Brown Hall. The company, which was previously named a recipient of a Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grant, will connect over 15,000 underserved homes in the Goldsboro area, including nearly 100% within city limits, and provide opportunities for residents to participate in an increasingly digital society. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006038053/en/ Lumos celebrates the launch of its fiber internet service in Goldsboro, North Carolina. (Photo: Business Wire) In partnership with the Kramden Institute, Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, Lumos celebrated this new expansion to provide its reliable high-speed network to Goldsboro residents. As the first-ever fiber internet provider to more than 15,000 homes and small businesses in Wayne County, the ceremony also featured an appearance from the U.S. Congressmen Wiley Nickel. In addition to its expansion efforts, Lumos will partner with the Kramden Institute to provide funding for a Computer Basics program, which will provide technology education, devices and tehnical support to individuals and families. Through this partnership, Lumos seeks to empower residents and small businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. "Lumos is dedicated to providing high-speed internet for residents across the state of North Carolina, and today's ribbon cutting ceremony represents Lumos' mission to deliver reliable, fast and, most importantly, accessible 100% Fiber Internet to the Goldsboro community," said vice president of market development, Derek Kelly. "Lumos is proactively working to bridge the digital divide, and during this year's Digital Inclusion Week, we are proud to be working towards reducing digital disparities in North Carolina." As a result of a significant investment by Lumos and grant funding through the N.C. GREAT Program, residents can now access lightning-fast internet speeds, providing them with the bandwidth necessary for working from home, remote learning, attending telehealth appointments, streaming, gaming, and more. In addition to the N.C. GREAT grant funding, Lumos is proud to offer residents access to its reliable network at no cost through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible households can use Lumos' $30 internet plan in conjunction with their $30 ACP benefit to receive high-speed for free. To check if Lumos' 100% Fiber Optic Internet is available at your address, please visit www.lumosfiber.com/builtforthefuture. About Lumos: Lumos provides 100% Fiber Optic Internet, whole-Home Wi-Fi, voice, and streaming services to more than 250,000 homes and businesses across its North Carolina, Virginia and, recently announced, South Carolina footprint. We believe that the possibilities of tomorrow cannot be built on the infrastructure of yesterday. That's why we're building a 100% Fiber Optic network from the ground up for families, small businesses, and communities, backed by local, expert customer service. An Internet built for that most hopeful of all things - the future. Because whatever the future holds, Lumos makes it faster. Learn more at www.lumosfiber.com. LinkedIn: @LumosFiber Twitter: @lumosfiber View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006038053/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 05, 2023] Nidec and Embraer Receive Approval for Joint Venture to Develop Electric Propulsion System for Aerospace Sector Tweet Japan's Nidec Corporation (TOKYO: 6594; OTC US: NJDCY) and Brazil's Embraer (B3: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ) welcome the unconditional approval from all necessary regulatory authorities for the establishment of their joint venture, Nidec Aerospace LLC. The transaction combines the complementary synergies and distinct areas of expertise of two world-class engineering conglomerates to develop Electric Propulsion Systems (EPS) for the aerospace sector. Vincent Braley, chief of staff for Nidec's Motion and Drives business in the United States, has been appointed the CEO of Nidec Aerospace with immediate effect. Braley brings broad experience in business development and management to his new role to lead the joint venture's future growth. "This approval marks a significant milestone not only in Nidec Motion & Energy's joint venture with Embraer, but also in our shared vision to advance and electrify the way the world travels," said Michael Briggs, Senior Vice President and President of the Motion & Energy Business Unit at Nidec. "Now with official clearance to proceed, the Nidec Aerospace team is poised to bring the expertise, speed, and drive needed to accelerate sustainable aviation on a global scale." "We are thrilled with the unconditional clearance. The next step will be the integration of these two powerful operational and engineering capabilities focused on business excellence. Together, our extraordinary teams will be able to develop advanced solutions to collaborate with the future of sustainable aviation," said Dimas Tomelin, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Digital and Innovation, at Embraer. Unveiled at the Paris Air Show in June, the business combination aims to unlock new opportunities by providing an agnostic portfolio of products and services worldwide, driven initially by the growth of the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry. The UAM market is emerging and could create a USD 1.5 trillion market by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley Research. The joint venture Electric Propulsion System launch customer will be the eVTOL manufacturer Eve Air Mobility (NYSE: EVEX, EVEXW), an independent company well-positioned to be a global leader in the UAM segment by delivering an effective and sustainable new mode of urban transportation. Embraer will contribute expertise, know-how and resources pertaining to the controller, and Nidec will provide its expertise, technological know-how and resources pertaining to electric motors. Nidec owns a 51% share of the joint venture, and Embraer the remaining 49%. Nidec Aerospace is expected to invest more than USD 77.7 million by 2026 and start mass production in 2026. Effect on Financial Performance for the Current and Next Fiscal Year The transaction is expected to have no significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial performance for this fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. If necessary, the Company will make additional disclosure on a timely basis in accordance with the rules of the Tokyo Stock Exchange upon determination of further details. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the intent, belief, strategy, plans or expectations of the Nidec Group or other parties. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the risks to successfully integrating the acquired business with the Nidec Group, the anticipated benefits of the Transaction not being realized, changes in general economic conditions, shifts in technology or user preferences for particular technologies and changes in business and regulatory environments. The Nidec Group does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. Annex 1 Overview of the joint venture (1) Company name Nidec Aerospace LLC (2) CEO Vincent Braley* *Appointed by Nidec Group (3) Date of establishment June 15th, 2023 (US Eastern Time) (4) Main Business Development, manufacturing and sales of propulsion system for electric Vertical Take-Off Landing (eVTOL) (5) Initial capital 12,000,000 USD (Invested by both parties on a pro-rata basis) (6) Major interests and interest ratio Nidec Motor Corporation, 51.0% Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc., 49.0% About Nidec Corporation and Nidec Motor Corporation Nidec Corporation is the world's leading comprehensive electric motor manufacturer. Based in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec Corporation offers motors ranging from micro-size to super large, as well as application products and services in IT, automation, home appliances, automobiles, commercial and industrial systems, environmental, energy, and many other businesses. Nidec is composed of approximately 340 group companies employing more than 100,000 people all over the world. With headquarters in St. Louis, MO, Nidec Motor Corporation (NMC) is the leading manufacturer of commercial, industrial, and appliance motors and controls. The NMC product line features a full line of high efficiency motors, large and small, that serve industrial, residential, and commercial markets in applications ranging from agriculture, water treatment, mining, oil and gas, and power generation to pool and spa motors, air conditioning condensers, rooftop cooling towers, and commercial refrigeration. NMC also makes motors, controls, and switches for automotive and commercial markets. About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005234026/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 05, 2023] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (CCO) on Behalf of Investors Tweet Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. ("Clear Channel" or the "Company") (NYSE: CCO) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. On September 28, 2023, it was announced that Clear Channel agreed to pay over $26 million to resolve charges that it had violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") by bribing Chinese government officials "to obtain contracts required to sell advertising services to public and private sector clients for display on public bus shelters and other outdoor displays." Additionally, Clear Channel used "sham intermedaries and false invoices to generate cash for off-book 'customer development' consultants engaged to win advertising business from government and private customers," and "failed to ensure that sufficient internal accounting controls were in place." On this news, Clear Channel's stock price fell $0.05, or 3.1%, to close at $1.58 per share on September 29, 2023, thereby injuring investors. If you purchased Clear Channel securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005024871/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 05, 2023] Bermuda Begins Second Public Consultation on Corporate Income Tax Proposal Tweet Today the Government of Bermuda announced that it will issue a second public consultation paper regarding the proposed introduction of a corporate income tax ("CIT") that would be applicable to Bermuda businesses that fall within the scope of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's ("OECD") global minimum tax rules ("GloBE Rules"). This would include Bermuda Tax Resident Entities and Bermuda Permanent Establishments that are part of a Multinational Enterprise Group ("MNE") with consolidated revenue of 750M or more in at least two of the previous four fiscal years to maintain consistency with GloBE Rules. Taking into account feedback from the first public consultation period which ended on September 8th, 2023, several important factors have influenced the design of the proposed CIT regime. Bermuda intends that its CIT is recognised as a Covered Tax under GloBE rules. This would minimise incremental expense for MNEs in the form of Top-Up taxes that could be collected in other jurisdictions through the Income Inclusion Rule ("IIR") or UTPR while recognising Creditable Foreign Taxes. To that end, Bermuda is proposing an effective rate of 15% for profits of covered MNEs. The CIT would become effective in 2025, providing MNEs the necessary time to make adjustments to their systems as they transition to paying a corporate income tax in Bermuda. The Government proposes to introduce details of a Qualified Refundable Tax Credit ("QRTC") program in 2024 to become effective in 2025. It is antcipated that QRTCs will be designed to support Bermuda-based job retention and growth, as well as investments in career training, infrastructure, sustainability, and other initiatives to promote Bermuda as an attractive mid-shore jurisdiction in which to live and work. Bermuda's Tax Reform Commission will soon be empaneled to look at ways of lowering the cost of living and doing business in Bermuda in parallel with the refinement of the CIT regime. Investments in key initiatives that foster job creation and other programs to accelerate economic development remain top-of-mind to help attract investments from MNEs. "We are highly appreciative of the feedback received from the first consultation period, and directly from industry leaders, and I am confident that our new CIT regime represents an attractive path forward for Bermuda that is in line with international tax rules," said Premier and Finance Minister David Burt. "Under this new structure, the Government can impact everyday life by easing the burden on our citizens, maintaining our competitiveness for international business investments, and continuing our commitment to being a global compliance leader that fosters fairness and consistency in tax policy around the world. I look forward to continuing to partner with our key stakeholders in the further refinement of this proposal, and the positive impact the new CIT regime will have on Bermuda's future." The second consultation period begins on October 5, 2023. All comments should be submitted prior to the deadline of October 30, 2023. For more information visit: https://forum.gov.bm/en/ or: https://www.gov.bm/. Published by the Government of Bermuda (https://www.gov.bm) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005026604/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 05, 2023] Tiamonds Landmark Launch: The Unmissable $1.2M,10-Carat, D Flawless Diamond Tweet VADUZ, LIECHTENSTEIN, Oct. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tiamonds, a pioneer in the world of Real-World Assets (RWAs) tokenization, is proud to unveil its latest offering: a collection of 10 exquisite diamonds poised to revolutionize the diamond landscape. Here, each tokenized diamond signifies a real-world physical diamond. Building on a history of successful tokenized diamond sales, Tiamonds is pushing the boundaries of luxury, innovation, and security. At the heart of this groundbreaking collection lies a 10 Carat diamond valued at $1.2 million. This remarkable diamond represents the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity, transcending the digital realm to become a masterpiece in its own right. Notably, it's worth highlighting that comparable stones of similar characteristics are listed on various e-commerce platforms at prices exceeding $2.2 million USD. Our commitment to transparency and fairness to our esteemed clients remains unwavering, as we strive to provide this exceptional diamond at a price that reflects its true value, ensuring that our users enjoy the utmost integrity and value in their acquisitions. Tiamonds ensures that each tokenized damond issued is backed by a 1-1 physical diamond. Each diamond is safely secured in a vault that ensures a harmonious fusion of opulence and state-of-the-art technology, which underscores the inherent value and credibility of Tiamonds. LCX acts as a Physical Validator authenticating that each diamond within the collection represents the ownership of a real-world diamond. These tokenized diamonds are certified by LCX and GIA, assuring their authenticity. LCX issues a proof of ownership of the tokenized asset, and GIA certifies the cut, carat, color, and clarity of the diamond. Tiamonds proudly presents diamonds sourced from esteemed distributors, stored securely in a Liechtenstein vault insured by Lloyds London, guaranteeing their legitimacy and conflict-free origin. Our commitment to UN resolutions ensures ethical procurement, while LCXs status as the first Physical Validator under Liechtenstein's blockchain laws underscores our dedication to transparency and compliance. With the integration of blockchain technology, it emphasizes the critical importance of traceability in the diamond industry. The launch of this collection marks a pivotal moment in the history of Tiamonds, as it redefines the world of tokenization, blending luxury, innovation, and security like never before. Tiamonds invites the world to join this extraordinary journey, bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms while setting new standards for trust and assurance in the tokenization ecosystem. Your trust and support have been instrumental in our success, and we eagerly anticipate sharing this exciting new chapter with you. About Tiamonds Tiamonds is the world's largest blockchain-powered marketplace for tokenized diamonds. Each Tiamond is 1-to-1 backed by a unique real-world diamond that is identified by a GIA certificate and held in secure storage, insured by Lloyds of London. The link between the physical diamond and digital asset is ensured by LCX's regulated role as a Physical Validator according to the Liechtenstein Blockchain Act (TVTG). This makes Tiamonds a secure and reliable platform for investing in diamond assets using blockchain technology. Visit Tiamonds.com . Sumit Sagar Head of Marketing pr at lcx.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] James Hardie Industries To Announce Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results on 8 November 2023 James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX; NYSE: JHX) will announce financial results, for its second quarter ended 30 September 2023, on the ASX before market on Wednesday, 8 November 2023. The Company will host a conference call that morning at 9:00am Australian Eastern Time (AET). For those in North America the conference call will commence at 5:00pm Eastern Time (ET), Tuesday 7 November. Teleconference Registration: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10033260-ba2me8.html Webcast URL: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/sfjbf7gz Once registered, participants will receive a calendar invitation with global dial-in numbers and a unique PIN which will be required to join the call. A replay of the call will be available shortly after the call and will be available at; https://ir.jameshardie.com.au/financial-information/financial-results This media release has been authorized by Mr. Aaron Erter, Chief Executive Officer. END James Hardie Industries plc is a limited liability company incorporated in Ireland with its registered office at 1st Floor, Block A, One Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 FD79, Ireland View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005486544/en/ [October 05, 2023] Intrepid Fiber Networks Expands High-Speed Internet to Bloomington, Minnesota Tweet Intrepid Fiber Networks, a national fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) provider, is proud to announce its expansion into Bloomington, Minnesota. This strategic investment aims to provide over 40,000 households and businesses with access to symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet speeds. Intrepid Fiber will continue its valued partnerships with leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deliver best-in-class FTTP services through its wholesale open-access model. Construction began in July 2023, with Minnesotans expected to enjoy ultra-fast Internet as early as December 2023. Multi-gigabit speeds will elevate the quality of life and economic prospects of residents and boost efficiency, foster innovation, and expand the market reach of businesses. This is a significant milestone for Intrepid Fiber as it expands beyond its inaugural markets in Pueblo and Northglenn, Colorado. The company remains committed to delivering high-speed, reliable Internet services to its customers, further strengthening its presence in the broadband industry. Over time, Intrepid Fiber will enable multiple ISPs on its Bloomington network, giving consumers and businesses more choic. "At Intrepid Fiber, our unwavering commitment is to provide reliable, secure, high-capacity fiber connectivity that empowers communities to thrive in the digital age," said Jack Waters, CEO of Intrepid Fiber. "We understand that in today's world, access to fast and dependable Internet is a necessity. With this expansion into Bloomington, we're focused on delivering high-speed, quality Internet services from multiple ISPs. We're excited to be a catalyst for economic growth, educational advancement, and enhanced quality of life for the residents of these communities. Our journey has just begun, and we're eager to see the transformative impact our services will have on the people of Minnesota." About Intrepid Fiber Networks Intrepid Fiber Networks collaborates with municipalities to offer last-mile fiber connectivity, enabling consumers to access a wide range of Internet services through its wholesale open-access network. The company's goal is to deliver world-class fiber to communities throughout the United States to meet the broadband demands of the future. Intrepid Fiber is well-positioned for growth as a part of the Brookfield Infrastructure portfolio. For more information about Intrepid Fiber, please visit Intrepidfiber.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005180678/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] KING'S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DELEGATION EMBARKS ON ACADEMIC VISIT TO VIETNAM TO BOOST CROSS-BORDER COLLABORATIONS Tweet ~The delegation led by the President of King's University College is part of The Canadian Bureau for International Education's (CBIE) larger mission to increase academic collaboration between the 2 nations ~ ~ As part of the visit, King's will announce a financial award of up to $32,000 CAD for Vietnamese students and also sign MoU's with multiple universities in Vietnam in the fields of social sciences, humanities, economics and laws as well as with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the soaring enthusiasm among Vietnamese students, King's University College, under the guidance of President Dr. David C. Malloy, is embarking on a significant educational tour in Vietnam with stops in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. This strategic endeavour perfectly aligns with CBIE's overarching mission to promote academic collaboration between Canada and Vietnam. The delegation from King's primary objective is to fortify existing relationships and forge new academic collaborations, signalling a promising stride toward strengthening cross-border academic bonds between the two nations. Esteemed representatives from King's University Colleg will actively engage in a series of initiatives during their visit to reinforce partnerships and cultivate fresh opportunities for collaboration. Sharing his insights on the visit to Vietnam, Dr. David C. Malloy, President of King's University College, remarked, "At King's University College, we are deeply committed to strengthening our partnerships with Vietnam and contributing to the growth of the education sector. Apart from our educational mission, we recognize the immense potential within this market and view this opportunity to engage with prospective industry leaders." As part of the itinerary, the delegation will engage in productive discussions with academic leaders and government officials in Vietnam. Moreover, President Malloy is also set to announce the King's International Student Award, a financial support initiative available to eligible Vietnamese applicants starting their study abroad journey with the university from all 2024 and beyond. The financial award has been designed to attract, encourage, and support Vietnamese students to pursue higher education in Canada, with a maximum value of $32,000 Canadian dollars over four years of full-time study at King's. Dr. David C. Malloy further added, "This visit underscores King's University College's commitment to global engagement and its mission of providing students with a comprehensive education that equips them for a rapidly evolving world. The collaboration between King's and Vietnamese institutions and industry bodies presents significant opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers, offering them access to diverse perspectives, knowledge, and resources. Furthermore, we firmly believe that our student financial award initiative is a significant step towards building the cross-border relations between the two nations, while improving the flux of talent, academic and cultural exchange." Complementing King's University College's commitment to advancing its global presence and strengthening international partnerships, the institution has introduced a specialized program, The King's Promise, which guarantees participants a meaningful job within six months of graduation or they can return for a year of study for free. Designed to cater to the aspirations of Vietnamese students seeking higher education opportunities in Canada, King's offers international work-study jobs on campus. With these initiatives in motion, the delegation is confident in the prospect of a mutually beneficial and productive exploration of the promising opportunities that lie ahead. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/kings-university-college-delegation-embarks-on-academic-visit-to-vietnam-to-boost-cross-border-collaborations-301948824.html SOURCE Kings University College [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] JUBA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's transitional government has failed to deploy the first batch of 52,000 unified forces due to disagreement over the ratio of the army command structure, an official said Friday. The main opposition group, Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar, is insisting on a 50 percent share of the command structure, which includes other opposition parties, said Lul Ruai Koang, spokesman of the South Sudan People's Defense Forces. "We have not yet overcome the issue of command ratio, the positions that were allocated to SPLM/A-IO were rejected," Koang told Xinhua in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. In August 2021, the relevant parties appeared to have reached an agreement on the army command structure, with 60 percent assigned to the SPLM-In Government led by President Salva Kiir and 40 percent to opposition parties. Koang also disclosed that the deployment plans for the first batch of unified forces who completed their training in August 2022 have been delayed due to the lack of funding. Charles Tai Gituai, the chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, a body established to track the implementation of the peace deal, said on Thursday that although food and other supplies have been procured to the training centers, there is no new progress regarding the redeploying the first phase of the unified forces or commencing the second phase of unified forces training. Minister of Cabinet Affairs Elia Lomuro said that soldiers are reporting to their respective training centers and security agencies are compiling deployment lists in order to complete the deployment process. Under the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, South Sudan is supposed to graduate a total of 83,000 unified forces including police, army and intelligence units. [October 06, 2023] FPT Hosts IATA 19th Maintenance Cost Conference & 2nd MRO Smart Hub User Forum Tweet FPT Corporation (FPT), a global technology firm headquartered in Vietnam, announced its role as the host sponsor for the 19th Maintenance Cost Conference (MCC) & 2nd MRO Smart Hub User Forum on October 4-5 in Hanoi, Vietnam. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005978201/en/ FPT Chairman delivered opening remarks at the IATA MCC & MRO Smart Hub User Forum (Photo: Business Wire) The MCC & MRO Smart Hub User Forum is an annual event of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) - a trade association representing about 300 airlines in 120 countries. This year's event brought together industry leaders such as Delta Air Lines, Boeing, Airbus, Safran, and Vietnam Airlines, among others. Its focused topics included current trends and status of the airline industry, maintenance cost and efficiency, sustainability, supply chain disruption, and the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market. For the first time, the MCC & MRO Smart Hub User Forum is hosted by a technology corporation. With more than 200 highly-skilled aviation data engineers and over 12 years of experience in assisting digital transformation for the aviation and aerospace industries, FPT is well-positioned to join hands with other participants in addressing the challenges and opportunities of the industry. FPT Chairman Dr. Truong Gia Binh, in his welcome remarks, linked to the company's partnerships with Airbus and EASA, which leverage its expertise in digitization, blockchain and data analytics to promote safety standards and competitive edges for airlines. He also emphasised recent developments in Vietnam, including the upgraded partnership with the US, signalling a new chapter of innovation for the country. "You are here at the very beginning of a new Vietnam as a digital destination," he said. "FPT has been providing digital solutions for several aviation giants around the world, and we want to continue collaborating with you to make the airline industry grow faster and operate more efficiently and safely." Representing FPT's subsidiary FPT Software, VP & Managing Director of Digital Transformation Division Frank Bignone and Digital Transformation and Aviation Specialist Inigo Arsuaga Espoz participated in presentation and panel discussions across two days of the event. Throughout the working sessions, digital transformation has been highlighted as the determining factor for companies in the aviation industry to stay competitive and improve operational efficiency while upholding safety and environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities. "The IATA Maintenance Cost Conference (MCC) is the industry forum for discussing the current and future challenges and opportunities facing the sector. We're pleased to work with FPT Corporation to bring the MCC and MRO Smart Hub User Forum to this exciting market," said Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security. The 19th Maintenance Cost Conference & 2nd MRO Smart Hub User Forum took place at FPT's headquarters FPT Tower and Hola Park campus of FPT Software. About FPT Corporation FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam. FPT operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. During over three decades of development, FPT has constantly provided practical and effective products to millions of people and tens of thousands of business and non-business organizations worldwide, establishing Vietnam's position on the global tech map. Keeping up with the latest market trends and emerging technologies, FPT has developed the Made-by-FPT ecosystem of services, products, solutions and platforms, which enables sustainable growth for organizations and businesses and offers distinctive experiences to customers. In 2022, FPT recorded total revenue of US$1.87 billion and 60,000+ employees. For more information, please visit https://fpt.com.vn/en. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231005978201/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Swisslog names Jens Schmale as new Chief Executive Officer Tweet Jens Schmale is next in line for Swisslog CEO as Antonio Trioschi announces upcoming retirement. Giulia Colombi to lead the EMEA region. PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Swisslog, a member of the KUKA Group, is pleased to introduce Jens Schmale as its next CEO, effective 1 January 2024. Jens is currently CEO of Swisslog EMEA and brings a wealth of experience in the logistics sector to his new role. Jens, 49, joined Swisslog in 2020 where he was responsible for the company's AutoStore business unit until he took on the role of CEO of Swisslog EMEA in September 2021. Before Swisslog, he held several senior leadership positions with leading logistics providers. Antonio Trioschi, the current CEO of Swisslog, has announced his intention to retire at the end of the year, prompting this change in leadership. Antonio leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, including the orchestration of transformative initiatives that fuelled business growth, financial improvement, and innovation at customer level. KUKA CEO, Peter Mohnen trusts Jens will build on the achievements of his predecessor. "I want to extend my profound appreciation to Antonio for his outstanding leadership and dedication. Unde his leadership, Swisslog has achieved incredible milestones for its customers. Jens has demonstrated his leadership expertise as the CEO of Swisslog EMEA and is well-equipped to build on this strong foundation and usher in a new chapter of success." As the new Chief Executive Officer of Swisslog, Jens' primary strategic focus will be on enhancing the customer experience and strengthening the company's relationships with its clients and partners. "I am excited to steer Swisslog on the path to growth and seize opportunities to exceed customer expectations," Jens shares. "I will also be concentrating on ensuring Swisslog remains a great place to work by fostering stronger collaboration and, ultimately, creating added value for our customers." Giulia Colombi, 38, will be taking over as the leader of Swisslog EMEA. Giulia has experience across various business areas, working closely with customers and opening new markets. She began her career at Swisslog as a Market Segment Sales Manager before leading the Design and Consulting team, and more recently, transforming this into the Design and Engineering department. Jens has full confidence in Giulia as the successor for his current role. "Giulia will make an excellent leader of the Swisslog EMEA region. I am confident that she will play an important part in driving the continued growth and success of Swisslog within the EMEA region." About Swisslog Swisslog delivers data-driven & robotic solutions for your logistics automation alongside reliable, modular service concepts. Collaborating with forward-thinking companies, we are committed to setting new standards in warehouse automation to provide future-proof products and solutions. As part of the KUKA Group, our customers trust the competence of our passionate employees more than 14,000 people working across the globe. www.swisslog.com & www.kuka.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/swisslog-names-jens-schmale-as-new-chief-executive-officer-301949249.html SOURCE Swisslog [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Hormoz Faryar Joins ATFX as Managing Director of Institutional Sales (MENA-Dubai) Tweet LONDON, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ATFX Group, a leading global online trading broker in both retail and institutional business, is pleased to announce the appointment of Hormoz Faryar as the Managing Director of Institutional Sales (MENA-Dubai). With over 23 years of invaluable experience in the field of FX trading and sales, Hormoz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Before joining ATFX, Hormoz held influential roles within renowned financial institutions, showcasing his dedication and expertise. He began his career at State Street Bank and quickly rose through the ranks to become a Vice President in the Global Exchange business. Hormoz's time at Credit Suisse in London further solidified his reputation as a leader in the field, serving as the Director of Institutional Sale for the Middle East and Africa. Hormoz proved his ability to drive growth and foster client relationships on a global scale and has displayed a track record of success and a commitment to excellence throughout his career. Hormoz's unique blend of skills and insights makes him the perfect fit for his new role at ATFX. As the Managing Director of Institutional Sales (MENA-Dubai), Hormoz will expand ATFX's presence in the region and foster strong relationships with institutional clients. Commenting on his appointment, Hormoz Faryar said, "I am thrilled to join the ATFX team and take on the Managing Director of Institutional Sales role. I look forward to leveraging my experience and expertise to drive growth and contribute to the company's continued success in the region." Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director of ATFX UK and ATFX Connect, stated, "We are delighted to welcome Hormoz to the ATFX family. His extensive experience and proven track record in the industry will further strengthen our institutional business, ATFX Connect, and help us achieve our strategic objectives." About ATFX ATFX is a leading global online trading broker, holding licenses in multiple countries including the UK's FCA, Cyprus' CySEC, UAE's SCA, and Australia's ASIC. ATFX has spread its business in 16 locations worldwide to provide advanced online trading services, cutting-edge market analysis tools, and innovative AI financial platforms. With a client-centric approach and a commitment to transparency, ATFX strives to provide the best trading experience for both retail and institutional clients. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hormoz-faryar-joins-atfx-as-managing-director-of-institutional-sales-mena-dubai-301949388.html SOURCE ATFX [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Top 10 Features of Kotak811 Zero Balance Savings Account Tweet MUMBAI, India, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest banking solution from Kotak811 lets bank accounts double as an investment solution. This online bank account opening with zero balance can be done through a seamless 3-minute process. Below are the top 10 features of Kotak811 that promise more than just usual banking. 1. No Balance Required for Endless Possibilities The concept of a Zero Balance Savings Account is banking without borders. It removes the limitations imposed by minimum balance requirements. Kotak811 has truly embraced this to ensure account holders are free from the stress of non-maintenance charges or annual fees. There are no hidden fees or charges either. Zero balance, zero charges, simple. 2. Easy Digital Process Physical paperwork has always been the base of banking. With Kotak811's paperless process, one can easily verify the Aadhaar and PAN online. This not only aids the environment but also reduces the time and hassle associated with opening an account. 3. Dual Card Benefits On the opening of an account, Kotak811 equips one with an instant virtual debit card, ready to use. But that's not all; a lifetime no joining fee credit card, or debit card (on nominal charges) are also available. These cards are designed to increase the power of purchases with a wide range of rewards, benefits, and waivers. 4. Savings that Earn with ActivMoney Zero balance doesn't mean zero benefits. With Kotak811, savings can earn an interest of up to 7%*p.a. through ActivMoney*. Get FD like returns with the flexibility of a savings account, with no charges or penalties for withdrawing funds. With ActivMoney, one can be certain that one's money will work for them, even if one is not actively investing or maintaining a substantial balance. 5. TransparentBanking at its Finest Hidden fees and charges are most unwelcome. Kotak811 champions transparency with zero charges for non-maintenance. The bouquet of free digital transactions, and many more ensures the modern netizen is always in the know. 6. Round-the-Clock Accessibility Whether one is traveling abroad or it's just a late night at work, the Kotak811 App and its robust internet banking platform ensure one's bank is just a few clicks away. 7. Transparency in Transactions No more reading between the lines. Kotak811's transactional processes, whether it's account opening or digital transfers, come with clarity. A few specialised services might come with fees, but these are always communicated upfront. 8. Quick Online Account Opening The speed and efficiency of opening a Zero Balance Account with Kotak811 are unparalleled. A few steps involving basic verification and it is good to go: in 3 minutes. The age of waiting in queues or making repeated trips to the bank is over. 9. Everyone is Eligible Banking shouldn't be exclusive. And Kotak811 ensures it isn't. Minimal documentation, basic eligibility criteria, and an emphasis on digital verification mean the doors of Kotak811 are open to almost every Indian citizen over the age of 18. 10. A Universal Solution Kotak811's Zero Balance Account isn't niche it's universal. Be it students getting their first taste of financial freedom, working professionals managing their monthly expenses, or senior citizens looking for hassle-free banking, Kotak811 caters to all. The Bigger Picture is Here Kotak811 is the embodiment of modern banking. Its Zero Balance Account, complemented by no joining fee credit cards and debit cards is not just about transactions: it's about crafting a unique user experience. With each of its features tailored to meet the needs of today's customer, Kotak811 is more than just a bank it's a financial companion whenever one needs it. If one is looking for a banking solution that understands one's needs, values one's time, and prioritises one's convenience, it's time to consider the Kotak811 Zero Balance Savings Account . As banking continues to evolve, make sure one is with a bank that's not just keeping up but setting the pace. With Kotak811, one is always ahead. *ActivMoney (Auto Sweep) is a facility of automatically sweeping out funds above a pre-specified threshold from one's Current/Savings Account to a Term Deposit (TD) Account for 180 days. In case of insufficient balance in Current/Savings Account, the TD will be broken prematurely and the required amount will be transferred to the Current/Savings Account. Default Sweep Out and Sweep In for limit for an account variant are the minimum thresholds and one will not be able to opt for limits lower than these. Auto-Sweep out of funds above a pre-specified threshold from Savings to Fixed Deposit will be for 180 days and in multiples of Rs. 5,000. The nomination registered for Saving Account/Current Account will apply for FDs created through ActivMoney. If a customer opts for ActivMoney in an account, standalone Fixed Deposits cannot be linked to that account. Terms and Conditions guiding the fixed deposit will be applicable to fixed deposits booked under ActivMoney. Bank may at its absolute discretion discontinue / suspend any of the services completely or partially with or without any notice to me. Copyright Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. Media Contact: Revathi Pandit +91-9820237909 revathi.pandit@kotak.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2238609/Kotak811.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/top-10-features-of-kotak811-zero-balance-savings-account-301949390.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] The Week in Press Releases: 13 Stories You Need to See A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from PR Newswire this week, including Beyonce's "Renaissance" tour film, September's employment numbers, and NASA's upcoming spacewalks. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Read more of the latest releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNalert on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-week-in-press-releases-13-stories-you-need-to-see-301948940.html SOURCE PR Newswire [October 06, 2023] This Week in Energy News: 10 Stories You Need to See A roundup of the week's most newsworthy energy industry press releases from PR Newswire, including updates in solar and hydrogen energy. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the energy and natural resources industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Read more of the latest energy-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNenergy on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/this-week-in-energy-news-10-stories-you-need-to-see-301948957.html SOURCE PR Newswire [October 06, 2023] Aktivolabs Earns HIPAA Certification and Launches Operations in the United States Tweet Aktivolabs, a digital health science company, announced today HIPAA compliance and the launch of its operations in the United States. The company is on a mission to prevent chronic diseases globally. The real-time digital health platform empowers enterprises & governments to build scalable, evidence-based health & well-being solutions. In December 2022, Aktivolabs secured a US$10 million capital injection for a Series A round led by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui"), Adaptive Capital Partners, and SEEDS Capital, the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore. The US arrival will include adding new hires, new client and partner engagements, and continuous digital health science and data innovations. "HIPAA, for Aktivolabs, is a validation and testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of data security and privacy," says Gourab Mukherjee, Co-founder, and CEO of Aktivolabs. Aktivolabs has over half a million paid subscribers, and global clients and partners include Marsh Mercer, AXA, Sunlife, and Dai-ichi. The US market is the largest private healthcare marketplace in the world, where more than 65% is private, creating opportunities for Digital Health companies, such as Aktivolabs, to sell directly to insurers, employers, and governments. "HIPAA compliance is far more than just regulatory adherence; it is a stamp of data privacy excellence that extends beyond borders, reinforcing Aktivolabs' global commitment to data security and privacy," says Hemant Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Aktivolabs. "Compliance provides a robust shield against risks; we are a resilient and trustworthy company successfully operating in a data-centric and privacy-conscious business environment." "The US spends more on healthcare per capita than any other counry in the world," says Gourab Mukherjee, Chief Executive of Aktivolabs. "We respond to this spending challenge with our expansion to the US and recent HIPAA certification to be a trusted partner in the US. Extremely proud of our team that methodically prepared for this move. This, alongside ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 13485 certifications and privacy regulations such as GDPR, PDPA, and DPA, sets us on a journey of eternal vigilance to maintain the highest data security and privacy standards." Aktivolabs' current product portfolio includes the Aktivo Score, Aktivo Mind and Glucolife. Aktivo Score is your guide to maintaining a healthy physical lifestyle for long-term health. Developed by a team of elite doctors and data scientists, the Aktivo Score measures the combined impact of daily physical activities and sleep on long-term health. This provides a single measure and a truly meaningful indicator of the healthiness of your physical lifestyle. Aktivo Mind is a personalized digital guide to enhance mental well-being & resilience. It is designed to enhance your well-being and reduce stress using cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT) exercises. Glucolife is a self-care and management guide for pre-diabetes and type-2 diabetes. It helps you take control of your life and avoid being swept into the global surge of prediabetes and diabetes. "Aktivolabs endeavors to help the US population better understand and reduce the risk of chronic diseases through harnessing the power of real-time digital health data. We are committed, positioned, and now HIPAA compliant to enable healthier and happier lives across cultures and continents," says Gourab. Aktivolabs will be presenting and exhibiting at ITC Las Vegas Oct 31, 2023. To meet the team, please register here. About Aktivolabs. Founded in 2017 by medical doctors and data scientists, Aktivolabs is on a mission to prevent chronic diseases globally. Our real-time digital health platform empowers enterprises & governments to build scalable, evidence-based health & well-being solutions. Clients include the world's largest Insurance companies, health super-apps, large employers, consumer products companies, and enterprise-level corporations. Aktivolabs investors include Mitsui & Co., SEEDS Capital (the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore), and Adaptive Capital Partners. The company is headquartered in Singapore with offices in New York, Cambridge and India. To learn more, please visit the website www.aktivolabs.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006846522/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Digerati CEO to take Temporary Medical Leave of Absence Tweet SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digerati Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: DTGI) (Digerati or the Company), a provider of cloud services specializing in UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) solutions for the small to medium-sized business (SMB) market, announced today that CEO Arthur L. Smith will take a temporary medical leave of absence relating to a recent surgery, effective immediately. Craig K. Clement, Digeratis Executive Chairman, will serve as the interim CEO during Mr. Smiths absence. Mr. Clement stated, The Board and I have complete confidence in the Companys ability to continue executing on its strategic initiatives announced last month. Based upon the strength of our executive leadership team, namely President Derek Gietzen and Chief Financial Officer Antonio Estrada, we can state unequivocally that its business as usual at Digerati, and, with these individuals, we believe we are in the hands of two of the best and brightest operating executives in the business. Mr. Clement has over 35 years of executive and board of director experience with Technology and Oil and Gas Exploration and Production entities. He has served as a member of the Companys Board since 2014 and as Executive Chairman of the Company since 2015. He assisted in the growth of a San Antonio-based telecom provider, from 10 mployees to 500, achieving a public market valuation of $615 million. He was the founding CEO of GlobalSCAPE, Inc. Mr. Clement was also the former Chief Operating Officer of XPEL Technologies Corp., and the former Chairman of the South Texas Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization, which screened and supported entrepreneurs through the Emerging Technology Fund managed by the Governors office and invested more than $350 million in Texas-based technology start-ups. About Digerati Technologies, Inc. Digerati Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: DTGI) is a provider of cloud services specializing in UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) solutions for the business market. Through its operating subsidiary Verve Cloud, Inc. (f/k/a T3 Communications, Nexogy, and NextLevel Internet), the Company is meeting the global needs of small businesses seeking simple, flexible, reliable, and cost-effective communication and network solutions including, cloud PBX, cloud telephony, cloud WAN, cloud call center, cloud mobile, and the delivery of digital oxygen on its broadband network. The Company has developed a robust integration platform to fuel mergers and acquisitions in a highly fragmented market, as it delivers business solutions on its carrier-grade network and Only in the Cloud. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements related to the future financial performance of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, our inability to source suitable acquisition targets, failure to execute growth strategies, lack of product development and related market acceptance, the impact of competitive services and pricing, general economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties described in the Companys periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Labaton Sucharow LLP Announce Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement For All Record Holders and Beneficial Owners of QAD Inc. Class A Common Stock Tweet IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE NANTAHALA CAPITAL PARTNERS II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, on behalf of itself and all other similarly situated stockholders of QAD INC., Plaintiff, v. QAD INC., PAMELA M. LOPKER, ANTON CHILTON, SCOTT J. ADELSON, KATHLEEN M. CRUSCO, PETER R. VAN CUYLENBURG, THOMA BRAVO, LP, QAD ULTIMATE PARENT, LP (F/K/A PROJECT QUICK ULTIMATE PARENT, LP), and QAD PARENT, LLC (F/K/A PROJECT QUICK PARENT, LLC), Defendants. C.A. No. 2021-0573-PAF SUMMARY NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF STOCKHOLDER CLASS ACTION AND PROPOSED SETTLEMENT, SETTLEMENT HEARING, AND RIGHT TO APPEAR TO: All record holders and beneficial owners of QAD Inc. Class A common stock as of the closing of the Merger (November 5, 2021) and who received $87.50 in cash per Class A share as Merger consideration.1 ______________________________ 1 Certain persons and entities are excluded from the Class by definition, as set forth in the full Notice of Pendency of Stockholder Class Action and Proposed Settlement, Settlement Hearing, and Right to Appear (the "Notice"), available at www.QADSettlementLitigation.com. Any capitalized terms used in this Summary Notice that are not otherwise defined in this Summary Notice shall have the meanings given to them in the Notice. PLEASE READ THIS SUMMARY NOTICE CAREFULLY. YOUR RIGHTS WILL BE AFFECTED BY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PENDING IN THIS COURT. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to an Order of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the "Court"), that the above-captioned stockholder class action (the "Action") is pending in the Court. YOU ARE ALSO NOTIFIED that plaintiff Nantahala Capital Partners II Limited Partnership ("Plaintiff"), on behalf of itself and the Class, has reached a proposed settlement with defendants QAD Inc., Pamela M. Lopker, Anton Chilton, Scott J. Adelson, Kathleen M. Crusco, Peter R. van Cuylenburg, Thoma Bravo LP, QAD Ultimate Parent, LP, and QAD Parent, LLC (the "Defendants") for $65,000,000 in cash (the "Settlement"). The terms of the Settlement are stated in the Stipulation and Agreement of Compromise and Settlement between Plaintiff and the Defendants, dated August 28, 2023 (the "Stipulation"), a copy of which is available at www.QADSettlementLitigation.com. The proposed Settlement, if approved, will resolve all claims in the Action and result in the dismissal of the Action with prejudice. A hearing (the "Settlement Hearing") will be held on November 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., before The Honorable Paul J. Fioravanti, Jr., Vice Chancellor, in person at the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, New Castle County, Leonard L. Williams Justice Center, 500 North King Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, to, among other things: (i) determine whether the Action may be finally maintained as a non-opt-out class action and whether the Class should be finally certified, for purposes of the Settlement, pursuant to Court of Chancery Rules 23(a), 23(b)(1), and 23(b)(2); (ii) determine whether Plaintiff may be finally appointed as representatives for the Class and Plaintiff's Counsel, Labaton Sucharow LLP, may be finally appointed as counsel for the Class, and whether Plaintiff and Plaintiff's Counsel have adequately represented the interests of the Class in the Action; (iii) determine whether the proposed Settlement on the terms and conditions provided for in the Stipulation is fair, reasonable, and adequate to the Class, and should be approved by the Court; (iv) determine whether a Judgment, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D to the Stipulation, should be entered dismissing the Action with prejudice; (v) determine whether the proposed Plan of Allocation of the Net Settlement Fund is fair and reasonable, and should therefore be approved; (vi) determine whether the application by Plaintiff's Counsel for an award of attorneys' fees and litigation expenses should be approved; (vii) hear and rule on any objections to the Settlement, the proposed Plan of Allocation, and/or to the application by Plaintiff's Counsel for an award of attorneys' fees and expenses; and (viii) consider any other matters that may properly be brought before the Court in connection with the Settlement. Any updates regarding the Settlement Hearing, including any changes to the date or time of the hearing or updates regarding in-person or remote appearances at the hearing, will be posted to the Settlement website, www.QADSettlementLitigation.com. If you are a member of the Class, your rights will be affected by the pending Action and the Settlement, and you may be entitled to share in the Net Settlement Fund. If you have not yet received the Notice, you may obtain a copy of the Notice by contacting the Settlement Administrator at [email protected]. A copy of the Notice can also be downloaded from the Settlement website, www. QADSettlementLitigation.com. If the Settlement is approved by the Court and the Effective Date occurs, the Net Settlement Fund will be distributed on a pro rata basis to "Eligible Class Members" in accordance with the proposed Plan of Allocation stated in the Notice or such other plan of allocation as is approved by the Court. Under the proposed Plan of Allocation, "Eligible Class Members" consist of Class Members who held shares of QAD Class A common stock at the closing of the November 5, 2021 Merger between QAD and Thoma Bravo, L.P. and affiliated entities QAD Ultimate Parent, LP (f/k/a Project Quick Ultimate Parent, LP) and QAD Parent, LLC (f/k/a Project Quick Parent, LLC) for $87.50 per share, and therefore received or were entitled to receive the Merger Consideration for their Eligible Shares. Pursuant to the proposed Plan of Allocation, each Eligible Class Member will be eligible to receive a pro rata payment from the Net Settlement Fund equal to the product of (i) the number of Eligible Shares held by the Eligible Class Member and (ii) the "Per-Share Recovery" for the Settlement, which will be determined by dividing the total amount of the Net Settlement Fund by the total number of Eligible Shares. As explained in further detail in the Notice, pursuant to the Plan of Allocation, payments from the Net Settlement Fund to Eligible Class Members will be made in the same manner in which Eligible Class Members received the Merger Consideration. Eligible Class Members do not have to submit a claim form to receive a payment from the Settlement. Any objections to the proposed Settlement, the proposed Plan of Allocation, or Plaintiff's Counsel's application for an award of attorneys' fees and expenses in connection with the Settlement must be filed with the Register in Chancery in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and delivered to Plaintiff's Counsel and Defendants' Counsel such that they are received no later than November 6, 2023, in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Notice. Please do not contact the Court or the Office of the Register in Chancery regarding this notice. All questions about this notice, the proposed Settlement, or your eligibility to participate in the Settlement should be directed to the Settlement Administrator or Plaintiff's Counsel. Requests for the Notice should be made to the Settlement Administrator: Email: [email protected] or Call: 1-800-952-0581 Inquiries, other than requests for the Notice, should be made to Plaintiff's Counsel: Ned Weinberger Labaton Sucharow LLP 222 Delaware Ave., Suite 1510 Wilmington, Delaware 19801 1-866-640-7254 [email protected] BY ORDER OF THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231003426796/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Rick Rice Joins the Harry Davis & Company Team as Director of Business Operations Tweet Harry Davis & Company CEO Lenny Davis announced today the addition of Rick Rice to the food and beverage market makers team. Rice assumes the role of Director of Business Operations, bringing 42 years of food, beverage, and dairy equipment manufacturing and integration to the third-generation family business. In this new position, Rice will travel the country to visit facilities and identify possible asset solutions for clients. "Rick is already proving invaluable to our team with his decades of equipment knowledge. He has relationships with all of the major industry players, so it's a natural fit for our strategic goals," said Davis on his new hire. Based in central Tennessee, Rice began his career as a stainless steel welder and fabricator, quickly becoming an expert in equipment repair and identification. When not on the job, he's an avidoutdoorsman, farmer, and restores antique automobiles. "With offices in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and now Tennessee, Harry Davis & Company is really increasing their reach across the country and Canada. I've worked with the Davis family many times over my years in this industry, and I couldn't be happier to continue my career with this group of experts," said Rice when asked about his new position. About Harry Davis & Company Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania since 1955, Harry Davis & Company is a third-generation family business providing industry-leading asset valuations, business strategy, and facility sales consulting to dozens of industries including dairy, food and beverage, industrial manufacturing, and consumer personal care products. Harry Davis & Company are The Food & Beverage Market Makers, bringing buyers and sellers together to achieve maximum results. Visit www.HarryDavis.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006994422/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NEW DELHI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 persons died and around 40 were injured in two separate fire incidents in India on Friday, local media reported. A massive fire broke out inside a multi-storey building in the Goregaon area of financial capital Mumbai in the south-western Maharashtra state, killing seven persons and injuring nearly 40. Five among the injured were said to be in critical condition, while four persons were discharged from the hospital after first aid. According to the latest media reports, the blaze had been brought under control and cooling efforts were underway. Investigations were on to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. During the night intervening Thursday-Friday, another fire inside a pharmaceutical factory in the Amritsar area of Punjab state claimed the lives of four laborers. Large quantities of chemicals inside the factory may have led to the fire. However, there was no official confirmation of what caused the incident. [October 06, 2023] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, a Leading Securities Fraud Law Firm, Announces Investigation of A10 Networks, Inc. (ATEN) on Behalf of Investors Tweet Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), a leading national shareholder rights law firm, today announced that it has commenced an investigation on behalf of A10 Networks, Inc. ("A10" or the "Company") (NYSE: ATEN) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of the federal securities laws. If you suffered a loss on your A10 investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/A10-Networks-Inc-1/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at [email protected] to learn more about your rights. On October 3, 2023, A10 published a press release reporting its preliminary financial results for the third quarter of 2023. Therein, the Company disclosed that it "experienced delays related to North American service provider customers pushing out capital expenditures" andthat deals the Company "expected to close at the end of the quarter were delayed into future periods." On this news, A10's stock price fell $4.13, or 27.2%, to close at $11.04 per share on October 4, 2023, thereby injuring investors. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Whistleblower Notice: Persons with non-public information regarding A10 should consider their options to aid the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower Program. Under the 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 Charles H. Linehan at 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224 or email [email protected]. About GPM Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP is a premier law firm representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. ISS Securities Class Action Services has consistently ranked GPM in its annual SCAS Top 50 Report. In 2018, GPM was ranked a top five law firm in number of securities class action settlements, and a top six law firm for total dollar size of settlements. With four offices across the country, GPM's nearly 40 attorneys have won groundbreaking rulings and recovered billions of dollars for investors and consumers in securities, antitrust, consumer, and employment class actions. GPM's lawyers have handled cases covering a wide spectrum of corporate misconduct including cases involving financial restatements, internal control weaknesses, earnings management, fraudulent earnings guidance and forward looking statements, auditor misconduct, insider trading, violations of FDA regulations, actions resulting in FDA and DOJ investigations, and many other forms of corporate misconduct. GPM's attorneys have worked on securities cases relating to nearly all industries and sectors in the financial markets, including, energy, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, real estate and REITs, financial, insurance, information technology, health care, biotech, cryptocurrency, medical devices, and many more. GPM's past successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press, Barron's, Investor's Business Daily, Forbes, and Money. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006272092/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, a Leading Securities Fraud Law Firm, Announces Investigation of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (CCO) on Behalf of Investors Tweet Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), a leading national shareholder rights law firm, today announced that it has commenced an investigation on behalf of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. ("Clear Channel" or the "Company") (NYSE: CCO) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of the federal securities laws. If you suffered a loss on your Clear Channel investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/Clear-Channel-Outdoor-Holdings-Inc/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at [email protected] to learn more about your rights. On September 28, 2023, it was announced that Clear Channel agreed to pay over $26 million to resolve charges that it had violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") by bribing Chinese government officials "to obtain contracts required to sell advertising services to public and private sector clients for display onpublic bus shelters and other outdoor displays." Additionally, Clear Channel used "sham intermediaries and false invoices to generate cash for off-book 'customer development' consultants engaged to win advertising business from government and private customers," and "failed to ensure that sufficient internal accounting controls were in place." On this news, Clear Channel's stock price fell $0.05, or 3.1%, to close at $1.58 per share on September 29, 2023, thereby injuring investors. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Whistleblower Notice: Persons with non-public information regarding Clear Channel should consider their options to aid the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower Program. Under the 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 Charles H. Linehan at 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224 or email [email protected]. About GPM Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP is a premier law firm representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. ISS Securities Class Action Services has consistently ranked GPM in its annual SCAS Top 50 Report. In 2018, GPM was ranked a top five law firm in number of securities class action settlements, and a top six law firm for total dollar size of settlements. With four offices across the country, GPM's nearly 40 attorneys have won groundbreaking rulings and recovered billions of dollars for investors and consumers in securities, antitrust, consumer, and employment class actions. GPM's lawyers have handled cases covering a wide spectrum of corporate misconduct including cases involving financial restatements, internal control weaknesses, earnings management, fraudulent earnings guidance and forward looking statements, auditor misconduct, insider trading, violations of FDA regulations, actions resulting in FDA and DOJ investigations, and many other forms of corporate misconduct. GPM's attorneys have worked on securities cases relating to nearly all industries and sectors in the financial markets, including, energy, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, real estate and REITs, financial, insurance, information technology, health care, biotech, cryptocurrency, medical devices, and many more. GPM's past successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press, Barron's, Investor's Business Daily, Forbes, and Money. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006105432/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Rockefeller Global Family Office Adds Two Private Advisor Teams in Los Angeles and DC Metro Markets Tweet Rockefeller Global Family Office ("Rockefeller"), the wealth management division of Rockefeller Capital Management, today announced the addition of two Private Advisor Teams - Shaffer Wealth Partners based in the DC Metro area and Willis Wealth Partners based in Los Angeles, CA. Shaffer Wealth Partners is led by Managing Director and Private Advisor Sheila Shaffer. The four-person team joins from Janney Montgomery Scott ("JMS") and also includes Senior Vice President and Private Advisor Eric Walker; Vice President and Wealth Manager Daniel Spainhour; and Associate Vice President and Client Associate Allyson Albert. Sheila Shaffer brings over 35 years of financial service experience, having begun her career at Merrill Lynch in 1983 and worked in corporate, management, and financial advisory roles at other firms, among them Legg Mason, Smith Barney (Morgan Stanley), and JMS. Eric Walker has worked with Shaffer since 2015, providing comprehensive financial advice to discerning clients. Prior to joining the practice, he held roles at Morgan Stanley and Pulte Mortgage. The team will report to Kristen Sario, Southeast Divisional Director. Willis Wealth Partners is led by Managing Director and Private Advisor Matt Willis and includes Senior Vice President and Private Advisor Frank Willis; Vice Presidents and Private Advisors Neil Martin and Patrick Digenan; and Senior Client Associate Claudia Ramirez. The five-person group joins from Wells Fargo and will report to Brian Riley, Western Divisional Director. Prior to Rockefeller, Matt Willis spent nearly a decade at Wells Fargo serving ultra-high net worth and high-net worth clients, families, and business owners with personalized solutions uniqu to their financial needs. Matt is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor with a specialization in exit planning and transition strategies for business owners and entrepreneur clients. Frank Willis began his career in financial services at JP Morgan Chase as a banker in lending and asset management before transitioning in 2014 to Merrill Lynch where he developed a planning-based practice with high-net-worth families. In 2018, he moved to Wells Fargo partnering with his brother to establish their practice. "These respected Private Advisor teams fit well with our growing platform and culture of excellence. Their decision to join Rockefeller reflects the firm's commitment to establishing an outstanding wealth management presence across the United States," said Christopher Dupuy, Co-President of Rockefeller Global Family Office. "We are delighted that these teams have chosen to bring their exceptional expertise and experience to Rockefeller," said Michael Outlaw, National Field Director of Rockefeller Global Family Office. "We look forward to partnering with them to deliver the unique promise of the Rockefeller legacy to a growing number of discerning clients in these important markets." To learn more about Shaffer Wealth Partners, visit www.rockco.com/shaffer-wealth-partners/. For more about Willis Wealth Partners, visit www.rockco.com/willis-wealth-partners/. About Rockefeller Capital Management Rockefeller Capital Management was established in 2018 as a leading independent financial advisory services firm. Originally founded in 1882 as the family office of John D. Rockefeller, the Firm has evolved to offer strategic advice to ultra- and high-net-worth individuals and families, institutions, and corporations from 46 locations across the United States and one in London. As of June 30, 2023, the Firm was responsible for $112 billion in client assets across its three businesses, Rockefeller Global Family Office, Rockefeller Asset Management, and Rockefeller Strategic Advisory. To learn more, visit www.rockco.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006664649/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] NASA Highlights Media Opportunities for Upcoming Ring of Fire Eclipse Tweet WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, Oct. 14, the Moon will pass between Earth and the Sun, giving people across the United States an opportunity to see an annular solar eclipse. NASA will host live coverage of the eclipse starting at 11:30 a.m. EDT. Media have an opportunity to interview NASA experts live prior to the eclipse, and those on site at two locations where NASA will broadcast live also can request interviews that day. Also known as a ring of fire eclipse, an annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away than it is during a total solar eclipse, the Moon appears smaller and doesn't block out the entire Sun when it passes in front of our star. Instead, the Moon leaves a bright ring of Sun visible at the eclipse's peak, creating the ring of fire effect. Watch the agency's eclipse coverage live on NASA Television, the agency's website, and the NASA app. NASA also will stream the broadcast live on its Facebook, X, and YouTube social media accounts. This eclipse will be visible along a narrow path stretching from Oregon to Texas in the U.S. Outside this path, people across the contiguous U.S. as well as Puerto Rico and parts of Alaska and Hawaii will see a partial solar eclipse, when part of the Sun is covered by the Moon without creating the ring of fire effect. NASA's coverage will be hosted from broadcast locations along the path of annlarity in Kerrville, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. NASA's coverage will include live views of the eclipse from multiple locations, interviews with scientists and other experts, as well as a live Q&A segment. Anyone can submit questions by using #askNASA. The eclipse broadcast also will feature live views of sounding rockets launching from White Sands, New Mexico, carrying scientific instruments to study the eclipse's effects on the atmosphere. Media must contact Sarah Frazier at [email protected] to request on-site interviews in Albuquerque, and Elizabeth Landau at [email protected] for on-site interviews in Kerrville. Ahead of the eclipse, NASA also has a limited number of live shot opportunities available for media beginning at 6 a.m. EDT on Friday, Oct. 13. Learn more and request an interview online. Watch, Engage in Person NASA's interactive eclipse map provides details about the timing and type of eclipse visible in various locations. Because the Sun is never completely covered by the Moon, all eclipse-watchers will need to use specialized solar filters or an indirect viewing method to safely watch the eclipse. It is never safe to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even when most of the Sun is covered by the Moon. Two easy ways to view the eclipse are to use certified solar viewing glasses or build a pinhole projector from household materials. More information about safe eclipse viewing is available on NASA's eclipse website. The eclipse also provides a unique opportunity for citizen science. GLOBE Observer and Eclipse Soundscapes allow citizen scientists to submit observations on sounds, temperature, cloud cover, and more to help scientists understand how eclipses can affect Earth's atmosphere and animal life. NASA also has STEM learning resources tied to the eclipse. The next solar eclipse takes place on April 8, 2024, when a total solar eclipse will cross the U.S. from Texas to Maine. During this event, a partial solar eclipse will be visible throughout the contiguous U.S., as well as in Puerto Rico and parts of Alaska and Hawaii. Learn more about the Oct. 14 eclipse at: go.nasa.gov/Eclipse2023 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-highlights-media-opportunities-for-upcoming-ring-of-fire-eclipse-301949756.html SOURCE NASA [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Internet Protocol (IP) Camera Market to grow by USD 14.77 billion between 2022 - 2027, Growth Driven by Increasing demand for video surveillance systems - Technavio Tweet NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet Protocol (IP) Camera 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 internet protocol (IP) camera market between 2022 and 2027 is USD 14.77 billion. Increasing demand for video surveillance systems is a major driver for the internet protocol (IP) camera market during the forecast period. The market demand can be attributed to the increasing demand for video surveillance systems in various industries. Due to the rise in theft, vandalism, and terrorism, security and surveillance have become critical in recent years. IP cameras offer high-definition video quality, remote access, and advanced features such as motion detection, facial recognition, and automatic alerts, making them attractive options for video surveillance applications. Thus, the use of video surveillance systems in banks and other financial institutions is an urgent requirement. Hence, such factors drive the market growth of the IP camera 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 Market Challenge - A major challenge hampering the growth of the Internet protocol camera market is the security concerns associated with IP cameras. The IP cameras are vulnerable to hacking, which can lead to privacy and security breaches, and therefore, manufacturers must ensure that their products have robust security features to protect against cyber threats. They are being installed in more and more public places, where people's daily activities in such places are monitored without their consent, raising privacy concerns. Moreover, it is difficult to maintain a clear line between legitimatesurveillance and intrusion. Video surveillance systems are helpful to prevent and detect crime, but their use can lead to privacy concerns. Hence, such concerns challenge the market growth of IP cameras during the forecast period. Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read the FREE Sample PDF Report Now The internet protocol (IP) camera market is segmented by connectivity (centralized IP camera arrangement and decentralized IP camera arrangement), and type (commercial, residential, and government). The market share growth by the centralized IP camera arrangement segment will be significant for overall market growth during the forecast period. Network cameras require a centralized video server and they are networked so that recording is done locally or remotely on a common platform via Internet Protocol in a centralized Internet Protocol camera array. Media recordings are stored on either network video recorders (NVRs) or digital video recorders in a centralized Internet Protocol camera array. The centralized IP camera location is advantageous for applications that require the recording device to be hidden or away from the camera. Suitable for camera platforms with multiple internet protocols. Hence, such factors drive the segment growth during the forecast period. will be significant for overall market growth during the forecast period. Network cameras require a centralized video server and they are networked so that recording is done locally or remotely on a common platform via Internet Protocol in a centralized Internet Protocol camera array. Media recordings are stored on either network video recorders (NVRs) or digital video recorders in a centralized Internet Protocol camera array. The centralized IP camera location is advantageous for applications that require the recording device to be hidden or away from the camera. Suitable for camera platforms with multiple internet protocols. Hence, such factors drive the segment growth during the forecast period. Geo Segment - North America is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global internet protocol (IP) camera market during the forecast period. View the Sample Report for insights into the contribution of all the segments and regional opportunities in the report. Key Companies in the Internet Protocol (IP) camera market: 360 Vision Technology Ltd., Anviz Global Inc., CAMSTAR USA, Canon Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Costar Technologies Inc., CP PLUS International, DDC Group, Delta Electronics Inc., D Link Corp., Guangzhou Juan Intelligent Joint Stock Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd., i PRO Co. Ltd., Motorola Solutions Inc., Moxa Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH, Shenzhen Apexis Electronic Co. Ltd., Sony Group Corp., Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd., Zhejiang Uniview Technologies Co. Ltd. Related Reports: The SRAM and ROM design IP market size is expected to increase by USD 24.08 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 1.51%. The IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) market size is expected to increase by USD 28.11 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 16.65%. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Connectivity Market Segmentation by Type Market Segmentation by Geography Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/internet-protocol-ip-camera-market-to-grow-by-usd-14-77-billion-between-2022---2027--growth-driven-by-increasing-demand-for-video-surveillance-systems---technavio-301948802.html SOURCE Technavio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] TECPETROL URGES ALPHA LITHIUM SHAREHOLDERS TO TENDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, FOLLOWING POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION BY THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AHEAD OF BID DEADLINE OF 3 OCTOBER 2023 Tweet Alpha Lithium has announced its Board of Directors recommends that shareholders accept Tecpetrol's offer to acquire Alpha Lithium for a price of C$1.48 per share Take Prompt Action Alpha shareholders must tender their shares in advance of the expiry time of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday , 3 October 2023 Questions or Need Assistance? Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group at 1-877-452-7184 or email: [email protected] TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2023 /CNW/ - On 28 September 2023, Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1) ("Alpha" or the "Company") announced that its Board of Directors, based upon the unanimous recommendation of the special committee of independent directors and a positive fairness opinion from PI Financial Corp., recommended that Alpha shareholders accept the enhanced offer from Tecpetrol Investments S.L. ("Tecpetrol") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Alpha at a price of C$1.48 per share in cash (the "Offer"). Tecpetrol welcomes the Board's decision and urges Alpha shareholders to tender their Alpha shares immediately in order to crystallize a significant premium for their shares. All shares must be submitted in advance of 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on 3 October 2023. We note that shareholders using a broker will have an earlier expiry and encourage shareholder to submit immediately. Take Prompt Action Tender Today It is a non-waivable condition of the Offer that there be validly deposited under the Offer more than 50% of the outstanding Alpha shares, excluding Alpha shares owned by Tecpetrol and its joint actors. If this legally required minimum tender condition is not satisfied by the expiry time of 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on 3 October 2023, no Alpha shares will be acquired by Tecpetrol and Alpha shareholders will not be able to participate in the Offer. Accordingly, Alpha shareholders are urged to promptly tender their shares under the Offer prior to the expiry time, as there can be no assurance that the Offer will be extended if this non-waivable minimum tender condition is not satisfied. Alpha shareholders should be aware that the mandatory 10-day extension of the Offer in the event that Tecpetrol takes up and pays for shares only applies if the minimum tender condition is satisfied Alpha shareholders should tender today and not wait. How to Tender and Additional Offer Details Shareholders who have questions or require assistance in tendering their Alpha shares may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, the Depositary and Information Agent for the Offer, by telephone toll-free inside North America at 1-877-452-7184, or outside North America at 1-416-304-0211, or by email at [email protected]. Shareholders whose shares are registered in the name of an investment advisor, stock broker, bank, trust company or other intermediary should immediately contact that intermediary for assistance if they wish to accept the Offer so that the necessary steps can be taken to enable the deposit of such shares under the Offer. Intermediaries likely have established tendering cut-off times that are prior to the expiry time. Shareholders must instruct their intermediaries promptly if they wish to tender. Tecpetrol encourages Alpha shareholders to read the full details of the Offer and other important information set forth in the Notice of Variaion filed on 22 September 2023, which should be read in conjunction with the take-over bid circular dated 8 June 2023 and related offer documents. These materials, which contain information on how to tender to the Offer, are available on SEDAR+ under Alpha's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. About the Tecpetrol Energy Transition Unit Tecpetrol's Energy Transition Unit is Techint Group's dedicated business unit responsible for advancing its position in the global energy transition through investments in decarbonized energy sources, carriers and technologies, with the objective of contributing to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. As part of this initiative through its subsidiary Techenergy Lithium S.A., Tecpetrol has built a lithium processing pilot plant in northern Argentina engineered for scale, which supports a production flowsheet involving direct lithium extraction. For additional information on Tecpetrol, please visit its website at https://www.tecpetrol.com/en. The Techint Group is a global conglomerate with diversified business lines in steelmaking, complex infrastructure construction, design and construction of industrial plans and machinery, technologies for the metals and mining industries, oil and gas exploration and production and research-oriented health facilities. Through our six main companies Tenaris S.A. (NYSE and Mexico: TS and EXM Italy: TEN), Ternium S.A. (NYSE: TX), Techint Engineering & Construction, Tenova, Tecpetrol and Humanitas the Techint Group operates on six continents, employs 79,300 employees and generates over US$33 billion in annual revenue. We have an extensive track record of completing large transactions in industrial and extractive sectors around the globe, including in Canada, and in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. For additional information on the Techint Group, please visit its website at https://www.techintgroup.com/en. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward looking information". Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and is therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects", "intends" or variations of such words, and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to expectations relating to the Offer; the ability of Tecpetrol to complete the transactions contemplated by the Offer; the results, effects, mechanics, timing and completion of the Offer; and the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to consummate the Offer (including the statutory minimum condition). Although Tecpetrol believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and have been based on information and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking information and such factors and assumptions are based on information currently available to Tecpetrol, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tecpetrol or the completion of the Offer to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information include, without limitation: that the conditions of the Offer may not be satisfied or waived by Tecpetrol at the expiry of the Offer period; the ability of Tecpetrol to acquire a majority of the outstanding Alpha shares, excluding those shares beneficially owned, or over which control or direction is exercised, by Tecpetrol or any of its joint actors; and the pendency or completion of the Offer or any subsequent transaction. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on Tecpetrol's beliefs and opinions at the time the information is given, and there should be no expectation that this forward-looking information will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Tecpetrol expressly disclaims any obligation to do so except as required by applicable law. Disclaimers This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any securities. The Offer has been made solely by, and subject to the terms and conditions set out in, the formal Offer and Circular (as amended by the Notice of Variation), letter of transmittal and notice of guaranteed delivery. The Offer has not be made to, nor will deposits be accepted from or on behalf of, shareholders in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. The Offer has been made for the securities of a Canadian company that does not have securities registered under section 12 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act"). Accordingly, the Offer is not subject to section 14(d) of the U.S. Exchange Act or Regulation 14D or Rule 14e-1 of Regulation 14E. The Offer has been made in the United States with respect to securities of a "foreign private issuer", as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the U.S. Exchange Act, in accordance with Canadian corporate and securities law requirements. Shareholders in the United States should be aware that such requirements are different from those of the United States applicable to tender offers under the U.S. Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The Offer and all contracts resulting from acceptance thereof are and will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Accordingly, the provisions of the German Takeover Code (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz) do not apply to the Offer. None of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, any United States state securities commission or the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority has approved or disapproved (or will approve or disapprove) the Offer, or passed (or will pass) any comment upon the fairness or the merits of the Offer or upon the adequacy or completeness of the information contained in this news release or in any other document relating to the Offer. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. SOURCE Tecpetrol [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Internet Protocol Television Market to grow by USD 74.86 billion between 2022 to 2027, Aferian plc, Akamai Technologies Inc., AT and T Inc., and more among key companies - Technavio Tweet NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The internet protocol television market size is expected to grow by USD 74.86 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 17.77% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The rise in mobile and smart device adoption is notably driving the internet protocol television market. However, factors such as Piracy and illegal streaming may impede market growth. The market is segmented by Component (Hardware, Software, and Services), Type (Wired and Wireless), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the internet protocol television market including Aferian plc, Akamai Technologies Inc., AT and T Inc., Broadcom Inc., Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Lex IPTV, Moftak Solutions, Necro IPTV, Orange SA, PJSC Rostelecom, SK Telecom Co. Ltd., Sterlite Technologies Ltd., Telefonica SA, Tellabs Access LLC, Telstra Ltd., Tripleplay Interactive Network Pvt. Ltd., VITEC, and ZTE Corp. 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 the FREE Sample Report. Internet Protocol Television Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis Aferian plc: This company provides B2B video streaming services and solutions. Also, its subsidiary, Amino Communications, offers internet protocol television solutions. This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information Internet Protocol Television Market 2023-2027: Segmentation Component The market share growth by the hardware segment will be significant during the forecast period. It contains the physical elements required to provide IPTV services. These components include set-top boxes, routers, switches, and other network devices such as Set-top boxes (STBs), Routers and switches, and other networking equipment. Additionally, this segment delivers significant components that are crucial in the smooth functioning of internet protocol televisions(IPTV) and providing high-quality IPTV services. Thus, this segment is of great importance, driving the growth of the market during the forecast period. will be significant during the forecast period. It contains the physical elements required to provide IPTV services. These components include set-top boxes, routers, switches, and other network devices such as Set-top boxes (STBs), Routers and switches, and other networking equipment. Additionally, this segment delivers significant components that are crucial in the smooth functioning of internet protocol televisions(IPTV) and providing high-quality IPTV services. Thus, this segment is of great importance, driving the growth of the market during the forecast period. Other segments include Type (Wired and Wireless). Geography North America is estimated to account for 32% of the global internet protocol television market during the forecast period. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View the FREE PDF Sample Report Internet Protocol Television Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights Historic Market Size 2017-2021 CAGR of the market during 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist internet protocol television market growth during the next five years Estimation of the Internet protocol television market and its contribution to the parent market Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the Internet protocol television market Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of internet protocol television market companies Related Reports: The internet protocol (IP) camera market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.68% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 14,773.31 million. The IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) market size is expected to increase by USD 28.11 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 16.65%. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Component Market Segmentation by Type Market Segmentation by Geography Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/internet-protocol-television-market-to-grow-by-usd-74-86-billion-between-2022-to-2027--aferian-plc-akamai-technologies-inc-at-and-t-inc-and-more-among-key-companies---technavio-301948854.html SOURCE Technavio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 06, 2023] Choctaw Nation Install the Quick Custom Intelligence Enterprise Platform Across All 22 Choctaw Nation Casinos Tweet SAN DIEGO, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a renowned name in custom data solutions, proudly announced the purchase and swift installation of the QCI Enterprise Platform across all 22 Choctaw Nation Casinos. Achieving this ambitious deployment in just over a month stands as a testament to QCI's unwavering commitment to excellence and efficiency. The present phase of the partnership finds both entities deeply engrossed in the crucial stages of data validation and training. However, with momentum on their side, they are gearing up for a landmark launch to the host team by the end of September. Walter Allen, Choctaw Nation's Corporate Senior Director of Player Development, expressed his enthusiasm about this landmark deal, stating, "This partnership with QCI represents not just a business decision, but a symbol of growth and advancement for Choctaw Nation Casinos. Their Enterprise Platform is a game-changer, and having it installed across all our casinos showcases our dedication to providing unparalleled experiences to our patrons. We are truly excited about this collaboration and its future prospects." Echoing Mr. Allen's sentiments, Andrew Cardno, Chief Technology Officer of QCI, commented, "This deployment at Choctaw's 22 casinos is not just one of the most significant partnerships for QCI but a representation of what happens when two visionaries come ogether. The speed and scale at which we've executed this project exemplifies our team's dedication and the mutual trust shared between QCI and the Choctaw Nation." Looking ahead, this groundbreaking partnership is poised for even greater achievements. Both QCI and Choctaw Nation Casinos are dedicated to nurturing this collaboration, with plans to embark on a series of enhancements in the coming months and years. The synergy between the two giants promises to lead to innovations that will reshape the landscape of casino experiences, ensuring patrons receive not just superior services but memorable moments every time they step into a Choctaw Nation Casino. ABOUT The Choctaw Nation The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 212,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people have an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation's vision, "Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture," is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI AGI Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 150 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/choctaw-nation-install-the-quick-custom-intelligence-enterprise-platform-across-all-22-choctaw-nation-casinos-301949980.html SOURCE Quick Custom Intelligence [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] On this impressive Autumn evening we want closer readers of this bloggy dump to take a quick break from local news poison and enjoy the nicer side of cowtown life via a quick collection of inspiring human interest news stories. Again, as always, it's not so bad out there and there are A LOT of good people in Kansas City doing the right thing . . . Most of the time it never makes headlines. In these instances . . . It did. Check TKC news gathering . . . Willie Arthur Smith's Kansas City Marching Cobras disbands, ends on high note Since 1969, the Kansas City Marching Cobras have influenced the area's history and future. Now the drill team is disbanding on a high note. Overland Park man has spent years repairing old instruments and giving them to kids in need Now, the music repair man is about to play his final tune Harvesters provides food, support for striking auto workers Harvesters, a local nonprofit, donated and distributed hundreds of produce items to members of Local 31, United Auto Workers Union and their families Thursday as the GM Fairfax plant remains idled. MADE MOBB co-founder wins top award from his community, aims to inspire Island kids (and leave a legacy for his own) Mark Launiu always felt a bit like an outsider, he said. While the serial entrepreneur now leads KC's iconic streetwear brand MADE MOBB, Launiu grew up humbly as an immigrant within a small community in South Kansas City. So his recent honor as Samoan Business/Entrepreneur Award of the Year was a pleasant surprise, he said. Kansas City's Shadow Buddies provides dolls to children for emotional support, education Shadow Buddies Foundation is making a significant impact on the lives of children battling medical illnesses and disabilities by providing them with a unique best friend. Hickman Mills School District partners with charity to help students experiencing homelessness Life In Full Transformation (LIFT) held a free awareness breakfast as part of that partnership at the Unity Village Hotel Prairie Village soccer player breaks all-time Kansas record for goals Isaiah Morris, a senior at Kansas City Christian School in Prairie Village, has just broken the all-time Kansas State High School record for career goals. 'A Day of Resilience' for first responders held at Overland Park Medical Center The program was attended by first responders from 10 area departments in its inaugural year. Hopefully, we'll have more for the morning update . . . STAY TUNED!!! A traditional quote for our blog community because most insights about Autumn are too morbid and usually are about death . . . "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus And so . . . Right now iconic hottie Candice inspires us amid 2nd Spring as we check pop culture, community news and top headlines for all of our favorite readers who haven't given up on our early morning goodness. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City Cardi B. Redux Town Topic Hamburgers cashes in on recent star-studded concerts in Kansas City Town Topic Hamburgers cashed in on recent star-studded concerts in Kansas City Keeping Golden Ghetto Consumers Safe Shawnee consignment sale shut down due to safety concerns The City of Shawnee shut down a popular semiannual consignment sale because its location wasn't inspected for safety concerns. Drinking Weekend Awaits Weekend Possibilities | KC Oktoberfest, Monster Trucks and Witches Night The spooky scene around Kansas City is ramping up. If that's too frightful, have a beer at KC Oktoberfest or celebrate the music of the 1970s. Show-Me Social Media Degree MU doctoral candidate weighs in on 'Taylor & Travis' pop culture moment KSHB 41's Lindsay Shively reached out to Jordan Pellerito, a doctoral candidate who co-teaches an honors course at the University of Missouri that teaches history and literature using Taylor Swift. Very Good Year In Spite Of It All Winemakers and growers anticipate an 'exceptional' quality in 2023 vintage After an unseasonably cool start to the year and now a mini heatwave in October, winemakers said this weather pattern is having an interesting impact on their grape harvest- in a good way! Angel Fashions Inspiration Candice Swanepoel bares her impressive abs in a pink bra Candice Swanepoel showed off her model physique on Wednesday while promoting her Tropic Of C line in a new TikTok video. White House Politics Tap Dances Amid Border Crisis Why Biden claims he has no choice but to build more of Trump's border wall The proposed barrier looks different from Trump's construction. MAGA Picks Next Speaker Trump considering going to Capitol Hill in the coming days to speak to Republicans as they weigh a new speaker | CNN Politics Former President Donald Trump is considering going to Capitol Hill in the coming days to speak to Republicans as they weigh a new speaker, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN. No final decisions have been made, and Trump has several campaign engagements over the next week. Boot From Big Apple 'There is no more room in New York': Mayor Adams takes Mexico The New York City mayor is on a four-day whirlwind trip through Mexico, Ecuador and Colombia, including the dangerous Darien Gap. Republican Played Postscript A GOP congressman said Gaetz got 'schooled by AOC' when he ousted McCarthy: 'I can't believe he's that stupid' On Monday, Rep. Matt Gaetz filed a "motion to vacate" Kevin McCarthy as House speaker. McCarthy was ultimately booted from his leadership post. Cruel Explanation Of Tragedy 'Rare' random violence that progressives dismiss takes yet another life in NYC Ryan Thoresen Carson had a lot in common with Daniel Penny. Both had their lives transformed - in Carson's case ended - by New York City's failure to deal with its growing crisis of street violence. Workers Fight For Life Explainer: Why are Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers on strike? About 75,000 medical workers from Kaiser Permanente facilities went on a planned three-day strike on Wednesday, putting pressure on one of the leading not-for-profit U.S. healthcare networks to reach an agreement on a new contract. Second Place Forced To Get Dirty To Stay Relevant DeSantis goes off on Trump, says we don't need 'any more presidents' who've 'lost the zip on their fastball' | CNN Politics Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday delivered some of the sharpest criticism of Donald Trump to date, blaming the former president for his own defeat in 2020 and suggesting his chief rival in the GOP nominating fight lacked the energy to lead the country once again. Quotas & Sinking Feelings Anti-affirmative action group challenges US Naval Academy's admissions policy The group that successfully challenged race-conscious college admissions policies at the U.S. Supreme Court sued the U.S. Naval Academy on Thursday in its second lawsuit challenging affirmative action in U.S. military academies. The Virginia-based Students for Fair Admissions, founded by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum, filed a federal lawsuit against the Annapolis, Maryland-based Navy school weeks after it filed a similar case against the U.S. War In Europe Real Life Impact Ukraine war: 'Every family' in Hroza village affected by missile attack At least 51 people were killed in a strike during a wake in the eastern village of Hroza on Thursday. Free Market FAIL Confronts Far East Why China's young people are quitting their jobs and throwing 'resignation parties' | CNN Business On the day Liang resigned from his banking job in China's Zhejiang province, his friends threw a party and congratulated him by beating gongs and drums, in an echo of traditional marriage rituals. Billionaire Urges Compassion Warren Buffett Believes The US Has An Obligation To Take Care Of People Who've Become 'Roadkill' Because Of Circumstances Beyond Their Control - 'That's The Obligation Of A Rich Country' In 2019, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. CEO Warren Buffett articulated his belief that affluent nations, especially those with a significant gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, owe a profound duty to their citizens in distress. During an event in Grapevine, Texas, while conversing with CNBC's Becky Quick, Buffett said, "We are prosperity. Body Count Controversy Debated Rachel Bilson Reacts to Being Slammed for Opinions on Men's Sex Lives Rachel Bilson defended her comments after Whoopi Goldberg criticized her opinion of middle-aged men's sex lives on 'The View' Ballers Meeting Of Minds Begins LeBron James Begs to Be on Travis and Jason Kelce's Podcast: 'Crazy I Can't Get a Invite' LeBron James begged Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce on X to get to come on their podcast, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce Shop LOCAL This Weekend Another New Locally Owned Shop Opens in Brookside What makes shopping in Brookside so special is...you are going to find things here that you will not find in a generic chain store. Everyone likes to have something unique and personal! And now Brookside has a new store that is a step beyond that-a shop that features local Kansas City area makers, Shop Local... Fall Weather Finally Arrives FIRST WARN 5 FORECAST: Dramatic swing in temps knocking on our doors Get ready for temperatures to plummet! Those of you who have been searching for some chilly fall air, here it comes. Oliver Tree - With You is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. YANGON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed in the collapse of an abandoned gold mine in central Myanmar's Pyinmana township on Friday, the country's fire services department reported. The fire services department said that they received the report of the mine collapse at around 12:15 p.m. local time on Friday and then launched a rescue operation together with other local rescue organizations, including the township red cross organization. The abandoned mine, which is located near Welgyi village in Pyinmana township of Nay Pyi Taw, collapsed while the victims were digging in the pit, it said. All the victims are males, and they were sent to the Pyinmana hospital, an official from the Moe Setana rescue organization said. Two of the victims died on the spot, and the other one was dead at the hospital, he said. Don't quibble with TKC about our post title . . . Here's REAL NEWS for our loyal readers . . . Kauffman Foundation has been VERY SUPPORTIVE of efforts that will likely decommission KCPS in the very near future. Frankly, it would be a mercy killing. Accordingly . . . Here's the most important local dude who will be leading the charge who isand well-credentialed inasmuch as the word salad he offered put TKC right to sleep in the midst of cranking out this post from info sent our way bysmarter people who know this kinda thing is important . . . Background info for your files . . . "Maurice Watson is a Harvard-educated lawyer who has worked on education and civil rights issues since the early 1980s. His work began in the office of Senator John Danforth (R-MO) before moving to the law firm Blackwell Sanders (later Husch Blackwell), where he became the partner and relationship manager for Kansas City Public Schools. In 2012, Watson was named chairman of the firm, making him the first African American to head a major law firm in Missouri and the third to do so in the country. Throughout his legal career, he served on many nonprofit Boards and saw that philanthropy is a way for communities to make systemic, long-term changes. Thats why he founded Credo Philanthropy Advisors in 2018, when he transitioned away from law and became a socially responsible investment advisor." Take a look via www.TonysKansasCity.com link/embed . . . More deets . . . Police are seeking help in identifying a man wanted in a sexual assault investigation in downtown Toronto. Police alleged a man came up to the victim from behind and sexually assaulted the victim near King and Shaw streets around 11:15 a.m. Monday. The man then fled north on Shaw. Police allege the same man is responsible for a sexual assault at 9:57 p.m. the next day near Brunswick and Sussex avenues. The suspect is 20 to 35 years old, five feet 10 inches to six feet tall with a thin build and short curly hair. In the first occurrence, he was wearing a black vest, black pants and black Nike shoes with a white sole, police said in a Thursday morning news release in which images were released. In the second occurrence, he was wearing a grey T-shirt sweater with a white T-shirt underneath, black pants and black shoes. Anyone with information is asked to call 14 Division police at 416-808-1400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477). Costco Canada is alerting members and shoppers about a big recall involving certain cookies, because there may be pieces of wood in them. Costco issued an "important recall notice" indicating that the wholesale giant is recalling Kirkland Signature Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies (item #1738525) which were being sold at a Costco warehouse in Canada between Aug. 28 and Sept. 18, 2023. Costco is recalling the cookies with best before dates between Aug. 28 and Sept. 18, 2023, "due to the possible presence of pieces of wood," it said in its notice. To date, there has been one reported complaint associated with the affected product, Costco said. "If you have any of the impacted cookies in your possession, do not consume them," the warning states. "You may return the affected product to a Costco warehouse to obtain a full refund." For more information, please contact Costco Customer Service at 1-800-463-3783 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, or on weekends from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST or by email at customerservice.costco.ca/app/ask. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause," Costco said. Here's an example of what the recalled products look like: Police are seeking help in finding a missing older adult who was last seen in midtown Toronto. Toronto police said Tulip, 76, was last seen at 7:27 p.m. Friday (Sept. 29) in the Mount Pleasant Road and Eglinton Avenue East area. Tulip is described as being five-feet six-inches to five-feet seven-inches tall with a thin build, short grey hair, missing top teeth and a mole on their forehead, police said, adding Tulip was last seen wearing a long black jacket, black pants, black "Nautica" running shoes and a cream coloured tuque. Tulip was carrying a black purse. Police are concerned for Tulip's safety and have set up a command post near Duplex and Eglinton avenues. Anyone with information is asked to call 53 Division at 416-808-5300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477). Joining other Ontario hospitals, William Osler Health System (Osler) is reinstating a required masking policy in all patient-facing areas across its facilities, effective Oct. 10. Masks will continue to be available throughout all of Oslers facilities. In response to increasing cases of respiratory illnesses, all staff, physicians, volunteers, learners, patients, visitors and Essential Care Partners, contractors and vendors will also be required to wear a hospital-issued mask in all patient-facing areas when in direct contact with patients. This includes in-patient and outpatient areas, as well as all outpatient waiting rooms, including emergency departments and Urgent Care Centres. Masking will continue to be encouraged in all other nonclinical and public areas, such as hallways, cafeterias and break rooms, elevators and nursing stations. As with all policies and practices, the need for masking will be subject to ongoing evaluation for the protection of Oslers patients, visitors, staff, physicians and volunteers and will be revisited if need be. The community is being reminded to self-screen and not visit loved ones in the hospital if they are feeling ill. To stay up to date on Oslers masking policy and Visitors and Essential Care Partners policy, visit williamoslerhs.ca/visiting-us. The grey sky has made the river that Chris Hadfields motorboat is speeding across the colour of dark steel. We had driven out to Sarnia, the photographer and me, past fields of giant windmills, keeping pace with a weather system of darkening skies, arriving just before day began turning into night. We were hoping to look at the stars with a man whos been closer to them than most of us will ever hope to be. Hadfield had buzzed over to pick us up from the mainland, his King Charles dog, named Henry, beside him. Theres a good dog, he said gently, as we headed to his porch. Its a modest cottage for a man who sits with kings, as he recently did with King Charles III and 150 or so of the worlds top world space CEOs to work on a Magna Carta of sorts to establish what he calls the fundamental ethos of sustainable space exploration and exploitation. Thats just one of the projects Hadfield is working on, in between playing with his band Max Q (they play out of this world music), comprised of fellow astronauts. But were here this evening, mostly, to talk about the retired Canadian astronauts new book The Defector. Its a thriller, following his last one The Apollo Murders, although this one takes place inside Earths atmosphere, during the Cold War, partly in Israel and mostly in the United States, at the US Air Forces test and training facility in the infamous Area 51 in the heart of the Nevada desert. Heres the premise: In 1973, on the eve of Yom Kippur, a Soviet pilot flies a MiG fighter into Israel. The pilot defects, promising to divulge secrets, including those of the MiG-25, and is taken, along with the plane, to the United States. Were immersed deep into Soviet era warfare, spies, political intrigue, with a bit of love interest thrown in for good measure. Weaving through the plot and the characters is the things a fighter pilot like Hadfield knows; the things an astronaut has experienced: the characteristics of different planes, the science of how it all works together. He never flew a MiG25 himself but it was a legendary aircraft. The Iraqis buried one in the sand during the Gulf War. The Americans found it, dug it out, then brought it back to the U.S. its now at the Air Force museum in Dayton. Hadfield spent a day crawling around in it, making sure he had all the details right, talking to some of the experts, trying to figure out how the details were going help him build his fictional world. Chris Hadfields approach to writing is the same as his approach to learning how to do anything in life: he studies. In the case of penning thrillers, he studied how other people write them, and how they got good at it. So, he says, he read Stephen Kings book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, heeding the most prescient advice: if youre going to write, you have to do a lot of reading in the same genre. Currently, that means the latest in Jonathan Kellermans Alex Delaware series. You learn in every single book because Jonathan Kellerman is a child psychologist, and his main protagonist is a child psychologist. Hadfield tries to reflect the style in his own book, divulging information and educating readers about space, aircraft and history in an entertaining package. Its this big, complicated puzzle to solve, to make it all work and to keep the tension and to use the language as well as I can. Its fun. And the book is perhaps surprisingly very good. The Defector is dedicated to Henry, his dog, and Poppy his cat, who sit with him all morning when he writes. Hadfield likes to write every day; after exercising and putting out any fires, he sits at his desk at the back of the cottage and aims to get down 1,000 words a day. I try to be as disciplined about it as I possibly can. Given that this writing is another way on top of his non-fiction books, his TED talks, his master classes, his music of sharing the wonder at what hes seen, as well as the immense amount of information hes learned throughout his career, hes careful that the story is based in truth and that the facts are right; reading even fiction is a great teacher, after all. To be perfectly clear about whats real and whats not (and to save us all from heading to Google), at the back of The Defector, theres a section that explicitly states what is factual and what isnt perhaps particularly for those of generations where the Cold War is the deep past in history books. Golda Meir, for example, Israels first (and so far only) female prime minister, who held the office from 1969 to 1974, is in the book, on the eve of Yom Kippur, which, in this historic year, was also the eve of the war named for the day it began. Hadfield writes with the knowledge of the omniscient narrator, but to ensure the book had the ring of truth, he watched old videos of Meir, to get a sense of the way she looked and moved. I work really hard in these to make it something that is as close to what actually happened as I can, he says. Right down to her Chesterfield cigarettes. Its the same way he approached writing the first book in this series, The Apollo Murders, including details such as that the Soviet spy space station had a machine gun mounted on the outside that actually fired into space. Thats all real, he says. It makes the story compelling for the reader, something hes keen to do, figuring out how to transport people like my mother-in-law, who read the book today. She pretended to be cross with him for writing a book so compelling, he says, that she couldnt put it down and spent the afternoon reading it. Thats the ideal if you can do that. He considers engaging people is the best way to share his experience and everything hes learned. Its his responsibility, after all. The Canadian taxpayer, either wilfully or unknowingly, agreed that this is one of the things Canada ought to be doing, he says, referring to the space program, which chooses those who can do the job of astronaut as well as possible on behalf of everyone. That doesnt mean pushing the right buttons in a spaceship; it means for the rest of my life doing this job as well as possible. Part of which is communicating what hes seen, heard, felt; giving people a sense of the wonders hes witnessed and the beauty of the universe. The perspective of an astronaut has something in common with the perspective of an author both are able to have a birds-eye view of a world. An example: There are times throughout The Defector where the narrative pulls out and the characters look at the topography to understand the full picture before they go back down into the fray. It helps the reader figure out the lay of the land, too, before Hadfield zooms back in to the characters and the action again. Hadfield points to the photographer. Like Steves doing hes not just sitting in one place and taking all the pictures. Hes changing lenses. Or like when he looked down on the Earth as he was orbiting in the space station. The most massive pullout of all: when he asked people on Twitter (at the suggestion of his son) what he should take a photo of. And people said: I want a picture of my hometown. At first, Hadfield thought, that was kind of parochial. But then, he thought, people are proud of where theyre from this is where Im from, this is who I am, those two things are synonymous. And they also want to see how it fits in with everything else. And I was in a very unique position to be able to marry those two things together. He could show people how they, in their little town, fit into the context of the rest of the planet. A simple action, really, that says a little something about humanity. Weve been talking for a couple of hours; the bugs are coming out. I point, Youve got a mosquito taking Hadfield shrugs. It wont do much on my forehead, and leaves it be. Just as were getting ready to leave its 10 p.m. on an early August night the sky starts to clear, revealing, finally, the moon. It occurs to me that, although were looking at the same sky, he and I are seeing entirely different things; our minds eye and our memories inform us all differently, after all. What do you see when you look up? I ask him. I love seeing the space station go over because I helped build it and then I commanded it, he says. Its a place that I lived. He likens it to returning to the place you might have grown up, a place that helped define you. The space station took decades of work; its more than just a place I lived once to watch it go over as a star is very thought provoking and surreal at the same time: to recognize that I lived on that star. He recalls his first space walk Canadas first space walk riding on the end of the Canadarm and moving through the Aurora Australis (the southern lights) they were pouring around the ship and around me; or, when, as a pilot in an F18 jet at night, with its little bubble canopy, hed shut off all the lights in the cockpit and the universe is right there. When he looks up in the sky, he sees the same sky we all see but also all of the subtleties of the skies Ive seen throughout my life in amongst the normal noise and distractions and frustrations of life, to have known that was possible and thats the thing youve done it perpetually influences how you see things, including the sky. He drops us off back across the river. We thank Hadfield, and watch as he spins back across the water, good Henry, by his side. As we make our way to the parking lot and I realize the implausibility of this I see a shooting star. Whether he saw it too or not, I dont know; what I do know is that, when I look up, I see something a little richer, and I want to know more. Deborah Dundas is the Stars Books editor. She is based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @debdundas BANGKOK, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The parents of the 14-year-old suspect of the deadly shooting at a Bangkok shopping mall issued an apology statement on Friday while vowing to fully cooperate with the legal process. "We offer our deepest apologies to the victims, the families of the deceased and the injured, from the recent shooting incident that occurred as the result of our son's actions at the Siam Paragon department store," according to the statement released by the Situation Command Center set up by the Thai government following the shooting. The suspect opened fire at a renowned Bangkok shopping mall on Tuesday, killing two people and injuring five others. The Chinese Embassy in Thailand confirmed that one Chinese national was killed and another injured. The suspect was arrested by police at the scene and faces multiple charges including murder. Thailand's Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong told a press briefing on Friday that the suspect is being held in a juvenile detention center after a court denied bail. "My family and I did not apply for bail because we intend to cooperate fully with the authorities in search of the facts and to ensure that there will not be a repeat of the same violent incident," said the parents' statement. "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this incident and accept responsibility as fully as we can. We would also like to promise that we will cooperate with the police, government officials and every agency necessary regarding these legal proceedings," read the statement. The parents also vowed to support any mitigation and efforts to remedy the effects of this event, according to the statement. The shooting has shocked Thailand, as the government has vowed to tighten gun control, among other measures. BERLIN, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A total of 9.3 billion U.S. dollars were pledged to the Green Climate Fund over the next four years at a financing conference in Bonn, Germany on Thursday. German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze, who hosted the event, said, "In the fight against climate change, the world is standing together." "Many pledges were made today ... This will enable the Green Climate Fund to continue and further advance its important work in emerging and developing countries," she added. The funding pledges received will enable the Green Climate Fund to channel "new, additional and predictable financial resources" to developing countries, the Fund said in a statement. Noting that "Time is not on our side," Selwin Hart, special adviser to the UN Secretary-General, said, "Promises made must be promises kept. This is the only way to rebuild the trust needed to confront the climate crisis." On Wednesday, a group of students got to experience what it's like to make decisions in loca Date: Monday, October 11, 2021 (virtual) The University of Alaska Fairbanks Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration took place on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. Our goal in celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day at UAF is to honor Alaska Native people, culture and knowledge. If you are in the UAF community and your department or program honored the day - share with us! Let us know what you did and we can post it here for our community to join in. Email uaf-crcd@alaska.edu. Indigenous Peoples' Day 2021 Keynote: Dr. Pearl Brower About Dr. Brower: Dr. Brower joined the University of Alaska in August of 2021 and serves as the Senior Advisor for Alaska Native Success, Institutional Diversity and Student Engagement. Prior to joining the University team, she was the President and CEO of Brower Consulting Services, an independent consulting service around the state of Alaska. In October of 2020, Dr. Brower left the Presidency of Ilisagvik College, Alaskas only Tribal College where she had been in administration at the college for 13 years, the last 8 serving as President. About the presentation: October 11th has transitioned in recent years to celebrate the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas. As Alaskans continue to engage in conversations around race, equity, diversity and inclusion, REDI, we look to recognize our Alaska Native Peoples for incredible accomplishments while at the same time discuss ways in which we all can set aside implicit bias and work together in cooperation and partnership for a brighter future for all Alaskans. IPD 2021 Keynote Recording IPD 2021 keynote Flyer link The Russian war in Ukraine must end with a just peace and restoration of internationally recognized borders. This was stated by Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, who spoke at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Ukrinform reports. "Russia's aggression against Ukraine, without a doubt, changed the world in which we lived and in which we will live for the next decades. We must do everything necessary to bring this war to an end, but it must end in a stable, lasting, and just peace. It is not easy, therefore, until the moment we achieve this goal, we must undertake a lot of efforts and provide the tools so that Ukraine can defend itself against this aggression and that the war ends on the internationally recognized borders from where it started," Denkov said. Read also: Bulgaria to continue providing comprehensive support for Ukraine He complained that propaganda was being added to the problems other countries were experiencing because of the war. "In countries like Bulgaria, propaganda is incredibly strong. It offers very simple solutions that find public support, but they are false, not true. The task for all governments is to explain to people that smart decisions are not easy, that coordinated, hard efforts are needed not only from politicians, but also from society," said the Bulgarian head of government. At the same time, he expressed his conviction that the EU as a community is very strong economically and militarily, in order to support Ukraine in terms of defense, but also to find new technological solutions to overcome economic challenges the member states are facing. The German chancellor emphasized that Germany and Bulgaria are helping Ukraine side by side. He thanked Bulgaria for taking a clear stance on Russian aggression. He also thanked Sofia for the role it plays in creating "Solidarity Lanes" as long-term routes for the transportation of Ukrainian grain. "We must continue to create them and Bulgaria plays a big role in this regard," said Scholz. He noted that it is very important to find ways to safely transport Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea, which is important both for global food security and for Ukraine's ability to exert "economic resistance." The chancellor also commented on the latest developments in Washington. He expressed optimism and confidence that the U.S. Congress "will very quickly be able to find the tools to further support Ukraine in addition to the one already approved and available." Scholz said that during his yesterday's call with U.S. President Joe Biden, a clear message was received: European partners can rely on the continued U.S. to support Ukraine. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Maria Gabriel during the field meeting of the EU foreign ministerial in Kyiv on October 2 stated that her country will continue to support Ukraine at the diplomatic, political, military, and humanitarian levels. The Government of Spain has endorsed a decision to provide six HAWK surface-to-air missile launchers to Ukraine. The relevant statement was made by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in a conversation with the mass media representatives, following the 3rd European Political Community Summit, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to the Head of State, strengthening the air defenses is the only solution that will enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks. President Zelensky mentioned that the Government of Spain endorsed a decision to send six HAWK launchers to Ukraine. Yes, it will be joint work with partners under the Spanish presidency. I strongly believe we will be able to bring all these systems together, and they will be delivered to Ukraine, Zelensky noted. Additionally, Germany is working to send an additional Patriot system to Ukraine. With due respect to all partners, I believe that today it is the only system that can counter such threats and such mass killings, because the Patriot system removes any missiles of the Russian villain in its path, Zelensky added. A reminder that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is paying a working visit to the Kingdom of Spain. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Sweden will send a new military aid package to Ukraine worth SEK 2.2 billion ($199 million), consisting of ammunition and spare parts for previously transferred systems. This was stated by Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson according to Ukrinform, Reuters reported. Sweden will send Ukraine a new military support package worth 2.2 billion crowns ($199 million) - consisting mainly of artillery ammunition - and is looking into sending fighter jets, Defence Minister Pal Jonson said. The new military aid package will be Sweden's 14th to Ukraine since Russia's invasion, taking the total value of the Nordic country's such aid to just over 22 billion crowns. Jonson told a news conference the armed forces were due to report by Nov. 6 on the potential for sending Jas Gripen jets to Ukraine after the government asked them to assess the issue. As reported, the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Sweden, Dmytro Kuleba and Tobias Billstrom, agreed to start negotiations on a bilateral agreement on security guarantees to follow up on the G7 Vilnius Declaration. The Austrian Foreign Ministry has summoned Russian Ambassador Dmitry Lubinsky in connection with a missile attack on a cafe in the village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region, which killed 52 people. The Austrian foreign ministry reported this on its page on the social network X, Ukrinform reported. Russias Ambassador in Vienna was just summoned because of yesterdays heinous rocket attack on a village in Kharkiv Oblast, claiming dozens of innocent lives. Attacks on civilians are a war crime. Those responsible must be held accountable, said the Austrian Foreign Ministry. According to the Austrian Foreign Office, the agency also emphasized that with this brutal attack on civilian objects, the Russian Federation has once again violated international humanitarian law. It was stated that Austria, together with its partners, will work to punish those responsible for war crimes in Ukraine. As reported by Ukrinform, on October 5, Russian terrorist forces launched a missile attack on a shop-cafe in the village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region, when a memorial service for a soldier was taking place there. The Iskander-M missile strike killed 52 people, and four are missing. In addition, on October 6, at about 6:45 a.m., Russian troops launched rocket attacks on residential buildings in the Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts of Kharkiv. The body of a ten-year-old child was recovered from the rubble. About 20 people with glass cuts and bruises sought medical assistance. 13 people were taken to medical institutions, including the parents of the deceased boy and his 11-month-old brother. Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen upon her arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) GRANADA, Spain, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for an informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. Discussions include the future Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 and preparation for the bloc's next enlargement, according to the Spanish presidency of the EU Council. The EU enlargement is the process whereby states join the 27-nation bloc after they have fulfilled a set of political and economic conditions. Currently, eight countries, including several from the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova, have been granted candidate status, but each follows different processes of rapprochement with the EU. Spain is currently holding the rotating six-month presidency of the EU Council. Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his country is always open to enlargement, but noted that to include these new members would bring "many challenges internally." Speaking at the summit, European Council President Charles Michel said the EU leaders would address key issues, including the Strategic Agenda, for the future of the bloc. Calling enlargement a "fundamental topic," he said candidate countries have reforms to implement, while the EU should prepare itself too. In his invitation letter, Michel said the meeting in Granada will chart the course for the EU, defining its direction and goals for the years to come. "This gathering holds significant importance: Not only will we engage in a constructive dialogue on the most pressing issues that our Union currently faces, such as migration, but this meeting marks the start of an important reflection process on our Union's future priorities," he said. Spain is one of the five Mediterranean countries with the highest migratory pressure from Africa, along with Italy, Cyprus, Malta and Greece. Following a recent increase in the arrival of migrants on European coasts, a debate on the EU pact on migration would be one of the main items on the agenda of the informal summit, the Spanish presidency said. Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina upon her arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen upon her arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Romanian President Klaus Iohannis upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets French President Emmanuel Macron upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas upon her arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upon her arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets French President Emmanuel Macron upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets German Chancellor Olaf Scholz upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets European Council President Charles Michel upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen upon her arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) greets Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela upon his arrival for an informal summit of the European Union (EU) in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023. Leaders of the European Union (EU) member states met here on Friday for the informal summit to discuss the bloc's future strategy and enlargement. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Ukraine and Japan will set up a working group to develop a strategy for the restoration of Ukrainian agriculture. This was discussed during a meeting between Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Dmytrasevych Markiyan. and Director General of the Export and International Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan Mizuno Masayoshi Ukrinform reported citing the press service of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy. It is noted that the main tasks of the working group will include: borrowing Japan's experience to restore Ukraine's agricultural sector; consideration of specific support and cooperation measures using Japanese technologies and assets; exchange of information to facilitate the participation of private companies in Japan in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The first meeting of the working group is scheduled for the end of October 2023. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the situation in Ukrainian agriculture. As reported, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and Japan are implementing the project 'Urgent Support to the Agricultural Sector' under a grant agreement for the Emergency Recovery Program between the Ukrainian government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The grant agreement for the Emergency Recovery Program between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Ukraine was signed on March 9, 2023. Under the agreement, JICA will provide a grant to Ukraine in the total amount of JPY 22.440 billion (USD 145.166 million). The Netherlands is allocating EUR 102 million for the third aid package to Ukraine in 2023. This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to the government website. Minister Schreinemacher for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation reports this to the House of Representatives on behalf of the cabinet," the statement reads. It is noted that from this contribution, EUR 60 million will go to support Dutch companies that want to contribute to the countrys recovery. The money is intended for export credit insurance to cover the payment risks from investments and transactions in the country. Also, to help Ukraine prepare for winter, EUR 30 million will also be directed to the purchase of gas and the supply of spare parts for electricity networks. The remaining EUR 12 million is intended to support the newly liberated territories. The new aid package is based on the needs assessment of the Ukrainian authorities, the World Bank, and the European Commission. In this way, the Netherlands is making its contribution to meeting Ukraine's most urgent aid needs. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Netherlands plans to deliver the first batch of promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in 2024. The Netherlands and Denmark lead the so-called aircraft coalition, having announced the decision to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots and engineers have already started their training. Support for Ukraine is the main topic of the European Political Community Summit in Granada. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told this to journalists before the summit, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. This third European Political Community symbolises Europes determination to stand up for Ukraine. We are united around three principles: Ukraine needs to prevail in this war. We will determine the future security architecture of Europe. And never accept the right of might. pic.twitter.com/OOXwAq7tza Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 5, 2023 "It is the third time that at the core of our discussion is our support for Ukraine and this symbolizes also the strong support that the European political community has for Ukraine," Von der Leyen said. She welcomed the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the meeting and emphasized that the European leaders had sent a "strong message" to Russian President Vladimir Putin "from Dublin to Chisinau, that we do not tolerate aggression against a sovereign state." Von der Leyen also added that the EU was working on an aid package for Ukraine until 2027. "Here in the European Union we working on a package of EUR 50 billion for Ukraine for the years 2024 to the year 2027. This is very important because Ukraine needs predictability and reliability in the direct budget support," she said. Another important issue of the summit will be energy and getting rid of energy dependence on Russia. "We had a massive energy crisis due to the blackmail of Russia with fossil fuels. We've mastered this crisis. The prices have gone down drastically and, most importantly, our storage [facilities] are filled and we have created a joint platform to buy gas together. This is a big success," she said. According to her, the EU got rid of its dependence on Russian fossil fuels by massively investing in renewable energy sources. "Last year, for the very first time, the European Union was able to produce more electricity from renewables wind and sun than from gas," she said. The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia will also be discussed at the meeting in Spain, von der Leyen added. On October 5, Zelensky is visiting Spain where he will participate in the European Political Community summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. Some 50 leaders are taking part in the meeting of the European Political Community in Granada. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni discussed in Spain the next package of military aid, in particular ways to strengthen Ukrainian air defense capabilities. Zelensky reported this on Telegram, Ukrinform saw. During our meeting, Giorgia Meloni and I reaffirmed the strong Ukrainian-Italian partnership, he noted. Zelensky thanked Italy for its principled and onsistent support in protecting our freedom, our people, our families, and informed the prime minister of the progress of Ukraines counteroffensive and priority defense needs. We discussed Italys next military aid package, including ways to strengthen our air defense, the president wrote. The parties also focused on the key challenges to European security, such as Russia's hybrid threats. We must protect our continent from Russias weaponization of food, energy, migration, and other issues, the statement reads. Protecting Ukraine from Russian aggression also means protecting the whole of Europe from all threats and destabilization instigated by the Kremlin. Including in Africa, where Russia destabilizes entire countries, stated Zelensky. The interlocutors also discussed Italys upcoming G7 presidency. I am grateful to my Italian colleague for affirming that support for Ukraine will be among Italy's top priorities, the president wrote. I also thanked Prime Minister for Italy's readiness to take lead in Odesa recovery. As reported by Ukrinform, Zelensky is visiting Spain, where he will participate in the summit of the European Political Community and hold a number of bilateral meetings. Half a hundred leaders are taking part in the meeting of the European Political Community in Granada. Photo: Presidents Office Leaders of EU member states, who held an informal meeting of the European Council today in Granada, Spain, adopted a final declaration in which they recognized the process of EU enlargement as an investment in the peace, prosperity, and stability of the entire European continent. The full text of the final declaration was published on the website of the European Council, Ukrinform reports. "Enlargement is a geo-strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. It is a driver for improving the economic and social conditions of European citizens, reducing disparities between countries, and must foster the values on which the Union is founded," the declaration reads. As noted, in view of the prospect of further enlargement of the EU, both the European Union itself and its member states must be ready for this process. Candidate countries, in turn, should step up their own reform efforts, especially in areas such as the rule of law, in line with the very nature of the merit-based accession process and with EU assistance. "In parallel, the Union needs to lay the necessary internal groundwork and reforms. We will set our long-term ambitions and the ways to achieve them. We will address key questions related to our priorities and policies as well as our capacity to act. This will make the EU stronger and will enhance European sovereignty," the leaders of the EU states and governments emphasized. As noted, the European Union will continue to discuss its future priorities in the coming months, with the aim of adopting the EU Strategic Agenda next year. As reported earlier, an informal meeting of the European Council took place today in Granada, where European leaders discussed the future development and enlargement of the European Union. | By Emily Chappell University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, has announced the appointment of Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, as dean of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP). Below is the announcement from President Jarrell. Sarah Michel, PhD Dear UMB Community, I am happy to report that after an extensive national search, Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, has been named dean of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) effective Oct. 15, 2023. Since June she has served as interim dean and was previously chair of UMSOPs Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) and associate dean for graduate programs. As a pharmaceutical researcher, Dr. Michel is an internationally recognized leader in the field of metals in medicine. Her work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and U.S. Army Research labs for investigating the roles that metals play in the regulation of chronic inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. She also has been active in clinical research through Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants and has been closely involved with the Centers of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation. Notably, a recent FDA clinical trial headed by Dr. Michel led the FDA to issue new guidance on how generic nanomedicines should be evaluated for approval. In addition, she is part of an FDA-funded PSC and University of Maryland School of Dentistry team of researchers investigating the safety of electronic cigarettes. In her 19 years at UMSOP, Dr. Michel has been intricately involved in all of the schools educational aspects, at the Doctor of Pharmacy and PhD and MS levels, where she redesigned the core biochemistry course to emphasize clinical application to pharmacy and led the development of the PharmD research pathway. As an assistant professor, she developed the annual Spring into Maryland Science event with NSF funding to provide research experiences to students from groups underrepresented in science. As director of UMSOPs PhD in PSC program, she was instrumental in partnering with the University of Maryland, Baltimore Countys Meyerhoff Scholars program, which in 2022 led to the successful application for an NIH Initiative for Maximizing Student Development T32 grant to train students from groups underrepresented in health-related sciences. Dr. Michel served as president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Faculty Senate from 2015 to 2017, working with colleagues in the Staff Senate and Graduate Student Association, as well as UMB leadership, on the UMB Shared Governance Statement. She also testified in the Maryland General Assembly on behalf of UMB faculty on legislation that led to the formation of the MPowering the State collaboration with the University of Maryland, College Park. She received a bachelors degree in chemistry from Cornell University and a PhD in chemistry from Northwestern University and completed an NIH National Research Service Award postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. I want to thank those who participated in our national search, especially the search committee chaired by Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW, dean and professor, University of Maryland School of Social Work, and vice-chaired by James E. Polli, PhD, the Ralph F. Shangraw/Noxell Endowed Professor in Industrial Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics, UMSOP, as well as everyone else who met with the candidates and provided meaningful input and feedback about the candidates and the search process. I know that you will join me in congratulating Dr. Michel and supporting her in the position. Sincerely, Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS President This photo taken on Oct. 6. 2023 shows a scene of the China-Cyprus Civilization Exchange Forum in Nicosia, Cyprus. On the sidelines of the Nicosia Book Fest, the capital of Cyprus hosted the China-Cyprus Civilization Exchange Forum on Friday. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian) NICOSIA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- On the sidelines of the Nicosia Book Fest, the capital of Cyprus hosted the China-Cyprus Civilization Exchange Forum on Friday. While the book festival honored China, the forum brought together leading personalities from politics, academia and literature under the slogan "Exploring Harmonious Coexistence Between Civilizations and Between Humanity and Nature." In his keynote address, Zhang Jianchun, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, emphasized the need to foster dialogue, mutual understanding and publishing cooperation between the two sides. He also highlighted the profound significance of ecological civilization, in which literature is used as a medium to facilitate the sharing of experiences to make the world cleaner and more beautiful. Irene Piki, deputy minister to the president of Cyprus, underlined the resilience and innovation inherent in both Cyprus and China, and stressed the pivotal role people-to-people exchanges play in strengthening partnerships. Tasos Christofides, rector of the University of Cyprus, said that initiatives like the forum promote understanding, respect and collaboration across cultural boundaries. Kostas Gouliamos, deputy president of the Promitheas Research Institute, said that China's "Global Civilization Initiative" underscores the importance of tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among diverse civilizations. The China-Cyprus Civilization Exchange Forum showcases the deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds between the two nations and also serves as a platform for global cultural dialogue and ecological cooperation. Also on Friday, the Rejuvenation Book Series, which underscored the trajectory of modern China, was donated to the European University of Cyprus by the Chinese vice minister. MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia will start delivering free grain to Africa in the coming months, local media reported, citing Russia's Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev on Friday. "We are now finishing work on all the documents. I think ships will start heading there within a month or a month and a half," Patrushev noted. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi last month, where the two leaders discussed the situation around the Black Sea grain deal. During this meeting, Putin noted that Russia was close to finalizing agreements with six African countries on the free delivery and shipment of grain. The state attorney generals office is investigating a complaint alleging the Yorkville School District 115 board violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act by discussing whether to remove the book "Just Mercy" from its curriculum in a closed session two months ago. (Spiegel Grau / HANDOUT) The Illinois attorney generals office is investigating a complaint alleging the Yorkville School District 115 board violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act by discussing whether to remove a book from its curriculum in a closed session two months ago. The complaint comes after four Yorkville school board members voted to remove the book Just Mercy from the curriculum of a Yorkville High School English class. A group of Yorkville students and parents blasted the board for its decision during its meeting on Sept. 25. Advertisement Across the U.S., conversations are happening on removing books as the Chicago-based American Library Association reports that attempts to ban books in the country nearly doubled in 2022 compared with the previous year. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois on Thursday condemned the Yorkville school boards move to remove the book, saying inclusive curriculum is needed in the states schools. Advertisement Last spring, a parent of a student in the English II Rhetorical Analysis course at Yorkville High School complained of the use of Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson in the class. The book takes a look at Americas criminal justice system by focusing on two Black men wrongly convicted of murder who spent years on death row. In May, the school board unanimously agreed to allow the book to remain as the anchor text for the class with a provision that an alternative text for the class be offered as well. After a parent appealed the decision, the board changed its mind at its August meeting. In a 4-2 vote, board President Darren Crawford and board members Jason Demas, Mike Knoll and Mike Houston all voted to remove the book from the curriculum of the class. According to minutes from the meeting, Houston and Knoll said the book is too controversial and asked that a different text be used in the class. The book was removed from the curriculum, but still available to interested students in the library, district officials said. This week, Illinois Attorney General Public Access Bureau Deputy Chief Joshua Jones wrote that a complaint was filed alleging the board held improper discussions on the book issue during a closed session. Jones wrote that the Public Access Bureau determined further action is warranted concerning the issue and asked for copies of the May and August school board meeting agendas, minutes for both the open and closed sessions of the meetings and a verbatim recording of the closed sessions. School district officials said in a statement they are working with the Illinois attorney general and providing all necessary details and information. They said the investigation by the bureau was triggered by a request for review from a non-resident of the district. The district believes it has substantially complied with (the Open Meetings Act) and no findings to the contrary have been made by the Attorney Generals Office at this stage, district officials said. Advertisement The attorney generals office also asked for a detailed, written answer to the allegation that the board improperly discussed the removal of a book from its curriculum during a closed session. The school board has seven business days to reply to the letter. Parent Mike Curtis said his oldest son, a senior at Yorkville High School, read the book two years ago and said he and his friends still discuss it. My son is a mix of disappointed and angry, Curtis said concerning the boards decision to remove the book from the curriculum of the class. He isnt an avid reader and loves his art classes and his guitar over his English essays, but that book resonated with him. Curtis said he was a teacher for 18 years and that while the school has said the book isnt banned because students can still read it from the library, that is a much different experience than reading it in a large group with a teacher guiding discussions. Hearing different students points of view is important, Curtis said. My son is a white male and to hear the thoughts from students whose parents are immigrants, or someone who is African American or an ESL student is important. This takes away the ability for people to connect over something they feel passionately about, which is what makes us human. ACLU of Illinois Director of Public Policy Ed Yohnka said it is not lost on him that this discussion comes during the national Banned Books Week. Advertisement We think of banning books and curriculum as something happening in other states, but I think what weve seen in Yorkville is just a part of this national attempt to curb reading materials based on politics without any concern for the advancement of students and experiences of the teachers, he said. Before the book was selected for use in the class at Yorkville High School, it was vetted by a group of teachers who thought it would support their unit of study and learning standards, according to school board meeting minutes. The assistant superintendent of teaching and learning also approved the text. Attempts to reach school board members for comment on the issue were unsuccessful. mejones@chicagotribune.com CHICAGO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- General Motors Co. (GM) has submitted a new counteroffer to the United Auto Workers (UAW), The Detroit News reported Thursday as the UAW's strike against the Big Three U.S. automakers enters its 21st day. The news also came as the UAW said on Thursday it plans to make another announcement at 2 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) Friday. GM did not give details on its latest proposal. OFFERS FROM THE "BIG THREE" "We can confirm that we provided a counteroffer to the UAW's most recent proposal, our sixth since the start of negotiations," GM spokesperson David Barnas said in a statement. "We believe we have a compelling offer that would reward our team members and allow GM to succeed and thrive into the future. We continue to stand ready and willing to negotiate in good faith 24/7 to reach an agreement," the statement said. GM previously offered a 20-percent wage increase over the length of the contract which aims at reducing half of the time it takes for workers to reach the top of the pay scale, raises for temporary workers, and elimination of some wage tiers. Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday said it had made its seventh and "strongest" offer to the union, including product commitments for every UAW-represented plant in the United States, an increase in starting pay for temporary workers to 21 U.S. dollars per hour, conversion into permanent upon ratification for all temporary workers with at least three months of continuous service and a wage increase of "more than 20 percent" for permanent workers. The offer also includes the restoration of cost-of-living allowances, and the elimination of wage tiers which reduces "more than half" the time for workers to reach the top of the wage scale. Stellantis NV was spared from strike expansion last week as it made progress in talks with the union on areas including cost-of-living adjustments that had been suspended in 2009, the right not to cross a picket line, the right to strike over product commitments and plant closures, and an outsourcing moratorium. UAW's President Shawn Fain is expected to update its members on where negotiations stand during a live-streamed event on Friday. DIFFERENCES REMAIN Despite the progress made in the negotiations between the Big Three and UAW, "significant gaps" remained. Disparities between temporary and permanent workers are a highlight, The Detroit News reported. According to contracts negotiated in 2019, temporary workers reach full-time status at GM after 19 months of continuous employment and at Ford after two years. At Stellantis, they get preferential hiring but no guarantees. In current negotiations, GM and Stellantis have made offers to increase the starting pay for temporary workers from 16.67 dollars to about 20 dollars per hour. Ford raised its offer to 21 dollars per hour with profit sharing and promised it would make temporary workers full-time after 90 days of continuous service. Temporary employees make up about 12 percent of Stellantis' UAW workforce; 5-10 percent of GM's total union members; and about 3 percent of Ford's union workforce. Temporary workers also have less health care coverage and don't get profit-sharing checks or other performance bonuses. Ford's sticking point in its negotiations with the UAW focuses on electric-vehicle battery plants. While the UAW wants to include the four electric-vehicle battery plants in the new contract, Ford accused the UAW of holding the deal hostage over battery plants. Ford is building four battery plants in the United States: three would be joint-venture operations with battery maker SK On in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky, and another in Marshall, Michigan, would be a wholly-owned Ford subsidiary. "While Ford remains open to the possibility of working with the UAW on future battery plants in the United States, these are multi-billion-dollar investments and must operate at competitive and sustainable levels," the Dearborn-based automaker said in a news release last week. Ford holds that the next round of contract talks would be the time to talk about these battery plants. The UAW announced strikes at three select factories of Ford, GM and Stellantis on Sept. 14, after its contract with the Big Three expired. It spread the strike to 38 GM and Stellantis parts distribution centers around the country on Sept. 22, following a failure to make meaningful progress in new contract negotiations; and further spread it to GM and Ford SUV assembly plants on Sept. 29. In all, about 25,300 out of some 146,000 Big Three U.S. workers represented by the UAW are now on strike across the country. Ever since the strike erupted, Ford has temporarily laid off about 1,330 workers due to the strike. For its part, GM has laid off 2,175 workers at component factories that supply plants that are on strike or use parts from them. (@Abdulla99267510) Parliament votes with 561in favour, 5 against and 2 abstention to extend current rules on the scheme of generalized tariff preferences. ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Oct 6th, 2023) The European Parliament has voted to roll over the rules on generalized scheme of preferences which have been designed to help developing countries including Pakistan. After extension, GSP Plus regulations will now expire in 2027. Parliament voted with 561in favour, 5 against and 2 abstention to extend current rules on the scheme of generalized tariff preferences. Minister for Commerce Gohar Ijaz has expressed gratitude to European Union for living up to its commitment to facilitate trade from developing countries. He also reiterated Pakistan's commitments under the scheme for the betterment of all. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leadership has denounced the ban by the Bharatiya Janata Party Indian government on Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party led by jailed senior APHC leader, Shabbir Ahmed Shah ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leadership has denounced the ban by the Bharatiya Janata Party Indian government on Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party led by jailed senior APHC leader, Shabbir Ahmed Shah. According to Kashmir Media Service, the APHC leaders, civil society activists and other religious and political leaders said that Shabbir Shah and other leaders were illegally detained in 2017 and after their arrests the Indian government led by fascist Modi was using cheap tactics to divert attention of the international community from its atrocities in the internationally recognized disputed territory. The leaders made it clear that all the political leaders are on one page for the Kashmir cause. They said Narendra Modi intentionally increased hostilities and aggravated the situation in occupied Kashmir and on the Line of Control (LoC) before general elections in India and ban on political parties is the latest attempt to further muzzle the Kashmiris in IIOJK. Banning jailed leader Shabbir Ahmad Shahs DFP and earlier ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front and Jammu and Kashmir, Dukhtaran-e-Millat in IIOJK is another act of brazen terrorism by BJP/RSS Hindutva government of India to subdue Kashmiris freedom struggle, they added. The APHC leaders said in January this year the Modi regime had also attached the APHC office in Rajbagh, Srinagar, for spearheading the right to self-determination movement for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. They said the BJP government will not win the Kashmiris hearts by banning DFP and other Hurriyat parties in IIOJK demanding political settlement of the Kashmir dispute. The leaders urged the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and European Union to stop India from imposing a ban on political parties in IIOJK striving for solution of the Kashmir dispute as per the World Bodys resolutions. Other political parties and civil society activists in Srinagar said New Delhis decision to ban DFP is against the essence of democracy. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement spokesman Dr Irfan in a statement in Srinagar denouncing the ban on DFP by the Indian government said the Indian laws do not apply in occupied Jammu and Kashmir due to its disputed status. He said the DFP is a political organization committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula has said that joining of his country to BRICS would deepen its economic cooperation with the emerging markets of the world ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula has said that joining of his country to BRICS would deepen its economic cooperation with the emerging markets of the world. Addressing a round table discussion on Expanding BRICS and the New Alignments, the ambassador underscored that the BRICS expansion would be instrumental in Ethiopia's ten-year development plan, aligning with the economic reforms initiated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. He said Ethiopia with the second largest population in Africa, had become one of the fastest-growing economies globally, maintaining an impressive average growth rate for last several years even during the pandemic critical time. Ambassador Jemal Beker emphasized that Ethiopia's entry into BRICS would open new avenues for increased trade, foreign direct investment, and opportunities for technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and infrastructural development. He highlighted Ethiopia's commitment to diversify its exports in key sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and information and communication technology (ICT). With the addition of new members like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others, BRICS now represents nearly half of the global population and a quarter of the global GDP, he said, adding this actually positioned BRICS as an economic powerhouse that could not be ignored. He also underlined Ethiopia's vital role in the African Union, stating that Ethiopia brings not only economic strength but also a deep understanding of regional dynamics to the group with its addition. As the headquarters of the African Union, Ethiopia holds significant influence over regional affairs and aims to become a hub of connectivity and manufacturing in the African continent, offering BRICS a gateway to African markets, the ambassador remarked. He expressed his optimism that BRICS expansion would enhance south-south cooperation, fostering sustainable socio-economic development worldwide. Collaboration within BRICS will promote technology transfer, knowledge sharing, economic integration, environmental sustainability, and infrastructural development among member countries. He said Ethiopia's inclusion in BRICS marked a significant milestone in the nation's economic trajectory, promising increased global engagement, economic growth, and mutual development opportunities. (@Abdulla99267510) The fresh report submitted to the Lahore High Court suggests frequent follow-up investigations in both London and Pakistan. LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Oct 6th, 2023) A new medical report concerning the health of Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) Supremo and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was presented to the Lahore High Court on Friday. This development came just days ahead of Nawaz Sharif's anticipated return to Pakistan. Back in November 2019, the LHC had granted him permission to travel abroad for medical treatment based on his urgent medical needs. Since then, Nawaz Sharif had been residing in London, in accordance with the court's directive to regularly submit medical reports. Last month, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif announced that his elder brother would be ending his four-year self-imposed exile by returning to Pakistan on October 21. The recent medical report, submitted by Nawaz Sharif's legal team, includes insights from Professor Carlo di Mario of London's Royal Brompton Hospital. Professor di Mario mentioned that Nawaz Sharif had undergone previous procedures such as CABG, multiple angioplasties, and ablations during his stay in London. The report noted that initially, they attempted medical treatment and enhanced his antianginal therapy. However, due to worsening anginal symptoms and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision was made to repeat an angioplasty in November 2022. This procedure involved rotational atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, and the deployment of multiple stents under IVUS guidance. Despite these interventions, Nawaz Sharif still experiences some residual anginal symptoms, and continuous monitoring is recommended. The report attributed these ongoing issues to diffuse distal coronary disease, particularly in a patient with diabetes and multiple other comorbidities. As a result, frequent follow-up investigations in both London and Pakistan are advised. Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has asserted that all foreign nationals residing illegally in Punjab should voluntarily depart as the initial data of foreign residents has been compiled LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has asserted that all foreign nationals residing illegally in Punjab should voluntarily depart as the initial data of foreign residents has been compiled. He made these remarks during a media interaction after inspecting the Shahdara flyovers and Bund Road controlled access corridor projects. The CM issued a stern warning that any foreigner staying unlawfully in the province would not be permitted to dwell. Naqvi stressed the importance of self-eviction by illegal immigrants in Punjab, cautioning that a comprehensive crackdown would ensue if they failed to comply. However, the government would not abuse anyone, he maintained. The CM observed that the closure of schools had led to a noticeable decrease in pink eye cases. In response to a query about his health, he conveyed that he is feeling better. Mohsin Naqvi provided updates on the progress of the Shahdara flyovers project, highlighting the rapid completion of the bridge and ongoing activities. Anticipating that the flyovers would be opened to traffic next month, he disclosed that 90 percent of the work had already been accomplished. Additionally, he informed that two construction companies are working tirelessly to complete the Bund Road project before 120 days. Simultaneously, numerous pending projects in Rawalpindi, including the Ring Road and safe city authority, have been initiated. These projects are slated for completion within 90 to 180 days, with a portion of the Rawalpindi Ring Road nearing completion. Mohsin Naqvi also mentioned that safe city projects in Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi were scheduled for simultaneous completion within 150 days. Before this, the chief minister inspected the Shahdara flyovers and Bund Road controlled access corridor projects, directing an expedited focus on asphalt and surrounding roads. He emphasized the acceleration of the new Ravi bridge project. The CM received updates on the nearing completion of both towers of the flyovers and the ongoing installation of electric poles. Subsequently, CM inspected the Bund Road controlled access corridor project and underscored the necessity for timely project completion. He directed efforts to improve traffic flow during the construction period. The 7.3-KM long controlled access corridor on Bund Road is slated for completion in four months. The first package covers construction from Niazi Chowk to Sagian Interchange, and the second package spans from Sagian Interchange to Babu Sabu Interchange. Additionally, link roads around the controlled access corridor will also be constructed. Provincial Ministers Amir Mir, Azfar Ali Nasir, commissioner, DC Lahore, and others were also present. British Member of Parliament (MP) Afzal Khan met with Caretaker Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah on Friday to discuss mutual interests, with a particular focus on cultural relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) British Member of Parliament (MP) Afzal Khan met with Caretaker Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah on Friday to discuss mutual interests, with a particular focus on cultural relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, Humaira Ahmed, along with Adviser and Culture expert Muhammad Kashif Irshad, also attended the meeting. During their discussions, the minister emphasized the opportunities for cooperation across diverse artistic domains to enhance and fortify the strong people-to-people connections between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. He expressed that Art and Culture serve as the true representation and introduction of any nation. He further emphasized that great nations consistently recognize, appreciate, preserve, promote, and enhance their art and culture. The minister informed the British MP about ongoing initiatives, which involve the construction of a dedicated building for the Islamabad Museum and the creation of a National Heritage Channel. These efforts aim to promote regional folk literature and preserve the national heritage. The Minister announced plans for the second phase of the CPEC Cultural Caravan, during which special invitations will be extended to all Central Asian states to participate. British MP Afzal Khan expressed his commitment to furthering cooperation in cultural exchanges and continuing efforts to bolster cultural ties. He commended Pakistan's archaeological sites and likened civilizations to interconnected rivers. Manila, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) Security patrols and sniffer dogs were deployed at dozens of Philippine airports Friday after the aviation regulator received a bomb threat against commercial planes. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said it was investigating the threat received via email on Wednesday warning that aircraft at Manila airport and four others would "explode". The regulator said in a statement Friday that 42 commercial airports "are on heightened alert" and that "immediate enhanced security measures are being implemented across all airports". Eric Apolonio, spokesman for the aviation authority, told AFP that no flights were disrupted and "no bombs have been found". The Manila airport authority said Friday that "foot and mobile patrols are in place and K9 units are doing the rounds of the terminals as added measures to its already established day-to-day protocols". The Manila airport measures were also being implemented at the other airports, Apolonio told AFP. He said the threat was the second at a Philippine airport since Monday when a Manila-bound flight aborted takeoff at Bicol airport after the pilot discovered a scrap of paper in the plane's toilet with the word "BOMB??" written on it. All 133 passengers were ordered off the plane to undergo security checks, while an incoming flight was sent back to Manila as Bicol airport authorities closed the runway and suspended flight operations, Apolonio said. The authorities later concluded it was a "joke" and the plane was allowed to take off nearly four hours later, he said. Apolonio would not comment on whether the authorities suspected the Monday and Wednesday threats were related. Granada, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) Leaders of the EU's 27 nations met to tackle the divisive question of migration at a summit in Spain on Friday, two days after agreeing a reform package furiously opposed by Warsaw and Budapest. After a tense day of talks at Thursday's European Political Community summit, EU leaders began an informal council meeting in the southern city of Granada, with migration topping the agenda. Poland's populist government, facing a general election next week, lashed out at Europe's plans for overhauling the rules on asylum seekers and irregular migrants as a "diktat" from Brussels and Berlin. There was also a furious response from Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the law, which obliges states to take in a share of migrants or pay those who do so, was tantamount to being "legally raped". "Poland and Hungary were not satisfied with the proposal... so after this, there's no chance of having any kind of compromise and agreement on migration. Politically, it's impossible... because legally we were -- how to say it -- we were raped," he said. One of the most-hotly disputed issues among EU member states, migration tops Brussels' agenda after thousands of asylum-seekers landed on the Italian island of Lampedusa, highlighting the urgency of consolidating a unified European response. The Spanish hosts failed to put the crisis on the agenda of Thursday's European Political Community summit, which groups the EU with their European neighbours. But Italy and Britain's leaders staged a side-meeting, backed by France and the Netherlands, to push a plan to prevent boats carrying asylum seekers even setting off for Europe. Earlier this week, member states agreed by majority the final part an overhaul of the rules on handling asylum seekers and irregular migrants, setting up push for the European Parliament to make it law before elections next year. The new Pact on Migration and Asylum would seek to relieve pressure on so-called frontline countries such as Italy and Greece by relocating some arrivals to other EU states, while those opposed to hosting asylum-seekers would be required to pay those that do. - Meloni 'satisfied' - Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said she was "satisfied" with the direction Europe was heading. "Europe's ambitions in terms of migration are becoming more pragmatic in terms of legality with a desire to combat human traffickers, and to stop illegal immigration," she said on arriving at the EPC summit on Thursday. A key part of the pact is an obligatory mechanism to help member states faced with a sudden influx of asylum seekers, like in 2015-2016 when hundreds of thousands arrived, mostly from Syria. Both Poland and Hungary have repeatedly fought against the pact and have relentlessly pushed, in vain, for the final declaration of the Granada summit to include a reference for the need for unanimity over the migration reform, diplomatic sources said. Disagreement over the pact could block a joint declaration on migration as happened at a Brussels summit in early July. But the text being discussed for Friday's summit includes stronger language. According to a draft seen by AFP, it says illegal immigration must be "immediately addressed in a determined manner" and refers to "stepping up returns" of migrants. It also affirms the EU's determination to forge "mutually beneficial comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit", such as the one signed in July with Tunisia to reduce the number of migrants arriving from there. The migration pact must now be put to the European Parliament for further debate in the hope it will be in place before the upcoming elections, which could see a significant shift in the assembly's makeup given the rise of right-wing parties in several EU nations. Palestinian was killed early Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers in a town that has been the scene of frequent violence in the occupied West Bank, multiple sources said Ramallah, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) A Palestinian was killed early Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers in a town that has been the scene of frequent violence in the occupied West Bank, multiple sources said. "Labib Mohammad Labib Dmidi, 19, was shot in the heart by settlers in the town of Huwara," the Palestinian health ministry said in a brief statement. The Israeli army said in a statement that a suspect had been shot by soldiers, and a military spokesman said later he was unable to confirm whether the Palestinian had been killed or wounded. Huwara is a town in the northern West Bank that has this year witnessed several fatal shootings by Palestinians against Israelis in cars and reprisal attacks by Jewish settlers against locals and their property. Mayor Moin Dmidi told AFP that the young Palestinian man had sought refuge on the roof of his house, which was being attacked by settlers, when one of them shot him dead. Another resident of the town, Abderrahman Dmidi, said the attack took place as dozens of settlers descended on Huwara overnight. "More than 200 settlers gathered in the middle of Huwara after midnight, shouting and dancing, some of them with covered faces," he told AFP. "They began throwing stones towards some houses, and then the young people... tried to defend their homes by throwing stones," he added. The confrontation came after the Israeli army said soldiers shot dead a Palestinian who had opened fire on a car stuck in traffic at a junction adjacent to Huwara late Thursday, without hitting any of the Israeli civilians inside. After midnight, the army said, dozens of Israeli civilians gathered in an area of Huwara and engaged in stone-throwing clashes with Palestinians, before soldiers intervened with "riot dispersal means to defuse the confrontation". It said a suspect "threw a block at an Israeli vehicle", prompting soldiers to respond with live fire. It added that "a hit was identified". The Palestinian Red Crescent said it treated 58 people at the scene of the clashes who had suffered from tear gas inhalation. The military said it had received reports "regarding vandalism of the properties of Palestinian residents of the town by Israeli civilians". The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the events in Huwara, referring to them as a "heinous crime committed by a hateful and racist settler," demonstrating the "perpetuation of crimes and attacks by organised settler militias against our people." In February, dozens of Israeli settlers set fire to numerous buildings in Huwara after a Palestinian gunman killed two Israelis in the town. A surge in violence has hit the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. There has been a rise in army raids, Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis and Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and their property. So far this year at least 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis and two foreigners have been killed in the conflict, including combatants and civilians on both sides, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials. Geneva, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) The United Nations and the Red Cross this week issued a joint call for urgent new international rules to protect humanity from the potential "terrible consequences" of autonomous weapons. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres and Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, on Thursday said getting to grips with so-called killer robots was a global "humanitarian priority". They called on states to establish specific bans and restrictions on autonomous weapon systems by 2026, "to shield present and future generations from the consequences of their use". "In the current security landscape, setting clear international red lines will benefit all states," they said. Autonomous weapon systems -- generally understood as weapon systems that select targets and apply force without human intervention -- "pose serious humanitarian, legal, ethical and security concerns", they said. Guterres and Spoljaric said their development and proliferation had the potential to change the way wars are fought and thereby fuel global instability. "By creating a perception of reduced risk to military forces and to civilians, they may lower the threshold for engaging in conflicts -- inadvertently escalating violence," they explained. "We must act now to preserve human control over the use of force. Human control must be retained in life and death decisions. The autonomous targeting of humans by machines is a moral line that we must not cross. "Machines with the power and discretion to take lives without human involvement should be prohibited by international law. " - Growth of AI - The UN and ICRC chiefs said their concerns had been heightened by the increasing availability and sophistication of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, which could be integrated into autonomous weapons. The pair called for a ban on autonomous weapon systems which function in an unpredictable way -- for example weapons controlled by machine-learning algorithms -- calling them "an unacceptably dangerous proposition". The UN and ICRC heads also called for clear restrictions on all other types of autonomous weapons, including limits on their use, they type of targets they strike and the scale of force used. While international law prohibits certain weapons and restricts the use of others, without a specific agreement on autonomous weapons, countries could hold "different views" on how these rules might apply. "New international rules on autonomous weapons are therefore needed to clarify and strengthen existing law," they said, calling them "essential to avoiding terrible consequences for humanity". "We call on world leaders to launch negotiations of a new legally binding instrument to set clear prohibitions and restrictions on autonomous weapon systems and to conclude such negotiations by 2026," they said. Talks on killer robots have taken place in recent years at the UN in Geneva but countries are yet to find enough common ground to launch real negotiations. SACRAMENTO, the United States, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The largest health care workers' strike in the U.S. history entered its second day on Thursday, arousing concerns over the shortage of healthcare staff. More than 75,000 workers with the California-based healthcare organization Kaiser Permanente stood on the picket lines across the country, demanding better pay and benefits. They work at hundreds of facilities across the U.S. states of California, Colorado, Washington and Oregon, and are represented by a coalition of unions. However, negotiations between union leaders and Kaiser executives broke down on Wednesday due to a dispute over pay increase. The coalition also demanded ways to fix a staff shortage that workers have long complained about. The three-day strike ends on Saturday morning. But the coalition said "another longer and stronger" strike will be staged next month if a new contract agreement can't be reached by then. Kaiser admitted the staff shortages in its statement, saying it's a problem that "every health care provider in the nation" has been facing. The organization's data confirm a chronic trend of staff shortages in the U.S. healthcare industry, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. In January, more than 7,000 nurses at two major New York City hospitals went on strike, complaining that staffing shortages led to burnout. From the start of 2022 through August this year, about 33 percent of the work stoppages occurred in the healthcare industry, compared to 29 percent in 2019, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The shortage of healthcare staff was the greatest risk to patients in 2022, according to a report by the health care safety organization ECRI. "Due to staffing shortages, many patients are waiting longer for care, even in life-threatening emergencies, or simply being turned away," said the report. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Mexico City, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) The United States and Mexico pledged Thursday to step up efforts to tackle flows of drugs and migrants, setting aside signs of friction over a US plan to extend a controversial border wall. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticized the announcement by Washington that it would add to the barrier that was a signature policy of Donald Trump, calling it a "setback." "It does not solve the problem. We must address the causes" of migration, he told reporters shortly before meeting Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the National Palace. Blinken was accompanied by a delegation including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland for the high-level security talks. The synthetic opioid fentanyl "continues to devastate families on both sides of the border," Blinken said. "We have an obligation to do everything in our power to combat this scourge," he added. On migration, the top US diplomat said the scale of the challenge "demands that we redouble our efforts" through measures such as modernizing border security, increasing legal migration pathways and addressing the root causes. Mayorkas said the two countries were committed to expanding "safe, orderly and lawful pathways for migrants" but with "strict consequences" for those who do not use lawful means to enter the United States. "Those consequences include swift repatriation, the swift return of migrants and a ban on their re-entry," he said. With US President Joe Biden under pressure to halt border crossings as he seeks reelection, Washington announced Thursday that it would resume deportation flights to Venezuela after a deal with Caracas. More than 8,200 migrants have died or disappeared in the Americas since 2014, most of them while trying to reach the United States via Mexico, according to the International Organization for Migration. The United States saw a record of around 110,000 drug overdose deaths between March 2022 and March 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fentanyl accounted for some two-thirds of them. Garland said the two countries were "taking on the dangerous drug trafficking cartels that are responsible for the deaths of both American and Mexican citizens. "The fentanyl these cartels are producing and trafficking is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced," he added. Last month Mexico extradited Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of imprisoned Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, to the United States to face narcotics charges. The US Justice Department is pursuing three more of Guzman's sons, known as the "Chapitos." US authorities are also targeting Chinese companies accused of cartel links. This week they announced sanctions on a China-based network accused of producing and distributing precursor chemicals. Mexico is plagued by cartel-related bloodshed that has seen more than 420,000 people murdered since the government deployed the military in the war on drugs in 2006. Lopez Obrador argues that investing in development projects in the region would help counter not only drug trafficking but also migration flows. He has angrily rejected calls by Republican politicians in the United States to send the US military to fight drug cartels. (@FahadShabbir) Caracas, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) The Venezuelan prosecutor's office said Thursday it had issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Juan Guaido and would ask for Interpol's help in his apprehension. Prosecutors were appointed "to issue an arrest warrant against him and to request a Red Notice from Interpol so that he pays for his crimes," Prosecutor Tarek William Saab said. Living in exile in the United States, Guaido was accused of treason, usurpation of functions, money laundering and association with a view to committing a crime, the official said. The Venezuelan prosecutor said "Guaido used the resources of PDVSA (the public oil giant) to cause losses close to or greater than $19 billion," adding that he relied on "revelations" provided to the press "by a Federal court in the United States. " The former president of the National Assembly, Guaido proclaimed himself "interim president" of Venezuela in January 2019 after challenging the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro in 2018. Guaido's claim received support from dozens of countries including the United States, which had adopted a battery of sanctions against Caracas, including an embargo on Venezuelan oil. But Guaido failed to dislodge Maduro from power and has faded from the prominent role he once had. And late last year the Venezuelan opposition formally ended his position as acting president. HANOI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2023) -- Vietnam's disbursement of public investment in the first nine months of this year was estimated at 51.38 percent of the yearly plan, the highest rate ever, Vietnam news Agency reported Friday, citing the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The disbursed capital sourced from the state budget during the January-September period topped 363 trillion Vietnamese dong (14.89 billion U.S. Dollars), up 46.7 percent from the same time last year. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said public investment disbursement in nine months has never exceeded 50 percent in the previous years, but this year it has surpassed this level. The John Burman Student Government at the University of Wyomings College of Law has scheduled a number of activities for Law Week Oct. 16-20. For over 20 years, the College of Law has hosted Law Week, where law professionals from across the country present a variety of law-related topics to students and community members. All of this years events, unless otherwise specified, are free and open to all students, staff, faculty and the public. On Thursday, Oct. 19, the Wyoming Supreme Court will hold oral arguments from 9 a.m.-noon in Room 178 of the College of Law Building. This is a rare opportunity in which the five justices from the Wyoming Supreme Court visit the College of Law to hear the oral arguments from practicing attorneys, says Chandler Helvey, vice president of the John Burman Student Government. Following the arguments, the justices will hold a question-and-answer session with audience members. The courts docket topics have not yet been announced. On Friday, Oct. 20, the College of Law deans office will host a presentation and question-and-answer session from 9-10:30 a.m. in Room 178 with Chief U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl. He will give a short presentation about his journey to becoming a federal judge and then open the floor to questions. Law Week will wrap up with the Trelease Dinner Friday from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the Wildcatter Club and Suites in War Memorial Stadium. The dinner honors Frank Trelease, who was a premier Western water law scholar, a professor for 33 years and dean of the UW College of Law for 12 years. The evening will consist of a social hour; a dinner catered by Altitude Chophouse; and a presentation by Reed Benson, a professor of law and director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program at the University of New Mexico. There, he teaches water law, natural resources and administrative law. Benson has published dozens of articles on Western water law and policy. He was a Fulbright Scholar in 2015, serving as visiting chair in water and the environment at the University of Lethbridge in Canada. Additionally, Benson worked in a private law practice for the Environmental Protection Agency, conservation groups in Colorado and Oregon, and on the UW College of Law faculty from 2002-08. Tickets to the Trelease Dinner are $25 each and may be purchased by visiting https://forms.office.com/r/hbp99qz9CGTickets. Throughout the week, additional presentations are planned during the lunch hour and in the evenings. To read about the talks currently scheduled, visit www.uwyo.edu/law/law-week-2023.html. More presentations may be added. For more information, email Helvey at chelvey@uwyo.edu or Darby Clark at dclark31@uwyo.edu. A senior petroleum geologist with the University of Wyomings Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute (EORI) recently discussed some new geologic interpretations that may have an impact on improving oil production from the Muddy Formation in the Powder River Basin. Stephen Whitaker presented on New Thoughts on the Muddy at Kitty Field: Ramifications for Regional Interpretations as part of EORIs Enhanced Oil Recovery Insights series, focused on minimizing stranded oil in Wyoming reservoirs. Download the presentation here. Whitaker approached the discussion from three questions: the development of the Muddy Formation; the relationship between the Permian Pine/Ervay Salt and deposition of the Cretaceous Muddy Formation; and how the dissolution of underlying salt affects correlations in the Muddy at Kitty Field and elsewhere. EORIs mission and focus are to facilitate meaningful, measurable and economically viable solutions to increase recoverable reserves and production of oil and natural gas in Wyoming that otherwise may not be realized. WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday that the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone as it came in proximity to U.S. forces in Syria earlier in the day. Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a press briefing that U.S. commanders assessed that a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew "less than a half kilometer from U.S. forces" based in Syria. U.S. F-16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV "in self-defense" as the drone was deemed "a potential threat," Ryder said, adding that the Pentagon had "no indication that Turkiye was intentionally targeting U.S. forces." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler to discuss the incident. According to a readout of the phone call provided by Ryder, Austin urged his Turkish counterpart to commit to "de-escalation in northern Syria," stressing "the importance of maintaining strict adherence to de-confliction protocols and communication through established military-to-military channels." "The Secretary acknowledged Turkiye's legitimate security concerns and affirmed his commitment to close coordination between the United States and Turkiye to prevent any risk to U.S. forces," the readout said. The Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad have the military presence along their shared border due to allegations both nations are attempting to disrupt the other by using rebel factions. Tensions between CAR and Chad have been strained since April, when each accused the other of being involved in violence on the border. This week, the Central African Republic (CAR) army and Wagner Group mercenaries carried out a military exercise in Ouham-Fafa Prefecture near the border with Chad. In response to growing security concerns along its shared border, Chad has increased its troop presence and patrols, collaborating with French forces in the region, amid allegations that CAR is planning to use anti-government armed groups and mercenaries. Chadian rebel leader Baba Ladde is reported to have been recruiting fighters from Lim-Pende in northern CAR to launch an attack against Chad. Relations between CAR and Chad have often been tense. The two countries have accused each other of harboring armed rebels. Charles Bouessel, a senior consultant for the International Crisis Group, said CAR is not cooperating with its neighbor in dealing with rebels trying to destabilize Chad. We heard about two more Chadian groups, which tried to settle bases in the Vakaga prefecture in CAR not far from the Chadian border," said Bouessel. "And we have seen at the beginning no response or no reaction from the Central African authority concerning these armed groups and so it raises some questions about at least the passivity of the central African authorities to arm these armed groups or even some kind of complicity. Some Western countries have expressed concern about the stability of Chad. According to the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, which tracks political violence and protest around the world, there have been 437 attacks recorded in the past 12 months in CAR and Chad, killing at least 1,000 people. Bouessel says increased security activities along the border by CAR authorities are to pressure Chad not to work with armed groups. Testimony has flagged that Wagner have been providing some weapons and some equipment to arm these armed groups but from what we can assess now I doubt that the equipment delivered will be a game changer but it must be seen as a way for the Central African authority to put more pressure on Chad so that Chad accept[s] to cooperate a little bit more about all Central African rebels who are hosted in N'djamena and elsewhere," said Bouessel. Professor Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha, an expert in diplomacy and international relations, says there is a pressing need for the African Union to confront the border instability between Chad and CAR. Central African Republic and Chad, the natives who live around the border, they are the same people, and they are made now to fight and there is conflict between two African countries, which should by now have united and made a more powerful entity that supports the livelihood of the Africans," said Chacha. "So that's our tragedy as African people. And our tragedy is going to continue until our leaders wake up and say enough is enough. The Wagner Group has been in the Central African Republic since 2018. The Russian group protects the national government and fights rebel groups, in return the group has access to the country's mineral resources. For years, Chinese officials have referred to the Tiananmen massacre as "political turmoil" and have attempted to make the violence of June 4, 1989, disappear. Estimates of the death toll range from several hundred people to more than 10,000, though there has never been an official tally released. Thousands more were injured by troops who charged the student-led pro-democracy demonstration that began massing in Beijings vast open space in mid-April. Against that backdrop, Tiananmen: A New Musical weaves a love story between two students in a production that opened Wednesday at the Phoenix Theatre Company in Arizona. Its world premiere will be Friday night. Wuer Kaixi, who was one of the protest leaders and who now lives in Taiwan where he is a pro-democracy activist, served as a creative consultant. It is the latest in a subset of musicals that tackle serious issues. Cabaret addresses homophobia, antisemitism and the rise of Nazi Germany. Dear Evan Hansen grapples with suicide and bullying. It took three years to produce Tiananmen. Beijings growing willingness to track down its critics and exert pressure on them left many who auditioned wary of accepting roles that jeopardize family or business interests in China. The shows musical director, theater veteran Darren Lee, told VOA Mandarin that before accepting the job, he had a career first: calling his parents to see if there were relatives still in China who would be endangered. His familys "most studious aunt" with the best "memory and connection to where we've all come from" greenlit Lees participation. The show's original Chinese American director left the show because of "potential for retribution against his family in China if he were involved in telling this story," Lee told Phoenix magazine. Lee said one of the core messages of the Tiananmen play is to explore the impact of this "long arm of fear" on people. "I'm an American-born Chinese person. I may share DNA with people in China, but I don't have direct relatives that would be pressured in any way. So, I don't have that same sense of I guess its fear," he said. Producer Jason Rose said others involved in the show opted out due to concerns about family or business interests in China. Others used stage names or were credited as "Anonymous." Rose told VOA Mandarin he respected those decisions, but the show kept moving ahead despite possible pressure from Beijing. "That's what drew me to this show," he said. "It is provocative. It is important. It is a celebration of bravery by these artists. That is American art at its best, and to allow another country to dictate what's going to be on the American stage I'm sorry, that's where I'll hold up my hand and say, 'Let's go try and do this." And while Kaixi hopes audiences will feel the students courage and the atmosphere of hope that permeated Tiananmen Square, he wants people to realize that the rulers of todays China are no different from those who "decided to shoot and kill people" in 1989. That view is reflected in a scene described by Rose in an opinion piece Sept. 15 in the Arizona Capitol Times. Chinas leader in 1989, Deng Xiaoping, walking through the carnage left by the governments attack, delivers a monologue: "People will forget what happened here. People will forget what we did here. Westerners will. China will. Because you will want smartphones. Because Beijing will want skyscrapers. Twenty-thousand dying will bring 20 years of stability. Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. And at the edge of memory, who defines the truth? Me." VOA Mandarin sought comment from the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco but did not receive a response. Ellie Wang, who stars opposite Kennedy Kanagawa in Tiananmen, told Playbill, "This production is not just a celebration of art and storytelling but a powerful reminder of the importance of courage, resilience, and the universal desire for freedom." Wen Baoling, a Hong Konger who lives in San Francisco, traveled to Phoenix to attend a preview of the show, which has a book by Scott Elmegreen, with music and lyrics by Drew Fornarola. "I really wanted to support this team of very brave people who made this show about the Tiananmen massacre," she said. "The Chinese regime tries to put a lot of pressure on people, even outside of China. So, we can't really let the censorship this complete erasure of history we can't let the Chinese regime extend that censorship outside of China and into the U.S." Audience member Jerry Vineyard told VOA Mandarin he had followed the Tiananmen protests when they began. He said the musical "brought up a lot of memories for me ... because I remember I was in high school, I was 17, when all this happened. And I felt a lot of hope when I saw that started to happen. And then it just seemed like it was all dashed and crushed. And then ... they mentioned in the play, the [Berlin] Wall came down shortly after. So, [Tiananmen] kind of got brushed away in history." Kaixi said the students pro-democracy movement of 1989 remains "unfinished business." "I hope everyone will remember this history, respect this history, and eulogize this history. This generation of young people, with their dedication and their bravery, can achieve the results we wanted," he said. A string of coups and heightened anti-French sentiment sweeping across West and Central Africa hold important political and military lessons for African governments and their international partners, analysts tell VOA. French influence has loomed large over its former colonies in West and Central Africa, well after the era of independence from foreign rule. But now Paris appears to be facing a reckoning in the region, triggered by military takeovers in several of its former colonies. Ruling juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have expelled French troops and ambassadors, drastically reducing Paris' role in a regionwide fight against insurgents linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following the July 26 military mutiny in Niger, tens of thousands of coup supporters rallied in the capital, Niamey, denouncing France and burning French flags. Some demonstrators brandished Russian flags and expressed support for Moscow. Similar scenes have played out in Burkina Faso and Mali. Gnaka Lagoke, a professor of history and Africana studies at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, said the end of the Francafrique era had been a long time coming. "There is a sense in some African countries that economic and political life is still being controlled by the French. The reality is that we are now in an age of revolt against the French establishment, and these African countries are seeking 'a second independence,'" he told VOA. "People want their political and economic freedom, and they feel France is an obstacle to them achieving that." Lagoke added that the heightened political tensions in the region give world powers such as China and Russia an opportunity to expand their footprint in Africa. "Russian President Vladimir Putin, for example, has succeeded in positioning himself as the one who appears to be fighting against the hegemony of the West," he said, adding that "people in Francophone Africa look at Russia as a potential partner that shares their ideals and supports them in their struggle." The coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger alarmed many in West Africa, Europe and the United States. Niger had been a key security partner for the Western governments that used the landlocked West African country as a base in the fight against Islamic insurgents in the Sahel. Observers say there are concerns that a new and potentially dangerous dynamic in the Sahel could hurt counterterrorism efforts there and boost Russian influence in the region. With the entire central Sahel region now under the control of military regimes, the coups have also put West African leaders at a critical juncture. The Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, has slapped sanctions on Niger, demanded that Bazoum be reinstated, and threatened military action as a last resort. The Nigerien junta ignored ECOWAS' ultimatum, saying any military action would be "a declaration of war." In September, the military rulers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso signed a mutual defense pact, promising to help one another militarily against outside aggression and internal rebellion. Babacar Ndiaye, a senior fellow at the Timbuktu Institute in Senegal, says a Pandora's box may have been opened that threatens ECOWAS' ability to address regional security challenges and keep the alliance of its 15 member states intact. "ECOWAS was marginalized in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel because of its lack of military resources, but at least it set the framework for coordinating international efforts, both militarily, politically and from an organizational point of view," he told VOA's Straight Talk Africa. "With Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger appearing to be breaking away, so to speak, there is a new dynamic around lack of trust among ECOWAS member states." Ndiaye said the regional bloc is facing a test for its credibility and survival. "This is a serious blow to ECOWAS' 30-year-long efforts to establish legal frameworks and architecture that would put good governance, constitutional rule and human rights at the heart of its conflict prevention mechanisms in West Africa," Ndiaye said. "Those provisions also allowed for the regional bloc to intervene, for example, and avoid anti-constitutional changes in government. But with the recent military coups, there is now a new wave of authoritarianism that is taking place in West Africa, backsliding democratic efforts that were slowly and patiently built over the years." Ndiaye added that there is another major factor driving change in the Sahel: young people who are "disenchanted with democracy" as they experience it in their countries. "The hope was that, with democracy, there would be free and fair elections, good governance, transparency, and the rule of law. But what many young people see is a dysfunctional democracy with rigged elections, lack of accountability and, worst of all, no economic progress," he said. The youth are "upset, impatient and mobilized," he said, adding that "people see other models like Russia, China as illiberal democracies that provide development, and they think those countries could be used as a model versus models from the West." Lagoke predicted there would be coups in the region in the coming months but could not say where or when the next one would be. He told VOA that African governments must urgently address the root causes of the current diplomatic and domestic headwinds. "They need to provide basic services, they need to elevate the standard of living in their countries, and they need to respect their people. You cannot expect people who are being oppressed to stay quiet," he said. This story originated in VOA's English to Africa Service. Canada Moves Diplomatic Staff From India to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur: Canada has made the decision to withdraw the majority of its diplomatic staff from India, and has chosen to relocate them to either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This strategic move underscores Canada's commitment to maintaining robust diplomatic relations in the region while optimizing its resources and presence. The shift to these key Southeast Asian hubs not only enhances Canada's diplomatic reach but also reflects its recognition of the growing economic and political significance of the Asia-Pacific region. It signifies Canada's intent to engage actively with its Asian counterparts and foster stronger ties for mutual benefit. The Indian government has issued a stern directive to Canada, demanding the withdrawal of a substantial number of its diplomatic staff currently stationed in India. This move comes amidst growing tensions between the two nations, with New Delhi insisting that Ottawa repatriate approximately 40 diplomats by the looming deadline of October 10. These developments were first brought to light by sources familiar with the situation.. As of now, the Indian government has refrained from issuing an official statement regarding this latest diplomatic rift. Canada, on the other hand, currently maintains a contingent of 62 diplomats within India. However, India has adamantly asserted that this number must be drastically reduced by 41, as indicated in the report. The deteriorating diplomatic relationship between New Delhi and Ottawa reached a nadir following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent assertion. Trudeau raised suspicions that the Indian government may be linked to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a notorious Khalistani terrorist. Nijjar, designated as a terrorist in India, met his demise in a hail of gunfire outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. During a parliamentary debate in Canada, Trudeau went so far as to suggest that Canada's national security agencies had credible grounds to suspect the involvement of "agents of the Indian government" in Nijjar's assassination. Notably, Nijjar had also held the position of president at Surrey's Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara. However, India vehemently refuted these claims, dismissing them as "absurd" and driven by ulterior motives. Crucially, the Indian government has underscored that Canada has yet to furnish any public evidence substantiating the allegations surrounding Nijjar's murder. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently weighed in on the matter, asserting that the contentious relationship between India and Canada has been simmering for several years. This, he attributed to what he termed the "permissive" stance of the Canadian government towards terrorism, extremism, and violence within its borders. Despite the ongoing standoff, Jaishankar emphasized that this situation should not be classified as a "deadlock." He iterated India's willingness to evaluate any specific and pertinent information shared by the Canadian side pertaining to the issue. In a notable international development, the United States weighed in on the issue. The Joe Biden administration has engaged in discussions with the Indian government on multiple occasions, urging them to collaborate with Canada in its ongoing investigations into the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a recent meeting with Minister Jaishankar, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two nations. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, in a press briefing, emphasized, "As he made clear then, I'll reiterate now, we remain in close coordination with our Canadian colleagues on this question. We have engaged with the Indian government on a number of occasions to urge them to cooperate with Canada's investigation. The US Denies Reports of Worsening India-Canada Diplomatic Face-off Justin Trudeau Contemplating Declassification of Canadian Ex-Nazis List Diplomatic Storm Looms: Delays Possible for Indians Seeking Canadian Visas Officials in Syria say at least 80 people were killed Thursday when a drone strike hit a graduation ceremony for army officers in the city of Homs. The Associated Press, citing Syrias health minister, reports at least 240 people were wounded in the attack. It is unclear who is responsible for the carnage. The army confirmed that drones strapped with explosives targeted the graduation ceremony as it drew to a close. Army officials did not provide an official tally of the casualties, except to say that women and children are among those in critical condition. Syrias government has called for a three-day state of mourning, which will begin Friday. The military blamed extremists "backed by known international forces" for the attack, without singling out any particular entity, and promised that "it will respond with full force and decisiveness to these terrorist organizations, wherever they exist." After the attack, the government bombed towns in Idlib, a rebel-held northwestern province. How many casualties resulted from the shellings there is unknown. Earlier on Thursday, the government shelled another village in the area, hitting a family house and killing an elderly woman and four of her children as well as aid workers, according to the White Helmets, a volunteer civil defense organization working in northwestern Syria. The White Helmets said that nine civilians were also wounded. The countrys northwest is occupied by al-Qaida-linked militants and Turkish-sponsored opposition fighters. Most who live there are in extreme poverty and rely on humanitarian aid to survive. Also on Thursday, drones attacked oil production plants, electrical substations and a dam in the Hassakeh and Qamishli provinces of northeastern Syria, which are held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Local authorities said that six SDF fighters and two civilians died in the bombardment. A U.N. spokesperson said Thursday that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "is deeply concerned about the drone attack on a military academy graduation ceremony in Homs" and is "deeply concerned about reports of retaliatory shelling on multiple locations in northwest Syria and emerging reports of casualties." The spokesperson also called on all sides to protect civilians, saying that Guterres "strongly condemns all violence in Syria and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international law." According to Reuters, Syria's defense minister attended the ceremony but left minutes before the attack, according to "a Syrian security source and a security source in the regional alliance backing the Damascus government against opposition groups." Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters. The first shipment of Russian uranium was officially delivered Thursday to Bangladesh to fuel the nation's only nuclear power plant, currently under construction. The uranium has been in Bangladesh since late last month but was officially handed over to Bangladesh authorities in a ceremony attended via video link by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Construction of the plant, called Rooppur, has been carried out by Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear energy corporation, and funded by Moscow. Bangladesh received an $11.38 billion loan from Russia for the project, to be paid back over two decades beginning in 2027. The loan financed 90% of the construction. Rooppur is the first of two plants set to be constructed in Bangladesh with the help of Rosatom. Once completed, Bangladesh will become the 33rd country in the world to produce nuclear power. Upon completion, Rooppur is set to produce 2,400 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 15 million homes, and according to Putin, it will be responsible for 10% of Bangladesh's energy consumption. Russia is currently facing sanctions and other obstacles because of its invasion of Ukraine. However, Sergey Lavrov, who became the first Russian foreign minister to visit Bangladesh since its 1971 independence, assured the South Asian nation that the project would be completed on time. The traditionally good relationship between Bangladesh and Russia has not been weakened since the invasion of Ukraine, and the two countries have signed several agreements to work together to establish a nuclear power industry in Bangladesh. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. President Joe Biden said Thursday he was unable to legally divert money away from a plan to build several miles of new barriers along the southern border directly contradicting his campaign vow to build not another foot of wall and drawing harsh criticism from Mexicos president. A notice to allow construction in Texas was released Wednesday night in the Federal Register, the official U.S. government gazette. "There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the notice. U.S. Customs and Border Protection counted 232,972 encounters on the Southwest border in August, the last month for which figures are available. Most migrants crossing overland come from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Mexicos president swiftly decried the move. "This authorization for the construction of the wall is a step backwards," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said during his daily press conference. "That does not solve the problem, that does not solve the problem. We have to address the causes." In order to allow construction, the administration had to waive a number of federal regulations relating to environmental, historical and Indigenous issues. Biden also argued that the funds had been appropriated in 2019 by the previous administration. "The money was appropriated for the border wall," Biden said Thursday, when asked by reporters about what appeared to be a reversal in the administrations border policy. "I tried to get them to reappropriate it, to redirect that money. They didnt. They wouldnt. And in the meantime, theres nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated. I cant stop that." A reporter then asked him, "Do you believe the border wall works?" "No," he said. In a call with reporters, administration officials noted that the structures will be on "moveable foundations." Former President Donald Trump was quick to react to the news. "As I have stated often, over thousands of years, there are only two things that have consistently worked, wheels, and walls!" Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social. He added that he was awaiting an apology from Biden "for taking so long to get moving, and allowing our country to be flooded" with illegal immigrants. But in condemning Biden, Lopez Obrador alluded to a backstory. "It is contrary to what President Biden has said," he said. "He has been the only president so far who has not built the wall." But then he added: "I understand that there are strong pressures." Also Thursday, Lopez Obrador hosted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Mayorkas in Mexico City for a high-level discussion on security. Washington is currently in turmoil over a stunning turn of political events. Before being ousted earlier this week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy appeared to tie the legislative bodys approval of Bidens request for $24 billion in Ukraine funding to a request by Republicans for more border security. "I support being able to make sure Ukraine has the weapons that they need," McCarthy said before he was voted out. "But I firmly support the border first." The Biden administration was also quick to dispute reports that they are deviating from existing policy. In 2021, a Biden executive order described a border wall "a waste of money that diverts attention from genuine threats to our homeland security," while declaring they would not allocate military funds for border-wall construction only congressional funds. "There is no new Administration policy with respect to border walls," Mayorkas said in a statement Thursday. "From day one, this administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer. That remains our position and our position has never wavered. The language in the Federal Register notice is being taken out of context and it does not signify any change in policy whatsoever." Texas-based advocates with Voces Unidas, which promotes immigrant rights, condemned the administrations move. "We are confused and angered by the decision to further punish the most innocent, most vulnerable people in our communities, people who are already underserved and ignored across regional and state governments, with this increase in border walls." President Joe Biden said Friday that he could potentially meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. There has been no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility," Biden told reporters when asked about the prospects of a face-to-face meeting with the Chinese leader. Biden and Xi have not spoken since their meeting last November of the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia. White House officials have previously made clear that they hoped the two leaders would soon hold talks, and administration officials have been working to get the Chinese to agree to a meeting. Relations between the world's two largest economies have faced no shortage of strain over the last year. The Biden administration shot down a Chinese spy balloon that traversed the continental U.S. earlier this year. The Chinese government hacked the emails of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. The U.S. government has restricted the exporting of advanced computer chips to China. The two countries' differences have also been exacerbated by Russias war in Ukraine and China's increased assertiveness in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has stayed on the sidelines since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. But the White House has publicized a U.S. intelligence assessment indicating that Beijing has weighed assisting Moscow with weaponry. Despite the differences, there have been stepped-up efforts in recent months by the two sides to manage the relationship. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, declined to comment on the status of a possible Biden-Xi meeting in San Francisco, but noted in a statement that the two countries are in communication on bilateral engagement and exchange." China and the U.S. need to work in the same direction, clear obstacles and manage differences with concrete actions, and enhance dialogue and expand cooperation in good faith, he added. Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks last month on the Mediterranean island nation of Malta. That meeting came after Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Raimondo and climate envoy John Kerry had all traveled to Beijing in recent months to meet with top Chinese officials. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is set to lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to China next week. The U.S. State Department is marking the 60th anniversary of its Office of Art in Embassies, a government partnership with art communities to promote democratic values. VOAs Saqib Ul Islam shows us two of its traveling exhibitions that were on display in Washington. On X, formerly Twitter, Russia-employed and pro-Russian users are continuing the disinformation campaign to justify Russias war in Ukraine by exploiting a Nazi incident in the Canadian parliament. Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Canadian emigre of Ukrainian origin who served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, the military wing of the Nazi Party, was honored as "hero" who had fought for Ukrainian independence at a session of the Canadian House of Commons featuring an address by visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 22. The 14th Waffen Grenadier Division was largely made up of Ukrainian volunteers. House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota was subsequently forced to resign as speaker and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized for the deeply embarrassing incident. Russia, however, seized the opportunity to amplify the Kremlins false justification of its military aggression in Ukraine. Afshin Rattansi, the presenter of Going Underground" on Russian state broadcaster RT, quote-tweeted a post that repeated the Kremlin propaganda line: The West will fight to the last Ukrainian in its proxy war against Russia. Rattansis tweet included a video of Zelenskyy visiting members of the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade in the Kharkiv region. In his comment, Rattansi raised the Hunka incident to smear President Zelenskyy. He said: A week after Zelensky/Nazi SS Hunka given ovation by Trudeau & the entire Canadian parliament, Zelensky in Ukraine is presented with the emblem of the 14th SS Grenadier Division to which Hunka belonged, that massacred thousands of Jews, Poles and dissidents during the holocaust. Zelenskyy was presented with a flag, but it was for Ukraines 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade, not the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS. Hours after his initial tweet, Rattansi acknowledged this, and tweeted a link to the Wikipedia page for the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade, writing: Similarities are uncanny. Thats because both emblems include a variation of the Ruthenian lion, which appears as a golden lion on an azure background. The Ruthenian lion is depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Lviv, and the region of Lviv. The 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade was formed in Lviv region in 2018. The Ruthenian lion has deep roots in Ukrainian history, and was first used in the 14th century. It appeared on the coat of arms of the Galicia-Volhynia state, the direct successor of Kyivan Rus, a medieval state centered around what is today modern-day Kyiv. From the 12th century, Western European powers used the term Ruthenia to refer to Kyivan Rus, whose territory covered modern-day Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Yuri I of Galicia, the King of Ruthenia from 13011308, used the Ruthenian lion on his seal. It was also minted on Ruthenian coins. The Ruthenian Voivodeship, an administrative-territorial unit of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland, also used the Ruthenian lion on its coast of arms. The Ruthenian Voivodeship had a center in Lviv, and it existed from 1434 to 1772. During the revolutions of 1848 in the Austrian Empire, the Supreme Ruthenian Council, the first legal Ukrainian political organization in the modern era, adopted the Ruthenian lion as their coat of arms at a meeting in Lviv. At that time, Lviv was part of the Austrian Empire. The West Ukrainian National Republic, a short-lived breakaway state that formed after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire, also used the Ruthenian lion in its coat of arms. Since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, some Ukrainians have increasingly glorified controversial figures opposed to Soviet rule, including some who collaborated with Nazi Germany, viewing them as national liberation figures. This phenomenon exists in other Eastern European states formerly occupied by the Soviet Union. Zelenskyy does not support it. Born to a Russian-speaking Jewish family, he is not a Nazi, and his family directly suffered from Nazi extermination policies. Zelenskyys great-grandfather and three great-uncles were killed in the Nazi Holocaust during WWII. Still, other verified X users spread similarly false claims intended to link Zelenskyy and modern-day Ukraine to Nazism. When small groups of Ukrainians attended marches in Ukraine celebrating the 78th anniversary of the establishment of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS on April 28, 2021, Zelenskyy condemned them, calling the march illegal. We categorically condemn any manifestation of propaganda of totalitarian regimes, in particular the National Socialist, and attempts to revise truth about World War II, Zelenskyy said at the time. One march participant who used a Nazi salute was charged with Nazi propaganda and petty hooliganism. Like Russia and Europe, far-right extremists groups exist in Ukraine, although in Ukraine they have no real political power. As Polygraph.info has previously noted, the union of all Ukraines far-right political organizations for the 2019 parliamentary elections won only 2.15% of the vote not enough to gain a single seat. Ukraines ruling Servant of the People party, founded by Zelenskyy, is centrist, liberal and pro-European. For a brief window after Zelenskyys election, Ukraine was the only country outside of Israel to have a president and prime minister (Volodymyr Groysman) who were Jewish. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has falsely attempted to portray his invasion of Ukraine as an extension of World War II and a fight to de-Nazify Ukraine, has attempted to paper over that reality with rhetoric that critics called anti-Semitic. Putin falsely claimed Western curators had installed an ethnic Jew as the head of modern-day Ukraine to cover up the anti-human essence serving as the foundation of the modern Ukrainian state. While Moscow claims to be protecting ethnic Russians in Ukraine, it is Russia that regularly engages in eliminationist rhetoric against Ukrainians. Pundits on Russian state TV regularly call for the eradication of the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian state. That rhetoric has been matched Russias complete destruction of at least nine large and small cities in Ukraine, and the systematic targeting of civilians. Pundits on Russian state media have also appeared to promote genocide, denying Ukraines right to exist and comparing Ukrainians to worms that need to be removed. Russian lawmakers will evaluate whether to revoke ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the speaker of the lower house of parliament said Friday. Vyacheslav Volodins statement came after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow could consider rescinding the ratification of the international pact, since the United States never ratified it. It conforms with our national interests, Volodin said. And it will come as a quid pro quo response to the United States, which has still failed to ratify the treaty. The 1996 treaty prohibiting any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion anywhere in the world has been signed by 187 nations, but the U.S. and seven others haven't ratified it. The United States, however, has observed a moratorium on nuclear weapons test explosions since 1992 that it says it will continue to abide by. A U.S. State Department spokesperson, speaking of Russia's possible revocation, told Reuters that "a move like this by any state party needlessly endangers the global norm against nuclear explosive testing." "It would be concerning and deeply unfortunate if any state signatory were to reconsider its ratification of the CTBT," Robert Floyd, chairman of the commission that promotes support for the treaty, said in a statement. There are widespread concerns that Russia could move to resume nuclear tests to try to discourage the West from continuing to offer military support to Ukraine. Volodin said senior lawmakers would discuss recalling the 2000 ratification of the treaty at the next meeting of the agenda-setting house council. Washington and Brussels have unleashed a war against our country, Volodin said. Todays challenges require new decisions. Asked Friday if rescinding the ban could lead to the resumption of tests, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it doesn't mean a statement about the intention to resume nuclear tests. Peskov noted that a possible move to revoke Russia's ratification of the pact would "bring the situation to a common denominator with the U.S. Speaking Thursday at a forum with foreign affairs experts, Putin said that while some experts have talked about the need to conduct nuclear tests, he hasnt yet formed an opinion on the issue. Im not ready to say yet whether its necessary for us to conduct tests or not, he said. Expulsions from embassy The U.S. State Department said Friday that it had expelled two Russian Embassy officials after Russia expelled two U.S. diplomats from the American Embassy in Moscow. "In response to the Russian Federation's specious expulsion of two U.S. Embassy Moscow diplomats, the State Department reciprocated by declaring persona non grata two Russian Embassy officials operating in the United States," a State Department spokesman said. "The department will not tolerate the Russian government's pattern of harassment of our diplomats, the spokesman said, adding that "unacceptable actions against our embassy personnel in Moscow will have consequences." An unnamed source in the Russian foreign ministry, cited by the Russian RIA news agency, characterized the expulsion of the Russian Embassy officials as groundless. The source said Washington expelled the officials using the pretext of Moscows September 14 expulsion of two U.S. diplomats caught red-handed engaging in spying activities." "We are not interested in escalation, but if such hostile actions continue, as always, we will respond firmly and decisively," RIA quoted the source as saying. Relations between Moscow and Washington have deteriorated to their worst point in more than 60 years because of the war in Ukraine. Kharkiv attacks The U.N. and partners mobilized humanitarian assistance including medical supplies and health support, shelter maintenance kits, nonfood items, cash and hygiene assistance as well as mental health and psychosocial support after Russian strikes Thursday and Friday killed at least 54 civilians in Ukraines Kharkiv region, said Denise Brown, the U.N.s humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine. These are barbaric consequences of this war, that 20% of the community can be wiped out in seconds, Brown said on X, formerly known as Twitter. A former U.S. Army sergeant was arrested on Friday for allegedly seeking to provide classified information to China, the Justice Department said. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, who served in an Army intelligence unit from 2015 until 2020, is charged with retaining national defense information and attempting to deliver it to China. The Justice Department said Schmidt, after leaving the military, offered national defense information to the Chinese consulate in Turkey and the Chinese security services. In March 2020, Schmidt, who had access to secret and top-secret information while serving in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, went to Hong Kong, where he "continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information, the department said. "He allegedly retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks," the department said. Schmidt stayed in China, primarily in Hong Kong, until his return to the United States on Friday. He was arrested upon arrival in San Francisco. "Members of our military take a sworn oath to defend our country and the Constitution," acting U.S. attorney Tessa Gorman said. "In that context the alleged actions of this former military member are shocking not only attempting to provide national defense information, but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks." Schmidt could face up to 20 years in prison. His arrest comes two months after two members of the U.S. Navy were arrested on suspicion of spying for China. Jinchao Wei, who served on the amphibious assault ship the USS Essex in San Diego, allegedly handed over dozens of documents, photos and videos detailing the operation of ships and their systems. Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, who served at a naval base near Los Angeles, allegedly spied for China for nearly two years. Indian rescuers are searching for over 100 people missing in a flash flood caused by a glacial lake bursting its banks, a risk scientists warn is increasing with climate change. Agence France-Presse explains what glacial lake outburst floods are and the risks they pose, particularly in parts of Asia. What is a glacial lake outburst flood? A glacial lake outburst flood, or GLOF, is the sudden release of water that has collected in former glacier beds. These lakes are formed by the retreat of glaciers, a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been turbocharged by the warmer temperatures of human-caused climate change. Glacier melt is often channeled into rivers, but ice or the build-up of debris can form what is effectively a natural dam, behind which a glacial lake builds. If these natural dams are breached, large quantities of water can be released suddenly from the lakes, causing devastating flooding. What causes these breaches? The natural dams holding back glacial lakes can be breached for a variety of reasons, explained Lauren Vargo, a glacier expert and scientist at the Antarctic Research Centre in New Zealand. Causes include "an avalanche of snow, or a landslide causing a wave in the lake, or overfilling of the lake ... from rain or the glacier melting," she told AFP. Sometimes the dam has been gradually degraded over time or is ruptured by an event such as an earthquake. The breaches are highly unpredictable, "because they can be caused by so many different factors," she said. What is the impact of climate change? Climate change is driving the disappearance of glaciers, with half the Earth's 215,000 glaciers projected to melt by the end of the century, even if warming can be capped at 1.5 degrees Celsius. The volume of glacial lakes has jumped by 50% in 30 years, according to a 2020 study based on satellite data. The more lakes that form and the larger they grow, the greater the risk they pose to populations downstream. Climate change is not only driving the creation of glacial lakes, but also can produce the conditions that result in dam breaches. "The flooding can be caused by glaciers melting or these big rainfall events, said Vargo. We know that's happening more because of climate change." How dangerous are these floods? The particular danger of GLOFs lies in their unpredictability. "The probability of a lake releasing a GLOF is difficult to accurately quantify without detailed and localized studies," a study of the problem globally warned this year. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that 15 million people live within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of a glacial lake and within one kilometer of potential flooding from a breach. The risk was greatest in "High Mountains Asia," an area that covers parts of 12 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and Nepal. That is partly because more people live closer to glacial lakes in the region than in other parts of the world, making warning times even shorter. But it also reflects the vulnerability of those populations, who may be poorer and less prepared to deal with the sudden arrival of catastrophic floodwaters. "The most dangerous basins ... do not always host the most, or the largest, glacial lakes," the authors wrote. "Rather it is the high number of people and the reduced capacity of those people to cope with disaster that plays a key role in determining overall GLOF danger." Thousands of people, for example, have been killed by glacier lake outburst floods in High Mountains Asia but only a handful in North America's Pacific Northwest, even though that region has twice as many glacial lakes. Experts have called for more research on the risks posed by GLOFs, particularly in the Andean region, which remains comparatively understudied, but also for better preparedness. "But then there's the larger part of what we can do in terms of reducing emissions, to try to slow down climate change and reduce the threats of this from growing even more," Vargo said. Police in New Delhi have arrested the editor of a news website and one of its administrators after raiding the homes of journalists working for the site, which has been critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist-led government. NewsClick founder and editor Prabir Purkayastha and human resources chief Amit Chakravarty were arrested late Tuesday. Earlier, some journalists associated with the site were detained and had their digital devices seized during extensive raids that were part of an investigation into whether the news outlet had received funds from China. NewsClick denied any financial misconduct. Suman Nalwa, a police spokesperson, said the arrests were made under an anti-terrorism law. The government has used the wide-ranging law to stifle dissent and to jail activists, journalists and Modi's critics, some of whom have spent years in jail before going to trial. Nalwa said at least 46 people were questioned during the raids and their devices, including laptops and cellphones, and documents were taken away for examination. They included current and former employees, freelance contributors and cartoonists. Website accused of 'anti-India agenda' NewsClick was founded in 2009 and is seen as a rare Indian news outlet willing to criticize Modi. It was also raided by Indian financial enforcement officials in 2021, after which a court blocked the authorities from taking any "coercive measures" against the website. Indian authorities brought a case against the site and its journalists on August 17, weeks after a report in The New York Times alleged it had received funds from an American millionaire who had funded the spread of "Chinese propaganda." That same month, India's junior minister for information and broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, accused NewsClick of spreading an "anti-India agenda," citing The New York Times report, and of working with the opposition Indian National Congress party. Both NewsClick and the Congress party denied the accusations. Hundreds protest raids On Wednesday, hundreds of journalists and activists in New Delhi held protests against the raids on NewsClick and the broader crackdown on independent media under Modi. Some carried placards with slogans such as, "Stop attacks on media. Stop threatening media." "Anybody who speaks against the regime is deemed to be anti-national," said Manini Chatterjee, a journalist who was part of one protest. "This has been a long-term strategy, and these events are the latest in this." Media watchdogs such as the Committee to Protect Journalists denounced the arrests and raids. "This is the latest attack on press freedom in India," Beh Lih Yi, CPJ's Asia program coordinator, said in a statement. "We urge the Indian government to immediately cease these actions, as journalists must be allowed to work without fear of intimidation or reprisal." The Editors Guild of India said it was worried the raids were intended to "create a general atmosphere of intimidation under the shadow of draconian laws." In February, authorities searched the BBC's New Delhi and Mumbai offices over accusations of tax evasion a few days after it broadcast a documentary in Britain that examined Modi's role in anti-Muslim riots in 2002. A number of other news organizations also have been investigated for financial impropriety. Independent media in India battle censorship and harassment and often face arrests while doing their work. 'Nothing to fear,' says journalist India's anti-terrorism law has stringent requirements for bail, which mean individuals often spend months, sometimes years, in custody without being found guilty. Successive Indian governments have invoked the law, but it has been used with increasing frequency in recent years. Reporters Without Borders, an advocacy group for journalists, ranked India 161st in its press freedom rankings this year, writing that the situation has deteriorated from "problematic" to "very bad." Some independent Indian think tanks and international groups such as Amnesty International and Oxfam India also have been raided and had their access to funding blocked in recent years. Journalist Abhisar Sharma, whose house was raided and electronic devices seized Tuesday, said he won't back down from doing his job. "Nothing to fear," Sharma wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "And I will keep questioning people in power and particularly those who are afraid of simple questions." The raids against NewsClick also drew criticism from India's political opposition. "These are not the actions of a 'mother of democracy' but of an insecure and autocratic state," opposition lawmaker Shashi Tharoor wrote on X. "The government has disgraced itself and our democracy today." President Joe Biden says he has no choice but to use Trump-era funding to build the wall on the southern border. We look at the struggle to support Ukraine from inside the Pentagon. Plus, Russian diamonds, Ugandan politics, and we meet Russians who have fled to Armenia to avoid Putins reach. Kenya's president, William Ruto, has made his first cabinet reshuffle, a change affecting eight ministries, including foreign affairs. The change in cabinet ministers takes place just over a year since Ruto took power, with the country having a lot of hope in his government. But the nation has struggled to deal with the high cost of living and unemployment after promising to improve people's lives and provide better opportunities. Political commentator Martin Andati said the government is making the cabinet changes to improve the delivery of its promises. "People have lost confidence. The economy is in tatters. Things are not moving," said Andati. "The expectations were very high. He gave a lot of hope. He has barely fulfilled 20, 30% of what he fulfilled. So, he's trying to rejigger his government to see if the performance can be better in the second year. But it's not going to be easy." The reshuffle also affected several other ministries, including those that deal with water, land, trade, public service, sports, public works and the East Africa community. As part of the cabinet changes, the president appointed Musalia Mudavadi as head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, replacing Alfred Mutua, who was moved to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Nasong'o Muliro, an international relations lecturer at the Technical University in Kenya, said Mudavadi had been doing relevant work in the area. "It's part of that system of entrenching relations," said Muliro. "It's part of that system of introducing the president to other leaders in the region and he has been using Musalia Mudavadi more than even the deputy president and Dr. Mutua because Musalia Mudavadi is more senior in terms of political optics than the other members of his cabinet." The change in the Foreign Affairs Ministry follows the United Nations Security Council's approval for Kenya to deploy a police force to Haiti to help provide peace and security to the Caribbean nation. Some observers blame the inexperience of Mutua for his apparent demotion and said Kenya needs a strong voice in the international system. But commentator Andati said the president demoted Mutua before the reshuffling of the cabinet and the change is unrelated to the deployment of forces to Haiti. "The decision is being pushed by the president. So Mutua's input on that was minimal, but generally he was lost," said Andati. "You remember there was a circular the president issued saying that the foreign countries can deal with the departments directly. They don't need to deal through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. That was a major sign that he had lost faith in the performance of CS [Cabinet Secretary] Mutua." The Kenyan parliament is expected to debate and vote for the deployment of police to Haiti. International lecturer Muliro said Mudavadi is key to explaining the need for Kenya to contribute on the international stage. "There will be a lot of convincing in parliament, first even to just make it understandable to Kenyans that police who were designed by the constitution to be deployed internally as arbiters, we are now using them in the external perspectives," said Muliro. "And therefore, remember, Musalia Mudavadi is also a leader of a very strong political party. He has goodwill within parliament and therefore, he will be doing a lot of explaining and answering in parliament." The president has yet to dismiss any minister, despite expressing dissatisfaction with some of them. The Supreme Court in the East African island nation of Mauritius has struck down a colonial-era law outlawing same-sex relations, a rare move at time when nations on the continent have passed strict anti-gay or LGBTQ laws. The court ruled in two cases that were brought by individuals with the support of LGBTQ rights groups, who challenged the law that was established in 1898 under British colonial rule that made sodomy or consensual sex between two men a jailable offense. In both cases, the countrys Supreme Court ruled the prohibition on consensual same-sex relations is discriminatory and in breach of provisions in the constitution. The court said the law, Section 250 in the nations criminal code, was not introduced in Mauritius to reflect any Indigenous Mauritian values but was inherited as part of our colonial history from Britain. Its enactment was not the expression of domestic democratic will, but was a course imposed on Mauritius and other colonies by British rule. The ruling was praised by the United Nations, as well as LGBTQ and human rights groups. Human Rights watch urged the Mauritius government to pass laws and adopt policies to ensure the rights of LGBTQ people are protected. The ruling goes against a trend seen in recent months in Africa. Earlier this year, Uganda passed what is considered the harshest anti-gay law in the world, making what it calls "aggravated homosexuality" a potentially capital offence with penalties that include life in prison. The United Nations reports 66 nations have laws which criminalize same-sex relations, and more than half of them are in Africa. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters and Agence France-Presse. The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled in favor of protecting slain Las Vegas reporter Jeff German's personal devices from an unchecked police inquiry, instead calling for an independent team to look through his devices as part of the murder investigation. It's a press freedom win for newsroom members who are still grappling one year later with the killing of their colleague. "There's just relief and happiness among our staff. This case was so important for us because it had ramifications far beyond our own organization," Glenn Cook, executive editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, told VOA. Longtime Review-Journal reporter German was found stabbed to death outside his home in September 2022. Soon afterward, police arrested Robert Telles, a former Clark County public administrator. German had reported on alleged mismanagement in Telles' office. Telles then lost a reelection bid in June 2022. The former official has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and remains in the Clark County Detention Center without bail. After German was killed, the Review-Journal said, city police investigating the crime seized his phone and five computers, which may contain sensitive information, such as the names of anonymous sources. The Review-Journal and press freedom groups were concerned that if police were given unchecked access to the devices, it would set a legal precedent allowing reporters' private materials to be accessed after they were killed. The murder of a journalist "is always a shocking tragedy," said Grayson Clary, a staff attorney at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press in Washington. "In this case, Las Vegas law enforcement threatened to compound that extraordinary violation of press freedom by violating the confidentiality of Mr. German's newsgathering materials," Clary told VOA. In the decision, the justices also wrote that the state's shield law which protects reporters from being forced to reveal confidential information, such as anonymous sources continues to apply after a journalist dies. To rule otherwise would "be directly contrary to the statute's purpose," the ruling said. "That, for me, is the single most important part of this ruling," Cook said. "To have that written very clearly in a Nevada Supreme Court ruling is exceptionally important for press freedom everywhere." Independent review The Supreme Court justices rejected a proposed search protocol that District Judge Michelle Leavitt had approved. The protocol would have allowed for two detectives and two prosecutors to search the devices. Instead, the high court remanded the case back to the district court and called for the lower court to execute the Review-Journal's proposed plan. In that protocol, an independent team would first search German's devices for any information related to confidential sources or sensitive unpublished information. Press freedom groups welcomed the court's decision. Clary said, "The Nevada Supreme Court's ruling lays down an important marker on an issue we hope will rarely come up in the future, which is that the importance of the reporter's privilege survives the death of the individual reporter and continues to protect the confidentiality of their sources and their work." The Freedom of the Press Foundation said in a statement, "Confidential sources need to be able to talk to journalists without fearing that they'll be outed if the journalist dies." Although journalists in the United States are facing increased risks, including online harassment, killings are quite rare. The Committee to Protect Journalists documented at least 67 killings of journalists and media workers around the world in 2022 alone, but the press freedom group has documented just 17 cases in the United States since it began tracking killings in 1992. The trial against Telles is set to begin in November. But Telles, who is representing himself, last week requested a delay of four to six months, partially because he has not received information from German's devices. The tragedy of German's death is still raw for his colleagues, but Cook said the court's recent decision was an "overwhelming relief." "Jeff would be very happy with this decision," Cook said. "Jeff would be appalled if he thought his death could compromise the sources that he held so closely." South Sudan's government on Friday admitted to having censored the media and removing articles it deemed to incite hatred after a U.N.-backed inquiry detailed "pervasive" restrictions on free press in the troubled country. Information Minister Michael Makuei said government censorship was a "protective measure" because allowing certain articles to go to print would "cause insecurity [and] we would prefer to take it out." "If the article is inciting hatred, then it ought to be removed," Makuei, who is also a government spokesman, told reporters in the capital, Juba, after a council of ministers meeting. "We don't want to take that author to court," he added. Makuei's statement came a day after the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan accused the country's National Security Service, known as the NSS, of imposing "a pervasive and unlawful censorship regime to curtail independent media." In its report, the commission said newspapers were forced to host NSS officers who interfered by reviewing content prior to publication and cutting articles or withdrawing whole editions. "Content is frequently censored for giving coverage to views critical of or different to the ruling political party, or for including information that may reflect poorly on government officials and institutions," it said. The commission reported that in February, the NSS tried to delay the publication of a report about a massacre on the eve of Pope Francis's visit to South Sudan, and launched cyberattacks against an outlet that ran the story. Makuei said that the conditions for media in South Sudan had improved and that the commission had not adequately incorporated the improvements into its report. He also said the government would be forced to take journalists to court if the state allowed inflammatory articles to be published. "If you want us to take people to court, we are ready to do that," Makuei said. "Because we believe that removing the article and keeping quiet is better than taking that person to court." The commission warned that the government's "deep-seated aversion to public scrutiny" boded ill for elections expected in late 2024, the country's first since South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan in 2011. South Sudan fought a bloody civil war from 2013 to 2018 that ended with a peace deal, but key tenets of the truce have not been respected and the country's democratic transition has stalled. After years of pressure from the United States, Britain and media advocacy groups, the South Sudanese government this week announced it planned to investigate the death of American journalist Christopher Allen, who was killed in 2017 while covering the war. Lawyers for Donald Trump asked a judge Thursday to dismiss the Washington federal election subversion case against him, arguing the Republican is immune from prosecution for actions they say were taken in his official role as president. The motion amounts to the most pointed attack yet by defense attorneys on the federal case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. It tees up a fight over the scope of presidential power, forcing courts to wrestle with whether the actions Trump took in his failed bid to remain in office fell within his duties as commander in chief or whether they strayed far outside his White House responsibilities and are subject to prosecution. "Breaking 234 years of precedent, the incumbent administration has charged President Trump for acts that lie not just within the 'outer perimeter,' but at the heart of his official responsibilities as president," the defense motion states. "In doing so, the prosecution does not, and cannot, argue that President Trump's efforts to ensure election integrity, and to advocate for the same, were outside the scope of his duties." The presidential immunity argument had been foreshadowed for weeks by defense attorneys as one of multiple challenges they intended to bring against the indictment. Challenge expected Special counsel Jack Smith's team is expected to vigorously contest the motion. It is not clear when U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan might rule, but potentially protracted arguments over the motion including an expected appeal if she denies the request could delay the case as courts step into what defense attorneys described as an unsettled question. The Supreme Court has held that presidents are immune from civil liability for actions related to their official duties. But Trump's lawyers noted in their motion that no court has addressed the question of whether that immunity shields a president from criminal prosecution, hinting that the defense will likely fight the issue all the way to the nation's highest court. "In addressing this question, the court should consider the Constitution's text, structure, and original meaning, historical practice, the court's precedents and immunity doctrines, and considerations of public policy," they wrote. Prosecutors appeared to anticipate the immunity argument, writing in the indictment that though political candidates are permitted to challenge their election losses and to even falsely claim victory, Trump's actions strayed far beyond what is legally permissible in the run-up to the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the building to disrupt the counting of electoral votes. In their motion, defense lawyers argue that the actions that form the basis of the indictment, including urging the Justice Department to investigate claims of voter fraud and pressing state officials on the administration of elections, cut to the core of Trump's responsibilities as commander in chief. No such authority The Justice Department has held that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. The motion Thursday seeks to ensure that same protection to a former president for actions taken while in office, asserting that no prosecutor since the beginning of American democracy has had the authority to bring such charges. "Every action of the defendant charged in the indictment occurred while he was still in office as president of the United States, and, according to the prosecution, all concerned a federal government function," Trump's lawyers wrote. "Given the all-consuming nature of the presidency, these facts alone strongly support the notion that the indictment is based solely on President Trump's official acts." They contend that Trump's tweets and public statements about fraud in the election and Vice President Mike Pence's role in the certification were directly related to his assertion that the election's outcome was tainted by fraud and that the Justice Department and certain states had failed to adequately investigate it. And they say meetings detailed in the indictment with Justice Department officials also fall within his official duties because he was urging his agency "to do more to enforce the laws that it is charged with enforcing." Prosecutors alleged a broad range of criminal conduct in a four-count indictment issued August 1, accusing Trump of conspiring with a half-dozen allies to pressure state officials to alter the results of their elections; enlisting slates of fake electors in battleground states who could falsely claim that Trump had won; and persuading Pence to shirk his duty to certify the vote count before Congress. The indictment says Trump knew the claims he was pushing about election fraud were false but did so anyway in an effort to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. But Trump's lawyers say "the president's motivations are not for the prosecution or this court to decide." Trump's lawyers also argue his 2021 impeachment trial acquittal bars his prosecution, saying the Constitution suggests presidents can only be criminally charged in cases where they are impeached and convicted by the Senate. "President Trump was acquitted of these charges after trial in the Senate, and he thus remains immune from prosecution. The special counsel cannot second-guess the judgment of the duly elected United States Senate," his lawyers wrote. Other cases The case, one of four Trump is facing, is set for trial on March 4, 2024. His lawyers have separately sought the dismissal of a New York state case charging him with falsifying business records in connection with hush money paid to a porn actress who alleged an extramarital affair with Trump years earlier. In court papers made public late Wednesday, Trump's lawyers accused prosecutors of reviving a so-called "zombie case" to interfere with his comeback campaign for the White House and argued that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, only brought the case because of politics. Defense lawyers also sought late Wednesday to postpone until after the 2024 presidential election the trial in a separate criminal case in Florida charging him with illegally hoarding classified documents. A Russian missile strike killed a 10-year-old boy and his grandmother Friday in Kharkiv, in the same region that was hit with an attack Thursday. Officials say an 11-month-old child was injured in the strike. On Thursday, Ukrainian officials bitterly condemned a Russian attack that blew apart a cafe where a wake was being held, killing at least 51 people, including a child. The Associated Press reported that after the attack in the eastern village of Hroza, body parts were strewn across a nearby childrens playground that was severely damaged by the strike. Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov told the BBC, One-fifth of this village has died in a single terrorist attack. Today, Russian terrorists launched an attack that one can't even call beastly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday night in his daily address, because it would be an insult to beasts. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the BBC that the attack on Hroza "demonstrated the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to." The wake was being held for a soldier from Hroza who died last year. He was being reburied in his hometown. Officials posted footage on the Telegram messaging app of rescue workers clambering through smoldering rubble. Bodies lay alongside slabs of concrete and twisted metal. Meanwhile, Ukraines military said Thursday it destroyed 24 of 29 drones launched by Russian forces directed at the Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kirohovrad regions. The Hroza attack occurred as Zelenskyy was in Spain lobbying Western allies at a summit of about 50 European leaders for more military assistance to thwart Russias invasion. Zelenskyy said in his daily address that there are now clear agreements with his European allies for more air defense systems which are crucial as we approach winter. He also said there are deals for more artillery and more long-range weapons. Russia targeted Ukraines energy infrastructure last winter, leading to widespread power outages, effectively an attempt to demoralize Ukrainians during the coldest and darkest months of the year. Over time, the infrastructure was restored, but now Ukraine fears more infrastructure attacks are in the offing as winter approaches. "The main challenge that we have is to save unity in Europe, Zelenskyy told reporters as he arrived for talks in Granada. Zelenskyy said it is important for Ukraine to have a defending shield for the winter with Russia expected to carry out many attacks with missiles and Iranian drones. He also cited what he said was 100% support from U.S. President Joe Biden as well as bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress, days after a short-term funding deal that excluded additional aid for Ukraine. Biden called key Western allies on Tuesday to reassure them of continued American military support for Ukraine after a group of congressional Republicans forced the exclusion of immediate new funding for Kyiv. The White House said Biden spoke with the leaders of Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Britain, and of the European Union and NATO, along with the foreign minister of France. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. A team of eight human rights monitors, including the head of the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, has left for the small village of Hroza in northeastern Ukraine, the site of an apparent Russian missile attack Thursday that killed at least 52 people and injured several others. The team will arrive Saturday to gather information and collect possible evidence of gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law that might amount to war crimes. According to local authorities, 52 people were killed when what appeared to be a Russian missile struck a cafe in the village, where people had gathered for a wake, said Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. The appalling scenes from the village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine underscore once again the terrible price civilians are paying 20 months after Russias invasion, she said. Throssell noted that so far colleagues in the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine have established the names of 35 people who were killed. They include 19 women, 15 men, an eight-year-old boy and the names of five women and one man who were injured. According to authorities, Throssell said, One Ukrainian soldier who was attending his fathers funeral was among those killed. What is clear is that the strike is one of the deadliest since 24 February 2022, but of course it is far from being the only one, she said. The appalling scenes from the village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine underscore once again the terrible price civilians are paying 20 months after Russias invasion. This is borne out in a U.N. report published Wednesday on the human rights situation in Ukraine. The U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country observed that civilians continue to pay a horrendous price in the war in Ukraine, with nearly 10,000 dead and tens of thousands injured since conflict began in February 2022. Danielle Bell, the missions head, noted that in just six months covered by this report, more than 1,000 civilians died and nearly four thousand were injured. Spokesperson Throssell said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk is profoundly shocked by the horrific impact of such strikes and condemns the killings. He has deployed a field team to the site to speak to survivors and gather more information, she said, noting the importance of having people on the ground piecing together information that will allow them to establish more about what actually occurred in this village. She said she did not know whether there were any military targets in the area. That is something that we cannot really establish right now. But I think what is clear is that this was a village, with a small community, said Throssell. Before the Russian invasion, the villages population was about 300. It is not clear how many residents were still living there, but with the high number of people killed, everybody in this small community has been affected, she said. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs or OCHA said Denise Brown, the humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, was also traveling to Hroza. She also condemned this horrific attack that caused significant death and damage to the village of Hroza, said Jens Laerke, OCHA deputy spokesperson. She is on her way to the locationto see for herself what has happened and what kind of support the U.N. humanitarian system and our partners can provide. We know already that yesterday; some NGOs were able to get there. Other agencies, NGOs, and U.N. agencies are mobilizing relief to get it there. I am told that that includes things such as non-food items, shelter maintenance kits, cash, hygiene materials as well as mental health and psycho-social support, said Laerke. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres strongly condemned the attack on the village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law and they must stop immediately, he said in a statement Thursday. The Biden administration announced Thursday it will resume the deportation of migrants back to Venezuela in hopes of decreasing the numbers of Venezuelans arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. On a background call with reporters a method often used by U.S. authorities to share information with reporters without being identified Biden officials said Venezuelan nationals who cross into the U.S. unlawfully will still be processed. But if it is found they do not have a legal basis to remain in the country, they will be "swiftly removed" back to Venezuela. "This comes following a decision from the authorities of Venezuela to accept back their nationals," a U.S. official said. "This also reflects a long-standing approach by the Biden-Harris administration that balances historic expansion of access - orderly, lawful pathways - with harsh consequences for those who seek to enter our border irregularly." This is the latest effort from the administration to stem the flood of Venezuelans making the dangerous journey through the Darien Gap, Central America and Mexico to the southern U.S. border. "In fact, we have already identified individuals in our custody today who will be removed promptly in the coming days," a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official said in the call. "All of these individuals have gone through our U.S. immigration system and have not been able to prove that they have a legal basis to remain in the United States." According to human rights groups, the current exodus of Venezuelans is the largest migration crisis in recent Latin American history. The United Nations reports that a staggering 7 million Venezuelans have left their country because of political instability, and they travel through countries including Peru and Columbia to get to the United States. Venezuela also faces U.S. sanctions because of what the United States describes as repressive policies and human rights abuses. "More than 7.7 million people have left Venezuela in search of protection and a better life," the U.N. said in August. "The majority more than 6.5 million people have been hosted in Latin American and Caribbean countries." First flight expected soon The U.S. has not carried out regular deportations to Venezuela for years. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil confirmed Thursday on X the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that the country had signed an agreement with the U.S. to receive its nationals back. "An agreement on immigration has been approved that allows for the orderly, safe and legal repatriation of Venezuelan citizens in the United States through the 'Return to the Homeland' program," Gil said in Spanish. Biden officials did not provide details of the conversation with the Venezuelan government but said they continuously engage with countries around the world "to urge them to receive their nationals that have no lawful basis to remain in the United States." "We intend on operating the first repatriation flight very soon, in the next few days, and we will have more details about those operations as we stand them up," said another U.S. official. In September, CBS News reported that approximately 50,000 Venezuelans had crossed the U.S. southern border that month without authorization, an all-time record. VOA was not able to confirm that figure as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said enforcement data for September was still not available. Policy aligns with legal pathways As U.S. officials explained the new policy to reporters during the call, they said it went hand in hand with the legal pathways created in 2023 for Venezuelans hoping to come to the U.S. The humanitarian parole program that began on January 5 for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela also was designed to decrease unauthorized migration, including entries into the United States between legal ports of entry. The program allows up to 30,000 migrants per month from each country to enter the U.S. and live for up to two years. Once their applications are approved, they are allowed to proceed with travel arrangements. "We have permitted more than 66,000 Venezuelans to enter the country through the CHNV process and more than 66,000 Venezuelans through the CBP One [mobile app] process at ports of entry," a DHS official said, using the abbreviation for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans But to get through the program, as VOA reported in August, migrants have to travel to a processing center in Colombia to begin the application. Voice of America visited the first Movilidad Segura office which means "Safe Mobility" in English in Medellin, Colombia, a satellite location of the U.N. Refugee Agency where migrants who applied online are initially screened remotely. A limited number are then referred for in-person appointments to verify their personal information and documents. U.S. immigration officers are not involved in the process. But would-be migrants were learning that the centers were still not offering faster options for people who wished to flee urgently. Biden officials said the U.S. continues to address the migrant crisis while expanding legal pathways so people are not compelled to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border. On September 20, the administration also announced the redesignation and expansion of Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants who are already in the United States. Under TPS, Venezuelans who arrived in the U.S. on or before July 31, 2023, are eligible for temporary legal status allowing them to work legally in the U.S. for up to 18 months. Kate Bartlett JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga received the Africa Freedom Prize in Johannesburg on Thursday, which is awarded to individuals who have shown remarkable courage and dedication to advancing the cause of freedom, democracy and human rights on the African continent. Tsitsi Dangarembga has long been one of Zimbabwes most highly regarded and beloved fiction writers from her lauded first novel Nervous Conditions in 1988 to This Mournable Body, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020. Tinashe Mushakavanhu, a research fellow at the University of Oxford who specializes in Zimbabwean literature, said Dangarembga has a place in the modern canon. Her most important contribution is being the first Black, Zimbabwean woman writer to publish a novel in English. In that sense, she is a pioneer and a leading light, so much that her book, Nervous Conditions, is considered one of the best African books of the 20th century, said Mushakavanhu. Thats one of the reasons the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, which promotes liberal politics and democracy around the world, is awarding Dangarembga their greatest honor today. She is also the recipient of the 2021 PEN International Award for Freedom of Expression. Aside from her writing, Dangarembga has made headlines for her political activism. The 64-year-old was convicted by a Zimbabwean court last year of inciting violence after staging a peaceful protest with a friend during which the two women stood quietly on a roadside holding placards calling for political reform. That conviction was overturned earlier this year by a higher court. So, would Dangarembga consider herself a political writer? I dont conceive of myself as an activist writer. I conceive of myself as a person who has a story to tell, and my story has an intention. My intention is to tell stories in which Zimbabweans can see themselves reflected. And I think that is important for the well-being of the individual to understand the complexities of the lives they are living and the challenges, and to possibly point to possible solutions. And I think when individuals are able to engage in that process, it leads to the health of the nation, she said. After independence in 1980, the former British colony was ruled by one man, Robert Mugabe, for almost four decades until he was overthrown in a bloodless coup in 2017. His successor from the same party, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has failed to fix the countrys broken economy and has cracked down on dissent. The political opposition called the last elections, held in August, a fraud, and the Southern African Development Community, which sent a mission to observe polls, expressed concerns over the fairness of the vote. Among the previous winners of the Africa Freedom Prize are Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Danai Mupotsa, a senior lecturer in African literature at Johannesburgs Witwatersrand University, notes that female writers from the continent have been receiving more attention and accolades lately. Theres definitely a particular kind of moment for African writers and African women writers, I think, in particularly the last 10 years," said Mupotsa. Asked about this, Dangarembga said what it indicates is the publishing world has shifted to open up and is publishing more work by African woman writers. Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff is missing his second race in succession this weekend after undergoing a knee operation, but the Austrian is remotely present in every meeting insists Lewis Hamilton. Wolffs absence in Japan two weeks ago - where assistant team principal Jerome dAmbrosio picked up the bulk of the Austrian responsibilities - was planned well in advance. However, Wolff had hoped that his rehabilitation period would be short lived and that he would be standing post in Qatar. But that isnt the case. But Hamilton made it a point of revealing that Wolff was and will be present in every meeting and debrief conducted by the team over the course of the weekend. Read also: Toto's in every meeting, said the seven-time world champion. I saw someone wrote the other day that he had to call in or something for the last race... it was BS. "Toto, even though he is not here in person - he is obviously devastated he can't be here - he is a part of every single meeting. He dialed into the meeting today, he will dial into the meeting tomorrow morning, he'll be in the meeting in the afternoon. Hamilton suggested that while hes working remote, Wolffs involvement is as active as it typically is on a race weekend. He is on the comms just like the guys back at the factory are on the comms for strategy on the weekend, said the Briton. He is still 100 per cent full a part, he's just not physically here in the country, but he is still a part of those meetings, he speaks in all the meetings as he does when he's here. He has worked incredibly hard to set up this team to be where it is today and he should be able to have weekends off without a problem - he is the boss. I just tell him we will be pushing and not to worry. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter In late July, Ghanas parliament voted to make it a crime to accuse a person of witchcraft. If the president signs the bill into law, it will also force the closure of camps where hundreds of accused witches live in exile. Hamza Adams has the report, Narrated by Grace Oyenubi. Founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold, Johannesburg, South Africa, eventually became the biggest gold producer throughout the 20th century, thanks to its Witwatersrand Basin goldfields. But many of the old gold mines have closed, replaced by small-scale illegal miners Elite pilots prepare for camping out in the sky as they compete in prestigious ballooning race A radio, batteries and a trap door on the side for stretching are some of the things pilots are relying on to endure what's been called the world's oldest gas balloon race A group of high-profile activists including Hillary Clinton, Malala Yousafzai and Gloria Steinem have signed a call for the United Nations to criminalize gender apartheid, according to a letter sent to member states Thursday. The letter, which is also signed by some of Afghanistan's most prominent rights activists, comes as the international community grapples with how to hold the Taliban government accountable for its grave abuses against Afghan women. "The failure to codify gender apartheid perpetuates an accountability vacuum that leaves many victims and survivors without remedy or reparation," the letter, which is spearheaded by the Atlantic Council and the Global Justice Center, states. "The Taliban's ever deepening and institutionalized oppression of Afghan women and girls is a case in point. The codification of gender apartheid will assist victims and survivors holding perpetrators to account for the totality of crimes committed against them." The letter, seen by AFP, urges UN member states to amend a draft crimes against humanity treaty to include gender apartheid. There will be a general debate on the treaty next week, and member states have until 2024 to submit written comments. Some high-level UN representatives, including Secretary General Antonio Guterres, have already labelled the situation in Afghanistan as "gender-based apartheid", but the term is not currently recognized among the worst international crimes. The draft treaty does cover apartheid -- but only based on race. "Codifying gender apartheid in the draft treaty does not require the creation of a completely new and separate crime; it only involves inserting gender into the definition," the letter states. Since ousting the Western-backed government in 2021, the Taliban authorities have imposed their austere version of Islamic law, barring girls from secondary school, pushing women out of many government jobs, preventing them from travelling without a male relative and ordering them to cover up outside the home. Among the high-profile Nobel laureates, diplomats, politicians, international criminal law experts and rights activists signing the call is Fawzia Koofi, a member of parliament in the previous internationally-backed Kabul government. "It's a systematic erasure of women from the social, political spheres of Afghanistan, from the economic spheres of Afghanistan," she told AFP. The UN making gender apartheid an international crime would throw up a "legal barrier" protecting women's rights -- though, she added, it was not only those rights at stake. "It's about the security of Afghanistan. It's about the economy of Afghanistan. And it's about the next generation ... How are we going to expect Afghanistan to have a future and prosperity when women's breathing is being controlled?" she said. The letter comes after the head of UN Women, Sima Bahous, also urged the Security Council last month to criminalize gender apartheid. "The tools the international community has at its disposal were not created to respond to mass, state-sponsored gender oppression," she told the Council. "This systematic and planned assault on women's rights is foundational to the Taliban's vision of state and society and it must be named, defined, and proscribed in our global norms, so that we can respond appropriately." bur-st/mdl Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images Hannibal and American Gods creator Bryan Fuller has been accused of sexual harassment while working on the AMC docuseries Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror. Deadline first reported that a sexual-harassment lawsuit was filed on Wednesday with claims that Fuller had sexually assaulted plaintiff and Queer for Fear producer Sam Wineman several times during production in 2021. The suit accuses Fuller of repeatedly pressing his penis into Winemans buttocks under the guise of cracking his back. Fuller allegedly also made constant references to masturbation, engaged in relentless verbal harassment and casual bullying, and created a hostile workplace environment. Queer for Fear, which was released on streaming service Shudder in 2022, relies on multiple interviews to explore the relationship between queer audiences and the horror genre. According to Winemans lengthy complaint, Fuller retaliated against Wineman by sabotaging shots, heckling interviewees, and ignoring him for weeks at a time. Wineman claims that he was ultimately fired around four weeks after reporting Fullers behavior, with his series credits reduced as a final act of retaliation. Wineman is also suing AMC, Shudder, and others involved in the series who allegedly ignored, facilitated, and permitted Fullers alleged misconduct. A spokesperson for AMC told Deadline it was reviewing the lawsuit and did not have an immediate comment. Meanwhile, Fullers attorney, Bryan Freedman, strongly denied the allegations, claiming that there is documented evidence that disproves the claims. Make no mistake, Sam Wineman will be sued for defamation based on what are 100 percent probably false statements, Freedman told Deadline. Its a gorgeous but unsatisfying sketch of a thing. Photo: Sony Pictures Two decades ago, Pedro Almodovar turned down an offer to direct Brokeback Mountain because he was worried that he wouldnt get the creative leeway to make the film that he wanted. And what he wanted, he told Indiewire, was to show the animalistic connection between two men: For me it was impossible to have that in the movie because it was a Hollywood movie. You could not have these two guys fucking all the time. Theres a certain amount of irony to the fact that, having finally made a queer Western romance of his own, Almodovar opted to do so on the tab of Yves Saint Laurent, with costumes done by the brands creative director, Anthony Vaccarello. Presumably, he was given all the freedom he wanted, but the result a half-hour effort entitled Strange Way of Life still feels like its midway to an ad, in part because of the sumptuousness of the clothes, and in part because, unlike the 2020 short its being shown in theaters with, it never really commits to being a film. Its a gorgeous but unsatisfying sketch of a thing, and it has such a tough time creating a sense of history around its thwarted lovers that its almost laughable. Those lovers, Silva and Jake, are played by Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke as middle-aged men, though its only when theyre younger, and played by Jose Condessa and Jason Fernandez, that we see the hectic lust Almodovar was so interested in. As wild gunslingers, Silva and Jake spent two months together, a period we glimpse via a memory of the time they broke into a wine cellar in the company of some working girls and ended up in each others arms instead. Maybe its meant to feel like a fever dream, those hectic images of two model-handsome young men rolling around together in puddles of alcohol. But it might as well be a scene from a different movie, or just a different photo shoot, so impossible is it to connect to the moody people the pair have become, or the very different-looking actors playing them. Jake, after turning down Silvas suggestion that they buy a ranch together, has become sheriff of the town of Bitter Creek, while Silva has been across the desert working with horses, and when the film begins, theyre reunited for the first time in 25 years. While Silvas visit is not without ulterior motives, it doesnt take long for the two to end up back in bed together, albeit with a cut to black after their initial clinch. Why the young Jake and Silva get that cartoonishly voluptuous scene while the older Jake and Silva have sex decorously offscreen has less to do with time or age than it does a failure of imagination. Strange Way of Life doesnt have any sense of conviction in what its grown men are supposed to have been doing in those intervening years. They have boatloads of backstory to be unloaded over dinner and during the morning after, with Silvas son, Joe (George Steane), being the prime suspect in the murder of a local woman who happens to be the widow of Jakes brother, someone he vowed to protect (and maybe also had an affair with). If the flashback reads like a fantasy of unfettered and un-frowned-upon desire, complete with the sex workers striding off like fairy godmothers, laughing that they have nothing to do here, the convoluted offscreen crime is a much more awkward means of showing the masculine obligations Jake and Silva have become trapped by. Having reunited its lovers, the film seems reluctant to have to saddle them with a conflict that ends up feeling ridiculous. It ends where it feels like it wishes it began, in a scene of tender domesticity surrounded by improbably chic trappings. Almodovar has always been an impeccably stylish director, but the lushness of Strange Way of Lifes interiors, of the uniformly beautiful young men filling out the cast, and the runway-ready jacket Pascal wears (inspired by Jimmy Stewarts in Bend of the River, but in a shade of emerald green that wouldnt last a day in the sun) give this film a catalogue-page unreality. It would have been better off relinquishing its half-formed ideas and just coasting by on vibes. Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/Universal Pictures We probably dont talk enough about what a bizarre series the Exorcist films have turned out to be. The franchise is a case study in the perils of massive initial success. The original Exorcist, directed by the late William Friedkin in 1973, wasnt just a hit; it was a world-altering phenomenon. Then things got interesting. The great John Boorman just as much a maverick as Friedkin had been, and similarly acclaimed was hired to make Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), a first-ballot entry into the Flop Hall of Fame. (I say that as one of its semi-defenders. Heretic is a crazy movie, and I enjoy watching it, but Im not sure that I could ever call it good.) William Peter Blatty, the author of the original novel, stepped behind the camera in 1990 to direct the third entry. That one wasnt well liked, either, though time has been kinder to it. Then came the truly weird tale of the fourth picture. Paul Schrader was hired to direct Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist after the initial choice, John Frankenheimer, fell ill. The studio didnt like Schraders rather somber effort, and after several rounds of postproduction bickering, Renny Harlin was brought in to essentially shoot a whole new film, the frantic and incoherent Exorcist: The Beginning (2004). That also turned out to be a disaster, whereupon a scraped-together edit of Schraders version was released in 2005. So there are now two separate fourth Exorcist movies, very different and somehow both starring Stellan Skarsgard. Neither is good. A sordid industry saga, to be sure, but there is nevertheless a sweet undercurrent to it: Even though the Exorcist movies have been handled by different studios and different producers over the years, whoevers in charge has always tried to hire a director of genuine vision to try and create something different (yes, even Renny Harlin, shut up), perhaps in hopes of recapturing the magic accomplished by Friedkin, who, after all, was coming off the Oscar-winning French Connection when he made the first film. Which brings us to David Gordon Green, director of The Exorcist: Believer. Ones view of Green will surely change depending on which side of the career prism theyre looking through. He began as an independent director of acclaimed, sensitive, ethereal slices of small-town life (George Washington, All the Real Girls), then transformed into a guy who made stoner studio comedies (Pineapple Express, Your Highness). He then returned to his indie roots for a bit (Prince Avalanche, Manglehorn) before reinventing himself as a horror-franchise-reboot artist, with 2018s Halloween and its two sequels. Some have surely written Green off as a once-promising talent who sold his soul to the all-powerful Hollywood cash grab. Perhaps theyre right, but the evidence often suggests otherwise. His first Halloween picture was a solid, serious attempt to advance the mood of John Carpenters originals. Yes, the second entry, Halloween Kills (2020), was a hot mess, but the subsequent Halloween Ends (2022) was an offbeat delight, an attempt to fuse the compassion of Greens early films with the demands of a horror sequel. In its romanticism, in how it explored the frustrations of being an outsider in a community that had closed its doors, and in the way it used that emotional pressure to conjure its obligatory genre demons, Halloween Ends carried a unique charge. It was far from perfect, but it felt more like a David Gordon Green picture than a Halloween picture. One gets a similar vibe from the early scenes of The Exorcist: Believer, which begins with two married American photographers traveling in Haiti, only for the pregnant wife to be mortally injured during the massive earthquake of 2010. At the hospital, the husband, Victor (Leslie Odom Jr.), is told that he has to choose between saving the life of the mother or the child. We then fast-forward to Victor and his 13-year-old daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) living in Percy, Georgia. When Angela disappears into the woods after school one day with her friend Katherine (Olivia ONeill), Victors panic is palpable as is his refusal to believe in any kind of merciful deity when Katherines heavily religious parents broach matters of the spirit with him. The girls are found three days later, but something has clearly changed in them. Thus begin the creepy utterances, the seizures, the sudden appearances in church covered in blood and shrieking. The first half of Believer is refreshingly free of the kind of cheap jump scares that so many horror sequels cynically rely on. Instead, Green (and co-screenwriter Danny McBride, a regular collaborator) tries to conjure situational fear. Were not afraid of demons in these early scenes, but of more direct terrors like a parent losing their child, or a child losing control of her mind and body. Those looking for standard genre thrills will probably be disappointed by these early scenes. I was enraptured by them, as Green and McBride establish a mood of believable dread. Unfortunately, it doesnt last, and Believer collapses mightily in its second half. To some extent, it shares a fundamental problem with most exorcism movies not released in 1973: Theres only so much you can do with a bunch of people in a room screaming, and William Friedkin basically did it all. But Believer compounds that failure by trying to steer clear of the overt Christian mythology of the genre. The Exorcist, the original, is a pretty heavy-duty advertisement for God and for the more traditional practices of a then-modernizing Catholic Church, so effective that it makes even godless heathens like me question our lack of belief over the course of two agonizing, hair-raising hours. Never forget: The priests are the heroes of these movies. But Believer tries to have it both ways. It brings in other religions and cultures into the mix in an attempt to explain that, really, exorcism is universal. It then takes the idea further and suggests that what will really defeat the devil isnt potions and spells and prayers but community and togetherness. Aaaah, the kindness, it burns! One can see what Green is trying to do here. Hes still trying to bring this genre piece into his inclusive, communal, almost romantic world, the way he did with Halloween Ends. In his eyes, Believer is less about exorcism but about the idea of lost children children unwanted, children forgotten, children for whom parental love cannot compensate for a gnawing absence. Unfortunately, hes still making an Exorcist movie, and he doesnt seem all that interested in exorcism itself, brushing past specifics and relying instead on a lot of vague, albeit obligatory, shouting and pyrotechnics. Think of how well we remember details from The Exorcist: lines, gestures, effects, Pazuzu. Thats because Friedkin took everything at face value and focused on the specifics of what he was shooting. I saw Believer three days ago, and I barely remember anything from its exorcism scenes. This wouldnt be a problem if they didnt take up pretty much the entire back half of the movie. One wonders if theres another cut of this film somewhere, one in which the characters are given more room to breathe, one in which the nonsensical exorcism scenes take up less space. In a way, it would be appropriate if there were. Because that would really make this an Exorcist movie another proudly troublesome and uneven entry in a series that seems to be as cursed as its characters. Game Theory Optimal is available to stream now via Paramount+ with Showtime. It will make its Showtime debut on Sunday, October 8 at 8 p.m. ET. With Game Theory Optimal, Billions has entered its third and final act. Although were still waiting for one key player to take his position Axe the Rebel Alliance/MPC Fifth Column can now claim Chuck Rhoades as one of its members. However, its hard to know what difference that will make now that Mike Prince has firmly entered Lex Luthor territory, obliterating traitors from the comforts of his lair/townhouse with the help of his dedicated hench-people. Sorry, I buried the lede here: Prince discovered that Wendy, Wags, and Taylor were making feeble attempts at mutiny, and now they are screwed. Billions knows the end is nigh, and soon enough, someone, or maybe even everyone in this television universe of haves and have-nots (mostly haves), must say farewell to their life of unbridled wealth and debauchery. Which is why Game Theory Optimal opens (and closes) with Billy Joels sendoff to decadence, Ive Loved These Days, paired with a montage of famed New York bars and eateries frequented by the Billions characters. Like Patsys Italian Restaurant, known for Frank Sinatras patronage, where Chuck is breaking bread with former NYPD commissioner Richie Sansome for the most Billions of reasons: He wants to know how to bring Prince to justice without any proof of the billionaires guilt. While career cop Sansome is no stranger to the Art of the Frame, hes grown wiser in his retirement years and advises Chuck against proceeding in his quest to see Prince in an orange jumpsuit. A deep sense of foreboding aside, theres no way Chuck is giving up that easily, not with four episodes of the series left. So Sansome suggests a different approach: Working off Chucks comparison of Prince to a mad king, he recommends going through Princes courtiers, as in Lady Dr. Wendy Rhoades. A distraught Chuck arrives at Wendys door. Even though we know they both feel the same about Prince, there is too much baggage between them to jump right back into an alliance. Chuck shares his newfound post-Owl fears about Prince with his ex-wife: He wasnt worried about a guy like Bobby Axelrod running for president, but he cant stomach the idea of a commander-in-chief whos willing to nuke the planet just to keep his ego inflated. Wendy agrees, but its going to take a lot more than shared opinions to be Chucks woman on the inside. Mainly because she cant do this without Wags and Taylor, and she needs a guarantee they wont go down either. Over at MPC, Kate Sacker has finally put that brilliant brain to good use, approaching Scooter with a theory that three senior-level employees are organizing an insurrection. Again, this is when I get angry at Billions for making Kate undeniably the smartest person in the room 100 percent of the time slow on the uptake when it suits the narrative. Shes only now realizing that Wags planted the idea of leaving MPC in her head and that he, Wendy, and Taylor are weirdly secretive whenever she walks by. Scooter says they can confirm her theory right away, because guess what? Prince had the whole damn office bugged as soon as he took over. (Somehow, Kate, an attorney, is totally okay with this.) They pull up a video of the moment in episode six when Wendy, Wags, and Taylor were stupidly having a Fifth Column meeting in the office snack area, which provides the evidence Kate needs to fire them. But Scooter advises patience because hes still researching the sus (yep, Scooters word) backdrop of a FaceTime he had with Taylor when they were in London. If you remember, Taylor was in the middle of a fireside chat with Axe at Stately Axelrod Manor when Scooter called. They passed off the cozy atmosphere as their hotels decor, but Scooter didnt buy it. He took a screenshot of Taylor and hired an expert in English architecture and antiquities to verify their exact location. Ruh-roh. The next morning, Wendy is in session with Dr. Mayer and her late-night meeting with Chuck has her fired up. Now she wants out of MPC, and shes considering working with her ex-husband against Mike Prince. Dr. Mayer seems awfully invested in why Wendy feels this way, so much so that now Im wondering if shes under Princes payroll? (Since I cant trust anyone on Billions, I certainly cant trust Dr. Mayer.) Dr. Mayer encourages Wendy to follow these feelings right into a brand-new job. Next thing we know, Wendy has Rian researching an online therapy site called Mental (a BetterHelp stand-in). She wants to make sure there are no financial red flags and that it wont hurt Princes campaign if she jumps ship. As soon as Rian verifies that Mental checks all the boxes, Wendy meets with the co-founders, who offer her a CEO gig. Chuck, meanwhile, appears to be committing career and public suicide. First, he calls a sentence reduction hearing that morning for Dr. Gilbert? The beleaguered, ice cream-loving physician is flabbergasted to hear Chuck isnt there to screw him over for the umpteenth time. Nope, Chuck wants the presiding judge to end Dr. Gilberts sentence immediately, which he does. All in exchange for one teeny, tiny favor: The good doctor just needs to record, on video, every disreputable detail of how Chuck wrongfully imprisoned him. Chuck then continues his trip down Billions crooked-scheme memory lane by appearing in his own self-incriminating video, confessing every single time he cut corners in a case. Ice Juice. Voter suppression. Hiring Jackie Connerty for a jewel heist. Its a great reminder that Chuck is not the good guy here. Never was. Its also not surprising to learn that his litany of crimes stretches far back before Billions began. So, Scooters FaceTime research is in, and now Prince knows that Taylor wasnt doing business in London seven episodes ago. Instead, they were sipping whiskey at Haddon Hall, a castle owned by Bobby Axelrod. Since Prince and Co. knew Wendy and Wags were in London at the same time, they (correctly) assume all three were conspiring with Axe. Prince is triggered. But Bradford Luke advises him to tread lightly: If he fires Taylor, Wendy, and Wags, hell just look like a bad manager. Bad manager = terrible president. Not to worry, Brad. Youre dealing with a villain of grandiose proportions here. Expect mind games with a heavy dose of torture. But no firing. Mind games first: Prince meets with Wendy and gives her his full blessing to take the CEO job at Mental (Rian tipped him off to Wendys interest in the company), along with a promise of a future White House position. Now confident she can take the leap, Wendy accepts her new role in front of a beaming Dr. Mayer. Wendy then meets with Wags and Taylor to inform them its time to bring Chuck into the fold. How upset is Wags over this idea? He desecrates Michters whiskey by drinking it straight out of the bottle. He then marches into Chucks SDNY office, where David Costabile delivers the most beautiful speech of loyalty to Wendy. Were talking about the level of Mercedes Ruehls bereft mom warning Tom Hanks that she will spend the rest of her life making you suffer speech in Big. Good news: This is exactly what Chuck needed to hear: that Wags doesnt trust him. Yet. A befuddled Wags then follows Chuck back to Brooklyn At the Rhoades home, Chuck shares the fruits of his labor with Wendy, Wags, and Taylor, something that could annihilate his public and professional life with one click: An impossible-to-copy USB drive that holds copious documentation of his illegal career moves. Chuck created this digital trail of his crimes to prove that the Fifth Column could trust him. See, Chuck knows that if he entrusts the drive to Wendy, she will never use its contents against him no matter what, because kids. There is one person, however, who would, without hesitation, use that drive against Chuck if he betrayed any of the three people standing before him: Michael Wagner. Therefore, Chuck hands the drive to Wags, assured by Wendy that her colleague wont burn any of them if Chuck comes through with helping them destroy Prince. Like Senior says, its a high-risk play, but it was the only way these four could ever work together. Just as Chuck is about to name Axe as their final ally, Wendy, Wags, and Taylor are summoned to Princes townhouse. They all know this is a bad sign. We do, too, because right before this scene, Prince sneers to Scooter, Bradford, and Kate that hes taken care of Wendy, but he needs to know who can really run MPC once hes in the White House and has put the others in a box. Scooter shows Prince something on his phone something we dont see and Prince nods in agreement. Yikes. And here comes the torture: Upon the Fifth Columns arrival at Princes lair, where theyre also joined by a confused-looking Philip, a smug Prince lays out, in excruciating detail, how absolutely dunzo Wendy, Wags, and Taylor are. Firing them? Wheres the pain in that? Instead, all three will remain at the company, with their assets frozen and stripped of anything resembling authority. Prince has even cut off Wendys exit route: As soon as she moves over to Mental, shell be fired, because evil genius that he is, Prince is a majority holder of Mental through a shell corporation. All predictable developments for Billions. But what Im trying to figure out is what is up with Philip. Philip has been handed MPCs the reins, but theres some sort of blackmail or missing details at play here. Scooter presents a video of a session between Wendy and Philip, the one where he tells her to leave him out of whatever shes planning. (What we dont know is if this is what Scooter showed Prince on his phone or if it was something else.) Wendy is understandably furious that Prince had the audacity to put cameras in her private sessions, but Scooter retorts that Philip signed a waiver beforehand. Did he? We have no proof of this. Plus, when Scooter looks at Philip for confirmation, theres a pause, as if Philip is desperately trying to keep up with whatever Uncle Scooter is telegraphing with his eyes. Philip responds in the affirmative, but Im not sure which way things are going to swing with this character. I think Philip is being punished for not reporting what he knew about the impending mutiny, and hes now Princes puppet. Now that Wendy, Wags, and Taylor have been cut off at the knees, it looks like the time has come for Chuck to call in that favor to Axe. Hed better do it quickly, though, because Prince, fueled by rage and ego, is headed to Haddon Hall. Loose Change Im curious about Kate Sacker and her long game. She is a political animal, so will she be the one who ends up on top? Why did it take Scooter seven episodes to figure out Taylor was at Haddon Hall? In this article, we are going to discuss the 15 African countries with the most alcohol consumption. You can skip our detailed analysis of the next big alcohol market, the impact of Covid on the African alcohol industry, and the rampant illicit alcohol trade in Africa, and go directly to 5 African Countries with the Most Alcohol Consumption. Given the relative lack of archaeological work in sub-Saharan Africa, the evidence for the ancient consumption of fermented drinks on the continent is thin, but the earliest records, in combination with ethnographic research, point to a very long history and ubiquity of fermented beverages. Virtually every African society produced one or more kinds of fermented drinks, whether it was palm wine in coastal regions, various wines made from honey or local fruits such as bananas, or, especially, beers produced from millet and sorghum and later maize. In Muslim societies, these fermented drinks, often classified as foods by local people, were not seen to violate Quranic prohibition. Alcohol consumption has been among the most important leisure activities in many African societies, and in the 20th century, drinking establishments emerged as very important sites of popular culture. The Next Big Alcohol Market: Africa is home to 16% of the worlds population but consumes just 5% of the worlds beverage alcohol. That low per capita consumption translates into considerable potential. The continents hot climate is expected to exaggerate the demand for beer and big brewers are investing for the future. With the acquisition of the South African Distell group by Heineken in 2021, there is a three-way tussle over control of Africas alcoholic drinks industry between Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), Heineken N.V., and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD). The acquisition of SABMiller by AbInBev in 2016 helped increase the beer footprint on the continent. However, Heinekens takeover of Distell, which has an established stronghold in categories like cider, spirits, and wine shows that the fight is not limited to just beer. Story continues Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) has also continued to invest in the continent and inaugurated a new $180 million brewery in Mozambique in 2021, where the beer market has increased by almost 30% in the last few years. The beer behemoth has also announced the construction of a new site in Tanzania, where beer volumes have also jumped by 21% in the last decade. Nigeria in particular is seen as a hidden jewel by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) and this justified a new $250m brewery which came on stream in 2017. The company also announced plans earlier this year to invest another $230 million to upgrade and expand its operations in South Africa. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) has been facing some headwinds in the U.S. market after the recent controversy regarding its best-selling brand Bud Light, which resulted in the iconic brand losing its crown as the Top-Selling Beer in America after nearly two decades. Though as we mentioned in our article 17 Countries with the Highest Percentage of Non-Drinkers billionaire Bill Gates portfolio managers decided to initiate a $96 million position in Anheuser-Busch during the second quarter. The Impact of Covid on the Alcohol Industry: The pandemic proved especially difficult for alcohol producers in Africa. Diageo Plc (NYSE:DEO) said that 75% of its alcohol revenue in Africa came from drinking establishments and restaurants before the lockdowns. So when the spread of Covid-19 kept patrons away from crowded social settings, consumers didnt readily shift to at-home drinking. As sales missed expectations, the industry responded by trying to get Africans to warm to the idea of buying booze for home consumption. It wasnt easy as most people associate alcohol with hanging out at a local watering hole or storefront, where there are usually tables and chairs. Advertising also proved a challenge, because a lot of marketing had been targeted at customers of those very same bars and restaurants that were now empty. Enter paid influencers like Julia Jules Gaitho. Her Instagram account boasts 133,000 followers and is filled with posts about Gordons, a Diageo gin brand. There are photos of her sipping a cocktail on a patio and a park bench. In one video, she shows off her mixology skills, pouring ice cubes, gin, ginger ale, cranberry juice, and raspberries into a glass to make a red Gordons Ruby Cooler cocktail at home, then inviting her followers to re-create a similar drink. Social media influencing had been around for more than a decade, but in Africa, it hadnt become as popular a marketing tool. Many big brands still focused on entertainers or sports stars to pitch their quaffs, or they bought television ads and billboard space. The pandemic upended that strategy. Hours spent online surged as people avoided away-from-home gatherings or observed curfews, and to capture the attention of the continents young, rising middle class, alcohol brands poured resources into social media. Soon influencers were being paid to promote big booze brands and the pleasures of drinking away from a bar or club. The shift to influencer marketing helped boost alcohol consumption outside drinking establishments by 22% in 2020, dwarfing the 2.3% rise recorded in 2019. Since the start of the pandemic, Diageo plc has more than doubled its spending on digital media advertising in East Africa, helping it reach more people without relying on expensive media such as television. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) has enjoyed a strong presence in the African market since it opened its first Guinness brewery in the early 1960s in Nigeria, and its progress in the continent is underpinned by a broad price range of brands which cater for a wide range of incomes. The spirit giants operations in Africa accounted for 10% of its overall revenue of $17.1 billion in its last fiscal year. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) ranks among the 12 Best Alcohol Stocks to Own According to Hedge Funds. The Illicit Alcohol Trade in Africa: The illicit spirits segment retains a strong presence in Africa, mainly due to its availability, affordability, and lack of government regulations. This not only results in considerable health risks for the consumers but also billions of dollars in losses for the respective governments. According to a study, one-third of the entire African alcohol market was occupied by the illicit trade in 2017. The situation is especially bad in Uganda, which ranks among the Top Alcohol Drinking Countries in the World. According to Euromonitor, 64.5% of the alcoholic drinks in the Ugandan market are illegal and lack standards that are fit for consumption. The report also noted that 45.4% of the consumed illicit liquors are homemade, popularly known as waragi, which presents significant hazards to human health, especially in rural areas. The value of the illicit alcoholic drinks was estimated to be $1.91 billion between 2017 and 2020, causing tax revenue losses of $458 million for the government during the time period. The Ugandan government banned sachet spirits in 2019 as a way to eliminate unregulated alcohol from the market, but it had little effect. The East African country still remains a hotbed for illicit alcohol trade since manufacturers have now shifted to packaging such drinks in pet bottles, recycled mineral water bottles, and other types of containers that are sold openly countrywide. With that said, here are the Countries that Drink the Most in Africa. 15 African Countries with the Most Alcohol Consumption Pixabay/Public Domain Methodology : To collect information for this article, we have referred to The Global Health Observatory of the World Health Organization, looking for Countries that Consume the Most Alcohol in Africa. The following countries have ranked by their annual per capita consumption of pure alcohol in 2019, for people aged 15 and over. One thing to keep in mind is that just because the people in these countries generally consume high levels of alcohol, it doesnt necessarily mean that theyre drunkards. Alcohol is simply an essential part of many cultures around the world and alcoholic beverages play an important role in important events and celebrations, since they can be associated with many festivals and rituals. 15. Angola Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 6.17 liters As a fast-growing economy, Angola is experiencing a booming alcohol industry. Beer is the Central African nation's favorite tipple and on average each Angolan consumes about 59 liters of it a year. The country also has a well-established wine drinking culture and is one of the largest markets on the continent for wine and spirits. However, given the high levels of poverty, branded products are regarded as a luxury purchase and there is a significant informal trade in liquor and non-alcoholic beverages. Angola is among the African Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption. 14. Cape Verde Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 6.27 liters The national liquor of Cape Verde is Grogue a distilled sugar cane liquor with an alcohol percentage of over 40%. The tradition of making and consuming this rum is deeply rooted in the countrys culture. The Cape Verde Parliament approved a new law in 2019, which prohibited the consumption and sale of beverages to children under 18 years and the establishments that sell them within 200 meters of schools. 13. Congo Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 6.4 liters Alcohol consumption has been rampant in the Republic of Congo mainly because of the non-existence of a regulatory framework for alcohol, no minimum drinking age, no limitations on the sale or advertising of alcohol, and low taxes on alcoholic products. Congo sits among the Top Alcohol Consuming Countries in Africa. 12. Equatorial Guinea Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 6.94 liters Equatorial Guinea is a Central African country comprising the Rio Muni mainland and 5 volcanic offshore islands. Malamba juice (a local sugar cane brew), palm wine, and beer are the favorite tipples of people in Equatorial Guinea. 11. Gabon Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 7.33 liters Drinking is an extremely popular pastime in Gabon, particularly in rural areas, and its often easier to find a bar than something to eat. Regab is the national beer of the Central African country, produced by the only brewing company of the country since 1966. Gabon sits among Countries that Drink the Most Beer per Capita. 10. Mauritius Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 7.52 liters Often served with coconut water and a dash of lime, locally made cane rum is a popular tipple in Mauritius. The most common choice of beer is either Phoenix or French Black Eagle, both of which can be found at most bars around the island. Mauritius ranks among the Most Beautiful Island Countries in the World, and the heavy influx of tourists also contributes to high alcohol consumption in the country. 9. Eswatini Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 8.09 liters Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Drinking is a very common pastime among Swazi men. Although the countrys women are discouraged from drinking excessively, cultural events such as the marula ceremony indicate that alcoholism is rife also among Swazi women. Eswatini is counted among Countries with Most Alcohol Deaths. 8. Botswana Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 8.16 liters In 2008, the government of Botswana imposed a heavy tax levy on all alcohol products to deal with problematic drinking in the country. However, the alcohol levy has been slashed from 55% to 35% as part of efforts to attract investors and create employment in the Southern African country. Botswana ranks among the Top 10 Countries that Drink the Most Alcohol in Africa. 7. Benin Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 8.35 liters In rural Benin, two main types of traditional alcohols tchoukoutou and sodabi are produced and consumed. While tchoukoutou has some nutritional value and a low alcohol content, sodabi is made from distilled palm wine and its alcohol content is estimated as ranging from 40% to 50%. Sodabi and other similar traditional alcoholic drinks have been reputed to contain toxic substances such as methanol, lead, and microorganisms as a result of crude distillation processes and illicit, uncontrolled production, which may result in adverse health and social consequences. 6. South Africa Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 8.77 liters Accounting for around 1.8% of the world's total beer consumption, South Africa is the largest beer consumer in Africa. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD), through its subsidiary South African Breweries (SAB), accounts for nearly 88% of the countrys beer market by volume. The country is also home to 542 wineries, harvesting just over 1.4 million tonnes of grapes to produce 10.2 million hectoliters of wine. More than 300,000 people are employed in the countrys winemaking industry. South Africa is counted among the Top Alcohol-Drinking African Countries in 2023. Click to continue reading and see the 5 African Countries with the Most Alcohol Consumption. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 African Countries with the Most Alcohol Consumption is originally published on Insider Monkey. The film adaptation of a famous New Yorker short story is appropriately grimace-inducing, but it cant help overexplaining its terror. Photo: Rialto Pictures Cat Person the rare short story to legitimately go viral on the internet was a bracingly matter-of-fact anti-romance about a college girl who starts dating an older guy who may or may not be a creep. Written by Kristen Roupenian and first published in The New Yorker in 2017 when the Me Too movement was at high tide, this work of fiction slightly inspired by real events sparked conversation because of its clinical look at the delicate, sometimes horrifying dance of modern courtship. Told entirely from the point of view of Margot the university sophomore who works part-time at a movie theater where she meets Robert, a nerdy 34-year-old man who loves Red Vines Cat Person effectively captured how the need to be desired can slide into a situation where a woman has sex without wanting it. It wasnt that she was scared he would try to force her to do something against her will but that insisting that they stop now, after everything shed done to push this forward, would make her seem spoiled and capricious, as if shed ordered something at a restaurant and then, once the food arrived, had changed her mind and sent it back, Roupenian writes. That scene, and several others, are re-created nearly beat for beat in the film adaptation of Cat Person, rolling out this week in a limited theatrical release. Written by Michelle Ashford, creator of Showtimes Masters of Sex, and directed by Susanna Fogel, writer of Booksmart and co-director of the limited series A Small Light, the movie takes what was already cringey on the pages of a prestigious magazine and makes it even more cringey by turning us into witnesses to what unfolds. Its one thing to read the words It was a terrible kiss, shockingly bad to describe the initial locking of lips between Margot, played onscreen by CODAs Emilia Jones, and Robert (Nicholas Braun of Succession). Its another thing to watch Cousin Greg use his entire mouth to practically swallow Joness whole brunette head. As closely as it hews to the original text, Cat Person must inevitably add padding to the narrative to fill two hours of run time. New characters appear Margot has an anthropology professor (Isabella Rossellini) who makes blatantly metaphorical comments about the mating rituals of ants, as well as a feminist roommate (Geraldine Viswanathan of Miracle Workers) who constantly warns her against spending time with Robert. The tone of much of the film leans into full-blown horror. Every time Margot gets a text from Robert, it sounds as though an alarm bell is sounding. At one point, working in her professors lab late at night, she agrees over text to meet up in person. As she sorts out the arrangements, a human skeleton lies on the table in front of her, a foreboding symbol as obvious as an axe murderer holding an actual axe. Like Roupenians short story, this Cat Person ultimately and deliberately avoids casting either protagonist as a villain. Unfortunately, the movie has a tendency to overexplain and flagrantly telegraph its ideas otherwise, when it would be more incisive to let certain scenes and exchanges speak for themselves. It also frequently includes fantasy sequences that reveal whats happening in Margots imagination, some of which carry more power than others. In the car ride during their first date, Margot has a vision of Robert choking her that initially plays like the real thing, a choice that comes across as more of a gimmick than a necessary narrative note to hit. But when Margot has an out-of-body conversation with herself during sex and debates how to potentially escape the situation, Cat Person feels honest, even brave, for exposing the discomfort, ambivalence, and misguided impulse for affirmation that can accompany an ill-advised hookup. Some of the details Ashford adds to the story provide a dash of pop culturally astute humor to what could otherwise be an entirely dark story. Robert turns out to be a total Star Wars nerd whos obsessed with Harrison Ford and insists on taking Margot to see The Empire Strikes Back on their first date. When he sends Margot a compilation of film clips that includes the first kiss Han imposes on Leia in that sequel, its apparent that Robert was raised to believe nothing is more romantic than a man giving a woman what she really wants despite her protests. Like so much in Cat Person, this observation would carry much more weight if Margot didnt immediately explain that subtext for the audience. The most compelling moments come from watching Braun and Jones advancing toward and retreating from each other. It doesnt sound quite right to say they have good chemistry; its more accurate to say that both actors understand how to make the lack of chemistry between their characters real and tangible. Braun certainly knows how to play awkward after his years on Succession, but he injects a hint of the sinister into Robert that distinguishes this role from what he did as Greg. Jones embraces Margots passive qualities without making her dull; her wide eyes radiate her particular aspiration. It doesnt hurt, either, that Jones bears a passing resemblance to Carrie Fisher, Princess Leia herself. While the short story ends on a text exchange that exposes Roberts nastier side, the movie extends past that moment to show us what happens next. Thats where Cat Person falls flattest. The movie, naturally, wants to tell us more than a roughly 7,000-word work of short fiction can. But this examination of the personalities and emotions we project onto others forgets to leave some space unfilled. The written version of Cat Person allowed us to read between the lines, the same way we do when dissecting every phrase in a text from a crush. The film adaptation argues that there will always be ambiguity in sex and romance, but cant quite bring itself to embrace its own uncertainty. Lokis first season was a tug-of-war between genuine artistry and mechanical shared-universe concerns; the latter eventually won out in a disconnected finale designed to tease half a decade of future films. With all that setup dispensed with, the shows sophomore run has a corrective potential, even though the danger of being subsumed by the Marvel machine will likely loom large over all six episodes. However, its premiere is promising. The episode is a briskly paced, skillfully shot adventure that leans into (and often literally zooms into) the shows kooky genre concepts and retro-futuristic designs. Its entertaining, even if its ending is a bit sudden and jagged and aims to return things to a familiar status quo. Ouroboros picks up right where season one left off, as Loki (Tom Hiddleston) sprints through the hallways of a new version of the TVA adorned with statues of Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). Immediately, the show returns with a renewed momentum and texture: a sweeping, hand-held camera and a warm but low-lit and washed-out palette that, when applied to the TVAs dark backdrops, allows its visual noise the digital cousin to film grain to create the sense of electric and chaotic unpredictability across the actors faces. Loki is on the run from familiar faces who, for some reason, dont recognize him Owen Wilsons agent Mobius, Wunmi Mosakus Hunter B-15, and Eugene Cordaros custodian Casey who only see him as just another multiversal variant to be hunted and destroyed. This leads to a brief chase of enormous action-comedy proportions, and one slyly reminiscent of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, in which Anakin Skywalker leaps from a window and plummets into crowded hover-car traffic. However, the episode soon plays a mildly deflating hand: after Loki drops a giant monitor on a TVA logo on the floor, he glitches back into a more familiar version of the sprawling office where the supporting characters recognize him again, but he notices the crack on that very same spot on the ground and realizes that the place hed just visited was the past. To have the story involve linear time travel hardly simplifies it if anything, the reasons his comrades in the present dont remember running into him is its own form of mystery but it does end up being slightly irksome since season ones finale was all about unleashing a multiverse into existence and creating alternate realities. This isnt one of them. Still, Lokis predicament is a fun one, involving the mildest of body horror as hes stretched between past and present, and makes discoveries about what elements of the TVA have been hidden and obscured over time (mostly, sculptures of Kang, which have been covered up by triptych murals of the godlike Time Keepers). Directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead and editor Calum Ross keep us grounded in the common spaces between the two timelines by using match cuts as Loki glitches between them, creating a sense of immediacy and continuity that ensures the story never slows down. In the absence of Judge Ravonna Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), Mobius, B-15 and Loki are brought before a panel of other judges and generals in the TVAs War Room to try and make sense of the timeline mess thats been unfolding ever since Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) killed a version of Kang, or He Who Remains, at the end of time, unleashing an entire multiverse into existence. The severed head of a robotic Time Keeper lies on the judges table. Opinions are split on how to proceed, and whether to communicate this ruse to the TVA; after all, an entire communitys prophets have just been discovered to be false, a revelation that could shake them to their core. One administrator, Judge Gamble, having seen how the wool was pulled over her eyes, questions her very purpose for being, as Loki reveals that every agent at the TVA was a real person on Earth or elsewhere but had their memories wiped. However, Kate Dickies intimidating General Dox seems gung-ho about continuing the TVAs mission regardless, and pruning or destroying divergent timelines to ensure a single Sacred continuity, setting up what is sure to be a major conflict in future episodes. Most of Ouroboros, however, is concerned with Mobius figuring out how to get Loki to stop glitching back and forth in time, a process that looks at least mildly painful, leading Mobius and Loki to argue over just how bad it truly is. One advantage of the show immediately doubling back on Mobius not recognizing Loki is we get more of Wilson and Hiddlestons affable banter, enhanced this time by the chasmic contrast between Mobius gee, shucks casual charm and Lokis intensity and urgency as he tries to warn everyone about the danger posed by Kang. Benson and Moorhead replace Marvels otherwise polished and expensive look with their signature lo-fi aesthetic (of films like Something in the Dirt). Along with cinematographer Isaac Bauman, they create fluid, engaging, low-angle walk-and-talk scenes (bound, once again, by Natalie Holts magnetic, mischievous score) as Loki and Mobius argue and attempt to find a solution. This solution likely lies in the forgotten basement of the TVA (detailed by production designer Kasra Farahani, like a magical workshop), the messy abode of the brand-new character Ouroboros or O.B. a time technician played by Ke Huy Quan. The Oscar-winner brings an amusing frankness to his role in both the past and the present, as Loki glitches between conversations that not only play out simultaneously for the audience but result in new memories for O.B., speeding along the exposition in novel ways as the camera whip-pans between the two timelines. Its here that the episode truly shines, leaning into its pulpy sci-fi influences by tossing out goofy, made-up technical terms at a mile-a-minute without slowing down to explain them. Its nigh impossible for the audience to keep up with the plot at this point, but thats hardly a criticism, since it places viewers in Loki and Mobius shoes. In order to get back to normal, Loki needs to prune himself at a specific moment (when hes told to by a handy clock) while Mobius must venture out in a rotund and puffy space suit towards a gigantic Time Loom thats malfunctioning as a result of having to stitch together too many divergent timelines. With his space suit tethered to the TVA, Mobius must brave the temporal equivalent of solar winds and extract Loki from a physical representation of a winding time-stream at just the right moment before O.B. closes the blast doors for good. If youve ever wanted a cross between 2001: A Space Odyssey and Doctor Who, there you have it. After Loki glitches into the future (once things have seemingly gone even more awry at the TVA), the episode creates a sudden and convenient solution, albeit a mysterious one, as he finds Sylvie stuck in an elevator shaft, and some unseen character prunes him just in time, using one of the Hunters time sticks. Everything works out in the end, with Loki shooting out of the Loom in the present and landing romantically in Mobius arms (aww), but the threat of some other conflict also arises, albeit somewhat vaguely, as B-15 watches Dox send entire armies of Hunters through time doors, supposedly to capture the escaped Sylvie, though it seems like something more sinister is afoot. And then the episode just kind of ends, with something resembling the status quo of last season. Loki and Mobius are back together, and the TVA is hunting Sylvie through time, though the ending does at least promise a slowly unfolding mystery of why any of this is happening in the first place. Low-Key Moments A nifty mid-credits scene sees Sylvie trying to settle down in Oklahoma in 1982, specifically at a McDonalds. Its a silly bit of product placement, but DiMartino sells the characters being tired of running story point as an entire sensation, in just a handful of silent close-ups. In the past, Loki stumbles upon an old recording of Kang and Renslayer, hinting at a romantic dynamic between them similar to the comics. We get a fun look at some other Hunters, like D-90 (Neil Ellice), who apologizes to Mobius for pruning him last season (he was just doing his job!), and the ruthless X-5, played by Rafael Casal, who seems to have a little something something with Kate Dickies General Dox?! Two very scary and very hot people, whats not to love? Its probably no accident that the door to the time bridge resembles Cerebro from the X-Men films. This doesnt mean itll lead anywhere, but itll definitely get people talking. For many investors, the main point of stock picking is to generate higher returns than the overall market. But in any portfolio, there are likely to be some stocks that fall short of that benchmark. Unfortunately, that's been the case for longer term Sensata Technologies Holding plc (NYSE:ST) shareholders, since the share price is down 22% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return of around 21%. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 17% in the last 90 days. Since Sensata Technologies Holding has shed US$230m from its value in the past 7 days, let's see if the longer term decline has been driven by the business' economics. See our latest analysis for Sensata Technologies Holding While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. During the unfortunate three years of share price decline, Sensata Technologies Holding actually saw its earnings per share (EPS) improve by 65% per year. Given the share price reaction, one might suspect that EPS is not a good guide to the business performance during the period (perhaps due to a one-off loss or gain). Or else the company was over-hyped in the past, and so its growth has disappointed. It's worth taking a look at other metrics, because the EPS growth doesn't seem to match with the falling share price. With a rather small yield of just 1.3% we doubt that the stock's share price is based on its dividend. Revenue is actually up 11% over the three years, so the share price drop doesn't seem to hinge on revenue, either. It's probably worth investigating Sensata Technologies Holding further; while we may be missing something on this analysis, there might also be an opportunity. Story continues You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). Sensata Technologies Holding is a well known stock, with plenty of analyst coverage, suggesting some visibility into future growth. You can see what analysts are predicting for Sensata Technologies Holding in this interactive graph of future profit estimates. A Different Perspective Sensata Technologies Holding shareholders are down 9.0% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 13%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 3% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Sensata Technologies Holding better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Sensata Technologies Holding you should know about. If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Phlegraean Fields register spike in seismic activity. The Italian government on Thursday announced new measures in light of increased seismic activity in the volcanic Campi Flegrei area near Naples, including plans for a possible mass evacuation. The Campi Flegrei, or Phlegraean Fields, has registered months of earthquakes including a 4.0-magnitude tremor on Monday and a 4.2-magnitude quake last week, the strongest to hit the area in four decades. The government has allocated 52 million for the measures which will include structural inspections on buildings in the area, extra resources and staff for local civil protection agencies, and the launch of an awareness campaign in schools. Italy's civil protection minister Nello Musumeci said the evacuation plan would be finalised within three months, news agency ANSA reports. Local hospitals are set to carry out evacuation tests in emergency rooms on Friday and Saturday to ensure that staff are prepared for coping with the fallout from stronger earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Declared a regional park 20 years ago, the Phlegraean Fields area is a highly seismic zone of supervolcanic calderas, situated about 20 km the west of Naples. The Campo Flegrei volcano last erupted in 1538 however earthquakes have been common in the area since 1950, with a surge of seismic unrest in the early 1980s. Experts believe the recent spike in seismic activity is linked to bradyseism, a phenomenon that involves the gradual uplift or descent of part of the earth's surface, caused by the filling or emptying of underground magma chambers or hydrothermal activity. There are 15 towns in the Campi Felgrei area, including Agnano and Pozzuoli, with a combined population of more than half a million people living in the so-called 'red zone' most at risk. Mattarella has been Italy's head of state since 2015. Sergio Mattarella on Friday became Italy's longest-serving president, surpassing the record held by his predecessor Giorgio Napolitano, who died last month aged 98. Mattarella, 82, has been in office for 3,167 days as of 6 October, beating the 3,166-day record of Napolitano. Both men were the only two presidents of Italy to be re-elected for a second term. When his seven-year presidential term expired in April 2013, Napolitano - then aged 87 - reluctantly agreed to a second term to end the parliamentary deadlock that followed the general election. After eight and a half years as president, Napolitano resigned aged 89 in January 2015 and was succeeded by Mattarella. On completion of his seven years in office, Mattarella was re-elected in January 2022 after lawmakers begged him to stay, amid a failure by parties to find another mutually agreeable candidate to serve as head of state. Mattarella, who had repeatedly made it clear that he wanted to retire, agreed to serve again after then Italian premier Mario Draghi and party leaders pleaded with him to remain in office "for the good and stability of the country." Prior to his re-election Mattarella had signed a lease for an apartment in Rome which he had planned to move into after vacating the presidential residence at the Quirinal Palace. "I had other plans but I am here if needed," Mattarella was reported as saying at the time, adding: "I will do my best." Photo: Gints Ivuskans / Shutterstock.com. With just over two months until the nationwide nominating contest kicks off in Iowa, the former president is in a dominant position over his rivals in the state. The rapid advancement of cord cutting has shrunk the number of available viewers for cable networks, and its still uncertain where news streaming will settle. That makes it more important than ever for a network to identify a specific audience it wants to serve. Fox News has made billions of dollars through that strategy. Emphasising one story to the near-exclusion of others has happened in spurts before, such as CNNs all-consuming attention to the missing Malaysia Airlines flight in 2014 and MSNBC during Trumps impeachments. MSNBCs coverage of Trump is all-consuming. Credit: MSNBC This story is unlikely to fade from the headlines anytime soon. During the first day of Trumps civil trial in New York on fraud charges Monday, it was the lead story on each one of MSNBCs shows from 3 pm to midnight. Nicolle Wallace discussed it for a half hour in the afternoon, capped off with some caustic commentary from a regular analyst, former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill. Joy Reid predicted the trial would completely shatter whatever remains of the myth of Trump as an extremely wealthy and successful businessman you know, the original big lie. Half of Jen Psakis prime-time show was devoted to the topic, with former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. and former New York US Attorney Preet Bharara as guests. Rachel Maddow, as is her wont, took a circuitous route to the story, comparing former President Jimmy Carters effort to eliminate the guinea worm with Trumps ex-presidency. Loading Donald Trump went to court today, and once again New York did not care, said Lawrence ODonnell, who nonetheless made the story his chief topic. It was par for the course on a day Trumps legal issues made headlines. While not all topics of cable news fascination merit the attention, thats not the case given the unprecedented nature of what a former president who is seeking that office again is facing, Klein said. Theres a need to explain complex legal manoeuvres, and the better job you do of it, youre going to engender loyalty from your viewers, he said. To that end, Ari Melbers 6 pm Eastern show, The Beat, is often the most-watched on MSNBC. The Emmy-winning NBC News legal analyst with a penchant for rap lyrics is a lawyer who specialised in First Amendment cases and brings a methodical, follow the facts style to the issues he addresses. Like other MSNBC opinion hosts, hes hard on Trump. Yet Melber is respected enough as a lawyer that some figures in Trump world, like Peter Navarro and lawyer Joe Tacopina, have appeared on The Beat to tell their stories. The sun is shining on MSNBC with these indictments, and theyre going to make the most of it. Former MSNBC producer. Ariana Pekary MSNBC has assembled a team of legal experts that has appeared throughout its lineup and gained trust through familiarity. They include law professors Andrew Weissmann, former lead prosecutor in special counsel Robert Muellers office, and Mary McCord, who worked at the Department of Justice and was an attorney for the District of Columbia for two decades. Together, they host the podcast, Prosecuting Donald Trump. Chuck Rosenberg, who worked at the FBI and was acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration at the end of the Obama administration, also hosts a podcast called The Oath. MSNBC commentators, from left, Rachel Maddow, Ari Melber, Joy Reid and Nicolle Wallace. Credit: AP Other regulars are Neal Katyal, a former acting solicitor general who frequently argued before the US Supreme Court and co-authored the book, Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump; Barbara McQuade, a former US attorney in Michigan; and Joyce Vance, a former US attorney in Alabama. During a recent appearance, Weissmann worried that he was getting lost in the weeds discussing a judges options to sanction Trump for speaking out on one of the cases against him. Youre in a safe space, Andrew, host Psaki said. This is a safe space for nerds. Loading Its all very reminiscent to Ariana Pekary, a former MSNBC producer. During the Trump impeachments, the network would leap on any morsel of news, sometimes blowing it out of proportion. Occasionally producers would leave the first segment of a shows rundown open until the last possible moment, recognising something about Trump will probably come up, she said. Ratings, available in 15-minute increments, proved its what the audience wanted to see, she said. She worried that it was becoming an obsession, and corrosive to the democracy, and said so publicly when she resigned in 2020. Its probably wise as a business model, she said, but I think its terribly unwise for the country. To some extent, MSNBC has also benefitted from wheel-spinning at CNN, which is about to get its third chief executive in less than two years. Viewers have flocked away from CNN in alarming numbers. Loading During big moments in the story this year, when indictments were announced, MSNBC assembled its top team for special coverage, and the anchors lapsed into the kind of giddiness youd see from children on Christmas morning. The fine line you walk is in not overreaching, Klein said. Theres enough in the actual facts that you dont have to gild the lily and go overboard. Thats when they might risk turning off the independent-minded viewers who dont like Trump. In this article, we will be studying the aftereffects of earthquakes while navigating through major construction companies supporting resilient buildings, and the 20 countries hit most by earthquakes. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, you can move directly to the 5 Countries Hit Most by Earthquakes. Earthquakes: An Unforeseen Natural Calamity As reported by NASA, an earthquake is a tremble caused by a movement of the earths outer layer, causing vibrations known as seismic waves in scientific terms. These waves end up causing destruction in both short and long term. Short term effects include injuries and fatalities, destruction of transport and communication networks, or fires from gas pipe explosions. Although the short term consequences seem serious, the long term impacts are even more detrimental. Many landmarks might be lost and a huge cost will have to be incurred to rebuild the infrastructure lost to an earthquake. Aftershocks from a prior earthquake can make the situation worse in the earthquake-hit region. The Economic Impact Earthquakes can inflict damages to the economy other than resulting in a loss of human lives. However, this economic impact is likely to vary, depending upon certain factors such as the existing economic state and the ability of a country to recover from the economic loss. Thus, the impact across countries is diverse, with poorer countries that have fewer resources being more subject to tougher post-earthquake conditions. In 2023, The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) reported that the GDP is 1% point lower on average for economies that are hit by earthquakes than those which are not. The cost of rebuilding housing, infrastructure, and productive capacity has been estimated to be between $25 billion and $50 billion. Further analysis of the massive earthquake that hit Turkey in February 2023 indicated that the southeast of Turkey faced widespread damage across roads, airports, and electricity infrastructure. The earthquake consequences also included a fire at Turkeys largest port, Iskenderun port. However, since the earthquake happened at the beginning of the year, the effects on the GDP are more likely to be offset by the reconstruction impact throughout the year. Story continues Companies Active in Developing Resilient Infrastructure In September 2022, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported seismic provisions for new buildings and the construction industry. The agency reports that the number of earthquake resilient buildings in an earthquake-hit area also affects the impact of the earthquake in terms of the damage caused. Buildings in high earthquake-risk areas should include several features in their structural design such as stable foundations, adequate stiffness and strength, ductility and toughness as well as adequate separation from neighboring buildings. The structure should also be regular, with its mass, strength, and stiffness distributed such that it will move in a uniform motion when subject to ground shaking. This helps avoid concentrated damage in some building parts thereby decreasing the potential for building collapse. Several construction companies around the world aid in constructing safe and sound buildings that are less vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes. Since the use of the right building techniques can stop buildings from collapsing during an earthquake, companies including CRH plc (NYSE:CRH), AECOM (NYSE:ACM) and Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) offer the best-in-class services for construction. You can also view the largest construction companies in the US. CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH) is a global manufacturer and distributor of building materials such as ready mixed concrete, cement, and hardscape products including pavers and retaining walls. The company also has composite access chambers, retention sockets, and passive safety systems to offer. On August 24, CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH) reported strong earnings for the first half of 2023, ending June 30, 2023. The company reported earnings per share of $1.58, up 31% year-over-year. The companys revenue for the first half amounted to $16.1 billion, up 8% year-over-year. The companys strong earnings can be attributed to its acquisitions in the fiscal year 2022 as well as the underlying demand for its products during the first half of 2023. You can also take a look at the best cement stocks to invest in. AECOM (NYSE:ACM) operates worldwide, offering construction and infrastructure consulting services. The company believes that the infrastructure must withstand the threats arising from natural disasters and weather conditions. It has developed an approach named Converged Resilience which helps build integrated strategies for resilient and lasting infrastructure. The company has also employed a low-damage design that allows buildings to function in a way that they are repairable after an earthquake, by reducing the damage to readily replaceable elements rather than destroying the primary structure. As a part of its 100 Resilient Cities program, the company has also supported Mexico City from Mexico which is a major earthquake-prone country. On June 20, the company reported that it has collaborated with the Ukrainian government to undertake the responsibility of helping the government with the restoration and reconstruction of national infrastructure projects for long-term resilience. The company has also engaged in reconstruction post-natural disasters in major earthquake-hit areas such as Nepal, Haiti, Japan, and Indonesia. Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) is a dominant homebuilder in the United States. The company has focused on reinforced concrete foundations and impact-resistant windows as a part of its Lennars everything included program. Thus, the company helps build homes with stronger structures that can resist environmental hazards. The company has collaborated with ICON to make the biggest community of 3D-printed homes with walls that tend to stick around for long. These homes are more durable, environmentally sustainable, and resilient. On July 22, the company reported that it has launched its 3D-printed model homes for the public. However, construction for many of these houses is still underway. Now that we have discussed the potential impacts of earthquakes and some companies that are developing solutions for resilient buildings and infrastructure, let's take a look at the countries hit most by earthquakes. 20 Countries Hit Most by Earthquakes 20 Countries Hit Most by Earthquakes Methodology In order to compile a list of the top 20 countries hit most by earthquakes, we sourced data from Earthquake List. Our source uses two primary official databases for summing up earthquakes for every country and updating the records daily. The data for the European countries has been gathered from the European Mediterranean Seismological Centres (EMSC) country profiles for 2023. The second database belongs to the United States Geographical Survey (USGS)s earthquake catalog. Earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 and above have been considered for this research since lower magnitudes are difficult to locate since there is not enough data and such earthquakes are only reported if they cause massive damage which is very rare. These government agencies aggregate data on their end through global institutions reporting on seismic information. We have ranked these countries in ascending order of the total earthquakes they have experienced in 2023, as of October 6. 20 Countries Hit Most by Earthquakes 20. India Total Earthquakes in 2023: 184 India being one of the top countries hit by earthquakes, saw 184 earthquakes in 2023. The country is situated on the intersection of the Indian Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Arabian Plate whose movements drive earthquakes. 19. Russia Total Earthquakes in 2023: 195 Russia has also been a victim of earthquakes. The country witnessed 195 earthquakes in 2023. The country is based in one of the most seismically active regions in the world, the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench. 18. Honduras Total Earthquakes in 2023: 213 Honduras has faced 213 earthquakes in 2023, making it one of the most earthquake-hit countries in the world. The country is positioned on a portion of the Caribbean Plate which leads to seismic activity. 17. Nicaragua Total Earthquakes in 2023: 235 Nicaragua is another country most hit by earthquakes as evident from 235 earthquakes taking place in the country so far in 2023. The movement of tectonic plates in the area has led to some devastating earthquakes in the countrys past. 16. El Salvador Total Earthquakes in 2023: 261 El Salvador, with a total of 261 earthquakes in 2023, is one of the most earthquake-hit countries in the world. The landslides following most of the earthquakes in the country led to further damage. 15. Afghanistan Total Earthquakes in 2023: 270 Afghanistan has also been hit by many earthquakes in the past, some of which caused massive destruction. The country has been subject to 270 earthquakes so far in 2023. 14. Tonga Total Earthquakes in 2023: 272 Tonga is another one of the 20 countries that are hit by earthquakes the most. As of 2023, the country has been hit by 272 earthquakes so far. The Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone is located near the country which leads to tectonic activity. 13. Tajikistan Total Earthquakes in 2023: 277 The movement of tectonic plates in the geological region holding Tajikistan leads to earthquakes in the country. The country is one of the most earthquake-hit countries and has faced a total of 277 earthquakes in 2023. 12. Argentina Total Earthquakes in 2023: 283 Argentina has faced significant earthquakes over the last decade. In 2023, the country was hit by 283 earthquakes, making it one of the countries hit most by earthquakes. CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH), AECOM (NYSE:ACM) and Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) are some of the leading companies developing solutions for resilient buildings. 11. China Total Earthquakes in 2023: 344 China is another earthquake-hit country that has faced earthquakes as a normal occurrence due to seismic activity in the Asian region. The country has been subject to 344 earthquakes in 2023 so far. 10. Peru Total Earthquakes in 2023: 435 The top 20 countries hit most by earthquakes also include Peru. The country is based in a seismic zone which leads to earthquakes. In 2023, 435 earthquakes hit Peru. 9. The Philippines Total Earthquakes in 2023: 512 The Philippines is another state that has been hit by earthquakes the most. The country experiences many earthquakes as a result of the movement of regional tectonic plates and has been subject to 512 earthquakes in 2023. 8. Papua New Guinea Total Earthquakes in 2023: 534 Earthquakes have been quite frequent in Papua New Guinea which is positioned close to the Pacific Ring of Fire which is geologically active. The country has experienced a total of 534 earthquakes in 2023. 7. Guatemala Total Earthquakes in 2023: 547 Guatemala is one of the countries most hit by earthquakes since 547 earthquakes hit the country in 2023. The country is situated in a high tectonic region. Investors looking to increase their exposure to the construction industry can look up CRH PLC (NYSE:CRH), AECOM (NYSE:ACM) and Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN). 6. Chile Total Earthquakes in 2023: 673 Chile has also been subject to many earthquakes in 2023. The country has been hit by 673 earthquakes this year so far. The country is located on the South American Plate and the Nazca Plate which have high tectonic activity. Click to continue reading and see 5 Countries Hit Most by Earthquakes. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 20 Countries Hit Most by Earthquakes is originally published on Insider Monkey. One of the most important developments in economics is something in which economists had no hand: the identification of the environmental limits which humans, busily producing and consuming, cross at their peril. Earth has existed for about 4 billion years and humans have lived on Earth for about 200,000 years. For almost all of that time we were hunters and gatherers, but 10,000 to 12,000 years ago we settled down, to farm and create civilisation. Credit: Its probably no coincidence that, for about that time, Earth has enjoyed a stable climate, with no more ice ages nor period of great heat, in which palms grew in Antarctica. This is the geological epoch called the Holocene, in which we live although it may be ruled that weve moved to the Anthropocene, a new epoch in which the human species has made major alterations to the planet. In its modern form, economics can be dated to 1776, when Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations. Beliefs about how the economy works were well-defined by the time Alfred Marshall published Principles of Economics in 1890. Were connoisseurs of a fiery annual general meeting and, dont look now, but we reckon that Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) should strap itself in for a wild one in a couple of weeks. Nobody paid much mind last Monday when the not-for-profit group lived well beyond that description, publishing its FY23 financials featuring a $13 million loss quite a result for the people who are meant to be good with money. Ainslie van Onselen encourages members to speak up. Credit: Sam Mooy A $10 million asset write-down didnt help, in fairness. But things took a twist this week when one of the CA ANZs 136,000 members, Brisbane accountant Jason Andrew, took to LinkedIn where you come for the networking and stay for the beef to roast the organisations financial management. David Marrs powerful Killing For Country: A Family Story might help explain, as well as to fill, this apparent gap. Marrs account is a relentless expose of the violence at the heart of the colonisation of Australia. It is also something of a family saga: Marr is a descendant of the migrants on which the book focuses, the Uhr family. Volume three in the trilogy claimed to demonstrate that the Stolen Generations were a myth. Oddly, no volume two has ever appeared. As a result, we have never been allowed to see how Windschuttle might go about proving that the notorious Queensland frontier, or, for that matter, the blood-soaked estates of the other mainland colonies, were tranquil places where God-fearing colonists attached to British law and order established their sheepwalks and cattle runs without much bloodshed. In the early years of this century, Keith Windschuttle produced two volumes of a projected trilogy, The Fabrication of Aboriginal History, which became central to the history wars of the era. The first, published in 2002, purported to show that the colonisation of Van Diemens Land (Tasmania) was a relatively peaceful affair. The numbers killed in frontier violence, he argued, were far fewer than historians had claimed. Their Australian career unfolded mainly under the patronage of a sticky-fingered emigrant merchant, pastoralist, politician and philanthropist, Richard Jones. Jones engaged a brother-in-law, Edmund Uhr, in helping him to expand his pastoral holdings. With ambition that well and truly outstripped his ability, Uhr later ran badly a sheep boiling-down works in Maryborough, served as a magistrate, and ended up as Sergeant-at-Arms of the Queensland Parliament. Killing Aboriginal people became a family business when Reg, Edmunds son, established a career as an officer in the Native Mounted Police. Younger brother Darcy, also in this force for a time, and rather more wild and more famous, was celebrated as a cheeky and hard-living larrikin of the type Australians are said to love. A compulsive liar, aggressive racist and serial killer, he was responsible over many decades for murders of Indigenous people in Queenslands Gulf country, the Northern Territory, and the Western Australian goldfields. Land-grabbing and its corollary, the massacre of Indigenous people, provided the unifying theme of this familys early history. There must be many Australians who have such stories in their genealogy. They, like the rest of us who have inherited this history, will recently have heard from Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price that, far from having suffered from colonisation, Indigenous people have it to thank for benefits such as running water. Those being killed in their tens of thousands in frontier warfare would not have been aware of such advantages, even if they had been invited to consider them before they were shot. Marr shows that colonists evolved a discreet system for clearing Aboriginal people from their land through slaughter without incurring serious risk of interference by the authorities. Indeed, the vague instructions issued by British-appointed governors and, later, elected colonial governments about what was and was not permissible gave something close to carte blanche to white vigilantes and Aboriginal police charged with keeping order. The latter were usually recruited from distant places such as the southern colonies, so that they would be as foreign to the Aboriginal people of Queensland as the white colonisers who had hired them. The violence was often extreme and fuelled by the spoils that the Native Police, in essence a military force, gained from their efforts, such as access to women. Runways for the closing shows of Paris Fashion Week were flooded with bikinis and board shorts, made for the safety of Brisbane banana lounges rather than the rough waves of Bondi and Portsea. Pearl belts encircling classic pink one pieces at Chanel, bold boardies worn with blazers at Miu Miu and stuffed bikinis by Dutch designer Duran Lantink felt more Queensland than a glass of rose with ice cubes. This was not the stretchy attire of Gold Coast Meter Maids or surf shop bargains seen at schoolies but luxury lycra glimpsed through towelling robes at Brisbanes Calile Hotel. Anything goes by the pool at The Calile Hotel and you see it all, says Catherine Malouf, communications manager for the family business Calile Malouf Investments, which opened the hotel in 2018. There are fabulous flowy silks, relaxed linens, very naughty bikinis, colourful bucket hats and always fabulous sunglasses. 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 is part of the Good Weekend October 7 edition. See all 15 stories . Before turning to write this story, I wrote to my friend Zak, whos been doing time for murder in a Northern Territory prison. I wrote about his upcoming parole date; hed sent me a letter saying, Hmm parole I know, NO lifer has ever got that first time. In other letters, hed written about getting a little/medium size house in the middle of nowhere and finding a brunette pocket rocket if he gets out. I encouraged him to keep his head down and focus on the things hes looking forward to after he gets out, rather than bucking the system and risking his release. I also wrote about my daughter Poppys cancer diagnosis and treatment. For three years now, these same few things life, death, the future and what threatens it have been tied up in what weve written to each other. I cant pretend to know how you are feeling, I wrote to Zak. Except that every part of you must be screaming to get out now. Like all our letters, I wrote by hand, this time in black ink on coarse, lined paper torn from an A4 notebook. I covered five sheets only any more and the prison authorities would refuse to accept it. Folding the pages over three times to fit inside an envelope, I felt its squidgy thickness. You forget, in an age of emails, the anticipation of receiving a fat letter like this; of squeezing it between your fingers before opening it, of knowing there are words and worlds inside to escape to. We have both needed this in recent years. Living in dorms filled with sex offenders, Zak wrote in his last letter, in August. This place has fully f---ed my headspace. He says hes not a killer, and even the judge who put Zak in prison said he didnt believe the then 19-year-old was there when the murder was committed on the night of October 23, 2011. I take no pleasure in this outcome, Justice Dean Mildren said when handing down his sentence in January 2013. It was the way the mandatory sentencing laws were written in the Northern Territory, he said, which inevitably bring about injustice. It was that line, which I read in Good Weekend in 2014, that set me on the trail of trying to understand what Zak did or didnt do on the night in question. I followed the twists and turns of his involvement in the murder of Ray Niceforo, first as a reporter seeking to highlight this injustice, then later as a friend, after Zak and I started writing to each other. That was in 2017; following Poppys cancer diagnosis in 2020 at the age of nine, it was with Zak whom I shared my hopes and fears as if, facing his own life sentence, he might understand them. That was when Zak saved me. I addressed my most recent letter with his full name, Zak Grieve, his prisoner number and the prisons PO box, then sent it north to Darwin. Advertisement There are two versions of what happened to Ray Niceforo and who took part in his killing. In one, given in court by Zak and his friend, Chris Malyschko, Zak was a kind of innocent living in the isolated Stuart Highway town of Katherine. When Malyschko offered him $5000 to help get rid of someone, Zak said yes, though he wasnt sure what getting rid of someone meant. Maybe it meant kicking their head in or forcing them out of Katherine. Zak learnt hed misunderstood when he and Malyschko were preparing to drive to their victims unit, a single-storey slab of brick and cinder blocks, with junk piled up around the front door, backing on the Victoria Highway on the edge of Katherine. Zak realised that Niceforo, a mean, balding man in his early 40s whod beaten and abused his fiancee Malyschkos mother wasnt going to survive the night. I cant go through with this, he told Malyschko. I cant help you. Zak Grieve and his mum, Glenice, who petitioned the NT administrator for mercy. I need your help, she wrote. I understand, Malyschko replied, saying hed drive Zak home. A third man had also agreed to take part, in return for a share in the $15,000 that Malyschkos mother was paying to be free of Niceforo. The third man told Zak, Youre a pussy. According to the second version, given in court by this man, Darren Halfpenny, Zak didnt pull out of the murder. In this version, all three men busted into Niceforos place, where he was alone for the evening. Zak went in first and helped hold the victim down while Malyschko beat him to death. [Zak refutes this version.] Its easy to see why Malyschko might have lied about what happened: to protect his friend Zak. But Halfpennys account gets more complicated when you learn he lied to police about his own actions, including insisting he burnt the clothes he wore that night on the old abandoned airstrip in Katherine near the cemetery, only to backtrack later and admit that he hadnt. The police knew that Halfpenny, 22 at the time, was a liar before the case went to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory but the prosecution still relied on him as a witness. Its not that I dont care if I lie, its just when I lie, it just comes out, Halfpenny said under cross-examination. Despite there being no forensic evidence linking Zak to the killing, the jury found him guilty. Advertisement In the Northern Territory, the law says youre guilty of murder if you agree to take part in one then pull out, unless you try to stop the killing. Zak didnt do that. Instead, after Malyschko dropped him home, he went to bed and tried to pretend it wasnt happening. In our early letters, Zak kept asking how long I thought he should have received: In your opinion, what do [you] think I would/should have gotten? I tried to avoid answering directly, afraid to commit to judgment. Loading As the years passed, the question of his guilt or innocence seemed less important than other things. I started to think more about how young Zak was, his complicated family story, how he smoked a lot of weed and loved video games, preferring their fantasy worlds to the reality of life in Katherine. He did something stupid. Eventually, I told him he did deserve some jail time. Four or six years; maybe 10. Short enough for him to one day put it behind him. But in the Northern Territory, life means life, with a mandatory non-parole period of 20 years. The first time I drove into Katherine, my car radio stammered back into life again after the long silence of the three-hour journey south from Darwin. It was 2017 and a politician was tub-thumping about rising crime, demanding police do more to stop it. Are things getting worse? the interviewer goaded. A lot of people tell you it is getting worse, the politician answered. People tell you it is the worst it has ever been. As I drove over the Katherine River, which wraps itself around the west of the town, brightly coloured shopfronts started replacing the muted reds and greens of the bush I had left behind. A group of Aboriginal people sat cross-legged outside the shopping centre where Zaks parents ran a store selling sunglasses. A toddler stood in a nappy, waving. White people hurried past pushing shopping trolleys, fiddling with their phones, not waving back. Advertisement A postal game of noughts and crosses between author Dan and Zak. Inside her shop, Zaks mother, Glenice, a Jingili-Mudburra woman, stood behind the counter, twisting her bleached-blonde hair around her fingers. At first she seemed defensive, untrusting of this white reporter whod turned up from Sydney. Later, over repeated visits and long phone calls, her guard dropped. Glenice told me how shed nearly lost Zak when she was pregnant and the doctors told her she was miscarrying. How shed walked out of hospital, gone home and had a bit of a pray, telling the big man upstairs, Dont do this, dont you do this to me. Dont you dare take him. The big man didnt. Zak was mixed-race, his mother told me; his dad, Wal, was white. Zaks skin was so pale hed joke he was the Albino Aboriginal; she told him he must commit to his culture. She said he had a blue-tongue lizard dreaming because Wal had cracked open a nest of baby blue-tongues while driving a grader when Glenice was pregnant. As Zak came out, the umbilical cord got wrapped around his neck and his lips and tongue went blue-purple, just like that lizard. Her third child, he was a sickly kid, suffering from asthma and an eating disorder. She breastfed Zak until he was six. Loading Glenice said her son went to jail because he was Aboriginal. She claimed that the NT government got federal funding according to the numbers held in prison, meaning they made money out of locking up her people. Blackfellas are enterprise to these people, she told me, meaning NT politicians. I asked different people from the NT government about this; they all said it wasnt true. But when you look at the official figures, Glenices explanation makes as much sense as any other. First Nations people make up a minority of the NTs population (26 per cent) but a majority of its prisoners (84 per cent). The proportion of its population who are jailed is more than three times higher than any other Australian state or territory; it also incarcerates a higher proportion of its peoples than do the US states of Georgia, Arkansas and Oklahoma and is on par with Mississippi and Louisiana. In hungry prison system terms, that makes the NT Australias Deep South. It was tough for everybody. Glenice used to visit Zak in prison, making the long bus journey north to Darwin to see him. Wal was doing fly-in, fly-out work a long way from anywhere, and would visit when he had time. Zaks parents separated after he went to prison. Advertisement Few of Zaks old mates from Katherine stayed in contact. At first he wrote them letters but they tended not to write back. Most of the other prisoners would say hi to him, however. I know at least 500 out of the 1000, and I say hello to all of them, he told me in one letter. But it was hard to find real friends in prison, where people are always coming and going without warning and sometimes in the space of a few months. Letter from Zak to Dan: Have you seen a kids show called Bluey? Zaks letters constantly surprised me. In one, he asked about my favourite Disney movie and which my kids preferred. His was a toss-up between Treasure Planet and Hercules. The saddest Disney movie, Zak wrote, was Up: about an old man who wants to break free from his life after his wife dies, so ties a cloud of coloured helium balloons to the house they bought together and floats away from the world below him. Glenice, who does not own a computer, asked me to write letters for her, dictating them in person or over the phone while I typed. Im a mother whos looking to you to find some sort of mercy. Im appealing to you as a parent, as a father, she dictated in one letter, which she asked me to send to the then administrator of the Northern Territory, John Hardy. Her son was given a life sentence under the NTs mandatory sentencing legislation, Glenice said, which meant politicians set the punishment for murder, not judges. Even the judge who oversaw the trial said he did not believe Zak was there when the murder was committed. Glenice was crying softly as she dictated the words: How would you feel if this happened to your child? What would you do? I need your help. Please help me. Whats the matter? my wife asked. I couldnt answer ... I wrote to Zak then, seeking friendship. After receiving that letter, John Hardy announced he would consider cutting Zaks non-parole period from 20 years to 12, under an archaic power called the prerogative of mercy. Zaks lawyers then got involved and in 2018 the decision to cut it to 12 years was formalised by Hardys successor, Vicki OHalloran. Zak becomes eligible for parole this month. Advertisement The acting boss of WA Polices gang crime squad says the force is concerned about more bikie gang violence on Perth streets, revealing this weeks shooting in Baldivis allegedly involved members from the Mongols and Rebels outlaw motorcycle clubs. Detective Senior Sergeant Bevan Roe said a 53-year-old man who is a patched member of the Rebels was in custody following the drive-by shooting at the Amazon Drive house about 3pm on Thursday. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch with the two new BearCats. Credit: Hamish Hastie Police believe up to four cars were travelling down the street when between five and 10 shots were fired from a shotgun and handgun at a member of the Mongols club who was standing outside his house. When the shots were fired, he has immediately run back towards his address, and hes jumped inside the fence into a neighbouring property to escape harm, he said. The UK and New Zealand have responded to the specific tactics of big tobacco marketed to their populations, and we will monitor their implementation success with interest, Butler said on Thursday, when asked if Australia could follow their path. In the Australian context, we have assessed all of those best-practice measures, and they are now incorporated into legislation which has been the subject of substantial exposure and consultation. Under the new laws, there will be individual warning labels on each cigarette for example, a slogan that says smoking kills an idea pioneered by Canada. Australia will also standardise the size of tobacco products, so there is less to differentiate them. This includes eliminating skinny vogue cigarettes and banning menthols. The names tobacco companies can use such as fresh burst will be limited, while health pamphlets will come with each pack. On top of this, there will be a 5 per cent price hike each year for three years. Why are similar countries taking different approaches? England, New Zealand, Canada and Australia are each aiming for a smoke-free society which means a population smoking rate of 5 per cent or less. But despite similarities between the four nations, they are working in unique contexts. Loading First, they have different deadlines. New Zealand wants to hit that milestone by 2025; England wants to be smoke-free by 2030; and Canada has set a target of 2035. Australia wants to achieve a daily smoking rate of less than 10 per cent by 2025, and less than 5 per cent by 2030. Second, they have different starting points. In New Zealand, the percentage of adults who smoked daily in 2021-22 was 8 per cent, while in Canada, the daily smoking rate for all Canadians, aged 15 and over, was 8.2 per cent in 2022. The United Kingdom has higher smoking rates: 12.9 per cent of adults smoked in 2022. Australia sits in between. One in 10 adults (10.1 per cent) were daily smokers in 2021-22, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. What about vaping? Each country has also adopted different vaping policies, with varying results. In New Zealand and Canada, where smoking rates are lower, vaping rates are higher. New Zealand has the highest youth vaping rates among the four countries, with 22.9 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds saying they vape daily. In Canada, 20 per cent of 20- to 24-year-olds vaped at least once in the past 30 days. In the UK, 15.5 per cent of 16- to 24-year-olds were daily or occasional vapers in 2022. Data collected by NSW Health, which has the most up-to-date vaping statistics in Australia, suggests 16.5 per cent of young people in that age group vaped either daily or occasionally in 2021 and 2022. Australia is the only country that will totally outlaw recreational vaping and restrict it to people with a doctors prescription, in an attempt to quash a flourishing black market. Elsewhere, vapes are available to purchase like cigarettes, with differing restrictions on nicotine concentration. However, New Zealand and the UK could follow Australias lead by banning disposable vapes and restricting flavours and colours. What do the experts think? The chair of the Cancer Councils tobacco issues committee, Alecia Brooks, said Sunaks announcement was encouraging but was unlikely to have an impact on Englands smoking rates for several years. Australia faces different circumstances. We have a window of opportunity to act, earlier than the UK did, before a new generation develops a lifelong nicotine addiction, she said. Loading She said Butlers tobacco and vaping reforms would complement each other in this specific context. Cancer Councils priority is to continue to progress the tobacco laws and vaping measures recently announced by the federal government, she said. Professor Simon Chapman, a tobacco control activist, said youth smoking bans were an interesting policy that could have momentum. While New Zealand was the first to action it, the idea had been floated in Singapore and even Tasmania. Like with a lot of these things, there are vanguard countries which do it and others follow, he said. Canada was the first country to introduce graphic warnings in 2000 and Australia paved the way for plain packaging in 2012 measures now in place in many countries around the world. But Chapman said England was playing catch-up for its relatively higher smoking rates and he did not expect the policy in Australia any time soon. Id welcome it, but the last thing Id want to see is the brakes on what were [already] doing. I think its something that can be [looked at] in the next round of reforms, he said. It ought to be examined down the track and, in a couple of years time, well probably have data from New Zealand, although not from the UK. The more people in the household the more has to be discussed, Mitchell said. I dont think theyre natural conversations to have. Generally when making new friends you dont get straight into what time do you wake up people may just skip over them, but it can cause conflict down the track. Some renters join up with friends to move in, others form a new share house with strangers. Credit: Chris Hopkins Young people moving out of home might think that theyre looking for someone fun ... and think I should exaggerate my personality. Thats wrong, theyre looking for someone with normal behaviour and values and someone they can trust, someone with a sense of maturity. Loading Doing the paperwork Once youve found a home, you will usually need to sign a lease. Its typically better to do so it gives you some legal protection if things go wrong with your housemates or landlord. Being added to the lease which in some states can attract a fee from the agency will also mean your share of the existing bond will be transferred into your name with the states residential tenancies authority. When this is done, ensure you get a copy of the receipt. If you havent signed onto the lease and have paid a bond to a previous tenant, ensure you get a copy of the transaction receipt, just in case. Legally your bond is meant to be deposited, Mitchell said. There needs to be a paper trail of your rent that you can fall back on if anything goes wrong. If youre paying bond and rent as cash, you should get a receipt from that. Some landlords may add their own terms, but Tenants Victoria lead community education lawyer Ben Cording said it was worth checking if they were legally enforceable. He has seen tenants forced into signing agreements to use third-party payment services, or to keep paying rent after breaking a lease until a new tenant is found. If the terms are inconsistent with the law, [a landlord] wont be able to enforce it, he said. Paying the bills Bills such as electricity, internet or water are typically split equally. If the shares of the bills even rent need to be adjusted at any point, it could be time to call a house meeting. Some may ask to only pay the share of the bill theyre responsible for, for example, if they were overseas for a few months. Apps such as SplitWise and Beem offer a bill-splitting functionality that can make it easier to keep track of who owes what to whom. You can get some help when it comes to splitting rent through online calculators, which allow you to put in all the details of the rooms and home to reach a reasonably objective split. SplitWise also has this functionality. Loading Living with others A shared house means shared chores. Its common to create a roster to divide up tasks, but its not unheard of for there to be other arrangements. Sharing fridge and pantry space is another thing to consider. Some houses like to allocate one shelf per person, others share the space, and some even share pantry staples or meals. Tenants will usually need to sign a lease. Credit: Peter Rae Its always best to have a conversation about what the arrangements for both food and chores will be to avoid conflict. However, it is common for conflict to come up in a sharehouse, Mitchell said. Inconsiderate behaviour is an issue that often comes up, he said. People leaving the kitchen messy being noisy at inappropriate times, hogging the bathroom, bringing friends or strangers home unannounced inappropriate behaviour, maybe not being clothed sufficiently Mitchell recommended talking through issues early, to avoid allowing ill feelings to fester. Landlords and property managers It is likely that share house tenants will have contact with the landlord or property manager at some stage. Loading Whether its to fix a leaky tap or renew a lease, there are times when getting in touch with a landlord or property manager can be stressful. Cording said it was important to make sure everyone in the house was on the same page and to keep a record of conversations with the property manager and landlord. You need to make decisions as a household. Work out what you want to do, he said. Do it in writing is the biggest thing, and tell everyone whats going on. Property managers tend to look after hundreds of rental properties so in some cases can be slow to respond. I explained that it was important that they be a sovereign capability, and that we did not have the means at that stage to sustain and maintain nuclear-powered submarines ourselves. Loading Scott Morrison did not respond to request for comment, while Tony Abbott said: I dont have any recollection of it. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said that the suggestion of such matters being aired in ways that breach national security undertakings is one that Im sure US officials would take very seriously, and I would expect them to similarly in Australia. Saying that members of Australias national security committee of cabinet were expected to keep operational details secret for the rest of our lives, Birmingham said nuclear-powered submarine secrets were among Americas most treasured military assets. Im sure many in the United States will take very, very seriously the suggestion that these types of technologies, and the capabilities associated with them, could be subject to discussions outside of those confined spaces, he told Sky News. Joe Hockey, who served as Australias ambassador to the US while Trump was in office, downplayed the seriousness of the alleged disclosures by saying: At a national security level, there is nothing there that we havent known for years or that you cant pull up on Wikipedia. Hockey said that US and Australian troops already work on each others submarines and there was significant sharing of sensitive military technology between the two nations. The alleged conversation between Trump and Pratt did not carry implications for the security of the AUKUS pact, he said. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said: I will not comment about US domestic issues. Michael Green, the chief executive of the University of Sydneys United States Studies Centre, said: There is a clear pattern with former president Trump of treating sensitive information, and the intelligence community with real carelessness. Green, a former senior official in George W Bushs White House, said there were many publicly available reports on the number of warheads stored on US nuclear submarines. Former president Trump is not exactly a fact checker, he said. Im not sure how to judge if serious damage was done or not. The most damaging thing is that this is such a pattern. Richard Dunley, a naval historian at UNSW, struck a different tone, said: Navies have always been very sensitive about this sort of thing. For example, navies are still wary of disclosing information about submarine technology used during the Cold War. Dunley said Trumps alleged indiscretion about sensitive military matters, rather than any specific information the Republican presidential frontrunner may have disclosed to Pratt, was the most troubling issue. You wouldnt necessarily know the line between fact and fiction, he added of Trump. Trump, who polls show is easily leading the Republican presidential field, responded through a spokesperson by calling for the US Department of Justice to investigate what he called criminal leaks. These leaks are coming from sources which totally lack proper context and relevant information, the spokesperson said. Prosecutors and FBI agents have reportedly interviewed Pratt, who is a member of Trumps Mar-a-Lago club, at least twice. The alleged disclosure, if confirmed, sheds new light on the impact of Trumps decision to remove classified documents from the White House after he left the presidency in 2021. A Pratt Industries spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. There is no suggestion Pratt broke any laws. A spokesperson for the special counsels office declined to comment on the report or confirm whether Pratt had been interviewed over the alleged disclosures. Pratt allegedly insisted to investigators he disclosed his meeting with Trump to demonstrate how he was advocating for Australia with the US, ABC US reported. Justice Department special prosecutor Jack Smith did not include information about Trumps alleged conversation with Pratt in his June indictment against Trump. Trumps Mar-a-Lago home was raided by the FBI in August 2022, as they searched for classified documents the former president allegedly removed from the White House. In June, Trump was charged on 37 criminal counts for mishandling classified documents from secret information relating to nuclear programs to sensitive intelligence. Trump was later charged with wilful retention of national defence information, and two counts of obstruction charges. The case is to be argued in the federal court in Florida in May 2024. Loading Even as Trumps 2024 election campaign proceeds, and he continues to raise millions in donations for it, his legal woes have grown. He has been charged in a federal case over his efforts in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election ahead of the violent riot by his supporters at the US Capitol on January 6. Smith is leading that case, as well as the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case. Separately, Trump pleaded not guilty to charges of election interference in the state of Georgia in a case that has involved 17 other co-defendent, including his former chief of staff Mark Meadows. In March 2024, the criminal case against Trump over paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels, is scheduled to go to trial, after a jury voted to indict him. In total, Trump faces 91 felony counts in two state courts and two federal districts. He is also being sued for fraud by the state of New York in a civil case that he chose to attend this week. Trump, his sons and their family business have been accused of inflating the value of his properties to get better loan terms and lower insurance premiums. The prosecution claims Trump illegally generated more than $US1 billion of financial benefits. With Farrah Tomazin In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 most multilingual countries in the world. if you do not want to read about the global language market, head straight to the 5 Most Multilingual Countries In The World. Language diversity is a captivating facet of human civilization, and exploring the most multilingual countries offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of global communication. These nations are a testament to the coexistence of numerous languages, each contributing to the cultural mosaic and fostering a deeper understanding of linguistic diversity on a grand scale. From the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the heart of Europe and beyond, this article delves into the most multilingual countries, celebrating the beauty and complexity of their linguistic landscapes. The Multifaceted Value of Multilingualism Multilingualism is a formidable asset, offering numerous advantages for countries in tourism, business, and outsourcing. In the tourism sector, embracing multiple languages opens doors to expanded global reach, enhancing communication with diverse audiences and broadening business horizons. Notably, studies, such as one by Harvard Business Review, reveal that 72.4% of consumers are more likely to purchase when product information is available in their native language, and 56.2% consider language accessibility more important than price, which underscores how multilingualism can attract more customers and boost revenue. In the realm of business, multilingualism is equally pivotal. Hiring multilingual employees is advantageous, as they serve various roles beyond translation, such as marketing, advertising, and customer service, offering a global edge. Bilingual employees, with insights into their native culture, prove invaluable when engaging international clients, while the travel industry actively seeks bilingual agents to cater to a diverse clientele. Multilingualism enhances business interactions, particularly in a globalized world. Story continues Multilingualism is a potent asset for outsourcing, boosting job prospects abroad, and impressing potential employers with language proficiency. Proficiency in two or more languages can increase job prospects by 10% to 15%, experts suggest. Moreover, multilingualism unlocks doors for studying, working, and conducting business in foreign countries, offering a passport to a world of experiences and global success. Multilingualism is vital in finance and accounting, especially in fields like investment banking and financial advising, where international clients demand linguistic versatility. Spanish, Mandarin, and French are high-demand languages, with 42.8%, 10.2%, and 7.5% of U.S. finance professionals speaking them, according to research. Finance professionals are also among the highest paid professionals in the world. The banking sector prioritizes hiring bilingual and multilingual staff to effectively connect with a diverse customer base, as emphasized by reports from The Language Flagship. Initiatives like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's guide published in 2021 underscore the importance of serving consumers with limited English proficiency. In the fast-paced financial world, multilingualism isn't a luxury but a necessity, fostering business relationships and ensuring precision in alignment with customer expectations. Navigating the Global Language Learning Landscape Language learning companies and apps like Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL), Babbel, Mango Languages, and Rosetta Stone are seizing opportunities in countries where multiple languages are spoken. The online language learning market in the United States is poised for substantial growth, with projected increase to $5.72 billion in market value by 2030, driven by the influx of immigrants, according to Meticulous Market Research. This expansion is projected to manifest as a notable 19.75% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the same period, with industry leaders like Babbel, Berlitz Corp., Duolingo Inc., Mango Languages, McGraw Hill Education Inc., Pearson Plc, and Rosetta Stone at the forefront. Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) achieved remarkable growth, reporting a 62% increase in daily users and a 44% revenue rise YoY in Q2. Their 2023 guidance points to total bookings of $569-$575 million and revenue of $510-$515 million. Additionally, Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) is investing $1 million in early childhood education in Pittsburgh and exploring generative A.I., mainly in their Duolingo Max subscription tier. They streamline content creation using A.I. and focus on Duolingo Max. The global language learning market's robust outlook is underscored by its current valuation of $52 billion in 2022, with an anticipated CAGR of 20% between 2023 and 2032, reflecting its resilience and growth potential. Amazon's Career Choice program also contributes to this trend by expanding its language programs globally, providing English-language classes and local language offerings in select countries. The rise in immigration and increasing diversity, notably in countries like Canada, has driven a surge in demand for language learning apps and services, leading companies such as Duolingo and Babbel to position themselves to strategically cater to this trend. They've not only focused on individual language learners but have diversified their services into the B2B sector, offering language learning tools to meet the needs of companies seeking multilingual employees. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly boosted language learning apps, exemplified by Busuu's threefold increase in revenue in regions like China and Italy, which heightened demand aligns with demographic projections indicating a 7 to 11 times faster growth in the number of allophones in Canada relative to the rest of the population, potentially reaching between 11.4 and 14.3 million people by 2031. The language learning industry's expansion mirrors the increasing need for multilingual employees, prompting companies to enhance their B2B offerings. 20 Most Multilingual Countries In The World Our Methodology For our methodology for the most multilingual countries in the world, we have considered two important factors; number of languages spoken and demographic sizes speaking those languages, but we've ranked the list based on number of spoken languages. We relied on sources like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and WeForum, among others. Here is our list for the 2o most multilingual countries in the world. 20. Canada Number of Languages: 2 Canada is one of the most multilingual countries in the world, with English spoken by 75.5% and French by 21.4% as their first language. Indigenous languages, over 70, are significant, especially in Nunavut, where 83% speak Inuit. A Canadian government survey shows that 84% of Francophones and 65% of English speakers believe learning both official languages enhances mutual understanding. 19. Luxembourg Number of Languages: 3 Luxembourg, a small Western European country, embraces three official languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish. While Luxembourgish is the most widely spoken, French and German are also prevalent. Expats contribute to the linguistic diversity, with nearly 50% of population being foreign-born residents. The country's central European location fosters this multilingualism. Luxembourg's educational system prioritizes languages, with students learning at least three foreign languages. 18. Belgium Number of Languages: 3 Belgium, situated in Western Europe, boasts three official languages: Dutch (spoken by about 60% of the population), French (spoken by almost 40%), and German (spoken by less than 1%). Regional languages like Luxembourgish, Limburgish, and Walloon are also prevalent, with language choices often tied to the region. The country is divided into language regions, some mandating multilingual communication. 17. Spain Number of Languages 4 Spain holds Spanish as its official language, spoken by over 45 million people. The country is also home to regional languages spoken in specific autonomous communities, including Catalan, Galician, Basque, and Aranese. Catalan, with 4.6 million speakers, is the national language of Andorra and co-official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian community. Galician, spoken by 2.6 million, is prevalent in Galicia near Portugal. Basque is expressed in the Basque Region and Navarra, while Aranese is found in the Pyrenees mountains, part of Catalonia. 16. Switzerland Number of Languages: 4 Switzerland boasts four official languages: German, spoken by 76% of the population; French, 39%; Italian, 15%; and Romansh, 0.8%. Notably, more than two-thirds of Swiss residents use multiple languages daily, with English being the most prevalent non-national language, spoken by 45% of the population. The German-speaking part of Switzerland has the highest usage of English at 46%, compared to 37% in the Italian-speaking and 43% in the French-speaking regions. Moreover, nearly three-quarters of individuals aged 15-24 engage with English weekly, a significant increase from 2014. 15. Singapore Number of Languages: 4 Singapore, one of the most multilingual countries in the world also boasts four official languages: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English. Malay is the national language, spoken by nearly 13% of the population, while Mandarin, the most prevalent Chinese language, is spoken by about 75%. English is the most widely spoken language pravelent in education, business, and government. Alongside these languages, Singapore has various dialects and tongues, including Hokkien, Cantonese, and Singlish, a unique English-based creole. 14. South Africa Number of Languages: 11 South Africa stands out for its linguistic diversity, with eleven official languages. Predominantly spoken languages include Zulu (22%), Xhosa (16%), Afrikaans (13%), and English (9%). Alongside these official languages, South Africa hosts a variety of others, reflecting its rich history and culture, from Portuguese to French and German. This linguistic diversity mirrors the nation's complex journey, from its colonial past to constitutional recognition of its multilingual character. 13. United Kingdom Number of Languages: 11 The U.K., a diverse Western European nation, predominantly communicates in English, with over 98% of the population speaking this language. In addition, the U.K. features regional languages: Welsh, one of the easiest second languages to learn for English speakers, spoken by more than 20% of the people in Wales; Scottish Gaelic, spoken by less than 1% in Scotland; Irish, used by less than 1% in Northern Ireland; Cornish, employed by a small community in Cornwall; and British Sign Language, spoken by approximately 151,000 individuals across the U.K. 12. Russia Number of Languages: 26 Russia, a diverse nation spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, has Russian as its official language, spoken by virtually the whole population. Tatar is spoken by around 3%, and Bashkir by about 1%. Beyond these official languages, there is a wealth of linguistic diversity, including Chuvash, Chechen, Yakut, and more. This diversity reflects Russia's history, culture, and societal changes from the Soviet era to its constitutional recognition of multiple languages. 11. Mexico Number of Languages: 68 Mexico is one of the top multilingual countries with 68 different languages spoken throughout the country, but Spanish is the predominant language. Nahuatl is the most widely spoken indigenous language (1.5 million speakers), followed by Yucatec Maya (800,000 speakers) and Mixtec (423,000 speakers). Spanish is the second most studied language globally, surpassing French, according to the 2020 Duolingo Language Report. 10. Philippines Number of Languages: 120 The Philippines stands tenth among the most multilingual nations with approximately 120 languages. The national language is Filipino, based on Tagalog, and used in formal education. In addition to Filipino, English is also an official language commonly used by the government. About 28% of the population speaks Filipino, and over 14 million Filipinos speak English. Furthermore, Cebuano, with 21 million speakers, Ilocano, with 7.7 million speakers, and Hiligaynon, with 7.5 million speakers, are among the most widely spoken languages in the country. 9. Malaysia Number of Languages: 137 Malaysia is a linguistically diverse country with 137 languages. The official language is Malaysian Malay, but English is widely spoken and taught in public education. Other languages include Chinese dialects and Tamil, mainly used in ethnic community schools. Historical settlers from Indonesia, China, and India influenced the country's linguistic diversity. 8. Brazil Number of Languages: 228 Brazil is a multilingual country, and Portuguese is the most widely spoken language in the country. There are approximately 228 languages spoken in Brazil, primarily Amerindian and immigrant languages. Portuguese is the dominant language in government, education, business, and media, with 97.9% to 98% of the population speaking it. In addition to Portuguese, other languages include Spanish, German, and Italian, with Spanish gaining popularity as a second language. German is Brazil's second most widely spoken language, followed by Italian, which is spoken by approximately 1 million Brazilians. 7. Cameroon Number of Languages: 279 Cameroon, in Central Africa, is one of the most multilingual countries with 200 languages. English and French, inherited from colonial history, serve as official languages. Other languages include Fulfulde in the north, Ewondo in the central region, Beti in the south, and Bamileke in the west. Approximately 56% of the population speaks French, and 23% speaks English. 6. Australia Number of Languages: 300 Australia is a multilingual country with a diverse population speaking various languages. Aside from English, the most commonly spoken languages are Mandarin by 2.5% of the population, Arabic by 1.4%, Cantonese by 1.2%, Vietnamese by 1.2%, and Italian by 1.2%. Additionally, Australia is home to other languages such as Greek, Hindi, Spanish, Punjabi, and Tagalog. Click to see and continue reading the 5 Most Multilingual Countries In The World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure. None: The 20 Most Multilingual Countries In The World is originally published on Insider Monkey. From 28 to 30 September 2023, the WCO Environment Programme conducted a workshop at the WCO Regional Training Centre in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The workshop was aimed at building the capacity of Customs administrations in the Americas/Caribbean region with respect to environmental issues, and was made possible thanks to the financial support of the China Customs Co-operation Fund (CCF-China). The event brought together 13 Customs officers from the regions Member administrations, namely, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama and Peru. It benefitted from technical expertise provided by the WCO Secretariat, the WCO Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Central America (RILO CAM) and the Basel Convention Regional Centre for the South America Region, Argentina (BCRC Argentina). With the overall objective of addressing environmental crime issues, the event focused on enhancing Customs officers knowledge and skills to ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) such as the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. As Customs administrations play a crucial role in enforcing MEAs, the questions explored during the workshop ranged from how to detect shipments containing illegal waste and substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol to how to prevent illegal trade, with the primary goal being to raise participants awareness about the MEAs. The sessions comprised in-depth and practical exercises on the best ways to tackle illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities in accordance with the relevant international instruments. Global trade trends and threats related to trade in environmentally sensitive commodities, the use of data, and risk management techniques based on document analysis and physical examinations were also among the topics covered. Best practices were presented by the participants and various approaches to enhancing cooperation were discussed. Multilateral cooperation, sharing best practices and remaining up-to-date with the latest developments in Customs policies, environmental-related frameworks, tools and trends in the illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities remain of paramount importance. The WCO will continue to cooperate closely with its Member Customs administrations and its partners, as the Organization remains firmly convinced that the best way to combat environmental crime effectively is through concerted efforts and partnerships. Such actions should include, but are not limited to, ensuring continuous capacity building of frontline Customs officers, developing or updating tools to support officers in their daily work, and conducting global Customs operations aimed at fighting illegal trade. The WCO extends its appreciation to the Customs administration of the Dominican Republic for its support in making this event a success. Julianne Gallentine shares a few episodes of the story of her life, which she wrote with the encouragement of her children, who had it made into a book for future generations to enjoy. (Denise Crosby/The Beacon-News) Many years ago a photojournalist friend and I had an idea for a side business - documenting through video and print the stories of elders to pass along to younger generations. We never got much further than researching startup costs. We both had young kids and full-time careers, and as enthusiastic as we were about the venture, life got in the way. Advertisement These days, the technology at our fingertips quite literally, including phones that never seem to leave our hands - can make this a fairly simple DIY project. But are we taking advantage of the potential? Advertisement Statistics indicate that in less than a decade, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. With each year that passes we are losing the opportunities to capture the histories of our grandparents and parents born long before the advent of social media. And once they are gone, so also will be those rich threads that make up the tapestries of our own lives. How quickly I became one of those in that elder category, by the way. Time flies, as they say. And how very much I regret not seizing any of it to record the tales of my parents, who both passed away unexpectedly at ages 67 and 72. That reality hit hard on a recent trip back home to western Kansas when I visited my beloved Aunt Julianne Gallentine, who at age 93 has already outlived her older sister, my mother, by a good two decades. My aunt gave her immediate family a priceless gift when, not long ago, she began chronicling vignettes of her life, which the family made into a wonderful book, Juliannes Story: In Her Own Words. Julianne (Scheetz) Gallentine wrote the chapters of her 93 years of life, and her children compiled these memories into a book for future generations to enjoy. (Gallentine family/The Beacon-News) The seed for this project was a book shed read a couple decades ago, Reflections from a Mothers Heart. But the water bringing it to fruition came from her children, who wisely recognized the importance of capturing her memories while she could still provide them. It was a gift to me, as well. She and my mom, only two years apart and the middle siblings in a crew of eight, grew up close, so even though Julianne was the star of her memoirs, big sis Geraldine (Grandma Geri to my kids) made more than a few cameo appearances. For a couple of hours in the lovely independent living apartment she now calls home, our aunt not only regaled my sister and me with some of their adventures, she treated us to a reading - narrating that chapter in their teens when Grandad, who farmed but also ran a small town hardware store, sent them to live in the homes of his two sisters in Wichita so they could receive a better education in this era when the Dirty Thirties was closing down and World War II was ramping up. Advertisement The chapter, titled The Runaway Girls, described how the pair defied their aunts, who lived quite a distance apart, and snuck out of their respective homes to catch a bus to visit their own mother, whom they had been away from for nine months and had traveled to a nearby town for a church-based womens convention. While not exactly the sort of high-octane escapade that might thrill the masses, we hung on our aunts every word, savoring each ingredient of this anecdote because it also gave us a glimpse into the story of our mother, who we always figured would live well into her 80s or beyond. Oh how I wish we could redo some of those all too infrequent visits to our hometown when life got in the way there, as well. Kids needed attention. Meals needed prepared, friends needed to be seen. None of which were good excuses. Its not that I have nothing of my familys history. On a trip home five years ago I recorded an hour-long interview with my moms oldest sister, which Ive listened to several times since she passed away in October of 2020. And a second cousin I dont know (I have well over 100 first cousins) compiled a wonderful genealogy of my dads side of the family, which transported the reader back to the Campbells ancestral homeland, as well as to those rough and tumble sod house days on the Kansas prairie frontier. While priceless, this book only provided fleeting glimpses into my fathers life and certainly did not offer the colorful details Aunt Julianne shared of her own. Advertisement Her words are beautifully crafted, I must add. But you dont have to be a writer to capture the past. Just get the stories down. In some way - video, audio, writings. Its too late for my mom. Or my dad. Or my older brother, a skilled cowboy and horse whisperer who died at age 59. But more people than ever are realizing not only how valuable but how easy these recollections are to capture. The Beacon-News Twice-weekly News updates from the Aurora area delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > There are now plenty of documentary businesses that do what my friend and I had considered. There are also apps, like StoryCatcher, that effortlessly let you create and share stories via email, YouTube or Facebook. Or Lifes Time Capsule, a one-stop source for organizing, editing and storing memories through videos, photos, audio and journal entries. Or Remember This, a podcast that records audio narratives that can be downloaded and shared. Or Storyworth, which offers a digital and print method of collecting remembrances by emailing questions to be answered each week for a year that can be made into a high-quality hardbound book. Dont use miles for an excuse either: Parents or grandparents can be filmed through Zoom for free. And the internet offers tips on how to go about getting the best do-it-yourself product. Your biggest obstacle at this point might be reluctance. Many people dont think their journey is worth retelling except in their minds. Julianne felt that way at first. But as she began researching and recalling the different seasons of my life, she wrote in her forward, there was a sense of fulfillment and joy in doing this book. Advertisement One thing Ive learned in my long career as a journalist, every person not only has a story but a good story. While Steven Spielberg may never come calling and asking for the rights to it, I can all but guarantee, your biggest fans will consider it a big hit. And, as Aunt Julianne reminded me, When you hand down the story of your life to your children, it becomes their book as well. dcrosby@tribpub.com Biden forgives $9B in student loan debt on heels of loan repayments resuming. The Biden administration plans to forgive $9 billion in student loan debt for about 125,000 Americans through fixes to income-driven repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and by canceling debt for borrowers with total and permanent disabilities, the White House announced on October 4. The $9 billion in forgiven loans consist of $5.2 billion in debt relief for 53,000 borrowers under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, nearly $2.8 billion in new debt relief for about 51,000 borrowers through fixes to income-driven repayment, and $1.2 billion in relief for about 22,000 borrowers who have a total or permanent disability. The announcement came just days after the October 1 resumption of student loan repayments after a three-year hiatus. The borrowers who qualified for relief from fixes to IDRs had made 20 years or more of payments, but never got the relief they were entitled to, the White House said. It added that the borrowers with total or permanent disabilities were identified and approved for discharge through a data match with the Social Security Administration. The administration has now approved $127 billion in debt cancellations for nearly 3.6 million borrowers to-date, the White House said. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court struck down President Joe Bidens signature loan forgiveness plan . The administration had wanted to forgive up to $10,000 of student loan debt for eligible borrowers, and up to $20,000 in student loan debt for eligible Pell Grant recipients. Since then, however, the administration has forgiven some student debt in several areas. These include the cancelling of $37 million in debt last month for about 1,200 students enrolled at the University of Phoenix, which was found to have a national ad campaign that misled prospective students. Loan repayments begin To prepare to start paying your student loans back, youll want to start by getting the facts straight by logging into your account at StudentAid.gov to review the list of all your federal loans, as Kiplinger previously reported. Check your loan details, make sure your contact information is correct, and review your financial information to make sure everything is up-to-date. TORONTO, October 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Almonty Industries Inc. ("Almonty" or the "Company") (TSX: AII / ASX: AII / OTCQX: ALMTF / Frankfurt: ALI) is pleased to announce that the Company has received firm commitments to raise gross proceeds of C$500,000, US$733,333 and A$550,000 via the issuance of 3,333,333 Placement Units and 1,078,433 million Placement Chess Depository Interests Units ("CDIs") at C$0.45 per Placement Unit, US$0.33 per Placement Unit and A0.51 per CDI Unit ("Placement"). Each Placement Unit participant will be issued one warrant for every common share issued ("Warrants") and one free unlisted option for every one CDI issued ("Options), exercisable at C$0.60, US$0.45 and A$0.69, respectively, with an expiry date of 36 months from the date of closing. Lewis Black, the Companys CEO will be investing C$500,000 and Dan DAmato, a director of the Company, will be investing US$366,666.63 towards the Placement Units to be issued. Proceeds from the Placement will be applied towards general working capital and offer costs. The Placement Units and Placement CDIs issued will rank equally with existing CDIs and Common Shares on issue. Lewis Black, CEO of the Company, and Daniel DAmato, a Director of the Company, will be subscribing for Units in the Private Placement. As such, the issuance of Units to insiders pursuant to the Private Placement is considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). As such, the Company will rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that participation in the Private Placement by insiders will not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Companys market capitalization. The closing of the Placement is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the acceptance by the TSX and ASX. Story continues RM Corporate Finance Pty Ltd acted as Lead Manager to the Placement and will be paid a total fee of 6% of the gross proceeds raised from the Placement CDIs. About Almonty The principal business of Toronto, Canada-based Almonty Industries Inc. is the mining, processing and shipping of tungsten concentrate from its Los Santos Mine in western Spain and its Panasqueira mine in Portugal as well as the development of its Sangdong tungsten mine in Gangwon Province, South Korea and the development of the Valtreixal tin/tungsten project in northwestern Spain. The Los Santos Mine was acquired by Almonty in September 2011 and is located approximately 50 kilometres from Salamanca in western Spain and produces tungsten concentrate. The Panasqueira mine, which has been in production since 1896, is located approximately 260 kilometres northeast of Lisbon, Portugal, was acquired in January 2016 and produces tungsten concentrate. The Sangdong mine, which was historically one of the largest tungsten mines in the world and one of the few long-life, high-grade tungsten deposits outside of China, was acquired in September 2015 through the acquisition of a 100% interest in Woulfe Mining Corp. Almonty owns 100% of the Valtreixal tin-tungsten project in north-western Spain. Further information about Almontys activities may be found at www.almonty.com and under Almontys profile at www.sedar.com. Legal Notice The release, publication, or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published, or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information 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. These statements and information are based on managements beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and reflect Almontys current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Almonty to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: any specific risks relating to fluctuations in the price of ammonium para tungstate ("APT") from which the sale price of Almontys tungsten concentrate is derived, actual results of mining and exploration activities, environmental, economic and political risks of the jurisdictions in which Almontys operations are located and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, forecasts and assessments relating to Almontys business, credit and liquidity risks, hedging risk, competition in the mining industry, risks related to the market price of Almontys shares, the ability of Almonty to retain key management employees or procure the services of skilled and experienced personnel, risks related to claims and legal proceedings against Almonty and any of its operating mines, risks relating to unknown defects and impairments, risks related to the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, risks related to governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, risks related to international operations of Almonty, risks relating to exploration, development and operations at Almontys tungsten mines, the ability of Almonty to obtain and maintain necessary permits, the ability of Almonty to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements, lack of suitable infrastructure and employees to support Almontys mining operations, uncertainty in the accuracy of mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates, production estimates from Almontys mining operations, inability to replace and expand mineral reserves, uncertainties related to title and indigenous rights with respect to mineral properties owned directly or indirectly by Almonty, the ability of Almonty to obtain adequate financing, the ability of Almonty to complete permitting, construction, development and expansion, challenges related to global financial conditions, risks related to future sales or issuance of equity securities, differences in the interpretation or application of tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules and acceptance of the TSX of the listing of Almonty shares on the TSX. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to, no material adverse change in the market price of ammonium para tungstate (APT), the continuing ability to fund or obtain funding for outstanding commitments, expectations regarding the resolution of legal and tax matters, no negative change to applicable laws, the ability to secure local contractors, employees and assistance as and when required and on reasonable terms, and such other assumptions and factors as are set out herein. Although Almonty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, level of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Almonty. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Almonty cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Almontys forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Almonty has also assumed that material factors will not cause any 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 FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF ALMONTY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE ALMONTY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006348452/en/ Contacts Lewis Black Chairman, President and CEO +1 647 438-9766 info@almonty.com (Bloomberg) -- Amazon.com Inc. is offering free grocery delivery for orders exceeding $100, down from $150, as the company looks to boost its fresh-food business. Most Read from Bloomberg The new pricing will go into effect on Thursday at 7 p.m. New York time, a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Prime subscribers will pay $6.95 for orders of $50 to $100 and $9.95 for those under $50. Shoppers who dont subscribe to Prime will still be charged between $7.95 and $13.95, depending on the order size and delivery window. Amazon in February started charging a delivery fee for grocery orders of less than $150, a move that coincided with efforts to cut costs and adjust to slower growth in online shopping. The company had previously offered free grocery delivery for orders of more than $35 to subscribers of the companys $139-a-year Prime program in some locations. Insider earlier reported the lower order threshold for free delivery. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military has repeatedly used missiles to blast civilian targets across the country, with devastating consequences. One of the deadliest such attacks in months happened Thursday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other top officials in Kyiv reported that a Russian rocket struck a cafe and store in eastern Ukraine. The strike in the village of Hroza killed at least 51 civilians. Zelenskyy denounced the strike as a crime and an act of terrorism. The Kremlin often claims its missiles are aimed at military assets or blames the strikes on Ukraine. READING, Pa. The 2024 primary will be here in just months, and that's the point some county commissioners are trying to make. There are two bills, one that passed a House Committee and another that has passed through the state Senate that would move up the 2024 primary. One would move the April 23 date up to April 2, the other to March 19. Both now face an uphill battle in the state legislature. A handful of county commissioners across the state are asking lawmakers not to change the date at this time, including Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach. "This is too late to be moving the date," he said. "We're not against moving it. We simply say doing this in 2024, it's too late and it can potentially cause some serious problems for county department of elections." There are couple of reason some lawmakers want to move up the date. April 23 conflicts with the Jewish holiday of Passover and some want Pennsylvania voters to have more say in who the primary winner is. Moving up the date would put Pennsylvania in line with other battleground states, instead of having state nearly last in the primary cycle. Berks County Commissioner Lucine Sihelnik agrees with moving up the date and says the Department of Elections can handle any changes, even last minute. "Know that if this does move forward whether it's April 2nd or March 19th, that we here in Berks County and our Department of Elections are prepared and standing ready to be fully compliant with that," she said. Both bills still have a way to go before there is a chance for either to end up on the governor's desk. MAIDENCREEK TWP., Pa - A community is getting some closure. "I think it's important to realize that the community is somewhat at peace. Certainly, the funeral was last week. People came from across the country and in a very spiritual way they laid their community to rest, said Geoff Whaling. The day after the arrest of 28-year-old Moshe Notis, who is charged in the hit-and-run death of 23-year-old Mennonite man Anson Burkholder, a close friend of the Mennonite community who attended Burkholder's funeral is speaking out. "There was a rumbling of discussion that they knew some of the details, that some of this information was out, so it was nice to hear it was confirmed, Whaling said. He says many in the Mennonite community are also focused on forgiveness. "Here was another person from another religious community that they really didn't know how that person would feel, and all of a sudden, their attention was on him and sending good blessings his way, Whaling said. But as that community moves forward following this arrest, road safety concerns remain. We cannot forget the Amish or the Mennonite families, Whaling urged. They need to be at the forefront of the planning, and I think PennDOT has heard from a number of people as they plan to finish the expansion, that they need to take into account that there are people on horse and buggies and bicycles that use it." Geoff says this incident also shows that there are things we can learn about our Mennonite and Amish neighbors and how they handle tragedy. "It was just this sense of calmness that was there and that everyone I spoke to said there was nothing that was going to bring Anson back and they were going to send him off to be with his Lord and it was kind of reassuring, he said. CUMRU TWP., Pa. - Pet owners and their furry friends gathered for a special ceremony. A pastor from the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ blessed pets at The Heritage of Green Hills in Cumru Township. Several dogs and cats who live with the seniors took part Thursday. The event comes one day after the traditional Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, who's the patron saint of animals. READING, Pa. - The Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce will host the city's 4th annual Puerto Rican Day parade Sunday. Organizers say the celebration of Puerto Rican culture will be a day filled with colorful parades, lively music, delicious food and a sense of unity and community spirit. The parade, featuring floats, traditional costumes and dancers, kicks off Sunday at 11th and Penn Streets at 11 a.m. Following the parade, festivities will continue at 5th and Penn Streets with live music, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, arts and crafts vendors and family-friendly activities. The Reading Parking Authority is providing free parking from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the following gateless garages: 4th and Cherry Garage: 29 South 4th Street South Penn Garage: 626 Cherry Street Chiarelli Plaza Garage: North 3rd & Washington Street Reed & Court Garage: 666 Court Street EASTON, Pa. Northampton County Council approved Thursday a $250 rebate on property taxes for volunteer firefighters and emergency-medical squad crew members. County Executive Lamont G. McClure said the goal to promote volunteerism is well-intentioned, but he said the ordinance violates the State of Pennsylvania Constitution's Uniformity Clause. "What the clause roughly requires is that everybody is taxed the same," McClure said at council's meeting. "What this ordinance would do is tax people in the same class differently." The ordinance contains other flaws, he said. "It is a very well-meaning piece of legislation, but I think it is deeply defective," McClure said. When Commissioner Tara Zrinski (councilmembers are known as commissioners) asked Council Solicitor Chris Spadoni about the legality of the ordinance, Spadoni said, "I believe it would withstand legal challenge." He added, "I don't talk in absolutes," and noted that the rebate could be contested. Commissioner Ron Heckman pointed out that the cities of Bethlehem and Easton have professional fire services, while townships do not. "Volunteerism is down, will this bring it back? I don't know," he said. Heckman said he believes in one tax rate for everybody, and he noted that if some people pay less, others will have to pay more. He pointed out that townships such as Lower Macungie do not pay for professional fire protection: "These guys want to live on the cheap." Zrinski said other volunteers might seek a similar break. The $250 passed for fire and EMS volunteers Thursday amounts to about half of the roughly $500 average county property-tax bill. The rebate applies only to county taxes, not local or school district payments. Council President Kerry Myers asked for council to vote to delay a vote until more information was in, such as the total cost. That motion failed. Lori Vargo Heffner, who brought up the ordinance, said the cost will not be much compared to a proposed 2024 Northampton County budget of $584 million. Not all questions were answered, but council moved forward with a vote. "I'll support this, and God, I hope it is legal," Commissioner Kevin Lott said. In favor of the rebate were Vargo Heffner, Lott, Myers, Zrinski, John Brown, John Cusick and Thomas Giovanni. Heckman was the only "no" vote, and John Goffredo abstained. Goffredo said he supports the measure, but abstained because he is a volunteer. Earlier in the meeting, McClure said his administration will help the Northampton County Conservation District become independent of the county. The district, which is also linked to state government, promotes soil conservation, water quality and environmental education, according to its website. Conservation District officials have appeared at recent meetings, asking for independence. Those discussions have been lengthy and, at times, heated. McClure said the district has breached contracts with the county. "We do not let anybody breach contracts with us," he said. McClure said the county would not accept audit responsibility for conservation district funds that are out of country control. The district has nine employees on the county payroll. McClure said the district will have until Dec. 31, 2024, to become independent of county government. He and Goffredo sparred verbally over the separation. After some debate of the district, President Myers said he wanted to end the debate until more information is available. Council also spent 20 minutes in a closed session to discuss potential litigation. By Joanna Plucinska and Sergio Goncalves LONDON/LISBON (Reuters) - Air France-KLM's decision to take a stake in Scandinavia's SAS airline offers a taste of its potential approach for the next big airline takeover battle in Europe: the fight to resuscitate Portuguese carrier TAP. Portugal's government said last Thursday it plans to sell at least a 51% stake in state-owned TAP, after the cabinet approved the legal framework for the privatisation process. Europe's national carriers have struggled to compete with low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air and larger groups like Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and IAG have come in to revamp and save them. Tuesday's SAS deal, which saw U.S. investment firm Castlelake and Air France-KLM enter as new major shareholders alongside the Danish state, was another long-awaited shake up for one of Europe's legacy brands. Air France-KLM is only taking a 19.9% stake in SAS and may have limited influence in revamping the airline, which has struggled with fragmentation across its Danish and Swedish hubs. Still, this arms-length approach may prove appealing to TAP. Air France-KLM has tended to let airlines it invests in keep their operations and branding. Following the 2004 merger between the French and Dutch carriers, both still fly under their own livery and many operations remain separate. Germany's Lufthansa and Anglo Spanish IAG, other likely competitors in the battle for TAP, have been known for deeper restructurings of the airlines they takeover, streamlining business practices and branding. "It will depend on what promises Air France-KLM make on keeping the brand alive, keeping the brand separate and keeping the operations in Portugal and connections in Portugal," said James Halstead, an aviation analyst. Analysts say the SAS deal is a success for Air France-KLM as they have peeled one airline away from Lufthansa's sphere of influence in Northern Europe and from airline grouping Star Alliance. Story continues Now, they're trying to repeat their success, poaching another Star Alliance member away from Lufthansa with TAP but facing a higher price and fierce competition. Air France-KLM reiterated its strong interest in TAP on Thursday, adding the purchase of a stake in SAS did not affect its ability to take part in TAP's privatisation. Portugal's government is keen to find a partner that will allow it to save its struggling airline without losing its branding, local hubs and national Portuguese identity. A more hands-off approach could be the golden ticket to tapping into TAP's lucrative south American connections, analysts and investors say. "TAP's priority is the 'integrity' of TAP, which would probably have its best chance of success in an Air France-KLM partnership," an investor source said. With the process still in its infancy, Air France-KLM has a chance to make a pitch to TAP now off the back of SAS. "Everything is still at a very, very early stage," a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. "The effective work to understand which airlines are truly interested, the real market appetite, and the strategies of the different players has not yet begun." LONG FIGHT AHEAD There are remaining challenges for Air France-KLM as it looks to clear regulatory hurdles with SAS, including approval from American and European policymakers. A hiccup could drag down the process for the TAP talks, too. U.S. private equity giant Apollo Global Management, which last year provided SAS with $700 million in bridge financing and had bid to take a majority stake in the airline, faced European Union rules preventing non-EU investors from taking control of an airline. Europe's airline industry has a history of cultural and political barriers to smooth integration, even within Air France-KLM itself. How it manages to negotiate across Swedish and Danish cultures with less than a 20% stake remains to be seen. The other two bidders in play also have strong advantages for TAP. "One thing is certain: Portugal would want the buyer of TAP to be a reputable and strong airline...and at the same time enhance not only the Lisbon hub, but also other airports like Porto," the source with knowledge of the Portuguese government's position said. IAG could appeal with its strong presence in the south Atlantic, with Iberia holding a strong connection to Spanish-speaking parts of South America. Lufthansa's membership in global airline network Star Alliance, of which TAP is also a part, could also make it an attractive partner and could ease the transition for the Portuguese airline. Air France-KLM is a member of the rival SkyTeam alliance. "TAP does not have a future alone," the source said. "TAP must be part of an alliance like this." (Additional reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Tim Hepher; Editing by Matt Scuffham and Sharon Singleton) It's National Banned Books Week, a time when libraries celebrate the freedom to read. And on Thursday, Democratic Pennsylvania lawmakers met for a policy hearing to discuss just that, as schools and libraries have seen an uptick in the number of books removed from shelves in the past year. Some Bucks County community members concerned with book banning in their school districts also spoke at the hearing. Schools saw a 33 percent increase in book bans last year, according to nonprofit PEN America. Data from the American Library Association documents 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022. "This is the highest number since that group began tracking the issue 20 years ago and nearly doubles the previous record set in 2021," state Sen. Katie Muth (D-44), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said. Muth joined fellow Democratic lawmakers in Harrisburg Thursday during National Banned Book Week, concerning literature disappearing from schools and libraries. "This is a Pulitzer Prize winning book by a Nobel Prize winning author," Darren Laustsen said, holding up a copy of Beloved. "Apparently this was the porn our school board needed to ban." Laustsen, a father of a student at Pennridge School District, joined the hearing. He recently sued the school district, for issues stemming from books disappearing from the school library. "Our local high school has had a 15-year tradition celebrating the freedom to read during banned book week," Laustsen said. "Or should I say we had that tradition. Last year it all ended abruptly." One teacher and one parent from Central Bucks School District also spoke about similar issues there. "They talk about parental rights," Keith Willard, a Secondary Social Studies Teacher in Central Bucks School District, said. "But often the targeted books are the ones that address issues of diversity, inclusion and LGBTQ identities." Two of the legislators at the hearing, PA Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-17) and PA Rep. Paul Friel (D-26) recently introduced bills hoping to ban book banning. "Many times, people who wish to challenge books do so under the guise of parental rights," Friel said. "But this is not about parental rights. This is about censorship. It's about marginalizing people." 69 News reached out to nearly two dozen Republican lawmakers, but several said it was a very busy day in Harrisburg. Republican state Sen. Ryan Aument (District 36) sent the following statement: "I was pleased to hear that my Democratic colleagues and the testifiers at today's hearing all acknowledge the importance of parental control over the content their own children are provided in school." Many Democrats at the meeting agreed that each parent has a right to decide what their own children read, but said the problem with book banning is it controls what every single child could read. "I don't want another parent to determine what book my child can and can't find at the library," Cappelletti said. LOPATCONG TWP., N.J. A man has been charged with attempted theft after police say he tried to steal cooking oil from a popular Thai restaurant in Lopatcong Township. The Warren County prosecutor's office say police found Eric Marrero, of Carteret, at the rear of Acasia Thai Restaurant on Memorial Parkway after the restaurant owner saw surveillance footage of the man and called 911 just after 2 a.m. on Sept. 26. Lopatcong Township police said Marrero had a Penske van backed up to the building. The van had a generator with two long hoses and two large plastic tanks, according to police. They said Marrero was preparing to pump the cooking oil from the restaurant's metal container into his plastic containers. Marrero was taken into custody and charged with criminal attempt to commit theft and possession of burglary tools both charges in the fourth degree. Such crimes are punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison. MOSCOW (AP) Russian lawmakers will consider revoking the ratification of a global nuclear test ban, the parliament speaker said Friday. The statement from Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the lower house, the State Duma, followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning that Moscow could consider rescinding the ratification of the international pact banning nuclear tests since the United States has never ratified it. There are widespread concerns that Russia could move to resume nuclear tests to try to discourage the West from continuing to offer military support to Ukraine. Many Russian hawks have spoken in favor of resuming the tests. Volodin reaffirmed Moscows claim that Western military support for Ukraine means the U.S. and its allies are engaged in the conflict. Washington and Brussels have unleashed a war against our country, Volodin said. Todays challenges require new decisions. He said that senior lawmakers will discuss recalling the 2000 ratification of the nuclear test ban at the next meeting of the agenda-setting house council. It conforms with our national interests, Volodin said. And it will come as a quid pro quo response to the United States, which has still failed to ratify the treaty. Speaking Thursday at a forum with foreign affairs experts, Putin noted the United States has signed but not ratified the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, known as the CTBT, while Russia has signed and ratified it. He argued that Russia could act in kind. Theoretically, we may revoke the ratification. he said. It's up to the State Duma members. Putin said that while some experts have talked about the need to conduct nuclear tests, he hasnt yet formed an opinion on the issue. Im not ready to say yet whether its necessary for us to conduct tests or not, he said. Asked Friday if rescinding the ban could pave the way for the resumption of tests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it doesn't mean a statement about the intention to resume nuclear tests. He noted that a possible move to revoke Russia's ratification of the ban would "bring the situation to a common denominator with the U.S. In the wake of these statements, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all nuclear weapon states to publicly reaffirm their moratoriums against nuclear testing and their commitment to the CTBT, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Friday. Robert Floyd, head of the U.N. nuclear test ban treaty organization, said in a statement Friday that it would be concerning and deeply unfortunate if any State Signatory were to reconsider its ratification of the CTBT. Russias defense doctrine envisages a nuclear response to an atomic strike or even to an attack with conventional weapons that threatens the very existence of the Russian state. That vague wording has led some Russian hawks to urge the Kremlin to sharpen it, in order to force the West to take the warnings more seriously. Responding to a question from an expert who suggested rewriting the nuclear doctrine to lower the threshold of nuclear weapons use to force the West to stop backing Ukraine, Putin said he sees no need to change the document. There is no situation in which anything would threaten Russian statehood and the existence of the Russian state, he said. I think that no person of sober mind and clear memory could have an idea to use nuclear weapons against Russia. Putin also announced Thursday that Russia has effectively completed the development of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile and will work on putting them into production. Putin didn't elaborate on his statement, and Peskov refused to say when the test of the Burevestnik was conducted or offer any other details. Little is known about the Burevestnik, which could carry a nuclear or a conventional warhead and potentially stay aloft for a much longer time and cover a longer distance than other missiles thanks to nuclear propulsion. When Putin first revealed that Russia was working on the weapon in 2018, he claimed it would have an unlimited range, allowing it to circle the globe undetected by missile defense systems. Many Western experts have been skeptical about that, noting that a nuclear engine could be highly unreliable. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer in the United Nations and Stephanie Liechtenstein in Vienna contributed to this report. Barrick Gold Corporation GOLD is undergoing a significant transformation at its Lumwana mine, according to the company's president and chief executive, Mark Bristow, following a meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. This transformation is expected to boost Zambia's copper industry and transform this formerly unprofitable operation into the forerunner of copper producers. Barrick is committed to investing nearly $2 billion in an expansion project aimed at elevating the Lumwana mine into a world-class copper producer. The project seeks to increase Lumwana's annual copper production to approximately 240,000 tons from a 50 million ton per annum processing plant, extending the mine's operational life to 36 years. The accelerated work program is targeting the completion of a full feasibility study by the end of 2024, with expanded production expected to commence by 2028. Since taking over Lumwana's operations in 2019, Barrick has significantly contributed to the Zambian economy, providing nearly $3 billion in the form of taxes, royalties, employee salaries and local procurement of goods and services. The company is also dedicated to hiring local talent, with 99.3% of Lumwana's current workforce being Zambian nationals. Barrick Gold Corporation Price and Consensus Barrick Gold Corporation Price and Consensus Barrick Gold Corporation price-consensus-chart | Barrick Gold Corporation Quote Barrick places great importance on considering host countries as essential partners and strives to ensure that the economic advantages arising from its mining activities are shared with governments and local communities. To achieve this, Barrick launched several initiatives, including the Business Accelerator Program. This program is designed to strengthen the capabilities of Zambian contractors within Lumwana's supply chain and help them realize their expansion objectives. Barrick is actively engaged in partnerships with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises to facilitate growth and development of local businesses in the region. Story continues Regarding Lumwana's current performance, Bristow expressed confidence that it is on track to meet its production targets for 2023. The mine is also increasing owner-mining activities, including the reopening of the Malundwe pit and the delivery of a new owner mining pre-stripping fleet. Barrick stock has lost 7.2% in the past year against the industrys rise of 6.8% in the same period. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Zacks Rank & Key Picks Barrick currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are WestRock Company WRK and Hawkins, Inc. HWKN, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and The Andersons Inc. ANDE, carrying a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The earnings estimate for Westrocks current fiscal year is pegged at $3.02. In the past 60 days, the earnings estimate has been revised upward by 29%. WRK beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters while missing in one quarter, with the average earnings surprise being 30.7%. The companys shares have rallied 14.4% in the past year. The consensus estimate for Hawkins current-year earnings is pegged at $3.40, indicating year-over-year growth of 18.9%. In the past 60 days, HWKNs current-year earnings estimate has been revised upward by 32.3%. HWKN beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 25.6%. The companys shares have surged 56.9% in the past year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ANDE's current-year earnings has been revised 3.3% upward over the past 60 days. Andersons beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters. It delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 64.4% on average. ANDE shares have rallied around 57.3% in a year. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Andersons, Inc. (ANDE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Barrick Gold Corporation (GOLD) : Free Stock Analysis Report WestRock Company (WRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hawkins, Inc. (HWKN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research NASA welcomes Wits delegation Wits alumni give VC a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi and a University delegation participated in a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), located in Houston, Texas. The group was joined by Wits graduate Dr Justin Wilkinson, Jacobs Technology Inc. Vilakazi, who as a young boy was fascinated by spaceflight and inspired by the Planetarium at Wits University (soon to be a Digital Dome) began the tour at the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center, also known as Houston, which is the facility that manages flight control for the United States human space flight programme, currently involving astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and the Artemis missions. It is wonderful to be at the heart of humanitys reach to the stars, and at the same time, knowing how much potential our own space and aeronautics programmes at Wits are advancing. It should not be too long before our own South African flag can join those from other nations displayed here, with our own contribution to this special branch of human progress, said Vilakazi. Upon completion of the Mission Control Center tour, the group proceeded to the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, an astronaut training facility and neutral buoyancy pool operated by NASA. Its main feature is a large indoor pool of water, where astronauts train, refine spacewalk procedures, as well as develop flight procedures and verify hardware compatibility. Astronauts in spacesuits are weighted in the pool to achieve neutral buoyancy, which is close to the microgravity they will experience during spaceflight. The tour ended at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility which houses mockups of the pressurised modules on the ISS which are primarily used for astronaut training and systems familiarisation. The tour of the NASA facility was a wonderful end to a fruitful tour of Texas by our Wits delegation. We have met many of our own notable alumni, made new friends and partners, and returned home with renewed enthusiasm for Wits own place at the leading edge of the global academy, added Vilakazi. The tour to NASA formed part of the Wits Advancement programme to the US, which included four alumni reunions, several donor meetings, and visits to universities and other entities to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. This forms part of the Wits Centenary Campaign. Trade unions - new ways of organising in the digital age Three African case studies show how workers are recasting their power in the new economy From US car factories to public sector workers in Nigeria and South Africa, strikes by trade unions continue unabated among the established sectors of the working class. In Detroit in the US, workers are resisting contract employment. In Nigeria they are angry over the rising cost of living and in South Africa, municipal workers are striking for better wages. But its becoming increasingly difficult to build sustainable worker organisations as companies employ more people on a casual basis in the digital age. Work has become more precarious and workers are easily replaceable. In our new book, Recasting Workers Power: Work and Inequality in the Shadow of the Digital Age, we focus on workers power. The classic example of workers power is the strike: the collective withdrawal of labour to force an employer to do what they would otherwise not have done. In this book we challenge the dominant narrative that new technology has destroyed workers power. We focus on the new jobs that are being created food couriers, e-hailing drivers, street traders and the growing numbers of casual workers at the core of the economy. We show how these precarious workers are organising in new ways that go beyond the traditional methods of union formation. For example, they are forming coalitions with other organisations, such as NGOs. In some cases they are combining these new approaches with traditional ways of bringing workers collective power to bear, for example by making use of laws that support workers rights. Three case studies We focus on three sectors: factory workers in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg in South Africa; food couriers in Johannesburg; and transport workers in Kampala, Uganda. We examined their ways of organising by applying, in addition to the strike weapon, the lens of three other ways of exercising power: associational power (collective organisation), coalitions (societal power) and institutional power (laws that entrench labour rights). We found the factory workers were using a range of tools old and new to organise. Factory committees were formed at some workplaces. This involved working with a labour supportive NGO. But they also drew on old practices (institutional power) by taking up cases through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and the amended Labour Relations Act. Both offer the possibility of workers being able to get permanent jobs in the company at which they work. The food carriers were using different tactics. In Johannesburg they had created worker-driven messaging apps and chat groups where they shared information, developed a shared identity and announced local direct action. Being self-employed weakens their organising power. But the potential for collective power was increased when they met face-to-face at work zones and began to form a collective identity. Some have engaged in collective action, but with limited impact to date. They achieved some success when they worked with a supportive NGO (an international organisation) to put forward demands to regulate their work. In Kampala, we found that the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union was also using new approaches to organise workers. In the 1980s the union faced a near collapse of membership when privatisation undermined the public transport sector. This eliminated the position of the traditional public transport bus driver. Informal mini-taxi drivers and motorcycle taxi riders (known locally as boda boda) became the dominant mode of transport. By classifying the growing number of boda boda riders as workers and therefore potential union members, the union expanded from a declining 5,000 members to over 100,000. In spite of the fragmented and isolated nature of their work these new workers were already organised not into a trade union but into informal associations. These associations formed an alliance with the established union. By doing this they gained concrete support from the International Transport Federation, a global union of transport workers. This led to the dramatic growth of the union, a decline in police harassment and growing recognition as a collective bargaining partner. Importantly, where trade unions have taken up the issues of informal workers, unions have also undergone fundamental changes. They often become hybrid organisations, blurring the distinction between traditional unionism, informal workers associations and cooperatives. What next? Our research clearly articulates the challenges workers face. But it also suggests some grounds for optimism in the new and hybrid forms of organisation and the coalitions that are emerging. The question raised by these findings is whether these embryonic forms of worker organisation are sustainable. Could they become the foundations for a new cycle of worker solidarity and union growth? We conclude that this is possible if they innovate and experiment with new forms of association, use digital tools, and broaden unions reach through coalition-building with other civil society organisations. In sum, we are suggesting that workers power is being recast as precarious workers in Africa experiment with new ways of organising in the digital age. Edward Webster, Distinguished Reserach Professor, Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Prosperity Consulting Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 1,834 shares of the enterprise software providers stock, valued at approximately $218,000. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ORCL. Yong Rong HK Asset Management Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Oracle in the second quarter worth approximately $382,000. NEW THINKING HONG KONG INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO. Ltd acquired a new stake in Oracle during the 2nd quarter worth $869,000. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Oracle by 1.4% during the second quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 709,002 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $84,435,000 after buying an additional 9,970 shares in the last quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Oracle by 74.5% during the second quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,093 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $368,000 after buying an additional 1,320 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Country Club Bank GFN lifted its stake in shares of Oracle by 0.5% in the second quarter. Country Club Bank GFN now owns 30,486 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $3,591,000 after buying an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.44% of the companys stock. Get Oracle alerts: Oracle Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of ORCL traded down $0.52 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $107.83. The companys stock had a trading volume of 804,162 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,111,847. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.72, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.87. Oracle Co. has a 12-month low of $61.65 and a 12-month high of $127.54. The stock has a market cap of $295.39 billion, a PE ratio of 32.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 1.03. The companys 50 day moving average is $114.70 and its 200 day moving average is $108.23. Oracle Dividend Announcement Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, September 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.15 by $0.04. Oracle had a net margin of 18.40% and a negative return on equity of 3,631.39%. The company had revenue of $12.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.48 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.81 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that Oracle Co. will post 4.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.48%. Oracles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.62%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently issued reports on ORCL. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Oracle from $105.00 to $106.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. HSBC initiated coverage on Oracle in a report on Friday, September 15th. They issued a buy rating and a $144.00 target price for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Oracle from a sell rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the company from $75.00 to $120.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of Oracle from $140.00 to $135.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, Monness Crespi & Hardt cut shares of Oracle from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Oracle presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $124.04. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ORCL Oracle Profile (Free Report) Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the nine research firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $68.33. A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on CNQ shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Canadian Natural Resources from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. National Bank Financial downgraded Canadian Natural Resources from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. UBS Group started coverage on Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. CIBC increased their price objective on Canadian Natural Resources from $90.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 29th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Canadian Natural Resources from $82.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Canadian Natural Resources Institutional Inflows and Outflows Canadian Natural Resources Trading Up 0.5 % A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CNQ. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 30.3% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 13,128 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $814,000 after buying an additional 3,055 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources during the first quarter valued at about $403,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 26.0% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,727 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,036,000 after buying an additional 3,448 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 31.5% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 896,093 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $55,540,000 after buying an additional 214,665 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. grew its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 2.3% during the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 8,432 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $523,000 after buying an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. 73.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. NYSE:CNQ opened at $60.48 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $65.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.88, a P/E/G ratio of 11.29 and a beta of 1.55. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $62.61 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $58.75. Canadian Natural Resources has a 1 year low of $48.81 and a 1 year high of $67.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.47. Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The oil and gas producer reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.88 by ($0.03). Canadian Natural Resources had a return on equity of 22.86% and a net margin of 18.14%. The company had revenue of $5.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.44 billion. As a group, analysts expect that Canadian Natural Resources will post 5.24 EPS for the current year. Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a $0.6744 dividend. This represents a $2.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This is a boost from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.66. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 52.46%. Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A man without a workplace retirement plan taking a look at his retirement savings. A recent study by BlackRock and Human Interest reveals an eye-catching gap in retirement savings between workers with access to employer-sponsored retirement plans and those without. The data shows that median-income employees lacking workplace retirement benefits saved one-eighth as much as those with employer-sponsored retirement plans. And by the time they retire, these workers could have almost $625,000 less than their counterparts with employer retirement programs. The research also showed that building up emergency savings could drive employees without workplace retirement plans to save more for retirement. If you dont have access to a workplace retirement plan, a financial advisor can walk you through different options to reach your retirement goals. Impact of Retirement Plan Access Research from asset manager BlackRock and 401(k) provider Human Interest examined savings rates and projected nest eggs for U.S. workers earning median annual incomes of $60,000. According to their findings, those with access to automated, employer-based retirement savings tools contributed an average of 7.4% of their salaries. Comparatively, workers without such benefits saved just 0.9% annually. This eight-fold gap in savings rates creates a similarly wide disparity in long-term retirement fund accumulation. The study projects that at age 65, the average worker using their employers retirement plan would have accrued $710,900 for retirement. Their counterpart without this benefit would have only $86,500, which is $624,400 less. Note that this analysis does not account for the effects of potential employer matches. In many employer-sponsored plans, employers will match employee contributions up to a specified percentage of the employee's salary. This benefit can significantly increase the amount of money going into a retirement savings account. Why Savings Tools Matter A senior woman reviewing her retirement savings. Saving less than 1% annually makes it difficult for most workers to accumulate sufficient retirement savings. According to widely employed guidelines, the average American needs approximately 75% of preretirement income after leaving the workforce. With only $86,500 in retirement accounts, workers without employment-based savings plans will likely face significant financial shortfalls in their later years. Story continues Deficits of that magnitude can lead to all sorts of undesirable outcomes, including inadequate income, diminished quality of life and over-reliance on government programs in retirement. Accessing workplace retirement accounts makes it far easier for employees to save consistently so they can maintain their standard of living after leaving full-time employment. What to Do Now The news about the value of savings tools for building nest eggs indicates that businesses can help their employees by offering company sponsored ways to save. It also suggests some specific recommendations for anyone who wants to enjoy a secure retirement. To start with, talk to your employers HR department to learn about any 401(k) or other retirement plans available and how to enroll. As this research shows, maximizing these workplace benefits can significantly boost your savings. Even if you lack access to workplace retirement benefits, you can take steps to save independently. Anyone can open an IRA and have contributions automatically deducted from their paycheck while enjoying current tax benefits. Even small amounts will compound over time. Look into other tax-advantaged savings vehicles like health savings accounts as well. In addition to utilizing tax-deferred savings plans, try to build up some emergency cash reserves. BlackRock found that workers with at least $1,000 in emergency savings contributed 70% more to retirement accounts and were far less likely to tap their retirement funds prematurely. To further turbocharge your savings program, review your budget and look for areas to trim spending. Allocate those savings to retirement accounts. And incrementally increase contributions when possible, such as after a raise. Bottom Line A woman calculating how much she has saved for retirement. The BlackRock and Human Interest research indicates that access to retirement savings platforms at work enables average employees to save significantly more for their later years. Without such tools, amassing sufficient funds for a comfortable retirement becomes very difficult. This research stresses the importance of taking full advantage of any workplace retirement plans available to you. It also reveals the large positive impact that creating and contributing to an emergency savings account can have on retirement savings. Retirement Planning Tips Consider working with a financial advisor to review your current retirement savings and create a customized strategy to help you meet your goals. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you're ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Use SmartAsset's online Retirement Calculator to estimate how much you need to save for retirement and develop a plan to help reach your target number. Consistently contributing to retirement accounts is key. Photo credit: iStock/dragana991, iStock/staticnak1983, iStock/Pekic The post BlackRock Says Workers Without This May Lose Out on Almost $625,000 in Retirement Savings appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset. Everyman Media Group plc (LON:EMAN Get Free Report) insider Michael Rosehill acquired 500,000 shares of Everyman Media Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 54 ($0.65) per share, with a total value of 270,000 ($326,362.87). Everyman Media Group Price Performance Everyman Media Group stock opened at GBX 57.50 ($0.70) on Friday. Everyman Media Group plc has a fifty-two week low of GBX 50.12 ($0.61) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 101 ($1.22). The stock has a market cap of 52.43 million, a PE ratio of -821.43 and a beta of 1.13. The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 57.89 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 61.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 272.75, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 0.41. Get Everyman Media Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 200 ($2.42) price objective on shares of Everyman Media Group in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. About Everyman Media Group (Get Free Report) Everyman Media Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership and management of cinemas in the United Kingdom. The company operates a network of 38 venues with 130 screens under the Everyman brand name. It is also involved in the property management business. The company was formerly known as Finlaw Two Plc and changed its name to Everyman Media Group plc in October 2013. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Everyman Media Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Everyman Media Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Get Free Report) had its target price cut by investment analysts at Mizuho from $131.00 to $116.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Mizuhos price objective suggests a potential upside of 5.95% from the companys previous close. PSX has been the subject of several other reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Phillips 66 in a research report on Thursday. They set a hold rating for the company. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on Phillips 66 from $138.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $125.00 target price on shares of Phillips 66 in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Bank of America boosted their target price on Phillips 66 from $141.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their target price on Phillips 66 from $125.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $128.60. Get Phillips 66 alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Phillips 66 Phillips 66 Stock Performance Shares of PSX opened at $109.49 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $48.75 billion, a PE ratio of 4.75, a PEG ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.33. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $116.08 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $104.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.33 and a quick ratio of 0.90. Phillips 66 has a 1 year low of $88.64 and a 1 year high of $125.19. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $3.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.54 by $0.33. The company had revenue of $35.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $32.13 billion. Phillips 66 had a return on equity of 26.25% and a net margin of 6.81%. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $6.77 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Phillips 66 will post 16.57 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Timothy D. Roberts sold 12,970 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.41, for a total value of $1,613,597.70. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 80,009 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,953,919.69. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Phillips 66 news, Chairman Greg C. Garland sold 169,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.44, for a total transaction of $18,877,936.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 662,366 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $73,814,067.04. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Timothy D. Roberts sold 12,970 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $124.41, for a total value of $1,613,597.70. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 80,009 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,953,919.69. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 360,648 shares of company stock valued at $41,396,371. Insiders own 4.57% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Lindbrook Capital LLC raised its position in Phillips 66 by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 2,724 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $260,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Port Capital LLC raised its position in Phillips 66 by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Port Capital LLC now owns 2,617 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $250,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC raised its position in Phillips 66 by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 2,718 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $259,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Chiron Capital Management LLC raised its position in Phillips 66 by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Chiron Capital Management LLC now owns 2,189 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $209,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV raised its position in Phillips 66 by 16.8% during the 1st quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 702 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $71,000 after purchasing an additional 101 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.83% of the companys stock. Phillips 66 Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Phillips 66 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phillips 66 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP Free Report) (TSE:CP) Equities researchers at National Bank Financial cut their Q3 2023 earnings estimates for Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report released on Wednesday, October 4th. National Bank Financial analyst C. Doerksen now expects that the transportation company will post earnings per share of $0.64 for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $0.71. The consensus estimate for Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys current full-year earnings is $2.88 per share. National Bank Financial also issued estimates for Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys Q2 2024 earnings at $0.77 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $0.84 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $3.98 EPS. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on the stock. Susquehanna lowered their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $98.00 to $93.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $91.00 to $83.00 in a research note on Thursday. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $89.00 to $84.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $92.93. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Price Performance Shares of CP opened at $72.75 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $67.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 1.01. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a twelve month low of $65.17 and a twelve month high of $85.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a 50 day moving average of $78.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $78.74. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The transportation company reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.69 by ($0.07). The firm had revenue of $2.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.47 billion. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 41.92% and a return on equity of 8.92%. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be issued a $0.1437 dividend. This is a boost from Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys previous quarterly dividend of $0.14. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $0.57 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.79%. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys payout ratio is presently 16.28%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CP. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 3.4% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 16,828 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,389,000 after buying an additional 559 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 69.1% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,539 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $457,000 after purchasing an additional 2,263 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 2.4% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,249,662 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $2,496,807,000 after purchasing an additional 695,215 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 5.1% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 49,524 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $4,087,000 after purchasing an additional 2,417 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 116.4% during the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 14,274 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,178,000 after purchasing an additional 7,678 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.93% of the companys stock. About Canadian Pacific Kansas City (Get Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UMB Bank n.a. reduced its position in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 641,337 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 5,072 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a.s holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $47,587,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Ltd grew its holdings in NextEra Energy by 29.6% in the 1st quarter. Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Ltd now owns 1,202,195 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $92,666,000 after buying an additional 274,371 shares during the period. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY grew its holdings in NextEra Energy by 1.1% in the second quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY now owns 88,096 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $6,537,000 after purchasing an additional 923 shares during the period. Appleton Partners Inc. MA increased its position in NextEra Energy by 3.3% during the first quarter. Appleton Partners Inc. MA now owns 13,360 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,030,000 after purchasing an additional 432 shares during the last quarter. Trust Co. of Virginia VA raised its stake in NextEra Energy by 14.0% during the first quarter. Trust Co. of Virginia VA now owns 8,776 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $676,000 after purchasing an additional 1,075 shares during the period. Finally, Central Bank & Trust Co. boosted its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. Central Bank & Trust Co. now owns 5,511 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $425,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares during the last quarter. 76.48% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get NextEra Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Bank of America dropped their price objective on NextEra Energy from $76.00 to $53.00 in a report on Wednesday. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on NextEra Energy from $82.00 to $80.00 in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Mizuho decreased their target price on NextEra Energy from $91.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $91.00 price target on shares of NextEra Energy in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of NextEra Energy from $105.00 to $84.00 in a research note on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $80.15. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Kirk S. Hachigian purchased 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $67.95 per share, for a total transaction of $679,500.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 15,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,019,250. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other NextEra Energy news, Director James Lawrence Camaren acquired 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $67.85 per share, for a total transaction of $271,400.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 8,000 shares in the company, valued at $542,800. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Kirk S. Hachigian bought 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 17th. The stock was bought at an average price of $67.95 per share, with a total value of $679,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 15,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,019,250. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock. NextEra Energy Stock Down 4.6 % NEE stock traded down $2.26 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $47.19. 3,714,473 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,072,123. The stock has a market capitalization of $95.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $66.18 and a 200-day moving average price of $72.12. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a 12-month low of $47.19 and a 12-month high of $88.61. NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The utilities provider reported $0.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.07. NextEra Energy had a net margin of 30.05% and a return on equity of 12.25%. The business had revenue of $7.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.68 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.81 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.11 EPS for the current year. NextEra Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 30th were paid a $0.4675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 29th. This represents a $1.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.96%. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.29%. NextEra Energy Profile (Free Report) NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Get Free Report) had its target price cut by investment analysts at Raymond James from $133.00 to $128.00 in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the oil and gas companys stock. Raymond James target price would suggest a potential upside of 16.36% from the stocks previous close. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Mizuho cut their target price on shares of Phillips 66 from $131.00 to $116.00 in a report on Friday. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Phillips 66 in a report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Phillips 66 from $130.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, September 8th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $125.00 price target on shares of Phillips 66 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Argus lifted their price target on shares of Phillips 66 from $125.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 14th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Phillips 66 currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $128.27. Get Phillips 66 alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Phillips 66 Phillips 66 Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of Phillips 66 stock opened at $110.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.33. Phillips 66 has a 52-week low of $88.64 and a 52-week high of $125.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.75, a P/E/G ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.33. The companys 50 day moving average price is $116.08 and its 200-day moving average price is $104.38. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $3.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.54 by $0.33. Phillips 66 had a net margin of 6.81% and a return on equity of 26.25%. The firm had revenue of $35.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $32.13 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $6.77 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Phillips 66 will post 16.57 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Chairman Greg C. Garland sold 169,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.44, for a total transaction of $18,877,936.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now owns 662,366 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $73,814,067.04. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, VP Joseph Scott Pruitt sold 7,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.02, for a total transaction of $819,140.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 6,682 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $781,927.64. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Greg C. Garland sold 169,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.44, for a total transaction of $18,877,936.00. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 662,366 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $73,814,067.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 360,648 shares of company stock valued at $41,396,371. 4.57% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Phillips 66 Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Phillips 66 by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 37,428,804 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,794,532,000 after acquiring an additional 102,139 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN grew its holdings in Phillips 66 by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 17,121,154 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,633,016,000 after buying an additional 97,198 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Phillips 66 by 100,843.8% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,979,304 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,038,646,000 after buying an additional 9,969,418 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Phillips 66 by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 9,745,974 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $927,137,000 after buying an additional 34,890 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in Phillips 66 by 44.3% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 8,623,978 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $874,299,000 after buying an additional 2,646,979 shares in the last quarter. 71.83% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Phillips 66 Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Phillips 66 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phillips 66 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Roman Butler Fullerton & Co. raised its stake in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report) by 96.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,306 shares of the CRM providers stock after buying an additional 4,085 shares during the quarter. Salesforce comprises approximately 0.9% of Roman Butler Fullerton & Co.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Roman Butler Fullerton & Co.s holdings in Salesforce were worth $1,947,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Wealth Alliance Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Salesforce in the second quarter worth $396,000. Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its position in shares of Salesforce by 18.3% in the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,547,360 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $329,387,000 after purchasing an additional 239,786 shares in the last quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. lifted its position in shares of Salesforce by 237.4% in the first quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 722 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $144,000 after purchasing an additional 508 shares in the last quarter. Verum Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Salesforce in the second quarter worth $210,000. Finally, Independence Bank of Kentucky lifted its position in shares of Salesforce by 2.3% in the second quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 13,401 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $2,831,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.52% of the companys stock. Get Salesforce alerts: Insider Transactions at Salesforce In related news, CAO Sundeep G. Reddy sold 164 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $225.05, for a total value of $36,908.20. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,230 shares in the company, valued at approximately $501,861.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Sundeep G. Reddy sold 164 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction on Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $225.05, for a total transaction of $36,908.20. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,230 shares in the company, valued at approximately $501,861.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction on Monday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.24, for a total value of $3,168,600.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 16,473,609 shares in the company, valued at $3,479,885,165.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 719,316 shares of company stock valued at $156,051,377 in the last quarter. 3.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Salesforce from $255.00 to $262.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 31st. Northland Securities boosted their target price on shares of Salesforce from $210.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, September 1st. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Salesforce from $260.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 31st. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $250.00 target price on shares of Salesforce in a report on Friday, September 15th. Finally, JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $275.00 target price on shares of Salesforce in a report on Thursday, September 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, twenty-six have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Salesforce currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $242.28. Read Our Latest Report on Salesforce Salesforce Stock Performance NYSE:CRM opened at $201.04 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $195.61 billion, a PE ratio of 127.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $212.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $208.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.02. Salesforce, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $126.34 and a fifty-two week high of $238.22. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 30th. The CRM provider reported $2.12 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.90 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.53 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 4.77% and a return on equity of 7.67%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.52 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Salesforce, Inc. will post 5.86 earnings per share for the current year. Salesforce Profile (Free Report) Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and relationship intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer service and support at scale. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. bought a new position in The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 477 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $34,000. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. MRP Capital Investments LLC bought a new stake in Southern during the first quarter worth approximately $30,000. TD Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Southern by 122.0% during the first quarter. TD Capital Management LLC now owns 546 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Southern during the first quarter worth approximately $42,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP bought a new stake in Southern during the first quarter worth approximately $43,000. Finally, Aspire Private Capital LLC bought a new stake in Southern during the first quarter worth approximately $45,585,754,000. 62.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Southern alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Southern news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.30, for a total value of $341,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 22,512 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,537,569.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.30, for a total value of $341,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,512 shares in the company, valued at $1,537,569.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Kimberly S. Greene sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.62, for a total value of $1,452,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 98,659 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,164,616.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 41,490 shares of company stock valued at $2,934,355. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have weighed in on SO. Bank of America raised Southern from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $67.00 to $68.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Southern from $75.00 to $74.00 in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Guggenheim dropped their target price on Southern from $79.00 to $77.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Southern from a buy rating to a conviction-buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Southern from $73.00 to $69.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $73.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on SO Southern Trading Down 1.7 % Shares of NYSE SO traded down $1.09 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $63.50. The stock had a trading volume of 1,189,791 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,110,882. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The firm has a market cap of $69.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.82, a P/E/G ratio of 4.49 and a beta of 0.53. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $68.23 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $70.19. The Southern Company has a 52-week low of $58.85 and a 52-week high of $75.80. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.79 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.05. Southern had a return on equity of 9.86% and a net margin of 11.17%. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.47 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.07 earnings per share. Southerns revenue was down 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that The Southern Company will post 3.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. Southern Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 21st were issued a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 18th. Southerns dividend payout ratio is presently 98.94%. Southern Company Profile (Free Report) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its stake in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report) by 76.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 93,644 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 40,556 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Valero Energy were worth $10,984,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of VLO. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC increased its holdings in Valero Energy by 110.8% during the 2nd quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 215 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the period. Live Oak Investment Partners bought a new stake in Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Stone House Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Valero Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Sageworth Trust Co boosted its position in Valero Energy by 716.7% during the 1st quarter. Sageworth Trust Co now owns 196 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prostatis Group LLC bought a new stake in Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.07% of the companys stock. Get Valero Energy alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Valero Energy In related news, Director Joseph W. Gorder sold 75,580 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.99, for a total value of $10,278,124.20. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 621,872 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $84,568,373.28. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have weighed in on VLO shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Valero Energy from $135.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, September 8th. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Valero Energy from $152.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Barclays boosted their price target on Valero Energy from $142.00 to $144.00 in a research report on Tuesday. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Valero Energy in a research report on Thursday. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Valero Energy from $113.00 to $128.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $154.53. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Valero Energy Valero Energy Stock Performance VLO stock opened at $127.48 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $45.02 billion, a PE ratio of 4.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.60. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $135.73 and its 200 day simple moving average is $124.53. Valero Energy Co. has a 12-month low of $104.18 and a 12-month high of $152.20. Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The oil and gas company reported $5.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.08 by $0.32. The business had revenue of $34.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.37 billion. Valero Energy had a net margin of 6.96% and a return on equity of 42.31%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 33.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $11.36 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Valero Energy Co. will post 26.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Valero Energy Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 3rd were paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 2nd. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.20%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 14.05%. Valero Energy Profile (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The company produces California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending and Conventional Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending gasolines, CARB diesel, diesel, jet fuel, and asphalt; aromatics; and sulfur crude oils. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lowered its position in Stryker Co. (NYSE:SYK Free Report) by 8.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 45,723 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 4,129 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Stryker were worth $13,949,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in Stryker by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 24,673,528 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $7,043,552,000 after buying an additional 178,460 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its stake in shares of Stryker by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 6,683,415 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,907,914,000 after purchasing an additional 98,909 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC raised its stake in shares of Stryker by 50.5% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 6,012,525 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,716,396,000 after purchasing an additional 2,017,006 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in shares of Stryker by 21.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,978,782 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,461,753,000 after purchasing an additional 1,066,751 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Stryker by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,954,038 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,695,169,000 after purchasing an additional 117,786 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.24% of the companys stock. Get Stryker alerts: Stryker Price Performance NYSE SYK opened at $264.81 on Friday. Stryker Co. has a 52 week low of $203.23 and a 52 week high of $306.93. The company has a current ratio of 1.54, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The stock has a market cap of $100.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $282.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $286.52. Stryker Announces Dividend Stryker ( NYSE:SYK Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The medical technology company reported $2.54 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.38 by $0.16. Stryker had a net margin of 13.92% and a return on equity of 22.31%. The firm had revenue of $5 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.83 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.25 EPS. Strykers quarterly revenue was up 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Stryker Co. will post 10.37 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be issued a $0.75 dividend. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. Strykers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.37%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on SYK. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Stryker from $295.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, August 7th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Stryker from $321.00 to $335.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 7th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $325.00 target price on shares of Stryker in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. BTIG Research increased their price objective on shares of Stryker from $313.00 to $331.00 in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of Stryker from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $310.00 to $315.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $309.77. Get Our Latest Report on Stryker Insider Activity In other news, insider Viju Menon sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $289.00, for a total value of $1,445,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,994 shares in the company, valued at $2,021,266. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 5.90% of the companys stock. Stryker Company Profile (Free Report) Stryker Corporation operates as a medical technology company. The company operates through two segments, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics and Spine. The Orthopaedics and Spine segment provides implants for use in hip and knee joint replacements, and trauma and extremities surgeries. This segment also offers spinal implant products comprising cervical, thoracolumbar, and interbody systems that are used in spinal injury, deformity, and degenerative therapies. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SYK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Stryker Co. (NYSE:SYK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Stryker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stryker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by equities researchers at Raymond James from $164.00 to $156.00 in a report released on Friday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a strong-buy rating on the oil and gas companys stock. Raymond James price target would indicate a potential upside of 22.37% from the companys previous close. Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on VLO. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $142.00 to $144.00 in a report on Tuesday. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $152.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 18th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Thursday. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $135.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, September 8th. Finally, Tudor Pickering raised shares of Valero Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $145.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, July 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Valero Energy currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $154.53. Get Valero Energy alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on VLO Valero Energy Stock Performance VLO opened at $127.48 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The company has a market cap of $45.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.39, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.60. The companys 50 day moving average is $135.73 and its 200 day moving average is $124.53. Valero Energy has a 12-month low of $104.18 and a 12-month high of $152.20. Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The oil and gas company reported $5.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.08 by $0.32. Valero Energy had a net margin of 6.96% and a return on equity of 42.31%. The business had revenue of $34.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $34.37 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $11.36 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 33.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Valero Energy will post 26.45 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Valero Energy news, Director Joseph W. Gorder sold 75,580 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.99, for a total value of $10,278,124.20. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 621,872 shares in the company, valued at approximately $84,568,373.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Valero Energy Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its position in shares of Valero Energy by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 33,427 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,394,000 after purchasing an additional 632 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. increased its position in Valero Energy by 21.7% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 100,006 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $10,163,000 after buying an additional 17,844 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its position in Valero Energy by 12.5% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 60,730 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $6,167,000 after buying an additional 6,735 shares in the last quarter. Prudential PLC acquired a new position in Valero Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $1,253,000. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. increased its position in Valero Energy by 21.0% during the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 6,780 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $688,000 after buying an additional 1,179 shares in the last quarter. 77.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Valero Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The company produces California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending and Conventional Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending gasolines, CARB diesel, diesel, jet fuel, and asphalt; aromatics; and sulfur crude oils. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Victoria Waldersee and Christina Amann BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union's investigation into subsidies for China-made electric vehicles (EV) exported to Europe could do more harm than good, BMW's chief financial officer said on Friday, warning of a potentially big backlash from Beijing. Walter Mertl said he did not endorse punitive tariffs and the investigation would shield those who do not have significant sales in China but would impact every carmaker doing business there. "The backlash, like a boomerang, can be bigger than what one imagined," he said, referring to potential retaliation by China on European carmakers. China is the biggest market for Germany's three top carmakers. BMW exports the iX3 from China to Europe and will export the Mini from next year, leaving it vulnerable to possible EU tariffs on imports from China as well as any backlash from China on its sales in the country. While 90% of BMW cars sold in China are produced locally, some materials are shipped from Europe to China, Mertl said. China has condemned the EU investigation, which formally began on Thursday, as out of line with World Trade Organization rules and detrimental to the global growth of EV sales. FINANCIAL TARGETS ON TRACK Speaking ahead of BMW's third quarter results early next month, Mertl said the company would be able to present "good numbers" in line with its raised forecast for a 9-10.5% margin on earnings before interest and taxes. Asked whether the premium carmaker was seeing dampened demand for EVs reported by Volkswagen in recent weeks, Mertl said EV sales were rising and the company was on track to hit its goal of 15% fully-electric sales for the year. Some supply chain problems in logistics and transport persisted and could carry on for the next six months, he added. (Reporting by Victoria Waldersee, Christina Amann; Editing by Friederike Heine and Mark Potter) Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter According to AAA, two months following the devastating wildfires in Maui, most of West Maui will begin to reopen to visitors on Sunday, October 8, 2023. The tragic wildfires killed 97 people and destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina. The loss of life, property, cultural and historic sights, and livelihoods has led to deep sadness in those affected communities. And extreme economic losses in the aftermath of the fires continue to hurt residents who rely on tourism dollars. AAA data shows bookings to Hawaii from across the U.S. are down at least 50 percent since the wildfires in August. "Hawaii is an extremely popular destination with AAA members," said Julio Soto, Travel Product Manager for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Our Travel Advisors are prepared to help clients make informed decisions to develop enjoyable vacations to Maui that support the local community respectfully." According to UHERO, The Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaii, the number of visitors to Maui dropped nearly 75 percent after the fires, causing a loss of at least 13 million dollars each day to Maui's economy. Economists say the fires also severely impacted employment on the island because the fires destroyed nearly all the businesses and jobs in Lahaina. In other parts of Maui, local businesses have struggled to keep workers due to lower visitor numbers. Most of Maui, including South Maui, North Maui, and East Maui, has remained open for tourism since the fires. Beginning October 8, West Maui accommodations will begin to reopen to visitors once again as well. The town of Lahaina, however, will remain closed until further notice. Economists believe the reopening of West Maui will restart tourism in the region, but recovery will be gradual due to lingering reluctance of some travelers. However, many locals and government officials invite visitors to return to help with the island's economic recovery. If you have plans to travel to Maui this fall or winter, AAA recommends travelers to: Remember people are grieving, and be respectful at all times Don't take videos or photos of people in moments of sorrow or of people's destroyed property Avoid inappropriate remarks around people facing hardship Obey law enforcement and local leaders' orders to stay away from Lahaina, which remains closed Tip well to help local residents who are working to get back on their feet Consider volunteering during your visit to the island - Hands On Maui - County of Maui Volunteer Center or for other opportunities please visit Maui Nui Strong The Hawai'i Tourism Authority encourages tourists to malama (care for) Maui by visiting mindfully. Many on the island are grateful for the outpouring of support for Maui from around the world and are letting potential visitors know that respectful travel is welcomed and encouraged now more than ever. "We ask that visitors practice patience, compassion and aloha when coming to Maui," said Hawai'i Tourism Authority Chief Brand Officer Kalani Ka'ana'ana. "The best way to support Maui in its recovery is for travelers to continue with their Maui vacation this fall and don't cancel those trips. Maui's economy is dependent on a robust visitor industry and there is still plenty to see and do while here that is away from Lahaina. While you're on vacation here, buy local, eat at local restaurants and enjoy the many great activities and attractions located across Maui." Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news. Actionable market intelligence. Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest! You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter. FILE - Prominent Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, center, sits next to Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, left, while attending a meeting on women's rights in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2007. The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Narges Mohammadi for fighting oppression of women in Iran. The chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the prize Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 in Oslo. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File) TORONTO, October 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MechCan Inc. ("MechCan") is pleased to announce that BRs Plumbing & Heating ("BRs") has acquired G.C. Lounsbury ("GCL"). Serving Tillsonburg, Ontario and surrounding areas since 1960, GCL has been a fixture in their community installing and servicing heating and air conditioning systems. This marks MechCans sixth transaction since its launch in January 2022 and its fifth in Southern Ontario. MechCan was founded to enable owner-operators of HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractors across Canada to realize the value in their business while preserving their legacy and best positioning their business for sustainable growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006066184/en/ G.C. Lounsbury Logo - Serving Our Community Since 1960 (Graphic: Business Wire) "MechCan is pleased to add G.C. Lounsbury to its family of brands and to bolster our residential heating and cooling services in Tillsonburg," said Spencer Ross, Co-Founder of MechCan. "GCL is a natural fit for our family of brands given its skilled technicians offer their 'service with a smile', an approach that has made GCL a leader in its community for home comfort solutions." "Since Ross and Bruce Lounsbury started the business in 1960, our family has been ensuring the comfort of thousands of homeowners in Tillsonburg and the surrounding areas," said Greg Lounsbury, GCLs Owner-Operator. "Partnering with MechCan and the BRs team gave us comfort that our employees and customers will continue to be treated the right way." The G.C. Lounsbury brand will continue in partnership with BRs, and GCLs top-notch team of experienced technicians and support staff will always offer their "service with a smile." BRs and GCLs certified tradespeople are available to help with a new system installation, a routine maintenance, or an emergency when 24/7 support is needed. Together, BRs and GCL also offer environmentally friendly solutions, like heat-pumps, as well as indoor air quality, duct work, and water heaters. To ensure a seamless transition, Greg and Stephanie Lounsbury will remain with the combined business after closing. Story continues About MechCan Inc. MechCan is a proudly Canadian acquiror of and partner to mechanical services businesses nationwide. MechCan provides upfront liquidity, ongoing cash distributions, and long-term alignment to entrepreneurs and owners of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors in return for an economic stake in their business. Partner companies maintain their local brand and continue to operate independently while benefitting from shared services and assistance with business operations. For more information on MechCan, visit www.mechcan.ca. Residents of Tillsonburg, Delhi, Simcoe, Brantford, Ingersoll, and the surrounding areas can learn more about the services our contractors offer in their community at: www.brsplumbingandheating.ca and www.gclounsbury.com. For more information on services offered by MechCans family of brands, visit: www.brsplumbingandheating.ca www.comfortzonecanada.com www.gclounsbury.com www.hy-mark.ca www.jdswallow.com www.thesheatingcooling.ca View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006066184/en/ Contacts Media: Spencer Ross, sr@mechcan.ca Booking photo of Kenneth Chesebro released by Fulton County Sheriff's Office after his surrender on August 23. 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. Striking workers at Ford Michigan Assembly Plant Anger is growing among autoworkers over being kept in the dark by the United Auto Workers bureaucracy about the content of its supposed negotiations with the corporations. From week to week, the UAW is keeping workers uninformed until the last minute as to whether their factory will be called on strike, or whether they will again be ordered to continue working without a contract. Three weeks since the expiration of the September 15 contracts for 146,000 GM, Ford and Stellantis workers, only 25,000 UAW membersor 17 percent of the membershiphave been called on strike. Those still on the job are working under expired contracts and being subjected to speed up, harassment by management, and unpredictable schedules and weekly income. Whatever UAW President Fain announces at his Friday afternoon Facebook event, it will be aimed at continuing to isolate workers and wear down their resistance to a sellout that the UAW bureaucracy worked out with the corporations and the Biden administration long ago. On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal published a report again revealing the negligible impact of the UAWs stand up strike policy. The Journal wrote, Three weeks in, the United Auto Workers strike against Detroits carmakers has nearly all the hallmarks of a dug-in labor battle: euphoric worker walkouts, rushed contingency plans, wall-to-wall media coverage and fiery rhetoric. The one thing missingat least so faris much financial pain, on either side. Unlike the 2019 strike by 45,000 GM workers that shut down the companys operations and cost it $1 billion in the first two weeks, GM has only lost $200 million in the third quarter due to the current strike, or less than half a percent of its revenues. The five GM, Ford and Stellantis factories targeted by the UAW only account for about 16 percent of the vehicles produced in North America, the Journal notes, adding, the plants where the companies full-size pickup trucks and large SUVs are madetheir most-profitable vehiclesremain humming. Its creating a lot of headlines, Colin Langan, a Wells Fargo analyst, told the newspaper. Financially, its not very impactful at all. It is true that the strike has not hurt the companies, or the UAW bureaucracy for that matter, which is protecting its $825 million strike fund, which has long financed the bloated salaries and affluent lifestyles of the UAW apparatus. But Fains stand up strategy has certainly hurt the workers. Ford announced this week 400 layoffs at the Livonia Transmission and Sterling Axle plants near Detroit, bringing its total layoffs over the last two weeks to 1,330. GM has laid off 2,175 workers at component factories that supply plants that are on strike or use parts from those plants. In addition, about 30 percent of independent parts suppliers have laid off some workers because of the strike, and that figure is expected to rise significantly by mid-October, according to a survey by Automotive News. This includes more than 1,110 workers at Dana axle plants in Toledo, Ohio and Ft. Wayne, Indiana and 300 workers at US Steel in Granite City, Illinois. Also among the laid-off parts workers are nearly 1,000 UAW members at Lear Seating in Hammond, Indiana. The UAW refused to call a strike for weeks at the plant, despite workers there rejecting three union-backed contracts and voting by 94 percent for a strike. The plant was finally idled once the UAW called a strike at the nearby Ford Assembly plant, where the company has stockpiled inventory. To add insult to injury, the UAW is denying strike pay to Lear workers, forcing them onto Indiana state unemployment. Theres more to this than what were being told In the Big Three plants that are still working, temporary workers are having their days reduced to two or three times a week, threatening these workers with evictions and utility shutoffs. This is a transparent effort both by the corporations and the UAW to use economic desperation to get these workers to vote for a rotten deal because of a several thousand dollar signing bonus. I am outraged that the company would intentionally treat their employees this way, a Stellantis temporary part-time worker at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant told the WSWS. No matter what their status is, supplemental or full time, we are all employees. This shows the world the character of this corporation. As for the UAW, I believe they are being paid off by the company and they arent in solidarity with us, the way they would like us to believe. Theres more to this than what were being told, a worker at the Stellantis Detroit Assembly Complex told the WSWS. Youre not striking the factories that are bringing the real money in. Youre striking the ones that are just costing them a few million and letting the companies get by. We all have bills to pay. They arent paying us anything while their pockets are getting fatter and fatter. We need to target the factories that are building these trucks and the ones building all these components. I guarantee you they will be changing their tune and sign on the dotted line instantly. But everybody has to stick together and do it the right way. Thats what a union is supposed to do but they arent doing it. The way its sounding, every week he [Fain] gets on there and wants to talk, but hes steadily targeting the less profitable plants, and the big ones that are really going to put a big dent in them and make them get up and move their feet, he wont do it. My thing is, either youre with them or youre with us, because you cant be for both. You cant straddle the fence. If we know youre not with us, that way well know what our next step is. Im for an all-out strike. The efforts by the Fain administration to force 3,500 Mack Trucks workers to accept a sellout deal must be taken as a warning to all workers. The UAW announced a deal 10 minutes before workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida were ready to walk out on October 2 without releasing any details. According to the highlights of the deal it includes an average annual raise of 4 percent, maintains the two-tier system, and will add an extra half hour of work, at straight time, to workers at the Macungie, Pennsylvania, plant to increase production by 1,600 trucks a year. This has provoked widespread opposition, which is being led by the Mack Workers Rank-and-File Committee, and workers are preparing to reject the sellout deal at ratification meetings on Sunday. There is a growing movement of the working class, with the strike by 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers, 1,100 Michigan Blue Cross workers, the 99 percent strike vote by Detroit casino workers and other struggles. Autoworkers are expanding the network of rank-and-file committees to fight for the transfer of power and decision-making from the UAW apparatus to workers on the shop floor. These committees are opposing the information blackout by the UAW bureaucracy and fighting for workers to demand the convening of emergency mass membership meeting at every union local to vote for an all-out strike to win workers demands. Example of deepfake creation in London By Martin Coulter LONDON (Reuters) - A cross-party coalition of 65 British lawmakers called on Friday for a pause in use of live facial recognition surveillance on the country's streets. The use of the technology in Britain has long been criticised by civil liberties groups such as Amnesty International, and faces a blanket ban in the European Union. British police have previously deployed live facial recognition at a number of large-scale public events, including the recent coronation of King Charles II. The move comes after policing minister Chris Philp, speaking at the ruling Conservative party's annual conference this week, suggested a new database of British passports could be used to catch criminals through biometric surveillance, drawing criticism from some. In a joint statement published on Friday, lawmakers from across the political spectrum said: "We call on UK police and private companies to immediately stop using live facial recognition for public surveillance." Signatories included veteran Conservative MP David Davis, Labour politicians Diane Abbott and John McDonnell, and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey. A number of non-profits and charities backed the campaign, including Big Brother Watch, the Runnymede Trust and Foxglove. "This dangerously authoritarian technology has the potential to turn populations into walking ID cards in a constant police line-up," said Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch. "There must be an urgent stop to live facial recognition, parliamentary scrutiny, and a much wider democratic debate before we introduce such privacy-altering technology to British life." (Reporting by Martin Coulter; Editing by Alex Richardson) The following statement was drafted jointly by members of the Rail Workers Rank-and-File Committee in the United States and the National Steel Car Rank-and-File Committee in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in support of the close to 170,000 autoworkers engaged in a contract battle against the Detroit Three on both sides of the Canada-US border. We strongly urge autoworkers and workers from other economic sectors to fill out the form that follows this statement on building a rank-and-file committee at your plant or workplace. Brothers and sisters, The members of the National Steel Car Rank-and-File Committee (NSC-RFC) and the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee (RWRFC) stand in solidarity with our autoworker brothers and sisters on both sides of the border. This joint statement is an expression of the fundamental links of struggle between workers internationally. We at the NSC-RFC and RWRFC can see that you are at a major crossroads. We see you itching at the chance to fight back against the auto companies to regain what youve lost over four decades of concessions, and to prevent the jobs bloodbath that will come with an employer-organized transition to electric vehicle production. We also see you having to deal with the union bureaucracies of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Unifor that have no interest in leading a fight against the auto companies. The UAW in the United States and Unifor in Canada have friends in high places and, as such, these labor bureaucracies enjoy a privileged position in the ruling circles of both countries. It is this privileged position they are protecting when they cut sellout deals with the companies. They then tell you to take these deals, claiming this is the best we can get or well get them next time. Of course, the same song and dance is repeated next time. NEXT TIME IS NOW! Autoworkers must learn the main lesson from the struggles of rail workers and NSC workers, which is the need to build rank-and-file committees in every plant as independent fighting organizations of the working class. These committees must be independent of the pro-company unions and made up of ordinary shop-floor employees. Striking autoworkers on the picket line at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. Although it is now more than 3 weeks since the Detroit Three contracts expired, the UAW has sanctioned strike action by less than one-fifth of the workforce. [AP Photo/Paul Sancya] During last years explosive railroad workers struggle, after exhausting the bargaining process under the American Railway Labor Act, the rail union bureaucracies collaborated with the US government to block a strike by railroaders and force a hated agreement upon workers. Railroad workers had voted overwhelmingly in their various unions to strike. The democratic will of workers was subverted by the trade union bureaucracies through endless cooling off periods. These were extended until after the 2022 Congressional midterm elections, allowing Congress time to construct anti-strike legislation. This also gave Congress political cover until after the election. This was all accomplished under the watch of the administration of President Joe Biden, who has in the past boasted of being the most pro union president in history. In truth, he supports and collaborates closely with the union bureaucrats, not the workers they claim to represent. Members of the Democratic Socialists of America also voted in favor of the anti-worker strikebreaking legislation. Throughout the rail workers struggle, the RWRFC fought to mobilize and organize workers against every effort by the rail union bureaucracies to impose concessions-filled contracts. The committee unified workers across trades and held meetings at which hundreds of workers were able to democratically discuss their demands and how to oppose the treachery of the union leaderships. The recent experience of workers at National Steel Car in Canada was fundamentally the same. The United Steelworkers Union (USW) bureaucracy fully intended to force through a sellout contract from the start and avert a strike. However, it was a rank-and-file rebellion against the bureaucracy, which found its clearest expression in the establishment of the NSC-RFC, that forced a strike. Without a strong willingness to fight among the rank-and-file, combined with the intervention of the World Socialist Web Site, NSCs initial concessionary contract proposal would likely have passed. At a mass meeting on June 25, the Steelworkers apparatus used their tried and true playbook to sell us out, by refusing to oppose and even talking up NSCs entirely inadequate offer, making clear they had no intention of leading a fight. The level of opposition was evident at this meeting, where the negotiating committee was treated like a bunch of crooks, heckled and booed by the workers. Recognizing that openly backing the deal could provoke an explosive response from the workers that it would struggle to control and determined to avoid a direct conflict with the company, the Local 7135 negotiating committee refused to make a Yes or No recommendation. We voted to reject the offer and walked out at midnight June 29. We did not receive strike pay until the third week of the strike. The strike pay was C$260 a week. The USW has $850 million in its strike and defence fund, the same as the UAW! The NSC-RFC was formed to give the rank-and-file members a fighting option they would not otherwise have under the USW. It proposed a strategy to broaden the strike and hit the owner of NSC in other places to give us a chance at winning, including by expanding the struggle to rail workers handling NSC cars. The USW did absolutely nothing but keep us isolated while bringing their favored big-business politicians from the Liberal Party and New Democratic Party, and other union bureaucrats, to the picket line. The USWs hostility towards our democratic rights is replicated throughout the union bureaucracies on both sides of the Canada-US border. The UAW has shown time and again its disdain for workers democratic rights, most recently in its flagrant disregard of the overwhelming strike vote by 150,000 autoworkers. Nearly three weeks after the expiration of their contracts, the UAW bureaucracy has kept more than four-fifths of Detroit Three workers on the job producing profits for the auto giants as part of its phony stand-up strike. As for Unifor, it violated its own rules to ram through a sham contract at Ford Canada last month, giving workers less than 24 hours to vote using an online system that excluded many from participating. These betrayals are indicative of the degeneration and fecklessness of the trade union bureaucracy, beholden to government power. In the interests of the US and Canadian governments unquenchable thirst for war directed towards Russia and China, these worker struggles must be repressed at all costs. The fragile supply chain must continue to function to satiate US and Canadian imperialism and prepare a redivision of the world. Contracts are up on both sides of the border at the same time and auto workers are facing the very same issues. Yet the UAW and Unifor attempt at every turn to prevent this from becoming an international fight to save jobs and income by fomenting American and Canadian nationalism. The UAW and Unifor pit workers on both sides of the border against each other again, in a race to the bottom. They are marketing their workers to the auto companies as the cheaper option. This corporatist and nationalist outlook, which subordinates workers basic needs to capitalist profit, characterizes the AFL-CIO, CLC and Unifor bureaucracies and is the reason why they act in the manner that they do. We are now facing a period where industry is so interconnected that international borders are virtually meaningless. To build an automobile, parts and pieces cross the Mexican/US/Canadian border several times. Insofar as these borders mean anything at all, it is to bring forward corporate and military blocs and alliances to maintain the obscene profits of corporations and wage war. This is why the governments have stepped in and forced contracts on rail workers and dockworkers in the US and Canada. And it is undoubtedly why Mr. Biden has such a keen interest in the negotiations between the UAW and the auto companies. These struggles are not merely economic. There is a political component as well. Economic, as demonstrated by a continual degradation of living standards for the working class and in that these attacks on workers are implemented to feed big business insatiable need to increase profits. Political, in the need to keep supply lines operating in service to an imperialist war machine. Political, also in the recognition that no political party of the ruling class will work to alleviate the plight of the working class. Rather, they use political power to enforce the dictates of the Wall and Bay Street financial elites. The numerous political, economic, and social crises that confront the working class are the result of the capitalist system, i.e., capitalist ownership of the means of production and the division of the world into rival nation states. To wage an effective struggle, autoworkers must build rank-and-file committees at every factory, affiliate with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, smash the union bureaucracies and restore power to workers on the shop floor. Just as the system of capitalist production operates on a worldwide scale, so must the workers movement. Workers must bring the fight to the world arena and link up rank-and-file committees across every industrial sector and across all countries of the world. The potential to develop such a movement was underscored by socialist candidate for UAW president Will Lehman, who won 5,000 votes in the unions first national election for its top office in 2022. Will ran on a platform of dismantling the bureaucracy and placing decision making into the hands of the rank and file. A central message of his campaign was the need to unify American, Canadian, and Mexican autoworkers in a common struggle against the global operations of the auto giants. We urge our fellow workers in the auto, parts, and related industries who agree with this strategy to contact the WSWS today and begin the process of building a rank-and-file committee at your plant or workplace. In a move befitting a fascist regime, Indias Narendra Modi-led government is wantonly trampling on basic democratic rights to intimidate and silence the left-wing news website NewsClick. Following police raids Tuesday on its offices and the homes of scores of people associated with the website, police have arrested NewsClicks founder and Editor-in-Chief, Prabir Purkayastha, and Human Resources head Amit Chakraborty on frame-up terrorism charges. The now jailed Purkayastha and Chakraborty stand accused of offences under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), which allows the government to lock away persons for years on spurious charges without a court hearing and/or providing any sort of meaningful evidence against them. Since coming to power in 2014, Modis Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has repeatedly used the UAPA, which allows the state to circumvent constitutionally protected due process, and Indias sweeping sedition laws to persecute government opponents. Unsurprisingly, Indias courts, which have repeatedly given their imprimatur to the Modi governments ever more brazen evisceration of democratic rights, has sanctioned the UAPA charges against Purkayastha and Chakraborty and ordered them held in police custody for at least seven days. The authorities have alleged that NewsClick is being funded from China, a deliberately provocative claim as the Indian government has identified China as its principal strategic threat and has formed a de facto military alliance with US imperialism to encircle China. Since 2020, Beijing and New Delhi have been locked in a stand-off over their disputed border with each country forward deploying tens of thousands of troops, tanks, and warplanes. The governmentthrough the Delhi police, which are directly under the control of Indias Home Ministry, and the Finance Ministrys Enforcement Directoratehas accused the website of peddling Chinese propaganda and plot[ting] to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. NewsClick is in the crosshairs of the far-right Modi government because it is one of the few prominent news websites that is stridently critical of its actions, including its relentless promotion of communalism. NewsClick has also sought to expose the corrupt nexus between Modi and his close friend, the billionaire businessman Gautam Adani. In the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 3, hundreds of police mounted a dragnet-style operation across India, raiding offices and residences in order to interrogate scores of journalists, historians and researchers. These individuals were targeted either because they had written articles for NewsClick or were otherwise associated with it. According to the Press Trust of India, 88 locations in Delhi and seven in other states were raided. The raids in New Delhi were mounted by the Delhi Police (DP) special cell on economic offences and the Indian governments Enforcement Directorate (ED), a police agency set up to investigate financial crimes such as money laundering. The police reportedly interrogated the targeted individuals for an average of eight hours and seized their laptops, cell phones and other devices, including disk storage. In a flagrant demonstration of the raids true political motivations, the police demanded to know of those they interrogated whether they had covered the farmers revolt of 2020-21, the anti-Muslim attacks fomented by the BJP in Delhi in February 2020, or the governments ruinous response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those interrogated was the journalist and social activist Teesta Setalvad. At the instigation of Indias highest court, Setalvad is already facing grave criminal charges of fabricating evidence for her dogged efforts to reveal the role the then Modi-led Gujarat state government and senior police officials played in the 2002 Gujarat anti-Muslim pogrom. The authorities have sealed the offices of NewsClick. The website, which continues to post material, issued a statement following Tuesdays raid which pointed to the polices brazen violations of due process. We have not been provided with a copy of the FIR (preliminary police report), or informed about the exact particulars of the offences with which we have been charged. Electronic devices were seized from the NewsClick premises and homes of employees, without any adherence to due process such as the provision of seizure memos, hash values of the seized data, or even copies of the data. NewsClicks office has also been sealed in a blatant attempt at preventing us from continuing our reporting. NewsClick has been hounded since 2021 on money laundering charges, purportedly for receiving foreign funds. Even after two years of so-called investigation, during which the authorities have scrutinized Newsclicks records, neither the DP nor ED have been able to file an official complaint against it in the courts. Demonstration by activists and journalists in front of New York Times building denouncing persecution of NewsClick. [Photo: Radio Free Amanda/Twitter or X] The charge of NewsClick carrying Chinese propaganda comes after the New York Times (NYT) published a particularly foul anti-China, hit-piece article on August 5 that purported to unravel financial networks [that] push Chinese talking points. From the Times standpoint, such talking points include any criticism of US imperialisms all-sided strategic offensive and war preparations against China. The Times article singled out an American IT specialist and businessman, Neville Roy Singham, who it claimed is known as a socialist benefactor of far-left causes and works closely with the Chinese government. According to the article, Singham has financed NewsClick which has sprinkled its coverage with Chinese government talking points. This nasty, US intelligence agency-scripted expose from Americas so-called newspaper of record has provided the grist for the Modi government to intensify its persecution of NewsClick and bring charges against two of its most senior personnel under the UAPA. The police are also trying to connect their case against the NewsClick editor-in-chief Purkayastha with another notorious UAPA frame-up caseknown as the Bhima Koregaon casein which a group of anti-government writers and social activists, labelled urban Naxhalites by the police and BJP, have been accused of inciting communal violence and colluding with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). In court documents police have reportedly pointed to the friendship between NewsClicks editor-in-chief and one of the accused in the Bhima Koregaon (or Elgar Parishad) case, civil rights activist Gautam Navlakha. It also has claimed Navlakha is a NewsClick shareholder and that Chinese funds were dispersed to him via NewsClick. There has been widespread condemnation of the Modi government for its recourse to police-state tactics and against the NYT for its filthy role in facilitating Modis assault on the press. Protesters picketed the Times Manhattan office on Tuesday to draw attention to the witch-hunt against NewsClick and the Times role in it. There have also been protests involving hundreds of journalists and activists in New Delhi and Hyderabad in south India. Fifteen Indian press organisations, including the Press Club of India, Digipub News India Foundation and the Indian Womens Press Corps, have written to the Chief Justice of Indias Supreme Court urging him to intervene to protect constitutionally guaranteed press freedoms. Subjecting journalists, they wrote, to a concentrated criminal process because the government disapproves of their coverage of national and international affairs is an attempt to chill the press by the threat of reprisalthe very ingredient you identified as a threat to freedom. Throughout its nine-year rule, the Modi government has used repressive methods to muzzle journalists, political activists, and even foreign news organisations that have criticized its conduct. One of the most prominent instances was the massive raid by Income Tax officials on the British broadcaster, the BBC, in February of this year. The BBC was targeted after it aired documentaries pointing to the central role Modi played, when Chief Minister of Gujarat, in instigating and facilitating the February 2002 massacre of at least 2,000 innocent Muslims. Similarly, in July 2021, the same Indian tax authorities raided the offices of TV channel Bharat Samachar and Hindi-newspaper Dainik Bhaskar for tax evasion. These organisations came under the governments scanner after they exposed some of the horrors that resulted from the governments criminal indifference to the COVID-19 pandemic, and drew attention to the governments routine spying on journalists, politicians and activists using the Israeli-origin Pegasus spy software. Even the mainstream newsmagazine and website Outlook was forced to concede this week: Over the last decade, countless Indian journalists have been targeted by probe agencies and many have been put behind bars. While the charges framed against them have been over alleged terror links or illegal funding and anti-national activities, these journalists are usually renowned for their detailed reportage, usually not much in favour of the government. The Modi governments assault on the press has been especially egregious in Kashmir. There journalists are routinely arrested and charged with criminal offences for reporting anything inimical to the narrative of the Modi government. In October 2020, police sealed the Srinagar offices of the long-established Kashmir Times. At least five Kashmiri journalists are currently indefinitely detained under the UAPA Asif Sultan, Fahad Shah, Sajad Gul, Manan Gulzar Dar, and Irfan Mehraj. The Socialist Equality Party urges workers to take up a fight against the shutdown of steelmaking at Molycop in Newcastle. The 250 jobs must be saved, the companys attack defeated! Such a struggle is possible and necessary. Necessary, because the mass sackings and the end of steel production threaten social devastation. Claims by management and the unions of voluntary redundancies and just transitions are a sham. Workers with years of experience face being thrown on the scrapheap. Inside Molycops Waratah plant in Newcastle, New South Wales. [Photo: Molycop] That is what has happened when industries have been shut and mass sackings imposed, from the end of car production, to the decimation of steel itself. Two years after the closure of the General Motors Holden plant in Adelaide, 23 percent of workers had not found another job. Of those that did, two-thirds were in precarious, low-paid employment. The Molycop sackings would have a flow-on impact. Contractors will be hit hard. The cuts would help ensure young people in Newcastle will never know stable employment. They would face a future in the gig economy. Any conception that the jobs not slated for destruction are safe would be a delusion. Such promises have been made before, and sacrifices extracted, including for the positions now being destroyed. The claims of the Australian Workers Union (AWU) and Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) that nothing can be done are a lie. Molycop is not on the verge of bankruptcy. The purpose of the shutdown is to attract maximum returns for an initial public offering by American Industrial Partners (AIP), which owns the company and is raking in at least $25 billion in consolidated portfolio revenue. It is these finance capital interests that are dictating. AIP functions like all private equity firms, scouring the globe for cheap returns and restructuring, whatever the cost to workers. The unions, which represent the interests of their bureaucracies, defend these profit interests to the hilt. They are a police force of management, doing everything they can to ensure an orderly closure. Their model is the shutdown of BHPs Newcastle steelworks in the late 1990s. That directly destroyed over 2,800 jobs and 8,000 more in related industries. The union bureaucrats, sitting on six-figure salaries and tied to the corporations, are trying to do another job on behalf of big business. They can afford further mass sackings, which will not impact their livelihoods. Workers cannot. The union officials have demonstrated their opposition to a fight to defend jobs. That is clear by their declarations that workers must bow down to the current cuts. But it is also demonstrated by the entire role of the unions spanning decades. Working in partnership with the corporations and governments, especially Labor, they have forced through round after round of sackings that have eliminated hundreds of thousands of jobs in steel and other manufacturing since the beginning of the 1980s. Workers must take matters into their own hands. As a first step, the SEP calls for the formation of a Molycop workers rank-and-file committee. It must be elected by workers and be independent of the union bureaucracy and management. Workers can begin to plan a definite fight. An appeal can be made to working people throughout Newcastle, to take up a struggle in defence of jobs and ensure a future in the region. Such a committee could link up with other workers, including steel. They will understand that what is underway is an attempt by the corporations and the unions to finish the decades-long destruction of the industry. Preparations can be made for joint industrial and political action, not only at Molycop but more broadly. Such a struggle requires a rejection of the nationalist poison peddled by the unions. Their claims that Chinese steel production and Chinese workers are to blame is another lie. There has been restructuring and cuts in the steel industry globally, including China, as part of a broader offensive against workers everywhere. The line of the unions is aimed at dividing workers, and hiding the responsibility of AIP and capitalism. It is the same position unions take in every country to block a struggle and line workers up behind their own corporations. That is an endless race to the bottom, with workers pitted against one another to see who will work for the lowest wages and conditions. The alternative is a unified fight globally, including in steel. Internationally the working class is returning to struggle. It is doing so in rebellion against the unions, which have suppressed the class struggle for forty years and enforced round after round of pay and job cuts. In the US, there is a developing upsurge. Auto workers are straining against attempts of the UAW union to prevent an all-out strike against wage- and condition-cutting demands. Molycop workers should join this developing movement. They are in a fight against not only the company, but the union bureaucracy, Fair Work and the government. That was underscored by the visit of Prime Minister Albanese to Newcastle one day before Molycop announced the sackings. He has not said a word about them. Labor is trying to place the burden of the economic crisis on workers. It has pledged to boost productivity, i.e., profits. The SEP calls on workers to adopt as their watchword: not a single job lost! The interests of workers must take precedence over the profits of AIP! If Molycop declares it does not have enough money for jobs, it should be placed under public ownership and democratic workers control to ensure no sackings. That must form part of a broader struggle by workers against capitalism, which subordinates everything to profit. The onslaught on jobs and conditions underscores the need for a socialist perspective, aimed at reorganising society to meet the needs of workers, not the dictates of the financial elite. The Socialist Equality Party pledges to provide all possible political assistance to Molycop workers in establishing a rank-and-file committee and taking up a fight to defend their jobs. We urge workers to contact us today to discuss this perspective. The politically influential, state-supported Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) has responded to the political firestorm triggered by the Canadian parliaments standing ovation for the Nazi war criminal Yaroslav Hunka by forthrightly defending him and the all-Ukrainian Waffen-SS Galicia Division in which he served. On the front page of its website, the UCC is prominently promoting a statement issued by the University of Torontos Chair of Ukrainian Studies, Paul Robert Magocsi, that obscures the relationship between the Galicia Division and the Waffen-SSthe elite Nazi unit principally responsible for the Holocaust, the violent suppression of civilian discontent and countless other atrocitiesand that emphatically denies the Divisions involvement in any war crimes. Full of historical distortions and outright lies, the statement culminates with the declaration that it is not in the interests of Canada to besmirch the reputation of an individual, i.e., Hunka, who volunteered for the Waffen-SS in 1943 at the age of 18. Yaroslav Hunka (front center) among Nazi Waffen-SS Galicia Division troops. [Photo: Ivan Katchanovski/Twitter or X] That the UCC should unreservedly defend Ukrainian fascists who collaborated with and participated in some of the most monstrous of the crimes committed by the Nazi regime should come as no surprise. The organization has been the chief Canadian advocate for Waffen-SS Galicia veterans for three-quarters of a century. Following the Third Reichs ignominious defeat, it led lobbying efforts to bring up to 2,000 of these blood-drenched war criminals to Canada. Relying on funding from and its extensive ties with successive Canadian governments, the UCC has defended the Waffen-SS Galicia veterans against all efforts to hold them to account as part of the organizations broader effort to whitewash the criminal record of the fascist Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsboth of whose rival factions, led respectively by Andriy Melnyk and Stepan Bandera, collaborated with the Nazis in the Holocaust and their war of annihilation against the Soviet Union. The UCC prepared the political terrain for its explicit defence of Hunka and the Waffen-SS with a terse, obliquely-worded statement issued six days after parliaments saluting of the 98-year-old Nazi SS veteran and in which none of the words World War II, Nazi, Waffen-SS, Germany or Hunka appear. While ending with a bellicose denunciation of Russia for committing genocide against the Ukrainian people in the present war, the UCC statement conspicuously omits any mention of the real genocide perpetrated on Ukrainian soil during World War II by the Nazis, and in which the fascist Ukrainian OUN cadre were complicit. Magocsis statement was issued just two days after the September 22 special session of parliament at which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and MPs from all parties rose as one to acclaim the Ukrainian Nazi collaborator. As the World Socialist Web Site has explained in previous articles, the embrace of a Waffen-SS veteran arises out of the predatory character of the US/NATO war on Russia, which the imperialist powers instigated and are now waging with the aim of reducing Russia to a semi-colony as part of a new redivision of the world. This requires bringing forward and forming alliances with the most reactionary political forces in the world. Magocsis statement begins with a gross historical distortion. It portrays the Waffen-SS Galicia Division as an ordinary German army unit. He writes, The Third Reich had an army (the Wehrmacht)The German army organized military units comprised of members of the various peoples it conquered in Central and Eastern Europe, including Russians and the unit comprised primarily of ethnic Ukrainians was known as the Galicia Division of the Waffen-SS. In fact, the Galicia Division was part of the Waffen-SS, the Nazis elite troop of mass murderers who were most directly implicated in the Holocaust and other horrific war crimes. Membership in the Waffen-SS was entirely voluntary, requiring those who joined to show a political and ideological affinity with the Nazis fascism and anti-Semitism, including swearing allegiance to Adolph Hitler. So thoroughly implicated was the Waffen-SS in the Nazis most horrendous war crimes during World War II that at the Nuremberg Trials, it was declared a criminal organization as a whole, with membership in the organization sufficient to press war crimes charges. Two further important facts underscore the utterly disingenuous character of Magocsis suggestion that the Waffen-SS Galicia Division was comparable to other Nazi-organized divisions of conquered peoples. First, it ignores how the Melnyk wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists actively campaigned for the formation of a Waffen-SS division as a means to boost support in Berlin for an independent Ukraine in a Nazi-dominated Europe. Second, it glosses over the extent to which the region of Galicia was at the heart of the Nazis reign of terror. With the enthusiastic support of local Ukrainian nationalists, hundreds of thousands of Jews in the area were exterminated. As the WSWS noted yesterday, the more than 500,000 Jews from eastern Galicia who perished in the Holocaust accounted for one in 11 of the total of 6 million exterminated across the continent. Magocsi censors all this from his mendacious fact-sheet-style account. He makes just one fleeting reference to the Holocaust and only to falsely claim that the Galicia Division was in no way complicit in it. He fails to make mention of the Nazis war of annihilation against the USSR, in which the extermination of much of the population was an avowed goal in order to create lebensraum (living space) for the German volk. It led to the deaths of at least 27 million Soviet citizens and created conditions for the Holocaust to be carried out. There is simply no proof that the Galicia Division engaged in war crimes connected with the Holocaust of Jews or ethnic cleansing directed against Poles, Magocsi continues. In support of this lie, he cites the findings of the 1985-86 Deschenes Commission into war criminals in Canada. In reality, as the WSWS noted yesterday, it has been demonstrated incontrovertibly that the Waffen-SS Galicia Division was directly involved in at least three massacres, in Pidkamin, Huta-Pieniacka and Palikrowy. In Huta-Pieniacka, the 4th Battalion of the SS Division Galicia murdered all Polish inhabitants on February 28, 1944estimates of the number of victims range from 500 to 1,200and burned down the entire village. As for the Deschenes Commission, it was a whitewash organized by the Tory government of the day and under the influence of the far-right UCC. It refused to accept evidence from the Soviet Union and Poland, where the vast majority of eye witnesses to the war crimes of the Waffen-SS Galicia Division lived. The Commission found that members of the Galicia Division were not guilty of war crimes due to a legal technicality. Since Canada was not a signatory to the London Statutes establishing the Nuremberg Tribunals, it found that the Nuremberg ruling that all Waffen-SS members were war criminals had no standing in Canadian law. According to its terms of reference, the Commission was forbidden from investigating the decisions of previous Canadian governments, including the decision to admit up to 2,000 members of the Waffen-SS following the war. Yet it based its ruling that Galicia Division members were not war criminals in part on the supposed vetting undertaken by the Canadian government when they were admitted to the country! In truth, no substantive vetting took place. The Canadian states embrace of the Nazis fascist collaborators in Ukraine and elsewhere in Eastern Europe was a policy pursued in cooperation with its closest allies, US and British imperialism. Washington cultivated extensive relations with ex-Nazis and their collaborators as part of its anti-communist Cold War policy, which involved the waging of wars and fomenting of bloody coups with the most right-wing political forces around the world. The UCC played a key role during this period by leading the campaign inside and outside parliament to bring the war criminals to Canada. It disguised the Galicia Divisions Waffen-SS origins by describing it as the First Division of the Ukrainian National Army. By 1985, the UCCs influence had grown to such an extent that both it and an organization representing the Galicia Division veterans received official standing before the Deschenes Commission, giving them powers to cross-examine witnesses and aggressively push for evidence to be excluded. The UCCs political influence within Canadian ruling circles today has never been stronger, owing to the prominent role it has played since 2014 in assisting Ottawa in preparing and waging the war in Ukraine. In addition to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a lifelong UCC associate, the chief of staff to Canadas Defence Minister is a former UCC chief executive. Freelands maternal grandfather, Mykhailo Tschomiak, edited the fascist Ukrainian-language newspaper Krakivski Visti, which campaigned for and celebrated the formation of the Galicia Division. This helps explain why Canadas media has had virtually nothing to say about the UCCs Nazi apologetics following the standing ovation for Hunka. For almost a week, the organization said nothing at all and was not pressed to do so, even though a prominent delegation of at least a dozen UCC members was present in the parliamentary gallery and applauded rapturously like everyone else present. Then came the September 28 statement, which noted vaguely that there are difficult and painful pages in the shared history of the communities who made their home in Ukraine. The statement continued, The UCC acknowledges that recent events that brought these pages to the forefront have caused pain and anguish. Having managed to avoid mentioning the Holocaust or the tens of millions of Soviet citizensUkrainians includedwho fell victim to Nazi Germanys war of annihilation, the statement got back to the real concern of the UCC, the government, and the political establishment as a whole: urging unwavering support for the war against Russia. The fact that the UCC felt emboldened enough just one week later to openly embrace Hunkas Waffen-SS legacy, with its October 4 republication of Magocsis September 24 statement, is bound up with broader shifts within the ruling class. Faced with a wave of public revulsion at parliaments hailing of a Nazi war criminal, the Trudeau government and political establishment quickly rallied round a cover story. House Speaker Anthony Rota accepted full blame, while everyone else present feigned ignorance. In recent days, however, the tone has shifted. More and more voices can be heard in the media and in the academy openly defending Hunka and the Waffen-SS. The statement by Magocsi, a professor at one of Canadas most prestigious universities and Royal Society of Canada fellow, is only one of the most glaring examples of how the Nazis and their collaborators are being rehabilitated with the open support or cowardly silence of much of the well-paid, pro-war professoriat. Having used fascist forces like the Swoboda Party and the Azov Battalion to pursue their predatory objectives in Ukraine, the imperialist democracies are increasingly rehabilitating and reviving the most vile 20th century political traditions as they further escalate the war against Russia and move to the direct deployment of NATO forces in all-out war with their nuclear-armed strategic rival. VU Manufacturing, a supplier of car upholstery to GM, Stellantis, Tesla, and Toyota, laid off all 400 workers at its plant in Piedras Negras, Mexico, earlier this year after refusing to negotiate a contract with a new trade union called La Liga or The League. Workers now report being blacklisted by employers across Piedras Negras, on the border with Texas. In August 2022, workers had voted to install La Liga to replace the local gangsters of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), which has historically received dues and kickbacks from companies in exchange for enforcing conditions dictated by management. At VU, the CTM had never even requested a formal contract. Israel Cervantes with AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler [Photo: Casa Obrera del Bajio] The ruthless destruction of the livelihoods of 400 families explodes the narrative of a dawn of democratic and independent unions in Mexico under the watchful eye and sponsorship of the US and Canadian governments, working in tandem with their respective union bureaucracies. The Biden administration filed two complaints against VU under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreements Rapid Response Labor Mechanism, which has chiefly been used to promote new unions supported by the US and Canadian governments. In March, after a local court banned a strike authorization at the plant, La Liga again turned to appeals to the US and Mexican governments. Later that month, the US Department of Labor claimed it had reached an agreement that reflects a strong commitment from the company and the government of Mexico that the denial of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights will be properly remedied. During the following months, however, VU gradually slowed down and laid off its entire workforce, as automakers comfortably looked for other suppliers. It shut down the plant in July. The government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), who has been heavily promoted as pro-worker by the pseudo-left internationally, sat on its hands as it remarked that VU was violating the law. The government has since requisitioned the leftover machinery, claiming it will be used to pay the severance pay illegally denied to the last 71 workers laid off. The fired worker activists of La Liga have acknowledged that it will likely not be enough money. The response by the United Auto Workers, which belongs to the AFL-CIO, was entirely opportunistic. On September 26, a handful of UAW bureaucrats drove 20 miles from their Detroit offices for a publicity stunt at the VU headquarters in Troy, Michigan, where they proclaimed their international worker solidarity. The UAW apparatus exploited the plight of the Mexican workers to give itself an internationalist and militant facelift amid growing opposition to its bankrupt stand-up strike at the Big Three. Amid this supposedly historic contract battle with the three main auto companies in the United States, the UAW is not demanding that the automakers re-open the supplier plant and hire all VU workers with backpay. This would undoubtedly have a massive support among the rank-and-file. Moreover, according to Labor Notes, some products from Piedras Negras are being assigned to UAW auto parts plants at Adient, Magna and Yanfeng. Instead of acting to directly oppose this, the UAW bureaucrats, accompanied by their pseudo left backers of the Democratic Socialists of America and Labor Notes, briefly occupied the lobby of the VU offices. To attest to their sincerity, these forces brought with them Israel Cervantes, a former autoworker in Mexico and now an independent union organizer sponsored by the AFL-CIOs Solidarity Center. Cervantes, who is also being paraded at picket lines by the UAW, belonged to a group of rank-and-file workers at the General Motors plant in Silao opposed to the CTM union. Through the World Socialist Web Site, they came into contact with autoworkers in the United States and opposed overtime to support the 2019 US national strike at GM. As a result of these real actions of solidarity and their organizing, more than a dozen group members at Silao were fired. The Solidarity Center intervened with money and a group of lawyers to sideline the most militant workers who had been fired from the auto industry. These US-sponsored lawyers, Cervantes and also the Canadian union Unifor worked to impose a new independent union called SINTTIA, which was voted in last year, but is already facing a backlash from many workers who have told the WSWS that its as devoted to the corporation as the CTM. Significantly, SINTTIA has refused to fight for the rehiring of the workers that began the rebellion at GM Silao, who remain blacklisted across the auto industry. Both, SINTTIA and La Liga are expanding to other workplaces with the support of activists from the Solidarity Center, including through a recently established Labor Center in Queretaro in partnership with UCLA and the mining union Los Mineros, led by Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, a Senator of the ruling party Morena and a longtime partner of the United Steelworkers and AFL-CIO. Los Mineros and Gomez Urrutia gained notoriety in 2006, when a methane explosion killed 65 workers at a mine only about 80 miles south of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, only two weeks after the union had approved a report deeming the mine safe. La Liga was formed by the Comite Fronterizo de Obrer@s (CFO, Workers Border Committee), which helped pioneer the modus operandi used by the Solidarity Center in Mexico and other countries. In a series of videos published in 2008, a group of former CFO organizers described how a layer of workers that encountered the organization became trained as union organizers with money coming from the US union apparatus. One of them, Margarita Ramirez Parada, left the CFO after an incident similar to the VU layoffs. In 2005, the CFO had formed an independent union committee against the CTM leadership at the auto-parts plant Macoelmex in Piedras Negras. The owners, multinational Alcoa, responded through mass layoffs (cutting the workforce from 4,500 to 1,200), temp contracts, wage and benefit cuts and other attacks. Ramirez explains: I organized more than 1,500 workers, about 200 of whom were fired. Julia Quinones, the longtime leader of the CFO, had promised to support those fired, Ramirez explains, because there was a special organization that was supporting the movementsome American unions that donated more than $10,000 as a first assistance package, and workers got no support. All those fired went to the office and she would refuse to see them, hide, and told me to hide as well I realized that those were not the principles the organization claimed to uphold. Ramirez reports that she witnessed other companies carry out mass layoffs in response to CFO organizing. As described by researchers Edme Dominguez Reyez and Cirila Quintero Ramirez in a 2018 publication, the CFO was founded in 1978 in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, as an activist initiative of the American Friend Service Committee, a Quaker religious organization, to expose company misconduct. Initially, trade unionism was not particularly encouraged as CFO distrusted corporate unions, but This attitude gradually changed, especially after the financial support by AFSC ended in 2010 and they became closer to the Solidarity Centre of the AFL-CIO. They then turned more fully to training trade unionists in partnership with the National Union of Workers (UNT) in Mexico, they report. The UNT, itself a split of the union bureaucracy from the CTM, were the first and the closest partners of the AFL-CIO since US imperialism switched its strategy in Mexico in 1997 from backing the increasingly discredited CTM to establishing a new bureaucracy more closely controlled by the US. In the words of the New York Times at the time, the AFL-CIO chief John Sweeney and the Clinton administration hoped to change the fossilized labor system south of the border. These efforts coincided with the need to suppress the class struggle and wages during the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which further integrated Mexican cheap labor and natural resources into a North American economic bloc to compete with the rivals of US and Canadian imperialism. Today, with the new USMCA aimed particularly against China, the effort to establish new US and Canadian-sponsored unions is being intensified, with US Vice President Kamala Harris announcing in 2021 a fund of $130 million to support democratic unions in Mexico. In 2019, when tens of thousands of workers carried out wildcat strikes against the CTM and transnational corporations in Matamoros and marched to the border to call on US workers to join them in struggle, all the AFL-CIO partners like the CFO, UNT, Mineros, the Electricians Union (SME) and others parachuted in to channel the rebellion back behind the CTM and then the formation of another US-backed independent union SNITIS. The initial demand of a 100 percent raise was dropped and changed to a 20 percent raise and a bonus. Companies took advantage of this suppression and took massive reprisals, including the firing of over 6,500 workers, including those that showed the most militancy. The AFL-CIO and its independent partners in Mexico maintained an entirely nationalist and pro-capitalist perspective and opposed any joint struggle against these reprisals. Now, Matamoros workers at the plants with SNITIS tell the World Socialist Web Site that conditions have not changed. Last December, Lorenzo Rodriguez Jimenez, himself trained in a UNT program sponsored by the German government-funded Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation (FES), announced he was leaving the independent union of agricultural laborers SINDJA in Baja California, after being voted out of the leadership. He said in the video that SINDJA had come entirely under control of the US government: The NED [National Endowment for Democracy] hands economic resources to SINDJA of unknown quantity since the [unions new] indigenous Zapoteca leader [Abelina Ramirez] and her advisers of the AFL-CIO refuse to be transparent about that information The problem is that the US government is financing the union and ordering it to hire this lawyer. And that becomes a new corrupt lawyer kidnapping the union. The National Endowment for Democracy, which provides virtually all funds for the Solidarity Center, was formed by Washington to carry out operations previously organized by the CIA. The CIA has a long record of working with the AFL-CIO globally to fund trade unions that have supported numerous US-backed coups and military dictatorships across Latin America, resulting in the imprisonment, torture and death of tens of thousands of workers. Washington is determined to closely integrate Mexico and much of Latin America to its plans to escalate economic and military conflicts with Russia and China, both nuclear-armed powers. The new trade union bureaucracies that US imperialism has been building for over two decades in the region are designed to play a key role in crushing any rebellion that could hamper these plans. Above all, the new apparatus is charged with keeping workers divided along national lines. All statements and stunts of solidarity between bureaucracies are aimed at covering this up. The road to real international unity among workers can only be organized from the shop floor and in uncompromising opposition to all union and political organizations tied to the capitalist state and US imperialism. This is the aim of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. The outlines of a reactionary deal between President Joe Biden and congressional Republicans have begun to become clear in the aftermath of the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The essence of the budding agreement is for the House Republicans to approve billions in additional US military aid to Ukraine in return for the Democratic president agreeing to stepped-up repressive measures against migrants seeking to cross the US-Mexico border and gain asylum and employment in the United States. The Biden administration carried out two such measures since McCarthy was removed as speaker on Tuesday in the first such action by the House of Representatives in US history. On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that it was waiving the application of 26 federal environmental laws in order to go forward with a 20-mile extension of the border wall between the US and Mexico, mainly in Starr County, Texas, on the Rio Grande. This was a direct repudiation of Bidens campaign pledge in 2020 not to build another foot of the wall begun under the Trump administration. Migrants wait along the border wall near Yuma, Arizona. [AP Photo/Gregory Bull] On Thursday, the DHS said it would begin deporting asylum seekers from Venezuela who had recently crossed into the United States illegally. This slammed the door shut on the ongoing flood of migrants from Venezuela, triggered by the massive economic crisis in that country precipitated by the US economic sanctions and de facto blockade, aimed at destabilizing and overthrowing the government of President Nicolas Maduro, which is at odds with US foreign policy in the region. Last month, amid great fanfare, the Biden administration had announced it would issue temporary work permits for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants now in the US. The two actions combined amounted to a declaration that the Biden administration is embracing the vicious anti-migrant policies advocated by Trump and the Republicans over the past eight years, since Trump descended the escalator in his Manhattan tower to slander immigrants from Mexico as murderers and rapists. Bidens actions are so clearly aimed at wooing Republican support for Ukraine fundingthe principal issue underlying McCarthys demise as party leader in the Housethat even the Washington press corps was compelled to raise it. At a photo-op with General Charles Q. Brown, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there was a shouted question to Biden, Mr. President, are you going to tie Ukraine aid to the border? Biden ducked the question, but he responded to a follow-up: You pledged not to build another foot of border wall. What changed? The president claimed nothing had changed. But there were already headlines in major newspapers about the reversal, and a Trump statement gloating that his border policies had been vindicated. This sequence of events confirms the analysis made yesterday on the WSWS, in the perspective statement McCarthys downfall, the Democratic Party and the escalation of the US-NATO war against Russia. We warned that the Democrats are pledging to collaborate with the domestic agenda of the Republicans in exchange for guarantees that funding for Ukraine is untouchable. The trigger event for McCarthys ouster was his decision Saturday night, September 30, to support a continuing resolution (CR) that would enable federal agencies to keep spending money for 45 days into the new fiscal year, thus averting a federal shutdown. The legislation did not contain additional funding for the war in Ukraine, nor the draconian measures on the border proposed by the fascist right. Within two days, fascist Republican Representative Matt Gaetz filed a motion to declare the office of speaker vacant, forcing a vote on keeping McCarthy in office. The next day, the House Democratic caucus decided to vote against McCarthy, without a single dissenter. The vote on Tuesday was 216-210 against McCarthy, with 208 Democrats joining the seven other Republicans who supported Gaetz, while 210 Republicans backed McCarthy. With the office of speaker now vacant, the House cannot carry out any business, pending a new election. The interim speaker, Representative Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, designated in advance by McCarthy, put the House in recess for a week while the Republicans discuss a replacement speaker. Two candidates have so far announced: ultra-right Ohio Representative Jim Jordan, who declared his opposition to Ukraine aid, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the number two Republican, who has generally supported US military and financial support to Kiev. Several members of the Republican caucus, including fascist Marjorie Taylor Greene, have said they would support the selection of ex-president Trump as the speaker. There is no constitutional requirement that the leader of the House actually be an elected representative. Trumps four indictments, however, make him ineligible under rules adopted by the Republican caucus, which they would have to revoke. Neither the House recess nor the continuing resolution means an immediate end to US military aid, Pentagon officials said. They noted that there was a total of $7 billion in authority, under two separate legal provisions, either to spend money or transfer military equipment to Ukraine. However, the CR is only for 45 days. Any Ukraine funding after November 14 requires the passage of the overall Defense Department spending bill, which remains highly uncertain. According to press accounts, there was intensive discussion in the White House about how large the Ukraine aid package in the Pentagon spending bill should be. Under ordinary circumstances, the budget provides spending authority only for fiscal year 2024, which ends next September 30. But there were suggestions that Ukraine aid should be authorized through all of 2024, to take the issue off the table during the presidential election campaign. Biden said on Wednesday that he would be giving a major speech on Ukraine, saying of the blockade in the House, It does worry me There are a majority of members of both parties that have said they are for Ukraine aid. On Thursday, there was a briefing on Ukraine from White House national security aides for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, but no information has yet been released of what was discussed. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and General Brown are scheduled to travel to Europe next week for meetings in Brussels October 11-12 of the Ukraine defense contact group and NATO defense ministers. Such meetings are usually the occasion for announcing new arms shipments to Ukraine or escalatory actions by NATO directed against Russia. The author is a socialist living in Ukraine. In late September, while on an official visit to Canada, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with the Canadian parliament, gave a standing ovation to a Nazi scoundrel from the 14th Waffen SS Volunteer Division Galicia who swore an oath to Adolf Hitler that they would serve and obey him to the death. It was based on this oath to the Nazi Fuhrer that war criminal Yaroslav Hunka fought under Hitlers swastika. Serving Hitler, the soldiers of the Waffen SS Galicia division whose ranks included members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) directly cooperated with Hitlers SS units and Hitlers gendarmerie. One of their many crimes was the destruction of the villages of Guta Penyatska and Bialyaki, where an estimated 800 inhabitants were shot or burned alive in the church and their own homes. While stationed in Slovakia, one of the regiments took part in the suppression of the Slovak National Uprising in 1944. Afterward, the division was transferred to Yugoslavia for action against the partisans. Reichsfuhrer Heinrich Himmler (in the foreground) in the company of German officers in front of the unit of the 14th Grenadier Division of the Waffen SS "Galizien". Otto von Wachter is visible among the officers. It was an applause that swept not only over the vaults of the Canadian Parliament, but also over the thousands of graves and ashes of millions blighted by fascism. And it has not yet died down, but continues to resound. Emboldened by the support of the imperialist powers, it can now be heard from many Ukrainian TV channels and especially from Espreso TV. Espreso TV was founded by Mykola Knyazhytsky, who is now a member of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) from the European Solidarity party of former President and chocolate oligarch Petro Poroshenko. The channel began broadcasting on November 24, 2013 at 12:30 with a live broadcast of the events at the Euromaidan protests in Kiev. Both then and now, that is, for almost 10 years, Espreso TV has been advocating for the 2014 coup detat, which was financed and organized by US and German imperialism, and has been committed to all the policies pursued by the authoritarian Kiev regime. The owners of the channel today are Ivan Zhevagoson of Ukrainian billionaire and former parliamentarian Kostyantyn Zhevagoand Larisa Knyazhytska, wife of Mykola Knyazhytsky. In addition to them, the channel is also owned by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, a former Ukrainian MP and head of the party that was part of the united leadership of Euromaidan together with Oleh Tyahnyboks Svoboda party and Vitali Klitschkos UDAR party, and Inna Avakova, wife of former Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov. Following the coup in 2014, the Svoboda party became the first openly anti-Semitic and neo-Nazi party to enter a European government since the end of World War II. Even before the defense of Hunka and the whitewashing of the SS Galicia division, the channel distinguished itself with broadcasts mocking the victims of the fascist May 2, 2014, massacre in Odessa. When the whole world became aware of the incident in the Canadian Parliament, the TV channel at first began to zealously urge the Institute of National Remembrance to stand up in defense of Zelensky and Hunka and to equate those who fought in the Red Army with those who fought in the SS. This is despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians fought in the ranks of the Red Army. According to some sources, at least 6 million Ukrainians died in its ranks, compared to 9-10 thousand who died fighting for the Nazis in the Waffen SS Galicia. Then they began to invite Ukrainian academics, starting with the former head of the Institute of National Memory, Volodymyr Vyatrovich, who is an open admirer of Ukrainian fascist leader Stepan Bandera and the Nazi collaborator Roman Shukhevych and a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada from the party of Petro Poroshenko. On the 3rd day after the incident, they invited Tatyana Shvidchenko, a Candidate of Historical Sciences. Shvidchenko began by reiterating what Vyatrovych had said earlier, that the division was not condemned at the Nuremberg trial and is not a criminal Nazi organization, because it was not mentioned in the verdict of the Nuremberg Tribunal. Tatyana Shvidchenko speaking on Espresso TV about the Waffen SS Galicia Division This is a lie. The Waffen SS Galicia' division was part of the SS forces. Across occupied Europe, SS units were involved in the systematic genocide of the Jewish population, deportation of people of non-German nationality, as well as mass murder and brutal treatment of civilians. The verdict of the Nuremberg Military Tribunal revealed the essence of the SS structure, troops and military units of the SS, exposed their crimes and recognized all structures and components of the SS, except for the cavalry, as criminal organizations. After that Mrs. Shvidchenko read a quote from the memoirs of Roman Danelyuk, who fought, just like Hunka, in the Waffen SS division Galicia: We were not fighting against the United States of America, Great Britain, France, we were fighting Bolshevism. Toward the end, she called Hunka an innocent victim of bullying. But the facts that she cited to back up her words only revealed that, at the height of the Cold War, many war criminals, including those from the SS Galicia, were not punished by the US, Canada and Britain, because they were still considered useful by the imperialist powers. What is the real history of the Waffen SS Galicia Division? It was none other than Andriy Melnyk, leader of a wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, who offered to Adolf Hitler on January 12, 1942 to create a military force of Ukrainian bourgeois nationalists to fight Bolshevism. After the defeat of the Nazis at Stalingrad in February 1943, the German command treated Melnyks appeal very favorably. On April 28, the act of formation of the division was proclaimed. On October 15, 1943 the number of SS Division Galicia was 4,280 people, of which only 820 were Germans, and there were 3,460 Ukrainians in its ranks. On December 31, 1943 the strength of the division was 12,634 men. During the next month, another 2,304 Ukrainians joined the division. In July-October 1944, it was subordinated to the rear headquarters of the active land army. In July 1944, it was transferred to Brody-Tarano (Ukraine) as part of the XIII Army Corps, where it was thrown into battle, suffered huge losses and was almost completely negligible. Afterward, the division had about 3,000 men left. In March 1945, it was officially transferred to the command of the Ukrainian National Army (UNA). From April 1945, it was named the 1st Ukrainian Division of the UNA. In May 1945, it surrendered to American troops in the area of Tomsweg. The open glorification of the Waffen SS Galicia division on Ukrainian television is not a one-off. It is the culmination of a decades-long, systematic rehabilitation of Nazism and its Ukrainian collaborators. Ukrainian fascists and Nazi collaborators like Stepan Bandera are honored in monuments and with streets named after them. Meanwhile, despite the fact that the Red Army liberated the territories of Western Ukraine in battles in which thousands of Ukrainians died, their memory is being purposefully destroyed, monuments to them are being removed and vandalized and their graves are being dug up. Fans of the FC Karpaty Lviv football club honoring the Waffen-SS Galizien division, Lviv, Ukraine, 2013 [Photo by PavloFriend / CC BY-SA 4.0 History has already demonstrated the truth of Marxs words that all means are good for capitalism, even the worst crimes, when it comes to profit. And today, when the very survival of capitalism is at stake, everything, as before, will be part of the arsenal of reaction. Behind Hunka, as behind Hitler, stands capital. By justifying fascism, the ruling class in the imperialist countries, as the oligarchy in Ukraine, open their hands for new crimes such as the world has never seen before. By glorifying the crimes of the Ukrainian bourgeois nationalists, by putting them on a par with the anti-fascists whom they hanged and shot, for whom they invented ever more cruel means of tortures, the Ukrainian ruling class wants to justify the use of these same means by the heirs of the Ukrainian neo-Nazis today, who only changed their masters, but not their essence. In todays events in Ukraine, with its bloody slogan to fight to the last Ukrainian, we can see a mirror reflection of the ideology of the Waffen SS Galicia Division. In opposition to this, since the outbreak of this war, the International Committee of the Fourth International has raised the slogan for the unification of the workers of Ukraine and Russia. Only through the building of sections of the International Committee all over the world, both in Ukraine and Russia, only through the fraternal union of workers of all countries can this war be stopped, before it develops into a third world imperialist war. (Reuters) - Canada welcomed on Thursday a trade dispute panel ruling which said the U.S. should review parts of its policy on softwood lumber which includes duties on most such products exported from its northern neighbor. The duties are the legacy of a decades-long trade dispute over the structure of Canada's timber sector that could not be resolved when a quota agreement expired in 2015. U.S. producers say Canada unfairly subsidizes its lumber sector. The United States has based its tariffs on a finding that Canadian timber harvested from federal and provincial lands with low government-set stumpage fees constitutes an unfair subsidy, while most U.S. timber is harvested from private land at market rates. On Thursday, the ruling said that it was directing the U.S. to review the treatment of export taxes. The U.S. Commerce Department in July set a duty rate of 7.99% on the product. "Canada is pleased that the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) dispute panel agrees that elements of the U.S. dumping determination are inconsistent with U.S. law," Trade Minister Mary Ng said in a statement. NAFTA was substituted by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020. The U.S. commerce department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. (Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Chris Sanders and Muralikumar Anantharaman) Karina Archundia, left, a migrant from Ecuador, greets volunteer Celine Woznica with a hug and kiss as she and other migrants who are staying at a police station in Austin eat, shower and socialize at the rectory at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Catholic Church in Oak Park on Oct. 5, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Local officials usually welcome money from the state, but recent grants to Chicago suburbs to address an influx of migrants met with some backlash, highlighting how controversial the issue has become. In Joliet, news that the local township would get nearly $9 million to handle incoming migrants prompted immediate opposition from city officials and some residents. Mayor Terry DArcy asked township officials to withdraw the grant application. Advertisement If the township accepts this grant and individuals arrive in our city, the mayor said, it will be a tremendous strain, overtaxing our existing infrastructure, impacting our Joliet school system, social services, public and private health resources, and public safety. State officials recently gave $11 million in grants to five suburban and downstate governments to help accommodate arriving migrants and $30 million for Chicago. Debate over the grants reflects mixed feelings over how to handle the issue. Advertisement Some 17,000 people have arrived by bus in Chicago over the past year, straining social services and prompting protests from some residents over spending tax dollars for food, shelter and other aid for newcomers. Suburbs have not faced any migration on that scale, but officials there say they have seen a marked increase in arrivals that needs to be addressed. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said that migrants wont be sent anywhere unless local officials agree to have them come. But both Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have called for more help from the federal government, with the governor saying the current situation is untenable. In response to such criticisms, President Joe Bidens administration announced Thursday that, with increasing numbers of migrants coming across the Mexican border, it will resume deporting migrants from Venezuela. The administration recently increased protected status for Venezuelans who arrived to the U.S. before July 31. In Joliet Township, Supervisor Angel Contreras, who applied for the immigration aid money, said he understood peoples concerns. There are no plans, he said, for mass migration, new shelters or housing. This isnt invitation money, its stabilization money, so our social service agencies dont get overloaded, he said. We need to do what we can for now and hopefully the federal government steps up. As proposed, Contreras said, the Joliet Township funding would go to the Spanish Community Center, which reported serving 2,200 people since August of last year, and the Will Grundy Medical Clinic. But money could also flow to other agencies in the region, with services to be provided first and reimbursed by the state afterward. In Lake County, social service agencies reported serving nearly 2,000 asylum-seekers in the last year. State grants of $1 million were to go to three local immigrant aid agencies. Theyre already here, they are coming to the suburbs, Mano a Mano Executive Director Dulce Ortiz said. Thats why were so grateful for this funding, because theyre already here and we are meeting their needs. Advertisement Maria Osorio and daughter Camila, migrants from Venezuela, arrive for a shower on Oct. 5, 2023, at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Catholic Church in Oak Park. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Few migrants have come to stay in Oak Park, but a church there has opened its doors to give them a hot shower, new clothes and blankets, and a kitchen to make their own food. Thirty to 40 migrants come twice a week from a crowded police station nearby in Chicagos Austin neighborhood to St. Catherine-St. Lucy-St. Giles parish for a break from sleeping on the floor or in tents on the sidewalk. A hearty breakfast is served and the migrants are supplied with soap, towels, shampoo, combs, razors and deodorant. Donated clothes and shoes are on display for the migrants to select. Children get donated toys and participate in card games and art projects. Social workers from Family Focus register the migrants for benefits. The Police Station Response Team, an interfaith group that includes Christian and Jewish volunteers, also provides a weekly meal and other services at the police station. The village was awarded $150,000 to help coordinate such efforts. But not everybody in the village is happy with the groups efforts. Thats why when the group recently opened a building to store donations, it didnt make its address public. Its the work of the Holy Spirit, volunteer Celine Woznica said. They cook, theyre laughing. They say, Oh no, in my area we do it this way. Theyre able to cook their traditional foods and be proactive, rather than waiting for (handouts). Its the most wonderful life-giving thing. Advertisement The Rev. Carl Morello, pastor of the merged St. Catherine-St. Lucy-St. Giles parish, acknowledged there are many long-term issues to be resolved, and the community reaction is mixed, but he said this is an emergency response. There are those whove expressed the concern that were helping these people and theyre not paying taxes, what are they giving back? he said. My answer is always, this is a moral issue, in terms of caring for those in need. We have a responsibility to care for hungry and homeless people. Were not looking at all the political aspects. Were living the Gospel message. Venezuelan migrants leave with donated clothing at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Catholic Church in Oak Park on Oct. 5, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Venezuelan migrant Pedro Cuero, 38, prays before having his meal at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Catholic Church in Oak Park. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) In Elgin, which was awarded $1.27 million, Mayor David Kaptain said some residents have raised similar concerns. For about a year, he said, there has been a steady trickle of migrants from Venezuela and elsewhere who are helped by local social service agencies. It got to the point where its a financial burden, he said. Theyre running short of food, they need more money. Thats why the grant was applied for. Ive been getting calls from people concerned youre going to bring busloads of immigrants here, he said. Thats not whats happening here. Advertisement He compared the situation to that during COVID-19, when people lost their jobs and the city gave money to local food pantries that were running out of food. Dianha Ortega-Ehreth, executive director of the Centro de Informacion in Elgin, said her group has been helping a rising number of immigrants. The number of clients who entered the U.S. in the past year quadrupled to almost 300 in the past fiscal year, she said. Were seeing a lot of new arrivals, Ortega-Ehreth said. The goal is to get everybody into permanent housing and make them self-sustainable. But that takes time. Our mission is to help the immigrant community fully integrate into the community. rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com NOTICE OF INVESTOR AND ANALYST EVENT PERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2023 / Centamin plc ("Centamin" or "the Company" of "the Group") (LSE:CEY)(TSX:CEE) Centamin will host a virtual investor and analyst presentation and Q&A session on Thursday, 12 October 2023. The event will start at 14.30 BST (UK time). Martin Horgan, CEO, and Ross Jerrard, CFO, will present the updated life of mine plan for the Company's flagship asset, the Sukari Gold Mine. EVENT ACCESS To join the webcast: https://www.lsegissuerservices.com/spark/Centamin/events/e9d8edd6-7536-4e63-810f-a08189c4f89b Please allow a few minutes to register. A replay of the event and presentation material will be available on the Company's website. QUESTIONS Investors are welcome to submit questions prior to the event via the above link or by emailing investor@centaminplc.com. ABOUT CENTAMIN Centamin is an established gold producer, with a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company's flagship asset is the Sukari Gold Mine ("Sukari"), Egypt's largest and first modern gold mine, as well as one of the world's largest producing mines. Since production began in 2009 Sukari has produced over 5 million ounces of gold, and has 6.0Moz in gold Mineral Reserves as of 31 December 2022. Through its large portfolio of exploration assets in Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire, Centamin is advancing an active pipeline of future growth prospects, including the Doropo project in Cote d'Ivoire, and has over 3,000km2 of highly prospective exploration ground in Egypt's Nubian Shield. Centamin recognises its responsibility to deliver operational and financial performance and create lasting mutual benefit for all stakeholders through good corporate citizenship, including but not limited to in 2022, achieving new safety records; commissioning of the largest hybrid solar farm for a gold mine; sustaining a +95% Egyptian workforce; and, a +60% Egyptian supply chain at Sukari. Story continues FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit the website www.centamin.com or contact: Centamin plc Alexandra Barter-Carse, Head of Corporate Communications investor@centaminplc.com FTI Consulting Ben Brewerton / Sara Powell / Nick Hennis +442037271000 centamin@fticonsulting.com This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Centamin PLC View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/790721/centamin-plc-announces-notice-of-investor-and-analyst-event Tesla Inc. has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, seeing its stock double this year and become a favorite among investors and consumers alike. The company's success story has gained a great deal of attention, with debates over its valuation and future potential raging among investors and analysts. While many sing praises for Tesla and its leader Elon Musk, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Vice Chairman Charlie Munger remains more reserved. His caution is not entirely without basis, given his history and investment choices. Don't Miss: Munger once had a shot at investing in Tesla when it was getting off the ground, but he decided to skip it, thinking it was a bit too dicey. Fast forward to today, and Musk, thanks to Tesla, is sitting at the top of the Forbes 400 as the richest guy around. From its days as a young company with big dreams, Tesla is now a perfect example of how a fresh idea can be a lucrative investment opportunity. Anyone can invest in the next Tesla or other promising startups with as little as $100. Munger was skeptical of Tesla but was not opposed to owning stock in other electric cars. He spoke enthusiastically earlier this year about the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Co. Ltd. Munger played a major role in Berkshire Hathaway's investment in BYD in 2008. He has often praised the CEO Wang Chuanfu, once comparing him to people like inventor Thomas Edison and former General Electric Chairman and CEO Jack Welch. Munger has made comments comparing Tesla and BYD, saying "BYD is so much ahead of Tesla in China, it's almost ridiculous." Story continues Trending: This startup has already attracted over 1,000 early investors with an impressive 200% year-over-year growth in user engagement. See how you can get involved without being an accredited investor. In February, at the Daily Journal's virtual annual meeting, Munger raves about the investment saying, "I have never helped do anything at Berkshire that was as good as BYD and I only did it once." In June, Reuters reported that Berkshire Hathaway had sold 2.53 million shares of BYD for $86.3 million, according to a stock exchange filing. The company owns a roughly 8% stake, down from 10%. At a shareholders meeting for the Daily Journal in 2020, Munger, who also is the publication's chairman, was questioned about his thoughts on Musk and the volatility surrounding Tesla's stock. His response was straightforward. "I would never buy [Tesla], and I would never sell it short," he said. Read Next: This viewpoint illustrates Munger's penchant for avoiding investments he finds uncertain or unpredictable. When asked his opinion on Musk, he said, "I think Elon Musk is peculiar and he may overestimate himself, but he may not be wrong all the time." When Munger was asked why BYD sales were lower than Tesla's, he said, "Tesla's sales went up because Elon has convinced people that he can cure cancer." The year before at the 2019 Daily Journal annual meeting, Munger provided insight into his hiring philosophy, emphasizing the value of self-awareness. Someone mentioned their favorite line was when Munger talked about preferring to hire someone with an IQ of 130 who believes it's 120 over someone with an IQ of 150 thinking it's 170. Munger responded, "You must be thinking of Elon Musk." Munger elaborated on his hiring criteria, emphasizing his preference for people who recognize their limitations. Munger referenced a lesson he says he learned cautioning against underestimating those who overestimate themselves. He went on to express his hesitance about Musk's attitude and followed up saying, "These weird guys who overestimate themselves occasionally knock it right out of the park." While Tesla's growth story remains a subject of much debate and attention, BYD's success in the last decade cannot be understated. With its stock jumping more than 600% over a decade and Berkshire Hathaway seeing a multibillion-dollar valuation of its BYD stake, Munger's confidence in the Chinese electric vehicle maker is not unfounded. 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 Charlie Munger Gives Elon Musk A Backhanded Compliment, Says, 'These Weird Guys Who Overestimate Themselves Occasionally Knock It Right Out Of The Park' originally appeared on Benzinga.com . 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. The teen allegedly confessed to killing his brother, who had been missing since Monday Rose Abuin/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images A 14-year-old boy with a family "hit list" has been charged with killing his older brother in Alabama. A 14-year-old boy from Alabama who allegedly confessed to fatally shooting his brother, 17, was in possession of a hit list detailing other family members he planned to kill, according to police. On Wednesday, local news outlet WAKA 8 reported that the Pike County teen was in custody after allegedly killing his older brother on Tuesday. Sheriff Russell Thomas of Pike County Sheriffs Office told the outlet that authorities had discovered a "hit list" of targets, including members of his family and a school. Thomas told WAKA 8 that during the investigation authorities had "learned through a friend of his, that he had actually had a hit list to kill his family members... a detailed list of who, where, how, whether it would be easy or difficult." The sheriff said authorities had searched the residence and his book bag, and did, in fact, find the hit list, adding that the boy intended to shoot up the school, which is Pike County High School. Local news outlets WDHN, WSFA 12 News and NBC News also reported that police say the "hit list" also included the names of family members that the teen allegedly had intentions to kill. He had already proved that he would kill and we were very, very fortunate and blessed that he didnt carry out his plans, and that we were able to intervene and stop all of this, Thomas also said, per WAKA 8. WSFA 12 News/Youtube Sheriff Russell Thomas and Pike County District Attorney James Tarbox speak during a Wednesday press conference. The suspect allegedly confessed to murdering his brother who had been missing since Monday during an interview with Thomas on Tuesday, according to NBC News. He stated his brother got up and staggered out of the residence and out the back door, where he then fell at the bottom of the steps. He dragged him about 60 yards to the back of the property, the sheriffs office said, per the outlet. Authorities said that the two boys' father discovered the elder boy's body on Tuesday after collecting his younger son from school, per NBC News. Related: Suspect Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of N.Y. Social Justice Advocate in Front of Girlfriend: Reports The boy made disturbing and threatening statements to multiple students before his arrest, Pike County District Attorney James Tarbox said in a press conference shared in the WSFA 12 report on Wednesday. Thomas added during the press conference that while another student was taking a test, he was so bothered by what the 14-year-old had stated, he ultimately reported it to the teacher, who then relayed the information on to the administration." Related: Boyfriend Convicted in Navajo Woman's Murder that Symbolized Plight of Slain and Missing Indigenous Women Pike County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the case. Pike County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Mark Bazzell issued a press release on Wednesday where he said that the teen was immediately removed from the school. Subsequently, this student has been arrested in connection with the death of a family member at home occurring Monday, October 2, 2023, Bazzell continued. The school system is cooperating with local law enforcement in this on-going investigation. Bazzell added that although there was no evidence of a threat to any of his schools, out of an abundance of caution, the Pike County School System has requested an increased law enforcement presence on the Brundidge campuses. The Pike County School System would like to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends impacted by this tragic event. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency took action when a bear got a jug from an automatic pet feeder stuck on its head Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Juggles Bear in the care of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency A bear in Tennessee is "in remarkably good condition" after living with its head trapped in a plastic jug for nearly two months. On Aug. 14, a bear cub was spotted and reported to both the Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for having its head trapped in a container, the ABR nonprofit shared on Facebook. The male cub lived with its face stuck in the container for nearly two months after the initial sighting. Now the animal is "resting well" after a TWRA biologist approached and captured the bear cub while it was sleeping and assisted in removing the jug on Tuesday, following a few unsuccessful trap attempts. The cub was initially seen with the jug on its head this summer as it traveled alongside its mother and three siblings in Blount County, Tennessee. As temperatures contained to hover over 90 degrees, the organizations realized "time was of the essence," ABR shared to Facebook. "TWRA biologist Janelle Musser took immediate action, setting traps in the area that the bear family was seen," the organization wrote, adding that the area of the bears was out of cell service. "Fortunately, citizens in the area shared our concern for the cub. The community banded together, and everyone who saw the bear immediately contacted TWRA or ABR (or both). We can't thank our local citizens enough for all they did to help this little bear!" Appalachia Bear Rescue Juggles Bear after being rescued by Appalachian Bear Rescue Related: Fat Bear Week Returns to Alaska's Katmai Park with 12 Hefty Hibernators Vying for the Title While the cub did enter traps on multiple occasions, the bear didn't trip then, but an eventual "call from citizens in the area" ended up saving the animal's life. After locals spotted the "jug cub" and chased it up a tree on Oct. 3, they called TWRA, and Musser led the team that finally removed the container from the cub's head. "Darting bears in trees is not standard practice and is only done in an emergency," Musser said, per Knox News. "This cub would not be able to continue surviving like this." After the bear cub was tranquilized, rescuers brought the little animal to ABR to have the container around its head removed. Related: Mother Bear and Cub Raid Fully Stocked Krispy Kreme Delivery Van in Alaska The jug ended up being part of an automatic pet feeder and contained two holes, allowing the animal to eat and breathe despite the roadblocks he faced. "It was likely difficult for the bear, but he was apparently able to still get a small amount of food and enough water to survive all this time," ABR posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). "The first call we received was on August 14th, and on October 3rd, the jug was finally removed!" Juggles Bear as he's been affectionately called by the ABR rehabilitation center in Townsend where the cub's been recovering was eventually transported to the University of Tennesse's College of Veterinary Medicine for a medical check and was found to be in "remarkably good condition." The cub, whose ears were "squashed down," had them cleaned by doctors with a "special laser treatment" to stimulate "healing" in the cartilage, according to the nonprofit. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "He had a bunch of ticks, likely because he couldn't groom himself. The ticks were removed," ABR shared to Facebook. "Doctors took lots of samples, including a urine sample. Late yesterday, UTCVM called to let us know that Juggles had a high white blood cell count in his urine. He has a urinary tract infection. The infection is likely the result of too little fluid intake. We started antibiotic treatment last night." Despite these hurdles, Juggles is now "resting well," as he's "eating well, taking his meds, and sleeping on his bed." "Thank you for all you do for our little bears," the nonprofit added. "You are the difference for all of these orphaned and injured bears. We hope all of them will be released back to the wild later this year." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Speaking to Howard Stern, the 76-year-old former California governor said that running for president is "the one thing" he can't do Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images Arnold Schwarzenegger While Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't eligible to run for president, he says that he still has "the energy" to do the job. Speaking to Howard Stern in an interview that aired Thursday, the 76-year-old former California governor noted that, due to being born in Austria, running for president is "the one thing" he can't do. It really wasnt because I felt like everything Ive accomplished in my life[the] bodybuilding career, the movie career, becoming Governor, setting up my Schwarzenegger Institute, all this stuff, the millions of dollars I made and everythingits all because of America, he said. So, why would I complain about the one thing I cant do? Related: Arnold Schwarzenegger Opens Up About Life, Family and Work Now: 'I Feel Good Where I Am' (Exclusive) Even so, Schwarzenegger remains confident he couldve done the job well. I think that I wouldve made a great president. I think that I have the energy and the will to bring people together, he said. Stern took things a step further. I think you wouldve won, he told his guest. You think about it and youre absolutely right because so many people come up to me and go, Oh, I wish you could be our president, Schwarzenegger agreed before explaining hes still deeply committed to bringing people together, saving the environment, and protecting democracy. There are so many people out there in America who need help, so I think we should all concentrate on that and not just think about ourselves. And while age has been a hot topic of conversation amongst voters leading into the 2024 election, Schwarzenegger said elsewhere in the conversation that, at 76 years old, he's still "full of energy." "The bottom line is, Im 76 years old," Schwarzenegger, who recently authored the motivational book Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life, told Stern. "Im full of energy, Im full of enthusiasm. Im as enthusiastic and excited as I was when Im 40 years old." Related: Arnold Schwarzenegger Opens Up About Life, Family and Work Now: 'I Feel Good Where I Am' (Exclusive) Schwarzenegger continued: "I just always see mountains in front of me to be climbed. And so, as long as I see those mountains, I keep my enthusiasm and I keep my excitement and the fire in my belly to keep climbing and climbing and climbing." Schwarzenegger, a Republican, has been a staunch critic of former President Donald Trump, who was recently indicted on federal charges and who is widely expected to be the Republican nominee in 2024. In 2021, Schwarzenegger called Trump "the worst president ever," comparing the Capitol riots to something that would happen in Nazi Germany. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Captain Jason Chambers brought a little Australian humor to the Below Deck Down Under tip meetings in the form of the mirrorball disco helmet. It is given to the crew member who needed the most redemption from the recent charter. That individual would then have to wear the helmet for the crew night out. Its an amusing touch that raised morale, for the most part. It also proved that Captain Jason can find interesting methods to manage his team. But what is the story behind the disco helmet? Who fashioned it? And how long did Captain Jason have it in his possession? The helmet changed hands over the years before returning to Captain Jason We used to cruise around up in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and all these remote places. And we had a helicopter and everything. In a helicopter hangar, theres not much to do except cruising around and there were a few of us, Captain Jason told Showbiz Cheatsheet. So we used to have a few little parties in the hangar. We had a smoke machine and music players and stuff, he explained. So we said, We need a mirrorball. And one of my deckhands came back from his time off with a helmet, and we made a mirrorball helmet. And that mirrorball helmet got handed down to three or four people over the years. But it seems after the helmet traveled the world a bit, it wanted to find its way back to its original owner. Captain Jason regained possession of the helmet, and now it is a permanent fixture on the show. I hired an old deckhand back with me before Below Deck, and he brought it back for me after many years. And we used to throw it around and make people dance with it on when were on board. People arent dancing? he added. Throw it on, it will make you dance. So that was where it came from. But we put a bit of a twist to it on Season 1 and Season 2. Its not always been received with a smile The practice of gifting the helmet to the weak-link crew member wasnt always so well-received. But Jason insists he has no malicious intentions when he awards it to one of his crew. In fact, it has now become a badge of honor. We got a lot of flack about it, Captain Jason said. But all in all, it is good Aussie humor. Its sounding it out in front of other people, not letting things slide, but not putting people down, the captain said of his management tactic. Just making light of it. I think it sinks in a little bit differently. Will the legacy of the mirrorball disco helmet continue with the series? Hopefully with Season 3, Captain Jason teased. TELL US WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE MIRRORBALL DISCO HELMET? DO YOU THINK ITS A GOOD WAY TO MOTIVATE THE CREW? WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO CAPTAIN JASONS COMMENTS? Ashley Darby Its going down in Ashleys DMs. Reality News Justin Smith 1 day ago Sandy Yawn Maritime law, or megatime lame? Features Amy DeVore 2 days ago Malia White Below Deck We love it when guests reward the crew! Features Elizabeth Cheema 3 days ago The post Captain Jason Chambers Reveals Where Mirrorball Disco Helmet Came From appeared first on Reality Tea. The post Catfisher Posing as The Bee Gees Barry Gibb Scams Woman Out of Retirement Savings appeared first on Consequence. A catfishing scam using photos of The Bee Gees Barry Gibb has tricked a woman into sending at least $11,000 of her retirement savings to a con artist. The story was covered in an episode of the YouTube series Catfished and follows the typical pattern that online romance scams take. An older individual (in this case, a woman named Wanda), receives a message from a social media account claiming to be romantically interested in them, and then is convinced to wire money through odd methods for even odder reasons. In this case, the fake Gibb claimed that he was covertly divorcing his wife, Linda Grey, and had no access to his own money. Thus, he wanted to use Wandas cash and an influx of donations coming in from random fans to cover the down payment for a new house, which he and Wanda would move into together once all the legal hullabaloo over the divorce settled. When asked why he never spoke with Wanda on the phone or FaceTime, the fake Gibb claimed that he had been blackmailed in the past. Of course, the account sending Wanda the messages did not belong to the Grammy Award-winning, Platinum-selling Gibb, but rather, a con artist who, according to Catfished, appeared to be operating out of Lagos, Nigeria. Utilizing an additional fake account claiming to be Gibbs real estate agent, money from the fans was randomly transferred to Wanda, who sent it onward in a seemingly unknowing act of criminal laundering. Now, the information from Wanda is being compiled for a police report, which will also be turned over to the Nigerian governments Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. It appears Wanda is not the only victim of such a scam. In August, Gibbs son Stephen Gibb posted the following message on his official Facebook page: I am posting on his behalf today as It seems there are several profiles pretending to be Dad on Facebook and other social media platforms. Please report and block these scam artists to the platform. This is the only official account for Barry Gibb on Facebook. I hope this bring some clarity to things. When Wanda sent the fake Gibb a screenshot of Stephens message and asked why the account had been lying to her, the fake Gibb responded: Babe, doubts ruins [sic] a relationship According to the episode of Catfished, Wanda has since blocked all the fake accounts she was in contact with, and has changed her banking information. Watch the full episode below. Meanwhile, the real-life Gibb has been laying relatively low since 2021, when he shared a country album featuring Words, a duet with Dolly Parton. Last month, he and Grey celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Catfisher Posing as The Bee Gees Barry Gibb Scams Woman Out of Retirement Savings Jo Vito Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. One can of bear spray had been fully discharged but this bear was not to be deterred," reported the deceased man's uncle A family member of the couple who were killed by a grizzly bear while visiting Canada's Banff National Park on Friday, recently revealed they sent a distressing text before the attack. The two backcountry campers, Doug Inglis, 62, and Jenny Gusse, 62, were identified by Dougs uncle, Colin Inglis. They are a couple that loved each other and loved the outdoors. And they were highly, highly experienced in being out back, whether it be serious treks or canoeing, whitewater canoeing in the North country," shared Colin, reports Canadian broadcaster CBC. Getty The victims were providing daily updates of their trip to Colin, through the help of their Garmin inReach, which is a commonly used GPS amongst campers and hikers that allows texting from remote locations. Related: How to Prevent Bear Attacks and What to Do If a Bear Approaches You, According to Experts Colin explained to CBC that he had received a message that the couple hadnt reached their planned destination for Friday, Sept. 29. They soon notified their families they were okay, set up camp at a different location, and prepared dinner for themselves. Later in the evening, Colin recalled that he received an SOS from Garmin GPS that read 'Bear attack bad.'" In addition to the Garmin message, the Parks Canada Agency was made aware that there was an alert indicating a bear attack was at the Red Deer River Valley west of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch at around 8 p.m. MT on Friday. Once Parks Canada was notified, they dispatched a response team via helicopter at 10:31 p.m. However, due to overcast weather, it couldnt land until 2 a.m. on Saturday. After the response team arrived, they found the couple and their border collie mauled to death, said Colin, reports Calgary Head. He shared that one of them was not in the tent, and speculated that one left to fight the bear while the other sent the emergency alert. Related: 24-Year-Old Mother and 1-Year-Old Son Killed in Alaska Polar Bear Attack "There was a struggle and the struggle didn't stay in one place," he added. One can of bear spray had been fully discharged but this bear was not to be deterred. After the response team found the deceased couple, they encountered the same grizzly believed to be responsible for the deadly attack, and were forced to shoot it, shared Colin. Parks Canada then closed off the area where the bear attack occurred. Additionally, Parks Canada said, Bear attacks are rare occurrences. Fatal bear attacks are even less frequent. Over the last 10 years, there have been three recorded non-fatal, contact encounters with grizzly bears in Banff National Park. These incidents were the result of surprise encounters. This incident is the first grizzly bear-caused fatality recorded in Banff National Park in decades. Following the attack, the deaths of the Lethbridge, Alberta, couple were announced on the Banff National Parks Facebook page on Sunday. "This is a tragic incident, and Parks Canada wishes to express its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims," Banff National Park said. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Kim Titchener, a friend of the family and the founder of Bear Safety and More, told Reuters, "It's really just the reason why we're seeing more attacks, which is more people heading outdoors and unfortunately not being educated on this." Both grizzly and black bears inhabit the Banff National Park area, and Titchener told Reuters that the estimated 60 grizzly bears living there are considered to be a threatened population in local Alberta. News of bear attacks this year hasn't been hard to come by. In August alone, an 82-year-old woman was attacked by a black bear in her Colorado home, and a 7-year-old boy was attacked in his yard in New York. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. By buying an index fund, you can roughly match the market return with ease. But if you choose individual stocks with prowess, you can make superior returns. For example, the China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Ltd. (SGX:QES) share price is up 18% in the last three years, clearly besting the market return of around 9.4% (not including dividends). Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns. See our latest analysis for China Sunsine Chemical Holdings To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. China Sunsine Chemical Holdings was able to grow its EPS at 26% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. The average annual share price increase of 6% is actually lower than the EPS growth. So it seems investors have become more cautious about the company, over time. We'd venture the lowish P/E ratio of 5.00 also reflects the negative sentiment around the stock. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). This free interactive report on China Sunsine Chemical Holdings' earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings' TSR for the last 3 years was 34%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! Story continues A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 2.5% in the last year, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings shareholders lost 3.4% (even including dividends). Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. On the bright side, long term shareholders have made money, with a gain of 0.4% per year over half a decade. If the fundamental data continues to indicate long term sustainable growth, the current sell-off could be an opportunity worth considering. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand China Sunsine Chemical Holdings better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for China Sunsine Chemical Holdings you should know about. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of companies that have proven they can grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Nicholas Meyer , director of ABCs groundbreaking 1983 TV movie The Day After, is set to executive produce Paul Jay s How to Stop a Nuclear War feature documentary, based on the book Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by the late Daniel Ellsberg. The Day After, which aired Nov. 20, 1983 on ABC, vividly depicted a fictional full-scale nuclear war between the U.S. and the then Soviet Union and included an attack on Kansas. But 40 years on, Meyer told The Hollywood Reporter global nuclear powers remain on a collision course and the Star Trek franchise director feels a need to pull the alarm again. More from The Hollywood Reporter Were going to blow ourselves to kingdom come, its only a question of when and whether any of us are prepared to take any steps to mitigate or postpone this finale, Meyer warned. In extensive interviews with Canadian director Jay for the feature doc, Ellsberg, who passed away at 92 years in June 2023, explains the institutional madness of American nuclear war plans and how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made the world far more dangerous, according to a synopsis by the filmmakers. The Emmy-nominated The Day After film not only terrified around 100 million viewers, but had an influence on President Ronald Reagans decision to co-sign a peace treaty with Mikhail Gorbachev. Meyer argues the world earned a reprieve when then U.S. president Donald Trump never pulled the nuclear trigger, despite controlling the launch codes and having the U.S. leave a longstanding arms control treaty with Russia. But Russian president Vladimir Putin repeatedly touting his countrys nuclear might amid his invasion of Ukraine, and deadly weaponry in the hands of bad actors worldwide, has Meyer backing the How to Stop a Nuclear War doc to once again avert global catastrophe. We are seemingly headed for annihilation. I have three daughters. So here I am trying again, Meyer added. Jays How to Stop a Nuclear War focuses on Ellsberg, who famously made copies of the Pentagon Papers and other classified nuclear documents during the Nixon administration and leaked the documents to the New York Times and other media outlets in 1971. As a high-level Pentagon analyst, Ellsberg was charged by the U.S. with breaking the Espionage Act, but the case was dismissed because of government misconduct in evidence-gathering. In the upcoming feature doc, still in production, Ellsberg warns that the nuclear weapons arsenals of the U.S. and Russia are still very much a threat to global peace and that an all-out nuclear war remains capable of being launched from missile silos or submarines on a few minutes notice. Meyer directed the 1982 movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and 1991s Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country installment, and co-wrote the 1986s Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home movie. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Click here to read the full article. UFOs might be enjoying a moment right now, but theyve been a part of human culture for a long time. While the modern image of flying saucers is relatively new, people have reported strange objects in the sky, sometimes piloted by non-human creatures, for thousands of years. Although, whatever they are, they havent always been thought of as extraterrestrials from space. SYFYs own Resident Alien (streaming now on Peacock) follows a lone E.T. (Alan Tudyk) stranded on Earth when his spacecraft crashes in Colorado. The story mirrors, slightly, the conditions at Roswell, New Mexico, where residents reported witnessing a crashed alien spacecraft with pilots still inside. In the decades since, the United States government came clean about the experimental balloon they were testing and the flubbed cover up that ensued. Varginha is Brazils answer to Roswell and, for now, we still dont have answers about what actually happened there. Did a UFO Visit Varginha, Brazil in 1996? The comparison to Roswell comes not just because of a UFO sighting, but because the craft allegedly crashed, residents interacted with the non-human pilots, and the whole thing ended with a military cover up. The execution is slightly different, but the basic recipe of both UFO stories is essentially the same. RELATED: Was 1947's UFO Incident at Roswell Simply the Result of a Secret Balloon Experiment? Multiple witnesses reported seeing a bipedal creature which was decidedly not human. They described it as unsteady on its feet, appearing to be sick or injured, with two large red balls for its eyes. Others reported seeing a strange metal object slowly losing altitude over the area before hitting the ground and a strong, almost overbearing smell of sulfur. UFO Flying Low UFO Flying Low Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images Other witnesses described the creature as having brown, oily skin, no hair, and a distinct look of fear in their eyes. Allegedly, after authorities responded to the area to track down the creatures, police officer Marco Eli Chereze apprehended one barehanded, later fell ill to a mysterious full-body infection, and died. Last year, filmmaker James Fox released Moment of Contact, documenting the alleged events which occurred in Brazil nearly three decades ago. The documentarys key witness is an anonymous military expert known only as Military X, who claims they were there when one of the aliens was taken and that video footage does exist. If thats true, no such video has surfaced. Witnesses also claim that whatever was recovered, including crash debris and any occupants, were later taken by the United States Government. If true, that lines up pretty nicely with the recent claims made by UFO whistleblower David Grusch. However, all we really have are a bunch of half-remembered stories from a quarter century ago and no tangible evidence to speak of. Thats par for the course when it comes to aliens; some things never change. We have video of aliens though, two season's worth, in Resident Alien, streaming now on Peacock. After the state's Republican-controlled legislature failed to comply with the Voting Rights Act and a Supreme Court order a federal court stepped in to ensure that Alabama's districting adequately reflects its Black population John Woodworth / Getty Images State Capitol Building in Montgomery, Alabama A federal court has redrawn Alabama's congressional map after the Republican-controlled state legislature failed to comply with the Voting Rights Act and a Supreme Court order by refusing to create districts representative of the state's Black population. The new congressional map is the result of a lengthy legal fight and will have an impact that reaches far beyond state lines, as it will add a second congressional district in the state that favors Democrats, likely flipping a U.S. House seat blue in 2024. The U.S. representatives for Alabama's 2nd and 7th Congressional Districts will now be chosen largely by Black Alabamians, who have historically voted for Democratic candidates, as NPR correspondent Hansi Lo Wang noted Thursday. Cook Political Report's Dave Wasserman reports that based on how people voted in the 2020 presidential election Alabama's 2nd Congressional District has just gone from favoring Republicans by 21 points to favoring Democrats by 12 points. Related: Court Intervenes After Ala. Lawmakers Ignore SCOTUS Ruling to Stop Silencing Black Voters: We Are Disturbed AP Photo/Patrick Semansky Evan Milligan speaks with media about his Supreme Court case, "Merrill v. Milligan," which ultimately helped enforce the creation of a second majority-Black congressional district in Alabama Earlier this year, federal judges threw out a seven-district congressional map drawn up by Republican lawmakers after finding it may have violated the landmark Voting Rights Act by diluting the power of Black voters in the state. Following an appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with the lower court, ruling that the map did appear to discriminate against Black voters. While Black residents comprise some 27% of Alabamas population, just one of the states seven districts is currently drawn to include a majority-Black population. The Alabama Legislature was then ordered to comply with the Voting Rights Act and redraw districts that accurately reflect the state's population. Instead, the Republican legislature proposed an updated map that would continue to benefit Republicans, rather than Black voters. In September, the federal court struck down that updated map, with judges writing that they were "disturbed" by how the legislature drew its districts. In a scathing opinion, the court said the state "did not even nurture the ambition" to comply with the Voting Rights Act, despite being ordered to do so. Related: Alabama Legislature Ignores Supreme Courts Order to Create Another Majority-Black Congressional District The federal court added that, because state lawmakers proved unwilling to create a fair map, it would appoint a special master to draw a seat in which Black people would be properly represented. The Democratic Party lost its majority in the U.S. House of Representatives by only a few seats in the 2022 midterms, which could explain why members of the Alabama GOP would not compromise on creating a district that could potentially strip the House of a safely Republican seat. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. UPDATE: Fox News Bret Baier said that the planned televised joint interview on Monday with speaker of the House contenders is off, after pushback from other lawmakers. They had all agreed, the pressure built, and thats what happened, Baier said on Fox News on Friday afternoon. More from Deadline He said that he is still planning to bring his Special Report to Capitol Hill on Monday with different guests. Baier said that on Thursday, Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan had said that they would participate. The plans were for a third congressman, Kevin Hern, to participate as well, with the idea that he will have declared by that he was running for speaker by the time the event was announced on Special Report on Friday evening. Then, news of Baiers involvement in an event with the speaker candidates leaked out on Friday morning, with reports that the Fox anchor would be moderating a behind-closed-door debate for the Republican . caucus. Baier said that such reports were bizarre. But after Fox News announced plans later in the morning that Baier would do a joint interview, there became pressure from other members on these three to not do that before they talked to members. Even though Fox News had billed the event as a joint interview, a number of members were calling it a debate, apparently concerned that a televised event would only further highlight fissures within the caucus. I think the word debate has scared folks over the past couple of days, Baier said. And were hoping to change that. Were going to use a different word going forward. In-depth interview. PREVIOUSLY: Fox News anchor Bret Baiers planned joint interview with GOP candidates for House speaker appears to be off, as two of the contenders backed out. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), one of the planned participants, will not participate, his spokesperson confirmed to Deadline. Earlier, another possible contender, Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) said he would not be part of what he characterized as a televised debate. The network said it would be a joint interview, not a debate. Some GOP members balked at the prospect of a televised gathering of the candidates potentially fueling more contentiousness following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy. PREVIOUSLY: One of the participants in Fox News anchor Bret Baiers planned joint interview with Speaker of the House contenders has dropped out, while some Republicans have complained about plans for the event. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), who hasnt yet decided whether he will run, wrote on X/Twitter that he would not be participating in the televised debate. We need to make this decision as a conference, not on TV. The Republican conference needs a family discussion. Meanwhile, another contender, Jim Jordan (R-OH), wants to meet with the GOP conference before the event, according to CNN. A spokesman for Jordan did not immediately return a request for comment. The network says that the planned joint interview was not a debate. The plan was for the event to take place at the Capitol, without an audience, and to air on Special Report on Monday evening. PREVIOUSLY: Bret Baier, chief political anchor for Fox News, will conduct a joint interview with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) on Monday on Capitol Hill about the race for House speaker. Jordan and Scalise have announced their bids to succeed Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted this week, while Hern has said he is mulling a run for the post. The interview will air on Special Report on Monday, in advance of a vote on Tuesday, the network said. There will be no audience, but the event likely will be closely watched by the Republican caucus as they try to elect a new leader. Punchbowl News first reported on Baiers interview. The network stressed that the speaker candidates will be participating in an interview, not a debate, but the plans drew some criticism from some in the GOP caucus. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) told CNN that he thought it was a horrible idea to do the joint interview. Donald Trump, who himself has been pitched as a candidate and has expressed a willingness to do so, endorsed Jordan for speaker in a Truth Social post early on Friday, writing that he has my complete and total endorsement. Weighing in against Jordan was former Rep. Liz Cheney, who in a speech on Thursday cited his involvement in Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, resulting in the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. There was a handful of people, of which he was the leader, who knew what Donald Trump had planned, she said. Someone needs to ask Jim Jordan, Why didnt you report to the Capitol Police what you knew Donald Trump had planned. You were in those meetings at the White House. She added, If Republicans decide that Jim Jordan should be the speaker of the House there would no longer be any possible way to argue that a group of elected Republicans could be counted on to defend the Constitution. 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. Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, supposedly the right-wing networks resident comedian, dove into extremely dark and violent territory on Thursday, seemingly urging for a new American civil war because elections dont work and the nation is in peril and chaos. Gutfeld, whose rhetoric has grown angrier and more extreme in recent years, declared during Thursdays broadcast of Fox News The Five that American democracy was no longer feasible. Instead, because crime has supposedly spun out of controldespite homicide rates falling this year and crime just a fraction of what it was 30 years agohe suggested a radically violent solution. During a segment discussing the recent looting spree in Philadelphia, which resulted in dozens of people being criminally charged, Gutfeld took issue with some looters being let go with a slap on the wrist, calling it a criminal mulligan. In his opinion, this was analogous to the Jan. 6 insurrection, but the Capitol rioters were given harsher criminal sentences due to their race and political affiliation. Only certain people get criminal mulligans and Jan. 6 protestors, they dont get criminal mulligans and heres why. Theyre the oppressor. So the oppressed get criminal mulligans, he exclaimed.The people who are complaining, like us, were actually oppressors, and were losing power so thats why we are upset. I just got a job at MSNBC, Gutfeld snarked, before comparing the rights of criminals to victims of crime. Criminals get a mulligan, they can steal up to $900 worth of stuff, they can loiter, sleep, and shoot up in public areas, including playgrounds, they can loot and burn and call it social justice, he declared. They can pile up dozens of arrests and never do time. Meanwhile, what about us? Well, we have to change our lives to accommodate risk wherever we go. We have to move out of cities for the sake of the safety of our families and our own safety. Thats whats happening. Gutfeld continued: We are being driven out of cities by the oppressed, so I return to my imperfect analogy from yesterday. We had a war over slavery. We knew slavery was inhumane and immoral, but somehow we couldnt solve slavery peacefully. Pointing out that slavery was evil, Gutfeld then said one side refused to acknowledge it was evil because it was too big of an admission for them to make. From there, he suggested that the United States was inevitably heading to another violent civil war. Doesnt that feel that way now? Gutfeld rhetorically asked. That this defiant refusal to reverse this decline argues against the survival of a country. What does that leave you with? It leaves you with you need to make war to bring peace because you have a side that cannot change. Because then that means the admission that their beliefs have been corrupt all the time. So in a way, you have to force them to surrender. Liberal co-host Harold Ford Jr., meanwhile, responded to Gutfeld that we can have an election, prompting the so-called King of Late Night to seemingly go full fascist. No, elections dont work, Gutfeld retorted. We know that. We know they dont work! After Ford said they do work, Gutfeld went on a dystopian tirade before again insisting that democracy is no longer a viable path. Look what we have! We had a moderate president and we have crime exploding everywhere, he shouted. We had a Democrat president promise that he was going to be moderate, promise that he was gonna unite the country and now we have a terrible education system. We have no border. We have crime everywhere. Every facet of society is in peril and in chaos because our elections dont matter! Gutfeld did not acknowledge the fact that the U.S. is 13 months out from a presidential election in which one partys frontrunner refused to accept the results of the previous election. He also failed to clarify that he was speaking on a network that had to pay $787.5 million to settle a lawsuit over allegations it had knowingly peddled voter fraud lies to boost ratings. 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. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) clearly knew that his fellow Republicans would come for him after leading the charge to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker of the House. But he might not have guessed just how far below the belt theyd be willing to hit. While Jimmy Kimmel is loving every second of all the Gaetz hate, he has a feeling that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) must be glowing right now, as its not often that he has successfully managed to lend out the title of most hated man in congress. While Kimmel believes that the GOPs threats to remove Gaetz from his seat are futilebecause unfortunately you can never really get rid of Matt Gaetz, you can only suppress him temporarily with Valtrexhe sure loves watching these lawmakers throw it all at the wall. While speaking with CNN on Wednesday, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) disclosed rumors circulating around Congress that the 41-year-old Florida Man would regularly whip out his phone on the House floor to show videos and photos of the women he had had sex with. Hed brag about how he had crushed ED medicine and chased it with an energy drink so he could go all night, Mullin explained. Gaetz has consistently denied allegations that he was part of a scheme that led to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. While the DOJ did not file charges, a House Ethics Committee investigation into alleged sexual misconduct has been revived involving allegations of sexual misconduct, taking bribes, drug use and campaign finance violations. Marc Short, McCarthys former chief of staff, went even lower by rolling his eyes at the idea that Gaetz got into politics to be a fiscal crusader, noting: Its more likely he came here for the teenage interns on Capitol Hill, to be honest. Kimmel described the moment as Republicans feeding on themselves. Its like Alien vs. Sexual Predator, he 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. Amid the rumours that Kayne West and Bianca Censori were married in a non-legally binding ceremony, it has recently been reported that the couple is legally married. The couple was married on 20 December 2022 which is just one month after Wests divorce from his ex-wife Kim Kardashian, according to The Daily Mail. The confidential marriage licence mentioned that the two were wed in Palo Alto, California. The marriage licence is registered under Censoris full name, while West only wrote Ye as he legally changed his name back in October 2021. A source told the outlet how private the couple is when explaining their decision to use a confidential marriage licence. Ye has been a megastar for two decades and counting, and his first marriage was to someone who lives almost full-time in front of a camera, they said. Bianca and Ye have a totally different vibe. They are very private, very affectionate and totally devoted to each other. I think they both enjoy carving out time thats just for them They continued: For that reason theyve been extremely hush-hush about the specifics of their wedding day. I dont think anyone besides the pair of them knows exactly how it went down. Its unclear when exactly Censori, 28, and West, 46, began dating, but she joined the Yeezy organisation in November 2020 as the head designer for Yeezy, Wests fashion brand, and nearly two years later the Flashing Lights rapper released a song titled Censori Overload in a nod to his new partner. Censori first confirmed the marriage rumours back in May when a TikTok influencer gratefulboynuee posted an interaction with Censori in which she confirmed that she was married. The 26-second-long clip features Censori only, as gratefulboynuee asks her questions about her day. After complimenting the video-maker compliments her level of eye contact, Censori laughs and says: Thanks! Are you just shopping around? Later in their short conversation, the TikToker asks: Can I get your number? to which Censori replies: Im married! Yea Married To Kanye, reads the videos caption with a raised eyebrow emoji. Prior to his marriage to Censori, West was married to Kardashian for six years and they share four children together. In season three of Hulus The Kardashians, which premiered on 25 May, she opened up about the emotional turmoil she experienced while going through her very public divorce from the rapper. Theres been a lot going on with Kanye right now, the SKIMS founder told cameras in her confessional. I think at this point, I just assume everything I text Kanye is gonna be put on the internet. Ye had previously shared screenshots of his text messages with Kardashian, in which they appeared to disagree over their childrens schooling. He has also publicly lashed out at Kardashians mother, Kris Jenner, over her parenting skills. Dont let Kris make you do Playboy like she made [Kylie] and Kim do, he posted back in September. During the Hulu episode, Kardashian expressed her sadness that her mother had been dragged into her drama with her ex-husband. I think I can handle anything, I just get really heartbroken for my mom, that she has to deal with so much from so many different sides, Kardashian said. The Independent has reached out to representatives for West for comment. "My wife and I have been most shocked and profoundly saddened by the news of the terrible bus accident," the King said in a statement MIHAI BARBU/AFP via Getty King Charles at a press conference in Bucharest, Romania on June 2 King Charles has expressed his condolences to those impacted by the fatal tourist bus crash that happened near Venice, Italy earlier this week. On Friday, the Royal Family shared the King's message to Sergio Mattarella , the President of Italy, on social media. On Tuesday, a bus transporting tourists drove off a bridge and burst into flames along the outskirts of Venice, multiple outlets reported, killing 21 people and injuring at least 18 others. "Dear Mr President, My wife and I have been most shocked and profoundly saddened by the news of the terrible bus accident in Mestre and would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of all those who have tragically lost their lives and to those who have been injured," Charles said, referencing his wife, Queen Camilla. "During our visits to Italy, we have always been struck by the kindness and generosity of the Italian people," he continued. "Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with all those who have been affected by this appalling tragedy." Related: 21 People Dead After Apocalyptic Tourist Bus Crash in Italy Reuters reports that the electric bus crashed through a guardrail before falling over 33 feet into the ground near train tracks in a scene described as "apocalyptic" by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro. Among those killed were the Italian bus driver and people carrying passports from Austria, Croatia, France, Spain and Ukraine, Venice's prefect, Michele Di Bari, told the outlet. He also called for three days of mourning. King Charles (who was then known as the Prince of Wales) last officially visited Italy in October 2021, when he attended the G20 Summit in Rome and attended a dinner hosted by the president at the Quirinale Palace. A few years earlier, he and Camilla made stops to Florence, Venice, Naples, Amatrice and Rome during a 2017 trip through the country including a visit at the Vatican with Pope Francis. Related: King Charles and Queen Camilla Announce Next State Visit Find Out Which Nation They'll Host at Buckingham Palace Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Pope Francis meets with Prince Charles at Vatican City in 2017 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! Charles signed the message to Mattarella with "Charles R," the traditional signature for the monarch dating back to the 12th century. The King has continuously signed this name this way since his accession in September 2022, including a message to President Joe Biden amid the Hawaii wildfires over the summer. The "R" in the signature stands for Rex in Latin for the King, but means Regina when used by Queens. King Charles poignantly penned his name this way on a handwritten note that topped the coffin of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, during her state funeral at Westminster Abbey in London last year. "In loving and devoted memory, Charles R," the emotional note read. MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images King Charles III walks behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth during her state funeral on Sept. 19, 2022 For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. In the post-credits scene in the first episode of Loki season two, we finally find out what happened to Sylvie after her killing of He Who Remains. She actually went to a branched timeline, in the town of Broxton, Oklahoma in 1982. She wanders into a local McDonalds establishment and sees the customers just living their ordinary lives. So she decides to stay there. But why would an Asgardian god want to live in a small town in the American Midwest? Well, there actually is a comic book precedent for Asgardians hanging out in this particular Oklahoma town, believe it or not. Marvel Studios Broxton, Oklahoma Was Home to Asgard in the Thor Comics of J. Michael Straczynski Broxton first appeared in writer J. Michael Stracyinskis celebrated run on Thor, which began in 2007. After the events of Ragnarok and the death of all the Asgardians, they are all ultimately reborn once more. Only this time, the Asgardians are mortals with no memory of their godly lives. Thor eventually awakens to his true self and recreates the City of Asgard close to the town of Broxton, OK, a mere few miles away. Marvel Comics For some months, the ordinary citizens of the town had to contend with ancient and powerful gods who were living among them. Asgard actually floated above the ground, making it even more off-putting to the nervous Broxton residents. Thor actually paid for the use of the land with Asgardian treasure, even if it took him some time to do so. Lady Loki First Appeared During the Broxton Era of Thor Marvel Comics Interestingly enough, Loki during his time in Broxton took the form of a woman. It was the first time they portrayed Loki as female, at least for an extended time. Since Loki is the God of Mischief, when he was reborn he took the form that they originally intended for Lady Sif. But the truth is, in comics as well as actual Norse mythology, they have always described Loki as genderfluid. So the Lady Loki we met in Broxton was actually the same Loki as the one wed always known in a different form. Unlike Sylvie, who is a variant from another timeline. But its fitting that a version of the Trickster God thats a woman resides in Broxton in both the comics as well as the MCU. The Sad End of Broxton in the Pages of Marvel Comics Marvel Comics Hopefully, MCU Broxton receives a better fate than the one in the pages of the comics. Obviously, a floating City of Asgard nearby placed a huge target on the small town. The often corrupt company Roxxon, a longtime enemy of the Thunder Gods, started investing in Broxton. Sadly, the town became wrecked as a result. It was their evil CEOs plan to blame the Asgardians for what befell the town. When the Asgardians finally left, they allowed their Everlasting Fountain and Bountiful Tree to remain there. But the town was later totally destroyed when the God of Hammers annihilated it just to spite his nemesis, Thor. Ultimately, this poor small American town paid the price for its association with these higher beings. The ancient Asgardian god in a tiny American town was the basis for the first Thor film back in 2011. Only there, they changed it to a New Mexico town instead of one in Oklahoma. Thor: Love and Thunder also played with the concept of Asgard coming to a small human town and integrating. Now, Broxton has arrived in live-action thanks to Loki. Hopefully, nothing terribly sinister happens to the poor Broxton in the MCU, as it did in the comic books. It seems like a nice chill town. And that McDonalds that Sylvie pops in gives us all the retro vibes we love. And yes, there actually is a real town named Broxton in Oklahoma, near Caddo County. Hey, if Marvel can use real big cities like New York and Los Angeles, then why not real small towns? They were the faces of their generation, who famously wouldnt get out of bed for less than $10,000. Supermodels Linda Evangelista , Christy Turlington , Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford are having another moment thanks to an Apple TV+ docuseries that takes viewers behind the glam of their heyday in the 1980s and 90s. Theyre definitely loving the attention the documentary is bringing them, an insider tells In Touch. Theyre also relishing the opportunity to spill the tea, even scores and expose stunningly bad behavior. Now in their 50s, and with a combined net worth of $560 million, they have nothing to lose. Here, In Touch breaks down the most shocking revelations. No Boundaries Entering the industry as teens, the models now all moms say they were vulnerable to predatory men with no one to protect them. Once an art director felt the need to tell me my breasts were perfect, Naomi recalls in the doc. But he felt the need to have to touch them. Linda was stunned at a shoot in Japan when she was ordered to take off her clothes. I kind of freaked out, she says. I never shouldve went there by myself. And Cindy, whose dad likened modeling to prostitution, says she felt like chattel on a talk show when the host made her show off her body. Meanwhile, Christys agency arranged for her to stay at the apartment of a man who it was later revealed had links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Nothing happened, she says, still reeling at being put in that situation. I cant believe Im OK. At 22, Linda was not OK during her five-year marriage to Gerald Marie, then the European chief of Elite Model Management, who she accuses of physically abusing her. He knew not to touch my face, she reveals. Not to touch the moneymaker, you know? (In 2020, more women accused him of rape and sexual misconduct; he has called the allegations defamatory and false.) The Canadian beauty also reveals shes twice battled breast cancer and opens up about being disfigured by a CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure, which left her in a deep depression and reclusive for years. Drugs and Discrimination The group banded together when they realized Naomi was not being hired because of her race. Naomi, I thought, was more beautiful, had a much more rockin body than I did and a better strut, says Linda. And Im like, why arent they booking her? Taking collective action, she and the others would refuse gigs unless Naomi was also hired. Linda and Christy absolutely put themselves on the line, confirms Naomi. They stood by me and they supported me. And thats what kept me going. Throughout her career, Naomi also leaned on designers as mentors and protectors. She called Azzedine Alaia, who died in 2017, Papa (and called on him to chew out that handsy art director!). She was rocked by the 1997 murder of her beloved friend designer Gianni Versace and turned to cocaine to numb the pain. You think, Oh its gonna heal that wound. It doesnt, she shares. It can cause such huge fear and anxiety. So I got really angry. (The model has been convicted four times for assault against employees including throwing a phone at an assistant.) Finally, she went to rehab. I was killing myself, she explains, adding that rehab was one of the best and only things I could have done for myself at the time. On the lookout for a Mutual Fund Equity Report fund? Starting with Delaware Healthcare A (DLHAX) should not be a possibility at this time. DLHAX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), which is based on various forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. History of Fund/Manager Delaware Investments is responsible for DLHAX, and the company is based out of Philadelphia, PA. Delaware Healthcare A debuted in September of 2007. Since then, DLHAX has accumulated assets of about $209.97 million, according to the most recently available information. The fund is currently managed by Liu Er Chen who has been in charge of the fund since September of 2007. Performance Of course, investors look for strong performance in funds. This fund in particular has delivered a 5-year annualized total return of 5.07%, and it sits in the bottom third among its category peers. But if you are looking for a shorter time frame, it is also worth looking at its 3-year annualized total return of 3.06%, which places it in the middle third during this time-frame. It is important to note that the product's returns may not reflect all its expenses. Any fees not reflected would lower the returns. Total returns do not reflect the fund's [%] sale charge. If sales charges were included, total returns would have been lower. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. Compared to the category average of 15.01%, the standard deviation of DLHAX over the past three years is 13.41%. Over the past 5 years, the standard deviation of the fund is 17.01% compared to the category average of 16.16%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors Investors should not forget about beta, an important way to measure a mutual fund's risk compared to the market as a whole. DLHAX has a 5-year beta of 0.69, which means it is likely to be less volatile than the market average. Because alpha represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which is the S&P 500 in this case, one should pay attention to this metric as well. Over the past 5 years, the fund has a negative alpha of -2.6. This means that managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. Story continues Expenses For investors, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is key, since costs are increasingly important for mutual fund investing. Competition is heating up in this space, and a lower cost product will likely outperform its otherwise identical counterpart, all things being equal. In terms of fees, DLHAX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.23% compared to the category average of 1.28%. Looking at the fund from a cost perspective, DLHAX is actually cheaper than its peers. While the minimum initial investment for the product is $1,000, investors should also note that each subsequent investment needs to be at least $100. Fees charged by investment advisors have not been taken into considiration. Returns would be less if those were included. Bottom Line Overall, Delaware Healthcare A ( DLHAX ) has a low Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively weak performance, average downside risk, and lower fees, this fund looks like a somewhat weak choice for investors right now. Your research on the Mutual Fund Equity Report segment doesn't have to stop here. You can check out all the great mutual fund tools we have to offer by going to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds to see the additional features we offer as well for additional information. If you want to check out our stock reports as well, make sure to go to Zacks.com to see all of the great tools we have to offer, including our time-tested Zacks Rank. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (DLHAX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research To define is to limit. NCT 127 lives by that motto, and the boy group is constantly evolving, whether it be their experimental sound, complex choreographies, or intricate concepts. Since its debut, NCT 127 has defied expectations in each release, becoming globally known for its signature "neo" style. Their latest album, "Fact Check," out now, underscores the diverse sonic range of the nine-member band. "We really put all of our hearts in it," Johnny told USA TODAY about the group's fifth album. Meet NCT 127 (L-R) Jungwoo, Taeil, Mark, Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, Johnny, Doyoung and Haechan of NCT 127. NCT 127 debuted in July 2016 with EP "NCT #127" and lead single "Fire Truck." The group is under the greater umbrella that is NCT, which stands for Neo Culture Technology. Others include NCT U, NCT DREAM, NCT DOJAEJUNG, WayV and a soon-to-debut Japan-based group. Composed of Taeil (who was absent from the interview due to an injury), Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark and Haechan, NCT 127 is based in Seoul. The latter half of its name represents the longitudinal coordinate of the city. While the group actively promotes in South Korea, their reach is worldwide. They've toured the globe, received top awards and released chart-hitting records, cementing their spot within an ever-changing industry. The group's last album "2 Baddies" debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, making NCT 127 the second K-pop artist in history to land three albums in the Top 5. 'Fact Check' highlights NCT 127's musical diversity The multitude of talents of NCT 127 can't be boxed into a specific definition or genre. Fans often refer to the group using "," which translates to "it's really neo," said Johnny. "Fact Check" embodies this phrase, featuring the pop rock "Angel Eyes" to smooth R&B "Misty." The nine tracks capture NCT 127's ethos. "Being as diverse as we can be and being very limitless with our music and our styles, that's the approach we've always had when we start making a new album," said Mark. "We continue to study in terms of performance, understanding in music, and what concept we'd like to showcase through the tracks. I think that's how we maintain the diversity in concept," said Taeyong, the group's leader. While working on "Fact Check," Mark said the members considered not only the audible aspect but also the performance side. "We wanted to create another great album that would be amazing not just to hear, but to also see on stage," he explained. The title track, in particular, leans into the group's innovative nature through its kinetic choreography and vibrant tonality. Its music video also gives a nod to NCT 127's base with traditional Korean settings. "We went more into our origins throughout the whole title song," said Jaehyun. Taeyong contributed to its choreography, calling the experience a "really good memory." Growing through the years NCT 127 has experienced a lot over the years. They even got to share some of those stories in the docuseries, "NCT 127: The Lost Boys." "We shared deep secrets, stories that we really didn't say out loud," Mark said. "To share that vulnerability with our audience is something that is great for us to treasure." Reflecting on growth, each member has developed in his own way. Haechan shared how he's grown vocally. "I tend to learn how I can use my voice a bit better and also how to use that into the songs," he said. For Yuta, he said his confidence has shifted over time. This sentiment was echoed by others. (L-R) Jungwoo, Taeil, Mark, Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, Johnny, Doyoung and Haechan of NCT 127. "Since I joined the team in the middle, I thought I had a lot of lacking points that I had to develop," said Jungwoo, who joined NCT 127 in 2018. "Since the debut, I think now I gained a lot of confidence and also I try to break my limits all the time." Taeyong said he has gained strength and a better mindset from his members. "When I was young, I was a really sensitive person. It's like I'm so badly pushing myself," he said. "Now, I'm really positive. My members are really helping me." A humble mentality resonates throughout NCT 127. They strive to become better people as a whole, said Taeyong. "Since debut, there's always limits to when you try to put out some parts that are not close to yourself," Doyoung said. "Right now, I'm trying more hard to be a good person and I think I have become one." And this process never stops. "I'm always learning more and more about myself," said Johnny. "I am figuring out or have figured out a lot about what I think is important, what I find important, what I think are my priorities." NCT 127's future is 'limitless' NCT 127 has a deep devotion to its fans, whom they lovingly refer to as NCTzens. In all that they do, the members wish to foster connections with them. "We want them to remember us as they did the time that they had the warmth in themselves," said Jaehyun, hoping NCTzens hold onto the memories they create together. As for their music, NCT 127 wants to continue pushing boundaries. "We will never stop our challenges on the musical side," said Doyoung. And across the board, NCT 127's "future seems limitless," said Yuta. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NCT 127: K-pop members on 'Fact Check' album, music style and fans In this weeks edition of The King Beat, I regret that I cant get write extensively about the exciting 4K UHD release of The Dead Zone that was just announced by Shout! Factory. There also isnt time to celebrate either 45th anniversary of The Stand (which was on Tuesday) or the 20th anniversary of the collection Nightmares & Dreamscapes (which was this past Saturday). Simply put, there are too many other exciting developments happening in the world of Stephen King. Instead of those topics, this weeks column features terrific news regarding Mike Flanagans adaptation of the novella The Life Of Chuck; an interview with Pet Sematary: Bloodlines writer/director Lindsey Anderson Beer; and an update from filmmaker Scott Derrickson regarding his long-in-development adaptation of The Breathing Method. Read on, and please join me in wishing a speedy recovery to Stephen King as he recuperates from hip replacement surgery. If It Bleeds by Stephen King book cover Mike Flanagans The Life Of Chuck Is Reportedly Going To Start Production This Month In Alabama At present, there is arguably no greater cinematic ally to Constant Readers than Mike Flanagan. After all, hes the guy who has not only made two of the best Stephen King movies of all time within the last six years, but has made it his goal to create a proper and faithful adaptation of the Dark Tower saga. Its impossible to not be thrilled about every move Flanagan makes in the King world which is why its thrilling to learn that his next adventure is reportedly starting production later this month. Gulf Coast Media has published an article saying that Mike Flanagans The Life Of Chuck is planning a mid-October start for principal photography down in Alabama specifically in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Filming is expected to roll for four weeks. This will be the second time that Flanagan has made a Stephen King movie down in Alabama, as Geralds Game was shot in Mobile (which explains why the setting of the story is moved from Maine to the southern state). The Life Of Chuck adaptation was first announced back in May, and its been reported that the film will star Tom Hiddleston and Mark Hamill (the latter just worked with Mike Flanagan on the new Netflix series The Fall Of The House Of Usher). The adaptation is based on the novella of the same name, which was first published in the 2020 omnibus If It Bleeds. A surreal bit of fiction, the story plays out in three distinct acts and each one goes backwards in time examining the life of the titular character. If youre curious about how filming is happening despite the on-going SAG-AFTRA strike, The Life Of Chuck received approval from the union last month. We dont presently know the status of the movie when it comes to domestic and international distribution deals, but you can be sure that youll find release date news here on CinemaBlend as soon as it is confirmed. Randall Flagg and Nadine in The Stand Scott Derrickson Is No Longer Developing The Breathing Method And Names The Book That Has Not Gotten The Treatment That It Deserves When Scott Derrickson was promoting The Black Phone in 2022, he spoke in interviews about how he was trying to keep hope alive for The Breathing Method a Stephen King adaptation that he first became attached to make in 2012. There was expressed optimism, but now, a little over a year later, it seems that the project isnt moving forward with his involvement. Derricksons latest work is a segment in the new horror anthology film V/H/S/85 (which features a canon link to The Black Phone), and when I interviewed the writer/director about the project this week, I inquired about a Breathing Method update. Sadly, it now seems that the potential adaptation is out of his hands. Said the filmmaker, I don't know where the rights are on that. I don't even know if it's in development now. I had a script developed with Scott Teems, who worked on the Halloween films and I think one of the Insidious films. And he did a great job, and I really loved that script, and it was very imaginative, and a really strong adaptation. It didn't end up going anywhere. I'm not involved with it anymore, so I have no idea where it's at. This is a bummer given Scott Derricksons talent and clout as a genre director particularly after he did such a terrific job adapting the work of Joe Hill (Stephen Kings son). I followed up by asking if there was potentially another King story that hed like to bring to the big screen, and while Derrickson wouldnt commit to any specific title, he named his favorite book from the author and provided a judgment on its cinematic legacy to date: He's written so many books. I would have to really stop and think about it if there's a specific one that I could do, would do if I wanted to do any. But I do know he's a big Sinister and Black Phone fan, and I've communicated with him via email which is a great privilege... I'd have to think about that for a while. Look, I still think that The Stand has not gotten the treatment that it deserves. I do think it's his best book. I'll just say that. It was only at the end of 2020 that the most recent adaptation of The Stand hit Paramount+ (then known as CBS All Access), but perhaps after a few more years, Derrickson could start lugging copies of the heavy tome to pitch meetings. Sign going into the cemetary in Pet Sematary: Bloodlines Read My Interview With Director Lindsey Beer Anderson About Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, Which Streams This Friday A few weeks ago, The King Beat led with a story from my interview with Pet Sematary: Bloodlines director Lindsay Anderson Beer the filmmaker revealing that she specifically cast both Henry Thomas and Samantha Mathis in the movie because of their extensive respective Stephen King experience. With the prequel film now set to be released (available with a Paramount+ subscription starting this Friday, October 6), you can read more from our wonderful conversation, with highlights including her personal relationship with her movies source material, how she sees the films relationship with the previous Pet Sematary adaptations, and more. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. I'll start by asking what is your personal history both with Stephen King and with the novel Pet Sematary? Yeah, I read Pet Sematary. It was the first Stephen King novel that I read. I was about nine years old, and I saw it on a library shelf, and I think I was like falsely lured in by the cover with pets . But I read it in a night. I stayed up all night reading it and I just loved it, even though I was a kid and it was about an adult, but I loved the kind of absurdist, inner monologue of Louis and just the whole family drama of it. I was absolutely terrified but completely obsessed with it. And then I pretty much stole a copy of the movie from a family friend's library to sneak it, to watch it. And I made my sister watch it with me too. She hated it 'cause it was so scary, and I loved it so much, and we watched it over and over again. In the making of this film, what was your relationship both with the 1989 film and the 2019 film? For me, I felt like I wanted to do my own thing. So I just kept rereading the book and I saw that as my North Star, and I wanted to make a prequel to the book and kind of take... In the book, there's so much mythology that's hinted at, but it isn't really explained. And I felt like as a fan, there were questions that I wanted answered and I just was looking for threads that I could pull on to kind of weave together and tell a bigger picture of the origin of Ludlow. Rewatching the 2019 Pet Sematary, I noticed that they don't have the tale of Timmy Baterman scene, but there is the short film that John Lithgow shot on set. What was your awareness of that short film and how much were you incorporating it into what you were doing with your movie? You know what's funny: I did not even know that short existed until like way, way, way, way, way down the line in post when we were editing [laughs]. And the producer brought it up and I was like, 'Why did nobody flag this shit before? [Laughs]' But I actually love that short. I think they did such a good job with it. One thing that strikes me is that this isn't a remake. You immediately get to the Micmac burial ground in the very first scene. How much were you able to lean on just the pop culture awareness of what Pet Sematary is in the making of this movie? Yeah. I wanted to take the awareness of what we know about that and the tropes and kind of the mystical indigenous burial ground that had been used in those earlier movies and kind of subvert that and say that that's not what this was actually, and that's part of a conspiracy and a cover-up and superstition and things that get gets passed down. And for me, I feel like at the point where something becomes a trope, it's not interesting anymore. And I feel like we've kind of evolved beyond that as a society anyway. So that was one of the things that interested me about taking on this project, was being able to take what we know and then say, 'Well, forget what you know because we're gonna unearth this deeper mystery and secret. I feel like it has aged somewhat in the sense of Poltergeist and even The Shining leaning on Native American mysticism. But actually one thing I really like about this film is the fact that you have indigenous characters. Was that something that specifically came out of that? Yeah, exactly. To be able to kind of subvert that trope and tell a more complex and I think modern story to me, it's a very important to have point of view characters who were Native American. I also consulted with several Native American groups. I also let Isabella and Forrest, the actors who played them, really contribute a lot to their characters and have a very big say in them in a way that was unique compared to the other actors. But I think it's just really important for people to be involved in the telling of their own stories. Stephen King in Pet Sematary Recommendation Of The Week: Pet Sematary, Chapters 38-39 My King Beat reading recommendations are generally going to be limited to short stories and novellas, but Im mixing things up this week in honor of the fact that Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is not a typical adaptation. Much like The Voyage Of The Demeter from this past summer, the new movie is not based on an independent work, but instead a section of a larger piece specifically Chapters 38 and 39 of Pet Sematary. Shortly after the death of young Gage Creed, his father, Louis, is a broken, emotional mess, and he goes to visit with his neighbor Jud Crandall. Jud knows that his friend is considering taking his sons body up to the notorious, cursed burial ground, and he tries to convince Louis to rethink the plan by telling him a terrible story from when he was a young adult and witnessed the horrible resurrection of a young man Timmy Baterman. The DNA of this tale is the basis for Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, though the adaptation makes significant changes. Ill be back next Thursday here on CinemaBlend with another edition of The King Beat, so stay tuned for that, and in the meantime, you can check out my Adapting Stephen King column, which chronicles the full history of the authors books on screen. Pamela Anderson said going without makeup is "freedom." She made a getting ready video with Vogue France ahead of the Vivienne Westwood runway show in Paris, where she rocked several different natural beauty looks to different shows last week. Anderson explained she was working without a glam team, she didn't style her hair out of the bathtub and on her face was DIY rose oil moisturizer and a swipe of mascara. She wanted a natural look to let her outfits shine. "I'm not into the makeup look right now," said the 56-year-old model and actress, who's spent the last year-plus reclaiming her life narrative which was was laid bare in a Netflix doc and best-selling memoir. Anderson who reigned as the ultimate sex symbol after being put on the cover of Playboy and donning the iconic red swimsuit on Baywatch before having her privacy violated in the most shocking (and illegal) of ways said she's "vintage now." Being in her 50s has led the mom of two to challenge beauty standards, explaining, "If we all chase youth or we're chasing our idea of what beauty is in fashion magazines and everything, we're only going to be disappointed." Her bold beauty statement is "a little rebellious," she said, but also what feels right to her right now. "I think I'm happiest I've ever been in my own skin ... I'm not trying to be the prettiest girl in the room. I feel like it's just freedom. It's like a relief." Pamela Anderson outside The Row show during Paris Fashion Week on Sept. 27. (Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images) (Jeremy Moeller via Getty Images) 'The natural beauty revolution has begun' or has it? Jamie Lee Curtis saw photos of Anderson, at Paris Fashion Week and declared, "THE NATURAL BEAUTY REVOLUTION HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN!" The 64-year-old Oscar winner, who has long criticized unrealistic beauty standards, wrote on Instagram, "This woman showed up and claimed her seat at the table with nothing on her face. I am so impressed and floored by this act of courage and rebellion." Curtis's recognition of Anderson was both applauded and criticized, but no matter your stance, it's notable in the world of celebrity. It also comes this week as we see Isabella Rossellini, 71, without retouching on Vogue Italia. There's also Hilarie Burton, 41, talking about the "relief" she felt letting her hair go gray. Recently, Christy Turlington, 54, said she's staying away from plastic surgery because, "I love seeing a real face... I am one of those faces." Justine Bateman, 57, has been drumming that message too, talking about the societal fear women are conditioned to have about aging. The gray locks of Andie MacDowell, 65, have spawned countless headlines, as have the makeup free looks of 50-year-old Tracee Ellis Ross. But whether this is a natural beauty revolution versus a few exceptions to the Hollywood norm is another thing. "The cynical side of me thinks they're going to be one-offs," Vanderbilt University's associate professor of communication studies and chair of the cinema and media arts program Claire Sisco King told Yahoo. "You just think about on TikTok, the ubiquity of those 'get ready with me' videos, and how popular that makeup culture has become, which of course has the backing of cosmetic companies to support it," she continued. "I think the natural beauty, the no-makeup look is something that older women feel empowered to embrace. The sort of sense that they've been in some ways discarded or considered no longer in their prime, I suspect that that itself feels freeing and it gives them a certain sense of agency, but I think our culture is still so deeply steeped in youth culture and beauty culture and the way those things are articulated that I don't really see it becoming the norm." Pamela Anderson at the Victoria Beckham fashion show during Paris Fashion Week on Sept. 29, 2023. (Darren Gerrish/Getty Images for Victoria Beckham) (Darren Gerrish via Getty Images) The 'imagined expiration date for women' Anderson's transformation actually began after the 2019 death of her longtime makeup artist, Alexis Vogel. She told Elle in August that without Vogel, whom she had been working with since 1993, she felt it was best not to wear makeup. Her make under coincided with Anderson selling her Malibu, Calif., home of two decades to move back to her Ladysmith, British Columbia hometown. She's documented her low-key life there and being single for the first time after five failed marriages. Pamela Anderson on the set of Baywatch circa 1996. (Kypros/Getty Images) (Kypros via Getty Images) Out of all the women noted as pushing beauty boundaries, it's not lost on us that Anderson is perhaps the most famous so-called "sex symbol" of them all. "One way to think about it is that Pamela Anderson, through much of her career, was complicit in perpetuating these very sort of narrow, largely unattainable beauty norms," King said. "There is something refreshing and powerful about seeing her rebuff them." Pamela Anderson promoting 1996's Barb Wire at the Cannes Film Festival. (Eric Robert/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images) (Eric Robert via Getty Images) She continued, "One of the other things that's part and parcel with our obsession with youth is that our culture is really not good at thinking about older people as sexual or as still having desire. In the context of The Golden Bachelor, many of my undergrads have been watching the series and a lot of them expressed an initial discomfort about seeing older people on television in this romantic setting. So I think this is a reminder of the ways in which our culture disavows aging and really thinks about people past a certain age as no longer worthy of our interest or no longer worthy of taking up space in culture or on screens." King added, "That, of course, is the thing that people like Debra Winger, Geena Davis women actors who've had these really long careers have talked about so openly. That women often just get tossed aside when they reach a certain age, which is shockingly young. The sort of imagined expiration date for women." Pamela Anderson at the 2001 VH1 Divas Live show. (Anthony Harvey - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) (Anthony Harvey - PA Images via Getty Images) Natural beauty revolution vs. enhancement revolution The photos of Anderson's no-makeup look have been everywhere, but so are stories about stars, including Sia and Julie Chen, touting their facelifts. For them and others there's power in enhancement. "I think the pandemic was such an interesting example," King said. "Dermatologists and plastic surgeons saw these these upticks and people wanting more invasive forms of work done. I think it was a confluence of Zoom culture, where they were seeing themselves on screens all day and becoming hyper-fixated on their appearance. Then also that people were still staying at home or restricting their social interactions that gave them more time for recovery. So the emphasis on screens in our culture, I think, drives some of this impulse to have people's faces perfected." That said, we're also in an era in which it's expected that celebrities are open about it. "It's become normalized to a degree for people to talk about the procedures they've had done," King said. While some of it stems from it being the digital era where we have so much access to celebrities on social media King explained that "it's also the case that this marriage between fame and youth and beauty and 'self-improvement' culture around makeup and cosmetics, that's been part ... of celebrity as long as it's been an institution. "If you look at magazines from the 1910s and 1920s, Hollywood starlets are on the cover. These images, first of all, were illustrated and drawn or painted in keeping with very Victorian sensibilities, but all of them presented these women with the most idealized, perfect faces. Then if you look through the pages, they're filled with features about these early stars' makeup routines and their fashion and beauty regimens. They're also filled with advertisements of celebrities selling face powders, night creams and all of that. So this has been a part of celebrity culture really as long as there's been celebrity culture." Pamela Anderson attends the Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear fashion collection presented Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 in Paris. (AP Photo/Vianney Le Caer) (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP) Talking about procedures is an improvement from the era of people pretending they just woke up looking perfect; that they miraculously don't have wrinkles at 50 or a single gray hair. Worse, that people just dropped a tremendous amount of weight naturally with the perfect, no stretch marks bikini body to go with it. "People have agency to make decisions about what they do and they should have autonomy over their bodies," King says. "Of course, it's impossible to separate out an individual woman's feeling of autonomy and agency from these larger cultural norms that tell her she should look a certain way. So it's a constrained form of agency that someone like Sia might have to get this work done. It's also a function of economic privilege. People who have access to money also have access to doctors, procedures and products that are that are going to enable this kind of look." She continues, "So being able to say to their audiences, 'This is what a real face looks like,' or 'This is what it takes to get a face to look like this' can demystify some of what is the very hard and very expensive work of keeping up with these particular norms about what women should look like." As for Anderson, it remains to be seen if this is something that she'll continue or if it's a fleeting fancy. It also remains to be seen if her new look catches on. No matter how it shakes out, the "freedom" she's feeling from it during what she has dubbed her chapter of "self-acceptance" looks good on her. US Navy veteran and firefighter Andrew Bischof, 21, has been arrested and charged with starting four fires in the community he serves in Pennsylvania. The fires, which occurred within a short distance of each other in New Kensington and Arnold, led to his suspension by the Arnold Fire Department. Surveillance footage placed Bischof near the fire scenes, driving a black Ford Escape. He was later seen returning to help extinguish the flames. Bischof faces charges including arson and burglary and is being held without bail. Firefighter Andrew Bischof Charged With Setting Four Fires In His Community BREAKING: This is our 1st look at (21) Andrew Bischof, arrested & charged w/ setting 4 fires in Arnold-area community he serves Dept confirmed to me this is him at 1 of those fires. They suspended him & call the allegations appalling : From The Scene Photography@KDKA pic.twitter.com/LocKSDBwSc Lauren Linder (@lauren_linder) October 5, 2023 Trending: Britney Spears Ex Sam Asghari Poses With THIS Major Hollywood Star Only ONE Other Sister Wife Witnessed Christine Brown & David Woolleys Union! Bethenny Frankel Calls For Donations Following Hamas Attack On Israel Sharon Stone Talks Choosing Motherhood Over Hollywood 19-Year-Old Arrested With Terrifying Plans To Kill Everyone At His Former High School A 21-year-old US Navy veteran and firefighter, Andrew Bischof, has been arrested and charged with igniting four fires within the community he served. These fires, starting at an abandoned building on Saturday morning and culminating in a fourth fire at a residence owned by Bischof's family, unfolded within a short distance of each other in the New Kensington and Arnold areas. Bischof was arrested following an investigation of surveillance footage that placed him near the scenes of each fire, driving a black Ford Escape. As reported by Pennsylvania State Police, the suspected arsonist was then spotted on the surveillance footage returning to two of the fire locations alongside Arnold Engine Co. #2 to assist in firefighting efforts. During the firefighting efforts, a deck collapse involving two firefighters occurred, leading to one being transported to the hospital for evaluation by EMS crews. Both firefighters have since returned to active duty. Eyewitnesses Recount Scary Fire Incident View this post on Instagram A post shared by @steelcityfiretrucksandmore (@steelcityfiretrucksandmore) Michele Walter, a neighborhood resident who witnessed the alarming scene, recounted seeing thick smoke and flames emanating from the second floor of the burning structure. Speaking to CBS News, she expressed her concern, stating: "It is scary because a lot of these houses are built close. If one goes up, another is going to go up. Someone is going to get hurt." Another neighbor, Lana Glenn, shared her experience of the incident. She revealed that she had just put her daughter to bed on the fateful Sunday night when she noticed flames erupting from the rear of her neighbor's house on Leishman Avenue. Apprehensive that her elderly neighbor might still be inside, she promptly dialed 911 for assistance. Firefighter Andrew Bischof Suspended After Five Days In Service For Setting Fires Andrew Bischof Wiki, Bio, Age, Family, Charged with arson after 4 weekend fireshttps://t.co/MaaVTXpfLA Wiki Viral News (@viral_wiki) October 5, 2023 Following his arrest, Bischof has been detained at Westmoreland County Jail and faces a multitude of charges, including arson, aggravated arson, causing or risking catastrophe, criminal mischief, burglary, and criminal trespass. He is currently held without bail, with his preliminary hearings scheduled for the upcoming Thursday. In light of Bischof's arrest, the Pennsylvania Arnold Fire Department, which he had joined just five days before, suspended him. This suspension will remain in effect until the conclusion of his legal proceedings. Arnold Fire Chief Eric Gartley expressed his shock, frustration, and disappointment over the events of the past six days, emphasizing their department's service "is based in trust, and this type of action betrays that." The Arnold Fire Department also released a statement, which reads: "We recognize the level of public trust that the community places in the fire department and we take that trust seriously. We will not tolerate these actions." They reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with "local and state law enforcement to ensure justice is served." 'It's A Punch In The Face To The Service' MEGA The Arnold Fire Department noted they conducted a background check on Bischof before his recruitment, revealing no prior criminal record. According to records provided by the Arnold Fire Department, Bischof had been a member of the Citizens Volunteer Fire Company #1. Subsequently, he served in the US Navy for four years and received an honorable discharge before becoming part of the Arnold Fire Department. New Kensington Fire Chief Ed Saliba Jr., whose team responded to one of the fires believed to have been ignited by Bischof, expressed disappointment over the involvement of a new recruit in the incidents. Speaking to TRIBLive, Saliba said, "It hurts because we rely on volunteers to perform a job and a duty. We try our best to recruit youths, and when something like this happens, it's a very big black eye. It's a punch in the face to the service as a whole." Pet Sematary ranks among Stephen Kings most terrifying books, which hasnt been reflected particularly well in movie versions of it. Yet the novel proved fertile enough that a small portion of it yields a decent little Paramount+ movie in Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, a crisp and efficient reminder of Kings line Sometimes, dead is better, and that occasionally, sometimes prequels are too. In a shrewd maneuver, director/co-writer Lindsey Anderson Beer goes back to the story Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne in the original 1989 movie, John Lithgow in the remake three decades later) tells about Timmy Bateman, the one time he knew of a human getting buried in the sour earth of that strange cemetery and being brought back to murderous life. As constructed, its 1969, and the young Jud (Jackson White) is getting ready to take off for the Peace Corps, while his friend Timmy (Jack Mulhern) has returned from Vietnam. The film begins with Timmys dad (David Duchovny) digging a grave, having hidden his boys death from the town, even if the figure lumbering around his house is different, as the young Jud puts it, exhibiting a gift for understatement. Pam Grier as the sheriff in "Pet Sematary: Bloodlines." - Philippe Bosse/Paramount+ Perhaps foremost, Bloodlines, gory though it might be, doesnt try wringing too much blood out of the slim conceit, briskly running 87 minutes. Still, the movie not only builds toward the mayhem unleashed by Timmys presence but delves into the history of Ludlow, that small Maine hamlet, and the ancient evil that resides there. Beyond the inherent horror of the concept, the producers have filled supporting roles with familiar faces that own nifty genre credentials, including Duchovny, Henry Thomas (E.T.) as Juds dad and Pam Grier as the local sheriff. Admittedly, its hard to get excited about this sort of line extension, and Paramount probably made the right decision sending this small-scale effort straight to streaming (although worse horror movies have earned a theatrical release); still, expanding upon Kings creepy concept represents a reasonably solid October-timed diversion amid the latest gluttonous wave of movies and TV derived from his writing. In a week that also brings another addition to The Exorcist filmography, Pet Sematary tackles a similar issue of how to add another layer to whats gone before. And while Juds dad advises him to get out of Ludlow, this prequel endorses the idea that Kings little town can be worth a visit or rather, revisit by adhering to the notion that the past really is prologue. Pet Sematary: Bloodlines premieres October 6 on Paramount+. Its rated R. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Bryan Fuller, creator of Hannibal, Pushing Daisies and American Gods, among other series, was sued this week for sexual harassment by Queer for Fear producer Sam Wineman, who alleges that Fullerwho served as director and executive producer on that AMC Networks/Shudder docuseriessexually assaulted him several times during the shows production. Fuller repeatedly pressed his penis into Winemans backside under the cover of giving him a back massage and had a preoccupation with masturbation, Wineman alleges in his suit. The hostile work environment that Fuller allegedly created included verbal harassment, as well as retaliation against Wineman in the form of the silent treatment, the sabotaging of shots and, ultimately, Winemans firing, which he says took place four weeks after he reported the directors behavior. Fullers lawyer, Bryan Freedman, vehemently denied the allegations to Deadline, saying that a malicious prosecution lawsuit aimed directly at [Wineman] is coming soon. Make no mistake, Sam Wineman will be sued for defamation based on what are 100 percent probably false statements, the lawyer said, adding, Sam Wineman just made the biggest mistake of his life and once the evidence comes out, he will forever be known as a pathological liar. The Daily Beast reached out to Freedman for comment. But now, two of Winemans collaborators are speaking up on his behalf. Jordan Crucchiola, an associate producer on Queer for Fear and have both spoken out on X (formerly Twitter) in support of Wineman, who they say they were in contact with when the alleged harassment was taking place. I was an associate producer on Queer For Fear, before my name was taken off the credits, for several months in 2021, Jordan Crucchiola posted. And I was present for or told in real time about what is alleged against Bryan Fuller in this lawsuit. I stand with Sam telling the truth. Make no mistake: All of the time stamped text messages exchanged between me and Sam for months during production of the docuseries will prove more than sufficiently that we discussed Fullers conduct as it happened. Constantly, she added. The language aimed at Sam from Fullers lawyer is predictably terrifying. A rich guys attorney saying hes going to sue you into the ground and ruin any hope of a career is meant to flatten a person and scare them into retreating. Its expected but its still so scary to read. Jordan Crucchiola (@JorCru) October 5, 2023 I heard from Sam in real time as these things happened to him. I stand firmly beside my friend and collaborator, composer Andrew Scott Bell, who said his score was ultimately removed from the final series, added. We have to stand up to the monsters. I worked on QFF when it was only a feature film and scored the entire series (all of which was removed from the final production). I heard from Sam in real time as these things happened to him. I stand firmly beside my friend and collaborator. We have to stand up to the monsters https://t.co/DbkamLOd9l Andrew Scott Bell (@andrewscottbell) October 6, 2023 The Daily Beast reached out to Bell, Crucchiola and AMC Networks 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. In a glittering event at Madrids Florida Park, Spains Secuoya Studios brought out its big guns, led by its president James Costos and Secuoya Content Group CEO Raul Berdones, to tout the fast-growing companys slate, led by its 10-episode series Zorro, its most ambitious production. The series pilot will be unveiled at Mipcom in a special screening on Oct. 15, noted Berdones, who added that the two-year-old company has made a strong commitment to sustainable production. More from Variety Zorro, starring Miguel Bernardeau and Renata Notni, will be exclusively available on Prime Video in Latin America, the U.S., Spain, Andorra, and Portugal in the first half of 2024, followed by its broadcast on Spains TVE. Mediawan handles international distribution. Attendees of the 3rd Iberseries & Platino Industria were treated to a sneak peek two days before. Speaking of the companys slate, Berdones remarked: This ambitious, innovative, distinctive, and diverse content catalog in various stages of development proves that we are delivering on our promises. For us, this adventure has been an exciting journey, following more than two years of relentless studio production. Secuoya Studios has become a preferred destination for talent looking to work with a content company that harbors big dreams, projects that aim to reach every corner of the world, Costos said, expressing pride that Spain has solidified its position as the Hollywood of Europe. Costos, based in Los Angeles, heads the U.S. operations of Secuoya Studios, which launched early this year. Among its stellar productions are two new projects with the production company of William Levy (Montecristo), the series Los 39 and Terra Alta, the adaptation of the Turkish hit Brave and Beautiful, as well as the movie Padres, in collaboration with Eduardo Campoys Alamo Producciones Audiovisuales, and the Spanish version of the international docu-reality Who Bares Wins. Los 39 is a historical series about the Spaniards abandoned by explorer Christopher Columbus on the island of La Espanola. Its currently in pre-production and being made in collaboration with TVE and other partners in Spain, Latin America, and Germany, with principal photography set for early 2024. Terra Alta, is an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Javier Cercas, in collaboration with a prominent streaming platform and with filming set to begin by mid-next year. Secuoya Studios is also betting big on telenovelas, adapting three Turkish soaps from Ay Yapim, Turkey and producing one original, Manuela. Aside from Brave and Beautiful, the other Turkish adaptations are Viente minutos and Love Storm, said Eduardo Galdo, executive producer of the Secuoya Studios Stories division. Nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Telenovela in 2018, Brave and Beautiful has been aired in over 60 countries with stellar audience ratings. Manuela, a historical drama about Manuela Saenz, a woman who defied conventions in the 19th century, is in co-production with Colombias CMO (Palpito, Pasion de Gavilanes 2). Secuoyas film division has two more projects in the pipeline: El Director, a co-production with Beta Fiction Spain, Fremantle, and Play Time, directed by Dani de la Orden and based on the book by journalist David Jimenez; and Solos, based on the literary success of Paloma Bravo, with Maria Pulido (Bose renacido) directing. The Unscripted team, led by Alfredo Perez de Albeniz, celebrated the recent documentary releases 13 Dias and JK Vuelo 5022. La tragedia de Spanair, both of which ranked among the top most-watched documentaries on Netflix and Movistar Plus+. The division is developing Desnudos por la vida, a docureality show based on the international format Who Bares Wins, which has been successfully broadcast in France, England, Italy, Germany, and Australia and will soon hit the screens of Mediaset. The studio will soon release the documentary series La Dolce Vita on AMCs premium channel, El Gourmet, and is currently in post on Team Heretics: Una historia de talentos, a docuseries about a business initiative launched by four under-20 individuals, which has become a multi-million-dollar phenomenon. The presentation ended with the introduction of Anna Cassina, who has worked on such hits as The Bourne Ultimatum, Blade Runner 2049, and Black Mirror, among others. Anna takes on the role of director of international production, a key division in the studios international expansion which will focus on providing production services for international feature films and series with a particular interest in the American and Latin American markets. With Spains marvellous tax breaks, bi-lingual and ever more skilled crews and amazing locations, film and TV production in Spain could not be more robust, said Cassina. 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. In the ever-evolving world of American television, hundreds of shows are produced every year with the aim to captivate domestic viewers. However, with the global expansion of the entertainment sector, an intriguing pattern has surfaced: some American TV series are becoming immensely popular overseas, sometimes even outperforming their U.S. demand. A show that might receive a lukewarm reception in the U.S. could become a sensation in regions like Europe, Asia or South America. The rise of global streaming services and improved internet accessibility means international audiences now have unprecedented access to American content, just as Americans can more readily explore international shows. Based on Parrot Analytics demand data, weve identified several U.S. TV productions that have resonated more profoundly outside the states. Its important to consider that this data takes into account consumer research, streaming, downloads and social media, among other consumer engagement, and its not affected by the availability of platforms in each region. For instance, Russian viewers frequently consume US series, particularly those featuring Russian characters. ABCs Desperate Housewives boasted a demand that was 25.2% higher in Russia than in the US in the previous quarter. This spike was partly due to the character Irina in its 6th season. Another example is Netflixs The Queens Gambit, a chess-centric series. The show, which also highlights Soviet chess players, was 30% more in demand in Russia than in the domestic market, given the nations rich chess history. us-shows-more-popular-in-other-countries Apple TV+ has also found significant traction in Russia. Their thriller Shantaram saw twice the demand in Russia compared to the US. It narrates the journey of a heroin addict who flees to Bombay and encounters the citys dark underbelly, including Russian mobsters. Another Apple TV+ hit in Russia is Black Bird. Netflixs new show Fubar, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, has seen significant demand in Germany. The title, which is also German slang, could be a factor in its local appeal. Interestingly, the US version of The Bachelor has garnered a following in the Netherlands. The absence of a recent Dutch iteration might be driving viewers to the American version. Shifting gears, Brazilian audiences have shown sustained interest in the antics of Charlie Harper from Two and a Half Men. The CBS show was 6.9% more in demand in Brazil than in the US last quarter, showing the interest in American TV comedies by Brazilian audiences. A couple of American productions have been very successful with African audiences. Tyler Perrys BET comedy Sistas, aimed at African-American viewers, has found a broader audience in Africa. The show is notably popular in other African countries like Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. Similarly, the market where Scandal is most popular is South Africa, with 139% of the demand in the US market. Daniel Quinaud is a senior data analyst at Parrot Analytics, a WrapPRO partner. For more from Parrot Analytics, visit their website. For more from WrapPROs partners, visit the Data and Analysis Hub. The post From Sistas to The Idol, These US Shows Are More Popular Overseas | Charts appeared first on TheWrap. Gerry takes Theresa on a date in a classic Corvette, but one without working headlights. (ABC) (ABC) The Golden Bachelor moved into the actual dating portion in its second week, and the shows first-ever date got off to a stressful start thanks to some busy Los Angeles freeways. Thursdays episode also included a missing cast member, an emotional group date, a surprise birthday party and more emotion at the rose ceremony where three ladies were sent home. And much like last weeks premiere episode, viewers were left wanting more. Heres a look at how the second week unfolded. First date speed bump For the first first date in Golden Bachelor history, Gerry arrived at the mansion in a light blue 1958 Corvette convertible. He was there for a one-on-one date with Theresa, a 70-year-old financial services professional from New Jersey. But right off the bat things got a bit tense as the small classic car made for a tough match-up against a busy L.A. freeway, especially after Gerry noticed that his headlights werent working. The camera footage appeared to show the lights cutting off and on. Faulty headlights on a crazy L.A. freeway made for a stressful night out. (ABC) (ABC) Believe me, Im not a California driver, Gerry said in a confessional interview. Im from Northern Indiana, this is my first time driving on a California freeway, and they are notoriously insane. Gerry said he was struggling to see road markings and road signs because of the lack of headlights, as viewers saw them getting honked at by big semi-trucks. Both Gerry and Theresa appeared nervous. I hope this is the worst part of the date, because right now Im scared to death, Theresa said in a confessional. She told him he was doing a wonderful job and put her hand on his shoulder at one point which he really appreciated. They eventually exited the freeway safely but both agreed it was a stressful drive. Your hand on my shoulder meant a ton, I mean seriously, Gerry said. The flash mob After the 1950s car safely got them to a 1950s diner, they shared a milkshake and some genuine conversation before he said the magic words dont stop believing and a flash mob broke out to the famous Journey song. The fun or potentially awkward moment for all involved seemed to split viewers on social media, with some loving it and others saying they could have done without it. Ill take a flash mob over an awkward private concert ANY DAY#GoldenBachelor Alex Holliday (@alexmholliday) October 6, 2023 This flash mob has turned my day completely around. So much fun! Loving #GoldenBachelor ced25 (@ced25) October 6, 2023 Ive never gone from crying to cringing so fast when that flash mob broke out. Talk about emotional whiplash#wyatr #goldenbachelor @annahossnieh @ArdenMyrin Lou Sass (@SirWeirdAl) October 6, 2023 Not the flash mob #GoldenBachelor Katherine (@prodkath) October 6, 2023 Group date tears Next up for Gerry was a group date that consisted of a photo shoot where they recreated romance novel covers. Nancy, a 60-year-old retired interior designer from Virginia, became emotional during a portion of the photo shoot when they had to put on wedding dresses. Nancy said the dress brought up memories of her late husband as it was a reminder of her wedding day. Gerry was able to comfort her and ultimately the pair bonded from the moment, and Nancy ended up with the group-date rose. Surprise cocktail party Surprise! The ladies throw Gerry a birthday party. (ABC) (ABC) The cocktail party portion of the day turned out to be a surprise birthday party for Gerry, who turned 72 while filming. The party featured things like Susan popping out of a giant cake, Gerry gifting Ellen a framed picture from their photo shoot earlier in the day, and a moment with Joan and Gerry discussing their late spouses. An emotional rose ceremony for the women too The cocktail party gave way to the second rose ceremony of this young season, and theyre not getting any easier for Gerry, who once again cried his way through three goodbyes at the end of it. He handed out roses to Ellen, Sandra, Leslie, April, Joan, Edith, Faith, Susan and Christina, leaving Jeanie, Natascha and Peggy empty-handed. A fourth person gone Viewers may have noticed that Marina, a 60-year-old educator from L.A., was not on the show this week. Fans learned via an ABC Instagram post where host Jesse Palmer pays a visit to Gerry, that Marina chose to leave the show to attend to a family matter. I'm a single mom, and I had to choose my family and support my family's needs at this time," Marina told Gerry via a FaceTime call. I am sorry that I had to leave, but at the same time I had to get my priorities straight. Gerry, a father of two, of course understood and the two had a pleasant goodbye where she wished him nothing but the best. A look ahead The preview for next week shows that viewers will get to see a hot air balloon date, some jealousy brewing between some of the women and, of course, more tears from Gerry. The Golden Bachelor airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC. Two local women recently had the opportunity to showcase their baking and decorating creativity when they appeared on episodes of Food Networks Halloween Cookie Challenge, with one of them winning a prize of $10,000 for her particular segment. Aisling OSullivan of Auburn competed during the premiere episode of Season 2, which aired Sept. 25, and Loren Stanard of Worcester was on the second episode on Oct. 2. Hosted by celebrity pastry chef Duff Goldman and Rosanna Pansino, a producer, YouTube star, baker and food influencer, the show features four cookie makers each episode who design and make their best Halloween creations based on specific themes. After the first challenge, one baker is eliminated, leaving three to compete for a trick-or-treat bag containing a golden pumpkin that represents the $10,000 prize. Both Stanard, who won the grand prize on her episode, and OSullivan, who didnt win but made it to the second round on her segment, were recruited for the show by executives from the Food Network after discovering their work on Instagram. Back in February for Valentines Day, OSullivan had made Wednesday Addams cookies, in a nod to the Netflix hit show "Wednesday" and posted it on her Instagram page, @aislingscookies. A full-time registered nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, she began baking nine years ago when her four children were young, after she was asked to make sugar cookies for her brother-in-law who had graduated from medical school at the time. Contestant Aisling O'Sullivan of Auburn competed on the second season of Food Network's "Halloween Cookie Challenge." She hadnt ever decorated cookies before, but she always loved arts and crafts and had even considered becoming an art teacher at one point before deciding on nursing as a career. From that first lab coat cookie, she was hooked, and she started what would quickly become a successful home-based business. For the past several years, due to her work schedule, she has scaled back her orders but teaches cookie decorating classes, which she loves to do. Shortly after OSullivan posted her Wednesday Addams cookie designs online, she was surprised to receive an email from a casting director who invited her to audition for Halloween Cookie Challenge. At first, I thought, This isnt real, said OSullivan. But after researching the show, she discovered that it was, in fact, a legitimate opportunity contestants could either be recruited or apply themselves and one that she gladly accepted. I dont think I ever wouldve applied, she said. Contestant Loren Stanard of Worcester competed in Food Network's "Halloween Cookie Challenge." Stanard also was recruited the same way, through her Instagram at @wickedsweetsma, and for her, it was definitely a surprise because she doesnt bake professionally anymore. She began baking when she was 13, trained at the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont, and had a home-based business for a while. She also worked in bakeries and on kitchen lines in Massachusetts, including at Sweet Kitchen & Bar until it closed several years ago, and in New York and California. When the COVID-19 pandemic caused a worldwide shutdown, Stanard decided to take a break from baking. Now, she is still an artist, just a different type she works as an apprentice at Caged Raven Tattoo in Worcester. I was making art on cookies, so its kind of the same thing just a different medium, said Stanard, whose tattoo work can be viewed at her Instagram page, @horrorlortattoo. Even so, when the Food Network contacted her about auditioning, she decided to try it. Both she and OSullivan went through several rounds of auditions, and then a final interview with the producers. OSullivan said she had a good feeling about the process and an intuition that she would be chosen, but still, she recalled, I dont think it hit me until I found out. I never, in my wildest dreams thought I would be on the Food Network. From left, contestants Gabriela Flatt, Naomi Gil, Alex Copeland and Aisling O'Sullivan brace for the results from round 1 delivered by Hosts Rosanna Pansino and Duff Goldman, as seen on season two of "Halloween Cookie Challenge." That call, the one letting her know that she indeed had been selected to compete the show, came a week before OSullivan would have to fly to Los Angeles for filming, which took place during three days. She described it as a surreal experience because it was April but everything on the set was Halloween-themed. Stanard, who is working on a cookbook of favorite recipes she has created through the years, also flew to California during that same time to film her episode. Once they returned home, the contestants were not able to reveal that they had competed on the show or the results until just shortly before their episodes aired. For Stanard, that was especially challenging because she had won her competition. It was horrible having to keep it a secret. It was really hard not to tell everyone, she said. It was a big secret to keep, and now its a big accomplishment. Its crazy, really. During the filming, the challenges for both women had different requirements and time frames; the first had to be completed in 90 minutes and the second in 2 hours. It was pretty overwhelming. I worked right up until the last second, OSullivan said, adding that in the studio, they didnt always know where to find certain ingredients and had to hunt for what they needed. It was so stressful. The second contest was extremely stressful. Youre literally just running around. Stanard said that although the process of baking came naturally for her, the scary part was there were cameras at all angles and you have to talk through it. You have to narrate what youre doing. There was also no time to fix anything that might go wrong, so in the moment, you have to make it look exactly like thats what you were intending, she said. For the first challenge, Stanard had to make a self-portrait cookie, with one side a likeness of herself and the other side in spooky makeup. For the second, she had to create a zombie body part; she chose a foot with an interactive piece a bone sticking out of the ankle that could be removed and, when snapped, marrow oozed out of it. Duff complimented it during the episode, calling it disgusting, and Pansino said that every detail of your zombie foot was absolutely repulsive in the best way. OSullivan had different themes for her episode. Her first was The Day After Halloween, which challenged the bakers to create two cookie designs based on what the monsters do on Nov. 1. She made a skeleton relaxing on a hammock in Maliboo, and her second cookie was the Bride of Frankenstein recharging with a spa and yoga day. During the second round, the bakers had to make a 3D interactive coffin with a removable lid, using two different types of a dough and a secret ingredient that had to be included in the recipe; hers was dried apples. Unfortunately, as the two judges were reviewing the contestants cookie coffins during the final round, the lid on OSullivans caved in; another competitors did, as well. It broke my heart, she said. Reflecting on her experience, she added, I definitely wouldve baked the coffin longer. The judges told me if I baked it five more minutes, it never wouldve broken. I was happy with my design. I think I was pretty creative. If given the opportunity, OSullivan said she would definitely compete again. It was an amazing experience. I still cant believe I was on the show, she said. If the worst thing that happens to me is that my coffin breaks on the Food Network, Im still having a really good day. For Stanard, who absolutely loves Halloween, winning her episode was a shock. I felt like I was coming in as an underdog because I dont bake anymore, she said. I definitely didnt think I would win. It was great. It was an honor for sure. . This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Two local women compete on 'Halloween Cookie Challenge' Institutional planning drives DMI higher, while commercial planning declines HAMILTON, N.J., October 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, improved 3% in September to 182.5 (2000=100) from the revised August reading of 178.0. Over the month, the commercial component of the DMI fell 1%, while the institutional component increased 9%. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006099222/en/ The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) improved 3% in September to 182.5 (2000=100) from the revised August reading of 178.0. (Graphic: Business Wire) "Solid demand for data centers, life science labs and hospitals supported the uptick in nonresidential planning activity last month," said Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting for Dodge Construction Network. "While month-to-month trends can be volatile, year-to-date trends show an overall decrease in commercial planning, offset by more institutional projects entering the queue. If financial conditions improve in early 2024, steady planning activity should follow." Weaker office planning drove the commercial segment of the DMI down, while the acceleration in the institutional segment was supported by stronger education, notably life science buildings, and healthcare planning activity. Year over year, the DMI was 5% lower than in September 2022. The commercial segment was 12% below year-ago levels, while the institutional segment was up 12% over the same time period. A total of 20 projects valued at $100 million or more entered planning in September. The largest commercial projects to enter planning included the $400 million Platform 16 office development in San Jose, California and the $230 million Waterford Millstone Data Center in Waterford, Connecticut. The largest institutional projects to enter planning included the $927 million UC San Diego Research Park in San Diego, California and phases three and four of the Kilroy Oyster Point Life Sciences Complex in San Francisco, California, valued at a total of $634 million. Story continues The DMI is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. Watch Associate Director of Forecasting Sarah Martin discuss Septembers DMI here. About Dodge Construction Network Dodge Construction Network leverages an unmatched offering of data, analytics, and industry-spanning relationships to generate the most powerful source of information, knowledge, insights, and connections in the commercial construction industry. The company powers four longstanding and trusted industry solutionsDodge Data & Analytics, The Blue Book Network, Sweets, and IMSto connect the dots across the entire commercial construction ecosystem. Together, these solutions provide clear and actionable opportunities for both small teams and enterprise firms. Purpose-built to streamline the complicated, Dodge Construction Network ensures that construction professionals have the information they need to build successful businesses and thriving communities. With over a century of industry experience, Dodge Construction Network is the catalyst for modern commercial construction. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006099222/en/ Contacts Amy Roepke | Dodge Construction Network | Amy.Roepke@construction.com Vera and the Pleasure of Others, Steamy Tale of Teenage Sex and Voyeurism, Debuts Trailer (EXCLUSIVE) Sales agent M-Appeal has released the trailer for coming-of-age title Vera and the Pleasure of Others, which was written and directed by the Argentinian duo Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis. The film will have its world premiere at Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn, Estonia, in the First Feature Competition, it was announced Friday. Vera and the Pleasure of Others follows 17-year-old Vera (played by Luciana Grasso), who divides her days between volleyball, school and a secret hobby: she rents out an empty apartment to teenagers looking for a place to have sex. More from Variety She steals the keys from her distracted mother (played by Ines Estevez), who manages different properties, and organizes everything. The teenagers come and go, using the apartment for a few uninterrupted hours. Playing invisible, Vera stays behind the closed door; her own sexual desires unfolding as she listens to other peoples pleasure. Vera and the Pleasure of Others was presented at Ventana Surs Primer Corte Films in Progress in 2022. The film was produced by Santiago King of Argentinas Pez Cine, with support from INCAA. The cinematographer was Lucas Perez, the editor was Danali Riquelme, and the composer was Pablo Crespo. The film is the debut feature from Tamburello and Actis. Tamburello is the author of the plays Black Eyed Women and Jet Lag. She is a scriptwriter for the fiction series Round and the director of the short film Rage, which participated in the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival. She wrote and directed the documentary series Catalina, the Woman with the Flag for Encuentro Channel. She recently published her first novel, The Devils Widow, and is a showrunner for its television adaptation. Actis directed the fiction short film The Cable Cars and the documentary feature The Architecture of Crime. He has worked as a scriptwriter for the cultural television channels Santa Fe Signal and Encuentro. He is currently developing his next feature film, The Men of the Plain. He is an alumnus of Berlinale Talents. 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. Arnold Schwarzenegger has accomplished a lot in his life but still wishes he could be president. The native Austrian is ineligible to run for that particular office, but reflected on this seeming resume gap Thursday with Howard Stern. Schwarzenegger, 76, told the renowned radio host that he definitely still has the energy for the job but legally isnt allowed to. When told hed win that hypothetical election, the former California governor perked up. Youre absolutely right, because so many people come up to me and go, Oh, I wish you could be our president or something like that, he told Stern. So then of course you think about it, but I mean, I do my things I do my books, I try to make life better for people. He continued: I like to kind of improve the environment situation, to make people come together Democrats and Republicans and to fight pollution...worldwide and to protect democracy, to make sure that people have the right to vote everywhere. Schwarzenegger has famously criticized former President Donald Trump throughout his entire term of office. The Terminator star previously called Trump the worst president ever and told Stern on Thursday that he wouldve made a great one himself. Schwarzenegger is currently promoting his new book, Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life. I just always see mountains in front of me to be climbed, he told the radio host. And so, as long as I see those mountains, I keep my enthusiasm and I keep my excitement and the fire in my belly to keep climbing and climbing and climbing. Schwarzenegger was governor of California from 2003 to 2011. Schwarzenegger was governor of California from 2003 to 2011. Schwarzenegger has certainly proven as much throughout his entire life. He not only won six consecutive Mr. Olympia titles in bodybuilding in his 20s, but curated an iconic action star filmography in his 30s and 40s and was elected governor of California at 56 in 2003. When asked if it was frustrating to be ineligible for the presidency, however, he explained: It really wasnt, because I felt like everything Ive accomplished in my life...all this stuff, the millions of dollars I made and everything its all because of America. So why would I complain about the one thing I cant do? he continued. Not everyone would be as enthusiastic about a President Schwarzenegger as Stern, however, likely including portions of the Governators former Republican base. He had a blunt message in 2021 for people against COVID-19 vaccines and mask mandates: Screw your freedom. The actor later apologized on Twitter, now X, for saying those words and is currently more focused on the environment. Schwarzenegger recently made climate change his crusade and told CBSs Sunday Morning hes on a mission to go and reduce greenhouse gases worldwide. Related... A father in Virginia is speaking out after his 8-year-old son fell off a ride at a local fair last month and fractured his right foot. Matthew Nungent of Shenandoah County said he was at the State Fair of Virginia with his wife and their two children Sept. 29 when his 8-year-old son asked to go on a ride called "The Storm." Nungent told ABC News he was watching the ride from outside the gate when he noticed something was wrong. "When it came around for probably the second time, I noticed that the seat my son was in was empty," said Nungent, who asked that his son's name not be used to help protect his privacy. "And I could see from the girl sitting across from him, I could see from her expression that something had happened." Nungent described the ride as having multiple passenger carts that move around each other as they move in a circle. "They go in a circle but when you're going around, they kind of cut through the middle, and they take really sharp turns," Nungent said. He added that someone on the ride said his son appeared to have been thrown off when the ride made a sharp turn. PHOTO: A ride known as 'The Storm' is pictured at the 2023 State Fair of Virginia. (Courtesy Sandground, West, Silek, Raminpour & Wright, PLC) Once he saw his son was missing, Nungent said he called out for the ride operator to stop the ride, and then ultimately jumped over the fence when he couldn't get the operator's attention. Nungent, who works as a firefighter, said as he was running towards the ride, the operator stopped it. Nungent kept running to retrieve his son. "I expected the worst when I got there," he said. "Just the fact that [my son] was crying and awake was surprising to me. I scooped him up and noticed the laceration on the back of his leg was pretty severe." MORE: Bodycam footage, 911 calls detail heroic rescue of 6-year-old who fell from roller coaster Nungent said he took his son to the fair's medical tent. From there, he rode with this son by ambulance to a local hospital. At the hospital, Nungent said his son was diagnosed with a fracture in his right foot and was put under anesthesia while doctors closed a laceration in one leg. He said his son also suffered bruises on his back and burns on his legs. PHOTO: An 8-year-old boy who fell off a ride at the State Fair of Virginia suffered injuries to his legs and foot, according to his father. (Courtesy Sandground, West, Silek, Raminpour & Wright, PLC) Nungent said his son, a second grade student, is now back in school but still recovering both physically and emotionally. "The last couple of days he's asked a lot of questions," Nungent said. Following the incident, the ride was closed for the day and an inspection of the ride was launched by the Planning & Building Department of Caroline County, where the State Fair of Virginia is held. According to a copy of the incident report viewed by ABC News, the inspection found that "there were no mechanical and/or operator errors that did not comply with the manufacturer's specifications or the governing code." A spokesperson for the State Fair of Virginia told ABC News in a statement, "On Friday, Sept. 29, a ride incident was reported on the State Fair of Virginia's midway. As mandated by the commonwealth of Virginia, protocols outlined in state code 13vac5-31-85 were followed." "Investigations were conducted by the Virginia State Police, the on-site amusement ride inspector and the building official and lead amusement ride authority for Caroline County," the statement continued. "The investigation produced no evidence of ride malfunction or negligence on the part of the ride operator." PHOTO: A ride known as 'The Storm' is pictured at the 2023 State Fair of Virginia. (Courtesy Sandground, West, Silek, Raminpour & Wright, PLC) The boy met the rides height requirement. Its unclear how he fell out. According to the spokesperson, rides at the state fair are inspected upon setup by the midway contractor, before opening day by Caroline County officials, and are checked again daily by "an independent, professional state-certified inspector." Stephanie Ryan and David Silek, Nungent's attorneys, said they are not sure exactly how his son's injury happened. Nungent noted that his son told him the ride operator checked prior to the ride that the safety bar on his cart was in place. MORE: Teen's death from Florida amusement park ride 'could've been prevented,' family says They said Nungent is sharing his family's story in hopes that another child doesn't suffer the same fate as his son. "He wants to make sure that the ride operators are properly trained and properly remain vigilant so that it doesn't take a parent leaping over the gate and rushing the ride before the operator realizes that a terrible accident has happened," said Ryan, later adding, "I think the family really wants to focus their efforts on [their son] fully recovering but also getting the word out." Dad speaks out after 8-year-old son falls off ride at fair originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com HERSHEY, Pa. It takes Jason Pedersen eight minutes to walk between the elementary and middle schools of Derry Township School District in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he works as one of three districtwide school psychologists. I'm across two buildings and thankfully, they're only an eight-minute walk apart, unlike some people who would have to drive miles and miles and miles, which impacts your ability to provide the services, he told USA TODAY. It's still a challenge. If a student in one building needs him, but he's in the other, Pedersen said he may not be in the right place at the right time. "I might not be here when someone needs me," he said from the district's middle school, days before the 2023-2024 school year began. The National Association of School Psychologists recommends a ratio of one school psychologist per every 500 students. Derry Township School District's ratio is 1 to 1,100 more than double. Experts told USA TODAY shortages of school psychologists, counselors and social workers have been an ongoing problem for decades, but have become more apparent after the COVID-19 pandemic and recurrent school shootings. Now, theres increasing pressure on school districts to support students with these resources. Jason Pedersen, a school psychologist at Derry Township School District School in Pennsylvania, is one of the district's three school psychologists. Pedersen and school administrators at Derry Township School District have strategized to come up with best practices to offer mental health services to students despite the shortages and a lack of permanent resources to fund staff. The district is finding its own innovative solutions like contracting with an agency to provide school-based outpatient therapy, establishing a concierge service to connect students to mental health providers and using multitiered systems of support that serve as a framework guiding school psychologists on how to be intentional with using the resources they have to help students. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are proposing answers for how to address the problem. But after Congress punted a deadline for government spending to November and negotiations continue while the House is without a permanent speaker, it remains up in the air whether America's schools will receive what they need for adequate mental health resources. One in 5 children experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of those children dont receive services at all and of those who do, 70% to 80% access them at schools, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. Some House Republicans have floated cutting billions from the Department of Education during the appropriations process. The White House estimates proposed cuts could result in up to 40,000 fewer teachers, aides and other key staff at schools nationwide. Other lawmakers and advocates are pushing to fund additional mental health resources for school districts and pass legislation that would create permanent funding streams for these services. We expect our schools to do more for children than what we perhaps expected 50 years ago, but weve not been provided the kinds of resources that schools need, said Lynn Bufka, the associate chief of practice transformation at the American Psychological Association. What experts recommend Experts recommend each school district have a trio of school counselors, social workers and school psychologists who work together to provide mental health services for students. But thats rarely a reality. School districts nationwide are also seeing personnel shortages of school counselors, according to Amanda Fitzgerald, the assistant deputy executive director at the American School Counselor Association. School counselors focus on post-secondary work like helping students apply to colleges and be successful after high school. They often run baseline mental health services like holding grief groups and providing anti-bullying programs. When a student needs more intensive services, a school psychologist gets involved if there is one. But if a districts school psychologist is nonexistent or they are overburdened, school counselors often have to step up to the plate. The American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of 250 students per school counselor. If we try to staff the whole country at 1 to 250, there definitely would not be enough school counselors to fit those positions and in some places, its just much more exacerbated, Fitzgerald said, adding that rural areas face even worse shortages. Why are there shortages? An empty elementary school classroom is seen on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021 in the Bronx borough of New York. Experts told USA TODAY the shortages stem from two problems: A lack of permanent funding for school districts and the increasingly high cost of higher education programs for prospective mental health providers. Kelly Vaillancourt Strobach, the policy and advocacy director at the National Association of School Psychologists and a school psychologist herself, said the shortage has been an ongoing problem for decades. Strobach estimates it would take 20 to 25 years to address school psychologists shortages. The country needs an additional 60,000 school psychologists to meet the recommended ratio. The national ratio for the 2021-2022 school year was 1,127 students per 1 school psychologist. Only one state, Utah, meets the recommended ratio of 1 to 500. Its not an easy path to become a school psychologist, Strobach said. Most working school psychologists have a specialist degree which includes three years of graduate education and requires an internship that many districts cant fund. This hinders recruitment efforts and makes it challenging to attract students to the profession when prospective student psychologists often have to pay for tuition, living expenses and even moving costs to relocate to work at a district. When theres a shortage of school psychologists, other responsibilities get a lower priority. Because school psychologists must complete student evaluations for special education services, they often get pigeonholed into primarily completing evaluations, with limited opportunity to provide additional support. We always seem to hear all these calls and all these big movements around addressing the shortages after a crisis... these people are there to do so much more than address crises, Strobach said. A need for permanent funding President Joe Biden signs into law S. 2938, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act gun safety bill, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 25, 2022. Kari Oyen is the school psychology program director at the University of South Dakota located in a city with a population of 12,000. The university received a $3 million grant to use over the next five years to conduct a statewide needs assessment. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed during the pandemic. The school psychology program has just three full-time faculty and is the only training program in the state. The ratio in South Dakota is 1 school psychologist for every 1,650 students three times higher than the recommended ratio. Oyen said one of her colleagues logs 900 miles per month traveling throughout the state to ensure children receive high-quality school mental health services. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act funded two grant programs to address mental health resources in schools nationwide over the next five years. One grant focuses on training prospective mental health providers by funding new graduate programs or providing loan forgiveness and tuition stipends. The other provides grants to districts and states to hire and retain mental health service providers. Ideally, this should become a yearly pot of money that's available to everyone, Strobach said. Experts like Strobach say funding one round of grantees does not address the long-term problem of solving these shortages. They say Congress could help address the problem by funding more permanent solutions recurring training programs, yearly grants, or requiring paid internships by law for prospective school psychologists. In Pennsylvania, the state legislature recently passed legislation making internship grants permanent and a recurring line on the state budget. Districts can now apply through the state for funding to pay for interns. Ohio has a similar program. A legislative effort Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., a senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, speaks at the church. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., introduced the Advancing Student Services in Schools Today, or ASSIST Act, earlier this year which seeks to help schools increase the number of mental health and substance use disorder professionals. Warnock said the shortages of mental health providers are a problem in Georgia and across the country. He added that there needs to be more focus on funding issues and the pipeline problem to get young people trained. Mental health is health care and the failure to see that is an issue with respect to mental health care not only for our students but for the general population, he said. Warnocks colleagues have introduced similar bills to address the shortages. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., co-introduced the bipartisan Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act last May that would authorize the Department of Education to partner with higher education institutions to help cover the cost of graduate programs for prospective school mental health workers. I think theres no time to waste because its a long-term challenge, she told USA TODAY. Shaheen, a former teacher, said she was always concerned about her students entire well-being, not just what they were learning in the classroom. If we dont address mental health when we see problems appear, then its going to affect someones ability to have the opportunities that they need to earn a decent living, to be successful either in school and afterward and its going to wind up costing more money in the long run, she said. In the House, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Jared Golden, D-Maine, lead a companion version of this bill. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., said counselors are as important as teachers and administrators and in some cases, theyre even more important. A former middle school principal in the Bronx, Bowman called the shortages dire. He recalled how he witnessed an increase in suicidal ideation and self-harm among students in his former role. When his school first opened in 2009, he made it a point to hire a social worker and a school counselor even before hiring an assistant principal. This crisis is a life or death crisis in terms of the shortages of counselors, social workers and school psychologists, he said. Bowman said there needs to be a policy that consistently funds schools equitably regardless of Democratic or Republican leadership. (Its) a powerful thing that I think we absolutely have to do, he said. 'Puzzle that fits together' Derry Township School District School Psychologist Jason Pedersen and Superintendent Stacey Winslow have strategized to offer students mental health resources despite staffing shortages in Pennsylvania. Back in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Pedersen has worked as a school psychologist for more than 25 years, spending 15 years with Derry Township School District. In addition to the three psychologists, Derry Township School District has one social worker and 11 school counselors who focus on the day-to-day interactions with students. Pederson said he views all the roles as a puzzle that fits together. Public education is the key to a democratic society and its your best shot, its our best shot as a nation for reaching as many students as possible with effective resources, Derry Township School District Superintendent Stacy Winslow said. Its a lot more cost-effective to pay for a mental health service for an 8-year-old than it is for an adult, Pedersen added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mental health crisis in schools could get worse after shutdown averted A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Hallmark fans love a good mystery, especially when they see their favorite actors reprising roles of their well-loved characters for multiple movies. Mystery series like Crossword Mysteries feature Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott and Curious Caterer starring Andrew Walker and Nikki DeLoach bring fans joy as they are able to see the relationships between the main characters evolve over a series of movies. Another popular series, A Hannah Swensen Mystery (formerly Murder, She Baked) stars Alison Sweeney and Cameron Mathison and has its eighth installment premiering on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Here's everything we know about A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery including a Parade.com exclusive sneak peek! Take a look. What is A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery about? They say the real estate business is deadly, but no one is more surprised than Hannah Swensen (Alison Sweeney) when her mother, Delores (Barbara Niven), discovers the dead body of the homeowner and regular customer of The Cookie Jar while house-hunting for her sister Michelle (Tess Atkins). Hannah is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and is convinced that the prime suspect Mike (Cameron Mathison) and the Sheriff (Mike Dopud) are focusing on isnt the culprit. Hannahs sleuthing becomes a family affair when Delores, Michelle and even her sister Andrea (Lisa Durupt) who pays an unexpected visit take part in the investigation. As Hannah uncovers clues she slowly rules out suspects and is led to the shocking truth about the killers identity. Related: Mistletoe Magic! Two Bickering Morning Show Hosts Find Peace in Good Morning Christmas Meet the cast of A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Alison Sweeney Courtesy of Hallmark Media Alison Sweeney (Hannah) The Days of our Lives actress has starred in over two dozen films for Hallmark Media including the fan favorite The Irresistible Blueberry Farm, Chronicles Mysteries series and The Wedding Veil trilogies. Related: Nick and Tracy Try To Unplug From Their Hectic Lives and Enjoy Their Honeymoon in Greece in The Wedding Veil Journey Cameron Mathison Courtesy of Hallmark Media Cameron Mathison (Mike) Mathison previously was a co-host on the Hallmark Channel morning show, Home & Family. He also starred in Hallmark Media's At Home in Mitford opposite Andie MacDowell and A Christmas to Remember. He most recently starred in A Kindhearted Christmas and A Merry Christmas Wish for Great American Family. Barbara Niven Courtesy of Hallmark Media Barbara Niven (Delores) Niven is a staple on Hallmark Channel, it seems. She has had supporting roles in over two dozen movies including the Crossword Mysteries and Christmas in Evergreen films. She also starred as Megan O'Brien on Chesapeake Shores in all six seasons of the show. She is also the National Ambassador for American Humane. Is A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery based on other material? The Hannah Swensen mystery movies are based off books written by Joanne Fluke. A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery is based off the book, Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke. Fluke also serves as an executive producer on the series. How many Hannah Swensen Mystery movies are there? Including A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, there are a total of eight Hannah Swensen movies. The first five were known as Murder She Baked before transitioning to A Hannah Swensen Mystery. How do I watch the Hannah Swensen Mystery movies in order? The list below has all the Hannah Swensen Mystery movies in the order they premiered on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries from oldest to latest. Murder She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery Murder She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery Murder She Baked: A Peach Cobbler Mystery Murder She Baked: A Deadly Recipe Murder She Baked: Just Desserts Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery >>> Sign up for Parade's Daily newsletter and get the scoop on the latest TV news and celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox <<< When does A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery premiere? A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery premieres on Friday, Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. When can I watch A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery again? Sunday, Oct 8 at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 14 at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. ET Does Parade.com have a sneak peek of A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery? We baked a Parade.com exclusive sneak peek of A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery into this article! Check it out below. Courtesy of Hallmark Media View the 17 images of this gallery on the original article Next: Trevor Donovan Sings New Original Song in His Latest Great American Family Movie Anne Hathaway is remembering Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Kurdish woman whose death ignited a mass global movement and revolution calling for social and gender equality. The Devil Wears Prada star stepped out in New York City today wearing a white T-shirt with bright red text, which repeatedly printed Amini's name in all-capital letters. She tucked the T-shirt into a black croc-embossed midi skirt, which coordinated with a pair of black slingback pumps. To accessorize, she wore gold jewelry, including a delicate necklace, bracelets, and rings. TheStewartofNY - Getty Images James Devaney - Getty Images Hathaway's T-shirt appears to be the same one that Jessica Chastain wore during a talk show appearance last November. At the time, the Good Nurse star styled her tee with a caramel suit, featuring a tailored blazer and tapered trousers, plus black pumps. Gotham - Getty Images Amini died in Tehran on September 16, 2022, after being detained by Iran's morality police, who accused her of improperly wearing the hijab and violating the government's mandatory dress code for women. Though authorities claimed she had died of a heart attack, Amini's father later told the BBC that witnesses saw her being beaten in custody. Since her death, Iranian women led a revolution calling for an end to the regime. They protested by shedding their hijabs, which have been compulsory for over four decades, and cutting their hair. Amini's father recently remembered his daughterwhom he refers to by her Kurdish name, Jinain a statement released to the New York Times. Jina had a very pure and kind heart, he wrote. If you met her once and heard her soft voice, you could never forget her. You Might Also Like "The specimen came back negative for rabies." That's probably not what you expected to hear at the start of a vlog from novelty wave connoisseur, Ben Gravy. But it caught your attention, didn't it? We're used to seeing Gravy surf weird waves all over the world like boat wakes in Germany and storm waves in Belgium. Rabies is just a blip on the radar in the latest adventures of Gravy in his newest video that dropped yesterday. Gravy captioned the video above: "The Surfin' Moose comes down with some "local knowledge" & claims it pays off when he decides to announce he's scored the wave of the day here in these Hurricane Surf leftovers. "The dream is real we're heading to California for the Boardroom Show this week & stoked for Winter with Hyperflex!" In his latest production, Gravy offers up a mix of real-life stuff (hence the rabies talk) and surfing any waves the hurricane left behind. Press play above for another day in the life of Gravy and his dog, Dennis. As usual, viewers left some entertaining comments. Check out a few below: "Moose Gravy?" "Always positive vibes and fun in your vlog" "Glad you got a dog. Hoping to see Deeznuts in more vlogs and possibly even surf." "Nice to see Moose in the video. And always enjoy watching how you guys make it fun - regardless of conditions." "Ben, I watched you the last 4 years while drinking every day and thanks to you, others and God I finally stopped drinking last week! Im stoked and fully nuking! Thanks, Brother for sharing your life with all of us, For the Dream!" *** Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional surfer 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 SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos. On Monday, justice was served as a Boise dog daycare establishment and its previous owner were convicted of the wrongful termination of two former employees. Each terminated employee is to be granted $25,000 in compensation. The incident in question came about after the workers raised concerns about possible coronavirus exposure back in June 2020. As per the official report from the U.S. Department of Labor, the two employees stepped up to lodge a whistleblower complaint. They had expressed their concerns to the then-owner of House of Hounds, Kayla Martin, about working with a co-worker who had yet to receive their COVID-19 test results. Violation of whistleblower laws uncovered by OSHA investigation Following an in-depth investigation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) discovered Martin had asked the employees to clock out and leave the workplace after they voiced their health concerns. She subsequently removed them from the work schedule, as well as from the companys social media page. After their termination, the two workers filed for unemployment benefits. However, House of Hounds contested these unemployment claims. Whats more, is that according to the U.S. Department of Labor Martin proceeded to report to the State of Idaho Department of Labor that the employees had voluntarily quit. While a third employee faced a similar experience, they did not submit an OSHA complaint. Nevertheless, OSHAs investigation yielded substantial evidence, leading to the conclusion that both Martin and House of Hounds had indeed engaged in retaliation against the two employees. Furthermore, OSHA alleges that the employer violated federal whistleblower laws following the initial complaint made by the employees. Court orders Boise dog daycare to pay damages and take remedial actions On Monday, the Honorable Judge B. Lynn Winmill of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho granted Martins settlement agreement. As per the court order, she and House of Hounds LLC are now obliged to fulfill the following requirements: Pay a total of $50,000, inclusive of general and punitive damages. Offer a neutral employment recommendation. Delete all mentions of the incident from employment records. Make a public apology on social media to the former employees. Provide all employees with OSHA-approved supervisory and management training. Give a notice to all present and past workers regarding their legal rights. OSHAs Regional Administrator, Dorinda Hughes, remarked, Our team works diligently to ensure the voices of employees who exercise their right to report alleged unsafe working conditions are heard, as per KTVB. Perhaps, most interestingly, Martin reportedly sold House of Hounds during the legal proceedings. Regardless, this legal decision in favor of the employees underscores the importance of workers rights. Furthermore, it makes clear that everyone deserves to work in a safe environment. Hopefully, this outcome serves as a reminder to other businesses that the well-being of their employees should always be a top priority. The post Boise Dog Daycare Owner Fined $50K for Dismissing Workers Who Voiced COVID-19 Safety Concerns appeared first on DogTime. Surfing is a supply and demand economy. Theres a natural resource (waves), which customers (surfers) are fighting over, and the supply (swell) is limited. So, things can get a little tense, occasionally. But, despite the inherent chaos of surfing a crowded spot with limited waves, two surfers in Indonesia found a seemingly fitting solution: tandem tubes. The clip above comes from @filmedxfinn; and providing extra context, its captioned as such: All jokes aside with the music: @zenstate_nz surfing with his adik laki laki (little brother) @sule_dp90 Zen and Sule and older brother Budi (@desertpoint85) have ridden many party waves over the years. Sharing waves for the love and joy of surfing as a contrast to the aggro snaking and dropping in thats been way way too common lately with the overcrowded lineups resulting from the pandemic ending and everyone being free to travel again. It seems at times people forget why we all surf and just paddle out looking to get aggro. It's a beautiful dance between Zen and Sule, as they share the tube, weave interchangeably amongst each other, and approach the wave in a totally different way. Speaking of different; heres the exact opposite of what happens when two dudes ride a wave together at Desert Point. In the words of the caption, aggro: Yep, completely opposite. It shows a Brazilian surfer pushing a Mexican surfer off a wave at Deserts, asserting localismin Indonesia. Go figure. More tandem tubes in surfings future? *** Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional surfer 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 SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Despite a flood of tourists in recent years, Croatian hot spot Dubrovnik is absolutely worth spending your flight miles on. Often called the Pearl of the Adriatic, this coastal southern European city has so much to offerfrom its imposing, sea-kissed fortress walls and palatial architecture seen on Game of Thrones to its rich history and award-winning food and wine. In fact, this medieval, cliffside marvel has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over four decades, and was beautifully restored in the aftermath of the Croatian War of Independence in the 90s. Like the rest of the country, Dubrovnik is a melting pot of Italian and Balkan cultural influencesyet it still has its own unique identity. I began my 11-day Croatian tour there, followed by a visit to the small island of Korcula and major port city Split. And while I was only in Dubrovnik for two daysa reasonable amount of time to see the citys main sitesI could have easily stayed there longer, since it was undoubtedly my favorite spot that I visited on my trip. Ahead, your full scoop on what to see, eat, drink and where to stay. What to See Rectors Palace Michele Westmorland - Getty Images Stradun, or the main street in Dubrovnik, is where youll find many key historic monuments, including St. Blaises Catholic Church, dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik; Church of St. Ignatius, which houses the citys oldest bell erected in 1355; and two monasteries also dating back to the 14th century. But, in my opinion, no tour of the Old Town would be complete without a visit to Rectors Palace. Located in the heart of the city in Luza Square, this Gothic-Renaissance structure was built in the 15th century as the official residence of the citys rectorswho each served as the leader of the Republic of Dubrovnik for one-month terms. Today, the site houses the citys Cultural Museum, which features over 10,000 artifacts ranging from furniture to fashion, artwork, coins, and armory from the 14th to 20th centuries. Spend an afternoon browsing the impressive collections and wandering the historic halls, and make sure to stop by the palaces picturesque courtyard for some seriously stunning photo ops. (FYI, Games of Thrones fans may recognize this museum as the Spice Kings Palace.) While entry to this particular site isnt free, you can purchase a single ticket for 15 euros or buy a Dubrovnik Pass, which includes access to this museum and a handful of others in area starting at 35 euros for the day. Mount Sr Frederick Millett / 500px - Getty Images As iconic as it may be, walking the Old Town walls is one of the busiest and most expensive attractions in Dubrovnik. Instead, you can hike up to Mount Sr for free to enjoy an even more spectacular outlook without all the long lines. (You can also reach the peak by cable car, but a round-trip ride will set you back 27 euros). The head of the trail, called Staza Prema Utvrdi Imperial, is about a 20-minute walk from the main entrance of the Old Town, and once you get started, the hike is moderately challenging. Youll definitely work up a sweat while climbing the cobblestone switchbacks, but the breathtaking panoramic views at the top make the trek absolutely worth it. Plus, the peak even has a few attractions, including a large fortress, a massive stone cross, the Homeland War Museum, and a dreamy restaurant. Word to the wise: Leave at least three hours for the journey so you can make it all the way to the top, spend some time there, and leisurely walk back down to the City Gates. Elaphiti Islands WitR - Getty Images If youre looking to escape the crowds of the Old Town, I highly recommend visiting the Elaphitis for a day. This cluster of 14 islands is situated just northwest of Dubrovnik, with the three largest isletsKolocep, Lopud, and Sipancurrently being the only permanently inhabited. I signed up for a snorkel tour embarking from the Old Town harbor for about 60 euros, which began by stopping at Croatias famous blue and green sea caves off the remote islands of Bisevo and Ravnik. During certain times of day, sunlight will creep through the cave walls and bounce off the white seabeds, giving the water an enchanting, iridescent effect. Finally, we enjoyed a few hours at Lopuds beautiful Sunj Beach, one of the most beloved and only sandy beaches on the Elaphiti Islands. While I chose to relax shoreside and splash in the shallow waters during my time there, you can also hike up to the town to explore an old ruined fortress and Franciscan monastery. Alternatively, sommeliers and foodies may prefer to venture to Sipan, known for its verdant vineyards and olive groves. Or, if youre seeking the ultimate tranquil getaway, consider heading to Kolocep, the smallest, lushest, and most serene of the three islands. Inku Caftan Dress Shop Now Inku Caftan Dress saksfifthavenue.com $266.25 Saks Fifth Avenue Sloane Top Pair with Mason Bottom. Shop Now Sloane Top nyudswim.com $71.00 Nyud Swim Grear Sandals Shop Now Grear Sandals sarahflint.com $395.00 Sarah Flint Where to Eat Restaurant Pjerin Courtesy Villa Dubrovnik Hotel restaurants can get a bad rap for having lackluster menus and sub-par atmospheres, but Restaurant Pjerinlocated inside the gorgeous Villa Dubrovnik hotelis certainly an exception. This Michelin-recommended eatery offers exquisite Mediterranean dishes and is the epitome of quiet luxury, featuring soft, minimalist, neutral decor set against absolutely mesmerizing views of the turquoise-tinged Adriatic. I went for a stunning sunset dinner on the restaurants spacious terrace and ordered the delicately rolled lobster pasta and chocolate cake with pistachio gelato for dessert. To start, patrons were also treated to a complimentary selection of seasonal breads and hors doeuvreswhich included a mouth-watering sea bass tartare, crispy fish balls, and a refreshing green gazpacho made with avocado and black pepper. Each dish was presented so artfully that when my waiter brought out the restaurants (also complimentary) tasting of chocolate truffles at the end of my meal, I did, indeed, nearly shed a tear. Wanda Independent Picture Service - Getty Images Dubrovnik admittedly isnt an inexpensive European city to visit, so for anyone seeking quality dining options on a budget, I recommend Wanda. Spearheaded by former Los Angeles restauranteur and Dubrovnik-native Goran Starcic, this quaint joint on Prijeko street serves up an array of simple, affordable, and tasty Mediterranean classicsthink icons like squid ink risotto and spaghetti alle vongole, all made with locally-sourced ingredients. (I had the latter and can confirm it was delicious). You can also expect fast service and a relaxing ambiance, complete with a lovely outdoor seating area protected from all the hustle and bustle. Restaurant 360 Courtesy Restaurant 360/ Veronica Arevalo Ask any local for Dubrovnik restaurant recommendations, and theyll likely point you to 360. The Michelin-starred restaurant is popular for its five-course tasting menus and gourmet a la carte options delivering fresh spins on traditional Mediterranean and Croatian dishes. With its swanky dining room flanking the harbor, meticulously plated menu, and thoughtful wine pairings, 360 should certainly be on your itinerary. Just note the restaurant is only open for dinner, and its wise to make a reservation, as this place books up quickly. Baguette Mini Shop Now Baguette Mini fendi.com $2390.00 Fendi Lola Corset Midi Dress Shop Now Lola Corset Midi Dress revolve.com $169.00 Revolve House Mule Shop Now House Mule revolve.com $136.00 Revolve Where to Drink Buza Bar Matthew Williams-Ellis - Getty Images Tourists flock to this bar built into the cliffs not only to enjoy a refreshing libation, but also namely to watch brave souls jump into the sea below. Head downstairs to the base of the establishment to take in all the action, or if youre feeling adventurous, join the lineup. You can jump off the cliff from different points, anywhere from about 15 feet to 60 feet above, depending on your comfort level. Keep in mind the bar is cash only and doesnt serve cocktails, only bottled beer. Oh, and its probably not the best idea to drink and jump! Cave Bar More Courtesy Cave Bar More Another dazzling watering hole, Cave Bar More is located on the Lapad peninsula just two miles away from the bustling Old Town. Its set within a natural cave beneath the Hotel More, extending three levels and opening up to an idyllic outdoor patio on the cliffs. (This bar can also be rented for private events like wedding parties and proposals, so you can expect the vibes to be top-notch). Naturally, the cocktails are Insta-worthy as well. Dvino Wine Bar Dubrovnik Courtesy of D'vino Wine Bar Although Croatia is quickly becoming a force in the wine world (Croatian wines earned over a dozen metals at the 2022 Decanter World Awards, the most prestigious wine competition in the global industry), few Croatian wines are exported. To sample some of the countrys finest while youre visiting, head to Dvino Wine Bar Dubrovnik. This homey haunt has over 60 wine varietals, including a number from local small wine producers and family vineyards across Croatias renowned wine regions like Slavonia, Istria, and Peljesac. Choose from a vast selection of deep reds to dry whites, and consider pairing your vino with one of the bars gourmet meat and cheese platters. For a more hands-on experience, Dvino also hosts educational wine tastings Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 210 kn per person (or about $30 a pop). Hira Crochet Top Shop Now Hira Crochet Top revolve.com $270.00 Revolve Hira Crochet Pants Shop Now Hira Crochet Pants revolve.com $310.00 Revolve Samba Classic Running Shoe Shop Now Samba Classic Running Shoe amazon.com $75.00 Amazon Where to Stay St. Josephs Courtesy St. Joseph's Nestled on a quiet street just a few steps away from the Pile Gate, the St. Josephs boutique hotel is about as charming as it gets. The 16th-century building contains just six rooms, which have all been elegantly renovated while still retaining some of the original stonework. I began my stay in the cozy attic room and moved to the Deluxe King Suite during my second night. Aside from the Deluxe Apartment (an adjacent cottage that was once a family home in the 13th century), this is the largest space you can stay incomplete with a sizable lounging area, a dining table, kitchenette, and luxe marbled bathroom with his and her sinks. And if the sophisticated digs werent enough, the delightful staff treats you like absolute royalty. Every morning, guests can take advantage of a complimentary breakfast of local sweets, savory dishes, and a signature green smoothie prepared by the in-house chef. And when you stay in the King Suite, you can get the spread delivered to your room (you can best believe I rolled out of bed in the hotels plush bathrobe and slippers to grab mine). The concierge also provides superb 24-hour service and will kindly walk you and your luggage to and from the hotel and city entrance, since no cars are allowed to drive within the Old Town. Villa Dubrovnik Courtesy Villa Dubrovnik My visit to Restaurant Pjerin left me enraptured by Villa Dubrovnik itself. A scenic 15-minute stroll from the Old Town, this secluded property is a dreamy, airy oasis. There are a total of 56 guest rooms, all of which feature private sea view terraces and some of which even boast their own plunge pools and jacuzzis. Other on-site amenities include an outdoor deck for tanning, an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, and even a sun-drenched library for when you just want to curl up with a good book. My takeaway: You could truly relax here all day and not feel guilty about it. Hotel Excelsior Courtesy Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Adriatic Luxury Hotels Part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels network, Hotel Excelsior is one of the swankiest hotels in Dubrovnikwith a five-star rating and past celebrity guests like Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor to prove it. The 158-room property is set in a former royal villa, now outfitted with modern, custom-made furnishings and a variety of opulent amenities. Theres a fitness center, two restaurants, a spa with Turkish baths and an indoor swimming pool, a private sunbathing area, and more. The entire property is just a five-minute walk from the fortress walls, but if the idea of luxuriating in your bathtub while taking in the Old Town sights tickles your fancy, the Excelsior Signature Suite will be right up your alley. Seraphine Necklace Shop Now Seraphine Necklace aureumcollective.com $750.00 Aureum Tinsley Packable Raffia Wide-Brim Hat Shop Now Tinsley Packable Raffia Wide-Brim Hat neimanmarcus.com $250.00 Neiman Marcus The Last Lolita Sunglasses Shop Now The Last Lolita Sunglasses lespecs.com $80.00 Le Specs Beauty Picks Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40 Keep your skin protected and looking its best with this dermatologist-crafted sunscreen, featuring added antioxidants and plumping peptides. Shop Now Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40 nordstrom.com $50.00 Nordstrom Fluff Up Flexible Hold Brow Texturizing Wax After a dip in the Adriatic, I have to make sure my full brows dont look crazy. A quite swipe of this clear, flexible wax, and youre good to go. Shop Now Fluff Up Flexible Hold Brow Texturizing Wax ulta.com $26.00 Ulta Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray For a streak-free mug come rain, sweat, or shine, dont forget to pack Charlotte Tilburys Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. You can also spritz a layer of this underneath your foundation for an extra dose of hydration. Shop Now Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray sephora.com $38.00 Sephora You Might Also Like Jeremy Hunt has previously said he would like to make full-expensing permanent but was constrained by the OBRs outlook - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Europe Jeremy Hunt must not let Britains spending watchdog dictate tax policy, a leading think tank has warned. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the Chancellor should not be bound by the Office for Budget Responsibilitys (OBR) short-run forecasts about the cost of the Governments flagship business investment tax break. It came as the IFS urged the Chancellor to make the investment tax break permanent to spur growth. Mr Hunt announced in the March Budget that British businesses will be offered 27bn in tax relief for the next three years to boost investment. The OBR has estimated that the policy of full-expensing, which allows companies to offset 100pc of the cost of qualifying investment against their tax bill, will cost 10bn a year. The forecast means the Chancellor must account for the cost of the policy each year if he is to make it permanent and meet his own fiscal rules. The Chancellor has previously said he wanted to make full-expensing permanent but was constrained by the OBRs outlook for the public finances. However, the IFS said the budget watchdogs estimate was not a good guide to the true, long-run cost of the policy. This embedded content is not available in your region. It said the true cost of the full-expensing tax break was closer to between 1bn and 3bn a year because much of the upfront cost would be recouped in later years but were not reflected in the OBRs forecasts. It believes increased investment will boost growth and total tax take. Helen Miller, the IFSs deputy director, said the OBRs predictions were not technically wrong in the sense that it reflects what will happen to measured government revenue in the short run. However, she said: For this policy, looking at the timing of government revenues is not a good guide to the true, long-run cost of the policy. Policy makers should not let short-run scorecard impacts govern long-term policy choices. The think tank highlighted that slashing corporation tax rates over the past few decades had not reduced revenues. Story continues The IFS is pushing for the business investment tax break to be kept as the policy will only have a meaningful positive impact if it is made permanent. The temporary nature means it mainly encourages businesses to bring forward existing investment plans rather than increase overall investment, the think tank said. The IFS said: The UK needs an investment friendly tax system for the long term, not just for the next three years. It pointed out that British business investment was among the lowest in the developed world, adding the temporary nature of the Chancellors flagship policy was a problem. This embedded content is not available in your region. A separate survey from the the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) warned that business investment has remained stuck since the pandemic, with many firms still reluctant to spend. Only around a quarter of businesses are planning to increase investment in the next three months, while a fifth plan to reduce spending. Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, said: With manufacturing lagging behind services, and low rates of investment across the board, especially in the hospitality sector, it is clear more needs to be done to spur growth. After the disappointment of HS2, firms want to see clear signals from Government to encourage investment. This means putting in place a five-year rolling guarantee on the full expensing tax allowance to give business some much needed certainty. The IFS urged Mr Hunt to simplify tax reliefs and suggested including all investment, such as buildings and structures as well as plant and machinery, to provide stability for businesses. Tory MPs are putting pressure on the Chancellor to reduce Britains tax burden ahead of the next election. Mr Hunt told Tory party members this week that business tax breaks remained a top priority. While the Treasury has borrowed less than the OBR expected in March, Mr Hunt has warned that a recent rise in gilt yields has made the conversation surrounding tax cuts purely academic and said reductions were virtually impossible this autumn. 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. Milan-based footwear label Paris Texas just released its new Fall/Winter 2023 campaign, starring none other than pioneering creative Gabbriette. Lensed by Harley Weir, the campaign aims to showcase the duality of Paris Texas and of the Paris Texas woman, fusing seductiveness with sophistication and revealing "two sides of the same woman." Offering a bridge between seduction and self-confidence, the campaign captures Gabbriette's powerful nature while spotlighting the brand's signature styles. Featuring the likes of the Stiletto Boot, the Slouchy Boot, the Ricky boot, the Jane styles, the Lidia family, the June over-the-knee boot, the Livia pump and the Marina platform mule, the FW23 collection is one that aims to unite elegance, femininity and a raw, unfiltered edge. Take a closer look at Gabbriette in action above, and head to the Paris Texas website to shop the new styles. In related news, Florence Tetier pays tribute to archive Jean Paul Gaultier with the new "TATTOO" collection. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. If youre mixing up a Margarita, youre gonna need some type of orange liqueur to add sweet citrus notes (unless youre making a Tommys Margarita, that is, which subs in agave nectar). Cointreau, some type of triple sec, or even Grand Marnier are all good options, but now theres a new orange liqueur from Mexico that might become your go-to Margarita ingredient called Alma Finca. More from Robb Report The company behind this new liqueur is Casa Lumbre, which is known for producing Montelobos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, and Abasolo Corn Whisky, among other brands. Master distiller and co-founder Ivan Saldana is the man behind Alma Finca as well, and his intention was to create a spirit using fresh citrus that would capture the flavor of the Yucatan Peninsula. Our newest creation allows us to showcase the essence of Yucatan, whose rich and bountiful flavors are still influenced by its abundant culture and history, he said in a statement. It is the citrus capital of Mexico and our inspiration for new Mexican mixology creations. The name Alma Finca literally means soul estate, which according to the brand is supposed to evoke a sense of place and flavor. The ingredients include sweet and bitter orange peels, Persian lime leaves, citrus blossoms, and spices harvested during the late fall from the town of Oxkutzcab. Each ingredient is macerated in the base spirit separately for five days before being blended together into the final product, which is bottled at 80 proof with no additives or flavorings. With rich flavors, Alma Finca Orange Liqueur adds new layers to the Margarita as well as other classics that call for orange liqueur such as the Cosmopolitan and White Lady, said national ambassador Adhel Martinez. We hope [it] will inspire mixologists and lovers of Mexican mixology to explore how the essence of Yucatan comes to life in their recipes. Alma Finca is available now to purchase (SRP $35) in select markets, but will soon be available nationwide from online retailers. You can also find other Casa Lumbre products available to purchase from websites like ReserveBar. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Tokyos Shibuya Crossing is the busiest intersection in the world, with five crosswalks interlacing through 10 lanes of car and bus traffic. But the local government would like it to be one of the safest, which is why they have asked people to refrain from celebrating Halloween there. The leadership of Shibuya City which is a self-governed district within Tokyo has issued a formal request to both domestic and foreign tourists to mind their manners and not observe Halloween in the area from October 27-31. The damage caused by overtourism has become serious, resulting in property damage caused by drinking in the street, altercations with local residents, and littering of large amounts of empty cans and bottles, reads the notice. In addition, every year during Halloween, the area around Shibuya Station becomes so crowded that it is nearly impossible to move. Considering that Japan only fully reopened its borders to tourism in fall 2022, the city is concerned that the influx of tourists eager to party and celebrate in Tokyo will be even bigger than before the pandemic. Crowds of people celebrating Halloween in Shibuya in 2014. - Yuya Shino/Reuters Halloween is popular with younger people in Japan. Rather than going trick-or-treating or visiting haunted houses, its seen as an opportunity to party and drink. The Shibuya City notice specifically addresses concerns that, if people dont take action, Tokyo could experience a dangerous crowd crush like the one that took place in Seoul last year. In that tragedy, 156 people died in the trendy Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul on Halloween 2022 when crowds of revelers swelled in a narrow street. Shibuya has taken several strong actions to try and prevent a similar situation. Drinking in the streets around Shibuya will be banned between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. during the five-day period leading up to and including Halloween, and liquor stores in the area have been encouraged not to sell alcohol during that time as well. There will also be additional police and security guards deployed in the area. The streets of Shibuya are not party venues, the citys mayor, Ken Hasebe, said in a statement. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A large group of asteroids with the sun in the distance Researchers may have detected a dozen new, large objects beyond the Kuiper Belt, which suggests that there is lots more stuff in the solar system than we realized. It could even hint that there is a "second Kuiper Belt" further out toward the edge of our stellar neighborhood, Science.org reported . The sun's influence reaches much further out into space than the eight planets that orbit around it. Beyond Neptune, the solar system stretches out to around 100 astronomical units (AU), which is 100 times the distance between Earth and the sun . For context, the most distant planet from the sun, Neptune , is roughly 30 AU from our home star. Beyond the edge of the solar system, or heliopause, lies the Oort Cloud a reservoir of comets and asteroids that are loosely contained by the sun's gravity that stretches to at least 1,000 AU from the sun, and likely even further. But a majority of the largest known asteroids, comets and other large objects that lie beyond Neptune's orbit are contained within the Kuiper Belt, which stretches between 30 and 50 AU from the sun. Famous residents of the Kuiper Belt include the dwarf planet Pluto and the double-lobed object Arrokoth the most distant object visited by a spacecraft. Planet Nine , if it exists, would also lurk somewhere within the Kuiper Belt. Until now, very few massive objects in the solar system have been found beyond the Kuiper Belt. Related: What does the edge of the solar system look like? A diagram of the solar system. The sun is surrounded by the eight planets and rings representing their orbits Researchers discovered the 12 potential massive objects around 60 AU from the sun while searching for potential new targets for NASA's New Horizons spacecraft the probe that studied Pluto and Arrokoth up close, which is now around 57 AU from the sun as it continues to head toward the heliopause. The team used artificial intelligence to rapidly sift through what would otherwise have been weeks worth of data captured by the Subaru Telescope on Hawaii's Mauna Kea volcano. The researchers presented their findings at the 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, which was held in Houston, Texas in mid-March. (The findings have not yet been peer-reviewed or accepted for publication.) The team is not surprised by their findings. Compared to other observed star systems, the solar system is "bloody small," study lead author Wesley Fraser , an astrophysicist with the National Research Council Canada, told Science. The newly detected objects suggest that the solar system is much more massive, which would fit better with what astronomers know about other star systems, he added. The findings could also support data collected by New Horizons, which has continually been bombarded by dust as it ventures deeper into space, study co-author Alan Stern , the principal investigator of the New Horizons mission, told Science. "And the simplest explanation for that is that there is more stuff out there that we haven't detected," he added. A spacecraft floating in space in front of a planet The 10 AU distance between the Kuiper Belt and the newly observed objects also suggests that they are being pulled away from the belt by something more massive, which could be another more distant Kuiper Belt full of unknown objects, the researchers said. Related: What's the maximum number of planets that could orbit the sun? But not everyone is convinced by the new findings. In June, a similar survey using the Victor M. Blanco Telescope in Chile observed a different patch of sky, but only turned up one object beyond 50 AU. related stories 'Impossible' new ring system discovered at the edge of the solar system, and scientists are baffled Brand-new mini 'moon' found lurking in the outer solar system 'Farfarout' is most distant object in our solar system. But it's not Planet Nine. "If there really is a new belt, that's a super exciting thing," survey lead Pedro Bernardinelli , an astronomer at the University of Washington, told Science. But "why are we not seeing these things?" he asked. It's possible that his team got "unlucky," Bernardinelli added, but the odds are long. (The results of this survey have also not yet been peer-reviewed). The study researchers are currently sorting through more recent data they have collected since their discovery, which they hope will confirm their findings. But if they come up empty handed there is a chance the New Horizons spacecraft could still find these objects, after its current mission was extended to the end of 2029 last week, Live Science's sister site Space.com reported . Showfields Inc. has filed for bankruptcy and has lined up financing to support a restructuring, WWD has learned. The company did not disclose the amount of the new funding, which came from existing investors. The new money will be used for completing the sunsetting of the two stores closed earlier this year, paying outstanding bills, increasing marketing and expanding the Brooklyn store, which continues to operate, among other purposes revolving around the restructuring, Tal Nathanel, chief executive officer and cofounder of Showfields, told WWD. More from WWD Showfields continues to operate its store at 3077 M Street NW in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C,. as well as the store in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, at 187 Kent Avenue. Showfields will be restructuring through the Small Business Reorganization Act, Subchapter V, a form of Chapter 11 bankruptcy devised during the COVID-19 era to help small businesses keep operating, reorganize, and maintain control of their finances without creditors taking over. Bankruptcy is a very wide concept. We are utilizing subsection five, a tool that allows small businesses that dont have a lot of debt to gain control of their finances, Nathanel said. About a year ago, Showfields started examining the possibility of launching stores in Europe. Despite the restructuring, that plan is still on the table, Nathanel said. The four-and-a-half-year-old Showfields doesnt operate with a wholesale model, and doesnt buy product. Instead, for brands to display in the store, the company charges a fee based on the scope of the presentation. A brand could display two or three skus and get charged the lowest rate, or a few dozen skus for a fuller statement, and get charged the highest rate. Showfields overhauls the merchandising every six months with a new assemblage of brands. Showfields Miami store, at 530 Lincoln Road, closed in July, and its Manhattan store, at 11 Bond Street along Lafayette Street in the NoHo neighborhood, closed in September. Some employees were able to take other jobs within the company, but under 20 employees, mostly part time, had to be let go, according to the company. Nathanel said the 11,500-square-foot Brooklyn store will be expanded by about 2,500 square feet to accommodate brands relocating to the site from the two stores that were closed. Showfields in Brooklyn. Our mission has been to lower the barriers of entry into retail for brands. Its not changing, Nathanel said. Asked what caused the two closings, Nathanel replied, The pandemic was a very big factor in accelerating the inherent problem of retail, which is the lack of flexibility revolving around costs and leases. But its important to take responsibility. Did we execute everything perfectly? No. But I am very proud of our business model and our investors. We have learned so much. The leases in Brooklyn and D.C. reflect what we learned from signing the other leases. They have better terms because they offer us flexibility, price components based on performance and exit windows for both the tenant and the landlord. The three-level, 20,000-square-foot Showfields in Washington, D.C., is located on the site of a former Brooks Brothers store. It opened in December 2022. The three-level, 11,500-square-foot Brooklyn store opened in November 2022. Nathanel said both stores are profitable. We also learned that brands are highly focused on ROI. For us, that means launching campaigns that are more affordable. We need to show them more sales. But experiencing all the hardships of retail has made me more of a believer than ever that for the problems we are striving to solve for hundreds of brands, our business model is a real solution and has the right to exist. He said that many of the brands displayed at Showfields need to be in Europe, on high streets to grow their businesses. We do have a city in mind. I cant disclose it yet, Nathanel said. It pains me to leave our NoHo and Miami stores, but we see great things ahead, Nathanel said in a prepared statement. While it took us a few years to fine-tune, today, we know the right economic structure for new locations, as we have shown in our newest stores. We remain dedicated to our mission of redefining the way people discover and experience retail. To create the kind of retail experience he felt was lacking, in March 2019, Nathanel with real estate developer Amir Zwickel and Katie Hunt, a marketer and cofounder of The Fund venture capital firm launched Showfields. Overall, the assortments tend to be built around wellness, home, food and beverage, beauty, ready-to-wear, accessories and tech brands that are not widely distributed and displayed amid unconventional adjacencies decor and oversized sculptures and artwork. In March 2022, Nathanel told WWD the company raised $20 million with Hanco Ventures, Swan and Legend Ventures, MUFG Capital and some other sources, for expanding the company. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. Louise Palmberg/Gallery Stock In my tiny home country of Singapore, we're all obsessed with overseas travel. Our closets are stuffed with a baffling quantity of winterwear, considering we live in year-round tropical heat. Supermarkets stack suitcases for sale next to carts of durians. Grocery runs to neighboring Malaysia are weekly affairs. A study by Visa once ranked Singaporeans the most frequent leisure travelers in the world. But when the 2020 lockdown happened, we were forced to do something we'd never done before: look inward and consider what our own 280 square miles had to offer. A Softer Side to Singapore_lopl20210301-001 Louise Palmberg/Gallery Stock The result of this introspection? Our collective soul has risen to the surface. With borders closed, local entrepreneurs had time and space to grow their passion projects, in some cases ushering into life entire new subcultures around them. Along Orchard Road, best known for its hulking malls and twinkly designer boutiques, throngs of young street musicians play to swooning fans they have won over on TikTokan unexpected phenomenon in a nation that has never looked at music as a viable career. Indoors, the next big thing in a country crazy about eating is private-home diningwhere you pay for a meal at someone's homewith some waiting lists longer than those at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Le Cordon Bleutrained Rishi Arora recently fed my family a flurry of dishes prepared at Part Thai, as he has dubbed his cozy flat in the Clementi neighborhood: pad thai made with crispy wonton skins instead of noodles, a fiery red curry sweetened with fresh lychees, and slices of juicy rib-eye steak on perfectly chewy sticky rice. The meal was a creative ode to Arora's Singaporean Thai heritage, served with relish as his elderly beagle quietly looked on. All over this compact, gleaming metropolis, a softer side is emerging. One morning, seeking a break from the chaotic city, I visited the new Bird Paradise, a designated sanctuary in the freshly carved-out Mandai Wildlife Reserveamong several recently opened nature-focused spaces. From the top of an aviary, I saw a sight rarer than the endangered straw-headed bulbul warbling next to me: a lushly forested horizon, unpierced by a single building. Greenery is creeping its way into our hospitality spaces too. The Pan Pacific Orchard, an imposing, futuristic landmark by the local architecture firm WOHA, brings nature into the heart of the city with its foliage-clad columns and sustainable features, like a system that turns food waste into cleaning water. And while the storied Raffles is the world-famous symbol of Singapore's past, several hotels are staking a claim to represent its future: The new COMO Orcharda vibrant complex made up of the sleek COMO Metropolitan Singapore hotel, a wellness facility, and first-in-town eateries like a Cedric Grolet patisseriecontains many of Singaporeans' favorite pastimes. And next year, Raffles will unveil a new face with Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore's first all-villa propertya poetic return to the coast of the South China Sea for the brand whose flagship property overlooked what was then the shoreline when it opened in 1887. Lily Banse/Unsplash Of course, everything readers know and love about Singapore is still here: the marriage of East and West that makes this place at once so foreign and so familiar; the pristine, tree-lined streets; the buzzy hawker centers filled with the smoke-kissed aroma of char kway teow and the scraping clang of wooden spatulas against iron woks. Only now, more than ever, there's a palpable sense of identity crackling through. Truly, Singapore is coming alive. This article appeared in the November 2023 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here. Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler I am sad to say that one of my best friends and botany buddies died last year. Steve W. Leonard was a Tarheel from Davidson County, North Carolina, graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with his bachelors and later masters degree (in 1973) in botany. I knew him while he had taken up residence in Tallahassee, during my stint as a grad student at Florida State University. Steve was something of a mentor for me; I still marvel at his superlative abilities as a field botanist. Nothing escaped his keen eye. He prepared thousands of excellent plant specimens, which, of course, are still with us in a wide variety of herbaria at colleges and universities throughout the country. One of his contributions to science was recognizing the rapid expansion of a particular fern, not native to North America, which had suddenly appeared on the radar of Southeastern botanists. Our Mystery Plant continues this saga begun by Steve. Mariana maiden-fern has been spreading outside in the Southeast. It turns out that back in 1904, a botanist named Alvah Augustus Eaton (from Massachusetts) was studying plant life near Oviedo, Florida, which is in present day Seminole County. Eaton made specimens of a fern which had escaped from cultivation, not knowing exactly what he was dealing with, which of course is our Mystery Plant: Mariana maiden-fern, Macrothelypteris torresiana. Steve Leonard, in 1972, carefully documented the rapidly expanding range of this plant outside of Florida, noting that from 1936 through 1970, herbarium specimens of it had been made from southern Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and eastern Texas. Of course, we cannot assume that the plants from Seminole County, Florida, had been the sole source of this continuing spread, but we can assume that this fern had not stopped its northward travels. And, by the way, it turns out that Steve himself had collected it in 1971 from South Carolina (Aiken County, near the Savannah River), marking its first known occurrence in that state. Flash forward to the present: botanists since the 1970s have continued to observe this fern in additional states. It is now known as an introduced species from a number of additional South Carolina counties, and it gets as far north as Kentucky and southern Illinois. It really is an attractive fern, with bright green fronds up to 4 feet long. The fronds are divided delicately into scores of pinnae and each of these is further divided, too. As with other ferns, spores are produced on the underside of each frond. The spores are released from tiny structures called sporangia (they are tiny, too), sequestered into little round dots. This species likes to grow in shady woods along creeks, sometimes, but not always, seeming to prefer a limestone substrate. (The image here shows one of several hundred plants which I saw growing last week in a patch in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.) Although it is attractive, this species bears the trademarks of an invasive plant and so this little story has a rather dark ending. Time will tell. But thanks to Steve Leonard and a lot of subsequent botanists, we may have a handle on where its headed. John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Mariana maiden-fern has a Tallahassee connection "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." On October 14, 2023, the annular solar eclipse will cross parts of North America. The astronomical spectacle is what happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while its at the farthest point from Earth, causing the moon to partially block the sun and create a ring of fire effect in the sky. According to NASA, the eclipse will start in the United States, traveling from the coast of Oregon to the Texas Gulf Coast and, weather permitting, will be visible in New Mexico, Texas, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. A partial solar eclipse will be visible for all other parts of the nation. But as enticing as it is to stare into the sky waiting for the eclipse, looking directly at the sun is never a good idea unless it's completely blocked by the moon that happens in April, by the way. Otherwise, stick to eye proper protection in the form of solar eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses are not OK to watch the eclipse with. We are protecting our sight with these simple tools, says Kelly Korreck, PhD, NASAs eclipse program manager in Washington, D.C. Luckily, it isnt too hard to tell which eclipse glasses are safethe International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 certification has set clear guidelines for glasses thatll keep your eyes protected. Korreck says, This is the beauty of a standardthe glasses that meet this standard all should work about the same and protect one of our most valuable toolsour sight. If you dont want to make your eclipse viewer at homeor use one of Korrecks recommended indirect eclipse viewing methodswe found a slew of solar viewing glasses that are certified for safety so you can look at the eclipse as it happens. These protect your retinas from permanent eye damage or even vision loss while providing a glimpse at this years annular solar eclipse, and next years total eclipse on April 8, 2024. From bargain buys to sun spotting binoculars, these are the best solar viewing glasses and products to protect your eyes from the suns harmful rays. The Best Solar Eclipse Glasses What to Consider Safety Solar viewing glasses, also called eclipse glasses, have specialized lenses that block harmful radiation from penetrating your eyes and protect them from vision issues or even blindness. It doesnt matter how dark or thick those glasses are; regular sunglasses are unsafe to use to look at the sun. According to Richard Tresch Fienberg, PhD and Project Manager of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force at the American Astronomical Society, such filters are at least 1,000 times darker than the darkest ordinary sunglasses. They not only dim the suns visible light by a factor of 100,000 to several million, but also block potentially harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. The safest solar viewing glasses carry the ISO compliance label on their packaging. Look for any solar viewing glasses marked as being in line with the ISO 12312-2 (sometimes labeled as ISO 12312-2:2015) international safety standard. Although ISO sets the standards, a third-party lab tests products against the standardthe ISO does not approve or certify products itself. ISO-compliant sunglasses reduce sunlight to safe viewing levels and block solar UV and IR radiation. Although the ISO is independent, both NASA and the American Astronomical Society recommend using its approved products. Alternatively, NASA says welding glasses with number 14 shadesconsidered the highest caliber of eye protection for welderscan also be used for viewing the sun. At no time during an annular or partial solar eclipse is the entire disk of the sun covered, says Fienberg, and even the tiniest sliver of the suns brilliant face cannot safely be viewed directly. Looking at the sun without eye protection risks injury to the retina, the light-sensitive surface lining the inside back of the eye. Our instinct to turn away from intense light protects us from retinal injury. Even when youre wearing eclipse glasses, dont look through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope as itll amplify solar rays and cause them to burn through the retina. Extremely bright light causes photochemical reactions in the retinas rod and cone cells, damaging them so that they no longer respond properly, Fienberg says. If the exposure is brief, the injury will heal over time. But if the exposure is too long, the damage will be permanent, leaving you with blind spots. If your lenses are scratched or torn, throw them awayyou need complete protection to keep those eyes from UV and IR harm. And make sure to wear your glasses before and after the event to reduce the risk of injury. Style and Budget Fienberg says that the most common and least expensive eclipse glasses have cardboard frames with lenses made from a thin, metal-coated polyethylene film or a thin black-polymer resin, sometimes with a metal coating on one side. Plastic frames with thicker, more durable lenses are slightly more expensive, while 3-by-5-inch handheld viewers made with the same materials as cardboard eclipse glasses are available as well. Legitimacy Ebay, Amazon, and other major retailers often see an uptick in counterfeit solar viewing glasses from third-party sellers in the days leading up to an eclipse. A list of reputable manufacturers can be found at the American Astronomical Society's website. These have been tested by the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force and are guaranteeed to protect your retinas from temporary or permanent damage. While NASA recommends only using ISO-approved eclipse glasses, it doesnt officially endorse any pair. Products labeled NASA-approved or similar rely on marketing tactics to sell safety. Avoid them. As for trusted brands, Fienberg only recommends U.S. companies that have been around for decades and are likely to be around long after the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses are behind us, specifically calling out products by American Paper Optics and Rainbow Symphony. They both use metal-coated black polymer film manufactured by Thousand Oaks Optical, and most of the resellers on our list get their glasses from either APO or RSincluding some big retail chains such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart. Eclipse Glasses With Prescriptions If you wear prescription eyeglasses or contacts, you may be worried about comfort during your eclipse spotting. Denise Hill, heliophysics communications and outreach lead at NASA, has good news for you: solar viewing glasses are constructed to work with existing frames. Eclipse glasses are meant to be worn over prescription glasses or contacts, Hill says. They are not for viewing, but rather, they act as a shield. For those with eyeglasses, consider grabbing a larger pair of eclipse glasses or even solar binoculars to assist. How We Evaluated To find the best solar eclipse glasses, we followed advice from authorities in astronomy and well guidance from NASA's eclipse safety webpage and Senior Advisor to the Executive Officer and Project Manager for the American Astronomical Society Richard Tresch Fienberg, PhD. Our list consists of glasses from reputable manufacturers according to the American Astronomical Society, and two alternatives to traditional solar viewing glasses: binoculars for strong magnification and a pair of welders glasses for a sturdier build. Solar Eclipse Glasses Rainbow Symphony takes our Best Overall distinction due to its frequent recommendation from space experts, critics, and the experts we spoke to. This eclipse viewers sturdy build and value-forward bundle includes one pair of plastic Eclipse Shades, an attachable elastic cord, a carry case, plus two bonus paper solar viewing glasses. If youre viewing the 2023 annular solar eclipse with friends or kids, this set could be a great way to save them on cash. The plastic pair, meanwhile, can be tucked away until next years total eclipse. They have a scratch-resistant coating, plus the brand claims it blocks 100 percent of harmful ultra-violet, 100 percent of harmful infrared, and 99.99 percent of intense visible light. Several user reviews say they work well and are comfortable, though the price is somewhat high, given their plastic build. Also available as wrap-around goggles Shop Now Solar Eclipse Glasses amazon.com $19.95 Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses Plastic solar viewing glasses can get pricey when factoring in their materials. You can cut costs by going the cheapest route possible: paper. As effective at blocking harmful sun rays as their more robust counterparts, American Paper Opticss solar eclipse safety glasses are thin, compact, and easily fit into your pocket. You can grab a single pair for $1 and save even more by bundling up to 4, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1,000 packs. Of course, paper has its drawbacks. For one, it wont hold well in transport and can easily get creased and bent. Some folks also might throw them out after a single use. Still, these are the way to go to see the annular eclipse for the cheapest price possible. Shop Now Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses bhphotovideo.com $0.99 2-Pack EclipSmart Safe Solar Power Viewers Celestrons EclipSmart Solar Power viewers are great for eclipse watchers who want a slightly closer look at the sun. Theyre made of foldable paper and have two plastic lenses that offer some durability. They work more like binoculars than a pair of glasses, so youll have to hold them up to your face, but they also offer double the magnification power of traditional lenses. This provides a closer look without spending more on a dedicated pair of binoculars. Their construction is less flimsy than our Best Budget pick, but theyre still made with paper, making them somewhat fragile. This bundle includes an eclipse guidebook, which lists dates for upcoming events, and an additional pair for sharing. Shop Now 2-Pack EclipSmart Safe Solar Power Viewers bhphotovideo.com $11.95 10x25 EclipSmart Solar Binoculars Celestrons EclipSmart binoculars offer enough protection to safely view and magnify the eclipse without damaging your retinas. The binoculars are ISO 12312-2 compliant and have non-removable glass solar filters, as theyre built specifically for viewing the sun. This makes them safe to view the sun but also virtually unusable for any purpose other than watching sunspots. If you seek something stronger than solar viewing glasses, reach for a pair of these. As always, when purchasing a pair of binoculars, the first number represents magnification power while the second indicates the lens diameterthe higher the number, the clearer, though less stable, the image. Shop Now 10x25 EclipSmart Solar Binoculars bhphotovideo.com $35.95 Welding Glasses with Black Frame and Shade 14 Lenses If youre looking for a pair of glasses sturdy enough to survive years of use, reach for this pair of welding glasses from Phillips Safety. These are rated shade 14 for the highest level of eye protection. The AAS says that shade level 12 or higher is safe for viewing the eclipse. They also meet all ISO 12312-2:2015 standards for direct solar observation. They block 99 percent of UV light, 97 percent of IR radiation and only allow a transmission of roughly 0.0003 percent of visible light through them. These are pricier than other eclipse glasses on our list, but theyre also sturdier than other plastic picks, plus they offer some side shading so they aid in protecting your peripheral vision as well. Shop Now Welding Glasses with Black Frame and Shade 14 Lenses safetyglassesusa.com $29.99 You Might Also Like The experts share etiquette-approved ways to effectively communicate your request. Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images Creating the guest list for your wedding is no easy feat. While the intention is almost never to leave anyone out, inviting everyone you know and love isn't always practical or feasible. Whether your venue has certain capacity limits or youre hoping to lower costs, some couples choose not to invite kids to their nuptials and instead opt for an adults-only reception. Even if your venue or budget arent requiring you to make cuts, having a no-kids event is often appealing to those who want to encourage their loved ones to let loose on the dance floorwithout having to look after their children. If youre thinking about hosting a kids-free affair, you might be worried that your request will offend your guests. While most of your friends and family will understand and respect your wishes, there are polite and effective ways to formulate your ask to avoid ruffling anyones feathers. And if some members of your crew do express any disappointment? There are ways to handle their reaction in a gracious manner, too. Experts Jessica Sloane is an event planner, designer, and stylist. Although shes located in Nashville, she orchestrates events all over the world. Taryn Blake is the founder and lead planner of Taryn Blake Events, which has roots in Pennsylvania. Shes been working in the wedding industry for 13 years. Summer Newman is the founder and lead planner of Summer Newman Events, and Stephanie Ko is a planner at the destination planning firm, which is based in Southern California. Wondering how to tell your guests that you arent inviting children to your nuptials? We talked to a handful of planners, who shared their best tips, advice, and examples of wording to communicate your request in an etiquette-approved way. Ahead, how to say no kids at your wedding. Related: Adults-Only Wedding: Etiquette and Invitation Wording Examples Is a No-Kids Wedding Right for You? While children often add a cuteness factor to weddings, says planner Jessica Sloane, including them in the festivities isnt a fit for everyone. While the most obvious reason to host an adults-only wedding is that you dont love kids or you dont have any little ones in the family, there are a number of other more nuanced factors that can affect your decision. If youre planning your big day on a budget, for instance, removing children from your guest list will help decrease the total bill. Kids add to the guest count, ultimately leading to more tables, rentals, florals, meals, etc., which adds to the cost, planner Taryn Blake of Taryn Blake Events says. Likewise, the venue that youve booked might only be able to accommodate a certain headcount, which makes removing children from your guest list a probable solution. Or maybe youre getting married at an adults-only property, which provides a legitimate reason as to why children wont be able to attend. Some other reasons for throwing a no-kids wedding are more about the ambience of your event. Maybe youre hoping to host a fun night out, where you and your favorite people can enjoy themselves without being responsible for any minors. Some couples like the vibe of a kids-free dance floor, as the kids can often break up the flow of dancing, Blake mentions. Younger children, especially babies and toddlers, can also potentially interfere with the celebration by screaming or crying, according to planners Summer Newman and Stephanie Ko of Summer Newman Events. Plus, Blake notes that these age groups are more difficult to keep quiet during certain aspects of the event that require your full attention, such as speeches and the first dance. How to Communicate a No-Kids Wedding If youve determined that a kids-free event is the route youre going to take, there are certain tips to keep in mind when communicating your wishes. Read on for expert-approved advice to make sure your request is direct, appropriate, and polite. Make Your Request Early On To avoid any confusion, its important to state your wishes from the get-go. Blake suggests adding a section to your wedding website, mentioning that youre having a kids-free wedding, so friends and family can plan accordingly. She also recommends reiterating the request through your invitations. While youll address your invites to only the members of the household who are invited to your celebration, your guests will probably need a more straightforward indication that theyre kids wont be able to join. For instance, Blake advises including a note at the bottom of your invitations or the RSVP card. Be as Clear as Possible Since kids is a broad term, its important to specify the age group that wont be attending your wedding. While some couples define kids as under 18, others refer to those who are younger than 21. Newman and Ko encourage you to clearly state the demographic on your wedding website and invitations. Avoid Citing Personal Reasons The last thing you want is for your guests to think that your no-kids wedding is personal. Singling a child out will only make the parent defensive and hurt. Things like, Your child is just too wild, may not be something you would want to say, Newman and Ko note. Instead of listing reasons why a specific child isnt welcome, make sure your wording is respectful and applies to the general population of your friends and familys children. Specify Your Plan for Wedding Party Members If youre having flower girls and/or ring bearers in your wedding, youll want to touch base with their parents about the best course of action to take after you say I do. In order to fulfill their duties as members of your wedding party, these children will need to attend your ceremony. However, if they arent invited to the reception, its essential that you explicitly mention this stipulation to their parents. Instead of asking the mother or father to figure out a solution, Newman and Ko suggest offering to pay for a babysitter to watch their children for the night. Examples of Wording to Use By keeping the above tips in mind, youll be able to craft a response that is civil and straightforward. If youre still at a loss for what to say to your guests, we asked the experts to share examples of phrases to use on your wedding invitations and wedding website. On the Wedding Invitation Since the bulk of your wedding invitation relays information about the time and place of your event, you wont have room for a long-winded explanation behind your decision to tie the knot sans kids. At the bottom of your invitation, a simple sentence, such as Adults only or Adults-only reception will suffice, according to Newman, Ko, and Blake. On the Wedding Website Your wedding website is where you can provide a more detailed statement about your choice to host a kids-free affair. If your wedding venue doesnt allow children or there is a certain limit you cant exceed, make a note of that online. Sloane suggests stating, Due to the limited capacity of our venue, we are only able to extend an invitation to adult guests. For those who lack the funds to cover children or who simply arent interested in inviting little ones, theres no need to provide an explanation. Newman and Ko recommend saying something along the lines of, Though wed love to see your children, we have decided to have an adults-only affair. We hope that with this notice, you will be able to make arrangements and attend our wedding. You can even add a sense of humor. Blake recommends wording, like We love your kids, but you deserve a night out! This wedding is for the adults only!" Etiquette Tips for Handling Pushback When you use polite and direct communication to alert your crew, most of your guests will be very understanding. However, if you do encounter some pushback, there are ways to deal with it in a non-dramatic way. Heres what to do if you experience a negative response to your no-kids request. If a Guest Declines Your Invitation Not everyone will be able to attend your wedding, so if someone RSVPs no because their kids wont be able to join, you dont have to go out of your way to accommodate them. However, if one of your best friends or closest family members isnt able to make the event due to the no-kids stipulation, Newman and Ko suggest making an exception or figuring out a compromise. For instance, you can hire a babysitter to watch their children in another room at the venue, or you can pay for a sitter to look after the kids at their home if its a local wedding. At destination nuptials, consider looking into babysitting services, like Windy, that are available in unfamiliar locations, according to Sloane. If a Guest Asks for an Exception Some guests might ask that you make an exception specifically for them. If thats the case, Sloane encourages you to stick to the ruleeven if its your own family member. To make attending your celebration more feasible for them, Blake suggests recommending a nanny or babysitting service at the venue or at home. If a Guest Takes Offense Others might go as far as to voice their grievances to you. Hashing it out over the phone with the upset guest might help reassure them. If the conversation takes a turn or the future attendee isnt able to consider your perspective, Newman and Ko advise leaning on your wedding planners for assistance. We have dealt with most scenarios and can help guide you through sticky scenarios, they say. Up Next: 13 Fun Things for Kids to Do at Weddings Read the original article on Brides. Following what the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is calling a years-long court process, 43-year-old Shane Philips of Johnson, Vermont must hand over his crossbow, $2,877 in fines and restitution, three years of hunting and fishing privileges, and even the keys to his 2011 Buick Regal for poaching a fake deer at night in October 2020. A VDFW press release published on Friday detailed the attempted poaching, which took place in the town of Johnson in northern Vermont. On the night of the incident, game wardens saw the driver of the black Buick using lights to illuminate two deer in the dark. Eventually, the driver shot the bucka dummy wildlife officials often use to catch would-be poacherswith a crossbow. When game wardens confronted the suspect, he fled the scene. They eventually tracked him down and seized his vehicle. Upon executing a search warrant, they found his Bear Saga crossbow, which had been fired. Phillips was then cited into court. He pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the incident in April 2021. Two years later in May, Phillips was found guilty in Lamoille County Court of five wildlife- and shooting-related charges; taking big game by illegal means; taking big game in a closed vehicle; shooting from a motor vehicle; shooting from a public highway; and possessing a cocked crossbow in a motor vehicle. His sentencing took place in August, and was updated on Oct. 2 to include that he hand over his car and his bow. This is not Phillips first brush with law enforcement. In 2013, he was held on $530,000 bail after pleading not guilty to a variety of assault and other charges that stacked up from incidents in 2002 and 2012. Hed been on the run from police for over a decade during that time. Prosecuting law violators takes time, Vermont game warden Lt. Carl Wedin said in the press release. Catching a deer jacker in the act is one thing, seeing justice served is an entirely different operation. Vermont hunters can be gratified to see this poacher forfeit his vehicle and weapon, in addition to his fine and loss of his hunting privileges for the next three years. Read Next: Vermont Poaching Bust Exposes Father, Son, and Grandfather " Deer jacking " is a casual term for shining light on a deer at night and shooting it. Its another phrase for spotlighting, although spotlighting doesnt always involve actually killing the deer. Generally speaking long term investing is the way to go. But unfortunately, some companies simply don't succeed. For example the Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) share price dropped 63% over five years. That is extremely sub-optimal, to say the least. And some of the more recent buyers are probably worried, too, with the stock falling 38% in the last year. Furthermore, it's down 23% in about a quarter. That's not much fun for holders. So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress. Check out our latest analysis for Enzo Biochem Enzo Biochem isn't currently profitable, so most analysts would look to revenue growth to get an idea of how fast the underlying business is growing. Generally speaking, companies without profits are expected to grow revenue every year, and at a good clip. That's because fast revenue growth can be easily extrapolated to forecast profits, often of considerable size. Over five years, Enzo Biochem grew its revenue at 1.8% per year. That's not a very high growth rate considering it doesn't make profits. This lacklustre growth has no doubt fueled the loss of 10% per year, in that time. We'd want to see proof that future revenue growth is likely to be significantly stronger before getting too interested in Enzo Biochem. When a stock falls hard like this, some investors like to add the company to a watchlist (in case the business recovers, longer term). The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Enzo Biochem's earnings, revenue and cash flow. A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 13% in the last year, Enzo Biochem shareholders lost 38%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 10% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Enzo Biochem (of which 1 is a bit concerning!) you should know about. Story continues There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sofa, Scan Design ; Armchair, Manor Fine Wares ; Dining Chairs, The Windsor Workshop ; Faux Sheepskin Throws, IKEA . The dining table and coffee table were milled from trees on the property. On a rainy afternoon nearly a decade ago, Anne and Richard De Wolf were driving near Willapa Bay, Washington, when Anne asked her husband to stop and turn aroundshe had spotted a large feeding barn and wanted a closer look. I didnt even want to say anything; I just started sketching on a piece of paper that we had in the car, she recalls. The couple, who together own the design-build firm Arciform , were on their way to Portland, Oregon, where they live full-time, to secure the permits for a vacation house they had designed for themselves when this aha moment hit her. Once she saw the arched overhang of the barn, she realized everything they had previously drawn up for their house needed to change. This would serve as their new point of inspiration. I pretty much redesigned and redrafted the whole project in 24 hours, she says. home under construction house under construction The house, which they set out to build on a 12-acre plot of land theyve owned (and used primarily for camping) since 2005, took years to bring to life. Relying on the dense forest around them, Richard felled the trees and milled them according to the specifications laid out by their engineer. Thats how from scratch it was, he notes. It took around two years just to dry out the wood that would eventually make up the bones of their structure. [The property] looked like a lumberyard for a while, says Anne. Constructing just the shell took a year and a half, resulting in what Anne can only liken to a dinosaur skeleton. With strong winds coming from every direction, the structure had to be extra-sturdy. Versatile Wood Products , a custom manufacturing company that the De Wolfs acquired 10 years ago, helped modernize the antique glass windows that frame the exteriornow theyre triple-paned. I have to credit my husband and my engineer for making all of my ideas work. Its still standing, says Anne. large arched room Backsplash Tile, Ann Sacks ; Faucet, Hans Grohe ; Cooktop, BlueStar ; Pantry Cabinet, Versatile Wood Products ; Spotlights, Old Portland Hardware & Architectural . zellige tile backsplash The beauty of designing your own home from the ground up is that you can make way for all your wildest ideas along the way. For the De Wolfs, it was incorporating salvaged architectural elements (most of them from Bloomsbury Antiques in Portland). In the primary bathroom, for instance, they carved out room for a large arched stained-glass door, which Anne now carefully dries off with a towel after every shower, just to make sure the moisture from the steam doesnt take a toll on the fragile threshold. arched stained glass door Shower Wall Tile, Ann Sacks ; Shower Fixtures, Hans Grohe . Bed Frame, Community Warehouse . The two gothic chandeliers that hang over the dining table in the great room were an eBay score. To his wifes shock, it only took Richard one nights worth of browsing to find them. With all the sweat, blood, and tears I spent trying to design every detail, those lights are what always get so much attention, jokes Anne. couple at dining table Most of the other light fixtures, however, didnt come from a churchtheyre from old ships, an especially meaningful source for the couple, who met 30 years ago in Charleston, South Carolina, when they were both living on boats. The two large spotlights that are positioned on the ledge of the upper level only look blinding, but the bulbs inside them are mild, Richard reassures. Two more brass fixtures can be found in what the pair call the birds nest, a cozy cot tucked away upstairs underneath a curved beam. Thats my favorite corner to take a nap, says Richard. Their dog, Finney, agrees. Rug, IKEA ; Sconces, Big Ship Salvage . When friends come to visit, the De Wolfs have two options to offer: bunk beds or tents. While the former sleeping arrangement is actually quite luxurious (they have full/queen mattresses, reading lights, and an industrial rolling step ladder), most people tend to opt for the latter. The black bathroom downstairs, which has an additional door leading to the yard, was designed with campers in mind. On chilly days, everyone can gather inside and enjoy the radiant-heat flooring in the great room. wood bunk bed "private" bathroom door Wall Paint, Lamp Black by Lee Valley (in a wax finish); Vintage Sink, Rejuvenation ; Towel Cart, RH . Most weekends, though, its just the couple and Richards mom at the house. While Anne posts up at her designated puzzle table, he'll head outside during low tide with Finney andfour hours laterreturn with a bucket of clams for dinner. Table, Bloomsbury Antiques ; Chandelier, Hippo Hardware ; Bookcase, Versatile Wood Products . Get the Look Frasers Group Plc did it again, raising its stake in Boohoo to 13.4 percent. According to a Frasers regulatory statement filed Tuesday, the Flannels parent it increased its stake in British fashion purveyor Boohoo. It had a 10.4 percent stake in September after it purchased 170.4 million shares. The filing listed Frasers owner Mike Ashley as the ultimate controlling person of the voting rights on the shares of Boohoo, which is led by CEO Michael Murray. More from Sourcing Journal Frasers made its first strategic investment in Boohoo in June and raised it a month later to 6.8 percent from 5 percent. So, why is Frasers keen on a Boohoo buying spree? A possible Boohoo takeover down the road wouldnt be out of the realm of possibility, given Frasers track record. But there are other reasons as well. Frasers cited the Kourtney Kardashian collaborators popularity with young women as a factor behind the financial move. And it noted that Boohoo offers synergies with other brands Frasers already owns, namely Missguided and I Saw It First. The two acquisitions moved Frasers deeper into the world of digital fast fashion, causing some to speculate about whether it was building a fast-fashion empire. Boohoo on Tuesday reported a first-half loss of 9.1 million pounds ($11 million) on a 17.4 percent revenue decline to 729.1 million pounds ($880.5 million). It also lowered its revenue guidance for the Fiscal Year ending Feb. 28, 2024. The fast-fashion e-tailer cited rising costs and declining consumer demand as reasons for its lackluster results. Investors werent happy and sent Boohoo shares tumbling 10 percent after the earnings report. Forever on the hunt for a good deal, the decline in stock price seemed to give Ashleys Frasers the opportunity to pick up more shares on the cheap. The Manchester-based company has also been taking strategic stakes in other companies. One is in Boohoo competitor Asos, in which Frasers now owns a 10.62 percent stake as of September thats up from 10.58 percent in June. Frasers had a 5 percent holding in October 2022. Boohoo and Asos are not the only companies where Frasers has taken investment positions. It has a history of taking stakes in other businesses too, including Mulberry. Ita a supportive stakeholder in Hugo Boss, too. Click here to read the full article. President Joe Biden and ex-president Trump were mentioned in the second republican debate One hundred days before the Iowa caucuses, many in the punditry assume that the opening presidential contest will be the first step in a preordained march toward a Joe Biden v. Donald Trump rematch in November. What could possibly go wrong? Actually, a lot could change. Three months is plenty of time for an expanding United Auto Workers strike to take a toll on the economy, for Ukraine's fortunes to shift on the battlefield, for courtroom revelations and health scares, for front-runners to hit turbulence and challengers to gain momentum. Enough time to upend what now seems all but certain. Though the candidates who are ahead at this point often do end up being nominated for president, that doesn't always happen. At this point in the 2008 race, a CNN poll showed former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani leading the Republican field as former senator Fred Thompson was fading. On the Democratic side, Sen. Hillary Clinton had built a 30-point lead that seemed almost indestructible. But on Election Day, it was her then-distant rival, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who faced off against Arizona Sen. John McCain for the White House. Here are five things that could shake up the presidential landscape before voters in Des Moines and Dubuque are raising their hands for one contender or another 100 days from this Saturday. Revelations in the courtroom A defiant Trump arrived in a New York courtroom Monday for his civil trial on charges of real estate fraud. Later this month, a trial in Georgia is set to begin for two of his co-defendants on criminal allegations of trying to overturn the 2020 election. No former president has ever faced the legal perils Trump does now, with 91 criminal charges in four jurisdictions. So far, they seem to have strengthened his political position as many Republicans endorse his unfounded declarations that he is the victim of political vendettas orchestrated by the Biden administration's Justice Department. As testimony begins under oath and aired live from the Atlanta courtroom new disclosures at least raise the possibility of challenging that narrative. Abortion could bite in Iowa Trump leads in Iowa, to be sure, by a substantial 23 percentage points in a Des Moines Register/NBC poll last month. But evangelical Christians are a significant electoral force in the Hawkeye state, and opposition to abortion has long animated Republican politics there. Trump's declaration that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had made a "terrible mistake" by signing a ban on abortion at six weeks, his offer to negotiate a compromise with those who support access to abortion, and his refusal to endorse a federal abortion ban could cut against him here. In the Iowa poll, DeSantis was second at 19%. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who has run TV ads touting his support for restricting abortion, was third at 9%. Former Vice President Mike Pence, who has drawn the field's hardest line against access to abortion services, was at 6%. Trump led at 42%. A 52% majority of those surveyed, however, said their minds were not made up and they could be persuaded to support another candidate. A slip, a fall, a bad cold A health crisis could complicate the campaigns of either the 80-year-old Biden or the 77-year-old Trump, both the oldest of the major contenders in their parties. A victory in 2024 would make either one of them the oldest nominee ever elected president, a distinction Biden already holds. Concern about his age has emerged as particularly troublesome for Biden, and his fall after tripping over a sandbag on stage at the U.S. Air Force Academy in June created headlines, although he popped back up and seemed to sustain no injuries. Since then, the White House has taken precautions to guard against another incident, including by using shorter stairs for Biden to enter and leave Air Force One. Evidence in the impeachment hearings California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, then the House speaker, launched an impeachment inquiry against Biden. The opening hearing last week got off to a stumbling start when two of the GOP's own witnesses said there wasn't enough evidence to warrant impeachment. But the Biden family is making legal history, too. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty Tuesday in federal court in Delaware to violating federal gun laws. He is the first child of a sitting president to face criminal charges, and he may face additional allegations of tax evasion and other crimes. But no one has produced evidence that the president misused his public authority or benefited financially from Hunter Biden's lobbying and business dealings. That is evidence the GOP House inquiry hopes to uncover. A tightening GOP field, or a widening one One of Trump's advantages in the Republican race is the multiplicity of his challengers. Eight of them passed the bar to participate in the first Republican debate, in Milwaukee, and seven of them were still doing well enough in fundraising and poll standings to make the second debate, in California. A crowded field was a factor in his success in the competitive 2016 primaries, when a half-dozen contenders divided the anti-Trump vote. This time, there are those calling on the longer shots to get out of the way, allowing voters who don't support Trump to consolidate behind a single alternative. Those appeals are likely to be directed at any candidates who don't qualify for the third primary debate next month, in Miami. On the other hand, there is also an effort by some major Republican donors to make the field bigger by encouraging Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to jump in. He hasn't ruled out the idea, although he says he won't decide until after the state legislative elections in November, in which control of the House of Delegates and Senate are at stake. At that point, who knows? Anything could happen. Maybe. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 100 days until the Iowa caucuses. What could possibly go wrong? Credit - Nebraska State Historical Society Photograph Collections/Wiki Commons; Charles TasnadiAP; Chris MaddaloniRoll Call/Getty Images; Cyrus McCrimmonThe Denver Post/Getty Images; Mark Gulezian/NPG/National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian; Erik McGregorLightRocket/Getty Images For thousands of years, Native Americans have been in the land thats now known as the United States of America. And yet, their history is still new to most Americans. In fact, the first presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Daywhich this year is Oct. 9only came two years ago, issued by President Joe Biden in 2021. In the last decade, schools and businesses have increasingly recognized the day as a holiday for employees and students as an alternative to Columbus Day, given the explorers checkered human-rights record. TIME asked 11 experts on indigenous history which Native American historymakers readers should know about. Their responses have been lightly edited. More From TIME Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte In 1889, Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte graduated top of her class from the Womens Medical College of Pennsylvania and became the first Native American to earn a medical degree. The following year, she returned home to her nation, the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, where she became the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) sole physician. La Flesche Picotte had always planned to return home; she pursued medicine out of concern for her fellow Umohos (Omahas). The settler invasion of Umoho lands in the 1850s and 1860s had led to outbreaks of infectious diseases like measles and tuberculosis. Believing that these Euro-American diseases required Euro-American knowledge to prevent and treat, La Flesche Picotte sought to utilize Western medicine to heal her community. La Flesche Picotte initially supported disastrous federal assimilation policies like land allotment, or the dissolution of tribally-held lands into individual parcels of privately-owned property. This position put her at odds with many contemporaries who defended Native sovereignty and would prove inconsistent with her health advocacy work. Years of working as an intermediary and health advocate for the Umoho community would change her mind about assimilation. La Flesche Picotte increasingly blamed the BIAand white settlersfor the worsening health crisis among the Umohos. Furious with the BIAs lack of investment in healthcare, she raised private funds and opened her own hospital in 1913. La Flesche Picotte struggled with poor health for most of her life and died two years later at the age of 50. The hospital still stands; it is a testament to La Flesche Picottes unwavering dedication to the health of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. Juliet Larkin-Gilmore, assistant professor of History, Health Humanities, and Race and Ethnic Studies at Pennsylvania State University, Abington College Susette La Flesche Tibbles Susette La Flesche wanted to be a teacher. The daughter of Omaha chief Joseph La Flesche, she studied in New Jersey and was published in the New York Tribune before coming home in 1875 to apply to teach on the Omaha reservation in Nebraska. The local Indian agent, however, refused her application because she was not white. La Flesche began her long career of advocacy by advocating for herself until she secured the teaching job. A few years later, the Omaha World-Herald hired La Flesche to translate Ponca accounts of their violent, forced deportation. Working closely with journalist Thomas Tibbleswhom she would later marryLa Flesche advocated on behalf of Ponca chief Standing Bear in his legal battle for the right to return home to bury his son. Her translation of his moving courtroom speeches led to the landmark 1879 U.S. Supreme Court case Standing Bear v. Crook, which established Native Americans right to recognition as persons under the law. Writing as Bright Eyes (the English translation of her Omaha name Inshuta Theumba), she agitated for justice for Native Nations. I am the only Indian speaking to the public through the press for the Indians, she wrote from Pine Ridge as she covered the immediate aftermath of the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre. Knowing the power of public opinion to disrupt injustice, La Flesche used speaking tours across the United States and Europe and columns in Nebraska newspapers to fight for the rights of Native people, farmers, and other marginalized communities. Lindsay Stallones Marshall, an assistant professor of History at Illinois State University Rachel Caroline Eaton In 1919, Rachel Caroline Eaton became the first known Native American woman to get a PhD, at a time when few womenlet alone Native American womenhad opportunities for graduate education. Eaton was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and she dedicated her life to researching and educating people about the history of her people. Along with her tireless efforts in activism and education, her first book, John Ross and The Cherokee Indians (1914), brought public attention to the Trail of Tears, the genocide and forced removal of her Nation from their land. Because Cherokee society was matrilineal rather than patriarchal, Eaton received an early education from family matriarchs and from the Cherokee Nation public school system. Eatons grandmother, a survivor of the Trail of Tears, passed on to her the importance of telling histories to future generations. Eaton spent much of her life teaching in various schools and colleges, including the Cherokee Female Seminary, which she herself had graduated from in 1888. In the 1920s and 1930s, Eaton was a prominent figure in Native womens club organizing. Due to racism in academia, Eatons later publications were limited, but her impact on Cherokee education endures. Patricia Dawson, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation and assistant professor of History at Mount Holyoke College Vine Deloria, Jr. Vine Deloria Jr.s life encapsulates many of the important issues that were besetting indigenous communities in the 20th century. For example, he was part of federal relocation in the 1950s and 60s, which forced people off the reservation to urban centers. He became the president of the National Congress of American Indians in 1964, and it was during his tenure as the director that membership in tribal nations skyrocketed. But he is best-known for writing a bestselling book called Custer Died for Your Sins (1969) that not only captured the anger of native peoples at the time, but also humanized native peoples for non-native audiences. He was explaining to non-native people what treaties were and why they were important; it was really a primer for non-native public that explained everything going on in Indian country for literally centuries. Read More: Why We've Gotten 'Custer's Last Stand' Wrong for Nearly 150 Years Custer Died for Your Sins helped lay the groundwork for legislation like the Indian Self-Determination Act of 1975, which is the first statement by the federal government that these treaties exist, and that there's a nation-to-nation relationship between us. [Tribes] are sovereign entities that live within the United States and that have their rights as political nations and can negotiate those with the United States. Bryan Rindfleisch, associate professor of History at Marquette University Ada Deer Ada Deerwho recently passed away on Aug. 15 at the age of 88was born on the Menominee Nation, and by the time she was in her early 20s, the nation no longer existed. It no longer was a sovereign nation with the government-to-government relationship with the United States. It had been federal Indian policy to terminate tribes, and they succeeded in a number of cases around the country. Deer was one of the native people who went to D.C. and got the tribe reinstated in 1973. After the tribe was restored, she became the first chairperson of the Menominee Nation. She lobbied until President Richard Nixon reversed the entire federal policy of termination in 1973. In 1993, Deer became the first woman to run the Bureau of Indian Affairs. For most of the agencys existence, it approached Native nations, like, Here's what's best for you. It was very paternalistic. And starting under Deer, the agencys position toward Native nations became, How can we help you become more independent? How can we help uphold treaty rights? How can we help grow native communities? Her life debunked a bunch of mythsone of the most potent being that we're all, if not literally dead, effectively so. By example, she showed that not only are we not gone, but we remain potent, powerful, effective, brilliant people who are as focused on the future as we are on the past. David Treuer is Ojibwe from the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota and a professor of English at the University of Southern California PoPay PoPay: An unfamiliar word to most people, but to the Indigenous peoples of the state currently known as New Mexico, we know that word as the Tewa name of a man who was born nearly 400 years ago at Ohkay Owingeh. During that time, our homelands were invaded by Spain and the Catholic Church. Our ways of being were persecuted by a nation and church that deemed themselves superior to us. Then in 1680, PoPay led what many characterize as the first successful revolt of an oppressive regime in what would later become known as the United States. Our pueblo ancestors drove the Spanish out of our homelands. Because of the significance of his leadership to who we are today, we honor him with annual commemorations of the revolt, and a statue in the U.S. Capitol. Carved by Cliff Fragua of Jemez Pueblo, it is the first statue in the U.S. National Statuary Hall Collection that was created by an American Indian. Many of us honor him with the work we do today as educators. In my research and writing, I show others the ways that Native peoples are misrepresented in childrens and young adult books, and I tell them about Native writers who write outstanding books that accurately reflect who Native people were, and who we are, today. My mother, Oyegi (her Tewa name), is also from Ohkay Owingeh. My father is from Nambe Owingeh. Wethe Pueblo Peoplesare proud descendants of PoPay and we carry his spirit forth in our work. Debbie Reese, an enrolled member of Nambe Owingeh tribe and co-author of 'An Indigenous Peoples History of the United States, for Young People' LaDonna Brave Bull Allard LaDonna Brave Bull Allard dedicated her life to the protection of the water. In 2016, she was the Tribal Historic Preservation Office officer for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and alerted people to the impending plans for construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. She was a founder of the Sacred Stone camp at Standing Rock, opening up her homelands for people to come and help to support the Standing Rock and oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline Project and protest corporate greed. People from all over the world came to North Dakota in support of that mission. It was one of the largest gatherings of indigenous people in decades, since the 1970s. Allard was a symbol of the strength of Indigenous women. Indigenous people continue to spend their lives protecting the earth and ensuring the future of our people. Jennifer Nez Denetdale, a citizen of the Navajo Nation and a professor and chair of American Studies at the University of New Mexico Paya Mataha Paya Mataha was an 18th century Chickasaw diplomat who used peacemaking to keep his people together as a nation in a time of dangerous rivals, including European empires and the new United States. As a young man growing up in what is now Tennessee, Paya Mataha was a successful warrior. He fought in the Chickasaw wars that usually paired the Chickasaws and their British allies on one side and the powerful alliance of the Choctaws and the French on the other. Yet as he grew older, Paya Mataha came to see peacemaking as his lifes work. His big opportunity came when France lost the Seven Years War and surrendered its North American colonies to Britain and Spain in 1763. As the Chickasaws chief diplomat, Paya Mataha made a lasting peace with the Choctaws and with other Native nations, and he made a new alliance with the Spanish. When the American Revolution came, the British expected their Chickasaw allies to help them fight the rebelling colonists and the Spanish. But Paya Mataha believed that peace was better for his nation than war. He used his diplomatic skills to preserve the Chickasaw alliance with the British while keeping the Chickasaws out of the war. After the Revolution, he forged a U.S. alliance. Through all of his peacemaking, Paya Matahas goal was to protect the Chickasaws as a sovereign nation. The Chickasaw Nation exists today because of the efforts of people like Paya Mataha. Kathleen DuVal, professor of History at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Attakullakulla Attakullakulla was one of the most influential peace chiefs in the 18th century. He lived through very trying times for the Cherokees. Theres continued encroachment of European settlers into Cherokee lands, and difficulties maintaining levels of crop output to feed the population, and a number of smallpox epidemics that devastated Cherokee communities. In 1730, he was one of seven Cherokee emissaries who was part of diplomatic efforts to secure a covenant of peace and friendship with the British. That agreement aimed to secure free trade between the Cherokees and the British in North America. In the 1730s and 1740s, Attakullakulla engaged in inter-indigenous diplomacy with non-Cherokee native peoples throughout the south, the Ohio Valley and around the Great Lakes. He's variously described by the British as a rascal, deceitful, and troublesomeall terms which in truth reflected his skill as a diplomat and negotiator. He was no pushover. His skilled diplomacy helped Cherokees adapt their cultural folkways while also providing access to coveted trade goods. Attakullakullas diplomatic skills helped Overhill Cherokees solidify their position of political influence and maintain their standard of living as colonialism pressed on both Cherokees and Creek communities. Gregory D. Smithers, professor at Virginia Commonwealth University Medwe-ganoonind The Ojibwe have a population of about 200,000 people, and we live in the Great Lakes of the U.S. and Canada. My own nation is Red Lake in northern Minnesota. We are unusual in the history of the United States because we held on to 800,000 acres of land and water when the reservation system was established, and still hold our land in common. That is, we never divided our land into individual allotments as the U.S. insisted on for nearly every reservation across Indian Country. No one was more skeptical of the motives of the United States government than the Ojibwes respected hereditary chief, Medwe-ganoonind, also known as He That Is Spoken To. He opposed the Treaty of 1863 in which we relinquished thousands of acres of fertile agricultural lands and bison range in the Red River Valley. By the time we made another agreement to establish the borders of the reservation in 1889, he was the head of the seven clan leaders, and was over 80 years of age. He That Is Spoken To was from my hometown of Redby, on the south side of lower Red Lake. He was a diplomat for our people and traveled with Ojibwe delegations to Washington. For that effort he received an American flag with 38 stars. He weathered a difficult era, and we regard him as a visionary who adamantly opposed the allotment of the reservation. Brenda J. Child is Red Lake Ojibwe and a professor of American Studies at the University of Minnesotas College of Liberal Arts Roger Jourdain Roger Jourdain became the first elected tribal chairman for Red Lake reservation in 1958, serving for 32 years. He had to overcome tremendous adversity; growing up, he was sent to residential boarding school in southern Minnesota and ran away twice. White agents ran reservations from the middle of the 1800s until 1934, so most tribes had to go through a rebuilding process, and Roger Jordain was part of that. When he came into office, a lot of people were still living in wigwams. During his tenure as chairman at Red Lake, the life expectancy for residents increased by 20 years. He got phone service, electricity, and ambulance service to all of the houses on the reservation. He understood that native people needed to impact American politics to have true sovereignty. When Coya Knutson, the first democratically elected woman in Congress in Minnesota, voted for the termination of the sovereign status of Native American tribes across the country, Jordain pulled his support, campaigned against her, and she lost the next election. Ignore or disregard the tribal vote at your own risk: Roger Jordain was the first Native politician who understood that. Red Lake today has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the U.S. at about 99%. In Joe Biden's election in 2020, the Democratic voting parts of Arizona were conterminous with the Native American reservations there and around Phoenix. If Biden didn't have a message that was compelling to tribes, he never would have won. Anton Treuer, a descendent of Leech Lake and a professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com. ASHEVILLE - An international travel guidance company has named an Asheville restaurant among the Best of the Best, based on diners reviews. Jettie Raes Oyster House, a seafood haven at 143 Charlotte St., has ranked No. 9 on Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Best of the Best list for Everyday Eats in the U.S. Qualifying restaurants were those that received a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from Tripadvisor users within a 12-month period. The customer-review-based website reportedly has an estimated 8 million listings with less than 1% that receive the Best of the Best title, reserved for those with the highest level of excellence in travel. Jettie Rae's Oyster House will roll out its new fall menu in October. Its so humbling because its like a peoples choice award. Its not some big organization, like when people get, say James Beard Awards, said owner/chef Eric Scheffer. These are actual diners that are supporting us, coming in, dining with us sometimes multiple times sometimes here on vacations and theyre trusting of us to deliver exceptional hospitality and amazingly fresh, well-thought-out seafood dishes. As of Oct. 2, Jettie Raes, which opened in 2021, had an overall 5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on 749 reviews. Staple items include raw oysters (with accouterments), lobster rolls, fish and other fresh catch dishes such as crispy clam strips sourced from New England, Spanish octopus and crab rice from coastal Carolina Gullah communities. We source everywhere from the shores of Boston all the way to North and South Carolina, Scheffer said. Our fresh fish predominantly comes from the Carolina coast from individual fishermen that we know personally that are going out for a couple of days and coming back with whole fish and bringing them up to us. Oysters are sourced from a co-op called Island Creek Oysters. The ingredients are processed in-house, led by Jettie Raes executive chef Will Cisa. Tripadvisors Everyday Eats category consists of eateries that serve high-quality laid-back fare that doesnt break the bank. Jette Raes menu features casual dishes with middle of the road average pricing, fine dining, and higher-end items, Scheffer said. Jettie Rae's Oyster House serves fresh, coastal seafood with menu items influenced by cuisine around the world. The core of our menu we price to be very moderate, especially with our subset here in Asheville. We give people the opportunity to dine with a lot of options from a price perspective on our menus, he said. We have fish and chips and po-boys, then we have bouillabaisse and caviar. We try to give it a breath so its accessible by all but not to outprice people. The neighborhood eatery's menu features American-style dishes and goes beyond to embody flavors of the world. We wanted to respect the diaspora of cultures that influenced all of our coastal seafood French, Spanish, Portuguese and even American Indian, Scheffer said. What weve done is honor coastal seafood from Maine to New Orleans and even on the coast of California and Baja Mexico. We look at it all as this wonderful melting pot of things that make us an American cuisine restaurant. Jettie Raes Oyster House is located at 143 Charlotte St. in Asheville. In the week of Oct. 9, Jettie Raes new fall menu will launch with several new protein additions, and dishes including prawns with romesco, bouillabaisse that will replace the fish stew and Outer Banks scallops served with roasted winter squash, caramelized onions and oyster mushrooms. Jettie Raes full bar offers handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer and more. Indoor seating and a covered outdoor dining area are available. Vinnies Neighborhood Italians South location, at 1981 Hendersonville Road and owned by the same restaurant group, holds the No. 1 spot (out of 457 restaurants) on Tripadvisors 2023 Travelers Choice as best dining places in Asheville with Jettie Raes coming in at No. 2. The Original Vinnies Neighborhood Italian is at 641 Merrimon Ave. and is listed at No. 5. View the full lists at tripadvisor.com. Stories you may have missed: Jettie Rae's Oyster House Where: 143 Charlotte St, Asheville. Hours: 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday.; 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Info: For more, visit jettieraes.com and facebook.com/JettieRaes and follow on Instagram @jettieraes. Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best' list features Asheville restaurant New America, a public policy think tank, held a discussion in conjunction with Banned Books Week. The annual recognition week, held the first week in October, highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas. The New America panel discussion, entitled How Diverse Books Set Students Up for Success, was held on Oct. 3 in Washington, D.C. and included panelists: Revida Rahman speaks during the Black Tennessee Voices LIVE event at National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. Revida Rahman, Williamson County, Tennessee, resident, parent, and co-founder of One WillCo, a local nonprofit. Maika Moulite, social media manager, New America, Howard University Ph.D. student, and young adult author. Natasha Tarpley, acclaimed childrens book author of I Love My Hair which has been banned. Moderator: Adam Harris, staff writer at The Atlantic and 2021 New America National Fellow. The discussion highlighted the history of book bans and the financial burden such bans place on libraries and school districts; it also included data on how much students succeed when diverse materials are provided in the classrooms. Sign up for Black Tennessee Voices newsletter:Read compelling columns by Black writers from across Tennessee. The country has seen a 33% spike in attempted book bans since 2022. The top three reasons cited for censorship as reported by the American Library Associations Office of Intellectual Freedom: the material was considered to be sexually explicit, the material contained offensive language, or the material was unsuited for any age group. Although the majority of Americans vote against book bans, a very vocal minority continually demands censorship. In a Washington Post study on 1,000 book challenges, they found that only 11 people were behind the complaints. And in a Utah school district, a married couple was responsible for 199 of the district's 205 book challenges. Inaugural event: Black Tennesseans share stories of resilience, community and love A book ban costs libraries and school districts thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in manpower to implement. Bans can limit exposure to different perspectives, suppress critical thinking, and obstruct one's understanding of societal issues. The panel asked the community to ensure school districts hear our voices voices of reason and inclusivity. Stating that, we must stay engaged and not silent, as our silence can be mistaken for concurrence. Revida Rahman will be a storyteller at The Tennessean Black Tennessee Voices LIVE show on Sept. 20, 2022 at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. One WillCo encourages our community to be engaged and involved. Revida Rahman is co-founder of One WillCo and a resident of Williamson County, Tennessee. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Banned Books Week: Parents must not stay silent amid censorship DENVER (KDVR) A last-minute deal prevented a government shutdown, but now the House of Representatives is without a speaker, and the next deadline is quickly approaching. Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pushed a deal through hours before a government shutdown, earning bipartisan support. The measure was approved in the Senate, despite U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet briefly holding up the vote over Ukraine funding. Ken Buck joins historic vote to remove Kevin McCarthy as House speaker The Democrat talked about that decision this week on Colorado Point of View. Bennet said hes hopeful the government will continue to support Ukraine but is concerned the aid wont be approved by both chambers of Congress. Theres this tiny group of people that are willing to distort the House for their own purposes, Bennet said. Will there be a government shutdown? When asked about the likelihood of a coming government shutdown, Bennet said there has been bipartisan support but blamed the setbacks on the gang that cant shoot straight. Theyre bringing us all down with them, and I hope what happens is we see on the back end of this a House of Representatives that can work in a more bipartisan way, Bennet said. Judge hears Christian schools universal pre-K lawsuit Bennet also said Americans should not accept lawmakers waiting until the last minute to fund the government. We need to insist on a higher standard that doesnt just fund things at the last minute but fulfills our obligations, Bennet said. Watch the full interview with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet on Colorado Point of View this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on Colorados Very Own Channel 2. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. What the federal government says is a levee improvement project near Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission on Jan. 12, 2022. Local immigrant advocates and environmentalists say it looks like a border wall. Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune Democrats, environmentalists and advocates for migrants are expressing anger this week as President Joe Biden s administration continues to push forward with plans to build sections of border wall along parts of Texas border with Mexico. Biden says he has no choice but to continue building the wall, and in a public filing that went into effect Thursday, his administration gave notice that it intends to waive 26 laws and regulations in order to take immediate action to build a few miles of new barrier in Starr County. That sparked outrage among opponents of the wall, who noted that Biden campaigned against the border wall when he ran in 2020. This is extremely disappointing, and a horrific step backwards that we just didnt expect to see from this administration, said Laiken Jordahl, a southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity. But border barrier construction has continued in Texas and elsewhere since the early days of Bidens term. As early as 2021, construction crews were erecting 15-foot concrete panels topped with 6-foot steel bollards in the Rio Grande Valley. In 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection detailed plans to build 86 miles of border wall in the Rio Grande Valley, including Starr County. On Thursday, Biden told reporters that he was required by law to continue certain wall construction because Congress appropriated money for it. That appropriation occurred in 2019, before Biden took office. I tried to get to them to reappropriate it, to redirect that money, he said. They didnt. They wouldnt. And in the meantime, theres nothing under the law other than they have to use the money for what it was appropriated. I cant stop that. When asked whether he believes the border wall works, he answered, No. That contrasts with what Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in the public filing Thursday, writing that there is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas. The laws Mayorkas said the department would waive included the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. In a statement sent later Thursday, Mayorkas stressed that the Biden administration has not changed its policy on border barriers, and that the notice posted in his name had been taken out of context. This Administration believes that effective border security requires a smarter and more comprehensive approach, including state-of-the-art border surveillance technology and modernized ports of entry, Mayorkas said. We need Congress to give us the funds to implement these proven tools. Still, Democrats in Congress from Texas denounced the actions this week. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, urged the White House to reconsider its decision to proceed with the wall, especially the disastrous choice to waive environmental laws. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, meanwhile, called a border wall a 14th century solution to a 21st century problem. I continue to stand against the wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars on an ineffective border wall, and I will continue to push for solutions that our men and women on the front line actually need, such as more border technology and personnel at ports of entry and in between ports, he said. Meanwhile, Republicans have pushed for more border barriers to be built, with Gov. Greg Abbott directing Texas agencies to take steps to build walls with state resources. Still, U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, said the Biden administrations actions this week were nothing to celebrate. He said buoys in the Rio Grande, similar to those Abbott deployed in a small stretch of the river in Eagle Pass, are necessary too. If Biden is serious, thats whats needed, Crenshaw wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Can be deployed immediately and they actually prevent migrants from crossing the international barrier. But hes not serious. Its a stunt to grab some headlines and make it seem like hes not totally ignoring the crisis he created. Maps included in a proposal by U.S. Customs and Border Protection appear to indicate that the wall would cut through tracts of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuge, a wildlife corridor that attempts to connect undisrupted habitat along the last 275 miles of the Rio Grande. Jordahl, with the Center for Biological Diversity, said the decision was shocking and disheartening. Wildlife dont care if you call it a wall, or a fence, or a barrier, Jordahl said. They cant get through. The border barrier could disrupt a sensitive ecosystem in this area, environmental advocates warned, and could particularly harm two endangered species of plants, the Zapata bladderpod and prostrate milkweed. Recovery plans for endangered ocelots could also be impacted, according to the center. Much of the animals native habitat in the Rio Grande Valley has already been lost to development. Jordahl said the border barrier would undermine the refuges attempt to create a swath of connected habitat along the border where wildlife can access the river. These stretches this tiny little wildlife refuge is the best remaining wildlife habitat anywhere in the county, Jordahl said. The border wall just rips right through, and would totally stop us from achieving that goal of the refuge system itself. Even if the Biden administration must use the appropriated funds for the border, said Jordahl, theres nothing that says you have to waive the most important [environmental] laws. Meanwhile, Alan Lizarraga, communications coordinator of the Border Network for Human Rights, said he was saddened to see Biden continue Trumps policies. "You know, this is a failed strategy, Lizarraga said. Over and over, it has shown that building walls and these deterrence policies do not help [address] the roots of immigration. They are not addressing the reasons why people are coming here." Naida Alvarez, who owns land in the community of Rosita, south of Eagle Pass, said the construction will disrupt her life. She said the wall will pass behind her house, on her land. Where we live there are many streams," she said. If they build a wall all the earth is going to sink. The land will be unstable and houses can sink. Right now, she can go fishing near her house and watch wild animals foxes, wild boars, rabbits run by. What happened with Bidens word during his campaign? she said. He said he was a man of his word, and now hes changing his word and following with the same policy of the foolish [president] we had. Uriel J. Garcia and Matthew Watkins contributed reporting. Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks' without any revenue, let alone profit. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away. So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Fonterra Co-operative Group (NZSE:FCG). Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide Fonterra Co-operative Group with the means to add long-term value to shareholders. Check out our latest analysis for Fonterra Co-operative Group How Fast Is Fonterra Co-operative Group Growing? If a company can keep growing earnings per share (EPS) long enough, its share price should eventually follow. So it makes sense that experienced investors pay close attention to company EPS when undertaking investment research. Over the last three years, Fonterra Co-operative Group has grown EPS by 14% per year. That growth rate is fairly good, assuming the company can keep it up. It's often helpful to take a look at earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins, as well as revenue growth, to get another take on the quality of the company's growth. Fonterra Co-operative Group shareholders can take confidence from the fact that EBIT margins are up from 4.5% to 8.1%, and revenue is growing. Both of which are great metrics to check off for potential growth. The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart. While profitability drives the upside, prudent investors always check the balance sheet, too. Story continues Are Fonterra Co-operative Group Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? Insider interest in a company always sparks a bit of intrigue and many investors are on the lookout for companies where insiders are putting their money where their mouth is. Because often, the purchase of stock is a sign that the buyer views it as undervalued. However, insiders are sometimes wrong, and we don't know the exact thinking behind their acquisitions. Belief in the company remains high for insiders as there hasn't been a single share sold by the management or company board members. But more importantly, Director Andrew Macfarlane spent NZ$240k acquiring shares, doing so at an average price of NZ$2.50. Strong buying like that could be a sign of opportunity. Is Fonterra Co-operative Group Worth Keeping An Eye On? As previously touched on, Fonterra Co-operative Group is a growing business, which is encouraging. Not every business can grow its EPS, but Fonterra Co-operative Group certainly can. The cherry on top is that we have an insider buying shares. A further encouragement to keep an eye on this stock. What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Fonterra Co-operative Group you should know about. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. So if you like the sound of Fonterra Co-operative Group, you'll probably love this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. 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. Dr Gianluca Grimalda pictured on his 9,300-mile overland journey to Papua New Guinea. The senior climate researcher at the Kiel Institute in Germany, faces losing his job over his refusal to fly (Gianluca Grimalda) A climate researcher faces losing his job after he refused to fly home from a fieldwork project in Papa New Guinea to minimise his carbon footprint. Dr Gianluca Grimalda, who works at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, has refused to take flights since 2010 unless there is no other option - a stance that his employer has previously supported. The academic, who is a member of protest group Scientist Rebellion, described his fear and trauma over potentially being fired in order to hold true to his beliefs. Maybe I will not find another research position, he told The Independent. Doing research is the thing I love the most in my life. Earlier this year, the academic embarked on a 35-day, 9,300-mile (15,000km) overland journey including through Iran, India and Thailand to reach Papa New Guinea in the southwest Pacific. The academic acknowledged that he had been delayed in his return to Germany which he attributed to his group being held hostage and additional security threats in Papua New Guinea. Last week, his bosses sent an official warning and demanded he return to his desk by 2 October, the scientist said. His salary was also stopped in September, he added, a source of major stress. I pay for the healthcare of my mum in Italy. One-third of my salary goes to the payment of the healthcare of my mum, he told The Independent via a WhatsApp call from Bougainville Island on Wednesday. He added: I perceive immoral blackmail in what they were telling me. They wanted me to renege on my moral principles, on my commitment, in order to admit my failure in not having complied with the agreement that I had with them. Dr Grimalda was waiting to board a cargo ship to begin the first leg of his journey home, a voyage which required special permission from the National Maritime authority of Papua New Guinea, before continuing via bus, train and passenger ferries. The academic documented his slow travel journey from Germany to Papua New Guinea in an epic Twitter thread (Gianluca Grimalda) My stance is to not take a plane unless there is no alternative, he said. He explained that on the outbound journey, he was forced to take two flights - one because Chinas borders were still closed in February due to Covid, and another to reach Papua New Guinea from Singapore. The scientist said that the Kiel Institute has been supportive of his slow travel in the past, and that it has not impacted his work. I analyse my data, write articles, read articles. There is nothing that I can do in Germany in my office that I cannot do while traveling, he said. Occasionally I dont have internet while traveling but I just wait a little time and then I can connect to the internet. Gianluca Grimalda with residents in Papua New Guinea. He says his promise to locals about cutting his carbon footprint has given him resolve (Gianluca Grimalda) He acknowledged that he was supposed to have returned to Kiel by 10 September but said that he had informed his head of department about the security threats he had faced. We were held hostage for some hours under machete threat. All of my belongings were confiscated, he said. I now learned that I should have also informed the personnel office, I was not aware of that. Apparently for the Kiel Institute that was a major infringement of my contractual obligations. But I really had no idea, I thought that informing my immediate supervisor was enough. In an email to The Independent, Guido Warlimont, head of communications at the Kiel Institute, wrote: We remain committed to our policy of not publicly discussing or commenting on personal legal matters. This is also for the protection of our employees. In general, the Institute encourages and supports its staff to travel climate-friendly. We are committed to do without air travel in Germany and in other EU countries as far as we can. We pay to Atmosfair to offset emissions through climate protection projects. Mr Warlimont added that Dr Grimalda planned his trip to Papua with Kiels support, and that the institute had supported a slow travel trip that he made previously. Flying is one of the most emissions-intensive pursuits an individual can do. A persons carbon footprint increases by ticket class - and rockets with private jet travel. Dr Gianluca Grimalda crossing a stream with a local resident to reach a village in Papua New Guinea (Gianluca Grimalda) Domestic and international aviation is responsible for about 10 per cent of transport sector emissions. Roughly 1 per cent of the global population is responsible for more than half of these, the UN says. Flying is expected to boom in the coming decades as more countries grow their middle classes. Carbon emissions from the airline industry grew by 75 per cent from 1990 to 2012, according to the David Suzuki Foundation. If left unchecked, they could consume quarter of the available carbon budget for limiting temperature rise to 1.5C, the research group said. Dr Grimalda estimated that by avoiding the majority of flights, he cut his carbon emissions by 90 per cent. Travelling this way, I will emit 400 kilograms of carbon dioxide. By catching a plane, I emit 4,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide so its a big difference, he said. The academic said that his resolve had been strengthened by what he witnessed in Papua New Guinea, one of the worlds most vulnerable countries to the climate crisis. The country is experiencing sea-level rise and more frequent storm surge, forcing coastal communities to relocate. In mountain villages, drought is causing food shortages. Im going to stick to this promise I made to all these people who are so exposed to climate change without having any responsibility, he said. Sea level rise is not because of their emissions. People from the US are the ones with the highest carbon footprint in the world, but also Europeans. I dont want to fail these people one more time, even if this means losing my job. Dr Grimalda said that, by his calculations, even his slow travel plans are equivalent to the average Papuans emissions in one year. My estimation is the average person from Bougainville emits 400 kg carbon dioxide in one year, he said. To give you a sense of proportion, the average person in the world emits four tons of carbon dioxide in one year [and] the average US citizen emits 20 tonnes. The Italian academics story has resonated through the realms of academia and beyond. His saga, which he has shared on X, formerly Twitter, has received hundreds of comments and mounting media attention. Fellow academics have written to the Kiel Institute in protest on his behalf. We need more people like [Gianluca Grimalda], wrote PhD student Tuulia Reponen. You are my hero. Some 70 per cent of carbon emissions come from just 100 companies worldwide, according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Mr Grimalda acknowledges that he would be a fool to think his individual actions could alter the course of the climate crisis. But I thought that this was the right occasion to really sound the alarm bell, to tell as many people as possible that we really need to change completely our lifestyle, he said. A 10-year-old boy and his grandmother were killed in a Russian strike in Ukraine on Friday, local officials said. The bombing came the morning after one of the deadliest attacks on civilians since the war began. Fridays missile strike in Kharkiv, the second biggest city in Ukraine, hit a residential building and left more than 20 people injured, according to Oleh Synehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration. Oleh Bychko, the father of the boy killed in the attack, told Reuters that hed managed to pull his wife and younger son out of the rubble. His lost sons name was Tymofiy. Photos from the scene showed him being lifted into a body bag still wearing his Spider-Man pajamas. The upsurge in attacks on civilians comes after a number of embarrassing blows against Russia from Ukraines counter-offensive, including a missile attack right on the HQ of Russias Black Sea Fleet last month. This week, Russian ships were withdrawn from Crimea where their safety could no longer be assured. Russian Strike on Village Store Kills 49+, Ukraine Says A child, a boy, 10 years old... My condolences to his family and loved ones! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in a post on Twitter which included a video showing devastation in the aftermath of the attack. He added that the rescue operation was still ongoing. I also express my gratitude to all our warriors who, despite everything, are moving forward, defeating the occupiers, and bringing justice for Russian crimes closer, Zelensky wrote. Kharkiv, Russian strike this morning. A child, a boy, 10 years old... My condolences to his family and loved ones! Over 20 people have been injured. All the injured are receiving the necessary assistance. The rescue operation is ongoing, and I thank everyone who is helping our pic.twitter.com/gfgAdsSq7N Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) October 6, 2023 According to Synehubov, rescuers found the body of a 68-year-old woman as they continued to search through the rubble. He identified the woman as the grandmother of a dead 10-year-old boy and his wounded 11-month-old brother. Synehubov claimed that a Russian Iskander missile was used in the strike. He also claimed that the death toll from a strike on a cafe and grocery store in the town of Hroza, around 50 miles from Kharkiv, had risen to 52. Speaking on Ukrainian television, he said one person had died in a medical facility and that other casualties remained in serious condition. The blast, which took place as people gathered to mourn the loss of a Ukrainian soldier, was the deadliest attack in the eastern Kharkiv region since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began 19 months ago. The Hroza incident is also one of the worst civilian death tolls from a single strike in Ukraine during the war. It may be the highest since over 60 people were killed when a missile struck a busy train station in Kramatorsk in April 2022 as women and children attempted to evacuate the Donetsk region. Ukraine and its allies blamed Russia for the massacre, though Moscow denied responsibility. A month earlier, just weeks into the invasion, a drama theater being used as an air raid shelter during the siege of Mariupol was bombed. Amnesty International said at least a dozen people and likely many more were killed in the attack, with an Associated Press estimate putting the true death toll closer to 600. Russia again denied responsibility, but an Amnesty investigation concluded that the Russian military likely deliberately targeted the theater despite knowing hundreds of civilians were inside, making the attack a clear war crime. Between the start of the invasion and Sep. 24, 2023, the Office of the UN High Commissioner (OHCHR) has recorded 27,449 civilian casualties in Ukraine. Of those, 9,701 were killed and 17,748 injured. The human rights organization says 1,741 of the civilian casualties are children. 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 marvel of Wile E. Coyote isnt that he eventually falls off the cliff but that he makes it so long running in midair. In the same way, whats noteworthy about Kevin McCarthys nine months as speaker of the House isnt that it was the shortest tenure since the 19th century but rather that he somehow managed not only to get elected to the position but to scrape together nine months with the gavel. On Tuesday, McCarthy was removed as speaker after his longtime nemesis, Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, led a motley coalition of eight dissident Republicans to oust him. The votes of those Republican rebels, along with 208 Democrats in the chamber, ensured that, for the first time in history, a speaker was forcibly evicted from office midterm. McCarthy sat through the vote next to an aide, often with a broad smile on his face, as he let others keep a tally of what was happening. The nearly hourlong process proceeded with each member standing up to announce their vote. Eventually, Rep. Steve Womack, the veteran Arkansas Republican presiding over the House, prepared to announce the result. The packed chamber was quiet and tense. Womack looked at the parliamentary script on the upper right corner of the speakers dais and announced McCarthys fate: On this vote, the yeas are 216; the nays are 210. The resolution is adopted. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. The office of speaker of the House of the United States House of Representative is hereby declared vacant. Out of the Republican side of the chamber, an exclamation of damn could be heard, as members processed the history that had just been made. Afterward, a long line of colleagues walked down the aisle of the House to hug and embrace the California Republican in the aftermath of his historic defeat. The math for McCarthy was always perilous. Republicans had anticipated a red wave during the 2022 midterms and a majority well into the double digits that would have been jampacked with moderates from swing districts, the kind who would be risk-averse for fear of losing their seats in two years. Instead, McCarthy ended up with a narrow majority of just five members in a House Republican Conference that has long been habituated to mounting coups against their leaders. In the process of shoring up support for his speakership, McCarthy had to woo all wings of the partybacking those members who voted to impeach Trump against primary challenges in the midterms, while also turning Marjorie Taylor Greene into a critical ally. It would have been enough of a coalition with a healthy majority. Instead, with such a thin margin, hard-liners used their leverage within the conference to force McCarthy to face 15 ballotsa modern record. In the course of the effort to win the speakers gavel, McCarthy made concession after concession to rebels. Even then, six Republicans could not bring themselves to formally cast a ballot for him in January and voted present to allow McCarthy to become speaker without their official support. Five of those six voted to oust him on Tuesday. The hope of the hard-liners was to pin McCarthy to commitments that would empower them and leave him enfeebled. Not only did they extract a number of policy commitments and force McCarthy to put conservative skeptics on a key committee that controls the House floor, but they also ensured that he restored an obscure and rarely used House procedural rule, the motion to vacate, which had been abolished by Nancy Pelosi. The rule allows any individual member to propose to remove the speaker, at any given time. Even the specter of it had been enough to eventually force out John Boehner in 2015. For McCarthy, this was a key red line that he would not cross throughout negotiations. Until, of course, he yielded. In doing so, McCarthy created the mechanism by which opponents could and would eventually remove him. OnTuesday night, after he announced he would not mount another effort to run for speaker, McCarthy said, I dont think that rule is good for the institution. In fact, when asked if he had any advice for his successor, it was to change that rule. But it was what he had to agree to in January in order to take power. It was concessions like these, made to the hard right, that set McCarthy up for failure when he had to make tough legislative choices and negotiate deals over the past few months, including raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a government shutdown. Although McCarthy had built much stronger relationships with figures on the right of his conference over the long, bruising struggle to become speaker, he spent a lot of the chits he had earned since then. Gaetz, the ringleader of the efforts to oust McCarthy, described the debt ceiling vote in May as the original sin. That month, on a procedural vote that traditionally strictly follows party lines, McCarthy relied on a last-minute switch from over 50 Democrats to advance a bill allowing the United States to pay its debts after 29 Republicans rebelled. This prompted an almost-immediate floor rebellion as hard-line conservatives sank a messaging bill on gas stoves just to prove they could. There was little goodwill left when McCarthy avoided a government shutdown this fall by pushing through a bill to fully fund the federal government for the next 45 days after conservatives sank an initial effort that they felt violated the commitments made in January. Still, at that point, McCarthys fate was by no means sealed. The high-water mark of opposition against him during the speakers race was 20 votes, and it was unclear if Gaetz could muster even half of that in opposition. But to stay afloat, McCarthy would have needed the Democrats to save him. And there was no way they were going to do that. Especially when McCarthy was unwilling to concede any of his limited power to them. It wasnt simply partisanship. First, there was a fundamental sense shared by Democrats and the Republican dissidents that McCarthy could not be trusted. Nobody trusts Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the leader of the Progressive Caucus, matter-of-factly told reporters on Tuesday. California Rep. Adam Schiff amplified this, contrasting McCarthy to his predecessors. There ought to be a speaker who gives his word to the president. I think we had that kind of leadership with Boehner and with [Paul] Ryan. We might disagree on policies, and we did, but they cared about the institution in a way that Mr. McCarthy doesnt. But it wasnt just about the lack of trust they had for McCarthya product of how much he had to first reach bargains with the White House and then massage that bargain with his conference. McCarthy was forever tainted by Democrats for his ties and perceived obsequiousness to Trump. On Tuesday, Jamie Raskin, one of the Democrats on the Jan. 6 committee, went through a long list of McCarthys sins against democracy in a conversation with reporters, including how the California Republican helped to rehabilitate Trump by visiting him at Mar-a-Lago only weeks after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. At the end of the laundry list, Raskin scornfully and rhetorically said: Youre asking me whether Im going to vote for Kevin McCarthy? But of course, McCarthy had had no choice but to appease Trump if he wanted to be speaker. Any opposition would have been politically fatal in a conference in which he needed to rely on members like Greene as crucial allies. It was the political stance necessary for him to take the speakers gavel, but on Tuesday it ultimately doomed any chance of him keeping it. Already, a number of hopefuls are getting ready to launch campaigns to succeed McCarthy. Theres no reason to think they will be any more successful than their predecessor. They face the same fractured political dynamics and have to manage the same narrow congressional majority. But that wont stop them from trying. After all, Wile E. Coyote never stopped trying to catch the Road Runner. Nearly 50 people were arrested and three firearms were recovered in Washington in a three-day crackdown targeting fugitives with active warrants by the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI and U.S. Marshals, police announced Friday. Operation Trident targeted violent fugitives with active warrants between Tuesday and Thursday this week, mostly for parole violations or failures to appear in court. Violent crime within the District is predominantly driven by a small number of individuals, acting Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said. This weeks operation was a significant step towards combating this violence and bringing peace back to our neighborhoods. The operations come on the heels of a similar effort from the U.S. Marshals Service dubbed Operation North Star. That nationwide program has arrested thousands with outstanding warrants in various cities, including Washington, D.C. We are incredibly grateful to our law enforcement partners concerted efforts to arrest individuals who have outstanding warrants, the bulk of which were issued because these individuals violated the terms of their pretrial release or probation, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves said. In several of these arrests, firearms were recovered from the person or close by the person, providing more evidence of what we already know: people are arming themselves while they are under supervision. This is unacceptable and must be addressed. The arrests also come as members of Congress focus their attention on crime in the District. The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a Thursday hearing to discuss violent crime in the city and prosecutorial accountability. Republicans have claimed prosecutors in cities like Washington have failed to properly push for charges against violent criminals, leading to rising crime rates. While violent crime has gone down in much of the country, Washington has seen a rising level of murders and carjackings this year. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) was carjacked outside of his Navy Yard apartment in southeast Washington on Monday. He said the city is more dangerous than his district on the U.S.-Mexico border. Washington recently had its 200th homicide this year, marking a 38 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. Vehicle theft has also more than doubled so far this year, with over 5,400 total such thefts in 2023 as of Tuesday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Earth has been hit by a blast from a dead star so energetic that scientists cannot explain it. The burst of gamma rays, originating in a dead star known as a pulsar, is the most high energy of its kind ever seen. It was equivalent about ten trillion times the energy of visible light, or 20 tera-electronvolts. Scientists are unable to explain exactly what kind of a scenario could lead a pulsar to emit such intense energy, and the researchers behind the breakthrough say that it requires a rethinking of how these natural accelerators work. Scientists hope that they can find yet more powerful energy blasts from pulsars, with a view to better understanding how they are formed. Pulsars are formed when a star dies, exploding in a supernova and leaving behind a tiny, dead star. They are just 20 kilometres across, and spin extremely fast with a powerful magnetic field. These dead stars are almost entirely made up of neutrons and are incredibly dense: a teaspoon of their material has a mass of more than five billion tonnes, or about 900 times the mass of the Great Pyramid of Giza, said Emma de Ona Wilhelmi, a scientist at the High Energy Stereoscopic System observatory in Namibia that detected the blast. As pulsars spin, they throw out beams of electromagnetic radiation, throwing it out like a cosmic lighthouse. That means that someone in one spot like the Earth will see the radiation pulses flash in a regular rhythm as they spin past. The radiation is thought to be the result of fast electrons that are produced and thrown out by the the pulsars magnetosphere, which is made up of plasma and electromagnetic fields that surround the star and spin with it. Scientists can search the radiation for different energy bands within the electromagnetic spectrum, helping them understand it. When scientists previously did that with the Vela pulsar examined in the new study, they found that it was the brightest everseen in the radio band, and the brightest persistent source in the giga-electronvolts. But the new research found that there is a part of the radiation with even more high energy components. That is about 200 times more energetic than all radiation ever detected before from this object, said co-author Christo Venter from the North-West University in South Africa. Scientists dont know exactly how that could happen. aThis result challenges our previous knowledge of pulsars and requires a rethinking of how these natural accelerators work, says Arache Djannati-Atai from the Astroparticle & Cosmology (APC) laboratory in France, who led the research. The traditional scheme according to which particles are accelerated along magnetic field lines within or slightly outside the magnetosphere cannot sufficiently explain our observations. Perhaps we are witnessing the acceleration of particles through the so-called magnetic reconnection process beyond the light cylinder, which still somehow preserves the rotational pattern? But even this scenario faces difficulties to explain how such extreme radiation is produced. An article describing the findings, Discovery of a Radiation Component from the Vela Pulsar Reaching 20 Teraelectronvolts, is published today in the journal Nature Astronomy. Amanda Moffett admitted that she did not make sure her daughter was out of harm's way before shooting into a dark yard, officials say Nowata County Sheriff's Office Amanda Myrene Fields Moffett An Oklahoma woman has pleaded guilty in federal court this week to involuntary manslaughter for the accidental shooting death of her daughter, officials said. Amanda Myrene Fields Moffett, 43, was convicted in Indian country for shooting and killing her 16-year-old daughter five years ago while attempting to shoot a stray dog, the U.S Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma announced in a press release Monday. On Oct. 5, 2018, Moffetts daughter told her that a stray dog was attacking kittens outside their home, according to the release. Moffett, a Cherokee citizen of Nowata, then stepped out onto her front porch with a handgun after sunset and shot into the dark yard at what she believed was the stray dog. Moffett also admitted that she did not make sure her daughter was out of harm's way, the release states. Every gun owner has the legal responsibility to use extreme caution when discharging a firearm, U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson said. This case unfortunately highlights the potential tragic results absent that caution. A sentencing date for Moffett has not been set. Officials say she faces a maximum of 8 years in federal prison. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Shes currently on supervised release until her sentencing, according to the release. The case was investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, FBI and Nowata County Sheriffs Office. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Family, friends and political allies honored the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein at her funeral service Thursday in San Francisco, the city where she she grew up and launched a half-century career in public service. The speakers at her City Hall memorial service including Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) all took time to honor Feinstein the elected official: the Senates longest-serving member, the first female senator from California, San Franciscos first woman mayor, author of the Assault Weapons Ban and fierce negotiator. But what dazzled at Thursdays service were the stories of Dianne the friend, mother, grandmother, colleague and neighbor. San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein's granddaughter, Eileen Mariano, attend the San Francisco funeral service Thursday for the longtime senator.. San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein's granddaughter, Eileen Mariano, attend the San Francisco funeral service Thursday for the longtime senator.. When I was sworn into the Senate in 2017, it was Dianne who welcomed me, Harris, who served as California senator until winning the vice presidency in 2020, said on the steps of City Hall. She invited me to her Senate hideaway. There with one hand, she presented me with a glass of California Chardonnay and with the other hand, a binder full of her draft bills. Schumer recalled Feinstein, who died last Friday at age 90, going out of her way to welcome his daughter to her hometown and ensure she had a place to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. When my daughter first moved to San Francisco out of college, that September, I got a call from Dianne. She asked me, Does your daughter have anywhere to go for the High Holy Day services? I said no. She said, Well, shes going to services with me, Schumer recounted. I will always be indebted to Dianne, not just as a colleague but as a father of two daughters, he continued. Because of Dianne, my daughters grew up in a world thats a little bit fairer, a little more just and more accepting of women in leadership. Dianne Feinstein celebrates after being elected mayor of San Francisco in 1978. Dianne Feinstein celebrates after being elected mayor of San Francisco in 1978. Former House Speaker Pelosi, who was neighbors with Feinstein in San Franciscos Pacific Heights area, recalled the late senators penchant for setting people up on dates. You know that Dianne was a matchmaker. Now, some of you who know that, youre here Jerry Brown and Anne Gust, Pelosi said, gesturing to the former California governor and his wife. Feinstein and Pelosi often leaned on each other as two of the most powerful women in Congress, the former speaker said, and the best guidance she ever got from Feinstein was to let others take on some of the fight. The most constant advice I ever got from her, again and again, was Nancy, you dont always have to be the one going out on the attack. Let some other people do that from time to time. Why dont you do that? Pelosi recalled. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Nancy Pelosi hold up commemorative coins at the U.S. Mint in San Francisco in 2006. The coins were made to fund restoration of the city's old U.S. Mint building. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Nancy Pelosi hold up commemorative coins at the U.S. Mint in San Francisco in 2006. The coins were made to fund restoration of the city's old U.S. Mint building. Both Harris and Pelosi talked about Feinsteins quiet talents as an artist, a hobby she picked up when she first joined the Senate and felt lonely in Washington. Many of her colored pencil drawings lined the walls of her Capitol office, and she was known for giving out copies to colleagues. She was a gifted and, I will add, very generous artist, Harris said at Thursdays service. Many of us are collectors of Diannes work. Feinsteins granddaughter, Eileen Mariano, delivered the days final remarks, recounting the senators role in saving San Franciscos cable car system, her development of Amber Alerts and her fight against the governments use of torture. But to me, Mariano said, she will be remembered as the most incredible grandmother. Related... At least five Jewish congregations, including one of Montgomery's, received emailed bomb threats Thursday morning, according to law enforcement officials. Montgomery police responded to Temple Beth Or at about 11 a.m. The bomb squad cleared the building and did not find any harmful devices, Major Saba Coleman said in an email. None of the Jewish congregations found evidence of bombs in their places of worship, said Phillip Ensler, the executive director Central Alabama Jewish Federation who is also a member of the Alabama House of Representatives. More: Black Montgomery families find swastikas, racial slurs painted on their homes, cars Congregations in Montgomery, Dothan, Auburn, Mobile and Birmingham received threats. Local law enforcement and the FBI are investigating the threats. Its very, very unsettling to know that anybody hates Jewish people enough to go to the trouble of compiling a list of all of the places we might worship in the area and sending a threat," said Leah Nelson, who attends Beth Or. Reported antisemitic hate crimes have been on the rise, according to the Anti-Defamation League. In March, the league used newly released FBI data that "shows that reported hate crime incidents in 2021 rose to 10,840 incidents, the highest level recorded in more than two decades." Its been very, very safe and felt very, very safe to be Jewish in the United States for the last four decades. So what has happened over the last four or five years is really different and really upsetting for that reason," Nelson said. Phillip Ensler of Jewish Federation of Central Alabama speaks during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade at Dexter Ave. in Montgomery, Ala., on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. Nelson also noted that threats are harmful to the community, even when they are not backed by violence. Threats work even when theres no bomb because they make people feel like maybe its not safe to gather," Nelson said. Ensler encouraged Jewish people to continue to gather in the face of these threats and he also asked others to share messages of love. Be kinder. Be more accepting of people. Be more loving, and just know that right its a beautiful thing that we have all these different backgrounds and religions and practices in America, and we all can do our part to make sure were not directly or indirectly supporting any sort of ignorance or bigoted rhetoric or actions, and as scary and horrible as this is, my hope is that it makes people embrace and love each other that much more and be willing to recognize and include everyone for who they are," Ensler said. Nelson wanted to acknowledge that this is not the first act of hatred perpetrated against the Jewish communities in Alabama. In November 2022, Birmingham police arrested a man and charged him with arson after finding a propane tank and clothes that had been set on fire in the basement of Temple Beth-El, Al.com reported. Nelson also wanted to bear in mind that other communities are targeted and receive similar threats. Antisemitism is another flavor of hatred that is experienced by many communities in Alabama," Nelson said. "It personally affects me more than other streams of hatred because Im Jewish, but we all need to be stepping back and thinking about how were treating and talking about each other and especially talking and thinking about people who are different from us. It is absolutely fine to have very strongly held beliefs, political beliefs, religious beliefs, whatever ideology it is that animates you. "I have very strong beliefs. It is not OK to say that people who think differently from you or believe differently, live differently are less human than you, that they deserve fewer human and civil rights you know or that they deserve to be killed," she said. Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or on Twitter @gladlyalex. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama bomb threats on Jewish community reflect rise of antisemitism CRANSTON Four inmates at the Adult Correctional Institutions have been charged with inciting a riot at a correctional institution following a fight in August that led to a lockdown of the prison. A corrections officer was injured and some inmates were involved in a standoff with guards during the incident on Aug. 25, a Friday night, a prison spokesman said previously. More: Inmate fight that sparked ACI lockdown under investigation The inmates, ranging in age from 26 to 36, were also charged with conspiracy, and disorderly conduct fighting and tumultuous behavior, according to a Rhode Island State Police news release. What happened during the ACI riot? After a fight, several dozen inmates initially refused to return inside the facility from a secure yard outside, a prison spokesman said previously. During the lockdown, both the Rhode Island State Police and Cranston police were on scene, though they did not enter the facility. All four were arraigned at District Court, Providence, and held without bail, according to the news release. The charges were brought by the state police ACI investigations unit. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Inmates charged after riot at ACI that led to a standoff, SWAT Woman speaks out after facing alleged racially motivated assault on Boston train Transit police in Boston announced the arrest of a 16-year-old male in connection to an alleged racially motivated assault on a woman of Asian descent on the Red Line near the JFK/UMass stop in an incident that was caught on tape. The arrest on Monday was in relation to an alleged assault that occurred on Sept. 21. The investigation is ongoing, and charges will be sought, according to a statement released by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police on social media Tuesday. "The TPD would never confirm a victim's identity and or a witness. This is an ongoing investigation involving juveniles and we do not have a comment at this time," the MBTA Transit Police told ABC News in a statement. While the police did not name the victim or victims in this incident or indicate their ethnicity, part of the incident was captured on video by Vivian Dang -- a woman of Asian descent -- who identified herself as a victim in an interview with ABC News on Thursday. PHOTO: Vivian Dang is pictured in an undated photo. (Vivian Dang) Dang, 25, told ABC News that on the night of Sept. 21, she was riding the Red Line home after having dinner when a group of five or six juveniles got onto the train and announced that this was a "mass robbery," while laughing and appearing to make light of the situation. She said that one of the juveniles complimented a man's shoes and after he said, "thank you," and then he allegedly tried to shake the man's shoes off his feet. Around 11 p.m. local time, several juvenile male passengers aboard a Red Line train near the JFK/UMass stop "were harassing, threatening to rob passengers & taunting individuals allegedly based on their ethnicity," MBTA said in an initial statement announcing the attack. Police said that the group of juveniles "smashed out" the train window and fled and shared pictures of the broken glass in a post on "X", the platform formerly known as Twitter. In an update posted to social media on Tuesday, MBTA announced that Forest Hills Station detectives and officers assigned to the Criminal Investigation Unit arrested the unnamed 16-year-old male on Monday for "assault to rob-unarmed" and "assault for the purpose of Intimidation." PHOTO: Broken glass is seen on a redline train in Boston following an alleged racially motivated assault on Sept. 21, 2023. (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police) "When he started getting physical, I was like, you know, I had to get out of there. And so I waited until the next stop for me to switch cars," Dang said. But then the group followed her to the next cart, according to Dang, and "that's when they started to pick on me," she said, "because they realized that I had moved cars to, you know, avoid them." "They started calling me a lot of derogatory terms, and then -- and then it started to get very racist," she said. "I was just trying my best to ignore them ... avoid them as much as they can and go home. But yeah, it just started happening like so fast. And the trains were just slow that night. So even though it was just only [a] few stops, they were just saying it for like the longest time." Dang said that as a woman of Asian descent, there have been times when racist comments were directed towards her, but never to this "severity." "It was the first time that I was truly the one being attacked," she said. According to Dang, after a woman confronted the group in an attempt to defend Dang, the juveniles began making fun of the woman's accent and yelled at her. Asked what compelled her to speak out, Dang said while she initially wanted to "stay quiet" and just go home, it was the woman who spoke up for her on the train who encouraged her to speak with the police who arrived on the scene. "She really wanted me to say something and she really wanted to help me," she said. "She wasn't trying to get anything out of it. But she wanted to help ... so she had literally gotten the police to come over to my cart and speak with me." Dang filmed part of the incident on her phone and shared it with police before posting it on her own social media account when she got home. When her sister, Vanessa Dang, posted the video on her TikTok account, it got more views and went viral. Gunman who shot and wounded 10 riders on New York City subway to be sentenced In the 1-minute clip, a group of Black juveniles one of whom was wearing a mask appear to mock the accents of people of Asian descent and when confronted by others on the train, they appear to yell back at them. "They cornered me, harassed me, made very inappropriate comments, when people started to defend me they got attacked as well, as seen in this short clip, it all happened so fast," Vivian Dang said in the text that appears on the video. 3 officers shot in Philadelphia while responding to 911 call about a domestic shooting Dang said that while she initially wanted to "just go on with my day and go home," after she reflected on what happened, she decided to speak out. "If I were to see this happen to someone else I would, I would 100 percent speak up and say something," she said. "And, you know, I also wanted to point out that it was this woman that had stuck up for me and helped me." "I realized that, you know, it, everyone should be able to speak up and say something when they're seeing any type of injustice," she added. "Now that this is happening, and it's reaching an audience, I would hope it's spreading awareness for people to stick up for each other, especially those that can't defend themselves." Woman speaks out after facing alleged racially motivated assault on Boston train originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Key Insights Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad's estimated fair value is RM4.43 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity With RM4.66 share price, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value The RM5.45 analyst price target for PMETAL is 23% more than our estimate of fair value Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad (KLSE:PMETAL) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. 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 want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad Step By Step Through The Calculation We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM2.39b RM2.62b RM2.09b RM3.22b RM3.42b RM3.61b RM3.79b RM3.96b RM4.13b RM4.29b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ 6.36% Est @ 5.52% Est @ 4.93% Est @ 4.51% Est @ 4.23% Est @ 4.02% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 12% RM2.1k RM2.1k RM1.5k RM2.1k RM2.0k RM1.9k RM1.8k RM1.6k RM1.5k RM1.4k ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM18b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 12%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = RM4.3b (1 + 3.6%) (12% 3.6%) = RM55b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM55b ( 1 + 12%)10= RM18b 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 RM37b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM4.7, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. 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 Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.179. 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 Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad 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 Metals and Mining market. Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Threat Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the Malaysian market. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching 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 example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad, we've compiled three important items you should explore: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does PMETAL's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. On Monday, Cahokia PHX will host the second annual Indigenous People's Day PHX Festival, a free event recognizing and celebrating Indigenous tribes. This year's event, under the theme of "Indigenize the Valley," will include live music, skate demos and competitions, native foods, markets, art galleries and exhibits, Indigenous film screenings and other family-friendly activities. Cahokia PHX is hosting the festival. The group is an Indigenous-led and Indigenous women-owned organization, formed in 2021 by co-founders Eunique Yazzie, who is Navajo; Candace Hamana, who is Hopi; and Melody Lewis, who is Mohave, Hopi and Tewa. Located in downtown Phoenix, Cahokia PHX focuses on creating opportunities that amplify and empower Arizona's tribal populations. "The purpose of the Phoenix festival is to honor and acknowledge the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples," Hamana said. "The festival provides a platform of representation for Indigenous artists, entrepreneurs, performers, and small business owners. It also creates a vital space that allows Indigenous communities to share their story through their own lens, which helps them to collaborate and unite with non-Indigenous groups." Cahokia PHX believes their vendors can help educate, inform, and spread awareness of Indigenous populations and their historic impact to the wider Phoenix area through an immersive and cultural experience, which aids in promoting a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous heritage, according to Hamana. Grupo Coatlicue, an Aztec dance group participating in an agricultural ritual. From left to right: Norma Gonzalez, Rebecca Ybarra, Diane Ovalle Cahokia PHX also plans to feature keynote speakers to share a few words about the event and its mission, including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallegos and Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Lewis. Additionally, Indigenous film screenings, presented by Cahokia PHX and Indie Film Fest, begin on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Burton Barr Central Library. Cahokia PHX and Local Matriarch, an Indigenous women-led group, hosted a launch party and gallery event at the Phoenix Art Museum on Wednesday. One of the primary attractions was Grupo Coatlicue, a dance group of Aztec heritage that observes and commemorates Aztec culture and traditions. "We're asking our ancestors and the elements to be here and guide us in our prayer and motion in our dance," says Rebecca Ybarra, one of the performers in the ceremony. "All of our dances, all the movements, have their significance in the steps. Our goal is to always dance in harmony and motion. We're telling stories with our movements." Monday's festivities begin at 10 a.m. and run until 8 p.m. Here's how to celebrate. More ways to celebrate: Celebrate Native food culture at these 11 Indigenous-owned restaurants in metro Phoenix Indigenous People's Day PHX Fest 2023 event guide Ayling Zulema Dominguez (they/them/her), a poet and educator, was featured among the live performances. Inaugural Sacred Cycle of Life Bike Tour: This 22-mile bicycle tour curated by The Heavy Pedal will take participants through the cities of Phoenix and Tempe, beginning and ending at the Burton Barr Central Library Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required to participate. It runs from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday. IPD Walk + Run: Beginning at Margaret T. Hance Park and hosted by Native Women Running, this 5K and 1-mile walk and run event follows a route through downtown Phoenix. The event takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday Downtown Showdown Skateboard Competition: The event is hosted by Seven Layer Army Skateboards and happens at Margaret T. Hance Park on Monday. Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian's signature. The competition runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Indigenous Pop-Up Market: The Monday market features over 120 Indigenous artisans and food vendors from all over the Southwest. It runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rez Fest Stages: The event will feature two stages with local bands, musicians and cultural performances. It is hosted by Native Guitars Tours and runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Uncontained Mural + RISE Art Installation: A geodesic dome installation partnered with Indige Design Collab will feature various Indigenous artists from around metro Phoenix and runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Growing for the Future: The event at the Heard Museum will feature Indigenous plants, foods and musical guests. It runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a community zone with tables and exhibits featuring metro Phoenix partners. Cahokia PHX anticipates that about 5,000 people will attend the event and encourages attendees to use light rail, carpool or ride-sharing services. They are also looking for those interested in volunteering. Those who would like to contribute can find more information at www.ipdphx.com or by email events@cahokiaphx.com. Support the community: Indigenous Arizona: Where to buy Native American foods and ingredients in metro Phoenix This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Everything to know for PHX Indigenous Peoples' Day Festival JaNae Collins, Lily Gladstone, Cara Jade Myers and Jillian Dion portray Osage natives in Killers of the Flower Moon. (Apple TV+) Martin Scorsese s epic, Killers Of The Flower Moon, starring Leonardo DiCaprio , Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone, is out in cinemas across the UK now. The film, written by Forrest Gump screenwriter Eric Roth, is based on the non-fiction book, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by American journalist David Grann about the Osage Indian murders. It debuted at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year where it was met with rapturous critical acclaim, with many calling it a 'masterpiece'. Originally, the script focused on FBI agent Tom White, played by DiCaprio, investigating murders among the Osage Nation in the 1920s, mirroring the book. However, during the film's development, DiCaprio and Scorsese made a significant change to the film perspective because they felt it didn't capture the heart of the story by failing to convey the Osage story. Now, it tells the story from the perspective of the Osage people. Watch a trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone star as husband and wife Ernest and Mollie Burkhart, an interracial couple living in 1920s Oklahoma, on the Osage Reservation. The film explores the harrowing tale of the ruthless murders tied to white settlers in their bid to seize Osage land, the world's most desired oil fields. Its a completely forgotten part of American history, an open wound that still festers. DiCaprio recently told British Vogue. Who are the Osage people? Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone have both been praised for their performances in Killers of the Flower Moon. (Apple TV+) Known for their rich culture and history, the Osage people are a Native American tribe who inhabit a region that includes parts of present-day Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, from pre-1600s. European contact with the Osage began in the 17th century as French explorers and fur traders ventured into Osage territory, by the early 1800s they were forced westward by encroachment from European settlers and other tribes, and the Osage began to settle in parts of what is now Oklahoma. In the late 1800s, oil discovery on the Osage Indian Reservation in what is now Osage County, Oklahoma, led to the Osage Nation earning royalties from oil sales. Its a completely forgotten part of American history, an open wound that still festers.Leonardo DiCaprio With the oil market's growth, they became exceedingly wealthy. "They rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe," according to Granns meticulously researched book. Osage people meeting with President Calvin Coolidge at the White House in 1925. (National Photo/Buyenlarge/Getty Images) (Buyenlarge via Getty Images) This newfound wealth attracted opportunists who were willing to go to extreme lengths, including murder, to separate the Osage from their riches. Where will it end? Every time a new well is drilled the Indians are that much richer...The Osage Indians are becoming so rich that something will have to be done about it, quoted Grann in his book from a report at the time in Harpers magazine of the Osages oil wealth. The Osage Indians are becoming so rich that something will have to be done about itHarper's Magazine, November 1920 issue Reign of Terror In May 1921 when Anna Brown, 35, an Osage Native American, was found dead with a bullet hole in her head. Her mother Lizzie Q suspiciously passed away just two months later. Over the next two years, several more Osage, including Henry Roan, were murdered. A portrair of Anna Kyle Brown who was one of the first recorded victims in a series of 60 killings between 1918 and 1931 that came to be known as the 'Osage Indian murders.' (Getty Images) (Oklahoma Historical Society via Getty Images) In March 1923, Rita and Bill Smith, Anna's sister and brother-in-law, were killed when their home was bombed. Mollie Burkhart, Anna's last living sibling, was left devastated and fell mysteriously ill. More than two dozen people, including Osage Native Americans and others in the area, met unexplained deaths. Those who raised suspicions or presented evidence faced death threats or met a grim fate, like attorney W.W. Vaughn, who was thrown from a train. Newspapers of the time dubbed this era the "Reign of Terror." The FBI Investigation William K. Hale (centre) who faced trial when it was accused of participating in an alleged plot that brought death to several Osages who were rich in oil land rights. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) (Bettmann via Getty Images) In 1923, the Osage Tribal Council sought help from the federal government to investigate the series of mysterious deaths in their community, involving wealth from oil on their reservation. Suspicion fell on William Hale, a man who sought control of valuable oil rights through a sinister plan. Hale's connection to the victims was through his nephew, Ernest Burkhart, who was married to one of the victims' sisters, Mollie. If the family members died, their head rights would pass to Ernest, allowing Hale to gain immense wealth, according to FBI files. Solving the case was difficult due to Hale's influence and false leads. Robert De Niro is William K Hale, while Leonardo DiCaprio is his nephew Ernest Burkhart in Killers of the Flower Moon. (Apple TV+) Agent Tom White and his team infiltrated the community, gaining trust and eventually getting confessions. They uncovered Hale's involvement in ordering murders for financial gain. In 1929, Hale and his associates, including a hired killer and corrupt lawyer, were convicted and sentenced to prison. In his closing argument prosecutor Roy St. Lewis, said that "the richest tribe of Indians on the globe has become the illegitimate prey of white men," according to American historian Douglas Linder. Robert De Niro's William K Hale faces a grilling from Jesse Plemons' Tom White, the FBI agent investigating the murders. (Apple TV+) Robert de Niro who took on the role of Hale in the film compared his character to Trump. "It's the banality of evil," the Taxi Driver star told press at Cannes Film Festival, where the film debuted to critical acclaim. "It's the thing that we have to watch out for. And we see it today, of course, with, we all know who I'm going to talk about, but I won't say the name. Because that guy is stupid. Imagine if you're smart. Even Hale was smart in many ways. And so, it's something that is systemic, and that's the scary part about it." The Osage murder investigation was the FBI's first major case but the Osage people had to pay $20,000 for justice. Osage Nation on Killers of The Flower Moon USA. Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone in a scene from Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). (Photo: PA) (Landmark Media, LANDMARK MEDIA) According to the Osage Nation, Scorseses film uses language taught by Osage teachers, traditional Wahzhaze clothing and the landscape in the film is on Osage Nation Reservation. I dont want to label this a western. Im happy that its being labelled a tragedy, said Gladstone of the film. She is of Native American heritage, raised on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. The films name routes back to chapter one of Granns book, where he explains the title of his book comes from when flowers die in May on Osage territory, and that time is referred to as the flower-killing moon. "We are not relics," say the Osage Nation, "A people of strength, hope and passion." Director Martin Scorsese welcomed members of the Osage Nation to a preview of Killers of the Flower Moon in New York in September 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) (ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images) Scorsese changed the perspective of the film from the head investigator Tom White, to the story of the Osage people because he "realised I was making a movie about all the white guys," Scorsese explained in Time magazine. The Osage Nation believe in honouring the stories of the past and building the world of the future, Killers of the Flower Moon honours a forgotten dark part of America's history. Killers of the Flower Moon is out in UK cinemas and IMAX now, with an Apple TV+ release to follow. Read more: Killers of the Flower Moon Editor's Note: The online version of this story has been updated with the correct spelling of McKenney. PETOSKEY Camp Daggett has announced the selection of Liz McKenney as the organization's new executive director. This historic appointment marks a significant moment in Camp Daggett's 100-year history, as McKenney becomes the first woman to assume this leadership role. Liz McKenney Rick Gross, president of the Camp Daggett Board of Trustees, expressed his enthusiasm for the transition. "When Andy Hayes announced his retirement as executive director, he left Camp Daggett with a legacy of remarkable achievements," he said. "One of Andy's most notable accomplishments was assembling an exceptional staff of dedicated individuals. This talented team allowed the board of trustees to look inward for our next executive director." McKenney has been an integral part of Camp Daggett's success during her tenure as operations manager over the past year. Camp officials said her expertise in nonprofit administration and her experience in managing summer camps have played a crucial role in the camp's operations since her arrival in November. More: Camp Daggett digs into its history as it approaches 100th year Subscribe: Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you McKenney holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in family and community services from Michigan State University. Prior to joining the Camp Daggett team, she dedicated seven years to the YMCA of Northern Michigan, starting as a part-time youth development coordinator and eventually ascending to the role of branch director. "I am deeply grateful for my time at the YMCA of Northern Michigan, where I had the privilege of working with exceptional mentors who believed in my potential and provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth," McKenney said. "Now, I am excited to share the knowledge and experience gained during those seven years with the incredible team at Camp Daggett." McKenney and her husband, Mark, are residents of Petoskey. They have a dog and three cats, and share a love for travel and spending their summers on the shores of Lake Charlevoix. "We are fortunate to have someone of Liz's caliber, with her background and leadership skills, guiding Camp Daggett as we embark on our next century of service," said Gross. "This is an exhilarating time to be part of the Camp Daggett team. Our staff and board are brimming with energy and innovative ideas. As we approach our centennial celebration, I eagerly anticipate the exciting future ahead here." This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Liz McKenney appointed as Camp Daggett's executive director The Scottish government has officially approved the extradition of Nicholas Alahverdian to Utah to face sex charges, and in so doing rekindled an investigation of an unsettled rape claim in England that could potentially delay his departure for years. Just this week, days after a Scottish judicial minister signed the formal order for his extradition, police from Essex, England investigating the 2017 rape allegation attempted to interview Alahverdian, who remains imprisoned in Edinburgh. But Alahverdian refused to meet with the investigators, said two people familiar with the case. The police had been stymied from interviewing Alahverdian until the full extradition process was complete. The defendant authorities believe to be Nicholas Rossi arrives at Edinburgh Sheriff And Justice Of The Peace Court in Edinburgh, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. Could Alahverdian's extradition be delayed by this charge? The allegation has yet to lead to any formal charges against the former Rhode Island fugitive. But if charged, that case would have to be adjudicated first before Alahverdian is extradited back to the U.S., his public defender Mungo Bovey said in June during Alahverdians extradition hearing. A rape conviction in England could put Alahverdian, 36, behind bars for between 8 or 10 years before he was ever transported to Utah, said one Scottish extradition lawyer. More: 'Dateline NBC' to cover story of RI fugitive Nicholas Alahverdian. Here's the story. Who is Nicholas Alahverdian and what is his connection to Rhode Island? Alahverdian was once, two decades ago, a familiar State House presence as the former foster care kid who advocated for changes within the Department of Children Youth and Families. But away from the public stage, he earned a nefarious reputation among local police departments, Family Court judges and women as a manipulative and threatening con man. In 2020 he faked his death as the FBI pursued him for $200,000 in alleged credit card fraud, taken out in his former foster fathers name, and as Utah authorities were preparing the first warrant that they said would connect him to a 2008 rape in Orem. Since then Utah authorities have charged him with a second rape and an incident of sexual battery as well. In the years leading up to his staged death (he announced to local media he was going to die of cancer) Alahverdian seemed already to be taking steps to cover his trail. More: Nicholas Alahverdian's early years set the stage for a life of deception In 2019 he hired former Rhode Island attorney general Jeff Pine to have his name removed from Rhode Islands sex offender registry. One of the arguments Pine used successfully to convince a judge was that Alahverdian was out of the country and had sworn never to return. Background on the Essex case In 2017 in striking similarity to more than a half dozen other women in four states who claim to have been threatened or assaulted by Alahverdian the woman from Essex met Alahverdian online. He pushed his way into her life, the woman told The Journal, as he was making a seemingly hasty departure from the U.S. In an exchange of text messages she showed The Journal, Alahverdian was adamant about moving in with her before he ever left the States or met her in person. Every single boundary that I set, he broke, the woman told the newspaper last year. Before I knew it, he had moved in.... Within days he was talking about getting married and doing calculations about how long it would take him to get his residency. In a space of five or six days, I was completely broken down. The rape allegedly happened within a week of him moving in with her, she said. Alahverdian insists authorities have the wrong man Scottish authorities arrested Alahverdian in a Glasgow hospital in December 2021, where he almost died of COVID, according to medical staff who treated him. Alahverdian has ever since insisted that authorities arrested the wrong man; that his name is Arthur Knight, an Irish orphan turned English academic who taught at the local university sporting bow ties and homburg hats. The first phase of his extradition hearing dragged on for months, as Alahverdian kept up his outrageous charade, insisting, for instance, that the matching fingerprints and his identifying tattoos, were the insidious work of hospital staff who conspired with Utah prosecutors to gather fake evidence while he lay comatose. In August, Extradition Court Sheriff Norman McFadyen, who had endured Alahverdians delaying antics and fanciful defense, ruled there were no barriers to sending him to Utah. McFadyen said of Alahverdian: he is as dishonest and deceitful as he is evasive and manipulative." "These unfortunate facets of his character," he continued, "have undoubtedly complicated and extended what is ultimately a straightforward case." Alahverdian had 14 days from the Judicial ministers Sept. 28th decision to file an appeal request. If he does, it would take about three months for a hearing on the request to be heard, said one Scottish extradition lawyer. Contact Tom Mooney at: tmooney@providencejournal.com Want more of our crime coverage right on your phone? Download our free app for personalized news alerts and feeds based on your interests. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Alahverdian, who faked his death to avoid capture, to be sent back to Utah A truck driver was found guilty of causing a fatal car crash that killed a couple in Story County in 2021. Matthew Rewitzer was found guilty and sentenced in late September for failure to maintain control and two counts of failure to stop in assured clear distance. He will spend 30 days in jail and gets to select time served in 48-hour increments, but must have served his time by the end of the year. He also has to pay a $135 court fine plus a 15% surcharge, according to court documents. The crash two years ago was one of several similar crashes Rewitzer was involved in. What happened the night of the fatal crash At around 1:45 p.m. Sept. 7, 2021, the Iowa State Patrol said the driver of a tractor-trailer failed to recognize slowing traffic on Interstate Highway 35 southbound and caused a multi-vehicle crash that killed both Gordon and Jill Martens as they drove home from their cabin in Clear Lake. He was 81 years old; she was 79. More: Tractor-trailer driver in fatal Story County crash involved in similar crashes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, records show The tractor-trailer crashed into the back end of another semi before hitting a van, injuring a 35-year-old man from Clear Lake, and hitting the Martenses' red GMC Canyon pickup truck, according to a State Patrol crash report. The impact caused the Martenses' vehicle to crash into another semi. Driver involved in similar crashes Rewitzer, 35, of Eagle Bend, Minnesota, was involved in two similar rear-end crashes in Wisconsin and Minnesota over the last 18 months, according to a Des Moines Register review of traffic citations and other public records. Police records showed this was the third rear-end crash in the last 18 months involving a tractor-trailer with Rewitzer at the wheel. Rewitzer was driving south on Interstate 39 in Madison, Wisconsin, on March 4, 2020, when he rear-ended a Ford Fusion, according to a crash report from the Wisconsin State Patrol. His left front bumper hit the right-rear bumper of the car, the report said. About one year later, on March 2, 2021, a semi driven by Rewitzer rear-ended a Chevrolet Impala as the car waited at a stop sign where two western Minnesota highways cross. The impact drove both the Impala and Rewitzer's semi through the intersection, where they struck a pickup truck, according to a news release from the Stevens County, Minnesota, Sheriff's Office. Four days after the March 2021 crash, Rewitzer was driving a skid loader on a farm where he worked when he lost consciousness before hitting a gate, according to the Minnesota crash report, which said his employer took him to an emergency room for evaluation after the skid-loading accident. Rewitzer was not injured in any of the crashes, according to crash reports from Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Noelle Alviz-Gransee is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Follow her on Twitter@NoelleHannika or email her at NAlvizGransee@registermedia.com. Previous reporting by Philip Joens was used in this article. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Truck driver gets jail time for rear-end crash that killed Iowa couple A massive new Lake Wylie subdivision will put more than 7,100 vehicle trips per day on its surrounding roads, while overall traffic in coming years projects even higher. The planning commission in York County will get a look next week at a revised traffic study for the Westport subdivision in Lake Wylie. Westport is a long-awaited neighborhood off Campbell Road, between S.C. 49 and S.C. 274 south of Daimler Boulevard. Westport will add 842 homes. York County approved zoning for Westport in 2008. The county approved preliminary plats for the project in 2017. Property owners then asked for extensions for their build timeline. Current property owner D.R. Horton advertises Westport now as a community coming in early 2024 with a clubhouse, pool and a variety of amenities. Given how long plans have been in process for Westport, an update to its original traffic study came in 2016 and another is needed now. Large projects require traffic studies to show what road improvements a developer will be required to fully or partially fund for its contribution to area traffic. The new study projects an addition of 7,165 new daily vehicle trips in the area just from Westport development. For comparison, the only South Carolina Department of Transportation traffic count site on Campbell Road is between Charlotte Highway and Paraham Road, just west of the project area. It registers 1,200 daily vehicle trips. A site just east of the project area on Concord Road registers 2,700 daily trips. The much larger Charlotte Highway, or S.C. 49, still only moves 7,500 vehicles per day on the west side of Westport, at the nearest traffic count spot. The nearest Hands Mill Highway spot on the east side of Westport is higher at 13,800 daily trips. The amount of traffic Westport will add is roughly comparable to the daily traffic now on India Hook Road in Rock Hill, between Mt. Gallant and Celanese roads. SCDOT data shows Rock Hill region has states most heavily traveled stretch of road. More Lake Wylie traffic The traffic study projects even more congestion than just what new Westport homes will create. The study projects an annual 3% increase out to 2030 from expected area growth. Then, there are other known development projects. As of the publishing of the traffic study, only about 33% of the 442 homes and 55 townhomes were built on a Hands Mill project along West Liberty Hill Road and Pinnacle Way. A Concord Road peninsula plan for 160 homes hasnt started. Only about 44% of the first seven phases of Paddlers Cove are done, with 480 homes and 97 townhomes in all. Another 170-home Paddlers Cove project is about three quarters complete, but another with 200 homes hasnt started. Its an ideal subdivision. Except in the only part of York County where it matters. New homes and more traffic arent new concerns in Lake Wylie. On the same Oct. 9 planning commission agenda as the traffic study, are two Lake Wylie subdivision plans and another proposed zoning change. The two subdivisions would add 194 combined homes. New road work There is some work ongoing to address traffic in the area. A two-way intersection at South Paraham and Campbell roads is now being converted to a roundabout. Part of a York County highway will close for three months. Heres what you need to know The Westport traffic study outlines several road improvements its developer will need to complete. One involves a traffic signal at Hands Mill Highway and Allison Creek Road, with the cost shared between Westport and the developer of Lakeside Glen. At S.C. 49 and the northern access point to Westport, southbound left and right turn lanes will be needed as will a northbound two-way left turn lane. Eastbound and westbound approaches to the entrance will be three lanes. At S.C. 49 and the southern entrance to Westport, northbound and southbound left turn lanes will be added. So will single-lane eastbound and westbound approaches. A lane in and a leftbound lane out onto Campbell Road will be needed at the third entrance point, along Campbell. The traffic study projects about half of the new traffic will utilize the northern part of the property near the Charlotte Highway and Bethelfield Terrace intersection. Traffic on the southern end will be split fairly evenly among Charlotte Highway, Campbell Road, Paraham Road, and Hands Mill Highway. Midwife Esther Hausman of Concord, left, with one of her patients, Danette Siegel, of North Andover, right. Siegel was so impressed by the birthing team that guided her through the births of her two daughters and one pregnancy loss she became a doula. BOSTON - They came with signs, with strollers and their babies in their arms. Dozens of people attended a rally on the State House steps Thursday to demand Massachusetts address the increase in maternal morbidity rates for all Bay State women, especially women of color. It is shameful Massachusetts doesnt have policies in place, the infrastructure, to give women choices in birthing experiences, said Danette Siegel, a North Andover mother of two. She was one of a half-dozen speakers advocating for changes that include increasing the participation of midwives and doulas in noncomplicated pregnancies. Siegel, whose experience included a water birth, was so impressed by the midwives who guided her through the birth of her two daughters that she became a doula. Now she is intent on changing the story of birth. First steps for Siegel and advocates is to have the state Legislature pass bills that would integrate midwives into the birthing experience. The bills open a pathway for training, certification and licensure of midwives. The bills also ensure they are reimbursed for their work by insurance carriers at a competitive level, commensurate with other delivery specialists. The slate of bills would update regulations governing the construction of nonhospital-affiliated birthing centers. Currently there is one nonhospital-affiliated birthing center in Massachusetts, the Seven Sisters Midwifery in Florence. Other centers are affiliated with local medical centers and community hospitals. Shannon Malloy of Somerville attended the rally demanding Massachusetts address the discrepancies in maternal birthing outcomes as well as invest in midwives and doulas to enhance the birthing experience in the Bay State. Massachusetts hospitals have shuttered 10 birthing centers in the past decade, six in the last three years. The latest closing was in Leominster, a center affiliated with UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The hospital cited a falling birth rate in the community and the inability to hire staff for the center as its motivation. The center closed last month despite a finding by the state Department of Public Health that the UMass Memorial plan to service the population left without a local center was inadequate. Even intervention by local lawmakers, community residents and grassroots activists could not save the center. Outdated codes, requirements erect roadblocks Nashira Baril, the executive director of the Neighborhood Birth Center in Boston, a center that has been struggling to open for decades, questioned some of the regulations pertaining to centers in Massachusetts. She speculated that there were no midwives in the room when the construction codes and regulations pertaining to the centers were birthed by architects, engineers and policy wonks. Rep. Christopher Worrell, D-Boston, is eagerly anticipating the opening of the center, dedicated to improving outcomes for all birthing people. The center aims to offer comprehensive midwifery care and birthing options through prenatal visits, labor, birth and the postpartum period. It is being built in the heart of Black Boston, Worrell said. Its location is important in light of the recent report released by the Department of Public Health that found maternal mortality and morbidity rates in Massachusetts were increasing, with double the rates for Black and brown populations when compared to non-Hispanic white women. Erin Euler of Somerville is an advocate for expanding the birthing experience. Black mothers lose babies at twice the rate of white mothers, Worrell said. Black mothers need resources. The rates of mortality and morbidity have been increasing for all demographics in Massachusetts. According to the report, significant maternal morbidity rates in Massachusetts doubled in nine years, from 52.3 instances per 10,000 deliveries in 2011 to 100.4 per 10,000 deliveries in 2020. US maternal mortality rate highest in industrialized world Overall, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the industrialized world. Those gathered at the rally Thursday said that addressing the issue, and the inequities, is at the heart of their mission. And establishing the infrastructure to increase midwives and doulas is a first step. Massachusetts rests on its laurels as a leader, said Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, who is a maternal child health researcher with the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice at Tufts School of Medicine. The commonwealth lags in midwife integration into maternal health care, is ranked at the bottom of states for birth center access and is one of only two New England states that under-reimburses midwives for their care. We need to keep our eye on the ball, Amutah-Onukagha said. Midwives are true change agents and provide essential care services that could mean the difference between life and death for birthing people, said Amutah-Onukagha. Midwives need to be fully incorporated into the maternity care system. With barriers lifted restricting autonomous practice, more funding for education and training, and equitable insurance and Medicaid reimbursement as part of policy, well see the tides change and will avert maternal deaths in a meaningful way, for the first time in decades. There are proven benefits to midwifery pregnancy and birthing care, including fewer deaths, fewer unnecessary C-sections, fewer postpartum complications and fewer premature births, according to advocates. Birthing people experience lower instances of mistreatment by medical professionals, higher rates of breastfeeding and more choices in where to give birth. Laurie Friedman of Cambridge, founder of the now-shuttered Cambridge Birth Center, said midwifery embraces the birthing process and promotes more patience in recognizing the time birthing takes. Birthing with midwives and doulas removes some of the medicine from the process and allows a more natural progression. Rep. Marjorie Decker, D-Cambridge, vowed to reopen the center where she gave birth to her two children. Esther Hausman of Concord, one of the last graduates from the now-closed midwife program at Boston University, attended the rally to show support for the bills. She was praised by Rep. Manny Cruz, D-Salem, and Siegel for her work in delivering their babies. Rep. Manny Cruz, D-Salem, attended the rally Thursday with his daughter Ivy, who was delivered by a midwife, Esther Hausman, of Concord. As she detailed her experience with a midwife, Siegel said that her team trusted her and listened to her. Birth is a natural physiological process, and it was allowed to unfold as nature intended, said Siegel. It was mother and baby working together harmoniously. I felt empowered. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Increase in maternal morbidity in Mass. shows need for midwives, doulas LAS CRUCES, N.M. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez announced this week that a police officer was charged with voluntary manslaughter in the shooting of a Black man at a gas station last summer. Las Cruces Police Department officer Brad Lunsford was taken into custody on Tuesday, Torrez said at a news conference in Las Cruces. Lunsford is accused of fatally shooting Presley C. Eze Jr., at a Las Cruces gas station on Aug. 2, 2022. The officer shot Eze after a gas station attendant called 911 to report that Eze had left the gas station with a beer he did not pay for, according to the attorney general's office. Torrez said Lunsford created an unnecessary escalation of force. According to an affidavit for the arrest warrant, a second officer, Keegan Arbogast, was also present during the shooting but has not been charged with a crime. "This was a tragedy that should never have happened. I want everyone to understand that when (Eze) lost his life on the pavement outside that gas station, the original call that came in was for petty theft," said Torrez, who was flanked by members of Eze's family, family attorneys and Bobbie Green, director of the Dona Ana County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on Tuesday. According to Luis Robles, an Albuquerque-based attorney representing the city of Las Cruces in the case, both officers were initially placed on paid administrative leave. But the officers returned to duty after their statements were given to New Mexico State Police, who led the Dona Ana County Officer Involved Task Force that investigated the shooting. The task force is made up of multiple police agencies in the county. Robles said Lunsford turned himself in on Tuesday, was processed and released. He will be placed back on paid administrative leave following the charges announced on Tuesday. "The killing of Presley Eze is a tragedy and serves as yet another example of poor police tactics resulting in an unjustifiable use of force to subdue an individual resisting arrest for the commission of a minor crime, Torrez said. Veterans Affair police officer indicted: DOJ says Veterans Affairs police officer struck man with baton 45 times at medical center What happened the day Eze Jr. was killed? Eze, 36, who was born in Connecticut and lived in southern New Mexico, stopped at a Chevron gas station on the afternoon of Aug. 2, 2022. He wanted a pack of cigarettes. The clerk asked Eze for an ID. Eze said he did not have it on him, according to police reports, so the clerk refused to sell him the cigarettes. Then, one of Eze's two acquaintances tried to buy the cigarettes on Eze's behalf. Again, the clerk refused. Another clerk told police that Eze returned to the store a few minutes later. The second clerk watched as Eze walked over to the beer section, grabbed a tall can of Budweiser and walked out of the gas station. The first clerk, who also noticed Eze, followed him out. Eze was making his way back to a late-2000s green Pontiac Torrent that he arrived in and the clerk asked Eze from several feet back if he'd paid for the beer valued at under $5, according to police reports. The clerk told police that Eze responded by saying, "suck it and pay for it." At that point, the clerks said that the gas station's manager told the clerks to call police. Attorney General Raul Torrez holds a news conference to announce charges against LCPD officer, Brad Lunsford, for the death of Presley Eze on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at the Las Cruces Convention Center. Lunsford and Arbogast attempted to subdue Eze According to an affidavit provided by the attorney general's office on Tuesday, Lunsford arrived at the scene in his marked police car and made initial contact with the driver of the Pontiac where Eze was seen shirtless in the passenger seat. Lunsford began questioning Eze about incident inside the gas station and asked Eze for his identification, according to the affidavit. Arbogast then arrived at the scene after Lunsford was unable to verify Eze's identity, the affidavit states. Both the officers allegedly forcibly removed Eze from the vehicle to detain him when Eze declined to get out of the car. When asked by Arbogast to cooperate, Eze replied, "Yes," according to the affidavit. Arbogast removed a closed pocket knife from Eze's lap as Eze was standing up. Eze said he was not reaching for anything and both hands were visible from the view of Lunsford's body camera. But then a "scuffle ensued," according to the attorney general's office, causing Eze to fall to the ground on top of Arbogast. During the struggle between the officers and Eze, Arbogast's taser fell from its holster and was on the ground between Arbogast and Eze's right hand. According to the affidavit, Eze had placed his hand on the taser when Lunsford struck him in the face, knocking Eze off balance. As Eze was on the ground with the taser, which had not been discharged, Lunsford drew his duty weapon and fired a single shot to the left side of Eze's head, killing him. In an August 2022 news conference following the shooting, former Police Chief Miguel Dominguez said officers had been overpowered by Eze before one of the officers shot him in the back of the head. Eze's family has since filed a lawsuit against the city. That lawsuit is pending resolution. Seattle police incident: Seattle police officer heard joking about woman's death reassigned to 'non-operational position' City's attorney responds Torrez said the next step with the criminal case will be a probable cause determination through either a preliminary hearing or grand jury. But Robles said the arresting documents presented by the attorney general on Tuesday did not include all of the facts. "The AGs task is not to obtain convictions, but to achieve justice. They are missing exculpatory evidence and that is a concern to me as a lawyer that all of the facts are not presented. The alternative methods of force that could have been used were not going to stop Eze from doing what Officer Lunsford believed him to be doing," Robles said. Robles said the arresting documents were missing information from initial police reports and officer interviews. He added that Eze tried to unholster Arbogast's duty weapon, but instead unholstered the officer's non-lethal weapon and had his finger on the trigger. When asked if Lunsford had been accused of using excessive force in the past, family attorney Shannon Kennedy said he had. But due to a confidentiality order involving a civil lawsuit against the city filed in May, Lunsford's disciplinary file could not be discussed. Loved ones of Presley Eze hold one another during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at the Las Cruces Convention Center. Attorney General Raul Torrez announced charges against LCPD officer, Brad Lunsford, for the death of Presley Eze. Jason Groves can be reached at jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @jpgroves. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico AG charges police officer in fatal shooting of Presley Eze PROVIDENCE A recent influx of migrants arriving in Rhode Island from the southern border has left a city nonprofit agency in need of more resources for those it serves. On a recent Monday afternoon, the lobby of the Refugee Dream Center was packed with new arrivals. Caseworkers are asked to offer rides to clients without the money for bus passes. Finding shelter for people is a balancing act. Day-to-day survival is the goal for many. The Refugee Dream Center is known for helping new arrivals settle in the state and become self-reliant. But the organization's director and co-founder, Teddi Jallow, said that it's become tough to provide everything needed as demand has increased. From July into September, Jallow said about 50 migrants arrived in the state by plane from the southern border. Yet they come from a wide array of countries, including Afghanistan, Senegal and the Congo, as well as Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. Migrants from Afghanistan and African countries have been attempting to make it into the U.S. through that border, along with those from Mexico and the Northern Triangle. "My fear is we are seeing more migrants from the border and nobody is talking about it," Jallow said. Jallow said previously she might have seen only one migrant per month not counting the many refugees the center has served. Being deemed a refugee is a legal process that involves a lawyer and court proceedings required to gain asylum as a person who was persecuted or in mortal danger in their home country. Yet based on the stories of the new arrivals, they may qualify for asylum if they could afford a lawyer. Jallow says at an average starting cost of $7,000, a lawyer is too expensive for the agency to provide. Large groups of migrants got past rows of law enforcement agents and vehicles in Juarez and crossed the Rio Grande on Tuesday. Many camped out along the concertina wire fencing put up by the Texas National Guard. Where are the migrants from and why are they leaving home? The Providence Journal met and interviewed three migrants who described living in countries that made life unbearable or even potentially deadly. Their names are not being used in this story to protect their privacy and safety. Each arrived recently, with one man from Senegal making his way into Rhode Island only on Sunday. He traveled through Morocco, Spain, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Mexico before entering the U.S. It took him 15 days total, he said, to get to the southern border before he boarded a flight into the country. He described leaving because of political upheaval. Over the summer, the government detained Ousmane Sonko, the leader of the country's primary opposition party, charging him with fomenting insurrection. The party was dissolved and protests erupted. The man with whom the Journal spoke said he was part of the protests. "A lot of my colleagues went to jail," he said. "Some are dead. So that's why I left." Another man, who came from Afghanistan, told The Journal he arrived in Rhode Island in mid-September after spending eight days in a refugee camp near the southern border. His journey took him through a dozen countries a trip on which he embarked in January via Iran. He now lives with a friend. A third man came from Mauritania, also traveling through a handful of countries to get to the southern border. He told The Journal he left because of Mauritania's ongoing use of slavery. The man said he was treated as a slave and owned nothing. According to the United Nations, slavery still has a grip on the country, which has not enforced its anti-slavery law. Now that these three men are in Rhode Island, life has become about surviving from day to day. "These men are just sitting here doing nothing," Jallow said of the new arrivals. "Some of them are even homeless." Migrants walk to a U.S. Border Patrol processing area in Eagle Pass, Texas, last month. Over the summer, state officials directed hundreds of migrants onto properties where they were promptly arrested. What is Rhode Island doing to help the migrants coming from the southern border? Department of Human Services spokesman Jose Garcia said Gov. Dan McKee's deputy chief of staff, Christopher Abhulime, met with the state refugee coordinator, Baha Sadr, last week to discuss the arrival of migrants. "People have been arriving in Rhode Island on their own for many years," Garcia said. "Based on what the state has seen, there is no coordinated effort to bring migrants to Rhode Island and the vast majority seen coming into the state come here because they have friends and family in Rhode Island. When DHS is informed of needs like the one raised by the Refugee Dream Center, the agency provides assistance by helping connect migrants with private resources." Garcia said those resources include emergency funds, food and clothing. But the 50 migrants Jallow referenced "are not currently eligible for public benefits due to their immigration status," Garcia explained. Garcia added that the migrants may be able to receive work authorization documents if they apply for asylum. End of free RIPTA bus line has unearthed new struggle for migrants At the Refugee Dream Center, Noorulhaq Sadeqi, a caseworker who helped translate for the man from Afghanistan, was at the same time being asked by two migrants in downtown Providence to offer them a lift, as many don't have bus passes. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority piloted a one-year free-fare program on its popular R-line, but that expired at the end of September, leaving clients with no transportation save for rides from friends. More: From fiscal cliffs to free fares what is the future of RIPTA? Jallow said she had to ask a caseworker at one point to drive a Mauritanian mother of six home to Pawtucket, but Jallow can't always ask that of her staff, which needs to be available to deal with new cases. Occupied seats in the lobby illustrated that point. Sadeqi said providing for these migrants and refugees is a matter of human rights. "They're all humans," he said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: More migrants in RI from southern border what's being done to help (Bloomberg) -- The leaders of the European Union and the US are seeking to announce an interim deal at an Oct. 20 summit on steel and aluminum trade that would avert the re-imposition of Trump-era tariffs on billions of dollars of transatlantic commerce. Most Read from Bloomberg Top White House and European Commission officials are negotiating a provisional political agreement that would cover the two main planks of the so-called Global Steel and Aluminum Arrangement that the EU and US have been negotiating since 2021: tackling non-market excess capacity and carbon emissions, according to people familiar with the talks. The deal which would fall short of a legally binding agreement seeks to settle a dispute that started when President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on metals imports from Europe, citing risks to national security. Failure to reach an accord by Oct. 31 would mean that levies on $10 billion of exports between the EU and US would automatically come back into force at the start of 2024. The transatlantic allies are seeking a political accord because they dont think theres enough time to reach a formal deal by the deadline and remain distant on some key aspects of the matter such as compatibility with international trade rules, according to the people. A spokesperson for the commission declined to comment on the GSA talks. A spokesperson from the US national security council didnt respond to a request for comment. As part of a possible agreement, the EU and US would aim to coordinate how they measure and tackle excess capacity, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The deal would see new steel tariffs aimed at non-market practices of countries such as China, Bloomberg previously reported. Story continues The US has imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports since 2018 and the EU applies about the same level of duties on an array of steel imports under its own safeguard measures. That level of tariff would act as a reference point that can then be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, the people said. Talks on tackling dirty steel have been more difficult but the EU and US are hoping to commit politically to work together to adopt measures in the coming years, one of the people said. The EU would achieve that through its implementation of its carbon border adjustment mechanism, while the US could adopt its own duties or trade restrictions on dirty steel. The preliminary deal on sustainable global steel and aluminum will be billed as one of the main deliverables of the first transatlantic summit in two years between President Joe Biden and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders summit aims to portray unity among long-time trading partners as both prepare to step up their support for Ukraine against Russias invasion in the face of growing skepticism at home. Theyre also seeking to align policies to address Chinas rising clout on trade and technology. China will be in the crosshairs of the new arrangement because its been accused of steel dumping. China accounts for more than half of global crude steel-making, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The depreciation of the yuan has bolstered the attractiveness of Chinese steel exports, putting volumes on track for the highest since 2016. EU envoys gave the go-ahead on Wednesday to finalize the steel and aluminum agreement with the US, the people said. Germany and France, however, demanded more clarity from the commission on what the final deal would include, given the economic importance of this issue and its geopolitical ramifications. The EU and the US are also finalizing a critical raw materials deal expected to be announced at the summit that would allow companies based in the EU to benefit from some of the US subsidies for the production of batteries for e-vehicles. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The Montgomery Police Academy graduated 23 officers who will serve 10 different agencies Thursday morning. Among those agencies, nine officers will go on to serve the Montgomery Police Department's patrol division. Three officers will become deputies for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Others are going to serve in Prattville, Hueytown, Marion and a variety of other locations. Police Chief Darryl Albert focused on the seriousness of the new officers' duties. They will have the power to take away people's freedoms and liberties. He warned them to never abuse their authority and to never tarnish their names or the badge. Albert said he wants them to be the kind of officers who are tough on crime but kind on community." Chief of Staff Chip Hill spoke on behalf of the mayor's office and applauded the excellence of the graduating class. The world might seem like its going crazy, but ... when duty calls we still have the best of the best of us who answer the call," Hill said. Montgomery Police Chief Derryl Albert, left, recognizes Montgomery Police Officers A.M. Silva, center, and G.A. Trujillo, right, for saving lives at a house fire, during the Montgomery Police Academy graduation ceremony for new law enforcement officers for regional law enforcement agencies in Montgomery, Ala., on Thursday October 5, 2023. Dennis Mitchell Henry, the president of Faulkner University, served as the class' commencement speaker. Henry said there are fewer officers in this region than ever, but that the need is greater than ever. Sgt. K.L. Jacks was the class coordinator. He called them an exceptional group and reminded them that their duty and goal is to always return home. The police academy lasted for 15 weeks. Montgomery County Dep. Eric Dunn, the class president, told his peers to keep pushing to do better. He said they have adjusted to being comfortable with the uncomfortable. The past 15 weeks for us has probably been the most fun we would not want to have again," Dunn said. As part of the ceremony, Albert honored officers Alan Silva and Gabriel Trujillo for their bravery in helping to save wounded firefighters during the Mother's Day fire that claimed two lives and injured five fire fighters. "We do believe in the public safety team working very closely together," Albert said. More: Mother's day Fire Montgomery prays for injured firefighters after blaze claims two lives Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or on Twitter @gladlyalex. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery Police Academy graduates 23 officers WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump said Thursday he would consider accepting the speaker of the House job on a short-term basis if Republicans deadlock selecting a new one - and then hours later endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, for the post.Jordan will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement! Trump said in a post-midnight statement on Truth Social. Hours earlier, Trump said that if House Republicans can't reach consensus on a candidate to replace the deposed Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. , "they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president," he told Fox News Digital. Shortly after, Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Tex., who had planned to nominate Trump for the speakers job, said on the social media site X that the former president called him to say he is endorsing Jim Jordan, and I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party. In his Fox interview, Trump said: They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion - Im not doing it because I want to - I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision." The former president also told Fox News Digital that he may travel to Washington, D.C., next week and meet with congressional Republicans about picking a new speaker of the House. Earlier this week, Trump downplayed the idea of running for the speaker's job, saying his "total focus" is on the 2024 presidential race. He also said he would do whatever he can to help the Republicans come together after eight party members this week forced the removal of McCarthy. Donald Trump and Kevin McCarthy back in 2018 "If I can help them during the process, I would do it," Trump said, a comment that a few House Republicans cited in urging him to seek the job anyway. "Ive been contacted by multiple Members of Congress willing to support and offer nomination speeches for Donald J. Trump to be Speaker of the House," said Nehls on the X. "Next week is going to be HUGE." Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is vying to be Trump's running mate if he wins the GOP presidential nomination next year, said Thursday on X that "if Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally everyday!! It would be the House of MAGA!!!" Who has announced they are running for speaker? Two House Republicans have formally announced they are candidates for speaker: House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and Jordan, the House Judiciary Committee chair. Asked about Trump on Fox News, Jordan said: "I think President Trump wants be president of the United States." Other Republicans suggested that Trump is trying to exert power of the party, and declare himself kingmaker with regard to McCarthy's replacement. Trump did something similar when McCarthy won election to the speaker's job in the first place. The former president took credit for breaking the impasse that had held up McCarthy's victory for more than a dozen ballots. During that process, one House Republican member nominated Trump for the speaker's job: Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who led the push to remove McCarthy. Trump's symbolic move to endorse Jordan comes as the lawmaker heads impeachment inquiry hearings into President Joe Biden powered by allegations that Biden financially benefited from his family's foreign business dealings. Jordan also previously criticized Trump's impeachments and supported the idea to expunge them. Would Trump even qualify? Technically, the speaker of the House does not have to be a member of Congress, though they always have been. But if Trump is somehow selected, Republicans might have to change their rules. House Republican conference rule 26 says a member of the Republican leadership must vacate his or her position if they have been indicted on felony charges that carry sentences of two or more years of imprisonment. Trump faces trials for indictments in four separate criminal cases involving hush money, misuse of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Democrats mocked the idea of Trump visiting Capitol Hill less than three years after his supporters ransacked the building during the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021. Responding to Greene's call for a Trump rally every day in the House, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said: "No thanks, were good. Weve seen a Trump rally at the Capitol already." Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., said on X: "Criminals tend to return to the scene of the crime." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says he'll travel to D.C. next week, take House speaker job if GOP deadlocks Records placed Nathan Olsen's cellphone near the scene of a homicide. Bryan Mazzolini, a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service, spent much of Thursday morning on the witness stand on the fourth day of Olsen's trial in Richland County Common Pleas Court. Mazzolini testified that three calls came from Olsen's cellphone within four minutes of the Oct. 22 fatal shooting of Antonyo Powell, 29, outside a residence in the first block of Antibus Place. Those calls came from the same cell tower that services the area, Mazzolini said. Nathan Olsen listens to testimony during his murder trial in Judge Phillip Naumoff's courtroom. Olsen is charged in the homicide of Antonyo Powell. Olsen, 41, is charged with aggravated murder, three counts of murder, discharge of a firearm in or near prohibited premises, improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or school safety zone, felonious assault and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. According to security video, Powell was shot at 8:30 p.m. Mansfield police contacted the Secret Service to analyze records from cell towers. Mazzolini said calls from Olsen's phone were placed at 8:31, 8:32 and 8:33. On direct examination, Assistant Prosecutor Lauryn Calderhead asked the Secret Service agent to identify calls made in subsequent days. Mazzolini said by the end of Oct. 25, three days after the shooting, calls from Olsen's phone were being made in South Carolina, where he was arrested on Jan. 10. On cross-examination, defense attorney Aaron Schwartz had Mazzolini confirm the towers tracked a device, not Olsen. Schwartz said the phone could have been used by someone else. The defense attorney also asked about the accuracy of the Google data that the Secret Service agent analyzed. "If their data is not accurate, much of your testimony is not accurate," Schwartz said. Mazzolini said in his experience, Google is "very accurate." In the afternoon session, the lone witness was Mansfield police Detective Richard Clapp, the lead investigator in the case. Clapp said that Olsen sent four different photos of Powell to various people on Facebook. He sent one photo 28 times, the detective added. In the photos, Olsen identified Powell as the person who broke into his house. Olsen also sent multiple threats in Facebook posts, which were there for public consumption, and in Facebook Messenger, which were private. Calderhead asked Clapp to go through a number of those messages. In one conversation, Olsen said Powell lived close to him. "Had the heat (gun) in the car when I was looking for him, too," Olsen wrote. In another post, Olsen said Powell saw him twice and ran away both times. Olsen intimated that members of Powell's family could be killed as well. In another post, Olsen said Powell was "going to get a whole mag (magazine)." Another friend asked Olsen what he was going to do about the burglary. He responded by posting a photo with two handguns on a table. A Smith & Wesson handgun on the table was not recovered. Police did recover two other handguns during their investigation of the case. An expert previously testified that one gun was not used in the homicide, and results for the other were inconclusive. Clapp is expected to be the state's final witness. The defense has yet to cross-examine him. mcaudill@gannett.com 419-521-7219 X (formerly Twitter): @MarkCau32059251 This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: U.S. Secret Service special agent testifies in Olsen murder trial It was a relief over the weekend to see Congress do its job and avoid a government shutdown and a disappointment to see two of our area Republican senators, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Eric Schmitt of Missouri, vote against the bill to keep federal operations running for another 45 days. We have already criticized Marshall for his cavalier attitude about the likely effects of a shutdown. But Schmitt didnt just vote against the bill. He misled his constituents about who was responsible for the whole mess. That happened Saturday morning, when House Speaker Kevin McCarthy disclosed his plan to pass a bill that fully funds the government but excludes any new aid to Ukraine. That last provision drew complaints from Democrats who want the U.S. to continue its support of that countrys defense against the Russian invasion. Schmitt immediately jumped into action. Senate Democrats, he wrote online, are willing to shut the U.S. government over more Ukrainian spending. Four hours later he posted again: Democrats are trying to shut down the government over Ukraine. The problem? It didnt turn out to be remotely true. Every single Senate Democrat with the exception of Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who didnt vote at all swallowed their reservations about Ukraine and supported the bill. Most Republican senators also supported the bill, but less overwhelmingly: Schmitt and Marshall were two of nine GOP members in opposition. It was Schmitt who was willing to shut the U.S. government, in other words. Not Democrats. It is notable that in the final hours Congress had left to make a deal and keep the government running, Schmitt chose to falsely divert blame for the problem instead of contribute to a solution. The least he could have done was get his facts straight. Correction: The story has been updated to reflect that Detective David Kahley works for the West York Police Department. York City Police have made an arrest in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Jesus Cintron-Molina earlier this week after the victim made a dying declaration to officers. Freddie Reyes-Luna, 29, of the 500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in York, was arrested in Lebanon by the U.S. Marshals, Captain Daniel Lentz said Friday morning. Court records show he was arrested this morning, and he is being charged with criminal homicide. He was committed to York County Prison without bail, according to court records. Victim makes dying declaration to police West York Police Detective David Kahley was driving in the 400 block of West Market Street Tuesday evening when he heard gunshots behind him and stopped to investigate, according to an affidavit of probable cause. He found Cintron-Molina suffering from gunshot wounds and attempted to render aid, the affidavit states. The victim made a dying declaration to Kahley that "Freddie Luna" shot him, the affidavit states. A York City Police officer who was on the scene captured the declaration on body camera. Cintron-Molina was taken to York Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased at 8:04 p.m., the York County Coroner's Office said. Police spoke with a witness who said that Luna-Reyes, who was sweaty from running, showed up at his residence. He told the witness that he had just shot the victim before running off again, the affidavit states. The witness told police that Luna-Reyes keeps additional ammunition in the home, the affidavit states. Homicide victim died of multiple gunshot wounds: coroner An autopsy showed that Cintron-Molina died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the coroner's office. The manner of death is homicide. This is the 14th homicide in York County this year, the coroner's office said. It is the fifth homicide in the city. Check back later as this is a breaking news story. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York man wanted in city homicide arrested by U.S. Marshals in Lebanon WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald on Thursday became the first Wisconsin House Republican to throw his support behind a new candidate for speaker of the House, endorsing Ohio U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan just two days after Kevin McCarthy of California was ousted from his post leading the chamber. "His passion is unmatched and his work has always been laser-focused on transparency, accountability and action," Fitzgerald said of Jordan. "I am convinced hell be a Speaker who will always go to bat for the American people, and I am proud to stand with him." U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis. Fitzgerald's announcement makes him the first Wisconsin Republican in the now-leaderless House to publicly back a new speaker. Jordan, who chairs the Judiciary Committee on which Fitzgerald sits, and U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who was second in leadership behind McCarthy, are the only two Republicans who have announced runs for the speakership. Other lawmakers could still jump into the race, and McCarthy said he will not run again. On Friday, Wisconsin Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany said he will also back Jordan for speaker, claiming there is "no stronger person on border issues" than the Ohio Republican. Similarly, U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman told the Journal Sentinel he is "leaning toward" supporting Jordan for speaker, too, but said he wanted to speak again with both Jordan and Scalise before finalizing his decision. The developments come as lawmakers on Capitol Hill face growing pressure to pass government spending legislation and avoid a government shutdown before the stopgap funding measure signed into law last weekend expires in mid-November. The group of eight Republicans who led McCarthy's ouster have for months pushed their slim majority to cut spending and pass individual government appropriations bills. They derided McCarthy for relying on Democrats to lift the country's debt ceiling over the summer, and McCarthy ultimately needed Democratic support last weekend to pass the temporary funding continuation to keep the government open last Saturday a dynamic seen as the last straw for his detractors. US Representative Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speaks to members of the media at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 4, 2023. Like Jordan, Fitzgerald and Tiffany voted against that so-called continuing resolution last week, arguing in part that it did nothing to secure the southern border. On Wednesday, before he endorsed Jordan, Fitzgerald said his focus was "100% on electing another Republican Speaker to continue our oversight responsibilities and lead out conference to more wins for the American people." The House will need to elect a new speaker before it can proceed with business. The announcements this week from Jordan and Scalise set up the next big leadership battle. Both men are considered more conservative than McCarthy and have put an emphasis on securing the souther border and passing individual appropriations bills. Scalise is likely to draw support from more mainstream Republicans. Jordan, a former University of Wisconsin wrestler who co-founded the House Freedom Caucus and remains a close ally of former President Donald Trump, is sure to draw support from conservatives leaving up in the air who could win the necessary 218 votes to assume the speakership. House lawmakers after the vote to oust McCarthy left Congress for the week. They are expected to return Tuesday, when the House GOP will meet, and voting for the next speaker could begin as early as Wednesday. That timeline, however, remains uncertain. Earlier this week, Wisconsin Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, who has no vote in who will become the next speaker, also endorsed Jordan. "We are fortunate he is willing to serve America in this often thankless capacity," Johnson said of Jordan. "I hope his Republican House colleagues agree by fully supporting him." Follow Lawrence Andrea on X @lawrencegandrea. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fitzgerald throws support to Jim Jordan as next speaker of the House Early voting takes place on the fourth floor of Bartlesville City Hall located at 401 s Johnstone staring today and tomorrow. Early voting in the City of Bartlesville Special Election, scheduled for Oct. 10, begins today, with advanced ballot casting available to accommodate city voters and for those unable to participate on Election Day. Residents are deciding on significant capital projects in a General Obligation (GO) Bond election, including crucial street improvements and public service enhancements across the city. Funding Bartlesville's Future: A Look at the Special Election A total of $17.6 million in GO bond issue is on the ballot, divvied up into four separate propositions for voters to decide on individually: Proposition 1: Public Safety Buildings and Equipment: $2,412,000 Proposition 2: Municipal Buildings and Equipment: $696,000 Proposition 3: Streets and Bridges: $12,278,000 Proposition 4: Parks and Recreation: $2,214,000 Notable undertakings involve refurbishments of Adams Boulevard and Silver Lake Road, establishing a new fire station at Hensley Boulevard and Virginia Avenue, and improvements to the Pathfinder Parkway and Bartlesville city parks. Funding from the ad valorem (property) tax, capped at 15 mils, will facilitate these enhancements over the next four years. City Manager Mike Bailey affirmed that the proposal does not translate to a tax hike for residents. "The city's mil levy will remain at 15 as existing bonds expire, so there is no tax increase associated with the GO Bond proposal," Bailey said. The methodology behind such funding is not new to Oklahoma municipalities, with GO bond funding frequently financing capital projects. Generally, the city hosts GO bond elections every three to five years, according to Bailey. "This funding allows us to meet the expectations of our citizens by financing crucial projects," Bailey said, citing an array of street repairs, public safety gear, park enhancements and vital facility upgrades, including technological tools pivotal in serving both the community and visitors. Although the bond does not directly tackle water issues exacerbated by recent droughts, city officials say they are probing long-term water supply solutions, likely leaning on low-interest loans repaid with Water Capital Fees for these projects. With a staggering working list of more than $100 million in capital needs, city staff and citizen committees meticulously carved out the bond issue before earning the city council's stamp of approval. Residents seeking a comprehensive list of projects and additional voting details can visit the city's official website. Early voting open to all No reason is needed to vote early, said Yvonne House, Washington County Election Board secretary. "Oklahoma permits early voting for all elections overseen by the County Election Board or State Election Board, ranging from school board and municipal elections to state and federal elections," House said. Early voting sessions are available today, October 5, and tomorrow, October 6, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Washington County Election Board on the fourth floor of Bartlesville City Hall at 401 S. Johnstone Ave. Voters requiring assistance, whether due to visual or physical disabilities, illness, or literacy challenges, are provided with supportive options. They can choose to have an assistant or use the ATI device attached to the voting machine to ensure a confidential and autonomous voting experience. House encourages anyone needing help to contact their precinct official or the County Election Board for more detailed instructions. For inquiries or further clarification about the early voting process, the Election Board can be reached at 918-337-2850 or via email at washingtoncounty@elections.ok.gov. This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Early voting begins in $17.6M bond election to fund city projects A lottery ticket worth $400,000 was sold recently at a Homewood gas station, according to the Illinois lottery. It was the first ticket to win the top prize in the lotterys new Frogger game, fashioned after the old-school arcade game. The instant ticket game was launched by the lottery last month. Advertisement The scratch-off ticket was bought at an Exxon Mobil gas station at 17500 Dixie Highway, according to the Illinois Lottery. For selling the winning ticket, the station will receive a bonus of 1% of the prize, or $4,000. Advertisement The owner of the station intends to share a portion of the bonus with employees, according to the Illinois Lottery. The lottery said the station had, in May 2017, sold a Lucky Day Lotto ticket carrying a prize of $600,000. mnolan@tribpub.com By Emma-Victoria Farr and Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro FRANKFURT/LONDON (Reuters) -Buoyed by positive investor feedback and growing optimism around new stocks, German gearbox supplier Renk was on track to make its Frankfurt market debut in early October. That was until this week, when the company decided to pull its listing in the final hours of Wednesday, blaming market conditions. In the coming weeks, a string of European companies are slated to come to market.Among them is CVC Capital Partners, which is still planning a November listing depending on market conditions, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The private equity group is planning to raise around 1 billion euros ($1.05 billion) through the share sale, the person added. The company declined to comment. However, the fate of Renk highlights the challenges facing new issuers, exacerbated by a recent bout of volatility in equity and debt markets. Some recent large IPOs in the U.S. have had a mixed performance after an initial rally. "It's turbulent waters right now, so anything that's not really well anchored by long-only investors is going to struggle," said Andreas Bernstorff, head of Equity Capital Markets for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at BNP Paribas. Renk in a statement on Wednesday evening cited a "clouded" market environment for its decision to pull its planned listing, which sought a valuation of up to 1.8 billion euros. In recent days Renk's corporate peers including Hensoldt and Rheinmetall had been trading down and Germany's DAX fell almost 2% in the run-up to its planned listing. To be sure, some bankers were sceptical about whether Renk would draw a large following, given investors' preference for large, liquid stocks and the fact it operates in a niche area of the defence industry. The company has said it may go ahead with a listing at a later date. "We received extremely positive feedback in our numerous discussions with investors ... we will continue to concentrate fully on achieving our growth goals," Renk CEO Susanne Wiegand said in a statement Thursday. Story continues Renk's IPO was set to follow hot on the heels of German medical glass producer Schott Pharma, which last week saw its shares rise 16% on its first day of trading. On Thursday it was trading around its opening IPO price at 30 euros, still above its issue price, a positive sign. These experiences so far show that investors are only willing to take bets on new companies if they are deemed to be "must-own" stocks or shares are offered at a significant discount, a European fund manager said. Fuel payment card provider DKV Mobility - backed by CVC Capital Partners - is still considering whether to issue its intention to float in October despite market conditions, a person close to the deal said. The company declined to comment on its plans. Meanwhile, French software provider Planisware has been sounding out investors for its intended listing on the Paris bourse and is still set to price next Wednesday. Perfumery chain Douglas and long-distance bus operator Flix are considering IPOs in Germany next year. German shoe brand Birkenstock has chosen New York for its billion-dollar issue. ($1 = 0.9481 euros) (Reporting by Emma-Victoria Farr, Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro and Alexander Huebner; Editing by Anousha Sakoui and Lincoln Feast) NEW YORK (WPIX) Elizabeth Polanco De Los Santos is reportedly back in New York after a nightmarish few weeks of being detained in Dubai. The Lehman College student was passing through the Dubai airport on her way home from a trip to Turkey when she was detained in mid-July. Dubai officials alleged she assaulted and insulted an airport security employee by touching her arm, according to Detained in Dubai, an organization aimed at helping victims of injustice in the Middle Eastern emirate. But activists who helped bring the 21-year-old home said theres more to the story. They say De Los Santos faced a painful and degrading search when she went through security. Afterward, she allegedly tapped a security woman for help with a medical device and was detained for touching the female customs officer during the search, the activists said. Its just out of a nightmare, out of a movie, and what she experienced is unimaginable. I dont think they can put themselves in their shoes and imagine how frightened they would be, said Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling. Serling heads an organization dedicated to helping people unfairly detained in Dubai. She said De Los Santos is relieved to be back home safe with her mom. Tupac Shakur murder investigation: Arraignment postponed for man charged with his killing But the emotional toll on the 21-year-old has been huge. In addition to being detained and sentenced to jail, she missed her studies and wasted thousands in expenses. Elizabeth was only supposed to be there for six hours in transit on the way back from Istanbul. So its quite extreme she wound up there for five months. Lost $50,000 and actually faced imprisonment, said Stirling. She said De Los Santos nightmare is by no means the only one. She warned against travel to Dubai. In many instances, its actually an extortion scheme where people make complaints against foreign nationals, and they expect the lawyer to come forward and offer them a high compensation payment in order to drop that case, added Stirling. The U.S. State Department confirmed they know the case and monitor the situation in Dubai. We take seriously our commitment to assist U.S. citizens abroad, said a State Department official. The office of Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY) said it had been in contact with Elizabeth and was working to bring her home. NewsNations Taylor Delandro contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Brownstown was named for a shadowy capitalist who left more questions than conquests Before there was much of a Union Gap, before there were any shopping malls, big-box stores, subdivisions, freeways or roundabouts, there was a sheep ranch. The ranch was a flat, sprawling spread along the banks of Wide Hollow Creek, just west of the Yakima River. Up to 10,000 head of sheep grazed here, and there were hundreds of acres of hops, a hop kiln and for a time, a woolen mill. It was Alexander McAllisters place, and from 1892-95, the Scotsman oversaw the construction of a stately Queen Anne-style home for himself and his young bride. That home, Alexander McAllister House, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Sadly, the McAllisters marriage was short-lived. After a painfully public breakup, McAllisters wife left, and her jilted husband eventually wandered away from the grand life hed built for them on the ranch. But these are happier days for the old place. The young new owners, Piper Richmond and Ryan Hill, have brought a cheery, playful feel to the home. They bought it a little over a year ago after it had been in the family of Union Gap Mayor John Hodkinson for several generations. Richmond came across the place on the Zillow real-estate website and was instantly smitten. She phoned her mom and excitedly told her about the listing. It even has a moat! she recalls telling her mother, referring to the stream that runs along the front yard and under a wooden footbridge that leads to the homes front door. A lifelong Yakima Valley resident, Richmond had no doubt passed by the house numerous times, but somehow it just didn't register in her memory. "I can't believe I'd never noticed this house," she says. "It was not on my radar." Richmond didnt want to get her hopes up, but when she and her husband realized that the house was within their reach, they didnt think twice. Since moving in, the couple have added a few of their own personal design touches, but out of respect for the homes history, theyve left most of the structure as close to original as possible. And they have no plans to ever alter the houses signature features including the sturdy oak woodwork that McAllister brought in from The Dalles, Ore., or the elaborate fireplace tile from New Yorks American Encaustic Tiling Co. The wooden porch that wraps around half the house needs repairs, Richmond says, and someday she and Hill might look into extending it clear around the building. They might also see about upgrading the attic, she says. For now, though, theyre just happy to be home. Over time, the ranchs original land has been whittled down to two acres. New homes have crept in as curbed city streets have snaked their way closer. But somehow, the Alexander McAllister House maintains its distance. The property faces the edge of town, and a large old barn holds its ground just across the driveway to the south. Richmond and Hills kitchen windows look out to a backyard and field that stretches into open land to the west, where a railroad line runs alongside the back fence. Hill likes passing time there, watching the trains go by. Just about as perfect as anything my husband and I couldve found, Richmond says. I see coyotes back there at least once a week. Walking around the front yard, Richmond gestures as she describes her landscaping plans: shrubs, trees, flowers. As they make the home their own, she and Hill are settling comfortably into country living. While Hill scouts out where the coyotes are coming from, Richmond enjoys sleuthing to discover all she can about the houses history and its buried secrets. Shes even bought a metal detector to see what else she can dig up. So far Ive only found pennies and nails, she sighs. The couple are just minutes away from shopping or dining establishments, yet their home somehow still feels distinctly rural. It's the best of both worlds. Its probably not much like the life old Alexander McAllister envisioned there, but its hard to believe he would disapprove. Jasper Kenzo Sundeen's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. Indigenous women and men missing in Yakima County and within the Yakama Reservation The Washington State Patrol has a Missing Indigenous Persons section within its Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit. For more information, visit bit.ly/statepatrolMMIP, email mupu@wsp.wa.gov or call 1-800-543-5678. The State Patrol has two tribal liaisons. Reach Dawn Pullin (Eastern Washington) at 360-890-0150 or Dawn.Pullin@wsp.wa.gov. Contact Patti Gosch (Western Washington) at 360-280-0567 or Patti.Gosch@wsp.wa.gov. Approximately twice a month, the State Patrol publishes an updated list of active cases of missing Indigenous persons on its website. This list is updated as of Monday. Anyone with information about any of these cases should call the reporting agency. People may provide information anonymously by calling Yakima County Crime Stoppers at 800-248-9980. Tips can be submitted online at bit.ly/YHR-crimestoppers. The FBI has jurisdiction to investigate all serious crimes involving Native Americans on tribal lands. Call the FBI at 509-453-4859 (Yakima resident agency), 206-622-0460 (main office in Seattle) or submit tips online at bit.ly/YHR-fbitips. Here is the latest list of Indigenous women and men missing in Yakima County and within the Yakama Reservation: Toppenish Police Department, 509-865-4355 Roberta Jean Raines (also spelled Ranes), missing since April 14, 2002. She would be 41 today. Case number 17P2008. Yakama Nation Police Department, 509-865-2933 Latisha Bill, missing since Sept. 17. She is 14. Case number 23-006106. Karoline Billy, missing since June 30. She is 16. Case number 23-004138. Elias Chief Culps, missing since Dec. 27, 2018. He would be 29 today. Case number 19-009167. Isaac Ellis Corpuz, missing since Sept. 25. Isaac is 13. Case number 23-006373. Russell Elwell, missing since July 30, 2022. He would be 60 today. Case number 23-000069. Adam George, missing since July 22, 2019. He would be 44 today. Case number 19-007228. Janice Marie Hannigan, missing since Dec. 24, 1971. She would be 68 today. Although the State Patrol list says this is a Yakima County Sheriff's Office case, it is with the Yakama Nation Police Department. The missing date on the list is from a time Janice couldn't be located but was found later. Michael Eric Hansen, missing since Nov. 4, 2007. He would be 61 today. Case number 1357790. Marina Headdress, missing since July 14. Marina is 17. Case number 23-004487. Sierra Jackson, missing since April 14. Sierra is 18. Case number 23-002207. Jojoe Kahclamet, missing since Aug. 20. Jojoe is 16. Case number 23-006286. Benita Long, missing since March 26, 2022. Benita is 42. Case number 22-004079. Rosalita F. Longee, missing since Sept. 18, 2015. She would be 26 today. Case number 15-006682. Justin Lee McConville, missing since Jan. 11, 2015. He would be 33 today. Case number 16-010019. John Mesplie, missing since July 25. He is 43. Case number 23-004782. Jennifer Miller, missing since April 22, 2022. Jennifer is 15. Case number 23-002411. William Olney, missing since Feb. 15. He is 60. Case number 23-001296. Earl Nicolas Patrick, missing since March 9, 2015. He would be 42 today. Case number 18-003294. Anthony Tony Colfax Peters, missing since October 2014. He would be 65 today. Case number 15-006132. Aaliyah Sam, missing since June 2. Aaliyah is 16. Case number 23-003447. Daniel Donnie Temartz Sampson, missing since Oct. 30, 1994. He would be 100 today. Case number 944028. Roland Jack Spencer III, missing since May 25, 1984. He would be 43 today. Case number 405273. Shadow Starr, missing since Sept. 26. Shadow is 16. Case number 23-006378. Clene Tahsequah, missing since Aug. 29, 2022. Clene is 14. Case number 22-006252. Desalyn Taylor-Stevens, missing since July 29. Desalyn is 14. Case number 23-004812. Janessa Villa, missing since Jan. 2. Janessa is 17. Case number 23-000065. Karen Louise Johnley Wallahee, last seen in Harrah on Nov. 7, 1987. She would be 64 today. Case number 87-3486. Sandra Walsey-Wesley, missing since July 10, 2022. Sandra is 56. Case number 22-004766. Patrick Wesley-Jim, missing since April 10. Patrick is 17. Case number 23-002088. Gerald Wyena, missing since April 26, 2022. Gerald is 35. Case number 22-002984. Ira Yallup Sr., missing since May 20, 2010. He would be 60. Case number 75515. Yakima County Sheriff's Office, 509-574-2500 Nathaniel Olea-Rooney, missing since June 24. Nathaniel is 16. Case number 23C09817. Yakima Police Department, 509-575-6200 Norma Madera, officially reported missing on July 10, but last seen by a sister in Yakima in June 1990. Norma would be 59. Case number 474076. Latoya Salazar, missing since Jan. 21. Latoya is 39. Case number 23Y006581. Eleanor Marie Trujillo, missing since Feb. 1, 1996. She would be 65 today. Case number 97-0062. Mary Young Running Crane, missing since Dec. 30, 2022. Mary is 48. Case number 22Y043511. Klickitat County Sheriff's Office, 509-773-4455 Roland Sconawah Sam, missing since No. 20, 2013. He would be 33 today. Case number 13-004109. If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. Exxon Mobil logo and stock graph are seen through a magnifier American oil giant Exxon Mobil is poised to do its biggest deal in more than two decades as it prepares to buy a rival shale producer for $60bn (49bn). The company is reported to be closing in on a takeover of Pioneer Natural Resources, the third-largest producer of oil in the Permian basin after Chevron and ConocoPhillips. It would be Exxons biggest deal since 1998, when it acquired Mobil for $81bn. The tie-up would also expand the companys presence in the Permian, a basin spanning Texas and New Mexico that forms the epicentre of the American oil and gas industry. On Thursday, Pioneers share price valued it at about $50bn. By comparison, Exxon was valued at $436bn and is the worlds fourth-largest oil company by production. With talks still ongoing, a deal could be reached in the coming days, sources told Reuters and the Wall Street Journal. The companies have declined to comment. American oil companies have greatly outperformed European rivals over the last year, as they take a more bullish approach to fossil fuels. While BP and Shell have pledged to invest large sums in low-carbon energy and vowed to reach net zero emissions by 2050, Exxon and fellow US giant Chevron are spending less in percentage terms and are ramping up oil and gas output. The strategy paid dividends for US operators after the fallout from the Ukraine war sent global oil and gas prices soaring. Shares in Exxon surged 75pc last year, while Shell and BP climbed only around 35pc. The move has led analysts to suggest BP and Shell may further cut their green ambitions to focus more on profit-making. Earlier this year, BP scaled back its green plans while Shell has reportedly explored selling a stake in its green energy business. Experts said that acquiring Pioneer would boost Exxons oil reserves without the company having to take new risks on exploration and development. Bill Smead, chief investment officer of Smead Capital Management, told Reuters: It makes complete sense. You replenish your reserves without poking holes in the ground. Story continues Exxon produced a record 620,000 barrels per day in the Permian basin in the second quarter. This was dwarfed by Pioneers output over the same period, which averaged 711,000. Exxon produces an average of 3.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. A tie-up risks attracting scrutiny from the US Government. President Biden branded Exxons profits last year outrageous at a time when American drivers were paying higher prices at the petrol pumps. The company last year made a record profit of $56bn. 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. FILE - A U.S. Coast Guard boat and Kitsap, Wash., County Sheriff boat search an area, Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, near Freeland, Wash., on Whidbey Island north of Seattle where a chartered floatplane crashed the day before, killing 10 people. On Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that a mechanical issue caused the seaplane to crash. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) SEATTLE (AP) U.S. investigators have confirmed that a mechanical issue caused the seaplane crash that killed 10 people off an island in Washington state last year. The National Transportation Safety Board, which investigated the Sept. 4, 2022, crash, said Thursday that a single component of a critical flight control system failed, causing an unrecoverable, near-vertical descent into Puget Sound's Mutiny Bay near Whidbey Island. About 85% of the aircraft was recovered from the ocean floor several weeks after the crash. NTSB investigators examining the wreckage found that a component called an actuator, which moves the plane's horizontal tail and controls the airplane's pitch, had become disconnected. That failure would have made it impossible for the pilot to control the airplane. Evidence showed the failure happened before the crash, not as a result of it, investigators concluded. The plane was a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter turboprop operated by Renton-based Friday Harbor Seaplanes. It was headed to the Seattle suburb of Renton from Friday Harbor, a popular tourist destination in the San Juan Islands, when it abruptly fell into Mutiny Bay and sank. The pilot and all nine passengers died. Witnesses said, and video showed, that the plane had been level before climbing slightly and then falling, the NTSB said. The Mutiny Bay accident is an incredibly painful reminder that a single point of failure can lead to catastrophe in our skies, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a news release. Weeks after the crash, the NTSB said the cause appeared to be the disconnected actuator and issued a recommendation that all operators of the DHC-3 planes immediately inspect that part of the flight control system. In early November, the FAA issued an emergency directive to operators mandating the inspections, The Seattle Times reported. The NTSB in its final report recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada require operators of those planes to install a secondary locking feature, so this kind of tragedy never happens again, Homendy said. Story continues Friday Harbor Seaplanes didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Thursday. Those who died in the crash include pilot Jason Winters, Sandy Williams of Spokane, Washington; Ross Mickel, his pregnant wife Lauren Hilty and their child Remy Mickel, of Medina, Washington; Joanne Mera of San Diego; Patricia Hicks of Spokane, Washington; Rebecca and Luke Ludwig, of Excelsior, Minnesota; and Gabrielle Hanna of Seattle. Lawsuits have been filed in King County Superior Court by the family members of the victims against the aircrafts charter operator, Friday Harbor Seaplanes; as well as the DHC-3 Otter manufacturer, de Havilland Aircraft of Canada; and the planes certificate holder, Viking Air saying they are responsible for the deaths. Nate Bingham, who is representing the Ludwigs families, said the plane crashed because of an antiquated design with a single point of failure. The companies have not responded to requests for comment about the lawsuits. Northwest Seaplanes said last year it was heartbroken over the crash and was working with the FAA, NTSB and Coast Guard. 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. Some of the approximately 2,000 shipping containers being stored on the state prison grounds in Tucson after they were removed from the border. One or more could be yours. Ungaria cumpara cantitati record de petrol din Kazahstan Premierul Ungariei, Viktor Orban, si ministrul ungar de externe si al comertului, Peter Szijjarto, care au participat la cel de-al 10-lea summit al Organizatiei Statelor Turcice, la Astana, se lauda cu faptul ca au reusit la Bruxelles scoaterea extractiei de petrol din Marea Caspica [citeste mai departe] The 20th Budapest Design Week opened in the Museum of Ethnography on Thursday, providing an overview of the outstanding objects and highlights of Hungarian design over the past two decades. In his address, Laszlo Bodis, Deputy State Secretary for Innovation, paid tribute to the two Hungarian-born scientists, biochemist Katalin Kariko and Ferenc Krausz, who have received this years Nobel prize in medicine and physics, respectively, saying that they had turned their outstanding discoveries into practice. In innovation and science, the goal is the same: it is to explore how we can put research findings and scientific results at the service of society and the economy. Speaking about innovation and design, Bodis noted that the procedure of awarding design pattern licences will be significantly simplified and shortened from January next year. In addition, the Development and Innovation Office has set up a 500 million forint (EUR 1.3m) scheme to provide grants for applicants seeking support to obtain design patents, he said. Daniella Koos, the curator of the Budapest Design Week, said that the event opens with an exhibition featuring the recipients of the Hungarian Design Award and the Design Management Award running in the museum until Oct 15. The awards will be presented at a gala evening on Thursday evening. Click here to know more about Budapest Design Week Nestle Hungaria is investing 90 billion forints (EUR 231.5m) to expand the capacity of its plant in Buk, in south-west Hungary, and will create 280 jobs in the process, Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said. The pet food manufacturing plant in Buk uses sustainable resources to produce its electricity, Szijjarto said. He also noted that Nestle conducted a 390 million forint training programme, which the government supported with a 193 million forint grant, he said. The programme contributed to the Hungarian economys technological progress, he said. Fully 90% of Nestles products are exported, further raising Hungarys trade balance, he said. Hungarys food industry employs 145,000 people, and its value jumped to 6,500 billion forints by 2022, he added. Plant head Peter Noszek said the Buk plant is scheduled to create over 500 jobs between 2020 and 2025, and has employees from 187 localities in the area. The regulation on the compulsory bottle return scheme to be in effect from January 1 has been published in the Hungarian Gazette. Accordingly, products subject to mandatory return fee include all glass, metal and plastic bottles and beverage cans with a capacity of between 1 decilitre and 3 litres, except for milk and milk-based beverages. Producers are obliged to affix the legally required markings on the packaging concerned. In addition, other products or packaging may be voluntarily classified as returnable based on an agreement with the distributor. The return fee for non-reusable drinks packaging is Ft 50 per item. The return fee is paid by the producers to waste management company MOHU on a monthly basis. Returns must be accepted by vending machines, or manually in grocery stores larger than 400 square metres. Mandatory return points must be established in municipalities with more than 1,000 inhabitants. Retail outlets that are obliged to operate vending machines will soon be able to register with MOHU. Shops with smaller sales areas can join the system voluntarily. Producers with a volume of less than 5,000 units per year and bottles of special shapes and sizes may be exempted from the system. During the transitional period, until June 30, 2024, beverage containers still on the market without labelling will not be phased out and will remain on the shelves of shops for an indefinite period. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organisation, will soon pay a visit to Hungary to attend the official inauguration of WHOs Budapest centre, the foreign minister said on Facebook. After talks with Ghebreyesus in Geneva, Peter Szijjarto praised the WHO chief as a leader who has retained WHO as a politics-free, professional organisation, which came to be crucial in defeating coronavirus. Szijjarto and Ghebreyesus agreed that protecting the health of people has nothing to do with geopolitics viruses will not observe borders, political approaches, or geopolitical conflicts saving health requires a united, global approach. In health there is no room for an East-West dispute, Szijjarto said. Concerning a recent rise in coronavirus cases, Szijjarto quoted Ghebreyesus as saying: The world is incomparably more prepared now than it was 3 or 4 years ago we have the necessary vaccines, the natural immunity that has developed since then and broad knowledge about the virus itself. Nobody wants to see the lockdowns and quarantines again, and luckily it seems that they wont be necessary, Szijjarto added. NEWARK, N.J. (AP) The families of two New Jersey firefighters who were killed battling a July blaze inside a cargo ship said Friday a malfunctioning vehicle being used to load cargo onto the ship caused the fire. Relatives of Newark firefighters Captains Augusto Augie Acabou and Wayne Bear Brooks Jr. held a news conference outside the firehouse where the two had worked, saying litigation to be filed in the coming months will seek to hold accountable the Italian shipping company that owned the ship, as well as two stevedore companies involved in loading the vessel. The families already have filed notice of intent to sue the city of Newark, alleging the city did not adequately train firefighters to battle onboard ship fires. The two died battling a fire that broke out July 5 when the Grande Costa dAvorio caught fire in Port Newark, one of the nation's busiest seaports. The vessel was carrying automobiles. Wayne was taken from us in a manner that was entirely preventable, said Michele Brooks, the widow of Wayne Brooks. The news conference was held outside the headquarters of Engine 16 on what would have been Acabous 46th birthday. His brother Miguel said the families want to prevent future occurrences like this from happening, so no other families have to suffer, just like we are, and will forever. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said he understands the families' need to understand what happened so that they can make some kind of sense out of their loss. The city wants the same thing, Baraka said. We trust that the investigators are completing their process as quickly and expeditiously as possible while maintaining the integrity of their examination and analysis. Its my deep hope that this investigation will yield the information the families need for healing, and that the answers will benefit all firefighters in Newark, and everywhere. Mark Apostolos, an attorney for the families, said his firm's investigation determined that a Jeep Wrangler being used to push cargo on board the ship was observed to have been emitting smoke from its engine compartment several hours before the fire began. Story continues Despite that, those men continued to use that Jeep Wrangler until it started a blaze, he said. That Jeep Wrangler ended up causing a massive inferno to take place aboard the ship's top decks. Acabou and Brooks were caused to enter into that fire and ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice, Apostolos said. He said legal time restraints have thus far prevented the filing of a lawsuit in the case, which he said would happen in the coming months. The Grimaldi Group, the Italian company that owns the ship, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Friday. The company has previously said the crew immediately activated onboard fire suppression procedures and local firefighters were called, triggering a prompt response that was crucial to containing and controlling the blaze. It also said no electric cars or hazardous cargo were on board, no fuel spills had been detected, and the stability of the ship was not compromised. But Apostolos faulted the performance of two five-member firefighting teams consisting of crew members who were responsible for trying to put out the fire. He said they failed to put it out using extinguishers and hoses, and also incorrectly used a CO2-based fire suppression system designed to extinguish a fire by depriving it of oxygen, snuffing it out. While the system was activated, a door to the main garage on deck 12 remained open, providing the fire with continuous oxygen to sustain the flames, and rendering the CO2 system useless, Apostolos said. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not yet determined an official cause of the fire. The Coast Guard did not respond to a request for comment Friday. ___ Follow Wayne Parry on X, formerly known as Twitter, at https://twitter.com/WayneParryAC. December 30, 1979 September 28, 2023 Benjamin Paul Myers, 43, son of Steven Paul Myers and Kaye (Dendinger) Myers was born on December 30, 1979 and died of natural causes Thursday, September 28, 2023. Ben was known as a quiet genius with a big and tender heart. He died while living where he loved, on his boat in Lake City, Minn. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 12 at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30 p.m., St. Thomas More Church located at 1700 8th Street South in Brookings, S.D. View the livestream of the Funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. CST by going to the live tab on Saint Thomas More Brookings YouTube.com When Ben was a year old, his great Uncle, Ben Reifel, shared his Lakota Sioux name Lone Feather in an official ceremony on Lake Poinsett. This would somehow foretell Bens future as a reflective person, preferring to stand strong and watch, wonder, absorb and embrace. As a small child in York Ben was curious about everything from music to computers to animals to reading how to fix a Toro lawn mower. He was always ready for the next project. When Ben was 5 years old, the family moved to Brookings, S.D. Here he continued to pursue his lessons on the piano, violin and trumpet. While in grade school, Ben helped take his team to compete at a state level with Odyssey of the Mind and enjoyed camping year round with his Boy Scout Troop. The family moved to Storm Lake, Iowa when Ben was 14 years old. There he earned his Eagle Scout Award and joined the Academic Decathlon Competition often being called to substitute in almost any topic area. He was also active in swim team, track, theater and featured on the trumpet in the Iowa All-State Jazz Band. Ben continued his passion for theater at Iowa State University by completing a degree in Performing Arts. Rather than being under the spotlight on the stage, he would prefer illuminating the talents of others from the lighting and sound booth behind the scenes. But being the creative, unique and incredibly smart guy that he was, he pursued his career in computers, technology and worked with projects no one else seemed to comprehend. Survived by his two children, Nathaniel (Nat) and Catherine (Cat) of Lakeville, Minn.; previous wife, Jennifer Pol of Laveville, Minn.; mother, Kaye Myers of Brookings, S.D.; siblings, Amy Myers of Sioux Falls, S.D., Charlie (Lianna) of St. Charles, Ill. and Andrew (MaKayla) of Brookings, S.D. and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Steve Myers; his maternal grandparents, Don and Edna Dendinger and his paternal grandparents, Tex and Jill Myers. Ben taught us all that it is better to listen with your whole heart than speak. He was the most caring, understanding, and non-judgmental person always ready for an in-depth dialogue on any topic of interest. As unique an intellect that you could ever hope to meet. He will be missed by all who knew him. Bollywood actors have a deep-rooted relationship with luxury cars. Time after time, these stars extend this relationship with the cars by purchasing new models. Adding to the list, the sister of Saif Ali Khan, actress Soha Ali Khan has brought home a brand new Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV for her birthday. The SUV from the German automaker is one of the most opulent SUVs in India and is sold with a price tag of around Rs 1.08 crore (ex-showroom). With this purchase, Soha Ali Khan has joined the actors like Sushmita Sen, Farhan Akhtar, Boman Irani, Krushna Abhishek and others as owners of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Based on the pictures, Soha seems to have chosen the Polar White colour of the car. Besides, white the car is available in multiple other colours including Mojave Silver Metallic, Designo Hyacinth Red Metallic, Obsidian Black Metallic, Cavansite Blue Metallic, and Selenite Grey Metallic. Also read: How Driverless Cars Can Change Urban Landscape And Improve Cities - Opinion In the Indian auto market, there are three versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV: the GLE 300d, GLE 400d, and GLE 450. It is still unknown which of the three SUV models Soha Ali Khan purchased. The Mumbai-based Mercedes-Benz dealer posted a photo of her receiving her new SUV at her home on its social media pages. The premium midsize luxury SUV comes with a standard five-seat layout. Regarding the variations, the base GLE 300d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that can provide a maximum of 241 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The GLE 400d comes next; it has a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with a maximum output of 700 Nm of torque and 326 horsepower of power. The GLE 450 is the only model of the GLE-Class available with a petrol engine. It has a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 362 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. All three of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vehicles offered in India are long-wheelbase models that come standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive from the automaker. Movie- Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue Cast- Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, Kumud Mishra, Pavan Malhotra, Ravi Kishan, Varun Badola, Jameel Khan, Dibyendu Bhattacharya Director- Tinu Suresh Desai Producer- Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh and Ajay Kapoor Duration- 2.18 hours Rating- 4 Stars Mission Raniganj Movie Review: Akshay Kumar has always been an amazing choice when it comes to portraying real-life heroes on the silver screen. 'Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue' is the story of how Jaswant Singh Gill, Additional Chief Mining Engineer, rescued 65 miners from a deadly flooded coal mine in West Bengal's Raniganj in 1989, at a time when everyone had given up the hope on their survival. The film has showcased a real-life story loaded with action, family drama, emotion, and yes, love! How amid the politics and disagreement of the local government, life of innocent people get in jeopardy. Akshay Kumar has beautifully portrayed the real-life hero Jaswant Singh Gill in the film. The actor is known for his strong screen presence and his ability to excel in diverse genres has earned him a broad fan base. With 'Mission Raniganj', he proved once again that he is one of the most versatile actors in Hindi cinema. His brilliant acting, dialogue delivery, and expressions as the mining engineer are impressive in the film. The actor, who recently tasted success with his last release 'OMG 2', will close the year in style with his brilliant performance as the braveheart who risked his life to rescue the trapped miners. While 'Mission Raniganj' is engaging and thrilling and will keep the viewers on the edge of their seats for two hours, the film also captivates the audience with a soft romance between the lead actor and Parineeti Chopra, who plays his wife Nirdosh Kaur Gill. While the actress got limited screen time in the film, she did justice to her role. Apart from Akshay and Parineeti, 'Mission Raniganj' boasts of a great supporting cast, including Kumud Mishra, Pavan Malhotra, Ravi Kishan, Varun Badola, Jameel Khan, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, who played their characters with ease. The inspiring story will keep you hooked throughout as the twists and turns are nerve-wracking at times. While there are some cliches in the film, and the makers could have done a better job with the writing, the gritty evacuation drama deserves applause and should be on the watch list of everyone. Do watch 'Mission Raniganj' in theatres for Akshay's acting and fabulous effort by the makers to depict the gripping saga from the 80s on the screen. Watch the trailer here: A Pooja Entertainment Production - 'Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue,' is produced by the powerhouse team of Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, and Ajay Kapoor. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, the film is expected to win the hearts of fans and Box Office wars, as there is no strong competition present around. New Delhi: Kailash Vijayvargiya, a prominent BJP leader and assembly candidate from Madhya Pradesh, has announced a special reward for the BJP booth chiefs. Addressing an election rally in Indore, Vijayvargiya said that the BJP booth chief of the polling booth where Congress will not get any vote will be given a reward of 51 thousand rupees. Vijayvargiya is the BJP candidate from Indore-1 assembly seat. He said "please vote for BJP, Congress should not get a single vote from this ward. I have announced that the in-charge of the polling booth where Congress will not be able to open its account of votes, I will give him a reward of 51 thousand rupees,". The entire meeting was filled with applause as soon as the senior BJP leader made this announcement. It is to be noted that Vijayvargiya was also the mayor of Indore city earlier. He also said that he did not come to Madhya Pradesh to become only a legislator. He hinted that if BJP comes to power, he is one of the strong contenders for the chief ministers post. Hinting at big responsibility, he said "I assure you that BJP will come to power once again. I have not come here to become only a legislator. The party will give me a big responsibility. If I get a big responsibility, I will do a big job. I assure you that we have done development before and we will continue the work of development of the state." New Delhi: A massive fire engulfed a five-storey building in Goregaon, Mumbai, in the wee hours of Friday, claiming the lives of seven people and injuring 44 others, news agency ANI quoted officials as saying. Out of the total injured, the condition of 5 is critical, 35 persons are being treated and 4 of the injured people have been discharged. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that 46 people were rescued from the blaze that erupted around 3 am at Jay Bhavani building, on MG Road, near Azad Maidan. The fire was classified as Level 2, which means it required moderate firefighting efforts. The injured were rushed to HBT and Cooper Hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Speaking to ANI, relative of a victim said, "Our family members and relatives were there. My aunt has died. A short circuit occurred at around 1.30 am and then the fire spread... The fire spread to the 7th floor... From our family, one dead body is with them, they said they will hand it over in an hour..." New Delhi: Announcing its Monetary Policy Review on Friday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that gold loan under bullet payment scheme has been doubled from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). "UCBs have been permitted an extended glide path for achievement of PSL targets, beyond March 2023. With a view to incentivising UCBs that have met the prescribed PSL targets as on March 31, 2023, it has been decided to increase the monetary ceiling of gold loans that can be granted under the bullet repayment scheme from 2.00 lakh to 4.00 lakh for such UCBs who have met the overall PSL target and sub targets as on March 31, 2023," said an RBI release. The central bank added that such UCBs will be required to continue to meet the targets and sub-targets thereafter. RBI will issue a detailed guideline regarding the matter separately, it said. "Incidentally, in terms of our circular, DOR.CRE.REC.18/07.10.002/2023-24 dated June 8, 2023, granting extension of time for achieving the Priority sector lending targets it was clarified that incentives to UCBs meeting the PSL targets shall be announced separately," RBI said. Delhi Metro commuters will now be able to travel on all corridors of the rapid transit system, including the Gurugram Rapid Metro, using a WhatsApp-based ticketing service, as the DMRC has extended the service on all lines. The service was first launched on the Airport Express Line in May. "The DMRC has now extended this cutting-edge service to cover all lines in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), including the Gurugram Rapid Metro in collaboration with Meta and their authorised partner Pelocal Fintech Pvt. Ltd.," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said in a statement. Also read: Indian Railways To Achieve 100 Per Cent Electrification Of Tracks In Next Few Months: PM Modi Since its introduction on the Airport Line, passengers have been experiencing the convenience of this service. Passengers can now simply send a message with the text 'Hi' to +91 9650855800 on WhatsApp or scan the provided QR code to effortlessly purchase metro tickets using their smartphones across the whole network, officials said. This user-friendly WhatsApp chatbot is available in both English and Hindi, catering to a wide range of metro riders. "The service now extends its reach across the entire DMRC network covering all stations, including Gurugram Rapid Metro corridor. With the introduction of this WhatsApp-based ticketing system, metro travellers now have the convenience of purchasing tickets with just a single click, from the comfort of their homes or workplaces," the statement said. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC, said, "Providing metro commuters with the option to purchase metro tickets through a simple chat will significantly enhance their travel experience. WhatsApp is the preferred messaging platform for the majority of Indians, and buying a metro ticket will now be as easy as messaging a friend or family member. We are confident that this integration will encourage more commuters to choose the Delhi metro as their preferred mode of travel." "Our goal is to simplify the transit experience for WhatsApp users, and this is another step in that direction. Every day, millions of commuters rely on the Delhi Metro to reach their desired destinations, and we are thrilled to provide this ticketing experience within their WhatsApp chats," Ravi Garg, Director, Business Messaging, Meta in India, was quoted as saying in the statement. To initiate the service, commuters will have to add the DMRC's official WhatsApp number 9650855800 in their phone's contact list. For single and group journeys, a maximum six QR code-based tickets can be generated for each passenger, the officials said. Tickets can be booked between 6 am to 9 pm for all lines, and from 4 am to 11 pm for the Airport Line (Orange Line), the DMRC said. Ticket cancellations are not allowed in WhatsApp ticketing. A marginal convenience fee will be applied to transactions made via credit or debit card, while no convenience fee will be charged for UPI-based transactions, it said. Syria on Friday held funerals for scores of people killed in a drone attack on a graduation ceremony at a military academy in the Homs region the previous day, one of the bloodiest strikes against the military in more than 12 years of civil war. Several weaponised drones hit the Homs Military Academy's courtyard where families were gathered with the new officers on Thursday, minutes after defence minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas had left. Syria declared three days of mourning. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack. Syria's defence and foreign ministries blamed what they described as terrorist groups, without specifying further, and vowed to respond "with full force". On Friday morning, coffins carrying victims and draped in the Syrian flag were sent out from the Homs Military Hospital. A military band played somberly and lined up troops gave the salute. At the scene, Abbas said the blood spilt was "precious." Syria's health ministry said 89 people had been killed, including 31 women and five children. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reports on the Syrian conflict, put the toll at above 120. Throughout the night and into the early morning on Friday, Syrian government troops blasted artillery shells into rebel-held territory in the northern provinces of Idlib and Aleppo, according to the Observatory and the civil defence group known as the White Helmets, which operate in opposition-held areas. At least 12 civilians have been killed in that bombardment, according to the Observatory. Authorities have cancelled group Friday prayers, fearing that mosques could be attacked. Thursday's strike was an unprecedented use of drones against government forces in the war, which began with protests against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011 and spiralled into a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. In June, a drone attacked Assad's hometown of Qardaha in the province of Latakia. But Thursday's attack involving a swarm of drones represented the deadliest and most coordinated use of the weapon yet against the government side. Assad has drawn heavily on military backing from Russia, Iran, and Tehran-backed militias during the war, after the Syrian army was rocked by defections early in the conflict. Russia has helped in efforts to strengthen the Syrian military. TORONTO: With New Delhi asking Canada to withdraw 41 out its 62 diplomats in India by October 10 to achieve a parity in the number of diplomatic staff in each country, Ottawa has reportedly evacuated its staff from its High Commission to Southeast Asia, according to a media report. The CTV report said that Canada has evacuated the majority of its diplomatic staff from India and shifted them to either Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) or Singapore. But there was no official word on their evacuation from New Delhi. The news comes amid claims by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly on Tuesday that the government was engaged diplomatically with India on the issue of staff reduction. We are in contact with the government of India. We take Canadian diplomats safety very seriously, and we will continue to engage privately because we think that diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private, Jolie had said. Amid the worsening bilateral ties, India has asked Canada to withdraw the 41 diplomats from the country by October 10 and failing to comply with the deadline will see them lose their diplomatic immunity. There are more than 60 Canadian diplomats posted in India. Meanwhile on Thursday, the External Affairs Ministrysaid that a parity has been sought in diplomatic presence. "On discussions on parity, given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here and their interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told mediapersons in response to a question on the issue. He further informed that discussions are ongoing to achieve parity. "Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction," he said. Last month, after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged in Parliament that Indian intelligence agents may have been involved in the murder of Sikh pro-Khalistan hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the diplomatic relations have hit an all time low between the two nations. Following Trudeau's allegations, the two nations have expelled a diplomat each. India had also termed Canada's allegations as "politically driven". Canada PM Justin Trudeau appears to have no idea how his actions are not only tarnishing his country's image but also demeaning his stature. Be it his viral conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping or his baseless allegations against India, Trudeau appears to failed to learn the lessons from his mistakes. In the latest incident, Trudeau faced another embarrassment after he winked at the newly elected speaker inside Parliament. Trudeau's winking video has gone viral ever since. The Canadian PM has been at odds with his Indian counterparts ever since coming to office due to his inaction against anti-India elements including Khalistani extremists. While India has repeatedly asked Canada to take action against those carrying out anti-India activities, Trudeau's government gave a free pass to radicals on the pretext of free speech. Last month, Trudeau reportedly jumped the gun when he accused India of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. While India rejected the allegations, it also demanded proof from Canada which Trudeau failed to furnish. Since Trudeau's allegations, India has taken several counter-actions against Canada. It recently asked Canada to withdraw at least 41 diplomats from India to achieve parity in diplomats. Following the move, Canada has reportedly shifted the majority of its diplomats out of India. In the last few years, Canada has become a safe haven for Khalistani extremists or those carrying anti-India activities. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also said in the United States that Canada is harbouring secessionist forces and have become a safe place for terrorists. NEW YORK The campaign treasurer for U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in Long Island on Thursday, admitting she and the Republican congressman lied about how much donor money the candidate was bringing in so he could qualify for a national program. Santos, who notoriously campaigned on a series of lies about his professional and personal life, was indicted in May for alleged wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to Congress. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Marks on Thursday admitted that she and Santos conspired to falsify fundraising records to make it look like the campaign had raised more than $250,000 in a single quarter which would qualify them for financial and other help from a national campaign committee. They did that by agreeing to falsely report to the FEC that 10 of their family members made contributions to the campaign when they hadnt, and that Santos had loaned his own campaign $500,000 when he made no such loan, according to federal prosecutors. The campaign hadnt hit that $250,000 threshold in the third quarter of 2021 to quality for the second phase of the national committees program, so Marks and Santos agreed to get creative, according to court filings. We are going to do this a little different. I got it, Santos sent in an Oct. 12, 2021, text, according to the feds. Right before Marks sent the FEC report detailing the bogus family donations, Santos sent her texts about hitting the threshold, telling her on Jan. 30, 2022, he was lost and desperate, according to court documents. That March, before the campaign falsely reporting the $500,000 loan, court documents say Santos wrote to an associate: I have a very important meeting at the end of this week with (the national campaign committee). This meeting will decide if they will invest in my race & so we need to come in with very strong fundraising numbers. There are several million dollars on the line with this. Story continues Santos ultimately qualified for the national committees program, and got financial and logistical support for his campaign, court documents say. Marks pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud, make materially false statement, obstruct the administration of the Federal Election Commission and commit aggravated identity theft. With todays guilty plea, Marks has admitted that she conspired with a congressional candidate to lie to the FEC and, by extension, the public about the financial state of the candidates campaign for New Yorks 3rd Congressional District, falsely inflating the campaigns reported receipts with nonexistent contributions and loans, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said Thursday. Under federal sentencing guidelines, she could face 42 to 48 months behind bars. A spokesman for Peace wouldnt comment on whether she was cooperating against Santos. Santos lawyer, Joe Murray, declined comment Thursday. Marks was arraigned in Long Island federal court before Judge Joanna Seybert, the same judge handling Santos case, and released on $100,000 bond. Santos is accused of collecting COVID-related unemployment funds while working as an investment firm director, running a bogus PAC and using campaign donor money to buy designer clothes and pay his personal debts, and lying to Congress about his assets and income. The first-term congressman, who represents parts of Long Island and parts of Queens, won his race on a foundation of fabrications about his education, religion, family history, professional experience and property ownership. Last month, one of his staffers, Samuel Miele, was also hit with federal charges aggravated identity theft and four counts of wire fraud. Miele is accused of impersonating former House Speaker Kevin McCarthys now-retired chief of staff to dupe donors into giving Santos money during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles. New Delhi: Fans are super excited for Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan's 'Fighter,' which is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2024. They will be seen sharing the screen space for the first time and fans are extremely excited for this. Recently, many pictures from the set of the film are going viral and today one such click of the Diva Deepika Padukone has surfaced online. Deepika can be seen posing with one of the members of her team as she wrapped up shooting for the film in Italy. In the picture, DeePee is with Augustus Pereira, who is a part of choreographer Bosco Martis' team. The actress exudes charm as she smiles in the sun-kissed picture. She looks stunning in a white striped shirt with baggy denim jeans, she completed her look with a pair of sunglasses. Sharing the picture on Instagram, Augustus wrote, "And its a wrap for Italy schedule.Thanks@deepikapadukone @marflix_pictures." Siddharth Anand has been filming two songs with actors Hrithik and Deepika Padukone at the beautiful Phi beach on the Italian island of Baja Sardinia. The trio has been filming a dance number followed by a romantic ballad. Actor Arfeen Khan took to Instagram to post the picture. He wrote, Fighter in action amazing people, amazing shoot @hrithikroshan @deepikapadukone @boscomartis. Deepika can be seen in a white dress. While Hrithik chose a blue t-shirt with black hoodie. Recently, Fighter director Siddharth Anand took to his social media to announce that it's a wrap for Hrithik and Deepika's Fighter Italy schedule. Talking about the film, 'Fighter' also stars Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on January 25, 2024. 'Fighter' is an aerial action film. The film marks Hrithik's first on-screen collaboration with Deepika. Siddharth Anand announced the film in 2021. Meanwhile, Deepika will be next seen in the Pan-India action thriller film Kalki 2898 AD opposite Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. Hrithik, on the other hand, was last seen in a crime thriller film 'Vikram Vedha' alongside Saif Ali Khan and Radhika Apte. Apart from 'Fighter', he will also be seen in the action thriller film War 2 alongside Jr NTR and Kiara Advani. New Delhi: Actress Kriti Sanon, who was recently honoured with a national award for her performance in 'Mimi', is one of the most well-recognised talented actresses in the industry. Kriti has been making waves not only for her hotness, but also for her brilliant performances, and line of upcoming exciting projects. Apart from launching her own skincare brand and production house, Kriti Sanon is set to set silver screens on fire with her upcoming release, 'Ganapath'. Recently, the song from the movie, Ganapath named, 'Hum Aaye Hai' dropped and fans cannot stop hailing how gorgeous Kriti Sanon looks in this! Be it her smooth and graceful moves, her hot outfits, or the elegance with which she carries herself! She's seen donning upon two different outfits. One is a black dress with a knee-high slit and leather top whereas the other is a brownish maroon dress with an open patch that flaunts the actress' abs! Kriti Sanon is slaying both these outfits and for sure increasing temperatures! Fans also seem to not get enough of her hotness, and are taking it to their social media handles to openly compliment this stunning actress! One user tweeted saying, "Ufff so tempting #KritiSanon Just look at her sexy expressions" while another said, "#KritiSanon is the hottest". Tweets like, "I'm sorry! I can't control myself, my sweetheart. Your just #KritiSanon #Ganapath and "Kriti Sanon breathing fire #KritiSanon #kritisanonhot @kritisanon were taking the instagram by a storm! Ufff so tempting _ #KritiSanon Just look at her sexy expressions __ pic.twitter.com/CHMUH9pfBN Rahan (@AVInFo18) October 6, 2023 The Sexy Sanon is back to set fire on internet ___ Look at her figure _ #KritiSanon pic.twitter.com/mKLKNVS3n1 October 6, 2023 KRITI SANON is such a tease_ Killing it with her moves and expressions __ #Ganapath #KritiSanon #TigerShroff pic.twitter.com/1OPixDCESq Zoya Khan (@SweetZzoya) October 5, 2023 On the work front, apart of the highly anticipated film, Ganatpath, Kriti also has her maiden production house project, 'Do Patti' and Rhea Kapoors, 'The Crew'. Karnataka Diploma CET Result 2023: Students eagerly await the KEA DCET Results 2023 result link. According to the reports, the Karnataka Diploma CET Result 2023 is expected to be issued today. However, official confirmation is still pending. Candidates are encouraged to check the KEA official website-kea.kar.nic.in for the most up-to-date information on Karnataka DCET Result 2023. The Karnataka DCET 2023 test was held on September 9, 2023, in a single shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. On September 12, 2023, the Karnataka diploma entrance test tentative answer key was released. Karnataka Diploma CET Result 2023: Heres how to check Step 1: Go to the KEA's official website at kea.kar.nic.in or cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Step 2: Scroll down the homepage to find the Karnataka Diploma CET result 2023 link. Step 3: By clicking on the link, you will be directed to the DCET page. Step 4: Navigate to the Karnataka DCET result page. Step 5: Fill in the required fields (registration number and date of birth). Step 6: Submit the information Step 7: Save the Karnataka DCET scorecard to your computer in pdf format. Step 8: Print the results for future reference. KEA DCET Counselling 2023 After the results are announced, KEA DCET Counselling 2023 will take place, and qualified candidates will need to attend in order to be admitted into the courses offered by the participating institutes. Registration, choice filling, allotment, and reporting are all part of the DCET counselling procedure. Seats will be assigned based on the candidate's rank, preference, and the availability of seats. New Delhi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to collect the damages from the accused who has been booked for digging up a newly built road in Shahjahanpur because the contractor did not pay the alleged goonda tax. The accused is an associate of a BJP MLA, as per an FIR filed in this matter. The FIR states that the MLAs crony, along with 15-20 accomplices, used a heavy earth-mover to tear up the road on October 2 night. Ramesh Singh of M/s Shakuntala Singh, Gorakhpur, the firm that was building the road, said: The road was seven-km long and was being built at a project cost of Rs 12.5 crore. The accused, Jagveer Singh, claimed to be an associate of the local MLA and demanded 5 per cent of the project cost as tax. He and his accomplices have been harassing and assaulting our workers on site for the past few months. "We were about to finish the project in 15 days when he and his gang arrived at the site with a heavy earth-mover around 9 p.m. on October 2. They ripped up a three km section of the road and made holes in the rest of the stretch. Shahjahanpur SP Ashok Kumar Meena said: We lodged the FIR right after we received the application on October 3. We also detained some people for interrogation and a police team is working to nab the main culprit soon. A government statement said that Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agrawal has ordered Public Works Department (PWD) chief engineer Sanjay Tiwari to evaluate the damage to the road and the financial loss caused by it. Agrawal also said that the police were raiding places to arrest all the culprits in the case. The Jaitpur police in Shahjahanpur have registered the case under the Damage to Public Property Act 1984 and other related sections. New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Chief Minister of Delhi, strongly criticized the central government on Friday, accusing them of squandering time and resources of investigative agencies in concocting baseless cases against his party and the AAP government in connection with the purported liquor scam. Kejriwal expressed his frustration with the ongoing investigations, stating, "They are merely fabricating false accusations. The investigations have yielded nothing substantial. This is a futile exercise for the investigative bodies. Despite numerous raids and searches by central agencies, no incriminating evidence has surfaced." In a scathing attack on the Center, Kejriwal emphasized, "...After thorough investigations, what have they uncovered?... You heard the Supreme Court's stance yesterday, stating that the entire liquor scam is baseless, with not even a single rupee being illicitly exchanged. The judge repeatedly demanded evidence, but none was provided. In a few days, the liquor scam narrative will fade, and they will conjure up something else. Their aim is to entangle individuals in endless investigations and agency interference, stalling progress for all." #WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "...They probed us so much, did anything come out?...You heard the Supreme Court yesterday, the entire liquor scam is false, no even a penny was exchanged. Judge kept asking for evidence but they had none. In a few days, the liquor scam pic.twitter.com/jGPdWyWmFd ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2023 Kejriwal and the AAP have intensified their verbal assault on the Center following the arrest of their Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh, in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case earlier this week. The Enforcement Directorate conducted a raid at Sanjay Singh's residence in connection with the now-revoked liquor excise policy in the national capital, preceding his arrest. Addressing inquiries regarding the bail application of another AAP leader, Manish Sisodia, currently held in custody, Kejriwal refrained from commenting due to the matter being sub judice. He conveyed his concern that the Supreme Court's probing questions indicated a flawed case. ED Summons Sanjay Singh's Close Aides For Questioning Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned two close associates of Sanjay Singh, Sarvesh Mishra and Vivek Tyagi, for questioning in relation to the money laundering case associated with the Delhi excise policy. The agency is expected to confront them with the evidence collected during the investigation and possibly with Singh as well. Their statements will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Mishra responded to the summons and appeared at the ED office. Sanjay Singh Remanded To 5-Day Custody In Thursday's court hearing, Singh was remanded to five-day custody by the ED. The agency alleged that a businessman, Dinesh Arora, had delivered Rs 2 crore cash in two installments at Singh's residence. While addressing the court, Sanjay Singh proclaimed his arrest as "injustice by Modiji" and predicted electoral defeat for the Prime Minister. However, he has staunchly refuted these allegations. Sanjay Singh's arrest marked a significant development in the ED's money laundering probe linked to the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy case. He became the second prominent leader, following Manish Sisodia, to be apprehended in this case, dealing a substantial blow to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi. ED's investigation revealed that Dinesh Arora allegedly handed over Rs two crore in cash to Singh's residence on two occasions, between August 2021 and April 2022. As Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'poor' level on Friday, authorities in the National Capital Region received directives to rigorously enforce measures outlined in "Stage 1" of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a comprehensive prohibition on the usage of coal in roadside eateries, hotels, and restaurants. During a meeting, the Centre's sub-committee on GRAP highlighted a sudden decline in air quality parameters within the region over the past 24 hours, causing Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach 212, categorizing it as 'poor.' "It is considered necessary to invoke Stage-I of GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR in an effort to take steps to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region," the Commission on Air Quality Management said in a statement. GRAP -- a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the Delhi-NCR region in the winter season -- classifies actions under four different categories - Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300), Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400), Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450), and Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI >450). Under stage 1, authorities are also required to take penal and legal action against polluting industrial units. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: India has accused Canada of having too many diplomats in the country who interfere in its internal affairs and has asked it to reduce their number to match India's presence in Canada. The move comes amid a diplomatic spat between the two nations over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada in June. India's foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday that India wants parity in diplomatic strength and that talks are underway to achieve that. He did not reveal the deadline or the number of diplomats that India has asked Canada to withdraw. The row erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist leader, in June. India strongly denied the allegations and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in retaliation for Canada's expulsion of an Indian official over the case. Bagchi also expressed India's concerns over the security of its diplomats and premises in Canada, saying that India has been raising the issue with Canada regularly. He also said that India is open to looking at any specific or relevant information that Canada may share with it regarding Nijjar's killing. Bagchi also responded to a question on a protest by pro-Khalistani elements in the UK on October 2, saying that India has taken up its concerns on the security of its diplomats and premises there with the UK authorities. He said that the issue is about ensuring that India's diplomats can function normally and that its premises are safe and that the community is not targeted. New Delhi: After leaving a mark on the moon with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now getting ready to establish its first-ever space station. The Indian space agency is already working on its Mars and Venus missions and chief S Somnath has revealed the ISRO's big plan for the space station. In an interview with CGTN, the ISRO Chairman said that the Indian space agency is exploring various possibilities for future missions including the launching of a space station and long-duration human spaceflight. "We are looking at all the possibilities after the success of the Moon mission," Somanath said. "We are looking at what kind of science you can do. We are looking at how the space station can become beneficial for the Indian space economy," he added. After Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the south pole of the moon on August 23, 2023, ISRO also launched its maiden solar mission Aditya L-1 to place it into a halo orbit around Lagrangian Point 1 (or L1), which is 1.5 million km away from the Earth in the direction of the sun. The Indian space agency is also working on its Gaganyaan mission which aims at developing a human-habitable space capsule that will carry a three-member crew into an orbit of 400 km (250 miles) for three days, before returning to safety in a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean. New Delhi: A heated poster duel has erupted between the principal opposition party, Congress, and the ruling BJP after the saffron party posted an image on the micro-blogging platform X portraying Rahul Gandhi as a 'New Age Ravan'. The BJP's portrayal of Rahul Gandhi as 'Ravan' triggered a strong reaction from the Congress, labelling it as unacceptable, ''shameful, and dangerous. The poster released by the BJP depicted Rahul Gandhi with a bearded countenance and seven heads, resembling Ravana - a character from the epic Ramayana. The BJP's poster also drew a link between the Congress leader and George Soros, a billionaire investor accused of involvement in activities perceived as anti-India. Sharing the graphic on their official social media platform 'X,' the BJP captioned it, "India is in Danger. He is Evil. Anti Dharma. Anti Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat." The new age Ravan is here. He is Evil. Anti Dharma. Anti Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat. pic.twitter.com/AwDKxJpDHB BJP (@BJP4India) October 5, 2023 The ongoing poster battle kicked off when Congress shared an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the caption The Biggest Liar, along with another depiction of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit with the caption Jumla Boy preparing for an election rally. Going to hit the election rally soon. pic.twitter.com/GCWWr2bwxi Congress (@INCIndia) October 4, 2023 The ongoing poster war has sparked a lively discussion on social media, with supporters and critics offering diverse perspectives on its symbolism and intent. It underscores the deep-seated political rivalry and polarization in India's current political landscape. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal criticized the graphic of Rahul Gandhi posted by the BJP, labeling it as "shameful" and alleging that the BJP harbors intentions to harm Rahul Gandhi. "No words suffice to condemn the 'shameful' graphic on the BJP handle comparing Rahul Gandhi ji to Ravana. Their malevolent intentions are clear; they intend to harm him. He, who lost his grandmother and father to assassinations. They withdrew his SPG protection for petty political gains," Venugopal stated on X. "After evicting him from his secure residence, they haven't provided another house, despite his request. All of this indicates a meticulously planned conspiracy by the BJP to eliminate their most formidable critic, someone who challenges the very essence of their hate-fueled ideology," the Congress general secretary added. We will not be cowed down, the Congress leader emphasized. As the battle lines are drawn between the two primary parties in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, leaders of both factions have escalated their verbal attacks against each other. The poster battle between the two parties is likely to intensify in the months leading up to elections in five states and the general elections. Both parties had previously employed cartoon strips targeting leaders from the opposing sides on social media. Gangtok: Sikkim is still grappling with the aftermath of a calamitous flash flood that has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 21 lives, including six soldiers. Additionally, over 100 individuals, including 16 soldiers, are still unaccounted for, according to the State Disaster Management Authority's recent update on Friday. The Army and NDRF teams are continuing the search for those who swept away in the fast-flowing water of the Teesta River basin towards downstream North Bengal on the third after the tragedy struck on Wednesday morning. Of the 23 army personnel who were missing from the Burdang area, the bodies of seven have been recovered from different areas downstream while one was rescued and the search is on for 15 missing jawans, Sikkim Chief Minister P S Tamang said. Presently, more than 3,000 tourists find themselves stranded in various parts of Sikkim. In response, 2,500 people have been successfully evacuated, and 6,000 others have sought refuge in designated relief camps. "The Sikkim flash floods have claimed the lives of 19 individuals, and 103 people remain missing," stated the SDMA. Focused search and rescue operations are now concentrated on downstream areas of the Teesta River, primarily targeting the 15 soldiers still missing in Sikkim. Earlier this week, on Wednesday evening, one of the initial 23 missing soldiers was fortunately rescued alive. Sikkim's Chief Secretary, Vijay Bhushan Pathak, reported, "Based on checkpost data, approximately 3,000 people are stranded in Lachen and Lachung. This includes around 700-800 drivers and 3,150 individuals who had travelled on motorcycles and are now stranded. We are coordinating helicopter evacuations with the Army and Air Force to ensure their safe retrieval." Additionally, the Army facilitated communications between those stranded in Lachen and Lachung and their families via voice over the internet. Reports of injuries and missing persons have emerged from Chungthang in Mangan district, Dikchu, Singtam in Gangtok district, and Rangpo in Pakyong district. In Mangan district, four casualties have been confirmed, with 17 individuals reported missing. Similarly, in Gangtok, five fatalities have been confirmed, and 22 people are missing. In Pakyong district, the confirmed death toll stands at 10, including six Army personnel, while 59 individuals remain missing. Fresh Alert Issued Meanwhile, the Sikkim government has issued a fresh alert regarding the potential bursting of a glacial lake and urged tourists to delay their travel plans due to the risk of explosives and ammunition being washed away from an army camp during the recent flash floods. Shako Cho Lake near Lachen is at high risk of bursting, prompting authorities to initiate evacuations in the surrounding area. On Wednesday, the Sikkim Government confirmed the loss of 14 lives and expressed concern for over 102 missing individuals. The State government has requisitioned an additional three platoons of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a request that has been approved by the Central government. A platoon of NDRF is already engaged in rescue efforts in Rangpo and Singtam towns. Another NDRF platoon will soon be airlifted to Chungthang to bolster rescue operations. It is estimated that over 3,000 domestic and foreign tourists are currently stranded in the state. Additionally, plans are in place to deliver essential supplies to Chungthang once weather conditions improve for air travel, as per official reports. In the interim, state officials are apprehensive about potential shortages of essential supplies. The Indian Army and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will be laying Bailey bridges to ensure the transportation of necessities from Siliguri, addressing the concerns raised by the State Chief Secretary. Relief Camps Established, Further Evacuations Conducted The State government has swiftly established 18 relief camps in Singtam, Rangpo, Dikchu, and Adarsh Gaon, the areas most severely affected. However, due to limited connectivity with Chungthang, the Indian Army and other paramilitary forces are taking the initiative to set up relief camps there. The flash flood, triggered by a cloud burst in South Lhonark Lake located in North West Sikkim, resulted in incessant monsoon rainfall on Wednesday morning. The surging floodwaters breached the River Teesta, causing significant damage, including the sweeping away of the Indreni Bridge in Singtam town, approximately 30 kilometres from Gangtok, as reported by the Gangtok District Administration. Another vital connecting bridge in Balutar hamlet was also washed away around 4 AM. Efforts Underway To Restore Hydropower Plants NHPC, the government-owned hydropower company, is diligently working to expedite the reopening of its hydropower plants. The Power Ministry is closely monitoring developments in the Teesta basin following the flash floods. A comprehensive assessment of the damage to hydropower projects in Sikkim will be conducted by the ministry once the floodwaters recede. (Bloomberg) -- Alphabet Inc.s Google moved closer to blocking Canadians from viewing news links on its search engine, after it rejected government regulations meant to placate its concerns about an impending online content law. Most Read from Bloomberg Its the latest blow to Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government and its efforts to compel Google and Meta Platforms Inc. to negotiate payments with local publishers under the Online News Act, due to come into effect on Dec. 19. Googles move comes about a month after Meta similarly dismissed the regulations and said that it will continue blocking users in Canada from seeing news on Facebook and Instagram to avoid running afoul of the law. We continue to have serious concerns that the core issues ultimately may not be solvable through regulation and that legislative changes may be necessary, Google spokesperson Shay Purdy said by email Friday. The details of the bill published on Sept. 1 said that both companies can avoid arbitration by agreeing to pay news outlets a minimum of 4% of their annual revenue in Canada in return for carrying links to news articles. Under those terms, Google would be expected to pay about C$172 million ($126 million) per year, according to the governments estimates. The offer was an apparent olive branch to address concerns of uncapped financial liabilities. While the regulations seek to provide clarity about the application of the act, they unfortunately create greater uncertainty, by attempting to transform the mandatory bargaining model set out in the Act into more of a levy model, Google Canada said in a statement on Friday. The result of this exercise is a hybrid model that captures the worst of both worlds, imposing the obligations of a levy without providing any of its certainty, and requiring Google to absorb all of the responsibilities and costs associated with negotiating agreements and disbursing funds while eliminating any flexibility in actual arrangements, the company said. Story continues Google already threatened to remove links to news, and tested blocking such content for a small percentage of users in Canada earlier this year. On Friday, it went further, implying a block could be imminent as the current regulations would force the company to participate in the mandatory bargaining process while it applies for exemption. The timing problem remains, potentially putting Google in a position of having to suspend links to news content, according to the statement. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. New Delhi: Stealing many hearts, actress Kriti Sanon has had a great year in Bollywood so far. The actress won her first National Film Award in the Best Actress category for her film 'Mimi'. The actress recently opened up about manifesting the national award win in her notes in 2020. She also revealed how the director of Mimi, Laxman Utekar said she will win national award for her performance, while they were shooting the film. Speaking about her director, Kriti says, My director Laxman Utekar, during the shoot of 'Mimi', told me multiple times that I would get a National Award. And I was like 'Sir, kahan jaa rahe ho? I haven't got my Best Actress award yet'. But he used to say with so much confidence. And this is not when we finished shooting, we were still shooting and he was seeing me as the character. Speaking on manifesting National Award win in her diary entry in 2020, Kriti revealed, Sometimes, it is important to write down what you want to do,what are your dreams. This is something I wrote in 2020. For me, manifestation doesn't work like that, if I run after something too much, it doesn't come to me. This is one way of manifesting for me where I write it down and leave it aside." Kriti Sanon is on a roll and theres no denying it. From an engineering student to a national award winner- her journey is nothing short of an inspiration. The actress is awaiting the release of her movie 'Ganapath' which stars Tiger Shroff in the lead role. She also has a couple of movies lined up for the next year which include 'The Crew' and 'Do Patti'. New Delhi: After the harrowing demise of the beloved actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Rhea Chakraborty faced a distressing time. Gathering a lot of courage, Rhea has opened up to the media for the first time after 2020. Actress discussed her life after the passing of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She also mentioned her return to show business. The 'Jalebi' actress also discussed the period she experienced vicious trolling and targeting following Sushant's passing. On this, she said, I always believe that there are two sides to the story, and not everyone believed in that day. Today, life has come to a full circle and I am speaking to the media after 2020 for the first time." Speaking on the topic of mental health, Rhea said, "The truth is that mental health is not understood in this country at all. We are taking strides, and I am happy that the young people are now talking about it. India is moving forward, but if someone is famous and has mental health conditions, they don't understand it. They are like, 'he has fame, he has success. Why is he depressed?' Rhea also spoke openly about the labels 'Chudail,' 'Murderer,' and 'Killer.' She said that she likes being called a 'chudail' because to her a witch is someone who does not subscribe to a patriarchal society or had her way. During the conversation, Rhea also spoke about being subjected to a lot of scrutiny, the effect of patriarchy on the Sushant Singh Rajput case and feeling like an 80-year-old woman trapped in a 30-year-old woman's body. Rhea also spoke about spending 6 weeks in Byculla jail and keeping up with her promise to the inmates of dancing with them when she gets bail. She said, So the day I got bail, my brother didnt get bail and I was devastated. It was the only day that I broke down completely and I had promised all the girls ki jis din bail hogi uss diun nachungi. Bail ho gayi but I wasnt happy. So I refused them at first and when the jailer came and told me mat karo tum, chhod do and I was like haan haan. But then I thought that I am leaving and I am probably never gonna see these women again and if I could give them five minutes of happiness with the dance performance with them, then why the hell not!? And I did. It was the most ecstatic moment of my life. We did the naagin dance on the floor. The excitement and joy and happiness that I saw in these women's eyes while I was dancing for them with them is probably the highest point of my life to date. Rhea Chakraborty is currently seen on MTV Roadies: Karm Ya Kaand, in which she is a gang leader. As for her films, she was last seen in Rumi Jafferys 2021 thriller 'Chehre', which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi. Actress Rhea Chakraborty has made her name in the Bollywood industry by starring in movies such as 'Jalebi'. New Delhi: Maldives is a tropical paradise of about 1200 islands, nestled between India and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Its green islands and turquoise waters attract millions of tourists every year, who come to enjoy the resorts, hotels and facilities on its 12 tourist islands. But behind the serene beauty of Maldives lies a turbulent history and a uncertain future, as the island nation is caught between the competing interests of India and China. From Hindu Kings To Muslim Presidents Maldives has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, dating back more than 2500 years. According to historical evidence and legends, the first inhabitants of Maldives were probably Gujaratis who migrated from Kalibanga in India to Sri Lanka around 500 BC, and then to Maldives. They were known as Dhevis, and they followed Hinduism and Buddhism. Tamil Chola kings also ruled over Maldives for some time. However, things changed in the 12th century, when Arab traders brought Islam to Maldives. The kings converted to Islam, and so did the people. A series of six Islamic dynasties ruled over Maldives until the 20th century, when it became a British protectorate. Maldives gained its independence in 1965, with India being the first country to recognize it. Since then, Maldives has been a republic with an elected president as its head of state. Islam is the official religion of Maldives, and non-Muslims cannot become citizens. A Strategic Location In The Indian Ocean Maldives is not only a tourist destination, but also a strategic location in the Indian Ocean. It is very close to India's Lakshadweep islands, and lies on an important shipping route that connects China, Japan and India with energy supplies. About 97 percent of India's international trade passes through the Indian Ocean, where more than 40 countries and about 40 percent of the world's population live. China has been expanding its presence and influence in the Indian Ocean region since the beginning of the 21st century, under the pretext of anti-piracy operations. It has also leased 10 islands in Maldives, where it is developing its naval and military activities on a large scale. This has raised concerns for India, which considers Maldives as part of its sphere of influence and security. A Political Tug-of-War Between India and China In recent years, Maldives has witnessed a political tug-of-war between India and China, as the previous government of Maldives tilted towards China and accepted its loans and investments for many big projects. As a result, Maldives became heavily indebted to China, which accounts for about 70 percent of its foreign debt. China also opened its embassy in Maldives in 2011, while India had established its embassy there in 1972. However, things changed again in 2018, when a new government came to power in Maldives, which promised to restore its ties with India and limit China's projects. The new president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, visited India as his first foreign trip after taking office, and invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Maldives as his first foreign trip after winning his second term in 2019. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, such as trade, tourism, defense, security and climate change. Maldives is a small country with a big role in the regional and global politics. It is a paradise that faces many challenges and opportunities in the changing world order. It is also a country that has been close to India for centuries in terms of religious and cultural aspects. There are about 25,000 Indians living in Maldives, who are the second largest foreign community there after Bangladeshis. India hopes to maintain its friendship and partnership with Maldives, while respecting its sovereignty and independence. MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Moscow has conducted successful tests on a formidable new strategic missile and has left open the possibility of conducting weapons tests involving nuclear explosions, marking a departure of over three decades from such testing. As reported by Reuters, Putin disclosed that Moscow had achieved a successful test of the Burevestnika nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missilewith a potential range spanning thousands of miles. During an annual gathering of analysts and journalists, he also revealed that Russia was near completion of its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system, a pivotal component of its modernized arsenal of nuclear weapons. 'Hundreds And Hundreds Of Russian Missiles...': Putin Putin, who has consistently emphasized Russia's nuclear strength since the commencement of the Ukraine invasion on February 24, 2022, emphasized that no rational actor would employ nuclear weaponry against Russia. In the event of such an attack, he stated, "a vast number of our missileshundreds, hundredswould fill the skies, leaving no chance for any enemy to survive." Russia has refrained from nuclear testing involving explosions since 1990, a year before the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, Putin did not dismiss the possibility of resuming such testing. He pointed out that the United States had not ratified the nuclear test ban treaty, in contrast to Russia, which had both signed and ratified it. Putin noted the theoretical possibility for the Duma, Russia's parliament, to withdraw its ratification. Military experts caution that a resurgence of nuclear testing by either Russia, the United States, or both would severely destabilize the current situation, especially when tensions between the two nations are at their highest in six decades. In February, Putin suspended Russia's participation in the New START treaty, which regulates the number of deployable nuclear weapons for each side. Nonetheless, Putin stressed that Russia need not revise its doctrine regarding the actual use of nuclear weapons, affirming that they may be deployed either in response to a nuclear strike or when the state's existence is threatened. Addressing a question from Russian analyst Sergei Karaganov, an advocate for lowering the threshold for nuclear use, Putin expressed his disagreement: "I simply don't see the need for this." He further stated, "Currently, there is no scenario that threatens Russian statehood and the existence of the Russian state. No. I believe no rational individual would contemplate using nuclear weapons against Russia." Karaganov has drawn attention from both Russian and Western strategic analysts by proposing that Russia should reevaluate its threshold for nuclear use to "deter, terrify, and sober up our adversaries." In a recent article, he argued that Russia should "shake up" its enemies by issuing nuclear threats against European countries and US bases in Europe. Habanos, S.A continues its commitment to innovation with the presentation of a product exclusively designed for the Duty Free and Travel Retail channels. HAVANA, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Habanos, S.A. presented a new travel humidor, dedicated on this occasion to the Hoyo de Monterrey brand with its Destinos vitola, at the gala dinner held as part of the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, France. The new Destinos vitola (49 ring gauge x 145 mm length) is introduced to the market in a novel, elegant and practical travel humidor containing 20 Habanos, made "Totally handmade and with long filler", after a careful selection of wrapper, filler and binder leaves coming from the Vuelta Abajo* zone, in Pinar del Rio*. This is Cuba's most prestigious tobacco region*, where the world's best tobacco is produced, produced by expert Cuban cigar rollers. Hoyo de Monterrey Destinos will only be available in the Duty Free and Travel Retail channels. Hoyo de Monterrey Destinos "A product that will undoubtedly become emblematic for Habanos enthusiasts all over the world," said Jose Maria Lopez Inchaurbe, Vice President of Development at Habanos, S.A., to the more than 150 aficionados, distributors and international journalists who attended the exclusive dinner: "With this launch, the recovery and success of such important channels as the Duty Free and Travel Retail is guaranteed". The Hoyo de Monterrey Destinos travel humidor is a perfect choice for Habanos-loving travelers who enjoy thick-gauge vitolas and appreciate the light strength that is a hallmark of the Hoyo de Monterrey brand. This is a great opportunity to enjoy all the aromas and flavors of Hoyo de Monterrey's blend anywhere in the world. And, as expected, the gala dinner and the presentation of this exclusive product were marked by the magic that always surrounds Habanos, S.A.'s great events, with great music and fine cuisine. In addition to Maritza Carrillo Gonzalez, Cuban Co-President, Jose Maria Lopez Inchaurbe, Vice President of Development, and Alejandro Fernandez-Blanco, Deputy Director of Operational Marketing, were also present on behalf of Habanos, S.A. Story continues During the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes, the Habanos, S.A. stand displayed the latest releases designed exclusively for these channels: Quai D'Orsay Imperiales and Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills. In addition to some of the most recent releases, brands and vitolas from the company's portfolio for the enjoyment of all the aficionados, experts and journalists who visited the stand. * Protected Appellations of Origin (P.A.O.) To download video and images of the product in high resolution click here. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2240433/HOYO_DE_MONTERREY_DESTINOS.jpg Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/habanos-sa-presented-the-hoyo-de-monterrey-travel-humidor-at-the-tfwa-international-fair-in-cannes-301949523.html SOURCE Habanos, S.A. Heavyweights from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley will be among about 300 global bankers who will descend on Hong Kong next month, as the city's monetary authority taps the world's top financial minds for opportunities amid economic and political complexities in a post-Covid-19 world. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the city's de facto central bank, is organising the second edition of its Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit from November 6 to 8, with a welcome dinner at the Palace Museum and a two-day conference to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel. About 90 top-level executives such as CEOs and chairmen are expected at this year's event, more than double 2022's attendance. 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. HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citigroup, Blackstone, UBS and JPMorgan Chase are among the institutions invited, according to a programme seen by South China Morning Post. The overall number of participants is expected to be about 20 per cent more than the first summit, held last November, when 250 global bankers flew in to attend the first and biggest financial event held in the city after the pandemic, even though not all of Hong Kong's Covid-19 restrictions had been removed at that point. The emphasis of this year's summit is "Living with Complexity", as the world moves on from the 2022 theme of "Navigating Beyond Uncertainty", said the HKMA's CEO Eddie Yue Wai-man in an interview with the Post. "Uncertainty regarding the economic landscape will be there for the next few years," Yue said. "There are a lot of complexities in the economic landscape that we are operating in. How do financial institutions and asset managers manage these complexities, not only the risks, but also to find new opportunities? Story continues "This year, after one year, we hope that those uncertainties are gone. But realistically, they are still with us." These uncertainties, Yue said, include a global economic slowdown, the uncertain path of inflation, interest rates and geopolitics, as well as disruptions brought about by new technology, such as generative artificial intelligence. Mainland Chinese financial regulators and financial institutions will also join the summit in person this year, with their exact attendance to be confirmed closer to the date of the event. "It is useful for them to be in Hong Kong in person ... when there are so many concerns about the Chinese economy," Yue said. "People really want to hear about it from the horse's mouth." The second message of the summit is bringing in all these heavyweights to come and see Hong Kong, Yue said. On stage, from left: the HKMA's Eddie Yue; Michael Chae, CFO and senior managing director of Blackstone; James Gorman, chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley; Colm Kelleher, chairman of UBS; Liu Jin, president of Bank of China; and David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, are seen at last year's Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang alt=On stage, from left: the HKMA's Eddie Yue; Michael Chae, CFO and senior managing director of Blackstone; James Gorman, chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley; Colm Kelleher, chairman of UBS; Liu Jin, president of Bank of China; and David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, are seen at last year's Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang> "Seeing is believing. In addition to us going out to tell our story, a very effective way is to bring the heavyweights to Hong Kong, for them to come and feel the energy, the vibrancy and also see the opportunities here." People outside the city are quite downbeat about what it is like here, he said. "There are still misguided perspectives overseas about what happens in Hong Kong. Some of our friends in the US and Europe ask if it is safe to walk in the streets [here]," Yue added. "Like last year, we hope that all these heavyweights can bring a positive message back to their home countries, and also through their networks, to spread the right perception of Hong Kong." Last year's forum had an unexpected ripple effect, of attracting more conferences and talent to Hong Kong, he said. "We are organising different conferences ourselves. We find it extremely hard to find a hotel ballroom to host these conferences. You can see that that stream of conferences is continuing," he said. "About two weeks ago, in one week alone, there were five different conferences hosted by the banks, bringing their clients [to Hong Kong] from around the world. "It is important to bring people together to see Hong Kong so they see the momentum is gradually coming back." This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the HKMA, and a special lunch time fireside session will be organised as a "birthday surprise", Yue said, declining to divulge the names of the attendees as this bonus session. The gathering has nearly hit its limit, Yue said. Due to the size constraints of conference halls in Hong Kong, this was the maximum number of guests that could be invited. At the dinner held at the Palace Museum on the first night of the summit, guests will be entertained with cultural performances and have the chance to enjoy the museum's art exhibitions. The museum is currently hosting a special exhibition of items from the Sanxingdui archaeological site. The exhibition features 120 bronze, jade, gold and ceramic objects dating back about 2,600 to 4,500 years. There will be a series of panels on the second and third days. About 30 top banking executives - including Morgan Stanley Chairman and CEO James Gorman, Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon and UBS Chairman Colm Kelleher - will be speaking at these events. Jonathan Gray, president and COO of Blackstone, will be joined by Ken Griffin, CEO and founder of Citadel, on a panel on disruptions to the investment landscape. Peng Zhao, CEO of Citadel Securities, will speak alongside Paul Marshall, chairman of Marshall Wace, and Chris Gradel, CEO of PAG, on a panel on risks and opportunities presented by digital assets on the second day. Asset management, environmental, social and governance issues and the macroeconomy are among some of the themes the panels will discuss. Later in November, the Bank for International Settlements will host its annual governors' meeting along with a forum on November 27 and 28. The back-to-back conferences coincide with the HKMA anniversary and form part of Hong Kong's efforts to show the world that the city is back to normal after three years of disruptions caused by the pandemic. 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. Ten specially designed art cars on display during the Busan Expo Symposium and K-Pop concert in Paris, the home of the Bureau International des Expositions All-electric models, including Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6, selected for campaign to demonstrate Busan's commitment to carbon neutrality Art cars created in collaboration with Korean graffiti artist 'JAY FLOW' displayed at iconic Paris landmarks including Eiffel Tower, and Louvre Museum SEOUL, South Korea and PARIS, Oct. 5, 2023 /CNW/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced its campaign to promote the South Korean city of Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo by displaying specially designed art cars in Paris, France, where the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is headquartered. Hyundai Motor Group Rolls Out Art Cars in Paris, Supporting Busans Bid to Host 2030 World Expo The campaign continues the Group's global support for Busan's bid, this time for the Busan Expo Symposium and K-Pop concert in Paris from October 915. To emphasize Busan's commitment to hosting a carbon-neutral World Expo, the Group is providing the Korean delegation with 10 art cars, including two all-electric models, Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6. During the campaign in Paris, the art cars will be exhibited around the famous locations in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The campaign will help strengthen Busan's appeal as a candidate city for the 2030 World Expo to key officials from BIE member countries and tourists from around the world. The symposium will showcase the city's diverse strengths and capabilities as well as the proposed themes to BIE member countries before the vote to decide the host city for the 2030 World Expo at the end of November. End About Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group's mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all. Story continues More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Media Center. Hyundai Motor Group Rolls Out Art Cars in Paris, Supporting Busans Bid to Host 2030 World Expo Hyundai Motor Group Rolls Out Art Cars in Paris, Supporting Busans Bid to Host 2030 World Expo Hyundai Motor Group Rolls Out Art Cars in Paris, Supporting Busans Bid to Host 2030 World Expo Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-motor-group-rolls-out-art-cars-in-paris-supporting-busans-bid-to-host-2030-world-expo-301948486.html SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2023/05/c1363.html On October 4, 2023, Holmes John McClain III, the Chairman, President & CEO of AAR Corp (NYSE:AIR), sold 12,363 shares of the company. This move is part of a series of transactions made by the insider over the past year, during which he sold a total of 332,923 shares and made no purchases. Holmes John McClain III has been with AAR Corp for several years, leading the company through various market conditions. AAR Corp is a global aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 100 countries. The company provides various services to aviation and government & defense markets including parts supply; OEM solutions; integrated solutions; maintenance, repair, overhaul; and engineering. The insider's recent sell has raised questions among investors about the company's current valuation and future prospects. To understand the implications of this sell, it's important to analyze the insider buy/sell trends and their relationship with the stock price. Insider Sell: AAR Corp Chairman, President & CEO Holmes John McClain III Sells 12,363 Shares The insider transaction history for AAR Corp shows a clear trend of more sells than buys over the past year. There have been 26 insider sells and no insider buys. This could indicate that insiders believe the stock is currently overvalued, prompting them to sell their shares. On the day of the insider's recent sell, AAR Corp shares were trading at $59.04, giving the company a market cap of $2.089 billion. The price-earnings ratio was 31.15, lower than the industry median of 33.59 but higher than the companys historical median price-earnings ratio. Insider Sell: AAR Corp Chairman, President & CEO Holmes John McClain III Sells 12,363 Shares According to the GuruFocus Value, which is an intrinsic value estimate based on historical multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor, and future business performance estimates, AAR Corp is modestly overvalued. The stock's price-to-GF-Value ratio is 1.12, with a GF Value of $52.51 and a current price of $59.04. Story continues In conclusion, the insider's recent sell, along with the overall insider sell trend, could be a signal to investors that the stock might be overvalued. However, investors should also consider other factors such as the company's financial health, market conditions, and future growth prospects before making investment decisions. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Leilah Gray is a fourth grader who likes the freedom to create through art and engineering with building blocks, and without the restrictions imposed sometimes by her teachers at school. Leilah found her freedom recently at the Kohl Childrens Museums Pop-Up facility in Waukegan as she was building a structure with large foam blocks and other materials. Advertisement I dont have to follow any directions, she said. At school, I have to do it the way the teacher says. Here, you can do it the way you want. Building with foam blocks at the Kohl Childrens Museum Pop-Up at the College of Lake Countys Waukegan campus is fourth grader Leilah Gray. (Steve Sadin/Lake County News-Sun) Mariel Gutierrez-Spagnoli, the museums community engagement manager, said giving youngsters the opportunity to create is one of the goals of the museum. They learn by using their imagination without restrictions. Advertisement Its really important for children to explore by trying, Gutierrez-Spagnoli said. Its a great way for kids to play freely in a safe environment. Creative art is a good way to do this. The Kohl Childrens Museum Pop-Up opened a two-month run Wednesday at the College of Lake Countys Lakeshore campus in Waukegan, offering youngsters an opportunity to explore nature, science or sit and read among the activities. Open from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 2, Gutierrez-Spagnoli said the exhibit will move to the Round Lake Civic Center from Jan. 18 to March 21, and then to the Shiloh Center in Zion from April 2 to May 25. Though there is an entrance charge to visit to the museums Glenview home, entry in Waukegan, Zion and Round Lake will be free. Gutierrez-Spagnoli said removing all financial barriers to families in the area is important. We want them to feel like anything is possible, and being here allows them to be kids, she said. You see their little eyes sparkle and their neurons firing as they develop their little minds. Mariel Gutierrez-Spagnoli reads to a child in the Book Nook. (Steve Sadin/Lake County News-Sun) Zeidy Morataya takes a class at the college. While there recently, she noticed the museum personnel getting the space ready. She quickly decided to bring her son and niece. They, too, were busy building. This is a good chance for them to play and learn, Morataya said. I saw the things they were doing, and it looked really nice. Moratayas son, Hansell Barcos, a Glen Flora Elementary School second grader, was busy using the blocks, and painting in another area of the museum. Advertisement I like playing with all these things, he said. Im building a throne, he added, as he and his cousin, Kiara Albr, then sat on it. Hansell Barcos, a Glen Flora Elementary School second grader, sits beside his creation at the Kohl Childrens Museum Pop-Up in Waukegan. (Steve Sadin/Lake County News-Sun) At one end of the room, the large foam building blocks are on the floor ready for juvenile engineering, and a table with small, color-coded wood blocks. Gutierrez-Spagnoli said these features are at all museum pop-ups. The colors have a purpose. They can build the Willis Tower, she said, referring to Chicagos tallest building. The (blocks) are color-coded for success. We have process art here, too. With the ability to build freely with the foam blocks and create a miniature skyscraper by associating colors, Gutierrez-Spagnoli said that part of the room has a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). But we really emphasize art too, so it more a STEAM (science, technology, engineering art and math) area, she said, referring to a type of education common in schools today. Children can build a miniature Willis Tower using color-coded blocks. (Steve Sadin/Lake County News-Sun) At other end of the pop-up is the Book Nook, with childrens reading materials in English and Spanish. There is also a natural table with shells and fossils. Another exhibit helps the youngsters learn about butterflies and dragonflies. Advertisement Jesus Ruiz, the dean of the College of Lake Countys Waukegan campus, said the school is happy to partner with the museum. The college hosted it in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, and is glad to have it back. Were happy to have the children come to the traveling museum and we appreciate seeing their little faces, Ruiz said. Were also helping ourselves by letting people know us, and what we can offer. It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in INSPECS Group plc's (LON:SPEC) case, it's fantastic news for shareholders. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. View our latest analysis for INSPECS Group The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At INSPECS Group Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Founder & Executive Chairman Robin Totterman for UK400k worth of shares, at about UK0.48 per share. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (UK0.85), we still think insider buying is a positive. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price. In the last twelve months INSPECS Group insiders were buying shares, but not selling. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! INSPECS Group is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Insider Ownership Of INSPECS Group Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. It appears that INSPECS Group insiders own 21% of the company, worth about UK18m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders. So What Do The INSPECS Group 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. Insiders do have a stake in INSPECS Group and their transactions don't cause us concern. 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. 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. Key Insights Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Central Asia Metals' stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions A total of 25 investors have a majority stake in the company with 49% ownership Recent purchases by insiders If you want to know who really controls Central Asia Metals plc (LON:CAML), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 86% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company. As a result, institutional investors endured the highest losses last week after market cap fell by UK43m. This set of investors may especially be concerned about the current loss, which adds to a one-year loss of 18% for shareholders. Institutions or "liquidity providers" control large sums of money and therefore, these types of investors usually have a lot of influence over stock price movements. Hence, if weakness in Central Asia Metals' share price continues, institutional investors may feel compelled to sell the stock, which might not be ideal for individual investors. Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Central Asia Metals, beginning with the chart below. See our latest analysis for Central Asia Metals What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Central Asia Metals? Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index. We can see that Central Asia Metals 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 Central Asia Metals' historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Story continues Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Central Asia Metals. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is BlackRock, Inc. with 7.1% of shares outstanding. The second and third largest shareholders are Fidelity International Ltd and T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., with an equal amount of shares to their name at 5.2%. On studying our ownership data, we found that 25 of the top shareholders collectively own less than 50% of the share register, implying that no single individual has a majority interest. 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 Central Asia Metals 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. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. 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. Shareholders would probably be interested to learn that insiders own shares in Central Asia Metals plc. In their own names, insiders own UK3.6m worth of stock in the UK296m company. Some would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. But it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership With a 12% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Central Asia Metals. 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: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Be aware that Central Asia Metals is showing 3 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about... If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Mader Group fair value estimate is AU$11.40 Mader Group is estimated to be 46% undervalued based on current share price of AU$6.17 Our fair value estimate is 86% higher than Mader Group's analyst price target of AU$6.13 Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Mader Group Limited (ASX:MAD) as an investment opportunity by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Mader Group The Calculation We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$41.1m AU$43.4m AU$60.9m AU$88.8m AU$101.7m AU$111.2m AU$119.1m AU$125.7m AU$131.4m AU$136.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 9.31% Est @ 7.12% Est @ 5.59% Est @ 4.51% Est @ 3.76% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 6.5% AU$38.5 AU$38.2 AU$50.4 AU$69.0 AU$74.1 AU$76.1 AU$76.5 AU$75.8 AU$74.4 AU$72.4 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$645m After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. 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 (2.0%) 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 6.5%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = AU$136m (1 + 2.0%) (6.5% 2.0%) = AU$3.1b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$3.1b ( 1 + 6.5%)10= AU$1.6b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is AU$2.3b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$6.2, the company appears quite good value at a 46% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Mader Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.904. 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 Mader Group Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Commercial Services market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Mader Group, we've compiled three pertinent elements you should further examine: Risks: For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Mader Group that you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does MAD's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. One simple way to benefit from the stock market is to buy an index fund. But if you buy good businesses at attractive prices, your portfolio returns could exceed the average market return. For example, the New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE:NJR) share price is up 41% in the last three years, clearly besting the market return of around 15% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the returns haven't been quite so good recently, with shareholders up just 6.7% , including dividends . Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns. View our latest analysis for New Jersey Resources In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. During three years of share price growth, New Jersey Resources achieved compound earnings per share growth of 22% per year. This EPS growth is higher than the 12% average annual increase in the share price. So it seems investors have become more cautious about the company, over time. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). We know that New Jersey Resources has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? You could check out this free report showing analyst revenue forecasts. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, New Jersey Resources' TSR for the last 3 years was 56%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! Story continues A Different Perspective New Jersey Resources shareholders are up 6.7% for the year (even including dividends). But that return falls short of the market. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it's actually better than the average return of 1.3% over half a decade It is possible that returns will improve along with the business fundamentals. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with New Jersey Resources (including 1 which is a bit concerning) . For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Long-established in the Hardware industry, LG Display Co Ltd (NYSE:LPL) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a daily loss of 5.49%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of -27.04%. Fresh insights from the GF Score hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of LG Display Co Ltd. LG Display Co Ltd (LPL): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Challenges Understanding the GF Score The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank. Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned LG Display Co Ltd the GF Score of 69 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential. LG Display Co Ltd: A Snapshot of the Business LG Display is a South Korea-based company that is principally engaged in developing, manufacturing and selling TFT-LCD and OLED display panels. The company's products consist of panels for notebook computers, monitors, televisions, smartphones, tablets, and others. The company conducts direct sales through overseas subsidiaries in a number of countries, including the United States, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Singapore. These subsidiaries conduct sales activities and offer technical support to clients. The company generates the majority of its revenue from overseas markets, with the rest from South Korea. Story continues LG Display Co Ltd (LPL): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Challenges Financial Strength Breakdown LG Display Co Ltd's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. LG Display Co Ltd has an interest coverage ratio of 0, which positions it worse than 0% of 1608 companies in the Hardware industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. It's worth noting that the esteemed investor Benjamin Graham typically favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least five. The company's Altman Z-Scoreis just 0.34, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.14 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels. The company's debt-to-equity ratio is 2.22, which is worse than 95.84% of 2093 companies in the Hardware industry. A high debt-to-equity ratio suggests over-reliance on borrowing and vulnerability to market fluctuations. Profitability Breakdown LG Display Co Ltd's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. LG Display Co Ltd's Operating Margin has declined over the past five years ((-2,213.71%)), as shown by the following data: 2018: 0.38; 2019: -5.79; 2020: -0.15; 2021: 7.47; 2022: -7.97; . Additionally, LG Display Co Ltd's Gross Margin has also declined over the past five years, as evidenced by the data: 2018: 12.68; 2019: 7.96; 2020: 10.86; 2021: 17.76; 2022: 4.30; . This trend underscores the company's struggles to convert its revenue into profits. Growth Prospects A lack of significant growth is another area where LG Display Co Ltd seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. Lastly, LG Display Co Ltd predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency. LG Display Co Ltd (LPL): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Challenges Conclusion Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GF Score highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While LG Display Co Ltd has a rich history in the Hardware industry, its current financial indicators suggest a challenging road ahead. Investors should consider these factors when making investment decisions. GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. (Bloomberg) -- Workers at Chevron Corp. liquefied natural gas facilities in Australia plan to resume strikes, sending prices higher on the threat of tighter supplies as the winter heating season approaches in the Northern Hemisphere. Most Read from Bloomberg Union members at Chevrons Gorgon and Wheatstone plants voted for further industrial action after suspending stoppages last month, according to the Offshore Alliance, which represents labor groups. Benchmark gas futures in Europe settled 5.6% higher, the most since Sept. 25. Unions on Monday will file a new 7-day notice for the strikes, the alliance said in a Facebook post. The decision comes after unions criticized the companys efforts to finalize an agreement on pay and conditions. Chevron reiterated that it is meaningfully engaged as it continues to work with all parties to finalize the drafting process based on recommendations from the countrys labor regulator. The Gorgon and Wheatstone facilities accounted for about 7% of global LNG supply last year. Renewed strikes revive the risk of interruptions to shipments from Australia one of the worlds biggest exporters of the fuel at a crucial time of year. Europe in particular is still finding its footing after last years energy crisis. Gas prices spiked in recent months on concerns about interruptions to Australias supply. Although Europe receives almost no gas from Australia directly, its market has been sensitive to possible supply shocks. The region depends on LNG to replace Russian pipeline gas, and it would have to compete with Asian buyers for global tanker-borne fuel. While renewed walkouts could add to uncertainty on supply, no LNG cargoes were missed during previous strikes, said SEFE Energy Ltd., a UK energy supplier, in a note. Story continues For now, mild weather has helped to mute European demand that is already eroded by weak industrial consumption. Storage sites in the region are now almost full. European benchmark prices closed at 38.23 a megawatt-hour on Friday. The contract still posted an 8.7% decline for the week. --With assistance from David Stringer. (Updates with context.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Muamer Cisija recently celebrated his 10-year reunion at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Since graduating with the MBA Class of 2013, the founder of global talent firm Symphony.is says hes noticed a shift in his peers definitions of success. Many Stanford graduates from a decade ago remain committed to evolving their identities, Cisija says. Some have found fulfillment, while others continue their search. That is something GSB has always been good at making us think constantly about who we are and what we want to be, he tells Poets&Quants in a recent interview. FROM BOSNIA TO THE BAY AREA Cisija was born in Bosnia, which was Yugoslavia at the time. War broke out in 1992 when he was just 10 years old, and he and his family relocated to Denmark. In 2005, fresh out of Copenhagen Business School, Cisija joined Morgan Stanley. At the time, Skype was considered cutting-edge peer-to-peer technology, sparking his curiosity. He wanted to live in a place where tech was booming, so he sought to relocate to the tech capital of the world, San Francisco. I was really into tech, but Europe at the time and still to some degree today wasnt a major tech hub, and true innovation wasnt happening there, Cisija says. I asked if I could relocate to the San Francisco office because thats where the tech headquarters were. I came here expecting to be here for a year, and ended up staying, and now Ive been here for 15 years. When I came to San Francisco, I realized I wanted to do something more entrepreneurial. I was close in proximity only a mile from the Stanford campus and a lot of colleagues attended GSB at the time, so it felt natural that I should attend too. DEMYSTIFYING SUCCESS Muamer Cisija, co-founder of Symphony.is: I didnt need to invent something to be passionate about there was a problem that meant a lot to me While living in San Francisco, Cisija found the Stanford GSB community somewhat enigmatic, but that didnt dampen his interest in joining them. His peers encouraged him to apply to the M7 schools MBA program, and in 2011, he was admitted. Story continues Something I learned that surprised me was that at Stanford, you learn a lot about yourself, he says of the school that has traditionally been the launching point for more impressive startups than any other B-school hugely successful companies like Divvy Homes, Guild Education, Branch, Sofi, and Skybox Imaging. Once you understand yourself and the impact you have on other people, you become more comfortable with yourself. In your 20s, you can have a lot of insecurities, especially when youre in an environment with many smart people its a lot of pressure. Discovering yourself is the most important thing, says Cisija. For those contemplating pursing an MBA, Cisija urges them to embrace the opportunity without being discouraged or intimidated by the achievements of others. Everyone, even the most accomplished people are also humans with their own insecurities, fears, struggles and definitely successes, says Cisija. SYMPHONY.IS: ACCESS TO GLOBAL TALENT Cisija and his co-founder Haris Memic established their startup Symphony.is during their time at GSB. Symphony is a software development company that finds the best talent globally, and then enables others to fulfill themselves by working with some of the best companies, Cisija says. It is a global talent firm that is solving some of the toughest technological problems in the world. I met my current partner and cofounder back in 2006 in London. He is also a refugee from Bosnia who grew up in London with a computer science background. We said hey, we really believe in access to talent and opportunities, but it has to be done in a Western way. I understood the talent in the emerging markets, but we also wanted the Northern European vision and business processes. In 2012 and 2013, the technology really wasnt there, the tools werent there, and there was less transparency so there needed to be a middleman. We wanted to do something at the intersection of that, says Cisija. I had a great opportunity to democratize access to jobs. So thats how I started this software outsourcing company I was excited to unlock human capital and potential. LEANING IN TO THE GSB COMMUNITY We all look for some kind of purpose in life, Cisija says. The side effect of growing up in a war torn country and having to emigrate is that there are a lot of problems that you want to solve. Thats what I channeled my energy towards. I didnt need to invent something to be passionate about there was already a problem that meant a lot to me. GSB classmates served as the companys initial customer base. Weve worked with more than 30 GSB founders. Having your classmates and your community as clients makes for a great market, and gives us a commonality to unite us. We felt privileged to be a part of the GSB network when we began working with larger companies and consulting firms where GSB graduates were working many as decision makers for those companies. As for the companys progress, and how significant is their impact is, many would say they are doing quite well. We are the largest company in Bosnia doing this, and top three in the region. I think we have been a part of the movement that has enabled a good amount of the economy to be affected by this directly or indirectly. This is a relatively democratic industry, there is little nepotism it allows minorities opportunities, and it has been great to see female leaders rise through our organizations, says Cisija. Cisija commends GSB for its collaborative supportive community. I think the class sizes make the program feel very intimate, and students help each other out. There is a good support system. All of this makes business school feel less competitive, and much more collaborative. The school is setting up a great foundation for personal growth, and for anyone that wants to start up a company. The post MBAs Doing Great Things: Meet The Stanford Grad Who Founded A Global Talent Firm appeared first on Poets&Quants. Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific finalized their merger in April and became Canadian Pacific Kansas City. (Photo: CP & Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Chicago commuter rail provider Metra has renewed its lawsuit criticizing how the Surface Transportation Board handled its review of the merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. Metra joins Union Pacific and a Chicago-area citizens group in suing STB. In a Sept. 29 filing before the U.S. District Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., Metra asked the court to find that STBs March 15 approval of the CP-KCS merger was unlawful and should be sent back to the board so it can address the legal deficiencies in its decision. Metra initially filed a suit against STB after ther merger officially took place in April. But the court ruled that Metra must wait until STB responded to Metra in a separate board proceeding about Metras concerns over how the merger was handled. In that proceeding, Metra had asked the board to reconsider elements of its decision, which had been rendered in March. The board subsequently rejected Metras request to reconsider its decision. During merger proceedings before the board, Metra, along with the Coalition to Stop CPKC, a citizens group consisting of western Chicago-area communities, had questioned the data that STB used to determine the magnitude of additional freight rail traffic that would occur as a result of the merger. Both claim that the data prompted the board to underestimate how much freight rail traffic would increase as a result of the merger. The citizens coalition filed its lawsuit against STB in federal court this past summer. UP (NYSE: UNP) filed its lawsuit against STB in May. UP had expressed concerns during STB hearings on the merger that the board needed to impose conditions upon CP and KCS that would ensure competition at interchanges. If the court rules against STB, then the board may have to reconsider what conditions to place upon CPKC that would either ensure competition or address freight capacity concerns. In response to this lawsuit, CP directed FreightWaves to the statement it had issued when Metra first sued STB this spring: In our view, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board conducted a comprehensive, thorough and thoughtful review of the combination, and its environmental impacts, as part of a more than year-long regulatory review and environmental impact study. We believe that unprecedented examination of the facts produced the right final decision which clearly recognizes the many benefits of the CPKC combination. Story continues Shareholders of CP and KCS approved the $31 billion merger in December 2021 after both companies filed their merger application with the STB in October 2021. The board received nearly 2,000 comments from public hearings on the plan. The STB also received comments when it produced an environmental impact statement on the merger. Subscribe to FreightWaves e-newsletters and get the latest insights on freight right in your inbox. Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Joanna Marsh. Related links: The post Metra renews suit against STB over CP-KCS merger approval appeared first on FreightWaves. (Bloomberg) -- Sign up for the India Edition newsletter by Menaka Doshi an insider's guide to the emerging economic powerhouse, and the billionaires and businesses behind its rise, delivered weekly. The hunt for stock winners in the global race for green transition-linked minerals has found a new target: Indias miners. Shares of metals producers have outperformed local equity benchmarks this year on hopes that the firms will play a potential role in the countrys green agenda following the discovery of lithium deposits in the north. That frenzy has boosted companies like Gujarat Mineral Development Corp., which has soared more than 120%, as well as peer Hindustan Copper Ltd., which is up about 40%. Increased appetite for all things linked to the manufacturing of electric-vehicle batteries and other renewables equipment has been a boon for many markets. But in Asias third-largest economy, investors are betting those gains have further room to run thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modis goal to reach net zero emissions by 2070. Indias push to become self-reliant in a field dominated by a handful of countries including China, with which it has an active border dispute, may also boost local shares. India spends $20 billion on critical mineral imports every year, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry. Read: India to Start Critical Mineral Blocks Auction Process This Year How long the gains last remains to be seen, however. Similar rallies in South Korea, China and Australia have resulted in losses, not least because of a slump in prices of minerals from lithium to nickel. In India, there are doubts over the quantity of minerals that can be mined from recently-discovered deposits and infrastructure quality. Thats contributed to a recent cooling in shares. Indias refining industry also faces competition from China, Korea and Japan, and requires government subsidies to become profitable, said Mohsen Crofts, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Story continues The critical question to ask about these reserves is what is the value of the assets and how profitable they can be in terms of exploiting them. Still, that hasnt deterred some companies from pressing forward. Gujarat Mineral, majority owned by Modis home state of Gujarat, is eyeing a foothold after announcing plans to foray into the mining and processing of rare-earth elements. Its also looking to produce cobalt, a material used in the wind energy sector, from its coal mines. Meanwhile, NMDC Ltd. is scouring for lithium deposits in Australia, while a three-way venture of Hindustan Copper, National Aluminium Co. and Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Ltd. is reported to be in fray for similar mines in Argentina. Integration in the green energy transition process has seen shares of such miners outperform the S&P BSE Sensex Index by as much as five times this year. Read: Indias Rare-Earths Miner Eyes 400% Expansion for Clean Energy --With assistance from Ishika Mookerjee. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - PEN Canada celebrates the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to jailed Iranian writer and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi for "her fight against the oppression of women in Iran, and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all." Ms Mohammadi is currently serving a ten-year sentence in a Tehran prison after repeated arrests since 2009. Narges Mohammadi, Iranian activist, wins Nobel Peace Prize (CNW Group/PEN Canada) "Narges Mohammadi has fought for women's rights in Iran with heroic strength and courage and at great personal cost," said Grace Westcott, President of PEN Canada. "The Nobel Peace Prize recognizes not only her inspiring courage but that of all the women and girls of Iran who have risen up to demand their freedoms." An honorary member of PEN Canada since June 2023, Mohammadi has been widely recognized for her unstinting courage in defence of women's rights. She is one of three imprisoned Iranian women to receive the 2023 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize and a recipient of PEN America's 2023 Barbey Freedom to Write Award. Mohammadi wrote to us from prison a few weeks ago, to participate in our reading event at TIFA in support of imperiled writers around the world. In the note she spoke of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement and said: "My message is one of hope, vitality, and love of life. For me, life is the perseverance and fortification of our struggles until we achieve democracy, freedom, and equality. I am certain of our victory and equally certain of the religious dictatorship's disintegration, collapse, and eventual demise. Rest assured that your support, people who love freedom of expression, and that of the wider world, will accelerate this process." PEN Canada is a nonpartisan organization that celebrates literature, defends freedom of expression, and assists writers in peril at home and abroad. The English-language Canadian centre was founded in 1983 and is proud to be one of over 100 chapters of PEN International. Story continues PEN Canada Logo (CNW Group/PEN Canada) SOURCE PEN Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2023/06/c2833.html Students can take a break in the courtyard of the University Center of Lake County. - Original Credit: News-Sun (University Center of Lake County / HANDOUT) Nurses seeking an advanced degree to become a nurse practitioner in areas like family practice, mental health or different areas of gerontology, can find it through several new programs at the University Center of Lake County, with potential scholarships available. Myra Gaytan-Morales, the executive director and dean of the University Center, said the consortium-based organization of 12 universities will be offering new masters degree programs leading toward a career as a nurse practitioner early next year. Advertisement Along with those programs and other new offerings, she said money is available for scholarships, as well as other forms of financial aid, to assist Lake County residents with needs and balancing a current job with their education. The University Center was scheduled to hold an open house this week at its Grayslake campus to introduce potential students to the new programs, and other available resources while meeting with representatives of the member universities. Advertisement For students with an undergraduate degree in nursing, Gaytan-Morales said starting in January masters programs will be offered for nurse practitioners in family practice, psychiatric mental health, acute care in adult gerontology and primary care in adult gerontology, in conjunction with Oak Brook-based Oak Point University. While a nurse practitioner is not a physician, she said they can offer some of the medical attention a doctor provides. There is also a graduate program for those who want to become nurse educators. A nurse practitioner can take care of patient exams, do prescriptions, Gaytan-Morales said, A lot of roles a doctor does, a nurse practitioner can do that. Its a pathway, and you need a masters degree. With the nurse practitioner and educator programs starting in January taught in Grayslake by Oak Point faculty, she said the University Center and Oak Point will begin to offer a doctorate in nursing practice in the fall of 2024. A program has been in place for registered nurses to obtain an undergraduate degree at the University Center. Gaytan-Morales said it is offered through Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Engineering graduate programs offered through Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, as well as undergraduate programs in criminology and criminal justice, were added through the University of Illinois at Springfield. Gaytan-Morales said the engineering courses are geared for people working and with otherwise busy schedules. They are offered in-person on the Grayslake campus and online. They include programs in electrical and computer engineering. Students have the ability to take the classes at the University Center listening to a professor in Carbondale, she said. Theyre recorded, so they can access the lectures at home. There will be coursework in artificial intelligence to help them meet their goals. Advertisement When the new courses start this winter, Gaytan-Morales said the University Centers scholarship program will reopen Jan. 20 with funds available to help students who meet the requirements, including proof they have applied for financial aid. They must write a 300-word essay about their future goals, she said. They need two letters of recommendation, and their most recent college transcript. We offer the last two years of a bachelors degree and our graduate programs. With nearly all the participating universities sending representatives to the open house, Associate Dean Anani Moy said it was a good opportunity for people to learn about the programs directly from participating university officials. Our university admission representatives can help people in person with their questions, Moy said. Students can ask specific questions about programs, transfer credits and financial aid. Along with school representatives, Moy said community partners like the YWCA talking about early childhood education, Grow Your Own helping people with experience in schools becoming certified teachers and a veterans group were scheduled to be there Other universities offering courses through the University Center are DePaul University, Dominican University, National Lewis University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, North Park University, St. Augustine College and the University of Illinois in Champaign. TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP) (OTCQB: NCPCF) ("Nickel Creek" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated August 24, 2023, the Company has filed a Technical Report titled "Nickel Shaw Ni-Cu-PGM Project PreFeasibility Study for the Nickel Shaw Ni-Cu-PGM Project, Yukon, Canada" ("Technical Report"). Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. Logo (CNW Group/Nickel Creek Platinum Corp.) The Technical Report, with an effective date of September 20, 2023, was independently prepared by AGP Consultants Inc. The Technical Report was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrator's National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Nickel Creek's website at www.nickelcreekplatinum.com. About Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP; OTCQB: NCPCF) is a Canadian mining exploration and development company advancing its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw Project ("Project"). The Project has exceptional access to infrastructure, located three hours west of Whitehorse via the paved Alaska Highway, which further offers year-round access to deep-sea shipping ports in southern Alaska. The Company is led by a management team with a proven track record of successful discovery, development, financing and operation of large-scale projects. Our vision is to create value for our shareholders by becoming a leading North American nickel, copper, cobalt and PGM producer. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickel-creek-platinum-announces-filing-of-pre-feasibility-study-technical-report-for-its-nickel-shaw-project-301949747.html SOURCE Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (Bloomberg) -- This years biggest real estate loser is flipping the script when it comes to performance but its still on shaky ground. Most Read from Bloomberg In a surprising display of strength, one of the real estate sectors weakest links pulled through the third-quarter as a relative bright spot. Office owners staged their first quarterly outperformance against the S&P 500 Index since 2020. The group slipped just 2.8% for the third-quarter, compared to the S&P 500s nearly 3.7% quarterly drop. Its a drastic improvement from the lows the group has clocked in since the start of the pandemic, but the sector is vulnerable to the elevated interest-rate environment. Last month, there was a surprise spike in hiring in the US, sparking concerns that the Federal Reserve will hike rates again before the end of the year. The robust jobs report sent real estate stocks plummeting, making it among the worst-performing sectors in the S&P 500. Office REITs hit their lowest intraday level since 2009 Friday. Despite the latest blow, the group just wrapped up its best quarter since the start of the pandemic compared with its real estate landlord peers, falling just 1.5% in the third-quarter, according to Evercore ISI data. Only data centers came close to office landlords shedding 2.5%. Office owners received a lift during the third-quarter after SL Green Realty Corp. sold its 49.9% stake in 245 Park Avenue in late June, spurring a broad-based relief rally across the entire peer group, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Jeffery Langbaum. That may just be one data point, but it showed that at least one investor was willing to put incremental equity capital into an office building, and absorb a large amount of office-backed debt, he said. Story continues That deal provided a tailwind for even the most beaten-down office owner this year. Los-Angeles-based Hudson Pacific Properties, which is down 40% year-to-date, jumped 58% during the third-quarter becoming the biggest gainer for the period. Similarly, New York-based office owners Vornado Realty Trust and SL Green advanced 25% and 24%, respectively. Even in San Francisco, where office landlords have seen outsized vacancy rates since the onset of Covid-19, there are signs of relief. The number of tenants in the market has risen to 180 from 137 at the beginning of the year with square-footage requirements nearly doubling, Evercore ISI analyst Steve Sakwa wrote in a note. But he warns much of the incremental demand stems from tenants with future lease expirations. Commercial real estate owners and purchasers have to be willing to play the longer game, said Mary Daly, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco president at the Economic Club of New York on Thursday. You have to have a strong constitution to be in commercial real estate because it goes through cycles. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Key Insights The projected fair value for My E.G. Services Berhad is RM1.50 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity My E.G. Services Berhad's RM0.79 share price signals that it might be 48% undervalued Analyst price target for MYEG is RM1.03 which is 31% below our fair value estimate In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of My E.G. Services Berhad (KLSE:MYEG) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for My E.G. Services Berhad Crunching The Numbers We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM335.9m RM434.6m RM562.0m RM660.5m RM748.6m RM826.5m RM895.4m RM957.3m RM1.01b RM1.07b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Analyst x1 Est @ 17.53% Est @ 13.34% Est @ 10.40% Est @ 8.35% Est @ 6.91% Est @ 5.90% Est @ 5.20% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 9.8% RM306 RM360 RM424 RM454 RM469 RM471 RM465 RM453 RM437 RM418 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM4.3b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.8%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = RM1.1b (1 + 3.6%) (9.8% 3.6%) = RM18b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM18b ( 1 + 9.8%)10= RM6.9b 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 RM11b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.8, the company appears quite undervalued at a 48% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at My E.G. Services Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.8%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.918. 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 My E.G. Services Berhad Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Professional Services market. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows. Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Malaysian market. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For My E.G. Services Berhad, we've compiled three further factors you should explore: Risks: As an example, we've found 1 warning sign for My E.G. Services Berhad that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does MYEG'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 KLSE 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. Ideally, your overall portfolio should beat the market average. But in any portfolio, there will be mixed results between individual stocks. So we wouldn't blame long term Growthpoint Properties Australia (ASX:GOZ) shareholders for doubting their decision to hold, with the stock down 41% over a half decade. We also note that the stock has performed poorly over the last year, with the share price down 33%. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 22% in the last 90 days. So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress. View our latest analysis for Growthpoint Properties Australia In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. Over five years Growthpoint Properties Australia's earnings per share dropped significantly, falling to a loss, with the share price also lower. The recent extraordinary items contributed to this situation. Since the company has fallen to a loss making position, it's hard to compare the change in EPS with the share price change. However, we can say we'd expect to see a falling share price in this scenario. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). It's probably worth noting we've seen significant insider buying in the last quarter, which we consider a positive. On the other hand, we think the revenue and earnings trends are much more meaningful measures of the business. Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here.. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Growthpoint Properties Australia the TSR over the last 5 years was -21%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! Story continues A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 4.7% in the last year, Growthpoint Properties Australia shareholders lost 28% (even including dividends). However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 4% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Growthpoint Properties Australia (1 can't be ignored) that you should be aware of. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Australian exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. When we invest, we're generally looking for stocks that outperform the market average. And while active stock picking involves risks (and requires diversification) it can also provide excess returns. To wit, the Perak Transit Berhad share price has climbed 49% in five years, easily topping the market decline of 10% (ignoring dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 40% in the last year , including dividends . Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. View our latest analysis for Perak Transit Berhad While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. During five years of share price growth, Perak Transit Berhad achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 1.2% per year. This EPS growth is lower than the 8% average annual increase in the share price. This suggests that market participants hold the company in higher regard, these days. And that's hardly shocking given the track record of growth. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). We're pleased to report that the CEO is remunerated more modestly than most CEOs at similarly capitalized companies. It's always worth keeping an eye on CEO pay, but a more important question is whether the company will grow earnings throughout the years. This free interactive report on Perak Transit Berhad's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. Story continues What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of Perak Transit Berhad, it has a TSR of 81% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective It's nice to see that Perak Transit Berhad shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 40% over the last year. Of course, that includes the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 13% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. Given the share price momentum remains strong, it might be worth taking a closer look at the stock, lest you miss an opportunity. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Perak Transit Berhad (of which 1 shouldn't be ignored!) you should know about. If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. PITTSBURGH, October 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PPG (NYSE: PPG) and the PPG Foundation today announced a commitment to invest $2 million through 2025 to support workforce development initiatives that provide training and opportunities for future skilled workers in manufacturing and coatings application. The commitment aims to introduce students to the diverse and high-tech career paths within modern industry and provide them with educational opportunities to pursue fields such as advanced manufacturing, automotive collision repair, automotive refinishing, and painting. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006075245/en/ The PPG MOONWALK and PPG LINQ Pro educational tools will be used in vocational schools in Europe as part of the company's commitment to provide training in manufacturing and coatings application. (Photo: Business Wire) "We understand the importance of providing students with a hands-on, practical education that arms them with the advanced skills needed for career placements in technical and STEM- related fields," said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. "The PPG Foundation is a long-time supporter of workforce development programs. As we recognize the important contributions of skilled workers during U.S. Manufacturing Month in October, were dedicating our commitment to connect students with access to the tools and training needed for a vast range of career possibilities." Through existing and new partnerships with local technical schools, community colleges, and organizations PPG and the PPG Foundation will support preparation and training for specialized industry certifications and careers. Current partners include: Automotive Refinish Programs: A sample of partner schools includes Rosedale Technical College in Pittsburgh; Delaware Area Career Center in Delaware, Ohio; and Parkway West Career & Tech Center, Oakdale, Pa. With the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), the PPG Foundation is funding scholarships to train entry-level staff. In Europe, PPG MOONWALK and PPG LINQ Pro educational tools will be used in vocational schools. Chemical Coaters Association International Finishing Education Foundation (CCAI FEF) (Lakewood Ranch, Fla): The PPG Foundation supported CCAI FEF as it collaborated with the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation to grow its manufacturing summer camp program for students aged 11-17. Pickaway Ross Career & Technology Center (Chillicothe, Ohio): To help students prepare for careers in robotics and automation, the PPG Foundation supported a simulation lab, Skill Boss Smart Factory, where students can earn the MSSC's CPT+ Certification for manufacturing skills in safety, quality, production processes and maintenance awareness. Manufacturing Institute (Washington): This PPG Foundation partnership has enabled diverse initiatives such as the Future program, facilitated by a partnership with a leading digital education provider, EVERFI, to bring STEM learning and career awareness to middle school students across the U.S. Prague Crafts Academy (Prague): A community engagement grant by PPG enabled the school to build an innovative and modern workshop for student painters to strengthen their skills. A PPG technical specialist also helped to train students who visited a PPG manufacturing facility. Story continues "A recent National Association of Manufacturers survey1 indicates that a majority of manufacturers identify attracting and retaining a quality workforce as one of their biggest problems," said Dunn. "The PPG Foundation stands to open the door for future pipelines of talent and invest in programs that support the next generation of workers." PPGs global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested $16.2 million in 2022, supporting hundreds of organizations across more than 35 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow todays skilled workforce and develop tomorrows innovators in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at communities.ppg.com. PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $17.7 billion in 2022. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com. PPG LINQ is a trademark and MoonWalk, the PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. 1) https://www.nam.org/2023-third-quarter-manufacturers-outlook-survey/ CATEGORY Community Affairs View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231006075245/en/ Contacts PG Media Contacts: Mark Silvey Corporate Communications +1 412 434 3046 silvey@ppg.com www.ppgcommunities.com AP Photo/Paul Sancya The UAW strike's ripple effects is decreasing the demand for steel, the Journal reported. The strike has cut production of 6,030 vehicles a day that used 5,982 tons of steel, S&P estimates. Prices of coiled sheet steel, commonly used to make automotive parts, have fallen 40% since April. The UAW strike is hitting more than just car production and distribution. It's hurting the price of steel, too. The strike has cost the Big Three automakers an estimated $1.12 billion in the first two weeks alone, according to Anderson Economic Group. Now in its third week, and with almost a fifth of the union on strike, the ripple effects are starting to materialize and the US steel market is starting to feel the impact. Spot prices for benchmark coiled sheet steel, commonly used to make automotive parts, have fallen 40% since April, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. The American Steel Index has fallen by 5.92% in the past month. Though the strike started in September, the steel market had began bracing for much of this year, depressing prices that were already recovering from slow demand during the pandemic. UAW members are asking for wage hikes, a return to traditional pension plans, and retiree healthcare among other demands. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, steel currently makes up about 54% of the material that goes into making the average vehicle. It goes into making the body of the car, mufflers, exhaust pipes and more. But with workers on strike are 43 facilities across the country, that's bound to slow demand for steel. S&P estimates cited by the Journal say that so far, the strike has knocked out production of 6,030 vehicles a day that consumed about 5,982 tons of steel. The automakers are yet feel sizeable impacts from the work stoppage, with third-quarter sales in the green. Ford reported a 7.7% increase in sales. General Motors' sales jumped 21%. Stellantis' was down 1%. Read the original article on Business Insider Perth, Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perth, Western Australia - Perth, Western Australia - Property management company Orana Property applauds the WA government for creating fairer conditions for tenants; without sacrificing the rights of landlords to manage their property as they see fit. A major update to Western Australias rental laws is expected to go before Parliament at the end of this year. The raft of proposed changes includes restricting rent increases to once a year, allowing tenants to make minor home modifications, banning rent bidding and permitting pet ownership. Rental reform has been on WAs horizon since 2019, when the state government announced a review into the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This reform comes at a critical time, as tenants feel the pinch of higher rents in a tight market with a limited supply of rental listings. Perth has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in Australia, which means that tenant demand far outweighs the supply of properties on the market. The vacancy rate fell to record lows at 0.6 per cent in December 2022. Theres been a small recovery since then. Perths vacancy rate is currently 0.8 per cent, but this is still far below a balanced market range of 2.5 to 3.5 per cent. Theres less than one rental dwelling available for every 100 renter households. This is one reason why Perth has some of the highest year-on-year rent increases in the nation, as more tenants compete for suitable accommodation. Alison Ringuet, Oranas acquisition and business development manager, says landlords also face intense pressures in this difficult market, especially when it comes to inflated mortgage repayments. Landlords arent immune from the financial stress that many Australians face. Theyve also struggled to cope with regular interest rate hikes during a cost of living crisis, Ms Ringuet said. The last thing we need is for landlords to leave the property market because managing a property has become too hard in Western Australia. This will happen if landlords lose confidence in the face of too many restrictions. We need to encourage more investment in the rental market, not less. Otherwise there will be even fewer properties available for tenants to lease. This would cause prices to soar higher, due to supply and demand. Story continues (Image: Alison Ringuet, Orana Property) Orana Property welcomes the WA governments decision to keep no-grounds evictions in place, which should encourage more landlords to enter the market. No-grounds evictions enable WA property owners to evict tenants without giving a reason. The notice period for termination provisions is currently 60 days for periodic leases and 30 days for fixed leases. In May 2023, the McGowan government released a press release that no-grounds evictions will remain. With the current challenges facing WAs rental market, it is not in the communitys interests to make it more complex to own and manage a long-term rental property. Our State needs more investors in the market and uncertainty about their ability to manage their own asset may stand in the way of increasing supply, Ms Ringuet said. When state and territory leaders met with the Prime Minister on August 16, they agreed to move towards nationally consistent laws on renting including removing no-grounds evictions. Despite these recent national cabinet guidelines, the WA government will retain no-grounds evictions. Australian states and territories set their own tenancy laws, so WAs rental laws are separate from whats happening elsewhere. However, Australias housing crisis has put rental reform at the top of the national agenda this year. This means WA rental laws may come to be shaped by wider reform. Orana Property published an article explaining Western Australias rental reforms, against the backdrop of national housing debate. ### For more information about Orana Property, contact the company here: Orana Property 1300 509 554 bdm@oranaproperty.com.au Level 3, 1060 Hay St, West Perth, WA 6005 When you buy shares in a company, there is always a risk that the price drops to zero. But when you pick a company that is really flourishing, you can make more than 100%. Take, for example Forestar Group Inc. (NYSE:FOR). Its share price is already up an impressive 129% in the last twelve months. Also pleasing for shareholders was the 19% gain in the last three months. And shareholders have also done well over the long term, with an increase of 38% in the last three years. Since the long term performance has been good but there's been a recent pullback of 4.5%, let's check if the fundamentals match the share price. View our latest analysis for Forestar Group While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. Over the last twelve months, Forestar Group actually shrank its EPS by 16%. This means it's unlikely the market is judging the company based on earnings growth. Therefore, it seems likely that investors are putting more weight on metrics other than EPS, at the moment. Forestar Group's revenue actually dropped 18% over last year. So using a snapshot of key business metrics doesn't give us a good picture of why the market is bidding up the stock. The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). We're pleased to report that the CEO is remunerated more modestly than most CEOs at similarly capitalized companies. It's always worth keeping an eye on CEO pay, but a more important question is whether the company will grow earnings throughout the years. You can see what analysts are predicting for Forestar Group in this interactive graph of future profit estimates. A Different Perspective It's nice to see that Forestar Group shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 129% over the last year. That's better than the annualised return of 6% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. Given the share price momentum remains strong, it might be worth taking a closer look at the stock, lest you miss an opportunity. Most investors take the time to check the data on insider transactions. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling. Story continues For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Qantas Freight operates several all-cargo aircraft, including Airbus A321 converted freighters (pictured) for Australia Post. (Photo: Qantas) The beleaguered freight division of Qantas Airways said late Thursday that it could take another two weeks for some key cargo terminals in Australia to dig out from the logjam of shipments caused by a troublesome switchover to a new cargo management system. Data from the legacy system was supposed to be integrated into the new one, but glitches in digital communication and cargo processing immediately cropped up on Sept. 24. Nearly two weeks into the crisis, Qantas Freight is struggling to keep shipments flowing and says it will be up to two weeks before warehouse operations at the Sydney and Melbourne airports return to normal, according to a notice posted on its website. The airline said its cargo facility in Brisbane could be restored to proper order in about seven days. Were working hard to process your freight and clear the backlog, but appreciate its not as fast as wed hoped or as quickly as youd expect. Our recovery timeline is dependent on the freight in our warehouse being collected as soon as possible, and for our major customers, well be extending our open hours for collections to 24/7 where possible to provide maximum flexibility, Qantas said. Were incredibly grateful for the patience and understanding of many of our customers who have been rightly concerned about their freight. Paul Zalai, director of the Freight & Trade Alliance, on Thursday criticized Qantas slow response and suggested angry freight forwarders would demand compensation for financial burdens resulting from multiday delays retrieving shipments. Logistics companies are finally beginning to see some improvement in their ability to pick up shipments that arrived as consolidations in shared containers, he said in an email message on Friday. Qantas said terminal teams are working around the clock to clear the cargo backlog and keep recent freight arrivals moving without delay. Logistics providers say manual procedures have not successfully substituted for automated ones. Continuing challenges include the inability of the new system to communicate with X-ray scanning machines, breakdowns in messaging with Australian Customs for clearing imports to enter the country and difficulties tracking the location of shipments. Story continues Qantas management on Friday urged freight forwarders to stop contacting employees they have relationships with seeking favors to expedite their cargo, saying this in fact is creating duplication of effort across multiple channels and in fact counterproductive to assisting us clear cargo, according to correspondence shared with members by the Freight & Trade Alliance. It recommended shippers use the customer service email address or contact section of the website for queries. While it works to make IT fixes, the airline has implemented a number of workarounds, including: Adding extra staff and hiring third parties to assist with staging loads on the tarmac, stuffing containers and loading aircraft. Manually processing data. Implementing safety measures to facilitate overnight work. Creating extra airside staging and bulk delivery areas in Sydney and Melbourne. Using other Qantas Group assets such as road feeder service Jets Transport Express to spread distribution. Prioritizing aircraft space and clearance for critical commodities, such as human organs and remains, urgent medical products, animals, emergency parts for aircraft repairs and perishables. Qantas Freight operates a dozen freighters of various sizes on domestic and international routes, and manages cargo carried by the flag carriers passenger aircraft, as well as partner airlines. One of its main customers is Australia Post. The company said it plans in the coming days to bring on more third-party providers in Australia and at overseas freight stations to expedite cargo processing. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. Twitter: @ericreports / LinkedIn: Eric Kulisch / ekulisch@freightwaves.com RELATED NEWS: Qantas Freight fumbles IT rollout, stranding cargo shipments The post Qantas says freight backlog in Australia could last 2 more weeks appeared first on FreightWaves. The first step in processing the apples at the Affy Tapple production facility in Niles is to wash the apples. Most of the Gala apples come from either Michigan, Washington, or Virginia. (Richard Requena) Even before pumpkin spice products arrive every year, Chicagoans know fall is coming when they see caramel apples in clear plastic packaging, with yellow labels, appear on grocery store shelves. The Affy Tapple company, which is celebrating 75 years in business, trucks them out from its food production plant in Niles, where it adds 300 seasonal workers to its year-round staff of 40 to produce the caramel confections. They are sold in grocery stores in 25 states, and customers elsewhere can order online. Affy Tapple also offers a company store onsite. Advertisement Derek Dye, marketing manager at Affy Tapple and its sister company Mrs. Prindables, which makes gourmet caramel apples suitable for gifting, said the apples the company uses come from Virginia, Washington and Michigan and are dipped, sprinkled, and packaged in an assembly line at the Niles facility. On the production line at Affy Tapple in Niles, workers spike wooden sticks through the apples' cores before they are sorted by size. (Richard Requena) According to Dye, Affy Tapple goes through nearly 300,000 apples daily during its busy season, typically from the last weeks of August through Halloween. The apples are usually washed at their orchard and washed a second time when they arrive at the factory. A food preserver is added to the apples before workers spike each one with a wooden stick, which becomes the taffy apples handle. Advertisement At Affy Tapple in Niles, apples are sorted by size and moved along a conveyer belt where they will be lined up to be dipped in caramel. The company produces taffy apples. (Richard Requena) After that, the apples are sorted through a conveyor belt by size, assembled into lines, and dipped in caramel. Dye said during the busy season, Affy Tapple cooks two tons of caramel per day to coat the apples. The dipped caramel apples are sprinkled with either roasted, chopped peanuts or sprinkles, or are left plain. According to Director of Product Samantha Kowalczyk, 70% of the apples are sprinkled with peanut bits. The caramel apples move along the conveyor belt to a cooling room before being packaged in packs of threes for grocery stores. They are also packed singly for online sale, where they can be purchased and shipped across the country, excluding Hawaii and Alaska. Caramel is prepared in large quantities during the busy fall season at Affy Tapple's production facility in Niles. (Richard Requena) The apples used for Affy Tapples are mostly Gala, Jonathan and Empire, according to 13-year employee Dana Vikander. Vikander says the busy season is always an abrupt shift when it comes around. It goes from literally working three to four days a week, and then it goes nonstop, Vikander said. A second shift is added to provide enough workforce to supply the taffy apples. Vikander said her favorite Affy Tapple snack is still the classic caramel apple with peanuts. Affy Tapple caramel apples are grouped three to a package when they are sold in grocery stores. Individual packages of the caramel apple can be bought online, according to Marketing Manager Derek Dye. (Richard Requena) Woodridge-based Beavers Holdings owns Affy Tapple, which owns the Mrs. Prindables brand, according to Dye. Beavers Holdings also holds interests in other Chicago food products companies such as Best Diamond Packaging, Best Diamond Plastics, and Best Chicago Meat Company, which is known for brands such as Glenmark, Jemm Burger and Moo & Oink. The companies supply retail grocery and food service throughout North America to customers that include McDonalds, Walmart, QVC and Costco, Dye said. Beavers Holdings is owned by the Beavers family, with Brandon Beavers as the principal owner and CEO, Dye added. Dye declined to provide annual sales figures but said Affy Tapple and Mrs. Prindables match each other in sales, with 80% of Affy Tapples sales occurring in autumn and Mrs. Prindables having more consistent sales throughout the year. It offers products decorated for Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentines Day, Easter and other holidays. Affy Tapple scheduled a 75th anniversary celeration for Oct. 7 with sweepstakes for cash prizes, caramel apple giveaways and a Family Fun Day in the parking lot. Advertisement In 1948, Edna Kastrup invented the caramel recipe, which the company still uses, according to its website. The Kastrup family launched the business and opened its first store in 1952 at 7117 North Clark Street in Chicago. According to the website, the family sold to private investors in 1995. Kowalczyk said the company moved to an updated and expanded factory in Niles in 2000. In 2001, Affy Tapple bought Mrs. Prindables. Mrs. Prindables sells gourmet hand-dipped taffy apples, some also coated in different types of chocolate, along with other sweets. The company uses Granny Smith apples in addition to the same types of apples as at Affy Tapple. The decorated Mrs. Prindables products, wrapped with ribbon, are marketed as gifts, said Dye. Affy Tapple Marketing Manager Derek Dye said Mrs. Prindables taffy apples have more intricate designs and are hand dipped. They are produced in Niles. (Richard Requena) The factory store, at 7425 N. Croname Road, Niles, has regular hours during the fall season of 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Kowalczyk said the success the company has had is largely due to the nostalgia it brings to its customers. They might have bought it on Clark Street [when Affy Tapple was located in Chicago] or sold it for a fundraiser, and they see it up on store shelves when its autumn, she said. Halloween yard decorations are pictured at a home in Norman. Halloween shopping season has cast its faux pall upon us, with more than the usual number of seasonal, temporary Halloween stores up and running in Oklahoma City. Halloween spending is up. Hey, for some, it's the most wonderful time of (the) fear. It is, in fact, one of the most important shopping periods of the year, according to the National Retail Federation. What was your first Halloween costume that you remember? I'll never forget mine because of the skittishness so many fellow church people developed later during the "Satanic panic" that peaked so far in the 1980s and 1990s. Back in 1974, my own mama made me a devil costume a fireball red polyester body suit, which I wore with a rubber pullover devil mask from TG&Y. For a church party at a cousin's house. I was 10. We were fearless, the real devil, as we believed, having been defeated at the Cross. Devil schmevil. Somebody got ahold of a coffin even, complete with somebody else dressed as a vampire, set up in a spooky, decked-out basement of a farm house out in the dark country. More: From frights to fairs, check out these Oklahoma events where you can fall for fall Those were the days. Candy galore. Bobbing for apples. One of those tabletop haunted houses: Blindfolded, you put your hand in and touch cold spaghetti for witches' guts, peeled grapes for eyeballs, and something gooey for brains maybe actual calf's brains for all I know. No "fall festival" or trunk-or-treat event could beat it, not that there's anything wrong with that. So, what about you? Have you started your Halloween shopping yet? If not, you're late. It's October. Oklahomans are early shoppers for Halloween merch, a survey shows A scary skull dominates Halloween yard decorations at a home on NW 38. Oklahomans start shopping for Halloween the eighth earliest among the states, and OKC is Halloween central for buying for the holiday in the state, according to research by UpgradedPoints.com, which tracks credit card use and travel spending, among other things. The firm looked at Google searches, then ranked the states. Story continues We're about a third done. The analysis found that 32.7% of Halloween online shopping in Oklahoma takes place between July and September, while 58.7% occurs in October, and 8.6% happens the rest of the year. Halloween is barreling along in OKC. "In Oklahoma City, the Halloween store market is as strong as its ever been. It is just amazing the continued demand for Halloween products," said Jim Parrack, retail specialist and senior vice president at Price Edwards & Co., the commercial property brokerage. The National Retail Federation projects Halloween merchandise sales to be up 15% this year to a record $12.2 billion, he said. "I guess we either like to be scared or to scare people! Locally, we have a few more temporary Halloween locations than normal and despite talk of some supply chain issues, the stores here appear to be heavily stocked," Parrack said. "Vincent Price would be proud." Leading the werewolf pack in spending among the states is West Virginia, where nearly 36% of online shopping for Halloween supplies occurs between July and September. Other states where people prepare early for Halloween include Kentucky, 34.3%, Alaska, 33.8% and Louisiana, 33.7% (Marie Laveau would be proud). Bringing up the rear is Vermont, where only 27.2% of online Halloween shopping takes place during the same three months. Halloween skeptics, no doubt. Halloween shoppers and partiers will break records this year, returning to pre-COVID stride Halloween decorations are pictured at 620 NW 41. A record number of people, 73%, will participate in Halloween-related activities this year, up from 69% in 2022, according to the National Retail Federations annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. As usual, the main ways people plan to celebrate are handing out candy, 68%, decorating their home or yard, 53%, and wearing a costume, 50%. In a return to pre-COVID norms, more people also plan to throw or attend a party, 32%, or take their children trick-or-treating 28%. COVID just about killed Halloween for me in 2020 and 2021, the first years we didn't pass out candy since 2000. Last Halloween, we were still skittish, but we set out a bowl of goodies. This year? Maybe. Probably. We're vaxxed to the max. Life, and the undead, go on. We'll pick up where we left off in 2019. Hey kids! (And a lot of parents). Let me introduce you to Yoo-hoo! Not chocolate soda. Not chocolate milk. A funky chocolate drink! Sign Up: Weekly newsletter Real Estate with Richard Mize Halloween decorations at NW 19 and N Robinson Avenue. Senior Business Writer Richard Mize has covered housing, construction, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com since 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Real Estate with Richard Mize. You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 12 months of subscriber-only access for $1 a month. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Halloween stores in OKC open as pre-COVID holiday spending returns Billionaire Elon Musk called it "bullsh**t" and "morally wrong." JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon declared himself a remote-work skeptic, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stated that engineers "get more done" in the office. While companies like Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Meta and Zoom may be demanding their employees return to the office post-COVID, remote working is far from dead. About 28% of people work at jobs that allow for remote work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Don't Miss: Elon Musk has reportedly bought 6,000 acres of land just outside of Austin. Heres how to invest in the citys growth before he floods it with new tech workers. Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. With as little as $100, average investors are becoming landlords thanks to this Jeff Bezos-backed startup. And just as companies have differing views on remote work, some states have embraced the trend more than others. Colorado, for example, leads the nation for the highest percentage of remote workers at 38.34%, according to research from Cambridge, Massachusetts-based SelectSoftware Reviews. The SelectSoftware study analyzed the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, which reveals where someone has worked from home in the previous seven days across various demographic splits, including age, gender, income and educational background. The survey found that while 7.8% of people work remotely one to two days per week and 13.2% work remotely at least five days per week, 63.7% don't work remotely at all. Millennials people ages 25 to 39 work from home the most, with Massachusetts having the highest percentage of remote workers at an average of 48%. At 59%, Maryland has the highest percentage of remote workers who have a bachelor's degree or higher, and Utah has the most Americans whose highest education level is high school working from home at 23%. Highest Percentage Of Remote Workers State Percentage Of Remote Workers Colorado 37.34% Maryland 37.01% Massachusetts 36.36% Utah 36.02% Washington 34.8% Minnesota 33.69% New Jersey 33.18% New Hampshire 32.52% Virginia 32.13% Vermont 32.04% Source: SelectSoftware Reviews Story continues The survey also found that more people earn a significantly higher salary working from home. Massachusetts has the most workers earning $200,000 or more, with 81% of the state's high-earning residents regularly working remotely. High-paying roles involve working with colleagues, clients or partners from different parts of the world. Remote work allows professionals to collaborate across time zones without constantly traveling. But lower-paying jobs often involve tasks that require a physical presence, such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing and manual labor, which require hands-on work. Although some CEOs are vocal about their opposition to working from home, others, such as business magnate Sir Richard Branson embrace the concept. "First and foremost, I believe in flexible working," Branson said. "It is important that employers appreciate their employees' work-life balance and give them the flexibility to work around their personal lives." Don't Miss: This REIT just teamed up with the company that built Elon Musk's tiny house to develop affordable housing communities. Here's how you can be among the first to buy shares. Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Here's how to collect $1,000 per month from Buffett's favorite dividend stock. Photo: Generated with AI using MidJourney 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 Remote Work Popularity In Colorado Defies Elon Musk's 'Morally Wrong' Views originally appeared on Benzinga.com . 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Some of the most damaging evidence thus far against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried at his criminal trial is coming from the people who know him best. Gary Wang, 30, met Bankman-Fried at summer camp when he was 7 years old. The two later became college classmates at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and co-founded FTX along with a crypto hedge fund called Alameda Research. On Thursday Wang sat across from Bankman-Fried and admitted in court the two also committed fraud together. How? With a computer code that gave Alameda unlimited access to withdraw FTX customer funds and lenient margin trading collateral requirements. Gary Wang, right, testifies as Sam Bankman-Fried watches, in this courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg/REUTERS) (JANE ROSENBERG / reuters) Wang testified that Bankman-Fried did not write, review, or implement FTXs code, but directed him to create its features. These features gave Alameda unlimited access to customer funds deposited into FTX, extraordinary lines of credit to place margin trades on the exchange, and the ability to incur negative balances. How much money over the course of your time at FTX did Alameda withdraw into the negative? Assistant US Attorney Danielle Sassoon asked Wang Thursday. Alameda "had withdrawn $8 billion" by the time FTX declared bankruptcy in November 2022, Wang said. Wang said Alameda withdrew so much that FTX was not able to repay customers who were trying to withdraw." The testimony from a member of Bankman-Fried's inner circle went to the heart of the allegations against the 31-year-old crypto entrepreneur that he embezzled billions in FTX customer funds while misleading investors and lenders. Other members of this tight circle are also expected to testify, including Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Bankman-Fried's hedge fund Alameda Research and a one-time romantic partner, as well as former FTX chief engineer Nishad Singh. Wang, Ellison, and Singh have pleaded guilty to criminal charges. On Friday Wang went even deeper into how things worked at FTX and Alameda, which also acted as a customer of the cryptocurrency exchange. Story continues At Bankman-Fried's direction, he said the code he wrote in 2019 exempted Alameda from the rules that applied to other FTX customers and allowed it to essentially take whatever it wanted from the exchange. Alameda, for example, used an "allow negative" feature to take on negative balances through withdrawals or trades with FTX, overriding a program that would automatically liquidate positions in such accounts. Alameda was also awarded a $65 billion line of credit at FTX, a significantly larger amount than any other client. These arrangements, he said, were never disclosed to customers or investors. In early 2020, Wang said he told Bankman-Fried there was a negative balance for Alameda. Bankman-Fried allegedly told Wang to include holdings of FTT, FTX's own digital currency, in the calculation and Wang said that still didn't close the gap. Alameda eventually borrowed as much as $14 billion from FTX. "The money belonged to customers, and the customers did not give us permission to use it for other things," Wang said. 'It concerned me' Wang wasn't the only former MIT roommate who offered evidence against Bankman-Fried this week. Another was Adam Yedidia, whom Bankman-Fried hired to work at Alameda. Yedidia, like Wang, wrote computer code for the exchange. He agreed to testify under a grant of immunity from prosecution. Yedidia said in June 2022 he came across an $8 billion shortfall at FTX from loans made to Alameda. "It concerned me," Yedidia said. "It seemed like a lot of money for Alameda to be owing FTX. And I wanted to be certain that Alameda could repay that debt." Yedidia added: "It was possible that FTX customers might need that $8 billion." This courtroom sketch shows Adam Yedidia, former FTX and Alameda Research employee and former friend of Sam Bankman-Fried, testifying, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (Elizabeth Williams/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) He said raised the issue with Bankman-Fried during an exchange outside the luxury complex in the Bahamas the two shared with other FTX executives, asking if things were OK. "Sam said something like, We werent bulletproof last year. We're not bulletproof this year,'" said Yedidia, who noted that Bankman-Fried appeared worried. There was a time when Yedidia said he assured Bankman-Fried he wouldn't quit after other employees had exited. "I said, I love you, Sam, I am not going anywhere. Don't worry." But he resigned in November 2022. Prosecutors asked him what changed his mind. "I learned that Alameda had used FTX customer deposits to repay its loans to creditors," he said, and "what Alameda did seemed like a flagrantly wrong thing to have done." Click here for the latest crypto news, updates, values, prices, and more related to bitcoin, ethereum, dogecoin, DeFi, and NFTs Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Elon Musk. Chesnot via Getty Images The SEC just revealed it's investigating Elon Musk's Twitter investment and eventual takeover. The agency says Musk has failed to sit for an interview regarding the case, with various excuses. Musk's lawyer Alex Spiro called the entire investigation "misguided." Elon Musk's investment in Twitter and his eventual $44 billion acquisition of the platform is being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, with whom Musk now refuses to sit for an interview. The SEC on Thursday asked a California federal court to force Musk, who acquired Twitter, or X, just under a year ago, to comply with a May subpoena asking him to sit for testimony. The filing revealed what the agency said has been "an ongoing nonpublic investigation by the SEC regarding whether, among other things, Musk violated various provisions of the federal securities laws" with his initial secret collection of Twitter stock in early 2022 and his later purchase of the company, along with statements he made about the deal. Although it was noted last year in a filing in a separate court action that Musk was under federal investigation, it did not disclose by which body or what the investigation concerned. "The SEC seeks Musk's testimony to obtain information not already in the SEC's possession that is relevant to its lawful investigation," the agency said. "The SEC has followed all appropriate administrative steps required in seeking Musk's testimony. In the face of Musk's blatant refusal to comply with the SEC's subpoena, the SEC now asks the Court to intervene and compel Musk's compliance." Although Musk previously gave the SEC a half-day of testimony in July of 2022 related to its investigation, the agency said it is requesting he submit to further questioning because of the huge amount of additional information it's received this year. The SEC has "thousands of new documents from various parties as part of its investigation, including hundreds of new documents produced by Musk." Story continues "The SEC has not yet had an opportunity to question Musk about those documents and other substantial information it has obtained in its investigation since July 27, 2022," the agency said in its filing. After months of back and forth with Musk's lawyer, who the SEC claims never objected to Musk sitting for another interview, the Tesla billionaire agreed to be questioned on Sept. 15 in San Francisco. He did not appear for testimony. Musk's lawyer, Alex Spiro, told Insider: "The SEC has already taken Mr. Musk's testimony multiple times in this misguided investigation enough is enough." 'Spurious objections' "Instead, two days before his scheduled testimony, Musk abruptly notified the SEC staff that he would not appear," the SEC said. "Musk attempted to justify his refusal to comply with the subpoena by raising, for the first time, several spurious objections, including an objection to San Francisco as an appropriate testimony location." Other of Musk's objections included that the SEC was attempting to "harass" him and that his biography, Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson, was being published close to the date of his scheduled testimony and his lawyers needed "time to review" material in the book. Musk and his personal confidants made up most of the books sources. Although the SEC attempted to choose another date and location to interview Musk, he shifted to a "blanket refusal to appear for testimony," according to the agency. It is now asking the court to force Musk to comply and sit for an interview. A representative of Twitter did not respond to requests for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider DataHorizzon Research According to DataHorizzon Research, the silicone market size was valued at USD 19.2 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 38.6 Billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.3%. Fort Collins, Colorado, Oct. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DataHorizzon Research published a report titled, "Silicone Market Size, Growth, Share, Statistics Report, By Product Type (Fluids, Gels, Resin, Elastomers, Others), By Application (Electronics, Construction, Energy, Healthcare, Transportation, Personal Care and Consumer goods, Industrial Processes, Others), By Region Forecasts, 2023-2032." According to DataHorizzon Research, the silicone market size was valued at USD 19.2 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 38.6 Billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.3%. The global report on the silicone market comprehensively analyzes the latest trends and market conditions. It also covers the latest insights from the industry and delves into market opportunities. Silicone demand in personal care, consumer goods, industrial processes, and construction is rising. The U.S. market may grow moderately due to limited opportunities, but innovation and technological advancements create opportunities in emerging markets. Due to their remarkable properties, silicone elastomers have become a popular choice in the electrical and electronics industry. With a high dielectric constant, hydrophobicity, resistance to UV and ozone, and an impressive temperature range of -50C to 350C, it's no wonder they're a go-to choice for outdoor electrical insulation. They also offer various functions in electronics, including flexibility, durability, flame and heat resistance, and vibration dampening. Silicone is highly favored in the food processing industry due to its exceptional ability to endure extreme temperatures, exhibit chemical resistance, and possess non-reactive characteristics. It is a crucial component in machine parts such as gaskets and as a packaging material to maintain hygienic conditions, thereby preventing contamination. Story continues The prices of silicone have witnessed a notable rise in recent times. This can be attributed to the increased demand from electric vehicle and aircraft manufacturers. Furthermore, the trend continues as governments worldwide encourage and promote the transition towards electric vehicles. Overall, silicone elastomers are versatile and reliable materials ideal for various applications in the industry. Request Sample Report: https://datahorizzonresearch.com/request-sample-pdf/silicone-market-2145 Report Snapshot Report Title Silicone Market Market Size in 2022 USD 19.2 Billion Market Size by 2032 USD 38.6 Billion CAGR from 2023 to 2032 7.3% Largest Market North America Forecast Period 2023 to 2032 Historic Period 2021 Base Year 2022 Report Scope & Coverage Market Size, Market Estimations, Competitor Analysis, Trends and Growth Factors By Product type Fluids, Gels, Resin, Elastomers and Others By Application Electronics, Construction, Energy, Healthcare, Transportation, Personal Care and Consumer goods, Industrial Processes, Others Region North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Countries Covered U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa Major Market Players Elkay Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Supreme Silicones, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Elkem ASA, Silchem Inc., Amul Polymers, Wacker Chemie AG, The Dow Chemical Company, Specialty Silicone Products, Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Evonik Industries AG Segmentation Overview: The silicone market has been segmented based on product type and application. Silicone elastomers are a popular product type in the silicone market, with the elastomer segment expected to hold a significant market share. They come in various forms, including solids, open-cell foams, closed-cell sponges, thermally conductive, and electrically conductive. Silicone elastomers are widely used in healthcare due to their biocompatibility and durability. Self-lubricating silicone is also popular in medical applications as it reduces friction and improves device performance. Silicone is used in many medical devices, such as tubing, drains, catheters, and different bellows, seals, gaskets, and sealing devices. The industrial segment has the largest market share for silicones due to their high flexibility, low intermolecular interaction, low surface tension, and thermal stability. They are used in various industrial processes, often in combination with other materials for insulation, softening, adhesion, and more. In the oil and gas industry, silicones reduce foam formation and increase productivity and safety. They are also used for foam control and prevention in paper production. The application of silicones across different industries drives market growth. The silicone market in North America dominates due to increased demand from the healthcare sector. Silicone is a biocompatible material suitable for medical devices, such as implants, respiratory devices, and components. Its properties, such as high thermal stability, high compression resistance, and inertness, make it ideal for these devices. As the healthcare industry in North America grows, so does the demand for silicone and its products. Buy This Research Report: https://datahorizzonresearch.com/checkout-page/silicone-market-2145 Industry Trends and Insights: Evonik has launched TEGO RC 2000 LCF, a sustainable coating made from recycled silicone feedstock. It can be cured using UV LED or Arc lamps, reducing energy usage. The product helps label producers meet sustainability goals, as 81% of label industry members report rising demand for eco-friendly labels. Dow has launched two sustainable ionomer grades, SURLYN REN and SURLYN CIR, for cosmetic industry packaging. These grades enable beauty brands to create sustainable, exceptional packaging that stands out on shelves. Silicone Market Report Highlights: The silicone market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% by 2032. Silicone demand in personal care, consumer goods, industrial processes, and construction is rising. Silicone elastomers are widely used in electrical and electronics due to their high dielectric constant, hydrophobicity, and temperature range, and are also popular in food processing due to their chemical resistance and non-reactive properties. Prices increased due to high demand from EV and aircraft manufacturers. Silicone elastomers are versatile and widely used in healthcare due to their biocompatibility and durability. They come in various forms and are used in many medical devices, such as tubing, drains, catheters, and sealing devices. Self-lubricating silicone is also popular in medical applications as it reduces friction and improves device performance. Silicones are widely used in various industries due to their flexibility, low surface tension, and thermal stability. They are commonly used with other materials for insulation, softening, adhesion, and foam control. This versatility drives the market growth. Some of the prominent players in the global silicone market report include Elkay Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Supreme Silicones, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Elkem ASA, Silchem Inc., Amul Polymers, Wacker Chemie AG, The Dow Chemical Company, Specialty Silicone Products, Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc., and Evonik Industries AG. Looking Exclusively For Region/Country Specific Report? https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ask-for-customization/silicone-market-2145 OR Ask For Discount https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ask-for-discount/silicone-market-2145 Silicone Market Segmentation: By Product Type: Fluids, Gels, Resin, Elastomers and Others By Application: Electronics, Construction, Energy, Healthcare, Transportation, Personal Care and Consumer goods, Industrial Processes, Others By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa About DataHorizzon Research: DataHorizzon is a market research and advisory company that assists organizations across the globe in formulating growth strategies for changing business dynamics. Its offerings include consulting services across enterprises and business insights to make actionable decisions. DHRs comprehensive research methodology for predicting long-term and sustainable trends in the market facilitates complex decisions for organizations. Contact: Mail: sales@datahorizzonresearch.com Ph: +1-970-672-0390 Website: https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn Recent Publications Agricultural Adjuvants Market 2023 to 2032 Ammonia Market 2023 to 2032 Adhesives And Sealants Market 2023 to 2032 Hydrogen Peroxide Market 2023 to 2032 Electric Vehicle Fluids Market 2023 to 2032 CONTACT: Mail: sales@datahorizzonresearch.com Ph: +1-970-672-0390 Website: https://www.datahorizzonresearch.com Indonesia on Monday launched Southeast Asias first high-speed rail service, the culmination of a multi-billion dollar Chinese investment as part of Beijings Belt and Road initiative. The new bullet train connects the capital of Jakarta with the second-largest city of Bandung in just 40 minutes, a trip that usually takes three hours by car. Service began four years behind schedule, and went more than $3 billion over budget. While it might be the latest achievement in Chinas infrastructure ambitions, the train competes with several other Japanese development projects, propelling an economic and security tug-of-war in the Indo-Pacific. The Belt and Road initiative is losing steam with mounting trade deficits, according to a Nikkei Asia report. Countries are becoming more suspicious of falling into a debt trap with China, like Sri Lanka which was forced to give China control of a new port for 99 years after defaulting on its debt. These problems were only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total of nearly $77 billion loans by Chinese lenders to developing countries essentially gone bad between 2020 and 2022. Shinzo Abes legacy shines in Japanese foreign development projects, academics told CNA Insider. Tokyo has played a major role in orchestrating security partnerships to deter Chinese military expansion in the South China Sea through infrastructure projects, a key foreign policy goal of the late prime minister and the last three U.S. presidential administrations. Japan lost its bid to build the Indonesia bullet train, but it has largely counteracted Chinese influence in other projects, including the construction of Jakartas metro system and the $20 billion Just Energy Transition partnership to help Indonesia keep within the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming limit. Japan edges out Chinese infrastructure projects in reliability and transparency, experts told the Japan Times last year. Having worked in mountainous and earthquake-prone terrain, Japanese engineers are more skilled in navigating the difficult geography in Southeast Asian countries. Japanese companies are also better suited to implementing projects in democratic settings, one expert said, as China finds it challenging to replicate its domestic infrastructure developments in other countries. Despite being more expensive than Chinese projects, Japanese engineering marketed as more sustainable and high-quality has lower maintenance costs in the long run, giving Chinese engineering the reputation of being a debt trap. Spartan Resources Limited (ASX:SPR) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 26% gain in the last month alone. The last 30 days bring the annual gain to a very sharp 54%. Although its price has surged higher, Spartan Resources' price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 6.3x might still make it look like a strong buy right now compared to the wider Metals and Mining industry in Australia, where around half of the companies have P/S ratios above 95.6x and even P/S above 572x are quite common. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the highly reduced P/S. Check out our latest analysis for Spartan Resources What Does Spartan Resources' Recent Performance Look Like? While the industry has experienced revenue growth lately, Spartan Resources' revenue has gone into reverse gear, which is not great. The P/S ratio is probably low because investors think this poor revenue performance isn't going to get any better. If you still like the company, you'd be hoping this isn't the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's out of favour. Want the full picture on analyst estimates for the company? Then our free report on Spartan Resources will help you uncover what's on the horizon. How Is Spartan Resources' Revenue Growth Trending? There's an inherent assumption that a company should far underperform the industry for P/S ratios like Spartan Resources' to be considered reasonable. Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 69% decrease to the company's top line. The last three years don't look nice either as the company has shrunk revenue by 67% in aggregate. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been undesirable for the company. Shifting to the future, estimates from the lone analyst covering the company suggest revenue growth is heading into negative territory, declining 100% over the next year. Meanwhile, the broader industry is forecast to expand by 84%, which paints a poor picture. Story continues In light of this, it's understandable that Spartan Resources' P/S would sit below the majority of other companies. Nonetheless, there's no guarantee the P/S has reached a floor yet with revenue going in reverse. There's potential for the P/S to fall to even lower levels if the company doesn't improve its top-line growth. What Does Spartan Resources' P/S Mean For Investors? Shares in Spartan Resources have risen appreciably however, its P/S is still subdued. It's argued the price-to-sales ratio is an inferior measure of value within certain industries, but it can be a powerful business sentiment indicator. It's clear to see that Spartan Resources maintains its low P/S on the weakness of its forecast for sliding revenue, as expected. At this stage investors feel the potential for an improvement in revenue isn't great enough to justify a higher P/S ratio. Unless there's material change, it's hard to envision a situation where the stock price will rise drastically. Don't forget that there may be other risks. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for Spartan Resources (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable) you should be aware of. If companies with solid past earnings growth is up your alley, you may wish to see this free collection of other companies with strong earnings growth and low P/E ratios. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Swedens EQT AB expects to allocate as much as $3 billion in Japan from its $11 billion Asia private equity fund in coming years, betting that companies will take more steps to benefit shareholders. Most Read from Bloomberg The Stockholm-based alternative investment management firm considers Japan a top priority for its Asia business, said the firms chief executive officer, Christian Sinding, in an interview in Tokyo. EQT oversees a total 224 billion euros ($236 billion) in assets and was ranked by Private Equity International as the worlds third-biggest PE firm in terms of capital raised. EQT has a few potential Japan private equity deals in the pipeline and is also likely to invest $1 billion in the nations real estate and infrastructure, said Jean Eric Salata, chairman of EQT Asia, in the same interview. Japan has been pushing companies to improve governance standards and for listed firms to take steps to bolster their valuations such as buying back shares, as the worlds third-biggest economy competes to attract investments from abroad. While private equity had long suffered a negative public image in Japan as vultures tearing apart companies for quick profits, the growing number of wealthy, long-term investors there seeking extra returns from alternative assets are helping improve its image. Now is a really interesting time to be here, said Salata. Id say that there is an increasing amount of acceptance or understanding about just what private equity is and how it works. Shareholder activism is also on the rise in Japan, as seen in stock holders making a record number of proposals at companies annual general meetings this year to demand more returns and better governance. As long-term investors, EQT may be able to help by partnering with companies that are facing activist challenges, Salata said. Story continues We can be one of those white knights, one of those friendly parties that can step in, he said. Asia Foothold EQT bought Hong Kong-based Baring Private Equity Asia Ltd. last year to gain a bigger foothold in Asia. While India accounts for the largest investments in its funds, Japan is becoming increasingly important and its put money in companies such as audio equipment maker Pioneer Corp. and Bushu Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The firm is cautious on China at the moment even though it believes the market will remain attractive over the medium to longer term. Its a market that we believe over time well continue to have interesting investment opportunities, Sinding said. It is also a market at the moment that is lacking in capital. But we probably will wait for things to become more clear over time before we commit more, in terms of new investments into the country. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Long-established in the Telecommunication Services industry, AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a daily loss of 4.69%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of -7.25%. Fresh insights from the GF Score hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of AT&T Inc. AT&T Inc (T): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential Understanding the GF Score The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank. Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned AT&T Inc the GF Score of 63 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential. AT&T Inc: A Snapshot of the Company's Business AT&T Inc, with a market cap of $101.05 billion, is a major player in the Telecommunication Services industry. The company generates sales of $121.44 billion, with an operating margin of 19.92%. The wireless business contributes about two-thirds of AT&T's revenue following the spinoff of Warner Media. The firm is the third-largest U.S. wireless carrier, connecting 70 million postpaid and 18 million prepaid phone customers. AT&T also has a sizable presence in Mexico, serving 22 million customers, but this business only accounts for 3% of revenue. The firm still holds a 70% equity stake in satellite television provider DirecTV but does not consolidate this business in its financial statements. Story continues AT&T Inc (T): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential Financial Strength Breakdown AT&T Inc's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company's interest coverage ratio of 3.84 positions it worse than 60.6% of 302 companies in the Telecommunication Services industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. The company's Altman Z-Scoreis just 0.45, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.06 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels. Furthermore, the company's debt-to-Ebitda ratio is 7.81, which is above Joel Tillinghast's warning level of 4 and is worse than 89.94% of 318 companies in the Telecommunication Services industry. Growth Prospects A lack of significant growth is another area where AT&T Inc seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. The company's revenue has declined by -13.6 per year over the past three years, which underperforms worse than 89.28% of 373 companies in the Telecommunication Services industry. Over the past five years, AT&T Inc has witnessed a decline in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). The three-year growth rate is recorded at -28.2, while the five-year growth rate is at -15.9. Lastly, AT&T Inc predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency. AT&T Inc (T): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential Conclusion Given AT&T Inc's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GF Score highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While the company has a rich history and a significant market presence, its current financial health and growth prospects raise concerns about its ability to outperform in the future. Investors should consider these factors when making investment decisions. GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The trade finance market is expected to grow by USD 14.70 billion from 2022 to 2027, according to Technavio. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 5.01% during the forecast period. A growing number of exports is notably driving the trade finance market. However, factors such as the impact of protectionist policies and trade wars may impede the market growth. The market is segmented by Type (Traditional trade finance, Supply chain finance, and Structured trade finance), End-user (Importers and exporters, Banks and financiers, and Insurers and export credit agencies), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). Technavio provides a comprehensive report summary describing the market size and forecast along with research methodology. The FREE sample report is available in PDF format Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Trade Finance Market 2023-2027 Key Segment Analysis The traditional trade finance segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Traditional trade finance provides a variety of trade payment and risk management tools through products such as trade letters of credit, documentary collections, open account processing, order management, and benchmarking. suffer from vouchers. One of the major players in the market offering such a solution is JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMorgan). As a result, market participants such as JP Morgan & Chase offer traditional trade finance solutions through web-based trade management platforms, allowing clients to manage their trading activities, from order to payment. In addition, the main advantage of this solution is that it allows sellers and buyers to connect with market participants and provide them anytime, anywhere access, creating visibility, accelerating the settlement cycle, and reducing costs while optimizing the merchant payment process. Hence, these factors are expected to segment growth during the forecast period. Story continues To know additional highlights and key points on various market segments and their impact in coming years, View the FREE PDF Sample Report. Geographical Market Analysis APAC is estimated to contribute 34% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. North America is another region that offers significant growth opportunities for suppliers. The presence of major global exporters including the US and Canada is one of the key factors contributing significantly to the growth of the trade finance market in the region. In addition, the US is a leading exporter of capital goods, including commercial aircraft, machinery, and semiconductors, to Africa and Asia. As a result, several market participants in the region are forming strategic partnerships and alliances to increase market reach, expand customer base, and support trade in markets. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period. Company Insights The trade finance market is fragmented, and the companies are deploying organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market companies, including Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., Banco Santander SA, Bank of America Corp., Barclays PLC, BNP Paribas SA, Citigroup Inc., Credit Agricole SA, Deutsche Bank AG, The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., HSBC Holdings Plc, JPMorgan Chase and Co., Morgan Stanley, NatWest Group plc, Societe Generale SA, Standard Chartered PLC, BNY Mellon Securities Corp., UBS Group AG, UniCredit SpA, Wells Fargo and Co., and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. View the FREE PDF Sample Report to find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by companies and their product offerings. Related Reports: The Car Rental Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.16% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecasted to increase by USD 129.71 billion. The Railcar Leasing Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.12% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 18,365.83 million. 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: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com Global Trade Finance Market 2023-2027 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trade-finance-market-size-to-grow-by-usd-14-70-billion-from-2022-to-2027--the-growing-number-of-exports-to-boost-market-growth--technavio-301948783.html SOURCE Technavio In this 2017 file photo, property owners line up to pay their May property taxes at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point. (Carrie Napoleon/Post-Tribune) Property taxes for many residents of Calumet Township are on track to increase significantly after the 2023 Lake County Land Order recorded property values substantially higher than in previous assessments. News of the order prompted one of Garys largest landowners to bring a formal challenge to state level regulators, who will make a decision on whether to uphold the order after a public hearing later this month. Advertisement Lake County Assessor LaTonya Spearman said that the order is the product of new assessment methods aimed at correcting the long-term undervaluation of properties in the area. At a Monday community forum organized by Gary City Councilman Darren Washington, D-At Large, and held at the Gary Public Library, Spearman fielded questions from frustrated landowners who decried the order as excessive. Lake County Assessor Latonya Spearman addresses the gathering during the kick off to the Indiana Democratic Party's "Jobs Tour Program" at the Carpenters Local Union 1005 in Merrillville on Jan. 31, 2022. (John Smierciak/Post Tribune) (John Smierciak / Post-Tribune) I am not here to mislead you in any way or give you any false hope, Spearman told the crowd of over 100, there are going to be increases. Advertisement Property taxes, which fund an array of government services provided by counties, townships, municipalities, school districts and other government bodies, are based on the value of a property as determined by the assessors office. In Indiana, property assessments are conducted in a four-year cycle, with 25 percent of a countys properties assessed each year. Properties are assessed using mass appraisal techniques, which use data from an area to determine base property values. The preferred and most common method of assessment is the sales comparison approach, which uses the amount paid for properties in an area as evidence of the value of similar properties. Through the process of annual adjustment, also called trending, property sales data is used to determine if the appraised value of properties should be adjusted to match the market value reflected in nearby recent sales. Challenges arise, however, in areas with limited sales data, such as Gary. Without adequate sales figures, assessors need to employ alternative assessment methods, including using data from comparable neighborhoods elsewhere or attempting to determine how much a propertys improvements would cost to rebuild. A sign welcomes visitors to the Miller Beach neighborhood in Gary, which is expected to see higher property tax assessments according to the 2023 Lake County Land Order. (Post-Tribune staff) Unlike in previous years, the 2023 land order was produced by the Lake County Assessors office, rather than the Calumet Township Assessors office. Spearman said that the decision to take over the 2023 process was made after discussions with the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF), which oversees assessments in the state. Statutorily it has always been the county assessors responsibility, Spearman told the Post-Tribune. but, historically, township assessors participated in a way that statute didnt really call for, and so during the 2022 land order review process and my conversations with the department, I determined that it was in the countys best interest for me to assume that responsibility to be closer in adherence to the governing statue. Lake County is one of just nine Indiana counties with one or more township assessors offices. In 2008, the Indiana state legislature gave voters the choice of whether to give sole responsibility over determining the value property and land for tax purposes to county assessors. Subsequent referendums held across the state abolished more than 950 township assessors offices. One key difference between the 2023 process and previous years, Spearman said, has to do with which property sales are included in the analysis. The assessing officials review the sales and they determine whether or not those cells are valid or invalid for trending purposes for development of the land order, she said And what was happening in Calumet Township is that a lot of those sales were invalidated so as not to skew the number o because of that sales that should have been taken into consideration were not. Advertisement The revised assessment process yielded substantially higher base property values than in previous years. In one neighborhood area that includes lakefront lots in the citys relatively affluent Miller area, the base rate per front foot increased 101% from $3,531 to $7,100. Two other neighborhood areas in Miller saw increases of 233% and 263%. Spearman stressed that base rates included in the land order do not represent a complete appraisal of individual parcels, the value of which might be impacted by specific circumstances, and that individuals tax liabilities will not increase by the same percentage amount as their appraisals. Though the change in appraisals was dramatic, she said, the figures are accurate, reflecting both an increase in property values and a correction from past assessments. The reason you see significant increases is because for a very long time those areas have been undervalued, she told event attendees. The land rates are market-driven, and so these arent numbers that were just pulling out of thin air. The substantially higher property taxes portended by the land order have prompted outrage from landowners. George Rogge, president of the Miller Citizens Corporation, told the Post-Tribune that while property values in his neighborhood have undoubtedly increased, the assessors office has overvalued them. I dont think anybody should not agree that it is better now than it was four years, he said. but not excessively, not to this extent, and taxation is supposed to be fair and comparable. Advertisement Mary Ann Best, a Gary native who moved back to Miller in the 2010s, said at the meeting that her decision to return was based in large part on Garys affordability. The community that we have right now that has a very diverse economic range, Best said. Itll destroy that diversity if were continuing to increase (taxes) and price people out. The land orders discontents have an opportunity to contest the 2023 land order. Andy Young, a Wadsworth, Illinois resident who owns hundreds of real estate parcels in and around Gary, secured the signatures of 171 Lake County taxpayers on a petition challenging the order that was filed with the DLGF, which oversees tax assessments, earlier this year. The petition triggered a rare review process as prescribed by Indiana law. The DLGF will host a virtual public hearing on Oct. 10, during which Lake County taxpayers and the assessor will have the opportunity to speak on the land order. The department will accept written testimony via email from taxpayers who signed the petition until 5 p.m. on October 24. After reviewing the testimony, the DLGF will decide whether to uphold, overturn, or modify the land order. A similar series of events played out last year when Young, along with 191 taxpayers who signed a petition, brought an unsuccessful challenge to the 2022 Lake County Land Order, the first such challenge to be brought in the state. Young argued that property values had been assessed inconsistently and using outdated information. The DLGF ultimately concluded, however, that taxpayers submitted no evidence to demonstrate that the Department should modify or disapprove the order. Advertisement Once a land order is approved, landowners can exercise their legal right to appeal their property taxes with the Calumet Township Assessors office. Individuals who can provide evidence that their propertys estimated market value is inaccurate or that they are eligible for one or more tax deductions can see their tax liabilities reduced. Indiana curbs the amount of property tax owed through tax caps which were enshrined in the State Constitution in 2010. State law limits the amount of property taxes owed annually to 1% of property values for owner-occupied properties, 2% for other residential property and farmland, and 3% for all other property. (Bloomberg) -- Turkey called on the US to stop working with Kurdish YPG militants in Syria, vowing to maintain its cross-border offensives against Americas Kurdish allies in Syria after the US shot down a Turkish drone in the region. Most Read from Bloomberg Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken with strong expressions that the US, as an ally, should stop working with the terrorist organization YPG in northern Syria, according to a readout statement from Turkeys Foreign Ministry. Turkey has since 2015 urged Washington to stop arming and training Kurdish YPG militants, allied with the US forces against Islamic State in Syria, that Turkey sees as terrorists. Turkey conducted retaliatory airstrikes against YPG militants in northern Syria on Thursday, during which an American F-16 jet shot down a Turkish drone that flew to within half a kilometer of US forces in Syria, a rare instance of two NATO allies coming into conflict and which led the lira to weaken. Turkeys counter-terrorism operations in Iraq and Syria will continue with determination, Fidan said during the call with Blinken on Friday, referring to Turkish airstrikes in reprisal for a suicide-bomb attack in Ankara over the weekend which Turkish intelligence said was carried out by Kurdish militants from Syria. Turkey views the YPG, thought to have tens of thousands of fighters, as a security threat due to its ties to the PKK a separatist group thats based in Iraq and deemed a terrorist organization by the US and European Union. Fidan and Blinken agreed that an existing de-escalation mechanism between Turkish and US forces in Iraq and Syria should be effectively operated in a way that would not hinder Turkeys fight against terrorism, the readout said, referring to downing of the Turkish drone. The US, for its part, has warned Turkey against unilateral airstrikes that could threaten American personnel. Story continues Turkey Terror Attack Spells Trouble for NATO: Mideast Briefing The unmanned aircraft was operated by Turkeys National Intelligence Agency, which was conducting cross-border operations in retaliation for a suicide-bomb in the Turkish capital on Sunday. The attack, which injured two security officers, was claimed by Kurdish militant group PKK and organized from Syria, according to Turkish intelligence. Earlier on Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the armed drone belonged to Turkey. In a written statement, it said the drone was lost over differences in technical assessments... with third parties. US Defense Department spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said there was no sign the drone planned to strike American troops. Nonetheless, Turkeys operations have stoked fresh tensions with Washington, which supports Kurdish forces who it says have played a major role in the US-led effort to defeat the Islamic State. Ties between the two NATO allies have recently come under more strain, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delaying Swedens entry to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Fidan and Blinken also discussed Swedens membership bid, the Turkish readout said without elaborating. Aerial operations were aimed at eliminating the terrorist threat emanating from northern Syria, the Turkish Defense Ministry said. US Shoots Down Turkish Drone That Approached Troops in Syria US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged de-escalation in a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, while acknowledging Turkeys legitimate security concerns, the Pentagon said in a statement. He affirmed a commitment to close coordination with Ankara to prevent any risk to US forces in Syria. Kurdish groups retain control over a large swathe of territory in Syria, which has been mired in a civil war since 2011. Syrian President Bashar al-Assads Damascus-based government has largely consolidated its rule elsewhere in the country with the help of Russia and Iran. On Thursday, rebel forces hit a military academy in the Assad-controlled city of Homs, killing over 100 people, according to UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Syrias state-media put the number of dead at 80. Read: All About the YPG, the Syrian Kurds Vexing Turkey: QuickTake Turkeys broader conflict with Kurdish militants has killed tens of thousands of people since 1984. Turkeys last major incursion into Syria took place in late 2019, with the stated aim of pushing armed groups away from the border. It later halted its operations following cease-fire agreements with the US and Russia. Thursdays air campaign also came as Turkey continues to insist on the full cooperation of Stockholm in cracking down on supporters of Kurdish militants within Sweden before approving its bid to join NATO. Read: Why US-Turkey Relations Hinge on a Fighter Jet Deal: QuickTake (Updates with Turkish Foreign Ministry statement in fifth paragraph, market metrics.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Negotiations between auto union workers have made a "breakthrough" after UAW threatened to shut down one of General Motor's "largest money-makers" in the country in Arlington, Texas, UAW president Shawn Fain said Friday in an address. General Motors' Spring Hill plant, the largest in North America, will once again have employees return to work with no strike at this time, after progress was made, Fain said not announcing any new strikes around the country. For the third week in a row as negotiations continue between UAW and the "Big Three," or auto giants Stellantis, Ford and GM, Spring Hill workers have been standing at the ready in case they are called to walk out. John Rutherford, UAW Local 1853 president, listens during an announcement from UAW president Shawn Fain at UAW Hall in Spring Hill , Tenn., Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Moments before Fain took the podium for his weekly press conference, a major breakthrough was made that dramatically changed the landscape of the present and future auto industry, Fain told a listening audience of thousands. "We were about shut down GM's largest moneymaker in Arlington, Texas," he said. "The company knew those members were ready to walk immediately. And just that threat has provided a transformative win. GM has now agreed in writing to place their electric battery manufacturing under our national master agreement." Prior to the move, Fain said the auto makers were attempting to have lower wage electric battery plant jobs replace engine and transmission plants. "Negotiations remain ongoing, and we will continue to work towards finding solutions to address outstanding issues. Our goal remains to reach an agreement that rewards our employees and allows GM to be successful into the future," GM Spring Hill spokesperson Allison May said Friday. With the threat of the Arlington plant closing, Fain said GM's deal with UAW now "leapfrogged" Ford and Stellantis, the two other major auto manufacturers at the bargaining table. A strike has been much-speculated in Spring Hill after a reported 25,000 autoworkers of the union's 150,000 members took up signs, officially walking out of GM, Ford and Stellantis plants across 21 states in the last three weeks. Story continues More: Amid UAW strike, GM electric battery supplier announces raises for hourly workers Local UAW president: Spring Hill plant strike 'last option' John Rutherford, UAW Local 1853 president in Spring Hill, smiled as the Friday livestream ended. Well, well see yall next Friday, he laughed, addressing the few watchers at the UAW Local 1853 Union Hall in Spring Hill less than a mile from the GM plant. If we walk next week, itll be the Arlington, Texas and Spring Hill plantsthose are the ones that will really cripple them, he said. Thats (the unions) ace in the hole. Just Spring Hills plants alonewe feed eight different plants. So I think (Fain) is keeping that atom bomb as the last option. Rutherford said Fain's announcement of a breakthrough was a breath of fresh air. Its a huge win for battery plants, Rutherford said. Thats the futurebecause they want to go all electric. Thats a big win with there. More: The South and its batteries looms over the autoworkers strike GM has announced that its goal is to achieve all electric vehicles over the next decade-plus. He added that Fains leadership was refreshing for union members, who have struggled for some time under previous leadership. It feels good to finally have leadership up there, he said. These guys seem like theyre willing to fight all the way to the end for us. Its nice to see. Theyre really in the fight for the people and the direction of this company. Fain sends message of 'Eat the Rich' Wearing a straightforward "Eat the Rich" T-shirt, Fain said Friday they are making significant progress after the threat to shut down the Arlington plant. He stuck to his message that the strikes are not "theatrics," contrary to what some executives might think but rather a move to give more "power" back to workers. "Our strike is working, but we're not there yet," Fain said." Everything we've done to this point is with one goal in mind, to win a record contract that reflects the big three's record profits." It's a fight for economic justice, Fain said, with contract battles over cost of living adjustments, and work/life balance. Movement is happening, with the union's first wage proposal of 9% raise from Ford now standing at 23%. GM and Stellantis are around 20%, Fain said. And three weeks into the strike, Ford and Stellantis are committed to returning to the 2007 cost of living wage increases formula. "We're making big strides that will end up changing the lives of thousands of our members," Fain said. Temp worker pay is increasing from $20 at GM and Stellantis and $21 at Ford. Another area of progress is wage progression. Now workers will work three years at Ford and four at GM and Stellantis to top level pay, instead of the eight years it took in the past, Fain said. GM this week made its sixth offer to UAW only days after the union counteroffered a previous one, the Detroit Free Press reported. "We believe we have a compelling offer that would reward our team members and allow GM to succeed and thrive into the future," GM told the Detroit Free Press. The Spring Hill plant is GM's largest assembly facility in the country. If and when the plant does strike, it will do so with heavy heart following the death of a picketer hit by a vehicle in 2019. Strikers are fighting for increased pay, cost of living increases and a restoration of benefits for retirees. More than 3,000 people are employed at the Spring Hill plant and currently produce hundreds of vehicles per day under the expired contract. The 11 million square-foot Spring Hill GM plant on 2,100 acres, which opened in 1990, builds SUV models, including Cadillac models XT5, XT6, and the all-electric LYRIQ, powered by Ultium Cells batteries, and the GMC Acadia. Although progress has been made, Fain said the strike will continue as negotiations continue. "This strike is about righting the wrongs of the past and winning justice for all our members," Fain said. "We're doing things differently, and we're getting results ... what has moved the needle is our willingness to take action, to be flexible, to be aggressive." Moving forward, Fain said the goal is to get the best possible deal, a record contract. Fain said strikes and the threat of strikes by unified members deliver results. Victory is a direct result as GM is moving to EV plants to work under the national agreements. "We're not here to start a fight. Here to finish one," Fain said. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: UAW Spring Hill GM workers won't strike after new 'breakthrough' (Bloomberg) -- A top aide to Ukraines president urged the supply of more air defense systems to protect the nations energy facilities from the type of Russian attacks that caused massive blackouts last winter and as Kremlin troops step up deadly strikes on civilian targets. Some 50,000 people were temporarily left without power in the Kyiv region overnight after a Russian attack. Most Read from Bloomberg Kremlin forces hit a residential area of Kharkiv, Ukraines second largest city, with ballistic missiles early Friday, killing at least two people and injuring dozens. The hit on high-rise apartments and homes came less than 24 hours after 52 people were killed when a Russian rocket hit a cafe and grocery store in the village of Hroza near Kupyansk, to Kharkivs southeast, in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the 20-month-old conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will reportedly visit Bucharest next week for talks with top officials, Romanian media reported, in what would be his first visit since Russias invasion in February 2022. The trip, which hasnt been confirmed, would follow a series of Russian drone strikes close to Ukraines border with the NATO member along the Danube River. Kremlin forces overnight targeted Orlivka in the Odesa region with drones, halting ferry crossings to Romanias Isaccea for the the second time in as many weeks, the regional governor said. Latest Coverage Zelenskiy Aide Says Ukraine Needs More Air Defense Before Winter Ukraines Antonov Joins European Aerospace and Defense Lobby Sweden Gives Ammo, Analyzes Sending Fighter Jets to Ukraine Russian Court Drops Case Against Billionaire Melnichenko Russia Lifts Diesel-Export Ban That Battered Global Markets Story continues Coming Up Zelenskiy may visit Romanias capital next week Markets Oil is headed for the biggest weekly drop since March, with the third-quarter rally stoked by Russia and Saudi Arabia choking off supplies abruptly thrown into reverse as macroeconomic concerns escalate. Moscow and Riyadh have reaffirmed their commitment to output cuts through to the year-end, though. Wheat futures rose, extending the weeks rebound from a three-year low, amid signs of renewed demand at current price levels and ongoing jitters about stepped-up Russian attacks on Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. State officials filed a consent order Thursday to end the Aqua Illinois lawsuit, which alleged the company failed to provide safe drinking water to certain residents in University Park, saying the company consecutively met the state lead action levels. Village officials expressed their concern with the filing and said they do not trust that Aqua Illinois properly addressed the lead levels. Hell no. I was shocked, said Trustee Theo Brooks. We just dont trust the water. None of us trust Aqua. Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Will County States Attorney James Glasgow asked a judge to approve the consent order Thursday after finding Aqua Illinois met the state lead action level over several six-month compliance sampling periods and developed an effective corrosion control treatment for the public water system, according to a news release from the Illinois attorney generals office. Throughout this lawsuit, my office has prioritized making sure University Park residents have access to water that meets state requirements, Raoul said in the release. In a statement, Aqua Illinois President Dave Carter said the company has met state and federal drinking water benchmarks for more than two years. Our agreement with the Attorney Generals Office and the States Attorney for Will County reflects our commitment to improving the community and our dedication to providing safe and reliable drinking water to our customers. Weve conducted unprecedented testing of the system and these ongoing compliance checks confirm that the system is meeting and has met the regulatory benchmarks for lead and copper, Carter said in the statement. Village Trustee Gina Williams, who said she followed the Aqua lawsuit closely before she was elected in April, said she does not trust the claims in the consent order. Me, myself and I will never trust the water. We have had numerous people with illness and we have no way of knowing if Aqua played a role in that, Williams said. I will always use bottled water and filters. I do not trust it. Story continues University Park Mayor Joseph Roudez and Village Manager Elizabeth Scott did not respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, accused Aqua of failing to provide safe drinking water, failing to comply with monitoring and sampling requirements, violating construction and operating permit requirements and creating a public nuisance. Aqua switched its water source to the Kankakee River and began adding a blended phosphate mix to the public water system to improve taste, according to the lawsuit. The change, the lawsuit alleges, is believed to have caused a chemical reaction that removed a protective layer in residential plumbing. Resident Chandra DeVance, who has previously addressed her concerns to the Village Board, said it has been a difficult four years navigating the water in her home. She and her neighbors have had to be mindful of how they use water for personal hygiene, preparing food and other uses. Its been challenging. A lot of uncertainty and a lot of anxiety, DeVance said. You have to remember not to rinse your mouth out with water. I cant soak in the bathtub like a regular person. DeVance, who has lived in the village since 1987, said she does not trust the claims in the consent order. I dont believe that, DeVance said. Its been four years now. Thats insane. In the consent order, prosecutors wrote Aqua exceeded lead action levels in sampling periods July 1 to Dec. 31, 2019, and Jan. 1 to June 30, 2020. In April 2020, Aqua changed its corrosion control treatment for its public water system to a phosphoric acid corrosion control chemical, and in the July 1 to Dec. 31, 2020 testing period the water did not find high levels of lead, according to the consent order. But in March 2021, the water samples showed an upward trend in lead levels. By July 2021, Aqua received an Illinois EPA approval to change the corrosion control treatment for its public water system to zinc orthophosphate, according to the consent order. With that change, Aqua did not hit lead levels that would require minimizing exposure for three sampling periods between July 2021, and December 2022, according to the consent order. The Illinois EPA continued to evaluate the effectiveness of the corrosion control treatment, the consent order states, and the agency issued a special exception permit to Aqua June 14, 2023, stating there was annual compliance sampling of the public water system. The sampling period then shifted to Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2023, and all the sampling in that period found the water to have been below 15 parts per billion for lead, according to the consent order. Under the terms of the consent order, Aqua has the option to stop providing bottled water and filter devices, but has to ensure that customers within the most impacted area of the village have access to bottled water and filter devices if sampling exceeds 15 parts per billion. Residents will still be able to request free monthly water testing of their kitchen cold water tap, according to the consent order. I was shocked to read that, Brooks said. But at the same time it doesnt surprise me. The order also establishes a technical assistance program in which residents tap water will be tested for lead. If the result of the water is above 15 ppb for lead, the resident will be eligible to receive a free filter device and an inspection of the visible plumbing. If needed, further testing and inspection will be completed under the technical assistance program, including an Illinois-licensed, third-party plumber inspecting and fixing any issues, according to the consent order. Aqua would pay, up to $2,000, for any work the plumber completes. Under the program, Aqua will fund an escrow account with up to $300,000 for the remediation of lead solder and any lead-containing fixtures found in kitchen faucets. Aqua will also pay an additional $200,000 in civil penalties. The technical assistance program will continue for one year from the entry of the consent order. Aqua will send out information to residents about how to register for the program, according to the order. Illinois EPA Director John Kim said in the news release the technical assistance program goes above and beyond the requirements of applicable state drinking water regulations. For more than four years, residents of University Park have endured significant concerns with their drinking water as numerous steps were taken to ensure they had access to water that complies with state drinking water standards, Kim said in the release. This Consent Order represents a new beginning for the University Park residents, as Aqua Illinois has now consistently demonstrated compliance with the regulatory lead action level. Brooks disagreed with the notion. The residents dont trust the water. The residents are using bottled water to prepare their food and brush their teeth, Brooks said. They have not made us feel safe about the water. A Comprehensive Analysis of Dollar General Corp's Dividend History, Yield, Growth, and Sustainability Dollar General Corp(NYSE:DG) recently announced a dividend of $0.59 per share, payable on 2023-10-24, with the ex-dividend date set for 2023-10-06. As investors anticipate this forthcoming payment, it's crucial to examine the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using data from GuruFocus, we delve into Dollar General Corp's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. Understanding Dollar General Corp's Business Dollar General Corp, a premier American discount retailer, operates over 19,000 stores across 47 states. It offers a diverse range of branded and private-label products across multiple categories. In fiscal 2022, consumables accounted for 80% of net sales, seasonal merchandise 11%, home products 6%, and apparel 3%. The company's stores average about 7,500 square feet, with approximately 75% located in towns with populations of 20,000 or fewer. Dollar General Corp emphasizes value, with most items sold at everyday low prices of $5 or less. Unpacking Dollar General Corp's Dividend Performance and Sustainability Exploring Dollar General Corp's Dividend History Dollar General Corp has demonstrated a consistent dividend payment record since 2015, with dividends currently distributed on a quarterly basis. The chart below shows the annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Unpacking Dollar General Corp's Dividend Performance and Sustainability Analyzing Dollar General Corp's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, Dollar General Corp boasts a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.11% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 2.17%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Dollar General Corp's dividend yield of 2.11% is near a 10-year high and outperforms 38.42% of global competitors in the Retail - Defensive industry. This implies that the company's dividend yield is an attractive proposition for income investors. Story continues Over the past three years, Dollar General Corp's annual dividend growth rate was 19.80%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate decreased to 15.30% per year. Based on Dollar General Corp's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Dollar General Corp stock as of today is approximately 4.30%. Unpacking Dollar General Corp's Dividend Performance and Sustainability Examining Dividend Sustainability: Payout Ratio and Profitability To gauge the sustainability of the dividend, it's imperative 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 2023-07-31, Dollar General Corp's dividend payout ratio is 0.23. Dollar General Corp's profitability rank is 9 out of 10 as of 2023-07-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability. Assessing Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook Dollar General Corp's growth rank of 9 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. The company's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Dollar General Corp's revenue has increased by approximately 15.90% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 83.33% 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, Dollar General Corp's earnings increased by approximately 17.20% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 54.43% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 16.30% outperforms approximately 64.46% of global competitors. Concluding Thoughts In conclusion, Dollar General Corp's consistent dividend payments, high dividend growth rate, low payout ratio, high profitability, and robust growth metrics make it an attractive investment for dividend-focused investors. As the company continues to grow and maintain its profitability, investors can look forward to sustainable and potentially increasing dividends in the future. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Logistics is often referred to as a relationship business, implying that solid partnerships between all the players are necessary to keep freight moving. Typically, however, relationships between brokers and carriers are created and maintained over the phone, with the majority of those calls revolving around rates. While phone calls can open up lines of communication, their effectiveness at creating well-rounded, nuanced connections is limited. This is especially true when conversations revolve solely around the details of doing business. Co-founder of Linkage Logistics, Dan Lindsey, wasnt satisfied with these surface-level relationships. In response, he created the Broker-Carrier Summit to provide brokers and carriers with an opportunity to come together in person and connect with each other in new ways. Brokers and carriers have a tense relationship, and have had so for a long time, Lindsey said, I didnt really see anyone creating an environment for the two sides to come together, so we decided to do it ourselves. Historically, lackluster partnerships between brokers and carriers do more than create animosity between partners. They also prevent every member of the supply chain from operating as effectively as possible. The Broker-Carrier Summit aims to help the industry operate more smoothly by bringing players together in one place. The goal is not to just have another event. It is to enact change in the industry and create a higher quality business environment for everyone, Lindsey said. This years Broker-Carrier Summit will be held in Tampa, Florida; the event is scheduled to take place Oct. 11-13. The agenda is designed to expand the ways both brokers and carriers understand and partner with each other. Speakers at the event will include CDL 1000 Director of Client Engagement Robert Bain Integrity Global Logistics CEO Melanie Patterson, Newtrul CEO Ed Stockman and more. During the event, carriers will learn how to best interact with brokers. Brokers, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to learn more about how carriers operate. By increasing understanding, Lindsey hopes to decrease the rampant vilification of the other side. Story continues The summit doesnt stop at providing education, however. BETA Consulting Group Founder and CEO Trey Griggs has teamed up with Lindsey to make this years event shine. In that vein, Griggs has promised relationship-building opportunities in the form of group activities and a few shenanigans. For example, if the Broker-Carrier Summit reaches 300 registered attendees, Griggs has agreed to let a randomly selected attendee shave his faux hawk. Click here to register for the Broker-Carrier Summit. The post Upcoming Broker-Carrier Summit looks to shake up industry norms appeared first on FreightWaves. (Bloomberg) -- The US warned the European Union that its proposed law to regulate artificial intelligence would favor companies with the resources to cover the costs of compliance while hurting smaller firms, according to previously undisclosed documents. Most Read from Bloomberg The US analysis focuses mostly on the European Parliament version of the AI Act, which includes rules on generative AI. Some rules in the parliament law are based on terms that are vague or undefined, according to the documents, which were obtained by Bloomberg News. The analysis is Washingtons most detailed position on the EU legislation that could set the tone for other countries writing rules for AI. One US concern is that the European Parliament focuses on how AI models are developed, whereas the US would prefer an approach that focuses on the risk involved in how these models are actually used. The analysis warns that EU regulations risk dampening the expected boost to productivity and potentially leading to a migration of jobs and investment to other markets. The new rules would also likely hamper investment in AI R&D and commercialization in the EU, limiting the competitiveness of European firms, because training large language models is resource-intensive, it said. Read More: Biden Vows to Stay Vigilant on AI as Firms Unveil Safeguards The US State Department feedback, including a line-by-line edit of certain provisions in the law, was shared with European counterparts in recent weeks, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing private documents. One of the people said the comments were offered in the spirit of cooperation and alignment of values. Some of the US concerns have been echoed by EU member countries in response to the European Parliament version, the person said. Story continues The State Department and the European Commission declined to comment. The EU Parliaments AI Act, which lawmakers voted on in June, would require more transparency about the source material used to train the large language models that underpin most generative AI products. That vote cleared the way for negotiations among parliament, the European Commission and member states, and officials hope to have a deal by the end of the year for the final rules. The US analysis is in keeping with the State Departments calls for a more hands-off approach to the technology so as not to stifle innovation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken objected to a number of the EU Parliaments proposals to control generative AI during a meeting with commission officials in Sweden at the end of May. Read More: The Man Keeping Musk, Zuckerberg and Big Tech in Line in Europe At the same time, Washington has given mixed messages to EU policymakers about its views on regulation. While the US pushed back when the commission first proposed the AI Act in 2021, some American officials have begun to view mandatory rules more favorably as AI developers and ethicists warn about the possible harms from the technology. Aaron Cooper, head of global policy at BSA The Software Alliance, a trade group that has engaged with both US and EU officials regarding AI regulation, said its important for countries AI rules to agree on basics, including definitions. The most important thing that the Biden administration can do is continue to have a good candid conversation with their European counterparts about what the objectives are for AI policy, Cooper said. Read More: ChatGPT Risks Divide Biden Administration Over EUs AI Rules While the EU is pressing ahead with the AI Act, it is still debating questions about how to regulate the building blocks of the technology, known as foundation models, and general purpose AI. Some nations worry that over-regulating the technology will make Europe less competitive. After OpenAI Inc. introduced ChatGPT and ignited a boom in generative AI last year, the European Parliament added rules that explicitly target the technology. Previous versions of the EUs AI Act followed risk-based focus favored by the US for AI regulation, which was also the approach laid out in a framework released earlier this year by the Commerce Departments National Institute of Standards and Technology. --With assistance from Iain Marlow. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A Comprehensive Analysis of Verizon Communications Inc's Dividend History, Yield, Growth, and Sustainability Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ) recently announced a dividend of $0.67 per share, payable on 2023-11-01, with the ex-dividend date set for 2023-10-06. 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 Verizon Communications Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does Verizon Communications Inc Do? Verizon Communications is primarily a wireless business (it provides about 70% of service revenue and nearly all operating income). It serves about 92 million postpaid and 22 million prepaid phone customers (following the acquisition of Tracfone) via its nationwide network, making it the largest U.S. wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 25 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks. Verizon Communications Inc (VZ): An In-Depth Look at Its Dividend Performance A Glimpse at Verizon Communications Inc's Dividend History Verizon Communications Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1985. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Verizon Communications Inc has increased its dividend each year since 2000. 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 23 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Story continues Verizon Communications Inc (VZ): An In-Depth Look at Its Dividend Performance Breaking Down Verizon Communications Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, Verizon Communications Inc currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 8.24% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 8.38%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Verizon Communications Inc's dividend yield of 8.24% is near a 10-year high and outperforms than 87.44 of global competitors in the Telecommunication Services industry, suggesting that the company's dividend yield stands out as an attractive proposition for income investors. Over the past three years, Verizon Communications Inc's annual dividend growth rate was 2.00%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 2.10% per year. And over the past decade, Verizon Communications Inc's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at 2.40%. Based on Verizon Communications Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Verizon Communications Inc stock as of today is approximately 9.14%. Verizon Communications Inc (VZ): An In-Depth Look at Its Dividend Performance 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, Verizon Communications Inc's dividend payout ratio is 0.52. Verizon Communications Inc's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Verizon Communications Inc's profitability 7 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. Verizon Communications Inc's growth rank of 7 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Verizon Communications Inc's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Verizon Communications Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 0.70% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 63.54% 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, Verizon Communications Inc's earnings increased by approximately 2.90% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 56.38% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of -2.60%, which underperforms than approximately 70.19% of global competitors. Concluding Remarks Verizon Communications Inc's strong dividend history, attractive yield, and consistent growth make it a compelling option for income investors. However, its payout ratio, profitability, and growth metrics warrant close monitoring to ensure the sustainability of its dividends. As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Verizon Communications Inc will leverage its strengths to maintain its dividend performance. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Value-focused investors are continually seeking stocks trading below their intrinsic value. One such stock warranting attention is Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ). Currently priced at $30.26, the stock recorded a daily loss of 4.91% and a 3-month decrease of 14.99%. The fair valuation of the stock, as indicated by its GF Value, is $51.99. Understanding the GF Value The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our proprietary method. The GF Value Line provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should be traded. This value is calculated based on 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. 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. Verizon Communications (VZ) Stock: A Hidden Value Trap? Unpacking the Risks and Rewards Verizon Communications: A Potential Value Trap? Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Verizon Communications should not be overlooked. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of 1.19. These indicators suggest that Verizon Communications, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making. Deciphering the Altman Z-Score Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk. Story continues Company Overview Verizon Communications is primarily a wireless business, providing about 70% of service revenue and nearly all operating income. It serves about 92 million postpaid and 22 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest U.S. wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 25 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers. Verizon Communications (VZ) Stock: A Hidden Value Trap? Unpacking the Risks and Rewards Verizon Communications's Low Altman Z-Score: A Breakdown of Key Drivers A dissection of Verizon Communications's Altman Z-score reveals Verizon Communications's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress: Operational Efficiency: The Asset Turnover Ratio A vital indicator for Verizon Communications is its asset turnover. The data from the past three years suggests a decreasing trend in this ratio: 2021: 0.41; 2022: 0.37; 2023: 0.36. The asset turnover ratio reflects how effectively a company is using its assets to generate sales. A drop in this ratio can signify reduced operational efficiency, potentially due to underutilization of assets or decreased market demand for the company's products or services. This shift in Verizon Communications's asset turnover underlines the need for the company to reassess its operational strategies to optimize asset usage and boost sales. Conclusion Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ), despite its attractive valuation, exhibits signs of being a potential value trap. The company's low Altman Z-Score and decreasing asset turnover ratio suggest potential financial distress and declining operational efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial for investors to conduct thorough due diligence before making an investment decision. GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen . This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Key Insights Woolworths Group's estimated fair value is AU$28.73 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Woolworths Group is estimated to be 31% overvalued based on current share price of AU$37.52 Analyst price target for WOW is AU$38.77, which is 35% above our fair value estimate Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Woolworths Group Limited (ASX:WOW) as an investment opportunity by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Check out our latest analysis for Woolworths Group The Model We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$2.14b AU$2.40b AU$2.55b AU$1.75b AU$1.81b AU$1.67b AU$1.59b AU$1.54b AU$1.52b AU$1.52b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -7.80% Est @ -4.85% Est @ -2.80% Est @ -1.35% Est @ -0.34% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 6.1% AU$2.0k AU$2.1k AU$2.1k AU$1.4k AU$1.3k AU$1.2k AU$1.1k AU$963 AU$895 AU$841 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$14b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.1%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = AU$1.5b (1 + 2.0%) (6.1% 2.0%) = AU$38b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$38b ( 1 + 6.1%)10= AU$21b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is AU$35b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of AU$37.5, the company appears potentially overvalued at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Woolworths Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.815. 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 Woolworths Group Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded its 5-year average. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Consumer Retailing industry. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Consumer Retailing market. Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Australian market. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. What is the reason for the share price exceeding the intrinsic value? For Woolworths Group, we've compiled three pertinent elements you should assess: Financial Health: Does WOW have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does WOW'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 ASX 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. The City of Hobart is taking steps toward firing a police officer charged with fraud at two Northwest Indiana home improvement stores five months ago. Hobart Police Chief Garrett Ciszewski presented the Board of Public Works during its Wednesday meeting with a notice to dismiss DAndre Lamar Spears. Spears, 33, of Merrillville, was charged in May with four counts of Level 6 felony fraud, according to a probable cause affidavit. Advertisement Spearss attorney, Chris Cooper, asked the board to extend the notice because hed requested formal discovery; the board agreed, 3-0. Merrillville police were called to Lowes Home Improvement, 1520 East 79th Avenue in Merrillville, around noon May 13 to meet with a loss prevention manager, according to the affidavit. He noticed items had been missing during transaction checks, he told police, so he reviewed transaction lists and surveillance. Advertisement Surveillance video showed a man later identified as Christopher Blane, of Crown Point, walking out with large amounts of merchandise without paying, court records said. Records allege that Blane frequented the store with a Hobart police officer, identified as Spears by his uniform and an Indiana ID he presented to a cashier. The loss prevention employee said Spears and Blane would sometimes ride together in a pickup truck, but when Spears arrived in his squad car, he would park his squad car on the east side of the building, according to court records. The two would then meet up and chat up employees while Blane would load up carts with merchandise and exit the building without paying, waving an old receipt to get past them, court records said. Between March 4 and March 22, the employee identified 10 separate instances where Blane stole merchandise such as tile, plumbing items, doors, counter tops, sinks and more, amounting to more than $13,000 of merchandise stolen, the affidavit said. Blane then returned the items the stolen goods without a receipt to the store April 1 and received $1,804 using Spearss ID number and showing a photo of Spearss license on his phone, according to court records. The employee further told Merrillville officers that Spears returned $9,133 in items Blane stole to the Schererville Lowes store and received thousands in store credit, the affidavit said. When employees asked if he had receipts, he told them something to the effect of, Do you think I would lie? You know what I do for a living. Further surveillance footage showed Blane and Spears while in uniform loading stolen items into a GMC truck. Additional photos also showed Spears unloading the items and returning them from the same truck. Blane, 42, was charged with seven counts of Level 6 felony theft, one count of fraud and two counts of misdemeanor theft. Ciszewski in May placed Spears on paid administrative leave pending administrative and criminal investigations. Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. (Bloomberg) -- Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is expected to push her reform agenda for the World Bank and meet with senior Chinese officials, along with potentially discussing new ways to limit Russias revenue from oil sales on a nine-day international trip set to start Sunday. Most Read from Bloomberg Yellen will spend five days in Marrakech, Morocco, where the International Monetary Fund and World Bank are holding their annual meetings. On Oct. 10, shes scheduled to deliver a speech on World Bank reforms at 3:15 p.m. local time, 10:15 a.m. in New York, according to a senior Treasury official who spoke on Thursday with reporters, and will hold a press conference on Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. local time. The US reform agenda includes pledging more money to the World Bank to help countries deal with climate change and urging other nations to do the same. The IMF meetings could also give Yellen an occasion to sit down with Chinese counterparts. Its widely speculated that both sides would seek a meeting, though none has yet been announced. Ties between the US and China have improved over the past few months, and economic relations, in particular, have thawed since Yellen visited Beijing in July her first visit there as Treasury secretary. Read More: Biden, Xi Meeting Becomes More Likely, Though Not Definite The two sides have since stepped up communication on economic and financial matters and established two working groups to discuss such issues. A visit by top Chinese officials to the US could be the next step, which may help clear the way for a meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in California next month, if Yellen can keep the rapprochement on track. Story continues Other priorities for Yellen during the trip include: IMF quotas Yellen will host an IMF Rountable on Oct. 11 with representatives from emerging economies. Shes likely to hear reaction to a recent US proposal that IMF quotas be increased without recalibrating country shares to reflect the growth of several developing economies, chiefly China. China now accounts for about 18% of global economic output, yet it has just a 6% voting share in the IMF. Theres going to be a lot of discussion about this behind the scenes now that the US has shown its cards, said Mark Sobel, a former senior Treasury Department official whos now US chairman of the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum. A more representative distribution is unlikely for several reasons. European countries would lose out if quotas were realigned more closely with economic size. And while the US might be more willing to consider an increase for China if it played a more active role in debt relief for low-income countries, the US Congress is unlikely to approve support for new quotas. Debt relief Another sideline gathering Yellen will attend is an Oct. 11 session for the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, a group meant to address issues holding up debt restructuring deals for low-income countries. Yellen and other officials have been trying to pressure and coax China the largest creditor to the developing world into participating more readily in such agreements. Expectations are low for any breakthrough. Oil price cap Yellen acknowledged last week that the price cap on Russian oil imposed in late 2022 over President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine was faltering. She said the US-led coalition behind the plan to reduce Moscows oil revenue without disrupting global supplies would soon look at ways to revive its effectiveness. That has raised expectations that Group of Seven finance ministers will take up the topic when they, too, meet in Marrakech. From Morocco, Yellen is scheduled to fly to Luxembourg for a meeting with euro area finance ministers. The European Union is the other key partner group to back the price cap. Critical minerals In Luxembourg, Yellen will discuss EU-US economic ties and the way each deals with China, including plans to forge a cooperation agreement on sourcing critical minerals. Such a pact would help accelerate clean energy and economic resilience in both Europe and the US, according to the Treasury official who spoke with reporters. While no minerals agreement will be signed during the trip, the official said, a final deal could move forward when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel meet President Joe Biden in Washington on Oct. 20. (Updates with additional details of Yellen schedule in 2nd and 11th paragraphs. A previous version of this story was corrected to show the right date of speech.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The CFO confirmed you can buy gold at Costco, but only under certain conditions, and it sells out fast. Did you know you can buy gold at Costco? It's true, Costco has begun selling one-ounce gold bars , joining retailers like Walmart in the precious metals retailing space. In the company's quarterly earnings call on September 26, Costcos chief financial officer Richard Galanti said, I've gotten a couple of calls that people have seen online that we've been selling one-ounce gold bars, yes, but when we load them on the site, they're typically gone within a few hours and we limit two per member. Members can purchase the gold bars for just under $2,000 each, compared with golds spot price of about $1,820 per ounce at the time of this writing. There are currently two variations of gold bars available at Costco PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan and Rand Refinery . Both are one troy ounce and made of 24-karat gold. They are available online only with a limit of two per member and are not eligible to be returned or refunded. Costco ships the gold bars via UPS insured shipping and a signature is required on delivery. Membership prices to increase soon During the quarterly earnings call, Galanti was asked if a membership price increase was in Costcos near-term plans. He responded by saying it was a matter of when, not if. Galanti noted that Costcos last price increase took place in June 2017, and six years is longer than its typical five-and-a-half year price increase cycle. In terms of looking at the values that we provided our members, we continue to increase those in certainly a greater amount than even more than if and when an increase occurs, he continued. Stay tuned. We'll keep you posted. Costco has continued to expand its offerings to show the value of being a member, such as its addition of gold bars to its inventory and its new partnership with Sesame for discounted outpatient healthcare services. Story continues And while the price of its membership may be on the rise, the price of its famous Costco hot dog and soda combo has remained steady at $1.50 since its introduction in 1984, as reported by Readers Digest . The Federal Emergency Management Agencys updated flood insurance rate maps became effective on May 9, but Spotsylvania County residents continue to have concerns and questions. Primary issues revolve around notification of the changes, the revamped maps adding properties into the floodplain higher risk zone and insurance availability. The county has teamed up with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to host a workshop aimed at helping residents impacted by the floodplain map changes. The workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Holbert building Board of Supervisors meeting room. Staff with the DCR will work with residents one-on-one, including how to request map changes and insurance mandate requirements, according to the county website. The DCR serves a quasi liaison role for the county and FEMA, according to county spokesperson Michelle McGinnis. Earlier this year, residents started contacting the county with concerns and questions and showed up at Board of Supervisors meetings to talk about problems with the updated floodplain maps. Some wondered why their property, or parts of properties, were included in the floodplain. Others said it was difficult to find and get information. Those concerns have persisted about the map changes, obtaining maps and confirming flood insurance mandates, according to McGinnis. She said people can be drawn into the process of dealing with the floodplain maps. Some of them decide to fight it, and it costs a lot of money to do that, McGinnis said. The Federal Emergency Management Agency released its updated Flood Insurance Rate Map in January 2020. The county had to approve an ordinance creating a floodplain overlay district, determined by the FEMA maps, in order for residents to be eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program. Federally backed mortgages require flood insurance if a structure on a property is in a floodplain. The county sent out letters in December 2020 to 2,162 residents whose structures had been mapped in to the floodplain, meaning they would have to get flood insurance. There were 234 residents whose structures were removed from the FEMA floodplain map. The six candidates vying for three seats on the King George Board of Supervisors, as well as three newcomers seeking to represent the newly drawn 67th District in the Virginia House of Delegates, will participate in a forum hosted by the King George NAACP next week. The event will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Dahlgren campus of the University of Mary Washington, 4224 University Drive, King George. Those interested can attend in person or via Zoom and submit questions. The event also includes a number of unopposed candidates. Nicknames abound in these races. Of the five men and one woman seeking to serve on the Board of Supervisors, only one is an incumbent. Richard Granger has represented the James Madison District for eight years and has competition for the first time. He faces Ken Cowboy Stroud, who mounted a write-in campaign for the job four years ago. The other two Board of Supervisors races include Carrie Gonzalez and David Sully Sullins, competing for the At-Large District seat, and William Bill Davis and Robert Silent Bob Vanatta, running for the Dahlgren District post. Current incumbents in those two seats Annie Cupka and Jeff Stonehill are not seeking reelection after one term on the board. In the General Assembly, King George is part of the 25th Senate District, which features a longtime Republican incumbent, Sen. Richard Stuart, against a Democrat challenger, Jolicia Ward. Stuart will not attend the Thursday forum, but Ward will, according to the NAACP. On the House side of the General Assembly, King George is in the 67th District. No incumbent lives in the district, which was redrawn last year, and three newcomers are seeking the seat. They are Hillary Pugh Kent of Warsaw, a Republican; Richard Kenski of Heathsville, running as an independent; and John Quincy Smith of King George County, a Democrat. All three plan to attend the King George forum. Unopposed candidates who said they would attend, as of press time, include: Edwin Lee Sgt. Maj. Frank, School Board, At-Large District; Catherine Hoover, School Board, James Madison District; Jessica Mattingly for clerk of court; Keri Gusmann for commonwealths attorney; Regina Puckett for commissioner of revenue; and Chris Giles for sheriff. The Zoom link for the meeting is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89822583856?pwd=yNfLSyxij4pc8QuIaIlm03otCrEkUV.1. The meeting ID is 898 2258 3856, and passcode: 357890. More information also is available on the King George NAACP website at kgnaacp.com. RICHMOND Ten years ago, leading members of the General Assembly took an eye-opening tour of the building where they all worked and the public came to watch the legislative process in action. They found a patchwork complex of four buildings, including one so riddled with asbestos that it threatened an immediate shutdown if the hazardous fibers entered the ventilation system. The electrical and air-handling systems were obsolete, and pieces of masonry had been strapped to the building to prevent them from tumbling to the plaza below next to historic Capitol Square in the heart of Virginias seat of government in Richmond. A decade later, the public is about to enter a new General Assembly Building built for the modern legislature, but with the same neoclassical facade that has faced the state Capitol and Capitol Square, both national historic landmarks, for more than a century. The view could not be better. Thats the jewel, House of Delegates Clerk Paul Nardo said this week, gesturing toward the 12-acre square and the 235-year-old Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. This is a pretty, sparkling bauble, but were trying to keep them together. The new General Assembly Building is part of an ambitious $300 million project that included the restoration of Old City Hall, another National Historic Landmark next door, and construction of a state employee parking garage on the other side of North Ninth Street at East Broad Street. The new assembly building will connect to the parking garage by a tunnel beneath the street and to the Capitol by another tunnel that is scheduled to open on Dec. 31, in time for the next legislative session in January. The tunnel to the Capitol, connecting to the underground extension completed in 2007, is financed through a budget deal that the assembly reached in 2020. The public will celebrate the opening of the new General Assembly Building on Wednesday, but lobbyists, news media and others got a preview in tours this week. This is your new home, Senate Clerk Susan Clarke Schaar told one tour group on Tuesday. Its a modern, working building that will house all 140 members of the General Assembly, committee and subcommittee rooms, the so-called money committees that produce the state budget and the Division of Legislative Services, which writes (and rewrites) the thousands of bills and resolutions that the assembly considers each year. The session that will convene on Jan. 10 will be the first held at the site since 2017, the same year that demolition began on the old building. Since then, the legislature has met for five years in makeshift committee rooms and offices in the Pocahontas Building, part of which will be demolished for the construction of a new building for the Virginia Supreme Court and expanded Court of Appeals between East Main and Bank streets. The new building is designed with public use in mind. It has a constituent center on the first floor for members of the public to charge their phones and get their bearings. A spacious new cafeteria complete with pizza oven faces toward Capitol Square and another dining area along Broad Street on the first floor instead of the cramped dining facility on the sixth floor of the old building. Each of the 14 floors of the new building also includes a lactation station for nursing mothers. The news media have a room on the first floor with 15 cubicles for working press, four clocks and television screens on opposite walls to monitor action on the House and Senate floors, respectively. A House briefing room is nearby for news conferences. The building has eight elevators and, unlike the old building, theyre fast, Nardo said. Two House committee rooms, each seating about 200 people in the audience, sit on the second floor, along with two subcommittee rooms that each seat about 75 people. The largest House committee room holding about 400 people is in the lower level, where the House Appropriations and Senate Finance & Appropriations committees will meet jointly to receive annual budget and revenue presentations from the governor. Senate committee and subcommittee meeting rooms are on the third floor. The money committees and their staffs will have their offices and meeting rooms upstairs the 12th floor for House Appropriations and the 13th for Senate Finance while House and Senate leadership will have their offices on the top floor. The Division of Legislative Services will occupy much of the fourth floor, along with staff of the House and Senate clerks offices, and the Senate will have its briefing room there for news conferences. The 40 senators themselves will have offices on the fifth and sixth floors, while 100 delegates will be housed on floors seven through 11. A long road Its been a long road for the project since the legislative tour in 2013. The new building was supposed to open last fall in time for the assembly session earlier this year, but supply chain snarls delayed the delivery of essential equipment. The move was delayed again this summer after some life safety equipment failed testing and one of the stairwells did not comply with building code requirements. Along the way, the building lost two floors at the insistence of House Republicans, who tried to save money when costs rose after a two-year battle between the assembly and then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe. He had tried to block funding of the project until the assembly agreed to expand Virginias Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act. The assembly did not approve Medicaid expansion until 2018, but McAuliffe and the legislature finally agreed in 2016 on a $2.1 billion bond package that included money for the three-part project. In 2015, the Democratic governor had allowed work to proceed on the design, but not construction of a new home for the legislature. If there ever was an essential project, this is an essential project, then-Senate Finance Co-chairman Walter A. Stosch, R-Henrico, said in 2015, the year before he retired. Stosch had refused to enter the basement of Old City Hall during the 2013 tour that had bolstered legislative support for renovating the 1894 landmark and replacing the old General Assembly Building. He said he could smell the mold from the basement, where plastic sheets protected electrical equipment from water seeping into the building. Now, Old City Hall is fully renovated and restored to historic preservation standards for its exterior and soaring atrium. The Division of Capitol Police has occupied the first floor of the building since Sept. 1, with its communications center still to be moved from its old offices in the Washington Building on the other side of Capitol Square. The Division of Legislative Automated Systems, critical to the operation of the assembly, will soon move to the third floor, with other legislative and executive branch agencies to follow. I think the state has done a great job, said Cyane Crump, executive director of Historic Richmond, which holds a conservation easement that ensures a say in the buildings renovation. From my perspective, the overall approach to Old City Hall produced a very high-quality restoration that is universally commended in the community, she said. Crump also praised the states approach to replacing the General Assembly Building, especially preservation of the facade from the old Life Insurance of Virginia Co., which itself paid homage to the neoclassical design of the Capitol, and its visual orientation with Capitol Square. It presents a very unique sense of place, she said. At the same time, Crump said the new building connects directly with the rest of the city along Broad Street across from Richmond City Hall. The building doesnt turn its back on the city, but is part of the city, she said. As for who will actually work in the General Assembly Building next year will remain a mystery until Nov. 7, when all 140 seats are up for election in newly drawn political districts. Then, Nardo said, Susan (Schaar) and I get to reshuffle our decks. PHOTOS: General Assembly Building construction They knew each other by reputation, record and their shared religion: Virginia politics. Major Reynolds, Charlie Davis and Panny Rhodes came by that faith differently: Reynolds, a Democrat, by birth. Republicans Davis and Rhodes, respectively, by broadcasting and by refusing to be one of the boys. Reynolds, 89, and Davis, 77, died Sept. 18. Rhodes, 81, died Thursday. They represented a seemingly anachronistic brand of politics: keenly competitive yet sensibly cooperative, practiced with a hint of intimacy that may no longer be possible in a state that in their lifetimes was fully transformed from a rural backwater preoccupied with race to a multi-hued suburban dynamo. As the grandson of the founder of the eponymous aluminum manufacturer, Reynolds alternately an executive, legislator and philanthropist embodied the business-friendly, socially progressive iteration of the Virginia Democratic Party that would dominate the state for more than a decade, beginning in 1981 with the election of Gov. Chuck Robb. Some of the seeds of that era were planted 15 years earlier with the victory for the House of Delegates of Sarge Reynolds, Majors younger brother, for whom the promise of a sterling career that some said would include the presidency ended with his death to cancer at the all-too-young age of 34 in 1971. Major born Richard S. Reynolds III and known by the nickname adopted from his paternal great-grandfather preserved his brothers legacy but nurtured his own. In the late 1970s, he served a single term in the House, where he advocated for tougher conflict-of-interest rules and state promotion of Black history prescient positions almost certainly dismissed back then by the uber conservative old guard as the whims of a wealthy dilettante. Fifty years on, as Reynolds friends have noted, these proposals are realities. Voters decided that Reynolds a Churchill buff who saw in his heros life the opportunities and limits of politics would go no further than the General Assembly. He lost the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 1977 to someone who had Sarge-like celebrity in spades: Robb, a son-in-law of the late President Lyndon Johnson. But Reynolds ever dapper, mixing stripes and plaid long before it was fashionable remained a presence in politics. He raised money, organized campaigns and recruited candidates. As younger members of his family did the unthinkable support Republicans Reynolds, whose wife, Pam, has a GOP pedigree, remained a stoutly loyal Democrat, even securing office space in Richmond for such hopeless causes as Walter Mondale in 1984. Charles J. Davis III Charlie, to friend and foe, alike never strayed from his roots in Franklin County, a moonshine hub in near Southwest Virginia. Under his desk on the third floor of the state Capitol, where he was GOP Gov. John Daltons final press secretary, was a large, glass jug of untaxed corn liquor. Unclear is how it got there or where it went when Davis left government to become a lobbyist for a giant railroad. It was easy and perilous to underestimate Davis as a lobbyist, who also plumped for tobacco, gambling and the high-cost, instant-loan industry. His swaggering style, the burgundy-colored muffler wrapped around his neck, the omnipresent cigarette, the blue humor and a one-on-one manner that recalled a practiced lounge lizard were distractions from his sharp eye, attuned ear, knack for detail and ability to say a lot with only a few words. Those skills were refined in Davis first line of work: He was a reporter, covering the news for a big-stick radio station in Richmond to which everyone defined as politicians, policymakers, bureaucrats, lobbyists and corporate and professional types tuned in throughout the day. Davis knew that audience before he became part of it. Swapping information is the stock and trade of reporters and lobbyists. For the latter, it can have significant read: expensive implications for their clients. So Davis didnt hesitate to alert the cigarette maker he represented that legislation it sought, and requiring the company to use self-extinguishing paper for the billions of butts rolled in Virginia, could lock the firm out of foreign markets with different manufacturing standards. If a call from Reynolds was a chance for him to filibuster, a telephone for Davis was a weapon of mass instruction. Hed happen on a yellowed news clipping or a note from a politician of yore; ring you up; explain their back story in provocative language unfit for a family-oriented publication; and because he knew you might treasure it as he had drop it in the mail to you. Anne Rhodes her nickname, Panny, was rooted in her youth in North Carolina shared, too, mostly in the marketplace of ideas. A member of the male-dominated House from 1992 until 2002, Rhodes was a rarity: a moderate Republican, representing Richmond and part of Henrico County. She discomfited her party by comfortably defying its orthodoxy. Unlike most Republicans, Rhodes supported abortion rights and opposed tax cuts. Such stands infuriated Gov. Jim Gilmore, who personally recruited a primary challenger to Rhodes in 1999 because she resisted Gilmores car-tax rollback as fiscally irresponsible. After all, Rhodes knew her way around a budget. She was a mathematics major at Duke and a numbers-cruncher for a defense company on some of the Pentagons priciest weapons systems. In floor speeches punctuated with a smile and an occasional note of disbelief, Rhodes also given to great gusts of gesticulation would question the arithmetic of tax breaks and fret over their impact on schools and health care. Rhodes easily brushed aside her opponent, pulling nearly 60% of the vote. In the heart of her district Richmonds affluent, leafy West End the challenge to Rhodes was not only considered bad manners, it was bad politics. Rhodes centrist views nicely suited her constituents, including Democrats, who didnt hesitate to go into the Republican primary to vote for Rhodes if only to teach Gilmore a lesson. By 2001, Rhodes was fully estranged from her party. She would support Democrat Mark Warner for governor that year, saying he would undo damage inflicted on the budget by Republicans never mind that it would require Warner breaking in 2004 a campaign promise not to increase taxes. This is not to suggest that Reynolds, Davis and Rhodes were the embodiment of the good old days, which, at times, could be pretty bad. They would admit as much. But it is to say that the three were committed to Virginia; that they were definitely characters and, occasionally, caricatures. PHOTOS: General Assembly Building construction Humanities Nebraska (HN) has announced that numerous activities will take place across the state during Humanities Week, Oct. 7-15, 2023. Themed Spark Your Curiosity, the statewide observance is to celebrate Humanities Nebraskas 50th anniversary of helping people explore what connects us and makes us human. The culminating event will be the annual Governors Lecture in the Humanities, From Moscow to the Lincoln Highway: An Evening with Amor Towles. Free and open to the public, the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Omahas Holland Performing Arts Center and will be live-streamed for statewide access. Other opportunities include: multiple appearances by members of the HN Speakers Bureau in different communities, the Voices and Votes traveling Smithsonian exhibition opening in Gering, writing workshop for veterans and active duty military, Prime Time Family Reading programs for underserved children, a Kearney history bike tour led by two professors, the Arts & Literacy festival at Joslyn Castle, the National Willa Cather Centers virtual author series, and HNs online Curiosity Connections lunch-and-learn on Oct. 13 with Linda and Jose Garcia for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Humanities Nebraska is a non-profit organization that was launched in 1973 as the Nebraska Committee for the Humanities in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Later known as Nebraska Humanities Council and now as Humanities Nebraska, the organization has spent 50 years awarding grants for humanities-themed programs, presenting original programming in many communities, and partnering with other Nebraska organizations to provide even more opportunities for people to connect with other ideas, cultures, literature, history, and each other. HN hopes that many people will participate in Humanities Week, which includes both in-person and online events. To learn how you can participate, visit humanitiesnebraska.org and click on the Humanities Week banner near the top of the page. The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has denied a request by Organic Producers Iowa Nebraska South Dakota (OPINS) Cooperative of North Bend for the renewal of its Nebraska grain dealer license. In August 2023, OPINS Cooperative filed a renewal application for a Grain Dealers license, but failed to comply with Nebraska Revised Statute 75-903 or Commission Rules and Regulations. As a result, the Grain Dealer license for OPINS Cooperative was allowed to expire as of Oct. 1, 2023. It is a busy time for producers/sellers, and we want to make sure they are aware this company is no longer licensed to do business as a grain dealer in our state, said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. Producers/sellers who may have done business with this company and have questions are encouraged to contact the PSC grain department at psc.nebraska.gov/grain. An Glenwood, Illinois man charged with stabbing a co-worker at Methodist Hospital was found incompetent for trial on Sept. 27, according to court records. But, Diandre Smith, 27, will have to wait before he is transferred to the custody of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Advertisement He appeared in court briefly Friday. The agency has a terrible backup, Judge Natalie Bokota told his lawyer Visvaldis Kupsis. Advertisement Another status court hearing is set for Nov. 17 to see where Smith is in line for a bed. The lawyer asked to be notified when his client is transferred from the Lake County Jail. Bokota responded hed have to talk to the jail, which does that directly. Smith was charged with aggravated battery, battery by means of a deadly weapon and battery resulting in serious bodily injury, all felonies, according to court records. He allegedly stabbed a man on May 23, 2022, who worked at Methodist Hospitals Southlake campus in the custodial department, in the face and chest area while they were in a locker room, according to the probable cause affidavit. In a statement, Methodist Hospitals officials said then they were aware of the incident. Our first priority is always the safety of our staff and patients and we are cooperating fully with local law enforcement, the statement read. The custodial worker told police he only knew Smith as a kitchen worker and that he didnt know why this man would stab him, according to the affidavit. The custodial worker said he was in the locker room with his back to the door when he felt something slash his face, according to the affidavit. When he turned around, he saw Smith allegedly holding a black folding knife with a four-inch blade, according to the affidavit. Smith then allegedly stabbed the custodial worker again, but the man was able to shove Smith away and fend him off with a chair, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Smith then left the locker room, and the custodial worker followed Smith before making it to the cafeteria, according to the affidavit. In the cafeteria, officers responded to calls for security and for the rapid response team to help an injured person, according to the affidavit. An officer who went to the cafeteria reported seeing an older male sitting in a chair with a puddle of blood underneath him and observed a woman holding pressure on the mans chest, according to the affidavit. The custodial worker was taken in an office chair to triage, according to the affidavit. The food services manager said Smith was scheduled to work from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, and that around 3:30 p.m. he told her needed to use the washroom. A short time later, the stabbing occurred, according to the affidavit. Return to Nature Funeral Home, under investigation after more than 115 improperly stored bodies were found this week by authorities, was established six years ago in Colorado Springs, according to public records and past Gazette reporting. Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper confirmed the grisly discovery during a news conference Friday morning the Return to Nature Funeral Home location in Penrose. Investigators began searching the property, located off Werner Road in Penrose, south of Colorado Springs, on Wednesday. Fremont County property records show that the funeral home building and lot are owned by Hallfordhomes LLC, a business with a Colorado Springs address that the Colorado Secretary of State's Office declared delinquent on Oct. 1 for failing to file a routine reporting form that was due at the end of July. Return to Nature has operated at several different addresses since its establishment in 2016. Return to Nature Funeral Home performs green burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets, and was touted as Colorado Springs' first green funeral home in a 2017 Gazette story. 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. Jon Hallford, wife Carie Hallford and Jack Dhooghe opened Return to Nature Funeral Home, where customers can receive all the services of a traditional funeral home except embalming. It's different from human composting, where the body is transformed into soil. "I knew through mortuary school about the cancer-causing (chemicals) but never really thought about it," Hallford said in previous Gazette reporting. "My mind started shifting from, 'I hope I haven't given such an unpleasant experience to families,' to "I have really been ingesting this stuff for so many years.'" The Return to Nature Funeral Home was licensed in Colorado Springs in 2017. According to documentation released by Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), an investigator ruled that the Return to Nature Funeral Home had been operating as an unregistered funeral home since its license expired nearly a year ago. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is reporting that fire fighters are responding to a structure fire off of Paddock Road, located to the east of Colorado Springs. "Smoke in the area, stay clear and let them work please!" the Sheriff's office said on social media platform X. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. CANON CITY In the coming months, investigators will be piecing together the identities of 115 bodies found this week in a seemingly desolate building in Penrose. The Return to Nature Funeral Home, a formerly Colorado Springs-based business, was using the modest 2,500-square-foot building, when neighbors reported a foul smell that led to an investigation this week. Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper described the "very disturbing discovery," as a hazardous situation, requiring specialty clean-up and equipment. "Our priority and our focus is on the impacted families," he said at a news conference in Canon City on Friday. Cooper said officials will put up tents or fencing before clearing out the scene and identifying the bodies. Officials want to shield the property out of consideration of the families of the deceased. "After the scene is made safe, and personal protective equipment is issued, dignified treatment of the deceased is our next priority," Cooper said. Reached by The Gazette early Friday afternoon, Cecilia Converse said she had no complaints about her experience with the funeral home, which handled cremation of her daughter, 41-year-old daughter Amber Nichol Haines, who died April 16. Return to Nature offered cremations and green funerals meaning the bodies are not embalmed and can be buried in a shroud or container made from natural materials. Everyone Converse spoke to and worked with was polite, Converse said, and the services prompt. Staff "told me it would take three days after I filled out the paperwork for them to decide whether or not I was legally able to make the decision of what to do with her remains, Converse said. Three days later I had her remains." Converse said she was still processing the macabre breaking news out of Penrose, and what it could mean. All I can say is they were very nice. It was a good experience, she said. Now Im concerned whose ashes I have. Investigators began searching the property, located off Colorado 115 in Penrose, 34 miles south of Colorado Springs, on Wednesday. Scattered businesses neighbor the building with its tall, unkept grass almost working to hide the building in plain sight. Patrons of the post office located directly next door for the most part have paid it little attention, until the smell began wafting toward the direction of the back parking lot. The neighbor directly behind the funeral home, James Glidewell said he's never seen anyone go in or out of the building, and vehicles, a hearse and SUV, only appeared in June. The odor has been in the air for a month, he said. "I'd randomly smell it, but I didn't think anything of it. I thought it was just roadkill or something like that," Glidewell said. Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said county and federal hazardous-materials officials surveyed the scene Wednesday night. It has since been declared a local disaster emergency. Michelle Watkins approached the yellow tape surrounding the property in utter dismay. "I heard about the story, but I didn't realize it was here," Watkins said, visibly shocked. Keller described the scene as "truly horrific" and would not go into detail regarding how the bodies were stored, only that they were being stored improperly. Officials confirmed one Fremont County employee was treated by paramedics for injuries resulting from the hazardous conditions present inside the building. The deputy is expected to make a full recovery. On Wednesday, the Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration Program Director Zen Mayhugh spoke with the funeral home owner Jon Hallford after receiving reports about the smell. Hallford told the official he had a "problem" at the property and claimed he practiced taxidermy there, a state document said. Hallford agreed to meet later Wednesday at the building for an inspection. The document went on to say Hallford attempted to conceal the improper storage of human remains. Officials largely left the building early Friday afternoon but had returned in the early evening. The investigation, expected to take months, will involve agencies such as the FBI, El Paso County Coroner's Office, Douglas County Coroner's Office, The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Colorado Governor's Office Emergency Management Team and the Department of Regulatory Agencies. 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. Forensic fingerprint technology, dental records and DNA will be used in identifying the remains left in the building, Keller said. FBI Special Agent Mark Michalek said specialized FBI forensic units from headquarters in Quantico, Va., will assist in in identifying remains, as well. Sheriff Cooper did not speculate about arrests or potential charges. "The owners of the funeral home have so far been cooperative with the investigation," Cooper said. When the business opened in 2017, it was owned by Hallford, his wife, Carie Hallford, and Jack Dhooghe, The Gazette reported. Since then, the Hallfords have struggled with financial and legal issues. Return to Nature Funeral Home has a location in Colorado Springs at 944 Elkton Drive, a portion of a large industrial building, with tenants on either side. The Colorado Springs Police Department confirmed the Elkton Drive location was searched on Thursday. "Saw nothing out of the ordinary," said Travis DeWitte, who works next door to the Return to Nature location. "Smells that's something else." DeWitte and several other neighboring business workers all reported a "horrific" or "putrid" smell in early September. He said he initially thought it was something in his own trash can making the smell, which he said lingered for at least a week. With recent news, he's reconsidered. Another business park neighbor was so overwhelmed by the odor that he approached Hallford about it. "He was back there laser-engraving some wood and said that was what (the smell) was, and that he would ventilate it," said the neighbor. "It didn't smell at all like burning wood, though." The neighbor said it took a call to the landlord and some additional days for the smell to dissipate. DeWitte said Hallford also approached him and asked if the "wood burning" smell was bothering him. "Seemed like an ordinary guy," DeWitte said of Hallford. DeWitte and other business park neighbors said that business had seemed slow for Return to Nature in recent weeks. The Elkton location was closed Friday, a lone lamp left on in the interior. A minivan with tinted windows and an empty gurney in the back remained parked in the rear. The business had previous locations on Las Animas Street and East Platte Avenue. Neighbors of the East Platte building said the business was quiet. One resident, Ruben Villando, said he only recalls two services there. The types of environmental services Return to Nature was offering have been growing in popularity in recent years. But it's unclear how many clients the business has drawn. The Return to Nature website lists 22 obituaries, with the oldest from late 2022. The business charged $1,895 for a natural burial and graveside ceremony. The price did not include a casket or cemetery space. In one case, the funeral home made a casket for a customer out of a cardboard box and burlap, The Gazette said previously. The price list said cremation cost $1,290 and included a biodegradable cremation urn. The business announced on its website it was ending cremation services in July 2023. Family members of the decedents who used the Return to Nature Funeral Home are asked to send an email to the Fremont County Sheriff's Office at 23-1941@fremontso.com. Victims' assistance personnel were expected to respond to messages on Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be victim assistance personnel available at 1901 E. Main St., Canon City, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Any information on the criminal investigation can be sent to tips@fremontso.com. Gazette writers Zachary Dupont, Glenn Wallace, Stephanie Earls and Nick Sullivan contributed to this report. Optum closed its clinic in Fountain last week, cutting into options for primary care in the growing town. The health care company said in a written statement the physician who worked at the Fontaine Boulevard location moved and its other employees who were working at the primary care clinic have been assigned to other clinic locations. Patients have the option to transfer to a location off Lake and Nevada avenues or a location near Barnes Road and Powers Boulevard The more convenient Optum clinic option is 6 miles north in Colorado Springs, where many Fountain residents have to seek care anyway. "We just desperately need health care here," said Liz Rosenbaum, a health insurance broker in Fountain. Primary care doctors in Fountain tend to not accept new patients right away and so Fountain residents face long wait times for local care, she said. Peak Vista Community Health Centers offers some primary care in Fountain through its staff physician assistants. The nonprofit health care provider specializes in working with underserved populations and offers a sliding fee scale. But Rosenbaum said the community is in need of specialists who can treat those exposed to high levels of PFAS and need to see gastroenterologists, kidney specialists and doctors who can treat immune disorders. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. She noted there aren't any community hospitals south of Platte Avenue. The Evans Army Community on Fort Carson is not accessible to all for example, it does not accept ambulances, she said. El Paso County Public Health spent more than $2 million on a new building in Fountain in 2020 to expand preventive services in town based on the social determinants of health in the area. Social factors that can influence health include economic stability, health care access and quality and education, Michelle Beyrle, a spokeswoman for public health said. The building houses a Women Infants and Children Office, which provides nutritional assistance. "We strive to expand services to support prevention throughout El Paso County communities and have been successful in doing so in the southeastern portion of the county, where there has been tremendous population growth over the past couple of decades," said Susan Wheelan, director of El Paso County Public Health. Public Health's Fountain building is currently closed for construction. El Paso County Public Health's Community Health Improvement Plan based on data from 2011 to 2015 found that some areas in Fountain have a life expectancy of between 73 and 76. In northern Colorado Springs residents have life expectancies of between 79 and 82. Over 80 former and current Woodland Park School District teachers and staff publicly released a letter Thursday condemning a spate of controversial policies passed by the school board, defying what they say is an unconstitutional district policy restricting free speech. During a news conference held before a standing room only crowd of over 100 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, several of those 81 current and former employees who signed the letter detailed personal stories of how their students or own children and grandchildren have suffered, and how over a dozen employees saw their jobs eliminated, after the school board refused $1.5 million in grants to retain its social and behavioral health workers. The teachers also spoke out against the leadership of current interim superintendent Ken Witt, whose contract was extended for a year in May, and his adoption of the markedly conservative social studies curriculum standard American Birthright - a curriculum the teachers said puts politics over academic readiness - within his first month of leadership in January. We must utilize our constitutional rights to speak out against what we feel as an incompetent leadership actively harming our students and community, said Margie Drews, a current teacher with the district. It has become abundantly clear to us that the direction that Ken Witt and the school board are taking our schools is unsustainable and detrimental. Witt responded forcefully in a statement released later that day. This 'teacher press conference' appears to be another union tactic to again dredge up issues that have been thoroughly addressed," the statement said. "These union affiliates are engaging in political maneuvering when the focus should be on the education and safety of our students, which they claim to care deeply about." The teachers' opposition comes despite a policy, adopted by the board in February, that governs employees' outside communication, stating they may neither be interviewed by the press or post on social media about district or school decisions and other matters without prior written consent from the superintendent, The Gazette previously reported. The policy deems any violation as insubordination, which is subject to disciplinary measures up to termination. Lawyers for the Woodland Park School District agreed to mediate with the Woodland Park Education Association, which filed suit against the district in August to strike down the policy. The American Birthright standard was created by the Civics Alliance, a conservative coalition with the stated mission of combating a new civics approach of the progressive left that it says prioritizes activism over the responsibilities of American citizenship. The Colorado State Board of Education shot down a proposal in 2022 that would have adopted American Birthright as Colorados base standard. Speakers on Thursday said that not only does the curriculum fail to prepare students to navigate the world and critically consider different viewpoints, it is not an accredited standard recognized by certain collegiate organizations, like the NCAA. According to Woodland Park Middle School teacher Anna Hand, that could mean some coursework completed by the districts high school athletes looking to compete at the collegiate level may not be recognized, and they may not be accepted into a given university. Hand told The Gazette that the NCAA would accept waivers for those Woodland Park graduating athletes, but that there has been no communication about whether the district has requested waivers. 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. If students are able to take an AP class or take classes with Pikes Peak State College, they can add those classes to their transcripts, Hand said. But, if they're in a class (under American Birthright standards), no matter what their grade is or if they put in the work, it will not be recognized. Speakers said students are also suffering inside and outside the classroom after the district gutted its social worker and counselor staff, and called on the school board to reapply for grant funding. When there is not a social worker present in the building, teaching and learning are interrupted each time teachers have to manage (escalating) behaviors, and one child's unmet social and emotional needs impacts the entire classroom, said Nancy Godwin, who worked three years as a paraeducator and five years as a special education teacher at the middle school before retiring this year. I left a teaching position I loved because I could not stand by and watch Ken Witt and the school board ruin (the district), Godwin said. Around 40% of the districts workforce did not return for the 2023-2024 school year, speakers said Thursday and NBC News reported. During a meeting in March, Witt told teachers the schools were not the department of health and human services and that providing social services tended to deter a lot of focus on education and academic achievement, according to a video shared with NBC News. Josh Desmidt, whose role as a restorative practices coordinator was eliminated, said his staff played a crucial role in facilitating environments within campuses to keep students experiencing suicidality, self-harm, social isolation, drug abuse, poverty and untreated mental health illnesses from slipping through the cracks by connecting them and their families with community resources and better accommodation and integration with their peers. He said the choice to eliminate 15 social worker positions, which helped fill a need in rural Teller County for available and affordable behavioral health services, is beyond comprehension. These trusted adults provided a layer of support for our students, Desmidt said. Without that safety net, I'm worried for the safety of our students in our community. Witt did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication, though the request was sent after business hours. The event comes a month before the November election, when the terms of board members Mick Bates, Cassie Kimbrell and David Illingworth will expire. A majority of seats on the five-person board, then, are subject to change and will determine the direction Woodland Park continues. The board has said it also plans to deliver on its promise of a proper search for a permanent superintendent, possibly beginning in December or January following election season. In just one month, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), colloquially known as the "four-leaf clover," will once again assume its role as the host for the newest edition of China International Import Expo (CIIE), signifying the first complete return to in-person exhibitions for the event since COVID-19. As the globe's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, the CIIE serves as a resounding testament to China's increasingly welcoming stance and unwavering dedication to promoting high-level opening-up and makes the clover-shaped edifice a "four-leaf clover," symbolizing prosperity and bringing good fortune to the global economy. In November 2018, the inaugural CIIE commenced in China's economic hub, a groundbreaking event in the history of global trade. During the opening ceremony, China made a solemn commitment to the world, stating that the CIIE would not only continue annually but also improve in quality and effectiveness. Despite challenges and uncertainties, over the past five years, the CIIE has steadily grown, with China's opening up benefiting the world. In the previous five editions, 131 countries and international organizations participated in country exhibitions, with nearly 2,000 new products, technologies, and services making their debuts and a total intended turnover reaching nearly 350 billion U.S. dollars. "The CIIE has become a symbol of China's new development pattern, a platform for high-level opening-up, and an international public good shared by the world," said Sun Chenghai, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau. PREPARATIONS IN FULL SWING With the 6th CIIE just around the corner, preparations are in full swing. According to the bureau, over 60 countries have officially announced their participation in this year's country exhibition. Notably, prominent international organizations, including the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the International Trade Centre, have also confirmed their attendance. From exotic specialties originating in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu to Michelin's environmentally friendly tire, made with up to 63 percent sustainable materials, products from various corners of the globe are converging on Shanghai by land, sea, and air. The China-Europe freight train has become a popular choice of transportation among the approximately 3,000 companies attending the CIIE. The operator, Shanghai Oriental Silk Road Multimodal Transport Co., Ltd., has announced that this year, the CIIE edition of China-Europe freight train service will be increased to three trains, continuously transporting CIIE exhibition products across the Eurasian continent to Shanghai. As CIIE exhibits make their way to China, participants across the globe are busy preparing for their CIIE return, from submitting visa materials to booking hotels and preparing for product launches. Roy van den Hurk, Milk New Zealand Dairy Limited CEO, is no exception. He's a dedicated fan of the CIIE and will be attending for the fifth time to showcase his company's products. This year, van den Hurk brings a new product destined for the CIIE. The company's New Zealand 72-hour fresh milk was a star exhibit at the first CIIE, born under policies promoting trade facilitation. This year, its upgraded version will be launched at the 6th CIIE. "We've tasted the sweetness at the CIIE, and we certainly can't miss such a great opportunity." The businessman believes that the new product's "72-hour journey from the New Zealand pasture to the Chinese consumer's table" will also become a reality very soon, serving as tangible proof of "China's speed." BOON FOR GLOBAL PARTICIPANTS Year after year, the booming CIIE reflects the confidence that global players in different sectors have in the Chinese market and their development prospects. The lucky four-leaf clover-shaped venue strings together global enterprises, accelerates the development of overseas companies in China, and transforms numerous CIIE's "first-time visitors" into "frequenters." The CIIE holds immense significance. In 2018, a substantial Brazilian delegation made its mark at the expo, but the 2023 edition promises to be even more substantial and impactful, said Augusto Pestana, Consul General of Brazil in Shanghai. Seizing the opportunity, new participants are eager to try their luck. According to data provided by the bureau, nearly 20 Fortune Global 500 and industry-leading companies, as well as over 500 small and medium-sized enterprises have also signed up for the first time. Shortly after the conclusion of the 5th CIIE, U.S. technology company Analog Devices (ADI) was determined to join the "early bird" ranks at the 6th CIIE. The company secured a 300-square-meter booth in the intelligent industry and information technology pavilion, marking its debut at the expo. The company will showcase not only a variety of products and solutions for the first time in China but also focus on cutting-edge technologies such as edge intelligence. "China's robust development of the digital economy, promotion of industrial upgrading, and transition to an environmentally friendly economy provide us with significant opportunities," said Zhao Chuanyu, vice president of sales for ADI China. Among the 3,000 global companies participating this year, approximately 200 companies have been signing up for six consecutive years, and around 400 companies are returning to the expo after a gap of more than two years. For the CIIE frequenter of Henkel, moving into the intelligent industry and information technology pavilion of the expo is exciting. Rajat Agarwal, President of Henkel Greater China, believes it is a great chance to further integrate with China's industrial chain and assist the high-quality development of China's manufacturing industry, adding that China is a huge market with strong growth potential, filled with various exciting opportunities. "The expo shows that China is open for business with the rest of the world. It's a great opportunity for multinationals such as Henkel to showcase our technologies. It's a place that is attracting visitors from all across the country as well as many visitors from around the world, affording us the chance to engage with our existing clients and forge connections with potential future partners," said the senior executive. Some of the CIIE "loyal fans" have already signed up for the next edition of the expo. The CIIE Bureau revealed that the recruitment for the 7th CIIE began as early as June this year. As of mid-September, the contracted exhibition area has exceeded 40,000 square meters. Among the trendsetters is L'Oreal. According to Fabrice Megarbane, L'Oreal North Asia Zone president and chief executive officer of L'Oreal China, the country holds a position of great significance within L'Oreal, representing the second-largest market and a robust source of future growth for L'Oreal. L'Oreal's engagement within China's advanced digital ecosystem has been a valuable experience. It has not only positioned the group for success within China but has also facilitated the transfer of substantial insights and expertise beyond China's borders, said Megarbane. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that a mother black bear had been put down on Wednesday of this week, following an aggressive run-in with two boys in an open-space area of Colorado Springs. Additionally, one of the bear's two cubs did not survive the relocation process. The Parks and Wildlife statement, sent out Friday afternoon, states that the initial call brought Colorado Springs police and Parks and Wildlife officers to a heavily wooded portion of the city, where two boys, ages 12 and 13, had encountered the bear. She had reportedly charged the boys twice, causing one boy to run into a tree branch and suffer minor injuries. The bear, estimated to be 150 pounds, was found, and also acted aggressively toward the officers. She was euthanized by Parks and Wildlife. The cubs were found, partially through the use of a Police Department drone searching for heat signatures. The cubs, each weighing about 50 pounds, were tranquilized and brought back to a CPW facility to be tagged. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "The goal was to capture them and release them in the mountains in more suitable bear habitat. At their age and weight, the cubs were old enough to survive on their own," according to the release. However, one of the cubs never revived from the tranquilizer. The surviving cub was released Friday morning in a remote mountain location. This was an unfortunate situation where a sow had become dangerously aggressive toward people instead of being scared of humans, Tim Kroening, CPW wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak area said in the release. There was no choice but to put it down after it repeatedly charged people." Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and host of The Jimmy Sengenberger Show Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on News/Talk 710 KNUS. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on Twitter (X) @SengCenter. Ten law enforcement personnel responded to a situation in the Colorado mountain town of Avon that was unlike any that the crew had previously experienced on Monday, after reports were received of "five dangerous dogs" running loose. Once at the scene, local police officers encountered five "highly aggressive" Shepherd/Malinois mixes that appeared to be a family with a pack mentality. The dogs were found in the area of a local Maverick gas station that's located on Wagon Trail Road found right off of I-70. The officers, accompanied by Eagle County Animal Control, a sheriff's deputy, and dog-loving bystanders, worked to catch the dogs for four hours in pouring rain. One tactic used was feeding the dogs, as they were believed to be starving. Images from the scene show food spread across the wet ground, with a collar on at least one of the dogs. After four hours of working to capture the animals, four of the five dogs had been caught and were safely in the custody of local animal services. The fifth dog ran into nearby hills, but was later found and captured. According to the Avon Police Department, no reports of missing dogs had been received, so it's believed that the dogs were abandoned on the side of the road. The police department thanked their officers including two that stayed past when their shift ended, as well as Eagle County Animal Services, Eagle County Sheriff's Office Deputy Harrison, local K-9 trainer Steve Hueston, and visiting police trainers Stan and Dave. "It takes a village!" wrote the police department of the incident. You are here: China Chinese railways, power grids and airports are working to guarantee safe return trips as the eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday will end on Friday. The country recorded more than 17 million railway trips on Wednesday and expects to see 17.95 million trips on Thursday, according to data from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway). The company plans to put 12,351 trains in operation to cater to the travel demand. Local subsidiaries of China Railway and some airports are improving passenger services, while the Guiyang bureau of China Southern Power Grid has emergency maintenance teams on call 24/7 to ensure the safe functioning of power facilities. Democrat Adam Frisch, left, is hoping for a rematch in 2024 with Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, the incumbent in Colorados 3rd Congressional District. Frisch lost to Boebert by 546 votes in the 2022 election. On Thursday, Frisch said he raised nearly $3.4 million in the third quarter, surpassing previous off-year records for Colorado congressional candidates. Colorado Court of Appeals Judge Ted C. Tow III asks a question to Assistant Attorney General Jaycey DeHoyos, not pictured, during oral arguments in the second of two Colorado Court of Appeals cases being held in the library of Conifer Senior High School as part of the Courts in the Community educational outreach program, May 16 in Conifer. Its estimated that less than 2% of the worlds garment makers are paid a livable wage, according to The True Cost. But local business owner Jocelyn Redfern is working to combat the wasteful and often exploitative fast-fashion industry with her Colorado Springs-based clothing shop Fox & Shrew. Weve just gotten accustomed to the idea that clothing is disposable its not going to last very long, I can buy as much as I want. Ill throw it away, Redfern said. It started when Redfern found herself interested in selling well-made, vintage clothing. After consulting some manufacturers about making the dresses and receiving quotes for as low as $5 per piece, she fell down a rabbit hole learning about the harms of the fast-fashion industry. I was like, OK, I dont know a lot about clothing manufacturers, but I do understand labor, and that seems really screwed up, she said. Its disgusting whats happening. We pay less for clothes now, exponentially less, than we were paying for clothes in the 80s and 70s. So, she founded Fox & Shrew. I tried to figure out what to do, and basically, it was like a start from scratch situation, she said. Originally starting as an online shop in 2020, each garment is handmade here in Colorado by a local seamstress, who is paid more than 50% of the product cost well above minimum wage. Thats a big difference compared to fast fashion manufacturers, who often pay between 5%-15% of the product cost. That includes manufacturers here in the U.S. One contractor in the L.A. garment district was found to be paying employees $1.58 per hour in a state where the minimum wage was $15, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Its because its women; its seen as womens work, it is not valued, Redfern said. They dont care. Theyre paying people pennies, pennies for a piece. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. The goal: empower local women. Even the name, Fox and Shrew, is a nod to how women have been described negatively throughout history. Those are both names that people have used pejoratively for women. Like a fox is beautiful, but deceptive and clever, and the shrew is harsh and bossy and loud, she said. Since we are a shop thats focused on women in every avenue of what we do, we are like, Those are also adorable little woodland creatures that live here in Colorado. Were taking it back. With a team of four seamstresses, the women can work from home with a flexible schedule. The employees who sew the clothing at Fox & Shrew receive compensation for each garment they sew regardless of whether it sells. Most of the seamstresses have decades of experience. These are skilled women. They dont need to have a supervisor looking over them, they know what to do, Redfern said. Part of what I wanted to do, too, was not to have quota, and to have any pressure. ... They just take as much time as they want. Sustainability is also at the forefront of the stores mission. The clothing is made from scrap fabric sourced from other female-owned businesses, Redfern said. Each piece is designed to last a long time, lined with silk and made of natural fibers. Its going to last for generations, she said. Not to mention, the low-waste supply chain of locally crafted clothing. Redfern is hopeful for the future of the fashion industry, especially among younger generations. Every time I look at the statistics in the news, its a little upsetting, but there is a lot of hope, she said. Ive noticed the young people who come in get really excited. Youre like, Is there any way 20-year-olds, 30-year-olds are going to be into it? But they are, they do like it, and they are excited about it, and they recognize the quality. WEDNESDAY, Oct. 4, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Health care workers who serve millions of Americans began a three-day strike on Wednesday after contract negotiations over staffing levels stalled. More than 75,000 members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions began walking off their jobs as early as 6 a.m. in Virginia and Washington, D.C., The Washington Post reported. The union, whose contract expired Saturday, represents medical assistants, surgical and lab technicians, and pharmacists, among other staffers. Workers and the nation's largest nonprofit, private health care provider failed to reach an agreement over the weekend. Along with staffing levels, pay and benefits are an issue, CNBC reported. Paula Coleman, a 10-year clinical lab assistant who oversees blood and urine testing for Kaiser in Englewood, Colorado, and plans to strike, said low staffing levels in her lab jeopardize patient care. Coleman, often the only person working in her lab in the early mornings, fears she would not have backup if an emergency struck while she was drawing a patient's blood. The strike will target Kaiser hospitals and medical offices in California, Colorado, Oregon, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Washington state. Employees in Kaiser facilities in Georgia would not be affected. Kaiser Permanente serves nearly 13 million patients and operates 39 hospitals and more than 600 medical offices across the United States. Caroline Lucas, executive director of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, said staffing shortages have made working conditions unsafe and have led to deteriorating care for patients. "We continue to have front-line health care workers who are burnt out and stretched to the max and leaving the industry," Lucas told CNBC. "We have folks getting injured on the job because they're trying to do too much and see too many people and work too quickly. It's not a sustainable situation." Meanwhile, Kaiser has said that it has contingency plans to ensure continued patient care. The company is providing online status reports and has said it is confident negotiations will be successful. Still, the coalition of unions has accused Kaiser of negotiating in bad faith and committing unfair labor practices, CNBC reported. The Chamber of Commerce will hold its 107th annual meeting 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday at the NIACC Auditorium. The theme will be "Not-So Late Show with the Mason City Chamber." Tickets are $25. President and CEO Colleen Frein will comment on the Chambers most recent accomplishments and current initiatives. Recipients of the Business of the Year, Boss of the Year, Workplace Wellness, and Distinguished Citizen awards will be announced. Outgoing board members include Kyle Bermel, Michael Davis, Jane Fischer, Matt Koch, Jessica Reith, Jenna Sheriff, Katy Showalter and Phil Meekins. They will be recognized for their service to the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is actively engaged in promoting progressive community and economic development to benefit members and the North Iowa region. It remains an independent organization operated by a small group of paid staff and hundreds of volunteers. The Chamber is not supported by tax dollars and has no power to impose taxes or other measures that would directly increase the cost of living for the citizens of our community. For more information or to register for the annual meeting, go to the Chamber website at www.masoncityia.com or call 641-423-5724. The Mission Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Mason City has donated clothing and food items to the Mason City High School food and clothing bank. Nancy Beenken is a member of that committee and was surprised to discover the schools had so many kids in need, and administrators were working tirelessly to help. "It came up in a meeting we had and we knew we could make a difference," Beenken said. "We have a grocery cart at our church that was donated years and years ago, and we asked the congregation one Sunday to fill the cart. The donations were above and beyond." Amy Graven, Mason City Schools communications and public relations coordinator, said the donation is welcome. "There's a lot of need, especially in the high school. I think a lot of times, people think the kids are old enough to take care of themselves, but we've got a lot of kiddos who are on their own and need a hand," Graven said. While the committee originally asked for food donations, families stepped up and brought clothing as well. The group was able to make a sizable contribution to the schools. "Iowa is a food state. We've got corn, beans, pigs and chickens and I can't imagine children going hungry here. It was an important mission," said Beenken. Graven said individuals and groups can make donations to the food and clothing bank simply by calling the main office at the high school. First Presbyterian Church delivered more than 370 items of meals, snacks, personal items and clothing to the high school food/clothing bank. The mission will continue throughout the school year, Beenken said. A mother of three students in Danville Public Schools made an emotional plea to the school board Thursday night for help with what she described as a never-ending bullying problem. Brittany Jacksons tearful address came during the public comment portion the meeting on the heels of a proclamation by the Danville School Board highlighting October as Bullying Prevention Month. Jackson wasnt aware that bullying would even be a topic of discussion when she signed up to speak out on her problems Thursday evening. The single mother asserted that since August 2022 her children a seventh-grade son in middle school and twins who go to E.A. Gibson Elementary School have experienced bullying. A daughter has been assaulted on multiple occasions, she said. Her son has been punched in the stomach, in front of a teacher. School supplies are routinely stolen. Noticeably shaken, Jackson had to pause a few times during her address to regain composure. She stressed this was was a daily situtation. Her daughter, in third grade, has been diagnosed with depression, which is causing headaches. While the children havent missed a day of school they are always late because they are scared to ride the bus, scared to go to class, she explained. It has gotten to the point where my children are no longer safe at Gibson, she said. Thats why shes put in a request to move her children from the school. She also questioned why her elementary school students have yet to receive homework, pointing to the fact that they are failing academically. I have to advocate for my kids and the other children that are not being heard, she said. The bullying has gotten out of hand. She said shes followed the proper channels by talking to teachers and administrators. But it hasnt helped. He goal of appearing before the board was simply to ask for guidance and direction. Danville School Board Chair TyQuan Graves assured Jackson someone would reach out to her by Friday. Thats when Superintendent Angela Hairston asked that Jackson immediately talk with Takiwi Milton-Babalola, the chief academic officer, who was at the meeting. We are the communitys board, Graves said, praising Jackson for speaking up. So, we do want to hear the things going on. Before the public comment session, Tyrell Payne, vice chair of the school board, read the proclamation declaring October as Bullying Awareness Month in Danville Public Schools. The proclamation adopted last month states that bullying is an increasingly significant problem in the United States and Virginia. Its estimated that more than 1-in-5 children across the nation are involved in bullying either as a victim or the bully. Im very proud of our work our people are doing, Lionel Kato, assistant director of student support services for the school system, told the board. He said the division has created a prevention resource manual on how to respond and investigate bullying. Many schools are planning activities this month. First let me emphasis the importance of our mission, Chuck Simmons, the instructional supervisor at Activ8 STEM Academy, explained to the board. Simmons again referenced the statistic that 20% of students report being bullied at school. At the STEM Academy a school for third through fifth graders who had to apply to get in Simmons mission is to cultivate a culture of acceptance and collectivism. Hes implemented whats known as the Ron Clark Academy house system to build that community where academic achievement and attendance are recognized along with core values like perseverance, integrity and honesty. The system divides the students and staff members into four houses, essentially creating different families within the school. This month our focus is on empathy, something Simmons said was one of the most powerful tools to combat bullying. Building a sense of community is essential to stop bullying in its tracks, he said. Pittsylvania County leaders celebrated a refreshed Wayside Park on Tuesday, nearly three years after it some of the upgrades were added. New features were put in place in 2020, but the pandemic prevented marking the occasion. The 50-acre site in Hurt now has a handicap-accessible playground, pickleball courts, picnic shelters, restrooms, performance space and an extensive system of paved, gravel and natural trails, according to a news release from the county. Pittsylvania County put in $150,000 of the $670,000 project. The balance came from the Danville Regional Foundation, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and the J.T. Minnie Maude Charitable Trust. The original structures were designed by the National Park Service and built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, according to the release. The property was acquired by the state in 1943 on the condition that it be used as a public park. The county then bought it in 1983 for $1. One of the original features, a swinging bridge over Sycamore Creek creek, was restored this year. Other things like the timber-framed picnic shelter, stacked stone walls and tall chimney grills complement the new additions. The Board of Supervisors is pleased to celebrate the final completion of these improvements to Wayside Park, Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chair Darrell Dalton said. The park has certainly become a desired destination for our residents as well as visitors from all over the region and it is something we can all be proud of. Tim Dudley, vice chair of the board, said everyone he talks to raves about the improvements. It is truly satisfying to look around and see all the work that has been done here from the handicap accessible playground and pickleball courts to the historic swinging bridge, Dudley, who represents the Staunton River District, said. I encourage our residents to visit Wayside Park and take the time to enjoy all the new features and amenities, as well as pay tribute to the historical structures too as all these combined is what makes this park special and unique, and we are fortunate that it belongs to Pittsylvania County, he said. Dennis Irby, a former park caretaker whose family has a long-standing connection with Wayside Park, said his grandmother played at the park as a child soon after it was constructed. It is because of these renovations that the park is being used again in a positive way, he said. She has always been a jewel in the rough, but today it is a place folks come from miles around to enjoy. He also thanked those involved to make the gem in the northern part of the county shine. Wayside Park connects Pittsylvania County to the land and water, restoring the original connection begun by our forefathers three hundred years ago, here in this place, Pittsylvania County Administrator Stuart Turille Jr. said. Youve spent and borrowed thousands and thousands of dollars on your college students education, and now comes a hint that graduate school may be next. Ka-ching that will cost a small fortune, or so you think. While graduate school is expensive especially for law school and medical school there are ways to offset the costs. And depending on your students academic area, the degree can even be free or close to it. First a look at the numbers: According to the Educational Data Initiative, the average debt among masters degree holders is $83,651, including undergraduate debt. That's compared with $125,276 for doctorate holders. In addition, the average graduate student's debt is 141.8% higher than the average debt balance among all student borrowers. But dont despair: There are financial-aid opportunities that can reduce the debt load. Free is good A graduate education can be free if youre studying in areas such as science and engineering. How? By getting teaching and research assistantships through a school's graduate department. Most graduate students in these fields get monthly stipends, and many have health insurance. These students work in funded research areas once their basic classes are complete and earn Ph.D. credentials, which open up many to high-level career paths, said Neil Partridge, a Virginia resident who earned his doctorate in pharmacy at Purdue University. Most people I have discussed this with over the course of my career were unaware of these opportunities in part because two high-profile educational areas doctors and lawyers do not enjoy the same financial benefit, said Partridge, who emailed me this summer with a column idea about financial aid for graduate students. Somehow, the word on the benefits available to grad students has not been communicated, Partridge added. Remember the FAFSA Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which opens the door to potential scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and loans. The 2024-25 FAFSA funding year begins in December. The FAFSA for graduate school works a bit differently from the application for undergraduates. The main difference is that grad students are automatically considered independent as far as their financial resources go, and therefore parent information is not required on the FAFSA. But, for the upcoming FAFSA form, married students will need to provide their spouse's information. Types of federal aid available Low-income graduate students are not eligible for the federal Pell Grant program, while undergrads are. On the other hand, the annual and aggregate loan limits on the federal Direct Stafford loan program are higher for grad students than undergrads, noted Mark Kantrowitz, a financial-aid expert and author of How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid. Graduate students can also borrow from the Direct Grad PLUS loan program. The limit on the PLUS loan is up to the full cost of attendance. State grants Theres no overall standard for how states distribute their grant money. Some are need-based, while others earmark their grants for students studying specific areas, such as nursing, teaching, science and technology. Keep digging Scholarship databases, such as FastWeb and Scholarships.com, typically have information about private fellowships, research grants and other forms of financial aid for graduate students. Also, check out Sallie Maes report How America Pays for Graduate School. EFFINGHAM A week after a five people were killed and others injured in a crash in Teutopolis, the Illinois State Police, Effingham County Sheriff's Department and Illinois Department of Transportation announced enhanced enforcement efforts along the nearby Interstate 70 corridor. According to a State Police news release, law enforcement details will target distracted driving, speeding, and other reckless driving behaviors, with special focus in and around constructions areas, as well as roads drivers are using for detours. State Police will use both marked and unmarked vehicles, along with other strategies, to enforce traffic violations and reduce crashes. It was a Sept. 29 crash on Interstate 70 that diverted traffic to U.S. 40. It was on the detour route that a tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia rolled over. The tank was punctured when it collided with utility trailer parked off the road, allowing the chemical to gush out. Three adults and two children were killed and others injured by the toxic plume. Nearly 500 residents were evacuated from northeastern parts of Teutopolis for nearly 24 hours. State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Teutopolis, has been among the the most vocal officials seeking immediate action to improve safety in a construction zone along Interstate 70 between Effingham and Montrose. Niemerg said in a press release Wednesday that he has sent a letter to Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and Gov. J.B. Pritzker urging them to take action. The State Police said there are seven details scheduled for October. This is a continuation of other details that have taken place several times each month since March. At the end of July, State Police said two details resulted in: 27 commercial motor vehicle inspections 12 distractive driving citations 2 distractive driving warnings 1 speed citation 3 speed warning 2 warnings for other violations 1 seatbelt citation 1 following too closely citation How do people die in U.S. traffic collisions? How do people die in U.S. traffic collisions? What events or objects cause the most traffic deaths? Other vehicles cause the most traffic fatalities, but there are a surprising array of other causes Regional differences paint an unusual picture of national road safety The most common cause of fatal crashes in each state CHICAGO At least 960 migrating birds, the highest number on record, died Thursday in massive carnage at McCormick Place Lakeside Center, according to David Willard, a retired bird division collections manager at the Field Museum. Birds were crashing into windows even as monitors collected the casualties, Willard said. It was just discouraging as can be, said Willard. Youre looking at a rose-breasted grosbeak that, if it hadnt hit a Chicago window, would have made it to the Andes of Peru. Willard blamed the worst day in 40 years of bird monitoring on an array of factors, including weather patterns, badly timed rain and lit windows at Lakeside Center. First, there was a stretch of time with few winds out of the north, which left a lot of birds backed up and ready to migrate: Sometimes, its like now or never, and they go, Willard said. Then, when the flight began, it was huge. One local birder who was out Thursday morning told Willard that he hadnt seen anything equal to it in 40 years. Another birder said he saw 100,000 birds move past Promontory Point in Hyde Park. Wrigleyville resident Nathan Goldberg told the Tribune he saw roughly 172,000 birds overhead in under four hours. Rains early in the morning may have driven the waves of birds lower to the ground and closer to danger. And then there were the windows at Lakeside Center. Its estimated that a billion birds die crashing into windows in the United States every year, Willard said. Thursday was also a record day for Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, which found about 450 dead birds and rescued 300 injured birds, according to Director Annette Prince. Were talking about irreplaceable birds that are a critical part of a healthy environment, Prince said. Theyre already declining significantly and for them to die needlessly at the feet of all these buildings as they did today its a tragedy. There are fixes for bird-building collisions, Willard said, including bird-friendly windows, but the issue tends to attract more attention than action. In Chicago, a City Council ordinance requiring bird safety measures in many new buildings passed in 2020, according to Prince, but has not yet been implemented. The dead birds at Lakeside Center were photographed and taken to the Field Museum, where they will be prepared as scientific specimens and used in studies. Many were palm warblers and yellow-rumped warblers, colorful little songbirds that are common in Chicagoland in spring and fall. Willard said that monitors at Lakeside Center generally find zero to 15 dead birds on an average day. In the worst days of the 40-year monitoring project, 100 to 200 birds were found dead. Photos: Remembering Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus Dick Butkus 2016 Dick Butkus Former Chicago Bears player Dick Butkus 2019 Obit Gale Sayers Football Bears Butkus 1970 Obit Butkus Football Obit Butkus Football Obit Butkus Football Obit Butkus Football Bears Commanders Football Dick Butkus You are here: World Flash A drone attack on the Military Academy in Syria's central province of Homs on Thursday has claimed the lives of 80 people and left 240 others injured, said the Syrian Health Ministry. Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash announced later Thursday that the casualty count is still provisional, with six children and six women wounded seriously. The incident happened after a graduation ceremony for Syrian military officers at the Military Academy in Homs. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights disclosed a higher death toll of over 112, including 14 civilians. The UK-based watchdog group noted the presence of Syria's defense minister at the ceremony, who departed before the attack. The Syrian military refrained from explicitly naming the culprits, but characterized them as "terrorist groups backed by known international parties," and vowed to deliver a resolute response. The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement following the attack, calling on the UN and the UN Security Council to denounce the assault vehemently. The ministry pinned responsibility on the United States, branding the attack as "part of the brutal attacks perpetrated by the U.S. occupation-backed terrorist groups to destabilize the situation in Syria." The Syrian government declared a 3-day official mourning period beginning on Friday, during which flags in Syria and at all Syrian embassies and diplomatic missions overseas will be lowered to half-mast. Oman, India, and Iran expressed their condolences to the Syrian government, according to the state news agency SANA. This incident is part of a rising trend of drone attacks in Syria in recent months, with rebel factions employing drones to target government installations and infrastructure. Conversely, the Syrian government and its allies have also harnessed drone technology for offensive operations against rebel strongholds. The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, has inflicted substantial casualties and left the nation fractured, as government forces remain embroiled in conflict with a variety of rebel groups. Im about to change my television habits for the next 13 months. If I detect something with the odor of a campaign advertisement, Ill be changing the channel or leaving the room. From sad experience, I know I wouldnt learn one iota about the candidate. What I would get is a big dose of demonization. The announcer will begin with a version of So and so is out to destroy America. At some point, the screen will plunge into a fuzzy black and white apparently the ad consultants havent thought of placing devil horns coming on their head. Sound bites and out-of-context quotes will spread through the ad in crazy quilt fashion. You will find out that Candidate X has voted time and again against your favorite issue, even if that was only a mention in a 1,000-page bill. Oh, the candidate wont give specifics about what they actually would do. Its a version of Hooray for Our Side as in the classic song. You can count on almost every commercial having a shot of the candidate shaking hands with ordinary citizens. Theyll be on a farm or at the very least, a small-town cafe. Hackneyed doesnt begin to describe this. The only point on which Republican and Democrat commercials will agree is that they love veterans. Maybe, but if you want to test that, take a disabled veteran with you to a political town hall and have the vet ask pointed questions about health care and benefits. Watch, then, the political ads at your own risk. They may make you feel better about your candidate, but they will drain your soul just a little. Worse, they could make you avoid voting at all, and that would take one more chip out of whats left of democracy. Dick Zaker, Decatur BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. Dozens gathered Friday to recognize the danger of domestic violence and the men and women who assist victims in Sullivan County. Its more dangerous than ever, Sullivan County District Attorney General Barry Staubus said outside the Branch House, a community advocacy center in Blountville. Each year, Staubus and leaders at the Branch House present awards to volunteers, professionals and law enforcement officers who assist domestic violence victims. On Friday, Kingsport Police Department Officer Kellen Steele was honored with the Mark Vance Award. The award is given annually to a Tri-Cities law enforcement member to recognize distinguished service in domestic violence cases. It is given in honor of Bristol Tennessee Police Department Officer Mark Vance, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call in November of 2004. Kingsport Police Lt. Martin Taylor, who presented the award, said Steele works hard to make sure each case has the best possible outcome. He said Steele works closely with domestic violence victims throughout the case. Other nominees for the Mark Vance Award included Sullivan County Sheriffs Office Detective Anthony Stevens and Bristol Tennessee Police Department Officer Nicholas Fugate. Both officers have assisted domestic violence cases. Domestic violence cases are emotional cases, Staubus said. They are dangerous cases. During the event, Staubus asked guests for a moment of silence in honor of Knox County Sheriffs Office Deputy Tucker Blakely. Some law enforcement officials, including Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy, were not present for Fridays event due to the fallen officers funeral in Knoxville. Tennessee ranks as the 15th most dangerous state in the country for domestic violence against women, according to Sullivan County Assistant District Attorney Kaylin Render. Render has spent the last 18 years prosecuting domestic violence cases. She said a lot has changed in that time. The preferred response for domestic violence calls in an arrest, Render said. In addition, those arrested on domestic charges in Tennessee must be held in jail for a certain period of time before release so the victim can seek help. Individuals with multiple domestic violence convictions also receive additional sentences and fines, similar to multiple driving under the influence convictions, Render said. Render thanked the efforts of the individuals who work at the Branch House. She noted that staff members work closely with domestic violence victims and direct them to proper resources. Staubus said, Its terrible that we have a Branch House, but I am so glad that we do have one. Beverly Wigington received the volunteer of the year award for her service at the Branch House. In addition, Director of Frontier Health Safe House Tina Johnson received the Steve Hinkle Professional Award, which is named for the late Sullivan County deputy who died in the line of duty in 2019. A man was seriously injured in a shooting at a residence on White Eagle Ranch Road in Mountain View on Thursday night, authorities said. Brandi Lee Floyd, 39, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury, Catawba County Sheriffs Office Capt. Aaron Turk said. The charge stems from the shooting, Turk said. Floyd made a first appearance in Catawba County Superior Court on Friday. The judge issued a $75,000 bond, according to reports from Dave Faherty with WSOC-TV. Deputies responded to a home at 1495 White Eagle Ranch Road following a 911 hang-up call around 11:30 p.m., Turk said. The call came from Floyds phone, he added. When deputies arrived, they talked to a woman who said there was a shooting at the home. A man was found near a swimming pool behind the house. He had been shot at least once, Turk said. According to Fahertys report from court, law enforcement said the victim was shot twice. Turk did not release the name of the victim. Turk did confirm that the man was in a relationship with Floyd. The victim was transported via helicopter to a hospital in Charlotte. The victim was in serious but stable condition as of Friday morning, Turk said. Turk said that an argument occurred shortly before the shooting. The sheriffs office is still investigating. On Friday morning, detectives could be seen gathering evidence in front of the home. Seven women are facing prostitution charges in connection with massage parlors in the Triad, Gastonia, Union County, Charlotte and South Carolina, authorities say. Since January, the Forsyth County Drug Task Force and U.S. Department of Homeland Security have investigated complaints about massage parlors operating in Winston-Salem residential neighborhoods, the task force said. Investigators then linked eight other massage parlors to Li Huang, 49, of Rock Hill, S.C., and Chongmei Wei, 59, the task force said. Those massage parlors were found in Gastonia, Indian Trail, Charlotte, Greensboro, Columbia, S.C., and Rock Hill, S.C., the task force said. On Sept. 22, Huang was arrested in Rock Hill, the agency said. Investigators then executed searches at massage parlors in Winston-Salem, Gastonia, Indian Trail and Rock Hill. Chongmei Wei, 59, has outstanding arrest warrants for promoting prostitution and continuing a criminal enterprise, the task force said. Haiyan Chen, 52, of Mill Street in Winston-Salem, was charged with felony promoting prostitution, according to an arrest warrant. Chen is accused of managing a massage parlor on Mill Street where money was exchanged for sexual services on May 1, the warrant said. Chen was scheduled to appear Thursday in Forsyth District Court. Huang was charged with promoting prostitution for profits and continuing a criminal enterprise, another arrest warrant shows. Huang is accused of operating a massage parlor on Mill Street in the citys southwestern section that offered sexual services on March 1 in exchange for money and profits, the warrant said. Huang also is accused of engaging in a criminal enterprise by working with five or more people and being a supervisory organizer in which Huang obtained income and resources, the warrant said. Huang, who was given a $15,000 bond, is scheduled to appear Oct. 12 in Forsyth District Court. Zuying Liu, 60, of Monterey, Calif., was charged with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution, according to an arrest warrant. Liu is accused of performing sex for money on Sept. 22, the warrant said. Liu was given a $7,500 bond, the task force said. Liu is scheduled to appear Friday in Forsyth District Court. Liling Liang, 59, of Lancaster, S.C., is charged with felony promoting prostitution and conspiracy to commit prostitution by the Greensboro Police Department, the task force said. Liang was given a $5,000 bond. Liang is scheduled to appear Oct. 23 in Guilford District Court. Quilan Shen, 57, of Greensboro, was charged with felony promoting prostitution by the Greensboro Police Department, the task force said. Shen was given a $5,000 bond. Shen is scheduled to appear Oct. 23 in Guilford District Court. Hsiang-Chai Lin, 56, of Indian Trail, was charged with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution by the Union County Sheriffs Office, the task force said. Lin was given a $1,000 bond. Lin is scheduled to appear Nov. 30 in Union District Court in Monroe. Investigators with the Winston-Salem Police Department worked with the Union County Sheriffs Office, the Greensboro Police Department, the Rock Hill, S.C., Police Department, the S.C. Law Enforcement Division, Homeland Security investigators and the Gastonia Police Department, the task force said. COMPANY NEWS: As security threats continue to evolve and expand, organisations face unprecedented challenges in defending against modern threats. Chronicle Security Operations represents a new era in threat detection, investigation, and response (TDIR) with its unified platform, incorporating Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (Soar) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) capabilities. Modern solutions for modern threats Chronicle Security Operations addresses the growing complexity of today's threat landscape by combining the power of AI, deep threat intelligence, and integrated attack surface management technology from Mandiant. 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Additionally, breach analytics findings are now viewable directly in the Chronicle SecOps console, enabling organisations to proactively respond to threats in near real-time. AI-augmented productivity Chronicle Security Operations leverages AI innovations to enhance productivity for security teams. Duet AI simplifies threat detection, investigation, and response by providing clear summaries of cases, context on threats, and recommendations for responses. Its natural language search capability allows users to input questions in plain language, making data analysis more intuitive and efficient. Mandiant expertise and support Recognising the importance of advanced skill sets, Chronicle Security Operations partners with Mandiant to offer continuous threat hunting by their experts. Mandiant Hunt for Chronicle integrates frontline insights into attacker behaviour with Chronicle's data analysis capabilities, bridging the skills gap for organisations. Mandiant also offers a rich portfolio of Chronicle-ready services to assist customers before, during, and after a cyber incident, including purple teaming and cyber defence transformation. Chronicle Security Operations revolutionises cybersecurity with its unified platform and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Organisations across every industry can now take advantage of these transformative solutions. GUEST OPINION: Over the last year artificial intelligence and machine learning have entered mainstream conversation. No longer is discussion around it restricted to AI industry experts, its being talked about and used in innovative ways, by organisations and people alike. Generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, has been widely adopted across businesses to help people plan and produce written documents, presentations, and emails. While generative AI isnt a new tool, its entry into everyday life means its often touted as the next technology to revolutionize humanitys ways of living and working. But like any tool, AI needs to be used correctly to be effective. In the case of ChatGPT, that means knowing how to phrase prompts and queries to get the most effective and contextually accurate response from the AI. This has led to the rise of the prompt engineer something the World Economic Forum has described as one of the AI jobs of the future. The role of a prompt engineer is to ensure that generative AI is provided the most effective prompt to accurately and repeatedly achieve a specific outcome. Prompt engineers leverage generative AIs ability to use in-context learning i.e. the information from recent prompts provided to it. Ultimately, the better the prompts, the better the outputs. According to industry reports, the average salary for a mid-journey prompt engineer in the US is from $120,000, all the way up to $350,000 a year. With prompt engineers commanding that kind of salary, it might seem like a lucrative career in AI, an industry which will grow rapidly in the coming years. But it might not be a long-term career option. If we need to rely on highly skilled employees who attract very generous renumeration packages to extract value out of generative AI, many businesses may look to cheaper and more effective AI solutions that better suit their individual use cases. For example, in cyber security where accuracy of output is essential and the workforce is already scant generative AI has its limitations in its ability to provide investigative support. In this instance, cyber security is better served by other AI models which utilise statistical probability approaches, like recursive Bayesian estimation, to estimate the likelihood of something being malicious or unwanted. At its core, AI should be embraced as a tool to uplift humans by automating functions to benefit human operators it should not take their job away, but make them better, tackling challenges that would be otherwise disproportionately hard to do without it. At Darktrace, we have always developed AI with this goal in mind: to augment human productivity by doing the heavy lifting so that humans can be freed from tasks like trawling through data logs and triaging cyber incidents which grow in frequency and complexity by the day. Where prompt engineers are experts in writing in a way the AI can understand and action, we built our Cyber AI Analyst to do the opposite: we trained it on the work of human cyber security analysts, so that now it takes the AIs understanding and makes that understandable and actionable by humans. This is the direction we think AI should be moving in; having AI and humans dividing up parts of the job where each excels, rather than AI trying to replace whole jobs which, in lots of instances, demonstrates a misunderstanding about how AI fundamentally works. There will always be a trust journey that needs to be navigated with the introduction of these new technologies. We found this when we brought Autonomous Response AI to the cyber security market: human teams adopting this technology in the beginning often opted for "Human Confirmation Mode", enabling them to confirm the actions that AI wishes to take in response to an emerging threat before enabling the AI to be fully autonomous. But over time, these users have come to develop trust in the AIs decisions and switched to "Autonomous Mode", letting AI take action to contain threats even when humans arent around. Similarly, we might expect the prompt engineering hype to be a short-lived phenomenon. While the human element remains an intrinsic part of generative AI, as it is powered by Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF) and needs a constant stream of human creativity to keep itself from becoming an echo chamber of old ideas, we might see the tables turn as generative AI self-improves and takes what it has learned from prompt engineering and other human guidance, and uses that to direct itself or to interview its human counterpart instead. This will be complicated by factors such as the potential unreliability of Large Language Models and the problem of hallucinations, where LLMs claim something as fact when the information it offers is wrong or made up, the limitations of static training data, and the quality of temperature which controls how much outputs can vary from the same prompt. These are factors that will need to be navigated as the generative AI boom continues, but ultimately, the promise of AI is to make things easier and more accessible - not to create another white collar job that is slightly different to previous ones. If the methods underpinning generative AI do not evolve and it is not optimised so that it augments human creativity, requiring end users to correct its mistakes, we may see a decline in its use causing the generative AI hype bubble to burst. GUEST RESEARCH: Ransomware is being deployed within one day of initial access in more than 50% of engagements, says Secureworks Counter Threat Unit. In just 12 months the median dwell time identified in the annual Secureworks State of the Threat Report has freefallen from 4.5 days to less than one day. In 10% of cases, ransomware was even deployed within five hours of initial access. The driver for the reduction in median dwell time is likely due to the cybercriminals desire for a lower chance of detection. The cybersecurity industry has become much more adept at detecting activity that is a precursor to ransomware. As a result, threat actors are focusing on simpler and quicker to implement operations, rather than big, multi-site enterprise-wide encryption events that are significantly more complex. But the risk from those attacks is still high, said Secureworks Counter Threat Unit vice president threat intelligence Don Smith. While we still see familiar names as the most active threat actors, the emergence of several new and very active threat groups is fuelling a significant rise in victim and data leaks. Despite high profile takedowns and sanctions, cybercriminals are masters of adaptation, and so the threat continues to gather pace, Smith continued. The annual State of the Threat report examines the cybersecurity landscape from June 2022 to July 2023. Key findings include: - While some familiar names including Gold Mystic (LockBit), Gold Blazer (BlackCat/ALPV), and Gold Tahoe (Cl0p) still dominate the ransomware landscape, new groups are emerging and listing significant victim counts on name and shame leak sites. The past four months of this reporting period have been the most prolific for victim numbers since name-and-shame attacks started in 2019. - The three largest initial access vectors (IAV) observed in ransomware engagements where customers engaged Secureworks incident responders were: scan-and-exploit, stolen credentials and commodity malware via phishing emails. - Exploitation of known vulnerabilities from 2022 and earlier continued and accounted for more than half of the most exploited vulnerabilities during the report period. Most active ransomware groups The same threat groups continued to dominate in 2023 as in 2022. Gold Mystics LockBit remains the head of the pack, with nearly three times the number of victims as the next most active group, BlackCat, operated by Gold Blazer. New schemes have also emerged and posted numerous victims. MalasLocker, 8BASE and Akira (which ranked at number 14) are all newcomers that made an impact from Q2 2023. 8BASE listed nearly 40 victims on its leak site in June 2023, only slightly fewer than LockBit. Analysis shows that some of the victims go back as far as mid 2022, although they were dumped at the same time. MalasLockers attack on Zimbra servers from the end of April 2023 accounted for 171 victims on its leak site in May. The report examines what leak site activity actually reveals about ransomware attack success rates it's not as straightforward as it seems. The report also reveals that victim numbers per month from April-July 2023 were the most prolific since name and shame emerged in 2019. The highest number of monthly victims ever was posted to leak sites in May 2023 with 600 victims, three times as many as in May 2022. Top initial access vectors for ransomware The three largest initial access vectors (IAV) observed in ransomware engagements where customers engaged Secureworks incident responders were: scan-and-exploit (32%), stolen credentials (32%) and commodity malware via phishing emails (14%). Scan-and-exploit involves the identification of vulnerable systems, potentially via a search engine like Shodan or a vulnerability scanner, and then attempting to compromise them with a specific exploit. Within the top 12 most commonly exploited vulnerabilities, 58% have CVE dates of earlier than 2022. One (CVE-2018-13379) also made the top 15 most routinely exploited list in 2021 and 2020. Despite much hype around ChatGPT and AI style attacks, the two highest profile attacks of 2023 thus far were the result of unpatched infrastructure. At the end of the day, cybercriminals are reaping the rewards from tried and tested methods of attack, so organisations must focus on protecting themselves with basic cyber hygiene and not get caught up in hype, Smith continued. The world of nation-state attackers The report also examines the significant activities and trends in the behaviour of state-sponsored threat groups belonging to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Geopolitics remains the primary driver for state-sponsored threat groups across the board. China: China has shifted part of its attention to Eastern Europe, while also maintaining a focus on Taiwan and other near neighbours. It displays a growing emphasis on stealthy tradecraft in cyberespionage attacks a change from its previous smash-and-grab reputation. The use of commercial tools like Cobalt Strike, as well as Chinese open-source tooling, minimises risk of attribution and blends with activity from post-intrusion ransomware groups. Iran: Iran remains focused on dissident activity, on hindering progress on the Abraham Accords, and on Western intentions towards renegotiations of nuclear accords. Irans main intelligence services the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS or VAJA) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) both use a network of contractors to support offensive cyber strategies. The use of personas (impersonating real people or fake created people) is a key tactic across Iranian threat groups. Russia: The war in Ukraine remained the focus for Russian activity. This falls into two camps; cyberespionage and disruption. This year has seen an increase in the amount of patriotic-minded cyber groups targeting organisations considered adversaries of Russia. For gangs, Telegram is the social media/messaging platform of choice for recruitment, targeting and celebrations of success. The malicious use of trusted third-party cloud services is frequently incorporated into Russian threat group operations. North Korea: North Korea threat groups fall into two groups: cyber espionage and revenue generation for the isolated regime. AppleJeus has been a fundamental tool for North Koreas financial theft initiatives, and according to Elliptic, North Korean threat groups have stolen $2.3 billion USD in crypto assets between May 2017 and May 2023 (30% of this from Japan). State of the Threat Report 2023 This latest State of the Threat Report is the seventh annual report from Secureworks providing a concise analysis of how the global cybersecurity threat landscape has evolved over the last 12 months. The information within the report is drawn from the Secureworks Counter Threat Units (CTU) firsthand observations of threat actor tooling and behaviours and includes real-life incidents. Our annual threat analysis provides a deep dive insight into the threats our team has observed on the front line of cybersecurity. The Secureworks State of the Threat Report can be read in full here. Wholesale broadband provider NBN Co announced more than 700,000 homes and businesses in Victoria are eligible to upgrade to NBN full fibre and access to fastest home internet speeds. The full fibre connection grants access to NBN Home Ultrafast, which, NBN Co claims, is close to 18x faster than the average NBN home connection, offering wholesale speeds close to 1Gbps. According to NBN Co, Victorians are using 10% more data than just two years ago. In Australia, consumption of data has more than tripled in seven years. This demand prompted NBN Co to upgrade its network. The fibre upgrade program is funded by the Australian Governments additional $2.4 billion investment this year. The government also invested $550 million to the Connecting Victoria program to fund broadband upgrades to over 100,000 households, 30,000 of which are already being delivered. For the average Australian household which now has 21 connected devices, fibre provides a fast, reliable and consistent online experience, even at the busiest times of the day. Most importantly, its designed for a future where giant leaps in technology, and homes with multiple devices are the norm, said NBN customer experience expert Jane McNamara. NBN fibre enhances online activities such as video calls, gaming and live streaming by providing faster response times and minimal lag. This means customers can simultaneously engage in video calls, upload photos, download large files, and enjoy online streaming or gaming with less buffering or dropouts. 100 years ago, Oct. 6, 1923 MATTOON Yeggmen secured between $40 and $50, part of which was checks, as the result of dynamiting the safe in the office of the Standard Oil Company filling station at Wabash Ave. and Seventeenth Street Friday night. The discovery was made by H.M. Gannaway, an employee, when he opened the office door this morning at 6:30 a.m. Investigation revealed the combination knob had been battered several times as the result of which it is thought a lock plunger had been broken off and the knob turned. The inside door was a key lock, in which explosive had been placed and touched off...TERRE HAUTE, Ind. Fire which started in the roof of the Terre Haute Country Club home at Allendale, eight miles south, destroyed the structure, which was completed two years ago at a cost of more than $100,000. Caddies, employees of the house and farmers attracted from nearby fields succeeded in saving most of the furniture. The cause of the fire was not determined. 50 years ago, 1973 MATTOON A referendum will be held within 90 days to determine if Mattoon Memorial Hospital will be dissolved. Members of the hospital's board of directors voted unanimously in favor of holding the referendum during a special noon meeting Friday. At issue is whether or not the assets of the existing hospital will be transferred to the new Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center once it is completed...MATTOON A knick-knack here and a knick-knack there, and Helen Reed came up with a miniature replica of her grandmother's kitchen. "Two years ago," she said, "I took a notion to reproduce my grandmother's kitchen. I love to work with wood, so it seemed like a great challenge." The doll house kitchen is on display at the Buggy Shed, which Reed and her husband own and operate. "I began collecting small items for my project," Reed pointed out. "I hand-carved all the furniture using a jigsaw. I made the braided rugs out of worn-out socks. The wainscoting is made out of backs of picture frames." 25 years ago, 1998 FINDLAY The D's 3, the mother-daughter-daughter trio from Findlay, is touring across the Midwest promoting a third album, "Sing, Sing, Sing." The tour began with a stop at Borders Bookstore in Champaign and will run through Feb. 5 with scheduled stops at Borders' stores in northern Illinois, Terre Haute, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Kathy, Becky, and Corrie Duncan of Findlay started singing together in 1994 at a Findlay High School Variety show. This performance went well, and the trio was asked to sing at other community events. Later, the trio auditioned for a Nashville talent scout and recorded first album "American Treasures." In 1997, the D's 3 recorded a second album, "Near You." The D's 3 perform updated versions of swing tunes from the '30s, '40s, and '50s...CHARLESTON The city's new tourism director had her first day on the job Monday but said she already sees a lot of potential in Charleston's economy, geography and history. Tourism director Trish Bennett, a former Martinsville resident, has lived in Charleston for the last five years. Bennett spent several years operating two family-owned grocery stores in New York state with her husband, Monty Bennett, who is director of EIU's purchasing department. The rolling hills and fall foliage around Charleston are similar to the scenery in New York state, Bennett said. The musical instruments adults most regret quitting The musical instruments adults most regret quitting Former guitar and piano players express the most regret for not continuing to play MATTOON Forestry student Luis Ruelas of Los Angeles has been putting his studies into practice this fall while helping create a trail system at Lake Paradise. Ruelas said his work with an AmeriCorps team serving in the National Civilian Community Corps has provided a great real-world opportunity for "less studying, more hacking" and affirmed why he chose his field of study. "It lets me know this is something I enjoy, being outdoors," Ruelas said this week while preparing to rake a newly cleared trail in woodland along the northeast side of the lake. To enhance outdoor recreation and pedestrian safety at Lake Paradise, the city of Mattoon has sought AmeriCorps' help with creating trail systems covering approximately five miles on 110 acres of city-owned land. This federal agency places participants in community service and volunteerism roles. The AmeriCorps team, which arrived on Sept. 18 from the North Central Region campus in Vinton, Iowa, is set to clear trail corridors, develop trails, install amenities, and establish pollinator plots through Nov. 6. They are providing this volunteer labor while staying at Camp New Hope at Lake Mattoon. College student Seneca Straub of Pennsylvania, who has an academic background in political science and French, has been leading the team of workers at Lake Paradise. "I joined AmeriCorps to do something totally different and get to work outside on a team," Straub said, noting they also helped Habitat for Humanity in Toledo, Ohio earlier this year. Straub said she appreciates that the Lake Paradise assignment has provided an opportunity to develop leadership skills in an outdoor setting, particularly one where the work is on flat terrain. Mattoon Community Development and Planning Director Alex Benishek said the team has started by creating a 0.64-mile trail at the lake's northeast corner, where a trailhead will be made south of Campground Cemetery. He said the city will hold a tree identification walk there this fall with University of Illinois Extension. Benishek said the team will next create 1-2 miles of trails on the west side of Lake Paradise, with the trails being setback at least 205 feet from residences. As time permits, he said they will do additional trail work on city land at Lake Paradise and possibly Lake Mattoon. "This is not just building a trail. It's the city reinvesting in this area," Benishek said, adding that Lake Paradise had been neglected to some extent for many years. He said the city plans to take additional steps in the future to enhance outdoor recreation and protect the water supply at this lake. Lake Paradise resident Linda Wilhelm said she regularly walks her dog, Copper, at Campground Cemetery, so she and her Sheltie will welcome the addition of nearby trails for their exercising. Wilhelm, who has lived at the lake for approximately four decades, said she watched outdoor recreation areas there get overgrown with brush and weeds over the years. She said she is glad to see some of these areas being cleaned out now. "I am really excited about it. I think it's going to be great," Wilhelm said, adding that she appreciates the city's reassurances that the new hiking area will be monitored by trail cameras and police patrols. Lake Paradise resident Susan Harding said areas around the lake have been vulnerable over the years to refuse dumping, drug use and other illegal activities. Harding said she supports the idea of the city reinvesting in outdoor recreation at Lake Paradise but wants them to be proactive about installing lights, trail cameras and speed bumps, as well as coordinating with the Coles County Sheriff's Office for more patrols in this rural area. "I am all in favor of tourism and improving access points. I want this to be a successful project, I really do," Harding said, adding she appreciates that Benishek has spoken with her about the city addressing these safety concerns. Looking back at Lake Paradise Concrete apron Lake Paradise road potholes Paradise parsonage Pumping station Silted-in area Spillway.jpg Flash The 24th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone on Thursday provided medical treatment services for some schoolchildren in Jui, a town in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. The free clinical outreach at the Simas pre-elementary and junior secondary school included a variety of checks from physical to ophthalmic examination. Liu Qiuhong, a member of the Chinese medical team, told Xinhua after the outreach that the schoolchildren were healthy in general, while some were infected with malaria, a tropical disease common in West Africa. Liu pledged that the team would do its best to carry out more free medical services for residents in local communities. Melrose During, a midwife at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, praised the Chinese doctors for their kind gesture, saying the checkup helped the children better understand their physical health and receive medical treatment in a timely manner. Victoria Jah, head of the school, expressed her gratitude to the Chinese doctors for their selfless help to the children. "I feel so blessed and honored that out of many schools, our school was chosen for the free clinic outreach." The current Chinese medical team began their service in Sierra Leone in March this year. SHELBYVILLE The Shelby County Public Safety Committee has tabled a proposed intergovernmental agreement with the new Shelbyville Dive Team. Some Safety Committee members have said they want to get more information on the agreement before making a recommendation to the Shelby County Board. The city of Shelbyville recently began forming a dive team after the county's team had to cease operations and its members resigned in mid-July. After the safety committee meeting Tuesday night, the County Farm Committee met and considered custom farming options for this 197-acre site. Chair Carol Cole could not get a vote on sending a custom farming proposal to the county board for consideration, but the committee did make related recommendations. Dive team's future Chair Don Tate and other Safety Committee members said they want to get more information about the legality of the proposed agreement and how it will incorporate other local governments in Shelby County before they make a recommendation. Some audience members in the crowded third-floor courtroom muttered "unbelievable" and "so irresponsible" aloud when the committee opted to not make a recommendation Thursday night. Audience member Tricia Miller said the Safety Committee is taking a big risk by not having a fully-equipped local dive team in place for an emergency occurring at Lake Shelbyville. "We should get down on our knees and thank God we have not had something serious happen," Miller said, adding that the county has been without a dive team for three months. County dive team members resigned in mid-July after board member Sonny Ross told the team to cease any and all operations until further notice due to questions about whether the team was insured and properly formed. Dive teams from Moultrie County and other communities can be dispatched to Shelby County if needed. Austin Pritchard, former commander of the county dive team and current commander of the new Shelbyville team, said the county team was formed in 2000 and subsequently acquired most of its equipment during the next two decades plus through donations. "I don't believe the county has any claims to that equipment," Pritchard said of equipment that the new team is seeking from Shelby Count. "That equipment belongs to the dive team, and it belongs to the citizens of this county." Later at the Safety Committee meeting, Chair Tate and member Ross argued over a proposal to purchase a new animal control truck. Ross said the proposal needed to include bid provisions for a truck bed box for transporting animals before the committee could make a recommendation to the county board. "You will have my resignation on the chairman's desk next week," Tate said after the meeting as he left the room. County farm's future During Thursday's other meeting, Farm Committee members Mitchell Shuff and Jeremy Williams declined Chair Cole's request for a motion to vote on making a custom farming recommendation to the county board. Shuff and Williams indicated that they first wanted to see the outcome of the Shelby County treasurer inquiring to the Illinois Department of Revenue about whether the county farm north of Shelbyville has tax-exempt status. Cole said the state has denied tax-exempt status for the county farm in the past, adding that the county has a tax bill due for this land and that the bill should be paid from the farming revenue. She said tax exemption has nothing do with whether or not the property is planted and harvested. "It's farm ground. It needs to be farmed. That's the thing," Cole said. At Thursday's meeting, the committee did recommend having the soil tested at the county farm and getting a custom farm agreement in place so that the property would be ready if farming is resumed there. The Shelby County farmland includes 197 tillable acres but spans roughly 240 acres because of a cemetery also on the property. It was leased from the 1950s until about three years ago, when questions about whether the county can legally own and rent farmland began to arise. Though Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation earlier this year that clarifies that counties, with some restrictions, can lease publicly-owned farmland, opponents of the farm claim that Shelby Countys fails to provide a specific public purpose that is required under the new law. Audience member Mark Shanks suggested Thursday night using the farm as an outdoor classroom for agriculture and FFA students from Shelby County as a public purpose. "I think that would be a great way to further agriculture education," Shanks said. Shuff said he the education idea had been presented a couple of years ago to the Farm Committee, but was not taken any further. "Maybe it's something we could revisit," Shuff said. GALLERY: Lake Shelbyville through the years I sent a top Democratic strategist who I respect a copy of the Venezuelan migrant-related poll I posted for my subscribers last week. Among other things, the M3 Strategies poll of 659 likely Chicago voters, found that pluralities of likely Chicago voters said they opposed migrants being housed by the city of Chicago (49-46), while also saying its time to end Chicagos status as a sanctuary city (46-39). The polls margin of error was +/-3.82%. This is a Republican pollster, but they very accurately predicted the Chicago mayors race results during the first round. Black and Latino voters really helped drive those poll results, with 49 percent of Black voters and 57 percent of Latinos opposing the citys housing of migrants, and 51 percent of Black voters and 48 percent of Latinos saying they want to end the citys sanctuary system. Several Latino residents have told reporters that they resent the help given to the migrants when they received nothing at all after coming to the United States. 56 percent of Latino and Black voters told the pollster that the migrants made the city less safe. Not surprised by any of this, the operative texted back. Indeed, plenty of Democratic legislators have been getting an earful from constituents about the problem, and not just in Chicago. The question, he said, is whether this is just another law and order issue that polls well and seems persuasive but actually isnt, when you match up actual Republicans with Democrats. He said it would probably have more impact on Democratic primaries. I suggested that Black voter turnout could be driven down by numbers like these. 79 percent of Black respondents told M3 Strategies that the asylum-seeker situation is negatively affecting current Chicago residents who may be in need, which seems to check out when looking at the strong push-back against housing migrants in Black neighborhoods. And Black turnout was already way down last year. Maybe, the operative said, but added, Elections are an eternity away with how voters memories operate. I agreed about the voter memory aspect, but countered that his prediction assumes the migrant influx would be resolved a year from now. Some analysts have predicted far more migrants next year. Oof, he replied. Support for housing migrants and positive views of the impact on the city is strongest among young, white voters on the North and Northwest sides, the polling firm reported. Everyone else, not so much. If this keeps up, theres no doubt that the anger will spread to suburban communities, many of which have no local sanctuary ordinances. And the migrants have already started to arrive there. During the uproar after Joliet Township Supervisor Angel Contreras applied for a state grant and more than just implied that he had support from the Joliet Mayor and the citys fire department when he apparently did not, news reports revealed that 2,200 asylum seekers had already been helped by the Spanish Community Center in Joliet. Rep. Fred Crespo (D- Hoffman Estates), who chairs an appropriations committee, told me that at least one school district in his northwest Cook County district is looking at bringing back mobile classrooms, to help deal with the growing influx, and more are complaining that they cant sustain the pace. The poll makes it fairly easy to see why the governor and his administration would like to continue defining this as a Chicago administrative problem. When asked last week about how all these folks could possibly be housed, Gov. Pritzker said, This is a challenge I think the city has been facing since the beginning, the governor said. You know, we dont do city planning at the state level. This is, you know, a question best directed at the city. Pritzker added that the state has been supporting the city as they have developed plans and as theyve implemented them. What the city has actually done is floated a lot of ideas, but not implemented them and flailed all along the way. And after receiving more than $300 million in state assistance, the city is coming back for more cash, issuing demands in the news media and meeting with legislators. Unlike Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Pritzker administration has lots of experience dealing with crises. Theyre not perfect, but they did manage to help get the state through the pandemic. And Pritzkers sharp letter to President Biden last month seems to have helped push the president forward. The White House announced it will resume deportation flights to Venezuela. Despite the governors words, this is no longer a Chicago-only issue. And that means the state needs to start taking more of a lead here. Residents of at least two neighborhoods in the Union Cross area are complaining about a companys outdoor sandblasting operations that are taking place despite earlier assurances that they wouldnt occur. A petition for sandblasting relief said to contain about a hundred signatures was presented Thursday to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. The residents say they were assured that Piedmont Hoist & Crane, a company with a plant on Temple School Road, would only conduct permitted sandblasting operations indoors. This property, for what they are doing, does not fit, Keith Mahaffey told the county board Thursday during the period reserved for public comments. It is out of character, and it is not respectful to the residential population. Mahaffey lives on Stacy Court, which is southeast of the hoist and crane plant at 3350 Temple School Road. A couple speakers who live on Graytuck Drive, to the southwest of the plant, said they cant stand the noise either. During a 2018 meeting, Graytuck Drive resident Jackie Seabolt told commissioners, company representatives told neighborhood folks that you wont know we are here, as they talked about plant operations. In 2019, the noise began, Seabolt said. She told commissioners the noise is so bad she cant make or receive telephone calls in most parts of her house. Myrna Gatrost, another resident of Graytuck Drive, played an audio recording of the company sandblasting, and said that residents have to put up with it Monday through Friday. If you lived on that road, Im sure you would ask someone to do something, she said. Chris Murphy, the city-county director of planning and development, confirmed during Thursdays meeting that he had said during a 2018 hearing about the property that manufacturing operations would all take place inside, based on the companys application for a site plan amendment that was passed that year. On Thursday, Murphy said that once the noise problem emerged, his office issued violation notices to the company. But in 2020, he said, the company got a permit from the county to work outside. Murphy said the company could do that because the original zoning of the property, dating to 2012, allowed outdoor manufacture as a use. Everything has been done correctly, Murphy said. The permits were issued correctly and there are not a lot of solutions. Commissioner Gloria Whisenhunt, clearly upset over the about-face, asked if the county can revoke the permit that allows the outdoor sandblasting: One of the most important things I do is zoning, because it is so everlasting, she told Murphy. Ive seen the replay of the (2018) meeting where you said there would be no outside (work). That is what I voted on and what I put my word on. We need to go back and find some way to help these folks. County Manager Dudley Watts told commissioners that attempts to get Piedmont Hoist & Crane to voluntarily move operations inside have had no success. Commissioners went behind closed doors to discuss legal options, but came to no immediate conclusion. It is a tough situation, said Don Martin, the board chairman. Company officials were not at Thursdays meeting, which had no scheduled discussion of the noise complaint on the agenda. During the public comment portion of the meeting, people can bring up any county concern without advance notice. Company officials could not be reached for comment by the Journal on Thursday. The Union Cross area has been the focus of intense business development, with a number of high-profile business parks and plant sites in the area. Those include Herbalife and Caterpillar, which in fact formerly had performed some operations on the hoist and crane property. Mahaffey said that residents understand that our Union Cross community is targeted for industrial development. All we ask is that common-sense balanced planning be applied, Mahaffey said. We are not here to shut down a business. We are pro-business. Unfortunately we have been told that we are sorry this has happened and there is not a lot we can do with it, and have hit a dead end. But Mahaffey said the problem could spread. If this precedent is allowed to stand, other companies can change their plans, he said. Other companies can come in, manipulate the process, and (lead to) an adverse situation to the surrounding community. There was some discussion about whether county noise ordinances could help. Commissioner Dan Besse said that an ordinance prohibiting unreasonable noise might apply to the plants outdoor operations because of the duration and nature of the noise. Its been called a modern marvel and a midcentury gem, but to Pete Fala the beautiful house on Pine Valley Road is simply home. Designed and built by architect J. Kenneth Burge in 1958, this midcentury modern manse was home to Burge and his wife Emily until he died in 2017. It sat vacant until Fala, an architect and co-owner of STITCH Design Shop, spotted its For Sale sign on his way to work one day. He could barely see the house, he says. It was so overgrown with trees and shrubs. Fala met with Wayne Burge, who grew up in the house and was selling it on behalf of his parents. Wayne wanted someone to bring the house back to its former glory. He was adamant that it not be leveled and Fala couldnt agree more. A friendship ensued. For most of the would-be buyers this home was in the crosshairs of a bulldozer, Fala later wrote in an architects statement. It needed a ton of work, but it was next-level awesome. After purchasing the home in 2018, Fala began a yearlong renovation that he says was more about enhancing than reimagining. The simplicity and level of custom detailing in the original home were extraordinary, he says. Determined to honor Kenneth Burges original vision, Fala preserved the general flow of the home while making minor adjustments like reconfiguring some interior walls to suit a more modern style of living. The removal of overgrown landscaping around the house allowed the home to breathe again. The original redwood siding that faced the road was replaced with vertical cypress in a warm tone that complimented the white stucco accents and wooded backdrop. In the back, Fala increased the size of windows, enhancing an already spectacular park-like view. He also added a roof with steel-V columns to an existing elevated patio at the rear of the house, along with updating the home with new energy efficient windows, appliances, and spray-foam insulation in the roof and walls that effectively reduced the carbon footprint. In 2021, the home received both an American Institute of Architects North Carolina Merit Design Award as well as an AIA Winston-Salem Chapter Merit Award. For the forward thinking Fala, his design solutions were a way to demonstrate how renovations architectures most sustainable solution can preserve the architectural past while ensuring a more sustainable future. Last spring, the Fala home was honored yet again as a featured stop on NCModernists annual home tour. Visitors really appreciated the story about us buying the home from Kenneth Burges son, Wayne, Fala says. They also loved the fact that we kept intact many items and reused many others in a new life. Not surprisingly, the home was recognized again with a 2023 Winston-Salem Community Appearance Commission Award. Often times when people ask us where we live and we explain it and theyre like Oh! I love that house. Its so cool. If Strange Way of Life was an hour longer, Pedro Almodovar would have made the best, and most original, Western of the 21st century. As it is, the 30-minute film from the acclaimed Spanish director is an absorbing, very human look at a pair of classic Western characters a sheriff and a rancher that tells a story that reconfigures and thereby transcends the genres cliches. Because its a short, heres the briefest of synopses: Jake (Ethan Hawke) is the sheriff in the small, apparently New Mexico town of Bitter Creek, where hes notified by the community coffin maker that a man with a limp was seen riding away from the scene of a womans murder. As theyre talking, a rancher named Silva (Pedro Pascal) rides into town, having crossed the desert to meet Jake, whom he worked with as hired guns in Mexico 25 years earlier. The pair celebrate their reunion. But the next morning, Jake has to go out to find the suspected killer, triggering a series of somewhat shocking, definitely unexpected events. Shot in Spain with a Spanish cast save for Hawke, Strange Way of Life is filled with extreme closeups of the actors, who are each fully committed to and fully convincing in their roles. Like all Almodovar films, it looks fabulous, whether in the interiors of the sheriffs office, his house or the ranch, on the streets of the town or as they ride around the towering bluffs of the desert. In fact, its the visuals that provide the clue for the location theres artwork on the walls that suggests the early 20th century work of Georgia OKeeffe and Marsden Hartley, who worked in New Mexico. And the visuals, from closeups of the gun rack in the office to the underwear in a drawer at the sheriffs house, also set the tone for the concisely written picture, which packs in a fully imagined story with only a single line of awkward dialogue in the talk-filled 30 minutes. Suffice it to say, the ending of Strange Way of Life is complicated and ambiguous enough to suggest that the story could have continued for another hour. But that wouldn't have come from Almodovar, who only makes short films in English. Which is too bad. It would have been a true rarity a great Western made in the 21st century. 45 behind-the-scenes photos of 45 of the best movies of all time 45 behind-the-scenes photos of 45 of the best movies of all time Psycho (1960) The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) Some Like it Hot (1959) Children of Paradise (1945) Rosemary's Baby (1968) Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Chinatown (1974) North by Northwest (1959) The Apartment (1960) Saving Private Ryan (1998) Taxi Driver (1976) Anatomy of a Murder (1959) Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) La Dolce Vita (1959) Paths of Glory (1957) The Wild Bunch (1969) The Third Man (1949) The Lady Vanishes (1938) All About Eve (1950) Fanny and Alexander (1982) Double Indemnity (1944) Citizen Kane (1941) Vertigo (1958) Apocalypse Now (1979) Ran (1985) The Leopard (1963) Battleship Potemkin (1925) The Philadelphia Story (1940) Rear Window (1954) It's a Wonderful Life (1946) The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Notorious (1946) The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) A district judge Thursday sentenced two men from the St. Paul, Minnesota, area to decades in prison in Nebraska for a drug interdiction stop on Interstate 80 near Lincoln that resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl said to be worth $1.8 million. "You had an incredible amount of extremely dangerous narcotics transporting across the United States where even just a tip of a pen of one of those substances could kill an individual," Lancaster County District Judge Lori Maret told Wesley Stayberg and John Kirchner at separate hearings. She ultimately sentenced Stayberg to 75 to 90 years in prison and Kirchner to 40 to 80, among some of the largest sentences in Lancaster County for a drug interdiction case in recent history. "What you were carrying could wipe out hundreds of individuals, not to mention the ripple effect of lives that would've been ruined because of it," the judge said. The cases date back to the morning of July 13, 2022, when a deputy with the Lancaster County Interdiction Unit stopped a recreational vehicle near the Northwest 48th Street exit after seeing it driving on the shoulder. After a police dog alerted to the scent of drugs, a search showed signs of tampering to the fuel tank. Inside, deputies found 60 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.62 pounds of heroin and 0.58 pounds of fentanyl in bags. Inside the RV, they found three guns, including a stolen 9mm pistol, hidden in a void behind a speaker. After the stop, Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner said the narcotics were worth at $1.8 million. During the stop, Stayberg began feeling sick, and he admitted to swallowing more than a gram of heroin. Deputies gave him Narcan, a treatment to reverse a drug overdose, as he was losing consciousness. Both men convicted felons several times over later were convicted of possession with intent to deliver and attempted possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Kirchner pleaded no contest. Stayberg pleaded guilty. In court Thursday, defense attorney, Dan Repka, said Stayberg has a lot of potential and if he put his efforts into something lawful, he had no doubt he could be the CEO of a company. Instead, he is in the throes of a pervasive chemical dependency addiction with an underlying mental health condition. "Mr. Stayberg admittedly has spent pretty much his entire life in the revolving door of the criminal justice system," Repka said. In this case, Stayberg picked up a lot of drugs in another state and was bringing them back to Minnesota. But, he said, Stayberg wasn't the big fish. He was somewhere in the middle to bottom, Repka said. Stayberg said the glamorization of the drug lifestyle is a facade. "It's all a lie," he said. "Before you know it, it's too late." Stayberg, 31 of Hudson, Wisconsin, pleaded for leniency, saying he knew he was here because of what he'd done. Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Amy Goodro said, given Stayberg's criminal history and the drug amounts, a lengthy sentence was appropriate. Maret, the judge, said if he'd used his powers for good instead of evil he would have been much more successful. "The fact of the matter is ... you're not a very successful criminal," she said. Later in the day, 60-year-old Kirchner told the judge he couldn't believe he did something so stupid. "I got myself in a big mess," he said, and all over $10,000, which he could've made at his construction job in three months. Kirchner, who is from St. Paul, said he reads the newspaper daily and sees stories about fentanyl. "I've never monkeyed with fentanyl or heroin. It's crazy, the people who are dying over it. I don't want to be part of that," Kirchner said. "It's not me." In the end, Maret said: "Was it a mistake? Yes. Are we glad that you were caught instead of being successful? Yes." At least he won't be hurting anyone else, she said. Top Journal Star photos for October 2023 NEW YORK Donald Trump's civil fraud trial will move ahead next week after the former president lost a bid Friday to halt the proceedings while he fights a pretrial ruling that could strip him of Trump Tower and other marquee properties. An appeals court judge rebuffed Trump's push to pause the New York trial, but agreed to leave him in control of his holdings for now. The decision, after an emergency hearing Friday afternoon, came five days into the trial. Trump went to the courthouse for the first three days of the trial in New York Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit, observing testimony and complaining to TV cameras outside about a case he deemed "a witch hunt and a disgrace." Trump's lawyers asked the state's intermediate appellate court to suspend the trial and prevent Judge Arthur Engoron from enforcing a ruling he made last week. Engoron's decision revoked the Republican presidential front-runner's business licenses and puts a court-appointed receiver in charge of his companies. "This is a massive error. It is irreparable," Trump lawyer Christopher Kise told the appellate judge, Associate Justice Peter H. Moulton. Kise argued that the ruling will make defendants in other cases fear that their companies and properties will be seized without recourse. Trump's lawyers claimed Engoron's ruling could harm not only the ex-president and other defendants but as many as 1,000 employees. State Deputy Solicitor General Judy Vale told the appeals judge that James' office already offered to keep the business licenses as-is until after the trial. Kise acknowledged the offer, but said he was worried Engoron wouldn't allow it. "We could have resolved some of this, and we're still happy to do so," Vale said. She called the defense arguments for a delay "completely meritless" and noted that mounting the trial has been "an enormous endeavor." It has entailed extensive court planning, security resources for Trump's attendance and special arrangements for media and public access. Ahead of the hearing, James said Trump and the other defendants "can continue to try to delay and stall, but the evidence is clear, and our case is strong." She declined to comment as she left the emergency hearing, at the state's Appellate Division, First Department in Manhattan. The appellate court last week rejected the defense's last-minute effort to delay the trial just days before it began. On Thursday, Trump's lawyers dropped a lawsuit they filed against Engoron as part of that challenge. Engoron ruled last week that Trump committed years of fraud as he built the real estate empire that vaulted him to fame and the White House. The judge, ruling on the top claim in James' lawsuit, found that Trump routinely deceived banks, insurers and others by exaggerating the value of assets on his annual financial statements, which were used in making deals and securing loans. Trump denies wrongdoing, claiming some of his assets are worth far more than what's listed on the statements. Before the appellate action, former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney testified at the trial Friday that values he assigned to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida as much as $739 million in 2018 were based on the false premise that it could be sold as a private residence. Such use is prohibited by Trump's 2002 agreement with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Were you aware that Mr. Trump had deeded away his right to use the property for any other purpose than a social club?" state lawyer Andrew Amer asked. "I was not aware," said McConney, who's also a defendant in this case. The trial will resume Tuesday with Trump's longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg on the witness stand. Weisselberg, a defendant, oversaw Trump's deals, was involved in securing loans and supervised McConney's work on the financial statements. He left jail in April after serving about 100 days for dodging taxes on $1.7 million in job perks. As the trial unfolded this week, Engoron issued an order Thursday setting procedures for enforcing his ruling. He gave both sides until Oct. 26 to submit names of potential receivers and gave Trump and other defendants seven days to provide a court-appointed monitor, retired federal judge Barbara Jones, with a list of all entities covered by the ruling. He also ordered the defendants to give Jones advance notice of any application for new business licenses in any jurisdiction and attempts to create new entities to "hold or acquire the assets" of a company that's being dissolved under the ruling. This is simply one mans perspective from the early 21st century (first written in 2010). I had to make a decision about crimes that occurred at locations that are inside the city today, but were outside our corporate limits at the time they occurred. I chose the latter. Before beginning, though, I have to deal with three crimes that stand apart: the murders of three police officers in Lincoln. Im not quite sure how to place them in a list. They all had huge impacts on the community, and on the police department in particular. Because these are my colleagues, I deal with them separately and in chronological order. Patrolman Marion Francis Marshall Shot in the shadow of the new Nebraska State Capital, Gov. Charles Bryan came to his aid and summoned additional help. Lt. Frank Soukup Marion Marshall was technically not a Lincoln police officer, so Lt. Soukup was actually the first Lincoln police officer killed on duty. One of his colleagues who was present at the motel and involved in the gunbattle, Paul Jacobsen, went on to enjoy a long career and command rank at LPD, influencing many young charges (like me) and leaving his mark on the culture of the agency. Lt. Paul Whitehead In the space of a few months, three LPD officers died in the line of duty. Frank Soukup had been murdered, and George Welter had died in a motorcycle crash. Paul Whitehead's partner, Paul Merritt, went on to command rank, and like Paul Jacobsen left an indelible mark at LPD and the community. An Omaha man was found guilty Wednesday of four felonies for firing multiple shots into an active-shooting situation from a nearby parking lot. Kiwan Dampeer, 26, was found guilty of firing two shots into the carnage of an active shooting that killed a 20-year-old woman and injured eight others during a birthday party near 33rd Street and Ames Avenue last November. His motive for doing so remains unclear. The shots that Dampeer fired are not believed to have hit anyone. Dampeer is a convicted felon on federal marijuana and firearm offenses. He had been released from prison just two months before the shooting and was on federal supervised release at the time. The bench trial, meaning there was no jury and the judge was solely responsible for determining guilt or innocence, took days and was held in front of Douglas County District Judge Russell Bowie last month. On Wednesday, Bowie found Dampeer guilty on all charges: discharging a firearm at an occupied building; possessing a firearm on school grounds; possessing a firearm as a felon; and using a firearm to commit a felony. According to court records and in-court testimony: Shortly after 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022, shots rang out inside a multipurpose building where dozens of people were gathered for a birthday party. Nine people were shot, including 20-year-old Karly Wood, who was shot eight times and died of her injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. As the investigation into the shooting unfolded, detectives came to believe that shots were fired both inside the building, which led to the injuries, and from outside. Bullet holes were noted in a garage door at the back of the building, and two shell casings were found in the parking lot of nearby Skinner Elementary School. Video footage from the school showed a man standing in the parking lot and pointing a handgun toward the back of the Ames Avenue building. Video from inside the buildings garage showed the garage door vibrating at the same time that the man was seen pointing the gun in the parking lot. Though the footage was dark and grainy, OPD homicide detective Jaime Desautels sent photos of the man seen firing into the building to colleagues in the Omaha Police Departments gang unit. Multiple officers identified the man as Dampeer. Dampeer is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 29. Two of the counts carry a mandatory minimum of three years in prison, and one charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years. He could also face additional time in federal prison for violating the terms of his supervised release. The 20-foot owl is perched on a massive tree trunk. Its talons are long branches. Its feathers, beak, eyes and well, everything else, are made of colorful pumpkins and gourds. Owl always love you, pumpkin, the sign next to the owl reads. The owl is just one of the whimsical and playful things to find this weekend at Junkstock at a Waterloo farm. The event, which started in 2012 with about 30 vendors, has grown into a multiple-weekend event that draws people from around the country and more than 300 vendors. The festival, which began last weekend, will open again on Friday morning and run through Sunday afternoon. Information about ticket prices, maps and more can be found on junkstock.com. Always rusty, dusty, vintage kind of funky vibes, said Danelle Schlegelmilch, public relations director for Junkstock, of the event. Schlegelmilch said the intention behind the event was to create a place where the creative community could gather both artisans and people who love to check out unique and funky finds. Some of the more funky finds sold at Junkstock over the years include a mermaid from the front of an old ship, amusement park rides, jewelry made from corn and old tires, old feed bags repurposed into purses and a handle off a van that was at Woodstock. Sara Alexander, Junkstocks founder, said anyone can walk into a big-box store and buy the same thing as everyone else. At Junkstock, every piece is one of a kind or has been made by the people selling it. Everyone has their little piece of creativeness that adds more magic to the farm, Alexander said. Mike Brown of Mendota, Illinois, has been bringing his tables, desks and bars to Junkstock for nine years. When Alexander first approached him about coming to Nebraska, Brown was skeptical. Historically, sales in Iowa had not been good. And Omaha is right next to Iowa, Brown said. But Brown quickly discovered what Nebraskans and Iowans have always known to be true the two states are distinct places. When we got here, it was amazing the response from the Nebraska people, Brown said. This year, Brown and his wife, Janet, have a large tent at Junkstock full of their pieces of furniture that combine reclaimed barn wood mixed with home and automotive industrial products. On Wednesday afternoon, Brown was standing near a desk made of wood and the tailgate of a 1970s Jeep. The Browns business started with furniture made of barn wood because they wanted to make furniture from the buildings that were quickly becoming extinct. When we were introduced to the industrial look, I like the creativity you can put into it to build an unusual product, Brown said. After mixing the barn wood and industrial look, the Browns sales skyrocketed. Its fun because whatever you create is just another cool piece, Brown said. Its not wrong. Theres no right or wrong. Unless you cant sell it then it was wrong. And the Browns like coming to Junkstock because everyone is friendly. The Omaha people, I have to say, are some of the nicer people, Brown said. But attendees arent just coming from Omaha. After Junkstock was recognized as one of the best fall festivals in national publications, more people from outside Nebraska are buying tickets to the event which attracts thousands of people. Last weekend, Schlegelmilch met a woman from New York and another from San Diego who flew in just for Junkstock after friends talked about it for years. It is a destination, Schlegelmilch said. Waterloo is a pretty small town, so to be able to put it as a mark on the map is cool. Schlegelmilch said the event is like a big family reunion, full of enough adventures and happenings to fill a book. There have been marriage proposals, several weddings and at least one baby was named after a Junkstock vendor. The vendor jokingly told a pregnant woman shed get free honey for life if she named her baby after him. She came back that October with her baby, named Farrin, to collect her free honey from Mr. Farrin himself, according to the Junkstock website. Pets are welcome at the event and Junkstock visitors bring more than golden retrievers. There have been cats, birds, a pig and a turkey dressed in the same outfit as its owner. You just never know what youre going to see, Schlegelmilch said. 30 photos that show why fall is beautiful in Nebraska Fort Niobrara Nebraska National Forest Trees in autumn Indian Cave Upper Big Cedar Falls Fort Robinson Aspen Pond Smith Falls State Park Mahoney Branched Oak Indian Cave Sunflower Boyer Chute Missouri River Bluffs church Camping Nebraska National Forest Fort Robinson Niobrara in autumn Gifford Point Nine Mile Prairie Arbor Lodge in fall Indian Cave State Park Neale Woods Lake Minatare Wildwood Lake State Wildlife Management Area Sioux County Fort Robinson Niobrara River Nebraska National Forest Indian Cave Flash The U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday that the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone as it came in proximity to U.S. forces in Syria earlier in the day. Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a press briefing that U.S. commanders assessed that a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew "less than a half kilometer from U.S. forces" based in Syria. U.S. F-16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV "in self-defense" as the drone was deemed "a potential threat," Ryder said, adding that the Pentagon had "no indication that Turkiye was intentionally targeting U.S. forces." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler to discuss the incident. According to a readout of the phone call provided by Ryder, Austin urged his Turkish counterpart to commit to "de-escalation in northern Syria," stressing "the importance of maintaining strict adherence to de-confliction protocols and communication through established military-to-military channels." "The Secretary acknowledged Turkiye's legitimate security concerns and affirmed his commitment to close coordination between the United States and Turkiye to prevent any risk to U.S. forces," the readout said. The incident marked a rare use of force by the United States against one of its allies within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Adding to the controversy of the shootdown is the fact that Washington not only counts on Ankara to help defeat the Islamic State extremist group in the Middle East but also relies on Turkiye's approval to bring Sweden into NATO in the wake of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Turkish air force carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militia positions in northern and eastern Syria on Thursday, hitting 24 targets and causing 15 casualties among the Kurdish fighters. RAYMOND The Raymond School principal who is on administrative leave has filed a complaint alleging that the school district is discriminating against him because he is gay. Jeff Peterson filed a discrimination complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development last Friday. He is seeking to have the district stop discriminating against him and to remain employed as Raymond School principal under his current contract, which ends in 2025. Hes trying to finish out his contract, and he has every intention of renewing and going from there, said Ben Hitchcock Cross, Petersons attorney. He doesnt want to be separated from the kids. He doesnt want to be separated from the building Wisconsin law says that gay people have the right to teach, and they cant be removed from teaching just because theyre gay. Hitchcock Cross said he has not heard anything from Raymond School in response to the complaint. Raymond School Superintendent Michael Garvey and Raymond School Board President Audrey Kostuch did not respond to a request for comment about Petersons complaint. In a statement Sept. 28, the Raymond School Board said that any notion that the school district or its board members would tolerate any discrimination, including that which is based on sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected classification, is ridiculous and extremely disappointing. For a discrimination complaint, the Department of Workforce Development assigns an investigator to hear from both sides and determine if there is probable cause to move forward. If there is probable cause, there will be a hearing on the merits of Petersons complaint. According to Hitchcock Cross, the investigation likely will take several months, and a hearing usually lasts between a year and a year-and-a-half. Peterson was placed on paid leave Sept. 28, pending the results of a district investigation into his conduct. That came a day after the Raymond School Board voted 4-1 during a special meeting in favor of a motion to consider non-renewal of Petersons contract. Complaint allegations The complaint alleges numerous instances of discriminatory actions and statements by the school district and its leaders. According to the complaint, Garvey met with Petersons attorney earlier this year. Garvey told the attorney that Peterson could be a great principal somewhere, just not here. The complaint alleges that when Garvey directed Peterson to teach human growth and development to fifth grade boys in March 2023, Garvey demanded that another adult be present to observe Peterson and to make sure he didnt indoctrinate the students. According to the complaint, the school district canceled its health insurance coverage of Petersons partner in August 2021 without notifying Peterson or his partner. When Peterson asked why, he was told that same sex partners cannot be included on family policies for any reason. The complaint alleges that, during an April 2023 board meeting, Garvey talked about the conservative values that will be represented at the school. That was similar to comments Garvey made in August 2021 during a staff meeting when he spoke about conservative Christian values being visible and reflected in curriculum and policy, according to the complaint. After the April 2023 meeting, several community members spoke to Peterson and stated that they felt Garvey was becoming too politically vocal and highly divisive at public meetings, according to the complaint. Community meeting Community members recently pushed back against school district administration. During the Aug. 23 annual community meeting, Raymond residents passed two motions. One motion directed the Raymond School Board to pursue legal proceedings to end Garveys contract as superintendent. The second motion was that the school district be prohibited from defending against illegal action or utilizing any district funds to obtain legal services or counsel for the defense of any discrimination claim brought forth by any district employee involving allegations of discrimination conducted by either Michael Garvey or by the Board of Education, according to the complaint. The board ignored the citizens group and took no action, according to the complaint. Raymond School investigation The Raymond School Board statement said Peterson was placed on leave last week to allow the districts administration, through a third party, to investigate concerns about the principals conduct. Raymond School, 2659 76th St., is a K-8 building with about 400 students. With Peterson on leave, the rest of the districts leadership team will assume the principals responsibilities with assistance from key instructional leaders, according to the School Board statement. The discrimination complaint includes the investigation letter Garvey gave to Peterson when he walked Peterson out of the school last Thursday morning. Peterson handed in his building keys, and his access to school district technology, such as email, was suspended. While under investigation by the school district, Peterson cannot initiate contact with any district staff, students or parents, according to the letter. Hitchcock Cross said the school district has not provided any more information about its investigation. The attorney said Peterson plans to cooperate with the school district investigation and believes he will be vindicated. He hasnt committed any misconduct, and we assume that this is all a tactic to make him leave, Hitchcock Cross said. The investigation and the removal of him from the building, as well as the threatened non-renewal, are all just acts of discrimination designed to get him to quit. Miguel Salas, teachers representative of the Union Grove Area Education Association-Raymond, the union representing Raymond School staff, said last week that the teachers union is not aware of any staff complaints regarding Peterson. Impact on Peterson Hitchcock Cross said Peterson has had a difficult past week being separated from the school he has led for more than two years and attended as a student. Because of all his ties to both the kids, the building itself and the community, its extremely rough, Hitchcock Cross said. Hitchcock Cross said this was not the ideal way for Peterson to publicly announce he is gay. Whatever anybody may have thought about his sexuality, it was for him to definitively say, and that ultimately has been taken away from him, Hitchcock Cross said. That really is a serious wound, and who knows how and when that will heal. However, the outpouring of support from teachers and families, many of whom attended last Wednesdays board meeting, has lifted Petersons spirit. That support is I think in large part, the source of strength that allows him to continue, Hitchcock Cross said. This school collected 2,000 pounds of food for the Racine County Food Bank 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 KEARNEY The Buffalo County Sheriffs Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding a structure fire and death of an adult at a rural Amherst residence. The identity of the victim had not been confirmed, as of Friday. According to a sheriff's office press release, foul play is not suspected. At approximately 3:57 p.m. Thursday, firefighters and law enforcement were called to 13015 Amherst Road in response to the fire call. The Amherst Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue and EMS responded to the scene of the trailer home fire. The body of an adult was found dead inside the trailer home. The investigation into the cause of fire and death of the individual is ongoing. The trailer home was engulfed when firefighters arrived and was described as a total loss. An investigation into the fire continues. The Buffalo County Attorneys Office has ordered an autopsy, sheriff's office Capt. Bob Anderson said. The Amherst Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and sheriff's deputies were assisted by members of the Kearney Police Department, Nebraska State Fire Marshals Office and Buffalo County Attorneys Office. Last month after the G20 (Group of 20) meeting in India, President Joe Biden stopped in Hanoi to sign an historic agreement making the United States a top-level strategic partner, on the same level as China and Russia. As a military honor guard greeted Biden, a flock of school children waved American flags. Vietnams rapid climb reflects the governments 1986 decision to open the doors to private investment and commerce. The term doi moi, which translates from Vietnamese as renovation or reform, became the formal label for these economic changes. They mirror similar important reforms in China since the late 1970s. In November 2017, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit took place in Danang, Vietnam. APEC has become one of the most important intergovernmental networks in East Asia for the promotion of trade and investment. President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State James Baker deserve great credit for making APEC a firm reality. Prime Minister Bob Hawke of our close ally Australia conceived APEC. Australia has embraced free markets, and a more explicit national commitment to tolerance, directly reflected in official policy toward indigenous populations. The Obama administration decision to station a U.S. Marine contingent in Australia underscores the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, dating back to World War II. Vietnam also hosted the 2006 APEC summit. That gathering provided an opportunity to highlight the nations economic growth and the wider commitment to multilateralism. For understandable reasons, the nation for a long time was a special case. For years after Hanois military victory in 1975, unified Vietnam was unable to turn the corner from political revolution to economic development. Vietnam did not join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations until 1995, nearly three decades after the creation of the regional development organization. Recent years have witnessed escalation of maritime conflicts across Asia. For example, in April 2014 China authorities impounded the Baosteel Emotion, a freighter of Japans Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. The move was part of commercial claims resulting from World War II. The two nations also both claim the Senkaku Islands. China and Vietnam are traditional enemies, a reality masked by their ideological alliance as Communist partners during the long Vietnam War. Maritime conflicts and occasional violent clashes between these nations continue. There are military security aspects to APEC summits, though the focus is economics. In the 2008 summit held in Peru, Americans and Russians discussed differences over Moscows invasion of Georgia, and missile developments in Europe and Korea. In 2006, Hanoi honored U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and our government with a martial parade, complete with American flags an ironic and truly poignant gesture. This underscores the importance of a flexible and realistic approach to our national defense and national security policies, meaning that relations with any one adversary or potential ally must be evaluated in wider context. China is a much larger nation than Vietnam, currently engaged in a sustained substantial military buildup. This may justify exploring limited military cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam. Human rights and international law considerations must be part of any such evaluation. The basic strategic point is that nations have permanent interests, but alliances can and do shift. French journalist Bernard Fall provides brilliant insight regarding Vietnam. He was reflective, unhurried and utterly realistic. Read Mr. Falls book, The Two Viet Nams. His spelling of the nations name reflects his respect for other cultures. That is important, in business, diplomacy and war. A 51-year-old Burlington man died as a result of a two-vehicle accident that occurred Oct. 1 in the City of Lake Geneva. Police responded to a report of a truck versus motorcycle accident about 12:57 p.m., Oct. 1 near the intersection of Interchange North and Minihan Road in the City of Lake Geneva, according to a press release from Police Chief Edward Gritzner. Upon arriving at the scene, police officers identified the people involved in the accident and began investigating the crash. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as Todd A. Barstow, 51, of Burlington, who was pronounced dead by the Walworth County Medical Examiners Office, according to the press release. Police said the driver of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. The City of Lake Geneva Police Department was assisted by the City of Lake Geneva Fire/EMS Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Walworth County Medical Examiners Office and the Walworth County Sheriffs Office. Making a Wave Out of the Chaotic Churn in Congress Oct. 5, 2023, (EIRNS) The accusation by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and others, that Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) had made a secret deal with President Joe Biden to revive new military aid to Ukraine, was not the cause of McCarthys ouster on Oct. 2. Nor was the volatility of the GOP caucus new: The two previous Republican Speakers, John Boehner and Paul Ryan, had both resigned before they could be vacated from the job. The strong shock to NATOs Ukrainiacs was delivered by the Sept. 30 vote for a 45-day continuing resolution (CR), which allowed no new military aid to Ukraineand not by McCarthy ouster. Moreover, a relationship between the removal of the very mediocre Speaker McCarthy and the Sept. 30 CR vote is not clear. What Gaetz has made clear, as sponsor of the move to vacate the chair, is the relationship between his action and ongoing U.S. economic self-destruction. Consider what happened: On Sept. 30, a 126-90 majority of Republicans and all but 1 Democrat voted for a CR which clearly deleted any new Ukraine aid, at least for 45 days. What stunned official Washington, commented Politico, was that House Democrats all backed it. Then Joe Biden, on Oct. 1, said he expected Speaker McCarthy to keep his commitment to secure passage and support needed to fund Ukraine militarily. This highly public Presidential claim of a commitment or secret promise by McCarthy to Biden, was as suspect as Biden himself. It made for a good incendiary device under McCarthys chair. What then? The same Democrats who had just voted unanimously for McCarthys CR with no Ukraine aid, voted unanimously on Oct. 2 to oust McCarthy because he broke his promise to Biden. It was claimed that Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was whipping them, although on the day of the vote she was in California at a viewing for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. It appears likely that McCarthy was ousted at Bidens instigation, for the sin of putting up a 45-day CR with no new Ukraine aid, and the sin of Ukraine President Zelenskyy not being allowed to address the House. But the ousting of McCarthy by unanimous Democrats prevented McCarthy, or anyone else, from carrying out the supposed promise to the White House to put up a Ukraine aid supplemental immediately! Effect on the Republicans was nil. The half-dozen or so Republican Freedom Caucus members who would have voted to vacate the chair before Bidens promise statement, voted for it afterward. But others among the strongest opponents of U.S. military aid to UkraineRepublicans Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jim Jordan, Lauren Boebert, Kevin Herd, for examplesupported McCarthy by voting against vacating the chair. And by the way, these four opponents of NATOs war had also voted against the Sept. 30 continuing resolution which denied new aid to Ukraine. As EIR Daily Alert reported in its Oct. 3 issue, Rep. Matt Gaetz made one very clear statement, that the developments driving the rapidly growing ferment among Members of Congress were the continuing $2 trillion-plus deficits every year out to 2030, the downgrades of U.S. debt, Federal Reserve insanity, the resulting de-dollarization, the rise of the BRICSall these were causing the Congressional chaos for which he was accused (which, though he didnt say it, also fosters Executive dictatorship). Amid these chaotic swells striking the shores of Congress, there are powerful whitecaps of opposition to NATOs war and to the U.S. permanent-war defense budget. We want that to become a massive wave. EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 6, 2023 Kievs Party Is OverAs Are Washingtons Two Parties Oct. 5, 2023, (EIRNS)The events in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Canadian House of Commons over the last two weeks have left the political prognosticators and spin-doctors lying in a ditch on the side of the road. The reality theyve been avoiding is that there really is a massive, deadly financial cancer, and when such a cancer is left to metastasize, nasty and senseless wars ensue. The assembled political leaders of Canada, frankly knowing that their guest, Ukraines President Zelenskyy, appreciates neo-Nazis, feted him with a 98-year-old actual volunteer of the Nazis Waffen-SSnot unlike when a member of the British Royal Family, in this case, Prince Harry, thinks its kinky to dress up in a Nazi uniform, complete with swastika, for a January 2005 costume party. And what is sweeping over the U.S. House of Representatives? Of course, there are silly, pedestrian pseudo-explanations about budget-cutting, war fatigue, personal rivalries, egos, power struggles and such. Rep. Matt Gaetz may not have a clue, as yet, as to how an agro-industrial nation creates long-term credit for specific and large-scale scientific and infrastructure projects, but hes been abundantly clear as to whyin the face of a $33 trillion debt and the $2.2 trillion/year increases, and the reality of nations rallying to join the BRICS in production and trade agreements outside of the failing dollar systembusiness as usual in Washington had to stop. The so-called chaos he was charged with creating in Congress pales in comparison to the actual chaos facing the country. If you are completely unaware of what he has clearly stated, blame it on what occurred 37 years ago. One might properly cite October 6, 1986, as the day the United States went deaf, dumb, and blind. The deployment that day of over 400 armed officers of the DOJ, the FBI, the IRS and others in a physical assault on the movement of Lyndon LaRouche certainly had the chilling effect of ending public discussion of the growing financial cancer or of implementing the American System as the way out of the mess. It is not just the U.S. Congress that discovered they could just say no to more billions for Ukraine. In the last 24 hours, the news has Slovakia stopping military aid, Germany not sending their long-range Taurus missiles, and Poland stopping not just military, but also civilian aid to Ukraine. How else do countries communicate to Kiev that the party is over, it is time to negotiate? The Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey quantifies the collapse in support by Americans for further military assistance to Ukraine. And, retroactively, now 61% of Republicans and 29% of Democrats think the military aid already given was not justified. Perhaps more significant, yesterdays Gallup poll has 63% of Americans who now think that a third major party is needed, as the Democratic and Republican Parties are out of touch; and 47% of Americans now would consider voting for a third-party Presidential candidate. Kievs party is over. Hopefully Ukrainians may celebrate in the near future. The Mutt and Jeff act of the Democrat/Republican two-party systemor as LaRouche famously tagged it, the two potty systemhas been functionally dead for quite a while. Hopefully an independent citizens movement may provide a proper funeral in the near future. But the dynamic that, in its own way, just swept over both Ottawa and Washington, is not going away. It were well that a great moment in history did not find a little people. To that end, enjoy Wednesdays dialogue with Helga Zepp-LaRouche: Diplomacy or Total War? You Choose! There Is No Third Option. GRAND ISLAND Planting tall grass prairies and wildflowers is vital for Nebraskas wildlife. The Central Platte Natural Resources District will hand out native prairie seed to the public on Friday, Oct. 20, to increase grassland awareness and improve wildlife habitat in Nebraska. Those interested in receiving seed may select a bag of tall grass prairie or butterfly/pollinator mix. The bag of seed covers a 20-by20-foot plot. Native tallgrass prairie improves grazing and provides habitat for deer, pheasants and other wildlife. It also aids in soil and watershed health. The butterfly/pollinator mix will produce plants that provide habitat for bees, butterflies and birds. This mix attracts pollinators that produce a third of the worlds food. Pollinators also improve our ecosystem to help the environment thrive. CPNRD staff will also be taking orders for trees to plant next spring. The NRD sells 35 species of deciduous, conifers and shrubs. Trees improve soil conservation, provide wildlife habitat and protection for your home. Tree and weed barrier orders placed by Dec. 31 will receive a 10% discount. To receive a free bag of native seed or to order trees, visit the Central Platte NRD Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 215 Kaufman Ave in Grand Island. To learn more, visit www.cpnrd.org. LINCOLN October marks the return of the Pink Patch Project for many law enforcement agencies across the state and many Nebraska State Troopers will be wearing pink NSP patches to honor breast cancer fighters. The effort coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Pink Patch Project is a national campaign in which many law enforcement officers wear a pink version of their agencys shoulder patch. This is the sixth year that NSP has participated. Were proud to be part of the Pink Patch Project again this year, said Col. John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. This nationwide campaign is a great way to show support for millions of cancer fighters across the country. Were happy to be one of numerous Nebraska law enforcement agencies participating this year. Throughout October, troopers have the option to replace the standard NSP patch with a pink patch. NSPs pink patch features the NSP emblem in pink and black. Pink NSP patches are available for purchase by NSP civilian employees and members of the public at local NSP offices. All proceeds from sales of the pink NSP patches will benefit local organizations helping cancer fighters. * Fishy bacteria Marine and Water Bureau is monitoring perilous beach bacteria, warns beachgoers to be cautious with hygiene and safety * Golden Week | Cotai hotels benefit from holidays amid gradual decline in arrivals * Taste of Edesia * Lawmaker Ron Lam expressed dissatisfaction with the govts often brief replies to written inquiries in his review of legislative term * Macau Legend exits projects in Cambodia and Cape Verde * MIMF: The Barber of Seville comedy will captivate local audiences DOWNLOAD PDF Friday, October 6, 2023 edition no. 4343 Macau Legend Development has announced its intended withdrawal from several overseas projects in Cambodia and Cape Verde in Africa by 2025. In an interview with Hong Kong TV station, TVB, chairman and executive director Li Chu Kwan explained that the group is actively seeking to develop its non-gaming businesses to reduce its dependence on the gaming sector. The group is currently exploring opportunities to attract guests to Macau from the Greater Bay Area. In June this year, the company announced it had signed a letter of intent to sell its Savan Legend casino resort in Savannakhet, Laos, for USD45 million. In 2019, Macau Legend purchased 1,200 hectares of land in Cambodias Siem Reap Province from Howing Enterprises Co. Ltd to develop an integrated resort. The land was acquired for slightly over USD90 million following a memorandum of understanding signed by both parties in June 2014. Following this, Macau Legend and the government of Cape Verde signed a contract in 2015 to build an integrated resort and casino. The USD273 million project includes a luxury hotel, international convention centre, marina, and bridge connecting the islet to the mainland. LV Deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence are having their moment this year, at least when it comes to making it look, or sound, like celebrities did something uncanny. Tom Hanks hawking a dental plan. Pope Francis wearing a stylish puffer jacket. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul sitting on the Capitol steps in a red bathrobe. But what happens next year ahead of a U.S. presidential election? Google was the first big tech company to say it would impose new labels on deceptive AI-generated political advertisements that could fake a candidates voice or actions. Now some U.S. lawmakers are calling on social media platforms X, Facebook and Instagram to explain why they arent doing the same. Two Democratic members of Congress sent a letter yesterday to Meta and X CEOs expressing serious concerns about the emergence of AI-generated political ads on their platforms and asking each to explain any rules theyre crafting to curb the harms to free and fair elections. They are two of the largest platforms and voters deserve to know what guardrails are being put in place, said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota in an interview with The Associated Press. Two Philippine supply boats breached a Chinese coast guard blockade in the South China Sea this week in a recurring confrontation near a disputed shoal some fear could spark a larger security crisis that could draw in the United States. Two Philippine coast guard ships escorted the smaller supply boats, but it wasnt immediately clear whether the ships were blocked by the Chinese coast guard from coming closer to the Second Thomas Shoal, where a small contingent of Filipino marines has stood guard for years aboard a long-marooned but still actively commissioned warship, the BRP Sierra Madre. China also claims the shoal and has surrounded it with its coast guard ships and militia vessels to prevent the Philippines from delivering construction materials that Beijing fears could be used to reinforce the Sierra Madre and turn it into a permanent territorial outpost. Despite attempts by a significant number of China coast guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the routine rotation and resupply mission, the two Philippine boats managed to deliver provisions to the Filipino forces at the shoal, a Philippine government body overseeing the disputed waters said in a statement late Wednesday. The Philippines resupply missions and maintenance of BRP Sierra Madre are part of regular operations in line with domestic and international law and ensures safety and well-being of our stationed personnel, the inter-agency body said. It didnt provide other details of the Chinese coast guards actions, which it has condemned in the past as dangerous maneuvers that have nearly caused collisions. and violated international safety regulations at sea. The Chinese coast guard said in a statement Wednesday night that the Philippine vessels entered the waters without permission from the Chinese government and that China firmly opposes the Philippines illegally transporting building materials to the grounded military boat. It said it gave a stern warning to the Philippines vessels and monitored them throughout the process. The dangerous confrontation is the latest flare-up from the long-simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea, one of the worlds busiest trade routes. The conflicts, which involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, are regarded as a potential Asian flashpoint and have also become a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China rivalry in the region. In early August, a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against one of two Philippine supply boats to prevent it from approaching the Second Thomas Shoal. The brazen move, which was caught on video, outraged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila to summon the Chinese ambassador to hand a strongly worded protest. Washington reacted by renewing a warning that its obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, aircraft and vessels come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea. The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused Washington then of threatening China by raising the possibility of the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty being activated. Beijing has repeatedly warned the U.S. not to meddle in the territorial disputes. Later in August, the Philippines again deployed two boats, which succeeded in maneuvering past the Chinese coast guard blockade and completing the delivery of supplies to the Filipino forces at the Second Thomas shoal. Two Philippine coast guard ships securing the supply boats, however, were blocked and prevented by Chinese coast guard ships from maneuvering closer to the shoal. A U.S. Navy surveillance aircraft flew in circles in support of the Philippine vessels as the standoff lasted for more than three hours. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed concern over Chinas dangerous actions at sea and said the government was ready to respond to potential emergencies, including a possible collision of Chinese and Philippine ships in the disputed waters. Naturally the concern is always there, and we take that into account, Teodoro said in response to a reporters question Tuesday night. We have plans depending on what happens. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP Lawmaker Ron Lam expressed his dissatisfaction with the governments often brief replies to his written inquiries during his review on the past legislative term yesterday. In accordance with law, government authorities must respond to lawmakers inquiries within 30 days of the Chief Executive receiving the inquiries. However, the law does not specify the minimum length of these responses. Lam highlighted an instance on August 1, 2023, when he submitted a written inquiry regarding the progress of the development of the legal framework for telecommunications services. He asked the government to provide an update on its plan to develop the services and its handling of concessionaire properties, among other questions. In response, he received a reply consisting of a mere 55 Chinese characters, which briefly stated that internal discussions [are] in progress and announcements [will] be made in due course. On April 20 of the same year, he submitted another inquiry related to the release of data and compliance by owners or operators of private cemeteries. Again, he posed three questions on breaches, data mapping and data publication. The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) issued a longer response than that provided to the telecommunications services inquiry, which was handled by a different bureau. However, the IAM merely reiterated that the applicable laws must be complied with for private cemeteries and burials, adding that it routinely conducted spot checks on private cemeteries and reported any irregularities to the relevant bureaus. The lawmaker noted that during the second legislative term, he had received seven replies that were shorter than 300 Chinese characters. Lam observed that these brief replies were in conflict with the governments regular pledges to improve communication with parliament, criticizing some bureaus for obfuscation and sometimes providing responses that were perfunctory. During the same session, he also called for improved transparency in the Administrative Plan for the Development Investments and Expenditures (PIDDA). He pointed out that additional government investment or spending in the absence of regular PIDDA announcements would lead to doubts within society about government accountability. The absence of PIDDA updates would also effectively deny community members the opportunity to participate in rational discussions and discourse. Additionally, Lam noted that he had requested PIDDA announcements during two Chief Executive question sessions but was informed that the information had already been provided to lawmakers. He also questioned why some bureaus had directed him to request meetings through the parliament, stating that it is not uncommon in Macau for lawmakers to request meetings with officials or bureau teams related to complaints they had received. Lam disclosed that some bureaus had not even responded to his requests for meetings. He acknowledged the government had improved its engagement with lawmakers on matters concerning major construction projects. Nonetheless, Lam expressed his hope that more time would be allocated for questions from lawmakers to provide them with the opportunity to convey more opinions. For example, he said that lawmakers usually had limited time for follow-up questions at these introductory sessions, while government officials enjoyed the benefit of greater time resources. When Wuhan University student Liu Wan started to head for the high-speed train station to travel to Suzhou, Jiangsu province, she was pleasantly surprised to find a dedicated car waiting on the campus for her and her schoolmates arranged by the Suzhou government. The thoughtfulness didnt stop there, as students entering their final year at several universities in Wuhan, Hubei province, who were willing to find work in Suzhou were also treated to an immersive experience during their railway journey. They were given the opportunity to savor the exquisite flavors of Suzhous cuisine, witness the mesmerizing performances of Kunqu Opera and delve into the captivating world of intangible cultural heritage activities on the train, which was named the University Talent Introduction Special Train. Suzhou went the extra mile to ensure that the graduating students felt cared for and cherished. Transportation subsidies of up to 1,000 yuan ($137) were offered to help them travel to and from interviews, and 116 hotels provided free accommodations for up to 14 days, ensuring a worry-free experience for job seekers. Moreover, each student received a gift bag containing metro transportation cards and accommodation gift cards, as well as vouchers they could use to visit scenic spots and dine at restaurants in the city. The pinnacle of that experience came during the Suzhou Campus Day event, which was launched last month by the Suzhou Municipal Party Committee Talent Office, the Suzhou Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and the Suzhou Municipal Communist Youth League. With six recruitment zones and an array of high-quality positions on offer at the events job fair, the students were able to explore promising careers in diverse fields such as electronic information, biopharmaceuticals and financial education. The job fair featured 110 employers looking to hire Wuhan students for 3,590 positions. Representatives from various Suzhou companies have been visiting campuses nationwide since the beginning of the year in an effort to recruit talent. In the spring, 4,898 employers went to 116 universities to participate in 230 job fairs, where 98,000 job positions were offered. This autumn, Suzhous recruitment drive is spreading far and wide, as the Suzhou Campus Day event embarks on a journey spanning 22 provinces, 54 cities and 168 universities. The event will run through December. With nearly 300 campus job fairs planned, the students will have ample opportunities to connect with employers and explore the potential of Suzhou. Cao Lubao, Party Secretary of Suzhou, said during the campus day event that the city strives to become a place in which all of its residents can achieve their aspirations and find opportunities. China Daily STATE CAPITOL A man illegally brought a loaded handgun into the Wisconsin Capitol, demanding to see Gov. Tony Evers, and returned at night with an assault rifle after posting bail, police said Thursday. Joshua Pleasnick, who was shirtless and had a holstered handgun, approached the governor's office on the first floor of the Capitol around 2 p.m. Wednesday, state Department of Administration spokesperson Tatyana Warrick said. The 43-year-old said "he would not leave until he saw Governor Evers" so he could talk about "domestic abuse towards men," Capitol police said in a bulletin sent to lawmakers and their staff s. Evers was not in the building at the time, Warrick said. A Capitol police officer sits at a desk outside of a suite of rooms that includes the governor's office, conference room and offices for the attorney general. Pleasnick was taken into custody for openly carrying a firearm in the Capitol, which is against the law, Warrick said. Weapons can be brought into the Capitol if they are concealed and the person has a valid permit. Pleasnick did not have a concealed carry permit, Warrick said. Pleasnick posted cellphone video of his arrest on his Facebook page, which one of his Facebook friends downloaded and provided to The Associated Press. In the footage, he tells police as they speak to him outside of the governor's office that he is armed "to defend myself" from people who he says police won't protect him from. "I am not a threat," he tells police. His dog is with him. When told by officers that it's illegal for him to openly carry a firearm in the Capitol, Pleasnick says, "I will admit that I broke that law." Warrick said she was not aware of the video and could not comment on it. Dane County Sheriff 's Office Sgt. Jon Klein said Pleasnick was booked into the jail at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a firearm in a public building, then released on $500 bond at 8 p.m. Pleasnick returned to the outside of the Capitol shortly before 9 p.m., three hours after the building closed, with a loaded assault-style rifle and a collapsible police baton in his backpack, Warrick said. He again demanded to see the governor and was taken into custody, Warrick said, although Klein said Thursday night he had no record of a second arrest. Madison police reported Thursday that Pleasnick was taken into protective custody and taken to the hospital. He could not be reached by the AP, and a spokesperson for the police department did not return an email seeking additional details. Pleasnick said "he did not own a vehicle and it is likely he has access to a large amount of weapons and is comfortable using them," Capitol police said in the bulletin sent to Capitol workers. No charges had been filed against Pleasnick as of Thursday night, according to online court records. A spokesperson for the state public defender's office could not disclose on Thursday whether a public defender had been assigned to Pleasnick, and an attorney who represented him in a previous case did not immediately return voicemails asking whether they were representing him. "I'm OK," Evers told reporters in Oregon Thursday. "It's always something that you don't want to see happen, but that's why we have good people in the police departments and in the Capitol Police and the State Patrol. They're doing great work." He declined to comment on what security changes may be enacted for him or the Capitol building. "I never, ever talk about what my security detail does or what they're planning on doing," Evers said. "But anytime something like this happens, obviously they reevaluate." Podcast rant In a podcast posted Tuesday, a man who identified himself with the same name and birthdate as Pleasnick said he was in Madison and, in speech filled with profanity, said he would burn down the system "with love" because it is corrupt. The man complained about how he had been treated by the courts and spoke about illegally selling weapons, working in gun stores with explosives and machine guns, attempting suicide and dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. He also said he wanted to keep living. A former co-worker of Pleasnick's, Cara Moseley of the Green Owl restaurant on Madison's East Side, said she and others had conflicts with him during his approximately 18 months working at the restaurant as a chef around 2011. "He and I butt heads pretty bad," she said. "When the owner was not around, he would talk all kinds of smack about her and other women in general." She described Pleasnick as "one of those guys who was like Eddie Haskell." He could be charming and charismatic but also hard to get along with, she said. Ultimately he was fired from the Green Owl, she said. "He definitely had a bit of a temper." The restaurant's former owner, Jennie Capellaro, said Pleasnick hadn't been a "good fit" for the business and that "he was kind of an intense personality," but that there was nothing "majorly wrong" with him. He was a good chef and "pretty professional," she said, although the two didn't get along that well. Members of Pleasnick's family did not immediately respond to voicemails. The incident is just the latest in a series of violent threats against public officials. Evers, a Democrat, was on a hit list of a gunman suspected of fatally shooting a retired county judge at his Wisconsin home in 2022. Others on that list included Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Whitmer was the target of a kidnapping plot in 2020. Warrick said no immediate changes to security in the Capitol or for the governor were planned. The public has free access to the Capitol daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are no metal detectors. Associated Press reporter Harm Venhuizen and State Journal reporters Chris Rickert and Alexander Shur contributed to this report. Efforts by state leaders to fund repairs to the 125-year-old Green Bay Correctional Institution or replace it remain stalled. A dated 2019 estimate found replacing the prison would cost up to $500 million. Meanwhile, the prison remains outdated and deteriorated. Ten guards and a nurse have been investigated by authorities in the last five years for allegations ranging from bringing drugs into the prison to neglecting an inmate who later died. Assaults prompted a prison lockdown in June, which means the roughly 970 inmates have been largely confined to their cells for nearly four months. Conditions have left the more than 350 staff members at the prison unable to deliver the standards and safety expected of a modern prison, according to interviews with about two dozen current and former inmates and guards, their family members, current and former government officials and activists. These men are being forced to live in foul conditions that are not compatible with communal living, period, said Jerome Dillard, the executive director of EXPO, a nonprofit that organizes former jail and prison inmates. They get one shower a week. What are we doing? Were making people worse. When the Department of Corrections had consultants look into the prisons aging infrastructure in 2020, they determined it should be prioritized for replacement over the Waupun Correctional Institution, an older facility that has gotten better funding for improvements. A bicycle factory converted into a boys reformatory in the 1890s then a maximum security prison in the 1970s, the Green Bay prisons antiquated layout makes it difficult to move inmates throughout the facility and for guards to monitor the prisons two main, four-tier housing units. The newer prisons are built with better sight lines, better security, better everything, said Ed Wall, who served as Wisconsins Secretary of Corrections from 2012 to 2016. With Green Bay, youre basically dumping money into it every year to keep it runnable. The 2020 DOC report found that no other maximum security facility for men in Wisconsin had more infrastructure and systems either failing or close to failing than Green Bay. The prisons small and dated housing and health care services received the lowest ranking possible under the reports scoring system. Wisconsin Department of Corrections Secretary Kevin Carr declined two requests by the Wisconsin State Journal this summer to discuss conditions at Green Bay, and the department did not respond to a series of written questions. State Rep. David Steffen, R-Green Bay, said Wisconsins time and money needs to be put toward closing the prison and moving inmates into a modern facility with proper housing, medical treatment and programming space. Theres going to have to be a decision, Steffen said. Are we going to make the decision to close GBCI when a catastrophic event occurs? Or are we going to do it in a time frame that is under our control? Guards investigated Antonio Whatley couldnt walk. The 37-year-old Green Bay inmate was sick, and asked guards to get him a wheelchair so he could go to the prisons health unit. But Whatley didnt have a documented wheelchair need so he wasnt going to get one, two guards told him on May 11, 2021. A corrections officer told Whatley he doesnt need a wheelchair and that he has been walking every day, according to a Brown County Sheriffs documents. Guards considered Whatleys unwillingness to walk a refusal of medical treatment. Staff visited the cell seven times over more than seven hours to hand out food or mail, but got no response. During Brown Countys investigation, guards said protocol requires that a supervisor be notified when an inmate is unresponsive, which did not happen when Whatley stopped responding to guards. Just after 7 a.m. on May 13, guards found Whatley dead on the floor of his cell. His cause of death and other health information was redacted in the records provided to the State Journal. A Brown County investigator referred charges of inmate abuse to prosecutors against the officer and a nurse who was there when they denied Whatley a wheelchair. Neither returned calls from investigators or faced charges. Whatleys case was one in a series of investigations of guards at the Green Bay prison in recent years. In February 2022, a sergeant at the prison did not follow protocol when she did not check on an inmate with a history of suicide attempts who had announced he was going to kill himself, another investigation found. A little over an hour later after being left alone, inmate Andre Nash was found hanging from a bedsheet in his cell. He survived. When a Brown County detective questioned the sergeant about her response to Nashs suicide attempt, she said she did not remember being told about the inmates threats to hurt himself. In an interview with investigators, she blamed it on being busy with a different suicide attempt and complained about the facility having no consistency, communications and documentation. The DOC academy is six weeks in length. It was a joke, the sergeant told investigators, according to records. I am concerned that there are not going to be any changes here, so I am looking for employment somewhere else. There is very low staff morale and I want more out of life than that. Charges of inmate abuse were referred against the sergeant. The same charge was referred against a guard who breached protocol when he left Nash alone right after the prisoner threatened to kill himself. Neither was charged. A lieutenant at the prison faced allegations of excessive force because she used pepper spray on Nash before guards cut him down during the suicide attempt. Brown County Detective Roman Aronstein asked the county District Attorneys Office to review the case. The detective also concluded that using pepper spray on inmates during suicide attempts happens at the Green Bay prison on a routine basis and that it might violate use of force standards. Other guards at the prison have faced prosecution for bringing contraband, including marijuana, into the facility. In December 2021, guard Justin Maher was caught delivering drugs and cellphones into the prison for two inmates, according to a criminal complaint. Investigators recovered about $19,000 to $35,000 worth of marijuana and cellphones on inmates, who said Maher had brought it in along with harder drugs like cocaine and ecstasy. Maher had told his inmate accomplices that he needed money immediately because he was in debt to an organized crime outfit, the complaint said. Beyond Maher, two other female guards were caught in 2019 bringing marijuana, erotic photos and other contraband to prisoners with whom they were romantically involved. When questioned by investigators, guard Rachelle Ritchie said, bringing contraband into GBCI was super easy and claimed that guards often smuggle cellphones to inmates. Ritchie pleaded no contest to a felony charge of bringing contraband to an inmate. Another guard, Sharon Pierce, pleaded no contest to a felony charge of bringing contraband to inmates and a misdemeanor charge of attempting to do so. Both received probation. The criminal case against Maher, who faces felony charges for drug trafficking, bringing contraband to inmates and abusing official authority, remains ongoing. The Brown County District Attorneys Office did not return requests for comment for this story. Extended lockdown In interviews, two former guards at the prison said staff are unprepared and undertrained to handle what it takes to run the aging facility. What I saw toward the end of my career, though, it was a lot more mental illness, and I didnt think a lot of us staff at that time were honestly prepared for how to treat that or deal with it, said Joe Verdegan, a guard from 1993 to 2020. Jeff Hoffman, a Green Bay prison guard for 22 years who retired this year, said training for correctional officers grew less rigorous as the prison system struggled to fill jobs. You have staff with little experience teaching brand new people how to be experienced, Hoffman said. Bad behavior by inmates, including physical attacks on staff, has grown more flagrant over the years, the two guards said. Many of those assaults have been investigated by Brown County authorities, too. Since 2019, county detectives responded to prisoners pelting guards with urine and feces, a guard getting hit over the head with a radio, guards getting sucker-punched and more. The Department of Corrections has said attacks on staff and between inmates prompted the current lockdown at the prison, which started on June 16. That day, two inmates had arson charges referred to prosecutors for setting fire to bedsheets and other materials in their cell, said David Poteat, a captain with the Brown County Sheriffs Office Activists have claimed that staffing levels at the prison led the DOC to put it under a lockdown. Green Bay has a staff vacancy rate of 46%, the lowest of Wisconsins five maximum security prisons for men. Jennifer Clemmensen has heard about the prisons failing infrastructure from her son Tony Sheppard, who is incarcerated there for armed robbery and kidnapping. The ceiling in Sheppards cell appears to be caving in and there are cracks in the floor and Sheppard has told Clemmensen that there are rodents. Theres nothing I can do as a parent out here in the free world, Clemmensen said. Theyre criminals. Theyre there to be rehabilitated, thats the original intent of the criminal justice system, but theyre not because they cant get out of their boxes. In letters to the State Journal, Sheppard said inmates are limited to one shower a week while their release for recreation and programming has been eliminated entirely. We are treated like wild animals so most start acting like one, he wrote. It is no less than a hostile environment created by design. Im surrounded by careless individuals who have nothing to lose, which triggers them to lash out when treated how we are now being treated. Political fight Any solution for the prison situation lies with state politicians. In 2019, Republicans in the state Legislature passed a budget provision that would have spent $5 million to find a location for a new prison in Wisconsin so that the Green Bay facility could be closed. Gov. Tony Evers vetoed the money, saying the state needs to pass comprehensive criminal justice reform first instead of building more prisons. Since then, Republicans have blocked some of Evers and the DOCs attempts to fix the aging infrastructure at Green Bay. The prison is located in the Village of Allouez and, in response to the initial online publication of this State Journal report Friday morning, Village President Jim Rafter said in a statement, Todays disturbing revelations by the Wisconsin State Journal are damning and further proof that Green Bay Correctional Institution needs to be closed. The facility is a danger to the guards, inmates, and the community where it is located. State leaders must step up and take action before it is too late. Despite the well-documented dysfunction at Green Bay Correctional Institution, our state government has no long-term plan for this 125-year-old facility, Rafter said. We are ready and eager to work with Gov. Evers and the Legislature so they can come together on a solution that benefits the facility residents, staff, and the community in which the prison resides. In a May letter to state legislators, DOC Secretary Kevin Carr warned that not updating things like the prisons health care services or roof puts the state at risk of getting sued over conditions at GBCI. Even if this administration and the Legislature were to engage in a meaningful dialogue about a new facility to replace one or more of our aging facilities, the final construction of a new facility would be five to seven years down the road and roofing repairs are routine maintenance, Carr said. Funding for the roof passed in this years budget talks, though whether it will be spent faces other approvals. Funding for a new health unit did not get passed. Beyond building a new prison, activists argue that Wisconsin could reduce its prison population to a point where inmates could be housed in existing facilities. During his first campaign in 2018, Evers vowed to cut the states prison population in half. That has not happened, in part due to the states strict sentencing laws, decisions by the Parole Commission and rising crime. When Evers took office, the states prison population stood at about 23,000. Today its at about 21,700. The reality is that our current population and existing capacity are not conducive to closing any facility at this time, Carr said in his May letter to state legislators. Wall, who led the Department of Corrections during the Walker administration, said he had proposed building a corrections campus near a major population center, such as Madison, that could absorb the closure of Green Bay and Waupuns prisons. That never got any interest from the Walker administration, Wall said. A leading advocate in the state Legislature for closing Green Bays prison and building a new one, Rep. Steffen said calls for criminal justice reform demanded by Evers should not be linked to a brick and mortar, space and safety issue. We have to stop looking beyond the next election and be thoughtful on behalf of the generations of men who are incarcerated there, Steffen said. What type of facility do you want to provide them? What type of facility do you want for the staff working there? Where are they now? The stories of 8 people who were pardoned by Gov. Tony Evers Matthew Riehle can now summit mountains in Canada Michelle Roberson Nance wants to 'to do right by' her pardon Eric Pizer's 'longtime battle' for a pardon is 'finally over' Kimm Laursen: 'If I want to do something, I am free to do it.' Anthony Cooper says his pardon shows 'change is possible' 'Very grateful': Rev. Mwangi Vasser is working as a hospice chaplain Kathryn Morrow says her pardon 'meant so much' Syreeta Robinson: 'One bad decision is not the end of your life' Thousands of Wisconsin students seem to be missing from headcounts in the states public school system as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum found. Using data from fall 2019 to fall 2022, researchers found enrollment in Wisconsin public schools fell by 32,000 students. Most of that decline can be explained: declining birth rates and more students moving to private and home-schooling options. But even considering these factors, researchers Ari Brown and Sara Shaw still found between 4,500 and 11,600 students who were unaccounted for about 1% of the estimated student population in Wisconsin. These students would be missing either because the data on them was not collected or, worse, because they disconnected from the education system in Wisconsin entirely, the report reads. This continued enrollment decline could have serious financial implications for public schools. Enrollment is one of the key deciders of a schools revenue limit, a per-pupil amount that dictates how much a school can collect in taxes and state funds. Each student lost means less available in the long term to pay teachers, procure materials, and improve curricula, the report reads. Many of these costs do not diminish on a per-student basis, putting pressure on districts budgets. Researchers believe some of the drop off may be due to families with children in Wisconsin moving to other states or countries during the pandemic. In line with national trends, researchers also blame skyrocketing rates of chronic absenteeism and increasing anxiety and mental health concerns for the enrollment dip. These factors indicate the pandemic may have upended young peoples relationship with school altogether, according to the report. Some of these missing students could be part of the states population of migrant students, which fell by half from fall 2019 to fall 2022, according to the Policy Forums report. Migrant students are those whose parents move for seasonal dairy or agricultural work. Although this group makes up only a small part of the student population overall in Wisconsin, this is the largest enrollment dip since 2005. The report identifies young students, those in prekindergarten and kindergarten, as the group that could be the biggest contributor to missing students in Wisconsin. Combined, enrollment for these groups declined by 10% from fall 2019 to fall 2022. Although enrollment recovered slightly, it is still far below pre-pandemic levels. The researchers think this could be the result of parents choosing to delay sending their young children to school. In Wisconsin, school attendance is not required until the age of 6. Parents also could be opting to home-school their children or use full-day child care centers, rather than the pre-kindergarten programs available in public schools. Enrollment drops likely point to a large proportion of students who are either no longer in the state, or who are still present but are either being homeschooled or not being formally educated at all, the report reads. Private and home-schooling options both saw increases in enrollment throughout the pandemic. Although the popularity of home-schooling has since leveled off, private schools have 4,000 more students than they did before the pandemic. While the researchers largely accounted for students in these areas, reporting inaccuracies could be affecting the count of students that are considered missing. According to the report, private and home schools do not have the same standards for enrollment reporting to the Department of Public Instruction as public schools. There are likely private and homeschool students who exist in the state but are not captured by counts, researchers wrote. Inside the book-ban machine: The rise of 'parental rights' groups and their efforts to ban books Inside the book-ban machine: The rise of 'parental rights' groups and their efforts to ban books Conservative education groups have spread rapidly, frequently in areas with politically mixed populations New conservative book rating sites are fueling book bans Regional groups are also organizing to challenge books: About 1 in 6 complaints nationwide in 2022 were from St. Tammany Parish New state laws support attempts to restrict library materials The University of Wisconsin System is planning to launch a direct admissions program for eligible Wisconsin high schoolers starting next summer, as it seeks to reverse enrollment declines over the past decade and boost its graduation rates. System President Jay Rothman announced the initiative during the UW Board of Regents meeting Thursday. The System plans to send out the first offer letters to students in July 2024. Under the program, Wisconsin high school students would be able to sidestep the traditional college application process and instead be automatically admitted to one or more System schools for which they qualify. Qualification would be based on academic performance, taking aspects such as grade-point average and class rank into consideration. Ten of the Systems 13 universities have opted into the program, Rothman said, with all but UW-Madison, UW-La Crosse and UW-Eau Claire participating. The decision whether to participate was left to each university, with the ability to join the program in the future, Rothman added. UW-Green Bay already has a direct admissions program in place for graduates of Green Bay Area Public Schools. Rothman said he hopes the program promotes college as an option for students, especially those who qualify but may not see themselves as having the potential. I hope that direct admissions will not only grow enrollment but also streamline the admissions process and help expand the number of Wisconsin residents with a UW degree, he said. The first phase of the program will involve reviewing students records to see whether they meet the Systems standards set by the Regents for admission. From there, students would be admitted to individual universities based on a schools own criteria and could attend any of the universities for which they qualify. Direct admissions is just one of the Systems initiatives to try to drive higher enrollment since Rothman took office last summer. Last fall, the System pursued a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) campaign, citing Wisconsins ranking as 38th in the nation for participation. School officials also said theyd continue with plans to launch the Wisconsin Tuition Promise last-dollar tuition grant program this fall, despite the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee not including it in the final state budget. Rothman also said the System will push universities to make it easier for prospective students to understand college costs, by simplifying language and explaining financial aid. We also hope that this initiative, combined with direct admissions, will allow more students to enroll and stay at our UW universities, he said. The Regents formed a task force in August 2022 to study the feasibility of direct admissions, which has already either been piloted or implemented in states such as Minnesota, Idaho and Hawaii. Long-standing trends While System enrollment stayed fairly steady this fall with a few hundred more students, its a small reversal of long-standing trends. Nearly 20,000 fewer students were enrolled last fall than in fall 2014, a decrease of about 10%. A few state universities have defied the trend, including UW-Madison, which has seen enrollment increase by nearly 15% during the past five years. UW-Platteville, UW-Whitewater and UW-Stevens Point all anticipated gains of about 3.4% this fall a few hundred more students on their campuses this fall and UW-Madison and UW-Green Bay expected to see growth of 1.2%. UW-Madison topped 50,000 students for the first time, based on counts released earlier this week. Much of the Systems enrollment stability can be attributed to a 3% increase in freshman enrollment across universities. Universities with decreasing enrollment are expecting reductions between 25 and 285 students. UW-Oshkosh will see the largest percentage drop, about 1.7%, coming at a time when the university is looking to erase a $15.1 million budget shortfall. The enrollment declines have hit the System particularly hard, as increasing enrollment was one of the few ways universities could guarantee seeing funds increase during that time, as the state Legislature froze tuition for a decade and often cut state aid to the System. Earlier this year, a GOP-sponsored bill would have given direct admission to UW-Madison for any Wisconsin high school student deemed to be in the top 5% of their class amid complaints that supposedly high-achieving students were being denied admission, prompting them to look out of state for comparable institutions. Increasing graduates The System is aiming to increase its number of graduates to 41,000 annually by 2028, up from about 37,000 now. It has an 81.3% retention rate from freshman to sophomore year, based on fall 2021 enrollment. Encouraging more high school students to attend college through direct admissions is only one aspect of increasing the number of graduates, though, Rothman said in an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal on Thursday. The System also needs to focus on improving its retention rates, he said, as well as find ways to reach the 700,000 people in Wisconsin who have earned some college credits but did not finish a degree. Even bringing just 10% of those people back would help the System meet its goal. As for how much freshman growth the System would like to see in order to meet its graduation goal, Rothman said theres no specific target. We are trying to open up avenues to make it clearer and easier for people to think about college, he said. The Dane County Board on Thursday reduced the maximum fine for getting caught with drug paraphernalia to $1 from $150 in a largely symbolic move to lessen the impact of the countys criminal justice system on lower-income people and those more likely to be arrested, chiefly Black people and men. The change only applies to smaller communities policed by the Sheriffs Office that do not have their own police departments and ordinances, and has no effect on the ability of the district attorney to charge the offense as a state-level crime. Typically, people are only charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in conjunction with other, more serious drug crimes. In 2022, the Sheriffs Office cited 85 people under the county ordinance. Forty-nine of them had to pay a fine, with 29 paying the full $150 allowed under the old county rules, according to county data. Nevertheless, backers of the ordinance see it as a way to reduce long-standing and stark racial disparities in the Dane County criminal justice system. In Madison, the countys largest municipality, for example, 49% of criminal charges referred by police for prosecution were against Black people in 2022, according to the departments annual report. Only about 7% of Madisons population is Black. Similarly, nearly three times as many charges were referred for men than for women last year in Madison, according to the report. The board voted 26-3 to approve the lower fine, with eight members absent. The change also had the support of Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. Voting no were Sups. Tim Kiefer, Jeff Weigand and Dave Ripp. Sup. Michele Doolan said her support stemmed from witnessing the different outcomes experienced by high school-age drug users of color and white users, with the former not getting the recovery help they needed. Sup. Cecely Castillo said the focus of drug policy should be on getting users tools to recover. But Kiefer, a former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney, said the countys change could have the opposite of its intended effect if prosecutors are less likely to apply the county ordinance in drug cases because the fine is so low, and instead opt for the more serious state charge. He also said that with the current surge in deadly fentanyl overdoses, the ordinance change signals a permissive attitude toward drug use. I just dont feel comfortable saying its not a big deal, because it is a big deal, he said. The proposed change comes after Minnesota became the first state in the country to fully legalize drug paraphernalia. A shift toward decriminalization has already happened in Madison. In 2020, the city decriminalized possession of marijuana-related paraphernalia. But the citys police department continues to refer charges for possession of other paraphernalia. Photos: Tranq, the new fentanyl additive worsening Americas opioid epidemic Legislative Republicans are moving to fire the head of the state board that investigates complaints against doctors over what he says is his support for abortion rights. The GOP-controlled Senate health committee on Wednesday voted to recommend against confirming Dr. Sheldon Wasserman, a former Democratic state legislator, as chair of the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board. The Senate Health Committees 4-2 vote along party lines came after a public hearing at which Wasserman, a plaintiff in the lawsuit seeking to reinstate abortion rights in Wisconsin, was questioned about his views on abortion. Additionally, he was asked why the board was penalizing physicians who prescribed medications for COVID-19 that the federal government didnt recommend. During the public hearing, Dr. Wasserman referred to the Medical Examining Board as an activist board, targeting physicians and other medical professionals alike, committee chair Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton, said. The right thing to do was to stand with the patients of Wisconsin and vote no on Dr. Wassermans appointment. Wasserman said the biggest reasons for his rejection were his support for abortion rights and his role in the lawsuit seeking to reinstate them in Wisconsin. I dont think they really care about anything else that goes on in the board, he said about the committee. Thats their only issue and protecting the citizens of Wisconsin really pales in comparison to the issue of abortion, and thats just wrong. Medicine is far more than just abortion. Wasserman said the board has worked well despite the fact that some of the doctors on the board support abortion rights while others dont. To impose politics ... were going in the wrong direction, he said, adding that the quality of the board will go down if the process remains politicized. Wasserman has been confirmed by the Senate three times, most recently in 2019 with a 27-6 vote. Ive been very proud of my record as the chair of the Medical Examining Board, he said. Im very proud of protecting citizens of Wisconsin and providing a safety net for citizens in Wisconsin, and really weeding out bad doctors. The Medical Examining Board investigates medical complaints, which can be dismissed after an initial review or trigger sanctions up to revoking a practitioners license. Last week, an anti-abortion advocate filed a complaint with the board alleging Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin physicians were illegally doing abortions. The lawsuit deciding the future of abortion rights in Wisconsin is ongoing, though a Dane County judge in July said the law widely interpreted as a near-complete abortion ban applies to killing an unborn child by assaulting its mother, not consensual abortions. WASHINGTON The Biden administration is admitting Israel into a select group of countries whose citizens are allowed to travel to the United States without getting a visa in advance. The decision announced Wednesday comes despite Washington's concerns about the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinian Americans and marks a major accomplishment for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has sparred frequently with the Biden administration. Under the waiver program, as of Nov. 30, 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. But even if Israelis are authorized to travel under that system, U.S. officials at the airport can still bar them from entering the country. Israel faced a Saturday deadline, the end of the U.S. government's budget year, to gain admission to the program without having to requalify next year. The program allows citizens of 40 mostly European and Asian countries to travel to the U.S. for three months without visas. Editors note: This story was originally published by When the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned Roe v. Wade, it greenlighted the kind of near-universal abortion restrictions that Idaho lawmakers had spent the previous two years crafting. Gov. Brad Little said the state should turn to helping women who might otherwise have terminated pregnancies. We absolutely must come together like never before to support women and teens facing unexpected or unwanted pregnancies, said Little, a Republican who supports the abortion ban. About 1,700 to 2,000 people a year in Idaho had abortions before the court ruling. Families, churches, charities, and local and state government must stand ready to lift them up and help them and their families with access to adoption services, health care, financial and food assistance, counseling and treatment, and family planning. But since the June 2022 decision, Idaho has failed to deliver even as other conservative states with abortion bans took steps to enhance their safety nets for families during pregnancy and after birth. Idaho legislators disbanded a state committee that investigated the root causes of maternal deaths, making it the only state in the nation with no such mortality review. They allowed two bills to die that would have put Idaho on the same track as nearly every other state with abortion restrictions including Florida, Kentucky and Texas by extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months. Idahos Medicaid coverage ends two months after birth, the minimum under federal law. They turned down $36 million in federal grants to support child care this summer, while other states with new abortion restrictions Alabama, Louisiana and Missouri among them made investments in early childhood education and day care. Idaho lawmakers at the time attributed the decision to a pending audit of a different batch of grants. Democrats generally support these kinds of measures, but Idaho Republicans dominate the state capitol and therefore control which bills move forward. Rep. Brent Crane, a longtime Republican leader who chairs the House State Affairs Committee, said GOP lawmakers last year had hoped to put forward bills to improve health care and support for kids and families after the Supreme Court struck down federal protections for abortion rights. They instead got bogged down in debate over exceptions to the abortion ban. Idaho has some work to do, Crane said. Be patient with us. The need is urgent, according to Emily Allen, policy associate for the nonprofit Idaho Voices for Children. The state, she said, needs health care funding and other support in place to adjust to life after the abortion ban. Things have changed, Allen said. We can either bury our head in the sand, or we can respond with good policy that is very family-centric. But Blaine Conzatti, president of the Idaho Family Policy Center and a leading anti-abortion lobbyist, is not bothered by the lack of government support. Pregnancies, births and child care are not the purview of the government, he said, but of families, communities, charities and, most of all, churches. The Bible is clear, and the history of Christendom broadly is clear, that its the churchs responsibility to meet the needs of the poor and to ensure that people have the services that they need to live flourishing lives, Conzatti said. No action set Idaho apart from other abortion-ban states more than when the Idaho Legislature allowed its Maternal Mortality Review Committee to die this year. The committee had been granted unique powers to review private health care and other records of women who died during or within a year after pregnancy and draw conclusions about the root causes of those deaths. Its budget of $10,000 a year came only from federal funds, so keeping the committee going seemed pro forma. Every single state, New York and Texas alike, had put one in place. But in Idaho, a lobbyist for an ultraconservative political nonprofit stood up and spoke against it at a hearing. Fred Birnbaum, legislative affairs director of Idaho Freedom Foundation, said studying the causes of Idahos roughly 10 to 15 preventable maternal deaths each year risked inviting a push for more government support to help keep people from dying. And government support was anathema to his group. You know the old saying, All roads lead to Rome, said Birnbaum, who testified against the committees creation on similar grounds in 2019. Well, all government-created committees lead to the call for more government spending. Birnbaums assessment was partly correct. Idahos maternal mortality committee had made recommendations that could increase public spending, such as extending Medicaid coverage postpartum, expanding access to naloxone to prevent death from opioid overdose and providing better housing and child care support. But of the 52 recommendations in the committees final report, most called for no new government spending. The role of such committees has not been so controversial in other Republican-led states. The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, for example, has been around for about a decade and is now part of the entire effort to reduce tragic outcomes from pregnancy and birth, said Chris Van Deusen, director of media relations for the Texas Department of State Health Services. The Texas committees findings in 2018 that patients had bled to death in childbirth helped push the state to adopt recommendations and protocols for hospitals to train their employees to measure blood loss and to educate people on what is abnormal bleeding. Birth-related hemorrhage deaths started to fall the following year, Van Deusen said. He said the committee has generally had the support of Texas lawmakers, who voted last year to adopt one of its recommendations and extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months. Advocates for the creation of Idahos committee in 2019 pointed out how other states had helped reduce maternal death rates: seat belt laws in Nevada; substance use disorder treatment in Michigan; urgent messages to doctors and hospitals in Florida. Lucky Bourn, the longtime Republican coroner of Minidoka County and a member of the maternal mortality committee, said its demise means Idaho will have no window into maternal deaths in the wake of its abortion ban, because the committees final report used data from 2021. I was very disappointed in the Legislature when they did not continue the funding of it, Bourn said. The thought that comes to my mind is, With the change in the abortion laws in the state of Idaho, do you think that might have a correlation in the rise of the mortality rate of the women who dont want to be pregnant? The number of maternal deaths since the abortion ban took effect has not yet been reported. The committee believed it would have had 10 maternal deaths to evaluate from 2022 if it had continued. ProPublica identified at least two deaths during pregnancy and childbirth that the maternal mortality committee could have evaluated. One death was from complications during childbirth in 2022, according to the womans obituary. The other was a murder-suicide this year that claimed the life of the pregnant mother and her toddler, according to the sheriff in the rural North Idaho county where she lived. Littles staff told ProPublica that he will bring forward a proposal in 2024 to continue the work of this important committee. Lawmakers are also poised to consider other proposals that have previously gone nowhere. Idaho House Majority Leader Megan Blanksma, a Republican from Elmore County, said she is working on bills that would improve prenatal and postpartum health care, resume the study of maternal deaths and support young families. Blanksma also said she will revive legislation to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care to a full year, a concept she said she dropped last session because of the ballooning cost of Medicaid. We are working on a full package to introduce come January, Blanksma told ProPublica. Conzatti, the anti-abortion lobbyist, advocates a more hands-off approach from the state. Idaho has at least 16 pregnancy resource centers spread across every region of the state. Many in Idaho are Christian-oriented organizations that offer counseling, referrals and some material support like diapers. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the centers goal back when Roe v. Wade was in effect was to persuade women to carry their pregnancies to term rather than have abortions. Few Idaho centers offer medical care beyond pregnancy tests and heartbeat ultrasounds. But those centers are where Conzatti said people who have unplanned pregnancies should now look to for help. They embody his vision of a world before legalized abortion and before Medicaid got involved in the lives of poor families. Crane, the Republican House leader, wouldnt rule out state-funded support for pregnancy centers if theres political will for it among lawmakers. Every option is on the table, he said. ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up for Dispatches, a newsletter that spotlights wrongdoing around the country, to receive our stories in your inbox every week. Free talk to highlight Idahos Opioid Epidemic South Central Public Health District education specialist Eli Thompson will present a free talk, titled Idahos Opioid Epidemic Causes and Solutions, on Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Town Center West in Hailey. The presentation is designed to teach awareness and understanding about the state of the opioid epidemic, not only in Idaho but nationally, according to a news release from the Hailey Public Library. The consequences of the opioid crises in Idaho are shocking. In just 2022, 381 Idaho residents died from an overdose and nationwide over 80,000 Americans died, Kristin Fletcher, the librarys programs and community engagement manager, said in the release. Understanding why this is happening and how individuals and communities can help is instrumental in lowering that number. For more information, call the library at 208-788-2036 or go online to www.haileypubliclibrary.org. ITD seeks public input on Dry Creek Bridge The Idaho Transportation Department will host an open house next week in Murtaugh to gather public comment on replacement of the Dry Creek Bridge on U.S. Highway 30. The bridge, originally built in the 1930s, is a two-lane structure that crosses Dry Creek north of Murtaugh Lake. The proposed replacement plan includes updating the guardrail and widening the shoulders, as well as building a new bridge in the same location or shifting the structure slightly to the north or the south. ITD is also seeking comment on ways to preserve historical aspects of the bridge. Replacement is scheduled for 2026. The open house will be Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Murtaugh High School, 500 Boyd St. For more information or to participate in the online open house, go to ITDProjects.org/US30DryCreek. Also: The Sun Valley Culinary Institute , which offers education for students, professionals, and food enthusiasts, has received a $4,550 gift from 100 Men Who Care Wood River Valley , which provides funding to support local organizations that serve the community. A gift like this can change a students experience and focus, providing inspiration and support, said Karl Uri, the institutes executive director, said in a news release. To learn more about SVCI, go online to www.SunValleyCulinary.org or email info@SunValleyCulinary.org. , which offers education for students, professionals, and food enthusiasts, has received a $4,550 gift from , which provides funding to support local organizations that serve the community. A gift like this can change a students experience and focus, providing inspiration and support, said Karl Uri, the institutes executive director, said in a news release. To learn more about SVCI, go online to www.SunValleyCulinary.org or email info@SunValleyCulinary.org. The St. Lukes Health System has earned recognition from the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine organization for its work toward initiating and building a systemwide well-being program. The Legislature failed to reconvene before the deadline set by the Republican National Committee, which means the Idaho GOP will hold a caucus on March 2 to determine our 2024 nominee for President of the United States. The tradition of the caucus is as old as our country itself. When President George Washington declined to seek a third term in 1796, members of the two factions within his government each met in caucuses to choose their nominees for president. Today, a caucus is a perfect opportunity to come together as a community to discuss the issues that are most important to us all. We will be hosting hundreds of caucuses throughout the state, bringing national politics to your front door. We will be meeting in schools, fire stations, granges, churches, and other community centers throughout Idaho. Families with children are more than welcome this will be a wonderful chance to introduce young people to American civics. Each candidate who participates in the caucus will have five minutes to share his or her vision for our country. This might be done in person, via a local representative, or by video. Once thats done, you will cast your vote and either head home or stay behind to witness the tally. There wont be multiple rounds of voting this time, so the whole process should go fairly quickly. Rather than waiting until May, when the nomination will be all but over, Idaho will be the fifth state in the nation to allocate its delegates. That means that whoever wins Idaho will have the early momentum that is so important for winning the nomination. Your voice is important in deciding which candidate takes Idahos 32 delegates to the Republican National Convention. Votes from every caucus location will be tallied by the state party, with paper ballots securely delivered for verification. If one candidate receives an outright majority of votes, then he or she receives all 32 of Idahos delegates. If nobody has more than 50%, then the delegates will be allocated proportionally. Make sure that you are a registered voter and affiliated with the Republican Party by Dec. 31, because the next day, we will download the voter lists and create poll books for each caucus location. Each caucus location will also have hand stamps and watermarked ballots in sealed boxes. You can rest assured that the vote you cast will be faithfully tallied. Dont forget your ID! The Idaho Republican Party remains committed to representing the vast majority of Idahos citizens while upholding the principles of our Constitutional Republic, promoting a fair and transparent caucus, and providing the citizens of Idaho with the opportunity to make informed decisions about their future. Is the U.S. Supreme Court posed to slam the door shut on efforts by some to impose wealth taxes across the country? We may soon find out. Multiple states, Idaho and Montana included, along with over 25 organizations have filed amicus briefs in favor of a Washington state couple, Charles and Kathleen Moore against the United States, for what is anticipated to be the biggest tax case to reach the Supreme Court of the United States in several decades. This upcoming term, the highest court will hear Moore v. United States, which is on appeal from the 9th Circuit. This litigation poses the Court with the ultimate question: Is a realization event necessary for the federal government to impose a tax? A realization event occurs when a taxpayer has money in their hands. Here is what we know about the case: The Moores hold an 11% ownership interest in KisanKraft, a farming manufacturing company operating out of India. Since the Moores bought in, the company has done exceptionally well, with profits increasing each passing year. The Moores are seeing gains on paper from their overseas investment, but they havent cashed in here in the United States. They were taxed on this increase in investment value, which only existed on paper. Quote If the Court sides with the government, this decision would have great implications for Americans both financially, and administratively. ... The greater concern this case presents is the impact on the legality of wealth taxes. The Moores position is that the tax imposed is unconstitutional under the Sixteenth Amendment and numerous prior court rulings. The Moores argue that the Ninth Circuit essentially took away the constitutional limit of the federal government to only tax what is deemed as income, and that, This case is the cleanest vehicle the Court will ever see to address realization under the Sixteenth Amendment. The dispute arose due to Section 965 of the Internal Revenue Code, the repatriation tax, being applied to the Moores. This tax was a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, requiring U.S. corporations operating outside of the country to transfer wealth back, a one-time tax. The portion affecting the Moores requires that any person who holds more than 10% of a foreign company that is composed of over 50% U.S. ownership, also called a CFC, is subject to taxation; realization event, or not. The Moores were placed in this category due to their 11% ownership in KisanKraft, a CFC. Sec. 965 was codified to combat companies leaving the U.S. and making their money elsewhere. The governments position is that while it is true that the government has not historically implemented a tax without realization, the Supreme Court has made clear that realization of income is not a constitutional requirement. Essentially, the government seeks to overturn the definition put forth in Glenshaw Glass, that undeniable accessions to wealth are taxable. The government seeks to broaden what constitutes a taxable event. If the Court decides in favor of the Moores, it is likely the Court will attempt to sever the statutory language. This would be the easiest solution, as it would allow for the single clause of the repatriation tax to discontinue while maintaining the other portions of the Trump tax legislation, and there is a strong presumption of severability. If the Court sides with the government, this decision would have great implications for Americans both financially, and administratively. Not only would the government create greater amounts of paperwork for the taxpayer and the government, but it would also tax money that individuals dont actually have, in their hands. The greater concern this case presents is the impact on the legality of wealth taxes. The National Taxpayers Union Foundation amicus brief offers what several Mountain State policy analysts believe the Court will do; This Court could uphold the MRT for C corporations but excuse individuals such as the Moores. This Court could determine that the MRT does not violate the realization requirement because the business realized them even if the individuals did not receive a distribution. Under this likely approach, the purpose of the MRT is maintained while upholding the constitutionality of a realization requirement. The Moore name might be on the documents, but there are many Americans whose interests could be significantly hindered if the government prevails. This is not a Court that has shown a desire to increase tax liability. It is unlikely the majority will be receptive to accepting the solicitor generals arguments on behalf of the government during oral arguments. But, as lawyers say daily, it depends. The Feeling Climate Change to the Bone webinar, co-hosted by the Department of Management and Green Lab of Monash University, held last September 6, tackled the stories of hardships, hope, and resiliency of farmers and farmer groups and the power of community as they deal with the impact of climate change, in particular, food security. Hosted by Associate Professor Jagjit Plahe from the Monash Business School, the webinar put a spotlight on the members of MASIPAG (Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura), a farmer-led network of landless agricultural workers, Indigenous Peoples, NGOs, and scientists in the Philippines. Speakers from MASIPAG generously shared a glimpse into their lives, shedding light on the devastating effects of the climate crisis and discussing how they continue to battle this global problem. While acknowledging the many challenges, the farmer-speakers from MASIPAG agreed that the bayanihan spirit drives them to build and support a community and ensure a better future for the farming industry. MASIPAG farmer-trainer and BAKAS (Buhi nga Aksyon para sa Kauswagan kag Pag-amlig sang Seguridad sang Mangunguma kag Mamumugon) leader Rodolfo F. Cortez Jr. said bayanihan has enabled them to create partnerships among farmers, scientists and NGOs to achieve common goals. Alfie Palumbarit, MASIPAG National Coordinator and current MASIPAG Climate Change Resiliency program head, notes how climate change is not just a climate issue but a social justice concern. Furthermore, farmers also face injustices, like threats, intimidation, and violence. Monash University, in collaboration with MASIPAG for six years now, believes in addressing climate change and its effects. In a study conducted by Monash University and the University of Newcastle on social movement organizations in the Philippines, Professor Sarah Wright, Future Fellow in geography and development studies at the University of Newcastle, highlighted the importance of co-developing stories and analyses with the ones most affected to understand the complex issues of climate disaster better. Reflecting on the issues discussed by Filipino farmers, Wright likewise pointed out the importance of hearing from people on the ground. She encouraged the webinar attendees to engage more deeply, listen more intently, think more openly, and act with greater solidarity in the face of these challenges toward working for long-term solutions. In many cuisines across the globe, ducks are highly known for their tender and flavorful meat. Their eggs can become delicacies like balut, a popular street food in the Philippines. Yet theres more to ducks than producing eggs and meat. To some farmers, having ducks around allows them to be more sustainable in their farm operations through the rice-duck integrated farming model. The rice-duck farming system also enables farmers to cut their expenses from commercial rice inputs, like spray chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides. The ducks serve as natural de-weeders because they munch on wild grass and help keep pests, like snails, at bay. As a result, many farmers following the method can harvest naturally-grown rice while playing their part in environmental preservationa win-win for all. Rice is a staple food in the Philippines, among other countries. It sustains half of the worlds population, which explains why its always in demand. The duck-rice integrated farming system is only one of the many agricultural approaches that have existed for over 1,000 years. Although it might still sound rare to some farmers and stakeholders, many others have already begun implementing the practice on their farms. Yet before the system can become effective, farmers must acclimatize the ducks to their surroundings. There has to be a group of ducklings ready when the rice is planted, but they can only be released after a week. Acclimatizing the ducks will give them a higher resistance against common illnesses they can pick up from their surroundings. Besides preparing the ducks, farmers should also create a safe environment where the ducks can forage. Installing nets around the rice fields can keep ducks from getting out while keeping predators and larger animals from entering the premises. However, farmers may encounter some challenges in the rice-duck integrated farming system. One challenge is that ducks can damage rice seedlings if unmanaged properly. Another challenge is that ducks can carry diseases that can infect rice crops. Fortunately, these challenges can be mitigated by following good management practices. For example, farmers can vaccinate ducks against diseases and monitor them for signs of illness. When done correctly, rice farmers can reap the benefits of the rice-duck integrated farming system, including having another farm element to augment their income. Board of Investments (BOI) and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo underscored the Philippines stable macro-economic fundamentals to encourage Russian companies to invest in the country. Rodolfo emphasized the countrys robust economic growth and strategic advantages during the Philippine-Russia Business Forum Wednesday at the Makati Diamond Residences. The Philippines is positioned as the regional hub in Southeast Asia for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services, using market-based tools that empower the private sectors. That goal is attainable through our countrys foremost and strongest advantage which is the Filipino workforce. Russian investors stand to gain in investing in the Philippines with Filipinos as the backbone of its operations, he said. He said the Philippines presented numerous investment opportunities in mineral processing, electric vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure development and pharmaceuticals. Russian Federation Ministry of Industry and Trade deputy minister Alexey Gruzdev said Russia is committed to performing its international obligations to satisfy demand while supplying goods and services to trade partners. Russia sees trade as a two-way collaboration that includes sharing of expertise, experience and knowledge, offering specialized training, after-sales support, maintenance services, and the establishment of service centers, he said. The Russian deputy minister also underscored the importance of the Philippines as a priority partner for the Russia and expressed hope the Philippines-Russia Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) discussions would successfully address issues crucial to business collaboration. The forum was a side event to the 3rd Philippines-Russian Federation JCTEC. The JCTEC is a mechanism to improve bilateral economic relations between the Philippines and Russia. Areas identified for bilateral collaboration were trade and investment promotion, industry development, labor, higher education, agriculture, energy, transport, atomic and space exploration. Beirut, LebanonAn attack Thursday on a Syrian military academy killed 112 people, a war monitor said, with state media blaming terrorist organizations for the drone strike in government-held Homs. Separately, Turkish air raids in the countrys Kurdish-held northeast killed at least 11 people, according to Kurdish forces, after Ankara had threatened retaliation for a bomb attack. In the central city of Homs, armed terrorist organizations targeted the graduation ceremony for officers of the military academy, an army statement carried by official news agency SANA said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, reported 112 dead including 21 civilians, 11 of them women and girls. It said at least 120 people were wounded. Health Minister Hassan al-Ghobash told state television the preliminary toll was 80 dead including six women and six children and around 240 wounded. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The attack was carried out with explosive-laden drones, according to the military statement, vowing to respond with full force. The government declared three days of mourning starting Friday. In the rebel-held Idlib region, residents reported heavy bombardment by government forces in apparent retaliation. The Observatory said eight people had been killed and some 30 wounded. Swathes of Idlib province are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Al-Qaedas former Syria branch. The jihadist group has used drones to attack government-held areas in the past. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was deeply concerned over the drone attack and the retaliatory shelling, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, said in a statement: Todays horrific scenes are a reminder of the need to immediately de-escalate violence, towards a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to countering Security Council-listed terrorist groups. Overnight, Syrian shelling killed an elderly woman and four of her children in a rebel-held area of Aleppo province, rescue workers and the Observatory said. Turkeys defence ministry said in a statement Thursday evening that Ankara forces had carried out air strikes in northern Syria, destroying 30 targets, including shelters, depots and storage sites. The Kurds internal security forces said Turkey had carried out 21 strikes in the area, killing 11 people, including five civilians and six security personnel. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters that US F-16 warplanes over Syria had shot down a Turkish drone on Thursday, deeming it a potential threat after it approached less than a half kilometre from US forces near Hasakeh. Turkey has carried out repeated strikes on targets in Syrias Kurdish-held northeast. On Wednesday, Ankara warned it would step up its cross-border air raids, after concluding that militants who staged a weekend attack in the Turkish capital had come from Syria. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces led the battle that dislodged Islamic State group fighters from their last scraps of territory in Syria in 2019. Turkey views the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) that dominate the SDF as an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. Turkey has launched strikes on PKK positions in northern Iraq since Sundays attack in Ankara, which wounded two Turkish security officers and was claimed by the Kurdish group. AFP correspondents in northeastern Syria saw smoke rising from oil sites near Qahtaniyeh, close to the Turkish border. Two power stations in the area were also hit, as well as the vicinity of a dam. Farhad Shami, spokesman for the SDF, the Kurds de facto army, said the strikes had targeted military and civilian sites. There has been a clear escalation since the Turkish threats, he said. In the market of the city of Qamishli in Hasakeh province, vendors voiced concern. The situation is worsening every day. Turkey doesnt let us breathe, said Hassan al-Ahmad, a 35-year-old fabric merchant. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi denied Wednesday that the Ankara assailants had passed through our region. Turkey is looking for pretexts to legitimise its ongoing attacks on our region, he said. The Kurdish administration urged the international community to take a stand capable of dissuading Turkey from its attacks. The United States, Russia and Turkey all have troops in the country. Between 2016 and 2019, Turkey carried out three major operations in northern Syria against Kurdish forces. The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, spiraling into a devastating war involving foreign armies, militias and jihadists. AFP President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed his confidence that Western Visayas will be free from communist insurgency given the rapidly decreasing number of communist rebels in the region. We must keep on going and well wait for your invitation to come back when you declare this area insurgent-free I think its achievable, Marcos said in a briefing with security officers in Camp General Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz. President Marcos said he is satisfied with the accomplishments of the Philippine Army in sustaining peace efforts and weakening the presence of communist rebels in the region. He stressed the need to ensure that the insurgent groups will no longer have the platform to finance their operations. I would [like to] congratulate you for the good progress that youre making. Keep the pressure going I know that the other units are also doing it in terms of financing. But perhaps, you could put more emphasis on that, President Marcos told the troops. According to Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division Commander, MGen Marion Sison, the rebels are taking advantage of minority groups, especially indigenous peoples. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport and 41 other commercial airports across the country were placed under heightened security alert on Friday following bomb threats received by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. All 42 commercial airports of CAAP are on heightened alert as of today, October 6, following a warning received by the Air Traffic Service via email that aircraft from Manila, bound to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao International Airports are about to be set off by a bomb, said CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio. The email message sent by Pilipinas Kong Mahal read: May sasabog na eroplano sa NAIA ngayon. Idadamay nila ang Cebu, Palawan, Bicol at Davao. (A plane will explode at NAIA today. Bombers will also target Cebu, Palawan, Bicol and Davao.] Please beware mipinaskongmahal77@gmail.com> Apolonio said airports are now implementing enhanced security measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers, airport personnel, and facilities. Aviation police head Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky said the threat was most likely a hoax. Nothing is happening. Airport operations is continuous, its normal, he said. A memorandum issued by Gen. Ricardo Banayat, Assistant Director General II of the CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS), ordered the deployment of adequate security personnel to manage the high volume of passengers and vehicle traffic. The airports will implement strict access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles, along with thorough inspections of passengers and cargo, said Apolonio. He said the CAAP-CSIS personnel are working with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and military to intensify intelligence and monitoring operations. The CAAP official also said Airport Security Coordination meetings will be convened with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the strict implementation of security measures. Early this week, the Manila International Airport Authority and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group trained airport security personnel to enhance their ability to respond to an active shooting incident that could potentially escalate into a bombing. Airport operators in the Philippines are required to conduct regular emergency exercises to assess the effectiveness of their contingency plans and review established procedures in their Airport Emergency Plans (AEP). The training simulates airport bombing and active shooting outlined in the MIAA Airport Emergency Plan. Elon Musks social media platform X has stripped headlines from news articles shared by users, in a move likely to further worsen relations with media groups. The tycoon has long railed against the legacy media and claims X, formerly Twitter, is a better source of information. However, he said the latest change was for aesthetic reasons news and other links now appear only as pictures with no accompanying text. Musk took over Twitter last year in a $44 billion deal and has since renamed it X, sacked thousands of staff and drawn criticism for allowing banned conspiracy theorists and extremists back on the platform, sending advertisers fleeing. He has also banned and reinstated various journalists with mainstream outlets including the Washington Post and CNN, as well as appearing to delay posts from accounts including the New York Times. I almost never read legacy news anymore, Musk posted on Tuesday. Whats the point of reading 1,000 words about something that was already posted on X several days ago? Souring relations Some media groups have stopped posting to X altogether because of the rise in hate speech and the behaviour of Musk. AFP and other French news outlets launched a legal case in early August accusing X of copyright breaches. When the changes to links were first mooted in August, Musk posted: This is coming from me directly. Will greatly improve the esthetics. The changes appear to have been introduced gradually this week. Instead of seeing a headline along with a picture, users now see only a picture with a small watermark. The changes brought a good deal of criticism, journalist Tom Warren of The Verge website posting on X: Its the latest in a long line of dumb changes on this platform. Some users have already commented that it is now difficult to distinguish between news and other kinds of information, which is likely to raise questions about the trustworthiness of the site. In September, the European Commission said X had a higher ratio of misinformation and disinformation than any other social media. The souring relationship between media and tech companies is not limited to X. Both Google and Meta have pushed back against laws forcing them to pay media companies to show stories. The changes are having a real-world effect, with Axios news site reporting on Tuesday that referrals to media websites from X and Metas Facebook had collapsed in the past three years. Ads decimated Musk said in July the platform had lost roughly half its advertising revenue, though a month earlier he had claimed that almost all advertisers had returned and that 90 percent of bots had been removed. According to a Media Matters report released Wednesday, most of the top 100 advertisers at Twitter in the weeks prior to Musks takeover are spending dramatically less at the platform. Media Matters found that the companys ad revenue is still decimated, the report stated. Since Musk purchased the company, it has earned 42 percent less ad revenue than before his tenure, according to Media Matters. Market tracker Insider Intelligence estimates that Xs share of the worldwide digital ad market has fallen nearly 28 percent to about a half a percent in the past year. Musk has suggested charging all users of X, which would be the biggest shake-up since he took over the site, but experts say he might struggle to get most users on board. If youve been itching to upgrade your devices, now is the time. Get over Php 10K discount on HONOR products this 10.10 Sale, just head on to Shopee (bit.ly/HONORxShopeeMakeItHappenThis1010), Lazada (bit.ly/HONORxLazadaMakeItHappenThis1010), and TikTok Shop (bit.ly/HONORxTiktokMakeItHappenThis1010) from October 10 to 14, 2023! It is high time to make your dream gadgets happen this HONOR 10.10 Sale! Big, big discounts on our laptops and smartphones await shoppers making quality products within reach. We all had a great run this year so we want to help our HONOR fans reward themselves, said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. Biggest HONOR Price Drop to date! This is not a drill! Just this HONOR 10.10 Sale, you can get HONOR MagicBook X14 from P34,990 to just P22,403 still with a FREE Premium HONOR bag worth P2,000. Crowd-favorite HONOR 70 5G is also getting a slash from P26,990 to just P18,990! HONOR X Series is also up for grabs with a hefty discount too! HONOR X9 will be on sale for Php 8,490 from its Php 14,990 price tag. HONOR X8 is available with P6,500 less, now only Php 6,490. HONOR X7 and HONOR X6 will also be up for grabs for only P5,990 and P5,490 respectively. HONOR 90 5G gets P1,000 off HONORs most powerful hero smartphone HONOR 90 5G is also getting a price drop, now only at P23,990. And the recently-launched HONOR 90 Lite 5G, HONOR X6a, HONOR X5 Plus, and HONOR Pad X6 will also come at a discounted price during the HONOR 10.10 Sale from October 10 to 14, 2023. So what are you waiting for, head on to HONORs official online stores at Shopee (bit.ly/HONORxShopeeMakeItHappenThis1010), Lazada (bit.ly/HONORxLazadaMakeItHappenThis1010), and TikTok (bit.ly/HONORxTiktokMakeItHappenThis1010) to know more about their exciting deals. For more updates and announcements, you may visit HONORs website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONORs complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. Four more people have been arrested on racketeering and money laundering charges in connection with a narcotics investigation that resulted in the arrest of six people earlier this week. Tactical teams from Henry and Patrick counties and the city of Martinsville began executing multiple search warrants Tuesday morning across the region. Three more search warrants were executed Tuesday afternoon in the 700 block of Hidden Valley Drive and 300 block of Sleeping Hills Farm Road in Martinsville, a release stated. Officer with the Martinsville Police Department and Henry County Sheriffs Office apprehended Endy Marie Ingram, 59, of Martinsville and Victoria Leigh Cox-Ingram, 38, of Kernersville, North Carolina, during the search warrants Tuesday afternoon. On Thursday, Charmaine Leshon Cox-Ingram, 37, and Traylon Allen Ingram, 19, both of Kernersville, turned themselves in at the Henry County Sheriffs Office. All were charged with racketeering and money laundering, the release stated. Additional vehicles have been seized at the locations searched Tuesday afternoon and additional search warrants were executed in North Carolina and Texas on Wednesday. The release did not make clear the specific locations of the search warrants on Wednesday. The investigation, conducted over a period of several months, according to Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis, has resulted in 14 search warrants executed and 10 arrests. Anyone having information about narcotic trafficking operations is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriffs Office at 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 276-632-7463. The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards of up to $1,500 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of the reward paid. Police have confirmed a Martinsville man was intentionally shot and killed last week and persons of interest have been identified. On Sept. 30, shortly before midnight, Antoine Jermaine Preston, 47, was found in his vehicle after it had gone over a guardrail and down a steep embankment in the 1400 block of Fayette Street. Martinsville Police, Virginia State Police, and the Henry County Sheriffs Office closed the road while Martinsville Fire and EMS saw to the safe removal of Prestons body and his vehicle. The body was transported to the state medical examiners office in Roanoke, where an autopsy was conducted. The cause of death was a gunshot wound, said Martinsville Police Chief Rob Fincher. We have persons of interest and are actively focused on the case. The 911 Communications Center received a call of gunshots in the area at 11:43 p.m. When officers arrived, three people, who were not involved in the incident, directed the officers to the truck that had come to rest upside down. Evidence was found at the scene that convinced police that Prestons truck was the intended target of the gunshots, a release stated. We are certain that the victim knew who did this, Fincher said. This was not a random act. Describing the case as a targeted incident, Fincher wanted to assure the public that there is no reason to indicate someone with a gun is acting indiscriminately. That may give people a little peace of mind, but its a shame that people dont value human life like it should be, said Fincher. Theres nothing more traumatic than the wrongful loss of life. We hope someone will give us the additional information we need we we can put this together and bring justice and his family peace. Preston graduated from Martinsville High School in 1994 and West Virginia State University in 2000 with a bachelors degree in graphic design, communications, and culinary arts. He was employed by VF knitting, according to his obituary. The visitation service for Preston will be held at 11:30 a.m. today with the funeral at noon at Refuge Temple Ministries in Martinsville. Fincher declined to release any further information citing the ongoing nature of the case. If you have information regarding this crime, you are encouraged to contact Sgt. Harley Durham at 276-403-5330, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 276-63-CRIME. The North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (NCAFC), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), is launching an urgent volunteer firefighter recruitment campaign across 14 North Carolina departments and associations. The McDowell Fire and Rescue Association is one of those associations in need of more volunteer firefighters. During Fire Prevention Month in October, especially Fire Prevention Week from Sunday, Oct. 8, to Saturday, Oct. 14, the NCAFC would like to highlight this important initiative. This campaign is part of the Workforce Solutions program designed to help North Carolinas fire departments achieve a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighter workforce. The program is a nationally-funded grant awarded to the NCAFC to enhance the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, according to a news release. Fire Prevention Week highlights the importance of cooking safety this year. Cooking fires account for 51% of all home fires. The national website offers tips and articles on fire prevention in the home. Departments across the state are committed to informing and educating their communities on the importance of fire safety and prevention. With more than 80% of all North Carolina firefighters being volunteers, the need for volunteers is always in high demand. Since 2020, North Carolina has lost 4,963 volunteer firefighters, making this recruitment effort more critical than ever. Local fire departments in North Carolina need more volunteers to ensure our homes are safe and protected. Volunteering is a rewarding experience and one of the best ways someone can make a direct, tangible difference in their community. Volunteer firefighters gain invaluable skills and knowledge while having a positive, lasting impact on the lives of their neighbors. Local fire departments need volunteers of all skill levels and abilities from operational firefighters to administrative personnel who are willing and able to respond to emergencies when needed, according to the news release. Local volunteers provide the bedrock of North Carolinas firefighter workforce, said Chief Tracy Mosley, program manager of NCAFC. We understand that the safety of our communities relies on fully staffed and trained departments, and based on the success of past campaigns, were eager to launch this next iteration to transform our states volunteer fire service landscape. North Carolinas two-year recruitment and retention campaign targets 14 at-risk fire departments/associations across the states east, west and Piedmont regions. These include: Brunswick County Fire Chiefs Association Buncombe County Fire Chiefs Association Chinquapin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Cleveland County Firefighters Association Forsyth County Fire and Rescue Association Martin County Fire Association McDowell Fire and Rescue Association Pitt County Firefighters Association Randolph County Association of Fire Chiefs Ranlo Fire and Rescue Smith Grove Fire Department Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department Wayne County Firefighters Association Yadkin County Fire and Rescue Association Brian Piercy is the president of the McDowell Fire and Rescue Association. He applied for this grant on behalf of the entire association rather than just an individual department. As president of the local association, Piercy regularly meets with the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. He said this is a great program to help local fire departments recruit more volunteers. As the president of the association, I feel that it is the associations job to help all our departments here in the county to do what we can to better serve our communities, he said to The McDowell News. Piercy said he agreed with the statement that this is a nationwide issue. Departments everywhere are losing volunteers to people either retiring after their 20 years plus of service or the increased training requirements. In addition, some folks just dont have the time to volunteer anymore due to family commitments and jobs. This grant is creating a toolkit that will be used across North Carolina to help all the departments, said Piercy. This grant is helping us with advertisements and many different types of resources to help the departments try to recruit and retain members. A part of the grant will help departments reach out to the local media with the running of recruitment ads. I have spent 35 years as a volunteer here in McDowell County, said Piercy. For me, it has been a family affair as my dad spent 50 years with the Old Fort Fire Department and I have two brothers with 20-plus years as volunteers. I started out with Old Fort and have now spent the last 13 as a volunteer at P.G. My son also has 13 years at P.G. The fire service is very special to me and my hope is that we as an association can do what we can to get the word out there to help all our departments to be able to recruit and retain members. I dont have all the answers but I am going to work hard as president of the association to promote the services here in McDowell County. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The discovery of eight new genes associated with a disease known as ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL) is a key step toward the development of effective treatments for this currently incurable disease. OPLL is a painful and debilitating condition in which the ligament that travels ventral to the spinal cord ossifies over time, severely restricting movement and causing motor and sensory issues, pain and numbness. "OPLL is more common in East Asian populations than in Western populations, and is particularly prevalent in Japanese people," notes Shiro Ikegawa of the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences. "This points to a genetic susceptibility to the condition, hence our investigations into the causal genes involved." Previous research has suggested links between certain health traits, such as type 2 diabetes and a high body mass index (BMI), and the development of OPLL. However, OPLL is likely a 'polygenic' disease, meaning that complex genetic and environmental factors combine to drive its progression. Ikegawa and his co-workers conducted an initial genome-wide association study (GWAS) of OPLL in Japanese patients in 2014, and identified six significant genetic loci linked to the disease. More recently, they discovered a susceptibility gene, CCDC91, in one of the loci. They published their findings in The American Journal of Human Genetics. Now, the team has expanded on this earlier study by conducting a meta-analysis of GWASs comprising data from 22,000 Japanese individuals. This revealed a further eight previously unreported genetic loci and specific candidate genes that warrant future study. The team observed enrichment in genes related to connective tissue and bone cell groups, as well as blood and immune cell components. Analysis of 96 different traits showed that OPLL also has positive correlations with type 2 diabetes and increased BMI. "We found a significant causal effect of increased BMI and high bone mineral density on OPLL. These insights could point towards novel treatment targets," says Ikegawa. "Crucially, although our data confirms a link, we didn't find causal effects of type 2 diabetes on OPLL development," adds Ikegawa's colleague Chikashi Terao. The team also found genetic differences between cervical (neck) and thoracic (trunk) variants of OPLL, with a stronger influence of BMI fueling the latter. These differences between subtypes may inform the basis for precision medicine for OPLLthe two related conditions require different treatments and care, notes Ikegawa. The researchers are planning to further examine the candidate genes they have uncovered, and will conduct additional GWASs using data from Korea, Taiwan and China to gain insights into OPLL in different ethnicities. More information: Masahiro Nakajima et al, A novel CCDC91 isoform associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine works as a non-coding RNA to regulate osteogenic genes, The American Journal of Human Genetics (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.03.004 Journal information: American Journal of Human Genetics 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: Graphical abstract. Credit: Molecular Cell (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.08.027 Research led by Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has discovered that altering certain molecular interactions could yield new strategies for treating prostate cancer and related diseases. The study focuses on androgen receptors (AR), which are protein molecules that help direct the development of male sexual characteristics, essentially by turning genes on or off as necessary. The researchers determined that an optimum level of androgen receptor "multivalent interactions" likely is required for proper function. Multivalent interactions involve a simultaneous binding of multiple molecules on the same regulatory chromatin sites to control gene expression. (Chromatin refers to a mixture of DNA and proteins that form the chromosomes found in cells.) The scientists also concluded that alterations of these interactions might underlie the cause and development of disease. "Our results provide molecular insights for potential therapeutic strategies to treat prostate cancer and other AR-involved diseases by targeting AR multivalent interactions," said Zhijie "Jason" Liu, Ph.D., associate professor and CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research with Mays Cancer Center and the Institute of Biotechnology of the Department of Molecular Medicine at UT Health San Antonio. He is lead author of the article titled, "Hormone-induced enhancer assembly requires an optimal level of hormone receptor multivalent interactions," published Sept. 21 in Molecular Cell. Other researchers are from the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies at UT Health San Antonio; the California Institute of Technology; and the Duke Cancer Institute at Duke University. They observed that androgen receptors form local high-concentration "condensates"membrane-less subunits that carry out specialized cell functionsthrough protein-clustering interactions. These are driven by certain multivalent interactions in response to androgen hormone stimulation. The researchers determined that disturbing those condensates impairs androgen receptor function in the assembly of "enhancers," referring to DNA sequences that activate transcription independently. "Our work using AR as an example provides evidence for the importance of maintaining precise levels of multivalent interactions to achieve beneficial hormone-induced enhancer assembly events," Liu said. "Collectively, our results suggest that disruption of the fine-tuned AR protein multivalent interactions might underlie AR-related human pathologies. "AR multivalent interactions," he concluded, "could be pharmacologically targeted to treat prostate cancer and other AR-involved 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: Bacterial delivery of ovalbumin induces a specific CD8 T cell response. Credit: Frontiers in Immunology (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228532 A University of Massachusetts Amherst team has demonstrated "in theory" that a protein antigen from a childhood vaccine can be delivered into the cells of a malignant tumor to refocus the body's immune system against the cancer, effectively halting it and preventing its recurrence. The bacteria-based intracellular delivering (ID) system uses a non-toxic form of Salmonella that releases a drug, in this case a vaccine antigen, after it's inside a solid-tumor cancer cell. "As an off-the-shelf immunotherapy, this bacterial system has the potential to be effective in a broad range of cancer patients," writes senior author Neil Forbes, professor of chemical engineering, in a paper published Thursday, Oct. 5, in Frontiers in Immunology. The research, carried out in the Forbes Lab at the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), offers promise toward tackling difficult-to-treat cancers, including liver, metastatic breast and pancreatic tumors. UMass Amherst has filed for a patent that will be licensed to Ernest Pharmaceuticals, an IALS startup co-founded by Forbes, first author Vishnu Raman and bioengineer Nele Van Dessel, who developed the delivery system as a post-doctoral researcher in the Forbes Lab. They plan to seek FDA approval in an effort to start clinical trials within a few years. "The idea is that everybody is vaccinated with a whole bunch of things, and if you could take that immunization and target it towards a cancer, you could use it to eliminate the cancer," Forbes explains. "But cancers obviously aren't going to display viral molecules on their surface. So the question was, could we take a molecule inside the cancer cell using Salmonella and then have the immune system attack that cancer cell as if it was an invading virus?" To test their theory that this immune treatment could work, Forbes and team genetically engineered ID Salmonella to deliver ovalbumin (chicken egg protein) into the pancreatic tumor cells of mice that had been immunized with the ovalbumin 'vaccine.' The researchers showed that the ovalbumin disperses throughout the cytoplasm of cells in both culture and tumors. Credit: University of Massachusetts Amherst The ovalbumin then triggered an antigen-specific T-cell response in the cytoplasm that attacked the cancer cells. The therapy cleared 43% of established pancreatic tumors, increased survival and prevented tumor re-implantation, the paper states. "We had complete cure in three out of seven of the pancreatic mice models," Forbes says. "We're really excited about that; it dramatically extended survival." The team then attempted to re-introduce pancreatic tumors in the immunized mice. The results were exceedingly positive. "None of the tumors grew, meaning that the mice had developed an immunity, not just to the ovalbumin but to the cancer itself," Forbes says. "The immune system has learned that the tumor is an immunogenic. I'm doing further work to figure out how that's actually happening." In preliminary research, the team previously showed that injecting the modified Salmonella into the bloodstream effectively treated liver tumors in mice. They advanced their findings with the current research on pancreatic tumors. Before clinical trials can begin, the researchers will repeat the experiments on other animals and refine the ID Salmonella strain to ensure its safety for use in humans. Liver cancer would be the first target, followed by pancreatic cancer. "This is not just an academic exercise," says Forbes, whose grandfatherfor whom Ernest Pharmaceuticals is nameddied of prostate cancer. "I'm really trying to make a cancer therapy." More information: Vishnu Raman et al, Intracellular Salmonella delivery of an exogenous immunization antigen refocuses CD8 T cells against cancer cells, eliminates pancreatic tumors and forms antitumor immunity, Frontiers in Immunology (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228532 Journal information: Frontiers in Immunology Jacobs School Mourns the Loss of Renowned EMS Researcher Dear Jacobs School Community, Im heartbroken to share that we have lost a beloved member of our Jacobs School family. E. Brooke Lerner, PhD, passed away on October 4, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 52 years old. Described by colleagues as a passionate educator, role model and mentor, she was someone others aspired to emulate. Dr. Lerner began her career in Emergency Medicine in Western New York as an EMT and paramedic in the 1990s. A three-time graduate of the University at Buffalo (BA, MS, and PhD), she returned to her alma mater in 2019 as a tenured professor and vice chair of research in the Department of Emergency Medicine in the Jacobs School after a prolific research career at the University of Rochester and the Medical College of Wisconsin. A pioneer in the field of EMS research, she authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications and secured numerous federally-funded grants to support her work. She continued to work during her illness and was recently awarded four more years of funding as the principal investigator to lead research on improving prehospital care for children through the federally-funded Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN), for which she was a past chair of the steering committee. She led the development of the current national guideline for mass casualty triage and her research, which prospectively enrolled over 12,000 adults and 12,000 children treated by EMS, contributed to the current national field triage guidelines for trauma. Focused on the next generation of EMS researchers, she taught courses in prehospital care to medical students, residents, and fellows. She also mentored many young researchers, helping them to develop their careers and make their own contributions to the field of prehospital care. Dr. Lerner was a key driver of community engagement initiatives and promoted discussions on diversity within the Department of Emergency Medicine, efforts for which she was recognized earlier this year with the Jacobs Schools Community Service Award. Following her diagnosis, she worked with the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) and the GMR Foundation for Research and Education, to establish the E. Brooke Lerner Research Fund with the goal of supporting early career EMS researchers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to that fund. As we at Jacobs School join the Buffalo EMS community in mourning the passing of our friend, colleague, and educator, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to Dr. Lerners husband, two children, and her entire family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Allison Brashear, MD, MBA Vice President for Health Sciences and Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo Another campaign finance complaint has been filed with the state against a Missoula mayoral candidate, this time regarding candidate Andrea Davis. Missoula resident Keith Koprivica filed the complaint on Sept. 26, alleging Davis' committee committed active concealment of contributions to her campaign. Koprivica documented $1,453.07 of excess in-kind donations to the Davis campaign from nine individuals over five months. Davis Deputy Campaign Manager Brendan Campbell said the excess contributions were an honest mistake and refunded the money to donors. In Davis response letter to the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, she explained my dedicated campaign volunteers relied on outdated guidance to determine financial practices. The complaint brought their attention to more specific guidelines, which prohibit in-kind contributions designated for the general election from being accepted during the primary election period. We immediately worked to correct the error as soon as we were made aware of it, wrote Campbell in an email to the Missoulian. We believe transparency and accountability are hallmarks of our democracy, and we're glad concerned citizens brought this to our attention. Davis response letter also states the campaign kept the excess funds in a separate account, available to be refunded if she did not advance to the general election. Davis emerged from the primary with 43% of votes, the most of any of the five candidates who were in the running in September. At no time, wrote Davis, was it my intention to deceive or mislead the Commissioner of Political Practices, our donors and supporters, voters or the general public regarding campaign contributions or my campaigns organizational structure. Koprivica also took issue with the treasurer listed by the Davis campaign, which has since been remedied, and some anonymous contributions made to Davis and then donated to a nonprofit. Since anonymous contributions are not allowed, Davis sent those donations on to Montana Women Vote. Koprivica complained Rep. SJ Howells involvement in Montana Women Vote and Howells endorsement of Davis fly in the face of Montanas campaign finance laws. The corporations (Montana Women Vote) primary mission is to increase the participation of women in elections, stated Koprivicas complaint, and Ms. Davis has clearly targeted women as a key demographic in her success in the mayoral election. Davis, meanwhile, pointed out Montanas campaign manual does not specify the type of organization to which a candidate should donate anonymous funds received. Davis competitor, candidate Mike Nugent, wasnt overly concerned with the complaint against his rival. I think its important for campaigns to follow the rules, he said. You cant accept more money than is legally allowed. Nugent has also been the subject of earlier campaign complaints, most notably one referencing a $125,000 investment from the National Association of Realtors to a committee that supports Nugent. When that complaint was filed in July, Davis called the Realtor spending dark money. Nugent is a real estate executive and a Missoula city councilor who drew in 27% of the primary vote in September. On Friday, he told the Missoulian hes more interested in talking about local issues than campaign finance intricacies. He said his goal continues to be to reach Missoulians and have those conversations in a positive and healthy way. If someone wanted to use an artificial intelligence program to write the Great Montana Novel, the groundwork has been laid. This summer, The Atlantic published several stories on a pirated trove of more than 180,000 ebooks that were used to train AIs models used by likes of Meta and Bloomberg. Last month, Alex Reisner, the Atlantic reporter who also happens to be a programmer, posted a searchable database that revealed a significant number of authors from the Treasure State. It held an impressive 24 books by James Lee Burke and 15 by Thomas McGuane. After absorbing 26 books, some chatbots are surely now connoisseurs of Jim Harrisons poetry and fiction. Works by late authors James Welch, Richard Hugo and Ivan Doig are there, alongside living bestsellers such as Stephanie Land and Christopher Paolini. The Atlantics database (subscription required), is only searchable by author name, not subject or book title. Searches based on past news coverage, along with a copy of the classic anthology, The Last Best Place, yielded 58 names, including authors whove written work about or set in Montana, such as Craig Johnson and Jon Krakauer. Theres even a copy of the journals of Lewis and Clark. Carrie La Seur, an environmental attorney from Billings, has published two novels. She found out in late September via a group chat with other writers that her second book, The Weight of an Infinite Sky, was in the data set. The uniform reaction in her circle was outrage, she said. Asked how she felt about this as a writer, she cited a quote from Willa Cather: A book is made with ones own flesh and blood of years. It is cremated youth. It is all yours no one gave it to you. This is your life and your work and your art, La Seur said. And for most of us, something you feel incredibly passionate about and have worked, often in total obscurity and without compensation, to get into the world. And you have a right to expect that once it is in a published format that some protections attach to it. Fighting back Multiple lawsuits have been filed that include authors from Michael Chabon to Sarah Silverman. The suits target OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. The Authors Guild, which is a plaintiff in one such suit already, has posted guidance for writers. It notes that its not known whether the dataset The Atlantic exposed was used in ChatGPT. While La Seur doesnt disregard the potential for AI, she viewed this case as a wake-up call for creators. Theres so much that artists, writers and musicians will have to think through and be proactive about, she said. As this new world of our work being combed and bot-read online goes forward, I dont think any of us are prepared. Im not. She believes that a settlement of some kind will emerge and that this mass-scraping doesnt qualify as fair use. The protections of copyright, I think, are pretty well articulated in the law, and I dont think anyone thinks that this is a legitimate use that they will get away with, she said. Further, she said legislation should protect copyright or perhaps a system for residual payments should be developed. Were coming to a point where theres going to have to be a better understanding of what the rights are, and maybe some new laws need to be written to clarify at what point rights attach to material that becomes available online, she said. Because as it is, you know, you can kind of reach out there and grab anything you want, and unless you get busted for plagiarism, its effectively yours. The most human thing that I do The Atlantic reported that the dataset, called Books3, was based on a collection of pirated ebooks, most of them published in the past 20 years that was floating around on the dark web. The number of Montana writers is high but lacking some key figures: Fiction writers Debra Magpie Earling, Deirdre McNamer, Judy Blunt and Mary Clearman Blew were not included. A.B. Guthrie and K. Ross Toole got skipped. Its likely that inclusion was based on what was easily pirated in ebook format rather than creating something definitive, especially not on a state-by-state level. Montana poetry as a whole doesnt figure too heavily in the list. Authors like Sheryl Noethe, Heather Cahoon and Mark Gibbons arent on it. However, it does include collections from Richard Hugo and an anthology of Madeline DeFrees work. Welchs collection, Riding the Earthboy 40, is present, along with two of his novels, Fools Crow and The Heartsong of Charging Elk. (Identified only as Heartsong in the database.) Virginia Reeves debut novel, Work Like Any Other, was long-listed for the Booker Prize in 2016 and now lives somewhere in the AI training data. UM faculty members Emily Ruskovich, Chris Dombrowski, Mark Sundeen, Sean Hill and visiting writer Robin Mclean are on the list. Ruskovich, whose 2019 debut novel Idaho, won the Dublin International Literary Award, joined UM in 2021. In an email, she said she plans on joining a class-action suit. None of the major companies involved in the creation of AI bothered to purchase my book, for the $17 that it costs, Ruskovich wrote. These bots are being trained on pirated copies of books. We as authors are essentially the teachers of AI. Our words are teaching it how to write. And yet, as is often the plight of teachers, we are not being paid adequately or in this case, at all for what we have done. We have been enlisted against our will in a project that very likely will leave us with a less-human world. It feels violating on a deeply personal level. She said that writing is the most human thing that I do in my life, an activity built on a lifetime of experience. All of these things are working together in my subconscious and the way they work together is nothing less than magical and cannot be defined, she wrote. The idea that my sentences, my plots, my rhythms, my style, my voice can be mapped out, quantified, reduced to an algorithm replicated by a machine Why would we want to do this to our books? Why would we want to ruin one of the only things in this world that attempts to communicate accurately to each other what it is like to be us? Three of Jamie Fords were included in the data set, including his break-out debut, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, written while he supported himself with an advertising job in Great Falls. On X.com (formerly known as Twitter), he wrote, Yes, the AI thievery continues. Imagine promoting a generative AI and thinking no one will notice that you used 180,000 pirated books to train the thing. These are the brainiacs creating our future, adding: They created something that creates nothing. It just mimics stolen work. The dataset includes Missoula author Stephanie Lands best-selling memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mothers Will to Survive, in which she details the house-cleaning gigs she supported herself with while raising a daughter on her own and attending college. In a message, Land said she was troubled by the technologys potential effects on workers. The main concern I have is that content writing is a bread-and-butter job for many writers and it (AI) will help create a world where its even more impossible to write for a living, she wrote. AIs potential effects on writers employment was part of the reason the Writers Guild of America went on strike against video producers. In its new contract with film and television studios, they earned some concessions. The Washington Post reported that AI-generated written material cannot be considered literary material written by a human, and that companies cannot require writers to use AI software such as ChatGPT when writing. The guild also reserves right to assert that exploitation of writers material to train AI is prohibited by the bargaining agreement. There have already been numerous reports of white-collar jobs, such as copywriting, getting cut as companies switch to chat programs that, while lacking quality, are significantly cheaper. The Washington Post interviewed several such writers in June, including one who decided to train as an HVAC technician after their independent writing business was wiped out. While OpenAIs ChatGPT is the most well-known program, there are many more specialized tools already available based on it and other AIs. One called Sudowrite, for instance, bills itself as a writing partner for fiction. After you type in some text, it can offer suggestions rewriting to add more description, based on senses and vocabulary. You can use it to brainstorm ideas for dialogue, plot points, world-building or even ideas for listicles. Reading robot fiction Missoula author Chad Dundas debut novel, Champion of the World, appeared in the database as well. In a post on his Substack, he wrote that it is theft of a sinister variety, but he did see some humor in it: Long story short, some sneaky-ass computer nerds took my seven-year-old historical novel about 1920s professional wrestling and cooked it into a tasty digital stew to nourish their suckling AI monster babies, Dundas wrote. He also expressed doubts about the quality of writing that could be generated. I dont know how we get anything new from a system like that, not to mention how we get any art or even anything halfway entertaining, he said. Also, Im arrogant: Could a computer ever really write a better book about wrestling than Champion of the World? Dundas was not the only author who saw a glut of bad content flooding cultural life. After the Atlantics searchable database went live, the Livingston-based journalist and novelist Walter Kirn took to X.com to repost a column called Project Parakeet, which he said covers the banality of AI writing. (Its also rank thievery & fancified plagiarism.) He also reposted thoughts from July about the doom loop of poor quality that could lie ahead: Still dont see how AI retread culture wont freeze & render increasingly inert the source culture it vampirizes and demonetizes. It will be a race to the middle like never before Then the big mega-clot will start to sink And people wont care because its a thing w/o spirit Loved by none The Montana Association of Counties on Wednesday urged the governor to "make do" with the state's increasing revenues after local officials have charged ahead with lowering the mills collected by the state for school funding. Both sides have dialed up the rhetoric this week over the state's school equalization funding mechanism, with the governor calling a reduction in those tax collections "foolish" on the part of counties. At issue are the 95 mills collected by the state and redistributed to different jurisdictions to level out funding for school districts between richer and poorer counties; the number of mills the state can calculate to and collect for this purpose is 95. Counties in recent weeks have begun a revolt against the state, arguing state revenue officials should have adjusted its collections to a lower mill number, 77.9. The pushback comes while the current property reappraisal process has kicked home values in Montana up by a median value of about 45%. Several counties have already passed local resolutions to lower its local collection on the school equalization tax to that 77.9 figure. The county association issued a letter to the governor's office on Wednesday with feedback on recent legislation passed, but with a stern tone regarding the ongoing mill dispute. Near its end, MACo's board of directors contend any suggestion lowering those mills would effect school funding is "100% incorrect." "School funding and local mill levy authorities are in no way tied to the revenue the state receives from the equalization of mills," MACo's board members wrote. "All of the revenue from the 95 mills goes to the State General Fund. The schools will still receive the same amount of money they have been appropriated in the past. We urge you to take your projected 20% increase in revenue, year-over-year, and make do with what you have." The letter is signed by 32 county officials, including commissioners, clerks of court and treasurers. The letter follows the decision by Gov. Greg Gianforte's administration earlier this week to bring the matter to court in Missoula County, where officials planned Thursday to lower the 95 mills. The lawsuit names Missoula County officials as defendants and asks a judge to find that all counties are obligated to impose the number of mills the department calculates. Attorneys for the state argue the Department of Revenue has long interpreted state law as requiring the full 95 mills to be levied. The county's maneuver, attorneys for the state argue, would interfere with the state's ability to fund school districts in an equitable manner. Asked for response to MACo's letter on Thursday, a spokesperson for the governor's office called reducing the school equalization mills "foolish," and maintained that doing so would hurt education funding. "The governor has been clear about the 95 public school equalization mills: the state will do what its done for the last 30 years and collect the mills in full and send them back in full to school districts to make sure every Montana kid has a quality education," Gianforte spokesperson Brooke Metrione said in a statement late Thursday. "The governor wont cut the mills, defund our public schools, harm Montana students and educators, or put the burden on hardworking Montanans. Those who benefit most from such a foolish cut to public schools are a few large corporations and rich Californians with mansions in Montanas exclusive resort communities. The governor looks forward to the court bringing clarity to the law." Missoula County, meanwhile, passed that resolution Thursday as planned, a spokesperson confirmed to the Montana State News Bureau. News Herald photographer delivers baby (Tuesday, Oct. 2, 1973) Andy Hern, a News Herald staff photographer, was in the darkroom at the newspaper office on Monday night when he heard a repeated call on the police radio for an ambulance to respond to woman about to give birth. As the request went unanswered, Hern realized there was a problem interfering with the ambulance bases ability to communicate with its ambulances. Being a member of the Burke County Rescue Squad who has taken courses in baby delivery, he decided to respond to the call himself and lend a hand. He was joined at the womans home by Morganton police officer Johnny Wehunt. Hern determined that the baby would not be able to wait either for an ambulance or the mothers doctor, so he calmly delivered the baby with the officer. The baby boy initially required CPR, but soon began breathing on his own. The ambulance crew arrived shortly after the baby was born. A police car sped Dr. Hern and the baby to the hospital, where the staff took over. The mother was transported by ambulance. Both mother and baby are in the hospital today and are reported in good condition. County personnel assist in airlift rescue (Friday, Oct. 5, 1973) A United States Army helicopter, the Burke County Emergency Medical Service and Grace Hospital teamed up this morning to provide quick treatment to an Army officer injured in a mountaineering accident in the remote Pisgah National Forest. First Lt. Walter Adams is part of a Special Forces detachment from Fort Bragg training several-hundred members of the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The accident occurred about 30 miles northwest of Morganton, a quarter-mile up Wilson Creek from Brown Mountain Beach. Adams was testing a suspension traverse device, which is a rope stretched from the side of a mountain to the bottom, down which trainees were to slide using a pulley. When Adams started down the rope, a belaying line designed to slow his descent developed too much slack. As a result, he slammed into the rocks at the bottom of the mountain after a 200-foot descent and broke a bone in his foot. The helicopter, which was standing by during the training, landed in knee-deep water between the narrow walls of the gorge, picked up Adams and flew to Grace Hospital, landing in an open spot on the hospital grounds. Once there, an EMS crew transported him to the emergency room. He is listed in good condition. Dedication services held for county EMS (Monday, Oct. 1, 1973) Under the threat of cloudy skies, Burke County officials managed to get dedication services completed for the new Emergency Medical Service at the services two locations on Sunday. The Morganton site of operation, located on the Grace Hospital grounds, was dedicated in a ceremony held at 2 p.m., and the site at Valdese General Hospital was dedicated at 3:30 p.m. Jimmy Jacumin, chairman of the Burke County Board of Commissioners, served as master of ceremonies. He said Burke County EMS was created by a coordinated team effort. He specifically cited the work of the EMS study committee, headed by chairman Dr. Lewis Bock of the Burke County Health Department; the boards of trustees and administration of both hospitals; the Burke County Medical Society and the Burke County and Valdese rescue squads as leading to the success of setting up the service. Representatives of the respective organizations shared their thoughts about the process. They all voiced support of EMS and praised the county in its effort to provide such a needed service. Marvin Sawyer, director of Burke County EMS, reported that in its one month of operation, the service has made 179 trips incorporating about 3,000 miles of travel and has achieved an average time of slightly less than eight minutes for arrival at locations of people in need of ambulance service. Despite problems, steakhouse opens in Morganton (Monday, Oct. 1, 1973) Ken Anderson and his brother-in-law, Robert Duckworth, experienced a long, drawn-out series of headaches along the way, but are finally ready to open a steakhouse at the Morganton Plaza. The Matador will hold its grand opening on Thursday, beginning with a business luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., then dinner from 5:30-11 p.m. Anderson, who also owns the Cheese and Beverage House on Fleming Drive, came up with the idea of opening a steakhouse and partnered with Duckworth on the project. They found an empty space in Morganton Plaza in April and completed all of the interior construction themselves, with the help of other family members, hoping to open in July. Equipment was on order before construction began but was delayed for several months. Once they got their equipment, they were then sidelined by the national beef crisis and couldnt get steak for some time. The new establishment will seat 100 people and will feature charcoal-broiled steaks, seafood and a buffet salad bar. Ray Woods of Hudson, who specializes in gourmet food, will serve as chef. If this week you happen to elect to attend a house of worship of your choice, indeed if you opt not to do so, you might whisper a short word of appreciation to a French philosopher of whom you probably have never heard. His name was Voltaire historian, writer and philosopher, and as a result of his lengthy campaigns, voluminous writings and general willingness to be a pain in the neck of the aristocratic elite of France, on todays date of Oct. 5 in 1793, the Christian faith in that nation was disestablished. Even his best students and biographers have trouble pinpointing the time when Voltaire began to think in terms of religious freedom and separation of church and state, but from early on he definitely displayed an independent mind accompanied by a belief in the equality among the human race even a commitment to the ideal that the will of the whole population was superior to the reign of a select few. Voltaires advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of speech and separation of church and state seems to have reached a boiling point in 1763 following the horrendous execution of one Jean Calas. Calas had been accused of murdering his son when it was already proven that the young man had died by suicide. But, due to political prejudice with definite religious overtones, the father was tortured to death on the instrument of execution known as the wheel. Even with his bones broken beyond any hope of healing, his last words were declaring his innocence. This motivated Voltaire to pen perhaps his most famous work, Treatise on the Occasion of the Death of Jean Calas, better known as the Treatise on Tolerance. Its resulting influence impacted the French Revolution, the American Revolution and the United States Constitution as well as your church attendance or lack of today. But many people fail to remember that despite his great contributions to the freedom of worship we possess today, Voltaire was not religiously minded at all. If asked of his belief with respect to a deity, he would respond that he was a deist or agnostic. His experience in observing others faith(s) was that if there is a god, he must be disconnected from the daily living of his creation. Isnt it a shame that oftentimes an observer on the outside of the institutional church is required to enlighten us on the failures of our spirituality? Mahatma Gandhi was more than simply a reader of the world religions sacred texts. He was in fact a scholar of them. Upon reading the New Testament he became fascinated with the life and teachings of Jesus and wanted to know more. Thus, one Sunday morning, he sought to attend a worship service at a Christian church in Calcutta. However, upon entering the sanctuary he was confronted by two officers of the congregation who informed him that only members of Indias highest caste were allowed. As he was not of that birth rank, he was turned away. The upshot of that experience was one of the most poignant quotations of Gandhis well documented life: I would be a Christian today were it not for the Christians I have known. Even more spiritually scathing were the words he added: The Christians above all others are seeking after wealth. Their aim is to be wealthy at the expense of their neighbors ... Their prosperity is far more essential to them than life, liberty and the happiness of others. Jesus also once taught that, Not everyone who says to me Lord! Lord! will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. It would be in keeping with all that Christ spoke that the American saying Talk is cheap is also a spiritual truth. Multiple Burke County schools had to go in soft lockdowns this week after threats were lodged against them. First to go on lockdown was Patton High School on Monday after a staff member received an email about a bomb threat, said Cheryl Shuffler, public relations officer for Burke County Public Schools. The email appeared to be one that had circulated around the country, but the school took measures to protect the students while the threat was investigated, she said. Then Wednesday morning, New Dimensions Charter School had to operate under a two-hour delay because of a bomb threat that was called in overnight, according to an email sent to parents at the school. Morganton Public Safety Capt. Josiah Brown said officers responded to the school around 6:15 a.m. after the threat was made. The building was searched but nothing was found. The incident remains under investigation. Not long after, both Walter Johnson and Table Rock middle schools ended up in soft lockdowns because of threats circulated on social media, Shuffler said. Law enforcement again was notified and the threats remain under investigation. We have to and we do take each threat seriously, Shuffler said. We also put threats in context. We have a great relationship with law enforcement; and the schools, SOs and local law enforcement work together to keep up with national trends, especially when it comes to social media threats. Unfortunately, with the speed of which things spread on social media these days, threats that originate on social media miles away from here can appear to be local. We encourage students, parents and staff to report any and all threats and concerns, and we will turn it over to the professionals to decide the validity. Safety remains the school systems priority, but they dont want panic to cause unnecessary disruptions. Its a fine line between staying vigilant, while at the same time not letting panic take over and interrupt the school day when the threats turn out to be hoaxes, Shuffler said. We appreciate everyones patience, and we dont take lightly the trust parents put in us to care for their children during the school day. As for those making the threats against the school, they could be charged with communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property, a Class H felony under North Carolina law, Brown said. That could be punishable by up to 39 months in prison based on the states sentencing guidelines. The fishing pier and kayak launch at Valdese Lakeside Park is now open for everyone to enjoy. This long-awaited amenity on Lake Rhodhiss was designed and built by North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC), with the $200,000 pier being funded by an NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant, NCWRC and community donations. Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR) organized a10xx23-mnh-news-garayindicted celebratory ribbon cutting on Thursday, Sept. 28, with activities for everyone. The Draughn High School Fishing team was present to demonstrate best fishing techniques and discussed the types of fish in Lake Rhodhiss. A new local business in Valdese, Rads Rentals, offered free kayaking to anyone who wanted to give it a try. The company leases kayaks to the public and will deliver them to Valdese Lakeside Park and other accesses along the lake. FVR and Foothills Conservancy of NC provided crafts for about 40 children from the home school community. Following the theme, the kids painted wooden fish, built boats and decorated log slices. They also were able to visit the Story Book Trail that had a book about fishing. Materials also were provided regarding obtaining a North Carolina fishing license and fishing rules. Mayor Charles Watts welcomed the crowd of 150, which included BCPS Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan, Burke County Commissioner Chair Scott Mulwee and the majority of the Valdese Town Council. Watts shared how important Valdese Lakeside Park is to Valdese with an average attendance of 400 people per day. He also thanked Beth Heile and Friends of the Valdese Rec for all their work for making Valdese Lakeside Park a reality. N.C. Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-86) discussed the economic impact trails have across the state and how fortunate Burke County is to have an abundance of natural resources. As Blackwell was the primary sponsor of the state bill that declared 2023 the Year of the Trail in North Carolina, it was fitting he was in attendance as this kayak launch is an access on the Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail. The launch is accessed by the co-located Valdese Greenway, Burke River Trail and Wilderness Gateway State Trail. Beth Heile spoke during the event, representing two different organizations and even changing shirts mid presentation to indicate a change in roles. First, as a member of the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Authority that grants state funds to local governments for parks, she noted that the town of Valdese received a $300,000 PARTF grant to help with the 300-acre land acquisition of the park and a $285,000 grant for phase one amenities. She thanked the town for being good stewards of state money, which shows legislators there is a great need for local park funding. Parks are not a nicety, they are a necessity for health, quality of life, economic development opportunity, conservation, recreation and more, Heile said. As Friends of the Valdese Rec president and founder, Heile said, Good things come to those who wait. We have been working with NCWRC on this amenity since 2017. Heile thanked Blackwell for his ongoing assistance with projects at Valdese Lakeside Park, which have gotten stuck a few times when FVR needed help finding gap funding and making connections with the right department, she said. The showcase ADA pier that cost more than a usual project was due to Blackwells work with NCWRC, Heile said. Often parks are built for community and a town will say here you go people, we did this for you. But in this case, this time, this park was built by the community with 220 donors giving to the park and over 3,500 volunteer hours, Heile said. Valdese Lakeside Park is at 1149 Lake Rhodhiss Drive, Valdese, and is open dawn to dusk. The fishing pier with kayak launch is 0.2 miles from the parking lot along the greenway. ADA access to the pier starts at the Valdese Lakeside Park parking lot at a paved ADA parking space, onto the greenway and then to the sidewalk down to the pier, with some lower railing sections for fishing access. A federal lawsuit was dismissed Wednesday that alleged T.W. Garner Food Co. deliberately deceives consumers because its Texas Pete products are not made in the Lone Star state. Texas Pete products are made in Winston-Salem and have been since 1929. The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 12, 2022, in the U.S. Central District of California by Phillip White. White sought an undeclared amount of compensatory and punitive damages related to his purchase of a $3 bottle of Texas Pete Original Hot Sauce in a Los Angeles supermarket. According to the lawsuit, had White known Texas Pete was made in Winston-Salem, he wouldnt have bought it. The companys defense is that its packaging does not imply that Texas Pete was manufactured in Texas and that a reasonable consumer would understand that the trademark symbol next to the Texas Pete name indicates it is a brand. White filed a motion Sept. 28 to have the lawsuit dismissed without prejudice, which means it can be re-filed. However, White said in his motion to dismiss that he does not plan to refile. According to the dismissal order, T.W. Garner "neither agrees to nor admits to any of the factual allegations or legal arguments expressed in plaintiffs motion to dismiss." The parties will cover their own legal costs. Ann Garner Riddle, president and chief executive of T.W. Garner, said in a news release Thursday that "since the lawsuit was filed, we have remained steadfast in our position that our product labels and trademark are truthful and not misleading in any respect, and that the lawsuit had no merit." Garner denied each of White's legal claims and allegations, saying the back label of its Texas Pete hot sauce products identify North Carolina as the geographic source of the products. The Texas Pete brand name and trademark identifies the Garner Foods brand of condiment, seasoning, hot sauces and BBQ sauce, not the location of manufacturing. White claimed in his motion to dismiss the lawsuit that he "has been compelled to seek dismissal due to the harassment he and his friends have experienced in connection with defendants discovery efforts." Those includes "unfounded and personally defamatory accusations inexplicably lodged in an initial case management statement by defendant with zero evidentiary basis." T.W. Garner could not be immediately reached for comment on White's claims of harassment. Most people do not like to be in the hospital. It is a time of anxiety, fear and wondering what the results of a diagnosis may be. Chaplains are taught to have a non-anxious presence when visiting patients and families. We responded to many calls. These calls and referrals include medical alerts, suicidal ideations, depression, death and overdoses. A chaplain involved in patient care must have a non-judgmental presence. One does not know what a patient has been through or what may have caused the situation. We are called to these situations to provide care with our presence and good listening skills. Chaplains are part of the team of caregivers and have a code of conduct. Now let us get down to the nitty-gritty work of a chaplain. Due to confidentiality concerns, I am not sharing real names in these cases. Case 1 "Johnny," age 9, was admitted for suicidal ideations. As I listened to him, he spoke as if his life was crumbling apart, but he still managed to have good eye contact and a wide smile. I asked him what were some of the things that were bothering him. He felt that he was not loved and did not fit in at school. As he went on to talk, he became teary-eyed and I told him it is OK to cry. As our conversation went on, I inquired if he liked school, had a favorite teacher and subject he liked. The patient answered all the questions with a big smile on his face and after finishing gave me a high five. As chaplains we are taught that we are not counselors, and I still remember my supervisor telling us we were not to practice without a license. This young patient later went into a behavioral health facility. Case 2 "Big Red," age 76. Big Red was diagnosed with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. I introduced myself to this gentleman as the chaplain. He informed me that he was baptized a Catholic but now was an atheist. He worked in New Jersey shipyards and retired back home to Butte. This tall, strong man said he enjoyed the work. He was a lifelong smoker, was married and later divorced and had two children, a daughter and son. His daughter was a drug addict who had passed away from an overdose in New Jersey when she was in her 20s. Big Red was admitted to the hospital a few more times, and each time, he would ask for a visit from a chaplain. As he shared his life story with me, he teared up, saying he felt like he may have been a failure at being a father. I listened as he spoke about being in the Navy during Vietnam and wondering if he would make it home. During his last admission to the hospital, he asked if I would visit him. He wanted to let me know that he was dying but was not scared. Big Red said, I am a believer again, John. I have reconciled my differences with God. And would you please pray with me? A few days later, he passed away. Throughout my years as a chaplain, I have been called to the emergency department for medical alerts, motor vehicle accidents and overdoses. It may seem like an incredibly stressful situation but your job as a chaplain is to be present to all involved. You are watching the caregivers do their best. Families are extremely anxious and fearful about what is happening. They may also be angry about the situation. Once again, as the chaplain, you are to have a non-anxious presence and a non-judgmental attitude. In a very real way, our job is to embody the very hopeful spirit of the classic passage from the Book of Numbers: The Lord bless you land keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Numbers 6:24-26) Aggravated DUI In the early morning hours Friday, Jonathan W. Harrington, 51, of Butte allegedly struck a gas pump with his vehicle at the Town Pump on Montana Street and Rowe Road. He was jailed for aggravated driving under the influence and careless driving. Out walking Early Friday, an officer recognized Trinda L. Atcheson, 31, of Butte as she was walking in the 800 block of South Wyoming Street. When she saw the officer, she ran but was quickly apprehended. Atcheson, who had two warrants out for arrest out of Lewis & Clark County, also had in her possession property allegedly belonging to someone else. She was also jailed for obstructing a police officer and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. Several offenses On Thursday, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper arrested Wade W. Link, 66, of Butte for several offenses. Link, who had two MHP warrants out for his arrest, was also jailed for operating a vehicle with an expired registration, seat belt violation, three city contempt offenses, operating a vehicle without liability insurance, and driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license. This past Monday, an MHP trooper arrested Zachary G. Funke, 40, of Anaconda. Funke was jailed for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, probation violation, and driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license. Late-night chase At around 11 p.m. Tuesday, an officer noticed a vehicle going across Cobban Street without headlights. The officer tried to get the driver, Kenneth McGivern, 44, to pull over, but the Butte man decided to take the officer on a chase instead. The evening ended with a flat tire for McGivern, thanks to some spike strips, and the officer caught up with him in Hail Columbia Gulch. He was jailed for failure to have two headlamps properly operating, criminal endangerment, fleeing from police, and driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license. Verbal dispute Jaylen A. Sutton, 23, of Butte was allegedly in an argument Tuesday with a woman in the 800 block of West Broadway Street. Police were called but Sutton had left the residence. He was found nearby and officers discovered he had three city contempt warrants out for his arrest. He was taken to jail. Not leaving Sueann S. McGillivray, 70, of Butte was told several times Tuesday to leave the Butte Plaza Inn, 2900 Harrison Ave. The police were eventually called, and she was jailed for criminal trespass to property. Drug offenses Cody J. Harris-Lakey, 41, of Butte was arrested Wednesday for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and probation violation. Pushing, slamming Brennon D. Hajek, 24, of Butte is accused of pushing another resident during a dispute and slamming the front door, breaking it off its hinges, at the Butte Rescue Mission Wednesday. Hajek reportedly took off when police arrived, but he was quickly apprehended. He was jailed for resisting arrest, assault, obstructing a peace officer, and criminal mischief. Wednesday DUI Law enforcement thought the vehicle Daniel J. Sullivan, 30, of Dickinson, North Dakota was driving had just been involved in an accident. Although Sullivan was not involved, when an officer attempted to pull him over, he continued on his way at a high rate of speed. An MHP trooper located the vehicle on George Street. Sullivan appeared to be intoxicated and was taken into custody. At the Butte Detention Center, he refused a Breathalyzer and was jailed for driving under the influence and reckless driving. Criminal trespass Danny M. Cunningham, 31, of Butte was asked to leave Montana Lils, 1400 Harrison Ave., by management and the police a number of times Wednesday. He refused and was arrested for criminal trespass to property. Kalispell absconder A disturbance between Sunny J. St. John, 46, of Butte and a woman led to his Wednesday arrest. St. John reportedly slapped a woman across the face and was later found in a recreational vehicle parked in the 800 block of West Quartz Street. Officers allegedly found St. John had suspected methamphetamine in the RV, along with a scale and pipes. Officers also learned that St. John was an absconder with a felony warrant out of Kalispell. He was also jailed for partner or family member assault, criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and probation violation. More reports The power steering cable on an Adult Probation & Parole vehicle was cut while it was parked on the 100 block of East Granite Street. Some tools were stolen from a 1995 Jeep. Suspected drugs were found in a parking lot at 5151 Harrison Ave. Someone reported gunshots near the intersection of East First and Delaware. Streets. Turns out it was only a forklift that had backfired. A 1994 maroon GMC Sierra pickup was reported stolen from the 400 block of South Montana Street. Deer Lodge newspaper owner Jesse Mullen says his enterprising business sense and support for local election officers makes him best suited for Secretary of State. So far the only Democrat to announce a bid for SOS, Mullen would presumably challenge Republican incumbent Christi Jacobsen, a deputy in the Secretary of States office administration immediately prior to winning her first term in 2020. In that 2020 race, a record-breaking turnout and a decisive sweep for Republicans, Jacobsen tallied up more votes than any other candidate. Jacobsen has not yet declared a bid for re-election, and a spokesperson for her office was not available late Thursday. Mullen last year lost his first bid for state Senate to Republican Terry Vermeire, who had been a county commissioner in Deer Lodge for 10 years and won that race with 55% of the vote the first time a Republican had claimed that seat since the district went into effect in 2014. "She's seen that role from the government side," Mullen said of Jacobsen in an interview in Missoula this week. "Im the right person for the job. I understand the business needs of our state. I am truly passionate about having safe and secure elections and I understand the reality of how that work gets done on a county level. For me, it's not about politics." Election integrity remains a volatile issue in some local Republican circles even while the national GOP officials have tried to nudge their party away from former President Donald Trumps 2020 claims and toward election practices at the heart of some of those claims, such as ballot collection. County election officials have resigned in droves since Trumps unproven claims that the election was stolen from him stirred up locals to the point of what county clerks called "harassment" even in counties where Trump won. Then-Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan made a public plea last year for Jacobsen to step up in their defense rather than staying on the sidelines. Jacobsen's office responded in a statement saying local election officials are "a trusted source" of election information and any election official under threat should contact law enforcement. Mullen said he believes Montana elections are in fact secure, and if elected Secretary of State his office would lend more public support to those election officials that have been targeted by such attacks. "I think that what she has done to our clerk and recorders, our election officials, election deputies, is essentially throw them under the bus," Mullen said. "The job of the Secretary of State is to be the chief elections officer, and I view that very much as supporting the people who are running the elections." His campaign website and social media presence have focused a lot on big issues: healthcare, climate change, gun control, public lands. And while public lands management is a role of the SOS on the state Land Board, Mullens website specifically talks about national parks. Mullen said he talks about the big issues to give voters his thoughts on the spectrum of political issues. He, like a handful of other Democratic challengers to Republicans' grip on statewide offices, is still trying to carve out some recognition with voters. "I believe the average voter does want to have a holistic idea of the opinions of a candidate," he said. "They need to know who I am and where I stand, even on issues that aren't directly related to the job." The Secretary of States Office has not lately fallen to the status of stepping-stone public office for election officials waiting their turn for governor or Congress. But Mullen pledged to seek a second term in the Secretary of States Office if elected to a first. The Bitterroot Star, the Philipsburg Mail, Silver State Post in Deer Lodge, Seeley-Swan Pathfinder, and the combined Valerian-Cut Bank Pioneer-Glacier Reporter-Shelby Advertiser newspapers are all Mullen Newspapers, which Mullen said he "stepped away" from two months ago. His campaign will advertise in those papers as he did during his state senate run, and said any profit from his campaign advertising will be donated locally. Many newcomers flocked to the Billings area during and following the pandemic, including some California quail. Billings Gazette photographer Larry Mayer recently captured shots of a covey of the birds near his Acton-area ranch as they roamed the grasslands looking for food. Matt Ladd, wildlife manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Billings, speculated the nonnative quail may be escapees from a shooting preserve. "People out hunting can harvest them any time of the year," he added, since quail aren't recognized by FWP as a game bird. California quail are native, as their name implies, to California. Some were transplanted as game birds to parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Baja. Theyve also been introduced in Hawaii, Europe and New Zealand. Larry Berrin, executive director of Montana Audubon, called the Billings-area sighting odd. "California quail were introduced in areas in northern Wyoming (way south of Billings) many years ago and have spread throughout the valley in Wyoming, but I've not heard of them in Eastern Montana," he wrote in an email. Since around 2001 there has also been a small but growing population in Montanas Bitterroot Valley. That year, the annual state bird count first recorded 17 of the species in the Bitterroot. Sam Lawry, the executive director of the Teller Wildlife Refuge in the Bitterroot Valley, wrote in 2016 the birds were first seen near Corvallis in 2006. He speculated the birds arrived in the area by escaping or being released from hobby farms. Audubon Christmas Bird Counts found the animals increased from 74 in 2006 to 400 by 2016. In last years Christmas Bird Counts near Stevensville, 757 quail were spotted with another 227 seen in the Hamilton-area. The website eBird reveals sightings of California quail near Bozeman and south of Havre, and in Wyoming near Cody and Lovell. "There are no eBird records of California quail in the Billings area, but generally the birding community does not get super excited when nonnative upland game birds are reported at a new location because they've almost certainly been released there, and are unlikely to form or be a part of a viable population," said Bo Crees, avian specialist for Montana Audubon. According to the Cornell Labs All About Birds website, it is the male of the species that has the black topknot or plume atop its head, made up of six overlapping feathers. The small, round birds have gray breast feathers with scaled white and black bellies. The male also has a white stripe around the base of its neck, extending up to the sides of its eyes and a separate stripe across the top of its head like a headband. For comparison, they are somewhat smaller than Hungarian partridge, also known as gray partridge. California quail mainly dine on seeds and leaves from a variety of plants, according to the National Audubon Society. They will also eat acorns, berries, flowers, bulbs and insects. Huns, chukar, wild turkeys and ring-necked pheasant are all nonnative game bird species planted in Montana by Fish, Wildlife & Parks to provide hunting opportunity. The state, however, does not recognize California quail as a game bird so no regulation for their take exists. Some other cool facts about California quail include: California quail nests, which are usually on the ground, can contain as many as 28 eggs, dull white to pale buff in color. These large clutches may be the result of females laying eggs in nests other than their own, a behavior known as "egg-dumping." The eggs hatch in about 18 to 23 days. In about 10 days the young can fly short distances. In years with good food supplies, they can raise two broods. Several California quail broods may mix after hatching, and all the parents care for the young. Adults that raise young this way tend to live longer than adults that do not. Males are often seen perched above the covey to serve as a lookout for predators. A quick pit-pit is the alarm call. Their song has been described as sounding like Chi-ca-go. As an adaptation to living in arid environments, California quail can get by without water for long periods, acquiring needed moisture from insects and succulent vegetation. During periods of sustained heat they must find drinking water to survive. Adaptable to a variety of habitats, the birds are found on the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge along the Bitterroot River, but are also at home in semi-desert areas populated by juniper and sage. The birds avoid mountains. During breeding season, males call loudly to advertise territory. In courtship, the male will droop its wings and spread its tail to attract attention as it bobs its head. He may rush at the female. Former President Donald Trump raised more than $45.5 million from July through September, his campaign announced. Trump is running for another four-year term as president, and candidates for federal office are required to file fundraising reports every three months. Trumps campaign ended the period with nearly $36 million in the account, his campaign said. Trump holds commanding leads in polling on the 2024 Republican presidential primary, both nationally and in Iowa, according to Real Clear Politics and ABC News 538. DeSantis fundraising figures Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis raised $15 million during the July through September federal reporting period, his campaign announced. That total includes fundraising through DeSantis campaign committee, leadership PAC, and joint fundraising committee, his campaign said. DeSantis, the governor of Florida, has the second-highest polling average on the Republican presidential primary, behind former President Donald Trump, according to Real Clear Politics and ABC News 538. Iowa farmers support DeSantis A PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis presidential campaign announced a coalition of Iowa farmers is backing DeSantis. The Never Back Down PAC said the coalition is comprised of 17 state leaders and more than 100 members statewide. The leaders include Ross Paustian, a former Iowa state lawmaker from Walcott. Bohannan fundraising numbers Christina Bohannan, a Democratic candidate in Eastern Iowas 1st Congressional District, raised more than $664,000 in the recent three-month reporting period, her campaign said. Bohannan received donations from 1,800 individuals, 1,300 of which were from Iowa, her campaign said. Bohannan seeks her partys nomination and the opportunity to run a second time against Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Authorities have arrested 11 suspects in connection to a high-level motor vehicle registration fraud at the National Transport and Safety Authority. This is after detectives conducted a comprehensive system audit of the NTSA Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) after suspecting that crooked NTSA officials were operating back office accounts to register motor vehicles fraudulently. In the ongoing probe conducted by Cybercrime sleuths based at the National Forensic Laboratory, the main suspect identified as Jimmy Kibet Wayans, was arrested at a house in Lavington where he operated a suspicious account that had infiltrated the TIMS system to illegally introduce vehicles. For instance, in March and April alone, 47 vehicles had their chassis changed while 54 were fraudulently added into the system, laying bare the extent of the fraud perpetuated by the criminals. Further investigations reveal that the suspect who is not an employee of NTSA had major back office roles and was in control of several other fictitious user accounts in the NTSA system. Detectives are also investigating how a deactivated account belonging to a former ICT officer at NTSA was reactivated and was being used for back-office transactions, several months after he had tendered his resignation in July 2022. Following the revelation, three NTSA employees Anthony Waithaka, David Migwi, and David Kimaren were also arrested, in the elaborate criminal enterprise that also involves officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority. So far, one suspect from KRA identified as Boniface Njoroge has been arrested as detectives burn the midnight candle to bring all the suspects involved in this high-level fraud denying the government the much-needed revenue to book. Also arrested were Denis Wafula, Anthony Kariuki, and Marvin Renisi. Others are Julius Kiprop, Amos Muthaki, and Caleb Odiambo. Previously, a comprehensive expose by FichuakwaDCI had unmasked how crooked officials at the motor vehicle registration body colluding with rogue staff working in Microfinance institutions and street brokers had made the lives of vehicle owners unbearable. This is after detectives uncovered an elaborate scheme where one motor vehicle registration number and its logbook would be registered to more than one vehicle and the fraudulent logbook used to secure loans from banks and microfinances. Before the bona fide owner of the logbook realized that his/her logbook had secured a loan, auctioneers from the microfinances involved would be rudely knocking on their doors, to impound and sell the vehicles for not servicing loans that they did not take. This was followed by the arrest of two men who were busted at a cyber cafe located in Ngara, along Desai road, with 450 genuine motor vehicle logbooks. At the cyber, an application for a logbook would take a few hours before it was delivered from an insider at NTSA while other Kenyans waited for their documents for months. The mastermind of the syndicate would also illegally develop affidavits and commission them, before sending them to their contacts at NTSA for forced transfer of motor vehicles. In a matter of minutes, the transfer of a motor vehicle would be finalized exposing the possibility of ones vehicle being transferred without their knowledge. This among other complaints from frustrated Kenyans cast the National Transport and Safety Authority on the spot, prompting the ongoing probe sanctioned by the DCI Director, Mr Mohamed Amin. Recently the Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary visited NTSA headquarters where he assured Kenyans that sanity would be restored at the agency. Meanwhile, members of the public are cautioned to be wary of brokers who obtain money from them on the pretext of expediting the processing of motor vehicle logbooks, reflective plates, and driving licenses. Instead, they are advised to make use of the TIM portal. The suspects face several counts including obtaining registration by false pretense contrary to section 320 of the penal code, unauthorized access contrary to section 14(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime Act, access with intent to commit a further offense, and unauthorized interference all under the same act. By the Directorate of Criminal Investigations(DCI) For the second time in approximately a week, authorities in Kilifi have canceled a five-day mega crusade organized by Pastor Ezekiel Odero along the Kilifi-Mombasa highway. Ezekiel, who has been in contentious interactions with authorities since his controversial counterpart Paul Mackenzie was arrested in connection with the mass killings in Shakahola, was unable to officiate a crusade scheduled from Wednesday, September 27, to Sunday, October 1. The preacher postponed the crusade to this week, but police once again stopped it. Last week, Kilifi North Sub County Police Commander Kenneth Maina said that they could not permit the crusade to occur at Kwa Kenga wa Mumba farm in Mwezangombe area as they had not been notified within the legally stipulated time. Following the postponement of last weeks event as they awaited approval for this weeks Kilifi Revival Crusade, the preacher and his followers proceeded with distributing food and engaging in other charitable activities. On Thursday, October 5, the Kilifi North Sub County Police Commander sent a letter to the preacher, notifying him that his request to conduct the crusade had been rejected due to security concerns. Its true we have stopped the crusade due to security issues that we cannot disclose, but we had a talk with Pastor Ezekiels lawyer Danstan Omari today morning (Thursday) over the issues and he understood the reason behind our move and promised to follow up the issues, said Maina as quoted by the Nation. A press briefing scheduled by the preachers representatives was abruptly canceled at the last minute, with no explanation provided. This comes weeks after police also shut down pastor Ezekiels Church in Kagai, Nyeri town. The newly opened New Life Prayer Centre and Church branch had been operational for just two weeks. An inquest into the death of the late Keroche heiress Tecra Mungai resumed Thursday, with Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja, her son James Mungai, and a family friend Peter Kariuki, taking the stand. Tabitha Karanja told the court that Omar Lali might have played a role in her daughters demise due to her refusal to continue financing him. While being cross-examined by Lalis lawyer, Karanja said it was unusual for Tecra, 29, to be transferring substantial sums of money to a 60-year-old man. For us, it was not normala child to transfer money to a 60-year-old man, thats not normal. In our culture, men send the money, not the other way round. Not usual for an older man to be receiving huge amounts of money from a young girl, said Tabitha. She also told Senior Principal Magistrate Zainab Abdul that, as a mother, she did not approve her daughters relationship with Omar Lali. Tabitha informed the court that she believed Lali was greedy, refuting claims that she controlled her daughter. Instead, she claimed that she allowed Tecra the freedom to lead her own life. She knew what she was doing was wrongI did not approve of that relationshipIt was not about the looks, you are not Jehova to know who looks good. Tecras brother James Mungai Karanja on his part expressed his dissatisfaction with the relationship, highlighting that the age difference was something he had not anticipated. He said he was shocked when he met Lali. If I were to advise her then, Id have discouraged her from that relationshipmy parents never approved that relationshipI was sent to go to Lamu to tell her to go back home but she declined, he said. Mungai also informed the court that Tecra would become defensive whenever he attempted to broach the topic of Lali. She said with or without family approval. She would still date him. She kept saying he is a prophet and not an ordinary man, he said. Meanwhile, the Keroche family friend, Peter Kariuki, claimed that Omar might have emotionally manipulated Tecra. I think he used false pretenses to convince her to stayLike trying to cut off communication between her and family, friends, and people she knew way before, he said. Kariuki said he was astonished upon learning about Tecras relationship with Lali, as he was familiar with the kind of individuals he expected Tecra to be romantically involved with. They were much younger. It seemed she didnt have a chance to express herself in the relationship, he said. The inquest was adjourned to December 6, 2023, when Lali is expected to provide his testimony. It's not the traditional Napoleon-style pies, nor the Chicago or St. Louis types you'll find at Croccante Artisan Pizza, an eatery on Pearl Street in downtown Napa. Instead, it's the rare-in-this-time-zone Detroit style pizza, a square slice that's drawing in high praise from both locals and visitors. Saying the targets to cut water use in cities and towns will be costly and difficult to achieve, water agencies throughout California have raised concerns about an ambitious state proposal that would require more water conservation statewide beginning in 2025. The State Water Resources Control Boards proposed regulations would mandate conservation measures by more than 400 cities and water agencies that serve about 95% of Californians. The measure could save about 413,000 acre-feet a year by 2030, enough to serve about 1.2 million households per year. During the last three-year drought, which ended this year, the Newsom administration set voluntary conservation goals that were largely ineffective. Californians used only about 6% less water from July 2021 through the end of last year compared to 2020, far less than Gov. Gavin Newsoms 15% goal. The new rules are mandated by a package of laws enacted in 2018 by the Legislature and former Gov. Jerry Brown that aim to make water conservation a California way of life, not simply an emergency drought measure. Water providers from the Mojave Desert to Sonoma County and beyond warned at a board workshop on Wednesday that the regulations would be a challenge, particularly because many would have to make steep cuts to outdoor water use. About 80 people, mostly representing water agencies, spoke during the meeting, which lasted more than eight hours. The regulation would cost water suppliers about $13.5 billion from 2025 to 2040 more than 40% of which would fund rebate programs and other efforts to cut residential water use, according to the water board. But the benefits are anticipated to reach about $15.6 billion between 2025 and 2040, largely from reduced water purchases by both suppliers and customers. Its awkward, because we are committed to water use efficiency, said Ryan Ojakian, government relations manager for the Regional Water Authority, which represents Sacramento-area providers. It really comes down to, are the regulations feasible? Are the costs worth the benefits? And what are the consequences in achieving the regulations? The water board is expected to vote by next summer on the rules, which could go into effect next fall. Water suppliers, not individual customers, would have to meet the targets and each supplier would need to figure out its own strategy. These could include rebates that encourage customers to swap out thirsty lawns for more drought-proof landscapes or rate structures that penalize heavy water users. Water providers said it will be difficult to squeeze more conservation out of their customers. They want us to save water at such an accelerated rate, that even if we had all the money, we would not be able to convince our customer base to participate at the rates we need them to, said Joe Berg, director of water use efficiency at the Municipal Water District of Orange County. We can build it, but they dont necessarily come. The state agencys formula sets targets for each water agency based on goals for indoor and outdoor residential water use, business landscapes with dedicated irrigation meters, losses like leaks and other variables, such as the presence of livestock in a region. In the rules, the states targets for indoor and outdoor water use in residential areas ratchet down, beginning in 2030 and then again in 2035. Suppliers that fail to live within their prescribed water budget could face escalating consequences that could eventually lead to fines of $1,000 a day starting in 2027 or $10,000 a day during droughts. Tracy Quinn, CEO of the environmental group Heal the Bay, told the board that water conservation measures are critical as California stares down a water-scarce future. Between the declining snowpack, ongoing haggling over Colorado River water, groundwater regulations and projections that climate change could dry up 10% of the states water supply, there is an incredible need for us to do a rulemaking thats going to require the efficient use of water, she said. About 231 agencies serving nearly 27 million Californians are already on track to meet the 2025 objectives without reducing their water use, mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. And 71 agencies serving 8.5 million Californians are expected to meet the 2035 standards as well, including the city of San Diego, the San Jose Water Company, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the Irvine Ranch Water District and city of Santa Ana. Cumulatively, the rules are expected to save about 6.3 million acre-feet between 2025 and 2040, mostly from residential measures. Berg said the regulations could cost Orange County water agencies more than $707 million over 11 years to implement. But more than that, he said, hes concerned that the standards for outdoor water conservation accelerate too quickly. If an agency were to look at the cost to comply and compare that to the cost of the fines, it wouldnt surprise me if an agency just says, OK, well just take fines,' Berg said. Claire Nordlie, water use efficiency supervisor for the city of Santa Rosa, echoed those concerns during the workshop. I really want to emphasize that sustained water savings are difficult to achieve. It takes decades of time, and a significant investment of resources, as well as a population and a culture within your service area that want to participate, she said. Nordlie said fewer and fewer people are participating in the citys rebate program for removing lawns, which offers $1 for every square foot of grass removed. Customers surveyed say that it costs about $7 a square foot to tear out their lawns. That cost, Nordlie said, is a major barrier. If customers dont want to participate, we cant force them to, she said. Jay Lund, director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at UC Davis, told the board hes concerned that the regulations could affect public trust. Certainly some aspects of our society are really upset every time you come in there with a new regulation, and so I think we have to bear that in mind, Lund said. Because that blowback can be very bad for a lot of more important things than this. Smaller water agencies, especially in inland regions, will be the hardest-hit. Ten suppliers serving about 200,000 Californians are expected to face cuts upward of 30% in 2025, but the number increases to 84 suppliers serving 3.7 million Californians in 2035. Included are the cities of Atwater and Kingsburg, the Oildale Mutual Water Company and the West Kern Water District, according to state data. Jennifer Cusack, director public and government affairs with the Hi-Desert Water District in Yucca Valley on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park, said the water agency has long struggled with its water supply and theres little room for additional conservation. Many ornamental lawns are already gone and indoor water fixtures have been improved. Theres not a lot of opportunities for savings in our community, because weve done so much already, she said. A lot of folks dont even irrigate their homes. They have dirt lots or maybe some trees. Even so, the desert water supplier is expected to be out of compliance with the 2030 and 2035 targets, which, she said, just raises a red flag. In response to earlier calls for increased flexibility, state regulators offered an alternative pathway that would give some providers, such as those serving disadvantaged communities, extra time to meet a 2035 outdoor water-use target, provided they meet certain criteria. Wildfire vulnerability: Lack of backup power imperils firefighting efforts across US PACE co-rapporteurs to make monitoring visit to Armenia 10,800 mAh, 200 MP, 120 Hz frequency and night vision camera: Doogee V30 Pro rugged smartphone introduced Yerevan hosting international conference on 100th anniversary of Armenian Cinema Armenia legislature vice-speaker: Azerbaijan president not a peacemaker at all Embassy in Baku: Germany supports Azerbaijan-Armenia talks, with European Council Presidents mediation Hakob Arshakyan: There is one original military map but Armenia, Azerbaijan have access to it Rakuten Viber in 2023, superapp for brand-user interactions: NEWS.ams editor to take part in exclusive online webinar Noubar Afeyan: Arresting, charging Ruben Vardanyan is psychological pressure on worlds 10 million Armenians Greece sends humanitarian aid for Armenians displaced from Karabakh Secret of Alexis Ohanian's success: Surfer mindset EU will ban targeted advertising on Facebook and Instagram on its territory Armenia National Security Service exposes terrorism preparation Zakharova: Armenia leadership is purposefully destroying allied relations with Russia Azerbaijan announces capture of elderly Armenian man Russia MFA spox accuses some Armenia media of Russophobia and nationalism Maria Zakharova: Moscow stands ready to host Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs meeting in near future Armenia health minister on measles: We have outbreak but its dying down Introduction of the .ing top-level domain by Google: Pricing and pre-booking details Bidens new possible nominee for US Deputy Secretary of State was educated in Soviet Armenia Turkey presidential lawyer joins Hrant Dink murder trial PM: Unit within National Security Service is set up that will ensure security of communications via Armenia EU monitoring mission in Armenia announces full activity by opening headquarters in Yeghegnadzor city Pope Francis says he loves the sea but hasn't been there in almost 50 years Will AI destroy us all? 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Ambassador of Hungary to Armenia Anna Maria Sikowhose respective diplomatic residence is in Georgian capital Tbilisistated this in written comments in response to a query from Armenpress. Hungary has donated 102,000 to the Armenian Red Cross through the Hungary Helps Programme to support the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh after the latest Azeri attack, and the victims of the September 25 fuel depot explosion. Asked to comment on the forced displacement of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in the aftermath of the September 19-20 Azerbaijani aggression, Ambassador Siko said that Hungary has a clear and firm position regarding all armed conflicts. Hungary has a clear and firm position regarding all armed conflicts, which has already been articulated on many occasions. Disputes must be settled at the negotiating table through diplomatic channels. There can only be one lasting solution, and that is peace. It is also true for the Caucasus region. Hungary hopes that wars and senseless human suffering will soon be replaced by peaceful coexistence, the Hungarian ambassador said. Siko said that Hungary fully understands the severity of the situation and that is why a few days ago she travelled to Yerevan to meet with Armenian political and religious leaders to discuss the possibility of sending humanitarian aid. As a result of the negotiations, an agreement was reached, according to which, Hungary has donated EUR 102 thousand to the Armenian Red Cross through the Hungary Helps Programme to support its humanitarian programs. The Hungarian assistance aims to contribute to the stability of the region by helping civilian victims of the conflict and the fuel depot explosion. I can only say, that we are glad to be able to provide immediate help in these dire circumstances and we will make every possible effort to continue doing so, the Hungarian ambassador said. Earlier in September, Europe Editor for RFE/RL Rikard Jozwiak claimed that the statement by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell condemning Azerbaijan was actually supposed to be a statement by all 27 members of the EU but Hungary vetoed it. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto denied the report as fake news. Ambassador Anna Maria Siko, commenting on the matter, said that the allegations about the EU statement are not based on facts and reality. Several Member States, including Hungary, made comments on the planned joint statement and at the end, consensus could not be reached, therefore it was issued on behalf of High Representative Josep Borrell, she said. Asked on Hungarys position regarding the fact that Azerbaijan has violated Armenias territorial integrity since May 2021, Ambassador Siko said that Hungary remains committed to the principle of inviolability of the territorial integrity of sovereign states. On the basis of international law, Hungary remains committed to the principle of inviolability of the territorial integrity of sovereign states. We have made our position in this regard clear on numerous occasions. We would like to see an end to unnecessary human suffering and the opportunity for every human being to live their daily lives in peace. We have always supported initiatives to this end and will continue to do so. Hungary is ready to play a mediating role again in facilitating the safe return of Armenian prisoners of war to their homeland, Ambassador Anna Maria Siko said. In 2021, Hungary mediated the repatriation of five Armenian prisoners of war who were unlawfully being held in Azerbaijan. Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, in an interview with France 2 television, addressed the current situation in Armenia and its region, as well as the issue of forcibly displaced Armenians as a result of the military operations unleashed by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. The President emphasized that as a result of the more than nine-month-long blockade by Azerbaijan and its subsequent use of large-scale military force on September 19-20, more than 100,000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh were forced to move to Armenia in just a few days recently, where their physical existence will not be threatened. Also, Khachaturyan reflected on the initiatives of various international organizations in recent months aimed at resolving the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh, and noted that although the efforts by France and various prestigious organizations towards finding a peaceful solution to the problem and finding solutions are appreciable, they were not enough to unblock the Lachin humanitarian corridor, as well as to restrain Azerbaijan and rule out its use of force. "Here we need to understand another, broader aspect. It is not only about Nagorno Karabakh, but also in any part of the world, how will we deal with similar problems, what levers are there to stop such developments, should we wait for catastrophic events to happen, and then let's just document the presence of casualties, emigrants, dispossessed, and forcibly displaced people. This is an issue that applies not only to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, but also to people living in any place in the world," the Armenian president said. Commenting on the possibility of military cooperation between Armenia and France, President Khachaturyan noted that Azerbaijan's military aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia on September 11-12, 2022 made it clear that the existing security systems are not sufficient for the full protection of the territorial integrity of Armenia, and therefore the country is taking measures to increase its defense capability by developing partners, including relations with France, and creating new ties. At the same time, the Armenian president stressed that their military cooperation with France and some other countries is not directed against any third country and has only a defensive purpose. And regarding relations with Azerbaijan, the Armenian president said as follows: "Our main goal is to resolve the matter of living in peace with Azerbaijan, we support the establishment of long-term and stable peace in the region, our policy is aimed at this, and we expect support from our international partners in this matter. We want to live in peace in our country and to settle the problems with our neighbors with peaceful instruments and develop the neighborly relations". The Azerbaijani security officials have been recently sharing videos about the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh who were kidnapped from Stepanakert and are illegally kept in Azerbaijani prisons. Edmon Marukyan, Ambassador-at-Large of Armenia, noted this on Xformer Twitter. He added as follows: These are the former and current, elected or appointed representatives of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. Apart from the everyday humiliating scenes, the Azerbaijani propaganda also spreads news about the allegedly given testimonies of this or that person. First of all, I want to state that the testimony of any captured hostage or PoW is considered inadmissible evidence and cannot be used as a basis for any charges, because the Azerbaijani special services obtain these testimonies in gross violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. It is needless to even say that the hostages themselves -do not have the opportunity to have a defender of their choice, -do not have the opportunity to stand before an independent and impartial tribunal established by law, -do not have the opportunity to have a fair trial, and if they give any testimony, they give it under the threat of torture and violation of the right to life. All the evidence that is now allegedly obtained from these people is obtained in gross violations of Articles 3, 5, 6, 13, 14 of the ECHR and Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights. Moreover, according to Freedom House the former and current elected leaders of Nagorno Karabakh managed to create a democracy, which was rated Partly Free with 37 score, meanwhile now they are kidnapped and illegally detained and are going through false allegations in Azerbaijan, in a system, which was rated Not Free, with 9 scores, by the Freedom House. Freedom House rates peoples access to political rights and civil liberties in 210 countries and territories through its annual Freedom in the World report. Individual freedoms - ranging from the right to vote to freedom of expression and equality before the law. Therefore, all the propaganda of Azerbaijan regarding all the representatives of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, captured by and illegally imprisoned in the prisons of Azerbaijan, cannot have any credibility. All prisoners of war and hostages, regardless of their political and/or other role, elected or appointed, must be released immediately. PACE co-rapporteurs to make monitoring visit to Armenia Yerevan hosting international conference on 100th anniversary of Armenian Cinema Armenia legislature vice-speaker: Azerbaijan president not a peacemaker at all Embassy in Baku: Germany supports Azerbaijan-Armenia talks, with European Council Presidents mediation Hakob Arshakyan: There is one original military map but Armenia, Azerbaijan have access to it Noubar Afeyan: Arresting, charging Ruben Vardanyan is psychological pressure on worlds 10 million Armenians Greece sends humanitarian aid for Armenians displaced from Karabakh Armenia National Security Service exposes terrorism preparation Zakharova: Armenia leadership is purposefully destroying allied relations with Russia Azerbaijan announces capture of elderly Armenian man Russia MFA spox accuses some Armenia media of Russophobia and nationalism Maria Zakharova: Moscow stands ready to host Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs meeting in near future Bidens new possible nominee for US Deputy Secretary of State was educated in Soviet Armenia Turkey presidential lawyer joins Hrant Dink murder trial PM: Unit within National Security Service is set up that will ensure security of communications via Armenia EU monitoring mission in Armenia announces full activity by opening headquarters in Yeghegnadzor city Pope Francis says he loves the sea but hasn't been there in almost 50 years Pashinyan: Quite a large flow of forcibly displaced people from Karabakh are applying for Armenia citizenship Leapmotor to become Stellantis' 15th brand Armenia delegate: Russian natural gas being sold to Europe via Azerbaijan pipeline should not prevail over democracy Newspaper: Karabakh MPs holding closed discussions in Armenia US State Department: Any violation of Armenia sovereignty, territorial integrity will bring serious consequences James Webb telescope manages to measure exoplanet temperature Belgium allows owners to be buried alongside their pets Azerbaijan, Pakistan are developing military cooperation Armenia official: Our goal is to get license to operate the nuclear plant until 2036 Economy minister proposes China companies to be engaged in Armenia industrial parks, dry port projects 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 Azerbaijans refusal to attend a summit orchestrated by Emmanuel Macron is casting doubt on the French presidents diplomatic effectiveness in reaching peace agreements, as relations between Baku and Paris sour rapidly, Bloomber reports. Macron had hoped to get Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to sit at the same table for talks in Granada, Spain, on Thursday, where some 45 European leaders are gathered for a forum he designed to foster dialogue on the continent. Aliyev canceled his visit hours after his ally Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also pulled out. France doesnt have a problem with Azerbaijan, its Azerbaijan that has a problem with the commitments it makes, with keeping its word and respecting international law, a combative Macron told reporters during a news conference in Granada, saying that he planned to call Aliyev soon. We will continue acting as a mediator every time we can, he said, while also ruling out sanctions against Azerbaijan as counter-productive. Aliyev told Macron that Paris couldnt be a neutral partner given its ties to Armenia, according to people familiar with their exchanges, who asked not to be identified because the information isnt public. Macron believes Aliyev assured him Azerbaijan wouldnt take military action against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh shortly before it launched a lightning assault last month to take full control of the region, the people said. Aliyevs foreign policy adviser Hikmet Hajiyev said on X, formerly known as Twitter, Thursday that Azerbaijan supported three-way talks with Armenia and the European Union, without the involvement of France. He blamed Frances biased actions and militarization policy that seriously undermine regional peace and stability in the South Caucasus, and accused Paris of refusing to allow Turkey to join the talks in Spain. Macron denied the accusation. Despite Aliyevs absence, Pashinyan met with Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Council President Charles Michel in Granada on Thursday. Michel said Aliyev and Pashinyan agreed to meet with him later this month in Brussels. While Azerbaijans attack effectively ended a 35-year territorial conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, it triggered an exodus of almost the entire Armenian population of the territory. More than 100,000 fled to Armenia in a matter of days, fearing for their safety even as Aliyev pledged to respect their rights if they stayed. France, which has a large Armenian community mostly descended from survivors of the 1915 genocide in Ottoman Turkey, has repeatedly clashed with Azerbaijan on the conflict. Macrons foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, promised to provide Armenia with military equipment so that it can ensure its defense during a visit to Yerevan on Tuesday. She also made a plea for support to Armenia during a phone call between US President Joe Biden and European leaders to discuss Ukraine, according to a French diplomat. Macrons government wants the United Nations to be let into Nagorno-Karabakh and for the European Union to do more to support Armenias sovereignty, including via the European Peace Facility which also reimbursed governments for military deliveries to Ukraine, one of the people said. The French also want to help Armenia reduce its dependence on Russia, the person added. It also wants the EU to do something in response to Bakus use of force. Both sanctions and use of the EPF are seen as premature at this stage, another person said. Azerbaijan allowed a UN delegation to visit Nagorno-Karabakh on Sunday. It later reported that it came across no incidents of violence against civilians, while also noting that there were very few people left. France wants to build a real European plan to support an independent Armenia thats sovereign and democratic, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said Tuesday. France is fully committed to Armenias sovereignty and territorial integrity. Macron and the EU are concerned over a potential military assault by Azerbaijan, the people said. Aliyev is pushing for a transport corridor across southern Armenia to link Baku to Azerbaijans exclave of Naxcivan, bordering Turkey and Iran, a demand that Yerevan fears may be a threat to its sovereign territory. Michel said Aliyev made very clear that they do not have territorial claims on Armenia during a phone talk between them two days earlier. It should be said in a very vocal way I think, the EU leader told reporters Thursday. The informal group meeting in Spain, known as the European Political Community, brings the 27 EU member states together with countries including Ukraine, Moldova and the UK. One of the key objectives Macron set out for the forum is to help resolve international crises by engaging the EU more with non-members to foster a common culture. Serbia and Kosovo are set to hold talks with Macron and Scholz in Granada. The French and German leaders in June demanded new elections in North Kosovo following contested results, though the conflict remains. As EU leaders gather in Granada on Thursday, their most publicised agenda item is the situation with Armenia after Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh following a 24-hour military operation that ended almost four decades of tension, writes EURACTIV. The international press has focused on Azerbaijans strongman, Ilhan Aliyev, who snubbed the five-way talks planned on the sidelines of the summit with the leaders of France, Germany, and Armenia, hosted by Council President Charles Michel. Such a snub is embarrassing for the hosts. But Aliyev is the EUs favourite dictator. After Russia attacked Ukraine, Azerbaijans gas became precious as Russian supplies dwindled. Aliyev has so far accepted all the invitations by the EUs Michel to discuss Karabakh, and there were many photo opportunities with his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan, despite the total failure of the exercise. Now Aliyev took Karabakh as a low-hanging fruit because he could. He can also claim there is no ethnic cleansing: The population of 120,000 left to seek refuge in Armenia, not because Aliyevs army drove them out but because they feared this would happen. There is no damage to civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and housing or to cultural and religious sites in Karabakh, the UN said. So everything is fine, the EUs favourite dictator has accomplished the perfect war without casualties, without destruction, without war crimes. Moreover, under international law, Nagorno-Karabakh is the territory of Azerbaijan, so one may argue that this was going to happen sooner or later. Aliyev succeeded, it seems, because Europe has forgotten how things went down in Munich in 1938. Appeasing the dictator (Hitler in that case) was the basis of the 1938 agreement between France, the UK, fascist Italy, and Nazi Germany. It essentially provided for the German annexation of a part of Czechoslovakia called the Sudetenland, where more than three million people, mainly ethnic Germans, lived. Giving Hitler what he wants to appease him was of course a shameful and wrong move. Aliyev is suspected of gearing up for another war, whose aim is to establish a land corridor between the Azeri enclave of Nahichivan and mainland Azerbaijan by grabbing Armenian territory. And he has the support of Turkey, which has megalomaniac dreams about a bigger Turkic corridor, all the way from Anatolia to the Uigurs in China. The only piece of land lacking to complete this puzzle is Armenian territory. Aliyev knew he would be under pressure in Granada, alone against four at the five-way talks, so he turned down the invitation. As a pretext, he used pro-Armenian statements by French officials and an alleged French decision to supply Yerevan with military equipment. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna was the first Western official to visit Yerevan after the fall of Karabakh. But she didnt announce a decision to supply Armenia with French armament. What she said was: France has given its agreement to the conclusion of future contracts with Armenia, which will allow the delivery of military equipment to Armenia so that it can ensure its defence. Giving an agreement for the conclusion of future contracts does not mean military supplies would start anytime soon. And France doesnt have much to send anyway, as the supplies sent to Ukraine have dried up the stocks. The real context: France is home to half a million ethnic Armenians and Colonna needed to visit Yerevan and say something that would sound nice and appropriate. Aliyev knows that, but the pretext was just too good to pass up. The EU made a major mistake by not inviting Turkish President Recep Erdogan to the five-way mediation talks in Granada. The Turkish president is a major player in the region, and a strong backer of Azerbaijan, and should not be absent from such talks. If the Granada meeting was expected to be a milestone, indeed, it will be one, in terms of failed European policies. The gathering will likely encourage Aliyev and Erdogan to go ahead and grab from Armenia what they want. The Armenians can try to fight but perhaps they had better surrender. It seems no one is really prepared to help them. This analytical article by Dan Perry is republished from Newsweek. Dan Perry is managing partner of the New York-based communications firm Thunder11. He is the former Cairo-based Middle East editor and London-based Europe/Africa editor of the Associated Press. It is a grand vexation of geopolitics: the failure of powers to act while action is possible. It can lead to tragedy, decimate power hard and soft, and leave a mess behind,. So it has been in Nagorno-Karabakh, the restive province of Azerbaijan. No matter where one stands on the complex and emotive dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region, it is safe to say the West comes away looking ridiculous from the sudden exodus of its 120,000 indigenous people. This shocking event, which many see as one of the largest cases of ethnic cleansing in recent history, creates the world's newest refugee crisis. It coincided with the sudden collapse of the self-governing authority in the region after a Sept. 19 military attack by Azerbaijan even as the European Union and the United States inadvertently provided a smokescreen with "peace talks" that diplomats kept claiming were "promising." And though The New York Times claims no one saw this coming, to me it seems preordained by Western inaction, whether due to impotence, inattention or indifference. From a broader perspective, it's understandable that few wanted to take a side on Nagorno-Karabakh, a complicated situation with some moral ambiguity. Armenians see the province as a heartland of an empire that once covered most of the Caucasus, parts of Turkey and beyond. But history intervened, the Soviet Union eventually gobbled up the region, and Nagorno-Karabakh was handed to the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan. For the Soviets, such shenanigans were a feature, not a bug. They purposely scrambled ethnic groups and moved internal borders around to complicate the prospect of republics becoming independent countries. Thus was a Slavic-populated strip of what might have been Ukraine appended to Romanian-speaking Moldovayielding Trans-Dniester, a separatist region where wars have been fought. A similar strategy also applied to Ukraine to which territories that might plausibly have been in Russia were added; it is no reprieve for Russian President Vladimir Putin to appreciate that this stoked the war there. And so it was with Nagorno-Karabakh ending up in Azerbaijan. In all cases, when the Soviet Union collapsed three decades ago, none of these countries had the presence of mind to dump these territories, whose unhappy populations anyway diluted the ethnic majority of the dominant group. In this, the newly formed countries found allies in the West. Traumatized by history, Western nations had little patience for separatist movements or border changes. Once you start, the thinking goes, there will be no end to the demands of squabbling tribes. On the one hand, true enough; on the other, a recipe for another kind of trouble. In Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic Armenians won control in a war in the early 1990s in which hundreds of thousands of ethnic Azerbaijanis were displaced. The area became a "self-governing entity" within Azerbaijanbut really self-governing, with massive ties to Armenia: the people had Armenian passports and not Azerbaijani ones, while living in territory which still was internationally recognized as Azerbaijan. The issue became an obsession to the Baku-based regime of Ilham Aliyev. This regime is dictatorial (ranking 157 out of 176 on the Democracy Matrix index), kleptocratic (if the Pandora Papers be believed), and hostile to Armenians (see this Reuters story). In 2020, Azerbaijan attacked, winning back much of the lost area but keeping a rump Nagorno-Karabakh in place. At this point Aliyev decided to test Western resolve. In September 2021, Azerbaijan launched a series of attacks on Armenian sovereign territory. Then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) chastised Aliyev, but no one threatened concrete action. So, in December 2022, Azeri "eco-activists" blockaded the Lachin Corridor which connects what remained of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. In February the International Court of Justice ordered the blockade ended, which Azerbaijan ignored, again with impunity. In June 2023 Baku dropped the eco-activist ruse and totally blockaded the region, not even allowing through Red Cross humanitarian missions. At this point Luis Moreno Ocampo, former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, stepped in to declare Azerbaijan's action a "genocide" by starvation, according to Article 2C of the UN Genocide Convention. Other experts, from the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention to Juan Mendez, the former chief genocide advisor at the United Nations, agreed. Yet even as people scrounged for turnips in the besieged area, no outside government lifted a finger. The UN Security Council and U.S. Congress conducted inconclusive debates. For governments to accept Ocampo's logic would require them to take action under the Genocide Convention. Yet the failures in Iraq and Afghanistan left no further patience for international adventure. So great is Western timidity that there was not even serious talk of economic sanctions. Aliyev had a plausible argument on his sidethe inviolability of borders, even silly ones created by the Soviet Union. So, he evidently calculated that no one would stop him and attacked on Sept. 19. Within a day the self-government folded and soon thereafter the entire population fled to Armenia; just a few miles away. There are now plenty of questions. Should there be a right of return? Under what conditions? Could the status quo ante be restored? Can there be restitution of properties? Should the departure be considered an ethnic cleansing, yielding war crimes charges? What is not in question is that the mass exodus is an embarrassment to Western powersas evidenced by the tragic visage of Western humanitarian officials like Samantha Power who finally remembered to arrive upon the scene and survey the empty streets. I write this from Yerevan, where I am advising an Armenian NGO trying to build civil society in the young democracy. There is debate here about what to do next. Some want to war crimes charges. Others want to focus on the future, and put aside the conflict that has for long defined their country. But no one has a kind word for Western democracies that stood by while tens of thousands were being starved. I do not think the world wanted to appear so impotent. I don't think the West wants governments to blatantly ignore the International Court of Justice. I don't think the U.S. wants a world without rules. So why did the world ignore Ocampo? Does Azerbaijan's natural gas and oil explain all? The West's mobilization on behalf of Ukrainewith weapons and funds, but not with direct involvementobscures a more fundamental truth: We are born alone, we live alone and we die alone. You want to talk about shared values? That and four dollars will buy a cup of coffee. 08:50 Aam Adami Party MP Raghav Chadha on Friday said that the cancellation of his allotted bungalow is 'arbitrary and unprecedented'. In his statement, the AAP MP has also alleged that the cancellation was done at the 'dictates of the BJP to further their political motives and vested interest'. A Delhi court has said that Chadha cannot claim that he has an absolute right to continue to occupy the government bungalow during his entire tenure as a Member of the Rajya Sabha even after the cancellation of allotment. Additional District Judge Sudhanshu Kaushik made the observation while vacating an interim order passed on April 18 that had directed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat not to dispossess Chadha from the government bungalow. Reacting to the order, Chadha said he would be taking appropriate action in law in due course. "The trial court had initially accepted my plea and granted me interim relief. It has now returned my case on a legal technicality, which I am legally advised to state is based on an incorrect understanding of the law. I will be taking appropriate action in law in due course," he said in a statement. In an order passed on October 5, the judge said the argument that the accommodation once made to a member of Parliament cannot be cancelled under any circumstances during the member's entire tenure deserves to be rejected. "It may also be added that plaintiff has no vested right in the accommodation and his status is akin to that of a licensee, which can be revoked by the competent authority at any time. Plaintiff cannot claim that he has an absolute right to continue to occupy the accommodation during his entire tenure as a Member of Rajya Sabha," the judge said. The judge said the allotment of government accommodation is only a privilege given to the plaintiff and he has no vested right to continue to occupy the same even after the cancellation of allotment. The judge noted that the interim relief was granted to Chadha that he would not be dispossessed from the accommodation without due process of law. "This is certainly an error apparent on the face of the record and the same needs to be corrected. Accordingly, the order dated April 18, 2023 stands recalled and the interim order stands vacated," the judge said. The judge added that Chadha failed to demonstrate that any urgent or immediate relief needed to be granted in the matter. The court had in April directed the secretariat not to dispossess Chadha of the bungalow till the pendency of the application 'without due process of law'. Chadha's counsel had urged the court to grant an ex-parte ad-interim injunction against the secretariat, claiming it was hell bent to evict Chadha from the allotted accommodation. He contended Chadha will suffer irreparable injury, in case the injunction was not granted. Chadha was on July 6 last year allotted a 'Type 6' bungalow at Pandara Park but he made a representation to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha on August 29 requesting for a 'Type 7' accommodation. He was then allotted another bungalow on Pandara Road from the Rajya Sabha pool. However, in March this year, the allotment was cancelled. Chadha sought an injunction to the effect that the secretariat be restrained from taking any further action in consequence of the March 3 letter and be restrained from allotting the bungalow to some other person. The AAP MP also sought Rs 5.5 lakh in damages from the secretariat for causing him mental agony and harassment. As a first-time MP, Chadha is entitled to a Type-5 accommodation in the normal course, according to the Rajya Sabha Members Handbook released in April 2022. The handbook says MPs who are former Union Cabinet Ministers, former Governors or former Chief Ministers and former Lok Sabha Speakers, are entitled to Type-7 bungalows, the second largest category available to Rajya Sabha MPs. -- ANI/PTI SIU celebrating Campus Sustainability Month in October by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. In the tradition of Southern Illinois University Carbondales longstanding commitment to sustainability and being green, the university is planning a variety of special events this month in recognition of October as Campus Sustainability Month. The climate crisis is impacting all of us but unfortunately, it disproportionally affects the poorest countries and people, said Aimee Lemrise, sustainability director. They are more exposed and vulnerable to the impacts. Education is a key force for climate resilience and we must take the lead, beginning on the SIU campus. Together as a team, we can make an incredible impact. In the coming weeks, we have a series of events planned to provide valuable information, get people involved, and help us all work together toward the common goal of creating a sustainable world. Begins with brownbag lunch The kickoff event is a brownbag luncheon featuring a discussion led by Lemrise and Lea Gilbertson, geology associate lecturer, from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 in Parkinson Laboratory, Room 103. Her presentation will focus on sustainability and energy, and everyone is welcome to attend. Participants may bring their lunches. Planning is also underway for an event on Oct. 24 to mark United Nations Day. Details are still being finalized, but plans call for a variety of interactive activities in front of the Sustainability Hub in the Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also on that day, the Tree Campus Higher Education Advisory Committee, the SIU Forestry Club and the Society of American Foresters will be hosting about 170 area children from Carruthers Elementary School in Murphysboro for a tree walk on campus and demonstrations of various outdoor hands-on learning activities. Workshops, chats A pair of Sustainability Chats is planned as well, with the first set for 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 27 in the Hub at the Student Center. A second will follow at the same time on Dec. 1. These chats will be used to help re-establish the campus Sustainability Working Groups, which make recommendations to address various areas of sustainability. Anyone who is interested in SIU sustainability is encouraged to attend. Throughout the year, the Sustainability Office is also sponsoring a series of free eco-friendly craft workshops for students, offering fun ways to upcycle. In September, Salukis created glamour from garbage by making upcycled jewelry from recycled materials. On Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Student Center Craft Shop, Aaliyah Lewis, a sophomore fashion studies student, will present Scrunchies from Scraps, showing them how to transform old Saluki tote bags and T-shirts into stylish hair scrunchies. At the same time on Nov. 30, students can learn to make reusable, eco-friendly beeswax food wraps. Advance registration is required. Pumpkin Smash finale The grand finale takes place in November, and its a pumpkin smash, a creative and fun way to compost jack-o-lanterns. The Great Southern Illinois Pumpkin Smash is set for 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 4 at the SIU Farms Service Center, 2704 Union Hill Road in Carbondale. Its a family friendly event featuring pumpkin smashing activities for all ages. Participants will want to dress for the fun as they make tower drops or catapult, T-ball, mallet smash or otherwise destruct their pumpkins. The smashed pumpkin remains will all be taken to the universitys Forced Air Composting Facility on Pleasant Hill Road and thus kept out of landfills. Please note that pumpkins must be free of candles, stickers, glitter, yarn or other synthetic decorations. Lemrise notes that more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are grown in the United States annually, primarily for fall festivities, and millions of the fruits, which are 90% water, end up in landfills. Indeed, as much as 40% of the food in America ends up in landfills, contributing to 14% of the countrys methane emissions every year, she notes. Thats why the SIU Sustainability Office, SIU Student Sustainable Farm, Jackson County Health Department and Green Earth Inc. are partnering to host the inaugural Southern Illinois pumpkin smash, which organizers believe to be the first such event outside of the greater Chicago region. Advance registration is appreciated, although not required. Sign up online. Volunteers are also needed and can sign up online. For those who dont have time to stay, there will be a drop and go spot. Active year planned Lemrise said she is busy planning a wide variety of activities throughout the coming year and rejuvenating and updating various sustainability programs. The Saluki Green Action Team, comprising students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of SIU who are committed to making the community more sustainable, is active again. Learn more about the many sustainability initiatives on the website. Or email sustainability@siu.edu or call 618-453-2846 for additional details. The Reserve Bank of India has by far onboarded 30 banks on its UDGAM platform, a portal that enables the public to search for unclaimed deposits. These banks, the list of which can be accessed below, has been made available on the portal on September 28 this year, which covers around 90 per cent of such unclaimed deposits (in value terms) in Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, the central bank said Thursday in a release. The search facility was initially made available on the portal for seven banks and it was intimated that the facility for remaining banks on the portal would be made available in a phased manner by October 15, 2023. RBI had launched the centralised web portal 'udgm UDGAM' on August 17, 2023 for the public to facilitate and make it easier for them to search their unclaimed deposits across multiple banks at one place. Given the increasing trend in the amount of unclaimed deposits, RBI said it has been undertaking public awareness campaigns from time to time to sensitise the public on the matter. Further, through these initiatives, the RBI maintains it has been encouraging members of public to identify and approach their respective banks for claiming unclaimed deposits. "The launch of the web portal will aid users to identify their unclaimed deposits/ accounts and enable them to either claim the deposit amount or make their deposit accounts operative at their respective banks," RBI said during the launch of the platform in August. To begin with, users were able to access the details of their unclaimed deposits in respect of only seven banks, to now 30. (ANI) PRNewswire Bellevue (Washington) [US], October 6: Today, Esper, an industry leading enterprise grade Android Device Management platform, and Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY), the global technology powerhouse, signed a reseller agreement. The agreement allows Lenovo to sell a portfolio of devices running enterprise-grade Android and dedicated device management from Esper, making it easier for enterprises to deploy, manage, and update dedicated PCs across their operations. Lenovo OEM Solutions facilitated the integration of hardware and software to help deliver the joint solutions. The Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a 3rd Gen desktop is the first of four planned x86 platforms to run Esper Foundation for Android, an enterprise-grade powerful and robust custom OS for x86 and ARM devices. The Lenovo ThinkCentre M70q, M90n-1 IoT, and the ThinkEdge SE30 v2 will be added by the end of the calendar year. As businesses continue to look to Android and the Android ecosystem for greater flexibility and efficiency, Lenovo's new reliable, configurable, and long-lasting x86 solutions, powered by Esper, will accelerate customer adoption. "This collaboration is another step forward in Lenovo's drive to meet changing customer demand across retail, hospitality, healthcare, and other industries. Dedicated devices are proliferating across several key industries, and our new joint solution with Esper allows us to deliver the best of Android with the consistency and predictability of Lenovo's x86 devices," said Johanny Payero, Director of Global Advanced Solutions Marketing and Strategy, Lenovo. "We are focused on giving customers the ability to deploy devices quickly, remotely managing those devices in the field, and continuously releasing software updates to those devices to deliver exceptional experiences." Enterprise-Grade Android Increases Flexibility & Cost-EfficiencyIn addition to configurations with Windows and Linux, customers who are looking to build or update their Android device fleet now have the option to build their ThinkCentre M70a desktops with Android. Customers will benefit from Android's flexibility, global familiarity, cost-efficiency, and large developer pool. The ThinkCentre M70a 3rd Gen is a 21.5" all-in-one touchscreen desktop that comes with up to 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, up to 16 GB SODIMM DDR4 3200MHz, and up to 512 GB PCIe SSD. The PC is supported by Esper Foundation for Android, which comes with enterprise-ready Android 11 with customizable branding, peripheral compatibility, quarterly security patches, long term support (minimum 3 years), Esper Seamless Provisioning, and app and system crash notifications. The Esper dedicated device management platform remotely deploys, manages, monitors, and updates devices from a single pane of glass. Esper's platform also automates IT operations workflows and reduces unplanned downtime and expensive in-field IT support--significantly reducing OpEx. "I am excited to work with Lenovo to deliver a solution that comes with a robust Android operating system, purpose-built for dedicated device use cases," said Shiv Sundar, COO and Co-Founder, Esper. "Customers globally are seeing significant value in running mission-critical operations on Android tablets and now they're going to benefit from Lenovo's world-class x86 devices and form factors. Ultimately, with Lenovo, we're seeing Esper customers moving fast, innovating, and delivering delightful customer experiences." Android and the Dedicated Device MarketWhile Android is the most popular operating system for edge devices globally, it's also becoming the popular operating system for enterprise dedicated device use cases, according to a 2022 report by 451 Research. Android (including AOSP and Android with Google Apps, or GMS) accounted for 41% of the device estates of those surveyed, alongside Microsoft Windows (26%), Apple iOS (24%), and Linux (8%). Organizations running a significant portion of their device fleets on Android report the primary reasons they use Android are its lower total cost of ownership, strong platform and app developer tools, and its robust security features. There is also a high level of interest in running Android on devices with x86 (Intel and AMD) processors. Nearly 9 in 10 of respondents indicated an interest in a solution for Android on x86 devices. Among the greatest perceived challenges of using Android for dedicated device fleets, 23% cited no official support for x86 devices. With Lenovo and Esper's joint solution, customers finally have a complete offering to meet their needs. About EsperEsper is the only platform for predictable software deployment and device management. As an industry leading solution enabling DevOps practices for Android devices, Esper is on a mission to let software teams ship without worrying about the hardware. Esper's device infrastructure enables developers, mid-market orgs, and enterprise fleets of 100,000+ devices to deliver their software as a service. Esper has rapidly growing global customer adoption among some of the world's most innovative major brands in retail, hospitality, logistics, healthcare, education, and more. To learn more, visit: https://www.esper.io. About LenovoLenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of 'New IT' technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo's world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. Press contacts: Kellie DrennerEsperEmail: kellie@esper.io Bill AdamsLenovoEmail: wii@lenovo.com LENOVO, THINKCENTRE and THINKEDGE are trademarks of Lenovo. Google and Android are trademarks of Google, LLC. Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries. Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc. AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (c)2023, Lenovo Group Limited. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239121/Esper_logo.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239122/Lenovo_logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Founder and Managing Director of e-vehicle manufacturing company Okinawa, Jitendra Sharma, met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel here in the national capital on Friday, as part of a one-to-one meeting. The Okinawa founder said that he is keen for an e-vehicle manufacturing plant with the active support of the Gujarat government given that the state has encouraging policies. He said in the meeting that Gujarat is known as a policy-driven state and is attracting manufacturers of e-vehicles especially because of its e-vehicle policy. During the course of the meeting, the chief minister, as per a CMO statement, invited the company to collaborate in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit towards setting up an Okinawa plant in his state. As per the CMO statement, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also said during the meeting that it is now time to shift towards clean energy. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024 is set to commence with a 'curtain raiser' event in New Delhi on October 6. This tenth edition of the summit is expected to mark a significant milestone in Gujarat's journey from being a 'preferred investment destination' to a 'Gateway to the future' in shaping the vision of New India, stated a release earlier. Gujarat CM is taking part in the New Delhi roadshow, and meeting prominent industrialists. The CM will also meet Heads of Missions in the presence of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Addressing the industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry's (FICCI) National Executive Committee Meeting (NECM) on Thursday, the Gujarat Chief Minister said his state is determined to play a major role in making the country an USD 5 trillion economy and added that the state aims to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. The Chief Minister further stated that Gujarat accounts for 6 per cent of India's geographical area but contributes 8 per cent to the GDP; 18 per cent to industrial output, and 30 per cent share of exports. (ANI) With just another day left for the public to avail exchange or to deposit high-value Rs 2000 banknotes at the banks, the Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday said only about Rs 12,000 crore (or 3.37 per cent) of the currency notes remains in circulation. This essentially means over 96 per cent of the total value of Rs 2,000 banknotes are back in the banking system. "We have announced the withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes. So far, we have got back about 3.43 lakh crore and only about 12,000 crore or so are left. Of course, 87 per cent of it has come as bank deposits, and the rest is exchange of cash with other denominations over the counter," RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das told reporters after the monetary policy review meeting, responding to a query on the status of liquidity in the system. The total value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation was Rs 3.56 lakh crore at the close of business on May 19, 2023 - the date on which RBI decided to withdraw the banknote. Effectively, the total value of Rs 2000 banknotes returned to the system after the announcement on May 19 is to the tune of Rs 3.44 lakh crore. September 30 was initially decided as the last date for the purpose of completing the exchange and deposit exercise in a time-bound manner and to provide adequate time to the public. People were requested to utilise the month of September to deposit or exchange their Rs 2000 banknotes to avoid any rush at the last moment. On September 30, RBI, based on a review, decided to extend the arrangement for deposit and exchange till October 7, 2023. "With effect from October 8, 2023, banks shall stop accepting Rs 2000 banknotes for credit to accounts or exchange to other denomination banknotes," RBI said. However, Rs 2000 banknotes can continue to be exchanged by individuals or entities at the 19 RBI Issue Offices up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time; can tender Rs 2000 banknotes for credit to their bank accounts in India for any amount; people within the country can also send Rs 2000 banknotes through India Post, addressed to any of the 19 RBI Issue Offices for credit to their bank accounts in India. RBI has on many occasions confirmed that Rs 2000 banknotes will continue to be legal tender. On May 19, the RBI decided to withdraw the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation but said it would continue to remain as legal tender. However, RBI had advised banks to stop issuing such banknotes with immediate effect. The Rs 2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016, primarily to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after the withdrawal of the legal tender status of all Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes in circulation at that time. The objective of introducing Rs 2000 banknotes was met once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities. Therefore, the printing of Rs 2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19. (ANI) Xi in my eyes | A true leader cherishing values of civilizations Pub Date:23-10-06 08:48 Source:Xinhua "Chinese President Xi Jinping is a great leader who knows well about civilizations, about the essence and mission of civilizations," said Prokopis Pavlopoulos, former Greek President, who shared his memories of their talks on civilizations. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Editor:Zheng Chen Related News Role of BRI in Malaysia's growth hailed International garden expo kicks off in Hefei Technology, culture make Hangzhou Asian Ga... GLOBALink | Vlog: Ancient canal towns witn... BusinessWire India Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 6: Furtados School of Music (FSM), India's leading music school, is beaming with the success of its annual inter-school music fest, Band-It 2023. This musical fiesta has struck a chord with young talents nationwide, drawing in over 1,000 registrations. Band-It 2023, organised by Furtados School of Music has become a special stage for students to shine on with their musical talent. This year's competition has brought together a rich mix of talents, showing off the colourful musical diversity found in our schools. The Musical Journey Begins Currently, Furtados School of Music is in full swing with the regional finals, where regional contests are happening all over India. These contests allow the participants to shine and take home the prestigious Band-It 2023 trophy. The big finale of Band-It 2023 is set for October 14, 2023, where the top 10 bands from across India will go head-to-head to win the title of "Best Band." The Grand Finale will be a night of musical brilliance, where young talents will join forces to create an unforgettable musical experience. Inspiring the Future of Music FSM's CEO, Tanuja Gomes, and Dharini Upadhyaya shared their excitement for the event, saying, "Band-It is a vibrant celebration of the incredible talent across India. It warms our hearts to see their passion and dedication. At FSM, our entire team is dedicated to working relentlessly, hand in hand, to deliver a dynamic music extravaganza that showcases India's musical richness and nurtures the budding talents of our future musicians." "Band-It 2023 stands as a testament to our commitment to uniting students from across the nation," says Anthony Gomes, Director of the Furtados Music Pvt Ltd. "This competition empowers them to showcase their extraordinary talents, fosters excellence and a sense of unity and pride as they come together to celebrate the richness of Indian music," he added. Kota Obayashi, Sr. General Manager, from Casio Music & Education Business, the presenting partner of Band-It 2023, added, "We're thrilled to be part of Band-It 2023. Music is a language everyone understands, and these young talents are here to show how music connects and inspires. This is aligned with our mission to foster a rich culture of music that India has nurtured from its very origins. We can't wait for the grand finale!" Year after year, Band-It grows bigger, inspiring young musicians to take the centre stage and perform. FSM remains committed to making great music and being a stepping stone for these talented young artists. For any media questions or more details about Band-It 2023 or to save, please get in touch with: 9619069587 (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) India's medtech industry is expected to grow four times in the next few years to reach USD 50 billion by the end of this decade. The 15th edition of Global MedTech Summit 2023, organized by the industry body Confederation of Indian Industry was held in the national capital on Friday, themed 'Paving the Way for a USD 50 Billion MedTech Industry by 2030'. Jitendra Singh, MoS (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Earth Sciences; Prime Minister's Office; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Space in his inaugural address highlighted the importance of partnership between the public and private sectors for the MedTech Industry to develop. In order to get India, global recognition, he emphasized the need for stakeholders in this space to adopt the robust benchmarks and global best strategies. VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog emphasised that India has learnt positive lessons from the pandemic and the MedTech industry has the potential to drive substantial innovations. To all the stakeholders present at the event, he highlighted the need to develop robust quality standards, mutual trust and investment in Research and Development for the industry to thrive. He also mentioned that the focus of future development can be in: Point of care diagnostics equipment, Assistive technology, IoTs to track & prevent fire is the health setups, devices to track sick patients in ambulance, Different wearable devices to track and prevent illness. S Aparna, Secretary, of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in her address highlighted that the dependency of India on medical device imports has been reduced over the last three years, signifying the growth potential. She also remarked that the MedTech industry is currently heterogeneous and there is a need for it to become more coordinated and cohesive like the Pharma industry. She suggested all the stakeholders go through the National Medical Devices Policy which has recently been approved. She apprised the stakeholders of the PLI scheme, 2021 with an overall outlay of 5000 crores and informed them that a huge fund is still available for smaller companies in this space. Naresh Trehan, Chairman of CII National Council on Healthcare, and Chairman & MD, Medanta - The Medicity mentioned that the present gap between the users and the manufacturers of the Medical Devices sector is still wide. He advocated the focus on delivering quality, by emphasizing on involvement of clinicians in innovation, and Research and development from the early stage. Trehan said India, which is emerging as a global power, large steps, rather than small strides are required to strengthen its healthcare continuum. According to a review of India's Department of Pharmaceuticals, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in the pharmaceutical sector (in both pharmaceuticals and medical devices) in India was Rs 12,097 crore in the financial year 2021-22. Government data showed FDI inflows maintained their momentum into the current financial year. Currently, FDI is permitted up to 100 per cent under the automatic route, which essentially means the non-resident investor or Indian company does not require approval from the government for the investment in the hospital sector and in the manufacture of medical devices. In the pharmaceutical sector, FDI is permitted up to 100 per cent in greenfield projects and 74 per cent in brownfield projects under the automatic route. (ANI) She also chaired a meeting with the Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) and co-conveners of the G20 Independent Expert Group. "Union Finance Minister Smt.@nsitharamaninteracted with Ms. @NadiaCalvino, Vice President of Spain and IMFC Chair, via virtual conference, from New Delhi, today. The two leaders discussed various issues pertaining to IMF @IMFNews and the upcoming visit to attend the IMF-WB #AnnualMeetings in #Marrakech, Morocco," the Ministry of Finance said on X (formerly Twitter). In the run up to 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, Union Finance Minister also chaired a meeting with the Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) and co-conveners of the G20 Independent Expert Group NK Singh, the Chairman of 15th Finance Commission of India and professor Charles W. Eliot During the meeting, various issues were discussed on MDBs and the related reforms to better serve the needs of client countries. During the Leaders Summit in New Delhi, G20 leaders had emphasised reforms to deliver better, bigger and more effective MDBs, the Ministry stated. Under its key priority of strengthening MDBs to address global challenges of the 21st century, India's G20 Presidency had constituted the 'G20 Independent Expert Group on Strengthening MDBs'. The Volume 2 of the report of this Expert Group will be released post the 4th G20 FMCBG meeting in Marrakech, Morocco on October 12-13. World Bank President Ajay Banga, President, Asian Development Bank President Mastasugu Asakawa, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Vice President Danny Alexander, New Development Bank President Dilma Rouseff, European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer and Council of Europe Development Bank Governor Mario Monticelli also participated in the virtual meeting, the Ministry added. (ANI) Actor Bhumi Pednekar on Friday morning shared a glimpse from 'Thank You For Coming' director Karan Boolani's birthday celebrations. Taking to Instagram, she shared a video on her stories which she captioned, "Thank You For Coming Into My Life :). What a birthday sir. You are (a red heart emoticon)." In the video, Karan could be seen standing along with his wife Rhea Kapoor and cutting his birthday cakes. Rhea's sister Sonam Kapoor could also be seen in the video. Sonam also took to her Instagram account and extended a heartfelt birthday wish for Karan. She shared a string of throwback pictures on her stories. She wrote on the first picture, "Happy happy birthday to the best person I know...kind generous and loving @karanboolani Love you." In the next picture, Karan could be seen holding a toy gun. She captioned the picture, "Hope you always keep your childlike curiosity and your playfulness." She also shared a family portrait and wrote, "For you family is always first and that makes you up a stand up guy." Karan is married to actor Anil Kapoor's daughter Rhea Kapoor. The trio has worked together on 'Thank You For Coming', which revolves around five friends and their tryst with the concept of female sexual pleasure. Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Gill, Shibani Bedi, Kusha Kapila and Dolly Singh formed the main cast of the film. On working in the film, Bhumi said, "I'm fortunate to have found an incredibly talented director in Karan Boolani and gifted, visionary producers in Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor in Thank You For Coming. They have given me a film of a lifetime and I couldn't thank them enough. It is an important film for everyone to see - girls and boys because it talks about something that is extremely important and relevant." She added, "A girl has her rights. A woman has her rights. And she should be celebrated for exercising those rights. TYFC is a celebration of the spirit of womanhood and I'm incredibly proud that I have headlined this movie and been a vehicle to communicate this important message." The film was also premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last month. (ANI) Actors Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone on Friday evening returned to Mumbai after wrapping the Italy schedule of their upcoming aerial action thriller film 'Fighter'. The celebs were seen leaving the airport in their casual yet stylish outfits. Although both actors weren't snapped together. They were seen leaving the Mumbai airport alone. Hrithik looked dapper as he wore a white t-shirt paired with blue jeans and a dark blue jacket. He complimented his look with a white cap and white sneakers. Deepika on the other hand, looked stylish as she wore a beige top paired with blue denims and a cut sleeve brown long jacket. She greeted the paps with a warm heart and was also seen clicking pictures with them. The 'Fighter' team has been in Italy for a while. 'Fighter' is being touted as India's first aerial action film. On Independence Day 2023, the makers of the upcoming film dropped the motion poster featuring Hrithik, Deepika, and Anil Kapoor. Siddharth Anand announced the film in 2021. Taking to social media, he wrote, "This is definitely one of the most exciting moments of my life to bring together two of my favourite stars, Hrithik and Deepika, for the first time to the Indian and global audience. I am thrilled to begin the journey of MARFLIX, a production house dedicated to action film making in India. I start this journey of Marflix along with my life partner Mamta Anand. Starting MARFLIX with Hrithik is special as he is someone who has seen me even working as an AD, then as a director on two films and now I am not just his director but I'm also starting my production house with him." Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi are also a part of 'Fighter', which will hit the theatres on January 2, 2024. Meanwhile, Deepika will be next seen in the Pan-India action thriller film 'Kalki 2898 AD' opposite Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. Hrithik, on the other hand, will also be seen in the action thriller film 'War 2' alongside Jr NTR. (ANI) On Friday Rai took to Instagram to drop pictures of herself. She captioned the post with heart emoticons. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyD3rA7owwo/ She looked stunning in a long black gown with a scooped neckline in the photo. Her outfit features a flared bottom with delicate white floral embroidery along the borders. She kept her accessories to a minimum, accessorising with only a pair of bold earrings. To her post designer, Manish Malhotra replied with heart emoticons as he is the one who designed her black dress. Manish also took to Instagram to share pictures of Aishwarya, https://www.instagram.com/manishmalhotra05/?img_index=1 Aishwarya recently made heads turn with her walk at Paris Fashion Week. She dazzled on the runway as the Indian brand ambassador for L'Oreal Paris, wearing a gold shimmering cape gown and showcasing her newly debuted blonde highlights. Aishwarya was accompanied by her daughter Aaradhya Rai Bachchan at the fashion event and she too posed with Kendal Jenner. Aishwarya's niece Navya Nanda also turned showstopper at Paris Fashion Week this year. Navya walked the runway for cosmetic brand L'Oreal Paris. Navya's mother Shweta Bachchan shared an array of photographs and videos from the event, showcasing Navya's stunning appearance on the runway in a mini red dress. "Little miss L'Oreal," Shweta captioned the post. Jaya Bachchan was also spotted at a fashion event cheering for her granddaughter Navya. Meanwhile, on the work front, Aishwarya was last seen in Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan 2'. It is the sequel to the 2022 film. Actor Kamal Haasan has lent his voice to the film's narration. Aishwarya has yet to disclose the details of her upcoming projects. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Tonk district incharge for the upcoming state assembly polls, Ramesh Bidhuri, on Thursday launched a scathing attack at the Rajasthan government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stating that the latter was busy saving his chair while his MLAs were busy looting the state. "Today, Rajasthan is swamped with corruption. The Chief Minister was busy saving his chair while his MLAs were busy looting the state instead of serving it. The BJP is a party of workers while the other political parties are limited to 'families'", Bidhuri said while addressing the media here in Rajasthan's Tonk. It is worth mentioning that in view of the upcoming Rajasthan assembly polls, MP Bidhuri was appointed as the incharge of the Tonk district. Tonk is dominated by the 'Gurjar' community and Bidhuri, too, belongs to that community. However, following the BJP MP's appointment as Tonk incharge, several opposition leaders slammed the BJP, given the controversy that erupted after Bidhuri's communal remarks in the Rajya Sabha against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali. Meanwhile, Bidhuri said, "The public will give a befitting reply to the Congress's 'appeasement politics'. Wherever there is the 'double engine' government, development follows". Meanwhile, the BJP MP also held a meeting with the party workers at the BJP's office in the Tonk district. Rajasthan is among the five poll-bound states this year. Earlier on Wednesday, Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot, while addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Tonk, expressed confidence in his party's victory, saying the Congress government will come to power for the second consecutive time. Addressing the people of Tonk, Pilot said, "One who lives among the people rules the hearts of the people." He also participated in tractor rides with farmers in Tonk to express solidarity with them. (ANI) "In yet another success in its crusade against smuggling activities, Assam Rifles under the aegis of Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), recovered 149 gms of heroin worth Rs 1.04 Cr in general area Mualkawi, Champhai on October 4 and arrested a Myanmar woman," said a press release.The operation was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles in Champhai and Customs Preventive Force, Champhai based on specific information. The entire consignment of Heroin worth Rs 1,04,30,000 (Rupees One crore four lakh thirty thousand) and the accused have been handed over to Customs Preventive Force, Champhai for further legal proceedings. The ongoing smuggling of contraband items is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram and India. Assam Rifles rightly christened as the 'Sentinels of Northeast' have continued their efforts against illegal smuggling and have also doubled their efforts to nab the kingpins of the smuggling of contraband items in Mizoram. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials left the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Rathin Ghosh after hours of raid conducted in connection with an alleged recruitment scam in the Madhyamgram Municipality. As per sources, more than a dozen premises linked to Ghosh have been covered in the state including North 24 Parganas District and Kolkata. After ED officials left his residence, Rathin Ghosh said, "They did not interrogate me. The recruitment process that took place between 2014 and 2017 was ordered by the court. Since I was the chairman at that time, ED came to my house. I said what I thought. My documents are verified. They went to all the municipalities. They did not misbehave with me. There is a political conspiracy in it. They raided a minister's house like this, it will have an impact." Ghosh is the former chairman of the Madhyamgram Municipality and is accused of being involved in an alleged scam to recruit ineligible candidates for government jobs. The raid on the Bengal minister came just days after top TMC leaders protested against the Centre in New Delhi on October 2 and October 3. The TMC has also called on its cadre to march to the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata against what they allege is the BJP's attempts to silence the party. "We stand resolute in our determination, unwavering in the face of BJP's desperate attempts to silence us. Despite their oppressive tactics and ruthless suppression of our peaceful protests in Dilli, Bengal remains undeterred. Come what may, we won't bow down to the Zamindars. We shall march to Raj Bhavan today (Thursday), upholding the rights of the people!" the TMC posted on X. (ANI) After terminating seven teachers of Delhi Government aided school over forged documents, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter. "LG agreed with the proposal of the Director of Vigilance (DoV), which found a prima facie collusion between the officials of the Directorate of Education and the Delhi Tamil Education Association (DTEA), where 51 candidates were appointed on various posts in the year 2022," LG office said. After complaints that were looked into, irregularities were found and accordingly, the DoV placed the matter before the Chief Secretary, Delhi, who directed to carry out the physical verification of the experience certificates issued by the respective schools. "However, it was found that 7 selected teachers for TGT & PGT posts had submitted fake experience certificates. The forged experience certificate was crucial in securing the job as each year of experience gave one extra mark to the candidate. Accordingly, the LG allowed the DoV to file a complaint with the CBI for registration of a criminal case into the matter," the LG office added. It further stated that as per the terms and conditions of the Education Department, the school management was required to verify all the certificates of the selected candidates, however, the management failed to properly verify the experience certificates submitted by these candidates. "It is clear from the reports that the appointment made during recruitment of teachers and staff in DTEA, an aided school under the Education Department, GNCTD, in 2022 is not genuine and there is a collusion between the management, candidates and staff of the Directorate of Education in lieu of extraneous consideration. In the past also, there are several allegations regarding the fixing of the selection process due to collusion between the management of aided schools, selection committee and the Education Department", the DoV noted. Accordingly, the Chief Secretary proposed the termination of the employees who secured the jobs on the basis of forged documents and that the DoV lodge a complaint with the CBI with the request to register a criminal case in the matter. Notably, the CBI is already investigating a similar criminal case involving another government-aided school named Vedic Sanskrit Senior Secondary School, Khera Garhi in the Capital, where appointments were made on the basis of fake documents. (ANI) A ceremonial parade will be held on Air Force Day, to be followed by an aerial display over the Sangam in the afternoon. As a prelude to the Air Force Day celebration, the IAF put together a fascinating aerial display in Bhopal on September 30, showcasing its combat capabilities while also encouraging the youth to choose the IAF as a career. Bhopal residents were treated to a dazzling display by the air warriors over the picturesque Bhojtal lake. Nearly 50 aircraft, airborne from various air bases near and far, participated in the display. Apart from Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and senior officers of the Indian Air Force were among the delegates witnessing the fly-past event. Air Force Day marks the official induction of the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the country's armed forces in 1932. Every year, the day is celebrated in the presence of the Indian Air Force chief and senior officers. The Air Force was officially raised as the supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in 1932 and the first operational squadron was created in 1933. Major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and Operation Poomalai since 1950. (ANI) The meeting is likely to be attended by chief ministers, Home ministers or their representatives from Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Kerala. Union Home Secretary, top officials of Central Armed Police Forces, and many senior officers of the central and state governments will also attend the meeting. The meeting, which is held at regular intervals, aims at fulfilling the Central government's commitment to the development of the Naxal-affected states. A number of Left-wing extremist (LWE) outfits have been operating in certain remote and poorly connected pockets of the country for the last few decades, according to officials. As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CPI(Maoist), which is responsible for a majority of incidents of violence and killing of civilians and security forces, has been included in the Schedule of Terrorist Organizations along with all its formations and front organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. To address issues around Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and the threat to national security that it poses holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism (LWE) was approved in 2015. The significant features of the policy are zero tolerance towards violence coupled with a big push to developmental activities so that benefits of development reach the poor and vulnerable in areas affected by Naxal terror. Gadchiroli in Maharashtra remains one of the few districts 'severely affected' by Left-wing extremism in India. The 'Left Wing Extremism' Division, which comes under the Ministry of Homes Affairs in India, became operational on October 19, 2006 to effectively address Naxal insurgency in a holistic manner. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire at a building in Goregaon, Mumbai. "Pained to know about the loss of lives in the fire incident at Goregaon, Mumbai. We are in touch with BMC and Mumbai Police officials and all the assistance is being provided. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing speedy recovery to the injured ones," Devendra Fadnavis posted on X (Formerly Twitter). Seven deaths have so far been reported in the blaze that broke out in Jay Bhavani building in Mumbai's Goregaon building around 3 am in the early hours of Friday. According to the latest reports, 51 persons were rescued and rushed to the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital. Out of the total of 51 injured persons the condition of five persons have been reported to be critical. Thirty-five persons are being treated for their injuries and four of the injured people have been discharged. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the level 2 fire incident was confined to the lower floors of the upper seven-floored residential building having shops on part ground floor. Several vehicles and scrap materials were also gutted in the blaze. It further said that the building's residents were stranded on the upper floors after the fire broke out and were later rescued. The fire that broke out around at Jay Bhavani building, on MG Road, near Azad Maidan, was in the Level 2 category, officials informed. Mumbai civic, police and fire brigade officials are at the spot conducting fire-fighting and rescue operations. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Further details are awaited. (ANI) The boat was carrying seven fishermen and after the boat capsized three of the drowning fishermen were immediately saved by a Fishing Boat operating in the vicinity, however, four fishermen went missing, said officials. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (Kochi) was informed of the incident on Thursday night and the Coast Guard started the rescue operation soon after. The boat named 'Nanma' was returning from Malappuram after collecting fish when the accident happened. Fast Patrol Vessel Abhinav patrolling on the northern Kerala Coast was diverted to initiate the rescue operation. Interceptor Boat C-162 was deployed from Kochi in SAR (Search and rescue) configuration to augment the SAR Operation, said the Coast Guard "To augment the SAR (Search and Rescue Aid Tool) efforts Coast Guard Air assets were deployed at first light on 06th Morning for coordinated sea-air search operation. A Special team of divers is being deployed to augment Search and Rescue Operations," said a statement issued by the Coast Guard. "Prevailing Sea and wind conditions are creating hindrances in undertaking SAR operations. Nevertheless, ICG is persistent in her efforts to save distressed fishermen," the statement added. The boat carrying seven people overturned around 7 pm on October 5, 10 nautical miles away from Munambam beach, at the north end of Vypin island. The boat named 'Nanma' was returning from Malipuram after collectingfish. Three men managed to stay afloat by holding on to drinking water cans. They were rescued by another fishing boat. (ANI) Congress leader PL Punia on Friday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "nervousness" was evident after the ruling party shared a graphic poster that prominently featured MP Rahul Gandhi with a bearded visage and seven heads, reminiscent of the mythical character of Ravana. It is unfortunate, said Punia adding that the BJP is scared they would have to leave because of the Opposition's INDIA coalition. "As elections near, their (BJP's) statements change... It is unfortunate that such statements are made. This is BJP's nervousness that they are making such statements. This is condemnable. They are trying to change the narrative. BJP is scared that they would have to leave because of the INDI Alliance," Punia said while speaking to ANI in Lucknow. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal has termed the graphic of Rahul Gandhi posted by BJP, as "shameful". "No words are enough to condemn the 'shameful' graphic on the BJP handle comparing Rahul Gandhi ji to Ravana. Their nefarious intentions are clear, they want to murder him. He lost his grandmother and father to assassinations. They withdrew his SPG protection to score petty political points," Venugopal posted on X. The BJP had on Thursday shared the graphic poster of Rahul Gandhi on their official handle of the social media platform 'X, and captioned it, "India is in Danger. He is Evil. Anti-Dharma. Anti-Ram. His aim is to destroy Bharat." The poster also linked the Congress leader to George Soros, a billionaire investor who has been accused of being involved in anti-India activities. The graphic has ignited a debate on social media, with supporters and critics expressing various opinions about its symbolism and intent. (ANI) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to assess damages caused due to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) leading to a surge in flows in the Teesta River causing flash flood in Sikkim on October 4. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also approved the release of both the instalments of Central Share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Sikkim, amounting to Rs 44.80 crore in advance, for the year 2023-24, to help Sikkim in providing relief measures to the affected people, MHA said in a statement. "The Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) will visit the affected areas of Sikkim shortly. Based on the assessment of IMCT, further additional Central assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Sikkim will be approved, as per laid down procedure," said the statement. As per the statement, the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "standing shoulder to shoulder" with Sikkim and have assured all possible help to the government of Sikkim. "The situation in Sikkim is being closely monitored by the Central Government at the highest level on 24x7 basis. The Central Government is providing full support to the Government of Sikkim by mobilizing timely logistics resources to supplement the efforts of the state government to deal with the situation effectively," the MHA further said. The logistics support provided includes the deployment of adequate teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force helicopters and Army personnel along with necessary search and rescue equipment. Further, technical teams of Ministries of Power, Telecommunications and Roads, Highways and Transport are assisting in the timely restoration of damaged infrastructure and communication network in the State, it added. In the early hours of October 4, due to incidents GLOF and flash floods, there was a sudden surge in flows in the Teesta River, which washed away several bridges, parts of NH-10, the Chungthang Dam and has impacted several small towns and several infrastructure projects in the upper reaches of the river valley in Sikkim. Meanwhile search efforts for the 16 missing Army soldiers and evacuation of thousands of people stranded in various parts of the state are underway. According to an official statement from the Indian Army, the search operation for the missing soldiers continues with the focus now on the downstream areas of Teesta Barrage. At the site of the incident at Burdang near Singtam, the army vehicles are being dug out and stores are being recovered, said the statement. Additional resources in terms of teams of TMR (Tiranga Mountain Rescue), tracker dogs, and special radars have been brought in, to assist in the search operations. The troops of the Indian Army are also providing assistance in terms of food, and medical aid while extending communication facilities to civilians and tourists stranded in North Sikkim. The troops of the TriShakti Corps Indian Army have been able to take account of 1,471 tourists present in the areas of Lachen/Chatten, Lachung and Chungthang. A survey is being carried out by all agencies to assess the damage and plan restoration of road connectivity. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire at a building in Goregaon, Mumbai saying that the government will provide monetary help of Rs 5 lakhs to their families. "I am continuously speaking with Municipal Commissioner and Police... What happened is unfortunate. I express my condolences to those who died. The government will provide monetary help of Rs 5 lakhs to their families. Those who are injured will be given treatment by the government," Maharashtra CM said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex-gratio of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Maharashtra CM Shinde also posted on X (Formerly Twitter) and said that he is in contact with Mumbai Municipal Commissioner and Police Commissioner and also asked Mangal Prabhat Lodha to visit the actual spot. "Some citizens have lost their lives in the tragic fire that broke out at SRA's Jai Bhawani building in Unnat Nagar, Goregaon. This includes some children. This incident is very unfortunate and I express my condolences to the citizens who lost their lives," Shinde posted on X. "I have been getting information from Mumbai Municipal Commissioner and Police Commissioner from time to time regarding this fire incident and I have instructed Mumbai Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar and Mumbai Suburbs Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha to visit the actual spot," he added. He further said that the government has announced an aid of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who died in this incident, and the injured citizens will be given medical treatment. Eight deaths have so far been reported in the blaze that broke out in Jay Bhavani building in Mumbai's Goregaon building around 3 am in the early hours of Friday. Calling the incident 'unfortunate', Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that a high-level inquiry committee will be formed which will submit its report within 15 days. "A high-level inquiry committee will be formed which will submit its report within 15 days. The Maharashtra government will bear all the treatment expenses of all the injured. The Maharashtra government will declare compensation for the deceased by this evening... Best medical facilities would be provided to the injured," Lodha said. BJP MLA Vidya Thakur also inspected the incident site and said that people will be given financial help for their losses. "When a fire occurred, the building was filled with smoke. It was nighttime, so people were sleeping. People experience problems because of smoke. It was a big fire, so the people from the Municipal corporation, police, and fire department reached there. Many people were injured, and casualties had occurred. This is an unfortunate incident. There should be an inquiry into this incident. People should be given financial help for their losses. We, along with the Municipal Corporation, have shifted them to a school. We are making arrangements there for their food and living," the BJP MLA added. An eye-witness to the incident, actor Manish Chaturvedi said, "The incident occurred 2.30 am-3 am. I had returned from a party around 1.30 am and was sleeping. Suddenly, around 2.45 am I could sense a burning smell in the air. I woke up and first searched my room. I then woke my brother up. We then saw the smoke rising...We then called up the fire brigade. I was able to place a call at 3.06 am but there was no response from the other side...I think had they been alert the loss would not have been this much. Police did arrive on time...The situation was very heart-rending." According to the latest reports, 51 persons were rescued and rushed to the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital. Out of the total of 51 injured persons, the condition of five persons has been reported to be critical. Thirty-five persons are being treated for their injuries and four of the injured people have been discharged. "A short circuit occurred at around 1.30 am and then the fire spread... The fire spread to the 7th floor... From our family, one dead body is with them, they said they will hand it over in an hour," said an eyewitness. Another victim said that when he came and checked here, he came to know that his sister-in-law and a daughter from his family had died. "We came to know about the fire at 8 am... When we came and checked here, we came to know that my sister-in-law and a daughter from our family had died... A lot of people have been injured, and two people from my family have died," she said. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the level 2 fire incident was confined to the lower floors of the upper seven-floored residential building having shops on part ground floor. Several vehicles and scrap materials were also gutted in the blaze. It further said that the building's residents were stranded on the upper floors after the fire broke out and were later rescued. The fire that broke out around at Jay Bhavani building, on MG Road, near Azad Maidan, was in the Level 2 category, officials informed. Mumbai civic, police and fire brigade officials are at the spot conducting fire-fighting and rescue operations. (ANI) Following the hearing on the recent deaths of patients at a government hospital in Nanded, the Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit on the steps taken for filling vacancies in government hospitals in the last six months. The court has also asked the state government to mention the demand and supplies of medicines to the government hospitals in the last six months. The high court has asked the medical procurement authority to file an affidavit in accordance to the Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Bill, 2023 on the purchase of medicines and its appointed and available staff. The court has directed the procurement authority to mention whether its staff is for procurement only or are given charge of the authority in addition to it. The affidavit filed by Principal Secretary of Medical Education should also give details of the institutions attached with Nanded for medical supplies in past one year. Similar details should also be provided by the Principal Secretary of the Public Health Department for other hospitals, the court said. The Bombay High Court taking cognizance of the recent deaths of patients in the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Medical College and Hospital at Maharashtra's Nanded district questioned the state government over less postings of Professors in the medical college. "There are 97 approved posts of Professors in the medical college but only 49 are posted there at present, what would you say on that?" the court asked. To this Attorney General Advocate Birendra Saraf, representing the Maharashtra government said that the state health services department is positive about the vacancies and those will be filled by November this year. The high court also questioned the unavailability of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Medicine Procurement Board at the hospital to which the Attorney General said that a person is already having an additional charge of the board. In response to this, the court questioned the state government saying that there must be a full-time and independent CEO of the medicine procurement board. The court said that the problem of hospital staff both medic and paramedic must be addressed properly by government. It said that issues of procurement of medicines and other medical equipment is also important. The Attorney General informed that recruitment process in medical colleges has been conducted by Maharashtra Public Service Commission and in other hospitals, doctors are being appointed by other recruitment process by the Public health department. At least 31 people died in the government-run Dr Shankarrao Chavan Medical College and Hospital Nanded, reportedly due to an alleged scarcity of medicines. (ANI) Taking cognizance of the recent deaths of patients in the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Medical College and Hospital at Maharashtra's Nanded district, the Bombay High Court on Friday questioned the state government over less postings of Professors in the medical college. "There are 97 approved posts of Professors in the medical college but only 49 are posted there at present, what would you say on that?" the court asked. To this Attorney General Advocate Birendra Saraf, representing the Maharashtra government said that the state health services department is positive about the vacancies and those will be filled by November this year. The high court also questioned the unavailability of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Medicine Procurement Board at the hospital to which the Attorney General said that a person is already having an additional charge of the board. In response to this, the court slammed the government saying that there must be a full-time and independent CEO of the medicine procurement board. The court said that the problem of hospital staff both medic and parmedic must be addressed properly by government. It said that issues of procurement of medicines and other medical equipment is also important. Government hospitals of all levels are administered by the public health department and medical colleges are administered by the Medical Education Department, the court said. The primary mandate of a Medical College is teaching and secondary is to take care of the patients, it said adding that the public health department has the primary responsibility of taking care of patients. "In our opinion apart from all other measures, these 2 departments should take care that all the vacancies medical and non-medic are filled," the court said. The Attorney General informed that recruitment process in medical colleges has been conducted by Maharashtra Public Service Commission and in other hospitals, doctors are being apponted by other recruitment process by the Public health department. Meanwhile Advocate Mohit Khanna, amicus curiae in the case, pointed out that this is not the only instance where Haffkine Biopharmaceutical Corporation Limited, in charge of purchases for government hospitals had not supplied the desired medicines. Advocate Khanna said that in an earlier order of the High Court's Nagpur bench, Haffkine was made a party of the case. Unavailability of full-fledged medicine procurement board and a full time CEO is making things worse, he added. Earlier while arguing before the court, Advocate Saraf said that most of the patients were brought to the government hospital at last stage. Moreover, lack of adequate staff had led to a lot of pressure on the hospital personnel. The Advocate said that no one in particular can he blamed for those deaths in the hospitals. He further apprised that court that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is himself keeping an eye on the situation and district level rights are being given to local authorities to make necessary arrangements. At least 31 people died in the government-run Dr Shankarrao Chavan Medical College and Hospital Nanded, reportedly due to an alleged scarcity of medicines. Between Saturday and Sunday, a total of 24 patients, including new-borns, were reported dead with seven more deaths reported on Tuesday. The incident has prompted the Maharashtra government to form a state-level committee to investigate the death cases. CM Shinde has assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the deaths. (ANI) Demanding an impartial CBI investigation into the spate of deaths in government hospitals across the state, former Chief Minister and UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday asked the government who is responsible for the Nanded deaths and where the Chief Minister is in this difficult time. "This government has no moral right as they have money to spend on advertisements but no funds to save people's lives. Who is responsible? Where is CM at this difficult time?.. It was the responsibility of CM and Deputy CM to go and find out the reason for this," he added," Uddhav Thackeray said while addressing a press conference in Mumbai. Following the hearing on the recent deaths of patients at a government hospital in Nanded, Thackeray said that until and unless the court teaches them lessons they won't realise. "Until and unless the court teaches them lessons they won't realise, in the past also court has made an observation and slammed the govt, what about the task force we have formed to take than the Covid 19 pandemic, why aren't this govt taking help of this tasks force, Uddhav suggested the government," he said. The Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit on the steps taken to fill vacancies in government hospitals in the last six months. The court has also asked the state government to mention the demand and supplies of medicines to the government hospitals in the last six months. He further slammed Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over his Delhi visit and said "People here in the state are dying and the Chief minister is in Delhi attending some Naxal-related meetings but I want to say if it continues then many more people will lose their lives than people die during naxal attack." Comparing his government tenure work with the Shinde government he said that during COVID-19, the same doctors, deans, nurses, and ward boys were there they served the patients by risking their lives. "As per my knowledge, Maharashtra was the only state where medicines were delivered through drones in remote regions...Since the last few days, news has been coming from Thane, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nagpur, and Nanded, and news is still coming from some places that there is a shortage of medicine," he added. At least 31 people died in the government-run Dr Shankarrao Chavan Medical College and Hospital Nanded, reportedly due to an alleged scarcity of medicines. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan on Friday accused the Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for disturbing peace and "lobyying" like a "spokesperson" of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi without even reading the order of the Honurable Madras High Court, is disturbing peace...the Governor is lobbying as a BJP and RSS Spokeperson in Tamil Nadu. What he spoke is highly condemnable," the Tamil Nadu Irrigation Minister said. The Governor had allegedly referred to a Scheduled Caste woman panchayat president, P Indumathi who was prevented from assuming office, while speaking at an event on Wednesday. The Minister accused the Governor of campaigning against the state government without trying to know about the High order on Navakkaneri village panchayat chairman. "It is extremely painful that the TN Governor is planning and campaigning against the Government of Tamil Nadu without even trying to know the order issued by the Honourable High Court regarding the appointment of the Nayakaneri Panchayat Council Chairman of Tirupathur District," he said. "A constitutional office bearer is speaking like a leader of a political party and distrubing the peace of the state is unbecoming of his position," the Minister added. Durai Murugan explained that out of 12,525 panchayats in Tamil Nadu 4,357 seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. The post of the Nayakaneri Panchayat Council Chairman was vacant as the person who was elected in this panchayat was unable to take responsibility due to a pending case in court, he said. "Out of the total 12,525 Panchayats in Tamil Nadu, 4,357 seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. Among them, only the post of Nayakaneri Panchayat Council President of Tirupathur District was in a position where the elected officials were unable to take responsibility due to a case in court," the Minister said. In the case related to this Nayakaneri Panchayat Council election, the Hon'ble Madras High Court in its October 2021 order stated that the counsel for the state has been elected without contest and does not belong to the reserved area. (ANI) Earlier on Thursday, CM Dhami addressed the 'New Delhi roadshow' for the upcoming Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023, scheduled to take place in December. During the roadshow, Dhami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of providing employment to 10 lakh people in the country within a year and we are also making continuous efforts to align with this vision of the Prime Minister. He further said that hosting the G20 conference under the leadership of the Prime Minister last month helped introduce global leaders to the country's rich history, culture and dynamic economy during which Uttarakhand also got the opportunity to organize three meetings of G20. The forthcoming Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023 is expected to serve as a platform for both domestic and international investors to explore investment prospects in the state across various sectors. With a proactive approach towards attracting investments and fostering economic prosperity, Uttarakhand continues to position itself as an attractive destination for businesses and investors alike. The Chief Minister of Uttrakhand has recently returned from the UK where the state held an investment roadshow. On September 27, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami informed that so far Memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 9,000 crores has been signed on his visit to the UK adding that people are willing to invest in Uttarakhand. On the third day of his visit to Birmingham, the Uttrakhand CM signed two more MoUs with global investors worth Rs 3,000 crores. (ANI) The 12124 Pune Junction to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai) does not have a stop at the Kalyan Railway Station and the passengers were attempting to get off the running train when they fell and injured themselves, railway officials said. The train was halted immediately and the train crew and station staff rushed the injured passengers to the KDMC Govt Rukmini Bai Hospital near the Kalyan station. The train was briefly halted in light of the incident. According to the preliminary report, of the three passengers, the condition of one was said to be fine. However, the remaining two passengers, aged 40 and 25 years, have sustained severe injuries. (ANI) Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, announced on Friday that a two-day P20 (G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit) conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13. Speaker Lok Sabha announced on Friday that Two day P-20 Conference will be inagurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13th October 2023. Om Birla in a Press Conference said that 50 Members of Parliament and 14 General Secretaries including 26 Presidents, 10 Vice-Presidents, 01 Committee Chairman and the IPU President have confirmed their participation in the conference.The President of the Pan African Parliament will attend the P-20 event in India for the first time. The P-20 summit will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 October 2023.India has dedicated its G-20 presidency to the people. Therefore, it is an important responsibility for our legislative institutions to make the P-20 summit as participatory as possible and connect with the general public" he added Speaker Lok Sabha Om Birla further said that in two days Conference Four high-level sessions will be organized during the summit including 1. Accelerating SDGS 2. Sustainable Energy Transition 3. Women-led Development 4. Transformation in People's Lives through Public Digital Platforms These sessions will bring together G-20 members and guest countries for wide-ranging discussions on "How Parliament can effectively advance the objectives of the P-20". A 'Mother of Democracy' exhibition will also be organized to highlight India's ancient and participatory democratic traditions. A Parliamentary Forum on LIFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) will be organized before the LiFE (Lifestyle for Sustainable Development) Summit on 12 October 2023. On October 13, the delegates will be taken on a tour of the Parliament House Complex where they will pay floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, after the tour, a cultural evening and dialogue along with dinner will be organized by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in the Parliament complex, said the Lok Sabha Speaker. The 9th P20 Summit will be jointly organized by the Parliament of India and the Ministry of of External Affairs, Government of India. Germany and Argentina will not be attending the Summit due to internal reasons, for which both countries have expressed regret The summit will conclude with a joint statement urging G-20 governments to address major global challenges based on equality. inclusivity and peace. On October 13, 2023, the delegates will be taken on a tour of the Parliament House Complex where they will pay floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. After the tour, a cultural evening and dialogue along with dinner will be organized by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in the Parliament complex. With the support of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the first P-20 summit was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 1 and 2, 2018. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and Naxalism will be eliminated in the next "two years". Amit Shah's statement came while chairing the review meeting on Left Wing Extremism here in the national capital in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, all heads of all the Naxal affected states. Addressing the participants of other Naxal-affected states and senior officials from the Centre and the state government, Shah mentioned that "lowest violence and deaths in LWE areas was recorded in 2022 in last four decades." The meeting, which aimed at preparing a roadmap to completely root out the Left Wing Extremism from the country and review the actions taken so far, was also attended by Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai; Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ashwini Choubey; and Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan as well as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka and Director Generals of National Investigation Agency, Sashastra Seema Bal, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, National Security Guard and Indo-Tibetan Border Police also attended the meeting along with Home Secretaries and Chief Secretaries of naxal affected States. Initiating the meeeting, Bhalla welcomed all dignitaries and briefed them about the meeting. The last LWE meeting occured in September 2021. Earlier in the day, before joining the meeting, Home Minister Shah took to 'X', formerly Twitter, to share his views and termed Naxalism a "curse to humanity", saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government is committed to uprooting Naxalism in all its forms. "Naxalism is a curse to humanity and we are resolved to uproot it in all its forms. I look forward to chairing the Review Meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in New Delhi today to further our efforts to fulfil PM @narendramodi Ji's vision of an LWE-free nation," Shah posted on 'X'. The meeting, which is held at certain intervals, aims at fulfilling the Central government's commitment to the development of left-wing extremist-affected states as well as making an LWE-free nation. A lot of success can be witnessed in the last few years in this sector due to the joint efforts of the Centre and the States in cracking down on Left Wing Extremism with an extreme fall in naxal incidents. The central government, however, determined that unless the country gets rid of the problem of Left Wing Extremism completely, the full development of the country and the states affected by it is not possible. Left-wing extremism has been a significant security challenge for many decades. Though primarily a State subject, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has promulgated a 'National Policy and Action Plan' since 2015 to address the Left Wing Extremism menace holistically and the progress and the situation is being monitored rigorously and this Policy consists of a multi-pronged approach. The significant features of the policy are zero tolerance towards violence coupled with a big push to developmental activities so that benefits of development reach the poor and vulnerable in the affected areas. Pursuant to the Policy, the Ministry of Home Affairs is supporting the State Governments in Capacity Building and strengthening of Security Apparatus by deployment of CAPF Battalions, provision of helicopters and UAVs and sanction of India Reserve Battalions (IRBs) and Special India Reserve Battalions (SIRBs). Funds are also provided under the Modernization of Police Force (MPF), Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) for the modernization and training of State Police. For the development of Left Wing Extremism-affected States, the government of India has taken several developmental initiatives which include sanctioning 17,600 kilometers of road. To improve telecom connectivity new mobile towers are being installed in affected districts. For financial inclusion of the people several post offices, bank branches, ATMs and banking correspondents have been opened. Special focus is also being given to the opening of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The fight against the Left Wing Extremism menace is now in a crucial stage and the government is optimistic of reducing the menace to an insignificant level at the earliest. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Friday sought response of Delhi Police on petitions moved by Newsclick's Founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha for the direction to quash of FIR registered against him and others. The plea also challenged a trial Court order granting remand to him and HR Head Amit Chakravarty in the matter. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal,appeared for Newsclick founder and others, stated that there are two separate petitions, I have challenged the arrest and sought quashing of the FIR. At 6 am, they took my client to a Magistrate, they knew I was the counsel but I was not told when my client was taken to the Magistrate. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for Delhi Police sought adjournment to respond in the matter as several facts have been pleaded which I don't know. Noted the submissions, the bench of Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said the allegations are not of such a nature that can grant you immediate relief and fixed the matter for hearing on October 9, 2023. However, the Court observed that in the remand application Delhi Police don't disclose the grounds of arrest. On Thursday, Patiala House Court of Delhi allowed a plea moved by Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty for the supply of the First Information Report to them. On Wednesday, the Trial Court had allowed the Delhi Police remand plea and sent the two accused to seven days of police remand. Delhi Police on Wednesday alleged that NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha conspired to peddle the narrative that Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are disputed territories with the help of a Shanghai-based company. Delhi Police informed the court through remand application that secret inputs revealed that Prabir Purkayastha, Neville Roy Singham (said to be an active member of the Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China) and some other Chinese employees of Neville Roy Singham-owned Shanghai-based Company by the name of StarStream have exchanged emails which expose their intent to show Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as not part of India. Delhi Police in its remand plea stated that such attempts by these persons reveal their conspiracy to peddle a narrative, both globally and domestically, that Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are disputed territories. "Their attempts to tinker with the northern borders of India and to show Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as not parts of India in maps amount to an act intended towards undermining the unity and territorial integrity of India," said Delhi Police. The accused persons have also conspired to disrupt supplies and services essential to the life and abet damage and destruction of property by protraction of farmers' protests through such illegal foreign funding, they added. A false narrative has been propagated to discredit the efforts of the Indian Government to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. It was learnt that Prabir Purkayastha conspired with a group namely People's Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 general elections, as per Delhi Police. "People's Dispatch Portal, owned and maintained by PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd was used for intentionally peddling these false narratives through paid news in lieu of crores of rupees of illegally routed foreign funds as part of a conspiracy," said the police in Court while seeking Prabir Purkayastha and Human Resources Head of the news portal NewsClick, Amit Chakravarty's remand. According to the Delhi Police, secret inputs have been received that foreign funds in crores have been infused illegally in India by Indian and Foreign entities inimical to India in pursuance of conspiracy with the intention to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, to cause disaffection against India and to threaten the unity, integrity, security of India. Since April 2018, such fraudulent funds in crores of rupees have been received by PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd through illegal means during a short span of five years from Worldwide Media Holdings LLC, USA and others. The remand application moved in Delhi Court stated that Prabir Purkayastha, Amit Sengupta, Doraiswami Raghunandan, Bappaditya Sinha, Gautam Navlakha, Geeta Hariharan, Amit Chakravarty and Worldwide Media Holding LLC are shareholders of "PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd" having its registered office at New Delhi. "Such foreign funds have been fraudulently infused by one Neville Roy Singham through a complex web of several entities including Worldwide Media Holdings (incorporated by Jason Pfetcher, a close associate of Neville Roy Singham, People Support foundation (Jodie Evans, wife of Neville Roy Singham being director), Justice and Education Fund, GSPAN LLC (owned by Neville Roy Singham), The Tricontinental Ltd Inc US, Centro Popular De Midas, Brazil." It was learnt that both Tricontinental India Pvt Ltd and GSPAN India Pvt Ltd were incorporated by The Tricontinental Ltd, USA and GSPAN LLC USA respectively to infuse funds in India by circumventing the existing rules for receipt of foreign funds by NGOs. Further, it is learnt that Gautam Navlakha who has been a shareholder in PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd since its inception in the year 2018, remained involved in anti-Indian and unlawful activities such as actively supporting banned Naxal organisations and having anti-national nexus with Gulam Nabi Fai who is an agent of ISI of Pakistan. It was also learnt that Gautam Navlakha has been associated with Prabir Purkayastha since 1991 when they incorporated Sagrik Process Analyst Pvt Ltd, stated Delhi Police. (ANI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital at his residence on Thursday. On the occasion, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also present at the meeting. In this regard, Mallikarjun Kharge took to X (former Twitter) and said, "Today, along with Rahul Gandhi met NCP President Sharad Pawar to further raise the voice of the people of the country. We are ready for every challenge. India will join, INDIA will win." After the meeting was concluded, Sharad Pawar also took to X (former Twitter) and said, "Paid a courtesy visit to INC President MP Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence. MP Rahul Gandhi, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad and Gurdeep Sapal, INC CWC Member were also present for the meeting." Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is hearing the pleas by the Sharad Pawar faction and Ajit Pawar-led faction of NCP today over claims on the party name and symbol. Ajit Pawar earlier in July approached the Election Commission staking claim to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the party symbol amid a feud between the two factions. Later, the Election Commission wrote to both factions of the party acknowledging the split and also directed both Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar to share documents, submitted to the polling body, with each other. Today is the first hearing of the case before ECI. The Commission in July also issued a show-cause notice to the NCP group led by Sharad Pawar following a petition filed by the Ajit Pawar faction. The petition claimed that Ajit Pawar should be declared NCP president and should be allotted the party's symbol as per the provisions of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. (ANI) After Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot questioned Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar over his frequent visits to the poll-bound state, the latter said that it is not right to drag a person holding a constitutional post unnecessarily into politics. In an apparent reply to the Rajasthan CM, Dhankhar said that there must be respect for constitutional positions. "Some people are saying why are you coming here again and again... I do not expect, people in authority to make statements in light of constitutional positions. This is not good for democracy. There must be respect for constitutional positions and all of us in togetherness, hand in hand, in collaboration and coordination with a consensual approach, have to serve the people at large..." the Vice President said while addressing the students and faculty members of Mody University of Science and Technology in Laxmangarh. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has lashed out at Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on several occasions over his frequent visits to the poll-bound state. However, Dhankhar further said, "It is our country, we all are servants of this country whatever be our position, right from the President down the line up to the chief minister. We must be very sensitive, we should not generate such a public perception that a person holding a constitutional post should be unnecessarily dragged into politics, it is not right." Reciting a poetry, Dhankhar further took a swipe at the Rajasthan CM. "Khata kya ki humne, pata hi nahi! Aapatti kyo hai unhe hamare ghar aane ki, pata hi nahi! Ye kaisa manzar hai, samjh se pare hai, Sawaliya nishan kyo hai apne ghar aane me, Kya julm hai? Pata hi nahi!" Dhankhar recited a poetry written by him. Notably, earlier in September, Gehlot while addressing a programme in Jaipur had said, "The Vice President is doing up-down (between Delhi and Rajasthan). Whether it is the Governor or the Vice President, we respect them... but elections are here." Later on 27 September, Gehlot said, "Politicians should come but please do not send the Vice President, it is a Constitutional post. We respect the President and the Vice President. Yesterday the Vice President came and visited five districts. Is there any logic? It is election season. If you come now it will send all kinds of messages which is not good for democracy." (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday invited leading industrialists and investors to invest in the state and participate in the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled for January 2024. He said that the state has become the 'Most Preferred Investment Destination' under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the Curtain Raiser event for the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in New Delhi, the chief minister said that PM Modi has showcased potential of the Gujarat to the world through the creation of new industries, technology, and job opportunities. "Gujarat has become a symbol of development through the Vibrant Gujarat Summit," CM said. The chief minister praised PM Modi as a visionary leader. "In 2003, when the idea of a business and investment summit was unheard of, he came up with Vibrant Summit with the spirit of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'," he said. Adding that PM Modi brought global capital investors and thought leaders together on a single platform, Gujarat CM said, "He introduced a fresh concept - the idea that everyone can progress together. Over the past nine years, the Prime Minister has not only reformed the country but also spearheaded innovative approaches, establishing a new global identity for India with his visionary leadership." He further emphasized that Gujarat under the guidance of PM Modi for the past two decades, has earned recognition as India's Growth Engine. "This recognition has been strongly reinforced by the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which has evolved into a platform for business networking, knowledge sharing, and socio-economic development," CM Patel said. The Chief Minister highlighted the grand success of two decades of Vibrant Gujarat, which Gujarat celebrated as 'Summit of Success' in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence. He pointed out that the seed of the Vibrant Summit, sowed by the Prime Minister, has now matured into a banyan tree, furthering Team Gujarat's commitment to carry forward the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Bhupendra Patel emphasized that the industrialists and investors gathered at this curtain raiser event stand as witnesses of the nation's 'Amrit Kaal'. He further highlighted that during this 'Amrit Kaal', Gujarat's progress and development-focused governance have significantly bolstered India's journey towards growth and prosperity. The theme of the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit is 'Gateway to the Future'. The Gujarat Chief Minister emphasized that the state will realize the Prime Minister's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat @2047' through this summit. "With a proactive policy-led approach, ease of doing business, investor-friendly attitude, and robust industrial infrastructure, Gujarat has emerged as the most preferred investment destination. Not just that, 'Gateway to the Future' is entirely set to become the gateway to a bright future for the nation," CM said. Bhupendra Patel also stated that Gujarat has initiated its contribution to realize the Prime Minister's vision of a Developed India through future-ready mega projects like GIFT City, Dholera SIR, DREAM City, Greenfield Ports, and the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail project. On the occasion, Chief Minister Patel also named Gujarat as the 'Most Preferred Destination' in the production of semiconduction and display fab. He expressed that Gujarat is the first state to implement the Semiconductor Policy in the country. The Chief Minister said that seminars and conferences on essential topics such as new emerging sectors, renewable energy, semiconductors, sustainable manufacturing, green hydrogen, electric mobility, and Industry 4.0 will be organised in the upcoming Vibrant Summit in January 2024. Gujarat Chief Minister Patel expressed confidence that the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit will be a golden opportunity for investors looking to engage with Gujarat for its immense growth potential. He was optimistic about achieving success through the Vibrant Summit, counting on the support of investors and entrepreneurs to cultivate a sustainable and inclusive growth ecosystem. CEO of Arcelor Mittal, Dilip Oommen, Maruti Suzuki MD and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, and CEO of U.K. India Business Council Group Richard McCallum shared their experiences related to the Vibrant Summit. President of ASSOCHAM and Chairman of Welspun Group B.K. Goenka, in his welcome address, praised Gujarat's business prowess and investment-friendly policy environment. He stated that Gujarat and Business are synonymous with each other. Finance and Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai, Union Minister of State Darshana Jardosh and Dr. Mahendra Munjpara, Gujarat Industries Minister Balwantsinh Rajput, State Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and senior secretaries of the state government along with leading industrialists and investors also attended this event. (ANI) The arrest was made on the basis of specific intelligence input received by the Customs Department, said officials. According to the officials, the person apprehended is from Uganda and he was arriving from Addis Ababa. He had ingested 60 capsules that contained 1009 gram of cocaine valued at Rs 15.13 crore, said the officials. The recovered drug has been seized under the NDPS Act 1985 and further investigation is underway, added the officials. Earlier this month, Air Customs personnel at Delhi's IGI airport seized gold worth Rs 2.73 crores and arrested one Russian and a Tajik national in the case. According to an official statement, the seized gold weighed 5488 gram. The Delhi Customs taking to X (formerly Twitter) said in a post, "On careful scrutiny and profiling of passengers, Customs@IGIA have seized 5,488 grams of gold valued at INR 2.73 crores from one Russian and a Tajik national who arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe. Both pax have been arrested and further investigations are underway." (ANI) Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday called the vision document of the Rajasthan government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as an effort to hide its failures. "In order to hide the failures of the state government, the Chief Minister took this step. The person who had responsibility for the growth and development of different sectors of Rajasthan, such as business, natural resources, employment opportunities, the education sector, industrialization, and strengthening the medical sector... After failing to strengthen these sectors, the Rajasthan government has now invited suggestions from these sectors. The 3.5 crore suggestions that the CM has mentioned in his speech--how realistic is that? ...The government is completely bureaucracy-dependent..." Shekhawat said while addressing the media in Rajasthan's Jaipur. It is worth mentioning that Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot on Thursday launched the 'vision document' showcasing the government's goal till 2030 if voted to power. The move came ahead of the state assembly polls, scheduled to be held later this year. In the 'vision document', the Gehlot government also touted the work done by it in the last five years. Meanwhile, Shekhawat further attacked the government stating, "The people of Rajasthan now recognise the 'vision' of CM Ashok Gehlot. By praising itself through the document, the government tried to mislead the people of the state. If we talk about the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Rajasthan is not even on the list of top 10 states but Gehlot Sahab lied about it being at the top position". "By presenting the 'vision document', the Chief Minister tried to raise a 'Hawa Mahal'. Rather, he should be accountable for what they have done in the past five years" he added. Praising the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the centre, the Union Minister said, "...Prime Minister Modi had expressed that till 2024 we will make sure that drinking water reaches every house in the country... When the work was started, water used to reach only 16 per cent of houses...Despite COVID-19, today we have been successful in supplying drinking water to more than 10 crore families...Despite the highest budgetary allocation from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and by Prime Minister Modi, the Rajasthan government has been unsuccessful in availing this budget due to not adding any amount from its part." It is worth mentioning that Rajasthan is among the five states, going to polls later this year. Earlier in the 2018 Rajasthan assembly polls, the Congress secured 100 seats. However, it was short by a majority of one seat. Later, it formed the government with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with Ashok Gehlot becoming the Chief Minister. The BJP had won 73 seats. (ANI) Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Choudhary wrote a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the deplorable flood situation in West Bengal saying that it is not the time to "shift blame to one another's shoulders". "It is not time to shift blame to one another's shoulders and to be judgmental of the causes of the flood. Let us put aside the controversy over the "man-made" or "God-made" causes for the flood. It is time to rescue the affected brethren of ours, offer them food, drinking water and medicines forgetting all about our differences of opinions," Adhir said in his letter on Friday. The West Bengal Congress chief asked both the central and state governments to expand their disaster management resources to provide relief to flood victims. "The Union Government of India and the State Government are expected to stretch their respective disaster management resources to its maximum for offering relief to the flood victims," he said. The Congress leader asked the Chief Minister to pay "immediate attention" to the "alarming flood situation" in the state especially in the districts of East and West Burdwan, West Medinipur, Hooghly, Howrah, South 24 Parganas and Birbhum. More than 4 lakh hectares of agricultural lands in these seven districts have been damaged, Adhir said adding that the death toll in these districts has risen to 23. "In view of the above, you are earnestly requested to stand beside the flood affected people and help them in all possible means to fight the terrible flood situation," he requested. The cloudburst in North Sikkim and subsequent release of water resulted in an outburst in Lake Lhonak and a major breach in Chungthang dam. After that, more than 8000 cubic metres per second of water has been released from the Teesta barrage which has resulted in flood-like situations in the downstream districts of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar. Moreover, due to persistent low pressure over Bengal for the last few days resulting in heavy rainfall in south Bengal and Jharkhand, there has been a heavy discharge of water from various Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) barrages of Maithon and Panchet and reservoirs of Mukutmanipur. The districts of Bankura, Howrah, Hooghly, Paschim Medinipur and South 24 Parganas have been severely affected in this. (ANI) Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a meeting with Vice President of United Parcel Service (UPS) Christina Struller Da Costa and Director Dinkar Singh here late Thursday evening. "UPS, the world's largest logistics company, offered to extend a helping hand to Himachal Pradesh to overcome the aftermath of the disaster caused by monsoon fury. The Dubai-based company offered the State Government for providing assistance in the form of drone technology for the transportation of medicines and vaccines to remote areas of the state," according to a press release from the Chief Ministers office. Additionally, the UPS also assured to supply much-needed medicines and vaccines to the State Government 'free of cost', the release stated. Expressing gratitude to the company for the proposal of advanced logistics technology to improve healthcare delivery in remote areas, the CM said, "the Department of Digital Technology and Governance would develop a detailed proposal for the company, and the state government would decide to rope-in the services of the company thereafter taking into consideration their proposal." "Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with extensive damage caused by the torrential rains and landslides during the monsoon season, resulting in huge losses to both public and private properties," Sukhu said. "In response, the State Government has been tirelessly working to assist affected individuals, despite limited resources. To aid in the recovery efforts, the government has allocated a relief package of Rs. 4500 crore," he added. The Chief Minister said, "The invaluable support from the people of the state, marked by a historic donation exceeding Rs. 200 crore to the Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023, and their enthusiastic willingness to lend a helping hand, have played a crucial role in alleviating the challenges faced during this difficult period." Secretary, Digital Technology and Governance, Dr. Abhishek Jain was also present in the meeting, the release stated. Persistent rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in multiple landslides and cloudbursts in various areas. According to officials, the current monsoon season has claimed the lives of 400 individuals in rain-related incidents and caused damage to more than 13,000 houses. Incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh have led to multiple landslides and cloudbursts in several places. (ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha on Friday visited the Ambedkar Museum in London and emphasized that only Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao can fulfill the aspirations of Babasaheb Ambedkar. The Ambedkar Museum became the inaugural stop on MLC Kavitha's two-day visit to London. Expressing her views on the museum visit, MLC Kavitha said, "Honoured to have visited the Ambedkar Museum in London, a place that echoes the visionary spirit of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. His ideals resonate deeply with the journey of Telangana's statehood, a revolution, a journey close to our hearts. Ambedkar's foresight in Article 3, ensuring the majority doesn't drown out minority justice, paved the way for Telangana's reality today." Kavitha also highlighted the efforts made by Chief Minister KCR in the struggle for Telangana as a separate state. K Kavitha said," Our leader KCR Garu had agitated for 14 years based on the principles of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar reminds us of the visionary leader who significantly shaped our democracy. Telangana State Secretariat is named in honour of his legacy and vision. Babasaheb's 125th birth anniversary marked the unveiling of a 125 ft tall statue of him in Hyderabad." She also underscored Babasaheb Ambedkar's advocacy for women's rights, which have influenced the fabric of Indian democracy. "As we celebrate 75 years of independence, we acknowledge that women's representation in Parliament is a mere 15 per cent. Inspired by Ambedkar, I drew my inspiration from Babasaheb while advocating for the cause of women's revolution, advocating for reservation. The recent law is a monumental step, and I foresee a future where 181 women transform our nation's narrative," BRS MLC said. During her visit, Kavitha engaged with the Indian diaspora, discussed collaborative initiatives, and participated in events fostering cultural exchange between India and the United Kingdom. Upon her visit, the Joint Secretary of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK Pankaj Sham Kumar addressed the gathering in honour of the MLC visit and efforts towards strengthening Babasaheb Ambedkar's ideology. "I was very happy to know that when the formation of the Telangana state was happening then, in 2012, she (Kavitha) sat on a dharna demanding Baba Saheb's statue in the Telangana assembly, and later when the state was formed that statue was installed. It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK to welcome you," he said. MLC Kavitha's two-day itinerary includes engagements with the Indian diaspora discussions on collaborative initiatives and participation in events fostering cultural exchange between India and the United Kingdom. Later in the day, MLC Kavitha will be addressing the Bridge India event as a keynote speaker addressing the ideas of gender equality and inclusive democracy, followed by Panel discussion. MLC Kavitha on the second day of her visit, will interact with a delegation of students from NISAU in a round table discussion. MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha will be attending a series of events during her 2 day London Visit. (ANI) Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Friday that schemes worth Rs 154.25 crore had been approved for the Una and Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CIRF). The Minister said with this approval, two bridges will be constructed on the Swan River at a cost of Rs 50.60 crore and Pong Dam on the Beas River at a cost of Rs 103.65 crore. Gadkari said Himachal has been affected by natural disasters recently and there was a detailed discussion in this regard with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nadda and Minister Anurag Thakur on the need for approving new infrastructure projects in the state. incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh have led to multiple landslides and cloudbursts in several places. The monsoon fury has also damaged several roads and bridges in the state. The Himachal Pradesh Assembly, earlier in Septembers passed a resolution demanding the Union government to declare destruction caused by recent heavy rains in the state as a "national disaster". Earlier on September 18, the Himachal Pradesh government moved a resolution in the state assembly recommending the central government to declare the destructions caused by heavy rains in the state during the monsoon season this year a "national disaster." According to state officials, Himachal Pradesh has incurred a loss of Rs 12000 crores in the rain-induced calamities during the monsoon this year so far. Gadkari, after his visit to disaster-hit Himachal, had assured that the Central Government will extend all possible help to the affected. "There has been unprecedented damage to the roads, bridges and private property due to flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts triggered by heavy rains," he had said, adding that Rs 400 crore will be released by the Union Government under Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), so that repair and restoration works can be undertaken on war footing. The NHAI will also bear the cost of repairing the link roads up to one kilometer along the National Highways in apple belts, he had added. (ANI) The major thrust being given to review of passenger amenities works and other infrastructural developmental activities. DRM Saurabh Prasad inspected Srikakulam station, colony and adjacent areas for planning passenger amenities and other facilities under the third line augmentation project. Further, Saurabh Prasad inspected Dusi station and adjacent areas along with senior officials for planning Goods Siding and other facilities under the third line capacity augmentation projectHe was accompanied by ADRM (infra) Sudhir Kumar Gupta, Senior Divisional Operations Manager G Suneel Kumar, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager AK Tripathi, Senior Divisional Engineer (Coordination) AK Moharana, Senior Divisional Engineer (East) MV Ramana, Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer MSN Murthy and other officials. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday informed that instructions have been issued to the officials for the investigation into the Goregaon fire incident resulting in deaths of eight people. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Eknath Shinde said," The incident is saddening. I have been in contact with the Police Commissioner and Mahapalika Commissioner since morning. I have interacted with the patients in the hospital. All patients are out of danger and proper treatment is being given to those in ICU.I have given instructions to investigate the mishappening." Earlier today Maharashtra CM Shinde met those injured in Goregaon fire incident, at Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Center in Mumbai. In the aftermath of the incident, Ekanth Shinde also announced the fire audit of all such Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) buildings. "An officer will be appointed for these survey cum fire audits," Maharashtra CMO said. Eight deaths have so far been reported in the blaze that broke out in Jay Bhavani building in Mumbai's Goregaon building around 3 am in the early hours of Friday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that government will provide monetary help of Rs 5 laks to their families. "I am continuously speaking with Municipal Commissioner and Police.What happened is unfortunate. I express my condolences to those who died. The government will provide monetary help of Rs 5 lakhs to their families. Those who are injured will be given treatment by the government," Maharashtra CM said. An eye-witness to the incident, actor Manish Chaturvedi said, "The incident occurred 2.30 am-3 am. I had returned from a party around 1.30 am and was sleeping. Suddenly, around 2.45 am I could sense a burning smell in the air. I woke up and first searched my room. I then woke my brother up. We then saw the smoke rising.We then called up the fire brigade. "I was able to place a call at 3:06 am but there was no response from the other side.I think had they been alert the loss would not have been this much. Police did arrive on time.The situation was very heart-rending," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. (ANI) A Delhi Court has vacated an interim order passed on April 18 directing the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to not dispossess Raghav Chadha from the government bungalow without due process of law. The Additional District Judge Sudhanshu Kaushik of Patiala House Court in an order passed on October 5, 2023 stated that on April 14 an interim relief was granted to the plaintiff (Raghav Chadha) that he would not be dispossessed from the accommodation without due process of law. "This is certainly an error apparent on the face of the record and the same needs to be corrected. Accordingly, the order dated April 18, 2023 stands recalled and the interim order stands vacated," the court said. "Further, after hearing the parties, I find that plaintiff has failed to demonstrate that any urgent or immediate relief needs to be granted in the present matter for which leave could be granted under Section 80 (2) of CPC. Plaintiff's allotment was cancelled on March 3, 2023, whereas, the suit was instituted on April 17, 2023. The accommodation granted to the plaintiff falls under the definition of a public premises," it said. As observed in the preceding paras, the accommodation alloted to the plaintiff is only a privilege given to him as a Member of Parliament. He has no vested right to continue to occupy the same after the privilege has been withdrawn and the allotment has been canceled. The argument that the plaintiff was not given hearing before the cancellation of allotment stands rejected as no such notice was required under the Law, said the ADJ Sudhanshu Kaushik. Earlier on April 18, the Court in its interim order directed that Raghav Chadha, who is staying there with his parents shall not be dispossessed from the Bunglow without due process of law. Court had also said, a prima-facie case is made out for issuing directions to the effect that plaintiff/Raghav Chadha shall not be dispossessed from the Bunglow No.AB-5, Pandara Road, New Delhi without due process of law. The balance of convenience also lies in favour of the plaintiff as he is residing in the accommodation along with his parents. Plaintiff would indeed suffer irreparable injury, in case, he is dispossessed without the due process of law, said the Court. Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, defendant is directed not to dispossess the plaintiff from Bunglow No.AB-5, Pandara Road, New Delhi without due process of law. Notice of the application under Section 80 (2) of CPC be issued to the defendant to show cause in respect of the relief claimed in the suit, added the court in order passed on April 18, 2023. Raghav Chadha in its civil suit stated that he on July 6, 2022, was allotted Bunglow No.C-1/12, Pandara Park, New Delhi which falls under the category of Type VI Bunglow. Thereafter, on August 29, 2022, the AAP MP made a representation to the Rajya Sabha Chairman requesting for the allotment of Type-VII accommodation. The said representation of the plaintiff was considered and on September 3, 2022, in lieu of earlier accommodation, he was allotted Bunglow No.AB-5, Pandara Road, New Delhi from Rajya Sabha Pool. "Plaintiff accepted the allotment and started residing therein along with his parents after carrying out renvation work. It has been stated that plaintiff took the physical possession of the bunglow on November 9, 2022 and the allotment made in his favour was notified in the official gazette. Plaintiff has mentioned that he came to know that the allotment made in his favour has been canceled arbitrarily and this fact was communicated to him on dated March 3, 2023," the court said in its order. Through the suit, Raghav Chadha has sought directions that letter dated 03.03.2023 issued by RajyaSabha Secretariat may be declared as illegal. He has also sought a permanent injunction to the effect that defendant and their associates may be restrained from taking any further action in consequence of letter dated March 3, 2023 and they may also be restrained from allotting the bunglow to some other person. Apart from this, Raghav Chadha has also sought damages to the tune of Rs 5,50,000 from the defendant for causing mental agony and harassment, stated the suit. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], October 5 (ANI/WAM): UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met today with Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, to discuss bilateral ties and explore opportunities for further collaboration that advances the sustainable development ambitions of both nations. During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Ibrahim conveyed to UAE President the greetings of the King of Malaysia, Al Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah, and his wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE. Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his greetings to the Malaysian King and extended his best wishes for the ongoing development of Malaysia and its people. The two sides reviewed existing cooperation between the UAE and Malaysia and discussed ways to build on these ties, especially in the areas of the economy, trade and investment, renewable energy, food security, and others that serve both nations' vision for a sustainable and prosperous future. In this context, they emphasised their shared interest in promoting cooperation towards establishing a comprehensive economic partnership between the two countries in the near future. UAE President and the Prime Minister of Malaysia also discussed the latest regional and international developments and exchanged views on various topics of mutual interest. Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and his happiness to be meeting again with Sheikh Mohamed, emphasising Malaysia's keenness to expand collaboration with the UAE across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on economic, investment, and developmental cooperation. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Ahmed bin Ali Mohammed Al Sayegh, Minister of State; and the accompanying delegation of the Malaysian Prime Minister. (ANI/WAM) The two sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation initiatives in the maritime domain and avenues of reinforcing international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security, as per a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary for Disarmament and International Security Affairs, MEA, Muanpuii Saiawi and the EU delegation was led by Director for Security and Defence Policy, European External Action Service Ambassador Joanneke Balfoort. India and the EU explored avenues to strengthen their shared efforts in areas such as countering illicit maritime activities (IMA), maritime law enforcement and capability building, as per the official release. The two sides also discussed cooperation in the enhancement of maritime domain awareness (MDA) and looked forward to a forthcoming India-EU maritime engagement. It was agreed to hold the next round of the dialogue on a mutually convenient date. India and the EU also discussed cyber cooperation in multilateral fora and also appreciated the Cyber Dialogue mechanism, during the seventh India-EU Cyber Dialogue in Brussels. The two sides also discussed cooperation in promoting capacity building in cyberspace and combating the criminal use of Information and Communication technology. The Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, the Joint Secretary of the Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs. In the context of the vibrant Strategic Partnership between India and the EU, the two sides expressed appreciation for the Cyber Dialogue mechanism as it provides a platform to discuss a wide range of issues related to cyberspace. Both sides exchanged views on cyber policies, strategies and areas of mutual interest, the MEA stated. (ANI) ARY News is a Pakistani news channel. The country has put a ban on the export of 17 types of clothes, all types of vehicle tires, tea leaves, cosmetics and dozens of toiletries. Similarly, nuts, dry and fresh fruits, home appliances including fridges, refrigerators, air conditioners, juicers, and mixer blenders have also been banned from being taken to Afghanistan. The ban comes a day after Pakistan imposed a ten per cent processing fee on several items imported under the Afghan transit trade agreement. A customs department notification said: "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 18D of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), the Federal Government is pleased to impose processing fee at the rate of ten per cent ad valorem on the following Afghan transit Commercial goods imported into Afghanistan in transit via Pakistan." The items affected include confectioneries, chocolates, footwear, various machinery, blankets, home textiles, and garments. Pakistan has formulated a new strategy to curb financial losses to the exchequer from the Afghan transit trade. Sources told ARY News that Pakistan suffered an annual financial loss of Pakistani rupee (PKR) 180 billion from the Afghan transit trade. To curb the financial losses, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) formulated a new strategy to stop smuggling of the transit commodities. The documents mentioned that Pakistan would take a 100 per cent guarantee of all luxury items in the Afghan transit trade. The Pakistan government has decided to end the smuggling of luxury items through the Afghan transit trade following the recommendations of the Special Investment Facilitations Council's (SIFC) apex committee. According to the documents, a ban was imposed on the exports of several luxury commodities including tyres, fabrics, cosmetics, tiles and other items until their clearance from the relevant authorities, as per ARY News. (ANI) A US F-16 fighter jet on Thursday shot down an armed Turkish drone that was operating near American troops in Syria, according to US officials, CBS News reported. CBS News is the news division of the American television and radio service CBS. The drone was shot down after repeated communications to stay away from US ground troops near Al Hasakah in northeastern Syria. This is believed to be the first time the US has shot down a drone from Turkey, a NATO ally. The Pentagon called the incident "regrettable" but said no US forces were injured and there are no indications that Turkey intended to target US forces. Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters on Thursday: "It's regrettable when you have two NATO allies and there's an incident like this." At 7:30 am local time in Syria, US forces observed several drones conducting airstrikes near Al Hasakah, and some of the strikes were inside a restricted operating zone and were approximately one kilometre away from US troops, prompting them to take shelter in bunkers, Ryder said. At 11:30 am, a Turkish drone re-entered the zone and headed toward a location near US forces. The drone was less than half a kilometre from US troops, and commanders on the ground assessed that there was a potential threat, so they took "prudent action," Ryder said. At approximately 11:40 am, an F-16 shot down the drone, as per CBS News. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart on Thursday to discuss Turkish activity and proximity to US forces in Syria, according to a readout from the Pentagon. General CQ Brown, Jr., the new Joint Chiefs chairman, also spoke with the chief of the general staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, General Metin Gurak on Thursday by phone, as per CBS News. There are about 900 US troops operating in Syria as a part of the mission to defeat ISIS. For the past several days, Turkey has been retaliating against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for a suicide bombing that took place in Ankara. Turkey considers the Syrian Democratic Forces - who partner with the US in the mission to defeat ISIS, as an arm of the PKK, which it has deemed a terrorist organization. (ANI) Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabash said that civilians, including six children, and military personnel were among those killed. There were concerns that the death toll could rise further as many of the wounded were in serious condition. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. The country's military said drones laden with explosives targeted the ceremony on Thursday as it came to an end. In a statement, the military accused fighters "backed by known international forces" for the attack. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "expressed deep concern" at the drone attack in Homs as well as "reports of retaliatory shelling" in northwest Syria, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Syria's defence minister attended the graduation ceremony but left minutes before the attack. "After the ceremony, people went down to the courtyard and the explosives hit. We don't know where it came from, and corpses littered the ground," said a Syrian man who had helped set up decorations at the ceremony. (ANI) Indian student Satyam Surana, the boy who tried to protect the Indian flag during the Khalistani protest in front of the Indian High Commission in London on Monday, said he had never seen the Indian flag being demeaned this way, his conscious persuaded him to protect the tricolour. Satyam, a student at the London School of Economics, said: "I saw the Indian flag was being demeaned, went behind the police lady who had stepped on the flag intentionally. I picked up the flag and I just moved away then." "I had never seen the Indian flag being demeaned this way. My inner self, my mind, my conscience were shocked to see how this could happen. That's what motivated, persuaded me to go forward and do what I did," he said. Khalistani protestors were on Monday cordoned off on either side of the street from the Indian High Commission in London. However, a group of protestors breached the barricades and crossed over to the side of the HCI with an Indian flag and a bottle of what they called 'cow urine'. Khalistan supporters claimed that they were staging the protest over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed outside a gurdwara in Canada's Surrey on June 18. One of the protestors gave an anti-India and anti-Sunak speech standing in front of the HCI London and then threw the Indian flag on the ground. Satyam was standing near the scene. He leapt forward as soon as the Khalistanis moved and picked up the Indian flag from the street. Some of the Khalistanis got agitated by this act and started cursing him. Metropolitan police officers present at the scene in their bid to neutralise the situation and protect Satyam, safely nudged him out of the place. Satyam's video where he is seen picking up the Indian flag from the ground went viral when former Advisor to UK Government Colin Bloom posted a video of the whole incident on his X handle. Satyam said: "So, there was a protest going on outside the Indian High Commission and when I went to see what was going on, I realized it was a protest by the pro-Khalistan group and these people were giving their slogans and the protest was going on." "I saw some people were going around with the national flag in their leg and there was a heavy amount of demeaning and insult that was intended towards the Indian national flag so that's why I stayed back and was looking at the entire protest," he added. He said that after some time, some people walked towards the Indian High Commission with the flag in their hand and the group started putting the flag on the ground and desecrating it. He then followed his instinct and saved the flag. Satyam further said that though his parents are worried about his safety, they are happy about what he did. "All of my friends are very proud, super proud. I am telling them that I have just exercised my duty as an Indian citizen and I just did what my conscience has told me. I would never pull a leg back when I get to serve my nation or to protect its dignity," he said. The protest by the Khalistan supporters came days after the planned interaction of Indian High Commissioner to Britain Vikram Doraiswami by the Gurudwara Committee in Glasgow was deliberately disrupted by three persons- all from areas outside Scotland. The Indian High Commission in London issued a statement on Saturday and said the interaction was to discuss community and consular issues. "On September 29, 2023, three persons- all from areas outside Scotland-deliberately disrupted a planned interaction organised by the Gurudwara Committee for the community, the High Commissioner and the Consul General of India. The organizers included senior community leaders, ladies and Committee members, and a member of the Scottish Parliament," the statement said. "They were threatened and abused by these elements. In an effort to prevent any potential altercation, the HC and CG decided to leave the premises shortly upon their arrival," it added. The Indian High Commission said it reported the incident to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Metropolitan Police. It said multiple community organisations, including the organisers, have formally regretted the incident and have urged the authorities to take action against the culprits. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that the plane crash that killed the head of the Wagner mercenary force, Yevgeny Prigozhin, happened as hand grenades exploded inside the aircraft, reported Al Jazeera. He said that Prigozhin's plane was not hit by a missile as rumoured, and was rather blown up from inside. Putin further said that the head of Russia's investigative committee had found traces of explosives in the bodies of those people who died in the crash. On August 23, Prigozhin died in an airplane crash in Russia's western Tver region exactly two months after leading an abortive mutiny in Moscow that posed the greatest threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin's authority in his 23 years in power. Putin speaking at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi said, "Fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed in the crash." "There was no external impact on the plane - this is already an established fact," Putin added while reacting to the claims made by the US officials who believed that the plane was shot down. Notably, Prigozhin was confirmed dead by Russian investigators on August 27. He was among the 10 people killed when their plane crashed on August 23. Two other top Wagner figures, Prigozhin's four bodyguards and a crew of three were also killed. However, Putin did not give any other details about the detonation of grenades. Moreover, he also said that he thought investigators were wrong in not carrying out alcohol and drug tests on the bodies of those who died in the crash. "In my opinion, such an examination should have been carried out, but it was not," Putin said. Russian President further claimed that following the searches of Wagner's offices in St. Petersburg after the crash, 10 billion roubles (USD 100 million) in cash and 5 kg (11 pounds) of cocaine were found. However, the investigators have not yet publicly announced these findings, reported Al Jazeera. The investigators of the crash have yet to report publicly on their findings. The crash came exactly two months after Prigozhin -- who was once called President Vladimir Putin's "personal chef" -- led an armed insurrection against the Russian leader. Moreover, Moscow rejected an offer from Brazil, where the Embraer business jet was built, to join the crash inquiry. Meanwhile, a preliminary US intelligence assessment stated that an intentional explosion caused the crash, moreover, the Western officials pointed out the list of Puti foes who have been assassinated to date. The Kremlin rejected the assertions that the Wagner mercenary chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed at the direction of the Russian government as an "absolute lie". The fate of Wagner has been unclear since Prigozhin's death. according to Al Jazeera. Following his death, Putin ordered Wagner fighters to sign contracts with Russia's defence ministry, which was earlier opposed by Prigozhin and his men. Prior to his death, Prigozhin accused Russia's military leaders, particularly Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, of incompetence and warned that Russia could lose the war in Ukraine unless it raised its game. Putin said that Prigozhin was a talented man who made "mistakes" and the Wagner crash victims made a "significant contribution" in Ukraine. He further added that the Wagner chief was "a man of difficult fate". (ANI) The European Union Parliament passed a resolution, criticising the severe violation of human rights in Afghanistan and the "gender apartheid policy of the Taliban", reported Khaama Press. The EU noted that since the Taliban took control over Afghanistan, there has been a surge in suppression of women, civil society, human rights defenders and human rights violations. The EU Parliament called on- the Taliban on Thursday to honour their commitments regarding Amnesty, Khaama Press reported. Moreover, the resolution got the support of the majority, with 519 votes in favour, 15 against it and 18 abstained. They also condemned the increase in human rights violations in Afghanistan, particularly arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and torture by former security forces. The EU in their resolution further demanded to withdraw severe restrictions on women and girls' rights in accordance with Afghanistan's international commitments, condemning the Taliban's gender apartheid policy, according to Khaama Press. The EU Parliament strongly condemns the Taliban for their hideous human rights violations. They particularly cited the "brutal persecution of Christians" and religious minorities. Moreover, the EU's move is part of their campaign to eliminate religious and ideological diversity in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the Parliament urged the European Union and its member nations to support Afghan civil society, Khaama Press reported. They called for increased funding and protective measures for human rights defenders in the region. Since the Taliban took over, in the last two years, they have issued over fifty decrees targetting women, highlighted by human rights organizations. Afghanistan's women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces. According to Khaama Press, these decrees have highly impacted marginalized women from Afghan society as they enforced such stringent policies. Some of the human rights defenders stressed that the Taliban has established "gender apartheid" in Afghanistan by segregating genders and depriving women of basic fundamental human rights. Earlier this week, the EU called for the immediate release of women detained in Afghanistan for defending their and others' rights and said arbitrary detentions undermine the caretaker government's domestic legitimacy. A startling 80 per cent of Afghan girls and young women, who are of school-going age, are currently denied access to education under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, a new report by Care International stated, according to Khaama Press. It has been more than two years since girls above grade six have been prohibited from attending schools in Afghanistan, and it is unclear when those doors will reopen, Tolo News reported. Afghanistan remains the only country to ban girls' and women's education, resulting in a substantial economic toll of approximately USD 5.4 billion. (ANI) The drone attack took place in Syria's Homs province during a graduation ceremony resulting in 240 injuries as well. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Earlier, the Syrian military said that drones carrying explosives targeted the ceremony on Thursday as it was coming to a close. The military blamed fighters "backed by known international forces" for the assault in a statement. According to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "expressed deep concern" about the Homs drone strike and "reports of retaliatory shelling" in northwest Syria. Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabash said that civilians, including six children, and military personnel were among those killed. The death toll is expected to rise further, according to Al Jazeera. Syria's defence minister attended the graduation ceremony but left minutes before the attack. "After the ceremony, people went down to the courtyard and the explosives hit. We don't know where it came from, and corpses littered the ground," said a Syrian man who had helped set up decorations at the ceremony. (ANI) Amid the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada in light of the latter's allegation of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Toronto-based media publication, CTV News, claimed in a report that a majority of the Canadian diplomats working in India, outside the national capital, have been moved to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The report comes a day after the Indian side sought reduction of Canada's diplomatic staff in India. In a weekly presser on Thursday, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi told reporters, "Given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here...and their continued interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this". "Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction," he added. Stating that India's focus is on achieving 'parity' in terms of its diplomatic presence, the Ministry of External Affairs called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India citing their continued "interference" in India's "internal matters". Amid the diplomatic sabre-rattiling between the two countries, New Delhi suspended visa operations to Canada and called for a reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff in India. CTV News, in its report, claimed that Ottawa has until October 10 to trim the number of Canadian diplomats serving in India to a level comparable to that of Indian diplomats serving in Canada. While earlier reports stated that 41 diplomats would have to depart, people the CTV News contacted, said the request is particular to one of parity. Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged during a debate in Parliament, claimed the Indian government was behind the fatal shooting of Nijjar. Trudeau, during a debate in the Canadian Parliament, claimed that his country's national security officials had reasons to believe that "agents of the Indian government" carried out the killing of the Canadian citizen, who also served as the president of Surrey's Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara. However, India has outrightly rejected the claims, calling it 'absurd' and 'motivated'. Notably, Canada has yet to provide any public evidence to support the claim about the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Softening his tone amid the diplomatic tensions, Trudeau said Ottawa wants to "work constructively with India". Nijjar, 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. (ANI) Many rights activists urged for international recognition and awareness of the genocide of Bengalis in Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, in 1971 by the Pakistani Army, informed Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD). An event was organised, on the sidelines of the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), by Global Human Rights Defence, an international Non-Governmental Organisation based in The Hague, Netherlands. Discussing the Genocide of Bengalis in Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, in 1971 by the Pakistani Army, the event began with a brief introduction of the issue at hand. With the intention of raising awareness and ensuring justice for the victims, the panellists provided their expert views on the issue from varied perspectives. With delegations including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Belgium and the European Union (EU) present, this event reached a global audience with over 80 participants present in the room and many more watching online, the release added. To begin, GHRD Chairman, Shradhanand Sital provided introductory remarks that reminded the room of the promise made in 1945 of "never again" after the Second World War. Despite this, such horrific crimes continue to happen time and again across the globe, including in Rwanda, the Balkans and Bangladesh, with no justice or reconciliation for the victims. He ultimately called for this issue to be of utmost priority for NGOs and members of the UN. Next, Harry van Bommel, Dutch Politician and Human Rights Activist provided the findings of the Fact Finding Mission that visited Bangladesh in May 2023. Having discussed directly with victims and researchers of this genocide, he spoke with a 90-year-old woman who witnessed the killing of 43 people in her village by the Pakistani Army. He stated that the vast evidence of such crimes can lead to the conclusion that there was a Genocide in 1971. In the coming days, these findings will be taken to the European Parliament and other such institutions in order to seek international recognition and raise awareness of this crime while also involving the Bangladeshi diaspora in the process. Consequently, Sanchita Haque, Deputy Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva provided her remarks on the issue. Discussing the monumental statistics of casualties, abused and displaced people, she states that the pain for Bangladeshi people comes from the lack of recognition by the international community despite the scale of these horrific crimes. She concluded that it is "obnoxious and unacceptable" that the international community has not yet recognised this to be a Genocide. Thus far, Bangladesh notes 25th March each year as Genocide Day and established the Liberation War Museum in 1996 in order to fight for this recognition and justice. Next, Anthonie Holslag, lecturer at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam provided his academic perspective on the matter as an expert in International Law and Genocide. Discussing the need for proof of intent under international law, he argued that the legal, social and scientific evidence collected ensures that there is no contention regarding whether or not this grave series of crimes can be considered a Genocide, the release said. To conclude, GHRD Chairman Sital remarked that there is a need to support this initiative and call for justice for the people affected and reminded the members of the UN of their duty to call for recognition and justice for such victims. With over 3 million casualties, over 2,00,000 women being raped and around 30 million more displaced both internally and externally, this side event brought attention to the gravity of this issue and demanded the United Nations and its frameworks to do more. As a call to action, discussing the particular resolutions and mechanisms used thus far, the event set the stage for a campaign to ensure accountability and closure for the victims of this horrific crime. As a starting point for this, there is an acute and urgent need for the international community and the United Nations to officially recognise this genocide after 52 years of denial, ignorance and oversight, it added. (ANI) Stating that Finland joining the NATO military alliance reflects a "major shift" in its foreign and security policy, Finland Ambassador to India, Kimmo Lahdevirta emphasized that it signifies their commitment to the principle of collective defense. He further highlighted Finland's robust national defense capabilities, civil preparedness, and the fact that they allocate over 2 percent of their GDP to defense. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Well, of course it was a major shift in our foreign policy and foreign security policy to be more precise. And really it commits Finland to the principle of collective defense where an attack against one or several member states of NATO is considered an attack against all. So the membership, of course includes a number of military and political dimensions and militarily...we are now part of the defense planning, exercises, procurement, and other systems of NATO". "Politically, of course, it has meant a deepening of the relationship between us and members of the alliance, especially. I would say that Finland brings to NATO some important assets, and we have strong national defense, also civil preparedness, and a crisis resilience. And we really nowadays use over well over 2 per cent of our GDP for national defense, which is...significant," he added. The Finland envoy also affirmed hope for the admission of Sweden in the NATO bloc, stating that the alliance is "not complete" without Stockholm. "But I have to say that we feel strongly that our membership in NATO is not complete without Sweden. So we very much hope that Sweden could become a member as well as soon as possible, because that way, really, we can contribute together to the security of especially Northern Europe. But NATO as a whole," Lahdevirta said. Notably, both Finland and Sweden had applied for NATO membership together in May last year. Although, Finland became the member after ratification in April 2023, the membership of Sweden was blocked by Turkey. Using veto power, Turkey had blocked Sweden's membership alleging Stockholm of "supporting" Kurdish fighter groups. However, in July this year, Turkey changed its stance after a closed-door ahead of the NATO summit. (ANI) The Tanzanian President along with her various Ministers and a large delegation is all set to visit India at the invitation of the President Droupadi Murmu. As per the Minister of External Affairs press release, during her visit to India, Tanzanian President will meet President Droupadi Murmu and President Murmu will also host a state banquet for the President Samia Suluhu Hassan. She will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan and thereafter will hold a detailed bilateral dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Samia Suluhu Hassan will also participate in a business and investment forum in New Delhi on October 10. A Presidential visit from Tanzania is taking place after a span of over 8 years. The upcoming visit will further invigorate and strengthen the historic and friendly relations between India and Tanzania, said the MEA release. Notably, COAS Manoj Pande was in Tanzania on an official visit from October 2-5, reinforcing the long-standing defence ties between the two countries. During his visit, the COAS also called on Major General Wilbert Augustine Ibuge Commandant and the faculty and held discussion on bilateral ties between the two armies. Earlier in July, External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar also went on a four-day visit to Tanzania, where he took part in the regional ambassadorial conference and also inaugurated the bust of Swami Vivekananda at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. The regional Ambassadorial conference was attended by representatives from Angola, Burundi, Congo, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba and discussed the upcoming state visit of Tanzanian President Samia Hassan to India this week. Taking to X, Jaishankar said about the meeting, "Good to meet FM @JMakamba of Tanzania today. Preparing for President Samia Hassan's State visit that will take the India-Tanzania relationship forward." Apart from Jaishankar, January Makamba also posted about the meeting and said that the meeting was focused on the intensifying efforts for increasing trade and investments between two countries. Tanzanian Foreign Minister posted on X, "Today, I had the privilege of a cordial engagement with my counterpart from India, @DrSJaishankar Minister of External Affairs, at his office in New Delhi. We discussed the upcoming State Visit to India by H.E. @SuluhuSamia President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and expressed confidence about its impact in strengthening our relations. We also updated each other on the status of our relations and agreed to intensify efforts to realise our common desire to see trade and investments between our two countries expand and our development cooperation bearing intended results." The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan will visit India from October 8 to 10, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday. The Tanzanian President along with her various Ministers and a large delegation is all set to visit India at the invitation of the President Droupadi Murmu. As per the Minister of External Affairs press release, during her visit to India, Tanzanian President will meet President Droupadi Murmu and President Murmu will also host a state banquet for the President Samia Suluhu Hassan. She will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan and thereafter will hold a detailed bilateral dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.President Samia Suluhu Hassan will also participate in a business and investment forum in New Delhi on October 10. A Presidential visit from Tanzania is taking place after a span of over 8 years. The upcoming visit will further invigorate and strengthen the historic and friendly relations between India and Tanzania, said the MEA release. (ANI) Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Friday said that the government is seriously considering reducing the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rice. "We are very seriously looking at it. I have had many meetings with rice exporter associations in India. We have compiled the data on basmati rice exports to different parts of the world and different varieties of basmati rice. And we hope that very soon we'll be able to come up with a very fair price which all of the industry is very happy about," Goyal told ANI. The government is likely to reduce the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rice to USD 850/tonne from USD 1,200/tonne imposed. On his UAE visit Goyal said, "Over the last two days, I've had the privilege of engaging with many Chambers of Commerce and professional bodies in the UAE...I had the honour of interacting with food importers and importers of food products from the entire region, Gulf region and countries as far away as Egypt, who also joined us for a very engaging interactive session." Goyal is on his third visit to the UAE as Minister of Commerce and Industry in the last 2 years. This highlights the importance that India attaches to its economic and commercial partnership with the UAE. He also added, "I have just concluded a meeting with my fellow chartered accountants who are present in the UAE in very large numbers and who play a very important role in maintaining the financial systems of the UAE...They have assured me that they will act as a living bridge between UAE companies and Indian businesses to promote trade and investments between the two countries." Goyal also reacted to industry suggestion of APEDA office in Dubai and said, "I think it's a brilliant suggestion that emerged out of our engagements with the food importers in this entire region and I'm taking it with a very positive outlook." During his visit, Goyal also met the Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. Notably, Union Minister Piyush Goyal is on a two-day visit to the UAE. He co-chaired the 11th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force to boost investments between the two countries. Elaborating on UAE's interest in investment in India, Goyal said that in the days ahead a significant flow of investments both in public markets and in the manufacturing and services sector will be witnessed adding, "Even moon is not the limit." "While at one point in time, we would say the sky is the limit, I can say now even the moon is not the limit," Goyal told ANI. Goyal was present during India and UAE's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the cooperation in the field of Industries and advanced Technologies and both countries also signed an agreement for the National Payments Corporation of India's international arm to partner with UAE for developing a Domestic Card Stack similar to RuPay. This MoU will facilitate the users of both the countries which would be as seamless as a domestic transaction using a beneficiary identifier (mobile number/VPA). Goyal also met with CEOs of leading UAE companies Emaar, Sharaf and DP World in Dubai today and discussed their investment plans in India. He assured them of Government of India's commitment to facilitate UAE investments into India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in an official release. Earlier, Goyal interacted with leading food sector companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Egypt. Given India's pre-eminent role as the food security partner in the region, the meeting focussed on ways to promote greater trade and investments in the food sector between India and the GCC countries. Goyal's interaction also provided a platform for the industry representatives to share their insights and perspectives on building robust food sector cooperation between India and the region. The Minister also met with leading Indian Chartered Accountants based in the UAE. The interaction focussed on enhancing the India-UAE relationship. The Minister encouraged the CA community to contribute to the 'Amrit Kaal' of India, a release said. (ANI) An argument between two Wendys employees Friday afternoon led to a deadly shooting in north Charlotte, police said. ALSO READ: Man attacked, robbed in parking lot of north Charlotte strip mall The shooting happened at a strip mall at about 5:30 p.m. on West W.T. Harris Boulevard near West Sugar Creek Road. Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department had crime scene tape roped off the entrance to the Wendys at that location. Police said the employees were inside the fast food restaurant when the fight began. This evening, about 5:30 (p.m.), there was a disturbance between two employees, said Maj. Ryan Jackson, CMPD. The disturbance turned more violent. One started shooting at the other once they got outside, police said. One individual pulled out a firearm and shot the other individual, Jackson said. One person was shot Friday afternoon on West W.T. Harris Boulevard near West Sugar Creek Road. The shooting victim had life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital where he died. The employee, who is the alleged gunman, has been arrested and is in police custody. The victim did not have a gun, police said. Employees and customers at the strip mall were stunned by the act of violence. Elizabeth Martinez and Tomas Adame work in a gym there. Our members were coming to the gym, and they were a little scared of what happened when they saw all the police officers outside of the Wendys, and we didnt know what was happening, Martinez said. Its concerning for the community, said Tomas Adame. You always want to feel safe everywhere you want to go so yeah, its a bit concerning. This is a developing story, check back with wsoctv.com for updates. VIDEO: Woman accused of shooting boyfriend in Catawba County Russia hit a residential building in Kharkiv on October 6 The lifeless body of a 10-year-old boy was found under the rubble of a residential building that was hit by a Russian missile on Kharkiv on the morning of Oct. 6, regional military administration head, Oleg Synehubov, reported. At least 23 people were injured in the attack, the regional prosecutor's office said. Among them is an 11-month-old infant. The Russian strike damaged two apartment buildings and destroyed a three-story residential building, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. Rescuers managed to save two people. Ihor Klymenko/Telegram Ihor Klymenko/Telegram Ihor Klymenko/Telegram The attack caused a 50 square meter fire, which firefighters are still working to extinguish. Read also: Explosions were heard in Kharkiv on the morning of Oct. 6. Authorities reported hits in two districts of the city, including the center. The Russian military attacked solely civilian infrastructure, said Mayor Terekhov. Kharkiv region prosecutor's office Kharkiv region prosecutor's office Kharkiv region prosecutor's office Russia used two Iskander ballistic missiles in the attack on the eastern Ukrainian city, said police. Each Iskander missile costs around $3 million. Russia used an Iskander missile in its Oct. 5 attack on the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast the deadliest of 2023. The village had congregated at a local cafe for the wake of a fallen soldier. 52 people died in the attack, including a six-year-old child. Six more were injured, including a child. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with killing a teen in 2020 in Wilmington's East Side neighborhood. Nehemiah Jackson was sentenced after he pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 to the manslaughter of 17-year-old Kavai Martin. He also pleaded guilty to a weapons charge. "We hope this will bring some measure of comfort to the victims family and the community, and will also underscore our relentless efforts to deliver Justice on behalf of victims of crime," Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos said in a statement. Martin's killing was disclosed by Wilmington police more than seven months after the teen died. Martin's 2020 killing Police began their investigation at about 4:50 p.m. on July 27 in the area of 12th and Walnut streets. That's where officers found a wounded Martin the 14th person under the age of 18 to be shot in Wilmington that month. A 17-year-old boy was critically wounded Monday after being shot while in Wilmington's East Side neighborhood. The boy, Kavai Martin, would die on Feb. 27, 2022. The teen was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. According to police and the state Department of Justice, he was placed on life support for nearly two years before he died in February 2022 in North Carolina. Wilmington police do not detail how they came to suspect Jackson in Martin's killing, but a search through court records by Delaware Online/The News Journal found that Jackson was arrested two days after Martin was shot but not for charges in the shooting. Jackson was arrested on July 29, 2020, on several weapons charges. He later pleaded guilty to a single count of carrying a concealed weapon during the commission of a felony the following June. He was sentenced after his plea to two years in prison, effective the day of his arrest date. He also received 18 months probation for the weapons crime, which court records claim he violated in August of last year. Gun violence down Since 2021, gun violence in Delaware has been reduced by 30% statewide, including a 50% decline in summer shootings and a 60% reduction in Wilmington homicides, according to the Delaware Attorney General's Office. "I'm grateful to our prosecutors and to the detective working on this case," Attorney General Kathy Jennings said in a statement. "Their tenacity is helping families find peace and is helping to drive gun violence down in our state." CRIME: Boyfriend charged with killing woman found dead at Carousel Park, NCCo police say Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington killing in 2020 lands man 10 years in Delaware prison Investigators removed 189 sets of human remains from a Colorado funeral home offering green burials where law enforcement officials said bodies had been improperly stored, according to the local sheriffs department. The remains were found in the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, about 30 miles south of Colorado Springs, and transported to the El Paso County coroners office, according to a joint news release Tuesday from Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper and Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller. The total number of bodies could change as the identification and investigative processes continue, the statement said. After receiving a report of an odor coming from the funeral home, the sheriffs office obtained a warrant to search the building and initially found more than 115 bodies that had been improperly stored and were creating a hazardous scene, Keller said during a news conference Friday. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the FBI are assisting the sheriffs office with the investigation, which officials said could take months. No arrests have been made. It is not clear if a crime has been committed, FBI Public Affairs Specialist Vikki Migoya said. The county sheriff described the scene as horrific. Authorities searched an area of more than 2,500 square feet, Cooper said. Keller declined to go into further detail on how the bodies had been stored. Keller said it is not yet clear whether the bodies had been intended for burial or cremation. The coroners office is still working to identify all of the bodies and notify families. This is going to be a very, very lengthy process, Keller said. With the number of decedents we have in this facility and the identification process that needs to be completed, this could take several months. He said the coroners office is focusing on identification and notifying the families to ensure they are given accurate information to prevent further victimization as they continue to grieve their loved ones. A family crisis center and phone line have also been established. Funeral home offers green burials According to Return to Nature Funeral Homes website, the funeral home offers green burials without embalming fluid in a biodegradable casket or nothing at all. The company also operates a facility in Colorado Springs, according to the website. The funeral home previously offered cremation services but stopped in July 2023, the website states. CNN has reached out to the Return to Nature Funeral Home for comment. Investigators have made contact with the owners of the funeral home, and they are cooperating so far, Cooper said. Gov. Jared Polis issued a local disaster emergency, which makes state resources available, Keller said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Bus wreckage is seen lying on its side after the deadly accident in Mexico's Oaxaca state (-) A bus carrying migrants overturned in southern Mexico on Friday, leaving at least 18 passengers dead and 27 injured, authorities said -- the latest fatal road crash involving US-bound migrants. The dead, three of them minors, were from Venezuela and Haiti, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office in Oaxaca state. The accident happened at around dawn on a highway linking Oaxaca and the neighboring state of Puebla, it said. The injured were taken to hospital for treatment, it added. Images released by state authorities showed the wreckage of the bus lying on its side on a highway winding through hills. According to Mexico's national immigration agency, 55 foreigners were on board the bus. Peruvians were also among the victims, it said. Thousands of migrants from different countries have been traveling across Mexico in buses, overcrowded trailers and atop freight trains in an attempt to reach the US-Mexican border. They run the risk of fatal accidents, kidnapping by criminal groups and extortion by corrupt officials. More than 8,200 migrants have died or disappeared in the Americas since 2014, most of them while trying to reach the United States via Mexico, according to the International Organization for Migration. The US-Mexican border is the "world's deadliest migration land route," with 686 deaths and disappearances in 2022, the IOM said last month. On Sunday, at least 10 Cuban migrants were killed and 25 injured when a cargo truck carrying them overturned in the southern state of Chiapas. In early August, at least 18 people died and 23 were injured after a bus carrying local passengers and migrants from countries such as India, the Dominican Republic and some African nations plunged into a ravine in the state of Nayarit. And in December 2021, 56 mostly Central American migrants were killed and dozens injured when a people smugglers' truck carrying around 160 people overturned in Chiapas. The Mexican government has admitted to being overwhelmed by the number of migrants crossing its territory, the vast majority of whom are from Central America, Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti. Mexican authorities said they detained more than 189,000 migrants last month, while the US border patrol has reported 1.8 million apprehensions between October 2022 and August 2023. Senior US and Mexican officials pledged Thursday to redouble their efforts to tackle irregular migration through measures such as modernizing border security, increasing legal avenues and addressing the root causes. The two countries were committed to expanding "safe, orderly and lawful pathways for migrants" but with "strict consequences" for those who enter the United States illegally, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said after talks in Mexico City. jla-dr/bfm Two men are facing charges for a double homicide in Pittsburghs Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood that killed a mother and her 4-year-old daughter. Temani Lewis, 21, and Kaari Thompson, 4, were shot in the 1500 block of Lincoln Avenue on Dec. 1, 2022. They both died later in the hospital. RELATED >> 4-year-old girl killed, woman critically injured in shooting in Pittsburgh neighborhood Marquise Givner, 21, and Tarrell Jennings, 19, are facing charges in their deaths. RELATED >> 4-year-old girl dies after shooting in Pittsburgh, police asking parents to monitor children According to Pittsburgh police, they were arrested Friday morning without incident. RELATED >> Mother of 4-year-old killed in Pittsburgh shooting dies in hospital, grieving family speaks out Givner is charged with two counts of criminal homicide, one count of criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault and carrying a firearm without a license. Jennings is charged with two counts of criminal homicide, one count of criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy and aggravated assault. TRENDING NOW: $1K a week for life winning lottery ticket sold at local Sheetz Pennsylvania state police searching for missing woman, her 9-month-old baby 2 people charged after stolen car fled traffic stop, led police on chase in Ross Township VIDEO: New website offers information on topics like safety, economy in Downtown Pittsburgh DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts (CBS DETROIT) - UAW President Shawn Fain made an announcement on Friday, sharing the latest bargaining updates in the union's historic strike against the Big Three automakers. Fain announced significant progress in negotiations with General Motors and no additional strikes. Major breakthrough with GM After threatening to strike a major General Motors plant in Arlington, Texas, Fain said the automaker has agreed to place electric vehicle battery plants under a national contract with the UAW. "This week, GM did something that was unthinkable until just today," said Fain. "They agreed to put the future of this industry under our national agreement. This victory is a direct result of the power of our membership. It's your willingness to stand up when called. It's your commitment to winning what you are owed. The companies see it. The world sees it. And today, I was ready to call on one of GM's biggest and most important plants to stand up. And it was that threat that brought GM to the table." Even though the strike at the Arlington plant was avoided, here's what's made at that facility: Chevrolet: Tahoe and SuburbanGMC: Yukon and Yukon XLCadillac: Escalade and Escalade-V GM issued the following statement after Fain's announcement: "Negotiations remain ongoing, and we will continue to work towards finding solutions to address outstanding issues. Our goal remains to reach an agreement that rewards our employees and allows GM to be successful into the future." Negotiation updates Two of the big three automakers committed to a cost of living adjustment. Ford and Stellantis have agreed, and Fain said General Motors is not far behind. In addition, Ford has given up a $1.50 tool allowance, Stellantis is at $1.00 and General Motors has not budged. Fain also said they have made significant progress fighting for pension increases and getting subcommittees addressed. "We're still fighting hard to win retirement security for both our pre-2007 and post-2007 hires," Fain said. The UAW president ended his announcement, saying it's back to the bargaining table to win three record contracts. "We know their pain points, we know their moneymakers, and we know the plants they really don't want to see struck. And they know that we've got more cards left to play," Fain said. "We're not going to let one company fall behind and wait for movement at another table. We're not going to let them sit back and lowball us while others make progress. We expect results at every company. And we've been crystal clear on how you catch a strike and how you avoid one." Stellantis provides update on recent offer to UAW "We continue to have good momentum at the bargaining table and have been working diligently with the UAW over the last week to build on that. We are making progress, but there are gaps that still need to be closed. Since the beginning of these negotiations, our focus hasn't wavered that is, to reach a balanced agreement as soon as possible that establishes the framework that will allow the Company to be competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing market and brings our workforce along on the journey. We recently made a serious proposal to the UAW that reinforces our previous commitments: Provide significant wage increases of 21.4% when compounded through 2027 for all full-time hourly employees Implement immediate 10% wage increase for most employees upon contract ratification Accelerate time to reach top wage rate for In-Progression employees (4 years, instead of 8 years) Raise starting wage rate for Supplemental employees to $20/hour, a 26.7% increase Eliminate wage tiers for Mopar employees Increase paid holidays to 18 in some years with the addition of Juneteenth Provide cost-of-living adjustments calculated every quarter, added to every hour earned and included in weekly paychecks Invest billions in the U.S. to provide job security Contribute additional $1 billion in retirement funding Provide significant improvements to the Company's 401(k) contribution for In-Progression employees Additionally, the Company and union have discussed various solutions to address job security for all of our employees, including those in Belvidere. Beyond our significant economic offer, we also proposed a number of other enhanced benefits. If accepted, this record proposal would bring our represented employees immediate financial benefits, improve work-life balance and secure jobs through the term of the contract. In fact, by the end of this contract, all of our represented employees would see significant increases to their annual salary. Below is what they could expect: While we still have some work to do, I remain optimistic that our discussions are providing a pathway to a tentative agreement. It would be one that fairly rewards our workforce while preserving our ability to compete with non-union manufacturers and protects the future of the Company for our employees, our families and our customers. With more than 8,000 of our colleagues on the picket line, some now in their third week, we are committed to continuing this momentum, so we can get everyone back to work building the vehicles that our customers want and that enable their freedom of movement." Imprisoned Iranian women's rights activist Narges Mohammadi awarded Nobel Peace Prize How a man who was given a 72-year-old egg with a message on it found its writer FBI warns of "phantom hacker" scam targeting seniors In a recent corps-level wargame, U.S. Army forces sustained 21,000 casualties in seven days. Thats nearly half the soldiers in a full-strength corps. It will take everyone to clear the battlefield as quickly as we can when were talking about the scale of 21,000 casualties in corps warfighting, said Maj. Gen. Michael Talley, head of the Armys Medical Center of Excellence. Thats reality. How do you keep going? How do you sustain momentum? Talley laid out these challenges the military medical community faces, and what can be done, during a recent Maneuver Warfighter Conference panel at Fort Moore, Georgia. The two-star noted the successes of medical treatment and casualty care in the demanding but comparatively low-casualty conflicts of the last two decades, during which medics would sustain a soldier until the wounded could be transported to higher levels of care. But those successes have a time limit, and military medical leaders have been warning that the golden hour the critical first hour of treatment following a major injury or wound may stretch to hours or even days, depending on a units level of isolation during large-scale combat. They may have to stay on the X a lot longer, with perhaps less capability but have significantly less know-how, Talley said. But now, experienced medics in the security force assistance brigades will spearhead a pilot program starting this fall to upgrade medical training, equipment and skills that Talley expects will set the standard for all 68W (the medic MOS), which has the second highest number of soldiers of any MOS in the Army. That will mean more training for Guard and Reserve counterparts, he said, because more than two-thirds of those medics are not on active duty. Right now, medics leave their schools with basic emergency medical technician qualifications. Once completed, the pilot aims to have all standard training put every medic at the paramedic-qualified level. The training goes beyond CPR and tying tourniquets. Talley said observations from the war in Ukraine, where soldiers have fought for more than 17 months straight, show disease, not battle injuries, are consuming much of the force and resources. As the U.S. Army shifts from using the brigade as the unit of action to focusing on the division as that unit, Talley said Army leaders are considering inserting a Role 3 unit into the division. (Role 3 is a category of medical support.) Those units include specialist surgical and medical capabilities, diagnostic resources, dentistry, food inspection, and other elements, according to the Defense Department. But while the service improves medical kit, it must also provide the knowledge to use it, Talley explained. We can build all the kit we want, condense it, ruggedize it. But if those medics dont understand physiology, dont understand if I put a ventilator on you its going to have an effect on your kidneys, were not going to be able to sustain life the way we have, certainly not going to be as successful as we have in the last 20 years of combat, Talley said. But changing the curriculum at the school will likely be the easy part, he added. Whats most important is how do you sustain that skill set? The key to that involves medics drilling those skills at home station in the medical simulation training centers. But Talley did acknowledge theyre not of uniform quality across the Army. He encouraged commanders to ensure their medics are trained and their medical officers are involved in all training and planning. Even the lowest level soldier can contribute. It starts with the [individual first aid kit], knowing how to use everything inside, Talley said. The major general pointed to training and practices that are standard in the 75th Ranger Regiment, where universal blood donors are identified in each unit and every soldier has combat lifesaver and additional medical training. The center is currently revamping each of its 190 medical training courses to include large-scale combat scenarios. Talley pointed to recent studies by the Army, noting 17 gaps for formations as they transition from a focus on counterinsurgency and counterterrorism to large-scale combat operations. Not one of them has anything to do with casualty evacuation, Talley said. I think thats about to change. A 23-year-old Bridgeville man is dead after exchanging gunfire with police Wednesday. Around 10:50 p.m., the Bridgeville Police Department responded to Canterbury Apartments for a report of a home invasion. A man forced his way into the home and displayed a gun to two residents before fleeing, according to Delaware State Police. Then, around 11:30 p.m., an employee at Perdue AgriBusiness Grain Elevator and Feed Mill in Bridgeville called 911, police said. The caller said that a co-worker, later determined to be the suspect from the home invasion, showed up at the facility and stated that it "was his last day," according to police. He displayed a gun and told his co-worker to call the police before leaving, police said. The suspect was found walking in a nearby field in the area of Newton and Adams roads. Police commanded him to stop and he fired his weapon twice, according to police. A state trooper returned fire. More: Boo! Halloween happenings at the Delaware beaches A short time later, the suspect was found dead in the middle of Newton Road with a gunshot wound, police said. He had a firearm and one shell casing from that firearm was beside his body, according to police. Whether the suspects injuries were self-inflicted or caused by the trooper is not yet known, police said. The suspect's name will be released after his family is notified. The trooper will be placed on administrative leave while a use-of-force investigation is conducted. Anyone with information related to this incident should contact Sergeant S. Yeich at 302-741-2703. Information may be provided anonymously by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: After exchanging gunfire with police Wednesday, Bridgeville man dies Like many queer people alive during the 1990s, the thought of Matthew Shepard still makes Leslea Newman shudder. Shepard, a beautiful, adventurous Wyoming college student, became a symbol after his horrific murder in October 1998, waking up straight America to the scourge of anti-LGBTQ+ violence and the near-constant threat many of us live under. Newman known by many for her revolutionary 1989 children's book about a queer family, Heather Has Too Mommies has kept Matt close in the quarter-century since he died. In 2012, she penned a "masterful" collection of poems about Shepard, October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard. Eleven years later, and 25 years after Matt's killing, Newman couldn't help but pay a visit to someone who now seems like an old friend. Newman's new book, Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard, celebrates Matt's almost 22 years on Earth through Newman's poetic words and Brian Britigans evocative drawings. The book, with a foreword by pioneering out athlete Jason Collins, also details the long legacy Shepard left behind, like the Matthew Shepard Foundation, the incredible charity run by his equally wonderful parents, and the first LGBTQ-specific law ever signed, 2009's The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. In her long literary career, Newman has also written about another gay martyr, Harvey Milk. Through her books, Newman and her readers work to make sense of these staggering losses. "I acutely felt the need to use my pen in 1998 when Matthew Shepard was murdered. His voice was silenced forever," Newman tells us. "I have the privilege of having a voice, and I feel it is my duty to use it to give voice to the voiceless. I wrote October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard in order to explore the impact of the hate crime that claimed Matts life. A quarter of a century later, I wrote Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard, to celebrate Matts life and legacy and amplify all the good work that has been done in his name." Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard is out now. Leslea Newman, photographed by Mary Vazquez Georgia sheriffs deputies arrested three Macon residents after an investigation into an aggravated assault that happened on Tuesday. According to the Bibb County Sheriffs Office, a 21-year-old man was shot at the MAV at North apartment complex on Riverside Drive in Macon. When deputies arrived, they found him suffering from gunshot wounds, and paramedics took him to Atrium Health Navicent for treatment. On Tuesday, deputies said the victim was in critical but stable condition. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Friday, deputies said three suspects were arrested for the shooting incident. According to the sheriffs office, Ronnie Shamar Coley, Sahmara Shelia Mccants and Jamon Aikeen Troutman, all Macon residents, were identified as persons of interest. They were taken to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center by sheriffs deputies and each face a charge for aggravated assault. All have been placed in custody without bond, according to the sheriffs office. The case remains under investigation, with additional charges pending, deputies said. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriffs Office at 478-751-7500. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A mother has been charged with murder in the death of her child, who was found in a hot car beyond help, Pennsylvania officials say. The childs mother, 32-year-old Emily Weaver, was discovered by her stepfather Wednesday, Oct. 4, unresponsive in the bedroom of her West Hempfield home, Lancaster Online reported, citing court records. The stepfather went to check on Weaver when she did not pick up her sons from school, the outlet reported When she was woken up, Weaver said she did not know where her 3-month-old daughter was, according to the affidavit obtained by WGAL. The baby was eventually found in Weavers vehicle with the doors and windows closed, the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office said. The car was parked in direct sunlight, as outside temperatures reached 80 degrees, the prosecutor said. The district attorney said the child was pronounced dead at the scene. The baby, identified as Jeannie Rose Golden, died from asphyxia due to hyperthermia, the corners office told Lancaster Online Its unclear how long the baby was in the car. Weaver told West Hempfield police she had plans of using meth after taking her children to school Wednesday but could not remember if she did, WHP reported. Ms. Weaver expressed that she does not remember anything after returning home from school, until she was awakened, WGAL reported, citing the affidavit. The district attorney said Weaver was arrested and charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child. West Hempfield is about 35 miles southeast of Harrisburg. What to know about Hot Car Deaths More than 950 children have died in hot cars since 1998, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. About 40 children a year die from heatstroke, either because they were left or became trapped in a car, officials said. Thats about one child every 10 days killed in a hot car. Hot car deaths are most common in the summer, but they can happen at any time, according to the administration. The first vehicular heatstroke of the year typically happens in March. Leaving a window open is not enough - temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, officials said you should make sure the child is responsive and if not, immediately call 911. After a 3-year-old girl was killed on Christmas morning in Maine last year, nine months went by without an arrest, according to police. Now, Tyler Witham-Jordan, 29, of Edgecomb, is charged with murder in the death of Makinzlee Handrahan, Maine State Police announced in an Oct. 6 news release. Detectives arrested Witham-Jordan, the former boyfriend of Makinzlees mother, the morning of Oct. 6, according to police, who said he was dating Makinzlees mother when the girl died. Information regarding Witham-Jordans legal representation wasnt immediately available the evening of Oct. 6. In April, before Witham-Jordans arrest, Makinzlees father Henry Handrahan told the Portland Press Herald his daughter deserves justice and that it he believes it should be swifter. My family wants answers and closure, Handrahan said at the time, according to the newspaper. Around 7:37 a.m. on Dec. 25, a 911 call came in about Makinzlee not breathing at a home in Edgecomb, according to a state police news release issued Dec. 26. Witham-Jordan and Makinzlees mother were the only individuals known to be in the home Christmas morning, according to the Portland Press Herald. After authorities responded to the 911 call, Makinzlee was taken to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead that day, police said. An autopsy was performed on Dec. 26 and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the girls death a homicide but her cause of death wasnt specified, according to a police news release issued Dec. 28. Makinzlees cause of death is still unclear and is being withheld at this time, police said Oct. 6. Meanwhile, Witham-Jordan has been detained at the Two Bridges Jail in Wiscasset and is expected to appear in court next week, according to police. Edgecomb is about 50 miles northeast of Portland. 3-month-old child dies in hot car and mom does not remember anything, PA cops say Ex-boyfriend dismembers 33-year-old woman, then burns her body, California police say 11-year-old shoots two 13-year-olds during fight at football practice, Florida cops say Nearly three dozen members of Congress on Friday urged President Joe Biden to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier, the now-ailing 79-year-old Native American rights activist who has been in prison for nearly 50 years. As Members of Congress, we sign this letter with a deep commitment to the crucial role we play in upholding justice for all Americans and to also hold our government accountable when we see a case of injustice, as demonstrated by the long incarceration of Leonard Peltier, reads their letter to Biden, which was led by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.). We applaud your commitment to criminal justice reform and your administrations work to address inequities in the criminal justice system and rectify the past wrongs of our governments treatment of Native Americans, they wrote. We urge you to take the next step by granting Mr. Peltier executive clemency or compassionate release. The letter is signed by 30 House members and three senators, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). Its thefourthtime that Democrats in Congress have publicly appealed to Biden to release Peltier since he became president. Interestingly, for the first time, a Republican congressman has added his voice to the calls for Peltiers release: Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.). His office did not respond to a request for comment on why he decided to join their efforts. Heres a copy of the letter, which, not coincidentally, comes in advance of Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday. Oct. 2023 -- Peltier Letter To Biden by jen_bendery on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. Peltier, a longtime Indigenous rights activist, has been in prison since 1977 and is easily Americas longest-serving political prisoner. Peltier was a leader of the American Indian Movement, or AIM, a grassroots group of activists focused on drawing attention to federal treaty rights violations, discrimination and police brutality targeting Native Americans. The FBI and U.S. attorneys office scrambled to put him in prison when they couldnt figure out who killed two FBI agents during a 1975 shootout on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. They never had evidence that he killed anyone, and his trial was outrageous: Prosecutors hid exculpatory evidence. The FBI threatened witnesses into lying. Peltier was separated from his co-defendants, all of whom were acquitted on the grounds of self-defense. A juror admitted she was racist against Native Americans on the second day of the trial but was allowed to stay on. The U.S. government has since has acknowledged its egregious misconduct in the trial, with one federal judge concluding in 2003 that the governments behavior in the case is to be condemned. Nonetheless, Peltier was convicted of aiding and abetting whoever did kill the FBI agents on the grounds of simply being present that day, and sentenced to prison for two consecutive life terms. The prosecutors subsequently admitted they have no idea who shot the agents at point-blank range. Peltier, who is now 79 years old, has maintained his innocence this entire time, which is certainly a factor in why he hasnt been paroled. His decadeslong parole process has been so problematic that United Nations legal experts last year made the unusual decision to revisit his case. Last summer, they called on Biden to release him immediately. Peltier is currently deteriorating in a Florida maximum security prison, where hes almost always confined to a cell with inches of space to move within and in a near-constant state of lockdown. He uses a walker to get around. He is blind in one eye from a partial stroke. He has severe health concerns related to diabetes and an aortic aneurysm. Its bad. The FBI continues to oppose his release, though, so thats why hes still there. The bureaus stated reason for why he should stay in prison, forever, is utter nonsense. Biden could release Peltier at any time, unilaterally. It would mean going against the FBIs wishes. Thats where the rub is. In the meantime, the president is facing increasing pressure from within his own party to let Peltier go home. Beyond the repeated appeals from members of Congress, the Democratic National Committee last year unanimously passed a resolution calling on Biden to grant clemency to Peltier. Last month, hundreds of activists and Indigenous leaders held a rally outside the White House demanding Peltiers freedom. Amnesty International, the prominent human rights organization usually focused on freeing political prisoners in other countries, recently launched a new campaign aimed squarely at urging Biden to release Peltier. Two prominent Indigenous leaders recently signaled that tribal leaders and Native rights advocates plan to make Peltiers freedom a priority issue in the 2024 presidential election. Its simply a choice we fully expect him to make, Fawn Sharp, president of the National Congress of American Indians, said of Biden releasing Peltier. Being silent on this issue, given all the facts, given all the advocacy, given all the issues raised by Indian Country when it is your choice and youre the top person and you choose to ignore it, youve become complicit in this injustice for Indian Country, she said. A White House spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. DENVER (KDVR) More U.S. school districts are adopting a four-day week, including in Colorado. In more than 13,000 school districts nationwide, nearly 900 operate on a truncated schedule. Thats up from 100 in 1999 and 662 in 2019. Does your school rank among the best in the Denver area? The figures are according to Paul Thompson, an associate professor of economics at Oregon State University, who tracks and researches shortened school weeks. Thompson counted four-day school weeks in 25 states during the 2022-23 school year. Compared to the 2018-19 school year, his research showed more four-day school weeks around the country, including in Colorado. More districts adopt 4-day school weeks Thompson counted 105 Colorado school districts with four-day weeks during the 2018-19 school year. That increased to 120 by last school year some 67% of Colorados 178 school districts. Colorado previously led the U.S. in its number of school districts with four-day weeks. But as of last years count, Missouri has more on the shortened schedule some 150 of them, and nearly five times as many as a few years prior. Texas also saw a big shift to the four-day week last school year, going from one to 66 districts. Colorados 4-day school weeks allowed since 1980 Hundreds of school systems around the country have adopted four-day weeks in recent years, mostly in rural and western parts of the U.S. Districts cite cost savings and advantages for teacher recruitment, although some have questioned the effects on students who already missed out on significant learning during the pandemic. Some turn to a shortened schedule to save money. An analysis by the Economic Commission of the States found such savings were modest, totaling 0.4% to 2.5% of their annual budgets. This Colorado ski resort was named best in the nation The Colorado legislature first allowed alternative schedules in 1980, with 12 districts approved for the switch by 1981. That number had nearly tripled at the start of the 1990s. As of August, some 128 Colorado school districts and others with charter or alternative operations were on a reduced academic calendar. But not all use the four-day school week, according to the Colorado Department of Education. Most of Colorados 178 school districts are small and rural 110 of them have fewer than 1,000 total students. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. These 4 popular hair loss supplements may not be worth the hype Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in the US, and affects 50 million men. canjoena/Getty Images Minoxidil and finasteride are common treatments for hair loss, but supplements are becoming more popular. Biotin, saw palmetto, Viviscal, and Nutrafol are four of the most common hair loss supplements. But it's unclear whether these supplements help, and they're often expensive. The leading cause of hair loss in the US is androgenetic alopecia , the cause of male pattern baldness and hair loss in women. The condition affects roughly 80 million people, according to Cleveland Clinic , and 50 million of them are men. There are some medications that have been proven to treat hair loss, including minoxidil also known as Rogaine and finasteride. But these treatments don't always work as well as people want. "There's a huge demand for better products," Dr. Arash Mostaghimi, director of dermatology inpatient service at Brigham and Women's Hospital, told Insider. This demand has led to many men turning to supplements to try and treat hair loss. "When we don't have really good treatments for something, that's when alternative medicines really take place," Mostaghimi said. Unfortunately, the most popular supplements don't have strong evidence to back them. They may also be more expensive than the tried-and-true medications said Mostaghimi, who coauthored a 2022 study on supplements for hair loss. He said patients often ask about four supplements in particular: Biotin, saw palmetto, Viviscal, and Nutrafol. Here's how they stack up. Biotin Biotin Iryna Imago Biotin has gotten attention for a variety of potential benefits including healthier nails, skin, and hair. But when it comes to hair growth it likely doesn't live up to the hype, Mostaghimi said. According to Mostaghimi, there's "very low data" when it comes to biotin for hair growth . Biotin may help if you have an underlying deficiency, but for most people it won't make a difference. Saw palmetto Saw palmetto Elizabeth Fernandez Saw palmetto is a type of palm found in the southeastern United States known for its fan-like green leaves. It's thought to promote hair growth in a similar way to finasteride, which changes hormone levels in the body and scalp. But saw palmetto isn't as effective as finasteride, said Mostaghimi, and is about the same cost. Generic finasteride can cost as little as $8.24 for a one month supply according to GoodRx . Popular saw palmetto supplement brands on Amazon range in price from about $9 to $16. A 2020 review found that most studies on saw palmetto weren't high quality. In the only study that directly compared saw palmetto to finasteride, finasteride improved hair density in 68% of patients, compared to a 38% improvement in patients who took saw palmetto. Viviscal Amazon Viviscal, owned by the same company that owns Arm & Hammer, contains a variety of supposed hair growth-inducing ingredients, including iron, zinc, vitamin C and niacin. These ingredients are thought to help increase the hair growth phase of your hair's life cycle, also known as the "anagen phase," Insider reported previously. Both Viviscal and the Viviscal Man supplement have been studied and linked with significant improvements in hair count. But these studies have several limitations, according to Mostaghimi's 2022 study . Notably, most studies were funded by Viviscal's former manufacturer, Lifes2good Inc; the studies also had a small number of research participants, and did not include an objective measure of hair thinning at the beginning of the study. Mostaghimi also said that it's difficult to determine what, if anything, about Viviscal works because it contains a hodgepodge of so many different ingredients. Additionally, a single box of Viviscal a one month's supply costs $40 . Nutrafol Nutrafol Nutrafol, owned by Unilever, is also formulated with many different ingredients. Nutrafol contains biotin, saw palmetto, horsetail, Atlantic cod collagen, and vitamins A, D, and C. Similar to Viviscal, it's difficult to know which aspects of Nutrafol's formulation might lead to hair growth, if any, and quality research on its benefits is also limited. Nutrafol is also expensive: A one month's supply for both men and women retails for $79 according to its website. Hair loss supplements aren't dangerous but they are expensive At the end of the day, Mostaghimi said that some supplements may play a role in treating hair loss but we don't know what role that is yet. While supplements are "unlikely to be physically harmful," Mostaghimi said, "what I struggle with is the endorsement of what can be incredibly expensive medications." For some people, spending an extra $80 to $100 a month on potential hair loss treatments might be affordable, Mostaghimi said, even if the treatments end up not working that well. But for other people, spending that much money might mean sacrificing other things that a person enjoys. Mostaghimi acknowledges that products like minoxidil and finasteride don't always work for everyone, or work as well as people would like. But these products are still much more affordable and have better research showing that they work. Read the original article on Insider Floridas Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues. The reports are public information. Here are restaurants that failed to meet requirements during recent inspections: Cold Stone Creamery, 7476 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Inspected Sept. 29 High priority: The establishment was operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Basic: Three violations, including soiled floors and a damaged cutting board. Golden Wok, 3545 First St., Bradenton Inspected Sept. 26 High priority: An employee failed to wash hands before putting on a hair restraint and gloves to work with food. Corrective action was taken. Cooked pork, cooked chicken, noodles, raw beef and raw shrimp were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken. Intermediate: An employee handwash sink was used to store soiled dishes and utensils. Corrective action was taken. Basic: Four violations, including chicken stored uncovered and a food employee with no hair restraint. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Sept. 27. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, 3616 First St., Bradenton Inspected Sept. 27 High priority: Chlorine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Corrective action was taken. High priority: Raw crab and raw chicken were stored over cooked noodles in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken. Basic: Three violations, including an accumulation of mold-like substance in the interior of an ice machine/bin and hood filters soiled with grease. Mr. & Mrs. Crab, 497 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Inspected Sept. 26 During a follow-up inspection for previous violations, an inspector found unresolved issues. High priority: Dish machine sanitizer was not at the minimum required strength. An inspector took a sanitizer reading of zero. Corrective action was taken. A person in charge placed a service call for the machine and set up manual warewashing at a three-compartment sink. High priority: Raw shrimp was stored over hard-boiled eggs in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken. Basic: Non-food contact surfaces were soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime and/or dust. Taqueria Mi Rancho, 3603 15th St. E., Bradenton Inspected Sept. 28 High priority: An employee washed gloves instead of changing them after cleaning a sink and then proceeded to work with food. High priority: Beef steak, beef stock, cooked beef, shell eggs, liquid egg and cooked corn on the cob were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued for the items due to temperature abuse, and they were discarded. Intermediate: A dish rack was blocking access to an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken. Basic: Two violations, including hood filters soiled with grease. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Sept. 29. Queer desire and masculinity collide in Pedro Almodovars Western short film, Strange Way of Life. The film from auteur director Almodovar (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Break Down, All About My Mother, Volver) stars Pedro Pascal as Silva and Ethan Hawke as Jake, estranged lovers in the Old West who are still shooting off sexual sparks when they meet again decades later. Conflict arises when its revealed that Silvas son is wanted for murder in the town where Jake is now the sheriff. Ahead of the films release on October 6, Saint Laurent Productions has released new photos of Spains enfant terrible of the silver screen, Almodovar, with Jose Condessa and Jason Fernandez, who play the young Silva and Jake in a literally wine-soaked flashback to the beginning of their love affair. Known best for his take on the melodrama genre, Strange Way of Life is Almodovars first Western with hints of melodrama shining through in Silvas desire for domesticity with his long-ago love. With any queer cowboy movie, comparisons to Brokeback Mountain are inevitable, and Strange Way of Life is indeed Almodovars answer to Ang Lees film that starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger as Montana sheep herders who fall in love. Almodovars name was discussed before Lee became attached to Brokeback. Ultimately, Almodovar, who is gay and has been making queer movies since the 1980s, passed on the project. I think Ang Lee made a wonderful movie, but I never believed that they would give me complete freedom and independence to make what I wanted, Almodovar told IndieWire. The relation between these two guys is animalistic. It was a physical relationship. The punch of the movie comes when they have to separate, and Heath Ledger discovers that he cant think about leaving, Almodovar added about Brokeback. "Thats a strong discovery. But until that moment, it is animalistic, and for me, it was impossible to have that in the movie because it was a Hollywood movie. You could not have these two guys fucking all the time. Considering Strange Way of Life is Almodovars answer to the movie he passed on, one can anticipate that animalistic desire is intact. Strange Way of Life limited theatrical release starts Oct. 6, along with his Tilda Swinton-led short, The Human Voice. Check out photos of the cast and Almodovar as well as the trailer below. www.youtube.com STRANGE WAY OF LIFE | Official Trailer (2023) Chicago police are questioning a 63-year-old man who was involved in an exchange of gunfire that killed two people overnight in the New City neighborhood. Around 2 a.m., officers responded to a call made by a 63-year-old man of a person shot in the 1800 block of West 54th Street. The man told police there was an altercation with a man, 28 and a woman 25, inside of their residence. The man said the woman pulled out a gun, and he also pulled out a gun and multiple shots were fired, police said. The woman suffered multiple wounds to the body including the head, and was taken in critical condition to UChicago Medicine where she was pronounced dead. The man, 28, was hit to the right side of the chest and thigh and also was taken to the same hospital in critical condition where he was pronounced dead, police said. The older man remained on the scene and was being questioned by detectives. Two handguns were recovered at the scene. A 73-year-old woman was hospitalized after she was attacked by a bear near the U.S.-Canada border in northern Montana on Sunday, state wildlife officials said. The woman was transported by an air ambulance to a hospital in Kalispell in northeast Montana near Glacier National Park, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials. Her condition and identity were not disclosed. The woman, her husband, and a dog were on the "Bubble Ups" area of Trail Creek in Flathead National Forest when a bear attacked her at about 3 p.m., according to Montana officials. Her husband used bear spray to scare the creature away, and the couple returned to their vehicle and drove to an area where they could call emergency services, according to the release. The park site is closed as the investigation continues. Wildlife officials did not confirm the type of bear in the attack. Bear encounters increase before hibernation This is at least the second bear attack reported in less than a month in Montana. State wildlife officials warned the public that Montana is "bear country" and that the animals are active for longer periods of time in the fall as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. On Sept. 8, a man was attacked by a grizzly bear near Big Sky, Montana, according to the Gallatin County Sheriff. He was part of a group of hunters who were tracking a deer. The man was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital for further treatment. Additionally, two people were killed last week by a grizzly bear at Banff National Park in Western Canada. Emergency responders were alerted of the attack but could not reach the scene for several hours due to severe weather. Canadian wildlife officials found an aggressive grizzly bear in the area and put it down in the interest of public safety. Portions of Banff National Park were closed as a precaution. Officials did not identify the two people, but The Associated Press reported that they were a Canadian couple who were "very experienced outdoor enthusiasts." 'Tragic': Two people dead after grizzly bear attack in Canada's Banff National Park Always being aware Fatal attacks by grizzlies are extremely rare, with only 14% of attacks worldwide leading to fatalities, according to wildlife officials. Those who explore the backcountry should expect to encounter wildlife. The U.S. Forest Service offered important tips if a bear is encountered in the wild: Remain calm. Group together and pick up small children. Face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human. If the bear approaches you, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises. Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US-Canada border bear attack: 73-year-old hospitalized after encounter Antonio Juanes-Gaspar was struggling before he disappeared in 2021. The loss of his parents and brothers had left him despondent. He was last seen at his Othello home on Aug. 5, 2021, and for more than two years no one knew where hed gone, said Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary. That changed recently when McGary and county investigators used an $8,000 grant and DNA techniques to connect concerned family members to Juanes-Gaspars identity. The investigation into his disappearance started in August 2021, when family members called authorities to report they hadnt heard from the 39-year-old for days, according to an Othello Police Department Facebook post. Officers searched nearby areas but found nothing. Family and friends also could find no clues to his whereabouts. Nearly a year later, in May 2022, some boys who lived near Scooteney Reservoir west of Connell discovered skeletal remains in some willows along the shore while they were fishing. They went back and told their dad who reported it to the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. The reservoir is a popular fishing spot about 35 miles north of the Tri-Cities near the border of Franklin and Adams counties. It sits on the northern border of Franklin County next to Highway 17. Sheriff Jim Raymond sent out a news release about the discovery asking for any information that could lead to identifying the remains. Only the mans skeleton remained, nothing else to indicate who he might be. At the time, there were no recent missing persons reports, and no suspicious activity in the area. And the bones showed no signs of foul play causing his death. That could have easily been the end of the story, if it wasnt for a police report filed by Juanes-Gaspars family, McGary said. DNA connection Commander Marcus Conner said the process of identifying the body took a lot of time and effort. Weve been working on it since May, Conner said. Our detectives went through and tried to find any lead on any missing person. We came across this case in Othello that looked pretty promising. When they found Juanes-Gaspars missing person report, the next step was finding his relatives. Since he was a migrant farmworker, it was not an easy task, Conner said. As they were looking for his relatives, McGary worked with the Spokane County Medical Examiners Office, who had money available to help with DNA identification. The office has worked with Othram, a private DNA laboratory built to use parallel sequencing for forensic evidence. The Woodland, Texas companys technology enables the U.S. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, according to their website. Their laboratory has helped solve a 1978 murder in Spokane, identified the body of a man found in a wooded area near Newport and IDd a man from a small fragment of his skull found in the Spokane River. Theyre also helping to identify a woman found in the Columbia River in 1986 in Benton County. McGary said without the $8,000 grant, the coroners office didnt have the money in its budget to pay for the process. After finding Juanes-Gaspars cousin in Bremerton, the laboratory was able to confirm the remains found in the reservoir were his. While his family believed he had died, they were happy to have closure and know the rest of what happened, McGary said. An 8-year-old boy died after climbing from a window and onto the roof of a moving vehicle, Virginia officials said. The boy fell onto the ground and was found unresponsive Tuesday, Oct. 3. He was flown to a hospital and died from his injuries the following day, the Hampton Police Division wrote in a news release. Officers found the child injured in a residential part of Hampton, a city near Norfolk. The boys death reportedly left people in the area in disbelief. Nobody is really speaking about it, neighbor Anthony Hunter told WVEC. You know, you could just feel the sadness in the air. The day of the incident, an 18-year-old woman was driving a car while the 8-year-old rode as a passenger, WTKR reported. During the drive, the victim climbed out of the vehicle window, onto the roof and subsequently fell to the ground, causing injury, according to preliminary information officers shared in their news release. The police department, which said an investigation is ongoing, didnt immediately share additional details with McClatchy News on Oct. 6. Flying tire slams into windshield, killing mom driving with 5 children, VA cops say Mom drives car into pond and leaves it sinking with 3 kids inside, Virginia cops say London Nine rapes, two sexual assaults, and one case of voyeurism were reported to law enforcement over roughly the past year at the U.K. institution that trains 16 and 17-year-olds for the British Army, according to the local North Yorkshire Police. The reports took place in the 13-month period between July 22, 2022, and August 17, 2023. The Army Foundation college in Harrogate, England, had an "outstanding" rating by the U.K. education regulator, OFSTED, the highest ranking available. It is the "only junior-entry phase 1 training establishment in the British Army" and "provides basic military training and develops future leaders," OFSTED said. In 2021, there were 22 victims of sexual offenses at the Army Foundation college, according to the U.K. government. David Gee, an adviser with the Child Rights International Network, said the Army Foundation college in Harrogate should not be considered safe, given the number of reports of sexual misconduct there. He said the age of army recruits was one of the problems. "This is not specifically a British problem," Gee told CBS News. "There are certain factors that mean that joining up at 16 or 17 amplifies the vulnerability of a young person relative to joining up at older ages in an institution of this kind." The U.K. is one of only a handful of countries in the world, including the United States, that recruits children under the age of 18 into the armed services. In the U.K., recruits aren't sent to the front lines until they are 18. Gee said female recruits in the U.K. are also much more vulnerable than male recruits. "When you have a nine-to-one male to female ratio in the armed forces, the vulnerability of girls, when you don't have that gender parity in military training, is really increased," he said. A 2021 parliamentary report found the U.K. military was "failing to protect" female recruits, outlining how almost two thirds experienced sexual harassment, bullying, and descrimination during their careers. The report outlined accounts of gang rape, bullying for refusing sexual advances, and competitions among men to "bag" the women on ships or in camps. Earlier this week, a redacted internal Army review into the death of 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck in December 2021 said she is believed to have taken her own life after "an intense period of unwelcome behavior" by her boss. The review said Beck's boss, who was not named, had wanted a relationship with Beck and had sent her thousands of messages and voicemails in the months leading up to her death. Margaret Brennan assesses fallout of Kevin McCarthy's "Face the Nation" interview Watch: UAW president says strike "is working" but "we're not there yet" General Milley | Sunday on 60 Minutes One builds weapons in the hope that they are not used. Thus goes the central premise of deterrence theory, which says it is the credible threat of aggression not the use of aggression that will ensure states avoid war. This theory has dominated much of Americas strategic thinking over the past 50-plus years, but new technologies and new adversaries threaten to upend the status quo. For the first time, China has started to outpace the U.S. in critical weapons programs the country developed a new type of weapon called a hypersonic glide vehicle as early as 2014, which can strike Taipei and the Taiwan Strait in about 20 minutes from its strategic bases in the South China Sea. Americas comparative sluggishness to develop such tech could result in the U.S. falling catastrophically behind its adversaries. The founders of Castelion, a startup that emerged from stealth this week, cut straight to the point: Simply put this cannot be allowed to happen. The 11-month-old startup wants to completely rethink defense hardware development for complex systems, starting with long-range strike hypersonic weapons, a capability that Castelion co-founder and CEO Bryon Hargis described as a national, strategic-level non-nuclear deterrent. China is going faster than us in basically every area, he said. They pass the U.S. in some areas, but if you give them enough time, they're going to pass us in all areas if we don't do something different. Its, in my opinion, existential. We grew up in an era of fairly good security and I don't know necessarily that our children are to have that opportunity if somebody doesn't do something about it. Making American deterrence credible again Castelion was founded by a trio of ex-SpaceXers, Bryon Hargis, Sean Pitt and Andrew Kreitz, in November 2022. The company is part of a wave of new defense tech startups that have little faith in large American primes and their ability to ensure the country retains its dominant position in the global asymmetry of military power. In a blog post announcing Castelion, the founders say as much, writing that conditions in the defense industrial base, like consolidation, production delays and ballooning program costs, have left our nation in a worse position to protect democracy and confront our adversaries around the world. The startup wants to do things differently: move faster, design hardware to be produced at scale, and vertically integrate to cut costs. Pitt said that long-range strike weapons were a clear opportunity for an agile hardware development approach. Its thesis has caught investor support, with the company closing a $14.2 million initial funding round co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Lavrock Ventures, with participation from First In, BlueYard Capital and Champion Hill Ventures. Castelions founding team is notable for their individual success in the aerospace industry. Hargis, a mechanical engineer by training, joined SpaceX in 2017 and eventually became a senior director of government sales, essentially building out an entire government sales team and that enormous line of business for the company; Pitt was the original salesperson for SpaceXs hugely successful ride-share program and eventually became director of launch and human spaceflight sales for the European continent; and Kreitz was a senior investment banker at Goldman Sachs before joining SpaceX as senior finance manager. Hargis and Pitt worked alongside each other at SpaceXs D.C. office, and Hargis and Kreitz worked directly together regarding finance matters. The three would talk on the evenings and weekends, Pitt said, and the thesis for the company started forming. It was clear that they would have to leave SpaceX if they wanted to focus on defense hardware: SpaceX is not a defense company, even if its technologies do much to serve the national interest. SpaceX is fundamentally a Mars company, Kreitz said. It will do great defense work if it's along that development path, but [it] isnt core, and that's what precipitated us leaving. Hargis echoed these comments: I think we did some amazing work at SpaceX for national security that will continue to pay dividends for the country for probably multiple decades to come. But I really wanted to be more focused on defense than SpaceX wanted to be. Castelion is kicking off by focusing on hypersonic missile systems. The U.S. wants to procure these capabilities for a handful of reasons, many of which have to do with the particulars of the Western Pacific theater. These systems offer a big boost in range without a commensurate energy cost, which is critical for safely covering the roughly 1,800 miles between the U.S. territory of Guam and the coast of China. Speed is critical, too: As two officials from the U.S. Department of Defense put it in a recent op-ed, all of the missiles in Americas arsenal appropriate for the Western Pacific theater will need to fly at Mach speeds. Hypersonic missiles are also highly maneuverable, which makes it difficult to predict where they will strike. But perhaps most importantly, they offer a non-nuclear deterrence option a way for both the United States and China to avoid a severely catastrophic outcome that both countries have vowed to avoid via the adoption of no-first use policies. Of course, Castelion cant simply turn up on Uncle Sams doorstep one day with a fully finished hypersonic weapon and a bill. Instead, the El Segundo, Californiabased startup is taking time to build its credibility with missile subsystems: solid rocket motors, low-cost avionics and ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials. The idea is to first become a supplier to a prime working on an existing hypersonic missile program, before eventually building complete missile systems all in-house. Castelion Image credit: Castelion Because rapid design-build-test cycles are built into the companys strategic mission, the company is also focused on building a hypersonic test platform both for customers looking to test and for in-house testing. Castelion's primary engineering efforts, which include developing the avionics and manufacturing the high-temperature CMCs, are taking place in El Segundo. Castelion also has a special use permit for outside of Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada to do rocket motor production and testing. Looking ahead, the company plans on conducting its first full flight test of its solid motors using a single-stage rocket later this year, and the company plans on scaling its materials testing, starting with a subscale hypersonic glide vehicle shell to demonstrate that it can make complex shapes using the CMC material. Next year, the 15-person company is planning on making a two-stage test vehicle. It also aims to execute its three government contracts (the details of which the company couldnt disclose) and to continue building out its team. Its more than a little ambitious. Were fairly used to being called crazy, Hargis joked. I could see it from the outside, being slightly skeptical, but I think that after you've done several crazy things successfully, you realize it's not crazy to dream big. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is investing $597 million in Reliance Retail, valuing the largest Indian retail chain at a whopping $100 billion. The investment follows KKR and Qatar Investment Authority together investing $1.7 billion in the Indian firm, which is part of Mukesh Ambani 's Reliance Industries. Abu Dhabi sovereign-wealth fund's investment will fetch it a 0.59% stake in Reliance Retail. "We are pleased to further deepen our relationship with ADIA with their continued support as an investor in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited," said Ambani in a prepared statement. "Their long-standing experience of over decades of value creation globally will further benefit us in implementing our vision and driving transformation of the Indian retail sector. ADIAs investment in RRVL is a further testament to their belief in the Indian economy and our business fundamentals, strategy and execution capabilities." The investment comes at a time when Reliance Retail is expanding into new categories, including low-cost fast-fashion, and is also considering a public listing. The company, which also recently partnered with Shein to help the Chinese e-commerce firm reenter India, has purchased and integrated a number of other businesses. Reliance Retail has also made a push into e-commerce in recent years, including maintaining a tie-up with Metas WhatsApp to sell grocery through the instant messaging app. Though Walmart-owned Flipkart and Amazon India currently lead the local e-commerce market, analysts believe that Reliance will eventually outpace both firms. AllianceBernstein estimated in a note earlier this year that Reliances robust retail network, sweeping mobile network and digital ecosystem and a home field advantage in a notoriously challenging regulatory landscape will help the Indian conglomerate beat online rivals. The medium-term investment case for RIL is driven by: (1) strong cash flows and ability to invest in growth businesses and (2) potential value-unlocking in the medium term: We believe the operating earnings downgrade cycle for RIL is likely behind us, with energy driving FY24 and consumer pick-up likely in FY25. Jio+Retail capex should fall sharply from FY25 even as earnings pick up. Beyond earnings, we believe potential value-unlocking via stake sales/IPO/listings could be a material stock price driver over the next 2-3 years, wrote JPMorgan analysts in a note last month. Reliance Industries, which owns the majority of Reliance Retail Ventures and is the largest company by market cap in India, has aggressively expanded into a wide range of sectors, including telecom and on-demand video streaming, in the past decade as it diversifies from its reliance on oil. Isha, the daughter of Mukesh Ambani, leads the retail business. "Reliance Retail has demonstrated strong growth and adaptability in a market that is evolving at an unprecedented pace," said Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, executive director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, in a statement. "This investment aligns with our strategy of supporting our portfolio companies that are transforming their respective end-markets. We are pleased to partner with the Reliance Group, and increase our exposure to Indias dynamic and fast-growing consumer sector." South Korean writer Eun Seo-ran was happily single, until a medical emergency made her want family around to help. But she took an unconventional route: legally adopting her best friend. The 44-year-old lives far from her biological family, who are not actively involved in her life. She's not married and, like many people in low birthrate South Korea, she has no children of her own. But Eun does have a very good friend: Lee Eo-rie. The pair, who are not romantically involved, own property together, live together, share bills and have taken care of each other during illness. Eun said that when she ended up in hospital, she realised she needed someone who could be there for her, and not just to support her emotionally. She wanted Lee to be allowed into the hospital as family, and in the worst-case scenario, to be able to organise her funeral without enduring lengthy administrative procedures. Eun had no way to formalise her bond with her best friend, until she found a legal loophole: adult adoption. "The family defined by current law is essentially based on sexual union, and those derived from that sexual union -- that is, children," Eun told AFP. But "I think emotional connections hold the greatest importance," she said. "So when I'm with someone and feel utmost emotional stability and peace while thinking about them, I believe that person could indeed be my family." - Chosen family - With one of the world's lowest birthrates and plummeting marriage rates, more and more people in South Korea live -- and will die -- alone. Single-person households now account for 41 percent of all households, official figures show -- with that set to grow in coming decades. "South Korea's narrow legal definition of family is partially responsible," Hyeyoung Woo, a sociology professor who researches families in South Korea at Portland State University, told AFP. Same-sex and common law marriages are not recognised in the socially conservative country, and the traditional family unit remains the norm. The system ends up "reinforcing the traditional forms of family - heterosexual couple with a breadwinner husband and a stay-in-home wife, which are not reflecting the current demographics in Korea," Woo added. Even as there are fewer and fewer weddings -- just 3.7 per 1,000 people last year, a record low -- people still need connection, and they need them to be legally valid, says lawmaker Yong Hye-in. "The surge in single-person households means that the number of people living outside marriage and blood ties is increasing," Yong told AFP. "We need to solve the problem of increasingly isolated single-person households by expanding their options, not just 'being alone' or 'being married'". Yong has proposed a bill aimed at broadening the legal definition of family beyond traditional boundaries. But it has met fierce opposition from the country's conservative and Christian bloc, who argue that if passed, it would effectively legalise same-sex marriages. If enacted, the legislation "will dismantle (South Korea's) family system and cause significant harm to children," the Korean Association of Church Communication said in a statement. Eun says she was born into what South Korea recognises as a "normal", nuclear family, but she was not happy as a child. "Having witnessed my mother's unhappy married life... I harboured some fear that I might end up with a similar fate if I chose to marry," she told AFP. "I have chosen and created a new family with whom I currently live," she said, adding she now felt "at ease". - Ridiculously easy - Eun says the process to adopt her friend was almost ridiculously easy. Adoption of a child by an unmarried individual in South Korea requires a process that reviews factors such as age, financial stability and the child-rearing environment. Instances of securing court approval are extremely rare. But for Eun, adopting another adult had no legal prerequisites other than being older than Lee, getting her mother's approval and not being her biological child. Once they had submitted the paperwork -- one easy-to-fill-in form -- it took around 24 hours to get it approved, she said. The process was so easy that she said it left her feeling "hollow" in light of the ongoing struggle by activists to get recognition for same-sex and other non-traditional unions. South Korea should overhaul its outdated legislation and allow more single citizens to create their own chosen families, legally, she said. "A family constitutes a bond where people, irrespective of their gender or age, place trust in and rely on each other," she said. cdl/ceb/ser/lb Two people were taken to the hospital after a crash in Harrison Township Thursday. Around 5 p.m. deputies from the Harrison Township substation were called to the area of State Route 48 at Turner Road for a crash with injuries, according to a media release. An initial investigation found that a car was on Turner Road when it attempted to make a left turn onto southbound SR-48. >> Dayton police recruit seriously injured in SR-4 crash stable; 2 released from hospital The car was turning left when it slid on wet pavement over the curb and head-on into an RTA pole. The adult female driver suffered minor injuries, deputies said. An adult female passenger was taken to Kettering Health Dayton and a juvenile female in the backseat was taken to Childrens Hospital. Speed and weather contributions are believed to have contributed to the crash, according to deputies. The condition of the two injured was not included in the media release. We will continue following this story and update as new information is available. This is an audio version of The Reason Livestream, which takes place every Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern on Reason's YouTube channel. On June 30, PornhubAmerica's most-trafficked adult websiteannounced that it was blocking access in Mississippi, Virginia, and Utah. Why? Well, Pornhub was reacting to the passage of age-verification laws in those three states. Similar laws have passed in Louisiana, Texas, Montana, and Arkansas, leading Politico to declare that "A Simple Law Is Doing the Impossible. It's Making the Online Porn Industry Retreat." But the industry is fighting back and won a preliminary injunction against Texas' law. Reason's Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe talked about these developments with Aella, a former OnlyFans star and outspoken libertarian defender of sex workers who leverages her sizable social media following to run sex polls and surveys, the results of which she analyzes and publishes on her blog Knowingless. In this conversation, they discuss Aella's sex surveys, delve into the psychological literature examining online porn consumption, unpack the privacy implications of age verification laws, and talk about a recent debate Aella attended hosted by The Free Press and FIRE about the effects of "the sexual revolution" on American society. The post Aella: Is Porn Too Pervasive? appeared first on Reason.com. Ukraine's air defence troops destroyed 25 Shahed kamikaze drones out of 33 launched by Russia on the night of 5-6 October. Source: press service of Ukraine's Air Force Details: Just like the other day, the Russian occupying forces on the night of 5-6 October again attacked Ukraine with Shahed drones from Cape Chauda in temporarily occupied Crimea. The launches of 33 Shahed drones were recorded. Several drone groups were flying toward Ukraine's southern, eastern and central oblasts. Fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, units of mobile fire groups and radioelectronic warfare were involved in repelling the air attack. The assets and personnel of the Air Force, in cooperation with the air defence troops of Ukraines Defence Forces, destroyed 25 Shahed-131/136 drones, in particular within Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr oblasts. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Ukrainian forces shot down 25 of the 33 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported on Oct. 6. As the previous day, the drones were launched from Chauda in occupied Crimea, and headed toward Ukraine from several different directions., according to the Air Force. The Air Force used a variety of methods to repel the drones, including air defense systems, aircraft, electronic warfare, and fire teams. The drones were downed over a large area of Ukrainian territory, including over Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zhytomyr Oblasts. Earlier on Oct. 6, it was reported that drones had targeted the port infrastructure of Odesa Oblast's Izmail district. A grain storage facility was damaged in the attack and nine trucks caught fire, according to Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper. The fire has been extinguished. There was no information about casualties at the time of the publication. On Oct. 5, Russian forces struck a cafe in the village of Hroza in Kharkiv Oblast during a memorial service, killing at least 51 people. The attack, likely carried out with an Iskander missile, appears to have been the deadliest single attack on civilians in Ukraine this year, surpassing the death toll of Russias Jan. 14 missile strike against a Dnipro apartment building, which claimed the lives of 46 people. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia kills 51 people in single deadliest attack against civilians this year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A woman living in an Airbnb rent-free for 542 days has been in a similar legal battle before. Elizabeth Hirschhorn was kicked out of a rental two months before moving into the latest property. A lawsuit seen by DailyMail.com shows she got into a dispute over cleaning the $2.6 million home. An unwanted occupant who has been in a protracted legal battle with a Los Angeles Airbnb host, and has been living in his guesthouse rent-free for more than 542 days, was involved in a similar legal dispute just months before moving in, according to DailyMail.com. Elizabeth Hirschhorn was kicked out of a $2.6 million rental in Oakland, California, in July 2021, DailyMail.com reported. The media outlet said that Hirschhorn subleased the property, owned by landlords Brian and Gordon Bishop, from Alex Lewin in September 2019. According to legal documents reviewed by DailyMail.com, a harmful substance was found in the property. Hirschhorn asked Lewin, the primary tenant, to have it professionally cleaned, DailyMail.com reported. She made requests for Lewin to clean the property in a very specific way due to her "hypersensitivity to allergens," the complaint said, per DailyMail.com. According to a complaint, Brian Bishop said Hirschhorn also made "unreasonable requests" of Lewin to replace all her personal items that were allegedly damaged by the unknown substance. Hirschhorn temporarily moved out of the property, staying in hotels to avoid exposure to the unknown substance, but returned in February 2020, according to the legal documents seen by DailyMail.com. Lewin then moved out of the home in March due to Hirschhorn's "hostile" behavior, with Hirschhorn continuing to live there after he left despite having no tenancy agreement with the landlords and not paying any rent, DailyMail.com reported. In a countersuit against the landlords for negligence and intentional tort, Hirschhorn claimed the Bishops' actions had been damaging to her health, per DailyMail.com. She claimed to have been pressured to vacate the property during the COVID-19 pandemic, while a Shelter-in-Place order was in place in California. The case was eventually settled on July 20, 2021, just over a month before she moved into Sascha Jovanovic's Airbnb, according to DailyMail.com. Hirschhorn paid rent for six months, starting in September 2021, but eventually got into a dispute with Jovanovic about repairs to the property. She refused to leave, citing high risks of COVID-19 complications and also citing pandemic regulations at the time, per DailyMail.com. Hirschhorn's scheduled stay ended on March 19, 2020, but the pair agreed to extend it until mid-April. But on April 12, she stopped paying rent and hasn't paid since, with a lawsuit arguing that it wasn't a legal rental and that Jovanovic therefore has no right to evict her, per the Los Angeles Times. Jovanovic started renting out his guesthouse without having a certificate of occupancy or a permit to build a shower and, as such, according to California law, it was not a legal rental, the Daily Mail previously reported. A judge has ruled that Jovanovic has no legal right to evict the woman, per the Times. Like in the Oakland case, Jovanovic said he feels unsafe going into his home because a "hostile person is living there," the outlet reported. His lawyer, Sebastian Rucci, told the Times that Hirschhorn was "the tenant from hell." Hirschhorn's attorney, Colin Walshok, did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider A woman who has refused to leave a Los Angeles-area Airbnb is now demanding to be paid $100,000 to get out, according to a settlement offer reviewed by the Los Angeles Times. The host, Sascha Jovanovic, said the womans stay was scheduled to end in April 2022, but she then refused to move out. Elizabeth Hirschhorn, dubbed as the tenant from hell, has been living rent-free ever since. Mr Jovanovic, who owns the estate where the homestay is located in the hills of Brentwood, told the Times he cannot go into his home and know that Im safe when a potentially hostile person is living there. Im thinking about it at all times, he added. Hirschhorn declined to speak to the outlet to share her side of the story; however, her attorney, Colin Walshok, argued that she was not required to pay rent. The landlord broke the law and tried to make money by renting out an illegal bootleg unit, he told the Times. After he was caught, instead of doing the right thing, he has resorted to bullying, harassment and the filing of frivolous lawsuits containing elaborate false stories, all in attempt to cover his tracks. After deciding to put out his small guesthouse for rent, Mr Jovanovic approved a long-term stay for Ms Hirschhorn in September of 2021. The space was rented for six months at a rate of $105 per night, which with fees brought the total to $20,793 for 187 nights. The pair got on well in the beginning, sharing tea and small talk, but there were some warning signs that Mr Jovanovic said he should have listened to. Another Airbnb host had put out a review on Ms Hirschhorns profile that said she had a lot of particular needs that I eventually could not accommodate. And then, Mr Jovanovic claims, he went into the guesthouse to check on electric blinds that had stopped working and noticed there was water damage and signs of mould around the sink, problems he says were not there before Hirschhorn arrived. Wanting to repair the sink and stop the spread of mould, the landlord said he offered to pay his guest to stay at a hotel for a few days and also offered $1,000 toward a hotel of her choice, according to Airbnb messages and emails exchanged between the two. However, Ms Hirschhorn declined, saying: I dont feel safe being forced to vacate with a housing disability and the high risks of Covid-19 complications. She then quoted L.A. Countys Covid-19 Tenant Protections Resolution and showed a 2011 doctors note pointing out chemical sensitivities. In addition, the emails showed he had also offered her to stay in his home, which she declined. Ms Hirschhorn is now counter-suing Mr Jovanovic and claims that he inappropriately invited her to move into his house with him. Ms Hirschhorns Airbnb stay was scheduled to end on 19 March; however, Mr Jovanovic offered her a months extension in order to find somewhere else to live, something that backfired on him because Airbnb was then free from getting involved in the dispute. Once everything went to hell, Airbnb was out, said Sebastian Rucci, an attorney representing Mr Jovanovic, according to the Times. Then came the new deadline and Ms Hirschhorn stayed put. In an email, she said: I cant leave on Apr. 12 as relocation and funding plan is not in place, it would be unsafe. If you want to work something out I am willing to do that. Since then, she has not paid any rent and she still remains over 540 days later having claimed in a May 2022 email that Your actions and alleged repairs are made knowing that of my disability requiring accommodation, I believe it was made to harass and scare me. Mr Jovanovic tried serving multiple eviction notices, but a housing department investigator, Pedro Gonzalez, said Mr Jovanovic had to withdraw his eviction notices as the building did not comply with the citys building-safety rules. But Ms Hirschhorn refused to let the host inside the property so it could be updated to comply with the citys building codes. Mr Jovanovic is incredulous, telling the Times: How can you stay in someones home for a year and a half and not have any feeling of embarrassment or responsibility? The Independent has contacted Airbnb for a comment. Summit County jurors believed that Deair Wray shot through the window of his former girlfriend's apartment in a jealous rage when he saw her inside with another man. Jurors didnt believe the defenses claim that Wray wasnt the shooter and that it could have been one of his co-defendants or someone else. After deliberating for about five hours, jurors found Wray guilty of murder and other charges in the double shooting in May 2022 that injured his girlfriend and killed the man with her that night. Deair Wray listens as his attorney John Greven speaks during his murder trial in Summit County Common Pleas Court for a double shooting in Cuyahoga Falls. Wray will be sentenced Oct. 19 by Summit County Common Pleas Judge Kathryn Michael. He faces life in prison, with the only question being how soon hell be eligible for parole. Wray, 29, of Akron, who also goes by Deair Johnson, plans to appeal. More: Akron man goes on trial for double shooting in Cuyahoga Falls Case is the reason behind 'Justice for G' signs seen around Akron Family members of Giovanni Stanford, whom Wray was convicted of fatally shooting, were pleased with the verdict. They had placed signs around Akron saying, Justice For G, which is short for Giovanni. Medira Sampson, Stanfords grandmother, said the family wanted to call attention to his slaying as well as other unsolved shootings in the Akron area. We are trying get people more aware of whats going on, she said. So many young men in North Hill have been shot and killed. Wray and two other men are charged in double shooting Wray and two other men are charged in a shooting that happened shortly before midnight May 26, 2022, at an apartment at 1376 Forest Glen Drive in Cuyahoga Falls. Police said Wray fired 9 mm rounds into a window of the apartment, striking Stanford, 23, of Akron, in the torso and head. Dezah Robertson, Wrays on-again/off-again girlfriend and the mother of his 2-year-old son, was shot in the leg. Robertson survived, while Stanford, 23, of Akron, did not. Durell McDowell, 33, of Canton, and Jameir McDowell, 33, of Akron, are scheduled to enter a plea and be sentenced Thursday. Durell is Deairs cousin, while Jameir is Deairs uncle. Both testified in Deairs trial. Durell is charged with obstructing justice, while Jameir faces the same charges as Wray, plus obstructing justice. Co-defendants point to Wray as the shooter Wrays trial started Monday and wrapped up Thursday afternoon. Assistant Summit County Prosecutor Seema Misra said in her closing argument that police recovered eight shell casings outside the living room window of Robertsons apartment. She said a car was parked in front of the apartment, which meant that the person who fired the shots did so from right outside the window. Assistant Summit County Prosecutor Seema Misra reviews the charges against Deair Wray during her closing argument in Wray's murder trial for a double shooting in Cuyahoga Falls. Misra said Wray and Robertson had a volatile relationship and often sent each other text messages, with his messages turning nasty when he talked about whether she was dating someone else. You aint going to be around to see the kids, Wray told Robertson in a text four days before the shooting. Misra said Durell and Jameir gave similar accounts of what happened on the night of the shooting. She said both men thought they were going to Robertsons home with Wray to buy drugs, but Wray ended up shooting into the apartment. When Wray got back to the car, Durell said Wray told him Dezah was with Stanford and he shot Stanford through the window. Jameir said he saw Deair running with a gun after the shooting. Misra said Durell was wearing a GPS monitoring device that showed him outside and down the street from Robertsons apartment at the time of the shooting. She said Durell and Jameir had never met Stanford and barely knew Robertson. The defense wants you believe Deair was not there, Misra said. It just doesnt make sense. Misra said the shooting was fueled by Wrays jealousy and anger. Attorney questions reliability of Wrays co-defendants John Greven, who represented Wray along with Attorney Nathan Ray, though, though, said not everything about the shooting makes sense. Defense attorney John Greven (right) speaks during Deair Wray's murder trial in Summit County Common Pleas Court. For Wray to have done the shooting, Greven said he would have had to shoot into a window not knowing if his son might be on the other side. He said Wray also had no way of knowing that Stanford was there because Robertson hadnt told him. There are things here that just dont make sense and dont add up, Greven said. Greven said Durell and Jameir were covering for themselves and for each other, knew detectives already were looking at Wray and would say anything to avoid a murder conviction. After the shooting, Greven said Durell and Jameir stopped at the house of another relative who lived nearby. He wondered if this could have been the third person with Durell and Jameir and could be the shooter. He said police didnt question this man. Greven said no direct evidence ties Wray to the shooting besides the testimony of Durell and Jameir, who havent been consistent in their accounts. These guys have done nothing but lie, Greven said. They got caught in lies and had no way out of it and threw (Wray) under the bus to save their own asses. Greven conceded that jurors should find Wray guilty of having weapons while under disability because he had a gun on him when he was arrested that he wasnt permitted to have. He said this gun wasnt the one used in the double shooting. Jurors find Wray guilty of all charges Jurors began deliberating about 11 a.m. Friday and announced they had a verdict at 3 p.m. They found Wray guilty of three counts of murder that involve different explanations of the crime purposely causing a death, causing a death as the result of a felonious assault, and causing a death as the result of shooting into a home. Jurors also found Wray guilty of one count each of improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation and having weapons under disability and two counts of felonious assault, one each for shooting Stanford and Robertson. Most of the charges included gun specifications that carry with them additional prison time. Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Deair Wray is convicted of murder in double shooting in Cuyahoga Falls Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced she will send 275 National Guard troops to the southern border, becoming the latest Republican governor to send soldiers to the region. "Every state has become a border state under the current policies, and Alabama remains committed to being an integral part of the mission to protect our southern border," the governor said in a statement. "The Alabama National Guard always stands ready to protect our citizens, and I thank our 275 troops, as well as their families, for their important service to our country." The announcement came after Ivey and 24 other governors urged Biden in a letter to provide "honest, accurate, detailed information" about the ongoing migrant crisis. DEMOCRAT GOV. KATHY HOCHUL CALLS IN NATIONAL GUARD AMID NEW YORK'S WORSENING MIGRANT CRISIS "As a result of your policies which incentivize illegal immigration, our states are carrying the burden of both the years-long surge in illegal border crossings and cartels coordinated trafficking of drugs and human beings," the 25 governors led by Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, say in a Sept. 19 letter to Biden. The letter further stated that: "States are on the front lines, working around-the clock responding to the effects of this crisis: shelters are full, food pantries empty, law enforcement strained, and aid workers exhausted." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP In 2018, Ivey, a Republican, sent a small number of National Guard troops to the border to support the Texas National Guard and border officials. Texas Army National Guard soldiers convene by the border. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In 2022, she joined the American Governors Border Strike Force, which is made up of 26 states with the intent of coordinating efforts in deterring illegal immigration on the southern border. In June, the governors of Virginia, West Virginia and South Carolina announced they were sending troops to the border. Original article source: Alabama Gov. Ivey sending 275 National Guard troops to Mexico border: Every state has become a border state' FILE - A person walks across the dock at St. Paul Harbor, Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Kodiak, Alaska. Alaska fishermen will be able to harvest red king crab, the largest and most lucrative of all the Bering Sea crab species, for the first time in two years, offering a slight reprieve to the beleaguered fishery beset by low numbers likely exacerbated by climate change. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File) ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Alaska fishermen will be able to harvest red king crab for the first time in two years, offering a slight reprieve to the beleaguered fishery beset by low numbers likely exacerbated by climate change. There was no such rebound for snow crab, however, and that fishery will remain closed for a second straight year, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced Friday. The Bristol Bay red king crab fishery for the prior two seasons were closed based on low abundance and particularly low abundance of mature-sized female crabs, said Mark Stichert, the state departments ground fish and shellfish management coordinator, Based on survey results from this year, those numbers have improved, some signs of modest optimism in terms of improving abundance in Bristol Bay red king crab overall and that has allowed for a small but still conservative fishery for 2023 as the total population size is still quite low, he said. The reopening of the red king crab fishery was welcome news for fishers. We're really happy they're opening up the king crab season, it'll bring some much needed relief, said Gabriel Prout, a third-generation fisher and president of the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, a nonprofit trade association. But Prout expects fewer boats to participate in this season's crab fishery. Difficulty in finding crew members and having enough money to maintain boats may limit the number of vessels participating this season, he added. The estimates of spawning crab and the number of mature female red king crab were above thresholds required to open the fishery in Bristol Bay, according to analysis of surveys by both the state and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Fishermen will be allowed to catch 2.1 million pounds (952,500 kilograms) of red king crab for three months beginning Oct. 15, the state announced. More than 2.65 million pounds (1.2 million kilograms) were caught in 2020. The fishery saw nearly 130 million pounds (59 million kilograms) caught in 1980 before declining for the next three decades. While the red king crab have been off limits for two years, the snow crab season was also canceled last year. State fishery officials also decided to close the snow crab season for a second year, siding on conservation of the stock. The Tanner crab fishery will open as normal after the number of adult mature male Tanner crabs exceeded the threshold, one species that has signs of optimism in the coming years for fisheries managers. The total allowable catch for Tanner crab in the western Bering Sea was set at 1.3 million pounds (589,700 kilograms), while the eastern Bering Sea fishery was capped at 760,000 pounds (344,700 kilograms). The fishery also opens Oct. 15 and runs through March 31. The decisions come after a first-ever closure for the snow crab fishery last year and a second-straight year of closure for the red king crab fishery in the Bering Sea after an annual survey in 2021 found all-time lows in the crab populations. Scientists think that population decline was a result of two years of low sea ice cover and abnormally warm ocean temperatures due to climate change may have altered the ecosystem in a way that snow crab couldnt survive. In 2020, snow crab fishers caught about 45 million pounds (20.4 million kilograms) of snow crab worth almost $106 million, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The following season, that fishery shrank to about a tenth of the previous season - 5.5 million pounds (2.5 million kilograms) were harvested at a value of just over $24 million. The closure of the snow crab fishery in 2022 squeezed commercial fishers in Kodiak, Alaska, with some losing much of their income. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce allocated almost $192 million to assist fishers affected by the closures of the red king crab and snow crab fisheries in 2021 and 2022, but some fishers expressed doubt that they could stay in business until that money arrives. ___ Bickel reported from Cincinnati. ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Thursday denounced the Biden Administrations move to allow more construction of the Mexican border wall, calling it cruel. A wall does nothing to deter people who are fleeing poverty and violence from coming to the United States, Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement she shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. Walls only serve to push migrants into more remote areas, increasing their chances of death. It is a cruel policy. The progressive lawmaker also took issue with President Joe Bidens claim that the funds for resuming construction were already appropriated for the wall in the Trump administration and that he was forced to use them by this year. Biden said he tried to redirect the money but was denied by Congress. Despite telling reporters that a wall was not the answer to the border crisis, Biden and his administration are waiving dozens of federal laws to add about 20 miles of wall in Starr County, Texas, part of the Rio Grande Valley Sector that has recorded 245,000 illegal crossings this year, The Associated Press noted. The Biden administration was not required to expand construction of the border wall and they certainly were not required to waive several environmental laws to expedite the building, Ocasio-Cortez said. The President needs to take responsibility for this decision and reverse the course. She called for the United States to more seriously examine the root of migration and stop contributing to the destabilization that drives migration. The resumption of wall construction, which Biden often criticized in his 2020 campaign, has been used for fodder by Republicans to attack the administrations border policy. This is a crisis. Its out of control, but I dont believe for a minute that Joe Biden wants to fix it, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said. I think this is all window dressing to pretend he cares. Related... Holly Willoughbys ITV co-stars sent messages of love and support to the This Morning presenter, after shocking news emerged of an alleged kidnap plot against her. Willoughby, 42, was left shocked and distraught after learning she was allegedly the subject of sinister messages threatening to kidnap and harm her. She was absent from Thursdays episode of This Morning after bosses were told of the alleged plot by police, with Alison Hammond stepping in as a replacement with co-host Josie Gibson. Her London home, where she lives with her TV producer husband Dan Baldwin and their three children, is said to have been placed under police guard while the alleged plot is investigated. The Independent has contacted Willoughbys representatives for comment. Appearing on her flagship show Lorraine on Friday 6 October, Kelly described the alleged incident as very upsetting, after reading out the days headlines at the end of the episode. Thats a horrible thing for her to be going through and of course we send Holly and her family our best wishes, Kelly said. Lorraine Kelly was among the ITV stars to send best wishes to Holly Willoughby (Getty) In their usual slot on Fridays episode of This Morning, co-hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary also sent a touching message to Willoughby. Were obviously all shocked to hear the news and want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly, Hammond said. Superintendent Tim Tubbs of Essex Police said This was an extremely fast paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges. The safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this as the investigation proceeds. Willoughby at the National Television Awards (Getty Images) Hammond did not refer to Willoughbys absence during Thursdays episode of This Morning, or offer any reason for why she was standing in for her. This prompted a number of viewers to ask about Willoughbys whereabouts on social media. Willoughby returned to her normal schedule on This Morning in September after a scheduled summer break, following months of controversy surrounding her former co-star, Phillip Schofield. Schofield quit ITV with immediate effect in May after admitting to lying about his unwise but not illegal affair with a younger male employee. In a statement, Willoughby said she was shaken and troubled by the revelations. Gavin Plumb, 36, is accused of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap. He is set to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today after being arrested by officers on Wednesday 4 October. A fourth-grade Tennessee teacher charged with raping one of her former students said she is pregnant with the boy's baby, according to new information revealed in the case. Alissa D. McCommon, 38, an elementary teacher at Charger Academy in Covington, was arrested last month by the Covington Police Department on allegations of sexual misconduct with a 12-year-old boy as well as multiple juveniles in a multi-jurisdictional investigation, police said. Part of the Tipton County School District, the elementary school is located about 40 miles northeast of Memphis. McCommon, a mother of two, was arrested at her Covington home on Sept. 8 and charged with felony rape of a child for reportedly molesting the boy, Tipton County General Sessions court records show. The boy is now 15, Tipton County District Attorney General Mark Davidson told USA TODAY Friday. McCommon was suspended without pay from her position on Aug. 24, the same day the allegations were brought to light, Tipton County School Assistant Superintendent Rebekah Byrd said. McCommon notified the school district of her resignation on Sept. 14, according to a district representative. . Bail, a no contact order and an alleged pregnancy revelation New arrest affidavits obtained by USA TODAY show after McCommon's arrest, she posted a $25,000 bond with conditions she not contact the victim or any other minors besides her own children. But on Sept. 28, police re-arrested McCommon after they say she contacted the victim after being released from jail, affidavits show. Tipton County Sheriff's Office records show McCommon was booked into jail on the new charges at 7 p.m. According to police, as recent as last week, McCommon sent multiple text messages to the victim saying she was pregnant with his child and "he would regret doing this," arrest affidavits show. On Sept. 29, Davidson said, prosecutors filed a motion to revoke McCommon's bond. Alissa McCommon, 38, who teaches fourth grade at Charger Academy in Covington, Tennessee, was arrested outside her home on Friday, September 8, 2023, the Covington Police Department on Friday on allegations of sexual misconduct with multiple young boys. A police monitored call Court papers show the boy's mother alerted police when she learned McCommon had been contacting her son via text on four separate dates after her release. During a Sept. 28, police-monitored call and text string between the boy and McCommon, a detective wrote, McCommon identified herself to the boy, admitted to having "a sexual encounter with him, said she was pregnant and then threatened him." When officers re-arrested McCommon on Sept. 28, the affidavit continues, she said she "did not have a phone anymore and that it broke into pieces." McCommon now faces additional charges of stalking, coercion of a witness, tampering with evidence and intimidation of a child, court records show. Her attorney could not immediately be reached by USA TODAY. Teachers arrested in trafficking sting: 6th-grade teacher, college professor among 160 arrested in Ohio human trafficking bust 'Raise this baby and love this baby' During a court hearing on the bond revocation Tuesday, Davidson said, prosecutors played an alleged cell phone conversation between McCommon and the victim in which she implied she was pregnant with his baby. In the call, McCommon said she was going to raise this baby and love this baby, and Ill do it by myself," WMC-TV in Memphis reported. Davidson could not verify McCommon was pregnant but said the judge revoked McCommon's bond. A Tipton County jail spokesperson told USA TODAY McCommon remained jailed Friday. The spokesperson said he could not confirm whether McCommon was pregnant due to privacy issues. Alissa McCommon, 38, who teaches fourth grade at Charger Academy in Covington, Tennessee, was arrested outside her home on Friday, September 8, 2023, the Covington Police Department on Friday on allegations of sexual misconduct with multiple young boys. 'Continuing criminal conduct' Davidson said he was pleased with the judge's decision to keep McCommon jailed without bond. It sends the message we want to protect our victims and their families and shows continuing criminal conduct wont be tolerated," Davidson said Friday. The case, the attorney general said, remained under investigation Friday by law enforcement. A preliminary hearing in the case is slated later this month, Davidson said. 'Multiple juvenile victims have come forth' According to a criminal complaint on McCommon's rape charge, detectives were tipped off about the assaut when the Tennessee Department of Children's Services contacted police regarding reported sexual misconduct between McCommon and the former student. The student, who was in seventh grade at the time of the alleged rape, and his parents met with police on Aug. 24 and the boy told detectives he spent the night at McCommon's house several years back, according to the affidavit. At some point that night, the boy said, McCommon woke him up and sexually assaulted him. Police said "multiple juvenile victims" also came forward claiming McCommon befriended them and began playing video games with them online. McCommon reportedly communicated with the boys through cellphone social media apps and allegedly sent inappropriate photographs and "requested sexual relations" with the victims, police said. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teacher accused of raping boy is pregnant, court documents reveal A man has been charged with threatening a mass shooting at an Orange County courthouse. Byrom Zuniga Sanchez allegedly sent emails with the subject line active shooter Lamoreaux Justice Center that promised an attack next Friday, Oct. 13, as I like to make moments feel special, and unforgettable, according to the criminal complaint filed against him Thursday. One email included the following threats directed at a judge, according to the complaint. I am more committed to murdering you than I am to being present as a father. Nothing will change course and nothing will stop the guaranteed accountability requiring your life as payment. Nothing can save you, and nothing can protect you. Pelosis husband got hammered in the presence of police. What makes you think anyone is going to spare your life? Youre already dead. The remainder of my life will be dedicated to assassinating judges, attorneys, and a police stations entire shift staff. The incident was first reported by Seamus Hughes Court Watch, which pointed out previous criminal incidents involving Sanchez. In 2021, Sanchez allegedly went to the house of the Orange County district attorney (DA) and talked with an individual at his residence. When the DA was not there, Sanchez allegedly then said Tell him Byrom stopped by,' Hughes wrote. A few months prior, prosecutors say Sanchez came to the DAs office and made a scene of dancing and singing erratically, and demanded to speak with the Orange County District Attorney.' In 2022, he also reportedly led Orange County Sheriffs Department deputies in a pursuit that ended at a Foothill Ranch In-N-Out. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The federal judge presiding over Donald Trump 's classified documents case on Friday temporarily paused a series of significant pre-trial deadlines pertaining to prosecutors' sharing of sensitive materials that the former president is entitled to while building his defense, The Messenger reports. U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon authorized a paperless order delaying the deadlines she'd previously set for October 2023 through May 2024, when the trial for Trump and his three co-defendants in the case is scheduled to start in Fort Pierce, Florida. Though Cannon's order doesn't address the May 20 start date for the trial itself, it does state that all of the scheduled deadlines connected to classified information are on hold "pending consideration and resolution" of a Trump motion proposing a new timeline that was filed last month. That Sept. 22 filing accused special counsel Jack Smith's team of making "unjust efforts...to foist rushed CIPA litigation on the Court, President Trump, and his co-defendants." A separate motion filed Wednesday night by Trump's legal team has, however, made the trial schedule a point of contention as the GOP frontrunner has requested a delay of at least six months in the start date of the trial until "in or after mid-November 2024," pushing it past Election Day. The motion cited ongoing legal litigation over the sensitive evidence alongside scheduling conflicts with Trump's other federal criminal case in Washington, D.C. of which he filed a motion to dismiss late Thursday regarding alleged election obstruction. "The March 4, 2023 trial date in the District of Columbia, and the underlying schedule in that case, currently require President Trump and his lawyers to be in two places at once," Trump's attorneys wrote in the Wednesday filing. Some legal experts questioned Cannon's Friday order and suggested that it could pave the way for Trump to delay the trial date. "Judge Cannon puts CIPA deadlines on hold until she rules on Trumps pending motions," national security lawyer Bradley Moss wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Now the real question becomes how long it takes her to make a ruling." Judge Cannon puts CIPA deadlines on hold until she rules on Trumps pending motions. Now the real question becomes how long it takes her to make a ruling. https://t.co/ku0s8QqWgG Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) October 6, 2023 "Not a good sign for those who want a trial in May. We havent even reached the point in CIPA where the court has truly difficult decisions to make," tweeted Brandon Van Grack, a former Justice Department official who served on special counsel Bob Mueller's team. Not a good sign for those who want a trial in May. We havent even reached the point in CIPA where the court has truly difficult decisions to make. https://t.co/pkzGgnQhAU Brandon Van Grack (@BVanGrack) October 6, 2023 Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. "Realistically, delays can sometimes be necessary to accommodate issues involving classified discovery, but this seems over much," former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance added. "This is a judge who is happy to see the case move slowly." Realistically, delays can sometimes be necessary to accommodate issues involving classified discovery, but this seems over much. This is a judge who is happy to see the case move slowly. https://t.co/HKbkMcbxN1 Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) October 6, 2023 "She is going to delay and delay. She has already been an embarrassment and its going to get much worse," predicted Georgia State Law professor Eric Segall. She is going to delay and delay. She has already been an embarrassment and its going to get much worse. https://t.co/NqrQ7whDMA Eric Segall (@espinsegall) October 6, 2023 Trump was first federally indicted in June over his alleged illegal retention of national security documents after leaving office. The special counsel brought a superseding indictment against him in late July, adding charges related to alleged obstruction of government efforts to retrieve the materials and bringing the total number of counts against Trump in the case to 40. The former president has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Children participate in activities at the Head Start classroom in the Carl and Norma Millers Childrens Center on March 13, 2023, in Frederick, Md. Credit - Maansi SrivastavaThe Washington Post via Getty Images The U.S. child poverty rate more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. This was a policy choice. The U.S. Census Bureau found that child poverty rapidly dropped between 2020 and 2021 because of the American Rescue Plans Child Tax Creditmonthly checks sent directly to families making less than $150,000 per year with young children. Yet, Congress allowed the policy to lapse after only one year and child poverty reverted to its previous, very high level of over 12%. U.S. lawmakers were not always indifferent to the vast number of U.S. children living in poverty. Head Start, the largest and most impactful piece of President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty, aimed to address exactly this problem. And though underfunded since the 1970s, decades of research prove that Head Start has had meaningful and lasting impacts for the children and families that participateincluding increased high school and college completion rates and increased economic independence. The evidence from Head Start and from the Child Tax Credit point to an important lesson: child poverty can be addressedif we take steps to reduce it through policy. Read More: What's Behind the Spike in Child Poverty in the U.S. Sargent Shriver, who directed the Office of Economic Opportunity in Johnsons Administration, developed the idea for Head Start when he learned in the early 1960s that half of Americas poor were children. Looking for ways to counter political resistance to his antipoverty programs for adults, Shriver seized on the idea to transfer unused funds to a program that could give a head start to pre-school aged children. Shriver believed an antipoverty project for young children would be both effective policy and politics. Who could argue that a 4-year-old deserved to live in poverty? Shriver was right. Project Head Start gained broad bipartisan support when it began in the summer of 1965. A planning committee of experts proposed Head Start should be a comprehensive child development program. It would provide not only age-appropriate education, but also health, dental, social-emotional screenings, and nutritious meals. Critically, the committee also agreed that parent and community engagement was crucial to both the programs and the childrens success. Armed with a popular idea, Johnson and Shriver ignored the committees recommendations to roll out slowly with one or two pilot programs. Seasoned politicians, Johnson and Shriver knew to ride political momentum and get programs off the ground across the country quickly. Relying on the volunteer work of the First Lady, the wives of Congressmen and cabinet members, and federal agency interns, the Johnson administration was able to get Project Head Start operating in over 3,000 of the nations poorest communities in just 12 weeks, earning it the nickname Project Rush-Rush. Shriver believed that community investment would increase the success of the programs and buffer Head Start from eventual political headwinds. Johnson Administration volunteers traveled to poor counties, reached out to the local leaders of community action organizations, and supported them through the federal grant application process. Civil rights leader Whitney White Jr. published op-eds in Black newspapers encouraging community leaders to support the program, claiming it would rain a torrent of educational vitamins on children living in poverty. Within the first few years, Head Start programs were operating in nearly every congressional district in the country. Johnson expected that Head Start would soon provide two years of free comprehensive child development programs for every poor child in the nation. This was a radical notion in 1965, when 32 states did not even have public kindergarten. View of students and staff in a 'Project Headstart' music class, Atlanta, 1966. PhotoQuest/Getty Images In many ways the roll-out of Head Start was politically savvy, but in other ways it was limited by the biases of the privileged white people leading it. For example, the Johnson administration sought to link Head Start to improving childrens IQ scores, a now discredited measure of intelligence. It was a tactic that fed dominant narratives about the cultural deprivation of poor, especially Black, households. At the White House launch of the program, Lady Bird Johnson reinforced this narrative, saying that poor children were lost in a grey world ofneglect and that some of them dont even know their own names. Yet, the structure of the policy allowed federal dollars to bypass state and local governments and flow directly to community organizations to develop programs based on their own specific needs and assets, giving power and resources to those who had very little of either. Title II of the Economic Opportunity Act declared that its Community Action Programs, under which Head Start fell, required the maximum feasible participation of the poor. Bypassing state and local governments was particularly important in Southern states which were aggressively fighting federal desegregation and other civil rights mandates. A key example was the Child Development Group of Mississippi (CDGM), the biggest Head Start grant during the programs early years. Black women who had participated in Mississippis Freedom Summer in 1964 led the programs. They believed that early childhood education was social revolution for their communities. For a time, it was. Head Start programs not only provided federal dollars to educate, feed, and provide medical and dental care to young Black children, they also offered better-paying jobs for working-class Black women outside the purview of white supervision. Without curriculum mandates, teachers developed culturally appropriate lessons that celebrated Black culture and history. Read More: The Heavy Cost of Banning Books About Black Children Mississippis white segregationists recognized the power of programs like the CDGM to uproot the social order. Local segregationists and Klansmen violently harassed CDGM workersburning crosses in front of proposed CDGM sites, beating and shooting at teachers, and burning CDGM sites down. One of Mississippis U.S. Senators accused the group of mismanaging federal dollars and pressed Shriver to cut CDGMs funding. He gave it to another local program. After a huge amount of public pressure on Shriverincluding negotiations with Martin Luther King Jr.he restored funding to CDGM, but at a much lower level. The incoming Richard Nixon Administration endangered Head Start, and all War on Poverty programs. Though the Nixon Administration feared political backlash for cutting Head Start altogether, an early program evaluation gave them the excuse they needed to stop expanding the program. The 1969 Westinghouse Learning Corporation report stated that Head Start hadnt, in its first four years, raised the IQ scores of participating children. Of course, the programs were designed to do much more and success could be measured in many waysbut the Johnson Administrations emphasis on IQ had proven a major miscalculation. Senator Walter Mondale knew that the reports results contradicted the experiences of the people participating. I have rarely talked to educatorsor parents of children in Head [S]tart who werent delighted. They think it is working, they think it is helpfulWherever you go you get the same reaction except from the reports like Westinghouse, he stated. Read More: What to Know About the Expiration of Federal Emergency Childcare Funding Yet the Nixon administration refused to increase funding, and Head Start has remained underfunded ever since. Today, it only serves about 30% of eligible preschoolers and nine percent of eligible infants and toddlers. Still, Head Start served over one million children below the federal poverty line in 2019 with comprehensive careeducation, nutrition, health and wellness screenings, family supports, and opportunities for parent leadership. Economists have shown the lifelong positive impact the program has for generations of participants. This example is instructive. Policymakers can meaningfully address child povertyif they choose to. History shows that providing resources directly to communities and families pays dividends for children. Michelle Bezark, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Analyst at Start Early and a Visiting Research Scholar at Northwestern University. She researches and writes about the evolution of early care and education policy. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com. Story at a glance A new paper found that life expectancy is falling more drastically for people without college degrees than for people with degrees. Between 1992 and 2010, life expectancy for both educational groups grew. But it began to drop for both groups by 2019, and continued to do so throughout the pandemic. Americans without a college degree dont live as long as those with a degree, according to a new study. And the gap between how long those with and without an undergraduate degree are living is widening. The study, featured the fall 2023 edition of the Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, found that life expectancy increased for both educational groups between 1992 and 2010. In 2010, a 25-year-old without a four-year college degree could expect to live about another 54 years, compared to 58 extra years for a person of the same age with a bachelors degree, according to the study. But in the lead-up to the COVID-19 pandemic, life expectancy largely stagnated for those without a degree even as it continued to go up for those with a degree. By 2019, life expectancy for the latter group had slightly increased to about 59 years past the age of 25, or about 84 years in total, while it dropped slightly for the former, moving closer to 53 additional years. Then, during the pandemic, life expectancy shortened for both groups but more for those without a degree, further expanding the gap. By 2021, a person without a four-year degree was only expected to live another 50, while a person with a degree could still expect to live about another 58. GDP may be doing great, but people are dying in increasing numbers, especially less-educated people, Anne Case, one of the report authors, said in an interview with The Brookings Institution. A lot of the increasing prosperity is going to the well-educated elites. It is not going to typical working people. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Bowie Brae, right, dances while rehearsing a song Oct. 4, 2023, in Denton. Brae is lead singer of the band Nip Slip, which will headline Dentons third annual Trans Pride Fest. Credit: Matt Iaia for The Texas Tribune DENTON Bowie Brae discovered his singing voice at his North Texas church when he was 14 years old. He trained belting out worship songs like Good Good Father and Hillsongs Oceans. Six years later, Brae began testosterone treatment as part of his gender transition. His voice changed. I didnt sound great, he said. I was terrified I wasnt going to be able to sing again. Then, he discovered a support group for transgender artists in Denton. With the groups help, he relearned how to sing in his new octave. Settled into his vocal range, Brae and his band Nip Slip are headlining the citys Trans Pride Fest on Saturday. The third annual event in this North Texas city comes amid several legislative setbacks for Texas LGBTQ+ community. New state laws take aim at health care access for trans youth and certain performances by drag queens. Many of those laws echo legislation passed by state legislatures across the southern U.S. and have been challenged in court. Brae and event organizers say these laws make the pride celebration, which will be held at a private concert venue in downtown Denton, more meaningful. It breaks my heart to see other people having to hide for safety, Brae said, adding he feels safe in Denton despite the new state laws. Bowie Brae before Nip Slips band rehearsal. Credit: Matt Iaia for The Texas Tribune Texas largest cities have long hosted LGBTQ+ pride events, typically during the summer. A growing number of smaller and more suburban cities have increasingly hosted their own events. The Denton event stands apart for its focus on the transgender community. Denton is in one of the fastest growing counties in the state, with a population of more than 100,000. The city, home to the University of North Texas, can act as an LGBTQ+-friendly and liberal enclave in an otherwise conservative suburban sprawl. To organizers of the fest, it is part of what makes the event, which started on the universitys campus, possible. I don't even think there are any comparable events in the whole state, or if there are, they're maybe not as big, said Alex Stock, head organizer for the event and local community volunteer. The Saturday event will be the first to be organized by local activist group Denton Left. The group, alongside the University of North Texas Young Democratic Socialists chapter, picked up the responsibility of hosting the event after the original organizers decided they did not have the resources to host another. The trans pride event started as a counterprotest. In March of 2022, UNTs chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas hosted an event featuring Jeff Younger, a prominent anti-trans figure. Students gathered to protest the event, which gained national attention, and began a series of other protests across the campus. Then came Trans Pride Fest. The inaugural event began on the sidewalks at UNT outside the universitys student union a more humble event than this years three-stage, 22-band lineup at one of the citys most popular concert venues, Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios. It was the last of the protests on campus, advertised as a positive respite from the monthlong string of outcry. Posters advertising a show with various band performances are seen on a wall during Nip Slips band practice. Credit: Matt Iaia for The Texas Tribune Bands brought amps from home, and vendors set up plastic tables on the unions lawn for concertgoers to browse while listening to music. Anti-LGBTQ+ protesters went to the initial event but were outnumbered by students and concertgoers. LGBTQ+ events in the North Texas area, especially performance-based occasions such as drag shows, have drawn small pockets of far-right protests. But as of now, no one involved with the fest has received any complaints about the upcoming event. Organizers say that despite the political climate they are unbothered by any potential protest. Everybody always asks, Oh, aren't you scared about doing this, isnt this a risk? Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios manager Chad Withers said. Luckily nobody's come protested or anything. But I mean, even if they did, who cares? For Brae and others, the city of Denton provides the space for an event like the fest to be held, and a respite from much of the conservative feelings surrounding LGBTQ+ presence in the state. Any time I come in and drive through Denton, I can breathe a little bit more, a lot more comfortable here, Brae said. Even as organizers prepare for this years fest, they are already planning the future of Trans Pride Fest for the coming years. Stock said his organization hopes to be able to create an event that can be sustained. It's such a big thing, especially now, and especially in Texas and Denton, Stock said. Denton has a trans and queer community that we wanted to show it off. Disclosure: University of North Texas has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine faces a second winter of lengthy power outages amid relentless Russian missile and drone attacks that have left parts of the energy system more vulnerable than a year ago. Thousands of engineers have toiled over the summer months to repair broken equipment, and better air defences could help mitigate the impact of the war as temperatures begin to drop. But there has been neither the money nor the time to complete preparations for the winter, meaning more long nights without light, heat and water for millions of Ukrainians and more suffering too for businesses and the wider economy. "A lot (of effort) has gone to just repairing what has been destroyed. And have we been able to build an additional resilience? Are we in a better position than last winter? I don't think so," said Marcus Lippold, an energy team leader at the European Union's enlargement arm. "It's been a big effort, it's been successful, but it needs to continue," he said in Brussels this week. Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately destroying energy installations to inflict maximum suffering on ordinary people, a charge Moscow denies. It says it does not target civilians, only military facilities. The damage has been huge. Ukraine declines to share detailed data on the impact of attacks on its energy system, treating it as sensitive information during wartime. But the United Nations estimated in June that Ukraine's power generation capacity had been reduced to roughly half the levels before Russia's full-scale invasion in February, 2022. Out of nearly 37 gigawatts (GW), more than 19 GW have been destroyed, damaged or occupied. Kyiv School of Economics' research centre estimated the direct damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure at $8.8 billion as of June. During the last heating season, which runs from October to March and during which temperatures drop well below zero, the average Ukrainian living away from the frontline spent about 35 days without power. That also tends to affect water supply. Last winter, Ukraine was helped by relatively mild weather, rapid repairs, nuclear power and electricity imports from Europe, but some officials expect tougher conditions this time. Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovy said in August that his western city of about one million people, located far from the trenches in the east and south, should prepare for being without electricity for up to two months. "Will there be difficulties? Yes. Will there be supply restrictions? I am sure there will be," said Oleksandr Kharchenko, director at the Energy Industry Research Center think-tank. 'EVERYONE IS PREPARING' DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company which meets about a quarter of the country's needs, has seen its thermal power stations and other facilities repeatedly hit by Russian missiles, drones and artillery during nearly 20 months of war. Dmytro Sakharuk, its executive director, told Reuters the company had carried out extensive repair works ahead of winter but that some power units required more time to restore because the damage was so significant. "Certainly, we can say that the reliability level will be lower (than last year)," he said. However, Sakharuk said DTEK had installed sandbags, concrete blocks, gabions and anti-drone grids to protect power units. Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said similar measures were being implemented nationwide. Shmyhal also said seven nuclear power units were now ready for the winter, while repairs at two more were in the final stages. Nuclear power accounted for about 60% of Ukraine's electricity generation last year. Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of national grid operator Ukrenergo, said the main grid, one of the most damaged parts of the energy system, was ready to transmit winter volumes of electricity. "The energy system is not as reliable and with a smaller reserve capacity than it was before the targeted strikes," he said. "But at the same time, Russian terror will no longer be a surprise and everyone is preparing for it." Ukraine has also stored enough gas to get through the winter without imports for the first time since independence in 1991, Oleksiy Chernyshov, CEO of Naftogaz, the country's biggest oil and gas company, told Reuters. Among other measures to bolster Ukraine's energy resilience, the government has taken the first steps towards decentralising the sector, and agreed that Ukraine could import European electricity. Before the invasion it was a net exporter. Some businesses and cities have started building their own capacity, turning to small-scale renewables where possible and installing generators. Ukrainian companies and individuals have imported tens of thousands of generators, although sporadic attacks on oil depots threaten the supply of fuel to power the engines. "Today, we have 83 powerful generators at our district heating providers and the water company," said Serhiy Sukhomlyn, mayor of Zhytomyr, a small city west of Kyiv. "It is impossible to work off generators constantly. But if there is a complete power outage for several hours, we will be able to provide heating..." (Additional reporting by Julia Payne in Brussels; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Gareth Jones) KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Northland man accused of shooting a teenager who went to the wrong address is now demanding a jury trial. Andrew Lester is facing first-degree assault and armed criminal action charges for allegedly shooting Ralph Yarl this past April. Off-duty Wyandotte County sheriffs deputy shot during car break-in On Wednesday, his attorneys filed a demand for a jury trial, as opposed to a bench trial where a judge would determine his fate. Last month, a judge scheduled Lesters trial to begin in one year: Oct. 7, 2024. Yarl has previously testified that he went to pick up his siblings but didnt have his phone hed lost it at school. The house he intended to go to was just blocks away, but he got the street wrong. The teen said he rang the bell and the wait for someone to answer seemed longer than normal. As the inner door opened, Yarl said he reached out to grab the storm door, assuming it was his brothers friends parents. Instead, it was Lester who told him, Dont come here ever again, Yarl recalled. He said he was shot in the head, falling to the ground and was then shot in the arm. Source of carbon monoxide released in Shawnee Mission teachers death Lester told authorities that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was scared to death he was about to be robbed. His attorney is arguing self-defense and that the 84-year-old feared for his life that night. Lester was among several neighbors who called 911. On a recording previously played in court, he could be heard telling a dispatcher, I shot him. He was at my door trying to get in and I shot him. The shooting shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America. Missouri is one of about 30 states with laws that say people can respond with physical force when they are threatened. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android District Attorney Zachary Thompson said that although Missouri law offers protections for people defending themselves, You do not have the right to shoot an unarmed kid through a door. Lester previously pleaded not guilty. Lester remains free on bond. His next court date is set for Dec. 15 in Clay County Circuit Court. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A rare species of turtle that is extinct in the wild has just been born at the Sedgwick County Zoo. The Zoo says the McCords Box Turtles hatching is a milestone for the zoo and for conservation efforts underway to save the species. The McCords Box Turtle is believed to be extinct in the wild. Longtime attraction closing soon at Oak Park Mall in Overland Park The last recorded sighting of the turtle in the wild was in 2010, according to the Turtle Survival Alliance. The reptile was native to the Guangxi region of China and lived in bamboo patches in forests, shallow wetlands, and streams. The destruction of its habitat and its being sought after as a pet, for food, and for traditional Chinese medicine contributed to its extinction in the wild. It is named for Herpotoligist William Patrick McCord. The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of many zoos participating in conservation efforts to save the McCord Box Turtle. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.